Hollywood Strip makes it five on end winning Breeders Challenge

Unbeaten harness racing colt Hollywood Strip (Sweet Lou)  maintained a clean record when he as expected he led all the way 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 the pole on the basis of his previous four wins Hollywood Strip was able to hold the lead and then driver Brad Hewitt kept the pace on throughout with quarters of 27.7, 27.6 27.6 and 27.7 seconds.

Whether or not he was getting tired or may have lost concentration, Hollywood Strip still had a handy break but outsider Berocca Bernie came from nowhere to get within a neck of the winner with Lexy who had a one out and one back trail in third placing. Adding the fact that Message Bank finished fourth meant that the Hewitt family finished the first four placings, a remarkable feat by any standard.

HOLLYWOOD STRIP OCT 25 REPLAY

Brad Hewitt was well satisfied with Hollywood Strip’s effort.

“He had to absorb a fair amount of pressure there. It wasn’t by design that we were going that quick but credit to him he got the job done and he can go for a well deserved break now.”

“It looked as if he was getting tired and switching off, but it was probably a bit of both I can’t wait to put him in the paddock, he’s come to the end of his tether. I’ve said before everything he’s done in the preparation he’s gone from not knowing a thing to winning a Group 1 so I can’t wait to get him into the paddock and get back to next season.”

“He’s measured at 17 to 17.1 hands high, so he’s definitely a big boy.”

“I think the New South Wales Derby is about the first race that comes up and its always the start of March. So we’ll see long he can have off and aim for those sort of races.”

Raced by Mick Boots, Hollywood Strip is out of Bang Bang Molly who has previously left the useful winners Smaltese and Kerbang.

An imposing and tall individual, Hollywood Strip is sure to fill out with time off and should develop into a strong three year old and his presence in his next campaign will be eagerly awaited.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink