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HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK JUNE 5, 2009 by John Mucciolo Two grass fillies each took a big step toward the top spot in their respective divisions last week at Hollywood Park. Gamely S. (G1): Bienstock and Winner's MAGICAL FANTASY (Diesis [GB]) rallied strongly under Alex Solis to get up late and record her second Grade 1 win for Paddy Gallagher. The sharp four-year-old went 1 1/8 miles on the firm turf in 1:48. Honeymoon H. (G2): C. T. Grether's WELL MONIED (Maria's Mon) continued her ascension in the sophomore filly turf ranks with an impressive score in here for Howard Zucker. The rapidly improving miss was under confident handling from Joel Rosario throughout and finished off nine panels in 1:48 1/5. Track Stats From a total of 27 races held over the Inglewood racetrack during the abbreviated week, favorites won at a 33 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for 48 percent of the wins. From 21 frays contested on the Cushion Track oval, three animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (14 percent), while two of the six grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (33 percent). This track is playing incredibly fast, with modest claimers shading 1:09 on many occasions. But, the track has been fair to a large extent, with winners coming from everywhere on the oval. The turf is rock hard and still gives speed types an edge. Meet Totals
Post Positions (wins):
HORSES TO WATCH Friday (5/29) 5TH -- UPPER MANHATTAN (Unbridled Time) proved to be very resilient after it appeared that the filly was going to be passed in the stretch. The once-promising sophomore toppled her elders in here, which is impressive at this time of the year, and we'll tab her for a big effort next out at this level. 7TH -- ZENSATIONAL (Unbridled's Song) lived up to the hype with a solid win in here for Bob Baffert, smoking 6 1/2 panels in 1:14 2/5 beneath Victor Espinoza. The speedy sophomore looks to be Saratoga bound this summer. Saturday (5/30) 4TH -- We've always liked TRUMPET PLAYER JAY (Orientate) and it was pleasing to see the Mark Glatt charge break through with dominant win in this test. The stakes-quality four-year-old should be headed for a black-type event in the very near future. 5TH -- It was another narrow loss for ROMAN COUNSEL (Roman Ruler), who ran a big one in defeat for Mike Harrington. The talented juvenile went off at nearly 4-1 in here, but we don't expect such a price next out. 7TH -- MINUTE LIMIT (Ire) (Pivotal [Ger]) closed with a big rush from last in a fine U.S. debut for John Sadler. The filly recorded a final three-sixteenths in a monstrous :29 2/5 and could be any type. Sunday (5/31) 4TH -- The Doug O'Neill-trained NECESSARY EVIL (Harlan's Holiday) couldn't have been more impressive in establishing a track record under Rosario. The intriguing talent should be able to stretch out some in the future. 8TH -- MARGARITA SHOT (Skimming) was much the best in this field for Rafael DeLeon, using a huge move entering the final turn to put this field away under Tyler Baze. A Look Ahead The Saturday feature at Hollywood Park is the $300,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial H. (G1) for turf specialists going 1 1/4 miles. The $100,000 Ack Ack H. (G3) will also be offered on Saturday, and the $100,000 Hollywood Oaks (G2) is Sunday's feature.
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