Sunday’s Mother’s Day Card
I caught a couple of winners late yesterday. Tizadream paid well, and a tri key with Sweeter still on top made the day worth while. Other than that, I was still quite a ways off with my handicapping of Hollywood Park. I’ll keep at it until I get it right.
Race 1 is a $16,000 Claiming race for 3 year old fillies at 6 1/2 furlongs over the Cushion Track. Almacita takes a slight drop from $20,000 to $16,000 after steadily dropping through the Santa Anita meet. She’s two for two in trips at this distance. Cupid’s Kitty didn’t get a full trip around the track last time after losing the rider. I don’t count that race in February, so she’s really been off since November. She takes a pretty good drop in class though. Applaud Dubai also drops in class from $25,000 after a win at that level and will be tough today.
Race 2 is a Maiden Claimer for $40,000 for fillies and mare 3 years old and up at 6 1/2 furlongs. Artistyandrhythem drops in from $50,000. She was left a little at the break and made a nice run at them on a speed favoring track but couldn’t get there. I expect a little improvement today and it may be enough. Hint of Lavender was running against cheaper at Turf Paradise, but stumbled out of the gate as the 6/5 favorite costing her the last race. Afternoon Gold was a little too ambitious running against Maiden Special Weights last time out and is back in where she’s got a shot.
The third race is an Allowance / Optional Claimer for $80,000 for 3 year old fillies which have never won $7,500 other than, or are non-winners of two, or are in for the claiming tag at a mile on the turf. Miss Singhsix hasn’t been in the U.S. long, and I don’t usually bet the first North American Start but this one looks like a nice and I think she’ll move up on the turf. Her two races in Ireland were both on Polytrack but she’s bred for the turf. Fire n’ Brimstone’s run 2nd in a couple of nice allowance races since finally breaking her maiden. Ginger Pop could be tough if she doesn’t bounce off that nose win last out in her maiden win.
The 4th is a $16,000 claimer for four year olds and upward at a mile and one sixteenth over the Cushion Track. Full In drops in from $50,000 and goes back to the Hollywood Cushion Track where he’s 1 for 1. He was 2 for 2 at Hollywood last year. Trainer Jerry Hollandorfer and Michael Baze combined to win 27% last year, and so far this year. Leading trainer Doug O’Neill sends out Tizmet who comes down from Bay Meadows. O’Neill wins at 20% when he takes the blinkers off. I’ll use Scrummage with those two.
Race 5 is a Maiden Special Weights race for three year olds and upward at 6 furlongs on the turf course. I’ll try long shot Dollar Mountain today. He’s very well bred for the turf but hasn’t been been out since he was a two year old. Richard Mandella and Victor Espinoza combine to win at 21% over the past year and a half. At 12/1 on the morning line I’ll take a shot. I’ll use the four year old Tizsong 2nd, and Ginobli 3rd.
The 6th is a $25,000 claimer for four year olds and upward at 6 furlongs over the Cushion Traick. Power Shift has won on the both the old Hollywood Dirt track and the Cushion Track. Lifetime he’s got 4 wins and 2 seconds in 8 lifetime starts, most against better than these. Trainer Jeff Mullins wins 27$ first off the claim, and 26% in claiming races overall. Grits has been in the money 5 0f 6 lifetime with two wins, and 4 of 4 at the this distance with 2 wins. At 15/1 I’ll try Refinery with leading rider Michael Baze. The 5 year olds dropping way down, coming off a long layoff, and runs with the ultimate equipment change, as a gelding for the first time today.
Race 7 is an Allowance / Optional Claimer for 3 year olds and up which have never won $7,500 twice other than, or are non-winners of 3, or are in for the tag at 6 furlongs. Medzendeekron is the likely favorite in here and with good reason. He ran a nice 3rd in a Grade II at Keeneland between the Santa Anita and Hollywood meets and is back sprinting on the turf where he’s more comfortable. I’ll use Towzee 2nd and Billy Allen 3rd in one that’s won’t pay a whole lot.
The 8th is the Grade III Railbird for 3 year old fillies at 7 furlongs on the Cushion Track. Lethal Heat is 3 for 3 with a Grade III win last out. She should enjoy the added distance today and looks tough to beat. I’ll use Homemade Brew and Sweet Hope with her. I’ll box the three trying for a price if Sweet Hope’s good enough to win it.
Race 9 is a Maiden Special Weights race for 3 year old and up Cal Bred maiden fillies and mares on the Cushion Track at 6 furlongs. I’ll try Dawn Star Rising at 12/1 on the morning line. Vladimir Cerin wins at 17% with first time starters with a nice $4.47 ROI. Besides, it’s Mother’s Day, and my Mom’s favorite trainer is Vladimir. I’ll use Distant Victory and Bea’s Cee with her.
Good Luck;
Ron
Tags: Horse race betting, horse race handicapping Hollywood Park, horse race waering, Horse Racing, Horse Racing results, horse racing tips, Keeneland, Santa Anita