TURF FESTIVAL AT HOLLYWOOD
The $250,000 Matriarch S. (G1) is among the top draws this weekend at Hollywood, with a top-notch field of fillies and mares likely for this prestigious grass stakes. Trainer Graham Motion should have a lot to say about the outcome in here, as the conditioner sends out a trio of prime contenders.
Gyspy’s Warning won this race in 2010 and would not be a surprise in this edition, either. The South African import hasn’t won since but has kept good company while running well this campaign. Del Mar Oaks (G1) queen Summer Soiree suffered her first turf defeat in the QE II (G1) at Keeneland last time, but is the one to catch and should be tough with a sensible trip. Grade 3 heroine Unbridled Humor has lost just two in her career, both in graded races, and could break through on this day.
Never Retreat was a fine winner of the First Lady S. (G1) last time and has run two huge ones in succession for Chris Block. The daughter of Smart Strike has never been better and would be no surprise as the potential favorite in here. Sharp allowance heroine Quiet Oasis and the surging All Star Heart also make sense in this fine renewal.
Sunday plays host to the $250,000 Hollywood Derby (G1). Oak Tree Derby (G2) upsetter Ultimate Eagle, Hawthorne Derby (G3) star Wilcox Inn, Oak Tree Derby runner-up Venomous, recent stakes winner Irish Art, Jamaica S. (G1) winner Western Aristocrat and a pair of Euro imports, Island Paradise and Slumber, make this a very intriguing betting event.
The $100,000 Hollywood Prevue S. (G3) is on Thanksgiving Day and features Empire Way, the good looking debut winner who is a full brother to soon-to-be champion Royal Delta. So Brilliant, who was superb in a debut win for trainer Bob Baffert, could be the main foe to the Mike Harrington charge.
The remaining graded tilts this weekend at Hollywood are the $100,000 Miesque S. (G3) on Friday, and the $250,000 Citation H. (G2) and $100,000 Vernon O. Underwood S. (G3), both of which will be held on Saturday.