The Nomination Is In: November 28, 2009; The Matriarch Grade I on Turf at Hollywood Park

In the Vanessa Ng photo is Rutherienne, taking on The Turk's chalk in today's Matriarch at Hollywood Park, Ventura, racing for Trainer Ascanio who picks up where Bobby Frankel left off. Rutherienne will go off as possibly the 3rd or 4th bettor's favorite and The Turk is looking for her to add some value to his tickets. You'll find changes and scratches here. Let's Go!

Race 8 at Hollywood Park Post Time 7:05 PM; The Matriarch Grade I; 1 Mile on Turf for F&M 3 YO and Up.



Ventura needs no introduction to racing fans; 8 of last 9 races she put up 100+ BSF and she has beaten older males and Placed a few times against them as well. 12 of 13 in the money on turf. Gomez is up. Much to like from the 5 YO daughter of Chester House who is looking for her 10th win in her 21st and final career starts.

Rutherienne, the Clement conditioned daughter of Pulpit, is a steady upper 90 BSF mare. 3 wins in last 13 starts, 11 wins in 23 tries on Turf and a career best 100 BSF. A steady effort today should land her on the ticket.

Diamondrella, the Stevens trainee for IEAH Stables, is a bit erratic and presents a wild card. Capable of 105 BSF and more then capable of beating Ventura if on. Has run well on soft and yielding turf of late and had a dreadful Breeders' Cup week and race and followed that up with a slow work in hand, :49 3/5ths at 4 furlongs. May hedge to 4th at lowest but quality is too good to slip lower.

Tuscan Evening (Ire) is a Grade II winner, 3 of 3 at HOL and 14 of 20 in the money on turf. 4 YO worked sharply this week with a 4 furlong :47 bullet. Upset winner? Worth a $2 buck flyer especially if going to post odds > 4-1.

I'm tossing Taste's Sis , Puttanesca (NZ) and possibly April Pride from all tickets.

So what are we doing? Well 10 cent supers are in fashion and I'll work some of those as well as watch the tote closely and look for exacta bets with a sometime longer then Ventura/ and a 2-1 filling the top two spots. We'll hunt for value and see if we can't turn $20 into something a bit bigger.

Have Fun, Turk Out!