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.
2008 OBS 2008 Yearling Sale: $60,000.
2009 OBS 2-Year-Olds in Training: $225,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Feb. 7, AIKENITE worked five in 1:00.80 (6/53) at PMM.
Jan. 30 NOTE: Next: the Grade II Fountain of Youth on Feb. 20.
Jan. 26 NOTE: No next-race plans announced yet for Aikenite. "He stumbled a little bit at the start and was always under pressure from Jackson Bend on his outside," trainer Pletcher told DRF.com. "He really couldn't settle. I think he'll settle better going two turns, and hopefully this race will move us forward."
Jan. 23, Grade III Holy Bull Stakes, Gulfstream Park, One Mile. Aikenite contended for the lead but faded to a sixth-place finish, beaten 5 3/4 lengths.
Winslow Homer (7-2 second choice) laid off the early pace, got in the mix on the turn and found a seam in the stretch to get by the inside of Jackson Bend and win. He was timed in 1:35.97.
Jackson Bend, the 8-5 favorite, was always prominent in the race on the outside after breaking from post 9. He stayed on for second, beaten three-quarters of a length, while William's Kitten (12-1) came on late and wide for third, another 3 1/4 lengths back. It was tight for fourth, with Thank U Philippe (15-1) edging out Homeboykris (5-1) and beaten six lengths for all of it.
After a very abbreviated runup to the timer after the break, Piscitelli, Aikenite, Homeboykris and Jackson Bend slugged it out for the lead and went the first quarter-mile in :23.86. Thank U Philippe, never far back, joined that fray with the half timed in :45.76. Meanwhile, Piscitelli dropped out of contention.
Rounding the turn, Thank U Philippe, then Homeboykris, grabbed a short lead as Aikenite backed out of it with six furlongs run in 1:09.66. But Winslow Homer was about to begin making his move in earnest. By the time the field reached the furlong marker, Winslow Homer had knifed through the pack and led by a head.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Aikenite broke his maiden at first asking and was sent into stakes competition.
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.
Todd Pletcher trainer of Aikenite: “When you run second 28 times, it's only fitting that you finish second in the meet. It's a little bit frustrating. Linda (Rice) had a great meet. It's quite an accomplishment. She should be proud.”
Alan Garcia, rider of Aikenite: “He was a little slow in the beginning and then he was a little scared by the dirt hitting him. Just like Todd said, you have to keep riding, keep pushing him. The harder you ride, the better he is. He broke OK and I had a good trip. Todd said to sit on him and make one run, and he did run at the end. He’s a nice horse.”
Oct. 10, Grade I Dixiana Breeders' Futurity, Keeneland, 1 1/16 Mile. Aikenite finished well to take a good second. Noble’s Promise won at 12-1 odds to earn a start in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
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.
Cot Campbell of Dogwood Stable, owner of second-place finisher Aikenite: “I thought it was terrific. We’ll have to look at going to California. He did it all right. He lost a little ground in the process but was very professional in a gigantic field. We were thrilled with him. Coming out of the Hopeful, he acted like he wanted a mile and a sixteenth or more, and he sure proved it today. We would have liked to have gotten it all but he didn’t get beat but a neck. I think we definitely have to take him to
California.”
Alan Garcia, rider of Aikenite: “He did everything right. He broke good. Just did everything right. If he had a little more distance, he would have won. He’s a nice horse. I think he has a big chance in the Breeders' Cup.”
Nov. 7, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Aikenite finished fifth, beaten 2 1/2 lengths by Vale of York, after being steadied in deep stretch.
Aikenite raced up close in fourth the first couple of furlongs, which was surprising, then he dropped back to seventh before making a nice move on the far turn. He found an unlucky spot to be steadied--just behind the eventual winner.
Dec. 27 NOTE: Aikenite breezed five furlongs at Palm Meadows. He had already breezed twice there in December.
BLIND LUCK (KY) Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer
Owner: Mark DeDomenico LLC, John Carver & Jerry Hollendorfer
Breeder: Fairlawn Farm
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): :Pollard's Vision (Carson City, Etats Unis)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Lucky One (Best of Luck, Twilight Spectre)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 10-10-7-1-0 (28) 5.22
Foal Date: April 20, 2007
As of the start of 2010, this filly was being pointed to the Kentucky Oaks, but people can change their minds, so she's worth watching.
Privately purchased by the owner.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
She's set to make her 3-year-old debut in the Grade I Las Virgenes Stakes at one mile on Feb. 13 at Santa Anita.
On Jan. 3, BLIND LUCK worked four in :50.00 (41/48) at SA. On Jan. 9, BLIND LUCK worked five in 1:02.80 (53/58) at SA.
On Jan. 15, BLIND LUCK worked five in 1:01.40 (21/44) at SA.
On Jan. 24, BLIND LUCK worked seven in 1:25.60 (1/3) at SA.
On Jan. 30, BLIND LUCK worked six in 1:12.00 (3/22) at SA.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Blind Luck was bought by current connections out of Calder after looking impressive there--winning by 13 1/4 lengths--and she was taken to California, where she promptly won a starter allowance race.
After that, it was all Grade I company, and Blind Luck finished second to Mi Sueno in the Darley Debutante, prevailed in the 1 1/16-mile Oak Leaf and won the Hollywood Starlet on Dec. 20. In between those last two races, she finished fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies.
Dec. 28 NOTE: Blind Luck worked four furlongs at Santa Anita.
BULLDOGGER (KY) Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Patti Earnhardt & Hal Earnhardt III
Breeder: White Fox Farm
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Dixie Union (Dixieland Band, She's Tops)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Silent Stream (Tricky Creek, Rated P. G.)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-1-10-0-0 (16) 2.20
Foal Date: March 4, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $150,000
Keeneland April Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale 2009: $300,0
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 4, BULLDOGGER worked five in 1:00.80 (14/36) at SA.
On Jan. 10, BULLDOGGER worked five in :59.80 (10/50) at SA.
On Jan. 16, BULLDOGGER worked six in 1:11.40 (1/18) at SA.
On Jan. 24, BULLDOGGER worked six in 1:16.20 (20/21) at HOL.
On Jan. 30, BULLDOGGER worked six from the gate in 1:12.40 (5/22) at SA.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Aug. 29, Maiden Special Weight, Saratoga, Six Furlongs. His debut race. On a sloppy track, and breaking from the inside post, Bulldogger shot to the lead, shook loose, and came home a 6 1/2-length winner against seven foes. In an impressive effort, he was timed in 1:10.70.
Dec. 29 NOTE: After a break from the races, Bulldogger began working again, and he recorded drills at Santa Anita on Dec. 6, 17, 23 and 29. He put in a three-furlong work on Dec. 6, then went four furlongs the other times.
CARACORTADO (CA) Trainer: Mike Machowsky
Owner: Mr. and Mrs. Don Blahut & Mike Machowsky (Lo Hi Racing)
Breeder: Mike Machowsky
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Cat Dreams (Storm Cat, J J's Dream)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Mons Venus (Maria's Mon, Bid to the Mint)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-3-7-1-0 (14) 2.11
Foal Date: May 7, 2007
A gelding.
"When the horse came to the track from the farm he had a big cut down the middle of his head, with blue stitches and all,” trainer, breeders and co-owner Machowsky said. “I tried to name him Scarface, but The Jockey Club said no, so I put it in Spanish, which is Caracortado.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Caracortado was entered in the Grade II Robert B. Lewis on Feb. 6, rescheduled to Feb. 13. A report said he might go the Grade III Southwest on Feb. 15.
On Jan. 9, CARACORTADO worked four in :47.20 (5/47) at SA.
On Jan. 16, CARACORTADO worked six in 1:13.40 (7/18) at SA.
On Jan. 24, CARACORTADO worked seven in 1:26.00 (2/3) at SA.
On Jan. 31, CARACORTADO worked six in 1:12.40 (9/47) at SA.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Caracortado won his first three races, all sprints.
Dec. 26, California Breeders’ Champion Stakes, Santa Anita, 1 1/6 Mile. Unbeaten Caracortado extended his winning streak to four-for-four.
Under his regular rider Paul Atkinson, Caracortado was being geared down while crossing the wire 1 3/4 length ahead of Alphie’s Bet, covering the distance in 1:43.61. He came up the rail in the stretch to win after saving ground earlier.
At the jump, Atkinson hustled Caracortado to the early lead, eased back into a tracking fourth position, then burst through an opening near the rail in the stretch to prove dominant as the 2-1 second choice in a field of 10. Favored La Nez, a filly, settled for third when flattening out after boldly rallying extremely wide around the far turn.
“To be honest, before I ever ran him, I didn’t think he’d be a two-turn horse. I ran him a half-mile at Fairplex (Sept. 24), and I knew he was fast. When I worked him three-quarters, I actually knew he had a shot at going two turns. He’s got a great turn of foot and relaxes real well. Paul was coming back off an injury, and he was breezing horses for me. I told him I had one at Pomona I can ride you on, and he’ll win. That’s how he got the mount.”
“He really exploded nice," said Atkinson.
CARDIFF GIANT (KY) Trainer: Jorge Periban
Owner: M Racing
Breeder: Kim Nardelli & Rodney Nardelli
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Yankee Gentleman (Storm Cat, Key Phrase)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Stop the Croquet (Stop the Music, Merci Croquet)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-4-7-0-0 (16) 3.57
Foal Date: Feb. 10, 2007
A gelding.
WAS September 2008: $28,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 25, CARDIFF GIANT worked five in 1:00.00 (4/73) at HOL.
On Feb. 1, CARDIFF GIANT worked six in 1:15.80 (10/10) at HOL.
Jan. 16, Grade III San Rafael Stakes, Santa Anita, One Mile. Conveyance got the early lead as was hoped, but it was an easy lead. He clicked off fractions of :24.45 and :48.56, pressed early by Via Verde, who eventually faded to last. Cardiff Giant was just behind them. As they rounded the far turn, Conveyance came off the rail a bit, and Cardiff Giant went to his inside, taking a short lead.
However, Conveyance grabbed the lead back and prevailed over Cardiff Giant by 1 3/4 length. After seven furlongs in 1:12.69, he was timed in 1:36.45.
Domonation finished third, beaten 2 1/2 lengths.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Cardiff Giant broke his maiden in his fifth start. All his 2-year-old races were at sprint distances. A claimer at the start of his career, he finished fourth to Tiz Chrome in the Stuka Stakes on Dec. 19.
Dec. 30, Allowance, Santa Anita, Six Furlongs. Cardiff Giant closed to finish second behind Tiny Woods, who led all the way setting very fast fractions and finishing in 1:08.89.
CITRUS KID (KY) Trainer: John P. Terranova, II
Owner: Golden Goose Enterprises, James Covello, Micheal Imperio & Nick Sallusto
Breeder: Hurstland Farm Inc. & W. S. Farish
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Lemon Drop Kid (Kingmambo, Charming Lassie)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Orange Ice (Ginistrelli, My Popsicle)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 9-3-9-2-1 (24) 2.20
Foal Date: May 8, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $70,000
OBS-Year-Olds in Training 2009: $50,000
PEFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 25 NOTE: “He kind of lost it in the paddock the other day,” said trainer Terranova, “and then he got antsy in the post parade. We’re going to give him some time to regroup before we run him again. He still needs to grow up a little bit.”
Jan. 23, Grade III Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. Citrus Kid, bet at 7-2 off an 8-1 morning line after a pair of bullet works at Palm Meadows, did not appear to enjoy the track and was never placed better than fifth as the route was run. He finished seventh, beaten 7 1/2 lengths.
Maximus Ruler, the betting choice at 2-1, finished second after leading through fractions of :23.42, :46.80 and 1:12.27.
But it was Ron the Greek (7-1) and James Graham who passed all but one horse in the stretch run of the 10-horse Lecomte to win going away. In the early going, Ron the Greek was 16 lengths behind pacesetter Maximus Ruler. The one mile, 40 yards was timed in 1:40.09.
Letsgetitonmon (18-1) hit the wire third after also coming from well back in the field, beaten two lengths, followed another 1 1/4 length back by Cool Bullet (7-1).
Worldly, Turf Melody, Citrus Kid, Depaul, B'wanagoldmine and Rock Hard completed the order of finish. Callide Valley was scratched.
Miguel Mena (Citrus Kid, seventh): “He was a little nervous in the post parade. Other than that no excuses.”
Jan. 16 NOTE: The Dania Beach Stakes didn't come off the turf, and Citrus Kid was scratched.
Jan. 14 NOTE: Citrus Kid is entered in the one-mile Dania Beach Stakes on the turf at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 16. He is the sole AE--he was entered for the main track only.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Citrus Kid raced four times, winning twice, including a victory in the listed Dover Stakes going two turns at Delaware Park on Oct. 10. He did that after breaking his maiden at second asking, also going two turns at Delaware on the dirt. His career debut came at Saratoga on the turf. Four wide in the 1 1/16-mile race, he finished seventh, beaten 10 lengths.
His time in the 1 1/16-mile Dover was 1:45.35, and he was impressive doing it. Boxed in while in fourth position, Citrus Kid found a way out and drew off to win by five lengths.
In his final race of 2009, Citrus Kid finished third in the Grade II Remsen Stakes on Nov. 28 after being bird-dogged much of the way around the track by Homeboykris. On the lead at first, Citrus Kid put Homeboykris away, but Buddy's Saint was best that day and won the race by 4 3/4 lengths over Peppi Knows. Citrus Kid was another 2 1/4 lengths back under Rajiv Maragh.
Dec. 28 NOTE: Citrus Kid worked three times in December, once at Belmont Park and twice at Palm Meadows.
CLOSE TO THE EDGE (KY) Trainer: Jeff Mullins
Owner: Brewer Racing Stable & David J. Lanzman Racing, Inc.
Breeder: Silverleaf Farms Inc.
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Yes It's True (Is It True, Clever Monique)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Lemon Twist (Seeking the Gold, Danzig Island)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-3-8-0-0 (18) 3.50
Foal Date: May 3, 2007
$35,000 Keeneland September 2008.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Feb. 1, CLOSE TO THE EDGE worked four in :48.60 (15/33) at SA.
Jan. 23, Maiden Special Weight, Santa Anita, Seven Furlongs. Five horses were scratched from this race after the track had been closed with heavy rains and drainage problems all week, leaving Leothelion, Close to the Edge, Maybe Yes and Let's Go Indian.
Leothelion defeated Close to the Edge by 2 1/2 lengths, with the third finisher another 1 3/4 lengths back. The winner was timed in 1:22.70 under Joe Talamo.
The race turned out simply. Close to the Edge and Michael Baze took the lead with Leothelion stalking back a length on the outside. At the furlong marker, Close to the Edge held a 1 1/2-length advantage, but Leothelion had some saved up and drew off for the win.
Initial splits were :22.98, :46.31 and 1:10.09.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Greg Johnson wrote on Dec. 20: "Another one to keep an eye on out here is Close to the Edge. They let this Mullins first-timer go off at 36-1 in his debut, and he was really rolling to just come up short against yet another Baffert sprint monster, Quiet Invader, in 1:08.40. One of those finishes where 'Edge' was about ten clear of the winner jogging out."
Dec. 28 NOTE: Close to the Edge worked four furlongs at Santa Anita.
COLIZEO (KY) Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Wertheimer et Frere
Breeder: Wertheimer et Frere
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Distorted Humor (Forty Niner, Danzig's Beauty)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Colony Band (Dixieland Band, Hostessante)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-6-10-0-1 (24) 3.00
Foal Date: Jan. 17, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 22, Maiden Special Weight, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. An exciting 3-year-old prospect came onto the scene in this race. Colizeo ran the distance in 1:49.76 and won by 5 1/2 lengths after prompting the pace. Under John Velazquez, Colizeo drew off with a vigorous hand ride. He was sent off at 4-5 odds in a field of 11.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Colizeo raced three times. The first outing was sprinting at Delaware Park on Sept. 19, and he finished way up the track. Taken to Meadowlands and switched to two turns on Oct. 12, he lost by a length to Enigmatic, who was timed in 1:36.27. Finally, he lost by a nose to Worldly at Churchill Downs on Nov. 8 under E. T. Baird. The 1 1/16-mile race came out in 1:45.85
CONCORD POINT (KY) Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Kaleem Shah
Breeder: Lee McMillin & Ed Rudley
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Tapit (Pulpit, Tap Your Heels)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Harve de Grace (Boston Harbor, Ms. Cuvee Napa)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-5-8-1-0 (20) 3.00
Foal Date: March 1, 2007
A Keeneland September Sale purchase: $220,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 2 NOTE: the Grade II San Vicente on Feb. 15 is next.
On Jan. 7, CONCORD POINT worked four in :47.20 (2/30) at SA.
On Jan. 14, CONCORD POINT worked four in :47.20 (3/37) at SA.
On Jan. 24, CONCORD POINT worked four in :48.00 (6/32) at HOL.
On Feb. 3, CONCORD POINT worked seven in 1:25.80 (1/2) at SA.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Dec. 26, Maiden Special Weight, Santa Anita, 6 1/2 Furlongs. This was his debut, and Concord Point (6-1) was timed in 1:15.11 winning this race from just off the pace.
Fourth at the first call, he soon contended for the lead and got up on them by two lengths at the furlong marker. He held to win by 1 1/4 length after drifting in a bit and getting the whip on his left side from Martin Garcia. Leothelion (3-1) and Joe Talamo closed to get the place. Ziggy's Stardust (5-1), beaten 2 1/2 lengths, closed from further back under Joel Rosario.
CONNEMARA (KY) Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor and Derrick Smith
Breeder: Commonwealth
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Giant's Causeway (Storm Cat, Mariah's Storm)
Dam (Dam's Sire, Dam): Satin Sunrise (Mr. Leader, Logic)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-2-9-0-0 (14) 2.11
Foal Date: April 4, 2007
A half-brother to Lion Heart. There is no auction history.
Connemara is named for a district in County Galway on Ireland's west coast.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Presumably, the Grade III El Camino Real Derby would be next for Connemara.
On Jan. 24, CONNEMARA worked five in 1:01.20 (58/141) at SA.
On Jan. 30, CONNEMARA worked four in :47.00 (8/55) at SA.
Jan. 16, California Derby, Golden Gate Fields, 1 1/16 Mile. Connemara, at 3-5 odds, bobbled at the start but soon got into contention down the backstretch. However, that slow start cost him, and while Russell Baze got after him in the stretch, he lost by three parts of a length, which is pretty much the same the distance that separated the two at the furlong marker.
Meanwhile, up front, Ranger Hearley got away with soft fractions of :24.20, :49.90 and 1:14.37. After a mile in 1:39.01, he finished with the win in 1:45.40 under Julian Garcia. Jan. 16 NOTE: "We'd like to see him be a little more professional early and get a stalking position," trainer Pletcher said during a conference call on Jan. 15.
PEFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Oct. 4, Maiden Special Weight, Turfway Park, One Mile. After a slow break from the gate under Victor Lebron, Connemara inhaled the field on the far turn and won by five lengths. He was timed in 1:37.78. Front fractions were a moderate :47.95 and 1:12.99.
"I thought the first race was pretty impressive," trainer Pletcher reflected on Jan. 15. "He broke very poorly and had little gate speed. He was so far back early, there looked like no way he could win."
Nov. 4, Allowance, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Connemara won again, this time at a full two turns. He was timed in 1:44.75 while prevailing over five others under Garrett Gomez. He defeated Mr. Saturdaynight by a half-length. Connemara was 3-5 while Mr. Saturdaynight was 6-1. Ranger Heartley, at 9-2, was another 1 1/4 length back in third.
Connemara was in last position after a half mile. The chart call: "chased inside, came out in midstretch, bid between horses to gain the lead under left handed urging in deep stretch and prevailed."
Trainer Pletcher later called the win "workmanlike."
Dec. 27 NOTE: Connemara worked five furlongs at Santa Anita.
COOL BULLET (FL) Trainer: Steve Margolis
Owner: Winmore LLC & Robert and Lawana Low
Breeder: Adena Springs
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Red Bullet (Unbridled, Cargo)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Lizzy Cool (Saint Ballado, Well Supported)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 9-8-13-2-2 (34) 2.24
Foal Date: Jan. 24, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $4,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Feb. 7, COOL BULLET breezed five in 1:02.20 (26/69) at FG.
Feb. 6 NOTE: Trainer Margolis confirmed Cool Bullet is probably headed for Oaklawn’s Grade III Southwest Stakes on Feb. 15. “(The owners) like to run at Oaklawn, and the short stretch of that mile run up there should fit him quite well,” trainer Margolis said.
Jan. 27 NOTE: Cool Bullet is still being considered for the Southwest Stakes, the trainer saying there's a "good chance."
Jan. 23, Grade III Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. Cool Bullet was fourth, beaten 3 1/4 lengths by a rolling winner. Cool Bullet nearly struck the lead at the furlong marker against the pacesetter after stalking in third.
Maximus Ruler, the betting choice at 2-1, finished second after leading through fractions of :23.42, :46.80 and 1:12.27.
But it was Ron the Greek (7-1) and James Graham who passed all but one horse in the stretch run of the 10-horse Lecomte to win going away. In the early going, Ron the Greek was 16 lengths behind pacesetter Maximus Ruler. The one mile, 40 yards was timed in 1:40.09.
Letsgetitonmon (18-1) hit the wire third after also coming from well back in the field, beaten two lengths, followed another 1 1/4 length back by Cool Bullet (7-1).
Worldly, Turf Melody, Citrus Kid, Depaul, B'wanagoldmine and Rock Hard completed the order of finish. Callide Valley was scratched.
Brian Hernandez Jr. (Cool Bullet, fourth): “He ran huge for first time going two turns. I think he’ll step up the next time.”
Trainer Margolis (Cool Bullet, fourth): “He had a great trip. Brian rode a great race, a good stalking trip. He tired a little bit at the end, but I wouldn’t call it quitting; I think it’s maybe the lack of the two-turn experience kind of caught up to him. I’m not disappointed. You want to win every time, but I think for a horse coming off a five-and-a-half and a three-quarters race, he ran a legitimate race.
“I don’t know what well do next time; I’ll have to talk to the owners. He ran a hard-trying race, and if you could go buy every horse like this for $4,000 you’d be in good shape.”
Jan. 17 NOTE: “Cool Bullet will probably come up for the Southwest Stakes (Feb. 15)," said Oaklawn trainer Brad Cox on Oaklawn's Notes and Quotes.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
The most impressive winner through the first five days of Fair Grounds’ meet? It might have been the Steve Margolis-trained Cool Bullet, a 2-year-old gelding who broke his maiden by more than six lengths for owners Ray Murray, Dave Williams and Bob Estes on Nov. 14. It was a $50,000 maiden claiming race.
The chestnut was well in hand for jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. when he crossed under the wire. Red Bullet is Cool Bullet’s sire, and the father and son’s identical color is matched by the similarity of their conformation.
“These guys bought this horse for a song at a yearling sale at Keeneland,” said trainer Margolis at the time. “We started him a couple of times last summer at Delaware, but his shins started bothering him, so we stopped on him, pin-fired him and gave him some time off. Our goal was to have him ready for the Fair Grounds meeting. We started working him back after he got to New Orleans and with the win, it looks like things came out exactly as we had hoped.
“That was a very exciting win,” said Margolis. “I’ll be keeping an eye on this horse to see just how far he can take us. He may turn out to be a good one.”
Dec. 19, Sugar Bowl Stakes, Fair Grounds, Six Furlongs. As Cool Bullet was prominent throughout, he put away two horses and then held off the late-running Big Texas Daddy to win by a head in 1:10.85.
Trainer Margolis: “He proved his class out there today. Showed a lot of grit, between horses and then fighting back.
“He was a little keyed up in the paddock, but there were a lot of people. He has shown us some good progression, and I think he can go two turns.”
Brian Hernandez Jr., aboard Cool Bullet: “I could hear him (runner-up Big Texas Daddy) coming, but I was surprised to see how close he was at the finish.
“I think he’s got a great shot of being able to stretch out. The way he relaxed coming out of the gate, and he still seems to be maturing race to race. I definitely think he’ll be able to stretch out, and he’s doing really well right now, as we just saw.”
Dec. 20 NOTE: “I talked to the partners about that this morning,” said trainer Margolis, who was having an excellent meet. “He came out of the race in good order, and if he continues to do well, we might be looking to try him next in the (two-turn) Lecomte (on Jan. 23). You never know until you try.
“First of all, he’s not built like a sprinter,” Margolis said, “and he won that maiden $50,000 very easily after being off since last summer at Delaware. Of course, he had to run a lot harder yesterday--those were better horses he ran against--but when that other horse came to him in the late stages, he showed enough courage to dig in again and hang on for the win. We were very happy with his performance yesterday, and he got a good number in the race."
Dec. 28 NOTE: Cool Bullet breezed four furlongs at Fair Grounds.
DROSSELMEYER (KY) Trainer: Bill Mott
Owner: WinStar Farm LLC
Breeder: Aaron U. Jones & Marie D. Jones
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Distorted Humor (Forty Niner, Danzig's Beauty)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Golden Ballet (Moscow Ballet, Golden Jewel Box)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-2-10-2-1 (22) 1.75
Foal Date: April 1, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $600,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 31, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. Drosselmeyer was bet down to 4-5 and won by 1 3/4 length while ridden by Kent Desormeaux. Fifth of seven and stalking in the early going, Drosselmeyer made a second-turn move on the outside, then threatened Best Actor at the furlong marker before easing off to win. A finisher's role was set up by Jet Settin Papa, who ran the intial fractions in :22.84 and :46.97. The winner hit the wire in 1:49.52 on a track rated fast.
Prince Will I Am, rated at 42-1 by wagerers, finished second, followed another 1 1/2 length by Best Actor. Pulsion, who was considered well by the linemaker before the race, was scratched.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
After finishing second twice and third once in three two-turn starts on turf and synthetic track, Drosselmeyer was tried on dirt going a one-turn mile at Churchill Downs on Nov. 18, and he blew 'em out by six lengths, timed in 1:37.16.
It must not have been a particularly stellar field, as Drosselmeyer was favored at 4-5, but still, it was a very impressive win.
Drosselmeyer worked twice at Payson Park in December.
$70,000 RNA: Fasig-Tipton Kentucky 2008 Yearling Sale.
$140,000 RNA: 2009 Fasig-Tipton Florida 2-Year-Olds in Training
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 19 NOTE: Next on the agenda: the Southwest Stakes on Feb. 15.
Jan. 18, Smarty Jones Stakes, Oaklawn Park, One Mile. Dryfly, sent off at 8-5 as the favorite, sure was the best. Under Calvin Borel, he was sent to the lead off the bat and stayed there. After building an unbeatable margin, he was ridden out to a 2 1/4-length win after Calvin reminded him to keep running. 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.
"You haven't seen all of this horse yet."--Calvin Borel
"I would have liked a little speed to develop and let him lay second or third, but he broke running and he's inside, and at that point, he just had to protect his position. Somewhere, he's going to have to learn to be in a striking position."--Trainer Whiting, quoted at DRF.com
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Dryfly won at Churchill Downs on Nov. 1 in his first effort after being cut. Trainer Whiting said Dryfly was gelded after his second race because of an undescended testicle.
The Nov. 1 win was Dryfly's second in three starts. His first win came in his first start--a 6 1/2-furlong victory going six furlongs at Philly Park as the 4-5 favorite.
The Nov. 1 win came at seven furlongs timed in 1:23.55 under Calvin Borel, who put his horse on the lead. Under pressure the entire trip from Great Attack, Dryfly responded willingly when headed in midstretch and drew clear late to prevail by 1 1/2 length over Flatter Than Me, who had stalked in third.
Lynn Whiting: “He broke a little flat-footed, and I was surprised to see him on the lead. I thought he would be laying third. That horse that came to him (Flatter Than Me) can run a little bit, and I thought he had the momentum, but I think my horse will keep on running.
“He needs a little break, and I am going to keep him in light training, jogging and maybe galloping every third day. I am looking at the Smarty Jones on Jan. 18 at Oaklawn Park for him. They have a good series for 3-year-olds there with the Smarty Jones, the Southwest, the Rebel and the Arkansas Derby. If you want to make a run at the marbles, you’ve got to have the horse.”
Dec. 31 NOTE: Dryfly put in three workouts during the month, all at Churchill Downs, with the last one coming on Dec. 23.
DUBLIN (KY) Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Owner: William Mack & Robert Baker
Breeder: Peter E. Blum & Gerry Dilger
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Afleet Alex (Northern Afleet, Maggie Hawk)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Classy Mirage (Storm Bird (CAN), First Mirage)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-1-6-0-0 (10) 2.33
Foal Date: April 4, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $525,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 3 NOTE: According to a story in DRF.com about Dublin's Feb. 2 workout at Oaklawn, Dublin covered four furlongs in :49, drew even with two workmates in the stretch through five furlongs in 1:01, then overtook them in the final sixteenth. Terry Thompson urged him on. Clockers had Dublin galloping out seven furlongs in 1:27.80.
"He broke off about three, four lengths behind them and ended up three or four lengths in front of them," trainer Lukas said. "We wanted to let him catch a little dirt in his face, so we let him sit in behind them and he did catch quite a bit. It was kind of we wanted to tighten down on him a little bit and see where we were at, and see how he responded, and he passed all the tests beautifully."
Back at the barn, Dublin was dragging his hotwalker around the shed row while cooling out, according to the story.
Jan. 16 NOTE: Dublin is being pointed to the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 15.
Trainer Lukas said that Dublin was diagnosed with an entrapped epiglottis after finishing seventh in the Iroquois Stakes last November at Churchill Downs. "We did minor throat surgery, and I'm pleased with how it turned out," Lukas said. "The further the better for him. He's a big, imposing individual with a long stride."
On Jan. 6, DUBLIN breezed five in 1:04.00 (34/88) at OP.
On Jan. 14, DUBLIN breezed five in 1:00.80 (1/42) at OP.
On Jan. 22, DUBLIN breezed five in 1:01.60 (3/45) at OP.
On Feb. 2, DUBLIN breezed six in 1:14.00 (1/6) at OP.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Dublin was a good-looking maiden winner at Saratoga on Aug. 1 and was pointed toward the Grade I Hopeful.
“This was my No. 1 pick in the sales,” trainer Lukas said after the Hopeful Stakes. “I still haven’t lost my eye in that part.”
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.
D. Wayne Lukas, winning trainer: “The first thing we’re going to do is pack him in Styrofoam and I’ll put my layaway down next to him.
“I expected him to run well. He had a good month up here since his maiden win … Jamie said he was green in the stretch, but that’s the first time he’s really knuckled down on him. We’ve never really asked him to lay it down in the morning. He stumbled badly leaving the gate. He almost went to his knees.
“He has a long, rangy stride. He’s got a lot of balance to him. He’s pretty gifted. I feel like he’s going to develop. I like to play in the main arena – these 2-year-olds, when they turn 3, that’s the name of the game. Bill Mack and Bob Baker are the reason this horse is here.”
Jamie Theriot, winning jockey: “I went into the race with confidence because he had broken his maiden with fashion.
"He stumbled badly at the break, but he recovered very quickly. He was a little green coming down the lane – if I hit him right-handed he’d duck left a little, if I hit him left-handed, he’d duck right – but he’ll grow out of that. I think distance won’t be a problem for him. We will see a different horse when he goes two turns. My idea was to come to Saratoga and find myself a Derby horse. We think he’s a good one.”
Oct. 1 NOTE: It was reported that Jamie Theriot has been taken off Dublin. He was replaced by Ramon Dominguez.
Oct. 10, Grade I Champagne Stakes, Belmont Park, One Mile. Dublin finished fifth of six at 3-5 odds, beaten 3 3/4 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.
D. Wayne Lukas, trainer of Dublin: “I don’t think he handled that very well, he didn’t seem like he was handling it that well. Other than that, he didn’t get into it as much as he normally does, nor did he seem like he was as comfortable on the track as I thought, but they all ran over the same track. So, we’ll look into it.”
Ramon Dominguez, rider aboard Dublin: “I thought he was pretty reserved early, but around the far turn he just had nothing. He didn’t give me anything down the lane.”
Nov. 1, Grade III Iroquois Stakes, Churchill Downs, One Mile. Dublin finished seventh of 10 after failing to contend at any point.
D. Wayne Lukas, trainer of Dublin: “He never got into the race like he normally does. He usually just pulls himself into the race, but he didn’t today. I just don’t know. He’s been training wonderful. We’ll just step back and analyze him and see.”
Dec. 24 NOTE: Dublin worked three furlongs on a sloppy track at Oaklawn Park.
Dec. 31 NOTE: Dublin worked a liesurely four furlongs at Oaklawn Park.
Keeneland September 2008: $250,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 24, ESKENDEREYA breezed four in :50.20 (24/34) at PMM.
On Jan. 31, ESKENDEREYA breezed five in 1:02.40 (20/30) at PMM.
On Feb. 7, ESKENDEREYA breezed five in 1:00.40 (2/53) at PMM.
Jan. 30 NOTE: the Fountain of Youth looks more probable, the trainer told a track representative.
Jan. 24 NOTE: Gulfstream Park says the Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes on Feb. 20 is among the options being considered for Eskendereya's next start, so can surmise that the Grade III Sam F. Davis at Tampa on Feb. 13 is also an option. Jan. 9 NOTE: The Fountain of Youth on Feb. 20 could be next, but other options are said to be open.
Jan. 7, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, One Mile. 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.
Trainer Pletcher: “It was a good comeback. He really wants to go longer than a one-turn mile, but the timing of this race fit his schedule. We’ll look to stretch him out from here. The Fountain of Youth is one possible option. It will definitely be a longer race.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Second in his debut.
Oct. 4, Pilgrim Stakes, Belmont Park, One Mile (T). In the $154,500 Pilgrim, which was taken off the turf, Eskendereya broke his maiden impressively in his first start in stakes company for Todd Pletcher.
Trailing early, the Giant’s Causeway colt waited patiently and split horses to launch a bid at the quarter pole, drawing off authoritatively in the stretch to win by 7 1/4 lengths with a final time of 1:37.85 for the mile.
Eskendereya, who now had one win and a second from two starts, paid $7.20. Favored Western Flyer was second, Chairman Now was third, and Bricklayer and Dean’s Kitten completed the order of finish.
Winning trainer Pletcher: “It was a very good effort. The horse had trained very well, and we knew he was an improving horse. He got excluded from a maiden race, so we decided to take a shot in the stake, and then when it came off we had a decision to make, but we felt like the horse had improved in his training recently on the dirt and felt like it was worth taking a shot.
"I was particularly pleased with the way he finished up and the way he galloped out, I’d say that he’s typical of the Giant’s Causeways and probably good on any surface. We’ll talk to the owners about his next start; we have a lot of options.”
Javier Castellano, aboard Eskendereya: “With the small field, Todd told me in the paddock to take my time. I had a perfect trip today. On the turn, when I saw the horses splitting, I asked my horse and he responded.”
Nov. 7, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Eskendereya got beat up in the first turn of what looked like a Kentucky Derby field with all the bumping and shoving. As a result, he was taken up sharply by Javier Castellano. After that, he was pretty much done and finished ninth.
NOTE: Trainer Pletcher wanted Eskendereya to compete in December's CashCall Futurity at Hollywood Park, but the stable said he spiked a fever before the race, and he was sent to Florida.
Dec. 27 NOTE: Eskendereya breezed five furlongs at Palm Meadows.
FIRST DUDE (FL) Trainer: Dale Romans
Owner: Double Diamond Farm
Breeder: Donald Dizney
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Stephen Got Even (A.P. Indy, Immerse)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Run Sarah Run (Smart Strike, Breech)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 8-5-13-0-0 (26) 3.00
Foal Date: March 27, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 30, Maiden Special Weight, Guflstream Park, One Mile. First Dude competed for the lead with Gothics Peak to his outside, Don Cavallo to his inside and The Director breathing down his...well, let's say his neck. Leaving the turn, First Dude shook off Don Cavallo, then Gothics Peak at the top of the stretch. The Director tried to run him down, but First Dude instead widened his lead and prevailed over The Director by 2 3/4 lengths. Don Cavallo hung on tough to get third.
First Dude was timed in 1:37.18. Initial fractions were :24.08, :45.95 and 1:10.30.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
First Dude raced twice with two seconds at Keeneland and Churchill Downs. At Keeneland, he closed from eighth on the synthetic, and at Churchill, he was never worse than third and was beaten only a half-length by Fly Down.
FLY BY PHIL (FL) Trainer: Kathleen O'Connell
Owner: Gilbert G. Campbell
Breeder: Gilbert G. Campbell
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Act of Duty (Mr. Prospector, Nuryette)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): True Mood (Deputy Minister (CAN), Intimate Moments)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 10-3-13-0-0 (26) 3.00
Foal Date: Jan. 15, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 26 NOTE: The Grade III Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs was a target, but there is an absence on the worktab.
Jan. 1, Grade III Tropical Park Derby, Calder, 1 1/8 Mile (T). Fly By Phil was the upset 23-1 winner over favored Lost Aptitude, who was sent off at 4-5. He won by a head, timed in 1:52.89 over a yielding turf course. It was the first turf start for Fly By Phil.
Lost Aptitude set the pace, marking splits of :24.03, :50.16, 1:15.49 and 1:40.35. Fly By Phil came from just back of that one to win. The chart call: Fly By Phil "bumped with Lost Aptitude at the start, stalked the pace three wide into the stretch, then rallied outside that same rival to be up in the final strides."
Trainer O'Connell: "After a 2 year old has won a couple of races, there aren't too may options for them. Although he had never run on turf, Mr. Campbell and I decided the timing was right and we'd give him a chance. I actually would have had much more confidence in his chances if the race had come off the turf, although this horse does have turf pedigree. We'll look ahead now to the Sam Davis (on Feb. 13) at Tampa Bay, which has been in the plans for awhile."
Eduardo Nunez: "Even though I haven't ridden this horse before, I have breezed him several times in the morning, so I know what he is like to ride. He was pretty headstrong going into the first turn, then he settled down a bit and we were actually in a perfect position on the backstretch. The favorite on the lead wasn't stopping so it was a matter of my horse finishing strong for me, and he did."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
This gelding won two of his first four starts and finished second the other two times, all at Calder.
The two second-place finishes came sprinting in his first two starts. When stretched out to a mile in his third start, he won by 10 3/4 lengths, timed in 1:41.67 after leading throughout.
The fourth outing came at a mile and 70 yards, and he won that one by 2 1/2 lengths, timed in 1:45.76 after a stalking, three-wide trip.
FLY DOWN (KY) Trainer: Nick Zito
Owner: Richard C. Pell
Breeder: Broadway Thoroughbreds Inc. & W. S. Farish
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Mineshaft (A.P. Indy, Prospector's Delite)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Queen Randi (Fly So Free, Randi's Queen)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 11-7-12-0-0 (30) 4.00
Foal Date: April 19, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $80,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 4, FLY DOWN worked four in :48.00 (1/41) at PMM.
On Jan. 12, FLY DOWN worked four in :47.80 (3/42) at PMM.
On Jan. 29, FLY DOWN worked four in :48.00 (2/40) at PMM.
On Feb. 5, FLY DOWN breezed four in :50.00 (15/47) at PMM.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
After finishing third in his debut, Fly Down looked good winning at two turns at Churchill Downs on Nov. 28. He came from back of the pace four wide and hit the finish line in 1:45.57, prevailing by First Dude by a half-length. However, he led by 1 1/2 length at the furlong marker and was driving at the end.
Dec. 28 NOTE: Fly Down breezed four furlongs at Palm Meadows.
HAWAIIAN SPRINGS (KY) Trainer: Kathy Walsh
Owner: Joan Hadley Thoroughbreds
Breeder: Joan Hadley Thoroughbreds
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Stephen Got Even (A.P. Indy, Immerse)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Sarasota (ARG) (Luhuk, Sandals (ARG))
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-7-12-0-0 (24) 3.00
Foal Date: March 19, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 5 NOTE: Hawaiian Springs wasn't entered in the Lewis.
Jan. 30 NOTE: Hawaiian Springs is likely for the Grade II Robert B. Lewis on Feb. 6.
On Jan. 17, HAWAIIAN SPRINGS worked four in :49.00 (20/50) at HOL.
On Jan. 24, HAWAIIAN SPRINGS worked six in 1:14.00 (8/21) at HOL.
Jan. 6, Allowance, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile.Hawaiian Springs closed well to get second.
Kettle River ran down a pair of better-bet colts when scoring an 10-1 upset. With Brice Blanc in the saddle, Kettle River closed strongly to cover the distance in 1:43.76 while holding off the late charge of Hawaiian Springs by three-quarters of a length.
Bob Baffert’s The Program, the 6-5 favorite who was fourth in the CashCall Futurity, finished third, just a nose behind Hawaiian Springs following a wide journey. It was another 1 1/2 length back to 5-2 second choice Quiet Invader, another Baffert entrant who led the field into the stretch with good fractions of :24.11, :47.91 and 1:12.64. Kettle River was fifth after a half-mile, and Hawaiian Spring was last of seven at that point. PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Hawaiian Springs made a strong stretch run en route to winning his debut race at Hollywood Park. That was on Dec. 6, and the distance of the race was 6 1/2 furlongs.
HOMEBOYKRIS (MD) Trainer: Rick Dutrow, Jr.
Owner: Louis Lazzinarro, Joseph Bulger, Jack Mandato, Nick Sallusto and Brenda Tabraue
Breeder: Dark Hollow Farm and William Paca Beatson
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Roman Ruler (Fusaichi Pegasus, Silvery Swan)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): One Last Salute (Salutely, Angie's Star)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-3-4-0-1 (14) 3.67
Foal Date: Feb. 13, 2007
Private purchase.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Feb. 6, HOMEBOYKRIS worked four on a good track in :47.80 (4/40) at GP.
Jan. 23, Grade III Holy Bull Stakes, Gulfstream Park, One Mile. Homeboykris contended for the lead but faded to a fifth-place finish, beaten 5 1/2 lengths.
Winslow Homer (7-2 second choice) laid off the early pace, got in the mix on the turn and found a seam in the stretch to get by the inside of Jackson Bend and win. He was timed in 1:35.97.
Jackson Bend, the 8-5 favorite, was always prominent in the race on the outside after breaking from post 9. He stayed on for second, beaten three-quarters of a length, while William's Kitten (12-1) came on late and wide for third, another 3 1/4 lengths back. It was tight for fourth, with Thank U Philippe (15-1) edging out Homeboykris (5-1) and beaten six lengths for all of it.
After a very abbreviated runup to the timer after the break, Piscitelli, Aikenite, Homeboykris and Jackson Bend slugged it out for the lead and went the first quarter-mile in :23.86. Thank U Philippe, never far back, joined that fray with the half timed in :45.76. Meanwhile, Piscitelli dropped out of contention.
Rounding the turn, Thank U Philippe, then Homeboykris, grabbed a short lead as Aikenite backed out of it with six furlongs run in 1:09.66. But Winslow Homer was about to begin making his move in earnest. By the time the field reached the furlong marker, Winslow Homer had knifed through the pack and led by a head.
Jan. 7 NOTE: "We got just what we wanted this morning (in a workout). We're right on target for the (Jan. 23) Holy Bull, although he's still got one more work to go, and like this one, it will be a major test, too. At the moment, we're in good shape, babe," trainer Dutrow told DRF.com.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Oct. 10, Grade I Champagne Stakes, Belmont Park, One Mile. Bought out of Calder after a second-start maiden-breaker, and after three months in trainer Dutrow’s hands, Homeboykris emerged in his first start for his new handlers and won the race by 1 1/2 length. Discreetly Mine finished second.
The winner ran the one-turn mile in 1:35.12 under Edgar Prado. As the 5-1 third choice in a field of six, Homeboykris paid $13.20 to win. In winning the Champagne, Homeboykris knocked off Dublin and Aspire, winner and runner-up of the Grade I Hopeful.
When the gate opened, Discreetly Mine broke on top, but recent maiden winner Super Saver quickly moved up on the rail to make the lead and race through a quarter-mile in :22.79 and a half in :45.78.
Discreetly Mine pressured the leader from the outside, while Prado and Homeboykris bided their time in third, outside and just behind the leaders. Dublin, meantime, the heavy favorite, lagged behind in fifth.
On the turn, Discreetly Mine turned up the pressure and eventually took over in the stretch. Prado, however, turned Homeboykris loose with a furlong to go and edged clear to win. Aspire rallied for third and was followed by Super Saver, Dublin and Overlap. Dublin, favored at 3-5 odds, was beaten 3 3/4 lengths.
Rick Dutrow, winning trainer, Homeboykris: “I was going to be disappointed if we got beat; you know my game. He got ready at the right time, and it set up good for us. Edgar said he didn’t do much running around the turn.
“I’d rather sit back and run him in the Remsen (on Nov. 28), but if they want to put up the money and go to the Breeders’ Cup, I’d be OK with that.”
Edgar Prado, winning jockey: “He’s just been training sensationally. His last couple of works have been here, at Belmont, and he loves the track. The question was whether he would handle the competition, and he did. I think he’s going to keep improving.”
Later on: “Two turns should be no problem for him,” said then-listed trainer Juan Rodriguez. Trainer Dutrow was serving a 30-day suspension.
Homeboykris bypassed the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and was pointed to the Grade II Remsen.
Nov. 28, Grade II Remsen Stakes, Aqueduct, 1 1/8 Mile. Homeboykris finished fifth of six, beaten 10 lengths by Buddy's Saint. The chart call: "Homeboykris pressed the pace (set by Citrus Kid) in the two path to the turn and gave way (after six furlongs)." The initial fractions weren't all that taxing on paper: :24.01, :48.18 and 1:13.23.
Edgar Prado, jockey aboard Homeboykris: “He wasn’t really rank, but it looked that way because the horse in front of me was slowing down, and I didn’t want to go head-to-head with that horse, so I just sat right next to him.
"Once we got to the backside he settled beautifully, he was just galloping along. The only thing that surprised me was that he spit the bit early. Before I got to the half mile pole, the other horses blew by me. That’s not him. He’s a fighter. He was definitely a better horse when I rode him at Belmont.”
Dec. 27 NOTE: Homeboykris breezed six furlongs at Gulfstream Park.
HOTEP (ON) Trainer: Mark Frostad
Owner: Sam-Son Farms
Breeder: Sam-Son Farms
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): A.P. Indy (Seattle Slew, Weekend Surprise)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Eye of the Sphynx (CAN) (Smart Strike (CAN), Queen of Egypt (CAN))
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 10-11-19-0-0 (40) 3.21
Foal Date: March 24, 2007
Feb. 5 NOTE: Hotep's trainer said he is now looking at the Grade II Risen Star on Feb. 20.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb.1, Allowance, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. Hotep tried this condition again against lesser foes and won by 3 1/4 lengths at 4-5 odds. Ridden by Robby Albarado, 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 under intermittent urging.
Trainer Frostad: “(The Louisiana Derby is) definitely a possibility. We’ll just have to see how he goes. He’s got two starts in him now this year and he looks great. The next one (Feb. 20 Risen Star Stakes) is too soon. I might well look for a race for him somewhere.
“I hate to jinx anything, but this guy is much more athletic (than full brother Eye of the Leopard, the 2009 Queen’s Plate winner and recently-announced Canadian Champion 3-Year-Old Male)."
Jan. 3, Allowance, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. In this race that produced winner Stay Put, Hotep finished fourth, beaten four lengths under Robby Albarado. He held a half-length lead at the furlong marker. Worldly and Letsgetitonmon finished second and third.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Hotep won his 2009 debut at Woodbine on Oct. 17 going a mile and 70 yards. He was timed in 1:42.54 after coming from fifth, 3 1/2 lengths back, to win by a neck.
Back at Woodbine in November, Hotep finished fifth, beaten five lengths, in the 1 1/8-mile Coronation Futurity.
ICE BOX (KY) Trainer: Nick Zito
Owner: Robert LaPenta
Breeder: Denlea Park, Ltd.
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Pulpit (A.P. Indy, Preach)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Spice Island (Tabasco Cat, Crown of Sheba)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-6-11-0-0 (24) 3.36
Foal Date: March 29, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $125,000
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
The Grade II Fountain of Youth appears the logical next step on the schedule of Ice Box.
On Jan. 30, ICE BOX breezed four in :51.00 (33/50) at PMM.
On Feb. 6, ICE BOX breezed four in :49.40 (24/51) at PMM.
Jan. 18, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. The winner was Ice Box (6-1), ridden by John Velazquez. He tracked the leaders three-wide just a length back, while Pleasant Prince (3-1) saved ground in fourth under Elvis Trujillo. Pleasant Prince made the first move and took the lead from second choice co-pacesetter Positive Split in the far turn, with Ice Box still in pursuit. In the final strides, Ice Box got up on the outside for the win, prevailing by a half-length. The final time was 1:50.36.
It turned into a two-horse race that did not include Launch N Relaunch (favored at 3-2), who finished last--and not really a close last--after repeatedly getting in tight quarters under Jose Lezcano while up close in the bactstretch in a five-horse field. By the time the field got into the far turn, he was done.
Ice Box won once in four starts, and the win came in his fourth start, which came at a mile and 70 yards--his first time going two turns--on Oct. 30 at Meadowlands. His time in that race was 1:41.97, and his odds were 4-5.
One race back, a mile at Belmont Park, Ice Box finished fourth to Rule, beaten 7 3/4 lengths. Aikenite defeated him by 10 lengths in his debut at Saratoga.
Feb. 7, Hallandale Beach Stakes, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/16 Mile (T). Bim Bam outbobbed Interactif at the finish line to win by a nose. Bim Bam took a narrow lead over Interactif early in the race with moderate fractions, and the two battled it out down the stretch. Eibar Coa was on Bim Bam, and Kent Desormeaux rode Interactif. Fractions--:24.60, :49.91, 1:14.11, 1:36.46, 1:42.07.
Kent Desormeaux: “Was it the trip I wanted? Yes. It went very well. But I’m shocked. I didn’t think I could get beat from the quarter-pole.”
Bim Bam's trainer said he'd be kept on grass. No word yet on plans for Interactif.
Jan. 12 NOTE: The Santa Anita Derby has been mentioned as a long-range plan.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Sept. 4, Grade III With Anticipation Stakes, Saratoga, 1 1/16 Mile (T). After a dirt win in his June debut at Monmouth and a badly failed effort on dirt going one turn in the Sanford on July 30, Interactif wore them out in this one. At 15-1 odds, he stayed close to the pace, then rallied three-wide on the turn to take over at the top of the stretch and pulled away to a 4 1/4-length victory over favored Jung Man Scott (2-1).
Paddy O' Prado (2-1) closed from last only to be nosed out for the place.
Ridden by Kent Desormeaux, Interactif stayed just behind fractions of :23.87 and :48.99 set by Mississippi Hippie, then swung widest of all to grab the lead as the field of nine straightened for home, hitting the wire in 1:41.41 over a turf course rated “firm.”
Todd Pletcher, trainer: “It wasn’t the plan (to try him on the turf) until he worked on the grass the other day. I thought he worked exceptionally well, and he has a little turf pedigree on the bottom side. He was a colt that had shown talent, but we thought maybe we were missing a step. It’s nice when they produce the way you hoped they would – I was impressed with the margin he won by and the way he kicked through the lane.”
Kent Desormeaux: “I think this is a very serious horse. He gave me a serious ride. When I asked him to run, he exploded. He was just floating along the course. His ears were up and he was focused. He was watching where he was going and paying attention to what was in front of him. I was fearful about him being aggressive since he was coming out of those sprint races. Todd knew he would enjoy the grass, and I am appreciative of the opportunity to ride him.”
Oct. 4, Pilgrim Stakes, Belmont Park, One Mile (T). Interactif was scratched when the race came off the turf.
Oct. 11, Grade III Bourbon Stakes, Keeneland, 1 1/16 Mile (T). Moving from next-to-last to first, Interactif went wide from the backstretch to the wire to win the 1 1/16-mile, Grade III Bourbon Stakes going away--and guarantee himself a place in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf.
Away slowly at the guidance of Kent Desormeaux on the yielding turf course at Keeneland, Interactif and Desormeaux found themselves looking at the back of 10 horses entering on the backstretch. With nowhere to go but outside, Desormeaux asked Interactif as they approached the far turn, and he responded with an extended run.
At even-money odds, Interactif was the clear betting favorite. He returned $4.00 to win. The final time was 1:45.24. The opening fractions were not fast--:23.25, :47.75 and 1:13.88. Interactif ran a long way to get this win. Trackus recorded his distance as 5,726 feet, or 116 feet longer than 1 1/16 mile. Put another way, it's about 1 1/12 mile.
Codoy, at the opposite end of the odds spectrum, finished a strong closing second, beaten a length, at 57-1. Family Foundation, at 7-1, was a non-threatening third.
Kent Desormeaux, rider of winner Interactif: “The only fearful moments I had, the first 40 yards leaving the gate, he leapt like a Quarter Horse. He was just looking straight down the track and wanted to run. After that moment in time, he came back to me and got in a nice canter and tried to inch to the leaders. He was attentive to me after that, and, of course, he can really, really run so I’m lucky to have the mount.”
Todd Pletcher, trainer of winner Interactif: “The great thing about winning first time out going five-eighths (of a mile) is we know he’s got a big turn of foot. Just trying to get him to settle, teach him how to run a proper turf race. I was a little worried about the ground today; he’s never run on soft ground, but he handled that well, also. We’re really excited about him.
“He broke his maiden first time out on the dirt. We ran him back in the Sanford at Saratoga, and he kinda got involved in a speed duel. We weren’t sure what to do after that. I worked him on the grass one morning at Saratoga, and I knew what to do after that.”
Nov. 7, Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, Santa Anita, One Mile (T). Interactif didn't close by a mile this time--instead, he got right into the race. Facing really good competition, he finished third, beaten less than a length by Pounced. Bridgetown, who set the pace, was second.
Todd Pletcher: “It’s always easy after a race to figure things out. In retrospect, maybe we should have put the pressure on earlier, but if we picked it up, (Bridgetown) would have picked it up too, so it probably would have been the same result. I think the post hurt us a little bit. We were pushed four-wide into the first turn, but from post 11 we got a decent trip. We just couldn’t quicken enough in the last part.”
Kent Desormeaux: “We quickened so fast going into the turn that I couldn’t quite compensate for the turn, and that left some room for the others. I hope this horse can ‘dirt’ because he acts like he wants to be my Derby horse.”
Dec. 31 NOTE: Interactif shows no workouts since Breeders' Cup.
Bought in bulk transaction.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 15, KETTLE RIVER worked four in :48.20 (7/30) at SA.
On Jan. 25, KETTLE RIVER worked five in :59.20 (1/73) at HOL.
On Feb. 1, KETTLE RIVER worked five in :59.80 (12/60) at SA.
Jan. 6, Allowance, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Kettle River ran down a pair of better-bet colts when scoring an 10-1 upset. With Brice Blanc in the saddle, Kettle River closed strongly to cover the distance in 1:43.76 while holding off the late charge of Hawaiian Springs by three-quarters of a length.
Bob Baffert’s The Program, the 6-5 favorite who was fourth in the CashCall Futurity, finished third, just a nose behind Hawaiian Springs following a wide journey. It was another 1 1/2 length back to 5-2 second choice Quiet Invader, another Baffert entrant who led the field into the stretch with good fractions of :24.11, :47.91 and 1:12.64. Kettle River was fifth after a half-mile.
Kettle River was the fifth choice in a field of seven.
Trainer Harty: "He's always been the best I've got for Darley. Ever since he broke his maiden, he's gotten better and better. I've really liked his last three works. I felt confident but it was a salty spot for an allowance race."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Kettle River raced twice, winning once at on firm turf at Hollywood Park going 1 1/6 mile. He was timed in 1:42.77. From Bloodhorse.com: "Full Effect went to the lead early, but Saintly Seoul and Kettle River were up there as well. Full Effect gave it up after six furlongs and Kettle River moved to the lead."
In his first outing, on a sloppy track at Saratoga, Kettle River finished well up the track.
Dec. 27 NOTE: Kettle River worked five furlongs at Santa Anita.
LENTENOR (KY) Trainer: Michael Matz
Owner: Roy and Gretchen Jackson
Breeder: Roy and Gretchen Jackson
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Dynaformer (Roberto, Andover Way)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): La Ville Rouge (Carson City, La Reine Rouge)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 14-8-21-2-1 (46) 2.41
Foal Date: April 20, 2007
Homebred full brother to Barbaro.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Feb. 6, LENTENOR worked three in :36.80 (8/11) at PMM.
Jan. 20, Maiden Special Weight, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/16 Mile (T).Lentenor broke his maiden at Gulfstream Park by a convincing margin in his third career start. The race was on turf. Lentenor was the even-money favorite.
Stalking the pace, Lentenor made his bid for the lead under John Velazquez as they neared the stretch, and the son of Dynaformer kicked away nicely from the field. Person of Interest rallied to be second while Bigshot finished third. Lentenor cleared the field by 3 1/2 lengths and was timed in 1:41.02.
“We’ve always known he was a good horse," Matz said. "He’s a big boy, a still a bit immature, but he got a lot of experience today. He’d been working well. We’ll see how he comes out of it and take a little time to evaluate what might be next. It could be an ‘a other than’ or maybe even a turf stakes if we think he’s up to it. Naturally with a horse like this, there are thoughts of a Triple Crown race, but it’s much too early to say whether he’d be far enough long to consider something like that. Naturally, I’m very pleased with how he ran today."
Jan. 16 NOTE: Lentenor was entered, but was also-eligible, in a turf allowance at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 15. He did not make it into the race.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Lentenor finished third in his debut over Keeneland's Polytrack during the Fall meet.
Nov. 27 NOTE: "He came out of his first race fine and we're really excited for (the next one)," said trainer Matz. "I think he'll be fine on the dirt, too, but (the next race) was one of our last chances of the year to run on the turf. It looks like a pretty tough group, though."
His future on dirt? "We're just going to take it race by race. I'm sure he'll handle any surface," Matz said.
Nov. 28, Maiden Special Weight, Aqueduct, 1 1/16 Mile (T). As noted, this was Lentenor's first time on the grass. Both Barbaro (by 81/2 lengths) and full brother Nicanor (by 15 1/4 lengths) broke their maidens in their first turf tries.
Lentenor, however, finished a good second, beaten a half-length by On Vacation, who tripped the wire in 1:45.92 on a surface rated good. Ten ran. Lentenor tracked the winner throughout the race after bobbling at the break. He was midpack until finishing well leaving the second turn.
Dec. 28 NOTE: Lentenor breezed four furlongs at Palm Meadows.
LEOTHELION (KY) Trainer: Mike Puype
Owner: Chacon, Paul S. Chacon & Little Red Feather Racing
Breeder: Kirk Wycoff
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Lion Heart (Tale of the Cat, Satin Sunrise)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Rodeo Fan (Tactical Advantage, Coalition Force)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-1-7-0-0 (12) 2.43
Foal Date: May 10, 2007
Fasig Tipton February 2009: $150,000
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 23, Maiden Special Weight, Santa Anita, Seven Furlongs. Five horses were scratched from this race after the track had been closed with heavy rains and drainage problems all week, leaving Leothelion, Close to the Edge, Maybe Yes and Let's Go Indian.
Leothelion defeated Close to the Edge by 2 1/2 lengths, with the third finisher another 1 3/4 lengths back. The winner was timed in 1:22.70 under Joe Talamo.
The race turned out simply. Close to the Edge and Michael Baze took the lead with Leothelion stalking back a length on the outside. At the furlong marker, Close to the Edge held a 1 1/2-length advantage, but Leothelion had some saved up and drew off for the win.
Initial splits were :22.98, :46.31 and 1:10.09.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
In two starts, Leothelion finished second once and was off the board once.
The Grade II Risen Star on Feb. 20 would be the next step for Letsgetitonmon unless he's shipped out of town.
On Feb. 1, LETSGETITONMON breezed four in :51.80 (96/120) at FG.
Jan. 23, Grade III Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. Letsgetitonmon closed from eighth in the early going to finish third, beaten two lengths.
Maximus Ruler, the betting choice at 2-1, finished second after leading through fractions of :23.42, :46.80 and 1:12.27.
But it was Ron the Greek (7-1) and James Graham who passed all but one horse in the stretch run of the 10-horse Lecomte to win going away. In the early going, Ron the Greek was 16 lengths behind pacesetter Maximus Ruler. The one mile, 40 yards was timed in 1:40.09.
Letsgetitonmon (18-1) hit the wire third after also coming from well back in the field, 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.
Jockey Shaun Bridgmohan (Letsgetitonmon, third): “He finished really well. He was a little bit further back early on, but when I asked him down the lane, I had to weave my way through traffic and he really finished up well. I think he’s a three-year-old that each time they lead him over here he keeps getting better and better. He’s moving in the right direction and he tries hard.”
Scott Blasi, assistant trainer (Letsgetitonmon): “Letsgetitonmon is another horse who moved forward yesterday. With 3-year-olds at this time of year, if they keep performing well and showing improvement each time, you just let them keep doing that until they find their level.
“For instance, take a horse like Soul Warrior last year,” said Blasi. “He kept improving and went on to win the $750,000 West Virginia Derby. There’s nothing wrong with that. The point is, at this time of year, you just have to let them show you what they can do.”
Jan. 3, Allowance, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. Letsgetitonmon rallied from ninth place to finish third--however, Stay Put rallied from last of ten to win. Meanwhile, Worldly, prominent throughout, stayed on for the place. The winner was timed in 1:40.67 and prevailed over Worldly by a length and over Letsgetitonmon by three lengths. Shaun Bridgmohan rode Letsgetitonmon.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Letsgetitonmon was a relatively healthy horse as a juvenile--he was raced seven times.
He broke his maiden third time out going seven furlongs at Arlington Park after a pair of sixth-place finishes at Keeneland and Churchill Downs. Another race on synthetic at Arlington, the Spectacular Bid, saw him fifth.
That led to three turf tries, capped off by a start in Churchill Downs' Grand Canyon in November. First time on turf was at Arlington--second. Moved to Keeneland--fifth on a yielding track after checking and bobbling at the start. And in the Grand Canyon--fifth after bobbling at the start.
LOST APTITUDE (KY) Trainer: Dale Romans
Owner: Michael J. Bruder & Frank Jones, Jr.
Breeder: Scott E. Ricker & Richard S. Kaster
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Aptitude (A.P. Indy, Dokki)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Mystery Code (Lost Code, Valgravya)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-6-13-0-0 (24) 2.69
Foal Date: Feb. 28, 2007
Keeneland September 2008 :$60,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 7 NOTE: Absence from the worktab since Jan. 25 is noted.
Jan. 26 NOTE: Lost Aptitude considered possible for the Feb. 20 Fountain of Youth. His worktab shows a missed work, but it's possible clockers missed it, not Lost Aptitude. You never know for sure.
Jan. 12 NOTE: Lost Aptitude is being readied for the Feb. 20 Fountain of Youth Stakes at 1 1/8 mile. "I was very disappointed that he got beat at Calder, although he showed me enough in the race to give him a shot against the big boys to see if he handles the dirt in the Fountain of Youth," trainer Romans told DRF.com.
On Jan. 11, LOST APTITUDE breezed four in :50.80 (21/33) at GP.
On Jan. 25, LOST APTITUDE worked five on a good track in 1:00.80 (10/19) at GP.
Jan. 1, Grade III Tropical Park Derby, Calder, 1 1/8 Mile (T). Fly By Phil was the upset 23-1 winner over favored Lost Aptitude, who was sent off at 4-5. Lost Aptitude lost by a head to the winner, who was timed in 1:52.89 over a yielding turf course. It was the first turf start for Fly By Phil.
Lost Aptitude set the pace, marking splits of :24.03, :50.16, 1:15.49 and 1:40.35. Fly By Phil came from just back of that one to win. The chart call: Lost Aptitude "bumped between rivals at the start, set the pace racing off the hedge, then drifted out through the stretch and just failed to last."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
This colt won three of his first five starts, including the Grand Canyon at Churchill Downs. All five starts came on the turf, and all three wins were at a mile to a mile and a sixteenth.
Nov. 28, Grand Canyon Handicap, Churchill Downs, 1 1/16 Mile (T). Lost Aptitude went right to the lead and won by 5 1/4 lengths over Thunder Perfect, with Car Park third. Jon Court rode the winner on firm turf, timed in 1:42.69.
MAXIMUS RULER (KY) Trainer: Clark Hanna
Owner: Don L. Benge
Breeder: Hargus Sexton & Sandra Sexton
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Roman Ruler (Fusaichi Pegasus, Silvery Swan)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Lost Love (Lost Code, Flirting)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-2-4-0-0 (12) 5.00
Foal Date: Feb. 8, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: RNA $20,000.
“He came right after a sale-topper and he didn’t bring very much money,” trainer Hanna said on Jan. 9. “Mr. Sexton didn’t want to let him go for that cheap so I asked him what he wanted for him. He told me and I said, ‘Sold.’ You could tell he was a big, bulky colt and you could see he had a lot of filling out to do.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Feb. 6, MAXIMUS RULER breezed four in :48.20 (5/76) at FG.
Jan. 28 NOTE: Maximus Ruler exited the Lecomte fine after finishing second and is pointing to the Grade II Risen Star on Feb. 20. "All is well, and he's not as tired as I thought he would be," trainer Hanna said. "We sent him back to the racetrack to jog (Tuesday) because I wanted that energy to go in a positive way. I think he will improve off that race, and I'm hoping next time we're not on the front end going 46."
Jan. 23, Grade III Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. Maximus Ruler, the betting choice at 2-1, finished second after leading through fractions of :23.42, :46.80 and 1:12.27 under Francisco Torres.
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.
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.
Francisco Torres (Maximus Ruler, second): “He broke well. He relaxed and placed himself on a very comfortable lead. He responded to my urging and kept driving. I was pleased with his effort. When I called on him, he exploded. I don’t think he saw the winner, he was so far away from him. First time going around two turns, he has a lot of room to improve.”
Trainer Hanna (Maximus Ruler): “I thought it was a great effort. I thought he was hooked for most of the way around there, and obviously he was fresh being on the front end like he was. He got tested every step of the way. He took on all foes except for one. Maybe the trainer didn’t have him fit enough coming off the layoff, but he cooled out well, and if all’s well tomorrow, we’ll be looking to come back in a few weeks in the next one.”
Jan. 9 NOTE: “He’ll be in, and if all goes well, we plan on running in all three,” trainer Hanna said on Jan. 9, referring to the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby. “If you watch his replays, he’s still learning how to run. Over the past 30 days, he’s starting to drop his head. We changed equipment on him just to train with, and I think that helped, and then for the breeze I switched back to what he raced in and he seemed to drop his head.”
Jan. 10 NOTE: Trainer Hanna said the Jan. 2 breeze was a five-furlong move in 59.40. A stout gallop-out reportedly compelled clockers to officially list it as six furlongs. Hanna described the effort as a “walk in the park.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Maximus Ruler debuted at Churchill Downs in a six-furlong maiden special weight on Nov. 14, finishing third by a head despite a dreadful trip at 52-1.
Maximus Ruler broke his maiden second time out. It came at Churchill Downs on Nov. 28 in an allowance race. He won by a length, timed in 1:35.94 for the mile under Francisco Torres. Guy's Reward was second, and the third finisher was another 5 1/2 lengths back.
“He was ready to run back when I wanted him to run back,” trainer Hanna said on Jan. 9. “I knew I wasn’t going to get in the maiden race because of the way the date system worked there. It was the only spot I could go in other than the stake. Cisco said the last part of it he was just kind of sitting on him, not using him, and that was coming back on a two-week turnaround."
MOOJAB (KY) Trainer: Danny Peitz
Owner: Shadwell Stable
Breeder: Coffee Pot Stable and Roy V. Chapman Rev. Trust
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Smarty Jones (Elusive Quality, I'll Get Along)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Rebridled Dreams (Unbridled's Song, Key Cents)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-5-5-0-0 (14) 4.60
Foal Date: Jan. 30, 2007
Keeneland November 2007: $200,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Feb. 7, MOOJAB breezed five in 1:01.00 (1/45) at OP.
Jan. 23, Allowance, Oaklawn Park, Six Furlongs. The track was sloppy/sealed. Moojab was the 4-5 favorite, but he lost by 1 1/2 length to Backwater Blues. Overthehump was second by a neck.
Overthehump was soon on the lead in this race. Meanwhile, Backwater Blues was a fairly-close fourth, with Moojab tracking him. Backwater Blues easily got the jump on Moojab after being steadied a bit on the turn. He dueled with Overthehump in the stretch. Moojab showed some late interest, perhaps with the next race on some people's minds.
Trainer Peitz the following day: “He came back okay. Everything looks okay. We’ll get back to the track and see. He’s none the worse for wear, though.
"We’re a little disappointed. He ran a little green through the lane. He ducked in, came out, then drifted back in, but he just didn’t have that turn of foot late. But he handled the mud fine. He never worked in the mud in New York, and he hasn’t worked here in the off going."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Son of the 2004 Kentucky Derby winner won at Aqueduct on Oct. 31 in his sole 2-year-old start. Going six furlongs, his time was 1:10.40. He closed from eighth and won by four.
Dec. 30 NOTE: Moojab breezed five furlongs at Oaklawn Park.
NEXTDOORNEIGHBOR (FL) Trainer: Mike Machowsky
Owner: Amerman Racing Stables LLC
Breeder: John Amerman & Jerry Amerman
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Lido Palace (CHI) (
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Fencelineneighbor (Wild Rush,
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-0-2-0-0 (4) 3.00
Foal Date: March 7, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 28 NOTE: "I was anxious to try him two turns," trainer Machowsky said to DRF.com. "The mile and an eighth won't hurt him. I think he'll fit with the jump in class."
Jan. 26 NOTE: Nextdoorneighbor is being pointed to the Grade III Sham Stakes on Feb. 27. Before this, Nextdoorneighbor was reportedly being pointed to the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park in February.
Jan. 25 NOTE: "It was a very impressive win," said winning trainer Machowsky, who also conditioned Nextdoorneighbor’'s graded stakes-winning dam Fencelineneighbor. "He's a big horse, like she is, and put together very well. He has all the assets she had, and he's always acted like a very talented horse."
Jan. 24, Maiden Special Weigth, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Nextdoorneighbor won by four lengths in his first race around two turns. Under Rafael Bejarano, Nextdoorneighbor sat just behind the pace set by Exfusion for six furlongs (:23.62, ;48.14, 1:13.09), then took over at the top of the stretch and drew off. He was ahead at a mile in 1:37.62 and finished in 1:43.84, so he was motoring at the end.
He was bet at 6-5. Seven ran.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Nextdoorneighbor raced twice.
First time out, he finished second by three parts of a length to Twirling Candy going seven furlongs at Hollywood Park on Nov. 14. Second time out and racing 6 1/2 furlongs, he finished fourth to Concord Point, Leothelion and Ziggy's Stardust, beaten 2 3/4 lengths, at Santa Anita on opening day, Dec. 26.
Rafael Bejarano rode Nextdoorneighbor in each of those starts.
ODYSSEUS (KY) Trainer: Tom Albertrani
Owner: Padua Stables
Breeder: Haymarket Farm & Lakemont Stable
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Malibu Moon (A.P. Indy, Macoumba)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Persimmon Hil (Conquistador Cielo, Rose O'Riley)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 11-5-14-4-0 (34) 2.09
Foal Date: Jan. 28, 2007
Fasig Tipton August 2008: $110,000; OBS 2-Year-Olds in Training 2009: $250,000
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 25, ODYSSEUS breezed five in 1:03.00 (11/13) at PMM.
On Jan. 31, ODYSSEUS worked five in 1:01.20 (11/30) at PMM.
On Feb. 7, ODYSSEUS breezed five in 1:01.20 (18/53) at PMM.
Jan. 14, Maiden Special Weight, Gulfstream Park, Seven Furlongs. Odysseus defeated what some called a strong field of maidens. Timed in 1:22.83, Odysseus prompted the pace from the rail and won by a half-length over Forward Harch and Nadal under Rajiv Maragh.
"We always liked Odysseus from the beginning and that was a nice effort on Thursday, since it was a pretty loaded field he beat," said trainer Albertrani. "We'll try him at the next allowance level at either a mile or around two turns and just assess him as he goes along."
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Odysseus finished second to Moojab in his debut, and only race at age two. That came at Aqueduct on Oct. 31. He came from ninth, about eight lengths off the pace in the six furlong race.
OVERCOMMUNICATION (KY) Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Repole Stable
Breeder: B. Wayne Hughes
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Unbridled's Song (Unbridled, Trolley Song)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Jealous Forum (Open Forum, Jealous Appeal)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-8-7-1-2 (24) 2.69
Foal Date: March 18, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $235,000
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 6, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, One Mile. Overcommunication, at 2-1, finished last of eight after running mid-pack down the backstretch. He was done in the turn.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Overcommunication won his December by five lengths under a hand ride. He was timed in 1:13.68 on a track rated fast while ridden by Ramon Dominguez.
PEPPI KNOWS (KY) Trainer: Samuel J. Keyrouze
Owner: Philip, J. Messina
Breeder: G. Watts Humphrey Jr.
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Stephen Got Even (A.P. Indy, Immerse)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Miracle Worker (Seeking the Gold, Heart of Joy)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-6-17-0-0 (30) 2.53
Foal Date: March 31, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $7,000.
Peppi Knows is a gelding.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 7 NOTE: Peppi Knows' next race will be the Grade III Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct on March 6 if all goes well for him.
Feb. 6, Whirlaway Stakes, Aqueduct, 1 1/16 Mile. 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.
Timothy Kreiser, winning trainer: “Everything went well, obviously what happened with (Eightfiveinafifty), I don’t know. It helped things, I guess, maybe it didn’t. It would have been nice to see that horse run just to see what we had there. We can’t do anything about that, he ran his race, and we’re really happy. The rider did everything perfect. He didn’t rush him, he just settled him down. With that horse out --that’s what all the talk was about--so if he’s out of it, you think you have a heck of a chance. We took advantage of it.”
Richard Migliore, winning jockey: “It worked out real good for us. We got to save ground when the other horse didn’t make the turn. He’s just a real nice handy little horse. He’s not a whole lot to look at, but he has a big heart. Anytime he felt the presence of the other horse, he ran on a little more. I just hope Jorge’s alright.”
Jan. 2, Count Fleet Stakes, Aqueduct, One Mile 70 Yards. Peppi Knows was scratched.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
In his first four races, among other things, Peppi Knows won the six-furlong Finger Lakes Juvenile Stakes and was third in the 6 1/2-furlong Fitz Dixon Jr. Memorial Juvenile Stakes at Presque Isle Downs.
Nov. 28, Grade II Remsen Stakes, Aqueduct, 1 1/8 Mile. Peppi Knows finished second at 20-1 odds, beaten 4 3/4 lengths by Buddy's Saint, regarded at the time as perhaps the best 2-year-old in the East. The third finisher, Citrus Kid, was another 2 1/4 lengths back.
The placing took the record of Peppi Knows to three wins in five starts, with a second, a third and earnings of $118,400.
Peppi Knows was fifth in the early going. The chart call: Peppi Knows "tucked in along the rail in the early stages, was reserved for five furlongs while saving ground, swung four wide while gaining on the turn...(sic) chased after the winner in upper stretch but was no match for that one while clearly best of the others."
The remaining finish of the field was, in order, Fudge Truffle, Homeboykris and Grand Rapport.
Dec. 24 NOTE: Peppi Knows worked a mile in 1:42.80 at Penn National.
PLEASANT PRINCE (FL) Trainer: Wesley Ward
Owner: Kenneth L. & Sarah K. Ramsey
Breeder: Adena Springs
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Indy King (A.P. Indy, Queena)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Archduchess (Pleasant Tap, My Marchesa)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-9-16-1-1 (34) 2.40
Foal Date: Feb. 9, 2007
Ocala Breeders' Sales Company 2008: $30,000
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 31, PLEASANT PRINCE breezed five in 1:04.80 (39/39) at GP.
On Feb. 6, PLEASANT PRINCE breezed five on a good track in 1:01.00 (7/21) at GP.
Jan. 28 NOTE: Next start: the Grade II Fountain of Youth on Feb. 20. Trainer Ward decided not to accompany Cannonball to a stakes race in Australia, saying he wants to stay home with Pleasant Prince. "I don't want to get too far from him at the moment," Ward told DRF.com.
Jan. 18, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. The winner was Ice Box (6-1), ridden by John Velazquez. He tracked the leaders three-wide just a length back, while Pleasant Prince (3-1) saved ground in fourth under Elvis Trujillo. Pleasant Prince made the first move and took the lead from second choice co-pacesetter Positive Split in the far turn, with Ice Box still in pursuit. In the final strides, Ice Box got up on the outside for the win, prevailing by a half-length. The final time was 1:50.36.
It turned into a two-horse race that did not include Launch N Relaunch (favored at 3-2), who finished last--and not really a close last--after repeatedly getting in tight quarters under Jose Lezcano while up close in the bactstretch in a five-horse field. By the time the field got into the far turn, he was done.
Jan. 7, Allowance Gulfstream Park, One Mile. Eskendreya won this race on the lead. Meanwhile, Pleasant Prince started slowly, in tenth after a quarter of the race. From there he was four wide and tired to a fifth-place finish, beaten eight lengths.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Pleasant Prince had a win and a show in three starts. His win came third time out in a one-mile maiden race at Churchill Downs on Nov. 20. He was timed in 1:38.60 and prevailed by a length. Julien Leparoux handled the reins, closing fast from an early ninth for the win.
PLEASANT STORM (OK) Trainer: Joe Petalino
Owner: Vickie Fixley
Breeder: Vickie Fixley
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Pleasant Tap (Pleasant Colony, Never Knock)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Burning Fever (Stormin Fever, Firey Prospect)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-10-11-2-3 (28) 1.67
Foal Date: April 13, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Feb. 7, PLEASANT STORM breezed six in 1:13.20 (1/4) at LAD.
Jan. 19 NOTE: Pleasant Storm will be pointed to the Southwest Stakes.
Jan. 18, Smarty Jones Stakes, Oaklawn Park, One Mile. Pleasant Storm (7-1) trailed the entire field of 12 down the backstretch. He made an impressive outside move around the far turn and closed well to finish second under Bryan McNeil.
Dryfly, sent off at 8-5 as the favorite, sure was the best. Under Calvin Borel, he was sent to the lead off the bat and stayed there. After building an unbeatable margin, he was ridden out to a 2 1/4-length win after Calvin reminded him to keep running.
Dryfly was timed in 1:41.69 after setting initial splits of :23.35, :47.65, 1:13.75 and 1:27.70. The track at Oaklawn was said to be very slow at the start of the meet.
"I really liked his race. That was awful good first time around two turns. He's got a big stride."--Trainer Petalino, quoted at DRF.com
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Pleasant Storm's most notable achievement as a juvenile was winning the Oklahoma Classics Juvenile Stakes going six furlongs at Remington Park. That came in his second and final start of the year on Nov. 20. He broke his maiden at first asking at Remington.
PULSION (FL) Trainer: Patrick Biancone
Owner: Flying Zee Stables, Kona Stables, Hui, Et Al
Breeder: Lloyd Carnes & Lisa Carnes
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Include (Broad Brush, Illeria (CAN))
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Spring (Stravinsky, Spinnin Cannon)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-8-15-1-0 (28) 2.29
Foal Date: Feb. 14, 2007
OBS 2007 Fall Mixed Sale: $60,000.
Fasig-Tipton Kentucky 2008 Yearling Sale: $200,000
OBS 2009 2-Year-Olds in Training: $250,000
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 31, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, 1 1/8 Mile. Pulsion was scratched. He is said to have had a cough. When he was entered for this race, he was still said to be gearing for the Fountain of Youth.
Jan. 6 NOTE: Pulsion is in South Florida and is being pointed to the Fountain of Youth on Feb. 20.
On Jan. 6, PULSION breezed four in :49.40 (21/32) at GP.
On Jan. 13, PULSION breezed five in 1:01.00 (4/19) at GP.
On Jan. 20, PULSION worked six in 1:12.0 (1/3) at GP.
On Jan. 28, PULSION breezed four from the gate in :48.40 (11/21) at GP.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Pulsion had a win and a second in three starts going into the Norfolk, breaking his maiden third time out.
Oct. 4, Grade II Norfolk Stakes, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Lookin At Lucky won the $300,000, Grade I Norfolk Stakes by 1 3/4 lengths, taking his fourth race in as many starts at 4-5 odds. Under Garrett Gomez, Lookin At Lucky ran 1 1-16 mile in 1:43.11.
Pulsion, trained by Patrick Biancone, came from the outside post and closed hard in the field of 11 to finish second, while Gallant Gent was another half-length back in third. Jung Man Scott and John Scott finished in a dead heat for fourth.
Mike Smith, who rode Pulsion, hailed Lookin At Lucky.
"Forget about the winner being the best 2-year-old on the West Coast," he said. "I think the best 2-year-old in the country won the race, and we weren't far off of him. So if he can improve, who knows?
“We wanted to run one-two-three, and we got second. I thought I had a great trip from the 12 hole. This colt has a lot to learn, but he’s learning. He gets to where he starts and stops a few times too many, but he’s learning. I think he’ll be more honest next time. We’ll hone down on him a little more, tighten the screws a little more, and I think he’ll be right there."
Nov. 7, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Pulsion sustained a deep laceration of the hind pastern in the Juvenile and finished eleventh of 13. The injury probably happened on the first turn, when several horses, including Pulsion, were being knocked around.
QUIET INVADER (MD) Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Lanni Family Trust and Bernard Schiappa
Breeder: Hickory Ridge Farm
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Songandaprayer (Unbridled's Song, Alizea)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Beach Bunny (Storm Bird (CAN), Jewel in My Crown (CAN))
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-7-8-0-0 (20) 4.00
Foal Date: May 3, 2007
Keeneland April 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale: $370,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 29, QUIET INVADER worked five in :59.80 (10/25) at SA.
On Feb. 4, QUIET INVADER breezed six in 1:12.20 (2/8) at SA.
Jan. 6, Allowance, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Quiet Invader set the pace but could not hold on. He finished fourth.
Kettle River ran down a pair of better-bet colts when scoring an 10-1 upset. With Brice Blanc in the saddle, Kettle River closed strongly to cover the distance in 1:43.76 while holding off the late charge of Hawaiian Springs by three-quarters of a length.
The Program, the 6-5 favorite who was fourth in the CashCall Futurity, finished third, just a nose behind Hawaiian Springs following a wide journey. It was another 1 1/2 length back to 5-2 second choice Quiet Invader, another Baffert entrant who led the field into the stretch with good fractions of :24.11, :47.91 and 1:12.64. PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Quiet Invader raced twice at six furlongs, both times at Hollywood Park. Beaten by a nose first time out, he won by two lengths over Close to the Edge the second time. His time: 1:08.98.
Dec. 30 NOTE: Quiet Invader worked five furlongs at Santa Anita.
RADIOHEAD (GB) Trainer: ---------- Owner: IEAH Stables, Pegasus Holding Group, Carmen Burrell & Jonathan Harvey
Breeder: Redmyre Bloodstock & S. Hillen
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Johannesburg (Hennessy, Myth)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Security Interest (Belong to Me, She's Got the Facts)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-4-9-0-0 (16) 2.56
Foal Date: April 26, 2007
Prior to IEAH/Pegusus purchase: Tattersall's October 2008 Yearling Sale: $143,038.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 15 NOTE: After a couple of three-furlongs works at Gulfstream Park in late December, Radiohead hasn't been seen on the worktab.
On Jan. 17, RADIOHEAD breezed four on firm turf in :56.80 (7/9) at GP.
On Jan. 23, RADIOHEAD breezed five on a good track in 1:01.20 (9/20) at GP.
On Jan. 30, RADIOHEAD breezed four in :52.00 (42/43) at GP.
On Feb. 5, RADIOHEAD breezed five in 1:02.80 (19/22) at GP.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Radiohead won the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Ascot going five furlongs back in June. That was his third start--he'd broken his maiden second time out on May 18. He followed that up with a third in a Group 1 and a fourth in a Group 2. All those races were on the turf.
Oct. 2, Group 1 Shadwell Middle Park Stakes, Newmarket, Six Furlongs (T). The undefeated Awzaan scored his fourth straight win, and his second straight over Radiohead, hitting the wire 3/4 length ahead of Radiohead. Trainer Brian Meehan said Radiohead, a son of 2001 Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Johannesburg, may be headed to Santa Anita.
Nov. 7, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. At 10-1 odds under Martin Dwyer, Radiohead broke alright from post 11 but was outrun early after being checked on the first turn. Twelfth of 13 for the first six furlongs, he finished willingly and hit the wire seventh, beaten only four lengths by winner Vale of York.
Dec. 24 NOTE: Radiohead remained in the U.S. and eventually was sent to South Florida. He was seen putting in a three-furlong workout on Christmas Eve at Gulfstream Park.
Dec. 30 NOTE: Radiohead breezed three furlongs at Gulfstream Park.
RANGER HEARTLEY (KY) Trainer: John Sadler
Owner: David and Herb Alpert
Breeder: Stoneview Farm Inc.
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Lost Soldier (Danzig, Lady Winborne)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Deputy G. G. (Silver Deputy, Pandora Queen)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-7-12-0-1 (24) 2.43
Foal Date: Feb. 14, 2007
Tune up your trumpet. Herb Alpert is a co-owner.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Jan. 31, RANGER HEARTLEY worked five in :59.00 (4/93) at SA.
Jan. 16, California Derby, Golden Gate Fields, 1 1/16 Mile. Connemara, at 3-5 odds, bobbled at the start but soon got into contention down the backstretch. However, that slow start cost him, and while Russell Baze got after him in the stretch, he lost by three parts of a length, which is pretty much the same the distance that separated the two at the furlong marker.
Meanwhile, up front, Ranger Heartley (5-1) got away with soft fractions of :24.20, :49.90 and 1:14.37. After a mile in 1:39.01, he had enough left in the tank and finished up just where he started--in front--in 1:45.40 under Julio Garcia.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
With eight starts, Ranger Heartley won three and finished on the board one other time. His maiden-breaker came fourth time out going six furlongs at Del Mar--his longest distance to date. That was a maiden claiming race, the same as his first three. Trainer Sadler had claimed him out of his third start.
In his sixth start, going a mile for the first time, he won by a dozen in a starter allowance at Santa Anita, and was then moved up to straight allowance company at Santa Anita and Hollywood. That resulted in a third-place finish and a win at 1 1/16-mile distances. His time in that 1 1/16-mile win was 1:43.46.
SCHOOLYARD DREAMS Trainer: Derek Ryan
Owner: Eric Fein and Anthony Mattola
Breeder: John E. Little
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Stephen Got Even (A.P. Indy, Immerse)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Hear This (Prospector's Music, Lullaby Lady)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-5-14-0-0 (26) 2.71
Foal Date: May 8, 2007
A private purchase, Schoolyard Dreams was RNA'd for $8,500 at Keeneland September 2008.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 26 NOTE: Schoolyard Dreams is still set for the Sam F. Davis. on Feb. 13. "We worked Schoolyard Dreams, in blinkers and he seemed more focused. Danny said he was looking at the grandstand down the lane when he won here the other day, and if we can get permission from the stewards, I'd like to put them on for the Sam Davis," trainer Ryan told DRF.com.
Jan. 12 NOTE: Connections now hope Schoolyard Dreams will be ready for the Sam F. Davis Stakes on Feb. 13 at Tampa Bay Downs.
Jan. 9, Allowance, Tampa Bay Downs, One Mile 40 Yards. In a race that appeared to be written for Schoolyard Dreams, he was sent off at 2-5 odds and won by 1 3/4 length as he edged off from the field. Ridden by Daniel Centeno, Schoolyard Dreams was always prominent, got a short lead in the second turn, and dueled with African Dreams in the stretch before breaking free to hit the wire in 1:43.21. The third finisher wound up three lengths behind African Moon.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Schoolyard Dreams raced twice, both times at Philly Park. Third in his debut going a mile, he won at second asking on Nov. 21, timed in 1:42.21 going a mile and 70 yards after prompting the pace.
SIDNEY'S CANDY (KY) Trainer: John Sadler
Owner: The Craig Family Trust
Breeder: Jenny Craig & Sidney H. Craig
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Candy Ride (Ride the Rails, Candy Girl)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Fair Exchange (Storm Cat, Exchange (CAN))
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-2-5-1-0 (10) 1.86
Foal Date: Jan. 27, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 1 NOTE: Sidney's Candy is scheduled for the Grade II San Vicente Stakes going seven furlongs at Santa Anita on Feb. 15.
Jan. 15 NOTE: Sidney's Candy is expected to race next in Feburary. Next-race plans haven't been revealed.
On Jan. 13, SIDNEY'S CANDY worked four in :49.20 (16/34) at SA.
On Jan. 20, SIDNEY'S CANDY worked five in 1:02.20 (8/8) at HOL.
On Jan. 26, SIDNEY'S CANDY worked six in 1:12.80 (5/9) at HOL.
On Feb. 1, SIDNEY'S CANDY worked six in 1:12.40 (2/10) at HOL.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Sidney's Candy broke his maiden on Aug. 22 at Del Mar. He defeated what many viewed as a good field in fine fashion--he ran 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:02 3/5. However, he came down with a couple of sore shins and was off for awhile.
Dec. 22 NOTE: "I think he's our number one (2-year-old) contender," trainer Sadler told Daily Racing Form. "He's turned into a big, beautiful horse."
Dec. 30, Allowance, Six Furlongs, Santa Anita. It was the much-anticipated return of Sidney’s Candy, who was a “buzz” horse at 3-5 odds, but he never had much of a chance, according to onlookers.
Along with a 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.
Tiny Woods led throughout, setting hot fractions of :22.02, :44.38 and :56.14 before finishing in 1:08.89.
SOLDIER FIELD (KY) Trainer: Bill Mott
Owner: WinStar Farm LLC
Breeder: Spurrmont LLC & St. George Farm LLC
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): More Than Ready (Southern Halo, Woodman's Girl)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Fantastic Carolina (Fantastic Fellow, Monica Anne)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-1-11-0-0 (16) 1.91
Foal Date: March 30, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $70,000.
OBS 2-Year-Olds in Training 2009: $70,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE Feb. 6, Allowance, Gulfstream Park, One Mile. Soldier Field, bumped and steadied at the start, finished seventh of eight after trailing the field early. Watch for him next time with his conservative trainer?
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
After finishing third at Keeneland in his debut, Soldier Field broke his maiden at Churchill Downs on Nov. 14--but it was when he was moved up from second to first via the disqualification of Boltronic. The pair were separated by a nose at the finish line after Boltronic bumped Soldier Field. Maximus Ruler was third by a head.
Dec. 31 NOTE: Soldier Field breezed four furlongs at Payson Park.
STAY PUT (KY) Trainer: Steve Margolis
Owner: Bertram, Richard & Elaine Klein
Breeder: Reklein Stables
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Broken Vow (Unbridled, Wedding Vow)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): O K Mom (Dixieland Band, Sokhop)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 9-6-9-2-2 (28) 2.29
Foal Date: March 24, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Trainer Margolis has Stay Put pointed to the Risen Star Stakes in February.
Feb. 6 NOTE: “He worked good,” said trainer Margolis on Friday, Feb. 5 about Stay Put’s workout on Feb. 1. “He started good and picked it up. We’ll probably give him another work next Thursday.”
On Jan. 14, STAY PUT breezed four in :51.60 (45/89) at FG.
On Jan. 23, STAY PUT breezed five in 1:03.20 (32/44) at FG.
On Feb. 1, STAY PUT breezed five in 1:01.00 (3/61) at FG.
Jan. 4 NOTE: ...(r)ight now I’m thinking about holding Stay Put back for the Risen Star on Feb. 20. We think coming back in three weeks for the Lecomte (Jan. 23) might be pushing things a little. We already know he can go two turns," Margolis said.
“Besides, I already have Cool Bullet pointing to the Lecomte. In fact, he was on the track this morning, and he went very well. I’ll probably work him one more time and put him in the Lecomte to see if he can go turns, and as for What’s New, I really haven’t decided anything about what might be next for him."
Jan. 3, Allowance, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. Stay Put (7-1) came from last place to win by one length, timd in 1:40.67. Depaul made the pace with splits of :24.23 and :48.56 before tiring to finish seventh.
Stay Put was confidently ridden by Jamie Theriot. It was Stay Put's second career win in four lifetime starts.
Worldly was prominent throughout the race in a stalking trip and finished second to Stay Put as the 2-1 favorite. He was two lengths to the good of Letsgetitonmon (16-1). Hotep (6-1) was another length back in fourth. Walking the Beach, the 5-2 second choice, wound up ninth, only beating a horse that did not finish.
Trainer Margolis: “He’s a true distance horse that will settle and make that one run. This horse will run all day.”
PEFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Stay Put was a game maiden special weight winner in the slop at Fair Grounds on Dec. 7. It was his third start overall, and his third one at two turns. Going 1 1/16 mile, Stay Put finished in 1:45.85 and prevailed over Northern Giant by a length under Jamie Theriot. He rallied from a stalking third behind slow fractions, including the first six furlongs run in 1:15 and change.
TAHITIAN WARRIOR (KY) Trainer: Saeed bin Suroor
Owner: Godolphin Stable
Breeder: Mineola Farm II LLC & David R. Houchin
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Maria's Mon (Wavering Monarch, Carlotta Maria)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Chatique (Deputy Minister, Chateaubaby)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 2-2-10-0-0 (14) 1.80
Foal Date: March 1, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $50,000 RNA
Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall 2008: $4,500 RNA
Bought by the owner for an undisclosed sum after his debut race.
A gelding.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Tahitian Warrior won his debut race at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 3 by 4 3/4 lengths and was timed in 1:09.96 under E. T. Baird. Stormy Ocean was second, Gothics Peak third.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Unraced.
TEMPTED TO TAPIT (KY) Trainer: Steve Klesaris
Owner: Gainesway Stable
Breeder: Mike Sloan
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Tapit (Pulpit, Tap Your Heels)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Tempting Note (Editor's Note, Tempt)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-5-8-1-0 (20) 3.00
Foal Date: April 1, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $18,000.
A gelding.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 28 NOTE: Tempted to Tapit earned a trip to South Florida off his big effort at Aqueduct and arrived arrived in the Sunshine State on Jan. 27. He'll probably be entered in the Grade III Sam F. Davis Stakes running at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 13.
"I really liked him a lot that day," Klesaris told DRF.com. "He went out there and did it the way he was supposed to, the way I really thought he could do it. I was pleasantly surprised to see it was as fast as it was and that he ran the splits that he ran (:22.95, :46.78, and 1:11.82) and kept on cruising. He's still trying to figure out the game. If he could harness his energy a little bit, he could be better. From a pedigree standpoint, he'll run as far as they write races."
Jan. 19 NOTE: After his Jan. 18 win, trainer Klesaris said he had no firm plans for Tempted to Tapit, but planned to nominate him where he is eligible and “see what fits his schedule best.”
Jan. 18, Maiden Special Weight, Aqueduct, One Mile. Tempted to Tapit ran off to an 11 1/2-length victory after having blinkers added. Tempted to Tapit was timed in 1:37.88 after leading at all calls and being "kept to task." His early fractions were :22.95, :46.78 and 1:11.82.
Trainer Klesaris: “He’s run well in all of his races, but where he appeared to be a winner in the last two, he seemed to lose focus and got to loafing around. In a race or two I’d like to see if he can learn to come out of the bridle a little bit and harness some of that energy.”
Jockey David Cohen: “It was my first time riding him in the afternoon, but I worked with him before he ever ran, so I knew him very well. I just really wanted to get into his mind and let him know that he had to go on and do it regardless of whether we were two lengths or ten lengths in front. He’s going to have to face a lot tougher, but I think he stepped his game up today.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Tempted to Tapit made three starts as a juvenile including a pair of second-place finishes in his most recent outings at Philadelphia Park on November 21 and December 11. In the seven-furlong December 11 race, he was collared late by Laus Deo, who led from gate to wire in the $65,000 Count Fleet Stakes in his next start on January 2 at Aqueduct.
THE PROGRAM (KY) Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Thoroughbred Legends Racing Stable
Breeder: Double Eagle Thoroughbreds
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Harlan's Holiday (Harlan, Christmas in Aiken)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Shadow on the Moon (Deputy Minister, Far Flying)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 4-1-5-0-0 (10) 3.00
Foal Date: March 7, 2007
Keeneland November 2007: $110,000.
Keeneland September 2008: $310,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE Feb. 5 NOTE: The Program is being considered for the Grade III Sham Stakes on Feb. 27.
Feb. 3, Allowance, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. Indian Firewater, who seemed keen to go under Garrett Gomez, actually did not run that fast as The Program tracked him in fractions of :25.84, :50.50 and 1:15.12. As they rounded the far turn, The Program began to inch up, but Indian Firewater tried to kick away under Garrett
Gomez hitting the stretch. However, he was unable to hold off The Program and Martin Carcia, who won by a short head. The final time was 1:44.64.
Jan. 6, Allowance, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. The Program was upset as the favorite--and was nosed out of the place.
Kettle River ran down a pair of better-bet colts when scoring an 10-1 upset. With Brice Blanc in the saddle, Kettle River closed strongly to cover the distance in 1:43.76 while holding off the late charge of Hawaiian Springs by three-quarters of a length.
The Program, the 6-5 favorite who was fourth in the CashCall Futurity, finished third, just a nose behind Hawaiian Springs following a wide journey. It was another 1 1/2 length back to 5-2 second choice Quiet Invader, another Baffert entrant who led the field into the stretch with good fractions of :24.11, :47.91 and 1:12.64. The Program stalked in fourth and was passed in the late stages by the top two finishers.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
The Program broke his maiden in his third start on Oct. 30 in a one-mile maiden speical weight at Santa Anita.
Dec. 19, Grade I CashCall Futurity, Hollywood Park, 1 1/16 Mile. The Program set the pace for a half-mile, tripping fractions of :24.03 and :48.30, but he could not hold off three horses and finished fourth, albeit beaten only 1 1/2 length.
Lookin at Lucky won, followed three-quarters of a length by Noble's Promise and another half to the closing Make Music for Me.
THISKYHASNOLIMIT (KY)
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Owner: Cathy and Bob Zollars & Mark Wagner
Breeder: Stud TNT
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Sky Mesa (Pulpit, Caress)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Lovely Regina (Deputy Minister, Cara Rafaela)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-3-6-0-0 (12) 3.00
Foal Date: April 3, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $120,000
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 6 NOTE: No published workouts since racing on Nov. 28; perhaps look for one soon.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
In his second start, Thiskyhasno limit broke his maiden at Churchill Downs on July 4, winning by seven lengths over a sloppy track.
Taken to New York, Thiskyhasnolimit was beaten easily by D' Funnybone, finishing last of eight in the 6 1/2-furlong, Grade II Saratoga Special on Aug. 20. He came back with a third-place in Belmont's seven-furlong, Grade II Futurity on Sept. 19, but he lost by 12 3/4 lengths.
Nov. 1. Grade III Iroquois Stakes, Churchill Downs, One Mile. Sent off at 13-1, Thiskyhasnolimit beat them all, timed in the one-turn race in 1:37.36 under Shaun Bridgmohan.
Bloodhorse.com: "In hand while racing eighth of 10 for the first half-mile, Thiskyhasnolimit closed impressively to gain a short lead over Uh Oh Bango at the eighth pole, and inched away to the wire. Uh Oh Bango was clear by three lengths from the show horse, Soaring Empire."
Steve Asumussen: “He trained extremely well here coming into this race, and he put forth the kind of race we were expecting. Obviously, we were extremely disappointed with his previous two starts because we always had high hopes for him. He looks to appreciate the added distance."
Bridgmohan: "I was just very patient and waited for a hole to open up and turning for home it did. He gave me the acceleration that I needed to get home. He is a pretty nice horse. He was a very professional racehorse today.”
Nov. 28, Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, Churchill Downs, 1 1/16 Mile. The 8-5 favorite, Thiskyhasnolimit finished sixth of nine, beaten 11 3/4 lengths by Super Saver, who bettered a 10-year-old stakes record.
Scott Blasi, assistant trainer: “The winner was very impressive in a fast time today. We’re not taking anything away from him. If we’d had a little smoother trip we might have been third at best. They were going fast, plenty fast to be able to make up ground into that pace. They went 23-and-46. That’s racehorse time.”
Robby Albarado, jockey, asked whether he had traffic trouble: “Just a little. I finally did get out, but he just sustained his pace and never really accelerated for me. But aside from that turning for home, I had a great trip. It just wasn’t there today for him.”
Dec. 31 NOTE: Thiskyhasnolimit did not put in a recorded workout in 2009 after the Kentucky Jockey Club.
TIZ CHROME (KY) Trainer: Bob Baffert
Owner: Lanni Family Trust, Mercedes Stable LLC & Bernard C. Schiappa
Breeder: Whisper Hill Farm
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Tiznow (Cee's Tizzy, Cee's Song)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Woodland Shadow (Woodman, Fantasic Look)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 6-0-9-1-0 (16) 1.91
Foal Date: Feb. 6, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: RNA $9,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Tiz Chrome was entered in the Grade II Robert B. Lewis on Feb. 6. The race has been rescheduled for Feb. 13.
On Jan. 6, TIZ CHROME worked five in :58.80 (2/66) at SA.
On Jan. 13, TIZ CHROME worked six in 1:13.00 (3/13) at SA.
On Jan. 18, TIZ CHROME worked seven in 1:25.60 (2/2) at HOL.
On Jan. 25, TIZ CHROME worked six in 1:12.60 (2/31) at SA.
On Feb. 1, TIZ CHROME worked five in :59.20 (7/60) at SA.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Tiz Chrome broke his maiden first time out running six furlongs at Churchill Downs on Nov. 1.
Dec. 19, Stuka Stakes, Hollywood Park, 6 1/2 Furlongs. Favored at 3-2, Tiz Chrome made that pay off with a four-length win timed in 1:14.56. Staying on the outside of the pacesetter in the early going, he was three wide in the turn, took off from the end of the turn and kicked away while being shown the whip by Garrett Gomez.
Trainer Baffert: “That Tiz Chrome, he’s a pretty serious horse. I like the way he ran. So it’s good to be in this spot, but you need a lot of bullets in this game. You never get too excited.”
Dec. 30 NOTE: Tiz Chrome worked five furlongs at Santa Anita.
TURF MELODY (KY) Trainer: Graham Motion
Owner: Priscilla Graham
Breeder: Bruce Berenson & Laurie Berenson
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Maria's Mon (Wavering Monarch, Carlotta Maria)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Tricky Bird (Storm Bird (CAN), Tricky Bird)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-2-7-0-0 (12) 2.43
Foal Date: May 5, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $200,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Feb. 6, Whirlaway Stakes, Aqueduct, 1 1/16 Mile. Turf Melody was scratched on a cold day at Aqueduct.
Jan. 23, Grade III Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. Turf Melody was sixth at every call of this race, including the finish. Ron the Greek closed from the clouds to overtake pacesetter Maximus Ruler, and they finished one-two.
Jose Valdivia Jr. (Turf Melody, sixth): “Actually I had a great trip. My horse was pulling a little bit in the early stages of the race. Once he got down the backside, he settled really nicely. I was following the three (Worldly) around there and I thought I was in a great spot. When we turned for home I thought he would give me that other gear, and he just never did. He ran very even through the lane. I really thought he’d give me that other gear, but he just stayed where he was. No excuses; it’s just one of those things.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
A well-traveled 2-year-old.
Turf Melody broke his maiden by 15 lengths on Colonial's main track going seven furlongs in late June. He followed that up with thirds in Arlington's Spectacular Bid and Woodbine's Swynford, both on synthetic track. Tried next on turf, he finished seventh to Interactif at Keeneland in the Grade III Bourbon Stakes. He then won going a mile on dirt at Laurel.
With that behind him, Turf Melody jumped into the Springboard Stakes with two wins in his first six starts. The Springboard would be his seventh different track.
Dec. 13, Springboard Stakes, Remington Park, One Mile. Turf Melody won this $200,000 race, timed in 1:38.41 under Jeremy Rose.
Ninth of 12 after a quarter-mile and the half, and seventh with just a quarter-mile to go, Turf Melody got into gear leaving the far turn going four wide. He won by a nose over Man Chester Man, who had a two-length lead at the eighth pole.
Turf Melody was 4-1. Man Chester Man was 14-1.
"The horse ran a game race, I didn't know if was going to get there in time,” said a connection. “We kept driving and my horse kept digging. I still think my horse wants to go further. It was a good race."
UPTOWNCHARLYBROWN (KY) Trainer: Alan Seewald
Owner: Fantasy Lane Stable
Breeder: Juan Bruno & Rose Hill Farm
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Limehouse (Grand Slam, Dixieland Blues)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): La Iluminada (Langfuhr (CAN), Ms. Star Fire)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 5-2-7-0-0 (14) 3.00
Foal Date: Feb. 6, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE Next race: the Sam F. Davis Stakes on Feb. 13 at Tampa Bay Downs.
On Feb. 5, UPTOWNCHARLYBROWN breezed six in 1:14.80 (1/2) at TAM.
Jan. 16, Pasco Stakes, Tampa Bay Downs, Seven Furlongs. Uptowncharlybrown stalked the pace, took command near the head of the stretch and ran very well late to prevail by six lengths. He was timed in a pretty good 1:24.28.
Fifth in the early going, he was in clear contention in the turn, and nothing else came close to handling him in the stretch. Daniel Centeno was aboard.
Daniel Centeno: "We wanted to try him off the pace today, and you never really know how that will work out. But we stayed outside of horses and he was running easily. Then I asked him for run getting to the stretch and it was "BOOM!" - did he respond! He was getting tired at the end and switching leads late, but I tapped him at the wire and we went out an extra eighth after the finish getting ready for the Sam Davis."
Trainer Seewald: “You always have to run the race, but I was pretty confident in him and pretty sure that he was going to be able to run his race as long as he didn’t bounce or go backwards on us.
"The reason we ran in this race was to get the money earnings to get into the Sam Davis, and I didn’t want to enter him off of a maiden race. We needed a race in between. I think the further he runs the better he’ll be.
“We hope. We hope (he can compete on a national level). You gotta have a dream.”
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Uptowncharlybrown won his career debut on Dec. 26, 2009 at Tampa Bay Downs going 6 1/2 furlongs.
WILLIAM'S KITTEN (KY) Trainer: Mike Maker
Owner: Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey
Breeder: Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey
Sire (Sire’s Sire, Dam): Kitten's Joy (El Prado (IRE), Kitten's First)
Dam (Dam’s Sire, Dam): Blush (Menifee, Cerise)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 3-2-7-2-0 (14) 1.55
Foal Date: March 17, 2007
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
On Feb. 6, WILLIAM'S KITTEN breezed four on a good track in :48.00 (11/40) at GP.
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.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
William's Kitten raced on turf the first three times, breaking his maiden in his second start, going a mile at Ellis Park.
For outing number four, down to Louisiana he was sent to race on turf again. It came off the grass, and he won by 4 3/4 lengths, timed in 1:46 4/5 for the 1 1/16 mile Sunday Silence Stakes on dirt rated fast. He was favored at 6-5 in a field of 7.
Time to try Polytrack. In the Summer Stakes at Woodbine on Oct. 11, William's Kitten finished fifth, beaten two lengths by Bear Tough Guy, who pulled a large upset.
Nov. 7, Grade I Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Santa Anita, 1 1/16 Mile. William's Kitten finished eighth to huge upset winner Vale of York. His odds were a good value going in--78-1.
William's Kitten had way too much to do after being outrun early. He was last in the field of 13 for the first six furlongs after breaking from post 12. Of course, Lookin at Lucky broke from the 13 and almost won the race, so you make the call on how he did.
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.
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.
Mike Maker, trainer: “I wish he’d gotten a little help on the front end. Lone speed is tough to handle, and the winner ran a big race. But we were happy with the way he handled the dirt and finished up. On the turn, I was thinking I might have had a shot at it, but (Borel) let him out, and he left us.
“We’ll point for the Derby and work our way back.”
Miguel Mena, jockey: “He ran good. There was a pretty fast pace early, and my horse was a little far back, but that’s the way my horse wants to run. He made a really nice move from the three-eighths pole to the wire, but got beat by a really nice horse. My horse has a lot of promise and is going to be a nice, nice horse.”
Dec. 28 NOTE: William's Kitten breezed five furlongs at Gulfstream Park.
WORLDLY (KY) Trainer: Paul McGee
Owner: Jay Em Ess Stable
Breeder: Samantha Siegel & Mace Siegel
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): A.P. Indy (Seattle Slew, Weekend Surprise)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Urbane (Citidancer, Dumfries Pleasure)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 7-15-20-0-0 (42) 3.20
Foal Date: March 23, 2007
A full brother to Suave.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 25 NOTE: “We’re going to give (Worldly) a little break,” said Galen Pruitt, trainer McGee’s assistant. “We’re going to give him about a month and a half off.”
Jan. 23, Grade III Lecomte Stakes, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. 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 to finish fifth, beaten four lengths.
Maximus Ruler, the betting choice at 2-1, finished second after leading through fractions of :23.42, :46.80 and 1:12.27.
But it was Ron the Greek (7-1) and James Graham who passed all but one horse in the stretch run of the 10-horse Lecomte to win going away. In the early going, Ron the Greek was 16 lengths behind pacesetter Maximus Ruler. The one mile, 40 yards was timed in 1:40.09.
Letsgetitonmon (18-1) hit the wire third after also coming from well back in the field, beaten two lengths, followed another 1 1/4 length back by Cool Bullet (7-1).
Worldly, Turf Melody, Citrus Kid, Depaul, B'wanagoldmine and Rock Hard completed the order of finish. Callide Valley was scratched.
Robby Albarado (Worldly, fifth): “I had a beautiful trip. I sat right behind the lead horses. I was content the whole way. I had a great rail trip turning for home, just didn’t have enough horse to go on.”
Jan. 4 NOTE: “Worldly came back really good yesterday,” said McGee. “I thought he ran a big race. He was a little rank early, but Cisco (Torres) took him back and settled him down. I was pleased with the way he came running at the end. Right now I’m leaning toward the Lecomte with him.”
Jan. 3, Allowance, Fair Grounds, One Mile 40 Yards. Under Francisco Torres, Worldly was prominent throughout the race in a stalking trip and finished second to Stay Put as the 2-1 favorite. He was two lengths to the good of Letsgetitonmon (16-1). Hotep (6-1) was another length back in fourth.
But it was Stay Put (7-1) who came out best. He came from last place to win by one length, timed in 1:40.67. Depaul made the pace with splits of :24.23 and :48.56 before tiring to finish seventh.
Stay Put was confidently ridden by Jamie Theriot. It was Stay Put's second career win in four lifetime starts.
Walking the Beach, the 5-2 second choice, wound up ninth, only beating a horse that did not finish.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
On Nov. 8 at Churchill Downs, Worldly fought back after being headed to win by a nose. Worldly, a full brother to millionaire Suave, won this race at 1 1/16 mile in his third start, rallying to edge Colizeo after that rival ran by Worldly and opened a half-length lead in the stretch. “The heart, that part you can’t teach,” McGee said.
“Worldly is nominated to the Kentucky Jockey Club, but we are leaning against that,” trainer McGee said.
Nov. 28, Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, Churchill Downs, 1 1/16 Mile. Trainer McGee changed his lean and finished third.
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.
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.
Paul McGee, trainer: “I was happy with my horse, because I thought he was beat at the eighth pole and he dug in. For one thing, there wasn’t any beating the winner. So to be third, I was happy.”
Francisco Torres, jockey: “He ran big. There’s plenty of room for improvement on this horse. He’s immature, but today he showed a lot of guts because he kind of pressured the winner. There was no beating the winner today. After the winner kicked on, a lot of horses would get discouraged – but not him. He kept digging in.”
Dec. 30 NOTE: Worldly is training at Fair Grounds.
WORTH A BUCK (KY) Trainer: George Weaver
Owner: Agnes Peace
Breeder: Jayeff B Stables
Sire (Sire's Sire, Dam): Quiet American (Fappiano, Demure)
Dam (Dam Sire, Dam): Worth Every Penny (Spend A Buck, Really Blue)
Dosage Profile (Points) Index: 11-13-10-0-0 (34) 5.80
Foal Date: April 21, 2007
Keeneland September 2008: $32,000.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE THREE
Jan. 2, Count Fleet Stakes, Aqueduct, One Mile 70 Yards. Worth A Buck, sent off at 18-1 under Alan Garcia, made a nice closing stretch move to finish within a length of winner and pacesetter Laus Deo, who was timed in 1:44.91 after setting moderate fractions, including a six-furlong time of 1:15.12. Laus Deo was 10-1. Favored Ibboyee (2-5) finished fourth after chasing Laus Deo in second.
PERFORMANCE AT AGE TWO
Worth A Buck broke his maiden in his fourth start going a mile at Meadowlands on Dec. 5. Eddie Castro rode Worth A Buck in all four of his races in 2009.
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