A trio of wire jobs on Cushion Track, and early/pressing types nabbed both turf races carded on Friday night.
Martin Garcia booted home a pair. Bejarano crossed the line first in two events, but his mount Tough Apples was disqualified in the grass feature.
Saturday (11-15-08) Hollywood Park recap
Cushion Track played fair. A wire job and a pair of stalkers made up the three grass winners.
A couple of wins for Joel Rosario…he is finally starting to heat up a bit. Julio Canani saddled a pair of winners.
Sunday (11-16-08) Hollywood Park preview
Sunday’s 9-race card features the $100k Moccasin Stakes for 2yo fillies traveling seven furlongs on Cushion Track. There is a $58,391 Super High 5 carryover into Sunday’s finale (race 9).
The 5th race, a straight maiden synthetic sprint for 2yo fillies is featured below.
Hollywood Park race 5 (MSW, 2yo fil, 6f)
(1) Elusive Allie (5-1) - $300k purchase is out of 16% FTS sire Elusive Quality. Rail post clicking at a 22% rate.
(2) Air Fair (6-1) - Working locally since August. Yes It’s True 15% with firsters.
(3) Life By RR (20-1) - $150k purchase working well at Santa Anita recently.
(4) Silent Stalk (3-1) - Even 3rd in Oak Tree bow. Canani won 2 yesterday and is 16% 2nd timers.
(5) L.A. Devine (15-1) - $100k daughter of Pulpit working at Hollywood since Sept. 15th bullet.
(6) Navigator (9-5) - Beat Silent Stalk in 2-1 bow. Ellis 19% 2nd timers. Working well locally all along.
7) Rare Sparkle (6-1) - Stalk/fade in 4-1 bow across town. Place finisher came back to score. Blinkers added for 5% 2nd timer outfit.
(8) Successful Friend (8-1) - $50k Keeneland sales grad out of 3% debut MSW barn.
Analysis: No knocks on fav Navigator, and 2nd choice Silent Stalk hails from a hot barn. Elusive Allie breaks from the good rail, but the inside post is typically a problem for young firsters. O’Neill has been winning recently, and his firster Air Fair rates a gander.
The $20 Play:
$8 exacta Navigator-Air Fair
$4 quinella Air Fair-Silent Stalk
$2 quinella Elusive Allie-Air Fair
$1 trifecta Air Fair-Silent Stalk/Navigator/Elusive Allie-Air Fair-Silent Stalk-L.A. Devine ($6)
Daily Wager recap
Friday (11-14-08): Key horse Berna Dette was disqualified from 4th and place last.
Saturday (11-15-08): Medjool gave the suggested exacta a chance, but Exuma failed to get up for 2nd.
Overall: (-200) through 14 days of the Hollywood Park fall meet.
Fast main track and off the turf on Saturday. In a virtual replay of opening day, early/pressing types held the advantage early, and the track played fair as the day wore on.
Leading rider Pat Valenzuela booted home a pair for the 2nd straight day, and he teamed up to win a stakes race with Bill Mott again as well. Theriot/Autrey teamed up for two winners on opening day and another on Saturday. They also finished 2nd twice today. The aforementioned Bill Mott saddled a pair of winners on opening day and another on Saturday. Two more wins for the Donnie Meche/Steve Asmussen team.
Desert Wheat smartly nabbed the originally scheduled for the turf Mr. Sulu. The late running LA-bred is a serious player on either surface the rest of the meet.
Fair Grounds preview (11-16-08)
Sunday’s 10-race card includes a pair of grass races, and the extended weather forecast is promising. If not back on the turf for this program, then definitely next week. There is a small Pick 6 carryover of $1,309.
Race 3: Morning line fav Ideseeyouinhouston is 0-23, and 2nd choice Y’s Beau appears better on the turf. Brahms Dynasty is a viable alternative to the aforementioned duo. He switches barns and drops to his lowest level. His best career speed rating was earned on the main track, and the turf/dirt runner shows up in a winning spot.
Race 4: Burrowing Owl is the lone Theriot/Autrey runner on the card, and he is a viable threat from the rail.
Race 8: Superior Storm gears up for Louisiana Champions Day (Dec. 13th) in this 6f event. She is 3-4 at this distance and should put forth a decent effort off the bench. Biduadeau is clearly better in sprints and could turn the tables on her aforementioned nemesis.
The Friday night program is still in progress, so look for my recap in tomorrow’s Hollywood Park blog.
Saturday (11-15-08) Hollywood Park preview
Saturday’s 9-race card features the Audrey Skirball-Kenis Stakes for grassy 3yo fillies.
The 3rd race, an entry level synthetic route, is featured below.
Hollywood Park race 3 (Alw-1x, 3up, 8.5f)
(1) Vulcan (5-2) - Did not care for Pro-Ride surface. Del Mar Polytrack lover adds blinkers.
(2) Medjool (3-1) - Needed last at Oak Tree. Attracts Bejarano and can go better.
(3) Sir Bell (2-1) - Owns early/pressing versatility and finished a fine 2nd when last seen on Sept. 24th.
(4) Beresford (10-1) - Not much success in a trio of 2008 starts.
(5) Exuma (4-1) - Should move forward off needed Oct. 24th effort. Lone win accomplished here.
(6) Bronzino (8-1) - Has not been seen since Dec. ‘07, and lone win was in Dec. ‘06 on turf.
Analysis: Sir Bell is 0-6 at this entry level and is worth trying to beat at underlaid odds. Exuma is the only entrant with a local win, and he almost has to move up 2nd time back. Medjool has a license to improve as well. Vulcan must prove he can fire away from Del Mar, and maybe blinkers will do the trick.
Sloppy main track and off the turf on opening day. Early/pressing types held the advantage early, and the track played fair as the day wore on.
PVal booted home a pair. Theriot/Autrey teamed up for two winners, and Bill Mott saddled a pair of winners on opening day.
Fair Grounds preview (11-15-08)
Saturday’s 10-race card includes the grassy $60k Mr. Sulu Stakes. Windy weather is expected with a high of 60, and a string of sunny days is in the forecast through next weekend.
Race 2: Theriot/Autrey won two races together on opening day, and they are teaming up four times on Saturday, beginning with Clever Etbauer in this race. I would not be surprised if they won a few more today.
Race 3: Hazel Grove finished 2nd behind Wanna Cuddle at Louisiana Downs on Oct. 18th., and that rival returned to win a state bred entry level race here yesterday (race 6). All Too Solid finished a solid 3rd in her downhill bow at Santa Anita. She’s in with LA-breds while trying the main track for the first time. Muffin will be closing for the productive Melancon/Breaux team. Nice work at the Evangeline Training Center on Nov. 1st.
Race 9 (Mr. Sulu Stakes): Bill Mott won two races here yesterday, and he has Desert Wheat in today’s feature. It remains to be seen whether this race remains on the grass. PVal rides, and he won a pair on Friday as well, including the $60k Blushing K.D.H. aboard Stormy West for this barn. Autobeacat was my fav horse at LA Downs, and this sharp, versatile gelding handles any footing. Tortuga Flats is a win machine. Diggy Fresh has a nice rivalry going with Autobeacat.
A field of eight has been assembled for the 58th running of the Grade 3 Stuyvesant Handicap (race 8), to be run at nine furlongs on November 15th at Aqueduct Race Course in New York.
New York bred colt Stud Muffin, an enticing 6-1 on the morning line, looms the value play in this spot. He exits a sharp win in Belmont’s Empire Classic. He is a 3-time winner at this distance and is 2-3 at the Big A as well.
Solar Flare is the one to beat for Larry Jones at 5-2 on the line. He earned triple digit speed ratings in his first two US starts, then tailed off in his next two outings. He got back on the beam off a layoff at the Meadowlands last time, and he could sit the right stalking trip today.
Temporary Saint owns dangerous early foot and has been part of the trifecta in all five starts at this distance. He won the Grade 3 Excelsor Handicap here in April and might get brave if able to sneak away early.
Brilliant Son will be part of the pace at the very least for Kiaran McLaughlin. All three of his wins have come around one turn, and he might find nine furlongs a bit out of his reach.
Dry Martini is a late runner with an 0-4 record this year. Billy Turner is 24% with the turf/dirt move, and he puts the hood back on in hopes of returning to form.
Ravel showed promise as a three-year-old, but he has not been the same since returning from a layoff in August. Pletcher adds blinkers in hopes of ending a four-race skid.
Phil the Power exits a poor performance in a graded turf event. He does his best work in marathon races and is hard to recommend at this distance in his current form.
Helsinki is now under the care of John Terranova, and he has not been seen since Nov. ‘07. He placed in a couple graded events last year, but I’ll give the late runner a race or two before entertaining thoughts of backing him.
Cushion Track played fair. The two turf races were nabbed by early/pressing types.
Hat trick for Rafael Bejarano, and Pedro Arambula booted home a pair. The recently hot Doug O’Neill saddled two winners on the card.
Friday (11-14-08) Hollywood Park preview
Friday night’s 8-race card includes a Pick 6 carryover of $62,891.
The 5th race, an optional claiming turf sprint, is featured below.
Hollywood Park race 5 (OC-25/1x, CA-bred f&m 3up, 6T)
(1) Burna Dette (7-2) - Unusual Heat 16% 1st turf sire, and dam has thrown a pair of turf winners.
(2) Waveline (5-2) - Overseas turf sprint winner has not raced in more than 11 months.
(3) Continental Dancer (30-1) - Overmatched 1-24 miss is out of the 2L synthetic sprint ranks and has low % connections.
(4) Onebadkitty (2-1) - Right there in all 3 juvenile synthetic starts. First start since Dec. ‘07.
(5) Belleacton (8-1) - The one to catch is 0-5 on turf.
(6) Miss Toomsuba (7-2) - Consistent filly exits stalk and pounce downhill win.
(7) Princess Integrity (12-1) - 5yo mare is off her game currently.
Analysis: I am a sucker for offspring of Unusual Heat trying turf for the first time, so I’ll side with Burna Dette in this spot. Peter Eurton is 33% with his recent graduates trying winners for the first time, and the place finisher from her last came back to score.
The $20 Play:
$20 to win Burna Dette
Daily Wager recap
Thursday (11-13-08): Key horse Mr. Chairman (1.90-1) finished a disappointing 4th.
Overall: (-160) through 12 days of the Hollywood Park fall meet.
I have always enjoyed the Fair Grounds meet, but I am particularly excited about it this year now that I have completed my first year as Louisiana Downs Track Handicapper. I should have a keen understanding of the Louisiana bred races at the very least.
Friday’s opening day 10-race card includes a pair of stakes races, the $60k Blushing K. D. H. on the turf, and the $60k Si Chima for Louisiana breds on the main track. Note that there is a 60% of rain in New Orleans on Friday.
The main track profile favors early/pressing speed in sprints. Route races tend to play fair with inner posts performing best. Turf sprints play fair, and off the pace types are preferred in turf routes.
Tom Amoss, Steve Asmussen, and Cody Autrey will win more than their share of races. Other trainers to keep an eye on are Wally Dollase, Greg Foley, Steve Klesaris, Steve Margolis, Pat Mouton, Doug O’Neill, and Dale Romans. Louisiana Downs leading trainer Jorge Lara should also make his presence felt.
Robby Albarado, Shaun Bridgmohan, Gerard Melancon, and Jamie Theriot are expected to bring home numerous winners. A handful of Louisiana Downs riders to keep an eye on include apprentice Dustin Dugas, Jose Riquelme, Francisco Torres, and Pat Valenzuela.
Purses are on the increase due to the newly installed slot machines, and the Fair Grounds signal will be available on TwinSpires, XpressBet, andYouBet. An agreement has yet to be reached with TVG.
Friday’s racingonthenet free selection is the 7th race from Fair Grounds.
Friday’s MySpace free selection is the 9th race from Fair Grounds, the aforementioned Si Chima Stakes.
Cushion Track played fair. The three turf races were nabbed by early/pressing types.
Rafael Bejarano and Garrett Gomez both booted home a pair. Doug O’Neill and John Sadler each saddled two winners on the card.
Thursday (11-13-08) Hollywood Park preview
An 8-race card on tap, including a pair grass races.
The 2nd race, a starter allowance synthetic route, is my MySpace free selection of the day, and you can view my analysis of that race by clicking here.
The 5th race, an optional claiming synthetic route, is featured below.
Hollywood Park race 5 (OC-80/3x, 3up, 8.5f)
(1) Barber (8-1) - Breaks from 1-17 rail. Stalking type 0-6 this year and winless over synthetic.
(2) Great Hunter (3-1) - Last seen finishing 5th in the Dubai World Cup. Have always liked this one.
(3) Mostacolli Mort (2-1) - Late runner drops out of the graded ranks. Runs for the $80k tag.
(4) Isipingo (6-1) - 3rd to Heatseeker in lone synthetic try.
(5) Racketeer (6-1) - Note the same since leaving the Frankel barn. 0-7 this season.
(6) Mr. Chairman (5-2) - Gem of consistency enjoying a banner season. Won CalCup Classic last time. Mostacolli Mort looms an underlay. Great Hunter might need the outing.
Analysis: Mr. Chairman sports the look of the now horse in this spot.
The $20 Play:
$20 to win Mr. Chairman
Daily Wager recap
Wednesday (11-12-08): Key horse Sweet October (3-1) finished 2nd.
Overall: (-140) through eleven days of the Hollywood Park fall meet.
A pair of wire jobs as early/pressing types regained the Cushion Track advantage on Friday night. Stalkers nabbed both turf races.
Sharp debut win by Ron Ellis FTS Rail Trip (race 3)…6f in 1:07.94.
Rafael Bejarano booted home a pair, and Ted West saddled two winners.
Saturday (11-8-08) Hollywood Park recap
Both surfaces seemed to play fair.
A productive day for jockey Joel Rosario, as he posted a win, three seconds and a pair of show finishes. Victor Espinoza booted home a pair. Jerry Hollendorfer saddled a pair of winners, and another winner for the recently hot Ted West.
Sunday (11-9-08) Hollywood Park preview
A 9-race card on tap for Sunday, featuring the $65k Hermosa Beach Handicap. There is a Pick 6 carryover of $202,608.
The 3rd race, an entry level turf route, is featured below.
Hollywood Park race 3 (Alw-1x, 3up, 8.5T)
(1) Smooth and Savvy (7-2) - 0-7 this year and 1-17 overall.
(2) Angelonmyshoulder (5-1) - No wins in 2007-08.
(3) Dr. Zaentz (10-1) - 0-9 on turf. Late runner needs pace help.
(4) Steven’s Being (4-1) - Should appreciate shorter trip. Bejarano abandons for rail horse.
(5) Great Siege (5-2) - Lightly raced $300k purchase looms the controlling speed.
(6) Yankee Bay (3-1) - Underneath all 6 entry level tries.
Analysis: Great Siege is a serious wire job threat if aggressively handled by Tyler Baze. Steven’s Being is the one true win-type in this field.
The $20 Play:
$5 to win Great Siege
$3 exacta Great Siege/Steven’s Being
$6 quinella Steven’s Being/Great Siege
$2 trifecta Great Siege/Smooth and Savvy-Yankee Bay/Steven’s Being ($4)
$1 trifecta key Steven’s Being/Smooth and Savvy-Yankee Bay ($2)
Daily Wager recap
Friday (11-7-08): Impressive FTS Rail Trip spoiled the suggested trifecta.
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