Exciting youngster remains undefeated

EXCITING youngster Hollywood Strip did more than complete an eye-catching return to racing at Club Menangle last night.

First-up from a 16-week spell, Hollywood Strip captured the Simpson Memorial to extend his undefeated record to six.

Trainer Brad Hewitt sent the son of Sweet Lou for a well-earned break following his Group One New South Wales Breeders' Challenge Final victory at the world class venue on October 25.

Thanks to his latest success, Hollywood Strip earned a 'golden ticket' into another Group One - next month's New South Wales Derby.

While his potential rivals have to contest Derby qualifiers on March 7 before backing up in the Final the following week, Hollywood Strip can be eased into the Blue Riband by Hewitt.

At this stage Hewitt plans to find a suitable race for the three-year-old in a fortnight.

"It is a great plus from winning last night knowing he is going straight into the Derby," Hewitt said. "Now I don't have to worry about the heats and can just set his program around that Final.

"It's five weeks until the Derby, so I will try and find a suitable race for him in the middle. Two weeks before the Derby would be ideal."

Driven by Hewitt, Hollywood Strip showed tremendous gate speed to lead from barrier six on his way to a five-metre win from Zeus Lightning.,

Soho Trump was two-and-a-half metres away third as the winner covered the mile in 1:50.4.

"He'd done very well while he was spelling," Hewitt said. "He's grown and come back looking a treat...he couldn't have done better during his time off.

"His work had been as good as it has ever been going into last night and he felt sharp the whole way.

"He will take a lot of benefit from that run, and with another start under his belt, he'll be right where I want him going into the Derby."