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HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK MAY 28, 2009 by John Mucciolo A remarkable mare and a gritty gray were the top draws over the Holiday weekend at Hollywood. Shoemaker Mile S. (G1): Zayat Stables' THORN SONG (Unbridled's Song) took command soon after the start and gamely held off a pair of challengers through the lane to post a mild upset in this one under Mike Smith. The gray, who is trained by Dale Romans, sped one mile on the firm turf course in 1:33 1/5 en route to his second Grade 1 conquer. Milady H. (G2): Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Moss' ZENYATTA (Street Cry [Ire]) ran her winning streak to 10 with yet another dominating performance for John Shirreffs. Ridden confidently by Smith, the sublime mare finished off 1 1/16 miles in 1:42 1/5 to kick off her 2009 campaign in style. Lazaro S. Barerra Memorial S. (G3): Gramer et al's CHARLIE'S MOMENT (Indian Charlie) led at every call and inched clear to a convincing, two-length score in here for conditioner Walther Solis. The gelded sophomore went seven-eighths on the Cushion oval in 1:21 4/5 under the guidance of Alex Solis. Track Stats From a total of 44 races held over the Inglewood, California, racetrack during opening week, favorites won at a 32 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for 52 percent of the wins. From 31 frays contested on the Cushion Track oval, nine animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (29 percent), while four of the 13 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (31 percent). Speed remains good at Hollywood on both ovals, but especially over the rock-hard turf as of late. A classy horse on the lead is very difficult to run down on the sod at this stage of the meet. Staying within range early on the Cushion appears to be best, but as we saw with Zenyatta, the right horse can close here. Meet Totals
Post Positions (wins):
HORSES TO WATCH Thursday (5/21) 2ND -- BAMAHA BREEZE (Lord Carson) put in a huge effort in his first start since December, holding off some talented competitors while nearly equaling the track mark when taking this grassy dash for trainer Steve Miyadi. 6TH -- SUBPOENA THE DRESS (Johannesburg) was beaten a neck for third in a productive debut for trainer Brian Koriner. The sophomore filly is eligible for improvement next out. 8TH -- The speedy FOREST DANZ (Forestry) fits this level well and was sent off at a nice price in taking this race for Melody Conlon. We expect the gelding to show up in a similar event next out, possibly even drop another notch, where the six-year-old will be dangerous once again. Friday (5/22) 7TH -- CHEROKEE HEAVEN (Cherokee Run) finished powerfully while dispatching a nice field for Marty Jones. The five-year-old blazed six furlongs on the green in 1:07 4/5 in his first start since June of 2008. Saturday (5/23) 3RD -- UKIAH (Unbridled's Song) was stuck behind a dawdling pace but still finished well to be 4 3/4 lengths clear of his nearest foe in this event. The gelded seven-year-old likes this oval and merits respect in his subsequent effort. 4TH -- SLAM SLEW (Grand Slam) slammed this field in leading by a big margin throughout under Victor Espinoza. The Richard Mandella trainee completed his final quarter-mile in :23.76 and gives the impression of a horse who might be able to get a mile with success. 7TH -- NIKKI'SGOLDENSTEED (Formal Gold) got a well-needed confidence boost in here against claiming foes for Bob Hess Jr., and the four-year-old could use this as a springboard to a nice summer. Sunday (5/24) 3RD -- MAURESMO (Flatter) was a solid third in her debut for Patrick Biancone and should improve with seasoning and added distance in her future endeavors. 7TH -- Maybe this race will serve as the wake-up call for MONTEREY JAZZ (Thunderello) as the five-year-old reversed his form in a hurry in here, setting a track record over the firm turf for Craig Dollase. We're glad that his barn has decided to let the speedster run freely rather than try to teach him how to rate. A Look Ahead Saturday's $250,000 Gamely S. (G1) and the $150,000 Honeymoon H. (G2) on Sunday are the top attraction for the upcoming week at Hollywood.
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