Horse of the day for 5/11
Hollywood Park - Race 4
6 1/2 Furlongs (Cushion Track)
Maiden Claiming ($25,000-$22,500)
3-year-olds and upward
Purse $15,000
Making his first start in almost 11 months, SILVER AND BLACK broke a step slowly from the inside post, and was left far behind in the early stages of the race. He angled three wide turning for home, passed some tired horses in the stretch, and seemed to gallop out nicely. The addition of blinkers may infuse some early speed into his arsenal, and Jeff Mullins may have him cranked tighter for his second start off the bench.
YOUR HOST is a 5-year-old with only one lifetime start on his record, and he needed a two-month break after his career debut. He did earn a competitive Beyer Speed Figure in a key race, however, and seems to be working nicely for this run. He'll need an alert break from a difficult inside post position. JORDAN AND JUSTIN has had trouble getting out of the gate in his career, and he didn't switch leads during the stretch run of his most recent race. He's a lightly-raced runner with some upside, however, and should be charging hard in the stretch WELLNESSFAST has run some decent numbers in his career, and will race as a first-time gelding on Friday. He's never sprinted in his career so it will be interesting to see if he can keep up in the early stages. He's never been this cheap, and shouldn't be taken lightly.
AMERICAN INFLUENCE always seems to find a way to blow it, usually at short odds. The beaten favorite in five of his nine lifetime races, he should be on the engine once again, and may be cycling to his best form in the third start of the cycle. JOHNNY THE WATCH disappointed at even-money in his first start at this level, but draws a decent attack post, and may sit a good stalking trip following the pacesetters. He has solid turf form so perhaps that will translate to the cushion track. HENRY D. broke poorly in his debut, but drops in class with a gate work on the tab.
Selections:
1. Silver and Black
2. Your Host
3. Jordan and Justin
The play: Silver and Black to win and place (4-1 or greater)
YTD record based on starts, wins, top pick in the money, and profit/loss of that day's selection: 39-6-13 +($31.20)