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HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK MAY 19, 2010 by John Mucciolo A pair of Grade 2 contests took the spotlight at Hollywood Park. Jim Murray Memorial H. (G2): E.W. and Judy Johnston's ACCLAMATION (Unusual Heat) was left alone on the lead and was never threatened en route to a facile, 7 1/2-length romp under Christian Santiago Reyes. The four-year-old colt, who is trained by Donald Warren, strode 1 1/2-miles on the lawn in 2:26 2/5. Milady H. (G2): L-Bo Racing and Michael Lamb's MADE FOR MAGIC (Cape Canaveral) took the lead past the eighth pole and inched clear to a half-length in this one beneath Omar Berrio. The former claimer went 1 1/16-miles in 1:43 2/5 for conditioner A.C. Avila. Track Stats From a total of 44 races held over the Inglewood racetrack during the five-day race week, favorites won at a 38 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for 59 percent of the wins. From 32 frays contested on the Cushion oval, seven animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (22 percent), while five of the 12 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (42 percent). Four of the six main-track events on Thursday were won in wire-to-wire fashion, but just three of the 26 other Cushion Track tests saw the winner lead at every call. Middle post positions (4-6) dominated on the main strip this past week, taking 17 of the 32 races on the main oval. The turf course was kinder to front runners than it has been to this point, but a few winners were also seen closing from well back on the sod. Meet Totals
HORSES TO WATCH Wednesday (5/12) 3RD -- NICOLE H (Mr. Greeley) ran another good one for David Hofmans but had the misfortune into running against a smart prospect in here. The three-year-old miss should get it done soon. 7TH -- Dubai import RED EYE EXPRESS (Ire) (Giant's Causeway) just missed in a fine U.S. debut for Neil Drysdale. Unraced since February of 2009, the five-year-old is one to watch this summer. Thursday (5/13) 2ND -- THISONEFORYOU (Candy Ride [Arg]) ran off to her second straight win for Mike Mitchell, pulling away in a fine showing under Martin Garcia. The California-bred filly seems destined for open company. 6TH -- LAVENDER TOUCH (Touch Gold) didn't show much rust in a sharp runner-up performance for Doug O'Neill, and the lass is a win contender next out with any improvement. 7TH -- SURFER GIRL (Brz) (Wild Event) rallied for a minor award yet again for Mike Puype, and we're still hoping to see this one try one mile in the near future. The talented mare has a nice turn of foot and ran her final quarter-mile in a snappy :22 3/5. 8TH -- FANTANDO (GB) (Fantastic Light) put forth a quality showing in his stateside debut for Mitchell, falling a nose short at the wire. The gelded sophomore will be a major force versus similar. Friday (5/14) 7TH -- FANDINO (Langfuhr) put away two horses on the front prior to giving way late in a smart second-place run for conditioner Julio Canani. The fleet gelding is in very good current form. Saturday (5/15) 5TH -- KEVLAR KID (Rock Hard Ten) won as expected in here for Carla Gaines, and the three-year-old is really looking like an intriguing long-term prospect. The Kentucky-bred finished off his final two panels in :23 2/5, and his pedigree suggests that more ground would not be a bad thing. 8TH -- The improving FALCON ROCK (Ire) (Hawk Wing) had no chance with the winner but did finish in front of a useful group in his third start on U.S. soil. The well-bred five-year-old should always be considered for the gimmicks in these types of events. Sunday (5/16) 5TH – BLAME THE WINE (Decarchy) rebounded well from a poor effort in stakes company to make fairly short work of this field for Jerry Hollendorfer. The Notebook regular continues to impress. A Look Ahead Saturday's $100,000 Laz Barrera Memorial S. (G3) is the lone graded race on tap for the upcoming weekend at Hollywood.
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