Hollywood Notebook

HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK

MAY 22, 2013

by John Mucciolo

There was a single graded race over the fourth weekend at Hollywood Park.

Marjorie L. Everett H. (G2): Southern Equine Stable et al's OPEN WATER

(Include) commenced her bid approaching the final turn, took a short lead in

midstretch and powered home a one-length winner under Joe Talamo. The Eric

Guillot trainee endured 1 1/16 miles on the Cushion Track in 1:44 to post her

first graded win.

Track Stats

From a total of 36 races held at the Inglewood, California, racetrack during

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

choices combined for 50 percent of the wins. From 22 frays contested on the

Cushion Track oval, nine animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (41 percent), while

two horses went all the way on the lead from 14 turf events (14 percent).

Speed was good on the Cushion oval this week, but we can't say it was a

biased oval as a trio of those wire-to-wire winners on the main strip came in 4

1/2-furlong sprints on the main surface. We did see winners coming from well off

of it, as well.

Of the two turf wire-to-wire winners, one came in a sprint and the other in a

route event. We continue to like how the lawn is playing mostly fairly here.

In seems worthy of note through four weeks now that 84 of the 96 main-track

winners broke from posts 1-6. But, as it was pointed out to me, much of that has

to do with smaller field sizes. We still would prefer not backing runners who

might be wide throughout if we can help it, especially in route races.

The slower final times produced on the Cushion this past week suggests that

the surface may be a bit tiring.

Meet Totals

RACES:		141
CUSHION:		96
TURF:		45
FAVORITES:		45 (30 percent)
2ND CHOICES:		33 (27 percent)
TURF WIRE:		7 (16 percent)
CUSHION WIRE:		34 (34 percent)

HORSES TO WATCH

Friday (5/17)

3RD -- We thought TOPIC (Discreet Cat) ran a sneaky good race in her turf

debut on this day for Neil Drysdale, rallying from well back to be beaten less

than two lengths in what appeared to be an educational race. The sophomore filly

didn't face any monsters in this one, but she was willing late and could surely

improve second time on the green in her next affair. And we also liked how live

she was on the tote board.

5TH -- ET TU WALKER (Shakespeare) continued his fine form surge with a

dominant 3 3/4-length romp in this turf dash under Mario Gutierrez. The

four-year-old handled the rise in class with ease in here and is proven to be

very versatile on nearly any oval.

6TH -- We'll admit we have no clue as to how to gauge BATTI MAN

(Manipulator), who was all heart in victory in this spot. The speedy sort was on

our radar earlier in his career as a sprinter, but after throwing in the towel

on numerous occasions, we gave up on him. Give credit to trainer Dan Hendricks,

as well, for sticking with the five-year-old.

8TH -- The Art Sherman-trained CALIFORNIA CHROME (Lucky Pulpit) returns to

this list proved his debut run was no fluke with a decisive 2 3/4-length tally

over a field that might have had some talent signed on. It's possible the

juvenile could be of stakes quality with further development.

Saturday (5/18)

1ST -- Trainer Tim Yakteen got away with one by sending the aptly named

FREAKIN' ROCKET (Rock Hard Ten) in a maiden claiming run at first asking as the

sophomore colt annihilated this group by more than nine lengths. The

Kentucky-bred set fast splits and never stopped, and will surely be facing

starter foes in his comeback outing.

4TH -- GIFTING (Street Cry) proved why she was so well bet in both of her

lifetime races with a solid maiden tally in this one for conditioner Bob

Baffert. The well-bred filly was inching clear late and we definitely think she

will get better the longer she runs.

Sunday (5/19)

7TH -- SWEET SWAP (Candy Ride) could not have looked much better in this one

with a dominant 3 1/4-length tally under Rafael Bejarano. The talented turf

sprinter made short work of a very talented field and got his final quarter-mile

in a wicked :22 4/5! Conditioner John Sadler will have this one in a stakes race

next time out.

9TH -- We're not sure if the clear leader was stopping or if HEAT TRAP

(Unusual Heat) was flying home; nonetheless, this was a fine debut win for the

Carla Gaines pupil, who appeared to have zero chance even in midstretch. The

filly came home in a sub :23 final two furlongs and could be any kind.

DON'T LOSE FAITH (Minister's Wildcat) was eight lengths in front after a

half-mile and seven clear with a furlong to go and clocked six grassy panels in

a shade more than 1:09. A repeat of that finds this filly in the winner's circle

next time.

A Look Ahead

Saturday will play host to the Grade 2, $150,000 American Handicap at one

mile on the turf oval. The Memorial Day Holiday will showcase a pair of graded

races; the Grade 1, $250,000 Gamely Stakes and the Grade 3, $100,000 Los Angeles

Handicap.