Hollywood Park - 12/16

HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK

DECEMBER 16

by Bernard T. Moore

Hollywood Park is prepared to draw the curtain on its fall meet with a bang

this weekend. The Hollywood Futurity (G1) is scheduled to be run Saturday, while

the Hollywood Starlet (G1) is set for Sunday. On Monday, closing day, the track

will feature the grassy Dahlia Handicap (G2), signaling the end to a fine meet.

Despite the fact that quality racing will be presented throughout the final

weekend, the focal point is obviously the Hollywood Futurity on Saturday, which

pits Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) hero WILKO (Awesome Again) against the

undefeated DECLAN'S MOON (Malibu Moon) as well as the highly regarded PROUD

ACCOLADE (Yes It's True). The result of the Futurity may ultimately decide the

Eclipse Award for the top juvenile colt in the country, making it a race to see

even it if means putting off your Christmas shopping for just one more day!

Hollywood Park geared up for the last week of racing in grand style on

Saturday, carding the Native Diver H. (G3) for three-year-olds and up. The race

marked the return of Dynever (Dynaformer) to the West coast after a

disappointing eighth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) in November.

He was understandably bet down to odds-on favoritism in the race, but could not

do any better than second as TRULY A JUDGE (Judge T C) made every pole count en

route to a two-length victory.

Trained by David Bernstein, the winner was hustled to lead by jockey Martin

Pedroza to set a moderate pace, with Dynever and Corey Nakatani trailing early.

The winner was able to relax on the front end and, as a result, when Dynever

mounted his stretch bid, Truly A Judge repelled his challenge to emerge with a

decisive victory. Calkins Road (Illinois Storm), a 31-1 longshot, was seven

lengths farther back in third.

Truly A Judge posted his first graded victory here and once again confirmed

his affinity for the Hollywood Park main track, registering his fourth win in

nine starts while demonstrating his ability to carry his speed nine furlongs

against top competition.

The $150,000 Bayakoa H. (G2) was the featured event on Sunday at Hollywood

Park. The race marked the return of A. P. Adventure (A.P. Indy), the Grade

1-winning sophomore filly that had not raced since an abysmal showing in the

Kentucky Oaks (G1) this spring at Churchill Downs. However, she did not earn top

honors, as that role belonged to HOLLYWOOD STORY (Wild Rush), who overcame a

less than ideal trip to win the Bayakoa by a length.

The winner raced a bit wide throughout the running of the race, and had to

contend with a speed-biased surface as well. While those factors were obvious

deterrents, Hollywood Story was still able to muster a determined rally in the

stretch to wear down Royally Chosen (In Excess [Ire]) before slowly edging away

to a one-length victory. The runner-up was very game in defeat, stalking the

pace dictated by Essence (Gulch) before disposing of that rival in the stretch.

She gave ground grudgingly late while clearly second best, finishing two-lengths

ahead of A. P Adventure, the 8-5 favorite who closed late to gain the show in a

race she obviously needed.

This was only the second victory for Hollywood Story in her career, but both

have come at Hollywood Park in graded stakes company. Her connections, trainer

John Shirreffs and owner George Krikorian, also joined forces to win the 2002

Bayakoa with Starrer.

The main track favored speed for most of the week, with the exception of

Wednesday, when no bias appeared to exist. No path bias was prevalent, and the

turf course appeared bias free when grass racing went off as scheduled.

Not much as changed in the trainer standings as Doug O'Neill continues to

head the list, followed by Bob Baffert and Mike Harrington. John W. Sadler and

Shirreffs are tied for fourth.

Rene Douglas continues to lead all jockeys with 34 victories, six more than

Tyler Baze, who holds the second spot with 28 winners. Victor Espinoza has 26

scores to his credit, as Nakatani and David Flores are fourth and fifth,

respectively.

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (12/8)

2ND – PEG O MY HEART (Smokester) Clearly second best in her well meant debut.

Gave futile chase to a superior favorite who was dropping down. Was extremely

well prepared for her first start with a steady stream of well spaced morning

works. Fits well at this level and distance.

8TH – MINI SKIRT (Wild Again) Much improved second off a long layoff in a

race moved to the main track. Closed with good energy late in an abbreviated

sprint. Has four siblings who won on grass, two in their initial attempt. Room

for further progress possible. Eligible for state-bred contests.

Thursday (12/9)

3RD – TWINFUL (Twin Spires) was not disgraced in his first start against

multiple winners. He tired slowly in the stretch after disputing a hot pace on

the front end and night benefit from a slight class drop.

Friday (12/10)

3RD - ALFERRARI (Alfaari) finished with good energy against the grain of a

speed conducive course in an abbreviated sprint for trainer Mike Puhich, who

doesn't excel with new acquisitions. He fits well with basement-level claimers

and would appreciate added distance.

4TH - BOOCFUSS (Bertrando) exhibited much improvement in his second career

start while receiving generous support at the mutuel windows. He closed well for

the place vs. a speed biased track in a race that was fast from start to finish.

Saturday (12/11)

4TH – MYSTO'S (Malibu Moon) regrettably ran into a monster runner stepping up

into a MSW contest and exhibited much improved speed to stalk a quick pace and

held well. He can continue to move forward when racing shifts back to Santa

Anita, where he trains.

Sunday (12/12)

5TH – ENCHANTING LADY (In Excess [Ire]) put forth a sharp effort in her

career debut at double-digit odds. She finished with good energy after stalking

lively fractions on the front end and is bred to handle grass and a route of

ground as well.

7TH – SUPER G I (Lost Soldier) raced evenly in a swiftly run abbreviated

sprint contest that was meant for grass. He needed this race off a long layoff.