Hollywood Park - 12/23

HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK

DECEMBER 23

by Bernard T. Moore

The Hollywood Park Futurity (G1) was being billed as the race of the year for

juvenile colts, surpassing even the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) in November in some

minds. All the hype centered on the fact that winner of this race would in all

likelihood be bestowed with the honor of two-year-old champion in 2004.

The race matched Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Wilko (Awesome Again) against

the up and coming DECLAN'S MOON (Malibu Moon), who remained undefeated after a

facile victory in the Hollywood Prevue S. (G3). It also attracted Champagne S.

(G1) victor Proud

Accolade (Yes It's True), who following a disappointing effort in the Breeders' Cup

had headed west to seek vindication of sorts. Bushwacker (Outflanker), a

strong second to Declan's Moon in the Hollywood Prevue, was also in the Futurity

field, thus making this year's renewal of the race one of the strongest fields

in recent memory.

No one could argue that the stage was set to crown a champion. However,

expectations in Thoroughbred racing are seldom met, and rarely, if ever, are

they exceeded. However, the result of this year's Futurity will begin a healthy debate about the winner of the 2005 Kentucky Derby

(G1), even though

Santa Claus has not yet made his rounds this year.

Declan's Moon spurted to the lead an instant after the starting gate opened

in the Futurity, but was soon displaced on the front end by Bushwacker. Wilko

raced in third along the rail heading into the first turn, with Proud

Accolade in close attendance as well. Bushwacker proceeded to race well out from

the inside down the backstretch as he maintained the lead, but soon relinquished

his advantage to Declan's Moon, who had been tugging at the bit from the outset

under jockey Victor Espinoza.

After securing the lead, Declan's Moon was

enveloped by runners on the far turn, with Proud Accolade to his outside and

Wilko taking a spot down along the rail. Declan's Moon withstood the challenge

of both rivals, but Wilko would resurface once more to his outside in the

stretch, as he prepared to take one final run at him. Giacomo (Holy Bull) was gathering

momentum at this point as well while racing down the middle of the track. Declan's Moon was far from finished,

though, as Espinoza employed only a hand ride to

the finish to emerge with a decisive one-length victory over Giacomo. Wilko

finished third, but not before jockey Corey Nakatani alleged interference by the

winner on the far turn. His claim of foul was summarily dismissed by the

stewards.

A deserving champion to say the least, Declan's Moon has done everything that

has been asked of him thus far. He has been painstakingly handled by trainer Ron

Ellis, and is certainly worthy of an Eclipse award. While voters of that

prestigious honor obviously have the final say, he certainly has to be viewed as

the odds-on favorite, especially off his sparkling performance in the Futurity.

On Sunday, SPLENDID BLENDED (Unbridled's Song) demonstrated why she is one of

the top juvenile fillies in the country by annexing the Hollywood Starlet (G1)

by two decisive lengths over runner-up Sharp Lisa (Dixieland Band). Trained by

Neil Drysdale, Splendid Blended forced the early pace of No Bull Baby (Indian

Charlie) down the backstretch and quickly disposed of that rival shortly after

entering the stretch. She was able to assume to a daylight lead shortly

thereafter, and was well within herself as she repelled the final charge of

Sharp Lisa in the stretch as the 6-5 favorite. Northern Mischief (Yankee Victor)

stalked the early pacesetters and finished a non-threatening third,

three lengths ahead of a weakening No Bull Baby.

The lone blemish on Splendid Blended's record is a runner-up finish to Sweet

Catomine (Storm Cat) in the Oak Leaf S. (G2) at Santa Anita in October. Drysdale was

elated with her performance in the Starlet, as she continues to mature with

time. His decision to bypass the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) has paid off

handsomely, as she undoubtedly will be a force to be reckoned with in the

upcoming months.

When jockeys deemed the Hollywood Park turf course unsafe on Saturday, and

subsequently refused to race over it, management was left with no choice but to

transfer all grass races to the main track. As a result, the $150,000 Dahlia

H. (G3), the closing day feature on Monday, was transferred to dirt. There

was a multitude of scratches from the race, and only five runners were left to

compete. FESTIVAL (Jpn) (Assatias), who had not visited the winner's circle since

2001, emerged victorious to score by six-widening lengths over Irgunette (Irgun),

who weakened after dictating an enterprising early pace. Belle Ange (Ganges)

finished third, three lengths ahead of Midwife (Family Calling), who flashed

brief foot before dropping back steadily.

Rene Douglas was the leading rider at Hollywood Park, edging out Tyler Baze

by two victories. Victor Espinoza finished third, as Corey Nakatani and Jon

Court completed the top five.

Doug O'Neill took down the training title, three ahead of Bob Baffert, with

Mike Harrington two victories farther back in third. Jeff Mullins and John

Sadler finished fourth and fifth respectively.

Horses with early speed dominated main track sprint races last week, but

distance races were less biased. The turf course appeared bias free when grass

racing went off as scheduled.

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (12/15)

6TH – YESTERDAY'S ROSE (Rio Verde) flashed much improved speed to be part of

a five-horse scramble for the early lead while adding blinkers. She held well until

midstretch when she understandably began to tire. Fits well at this reduced

level.

8TH – MR. CHING (Distant View) was a much-improved second off a long layoff, making

his first start for trainer Antonio Lopez. He dispensed a good middle move into a

strong pace to seize the lead on the far turn. Yielded to a decisive winner late

while remaining well clear of the third place finisher.

Thursday (12/16)

1ST - GRAY BLACK N WHITE (Quiet American) easily handled an overmatched field

of maiden claimers. Could win right back if entered against limited winners in a

starter allowance contest.

2ND – EXCESSIVEPLEASURE (In Excess) weakened in the stretch after disputing a

hot pace off a prolonged layoff. Dual stakes-winner should have derived

beneficial conditioning from this effort. Has won without the lead in the past.

Friday (12/17)

3RD – PLAYING 'R SONG (Bartok) was a sharp second in her well-bet/well-meant debut.

She held gamely setting a quick and pressured pace. Sire is not known for getting

many juvenile debut winners, so further progress is likely for a top barn.

6TH – ARMAN (Red Ransom) was dueled into defeat by a multi-level class dropper.

Surrendered the place in the stretch to fresh closers while finishing a

creditable fourth. Would benefit by a cutback in distance.

Saturday (12/18)

2ND – BEND (Arch) was an improved fourth off a long layoff while switching surfaces.

Closed with good energy despite having to steady. Should benefit from her

initial turf experience. Further progress expected in second start off the

shelf, and may appreciate added distance.

5TH – BIG SQUEEZE (Petionville) deserves another chance on dirt. Got caught

up in a suicidal speed duel and understandably tired late.

Sunday (12/19)

2ND – ABSOLUTE GLORY (Pembroke) revealed dramatic form reversal in second career start.

Responded favorably to the switch in trainers and surface, as well as the

addition of Lasix and blinkers. Finished well despite racing in cramped quarters

much of the way vs. a speed favoring track. Her future may lie on the main

track, as her dam excelled in dirt sprints and routes, and also possessed

ability to handle a track with moisture.

8TH – NO BULL BABY (Indian Charlie) clearly was not disgraced stretching out

against Grade 1 competition. Held well setting the pace while hounded by a

superior rival. Two failed attempts in routes suggest she is better suited to

sprints.