CARRIED INTEREST
CLEARLY NOW
MERIT MAN
MICROMANAGE
PICK OF THE LITTER
SIETE DE OROS
SPEAK LOGISTICS
TITLE CONTENDER
ZAIKOV
CARRIED INTEREST (KY)
Trainer: Rick Violette
Owner: Klaravich Stables & William H. Lawrence
Owner: Klaravich Stables & William H. Lawrence
Breeder: Nesco II Ltd.
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Henny Hughes (Hennessy, Meadow Flyer)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Missamerica Bertie (Quiet American, Clever Bertie)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 1-4-3-0-0 (8) 4.33
Foal Date: Feb. 22, 2010
$50,000 Keeneland September 2011.
$190,000 OBS 2-Year-Olds in Training.
POST-RACE WORKOUTS
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 23 NOTE: “He’s very talented, but developed sore shins that became chronic,” trainer Violette told DRF.com on Feb. 22. “We kept going for a while but finally just decided to stop on him and give him plenty of time. He’s doing well. He’s very fast, but there is some other speed in the race. We’ll just see how it develops.”
Feb. 24, Entry Level Allowance, Gulfstream Park, Six Furlongs. At 1-2 odds, Carried Interest finished second. After dueling with betting second choice Pro Prospect into the stretch, City of
Weston, at 9-1, loped past them both. He beat Carried Interest a half-length and Pro Prospect by five. Five ran.
“He ran huge,” said trainer Violette. “It was worst case scenario for him from the start after the layoff, being hooked from the start in fast fractions, but I was very pleased with his race. He tried to come back after the other horse got by him. I just wish we could have switched trips. I don’t have anything specifically picked out for his next race, whether it will be another allowance or a stakes, but he’ll be ready.”
March 23, Entry Level Allowance, Gulfstream Park, 6 1/2 Furlongs. Carried Interest once again finished second. He tracked Happy My Way, got part of a length in front of him, then allowed Happy My Way to come back on him to prevail by a neck at 16-1 odds. Carried Interest was the 1-9 favorite.
April 28 NOTE: Now has a noticeable absence from the worktab.
May 10, Entry Level Allowance, Belmont Park, Six Furlongs. At even money odds under Irad Ortiz, Jr., Carried Interest finished second, beaten 3 3/4 lengths by Retrieve, who was timed in a blazing 1:08.87.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
July 5, Maiden Special Weight, Belmont Park, Five Furlongs. Carried Interest was a half-length winner of a deep field and was thought likely to make his second start in either the Grade II Saratoga Special or the GradeII Three Chimneys Hopeful a few weeks later, trainer Violette said.
Carried Interest raced up front in tandem with Sayaad for three furlongs, took over when that rival began to tire at the quarter pole, and held sway after Palace Malice drew along side in midstretch. The final time of :56.62 was :0.87 off the track record set by Kelly Kip in 1996.
Rick Violette: “We’ll see how he comes out of this race and follow his lead. I knew he had a shot to win, but he wasn’t prepped to run the race of his life today. He was prepped to do what he did today, but if somebody was going to run faster than us they were going to run faster than us.
“He was a very fast colt, very smart. We knew he’d be quick, but we think he can stretch out a little bit. I don’t think he’ll be a stone-cold sprinter. He has a good mind and has been a pro throughout. (Palace Malice) is a nice horse, also. He came to us twice, and we said ‘no.’ Hopefully we’re not just the head of the class, and his talent will carry him forward to next year as well.”
Aug. 3 NOTE: “He’s doing great,” said trainer Violette. “He ran very fast, it looks like he beat some very nice horses in the race, and all systems are go. The added distance (of the 6 1/2-furlong Saratoga Special) is significant, but he doesn’t have to be a rocket. I think he could certainly stalk or lay off the pace, but he’s obviously fast enough to take over if they let us do that. I do think there’s room for improvement. He’s shown quite a bit of talent, he’s gotten dirt in his face, he’s done everything well. He’s got a great brain.”
Aug. 13 NOTE: Trainer Violette originally had planned to send Carried Interest to the Grade II Saratoga Special on Aug. 12, but the colt turned up with a sore shin. Violette said that that Carried Interest will likely begin galloping next week and will be rerouted to the Grade II Three Chimneys Hopeful on Sept. 3.
“He’s going to jog for another week or so,” Violette said. “I’ll just jog the pants off him. The shin, knock on wood, is really good, and we’ll start galloping him in another week. He’ll be fit enough (for the Hopeful). We’re sparing nothing, it’s just that jogging doesn’t pound on the shin quite as much as galloping does, that’s all. Actually, it will be perfect, going to the Hopeful with him, but if the Hopeful had been a Grade 1, we might not have run (Spurious Precision) yesterday. It does alter plans.”
Sept. 5 NOTE: Carried Interest bypassed the Hopeful, too.
Sept. 30, Grade II Futurity, Belmont Park, Six Furlongs. Carried Interest ran tough between horses and emerged in the stretch from the multi-runner duel in command, only to see Overanalyze charge down the center of the track to win by 3 1/4 lengths, timed in 1:11.46. Overanalyze had all kinds of trouble early in the race. Initial splits were :22.80 and :46.43 set by Handsome Jack, with Carried Interest and favored Weekend Hideaway outside him. Carried Interest finished second, followed by Weekend Hideaway, who was three-quarters of a length back. Handsome Jack hung on for fourth.
Oct. 19 NOTE: Reportedly, next will be either the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint or the Grade II Nashua at Aqueduct on Nov. 4. Trainer Violette pointed out to DRF.com that Carried Interest could earn more money winning the Nashua than the Juvenile Sprint because he is eligible for a $100,000 bonus in the Nashua.
Nov. 3 NOTE: Carried Interest did not make it to either the Juvenile Sprint or the Nashua.
Dec. 31 NOTE: Looking for a workout.
CLEARLY NOW (KY)
Trainer: Brian Lynch
Owner: Up Hill Stable’
Breeder: Claiborne Farm
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Horse Greeley (Mr. Greeley, Chile Chatte)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Bend (Arch, Stint)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-1-6-0-0 (10) 2.33
Foal Date: May 9, 2010
$30,000 Keeneland September 2011.
POST-RACE WORKOUTS
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 20 NOTE: “He showed ability from the start with his first two wins,” said trainer Lynch. “I might have had him a little too fresh for his first start going a distance in the Display, but I think I learned a little bit about him that will help this time. This is the time of year you want to see what you have.”
Jan. 26, Grade III Holy Bull Stakes, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/16 Mile. Clearly Now pressed pacesetter Shanghai Bobby while eventual winner Itsmyluckyday stalked those two up the backstretch. Those two shook loose of Clearly Now in the far turn, but Clearly Now was able to stay in third place until finishing, albeit beaten 13 1/2 lengths.
March 2, Grade III Swale Stakes, Gulfstream Park, Seven Furlongs. With the outcome of the race in question with a furlong left, Clearly Now, at 7-1 odds, edged clear to score by 1 3/4 length over 50-to-1 longshot Singanothersong. Singanothersong dueled for the lead with 45-to-1 longshot Tulira Castle through moderate fractions of :23.19 and :46.28 in the field of 11. Clearly Now caught them nearing the eighth pole. Undrafted, at 4-1, finished third, beaten a nose for second. Even-money favorite Forty Tales checked in fifth.
After the race, trainer Lynch said the Grade I Florida Derby could be next for Clearly Now. He would once again face Itsmyluckyday and Shanghai Bobby.
Brian Lynch: “The turn back in distance worked well. He bobbled a little at the start, which may have been a blessing in disguise. Luis gave him a great ride and didn’t rush him. Then he finished up strong. With a 3-year-old you’re always tempted to think of the big races. We’ll see how he comes out of it and talk about what’s next. If we decide to try him long again, the Florida Derby is here and would be a possibility. Who knows? He might turn out to be a top turf miler. We’ll see.”
Luis Saez: "We had a little trouble at the half mile pole. When I took him out, he was flying. I like this horse a lot. I knew I had a good chance from his last race. He finished third last time running against Itsmyluckyday, and he needed that race, so I knew he'd do well today."
April 6, Grade III Bay Shore Stakes, Aqueduct, Seven Furlongs. Clearly Now was barely beaten. Declan’s Warrior took advantage of a multi-horse scramble for the early lead and charged down the center of the track to win the Grade III Bay Shore Stakes. The last horse he overtook was Clearly Now -- to prevail by a head. Declan’s Warrior raced in seventh as Retreive, Salutos Amigos, and Clearly Now battled for the lead through an opening quarter-mile in :22.03. Declan’s Warrior was near the rail on the turn, and never further back than four lengths. Clearly Now, the 3-1 second choice, emerged with a tenuous lead in midstretch, but Declan’s Warrior gradually bridged the gap and shot past the leader with 20 yards left. The time was 1:22.09.
April 28 NOTE: Looking for a workout.
May 20 NOTE: Looking for a workout.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Clearly Now won his first two starts sprinting at Woodbine in September and November. In his third start, he finished third in the 1 1/16-mile Display Stakes on Dec. 1.
MERIT MAN (FL)
Trainer: Bob Hess, Jr.
Owner: Bruce Chandler, Robert H. McKee & James Glavin
Breeder: Hartley/De Renzo Thoroughbreds & Stephen Barberino
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): With Distinction (Storm Cat, Extravagant Woman)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Precise Strike (Precise End, Nora November)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-1-8-0-0 (12) 2.00
Foal Date: March 14, 2010
NEXT RACE: The Peter Pan on May 11, the Preakness on May 18, or the Woody Stephens on Belmont Stakes day.
POST-RACE WORKOUTS
On April 20, Merit Man breezed four in :47.80 (4/43) at KEE.
On May 10, Merit Man breezed four in :47.60 (8/27) at BEL.
On May 17, Merit Man breezed five on the training track in :59.80 (2/8) at BEL.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 1, Spectacular Bid Stakes, Gulfstream Park, Six Furlongs. Merit Man jumped out of the gate on top from the one post under Joel Rosario. The 6-5 co-favorite turned back several challenges before edging away to score by three-quarters of a length over 50-to-1 longshot City of Weston. Little Distorted was another 4 1/2 lengths back in third. The chart call: "Merit Man took the early lead by a slight margin in the opening quarter and was challenged by rivals shortly after, vied for lead along the inside in backstretch, continued to match strides with Rockyshomerun in the far turn, shook free by a slight margin at top of the lane, challenged by City of Weston mid-stretch, dug in gamely and held clear late."
Bob Hess: “The Hutcheson looks like the logical spot. Everything about him says sprinting and that’s what we’ll concentrate on for now.”
Joel Rosario: "He's a nice horse and broke well out of the gate. He waited a little bit turning for home, but that's how he is. I think he's a nice horse and I know how far he can run, probably seven-eighths. I'm very glad I had the opportunity to ride him."
Feb. 2, Grade II Hutcheson Stakes, Gulfstream Park, Seven Furlongs. Merit Man broke from the rail, stalked the pace in fourth of eight, was steadied leaving the turn, angled out but lacked a late kick. He finished fourth, beaten 2 3/4 lengths by Honorable Dillon.
March 18 NOTE: “He couldn’t blow out a match when he came back to the barn this morning, I thought it was a great work for him,” trainer Hess told DRF.com. “Although ultimately I believe he’ll end up being a better sprinter, there are several factors that went into the decision to try the Florida Derby. First of all, I think sometimes horses run their best first time routing. The race is coming up light on numbers, the pot is big, and it just looks like a good time to take a shot for that kind of money. The track has been favoring speed, so we’ll take the blinkers off, put him on the lead, try to slow it down, and see what happens.”
March 20 NOTE: Trainer Hess said he has no intention of putting Merit Man on the Kentucky Derby Trail beyond the Florida Derby. “This is a one-time deal, he said. "Like I mentioned, the first time is a sprinter’s best route.We’ve been very successful. Not with a closing sprinter; closing sprinters are closing sprinters. But speed sprinters in their first two-turn start will defy reality often times. They get out there, slow down and keep going.”
March 30, Grade I Florida Derby, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/18 Mile. Orb initially set up a couple of lengths behind the pace set by Merit Man, who was pressed by Narvaez. Itsmyluckyday was tracking those two outside of two-year-old champion Shanghai Bobby, who was on the rail after breaking from post 1. Merit Man and Narvaez went the first quarter-mile in :24.74 and the half in :48.56, and at the second call Orb was in fifth position, four lengths from the front.
Merit Man and Kent Desormeaux still led after six furlongs in 1:12.89, but Itsmyluckyday was getting closer. With a mile booked in 1:37.70, Itsmyluckyday was on the lead. But Orb was not to be denied. After circling four wide on the second turn, he caught Itsmyluckyday, the 8-5 post time favorite, inside the furlong marker. Orb separated himself from Itsmyluckyday to prevail by 2 3/4 lengths. Merit Man and Narvaez, both making their two-turn debuts, stayed on for third and fourth, beaten five lengths and 10 lengths, respectively. Shanghai Bobby finished fifth, 3/4 length behind Narvaez.
Orb was timed in 1:50.87.That was almost two seconds slower than Dreaming of Julia's 1:48.97 in the Grade II Gulfstream Oaks earlier on the card. She won by 21 3/4 lengths and is bound for the Kentucky Oaks.
Bob Hess: "He ran a super race and got a Hall of Fame ride from Kent Desormeaux but just got beat. I'm super proud of him. I have a lot of options, just not Kentucky Derby options." Hess wouldn't rule out the Preakness.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Merit Man sprinted three times, breaking his maiden at first asking, then winning the Tim Conway Stakes at Santa Anita, and then finishing second by a nose to Hightail in the Breeders' Cup Sprint.
MICROMANAGE (KY)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Repole Stable
Breeder: Fiona Craig & Dermot Cantillon
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Medaglia D' Oro (El Prado (IRE), Cappucino Bay)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Catnip (Flying Paster, Beware of the Cat)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 1-2-5-2-0 (10) 1.22
Foal Date: March 9, 2010
$170,000 Keeneland September 2011. A well-named colt if there ever was one.
POST-RACE WORKOUTS
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 5 NOTE: Micromanage was being pointed to the Jerome Stakes but was sidelined.
May 11, Entry Level Allowance, Monmouth Park, One Mile 70 Yards. At 2-1 odds on a sloppy track, Micromanage won his comeback and was timed in 1:43.97. He had a four-wide trip and got up to win by a neck under Joe Bravo.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Sept. 1, Maiden Special Weight, Saratoga, Seven Furlongs. Micromanage won his debut under Javier Castellano, but he did it by five lengths, making it an ultra-impressive debut. The time was 1:23.01. He was fifth after a quarter-mile, three lengths in arrears, then quickly moved up to contest the lead and was in charge shortly after the quarter-pole. Apex, a second-time Bill Mott trainee, was second. Favored Gulfport was third.
Sept. 3 NOTE: “Todd said he was very steady in the morning,” said owner Repole. “I asked him what he felt about the horse, and he said, ‘It’s a tough race, very tough race.’ He said the horse was working well but probably will need a race and was more concerned about how the horse finished and galloped out.”
Sept. 16 NOTE: Micromanage is under consideration for the Grade I Champagne.
Oct. 6, Grade I Foxwoods Champagne Stakes, Belmont Park, One Mile. Micromanage finished fifth, beaten 10 lengths by Shanghai Bobby, after running last of six early in the race. The chart call: "Micromanage, three wide entering the turn, was five wide exiting it (the widest of all), had no rally."
Todd Pletcher: “Archwarrior and Micromanage ran like horses who had only one start. Micromanage needed to do a little more. He was a little bit wide around the turn, and I think we learned a little something about the way he needs to be ridden; we probably need to place him in the race a little more. I thought both of those had credible performances."
Oct. 17 NOTE: Micromanage will not go to Breeders' Cup. Instead, the Grade II Remsen at Aqueduct on Nov. 24. “I’m a pro-Lasix person,” owner Repole said. “It’s the one drug that can prevent a horse from bleeding and help a horse. I’ve spoken to a lot of veterinarians and a lot of trainers who have given me enough information to make me feel Lasix is a drug that horses need. For them to experiment on one of America’s biggest racing days and stages makes no sense. It’s kind of par for the course.”
Nov. 16 NOTE: Looking forward to the Remsen -- “I was disappointed in the Champagne,” trainer Pletcher said. “I think we learned something about the way he needs to be ridden. He needs to be involved in the early part of the race a little more. He’s the kind of horse that has a good cruising speed, and he needs to get into it as opposed to trying to make up ground in the stretch. The horse has trained very well before and since then, and we’re looking for an improved effort.”
Nov. 24, Grade II Remsen Stakes, Aqueduct, 1 1/8 Mile. Micromanage managed to utterly disappoint his backers, finishing a dismal last-of-10 at 8-5 odds. He ran in mid-pack for a little over half the race, then folded his tent. The chart call: "Micromanage towards the inside, faded after completing six furlongs."
Dec. 6 NOTE: Micromanage, a disappointing tentth behind Overanalyze in the Remsen, will return to action at Aqueduct on Jan. 5.
PICK OF THE LITTER (KY)
Trainer: Dale L. Romans
Owner: Carolyn Vogel
Breeder: Gabriel Duignan, Crosshaven Bloodstock & Vision Thoroughbreds
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Kitten's Joy (El Prado (IRE), Kitten's First)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Eagle Sound (Fusaichi Pegasus, Synformer)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-2-10-2-0 (20) 1.86
Foal Date: Feb. 5, 2010
$14,000 RNA Keeneland November 2010.
$150,000 Keeneland September 2011.
POST-RACE WORKOUTS
On May 2, Pick Of The Litter breezed five in :59.80 (6/18) at CD.
On May 7, Pick Of The Litter breezed five in 1:01.40 (13/34) at CD.
On May 13, Pick of the Litter breezed five in 1:00.40 (2/18) at CD.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 2, Maiden Special Weight, Gulfstream Park, One Mile (T). Pick of the Litter finished ninth, beaten 12 3/4 lengths by North Slope, who was timed in 1:36.38. Pick of the Litter never contended.
Feb. 27, Maiden Special Weight, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. This race was taken off the turf. Pick of the Litter made a complete turnaround and won by 7 1/2 lengths under Jesus Castanon. Only four ran. He pressed the early pace from the inside, then got three wide, took command leaving the far turn and drew off when asked.
March 30, Grade I Florida Derby, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/18 Mile. Pick of the Litter finiished sixth, beaten 13 1/2 lengths by Orb and a time of 1:50.87.
April 20, Grade III Coolmore Lexington Stakes, Keeneland, 1 1/16 Mile. Pick of the Litter finished third, beaten 1 1/4 length by Winning Cause. He was fourth at every call before that.
Jesus Castanon: “We're happy with the way he ran. He gave me everything he had, and I had a good break out of the gate. I put myself in a good spot where he likes to be. The best thing about him is he’s going forward. When I asked him to pick it up, he went ahead and did his best. And I know down the road he'll be even better.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Unraced.
SIETE DE OROS (PA)
Trainer: Ramon Preciado
Owner: Ramon Preciado
Breeder: Glenn E. Brok
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): A.P. Warrior ()
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Crafty Sarah (Crafty Friend, )
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-6-12-0-0 (22) 2.67
Foal Date: Feb. 17, 2010
$2,000 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2011.
POST-RACE WORKOUTS
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 5, Grade II Jerome Stakes, Aqueduct, One Mile 70 Yards. Favored Vyjack handled two turns and an unexpectedly tough opponent in 41-1 Siete De Oros to remain undefeated -- but he had to fight hard for it. Vyjack raced alongside Mudflats during the opening half-mile in :47.58. Moving into the lead headed into the far turn, Vyjack came out when passed on the inside by Siete De Oros straightening for home. He was kept to task by Cornelio Velasquez and prevailed by a head after a lengthy duel. Amerigo Vespucci was another three lengths back in third. Vyjack’s winning time was 1:40.67.
Ramon Preciado: “He ran the way we expected him to run. We thought the blinkers helped him a little bit. He had run a couple of races before and was a little green. With the blinkers, he was paying more attention.”
Maria Remedio: “Very, very game. I didn’t expect to be sitting back – because he did have blinkers on, I thought I’d be sitting closer to the lead. He settled in very nicely and made a very, very nice move.”
Feb. 2, Grade III Withers Stakes, Aqueduct, 1 1/16 Mile. Siete De Oros was third, beaten two lengths. Escapefromreality almost won but was denied by Revolutionary, who got up in the last jump to win in a last-to-first effort. The tiime was 1:44.32.
Siete De Oros and Maria Remedio led the field of seven up the backstretch, setting fractions of :24.22, :48.18 and 1:12.48, with Escapefromreality initially in closest pursuit before being eased back to fifth. Smooth Bert and Long River took up the slack, while Revolutionary dwelt in last after a half-mile and seventh of eight after six furlongs. At that point, the eventual winner was on the rail, 3 3/4 lengths off the pace. As heads turned for home, Long River began backing out of the fray. Siete De Oros was still on the lead with a furlong left in the race. Then Escapefromreality sailed by him and looked to be a winner, but Revolutionary would not be denied.
March 2, Grade III Gotham Stakes, Aqueduct, 1 1/16 Mile. Siete de Oros was fourth, beaten three lengths, after running with Elnaawi throughout the trip. He had a rough start. Using a strong late kick, Vyjack remained undefeated with a come-from-behind victory. West Hills Giant cut out the initial quarter-mile of :24.16 and went on with fractions of :48.69 and 1:12.72. Rounding the far turn, West Hills Giant stayed on despite his 33-1 odds, while Overanalyze, the 8-5 favorite, was being ridden by Velazquez. Transparent was staying with the leader in second, and Escapefromreality was beginning to falter. West Hills Giant led the field down the stretch, but he was run down by Vyjack, the 2-1 second choice. Vyjack took the overland route to get up for the win by 2 1/4 lengths. He was timed in 1:44.09. Elnaawi, who ran mid-pack into the stretch, got up late to get third after a really tough start.
The chart call: "Siete de Oros, in tight quarters, was bumped after the start, raced along the outside, displayed a mild kick en route for the final major check."
April 20, Grade III Illinois Derby, Hawthorne Race Course, 1 1/8 Mile. At 9-1 odds, Siete de Oros finished third, beaten 3 1/2 lengths by Departing. He was tenth in the early going, was very wide on the far turn and split foes in the stretch.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Siete De Oros broke his maiden at Parx Racing at six furlongs in his second start. That was in October. He followed that up with an allowance win and was third, beaten 6 1/4 lengths by Officer Alex, in the Penn Nursery on Dec. 8. Res Judicata was second in that race, beaten a length.
SPEAK LOGISTICS (FL)
Trainer: Eddie Plesa, Jr.,
Owner: Ralph Nabavi
Breeder: Centaur Farms, Inc.
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): High Cotton (Dixie Union, Happy Tune)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Miss Sabrina (Summer Squall, Miswila)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-4-8-0-0 (16) 3.00
Foal Date: Jan. 25, 2010
$62,000 OBS 2-Year-Olds in Training.
POST-RACE WORKOUTS
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 2, Grade III Sam F. Davis Stakes, Tampa Bay Downs, 1 1/16 Mile. Speak Logistics had the roughest trip in the field of nine and finished fourth, beaten 4 1/4 lengths by Falling Sky. He was bumped by Lightning Stone leaving the gate, checked in the backstretch and then bumped when he attempted to get by Falling Sky on the inside leaving the second turn. An objection by his jockey, Angel Serpa, was disallowed by stewards. Falling Sky looked to have been holding his racing path. Falling Sky was timed at 1:44.79.
Angel Serpa: “He ran up behind the lead group into the turn, and I had to take hold nearing the stretch. We lost some momentum, but he was game again through the stretch.”
Feb. 23, Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/16 Mile. Too-swift early fractions were made to order for a late run by Orb, and a lesser late run by Speak Logistics. Majestic Hussar set fractions of :23.11, :45.45 and 1:08.85. Cerro was in closest pursuit up the back, followed by Sr. Quisqueyano, Violence and Elmutahid. Speak Logistics and Orb played it cool near the back of the nine-horse field. Violence edged closer to Majestic Hussar heading into the second turn and was within a half-length at six furlongs. Violence got to the furlong marker with a 1 1/2-length lead, but Orb, ridden by John Velazquez, was coming at them and surged past to beat Violence by a half-length. The time was a solid 1:42.24. Speak Logistics also closed, but not as quickly as Orb, to finish third, beaten 7 1/4 lengths.
Joel Rosario, asked if he had any trouble aboard Speak Logistics: "No, I really didn't have any problems."
Trainer Eddie Plesa Jr., on hearing question posed to Rosario: "Yeah, he had trouble out there -- the one and the three."
March 17 NOTE: Looks like Speak Logistics may have missed a work this weekend. He last breezed on March 9.
March 23 NOTE: Speak Logistics may go to the Blue Grass instead of the Wood Memorial.
April 1 NOTE: Looking for a workout.
April 8, Calder Derby, Calder, 1 1/8 Mile. Speak Logistics finished a distant second to Sr. Quisqueyano.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Second time out, Speak Logistics broke his maiden by 5 3/4 lengths going a mile at Monmouth Park on Aug. 12.
Oct. 13, In Reality Florida Stallion Stakes, Calder, 1 1/16 Mile. Angel Serpa put Speak Logistics on the lead and nursed him through fractions of :25.16, :50.82 and 1:15.62 into the second turn. Behind Speak Logistics, Two T's at Two B and Uptown Anthem vied for second, with the former one holding a slim advantage.
Going into the far turn, Speak Logistics had put a little daylight behind him. Two T's at Two B took aim at the leader heading for home, but Speak Logistics had plenty left after the slow early splits. Speak Logistics maintained his advantage to win by 2 3/4 lengths. Uptown Anthem was another 5 3/4 lengths back in third. The race was timed in 1:47.79. With the win, he has $202,700 in earnings.
Eddie Plesa, Jr.: "It was a slow pace, we were on the lead, and we dictated it. Sometimes in a race like this, where it looks like there's a lot of speed, everybody takes back and they're not aware how slow they are going on the lead. I'm a big believer, in this race in particular, in getting them ready on the racetrack rather than running them, and it's been very successful for me in the past, particularly in this series."
Oct. 17 NOTE: Speak Logistics is confirmed for the Juvenile. Angel Serpa will retain the mount. According to DRF.com: "Speak Logistics earned a 90 Beyer Speed Figure for his In Reality victory. That figure equals the number earned by Power Broker, who won the Grade I FrontRunner at Santa Anita, and Title Contender, a maiden winner at Santa Anita. Only Shanghai Bobby, who received a 94 Beyer winning the Champagne, has earned a higher figure."
“We got one thing going for us, we proved we can go around two turns,” trainer Plesa told DRF.com. “He’s better than just a horse.”
Nov. 3, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Speak Logistics finished seventh of nine, beaten 5 3/4 lengths after stalking in third a length or two off the early pace. He had no excuses.
TITLE CONTENDER (KY)
Trainer: Wayne Catalano
Owner: Gary and Mary West
Breeder: Town & Country Farm Corp.
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Pulpit (A.P. Indy, Preach)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Winter Garden (Roy, Hillsburgh Rumors (CAN))
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 8-10-14-0-0 (32) 3.57
Foal Date: Feb. 12, 2010
$310,000 Keeneland November 2010.
POST-RACE WORKOUTS
On May 3, Title Contender breezed five in 1:02.80 (10/12) at KEE.
On May 10, Title Contender breezed five in 1:01.20 (8/27) at CD.
On May 16, Title Contender breezed three in :36.00 (1/7) at CD.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 17, Entry Level Allowance, Oaklawn Park, 1 1/16 Mile. Title Contender improved in this start from a couple of prior efforts; he was beaten less than a length by Carve and Luis Quinonez. Nine ran. Carve got to Title Contender's outside in the stretch after stalking in fourth the first half-mile. The winning time was 1:45.87. The chart call: "Carve patiently handled behind the pace in the two path, got through turning for home, eased out, challenged the leader late, proved best under firm handling."
March 1 NOTE: Title Contender is at Fair Grounds.
March 16 NOTE: Trainer Catalano said on March 15, “Mr. West called and said he wanted to insure a fast pace. He didn't want Mr. Baffert out there in front by five or six lengths any more. We had been looking at Sunland Derby, but this is what Mr. West wanted to do.”
March 16, Grade II Rebel Stakes, Oaklawn Park, 1 1/16 Mile. Title Contender set the pace to help stable mate Treasury Bill, ran a half-mile that way, then faded to a seventh-place finish -- just ahead of the wheel-spinning Treasury Bill. He was beaten 9 1/2 lengths by Will Take Charge.
May 19, Entry Level Allowance, Churchill Downs, 6 1/2 Furlongs. Title Contender continued his downward spiral, finishing sixth, beaten 7 3/4 lengths by No Distinction.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Title Contender raced first at Del Mar, where he finished third of five running six furlongs. He was beaten 3 1/2 lengths by Dry Summer and a time of 1:10.68. Title Contender, ridden by Garrett Gomez, was bumped and steadied at the start, rushed up, led, and weakened in the stretch.
Sept. 29, Maiden Special Weight, Santa Anita, One Mile. Title Contender broke his maiden with this 2 3/4-length victory. He led at each call with splits of ;24.03, :48.25 and 1:12.47. The final time was 1:37.02. Martin Garcia rode him at 7-2 odds. Seven ran.
Oct. 11 NOTE: Title Contender is considered probable for the Juvenile.
Oct. 17 NOTE: Title Contender is considered definite for the Juvenile.
Oct. 18 NOTE: “I’m not real worried about (the Lasix ban for) my horses, because they’ve never shown any signs of (bleeding), and we give very low doses of Lasix,” trainer Baffert said. “But on race day you never know. We won’t know until they race.”
Nov. 3, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Title Contender led for a half-mile from post one. By the time they had run six furlongs, he was beginning to shows signs of weariness. Then he completely folded and finished eighth of nine, beaten 16 lengths.
Dec. 15, Grade I CashCall Futurity, Hollywood Park, 1 1/16 Mile. Title Contender contended for about a half-mile, then faded to finish last of 11. A really horrible performance.
ZAIKOV (KY)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Arindel Farm
Breeder: Arindel Farm LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Distorted Humor (Forty Niner, Danzig's Beauty)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Wait a While (Maria's Mon, Flirtatious)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-5-10-0-1 (22) 2.67
Foal Date: March 21, 2010
NEXT RACE: Allowance.
POST-RACE WORKOUTS
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
March 15, Maiden Special Weight, Gulfstream Park, Six Furlongs. Zaikov won by 14 1/4 lengths without being asked by John Velazquez. He was clocked in 1:09.78. Zaikov prepped for his debut on March 10 by working at Palm Meadows in company with Shanghai Bobby.
Todd Pletcher; “We loved his mother. She was one of our all-time favorites. He’s trained really well on the dirt, and she was good on all surfaces. He acted like a really talented colt, and we’re glad to get him going. He had some typical baby stuff that delayed him coming in a little bit. But since he’s come to us, he’s been very straightforward and he’s trained really well. As long as he continues to run like that, he’s certainly not having any trouble with (dirt)."
April 23 NOTE: Zaikov is at a farm in Ocala after sustaining a shin injury. He'll be pointed to the Saratoga meet.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Unraced.
