Horse of the Day for 12/8

Hollywood Park - Race 8
7 Furlongs (Cushion Track)
Maiden Claiming (32-28)
2-year-olds
Purse $20,000

SOBRINO shows a solid work tab for his career debut with a pair of long moves followed by a quick three-furlong blowout. The dam has been a disappointment thus far as a broodmare, but she is a half to 3 Group-winning juveniles in Europe including Moscow Ballet. Perhaps that turf pedigree will translate to the Cushion track, and he probably doesn't have to be much to defeat this group of maiden claimers. FOLLOW THE WIND shows a bullet 6 furlong workout over the Hollywood Park Cushion track, and trainer Clifford Sise Jr. is extremely capable with first-time starters. The gray colt is a half-brother to a juvenile debut winner, and the dam is kin to Grade 3 sprint winner Seacliff (juvenile debut winner, 4-5 at 2), as well as sprint stakes-winner Esplendita (1-6 at 2, 136K in lifetime earnings, 10-26 sprinting, dam of 451K earner Spicy Stuff). SAVANNAH LIGHTNING is scheduled to race as a first-time gelding, and he earned a competitive Beyer Speed Figure when well-bet at Oak Tree. Expect good early speed from him today. HURRICANE ALEX should benefit from recent comeback try, and he seems like an excellent fit at this class level. MONEYPLAYSJOSE figures to get a hustling ride from Pedroza, and can improve on his career debut. TOPPER'S QUEST didn't have the easiest of trips in career debut, and should appreicate turning back in distance.

The selection: Sobrino to win and place (4-1 or more)