ALPHIE'S BET (CA) Trainer: Alexis Barbra
Owner: Peter O. Johnson, Sr. and Teresa McWilliams
Breeder: Teresa McWilliams
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Tribal Rule (Storm Cat, Sown)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Miss Alphie (Candi's Gold, Pine Away)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-2-5-1-0 (10) 1.86
Foal Date: March 22, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
March 9 NOTE: Alphie's Bet will be shipped to Lexington for the Grade I Toyota Blue Grass on April 10.
March 8 NOTE: No next-race plan yet for Alphie's Bet as of the morning of March 8. He's nominated to the Grade II Lane's End on March 27 and Grade I Toyota Blue Grass on April 10.
March 6, Grade III Sham Stakes, Santa Anita, 1 1/8 Mile. Alphie's Bet won with a late run to the wire. The winning time was 1:48.72.
Sixth of 10 in the early going, Alphie's Bet and Alex Solis stayed around four lengths off pacesetter Nextdoorneighbor, who traveled the initial fractions in :23.62, :47.61 and 1:12.22. Turning for home, Nextdoorneighbor began to run out of energy as several in the field went by him. The Program, who had stalked Nextdoorneighbor, briefly gained the lead, but Alphie's Bet loped by and won going away by 2 1/4 lengths.
Setsuko, who tracked Alphie's Bet for the first half-mile, was outkicked in the lane but got up for second. The Program stayed on for third, another 1 1/4 length back. Outlaw Man closed late to miss the show spot by a head.
Alexis Barbra, winning trainer: “He was a little bit closer than I thought he’d be. I was pleased to see it, actually. I was pleased to see that he got into the race a little earlier than his last race, in which he was kind of pinched back a little bit. So it was nice to see him closer, instead of that horrifying last place at the quarter pole. I wasn’t concerned at all (going from grass to Pro-Ride). He’d already run on this (synthetic) course in that Cal-bred stakes, so we already knew that he liked it. I’m not sure what we’re going to do with this horse yet. We’re going to discuss it and then we’re going to let you know after we figure it out.”
Alex Sollis, winning rider: “Today, he was very light on his feet. He was a much sharper horse, but he’s so big, he’s so heavy, when he comes out of the gate, it takes him a while to get into stride. The way he ran today didn’t surprise me at all. The first time I rode him (Dec. 26), I came back and told Alexis I think he can run all day. Alexis used to work for Eddie Gregson, and they had a horse back then named Candi’s Gold. I told her this horse reminds me a lot of him; he’s big, strong and he’ll run any distance. To be honest, I try not to think too far ahead. I just pray to God he stays healthy.”
Jan 15, Maiden Special Weight, Santa Anita, One Mile (T). Alphie's Bet broke his maiden in his fourth start, timed in 1:38 1/5. He did it by coming from last of eight and was seventh with just a furlong to go.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Alphie's Bet was winless in three starts, all restricted to Cal-breds. He was fourth in a couple of maiden races at seven, then six furlongs. Connections put him in the California Breeders' Championship, and Alphie's Bet finished second to Caracortado by 1 3/4 length after closing from the clouds in the 1 1/6-mile race.
BACKTALK (FL) Trainer: Tom Amoss
Owner: Gold Mark Farm LLC
Breeder: Clover Leaf Farms II, Inc.
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Smarty Jones (Elusive Quality, I'll Get Along)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Apasionata (Affirmed, Express Star)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-2-7-1-0 (16) 2.56
Age: 2
A half-brother to stakes winner BSharpsonata.
Keeneland September 2008: $250,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE March 6 NOTE: Backtalk is still under consideration for the Grade II Louisiana Derby on March 27, but trainer Amoss said on March 5 he was "a little concerned that coming back that quick might be a shade too fast for him. We’ll see how he does over the next few days.”
March 1 NOTE: "We're looking at one of the bigger Derby preps, and we'd like to stay on a traditional surface," trainer Amoss said.
Feb. 26, Sportman's Paradise Derby, Delta Downs, One Mile. In a field reduced from six to four on a sloppy track, Backtalk was sent off at 1-2 odds and won the race by a half-length over Royal Express (6-5). The third finisher was another 6 1/4 lengths back. Miguel Mena had the mount.
The chart call: "Backtalk bumped early when Target Flash came in, then was unhurried from the inside, altered outside entering the backstretch, chased the pace up the backstretch, reached a striking position entering the second turn, came five wide into the drive and wore down front running Royal Express the final furlong.
The final time was 1:40.36 after initial fractions of :23.61, :48.96 and :114.10.
On Jan. 9, BACKTALK breezed three in :36.20 (1/1) at GLM.
On Jan. 16, BACKTALK breezed four in :49.60 (1/4) at GLM.
On Jan. 23, BACKTALK breezed four in :48.80 (4/7) at GLM. On Jan. 31, BACKTALK breezed five in 1:04.00 (40/44) at FG. On Feb. 6, BACKTALK breezed five 1:00.40 (1/47) at FG. On Feb. 14, BACKTALK breezed six in 1:12.80 (1/11) at FG. On Feb. 21, BACKTALK breezed four in :48.80 (11/80) at FG. On March 8, BACKTALK breezed five in 1:03.20 (44/58) at FG.
Feb. 15 NOTE: Backtalk was not entered in the Grade II Risen Star.
Feb. 6 NOTE: According to trainer Amoss, Backtalk was to be given a serious work on this date to help him get reacquainted with the racing surface at Fair Grounds. Future plans for the colt would be made off that workout, according to the trainer. Jan. 28 NOTE: Backtalk left a farm in Florida and arrived at Tom Amoss' barn on Jan. 24. He put in three works at Gold Mark Farm before shipping to New Orleans. "We're going to pick up where they left off with him," Amoss told DRF.com.
Jan. 11 NOTE: Backtalk is scheduled to ship to Fair Grounds by the end of next week. "Backtalk is galloping at Gold Mark Farm in Ocala," trainer Amoss told DRF.com. "He's pointed toward the Grade III Risen Star on Feb. 20."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
July 3, Grade III Bashford Manor Stakes, Churchill Downs, Six Furlongs. Trainer Tom Amoss after the win, the colt's second in two starts: “I really thought that the extra distance going to six furlongs would be a benefit to him based on how he ran the first time. Around the turn, I wasn’t so sure that he was into it. A lot of that is education and the fact that it was only his second start. When he got out of tight quarters and when he was in the clear you saw him spurt and I think that’s a real positive sign for the future and more distance. We’ll see where it leads us.”
Q: He had to overcome a lot today . . .
“It was a rough trip. He stumbled out of the gate and he was in tight quarters and had to bull his way through down the lane. I was watching it live and . . . I hoped the trip was clean enough and that we didn’t have a problem. Fortunately, it was. Look, this was a great learning experience for him and it will help him moving forward.”
Q: Is his large size a benefit when in tight quarters?
“It had to. You know, to get in there and make room for himself, his size has to be a big part of it.
“You know Smarty Jones was the first Derby winner that I asked a trainer if I could come see him. I did that the day after the Derby. I went in the stall with him and he was much more refined than this horse. This horse is a much bigger horse than Smarty Jones was. But that’s about the only thing they got in common.
“Smarty Jones needed a good horse and hopefully this is it.”
Miguel Mena: “My horse stumbled out of the gate, but luckily he got on his feet. I was kind of worried because he was running so green between horses. He has so much talent, and when I asked him to run, he really gave it to me and responded very well. He is such a great horse. He is going to keep learning and have a bright future.”
July 30, Grade II Sanford Stakes, Saratoga, Six Furlongs. Patiently ridden by Miguel Mena, Backtalk was reserved well off early fractions of :21.99 and :44.96 set by the dueling Soundman and Activity Report, then moved up on the turn to launch a six-wide bid, charging hard down the middle of the stretch to outkick the late-running Enumerate and win by a neck. His time for the six furlongs was 1:10.07 over the fast track.
Tom Amoss: “ I’m very excited. These don’t come around in my barn often, and I’m certainly grateful to Goldmark Farm for the opportunity. I think the ability to come from that far off the pace on a day like today when it looked, to me, as the day went on that speed was a good commodity (and) the wide trip he had … I think those things were very exciting. And, I would say, a will to win. The race was not decided until very late.”
Miguel Mena: "I was a little nervous because this is my first meet at Saratoga, but I got a great horse with a bright future. He's learning race by race. You can see him in the post parade being so calm. He felt good and had a good trip. A couple of horses got a little tough in the end. He never quit. He fought through the end.
"This is exciting because I came here with no business. I think I showed I can get the job done. I studied the race all day. I knew there was a lot of speed in the race. I knew the pace was going to be fast and they had to come back. Turning for home, my biggest concern was making my horse switch leads. Sometimes, he's a little bit funny about that. Thank God, he didn't give me any problems and switched leads."
Backtalk, who ran his record to 3-for-3 in the Sanford, came out of the race in fine fashion, and plans were to return him to Kentucky as his connections mull his next start.
Amoss told Saratoga officials that while no final decision has been made as to the son of Smarty Jones’ next start, the Grade I Three Chimneys Hopeful is a “big possibility.”
Sept. 7, Grade I Three Chimneys Hopeful Stakes, Saratoga, Seven Furlongs. Backtalk failed to repeat.
The 3-1 favorite off an 8-1 morning line, Dublin won by two lengths. Mid-pack early after stumbling from post 12, Dublin took over at about the furlong marker and extended his lead. He hit the wire in 1:23.52.
Second was Aspire (8-1), who came from tenth in the early going, and third was Aikenite (20-1), who came from eleventh in the backstretch. Backtalk (9-2) finished fourth.
Oct. 5 NOTE: “He has done well since the Hopeful,” trainer Amoss said. “That race didn’t go the way we thought. He had a bad post position (12 of 12) and a jock (Richard Migliore) who was unfamiliar with him.”
Oct. 10, Grade I Dixiana Breeders' Futurity, Keeneland, 1 1/16 Mile. Backtalk, well-supported at the windows, failed to fire and finished well off the board.
Dec. 31 NOTE: Backtalk has had no workouts since the Dixiana, but he was early-bird nominated to the Louisiana Derby series at Fair Grounds.
BLIND LUCK (KY) Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Owner: Mark DeDomenico LLC, John Carver & Jerry Hollendorfer
Breeder: Fairlawn Farm
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): :Pollard's Vision (Carson City, Etats Unis)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Lucky One (Best of Luck, Twilight Spectre)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 10-10-7-1-0 (28) 5.22
Foal Date: April 20, 2007
As of the start of 2010, this filly was being pointed to the Kentucky Oaks, but people can change their minds, so she's worth watching.
Privately purchased by the owner.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
March 9 NOTE: "My ultimate goal is the Kentucky Oaks," trainer Hollendorfer told DRF.com.
March 8 NOTE: Blind Luck is heading for the Grade II Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park on April 5. Hollendorfer was upset by the ride Rafael Bejarano gave Blind Luck in the Santa Anita Oaks.
“Jerry hates to lose,” assistant Dan Ward said March 7. “She ran very good and came back good.” Ward said there had been “no discussions at all” on whether Hollendorfer would make a rider change for the Fantasy. “I like Raffy a lot, and I know he wants to win just as much as we do,” Ward said.
March 6, Grade I Santa Anita Oaks, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Blind Luck trailed the field early. Instead of swinging out into the stretch for a late run, she was hemmed in and made a run through the field but could not catch winner Crisp. Blind Luck finished third, beaten a quarter-length under Rafael Bejarano. All Due Respect was second in a blanket finish.
Trainer Hollendorfer: “We got beat the whole way.”
Rafael Bejarano, aboard Blind Luck: “I was in a good position, but when we came into the stretch, those two fillies in front of me (Crisp and All Due Respect), tightened up and my hole closed. We just ran out of time—she was really running.”
Feb. 13, Grade I Las Virgenes Stakes, Santa Anita, One Mile. It was supposed to be little more than an exercise for Blind Luck, the 1-5 favorite. But she was fully extended to eke out a nose decision over 18-1 shot Evening Jewel. The winning time for the mile was 1:35.98.
Blind Luck broke alertly in the field of five, but Rafael Bejarano allowed her to settle into last, five lengths behind the leaders during the early going.
Turning into the stretch, Blind Luck rounded the corner widest of all as the field began to compact. She began to cut into the lead maintained by front-runner Switch, but Blind Luck still required a dramatic final surge to emerge victorious in the very last jump.
Evening Jewel, ridden by Victor Espinoza, had gained the lead from Switch in deep stretch while racing between horses. Switch, with Tyler Baze in the saddle, wound up another half-length back in third.
The winner paid $2.40, $2.10 and $2.10. It equaled the shortest win payoff in the Las Virgenes’ 28-year-old history. Surfside paid the same in 2000.
Rafael Bejarano: “There wasn’t much speed, so it was hard to come from off the pace. She’s got a big turn of foot, though, and as soon as we crossed the wire, I knew we had won it.
Jerry Hollendorfer: “The first time (watching the replay), I wasn’t sure. But the second time, I thought we won. I think the speed sets up better when there are more horses. I think she showed herself a pretty good filly today.”
Losing trainer Jim Cassidy: “That’s as tough as it gets."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Blind Luck was bought by current connections out of Calder after looking impressive there--winning by 13 1/4 lengths--and she was taken to California, where she promptly won a starter allowance race.
After that, it was all Grade I company, and Blind Luck finished second to Mi Sueno in the Darley Debutante, prevailed in the 1 1/16-mile Oak Leaf and won the Hollywood Starlet on Dec. 20. In between those last two races, she finished fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies.
Dec. 28 NOTE: Blind Luck worked four furlongs at Santa Anita.
BULLDOGGER (KY) Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Patti Earnhardt & Hal Earnhardt III
Breeder: White Fox Farm
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Dixie Union (Dixieland Band, She's Tops)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Silent Stream (Tricky Creek, Rated P. G.)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-1-10-0-0 (16) 2.20
Foal Date: March 4, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $150,000
Keeneland April Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale 2009: $300,0
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
March 3, Allowance, Santa Anita, One Mile. At 3-5 odds, Bulldogger was beaten 1 1/4 length after marking lead splits of :23.42, :47.12 and 1:11.36. He had the lead with less than a furlong to go.
Thomas Baines defeated Indian Firewater and Bulldogger after coming three wide into the stretch after coming from sixth of seven after a quarter-mile. Rafael Bejarano gave him the patient ride at 9-2 odds. Indian Firewater was beaten a half-length after stalking Bulldogger. The final time was 1:35.94.
Garrett Gomez: “He wouldn’t settle and he got a little tired. He’d been away a while, since Saratoga. All in all, it was a good effort.”
On Jan. 4, BULLDOGGER worked five in 1:00.80 (14/36) at SA.
On Jan. 10, BULLDOGGER worked five in :59.80 (10/50) at SA.
On Jan. 16, BULLDOGGER worked six in 1:11.40 (1/18) at SA.
On Jan. 24, BULLDOGGER worked six in 1:16.20 (20/21) at HOL.
On Jan. 30, BULLDOGGER worked six from the gate in 1:12.40 (5/22) at SA.
On Feb. 8, BULLDOGGER worked four in :46.80 (3/88) at SA.
On Feb. 15, BULLDOGGER worked six from the gate in 1:11.00 (2/31) at SA.
On Feb. 21, BULLDOGGER worked seven in 1:25.40 (1/5) at SA.
On Feb. 26, BULLDOGGER worked four in :47.80 (9/64) at SA.
Feb. 12, Allowance, Santa Anita, Six Furlongs. Bulldogger was scratched.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Aug. 29, Maiden Special Weight, Saratoga, Six Furlongs. His debut race. On a sloppy track, and breaking from the inside post, Bulldogger shot to the lead, shook loose, and came home a 6 1/2-length winner against seven foes. In an impressive effort, he was timed in 1:10.70.
Dec. 29 NOTE: After a break from the races, Bulldogger began working again, and he recorded drills at Santa Anita on Dec. 6, 17, 23 and 29. He put in a three-furlong work on Dec. 6, then went four furlongs the other times.
CARDIFF GIANT (KY) Trainer: Jorge Periban
Owner: M Racing
Breeder: Kim Nardelli & Rodney Nardelli
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Yankee Gentleman (Storm Cat, Key Phrase)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Stop the Croquet (Stop the Music, Merci Croquet)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-4-7-0-0 (16) 3.57
Foal Date: Feb. 10, 2007
A gelding.
WAS September 2008: $28,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Entered in the Rebel Stakes on March 13.
On March 5, CARDIFF GIANT breezed six in 1:17.20 (2/2) at OP.
Feb. 22 NOTE: Cardiff Giant, who shipped in from California, is staying in Arkansas after his third-place showing in the Southwest. “He did good, but it was the same story,” said Ricardo Contreras, assistant to trainer Jorge Periban. “Baffert took the lead again. My horse will stay here, will stay for the Rebel, possibly. He likes this track. Jorge will probably be back next week. It’s hard to find fault. He’s a little horse with a strong heart.”
Feb. 20, Grade III Southwest Stakes, Oaklawn Park, One Mile. Cardiff Giant moved from mid-pack in the field of 10 to finish third, beaten 2 1/4 lengths.
A closing Dublin finished second to pacesetter Conveyance. Clipping off quick fractions of :22.78, :46.75 and 1:10.67 in the one-mile race, Conveyance finished up in 1:36.94, three parts of a length before the late-running Dublin.
Jan. 16, Grade III San Rafael Stakes, Santa Anita, One Mile. Conveyance got the early lead as was hoped, but it was an easy lead. He clicked off fractions of :24.45 and :48.56, pressed early by Via Verde, who eventually faded to last. Cardiff Giant was just behind them. As they rounded the far turn, Conveyance came off the rail a bit, and Cardiff Giant went to his inside, taking a short lead.
However, Conveyance grabbed the lead back and prevailed over Cardiff Giant by 1 3/4 length. After seven furlongs in 1:12.69, he was timed in 1:36.45.
Domonation finished third, beaten 2 1/2 lengths.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Cardiff Giant broke his maiden in his fifth start. All his 2-year-old races were at sprint distances. A claimer at the start of his career, he finished fourth to Tiz Chrome in the Stuka Stakes on Dec. 19.
Dec. 30, Allowance, Santa Anita, Six Furlongs. Cardiff Giant closed to finish second behind Tiny Woods, who led all the way setting very fast fractions and finishing in 1:08.89.
CITRUS KID (KY) Trainer: John P. Terranova, II
Owner: Golden Goose Enterprises, James Covello, Micheal Imperio & Nick Sallusto
Breeder: Hurstland Farm Inc. & W. S. Farish
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Lemon Drop Kid (Kingmambo, Charming Lassie)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Orange Ice (Ginistrelli, My Popsicle)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 9-3-9-2-1 (24) 2.20
Foal Date: May 8, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $70,000
OBS 2-Year-Olds in Training 2009: $50,000
PEFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Feb. 21, CITRUS KID breezed four in :51.40 (43/48) at PMM.
On March 1, CITRUS KID breezed four in :50.00 (31/53) at PMM.
On March 5, CITRUS KID worked four in :48.20 (4/35) at PMM.
On March 11, CITRUS KID breezed five in 1:02.00 (4/21) at PMM.
March 2 NOTE: Citrus Kid is being pointed to the Grade II Lane's End Stakes on March 27.
Feb. 17 NOTE: Citrus Kid is sound and has had an undescended testicle removed. Connections' working theory is that under the pre-race stress before the Lecomte, the undescended testicle “stayed up,” thus causing him discomfort and agitation that he displayed before the race. That testicle was removed two weeks ago, so he’s now a ridgling. According to co-owner Covello, he came out of that procedure well, and he’s due for a breeze soon. Next-race plans are not definite yet.
Jan. 25 NOTE: “He kind of lost it in the paddock the other day,” said trainer Terranova, “and then he got antsy in the post parade. We’re going to give him some time to regroup before we run him again. He still needs to grow up a little bit.”
Jan. 23, Grade III Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. Citrus Kid, bet at 7-2 off an 8-1 morning line after a pair of bullet works at Palm Meadows, did not appear to enjoy the track and was never placed better than fifth as the route was run. He finished seventh, beaten 7 1/2 lengths.
Maximus Ruler, the betting choice at 2-1, finished second after leading through fractions of :23.42, :46.80 and 1:12.27.
But it was Ron the Greek (7-1) and James Graham who passed all but one horse in the stretch run of the 10-horse Lecomte to win going away. In the early going, Ron the Greek was 16 lengths behind pacesetter Maximus Ruler. The one mile, 40 yards was timed in 1:40.09.
Letsgetitonmon (18-1) hit the wire third after also coming from well back in the field, beaten two lengths, followed another 1 1/4 length back by Cool Bullet (7-1).
Worldly, Turf Melody, Citrus Kid, Depaul, B'wanagoldmine and Rock Hard completed the order of finish. Callide Valley was scratched.
Miguel Mena (Citrus Kid, seventh): “He was a little nervous in the post parade. Other than that no excuses.”
Jan. 16 NOTE: The Dania Beach Stakes didn't come off the turf, and Citrus Kid was scratched.
Jan. 14 NOTE: Citrus Kid is entered in the one-mile Dania Beach Stakes on the turf at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 16. He is the sole AE--he was entered for the main track only.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Citrus Kid raced four times, winning twice, including a victory in the listed Dover Stakes going two turns at Delaware Park on Oct. 10. He did that after breaking his maiden at second asking, also going two turns at Delaware on the dirt. His career debut came at Saratoga on the turf. Four wide in the 1 1/16-mile race, he finished seventh, beaten 10 lengths.
His time in the 1 1/16-mile Dover was 1:45.35, and he was impressive doing it. Boxed in while in fourth position, Citrus Kid found a way out and drew off to win by five lengths.
In his final race of 2009, Citrus Kid finished third in the Grade II Remsen Stakes on Nov. 28 after being bird-dogged much of the way around the track by Homeboykris. On the lead at first, Citrus Kid put Homeboykris away, but Buddy's Saint was best that day and won the race by 4 3/4 lengths over Peppi Knows. Citrus Kid was another 2 1/4 lengths back under Rajiv Maragh.
Dec. 28 NOTE: Citrus Kid worked three times in December, once at Belmont Park and twice at Palm Meadows.
COLIZEO (KY) Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Wertheimer et Frere
Breeder: Wertheimer et Frere
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Distorted Humor (Forty Niner, Danzig's Beauty)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Colony Band (Dixieland Band, Hostessante)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-6-10-0-1 (24) 3.00
Foal Date: Jan. 17, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On March 8, COLIZEO worked five on firm turf in :59.60 (3/13) at PMM.
Feb. 21, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. In a field of five, Fly Down came from fifth to win by a head over First Dude, ridden by Jesus Castanon. Both were 9-2. First Dude had prompted the pace set by Colizeo. Meanwhile, Colizeo, at 3-5 odds, finished a fading fourth, beaten 6 1/2 lengths.
Colizeo set initial fractions of :23.16, :46.92, 1:11.37. First Dude led after a mile in 1:36.82. Fly Down's winning time was 1:49.88.
Jan. 22, Maiden Special Weight, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. An exciting 3-year-old prospect came onto the scene in this race. Colizeo ran the distance in 1:49.76 and won by 5 1/2 lengths after prompting the pace. Under John Velazquez, Colizeo drew off with a vigorous hand ride. He was sent off at 4-5 odds in a field of 11.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Colizeo raced three times. The first outing was sprinting at Delaware Park on Sept. 19, and he finished way up the track. Taken to Meadowlands and switched to two turns on Oct. 12, he lost by a length to Enigmatic, who was timed in 1:36.27. Finally, he lost by a nose to Worldly at Churchill Downs on Nov. 8 under E. T. Baird. The 1 1/16-mile race came out in 1:45.85
CONCORD POINT (KY) Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Kaleem Shah
Breeder: Lee McMillin & Ed Rudley
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Tapit (Pulpit, Tap Your Heels)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Harve de Grace (Boston Harbor, Ms. Cuvee Napa)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-5-8-1-0 (20) 3.00
Foal Date: March 1, 2007
A Keeneland September Sale purchase: $220,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Feb. 22, CONCORD POINT worked six in 1:13.40 (4/8) at SA.
On March 3, CONCORD POINT worked six in 1:13.00 (1/8) at SA.
Feb. 12, Allowance, Santa Anita, Six Furlongs. Concord Point and Martin Garcia, at 1-2 odds, finished fourth, beaten 1 3/4 length by High Success and Rafael Bejarano. After breaking last in the six-horse field, Concord Point was three wide after catching up to make a challenge, and Garcia lost his whip in deep stretch. High Success was not early-nominated to the Triple Crown.
Feb. 11 NOTE: Entered in a six-furlong allowance at Santa Anita on Feb. 12, so connections look to have had a change of heart. Feb. 2 NOTE: the Grade II San Vicente on Feb. 15 is next.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Dec. 26, Maiden Special Weight, Santa Anita, 6 1/2 Furlongs. This was his debut, and Concord Point (6-1) was timed in 1:15.11 winning this race from just off the pace.
Fourth at the first call, he soon contended for the lead and got up on them by two lengths at the furlong marker. He held to win by 1 1/4 length after drifting in a bit and getting the whip on his left side from Martin Garcia. Leothelion (3-1) and Joe Talamo closed to get the place. Ziggy's Stardust (5-1), beaten 2 1/2 lengths, closed from further back under Joel Rosario.
CONNEMARA (KY) Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor and Derrick Smith
Breeder: Commonwealth
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Giant's Causeway (Storm Cat, Mariah's Storm)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Satin Sunrise (Mr. Leader, Logic)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-2-9-0-0 (14) 2.11
Foal Date: April 4, 2007
A half-brother to Lion Heart. There is no auction history.
Connemara is named for a district in County Galway on Ireland's west coast.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
March 8 NOTE: Connemara will start next in the Grade II Lane’s End Stakes at Turfway Park March 27.
Feb. 26 NOTE: Trainer Pletcher said Connemara is probably headed for the Lane’s End, according to Bloodhorse.com.
Feb. 21 NOTE: The Santa Anita Derby is probably next for Connemara.
Feb. 20, Grade III El Camino Real Derby, 1 1/8 Mile. Russell Baze won this race for the fifth time in six years when he guided 6-to-5 favorite Connemara from last to first.
Connemara, who has a history of breaking slowly from the gate, overcame a deficit of 7 3/4 lengths with 5/8 mile left in the 1 1/8-mile race. Connemara broke from post eight and had clear sailing from start to finish although he had to go four wide to win. Connemara steadily picked up horses on the far turn and drew even with the leaders in midstretch. Connemara surged away from his rivals in the final sixteenth to collect his third victory in four career starts.
Connemara’s 1 1/4-length triumph came over, among others, 25-to-1 longshot Haimish Hy. Connemara was timed 1:51.26.
Russell Baze: “When I saw the draw, I knew he’d be tough. There was no way he was going to get stuck inside like he was last time. He felt good the whole way. He was on the bit but not charging. He was just waiting for me to ask him.
“He finished strong. He’s still a little green. He hung a little bit when he got to the leaders, but when I hit him left-handed, he responded. He’s progressing mentally. His mind was much better today than last time. He’s improving with every race, and extra distance won’t hurt this colt at all.”
Assistant trainer Mike McCarthy: “In the Cal Derby, he got a little rank down on the inside. Today it was textbook; he really relaxed. I think he moved up in our rankings. We’ll probably look at the Santa Anita Derby.”
Jan. 16, California Derby, Golden Gate Fields, 1 1/16 Mile. Connemara, at 3-5 odds, bobbled at the start but soon got into contention down the backstretch. However, that slow start cost him, and while Russell Baze got after him in the stretch, he lost by three parts of a length, which is pretty much the same the distance that separated the two at the furlong marker.
Meanwhile, up front, Ranger Hearley got away with soft fractions of :24.20, :49.90 and 1:14.37. After a mile in 1:39.01, he finished with the win in 1:45.40 under Julian Garcia. Jan. 16 NOTE: "We'd like to see him be a little more professional early and get a stalking position," trainer Pletcher said during a conference call on Jan. 15.
PEFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Oct. 4, Maiden Special Weight, Turfway Park, One Mile. After a slow break from the gate under Victor Lebron, Connemara inhaled the field on the far turn and won by five lengths. He was timed in 1:37.78. Front fractions were a moderate :47.95 and 1:12.99.
"I thought the first race was pretty impressive," trainer Pletcher reflected on Jan. 15. "He broke very poorly and had little gate speed. He was so far back early, there looked like no way he could win."
Nov. 4, Allowance, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Connemara won again, this time at a full two turns. He was timed in 1:44.75 while prevailing over five others under Garrett Gomez. He defeated Mr. Saturdaynight by a half-length. Connemara was 3-5 while Mr. Saturdaynight was 6-1. Ranger Heartley, at 9-2, was another 1 1/4 length back in third.
Connemara was in last position after a half mile. The chart call: "chased inside, came out in midstretch, bid between horses to gain the lead under left handed urging in deep stretch and prevailed."
Trainer Pletcher later called the win "workmanlike."
Dec. 27 NOTE: Connemara worked five furlongs at Santa Anita.
D' FUNNYBONE (FL) Trainer: Richard Dutrow, Jr.
Owner: Paul Pompa
Breeder: Harold J. Plumley
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): D'Wildcat (Forest Wildcat, D'Enough)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Elbow (Woodman, Elvia)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-1-13-0-0 (18) 1.77
Foal Date: Jan. 14, 2007
Privately purchased.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On March 7, D' FUNNYBONE breezed four in :49.00 (11/39) at GP.
March 6 NOTE: D' Funnybone might go in the Grade I Florida Derby, per a DRF.com report, but probably not: "If the Florida Derby comes up easy, like an allowance race, I can run him in there. If not, he'll go in the Swale," trainer Dutrow said.
March 2 NOTE: The Grade II Swale on March 20 is being consideredfor D' Funnybone, per DRF.com.
Feb. 21 NOTE: Connections are looking at the Grade I Florida Derby on March 20 next.
Feb. 20, Grade II Hutcheson Stakes, Gulfstream Park, Seven Furlongs. D' Funnybone made the chalk bettors happy by scoring at even money, and the Dutrow brothers pulled off a formful exacta with A Little Warm running second. After the race, winning trainer Dutrow said the Grade I Florida Derby would be considered for D' Funnybone.
D' Funnybone broke well for Edgar Prado and rated outside Wildcat Frankie and Hear Ye Hear Ye, who ran through the first quarter-mile in :22.37 and :45.10. In the turn, D' Funnybone took command while A Little Warm (2-1), who had been in a rearward placement under Jeremy Rose, was gaining widest of all.
D' Funnybone shook loose of the field in upper stretch. While A Little Warm made a late run at him, and finished second by a length, he did not challenge for the win as the 2-1 second choice.
D' Funnybone was timed for the seven furlongs in 1:22.14. A seven-furlong maiden race for 3-year-olds run two races before the Hutcheson was timed in 1:24.02.
Rick Dutrow: “I’m happy to get him back and run so well off the layoff. He’s our next little Benny the Bull. He’s a lot like him except for his color. We’ll definitely consider the Florida Derby.
"At this point, I’m not ready to concede that his race in the Breeders’ Cup was attributable to the distance, but rather the track. I don’t think it was as bad as it may have looked because Edgar did the right thing and didn’t push on him after a certain point. Like any 3-year-old at this time of the year, you think about the (Kentucky) Derby, so unless something develops to change mind, the Florida Derby is likely where he’ll go next.”
Edgar Prado: “He was training very steady for this race, and we were very confident going in. He broke good, and I was always very comfortable. We had a nice outside post, so he was in a good attacking position down the backside, and it was just a matter of turning him loose in the stretch. And when I did, he just took off.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
D’ Funnybone was purchased privately by Pompa in June after one victory and a second at Calder Race Course.
Two years ago at Saratoga, owner Paul Pompa, Jr. and trainer Rick Dutrow unveiled Big Brown, and he won big in his debut. The comparisons, which we find tiresome, were inevitable after D' Funnybone's runaway win in his stakes debut.
Aug. 20, Grade II Saratoga Special, Saratoga, 6 1/2 Furlongs. D’Funnybone won by 10 1/2 lengths in the 104th running of the race. He was 4-1.
Under Edgar Prado, D' Funnybone sat off blistering early fractions of :21.42 and :44.67 set by favored Tiny Woods, then moved up on the turn to take over at the top of the stretch and go on to win in 1:17.58. Tiny Woods had a breathing obstruction and stopped.
Zip Quick closed OK to nose out Fearless Cowboy the for place, with Insightful, Activity Report, Flatter Than Me, Tiny Woods and Thiskyhasnolimit completing the order of finish. China was scratched.
Prado: “I think there’s more in him to go a little further.”
Michelle Nevin, assistant to Dutrow: “We’d love it if he were another Big Brown, that would be great!”
Pompa said the next start for D’ Funnybone could be in either than Grade 1 Three Chimneys Hopeful at the Spa on Sept. 7, or the Grade 1 Futurity at Belmont Park on Sept. 19, both at seven furlongs.
Sept. 19, Grade II Futurity, Belmont Park, Seven Furlongs. D’Funnybone (2-5 favorite) didn’t kid around, taking over at the top of the stretch and pulling clear to an authoritative 4 3/4-length victory over Discreetly Mine. Discreetly Mine (3-1second choice), was eight lengths ahead of Thiskyhasnolimit, who in turn was followed by Soundman, Insightful, Hear Ye Hear Ye, Grand Rapport, and Successful Score.
The son of D’Wildcat sat just off fractions of :22.63 and :45.51 set by 33-1 longshot Hear Ye Hear Ye, then rallied three wide on the turn and cruised to the wire under a hand-ride for his second straight stakes victory. Under Edgar Prado, his winning time was 1:22.40.
Richard Dutrow Jr., winning trainer: “I was very impressed. He had to show up on this track going a little further, he dealt with some tough customers, and he showed up the right way. We’re very, very happy with him. Everything went his way today; he broke good, and he likes to stalk the speed on the outside.
“He is an unassuming horse, but he’s OK. It seems like he’s quick-footed and he puts himself in position. He’s handy, and that must be what’s helping him in these sprints. Now, we have to try longer and see what he’s made of.
“I’d rather run him here (in the Oct. 10 Champagne) and then just stop on him for the year. I wish it were five weeks. I’m not crazy about California and the Polytracks, but there’s a lot of excitement that goes with (Breeders’ Cup), and how can you turn it down?”
Edgar Prado, winning jockey: “He ran the way we expected. He was training great in the morning, and he was very happy. He broke super, and I rode with a lot of confidence today. I know what he’s capable of, so I let the other two horses go and sat and waited. I was looking for him to see a target, and he was very comfortable there.
"I think there’s room to improve there, because once he took the lead, he started goofing around a little bit. Today he gave me a better feeling than last time. Last time, I thought he was going to be limited, but today he really opened up, and I didn’t even have to hit him. I think he’s getting better with races and rating well. He’s moving the right way.”
Sept. 25 NOTE: Trainer Dutrow moves toward Breeders' Cup.
“We’re happy with the way he’s going,” Dutrow said. “We’ll be keeping an eye on the Champagne since it’s coming up first. He could run there, or train straight up to the Breeders’ Cup. We won’t change his training schedule either way. He’ll train right here at Aqueduct because this track is unbelievable. I’d hate to send him out there ahead of time. We’d probably go at the last minute and run him.”
Nov. 7, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. D'Funnybone was kept at Aqueduct until late in the game. A co-second choice at 6-1 odds, he finished last of 13 after stalking Piscitelli in second for six furlongs. He gave it up on the second turn.
Dec. 24 NOTE: D'Funnybone put in a three-furlong work at Gulfstream Park.
Dec. 29 NOTE: D'Funnybone put in a three-furlong work at Gulfstream Park.
DAVE IN DIXIE (KY) Trainer: John Sadler
Owner: Ike and Dawn Thrash
Breeder: Glencrest Farm LLC
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Dixie Union (Dixieland Band, She's Tops)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Risk (Wavering Monarch, Youpickem)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-0-7-0-1 (12) 1.67
Foal Date: March 9, 2007
Keeneland January 2008: RNA $47,000.
Fasig-Tipton 2008: $140,000.
Keeneland April 2009 2-Year-Olds in Training: $310,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Entered in the Grade II San Felipe on March 13.
On Feb. 27, DAVE IN DIXIE worked five in :59.60 (1/4) at HOL.
On March 6, DAVE IN DIXIE worked six in 1:12.80 (3/9) at HOL.
Feb. 26 NOTE: Trainer Sadler said that Sidney’s Candy and Dave in Dixie could make their next starts in the Grade II San Felipe Stakes on March 13. “Either one or both of them could start,” he said.
Feb. 17 NOTE: Dave in Dixie probable for San Felipe on March 13.
Feb. 13, Grade II Robert B. Lewis Stakes, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Dave in Dixie made a late run and finished second, beaten 1 1/34 length by Caracortado.
A pace duel was led by Tiz Chrome and American Lion. Tiz Chrome wnt through the opening quarter-mile in :23.27 and the first half in :47.11, with American Lion on his right flank. In the meantime, Caracortado was sitting in a pocket in third, alone, whille Tango Tango and Dave in Dixie and tracked in the rear, less than six lengths separating the field.
Ziz Chrome and Amerian Lion geve up the lead to Caracortado near the top of the stretch, and the winner scampered off to an easy win, timed in 1:41.75.
Davie in Dixie made a strong late run to caputre second, edging out Ameican Lion by a half-length. Tiz Chrome settled for fourth, beaten 4 1/2 lengths. Tango Tango completed the order of finish.
PEFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Dave in Dixie broke his maiden first time out in a six-furlong race at Del Mar on Aug. 29, besting Get My Fix by 3 1/4 lengths.
From there, he was sent into the Grade I Norfolk Stakes at Santa Anita on Oct. 4, when he finished sixth, beaten 2 1/4 lengths by Lookin at Lucky. He was tenth in the early going and made a late run splitting opponents.
DROSSELMEYER (KY) Trainer: Bill Mott
Owner: WinStar Farm LLC
Breeder: Aaron U. Jones & Marie D. Jones
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Distorted Humor (Forty Niner, Danzig's Beauty)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Golden Ballet (Moscow Ballet, Golden Jewel Box)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-2-10-2-1 (22) 1.75
Foal Date: April 1, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $600,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 20, Grade II Risen Star Stakes, Fair Grounds, 1 1/16 Mile. Drosselmeyer finished fourth, beaten 1 3/4 length.
Dictating a moderate pace, Discreetly Mine and Javier Castellano were timed in 1:44.48 after setting fractions of :24.60, :48.75, 1:13.44 and 1:38.17.
Tempted to Tapit, who like Discreetly Mine shipped from South Florida for the Risen Star, was 1 1/2 length back of the winner after stalking him in that position. Northern Giant, a 53-1 longshot, was a neck back in third after the trio ran the circuit in merry-go-round fashion. Northern Giant was followed another neck back at the wire by 2-1 post-time favorite Drosselmeyer, another Florida shipper, who was in fourth position about halfway into the race.
Kent Desormeaux, aboard Drosselmeyer: “It was just a slow pace. He was trying hard at the end, and we just couldn’t catch up. It was very encouraging the way he galloped out. He has a good turn of foot, and I’m very pleased.”
Jan. 31, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. Drosselmeyer was bet down to 4-5 and won by 1 3/4 length while ridden by Kent Desormeaux. Fifth of seven and stalking in the early going, Drosselmeyer made a second-turn move on the outside, then threatened Best Actor at the furlong marker before easing off to win. A finisher's role was set up by Jet Settin Papa, who ran the intial fractions in :22.84 and :46.97. The winner hit the wire in 1:49.52 on a track rated fast.
Prince Will I Am, rated at 42-1 by wagerers, finished second, followed another 1 1/2 length by Best Actor. Pulsion, who was considered well by the linemaker before the race, was scratched.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
After finishing second twice and third once in three two-turn starts on turf and synthetic track, Drosselmeyer was tried on dirt going a one-turn mile at Churchill Downs on Nov. 18, and he blew 'em out by six lengths, timed in 1:37.16.
It must not have been a particularly stellar field, as Drosselmeyer was favored at 4-5, but still, it was a very impressive win.
Drosselmeyer worked twice at Payson Park in December.
FAST ALEX (KY) Trainer: Greg Geier
Owner: Jim Tafel LLC
Breeder: James Tafel
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Afleet Alex (Northern Afleet, Maggy Hawk)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Unaffordable (Unbridled, White Jasmine)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-6-6-0-2 (20) 3.00
Foal Date: Feb, 26, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
March 5 NOTE: "Everything being equal, we'll be back on the 27th (for the Louisiana Derby)," trainer Geier told DRF.com on March 3. March 1, Allowance, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. Fast Alex took a positive step on the Derby Trail with a win on a sloppy track. Ridden by Curt Bourque, Fast Alex was unhurried early but closed with a late rush to win by 1 1/2 length. He was timed in 1:41.16 for a mile and 40 yards.
Fast Alex was the 2-1 second choice. Favored Island Soul (7-5) finished second after taking the lead in upper stretch only to be overtaken by the winner. Awesome Encore set early splits of :25.04 and :49.11 before weakening to the third spot. Seven ran.
Feb. 6, Maiden Special Weight, Fair Grounds, 1 1/16 Mile. Fast Alex, the second choice at 5-2, defeated Elkhorn Creek by 1 1/4 length. His time was 1:47.64, not exactly all that fast. Berberis, favored at 6-5, missed the place by a nose. Nothing else was close by at the finish.
Fast Alex ran in mid-pack of nine early and steadily advanced, making his winning move when getting through on the inside under Trey Agilar.
Jan. 23, Maiden Special Weight, Fair Grounds, Six Furlongs. Fast Alex made his debut in this one and finished third, beaten 6 3/4 lengths. After a slow start, he made a moderate closing bid.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Unraced.
FIRST DUDE (FL) Trainer: Dale Romans
Owner: Double Diamond Farm
Breeder: Donald Dizney
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Stephen Got Even (A.P. Indy, Immerse)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Run Sarah Run (Smart Strike, Breech)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 8-5-13-0-0 (26) 3.00
Foal Date: March 27, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On March 6, FIRST DUDE breezed five in 1:01.00 (3/19) at GP.
March 7 NOTE: Trainer Romans told DRF.com he would "pick a Derby prep somewhere" for First Dude's next race.
Feb. 21, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. In a field of five, Fly Down came from fifth to win by a head over First Dude, ridden by Jesus Castanon. Both were 9-2. First Dude had prompted the pace set by Colizeo. Meanwhile, Colizeo, at 3-5 odds, finished a fading fourth, beaten 6 1/2 lengths.
Colizeo set initial fractions of :23.16, :46.92, 1:11.37. First Dude led after a mile in 1:36.82. Fly Down's winning time was 1:49.88.
The chart call: "First Dude dueled outside for the opening seven furlongs, took a short lead in upper stretch, dug in gamely and just missed."
Jan. 30, Maiden Special Weight, Guflstream Park, One Mile. First Dude competed for the lead with Gothics Peak to his outside, Don Cavallo to his inside and The Director breathing down his...well, let's say his neck. Leaving the turn, First Dude shook off Don Cavallo, then Gothics Peak at the top of the stretch. The Director tried to run him down, but First Dude instead widened his lead and prevailed over The Director by 2 3/4 lengths. Don Cavallo hung on tough to get third.
First Dude was timed in 1:37.18. Initial fractions were :24.08, :45.95 and 1:10.30.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
First Dude raced twice with two seconds at Keeneland and Churchill Downs. At Keeneland, he closed from eighth on the synthetic, and at Churchill, he was never worse than third and was beaten only a half-length by Fly Down.
FLY DOWN (KY) Trainer: Nick Zito
Owner: Richard C. Pell
Breeder: Broadway Thoroughbreds Inc. & W. S. Farish
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Mineshaft (A.P. Indy, Prospector's Delite)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Queen Randi (Fly So Free, Randi's Queen)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 11-7-12-0-0 (30) 4.00
Foal Date: April 19, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $80,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On March 8, FLY DOWN breezed four in :50.00 (16/35) at PMM.
Feb. 23 NOTE: "This is a lightly raced horse, and the Triple Crown has three races, right or wrong? Maybe that gives a little hint about what we're thinking," trainer Zito told DRF.com.
Feb. 21, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. In a field of five, Fly Down and Jose Lezcano came from fifth to win by a head over First Dude. Both were 9-2. First Dude had prompted the pace set by Colizeo. Meanwhile, Colizeo, at 3-5 odds, finished a fading fourth, beaten 6 1/2 lengths.
Colizeo set initial fractions of :23.16, :46.92, 1:11.37. First Dude led after a mile in 1:36.82. Fly Down's winning time was 1:49.88.
The chart call: "Fly Down raced off the pace, advanced quickly into contention on the far turn, rallied three wide and was up late outside after a long drive."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
After finishing third in his debut, Fly Down looked good winning at two turns at Churchill Downs on Nov. 28. He came from back of the pace four wide and hit the finish line in 1:45.57, prevailing by First Dude by a half-length. However, he led by 1 1/2 length at the furlong marker and was driving at the end.
Dec. 28 NOTE: Fly Down breezed four furlongs at Palm Meadows.
HOMEBOYKRIS (MD) Trainer: Rick Dutrow, Jr.
Owner: Louis Lazzinarro, Joseph Bulger, Jack Mandato, Nick Sallusto and Brenda Tabraue
Breeder: Dark Hollow Farm and William Paca Beatson
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Roman Ruler (Fusaichi Pegasus, Silvery Swan)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): One Last Salute (Salutely, Angie's Star)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-3-4-0-1 (14) 3.67
Foal Date: Feb. 13, 2007
Private purchase.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 27, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, One Mile. Homeboykris finished second under Julien Leparoux, beaten by stable mate Radiohead, ridden by Edgar Prado.
Radiohead was timed in 1:35.90 after pressing pacesetter General Maximus, who set initial fractions of :24.18, :47.92 and 1:12.20. The winner drew off to prevail by 3 1/4 lengths over Homeboykris, who came from an early position in fifth, albeit only a length-and-a-half back in the early going. Call Shot finished third, while General Maximus faded to fourth. Six ran. Radiohead was favored at 8-5.
Jan. 23, Grade III Holy Bull Stakes, Gulfstream Park, One Mile. Homeboykris contended for the lead but faded to a fifth-place finish, beaten 5 1/2 lengths.
Winslow Homer (7-2 second choice) laid off the early pace, got in the mix on the turn and found a seam in the stretch to get by the inside of Jackson Bend and win. He was timed in 1:35.97.
Jackson Bend, the 8-5 favorite, was always prominent in the race on the outside after breaking from post 9. He stayed on for second, beaten three-quarters of a length, while William's Kitten (12-1) came on late and wide for third, another 3 1/4 lengths back. It was tight for fourth, with Thank U Philippe (15-1) edging out Homeboykris (5-1) and beaten six lengths for all of it.
After a very abbreviated runup to the timer after the break, Piscitelli, Aikenite, Homeboykris and Jackson Bend slugged it out for the lead and went the first quarter-mile in :23.86. Thank U Philippe, never far back, joined that fray with the half timed in :45.76. Meanwhile, Piscitelli dropped out of contention.
Rounding the turn, Thank U Philippe, then Homeboykris, grabbed a short lead as Aikenite backed out of it with six furlongs run in 1:09.66. But Winslow Homer was about to begin making his move in earnest. By the time the field reached the furlong marker, Winslow Homer had knifed through the pack and led by a head.
Jan. 7 NOTE: "We got just what we wanted this morning (in a workout). We're right on target for the (Jan. 23) Holy Bull, although he's still got one more work to go, and like this one, it will be a major test, too. At the moment, we're in good shape, babe," trainer Dutrow told DRF.com.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Oct. 10, Grade I Champagne Stakes, Belmont Park, One Mile. Bought out of Calder after a second-start maiden-breaker, and after three months in trainer Dutrow’s hands, Homeboykris emerged in his first start for his new handlers and won the race by 1 1/2 length. Discreetly Mine finished second.
The winner ran the one-turn mile in 1:35.12 under Edgar Prado. As the 5-1 third choice in a field of six, Homeboykris paid $13.20 to win. In winning the Champagne, Homeboykris knocked off Dublin and Aspire, winner and runner-up of the Grade I Hopeful.
When the gate opened, Discreetly Mine broke on top, but recent maiden winner Super Saver quickly moved up on the rail to make the lead and race through a quarter-mile in :22.79 and a half in :45.78.
Discreetly Mine pressured the leader from the outside, while Prado and Homeboykris bided their time in third, outside and just behind the leaders. Dublin, meantime, the heavy favorite, lagged behind in fifth.
On the turn, Discreetly Mine turned up the pressure and eventually took over in the stretch. Prado, however, turned Homeboykris loose with a furlong to go and edged clear to win. Aspire rallied for third and was followed by Super Saver, Dublin and Overlap. Dublin, favored at 3-5 odds, was beaten 3 3/4 lengths.
Rick Dutrow, winning trainer, Homeboykris: “I was going to be disappointed if we got beat; you know my game. He got ready at the right time, and it set up good for us. Edgar said he didn’t do much running around the turn.
“I’d rather sit back and run him in the Remsen (on Nov. 28), but if they want to put up the money and go to the Breeders’ Cup, I’d be OK with that.”
Edgar Prado, winning jockey: “He’s just been training sensationally. His last couple of works have been here, at Belmont, and he loves the track. The question was whether he would handle the competition, and he did. I think he’s going to keep improving.”
Later on: “Two turns should be no problem for him,” said then-listed trainer Juan Rodriguez. Trainer Dutrow was serving a 30-day suspension.
Homeboykris bypassed the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and was pointed to the Grade II Remsen.
Nov. 28, Grade II Remsen Stakes, Aqueduct, 1 1/8 Mile. Homeboykris finished fifth of six, beaten 10 lengths by Buddy's Saint. The chart call: "Homeboykris pressed the pace (set by Citrus Kid) in the two path to the turn and gave way (after six furlongs)." The initial fractions weren't all that taxing on paper: :24.01, :48.18 and 1:13.23.
Edgar Prado, jockey aboard Homeboykris: “He wasn’t really rank, but it looked that way because the horse in front of me was slowing down, and I didn’t want to go head-to-head with that horse, so I just sat right next to him.
"Once we got to the backside he settled beautifully, he was just galloping along. The only thing that surprised me was that he spit the bit early. Before I got to the half mile pole, the other horses blew by me. That’s not him. He’s a fighter. He was definitely a better horse when I rode him at Belmont.”
Dec. 27 NOTE: Homeboykris breezed six furlongs at Gulfstream Park.
ICE BOX (KY) Trainer: Nick Zito
Owner: Robert LaPenta
Breeder: Denlea Park, Ltd.
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Pulpit (A.P. Indy, Preach)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Spice Island (Tabasco Cat, Crown of Sheba)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-6-11-0-0 (24) 3.36
Foal Date: March 29, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $125,000
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On March 4, ICE BOX breezed four in :49.40 (15/34) at PMM.
March 8 NOTE: Kent Desormeaux will ride Ice Box in the Florida Derby, according to a report at Bloodhorse.com.
Feb. 23 NOTE: The Grade I Florida Derby is probably next for Ice Box. "This was Ice Box's first start against gorillas, and I thought he ran very well considering he had the outside post, broke slow and was forced to race wide most of the way," trainer Zito told DRF.com. "The key with him, as with all my 3-year-olds at this time of year, is to see how they improve as we move along."
Feb. 20, Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. Ice Box, at 45-1, finished fifth after trailing the field of 10 early. He was beaten 12 lengths by Eskendereya, an 8 1/2-length winner. Jackson Bend second, Aikenite third, Pleasant Prince fourth.
Jan. 18, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. The winner was Ice Box (6-1), ridden by John Velazquez. He tracked the leaders three-wide just a length back, while Pleasant Prince (3-1) saved ground in fourth under Elvis Trujillo. Pleasant Prince made the first move and took the lead from second choice co-pacesetter Positive Split in the far turn, with Ice Box still in pursuit. In the final strides, Ice Box got up on the outside for the win, prevailing by a half-length. The final time was 1:50.36.
It turned into a two-horse race that did not include Launch N Relaunch (favored at 3-2), who finished last--and not really a close last--after repeatedly getting in tight quarters under Jose Lezcano while up close in the bactstretch in a five-horse field. By the time the field got into the far turn, he was done.
Ice Box won once in four starts, and the win came in his fourth start, which came at a mile and 70 yards--his first time going two turns--on Oct. 30 at Meadowlands. His time in that race was 1:41.97, and his odds were 4-5.
One race back, a mile at Belmont Park, Ice Box finished fourth to Rule, beaten 7 3/4 lengths. Aikenite defeated him by 10 lengths in his debut at Saratoga.
On Feb. 21, INTERACTIF breezed four in :49.40 (30/48) at PMM.
On March 1, INTERACTIF worked five in 1:01.00 (7/32) at PMM.
On March 7, INTERACTIF breezed four in :49.80 (21/56) at PMM.
March 9 NOTE: Interactif is will go in the Grade II San Felipe if air transport can be lined up, according to DRF.com.
March 5 NOTE: "His next start will be either on dirt or synthetics, not turf, possibly in California or at Turfway," trainer Pletcher told DRF.com on March 3.
Feb. 26 NOTE: Trainer Pletcher said Interactif could train up to the Grade I Santa Anita Derby on April 3, according to Bloodhorse.com.
Feb. 7, Hallandale Beach Stakes, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/16 Mile (T). Bim Bam outbobbed Interactif at the finish line to win by a nose. Bim Bam took a narrow lead over Interactif early in the race with moderate fractions, and the two battled it out down the stretch. Eibar Coa was on Bim Bam, and Kent Desormeaux rode Interactif. Fractions--:24.60, :49.91, 1:14.11, 1:36.46, 1:42.07.
Kent Desormeaux: “Was it the trip I wanted? Yes. It went very well. But I’m shocked. I didn’t think I could get beat from the quarter-pole.”
Bim Bam's trainer said he'd be kept on grass. No word yet on plans for Interactif.
Jan. 12 NOTE: The Santa Anita Derby has been mentioned as a long-range plan.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Sept. 4, Grade III With Anticipation Stakes, Saratoga, 1 1/16 Mile (T). After a dirt win in his June debut at Monmouth and a badly failed effort on dirt going one turn in the Sanford on July 30, Interactif wore them out in this one. At 15-1 odds, he stayed close to the pace, then rallied three-wide on the turn to take over at the top of the stretch and pulled away to a 4 1/4-length victory over favored Jung Man Scott (2-1).
Paddy O' Prado (2-1) closed from last only to be nosed out for the place.
Ridden by Kent Desormeaux, Interactif stayed just behind fractions of :23.87 and :48.99 set by Mississippi Hippie, then swung widest of all to grab the lead as the field of nine straightened for home, hitting the wire in 1:41.41 over a turf course rated “firm.”
Todd Pletcher, trainer: “It wasn’t the plan (to try him on the turf) until he worked on the grass the other day. I thought he worked exceptionally well, and he has a little turf pedigree on the bottom side. He was a colt that had shown talent, but we thought maybe we were missing a step. It’s nice when they produce the way you hoped they would – I was impressed with the margin he won by and the way he kicked through the lane.”
Kent Desormeaux: “I think this is a very serious horse. He gave me a serious ride. When I asked him to run, he exploded. He was just floating along the course. His ears were up and he was focused. He was watching where he was going and paying attention to what was in front of him. I was fearful about him being aggressive since he was coming out of those sprint races. Todd knew he would enjoy the grass, and I am appreciative of the opportunity to ride him.”
Oct. 4, Pilgrim Stakes, Belmont Park, One Mile (T). Interactif was scratched when the race came off the turf.
Oct. 11, Grade III Bourbon Stakes, Keeneland, 1 1/16 Mile (T). Moving from next-to-last to first, Interactif went wide from the backstretch to the wire to win the 1 1/16-mile, Grade III Bourbon Stakes going away--and guarantee himself a place in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf.
Away slowly at the guidance of Kent Desormeaux on the yielding turf course at Keeneland, Interactif and Desormeaux found themselves looking at the back of 10 horses entering on the backstretch. With nowhere to go but outside, Desormeaux asked Interactif as they approached the far turn, and he responded with an extended run.
At even-money odds, Interactif was the clear betting favorite. He returned $4.00 to win. The final time was 1:45.24. The opening fractions were not fast--:23.25, :47.75 and 1:13.88. Interactif ran a long way to get this win. Trackus recorded his distance as 5,726 feet, or 116 feet longer than 1 1/16 mile. Put another way, it's about 1 1/12 mile.
Codoy, at the opposite end of the odds spectrum, finished a strong closing second, beaten a length, at 57-1. Family Foundation, at 7-1, was a non-threatening third.
Kent Desormeaux, rider of winner Interactif: “The only fearful moments I had, the first 40 yards leaving the gate, he leapt like a Quarter Horse. He was just looking straight down the track and wanted to run. After that moment in time, he came back to me and got in a nice canter and tried to inch to the leaders. He was attentive to me after that, and, of course, he can really, really run so I’m lucky to have the mount.”
Todd Pletcher, trainer of winner Interactif: “The great thing about winning first time out going five-eighths (of a mile) is we know he’s got a big turn of foot. Just trying to get him to settle, teach him how to run a proper turf race. I was a little worried about the ground today; he’s never run on soft ground, but he handled that well, also. We’re really excited about him.
“He broke his maiden first time out on the dirt. We ran him back in the Sanford at Saratoga, and he kinda got involved in a speed duel. We weren’t sure what to do after that. I worked him on the grass one morning at Saratoga, and I knew what to do after that.”
Nov. 7, Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, Santa Anita, One Mile (T). Interactif didn't close by a mile this time--instead, he got right into the race. Facing really good competition, he finished third, beaten less than a length by Pounced. Bridgetown, who set the pace, was second.
Todd Pletcher: “It’s always easy after a race to figure things out. In retrospect, maybe we should have put the pressure on earlier, but if we picked it up, (Bridgetown) would have picked it up too, so it probably would have been the same result. I think the post hurt us a little bit. We were pushed four-wide into the first turn, but from post 11 we got a decent trip. We just couldn’t quicken enough in the last part.”
Kent Desormeaux: “We quickened so fast going into the turn that I couldn’t quite compensate for the turn, and that left some room for the others. I hope this horse can ‘dirt’ because he acts like he wants to be my Derby horse.”
Dec. 31 NOTE: Interactif shows no workouts since Breeders' Cup.
LENTENOR (KY) Trainer: Michael Matz
Owner: Roy and Gretchen Jackson
Breeder: Roy and Gretchen Jackson
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Dynaformer (Roberto, Andover Way)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): La Ville Rouge (Carson City, La Reine Rouge)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 14-8-21-2-1 (46) 2.41
Foal Date: April 20, 2007
Homebred full brother to Barbaro.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On March 3, LENTENOR breezed four in in :49.60 (12/22) at PMM.
On March 9, LENTENOR breezed four in :52.00 (25/26) at PMM.
March 5 NOTE: "Right now I'm just going to wait a little bit and see who's going where and probably look for something on the dirt,' trainer Matz told DRF.com. "We'd like to give him a chance in one of these things some place to see where he fits now. The problem is I don't want to ruin him for one race.
"There are a lot of horses in these races with a lot more experience than he has and I don't want to get beat because of a lack of experience. If he gets beat on ability, that's a different story. There are plenty of options out there. We could even try the Blue Grass and then something down the line like the Belmont. At the moment, I just don't know."
Feb. 17, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile (T). Pressing St. Eligius throughout the race, Lentenor, the 4-5 favorite, had trouble getting by him and finished second to a game Doubles Partner. John Velazquez rode Lentenor.
In the closing strides, Doubles Partner ran by the pair on the rail to prevail by a half-length. St. Eligius was a neck back in third. Doubles Partner, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Chris DeCarlo, was timed in 1:48.81 after St. Eligius set fractions of :24.75, :49.22, 1:13.61 and 1:36.95.
Had Lentenor won well today, he was being considered for the Florida Derby. At this point, future plans have yet to be disclosed.
Trainer Matz: “It’s disappointing. He broke well. He ran real well. John said he was just doing some green things, and looking around. The pace was slow, and in hindsight he wishes he would have let him go a little earlier.
“At the three-eighths pole he would have gone past that other horse. He’s green still. He needs that experience. It’s a good question (where he runs next). I know he’s definitely the type that can run in the big races, it’s just a matter of timing and whether he can get the experience he needs.”
Feb. 17 NOTE: "It's an exciting time of year to have a horse like him going in the right direction, and if he runs well Wednesday, we'll give him one shot on the dirt in one of the big stakes leading up to the Kentucky Derby. The Florida Derby would be a possible option," trainer Matz told DRF.com on Feb. 16.
Feb. 13 NOTE: Lentenor is entered in a nine-furlong turf allowance on Feb. 17 at Gulfstream Park.
On Feb. 6, LENTENOR worked three in :36.80 (8/11) at PMM. On Feb. 12, LENTENOR worked four in :48.00 (3/46) at PMM.
Jan. 20, Maiden Special Weight, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/16 Mile (T).Lentenor broke his maiden at Gulfstream Park by a convincing margin in his third career start. The race was on turf. Lentenor was the even-money favorite.
Stalking the pace, Lentenor made his bid for the lead under John Velazquez as they neared the stretch, and the son of Dynaformer kicked away nicely from the field. Person of Interest rallied to be second while Bigshot finished third. Lentenor cleared the field by 3 1/2 lengths and was timed in 1:41.02.
“We’ve always known he was a good horse," Matz said. "He’s a big boy, a still a bit immature, but he got a lot of experience today. He’d been working well. We’ll see how he comes out of it and take a little time to evaluate what might be next. It could be an ‘a other than’ or maybe even a turf stakes if we think he’s up to it. Naturally with a horse like this, there are thoughts of a Triple Crown race, but it’s much too early to say whether he’d be far enough long to consider something like that. Naturally, I’m very pleased with how he ran today."
Jan. 16 NOTE: Lentenor was entered, but was also-eligible, in a turf allowance at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 15. He did not make it into the race.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Lentenor finished third in his debut over Keeneland's Polytrack during the Fall meet.
Nov. 27 NOTE: "He came out of his first race fine and we're really excited for (the next one)," said trainer Matz. "I think he'll be fine on the dirt, too, but (the next race) was one of our last chances of the year to run on the turf. It looks like a pretty tough group, though."
His future on dirt? "We're just going to take it race by race. I'm sure he'll handle any surface," Matz said.
Nov. 28, Maiden Special Weight, Aqueduct, 1 1/16 Mile (T). As noted, this was Lentenor's first time on the grass. Both Barbaro (by 81/2 lengths) and full brother Nicanor (by 15 1/4 lengths) broke their maidens in their first turf tries.
Lentenor, however, finished a good second, beaten a half-length by On Vacation, who tripped the wire in 1:45.92 on a surface rated good. Ten ran. Lentenor tracked the winner throughout the race after bobbling at the break. He was midpack until finishing well leaving the second turn.
Dec. 28 NOTE: Lentenor breezed four furlongs at Palm Meadows.
MENDIP (KY) Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor
Owner: Godolphin Stable
Breeder: Jayeff B Stables
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Harlan's Holiday (Harlan, Christmas in Aiken)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Well Spring (Coronado's Quest, Chaposa Springs)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-3-6-1-0 (14) 2.50
Foal Date: Feb. 9, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $130,000.
Fasig-Tipton Florida 2-Year-Olds in Training 2009: $375,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
March 8 NOTE: The Group 2 UAE Derby on March 27 is next.
March 4, Al Bastakiya, Meydan, 1 3/16 Mile. Mendip upset his stable mate Vale of York and beat 13 in all, easily winning.
Ridden by Frankie Dettori, Mendip maintained a flawless record in the prep for the Group 2 UAE Derby on March 27. He was the 5-2 second choice at TwinSpires.com, with Vale of York favored at 7-5. Mendip won the race by 6 1/4 lengths and was timed in 1:59:42 for 1 3/16 mile. Vale of York was beaten 7 1/4 lengths.
Della Barbra took the early lead and held it until upper stretch after setting slowish fractions. Dettori and Mendip attended Della Barbra in second throughout. When Dettori gave the signal, Mendip drew off under a hand ride to prevail by multiple lengths.
Frankie Dettori described Mendip as "a progressive horse" and said the UAE Derby is the next target. When asked about his Kentucky Derby prospects, Dettori said, "We always think about that, but the UAE Derby is next."
Trainer Saeed bin Suroor on Mendip: "He won nicely."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Mendip had a one-mile maiden win at Kempton and a seven-furlong allowance win at Meydan in two career starts, both on synthetic tracks. He last raced on Nov. 2 and earned $38,495.
MINER'S RESERVE (KY) Trainer: Nick Zito
Owner: Robert LaPenta
Breeder: Manganaro LLC
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Mineshaft (A.P. Indy, Prospector's Delite)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Royal Reserves (Forty Niner, Royal Solution)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 12-9-16-0-1 (38) 3.22
Foal Date: March 6, 2007
Keeneland September 2008:$150,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
March 8 NOTE: Trainer Zito told Bloodhorse.com he likely will look for an allowance race for Miner's Reserve, then race him in the Derby Trial as a prep for the Preakness.
March 1 NOTE: "It's a long year," trainer Zito said after Miner's Reserve won the Feb. 27 maiden race.
Feb. 27, Maiden Special Weight, Gulfstream Park, One Mile. Miner's Reserve, sent off as the 3-1 second choice, took the lead on the inside, pressed by Gothics Peak, at 12-1. He and Kent Desormeaux shook that one off easily and increased their lead to win by 5 1/2 lengths over favored Bushwhacked (6-5), who had stalked Miner's Reserve and Gothics Peak.
The timer malfunctioned, yielding no fractional splits, but the offficial chart says Miner's Reserve finished in 1:35.87.
Jan. 23, Maiden Special Weight, Gulfstream Park, Seven Furlongs. Miner's Reserve finished fourth, beaten 3 1/4 lengths by Mine N Gems and a time of 1:21.97. After closely tracking the pace of :22.56 and :45.32, Miner's Reserve was bumped at the top of the stretch and made up about a length on the leader after regrouping under Carlos Marquez.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Unraced.
ODYSSEUS (KY) Trainer: Tom Albertrani
Owner: Padua Stables
Breeder: Haymarket Farm & Lakemont Stable
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Malibu Moon (A.P. Indy, Macoumba)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Persimmon Hil (Conquistador Cielo, Rose O'Riley)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 11-5-14-4-0 (34) 2.09
Foal Date: Jan. 28, 2007
Fasig Tipton August 2008: $110,000; OBS 2-Year-Olds in Training 2009: $250,000
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Entered in the Tampa Bay Derby on March 13.
On March 1, ODYSSEUS breezed five in 1:01.00 (7/32) at PMM.
On March 8, ODYSSEUS worked five in 1:01.40 (4/21) at PMM.
March 9 NOTE: The Grade III Tampa Bay Derby on March 13 is next for Odysseus. "Hopefully there will be a little more pace to this race, and the scenario will be similar to his last start," trainer Albertrani told DRF.com. "If he happens to jump up and win, then we'll have some decisions to make whether to run him one more time in a race like the Wood or just wait and train him up to the Derby."
Feb. 17, Allowance, Tampa Bay Downs, 1 1/16 Mile. He may have been the heavy favorite at 1-2 odds, but few expected Odysseus to romp by 15 lengths.
While it was clear the five horses he defeated were struggling in his wake, Odysseus put in time of 1:44.37 in the 1 1/16-mile race, only 22/100 second slower than Rule was clocked in winning the Grade III Sam F. Davis Stakes four days earlier.
Exhi, at 2-1, took the early lead. Odysseus and Rajiv Maragh, three wide early in the first turn, got over and stalked Exhi into the backstretch. Exhi set fractions of :23.72, :47.09 and 1:11.76 and still had the lead as the pair approached the end of the far turn. Maragh and Odysseus made their moving leaving the turn, and they suddenly turned a two-length deficit into a three-length lead at the furlong marker. From there, Odysseus increased his margin by 12 more lengths while being shown the whip.
Odysseus is trained at Palm Meadows.
Jan. 14, Maiden Special Weight, Gulfstream Park, Seven Furlongs. Odysseus defeated what some called a strong field of maidens. Timed in 1:22.83, Odysseus prompted the pace from the rail and won by a half-length over Forward Harch and Nadal under Rajiv Maragh.
"We always liked Odysseus from the beginning and that was a nice effort on Thursday, since it was a pretty loaded field he beat," said trainer Albertrani. "We'll try him at the next allowance level at either a mile or around two turns and just assess him as he goes along."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Odysseus finished second to Moojab in his debut, and only race at age two. That came at Aqueduct on Oct. 31. He came from ninth, about eight lengths off the pace in the six furlong race.
PLEASANT PRINCE (FL) Trainer: Wesley Ward
Owner: Kenneth L. & Sarah K. Ramsey
Breeder: Adena Springs
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Indy King (A.P. Indy, Queena)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Archduchess (Pleasant Tap, My Marchesa)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-9-16-1-1 (34) 2.40
Foal Date: Feb. 9, 2007
Ocala Breeders' Sales Company 2008: $30,000
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Probable for the Florida Derby on March 20.
On March 7, PLEASANT PRINCE worked five in 1:00.50 (3/25) at GP.
Feb. 20, Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. Pleasant Prince, at 50-1, finished fourth, beaten 10 1/4 lengths by Eskendereya, but Eskendereya won the race over Jackson Bend by 8 1/2. Pleasant Prince was 1 3/4 lengths off of Jackson Bend, and Aikenite finished between them.
Pleasant Prince broke from the 4, raced well off the pace while saving ground under Julien Leparoux, went from eighth to fourth around the turn and finished willingly.
Jan. 28 NOTE: Trainer Ward decided not to accompany Cannonball to a stakes race in Australia, saying he wants to stay home with Pleasant Prince. "I don't want to get too far from him at the moment," Ward told DRF.com.
Jan. 18, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. The winner was Ice Box (6-1), ridden by John Velazquez. He tracked the leaders three-wide just a length back, while Pleasant Prince (3-1) saved ground in fourth under Elvis Trujillo. Pleasant Prince made the first move and took the lead from second choice co-pacesetter Positive Split in the far turn, with Ice Box still in pursuit. In the final strides, Ice Box got up on the outside for the win, prevailing by a half-length. The final time was 1:50.36.
It turned into a two-horse race that did not include Launch N Relaunch (favored at 3-2), who finished last--and not really a close last--after repeatedly getting in tight quarters under Jose Lezcano while up close in the bactstretch in a five-horse field. By the time the field got into the far turn, he was done.
Jan. 7, Allowance Gulfstream Park, One Mile. Eskendreya won this race on the lead. Meanwhile, Pleasant Prince started slowly, in tenth after a quarter of the race. From there he was four wide and tired to a fifth-place finish, beaten eight lengths.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Pleasant Prince had a win and a show in three starts. His win came third time out in a one-mile maiden race at Churchill Downs on Nov. 20. He was timed in 1:38.60 and prevailed by a length. Julien Leparoux handled the reins, closing fast from an early ninth for the win.
PLEASANT STORM (OK) Trainer: Joe Petalino
Owner: Vickie Fixley
Breeder: Vickie Fixley
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Pleasant Tap (Pleasant Colony, Never Knock)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Burning Fever (Stormin Fever, Firey Prospect)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-10-11-2-3 (28) 1.67
Foal Date: April 13, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Entered in the Rebel Stakes on March 13. Feb. 20, Grade III Southwest Stakes, Oaklawn Park, One Mile. Pleasant Storm made little impact on the Southwest, finishing seventh after running ninth or tenth of 10 in the early stages.
Jan. 18, Smarty Jones Stakes, Oaklawn Park, One Mile. Pleasant Storm (7-1) trailed the entire field of 12 down the backstretch. He made an impressive outside move around the far turn and closed well to finish second under Bryan McNeil.
Dryfly, sent off at 8-5 as the favorite, sure was the best. Under Calvin Borel, he was sent to the lead off the bat and stayed there. After building an unbeatable margin, he was ridden out to a 2 1/4-length win after Calvin reminded him to keep running.
Dryfly was timed in 1:41.69 after setting initial splits of :23.35, :47.65, 1:13.75 and 1:27.70. The track at Oaklawn was said to be very slow at the start of the meet.
"I really liked his race. That was awful good first time around two turns. He's got a big stride."--Trainer Petalino, quoted at DRF.com
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Pleasant Storm's most notable achievement as a juvenile was winning the Oklahoma Classics Juvenile Stakes going six furlongs at Remington Park. That came in his second and final start of the year on Nov. 20. He broke his maiden at first asking at Remington.
PULSION (FL) Trainer: Patrick Biancone
Owner: Flying Zee Stables, Kona Stables, Hui, Et Al
Breeder: Lloyd Carnes & Lisa Carnes
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Include (Broad Brush, Illeria (CAN))
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Spring (Stravinsky, Spinnin Cannon)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-8-15-1-0 (28) 2.29
Foal Date: Feb. 14, 2007
OBS 2007 Fall Mixed Sale: $60,000.
Fasig-Tipton Kentucky 2008 Yearling Sale: $200,000
OBS 2009 2-Year-Olds in Training: $250,000
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Probable for the Florida Derby on March 20.
On March 1, PULSION worked five in 1:00.60 (3/17) at GP.
On March 8, PULSION breezed seven in 1:26.80 (1/2) at GP.
Feb. 20, Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. Pulsion finished sixth, beaten 12 1/4 lengths after being ninth early. Eskendereya was an 8 1/2-length winner. Jackson Bend second, Aikenite third, Pleasant Prince fourth, Ice Box fifth.
Feb. 11 NOTE: “He’s over his little cold now and worked very well,” said trainer Biancone on Feb. 10. “You would always like to keep the schedule you’ve planned, but it doesn’t always work out. We’ve got to get him started some place. It’s a long year ahead. Mike Smith will be here to ride him.”
Jan. 31, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. Pulsion was scratched. He is said to have had a cough. When he was entered for this race, he was still said to be gearing for the Fountain of Youth.
Jan. 6 NOTE: Pulsion is in South Florida and is being pointed to the Fountain of Youth on Feb. 20.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Pulsion had a win and a second in three starts going into the Norfolk, breaking his maiden third time out.
Oct. 4, Grade II Norfolk Stakes, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Lookin At Lucky won the $300,000, Grade I Norfolk Stakes by 1 3/4 lengths, taking his fourth race in as many starts at 4-5 odds. Under Garrett Gomez, Lookin At Lucky ran 1 1-16 mile in 1:43.11.
Pulsion, trained by Patrick Biancone, came from the outside post and closed hard in the field of 11 to finish second, while Gallant Gent was another half-length back in third. Jung Man Scott and John Scott finished in a dead heat for fourth.
Mike Smith, who rode Pulsion, hailed Lookin At Lucky.
"Forget about the winner being the best 2-year-old on the West Coast," he said. "I think the best 2-year-old in the country won the race, and we weren't far off of him. So if he can improve, who knows?
“We wanted to run one-two-three, and we got second. I thought I had a great trip from the 12 hole. This colt has a lot to learn, but he’s learning. He gets to where he starts and stops a few times too many, but he’s learning. I think he’ll be more honest next time. We’ll hone down on him a little more, tighten the screws a little more, and I think he’ll be right there."
Nov. 7, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Pulsion sustained a deep laceration of the hind pastern in the Juvenile and finished eleventh of 13. The injury probably happened on the first turn, when several horses, including Pulsion, were being knocked around.
RAISE THE BRIDLE (FL) Trainer: Henry Dominguez
Owner: Double Eagle Ranch and Buena Suerte Equine
Breeder: Claude Morris
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Spanish Steps (Unbridled, Trolley Song)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Poitrine (Gulch, Ismelda)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 9-8-7-0-2 (26) 3.73
Foal Date: March 22, 2007
Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall 2008: RNA $14,500
OBS April 2009: $120,000
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 27, Borderland Derby, Sunland Park, 1 1/16 Mile. Stewards determined that Raise the Bridle bore out into Storming Saint throughout the stretch run and disqualified him. Raise the Bridle hit the finish line first by a short neck and was timed in 1:45.27. Raise the Bridle set or closely prompted the pace in fractions of :48.35 and 1:13.09.
Feb. 17, Maiden Special Weight, Sunland Park, Six Furlongs. Raise the Bridle finished second by a nose to Guiltbyassociation after setting the pace in :22.31 and :44.96. The race was timed in 1:10.03.
"It was unlucky," said Juan Ochoa, who rode Raise the Bridle. "I felt I was on the better horse. These two horses will meet again. My horse ran a great race."
"Raise the Bridle is a very good horse," co-owner Leonard Blach said. "He has so much potential."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Unraced.
SCHOOLYARD DREAMS Trainer: Derek Ryan
Owner: Eric Fein and Anthony Mattola
Breeder: John E. Little
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Stephen Got Even (A.P. Indy, Immerse)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Hear This (Prospector's Music, Lullaby Lady)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-5-14-0-0 (26) 2.71
Foal Date: May 8, 2007
A private purchase, Schoolyard Dreams was RNA'd for $8,500 at Keeneland September 2008.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Entered in the Tampa Bay Derby on March 13.
On Feb. 26, SCHOOLYARD DREAMS breezed five in :59.80 (1/19) at TAM.
On March 7, SCHOOLYARD DREAMS breezed four in :47.60 (1/64) at TAM.
Feb. 13, Grade III Sam F. Davis Stakes, 1 1/16 Mile. Schoolyard Dreams finished second, beaten three lengths at 9-1 odds. While a dramatic ending threatened to break out, it never materialized, and Rule and John Velazquez led from gate to wire to capture the race as the even-money favorite.
Rule, who broke from post 1, faced Middle of the Nite as his first challenger while the pair led the field through opening fractions of :23.71 and :47.72. Down the backstretch, Schoolyard Dreams chased those two, never far back, while Uptowncharlybrown, the 9-5 second choice, trailed the field of six
Rounding the second turn, Middle of the Nite began to tail off and Schoolyard Dreams, four wide, mounted a challenge to Rule's outside with the first six furlongs in the books in 1:12.36.
Going into the stretch, those two separated themselves from the rest of the six-horse field as Uptowncharlybrown finally began to pick up the pace and make a final run. But neither Schoolyard Dreams nor Uptowncharlybrown could sustain an effort sufficient to the task. Uptowncharlybrown finished a length back of Schoolyard Dreams in third. They were followed by Silver Craft, Middle of the Nite and Tristen's Mambo. African Moon was scratched.
The winner was timed in 1:44.15, barely over a second off the track record set by Street Sense in the 2007 Tampa Bay Derby.
Jan. 9, Allowance, Tampa Bay Downs, One Mile 40 Yards. In a race that appeared to be written for Schoolyard Dreams, he was sent off at 2-5 odds and won by 1 3/4 length as he edged off from the field. Ridden by Daniel Centeno, Schoolyard Dreams was always prominent, got a short lead in the second turn, and dueled with African Dreams in the stretch before breaking free to hit the wire in 1:43.21. The third finisher wound up three lengths behind African Moon.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Schoolyard Dreams raced twice, both times at Philly Park. Third in his debut going a mile, he won at second asking on Nov. 21, timed in 1:42.21 going a mile and 70 yards after prompting the pace.
March 8 NOTE: Setsuko is being pointed to the Grade I Santa Anita Derby on April 3.
March 6, Grade III Sham Stakes, Santa Anita, 1 1/8 Mile. Setsuko was second to Alphie's Bet, who came from sixth to win. Setsuko was tracking Alphie's Bet early on, but the latter got first jump on Setsuko and finished more quickly. The winning margin was 2 1/4 lengths going away. The Program was third, Outlaw Man fourth.
Rafael Bejarano, aboard Setsuko: “I had no excuse. My horse was very comfortable in good position, but when I saw (Alphie’s Bet) move from the three-eighths, I saw that he had a lot of horse. So I tucked in behind him. My horse made a good move, but he doesn’t have a quick turn of foot in the stretch. That’s why that other horse beat me. He can come on running quickly.”
Jan. 27, Allowance, Santa Anita, 1 1/8 Mile (T). Setsuko finished second to Alfarabi by a half-length after rallying three wide into the lane. The winner was timed in 1:50.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Setsuko raced five times, all on synthetic track at Del Mar, Hollywood and Santa Anita, and all at two turns except for his debut. He broke his maiden fifth time out, beating Broken Tango by three lengths.
SOARING EMPIRE (KY) Trainer: Cam Gambolati
Owner: Ol Memorial Stable (Rick Pitino) and C. E. Glasscock
Breeder: Emory A. Hamilton
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Empire Maker (Unbridled, Toussaud)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Flying Passage (A.P. Indy, Chic Shirine)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 14-11-15-0-2 (42) 3.42
Foal Date: Feb. 18, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $190,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
March 11 NOTE: Soaring Empire is probable for the Florida Derby on March 20.
Feb. 25, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, Seven Furlongs. Soaring Empire made his 2010 debut a winning one. Sent off at 4-1, he prevailed by three parts of a length after being placed seventh of 10 after a half-mile. Following splits of :22.84 and :45.83 set by Roman Hall, then Havanadaydream, Soaring Empire finished in 1:24.50. Allez Reef second, Havanadaydream third.
Favored Afleet Express (1-1) was fifth; Latigo Shore (3-1) eighth after a tough trip.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Soaring Empire raced twice. He won his debut going 5 1/2 furlongs at Meadowlands, and he finished third to Thiskyhasnolimit in the one-mile, one-turn Grade III Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs.
STAY PUT (KY) Trainer: Steve Margolis
Owner: Bertram, Richard & Elaine Klein
Breeder: Reklein Stables
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Broken Vow (Unbridled, Wedding Vow)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): O K Mom (Dixieland Band, Sokhop)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 9-6-9-2-2 (28) 2.29
Foal Date: March 24, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On March 4, STAY PUT breezed four in :49.80 (11/47) at FG.
March 6 NOTE: “So far, so good,” said trainer Margolis on March 5 about the March 4 workout. “He worked well yesterday, and he came out of it real well today. We’ll work him going five-eighths another seven or eight days from now, and he’ll probably have another work after that (in preparation for the Louisiana Derby).”
Feb. 20, Grade II Risen Star Stakes, Fair Grounds, 1 1/16 Mile. Stay Put was fifth after trying to close from tenth. Dictating a moderate pace, Discreetly Mine and Javier Castellano were timed in 1:44.48 after setting fractions of :24.60, :48.75, 1:13.44 and 1:38.17.
Tempted to Tapit second, Northern Giant third, Drosselmeyer fourth in a merry-go-round finish.
Jan. 4 NOTE: ...(r)ight now I’m thinking about holding Stay Put back for the Risen Star on Feb. 20. We think coming back in three weeks for the Lecomte (Jan. 23) might be pushing things a little. We already know he can go two turns," Margolis said.
“Besides, I already have Cool Bullet pointing to the Lecomte. In fact, he was on the track this morning, and he went very well. I’ll probably work him one more time and put him in the Lecomte to see if he can go turns, and as for What’s New, I really haven’t decided anything about what might be next for him."
Jan. 3, Allowance, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. Stay Put (7-1) came from last place to win by one length, timd in 1:40.67. Depaul made the pace with splits of :24.23 and :48.56 before tiring to finish seventh.
Stay Put was confidently ridden by Jamie Theriot. It was Stay Put's second career win in four lifetime starts.
Worldly was prominent throughout the race in a stalking trip and finished second to Stay Put as the 2-1 favorite. He was two lengths to the good of Letsgetitonmon (16-1). Hotep (6-1) was another length back in fourth. Walking the Beach, the 5-2 second choice, wound up ninth, only beating a horse that did not finish.
Trainer Margolis: “He’s a true distance horse that will settle and make that one run. This horse will run all day.”
PEFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Stay Put was a game maiden special weight winner in the slop at Fair Grounds on Dec. 7. It was his third start overall, and his third one at two turns. Going 1 1/16 mile, Stay Put finished in 1:45.85 and prevailed over Northern Giant by a length under Jamie Theriot. He rallied from a stalking third behind slow fractions, including the first six furlongs run in 1:15 and change.
STORMING SAINT (FL) Trainer: Henry Dominguez
Owner: Lathrop G Hoffman
Breeder: Harold J. Plumley
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Sweetnorthernsaint (Sain Ballado, Sweetsoutherncross)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Tomisue's Storm (Storm Bird (CAN), Late from Lunch)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-3-9-3-0 (20) 1.67
Foal Date: May 29, 2007
OBS 2008 Yearling Sale: $1,000.
OBS April 2009: $12,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 27, Borderland Derby, Sunland Park, 1 1/16 Mile. Storming Saint won via disqualification of Raise the Bridle. Stewards determined that Raise the Bridle bore out into Storming Saint throughout the stretch run. Raise the Bridle hit the finish line first by a short neck and was timed in 1:45.27.
Raise the Bridle set or closely prompted the pace in fractions of :48.35 and 1:13.09. Meanwhile, Storming Saint was sixth, 3 3/4 lengths back of the pace after a half-mile.
"My horse got bumped twice," jockey Luis Contreras said. "It was a tough race, a great finish. I felt I should have won. Storming Saint is a great horse. He was ready to go; the race set up perfectly."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Storming Saint had four starts.
He finished second at Ruidoso Downs on Sept. 5 in the Smarty Jones going 5 1/2 furlongs, beaten 7 1/4 lengths.
At Zia Park on Oct. 25, he finished fourth in the six-furlong Governor's Cup, beaten 3 1/2 lengths.
On Nov. 28 at Zia, Storming Saint won a one-mile maiden special weight by 13 lengths, timed in 1:38.47. He went on when asked.
Finally, on December 29, Storming Saint finished third by 3 1/2 lengths to Grand Slam Andre in the 6 1/2-furlong Riley Allison Futurity after being steadied at the start and going four wide on the turn.
TEMPTED TO TAPIT (KY) Trainer: Steve Klesaris
Owner: Gainesway Stable
Breeder: Mike Sloan
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Tapit (Pulpit, Tap Your Heels)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Tempting Note (Editor's Note, Tempt)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-5-8-1-0 (20) 3.00
Foal Date: April 1, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $18,000.
A gelding.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On March 6, TEMPTED TO TAPIT breezed six in :47.60 (5/55) at GP.
Feb. 23 NOTE: Tempted to Tapit might return for the Grade II Louisiana Derby on March 27 or head west for the Grade III Sunland Derby on March 28.
Feb. 20, Grade II Risen Star Stakes, Fair Grounds, 1 1/16 Mile. Tempted to Tapit was second, but Discreetly Mine led from gate to wire, perceived as an unusual feat going two turns at Fair Grounds.
Dictating a moderate pace, Discreetly Mine and Javier Castellano were timed in 1:44.48 after setting fractions of :24.60, :48.75, 1:13.44 and 1:38.17.
Tempted to Tapit, who like Discreetly Mine shipped from South Florida for the Risen Star, was 1 1/2 length back of the winner after stalking him in that position. Northern Giant, a 53-1 longshot, was a neck back in third after the trio ran the circuit in merry-go-round fashion. Northern Giant was followed another neck back at the wire by 2-1 post-time favorite Drosselmeyer, another Florida shipper, who was in fourth position about halfway into the race.
David Cohen, aboard Tempted to Tapit: “My horse didn’t break too fast, which isn't his kind of his style. I was behind horses in the first time and then got him outside, and he seemed to relax very well. We were going a pretty easy pace, and he ran good. He finished very strong and held of those other challengers for second.”
Feb. 11 NOTE: Tempted to Tapit was not entered in the Sam F. Davis. Trainer Klesaris said he needed more time. Tempted to Tapit is now pointing for either the Grade II Risen Star or Grade II Fountain of Youth. Both are set for Feb. 20. "I like the way he's been getting over this racetrack," trainer Klesaris told DRF.com. "He's been doing it easily. I'm leaning towards the Risen Star, but we'll just take a look at both races and see how they come up. The plane for the Fair Grounds doesn't leave until the 17th, so we'll have a good idea who is going where at that point."
Jan. 28 NOTE: Tempted to Tapit earned a trip to South Florida off his big effort at Aqueduct and arrived arrived in the Sunshine State on Jan. 27. He'll probably be entered in the Grade III Sam F. Davis Stakes running at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 13.
"I really liked him a lot that day," Klesaris told DRF.com. "He went out there and did it the way he was supposed to, the way I really thought he could do it. I was pleasantly surprised to see it was as fast as it was and that he ran the splits that he ran (:22.95, :46.78, and 1:11.82) and kept on cruising. He's still trying to figure out the game. If he could harness his energy a little bit, he could be better. From a pedigree standpoint, he'll run as far as they write races."
Jan. 19 NOTE: After his Jan. 18 win, trainer Klesaris said he had no firm plans for Tempted to Tapit, but planned to nominate him where he is eligible and “see what fits his schedule best.”
Jan. 18, Maiden Special Weight, Aqueduct, One Mile. Tempted to Tapit ran off to an 11 1/2-length victory after having blinkers added. Tempted to Tapit was timed in 1:37.88 after leading at all calls and being "kept to task." His early fractions were :22.95, :46.78 and 1:11.82.
Trainer Klesaris: “He’s run well in all of his races, but where he appeared to be a winner in the last two, he seemed to lose focus and got to loafing around. In a race or two I’d like to see if he can learn to come out of the bridle a little bit and harness some of that energy.”
Jockey David Cohen: “It was my first time riding him in the afternoon, but I worked with him before he ever ran, so I knew him very well. I just really wanted to get into his mind and let him know that he had to go on and do it regardless of whether we were two lengths or ten lengths in front. He’s going to have to face a lot tougher, but I think he stepped his game up today.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Tempted to Tapit made three starts as a juvenile including a pair of second-place finishes in his most recent outings at Philadelphia Park on November 21 and December 11. In the seven-furlong December 11 race, he was collared late by Laus Deo, who led from gate to wire in the $65,000 Count Fleet Stakes in his next start on January 2 at Aqueduct.
THE PROGRAM (KY) Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Thoroughbred Legends Racing Stable
Breeder: Double Eagle Thoroughbreds
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Harlan's Holiday (Harlan, Christmas in Aiken)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Shadow on the Moon (Deputy Minister, Far Flying)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-1-5-0-0 (10) 3.00
Foal Date: March 7, 2007
Keeneland November 2007: $110,000.
Keeneland September 2008: $310,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE March 6, Grade III Sham Stakes, Santa Anita, 1 1/8 Mile. The Program finished third after stalking the pace, and Alphie's Bet won with a late run to the wire. The winning time was 1:48.72.
Sixth of 10 in the early going, Alphie's Bet and Alex Solis stayed around four lengths off pacesetter Nextdoorneighbor, who traveled the initial fractions in :23.62, :47.61 and 1:12.22. Turning for home, Nextdoorneighbor began to run out of energy as several in the field went by him. The Program, who had stalked Nextdoorneighbor, briefly gained the lead, but Alphie's Bet loped by and won going away by 2 1/4 lengths. The Program was beaten 3 1/2 lengths.Setsuko finished second.
Feb. 3, Allowance, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Indian Firewater, who seemed keen to go under Garrett Gomez, actually did not run that fast as The Program tracked him in fractions of :25.84, :50.50 and 1:15.12. As they rounded the far turn, The Program began to inch up, but Indian Firewater tried to kick away under Garrett
Gomez hitting the stretch. However, he was unable to hold off The Program and Martin Garcia, who won by a short head. The final time was 1:44.64.
Jan. 6, Allowance, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. The Program (6-5) was upset as the favorite--and was nosed out of the place.
Kettle River ran down a pair of better-bet colts when scoring an 10-1 upset. With Brice Blanc in the saddle, Kettle River closed strongly to cover the distance in 1:43.76 while holding off the late charge of Hawaiian Springs by three-quarters of a length.
The Program had a wide journey. It was another 1 1/2 length back to 5-2 second choice Quiet Invader, another Baffert entrant who led the field into the stretch with good fractions of :24.11, :47.91 and 1:12.64. The Program stalked in fourth and was passed in the late stages by the top two finishers.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
The Program broke his maiden in his third start on Oct. 30 in a one-mile maiden special weight at Santa Anita.
Dec. 19, Grade I CashCall Futurity, Hollywood Park, 1 1/16 Mile. The Program set the pace for a half-mile, tripping fractions of :24.03 and :48.30, but he could not hold off three horses and finished fourth, albeit beaten only 1 1/2 length.
Lookin at Lucky won, followed three-quarters of a length by Noble's Promise and another half to the closing Make Music for Me.
THOMAS BAINES (KY) Trainer: Doug O'Neill
Owner: A J L Productions, LLC
Breeder: Joseph Joyce
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Johannesburg (Hennessy, Myth)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Foofaraw (Cherokee Run, All the Rage)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-1-8-0-0 (12) 2.00
Foal Date: Feb. 2, 2007
Tattersall's October 2008: $99,757
Thomas Baines was not early-nominated to the Triple Crown.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
March 3, Allowance, Santa Anita, One Mile. Thomas Baines defeated Indian Firewater and Bulldogger after coming three wide into the stretch after coming from sixth of seven after a quarter-mile. Rafael Bejarano gave him the patient ride at 9-2 odds.
Indian Firewater was beaten a half-length after stalking pacesetter Bulldogger. Bulldogger was beaten 1 1/4 length after marking lead splits of :23.42, :47.12 and 1:11.36. He had the lead with less than a furlong to go. The final time was 1:35.94.
Feb. 20, El Camino Real Derby, Golden Gate Fields, 1 1/8 Mile. Thomas Baines finished sixth, beaten 4 1/4 lengths by Connemara. After a rank early run, his trouble mounted when he was blocked at the furlong marker, and he lost a couple of lengths in the process.
Jan. 16, California Derby, Golden Gate Fields, 1 1/16 Mile. After breaking slowly, Thomas Baines found himself 4 1/2 lengths off the pace. Under Michael Baze, he came up the rail to finish third by a length to pacesetter Ranger Heartley, Connemara second. The race was timed in 1:45.40.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Thomas Baines, a Kentucky-bred, ran in his first seven races in England, earning $10,676, with one win and three thirds. All those races were less than a mile. He was then sent to U. S. after Sept. 18.
At Hollywood Park, he finished fourth to Ranger Heartley, The Program and Fog Alert on Nov. 27 going 1 1/16 mile.
On Dec. 28, Thomas Baines finished third in the one-mile Eddie Logan Stakes on the turf, beaten 2 3/4 lengths by Macias. Alfarabi was second.
TIZ CHROME (KY) Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Lanni Family Trust, Mercedes Stable LLC & Bernard C. Schiappa
Breeder: Whisper Hill Farm
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Tiznow (Cee's Tizzy, Cee's Song)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Woodland Shadow (Woodman, Fantasic Look)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-0-9-1-0 (16) 1.91
Foal Date: Feb. 6, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: RNA $9,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On March 3, TIZ CHROME worked seven in 1:25.40 (1/4) at SA.
On March 11, TIZ CHROME worked six in 1:11.20 (1/17) at SA.
March 9 NOTE: A sudden reversal. According to DRF.com, trainer Baffert said Tiz Chrome missed several days of training last week and is out of the San Felipe.
March 8 NOTE: Tiz Chrome is looking pretty likely for the Grade II San Felipe on March 13.
March 5 NOTE: "One will stay here, one is going to Arkansas. I don't have to made that call until the plane leaves next week," tranier Baffert said about Lookin at Lucky and Tiz Chrome to DRF.com. "I don't make a decision until I have to. It's the way I've survived in this sport. Right now I'm leaning toward the Rebel with Lookin At Lucky. He worked well the other day.
"He had a stone bruise and then a lung infection," Baffert said of Tiz Chrome.
March 3 NOTE: Tiz Chrome was not entered in the Gotham.
Feb. 24 NOTE: Tiz Chrome is being pointed to the Grade III Gotham on March 6. "He came out of the (Robert B. Lewis) with a foot bruise, but he's doing better by the day," Baffert told DRF.com.
Feb. 13, Grade II Robert B. Lewis Stakes, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Tiz Chrome faded to a fourth-place finish, beaten 4 1/2 lengths. Five ran.
A pace duel was led by Tiz Chrome and American Lion. Tiz Chrome wnt through the opening quarter-mile in :23.27 and the first half in :47.11, with American Lion on his right flank. In the meantime, Caracortado was sitting in a pocket in third, alone, whille Tango Tango and Dave in Dixie and tracked in the rear, less than six lengths separating the field.
Ziz Chrome and Amerian Lion geve up the lead to Caracortado near the top of the stretch, and the winner scampered off to an easy win, timed in 1:41.75.
Davie in Dixie made a strong late run to caputre second, edging out Ameican Lion by a half-length. After Tiz Chrome, Tango Tango completed the order of finish.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Tiz Chrome broke his maiden first time out running six furlongs at Churchill Downs on Nov. 1.
Dec. 19, Stuka Stakes, Hollywood Park, 6 1/2 Furlongs. Favored at 3-2, Tiz Chrome made that pay off with a four-length win timed in 1:14.56. Staying on the outside of the pacesetter in the early going, he was three wide in the turn, took off from the end of the turn and kicked away while being shown the whip by Garrett Gomez.
Trainer Baffert: “That Tiz Chrome, he’s a pretty serious horse. I like the way he ran. So it’s good to be in this spot, but you need a lot of bullets in this game. You never get too excited.”
Dec. 30 NOTE: Tiz Chrome worked five furlongs at Santa Anita.
TURF MELODY (KY) Trainer: Graham Motion
Owner: Priscilla Graham
Breeder: Bruce Berenson & Laurie Berenson
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Maria's Mon (Wavering Monarch, Carlotta Maria)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Tricky Bird (Storm Bird (CAN), Tricky Bird)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-2-7-0-0 (12) 2.43
Foal Date: May 5, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $200,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
March 6, Grade III Gotham Stakes, Aqueduct, 1 1/16 Mile. Turf Melody was a closing fourth. Awesome Act made his return to the U. S. a winning one with an easy win.
Reserved early behind fast early fractons of :22.65 and :46.60 set by Wow Wow Wow, Awesome Act took command in mid-stretch won handily, timed in 1:43.85. Yawanna Twist closed well to finish second, beaten 1 1/4 length, with Nacho Friend another 1 3/4 length back in third. Turf Melody came running late up the rail for fourth, 4 1/4 lengths behind the winner.
The Gotham was considered wide open, with the favorite at 7-2 during much of the wagering. That favorite happened to be Awesome Act, who was bet down late to 5-2, resulting in payoffs of $7.70, $5.10 and $3.80. Yawanna Twist was the second choice at 7-2, while Nacho Friend was bet at 8-1, and Turf Melody 11-1.
Feb. 27, Miracle Wood Stakes, Laurel Park, Seven Furlongs. Turf Melody was scratched.
Feb. 6, Whirlaway Stakes, Aqueduct, 1 1/16 Mile. Turf Melody was scratched on a cold day at Aqueduct.
Jan. 23, Grade III Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. Turf Melody was sixth at every call of this race, including the finish. Ron the Greek closed from the clouds to overtake pacesetter Maximus Ruler, and they finished one-two.
Jose Valdivia Jr. (Turf Melody, sixth): “Actually I had a great trip. My horse was pulling a little bit in the early stages of the race. Once he got down the backside, he settled really nicely. I was following the three (Worldly) around there and I thought I was in a great spot. When we turned for home I thought he would give me that other gear, and he just never did. He ran very even through the lane. I really thought he’d give me that other gear, but he just stayed where he was. No excuses; it’s just one of those things.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
A well-traveled 2-year-old.
Turf Melody broke his maiden by 15 lengths on Colonial's main track going seven furlongs in late June. He followed that up with thirds in Arlington's Spectacular Bid and Woodbine's Swynford, both on synthetic track. Tried next on turf, he finished seventh to Interactif at Keeneland in the Grade III Bourbon Stakes. He then won going a mile on dirt at Laurel.
With that behind him, Turf Melody jumped into the Springboard Stakes with two wins in his first six starts. The Springboard would be his seventh different track.
Dec. 13, Springboard Stakes, Remington Park, One Mile. Turf Melody won this $200,000 race, timed in 1:38.41 under Jeremy Rose.
Ninth of 12 after a quarter-mile and the half, and seventh with just a quarter-mile to go, Turf Melody got into gear leaving the far turn going four wide. He won by a nose over Man Chester Man, who had a two-length lead at the eighth pole.
Turf Melody was 4-1. Man Chester Man was 14-1.
"The horse ran a game race, I didn't know if was going to get there in time,” said a connection. “We kept driving and my horse kept digging. I still think my horse wants to go further. It was a good race."
UPTOWNCHARLYBROWN (KY) Trainer: Alan Seewald
Owner: Fantasy Lane Stable
Breeder: Juan Bruno & Rose Hill Farm
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Limehouse (Grand Slam, Dixieland Blues)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): La Iluminada (Langfuhr (CAN), Ms. Star Fire)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-2-7-0-0 (14) 3.00
Foal Date: Feb. 6, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Entered in the Tampa Bay Derby on March 13.
On Feb. 26, UPTOWNCHARLYBROWN breezed five in 1:00 (2/19) at TAM.
On March 7, UPTOWNCHARLYBROWN breezed three from the gate in :35.60 (2/27) at TAM.
Feb. 26 NOTE: Uptowncharlybrown's next start is expected to be the Grade III Tampa Bay Derby on March 13.
Feb. 13, Grade III Sam F. Davis Stakes, 1 1/6 Mile. Uptowncharlybrown (3-2) made a belated rally but finished third to Rule, beaten four lengths.
Rule, who broke from post 1, faced Middle of the Nite as his first challenger while the pair led the field through opening fractions of :23.71 and :47.72. Down the backstretch, Schoolyard Dreams chased those two, never far back, while Uptowncharlybrown, the 9-5 second choice, trailed the field of six
Rounding the second turn, Middle of the Nite began to tail off and Schoolyard Dreams, four wide, mounted a challenge to Rule's outside with the first six furlongs in the books in 1:12.36.
Going into the stretch, those two separated themselves from the rest of the six-horse field as Uptowncharlybrown finally began to pick up the pace and make a final run. But neither Schoolyard Dreams nor Uptowncharlybrown could sustain an effort sufficient to the task. Uptowncharlybrown finished a length back of Schoolyard Dreams, who was three behind Rule, in third. They were followed by Silver Craft, Middle of the Nite and Tristen's Mambo. African Moon was scratched.
The winner was timed in 1:44.15, barely over a second off the track record set by Street Sense in the 2007 Tampa Bay Derby.
Daniel Centeno, jockey on Uptowncharlybrown: "I took him back, and he seemed comfortable with that; it was his first time doing two turns, so we had to learn some things. The leaders got away from us in the upper stretch, but getting to the wire he seemed to pick it up again, and he finished up well. I would like to have won this one, but it there are lots of races ahead for a colt with this much ability."
Jan. 16, Pasco Stakes, Tampa Bay Downs, Seven Furlongs. Uptowncharlybrown stalked the pace, took command near the head of the stretch and ran very well late to prevail by six lengths. He was timed in a pretty good 1:24.28.
Fifth in the early going, he was in clear contention in the turn, and nothing else came close to handling him in the stretch. Daniel Centeno was aboard.
Daniel Centeno: "We wanted to try him off the pace today, and you never really know how that will work out. But we stayed outside of horses and he was running easily. Then I asked him for run getting to the stretch and it was "BOOM!" - did he respond! He was getting tired at the end and switching leads late, but I tapped him at the wire and we went out an extra eighth after the finish getting ready for the Sam Davis."
Trainer Seewald: “You always have to run the race, but I was pretty confident in him and pretty sure that he was going to be able to run his race as long as he didn’t bounce or go backwards on us.
"The reason we ran in this race was to get the money earnings to get into the Sam Davis, and I didn’t want to enter him off of a maiden race. We needed a race in between. I think the further he runs the better he’ll be.
“We hope. We hope (he can compete on a national level). You gotta have a dream.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Uptowncharlybrown won his career debut on Dec. 26, 2009 at Tampa Bay Downs going 6 1/2 furlongs.
VALE OF YORK (IRE) Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Stock Vale Ltd.
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Invincible Spirit (IRE) (Green Desert, Rafha (GB))
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Red Vale (IRE) (Halling, Hamsaat)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-3-9-2-0 (20) 2.08
Foal Date: April 4, 2007
Tattersall's December 2008: $35,909.
Tattersall's Sale 2009: RNA $102,307.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
March 4, Al Bastakiya, Meydan, 1 3/16 Mile. Vale of York, making his first start since winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, was rank and wide in sixth position as the field entered the backstretch. He remained wide and finished fifth behind Mendip in a blanket of horses led by Della Barbra, Enak and Izaaj.
Della Barbra took the early lead and held it until upper stretch after setting slowish fractions. Frankie Dettori and Mendip attended Della Barbra in second throughout. When Dettori gave the signal, Mendip drew off under a hand ride to prevail by multiple lengths.
Mendip won the race by 6 1/4 lengths and was timed in 1:59:42 for 1 3/16 mile. Vale of York was beaten 7 1/4 lengths.
Suroor on Vale of York: "He need(ed) a race and improves each race. It's too early to tell (about the Kentucky Derby). We'll have to see the UAE Derby before we can tell."
Feb. 11 NOTE: Godolphin Racing Manager sent DRF.com an email on Feb. 10 stating that Vale of York is no lock to come back for the Kentucky Derby: "Vale of York is training towards the UAE Derby on 27 March. A lot will depend on the outcome of that race and we will not make any decisions about a possible Kentucky bid until afterwards. Obviously the race will be on a synthetic surface and therefore Vale of York is yet to have any dirt experience. It is equally possible that he will be pointed towards a European campaign."
Feb. 1 NOTE: Meydan release on Jan. 31 says Vale of York was nominated to the Group 2 UAE Derby on March 27. Jan. 23 NOTE: While next-race plans were announced by racing manager Simon Crisford for several Godolphin runners based in Dubai yesterday, there was no word on Vale of York. Basicallly, the last intention stated for him was this from trainer Saeed bin Suroor on Nov. 7: "He's a tough horse, and next year we'll bring him for the Kentucky Derby."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Aptly enough, Vale of York broke his maiden first time out at York back in July. He was then fifth to Elusive Pimpernel in the Acomb Stakes going seven furlongs, again at York.
Thing started going pretty well for Vale of York after that. He won the listed Stardom Stakes, seven furlongs at Goodwood; was a close third to Joshua Tree in the one-mile, Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes at Ascot, and finished second in Italy's one-mile, Group 1 Grand Criterium before the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. All his races to that pont had been on turf.
"Vale Of York heads to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, and we think he will handle the trip and the surface," racing manager Simon Crisford said. "He is super tough and never shirks . California racing seems a good idea for him, and if he runs well, he will go to Dubai. He ran well in the Royal Lodge and deserves his chance."
Nov. 7, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Vale of York, at 30-1 odds, sprang a huge upset, barely defeating favored Lookin at Lucky. Both horses came from off the pace to get up late, but Lookin at Lucky came from much further back than did Vale of York. The race was timed in 1:43.48.
Saeed bin Suroor, trainer: "He ran a huge race. I fancied the horse before the race. He was improving all the time. He ran a big race last time when he finished second in a Group 1 (Gran Criterium) in Italy. Every time he's come for a race, he's handled everything really well. He's a tough horse, and next year we'll bring him for the Kentucky Derby."
Ahmed Ajtebi, jockey: “No difficulties today. I had a very good trip. The last time I rode this horse (in the Gran Criterium) about three weeks ago in Italy, he was very unlucky. We were going to win, and he saw the crowd and he stopped himself. By the time I got him going, we got beat. He was unlucky to lose the time before that also. Today it all went well. When I shifted him out, he just went and he was strong enough at the finish to get it done.”
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