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.