Hollywood Park news and notes (11-30-08): Turf Festival day 3
Saturday (11-29-08) recap
Both surfaces seemed to play fair…pace made the race.
Tyler Baze and Rafael Bejarano both booted home a pair.
Mr. Rod ran them off their feet in the Grade 3 Generous. Pletcher fav Bittel Road gave a gallant chase but was 2nd best. California Flag got away with a :23.84 opening quarter en route to a facile wire job in the 23rd running of the Grade 3 Hollywood Turf Express. My top choice Delta Storm was passively ridden from the rail post under Gryder and ended up a better than appears 3rd.
Sunday (11-30-08) Hollywood Park preview
Sunday’s 10-race Turf Festival (Day 3) card features the Grade 1 Matriarch and the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby.
The 4th race, an optional claiming sprint, is featured below.
Hollywood Park race 4 (OC-80/3x, 3up, 6.5f)
(1) Kruger Park (8-1) - Inside post struggling at this distance. Turf specialist.
(2) Talkin To Mom Roo (3-1) - Sharp since Puype claim. Fresh and versatile.
(3) El Gato Malo (2-1) - Two-time graded route winner returns in sprint prep. Might need a race.
(4) Gayego (5-2) - Has struggled since 17th place Kentucky Derby finish.
(5) Call On Carson (12-1) - Conventional dirt specialist 0-4 on synthetic.
(6) Peace Chant (7-2) - Ouside speed threat has lost six straight.
Analysis: Talkin To Mom Roo is the now horse with 5 exacta finishes in last 6 starts. The two favs are 3yo’s with issues as noted above, and my top appears ready to fire a big shot off the bench.
The $20 Play:
$20 to win Talkin To Mom Roo
Daily Wager recap
Saturday (11-29-08): Key horse Bourbon Bay dead-heated for the show.
Overall: (-71) through 24 days of the Hollywood Park fall meet.
Photo Credit: Newscom
Below is a YouTube replay of the 2008 Virginia Derby, featuring Hollywood Derby contenders Gio Ponti, Court Vision, and Sailor’s Cap.
Tags: analysis, Gio Ponti, Hollywood Derby, Hollywood Park, horse racing, Matriarch, Precious Kitten, Southern California, Sunday November 30 2008, Turf FestivalRelated Stories
POSTED IN: California Racing, Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers
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