Hollywood Notebook

HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK

NOVEMBER 11, 2010

by John Mucciolo

Track Stats

From a total of 35 races held over the Inglewood, California, racetrack

during the four-day race week, favorites won at a 37 percent clip and the top

two betting choices combined for 69 percent of the wins. From 25 frays contested

on the Cushion Track oval, five animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (20

percent), while two of the 10 grassy tussles were led at every call (20

percent).

We thought both ovals played fairly over the past week. Both turf wire jobs

came on Thursday, but one came in a sprint and both were accomplished by very

logical horses.

Saturday saw five of the seven main-track winners breaking from wide posts,

but two horses led at every call on the inside, dispelling any myths that the

track carried a bias.

Meet Totals

While this was the official opening week of Hollywood, the Oak Tree meet was

run on this same oval and we decided it would make more sense to add to the

statistics of that meeting rather than start from scratch.

RACES:                     

225

CUSHION:                

174

TURF:                        

51

FAVORITES:            

82 (36 percent)

2ND CHOICES:         63 (28 percent)

TURF WIRE:             

13 (25 percent)

CUSHION WIRE:      38 (22 percent)

HORSES TO WATCH

Thursday (11/4)

5TH -- RED DEFENSE (Redattore [Brz]) had some work to do in the lane but

powered home like a good thing to remain unbeaten following this one for

conditioner Carla Gaines. The talented sophomore finished off his final

quarter-mile in a swift :23 2/5 and looks to be capable of handling a bit more

ground as he matures.

7TH -- WORD ASSOCIATION (Benchmark) dusted this field late in a powerful

victory for trainer Clifford Sise Jr., signaling her readiness to go back to

face open foes in the process. The well-bred California lass looks to be of

stakes quality after making two nice ones look average.

Friday (11/5)

3RD -- Del Mar import MEMO TO KATHY (Grey Memo) topped this field with

authority (and avoided being claimed in the process) in a nice effort for

conditioner Bill Spawr. The two-year-old filly showed good speed and drew off

late under Alex Bisono, and we expect this one to show up against starter foes

and be a huge threat next out.

7TH -- AVEROO (GB) (Averti) gave a good account of himself in her U.S. bow

for trainer Ben Cecil, rallying well from last to be a clear second in this one.

The gelded five-year-old could be a useful player in the turf ranks out west

into 2011.

Saturday (11/6)

2ND -- INCLUDING WARDO (Include) should be a prime threat next out for Tom

Proctor after finishing a strong second in this test. The juvenile might be a

multi-race single for us in his subsequent outing.

3RD -- CANTHAVEHIM (Graeme Hall) took command in the lane only to be

outfinished in a sharp runner-up showing in his first since the summer at Del

Mar. The Brian Koriner charge should be much more difficult in his second off

the mini-break.

5TH -- Even though we were not thrilled with the group SURFACTANT (Closing

Argument) finished 6 1/2 lengths clear of while second in his debut here, we

can't take away the positive performance put forth by the gelding under Martin

Pedroza. We'll tab the two-year-old gelding for future success against similar.

8TH -- MARK OF A WARRIOR (Eddington) was always traveling best in here and

should be a huge factor right back, even if he climbs the class ladder some for

Jack Carava. The gelding might be worth a claim if he returns at a similar

price.

10TH -- COURTSIDE ACTION (Action This Day) might not have been a fluke in

here after soundly defeating two fairly honest runners for the level in here for

trainer Rafael DeLeon. Sent postward at odds of 128-1 from the 12 post, the

sophomore left no doubt in the lane to win by 3 1/4-lengths, coming home in a

useful :12 3/5. We say no fluke and keep an eye on him next out.

Sunday (11/7)

3RD -- TERODA (Limehouse) is bred to run much farther so must be considered

an excellent long-term project for trainer John Sadler after wiring this sprint

field. The chestnut filly appears to have a bright future, and the hunch is that

we will see plenty of her this winter.

A Look Ahead

The $250,000 Hollywood Turf Cup (G1) on Saturday is the weekend's top draw.