Hollywood Notebook

HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK

MAY 1, 2008

by John Mucciolo

California Gold Rush Day was accompanied by a pair of graded events during

the opening week at Hollywood Park.

Mervyn LeRoy H. (G2): Marsha Naify and Aase Headley's SURF CAT (Sir

Cat) was all class late in running down Desert Code (E Dubai) just before the

wire to earn the win in this one beneath Alex Solis. Trained by Bruce Headley,

the mega-talented six-year-old reached the wire in a sharp 1:41 for the 1 1/16

miles contest, while a half-length clear on the line.

Wilshire H. (G3): Three Chimneys Racing's DIAMOND DIVA (GB) (Dansili

[GB]) easily drove to the lead in the stretch to earn the three-parts of a

length win in here for conditioner James Cassidy. The Euro import, who took the

American Beauty H. in her U.S. debut, traveled one mile on the firm turf in a

superb 1:33 1/5 under David Flores.

California Gold Rush Day: Congratulations to the winners, and the

connections, of the lucrative races for California-bred contestants on Sunday.

MR. WOLVERINE (Last Lion)		Khaled S.
HARLENE (Decarchy)		Snow Chief S.
BEL AIR SIZZLE (Unusual Heat)		Melair S.
SPENDITALLBABY (Unusual Heat)		B. Thoughtful S.
TUTTA BELLA (Holy Bull)		Fran's Valentine S.
STELLA MARK (Benchmark)		Tiznow S.
SANGAY (Stormin Fever)		Warren's Thoroughbreds S.
DANCING IN SILKS (Black Minnaloushe)		NTRA S.
SENSITIVE SOUL (Bernstein)		Magali Farms S.
BESTDRESSED (Lit de Justice)		Barretts S.

Track Stats

From a total of 44 races held over the Inglewood, California, racetrack

during the week, favorites won at a 34-percent clip and the top two betting

choices combined for 57 percent of the wins. From 31 frays contested on the

Cushion Track, six animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (19 percent), while three

of the 13 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (23 percent).

The first two betting choices combined for all of the wins during the

eight-race card on Thursday. The first three days of the week yielded 16 winners

in the 25 races coming from the top pair of betting options (64 percent).

Although six horses won in wire-to-wire fashion on the Cushion Track during

opening week, four of the winners were favored. It's too early to notice any

serious bias, as horses having been winning from all posts and positions

throughout the race.

The surface on Sunday seemed as fair as we've seen out west. If anything,

horses must be somewhat in the race by the time they turn for home to optimize

their chances at the win

Meet Totals

RACES:		44
DIRT:		31
TURF:		13
FAVORITES:		15 (34 percent)
2ND CHOICES:		10 (23 percent)
TURF WIRE:		3 (23 percent)
DIRT WIRE:		6 (19 percent)

Post Positions (wins)

RAIL:		5 (11 percent)
1-3:		14 (31 percent)
4-6:		17 (38 percent)
7-out:		13 (31 percent)

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (4/23)

2ND - JUNE MY LOVE (Slew of Angels) came close once again and is due for a

little luck for trainer Alfredo Marquez. The four-year-old filly has been in the

mix in her last five turf tries but has yet to break through with a score;

she'll win soon.

5TH - ALBERTUS MAXIMUS (Albert the Great) was clearly best in here, earning a

lifetime best 98 BRIS Speed number for Gary Mandella. The talented four-year-old

showed improved speed in here and could be set for a big year with further

improvement.

7TH - We plugged Diamond Diva in our opening notebook as a horse to watch at

this meet and we're hopeful that some heeded our advice. The filly has excellent

tactical speed and a quality turn of foot that should make her a major player on

the West Coast throughout the year.

Thursday (4/24)

4TH - BIG RED TATE (Orientate) ran a big one first out of the box for Ron

Ellis, and the gelding shouldn't be a maiden for long. The four-year-old was

three-parts clear of the favorite in here and should have plenty of room for

improvement.

Friday (4/25)

3RD - SOUTH COAST (Flying Continental) was a game second behind a nice one in

here and now shows a win and two seconds in three two-turn turf tries for Marty

Jones. The five-year-old, who has improved his BRIS Speed number in his last

trio of outings, appears to be of stakes quality and shouldn't be dismissed at

big odds if he goes that route.

8TH - MR KEPPEL (Ire) (Royal Applause [GB]) didn't show much in his U.S.

debut for John Sadler, but the three-year-old had good form in Europe and should

be given a second chance. The expensive Tattersalls purchase might enjoy some

added ground, also.

Saturday (4/26)

2ND - CHRISTIANA'S HEAT (Unusual Heat) was two necks shy of taking this race

and is in very good current form for Barry Abrams. The gray filly has run five

solid turf races in 2008, and if she gets a little freshening, she should be

ready to roll.

6TH - BE GLORIOUS (Red Bullet) showed great heart in not relinquishing the

lead late in here, and we love horses who have a nose for the wire. The Bobby

Frankel charge was the recipient of a dream trip in here, so we won't go

overboard, but her determination late gives the impression that she could handle

added ground. Her half-sister, Grade 1 winner Citronnade (Lemon Drop Kid), was

also pretty good and got better with age.

Sunday (4/27)

5TH - Dancing in Silks crushed his foes in career start number two for Carla

Gaines, and the gelding appears to have a really bright future. He is kin to a

pair of graded stakes performers, and it looks like the apple didn't fall far

from the tree.

A Look Ahead

The $150,000 Inglewood H. (G3) is the Derby Day feature, while Sunday's main

event is the $150,000 Hawthorne S. (G3).