HOLLYWOOD PARK NOTEBOOK
MAY 26, 2006
by Bernard T. Moore
Saturday’s stakes contest was the Lazaro Barrera Memorial S. (G2) for
three-year-olds going seven furlongs on the main track. Favoritism in the race
fell upon Arson Squad (Brahms), based upon a strong come-from-behind victory in
the San Pedro S. last month at Santa Anita Park.
At any rate, the day belonged to the Golden Gate Fields invader NORTHERN
SOLDIER (Yankee Victor), who pulled off the upset at odds of 9-1 shipping into
Hollywood Park. The Brian Koriner-trained colt was able to keep his perfect
record intact as he pressed the pace carved out by Remembering Star (Wild
Wonder) down the backstretch. The two rivals became embroiled in a private match
race, eventually spurting away from the field in midstretch. Northern Soldier
was going a bit better of the two in deep stretch, enabling him to register his
initial stakes victory as a result. Arson Squad closed belatedly to take down
the show, with Quietly Go (Real Quiet), the 2-1 second choice in the betting,
finishing last after flashing early speed.
Three-year-olds continued to monopolize the spotlight on Sunday, with the
Will Rogers S. (G3) serving as the day’s featured race. The Irish-bred runner
STRATHAM (Ire) (Mozart [Ire]) captured his third stakes victory in just four
starts since coming to the United States with yet another pace-pressing victory
under jockey David Cohen.
Saddled by trainer Tim Yakteen, Stratham relaxed nicely off the early pace
while profiting from a ground-saving trip. When the front runner drifted off the
rail in the stretch, Cohen then maneuvered Stratham to the spot vacated by the
pacesetter. He subsequently began his stretch bid in earnest, outfinishing a
game New Joysey Jeff (Bright Launch) for the victory. The runner-up dueled the
pacesetter into defeat in the stretch, but could not contain a fresh closer in
the final yards. Obrigado (Fr) (Enrique), making his first North American start
for trainer Neil Drysdale, improved his position late to get the show.
Corazondelcampeon (Comic Strip) showed the way into the stretch as the 2-1
favorite, and then tired once displaced on the lead.
Victor Espinoza and Pat Valenzuela are in a dead-heat for the top spot in the
jockey standings, with Cohen moving into third place last week.
Jeff Mullins has gained sole possession of first place in the trainer
standings, with Doug O’Neill dropping back into second. Vladimir Cerin maintains
his hold on the third spot.
Once again, early speed fared well on dirt, especially on Thursday and
Sunday. The inside paths were best on Sunday. The turf course played uniformly
all week.
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (5/17)
2ND – POP ICON (Two Punch) showed dramatic reversal in form returning to dirt
and a sprint. Disputed an extremely quick pace and was clearly second best.
Appears as if he has the ability to stalk the pace.
7TH – ARCHON STAR (IRE) (Ashkalani) was an improved third despite a tough
trip. Was forced wide around the first turn racing behind a slow pace and
reduced his deficit in a race that finished well late as he outran his 27-1
post-time odds.
Thursday (5/18)
1ST – MARK SET GO (Marquetry) closed well for third despite a slow start from
an inside post against the grain of a speed favoring track. Has room to move
forward off this effort, as his sire is not known for his prowess with first
timers. Hails from a winning family as well.
5TH – DE BRANDON BOY (El Corredor) showed an even effort in his well bet/well
meant debut effort. Received a beneficial education from this experience, and he
is bred for a sprint and to win early in his career.
Friday (5/19)
7TH – SHOOTIST (Memo [Chi]) ran very well off a prolonged layoff. Flashed
good speed to chase quick fractions on the front end and held reasonably well in
a race that finished up well late. Should have derived beneficial conditioning
from this effort.
8TH – JAGGED HEART (Dance Brightly) closed well from off the pace switching
back to the main track. Finished well over a speed-conducive track under the
lights and may be able to handle a middle distance of ground on dirt.
Saturday (5/20)
3RD – TRAFFIC UPDATE (Souvenir Copy) was claimed, freshened and then hiked in
class turning back to sprint for new trainer Keith Bennett. Argued a dizzying
pace before giving way in the stretch. Best efforts of late have come at a flat
mile.
9TH – Arson Squad leveled off too late stepping up into a Grade 2 and finished with interest for third. Has versatile running
styles, and may have needed this effort off a freshening.
Sunday (5/21)
1ST – HEIRLOOM ROSE (Bertrando) ran an improved effort contesting the lead in
the outside part of the course. Clearly second best to the winning favorite who
saved ground on a very live rail. Appears to be most effective at six furlongs
or less.
2ND – FEEL THE RUSH (Wild Rush) dueled for the lead in the deeper part of the
track in his Hollywood Park main track debut. Continued on well late for third
in a much needed effort and has room to progress in the future.
8TH – New Joysey Jeff seemed to awake from the dead returning to turf.
Exhibited newfound speed to stalk the pace and eventually gave way late to a
more accomplished winner who benefited from a ground-saving trip. Initially
began his career on the sod, and he is a half-brother to the good turf filly Dyna Da Wyna (Doc’s Leader), who banked nearly
$385K on the grass.