HOLLYWOOD
NOTEBOOK
JUNE 20, 2008
by John Mucciolo
Only one graded stakes event took place at Hollywood Park over the weekend.
Affirmed H. (G3): Everest Stables’ homebred TWO STEP SALSA
(Petionville) answered the two-turn question emphatically with a dominant effort
in here for Julio Canani, drawing off to a smart tally under Martin Pedroza. The
talented three-year-old is undefeated in four Cushion Track attempts and is
arguably the top sophomore on the West Coast.
Track Stats
From a total of 42 races held over the Inglewood, California, racetrack
during the week, favorites won at a 36 percent clip and the top two betting
choices combined for 62 percent of the wins. From 32 frays contested on the
Cushion Track, five animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (16 percent), while one
of the 10 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (10 percent).
It’s still far from easy to lead at every call on the main oval at this meet,
and although five did so in the past five days, three of the winners were clear
choices in the wagering.
Meet Totals
|
RACES: |
|
346 |
|
DIRT: |
|
248 |
|
TURF: |
|
98 |
|
FAVORITES: |
|
118 (34 percent) |
|
2ND CHOICES: |
|
80 (23 percent) |
|
TURF WIRE: |
|
16 (16 percent) |
|
DIRT WIRE: |
|
42 (17 percent) |
Post Positions (wins)
|
RAIL: |
|
50 (14 percent) |
|
1-3: |
|
139 (40 percent) |
|
4-6: |
|
110 (32 percent) |
|
7-out: |
|
97 (28 percent) |
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (6/11)
3RD – SURPRISES WELCOMED (Storm Cat) finished second, but was six lengths clear of
the third-place runner and will be sure to graduate before long for trainer Eric Guillot.
The three-year-old lass appears to have the right one-paced motion to run all
day.
7TH – SILKY SMOOTH (Mr. Greeley) was just that in this contest for Jeff
Mullins, rolling home late to record a daylight win under Rafael Bejarano. We’ve
always liked the four-year-old, and maybe turf sprinting will bring out the best
in her down the road.
Friday (6/13)
4TH – BARBARA’S LOVE (Benchmark) dusted a pretty solid field in here for
conditioner Ted West, and the in-form sophomore is surely one to put in your
watch list. Tracking the early lead under Joe Talamo, the filly powered home in
completing the 6 1/2-furlong test in a superb 1:15 1/5.
Saturday (6/14)
1ST – CAVANAL (Sky Mesa) had every opportunity to win this one but settled
for the minor award once again for Neil Drysdale. The three-year-old colt has ability
but has burned countess dollars in his career, and he may continue to do so in
the future.
6TH – RANSOM CAPTIVE (Red Ransom) didn’t beat much in here, but earned the win with a stylish late run for Jerry Hollendorfer. The talented filly displayed
good tactical speed and completed her final quarter mile in :23 1/5 on this day.
Sunday (6/15)
2ND – EMMY DARLING (Graeme Hall) looked real good in the latter stages of her
debut race and appears to have a bright future for John Sadler. The expensive
two-year-old purchase ran a little greenly early on, but had a visually
impressive stride once she leveled off in the final furlong. She will be very
tough in her next and could have a future at lengthier distances.
GABBY’S GOLDEN GAL (Medaglia d’Oro) was hammered at the windows for Ron
McAnally in her first effort, and we always take notice when a barn not known for
cranking out first-time starters gets bet as this one did. This miss should not
be ignored next out, and she will likely be a juvenile stakes player throughout
the summer.
6TH – While we were somewhat impressed in here by runaway winner CUFFED
(Officer), who improved a great deal in her first try on the Cushion
Track, it should be noted that this field was quite weak and we warn you not to
get overzealous about her performance. We’d like to see her do that again before
jumping on the bandwagon.
A Look Ahead
The $150,000 Cinema Cup H. (G3), for three-year-olds going nine furlongs on
the lawn, is the lone graded event in the upcoming week.