Hollywood Park news for December 21st: Grade 2 Dahlia, closing day

Saturday (12-20-08) Hollywood Park recap

Edge to early/pressing types on Cushion Track. Both turf races were taken in wire-to-wire fashion. Five wins from inside post.

Martin Pedroza booted home a pair.

My 5-1 top Gambler’s Justice almost stole the $75k Cat’s Cradle, but Bai And Bai and Spenditallbaby crept past her late.

Pioneerof the Nile (Garrett Gomez/Bob Baffert) showed improved postional speed and eeked out a nose victory in the Grade 1 CashCall Futurity. I stated that I Want Revenge was one to keep an eye on down the road, but he had his mind on running here and now. Big effort for the recent graduate, and he is clearly one to watch on the Derby trail. Chocolate Candy (wide trip) rallied for the show and should continue to progress.

Filly and Mare Turf - Vacare 5th

Sunday (12-21-08) Hollywood Park preview

Sunday’s 10-race closing day card is highlighted by the Grade 2 Dahlia Handicap (featured below). That’s a wrap at Hollywood. The Santa Anita winter meet begins December 26th.

Hollywood Park race 8 (Grade 2 Dahlia Hcp, f&m 3up, 8.5T)

(1) Vacare (5-2) – Classy mare 3 for 4 at this distance.

(2) Green Lyons (10-1) – Returns to graded ranks following solid optional claiming tally.

(3) I Can See (20-1) – Late running mare 0-10 this year.

(4) Belle Allure (5-1) – French invader owns competitive class ratings.

(6) Gotta Have Her (8-1) – 4yo filly ran a big race from post 13 when last seen at Oak Tree.

(7) Sensational Love (20-1) – Tough spot for allowance caliber 3yo filly.

(8) Valbenny (7-2) – Late running Frankel filly loves this grass course.

(9) Lady Digby (9-2) – Graham Motion’s versatile graded winner attracts Gomez.

(10) Don’t Forget Faith (30-1) – Struggled in Listed events overseas.

(11) In My Glory (15-1) – Hard hitting allowance type will take them as far as she can.

(12) Storybook (15-1) – Sadler filly tries stakes company after finishing behind Green Lyons last time.

Analysis: Gotta Have Her does her best work off a layoff, and I have always liked this gal. She owns running style versatility and reunites with fav pilot Migliore. Lady Digby has enjoyed a productive campaign and should improve over firm footing 2nd off a layoff.

The $20 Play:
$2 exacta Gotta Have Her/Lady Digby
$6 quinella Gotta Have Her/Lady Digby
$1 trifecta key Gotta Have Her/Vacare, Belle Allure, Valbenny, Lady Digby ($12)

Daily Wager recap

Thursday (12-18-08): The promising I Want Revenge split my suggested Pioneerof the Nile/Chocolate Candy quinella.

Overall: (-199.40) through 39 days of the Hollywood Park fall meet.

Photo Credit: Newscom