HORSE RACING
TODAY AT HOLLYWOOD PARK
By Richard Eng
Post Time 1:20 p.m.
Race 1 – 6 furlongs, Purse $18,000, Maiden claiming $32,000, 3-year-olds and up
Made the Finals – This race is so poor, I’ll go with the two FTS; Gaines barn has been quiet off a hot Santa Anita meeting.
General Ron S – By good debut stallion General Meeting, would not be shocked if he rolls late; need not be much to upset.
Long Shot – Six Again
Race 2 – 7 1/2 furlongs, Purse $23,000, Claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds and up
Ironstar – Would not be surprised if Sherman wins first off the claim, again; has tons of back class where this is easier.
I Beat the Fire – Chalk ran a career best last time and still lost; like the turn back in distance to this elongated sprint.
Long Shot – High Eena
Race 3 – 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $18,000, Maiden claiming $32,000, 2-year-olds
Carson’s Copper – May be lone speed, which is the best way to win on Cushion track; Solis clients are starting to heat up.
Crafty Ruler – Didn’t run a step last time after putting on the blinkers; his debut race was pretty good, must repeat that.
Long Shot – Dusty Trail
Race 4 – 1 1/16th miles (turf, rail at 20 feet), Purse $51,000, Allowance, Fillies, 3-year-olds
Le Cirque – Gets class relief off a decent try in the Honeymoon; she kind of lazy, suspect Espinoza will ride her hard.
Nootka Island – Dead late closer got up in the final stride; she moves up in class where they may not be so accomodating.
Long Shot – Follow the Clues
Race 5 – 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $15,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
After Curfew – Taking a significant class drop to face much easier foes; suspect can be rated if necessary just off the pace.
Thessaloniki – Didn’t run a step last time after a good try two races ago; she could rebound today at a square price.
Long Shot – Tuff N Lucky
Race 6 – 1 mile (turf, rail at 20 feet), Purse $58,000, Optional claiming $100,000, 4-year-olds and up
Crossing the Line – If he runs anything close to his U.S. debut, he’ll win; may have bled in New Zealand, can use Lasix here.
Soul City Slew – I like the way Potts is riding, and winning, without having the best horse; Sherman charge is improving.
Long Shot – Guiding Hand
Race 7 – 6 furlongs, $100,000 Hollywood Juvenile Championship, 2-year-olds
Leonides – I’ll try to beat the short priced favorite, Booted; Cerin rarely cranks up his babies, this colt won in hand.
Salute the Sarge – Was flattered when Slam Slew won next time out; he may not go far but appears to be a talented sprinter.
Long Shot – Overextended
Race 8 – 5 1/2 furlongs, Purse $15,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Flower Fusion – Heavy favorite due to the lack of talent in the field as well as her own talents; taking a big class drop.
Eboness – Been away 14-months, is among two horses dropping from MSW to claiming; she need not be much to compete with these.
Long Shot – Excessive Moves
Best Bet – Crossing the Line (race 6)
Hollywood Monday – Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 15/1/$6.80; Long Shots, 8/2/$27.80; Best Bet, 1/0/$0
Hollywood Totals – 885/204/$1,351.20; Long Shots, 430/60/$651.20; Best Bets, 52/22/$94.40