Best Pal J

AMERICAN

GRADED STAKES PREVIEWS

Sunday's $150,000 Best Pal S. (G2) shapes up as a rematch of the July 5

Hollywood Juvenile Championship S. (G3), with the impressive top two renewing

rivalry in this 6 1/2-furlong event at Del Mar. We'll give a slight nod to

WESTERN MOOD (West Acre) to turn the tables on J P'S GUSTO (Successful Appeal).

Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, Western Mood rallied from well back to win at

first asking on June 12, and posted a strong 104 BRIS Late Pace rating. He

loomed boldly turning for home in the Hollywood Juvenile Championship, but was

floated wide by J P's Gusto. We believe that Western Mood was adversely affected

by that maneuver, and that he betrayed signs of his inexperience. Even though

the game colt kept trying for the length of the stretch, he was just outdueled

by the savvier J P's Gusto. Western Mood might have learned enough from that to

get the upper hand this time. He's also better drawn in post 5, while J P's

Gusto might need a spot of luck from the rail. There's little to choose between

these smart two-year-olds, so a small difference in trip could be a determining

factor.

J P's Gusto, who had scored a dominating victory in the Willard L. Proctor

Memorial S. two back, displayed real battling qualities in the Hollywood

Juvenile Championship. After being headed by Western Mood, he dug down deep to

regain a neck advantage at the wire. It's easy to see why trainer David Hofmans

has a high opinion of him, and the adaptable stalker is well qualified to keep

progressing here. Patrick Valenzuela picks up the mount from the injured Joe

Talamo.

If anyone can crash the Hollywood Juvenile reunion party, it's smart debut

maiden winner SWAY AWAY (Afleet Alex). The Jeff Bonde pupil rolled to a 3

1/4-length victory at Pleasanton, notching a 102 BRIS Speed rating on the dirt.

The nicely-bred colt faces key questions about class, and an ability to handle

the Polytrack on raceday, but we won't be surprised if he answers both in the

affirmative. Sway Away, who projects a close stalking trip, gets a notable rider

switch to Rafael Bejarano.

MINUTESANDTOUCHES (Rockport Harbor) was a distant third in the Hollywood

Juvenile Championship, where he broke slowly but gradually improved his

position. He's still a maiden, though, and probably needs to lower his sights a

little. COMMA TO THE TOP (Bwana Charlie) was well beaten by Western Mood in his

only try outside of the maiden claiming ranks for Peter Miller. He appears to be

on the upgrade, in light of his 8 3/4-length romp over $50,000 maiden claimers

last out, but the speedy type must stand up to a hot pace scenario at this

level. Likely pacesetter RIVER'S CHAPEL (Chapel Royal) sprinted early and gave

way late in the Hollywood Juvenile Championship, and there's no reason to expect

a different outcome Sunday.

The cross-entered filly WICKEDLY PERFECT (Congrats), who captured Friday's

Sorrento S. (G3), has been scratched.