Rousing Sermon, a California-bred colt by Lucky Pulpit, was
beaten a diminishing neck by Liaison in the Grade I CashCall Futurity at Hollywood Park
on Dec. 17. Each carried 121 pounds in the mile and one-sixteenth race that
drew a field of 13 on Cushion Track.
The two Triple Crown prospects renew their rivalry in the
Grade II Robert B. Lewis Stakes with one difference: Rousing Sermon gets a
break in the weights.
“We’re getting five pounds,” said Dan Ward, assistant to
Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. “Plus, our horse has run good every
time he’s run, and it looks like there’s enough speed in the race to help his
closing style.
“And in the race before the CashCall—the Real Quiet—we gave
Liaison six pounds (123 to 117) when he beat us by a half-length. We expect
Rousing Sermon to run good again on Saturday.”
In six career starts for owner/breeder Mr. and Mrs. Larry
Williams, Rousing Sermon has never been out of the money, winning the
California Cup Juvenile and to date earning $274,000.