HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK
DECEMBER 7, 2010
by John Mucciolo
A pair of graded races headlined the action last week at Hollywood Park.
Bayakoa H. (G2): Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer et al’s WASHINGTON BRIDGE
(Yankee Gentleman) was last in the stretch but closed with a big rush under
jockey Rafael Bejarano to win this one going away. The budding sophomore star
stopped the teletimer for 1 1/16 miles in 1:44 1/5.
Native Diver H. (G3): Mr. and Mrs. Ward Williford’s homebred AGGIE
ENGINEER (E Dubai) achieved graded glory for the first time with a wire-to-wire
victory over this group. The Paddy Gallagher trainee negotiated 1 1/8 miles on
the main oval in 1:51 beneath Joe Talamo.
Track Stats
From a total of 42 races held over the Inglewood, California, racetrack
during the five-day race week, favorites won at a 38 percent clip and the top
two betting choices combined for 64 percent of the wins. From 30 frays contested
on the Cushion Track oval, eight animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (27
percent), while two of the 12 grassy tussles were led at every call (17
percent).
The track was very friendly to speed runners on Thursday and Friday, with
seven of the 13 main-track events won in wire-to-wire fashion.
Sunday, however, saw three of the five Cushion races won in last-to-first
fashion. We’re not sure if it was a bias and the race each race unfolded, but it
is worth keeping an eye on.
We’d prefer horses we play being somewhat close to the early tempo on the
lawn.
Meet Totals
RACES:
373
CUSHION:
281
TURF:
92
FAVORITES:
146 (39 percent)
2ND CHOICES:
94 (25 percent)
TURF WIRE:
19 (21 percent)
CUSHION WIRE: 69 (24 percent)
HORSES TO WATCH
Wednesday (12/1)
5TH — BROKEN DREAMS (Broken Vow) is a stakes quality turf sprinter who
should be a big force in future graded events for trainer Tom Proctor. She
crushed these.
7TH — BELLINI BLISS (Ire) (Big Bad Bob [Ire]) really looked the part late in
this one, dominating this field on the class drop for trainer Carla Gaines. She
might have finally figured the import out, who showed next to nothing in three
U.S. tries prior to this.
Thursday (12/2)
1ST — BLUEGRASS CHATTER (Bluegrass Cat) made up a lot of ground and ran down
a short-priced winner in this one for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, a sign that
she may have a nice future. The improving juvenile filly got her final
five-sixteenths in a solid :29 3/5 and might even go longer with more seasoning.
8TH — CABO SAN LUCAS (Sea of Secrets) finished a strong second in here and
should graduate before long with any improvement off of this one for conditioner
Rafael DeLeon.
Friday (12/3)
5TH — We’re not sure what to make of upset debut winner ROYAL TIGER (Hold
That Tiger) in here, but a first-out winner from a barn that is not known for it
always garners attention. The sophomore miss ran a solid time and blew past her
more seasoned foes for Mark Glatt, and we’d consider a win player right back.
8TH — We were surprised that FIVE A DAY (Five Star Day) was not claimed out
of this one after showing good form in recent outings for Gary Sherlock. The
gelding can surely win next out in his debut with winners.
Saturday (12/4)
5TH — POPULAR CAUSE (Orientate) ran off early and could only muster third in
his turf debut for conditioner Eoin Harty. The half-brother to Grade 1 turf
winner Ever a Friend (Crafty Friend) deserves another chance on the lawn.
6TH — Trainer Sean McCarthy has CHURCH AVENUE (Vicar) rolling right now
after posting her third win in succession. The in-form four-year-old dispatched
her pace foe early and held all competitors at bay in a solid tally under David
Flores.
A Look Ahead
The $250,000 Hollywood Starlet S. (G1) is the main draw this weekend at
Hollywood.