J P's Gusto, who earned his maiden victory in the Willard L. Proctor Memorial Stakes, tops a field of eight 2-year-olds in the $100,000 Hollywood Juvenile Championship (gr. III) July 5 on the Hollywood Park Cushion Track.
Owned by Gem Inc. and trained by David Hofmans, the son of
Successful Appeal won by 4 1/2 lengths over heavily favored Belleofthebridle in the ungraded Proctor May 31. The authoritative win came three weeks after he had finished a troubled sixth as the 9-5 favorite in his debut. A $52,000 yearling purchase at Keeneland last September, J P’s Gusto has earned $37,360.
Joe Talamo, who was second aboard Zip Quik in this race last year and with Leonides in 2007, retains the mount in the six-furlong event. Looking to give Hofmans his first win in the Hollywooe Juvenile, J P’s Gusto will carry high weight of 120 pounds.
Three of those who finished behind J P’s Gusto in the Proctor are back in the Juvenile Championship—
Edgewick Road,
Tappin Tough, and
Leon Ayala. Of the trio, Edgewick Road fared best. He finished third, but was beaten 13 3/4 lengths.
There are also two participants entering after impressive debut wins.
Marvin's Magic, a son of
Aptitude, won in the slop at Emerald Downs on June 6, leading throughout at 4 1/2 furlongs. He is owned in partnership by breeder Chris Randall and trained by Frank Lucarelli.
Western Mood's initial win was at Hollywood. The
West Acre colt rallied after a slow start to win at five furlongs on June 12. He is owned by George Todaro and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.
$100,000 Hollywood Juvenile (gr. III, Race 8, 4:35 p.m.), 2YO, 6 Furlongs (Cushion Track)
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Leon Ayala (CA), F Valdez, 117, O L Garcia
2. Marvin's Magic (WA), M E Smith, 117, F Lucarelli
3. Minutesandtouches (KY), M Garcia, 115, T Knight
4. River's Chapel (KY), C Santiago Reyes, 117, W Solis
5. Tappin Tough (CA), D R Flores, 117, W Solis
6. J P's Gusto (KY), J Talamo, 120, D E Hofmans
7. Edgewick Road (CA), T Baze, 117, M Harrington
8. Western Mood (FL), J Rosario, 117, J Hollendorfer
