Undefeated colt Hollywood Strip (Sweet Lou) maintained a clear record as he took the lead as expected to win the $150,000 Group 1 Nutrien Equine New South Wales Breeders Challenge for two-year-old colts and geldings at Menangle on Saturday evening.
Considered a certainty from pole based on his previous four wins, Hollywood Strip was able to maintain the lead and then driver Brad Hewitt kept the pace throughout with quarters of 27.7, 27.6, 27.6 and 27.7 seconds.
Whether or not he got tired or lost his concentration, Hollywood Strip still had a handy break, but outsider Berocca Bernie came out of nowhere and came close to the winner with Lexy, who had a one out and one back in third. Add to that the fact that Message Bank finished fourth, and the Hewitt family finished in the first four places, which is certainly a remarkable achievement.
HOLLYWOOD STRIP OCTOBER 25 REPEAT
Brad Hewitt was very pleased with Hollywood Strip’s efforts.
“He had to take quite a bit of pressure there. We weren’t supposed to go that fast, but it’s an honor for him that he got the job done and that he can now enjoy a well-deserved break.”
“It looked like he got tired and stopped, but it was probably a bit of both. I can’t wait to get him in the paddock, he’s at the end of his rope. I said for everything he’s done in pre-season, he’s gone from not knowing anything to winning a Group 1, so I can’t wait to get him in the paddock and get back to next season.”
“He’s measured at 17 to 17.1 hands tall, so he’s definitely a big boy.”
“I think the New South Wales Derby is about the first race coming up and it’s always early March, so we’ll see how long he can have off and focus on those types of races.”
Hollywood Strip, ridden by Mick Boots, is out of Bang Bang Molly, who has previously left useful winners Smaltese and Kerbang.
Hollywood Strip, an imposing and tall person, will certainly be filled with free time and should develop into a strong three-year-old. His presence in his next campaign is eagerly awaited.
By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink
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