The much anticipated 85-day Fair Grounds meet kicks off on November 6th. Those who follow this blog know that I am the Louisiana Downs Track Handicapper, and just like last year I look forward to sharing my thoughts about the New Orleans oval as well.
One of the changes to the new meet is the Louisiana Derby. Formerly run at a mile and a sixteenth seven weeks prior to the Kentucky Derby, it will now be contested at nine furlongs five weeks before the first Saturday in May.
Exotic bettors should be happy to hear that a $1 Super High 5 will be offered on …read more

Sunday (12-07-08) Hollywood Park recap
Early/pressing types dominated on Cushion Track. A pair of wire jobs in the four turf races carded.
Hat trick for Rafael Bejarano (2 turf wins), and Michael Baze booted home a pair on the turf.
Figeac blew the first turn in the grassy 2nd. She opened up a huge lead down the backside and gamely held the place behind runaway chalky winner Cavanal.
Briecat (Court/Cerin) never looked back in a sharp victory over fav Model in the 27th Bayakoa Handicap. The wire job winner paid $28.80.

Wednesday (12-10-08) Hollywood Park preview
Wednesday’s 8-race card features …read more

Thursday (11-27-08) Hollywood Park recap
Cushion Track played fair with a trio of 8.5 furlong wire jobs.
Garrett Gomez booted home a pair, and Marcelo Polanco saddled two winners on the Thanksgiving Day card.
Nice confidence boosting maiden win for Oro Blanco in the opener. She has been competitive versus winners and will likely return to the stakes ranks shortly. Nice comeback win for Bsharpsonata in the Playa del Rey. That was her first start for Pletcher, and bigger things are on the horizon. Prompt fav Slew’s Tiznow easily captured the War Chant for Bejarano/O’Neill.
Friday (11-28-08) Hollywood Park preview
Friday’s 10-race card kicks …read more

Wednesday (11-19-08) Hollywood Park recap

Edge to early/pressing types on Cushion Track. Stalkers fared best on the sod.
Hat trick for Victor Espinoza. Martin Garcia and Garrett Gomez both booted home a pair of winners. Caesar Dominguez and John Sadler both saddled two winners on the card.
Thursday (11-20-08) Hollywood Park preview
Thursday’s 8-race card features a Pick 6 carryover of $67,116 (races 3-8), and a Super High 5 carryover of $46,258 (race 8).
My MySpace free selection of the day is the 2nd race from Hollywood Park.
The 5th race, a state bred optional claiming sprint, is featured below.
Hollywood Park race …read more

Friday (11-14-08) Hollywood Park recap
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 …read more