ALGORITHMS
ALPHA
BASMATI--Off Derby Trail
BIG BLUE NATION
BURNING TIME
CAPETOWN DEVIL
CASUAL TRICK
CHIPS ALL IN
CONSORTIUM
DAN AND SHEILA
ECABRONI--Added Jan. 25
EL PADRINO
FED BIZ
FINALE
FORT LOUDON
HAMMERS TERROR
HOWE GREAT
INDIAN AMBUSH
ISN'T HE CLEVER
JUNEBUGRED
KING KID
LONGVIEW DRIVE
LUCKY CHAPPY
MOTOR CITY
NAJJAAR
NECK 'N NECK
NITE TIDE
OUT OF BOUNDS
PROSPECTIVE
RECKLESS JERRY
REVERON
RIGHT TO VOTE
RUSSIAN GREEK
SECRET CIRCLE
SHARED PROPERTY
SOUPER SPEEDY--Added Jan. 25
SPRING HILL FARM--Added Jan. 25
STAT
STATE OF PLAY
STEPHANOATSEE--Off Derby Trail
SUMMER FRONT
SWAG DADDY
TAKE CHARGE INDY
TETRADRACHM
THUNDER MOCCASIN--Added Jan. 25
UNBRIDLED MINISTER
UNBRIDLED'S NOTE
Z DAGER
ALGORITHMS (KY)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Starlight Racing
Breeder: Oakbrook Farm
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Bernardini (A.P. Indy, Cara Rafaela)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Ava Knowsthecode (Cryptoclearance, Ava Romance)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-9-12-1-0 (26) 2.71
Foal Date: May 8, 2009
$170,000 Keeenland September 2010
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 2, Algorithms breezed four in :50.00 (28/33) at PMM.
On Jan. 9, Algorithms breezed five in 1:02.20 (8/14) at PMM.
On Jan. 15, Algorithms breezed five in 1:02.40 (22/36) at PMM.
On Jan. 15, Algorithms breezed five in 1:02.40 (22/36) at PMM.
On Jan. 23, Algorithms breezed five in 1:02.00 (1/10) at PMM.
Jan. 26 NOTE: Entered in the Grade III Holy Bull Stakes on Sunday.
Jan. 2 NOTE: Looking probable for the Holy Bull on Jan. 29.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Algorithm won his debut on June 3 at Belmont Park by 5 1/4 lengths going five furlongs.
Dec. 16, Entry-Level Allowance, Gulfstream Park, 6 1/2 Furlongs. At even money, Algorithms won by a length over Darley Stable’s highly-regarded 4-5 favorite Consortium. The first two finishers, both colts by Bernardini, made their second career starts.
Javier Castellano sat confidently in a stalking position third on the outside down the backstretch with Seven Kind setting the pace on the inside in the field of six. Consortium raced between them in second with John Velazquez in the saddle. Algorithms wore down Consortium in deep stretch as he was timed in a very good 1:15:51. Seven Kind finished third, 4 1/2 lengths behind the runner-up.
Todd Pletcher: “It was a big effort in his first start since June. We’ve always had high hopes for him and expected him to run well, but we knew he was running against another nice colt that had shown promise. He came out of the maiden race with a minor hock issue. He didn’t need surgery, just time. We’ll see how he comes out of this, but timing-wise, the Holy Bull (Jan. 29) makes the most sense with the gradual stretch-out. With his pedigree we’re thinking big things for him.”
ALPHA (KY)
Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin
Owner: Godolphin Stable
Breeder: Darley
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Bernardini (A.P. Indy, Cara Rafaela)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Munnaya (Nijinksy (CAN), Hiaam)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-6-19-4-0 (36) 1.67
Foal Date: March 11, 2009
No public sale.
Alpha has turf influence in his breeding. He's out of the Nijinsky II mare Munnaya, who won an English listed stakes. Munnaya has produced four horses with black type, including Mystic Melody, who in France captured a listed stakes and placed in two Group 3 events.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 2 NOTE: “We do think about the future with Alpha, and hope he’s a Derby-type horse,” said assistant trainer Art Magnuson despite the fact that Alpha was recently returned to New York from Florida, where he'd breezed at Palm Meadows on Dec. 24.
Here's what trainer McLaughlin had to say: “We sent him to New York last Wednesday, and he worked very well this morning. We have several 3-year-olds we think highly of, including Alpha and Consortium and some others who haven’t started yet, and we’re trying to split them up. We have had great success in New York with our runners during the winter. At the Breeders’ Cup, he lost it in the gate, and we’re hoping he will step up off that effort. He’s a nice horse.”
Jan. 7, Count Fleet Stakes, Aqueduct, One Mile 70 Yards. Odds-on favorite Alpha took the race by 2 1/2 lengths over Stephenoatsee.Alpha raced in third, well off the rail, as Il Villano carried the field of seven through an opening quarter in :24.48, a half in :49.06 and three-quarters in 1:13.91. How Do I Win followed in second. Edging up three-wide on the turn, Alpha took aim on the front-runners and gained the lead with 220 yards to go, cruising under the wire in 1:42.83.
Kiaran McLaughlin by telephone from Florida: “Alpha was just a great win. We’ll probably leave him there.... We’ll probably go to the Withers and on to the Wood with Alpha. For sure we’ll have to talk to the Godolphin people, but that’s what we’ll look at for right now.”
Art Magnuson, assistant to McLaughlin: “He was kind of on his own schedule. He was up at Greentree this summer. There’s no hurry to run any of the 2-year-olds; we have so many. There’s three or four that kind of put themselves at the front of the pack around Saratoga, so we get them started. When he won first time out going seven-eighths, that was a good sign. Ramon was pretty impressed (today). He seemed to think it was going to be even better in the future. He said ‘I’m tracking a slow pace going three-wide and he galloped out very well after that.’ We’re very hopeful for the future.”
Ramon Dominguez: “We were three-wide throughout the whole race; we were tracking the leaders. They went pretty slow. Two sprinters were in the front, and I wasn’t overly concerned about having him any closer, but because of the lack of pace his move was kind of gradual. We were just grinding. Turning for home, he responded every time I asked him. He galloped out so strong that I had to get an outrider to pull him up. You always have to go just by what you have seen, but judging by today he should be able to handle more distance.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Sept. 3, Maiden Special Weight, Saratoga, Seven Furlongs. He won by six and was timed in 1:23.97 after laying about five lengths back of early splits of :22.59 and :45.27. Ten ran. Alpha was 6-1. Favored Africanist was 7-5 and finished third. The chart call: "Alpha was hustled from the start then urged along on the inside, came under a strong ride while inside early on the turn, moved off the rail while advancing near the five-sixteenths pole, stormed to the front in upper stretch and drew away under steady urging."
Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin: “He drew down toward the inside, the 3 hole he had, and I was afraid of two who had already started (Invocation and Africanist) because seven-eighths is a hard distance first-time out. It was a ‘wow’ performance. He ran huge. Everything went right for him and he won easily. We don’t win that often first-time out, so that was nice.
“We try to get them all started on the dirt, and he trained well on the dirt. We will probably look at the Champagne on October 8. It’s a big step up, but that’s what you have to do these days. We’ll also see what Sheikh Mohammed and his people want us to do.”
Sept. 18 NOTE: “He’s smallish-framed, so he doesn’t need to work every week,” said trainer McLaughlin.
Sept. 23 NOTE: Following a Sept. 21 workout, the trainer said the stable colors would be switched from Darley's to Godolphin's. “He’ll work one more time for the Champagne,” said trainer McLaughlin. “He’s going to change jerseys. He’ll have a blue jersey on him. He’ll run under my name, but a different jersey. He’ll go from maroon to blue We’ll take it one race at a time. If he graduates from McLaughlin High School and goes on to college, we’ll be proud and hopeful.”
Sept. 30 NOTE: "Stepping up to a grade I is not easy, but we want to see where we stand. Alpha, we figure he belongs for sure. Going from seven-eighths to a mile, he wants the distance," trainer McLaughlin said.
“They take us there,” said McLaughlin. “We’re not trying to win impressively first-time out to sell them. We don’t usually sell any, and we don’t put them behind dirt and work them, work them, and work them. We would rather have them race and learn from the race and get experience in the race. Usually, they improve a lot second time, but neither (Alpha or stable mate Miss Netta) can probably improve a lot; they ran great and were more ready than we thought.”
Oct. 8, Grade I Champagne Stakes, Belmont Park, One Mile. Alpha, the 2-1 second choice, closed from last to gain second, a neck ahead of longshot Right to Vote. But 6-5 favorite Union Rags abruptly changed course in mid-stretch after being blocked and went on to a 5 1/4-length victory.
With Javier Castellano aboard, Union Rags was bumped at the break and had to settle in fifth behind Right to Vote and Power World as they took the field of eight juveniles through an opening quarter-mile in :22.74 and a half in :45.84.
With nowhere to go as they headed for home, Castellano first tried to steer Union Rags between horses, but then angled sharply to the outside. Once clear, the big colt took off with a rousing late run that carried him under the wire in 1:35.55 for the mile.
Kiaran McLaughlin, trainer of runner-up Alpha: “I was happy with the way he ran in only his second start. He finished second to a very nice horse. We’ll go on to the Breeders’ Cup with him.”
Alan Garcia, rider aboard runner-up Alpha: “He was acting up a little bit in the gate and he broke a little slow out of there. It cost me a lot the first part of the race, but he was running very hard at the end.”
Nov. 5, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Churchill Downs, 1 1/16 Mile. Alpha raised a ruckus at the gate, then finished twelfth, beaten 19 1/4 lengths by Hansen, after being placed fifth after a quarter-mile.
Dec. 22 NOTE: Trainer McLaughlin said he is considering the new Gulfstream Park Derby for Alpha, who had problems at the gate in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and tired to eleventh in an effort considered below his best by connections.
Dec. 31 NOTE: Alpha wasn't entered in the Gulfstream Park Derby.
BASMATI (KY)--Off Derby Trail
Trainer: Doug O'Neill
Owner: Zillah Reddam
Breeder: ohn J. Greely IV, Phil Houchens & Wilson Sisk
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Borrego (El Prado (IRE), Sweet As Honey)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Abruzzi Ridge (Mountain Cat, Bay Magic)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-3-9-2-0 (16) 1.46
Foal Date: April 25, 2009
$8,000 Keeneland November 2009.
$24,000 RNA OBS 2010 Selected Yearlings
$35,000 OBS 2011 Two-Year-Olds in Training
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 26 NOTE: Basmati is off the Derby Trail with after ankle surgery.
On Jan. 7, Basmati worked four in :49.60 (22/39) at HOL.
On Jan. 16, Basmati worked six in 1:14.80 (7/7) at HOL.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
After two seconds and a third in his first three starts, Basmati was fifth in the Grade I Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs on Sept. 7, finishing a length and a half behind victorious Drill, who established himself as one of the early favorites for the 2012 Kentucky Derby. He went on to break his maiden next out at Santa Anita going a mile on Oct. 28.
Sept. 27 NOTE: “He’s built and bred to run long, so we’re hoping he moves up quite a bit (in the Norfolk Stakes),” said Dennis O’Neill, the trainer's brother and associate. “He trains like he wants to run long, so we’re hoping the farther he goes, the better he gets.”
Oct. 1, Grade I Norfolk Stakes, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Basmati ran evenly, third at each call until he dropped in order in the stretch run to finish fourth. Creative Cause was much the Best, and Drill was much the best of the rest. The pacesetter, Ruler of Dubai, was third.
Nov. 19, Grade III Delta Jackpot, Delta Downs, 1 1/16 Mile. Basmati finished second, but it was Sabercat who came off the far turn to sweep to a four-length victory over Basmati. Sabercat was timed in 1:46.62. Basmati earned $200,000 for his effort. The chart call for Basmati: "Basmati was allowed to settled, then rallied on the inside heading into the far turn, moved out to be two wide in the middle of the far turn, was in a strong drive then was no match for the winner in late stretch."
Dec. 17, Grade I CashCall Futurity, Hollywood Park, 1 1/16 Mile. Basmati, at very long odds, was fourth in the early going, but that was the best he could do. He finished eleventh, beaten over 15 lengths. The chart call: "Basmati pulled his way between horses to stalk the pace, fell back some on the second turn, angled inward in the stretch and also weakened."
BIG BLUE NATION (KY)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Bortoazzo Stable
Breeder: WinStar Farm, LLC
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Bluegrass Cat (Storm Cat, She's a Winner)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Lilah (Defrere, Dixie Rouge)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-4-8-0-0 (16) 3.00
Foal Date: March 7, 2009
$55,000 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky 2010.
$85,000 OBS 2-Year-Olds in Training 2011.
Private Purchase in July, 2011.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 2, Big Blue Nation breezed four in :49.60 (20/28) at PMM.
On Jan. 8, Big Blue Nation breezed four in :48.20 (8/46) at PMM.
On Jan. 15, Big Blue Nation breezed five in 1:01.20 (9/36) at PMM.
On Jan. 22, Big Blue Nation breezed five in 1:01.80 (17/34) at PMM.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
July 3, Maiden Special Weight, Churchill Downs, Six Furlongs. Big Blue Nation pressed the early pace and prevailed by three-quarters of a length. He was timed in 1:10.48. That led to his purchase by the current owner.
Sept. 5, Grade I Hopeful Stakes, Saratoga, Seven Furlongs. At 11-1 odds, Big Blue Nation came from tenth to finish third on a sloppy track. Initial fractions set by 68-1 Trinniberg were :21.91 and :45.14. Currency Swap, the winner, stalked about four lengths back and joined the battle in the stretch. He prevailed by three-quarters of a length over Trinniberg, while Big Blue Nation finished 4 1/2 lengths behind the winner.
Sept. 25 NOTE: Trainer Pletcher said that Big Blue Nation was more likely to run in the Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland on Oct. 8 than the Champagne at Belmont Park on the same day.
On Sept. 26, Big Blue Nation breezed five on the training track in 1:02.40 (3/11) at SAR.
Oct. 18 NOTE: Gap in workout regimen.
On Dec. 24, Big Blue Nation breezed three in :39.20 (34/38) at PMM.
BURNING TIME (FL)
Trainer: David Fawkes
Owner: Harold Queen
Breeder: Harold Queen
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Burning Roma (Rubiano, While Rome Burns)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Lil's Time (Gilded Time, Gentlelilstar)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-4-7-0-1 (16) 2.56
Foal Date: Feb. 8, 2009
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 14, Pasco Stakes, Tampa Bay Downs, Seven Furlongs. Burning Time, at 7-1 odds and ridden by Fernando Jara, finished fourth, beaten 2 1/4 lengths by Prospective. He was tenth of 10 in the early going, so he didn't do too badly, all things considered. The chart calls says "Burning Time was void of early speed, made a big middle move through the turn, swerved outside into the stretch then was making up ground outside late."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Burning Time was credited with a debut win at Calder after the first one under the wire, Midnight Serenade, was disqualified. He broke poorly and finished ninth in the six-furlong Dr. Fager Stakes. Going on to the one-mile Seacliff, he was second, beaten 2 3/4 lengths by Midnight Serenade after being bumped in the stretch.
Sept. 17, Foolish Pleasure Stakes, Calder, One Mile 70 Yards. At 6-1 odds, Burning Time got his first stakes win under Luis Saez. Burning Time sped past the pacesetting Personal Interest in the final furlong, winning by 2 1/2 lengths and getting the distance in 1:45.20. Bartolome finished 3 1/4 lengths behind Personal Interest.
David Fawkes (by phone from Charles Town): “When he had that bad race in the Stallion Stake (second in the Dr. Fager), he broke awful and never had a chance. I can’t blame it on the sloppy track that day. Although he wasn’t technically a maiden going into today’s race – he got put up in his first race after finishing second – it was like Little Drama, who broke his maiden in a stakes, and they’re both by Burning Roma. He’ll go on to the In Reality (on Oct. 15) from here."
Luis Saez: “This horse broke his maiden today; he’s still learning how to run. He gets a little green in the stretch, but I learned from riding him last time to keep him busy and focused in the stretch, and that made the difference. He is definitely improving, so I think he can be very tough next time in the Florida Stallion Stakes.”
Oct. 15, Florida Stallion In Reality Stakes, Calder, 1 1/16 Mile. Burning Time was the 2-1 co-favorite at post time, but he ran slowly at first, sixth or seventh in the seven-horse field, and he finished fifth. Fort Loudon, the other favorite, broke alertly and won the race.
Nov. 12, Arthur I. Appleton Juvenile Turf Stakes, Calder Race Course, 1 1/16 Mile (T). Burning Time finished a game second in his grass course debut. He was beaten only three-quarters of a length by Italo, who was timed in 1:45.01.
Dec. 15 NOTE: “He should have won that race,” said trainer Fawkes. “He had a terrible trip. It looks like the sire, Burning Roma, his offspring like the turf, and it’s great to have the option. We could go back to the dirt with him at some point.”
Dec. 18, Dania Beach Stakes, Gulfstream Park, One Mile (T). Burning Time finished eighth, beaten four lengths by Summer Front. He saved ground but didn't quicken at the end of the race.
CAPETOWN DEVIL (KY)
Trainer: David Carroll
Owner: David R. Randal
Breeder: Randal Family Trust, R. David and Marylyn A. Randal Trustees
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Cape Town (Seeking the Gold, Seaside Attraction)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Nureyev's Angel (Nureyev, Water Saver)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 13-0-23-0-0 (36) 2.13
Foal Date: March 11, 2009
$7,000 RNA Keeneland September 2010.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 21, Grade III Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, One Mile 70 Yards. Capetown Devil finished seventh, beaten 6 1/2 lengths, after runnning fifth or sixth at each call during a double-wide trip. He was 8-1. Mr. Bowling won, beating Z Dager by a head. The chart call: "Capetown Devil went four wide on the first turn, settled in the front half of the field, chased five wide on the far turn and capitulated."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Capetown Devil won his debut on Oct. 14 going 6 1/2 furlongs at Keeneland in a $30,000 maiden claimer. He followed that up with a four-length win at Churchill Downs going a mile in a starter allowance.
Dec. 31, Allowance, Fair Grounds, One Mile 70 Yards. Stepped up to straight allowance company, Capetown Devil won again at 7-2 odds--and he had some trouble in the race. His time was 1:43.81 under Corey Lanerie.
The chart call for that final race of 2011: "Capetown Devil lost his footing at the start then brushed with a rival, raced three wide on the first turn, settled off the pace, advanced while four wide on the far turn, closed well to make a bid passing the eighth-pole, dueled gamely with Gowhereyougaze in the final furlong and narrowly prevailed under strong urging.
CASUAL TRICK (KY)
Trainer: Nick Zito
Owner: Robert LaPenta
Breeder: W. S. Farish
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Bernardini (A.P. Indy, Cara Rafaela)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Casual Look (Red Ransom, Style Setter)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-7-17-0-0 (26) 2.06
Foal Date: May 25, 2009
$425,000 Keeneland September 2010.
His mare, Casual Look, took the 2003 Group I Vodaphone Epsom Oaks for breeder Farish during Farish’s service in London as U.S. Ambassador to England.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 13, Casual Trick breezed four in :47.20 (1/36) at PMM.
On Jan. 21, Casual Trick breezed four in :47.20 (3/73) at PMM.
Jan. 26 NOTE: Entered in race 7 at Gulfstream Park on Sunday.
Jan. 1, Gulfstream Park Derby, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/16 Mile. Reveron scored an 8-1 upset win, defeating 10 others, includind close second choice Casual Trick. Reveron pressed the early pace before taking the lead. He held off Casual Trick in the stretch to prevail by a half-length.
Reveron attended the pace set by 29-1 shot Nachas and Joy on the first turn and along the backstretch. Fernando Jara sent Reveron to the lead on the far turn. He was quickly challenged by Casual Trick, ridden by John Velazquez. Reveron was under pressure through the stretch. His time was 1:44.74.
Casual Trick finished 5 1/2 lengths clear of King Kid, who raced along the inside behind the pacesetter into the stretch under Corey Lanerie. Nachas and Joy faded to fourth, another 3 1/2 lengths back. Ancient Rome, a lukewarm 3-1 favorite, was never a factor during a tenth-place finish.
John Velazquez: “He ran very hard but he was fighting me a little bit to pass that horse in the stretch. The winner was more experienced than mine, and my horse was still a little green today. He just broke his maiden and was going two turns for the first time. I think he’s still learning. He actually handled the two turns really well. If he continues to mature and get better, I think he’s going to be very good.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Casual Trick finished fifth after pressing the pace in his six-furlong debut at Saratoga on Aug. 27. Fire on Ice won that race.
Nov. 19, Maiden Special Weight, Churchill Downs, One Mile. Casual Trick won by 2 1/2 lengths under Jesus Castanon after pressing the pace and opening up in the stretch. Trainer Zito said Casual Trick would probably have a racing timetable similar to his campaign in 2011 with Dialed In, with a first outing against winners likely sometime in January at Gulfstream.
Nick Zito: “He was doing really well and we were looking for a shorter race, but the mile race came up and we decided to go in there. He ran a really good race, and the fact that he won at a mile kind of puts us ahead of where we might have been with him.
“Bernardini is one of the hottest sires out there, and being out of one of Mr. Farish’s mares, you know there’s quality there. We like to bring our horses to Churchill Downs in the fall, and it’s worked well for us. Dialed In is a good example of why we like to come here.”
Dec. 23 NOTE: “I think I’m going to run him in the Gulfstream Derby,” trainer Zito said. “He only broke his maiden in his last race, but I think it’s a good place to start.”
Dec. 29 NOTE: “I just thought (a stake off the maiden win) right off the bat to see how good he is,” trainer Zito said. “I think he’s really good. He’s had a lot of good workouts and, more important, I think his development looks terrific, and he’s extremely well bred. I know it’s quick. I’m asking him to do something unusual, but sometimes we do that. These are the horses that take us to the promised land, not us. Hopefully, he can do it.”
CHIPS ALL IN (KY)
Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Owner: Jean Everest, John O'Brian, Danny Valdez & Michelle Turpin
Breeder: Adena Springs
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): North Light (IRE) (Danehill, Sought Out (IRE))
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Maria's Mirage (Maria's Mon, Perfect Exchange)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-3-10-2-0 (18) 1.57
Foal Date: May 4, 2009
$4,500 Keeneland September 2010.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 9, Chips All In worked four in :51.40 (43/47) at SA.
On Jan. 16, Chips All In worked five in 1:03.60 (37/38) at SA.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Chips All In won four of five races, including a pair of sprints on the synthetic at Golden Gate, a sprint at Del Mar and on the dirt in the Gold Rush Futurity. Then he was tried on turf after his trainer said he ran out of other options.
Dec. 31, Eddie Logan Stakes, Santa Anita, One Mile (T). Chips All In galloped home to win by 1 1/4 length, timed in 1:34.86 on firm turf. He started out the race about a length off the pacesetter, proving once more that it pays to be on or close to the lead on the grass at Santa Anita. Daddy Nose Best, the 4-5 favorite, finished fifth.
Alonso Quinonez: “My horse was just galloping around there. I knew the leader (Champions Gate) was going really easy, so I didn’t want him to get the jump on me. I knew Gomez (on Sheer Talent) was right behind me going to the far turn, and I didn’t want to let him push me out, so I had to hold my position. When we turned for home, he put himself in the race, and when I hit him left-handed, he re-broke. This is a great way to finish up the year.”
Jeff Mullins: “I just told him to get him settled in to a nice easy stride, and as long as he’s going easy and relaxed, just wait as long he could and go for it. We always kind of thought he would (take to the grass), and he breezed good on it. He was out of conditions so we didn’t have any other choice. He made us look good.”
CONSORTIUM (KY)
Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin
Owner: Darley Stable
Breeder: Darley
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Bernardini (A.P. Indy, Cara Rafaela)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Marietta (Machiavellian, Minister Wife)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-6-11-0-0 (24) 3.36
Foal Date: March 3, 2009
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 7, Consortium breezed four in :51.40 (64/70) at PMM.
On Jan. 14, Consortium breezed five in 1:01.00 (4/23) at PMM.
On Jan. 21, Consortium breezed five in 1:01.20 (6/29) at PMM.
Jan. 26 NOTE: Entered in the Grade III Holy Bull Stakes on Sunday.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Consortium won his debut on Nov. 12 going 6 1/2 furlongs at Aqueduct under Alan Garcia. Next time out, on Dec. 16 at Gulfstream Park, he finished second by a length to Algorithms while being ridden by John Velazquez.
On Dec. 31, Consortium breezed four in :49.00 (36/105) at PMM.
DAN AND SHEILA (KY)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Zayat Stables LLC
Breeder: Gulf Coast Farms LLC
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): More Than Ready (Southern Halo, Woodman's Girl)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Sheila's Prospect (Not for Love, Tequila Sheila)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 9-0-9-0-0 (18) 3.00
Foal Date: April 14, 2009
A ridgling.
$150,000 Keeneland September 2010.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 24 NOTE: “I thought it was a very good effort for just his second start. He got shuffled on the first turn, raced a little greenly from having dirt kicked in his face, but finished well from there. This should be a race from which he can move forward.”--Todd Pletcher statement to DRF.com.
Jan. 21, Grade III Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, One Mile 70 Yards. Dan and Sheila, who lagged far back on the backstretch, was fourth, beaten 3 1/4 lengths. Mr. Bowling rallied from just behind the early leaders to gain the advantage in upper stretch. He was up by a length at the furlong marker and withstood a late bid by Z Dager to win by a head. Shared Property closed from eighth after breaking from outside post 13 to get third, beaten a half. The winning time was 1:43.49. The top four finishers were the four lowest odds in the field of 13.
The chart call: "Dan and Sheila was in a bit tight entering the first turn, raced three wide on that turn, lagged at the rear of the field, saved ground on the far turn, moved out under the whip in the stretch and finished with good energy."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Dec. 17, Maiden Special Weight, Gulfstream Park, One Mile. First-timer Dan and Sheila won the eighth race by 1 1/2 length in a style that suggested he could join trainer Pletcher's growing list of potential Kentucky Derby prospects. Javier Castellano and Dan and Sheila stalked the pace four wide and fifth at the first call, moved up on the turn, took command leaving the turn and opened it up to win by 1 1/2 length. Dan and Sheila was timed in 1:38.65. His odds were 3-1, the second choice.
ECABRONI (KY)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: St. George Stables LLC
Breeder: St.George Stables LLC
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Smoke Glacken (Two Punch, Majesty's Crown)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Miss Fury (Unbridled's Song, Catatonic)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 8-5-7-2-0 (22) 3.00
Foal Date: March 24, 2009
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
From a longtime reader about a Jan. 15 race: "The same day that Spring Hill Farm (Pletcher/Velasquez) won race 3, a maiden special weight at Gulfsteam Park in a 1:24.51 for seven furlongs by 6 1/4 lengths, Ecabroni (Pletcher/Castellano) won race 7, a maiden special weight at GP in a 1:24.76 for seven furlongs by two lengths."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Ecabroni raced once, finishing second to One Sock Down in a six-furlong maiden special weight at Gulfstream Park on Dec. 8. He was beaten 3 1/4 lengths and ridden by Javier Castellano. The winner went in 1:10.03 after overtaking the pacesetter, Ecabroni.
EL PADRINO (KY)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Let's Go Stable
Breeder: Emory A. Hamilton
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Pulpit (A.P. Indy, Preach)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Enchanted Rock (Giant's Causeway, Chic Shrine)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 11-5-20-0-0 (36) 2.60
Foal Date: Jan. 22, 2009
$210,000 Keeneland September 2010.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 9, El Padrino worked five in 1:00.40 (1/14) at PMM.
On Jan. 15, El Padrino breezed five in 1:02.00 (17/36) at PMM.
On Jan. 23, El Padrino breezed five in 1:02.60 (3/10) at PMM.
Jan. 26 NOTE: Entered in race 7 at Gulfstream Park on Sunday.
Jan. 23 NOTE: May run in an allowance this weekend.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
El Padrino finished second behind B Shanny in his debut at Saratoga on Aug. 20. He encountered shin issues and did not run again until Oct. 29, splashing to a 12 3/4-length maiden victory going a mile over a sloppy track at Belmont Park.
Nov. 23 NOTE: “We did what we had to do and backed off him a little bit,” said Pletcher assistant Whit Beckman. “He’s a big horse, one of the bigger 2-year-olds that we have in our program, height, but also just body. He’s a real, powerful, well-built thick individual. He’s always trained well, breezed well, and done everything like he was going to be a good horse, but we knew it was going to take just a little bit more time to let everything catch up. The way he’s bred, I don’t think the distance will be any problem. He does everything like he wants to go two turns.”
Nov. 26, Grade II Remsen Stakes, Aqueduct, 1 1/8 Mile. El Padrino finished third, and he wasn't beaten by much. O’Prado Again was content to track Souper Speedy and Our Entourage as they dueled through an opening quarter of :24.38, a half in :49.97--and six furlongs in 1:15 and change. Meanwhile, El Padrino was shufflled back a bit during the first half-mile O'Prado Again took command inside the eighth pole and he prevailed over Souper Speed by three parts of a length, with El Padrino a head back in third, another head to Done Talking and a length to Our Entourage.
The winner ran in 1:52.07. The chart call for El Padrino: "El Padrino, between rivals, came home with good, but belated foot, en route for the show."
Todd Pletcher: “We were pleased with his effort. We felt like he was a little bit green being inside horses for most of the race, but he seemed to find his best stride late when he was able to get out in the clear. We were pleased with his finish, and he galloped out very strongly. For a young and inexperienced horse, it was a promising effort.” Pletcher said El Padrino would ship to Palm Meadows on Nov. 29.
On Dec. 18, El Padrino breezed five in 1:01.20 (9/20) at PMM.
On Dec. 24, El Padrino breezed four in :48.80 (28/126) at PMM.
FED BIZ (KY)
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Kaleem Shah
Breeder: Colts Neck Stables LLC
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Giant's Causeway (Storm Cat, Mariah's Storm)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Spunoutacontrol (Wild Again, Yarn)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 8-3-25-0-0 (36) 1.88
Foal Date: Feb. 25, 2009
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 9, Fed Biz worked five i 1:01.60 (25/45) at SA.
On Jan. 16, Fed Biz worked six in 1:11.80 (1/9) at SA.
On Jan. 22, Fed Biz worked five in 1:01.00 (9/32) at HOL.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
On Nov. 27 at Hollywood Park going six furlongs, Fed Biz debuted with a fourth-place finish, beaten 2 1/2 lengths by Macho Rocket. He went three wide into the stretch.
Dec. 30, Maiden Special Weight, Santa Anita, One Mile. Fed Biz broke his maiden, timed in 1:35.48. He won by 1 3/4 lengths. He came again between horses, making the win visually impressive. He vied for the lead most of the race.
FINALE (KY)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Michael Tabor, Mrs. John Magnier & Derrick Smith
Breeder: Susan Bunning
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Scat Daddy (Johannesburg, Love Style)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Twinkle (Lively One, Twinkling Star)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 8-1-8-1-0 (18) 2.60
Foal Date: Feb. 20, 2009
$175,000 Keeneland November 2009.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Looking for a workout.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
From Bloodhorse.com: "He began his career on the dirt at Belmont, debuting with a third-place finish on a muddy track May 5 before turning in a distant fourth-place effort as the 4-5 pick on a fast Belmont strip June 10. Pletcher switched Finale to the Belmont turf for his next start on the inner course July 15 and Finale responded with a 5 1/4-length tally while going six furlongs. His next start came in the easy victory over five rivals at 1-5 odds in the Continental Mile."
Sept. 17, Grade III Summer Stakes, Woodbine, One Mile (T). His winning time in the Summer Stakes, 1:35.51, was a little slower than that of the juvenile filly who won the Natalma Stakes the same day at Woodbine. That filly, Northern Passion, was timed in 1:35.00.
"He's a much better horse on the grass by far," said John Velazquez. "He seemed to struggle on the dirt and not get a good grip on it."
Nov. 5. Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, Churchill Downs, 1 1/16 Mile (T). Finale finished seventh after being floated wide, being bumped and checked. Tough trip. He was beaten 4 1/2 lengths by Wrote.
Dec. 18, Dania Beach Stakes, Gulfstream Park, One Mile (T). Finale stalked in third and got up for second late in the race. Summer Front remained undefeated by besting Finale and Excaper. Despite stumbling badly at the start, Summer Front settled in wide behind horses and advanced into contention around the far turn. Summer Front ran on strongly in the stretch to defeat 3-2 favorite Finale by 1 1/2 length. It was another neck back to Excaper in third, and a nose to Coalport in fourth. The winner was timed in 1:35.57.
FORT LOUDON (FL)
Trainer: Stanley Gold
Owner: Jacks or Better Farm, Inc.
Breeder: Jacks or Better Farm, Inc.
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Awesome Of Course (Awesome Again (CAN), Mais Oui)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Lottsa Talc (Talc, Antilassa)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-1-6-0-0 (10) 2.33
Foal Date: Feb. 1, 2009
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 6, Fort Loudon breezed five in 1:02.80 (3/7) at CRC.
On Jan. 13, Fort Loudon breezed six in 1:15.00 (1/2) at CRC.
On Jan. 20, Fort Loudon breezed five in 1:01.80 (2/6) at CRC.
Jan. 26 NOTE: Entered in the Grade III Holy Bull Stakes on Sunday.
Jan. 13 NOTE: “He worked good this morning,” said trainer Gold. “I wasn’t sure if he could be ready in time for the Holy Bull, but he’s come around pretty quick with four (actually five) works now, and if he works good next week, I think we’ll go."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Fort Loudon took the Dr. Fager Division of the Florida Stallion Series on Aug. 6.
Aug. 27, Affirmed Division of the Florida Stalllion Series, Calder, Seven Furlongs. Fort Loudon came one step closer to a sweep of the Florida Stallion Stakes by winning this race.
Ridden by Luis Jurado, Fort Loudon defeated stable mate Argentine Tango by two lengths. It was another length back to Mel Beach in third place. Fort Loudon completed the distance in 1:26.75 after being sent off at 2-1 odds. It was a highly contested race, and Fort Loudon showed fortitude in the win.
Jacks or Better Farm, owned by Fred Brei, and trainer Stanley Gold completed sweeps of the FSS in 2009 with Jackson Bend and in 2010 with Awesome Feather in the filly division.
The third and final race in the series is the $300,000-estimated In Reality Division on Oct.15 at Calder. Stanley Gold: “You can pretty much be sure you’ll see Fort Loudon in the In Reality."
Luis Jurado: “He ran the same race as last time, except he sat just a little closer to the pace because he was sharper today. That is a good thing, though, since we wanted to be a little more forwardly placed."
Oct. 15, Florida Stallion In Reality Stakes, Calder, 1 1/16 Mile. Fort Loudon overcame a race-long duel with Sarava's Dancer to prevail and sweep the Florida Stallion series.
Both colts broke alertly, and the pair led the rest of the field by multiple lengths down the backstretch as Fort Loudon conceded the lead to Sarava's Dancer while sitting just to his outside. Those two went through very slow splits of :25.02, :50.01 and 1:16.18.
Leaving the turn, it looked as if both the leaders might succumb to the oncoming field, but Fort Loudon kept on going. Ultimately, Sarava's Dancer succumbed in deep stretch, and 50-1 shot Twin got up for second.
Fort Loudon was timed in 1:48.29 for the 1 1/16 mile, about four-fifths of a second slower than his juvenile filly counterpart won the My Dear Girl Stakes immediately prior to the In Reality.
Stanley Gold: “I guess this is the icing on the cake. I thought he could do it. I need to ask Luis what he thought. It looked like he hesitated while he was alongside the other horse in the upper stretch before he went on and drew off. I feel so fortunate to have had these nice horses the last few years.”
Fred Brei, owner-breeder: “We’ll see how they come back, but if (Awesome Belle and Fort Loudon) come back okay, we’ll probably go (to Breeders' Cup), and Redbud Road has shown she can really scoot. They have that new sprint race for 2-year-olds, so she could possibly go, too.”
Luis Jurado: “When you have the best horse in the race, you can do anything you want to. I knew Cornelio Velasquez with Sarava’s Dancer would try to steal the race up front, and I couldn’t let them do that, so I kept my horse just a little off of him and saved some for the stretch. This horse is the real deal.”
Nov. 5, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Churchill Downs, 1 1/16 Mile. Fort Loudon ran seventh at odds of 54-1. He was beaten nine lengths by the front-running Hansen, who was timed in 1:44.44. Fort Loudon was only 3 1/2 lengths off the lead after six furlongs.
On Dec.15, Fort Loudon breezed three in :38.00 (4/6) at CRC.
On Dec. 20, Fort Loudon breezed four in :51.40 (10/10) at CRC.
On Dec. 28, Fort Loudon breezed three in :37.60 (9/10) at CRC.
HAMMERS TERROR (KY)
Trainer: Mike Stidham
Owner: Terry Hamilton
Breeder: Chad Austin Reed
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Artie Schiller (El Prado (IRE), Hidden Light)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Sister Baby (Lord Avie, Amiga La G.)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-3-5-2-0 (12) 1.67
Foal Date: March 24, 2009
$40,000 Keeneland September 2010.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 21, Grade III Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, One Mile 70 Yards. Hammers Terror was made 6-1 and finished sixth, beaten five lengths, after a wide trip. He was third at the first call, fifth down the backstretch, then fourth before dropping back to seventh. Mr. Bowling won, beating Z Dager by a head. The chart call: "Hammers Terror went three wide on the first turn, was rated on the outside, chased four wide on the far turn, came under a drive in upper stretch and tired."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Hammers Terror won his first two starts going six furlongs at Arlington Park and seven furlongs at Keeneland, both outings on synthetic track. Then he was put on good old dirt.
Dec. 8, Entry Level Allowance, Fair Grounds, One Mile 70 Yards. Hammers Terror pounded out a popular 2 3/4-length victory under James Graham. Hammers Terror pressed the pace, took command entering the stretch and won while kept to urging. He toured the distance in 1:44.72. It was his third win in three lifetime starts--he was sent off at 2-5 odds. Adena’s Chance rallied late to be easily second best while finishing 4 1/4 lengths to the good of M One. Hard Nosed made the pace with splits of :23.92 and :48.05 before tiring.
Trainer Stidham said Hammers Terror would be pointed to the Grade III Lecomte, also at a mile and 70 yards, on Jan. 21.
HOWE GREAT (KY)
Trainer: Graham Motion
Owner: Team Valor International
Breeder: Barry Irwin
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Hat Trick (JPN) (
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Ginger Sea (SAF) (Western Winter,
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-4-7-0-0 (16) 3.57
Foal Date: Feb. 14, 2009
Not known how many partners this horse has. No sale information available. Breeder Irwin heads pwner Team Valor.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 26 NOTE: Not nominated to the U.A.E. Derby; stable mate Lucky Chappy was nominated.
Jan. 21, Kitten's Joy Stakes, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/16 Mile (T). Howe Great led the whole way in a one-two stable finish for trainer Motion and owner Team Valor. Lucky Chappy, who dawdled at the start as usual, made up ground to get the place. Howe Great was the higher odds horse of the two. It was a 2 1/2-length triumph. Seven ran. The time was 1:40.42 on the Gulfstream Park turf. The first six furlongs went in 1:11.17.
Howe Great was sent right to the lead by Edgar Prado as Lucky Chappy settled far off the pace under Javier Castellano. Howe Great led the seven-horse field along the backstretch without pressure until meeting a challenge by Cozzetti and Empire Builder while approaching the far turn. He fought them off into the stretch and sprinted away to open up a 1 1/2-length advantage at the furlong marker. Lucky Chappy made a late run to overtake Empire Builder by three quarters of a length for second money.
Graham Motion: “I talked to Edgar before the race, and we agreed that if no one else wanted the lead, we’d be happy to take it, although I don’t think he’s one dimensional. It’s possible we’ll consider one of them to go to Dubai (for the UAE Derby). We’ll also look at the Palm Beach here later in the meet. We haven’t ruled out anything for either of them at this point.” Motion said that included dirt racing.
Edgar Prado: “We saw the race just like everybody else did. There was no speed on paper. We went to the front, slowed it down, and the rest was history. He had plenty left.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
His first two races, Howe Great had a win and a second on dirt at Parx going one turn. He was either on the lead or close to it at all calls. He won his 1 1/16-mile turf debut at Gulfstream Park on Dec. 15. In that last race, his time was 1:45.93 on firm turf, and he led at each call.
INDIAN AMBUSH (VA)
Trainer: Bill Mott
Owner: John Gunther, Eurowest Bloodstock, Celebre Investments & J. Gunther
Breeder: Morgan's Ford Farm & Indian Charlie Syndicate
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Indian Charlie (In Excess (IRE), Soviet Sojourn)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Never A No Hitter (Kris S, Jeano)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-4-11-1-0 (18) 1.77
Foal Date: March 9, 2009
$200,000 Keeneland November 2009.
$300,000 RNA Fasig-Tipton Saratoga 2010.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 25 NOTE: Looking for a workout.
On Jan. 7, Indian Ambush breezed five in 1:01.60 (12/31) at GP.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Indian Ambush did not hit the board in his debut at Churchill Downs on Oct. 30. That was a six-furlong race won by Wharton. Indian Ambush was 7 1/2 lengths back at the finish, but he was 14 lengths back after a half-mile.
Nov. 26, Maiden Special Weight, Churchilll Downs, 1 1/16 Mile. In the second start of his career, Indian Ambush won by two lengths at the 3-2 favorite. He rated early and soon was in charge. After six furlongs in 1:14.47, he finished in 1:44.99. He was doing well the next morning and was sent to Florida the following day.
On Dec. 24, Indian Ambush breezed three in :37.80 (13/23) at GP.
On Dec. 31, Indian Ambush breezed four in :49.00 (21/57) at GP.
ISN'T HE CLEVER (KY)
Trainer: Henry Dominguez
Owner: J. Kirk and Judy Robison
Breeder: Monticule
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Smarty Jones (Elusive Quality, I'll Get Along)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Sharp Minister (CAN) (Deputy Minister (CAN), Sharp Call (CAN))
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-0-5-0-0 (10) 3.00
Foal Date: April 24, 2009
$45,000 Keeneland September 2010.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 13, Isn't He Clever breezed five in 1:02.60 (6/14) at SUN.
On Jan. 20, Isn't He Clever breezed five in 1:01.40 (4/22) at SUN.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
In September and October, Isn't He Clever was running his first two races at Zia Park and winning easily. On Nov. 11, he tried the Clever Trevor Stakes going seven furlongs at Remington Park and hit the board second behind Officer Prado, beaten a half, after holding a narrow lead a furlong from wire.
Dec. 30, Riley Allison Futurity, Sunland Park, 6 1/2 Furlongs. Isn't He Clever only won this race by 11 3/4 lengths, nothing to see here. Seriously, he tracked in third early, then started a serious run on the turn before drawing off in the stretch under urging by Alejandro Medellin. The winner was sent off at even money and was timed in 1:15.10. Flame Broiled was second. Seven ran--and two did not finish. The chart call: "Isn't He Clever stalked from outside, went for the lead just off the inside on the turn, floated out some entering the stretch, moved clear then steadily opened up under urging."
JUNEBUGRED (KY)
Trainer: Steve Hobby
Owner: Alex and JoAnn Lieblong
Breeder: Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd.
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Corinthian (Pulpit, Multiply)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Dixie Melody (Dixieland Band, The Way We Were)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-2-9-1-0 (16) 1.91
Foal Date: May 23, 2009
$20,000 Keeneland September 2010.
How this horse got his name: “My son had won a fishing tournament, and they were interviewing him afterward on TV asking how he won, and he said he used a June Bug Red lure," owner Alex Lieblong said. "I thought that would make a great name for a horse. And so when this horse was born so late in May, I figured that's close enough to June and he is red, so the name fit.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 15 NOTE: “We started him off, and he showed us some talent,” said trainer Hobby. “His first time out, he hadn’t had any dirt in his face, and he got to hopping and jumping around like a lot of first-time starters do. We went and sent him to David in New York to give him a shot on the track up there. I think he’s going to be versatile. He seems like the kind of horse that should relax and be able to get out there early and settle, but then the question is how easy will that be from the two-hole with a field that big.”
Jan. 16, Smarty Jones Stakes, Oaklawn Park, One Mile. After breaking from post 2--and being outbroken--Junebugred found himself in fourth and fitth position of 12 the first six furlongs. Then he started moving inside of horses, contended for the lead leaving the turn, battled with four others at the furlong marker and won by a neck over Reckless Jerry. The filly On Fire Baby was a length back in third, and Jake Mo was another half back in fourth. The winner got home in 1:38.45. Early fractions were moderate.
The chart call: "Junebugred, slight bother at the start, rated behind the pace, asked midway in the second turn, traffic with three sixteenths remaining, dropped inside entering the stretch under clever handling, challenged soon after, gained the advantage and then held the runner up safe in the waning strides under brisk handling while drifting out a bit late.
Steve Hobby: “He has shown us a lot of talent from right when we first got him. I had to call Alex all the time and tell him you won't believe this little red horse just outworked them all again. He outworks everybody.
“We're here. You always have to look around, but we will see how it is, but unless something were to make me look elsewhere, I imagine we will look at the races here. He's not a big strapping colt, and he is so young. He's still got quite a ways until his third birthday, so we will be thinking of that as we pick out a spot.”
Joe Bravo: “Mr. Lieblong has been telling me all along how nice this horse is. I was supposed to ride him in his first race last year at Monmouth, but it didn’t work out. He’s a horse that seems to be progressing in the right direction. We had planned on going to the lead, but that not working out was for the best. He got covered up and then relaxed. I definitely hope they bring me back to ride him in his next race.”
Owner Alex Lieblong: “It sure is fun to win here at Oaklawn and for Mr. Cella. It is something special here, and everywhere I go, I tell people how lucky we are to have a track owner who loves horse racing. He's a great sportsman, and I love all that he's done for the game.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Junebugred raced twice and won second time out going a mile at Aqueduct. He was timed in 1:36.72 and prevailed by a length over Term Loan after stalking in third. He was three wide on the turn and then vied with two others before getting clear.
KING KID (KY)
Trainer: Dale Romans
Owner: McKee Stables Inc.
Breeder: McKee Stables Inc.
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Lemon Drop Kid (Kingmambo, Charming Lassie)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Very Very (Royal Academy, Annual Dance)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 11-4-15-6-0 (36) 1.67
Foal Date: March 10, 2009
$35,000 RNA Keeneland September 2010.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 18, King Kid breezed five in 1:01.80 (2/10) at GP.
Jan. 11 NOTE: Trainer Romans remained upbeat. “It was second start. It’s a tough thing to do for your second start in your life.”
Jan. 1, Gulfstream Park Derby, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/16 Mile. King Kid finished third to Reveron and Casual Trick. While a half-length separated the first two, King Kid was another 5 1/2 lengths in arrears. Reveron's time was 1:44.74. King Kid ran evenly, third or fourth at each call in the field of 11.
Dale Romans: “I thought it was a good race for his second lifetime start. He did a lot of things we liked. He galloped out good. I think he’s going to be alright.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Nov. 27, Maiden Special Weight, Churchill Downs, Seven Furlongs. It was off to Florida for King Kid after he won this race, his debut, by two lengths after coming from sixth to a driving, drawing-off finish. He ran in 1:24.10.
LONGVIEW DRIVE (KY)
Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Owner: Steve Beneto
Breeder: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Pulpit (A.P. Indy, Preach)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Wild Vision (Wild Again, Carol's Wonder)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 8-7-11-0-0 (26) 3.73
Foal Date: March 21, 2009.
A full brother to Pyro.
$175,000 Keeneland September 2010.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 14, Longview Drive worked four in :48.80 (11/41) at SA.
On Jan. 20, Longview Drive worked five in 1:01.00 (26/73) at SA.
On Jan. 26, Longview Drive worked six in 1:13.20 (4/18) at SA.
Jan. 6 NOTE: “He’s coming into (the Sham) real good,” trainer Hollendorfer said. “We’ll find out, but it looks like a tough race to me. It looks like there’s some speed in there, so we’ll see. I think anybody that’s running would have to lay a little bit close.” Longview Drive adds blinkers. “We think he worked better in blinkers,” Hollendorfer said, “so that’s why we put them on. We’re not putting on semis, we’re just putting some little French cups on him.”
Jan. 7, Grade III Sham Stakes, Santa Anita, One Mile. Longview Drive ran very well on the lead under Joel Rosario, but he couldn't quite hang on for the win. He went the first six furlongs in 1:09.78. Out of Bounds bided his time in third while saving ground down the back and on the second turn, then pounced in the stretch to overcome 1-2 favorite Secret Circle just as he was passing 14-1 shot Longview Drive. On a fast Santa Anita track, the time was 1:34.56. Gomez timed his ride well, winning by a half-length. In turn, Secret Circle was a half-length in front of Longview Drive. Handsome Mike was another 4 3/4 lengths back in fourth. Second choice Hierro (2-1) tired to fun fifth of five, beaten seven lengths.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
After breaking his maiden at Pleasonton in his second start, Longview Drive won the six-furlong Cavonnier Juvenile at Santa Rosa in mid-August. The Charlie Palmer was his next start and first going a distance of ground.
Oct. 16, Charlie Palmer Futurity, Fresno Fair, 1 1/16 Mile. Longview Drive, favored at 4-5 odds, won the race. Under Russell Baze, Longview Drive laid in second early, attending the pace set by 35-1 Gael Mania, went three wide on the turn, and bid for the win in the stretch. After being bumped in upper stretch by a drifting-in Marshal Marini, who had rolled up from fifth position, Longview Drive regrouped and won by 1 1/4 length.
Nov. 19, Grade III Delta Downs Jackpot, Delta Downs, 1 1/16 Mile. On a day/evening when speed was king at Delta Downs, Sabercat, after dwelling in last place behind a fast pace, came off the far turn to sweep to a four-length victory over Basmati. Longview Drive made a nice late run himself to get third, beaten 6 1/2 lengths, after also running in last place at the first and third calls. The winner was timed in 1:46.62. Longview Drive earned $90,000 graded money at 6-1 odds.
The chart call for Longview Drive: "Longview Drive was unhurried early, then rallied heading into the far turn, was five wide in the middle of the far turn making a bid but was no menace in the end."
“It’s a bull ring,” trainer assistant Dan Ward said later on. “You can’t expect to start the race in eighth place and pass the whole field in a short stretch. What surprised me was that he was back so far, because he’s been up close in his other races. He ran good, considering.”
Dec. 27 NOTE: “He’s kind of a lazy work horse,” said trainer Hollendorfer assistant Dan Ward.
Dec. 27 NOTE: “We wanted to keep him on dirt. That’s why he’s here,” said trainer Hollendorfer.
LUCKY CHAPPY (IRE)
Trainer: Graham Motion
Owner: Team Valor International
Breeder: Allevamento Gialloblu S R L
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): High Chapparal (IRE) (Sadler's Wells, Kasora (IRE))
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Germane (GB) (Distant Relative (IRE), Fraulein Tobin)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-2-8-4-1 (22) 1.44
Foal Date: April 5, 2009
$21,310 SGA September 2010.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 26 NOTE: Nominated to the U.A.E. Derby; stable mate Howe Great was not nominated.
Jan. 21, Kitten's Joy Stakes, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/16 Mile (T). Lucky Chappy, who dawdled at the start as usual, made up ground to get the place. Howe Great led the whole way in a one-two stable finish for trainer Motion and owner Team Valor. Howe Great was the higher odds horse of the two. It was a 2 1/2-length triumph. Seven ran. The time was 1:40.42 on the Gulfstream Park turf. The first six furlongs went in 1:11.17.
Howe Great was sent right to the lead by Edgar Prado as Lucky Chappy settled far off the pace under Javier Castellano. Howe Great led the seven-horse field along the backstretch without pressure until meeting a challenge by Cozzetti and Empire Builder while approaching the far turn. He fought them off into the stretch and sprinted away to open up a 1 1/2-length advantage at the furlong marker. Lucky Chappy made a late run to overtake Empire Builder by three quarters of a length for second money.
Graham Motion: “I knew Lucky Chappy would be up against it, as he always breaks a step slow. It’s possible we’ll consider one of them to go to Dubai (for the UAE Derby). We’ll also look at the Palm Beach here later in the meet. We haven’t ruled out anything for either of them at this point.” Motion said that included dirt racing.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Lucky Chappy's first three races came in Italy, then he was sent to the U. S.
After breaking his maiden second time out, he was a three-length winner of the Premio Giuseppe De Montel in Italy going 7 1/2 furlongs; was third in the 1 1/16-mile, Grade III Bourbon Stakes; and was a six-wide fourth in the 1 1/16-mile, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf.
He showed a propensity to break poorly from the gate, costing himself position; yet, he always worked hard to make up lost ground.
MOTOR CITY (KY)
Trainer: Ian Wilkes
Owner: Lantern Hill Farm LLC
Breeder: Lantern Hill Farm LLC
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Street Sense (Street Cry (IRE), Bedazzle)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Shawgatny (Danzig Connection, Star Empress)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-3-8-0-0 (16) 3.00
Foal Date:Jan. 27, 2009
$65,000 RNA Keeneland September 2010.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 1 NOTE: Trainer Wilkes told DRF.com that Motor City got a break after the Iroquois and had recently begun training again. “I haven’t planned on anything for him yet, but he should be ready sometime around the end of February," Wilkes said.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
After breaking his maiden in his second start, that one coming at Ellis Park in August, Motor City was tried in the Grade III Arlington-Washington Futurity and the Grade I Dixiana Breeders' Futurity. He finished third, beaten 3 1/2 lengths in the former, but he was eighth, beaten 9 1/4 lengths in the latter.
Oct. 30, Grade III Iroquois Stakes, Churchill Downs, One Mile. Under Calvin Borel, Motor City saved ground while seventh of seven, then got through in the stretch to prevail by almost a length. He was timed in 1:37.18 in the one-turn race. Motor City was 3-1.
Seven Lively Sins was second at 9-5; favored Mr. Bowling (7-5) was third, beaten 4 1/2 lengths.
Nov. 13 NOTE: Calvin Borel's agent says the jockey will ride at Gulfstream Park at the conclusion of Churchill Downs’ Fall Meet. “The main reason we’re going is to ride horses for Ian (Wilkes),” Jerry Hissam said. “He’s got Motor City and several other babies that haven’t started yet. When you get a chance to ride a group of nice horses, you take it.”
Borel has only recorded two victories at Gulfstream Park since 1991. It would be his first stint at Gulfstream Park in three years.
Dec. 31 NOTE: No workouts since the Iroquois.
NAJJAAR (KY)
Trainer: Danny Peitz
Owner: Shadwell Farm LLC
Breeder: Shadwell Farm LLC
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Jazil (Seeking the Gold, Better than Honour)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Hasheema (IRE) (Darshaan (GB), Dance Ahead (GB)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-0-9-1-2 (18) 1.40
Foal Date: Feb. 10, 2009
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 14, Maiden Special Weight, Oaklawn Park, 1 1/16 Mile. An explosive late burst helped Najjaar break his maiden and give connections thoughts of trying the Southwest Stakes. He lagged behind the field early on. He raced greenl through the stretch. Channing Hill was able to straighten him out, and he surged past the leaders at the wire.
Danny Peitz: “He looks like the type that can run all day. I was just hoping he wouldn’t make it so difficult on himself and come from so far behind. We hoped he’d get into the competition a little sooner, but it didn’t work out that way. But no matter what, a win is a win.
“He’s a homebred and he’s by a sire that they stand. You always like to get wins like that. You always hope you can get one to run well enough to think about races like the Southwest. After this, I think we can go ahead and entertain those thoughts.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Najjaar has a high stride, which was the reason trainer Peitz started the colt out on turf at Arlington Park. That was in September. After a dull debut, he closed well to finish second. He employed late-running tactics again when sent over Polytrack at Keeneland and finished an even closer second, but the high knee action was still there. He did the same thing when he finished third, again coming from last, in a dirt race at Churchill Downs in his final start of the year.
“He’s always had that knee action, so I thought maybe he would be better on grass,” said trainer Peitz on Jan. 14, looking back on the previous year. “We tried grass. It was there on the ‘Poly,’ and I just figured out that’s just the way he runs. He’s still green and he was ducking out today, so we still have some work to do.”
NECK 'N NECK (KY)
Trainer: Ian Wilkes
Owner: A. Stevens Miles, Jr.
Breeder: A. Stevens Miles, Jr.
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Flower Alley (Distorted Humor, Princess Olivia)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Bootery (Storm Boot, Magic Way)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-2-7-1-0 (14) 2.11
Foal Date: Feb. 8, 2009
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 17, Neck 'n Neck breezed four in :48.00 (3/25) at PMM.
On Jan. 23, Neck 'n Neck breezed five in 1:03.00 (6/10) at PMM.
Jan. 24 NOTE: Neck 'N Neck is being pointed to the Grade III Sam F. Davis on Feb. 4.
Jan. 7, Entry Level Allowance, Gulfstream Park, One Mile. Discreet Dancer drew clear to score by 5 1/2 lengths under Javier Castellano. He took command early from the far outside post 9 coming out of the chute and easily shook off a couple of challenges in the upper stretch. Later on, Neck ‘n Neck, at 13-1 from post 1 with Jose Lezcano up, rallied for second, 2 1/2 lengths ahead of 42-to-1 longshot Two Is to Many in third. The winner was timed in 1:36:32.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Neck 'n Neck finished off the board in his first two starts going one turn at Churchill Downs and Keeneland, then was off the board in fourth going 1 1/16 mile at Churchill Downs on Nov. 3 on a sloppy track, then won at the same distance at the same track on a strip rated fast on Nov. 26. He was timed in the latter race in 1:45.14.
NIGHT TIDE (KY)
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Peachtree Stable
Breeder: Anthony M. Warrender, Diane M. Curry, Nina Hahn & Michael T. Barnet
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Malibu Moon (A.P. Indy, Macoumba)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Yo Ali (Quiet American, Tackalac)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 8-9-13-0-0 (30) 3.62
Foal Date: March 19, 2009
$150,000 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky 2010.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 4, Night Tide worked four in :49.60 (19/25) at SA.
On Jan. 11, Night Tide worked five in 1:01.80 (22/28) at SA.
On Jan. 17, Night Tide worked five in :59.80 (6/29) at SA.
On Jan. 26, Night Tide worked five in 1:00.20 (15/40) at SA.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Night Tide won his debut at Hollywood Park in June, then finished third to Majestic City in the Grade III Hollywood Juvenile Championship. That sent him on to Grade II Best Pal, but something went wrong with him--he finished fifth, beaten 10 1/4 lengths--and he was out of action for several months.
On Dec. 11, Night Tide worked three in :37.60 (24/37) at SA.
On Dec. 17, Night Tide worked four in :50.20 (53/57) at SA.
On Dec. 23, Night Tide worked four in :49.20 (16/33) at SA.
On Dec. 29, Night Tide worked four in :48.60 (18/43) at SA.
OUT OF BOUNDS (KY)
Trainer: Eion Harty
Owner: Darley Stable
Breeder: Darley
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Discreet Cat (Forestry, Pretty Discreet)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Unbridled Elaine (Unbridled's Song, Carol's Folly)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-7-4-0-0 (14) 6.00
Foal Date: April 10, 2009
Note the high dosage index.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 16, Out Of Bounds worked three in :37.20 (9/21) at HOL.
On Jan. 23, Out Of Bounds worked four in :48.40 (2/19) at HOL.
Jan. 7, Grade III Sham Stakes, Santa Anita, One Mile. At 10-1 odds under Garrett Gomez, Out of Bounds bided his time in third while saving ground down the back and on the second turn, then pounced in the stretch to overcome 1-2 favorite Secret Circle just as he was passing pacesetting 14-1 shot Longview Drive, who went the first six furlongs in 1:09.78. On a fast Santa Anita track, the time was 1:34.56. Gomez timed his ride well, winning by a half-length. In turn, Secret Circle was a half-length in front of Longview Drive. Handsome Mike was another 4 3/4 lengths back in fourth. Second choice Hierro (2-1) tired to fun fifth of five, beaten seven lengths.
Garrett Gomez: “My horse jumped away really well and traveled really good. I was able to cover up behind a couple horses. He did everything really professional for a horse that’s only run a couple of times. I was excited by his last couple races. He’s such a good-sized colt, and I thought the two turns would really help him because he’s such a long-striding horse. It’s just a matter of getting him to understand how to do it the right way.
"I think he’s got enough ability to do it. He showed us all today. He traveled really well, did things the right way, and finished up well. When I first came off the turn, I thought I was going to run right by the favorite, but this horse is just young enough to where he doesn’t quite understand everything about the game yet. I had to spank him a couple times to let him understand what I was wanting from him, and when I got into him a little bit he progressed and went forward.”
Eion Harty: “He looked like he had plenty of horse under him at every stage of the way. I was pretty sure Bob thought he was in the garden spot, too. He (Secret Circle) wasn’t on the lead, but he was going easy.
“He’s a very big horse, but he’s a gentle giant. He’s come around mentally as well as physically, and sometimes it takes a while for both to catch up. Lucky this horse has the mental attributes as well as the physical attributes.
“I really didn’t know what to say to Garrett. I kind of left it in his hands. I felt sure that Bob’s horse would be on the lead simply because of his style of running and the way he’d been working. I just told Garrett, ‘Don’t do the grunt work for everybody else. If Baffert’s on the lead, think of the big picture. There are lots of battles but only one war.’
“I felt very confident in the middle of the turn. I looked up, and Garrett still had plenty of horse. I felt confident during the course of the stretch he was going to run them down.”
Jan. 8 NOTE: Trainer Harty said Out of Bounds likely will make his next start in the 1 1/16-mile, Grade II San Felipe on March 10. “He came out of the race well and everything looks good right now,” Harty said.
Jan. 8 NOTE: Santa Anita's website says professional gambler Jimmy "The Hat" Allard touted Out of Bounds as “the best-looking horse I’ve ever seen” when he caught a glimpse of him before his maiden win at Hollywood Park on Dec. 10.
Jan. 14 NOTE: Trainer Harty said Out of Bounds is doing well as he prepares for the Grade II San Felipe Stakes on March 10. The trainer hopes to have Garrett Gomez back--he underwent surgery for a broken left heel on Jan. 12, projected to be out four to six weeks.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
He had two starts and won one of them--his second start--going seven furlongs at Hollywood Park in December. The time for that win was 1:23.17.
PROSPECTIVE (KY)
Trainer: Mark Casse
Owner: John C. Oxley
Breeder: Spendthrift Farm LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Malibu Moon (A.P. Indy, Macoumba)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Spirited Away (Awesome Again (CAN), Cape North)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 8-5-11-0-0 (24) 3.36
Foal Date: Feb. 22, 2009
$250,000 Fasig-Tipton August 2010
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 14, Pasco Stakes, Tampa Bay Downs, Seven Furlongs. Prospective came back from a dismal Breeders' Cup experience to win this race. Ninth of 10 in the early running, he got up to win by 1/2 length and was timed in 1:23.88. The time was .21 seconds off the stakes record. Prospective endured some early bumping out of the gate, but trainer Casse and Luis Contreras said it was no problem since he does his best running late.
Mark Casse: The trainer said the Sam F. Davis Stakes on Feb. 4 could be next. “(Tthe Juvenile) disappointed me. Whenever you see a race like that. … but, I have a little more faith after today. He did get bothered a little bit, but I wasn’t expecting him to be close, anyway. So it kind of worked out fine. I thought coming off his route races he wouldn’t be able to keep up early, and he didn’t. I thought it might be déjà vu after the Gasparilla when (Wildcat Creek) was ahead of him, but my horse is bred to run on.”
Luis Contreras: “He broke very well and settled down nicely. In the turn, I asked him to close on the leaders, and he closed very quickly and just swept by them. I really like this horse. The Breeders’ Cup was really disappointing, but I’d like to get back to Churchill with him again.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
He ran on turf first time out and finished second after a four-wide rally. Prospective broke his maiden second time out with a pressing trip going seven furlongs on Woodbine's main track on Aug. 27. Patrick Husbands rode him each time.
Oct. 9, Grade III Grey Stakes, Woodbine, 1 1/16 Mile. Prospective won the race after running prominently throughout. He was a close fourth or fifth, then third heading out of the first turn and third or fourth down the backstretch. He took the lead just past the furlong marker. Prospecitve finished two lengths ahead of his nearest competition, Lockout. After trailing most of the field of eight most of the way, Bluedacious finished very willingly to get up for third, just behind Lockout and just ahead of race-time favorite Excaper.
The colt earned $120,000 by winning the $200,000 Grey on the main track, timed in 1:44 2/5. At 8-1, Prospective paid $18.50 to win. Trainer Casse trained all three of the top finishers.
Oct. 25 NOTE: Looks like he'll go in the Juvenile.
Nov. 5, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Churchill Downs, 1 1/16 Mile. Something had to finish last, and in this case it was Prospective. After a slow start, he regressed to the rear of the field. Thirteen ran. His odds were 41-1, and he was ridden by Luis Contreras.
RECKLESS JERRY (KY)
Trainer: Kenny Smith
Owner: Dream Walkin Farms, Inc (Toby Keith) & Lanita Davis
Breeder: Dream Walkin' Farms, Inc. & Lanita Davis
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Cactus Ridge (Hennessy, Double Park (FR))
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Miss Moneywise (Crafty Prospector, Berry Berry Good)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-1-7-2-0 (16) 1.91
Foal Date: Jan. 29, 2009
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 14 NOTE: “He's training really good and seems to be getting a little better all the time like your’re supposed to see,” said trainer Smith. “He really doesn't do much of anything wrong at this point. He has his mind on racing and training. He's really pretty professional for as young as he is. He's looking like the farther he runs the better he's going to get.”
Jan. 16, Smarty Jones Stakes, Oaklawn Park, One Mile. After a very wide trip on both turns while seventh of 12 early on, Reckless Jerry was able to contend and lost by only a neck. The winner, Junebugred, got home in 1:38.45. Early fractions were moderate.
Junebugred found himself in fourth and fitth position the first six furlongs. Then he started moving inside of horses, contended for the lead leaving the turn and battled with four others at the furlong marker, including Reckless Jerry. The filly On Fire Baby was a length back in third, and Jake Mo was another half back in fourth.
The chart call: "Reckless Jerry broke well, five wide in the first turn, continued on the outside, five wide again the second turn, lost some ground to the winner who was getting through inside as a result, set down when straightened for home and finished up willingly to be slowly getting to that same foe late."
Kenny Smith: “We just wanted to try and make the race fair. We got outrun by a great horse. It was good seeing him keep on running. That 1 1/16th miles isn't going to hurt him. I’m pleased with the way he ran today."
Shane Laviolette: “When you’re in the twelve hole like that, it’s easy to get stuck. We were just stuck six wide the whole way, and you can lose ground like that. Junebugred snuck through on us. We ran real well. He picked up horses nice, and at one point, I thought he’d win. I look forward to the next ride.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Reckless Jerry was on the board all five of his starts, with a 2-1-2 record, and that included a second to Ted's Folly in the Springboard Mile in December. He broke his maiden in his third start on a sloppy track at Remington going 6 1/2 furlongs. Next time out, he stretched out to a mile and won by 4 1/4 lengths at the same track.
REVERON (KY)
Trainer: Agustin Bezara
Owner: Stipa Racing Stable, Inc. (Walter Stipa)
Breeder: Cabotaba Partnership
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Songandaprayer (Unbridled's Song, Alizea)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Carolina Sunrise (Awesome Again (CAN), Stylish Star)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-5-8-0-0 (16) 3.00
Foal Date: March 5, 2009
$20,000 Keeneland September 2010.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 1, Gulfstream Park Derby, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/16 Mile. Reveron scored an 8-1 upset win, the first stakes win for the Calder-based horse, defeating 10 others. Reveron pressed the early pace before taking the lead. He held off second betting choice Casual Trick in the stretch to prevail by a half-length. Reveron is one of five horses in his trainer's care. He is said to be a 10-time training champion in his native Venezuela.
Reveron attended the pace set by 29-1 shot Nachas and Joy on the first turn and along the backstretch. Fernando Jara sent Reveron to the lead on the far turn. He was quickly challenged by Casual Trick, ridden by John Velazquez. Reveron was under pressure through the stretch. His time was 1:44.74.
Casual Trick finished 5 1/2 lengths clear of King Kid, who raced along the inside behind the pacesetter into the stretch under Corey Lanerie. Nachas and Joy faded to fourth, another 3 1/2 lengths back. Ancient Rome, a lukewarm 3-1 favorite, was never a factor during a tenth-place finish.
Agustin Bezara: “We think this he is the best 3-year-old in Florida right now. This is my first stakes win in the U.S. and the biggest day I’ve had since I came here (from Venezuela) two years ago. We’ll see how he comes out of it. He goes the distance. We’ll consider the options.”
Fernando Jara: “I had to ask him a little bit in the first part of the race because the first turn comes up so fast. After that we were in good position, and my horse really performed well. He dug in and wouldn’t let the other horse by.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Reveron raced four times, all at Calder, winning twice--both times at seven furlongs. He was timed in 1:24.82 and 1:25.04. Both wins were stalking trips, and Reveron prevailed by a total 8 1/4 lengths in the pair of races. He was second in his debut and a barely-beaten third in his second outing, which came on a sloppy track.
RIGHT TO VOTE (KY)
Trainer: Eoin Harty
Owner: Casner Racing, LP & Sam B. Pollock
Breeder: Gulf Coast Farms LLC & Pollock Farms
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Political Force (Unbridled's Song, Glitter Woman)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): What A Knight (Rough Knight, Run Tara Run)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-5-3-0-0 (10) 5.67
Foal Date: Feb. 23, 2009
$20,000 OBS 2-Year-Olds in Training 2011.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 1, Right To Vote breezed three in :37.00 (3/8) at PMM.
On Jan. 10, Right To Vote breezed four in :52.00 (31/31) at PMM.
Jan. 25 NOTE: Looking for a workout.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Three starts with a win, a place and a show. The win came his second time out at Belmont Park on Sept. 17--a front-running, six-furlong effort timed in 1:10.61. The show came next, in the one-mile Champagne Stakes on Oct. 8 won by Union Rags, who defeated Right to Vote by 5 1/2 lengths.
On Oct. 18, Right to Vote breezed four in :48.80 (8/20) at KEE.
On Oct. 24, Right to Vote worked five in :58.80 (3/14) at KEE.
Dec. 31 NOTE: No recorded workouts the rest of 2011.
RUSSIAN GREEK (KY)
Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Owner: Olympia Star, Inc.
Breeder: Overbrook Farm
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Giant's Causeway (Storm Cat, Mariah's Storm)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Sand Dollar (Grindstone, Train Robbery)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-4-26-0-0 (36) 1.77
Foal Date: Jan. 23, 2009
$100,000 Keeneland November 2009.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 21, Russian Greek worked four in :50.20 (23/31) at GG.
Jan. 14, California Derby, Golden Gate Fields, 1 1/16 Mile. Russian Greek won at Golden Gate again versus open competition. Coming from last of seven, he was one length the better of 29-1 shot Cahill Chrome at the wire. Aaron Gryder handled the reins. Russian Greek was timed in 1:45.07. He was the 8-5 favorite.
Jerry Hollendorfer: “I think this horse is developing into a pretty nice colt. He had little things that bothered him after his first race, so I gave him some time off. I never really thought of him as a sprinter anyway, and I think he has proved that out. This horse will run in the El Camino Real Derby (Feb. 18) for sure.
Aaron Gryder: “Being by Giant’s Causeway, more distance certainly isn’t going to hurt him. At the five-eighths pole, he was on a beautiful stride, and I felt good. He eased up to them, and when I got him in the clear at the top of the stretch, he extended. I was confident he’d get there because it felt like he was getting stronger and stronger.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
A winner of two out of three races, Russian Greek saved his best for last in 2011.
Dec. 10, Gold Rush Stakes, Golden Gate Fields, One Mile. After racing last, we are talking 12 lengths off the pace here, Russian Greek started making progress and hugged the rail down the stretch under Inoel Beato. Still five lengths behind with a furlong left, Russian Greek got up over Marshall Marini to win by a neck. The time was 1:39.18.
SECRET CIRCLE (KY)
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Mike Pegram, Karl Watson & Paul Weitman
Breeder: Willmott Stables
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Eddington (Unbridled, Fashion Star)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Ragtime Hope (Dixieland Band, Good 'n Smart)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-10-9-2-2 (30) 2.53
Foal Date: April 13, 2009
17,000 RNA Keeneland September 2010.
$165,000 OBS Two-Year-Olds in Training 2011.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 19, Secret Circle worked five in :59.40 (3/32) at SA.
Jan. 19 NOTE: Secret Circle worked in company with maiden Red Ace. Red Ace went in 1:00.20. “He relaxed really well,” trainer Baffert said. “I worked him in company to try and get him to settle down during a race. I have no plans for him right now, but the San Vicente (Feb. 19) is an option.”
Jan. 7, Grade III Sham Stakes, Santa Anita, One Mile. Secret Circle stalked the leader and ran a winning race--but he didn't win. At 10-1 odds under Garrett Gomez, Out of Bounds bided his time in third while saving ground down the back and on the second turn, then pounced in the stretch to overcome 1-2 favorite Secret Circle just as he was passing pacesetting 14-1 shot Longview Drive, who went the first six furlongs in 1:09.78. On a fast Santa Anita track, the time was 1:34.56. Gomez timed his ride well, winning by a half-length. In turn, Secret Circle was a half-length in front of Longview Drive. Handsome Mike was another 4 3/4 lengths back in fourth. Second choice Hierro (2-1) tired to fun fifth of five, beaten seven lengths.
Rafael Bejarano: “I felt like I had a lot of horse at the three-eighths pole, so I just let him go little by little. I switched leads at the top of the stretch, and he showed me a big kick, but at the same time, he started looking at the horse on the rail (Longview Drive). My horse tried to stay close to him, and that’s why he lugged in. That’s when I started hitting him. He passed the inside horse but wasn’t paying attention to the outside horse (Out of Bounds).”
Bob Baffert: “He just got beat. He didn’t shut it down. He wasn’t exhausted when he came back, so it was a good experience for him. It was the first time he was able to rate off of horses. I think he got a lot out of it.” Asked what race might be next: “Oh, I don’t know. We’ll take some time to decide.”
Jan. 8 NOTE: Trainer Baffert said Secret Circle “looks good” today. “They ran pretty fast. He didn’t accomplish a lot, but he ran good. He just got beat. He did all the dirty work. I’m not ruling out two turns for his next race, but we’ll see how much this takes out of him.” No possible next-race scenarios were mentioned.
Jan. 6 NOTE: "The Sham at one mile now is a good spot for horses whose potential for longer distances you’re not certain of,” trainer Baffert said. Blinkers off for Secret Circle in the Sham.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Secret Circle won his debut at Delmar on July 23; he was timed in 1:03.40 for 5 1/2 furlongs. Not bad
Oct. 10, Jack Goodman Stakes, Santa Anita, Six Furlongs. Secret Circle's people thought he'd be on the lead, but Rafael Bejarano improvised and took back a couple of lengths. From there, Secret Circle reeled in a couple of horses and was ridden out to the wire in 1:08.27.
The chart call: "Secret Circle had speed between foes then stalked a bit off the rail, came out three deep into the stretch, gained the lead in upper stretch, inched away, was ridden along to widen past the furlong marker while drifting in and was under a long hold late."
Rafael Bejarano: “I thought I was going to be the speed of the race, and that number five (Sweet Swamp) was going to follow. When my horse broke, I tried to stay in the lead but I saw the number five keep rushing his horse, so I didn’t try to work my horse too hard. I just let him settle and put him behind, waiting for the stretch.
"I had a perfect position after that. When I came to the stretch, I was clear and he just took off. It was unbelievable, he ran better than the last time. I didn’t use the whip, I just galloped and cruised. He was different today. He felt much better on the dirt. He took a little dirt in the face, but he was fine and just kept running. He’s going to be even better next time.”
Bob Baffert: “He sort of surprised me that he ran that fast. I gave him a little time off, freshened him up, so this should set him up for the new Breeders’ Cup Sprint race. That’s what our goal is . . . If all’s well, it’s on to Churchill. He’s never been behind like that. Those two horses took off like that, though and I hoped (Bejarano) didn’t get involved. He was smart enough to get off of there, so that was good. He looked good. That’s a fast horse. I’m sort of half-shocked, the way he ran. He doesn’t show that in the mornings. It’s amazing.”
Oct. 10 NOTE: Being pointed to the Juvenile Sprint.
Oct. 15 NOTE: Secret Circle is being considered for a stretchout in the Juvenile. Is there concern about trying Secret Circle around two turns for the first time in the Juvenile? “Not with him,” Baffert told DRF.com.
Nov. 4, Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint, Churchill Downs, Six Furlongs. Secret Circle was sent off at 2-5 odds, and he did it, timed in 1:10.52. Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, Secret Circle was on the lead soon after the first call. His win wasn't without drama--he won by a length over Euro-import Shumoos. After the top two, the field was strung out, led by 5 1/2-length loser Holdin Bullets. Secret Circle stalked Trinniberg the first quarter-mile in :20.96, then led after a half in :44.55.
Bob Baffert: “After I saw those fractions, I thought, ‘Oh boy,’ but he was doing it easy. He’s just a very gifted horse, he has unbelievable speed. I feel good about it because he came off the plane and won here. I was a little worried about him coming down the lane, he kind of lost focus, but he’s just young. We’re one-for-one now. The pressure’s on. I thought going in that if he didn’t run well, I might be in for a bad weekend.”
Rafael Bejarano: “I put him in the race. We were going fast, but he was relaxed to the outside. I waited until the stretch to let him go, and when I did, he showed me a big kick. He wasn't comfortable on the track. That's why he was lugging out a little, you know. I was a little concerned about how fast we were going, but I knew I had to be close today. I was going to put him in the race, and see what happened. He acted like he was much the best in the race, and he proved that. The rail is really good, but the middle of the track is getting better. I think he'll be able to go two turns. This horse is getting experience and learning. When you send him, he can go really fast, but he can come from behind, too.”
Dec. 29 NOTE: Secret Circle is scheduled to start in the Sham Stakes on Jan. 7, trainer Baffert said.
SHARED PROPERTY (KY)
Trainer: Tom Amoss
Owner: Jerry Namy
Breeder: Mr. and Mrs. John Williams
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Scat Daddy (Johannesburg, Love Style)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Yoursmineours (Belong to Me, Polly Adler)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-2-8-1-0 (16) 2.20
Foal Date: March 7, 2009
$12,000 RNA Keeneland September 2010.
$90,000 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training 2011.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 15 NOTE: “I’ve always liked him,” trainer Amoss said. “I had enough confidence in him last summer that I told Leandro Goncalves to take him back at the start even before he broke his maiden at Ellis Park, and I never give instructions like that to a jockey.
“However, he’s training really well now. He still has not won going two turns, and that’s one of the things we’re anxiously looking for at this time. The Lecomte should be a good starting point for us, but the screws may not be completely tight just yet on this horse. I expect him to run very well, but we’re also thinking about the rest of the year.”
Jan. 21, Grade III Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, One Mile 70 Yards. Shared Property closed from eighth after breaking from outside post 13 to get third, beaten a half-length. He was wide all the way. Mr. Bowling rallied from just behind the early leaders to gain the advantage in upper stretch. He was up by a length at the furlong marker and withstood a late bid by Z Dager to win by a head. Dan and Sheila, who lagged far back on the backstretch, was fourth, beaten 3 1/4 lengths. The winning time was 1:43.49. The top four finishers were the four lowest odds in the field of 13.
The chart call: "Shared Property went four wide on the first turn, settled in the middle of the field, bided his time while three to four wide on the far turn, shifted six wide into the stretch, rallied on the outside, loomed a threat into the final furlong and finished willingly but missed."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Shared Property broke his maiden debuting at Ellis Park in July and was trained up to the Arlington-Washington Futurity.
Sept. 10, Grade III Arlington-Washington Futurity, Arlington Park, One Mile. The son of Scat Daddy made a late rally in the center of the track to catch Take Charge Indy and win by a length, covering the distance in 1:37.93.
There was a fast pace up front with 45-1 outsider Ville and 99-1 shot Fairy Cat vying though a :22.88 opening quarter, :46.36 alf and three-quarter split of 1:11.50 before they both faded turning for home. Take Charge Indy, the 2-1 favorite, assumed the lead in the stretch but was unable to hold off the 3-1 winner. Motor City closed from far back to get up for third. Thirteen ran.
Leandro Goncalves: "I had a lot of confidence in this horse. He's been training great. Tom brought him into the race in very good form. He showed me he's the kind of horse who will do whatever you want to win, and that's the kind of horse you need to win races like this."
Oct. 8, Grade I Dixiana Breeders' Futurity, Keeneland, 1 1/16 Mile. Shared Property was tenth, then eleventh, then still tenth after six furlongs. He showed some interest to finish sixth, beaten 4 3/4 lengths by Dullahan, who was timed in 1:43.12.
Oct. 19 NOTE: Shared Property will bypass Breeders' Cup, trainer Amoss said Oct. 18.
SOUPER SPEEDY (FL)
Trainer: Tom Albertrani
Owner: Live Oak Plantation
Breeder: Live Oak Stud
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Indian Charlie (In Excess (IRE), Soviet Sojourn)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Speed Succeeds (Gone West, Daijin)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-2-6-0-0 (12) 3.00
Foal Date: May 5, 2009
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 21, Souper Speed breezed three in :39.80 (7/7) at PMM.
On Jan. 26, Souper Speedy breezed three in :37.20 (3/6) at PMM.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Souper Speedy won his debut, a seven-furlong race on a muddy Belmont Park track. He was timed in 1:23.87 after leading at all calls in :22.38 and :45.25. He was rated inside by Jose Lezcano.
Nov. 23 NOTE: “Hopefully he got a little education out of his first race,” trainer Albertrani said. “I wasn’t expecting to see him run as well. I thought he was a talented horse, but I also thought he was going to need a race to kind of figure things out. He learned real quick. He’s been training well, and I’m expecting to see another good effort out of him.”
Nov. 26, Grade II Remsen Stakes, Aqueduct, 1 1/8 Mile. O’Prado Again was content to track Souper Speedy and Our Entourage as they dueled through an opening quarter of :24.38, a half in :49.97--and six furlongs in 1:15 and change. O'Prado Again took command inside the eighth pole and prevailed over Souper Speed by three parts of a length, with El Padrino a head back in third, another head to Done Talking and a length to Our Entourage. The winner ran in 1:52.07.
SPRING HILL FARM (VA)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: George Bolton
Breeder: Edward P. Evans
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Smart Strike (CAN) (Mr. Prospector, Classy 'n Smart (CAN))
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Colonial Minstrel (Pleasant Colony, Minstrella)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 9-18-21-0-2 (50) 3.00
Foal Date: May 12, 2009
$60,000 Keeneland November 2011, the Edward Evans Estate dispersal.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 14, Maiden Special Weight, Gulfstream Park, Seven Furlongs. Spring Hill Farm debuted with a 6 1/4-length win that impressed onlookers. He led at each call and laid down splits of :23.46 and :47.69 before finishing in 1:24.51.. The 3-5 favorite, Spring Hill Farm was ridden by Johnny V.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Unraced.
STAT (KY)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Bortolazzo Stable LLC
Breeder: James Sherman
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Unbridled's Song (Unbridled, Trolley Song)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Di's Time (Gilded Time, Yallah Miss)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 8-9-7-0-2 (26) 3.73
Foal Date: May 9, 2009
$260,000 Keeneland September 2010.
$400,000 Keeneland 2-Year-Olds in Training April 2011.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 2, Stat breezed three in :37.60 (5/6) at PMM.
On Jan. 8, Stat breezed four in :51.00 (44/46) at PMM.
On Jan. 14, Stat breezed four in :49.00 (21/71) at PMM.
On Jan. 20, Stat breezed five in 1:02.20 (9/14) at PMM.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Stat won his debut on July 9 at Belmont Park. Next out, he was sent into the Grade II Saratoga Special, and he finished second to Union Rags, albeit beaten 7 1/4 lengths. Then he was off a long, long time and didn't put in a recorded workout the rest of the year.
STATE OF PLAY (KY)
Trainer: Graham Motion
Owner: Team Valor International
Breeder: Stone Farm & Dell Hancock
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): War Front (Danzig, Starry Dreamer)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Valeta (Procida, Dancing Detente)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-5-16-2-0 (30) 2.00
Foal Date: April 29, 2009
$13,000 Keenleland September 2010.
PEFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 7, State of Play breezed four in :50.00 (33/83) at TAM.
On Jan. 14, State of Play breezed five in 1:03.00 (18/33) at TAM.
On Jan. 21, State Of Play breezed six in 1:14.40 (3/4) at TAM.
Jan. 20 NOTE: This note is interesting. It came out of Gulfstream Park and mentioned that "although neither Lucky Chappy nor Howe Great, both of whom are in the care of trainer Motion, are expected to follow Animal Kingdom onto the Triple Crown trail", Motion said he'd test the waters with State of Play in the Grade III Sam Davis at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 4. “He’s training at Tampa. We’re going to try him on dirt in the Sam Davis,” Motion said. “We had to find a way to split up these three.”
The next day, Howe Great and Lucky Chappy ran one-two on the grass in the Kitten's Joy at Gulfstream Park, and Motion said he wasn't ruling anything out for those two, including dirt racing.
PEFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
State of Play won his first two starts, both on the turf at Saratoga. After debuting at 5 1/2 furlongs, he won the Grade II With Anticipation Stakes at 1 1/16 mile. He finished a troubled twelfth from the post 14 in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.
On Dec. 31, State of Play breezed four in :49.80 (63/107) at PMM.
STEPHANOATSEE (KY)--Off Derby Trail
Trainer: Graham Motion
Owner: My Meadowview Farms
Breeder: Mike Lauffer & Bill Cubbedge
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): A.P. Indy (Seattle Slew, Weekend Surprise)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Oatsee (Unbridled, With Every Wish)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 10-17-21-0-2 (50) 3.00
Foal Date: April 21, 2009
A half to Shackleford, Lady Joanne, and Baghdaria.
No auction history.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 24 NOTE: Stephanoatsee is off the Derby Trail with an injured pastern bone, trainer Motion said. Stephanoatsee was set to go under the knife Jan. 25 at New Bolton Equine Clinic in Pennsylvania, Motion told DRF.com. Stephanoatsee chipped a piece off the top of the pastern bone in his right foreleg. Dr. Dean Richardson of Barbaro fame believes he'll be able to reattach the piece rather than remove it.
Jan. 7, Count Fleet Stakes, Aqueduct, One Mile 70 Yards. Stephanoatsee finished a good second to Alpha, who was timed in 1:42.83, although Alpha looked more impressive after having to run wide. The winner bested Stephenoatsee by 2 1/2 lengths with a time of 1:42.83. Stephenoatsee was reserved in fifth of seven at the first two calls.
The chart call: "Stephenoatsee bumped lightly with Speightscity as the pair made their way to the opening bend, sat reserved near the two path down the backstretch and for the initial portion of the run around the bend, was set down by the five-sixteenths pole, altered course to the outside in the vicinity of the three-sixteenths pole, came home willingly once straightened away to grab the place."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Stephanoatsee debuted at Laurel and finished second. He won at that same track next time out, and that two-length win going a mile in 1:39.33 was enough that connections decided to take a big step up.
Nov. 26, Grade II Remsen Stakes, Aqueduct, 1 1/8 Mile. Stephanoatsee was seventh, beaten 4 1/4 lengths, by O’Prado Again. He was 5 3/4 lengths off the lead after the initial six furlongs were run in 1:15.05.
Graham Motion: “He wasn’t beaten very far, and the race was a big step up for him,” the trainer Motion said on Jan. 2. “He ran well, and I thought it was an oddly run race. They went slow early, and he had to make up ground in the stretch. I thought it was not that bad of a race from him. He’s a lovely horse, a great big horse, and he’s still coming into his own.”
SUMMER FRONT (KY)
Trainer: Christophe Clement
Owner: Waterford Stable
Breeder: Graceville Breeding
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): War Front (Danzig, Starry Dreamer)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Rose of Summer (El Prado (IRE), Cherokee Crossing)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-8-13-2-0 (26) 2.06
Foal Date: May 4, 2009
$475,000 Keeneland 2-Year-Olds in Training April 2011.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Looking for a workout.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Summer Front begen his career with consecutive wins on the turf in a maiden at Belmont Park and the King Cugat Stakes at Aqueduct.
Dec. 18, Dania Beach Stakes, Gulfstream Park, One Mile (T). Summer Front remained undefeated by besting Finale and Excaper. Despite stumbling badly at the start, Summer Front and Ramon Dominguez settled in wide behind horses and advanced into contention around the far turn. Summer Front ran on strongly in the stretch to defeat 3-2 favorite Finale by 1 1/2 length. It was another neck back to Excaper in third, and a nose to Coalport in fourth.
The winner was timed in 1:35.57.
Dominguez, who shipped in from New York for the mount, had now ridden Summer Front in all three of his starts.
Christophe Clement: “It’s not easy to win a mile race (on turf) here with a wide trip. Now he’s three-for-three. We’ve had some success for Mr. Moore before with In Summation, and we look forward to next year with this one. We didn’t try him on dirt this year, but maybe next year.”
Ramon Dominguez: “He stumbled pretty badly coming out of the gate, and from there I just wanted to make sure I got him to settle in behind horses. The plan was to follow Finale around there, thinking me and him were the two best horses in the race. I was able to get him into the clear around the far turn, and from there he kicked it in really well. He’s just a nice horse.”
SWAG DADDY (NY)
Trainer: Richard E. Dutrow
Owner: Eric Fein
Breeder: Sugar Maple Farm
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Scat Daddy (Johannesburg, Love Style)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Mrs. Filio (Eastern Echo, Mrs. Flagler)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-4-9-1-1 (22) 2.38
Foal Date: May 3, 2009
$72,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga 2010.
$170,000 OBS 2-Year-Olds in Training 2011.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 14, Swag Daddy breezed four in :50.80 (3/14) at AQU.
On Jan. 20, Swag Daddy breezed five in 1:01.20 (4/9) at AQU.
On Jan. 26, Swag Daddy breezed six in 1:13.80 (2/2) at AQU.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
All told, Swag Daddy registered three wins from six starts as a juvenile. Two of those wins were at Aqueduct going a mile and 70 yards. He broke his maiden in his third start.
Dec.4, Damon Runyon Stakes, Aqueduct, One Mile 70 Yards. Swag Daddy emerged from a bunched-up field after being swung four wide to prevail by a surging head over Pretension. Eight ran. The time was 1:43.90. Scat Daddy was favored at 8-5.
Eric Fein, owner: “Big weekend. It was a tough spot for him with the field bunching up. Once he got to the outside, he came on pretty strong. We always knew he was a nice horse. This is our first step. We know how good he is. Maybe we’ll go to Florida with him, or maybe we’ll stay here.”
Junior Alvarado: “He broke a little bit slow, and I just tried to save ground the first part. It was a long race, and I wanted to save ground, but at the same time, I had to go outside because they told me that the horse doesn’t like to be inside too much. By the half-mile pole, everybody was all packed right there, and I had to wait a little bit longer to go back and then make a move. He could have won the race more easily if I’d had a better trip and a better position, but he still ran an unbelievable race.”
Dec. 31, Restrainor Stakes, Aqueduct, One Mile 70 Yards. Swag Daddy won by 4 1/2 lengths, timed in 1:43.87. He led at each call by about a length until being challenged by Disco On around the six-furlong mark--but he repelled that challenge and drew off. Junior Alvarado was up. Swag Daddy was the even-money favorite in a field of seven.
The chart call: "Swag Daddy came out running and established command, showed the way from the inside, with Disco On making his presence felt directly behind in the two path, was let out a notch when that opponent crept up to increase the pressure approaching the five-sixteenths pole, went head to head for the next sixteenth, spun into the lane under a strong drive, shook free during the ensuing furlong, extended the winning margin thereafter, kept under a hard drive."
TAKE CHARGE INDY (KY)
Trainer: Patrick Byrne
Owner: Chuck and Maribeth Sandford LLC & Secure Investments
Breeder: Eaton Sales
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): A.P. Indy (Seattle Slew, Weekend Surprise)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Take Charge Lady (Dehere, Felicita)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-13-19-0-0 (38) 3.00
Foal Date: March 27, 2009
$80,000 RNA Keeneland September 2010.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 26 NOTE: Entered in race 7 at Gulfstream Park on Sunday.
On Jan. 4, Take Charge Indy breezed four in :50.80 (16/19) at PMM.
On Jan. 11, Take Charge Indy breezed five in 1:03.00 (4/9) at PMM.
On Jan. 18, Take Charge Indy breezed six in 1:14.60 (2/4) at PMM.
On Jan. 24, Take Charge Indy breezed five in :59.60 (1/28) at PMM.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
July 30, Maiden Special Weight, Arlington Park, Six Furlongs. Take Charge Indy showed a lot of talent in his debut, winning by 6 1/2 lengths after pressing the pace, then lugging in during his stretch run. He was timed in 1:12.52.
Sept. 10, Grade III Arlington-Washington Futurity, Arlington Park, One Mile. Shared Property made a late rally in the center of the track to catch Take Charge Indy and win by a length, covering the distance in 1:37.93.
There was a fast pace up front with 45-1 outsider Ville and 99-1 shot Fairy Cat vying though a :22.88 opening quarter, :46.36 alf and three-quarter split of 1:11.50 before they both faded turning for home. Take Charge Indy, the 2-1 favorite, assumed the lead in the stretch but was unable to hold off the 3-1 winner. Motor City closed from far back to get up for third. Thirteen ran.
James Graham: "He's still kind of green. Coming down the stretch, he was looking at the outside fence. But he's growing into himself."
Oct. 8, Grade I Dixiana Breeders' Futurity, Keeneland, 1 1/16 Mile. Take Charge Indy was fourth after running evenly in or close to that positon throughout the race. Dullahan, a four-race maiden, won the race.
At 17-1 odds off a 15-1 morning line, Dullahan came from ninth after a half-mile--and fourth with a furlong to go--to run down the win. Majestic City, who stalked the pace before taking the lead inhe far turn, hung on for second. Optimizer closed from twelfth of the 13 runners to take third.
Musical Flair led the field of 13 through early fractions in :22.67 and :46.15 with Majestic City in closest pursuit and Dullahan in mid-pack. Majestic City took command leaving the backstretch and opened a daylight lead entering the stretch. Kent Desormeaux had moved Dullahan into fourth place with a three-wide move and clear sailing at the leader that he passed in the final 50 yards.
Dullahan was timed in 1:43.12 for the 1 1/16 mile. The time was identical to that of Stephanie's Kitten, winner of the Grade I Alcibiades the day before.
Nov. 5, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Churchill Downs, 1 1/16 Mile. Take Charge Indy was sent off at 25-1 odds and finished fifth, beaten 6 1/4 lengths. After being positioned seventh at the first call--he had been steadied--he ran evenly in fifth and fourth thereafter before losing ground in the stretch. At 7-1, Hansen led at each call and won, holding off a determined, even-money Union Rags by a head. At almost 6-1, Creative Cause was third, beaten only a length. Behind Creative Cause, it was another five lengths back to Dullahan, beaten six lengths for all of it. Take Charge Indy earned $60,000.
Hansen's fractions were :23.26, :47.39, 1:12.24 and 1:37.61 before finishing in 1:44.44, so the final 5/16 mile went in :32.20. He was free-wheeling by 1 1/2 to two lengths the first six furlongs.
TETRADRACHM (KY)
Trainer: Paul McGee
Owner: Amerman Racing Stables LLC
Breeder: Mrs. Jerry Amerman
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Badge of Silver (Silver Deputy, Silverloo)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Igraine (Cherokee Run, Sweet Sondra)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-0-4-0-0 (6) 2.00
Foal Date: April 24, 2009
The tetradrachm was an ancient Greek silver coin that was in wide circulation from 510 to 38 B.C. Its use as a currency spread with the armies of Alexander the Great.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 6, Maiden Special Weight, Fair Grounds, 1 1/16 Mile. Tetradrachm, always well placed, gained the advantage in mid-stretch and withstood a late challenge from Proper Empire to score a neck victory. Money Only and Speargun alternated for the early lead with splits of :24.36 and :48.89 but tired in the lane. Proper Empire, unhurried early, launched a belated bid to gain the place. Tetradrachm was 13-1. He got the distance in 1:45.76 with his first victory in four lifetime starts.
Jan. 8 NOTE: “He’s been a nice horse for me since I got him, and I really expected him to run well the other night,” said McGee. “He really had a lot of trouble in his first three races (as a 2-year-old in Kentucky). The comments only show him racing wide, but he had a lot more trouble than wide trips. At least I thought he did. I thought his races up there were a lot better than they showed on paper.
"Right now, we’re hopeful he’s going to be the kind of horse that will compete at that level for us. I was very pleased with the way he ran the other night.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Troubled trips led to two finishes off the board and one third-place finish that came going a mile at Churchill Downs in early November.
THUNDER MOCCASIN (KY)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Starlight Racing
Breeder: Stonewall Farm Stallions LLC
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): A.P. Warrior (A.P. Indy, Warrior Queen)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): One Stormy Mama (Storm Cat, Wicked Mama)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-7-12-1-0 (24) 2.43
Foal Date: March 25, 2009
$35,000 Keeneland November 2009.
$95,000 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July 2010.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 22, Thunder Moccasin breezed four in :49.60 (24/38) at PMM.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Dec. 24, Maiden Special Weight, Gulfstream Park, 6 1/2 Furlongs. It was a front-running win with splits of :22.50 and :45.60 and a final time of 1:15.81. Thunder Moccasin led by a length until the final eighth, when he drew away to win by 2 1/2 lengths.
UNBRIDLED MINISTER (KY)
Trainer: Ken McPeek
Owner: Magic City Thoroughbred Partners
Breeder: Aaron U. Jones & Marie D. Jones
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Unbridled's Song (Unbridled, Trolley Song)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Arabis (Deputy Minister (CAN), Aishah)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 9-9-10-0-2 (30) 3.29
Foal Date: March 23, 2009
$160,000 RNA Keeneland September 2010.
$150,000 Keeneland 2-Year-Olds in Training April 2011.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 21, Unbridled Minister breezed four in :49.60 (26/59) at GP.
Jan. 7, Maiden Special Weight, Gulfstream Park, One Mile. Unbridled Minister and Manny Cruz bided their time in sixth of 11, then fifth, while stalking behind fractions of :24.21 and :46.98--remember, the timer is really close to the gate at this distance at GP. Meawhile, Teeth of the Dog and Tiz Yankee vied for the lead. Unbridled Minister got by those two late in the game to prevail by three parts of a length, and the other two ran on to be second and third. The winning time was 1:37.75. A very nice debut race.
The chart call: "Unbridled Minister stalked the pace, rallied to catch Tiz Yankee inside the eighth pole, then was all out to prevail."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Unraced.
UNBRIDLED'S NOTE (KY)
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Owner: Mike McCarthy
Breeder: Gulf Coast Farms LLC & Unbridled's Song Syndicate
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Unbridled’s Song (Unbridled, Trolley Song)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Siberian Fur (Siberian Express, Siksika)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-13-8-0-2 (28) 3.67
Foal Date: March 23, 2009
$150,000 Keeneland January 2010.
$140,000 OBS 2-Year-Olds in Training 2011.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 7, Unbridled's Note worked four in :50.60 (31/37) at SA.
On Jan. 18, Unbridled's Note worked five in 1:00.80 (5/19) at SA.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
On Oct. 30, Unbridled’s Note was a debut winner on the undercard of the Churchill Downs Stars of Tomorrow program on opening day of the Fall Meet. He won by 4 1/2 lengths under leading rider Julien Leparoux.
Nov. 27 NOTE: “We had success with 2-year-olds this meet, with Unbridled’s Note and Hierro looking like the standouts,” trainer Asmussen said. “They physically look like the kind of horses that will appreciate more distance. The plan is to bring them to Santa Anita this winter and get them ready for next year.”
On Dec. 31, Unbridled's Note breezed four in :51.00 (53/58) at SA.
Z DAGER (KY)
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Owner: Zayat Stables LLC
Breeder: Glencrest Farm LLC
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Mizzen Mast (Cozzene, Kinema)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Fees Waived (Wavering Monarch, Profit System)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 0-3-10-2-1 (16) 1.00
Foal Date: March 26, 2009
$100,000 Keeneland September 2010.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 24 NOTE: The Risen Star is next for Z Dager.
Jan. 21, Grade III Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, One Mile 70 Yards. Z Dager and stable mate Dan and Sheila were the post time favorites at 3-1, but Mr. Bowling rallied from just behind the early leaders to gain the advantage in upper stretch. He was up by a length at the furlong marker and withstood a late bid by Z Dager to win by a head. Shared Property closed from eighth after breaking from outside post 13 to get third, beaten a half. Dan and Sheila, who lagged far back on the backstretch, was fourth, beaten 3 1/4 lengths. The winning time was 1:43.49. The top four finishers were the four lowest odds in the field of 13.
Shane Sellers: “I had to use him just a little into the turn to hold my position, and once I did, he maintained and turned on for me down the stretch. I thought maybe I had that horse, but when he saw daylight, he kind of was a little bit green down the lane. He was little green, and it kept him from spurting on with me, so he’ll learn from it. I had him running down the lane and when I got through that hole I thought, well, I’m home free now, and then he saw daylight and being just a little green might have cost him just a little bit. But he’s a young horse, and hopefully the next time he’ll have learned from it.”
Steve Asmussen: “He’s a little bit ‘on again, off again,’ but that’s just who he is. I think the winner ran about a head better than we did. I think the other horse just stayed on, watching the replay, because the outside horse closed with him and they kind of separated with him. I think when he got to the other horses that other horse just kicked away from him a little bit. I think it was huge for his third race, coming out of a maiden race, to run as well as he did.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Z Dager raced twice, winning once. He was up the track in his debut at at Churchill Downs going six furlongs in October. On Dec. 15 at Fair Grounds, he raced a mile and 70 yards and won by 1 1/4 length over Sir Bond. That win came after a close stalking trip and was timed in 1:45.13.
