Jones discusses stable stars

Trainer Larry Jones will probably be retiring as a conditioner at

the end of 2009, but the "Cowboy" will be going out in style. Jones is currently

in charge of champion filly Proud Spell (Proud Citizen), queen of last

year's Kentucky Oaks (G1), and could be headed to the first Saturday in May for

the third straight year. After saddling Hard Spun and Eight Belles to runner-up

finishes in the Kentucky Derby (G1), Jones might make it 'third time's the charm'

with Derby hopefuls OLD FASHIONED (Unbridled's

Song) and FRIESAN FIRE (A.P. Indy).

On Monday, the trainer will send out Old Fashioned to move his record to a

perfect four-for-four in his three-year-old bow in the Southwest S. (G3) at

Oaklawn. The gray colt was last seen

taking the November 29 Remsen S. (G2).

"Old Fashioned always thought he was better than the next horse," Jones said.

"We felt in the Remsen that they gave Old Fashioned the race. He is a horse that

requires very little training, he is a very fit horse, and is ahead of anything

we have ever trained at this in point in the game. Old Fashioned is a very

professional acting horse; we won't do much with him and just wait for the race

on Monday."

Jones' second shot at Derby glory comes in Friesan Fire, who continued his

journey to Churchill Downs with a two-length victory in the Risen Star S. (G3)

at Fair Grounds on February 7.

"Friesen Fire hasn't changed a lot since we've had him," Jones commented.

"His mental approach is better and shows he is more of a competitor.

"I still plan on retiring at the end of the year," he added. "I have a lot of

grandkids to spoil. The kids have kind of asked me to be the absentee father,

and to be honest, I don't even know my kids as well as I should. I want to spend

time with them. When they get tired of messing with me, I may consider coming

back. I can train horses when I'm old."

Trainer Bret Calhoun is but one of many who are out to spoil Jones' plans of

retiring a Derby winner. Calhoun trains SILVER CITY (Unbridled's Song), who

bedded down on the Oaklawn backside on Friday in advance of the Southwest.

Silver City, a four-length winner of the Dixieland S. going 5 1/2 furlongs, will

be trying two turns for the first time in the one-mile contest.

"Everything has gone smoothly with him," Calhoun said. "He keeps getting

better and better. I'm excited to see how the race shapes up with Old Fashioned.

It will be a good race."