Hollywood Turf Express

TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS

Ten horses will sprint six furlongs in Saturday’s $150,000 Hollywood Turf
Express H. (G3), and the talented FAST PARADE (Delineator) will be returning off
a near nine-month layoff. The Peter Miller-trained gelding runs well fresh,
making many of his starts off an extended rest, and he’ll be reunited with
Patrick Valenzuela, who guided him to an excellent score in last year’s
six-furlong Nearctic S. (Can-G2) at Woodbine. Fast Parade is quick, and we’ll
look for a wire-to-wire score.

T. D. VANCE (Rahy) has shipped west for Graham Motion, and the Grade
2-winning gelding figures to be forwardly placed under new rider Victor
Espinoza. The five-year-old ran well last time, just missing by a neck when
second in the 5 1/2-furlong Woodford S. at Keeneland, and T. D. Vance is capable
of carrying his good form forward here. Don’t be surprised to see the Maryland
invader come out on top.

QUIETLY MINE (Belong to Me) will make his Southern California debut off a
commendable runner-up finish in last month’s Nearctic, and the improving
sophomore gelding has worked well locally in preparation for this start. We’ll
look for a strong late rally under new rider Corey Nakatani.

Multiple Grade 3 hero DESERT CODE (E Dubai) has won sprinting on the turf,
posting a 1 3/4-length score in the Baldwin S. (G3) earlier this season, and
he’ll return off the shelf here for trainer David Hofmans. The sophomore colt
will likely show speed under new rider Aaron Gryder, and he’s got the class to
offer a serious challenge.

NIGHT CHAPTER (GB) (Night Shift) didn’t experience a clean trip when
finishing fifth in the Morvich H. (G3) last out, and we’re not convinced that
sprinting his best game. The Bobby Frankel trainee shouldn’t be overlooked, but
we’ll try to beat him on Saturday. MOTH BALL (GB) (Royal Applause [GB]) could
offer a challenge with his best effort, but he hasn’t had much success at
Hollywood in the past (5-0-0-2). He is going well presently for conditioner Jim
Cassidy, so we won’t be shocked to see him contend for a minor award.

UNUSUAL SUSPECT (Unusual Heat) exits a score over state-breds in the
California Cup Mile H., and he’s won sprinting on the turf at Hollywood this
year. However, the distance appears a little short for him. EL MANUEL (Chi) (Hussonet)
steps up in class off an allowance score at Santa Anita. The late runner owns
some exotics potential, but we can’t recommend his chances.

BONFANTE (Fruition) is dangerous with his best, but we’re not excited about
his last couple of turf efforts. COUNCIL MEMBER (Seattle Slew) will make his
first U.S. turf start following five efforts on the dirt on the East Coast, and
we’ll just watch to see how the multiple English stakes winner performs.