Monday, December 20, 2010

Ending on a High Note


Here we go, third time’s a charm, hopefully the computer wont crash this time… California has produced some interesting 2 year old, soon to be 3 year old horse in that past weeks. Turbulent Descent (Congrats) stamped herself as an interesting prospect moving forward. She is the first horse to win the Moccasin Stakes(7f), and the Hollywood Starlet(8.5F). She managed to win under hand urging, and now her next test will be to try the dirt at Santa Anita. Look for her to be a leading contender in the spring Three Year Old Fillies division. Jockey David Flores is certainly high on this filly, ” I wasn’t going to take any chances and I would have hit her, but it was not needed. I just hand rode her all the way out. I just showed her the whip. It was a little more like a test today, but she won just the same. I am a little excited and a little relieved. I’m excited because I can tell what kind of horse she is. The relief is she handled the two turns well. She was relaxed and just great.”

This past weekend Comma to the Top (Bawana Charlie) made his backers and the rest of the field wait an additional 40 minutes, before capturing the Hollywood Futurity. After throwing a shoe, two blacksmiths later, the horses were finally allowed to come onto a rain drenched track. Trainer Peter Miller describes the scene, “I ran to the paddock judge and said ‘we’re missing a shoe’.” The first blacksmith came over and it was obvious he couldn’t shoe the horse. He just couldn’t do it. The other blacksmith that’s at the receiving barn checking the feet, had already left. (Trainer) Neil Drysdale then calls me and said ‘what’s going on, do you need a shoer?’ I said, ‘Yeah and he said Wes Champagne’s here. I said ‘Send him.’ So Wes Champagne came over, and the horse is so mad at this point. He was so frustrated and mad that I didn’t think he’d run. He didn’t want to be shod at that point and normally he’s the most docile, calm horse in the world. I would have shod him if I had to. Seriously, when I thought they were going to scratch him, I grabbed a shoe and started to shoe him. And then I realized, I’m not a shoer. Luckily I called Neil back and he told me Wes was on the way, and Wes came and saved the day. We would have run with one shoe, or pulled the other one off if we had to. This horse is really good.”

Being by Bawana Charlie I don’t know how far he will go, but this gelding certainly capped off a nice meeting winning 3 stakes races. The Futurity was the first win for jockey Corey Nakatani who compared Comma to the Top to other nice horses he has rode in the past, “it seems like he’s a young Lava Man. To me, he acts like it. He kicks away when you need him to and he’s a typical high cruising speed horse. That move on the turn felt great. It feels like you’re on a Ferrari. All this adversity is a plus, because he handled it like it was just another day. Right now, I’d say he’s one of the best 2-year-olds I’ve ridden.”

We’ll look for more to come from both these exciting horses.

-Evers

Sunday, December 12, 2010

The "Derby Trail"? Really?... um, it's snowing out!

Well what else are you going to do when it's 20 degrees and snowing. It's a great time to update the Derby and Oaks list! And keep the woodstove burning!
The 2 year-olds will soon be 3 year-olds, and a few have already stamped themselves as legitimate horses. It's WAY too early for preditions, but this is a good "Watch List".

Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie), John Velazquez up, wins the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) for trainer Todd Pletcher, and owner Repole Stables, at Churchill Downs 11.06.2010
Uncle Mo definitely stamped himself as one to watch in winning the Breeder's Cup Classic. We could only ask that his owner act as classy. One almost felt embarrassed for the normally stoic Todd Pletcher after the race as Mike Repole planted a handful of wet ones on Todd's cheek. Repole did rebound nicely by donating $30K to Thoroughbred Retirement organizations. If nothing else, the Vitamin Water gazillionaire is entertaining. Maybe Pletcher can at least temper Repole. Can you imagine if the New Yorker had hooked up with Rick Dutrow? Wow...me either!
Look for Uncle Mo to run back in The Tampa Bay Derby, on March 12, or less likely, the Gotham on March 5 at Aqueduct.

On the distaff side, I was most impressed with the way Kathmanblu dispatched the field in The Golden Rod Stakes at Churchill Downs November 27th.
Kathmanblu (Bluegrass Cat) Julien Leparoux up, wins The Golden Rod Stakes at Churchill Downs 11.27.2010


A Kenny McPeek trainee, Kathmanblu was never threatened, coasting across the line for an easy 8 1/2 length win. In a rare show of jubilation, Julien Leparoux knew he was Ky. Oaks bound with this talented filly. Look for her at Gulfstream in late February or early March.

Okay, those are my 2 favs to watch at this point.
In addition, I liked how "To Honor and Serve" won the Remson, and I like "Santiva", winner of the Ky. Jockey Club.
Of the other talented fillies, "Awesome Feather" beat a class field in the Breeder's Cup and the undefeated "Turbulent Descent" looked great yesterday in the Hollywood Starlet.

COLTS:
1 UNCLE MO
2 TO HONOR AND SERVE
3 BOYS AT TOSCANOVA
4 SANTIVA
5 ROGUE ROMANCE
6 BRETHREN
7 JB'S THUNDER
8 STAY THIRSTY
9 COMMA TO THE TOP
10 GOURMET DINNER
11 JP'S GUSTO

FILLIES:
1 KATHMANBLU
2 AWESOME FEATHER
3 R HEAT LIGHTNING
4 MORE THAN REAL
5 TURBULENT DESCENT
6 WICKEDLY PERFECT
7 DELIGHTFUL MARY
8 WINTER MEMORIES
9 A Z WARRIOR

More later.. mw

Monday, March 15, 2010

Noble's Promise takes Leap on Trail


Photo: Matt Wooley/EquiSport Photos


The Derby is not won in March, but the preps this month do help weed out the pretenders from the contenders.
NOBLE'S PROMISE added his name as a live horse with an impressive 2nd against winning Super Horse, LOOKIN' AT LUCKY, in the REBEL. The eventual winner overcame a near collision on the back-stretch, showed a lot of determination down the lane, and prevailed. Those two will doubtless meet again. DUBLIN held on for 3rd, to add to his dubious record of non-wins.
For you non-believers in ODYSSEUS, the TAMPA BAY DERBY was very enlightening. Even discounted by the track announcer ("Odysseus will have to wait for another day"), the winner regrouped more than once to beat SCHOOLYARD DREAMS by a head-bob. SUPER SAVER, who just needed to race, was a game 3rd. Less than a length separated the top 3.
INTERACTIF, finished 2nd in the SAN FELIPE, but showed more to me than the winner, looking like he wants more. SIDNEY'S CANDY, the wire to wire winner, remains something of a question mark for the Classic distance. 3rd place finisher CARACORTADO kept the Cinderella story alive, barely, for trainer Michael Machowsky.
ESKENDEREYA, who has had the most impressive showing of the year, in the Fountain of Youth, is back Saturday in the FLORIDA DERBY. Look for him to solidify his credentials.

Rank Horse Sire Trainer Jockey Owner
1 ESKENDEREYA Giant's Causeway Todd Pletcher John Velazquez Zayat
2/20 GP 1st in Fountain of Youth (G2), 10/4 BP 1st in Pilgrim S.
2 LOOKIN' AT LUCKY Smart Strike Bob Baffert Garrett Gomez Pegram, Watson, Weitman
3/13 OP 1st in the Rebel (G2), 12/19 HW 1st in Cash Call Futurity (G1), 11/7 SA 2nd in BC Juvenile (G1), 9/6 DM 1st in Del Mar Futurity (G1)
3 NOBLE'S PROMISE Cuvee Ken McPeek Robby Albarado Chasing Dreams Racing
3/13 OP 2nd in the Rebel (G2), 12/19 HW 2nd in Cash Call Futurity (G1), 10/10 KEE 1st in Breeder's Futurity (G1)
4 ODYSSEUS Malibu Moon Tom Albertrani Rajiv Maragh Padua Stables
3/13 TB 1st in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3), TB 2/17 1st in Allowance by 15 lengths
5 SUPER SAVER Maria's Mon Todd Pletcher Calvin Borel Winstar
3/13 TB 3rd in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3), 11/28 CD 1st in Ky. Jockey Club (G2).
6 INTERACTIF Broken Vow Todd Pletcher Kent Desormeaux Wertheimer & Frere
3/13 SA 2nd in the San Felipe (G2), 2/7 GP 2nd in Hallendale Beach, 11/7 SA 2nd in BC Juvenile Turf (G1)
7 AWESOME ACT Awesome Again Jeremy Noseda Julien Leparoux Susan Roy and Vinery Stables
3/6 AQ 1st in Gotham (G3)
8 RULE Roman Ruler Todd Pletcher John Velazquez Winstar
2/13 TB 1st in Sam F Davis (G3), 12/4 FG 1st in Delta Jackpot (G3)
9 DISCREETLY MINE Mineshaft Todd Pletcher Javier Castellano Paul Robsham Stables
2/20 FG 1st in Risen Star (G2)
10 DUBLIN Afleet Alex D. Wayne Lukas Cory Nakatani Robert Baker, William Mack
3/13 OP 3rd in the Rebel (G2), 2/20 OP 2nd in Southwest S. (G3), 11/1 CD 7th in Iroquois (G3), 10/1 BP 5th in Champaigne (G1), 9/1 SAR 1st in Hopeful (G1)
11 CONVEYANCE Indian Charlie Bob Baffert Martin Garcia Rashid bin Mohammed al Maktoum (Zabeel Racing)
2/20 OP 1st in Southwest S. (G3), 1/16 SA 1st in San Rafael (G3), 1/25 HW 1st in Allow.
12 SIDNEY'S CANDY Candy Ride John Sadler Joe Talamo Jenny Craig
3/13 SA 1st in the San Felipe (G2)
Rank Horse Sire Trainer Jockey Owner
13 DROSSELMEYER Distorted Humor Bill Mott Kent Desormeaux Winstar
2/20 FG 4th in Risen Star (G2), 1/31 GP 1st in Allowance
14 SCHOOLYARD DREAMS Stephen Got Even Derek Ryan Jeremy Rose Eric Fein and Anthony Mitola
3/13 TB 2nd in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3), 2/13 TB 2nd in Sam F Davis (G3),
15 CARACORTADO Cat Dreams Michael Machowsky Paul Atkinson Blahut & Lo Hi Racing
3/13 SA 3rd in the San Felipe (G2), 2/13 SA 1st in Robert Lewis (G3)
16 MENDIP Harlan's Holiday Saeed Bin Suroor Frankie Dettori Godolphin
3/6 MD 1st in Al Bastikiya
17 JACKSON BEND Hear No Evil Nick Zito Jeremy Rose Jacks or Better, Robert LaPenta
2/20 GP 2nd in Fountain of Youth (G2), 1/23 GP 2nd in Holy Bull (G3)
18 ALPHIE'S BET Tribal Rule Alexis Barba Alex Solis Terese McWilliams, Peter Johnson
3/6 SA 1st in the Sham S. (G3)
19 AMERICAN LION Tiznow Eoin Harty Julien Leparoux Winstar
3/13 SA 4th in the San Felipe (G2), 2/13 SA 3rd in Robert Lewis (G3), 11/21 HW 1st in Hollywood Prevue (G3)
20 CONNEMARA Giant's Causeway Todd Pletcher Russell Baze Tabor, Magnier, Smith
2/20 SA 1st in El Camino Real (G3), 1/16 GG 2nd in Cal Derby
21 D'FUNNYBONE D'Wildcat Rick Dutrow Edgar Prado Paul Pompa
2/20 GP 1st in Hutcheson (G2)
22 DAVE IN DIXIE Dixie Union John Sadler Joel Rosario Ike & Dawn Thrash
3/13 SA 6th in the San Felipe (G2), 2/13 SA 2nd in Robert Lewis (G3)
23 AIKENITE Yes It's True Todd Pletcher Alan Garcia Dogwood Stables
2/20 GP 3rd in Fountain of Youth (G2),
24 MAXIMUS RULER Roman Ruler Clark Hanna James Graham D. Benge, C. Hanna, M. Bell
1/23 FG 2nd in Lecomte (G3), CD Allow winner
25 RADIOHEAD Johannesburg Rick Dutrow Edgar Prado IEAH & Pegasus, Burrell & Harvey
2/27 GP 1st in Allow.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Eskendereya.... Impressive in Fountain of Youth!!!


Photo: Zbigniew/EquiSport Photos


How things can change in 10 days!
ESKENDEREYA leapfrogged to the top of my list with an impressive 8.5 length win in the Fountain of Youth and an eye popping 106 Beyer speed figure!! JACKSON BEND now has back to back second place finishes for Nick Zito, to improve his chances at making the Kentucky Derby starting gate. LOOKIN' AT LUCKY will now have to show some dirt experience to reclaim his top spot.
Has anyone seen if BUDDY'S SAINT made it back to the barn after the FOY? He finished a disappointing 9th, after a very rough trip in the first turn, but will return.
CONVEYANCE picks up 4 spots with a gate to wire win in the Southwest Stakes, as expected, over DUBLIN.
What is a CARACORTADO? He's made the top 10 with a score in the Risen Star.
CONNEMARA moves up with a win in the El Camino Real.
Todd Pletcher and Bob Baffert are feeling their oats with an unreal 9 of the top 13 ranked horses on the Trail...not counting Tiz Chrome on down the list for Baffert, Wow!
I'm pleased that some talent has finally showed up. I was beginning to think I might need a dart board to pick a winner. The Top 5 are pretty solid colts!

Rank Horse Sire Trainer Jockey Owner
1 ESKENDEREYA Giant's Causeway Todd Pletcher John Velazquez Zayat
2 LOOKIN' AT LUCKY Smart Strike Bob Baffert Garrett Gomez Pegram, Watson, Weitman
3 SUPER SAVER Maria's Mon Todd Pletcher Calvin Borel Winstar
4 DISCREETLY MINE Mineshaft Todd Pletcher Javier Castellano Paul Robsham Stables
5 DUBLIN Afleet Alex D. Wayne Lukas Robert Baker, William Mack
6 CARACORTADO Cat Dreams Michael Machowsky Paul Atkinson Blahut & Lo Hi Racing
7 CONVEYANCE Indian Charlie Bob Baffert Martin Garcia Rashid bin Mohammed al Maktoum (Zabeel Racing)
8 RULE Roman Ruler Todd Pletcher John Velazquez Winstar
9 JACKSON BEND Hear No Evil Nick Zito Jeramy Rose Jacks or Better, Robert LaPenta
10 INTERACTIF Broken Vow Todd Pletcher Kent Desormeaux Wertheimer & Frere
11 CONNEMARA Giant's Causeway Todd Pletcher Russell Baze Tabor, Magnier, Smith
12 D'FUNNYBONE D'Wildcat Rick Dutrow Edgar Prado Paul Pompa
13 DAVE IN DIXIE Dixie Union John Sadler Joel Rosario Ike & Dawn Thrash
14 AMERICAN LION Tiznow Eoin Harty Julien Leparoux Winstar
15 AIKENITE Yes It's True Todd Pletcher Alan Garcia Dogwood Stables
16 ODYSSEUS Malibu Moon Tom Albertrani Rajiv Maragh Padua Stables
17 NOBLE'S PROMISE Cuvee Ken McPeek Rafael Bejarano Chasing Dreams Racing
18 DROSSELMEYER Distorted Humor Bill Mott Kent Desormeaux Winstar
19 BUDDY'S SAINT Saint Liam Bruce Levine Jose Lezcano Kingfield Stables
20 MAXIMUS RULER Roman Ruler Clark Hanna James Graham D. Benge, C. Hanna, M. Bell
21 RON THE GREEK Full Mandate Thomas Amoss James Graham Jack Hammer
22 RANGER HEARTLEY Lost Soldier John Sadler Julio Garcia David Alpert & Herb Alpert
23 LENTENOR Dynaformer Michael Matz John Velazquez Roy & Gretchen Jackson
24 TIZ CHROME Tiznow Bob Baffert Garrett Gomez Lanni, Mercedes, Schiappa
25 VALE OF YORK Invincible Spirit Saeed by Suroor Ahmed Ajtebi Godolphin

Monday, January 25, 2010

Winslow Homer Paints a Gray Trail!!


Winslow Homer wins the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park 1.23.2010. Photo: Zbigniew/EquiSport Photos


Okay Kids, It's that time of year again. The flurries are still flying and the wind chill values are below freezing here in Kentucky, but the colts are getting serious. The Derby Trail has begun!
This weekend brought us the first of the REAL (read "Graded Dirt") Trail races. WINSLOW HOMER (Unbridled's Song), whose namesake has painted Eight Bells, came charging to win Gulfstream's Holy Bull Stakes, for Owner Rick Porter, over JACKSON BEND (Hear No Evil). And RON THE GREEK (Full Mandate) was a surprise winner of the Lecomte Stakes at Fairgrounds, over MAXIMUS RULER (Roman Ruler).
Last weekend on the plastic, er.. synthetic surface, CONVEYANCE (Indian Charlie) held on gamely in the San Rafael, and RANGER HEARTLEY (Lost Soldier) beat a weak field that included Connemara (Giant's Causeway) in the California Derby.
This weekend's WEBN S. at Turfway is the only Derby Trail action.
Page 2 of The Word PDF has some Oaks hopefuls, including Eclipse Award winner SHE BE WILD, and multiple winner SASSY IMAGE.
Remember, The Derby Word is just a list of my observations. Any betting with real money should involve a more scientific approach, like actual handicapping!


"The Word" - Derby 2010 Contenders January 24, 2010 www.equisportphotos.com
rank Horse Sire Trainer Jockey Owner Comment
1 SUPER SAVER Maria's Mon Todd Pletcher Calvin Borel Winstar 11/28 CD 1st in Ky. Jockey Club (G2).
2 LOOKIN' AT LUCKY Smart Strike Bob Baffert Garrett Gomez Pegram, Watson, Weitman 12/19 HW 1st in Cash Call Futurity (G1), 11/7 SA 2nd in BC Juvenile (G1), 9/6 DM 1st in Del Mar Futurity (G1)
3 BUDDY'S SAINT Saint Liam Bruce Levine Jose Lezcano Kingfield Stables 1/3 AQ 1st in Nashua (G2), 11/28 AQ 1st in Remson (G2).
4 RULE Roman Ruler Todd Pletcher John Velazquez Winstar 12/4 FG 1st in Delta Jackpot (G3)
5 WINSLOW HOMER Unbrideled's Song Tony Dutrow Ramon Dominguez Rick Porter, Fox Hill Farm 1/23 GP 1st in Holy Bull (G3), 2 other wins
6 CONVEYANCE Indian Charlie Bob Baffert Garrett Gomez Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed al Maktoum (Zabeel Racing) 1/16 SA 1st in San Rafael (G3), 1/25 HW 1st in Allow.
7 VALE OF YORK Invincible Spirit Saeed by Suroor Ahmed Ajtebi Godolphin 11/7 SA 1st in BC Juvenile (G1)
8 POUNCED Rahy John Gosden Frankie Dettori Lady Rothschild 11/7 SA 1st in BC Juvenile Turf (G1)
9 NOBLE'S PROMISE Cuvee Ken McPeek Rafael Bejarano Chasing Dreams Racing 12/19 HW 2nd in Cash Call Futurity (G1), 10/10 KEE 1st in Breeder's Futurity (G1)
10 AMERICAN LION Tiznow Eoin Harty Julien Leparoux Winstar 11/21 HW 1st in Hollywood Prevue (G3)
11 UH OH BANGO Top Hit Kory Owens Glenn Corbett Triple AAA Ranch (Richard Owens) 12/4 FG 2nd in Delta Jackpot (G3), 11/1 CD 2nd in Iroquois (G3)
12 LAUS DEO Medaglia d'Oro Anthoney Dutrow David Cohen Rick Porter, Fox Hill Farm 1/2 AQ 1st in Count Fleet (G3)
13 RANGER HEARTLEY Lost Soldier John Sadler Julio Garcia David Alpert & Herb Alpert 1/16 GG 1st in Cal Derby (L)
14 RON THE GREEK Full Mandate Thomas Amoss James Graham Jack Hammer 1/23 FG 1st in Lecomte (G3)
15 JACKSON BEND Hear No Evil Nick Zito Jeramy Rose Jacks or Better, Robert LaPenta 1/23 GP 2nd in Holy Bull (G3)


Oaks 2010 Contenders
rank Horse Sire Trainer Jockey Owner Comment
1 SHE BE WILD Offlee Wild Wayne Catalano Julien Leparoux Nancy Mazzoni 11/6 SA 1st in BC Juvenile Fillys (G1)
2 SASSY IMAGE Broken Vow Dale Romans Robby Albarado Jerry Romans 1/17 GP 1st in Sweetest Chant, 11/28 CD 1st in Golden Rod (G2)
3 BLIND LUCK Pollard's Vision Jerry Hollendorfer Rafael Bejarano DeDomenico, Carver, Hollendorfer 12/20 HW 1st in Hollywood Starlet (G1)
4 AMEN HALLELUJAH Montbrook Rick Dutrow Chantel Sutherland IEAH Stables and Whizway Farms. 1/16 SA 1st in Santa Ynez (G2)
5 QUIET TEMPER Quiet American Dale Romans Robby Albarado Mark Stanley 12/4 DD 1st in Delta Princess (G3)
6 CRISP El Corredor John Sadler Joel Rosario Michael Talla 1/10 SA 1st in San Ysabel (G3)
7 TAPITSFLY Tapit Dale Romans 11/6 SA 1st in Juvenile Fillys Turf
8 BEAUTICIAN Dehere Ken McPeek Garrett K. Gomez Peter J. Callahan 11/6 SA 2nd in BC Juvenile Fillys (G1)
9 NEGLIGEE Northern Afleet John Terranova Rajiv Maragh Sovereign Stable 11/6 KEE 1st in Darley Alcibiades (G1)

Monday, January 18, 2010

'Sassy' Moves Up Oaks Trail 01.18.2010


Photo: Wendy Uzelac/EquiSport Photos



"The Word" - Derby 2010 Contenders January 18, 2010 www.equisportphotos.com
rank Horse Sire Trainer Jockey Owner
1 SUPER SAVER Maria's Mon Todd Pletcher Calvin Borel Winstar
11/28 CD 1st in Ky. Jockey Club (G2).
2 LOOKIN' AT LUCKY Smart Strike Bob Baffert Garrett Gomez Pegram, Watson, Weitman
12/19 HW 1st in Cash Call Futurity (G1), 11/7 SA 2nd in BC Juvenile (G1), 9/6 DM 1st in Del Mar Futurity (G1)
3 BUDDY'S SAINT Saint Liam Bruce Levine Jose Lezcano Kingfield Stables
1/3 AQ 1st in Nashua (G2), 11/28 AQ 1st in Remson (G2).
4 VALE OF YORK Invincible Spirit Saeed by Suroor Ahmed Ajtebi Godolphin
11/7 SA 1st in BC Juvenile (G1)
5 RULE Roman Ruler Todd Pletcher John Velazquez Winstar
12/4 FG 1st in Delta Jackpot (G3)
6 CONVEYANCE Indian Charlie Bob Baffert Garrett Gomez Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed al Maktoum (Zabeel Racing)
1/16 SA 1st in San Rafael (G3), 1/25 HW 1st in Allow.
7 POUNCED Rahy John Gosden Frankie Dettori Lady Rothschild
11/7 SA 1st in BC Juvenile Turf (G1)
8 NOBLE'S PROMISE Cuvee Ken McPeek Rafael Bejarano Chasing Dreams Racing
12/19 HW 2nd in Cash Call Futurity (G1), 10/10 KEE 1st in Breeder's Futurity (G1)
9 AMERICAN LION Tiznow Eoin Harty Julien Leparoux Winstar
11/21 HW 1st in Hollywood Prevue (G3)
10 UH OH BANGO Top Hit Kory Owens Glenn Corbett Triple AAA Ranch (Richard Owens)
12/4 FG 2nd in Delta Jackpot (G3), 11/1 CD 2nd in Iroquois (G3)
11 TAKE CONTROL AP Indy Bob Baffert Martin Garcia Kaleem Shah
1130 SA 1st in MSW
12 LAUS DEO Medaglia d'Oro Anthoney Dutrow David Cohen Rick Porter, Fox Hill Farm
1/2 AQ 1st in Count Fleet (G3)
13 RANGER HEARTLEY Lost Soldier John Sadler Julio Garcia David Alpert & Herb Alpert
1/16 GG 1st in Cal Derby (L)

Oaks 2010 Contenders
rank Horse Sire Trainer Jockey Owner
1 SHE BE WILD Offlee Wild Wayne Catalano Julien Leparoux Nancy Mazzoni
11/6 SA 1st in BC Juvenile Fillys (G1)
2 SASSY IMAGE Broken Vow Dale Romans Robby Albarado Jerry Romans
1/17 GP 1st in Sweetest Chant (T), 11/28 CD 1st in Golden Rod (G2)
3 BLIND LUCK Pollard's Vision Jerry Hollendorfer Rafael Bejarano DeDomenico, Carver, Hollendorfer
12/20 HW 1st in Hollywood Starlet (G1)
4 AMEN HALLELUJAH Montbrook Rick Dutrow Chantel Sutherland IEAH Stables and Whizway Farms.
1/16 SA 1st in Santa Ynez (G2)
5 QUIET TEMPER Quiet American Dale Romans Robby Albarado Mark Stanley
12/4 DD 1st in Delta Princess (G3)
6 CRISP El Corredor John Sadler Joel Rosario Michael Talla
1/10 SA 1st in San Ysabel (G3)
7 TAPITSFLY Tapit Dale Romans
11/6 SA 1st in Juvenile Fillys Turf
8 BEAUTICIAN Dehere Ken McPeek Garrett K. Gomez Peter J. Callahan
11/6 SA 2nd in BC Juvenile Fillys (G1)
9 NEGLIGEE Northern Afleet John Terranova Rajiv Maragh Sovereign Stable
11/6 KEE 1st in Darley Alcibiades (G1)

Thursday, January 7, 2010

January Derby Trail Top 10















Buddy's Saint (Jose Lezcano up) wins the Remsen at Aqueduct. 11.28.2009 Credit: EquiSport Photos/Dianne Boothe


Okay, so it's January. And it's snowing here in Kentucky. The fact is that a few contenders have already surfaced in some early Derby preps.
Not the least impressive of which has been Buddy's Saint. From the only crop of the ill fated Saint Liam, the Bruce Levine charge has already captured two Grade 2 Stakes at Aqueduct. The colt won both the Nashua and the Remson in November, by a combined 16+ lengths! Now in training at Gulfstream Park for Owner Kingfield Stables, the Fountain of Youth Stakes will mark the 3 year-old debut for Buddy's Saint on February 20.

"The Word", My ranking of the 2010 Derby Contenders
"For recreational purposes only, not intended as a substitute for actual handicapping"
January 7, 2010 www.equisportphotos.com
Rank Horse Sire Trainer Jockey Owner Comment
1 SUPER SAVER, Maria's Mon, Todd Pletcher, Calvin Borel, Winstar, 11/28 CD 1st in Ky. Jockey Club (G2).
2 VALE OF YORK, Invincible Spirit, Saeed by Suroor, Ahmed Ajtebi, Godolphin, 11/7 SA 1st in BC Juvenile (G1)
3 LOOKIN' AT LUCKY, Smart Strike, Bob Baffert, Garrett Gomez, Pegram Watson Weitman, 12/19 HW 1st in Cash Call Futurity (G1), 11/7 SA 2nd in BC Juvenile (G1), 9/6 DM 1st in Del Mar Futurity (G1)
4 BUDDY'S SAINT, Saint Liam, Bruce Levine, Jose Lezcano, Kingfield Stables, 1/3 AQ 1st in Nashua (G2), 11/28 AQ 1st in Remson (G2).
5 RULE, Roman Ruler, Todd Pletcher, John Velazquez, Winstar, 12/4 FG 1st in Delta Jackpot (G3)
6 NOBLE'S PROMISE, Cuvee, Ken McPeek, Rafael Bejarano, Chasing Dreams Racing, 12/19 HW 2nd in Cash Call Futurity (G1), 10/10 KEE 1st in Breeder's Futurity (G1)
7 AMERICAN LION, Tiznow, Eoin Harty, Julien Leparoux, Winstar, 11/21 HW 1st in Hollywood Prevue (G3)
8 UH OH BANGO, Top Hit, Kory Owens, Glenn Corbett, Triple AAA Ranch (Richard Owens), 12/4 FG 2nd in Delta Jackpot (G3), 11/1 CD 2nd in Iroquois (G3)
9 TAKE CONTROL, AP Indy, Bob Baffert, Martin Garcia, Kaleem Shah, 1130 SA 1st in MSW
10 LAUS DEO, Medaglia d'Oro, Anthoney Dutrow, David Cohen, Rick Porter & Fox Hill Farm, 1/2 AQ 1st in Count Fleet (G3)