Hollywood Park news and notes: November 22, 2008
November 22, 2008 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under California Racing, Horses, Jockeys, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers
Friday (11-21-08) Hollywood Park recap
Edge to early/pressing types on the main. The lone turf sprint carded was taken by an off the pace type.
Hat trick for Tyler Baze. Rafael Bejarano booted home a pair. Doug O’Neill saddled two winners on Friday night.
Saturday (11-22-08) Hollywood Park recap
Edge to early/pressing types on both surfaces.
Four bagger for Garrett Gomez. John Sadler saddled a pair of winners on the card.
Johnny Eves got back on the beam with a gritty stalk and pounce tally in the Grade 3 Underwood. Bob Black Jack needed the outing as expected. Six furlongs in 1:07.90.
Sunday (11-23-08) Hollywood Park preview
Sunday’s 9-race card features the Grade 3 Hollywood Prevue and includes a Super High 5 carryover of $55,778 (race 9).
My MySpace free selection of the day is the 4th race from Hollywood Park.
The 8th race, the aforementioned Hollywood Prevue, is featured below.
Hollywood Park race 8 (Grade 3 Hollywood Prevue, 2yo, 7f)
(1) Jack O’ Lantern (15-1) – Added blinkers and won smartly in high end maiden claimer last time.
(2) Backbackbackgone (2-1) – Speedy sort tries to go 4-4. Win margins shrinking as distances increase.
(3) Azul Leon (9-5) – The class play is 2-2 at Hollywood.
(4) Ventana (4-1) – Showed talent in Belmont bow. Off his game in last pair but training very well for this.
(5) Congor Bay (6-1) – Undefeated (2-2) Woodbine shipper owns fine tactical speed.
(6) Arashi Cat (5-1) – $200k Fusaichi Pegasus-Storm Cat colt earned improved fig 2nd time out.
Analysis: This Cushion Track sprint distance has favored stalkers from inner posts. Backbackbackgone is the one to reel in but might not want to go this far. Azul Leon might end up with too much to do. Ventana is the one that intrigues. He was ultra-impressive in bow, and he experienced a troubled start when thrown to the wolves 2nd time out in the Champagne (G1). He got acclimated to synthetic versus similar last out, and he’s ready to rumble based on recent morning activity. An alert beginning might be all it takes for Baffert’s $410k purchase.
The $20 Play:
$20 to win Ventana
Daily Wager recap
Friday night (11-21-08): Ransom Captive ($9.60) got the job done. Suggested $14 win bet brought back $67.20.
Saturday (11-22-08): Johnny Eves ($9.00) kept the streak going. Suggested $8 win bet returned $36.00.
Overall: (-66.40) through 19 days of the Hollywood Park fall meet.
