SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2002

RACING HEADLINES

128TH KENTUCKY DERBY

Well-matched accurately describes this year's contestants for the 128th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) and we're expecting the track to be fast despite the possibility of morning showers in Louisville. The defection of Buddha (Unbridled's Song) leaves 19 three-year-olds for the best two minutes in sports.

CAME HOME (Gone West) is our pick to wear the roses. He's the most talented member of the field and has room for improvement off his 2 1/4-length score in the Santa Anita Derby (G1). The nearly black colt had to be a little short for that start after losing a work due to a fever and a stall incident beforehand, and he came under a ride early from jockey Chris McCarron. Came Home responded with an extremely gutsy performance and simply doesn't like to lose. He did enough to win last time and has trained superbly for trainer Paco Gonzalez since arriving at Churchill Downs.

Despite earning only a 95 BRIS Speed rating last time, Came Home has recorded century-topping Speed figures from five of seven career starts. He faces distance questions based on the female side of his pedigree, but Came Home's sire has produced Commendable, winner of the 1 1/2-mile Belmont S. (G1), and other long-distance routers, so the endurance is there on his top side. After being more speed-oriented at two, Came Home has shown the ability to relax just off the pace in all three outings this season. His tactical speed should serve him well on Saturday, and we feel he'll be good enough to get the distance.

Came Home figures to sit just off the early runners heading into the first turn and possesses the turn of foot to grab the lead whenever McCarron wants. We'll look for the colt to turn for home in front, and he'll have to withstand the late runners in the stretch. As opposed to the last couple of years when we've seen strong rallies from Fusaichi Pegasus, Aptitude and Monarchos from well off the pace, the closers in this year's field all have serious question marks in terms of ability. We expect to see the entire field finishing slowly as Came Home takes the biggest prize in Thoroughbred racing.

MEDAGLIA D'ORO (El Prado [Ire]) has made tremendous strides for Bobby Frankel since being acquired off a February 9 maiden score at Oaklawn Park and may reward his conditioner with his first elusive Derby trophy. The dark bay colt moved from that maiden win to the San Felipe S. (G2) at Santa Anita and surprised more highly regarded rivals with a strong performance, re-rallying along the inside in the stretch for a 2 1/2-length score and a 103 Speed figure. Frankel sent his charge to Aqueduct for the Wood Memorial (G1) next and Medaglia d'Oro just missed, finishing a head back of Buddha in this year's toughest Derby prep.

The colt was stuck between horses from the far turn to the wire and never gave an inch, battling gamely to the wire. He showed a ton of class and earned a 108 Speed rating (the second-best last race Speed figure in the field). Medaglia d'Oro has gained a lot of seasoning from his last two starts and may continue to move forward in the Derby. There are some concerns about a cough that Frankel reported last week, but the colt has worked well at six furlongs since then and appears to be 100 percent heading into the race. Medaglia d'Oro should enjoy a prominent trip stalking the pace and will be in position to pick up the pieces if our top choice falters.

PERFECT DRIFT (Dynaformer) has trained superbly at the Churchill Downs training center since capturing the Spiral S. (G2) and is the most formidable late runner runner present. Jockey Eddie Delahoussaye is a good fit for the Murray Johnson trainee, and Perfect Drift finished very fast to earn his first graded win six weeks ago at Turfway. Perfect Drift could have gotten another prep and it's been 46 years since a Derby winner entered the race off such a long layoff, but there's no denying that the sophomore has thrived in his recent preparations.

He completed the final eighth of his last workout in :10 1/5 and wouldn't shock us with a strong finish on Saturday. Perfect Drift ran well over the track in his career debut and has really moved forward as a three-year-old. His Speed ratings could be better and the vacation is a bit of a concern, but Perfect Drift looks like a horse sitting on a huge effort. We'll have to include him in our top three.

REQUEST FOR PAROLE (Judge T C) will offer excellent value for the exotics. The multiple stakes winner defeated Perfect Drift in his first two starts this year and was sent off the favorite in the Spiral, but he was taken out of his running style early as he wound up on the lead entering the first turn. Request for Parole still turned in a very game effort, finishing only a neck back at the wire, and he'll revert to a more favorable stalking trip in the Derby. The Steve Margolis-trained dark bay recorded a six-furlong bullet work last week and has the hottest jockey in Kentucky aboard in Robby Albarado. He's also run well over the track. Request for Parole appears capable of offering a challenge from just off the pace and might grab part.

HARLAN'S HOLIDAY (Harlan) exits impressive victories in the Blue Grass S. (G1) and Florida Derby (G1) but will have to continue to move forward to capture the Derby. He's extremely honest (10-6-4-0), owns huge Speed ratings and is a stakes winner at Churchill, but Harlan's Holiday's last drill under the Twin Spires did not impress us. He's been rank in the mornings and might take a step back off big wins in his last two outings. However, the bay colt can't be counted out and should be used in the exotics.

CASTLE GANDOLFO (Gone West) owns a tremendous pedigree for the Derby and will get the services of Jerry Bailey. A Group 3 winner and multiple Group 1-placed as a juvenile, the Coolmore colt will be making his U.S. debut, but he has experience on dirt-like conditions, capturing a stakes race last out over an all-weather English track by 2 1/2 lengths. The runner-up and third-place finisher both came back to win their next start, with the third-place finisher capturing the Italian Two Thousand Guineas (Ity-G2), and Castle Gandolfo rates as a dangerous sleeper. He'll be running late. PRIVATE EMBLEM (Our Emblem) doesn't have the Speed figures of some of the top contenders, but the New York-bred was very impressive when capturing the Arkansas Derby (G2) last out and must be respected. He appears to be training well for Steve Asmussen in the mornings and might deliver another strong finish from just off the pace.

SAARLAND (Unbridled) had throat surgery following his fourth-place finish in the Wood and has looked great in the mornings at Churchill. There are some things we don't like about the Shug McGaughey charge, but he can't be counted out for a top three finish from off the pace. Saarland has really never defeated anybody good and could be short at 1 1/4 miles off only two preps this year, but the well-bred colt owns plenty of potential. He may start to put it all together here. PROUD CITIZEN (Gone West) was a sharp winner of the Lexington S. (G2) and hopes to follow in the footsteps of former D. Wayne Lukas trainee Charismatic, who came to hand in the Lexington and parlayed that success into a Derby win. Proud Citizen will be forwardly placed early under Mike Smith and has room for further improvement, but he has only two starts this year and rode to the inside speed bias to victory last out. Proud Citizen may come up short.

ESSENCE OF DUBAI (Pulpit) captured the UAE Derby (UAE-G2) at 1 1/4 miles last out and gives Godolphin their best chance at a Derby winner so far. The colt sold for $2.3 million as a yearling and owns a win in the Norfolk S. (G2) at Santa Anita, but there are two things we don't like about his chances on Saturday. One is the absence of Frankie Dettori, who could have stayed in Kentucky to ride the colt after piloting Imperial Gesture (Langfuhr) in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) on Friday. By going back to England for the Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1), Dettori is almost saying that he doesn't like Essence of Dubai's chances. Second and most importantly, though, is the colt's disposition. He'll get hot and sweaty in the paddock and will have to deal with a huge crowd and the congested paddock scene. BLUE BURNER (French Deputy) threw in a clunker last out in the Wood, but the colt offered a strong run to finish second in the Florida Derby and has earned some decent Speed figures. He picks up the services of Pat Day and could offer a late rally through the long stretch, but he lacks a stakes victory and might not be good enough to be a serious factor.

EASY GRADES (Honor Grades) has improved for trainer Ted H. West in his last couple of starts and will attempt to offer a late challenge under Jorge Chavez, last year's winning rider. One can make a case for using Easy Grades in the bottom of the gimmicks, but we would've liked to have seen him earn some better Speed ratings this year. JOHANNESBURG (Hennessy) is a very classy colt who was named champion off his victory in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1). He ran slower than the fillies that day, however, and doesn't figure to be ready for 10 furlongs off a seven-furlong turf race in Ireland last month. His ability is to get the distance is questionable to begin with, so we believe he needs more seasoning this year to have any chance. We won't be using Johannesburg from the rail.

WAR EMBLEM (Our Emblem) should show the way early and exits a visually impressive win in the Illinois Derby (G2). That came over an inside speed-favoring Sportsman's track that the black colt relished, however, and War Emblem hasn't shown much outside of Chicago. We don't expect him to carry his early speed past a mile. WILD HORSES (Saint Ballado) has a nice upside, but this is probably too much of a jump for the Todd Pletcher trainee. He broke his maiden three starts back and hasn't been a serious factor in his last two stakes appearances. Couple that with no triple-digit Speed figures and we'll pass. LUSTY LATIN (El Prado [Ire]) earned a spot here with a third-place finish in the Santa Anita Derby, but the gray colt has never earned a Speed rating better than 91 and is probably overmatched. OCEAN SOUND (Ire) (Mujadil) has only a turf maiden score in Europe to his credit and hasn't shown enough from four U.S. starts to merit consideration here. DANTHEBLUEGRASSMAN (Pioneering) was a surprise entrant off a last-place finish in the Santa Anita Derby. He may be training well, but he shouldn't be running here. IT'SALLINTHECHASE (Take Me Out) brings dull form into this event and rates top billing for last-place honors.

Saarland is the early favorite

SAARLAND (Unbridled), listed at 15-1 on the morning-line, is a slight favorite over HARLAN'S HOLIDAY (Harlan) in the early Kentucky Derby (G1) wagering. With $251,953 in the win pool following Friday's card, Saarland and Harlan's Holiday are both at 5-1. CAME HOME (Gone West) and PERFECT DRIFT (Dynaformer), both 7-1, are the only other members of the field at less than double-digit odds.

Early Kentucky Derby Wagering

Buddha Scratched from Derby

Wood Memorial (G1) hero BUDDHA (Unbridled's Song) was declared from Saturday's Kentucky Derby (G1) after showing signs of lameness early Friday morning. Trainer James Bond stated that the colt was visibly favoring his left front foot as he was being taken from his stall for an early morning trip to the track, prompting the decision to scratch.

In an early morning press conference on the Churchill Downs backstretch, Bond stated that while he and the owners, Gary and Mary West, were disappointed at not having the opportunity to compete in the Derby, it was the interest of the horse that came first.

"The horse came out of his stall this morning right before 5 a.m. (EDT) and was off in his left front leg," Bond said. "Our preliminary looks show more of a foot, possibly a bruised foot right now. We're going to do what's best in the interest of the horse and wait for another day. It's very disappointing for my clients and myself but Buddha will have another day."

While the injury appears to be a bruised foot, an examination will be conducted later Friday to determine the exact cause of the lameness.

"Doctor Reed (Dr. Ken Reed) is his primary care veterinarian and he's looked at him and I looked in on him this morning," said Dr. Larry Bramlage, On-Call Veterinarian for the American Association of Equine Practitioners. "I can't add much to what Mr. Bond had said other than it's time to find the right diagnosis and it's got to be so disappointing to his connections, but this is the right way to take care of a horse.

"All that we know is that he's protecting that foot," Bramlage added. "And exactly what it is we'll have to have radiographs and have to determine the site of the tenderness. He can't point to where it hurts."

Bond was asked if there was any previous indication of a problem and if the injury was serious enough to keep him out of the Preakness S. (G1) on May 18.

"No. Nothing in the work or the gallop," Bond said. "Right now, you have to see what happens. Right now, it's very unlikely. I always said if there's a bump we wouldn't do it and there's a bump in the road. The timing is terrible.

"I always said I wouldn't come to the Derby unless I had a horse that could really run. I thought this was special; I thought this horse was going to be the horse. This is tough."

After reeling off three straight victories this spring, including his thrilling performance in the Wood, Buddha had been named the morning line 5-1 co-second choice in the Derby.

Day to Ride Blue Burner

Hall of Fame jockey and Churchill Downs legend Pat Day has picked up the mount on Florida Derby (G1) runner-up BLUE BURNER (French Deputy) for the Kentucky Derby (G1).

Corey Nakatani, who was scheduled to ride Blue Burner for trainer Bill Mott, was injured when he was unseated from his mount Whirlwind Trip (Avenue of Flags) during the running of the 3RD race at Hollywood Park on Thursday. Nakatani took off his mounts on the Kentucky Oaks card on Friday.

Originally named to ride Buddha (Unbridled's Song), who was scratched from the Kentucky Derby on Friday morning due to a foot injury, Day has had a mount in the Kentucky Derby every year since 1983.

Derby Horses Poised and Ready

Castle Gandolfo galloped at Keeneland  (Horsephotos.com) The Aidan O'Brien-trained duo of CASTLE GANDOLFO (Gone West) and JOHANNESBURG (Hennessy) each galloped over a muddy track at Keeneland before an audience of media and other spectators. Champion Johannesburg was the first one out, walking to the Beard Course chute and then galloping seven-eighths of a mile. Afterward, his stablemate came on to the track and did the same thing, except he went a little farther. They are slated to van to Churchill Downs Saturday morning. Santa Anita Derby runner-up EASY GRADES (Honor Grades) galloped 1 1/2 miles under exercise rider Cindy Lerille. "He'll just walk for a half-hour tomorrow morning," trainer Ted H. West said. "I don't usually put my horses on the track the day of the race." Godolphin Racing's UAE Derby (UAE-G2) winner ESSENCE OF DUBAI (Pulpit) visited the paddock and then galloped a mile and a quarter under exercise rider Lee Roebuck. "I think this one is our best chance," said trainer Saeed bin Suroor, who arrived from England on Thursday. "I feel he is the best horse we have brought over here." Morning-line favorite HARLAN'S HOLIDAY (Harlan), winner of the Blue Grass S. (G1) and Florida Derby (G1), galloped 1 1/2 miles beneath assistant trainer Helen Pitts. When trainer Kenny McPeek was asked who concerned him the most, he said without hesitation, "Came Home. When I saw him at the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Belmont Park last fall, I thought when I saw him in the paddock, there was a horse I could beat. I saw him in the paddock here, and he is a different horse, bigger, stronger, better looking, healthier." IT'SALLINTHECHASE (Take Me Out), the underdog's underdog, galloped 1 1/2 miles for trainer Wilson Brown. "No matter what happens tomorrow, they won't be able to take all this away from me and my owners," Brown said. "We're really going to do it, we're going to run in the Kentucky Derby." Rattlesnake S. winner and Santa Derby third-place finisher LUSTY LATIN (El Prado [Ire]) jogged two miles with Amy Mullins aboard. Trainer Jeff Mullins was asked which horse he would like to have Saturday if he did not have Lusty Latin. "Perfect Drift," he said, "because my man, Eddie D (Delahoussaye) is on him." San Felipe S. (G2) winner Wood Memorial S. (G1) runner-up MEDAGLIA D'ORO (El Prado [Ire]), which means Gold Medal in Italian, merely walked the shedrow. Trainer Bobby Frankel, who is seeking his first Kentucky Derby victory, said he would take the handsome dark bay colt to the track Saturday morning for a three-quarter mile gallop to "loosen him up." Blue Grass S. third-place finisher OCEAN SOUND (Ire) (Mujadil) galloped 1 1/2 miles for conditioner Jim Cassidy. Spiral S. (G2) winner PERFECT DRIFT (Dynaformer) galloped 1 3/4 miles at the nearby Trackside Training Center under Joe Deegan. "He had his normal day, and I couldn't be happier with how things have gone (leading up to the Derby)," trainer Murray Johnson said. When asked which starter he would like to have if he did not have Perfect Drift, Johnson said, "I would probably go with Private Emblem. I think he is an improving horse."

Private Emblem will be one of the first to load in the Derby  (Horsephotos.com) Arkansas Derby (G2) winner PRIVATE EMBLEM (Our Emblem), trainer Steve Asmussen's lone hope in the Run for the Roses, galloped about 1 1/4 miles with exercise rider Lisa Orn astride. Because the colt wears a blanket in the starting gate, he will be among the first to enter. The D. Wayne Lukas-trained PROUD CITIZEN (Gone West), winner of the Lexington S. (G2) in his last start, galloped under exercise rider Stacy Maker. "He is touting us," said Lukas, who is seeking his fifth Derby victory. "He is very strong. I wish they would run the race today." Multiple stakes winner and REQUEST FOR PAROLE (Judge T C) was on the track when it opened at 5:45 a.m. (EDT) and galloped 1 1/2 miles under exercise rider Loren Diego. "He really likes digging into it when it is a little wet like it is this morning," trainer Steve Margolis said. "He has had a good week, galloped well in the mornings, eating good, and feeling good. I am very happy." When Margolis was asked which Derby entrant he would like to have if he did not have Request for Parole, he said, "Probably Medaglia d'Oro. I don't think he needs to be on the lead, plus having Frankel, that's a plus." Remsen S. (G2) winner SAARLAND (Unbridled) galloped 1 1/2 miles beneath exercise rider Adolph Krajewski. The Shug McGaughey-trained colt went to the paddock Thursday despite the rain and his demeanor was "perfect." The Bob Baffert-trained duo of WAR EMBLEM (Our Emblem), winner of the Illinois Derby (G2), and outsider DANTHEBLUEGRASSMAN (Pioneering), each galloped 12 furlongs. Arkansas Derby runner-up WILD HORSES (Saint Ballado) galloped 1 3/8 miles under assistant trainer Cindy Hutter. They also had an extended stay trackside when a spill on the first turn caused a shutdown of all activity on the track while the injured horse and rider were aided. "He handled it fine and there weren't any hassles," Hutter said.

Showers Expected for Saturday Morning

Cloudy skies are anticipated Friday evening in Louisville, Kentucky. For Saturday itself, expect mostly to partly cloudy conditions with no precipitation after the early morning hours. The temperature at post time should be around 70.

In Brief

Haras Santa Maria de Araras' MALIZIOSA (Dynaformer) edged clear in the last sixteenth to score in Friday's $115,800 Edgewood S. at Churchill Downs. With the ever-formidable combination of trainer Bill Mott and jockey Jerry Bailey in her corner, the sophomore filly prevailed by 1 1/2 lengths and finished one grassy mile in 1:37 3/5 on good ground. She now has three victories from six starts and a bankroll of $127,168. According to Mott, the filly could be pointed toward the July 6 American Oaks at Hollywood...Grade 1 winner REDATTORE (Brz) (Roi Normand) heads a field of seven entered for Sunday's $100,000 Inglewood H. (G3) at Hollywood Park. Winner of the February 3 San Antonio H. (G2) over the main track in his last start, the Richard Mandella-trained seven-year-olds returns to the turf for the 1 1/16-mile Inglewood. Redattore captured the Eddie Read H. (G1) over the weeds last year.

"I was very confident going into this race. I didn't tout this filly, but I told anyone who asked me that I felt very confident about her chances."

—jockey Chris McCarron on Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner FARDA AMIGA (Broad Brush); it was the third Oaks score for McCarron, following his wins aboard Sweet Alliance ('77) and Seaside Attraction ('90)

"She is an amazing filly. She had run four times on the turf and then we thought maybe we should switch tracks. She's by Broad Brush, so why not try the dirt."

—trainer Paulo Lobo on Farda Amiga

"At the head of the lane, I asked her and she responded with everything she had. She ran a gritty, gritty race, but the winner was just too much."

—jockey Tony D'Amico on Kentucky Oaks runner-up TAKE CHARGE LADY (Dehere)

"My filly lost momentum and you just can't lose momentum at any time in a race like this. My filly never really recovered."

—jockey Victor Espinoza on Oaks third-place finisher HABIBTI (Tabasco Cat); he launched an objection against the winner but it was disallowed by the stewards

"She was pinched a little at the start but not too bad. She was in good position around the far turn but then she got wobbly around the quarter pole and then was obviously in distress so I wrapped her up."

—jockey Frankie Dettori on IMPERIAL GESTURE (Langfuhr)

NORTH AMERICAN GRADED STAKES RESULTS

Farda Amiga Upsets Oaks Field

Kentucky Oaks winner Farda Amiga   (Horsephotos.com) Old Friends Inc., Winner Silk Inc. & Jose De Carmargo's FARDA AMIGA (Broad Brush) overtook the pacesetting and favored Take Charge Lady (Dehere) in the final furlong to win Friday's $562,100 Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs. In front of a crowd of 101,923, the third largest in Oaks history, the Paulo Lobo-trained filly prevailed by 1 1/4 lengths and finished the 1 1/8-mile fast track feature in 1:50 2/5. The filly's connections had to survive a claim of foul from Victor Espinoza, who was aboard third-place finisher Habibti (Tabasco Cat). Farda Amiga came in front of Habibti for a few strides, but stewards ruled it had no impact on the outcome and let the result stand. Take Charge Lady was hustled to the front by jockey Tony D'Amico, reeling off splits of :23 1/5, :47 4/5, 1:12 1/5 and 1:37 1/5. The filly was game on the front end but couldn't quite keep Farda Amiga and jockey Chris McCarron at bay. Like so many sons and daughters of Broad Brush, Farda Amiga proved more distance was just what the doctor ordered. "Turning for home I felt a lot of power -- a good turn of speed," McCarron said. "Turning for home I felt confident we'd pick up a nice check -- by the eighth pole I thought we had a good chance of overhauling her (Take Charge Lady)." Farda Amiga returned $42, $11.20 and $5.40 at 20-1 and topped a $168.40 exacta. Take Charge Lady, the favorite at 8-5, was worth $3.80 and $3. Habibti paid $3.80 at 5-1, rounding out the $728 trifecta. You (You and I) rounded out the 1-9-2-4 superfecta, which returned $828.90. Completing the order of finish were Take the Cake (Fly So Free), Ile de France (Storm Cat), Ms Brookski (Montbrook), Imperial Gesture (Langfuhr) and Art Fair (Air Forbes Won). Bella Bellucci (French Deputy) was an early scratch. The Kentucky-bred Farda Amiga is out of the stakes-winning Pleasant Colony mare Fly North and is from the family of champion St. Jovite. Fly North has a yearling colt by Cozzene. She was sold at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale for a bargain $45,000. Farda Amiga has now amassed $432,302 in earnings and has a line of 6-3-0-0.

Spain is Now at the Top

Spain is now North American's all-time leading distaff earner  (Horsephotos.com) The Thoroughbred Corp.'s homebred SPAIN (Thunder Gulch) returned to the winner's circle for the first time since February of last year when she took the measure of a tough field in Friday's $334,200 Louisville Breeders' Cup H. (G2) at Churchill Downs. Piloted by Jerry Bailey, the D. Wayne Lukas-conditioned bay held off another daughter of Thunder Gulch named Mystic Lady by 1 1/4 lengths and finished 1 1/16 miles in a time of 1:43 4/5 on a track labeled fast. It was significant in the fact that Spain is now the all-time leading distaff earner in North America, passing fellow Lukas trainee Serena's Song and raising her career bankroll to a hefty $3,304,244. Spain returned $8, $4 and $3.40 at 3-1 while Mystic Lady brought $4 and $3.20 at 3-1. De Bertie (De Niro) rallied for third and was good for $3.80 at nearly 10-1. The Thunder Gulch exacta was good for $33.60, and the 2-6-3 trifecta paid $172.60. Following the top three under the line were Maltese Superb (With Approval), the favored Forest Secrets (Forest Wildcat) and Red n'Gold (Tabasco Cat). Trip (Lord at War [Arg]) and Zeta (You and I) were withdrawn. Spain was bred in Kentucky and is out of the Regal and Royal mare Drina, who also has an unnamed yearling full sister to Spain. Drina was a stakes winner in her own right, earning more than $200,000 in five years of racing. Spain won the 2000 Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) at Churchill and obviously has a liking for that particular atmosphere. But the classy mare has also racked up strong wins elsewhere. She also took the La Brea S. (G1), La Canada S. (G2), Monmouth Breeders' Cup Oaks (G2) and the Turfway Breeders' Cup S. (G3). Her placings have come in 13 other black-type tests, 10 of which were Grade 1s. The hard-knocking Spain's career line now stands at 33-8-9-6.

Testify Refuses to Miss Again

Robert S. Mitchell Trust's TESTIFY (Pembroke) got up on the outside and nipped a game Texas Glitter (Glitterman) by a head in Friday's $121,300 Aegon Turf Sprint S. (G3) at Churchill Downs. Trained by Randy Morse and under a strong ride from Hall of Famer Eddie Delahoussaye, the five-year-old got a victory in this race on his second try and completed five furlongs in :57 1/5 on good grass.

Testify returned $24.80, $9.60 and $6.60 to his backers. Texas Glitter was one spot better than a year ago as well and paid $5.60 and $4.40. Show bettors angling for Gone Fishin (Honor Grades) caught a nice price with a mere $2 test line, getting $8.80 for that investment. The exacta gave back $132 while the 8-4-1 trifecta was worth a nice $2,206.20.

Completing the order of finish were Mighty Beau (Rainbow Prospect), defending champion Morluc (Housebuster), Freeway Ticket (Deposit Ticket), Red Lightning (Storm Boot), Grangeville (Gulch), Orientate (Mt. Livermore) and Golden Dragon (Piccolo). Knave (Bold Laddie) and Twilight Road (Cahill Road) were scratched.

Testify, a $52,000 Keeneland September yearling, was bred in Kentucky by William Lussky and is out of the unraced Vands (Seattle Song), who also is the dam of multiple stakes winner Road to Seattle (Strawberry Road [Aus]). The 12-year-old mare has an unnamed yearling filly by Mazel Trick.

Testify exits the win with a record of 21-8-5-1, $338,522.

Legislator Becomes Executive in American Turf

William L. Clifton Jr.'s LEGISLATOR (Royal Academy) angled five wide into the lane and cruised on to a half-length victory in Friday's $116,300 American Turf S. (G3) at Churchill Downs on Friday. Edgar Prado was aboard the James Bond trainee, who overtook the favored Stage Call (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) in the late stages and stopped the clock for the 1 1/16-mile good turf event in 1:44 2/5.

Legislator, making his stakes debut on the lawn, was good for $8.20, $4.60 and $3.40 as the 3-1 third choice. Stage Call capped the $31.20 exacta while returning $4.20 and $3 at 2-1. Finishing another two lengths back in third was Orchard Park (Hennessy), who brought $2.60 at 5-2. The 3-5-2 trifecta paid $95.60, and rounding out the finishing order were No More Chads (Atticus), Worldly Victor (World Stage [Ire]), Classic Case (Gold Case), National Park (GB) (Common Grounds), Celtic Hope (Lear Fan), Red Masque (Red Ransom) and Mystic Salse (GB) (Salse).

Legislator came to his connections for $190,000 as a Keeneland July yearling. His previous stakes experience was a third in the Aventura S. on the main track, and Friday's triumph boosted his record to 5-3-0-2 with $143,626 in earnings. He was bred in Kentucky by Joanne Nor and is out of the Believe It mare Quite Honestly, the dam of Hot Novel. The latter is best known as the dam of multiple Grade 1-winning millionaire Behrens. Quite Honestly has a yearling filly by Touch Gold.

The win had to have eased some of the disappointment Bond felt. Earlier in the day, he was forced to scratch Buddha (Unbridled's Song) from the Kentucky Derby (G1).

NORTH AMERICAN NON-GRADED STAKES RESULTS

NORTH AMERICAN ALLOWANCE RESULTS

RECENT INTERNATIONAL STAKES RESULTS

England

MARIENBARD struck for Godolphin here at the huge odds of 9-1 to get the "boys in blue" off the mark for the 2002 European season, landing the operation their first renewal of this contest. Although he was considered the second string behind Kutub (In The Wings [GB]) here, he showed fine acceleration to swoop by his stable companion in the closing stages before collaring defending champion Millenary in the final strides. Slowly away, he lost little ground at the start and his jockey upped anchor at the back of the pack as Maniatis (Slip Anchor) took up the running. Making stealthy progress from there inside the final three furlongs, he was switched wide for his run and quickened when in the clear. Hampering Kutub slightly as he was delivered with his challenge inside the final furlong, he passed Millenary and Pat Eddery in the final 25 yards to score as the penalized Storming Home stayed on at one pace under Michael Hills.

France

Denmark

AMERICAN GRADED STAKES PREVIEWS

An extremely well matched group of 10 horses has entered for Saturday's 16th running of the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (G1). Contested at 1 1/8-miles over the Churchill lawn, the Woodford Reserve promises to be a tasty appetizer for the Derby, which is to immediately follow. Eight of the scheduled starters in the field are graded/group stakes winners, any of which are capable of pulling off the victory on their best day. Still, there is definitely a winner amongst the field somewhere so we will do our best to find him.

BEAT HOLLOW (GB) (Sadler's Wells) is coming off a dynamite finish in the March 24 Explosive Bid H. (G2) at Fair Grounds that saw him come up only a neck short. The five-year-old horse is a Group 1 winner in Europe who holds a record of 6-4-1-1 on the turf and has a versatile running style that should allow him to be well placed, regardless of what sort of pace develops on the font end. The bay will have outstanding jockey Alex Solis in the irons to make the placement call and comes from the barn of big race trainer Bobby Frankel, who will undoubtedly have all the screws tightened for this event. Beat Hollow gets the nod in this very tough turf affair.

PISCES (Prized) is another in the field who put in a worthy effort in the Explosive Bid. Though he finished seventh, he was only beaten by 4 1/2 lengths after making up a ton of ground in the stretch. The dark bay followed this up with an outstanding effort in the Maker's Mark Mile (G2) at Keeneland, where he closed nicely once more to miss by three parts of a length. He will be making his third start with trainer Kenny McPeek and should be sitting on a top effort that could not only find him crashing the board but actually taking it all at what could be a very generous price.

CLIMATE (Cahill Road) returned from a layoff of 14 months to score in gate-to-wire fashion in an allowance contest at Santa Anita. The six-year-old only has nine career starts to his credit and really began to show some life when trying the turf, reeling off four wins and a second in six tries. He is probably the speed of the speed and distance shouldn't be a problem as he has won at nine furlongs and farther in the past. Climate brings outstanding turf rider Brice Blanc with him from Southern California and the pair is a solid threat to hit the board as well as to take it all if they are left alone on an uncontested lead.

HAP (Theatrical [Ire]) made his first start since the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) in the Explosive Bid, in which he closed from well off the pace to miss by 4 3/4 lengths. The chestnut brings the ever-dangerous Jerry Bailey/Bill Mott combination to the table and will likely show improvement in his second start off the layoff. Factor in the fact that the six-year-old has seven wins from eight starts at the distance and we have yet another capable in this situation. QUIET RESOLVE (Affirmed) made his first start since the Breeders' Cup Turf in the Maker's Mark Mile in which he came up 1 1/4 lengths short. The Mark Frostad trainee is a winner of more than $2 million who holds a record of 6-3-2-0 at the distance. His lone attempt at Churchill came in the 2000 Breeders' Cup Turf in which he came up a half-length short. He is another who is a solid threat at a square price.

BAPTIZE (Dynaformer) returned from a more than six-month layoff to make his first start for trainer James Bond in the Maker's Mark Mile. The four-year-old colt may have needed the start as he flattened out badly at the end of the race. Baptize has a second from one start on the Churchill grass and has only finished out of the money once in 12 career turf efforts. TALKMEISTER (Fly So Free) is a longshot bomb with a chance of taking it all. The chestnut has reeled off three straight victories and appears to be in the best form of his career, his most recent win coming against open allowance company at Keeneland. The six-year-old horse should be used in all exotics.

WHITE HEART (GB) (Green Desert) will be trying to find the winner's circle for the first time since taking last year's edition of this race. The seven-year-old gelding will be returning from a layoff and has picked a tough spot in which to make his return. SLIGO BAY (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) returned from a four-month layoff to finish a well beaten eighth in the Arcadia H. (G2). The four-year-old colt came close on several occasions in the fall and improvement in his second start off the layoff isn't out of the question. WITH ANTICIPATION (Relaunch) returned from a four-month vacation to miss by a neck in an allowance event at Gulfstream. The multiple Grade 1 winner should definitely show improvement in his second start back.

This year's running of the Humana Distaff H. (G1) is a very competitive affair, but we're going to take a shot with a filly making her first start in the United States.

NETHERLAND (Arg) (Roy) was clearly a top class filly in her homeland and has been burning up the track in the mornings for trainer Bob Baffert. The four-year-old stalked the early pace, engaged in a duel in midstretch, then finished second by one length in the Argentine Derby (Arg-G1) in her most recent start last November. She has been working out at Santa Anita since February, and her most recent drills are: seven furlongs in a bullet 1:25 1/5, six furlongs out of the gate in a bullet 1:11 4/5, six furlongs out of the gate in 1:12 1/5 and six furlongs in a bullet 1:11 3/5.

Earlier last year, Netherland won the Argentine Oaks (Arg-G1) by seven lengths and finished second in the prestigious Polla de Potrancas (Arg-G1). The bay filly is a stalk-and-pounce type who gets first-time Lasix and shouldn't have any problem with the distance. Best of all, she is listed at 10-1 on the morning line and has Jorge Chavez in the saddle.

NASTY STORM (Gulch) figures to be the one beat with Pat Day in the saddle. The Dallas Stewart trainee had a terrific season last year, winning five of eight starts, including the Churchill Downs Distaff H. (G2) in her 2001 finale. She returned to action at Keeneland where she dueled three wide before holding well to finish a close fifth in the seven-furlong Madison S. to the once beaten Test S. (G1) heroine Victory Ride (Seeking the Gold). Nasty Storm, also a winner of the Dogwood S. (G3) over the Churchill surface, figures to move forward off the Keeneland race and is tactically drawn on the outside.

CELTIC MELODY (Mr. Greeley) also exits the Madison, in which she dueled from between rivals, stuck her head in front between calls in the upper stretch, then held on gamely, finishing second by one length. The James Jerkens trainee will break to the immediate inside of the one above and is a major player for all the marbles.

GOLD MOVER (Gold Fever), the lukewarm 3-1 morning-line favorite, chased the ultra quick champion Xtra Heat (Dixieland Heat) two back, then fought for the early lead before edging clear to win the 6 1/2-furlong Hurricane Bertie S. at Gulfstream Park. The chestnut filly likes to be in the early mix and will be hard to keep off the board.

The speedy SPANISH GLITTER (Glitterman) should try for the early lead and is two-for-two at the distance. Trained by Bernie Flint, the four-year-old has been earning good BRIS Speed ratings in sprint stakes at Oaklawn and will offer value. Given her record at Churchill (5-3-1-0), and her 10-1 morning-line odds, she should be considered.

SWEET NANETTE (You and I) finished second to champion Caressing (Honour and Glory) in the seven-furlong La Troienne S. (G3) here last year. The bay filly poked her head in front in midstretch and then had to settle for second behind Serena's Tune (Mr. Prospector) in a six-furlong stakes race at Fair Grounds in her seasonal debut on March 16. She could be the sleeper with money rider Chris McCarron aboard.

GAL ON THE GO (Irgun) rates the longshot closer and is worth a saver turning back from turf to dirt. AWAY (Dixieland band) finished a closing third in the Madison and gets the services of Jerry Bailey. She could be dangerous but might be overplayed. HATTIESBURG (Mutakddim) has a good late kick but has been finishing on the fringes against lesser. She obtains Robby Albarado in the irons and could get a piece at a price.

TRIP (Lord at War [Arg]) makes her second start for new trainer Shug McGaughey but draws the one hole and finished last in the Madison at Keeneland in her seasonal bow. CITY FAIR (Carson City) hails from the red-hot D. Wayne Lukas shedrow but appears up against it with these.

PENNY MARIE (Sky Classic) ran in the Mamzelle S. on Thursday and will likely be scratched. RED N'GOLD (Tabasco Cat) contested the Louisville Breeders' Cup H. (G2) on the Kentucky Oaks undercard and will also likely be scratched.

Grade 2 winner DREAM RUN (Cherokee Run) heads a nice field of 10 sprinters in the 68th running of the Churchill Downs H. (G2) on Saturday. The talented Paul McGee trainee put together two wins before his last one, a better than appeared fifth in the Carter H. (G1) at Aqueduct. In that race, the four-year-old bay was bumped at the start but still managed to be just 3 1/2 lengths behind the winner at the wire. He owns stellar BRIS E2, Late Pace and Speed ratings, recording a 109 Speed figure for an optional claimer win three back, and is proven at the seven-furlong distance and over Churchill's track. Dream Run can take this one with Pat Day aboard.

SNOW RIDGE (Tabasco Cat) is coming off a disappointing ninth in the Carter, but that race can probably be thrown out as the D. Wayne Lukas charge also had trouble when he was taken up by jockey Mike Smith i