Diodoro ships Hollywood Critic to Fonner for the Bosselman

Better late than never.

Hollywood Critic will be looking to nail down the first stakes win of his career Saturday when the 7-year-old starts as one of the top choices in the $75,000 Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes at Fonner Park.

The Bosselman, for 3-year-olds and up, drew nine for its 30th running, including defending winner Pain and Misery. The 1 1/16-mile stakes is held around three turns.

Hollywood Critic will be making his first start at three turns following a win around two turns last out in an optional $50,000 claiming race at 1 1/16 miles at Oaklawn.

“The three turns – that’s always a big question mark,” said Robertino Diodoro, who trains Hollywood Critic. “He’s a big horse. At the same time, I’ve run plenty on the bullring and had a lot of big horses handle it even better than the smaller ones. It’s something a guy won’t know until race time.”

Diodoro said he’s hopeful Hollywood Critic’s running style – the horse has speed but tends to sit just off the pace – will serve him well at Fonner.

KEY CONTENDERS

Hollywood Critic, by Blame

Last 3 Beyers: 87-93-79

◗ Diodoro trains Hollywood Critic for Big Tuff Stables and Randy Marriott, who claimed the horse for $40,000 on March 2 at Oaklawn. Hollywood Critic has since run second to next-out stakes winner Fight On in an optional $50,000 claiming race at 1 1/16 miles before winning at the same condition April 13.

“Since we’ve had the horse, we’ve taken a liking to him,” Diodoro said. “He’s run two big races for us, and I think he’s getting a little better, too.”

◗ Hollywood Critic could have run back at Oaklawn, but Diodoro said part of the appeal of targeting the Bosselman is its historic place in racing in Nebraska.

“It’s kind of like the Phoenix Gold Cup of Nebraska,” Diodoro said of the premier sprint race at his base of Turf Paradise. “It’s one of those races I’ve always wanted to win.”

◗ Hollywood Critic, to be ridden by Fonner’s leading jockey Jake Olesiak, is bidding to become the third stakes winner produced from his dam, Kalosca. Her stakes winners include multiple Grade 1 winner Arravale.

Coal Truth, by Mineshaft

Last 3 Beyers: 77-58-58

◗ He won the local prep, the $20,000 Dowd Mile on April 13 at Fonner.

◗ Coal Truth was previously based at Gulfstream Park.

Rock City Roadhog, by Valid Expectations

Last 3 Beyers: 72-72-80

◗ He’s a 9-year-old looking for his first stakes win and his 21st victory.

◗ He has placed in four stakes and is 2 for 4 in 2019.