Hollywood Notebook

HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK

DECEMBER 16, 2009

by John Mucciolo

A single graded event led the way during the penultimate week of racing at

Hollywood Park.

Native Diver H. (G3): Stronach Stables' recently acquired MAST TRACK

(Mizzen Mast) returned instant dividends with a commanding, wire-to-wire win in

here for conditioner Humberto Ascanio. The Grade 1 victor strode 1 1/8 miles in

1:50 2/5 beneath Rafael Bejarano.

Seven-time Grade 1 winner Lava Man (Slew City Slew), who was slated to return

from retirement following a 16-month layoff, was withdrawn due to the rainy

weather. The gelding, who will turn nine on January 1, could make his first

start back for Doug O' Neill early in the Santa Anita meet.

TRACK STATS

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

favorites won at a 33 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for

71 percent of the wins. From 38 frays contested on the Cushion Track oval, eight

animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (21 percent), while one of the four grassy

tussles went all the way on the lead (25 percent).

Speed was not as dominant as it had been for the past two weeks, with just 21

percent of he winners leading at every call. Small fields have dominated the

racing at the end of the meet here, and that could be one reason why more horses

are winning from off the pace -- less traffic. That's just a hunch, though. A

slightly dead main track could be another factor.

Inner and middle posts won 37 of the 42 races, but as we stated before, small

fields yield this result no matter who wins in many races.

MEET TOTALS

RACES:		198
CUSHION:		149
TURF:		49
FAVORITES:		68 (34 percent)
2ND CHOICES:		45 (23 percent)
TURF WIRE:		11 (22 percent)
CUSHION WIRE:		49 (33 percent)

Post Positions (wins):

RAIL:		24
1-3:		82
4-6:		78
7-out:		39

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (12/9)

6TH -- QUOTED (City Place) took over from a clear leader and finished up

nicely in a fine maiden tally for O' Neill. The gelded sophomore could easily

win right back if not placed over his head.

Thursday (12/10)

3RD -- FASHION TREND (Petionville) ran too well to lose in here, and the

filly should be tough next out for Craig Dollase.

5TH -- SOUL CANDY (Birdonthewire) rallied from last to be a good fourth in

here for Paddy Gallagher, whose runners often improve with experience. The

three-year-old colt will be live next out with a step forward.

Friday (12/11)

1ST -- Gallagher's AGGIE ENGINEER (E Dubai) returned from a long break in

fine form with a facile tally in this one, which was washed off the grass. The

stakes-quality gelding could have a productive 2010 based on his performance of

a year ago.

3RD -- We found it interesting that not a single claim was on 1-5 favorite

YANKEE ROMANCE (Yankee Gentleman) in this test, especially after witnessing the

filly toy with these. The Mike Mitchell trainee came home in :24 1/5 for her

final quarter-mile and should be a major presence in a starter allowance field

next out.

7TH -- The John Sadler-trained HUNCH (Lion Heart) made his first race since

June a winning one, wearing down the 3-5 favorite under Rafael Bejarano. The

sophomore colt completed his final two furlongs in a swift :23 1/5 and could be

a big player in the sprint division with further development.

Saturday (12/12)

7TH -- While SQUARE EDDIE (Smart Strike) got outrun late in this field, we

can't completely fault him as his recent schedule is questionable at best. Going

about 6 1/2 furlongs downhill on the lawn to nine panels on the main oval is no

easy feat. He's probably best as a miler type, and we'll back him when he

returns to realistic distances.

Sunday (12/13)

3RD -- SHE'S FUNOMENAL (Fusaichi Pegasus) rolled to her second straight for

Jerry Hollendorfer, and it's hard to tell how high the ceiling is on the

juvenile miss. She's looked very good in both starts, and should be able to

negotiate more ground in the future.

4TH -- Sadler unveiled a bunch of top juveniles over the past few months, and

one who should be rated high on his list is SWITCH (Quiet American), who romped

at first asking in here. While it's very early, we have a hunch this one will be

heard from in multiple graded events out here throughout the spring.

8TH -- ROYAL PUNISHER (Fusaichi Pegasus) flashed his brilliant early zip in

here before tiring late against his more experienced foes, but we'd love to see

the California-bred try to sprint on the lawn for David Hofmans.

A LOOK AHEAD

The babies take center stage during closing weekend at Hollywood, with

Saturday's $750,000 CashCall Futurity (G1) and Sunday's $300,000 Hollywood

Starlet (G1) on tap.