Printer Friendly Page 

Yankee Bravo preps for Preakness

California Derby winner YANKEE BRAVO (Yankee Gentleman) worked seven furlongs in 1:24 1/5 under jockey Alex Solis at Hollywood Park on Thursday. The Paddy Gallagher trainee is one of nine three-year-olds who are confirmed for the $1 million Preakness S. (G1) on May 17 at Pimlico.

"He didn't have enough earnings to try and get into the (Kentucky) Derby (G1). It wasn't meant to be so we'll just try it here in the next one," said Gallagher, who worked for Bill Shoemaker during the Hall of Fame rider's training career.

After capturing the California Derby, Yankee Bravo finished third in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and fourth in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). Solis, who won the Preakness in 1986 aboard Snow Chief, has the mount.

"The Santa Anita Derby was an exciting race to be in and a little disappointing," Gallagher said. "Alex Solis has great belief. He believes he can get a mile and an eighth and further, so that's why we're going to try the Preakness."

Yankee Bravo is slated to arrive in Baltimore on Wednesday.

At Churchill Downs, BIG BROWN (Boundary), the undefeated Kentucky Derby winner, jogged a mile under regular exercise rider Michelle Nevin.

"It was drizzling and the track was sloppy, so he just jogged today," Nevin said.

Heavy overnight rain in the Louisville, Kentucky, area left the track listed as muddy during Thursday morning training hours. Big Brown completed his activity well before heavier rain hit during the final hour of training.

"Everything's good here," trainer Rick Dutrow said.

The Preakness will be a homecoming for Dutrow, the son of legendary trainer Dick Dutrow, who was born in Maryland, and jockey Kent Desormeaux, who won the Eclipse Award for outstanding apprentice rider while based at Pimlico and Laurel Park in the late 1980s.

"Every time Preakness would roll around Dad would win a race on Preakness Day," Dutrow said during an NTRA conference call on Thursday. "Naturally I would love to win a race like that. It's where I grew up. Most of the traits of the game are right there at Pimlico, Bowie, Laurel. I'm going to see a lot of my friends. I can't wait to get there."

Big Brown, who has won his four career starts by a combined 33 3/4 lengths, will catch a flight to Baltimore on Wednesday. He is scheduled to land at Baltimore-Washington International airport at 5:45 p.m. (EDT).

TRES BORRACHOS (Ecton Park) and RACECAR RHAPSODY (Tale of the Cat) will be on the same flight with Big Brown.

Tres Borrachos walked the shedrow at Barn 41 at Churchill Downs on Thursday, one day after working five furlongs in :59 3/5. Trainer Beau Greely opted to keep the bay gelding at Churchill Downs and shoot for the Preakness rather than running in Saturday's $400,000 Lone Star Derby (G3).

"We try to win big races," Greely said. "(The Preakness) is a million dollar race and it's not every day that you get a chance to try it."

Tyler Baze, who never has had a Preakness mount, has the call on Tres Borrachos, who exits a third-place finish in the Arkansas Derby (G2).

Trainer Kenny McPeek sent Racecar Rhapsody out for a 1 1/2-mile gallop at Churchill Downs on Thursday. Racecar Rhapsody most recently finished fourth in the Lexington S. (G2) on April 19 at Keeneland, a performance that did not secure him enough graded stakes earnings to make the Kentucky Derby field.

"The horse is doing well and the extra distance is an interesting factor," said McPeek, who has had two previous Preakness starters (Harlan's Holiday in 2002 and Tejano Run in 1995).

Racecar Rhapsody is scheduled to work five furlongs under the Twin Spires on Saturday. Robby Albarado has the mount in the Preakness.

Kentucky Bear is the first Preakness hopeful to settle in at Pimlico (Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club) KENTUCKY BEAR (Mr. Greeley), who finished third in the Blue Grass S. (G1) on April 12 at Keeneland, was the first Preakness horse to arrive at Old Hilltop. The chestnut colt arrived at 4:28 p.m. (EDT) Wednesday, then jogged twice around the Pimlico oval on Thursday morning under assistant trainer Cassie Garcia. "I'm super happy with how he settled in," Garcia said. "We're happy to be here." The Reade Baker trainee is scheduled to work five furlongs at Pimlico on Saturday immediately following the renovation break, weather permitting. "I know it's supposed to rain, so if the track is okay we'll gallop tomorrow, if not we'll probably jog," Garcia added. "Ever since he came into Kentucky (on April 2) he's built more muscle, he's actually matured a little more. I think he's got a great chance coming into this race. Everything's just clicked perfectly with him." Jamie Theriot is expected to retain the mount in the Preakness. Kentucky Bear was joined in the stakes barn by stablemate Bear Now (Tiznow), who shipped down from Baker's Woodbine base on Wednesday. The four-year-old filly will run in the $150,00 Allaire duPont Distaff S. (G2) on the Preakness undercard. The Grade 2 winner is three for four at the 1 1/16-mile distance.

Illinois Derby (G2) winner RECAPTURETHEGLORY (Cherokee Run) jogged a mile and galloped a mile on a muddy track at Churchill Downs on Thursday. Lara Van Deren, assistant to trainer Louie Roussel III, was aboard Recapturetheglory, who finished fifth in last Saturday's Kentucky Derby.

"He is leaving here Saturday night for Pimlico," Van Deren said. "He will train here the next two mornings."

E.T. Baird, who never has ridden in the Preakness, retains the mount on Recapturetheglory.

STEVIL (Maria's Mon), who finished fourth in the Blue Grass in his most recent start, galloped 1 1/2 miles under Dylan Armstrong at Churchill Downs on Thursday.

Trainer Nick Zito plans to work Stevil under the Twin Spires on Monday and ship to Pimlico on Tuesday or Wednesday. John Velazquez has the Preakness mount on Stevil.

Giant Moon capped off a four-race win streak in the Count Fleet in January (Ross Woodson/Horsephotos.com) Trainer Rick Schosberg plans to ship GIANT MOON (Giant's Causeway) to Pimlico next Thursday from his Belmont Park base. The bay colt, who won his first four starts, including three stakes races, most recently finished fourth in the Wood Memorial (G1) on April 5 at Aqueduct. "He continues to do fine," Schosberg said. Ramon Dominguez, who won a pair of riding titles at Pimlico in 2001, has the riding assignment. Trainer Todd Pletcher will ship Lexington winner BEHINDATTHEBAR (Forest Wildcat) to Pimlico as late as possible, maybe even Preakness morning from his Belmont Park barn. Pletcher said a decision would be made on Withers S. (G3) winner HARLEM ROCKER (Macho Uno) after the gray colt breezes this weekend. Others still considering a run in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown are RILEY TUCKER (Harlan's Holiday) and MACHO AGAIN (Macho Uno). The post position draw for the Preakness will be held on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the ESPN Zone in downtown Baltimore. The event will be televised live on ESPN.

The 133rd running of the Preakness will be televised by NBC. Post time is 6:15 p.m.

In other Preakness news:

The Maryland Jockey Club announced Thursday that Maggie Wolfendale, a student at Towson University, is the 2008 Miss Preakness. The 21-year-old biology major will represent Pimlico at all of the Preakness Celebration activities, including the Preakness Parade and the post position draw for entries at the ESPN Zone. An aspiring reporter, Wolfendale, the daughter of top Maryland conditioner Howard Wolfendale, will be covering this year's Preakness for Towson University's television station.

Casino Drive begins historic quest in Peter Pan

Saturday's $200,000 Peter Pan S. (G2) has been a customary stepping stone to the June 7 Belmont S. (G1), but Japanese shipper CASINO DRIVE (Mineshaft) is attempting a feat anything but customary. A sibling of the past two Belmont winners, Rags to Riches (A.P. Indy) and Jazil (Seeking the Gold), Casino Drive is using the 1 1/8-mile Peter Pan as a prep for an unprecedented three-sibling sweep of the 1 1/2-mile classic.

The Kentucky-bred Casino Drive is out of Grade 2 heroine Better Than Honour (Deputy Minister). The chestnut colt was bought by Nobutaka Tada, on behalf of Hidetoshi Yamamoto, for $950,000 as a yearling at the Keeneland September sale, just about three months after Jazil captured the 2006 Belmont. At the time, few could have envisioned that the yearling's three-quarter sister, the maiden Rags to Riches, would go on to make history by earning a hard-fought Belmont victory the following season, becoming the first filly in 102 years to win that coveted prize. Not only did Rags to Riches seal champion three-year-old filly honors for herself, but she also secured the Broodmare of the Year title for her dam.

Handed over to master horseman Kazuo Fujisawa in Japan, Casino Drive has faced the starter only once. In a nine-furlong maiden on February 23 at Kyoto, he romped by 11 1/2 lengths on a dirt track labeled good. Casino Drive has drawn the rail for his American debut, where he will face his first serious test of class. Kent Desormeaux picks up the mount.

Casino Drive will be coupled in the wagering with his stablemate, SPARK CANDLE (A.P. Indy). A son of champion and $3.2 million earner Serena's Song (Rahy), the robust chestnut was a $1.5 million Keeneland September yearling purchase. The Kentucky-bred colt broke his maiden in a 1 1/4-mile turf event last October, but he faded to 12th in his only prior attempt on dirt. Jorge Chavez will guide Spark Candle, who will add blinkers.

Unlike the Japanese duo, TOMCITO (Street Cry [Ire]) did not hold much appeal at Keeneland September. When prospective buyers looked at the bay, all they saw was an awkward, barrel-chested colt who, frankly, walked like a duck. When trainer Dante Zanelli Jr. looked at the yearling, he saw something more.

"I saw a Derby horse," said Zanelli, who paid $7,500 for the colt and sent him to his uncle in Peru after failing to find a taker. "His walk was not the prettiest, but he had such a nice stride.

"He's been special since Day 1," Zanelli added.

In Peru, Tomcito began his career beating older horses at the age of two. He won four of five starts, including the final two legs of the country's Triple Crown going about 1 1/4 miles and 1 1/2 miles, respectively, at Monterico Racetrack.

Tomcito made his U.S. bow in the Florida Derby (G1), finishing third behind subsequent Kentucky Derby star Big Brown (Boundary). Unfortunately, Tomcito failed to earn enough graded money to enter the Run for the Roses when he finished sixth as the favorite in the Lexington S. (G2) at Keeneland.

"The Lexington wasn't that bad, considering he gave six pounds to everyone and the Polytrack was not to his liking," Zanelli noted. "The ride wasn't what we expected, either. He didn't run a terrible race, but he didn't make any money. It's too bad, because I think he would have run a heck of a race in the Derby."

Tomcito was one of four who did not make the cut when entered for the Kentucky Derby, but the final leg of racing's Triple Crown is definitely on his schedule. Bypassing the Preakness because of Pimlico's reputation for tight turns, Zanelli targeted the 1 1/2-mile Belmont, a distance at which Tomcito has already won.

"The bigger the track, the better," Zanelli said. "We are hoping to have a good showing on Saturday that will set us up for the Belmont. That's the goal."

Tomcito, the 120-pound highweight, will get a rider switch to Cornelio Velasquez.

The Peter Pan also features GOLDEN SPIKES (Seeking the Gold), most recently runner-up in the Illinois Derby (G2); MINT LANE (Maria's Mon), who just missed in the Federico Tesio S. last time out; the Todd Pletcher-trained READY'S ECHO (More Than Ready), a sharply rallying second in a deep Keeneland allowance; and Phipps Stable homebred COSMIC (El Prado [Ire]), a son of champion Heavenly Prize (Seeking the Gold) who brings a two-race winning streak into his stakes debut.

"His last three races have been pretty good," said trainer Shug McGaughey of Cosmic, who broke his maiden going nine furlongs at Gulfstream Park and then took an allowance/optional claimer at the same distance at Aqueduct. "We'll see how he sizes up with these. At the point we are not aiming for the Belmont, but it's certainly up for discussion."

The field for the 55th running of the Peter Pan, in post position order, comprises Casino Drive; Tomcito; Mint Lane, Eibar Coa; DEPUTYVILLE (Deputy Warlock), Jose Espinoza; Spark Candle; Golden Spikes, Edgar Prado; Ready's Echo, John Velazquez; Cosmic, Javier Castellano; and FAST TALKING (Hennessy), Alan Garcia.

With the exception of Tomcito, each of the others will tote 116 pounds.

One race before the Peter Pan, seven older sprinters will clash over six furlongs in the $100,000 Bold Ruler H. (G3). Top contenders include EXECUTIVE FLEET (Northern Afleet), who was second in the Carter H. (G1) in his latest venture; multiple Grade 2-placed FOREFATHERS (Gone West); the uncoupled Bruce Levine pair of Toboggan H. (G3) runner-up MAN OF DANGER (Tiger Ridge) and commanding allowance/optional claiming winner CALLMETONY (Runaway Groom); and the once-beaten LUCKY ISLAND (Arg) (Lucky Roberto) from the Kiaran McLaughlin barn.

El Gato Malo looks to pounce in Lone Star Derby

San Rafael S. (G3) winner EL GATO MALO (El Corredor) tops a field of 13 sophomores entered in Saturday's $400,000 Lone Star Derby (G3). Runner-up in the Sham S. (G3), the Craig Dollase-trained gelding was forced out of the Kentucky Derby (G1) due to insufficient graded earnings when he finished fifth in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). The Kentucky-bred will make his first start on a traditional dirt track after racing exclusively over synthetic surfaces, and he'll wear blinkers for the first time while breaking from post 2. Rafael Bejarano will pick up the mount.

Lexington S. (G2) runner-up SAMBA ROOSTER (Songandaprayer) and Louisiana Derby (G2) runner-up MY PAL CHARLIE (Indian Charlie) are among the top challengers. The former made his stakes debut in the Lexington and turned in a strong effort on the front end, nearly stealing the 1 1/16-mile event before being caught by Behindatthebar (Forest Wildcat). He figures to set the pace on Saturday with Garrett Gomez. My Pal Charlie, a game runner-up to Pyro (Pulpit) two starts back at Fair Grounds, exits a fifth in the Arkansas Derby (G2), and the Al Stall Jr.-trained colt will have to put his speed to use early here in order to save ground from post 11. Jamie Theriot rides.

FORT APACHE (Mineshaft), a smart 2 3/4-length allowance winner at Lone Star last out, will make his stakes debut for conditioner Bret Calhoun. Rebel S. (G2) runner-up KING'S SILVER SON (Mizzen Mast) is eligible to improve off a ninth in the Arkansas Derby, and Borderland Derby winner PONI COLADA (Volponi) will enter off a close second in the Northern Spur S. at Oaklawn Park most recently. Gotham S. (G3) runner-up TEXAS WILDCATTER (Monarchos) and Grade 2-placed ISABULL (Holy Bull) also merit respect.

The complete field for the 1 1/16-mile Lone Star Derby, in post position order, is LIMESTONE EDGE (Cat Thief), Corey Lanerie; El Gato Malo; GOLDEN YANK (Yankee Gentleman), Mike Berry; Poni Colada, Quincy Hamilton; King's Silver Son, Luis Quinonez; Texas Wildcatter, Robby Albarado; IDE LIKE A DOUBLE (Ide), Kerwin Clark; Isabull, Tim Doocy; Samba Rooster; LEONIDES (Richter Scale), Richard Migliore; My Pal Charlie; Fort Apache, Eddie Martin Jr.; and REAL APPEAL (Successful Appeal), James Graham.

All runners will carry 122 pounds.

Limestone Edge and Samba Rooster will be coupled in the wagering.

Champs Elysees must catch Boule d'Or in Murray

Grade 2 winner CHAMPS ELYSEES (GB) (Danehill), third when trying the Cushion Track in the Santa Anita H. (G1) last time out, will switch back to the turf in Saturday's $250,000 Jim Murray Memorial H. (G2) at Hollywood Park. Trained by Bobby Frankel, the classy five-year-old captured a French Group 3 event and finished second in the Gran Premio del Jockey Club (Ity-G1) before arriving in the United States last fall. He recorded a second in the 1 1/2-mile Hollywood Turf Cup (G1) when making his U.S. debut in December and opened 2008 with a facile score in the San Marcos S. (G2) at Santa Anita.

Champs Elysees will face four rivals in the 1 1/2-mile Jim Murray with jockey Ramon Dominguez, and San Luis Rey H. (G2) hero BOULE D'OR (Ire) (Croco Rouge) is the one to catch in the short field. Claimed for $50,000 by the Jeff Mullins operation three starts back, the seven-year-old rolled to a 3 1/2-length win in an allowance/optional claiming event in his first start for his new connections and then stretched out to 12 furlongs in the San Luis Rey, opening up by 10 lengths on his rivals during the early stages. Boule d'Or held on to win by three parts of a length, and he looms as the lone speed once again in the Jim Murray. Tyler Baze will return to the saddle.

Defending champion ON THE ACORN (GB) (Inchinor [GB]) closed from off the pace to win last year's edition by a half-length, but that was the multiple Grade 2 winner's final start in 2007. Fourth in the San Juan Capistrano H. (G2) most recently, the Mike Mitchell-trained gelding will attempt to snap a three-race losing streak this season. Italian Group 1 winner SUDAN (Ire) (Peintre Celebre), last seen finishing eighth in the February 23 San Luis Obispo H. (G2), will make his second U.S. engagement for Frankel on Saturday, and San Luis Obispo H. (G2) runner-up CHURCH SERVICE (Pulpit) rounds out the field.

Boule d'Or will lead the post parade under a 115-pound impost. Next comes Champs Elysees, 119; Church Service, Victor Espinoza, 113; Sudan, Jose Valdivia Jr., 115; and On the Acorn, Brice Blanc, 115.

Santa Anita will also offer a pair of Grade 3 events. Eleven sophomore fillies have been entered in the $100,000 Senorita S. (G3), and DECORATOR (Storm Cat) will make her stakes debut in the one-mile turf test. A sharp maiden special weight victress two starts back, the Richard Mandella-trained miss exits a victory over allowance/optional claiming rivals on April 6. Decorator hails from multiple stakes winner Words of War (Lord at War [Arg]) and counts 2000 Del Mar Oaks (G1) heroine No Matter What (Nureyev) and multiple Grade 2-winning sire E Dubai (Mr. Prospector) as half-siblings. Blue Norther S. victress GORGEOUS GOOSE (Mongoose) and Las Virgenes S. (G1) runner-up LOVELY ISLE (Double Honor) also merit serious consideration.

The $100,000 Los Angeles H. (G3) will feature a field of nine sprinters, including SAILORS SUNSET (Petionville) and PEACE CHANT (War Chant), the top two respective finishers in last year's running of the six-furlong event. Grade 1 king BILO (Bertrando) and multiple Grade 3 winner BONFANTE (Fruition) are also entered.

Monmouth commences 99-day stand

In a sure sign of the approach of summer, Monmouth Park will launch its 63rd season of Thoroughbred racing on Friday. The 99-day meeting at the Oceanport, New Jersey, oval runs through September 28.

Monmouth was last in the spotlight for playing host to the Breeders' Cup in October 2007, and the legacy of the fall championship event reverberates into this season at the Jersey Shore.

"One of the lasting benefits of hosting the Breeders' Cup is that many prominent horsemen who were introduced to Monmouth for the first time last October now are aware of our tradition of excellence," said Dennis Dowd, senior executive vice president of racing for the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. "They know we're a great place to run their top horses."

Director of Racing Mike Dempsey noted that several trainers will have bases at Monmouth for the first time this year, attracted by a purse structure totaling more than $300,000 per day. Among the newcomers are Barclay Tagg (30 horses), Tony Dutrow (25), A. Ferris Allen (25) and Steve DiMauro (20). Top horsemen returning to Monmouth include defending champion Todd Pletcher, Rick Dutrow, Eddie Plesa Jr., Bruce Levine and Jason Servis.

"Our overnight purse structure is among the best in the region," Dowd said. "And we have an outstanding stakes program that should attract the best horses available.

Monmouth will offer 80 stakes races, including 13 graded events. The opening day feature is the $70,000 Red Cross S., a six-furlong affair for distaffers that will serve as the 2008 debut for local hero TALKIN ABOUT LOVE (Not for Love). The Kevin Sleeter trainee compiled a five-race winning streak here last season, capped by her score in the Monmouth Oaks (G3). The New Jersey-bred wrapped up her sophomore campaign with third-place finishes in the Cotillion H. (G2) and the Inside Information S. on Breeders' Cup Friday. Talkin About Love will face seven rivals, led by Azalea S. (G3) romper SHEETS (Scatmandu), multiple stakes queens PURE DISCO (Disco Rico) and DEVIL HOUSE (Chester House), as well as recent Primonetta S. runner-up CIRCUIT BREAKER (Yes It's True).

The centerpiece of the meet, as always, is the Haskell Invitational (G1) on August 3, which again carries a purse of $1 million. The Haskell tops a Sunday card that offers seven other stakes races, including the Oceanport S. (G3) and the Matchmaker S. (G3).

Taking center stage in midsummer will be the $750,000 United Nations S. (G1) on July 5, a grass event that anchors Monmouth's spectacular Fourth of July weekend action. Other stakes to be run that Friday, Saturday and Sunday include the Jersey Shore S. (G3) on July 4, the Salvator Mile S. (G3) on July 5 and the Miss Liberty S. and Colts Neck H. on July 6.

Besides showcasing Monmouth to horsemen, the Breeders' Cup has also left its structural mark on the facility. The area in front of the jockeys' room, which once sported an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and more recently a Breeders' Cup hospitality tent, has been converted to a green area, dubbed Breeders' Cup Park, with the addition of sod, pathways and benches.

"We're commemorating the Breeders' Cup winners with plaques and jockey silks honoring the champions that competed at Monmouth last fall," said Horace "Smitty" Smith, Monmouth's assistant vice president of operations.

The semicircular extension at the back of the grandstand that overlooks the main gate, which was completely renovated and opened in time to serve as indoor seating for the Breeders' Cup, will now serve as a cafe.

"It's now called the Grandstand Cafe, and will have seating for a number of food concessions," Smith said.

Also, a large tent that was erected for Breeders' Cup over the old railway siding to the west of the picnic area will remain on a permanent basis.

"The tent will provide sheltered mutuels and televisions for the people in the picnic area," Smith said.

The area along the homestretch that was totally transformed for Breeders' Cup with blacktop and bleachers, however, has been completely rebuilt and restored to its former verdant glory.

"We put down sod over the entire area," Smith said. "The tables with umbrellas are all back in place and new plastic vinyl fencing has been added to the group areas."

Monmouth will race three days a week -- Friday, Saturday and Sunday -- for the first two weekends in May. For Memorial Day weekend, live racing will be conducted Friday through Monday. Starting in June, the track will race five days a week on a Wednesday through Sunday schedule.

Gates will open at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) and first post time is 12:50 p.m. every day except Haskell Day, when the gates open at 10 a.m. and racing gets under way at noon.

Good Night Shirt seeks second straight Iroquois

Sonny Via's GOOD NIGHT SHIRT (Concern) entered the 2007 Iroquois Hurdle S. (NSA-G1) against the star power of McDynamo and Sur La Tete. After a flag-to-wire, 5 1/4-length win in Nashville, Tennessee, Good Night Shirt leapt into the spotlight -- and he hasn't left it. The chestnut gelding went on to win the Eclipse Award as the nation's best steeplechase horse, and kicked off his 2008 campaign by taking the Georgia Cup Hurdle S. (NSA-G1). Things come full circle Saturday when the circuit heads back to Nashville, and this year it's Good Night Shirt shining as the sport's brightest star.

With $385,000 in total purses, the 67th annual Iroquois Steeplechase meeting has long been a highlight of the National Steeplechase Association spring season. So it goes as no surprise that the feature, the $150,000 Iroquois run over a demanding three miles, is a signature early-season test.

Good Night Shirt arrived in Nashville last year as a relative unknown. Trained by Jack Fisher, he'd finished a game second in the Royal Chase for the Sport of Kings (NSA-G1) at Keeneland a month earlier, but still entered the Iroquois under the radar. His tour de force score left even his trainer a little shocked.

"I thought he was a bit short at Keeneland, so his run in the Iroquois was definitely a surprise," Fisher said. "Going in I didn't think we could beat both McDynamo and Sur La Tete."

After a summer freshening, wins in the Lonesome Glory Hurdle (NSA-G1) at Belmont Park and Colonial Cup (NSA-G1) at Camden helped amass a single-season earnings record of $314,163 and cement the championship.

Good Night Shirt started 2008 the way he ended 2007 -- with a win in a Grade 1. This time it was the newly promoted $100,000 Georgia Cup, a two-mile stakes at Atlanta on April 12. Despite a fumble at the final fence, the seven-year-old showed the heart and desire that made him a champion, recovering with a late surge to win by 1 1/2 lengths under regular jockey Willie Dowling, who returns to the saddle Saturday. Though the gelding still has a tendency to miss a jump or two, Dowling has noticed a change in Good Night Shirt.

"This year he's just a lot more relaxed and not as cranked up as he used to be," Dowling said. "He's really a giant of a horse right now. I think because he's so big, he finds it a bit hard to shorten (stride) at every fence, and that's why he throws in a bad one every now and again. I thought he showed great heart to come back."

The wild ride that led to the 2007 Eclipse Award boarded at Nashville, when horse and rider emerged from the crowd to serve notice to the rest of the sport.

"That's where it all started last year and it's certainly a track he likes," Dowling said. "We were the underdog last year but we won in good style, and I think that was his best race. The others were more workmanlike. I think the three miles is what makes him such a good horse. Those others, they get to be a little tired in that last half-mile when he's just getting started. I think the main danger is SWEET SHANI (NZ) (Kashani), but I think we're surely the one they all have to beat."

Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard will try to knock off Good Night Shirt with Calvin Houghland's mare Sweet Shani. An Iroquois fixture, Houghland captured the third-ever running as a jockey back in 1943, and seeks his fifth victory as an owner after wins in 1958, 1961, 1964 and 2002. Sweet Shani comes in off a game second in this year's Royal Chase, where she made all the pace and opened up by 10 lengths under jockey Xavier Aizpuru only to be nailed on the wire by fast-closing barnmate Sovereign Duty (Kingmambo).

While she has yet to visit the winner's circle since coming to the United States, the New Zealand-bred notched three jump wins in Australia and has knocked heads with the best open-stakes horses on the circuit, running second to McDynamo last fall in the Breeders' Cup Grand National (NSA-G1) at Far Hills. It's that type of tenacity that has Sheppard looking forward to another solid effort Saturday.

"I'm happy with her and she seems happy, so we're ready to go," the conditioner said. "I gave her a little school on Tuesday and she was satisfactory. She's never been a great workhorse. She's tough, so I'm not expecting her to regress off the Royal Chase. She's the type that will gallop all day and she ran well in the Breeders' Cup at 2 5/8 miles with the uphill finish, so I would think three miles around Nashville won't be a problem."

With a decided lack of pace in the Royal Chase, Aizpuru took advantage of Sweet Shani's tactical speed, opening up early in an effort to pilfer the race on the front end.

"She's versatile enough that if no one else wants to take up the running she'll go and do it, but she doesn't have to be in front and we would prefer not to be," Sheppard said. "With Good Night Shirt in there, I don't think it will be a problem."

Sheppard's other runner in the Iroquois also has local ties. Owned by Nashville resident Melinda Bass, FRA DIAVOLO (Arg) (Equalize) finished second in an allowance on the Georgia Cup undercard, his first start in nearly 11 months.

"It's asking a lot of him to step up and run at level weights," Sheppard said, "but he's sound, has a prep, and is a stayer so it's a good spot to try."

Trainer Bruce Miller has won the Iroquois three times, and will have two shots this year in Sally Radcliffe's BEST ATTACK (Bahri) and Houghland's BOW STRADA (GB) (Rainbow Quest).

Best Attack enters off a third in April's Royal Chase, where his jumping was a bit rusty, and he finished just 1 1/2 lengths behind Sweet Shani in the Grand National last fall. He won the National Hunt Cup (NSA-G2) over novice foes at Radnor last year, and while he's never tried Saturday's distance, his trainer has reason for optimism.

"He came out of Keeneland doing really well and I'm hoping he gives a good account of himself," Miller said. "He was just out of sync with his jumping that day, for whatever reason, but those two in front were going to be tough either way. With him three miles is the question, but you just don't know until you try it. At Keeneland, even though he didn't jump that well, he finished up good, so I'm hopeful. We should get a more realistic pace on Saturday; I would think they'll be going at a pretty good clip."

Bow Strada is the elder half of Miller's entries, and while the 11-year-old English import has yet to take a stakes in the United States, he did run third in the Iroquois in 2005. Bow Strada came to America in 2005 with solid European form, owning six jump wins and experience at Saturday's distance.

"He's training very well and he's proven at three miles in England," Miller said. "He ran off in 2006 (finishing fifth after dashing to an early double-digit lead), so we're going to try and get him covered up. It's a step up but I know he'll like the distance."

Doug Fout will also saddle two in the Iroquois in EMO Stable's ORISON (Pulpit) and Betsy Mead's KILBRIDE RD (Worldly Manner).

Orison has shown flashes of brilliance in his career, including a fast-closing second to Good Night Shirt in the Lonesome Glory and a win in the Carolina Cup (NSA-G1) last March vs. novice runners. The six-year-old enters off a fourth in the Royal Chase, where the lack of pace all but eliminated his stretch run.

"This horse just needs a little bit of luck," Fout said. "He should get some more pace to run at on Saturday and that should help. He's as good as I can get him."

Kilbride Rd enters the Iroquois as the wild card. The 2006 NSA novice champion hasn't started over hurdles since a dominating win in the Foxbrook Hurdle (NSA-G1) at Far Hills in October of 2006. Fout has fought with leg injuries on and off but finally has the six-year-old right, and elected to go in the Iroquois instead of the Marcellus Frost (NSA-G3) on the undercard. Kilbride Rd prepped for the Iroquois with training flat races at Strawberry Hill and Foxfield.

"It's been frustrating and a long road back, but he's doing great now," Fout explained. "I thought the two miles would be a little sharp for him and he's been off for so long, so we're going in the Iroquois. He ran perfect in both his training flat races, closing hard at the end, so we're very excited to get him back on Saturday."

The Iroquois field, in post position order with jockeys, is Orison, Matt McCarron; Fra Diavolo, Danielle Hodsdon; Kilbride Rd, Paddy Young; Good Night Shirt; Best Attack, Chip Miller; Sweet Shani, Aizpuru; and Bow Strada, Carl Rafter.

All jumpers will carry 158 pounds, except for distaffer Sweet Shani, who will tote 150 pounds.

The Iroquois is far from the only attraction in Nashville. A stakes-filled card will greet the overflow crowd that will descend on Percy Warner Park, and the stakes action gets underway in the 2ND race, the $50,000 Marcellus Frost at two miles. Bill Pape's multiple steeplechase Grade 1 winner MIXED UP (Carnivalay), who won the race in 2006, tops an exceptional field that also includes Imperial Cup winner HIP HOP (Count the Time), who tested Good Night Shirt in the Georgia Cup.

The Jockey Club forms Thoroughbred Safety Committee

The Jockey Club Chairman Ogden Mills Phipps announced on Thursday that the officers of The Jockey Club have commissioned a seven-member Thoroughbred Safety Committee.

Phipps said that the committee would be asked to review every facet of equine health -- including breeding practices, medication, the rules of racing and track surfaces -- and to recommend actions to be taken by the industry to improve the health and safety of Thoroughbreds.

"The Thoroughbred Safety Committee is a major step that will provide the examination of the horse welfare and safety issues so badly needed in the wake of recent catastrophic injuries," NTRA President and CEO Alex Waldrop said in a statement. "The NTRA supports the committee's work and plans to work closely with it to build support for the committee's recommendations with the many constituencies we represent. At the same time, we will redouble our efforts to promote Thoroughbred racing to core and target fans as the safe, responsible sport that it is. Now more than ever, no practice, policy or tradition is more important than those that best protect and promote the health of the Thoroughbred athlete."

The recommendations emanating from the two Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summits will serve as starting points for the committee. Three of the seven members of the newly formed committee were participants in both summits. The seven members of the committee are Stuart S. Janney III, John Barr, Jimmy G. Bell, Dr. Larry Bramlage, Donald R. Dizney, Dell Hancock and Dr. Hiram C. Polk Jr. Each is a member of The Jockey Club.

"All seven of these individuals have dedicated a major part of their lives to Thoroughbred breeding and racing and have shown a consistent and unwavering concern for the welfare of Thoroughbreds," Phipps said. "We will reach out to involve others in the industry and we will do everything in our power to encourage changes that will benefit the breed in any way. We will do this in a timely manner."

Janney will serve as chairman of the new committee, and has plenty experience in that role as chairman of Bessemer Trust Company and of Bessemer Securities Corporation as well as chairman of the board of Blood-Horse Publications. A longtime owner/breeder, Janney sits on the boards of several other industry organizations, including the New York Racing Association, Keeneland Association and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, where he also served as chairman.

Barr races under the Oakcrest Stable banner and serves on the board of directors and is past president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. He also serves on the board of directors of the Oak Tree Racing Association. Bell is president of Darley USA near Lexington, Kentucky, and serves on the boards of Keeneland Association, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and Thoroughbred Charities of America. He also serves as vice president of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders and is a member of the Sales Integrity Task Force.

Bramlage is a partner in Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington and is past president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. He serves on the board of directors of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and was awarded The Jockey Club Medal for his dedication and contributions to Thoroughbred racing in 1994. Dizney, who owns Double Diamond Farm near Ocala, Florida, is a past president of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association and serves on the board of directors of Breeders' Cup Ltd.

Hancock is co-owner of historic Claiborne Farm near Paris, Kentucky, and is the chairman of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. She serves on the American Graded Stakes Committee and has also been actively involved with the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, the Kentucky Horse Park and other organizations through the years. Polk is a prominent professor of surgery at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, as well as the emeritus editor in chief of The American Journal of Surgery. A Thoroughbred owner and breeder, Polk served on the steering committee for the second Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit, held in March 2008, and also serves on the board of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.

Attendance, wagering increase at recently concluded Aqueduct meet

Aqueduct closed the doors on its 2008 winter and spring season with increases in attendance, wagering and purses.

"The Aqueduct meet was very strong for NYRA, particularly in comparison with the rest of the industry," NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward said. "We had strong handle and purse increases while the industry in the first quarter of 2008 had a decline in total handle by 3.1 percent and a decline in purses of 1.5 percent. We very much appreciate the participation of our horsemen and our customers."

From January 1 to April 27, average daily attendance rose 5.7 percent, from 2,610, to 2,760. With five more racing dates than in 2007, total attendance rose 12.8 percent, from 195,748 to 220,793.

Daily average on-track handle jumped 4.3 percent, from $602,659, to $628,295, with total handle growing 11.2 percent, from $45,199,421 to $50,263,568.

All-sources handle also climbed, with the daily average up 3.7 percent, from $7,847,427 to $8,139,712. All-sources handle totaled $651,176,929, a 10.6 percent increase over last year’s $588,557,037.

Aqueduct purses were also up by 6.2 percent over 12 months ago.

Tampa Bay Downs sets records during its 82nd meet

Tampa Bay Downs set records during its recently concluded winter/spring meet. During the Oldsmar, Florida, track's 82nd season, a new record of $321,963,460 was set for out-of-state handle, marking the seventh consecutive meet in which the out-of state handle has increased. Tampa Bay Downs also boasted its highest non-Festival Day co-mingled handle on May 3, Kentucky Derby Day, when $7,499,020 was wagered on the Tampa Bay Downs races.

The all-source handle stayed flat from the 2006-2007 racing season with an average of $4,084,508 wagered on the Tampa Bay Downs product daily. It is only the second time in the oval's history that daily all-source handle exceeded the $4 million mark.

"I believe that the series of races of the Festival Days which led to the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) and the Florida Oaks (G3) accounted for a higher caliber of racing at Tampa Bay Downs," Racing Secretary Allison DeLuca said. "Horsemen raced an average of 9.41 horses per race this year, up significantly from last season's 8.85 starters per race. Additionally, horsemen were awarded record purse payouts totaling an average of $167,167 daily. This is the 12th consecutive year that our purses have increased."

Tampa's past season also included a record-high stakes program of more than $2.6 million divided among 26 races throughout the 94-day meet.

"Trainers and owners are drawn to Tampa Bay Downs year after year due to our ever-increasing purse structure in stakes and undercard racing as well as the consistency that our main track and turf course offer," DeLuca added.

The advent of Cotillion Festival Day on December 29 and Skyway Festival Day on January 19 as well as the February 16 Festival Preview Day and March 15 Festival Day all contributed to the record out-of state handle plus gains in on-track attendance for those events. On Festival Day, Tampa Bay Downs boasted a new track record attendance of 12,746 fans as well as a handle of $10,282,952, the third highest in the track's 82-year history.

"Mirroring national trends, the on-track handle at Tampa Bay Downs was down approximately 10 percent for the recently concluded meet," said Peter Berube, vice president and general manager of Tampa Bay Downs. "The wagering decreased due to a variety of circumstances that includes 10 fewer total races and 23 less turf races plus the general softness of the Florida economy. This statistic includes three races which were lost from a single day's card due to torrential rain.

"Attendance at Tampa Bay Downs also stayed steady with an average of 3,398 fans enjoying the Oldsmar oval, and I am pleased by how the season progressed overall. The Silks Poker Room in its first inception as a year-round entity at the track also helped mitigate the decline in on-track handle and contributed to the record-breaking purse structure."

Venezuelan-native Daniel Centeno, 37, earned the title of leading jockey for the meet after setting a new record for amount of wins for a rider in one season. Centeno scored 144 victories and earned $2,145,528 in purses, besting his own record 125 trips to the winner's circle last season. He'll spend the summer in the Monmouth Park riding colony.

Leading apprentice rider Jorge Monserrate Jr. rode two winners on the day broke his maiden, paving his way to being the top apprentice at Tampa Bay Downs. Monserrate finished the season with nine wins to his credit and has moved his tack to Charles Town for the summer months.

Trainer Jamie Ness earned his first training title in the 2006-07 campaign. The South Dakota native set a new record for number of wins in a season with 68 victories to his credit and $959,710 in purses. Ness's record number of wins includes four stakes victories, including the $65,000 Pelican S., $75,000 Super S. and $75,000 Turf Dash with Lookinforthesecret (Cimarron Secret), whom the trainer conditioned from the claiming ranks into stakes company. Ness will train horses at Canterbury Park for the summer racing season.

Owner Balkrisna Sukharan finished the 2007-2008 Tampa Bay Downs racing season with 19 wins, and $357,770 in purses, to be awarded top owner honors. He started riding horses in Guyana when he was 12, and has owned and raced horses in the South American country. However, when he moved to the United States in 1995 he was talked out of buying Thoroughbreds. Eventually teaming up with Ness, Sukharan bought Lookinforthesecret for $12,500.

"I've always loved horses, but the trainers I talked to said it was too expensive and they really discouraged me, but I always kept thinking about it and then I met Jamie," Sukharan explained. "Probably three weeks later I bought 'Secret."

Since his initial investment of $12,500, Sukharan hasn't had to spend any money out of his own pocket and now has a string of 10 horses.

In brief

The largest betting pool in the brief history of Churchill Downs' new Super Hi-5 wager was distributed among 80 winning tickets on Thursday, with a payout of $26,922 for selecting the first five finishers of the 9TH race. Fueled by a two-day carryover of $866,712, the wagering pool on the $1 minimum bet had grown to a massive $2,451,931 by post time. The winning combination was 4-3-7-11-9...

Georgica Stable's MY PRINCESS JESS (Stormy Atlantic) checked early on, saved ground on the backstretch, was forced to steady again on the rail rounding the turn, but still got in the lane to post a 1 1/4-length victory in the $78,900 Gaviola S. at Belmont Park on Thursday. With jockey Cornelio Velasquez holding the reins, the Robert Barbara-trained sophomore lass ran 1 1/16 miles on the firm turf in 1:41 1/5 to earn her first stakes score in her first try. The dark bay miss ran second in her first two career races before finally breaking her maiden at Gulfstream Park in late February. After recording her first win, she filled the runner-up spot once again in an allowance on April 11 and now boasts $105,420 in lifetime earnings...

Sunshine Millions Oaks heroine AMERICAN COUNTY (Gibson County) has been installed as the 2-1 favorite in Friday's $100,000 Inaugural S., the opening night feature at Presque Isle Downs. The Dale Romans filly will drop back to six furlongs in this spot after disappointing in the one-mile Davona Dale S. (G2) last time out. Among her eight rivals are the Steve Asmussen-trained WONDERFUL LUCK (Trust N Luck) and recent Keeneland allowance winner RIDE EM COWGIRL (Mazel Trick) from the Tom Amoss barn. Located near Erie, Pennsylvania, and boasting a synthetic Tapeta surface, Presque Isle Downs will offer 25 stakes. Thirteen of them are open events, and the remaining 12 are restricted to horses sired and/or bred in Pennsylvania. The track's marquee event is the second running of the $400,000 Presque Isle Downs Masters for distaff sprinters on September 13. Presque Isle's 100-day season extends through September 27, with a daily post time of 5:30 p.m. (EDT). Admission and general parking throughout the meet will be free...

Multiple European stakes queen BAHAMA MAMA (Ire) (Invincible Spirit), who was disqualified from her apparent victory in the Las Cienegas H. (G3) in her U.S. debut, will try to make amends in the $62,000 Lawndale S. at Hollywood Park on Friday night. In the Las Cienegas, the James Cassidy filly set the pace, veered outward when crossing the main track on the far turn at Santa Anita, but kept on to cross the wire in front by a decisive length. She was ruled to have caused interference, however, and was demoted to fourth. Only five opponents have ventured to challenge Bahama Mama in Friday's grassy six-furlong scramble, including multiple French stakes victress MISSVINSKI (Stravinsky), who returns from a nearly seven-month layoff for Julio Canani, and Daisycutter H. heroine RED DIADEM (GB) (Pivotal), exiting a fifth in the Las Cienegas...

Saturday's feature event at Lone Star Park will be the $400,000 Lone Star Derby (G3) for three-year-olds, but state-bred sophomores will take center stage on the undercard. In the $125,000 Stymie Division of the Texas Stallion S., a field of nine Texas-bred three-year-olds will take their place in the gate of the 1 1/16-mile test  Included in the field are GOLD COYOTE (Gold Legend), a nine-length winner of the Fort Bend County S. last out, and Jim's Orbit S. victor ABLAZE WITH SPIRIT (American Spirit), who was third in the WinStar Derby. Two races earlier, eight sophomore fillies will go in the $125,000 Got Koko Division, featuring the top three finishers from the Two Altazano S. -- CLASSIE BALOO (Uncle Abbie), SURFBOARD (Valid Expectations) and ISLAND IN THE SAND (Sand Tunnel), respectively...

DAVE THE KNAVE (Whiskey Wisdom) returns as the defending champion on Saturday in the C$125,000 New Providence S. at Woodbine. The six-year-old gelding captured last year's six-furlong test under the tutelage of Robert Tiller last year, but was claimed in late September by Sid Attard and has strung together three straight runner-up efforts against claimers recently. Among his rivals in this year's edition are the respective first- and third-place finishers from the Sir Barton S., EXECUTIVE CHOICE (Birdonthewire) and DANCER'S BAJAN (Trajectory)...

Dixieland S. hero CARSON'S LEGACY (Carson City) tops a field of seven in Saturday's $100,000 Tall Ships S. at Presque Isle Downs. The Steve Asmussen trainee finished second in the Mountain Valley S. and Woodstock S. in his past two, and is listed as the 2-1 morning-line favorite under Ryan Fogelsonger. Also entered in the six-furlong race is REPENTING (Repent), who posted a 10 1/2-length score in the OBS Sophomore S. most recently...

Grade 3 hero BANJO PICKER (Swear By Dixie) heads a field of nine at Philadelphia Park in Saturday's $75,000 Lyman Sprint H. going seven furlongs. The eight-year-old bay captured the 2005 edition and was second last year by just two lengths. He began the year with a 3 1/2-length victory in the Le Grande Pos H., but was taken out of his game when unable to get the lead in the Bensalem S. most recently and will be looking to rebound here...

Aqueduct H. winner ANGLIANA (Giant's Causeway) will be making his first start for new trainer Gary Contessa on Saturday in Delaware Park's $75,000 Brandywine S. Before being transferred to Contessa's shedrow, the six-year-old chestnut was third in the John B. Campbell H., second by a nose in an allowance/optional claiming test and third in the Excelsior H. (G3) for conditioner Kiaran McLaughlin. He'll have to face-off against the likes of seven-time stakes winner MALIBU MOONSHINE (Malibu Moon), last year's Brandywine victor BARCOLA (Old Trieste), three-time Canadian champion JUDITHS WILD RUSH (Wild Rush) and Grade 3 scorer AWFULLY SMART (Anees) in Saturday's 1 1/16-mile event...

FAREENA (Point Given) tops a field of eight sophomore fillies on Saturday in the $50,000 Hilltop S. at Pimlico. The Leigh Offutt charge suffered her first career loss when third in the Selima S. at Laurel Park to recent Kentucky Oaks (G1) fifth-placer Bsharpsonata (Pulpit) on November 24 and will seek to return to her winning ways here. The bay lass was making her stakes debut in that 8 1/2-furlong grass test and will stay at that distance over Pimlico's green. Also entered is stakes winner HARTIGAN (Include), who was second in the Maryland Juvenile Filly Championship S., third in the Marshua S. and runner-up in the Wide Country S. in her past three...

Grade 3-placed MEAL PENALTY (Tale of the Cat) has been installed as the 8-5 favorite on the morning for Saturday's $50,000 Shecky Greene H. at Arlington Park. The Todd Pletcher charge was last seen wiring a 6 1/2-furlong allowance/optional claimer by four lengths at Keeneland and will get Rene Douglas aboard here. The six-furlong dash for three-year-olds also includes PROCESSOR'S TURF (Sky Mesa), unplaced in his stakes debut last out, and GOLDEN CITIZEN E K (Proud Citizen), who captured his maiden debut by eight lengths on April 16...

ALPINE GARDEN (Lemon Drop Kid), PAT OF GOLD (Regal Remark) and NAPA (Feu d'Enfer) finished in that order in the Hong Kong Jockey Club H. and British Columbia Oaks (Can-G3) last year, and will face-off yet again on Saturday in the $50,000 Brighouse Belles S. at Hastings Park. Of the three, however, only Alpine Garden owns a start this season, running last of five in the M. R. Jenkins Memorial H. last out. Those three are part of a field of eight in the six-furlong Brighouse...

Last out Whimsical S. (Can-G3) heroine MY LIST (Banker's Gold) will go for her third straight stakes win when taking on 10 rivals in Sunday's C$150,000 Hendrie S. (Can-G3) at Woodbine. The Nicholas Gonzalez-trained four-year-old was a neck victress of the Bessarabian S. prior to a three-quarter of a length score in the Whimsical. Looking to derail her chances in the 6 1/2-furlong event are Grade 2 winner STREET SOUNDS (Street Cry [Ire]), runner-up in the Madison S. (G2) most recently, and STAR OPERATOR (Quaker Ridge), who also captured her past two against allowance/optional claiming rivals...

New York Racing Association (NYRA) simulcasts will return to 16 East Coast tracks, thanks to an agreement signed Thursday between NYRA and the Mid-Atlantic Cooperative. The simulcast agreement ends an impasse between NYRA and Mid-Atlantic that began with the opening of Belmont Park on April 30...

Jockey Miguel Mena captured five races on Thursday at Churchill Downs and was second in his other two mounts on the card. The rider wrapped up the day with a one-length victory aboard Unbridled Spring (Unbridled's Song) in the 9TH and final race.

On the California worktab

Grade 1 veteran PERFECT DRIFT (Dynaformer), unraced since a fifth-place finish in a July 8 allowance/optional claimer, covered seven furlongs in 1:25 2/5 over Santa Anita's Cushion Track on Thursday

Grade 1 hero BOBOMAN (Kingmambo), third in the Bay Meadows H. most recently, logged five-eighths in 1:02.

Last year's Railbird S. (G3) winner ASHLEY'S KITTY (Tale of the Cat), unplaced in the La Brea S. (G1) last out, worked five furlongs in :59 2/5.

Stakes victor SEA OF PLEASURE (Sea of Secrets), third in the San Miguel S. last out, traveled three-quarters in 1:15 4/5.

Grade 1 queen DEAREST TRICKSKI (Proudest Romeo), winner of the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint most recently, posted six panels in 1:11 4/5 on Hollywood Park's Cushion Track.

Grade 3 heroine SUPER FREAKY (Smart Strike), promoted to third via disqualification in the Las Cienegas H. (G3) last out, worked four furlongs in :48.

Last out Bay Meadows Oaks winner SEATTLE SMOOTH (Quiet American) traveled five-eighths in :59 2/5.

Grade 2-placed SOUVENIR SLEW (Souvenir Copy) logged a half-mile in :51.

Grade 2 hero WORLDLY (GB) (Selkirk), unraced since an off-the-board finish in last year's Hollywood Derby (G1), logged seven-eighths in 1:28 1/5 on Hollywood's firm turf.

Stakes winner I CAN SEE (Flying Chevron), third by a head in the Santa Barbara H. (G2) most recently, worked five grassy furlongs in 1:02 1/5.

On the New York worktab

Del Mar Oaks (G1) heroine RUTHERIENNE (Pulpit), winner of the Jenny Wiley S. (G2) in her seasonal debut on April 12 at Keeneland, breezed four furlongs in :51 on a good track at Belmont Park on Thursday.

Four-time stakes winner REWRITE (Editor's Note) breezed three-eighths in :39 in preparation for her 2008 bow.

On a fast training track, Fourstardave H. (G2) winner SILVER TREE (Hennessy), winner of the Fort Marcy H. (G3) in his last start, breezed four furlongs in :50.

Summer S. (Can-G3) winner PRUSSIAN (Danzig), fourth in the Transylvania S. (G3) in his seasonal reappearance at Keeneland, went the same distance in :51 3/5.

Grade 1-placed JADE QUEEN (Giant's Causeway) went a half-mile in :51.

At Aqueduct, FEROCIOUS FIRES (Lite the Fuse), an undefeated multiple stakes winner, breezed five furlongs on a fast track in 1:02.

On the Kentucky worktab

HIGHEST CLASS (Mineshaft), last seen finishing third in the Bonnie Miss S. (G2) at Gulfstream Park, worked five furlongs in a bullet :59 2/5 on a muddy track at Churchill Downs on Thursday. The move was the fastest of 22 works at the distance.

Aristides S. (G3) runner-up COUGAR CAT (Storm Cat) went the same distance in 1:00.

On Keeneland's Polytrack, Sycamore S. (G3) winner TRANSDUCTION GOLD (Formal Gold) drilled three furlongs in a bullet :35 3/5.

John Battaglia Memorial S. runner-up YOUR ROUND (Distorted Humor) worked one mile in 1:40 3/5.

PAST THE POINT (Indian Charlie), third in the Super Derby (G2) last year, worked five-eighths in a bullet 1:00.

On the Illinois worktab

Kentucky Cup Juvenile S. (G3) winner TEXAS FEVER (Victory Gallop), who finished a close third in the Grindstone S. at Fair Grounds two back, breezed four furlongs in :49 4/5 on Arlington Park's Polytrack on Thursday.

Perryville S. (G3) winner STEVE'S DOUBLE (Stephen Got Even) breezed five furlongs in 1:01 1/5.

Multiple stakes winner CELLULOID HERO (Glitterman) went five-eighths in 1:01 2/5.

On the New Jersey worktab

At Monmouth on Thursday, Appleton H. (G3) hero BUFFALO MAN (El Prado [Ire]) breezed five furlongs in 1:04 3/5 on the fast track. The Cam Gambolati charge is coming off a sixth-place effort in the Commonwealth S. (G2).

Grade 3 veteran FOREVERNESS (Island Whirl) strode three-eighths in :38 as he gears up for his nine-year-old bow.

John J. Reilly H. winner HEY CHUB (Carson City), likewise tuning up for his reappearance, smoked six panels in 1:12 2/5.

On the Florida worktab

Over Calder's fast track on Thursday, multiple stakes victor GIN RUMMY KING (Double Honor) worked three furlongs in :36 4/5 in advance of his first outing in more than one year.

COZZI CAPITAL (Cozzene), last season's Calder Oaks queen, traveled five panels in 1:02 4/5 from the gate in preparation for her 2008 premiere.

For Friday or Next Raceday

PREAKNESS REPORT

MAY 8, 2008

by James Scully

BIG BROWN (Boundary) lived up to the hype -- and then some -- but his spectacular Kentucky Derby (G1) victory was overshadowed by the unfortunate breakdown of Eight Belles. That's not going to be the focus of this column, but I will offer a couple of thoughts on the matter before concentrating on the Derby winner.

Larry Jones, trainer of Eight Belles and one of the classiest individuals in Thoroughbred racing, assured us that the track was safe at Churchill Downs on Derby Day, and I take him at his word. Dr. Larry Bramlage, the on-call veterinarian for the American Association of Equine Practitioners, was one of the first to reach the filly after she broke down a quarter-mile past the finish line, and he didn't believe that Eight Belles' injuries would've been prevented on a artificial surface.

"I don't think the forces on her legs pulling up would be any different on dirt or artificial surface," Bramlage said.

I understand the outcry for changes in the aftermath of such a tragedy, and the synthetic debate is the most divisive topic in our sport today. If the synthetic surfaces played like the dirt tracks they're replacing, I think it would be an open-and-shut case. But that's clearly not the reality. The best dirt horses too often are not the best horses on synthetic tracks, and vice versa. We're replacing dirt tracks with different-playing surfaces in California and elsewhere, and horses based over these synthetic tracks ran poorly when switching to dirt in the Breeders' Cup and Kentucky Derby.

Big Brown's victory continues to amaze me. Rating four-to-five lengths off the pace for the first time in his brief career, he lost ground the entire way before opening up on his rivals at the top of the stretch with a scintillating turn of foot. The Richard Dutrow-trained colt became only the seventh unbeaten Kentucky Derby winner in 134 years, and he's poised to make a serious run at the Triple Crown. If that happens, Big Brown will join Seattle Slew as the only undefeated Triple Crown winner.

At the same point in their careers, I think the comparison to Seattle Slew is a good one. By 1977 standards, Slew was lightly raced entering the Derby, making only three starts at two before being given the winter off by conditioner Billy Turner, and the well-built colt didn't make his three-year-old debut until March, winning a seven-furlong allowance at Hialeah. His next two preps were essentially front-running walkovers, and Slew entered the Derby virtually untested, having run away from his competition in the opening quarter-mile of all his starts. A lot of people questioned whether the speedy colt would be able to handle 1 1/4 miles, and others wondered how he would handle being hooked early by the other front runners in the field. Slew answered all the questions in resounding fashion.

He broke a step slow, got slammed by a rival next to him, and found himself last in the 15-horse Derby field a couple of jumps out of the starting gate. Slew quickly recovered and accelerated toward the front like he was shot out of a cannon, dueling on a fast pace for the opening three-quarters of a mile before drawing off. He cruised under the wire 1 3/4 lengths the best.

Similar to Big Brown, Slew did something for the first time in the Derby, overcoming a less-than-perfect trip in which he didn't have everything his own way on the front end. And like this year's also-rans, Slew's competition could be viewed as weak. Runner-up Run Dusty Run was a nice horse entering the Triple Crown series, but he never won another graded stakes afterward. Sanhedrin and Get the Axe, the respective third- and fourth-place finishers behind Slew, never won a stakes race in their entire career. Fifth-placer Steve's Friend never accomplished anything after the Derby either. The final time was also criticized. Slew ran 1 1/4 miles in 2:02 1/5 -- slower than Foolish Pleasure (2:02) and Bold Forbes (2:01 3/5) in the years preceding him and Affirmed (2:01 1/5) in 1978.

Big Brown has been knocked for who he beat and how fast he finished. He took 25.26 seconds to run his final quarter-mile, stopping the teletimer in 2:01.82, but don't be swayed by the raw data. It doesn't matter who the competition was or how fast he ran. The bay colt performed brilliantly, dominating like a Seattle Slew, and he has unlimited potential at this point in his career. With only four starts to his credit, Big Brown owns room for improvement.

He'll first need to conquer next Saturday's Preakness (G1) at Pimlico, and the two-week turnaround is a concern for the lightly raced colt. Big Brown could get stuck in an inside post, break a step slow or face other unforeseen circumstances, and all the other jockeys will be riding to beat him. The Triple Crown is an extreme challenge, and it's going to take a special horse to snap the 30-year run of futility. That's why I'm so excited about Big Brown -- he looks as special as they come.

A much different cast of challengers is being assembled to face him at Old Hilltop. So far, RECAPTURETHEGLORY (Cherokee Run) is the only Derby runner who will have a return engagement against Big Brown in the Preakness. Of the possible new Preakness shooters, HARLEM ROCKER (Macho Uno) is the most intriguing.

Unbeaten in three starts, the Todd Pletcher pupil captured his career debut at Gulfstream Park on February 14 and recorded a sharp score in an eight-furlong allowance on March 30. Making his stakes debut in the one-mile Withers S. (G3) at Aqueduct on April 26, the gray colt crushed the highly regarded J Be K (Silver Deputy) by a widening 2 1/2 lengths. This is a similar pattern to champion Bernardini, who recorded a 3 3/4-length win when making his stakes bow in the 2006 Withers. Bernardini stretched out to two turns for the first time in the 1 3/16-mile Preakness and posted a 5 1/4-length decision after Barbaro broke down during the early stages of the race.

Harlem Rocker doesn't own the regal pedigree of a Bernardini, but he's got the breeding to handle the 1 3/16-mile trip and deserves the opportunity to run in the Preakness. His value would skyrocket with an upset over Big Brown.

We'll take a more in-depth look at the entire field next week.

HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK

MAY 9, 2008

by John Mucciolo

A pair of graded stakes headlined the week at Hollywood Park.

Inglewood H. (G3): Stonestreet Stables' EL ROBLAR (War Chant) gained the lead in upper stretch and gamely held late under Victor Espinoza to take this event. The Richard Mandella charge was a half-length clear on the line in completing the 1 1/16-mile firm turf test in 1:40 1/5.

Hawthorne S. (G3): Watson and Weitman Performances' TOUGH TIZ'S SIS (Tiznow) once again displayed her tenacity and affinity for the synthetic going with a gritty, three-quarters of a length tally for Bob Baffert. The classy four-year-old went 1 1/16 miles in 1:41 4/5 under Aaron Gryder.

Track Stats

From a total of 44 races held over the Inglewood, California, racetrack during the week, favorites won at a 30-percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for 55 percent of the wins. From 31 frays contested on the Cushion Track, seven animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (22 percent), while two of the 13 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (15 percent).

Inside posts were dominant early in the week, bagging 13 of the 16 races on Wednesday and Thursday. The rail was especially good for the first two days as well, with eight winners breaking from the innermost post. The racing here is almost opposite that of Santa Anita, where inside posts and early speed appeared to be at a huge disadvantage for the duration of the meet. Winners are still scoring from all parts of this Cushion Track, but being into the race early and saving ground appear to be key factors in many circumstances.

This turf course is helpful to speed types due to its rock-hard nature, but it seems that the right horse can win from anywhere.

Meet Totals

Post Positions (wins)

HORSES TO WATCH

Wednesday (4/30)

3RD - ATKA (Swiss Yodeler) was especially sharp in this one for Mike Harrington, who is often cranked up with his babies at this meet. This two-year-old miss swept to the front and drew off convincingly beneath Jon Court, getting 4 1/2 furlongs in :51 1/5 at first asking.

7TH - MADEO (Mizzen Mast) answered the two-turn test with flying colors for John Shirreffs, and the impressive colt should be stakes bound in his next start. The three-year-old colt has now won two straight in solid fashion and could be any type.

Thursday (5/1)

7TH - STARRY PURSUIT (Van Nistelrooy) crushed this group with a strong finish for Jerry Hollendorfer, getting six grassy furlongs in a brisk 1:08 3/5. The chestnut filly will be awfully tough in her return engagement with anything resembling this effort.

Friday (5/2)

2ND - SURPRISES WELCOMED (Storm Cat) ran a winning race in defeat for Eric Guillot, and this one shouldn't be a maiden for long. The three-year-old miss held on gamely for the place and will only get better with experience.

3RD - EXTENDED (Swiss Yodeler) did everything right except holding on at the wire in a tough debut loss for trainer Brian Koriner. The juvenile filly is a must-use in her second career outing after finishing more than three lengths clear of the third-place finisher.

Saturday (5/3)

4TH - There were some nice maiden winners in the past week, but maybe none more impressive than the winning effort put in by WINK AT THE GIRLS (Halo's Image) for Rafael Becerra. The sophomore colt showed early speed and never looked, reaching the line in a strong 1:21 1/5 for seven-eighths. The dark bay was second in his most recent try and improved nicely in here. He appears to have a bright future.

7TH - GUTS (Unusual Heat) was last after the opening half-mile but flew home to get up late for conditioner Barry Abrams. The gelded sophomore completed his final three-sixteenths of a mile in a sparkling :28 3/5 beneath Joel Rosario.

Sunday (5/4)

1ST - SEVEN POINT ONE (Richter Scale) was blocked along the inside at the top of the lane but showed energy once clear for Vladimir Cerin. The five-year-old was outmoved by the winner approaching the final turn, but ran evenly with that one for the final furlong. He should be live next out, and he gave us the impression that he could handle one mile, or possibly more.

7TH - STAND TALL (Tejano Run) went off a square price in here, which surprised us, and he could have won by much more for trainer Julio Canani. The Kentucky-bred enjoyed a nice rail-skimming ride by Martin Pedroza and opened up in the blink of an eye at the head of the stretch.

A Look Ahead

A nice weekend of racing will take place at Hollywood, with a trio of graded stakes taking place on Saturday. The marquee event of the weekend is the $250,000 Jim Murray Memorial H. (G2) for turf marathoners going 1 1/2 miles on the lawn. The Saturday undercard includes the $100,000 Los Angeles H. (G3) at seven furlongs and the $100,000 Senorita S. (G3) for sophomore fillies on the green.

The main attraction on Sunday is the $100,000 Railbird S. (G3), for three-year-old fillies traveling seven-eighths on the Cushion.

RACING ON TV