Nobiz Like Shobiz Proving Himself At the Hollywood Derby

Nobiz Like Shobiz. (AP Images)

An 11 horse field has gathered today for the $500,000 Hollywood Derby (Gr. 1) including Nobiz Like Shobiz.

This three year old colt has begun his "second career" by successfully switching from dirt to turf. Despite today being his first Grade 1 race on grass, as well as his first 1 and 1/4 mile turf race, Nobiz remains the morning line favorite.

Nobiz Like Shobiz was a definite contender in the 2007 Derby Trail until placing 10th in a line up of 20 in the Kentucky Derby. Since then, trainer Barclay Tagg made the decision to switch the horse to turf, which Nobiz took to remarkably. Given his outstanding performance on October 6th, 2007 in the Jamaica Handicap (Gr. 2) over 1 1/8 miles on Belmont Park's turf track the extra furlong should not pose a huge obstacle. Robin Smullen has stated that the most crucial element will be when jockey Javier Castellanos decides to ask Nobiz Like Shobiz to make a move. "I think he has to be ridden properly," stated Smullen, "you can't ask him too early. It's worked out well since we've tried him off the pace. He seems to have an explosive kick. I think the mile and a quarter is within his range."

Join Bodog Racebook today to see if Nobiz Like Shobiz takes to the turf as well as his trainer hopes.