HOLLYWOOD PARK Friday, May 31, 2013

Tough day yesterday. Another tough card today. Good luck!

Race 1

#1 - TRICKSAREFORKIDS - Taking a flier on a hot horse from Los Alamitos.

Race 2

#5 - TWIN SIX - Drops in class, turf to cushion track angle.

Race 3

#4 - DI CONTI - Second time starter who shows early speed and should improve.

Race 4

#4 - FLASHY DELIGHT - Takes a big drop in class off a claim by hot trainer Peter Miller.

Race 5

#5 - RUN’N ON RESIDUALS - Won his last two starts and steps up into allowance company, shows excellent works and tries the turf off a layoff.

Race 6

#2 - ANOTHER SKY - Finished 3rd in her last start, early speed should help in the switch from the turf to the cushion track.

Race 7

#2 - WARREN’S INTERNET - Tried stakes company in her last start, previous winner at Bhp.

Race 8

#6 - LL COOL JO - Finished 2nd in her last start, shows good works and seems to like the turf.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Thursday, May 30, 2103

Only one short priced winner on Monday’s program. Bottom of the barrel card today. Good luck!

Race 1

#3 - FIESTA EXPRESS - Big drop in class, 4/7 in the money at the distance.

Race 2

#8 - TRIUNFO - Finished 3rd in his last start, value choice against the favorite.

Race 3

#10 - TUX - Continues to improve and should be coming at the end.

Race 4

#6 - SMIL’N FROM ABOVE - Finished 3rd in her last start, 4/5 in the money at the distance.

Race 5

#4 - UNBRIDLED GIANT - Broke maiden in his last start on the turf at today’s distance, shows good works for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert.

Race 6

#5 - TAYRONA - Second time starter who is due to show a big improvement off solid works.

Race 7

#6 - LITTLE JERRY - Finished 2nd in his last start in a stakes try, seems to like the turf.

Race 8

#7 - ALSACE - Finished 2nd in his last start and drops to the bottom maiden claiming level off a layoff, should be coming at the end.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Monday, May 27, 2013

Out of the red and into the black for the meet. My slump is officially over. Only one win on yesterday’s card, but it was a bomb paying $67.20. Super Memorial Day program today. Good luck!

Race 1

#7 - ME LIKE MIKEY - Drops in class, previous winner at Bhp, turf to cushion track angle.

Race 2

#12 - BIG G SECRET CRAB - First time starter who shows works out of the gate and faces a weak field.

Race 3

#4 - ITALIAN RULES - Finished 2nd in his last start in a stakes try, Kevin Krigger rides.

Race 4 - G3 Los Angeles Handicap

#6 - CENTRAL INTELIGENCE - Closer who should like the extra distance.

Race 5

#5 - CORINTHIAN’S SONG - 5/7 in the money, Bejarano on turf.

Race 6

#1 - DOMONATION - Finished 3rd in his last start and drops in class, 3/3 in the money at the distance.

Race 7

#5 - MR. CANDY BAR - Previous winner on the turf at the distance, Martin Pedroza aboard.

Race 8

#7 - REAL CONUNDRUM - Finished 2nd in his last start, closer who has a previous win at the distance.

Race 9 - G1 Gamely Stakes

#6 - LADY OF SHAMROCK - Finished 2nd in her last start, multiple winner on the turf at the distance, shows good works and Bejarano rides.

Race 10

#10 - NAVIGATE THE STARS - First time starter sent out by the Talamo/Puype combination against a weak field.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Sunday, May 26, 2013

Monster day for me yesterday with six winners. Tough day for the players resulting in a Pick 6 carryover for today of almost $114K. Good luck!

Race 1 

#6 - INNER GROOVE - Finished 3rd in her last start, drops in class and shows good works.

Race 2

#7 - RUSSEL’S RUN - Previous winner on the turf at the distance.

Race 3

#1 - GO TO THE PULPIT - Shipper from Turf Paradise scored a big win in his last start, moves up two levels to repeat.

Race 4

#3 - OUR MAGIC COUPLE - Taking a flier on another shipper from Turf Paradise, turf to cushion track angle.

Race 5

#3 - MOJAVE DESERT - Longshot shows turf and two turn experience.

Race 6

#9 - WARREN’S RAIL BIRD - Finished 2nd in his last start, 2/3 in the money.

Race 7

#3 - GIVINE - G3 try in his last start, shows good works, sent out by cagy trainer Julio Canani.

Race 8

#4 - SECRET GENIUS - Taking a flier on a filly who tried a stakes race in her last start and is 6/8 in the money at the distance.

Race 9

#10 - MILK MAN RAY - Finished 3rd in his last start, now or never for this bottom level maiden claimer.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Saturday, May 25, 2013

One winner on yesterday’s card out of seven races played. Nice program today for the start of the holiday weekend. Good luck!

Race 1

#1 - SPRAGUE RIVER - First time starter who shows good works.

Race 2

#4 - PRINCELADA - Wired the field in her last start, steps up one level to repeat.

Race 3 - G2 American Handicap

#2 - OBVIOUSLY - Finished 2nd in his last start, has plenty of early speed and shows good works for trainer Mike Mitchell.

Race 4

#1 - SAY OW - Just missed in his last start and shows good works for cagy veteran trainer Julio Canani.

Race 5

#9 - FACOLTOSO - Drops in class, 9/16 in the money on the turf.

Race 6

#7 - CELEBRITY STATUS - Big maiden win in his last start, steps into allowance company for hot trainer Donald Warren.

Race 7

#8 - STELLAR ATMOSPHERE - First time starter sent out by the Maldonado/Headley team.

Race 8

#7 - WILLYCONKER - Drops in class and shows multiple wins on the turf, at the distance and at Bhp.

Race 9

#14 - DESTINO - Drops to the bottom maiden claiming level, now or never for this 0/16 runner against a weak field.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Friday, May 24, 2013

Best day of the meet yesterday with three winners out of seven races played including a $28.60 winner. Hope I have found the winning formula. Good luck today!

Race 1

#6 - ALPINE LUCK - Second time starter who finished 3rd in his debut.

Race 2

#5 - METAXA - Shows early speed and has good works.

Race 3

#4 - SINGLE LAUNCH - Closer who should like the extra distance.

Race 4

#6 - LAKE MARACAIBO - Finished 2nd in her last start, turf to cushion track angle, Smith/Spawr team up.

Race 5

#8 - AIN - Finished 2nd in his last start, should be able to handle the marathon distance, will be coming at the end.

Race 6

#1 - ALYDIDIT - Stakes try in his last start, shows good works.

Race 7

#6 - CONKATE - Just missed in her last start, Maldonado rides.

Race 8

#6 - AQUA FEVER - Finished 2nd in his last start, shows early speed, hot Jeff Mullins trains.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Thursday, May 23, 2013

Worst day of the meet on Sunday. Time to try another approach. Good luck today!

Race 1

#1 - SPOOKY LADY - Takes a big drop in class, 2/3 in the money at Bhp.

Race 2

#5 - ON THE BACKSTREETS - First time starter who shows good works for trainer Peter Miller.

Race 3

#8 - TRIBAL CHATTER - Finished 2nd in her last start, shows good works.

Race 4

#5 - CANDY FOR DEBBIE - Shipper from the Pacific Northwest has two turn experience.

Race 5

#10 - TOOMANYTOMATOES - Won her last two starts and claimed in her last, steps up into allowance company to go for the hat trick, 2/3 wins at Bhp.

Race 6

#3 - VOLKONSKY - First time starter who shows good works for the Bejarano/Warren connections.

Race 7

#3 - WINE STOCK - Won a maiden claimer in his last start, takes a big step up in class to repeat for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert.

Race 8

#9 - OUR BOY BENJAMIN - Finished 2nd in his last start, takes a big step up in class but seems to like the cushion track much better than the turf.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Sunday, May 19, 2013

Congratulations to Gary Stevens for a brilliant ride aboard Oxbow to win the Preakness Stakes. He is in the Hall of Fame for good reason and proved it again, an amazing feat given that he came out of retirement after being off for seven years. I know of no other athlete that has ever accomplished something like that.

Three winners out of ten races played yesterday.  Good luck today!

Race 1 

#6 - PRIVILAGED - Finished 3rd in his last start, drops in class, Bejarano rides.

Race 2

#1 - BYRONY - Finished 3rd in a stakes race in her last start, 2/3 wins at Bhp, Bejarano aboard.

Race 3

#1 - OUR LUCKY SON - Drops in class to run for a tag, shows good works, Maldonado rides.

Race 4

#3 - PROUD BOK - Drops to the bottom maiden claiming level, closing style should fit the extra distance.

Race 5

#7 - PEPPY BOLLY - Big win in her last start, steps into allowance company to repeat.

Race 6

#1 - ROYAL MERIDIAN - Takes a big drop in class and shows good works for trainer Mike Puype.

Race 7

#3 - COMPARI - G2 try in his last start, previous winner at Bhp and the distance, runs off a layoff with Gomez aboard.

Race 8

#3 - HAIL MARY - Wired the field in her last start, seems to like Bhp and the 7F distance, Mike Mitchell trains.

Race 9

#2 - DON’T LOSE FAITH - Just missed in her last start, shows good works for the Maldonado/Miller connections.

HOLLYWOOD PARK & PREAKNESS STAKES Saturday, May 18, 2013

Only two short priced winners on yesterday’s card, so the slump continues. To break out, I will be trying a slightly different approach in order to find some longer priced runners. If I am going to go down the drain, I prefer to do it on better value rather than chalk. Should be a very exciting day today. Good luck!

Pimlico - Race 12 - G1 Preakness Stakes

#1 - ORB - Hard to go against the very impressive Kentucky Derby winner. Even with the unfavorable post position, Joel Rosario should be able to save ground and gain position on the back stretch before firing down the stretch to win the second leg of the triple crown. #5 MY LUTE - Should be coming hard at the end under Rosie Napravnik to edge out the front running #6 OXBOW - Ridden by Hall of Fame Jockey Gary Stevens who will try to front steal the race.

Race 1 

#1 - AWSOME ADDRESS - Drops to run for a tag and shows good works.

Race 2

#4 - DERRINGER - Looks like the early speed and shows excellent works, Bejarano rides.

Race 3

#7 - WEDNESDAY - Finished 2nd in a stakes try in her last race, shows good works, Bejarano aboard.

Race 4

#4 - SAL TEQUILA LIME - Second time starter who runs off a long layoff for Bob Baffert.

Race 5

#6 - DANCINGTOTHESTARS - Finished 3rd in a stakes race in her last start, 3/4 in the money on the turf, Mario Gutierrez rides.

Race 6

#2 - SALTY FORECAST - Big maiden claiming win in her last start, steps up into the claiming ranks, Maldonado/Miller are the connections.

Race 7

#2 - MR. BOSSY PANTS - Finished 2nd in his last start and drops in class, 10/12 in the money on the turf, Maldonado rides.

Race 8

#5 - SPORTS REPORT - Finished 2nd in his last start, sent out by Peter Miller.

Race 9

#4 - ROCK ME BABY - Finished 2nd in his last start, 5/5 in the money, Maldonado aboard.

Race 10 - G2 Marjorie L. Everett Handicap

#4 - LADY OF FIFTY - Finished 3rd in a G2 in her last start, previous winner at Bhp and the distance, Bejarano/Hollendorfer team up for this one.

Race 11

#3 - GOODTOBEWILD - Finished 2nd in both her starts and shows good works for trainer Mike Puype.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Friday, May 17, 2013

My slump continues as I had only one short priced winner yesterday. Another tough card today. Good luck!

Race 1

#4 - NIGHT DANCE - Finished 2nd in her last two starts, shows good works for the Gomez/Mitchell team.

Race 2

#2 - PINCELADA - Big drop in class and shows good works.

Race 3

#2 - TOPIC - Shipper from Golden Gate finished 2nd in her last start.

Race 4

#7 - TENKILLER KID - Drops to run for a tag, Bejarano/Hollendorfer are the connections.

Race 5

#7 - WINSOME CHARM - 4/5 in the money at Bhp, tries to fire off a long layoff.

Race 6

#7 - JAYCITO - G3 try in his last start, 2/3 wins at Bhp, shortens to a more suitable distance off a marathon race.

Race 7

#4 - SWEET RED CAT - Finished 3rd in a G3 in her last start, previous winner on the turf and distance at Bhp, Gomez rides.

Race 8

#9 - CHARISMA CODE - First time starter who shows good works for trainer Dean Pederson.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Thursday, May 16, 2013

Two winners on Sunday’s card. Good luck today!

Race 1

#1 - GOT EVEN GIRL - First time starter ridden by hot jockey Edwin Maldonado.

Race 2

#6 - LIMITED RESPONSE - Big win in his last start, running style fits the turf.

Race 3

#5 - BROOKLYN ROSE - Big win in her last start and claimed, takes a big step up in class to repeat, Bejarano rides.

Race 4

#1 - MAILBU LOVE - She seems to like the distance, 4/6 in the money at Bhp.

Race 5

#2 - WARREN’S FLASHER - Wins in her last two starts, Bejarano on turf for the hat trick.

Race 6

#1 - BAS - Finished 3rd in her last start, drops to the bottom maiden claiming level.

Race 7

#4 - BROKEN SWORD - Golden Gate shipper finished 3rd in his last start, Bejarano/Hollendorfer team up.

Race 8

#3 - TRIBALISTA - First time starter sent out by the Bejarano/Hollendorfer connections.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Sunday, May 12, 2013

After seventy-five glorious years, the announcement that Hollywood Park will be closing at the end of 2013 comes with great sadness. A friend and I started going to Hollywood Park after our last period high school classes in the spring of 1966 and 1967 to bet the free admission 9th race. The memory of the great Harry Henson calling Native Diver going to the lead with Jerry Lambert aboard still resonates with me even after all these years. The “Track of the Lakes and Flowers” will be sorely missed. 

Only two short priced winners on yesterday’s card. Congratulations to Rafael Bejarano on win number 3,000. Good luck today!

Race 1

#3 - ROLANDA - Big maiden claiming win in her last start, shows good works, Bejarano rides.

Race 2

#4 - SMART N DREAMY - First time starter sent out by the Garcia/Puype team.

Race 3

#6 - LEMON HERO - Drops in class to run for a tag, Bejarano aboard.

Race 4

#2 - CHICO SUERTE - Drops to the bottom maiden claiming level, shows good works.

Race 5

#4 - PRETTYPRICEYGIRL - Drops in class, should be coming at the end.

Race 6

#2 - PATRIOTIC LION - Finished 2nd in his last two starts, it is now or never for this 0/22 bottom level feeder.

Race 7

#1 - LIME RICKEY - G2 try in his last start, Bejarano on turf.

Race 8

#4 - GALLANT GENT - Finished 2nd in his last start, drops in class of the layoff.

Race 9

#4 - KANOTWAIT - Bejarano stays around to ride in this grab bag finale.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Saturday, May 11, 2013

Three short priced winners on yesterday’s card.  Good luck today!

Race 1

#5 - ONDINE - Big win in her last start, shows good works, sent out by the Bejarano/Baffert team.

Race 2

#4 - BROKER BRETT - Finished 3rd in his last start, 3/4 in the money on the turf.

Race 3

#1 - LET EM SHINE - Wired the field in his last start, sent out by the high percentage Maldonado/Kitchingman connections.

Race 4

#1 - SO ELITE - Golden Gate shipper finished 2nd in his last start, should run at a price.

Race 5

#10 - PRIME NUMBER - Looks like the speed of the speed, shows good works to prepare.

Race 6 - G3 Senorita Stakes

#8 - SCARLET STRIKE - G3 win in her last start, shows good works, Bejarano/Hollendorfer team up.

Race 7

#2 - STORMIN LUTE - Live first time starter for the Garcia/Baffert team.

Race 8

#7 - SIROCCO STRIKE - G3 try in his last start, sent out by high quality trainer Jeff Mullins.

Race 9

#2 - DARK TIMBERS - Finished 3rd in his last start, big shot against a grab bag field.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Friday, May 10, 2013

Only one short priced winner on yesterday’s card. Good luck today!

Race 1

#2 - COOK INLET - Won his last start, steps up two class levels to repeat, Bejarano rides.

Race 2

#5 - ROSSI RESERVE - Finished 2nd in her last start, 4/6 in the money at the distance, it is about time she finally scores.

Race 3

#8 - DREAMOFATTICUS - First time starter who shows good works, Bejarano aboard.

Race 4

#4 - GLORYANDPRAYER - Finished 3rd in her last start, drops in class to fire for trainer Steve Knapp.

Race 5

#2 - US CITIZEN - Previous winner at Bhp and the distance, Bejarano guides.

Race 6

#5 - COLOSSIANS - First time starter sent out by the Garcia/Baffert team.

Race 7

#6 - HALF STRIKE - Finished 2nd in his last two starts, Bejarano rides.

Race 8

#8 - U’NARACK - Second time starter who finished 2nd in his debut, sent out by Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Thursday, May 9, 2013

Good day on Sunday with four winners on the nine race card. Good luck today!

Race 1 

#2 - JUSTA GUSTA - Won his last start at one level below today, should stalk the pace.

Race 2

#2 - DIVINE WAY - First time starter who shows good works.

Race 3

#3 - SQUARE DANCER - Won his last start, 4/4 in the money on the turf.

Race 4

#7 - RAISE THE HOOF - First time starter who shows good works for the Bejarano/Bonde team.

Race 5

#3 - MY BRIGHT CAROLINE - Taking a flier on a longshot against a weak field.

Race 6

#7 - JOHNNY BE MINE - Finished 2nd in his last start, shows good works for Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

Race 7

#3 - ESENTEPE - G3 try in her last start, drops in class and shows good works for the Bejarano/Hollendorfer connections.

Race 8

#3 - ROUST’EM BERTIE - Shows turf experience, sent out by trainer Mike Puype.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Sunday, May 5, 2013

Two winners out of ten races played yesterday. Looks like more of a weekday card than a weekend card today. Good luck!

Race 1 

#3 - ONE WORLD - Drops in class, 2/2 in the money at the distance.

Race 2

#3 - STREETS OF HEAVEN - Finished 2nd in his last two starts, Bejarano rides.

Race 3

#3 - TEDDY’S PROMISE - Finished 2nd in a G3 in her last start, 2/2 in the money at the distance.

Race 4

#1 - R DOUBLEDAY - Takes a big drop in class, Pedroza rides.

Race 5

#2 - THE WHOLE DEAL - Won his last start at the same level, looks like the speed of the speed.

Race 6

#7 - MI HIJO - Second time starter who finished 2nd in his debut.

Race 7

#4 - NIAGRA FALLS - Shows turf experience and has Pedroza aboard.

Race 8

#2 - GALLANT FIELDS - Drops in class to run for a tag, 4/5 in the money at the distance, shows good works.

Race 9

#5 - MEZZANOTTE - Drops to run for a tag and shows good works for trainer Mike Puype.

HOLLYWOOD PARK & KENTUCKY DERBY Saturday, May 4, 2013

Good day yesterday with three winners out of seven races played. Eleven race supporting card at Betfair Hollywood Park on Derby Day as they “Run for the Roses” in Kentucky. Good luck!

Churchill Downs - Race 11 - G1 Kentucky Derby

#14 - VERRAZANO - Hard to go against this undefeated colt in a wide open race. Jockey John Velazquez should stalk a fast pace and urge this runner to fire past the leaders in the stretch giving trainer Todd Pletcher his second Derby win. Look for OVERANALYZE to come from the back under jockey Rafael Bejarano to complete the exacta just ahead of GOLDENCENTS who should be the leader with jockey Kevin Krigger when they turn for home.

Race 1 

#5 - SPRING BLOOM - Finished 2nd and claimed in her last start, previous winner at Bhp and the distance.

Race 2

#3 - BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT - Second time starter who finished 3rd in her debut.

Race 3

#1 - WOEBEGON - Big win and claimed in her last start, shows good works to repeat.

Race 4

#7 - PRINCESS OF PEARL - Just missed in her last start, seems to like today’s distance.

Race 5

#6 - COMMA TO THE TOP - G2 try in his last start, excellent works for this short sprint.

Race 6

#7 - MACHO DORADO - Finished 2nd and claimed in his last start, drops one level to score, previous winner at Bhp and the distance.

Race 7

#9 - GONNA FLY NOW - Finished 3rd in his last start, shows a previous win at Bhp.

Race 8

#2 - FASHION SECRET - Second time starter who finished 2nd in her debut, if she breaks better today she should win.

Race 9

#11 - ARRAIGNMENT - Stakes try in his last start, 2/4 wins at Bhp.

Race 10 - G2 Mervyn Leroy Handicap

#3 - GUILT TRIP - G1 try in his last start, previous winner of the G2 Strub Stakes at Santa Anita, shows excellent works to prepare for today.

Race 11

#11 - LICO - Drops to run for a tag, should be coming at the end. 

HOLLYWOOD PARK & KENTUCKY OAKS Friday, May 3, 2013

Two winners out of seven races played yesterday. Tough card again today at Hollywood Park plus the Kentucky Oaks. Good luck!

Churchill Downs - Race 11 - G1 Kentucky Oaks 

#8 - DREAMING OF JULIA - Has matured enough to run down the G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies champion, Beholder, off her giant 21 length win in the G2 Gulfstream Oaks, John Velazquez guides for Todd Pletcher.

Race 1 

#1 - NINNAVEE - Second time starter who shows good early speed for this short sprint.

Race 2

#3 - BIPARTISAN - Big maiden claiming win in his last start, should repeat as a claimer.

Race 3

#5 - SECRET COVE - Won her last start, drops one class level to repeat.

Race 4

#5 - MANGITA - Big maiden claiming win as a first time starter in her last start, closing style should fit the stretch out around two turns.

Race 5

#3 - COLLATION - Stakes try in his last start, turf to cushion track angle.

Race 6

#10 - ITSALWAYSSOMETHING - Second time starter who finished 2nd in his debut.

Race 7

#4 - MANANDO - Finished 2nd in his last start, looks like the speed of the speed and shows good works for trainer Bob Baffert.

Race 8

#1 - QUALITY PLAN - First time starter who shows super works for Bob Baffert.

HOLLYWOOD PARK Thursday, May 2, 2013

Three wins and a profitable day on Sunday. Very challenging card today. Good luck!

Race 1 

#1 - HALO RAE - First time starter sent out by trainer Bob Baffert.

Race 2

#3 - TRIBAL CUSTOM - Shipper from Golden Gate should have enough early speed to front steal this one.

Race 3

#9 - MILK MAN RAY - Drops to the bottom maiden claiming level to score.

Race 4

#3 - DAYLIGHT STORM - Big win in his last start but runs off a long layoff.

Race 5

#1 - WILKINSON - Stakes try in his last start, shows previous win at Bhp and the distance.

Race 6

#2 - SAMURAI JESS - Finished 2nd in her last start, 3/3 in the money at the distance.

Race 7

#8 - KEYBOARD COURAGE - Big win in his last start, shows excellent works to prepare for the big step up in class.

Race 8

#13 - WARREN’S NICHOLAS - Finished 2nd in his last start, shows experience on the turf at the distance.