Godolphin's Harty to Begin Hollywood Assault

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(from track notes)
The internationally renowned royal blue silks of Godolphin Stable will be seen on a frequent basis at Hollywood Park beginning next week, trainer Eoin Harty reported Friday from his training base at Santa Anita.

This will mark the fourth year that Harty, a former assistant to Bob Baffert, will train a division for Godolphin, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum of Dubai.

Godolphin has added a new wrinkle to the satisfaction of Harty, allowing him to bring some older horses for the first time in addition to a fashionably-bred group of 2-year-olds.

"We've been here since April 20," said Harty of the flight from Dubai, where he spent the first 3 1/2 months of the year with early training. "I've got 25 2-year-olds and 10 older horses, and I've got another 10 2-year-olds and 10 older horses with assistant David Duggan in Chicago."

Harty hopes for better luck this year than last, when a virus at Del Mar in August virtually decimated his stable for the year. Two years ago, Harty saddled Tempera and Imperial Gesture to a one-two finish in the Breeeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, earning an Eclipse Award for the star-crossed winner.

"I should have three horses to run next week: two maidens and an allowance horse," said Harty of his first 2003 starters.

"I should have a few 2-year-olds ready to run at the end of May," continued Harty. He named Ruler's Court, Flushing Meadows and Street Theater, all colts, as the most likely early starters.

Harty's 2-year-olds also include Tizdubai, a full sister to 2000 Horse of the Year Tiznow and multi-millionaire Budroyale. "She's up to three-eighths and should be ready at the end of June," said Harty.

Harty's older horses include Savonarola, a 3-year-old colt who raced on this circuit last summer. "He underwent surgery for a breathing problem," said Harty, who is expecting improvement.

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