Hollywood Park Notebook

HOLLYWOOD PARK NOTEBOOK

MAY 26, 2006

by Bernard T. Moore

Saturday's stakes contest was the Lazaro Barrera Memorial S. (G2) for

three-year-olds going seven furlongs on the main track. Favoritism in the race

fell upon Arson Squad (Brahms), based upon a strong come-from-behind victory in

the San Pedro S. last month at Santa Anita Park.

At any rate, the day belonged to the Golden Gate Fields invader NORTHERN

SOLDIER (Yankee Victor), who pulled off the upset at odds of 9-1 shipping into

Hollywood Park. The Brian Koriner-trained colt was able to keep his perfect

record intact as he pressed the pace carved out by Remembering Star (Wild

Wonder) down the backstretch. The two rivals became embroiled in a private match

race, eventually spurting away from the field in midstretch. Northern Soldier

was going a bit better of the two in deep stretch, enabling him to register his

initial stakes victory as a result. Arson Squad closed belatedly to take down

the show, with Quietly Go (Real Quiet), the 2-1 second choice in the betting,

finishing last after flashing early speed.

Three-year-olds continued to monopolize the spotlight on Sunday, with the

Will Rogers S. (G3) serving as the day's featured race. The Irish-bred runner

STRATHAM (Ire) (Mozart [Ire]) captured his third stakes victory in just four

starts since coming to the United States with yet another pace-pressing victory

under jockey David Cohen.

Saddled by trainer Tim Yakteen, Stratham relaxed nicely off the early pace

while profiting from a ground-saving trip. When the front runner drifted off the

rail in the stretch, Cohen then maneuvered Stratham to the spot vacated by the

pacesetter. He subsequently began his stretch bid in earnest, outfinishing a

game New Joysey Jeff (Bright Launch) for the victory. The runner-up dueled the

pacesetter into defeat in the stretch, but could not contain a fresh closer in

the final yards. Obrigado (Fr) (Enrique), making his first North American start

for trainer Neil Drysdale, improved his position late to get the show.

Corazondelcampeon (Comic Strip) showed the way into the stretch as the 2-1

favorite, and then tired once displaced on the lead.

Victor Espinoza and Pat Valenzuela are in a dead-heat for the top spot in the

jockey standings, with Cohen moving into third place last week.

Jeff Mullins has gained sole possession of first place in the trainer

standings, with Doug O'Neill dropping back into second. Vladimir Cerin maintains

his hold on the third spot.

Once again, early speed fared well on dirt, especially on Thursday and

Sunday. The inside paths were best on Sunday. The turf course played uniformly

all week.

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (5/17)

2ND – POP ICON (Two Punch) showed dramatic reversal in form returning to dirt

and a sprint. Disputed an extremely quick pace and was clearly second best.

Appears as if he has the ability to stalk the pace.

7TH – ARCHON STAR (IRE) (Ashkalani) was an improved third despite a tough

trip. Was forced wide around the first turn racing behind a slow pace and

reduced his deficit in a race that finished well late as he outran his 27-1

post-time odds.

Thursday (5/18)

1ST – MARK SET GO (Marquetry) closed well for third despite a slow start from

an inside post against the grain of a speed favoring track. Has room to move

forward off this effort, as his sire is not known for his prowess with first

timers. Hails from a winning family as well.

5TH – DE BRANDON BOY (El Corredor) showed an even effort in his well bet/well

meant debut effort. Received a beneficial education from this experience, and he

is bred for a sprint and to win early in his career.

Friday (5/19)

7TH – SHOOTIST (Memo [Chi]) ran very well off a prolonged layoff. Flashed

good speed to chase quick fractions on the front end and held reasonably well in

a race that finished up well late. Should have derived beneficial conditioning

from this effort.

8TH – JAGGED HEART (Dance Brightly) closed well from off the pace switching

back to the main track. Finished well over a speed-conducive track under the

lights and may be able to handle a middle distance of ground on dirt.

Saturday (5/20)

3RD – TRAFFIC UPDATE (Souvenir Copy) was claimed, freshened and then hiked in

class turning back to sprint for new trainer Keith Bennett. Argued a dizzying

pace before giving way in the stretch. Best efforts of late have come at a flat

mile.

9TH – Arson Squad leveled off too late stepping up into a Grade 2 and finished with interest for third. Has versatile running

styles, and may have needed this effort off a freshening.

Sunday (5/21)

1ST – HEIRLOOM ROSE (Bertrando) ran an improved effort contesting the lead in

the outside part of the course. Clearly second best to the winning favorite who

saved ground on a very live rail. Appears to be most effective at six furlongs

or less.

2ND – FEEL THE RUSH (Wild Rush) dueled for the lead in the deeper part of the

track in his Hollywood Park main track debut. Continued on well late for third

in a much needed effort and has room to progress in the future.

8TH – New Joysey Jeff seemed to awake from the dead returning to turf.

Exhibited newfound speed to stalk the pace and eventually gave way late to a

more accomplished winner who benefited from a ground-saving trip. Initially

began his career on the sod, and he is a half-brother to the good turf filly Dyna Da Wyna (Doc's Leader), who banked nearly

$385K on the grass.