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KENTUCKY DERBY REPORT JANUARY 31, 2008 by James Scully Sunday's California Derby highlighted a slow week, and the 1 1/16-mile event on Tapeta went to a turf horse, YANKEE BRAVO (Yankee Gentleman). That's no surprise given the dramatic change in landscape in California. Saturday's marquee race at Santa Anita, the $1 million Sunshine Millions Classic over Cushion Track, was also captured by a turf horse, five-year-old Go Between (Point Given). We'll focus on the sophomore set and give kudos to the unbeaten Yankee Bravo, who switched to the Tapeta at Golden Gate Fields after winning his first two outings on turf. He opened his racing career at Redcar in England, taking a five-furlong maiden event in September, and was transferred to conditioner Paddy Gallagher upon his arrival in the United States. Yankee Bravo rallied from far back in his U.S. bow, the one-mile Eddie Logan S. on December 29, to prevail by a half-length, and the dark bay colt kept showing more with a hard-charging victory on Sunday. Favored at 8-5 over a suspect group of rivals, Yankee Bravo didn't get off to a smooth start in the California Derby. He broke a step slow from post 11 and was rank approaching the first turn, tossing his head in disapproval. Jockey Alex Solis attributed the unhappiness to kickback on the Tapeta. "He was a little agitated the first sixteenth (of a mile) with the stuff flying back at him," Solis explained, "But after we went into the first turn, he settled down." Rating near the back of the pack, Yankee Bravo raced along the fence down the backstretch and began to pick off rivals entering the final bend. Solis had to navigate through traffic approaching the stretch drive, eventually swinging out for clear sailing on the far outside, and Yankee Bravo responded when clear, mowing down his rivals with an impressive burst of speed that netted a 108 BRIS Late Pace rating. He drew off to a one-length decision, with a logjam of about seven horses battling behind him for runner-up honors. Yankee Bravo earned only an 86 BRIS Speed figure and will be tested for class in the future, but the one-run closer certainly made a fine impression. Whether he can transfer his form to dirt is another matter completely, but Gallagher's main concern now is getting some graded earnings. Look for him to pick his spots between the synthetic surfaces in California and the Polytrack at Keeneland and Turfway Park. There's no reason to take a beating on dirt before the Kentucky Derby (G1) in this new era. Unfortunately for handicappers, Kentucky Derby participants without dirt experience will become more common, and they'll be difficult to gauge. At Gulfstream Park last week, MAKE THE POINT (Menifee) and COOL COAL MAN (Mineshaft) assured their participation on the Kentucky Derby trail with allowance victories. Make the Point won going seven furlongs on Thursday, and Cool Coal Man scored at 1 1/8 miles on Saturday. Make the Point was a smart debut winner at Belmont last June and finished sixth when making his stakes debut in the Saratoga Special S. (G2). He went to the sidelines afterward, re-appearing over a good track at Gulfstream on Thursday, and showed no signs of rust. The Kiaran McLaughlin-trained colt flashed to the front as soon as the gates opened and settled comfortably on the lead while under early pressure. Make the Point accelerated away from the competition nearing the conclusion of the far turn and cruised unopposed to the wire, showing signs of greenness as he acted a bit goofy in midstretch. The bay earned a 93 Speed figure for his 3 1/4-length romp. Make the Point is one to watch. He hails from a very classy female family, and I'm looking forward to his first start around two turns. Cool Coal Man tracked LEGACY THIEF (Cat Thief) and GOLDEN SPIKES (Seeking the Gold) in third during the opening stages of Saturday's allowance before swinging to the outside for the stretch run. Legacy Thief caved first, giving way to Golden Spikes, who briefly opened a slim advantage before being overhauled by the winner. The rest of the pack was absolutely no factor as Legacy Thief managed to hold onto third before being vanned off. Golden Spikes, who was exiting a fourth in the Hutcheson S. (G2), ran big during the opening mile and then tired late. Cool Coal Man got the job done, recording a 94 Speed rating for the one-length decision, but he appeared to be slowing while registering an 80 Late Pace rating. He might not be effective at longer distances right now, but the bay colt is talented. Trainer Nick Zito will try to find the right spots for him this spring. Upcoming A pair of Grade 2 events for three-year-olds will be held this Saturday, but it's tough to get excited about them. Saturday's Robert B. Lewis S. (G2) at Santa Anita drew a paltry five entries, with unbeaten allowance hero REFLECT TIMES (French Deputy) and recent maiden winners CROWN OF THORNS (Repent) and COAST GUARD (Stormy Atlantic) all making their stakes debut. Gulfstream's Swale S. (G2) drew another unproven, small group. The seven-horse fields includes EATON'S GIFT (Johannesburg), an impressive Churchill allowance winner last fall for Dale Romans; Hutcheson runner-up SILVER EDITION (Silver Deputy); and WINCAT (Hold That Tiger), a recent maiden special weight victor at Philadelphia Park for McLaughlin. Top 10 1) COURT VISION -- Remsen (G2) winner will return in the February 24 Fountain of Youth (G2) 2) TALE OF EKATI -- Training well for his 2008 debut in the Fountain of Youth 3) INTO MISCHIEF -- Drilling steadily on the West Coast for Richard Mandella 4) PYRO -- Steve Asmussen runner has been working with Curlin 5) WAR PASS -- Imagine if he catches a wet track on Derby Day 6) MAJESTIC WARRIOR -- Promising but Grade 1 winner has little bottom and will take light approach with only two preps 7) VISIONAIRE -- Looking forward to stakes bow in the February 9 Risen Star 8) ATONED -- Troubled Remsen runner-up deserves mention 9) COLONEL JOHN -- Only one appearance (January 19) on the worktab this year 10) EL GATO MALO -- Smashing San Rafael (G3) winner
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