Hollywood opens

Hollywood Park opens Wednesday

Hollywood Park begins it's Autumn Meet on Wednesday and the

focal point will be the 14th annual Turf Festival, which will

feature three Grade 1 events. The $400,000 Citation H. has been

upgraded following the 2003 running and now carries Grade 1

status.

The Turf Festival, held over the Thanksgiving holiday, will

feature the Citation at 8 1/2 furlongs, the $500,000 Hollywood

Derby (G1), and the $500,000 Matriarch S. (G1), a one-mile

contest for fillies and mares.

The schedule includes 20 stakes worth $3.55 million

highlighted by a pair two-year-old events on the final weekend,

the $250,000 Hollywood Futurity (G1) and the $250,000 Hollywood

Starlet (G1). Both contests are run at 1 1/16-miles, with the

latter for fillies. Last year's Futurity winner, Lion Heart, was

touted as a leading three-year-old this season, as the Futurity

winner usually is. Other marquee races include the $250,000

Hollywood Turf Cup (G1), a 12-furlong grass event for

three-year-olds and up.

In addition to the on-track festivities, Hollywood Park will

also hold it's traditional Snow Day December 4, when the

racetrack infield will be covered with over 300 tons of snow.

New wagering options are available as well, every day during

the 2004 Fall Meet will feature a guaranteed Pick 4 pool of

$200,000 on weekdays and a guaranteed $400,000 on Saturdays.