Unbeaten colt Hollywood Strip (Sweet Lou) served notice that he is back better than ever following an effortless all the way harness racing win in the Listed Simpson Memorial at Menangle on Saturday evening.

Last season’s top two year old who swept all before in his five appearances was resuming after several months. And he was facing a strong field including former New Zealander Zeus Lightning, and the highly fancied trio of Mark Stanley namely Soho Trump, Soho Park Avenue and Soho Charmer as well as the Bathurst Gold Crown winner Message Bank.

HOLLYWOOD STRIP 14 FEB REPLAY

However any doubts on Hollywood Strip were quickly dispelled when he quickly found the front and settled a clear lead ahead of Soho Trump.

Driver Brad Hewitt coming off winning the Albury Cup 24 hours before with Captains Knock allowed Hollywood Strip to run a slick 27.1 seconds for the first quarter. He then had a bit of  a breather before going into overdrive on the final bend.

Zeus Lightning tried in vain to make ground but at the end he was safely held by five metres with Soho Trump in third place. Hollywood Strip ran his last quarter in 26.5 seconds and an overall mile rate of 1.50.4.

The win earned Hollywood Strip an automatic invitation to the Group 1 $150,000 New South Wales Pacers Derby to be run on Miracle mile night 14 March.

Brad Hewitt was satisfied after the event.

He got a little bit excited tonight. Just in the tie ups and out on the track he was having a bit of a look and gawk at things again. But it’s good to get that first run out of the way and I’m sure he’ll be a lot better for it.

I’d been happy enough with his work he was still a bit short in his prep so I thought I’d take a chance if he happened to draw and get the right sort of trip. He was definitely going good enough to be able to win. He came out and went like I expected.

All credit to Mick Boots (the owner) he spends a lot of money and a lot of time. He just loves his horses. So I’m so happy for him.

(Before the Derby) He’ll have a run somewhere or at worst a trial but it’s good to get tonight out of the way. We don’t have to worry about mapping out a plan now so we’ve got to have him for the night.

Zeus Lightning held on well for second given the fast time while Soho Trump can be expected to improve his performance.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink