Half Strike Provides Win No. 2,999 For Bejarano
Rafeal Bejarano pilots Half Strike to victory in the 7th for career victory number 2,999. © Benoit Photo
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (May 10, 2013)—Favored Half Strike enabled jockey Rafael Bejarano to close to within one win of a significant milestone when the 4-year-old ridgling won the $54,324 feature (video) Friday at Betfair Hollywood Park.
The leading rider at the current Spring/Summer meet, Bejarano is named on seven horses on Saturday’s card at Betfair Hollywood Park as he seeks his 3,000th career victory.
One of the Peruvian native’s mounts is Scarlet Strike, the 5-2 morning line favorite in the Grade III, $100,000 Senorita Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at one mile on turf.
Favored Esentepe Cruises In Cushion Track Debut
Esentepe, under Rafael Bejarano, takes the Thursday feature. © Benoit Photo
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (May 9, 2013)—Esentepe was successful in her Cushion Track debut, easily defeating Plaza de Indias and three other mares in the $57,000 feature (video) Thursday at Betfair Hollywood Park.
Ridden for the first time by jockey Rafael Bejarano, the 2-5 favorite took command from the outset and wasn’t seriously menaced as she won for the first time in her fourth start in the United States.
Trained by Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer for owner William Deburgh, Esentepe, a 4-year-old daughter of Oratorio prevailed by 3 ¼ lengths while covering the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.74.
Dhaamer Tries To Go Back-To-Back In Round Table
Dhaamer and jockey Julien Leparoux win the Sunset Handicap. © Benoit Photo
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (May 9, 2013)—Defending champion Dhaamer will try to stay undefeated over the Betfair Hollywood Park turf course when he takes on five opponents in the $70,000-added Round Table Stakes Sunday.
A 1 ½ mile race for older horses, the Round Table is the seventh of nine races. Post time is 1 p.m. Track gates will open at 9:55 a.m. for simulcasts.
Trained by Mike Mitchell for owners Edward J. Brown, Jr. and Jay Manoogian, Dhaamer won the Round Table by 4 ½ lengths as the 11-10 favorite in 2012. The Irish bred gelding followed that decisive victory with a 3 ¼ length score – at the same distance – in the Grade III Sunset Handicap a little over two months later.
Betfair Hollywood Park Won’t Seek 2014 Race Dates; Racing, Training And Stabling Will Cease By End Of 2013
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (May 9, 2013)—The anticipated development of the Hollywood Park property by owner Hollywood Park Land Company has become a reality, so the Hollywood Park Racing Association will not apply to the California Horse Racing Board for 2014 race dates at Hollywood Park.
This means the 75th anniversary season will be the final year of live racing, training and stabling at the legendary facility. The current Spring/Summer meet continues through Sunday, July 14.
Racing will cease with the conclusion of the Autumn meet, which is scheduled to begin Thursday, November 7 and continue through Sunday, December 22. The stable area is expected to close by the end of the year.
Hollendorfer Seeks Another Stakes Win In Senorita
Jerry Hollendorfer. © Benoit Photo
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (May 8, 2013)—Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer will aim for his fifth stakes win of the Spring/Summer meet when he sends out Scarlet Strike in the $100,000 Senorita Stakes Saturday at Betfair Hollywood Park.
A Grade III for 3-year-old fillies at one mile on turf, the Senorita is part of a stakes doubleheader. The nine race program also includes the $70,000-added Came Home Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs over Cushion Track.
Post time Saturday is 1 p.m. Gates at Betfair Hollywood Park will open at 9:55 a.m. for simulcasts. The Senorita goes as the sixth race while the Came Home is the third.
Teddy’s Promise Repeats In Time To Leave Stakes
Favored Teddy's Promise, under Victor Espinoza, wins the Time to Leave for the second straight year. © Benoit Photo
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (May 5, 2013)—Heavily-favored Teddy’s Promise toyed with six rivals Sunday at Betfair Hollywood Park en route to a second consecutive victory in the $85,450 Time To Leave Stakes (video).
After sitting behind the pace set by Magical Band and Hidinginplainsight, Teddy’s Promise found room along the inside approaching the stretch, quickly burst to the front and was geared down at the finish by jockey Victor Espinoza. In winning by 4 ¼ lengths, Teddy’s Promise, who carried top weight of 124 pounds, completed the five furlongs over Cushion Track in 56.80 seconds.
Scratched from the $125,000 B. Thoughtful Stakes April 27 due to a minor bruise to her left front foot, the California bred mare certainly looked in perfect health Sunday for owner-breeders Ted and Judy Nichols and trainer Ron Ellis.
Hollywood Insider Returns May 11
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (May 5, 2013)—One of the on-air personalities from Television Games Network (TVG) will play host for the Hollywood Insider Saturday, May 11.
Handicapping tips, insights and other last minute information will be offered on the afternoon’s races, including the $70,000-added Came Home Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs over Cushion Track and the $100,000, Grade III Senorita Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at one mile on turf.
Hollywood Insider will begin at 12 Noon at the Paddock Tote Board.
Dan Ward Next Escogiendo Ganadores Guest
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (May 5, 2013)—Dan Ward, the longtime assistant trainer to Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer, will be the guest of co-hosts Michael Burns and George Ortuzar at the next Escogiendo Ganadores (Picking Winners) session Saturday, May 11.
During the Spanish-language seminar, Ward, Burns and Ortuzar will discuss the Betfair Hollywood Park card, including the $70,000-added Came Home Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs over Cushion Track and the $100,000, Grade III Senorita Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at one mile on turf.
Escogiendo Ganadores will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Paddock Tote Board.
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