Hollywood Notebook

HOLLYWOOD

NOTEBOOK

JUNE 20, 2008

by John Mucciolo

Only one graded stakes event took place at Hollywood Park over the weekend.

Affirmed H. (G3): Everest Stables' homebred TWO STEP SALSA

(Petionville) answered the two-turn question emphatically with a dominant effort

in here for Julio Canani, drawing off to a smart tally under Martin Pedroza. The

talented three-year-old is undefeated in four Cushion Track attempts and is

arguably the top sophomore on the West Coast.

Track Stats

From a total of 42 races held over the Inglewood, California, racetrack

during the week, favorites won at a 36 percent clip and the top two betting

choices combined for 62 percent of the wins. From 32 frays contested on the

Cushion Track, five animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (16 percent), while one

of the 10 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (10 percent).

It's still far from easy to lead at every call on the main oval at this meet,

and although five did so in the past five days, three of the winners were clear

choices in the wagering.

Meet Totals

RACES:		346
DIRT:		248
TURF:		98
FAVORITES:		118 (34 percent)
2ND CHOICES:		80 (23 percent)
TURF WIRE:		16 (16 percent)
DIRT WIRE:		42 (17 percent)

Post Positions (wins)

RAIL:		50 (14 percent)
1-3:		139 (40 percent)
4-6:		110 (32 percent)
7-out:		97 (28 percent)

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (6/11)

3RD - SURPRISES WELCOMED (Storm Cat) finished second, but was six lengths clear of

the third-place runner and will be sure to graduate before long for trainer Eric Guillot.

The three-year-old lass appears to have the right one-paced motion to run all

day.

7TH - SILKY SMOOTH (Mr. Greeley) was just that in this contest for Jeff

Mullins, rolling home late to record a daylight win under Rafael Bejarano. We've

always liked the four-year-old, and maybe turf sprinting will bring out the best

in her down the road.

Friday (6/13)

4TH - BARBARA'S LOVE (Benchmark) dusted a pretty solid field in here for

conditioner Ted West, and the in-form sophomore is surely one to put in your

watch list. Tracking the early lead under Joe Talamo, the filly powered home in

completing the 6 1/2-furlong test in a superb 1:15 1/5.

Saturday (6/14)

1ST - CAVANAL (Sky Mesa) had every opportunity to win this one but settled

for the minor award once again for Neil Drysdale. The three-year-old colt has ability

but has burned countess dollars in his career, and he may continue to do so in

the future.

6TH - RANSOM CAPTIVE (Red Ransom) didn't beat much in here, but earned the win with a stylish late run for Jerry Hollendorfer. The talented filly displayed

good tactical speed and completed her final quarter mile in :23 1/5 on this day.

Sunday (6/15)

2ND - EMMY DARLING (Graeme Hall) looked real good in the latter stages of her

debut race and appears to have a bright future for John Sadler. The expensive

two-year-old purchase ran a little greenly early on, but had a visually

impressive stride once she leveled off in the final furlong. She will be very

tough in her next and could have a future at lengthier distances.

GABBY'S GOLDEN GAL (Medaglia d'Oro) was hammered at the windows for Ron

McAnally in her first effort, and we always take notice when a barn not known for

cranking out first-time starters gets bet as this one did. This miss should not

be ignored next out, and she will likely be a juvenile stakes player throughout

the summer.

6TH - While we were somewhat impressed in here by runaway winner CUFFED

(Officer), who improved a great deal in her first try on the Cushion

Track, it should be noted that this field was quite weak and we warn you not to

get overzealous about her performance. We'd like to see her do that again before

jumping on the bandwagon.

A Look Ahead

The $150,000 Cinema Cup H. (G3), for three-year-olds going nine furlongs on

the lawn, is the lone graded event in the upcoming week.