Hollywood Derby preview

Sunday, November 26, 2006
Hollywood Park - Race 6
Hollywood Derby (Grade 1)
1 1/4 Miles (Turf)
3-year-olds
Purse $500,000

SHOWING UP's win in the Jamaica was electrifying, and he was flattered when the third-place finisher of that race came back to win in listed company at Calder on Saturday afternoon. He has now put up four straight triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures since switching to the turf, and his good tactical speed should have him in a fine stalking position just off likely pacesetters KIP DEVILLE and BROTHER DEREK. He's simply the one to beat in the Hollywood Derby. FROST GIANT beat a pair of older next-out winners at this distance in Ireland two starts back, then was bogged down in traffic in his North American debut. The cutback in distance should suit him perfectly, and he'll appreciate dropping back in with his own peer group. This will be his first start for his new connections, and he should benefit from the expected solid pace up front. KIP DEVILLE's win at Keeneland was extremely promising as the speedy gray colt showed the ability to successfully rate and finish. He gave Showing Up a fight in the Colonial Turf Cup earlier this year, but 10 furlongs may be stretching it a bit. CRESTED finished ahead of next-out Churchill Downs listed winner Arbuckle Bandit in the Hawthorne Derby, and the lightly-raced gelding has lots of upside potential. He poses an intriguing late threat at a price. DARK ISLANDER looked good winning his North American debut, and is in line for a good trip from the inside post. BROTHER DEREK has tons of talent, but this is a tough assignment for a horse making his turf debut, and he'll be up on that strong pace. IVAN DENISOVICH was no match for Showing Up at Arlington earlier this year.

Selections: 1. Showing Up 2. Frost Giant 3. Kip Deville