Hollywood Notebook

HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

by John Mucciolo

There were no graded races during the second week at Hollywood Park.

Track Stats

From a total of 34 races held at the Southern California racetrack during the

past week, favorites won at a 32 percent clip and the top two betting choices

combined for 47 percent of the wins. From 27 frays contested on the Cushion

Track oval, six animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (22 percent), while three of

the seven grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (43 percent).

Speed played well on this lawn, with three horses leading at every call and

two others tracking from close up early on. All three wire jobs came in route

races.

No horses won in wire-to-wire fashion on the main oval on Sunday, and just a

pair over the weekend from 16 Cushion Track races. In addition, outside posts

dominated the action on Sunday. We rarely see a bias on this main strip, but

will keep a close eye to see if the pattern continues on Thursday and Friday.

Meet Totals

RACES:		68
CUSHION:		49
TURF:		19
FAVORITES:		22 (32 percent)
2ND CHOICES:		12 (18 percent)
TURF WIRE:		4 (21 percent)
CUSHION WIRE:		11 (22 percent)

HORSES TO WATCH

Thursday (11/15)

3RD -- SOUTHERN HEART (Arch) showed some good speed and was well placed to

the top of the lane before tiring to finish fourth in a useful first try. The

Eric Guillot trainee is kin to a real nice grass performer and could easily

improve second time out, and with a bit more ground to work with.

5TH -- SPRING BLOOM (After Market) didn't beat a great field in our

estimation, but the sophomore lass was tons the best in a nice performance in

this one. The John Shirreffs charge could be a danger right back against winners

with any improvement.

7TH -- QARAABA (Shamardal) gave a nice account in her U.S. debut for Simon

Callaghan, rallying from last after six panels to wear down the leaders in the

latter stages. The five-year-old mare possesses long strides and accelerated on

cue, leading us to believe that she can be a stakes player on this circuit.

Friday (11/16)

1ST -- WILLYCONKER (Pyrus) didn't win in his first race since the spring, but

the Eoin Harty charge ran well in this deep turf sprint and we thought he looked

best late, continuing to hit his best stride past the wire. The gelded

five-year-old surely needed one and should stretch out to a mile next time,

where he'll surely be more dangerous.

4TH -- EBLOUISSANTE (Bernardini), a half-sister to wonder mare Zenyatta, made

her much anticipated debut and delivered a powerful 4 1/4-length win under Corey

Nakatani. The Shirreffs trainee surely looked the part throughout this affair

and the sophomore could be any kind. She is now just 18 wins shy of equaling her

older sibling.

6TH -- KENICHI (First Samurai) came off of a long break and to dust his

rivals impressively against what appeared to be a solid maiden claiming group.

The Mark Glatt pupil was not claimed out of this and will surely face starter

foes next time off this strong six-furlong run.

Saturday (11/17)

7TH -- LOTSANDLOTSOFHOPE (Tiznow) broke slowest of all but rebounded quickly,

and nearly ran down the favorite in a fine runner-up showing at first asking for

conditioner Ron Ellis. We don't think this filly will be a maiden for long.

Sunday (11/18)

5TH -- CURLY TOP (Curlin) was barely out-kicked in the final yards for

trainer Bob Baffert, but the juvenile colt handled two turns with ease in his

first career start and is an interesting prospect going forward. The colt should

only improve off of this one.

8TH -- OSCILLATOR (Decarchy) was a clear second and has won or placed in each

of her lifetime outings for trainer Jorge Periban. The hard-trying filly has run

well on all ovals and is a very useful performer despite settling for minor

awards in her last few races.

A Look Ahead

The Hollywood Turf Festival is upon us this Holiday weekend. Sunday will play

host to the marquee attractions of the weekend, the Grade 1, $250,000 Matriarch

Stakes and the Grade 1, $250,000 Hollywood Derby.

Also over the weekend is the Grade 2, $250,000 Citation Handicap on Friday,

as well as Saturday's Grade 3, $100,000 Generous Stakes and the Grade 3,

$100,000 Miesque Stakes.

Juveniles top the Thanksgiving card, when they go seven furlongs in the Grade

3, $100,000 Hollywood Prevue Stakes.