The following were DELETED 2-7-10. Please refer to Feb. 7 Racing News on the Home page for more details. These horses weren't early-nominated to the Triple Crown.
A LITTLE WARM (VA) Trainer: Anthony Dutrow
Owner: Edward P. Evans
Breeder: Edward P. Evans
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Stormin Fever (Storm Cat, Pennant Fever)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Minidar (Alydar, Minstrella)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 8-2-14-0-0 (24) 2.43
Foal Date: March 21, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 11 NOTE: The seven-furlong Hutcheson on Feb. 20 is the logical next step for A Little Warm.
On Jan. 29, A LITTLE WARM breezed five in 1:03.00 (15/27) at PMM.
On Feb. 6, A LITTLE WARM breezed five in 1:01.60 (5/17) at PMM.
Jan. 9, Spectacular Bid Stakes, Gulfstream Park, Six Furlongs. A Little Warm sprung the minor upset. At 5-1, he came from about fifth to pass pacesetter Wildcat Frankie (4-1), who set initial fractions of :22.37 and :45.60. The track was sloppy. A Little Warm won by 1 1/2 length going away. His time: 1:10.25--around two lengths faster than an 3-year-old allowance race earlier on the card won by Three Day Rush.
The favorite, Discreetly Mine, was sent off at 9-5 but came home fourth. He bobbled at the start. On the turn, he and Wildcat Frankie bumped. An objection by Johnny V., aboard Wildcat Cat, was overruled.
Winning trainer Dutrow: “I was very concerned about the conditions. Until they run on it, you just don’t know, but he handled it fine and was very professional. He always showed ability, but it took a couple of races before he put it all together, and then he really came around when he broke his maiden by 10 in his last start. I see no reason why he won’t go (more distance). We’ll discuss it with Mr. Evans, but the seven-eighths race (Hutcheson Stakeson Feb. 20) is there and we’ll consider that.”
Jeremy Rose, rider of A Little Warm: “The trip was beautiful. The horse had been training really well. Tony always has them ready for races like this. He sat there, took the trip perfect, and I felt like I had the winning horse from the half-mile pole in. I got him outside of everybody, and never had to touch him with the stick. A horse like, one that rates, will go as far as you need him to go.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
A Little Warm broke his maiden by 10 3/4 lengths going six furlongs at Philadelphia Park on Nov. 23. It was his fourth start.
ACTIVITY REPORT (KY) Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Owner: Westrock Stables, LLC
Breeder: Maverick Productions, Ltd.
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Bernstein (Storm Cat, La Affirmed)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Chandrina (Trempolino, Refill (GB))
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-2-8-4-0 (18) 1.25
Foal Date: Foaled May 5, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $45,000
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 25, ACTIVITY REPORT breezed four in :50.80 (16/58) at OP.
On Feb. 2, ACTIVITY REPORT breezed five in 1:06.00 (17/24) at OP.
Jan. 16, Allowance, Oaklawn Park, One Mile. The track was rated good, but surely it was achingly slow. Acitivity Report won the race in a very dull 1:44.58, holding off Brewer by a length. Ricky Tick tried to come up the rail late and looked like he might pass Activity Report, but he couldn't sustain his effort and was third by 1 3/4 length.
“The track here is pretty even and safe, it’s just slow,” Terry Thompson said during opening weekend.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Activity Report won in his second outing back in June at Churchill Downs, but that was his only win in seven 2009 starts.
In the Sanford, Saratoga Special and Bourbon Stakes, Activity Report was beaten a combined 38 1/2 lengths--but at least he finished fourth to Super Saver in the Kentucky Cup Juvenile in November.
AFLEET EXPRESS (KY) Trainer: Jimmy Jerkens
Owner: Gainesway Stable
Breeder: McMillin Brothers & James Devaney
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Afleet Alex (Northern Afleet, Maggy Hawk)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Expanse (Distant View, Dial A Trick)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-0-5-0-0 (10) 3.00
Foal Date: April 3, 2007
$245,000 Keeneland January 2008.
$185,000 Keeneland September 2008.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 30, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, Six Furlongs. Afleet Express (6-5) broke awkwardly, surrendering several lengths to the field of seven, including eventual winner, pacesetter General Maximus (8-5). John Velazquez hustled Afteet Express into contention, third hitting the turn, but he was used up in the process and could only manage a second-place finish. He looked green until he finally got into a good stride when it was too late. He lost by 1 3/4 length.
PEFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
On Dec. 5, Afleet Express won his career debut going six furlongs at Aqueduct.
Dec. 27 NOTE: Afleet Express worked five from the gate at Palm Meadows.
ASPIRE (KY) Trainer: Eddie Kenneally
Owner: Gary and Mary West Stables, Inc.
Breeder: Gary and Mary West Stables, Inc.
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Tale of the Cat (Storm Cat, Yarn)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Mamselle Nanette (Southern Halo, Targa)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 8-2-10-0-0 (20) 3.00
Foal Date: Jan. 28, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 15 NOTE: We are still waiting to see a workout from this one. His last race came in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile on Nov. 7, with no workouts since. PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Sept. 7, Grade I Three Chimneys Hopeful Stakes, Saratoga, Seven Furlongs. 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.
Eddie Kenneally, trainer of Aspire: “He ran great. He was a little green, but I know the longer he goes, the better he will get. I knew this was a jump up in class for him, but he ran great.”
Julien Leparoux, aboard Aspire: “He was still a little green, but he will learn a lot from this race. That was a big step up for him. He ran in a six-horse field last time and now in a 12-horse field in a Grade I, which was a huge difference. He broke sharply, but he took himself back a little bit because he was next to a lot of other horses. It was a big step up for him today, and I expect he will be better next time.”
Oct. 10, Grade I Champagne Stakes, Belmont Park, One Mile. Aspire finished third, beaten two lengths.
Bought out of Maryland, 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 was 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.
Nov. 7, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Aspire raced in mid-pack for six furlongs in his first race on synthethic, and he was within striking distance. He then faded to finish twelfth of 13. To his credit, he was steadied between horses on the second turn.
Dec. 31 NOTE: Aspire has had no works since Breeders' Cup.
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
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. 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. 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.
Keeneland September 2008: $100,000.
Barretts March 2009: $225,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 6 NOTE: The Robert B. Lewis is rescheduled to Feb. 13.
Feb. 5 NOTE: Brady Blue Eyes was not entered in the Robert B. Lewis.
Jan. 30 NOTE: Brady Blue Eyes is likely for the Grade II Robert B. Lewis on Feb. 6.
Jan. 17, Allowance, Santa Anita, About 6 1/2 Furlongs (T). Coming down the hill, Brady Blue Eyes was the 5-2 second choice, but he won the race by a length and a half, timed in 1:13.92. Joel Rosario provided a strong hand ride. Fifth of six after a quarter-mile, Brady Blue Eyes made a strong late run.
Jan. 15 NOTE: Brady Blues Eyes was entered an allowance sprint, not the California Derby.
Jan. 13 NOTE: Brady Blue Eyes was said to be possible for the Jan. 16 California Derby.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Nov. 22, Maiden Special Weight, 1 1/16 Mile, Hollywood Park. Brady Blue Eyes, at 11-1, led at all calls while being pressured by Viva Macho and prevailed by a neck over Looking for Candy, who had stalked in third. The winning time was 1:45.18.
The win was the first in four starts for Brady Blue Eyes. He had finished second twice before.
Make Music for Me, at 2-5, ran a like a bad dream, finishing sixth of eight after being positioned sixth most of the way under Mike Smith. The total losing margin was five lengths after some difficulty getting a good trip.
Dec. 19, Grade I CashCall Futurity, Hollywood Park, 1 1/16 Mile. Brady Blue Eyes looked to be in deep water, and he was. He finished sixth of seven in this race won by Lookin at Lucky.
DELONG ROAD (KY) Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Owner: Sam Winstead
Breeder: Juddmonte Farms, Inc.
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Storm Cat (Storm Bird (CAN), Terlingua)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Tate's Creek (Rahy, Viviana)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-3-13-1-0 (24) 2.20
Foal Date: May 18, 2007
Keeneland November 2009: $100,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 14, DELONG ROAD breezed five in 1:04.80 (21/42) at OP.
On Jan. 21, DELONG ROAD worked 4f ft in :51.80 B (18/32) at OP. On Feb. 2, DELONG ROAD breezed four in :49.40 (12/51) at OP.
Jan. 3, Maiden Special Weight, Fair Grounds, Six Furlongs. In this debut performance, What's New repulsed the strongest bid against his front-running effort in mid-stretch and prevailed by two lengths, timed in 1:11.09. Berberis ran late to get second, and Delong Road, who was shaken off by What's New, held on for third, beaten 6 1/4 lengths.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Unraced.
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
Jan. 26 NOTE: D'Funnybone is being pointed to the Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 20.
On Jan. 11, D' FUNNYBONE breezed four in :52.00 (30/33) at GP.
On Jan. 17, D' FUNNYBONE breezed five in 1:01.80 (12/24) at GP.
On Jan. 23, D' FUNNYBONE breezed five on a good track in 1:01.20 (9/20) at GP.
On Jan. 29, D' FUNNYBONE breezed six in 1:14.20 (2/3) at GP.
On Feb. 4, D' FUNNYBONE breezed six in 1:13.20 (2/4) at GP.
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.
DEPAUL (KY) Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Owner: Third Street Partners
Breeder: George Krikorian
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Dixieland Band (Northern Dancer, Mississippi Mud)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Cool Alice (Slew o' Gold, Blue Jean Baby)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 11-1-12-0-0 (24) 3.00
Foal Date: March 28, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $22,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Feb. 1, DEPAUL breezed four in :54.40 (119/120) at FG.
Jan. 23, Grade III Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. Depaul pressed Maximus Ruler, the race favorite for the lead. But Maximus Ruler went on to finish second and Depaul did not, hitting the finish line eighth, beaten nine lengths by Ron the Greek, who basically inhaled the field in the stretch.
After a layoff of about four months, Depaul returned to competition at Fair Grounds on Jan. 3 and finished seventh in an allowance optional claiming race.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Depaul broke his maiden by 5 1/ 4 lengths Aug. 29 at Calder, running six furlongs in 1:13.25. It was his second start.
DOWN WITH DIXIE (KY) Trainer: Paul McGee
Owner: Jay Em Ess Stable
Breeder: Meralex Farm
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Purge (Pulpit, Copelan's Bid Gal)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Dixie Sue (Dixieland Band, Barbara Sue)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-3-8-1-0 (16) 2.20
Foal Date: Feb. 12, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $30,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 1, Allowance, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. Down with Dixie (7-2), never far back with Francisco Torres riding, continued willingly late to gain the place, finishing a half-length in front of Mr. Winthrop, who was a half-length to the good of Daddy Forty Nine.
But it was Hotep, the 4-5 favorite, who won the day by 3 1/4 lengths. Ridden by Robby Albarado and trained by Mark Frostad, Hotep was unhurried early while fifth of six runners for a half-mile. He commenced a four-wide rally outside the leaders approaching the stretch and drew off late to prevail under intermittent urging.
Jan. 10, Allowance, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. At 5-2 odds, Down with Dixie led at all calls and prevailed by 2 1/4 lengths. His initial fractions were :49.10 and 1:14.81, with a final time of 1:41.46. He led by a length into the stretch and then drew away. Note that Down with Dixie broke his maiden in this race.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
In his first four career races, Down With Dixie raced six furlongs at Arlington, Keeneland and Churchill Downs, resulting in three fifth-place finishes and one in seventh. He did not contend in those races.
Stretched out to two turns at Churchill Downs Nov. 28, he stumbled at the start and then got to chugging along late and finished third behind Fly Down, beaten 1 3/4 length to a time of 1:45.57. He was 25-1 that day.
EIGHTYFIVEINAFIFTY (KY) Trainer: Gary Contessa
Owner: Moirano, Team Stallion Racing Corp., Lerner, Contessa, McConnell Racing Corp.
Breeder: A. Lakin and Sons & James Kintz
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Forest Camp (Deputy Minister, La Paz)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Lifeinthefastlane (Unbridled's Song, Inthefastlane)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-6-3-0-0 (14) 8.33
Foal Date: April 8, 2007
Fasig-Tipton Kentucky 2008: RNA $40,000
OBS 2-Year-Olds in Training 2009: $100,000
Note high dosage index.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 7 NOTE: "We have absolutely dodged a bullet here," said trainer Contessa. "This could have been the end of his career, and instead this horse is out a week Â… He has always been a very level-headed horse, so there is no reason to think he will not forget this incident and return to being the fastest three-year-old in the country.
"Yesterday was just another example of how difficult it is to have everything go right in this game," said Contessa. "Let's let the horse do the talking, and he will tell me when and where he returns to race again."
Jan. 7 NOTE: DRF.com reported late Feb. 6 that Mike Monroe, agent for Jorge Chavez, said that Chavez told him that Eightyfiveinafifty's bit snapped before Eighyfiveinafifty bolted in the first turn of the Whirlaway and crashed into the outer rail. Chavez was being evaluated at a hospital at the time.
Feb. 6, Whirlaway Stakes, Aqueduct, 1 1/16 Mile. With 1-5 favorite Eightyfiveinafifty bolting on first turn, things turned upside down and led to a win by Peppi Knows in 1:47.10 on a track rated fast.
Jorge Chavez was unseated from Eightyfiveinafifty when he crashed into the outer rail; Chavez was taken to North Shore University Hospital for evaluation. After the race, trainer Gary Contessa said Eightyfiveinafifty was OK except for a two-inch cut in his right-hind leg, and that he didn't have any idea what went wrong.
Gary Contessa, trainer of Eightyfiveinafifty: “The horse is okay. He has a two-inch cut on his right hind leg, and he’ll need a couple of stitches, but he was walking sound. I’m completely mystified as to what happened. I don’t know if it was the horse, the jockey, or an equipment malfunction. The bit was broken and the rein was shredded--the equipment was in shambles--but I don’t know if that happened during the race or after he bolted. He’s handled the turns fine in the mornings. I have no idea what happened.”
Jan. 28 NOTE: "I was very, very pleased (with his Jan. 27 workout). He navigated the two turns well, which is what I was more concerned with," trainer Contessa said to DRF.com. "Will he go two turns? There are so many factors involved. We'll see. At least we know he's a hell of a sprinter."
On Jan. 20, EIGHTYFIVEINAFIFTY breezed five in :59.40 (2/9) at AQU.
On Jan. 27, EIGHTYFIVEINAFIFTY breezed seven in 1:27.00 (1/1) at AQU.
On Feb. 3, EIGHTYFIVEINAFIFTY breezed three in :34.20 (1/8) at AQU.
Jan. 16 NOTE: DRF.com reports: "A week before he hopes to be running Eightyfiveinafifty in the Grade I Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, trainer Gary Contessa may be thousands of miles away in Dubai, where he may run Hatfield in the $1 million Al Quoz Sprint Handicap at six furlongs on turf at the new Meydan track."
Jan. 14 NOTE: Eightfiveinafifty’s final time in his Jan. 9 race was easily the fastest six-furlong race of the weekend at the Big A. Excluding claiming races, there were five other six-furlong races run over the weekend, including three maiden special weights, one allowance, and one stakes race. The average final time for those five races was 1:13.83, about three seconds slower than Eightyfiveinafifty's time.
Eightyfiveinafifty earned a 105 Beyer Speed Figure for his efforts – the highest figure by any horse in the country so far in 2010.
“Horses prove trainers wrong all the time,” trainer Contessa said on Jan. 13. “But I would bet that this horse will get two turns. Watching him in the mornings, I get the impression that he’ll run all day – he never gets enough. When he’s done galloping in the morning, it’s all the rider can do to pull him up. If I breeze him five-eighths, it’s at least a mile before he gets pulled up. He has a lot of gears.
“He is the best horse I’ve ever trained,” Contessa said. “I said that even before he ran. I’ve won Grade 1’s and Grade 2’s, but this horse is the most talented horse I’ve had. Now, that doesn’t mean he’ll be the greatest horse I’ve trained – he has to achieve his greatness. A big part of being a great horse is staying sound, and that’s the most important thing we’re trying to do – keep him sound. If we can do that, I really think he will far eclipse any horse I’ve trained in terms of achievements.”
Jan. 12 NOTE: Eightyfiveinafifty is expected to start next in the Feb. 6 Whirlaway at Aqueduct. "The Whirlaway I think will be a very easy race for him," trainer Contessa told DRF.com. "Then we have our chance in the Gotham to get plenty of graded money to get in the Derby."
The Gotham has a purse of $250,000, down from $300,000 in the past, with the winner's share $150,000.
"I think he could win the Hutcheson no question, but then his first chance going two turns is going to be against killers in the Florida Derby," Contessa said. "He seems to like Aqueduct, he doesn't mind the cold. I'm going to stay in New York and take this route and see what comes. I have Derby fever off what I saw the other day, absolutely. Interestingly enough I have a group of owners who would like to go for the ride."
Jan. 9, Maiden Special Weight, Aqueduct, Six Furlongs. After a long-awaited return folllowing bucked shins and a hock problem, Eightyfiveinafifty made a big splash winning the race by 17 1/4 lengths. He had the lead at all calls and was eight in front with a furlong to go. His fractions: :23.04 and :46.34 with a final time of 1:10.85. The colt was sent off at 3-10 odds in a field of seven.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
In his sole race of the year, which came at Saratoga, Eightyfiveinafifty ran with Discreetly Mine for a half-mile, got ahead of that one after a half in :44 and change, but wound up finishing third, beaten 4 1/4 lengths by Dublin.
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
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.
FEARLESS COWBOY (KY) Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin
Owner: David Lanzman & Jeff Singer
Breeder: Gulf Coast Farms
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): El Corredor (Mr. Greeley, Silvery Swan)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Fearless Wildcat (Forest Wildcat, Scapegoat)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index:
Foal Date: March 4, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $19,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Feb. 4, FEARLESS COWBOY breezed three in :38.00 (19/23) at PMM.
Jan. 22 NOTE: No reported workouts since Sept. 11.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
He won the Colin Stakes at Woodbine on July 18 following a second place finish in Woodbine’s Victoria Stakes on June 14. In the Colin, Fearless Cowboy defeated favored Who's Big Daddy for then-trainer Sandra Dominguez.
Fearless Cowboy was timed in 1:10.88 after sitting off fractions of :22.11 and :45.39 set by Solve the Code.
"Today we had the outside,” said Slade Callaghan. “There was other speed in there. He relaxed really nicely for me today. I thought halfway down the lane he could have been beaten. He saw (Who's Big Daddy) on the outside. He dug in and fought and wasn't going to let that one by at all. Some 2-year-olds don't have that too often. This guy is special."
Following the Colin Stakes win, David Lanzman and Jeff Singer bought Fearless Cowboy from breeder/owner Gulf Coast Farms and moved him to Kiaran McLaughlin's barn at Saratoga.
Fearless Cowboy went on to finish a distant third to D'Funnybone in the Grade II Saratoga Special.
Dec. 31 NOTE: There are no reported workouts from Fearless Cowboy since Sept. 11 at Saratoga.
GENERAL MAXIMUS (NY) Trainer: Joseph Imperio
Owner: Michael Imperio & Elizabeth Loftus
Breeder: Jill and Dominque Imperio
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Freud (Storm Cat, Mariah's Storm)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Modern Toughness (Good and Tough, Modernism)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-3-8-0-0 (18) 3.50
Foal Date: March 22, 2007
It's a family affair with General Maximus
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 30, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, Six Furlongs. Afleet Express (6-5) broke awkwardly, surrending several lengths to the field of seven, including eventual winner, pacesetter General Maximus (8-5), under Javier Castellano. General Maximus set fractions of :22.51 and :45.21 before winning in 1:09.59. He shook off a pressing Family Holiday, who was 30-1, in getting the win. General Maximus defeated Afleet Express by 1 3/4 length.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
General Maximus broke his maiden at first asking in his only race of 2009, a five-furlong contest at Belmont Park on July 9. He won by four lengths.
GLEAM OF HOPE (KY) Trainer: Tony Reinstedler
Owner: Dr. & Mrs. A. C. Asbury
Breeder: Dr. & Mrs. A. C. Asbury
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): City Zip (Carson City, Baby Zip)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Victorious Vice (Vice Regent (CAN), Try Sympathy)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 16-5-7-0-0 (28) 7.00 Foal Date: April 30, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 24, GLEAM OF HOPE breezed three in :37.40 (7/21) at TAM.
On Jan. 29, GLEAM OF HOPE breezed four in :49.40 (6/20) at TAM.
On Feb. 4, GLEAM OF HOPE breezed five in 1:01.80 (3/29) at TAM.
Jan. 22 NOTE: No workouts since November.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Gleam of Hope broke his maiden on the dirt at Ellis Park second time out, then won an allowance race on turf at River Downs the next time.
Sept. 7, Budweiser Select Cradle Stakes, River Downs, 1 1/16 Mile. Off the turf and on a track rated good, Gleam of Hope (2-1) drew off to a 2 1/4-length win, timed in 1:46.80.
Longshots filled out the next three places: Guys Reward (19-1), Harrods Creek (13-1) and Marathon Moon (12-1). Strike the Tiger (3-2) and Scottkeith'skitten (4-1) finished seventh and ninth, respectively. Nine ran.
The chart call: "Gleam of Hope was unhurried early, rallied into the stretch and got through along the rail, drew clear late under firm handling."
Nov. 1, Grade III Iroquois Stakes, Churchill Downs, One Mile. Gleam of Hope finished fourth behind Thiskyhasnolimit.
Nov. 28, Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, Churchill Downs, 1 1/16 Mile. Gleam of Hope finished eighth of nine, beaten 16 1/4 lengths by Super Saver. Gleam of Hope did not show much speed at any point, while Super Saver bettered a 10-year-old stakes record.
On Jan. 22, GRAND TIMES worked four in :47.60 (5/27) at GP.
On Feb. 4, GRAND TIMES worked four in :47.20 (11/78) at GP.
Jan. 9, Spectacular Bid Stakes, Gulfstream Park, Six Furlongs. Grand Times was made 8-1 at the windows and finished last of seven after chasing the pace three wide on a sloppy track. He ran out of petrol after a half-mile.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Grand Times broke his maiden sprinting 4 1/2 furlongs at Calder back on May 2. He won by an impressive four lengths, but then he was out of commission for several months.
Grand Times won an allowance race at Tampa Bay Downs on Dec. 12 going six furlongs. He cleared by two lengths, timed in 1:11.12. Always close to the pace after breaking from post 9, he edged away in the stretch.
Dec. 28 NOTE: Grand Times breezed four furlongs at Gulfstream Park.
GREAT ATTACK (FL) Trainer: Wesley Ward
Owner: Houyhnhnm Stable
Breeder: Edward Seltzer & Murray Durst
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Greatness (Mr. Prospector, Harbour Club)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Cat Attack (Storm Cat, Harp Strings)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 10-5-16-1-0 (32) 2.56
Foal Date: April 8, 2007
$10,000 RNA OBS January 2008.
$7,000 OBS Fall 2008.
$37,000 OBS 2-Year-Olds in Training 2009.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 22 NOTE: No workouts since Dec. 22.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
At Saratoga, Great Attack debuted, and it was a fine effort. He won the 5 1/2-furlong race by 5 1/2 lengths under Jorge Chavez, timed in 1:04.56 under a hand ride, albeit a vigorous one. He led throughout and really turned it on in the lane compared to his competition.
Next time out, after a two-month break, he competed at Churchill Downs on Nov. 1 and finished third to Dryfly and Flatter Than Me, beaten 2 1/2 lengths to a time of 1:23.55. Second in the early part, he had a head lead at the furlong marker.
Great Attack cut back to six furlongs at Churchill on Nov. 28 and won, defeating the well-regarded Three Day Rush by three lengths after leading all the way. Flatter Than Me was there again, but this time he finished fifth as the 2-1 favorite. Great Attack turned the clock in :21.36, :44.37 and :56.69, en route to finishing in 1:09.53.
Keeneland November 2007: $35,000
Fasig-Tipton Saratoga 2008: $120,000
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 31, IBBOYEE breezed four in :49.00 (21/56) at PMM.
Jan. 7 NOTE: "He seemed to come back fine (from the Count Fleet). We're kind of stumped why he didn't perform any better. Physically, he come out of it well. See what the next book has to offer,'' trainer Pletcher told DRF.com.
Jan. 2, Count Fleet Stakes, Aqueduct, One Mile 70 Yards. Favored Ibboyee (2-5) finished fourth after chasing Laus Deo in second.
Winner and pacesetter Laus Deo was timed in 1:44.91 after setting moderate fractions, including a six-furlong time of 1:15.12. Laus Deo was 10-1. Worth A Buck, sent off at 18-1 under Alan Garcia, made a nice closing stretch move to finish within a length of the winner.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Ibboyee won three of his first four starts, including two state-bred stakes, the Aspirant Stakes and the New York Breeders' Futurity Stakes, both at six furlongs. He broke his maiden at Saratoga on Aug. 3.
Dec. 6, Damon Runyon Stakes, Aqueduct, One Mile 70 Yards. Despite stumbling badly coming out of the gate, Ibboyee took the race under Ramon Dominguez. Ibboyee settled in fifth behind slow early fractions of :23.95 and :47.96 set by longshot Vital Argument. Down the backside, Ibboyee began to improve position down at the rail but was then caught behind the tiring pacesetter and was forced to move outside of horses.
Once in the clear, Ibboyee finished strongly to get up by 2 1/2 lengths over 8-5 favorite City Trooper. Shrimp Dancer was another two lengths back in third. Ibboyee was timed in 1:42.78 after being sent off at virtually 5-2.
Trainer Pletcher: "He's done a lot of things right. At some point, we might experiment with open company, but right now the plan is to stay here this winter and take advantage of his New York-bred eligibility.
“I’m not 100 percent sure if was the wet surface last time (fourtth in the Sleepy Hollow). Cornelio Velasquez, who rode him that day, didn’t think he handled it real well, but he’d also had a series of races pretty close together. The added time since then has done him well."
Ramon Dominguez: "He was very, very sharp coming out of the gate and he kind of out-broke himself, that's why he stumbled so badly. Once he came back up, he was there for me, and pretty aggressive on the bridle. It seemed like they were battling in the front, and some horses were wide. I just sat on him and waited as long as I could, hoping for the best. When I got him out, he really gave me an awesome run and finished up very nicely."
Dec. 30 NOTE: Going into the Jan. 2 Count Fleet: “We think the timing is perfect to try open company with him,” said Jonathan Thomas, assistant to trainer Todd Pletcher. “I think facing open company was inevitable anyway. He came out of his last race in good shape and has been training well.”
Keeneland November 2007: $120,000.
Fasig-Tipton August 2008: $335,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 4, LATIGO SHORE breezed four in :49.00 (13/41) at PMM.
On Jan. 31, LATIGO SHORE breezed four in :49.40 (26/56) at PMM.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
In his second career start, Latigo Shore broke his maiden at Calder, winning by 7 1/2 lengths at a distance of 6 1/2 furlongs under Joe Bravo. He led throughout and held a five-length lead at the furlong marker. He finished in 1:18.30, not a bad time at Calder.
LAUNCH N RELAUNCH (KY) Trainer: Rick Dutrow, Jr.
Owner: Jay Em Ess Stable
Breeder: Brereton Jones
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Malibu Moon (A.P. Indy, Macoumba)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Carson's Vanity (Carson City, Vanities)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-1-6-0-0 (12) 3.00
Foal Date: March 13, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $375,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 18, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. 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, Pleasant Prince was second in what turned into a two-horse race. Jan. 13, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/16 Mile (T). This race didn't come off the turf, and Launch N Relaunch was scratched.
Jan. 7, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, One Mile. Launch N Relaunch sustained a minor injury at the starting gate and was scratched.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
On November 28, Launch N Relaunch won his first start. It was at Aqueduct, and he showed a good turn of foot going a mile. Going in 1:39.15, Launch N Relaunch won by 1 1/4 length, but the impressive part was that he came from last. Mike Smith rode in a rare trip East. He was there for stakes racing.
Dec. 26 NOTE: Launch N Relaunch breezed six furlongs at Gulfstream Park.
LAUS DEO (KY) Trainer: Tony Dutrow
Owner: Fox Hill Farm
Breeder: J. S. McDonald
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Medaglia d'Oro (El Prado (IRE), Cappucino Bay)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Shebane (Alysheba, Belle Sultane)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-2-12-2-1 (22) 1.44
Foal Date: April 20, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $140,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 2 NOTE: Laus Deo was taken to a farm in Ocala for 30 days, according to the owner's website.
On Jan. 18, LAUS DEO breezed five on a good track in 1:03.40 (3/5) at PMM.
Jan. 6 NOTE: Laus Deo is headed to Florida, per a report at DRF.com. His next start wasn't announced, but he will not contest the Whirlaway in New York in February. He'll be stationed at Palm Meadows. "We're not going to stay in New York," said trainer Dutrow. "Not that we think we got the best horse in the world, we just think we're giving the horse a better chance coming down this way. You know first hand how rough December was, and how it looks like January and February are going to be. We're giving the horse a chance to come down here and give him his opportunity."
All doors are open at this point--stakes company at Tampa Bay Downs, Fair Grounds, or Oaklawn. The 1 1/8-mile Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream on Feb. 20 is an obvious next possible race.
Jan. 2, Count Fleet Stakes, Aqueduct, One Mile 70 Yards. Longshot (10-1) Laus Deo made the lead soon after the start and never looked back. Ridden by David Cohen, Laus Deo set comfortable early fractions of :24.30 and :49.48 while being tracked by odds-on favorite Ibboyee. As the field entered the far turn, Laus Deo opened up a clear advantage and was never seriously challenged through the stretch en route to a three-quarter length win over Worth a Buck.
It was another half-length back to Turbo Speed in third. Ibboyee, sent off at odds of 2-5, finished fourth.
Laus Deo completed the one mile and 70 yards in 1:44.91 over the fast inner track after getting the first six furlongs in 1:15.12.
David Cohen: “The horse was very prepared. I just let him take me out of the gate. He’s got a big, long stride; obviously, he’s a huge horse. He relaxed well for me, and every time they came to him he’d give me more, without me having to ask.”
Tony Dutrow: “I think it’s pretty obvious he’s still learning. He got away on the lead without anyone contesting him, and that was a big break. Big picture, I think it was a good win because he is still learning. I’ll have to get together with Rick Porter to figure out what’s next. I know New York has a great series of races for 3-year-olds, so we have that as an option.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Laus Deo was readied to enter the Jan. 2 Count Fleet off a maiden victory at Philadelphia Park in his third start, a seven-furlong race in which he finished in 1:25.77. He was third in his first start and second in his second start.
On Jan. 5, LISTON breezed three in :36.40 (7/22) at BEL.
On Jan. 13, LISTON breezed three in :36.20 (1/18) at BEL.
On Jan. 20, LISTON breezed four in :48.20 (11/37) at BEL.
On Jan. 28, LISTON worked four in :48.20 (10/72) at BEL.
On Feb. 4, LISTON worked breezed four in :48.80 (9/38) at BEL.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
After winning his debut at Saratoga, Liston was tried in the Grade I Hopeful at Belmont Park--however, that resulted in an eighth-place finish.
Liston was the winner of an Oct. 9 allowance race at Keeneland going seven furlongs, but he was disqualified to ninth later for a medication infraction. A slight amount of the prohibited substance was detected. Trainer McLaughlin did not appeal and was gracious in accepting a suspension, stating he would never knowingly do anything to harm one of his horses.
The prohibited substance was, according to Bloodhorse.com, "ipratropium bromide, a bronchodilator the Association of Racing Commissioners International has classified as a Class B drug—one that has the potential to impact performance."
Dec. 31 NOTE: Liston breezed three furlongs at Belmont Park. This was his first workout in two months.
MIDDLE OF THE NITE (KY) Trainer: Tom Albertrani
Owner: West Point Thoroughbreds
Breeder: Darley, Leslie R. King & H. Patrick King Jr.
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Offlee Wild (Wild Again, Alvear)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): A Loose Kisser (Kissin Kris, Shook Loose)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-2-8-0-0 (14) 2.50
Foal Date: April 25, 2007
Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall 2008 Yearling Sale: $140,000.
Keeneland 2-Year-Olds in Training 2009: $300,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE Jan. 16 NOTE: Trainer Albertrani said Middle of the Night could be pointed to the Sam F. Davis.
On Jan. 19, MIDDLE OF THE NITE breezed five in 1:03.40 (25/35) at PMM.
On Jan. 28, MIDDLE OF THE NITE breezed five in 1:02.00 (7/17) at PMM.
On Feb. 5, MIDDLE OF THE NITE worked five in 1:01.60 (4/25) at PMM.
Jan. 7, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, One Mile. Middle of the Nite and Edgar Prado finished third, beaten two lengths for all of it.
Eskenderaya, the 6-5 favorite, won the race. While he didn't grab the lead immediately, he soon had it and led the field down the backstretch under John Velazquez. Through the single turn, Eskendereya set fractions of :24.78, :47.78 and 1:11.73 while being pressed by Middle of the Nite (9-2 off a 12-1 morning line)--the former was under a hand ride at that point. The pair separated themselves from the field heading into that turn.
Deep in the stretch, Middle of the Nite succumbed to a later-running Thank U Philippe (3-1), who launched his rally heading into the turn, urged by Julien Leparoux. The winner prevailed by 1 1/4 length and was timed in 1:36.79.
Middle of the Nite and Edgar Prado finished third, beaten two lengths for all of it. The next horse was another 5 1/2 lengths back.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Middle of the Nite broke his maiden on Oct. 10 in one of his two 2009 starts. It came at Belmont Park going six furlongs. His first start, one at Saratoga won by Aikenite, resulted in a tenth-place finish. After a slow start, he was rushed up, then faded back.
Dec. 24 NOTE: Middle of the Nite was spotted working five furlongs at Palm Meadows.
Dec. 30 NOTE: Middle of the Nite breezed five furlongs at Palm Meadows.
MISSION IMPAZIBLE (KY) Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Twin Creeks Racing Stables, LLC
Breeder: Summer Wind Farm
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Unbridled's Song (Unbridled, Trolley Song)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): La Paz (Hold Your Peace, Classy Craft)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-12-7-0-2 (28) 4.09
Foal Date: March 2, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 26, MISSION IMPAZIBLE breezed four in :50.80 (36/44) at PMM.
On Jan. 31, MISSION IMPAZIBLE worked five in 1:01.00 (6/30) at PMM.
On Feb. 7, MISSION IMPAZIBLE worked five in 1:01.80 (28/53) at PMM.
Jan. 16 NOTE: Mission Impazible may go next in the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 15. "I thought Mission Impazible ran a good race in his comeback," said trainer Pletcher.
Jan. 9, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, Six Furlongs. Three Day Rush, with Edgar Prado aboard, made the lead, closely pursued by Mission Impazible (John Velazquez) on the outside. That's the way it played out, with those two clearing the rest of the field by 5 3/4 lengths. Three Day Rush barely outlasted Mission Impazible, the stable mates and race favorites a head apart at the wire. Fractions on the sloppy track: :23.07, :46.80, :58.73, 1:10.72. The final time was around two lengths slower than an 3-year-old stakes race later on the card won by A Little Warm.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Mission Impazible broke his maiden first time out, then finished third in the Grade III Kentucky Juvenile Stakes.
July 3, Grade III Bashford Manor Stakes, Churchill Downs, Six Furlongs. One colt who did not make the Bashford Manor was Mission Impazible, who was scratched the morning of the race.
“He just had a minor setback,” said Mike McCarthy, assistant to trainer Pletcher. “He is expected back by the end of the summer, and if he checks out OK, he’ll likely go to Saratoga.”
Dec. 27 NOTE: Mission Impazible may have been taken to Saratoga but we don't know for sure. He didn't put in a recorded workout or race there. However, Mission Impazible finally put in a workout on Nov. 29 when he breezed three furlongs in :37.00 (2/11) at Palm Meadows. Other works followed on a regular basis through November and up to Dec. 27. PRINCE ROONEY (KY) Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Owner: Robert A. Gentry
Breeder: Robert A. Gentry
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Tale of the Cat (Storm Cat, Yarn)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Rooney's Princess (Deputy Minister (CAN), Princess Rooney)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-2-5-0-0 (14) 4.60
Foal Date: April 1, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: RNA $90,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 18, Smarty Jones Stakes, Oaklawn Park, One Mile. Prince Rooney was the 7-2 second choice after shipping up from Fair Grounds. He didn't break all that well was behind more than half the 12-horse field while on the rail in the backstretch. He did not progress from there and finished last after stopping.
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 two-length win. Pleasant Storm (7-1) closed well to finish second after trailing the field of 12 down the backstretch.
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.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Prince Rooney broke his maiden on July 5 at Arlington Park going 4 1/2 furlongs. He won by three lengths. He went on to capture the six-furlong Mountaineer Juvenile Stakes. Sent to the Grade I Hopeful at Saratoga, he was saved for another day and finished twelfth.
He worked three times in December at EVT.
ROMAN INVASION (KY) Trainer: Kelly Breen
Owner: George & Lori Hall
Breeder: Bloodstock LLC, J. Zolezzi, Westport Management LLC & J. Smithwick
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Roman Ruler (Fusaichi Pegasus, Silvery Swan)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Princess V. (Memo (CHI), Fort Silver)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-1-3-0-0 (8) 4.33
Foal Date: Feb. 4, 2007
Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall 2007: RNA $95,000.
Keeneland September 2008: $90,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 22 NOTE: No workouts since October.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Roman Invasion won a maiden special weight second time out--by 10 3/4 lengths at Delaware Park on Sept. 29. He was timed in 1:46.44 in the 1 1/16-mile race.
Oct. 10, Grade I Dixiana Breeders' Futurity, Keeneland, 1 1/16 Mile. Roman Invasion finished third at 22-1 odds, beaten 3 1/2 lengths by Noble's Promise.
Joe Bravo, rider of third-place finisher Roman Invasion: “I was in the six-path turning for home and in the first and second turns, but I’m not going to use that as an excuse. I am so proud that he showed the talent that he has and he has been showing us all along, and now he had a chance to show everybody.”
Kelly Breen, trainer of Roman Invasion: “I’m very excited about this horse. I thought he belonged and I’m glad that he validated coming here. I wish that I hadn’t had to run him back 12 days after breaking his maiden. He overcame a lot to get here and ran a very good race.”
Roman Invasion worked a bullet at Monmouth Park 10 days after the Dixiana but didn't record another workout for the rest of the year.
SILVER CRAFT (KY) Trainer: Tony Reinstedler
Owner: Charles Galli
Breeder: Charles Galli
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Value Plus (Unbridled's Song, Roll Over Baby)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Crafty Casa (Crafty Prospector, Cassadaga)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-4-7-0-0 (18) 4.14
Foal Date: May 2, 2007 PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 7 NOTE: Silver Craft mentioned for the Grade III Southwest on Feb. 15 by Oaklawn's Stakes coordinator.
On Jan. 29, SILVER CRAFT breezed four in :48.40 (1/20) at TAM.
Jan. 16, Pasco Stakes, Tampa Bay Downs, Seven Furlongs. Silver Craft got off to a rocky start and lost ground early, trailing the field by several lengths, albeit not as many as his losing margin. He tried to go after the pacesetters heading into the turn, but he couldn't make up the deficit and finished fourth, beaten nine lengths by Uptowncharlybrown, who was timed in a pretty good 1:24.28--and who won by six lengths. PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Silver Craft broke his maiden in his fourth start, running seven furlongs at Churchill Downs. In his fifth race, he tried 1 1/16 mile at Churchill but failed to fire and finished sixth in the starter allowance race. After vying three wide in a stalking position, he lost by 9 1/4 lengths.
Dec. 26, Allowance, Tampa Bay Downs, 6 1/2 Furlongs. After tracking the pace on the outside of two horses, Silver Craft was carried about six wide leaving the turn when the pacesetter forced him and another one out. That made no difference to the 6-5 favorite, and he smartly came home a 1 1/2-length winner. The time was 1:17.55. Peace Talker, at 9-2, was second. The third finisher, Good Lord, was another 4 1/4 lengths back. Seven ran.
THREE DAY RUSH (KY) Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Starlight Partners
Breeder: Brereton Jones
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Harlan's Holiday (Harlan, Christmas in Aiken)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Predictress (Vicar, Mintecy)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-0-7-1-0 (12) 1.67
Foal Date: March 15, 2007
Keeneland November 2007 November: $57,000.
Keeneland September 2008: $270,000.
Fasig-Tipton Florida 2-Year-Olds in Training 2009: RNA $240,000.
Barretts May 2009 2-Year-Olds in Training: RNA $50,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 6, Whirlaway Stakes, Aqueduct, 1 1/16 Mile. Three Day Rush finished third after a tumultuous race.
With 1-5 favorite Eightyfiveinafifty bolting on first turn and crashing into the outer rail, things turned upside down and led to a win by Peppi Knows in 1:47.10 on a track rated fast.
After breaking from the rail, a rank Eightyfiveinafifty took the early lead with Three Day Rush pursuing him from the outside. When the pair hit the first turn, Eightyfiveinafifty started throwing his head and ran toward the outer rail. Three Day Rush and David Cohen changed course and went to the inside of Eightyfiveinafifty, leaving Papa's Nice Cat, Three Day Rush and Peppi Knows to contend for the lead.
Peppi Knows and Richard Migliore had siezed the lead by the time the field was a short distance into the second turn; Papa's Nice Cat had backed off, and Three Day Rush was chasing the leader.
Afleet Again had been trailing the decimated field--Turf Melody was a scratch, and the incident with Eightyfiveinafifty left only four running--but he overtook Three Day Rush in the stretch to get within a length of Peppi Knows at the finish line, with Three Day Rush a half-length back of the runner-up. Papa's Nice Cat finished fourth, beaten 23 1/4 lengths.
Jan. 16 NOTE: Three Day Rush could go next in Aqueduct's Whirlaway Stakes on Feb. 6. "The Whirlaway should provide a good opportunity for Three Day Rush to stretch out. We're not sure what his best distance is at the moment," said trainer Pletcher.
Jan. 9, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, Six Furlongs. Three Day Rush, with Edgar Prado aboard, made the lead, closely pursued by Mission Impazible (John Velazquez) on the outside. That's the way it played out, with those two clearing the rest of the field by 5 3/4 lengths. Three Day Rush barely outlasted Mission Impazible, the stable mates and race favorites a head apart at the wire. Fractions on the sloppy track: :23.07, :46.80, :58.73, 1:10.72. The final time was around two lengths slower than an 3-year-old stakes race later on the card won by A Little Warm.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Three Day Rush was second in his debut at Delaware in July and fourth in a Saratoga maiden event in August.
Sept. 26, NATC Futurity, Monmouth Park, Six Furlongs. Three Day Rush, ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., stopped the timer in 1:10.85 and paid $24.60 as an 11-1 outsider in the field of seven.
Enumerate (3-5), who was made the odds-on favorite off his second in the Grade II Sanford Stakes at Saratoga in July, finished second, beaten a neck, after the pair battled through the stretch. Enumerate had tracked Three Day Rush--they were third and second, respectively--in the early going. Three Day Rush had blinkers added for the race.
“We always target this race,” trainer Werner said, “it’s been very good to us. We added blinkers for this, and when the other horse came to him, he dug in very nicely.”
Hernandez said, “He showed a lot of maturity today with the addition of blinkers. He made himself comfortable throughout and then he went about his business when that horse came up along side of us.”
Nov. 1, Grade III Iroquois Stakes, Churchill Downs, One Mile. Three Day rush went three wide up close, grabbed a short lead heading into the far turn, then tired to a fifth-place finish, beaten seven lengths by Thiskyhasnolimit.
Nov. 28, Allowance, Churchill Downs, Six Furlongs. Cutting back in distance, Three Day Rush finished second to Great Attack, beaten three lengths while trying to close on the front-running winner. He actually lost a length to Great Attack in the final eighth mile.
Dec. 27 NOTE: Three Day Rush breezed five furlongs at Palm Meadows.
TINY WOODS (FL) Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Thoroughbred Legends Racing Stable
Breeder: Destiny Oaks
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Roman Ruler (Fusaichi Pegasus, Silvery Swan)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Brooklynsangel (Aggressive Chief, Cozzene's Angel)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-5-6-3-0 (18) 2.00
Foal Date: Feb. 14, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $180,000
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 8, TINY WOODS breezed four in :49.60 (29/38) at SA.
On Jan. 13, TINY WOODS worked four in :48.80 (11/34) at SA.
On Jan. 27, TINY WOODS worked six in 1:12.80 (4/8) at SA.
On Feb. 1, TINY WOODS worked five in :58.80 (3/60) at SA.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Dec. 30, Allowance, Six Furlongs, Santa Anita. The much-anticipated return of Sidney’s Candy, who was a “buzz” horse at 3-5 odds, never had much of a chance, according to onlookers.
Tiny Woods led throughout, setting hot fractions of :22.02, :44.38 and :56.14 before finishing in 1:08.89.
Along with that fast front-running victory by Tiny Woods, who will probably remain sprinting according to trainer Bob Baffert, Sidney's Candy was virtually eliminated after he hopped at the start. With that bad start, he was rushed into contention and made a move rounding the far turn, but Sidney’s Candy gave way in the stretch, settling for fourth in the field of five. He was beaten seven lengths.
Trainer Baffert: “He ran like he’s supposed to. He’s probably a sprinter, and he’s been training real good. We’ve always been high on him, and I think we’ll just stay here with him, and hopefully he keeps running good.”
TWIRLING CANDY (KY) Trainer: John Sadler
Owner: The Craig Family Trust
Breeder: Sidney Craig & Jenny Craig
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Candy Ride (Ride the Rails, Candy Girl)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): House of Danzing (Chester House, Danzing Crown)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-3-9-1-0 (20) 2.64
Foal Date: Feb. 19, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 22 NOTE: No workouts since Dec. 5.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Twirling Candy won his debut on Nov. 14 going seven furlongs at Hollywood Park. Joel Rosario rode the colt on the lead all the way for seven furlongs in 1:22.12. He nudged Nextdoorneighbor by three parts of a length. Six ran.
Dec. 31 NOTE: Twirling Candy worked out on Dec. 5, then he was not on the worktab for the rest of the year.
WHO'S UP (FL) Trainer: Kathy Walsh
Owner: M Racing
Breeder: Andrew Cant
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Graeme Hall (Dehere, Win Crafty Lady)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Divine Rockette (Is It True, Robertina)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-2-8-0-0 (12) 2.00
Foal Date: Jan. 27, 2007
Keeneland November 2007: $55,000.
Keeneland September 2008: $95,000.
OBS 2-Year-Olds in Training 2009: RNA $170,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 22 NOTE: No workouts so far this year.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
In his debut, Who's Up finished second, beaten four lengths, on synthetic at Santa Del Mar. Connections took a shot and ran him in the Grade I Del Mar Futurity, but he checked in seventh, beaten six lengths by Lookin at Lucky.
Switched to turf, he broke his maiden in his third start on Oct. 24. He won going a mile at Santa Anita.
Nov. 28, Grade III Generous Stakes, Hollywood Park, One Mile (T). Who's Up triumphed by 1 3/4 length over Marcello, who would go on to finish up the track in the Grade I CashCall Futurity. Timed in 1:34.39, Who's Up breathed down the neck of 2-5 favorite Bridgetown before assuming command around the furlong marker. Meanwhile, Bridgetown came in fourth, beaten 2 3/4 lengths.
WILDCAT FRANKIE (FL) Trainer: James Hatchett
Owner: Monarch Stables, Inc.
Breeder: Steve Tucker & Lynne Boutte
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Wildcat Heir (Forest Wildcat, Penniless Heiress)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Talented Bet (Bet Big, Talented Jet)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 1-3-2-0-0 (6) 5.00
Foal Date: May 7, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 6, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, One Mile. Wildcat Frankie showed 'em how to run a one-mile turn at Gulfstream. Get out of the gate fast from post 1, get to the lead, and keep it. Actually, it wasn't that simple for the even-money favorite--he shook off some early pressure--but nothing could close on him.
Wildcat Frankie finished slowly. Fractions were:24.01, :46.53, 1:10.94, with a finish time of 1:38.51.
Main challengers at the windows, Overcommunication (2-1) and Soldier Field (4-1), ran seventh and eighth of eight.
Jan. 9, Spectacular Bid Stakes, Gulfstream Park, Six Furlongs. Wildcat Frankie finished second to A Little Warm.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Wildcat Frankie won his career debut on Dec. 12 at Calder going 5 1/2 furlongs.
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