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Mike Superstein's Hollywood Park Analysis for Sunday, May 18
RACE ONE
GRANITE did amazingly well to finish fourth in his first start opening day of this meeting. Seismometer, the eventual winner who was disqualified, took a left hand turn out of the gate, virtually wiping out GRANITE along with FIL'S REGENT. GRANITE has trained crisply since that effort and is ready for a winning race. AMBASSY improved greatly second time out, setting the pace then giving way grudgingly for second. He seems clearly the one to catch. FIL'S REGENT returned from his troubled debut to run third in a fast contest.
RACE TWO
IN DADDY'S HONOR lost a tough decision under similar circumstances as the odds-on favorite April 26. She'll get the same kind of trip against this field and this time might end up on the right end of the photo. ALMACITA
edged a cheaper group a week ago and was claimed from Mike Mitchell. She's popped up two levels in class in quest of her fourth victory in 10 starts. SWEET ROSEMAN was haltered by high-percentage trainer Frank Monteleone at Santa Anita. Though a dull fifth that day, she's been given a month off and should improve off that race.
RACE THREE
MAGNIFICIENCE was magnificent before an injury sent her to the sidelines last year. She broke her maiden first time out by six lengths, then stepped up to capture the Santa Paula stakes by daylight in extremely fast time. Her workouts have been sensational in preparation for her return. The sky's the limit for this one. RENEGADE RUBY is talented, but her ability can't really compare with the top choice. However, she's clearly better than the others. COTTON BAY has only run four times in three years, indicating physical problems. This race will provide a good springboard for future races.
RACE FOUR
SNEAKY JACK took a class plunge and was plucked out of the race by Vladimir Cerin. She rallied for third that day after a slow start and horrifies these if she's in one piece. BOLD CLEO drops below her $16,000 purchase price. She's usually there or thereabouts and figures close at the wire once again. SMOOCH just defeated similar despite leaving from the rail. If something is amiss with the top selection, SMOOCH figures to be right there.
RACE FIVE
LIBERIAN FREIGHTER turned back South Coast and was pulling away late in a game victory April 25. Since that race was against California breds, 'FREIGHTER is allowed to return at the same level in open company. Expect a front-running victory from the advantageous rail. CADILLAC rallied from last for third in his hillside American debut. This one routed well in New Zealand, so beware on the stretchout. PROPAGANDA lacks the killer instinct but has been fairly close against similar in his last two.
RACE SIX
In a difficult maiden claimer, we'll opt for the Turf Paradise shipper STETTLER, now bedded down in the Jeff Mullins barn. STETTLER was second most recently against straight maidens and has trained well over the Hollywood Park Cushion (58 3/5). TEXAS DOLLY takes a significant drop after blowing twice as the favorite. 'DOLLY does have some ability and the softer company might wake her up. WARM 'N TOASTY faced better at Bay Meadows, finishing a distant third to Felicitee. She's a solid fit at this level, but her trainer wins at a very low percentage.
RACE SEVEN
NO KA OI has turned into a turf sprint specialist. Her last victory over this course May 9 was her best effort to date, rallying from far back to win going away. She was reclaimed by Jack Carava out of the race and there's no telling how good she may become. SIMPLY RUN was claimed from a fast Keeneland sprint by John Sadler. She has a fine record on turf (4 for 8) and should love the Hollywood Park lawn. THE KING'S LASS will be motoring in the stretch under Bejarano.
RACE EIGHT
TWO STEP SALSA may not be as accomplished as some of his rivals, but he has the condition edge over his main two rivals. After winning his first two starts on the main track, 'SALSA tried the Harry Henson Stakes on turf and was a very good second. He moves back to the main track, has trained well since, and can spring a mild upset. SALUTE THE SARGE, winner of the Grade 2 Best Pal at Del Mar, has won four of his eight starts and banked more than $333,000. He's back at his best distance today and is the one to beat if he's recovered from the trip to Kentucky. DIXIE CHATTER took the Grade I Norfolk Stakes at Oak Tree but hasn't been seen since. He might need to race before returning to top form.
RACE NINE
CASABLANCA made a furious late charge in San Mateo, storming home from eight lengths back at the eighth pole to lose in a photo finish. If she can duplicate that race, she'll be difficult to contain in the stretch. SPRING STYLE was making a nice move when she clipped heels on the far turn. Blinkers go on today and the Ben Cecil trainee switches to Corey Nakatani. DIXIELAND CLASSIC was a close second at a gigantic price in her Santa Anita finale. Her effort did not appear to be a fluke and she shouldn't be a maiden much longer.
Best Bet-NO KA OI
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