Hollywood Strip’s outstanding Nutrien Heat win

Boom colt Hollywood Strip (Sweet Lou) looked every inch a star when he scored an effortless all the way win in the Tendon Care first three year old colts and geldings heat at Wagga.

Resuming from a short let up trainer driver Brad Hewitt could not have been more happy when he drew the pole and despite a short lived challenge from New Zealander Andretti, Hollywood Strip easily held the lead.

Letsstartinheaven who’s been doing his previous racing in South Australia kicked up to take the trail behind the leader while Andretti was caught racing outside the leader giving Cardigan Dan a one out and one back trail.

HOLLYWOOD STRIP 22 MAY REPLAY

Hollywood Strip never seemed to be out of second gear as he moved away from the field along the back straight. And he showed how formidable he is by running his last two quarters in 26.9 seconds apiece.

Cardigan Dan made a run out wide but he was never going to threaten Hollywood Strip who held him safely by six metres with outsider San Sebastian finishing on well for third.

Hollywood Strip who won the New South Wales Derby can only get better after that run where he rated 1.55.3 and he certainly looks the testing material in the $100,000 Final at Wagga on Saturday 30 May.

The Alan Harris Macdonald first heat for the three year old colts and geldings was won in emphatic fashion by Brooklyn Dan (Captain Crunch).

BROOKLYN DAN 22 MAY REPLAY

The stylish looking bay colt was drawn wide but driver Cameron Hart drove his usual patient race allowing those in front to battle for the lead before going around the field to race past second favourite Nocturnal.

Once in front Brooklyn Dan was perfectly rated by Hart who just slowed the tempo in the middle stages to run the first two quarters in 31.4 and 30.6 seconds.

Nocturnal took the trail behind the leader with You Are My Wish settling in third as the field raced in Indian file. It was left to Black Opal Jack to start a run with a lap left to travel three wide before going up outside the leader.

But Hart simply stepped on the gas and Brooklyn Dan running a scorching 26.6 seconds ensured that none of his rivals could get near. Nocturnal battled on but Brooklyn Dan was unextended winning by seven metres with You Are My Wish in third placing. His overall mile rate was 1.56.2.

Three starts back Brooklyn Dan won the Gold Chalice Final at Bathurst and despite the presence of Hollywood Strip he is sure to make his presence felt.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink