HOLLYWOOD PARK NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 22, 2005
by Bernard T. Moore
Will they be the stars of tomorrow? Juvenile runners took center stage this
past weekend at Hollywood Park as the Inglewood, California, track once again presented the
Hollywood Futurity (G1) and the Hollywood Starlet (G1). The 1 1/16-mile stakes
highlighted the final weekend of the meet.
Your Tent or Mine (Forest Camp), unbeaten in both career starts thus far, was
dispatched as the 9-5 favorite in the Futurity as he made his initial start
around two turns. It would be an adventure from the instant the gates opened,
with BROTHER DEREK (Benchmark) veering inward and making substantial contact
with Your Tent or Mine. Nevertheless, Brother Derek proceeded to stalk the early
pacesetter while the favorite recovered to race within shouting distance of the
front runners down the backstretch. Brother Derek, trained by Dan Hendricks,
eventually won the pace battle, opening up a daylight lead around the far turn
with Your Tent or Mine improving his position at that time as well. With Alex
Solis aboard Brother Derek, the pair settled into the stretch with what would
turn out to be an insurmountable lead over Your Tent or Mine, who had to settle
for second money as he gave futile chase to the winner. Bob and John (Seeking
the Gold) attended the pace from the outset, but was unable to match strides
with the top pair and checked in third, 1 1/2 lengths ahead of A. P. Warrior (A.P.
Indy), who was never a serious threat.
Much like a child anticipates a visit from Santa Claus on Christmas, you just
knew there would either be a stewards’ inquiry or an objection concerning the
start of the race. And, we weren’t surprised as jockey Pat Valenzuela, who rode
the runner-up, claimed foul against the winner, alleging interference leaving
the gate. It was all for naught as the stewards ruled that the contact did not
warrant a disqualification.
There was drama of a different variety on Sunday when DIPLOMAT LADY
(Forestry) lead every step of the way to upset the Starlet field at odds of
39-1. Ridden by Tyler Baze, Diplomat Lady was hustled away from her inside post
the moment the gates opened to secure an early lead. She rated kindly on the
front end for Baze and held on grimly in the stretch to win by a half-length.
Balance (Thunder Gulch), always within striking distance of the winner, just
could not overhaul that rival in the stretch, finishing with good energy in yet
another sharp effort. Sabatani (Five Star Day) closed from far back to get the
show in a good effort.
Martin Pedroza annexed his first riding title at a major Southern California
meet, getting the best of Valenzuela by five victories to take down top honors.
Garrett Gomez and Corey Nakatani finished in a dead-heat for third-place in the
standings.
Jeff Mullins was the leading trainer by just a single victory over Doug
O’Neill and Bob Baffert, who tied for second. Mike Mitchell and John Sadler
finished on even terms for fourth in the standings.
There were no apparent biases on either Thursday or Friday. The main track
seemed to be basically honest in sprints over the weekend and on Monday as well,
with early speed dominating the results around two turns on those days. There did not seem to be any discernible path bias.
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (12/15)
5TH — CELTIC WAY (Benchmark), who dropped into a basement level claimer
while donning the hood once again, turned in an improved showing, finishing well
to get the show in an abbreviated sprint. Has room for further progress off this
effort, especially with more distance, and has demonstrated an ability in the
past to sit closer to the front with blinkers on.
7TH — FUNKY FRIENDS (Louis Quatorze) was a strong second in his Southern
California return while dropping back into a high-end claimer. Held gamely after
chasing a superior pace rival to the finish and fits well at his current class
level. Would probably appreciate a slight cutback in distance.
Friday (12/16)
1ST — RIVER ISLAND (Cee’s Tizzy) finished a much-improved second switching
back to dirt in his first attempt over a route of ground. Exhibited surprise
speed to dispute the early lead and continued on well late.
2ND — ALPHABET KISSES (Alphabet Soup) was clearly a tad short in her
comeback effort with the hood removed. Chased a very fast pace in a swiftly run
race, tiring in the stretch in a race she clearly needed.
Saturday (12/17)
6TH — POLITICAL MANEUVER (Dixie Union) closed from well off the pace to get
the place in his career debut. Encouraging effort against a first timer who
“freaked.” Might be at his best around two turns.
8TH — Your Tent or Mine may have been compromised by a bumping incident at
the start and probably also hindered by modest fractions over a speed conducive
track. Clearly second best in a race that finished up extremely well late and
the lightly raced colt should definitely move forward off his initial effort
around two turns for an astute trainer.
Sunday (12/18)
2ND — SENATOR MATTY (Matty G) was zealously spotted off the claim by trainer
Steve Knapp. Was hard used chasing a vastly superior pace rival. Seems better
suited to lower level state-bred maiden claimers and would benefit from a
cutback in distance to six furlongs.
5TH — EZ MONEY HONEY (Royal Egyptian) ran surprisingly well, outrunning her
24-1 post time odds off a 14-month layoff. Stalked the early pace and continued
on well late. Might benefit from a drop into a midlevel claimer and more ground
in subsequent starts.
8TH — Sabatini closed from far back to get third, stepping way up in her
first start against winners. Raced near the back of the pack early on and
finished with interest over a speed biased course. Must overcome her bad habits
at the gate if she is going to defeat this caliber of competition.
Monday (12/19)
5TH — BEAU (Swiss Yodeler) was a sharp second off the O’Neill re-claim.
Closed well from far off the pace in a much improved effort. Would relish a
cutback in distance as both of his lifetime wins have come going 6 1/2 furlongs.