Hollywood Import’s victory in Saturday’s $100,000 Heft Stakes for 2-year-olds over seven furlongs wasn’t unexpected. Trainer Gary Capuano, who has guided 16 young horses to wins this year, has developed such a strong rapport with his trainees that he could be nicknamed “Daddy Day Care.” What truly caught attention was the way Hollywood Import earned his first stakes win. Jockey Michelle Sanchez rode the horse, who usually starts from the back, to an early lead and maintained an uncontested pace, finishing the race in 1:27.06 on a fast track and securing a 3/4-length win over favorite Puzzia Dreaming. Sanchez praised the colt’s calm demeanor and steady rhythm throughout the race, despite getting dirt on him early. Bred in Kentucky by George Krikorian and sired by Honor AP, Hollywood Import impressed in his debut by closing fast from behind to win, and continued demonstrating potential with a second-place finish in the James F. Lewis Stakes on a muddy track. Capuano admitted he was surprised by the horse’s new front-running style in this race, saying sometimes plans don’t work out—but when they do, it’s a delight. Hollywood Import’s success helped Capuano notch three wins on the same day, showcasing his skill with young horses.
The Heft Stakes at Laurel Park honors the late Arnold Heft, a Maryland native and prominent horse owner known for campaigning successful horses like millionaire Eight Fast Catch.
Meanwhile, Team Russell’s Peach Tie surprised many by winning the $100,000 Gin Talking Stakes for 2-year-old fillies as the longest shot on the board. Coached by Sheldon and Brittany Russell, Peach Tie raced seven furlongs in 1:27.30, holding off notable stakes winners Justfiltread and Sluperstitus. The filly has steadily built her resume with wins at Colonial Downs and Presque Isle Downs, and showed promising growth and a calm demeanor at Keeneland. Kentucky-bred and homebred by Preservationist, Peach Tie is a half-sister to stakes-winning miler Fact Finding and boasts strong bloodlines through her dam’s side. Brittany Russell is eager to see how far Peach Tie can extend her racing distance. The Gin Talking Stakes is named after the famed Maryland filly champion Gin Talking, who dominated at two and three years old and earned Horse of the Year honors.
Fan Take: This report highlights the emergence of new talent in the horse racing world, underscoring the importance of skilled trainers and jockeys in nurturing young horses’ potential. Fans can look forward to witnessing the growth of contenders like Hollywood Import and Peach Tie, whose performances could shape future racing seasons and elevate the sport’s excitement.
