HOLLYWOOD
ST TRINIANS: Was a step slow out of the gate, but her jockey took hold and got her to the outside out of trouble. She continued on the outside, came wide into the stretch and surged home to win going away. In one of the worst rulings I’ve ever seen, the stewards ruled she caused trouble when drifting in. She did, but the horse down on the rail was never going to get anything. Nobody in the race was going to beat St Trinians.
L.A. WEEKEND: First-time starter was let go at 25-1 and battled like a colt on a mission. Drew away in the stretch and then held off the 3-2 chalk. If you were on www.gamingtoday.com on May 21 you would have gotten this horse along with the second and third finishers with the trifecta paying $499.70 for $1.
THE WHAMMER: This colt was making his second try on the grass. His first was a long time ago, but he looked in top form with a big shot in this race. He prompted the pace while down on the inside, but got shuffled back when in tight going into the first turn. Was checked hard off heels and had no shot after that. Did finish a clear fourth. In top form and will redeem himself next time out. $$$$$
BLUEGRASS STORY: Jerry Hollendorfer’s first time starter was bet like a good thing, going off at even money. Just came up short of running down the speedy Silent Sue who had a race. This filly was more than two lengths clear of the rest of the field. Will be a nice single next time out in the picks.
SIXFIFTYFOUR: First time starter was up against it in this straight maiden race for fillies and mares. Was facing the highly regarded Orientatious who romped in here. Sixfiftyfour broke dead last and shot up the rail to get the lead. She naturally packed it in after a half mile, but that quick burst of speed was eye catching. With a clean break she will be very dangerous in her next start at what will be a big price. This field was loaded with some potential talent and could end up being a key race. Keep an eye out for all those exiting the Orientatious race.
FAVORABLE: First time starter took plenty of money in the early and late betting. She hopped at the start and just wanted to pull the jockey out of the saddle. Took hold but when he asked her to run she didn’t. This filly was claimed by trainer Mike Mitchell for $50k so look for her to come out running next time.
ENGLISH ROYAL: Speedy filly was trying the grass for the first time and really took to it at 11-1. Fought it out ‘til the end and gamely held second in a top effort.
SCORPION WARRIOR: Was wide in the early going and then made a four-wide run into the stretch in this 4½ furlong dash for 2yo. She could not run down the even money winner who went wire-to-wire. Was gaining at the end finishing second, well clear of the rest.
GOLDEN GATE
CAN DO IT AGAIN: Came from the Fairgrounds for trainer Steve Specht, who doesn’t bring in many. This filly showed little or no form – winding up far back in all three of her races, including the last on the grass. Was dropping into a maiden claimer for the first time with really not much in here to beat. Got into a good stalking position and won going away. Looks like she can repeat in one of those starter allowance races.$$$