Competitive Bashford Manor

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The 110 running of the Bashford Manor is carded as Churchill’s sixth race on Saturday night. Typical of early season juvenile stakes races, distance challenged sprinters are prevalent in the six furlong event. The last colt to win/place in the Grade 3 event and have an influence on the following year’s Classics was 1989 Bashford Manor champ Summer Squall. In previous years, the back to back winners in 2006 and 2007, Circular Quay and Kodiak Kowboy, became multiple graded sprinter/milers.

This year’s Bashford Manor field is very competitive. All except one entrant is coming off of a maiden victory and most have won on the lead. Let’s take a look at the field and try to sort them out.

GOOD TICKLED (Flatter - Varus, by Vicar) won his second start while under pressure the whole way, trouncing Positively by 5 ¼ lengths. Good Tickled raced five furlongs in a smokin’ :57.89. With the bloodlines of A.P. Indy, Wild Again and Deputy Minister up close in his pedigree, Good Tickled should have quite a bit of stamina. His unraced dam is a half-sister to a juvenile stakes placed runner and Good Tickled’s third dam won the Matron (G-1), so that’s where he gets his precocity. This colt will enjoy the additional furlong. The drawback is the one post position, but with two races under his girth, Good Tickled should take it in stride.

CIRCLE UNBROKEN (Broken Vow - Baldomera, by Doneraile Court) won his maiden on June 17 after a heated battle down the stretch. His dam was a sturdy, classy mare, earning over $300,000 in 34 starts, including stakes wins. She placed in the Valley Stream (G-3) as a juvenile and owns the only blacktype in three generations.

GO JACK GO (Harlan's Holiday - Run Ameadowstar, by Cherokee Run) sat behind the speed in his debut, and was up in time to win by a neck. However, the fact that he doesn’t have a published breeze since mid-May is troublesome in this competitive field. Go Jack Go owns a precocious sprinter’s pedigree. He’s a half-brother to the stakes winner African Violet, who also placed in the Delaware Oaks (G-2). The Champion Juvenile Filly Meadow Star is a member of this female family.

PRAETORIAN PREFECT (Successful Appeal - Miss Emmy, by Buddha) fought between horses through the turn then outclassed maiden claimers by four lengths in his second start. He’s built like a sprinter and has a miler pedigree. Praetorian Prefect’s dam is a half-sister to the good producer Don’t Read My Lips, dam of the multiple stakes winning turf horses Hotstufanthensome, Silver Charades and Tacit Agreement. Other notable relatives include the popular Champions Sunshine Forever, Memories of Silver and her daughter Winter Memories. The fourth dam Golden Trail is a blue hen.

SPECIAL JO (Johannesburg - Quiet City, by Carson City) lived up to his $230K sale tag in his debut, battling early then putting the field away by six lengths. Special Jo is built like a sprinter and has a miler pedigree. He’s a half-brother to two stakes placed runners, Quiet Delight and Veneti. His third dam won the Fantasy (G-1) and is the grand-dam of the respected stakes veteran Brass Hat. Steve Asmussen trained three Bashford Manor winners in the last ten years, including last year’s champ Kantharos.

ROMAN'S AVENUE (Street Sense - Career Fair, by Storm Cat) was also a $230K sales purchase. The stablemate of Dullahan broke running from post one and never looked back, beating his field of maidens by 4 ¼ lengths, including Hightail. Roman's Avenue is a big, good looking colt who may improve with distance, but he has an uncomfortably high leg action. He has a two-turn pedigree. Roman’s Avenue’s dam went 0-2 in her racing career, but she’s a half-sister to Test (g-1) heroine Victory Ride and Hollywood Derby (G-1) winner River Flyer. Career Fair’s full brother Mr. Mabee won the Claiming Crown Emerald Stakes. The second dam is multiple stakes winner Young Flyer.

POSITIVELY (Distorted Humor - Macoumba, by Mr. Prospector) After proving no match for Got Tickled in mid-May, Positively blasted out of the gate and sat three wide in his second start. He battled the whole way, then claimed the lead in deep stretch, winning by 1 ¾ victory, beating a tough luck Hightail. The second place finisher came back to win next time out. Positively has the classiest pedigree in the field. He’s bred to go two turns, and may eventually find a home over the turf. He’s a half-brother to the prominent sire Malibu Moon. A half-sister placed in a listed stakes going long over the turf. Additionally, his half-sisters have produced graded stakes turf routers Temple City and Worth Repeating. Positively’s dam was a Group 1 winner in France and his second dam was the highly respected French multiple Group winner Maximova. Positively’s trainer Patrick Byrne took the Bashford Manor in 1977 with Favorite Trick, who would later be named Champion Juvenile.

HIGHTAIL (Mineshaft - Stormy Renee, by Storm Cat) was a $345K OBS March Two Year Old purchase after he breezed a furlong in :10.0. Still a maiden, Hightail had a tough competitive race against Positively in their last start. Hightail sat between horses the entire way and was banged around like a bumpercar. Still, he was only about two lengths behind Positively at the wire. As a son of Mineshaft, Hightail should improve with distance and racing. His female family leans towards precocity. Hightail is a first foal for his dam, who is a daughter of the multiple G-1 winner Fleet Renee. Fleet Rene’s half-brother Future Quest was successful in the Norfolk and Del Mar Futurity (G-1). Neither Stormy Renee nor her half siblings own blacktype, but the third dam Darien Miss was a Churchill specialist. She won the Golden Rod and placed in the Pocahontas at two and later became a multiple G-3 winner over the track. Hightail’s Hall of Fame trainer Wayne Lukas has claimed five Bashford Manor victories in the last 22 years, including three straight years from 1998-2000.

SELECTIONS

Track Bias: Front-running speed rules in 45% of the sprints this meet, with 30% runners wiring the field.

Four of the last six winners of the Bashford Manor came from off of the pace. Only one colt, longshot Screen Your Friend wired the field. Most were by sprint/miler oriented sires.

Circle Unbroken owns the highest late-pace figure in the field, but he’s entering off of a two week turnaround. His trainer wins with 20% two year olds, so he should be respected. Special Jo was impressive in his debut, has a quality family and enters for a top trainer. Positively showed good progression from his first to second race. He has the pedigree to become something special. Roman’s Avenue owns top works and should continue to improve. Praetorian Prefect won at 5F in a respectable :59.00 and has worked well. He has a deceptively good pedigree and will be overlooked. Hightail showed heart battling and bumping throughout his second start. He wasn’t beaten by much and owns a good pedigree. He is a strong alternate longshot play. Good Tickled’s speed figures improved from his first to second race. He’s also the only colt in the field who owns a 6F breeze. He was just a second off of the track record, so he’s either very fast or he’s going to regress after that effort. Either way, do you really want to leave the fastest horse in the field off of your tickets?

#5 SPECIAL JO

#1 GOOD TICKLED

#7 POSITIVELY

#4 PRAETORIAN PREFECT – longshot pick

 

Technorati Tags: 2013 Triple Crown Trail,2012 Juveniles,Bashford Manor

THE KIDDIE LIST

JUNE 23 – 24, 2012

The summer season of racing is upon us. The conclusion of the Triple Crown means that this blog turns its attention to the two year olds of 2012 as we attempt to find the best and brightest of the crop. Last year, we pointed out Dullahan, El Padrino, Take Charge Indy, Union Rags, Creative Cause, Drill and countless other runners before they hit the national radar. Many juveniles that were highlighted on the Kiddie List rewarded their backers with double digit wins.

The Kiddie List will cover the best juvenile workers breezing four and five furlongs. We’ll post the top workers and blue bloods from New York, Arlington, Fair Hill, Monmouth, Keeneland, Churchill, Santa Anita, Hollywood Park and Del Mar. If a particularly well bred baby from the database shows up at another track, we’ll include that one as well. Due to the enormous number of juveniles, some of these names may show up only once or twice. It’s highly suggested that you use a virtual stable, available through Equibase, DRF or Brisnet to follow the babies in whom you’re most interested.

ARLINGTON

Saturday June 24

Sugar Spun (Hard Spun - Queena Coleena, by Lemon Drop Kid) (F) $100K KEESEP2011. 4F :47.00 (1/51). Both her dam and half brother are 0 -5. The most notable blacktype winner produced by this immediate distaff line is Pasco Stakes (7F) winner Uptowncharliebrown. The second dam is also a stakes winner.

Scissortail G (Value Plus - Gigi's Skyflyer, by Skywalker) (F) 4F :48.00 (5/51) gate. She’s a half sister to juvenile stakes winner Soonerette. Their dam is an allowance/listed class runner who is a half sister to four listed stakes winners and a stakes placed runner.

Cardston (Concerto - Pincher Creek, by Storm Creek) (C) 4F :48.20 (10/51). He’s a half brother to Thecushmaker, who placed in her debut going 1 1/16 miles over the Arlington turf. She placed in the 1 mile Gold Digger Stakes over the lawn as a juvenile. Their dam was an allowance class runner who won 2 of 11 starts. There’s no other blacktype in the immediate female family, although the second dam is a half sister to the stakes veteran Colonel Bradley.

Bethany Belle (Successful Appeal - Come On Get Happy, by Mr. Greeley) (F) $22K OBSAPR2012. 5F 1:00.00 (2/49). Race Record: 1-0-0-0 ($2,000) fourth going 5F on Polytrack. Her half brother is an allowance class runner who won his debut. Their dam was 0-6 in her career. There is no blacktype in the first two generations.

Courtney's Hope (Henny Hughes - Mama Dean, by Woodman) (F) $20K OBSAPR2012. 5F 1:01.00 (6/49) Race Record: 1-0-1-0 ($8,000). Second going 5F on Polytrack, beat Bethany Belle by 5 ½ lengths. Her dam was G-3 stakes placed sprinter-miler and a half sister to Florida Derby winner Vicar.

Leaving Trax (Circular Quay - Copelan's Joy, by Copelan) (C) $52K OBSAPR2012. 5F 1:00.00 (2/49). This is a hardy distaff family. All five of her half sibings have raced and three are winners. Their dam raced a remarkable 69 times and won a couple of stakes races early in her career. Copelan's Joy is a half sister to a multiple stakes winner who is a veteran of 55 starts.

My Bourbon Buy (Horse Greeley - Willamaze, by Broad Brush) (C) $25K OBSAPR2012. 5F 1:01.00 (6/49). Both half-siblings are winners although neither were precocious. Their dam was unplaced in her only start and she’s a half sister to G-3 winners Undermine and Holberg, the latter raced in England. The second dam Sweet Willa is a stakes placed full sister to Grade 1 winner Willa On the Move and a half sister to Travers Stakes (G-1) hero Will’s Way. Met Mile winner Tizway and the stakes placed sire Citidancer are part of this female family. The fourth dam Laurie’s Dancer was a Champion and Horse of the Year in Canada.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Grayrock (Rockport Harbor - Kidder Done, by Thunder Gulch) (F) $35K OBSAPR2012. 4F :48.00 (5/48). Her half brother didn’t start until he was three and placed in his debut. Their dam went 0-8 in her racing career. The second dam Kalypso Katie was second in the Epsom Oaks (Gr. 1), otherwise the immediate distaff lie has no notable blacktype.

Stay in Dixie ( Dixie Union - See How She Runs, by Maria's Mon) (C) 4F :48.00 (5/48) gate. His dam started her career with a five race win streak, including victories in the Fantasy (G-2) and Selene (G-1), but Stay in Dixie’s half siblings weren’t that precocious. Stay In Dixie has a string of strong works and could emulate his dam. He’ll likely be best in longer sprints up to 1 1/8 miles.

Bold Perspective ( Sky Mesa - Zain Lass, by Swain (IRE)) (C) $22K (RNA) OBSMAR2012. 5F 1:02.00 (9/31) gate. He has win-early speed over long distance turf attributes in his pedigree. His dam went 0-18 in her racing career, but she placed in her debut and in a juvenile mile turf race. Bold Perspective’s three year old half brother placed in his only start. There’s no other blacktype in the immediate female family although Bold Perspective’s fourth dam Sweet Tooth is a blue hen. Her offspring included Alydar, Champion Our Mims, etc.

BELMONT

Sunday, June 24

Beat the Drums (Smart Strike - Storm Flag Flying, by Storm Cat) (F) 4F :47.53 (6/75). This filly is Phipps family racing royalty and will eventually want to run two turns. Her dam is a Champion Juvenile, her second dam My Flag was a Champion Juvenile, and her third dam was the great Champion Personal Ensign. To top it off, Beat The Drum’s third and fourth dams are blue hens. Beat the Drums’ half brother Colors Flying won only once and retired with a 7-1-1-3 record.

Decoder (War Front - Database, by Known Fact) (F) 4F :47.53 (6/75). Another Phipps family bred filly, she’s a full sister to G-1 winning turf miler Datalink. A half brother Wiki, is stakes placed. Their dam won her debut going 7F over the dirt and later won a listed stakes at 1 1/8 miles over dirt. Database is a full sister to the stakes winning Vespers, dam of Donn Handicap (G-1) hero Hymn Book. Another half sister produced G-3 stakes winner Strike The Bell.

Garmentos Girl (Indian Charlie - Misgoldy, by Miswaki) (F) $250K KEESEP2011. 4F :48.17 (10/75). Her dam won in her second start, gong 5 ½ F over turf. That was her only victory in 11 starts. One half brother won once in 6 starts, while the other half brother is 0-4. Misgoldy is a half sister to multiple G-1 winner Formal Gold, while a half sister produced the hard knocking stakes winning sprinter Noonmark.

Honorable Dillon (Tapit - Shy Greeting (ARG), by Shy Tom) (C) $100K FTFMAR2012. 4F :47.16 (1/136) dirt training track. He’s a half brother to Argentinean Champion Juvenile Filly Forty Greeta, dam of Fort Hughes, a juvenile stakes placed runner who became a stakes winning sprinter at three. Honorable Dillon’s half brother Liquidity Trap is juvenile stakes placed over the lawn. Their dam placed in a stakes race in her debut and won in her third try.

Girl Code (Teuflesberg - Code Satan, by Lost Code) (F) $4K FTKOCT2011. 5F 1:01.16 (8/30) dirt training. Her dam is a veteran of 47 starts. She won her second start as well as a listed stakes and placed in five other listed stakes. A versatile mare, she won from 6F on dirt to 1 1/16 miles over turf. The second dam Native Satan was a hardy veteran of 60 starts and a multiple stakes winner. Girl Code has a solid pedigree filled with hard trying winners and unless her hooves are on backwards, she could wind up being a steal.

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Saturday, June 23

Forest Boy (Forestry - Belvedere Miss, by Pleasant Colony) (C) $270K OBSMAR2012. 4F :48.00 (11/63). Forest Boy breezed a furlong in :10.00 at the OBS Select two year old in training sale. One of his two half sisters have started and she’s 0 for 4. Their dam won her second start and was an allowance class dirt miler. Belvedere Miss is a half sister to Hollywood Starlet (G-1) heroine Diplomat Lady, who is by Forestry. Another half sister Dream Play is a G-3 winner. The second dam Playcaller won three listed stakes and forest boy’s third and fourth dams are also stakes winners. Forest Boy has 3 x 2 inbreeding to Kentucky Derby hero Pleasant Colony, indicating that he may prefer running longer distances than the typical progeny of Forestry.

Maui Marquise (Marino Marini - Gemstone Rush, by Wild Rush) (F) 4F :47.20 (2/63). Maui Marquise’s half brother won his debut. Their dam was in the money 14 of 21 starts, including a win in a listed stakes going 1 1/8 miles over the dirt. She’s a half sister to a listed stakes winner.

Sassy Brunette ( Big Brown - Turkappeal, by Turkoman) (F) $47K (RNA) KEESEP2011. 4F :48.20 (12/63). Sassy Brunette has a precocious pedigree. 4 half siblings won/placed in their debuts. Two, Pink Champagne and Z Appeal are juvenile stakes winners. Their dam placed in her debut. She’s a multiple stakes winner and G-2 stakes placed. Spinaway (G-1) heroine Mani Bhavan was produced by Turkappeal’s half sister.

Wildcat Angie ( Wildcat Heir - Sweeping Showers, by End Sweep) (F) $15K OBSAPR2012. 4F :48.20 (12/63). Race Record: 2-1-0-0 ($29,925). Her seven year old half brother Beat Your Bluff is a hardy veteran of 53 races and placed in his second start. He’s still racing. Their dam was winless in two starts. There’s no blacktype in the first two generations of this female family.

Sunday June 24

Alexander's Band (Tribal Rule - Roses 'n Rainbows, by Commendable) (C) 4F :47.80 (6/77). He has a speed over stamina pedigree. There isn’t much to his immediate female family. Alexander's Band is a first foal. Roses 'n Rainbows won twice in 8 attempts, needing five starts to win her maiden. None of her half siblings won more than twice and there’s no blacktype in the first two generations. The second dam is unraced, but the third dam Tricky Squaw was a G-3 winner.

Handsome Sam (Awesome Spirit - Holy Request, by Urgent Request (IRE)) (C) 4F :47.80 (6/77). His sire, by Awesome Again out of a full sister to Tiznow, raced 7 times and hit the board once, winning a maiden claiming event at Hollywood. Holy Request was a career maiden claimer until breaking through with a win in her four year old season. She won 3 of 42 starts. Handsome Sam’s three year old half sister is winless in 4 tries. There’s no blacktype in the first two distaff generations, but the third dam was a G-3 winner.

Hedy (Touch Gold - Salvadoria, by Macho Uno) (F) 4F :47.80 (6/77). This Adena Springs bred filly has the pedigree to enjoy running two turns. Her sire won the Belmont Stakes and her damsire was a Champion Juvenile. Hedy’s dam won her only start and she’s a half sister to Santa Maria Handicap (G-1, 8.5F) heroine Sugar Shake. The second dam Skipping Around is a G-2 winner and the third dam Royal Veagess is a multiple stakes winning veteran of 45 starts.

Meydan Magic (Tribal Rule - O K Topless, by Old Topper) (G) 4F :47.60 (3/77). He’s a full brother to Ruler of Dubai, winner of the Graduation and I’m Smokin Stakes, both sprints held over the Del Mar Polytrack. Their dam needed four tries to win her maiden, but hit the board in her three previous attempts. She placed in two listed stakes and ended her career with a good 29-3-8-7 record as a dirt sprinter. There’s no other blacktype in the first two distaff generations.

Calm Pacific (Stormy Atlantic - Ministress, by Deputy Minister) (R) 5F 1:00.20 (6/48). His half brother is currently 0-7 and their dam went 0-4 in her racing career. The second dam was a G-1 winner in Chile.

Silverado Moon (Malibu Moon - Thedamewantstowin, by Gulch) (F) $150K FTFMAR2012. 5F 1:00.20 (6/48). She is a first foal. Her dam failed to hit the board in three starts, but she’s a full sister to juvenile stakes winner Outrigger. The second dam is multiple G-2 stakes placed Damewood.

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Saturday, June 23

Ambition (Indygo Shiner - Ruth's Proof, by Dixie Union) (C) $85K FTKJUL2011. 4F :48.80 (10/65). His first crop sire, a son of A.P. Indy, won the Jefferson Cup (G-3, 9FT). He currently stands in Argentina. Ambition’s dam failed to hit the board in three starts, but she’s a half sister to multiple graded stakes placed Sun Cat. The second and third dams are French stakes winners.

Bourbon Pride (Lion Heart - Royal G G, by Royal Academy) (C) $85K OBSMAR2012. 4F :47.80 (1/65). His half sister won her maiden going a mile on the lawn after four attempts. Their dam Royal G G won in her third start, going 1 1/16 miles over the turf. She’s a half sister to Headache, winner of the Hawthorne Gold Cup (G-2 10F). the third dam La Spia, won the Del Mar Debutante (G-2) and placed in the BC Juvenile Fillies (G-1). Bourbon Pride has Rasmussen Factor inbreeding to Crimson Saint through her daughter Terlingua, dam of Storm Cat (second sire of Lion Heart) and Crimson Saint is also the dam of Royal Academy.

Efficient Market (Tapit - Salty Response, by Cozzene) (C) $175K KEEAPR2012. 4F :48.80 (10/65). He’s a first foal. His dam won/placed 6 of 10 starts. She won in her second start and also won the Lady’s Secret Stakes (8.5F). Salty Response is a half sister to Dogwood Stakes (G-3) heroine Salty Strike. Another half sister is stakes placed and the second dam Lake Huron is a stakes placed juvenile. Efficient Market’s sixth dam is the influential blue hen Cosmah.

Midas Dancer (More Than Ready - Bolshoi Ballerina, by Theatrical (IRE)) (C) $100K KEESEP2011. 4F :48.60 (4/65). Both half siblings are claiming class runners. One won in his debut while the other needed 8 tries. Neither have won more than 3 times in double digit starts. Their dam is an unraced half sister to juvenile G-3 winner and BC Juvenile runner-up Aly’s Alley. Bolshoi Ballerina’s half sister produced the multiple stakes winning sprinter Chief of Affairs.

Pebble Hill (Lemon Drop Kid - Fircroft, by A.P. Indy) (F) 4F :48.60 (4/65). She’s bred to love two turns. Both half siblings to race won their maiden in their third starts. Their dam Fircroft was a classy, precocious runner. She won her first start, then placed in the Matron (G-1). Fircroft won the Miss Grillo (9F off turf) and later placed in the Black Eyed Susan (G-2, 9F) and Coaching Club American Oaks (G-1, 12F). This female family produced the multiple stakes winners Zanjaro, Storm In May and the English G-1 winner Amadeus Wolf.

Road Agent (Rock Hard Ten - Prairie Township, by Smarty Jones) (C) $37K (RNA) OBSAPR2012. 4F :48.80 (10/65). He’s a first foal. His unraced dam is a half sister to multiple G-1 winner Peace Rules (Haskell, Bluegrass, Suburban, etc.). Offspring of Rock Hard Ten are best over turf and polytrack.

All Her Class (Street Cry (IRE) - Dreaming of Anna, by Rahy) (F) 5F 1:00.40 (3/28). This is the second 5F work for this royally bred filly. Her dam was undefeated as a two year old, winning the BC Juvenile Fillies and earning 2006 Champion Juvenile Filly. Dreaming of Anna later found her calling going long over turf, winning four G-3 events and placing in the G-1 QE II. All Her Class is her much anticipated first foal. Dreaming of Anna is a full sister to the multiple G-2 winning sire Lewis Michael and she’s a half sister to the G-2 turf specialist Justenuffhumor. The second dam, Justenuffheart was a multiple stakes winner and she’s a half sister to Champion and sire Kitten’s Joy and multiple G-1 turf mare Precious Kitten. If All Her Class lives up to expectations, she could be proficient over all surfaces, but especially turf. She may not be as precocious as her dam, but should certainly enjoy running two turns.

Moonwalk (Malibu Moon - Lucinda K, by Red Ransom) (F) $220K (RNA) KEESEP2011. 5F 1:02.00 (9/28). She’s a ¾ sister to AtswhatImtalknabout, who placed in the San Felipe and was fourth in the Santa Anita and Kentucky Derbies. She’s also a half sister to G-2 placed Thatswhatimean. Another half sister produced G-2 placed turf mare Stormy Lucy. Their dam Lucinda K won or placed 4 of 6 races, including placing in two stakes at Calder.

Your Move (Mass Media - Metro Girl, by Dixie Union) (F) 5F 1:01.40 (7/28). Entered 6/28 – CD R4 Her full sister Chance Encounter was third in her first two starts sprinting at Calder. Their dam won/placed two of three starts. Your Move is bred to be a precocious sprinter. There’s no blacktype in the first two generations, but the second dam is a half sister to the multiple stakes warrior Midway Road and her G-1 placed half sister Tuzia produced Remsen & Nashua Stakes hero Buddy’s Saint.

Sunday, June 24

Pretty Cool ( Smart Strike - Puxa Saco, by Dehere) (F) $190K KEESEP2011. 4F :49.00 (5/41). She’s a half sister to the juvenile stakes winner Exclusive Diva. Their dam won/placed 13 of 26 starts. Puxa Saco won her debut and the Moccasin Stakes as a juvenile. She developed into a multiple stakes placed sprinter, finishing third in the Humana Distaff (G-1) and capturing the Desert Stormer (G-3). Pretty Cool should be fairly precocious and may carry her speed two turns.

Send an Angel (Street Sense - Leona's Knight, by Suave Prospect) $240K OBSAPR2012. She breezed a furlong in :10.00 at the OBS April two year olds in training sale. Her half brother is 0-6. Their dam is a veteran of 61 races. She won her first two starts then won or placed in six stakes races at Calder. There is no other blacktype in the first two generations, but this is the female family of multiple G-1 winner Hal’s Hope, Mia’s Reflection, Rexon’s Rose, etc.

Roman's Avenue (Street Sense - Career Fair, by Storm Cat) (C) $230K KEESEP2011. 5F 1:00.80 (2/19). Race Record: 1-1-0-1 ($31,800). This is his first breeze after a 4 ½ length win going 4 ½ F in a sharp :52.52. His dam went 0-2 in her racing career, but she’s a half sister to Test (g-1) heroine Victory Ride and Hollywood Derby (G-1) winner River Flyer. Career Fair’s full brother Mr. Mabee won the Claiming Crown Emerald Stakes. The second dam is multiple stakes winner Young Flyer. Roman’s Avenue has shown early talent and should improve with racing. He’s one to watch in the future.

SANTA ANITA

Saturday, June 23

Boller Bomb (Unusual Heat - Ligacao Direta (BRZ), by Minstrel Glory) 4F :47.80 (2/37). Her dam is a Brazilian veteran of 39 races and the second dam is a stakes winner. Boller Bomb should be best going long over the turf.

Spellbound (Bernardini - Layreebelle, by Tale of the Cat) (F) $260K KEESEP2011. 4F :47.80 (2/37). She’s the first foal out of her unraced dam. Layreebelle is a half sister to five stakes placed runners. The second dam Voodoo Lilly is a G-3 winner. This is the female family of the multiple stakes winning veteran Mr. Livingston.

Spirited Touch (Elusive Quality - So Spirited, by Favorite Trick) $85K KEENOV2010 Weanling. 4F :48.00 (5/37). His half brother is a Russian stakes winner, but his two half sisters haven’t lived up to expectations, as they went winless in their few starts. Their dam is an unraced half sister to the G-1 winning sires Roman Ruler and El Corredor. A half sister, Silver Tornado is a G-3 winner, but it appears that the colts of this immediate distaff line are better than the fillies. Spirited Touch should be fairly precocious and could be one to watch through his juvenile season.

Call Me West (Tapit - Alpine Garden, by Lemon Drop Kid) (C) $375K KEESEP2011. 6F 1:13.20 (2/6). He’s a first foal. His dam won 5 of 16 starts, including the G-3 British Columbia BC Oaks (G-3) and Distaff Handicap. Call Me West has Rasmussen Factor inbreeding to the blue hen Lassie Dear through her daughters Weekend Surprise (dam of A.P. Indy, who is Tapit’s second sire) and Lassie Dear is the second dam of Lemon Drop Kid. Call Me West should enjoy going two turns.

Power Broker (Pulpit - Shop Again, by Wild Again) (C) $360K EESEP2011. 6F 1:13.20 (2/6). His dam needed 13 starts to win her maiden, but placed third in her first three starts. She eventually won a listed stakes. Shop again is a half-sister to Personal Ensign S.(G1-8.5f) heroine and G-2 winner Trappe Shot, plus two other stakes horses.

Look for updates on Saratoga on Wednesday.

 

Technorati Tags: 2013 Triple Crown Trail

Precocious Pedigrees or Something More?

Saturday June 16 was the start of the juvenile stakes races at major tracks. Hollywood Park traditionally a showcase for young talent, kicked off the first tentative steps on next year’s Triple Crown trail with the Willard Proctor Memorial and Cinderella Stakes. I know, we just finished this year’s, but it’s a long, long road and some like to get a head start.

 

AMARISH

Amarish was sent to post as the favorite of the Willard L. Proctor Memorial and he didn’t disappoint. The Jeff Bonde trainee was rank in the beginning stages of the race as his jockey Edwin Maldonado tried to rate him off of the flank of pace setter Run To Ground. Clearly, Amarish didn’t enjoy this tactic, as he pulled strongly until given his head at the top of the stretch. Once let loose, the bay gelding wasn’t challenged by the field and coasted home a 4 ½ length winner over Moreno’s Mine. Typical of a very inexperienced horse, Amarish drifted slightly from the left handed whip. His final time for the 5 ½ furlong contest was a swift 1:04.55.

AMARISH (Scat Daddy - Issues, by Awesome Again) is now undefeated in two starts. A May foal, Amarish zipped a furlong in :10.00 at the OBS March Two Year Old In Training Sale. He was purchased for $200,000 by Jerry Durant. Amarish won his maiden impressively by over seven lengths against Moreno’s Mine, getting 4 ½ furlongs in a sharp :50.98.

By the sensational young sire Scat Daddy, Amarish has the pedigree to improve with distance. His sire won his maiden, Sanford Stakes (G-2) and Champagne Stakes, but was a distant fourth behind the spectacular Street Sense in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. At three, Scat Daddy made his presence known on the Derby trail with victories in the Fountain of Youth (G-2) and Florida Derby (G-1). However, Scat Daddy could do no better than 18 in the Kentucky Derby. He sustained a tendon injury during his rough Derby trip and retired with a 9-5-1-1 ($1,334,300) racing record.

Scat Daddy is the leading second crop sire and dominated the first crop sire list last year. The son of World Champ Johannesburg is producing tough runners who like to win. Scat Daddy had his first two Classic representatives this year. His son Sunland Park Derby champ Daddy Nose Best finished an even tenth while European import Daddy Long Legs didn’t handle the dirt and was last. We don't know how far the Scat Daddy babies will run, but his progeny have been victorious up to 1 1/8 miles over dirt, 1 3/16 miles over synthetic and 1 1/4 miles over turf.

Amarish has a classy female family. His dam Issues didn’t make it to the races until she was three, but it was worth the wait. Starting out in the maiden claiming ranks, Issues won her debut and a claiming race before tackling stakes horses. Issues placed third in a listed stakes at Calder and spent the rest of her career in the allowance/optional claimer ranks. She won up to a mile over dirt and placed going longer. Issues retied with a nice 8-4-1-2 ($68,525) record. Amarish is her first foal to race. His older sister hasn’t made it to the track. Issues is a half sister to a stakes placed runner and Amarish’s second dam Darlin Echo (by Eastern Echo) placed in the Cinderella Stakes. Darlin Echo is a half sister to Jockey Club Gold Cup (G-1) hero Wagon Limit. Amarish’s fifth dam is 1979 Broodmare of the Year Smartaire, dam of Champion Juvenile Filly Smart Angle, and the G-2 stakes winners Quadratic and Smarten, sire of the top sire Smart Strike.

The Canadian bred Awesome Again, the damsire of Amarish, was a top competitor on the racetrack. A late maturing type, he earned victories in the Queen’s Plate and Whitney Handicap. As a four year old, despite a perfect season cumulating in a victory over Champions Silver Charm and Skip Away in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Awesome Again was denied an Eclipse Award.

As a broodmare sire, Awesome Again has consistently been one of the top 100 broodmare sires in the country. He’s a fairly young broodmare sire and his daughters have yet to produce a stakes winner at classic distances. Since Awesome Again is represented by six winners at classic distances, including Champions Ghostzapper and Ginger Punch, there is no reason to think that his stamina won’t transfer to his daughters’ progeny.

Amarish’s second damsire Eastern Echo adds win early speed to the pedigree. Eastern Echo, a son of the great Damascus, is best known as the sire of the top California stallion Swiss Yodeler and another son, Buddy Gil, was a long-shot winner of the Santa Anita Derby (G-1). Eastern Echo was a middling sire and broodmare sire, but one of his daughters did produce a colt by Amarish’s sire, Scat Daddy. That colt, Swag Daddy, won two New York State-bred races at a mile.

Winners of the Willard L. Proctor Memorial are generally flash in the pan sprinters who don’t progress much past their two year old season. Only three colts in the last 17 years have continued on to become graded stakes winners; Swiss Yodler, Champion Sprinter Squirtle Squirt, and 2011 Triple Crown hopeful J P’s Gusto. That being said, Amarish has the pedigree to stretch out to at least a mile to 1 1 /16 miles. He could possibly handle 1 1/8 miles in the right company, depending on how his running style evolves. Currently, he’s winning on just raw talent and should improve once he figures it all out. Amarish is a colt to keep an eye on for the upcoming Del Mar Meet.

 

MISS EMPIRE

Unlike their male counterpart runners in the Willard L. Proctor Memorial, the fillies who race in the Cinderella Stakes often continue to improve during their careers. Last year’s Cinderella Stakes heroine Killer Graces is a Grade 1 winner and is entered in Saturday’s Hollywood Oaks (G-2). Willa B. Awesome, who placed third behind Killer Graces in the Cinderella, transformed into a Santa Anita Oaks (G-1) winner and will face her rival in the Hollywood Oaks (G-2). Other Cinderella Stakes alumni include Test/Acorn star Champagne D’Oro, Princess Rooney (G-1) Champ River’s Prayer and Golden Ballet, dam of Breeders’ Cup Classic hero Drosselmeyer. Does this year’s Cinderella princess have what it takes to mature into a Grade 1 star?

Breaking from post position four in this year’s edition of the Cinderella Stakes, Miss Empire was bounced almost off of her feet by Tilde at the start. Recovering quickly, the Peter Miller trainee settled nicely at the rail behind the pace setters Awesome Annie and Awe’some Kitten. Racing as a team with Tilde down the backstretch, Miss Empire rounded the far turn, then swung to the outside and passed Awesome Annie. After bearing in from the right handed whip to bump with that rival, jockey Kevin Krigger smacked Miss Empire multiple times left handed and the filly responded by drifting to the far outside, all the while lengthening her lead. Miss Empire dominated her rivals by 4 ¾ lengths, getting the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.

A mid-April foal, Miss Empire completed a furlong in :10.02 at the OBS March Two Year Old in Training Sales sale. She brought $165,000 from the partnership of Barber, Barber and Tsujhara. In her debut, the young daughter of Empire Maker was off slow but made up some ground in the stretch of the 4 ½ furlong contest. She was beaten five lengths by Unusual Way, whom Miss Empire soundly beat in the Cinderella as her rival finished ninth.

MISS EMPIRE (Empire Maker - Miss Excitement, by Rajab) has a stamina oriented pedigree. Her sire, the royally bred Empire Maker, won the Florida Derby and Wood Memorial. Sent off as the favorite in the 2003 Kentucky Derby, Empire Maker was bested by Funny Cide. To be fair, the Derby favorite had suffered a foot bruise in previous weeks and likely wasn’t at his best. Skipping the Preakness Stakes, Empire Maker turned the tables on Funny Cide in the Belmont Stakes. After finishing second in the Jim Dandy, Empire Maker was unexpectedly retired to stud.

Empire Maker started off his stud career hitting seventh on the first crop sire list. Two years later, the son of Unbridled was leading third crop sire. This year, although he was sold to Japanese interests in 2010, Empire Maker leads the general sire list, in part, due to the exploits of his son, Derby/Preakness runner-up, Bodemeister. Empire Maker has given us 32 stakes winners, including last year’s Champion Three Year Old Filly Royal Delta. While his offspring win at all distances and over all surfaces, the majority of Empire Maker’s progeny are best beyond a mile and grow into their talent.

Miss Excitement, the dam of Miss Empire, was a solid allowance class runner in California. Although she won her second race sprinting on the dirt, Miss Excitement found her niche as a turf miler. She retired with a 13-3-3-2 ($103,825) record. Besides Miss Empire, Miss Excitement bore seven other foals. The most notable is the top sprinting stakes veteran Bordonaro (by Memo), whose most prestigious victories include the Ancient Title Stakes (G-1), Vernon O. Underwood (G-3), Sunshine Millions Sprint, and back-to-back wins in the Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (G-3). Miss Excitement is a half-sister to a multiple listed stakes winner, otherwise, there is little blacktype in the first three generations of this distaff line. Farther back in the family, Santa Anita Derby (G-1) champ and Kentucky Derby runner-up Pioneerof The Nile (by Empire Maker) is a distant relation.

Miss Excitement’s damsire Rajab was a solid allowance class winner, however, the son of Belmont Stakes hero Jaipur placed in the Bel Air, San Fernando and San Bernardino Handicaps, all 1 1/8 mile Grade 2 contests. At stud, Rajab sired a handful of stakes winners, the best being Champion Juvenile Filly Brave Raj and the popular California sprinter Rotsaluck. Rajab’s offspring were victorious up to 1 1/8 miles. As a broodmare sire, Rajab’s daughters haven’t produced many blacktype runners. Multiple stakes winner Miss Gibson County, the aforementioned Bordonaro and stakes winner Russian Tango, dam of Grade 2 winner and sire Eurosilver are the most notable.

Hall of Fame inductee Exceller is Miss Empire’s second damsire. This great but under-rated horse beat both Affirmed and Seattle Slew in the exciting 1998 Jockey Club Gold Cup, then held at 1 ½ miles. Exceller was victorious over dirt and turf up to 14 furlongs. He brings additional stamina to Miss Empire’s pedigree.

The leggy Miss Empire has the conformation of a two-turn runner, with an angular shoulder and long, lean body. She will undoubtedly grow into her length as she matures. Even at this young age, Miss Empire has shown professionalism in rating comfortably behind horses and willingly passing in the stretch. Typical of the offspring of Empire Maker, Miss Empire dislikes the whip. Empire Maker progeny win over Polytrack at an 18% rate and are in the money 45% of the time, so Miss Empire may fare well should she run at Del Mar this summer. In any event, this filly could evolve into a top runner, especially as distances get longer and follow in the hoofprints of her more celebrated Cinderella graduates.

 

Technorati Tags: 2013 Triple Crown Trail,Hollywood Park Stakes Races,Miss Empire,Amarish

Promising Babies Take Their First Steps

With the Triple Crown contests in the history books, I turn my attention to the new crop of two year olds taking the first baby steps of their careers. The first major stakes competition for the most precocious of juveniles, the Cinderella and Willard L. Proctor Memorial Stakes, will be held in California on June 16.

Willard Proctor Memorial

Last year’s Willard Proctor Memorial champ J P’s Gusto, was one of the better juveniles in California, winning not only the Willard Proctor, but also the Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes (G-3), Best Pal (G-2) and Del Mar Futurity (G-1).

This year, two sons of the Brazilian-bred Redattore will square off against six other hopefuls in the Willard Proctor. Unlike their more accomplished cohorts in the Cinderella, the youngsters have only a single start under their girths.

The first son of Redattore RUN TO GROUND (Redattore - Serena's Echo, by Swiss Yodeler) led through moderate fractions but was overcome in his debut, beaten only a length. His dam was unplaced in her only career start, but she’s a full sister to 2006 Champion Sprinter Thor’s Echo. Run to Ground is her first foal.

JUST CALL ME AL (Redattore - Alarcity, by Allen's Prospect) won his debut by 1 ¾ lengths. He’s a half-brother to a juvenile stakes placed runner. There isn’t an abundance of blacktype in his distaff family, although his dam is a half-sister to the multiple stakes winning veteran Flaming Emperor, who started 90 times in his career.

LOVMEISTER (Nineeleven - Walk West, by West by West) won his debut by ½ length over Run to Ground, who finished in fourth. Lovmeister’s dam won once in 22 tries. There isn’t much blacktype in the first few generations of his female family, but the stakes veteran Buckle Down Ben is part of this distaff line.

AMARISH (Scat Daddy - Issues, by Awesome Again) won his maiden impressively by over seven lengths against Moreno’s Mine, getting 4 ½ furlongs in a sharp :50.98. By the sensational young sire Scat Daddy, Amarish has the pedigree to improve with distance. His first three dams are stakes placed runners and he descends from the family of Champion Juvenile Filly Smart Angle and multiple graded stakes winner Smarten, sire of the top sire Smart Strike.

In the same race, MORENO'S MINE (Mineshaft - Fi, by Langfuhr) was third, beaten out for second place by a nose. His full sister won once in five attempts. Their dam went 1 for 10 in her career and she’s a half-sister to a listed stakes winner.

K COURT (Doneraile Court - Olivia K, by Smokester) zipped 2 furlongs in :22.12 in his debut and showed his determination to win by a head from between horses. His immediate female family is lightly raced with no blacktype. K Court has been working strongly, including a recent six furlong bullet in 1:12.40.

UNDRAFTED (Purim - French Jeannette, by French Deputy) defeated a full field of 12 maidens at Keeneland by three lengths, getting four furlongs in a very swift :50.74. The second and third place finishers in that race came back to win. Undrafted’s dam was a decent allowance class racemare who hit the board 11 of 18 starts. There’s no blacktype in Undrafted’s first two distaff generations, but his third dam Native Fancy won the Hollywood Lassie (G-2) and Sorrento as a juvenile.

FOREST BOY (Forestry - Belvedere Miss, by Pleasant Colony) is expected to scratch in favor of a maiden race next week.

 

SELECTIONS

Track bias: 74% of sprints have been won by pace setters/pressers with 21% going wire-to-wire.

The last five winners of the Willard Proctor were either pace pressers or mid-pack runners. Like the fillies in the Cinderella, the front runners don’t fare well.

On paper, Undrafted and Amarish appear to be the fastest colts in the race. Amarish has successfully sat off the pace and won, so we’ll give him the nod to win. Loveminster was off slow, but got up to win his debut. The second place horse came back to win. Just Call Me Al had a sharp debut and leading jockey Rafael Bejarano returns for the ride.

#6 Amarish

#8 Undrafted

#7 Just Call Me Al

#1 Loveminster – longshot pick

Cinderella Stakes

The Cinderella Stakes was initially held in 1950. In the 1980’s and 1990’s it was sporadically contested, but the race has been consistently run since 2000. In the last ten years, more than half of the winners continued on to win other stakes races throughout their careers. Two, Golden Ballet and River’s Prayer, became Grade One winners. Additionally, fillies that have placed in the Cinderella have also developed into stakes runners, including the Test and Acorn Stakes heroine, Champagne D’Oro. Last year’s winner Killer Graces also won the Landaluce Stakes and later finished second to Willa B Awesome in the Santa Ysabel Stakes (G-2) as a three year old. Killer Graces beat Willa B Awesome in the Cinderella.

This year, three fillies by Willa B Awesome’s sire Awesome Gambler square off in the Cinderella along with six other youngsters. Two of them, Awesome Annie and Awe' Some Kitten already have two starts under their girths.

AWESOME ANNIE (Awesome Gambler - Cars and Cigars, by Mane Minister) has finished second in both starts, first against Unusual Way then against Tilde. Awesome Annie’s pedigree indicates that she should improve with racing and distance. Although none of her half siblings own any blacktype, Awesome Annie’s dam retired with a 4-2-1 race record and placed in a listed sprint.

AWE' SOME KITTEN (Awesome Gambler - Run Kitty Run, by Sir Cat) beat state-bred maidens in her second start. She has no blacktype in her first two generations, but her third dam is a French Group 3 winner. Awe' Some Kitten has strong turf influences on her distaff side so we may see her on the lawn later in her career.

AWE GOLLY MOLLY (Awesome Gambler - Molly's Gone, by All Gone) was up in time in her debut to beat state-bred maidens, including Awe' Some Kitten. Awe Golly Molly is a half sister to a Korean stakes winner. Like the other Awesome Gambler progeny, she’ll appreciate a little more distance.

Shipping in for top juvenile trainer Wesley Ward, EMOTIONAL KITTEN (Kitten's Joy - Silent Emotion, by Ghazi) was no competition for Richiescowgirl over the Arlington Park Polytrack last month, as that rival beat Emotional Kitten by five lengths. Emotional Kitten is a ¾ sister to the multiple stakes winning turf miler Unspoken Word. Emotional Kitten’s full siblings Keith’s Kitten and Silent Joy won only once in multiple starts.

MISS EMPIRE (Empire Maker - Miss Excitement, by Rajab) was off slow but made up some ground in the stretch in her debut. She was beaten five lengths by Unusual Way. Miss Empire has been working sharply towards her next start. She is a half-sister to the top sprinting stakes veteran Boronardo, hero of the Ancient Title (G-1) and Sunshine Millions Sprint, two time winner of the Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (G-3), etc. Miss Empire was off slow and posed no threat to Unusual Way finishing five lengths behind that rival in their debut. Miss Empire should improve with time and distance.

The pretty gray TILDE (Swiss Yodeler - Self Taught, by Cee's Tizzy) fought hard Awesome Annie in their debut, beating her rival by a tough ½ length. It was 5 ½ lengths back to the third place horse. Eight of Tilde’s nine full siblings have raced, but only two have won more than once.

SET'N ON READY (More Than Ready - Laughingly, by Giant's Causeway) is the first foal produced by her dam. Laughingly went 0 -9 in her career, but she’s a half-sister to the English Champion Sprinter and sire Lucayan Prince, Louisiana Derby winner Comic Strip and two other stakes winners. Set'n On Ready dominated maiden claimers by over 12 lengths in her second start. She’s bred to enjoy distance and we may eventually see her on the turf.

GLORYANDPRAYER (Songandaprayer - First Glory, by Honour and Glory) was a long-shot winner against maiden claimers in her debut. Both of Gloryandprayer’s half siblings have won once in multiple starts and her dam went 0 for 8 in her career. Nonetheless, her dam is a half-sister to Hollywood Turf Cup (G-1) champ Boboman and Gloryandprayer’s second and third dams are stakes horses.

UNUSUAL WAY (Unusual Heat - Way Up, by Great Above) is an unusually precocious daughter of California’s leading sire. She won her debut over the hard-luck Awesome Annie, beating her by 2 ¼ lengths. Although her dam placed in some stakes races, overall, Unusual Way has a modest distaff family.

SELECTIONS

Track bias: 74% of sprints have been won by pace setters/pressers with 21% going wire-to-wire.

Although there is a speed favoring track bias, the last five Cinderella Stakes heroines won from off of the pace and most front runners haven’t fared well. The last filly to win on the lead was River’s Prayer in 2005. She continued on to become a multiple graded stakes winner.

Not surprisingly this early in the year, most of the youngsters prefer to be on or near the lead. Set'n On Ready is the speed of the field, yet she also has a classy pedigree and should enjoy the extra real estate. If she gets away from the gate, Miss Empire can be in position to dominate in the stretch. She also has plenty of class and should improve with distance. It’s never wise to overlook the offspring of Awesome Gambler in California, but which of his three daughters has the best chance to hit the board? All three posted identical late pace figures, but Awe Golly Molly came from off of the pace to post a win over another Awesome Gambler daughter Awe' Some Kitten. The third filly Awesome Annie has been defeated by two other entrants, but her overall speed figures have improved and she’s been working well.

#4 Miss Empire

#1 Awesome Annie

#7 Awe Golly Molly

#6 Set'n On Ready – longshot pick

 

Technorati Tags: 2012 Juveniles,2012 Juvenile Stakes Races,Hollywood Park Stakes Races,2013 Triple Crown Trail

BELMONT STAKES UP FOR GRABS

With I’ll Have Another tragically scratched from the Belmont Stakes and retired, the race obviously loses plenty of luster. The overwhelming media hype leading up to the race now sounds like a needle scratching across a record. For those of you unfamiliar with records, try the sound of tires screeching to a halt millimeters away from your bumper. Even though the Belmont Stakes has lost its brightest star, the race is still a Grade 1 competition and none of the remaining entrants would turn down a chance to win.

The Belmont Stakes is the hardest race in the Triple Crown series for a horse and jockey to win. Not only does the horse have to have the pedigree and current form, but the jockey and trainer get a chance to do something rare in modern days – compete in a 1 ½ mile race over the dirt. It takes a combination of genes, talent, current form, trainer acumen and a jockey’s skill to conquer the Belmont Stakes. Let’s take a closer look at the remaining contestants in the Belmont Stakes to see who the logical choices are and who might spring an upset.

STREET LIFE (Street Sense - Stone Hope, by Grindstone) Trainer: Chad Brown Jockey: Jose Lezcano

Pedigree: By Kentucky Derby Champ Street Sense out of a mare by the 1996 Kentucky Derby hero, the late maturing Street Life should be in his element at 1 ½ miles. His dam is a half-sister to Jefferson Cup victor Brilliant.

Form: Street Life’s Brisnet speed figures have improved in each of his starts since winning his debut in January. In his first time wearing blinkers, Street Life was third in the Peter Pan Stakes, beaten a narrowing 1 ¾ lengths by Mark Valeski. Street Life has no early speed, but in all except his maiden race, he’s racked up triple digit late pace figures and he should be flying at the end. The only concern may be his class. He’s been whipped a combined nine lengths in two graded stakes contests.

Trainer: Chad Brown is best known for hasn’t sent a horse to the post of the Belmont Stakes, but as a long-time assistant to the late great Bobby Frankel, Chad gained Triple Crown experience with Empire Maker.

Jockey: Jose Lezcano rides regularly at Belmont. Last year he finished ninth aboard Monzon in the Belmont.

Win Potential: A

 

UNSTOPPABLE U (Exchange Rate – Naseem, by Point Given) Trainer: Ken McPeek Jockey: Junior Alvarado

Pedigree: Unstoppable U has a middle distance pedigree borderline for classic distances. His sire Exchange Rate has never sired a stakes winner beyond 1 1/8 miles and the majority of his offspring are sprinter/milers. Unstoppable U receives stamina from his Belmont Stakes winning sire and second damsire Triple Crown Hero Seattle Slew.

Form: Unstoppable U is the most lightly raced colt in the field. He's won his two starts by a combined 9 lengths, beating Belmont Stakes entrant Guyana Star Dweej by 6 1/4 lengths. Unstoppable U hasn’t raced beyond a mile. He likes to be on or pressing the lead.

Trainer: Ken McPeek pulled an upset in the 2002 Belmont Stakes with Savara. This year, he’ll take a double shot with Unstoppable U and Atigun.

Jockey: Junior Alvarado rides regularly in New York. He may try to wing it on the front end by slowing the pace to a crawl. This tactic may not work since there are other horses in the race with speed.

Win Potential: D

 

UNION RAGS (Dixie Union – Tempo, by Gone West) Trainer: Michael Matz Jockey: John Velazquez

Pedigree: Union Rags' pedigree is borderline for 1 1/2 miles. His sire Dixie Union has never produced a stakes winner past 1 1/8 miles. Union Rags does carry plenty of stamina on his distaff side. As a broodmare sire, Gone West has six stakes winners at 1 ½ miles to his credit. Union Rags’ second damsire is the legendary Nijinsky, a Classic/Stout Chef-de-race, proven to pass along plenty of stamina to his descendants.

Form: Union Rags was a top three year old and many thought he would be the colt in I’ll Have Another’s horseshoes as winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Unfortunately, little has gone right for the hard-luck Union Rags this year. He was a dominating winner of the Fountain Of Youth, but found all sorts of trouble in the Florida and Kentucky Derbies. He’s rested up and ready to go in the Belmont Stakes. Union Rags likes to sit no farther back than mid-pack.

Trainer: Michael Matz is a consummate horseman. He’s best known for training the brave Barbaro to a Kentucky Derby win. Union Rags is his first Belmont Stakes horse.

Jockey: John Velazquez is always one of the leading riders on the New York circuit. He was aboard the filly Rags To Riches for her epic head and head battle with Curlin in the 2007 Belmont Stakes, so Johnny V. knows how to win this race. He’s a major asset to Union Rags and should give the colt a smooth trip.

Win Potential: B

 

ATIGUN (Istan – Rimini Road, by Dynaformer) Trainer: Ken McPeek Jockey: Julien Leparoux

Pedigree: Atigun has a borderline pedigree for classic distances. His sire Istan was a Grade 3 level miler and other than Atigun, none of his offspring have won beyond a mile. Atigun receives his stamina from the international legend Dynaformer. As a broodmare sire, Dynaformer is represented by seven stakes winners at 1 ½ miles.

Form: Atigun has never raced at Belmont Park. His form has improved in his last three races, but he was unplaced each time that he faced graded stakes competition, indicating that he may be better suited to listed stakes ranks. His strongest victory was obtained over a muddy Churchill track, so Atigun’s best chance will be if the Belmont track is muddy. Atigun likes to make one run from the back of the pack.

Trainer: Ken McPeek pulled an upset in the 2002 Belmont Stakes with Savara. He also has Unstoppable U entered.

Jockey: Julien Leparoux stormed upon the US racing scene in 2006 claiming an Eclipse Award as Apprentice Jockey. Since then, he’s become a top rider wherever he hangs his saddle. He was third in the 2008 Belmont Stakes on Anak Nakal.

Win Potential: C

DULLAHAN (Even the Score – Mining My Own, by Smart Strike) Trainer: Dale Romans Jockey: Javier Castellano

Pedigree: Dullahan has a borderline pedigree for classic distances. His sire Even The Score has produced one stakes winner at 1 ¼ miles, but none at farther distances. Dullahan does have strong stamina influences on his distaff side and the huge colt was closing fast in the stretch of the Kentucky Derby, so the potential to get 1 ½ miles is there.

Form: Dullahan’s Brisnet speed figures have improved in just about every start. He likes to make one run and closes like a freight train. Of concern is that Dullahan’s record over dirt isn’t that great. His only in the money finishes over the surface came at Churchill, earning third place in both his maiden start and the Kentucky Derby.

Trainer: Dale Romans has started three horses in the Belmont and finished third with two of them, most recently with First Dude in 2010.

Jockey: Javier Castellano has been aboard plenty of nice horses, including Champions Ghostzapper and Bernardini. Last year, he was a close second in the Belmont Stakes with Stay Thirsty.

Win Potential: B

 

RAVELO’S BOY (Lawyer Ron – Dance Tune, by French Deputy) Trainer: Manny Azpurua Jockey: Alex Solis

Pedigree: Ravelo's Boy has a middle distance pedigree, indicating that may have trouble negotiating past 1 1/8 miles. So far, Lawyer Ron's offspring haven't won a stakes race beyond a mile, but he does have a maiden winner at 1 1/8 miles over the turf. Lawyer Ron was best at a mile to 1 1/8 miles. In four tries at 1 1/4 miles, his best finish was a second place while finishing off of the board in the other three. As a broodmare sire, top miler French Deputy is represented by two winners at 1 1/2 miles, both victories were earned over the turf. The second damsire Fly So Free was a multiple graded stakes winner in the 7F to 1 1/8 mile range.

Form: Ravelo's Boy has spent his career racing unsuccessfully against allowance class foes at Calder. It's a huge leap from there to a Classic Grade 1 Stakes race. Ravelo's Boy is a one run closer who doesn't appear to have the turn of foot needed to be successful in the Belmont Stakes.

Trainer: Manny Azpurua is a South Florida-based trainer. This is his first shot at the Belmont Stakes.

Jockey: Alex Solis is one of racing’s top veterans. His last mount in the Belmont Stakes was a fifth place finish aboard Rock Hard Ten in 2004.

Win Potential: D

 

FIVE SIXTEEN (Invasor – Third Street, by Salt Lake) Trainer: Dominick Schettino Jockey: Anna Napravnik

Pedigree: Five Sixteen's second crop sire Invasor won six consecutive Grade One Stakes on his way to being named Champion Older Male in 2005 and Horse of the Year in 2006. Unfortunately, Invasor hasn't set the world on fire at stud. He has a couple of minor stakes placed runners, but no stakes winners. Five Sixteen is Invasor's top money earner. Invasor's offspring haven't won beyond 1 1/8 miles, but he should impart stamina to his slowly maturing offspring. As a broodmare sire, Five Sixteen's damsire Salt Lake is represented by two winners at 1/12 miles, both over turf. Five Sixteen's second damsire Quadrangle was a long-winded router who was victorious in the Travers, Belmont Stakes and the 1 5/8 mile (13 furlongs) Lawrence Realization Stakes.

Form: Five Sixteen needed five starts to win his maiden. In his last start, he finished fourth, beaten by over 11 lengths by allowance runners at Aqueduct. He's a slow, one-run grinder. Contrary to popular myth, these types of horses seldom win the Belmont Stakes unless there’s an unreasonably fast pace.

Trainer: Dominick Schettino is a New York based trainer. Five Sixteen is his first Belmont Stakes entry.

Jockey: Anna Napravnik started out as a top competitor in Maryland and is currently enjoying a hot streak. This year, she was the first female jockey to win the Kentucky Oaks.

Win Potential: D

 

GUYANA STAR DWEEJ (Eddington – Special Feeling, by Pine Bluff) Trainer: Doodnauth Shivmangal Jockey: Kent Desormeaux

Pedigree: Guyana Star Dweej has a miler pedigree. His sire Eddington has produced only two stakes winners, both sprinters. Eddington's offspring are distance challenged. He has one winner at 1 1/8 miles over dirt. The rest are best up to 1 1/16 miles. Damsire Pine Bluff won the Preakness and was third behind A.P. Indy in the Belmont Stakes. The majority of Pine Bluff's daughters' offspring are miler types, although he is represented by a restricted stakes winner at 1 1/2 miles.

Form: Guyana Star Dweej was well on his way to becoming a career maiden when he finally broke through with a win in his eighth race. Wheeling back in 20 days, Guyana Star Dweej was no match for the winner of a $75K Optional Claimer, Belmont Stakes entrant, Unstoppable U, finishing second beaten by over six lengths at Belmont Park. Guyana Star Dweej hasn't won beyond a mile. He has yet to defeat winners and he's a cut below the Belmont field.

Trainer: Doodnauth Shivmangal sent the hopelessly overmatched Isn’t He Perfect to a last place finish in last year’s Belmont Stakes.

Jockey: Kent Desormeaux best known for riding “almost” Triple Crown hero Real Quiet, won the 2009 Belmont Stakes with Summer Bird.

Win Potential: D

 

PAYNTER (Awesome Again – Tizso, by Cee’s Tizzy) Trainer: Bob Baffert Jockey: Mike Smith

Pedigree: Paynter has a late-maturing, stamina-oriented pedigree. His sire Awesome Again was a ten furlong specialist, and won four times at 1 ¼ miles, including Canada’s prestigious Queen’s Plate, and the Breeders’ Cup Classic. He’s sired one stakes winner at 1 ½ miles. Damsire Cee’s Tizzy is best known as the sire of two-time Classic champ Tiznow. Paynter is closely related to Tiznow as his dam Tizso is a full sister to the stallion.

Form: Another dangerously improving colt, Paynter's speed figures have increased in every start. He's been victorious from on the lead and off of the pace. He has the turn of foot to win at 5 1/2 furlongs and the pedigree to stretch his speed to 1 1/2 miles. Paynter is coming into the Belmont fresh and he may wind up the favorite at post time.

Trainer: Bob Baffert has been around the Belmont oval quite a bit. Out of eight starters, he’s finished in the money with three – Point Given, who decimated the Belmont field by over 12 lengths, a heartbreaking nose loss by Real Quiet, and Silver Charm. Baffert finished second with Bodemeister in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

Jockey: Mike Smith is another racing veteran, best known as the regular jockey of Champion Zenyatta. Mike won the 2010 Belmont Stakes on Drosselmeyer.

Win Potential: A

 

OPTIMIZER (English Channel - Indy Pick, by A.P. Indy) Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas Jockey: Corey Nakatani

Pedigree: Optimizer has the best pedigree in the field to handle the Belmont Stakes distance. His second crop sire English Channel is a Turf Champion who set a new course record in the United Nations Handicap at 1 3/16 miles and won the Breeders' Cup Turf in his final start. Damsire A.P. Indy won the Belmont Stakes and is a noted Classic Chef-de-race, who passes along stamina to his descendants. Unfortunately, Optimizer has a strong turf oriented pedigree. Out of 63 starters, only two of English Channels offspring have won over dirt.

Form: Other than passing exhausted horses in the Arkansas Derby to get up for second place, Optimizer hasn't been remotely competitive in any of his dirt races. He has plenty of stamina, but this is a case of trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Optimizer's best chance of finishing in the money is if the track comes up sloppy. If that's the case, count him in as your longshot pick.

Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas has started more horses in the Belmont Stakes than the rest of them combined. Twenty-one to be exact. Four have won and one finished third. He won the Belmont Stakes three years running, from 1994 – 1996, and again in 2000. Unfortunately, his last great year of racing was 2000 and although he still trains a full stable, his numbers aren’t what they were.

Jockey: Corey Nakatani was fourth aboard Nehro in last year’s Belmont Stakes. He’s won many meet titles on the cutthroat Southern California circuit.

Win Potential: D

 

MY ADONIS (Pleasantly Perfect - Silent Justice, by Elusive Quality) Trainer: Kelly Breen Jockey: Ramon Dominguez

Pedigree: My Adonis has a stamina over speed pedigree. His sire Pleasantly Perfect won the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Santa Anita Handicap and Dubai World Cup. Pleasantly Perfect has one winner at 1 ¼ miles, but most of his offspring haven’t run farther. Elusive Quality is a young broodmare sire. He’s known best as a miler sire, although he’s produced three winners at 1 ¼ miles, including Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones. He has no winners at 1 ½ miles.

Form: My Adonis likes to race on or near the lead. He’s never won past a mile and hit a brick wall the only time he tried 1 1/8 miles. He does like the slop so his best bet to hit the board would be over a muddy track.

Trainer: Kelly Breen is 1-1-0-0 in the Belmont Stakes. He sent out Ruler On Ice to upset last year’s Belmont Stakes field. Ruler On Ice had a poor pedigree for the distance, but he had a much better record than My Adonis.

Jockey: A year ago Ramon Dominguez rode six winners from eight mounts at Belmont Park. He’s only the second jockey in history to do so. Last year he finished seventh in the Belmont Stakes aboard Mucho Macho Man.

Win Potential: D

Read Race Analysis and Selections on the main Iron Maidens Thoroughbreds website.

Technorati Tags: 2012 Triple Crown,Belmont Stakes

THE KIDDIE LIST

JUNE 4 - 5, 2012

The summer season of racing is upon us. The conclusion of the Triple Crown means that this blog turns its attention to the two year olds of 2012 as we attempt to find the best and brightest of the crop. Last year, we pointed out Dullahan, El Padrino, Take Charge Indy, Union Rags, Creative Cause, Drill and countless other runners before they hit the national radar. Many juveniles that were highlighted on the Kiddie List rewarded their backers with double digit wins.

The Kiddie List will cover the best juvenile workers breezing four and five furlongs. We’ll post the top five workers and blue bloods from Aqueduct/Belmont/Saratoga, Arlington, Fair Hill, Monmouth, Keeneland/Churchill, Santa Anita/Hollywood Park and Del Mar. If a particularly well bred baby from the database shows up at another track, we’ll include that one as well. Due to the enormous number of juveniles, some of these names may show up only once or twice. It’s highly suggested that you use a virtual stable, available through Equibase, DRF or Brisnet to follow the babies in whom you’re most interested.

BELMONT

June 4

Cay to Pomeroy ( Pomeroy - Cay Why, by Devil's Bag) (C) 4F :48.45 (4/48) Race Record: 1-1-0-0 ($33,000). Made his debut on May 5. Cay to Pomeroy dueled most of the way and won by ½ length and traveled 5F in a very quick :57.81, paying $16.60 to win. His unraced dam is a half sister to the G-3 turf sprinter Stradivinsky. Cay to Pomeroy is bred for precocious speed. He may do well in the early sprint races, but will be at a disadvantage as they stretch out.

Zekes Surprise (Frost Giant - Marquet Rate, by Marquetry) (C) $23K SARAUG’11. 4F :48.67 (7/48). Race Record: 1-0-0-1 ($5,500). Made his debut on May 23. Zekes Surprise ran evenly for third place, beaten 3 lengths while racing green in a 5F sprint. He’s a first foal and there is no blacktype within the first three generations of his distaff family. Both his first crop sire and damsire won at 1 ¼ miles, so Zekes Surprise should improve with age and distance.

Horsepower ( Bernardini - Moroccan Rose, by Carson City) (C) $420K KEESEP’11. 4F :49.13 (7/38) dirt training track. This colt has a precocious distaff family, but he should handle two turns without difficulty. His dam won her debut and placed in a stakes race. His second dam Rose of Wendover was a MSW and won a juvenile stakes race. There’s some quality in this family. Trained by Steve Asmussen for Fox Hill Farm, Horsepower should be one to watch at the upcoming Saratoga meet.

Bye Bye Bernie ( Bernstein - Eternal Grace, by Gilded Time) (C) 5F 1:02.89. Race Record: 1-0-0-1 ($7,000). Made his debut May 24 on the inner turf. Bye Bye Bernie sat mid pack and made a strong late move to finish third, beaten four lengths in this 6F turf sprint. He has some win-early listed stakes quality in his female family. Bye Bye Bernie’s dam placed in the Sorority Stakes at Monmouth at two and his second dam One Fit Lady was a juvenile stakes winner. Bernie should improve in his second start and may handle 1 1/6 miles.

Mr Hall's Opus ( Officer - Sala de Oro, by Expelled) (F) 5F 1:02.89 (9/15). Race Record 1-1-0-0 ($42,000). Made her debut May 2. Mr Hall's Opus pressed the pace in third before taking over in the stretch to win by 1 ¾ lengths. She traveled 5F in 1:00.47. Mr Hall's Opus is a half sister to the multiple juvenile stakes winning filly Truth and Justice. Her second dam is a juvenile stakes winner and a half sister to a MSW. Mr Hall's Opus has a speed over stamina pedigree. Her damsire won the Eddie Reed (G-1,9F) and her second damsire was the hardy stakes veteran Flying Paster, who won graded stakes from 7 – 9F. Mr Hall's Opus should handle juvenile distances without difficulty.

June 5, 2012

Elghayoor ( Ghostzapper - Hazimah, by Gone West) (F) 4F :48.06 (2/4). Two of five siblings to race have won, neither were precocious. Their dam went 0-6 in her racing career. She’s a half sister to English Gr.1 winner Mujahid and the second dam was an Eng. Juvenile stakes winner. Santa Anita ‘Cap hero Ron the Greek and the multiple graded stakes veteran Musket Man are distant relatives, but overall, there’s not much to note about this branch of the distaff family. Elghayoor may need a few starts to get her racing legs and she’ll prefer some distance.

Qeyaas ( Haafhd (GB) - Shawahid, by A.P. Indy) (C) 4F :48.89 (7/24). Expect this colt to prefer going long over the turf or Polytrack. His sire’s offspring win from 5F – 1 ½ miles, and generally the distaff line determines how far the progeny will want to run. Qeyaas has a RF (Rasmussen Factor breeding) to the Champion mare and blue hen Height of Fashion. She is the dam of Haafhd’s third sire and she is Qeyaas’ third dam. Only one of Qeyaas’s three siblings have raced and that one went 0-3. Qeyaas’ unraced dam is a half sister to Eng. Gr.1 winner Ghanaati.

Sayaad ( Street Sense - Time for a Crown, by Time for a Change) (C) $450K KEENOV’10 Weanling. 4F :48.89 (7/24). He’s a half brother to Del Mar Futurity runner-up Coronet of a Baron and the stakes winning sprinter Banana Ridge. Their dam is a half sister to the good mare Carson Jen, dam of the precocious AZ Warrior (Frizette G-1), EZ Warrior (Hollywood Juvenile Championship G-3) and the multiple stakes winning sprinter JJ Warrior. Sayaad may be a mid-late season runner who will enjoy two turns.

Majestic Wind ( Majestic Warrior - Just Precision, by Stormin Fever) (G) $7,000 OBSAUG’11 Yearling. Race Record: 2-0-0-0 ($2,267). 4F 50.13 (7/11) dirt training track. He’s from the first crop of Hopeful Stakes (G-1) hero Majestic Warrior. The son of A.P Indy’s offspring will likely be best from mid-season on and could prefer middle distances. Majestic Wind was unplaced in sprints over dirt and turf. His dam is a half sister to a multiple stakes winning sprinter.

Santa Anita

June 4

There Goes Donnie ( Bedford Falls - Nora Ellen, by Cee's Tizzy) (C) $15,000 NCASEP ’11 yearling. 4F :49.00 gate drill. His sire is a 1^st crop California stallion. He’s by Forestry and is a half brother to Harlan’s Holiday. There Goes Donnie’s dam and half siblings needed multiple starts to win their maiden.

June 5

Wild One ( War Front - Miss Class Action, by Alleged) (F) $625,000 KEESEP ‘11yearling. 4F :49.00 (6/14). She’s a half sister to the stakes horses Putmeinyourwill and Bauers Got Hours. This distaff family isn’t particularly precocious, although one of Wild One’s half siblings won their debut. Wild One should be best over turf or Polytrack. Her sire is an “A” rated Polytrack sire.

Power Broker (Pulpit - Shop Again, by Wild Again) (C) $360,000 KEESEP ’11 yearling. 4F :49.80 (9/14). His dam needed 13 starts to win her maiden, but placed third in her first three starts. She eventually won a listed stakes. Shop Again is a half sister to Personal Ensign S.(G1-8.5f) heroine and G-2 winner Trappe Shot, plus two other stakes horses.

Gianthalf (Giant's Causeway - Halfbridled, by Unbridled) (F) 5F 1:01.80 (10/14). This well-bred filly is a daughter of Champion Juvenile Halfbridled. Unfortunately, none of the brilliant filly’s offspring have done much on the track. Gianthalf’s full sister is 0-7 in England. Her half sister Half Strike was third in her debut this May. Two other half siblings never made it to the races. Gianthalf has been working steadily since April and may make her debut within the next two months.

Saratoga

June 5

Jocosity (Sharp Humor - Sobhy's Gal, by Stormy Atlantic) (C) $210,000 OBSMAR’ 12 two year old in training. 4F :48.85 (6/43). He’s the second foal out of his unraced dam. His half sister won her debut. Sobhy's Gal is a half sister to a stakes placed runner and the third dam Sham Say is a Grade 1 winner. Jocosity has the pedigree of a sprinter/miler and could be a win-early baby.

Rose Junction (Dixie Union - Sandra's Rose, by Old Trieste) (C) $310,000 KEESEP ’11 yearling. 4F :48.85 (6/43). Entered 6/8 BEL R2. His dam took three starts to win her maiden, but eventually placed twice in G-3 turf races. She’s a half sister to two turf stakes winners, Mananan Mclir American Derby (G2,9.5FT) and Flawlessly S. (8fT) winner Charming N Loveable. Rose Junction has been working steadily since March. He may win early, but should be able to handle longer juvenile races.

Well Lawyered (Lawyer Ron - Cat Dancer, by Storm Cat) (C) $210,000 KEESEP ’11 yearling. 4F :48.89 (8/43). He’s a full brother to the precocious Del Mar Futurity G-1 hero Drill. Well Lawyered has just started working, so look for him to make his debut mid/late summer if all goes well.

The kiddie list

JUNE 2 – 3, 2012

The summer season of racing is upon us. The conclusion of the Triple Crown means that this blog turns its attention to the two year olds of 2012 as we attempt to find the best and brightest of the crop. Last year, we pointed out Dullahan, El Padrino, Take Charge Indy, Union Rags, Creative Cause, Drill and countless other runners before they hit the national radar. Many juveniles that were highlighted on the Kiddie List rewarded their backers with double digit wins.

The Kiddie List will cover the best juvenile workers breezing four and five furlongs. We’ll post the top five workers and blue bloods from Aqueduct/Belmont/Saratoga, Arlington, Fair Hill, Monmouth, Keeneland/Churchill, Santa Anita/Hollywood Park and Del Mar. If a particularly well bred baby from the database shows up at another track, we’ll include that one as well. Due to the enormous number of juveniles, some of these names may show up only once or twice. It’s highly suggested that you use a virtual stable, available through Equibase, DRF or Brisnet to follow the babies in whom you’re most interested.

ARLINGTON PARK

Saturday June 2, 2012

Examen (Giant’s Causeway - Surf N Sand, by Boston Harbor) (C) 4F :47.60 (3/52). His dam started a five-race win streak in her second start and eventually won a listed stakes. She’s a half-sister to three multiple stakes winners, plus the stakes veterans Demarcation and Fishy Advice were produced by her half-sisters. Examen has some class and could be one to watch from July forward.

Beyond Compare ( Tapit - Dancing Alone, by Kingmambo) (C) 4F :47.80 (4/52). He’s a half-brother to the stakes winning turf miler Dancing Solo. Their dam is an unraced full sister to the MGSW Voodoo Dancer. With Kingmambo and Danzig as his first two damsires, look for Beyond Compare to be a strong Turf/Poly runner and he’ll like some distance.

Leaving Trax ( Circular Quay - Copelan's Joy, by Copelan) (C) 4F :47.80 (4/52). His dam won her debut and a listed stakes in her second start. A couple of Leaving Trax’s half siblings won early in their careers as well. This colt should be a fairly precocious sprinter. Leaving Trax’s first crop sire has one runner on the track, a runner-up in a MSW at Calder.

Wild Slew ( Doneraile Court - Sunnie Wild, by Wild Zone) (C) 4F :47.80 (4/52). Two of his half siblings and their dam won/placed in their first few starts. Wild Slew has a modest pedigree filled with hardy runners.

Sunday June 3, 2012

Stay in Dixie ( Dixie Union - See How She Runs, by Maria's Mon) (C) 4F :47.00 (1/58). This is the second consecutive 4F bullet posted by Stay in Dixie. His dam started her career with a five race win streak, including victories in the Fantasy (G-2) and Selene (G-1), but Stay in Dixie’s half siblings weren’t that precocious. Stay In Dixie has a string of strong works and could emulate his dam. He’ll likely be best in longer sprints up to 1 1/8 miles.

Eye Love Jeanie ( Showing Up - First At the Wire, by Awesome Again) (F) 4F :47.40 (3/48). Neither her dam nor half-sister has made it to the track. Eye Love Jeanie’s third dam is Baby Zip, dam of City Zip and Ghostzapper, but this line of her offspring is modest. Eye Love Jeanie’s first crop sire has one runner on the track, a fourth place finisher at Canterbury Park.

Jasser ( Kitalpha - Dressed for Action, by Bold n' Flashy) (F) 4F :47.40 (3/48). Her sire is a full brother to the international staple Kingmambo. Kitalpha was a successful sire in South Africa before moving to the US. Jasser’s dam won her debut and a stakes as a juvenile. Dressed for Action’s half-sister is also a juvenile SW.

BELMONT PARK

Saturday/Sunday June 2 & 3, 2012 - No top five workers due to weather.

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Saturday June 2

Renee's Queen ( After Market - Mighty Renee, by Maria's Mon) (F) 4F :47.60 (2/34). She’s a half-sister to Sorrento Stakes (G-3, 6½f) winner Mighty Caroline. Her first two dams are unraced but her third dam Over All was a multiple graded stakes winner at two (Landaluce, Spinaway, Matron, Schuylerville, etc.).

Renee's Titan ( Bernstein - Titan Queen, by Tiznow) (F) 4F :47.80 (3/34). She’s a first foal. Her dam is a half sibling to two stakes runners. Her sire is an average producer of Polytrack runners.

Loving Caroline ( Powerscourt (GB) - Pretty Audrey (NZ), by Van Nistelrooy) (F) 5F 1:00.80 6/47. This is the second 5F work posted by this filly, so she may show up in a race soon. Her dam won her only start and is a half-sister to a NZ Gr.1 placed runner. Loving Caroline should do well over Polytrack or turf.

Sunday, June 3

Resisting Arrest ( Kafwain - Rector's Lady, by Pulpit) (F) 4F :48.00 (7/55). Her dam hit the board once in three starts and is a ¾ sister to an Eng-Gr.3 winner. Rector’s Lady’s half-sister Transcendental placed in three G-1 races.

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Saturday, June 2

Pretty Cool ( Smart Strike - Puxa Saco, by Dehere) (F) 3F :35.40 (1/51). Both half siblings to race won their debut. Her half-sister Exclusive Diva is a juvenile stakes winner. Their dam also won her debut and two stakes races at two. MG1 winner Gio Ponti is part of this distaff family.

Movin Empress ( Broken Vow - Treedom, by Forestry) (F) 5F 100.80 (3/61). Her dam hit the board once in four starts. The second dam was a stakes winner, but overall the immediate female family is modest. Movin Empress has been working steadily since April.

Heaven's Saint ( Langfuhr - Saint Sammi, by Saint Ballado) (F) 5F 1:10.60 (10/61). Her unraced dam is a full sister to Norfolk Stakes (G-1) winner Flame Thrower. Heaven's Saint’s half sibling placed in his second start. Heaven's Saint has been working well and she should be fairly precocious.

Sunday, June 3

Eversible ( Tiznow - Counterpoise, by Storm Cat) (F) 4F :48.80 (7/43). Her half-brother is a stakes placed runner. Their dam needed seven starts to win her maiden, but she’s a half-sister to MGSW and sire Peaks and Valleys. Eversible should improve with racing.

Churchill Training Center

Saturday, June 2

Collective Concept (Bertrando - Brief Interlude, by Deputy Minster) (C) 4F :49.80 (5/14). His full sibling needed three starts to win his maiden and was an allowance level runner. A half sibling, Lucky Mr. K, was more precocious, winning his debut and placing in juvenile listed stakes. This is a fairly classy distaff family. There are two stakes placed juveniles in the immediate family, plus the MG1SW Ad Valorem is also a member of this female line.

Sunday, June 3

Baltoro ( Red Giant - Sheena's Gold, by Fast Gold) (F) 4F :49.20 (3/14). Her sire was a late-developing, long-winded turf router. His offspring will likely be better with age and racing. Baltoro is a half-sister to 1998 Champagne Stakes hero The Groom Is Red. Although that one was fairly precocious, the overall family is better with distance and age.

Fair Hill

Sunday, June 3

Apologize ( Lemon Drop Kid - Aurelia, by Danzig) (F) 4F :49.40 (3/9). Her two half siblings and dam haven’t done much on the track, but this is a quality family. Apologize’s dam is a half-sister to Go For Wand (G-1, 9F) heroine Aldiza and five other stakes horses. The third dam is blue hen Courtly Dee, dam of the Champion Althea, grand-dam of the G1 winner/sire Green Desert, third dam of the top sire Arch, etc. Apologize will likely prefer two turns and be a mid to late season juvenile and could do especially well over the turf.

Farce (Political Force - Pun, by Pulpit) (F) 4F :49.40 (3/9). Her sire, a son of Unbridled’s Song, now stands in Saudi Arabia. His offspring are best at longer sprints to 1 ¼ miles. Farce’s is a product of Claiborne bloodlines. Her unraced dam is a half-sister to the multiple G-1 sprinter Zenzational. Farce’s second and third dams are stakes winners. Like Apologize, Farce may be a mid-late season runner who will enjoy two turns.

Zazz ( Tapit - Rasta Farian, by Holy Bull) (F) 4F :49.40 (3/9). Unlike the other two fillies, Zazz could be a bit more precocious. Her dam won her third start and was a listed stakes winner. Zazz is a first foal. Her dam is a half-sister to Somali Lemonade, who won the Jessamine Stakes (G3,8.5fT) as a juvenile. This is the distaff family of El Padrino, multiple graded turf winner Al Khali and the Champion mare Queena.

Look for works from Saratoga and Santa Anita in tomorrow’s Kiddie List.