2012 Cash Call Futurity Day

By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com Guide

On the undercard, a field of 10 older horses contested the $250,000 Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) at 1 1/2 miles on the turf. Twilight Derby (G2) winner Grandeur was sent off as the 8-5 favorite off his second place finish in the Hollywood Derby (G1). In to challenge him included 4-1 second choice Optimizer, fifth in the River City Handicap (G3) at Churchill after disappointing 11th in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1), and 9-2 third choice Slim Shadey, 8th in the Breeders' Cup Turf after winning the John Henry Turf Classic (G2).

Jockey Corey Nakatani sent Optimizer to the lead around the first of three turns, getting the opening quarter in 24.90 before Slim Shadey took over first time past the stands, through fractions of 49.12, 1:14.28, 1:39.77, and 2:04.35, with Optimizer stalking the lead pair in third.. Slim Shadey continued to lead to the 1/8 pole but tired late. Grandeur, who settled in fifth about 5 lengths off the pace early, rallied on the outside to win by 3/4 length over 29-1 Interaction in 2:27.95 over the firm course. It was another 2 1/4 lengths back to Optimizer third.

Results chart from DRF