Hollywood Notebook

HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK

DECEMBER 18, 2013

by John Mucciolo

A trio of graded tests led the way during the penultimate week of racing at

Hollywood Park.

CashCall Futurity (G1): Jungle Racing LLC et al's SHARED BELIEF (Candy

Ride) swept to the front at the top of the lane and poured it on late in a

convincing 5 3/4-length score under Corey Nakatani. The unbeaten juvenile

gelding came home quickly in the 1 1/16-mile test, recording a final time of

1:42 for conditioner Jerry Hollendorfer.

Hollywood Turf Cup S. (G2): Pandora Stud's LUCAYAN (Turtle Bowl)

tracked in last to the top of the lane and got a well-time ride from Joel

Rosario to get up in the final yards to post a half-length score for trainer

Neil Drysdale. The Group 1-winning four-year-old negotiated 1 1/2 miles on the

firm lawn in 2:26.

Native Diver H. (G3): Bad Boy Racing LLC and Whizway Farm's

BLUESKIESNRAINBOWS (English Channel) took to the front from his rail post out of

the gate and never looked back en route to a half-length tally for Hollendorfer,

who accomplished a rare feat in sending out the top three finishers in a graded

stakes race. The four-year-old colt endured nine panels on the Cushion surface

in 1:50 beneath Martin Pedroza.

Track Stats

From a total of 35 races held at the Inglewood, California racetrack during

the past week, favorites won at a 43 percent clip and the top two betting

choices combined for 60 percent of the wins. From 18 frays contested on the

Cushion Track oval, six animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (33 percent), while

six of the 17 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (35 percent).

Speed was good on the lawn, but this oval was not biased as many of those

horses were favored of figured prominent in the races. In addition, at least

four turf winners went last-to-first, proving that the right type can win from

any place early on this lawn.

Early pace did well on this main oval for the second straight week, and we

envision more of the same during closing weekend.

Meet Totals

RACES:		209
CUSHION:		148
TURF:		61
FAVORITES:		81 (39 percent)
2ND CHOICES:		46 (22 percent)
TURF WIRE:		14 (23 percent)
CUSHION WIRE:		31 (21 percent)

HORSES TO WATCH

Thursday (12/12)

2ND -- AWESOME PROSPECT (Fullbridled) had to need the run off the layoff and

will likely move forward after rallying from well off the pace for a third-place

finish. We'll take a long look next time out with this Leonard Powell trainee.

3RD -- CINCO DE MARIO (Candy Ride) was well positioned once again in the

stretch but failed to get by while hanging some in another second-pace finish.

The Doug O'Neill trainee clearly has ability and is consistent on the lawn,

though his knack for settling for minor awards is getting a bit old.

7TH -- FANTICOLA (Silent Name) returns to this list once again, after another

fine showing in bagging her third straight turf test. The Mike Mitchell trainee

has shown her versatility in winning in sprints and routes, and the sophomore

has surely never been better. The lass will be stakes bound before long.

Friday (12/13)

1ST -- Mark Glatt's debuter PRESENCEOFAGENIUS (Sky Mesa) had a lot to do

approaching the turn for home but came with a run and just missed second behind

a nice top pair in a sharp performance. Tab the sophomore for graduation before

long.

4TH -- Conditioner Bob Baffert unveiled a fine prospect with MIDNIGHT HAWK

(Midnight Lute), who dominated at first calling at the tricky distance of 7 1/2

furlongs. The juvenile colt lead early, took back some to be a close third at

the top of the lane, and showed another gear in dusting these foes on powerful

fashion under Mike Smith. The colt could be a real nice one.

Saturday (12/14)

1ST -- TRIPSKI (Trippi) tracked the pacesetter soon after the start and

gradually wore that one down in a professional conquer for trainer Steve

Asmussen. The East Coast import might have need the run off the freshening,

which makes this tally all the more impressive.

9TH -- SHARED BELIEF has been a monster from a trio of lifetime starts and is

clearly a horse with massive talent. We love how the gelding sat close to a

swift pace and took over with ease, staying straight through the lane like a

horse who might get more ground with further development.

Sunday (12/15)

2ND -- MECHAYA (City Zip) got off a bit slow, dueled through some wicked

splits with a nice horse and held on late in an improved showing for John

Sadler. The speedy sophomore should be stakes bound very soon.

A Look Ahead

Only memories of Hollywood Park will be left after this week -- we will be

watching the coverage Sunday of the final day in its history. It will be sad to

see it go.