Hollywood Notebook

HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK

NOVEMBER 15, 2007

by John Mucciolo

The opening week of racing at Hollywood featured a trio of stakes events.

War Chant S.: Rising Sun Racing Stable's WARNING ZONE (Chester House) rebounded from a

fifth-place effort in the Del Mar Derby (G2) to take this one for John Sadler.

The sophomore saved ground to the turn before putting in his winning run under

Jose Valdivia, Jr., finishing off one mile on the firm lawn in a brisk 1:33 3/5.

This marked the second stakes win for the bay, who annexed the 2006 Generous S.

(G3).

Audrey Skirball-Kenis S.: Lukewarm favorite HUCKING HOT (GB) (Desert Prince [Ire]) surged through an

opening between horses in the stretch to eclipse this event for Paddy

Gallagher. Owned by Jim Ford Inc. et al, the three-year-old filly negotiated

nine furlongs on the sod in 1:48 2/5 beneath Garrett Gomez to grab a second

career stakes triumph.

Moccasin S.: Frankel, Coit and Strauss' SPRING AWAKENING (In Excess [Ire]) took command

turning for home and powered clear as the 8-5 choice for conditioner Mike

Mitchell. Piloted by Gomez, who in the process earned a record 71st

stakes win of the year, the freshman lass went seven-eighths in a splendid 1:21

1/5 to earn her initial stakes victory.

Track Stats

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

favorites won at a 24 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for

52 percent of the wins. From 31 frays contested on the Cushion Track, just five

horses won in wire-to-wire fashion (16 percent), while four of the 11 grassy

tussles went all the way on the lead (36 percent).

On Wednesday, five favorites cashed in from eight races, while five winners

also broke from the inside three post positions. In addition to that, not a

single main-track performer led from start to finish on either Wednesday or

Thursday.

The Hollywood turf course appeared more kind to front runners, including a 50-1 bomb on

the final race on Sunday. This firm course is always better than Santa Anita for early types on the lawn, but it's too early to suggest anything of a bias.

Runners breaking from post one-to-three won half of the races during the

opening week, a trend we'll surely keep a close eye on.

Meet Totals:

RACES: 42
DIRT: 31
TURF: 11
FAVORITES: 12		(24 percent)
2ND CHOICES: 10		(29 percent)
TURF WIRE: 4		(36 percent)
DIRT WIRE: 5		(16 percent)

Post Positions (wins):

RAIL: 5		(12 percent)
1-3: 21		(50 percent)
4-6: 12		(29 percent)
7-out: 9		(21 percent)

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (11/7)

3RD -- BUZZIN MON (Maria's Mon) had no chance with the 2-5 winner, but was

clearly best of the rest in a useful second in here. The Doug O'Neill charge

finished with good late energy and should be seen in the special weight ranks in

her next one.

6TH -- ONEBADKITTY (Street Cry [Ire]) couldn't have looked much better in her

professional debut, and the Brian Koriner pupil should be stakes-bound before

long. The juvenile miss got 6 1/2 furlongs in a strong 1:16 3/5 and could be any

type.

Friday (11/9)

4TH -- NOSEY BRITCHES (Matty G) was clearly second best on this occasion, the

third consecutive time she has finished in the place spot over this surface at

Hollywood. The five-year-old will always be a fair price, and she shouldn't be

dismissed due to her seconditis.

Saturday (11/10)

4TH -- LIFE AT TEN (Malibu Moon) displayed a nice turn of foot in the lane to

secure the place spot versus this deep field. The debuter, with a little more

early speed next out, should be formidable.

9TH -- DIRTY DISH MITCH (Mr. Broad Blade) also showed a fine closing kick in

the latter stages that should set him up for an improved second effort. The

runner-up is in capable hands and will be hard to hold off in his subsequent

outing.

Sunday (11/11)

1ST -- NATIVE SUCCESS (Indian Charlie) has really turned the corner and could

have a bright future after this front-running romp for Paddy Gallagher. The Alex

Solis mount spurted clear turning for home and gives the impression of one who

could run a lot longer.

3RD -- WELL ARMED (Tiznow) was easily best in here and established a track

record in doing so. Now in the hands of Eoin Harty, the four-year-old stakes

winner was 4 1/4 lengths clear at the wire and could have won for much more.

A Look Ahead

A pair of stakes engagements is on tap for the upcoming weekend: the $100,000

Sharp Cat S. for two-year-old fillies on Saturday, and Sunday's Real Quiet S.

for the juvenile boys. The following week is the headline of the meet, when the

Turf Festival runs through November 23-25 over the Thanksgiving Day holiday. A six-pack of graded

turf events will be held, including the $400,000 Citation H. (G1), $500,000

Hollywood Derby (G1) and $500,000 Matriarch S. (G1).