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.