Hollywood Notebook

HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK

MAY 25, 2011

by John Mucciolo

A pair of graded events took place over the weekend at Hollywood Park.

Milady H. (G2): Nels Erickson's ULTRA BLEND (Richly Blended) finished

second but was elevated to the win after being interfered with late to notch the

graded win. The ultra-consistent Art Sherman trainee was guided home by David

Flores, and the final time was 1:43 for the 1 1/16 miles.

Railbird S. (G3): Kaleem Shah's MAY DAY ROSE (Rockport Harbor) took

command turning for home and powered home to an impressive, 3 1/4-length win in

this one for trainer Bob Baffert. The talented sophomore filly finished off

seven furlongs in 1:22 1/5 beneath Joel Rosario, and the June 11 Acorn S. (G1)

could be next for the improving bay.

Track Stats

From a total of 36 races held over the Inglewood racetrack during the

four-day race week, favorites won at a 31 percent clip and the top two betting

choices combined for 50 percent of the wins. From 26 frays contested on the

Cushion oval, six animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (23 percent), while four

of the 10 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (40 percent).

Just one runner led at every call from 12 races on the main oval for the

first two days of the week, but five winners came through in 14 main track

events on Saturday and Sunday.

Speed did well on the sod this week with four wire-to-wire winners, two

coming in sprints and a pair in route races.

Meet Totals

RACES:		175
CUSHION:		126
TURF:		49
FAVORITES:		59 (34 percent)
2ND CHOICES:		38 (22 percent)
TURF WIRE:		11 (22 percent)
CUSHION WIRE:		31 (25 percent)

Main Track Post Positions (wins):

RAIL:		19
1-3:		54
4-6:		48
7-out:		24

HORSES TO WATCH

Thursday (5/19)

5TH -- UP IN TIME (GB) (Noverre) showed an excellent turn of foot along the

rail and got up in time under Garrett Gomez in a fine showing. The Simon

Callaghan trainee came home in :22 2/5!

6TH -- DELUXE BUS (Bluegrass Cat) exploded in the lane here to post a fine

score in this one beneath Martin Garcia. The Mike Mitchell charge has won two in

succession and could likely handle a class rise.

Friday (5/20)

5TH -- AVEROO (GB) (Averti) just missed in a fine closing run from last for

John Sadler and looms a big chance with a little luck next time. The gelded

six-year-old is a pretty consistent late runner and just needs a bit of luck to

get the job done next time.

7TH -- The speedy STREAKIN MOHICAN (Songandaprayer) took to the lawn in good

fashion here, leading at every call in a sharp tally for Doug O' Neill. The

gelded four-year-old could turn out to be a stakes-quality player in this

division throughout the summer.

Saturday (5/21)

2ND -- PHOTO SHOPPED (Mr. Greeley) reversed for quickly for Julio Canani and

got up late in a smart tally on the class drop. The sophomore colt avoided a

claim and looks dangerous on his return.

4TH -- MAJESTIC CITY (City Zip) was a most impressive visual winner in this

one at first asking for Peter Miller. The juvenile colt was under a hand ride

for most of the stretch and could be any type.

SCORPION WARRIOR (Dixie Union) was clearly second best in this one from the

10 post and seemingly has a bright future for Kristin Mulhall.

Sunday (5/22)

2ND -- BLUEGRASS STORY (Bluegrass Cat) got off to a slow start but closed

with very good energy to be a sharp second here, and the Jerry Hollendorfer

charge should be a winner very soon.

8TH -- ORIENTATIOUS (Orientate), who was cross-entered in a stakes event the

previous day, proved too good for this maiden bunch in a powerful score for Mike

Puype. The sophomore miss could be any type and should be able to handle the

stretch out in trip as the summer progresses.

A Look Ahead

Memorial Day will play host to the $250,000 Gamely S. (G1) and $100,000 Los

Angeles H. (G3). The $150,000 American H. (G2) is the standout event on

Saturday.