Hollywood Hills nips heavy favorite Sneaking Out in Fleet Treat Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. – A return to sprints proved the tonic on Thursday for Hollywood Hills, who got back to her best form and scored an 8-1 surprise over heavily favored Sneaking Out in the $147,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for California-bred 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar.

As on Wednesday’s opening-day card, it was jockey Flavien Prat he won the day’s lone stakes race. He rallied from last to first in the five-horse field with Hollywood Hills and they got up in the very last jump to prevail by a nose.

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Hollywood Hills ($19.40) was the third choice in the race, with Sneaking Out the 1-10 favorite. Sneaking Out cruised to the lead in the seven-furlong race passing the three-furlong pole, but after covering a half-mile in 45.33 seconds and six furlongs in 1:11.33, she blew a three-length lead in the final furlong and was nailed right on the money.

Ruby Bradley was another 9 1/2 lengths back in third, with Tiz a Master fourth. Violette Szabo was eased – but walked off under her own power – and both Opus Won and Takethediamondlane were scratched.

Hollywood Hills was timed in 1:24.96 for seven furlongs on the fast main track. She gave her trainer, Steve Sherman, his second win on the card.

“It feels good to come down here and win a couple races,” he said.

Sherman, who is based in Northern California, said he sent 10 horses here for the meet, to be watched by his brother Alan and father, Art. He was in attendance both Wednesday and Thursday.

“I brought horses I thought would be competitive here,” said Sherman, who has another 35 still in the Bay Area.

Hollywood Hills won four straight sprints on synthetic at Golden Gate from November through January, then went long three straight times, losing each.

“I had to route her. There were no sprints for her,” Sherman said. “She didn’t run that badly, but I think she’s better as a closing sprinter, so why not take a shot? And seven furlongs is probably the best distance for her.”

Sherman said that George Krikorian, who bred and owns Hollywood Hills, thought the Fleet Treat was a worthwhile spot.

The Fleet Treat was the first start in nearly two months for Hollywood Hills. She has now won six times in 11 starts.

Hollywood Hills is a daughter of the Storm Cat stallion Hoorayforhollywood.