HORSE RACING
TODAY AT HOLLYWOOD PARK
By Richard Eng
Post Time 7:05 p.m.
Race 1 - 7 furlongs, Purse $46,000, Maiden special weights, Cal-breds, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Shezbad - Dead late closer taking a step back up in class tonight; like that Nakatani remains loyal, be charging late.
Themis Valentine - Speedball hoping the Cushion track tightens up and her speed carries; O'Neill taking the blinkers off.
Long Shot - Lighten Up Rule
Race 2 - 1 1/16th miles (turf), Purse $51,000, Allowance, Cal-breds, 3-year-olds and up
Unusual Suspect - Making his third start off a 4-month hiatus; Smith figures to sit in arrears and make one run.
Teeman - Speedy sort outran his high odds last time for Van Berg; is an undeserving chalk, but he may pair up races.
Long Shot - Unusual Treasure
Race 3 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $15,000, Claiming $10,000, 4-year-olds and up
Franklin's Tower - Ran miserably last time, which can only help his odds today; he has back class and could rebound.
Hudson Bank - Beaten favorite is from the hottest barn going right now, Ellis; suspect will sit midpack and grind late.
Long Shot - Storm Ultra
Race 4 - 1 1/16th miles, Purse $16,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, 3-year-olds and up
American Influence - Beaten chalk figures to offer much better value tonight; tactical speed to sit a perfect trip.
Up in the Gods - Dead late closer is making his third start off a 22-month sabbatical; Smith business is picking up.
Long Shot - I'm a Shoe In
Race 5 - 6 furlongs, Purse $21,000, Claiming $16,000, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up
Kelly Carson - Bugboy Talamo does a great job getting horses to relax and run on late; West filly has much back class.
Miss Silver Image - Speedy sort figures to duke it out early; like many in the field, she is taking a big class drop.
Long Shot - Mama Lula
Race 6 - 1 mile (turf), Purse $36,000, Claiming $40,000, Fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up
Trick a Cat - Tiny edge in a very difficult race; has proven to be stronger on grass and is taking a class drop.
Butterfly Belle - Dead late closer ran better than looked in last; Blanc is good at saving ground and rallying late.
Long Shot - Abbey Cat
Race 7 - 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $49,000, Allowance, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Theverythoughtof U - Looked like a monster winning last time, now facing winners for the first time; will be flying late.
Meetmeinthewoods - Started a step slow in last and was left with way too much to do late; expect improvement tonight.
Long Shot - Two Times Won
Race 8 - 6 furlongs, Purse $15,000, Maiden claiming $25,000, Fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up
Neutrality - Like the rider switch to bugboy Talamo for the money shot; runs best when off the pace and grinding late.
Hesperia Sue - The less starts the better at this bottom class level; suspect will break better and close the fastest.
Long Shot - Afleet's Desire
Best Bet - Neutrality (race 9)
Hollywood Thursday - Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 16/1/$11.20; Long Shots, 8/3/$30.40; Best Bet, 1/0/$0
Hollywood Totals - 482/113/$729.20; Long Shots, 238/33/$360.60; Best Bets, 28/13/$52.40
