Hollywood Cat showed her true heart in yesterday's 7th race at Belmont Park as she endured a prolonged stretch duel and came out a nose in front to secure her trip to the winner's circle for Apex Racing.
Under a stirring ride from Manny Franco, the 3yr. old daughter of Courageous Cat, was right off the leader, running in a trio - setting the pace. Off the turn, heading into the stretch, Manny moved her from the three-path to the inside as she moved to the lead. Here is where Manny truly shined as he got the most out of his mount, riding head to head with a challenger to her outside for the entirety of the stretch. Just as it appeared the contest might be lost, Manny squeezed one last lunge out of Hollywood and nosed out her nemesis for the win.
Congratulations to client Apex Racing on an exciting victory! Special Thanks to incredible, longtime groom Macario Bravo, and of course to Carlos Martin for his patient handling of this gutsy filly.
