Unusual Heat

3rd-Parx Racing, $45,760, Msw, 6-24, 2yo, f, 4 1/2f, :55.65, ft, neck. HOLLYWOOD BEAUTY (f, 2, Honor A. P.--America's Friend {SW, $284,244}, by Unusual Heat) became the second debut winner and third overall for her freshman sire (by Honor Code) with a determined effort in the season's first baby race in suburban Philly. Off at odds of 10-1, the bay was void of early speed despite being asked for it and raced in fifth of the six runners into the turn. Improving her position inside approaching the quarter pole, Hollywood...

A towering presence of California horse racing in both stature and sheer strength of character, trainer, owner and breeder Barry Abrams has died at the age of 66. "He really looked into the soul of a horse," said David Abrams, Barry Abrams's brother. "He had horses run that didn't run for anybody else." Abrams had battled throat cancer for more than 15 years. "He never once complained about what he was going through," said trainer Richard Baltas, Abrams's former assistant. "He helped people who were less fortunate than him and...

Auerbach homebred and two-time Cal-bred stakes winner Lennyfromalibu (Unusual Heat--Style of the Year, by Half a Year) passed away Tursday at his home at Tranquility Farm in California. He was 21-years-old. Winner of six of 21 starts, the chestnut gelding earned $442,165 during his career with trainer Barry Abrams. Lennyfromalibu is known as the "Godfather of CARMA" as he inspired his owner/breeder Madeline Auerbach to start the organization. After retiring from racing, Lenny spent the last 15 years living at Tranquility Farm Retirement Sanctuary.