HORSE RACING
TODAY AT HOLLYWOOD PARK
By Richard Eng
Post Time 12:30 p.m.
Race 1 – 7 furlongs, Purse $38,000, Claiming $62,500, Fillies, 2-year-olds
R Charlie’s Angel – Speedy sort can control the pace throughout, without burning out; longer distance means a softer pace.
Queen Holly – Dead late closer will sit in arrears under Gryder and make one big brush; needs some assistance up front.
Long Shot – Elsie Jo
Race 2 – 1 1/16th miles, Purse $44,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up
Royal Vision – Should be dead fit exiting 2-turn grass routes; transition from turf to Cushion track is not as daunting.
Lost Paradise – Has improved a lot since claimed by Aguirre; are you willing to take 7/5 odds after being 14/1 last time.
Long Shot – Tizmet
Race 3 – 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $20,000, Maiden claiming $40,000, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up
The Ivan Show – Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to claiming; like that Nakatani remains loyal to O’Neill.
L. A. Phil – Speedball is taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to claiming; logical chalk will try to steal it.
Long Shot – Salah
Race 4 – 1 1/4 miles (turf, rail at 15 feet), Purse $48,000, Optional claiming $40,000, 3-year-olds and up
Mi Arcobaleno – Thought he was best last time when moved prematurely to the front; Gomez will ride with a lot more patience.
Soupy – Part of an uncoupled Mullins entry in this turf marathon; enough speed to maintain striking position from the rail.
Long Shot – Stylin Cat
Race 5 – 6 furlongs, Purse $12,000, Claiming $10,000, 3-year-olds and up
Currency Trader – Speed merchant has more than enough back class to repeat a winning performance; watch for Baze’s tactics.
Zayed – Hard knocking veteran has been close, but no cigar, many times this season; should get a nice stalking position.
Long Shot – Smokin Forest
Race 6 – 1 mile (turf, rail at 15 feet), Purse $40,000, Claiming $62,500, 3-year-olds and up
Seeking Answers – Game win last time, has shown enough where he can win right back; there will be plenty of pace to chase.
Dealer Choice – Been away 7-months, but has a decided class edge over this field; Frankel factor is always worth considering.
Long Shot – Black Jack Attack
Race 7 – 1 1/16th miles, Purse $58,000, Allowance, 3-year-olds and up
Fly Dorcego – We’ll see if his stalking style is more effective around 2-turns; came up a stride short in last two starts.
Mr. Katz – Won’t be on the lead today with superior early speed in the field; he’s proven he’s better stalking the pace.
Long Shot – Masterpiece
Race 8 – 1 1/16th miles (turf, rail at 15 feet), Purse $44,000, Maiden special weights, Fillies, 2-year-olds
Fire n’ Brimstone – Chance to sit a trip and try to grind it out late; Garcia needs to remain very patient throughout.
Royal Humor – Speedball will try to utilize the advantage of the turf rail out 15 feet; may be more courageous than these.
Long Shot – Cheryl’s Surprise
Best Bet – Seeking Answers (race 6)
Hollywood Sunday- Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 18/3/$23.20; Long Shots, 9/1/$16.20; Best Bet, 1/0/$0
Hollywood Totals – 83/17/$114.60; Long Shots, 42/7/$73.20; Best Bets, 5/2/$6.20