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HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK JULY 22, 2010 by John Mucciolo A pair of graded tilts closed the door on the summer meet at Hollywood Park. A Gleam H. (G2): Legacy Ranch et al's SWEET AUGUST MOON (Malibu Moon) made a smart move along the inside under jockey Victor Espinoza and pulled clear to a 1 3/4-length tally in this affair. The Brian Koriner trainee drilled seven panels on the Cushion Track in 1:21 3/5. Sunset H. (G3): Gustav Schickedanz's homebred MARLANG (Langfuhr) led at every call and repelled a late bid to annex this marathon event for conditioner Neil Drysdale. The five-year-old endured 1 1/2-miles in 2:25 2/5 beneath Joel Rosario while maintaining a one-length margin under the line. Track Stats From a total of 36 races held over the Inglewood, California, racetrack during the four-day race week, favorites won at a 42 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for 67 percent of the wins. From 24 frays contested on the Cushion oval, five animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (21 percent), while seven of the 12 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (58 percent). The turf course played heavily to speed this week, contrary to what happened during the previous week at Hollywood, when just one turf winner led all the way. Thursday saw all five main track winners break from the three innermost posts positions, but outside posts fared well throughout the weekend, with horses breaking from post 4 and wider, taking 11 of the 14 races. Final Meet Totals
HORSES TO WATCH Thursday (7/15) 4TH -- We tabbed LYONS BARTON (Lion Heart) after his last and the chestnut came through for us at a decent price for conditioner Gary Stute. The sophomore could have a few more wins in his holster after looking the part in this wire-to-wire turf score. 5TH -- A Z WARRIOR (Bernardini) followed up her half-sibling's debut win on July 10 with one of her own for conditioner Bob Baffert. The impressive juvenile filly could be any kind and is clearly cut out to be very good early in her career. Friday (7/16) 4TH -- TEAFATILLER (In Excess [Ire]) beat a solid group in here for fun while completing his final five-sixteenths in :29 2/5, so we will surely keep an eye on the improving Bruce Jackson trainee. 5TH -- AEROMON (Maria's Mon) is always close but seemingly can't close the deal, so we're curious to know if the gelding will be a career maiden. The sophomore had no excuses in here with Bejarano. Saturday (7/17) 2ND -- TEDDY'S PROMISE (Salt Lake) was clearly second best in her debut showing for trainer David Hofmans and should be a live one next out. 5TH -- LORO (El Corredor) had a slow pace at which to close into and could do no better than fourth in here, but the sophomore will remain on our radar for his next test. He could appreciate more ground, too. Sunday (7/18) 7TH -- Baffert unveiled another good-looking juvenile at the meeting in debut winner SMASH (Smart Strike) in here, who powered home impressively under Martin Garcia. The well-bred colt could be any type and has the pedigree to handle a route of ground -- he could be the next star from this barn! We'll be back next week from Del Mar!
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