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Racing Headlines
Royal Delta, Awesome Maria square off in Sabin
"I'd like to see a good, solid effort in this race so we can look forward to Dubai, Mott said. "I think we're at a slight disadvantage at a mile and a sixteenth. It's a short wire turning for home and I don't think it plays into our filly's style. I don't think that's her best race...she's a bit of a stretch runner. I don't think the conditions are the most ideal but we're running in the race that's available." If history is any judge, the same can not be said for Awesome Maria, who began her undefeated 2011 campaign with a 4 3/4-length domination of the Sabin. The Todd Pletcher trainee continued by winning the Grade 3 Rampart by eight lengths, the Grade 2 Shuvee Handicap by a head, and then the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps Handicap by three lengths. Before she could meet up with eventual divisional champion Havre de Grace, Awesome Maria was diagnosed with a non-displaced condylar fracture of her left foreleg while preparing for the Grade 1 Ruffian Handicap in July. Awesome Maria got back to work at Palm Meadows in early December, and has posted 11 breezes in the interim.
Another stakes that got plenty of bang for the buck on Saturday is the Grade 3, $100,000 The Very One, a 1 3/8-mile grass test for fillies and mares. Thirteen, plus a main-track-only candidate, were entered, including Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf upsetter Perfect Shirl.
Former European mainstays Shimmering Moment, Good Karma and Hasay merit respect in The Very One, as does the South African Group 1 veteran Here to Win, a troubled third in a recent allowance prep. Royal Delta, Awesome Maria square off in Sabin
"I'd like to see a good, solid effort in this race so we can look forward to Dubai, Mott said. "I think we're at a slight disadvantage at a mile and a sixteenth. It's a short wire turning for home and I don't think it plays into our filly's style. I don't think that's her best race...she's a bit of a stretch runner. I don't think the conditions are the most ideal but we're running in the race that's available." If history is any judge, the same can not be said for Awesome Maria, who began her undefeated 2011 campaign with a 4 3/4-length domination of the Sabin. The Todd Pletcher trainee continued by winning the Grade 3 Rampart by eight lengths, the Grade 2 Shuvee Handicap by a head, and then the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps Handicap by three lengths. Before she could meet up with eventual divisional champion Havre de Grace, Awesome Maria was diagnosed with a non-displaced condylar fracture of her left foreleg while preparing for the Grade 1 Ruffian Handicap in July. Awesome Maria got back to work at Palm Meadows in early December, and has posted 11 breezes in the interim.
Another stakes that got plenty of bang for the buck on Saturday is the Grade 3, $100,000 The Very One, a 1 3/8-mile grass test for fillies and mares. Thirteen, plus a main-track-only candidate, were entered, including Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf upsetter Perfect Shirl.
Former European mainstays Shimmering Moment, Good Karma and Hasay merit respect in The Very One, as does the South African Group 1 veteran Here to Win, a troubled third in a recent allowance prep. Grace Hall returns in Davona Dale
Disposablepleasure will also be making her first start of the season after closing out her juvenile campaign with a hard-fought head victory in the Grade 2 Demoiselle Stakes at Aqueduct on November 26. The gray daughter of Giacomo broke her maiden by 11 lengths at Belmont Park in early October after a fourth-place debut on turf at Saratoga and runner-up effort on the main track at Monmouth Park. Trainer Todd Pletcher will give a leg up to Julien Leparoux on Disposablepleasure. Also in with a chance is Captivating Lass, who owns an edge on recent form after winning the Busanda Stakes on January 7 at Aqueduct and shipping down to Palm Meadows shortly thereafter. The Kentucky homebred by A.P. Indy won her career debut at Parx in October, but finished a non-threatening seventh behind Disposablepleasure in the Demoiselle. John Velazquez will be aboard the Kiaran McLaughlin runner. Frolic's Revenge will be returning to the main track in Saturday's race, having captured the Ginger Brew Stakes and run third in the Sweetest Chant Stakes, both on the grass at Gulfstream Park. Prior to that, the Vindication filly never factored when running ninth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies but did take the Lindsay Frolic Stakes on Calder's dirt by 4 3/4 lengths in August. Trainer Marty Wolfson has sent his dark bay charge out to a pair of bullet works on Calder's main track recently, and Frolic's Revenge will get Juan Leyva in the irons. Stakes winner Yara, a well-beaten fourth in the Grade 2 Forward Gal Stakes last out, and Salad Girl, triumphant in the Gasparilla Stakes in her return on January 14 at Tampa Bay Downs, are also entered in the Davona Dale. Grace Hall returns in Davona Dale
Disposablepleasure will also be making her first start of the season after closing out her juvenile campaign with a hard-fought head victory in the Grade 2 Demoiselle Stakes at Aqueduct on November 26. The gray daughter of Giacomo broke her maiden by 11 lengths at Belmont Park in early October after a fourth-place debut on turf at Saratoga and runner-up effort on the main track at Monmouth Park. Trainer Todd Pletcher will give a leg up to Julien Leparoux on Disposablepleasure. Also in with a chance is Captivating Lass, who owns an edge on recent form after winning the Busanda Stakes on January 7 at Aqueduct and shipping down to Palm Meadows shortly thereafter. The Kentucky homebred by A.P. Indy won her career debut at Parx in October, but finished a non-threatening seventh behind Disposablepleasure in the Demoiselle. John Velazquez will be aboard the Kiaran McLaughlin runner. Frolic's Revenge will be returning to the main track in Saturday's race, having captured the Ginger Brew Stakes and run third in the Sweetest Chant Stakes, both on the grass at Gulfstream Park. Prior to that, the Vindication filly never factored when running ninth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies but did take the Lindsay Frolic Stakes on Calder's dirt by 4 3/4 lengths in August. Trainer Marty Wolfson has sent his dark bay charge out to a pair of bullet works on Calder's main track recently, and Frolic's Revenge will get Juan Leyva in the irons. Stakes winner Yara, a well-beaten fourth in the Grade 2 Forward Gal Stakes last out, and Salad Girl, triumphant in the Gasparilla Stakes in her return on January 14 at Tampa Bay Downs, are also entered in the Davona Dale. Amazombie takes on The Factor in San Carlos
"We ain't seen the best of him," declared jockey Mike Smith, aboard for 12 of Amazombie's last 13 starts. "I know he's getting older, but man, he's just getting right. I mean in November (for the Breeders' Cup), Bill had him really, really good. But from the looks of things, and you don't know it until they run, he seems to have gotten even better." Coming off some down time ought not to be a concern as the bay gelding has been victorious on each of the past four occasions when returning from a layoff. Amazombie will begin his quest to become just the second two-time sprint Eclipse champion when breaking from post position No. 2 on Saturday.
Mensa Heat, a California-bred son of Unusual Heat who was claimed for $25,000 last April, came within three-quarters-of-a-length of Amazombie when rallying for third in the Ancient Title. Trained by Ted H. West, the 6-year-old gelding has won five of nine starts, including a pair of ungraded stakes, since being claimed, and will try to upset the two likely favorites off a third in the wet-fast Palos Verdes. Joe Talamo will handle Mensa Heat. Another looking to turn the tables is Rothko, who ran second to The Factor in the Malibu, his first stakes endeavor. The four-year-old homebred son of Arch had a three-race winning streak snapped in the Malibu, and trainer Steve Asmussen has jockey Joel Rosario to be in the saddle for the first time on Saturday. Sway Away also ran second to The Factor, but that came in last February's Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes. The Afleet Alex four-year-old hasn't been seen in competition since taking an allowance on June 19 at Hollywood Park. Rafael Bejarano has the call for trainer Jeff Bonde. Canonize, a six-year-old gelded son of Aldebaran, owns a 3-1-0 record from four starts at Santa Anita, but will face his toughest task to date against this bunch. Earlier on Saturday's card, Mizdirection returns in the supporting feature, the $70,000 Clockers' Corner Handicap for older fillies and mares going 6 1/2 furlongs over the hillside turf course. An impressive 1 3/4-length winner of the Grade 3 Monrovia Stakes on January 2, the four-year-old daughter of Mizzen Mast looms a solid choice as the 122-pound highweight in the field of five for trainer Mike Puype. Amazombie takes on The Factor in San Carlos
"We ain't seen the best of him," declared jockey Mike Smith, aboard for 12 of Amazombie's last 13 starts. "I know he's getting older, but man, he's just getting right. I mean in November (for the Breeders' Cup), Bill had him really, really good. But from the looks of things, and you don't know it until they run, he seems to have gotten even better." Coming off some down time ought not to be a concern as the bay gelding has been victorious on each of the past four occasions when returning from a layoff. Amazombie will begin his quest to become just the second two-time sprint Eclipse champion when breaking from post position No. 2 on Saturday.
Mensa Heat, a California-bred son of Unusual Heat who was claimed for $25,000 last April, came within three-quarters-of-a-length of Amazombie when rallying for third in the Ancient Title. Trained by Ted H. West, the 6-year-old gelding has won five of nine starts, including a pair of ungraded stakes, since being claimed, and will try to upset the two likely favorites off a third in the wet-fast Palos Verdes. Joe Talamo will handle Mensa Heat. Another looking to turn the tables is Rothko, who ran second to The Factor in the Malibu, his first stakes endeavor. The four-year-old homebred son of Arch had a three-race winning streak snapped in the Malibu, and trainer Steve Asmussen has jockey Joel Rosario to be in the saddle for the first time on Saturday. Sway Away also ran second to The Factor, but that came in last February's Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes. The Afleet Alex four-year-old hasn't been seen in competition since taking an allowance on June 19 at Hollywood Park. Rafael Bejarano has the call for trainer Jeff Bonde. Canonize, a six-year-old gelded son of Aldebaran, owns a 3-1-0 record from four starts at Santa Anita, but will face his toughest task to date against this bunch. Earlier on Saturday's card, Mizdirection returns in the supporting feature, the $70,000 Clockers' Corner Handicap for older fillies and mares going 6 1/2 furlongs over the hillside turf course. An impressive 1 3/4-length winner of the Grade 3 Monrovia Stakes on January 2, the four-year-old daughter of Mizzen Mast looms a solid choice as the 122-pound highweight in the field of five for trainer Mike Puype. Shippers settle in at Fair Grounds ahead of weekend stakes All the out-of-town shippers invading New Orleans in advance of Saturday's Louisiana Derby Preview Day arrived without incident in New Orleans by mid-morning Wednesday and were safely ensconced in three different barns on the Fair Grounds backstretch. El Padrino, the 2-1 morning line favorite for Saturday's Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes, was getting a bath while being held by trainer Todd Pletcher's assistant Whit Beckman. A few yards away, Alma d'Oro, pegged at 6-1 in the early odds for the Grade 3 Mineshaft Handicap earlier on the card, was calmly being walked around the shed row. Although El Padrino and Alma d'Oro came to New Orleans on an equine charter from South Florida on Wednesday morning, Beckham came to Fair Grounds Tuesday evening from Belmont Park where he serves as Pletcher's assistant with the trainer's New York-based string. "I met up with the both horses at the airport this morning and accompanied them here," Beckman said. "Both horses obviously traveled well and are looking well right now." El Padrino, who closed out his juvenile season with a close third in the Grade 2 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct, has made one start this season, winning an optional claiming race at Gulfstream Park by two lengths. The son of Pulpit breezed a half-mile at Palm Meadows training center in South Florida in :48 4/5 on Sunday. "Although I didn't see the work, I am told (El Padrino) galloped out very well," Beckman remarked. Trainer Graham Motion, who saddled Animal Kingdom to win last year's Kentucky Derby, has also sent two horses to New Orleans for stakes races on Saturday's Louisiana Derby Preview Day. Table Three Ten, a gray three-year-old daughter of El Prado, is now on the grounds to contest the Grade 3 Rachel Alexandra Stakes, while Smart Bid is the 3-1 projected favorite for the Grade 3 Fair Grounds Handicap on the Stall-Wilson turf course. "We flew in this morning from Palm Meadows," said Motion's assistant Alice Clapham, who accompanied the horses from South Florida. "The trip was good -- very uneventful -- and that's always a good thing. Both horses seem to be in very good form." Table Three Ten broke her maiden at Fair Grounds in her career debut on November 26 for trainer Mike Stidham, and was then sold privately to Team Valor and transferred to the care of Motion in South Florida. She remained undefeated by winning an optional claimer at Gulfstream on January 27. Smart Bid, a six-year-old son of Smart Strike, captured last year's Grade 2 Mervin Muniz Memorial at Fair Grounds and will be making his first start of the season in the Fair Grounds 'Cap. Tres Borrachos, the 7-2 morning line favorite for Saturday's Mineshaft, arrived in New Orleans on an equine charter out of Southern California on Tuesday. "Everything is right with us," said his groom Joe Casteneda, who accompanied Tres Borrachos on his journey. "The flying went well and everything is perfect right now." Tres Borrachos, a seven-year-old son of Ecton Park, will seek to get back on the winning track following a pair of runner-up efforts in the Grade 2 San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita and Grade 2 Native Diver Handicap at Hollywood Park. Shippers settle in at Fair Grounds ahead of weekend stakes All the out-of-town shippers invading New Orleans in advance of Saturday's Louisiana Derby Preview Day arrived without incident in New Orleans by mid-morning Wednesday and were safely ensconced in three different barns on the Fair Grounds backstretch. El Padrino, the 2-1 morning line favorite for Saturday's Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes, was getting a bath while being held by trainer Todd Pletcher's assistant Whit Beckman. A few yards away, Alma d'Oro, pegged at 6-1 in the early odds for the Grade 3 Mineshaft Handicap earlier on the card, was calmly being walked around the shed row. Although El Padrino and Alma d'Oro came to New Orleans on an equine charter from South Florida on Wednesday morning, Beckham came to Fair Grounds Tuesday evening from Belmont Park where he serves as Pletcher's assistant with the trainer's New York-based string. "I met up with the both horses at the airport this morning and accompanied them here," Beckman said. "Both horses obviously traveled well and are looking well right now." El Padrino, who closed out his juvenile season with a close third in the Grade 2 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct, has made one start this season, winning an optional claiming race at Gulfstream Park by two lengths. The son of Pulpit breezed a half-mile at Palm Meadows training center in South Florida in :48 4/5 on Sunday. "Although I didn't see the work, I am told (El Padrino) galloped out very well," Beckman remarked. Trainer Graham Motion, who saddled Animal Kingdom to win last year's Kentucky Derby, has also sent two horses to New Orleans for stakes races on Saturday's Louisiana Derby Preview Day. Table Three Ten, a gray three-year-old daughter of El Prado, is now on the grounds to contest the Grade 3 Rachel Alexandra Stakes, while Smart Bid is the 3-1 projected favorite for the Grade 3 Fair Grounds Handicap on the Stall-Wilson turf course. "We flew in this morning from Palm Meadows," said Motion's assistant Alice Clapham, who accompanied the horses from South Florida. "The trip was good -- very uneventful -- and that's always a good thing. Both horses seem to be in very good form." Table Three Ten broke her maiden at Fair Grounds in her career debut on November 26 for trainer Mike Stidham, and was then sold privately to Team Valor and transferred to the care of Motion in South Florida. She remained undefeated by winning an optional claimer at Gulfstream on January 27. Smart Bid, a six-year-old son of Smart Strike, captured last year's Grade 2 Mervin Muniz Memorial at Fair Grounds and will be making his first start of the season in the Fair Grounds 'Cap. Tres Borrachos, the 7-2 morning line favorite for Saturday's Mineshaft, arrived in New Orleans on an equine charter out of Southern California on Tuesday. "Everything is right with us," said his groom Joe Casteneda, who accompanied Tres Borrachos on his journey. "The flying went well and everything is perfect right now." Tres Borrachos, a seven-year-old son of Ecton Park, will seek to get back on the winning track following a pair of runner-up efforts in the Grade 2 San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita and Grade 2 Native Diver Handicap at Hollywood Park. Havre de Grace pointing to Azeri Horse of the Year Havre de Grace will make her 2012 debut in the Grade 3 Azeri at Oaklawn Park on March 17. The announcement was made Wednesday by owner Rick Porter on his Fox Hill Farm website. "(Trainer) Larry (Jones) and I have mapped out some possible races for the next few months for Havre de Grace and Joyful Victory," said Porter, also referring to Havre de Grace's four-year-old filly stablemate. "We decided that the best choice for Havre de Grace's first race of the year is the Azeri at Oaklawn on March 17. Joyful Victory will run at Fair Grounds in the New Orleans Ladies on the same day. We felt these are the best opportunities for our two fillies. Ramon Dominquez will come in to ride Havre de Grace and Robby Albarado will be aboard Joyful Victory. This will be a big day for Fox Hill." Havre de Grace kicked off her national championship campaign by winning last year's Azeri by 3 1/4 lengths over arch-rival Blind Luck. Havre de Grace later won the Grade 1 Apple Blossom Handicap, Grade 3 Obeah, the Grade 1 Woodward against males, and the Grade 1 Beldame. Her two defeats were a nose loss to Blind Luck in the Grade 2 Delaware Handicap and a fourth in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Classic. Joyful Victory, who captured the Grade 2 Fantasy and Grade 3 Honeybee at Oaklawn last year, recently won the Tiffany Lass at Fair Grounds. Havre de Grace pointing to Azeri Horse of the Year Havre de Grace will make her 2012 debut in the Grade 3 Azeri at Oaklawn Park on March 17. The announcement was made Wednesday by owner Rick Porter on his Fox Hill Farm website. "(Trainer) Larry (Jones) and I have mapped out some possible races for the next few months for Havre de Grace and Joyful Victory," said Porter, also referring to Havre de Grace's four-year-old filly stablemate. "We decided that the best choice for Havre de Grace's first race of the year is the Azeri at Oaklawn on March 17. Joyful Victory will run at Fair Grounds in the New Orleans Ladies on the same day. We felt these are the best opportunities for our two fillies. Ramon Dominquez will come in to ride Havre de Grace and Robby Albarado will be aboard Joyful Victory. This will be a big day for Fox Hill." Havre de Grace kicked off her national championship campaign by winning last year's Azeri by 3 1/4 lengths over arch-rival Blind Luck. Havre de Grace later won the Grade 1 Apple Blossom Handicap, Grade 3 Obeah, the Grade 1 Woodward against males, and the Grade 1 Beldame. Her two defeats were a nose loss to Blind Luck in the Grade 2 Delaware Handicap and a fourth in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Classic. Joyful Victory, who captured the Grade 2 Fantasy and Grade 3 Honeybee at Oaklawn last year, recently won the Tiffany Lass at Fair Grounds. BC Mile hero Royal Academy dies in Australia
Royal Academy first hit the headlines when Vincent O'Brien bid a sales-topping $3.5 million for him at the 1988 Keeneland July Selected Yearling Sales. In addition to being a very handsome individual, he had the attraction of being out of Storm Cat's granddam Crimson Saint. Royal Academy proved a very sound investment for Classic Thoroughbreds Plc. Although Nijinsky's progeny were usually noted for their stamina, O'Brien, who died in 2009, took the bold decision to run him in the six-furlong Group 1 July Cup. As so often, O'Brien's judgment proved spot on and he gained his first top-level success. Royal Academy then finished a good second to the exceptional sprinter Dayjur in the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock before ending his career in a blaze of glory when carrying a back-from-retirement Lester Piggott to a stirring neck victory in the Breeders' Cup Mile. Earlier in his three-year-old season, Royal Academy was successful in the Group 3 Tetrarch and a close second in the Group 1 Irish Two Thousand Guineas. He retired with a mark of 7-4-2-0, $791,003. Royal Academy began his stallion career at Coolmore at a fee of 30,000 Irish guineas in 1991. His four first-crop group winners were headed by Oscar Schindler and there was at least one Group1 winner in each of his first five Irish crops, thanks to the efforts of Ali-Royal, Carmine Lake, Sleepytime, Zalaiyka, Val Royal, and Lavery. Royal Academy also stood at Coolmore's American branch, Ashford Stud, resulting in among others, Bullish Luck, a star in Hong Kong who also won the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen in Japan. His Group 1 winners in Australia included Black Caviar's sire Bel Esprit, Serious Speed and Kenwood Melody. As a broodmare sire, Royal Academy has been represented by multiple classic winner Finsceal Beo and last year's leading French juvenile Dabirsim. BC Mile hero Royal Academy dies in Australia
Royal Academy first hit the headlines when Vincent O'Brien bid a sales-topping $3.5 million for him at the 1988 Keeneland July Selected Yearling Sales. In addition to being a very handsome individual, he had the attraction of being out of Storm Cat's granddam Crimson Saint. Royal Academy proved a very sound investment for Classic Thoroughbreds Plc. Although Nijinsky's progeny were usually noted for their stamina, O'Brien, who died in 2009, took the bold decision to run him in the six-furlong Group 1 July Cup. As so often, O'Brien's judgment proved spot on and he gained his first top-level success. Royal Academy then finished a good second to the exceptional sprinter Dayjur in the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock before ending his career in a blaze of glory when carrying a back-from-retirement Lester Piggott to a stirring neck victory in the Breeders' Cup Mile. Earlier in his three-year-old season, Royal Academy was successful in the Group 3 Tetrarch and a close second in the Group 1 Irish Two Thousand Guineas. He retired with a mark of 7-4-2-0, $791,003. Royal Academy began his stallion career at Coolmore at a fee of 30,000 Irish guineas in 1991. His four first-crop group winners were headed by Oscar Schindler and there was at least one Group1 winner in each of his first five Irish crops, thanks to the efforts of Ali-Royal, Carmine Lake, Sleepytime, Zalaiyka, Val Royal, and Lavery. Royal Academy also stood at Coolmore's American branch, Ashford Stud, resulting in among others, Bullish Luck, a star in Hong Kong who also won the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen in Japan. His Group 1 winners in Australia included Black Caviar's sire Bel Esprit, Serious Speed and Kenwood Melody. As a broodmare sire, Royal Academy has been represented by multiple classic winner Finsceal Beo and last year's leading French juvenile Dabirsim. Southwest runners exit races well The plane that brought the winners of both divisions of Monday's Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn returned to California Wednesday, though their trainer Bob Baffert has already vowed -- Gen. MacArthur-like -- "I shall return." Castaway and Secret Circle strode back aboard the Tex Sutton charter two days after their front-running scores in the split one-mile heats. With them was Longview Drive, who finished in a disappointing tie for sixth in the first division behind Castaway for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. Division 1 favorite Unbridled's Note will remain at trainer Steve Asmussen's Oaklawn branch office after failing to fire in what was his second career race. Division 1 runner-up Jake Mo was doing well in the barn of leading trainer Allen Milligan with a potential run in next month's Grade 2, $500,000 Rebel Stakes (G2) "on the table," according to his handlers. Division 2 runner-up Scatman was "bright, bug-eyed and hopping" shortly after pushing Secret Circle to a quick finishing time according to trainer Michael Lauer's assistant Kim Baronowski. Adirondack King is remaining at Oaklawn for trainer John Servis and was sticking with his routine Wednesday after his third-place finish in the second division. Reckless Jerry seemed to have "very little taken out of him" according to trainer Kenny Smith after his slightly troubled third-place finish in the first division. Indications are both horses will appear next in the Rebel, though Smith may choose to wait until the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby on April 14 instead. Smarty Jones Stakes winner Junebugred emerged from his letdown in the first division in relatively good fashion according to trainer Steve Hobby. "It looks like it was a whole combination of things that got us," Hobby said. "The main thing is he picked up a lot of weight to carry off that win, and he's not that big a horse. Then he sat back a bit farther off the slower pace and that didn't help. We'll regroup, see how he goes the next few weeks and decide where we go." Other notes out of the Southwest include the decision by trainer Tim Ice to give one more dirt test for No Spin after finishing in the three-way dead heat for sixth in the first version. The colt will head to New Mexico for the Grade 3 Sunland Park Derby on March 25. He is co-owned by Dr. Leonard Blach, one of the partners with 2009 Kentucky Derby upsetter Mine That Bird, who famously put the race outside El Paso, Texas, on the Derby Trail map. Apprehender, who never settled while chasing the pace of the second division before fading to ninth, had a mild bout of colic after what was his second career race. Trainer Ingrid Mason said the gelding will aim for easier sprint races for the time being. Southwest runners exit races well The plane that brought the winners of both divisions of Monday's Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn returned to California Wednesday, though their trainer Bob Baffert has already vowed -- Gen. MacArthur-like -- "I shall return." Castaway and Secret Circle strode back aboard the Tex Sutton charter two days after their front-running scores in the split one-mile heats. With them was Longview Drive, who finished in a disappointing tie for sixth in the first division behind Castaway for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. Division 1 favorite Unbridled's Note will remain at trainer Steve Asmussen's Oaklawn branch office after failing to fire in what was his second career race. Division 1 runner-up Jake Mo was doing well in the barn of leading trainer Allen Milligan with a potential run in next month's Grade 2, $500,000 Rebel Stakes (G2) "on the table," according to his handlers. Division 2 runner-up Scatman was "bright, bug-eyed and hopping" shortly after pushing Secret Circle to a quick finishing time according to trainer Michael Lauer's assistant Kim Baronowski. Adirondack King is remaining at Oaklawn for trainer John Servis and was sticking with his routine Wednesday after his third-place finish in the second division. Reckless Jerry seemed to have "very little taken out of him" according to trainer Kenny Smith after his slightly troubled third-place finish in the first division. Indications are both horses will appear next in the Rebel, though Smith may choose to wait until the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby on April 14 instead. Smarty Jones Stakes winner Junebugred emerged from his letdown in the first division in relatively good fashion according to trainer Steve Hobby. "It looks like it was a whole combination of things that got us," Hobby said. "The main thing is he picked up a lot of weight to carry off that win, and he's not that big a horse. Then he sat back a bit farther off the slower pace and that didn't help. We'll regroup, see how he goes the next few weeks and decide where we go." Other notes out of the Southwest include the decision by trainer Tim Ice to give one more dirt test for No Spin after finishing in the three-way dead heat for sixth in the first version. The colt will head to New Mexico for the Grade 3 Sunland Park Derby on March 25. He is co-owned by Dr. Leonard Blach, one of the partners with 2009 Kentucky Derby upsetter Mine That Bird, who famously put the race outside El Paso, Texas, on the Derby Trail map. Apprehender, who never settled while chasing the pace of the second division before fading to ninth, had a mild bout of colic after what was his second career race. Trainer Ingrid Mason said the gelding will aim for easier sprint races for the time being. Woodbine announces 2012 stakes A 102-race, C$23 million stakes calendar will highlight Woodbine's 167-day Thoroughbred meet in 2012. The Woodbine stakes schedule, released Wednesday by the Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG), is highlighted by the 153rd running of the Queen's Plate. The 1 1/4-mile classic, which carries a C$1 million purse, is set for June 24. The Plate, North America's oldest continuously-run stakes event and first jewel in Canada's Triple Crown of Racing, will be complemented by three turf stakes events, the Grade 2, C$250,000 King Edward, the Grade 2, C$200,000 Highlander, the Grade 3, $150,000 Singspiel, plus the C$150,000 My Dear, contested on the Polytrack. Woodbine's richest race, the Grade 1, C$1.5 million Canadian International, is set for October 14. The 1 1/2-mile grass event headlines an outstanding card in which the world-renowned E.P. Taylor turf course is in the spotlight. The Grade 1, C$1 million E.P. Taylor for fillies and mares, the Grade 1, C$500,000 Nearctic, a six-furlong turf sprint, and the Grade 3, C$150,000 Durham Cup, at 1 1/8 miles on the Polytrack, are also slated for International day. The International, E.P. Taylor and Nearctic continue to be key events in the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series which features a lucrative "Win and You're In" incentive. A triumph in the International, the E.P. Taylor or the Nearctic (Regally Ready won the 2011 edition and then took the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint) guarantees the victor a berth in the corresponding championship event, three weeks later, at the November 2-3 Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita. "Last year was once again a strong one in terms of the quality and quantity of European horses that competed in our marquee events," said Steve Lym, Woodbine's Director of Racing and Racing Secretary. "The filly, Sarah Lynx, wowed the fans with her magnificent showing in the Canadian International." The Woodbine stakes listing also features three other "Win and You're In" events, all turf contests carded on the same September weekend. On September 15, racing's freshmen turf talents take the spotlight, with the running of the C$250,000 Summer, a Grade 2 grass event for two-year-olds, and the Grade 2, C$250,000 Natalma for two-year-old fillies. The weekend's third Breeders' Cup Challenge race is the C$1 million Woodbine Mile, the highlight of a stellar $2 million-plus day of racing on September 16. The Grade 1, C$500,000 Northern Dancer Turf, the Grade 2, C$300,000 Canadian, for turf fillies and mares, as well as the Grade 3, C$150,000 Ontario Derby (1 1/8 miles on the Polytrack) will also take place on Mile day. "Turallure was impressive in winning the Woodbine Mile, before losing by a nose to 2010 Woodbine Mile winner Court Vision in the Breeders' Cup Mile," Lym noted. "The decision by the connections of Sarah Lynx and Turallure to race at Woodbine and their outstanding results speak volumes of how WEG is regarded by the entire racing community." June 3 will be another big day at the Toronto oval. The C$500,000 Woodbine Oaks, the first leg in Canada's Triple Tiara of Racing, is scheduled for that day. Also slated is the C$150,000 Plate Trial, the country's top prep race for the Queen's Plate. "Last year, the Oaks gave racing fans a look at what was to come from the talented Inglorious, who would also win the Queen's Plate in similarly impressive fashion," Lym said. "These races are a perfect complement to one another on what will be an outstanding card of racing for the fans." The Breeders', third and final gem of racing's Triple Crown, is set for August 5 at Woodbine. The 1 1/2-mile turf race carries a purse of C$500,000. The Summer, Natalma and Hendrie were upgraded from Grade 3 to Grade 2 status, while the Bold Venture, Ontario Fashion, Ontario Derby and Mazarine are now Grade 3 races. Woodbine's 2012 meet launches April 6, with a first-race post of 1:00 p.m. (EDT). Woodbine announces 2012 stakes A 102-race, C$23 million stakes calendar will highlight Woodbine's 167-day Thoroughbred meet in 2012. The Woodbine stakes schedule, released Wednesday by the Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG), is highlighted by the 153rd running of the Queen's Plate. The 1 1/4-mile classic, which carries a C$1 million purse, is set for June 24. The Plate, North America's oldest continuously-run stakes event and first jewel in Canada's Triple Crown of Racing, will be complemented by three turf stakes events, the Grade 2, C$250,000 King Edward, the Grade 2, C$200,000 Highlander, the Grade 3, $150,000 Singspiel, plus the C$150,000 My Dear, contested on the Polytrack. Woodbine's richest race, the Grade 1, C$1.5 million Canadian International, is set for October 14. The 1 1/2-mile grass event headlines an outstanding card in which the world-renowned E.P. Taylor turf course is in the spotlight. The Grade 1, C$1 million E.P. Taylor for fillies and mares, the Grade 1, C$500,000 Nearctic, a six-furlong turf sprint, and the Grade 3, C$150,000 Durham Cup, at 1 1/8 miles on the Polytrack, are also slated for International day. The International, E.P. Taylor and Nearctic continue to be key events in the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series which features a lucrative "Win and You're In" incentive. A triumph in the International, the E.P. Taylor or the Nearctic (Regally Ready won the 2011 edition and then took the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint) guarantees the victor a berth in the corresponding championship event, three weeks later, at the November 2-3 Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita. "Last year was once again a strong one in terms of the quality and quantity of European horses that competed in our marquee events," said Steve Lym, Woodbine's Director of Racing and Racing Secretary. "The filly, Sarah Lynx, wowed the fans with her magnificent showing in the Canadian International." The Woodbine stakes listing also features three other "Win and You're In" events, all turf contests carded on the same September weekend. On September 15, racing's freshmen turf talents take the spotlight, with the running of the C$250,000 Summer, a Grade 2 grass event for two-year-olds, and the Grade 2, C$250,000 Natalma for two-year-old fillies. The weekend's third Breeders' Cup Challenge race is the C$1 million Woodbine Mile, the highlight of a stellar $2 million-plus day of racing on September 16. The Grade 1, C$500,000 Northern Dancer Turf, the Grade 2, C$300,000 Canadian, for turf fillies and mares, as well as the Grade 3, C$150,000 Ontario Derby (1 1/8 miles on the Polytrack) will also take place on Mile day. "Turallure was impressive in winning the Woodbine Mile, before losing by a nose to 2010 Woodbine Mile winner Court Vision in the Breeders' Cup Mile," Lym noted. "The decision by the connections of Sarah Lynx and Turallure to race at Woodbine and their outstanding results speak volumes of how WEG is regarded by the entire racing community." June 3 will be another big day at the Toronto oval. The C$500,000 Woodbine Oaks, the first leg in Canada's Triple Tiara of Racing, is scheduled for that day. Also slated is the C$150,000 Plate Trial, the country's top prep race for the Queen's Plate. "Last year, the Oaks gave racing fans a look at what was to come from the talented Inglorious, who would also win the Queen's Plate in similarly impressive fashion," Lym said. "These races are a perfect complement to one another on what will be an outstanding card of racing for the fans." The Breeders', third and final gem of racing's Triple Crown, is set for August 5 at Woodbine. The 1 1/2-mile turf race carries a purse of C$500,000. The Summer, Natalma and Hendrie were upgraded from Grade 3 to Grade 2 status, while the Bold Venture, Ontario Fashion, Ontario Derby and Mazarine are now Grade 3 races. Woodbine's 2012 meet launches April 6, with a first-race post of 1:00 p.m. (EDT). Pimpernel favored in U.A.E. Oaks The three-year-old classic generation take center stage at Thursday evening's Dubai World Cup Carnival meeting with both the Group 3 U.A.E. Oaks and Meydan Classic on the six-race card. The official feature is the Group 3 U.A.E. Oaks, restricted to three-year-old fillies over 1900 meters on the all-weather track, for which six have been declared. Godolphin's Mahmoud Al Zarooni–trained Pimpernel looks certain to be favored on her second local start having chased home stable companion Gamilati in the U.A.E. One Thousand Guineas. Previously a listed winner in England, she was well beaten by Gamilati in the first fillies' classic but did have four of Thursday's five rivals behind her on that occasion. U.A.E. debutante Falls of Lora is the only one of the sextet who did not run in the Guineas. She is also trained by Al Zarooni. "We have decided to save Gamilati for England and their (Group 1) One Thousand Guineas so Pimpernel will be ridden by Frankie Dettori and she really pleased us when chasing home Gamilati," Al Zarooni said. "It showed she handled the (all-weather) and she would have been closer with a clear run. She has been working well as has Falls of Lora who was a nice filly in England as well but will probably need the run and has yet to prove herself on the surface." The Meydan Classic, a 1600-meter listed contest on turf, looks a lot more competitive with 12 declared including Factory Time, winner of the 1400-meter trial. The colt, prepared by last season's champion trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe, was chased home on that occasion by Kenny Powers and Fiscal who are both seeking their first career wins. The trio face stiff opposition though from Singapore's Cash Luck, Spain's Matusalen and Entifaadha who is trained in England by William Haggas and owned by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Richard Hills, who announced this week he will retire at the end of the 2012 Dubai World Cup Carnival, takes the ride. The 1000-meter Al Naboodah Construction Group sprint on turf appears absolutely wide open with English-based trainer Robert Cowell well represented with course-and-distance winners Monsieur Joe, who won a similar race three weeks ago, and Prohibit, a winner at Meydan last year before subsequently winning the Group 1 King's Stand at Royal Ascot. This will be his first start since October and he has to concede weight to all his rivals. Al Raihe also appears to have a strong hand with both Green Beret and Happy Dubai among the 13 declarations. The latter, who twice beat Monsieur Joe over course and distance last year but was behind him three weeks ago, bounced back to winning ways in a 1200-meter all-weather handicap last week. He will again be ridden by Silvestre de Sousa, recently announced as Godolphin's second jockey. Stable jockey Royston Ffrench partners Green Beret in a race Irish-trained pair Invincible Ash and Nocturnal Affair are just two others to consider. Pimpernel favored in U.A.E. Oaks The three-year-old classic generation take center stage at Thursday evening's Dubai World Cup Carnival meeting with both the Group 3 U.A.E. Oaks and Meydan Classic on the six-race card. The official feature is the Group 3 U.A.E. Oaks, restricted to three-year-old fillies over 1900 meters on the all-weather track, for which six have been declared. Godolphin's Mahmoud Al Zarooni–trained Pimpernel looks certain to be favored on her second local start having chased home stable companion Gamilati in the U.A.E. One Thousand Guineas. Previously a listed winner in England, she was well beaten by Gamilati in the first fillies' classic but did have four of Thursday's five rivals behind her on that occasion. U.A.E. debutante Falls of Lora is the only one of the sextet who did not run in the Guineas. She is also trained by Al Zarooni. "We have decided to save Gamilati for England and their (Group 1) One Thousand Guineas so Pimpernel will be ridden by Frankie Dettori and she really pleased us when chasing home Gamilati," Al Zarooni said. "It showed she handled the (all-weather) and she would have been closer with a clear run. She has been working well as has Falls of Lora who was a nice filly in England as well but will probably need the run and has yet to prove herself on the surface." The Meydan Classic, a 1600-meter listed contest on turf, looks a lot more competitive with 12 declared including Factory Time, winner of the 1400-meter trial. The colt, prepared by last season's champion trainer Ali Rashid Al Raihe, was chased home on that occasion by Kenny Powers and Fiscal who are both seeking their first career wins. The trio face stiff opposition though from Singapore's Cash Luck, Spain's Matusalen and Entifaadha who is trained in England by William Haggas and owned by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Richard Hills, who announced this week he will retire at the end of the 2012 Dubai World Cup Carnival, takes the ride. The 1000-meter Al Naboodah Construction Group sprint on turf appears absolutely wide open with English-based trainer Robert Cowell well represented with course-and-distance winners Monsieur Joe, who won a similar race three weeks ago, and Prohibit, a winner at Meydan last year before subsequently winning the Group 1 King's Stand at Royal Ascot. This will be his first start since October and he has to concede weight to all his rivals. Al Raihe also appears to have a strong hand with both Green Beret and Happy Dubai among the 13 declarations. The latter, who twice beat Monsieur Joe over course and distance last year but was behind him three weeks ago, bounced back to winning ways in a 1200-meter all-weather handicap last week. He will again be ridden by Silvestre de Sousa, recently announced as Godolphin's second jockey. Stable jockey Royston Ffrench partners Green Beret in a race Irish-trained pair Invincible Ash and Nocturnal Affair are just two others to consider. Mineshaft loses three entrants Fair Grounds stakes coordinator Scott Jones advised on Tuesday morning that the connections of Pants on Fire and Cool Blue Red Hot informed the racing office that their charges would not be coming from South Florida for Saturday's Grade 3 Mineshaft Handicap. In a related Mineshaft development, West Coast invader Gladding was reportedly not on the equine charter flight from California that was to arrive in New Orleans Tuesday. Pants on Fire, who captured the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby last year, has not raced since a fifth-place effort in the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational last July. Gladding, who won the Grade 2 San Antonio in 2011, will reportedly point for the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap on March 3. The 7-2 morning-line favorite for the Mineshaft is now Tres Borrachos. The Mineshaft defections came one day after it was announced the undefeated three-year-old filly Applauding would be scratched from Saturday's Grade 3 Rachel Alexandra. Mineshaft loses three entrants Fair Grounds stakes coordinator Scott Jones advised on Tuesday morning that the connections of Pants on Fire and Cool Blue Red Hot informed the racing office that their charges would not be coming from South Florida for Saturday's Grade 3 Mineshaft Handicap. In a related Mineshaft development, West Coast invader Gladding was reportedly not on the equine charter flight from California that was to arrive in New Orleans Tuesday. Pants on Fire, who captured the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby last year, has not raced since a fifth-place effort in the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational last July. Gladding, who won the Grade 2 San Antonio in 2011, will reportedly point for the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap on March 3. The 7-2 morning-line favorite for the Mineshaft is now Tres Borrachos. The Mineshaft defections came one day after it was announced the undefeated three-year-old filly Applauding would be scratched from Saturday's Grade 3 Rachel Alexandra. Applauding to scratch from Rachel Alexandra Saturday's Grade 3 Rachel Alexandra at Fair Grounds lost an entrant Monday when the undefeated sophomore filly Applauding was withdrawn following a four-furlong breeze in :50 4/5 over the fast main track at Fair Grounds. "She didn't work to my satisfaction and I'm going to scratch her," trainer Al Stall Jr. said. "She just wasn't herself. I don't know if something's bugging her internally or what. She just wasn't right." Applauding was a nine-length debut winner at Keeneland in October and followed that with a six-length allowance win at Fair Grounds on December 2, but hasn't raced since. She was the morning-line favorite in last month's Silverbulletday but scratched the day of the race due to a minor case of colic. Applauding to scratch from Rachel Alexandra Saturday's Grade 3 Rachel Alexandra at Fair Grounds lost an entrant Monday when the undefeated sophomore filly Applauding was withdrawn following a four-furlong breeze in :50 4/5 over the fast main track at Fair Grounds. "She didn't work to my satisfaction and I'm going to scratch her," trainer Al Stall Jr. said. "She just wasn't herself. I don't know if something's bugging her internally or what. She just wasn't right." Applauding was a nine-length debut winner at Keeneland in October and followed that with a six-length allowance win at Fair Grounds on December 2, but hasn't raced since. She was the morning-line favorite in last month's Silverbulletday but scratched the day of the race due to a minor case of colic. TwinSpires.com announces $1 million Triple Crown Showdown TwinSpires.com, the official advance-deposit wagering service for Churchill Downs Inc., is offering its players an opportunity to win up to $1 million by betting the Kentucky Derby preps and the Triple Crown with TwinSpires.com. The Triple Crown Showdown challenges players to make a winning $20 show bet on a series of 20 Kentucky Derby prep races starting with the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes from Fair Grounds on Saturday. If a player survives all 20 Kentucky Derby prep races, they qualify for a chance to win the $1 million top prize by sweeping all three legs of the Triple Crown. "Making TwinSpires.com your home to bet the Kentucky Derby preps and the Triple Crown could make you a millionaire," said Jeremy Clemons, TwinSpires.com's Vice President of Marketing. "We are excited to continue our tradition of offering players innovative opportunities to win through the $1 million Triple Crown Showdown." In addition to the $1 million ultimate prize, TwinSpires.com is also offering an additional $10,000-guaranteed prize pool and a chance to win tickets to the Kentucky Derby. "As illustrated by TwinSpires.com player Michael Beychok winning the National Handicapping Championship in January, TwinSpires.com players are among the most skilled and talented players in racing," Clemons added. "The Triple Crown Showdown will certainly challenge our players' skills and reward them handsomely for success." Complete details about the Triple Crown Showdown and official rules are available at www.twinspires.com. Customers may open a TwinSpires account and wager through their TwinSpires accounts online at www.twinspires.com or via telephone by dialing 1-877-SPIRES-1 (1-877-774-7371). Customers may deposit funds into their TwinSpires accounts at any time via their phone, the TwinSpires website or postal mail. TwinSpires charges no fees to register, to wager, or to maintain an account, and TwinSpires offers live video streaming of races as well as free race replays and free Brisnet.com past performances to all wagering customers. TwinSpires.com announces $1 million Triple Crown Showdown TwinSpires.com, the official advance-deposit wagering service for Churchill Downs Inc., is offering its players an opportunity to win up to $1 million by betting the Kentucky Derby preps and the Triple Crown with TwinSpires.com. The Triple Crown Showdown challenges players to make a winning $20 show bet on a series of 20 Kentucky Derby prep races starting with the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes from Fair Grounds on Saturday. If a player survives all 20 Kentucky Derby prep races, they qualify for a chance to win the $1 million top prize by sweeping all three legs of the Triple Crown. "Making TwinSpires.com your home to bet the Kentucky Derby preps and the Triple Crown could make you a millionaire," said Jeremy Clemons, TwinSpires.com's Vice President of Marketing. "We are excited to continue our tradition of offering players innovative opportunities to win through the $1 million Triple Crown Showdown." In addition to the $1 million ultimate prize, TwinSpires.com is also offering an additional $10,000-guaranteed prize pool and a chance to win tickets to the Kentucky Derby. "As illustrated by TwinSpires.com player Michael Beychok winning the National Handicapping Championship in January, TwinSpires.com players are among the most skilled and talented players in racing," Clemons added. "The Triple Crown Showdown will certainly challenge our players' skills and reward them handsomely for success." Complete details about the Triple Crown Showdown and official rules are available at www.twinspires.com. Customers may open a TwinSpires account and wager through their TwinSpires accounts online at www.twinspires.com or via telephone by dialing 1-877-SPIRES-1 (1-877-774-7371). Customers may deposit funds into their TwinSpires accounts at any time via their phone, the TwinSpires website or postal mail. TwinSpires charges no fees to register, to wager, or to maintain an account, and TwinSpires offers live video streaming of races as well as free race replays and free Brisnet.com past performances to all wagering customers. El Padrino invades for Risen Star
But as talented as El Padrino is, and has strongly as he has been training, the chestnut stands in need of graded earnings to secure a spot in the Kentucky Derby field. His only prior stakes attempt, a fast-closing third in the Grade 2 Remsen on November 26 at Aqueduct, furnished him just $20,000. With his stablemates Algorithms and Discreet Dancer bound for next Sunday's Grade 2 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream, El Padrino is hitting the road to help his bankroll. Javier Castellano, who picked up the mount aboard El Padrino last time, will be back aboard as the likely favorite breaks from post 8. Should the historic New Orleans track get some rain on Louisiana Derby Preview Day, El Padrino won't mind. Both of his wins, a Belmont Park maiden romp and the aforementioned Gulfstream race, took place on off tracks. Those exiting the Lecomte are out to prove a point, and defend their credentials on the Derby trail. Observers have noted that the victorious Mr. Bowling took 1:43 2/5 to negotiate the mile and 70 yards of the Lecomte, a considerably slower time than the 1:42 1/5 posted by the filly Believe You Can in the Silverbulletday on the same January 21 card. On the other hand, the Lecomte principals are all entitled to improve in the Risen Star. Mr. Bowling was returning from a nearly three-month layoff, Z Dager betrayed his inexperience in his first start off a maiden win, and Shared Property was hung out wide the whole way in his comeback.
Fourth to Union Rags in their mutual career debut, Mark Valeski came back to trounce subsequent stakes winner Ancient Rome in a September 27 Delaware Park maiden. He was shelved until January 13 at Fair Grounds, returning with a strong optional claiming score at six furlongs. Mark Valeski has been working forwardly in the interim, including a bullet six-furlong drill in 1:12 3/5 on February 13. He picks up the services of meet-leading rider Rosie Napravnik, who will guide the intriguing dark horse from post 9. Z Dager represents the ever-dangerous Steve Asmussen barn. Sixth to his well-regarded stablemate Wharton first time out at Churchill, Z Dager stretched out to take a Fair Grounds maiden, defeating another hot prospect in Sir Bond. The Zayat Stables colt ran well in the Lecomte, only to be outdueled by a savvier rival in Mr. Bowling. Shane Sellers retains the Risen Star mount. The Tom Amoss-trained Shared Property won his first two career starts, an Ellis Park maiden over eventual Iroquois winner Motor City and the Grade 3 Arlington-Washington Futurity over Take Charge Indy. Sidelined for more than three months following his sixth in the Grade 1 Breeders' Futurity on October 8, Shared Property was compromised by post 13 in the Lecomte, where fitness was an issue as well. He figures to be fitter on Saturday, but drew poorly again in post 10 with regular rider Leandro Goncalves. Ted's Folly finished ninth in the Lecomte, snapping a six-race winning streak compiled at Remington Park. The last three wins came in stakes, capped by the Springboard Mile. Rounding out the Lecomte alumni are Hero of Order (fifth) and Adena's Chance (10th), entrymates from the Gennadi Dorochenko barn. Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas sends Optimizer down from Oaklawn Park. Winless since his debut score on the turf at Saratoga, he has been pitched into top company with intermittent results, such as a third in the Breeders' Futurity but an eighth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Optimizer aims to rebound from a dull sixth in the January 16 Smarty Jones Stakes. Afford, a son of 2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, wheels back 16 days after a photo-finish optional claiming win at Fair Grounds. Two starts back, the Greg Geier pupil was third in the six-furlong Sugar Bowl Stakes. Tizanexpense has won his last two over the track, a maiden and optional claimer, and takes a class test for Mike Maker. The Tiznow colt must overcome being drawn widest of all in post 11. El Padrino invades for Risen Star
But as talented as El Padrino is, and has strongly as he has been training, the chestnut stands in need of graded earnings to secure a spot in the Kentucky Derby field. His only prior stakes attempt, a fast-closing third in the Grade 2 Remsen on November 26 at Aqueduct, furnished him just $20,000. With his stablemates Algorithms and Discreet Dancer bound for next Sunday's Grade 2 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream, El Padrino is hitting the road to help his bankroll. Javier Castellano, who picked up the mount aboard El Padrino last time, will be back aboard as the likely favorite breaks from post 8. Should the historic New Orleans track get some rain on Louisiana Derby Preview Day, El Padrino won't mind. Both of his wins, a Belmont Park maiden romp and the aforementioned Gulfstream race, took place on off tracks. Those exiting the Lecomte are out to prove a point, and defend their credentials on the Derby trail. Observers have noted that the victorious Mr. Bowling took 1:43 2/5 to negotiate the mile and 70 yards of the Lecomte, a considerably slower time than the 1:42 1/5 posted by the filly Believe You Can in the Silverbulletday on the same January 21 card. On the other hand, the Lecomte principals are all entitled to improve in the Risen Star. Mr. Bowling was returning from a nearly three-month layoff, Z Dager betrayed his inexperience in his first start off a maiden win, and Shared Property was hung out wide the whole way in his comeback.
Fourth to Union Rags in their mutual career debut, Mark Valeski came back to trounce subsequent stakes winner Ancient Rome in a September 27 Delaware Park maiden. He was shelved until January 13 at Fair Grounds, returning with a strong optional claiming score at six furlongs. Mark Valeski has been working forwardly in the interim, including a bullet six-furlong drill in 1:12 3/5 on February 13. He picks up the services of meet-leading rider Rosie Napravnik, who will guide the intriguing dark horse from post 9. Z Dager represents the ever-dangerous Steve Asmussen barn. Sixth to his well-regarded stablemate Wharton first time out at Churchill, Z Dager stretched out to take a Fair Grounds maiden, defeating another hot prospect in Sir Bond. The Zayat Stables colt ran well in the Lecomte, only to be outdueled by a savvier rival in Mr. Bowling. Shane Sellers retains the Risen Star mount. The Tom Amoss-trained Shared Property won his first two career starts, an Ellis Park maiden over eventual Iroquois winner Motor City and the Grade 3 Arlington-Washington Futurity over Take Charge Indy. Sidelined for more than three months following his sixth in the Grade 1 Breeders' Futurity on October 8, Shared Property was compromised by post 13 in the Lecomte, where fitness was an issue as well. He figures to be fitter on Saturday, but drew poorly again in post 10 with regular rider Leandro Goncalves. Ted's Folly finished ninth in the Lecomte, snapping a six-race winning streak compiled at Remington Park. The last three wins came in stakes, capped by the Springboard Mile. Rounding out the Lecomte alumni are Hero of Order (fifth) and Adena's Chance (10th), entrymates from the Gennadi Dorochenko barn. Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas sends Optimizer down from Oaklawn Park. Winless since his debut score on the turf at Saratoga, he has been pitched into top company with intermittent results, such as a third in the Breeders' Futurity but an eighth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Optimizer aims to rebound from a dull sixth in the January 16 Smarty Jones Stakes. Afford, a son of 2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense, wheels back 16 days after a photo-finish optional claiming win at Fair Grounds. Two starts back, the Greg Geier pupil was third in the six-furlong Sugar Bowl Stakes. Tizanexpense has won his last two over the track, a maiden and optional claimer, and takes a class test for Mike Maker. The Tiznow colt must overcome being drawn widest of all in post 11. Believe You Can, Applauding face off in Rachel Alexandra
Believe You Can was made the 5-2 second choice to Summer Applause's even-money favorite in the Silverbulletday, and held that rival on the wire to earn her second stakes triumph. Sent wide around the first turn of the mile-and-70-yard event, Believe You Can controlled the pace from the onset and had more than enough left in tank to take the win. The Larry Jones-trained daughter of Proud Citizen scored three straight as a juvenile, culminating in a 2 1/2-length victory in the Grade 3 Tempted Stakes at Belmont Park. She was unable to challenge when stretching out to a mile in the Grade 2 Pocahontas Stakes against Triple Crown nominee On Fire Baby at Churchill Downs to close out 2011, but proved distance wasn't an issue with her Silverbulletday win under jockey Rosie Napravnik, who retains the mount for Saturday. Summer Applause will be making her fourth start in three months when breaking from the 5 post on Saturday under Robby Albarado. The Harlan's Holiday filly broke her maiden at Woodbine on December 3, then traveled south of the border to Fair Grounds and added a seven-length score against optional claiming rivals to her record on New Year's Eve. Switched from trainer Josie Carroll to Bret Calhoun's barn, the bay filly made her stakes bow in the Silverbulletday and ran second throughout. She'll be looking to turn the tables on Believe You Can with Albarado aboard. Inny Minnie was content to stalk the pace in the Silverbulletday while running just off the rail, but ranged up to draw even with Summer Applause while four wide rounding the second turn. It was nip/tuck between those two down the lane, with Inny Minnie just missing second by a nose on the wire. The Steve Margolis trainee, who had seven lengths to spare on the fourth-place finisher, entered the Silverbulletday off a second in the Grade 3 Delta Downs Princess Stakes in mid-November. Shaun Bridgmohan was aboard for Inny Minnie's initial two starts, both runner-up efforts, and takes back the mount on the Hard Spun filly. The remaining three runners in the Rachel Alexandra have something to prove. Table Three Ten, a gray daughter of El Prado, is looking to keep her unbeaten mark going in her stakes bow. The three-year-old lass broke her maiden by 5 1/4 lengths at Fair Grounds under Michael Stidham's tutelage, but was then sent to Graham Motion, who saddled her to a 1 3/4-length optional claiming score at Gulfstream on January 27. Avie's Sense took three tries to earn her first win, finally getting the job done by 5 3/4 lengths for Carroll on January 5 at Fair Grounds. The Street Sense miss was making her first start on a conventional dirt track in that event and gets the services of jockey James Graham here in her initial try against winners. Annaclone owns just one win from seven starts thus far, with that coming at Churchill Downs last November. She's tried turf in two of her last three races, and the Flatter daughter will need a career-best effort to succeed in her black-type bow. Believe You Can, Applauding face off in Rachel Alexandra
Believe You Can was made the 5-2 second choice to Summer Applause's even-money favorite in the Silverbulletday, and held that rival on the wire to earn her second stakes triumph. Sent wide around the first turn of the mile-and-70-yard event, Believe You Can controlled the pace from the onset and had more than enough left in tank to take the win. The Larry Jones-trained daughter of Proud Citizen scored three straight as a juvenile, culminating in a 2 1/2-length victory in the Grade 3 Tempted Stakes at Belmont Park. She was unable to challenge when stretching out to a mile in the Grade 2 Pocahontas Stakes against Triple Crown nominee On Fire Baby at Churchill Downs to close out 2011, but proved distance wasn't an issue with her Silverbulletday win under jockey Rosie Napravnik, who retains the mount for Saturday. Summer Applause will be making her fourth start in three months when breaking from the 5 post on Saturday under Robby Albarado. The Harlan's Holiday filly broke her maiden at Woodbine on December 3, then traveled south of the border to Fair Grounds and added a seven-length score against optional claiming rivals to her record on New Year's Eve. Switched from trainer Josie Carroll to Bret Calhoun's barn, the bay filly made her stakes bow in the Silverbulletday and ran second throughout. She'll be looking to turn the tables on Believe You Can with Albarado aboard. Inny Minnie was content to stalk the pace in the Silverbulletday while running just off the rail, but ranged up to draw even with Summer Applause while four wide rounding the second turn. It was nip/tuck between those two down the lane, with Inny Minnie just missing second by a nose on the wire. The Steve Margolis trainee, who had seven lengths to spare on the fourth-place finisher, entered the Silverbulletday off a second in the Grade 3 Delta Downs Princess Stakes in mid-November. Shaun Bridgmohan was aboard for Inny Minnie's initial two starts, both runner-up efforts, and takes back the mount on the Hard Spun filly. The remaining three runners in the Rachel Alexandra have something to prove. Table Three Ten, a gray daughter of El Prado, is looking to keep her unbeaten mark going in her stakes bow. The three-year-old lass broke her maiden by 5 1/4 lengths at Fair Grounds under Michael Stidham's tutelage, but was then sent to Graham Motion, who saddled her to a 1 3/4-length optional claiming score at Gulfstream on January 27. Avie's Sense took three tries to earn her first win, finally getting the job done by 5 3/4 lengths for Carroll on January 5 at Fair Grounds. The Street Sense miss was making her first start on a conventional dirt track in that event and gets the services of jockey James Graham here in her initial try against winners. Annaclone owns just one win from seven starts thus far, with that coming at Churchill Downs last November. She's tried turf in two of her last three races, and the Flatter daughter will need a career-best effort to succeed in her black-type bow. Pants on Fire, Nehro back on LA Derby Preview undercard
A stepping stone to the Grade 2 New Orleans Handicap April 1, the 1 1/16-mile Mineshaft attracted two other Florida shippers, Cool Blue Red Hot and Alma d'Oro, and a pair of Californians, Tres Borrachos and Gladding. Cool Blue Red Hot was most recently third to Jackson Bend in the Grade 3 Hal's Hope at Gulfstream Park on January 14, and Alma d'Oro exits a third in the January 21 Louisiana Handicap in his last visit for Todd Pletcher. Tres Borrachos, a multiple Grade 2 veteran approaching millionaire status, has finished second in both the Grade 3 Native Diver and the Grade 2 San Pasqual of late. Grade 2 winner Gladding has not raced since his fourth to Mister Marti Gras and Alma d'Oro in the Grade 3 Ack Ack on Breeders' Cup Friday. Mister Marti Gras is among the local team, including the respective top two from the Louisiana 'Cap, Thiskyhasnolimit and Fast Alex.
Headlining the $75,000 Colonel Power Stakes is Chamberlain Bridge, hero of the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint in 2010. The Bret Calhoun veteran was last seen wiring the December 17 Bonapaw Stakes over this same turf course and about 5 1/2-furlong trip. His nearest pursuers that day, Country Day and Southern Style, take him on again. Lonesome Street shortens up off a fifth in the Col. Bradley; Cactus Son, Zeb and Heir Joe all exit course-and-distance wins; and Joe Hollywood reverts to the turf after a few solid main-track performances for Asmussen. Kicking off the stakes action is the $60,000 Gentilly Stakes for Louisiana-bred three-year-olds going about a mile on turf. The Risen Star anchors the stakes extravaganza, which also features its companion event for three-year-old fillies, the Grade 3 Rachel Alexandra. Pants on Fire, Nehro back on LA Derby Preview undercard
A stepping stone to the Grade 2 New Orleans Handicap April 1, the 1 1/16-mile Mineshaft attracted two other Florida shippers, Cool Blue Red Hot and Alma d'Oro, and a pair of Californians, Tres Borrachos and Gladding. Cool Blue Red Hot was most recently third to Jackson Bend in the Grade 3 Hal's Hope at Gulfstream Park on January 14, and Alma d'Oro exits a third in the January 21 Louisiana Handicap in his last visit for Todd Pletcher. Tres Borrachos, a multiple Grade 2 veteran approaching millionaire status, has finished second in both the Grade 3 Native Diver and the Grade 2 San Pasqual of late. Grade 2 winner Gladding has not raced since his fourth to Mister Marti Gras and Alma d'Oro in the Grade 3 Ack Ack on Breeders' Cup Friday. Mister Marti Gras is among the local team, including the respective top two from the Louisiana 'Cap, Thiskyhasnolimit and Fast Alex.
Headlining the $75,000 Colonel Power Stakes is Chamberlain Bridge, hero of the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint in 2010. The Bret Calhoun veteran was last seen wiring the December 17 Bonapaw Stakes over this same turf course and about 5 1/2-furlong trip. His nearest pursuers that day, Country Day and Southern Style, take him on again. Lonesome Street shortens up off a fifth in the Col. Bradley; Cactus Son, Zeb and Heir Joe all exit course-and-distance wins; and Joe Hollywood reverts to the turf after a few solid main-track performances for Asmussen. Kicking off the stakes action is the $60,000 Gentilly Stakes for Louisiana-bred three-year-olds going about a mile on turf. The Risen Star anchors the stakes extravaganza, which also features its companion event for three-year-old fillies, the Grade 3 Rachel Alexandra. In brief Grade 2 winner Duke of Mischief (Graeme Hall), who notably defeated the likes of Game on Dude (Awesome Again), Tizway and Acclamation (Unusual Heat) in last year's Grade 3 Charles Town Classic, will attempt to snap a four-race losing streak in Saturday's Grade 3, $150,000 Tampa Bay Stakes over 1 1/16 miles on the turf. Though primarily a dirt performer throughout his career, Duke of Mischief broke his maiden on grass and was stakes-placed on the Tampa Bay Downs turf as a three-year-old. Others likely to attract attention are Grade 3 hero Successful Mission (Successful Appeal), second in an overnight handicap on the Tampa dirt last time; Moryba (Hard Buck), who is multiple Grade 2-placed since his importation from Brazil; and Guys Reward (Grand Reward), a solid fourth in a tough renewal of the Grade 3 Ft. Lauderdale last time. Grade 3 victor Hoofit (Mossman) and Allie's Event (Wild Event), winner of a January 28 allowance prep, also figure... The Lumber Guy (Grand Slam), a 9 1/4-length debut winner over state-bred maiden special weight rivals at Aqueduct January 28, will jump straight to stakes company in Saturday's $100,000 Miracle Wood Stakes at Laurel Park. Trained by Michael Hushion, the gray colt will square off against nine three-year-old rivals in the seven-furlong test, including Grade 3-placed Friscan (Tow Punch), a sharp 4 3/4-length allowance winner over the track in his 2012 opener last out; and recent maiden winners Romp City (Holy Bull) and Pass You Bye Bye (Rock Slide)... Sunland Park's $150,000 Borderland Derby has attracted a field of seven three-year-olds to go 1 1/16 miles on Saturday, and Isn't He Clever (Smarty Jones) returns home for the chief local prep to the Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Derby. Locally owned by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, Isn't He Clever has made a major impact in New Mexico, where he remains unbeaten in three starts. Last November, he traveled out to Remington Park in Oklahoma City and ran a strong second in the Clever Trevor Stakes, then bounced back with a stylish 11 3/4-length win in the Riley Allison Futurity at Sunland while breaking the stakes record for the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.10. The Henry Dominguez trained charge faced elite company in the Grade 2 Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita Park last out, where he forced a fast pace while leading for six furlongs before finishing fifth, placed fourth via disqualification. Alejandro Medellin, who was aboard for the Riley Allison, gets the mount in the Borderland Derby. The Robisons have a second runner in the feature with the unbeaten So Far So Fast (Cuvee), who impressed with two nice wins over the local oval going shorter. Zackn'mat (Northern Afleet) ships in from Santa Anita fresh off a smart score in a maiden going seven furlongs on January 29. The dark bay colt ran second to the highly rated Fed Biz (Giant's Causeway) on December 30 at Santa Anita and will keep Hector Berrios in the irons. Dual stakes victor Tequila Factor (Pure Prize), last of 14 in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf after a bobbling start, is also part of the field as he seeks redemption following a well-beaten fourth in the Riley Allison... The $75,000 Busher, a race that yielded multiple Grade 1 winner It's Tricky (Mineshaft) last year, will be renewed at Aqueduct on Saturday. The 1 1/16-mile inner dirt test for three-year-old fillies has attracted a field of seven, including Sweet Seventeen (Hard Spun), who will likely be favored to lead from gate-to-wire. The Graham Motion trainee narrowly missed doing just that last time in the Busanda on January 7. It was the second straight stakes-placing for the filly, who also occupied the runner-up slot in the November 13 Glorious Song at Woodbine. Other major contenders include the Todd Pletcher-trained Lisa T. (Awesome Again), a half-sister to Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver who was third in the six-furlong Ruthless. Also looking for their second career wins are Better Lucky (Ghostzapper), Off Limits (Include) and Marvelous Margaret (Put It Back), while Maryland invader Plum (Pure Prize) puts a three-race win streak on the line in her first race since taking the Maryland Juvenile Fillies Championship on December 17... New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program is celebrating 20 years of rehabbing, retraining, and rehoming retired racehorses. The program continues to lead the nation in racehorse adoptions placing a record 429 horses into carefully screened homes in 2011 and nearly 4,000 through their doors since its inception in 1992. New Vocations currently operates out of six locations including partnering with the Pennsylvania HBPA on their new facility at Hummelstown. The program takes retired Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds from over 40 racetracks across the country with the majority of the horses coming directly from tracks in New York, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida. In order to reach more horses in the coming years New Vocations is actively seeking individuals and industry partners who want to support their efforts by raising additional funds and awareness. The program has several fundraisers throughout the year such as the New Vocations Charity Horse Show in July, the New Vocations Breeders' Cup Pledge in November, and the Year End Giving Campaign in December. Any interested parties should contact New Vocations at 937-642-3171 or anna@horseadoption.com. In brief Grade 2 winner Duke of Mischief (Graeme Hall), who notably defeated the likes of Game on Dude (Awesome Again), Tizway and Acclamation (Unusual Heat) in last year's Grade 3 Charles Town Classic, will attempt to snap a four-race losing streak in Saturday's Grade 3, $150,000 Tampa Bay Stakes over 1 1/16 miles on the turf. Though primarily a dirt performer throughout his career, Duke of Mischief broke his maiden on grass and was stakes-placed on the Tampa Bay Downs turf as a three-year-old. Others likely to attract attention are Grade 3 hero Successful Mission (Successful Appeal), second in an overnight handicap on the Tampa dirt last time; Moryba (Hard Buck), who is multiple Grade 2-placed since his importation from Brazil; and Guys Reward (Grand Reward), a solid fourth in a tough renewal of the Grade 3 Ft. Lauderdale last time. Grade 3 victor Hoofit (Mossman) and Allie's Event (Wild Event), winner of a January 28 allowance prep, also figure... The Lumber Guy (Grand Slam), a 9 1/4-length debut winner over state-bred maiden special weight rivals at Aqueduct January 28, will jump straight to stakes company in Saturday's $100,000 Miracle Wood Stakes at Laurel Park. Trained by Michael Hushion, the gray colt will square off against nine three-year-old rivals in the seven-furlong test, including Grade 3-placed Friscan (Tow Punch), a sharp 4 3/4-length allowance winner over the track in his 2012 opener last out; and recent maiden winners Romp City (Holy Bull) and Pass You Bye Bye (Rock Slide)... Sunland Park's $150,000 Borderland Derby has attracted a field of seven three-year-olds to go 1 1/16 miles on Saturday, and Isn't He Clever (Smarty Jones) returns home for the chief local prep to the Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Derby. Locally owned by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, Isn't He Clever has made a major impact in New Mexico, where he remains unbeaten in three starts. Last November, he traveled out to Remington Park in Oklahoma City and ran a strong second in the Clever Trevor Stakes, then bounced back with a stylish 11 3/4-length win in the Riley Allison Futurity at Sunland while breaking the stakes record for the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.10. The Henry Dominguez trained charge faced elite company in the Grade 2 Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita Park last out, where he forced a fast pace while leading for six furlongs before finishing fifth, placed fourth via disqualification. Alejandro Medellin, who was aboard for the Riley Allison, gets the mount in the Borderland Derby. The Robisons have a second runner in the feature with the unbeaten So Far So Fast (Cuvee), who impressed with two nice wins over the local oval going shorter. Zackn'mat (Northern Afleet) ships in from Santa Anita fresh off a smart score in a maiden going seven furlongs on January 29. The dark bay colt ran second to the highly rated Fed Biz (Giant's Causeway) on December 30 at Santa Anita and will keep Hector Berrios in the irons. Dual stakes victor Tequila Factor (Pure Prize), last of 14 in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf after a bobbling start, is also part of the field as he seeks redemption following a well-beaten fourth in the Riley Allison... The $75,000 Busher, a race that yielded multiple Grade 1 winner It's Tricky (Mineshaft) last year, will be renewed at Aqueduct on Saturday. The 1 1/16-mile inner dirt test for three-year-old fillies has attracted a field of seven, including Sweet Seventeen (Hard Spun), who will likely be favored to lead from gate-to-wire. The Graham Motion trainee narrowly missed doing just that last time in the Busanda on January 7. It was the second straight stakes-placing for the filly, who also occupied the runner-up slot in the November 13 Glorious Song at Woodbine. Other major contenders include the Todd Pletcher-trained Lisa T. (Awesome Again), a half-sister to Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver who was third in the six-furlong Ruthless. Also looking for their second career wins are Better Lucky (Ghostzapper), Off Limits (Include) and Marvelous Margaret (Put It Back), while Maryland invader Plum (Pure Prize) puts a three-race win streak on the line in her first race since taking the Maryland Juvenile Fillies Championship on December 17... New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program is celebrating 20 years of rehabbing, retraining, and rehoming retired racehorses. The program continues to lead the nation in racehorse adoptions placing a record 429 horses into carefully screened homes in 2011 and nearly 4,000 through their doors since its inception in 1992. New Vocations currently operates out of six locations including partnering with the Pennsylvania HBPA on their new facility at Hummelstown. The program takes retired Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds from over 40 racetracks across the country with the majority of the horses coming directly from tracks in New York, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida. In order to reach more horses in the coming years New Vocations is actively seeking individuals and industry partners who want to support their efforts by raising additional funds and awareness. The program has several fundraisers throughout the year such as the New Vocations Charity Horse Show in July, the New Vocations Breeders' Cup Pledge in November, and the Year End Giving Campaign in December. Any interested parties should contact New Vocations at 937-642-3171 or anna@horseadoption.com.
Workout Patrol
On the California worktab Grade 1 CashCall Futurity winner Liaison (Indian Charlie), who lost jockey Rafael Bejarano during the stretch run of the Grade 2 Robert B. Lewis, worked one mile in 1:43 over the fast main track at Santa Anita on Wednesday. Also working for Baffert was Fed Biz (Giant's Causeway), a dynamite 5 3/4-length allowance winner on February 9, who toured six furlongs in 1:16. The Grade 2 San Felipe on March 10 is up next. Midnight Interlude (War Chant), hero of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby last year, finished in 1:13. He was fourth in the Grade 2 Oak Tree Derby when last seen in October. The maiden Brother Francis (Lion Heart), third in the CashCall Futurity last time, went five-eighths in 1:00 3/5. Grade 3 queen Go Forth North (North Light), third in the Grade 2 Palomar Handicap last September, completed a half-mile in :50 4/5. Stakes winner Mildly Offensive (Sharp Humor), second in the Louis R. Rowan in October, finished in :49 3/5. Grade 3 hero Camp Victory (Forest Camp), seventh in the Grade 2 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint last time, covered five furlongs in 1:00 4/5 over the Cushion Track at Hollywood Park. Grade 2 San Fernando runner-up Balladry (Unbridled's Song), a distant fifth in the Grade 2 Strub last time, worked four furlongs in :48 4/5. On the California worktab Grade 1 CashCall Futurity winner Liaison (Indian Charlie), who lost jockey Rafael Bejarano during the stretch run of the Grade 2 Robert B. Lewis, worked one mile in 1:43 over the fast main track at Santa Anita on Wednesday. Also working for Baffert was Fed Biz (Giant's Causeway), a dynamite 5 3/4-length allowance winner on February 9, who toured six furlongs in 1:16. The Grade 2 San Felipe on March 10 is up next. Midnight Interlude (War Chant), hero of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby last year, finished in 1:13. He was fourth in the Grade 2 Oak Tree Derby when last seen in October. The maiden Brother Francis (Lion Heart), third in the CashCall Futurity last time, went five-eighths in 1:00 3/5. Grade 3 queen Go Forth North (North Light), third in the Grade 2 Palomar Handicap last September, completed a half-mile in :50 4/5. Stakes winner Mildly Offensive (Sharp Humor), second in the Louis R. Rowan in October, finished in :49 3/5. Grade 3 hero Camp Victory (Forest Camp), seventh in the Grade 2 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint last time, covered five furlongs in 1:00 4/5 over the Cushion Track at Hollywood Park. Grade 2 San Fernando runner-up Balladry (Unbridled's Song), a distant fifth in the Grade 2 Strub last time, worked four furlongs in :48 4/5. On the Florida worktab Grade 1 king Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil), winner of the Grade 3 Hal's Hope Stakes to start his five-year-old campaign, sizzled four furlongs in :47 3/5 over the fast dirt at Palm Meadows Training Center on Wednesday. Queen's Plate Stakes heroine Inglorious (Hennessy), third when last seen in the Grade 3 Selene Stakes in September, breezed a half-mile in :49 3/5. Florida Oaks star Dixie Strike (Dixie Union) stepped five furlongs in a co-bullet 1:01 1/5. Grade 3 winner Northern Passion (First Samurai), fourth by just three parts of a length in the Florida Oaks, got the same distance in the same bullet time. Grade 3 diva Jenny's So Great (Greatness), fourth in the Grade 3 Endeavour Stakes last out, sped a bullet three-eighths in :36 4/5. Grade 2-placed dual stakes victor Rush Now (Tiznow), unplaced in the Grade 2 Pennsylvania Derby last out in September, traveled a half in :48 3/5. Grade 2 winner Bay to Bay (Sligo Bay), a nice fifth in the Grade 1 First Lady Stakes in October, recorded a bullet five panels on the firm turf in 1:02 2/5. Grade 3 scorer Unbridled Humor (Distorted Humor), a close fourth in the Florida Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf, toured five grassy furlongs in 1:04 4/5. Group 2-placed Julie's Love (Ad Valorem), off-the-board in the Group 1 Prix de l'Opera last fall, posted a five furlongs on the grass in 1:04 4/5 in advance of her U.S. bow. Grade 3 second Sea Level Drive (Malibu Moon), winner of an optional claimer via disqualification, negotiated a grassy half-mile in :52 1/5. Dual Grade 3-placed Musical Rain (Val Royal), third against optional claiming rivals last month, exercised four furlongs in :52 3/5 on the green. Grade 2 hero Al Khali (Medaglia d'Oro), most recently a well-beaten 10th in the Grade 1 Donn Handicap, traveled four furlongs in :49 1/5 on Payson Park Training Center's fast dirt. Arena Elvira (Ghostzapper), winner of the Grade 2 Falls City and Grade 3 Turnback the Alarm Handicaps in her last two, logged five-eighths in 1:01. Grade 2 victor Watch Me Go (West Acre), runner-up in the Super Stakes in his four-year-old bow, sauntered six furlongs in 1:16 2/5 on the fast main track at Tampa Bay Downs. It's Me Mom (Put It Back), who romped by 6 3/4 lengths in the Florida Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint, turned a half-mile in :49 1/5. Grade 1-placed Indulgence (Macho Uno), third in the Florida Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint last out, covered four furlongs in :50 3/5 on Calder's fast dirt. Multiple stakes vixen Citizen Advocate (Proud Citizen), a distant last of 10 in the Grade 3 Delta Downs Princess Sakes, breezed a bullet five furlongs in 1:02 2/5. Grade 3 runner-up Coalport (Kitten's Joy), a close fourth in the Dania Beach Stakes to close out his juvenile season, drilled a bullet five furlongs in :59 2/5 on the fast main track at Gulfstream Park. Grade 3-placed Ann of the Dance (English Channel), fifth in the Sweetest Chant Stakes most recently, posted four panels in :50 4/5. Grade 1-placed multiple stakes scorer Beau Choix (Elusive Quality), unplaced when last seen in the Third Martini Stakes in September, stepped five-eighths in 1:01 2/5. Stakes winner Kindergarden Kid (Dynaformer), fifth in the Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap and third in the Grade 3 Fort Lauderdale Stakes in his past two, toured a half in :48 3/5. On the Florida worktab Grade 1 king Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil), winner of the Grade 3 Hal's Hope Stakes to start his five-year-old campaign, sizzled four furlongs in :47 3/5 over the fast dirt at Palm Meadows Training Center on Wednesday. Queen's Plate Stakes heroine Inglorious (Hennessy), third when last seen in the Grade 3 Selene Stakes in September, breezed a half-mile in :49 3/5. Florida Oaks star Dixie Strike (Dixie Union) stepped five furlongs in a co-bullet 1:01 1/5. Grade 3 winner Northern Passion (First Samurai), fourth by just three parts of a length in the Florida Oaks, got the same distance in the same bullet time. Grade 3 diva Jenny's So Great (Greatness), fourth in the Grade 3 Endeavour Stakes last out, sped a bullet three-eighths in :36 4/5. Grade 2-placed dual stakes victor Rush Now (Tiznow), unplaced in the Grade 2 Pennsylvania Derby last out in September, traveled a half in :48 3/5. Grade 2 winner Bay to Bay (Sligo Bay), a nice fifth in the Grade 1 First Lady Stakes in October, recorded a bullet five panels on the firm turf in 1:02 2/5. Grade 3 scorer Unbridled Humor (Distorted Humor), a close fourth in the Florida Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf, toured five grassy furlongs in 1:04 4/5. Group 2-placed Julie's Love (Ad Valorem), off-the-board in the Group 1 Prix de l'Opera last fall, posted a five furlongs on the grass in 1:04 4/5 in advance of her U.S. bow. Grade 3 second Sea Level Drive (Malibu Moon), winner of an optional claimer via disqualification, negotiated a grassy half-mile in :52 1/5. Dual Grade 3-placed Musical Rain (Val Royal), third against optional claiming rivals last month, exercised four furlongs in :52 3/5 on the green. Grade 2 hero Al Khali (Medaglia d'Oro), most recently a well-beaten 10th in the Grade 1 Donn Handicap, traveled four furlongs in :49 1/5 on Payson Park Training Center's fast dirt. Arena Elvira (Ghostzapper), winner of the Grade 2 Falls City and Grade 3 Turnback the Alarm Handicaps in her last two, logged five-eighths in 1:01. Grade 2 victor Watch Me Go (West Acre), runner-up in the Super Stakes in his four-year-old bow, sauntered six furlongs in 1:16 2/5 on the fast main track at Tampa Bay Downs. It's Me Mom (Put It Back), who romped by 6 3/4 lengths in the Florida Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint, turned a half-mile in :49 1/5. Grade 1-placed Indulgence (Macho Uno), third in the Florida Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint last out, covered four furlongs in :50 3/5 on Calder's fast dirt. Multiple stakes vixen Citizen Advocate (Proud Citizen), a distant last of 10 in the Grade 3 Delta Downs Princess Sakes, breezed a bullet five furlongs in 1:02 2/5. Grade 3 runner-up Coalport (Kitten's Joy), a close fourth in the Dania Beach Stakes to close out his juvenile season, drilled a bullet five furlongs in :59 2/5 on the fast main track at Gulfstream Park. Grade 3-placed Ann of the Dance (English Channel), fifth in the Sweetest Chant Stakes most recently, posted four panels in :50 4/5. Grade 1-placed multiple stakes scorer Beau Choix (Elusive Quality), unplaced when last seen in the Third Martini Stakes in September, stepped five-eighths in 1:01 2/5. Stakes winner Kindergarden Kid (Dynaformer), fifth in the Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap and third in the Grade 3 Fort Lauderdale Stakes in his past two, toured a half in :48 3/5. On the Louisiana worktab Grade 3 Bourbon Stakes scorer Animal Spirits (Arch), fifth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf last out, breezed three furlongs in :38 over Fair Grounds' fast main track on Wednesday. Multiple Grade 3-placed stakes victress Mullins Beach (Speightstown), fourth in the Pan Zareta Stakes to start the year, sped four furlongs in :47 3/5. Stakes-placed Always Here Too (Include), fourth in the Silverbulletday Stakes most recently, logged a half-mile in :50. On the Louisiana worktab Grade 3 Bourbon Stakes scorer Animal Spirits (Arch), fifth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf last out, breezed three furlongs in :38 over Fair Grounds' fast main track on Wednesday. Multiple Grade 3-placed stakes victress Mullins Beach (Speightstown), fourth in the Pan Zareta Stakes to start the year, sped four furlongs in :47 3/5. Stakes-placed Always Here Too (Include), fourth in the Silverbulletday Stakes most recently, logged a half-mile in :50. On the Illinois worktab Multiple Grade 3 veteran Free Fighter (Out of Place), unraced since taking the Grade 3 Stars and Stripes Stakes last July, breezed three-quarters from the gate in 1:18 over the fast dirt at Hawthorne Park on Wednesday. On the Illinois worktab Multiple Grade 3 veteran Free Fighter (Out of Place), unraced since taking the Grade 3 Stars and Stripes Stakes last July, breezed three-quarters from the gate in 1:18 over the fast dirt at Hawthorne Park on Wednesday.
Results
NORTH AMERICAN ALLOWANCE RESULTS
Carryover Watch
For Thursday or Next Raceday
North American Maiden Winners
Features
KENTUCKY DERBY REPORT FEBRUARY 23, 2012 by James Scully Bob Baffert's stable flexed its muscles over the Presidents Day weekend, taking down Sunday's Grade 2 San Vicente at Santa Anita and both divisions of Monday's Grade 3 Southwest at Oaklawn Park. Mercifully, the Hall of Fame trainer skipped Saturday's Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields. Now, it's Todd Pletcher's turn. The East Coast's leading conditioner will be represented by "The Godfather," aka El Padrino, in this Saturday's Grade 2 Risen Star at Fair Grounds before sending out the well-respected duo of Algorithms and Discreet Dancer in Sunday's Grade 2 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park. Baffert and Pletcher enjoy the luxury of strength by numbers on this year's Kentucky Derby trail. Southwest heroes Baffert's quest for a fourth Kentucky Derby trophy is picking up steam, with Castaway and Secret Circle grabbing the spotlight Monday in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They are part of a deep roster of three-year-olds that includes Fed Biz, Liaison, Bodemeister and Sky Kingdom. Both colts picked up $150,000 in graded earnings, a valuable commodity considering that Liaison is Baffert's only guaranteed Derby qualifier with a $375,000 graded bankroll, and that's the biggest challenge facing Baffert over the next 2 1/2 months: he has to pick the right spots for his horses. After saddling three starters twice before (1999 and 2006), the white-haired wonder will be pursuing a new personal mark at Churchill Downs in 2012. Castaway and Secret Circle succeeded in different fashion, with the former cruising to an easy win while the latter was all out in victory. Castaway is much more of a raw talent, with a potentially bigger upside at longer distances, but the battle-tested Secret Circle is further along presently, with a final one-mile time of 1:37 that was a full second faster than his stablemate's one race earlier. Castaway opened his racing career with five straight defeats, the first four in sprints, before breaking through with a 2 1/4-length triumph over the well-regarded Holy Candy in a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight at Santa Anita January 21. He netted a 102 BRIS Speed rating that afternoon and jumped straight to stakes competition in the Southwest. By Street Sense, Castaway hails from a classy female family with plenty of stamina influences, but his front-running maiden win came over a wet-fast track and the betting public took a suspicious view of the speedy colt from his extreme outside post, allowing him to leave the Southwest starting gate as the 6.70-1 fifth choice among 11 rivals. Castaway broke running under Rafael Bejarano, clearing all but one rival as he entered the first turn, and closely tracked the action through splits of :23 2/5, :48 and 1:12 3/5. The pacesetter threw in the towel approaching the conclusion of the far turn and Castaway turned for home all alone, increasing his advantage as he rolled to the finish line. He completed his final eighth of a mile in a respectable 12.56 seconds while scoring by a commanding 3 3/4-length margin. The developing bay colt garnered a 97 BRIS Speed rating and is a threat to keep improving off this encouraging performance. The second division was arguably much deeper and Secret Circle prompted a quicker pace, racing about a length behind in second as Scatman showed the way in :23 1/5 and :46 4/5. The pair hooked up on the second turn and Secret Circle eventually wore down his rival, edging away in the final yards to a half-length decision. The winner came home in 12.85 seconds, registering his fifth consecutive triple-digit Speed rating with a 103. Secret Circle won all three starts last year, capping his season with a one-length victory in the inaugural Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint, and made his two-turn debut in Grade 3 Sham on January 7. He surged to the lead leaving the far turn of that one-mile test but could not withstand the late flourish of Out of Bounds, who stamped himself as a serious Derby contender with his half-length victory. Secret Circle ran big in defeat, earning a career-best 105 Speed rating for his Sham runner-up, and continued to establish himself as viable Derby prospect in the Southwest. He possesses an ideal pedigree for the Derby -- sire Eddington captured the 1 3/16-mile Pimlico Special and placed in the Preakness and Travers and Secret Circle is out of Dixieland Band mare -- but it was easy to label the bay colt as a one-turn specialist based upon his exploits last season. Secret Circle will need to keep proving himself at longer distances, but he is making a good impression so far this year. San Vicente Drill turned things around in the seven-furlong San Vicente, snapping a string of four straight unplaced finishes with a hard-fought nose victory, but the Lawyer Ron colt is not considered a serious Derby prospect by Baffert. He could get the opportunity to stretch back out in distance next time, but will focus upon distances shorter than 1 1/4 miles this spring. American Act, who entered the San Vicente off a front-running maiden score over Bodemeister, proved ultra-game in his first start against stakes rivals, battling back gamely after being passed in upper stretch, and nearly caught Drill in the final strides. The Quiet American colt will bring plenty of speed to his next start, presumably his first around two turns. Creative Cause, winner of the Grade 1 Norfolk and third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile in his final two appearances last year, wound up a disappointing third as the 1-2 favorite. Perhaps the Mike Harrington-trained colt needed the race and will show up much stronger next time, but questions are circulating around the highly-rated Derby prospect. His preparations for the San Vicente were knocked by several observers, including Andy Harrington of the National Turf Clocker Reports who used terms such as "workmanlike," "trying hard all the way" and "coaxed" to describe his two previous workouts. Other commentators were much more critical. Creative Cause advanced into a threatening position on the far outside turning for home in the San Vicente, but was going nowhere in the final furlongs and wound up a length behind the winner on the wire. Daddy noses Chappy The El Camino Real Derby turned out to be a thrilling affair, with Daddy Nose Best edging Lucky Chappy by a nose on the finish line, and shippers dominated the 1 1/16-mile affair at Golden Gate as the front-running Handsome Mike held for third. Typical of the all-weather tracks, turf horses were able to make a seamless transition to the Tapeta. The Steve Asmussen-trained winner won an allowance two starts previously on the turf at Churchill Downs and was exiting a fifth in the grassy Eddie Logan. The runner-up had exclusively raced on the sod beforehand, finishing second in the Kitten's Joy at Gulfstream Park in his most recent appearance. And the third-placer's best previous effort was a second in the Grade 3 Generous on turf. Daddy Nose Best registered a pedestrian 92 Speed rating for the win. Upcoming Sunday's Fountain of Youth promises to be a dynamite race, with the returning Union Rags topping an expected short field. The winter book Derby favorite will face a stiff test. Trained by Michael Matz, Union Rags posted a spectacular victory in the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes and was probably the best horse in Breeders' Cup Juvenile, finishing a head second following a wide trip on both turns. Much is expected from the bay colt this season, but Union Rags could wind up the second choice in the Fountain of Youth wagering behind Algorithms, who netted a field-best 105 BRIS Speed rating for his impressive five-length score in the Grade 3 Holy Bull on January 29. Discreet Dancer loves the South Florida oval, posting superb wins over maiden special weight and entry-level allowance foes at Gulfstream, and will offer significantly more value than his highly-respected rivals. And that makes the talented colt an intriguing option. Distance is a question mark surrounding Discreet Dancer -- the Discreet Cat colt is viewed with skepticism when it comes to the 1 1/4-mile Derby distance -- but Sunday's 1 1/16-mile trip could easily be within his scope. And none of the top three contenders in the Fountain of Youth owns a win at two turns. In Saturday's 1 1/16-mile Risen Star, El Padrino is clearly the horse to beat. His 111 BRIS Speed rating from his last start -- an impressive victory at the distance over entry-level allowance foes at Gulfstream -- is far superior to any earned by his 10 rivals Saturday at Fair Grounds. The chestnut colt captured his last start over rain-soaked track rated "good" and broke his maiden in the slop at Belmont Park last fall. His connections would love to see what El Padrino can do on a fast track, but plenty of moisture is expected in New Orleans over the next couple of days and El Padrino could catch another wet track that favors him.
Notebooks
SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK FEBRUARY 23, 2012 by John Mucciolo A trio of graded runs took place this past week at Santa Anita. San Vicente S. (G2): Watson, Weitman et al's DRILL tracked the early pace and got the best of a stubborn foe in the lane to post the score in this spot for Baffert, who had a monstrous week. The Grade 1-winning colt stopped the teletimer in 1:21 1/5 for seven panels on the fast main oval beneath Martin Garcia. Buena Vista H. (G2): DeBurgh et al's CITY TO CITY moved to the fore in midstretch and held off a rallying filly in the final yards to post a tally in this one for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. The consistent five-year-old mare sped one mile on the firm lawn in 1:34 under Corey Nakatani. Santa Maria S. (G2): D. and E. Racing's ELLAFITZ (Tiznow) showed a lot of heart in posting her third straight black-type score for Baffert. The talented mare endured 1 1/16 miles on the fast main oval in 1:42 2/5 under the guidance of Martin Garcia. Track Stats From a total of 44 races held at the Arcadia, California, venue during the past week, favorites won at a 39 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for 55 percent of the wins. From 31 frays contested on the dirt, seven animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (23 percent), while four of the 13 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (31 percent). Three of the four wire jobs on the lawn were done so in turf sprints, with the other coming in a route event. We thought the lawn played fairly, the same opinion we've held for the vast majority of this meeting. The main strip may have favored horses coming from off the pace some early in the week, but this much can be said -- the main oval is producing really fast times. Lower level runners have clocked six furlongs in less than 1:09 here as of late, which is blazing. Meet Totals
HORSES TO WATCH Thursday (2/16) 5TH -- The consistent CLUE ME IN proved much the best in here and could be a solid claim for Bill Morey. The gelding came home fast in clocking six panels in a swift 1:08 3/5. Friday (2/17) 2ND -- POINTS OFFTHEBENCH was quite ready for this one in his first run since the summer, pressing the early pace and readily pulling away in the lane in a fine performance for trainer Tim Yakteen. The gelded Benchmark sophomore could evolve into a stakes performer in the near future. 4TH -- TERODA had a ton of work to do in the lane behind a clear leader, but slowly wore that one down in posting a gritty tally for trainer John Sadler. The four-year-old miss has been in great form on the downhill course at the meet. 7TH -- CHOSEN MIRACLE justified his favoritism against this field with a strong, wire-to-wire conquer in this spot. The Jerry Hollendorfer pupil was never seriously challenged in this spot in stopping the teletimer in a solid 1:12. The Ghostzapper colt has a nice future ahead of him. Saturday (2/18) 2ND -- TIZ POINT looked the part in this one for Richard Mandella, leading at every call in a fine turf score. The intriguing Tiznow sophomore will reportedly step up in class and try the dirt in his next outing and we wouldn't count him out wherever he lands. 5TH -- PAYNTER was a dynamic debut winner in this dash for Baffert, streaking home an easy winner late in posting a fast time. The sophomore Awesome Again colt is bred to run long and could evolve into any type. Sunday (2/19) 5TH -- AWESOMEMUNDO made a sparkling return to the races in here for Baffert, drawing off to a convincing, 7 1/2-length win under Garcia. The fine four-year-old Awesome Again filly surely appreciated racing on dirt and will almost surely be stakes bound next time. 8TH -- LARA ANTIPOVA followed up a fine maiden score from off the pace with a front-running tally in this one for trainer Mike Puype. The four-year-old has put in a pair of good ones off the shelf and looms a chance with open foes going forward. Monday (2/20) 4TH -- PORFIDO makes this list for what seems like the fifth straight time after yet another fine showing in this one. Now in the barn of Eoin Harty, the ageless 10-year-old proved best even at this marathon trip and could venture back into the stakes ranks soon. A Look Ahead Saturday's Grade 2, $200,000 San Carlos is the lone graded tilt at Santa Anita this weekend and is expected to attract the top two sprinters in Southern California, Amazombie and The Factor.
Features
KENTUCKY DERBY REPORT FEBRUARY 23, 2012 by James Scully Bob Baffert's stable flexed its muscles over the Presidents Day weekend, taking down Sunday's Grade 2 San Vicente at Santa Anita and both divisions of Monday's Grade 3 Southwest at Oaklawn Park. Mercifully, the Hall of Fame trainer skipped Saturday's Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields. Now, it's Todd Pletcher's turn. The East Coast's leading conditioner will be represented by "The Godfather," aka El Padrino, in this Saturday's Grade 2 Risen Star at Fair Grounds before sending out the well-respected duo of Algorithms and Discreet Dancer in Sunday's Grade 2 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park. Baffert and Pletcher enjoy the luxury of strength by numbers on this year's Kentucky Derby trail. Southwest heroes Baffert's quest for a fourth Kentucky Derby trophy is picking up steam, with Castaway and Secret Circle grabbing the spotlight Monday in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They are part of a deep roster of three-year-olds that includes Fed Biz, Liaison, Bodemeister and Sky Kingdom. Both colts picked up $150,000 in graded earnings, a valuable commodity considering that Liaison is Baffert's only guaranteed Derby qualifier with a $375,000 graded bankroll, and that's the biggest challenge facing Baffert over the next 2 1/2 months: he has to pick the right spots for his horses. After saddling three starters twice before (1999 and 2006), the white-haired wonder will be pursuing a new personal mark at Churchill Downs in 2012. Castaway and Secret Circle succeeded in different fashion, with the former cruising to an easy win while the latter was all out in victory. Castaway is much more of a raw talent, with a potentially bigger upside at longer distances, but the battle-tested Secret Circle is further along presently, with a final one-mile time of 1:37 that was a full second faster than his stablemate's one race earlier. Castaway opened his racing career with five straight defeats, the first four in sprints, before breaking through with a 2 1/4-length triumph over the well-regarded Holy Candy in a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight at Santa Anita January 21. He netted a 102 BRIS Speed rating that afternoon and jumped straight to stakes competition in the Southwest. By Street Sense, Castaway hails from a classy female family with plenty of stamina influences, but his front-running maiden win came over a wet-fast track and the betting public took a suspicious view of the speedy colt from his extreme outside post, allowing him to leave the Southwest starting gate as the 6.70-1 fifth choice among 11 rivals. Castaway broke running under Rafael Bejarano, clearing all but one rival as he entered the first turn, and closely tracked the action through splits of :23 2/5, :48 and 1:12 3/5. The pacesetter threw in the towel approaching the conclusion of the far turn and Castaway turned for home all alone, increasing his advantage as he rolled to the finish line. He completed his final eighth of a mile in a respectable 12.56 seconds while scoring by a commanding 3 3/4-length margin. The developing bay colt garnered a 97 BRIS Speed rating and is a threat to keep improving off this encouraging performance. The second division was arguably much deeper and Secret Circle prompted a quicker pace, racing about a length behind in second as Scatman showed the way in :23 1/5 and :46 4/5. The pair hooked up on the second turn and Secret Circle eventually wore down his rival, edging away in the final yards to a half-length decision. The winner came home in 12.85 seconds, registering his fifth consecutive triple-digit Speed rating with a 103. Secret Circle won all three starts last year, capping his season with a one-length victory in the inaugural Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint, and made his two-turn debut in Grade 3 Sham on January 7. He surged to the lead leaving the far turn of that one-mile test but could not withstand the late flourish of Out of Bounds, who stamped himself as a serious Derby contender with his half-length victory. Secret Circle ran big in defeat, earning a career-best 105 Speed rating for his Sham runner-up, and continued to establish himself as viable Derby prospect in the Southwest. He possesses an ideal pedigree for the Derby -- sire Eddington captured the 1 3/16-mile Pimlico Special and placed in the Preakness and Travers and Secret Circle is out of Dixieland Band mare -- but it was easy to label the bay colt as a one-turn specialist based upon his exploits last season. Secret Circle will need to keep proving himself at longer distances, but he is making a good impression so far this year. San Vicente Drill turned things around in the seven-furlong San Vicente, snapping a string of four straight unplaced finishes with a hard-fought nose victory, but the Lawyer Ron colt is not considered a serious Derby prospect by Baffert. He could get the opportunity to stretch back out in distance next time, but will focus upon distances shorter than 1 1/4 miles this spring. American Act, who entered the San Vicente off a front-running maiden score over Bodemeister, proved ultra-game in his first start against stakes rivals, battling back gamely after being passed in upper stretch, and nearly caught Drill in the final strides. The Quiet American colt will bring plenty of speed to his next start, presumably his first around two turns. Creative Cause, winner of the Grade 1 Norfolk and third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile in his final two appearances last year, wound up a disappointing third as the 1-2 favorite. Perhaps the Mike Harrington-trained colt needed the race and will show up much stronger next time, but questions are circulating around the highly-rated Derby prospect. His preparations for the San Vicente were knocked by several observers, including Andy Harrington of the National Turf Clocker Reports who used terms such as "workmanlike," "trying hard all the way" and "coaxed" to describe his two previous workouts. Other commentators were much more critical. Creative Cause advanced into a threatening position on the far outside turning for home in the San Vicente, but was going nowhere in the final furlongs and wound up a length behind the winner on the wire. Daddy noses Chappy The El Camino Real Derby turned out to be a thrilling affair, with Daddy Nose Best edging Lucky Chappy by a nose on the finish line, and shippers dominated the 1 1/16-mile affair at Golden Gate as the front-running Handsome Mike held for third. Typical of the all-weather tracks, turf horses were able to make a seamless transition to the Tapeta. The Steve Asmussen-trained winner won an allowance two starts previously on the turf at Churchill Downs and was exiting a fifth in the grassy Eddie Logan. The runner-up had exclusively raced on the sod beforehand, finishing second in the Kitten's Joy at Gulfstream Park in his most recent appearance. And the third-placer's best previous effort was a second in the Grade 3 Generous on turf. Daddy Nose Best registered a pedestrian 92 Speed rating for the win. Upcoming Sunday's Fountain of Youth promises to be a dynamite race, with the returning Union Rags topping an expected short field. The winter book Derby favorite will face a stiff test. Trained by Michael Matz, Union Rags posted a spectacular victory in the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes and was probably the best horse in Breeders' Cup Juvenile, finishing a head second following a wide trip on both turns. Much is expected from the bay colt this season, but Union Rags could wind up the second choice in the Fountain of Youth wagering behind Algorithms, who netted a field-best 105 BRIS Speed rating for his impressive five-length score in the Grade 3 Holy Bull on January 29. Discreet Dancer loves the South Florida oval, posting superb wins over maiden special weight and entry-level allowance foes at Gulfstream, and will offer significantly more value than his highly-respected rivals. And that makes the talented colt an intriguing option. Distance is a question mark surrounding Discreet Dancer -- the Discreet Cat colt is viewed with skepticism when it comes to the 1 1/4-mile Derby distance -- but Sunday's 1 1/16-mile trip could easily be within his scope. And none of the top three contenders in the Fountain of Youth owns a win at two turns. In Saturday's 1 1/16-mile Risen Star, El Padrino is clearly the horse to beat. His 111 BRIS Speed rating from his last start -- an impressive victory at the distance over entry-level allowance foes at Gulfstream -- is far superior to any earned by his 10 rivals Saturday at Fair Grounds. The chestnut colt captured his last start over rain-soaked track rated "good" and broke his maiden in the slop at Belmont Park last fall. His connections would love to see what El Padrino can do on a fast track, but plenty of moisture is expected in New Orleans over the next couple of days and El Padrino could catch another wet track that favors him.
Notebooks
SANTA ANITA NOTEBOOK FEBRUARY 23, 2012 by John Mucciolo A trio of graded runs took place this past week at Santa Anita. San Vicente S. (G2): Watson, Weitman et al's DRILL tracked the early pace and got the best of a stubborn foe in the lane to post the score in this spot for Baffert, who had a monstrous week. The Grade 1-winning colt stopped the teletimer in 1:21 1/5 for seven panels on the fast main oval beneath Martin Garcia. Buena Vista H. (G2): DeBurgh et al's CITY TO CITY moved to the fore in midstretch and held off a rallying filly in the final yards to post a tally in this one for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. The consistent five-year-old mare sped one mile on the firm lawn in 1:34 under Corey Nakatani. Santa Maria S. (G2): D. and E. Racing's ELLAFITZ (Tiznow) showed a lot of heart in posting her third straight black-type score for Baffert. The talented mare endured 1 1/16 miles on the fast main oval in 1:42 2/5 under the guidance of Martin Garcia. Track Stats From a total of 44 races held at the Arcadia, California, venue during the past week, favorites won at a 39 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for 55 percent of the wins. From 31 frays contested on the dirt, seven animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (23 percent), while four of the 13 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (31 percent). Three of the four wire jobs on the lawn were done so in turf sprints, with the other coming in a route event. We thought the lawn played fairly, the same opinion we've held for the vast majority of this meeting. The main strip may have favored horses coming from off the pace some early in the week, but this much can be said -- the main oval is producing really fast times. Lower level runners have clocked six furlongs in less than 1:09 here as of late, which is blazing. Meet Totals
HORSES TO WATCH Thursday (2/16) 5TH -- The consistent CLUE ME IN proved much the best in here and could be a solid claim for Bill Morey. The gelding came home fast in clocking six panels in a swift 1:08 3/5. Friday (2/17) 2ND -- POINTS OFFTHEBENCH was quite ready for this one in his first run since the summer, pressing the early pace and readily pulling away in the lane in a fine performance for trainer Tim Yakteen. The gelded Benchmark sophomore could evolve into a stakes performer in the near future. 4TH -- TERODA had a ton of work to do in the lane behind a clear leader, but slowly wore that one down in posting a gritty tally for trainer John Sadler. The four-year-old miss has been in great form on the downhill course at the meet. 7TH -- CHOSEN MIRACLE justified his favoritism against this field with a strong, wire-to-wire conquer in this spot. The Jerry Hollendorfer pupil was never seriously challenged in this spot in stopping the teletimer in a solid 1:12. The Ghostzapper colt has a nice future ahead of him. Saturday (2/18) 2ND -- TIZ POINT looked the part in this one for Richard Mandella, leading at every call in a fine turf score. The intriguing Tiznow sophomore will reportedly step up in class and try the dirt in his next outing and we wouldn't count him out wherever he lands. 5TH -- PAYNTER was a dynamic debut winner in this dash for Baffert, streaking home an easy winner late in posting a fast time. The sophomore Awesome Again colt is bred to run long and could evolve into any type. Sunday (2/19) 5TH -- AWESOMEMUNDO made a sparkling return to the races in here for Baffert, drawing off to a convincing, 7 1/2-length win under Garcia. The fine four-year-old Awesome Again filly surely appreciated racing on dirt and will almost surely be stakes bound next time. 8TH -- LARA ANTIPOVA followed up a fine maiden score from off the pace with a front-running tally in this one for trainer Mike Puype. The four-year-old has put in a pair of good ones off the shelf and looms a chance with open foes going forward. Monday (2/20) 4TH -- PORFIDO makes this list for what seems like the fifth straight time after yet another fine showing in this one. Now in the barn of Eoin Harty, the ageless 10-year-old proved best even at this marathon trip and could venture back into the stakes ranks soon. A Look Ahead Saturday's Grade 2, $200,000 San Carlos is the lone graded tilt at Santa Anita this weekend and is expected to attract the top two sprinters in Southern California, Amazombie and The Factor.
Features
UPCOMING STAKES
RACING DATES
UPCOMING STAKES
At a Glance
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