Hollywood Strip on track for Queensland campaign

Hollywood Strip (Sweet Lou) continued on his relentless winning way when he gave nothing a chance in taking out the $100,000 Hands on Livestock Nutrien series Final for three year old colts and geldings.

The striking brown gelding who has swept all before him this season with twelve wins from thirteen races to date exploded to the lead at the start from barrier three. Driver Brad Hewitt had the edge on all his rivals including the Emma Stewart pair of Brooklyn Dan and Cardigan Dan.

HOLLYWOOD STRIP 30 MAY REPLAY

In fact Cardigan Dan moved up to race outside the leader while Brooklyn Dan was in the second half of the field one out and four back.

Running his third quarter in 27.5 seconds Hollywood Strip had his rivals chasing. Nocturnal who was three back on the rails pulled out to make a run while Brooklyn Dan switched to the inside in looking to make up some ground.

However Hollywood Strip just toyed with his rivals to defeat a determined Nocturnal by just over 13 metres and Brooklyn Dan who finished ahead of Cardigan Dan.

Hollywood Strip is Queensland bound and he is being set for the Group 1 Rising Sun at Albion Park on 4 July where he may clash with Captains Mistress and the New Zealand start Marketplace. Following that he’ll take his place in the Group 1 Queensland Pacers Derby on 18 July.

Well bred filly Eye Wish (Bettors Wish) won her most important race to date when just held off Willows Girl in a thrilling $100,000 Nutrien Equine Classic Series Final for three year olds at Wagga on Saturday night.

These two fillies dominated the betting with Eye Wish just getting the nod ahead of Willows Girl due to her more favourable draw.

EYE WISH 30 MAY REPLAY

And Nathan Jack drove out Eye Wish to hunt for lead where she eventually crossed over in front of the pole marker Devious Minds. As soon as Jack steadied off the pace, Cameron Hart made his run from the back row to race around the field without much effort to sit alongside Eye Wish.

The other fancied runner Go Easy On Me was well back near the rear of the field and not looking likely to make an early run.

Eye Wish still led in the final lap but Willows Girl wasn’t going to let her get away. In fact when Willows Girl drew level at the top of the straight she looked as if she would prevail. However Eye Wish fought back and with Devious Minds taking an inside run it was a desperate finish.

Willows Girl made one final lunge near the line but the post was too close and Eye Wish held on by a half a head from Willows Girl who showed her typical courage in second with Devious Minds in third placing. Go Easy On Me finished well back in fifth placing.

Eye Wish was bred by Jackie Gibson from Success Stud who also bred her dam Yes Eye See. In a lightly raced career she won three races with Nathan Jack driving and father Russell Jack the trainer.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink