Hollywood Park news and notes: November 21st

Friday (11-21-08) Hollywood Park recap

The Friday night program is still in progress, so look for my recap in tomorrow’s Hollywood Park blog.

Saturday (11-22-08) Hollywood Park preview

Saturday’s 9-race card features the Grade 3 Vernon O. Underwood stakes.

My MySpace free selection of the day is the 4th race from Hollywood Park.

The 7th race, the aforementioned Underwood, is featured below.

Hollywood Park race 7 (Grade 3 Vernon O. Underwood, 3up, 6f)

(1) Wiredfortwotwenty (20-1) – Inside speedster gets the acid test following a pair of turf sprint optional claiming starts.

(2) Six Pack Abs (6-1) – Enters on top of his game but Gomez abandons. Tough spot for the allowance type.

(3) Noble Court (5-2) – Fragile sort always fires at this distance and will be finishing. Working well for this.

(4) Master Daniel (15-1) – $210k purchase is off form and remains eligible for an entry level spot.

(5) Bob Black Jack (2-1) – Speedy 3yo has not been seen since 16th place effort in the Kentucky Derby. Reunites with Flores.

6) Johnny Eves (3-1) – Stalking tactics used in latest CalCup place finish. Gomez shows up here, and check out that Nov. 19th bullet.

(7) Northern Soldier (12-1) – Lone 2008 win was at Fairplex. Cannot find his last synthetic score.

Analysis: This Cushion Track sprint distance favors early/pressing types from inner to middle posts. Johnny Eves might be rounding back to the form which saw him win the Malibu (YouTube replay below) and finish a nose back in the San Fernando (G2). Noble Court is the one to fear from off the pace. Bob Black Jack might need the outing as he tackles older rivals for the first time.

The $20 Play:

Daily Wager recap

Friday night (11-21-08): Results pending.

Overall: (-129.60) through 17 days of the Hollywood Park fall meet.