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FAIR GROUNDS NOTEBOOK FEBRUARY 14, 2008 by Steve Collison Saturday was Derby Preview Day at the Fair Grounds, and the resulting outcomes may have plenty to say about what happens in many of the top divisions down the road. That's particularly true of the Kentucky Derby (G1) as Steve Asmussen's PYRO (Pulpit) stunned the crowd in the Risen Star (G3) with an electrifying late charge that had Andy Beyer drawing comparisons with the late, great, stretch runner Silky Sullivan. Speaking of his winner in the Risen Star, Asmussen said, "He's a tremendous horse. How good is he? He's good enough to do what we just watched. Amazing!" This comes from the trainer of Horse of the Year Curlin (Smart Strike). "I did what I was told to," jockey Shaun Bridgmohan explained. "It worked out very well. I was very patient. I was just looking for some daylight. When I got it, he gave it to me. I never hit him; I just tapped him on his shoulder." Pyro was last at the head of the stretch and eighth inside the eighth pole before turning on the juice, and now the excitement is starting to gain momentum for racing's next potential superstar. Of course, of monumental importance was the news that Pyro was eating everything in sight the following day, as if his efforts were just a mere public workout. Asmussen's assistant, Scott Blasi, said the $600,000 Louisianna Derby (G2) would likely come next, obviously hedging that thought until the boss makes the final assessment. "At least we know he likes this racetrack," said Blasi in a clear understatement. Oh yea, there were some other events on Saturday afternoon. Trainer Tom Amoss captured his second Pan Zareta S. when GRAEME SIX (Graeme Hall) scored in the fastest Pan Zareta since Hallowed Dreams went in 1:09.68 in 2001. Of his winner, Amoss had this to say, "Graeme Six is a very good horse. We gave her some time off, and in her first start back she was wide throughout. We were confident we could be competitive with this group. Having a race under our belt, she was sharper out of the gate, which was a positive and made for a better trip. I felt we made a good progression today. Position was the key to the race." Amoss had previously captured this event back in 1998 with Sky Blue Pink. Graeme Six paid a respectable $8. Trainer Neil Howard saddled GRASSHOPPER (Dixie Union) to win Saturday's Mineshaft H. (G3) in a performance almost as impressive as Pyro's. Howard also reported that his horse came back in fine fettle, and Grasshopper is a definite possibility to return in the New Orleans H. (G2) on March 8. "I would say it is most likely -- assuming he bounces back good -- that he (Grasshopper) would probably run in the New Orleans Handicap," Howard said. "He's here, and it's clear he likes this racetrack." In the Silverbulletday S. (G3), Bob Baffert's INDIAN BLESSING (Indian Charlie) remained unbeaten with a one-length victory over Proud Spell (Proud Citizen) in the $200,000 event for three-year-old fillies. Indian Blessing, sent off as the odds-on favorite in a field of seven, settled in second place for the first half-mile before taking command inside the half-mile pole. She then held off the late charge of Proud Spell in a repeat of the 1-2 finish of last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1). "She handled a lot today," said Baffert, who also trained the race's namesake. "She showed today she can get the distance. I think she likes two turns better." TRAINER NOTES Steve Asmussen: 60 It's obvious that the Asumssen operation has its best runners here as he continues to steamroll the opposition with a winning tally of nearly twice his nearest rival Cody Autrey. The interesting fact is that both of these stables are having trouble finding the winner's circle at Oaklawn, which indicates that their first strings are in New Orleans. Speaking of struggling, these trainers continue to pitch shutouts despite numerous opportunities to break through. James Hodges: 0-for-41 TRAINER PROFILE TOM AMOSS has always been a personal favorite of mine as his remarkable consistency has transformed many losing days into winning ones. What makes him so solid is his own handicapping expertise which subsequently makes his moves more readily decipherable from a handicapping perspective. Amoss is so good at understanding both sides of the horseracing game that he could make a living betting if that was needed which not many horseman can lay claim too. Most handicappers would be shocked to know how little the majority of conditioners actually understand about how handicapping works and that shows in their bottom line. But Amoss understands where his horses can win and how they stack up against the competition which is where the huge edge lies. That's why his drop downs win at an awesome 40-percent rate. They are being dropped because that's where they can win now, not because they are physically played out and thereby being dropped too late to do anyone any good. Conversely, due to his uncommonly strong knowledge of the class system, Amoss also wins more than 30 percent when moving up two notches. Watch his runners going first time off the claim when they are kept sprinting or are cutting back from a route as this is an esoteric angle that strengthens an already positive pattern. JOCKEY PROFILE Jockey ROBBY ALBARADO has started getting hot here at the Fair Grounds, and a glance at his riding skills would seem warranted. Albarado of course was aboard for Curlin's award-winning season, so his ability aboard pressure situations is unquestioned. And he's at his best aboard horses going two turns. Albarado wins nearly 20 percent in routes as opposed to slightly under 15 percent in sprints. And as also illustrated with Curlin, Robby's better when riding tough colts and older hard knockers then when placed upon young, more excitable two-year-old fillies. RECENT CLAIMS TO WATCH Friday (2/8) 8TH -- HANDSOME FEE (Menifee) has attracted the attention of several top trainers at this meet while being very popular at the claim box. Was taken once again today this time by Richard Scherer after running well against $25,000 company. Sunday (2/10) 5TH -- MANDATE MAKER (Full Mandate), a lightly raced gelding, showed considerable late run going short today while being claimed by trainer Bret Calhoun. Look for new connections to stretch this horse out, something they do with great success. 8TH -- SOUTHERN RANSOM (Red Ransom) is another timely Calhoun claim. This horse had been away for several months and came back today to run well while dropping out of the allowance ranks for the first time. Will win first time back for new outfit. Monday (2/11) 10TH -- JUDGE JERRY W. (Moonlight Dancer) turned in a strong second place finish despite breaking slowly and being forced to race extremely wide in his first start. Was claimed by trainer Alvin Sider and should find the winner's circle soon for new connections. HORSES TO WATCH Friday (2/8) 4TH -- HOLLYWOOD HANDSOME (Include), a lightly raced four-year-old colt, returned from an extended vacation to run very well despite always being under a tight hold from his rider. After running second to a tough Asmussen heavy favorite, he will likely be graduating next out. Saturday (2/9) 1ST -- DAN'S PRIDE (Cherokee Run) made her debut today for trainer Bill Mott going long over the lawn. Mott doesn't push his first time starters, but the three-year-old filly still turned in a respectable performance against a tough maiden special weight field and looks to have a bright future for Hall of Fame connections. 6TH -- SILVER LORD (Unbridled's Song), a lightly raced five-year-old horse, was void of his typical turn of early foot which forced him to race wide around both turns. Ended up running second to favorite Grasshopper and will be back on the winning track soon. 8TH -- Proud Spell was coming off a lengthy vacation while being compromised when forced to chase lone speed front runner and eventual winner Indian Blessing. Still turned in a strong performance to gain the place and will win now that she has conditioning foundation. Sunday (2/10) 5TH -- STEP N IT UP (Old Topper) offered a deceptively solid run despite being compromised by the rail post in only his second career start. Has been running for a slumping stable and would be extremely dangerous if someone else were to get their hands on him. 7TH -- ESCRITO BLAZE (Escrito) made his debut today but couldn't seem to find his stride until the race was nearly over. However, once doing so, the three-year-old colt came on in a hurry and galloped out in powerful fashion. Trainer Dallas Keen doesn't fare well with first timers anyhow so watch for this horse to progress next time around. Monday (2/11) 4TH -- ZARPEN (Zarbyev) had previously soured on racing and the seven-year-old mare's past performances showed as much. However, she moved into the barn of trainer Larry Robideaux prior to latest and apparently has regained her zest for racing, winning this event in going away fashion. Look for continuing good form as new connections have breathed new life into her tired body. BEWARE OF THESE Sunday (2/10) 2ND -- TRICKLE ME GOOD (Matty G) was dropped down a ton by trainer Hal Wiggins yet despite gaining an easy three-length lead with plodding fractions, the three-year-old filly still couldn't hold on against a weak group. Hard to envision a scenario in which she does hold on. Monday (2/11) 3RD -- KARAKORUM LARGE (Ide) has now been in the money in all five trips to post, but the three-year-old gelding easily could have won three of those and didn't. Today, he had a comfortable lead but failed to hold on as the odds-on choice. He looks to be the type that will burn tons of money throughout his career.
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