AMERICAN LION (KY) Trainer: Eion Harty
Owner: WinStar Farm LLC
Breeder: WinStar Farm LLC and Dr. William Lockridge
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Tiznow (Cee's Tizzy, Cee's Song)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Storm Tide (Storm Cat, City Band)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-3-7-0-0 (16) 3.57
Foal Date: Feb. 10, 2007 PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
American Lion was entered in the Grade II Robert B. Lewis on Feb. 6. The race has been rescheduled to Feb. 13.
Jan. 30 NOTE: American Lion's next stop is the Grade II Robert B. Lews on Feb. 6. "I want to keep my eye on the big prize and use this as a stepping-stone," trainer Harty told DRF.com.
On Jan. 7, AMERICAN LION worked five in :59.40 (2/35) at SA. On Jan. 14, AMERICAN LION worked six in 1:12.00 (1/21) at SA. On Jan. 25, AMERICAN LION worked six in 1:14.60 (12/19) at HOL. On Feb. 1, AMERICAN LION worked five in 1:00.00 (16/60) at SA.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
WinStar Farm's American Lion, a son of Tiznow trained by Eoin Harty, came into the Hollywood Prevue off a 6 3/4-length maiden romp as a short price at Keeneland on Oct. 18 in his second start. That followed a second-place finish in his debut at Arlington Park in September. Julien Leparoux flew in from Kentucky to ride American Lion once again.
Nov. 21, Grade III Hollywood Prevue, Hollywood Park, Seven Furlongs. American Lion established himself as a major contender for the CashCall Futurity with his second win in three starts.
American Lion, third behind Bob Baffert-trained runners Macias and Indian Firewater with a furlong to run, moved to the front with ease under Julien Leparoux and held off 20-1 shot Get My Fix in the final sixteenth to win by a half-length. He was timed in 1:22.49 as the 3-5 favorite.
Julien Leparoux: “This was a good learning experience for him. He needs to learn more and he’s still a big baby. That’s good though, because he’s still winning. When the other horse came up to him at the wire, he just took off again. It’s not like’s he’s tired or anything. He’s just a little green, but he’s a nice horse.”
Eion Harty: “This horse is very sensible, but he’s still unfocused. Coming down the stretch, he was flicking his ears and looking at everything. But there’s plenty of time to correct that before Derby Day, if we get that far. At the three-eighths pole I thought he was in trouble. It looked like he was under a ride and going nowhere. But he got to running in the lane.”
NOTE: American Lion skipped the CashCall Futurity.
Dec. 29 NOTE: American Lion worked five furlongs at Santa Anita. He had already breezed twice there in December.
BUDDY'S SAINT (KY) Trainer: Bruce Levine
Owner: Kingfield Stables & Eli Lomita
Breeder: Roy Gottlieb & Morton Fink
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Saint Liam (Saint Ballado, Quiet Dance)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Tuzia (Blushing John, Fleet Road)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-1-13-1-0 (20) 1.67
Foal Date: Feb. 23, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $100,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Pointing to the 1 1/8-mile Fountain of Youth on Feb. 20.
Jan. 26 NOTE: "I was happy with the (Jan. 24) work, although it was hard to gauge since the track has been so fast," trainer Levine said. "He's not normally a good work horse by himself. I'm in good shape with him right now."
On Jan. 1, BUDDY'S SAINT breezed four in :50.60 (7/9) at GP.
On Jan. 6, BUDDY'S SAINT breezed four in :49.40 (18/32) at GP.
On Jan. 12, BUDDY'S SAINT breezed four in :48.00 (6/39) at GP.
On Jan. 17, BUDDY'S SAINT worked five in :59.60 (4/24) at GP.
On Jan. 24, BUDDY'S SAINT worked five in :59.20 (3/27) at GP.
On Jan. 30, BUDDY'S SAINT breezed five in 1:01.00 (12/33) at GP.
On Feb. 7, BUDDY'S SAINT worked six in 1:12.40 (1/4) at GP.
Jan. 7 NOTE:Trainer Levine to DRF.com: "He's not a really fast breezer unless you put him in company. Then he'll get aggressive and go faster. At the moment, time doesn't matter that much when it comes to his works. He doesn't have to go very fast right now because we still have a ways to go before his race. When we start picking up the pace in the morning, then I'll space his works a little further apart."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Buddy's Saint was disqualified to second after finishing in front in his debut on Sept. 29 under Jose Lezcano.
Nov. 7, Grade II Nashua Stakes, Aqueduct, One Mile. Track PR called it a "sensational" victory in his second start. Buddy’s Saint drew away to break his maiden in this stakes race by 12 lengths. Trainer Levine later said he believes Buddy's Saint wants more distance. Buddy's Saint shipped over from Belmont Park to win the Nashua. Jose Lezcano rode.
Nov. 28, Grade II Remsen Stakes, Aqueduct, 1 1/8 Mile. A 2-year-old advanced at the right time, with Buddy's Saint posting the win and moving forward off the Nashua. He again opened up in the stretch to hit the wire 4 3/4 lengths in front.
In only the third start of his career, Buddy's Saint galloped along a well-placed third for most of the race before moving out in the backstretch to take over the lead leaving the five-sixteenths pole and draw off for the win. His time was 1:52.95 over a fast track.
Buddy's Saint was the 4-5 favorite in the field of six. Trainer Levine said the colt would spend the winter at Gulfstream Park and return to New York in the spring.
Peppi Knows, Citrus Kid, Fudge Truffle, Homeboykris and Grand Rapport completed the order of finish.
Trainer Levine: "I thought he was quite impressive. I'd thought he'd be closer to the lead, but he doesn't need it. He's very versatile, and he's still learning. I don't think you've seen the best of him yet. The two-turn race should set him up for the spring. Believe me, I wouldn't trade places with anyone in America."
Jockey Jose Lezcano. When I asked him at the three-eighths pole, I thought [Homeboykris] had a little more momentum, but my horse passed right by like it was nothing. He gave me a really good run."
Dec. 31 NOTE: Buddy's Saint is stabled in South Florida.
CONVEYANCE (KY)
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Thoroughbred Legends Racing Stable LLC
Breeder: Gulf Coast Farms LLC
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Indian Charlie (In Excess (IRE), Soviet Sojourn)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Emptythetill (Holy Bull, In the Till)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-1-3-0-0 (8) 4.33
Foal Date: Feb. 28, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $240,000
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 28, CONVEYANCE worked five in :59.40 (1/25) at SA.
On Feb. 4, CONVEYANCE worked six in 1:13.20 (5/8) at SA.
Feb. 5 NOTE: Trainer Baffert told the Santa Anita notes team that Conveyance is being considered for the Grade III Sham Stakes on Feb. 27. Maybe Baffert gets tired of the questioning about plans and says things to make them happy; maybe not. Time will tell.
Feb. 1 NOTE: Next start will probably be either the Grade III Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 15 or the Grade II Risen Star Stakes at the Fair Grounds on Feb. 20
Jan. 17 NOTE: Trainer Baffert said Conveyance came out of his victory in the San Rafael in good order and could ship out of town for his next start. “Either that or the Sham Stakes (Feb. 27),” Baffert said. “I think he’ll be better on dirt.”
Jan. 16, Grade III San Rafael Stakes, Santa Anita, One Mile. Conveyance got the early lead as was hoped, but it was an easy lead. He clicked off fractions of :24.45 and :48.56, pressed early by Via Verde, who eventually faded to last. Cardiff Giant was just behind them. As they rounded the far turn, Conveyance came off the rail a bit, and Cardiff Giant went to his inside, taking a short lead.
However, Conveyance grabbed the lead back and prevailed over Cardiff Giant by 1 3/4 length. After seven furlongs in 1:12.69, he was timed in 1:36.45.
Conveyance's time compared favorably to that of Papa Clem, who finished the 1 1/16-mile, Grade II San Fernando later in the day in 1:42.64.
Domonation finished third, beaten 2 1/2 lengths.
Garrett Gomez, winning rider: “I knew Victor (Espinoza, aboard Cardiff Giant) was going to try and pressure me at some point. I went to the fence going into the first turn, and he left me alone. Speed really hasn’t been doing too well on this track, so I was hoping I didn’t get too much pressure early.
"I came off the fence going down the backside, and I decided to leave it open going to the far turn because I didn’t want my horse to be down on top of the fence with another horse pressing me. He got a little tired the last sixteenth and he switched back to his left lead. This race was a good learning curve for him.”
Trainer Baffert: “They went slow today, and this horse wants to roll up front. The track was a concern for Garrett and me. Later in the day, it’s much faster. He did get a little tired today, but I didn’t get a chance to work him a mile. I thought he was good enough to win this without working him too far, and he was. It was a nice effort and he wasn’t blowing that hard when he came back.”
Jan. 14 NOTE: “He has a lot of speed,” said trainer Baffert on Jan. 13, “and looks like one of those horses who go to the lead and dare you to catch them.”
Jan. 10 NOTE: Trainer Baffer said Conveyance reminds him of the 1994 Horse of the Year. “He takes after the dam’s sire,” Baffert said. “He looks more like a Holy Bull.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
On Oct. 31 and Nov. 25, Conveyance won his first two starts, the second one an alllowance where he cleared by seven lengths while being ridden out by Garrett Gomez. Both races were at six furlongs, and his times were 1:09 flat in the first race, 1:09.70 in the second one.
Dec. 29 NOTE: Conveyance worked on Dec. 6, then Dec. 23, and then a strong six furlongs on Dec. 29, all at Santa Anita.
DISCREETLY MINE Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: E. Paul Robsham Stables LLC
Breeder: E. Paul Robsham
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Mineshaft (A.P. Indy, Prospector's Delite)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Pretty Discreet (Private Account, Pretty Persuasive)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 8-8-15-0-1 (32) 2.76
Foal Date: March 30, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 24, DISCREETLY MINE breezed four in :51.40 (30/34) at PMM.
On Jan. 31, DISCREETLY MINE worked five in :59.20 (1/30) at PMM.
On Feb. 7, DISCREETLY MINE worked five in 1:00.40 (3/53) at PMM.
Jan. 16 NOTE: Next race for Discreetly Mine? "We're thinking of one of three races for him next," said trainer Pletcher--the Sam Davis at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 13, the Hutcheson at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 20, and the Risen Star at Fair Grounds on Feb. 20.
Jan. 9, Spectacular Bid Stakes, Gulfstream Park, Six Furlongs. The favorite, Discreetly Mine, was sent off at 9-5 but came home fourth on the sloppy track. He bobbled at the start. On the turn, he and Wildcat Frankie bumped. An objection by Johnny V., aboard Wildcat Cat, was overruled.
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. 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.
John Velazquez: “I got bumped against the rail and didn’t have to check; I was already there. And that was it. He got intimidated from there. They got away from him, and he just couldn’t catch up again. He wasn’t quick out of the gate, but there’s nothing you can from there. He put himself in good position until just around the three-eighths pole where he got bumped and thrown against the rail. He didn’t like that at all and that was it.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Discreetly Mine broke his maiden in his third start, a 6 1/2-furlong affair at Saratoga that he cleared by 6 1/4 lengths, clocked in 1:16.80. Finishing second that day was Super Saver.
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.
While D' Funnybone 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, Discreetly Mine had a little trouble. The chart call: "Discreetly Mine checked after hitting the side of the gate at the start, rushed up inside, steadied in traffic between horses at the half mile pole, lodged a move in traffic on the turn, split rivals entering the stretch, angled out in upper stretch and finished willingly to clearly best the others."
Under Edgar Prado, the winner was timed in 1:22.40.
Stanley Hough, trainer: “I loved the way he ran. He didn’t have the best of trips, but I’m tickled to death with his performance. I’m leaning towards running him in the Champagne. (D’ Funnybone) is a nice horse.”
Cornelio Velasquez, rider: “He broke well, but my position inside.... I had to take him back (at the half-mile pole). He’s a nice horse.”
Oct. 10, Grade I Champagne Stakes, Belmont Park, One Mile. Discreetly Mine finished second.
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.
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.
Dec. 27 NOTE: Discreetly Mine breezed six furlongs at Palm Meadows after putting in other workouts during the month.
JACKSON BEND (FL) Trainer: Nick Zito
Owner: Robert LaPenta & Jacks or Better Farm
Breeder: Jacks or Better Farm Inc.
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Hear No Evil (Carson City, Nizy)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Sexy Stockings (Tabasco Cat, Lottsa Talc)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 9-4-5-0-0 (18) 6.20
Foal Date: Feb. 11, 2007
Private sale of interest to LaPenta.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Reportedly will start next in the Fountain of Youth on Feb. 20.
On Feb. 6, JACKSON BEND worked four in :47.20 (2/51) at PMM.
Jan. 26 NOTE: "I thought he ran a great race - he was very gallant," trainer Zito told DRF.com. "The winner was very good, but I wish the race would have shaped up a little differently. It looked like they all thought they had to beat our little mighty mite, and he got pushed out down the backstretch and again at the top of the stretch. Things might have been different had he not lost all that ground."
Jan. 23, Grade III Holy Bull Stakes, Gulfstream Park, One Mile. Winslow Homer (7-2 second choice) laid off the early pace, got in the mix on the turn and found a seam in the stretch to get by the inside of Jackson Bend and win. He was timed in 1:35.97.
Jackson Bend, the 8-5 favorite, was always prominent in the race on the outside after breaking from post 9. He stayed on for second, beaten three-quarters of a length, while William's Kitten (12-1) came on late and wide for third, another 3 1/4 lengths back. It was tight for fourth, with Thank U Philippe (15-1) edging out Homeboykris (5-1) and beaten six lengths for all of it.
After a very abbreviated runup to the timer after the break, Piscitelli, Aikenite, Homeboykris and Jackson Bend slugged it out for the lead and went the first quarter-mile in :23.86. Thank U Philippe, never far back, joined that fray with the half timed in :45.76. Meanwhile, Piscitelli dropped out of contention.
Rounding the turn, Thank U Philippe, then Homeboykris, grabbed a short lead as Aikenite backed out of it with six furlongs run in 1:09.66. But Winslow Homer was about to begin making his move in earnest. By the time the field reached the furlong marker, Winslow Homer had knifed through the pack and led by a head.
Jeremy Rose, aboard Jackson Bend: “My horse ran his race. I had him positioned right where I wanted him, but when the winner split horses and made his move, he had a little more left. But my horse is a good horse. He ran well.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Under former trainer Stanley Gold, Jackson Bend won five of six starts and $477,820. All of those races were over Calder’s main track. In his wake in the July 11 Frank Gomez Memorial Stakes at six furlongs was D' Funnybone, who went on to win the Grade II Saratoga Special and the Grade II Futurity Stakes at Belmont Park.
Prior to the 1 1/16-mile In Reality, Jackson Bend won Calder’s six-furlong Dr. Fager Stakes Aug. 8 and its Aug. 29 Affirmed Stakes at seven furlongs.
On Oct. 17, Jackson Bend overcame a bad stumble at the start to win the $400,000 In Reality Division of the Florida Stallion Series, becoming just the seventh horse to sweep the open division. Despite the early bobble, the Hear No Evil colt drew off in the final sixteenth to win by 2 3/4 lengths. Jeffrey Sanchez hung on at the start and got Jackson Bend through 1 1/16 mile in 1:46.86. Thank U Philippe was second and Bim Bam was third.
"As for the Breeders' Cup," said winning trainer Stanley Gold, "I personally am not a fan of the synthetic tracks. I've never even been to California. The final decision will be up to (Fred Brei). There will be plenty of races for him down the road at Gulfstream this winter."
Jacks or Better Farm’s co-owner Fred Brei said Oct. 26 he had sold a majority interest in Jackson Bend to Robert LaPenta for an undisclosed sum. Brei said LaPenta would transfer Jackson Bend to Nick Zito’s barn at Churchill Downs, and that was done.
Dec. 31 NOTE: Jackson Bend breezed five furlongs at Palm Meadows. He also worked there on Dec. 20.
LOOKIN AT LUCKY (KY) Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Mike Pegram, Karl Watson & Paul Weitman
Breeder: Gulf Coast Farms LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Smart Strike (CAN) (Mr. Prospector, Classy n' Smart (CAN))
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Private Feeling (Belong to Me, Regal Feeling)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 10-4-12-0-0 (26) 3.33
Foal Date: May 27, 2007
Keeneland April 2009: $450,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 3 NOTE: Lookin At Lucky returned to the racetrack at Santa Anita on Feb. 2 after being given the weekend off because of a slight illness, trainer Baffert told DRF.com. "He had a little temperature and it scared me," Baffert said. "He was probably okay, but I didn't want to take any chances. He went back to the track and he looked good."
Lookin at Lucky was nominated to the March 27 UAE Derby. Baffert declined to comment on the record about Lookin at Lucky's next race, saying only that he'll race in March.
Feb. 1 NOTE: Meydan release on Jan. 31 says Lookin at Lucky was nominated to the Group 2 UAE Derby on March 27.
Jan. 29 NOTE: Lookin at Lucky has been galloping and jogging through recent rainy weather at Santa Anita. Trainer Baffert said Lookin at Lucky could breeze some time next week. The trainer said he is still considering the Grade II San Felipe Stakes on March 13 for Lookin At Lucky’s 3-year-old debut. “Either that or out of town,” Baffert said.
On Jan. 9, LOOKIN AT LUCKY worked four in :47.40 (7/47) at SA.
On Jan. 16, LOOKIN AT LUCKY worked five in :59.00 (2/54) at SA.
Jan. 9 NOTE: Wearing blinkers for the first time, Lookin At Lucky worked at Santa Anita under Garrett Gomez.
“Gomez felt the horse might need blinkers,” trainer Baffert said, “because when he makes the lead, he feels like a sitting duck. Today, I worked him behind a horse, and as soon as he got by his workmate--usually, he shuts it down--but today he just kept on going. Garrett likes him better with the blinkers. It just keeps him focused. If he goes in the San Felipe (in March), he would wear them.”
Jan. 7 NOTE: Eclipse Award finalist for 2-Year-Old Male of the Year, it was announced this date.
Jan. 2 NOTE: Lookin at Lucky could make his 3-year-old debut in the Grade II San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/16 on March 13, but trainer Baffert was non-committal. “He’s just training, and I’m not going to commit to anything right now,” Baffert said.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Lookin At Lucky broke his maiden at first asking at Hollywood Park on July 11, then jumped into stakes company. He's a half-brother to Kensei. He was bought for $475,000 at the 2009 Keeneland 2-year-olds in training sale.
Aug. 9, Grade II Best Pal Stakes, Del Mar, 6 1/2 Furlongs. The 7-5 favorite, Lookin At Lucky and Garrett Gomez scored by three-quarters of a length over Make Music For Me (15-1), with Smiling Tiger (2-1) third, beaten two lengths.
Six ran. Lookin for Lucky sat a couple of lengths off the early lead, took over before the furlong marker, and drew off. Early fractions were :22.28 and :45.22. The time was 1:16.06.
Bob Baffert: “There’s nothing like good 2-year-olds in the barn. The good ones get ready on their own. When you have good ones, they take care of the bad ones.
"I’ve thought he had a lot of talent. You know, Garrett doesn’t say a lot about horses, but he’s always thought this one was good. We’ll be back in the Futurity (on Sept. 7).”
Garrett Gomez: “Bob said he wanted to see this colt prove himself. Let him do his thing as he can. You saw him come back from this. He wasn’t frazzled or anything like that. He looked like he’d gone out and jogged a mile. He’s very laid back. He’ll handle a distance, too. He’s a nice horse, and I think he’s only going to get better.”
Sept. 7, Grade I Del Mar Futurity, Del Mar, Seven Furlongs. Even-money favorite Lookin at Lucky, ridden by Garrett Gomez, broke from the rail, raced behind moderate fractions on the inside, rallied between horses in upper stretch, and took command to win by a length, timed in 1:22.85. Early fractions were :23.00, :46.01 and 1:10.25.
Second was the fast-closing Make Music for Me (6-1), with Smiling Tiger (13-1) third another half-length back. Fourth was Sterling Outlook (4-1).
Baffert won this race from 1996 through 2002 and returned to the winner's circle with Midshipman in 2008. He said Lookin for Lucky would be pointed to the Norfolk Stakes.
Bob Baffert: “It’s like the good old days. This horse was in tight most of the way, and he learned a lot today. He’s quite a horse. I wasn’t worried about drawing the rail. He has the speed to get himself in a good place. He’s right there with Midshipman in that sense.”
Garrett Gomez: “I was down inside, and I didn’t have much choice. I had to ride it the way it came up. I did have a little flashback to yesterday (when he was inside with Colonel John in the Pacific Classic and never got out). I wasn’t liking my position. But if you have a good horse, you can do a lot of things. If you sit down inside there long enough, something is going to happen for you. And I waited and waited, and then I was able to push my way out and get him loose. He’s a good horse, and good horses can make you look good.”
Oct. 4, Grade II Norfolk Stakes, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Lookin At Lucky won by 1 3/4 lengths, taking his fourth race in as many starts at 4-5 odds. Under Garrett Gomez, Lookin At Lucky ran 1 1-16 mile in 1:43.11.
Pulsion, trained by Patrick Biancone, came from the outside post in the field of 11 to finish second, while Gallant Gent was another half-length back in third. Jung Man Scott and John Scott finished in a dead heat for fourth.
Lookin At Lucky was running longer than seven furlongs for the first time. Gomez had him off the early pace in fourth before making their move.
Lookin At Lucky is co-owned by Mike Pegram, Baffert's longtime friend and client. It was Baffert's fifth Norfolk win in the last 13 years. Last year, Gomez rode Midshipman to a second-place finish for the trainer and then went on to win the $2 million BC Juvenile.
"At the three-eighths, I couldn't tell if he was running," Baffert said. "All of a sudden he pushed the button and took off. I'm becoming a big fan of his watching him run. He's the best 2-year-old I've had in the last five years. He's got something different than the other ones have ever had, and it's exciting."
"We're Lookin at Lucky," Pegram said. "Now we got to stay lucky."
"This was his first time long and he handled it perfectly. He’s never been a horse who was real keen but I wanted to be a little bit more forwardly placed than I was last time," Gomez said. "He made the lead turning for home, and when he did, he threw his ears up and kind of waited on that horse inside of him. When I got after him though, he went on with it and finished up real game. How good is he? Well, he's 4-for-4, and I guess he'll tell us how good he is."
Oct. 25 NOTE: Joe Steiner, who was aboard Lookin At Lucky four days earlier for a six-furlong drill in a bullet 1:11.80, said. “He went real easy. I let him just kind of stretch his legs. That’s all he did. He’s doing things in a good way all the time. He’s really got a terrific attitude.”
Nov. 7, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Lookin at Lucky drew unluckily, the 13-hole, and it compromised his chance to win. He still managed to finish a very close second to the virtually unknown Vale of York (30-1), who was timed in 1:43.48. Both horses came from off the pace, with Lookin at Lucky to the outside of Vale of York, but Lookin at Lucky came from much further back than did Vale of York. Lookin at Lucky was wide the whole way.
Bob Baffert: “He showed today what a good horse he is. It’s just frustrating to know you have much the best horse and to come up short like that. I didn’t give him any chance at all at the half-mile pole. At least you know that you can look forward to the Derby.”
Garrett Gomez: "My horse was running, but he wasn't ‘running running’ until that horse came up inside of him. As soon as another horse came up inside of him, me and (the winner) took off together.
"Today my horse got banged around pretty hard a couple of times going into the first turn because there were a couple horses going into the turn on the inside that came out. It turned him a little sideways, but he took all that. For a young horse to keep on doing what he did - and when that horse came to him and he could fight with something, accelerate and show me that much more - makes me really excited about next year."
Dec. 19, Grade I CashCall Futurity, Hollywood Park, 1 1/16 Mile. Bob Baffert got a record fifth victory with Lookin at Lucky, who covered the distance in 1:43.30 under Garrett Gomez to finish clear of Noble’s Promise by just under a length. Lookin at Lucky was favored at 3-10.
This race has generated six Kentucky Derby winners.
Breaking from post 1, Lookin At Lucky was eager to run but settled nicely just back of The Program on the backstretch as his stable mate set moderate early fractions of :24.03 and :48.30. Lookin at Lucky was fourth at the first call, then second. He took the lead in the turn and prevailed over Noble's Promise by three-quarters of a length under energetic handling by Gomez.
In the field of seven, Make Music for Me closed from last to finish third, beaten 1 1/4 length, and the pacesetter, The Program, was a neck back in fourth at the wire. Marcello was another six lengths back in fifth, followed by Brady Blue Eyes and Seattle Ruler.
Garrett Gomez: “I’ve always known he was versatile and could do whatever we want with him. He did everything good today. He was traveling super easy when we turned for home. He just waits on horses and only does as much as he has to. When I turned for home, he quickened for about 100 yards then went into relax mode.
"It always looks like he’s stretched to win, but that’s not the case. He’s going to learn more as he goes along, because he’s got a super mind to him. We’ve got to get him to where he puts his competition away and sprints to the wire. He’s full of talent, and I’m getting even more excited about him.”
Bob Baffert: “It’s nice to have young horses. He ran a little bit different. He put him into the race this time. That’s good for him. He didn’t have to do a lot. He just sat there, cruised around there. You could tell he was in a good spot. He wanted to get a little tough early, but then he backed him off, which was good. That’s probably his best race. He’s getting better and better.
“We’re just gonna freshen him up and I’ll probably run him about two times before (the Derby). I don’t know, I haven’t figured it out. He might ship out, I don’t know. Either go to Oaklawn Park, New York, you never know . . . but I’ve got a lot of nice horses, I’ve got to spread them all out.”
MAKE MUSIC FOR ME (KY) Trainer: Alexis Barba
Owner: Ellen & Peter O. Johnson
Breeder: Richard Shultz
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Bernstein (Storm Cat, La Affirmed)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Miss Cheers (Carson City, Rise and Sing)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 12-5-9-2-0 (28) 3.31
Foal Date: March 4, 2007
Barretts March 2009 2-Year-Olds in Training: $95,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 24, MAKE MUSIC FOR ME worked four in :48.60 (13/32) at HOL.
On Jan. 31, MAKE MUSIC FOR ME worked five in 1:01.00 (8/24) at HOL.
Jan. 22 NOTE: Still no workouts since his Dec. 19 race for Make Music for Me. Jan. 15 NOTE: Supporters of this horse need to see a workout from him in the relatively near future.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Sept. 7, Grade I Del Mar Futurity, Del Mar, Seven Furlongs. Make Music for Me (6-1) closed well to get second, beaten a length by even-money favorite Lookin for Lucky. He had run a very similar race in the Best Pal, when he also finished second to Lookin at Lucky.
In the Futurity, Lookin at Lucky, ridden by Garrett Gomez, broke from the rail, raced behind moderate fractions on the inside, rallied between horses in upper stretch, and took command to win by a length, timed in 1:22.85. Meanwhile, Make Music for Me, handled by Tyler Baze, was eighth of nine after a half-mile, and fourth with a furlong to go.
Early fractions were :23.00, :46.01 and 1:10.25. Smiling Tiger (13-1) finished third another half-length back. Fourth was Sterling Outlook (4-1).
Tyler Baze: “We didn’t have the best of trips. There was some bumping going on. But he came running. He put in a good one. I still think he’s one of the best 2-year-olds I’ve ever been on. Watch out when we go up to Santa Anita. Norfolk and Breeders’ Cup. Watch out.”
Oct. 10, Grade I Dixiana Breeders' Futurity, Keeneland, 1 1/16 Mile. According to the trainer, the reason for shipping to Keeneland instead of running in the Norfolk was the extra money and the fact that the owners live in Wisconsin--not to duck Lookin At Lucky in the Norfolk.
Here at The Downey Profile, we thought Make Music for Me looked a little grouchy in the post parade. He didn't exactly sulk on the track, but he didn't excel, either, finishing fourth, beaten 4 3/4 lengths.
Willie Martinez sent Noble's Promise to the front with a quarter mile remaining in the 1 1/16-mile race, and they held off Aikenite for a half-length victory. Aikenite finished well to take a good second. It was another three lengths back to third-place Roman Invasion, and another 1 1/4 length to Make Music for Me.
The winner crossed the finish line in 1:43.12. Noble's Promise paid $27.80 as the sixth choice in the wagering.
Tyler Baze, rider of fourth-place finisher Make Music for Me: “I had a pretty good trip. He’s green still and still learning to run. He’s going to be a major horse for the three-year-old season. I was sitting behind Balktalk around the turn, and when I wanted to go around him, when the hole finally opened, everybody had already gotten to kick away from me. He ran a good race, and I look forward to the Kentucky Derby next year.”
Nov. 22, Maiden Special Weight, 1 1/16 Mile, Hollywood Park. After skipping Breeders' Cup, Make Music for Me, at 2-5, ran a like a bad dream--he certainly didn't have a dream trip--finishing sixth of eight after being positioned sixth most of the way under Mike Smith. The total losing margin was five lengths. 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 chart call: Make Music for Me "chased just off the rail, waited into the stretch and was off heels in midstretch and lacked the needed late kick."
Dec. 19, Grade I CashCall Futurity, Hollywood Park, 1 1/16 Mile. Make Music for Me remained a maiden when he finished third after closing from last of seven. He was given no respect at the windows, sent off at 28-1, but he was beaten only 1 1/4 length after breaking from post 5.
Second choice Noble’s Promise, the third-place finisher in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, finished second. He ran well through the stretch after racing wide much of the way. He finished a half-length in front of Make Music for Me in third.
But it was Bob Baffert who got a record fifth victory with Lookin at Lucky, who covered the distance in 1:43.30 under Garrett Gomez to finish clear of Noble’s Promise by just under a length. Lookin at Lucky was favored at 3-10.
This race has generated six Kentucky Derby winners.
Breaking from post 1, Lookin At Lucky was eager to run but settled nicely just back of The Program on the backstretch as his stable mate set moderate early fractions of :24.03 and :48.30. Lookin at Lucky was fourth at the first call, then second. He took the lead in the turn and prevailed over Noble's Promise by three-quarters of a length under energetic handling by Gomez.
Noble's Promise broke from post 6 and was placed third at each call until the final one, but as indicated above, he was three or four wide from the gate to the end of the far turn.
The pacesetter, The Program, was a neck back in fourth at the wire. Marcello was another six lengths back in fifth, followed by Brady Blue Eyes and Seattle Ruler.
Jockey Mike Smith: "I was very, very pleased. I loved the way he galloped out. There's certainly more to him."
NOBLE'S PROMISE (KY) Trainer: Ken McPeek
Owner: Chasing Dreams Racing 2008 LLC
Breeder: C. Kidder, N. Cole, and B. Kidder
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Cuvee (Carson City, Christmas Star)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): The Devil's Trick (Clever Trick, Sunyata)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 11-4-7-2-0 (24) 3.36
Foal Date: April 13, 2007
Keeneland November 2007: $10,000
OBS Yearling Sale 2008: RNA $25,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Feb. 6, NOBLE'S PROMISE breezed three on a good track in :37.0 (2/12) at GP.
Jan. 22 NOTE:Still no workouts since his Dec. 19 race for Noble's Promise. Jan. 15 NOTE: Supporters of this horse need to see a workout from him in the relatively near future. He's in South Florida.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
After a win on the Ellis Park Turf in his second start on Sept. 5, Noble's Promise was sent to Presque Isle Downs, where he won the Fitz Dixon Jr. Memorial Juvenile by 3 1/4 lengths--resulting in three races in 35 days once he ran in the Dixiana.
Oct. 10, Grade I Dixiana Breeders' Futurity, Keeneland, 1 1/16 Mile. Noble’s Promise won at 12-1 odds to earn a start in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. The Breeders' Futurity, formerly sponsored by Lane's End, is Keeneland's premiere Fall race for 2-year-olds.
Willie Martinez sent Noble's Promise to the front with a quarter mile remaining in the 1 1/16-mile race, and they held off Aikenite for a half-length victory. It was three lengths back to third-place Roman Invasion, and another 1 1/4 length to Make Music for Me.
The winner crossed the finish line in 1:43.12. Noble's Promise paid $27.80 as the sixth choice in the wagering.
Willie Martinez, rider of winner Noble’s Promise: “I’d like to thank the owners and Kenny (McPeek) for giving me the opportunity. Kenny was very much up front with me (saying), ‘You can get the mount here.’ I always believed in this colt, the minute I won on him at Presque Isle. I knew he was a fast horse; always the question was the distance. Kenny said, ‘Ride your race, let him settle.’ I really believe in this horse. He has a good mind on him. I believe he can carry on.”
Ken McPeek, trainer of Noble’s Promise, “Willie sat on him perfect. We were a little worried about the race unfolding and him going too fast early. I just told him, ‘Just be patient. If you take him back and he gets beat, I’ll take the heat.’ He rode him to a ‘T.’ The horse is fast.”
Breeders' Cup? “Yeah, absolutely. You’ve gotta give him a chance.”
Nov. 7, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Noble's Promise finished third, coming in behind Vale of York and Lookin at Lucky.
Willie Martinez, jockey: “Just a half a length away from history. We had a great trip. I kind of placed him where he wanted to be. I tried to be as patient as I could be. We just got run down. I’m very proud of my horse. He’s going to be a real nice 3-year-old.”
Ken McPeek, trainer: “The work we missed a couple of weeks ago because of the infection he had got us beat today. He just got a little weary in the last few jumps, but he ran great. We were behind the eight-ball a little with this horse. I didn’t even think we were going to be able to run two weeks ago. But we got it together, and he ran super.”
Dec. 19, Grade I CashCall Futurity, Hollywood Park, 1 1/16 Mile. Second choice Noble’s Promise, the third-place finisher in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, finished second. He ran well through the stretch after racing wide much of the way. He finished a half-length in front of Make Music for Me in third.
Bob Baffert got a record fifth victory with Lookin at Lucky, who covered the distance in 1:43.30 under Garrett Gomez to finish clear of Noble’s Promise by just under a length. Lookin at Lucky was favored at 3-10.
This race has generated six Kentucky Derby winners.
Breaking from post 1, Lookin At Lucky was eager to run but settled nicely just back of The Program on the backstretch as his stable mate set moderate early fractions of :24.03 and :48.30. Lookin at Lucky was fourth at the first call, then second. He took the lead in the turn and prevailed over Noble's Promise by three-quarters of a length under energetic handling by Gomez.
In the field of seven, Make Music for Me closed from last to finish third, beaten 1 1/4 length, and the pacesetter, The Program, was a neck back in fourth at the wire. Marcello was another six lengths back in fifth, followed by Brady Blue Eyes and Seattle Ruler.
Noble's Promise broke from post 6 and was placed third at each call until the final one, but as indicated above, he was three or four wide from the gate to the end of the far turn.
Rafael Bejarano, aboard Noble's Promise: “The horse did very well. From where he was drawn, I tried to get him comfortable early. My horse came running to the end, he never quit. The other horse (Lookin At Lucky) just had a better post and that really helped him. I know I can beat him next time.”
Dec. 22 NOTE: DRF.com reported trainer McPeek is "giving Noble's Promise a brief freshening following his second-place finish in the CashCall Futurity."
Dec. 31 NOTE: Noble's Promise will be in South Florida for the Gulfstream meet.
RON THE GREEK (FL) Trainer: Tom Amoss
Owner: Jack T. Hammer
Breeder: Jack T. Hammer
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Full Mandate (A.P. Indy, Clear Mandate)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Flambe` (Fortunate Prospect, Flambeau)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-5-10-0-0 (20) 3.00
Foal Date: May 9, 2007
According to trainer Amoss, Ron the Greek was named after a friend of the owner’s who died of cancer, but he did live to know that the horse was named after him and was able to visit the horse briefly before he died.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 6 NOTE: “We worked him five-eighths alongside another horse just to keep him focused,” said trainer Amoss of the Feb. 3 breeze.
On Feb. 3, RON THE GREEK breezed five in 1:01.40 (3/28) at FG.
Jan. 28 NOTE: Lecomte winner Ron the Greek is in good shape and is pointing to the Grade II Risen Star on Feb. 20.
Jan. 25 NOTE: He'll be aimed at the Risen Star Stakes on Feb. 20.
Jan. 23, Grade III Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. Racing down the backstretch, James Graham could have used binoculars to spot the leaders, but by the time they got to the finish line at Fair Grounds, all he needed was a rear view mirror.
Ron the Greek (7-1) and Graham passed all but one horse in the stretch run of the 10-horse Lecomte to win going away. In the early going, Ron the Greek was 16 lengths behind pacesetter Maximus Ruler. The one mile, 40 yards was timed in 1:40.09.
Maximus Ruler, the betting choice at 2-1, finished second after leading through fractions of :23.42, :46.80 and 1:12.27.
Letsgetitonmon (18-1) hit the wire third after also coming from well back in the field, and was beaten two lengths, followed another 1 1/4 length back by Cool Bullet (7-1).
Worldly, Turf Melody, Citrus Kid, Depaul, B'wanagoldmine and Rock Hard completed the order of finish. Callide Valley was scratched.
Citrus Kid, bet at 7-2 off an 8-1 morning line after a pair of bullet works at Palm Meadows, did not appear to enjoy the track and was never placed better than fifth as the route was run. Worldly, the second betting choice at 3-1, was in striking position from the start to the top of the stretch, but he flattened out.
Trainer Amoss may have tipped the horse when he said before the race, “This is a very interesting horse. We’ve always known he wanted a route of ground, and in that last race at Remington, he came from last place and then had to check after beginning his run. He’s a bigger horse than most, and he makes quite a presence in the paddock.”
“He has a big kick,” winning jockey Graham said of Ron the Greek. “He does what you tell him to do. If you want to go he’ll wait until you pull the trigger.”
“We really thought he had a good chance today," winning trainer Tom Amoss said. "For the horseplayers that like to examine the horses in the paddock he really does look the part. He’s a very, very good-looking horse. He’s a one-run horse, period. Let’s hope he always has some pace up front.
“I certainly think (the Risen Star would be next). It’s another seventy yards. The Risen Star would be a tremendously flattering race to win, not only for myself but for Mr. Hammer. We’ll let him tell us, but that’s certainly what we’re thinking.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Ron the Greek raced three times, winning twice. In his debut, he broke his maiden going six furlongs at Hoosier Park after swooping off a 10-length deficit. He was timed in 1:11.80. That was on Oct. 11.
Second time out and running added distance, he won a one-mile allowance race at Delta Downs on Nov. 13. Again, he was way off the pace and made up over nine lengths to win. He was timed in 1:40.12.
Third time out, he was put in the Springboard Stakes at Remington Park, again running a mile. Launching his bid from 16 lengths out of it, he finished fourth, beaten 2 1/2 lengths by Turf Melody.
Ron the Greek put in three December works at Fair Grounds.
Jan. 30 NOTE: Next: the Grade III Sam Davis or the Grade II Risen Star on Feb. 20.
On Jan. 3, RULE breezed three in :38.60 (14/16) at PMM.
On Jan. 11, RULE breezed four in :49.20 (13/34) at PMM.
On Jan. 17, RULE breezed five 1:02.40 (14/19) at PMM.
On Jan. 24, RULE worked five in 1:01.40 (11/19) at PMM.
On Jan. 31, RULE worked five in 1:01.80 (15/30) at PMM.
On Feb. 7, RULE worked five in 1:00.80 (6/53) at PMM.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Rule was third in his maiden debut going six furlongs at Belmont Park July 19. On Sept. 5, he finished second at Saratoga going seven furlongs. Increasing his distance to a mile, he won at Belmont Park as the favorite on Oct. 8.
Rule won the ungraded Jean Lafitte by nine lengths on Nov. 6 at Delta Downs in track-record time of 1:37.45 for the mile. John Velazquez rode him. With that accomplishment, he had a career record of 2-1-1 in four races.
As of late November, Rule was to remain at Churchill Downs with Pletcher assistant Michael Dilger instead of shipping to Florida with others from the barn.
“He’s going to the Delta Jackpot, the $750,000 race at Delta Downs next Friday,” Dilger said on Nov. 27. “I will stay here with the one horse until (Dec. 2).”
Dec. 4, Grade III Boyd Gaming's Delta Jackpot Stakes, Delta Downs, 1 1/16 Mile. In the bullring at Delta Downs, Rule won and earned $450,000 in graded money. Uh Oh Bango was second, picking up a check for $150,000.
The pair raced one-two all the way around, with Rule prevailing by a neck while timed in 1:45.63 on a sloppy track. John Velazquez handled Rule; Glenn Corbett rode Uh Oh Bango.
Rule set initial fractions of :23.24, :46.75, 1:12.12 and 1:38.77. Uh Oh Bango pressed the pace, challenging Rule throughout. The two dueled down the stretch.
Relatively speaking, the final time wasn't too bad. Truth and Justice won the filly counterpart to this race, the one-mile Delta Princess Stakes, in 1:40.05.
Finishing third and fourth were Oak Motte and Litigation Risk.
Oak Motte was beaten only three lengths after racing five wide around the first turn while seventh of eight. He made a late bid, but Litigation Risk was defeated by 13 3/4 lengths.
John Velazquez: "He had to work today. It was a little different than it was when he was here before, quite a bit heavier. Once I got after him, he put in a good fight. It was well done. He wasn't allowing (Uh Oh Bango) to go by. He did just enough."
Jan. 30 NOTE: Next: "Something the first week in March," trainer Pletcher said.
On Jan. 24, SUPER SAVER breezed three in :38.40 (8/8) at PMM.
On Jan. 31, SUPER SAVER worked four in :48.40 (14/56) at PMM.
On Feb. 7, SUPER SAVER breezed four in :48.20 (4/55) at PMM.
Jan. 22 NOTE: Still no workouts since November for Super Saver.
Jan. 15 NOTE: Supporters of this horse need to see a workout from him in the relatively near future. He was reported to be doing well in South Florida.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Super Saver broke his maiden in his second start going a mile at Belmont Park on Sept. 11, and prevailing by seven lengths over a sloppy/sealed track. That effort was deemed worthy of putting him in stakes company next time out.
Oct. 10, Grade I Champagne Stakes, Belmont Park, One Mile. Super Saver set fractions of :22.79, :45.78, and 1:09.51. At that point, he'd put out a strong effort and could not maintain it to the wire, finishing fourth to Homeboykris, beaten two lengths--and a half-length by second finisher Discreetly Mine, a nose by Aspire.
Nov. 27 NOTE: Next: the Kentucky Jockey Club. "This will get him a chance to go two turns, and he’s by Maria’s Mon, and he’s already had a Derby winner (Monarchos in 2001),” assistant trainer Michael Dilger said.
Nov. 28, Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, Churchill Downs, 1 1/16 Mile. Super Saver and Calvin Borel led throughout and rolled to a five-length victory over William’s Kitten in stakes-record time to win. Meanwhile, William's Kitten finished 4 1/2 lengths better than Worldly, who checked in third. William's Kitten attempted to close from the clouds under Miguel Mena.
Super Saver was the 2-1 second choice, a notch below 8-5 Thiskyhasnolimit, who finished a well-beaten sixth.
Super Saver covered the distance on a fast track in 1:42.83. The previous stakes record of 1:43.14 was established by Captain Steve in 1999.
Borel sent Super Saver right to the lead and ran unopposed through fractions of :23.33, :46.75 and 1:11.43. Approaching the top of the stretch, Worldly and Activity Report ranged up on the outside of Super Saver but never struck the front as Borel let out another notch on Super Saver. Super Saver widened his margin in the stretch.
Calvin Borel: “He’s an awesome colt. I talked to Todd, and he told me the main thing was to try and get this one to change leads a little earlier. I made him switch leads in the turn, and he really turned it on again. He ran really fast. I think he is just a good race horse. When I picked him up at about the sixteenth pole he just broke away again.”
Todd Pletcher (via telephone): “It was a big effort from him. You know, he’s a colt that’s shown a lot of promise from early on, and he’s starting to put things together. Obviously, it was his first time two turns and first Grade II performance. I was little concerned that the fractions were fast but Calvin is riding so well right now, you’ve got to trust a guy’s judgment when he’s in the zone like he is.
“It’s very exciting to have a well-bred colt that’s good-looking with all the tools and obviously getting better as the year goes along. It’s very, very exciting to have one like that. He’ll go to Palm Meadows on Tuesday and we’ll get him settled in there. I’ll talk to (racing manager) Elliott (Walden) and come up with a game plan on what we’ll do. Obviously, we’ll freshen him up and point for something in the spring.”
Kenny Troutt, co-owner: “Oh was that exciting. This is what horse racing is all about. Just to be a part of it is exciting. Breaking the stakes record, now that’s big. We were very worried about the first two fractions (:23.33 for the first quarter mile and :46.75 for the half), and thought we were in a whole lot of trouble.
"But Calvin had a lot of horse left. He knew it and went on with it. This is a great time of year to have a good 2-year-old and getting ready to be back here next year.”
Dec. 31 NOTE: Super Saver is in South Florida.
UH OH BANGO (AZ) Trainer: R. Kory Owens
Owner: Triple AAA Ranch (Richard Owens)
Breeder: Triple AAA Ranch
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Top Hit (Twining, Popular Tune)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): French Debutante (French Deputy, To the Post)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-1-3-0-0 (6) 3.00
Foal Date: March 4, 2007
A half-brother to multiple stakes winner Ez Dreamer.
A ridgling.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 26, UH OH BANGO worked four in :49.40 (62/92) at TUP.
On Feb. 2, UH OH BANGO worked five in 1:03.20 (34/43) at TUP.
Feb. 4 NOTE: Uh Oh Bango is headed to Oaklawn Park, and connnections have the Grade II Rebel on March 13 in mind for his first 2010 start, according to a report at DRF.com. Trainer Owens wants Uh Oh Bango to be able to work over the surface, so connections plan to ship him there from Turf Paradise mid-month. Owens called Uh Oh Bango's most recent workout "an easy five-eighths."
Uh Oh Bango earned a 102 Beyer for his win in the one-turn Prairie Meadows Freshman in September. DRF says it's the highest Beyer number for a 2-year-old last year.
Jan. 22 NOTE: Still no workouts for Uh Oh Bango since he raced on Dec. 4.
Jan. 15 NOTE: Supporters of this horse need to see a workout from him in the relatively near future. He is wintering at Turf Paradise.
NTRA.com says connections have considered sending Uh Oh Bango to Oaklawn in the spring, with the targets there being the Rebel on March 13 and the Arkansas Derby on April 10. Another plan would be to start the horse in the Borderland Derby at Sunland Park on Feb. 27 as prelude to the Sunland Park Derby, which is now a Grade III race, on March 28. Another option would be the Turf Paradise Derby on Feb. 20.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Uh Oh Bango finished second to Thiskyhasnolimit in the Grade III Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs on Nov. 1. The chart call: "Uh Oh Bango, within striking distance, raced five wide into the turn when moving up, challenged approaching the stretch and held on gamely to be second best."
The third finisher, Soaring Empire, was another three lengths back at the finish.
Dec. 4, Grade III Boyd Gaming's Delta Jackpot Stakes, Delta Downs, 1 1/16 Mile. In the bullring at Delta Downs, Rule won and earned $450,000 in graded money. Uh Oh Bango was second, picking up a check for $150,000. The pair raced one-two all the way around, with Rule prevailing by a neck while timed in 1:45.63 on a sloppy track. John Velazquez handled Rule; Glenn Corbett rode Uh Oh Bango.
Rule set initial fractions of :23.24, :46.75, 1:12.12 and 1:38.77. Uh Oh Bango pressed the pace, challenging Rule throughout. The two dueled down the stretch.
Relatively speaking, the final time wasn't too bad. Truth and Justice won the filly counterpart to this race, the one-mile Delta Princess Stakes, in 1:40.05.
Finishing third and fourth were Oak Motte and Litigation Risk. Oak Motte was beaten only three lengths after racing five wide around the first turn while seventh of eight. He made a late bid, but Litigation Risk was defeated by 13 3/4 lengths.
VALE OF YORK (IRE) Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Stock Vale Ltd.
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Invincible Spirit (IRE) (Green Desert, Rafha (GB))
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Red Vale (IRE) (Halling, Hamsaat)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-3-9-2-0 (20) 2.08
Foal Date: April 4, 2007
Tattersall's December 2008: $35,909.
Tattersall's Sale 2009: RNA $102,307.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 1 NOTE: Meydan release on Jan. 31 says Vale of York was nominated to the Group 2 UAE Derby on March 27. Jan. 23 NOTE: While next-race plans were announced by racing manager Simon Crisford for several Godolphin runners based in Dubai yesterday, there was no word on Vale of York. Basicallly, the last intention stated for him was this from trainer Saeed bin Suroor on Nov. 7: "He's a tough horse, and next year we'll bring him for the Kentucky Derby."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Aptly enough, Vale of York broke his maiden first time out at York back in July. He was then fifth to Elusive Pimpernel in the Acomb Stakes going seven furlongs, again at York.
Thing started going pretty well for Vale of York after that. He won the listed Stardom Stakes, seven furlongs at Goodwood; was a close third to Joshua Tree in the one-mile, Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes at Ascot, and finished second in Italy's one-mile, Group 1 Grand Criterium before the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. All his races to that pont had been on turf.
"Vale Of York heads to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, and we think he will handle the trip and the surface," racing manager Simon Crisford said. "He is super tough and never shirks . California racing seems a good idea for him, and if he runs well, he will go to Dubai. He ran well in the Royal Lodge and deserves his chance."
Nov. 7, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Vale of York, at 30-1 odds, sprang a huge upset, barely defeating favored Lookin at Lucky. Both horses came from off the pace to get up late, but Lookin at Lucky came from much further back than did Vale of York. The race was timed in 1:43.48.
Saeed bin Suroor, trainer: "He ran a huge race. I fancied the horse before the race. He was improving all the time. He ran a big race last time when he finished second in a Group 1 (Gran Criterium) in Italy. Every time he's come for a race, he's handled everything really well. He's a tough horse, and next year we'll bring him for the Kentucky Derby."
Ahmed Ajtebi, jockey: “No difficulties today. I had a very good trip. The last time I rode this horse (in the Gran Criterium) about three weeks ago in Italy, he was very unlucky. We were going to win, and he saw the crowd and he stopped himself. By the time I got him going, we got beat. He was unlucky to lose the time before that also. Today it all went well. When I shifted him out, he just went and he was strong enough at the finish to get it done.”
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