Production on the pilot and first two episodes of Home Box Office’s (HBO) highly anticipated series, 'Luck,' has been nearly completed, and production and shooting for

Episode Three will resume at Santa Anita on January 10.

Luck, which stars several 'A-list' actors, including Dustin Hoffman, is the brainchild of world-renowned writer/producer David Milch, and is being shot in large-part at Santa Anita.

“Their production crew completed two weeks of work on and around the racetrack last week,” said Santa Anita Community and Special Events Coordinator Pete Siberell. “The pilot was completed several months ago and this will enable them to finish their work on the first two episodes.”

Among the notable actors involved in Episodes One and Two are Nick Nolte, Dennis Farina, John Ortiz, Gary Stevens and (jockey) Chantal Sutherland.

Siberell noted that Milch, who has also created such blockbuster hits as 'Hill Street Blues,' 'NYPD Blue,' and 'Deadwood,' is excited about the recently shot content for the first two episodes.

“David said that everything went extremely well and he was particularly happy with the racing action they were able to simulate. He also said that his directors, Terry George and Allen Coulter, were very pleased as well.”

Both George and Coulter are considered industry 'heavyweights,' as evidenced by their work experience. George’s professional credits include 'Hotel Rwanda,' 'Reservation Road' and 'In the Name of the Father.'

Coulter has directed 'The Sopranos,' 'Sex in the City,' 'Law and Order,' 'Boardwalk Empire,' and 'Rubicon.'

Siberell said that when HBO returns in January, superstar actor Hoffman, who played a prominent role in the pilot, will again be on hand as production begins on Episode Three.

“Hoffman and most of the other regular cast members will be here as well,” said Siberell. “This episode will be directed by Phillip Noyce, who’s also worked on shows like ‘The Quiet American,’ ‘Salt,’ ‘Clear and Present Danger’ and ‘Patriot Games.’”

(Santa Anita)