Bob Hill
Staff writer
Tracksideview.com

INGLEWOOD, Calif., -  On  a day when the sun was blotted out by the smoke of the Southern California wildfires, Evita Argentina took full advantage of a pace duel between Mi Chiamano Mimi and Palacio de Amor to capture the $100,000 Moccasin at Hollywood Park.  

The undefeated and before today never headed Mi Chiamano Mimi set what proved to be a fatal pace, going the first quarter of a mile in 22 seconds flat and the half-mile in 44.60 seconds while being prompted by Palacio de Amor every step of the way.  Both front runners ran the next quarter of a mile under 24 seconds but were easily overtaken in the stretch by the winner who swung four wide while circling the entire field of 11 starters.  Evita Argentina stopped the clock for the seven furlongs in 1:21.50.

Evita Argentina, the daughter of the Argentine standout Candy Ride, had won her first two starts sprinting earlier in 2008, but she had not finished better than fourth in her two attempts at route racing this summer and fall.  The winner paid $14.80.

Palacio de Amor was pulled up after the finish line, did not return to be unsaddled, and was vanned off. Wynning Ride, another filly by Candy Ride, finished fourth in only her second start.  The complete order of finish was rounded out by Will O Way, Casino Gold, Pasar Silbano, Malusita, Wild Caper, Montana Fields, and Moontune Missy.

Comments on the Day at Hollywood Park

Vic Stauffer is a great race caller.  He makes any day at Hollywood Park a real treat.
Although Hollywood Park shows some signs of age, I would still rate the upkeep as quite good.  The automatic teller machines are state of the art, the food and drink areas offer great fare at a good price, and the staff is helpful and friendly.  Rumors persist that the park’s days may be numbered as various developers covet the valuable real estate she occupies.

I cannot help but wonder what impact the atmospheric conditions had on thoroughbred horses today.  At the post time of the first race, you can have convinced anyone that the sun was about to set.  To the north and east the smoky sky had a pinkish cast, and to the west it glowed orange.  One only had to be outside a short time to have the acrid air produce a raspy voice and dry throat.  The officials at Hollywood did shorten the amount of time the horses spent in the paddock and post parades prior to each race.