Toronto, ON – Oklahoma-bred Hollywood Hit set a new track record for seven furlongs in Sunday’s Grade 3, $153,500 Vigil Stakes at Woodbine.
The four-year-old son of Cactus Ridge led at every call, set fractions of :22.08 and :43.72, and completed seven furlongs in 1:20.07 – which is 0.44 seconds faster than Disfunction’s clocking in the 2008 edition of the Vigil. Fatal Bullet finished in second, three lengths behind Hollywood Hit. Signature Red was third.
The Vigil is the Peter Redekop charge’s second consecutive stakes score at Woodbine. On April 11, he won the Jacques Cartier by a half-length. Jockey Jim McAleney rode Hollywood Hit in the Vigil and the Jacques Cartier. He said his mount was comfortable throughout the feature. “Even though he’s got a high cruising speed, this horse was comfortable,” said McAleney. “I was very confident. This horse is incredible. I feel very privileged.”
Trainer Terry Jordan was only mildly concerned about the fast fractions doled out by his speedy gelding. “When they go that fast, you’re always worried how they’re going to finish. I know he’s a very good horse,” said Jordan. “He (worked in :33 3/5, breezing) the other morning and we had to pick him up with the pony. I’ve never been around one like this guy.”
Hollywood Hit is now 6-for-11 with earnings of $322,964.
The gelding returned $7.80, $4.30 and $3.30, combining with Fatal Bullet ($4.20, $2.90) for a $23.90 exactor. Signature Red ($3.80) rounded out a triactor worth $132.50. Fourth-place finisher Field Commission completed a $1 superfecta worth $146.40.