HORSE RACING

By Richard Eng

Post Time 11 a.m.

Race 1 – 4 1/2 furlongs, Purse $52,000, Maiden special weights, Fillies, 2-year-olds

4 Shrinking Violet – FTS from the Wesley Ward barn; he has a reputation for winning baby races second to none.

6 Awesome Annie – Walther Solis is another trainer who excels at winning baby races; watch the tote board for clues.

Long Shot – 3 Miss Empire

Race 2 – 1 1/16th miles, Purse $30,000, Maiden claiming $50,000, 3-year-olds and up

6 You Know I Know – Stretching out around 2-turns for the first time; expect Alonso Quinonez to put him on the engine today.

3 American Tanker – Taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming; been away since Del Mar.

Long Shot – 1 Bi Flash

Race 3 – 6 1/2 furlongs, Purse $36,000, Claiming $32,000, 3-year-olds and up

4 Sourdough Sam – NoCal shipper from the live Dean Pederson barn; is spotted way down in class in search of victory.

2 Via Verde – Tepid chalk in the hardest race on the card; has plenty of back class to repeat his last race.

Long Shot – 3 Domonation

Race 4 – 6 furlongs, Purse $23,000, Maiden claiming $30,000, 3-year-olds and up

2 Indicator – Looks ugly on paper; taking the biggest class drop in racing from MSW to maiden claiming.

5 Bay Street – Was well bet in debut and showed some early lick; drops in class and is likely to improve for Dean Pederson.

Long Shot – 8 Classical Hy

Race 5 – 1 mile (turf), $100,000 Senorita, Fillies, 3-year-olds

2 Graser – Among some in here that chased Lady of Shamrock in last; no shame losing to her, she is a talented filly.

3 Bobina – Is 2-for-2 wins lifetime; this is a good test for class and a return to turf, a surface she may prefer.

Long Shot – 5 Byrama

Race 6 – 5 furlongs, $70,000 Cool Frenchy, 3-year-olds and up

4 Obviously – He has run two good races since coming over from Ireland; nice low level stakes to earn first black type.

3 Excessive Passion – Been away 6-month, but clearly a proven performer; speed to lead or sit just off the early pace.

Long Shot – 5 Sayif

Race 7 – 6 furlongs, Purse $52,000, Maiden special weights, 3-year-olds and up

11 Southern Sunrise – Ran a monster race in last despite running second; given time to recover by trainer Mike Pupye

9 Canuletmedowneasy – Ran awful last time, now returns to his preferred surface; his two grass races before that are competitive.

Long Shot – 6 Fable Haven

Race 8 – 1 1/16th miles, Purse $54,000, Optional claiming $40,000, 3-year-olds and up

1 Oilisblackgold – Like the rail post at today’s distance; key for me is the short run to the first turn and saving valuable ground.

2 Admission – Exits a sharp win and given lots of time to recover; has tactical speed to sit a decent trip.

Long Shot – 6 Graeme Crackerjack

Race 9 – 6 furlongs (turf), Purse $54,000, Optional claiming $80,000, Fillies, 3-year-olds

3 Emerald Gold – Ran third last out to Somali Lemonade at Keeneland; been away 6-months, there is a reason she is out here.

12 Hidinginplainsight – Seemed to move up when switched to turf the last two starts; key negative is a parking lot post in here.

Long Shot – 4 Nihilist

Race 10 – 1 1/16th miles, $150,000 Mervyn LeRoy Handicap, 3-year-olds and up

4 Morning Line – Top Eastern horse shipped out to John Shirreffs; suspect the softer competition is part of the reason.

7 Awesome Gem – 9-YO returned to the races in winning at Golden Gate; it was a measured win, not sure if he’s tight enough for these.

Long Shot – 5 Kettle Corn

Race 11 – 6 furlongs, Purse $21,000, Claiming $16,000, 3-year-olds and up

5 Warren’s Patron – Ran miserably last time; for forgiving handicappers, his two races before that are fast enough to upset.

12 Private Bounty – Claimed by Vann Belvoir off an even effort; he adds blinkers on and could rebound at a square price.

Long Shot – 6 Cragmont

Best Bet – 3 Emerald Gold (race 9)

Betfair Hollywood Park Friday – Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 16/4/$17.40; Long Shots, 8/2/$23.60; Best Bet, 1/1/$3.40

Betfair Hollywood Park Totals – 101/19/$132.60; Long Shots, 50/10/$95.00; Best Bets, 6/1/$3.40

SIMULCAST PLAY OF THE DAY – #7 Switch (2/1) in race 9 at Churchill Downs. For scoring purposes, we’ll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Friday, Star Channel ran out at Churchill Downs. Stats – 69/47/$411.90; Follow him on Twitter: @richeng4propick