Free Hollywood Selections 91c4c
by Ed Meyer 2q161j
inCalifornia dreaming is always the best on Saturday. But, it is not a dream as there is always quality action. The racing can play a major role in Breeders’ Cup implications.
Hollywood Park – Saturday
Race #1 – #2 Hog’s Hollow (3-1)
Rafael Bejarano in the irons today. Gets first time blinkers, and they roll at 48% ITM with the hood. The blinkers give more focus, and shows more foot early in the game. The rider is 22% and 53% on the turf. Follow all of this up with a solid work of 1:00, and the switch from Joel Rosario to Bejarano is a move. Nothing away from Rosario, but R.B. is on his game wherever he rides.
Race #4 – #5 Z Z Warrior (2-1)
Martin Garcia for Baffert. They knock off winners at 37% and 76% ITM. 1st lasix, and incredible works from the gate give me confidence. 1:00 flat is a good sign, and the dam has dropped 100% with her babies, and has 3 starters with 3 winners. One of those was a stakes winner. Baffert is 21% with his first time starters….
Race #6 – #4 Gayego (9-5)
Bejarano once again. 2/2 at Hollywood with wins. Exits the Golden Shaheen, and shoots to beat the Dubai jinx. 7/3/10 yields a 59.3 work, and that was the best of 19 efforts that day. He can flat out fly down the lane, and look for a good effort as he is a class act.
Race #8 – #6 Rail Trip (4-5)
Bejarano for trainer Ron Ellis, and they go at 29% winners. 7/7 ITM at Hollywood, and 3 off a layoff gets 23% and 51% ITM. Used this same race last year two back to win the HGC. This race is worth $500,000, and the G-2 Californian was a solid prep. It is a tall order to repeat, but it looks good for this combo. I see Bejarano having a big day, and this could be a nice capper. Anytime you take down a G-1, it shows you have what it takes. You may have to extend with multi-race exotics, and that will be OK as it looks like he may get his picture taken. All systems are go1
Good luck!