Iroquois Stakes Kicks Off Derby Points

The Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes is a highlight of Churchill Downs opening day for the fall meet. This is the first race of the Kentucky Derby qualifying events, with points distributed as follows - the winner will earn 10 points, 4 for second, 2 for third and 1point for fourth.

None of the past winners of the Iroquois Stakes have had influence on the three Triple Crown races, although the 1983 third place finisher At The Threshold was also third in the Kentucky Derby. The 2012 Iroquois third place runner Overanalyze won the Arkansas Derby. Some of the previous winners, Court Vision, Harlan’s Holiday and Capt Candyman Can became Grade 1 winners.

 

This year’s 1 1/6 mile contest is headed by MR Z, runner-up in the Sanford and Saratoga Special. He faces eight other colts. Mr Z should love the extra distance. He’s a tough colt who doesn’t know the meaning of quit. He’s the one to beat. He’s bested Iroquois entrants Hashtag Bourbon and Cleveland Sound.

 

 

  HASHTAG BOURBON (Super Saver - Waltzing With Deb, by Robyn Dancer) won the Mountaineer Juvenile by over four lengths, but was beaten 3 ¾ lengths in his debut by Mr Z. The son of hot sire Super Saver should also enjoy running longer distances. Hashtag Bourbon is a half to 2002 Arkansans Derby runner-up Wild Horses (Saint Ballado) and stake placed Waltzing With Blue (Malibu Moon). The Keller Gordon trainee was forced to go wide in both starts, but draws post one in the Iroquois.

 

Both Mr Z and Hashtag have raced over the Churchill dirt. LUCKY PLAYER (Lookin At Lucky - Janetstickettocats, by Storm Cat) won his debut at Churchill and then finished fourth in the Bashford Manor Stakes. He was on the wrong end of a photo finish, beaten a neck in the Prairie Meadows Juvenile Mile in his last start.

CLEVELAND SOUND (More Than Ready - Twilight Service, by Horse Chestnut (SAF)) was all over the place in the Sanford Stakes. He was behind a wall of horses going five wide on the turn, then ducked down to the inside. He did manage to make up ground despite this and was beaten a nose for third. He adds Lasix and gets a jock switch.

 

The rest of the field appears up against it. DEKABRIST was soundly beaten by 23 lengths just last week in the Hopeful at Saratoga. HOLY FRAZIER has three starts at a mile under his girth, all over the Ellis Park lawn. He won his maiden last out, but was beaten previously by DANNY BOY. That one is a half to Arlington Classic hero Meal Penalty. Both Holy Frazier and Danny Boy have dirt-oriented pedigrees, and could hit the board.

Two others are coming off of maiden victories. BOLD CONQUEST (Curlin - One for Jim, by Distorted Humor) won the dog fight by a head in his last race at Saratoga. After finishing second at 5 ½ furlongs, the colt added a furlong and got the job done. Sprinting isn’t his game, he should love the extra distance and he’s had two strong post-race breezes.

THE GORILLA MAN (After Market - War Indian, by Indian Charlie) beat maidens by ½ length at Ellis Park last time out. In his debut which was over the lawn, he finished three lengths behind Holy Frazier after having to steady. He faces a deeper field here.

SELECTIONS

MR Z has faced :21 and change early fractions in each start, but has the ability to rate. LUCKY PLAYER and CLEVELAND SOUND may also vie near the lead. HASHTAG BOURBON draws the rail, but he’ll likely take back. If he stays out of traffic, he could come running at the end. CLEVELAND SOUND could have earned a graded stakes placing with a better ride last time out. He gets a jock switch and could play the spoiler’s role. BOLD CONQUEST had a strong debut for Assmusen. Joel Rosario rides and he could also be tough.

#2 MR Z

#5 LUCKY PLAYER

#1 HASHTAG BOURBON

#6 CLEVELAND SOUND – longshot pick

Precocious Talent in the Bashford Manor

The 111 running of the Bashford Manor is the first graded stakes race held for two year olds. Typical of early season juvenile stakes races, distance challenged sprinters are prevalent in the six furlong event held at Churchill Downs. 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. 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 holds seven contestants and two from the Asmussen barn.

The stronger of the entry, D'CAJUN CAT (D'wildcat - Rabiadella, by Dynaformer), broke from the #2 position in his debut, sat professionally behind the dueling speed and collared them around the turn. He raced briefly with the second place finisher before drawing off easily by 5 ¼ lengths over a sloppy track. D'cajun Cat was one of the top-priced juveniles to sell at the OBSMAR sale for $300K after working a furlong in :10 flat. He's a half to seven winners, including the ultra precocious multiple stakes winner Say a Novena, who set a track record at Monmouth at two. D'cajun Cat is also a half to the G-2 winner Diadella and stakes winner El Kingdom.

In his debut, GUN ROAR (Bernstein - Roaring Twenties, by Dixieland Band) broke well, but couldn't keep up with the leaders early on. Down the sloppy stretch, he appeared beaten, but with constant flogging by his jock, quickened on the inside to catch the fighting leaders by a neck. Gun Roar

is the seventh foal born of his dam to make it to the races. Three of his half siblings are winners, one is a stakes winner and one is graded stakes placed. Their dam won the G-1 Selena Stakes.

DEBT CEILING (Discreet Cat - Top Marks, by Marquetry) won both starts by a combined seven lengths, including the Rollicking Stakes at Pimlico. All five of his half sibs to start are winners, including the stakes placed veteran, Dean's List. Both his dam and second dam top Princess are stakes winners. Debt Ceiling worked a bullet for the Bashford Manor. Trainer John Robb is 0-4 in graded stakes, but wins with 20% shippers.

What's a two year old race at Churchill without Wesley Ward? His charge HOLLYWOOD TALENT (Talent Search - Intrinsic Value, by Johannesburg) grabbed the lead in his debut and never looked back, winning his 4 ½ F race in :51 by 3 ½ lengths at Keeneland. Hollywood Talent's young sire is #5 on the freshman sire leader board with six runners and two winners. There's no blacktype in the first two generations of his female family.

RUNKLE (Yes It's True - Elizabeth Street, by Street Cry (IRE)) and SANDBAR (War Pass - Summer Cruise, by Vicar) were courageous in their debut. With three horses fighting it out down to the wire, Runkle came in slightly, creating a pinball effect with Sandbar on the outside. Runkle drew off to win by a couple lengths, but was disqualified, giving Sandbar the win. Both colts immediate distaff families are light on blacktype, however Sandbar's dam is a stakes winning sprinter.

MY CORINTHIAN (Corinthian - Texas Rush, by Wild Rush) blew away maidens by over seven lengths in his inaugural race, going 5F on turf. His dam is a stakes placed dirt sprinter and overall, his pedigree is strongly dirt oriented. The Kobiskie barn is 22% with shippers.

SELECTIONS

D'CAJUN CAT is the best-bred colt in the field and is sent out by the strong Asmussen barn, whose Del Mar Holiday placed in last week's Debutante. DEBT CEILING exited a stakes race and breezed two sub 1:00 5F. He'll be sharp and doesn't need the lead to win. It would be dangerous to overlook the connections of Ward/Ramsey at Churchill. Their HOLLYWOOD TALENT has been working forwardly at Keeneland. MY CORINTHIAN owns the highest late-pace speed figure in the race.

#6 D'CAJUN CAT

#3 HOLLYWOOD TALENT

#2 MY CORINTHIAN

#4 DEBT CEILING – longshot pick

Teardrops in the Debutante

For over 200 years, aristocratic fillies have won the Churchill Downs Debutante Stakes. The roll call of winners include Alcibiades, Bewitch, Furl Sail, Hollywood Wildcat, Silverbullitday, Chilukki, and Cashiers Dream, who set a 5 ½ furlong record of 1:02 2/5. Fillies that placed in the Debutante but later went on to championship seasons are Countess Dianna and Rachel Alexandra.

The Debutante past performances read more like an allowance race than a stakes. All eleven fillies are last out maiden winners. Six of them appear to have a strong shot of having their picture taken in the winners' circle.

The pretty gray TEARDROP (Tapit - Wild Vision, by Wild Again) is one of the best bred fillies in the Debutante. She's a full sister to War Echo, who placed in the Golden Rod (G-2) as a juvenile and was victorious in the Silverbulletday (G-3) at three. Teardrop is also a ¾ sister to the multiple graded stakes winning miler Pyro (by Pulpit), hero of the Forego (G-1), Louisiana Derby (G-2), etc. Another ¾ brother, Longview Drive, is a stakes winning juvenile and placed in the Delta Jackpot (G-3). Teardrop was very green in her debut. She broke slow, veered to the outside, blew the turn going seven wide and passed the rest of the field in the stretch like they were tied to the rail. She flashed under the wire 3 ¾ lengths in front, getting 5F in :58 2/5.

Teardrop's stablemate DEL MAR HOLIDAY (Sharp Humor - Harvest Girl, by Apollo) needed two starts to win her maiden. She dueled on the lead, then pulled away to win the over a wet-fast track by two lengths, getting 5F in :59 1/5. Next out winner Mi Perlita finished fourth. Del Mar Holiday is a half sister to the multiple stakes winning sprinter Winning Image (by Southern Image).

YOKOHAMA MAMA (Purim - Mon Cherie, by Afleet) came from off of the pace to win her debut. She owns a last out bullet breeze of 4F in a sharp :47 2/5. Her half sister to Flying Kiwi (by More Than Ready) placed in a stakes at two. Trainer Randy Morse takes over her conditioning. The stable is 9% with maidens to stakes angle.

FIFTYSHADESOFGOLD (My Golden Song - Hadif Cat, by Hadif) sat behind the pace until being loosed in the stretch, blowing them away by 10 lengths at Lone Star in a very sharp :57 3/5 for 5F. The pretty gray is a half to two Texas stakes winners. Fiftyshadesofgold has been training forwardly with two strong works at Churchill. Her trainer Bret Calhoun wins with 25% of his shippers

MORE THAN BEAUTY (More Than Ready - Brown Eyed Beauty, by Miswaki) zipped 4 ½ F in :52 flat in he debut, beating Debutante entrant Deliver by more than five lengths. She's posted three consecutively faster breezes including a last out bullet. The Borel brothers team up here and trainer Cecil is 31% with two year olds.

SILVER VALLEY (Silver Train - Panorama Valley, by Peaks and Valleys) won her debut at Lone Star by 4 ¾ lengths. Her dam went 3-3 in her career, including two stakes as a juvenile.

MEDALBU (Medallist - Malibu Moment, by Malibu Moon) could be an interesting long-shot. She made up over nine lengths in her 4 ½ F debut. Her times weren't the greatest, but she owns the second highest speed figure in the field. Her sire Medallist produced last year's Debutante winner Blueeyesintherein.

SELECTIONS

TEARDROP is the top pick based upon sheer talent and class. She can't goof off with this field and hopefully gained some experience in her first start. When a trainer has two horses in the field, always pay attention to the less-notable stablemate. That would be DEL MAR HOLIDAY. She has more experience than Teardrop, although Rosie jumped off of her, Del Mar Holiday's speed figures show improvement. FIFTYSHADESOFGOLD has the highest Bris speed figure in this group and on paper, appears the fastest. She doesn't appear to be speed crazy and will be dangerous. Have to respect the Borel brothers. MORE THAN BEAUTY has been working very well. MEDALBU and SILVER VALLEY are long-shots to watch.

#8 TEARDROP

#10 FIFTYSHADESOFGOLD

#7 MORE THAN BEAUTY

#2 SILVER VALLEY – long-shot pick

Willie B in the Willard L Proctor?

With the Triple Crown contests in the history books, the new crop of two year old colts are taking the first baby steps of their careers in the Willard L. Proctor Memorial Stakes at Hollywood Park. This year's winners may be the last in the race series, which began in 1953.

Some distinguished colts had their beginnings in this stakes race. In just the second edition of the WL Proctor, a colt named Swaps finished third. He would continue on to win the Kentucky Derby and be named Horse of the Year. One of the top sprinters and sires of his time, Fleet Nasrullah won in 1957. His offspring went on to produce King's Bishop, Ancient Title, Flying Paster and other top runners. Other victors of the WL Proctor top California sire Swiss Yodeler and Champion Sprinter Squirtle Squirt.

In 2011, 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, nine promising colts will take their spot in the starting gate.

Willie B Awesome (Awesome Gambler - Cause I'm Tricky, by Nineeleven) appears to be the stronger of the two entrants from the Solis barn. He' is a full brother to Willa B Awesome, who was third in the Cinderella Stakes in 2011. Willa B continued on to win/place in 13 of 19 starts, including victories in the San Ysabel (G-3) and Santa Anita Oaks (G-1). Willie B Awesome encountered trouble in his first start, having to steady in traffic in the race won by Street Icon. Two weeks later Willie B came back at the same level. He broke inward from post two and was outrun early. He started making up ground on the front runners in the stretch and inherited the lead from Randio, who hit the rail and fell. Slightly green Willie B Awesome won by ½ length over Go First. Willie B Awesome showed speed figure improvement in his last two races and holds a second last bullet work.

His stablemate Time for a Hug (Time to Get Even - Action Girl, by Wild Rush) dueled the entire way and drew off to a 1 length win in his debut against state-bred maidens. There's no blacktype in his immediate family, but all three half sibs to race are winners. Time for a Hug's second dam Craftimae is a juvie stakes placed runner. WL Proctor entrant California Chrome strode nicely to get up for second and that won won next time out. Time for a Hug has recorded three consecutively faster works. Unfortunately his trainer Walther Solis is 0-26 with the maiden to stakes angle.

California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit - Love the Chase, by Not For Love) came from off of the pace to finish a narrowly beaten second in his debut going 4 ½ furlongs. That's a tough thing to do. Next time out, the good looking Chestnut was up dueling for the lead and proved best, pulling away to win by 2 ¾ lengths. His speed figures improved and he tossed a 5F bullet in his last work. He's the first foal produced by his dam. No blacktype in the first two generations, but his third dam is a MSW. Trainer Art Sherman is 21% with last out maidens winning stakes.

Street Icon (Street Boss - Legion of Merit, by Danzig) matched strides early with Geldautomat in their debut, yet never let that one by. Street Icon was green in the stretch bearing in slightly on Geldautomat. Street Icon finished a comfortable ¾ length in front of that rival. All four of Street Icon's half sibs to race are winners, but none own blacktype. Their unraced dam is a half to a SP runner and the second dam Ophidian is G3 placed. Trainer John Sadler is 21% with the maiden to stakes angle.

Street Icon's stablemate Kobe's Back (Flatter - Well, by Well Decorated) was the fourth expensive OBSMAR13 seller at $480K after working a furlong in :10.1. He's a half to G-3 winning sprinter Well Spelled. The pretty gray colt has a string of quick works. Sadler is 22% with first timers.

One More (Holy Bull - See Rock City, by Tapit) is the only filly in the race. It isn't a big deal this time of year, because both colts and fillies are on pretty even footing. In fact, similar to their human counterparts, young fillies are often more mature than the colts. That being said, only two fillies have won the WL Proctor, the last was in 1995 and the winner of the inaugural race was also a filly. It would be fitting to have another filly to close out the series. Despite the gray color of her sire and damsire, One More is a bay. Her entire female line back to her fifth dam are chestnuts. One More is the first foal borne by her dam, Rock City. That one is a half to a juvenile SW and a Juvie SP runner. Trainer Doug O'Neil is 13% with debut starters.

Solid Wager (Birdonthewire - G Ma, by Valid Wager) broke from the 1 post in his maiden claiming debut eight days ago. He hopped slightly at the start, and needed some time to get into gear. At one point he was 6 lengths behind the pace setters in this 5F race. Solid Wager cut the corner on the turn and wore them down, winning by 2 ¼ lengths in a strong :59 4/5. Trainer Peter Miller is 14% with the maiden to stakes winner angle and has won three of the last six editions of the WL Proctor.

Geldautomat (Fusaichi Pegasus - Sophie's Destiny, by Two Punch) was willing in his debut, but Street Icon refused to be headed. Geldautomat was slightly bothered by his rival coming in on him in the stretch, but to his credit, the son of Fusaichi Pegasus didn't give up. He was bested only ¾ lengths and held off the third place finisher by ½ length. Geldautomat is the first foal produced by his dam. Both his dam and second dam are unraced, although his dam Sophie's Destiny is a half sib to SW Grand Appointment and to two SP runners. His third dam Sophisticated Girl placed in the Oak Leaf (G-1) and she'd the dam of sire Doneraile Court and second dam of sire Souvenir Copy. This is also the family of MG1 winner Excellent Meeting. Trainer Kristen Mulhall wins non-graded stakes at 27% .

Go First (Kafwain - Go Ruby Go, by Rubiano) bore in on Willie Be Awesome at the start of their debut then drifted out slightly down the backstretch. Going four wide on the turn, Go First made up ground down the center of the stretch to get up for second, ½ length behind Willie B Awesome. Go First has recorded a couple of swift breezes and trainer Dean Pederson is 20% with second time runners.

Selections

Since 2000, seven winner sat second or third in the WL Proctor,before taking over in the stretch. One sat mid-pack (4^th) while one ran them down from 8^th place. No maiden has won, and all except two winners won/placed in their debut. Another interesting bit of trivia, only two winners were foaled in California, the rest were bred in either Kentucky or Florida.

That being said, the California horses look to be stronger than their Kentucky counterparts this year. California Chrome has experience running on and off of the pace, shows a speed figure increase and a last out bullet, all signs that he's a very live horse. Willie B Awesome had an excuse in his first and ran like a good one in his second. He isn't speed crazy either. Solid Wager is the only one with experience at 5F. His race was good, but he appears to be more of a grinder. Street Icon is a stubborn horse and refused to yield to Geldautomat. He should be respected. Go First recorded the highest late pace speed figure in the group. The extra distance should suit him and hopefully, he won't be as green.

#6 Willie B Awesome

#7 California Chrome

#8 Street Icon

#5- Go First

He’s Had Enough Lookin for Luck in the Cashcall Futurity

Three years ago n the 2009 Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Lookin At Lucky finished second by a desperate head after a horrendous trip behind Vale of York. He came back to win the CashCall Futurity by a measured ¾ length and the following year, the Preakness Stakes. Flash forward to this year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He's Had Enough fought Shanghai Bobby to head decision at the wire. The pretty gray colt had to steady and was shuffled back during the running of the race, but didn't let it deter him.

HE'S HAD ENOUGH will attempt to follow the path of Lookin At Lucky in this year's CashCall. He'll face off against the first four finishers of the Real Quiet Stakes, the winner of the Hollywood Prevue (G-3), the victor of the Generous Stakes (G-3) and the hero of the Nashua Stakes (G-2), plus other assorted runners.

VIOLENCE, the winner of the aforementioned Nashua, ships in for Todd Pletcher. The undefeated colt has raced only twice and soundly defeated his foes in the Remsen. The talent in Violence's female family seems to have skipped a couple of generations as there is no blacktype in the first two. Violence's third dam is Filly Triple Crown heroine and Older Female of the year, Sky Beauty.

REALLY MR GREELY the wire-to-wire winner of the Hollywood Prevue is suspect at the 1 1/16 mile distance of the CashCall. He has a sprinter's pedigree and was all out to hold on by ½ length in the 7F Prevue.

As usual, Bob Baffert stuffed the entry box with multiple contenders. His strongest chance appears to be with CARVING. Undefeated in three of four starts, Carving tired badly in the Frontrunner Stakes after contesting the lead to the half mile pole. Coming back against listed company in the Real Quiet Stakes, Carving fought three wide in the stretch to prevail by a half a length over Fury Kapcori. He gets another shot against tougher rivals but his late pace figures are poor.

FURY KAPCORI beat up on lesser rivals in Northern California before taking on listed runners at Hollywood. The game colt fought the entire way in the Real Quiet, but he appears a step below the best here.

DEN'S LEGACY has done his best running over turf and Polytrack. He was unplaced in races over dirt and Cushion Track.

DIRTY SWAGran a deceptively good race in the Real Quiet. He was wide the entire way, got into a dog fight in the stretch, and was bested by only a length. He has the pedigree to enjoy running long and should improve with time. He may not be up to this level of competition yet, but he's shown some ability.

After easily winning his maiden, TITLE CONTENDER was tossed to the wolves in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He made the brisk early pace then faded like a spray on tan to be beaten by 16 lengths. There's some quality in his distaff family and he's shown some talent.

SIMON EYES shipped in from Keeneland for trainer Wesley Ward to run an even fourth in the Real Quiet. He's been working steadily at Hollywood. His dam was in the money five of seven starts over the turf and Simon Eyes really enjoyed the Polytrack at Keeneland. He may turn out to appreciate the lawn in the long run.

Two last out maiden winners will try to pull an upset in the Cashcall. OXBOW ships in from Churchill for Wayne Lukas. Oxbow is a full brother to Hollywood Prevue hero Awesome Patriot and their dam is a full sister to two-time Horse of the Year Tiznow.

LITTLE JERRY was green early in his 1 1/16 mile debut, but once he figured it out, he came charging down the stretch to win. His dam is a half to two stakes placed runners, plus a stakes winner. Little Jerry has been working well and owns the highest late pace figure in the field. Maybe he can pick up a piece of the pie if there's a torrid early pace.

SELECTIONS

Half of the last ten winners of the CashCall won on the lead. Two pressed the pace while two others sat mid-pack before unleashing their successful rally.

Most of the Cashcall field are within a few late pace speed figure points of each other. Most are in the mid to high eighties. Not an impressive bunch for a Grade 1 race. HE'S HAD ENOUGH is the proven class of the field. He's had a light campaign, so there's a good chance that he won't regress like other Breeders' Cup runners have in subsequent races. VIOLENCE will gather plenty of interest due to his connections and unbeaten record. CARVING also has a good record, and this field is coming up light. He's proven that he can sit behind the pace and win. TITLE CONTENDER flashed good figures in his maiden. If he runs back to that form, he could beat these. LITTLE JERRY shows the most upside, winning his last with a 99 lat pace speed figure. He's giving away experience. The other recent maiden winner OXBOW, shows a developing pattern of speed figures. He's bred to go long and is showing improvement.

#1 HE'S HAD ENOUGH

#9 TITLE CONTENDER

#6 VIOLENCE

#10 LITTLE JERRY - Longshot pick

December Watch List

At HRN:  Uncaptured Has Derby Connections

November and December are traditionally quiet months in terms of racing action. The spectacle of the Breeders’ Cup is over and many precocious juveniles are getting a well deserved vacation before returning to action next year. However, November and December are good months to look at the two year olds who are bred to enjoy classic distances. The majority of the Derby winners from 1990 – 2012 won their maiden races between August and November of their juvenile season. Only two horses, Fusaichi Pegasus and Monarchos, didn’t win their maiden race until the following January. Let’s take a look at horses that are flying under the radar and could show up in next year’s stakes races.

 
APEX (Dynaformer - Enth, by Seeking the Gold)
Race Record: 2-0-2-0 ($32,000)
Trainer: Bill Mott

This Claiborne Farm homebred has yet to break his maiden, however, he finished second while sprinting in both starts and appeared green. Apex is bred to be a late-developer and should improve with time and distance. When we think of Apex's sire Dynaformer, we immediately think of grass horses, but Dynaformer produces long-winded runners over all surfaces. His stakes-wining dirt progeny include Champion Barbaro, Stephen Foster victor Perfect Drift and Lone Star Derby winner Dynever. Apex's dam Enth is a half sister to stakes winners Total and Cease. Apex's third dam, the blue hen Bound, is the grand-dam of HOY Blame and his half brother, multiple stakes winner Tend. Apex has comparable breeding to Tend as both are by Dynaformer out of Seeking The Gold mares. Apex is taking a break at Payson Park and we may see him make a start at Gulfstream Park. He could be a late-developer on the Triple Crown trail.

 
ARCHWARRIOR (Arch -Winner's Edge, by Seeking the Gold)
 
 





Race Record: 2-1-0-0 ($68,000)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher

A $375K OBS March 2 YO in training sales graduate purchased by Alto Racing, Archwarrior was quick to win a six furlong maiden race in his August debut. He was tossed into the Hopeful Stakes against his tougher stablemate Shanghai Bobby and finished a lackluster fourth. Archwarrior is a half to a two minor stakes winners and a stakes placed runner. His dam is Grade 3 stakes placed. She's a half sister to the English highweighted filly Lucky Song, a winner at 13 furlongs. Archwarrior last worked in October and may be taking some time off to grow up over the winter. He's one of many talented juveniles stabled in Todd Pletcher's barn at Palm Meadows. We may see Archwarrior next at Gulfstream Park.

 
DEWEY SQUARE (Bernardini –Somethinaboutbetty, by Forestry)
 
 




Race Record: 2-2-0-0 ($55,200)
Trainer: Dale Romans

The RNA (Reserve not Attained) $575K Keeneland Yearling has been impressive in his two starts so far for his owner-breeder Siena Farms. Dewey Square outclassed maidens and allowance runners in his first two starts. Then the son of super stud Bernardini Dewey Square gained ground to finish third, two lengths behind the frontrunners in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G-2). The race was better than it looked on paper because Dewey Square raced four wide the whole way. Dewey Square's dam is a multiple stakes winning veteran of 25 races, mainly in Maryland. Humana Distaff winner My Trusty Cat is a member of this female family. Dewey Square may be distance challenged down the road since as a broodmare sire, Forestry isn't represented by a stakes winner past 1 1/16 miles.

 
FRAC DADDY (Scat Daddy - Skipper's Mate, by Skip Away)
 
 




Race Record: 3-1-2-0 ($80,116)
Trainer: Ken McPeek

After his half siblings sold for six figures, Frack Daddy was scooped up by Magic City Thoroughbred Partners for $50K at last year's Keeneland September Yearling sale. Frack Daddy has finished in the money in all three starts at Churchill, including a monster finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. In that race, he went four wide and fought to the finish with the top runner Uncaptured, losing by a bare neck to his more experienced rival. Between the two, Frac Daddy ran the more impressive race. Frac Daddy receives his pretty gray coat from his damsire the Champion Skip Away, who was practically unbeatable as a five year old. Frack Daddy's dam is a half sister to the stakes winner Vegas Play. His second dam Power Play captured the Delaware Handicap at 1 ¼ miles. Should he stay healthy, Frac Daddy should be a major player on the Triple Crown trail.

 

FLYING BIRD (Street Boss - Caged Glory, by Honour and Glory)
Race Record: 5-2-0-1 ($60,334)
Trainer: Nick Zito

The Whitney Stables homebred is a late developing juvenile. After placing in his debut in June, he was off of the board in two starts. At the end of September, Flying Bird switched to turf and promptly won his maiden by over five lengths. He came back to score in an allowance race by two lengths over the Churchill turf. Flying Bird's first crop sire Street Boss set records as a sprinter. His offspring are winning up to 1 1/16 miles. They will likely be distance challenged, but may run farther over turf than dirt. There's little blacktype in the first two generations of Flying Bird's distaff line. However, his third dam is the blue hen Dear Birdie, dam of Belmont Stakes hero Birdtown and his full sister, Kentucky Oaks winner Birdtown. Flying Bird is inbred to the good mare Gongalon, dam of multiple G-1 winner and very good damsire Ogygian. Gonfalon is also the grand-dam of Grade 1 miler and sire Honour and Glory. Will Zito keep Flying Bird on the turf or experiment once again with dirt? Flying Bird's pedigree is filled with dirt influences, so we may see him take another shot at the surface next year at Gulfstream Park.

 
GULFPORT (Unbridled's Song - Dream Supreme, by Seeking the Gold)
 




Race Record: 4-1-1-1 ($55,460)
Trainer: Dale Romans

The exceptionally well-bred Gulfport was purchased by the partnership of Kinsman Stable, Michael Lauffer and Mike Rutherford for $775K at the Fasig Tipton August Yearling Sale in Saratoga. He's a half brother to Hopeful (G-1) hero and sire Majestic Warrior, stakes winner Crystal Current and Grade 3 placed Evolutionist. Gulfport's dam is a multiple G-1 winning sprinter. Gulfport freaked over the Churchill dirt scaring his rivals by over seven lengths in a seven furlong sprint on October 31. He followed up with a victory in an allowance race, getting a mile in 1:35.93 at Churchill on November 24. Among beaten rivals were stakes placed Midas Dancer (3^rd Kentucky Downs Juvenile Stakes) and Five Iron (2^nd, Swynford Stakes).

 
LITTLE DISTORTED (Distorted Humor - Asbeautifulasyou (IRE), by A.P. Indy)
Race Record: 1-1-0-0 ($40,800)
Trainer: Michael Mareina

An $180K Keeneland September Yearling purchase by Kuehne Racing, Little Distorted was impressive in his six furlong debut at Belmont. He dueled from the start with Soulsinging to the ½ mile pole, put that one away and was re-engaged by the well-bred favorite, Revolutionary. The two colts opened up eight lengths on the field, Little Distorted refused to yield and pulled away to win by 2 ½ lengths at the end. With Belmont Stakes hero A.P. Indy and Kentucky Derby champ Unbridled as his first and second damsires, Little Distorted has the pedigree to run all day. His second dam is Hollywood Oaks (G-2) heroine Santa Catarina. The English Champion Two Year Old Filly Culture Vulture is also a member of this female family. Little Distorted breezed 4F :48.46 (13/13) at Gulfstream Park on November 24. He may be pointed to an allowance race in December or January.

 
MIDNITE POPPA (Unbridled's Song - Island Sand, by Tabasco Cat)
Race Record: 2-0-0-2 ($14,800)
Trainer: Nick Zito

The My Meadowview Farm homebred has the pedigree to handle classic distances. He was third in two attempts sprinting over dirt. Midnite Poppa is a son of the multiple graded stakes winner Island Sand. The mare won from one mile to 1 ¼ miles, including the Acorn (G-1), Delaware Handicap (G-2), and placed in in the Kentucky Oaks behind the champion Ashado over a muddy track. She was also second in the Mother Goose Stakes. Midnite Poppa has been breezing at Churchill.

 
NORMANDY INVASION (Tapit - Boston Lady, by Boston Harbor)
 
 





Race Record: 3-1-1-0 ($92,240)
Trainer: Chad Brown

Normandy Invasion was purchased at the Keeneland April 2012 sale for $230K by Fox Hill Farm. After blasting maidens by over nine lengths in a one mile maiden race at Aqueduct, Normandy Invasion came back just 22 days later to face winners in the Remsen Stakes (G-2). He mad a blinding move around the far turn and was just nipped by the more experienced Overanalyze at the wire. Normandy Invasion galloped out past his rivals at the end of the race. There is very little blacktype in the colt's female family. However, he is bred along similar lines to West Virginia Derby winner Concord Point, who is by Tapit out of a Boston Harbor mare. Despite the ability to quicken and sustain a run, Normandy Invasion's pedigree is borderline for Classic distances. His damsire Boston Harbor was the precocious winner of the 1996 Breeders' Cup Juvenile and Champion Two Year Old. The majority of his daughters' offspring are best up to 1 1/16 miles, although one runner, Sealy Hill, has won at 1 ¼ miles. Despite the lack of class and shortcomings in his pedigree, Normandy Invasion appears to be a serious racehorse who could be a significant force on the Triple Crown trail.

 
PALACE MALICE ( Curlin - Palace Rumor, by Royal Anthem)
 
 




Race Record: 2-1-10 ($62,000)
Trainer: Todd Pletcher

A $200K Keenland 2YO in training purchase by Dogwood Stable, Palace Malice was the first US based winner for his sire, Curlin, a two-time HOY. Palace Malice has a turf-oriented pedigree through his distaff line. His dam placed in a listed stakes over the lawn. She's a half sister to the dam of California stakes veteran Rail Trip. Palace Malice hasn't been heard from since winning his maiden in a 6 ½ furlong dirt sprint in August. He beat Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint champ Hightail by 4 ½ lengths. He may show up in an allowance race at Gulfstream sometime next year and the lawn could be an option.

 
WAR ACADEMY (Giant's Causeway - Cabbage Key, by A.P. Indy)
Race Record: 1-1-0-0 ($27,000)
Trainer: Bob Baffert

The $450K '11 KEESEP Yearling purchase by Demi O'Byrne stalked nicely three wide and professionally dominated his rivals by 1 ¾ lengths, including his well regarded stablemate Denzel (Lion-Heart – Jindy's Dream, by A.P. Indy). War Academy's dam placed in two stakes over the lawn. She's a half sister to a stakes winner and stakes placed runner. The Champion Euro Juvie filly Gay Gallanta is part of this female family. War Academy's fourth dam Gay Missile is also the third dam of his broodmare sire, A.P. Indy. War Academy has an astounding 31 Classic Chef de race attributes in his pedigree. Should he live up to his hype, huge sales price and pedigree, War Academy could be a very serious contender on the Triple Crown Trail. War Academy breezed 4F :48.20 (14/47) on November 27 over the Santa Anita dirt.

Jackpot!

GOLDENCENTS - DERBY CONTENDER OR PRETENDER?

In the nine years that the Delta Jackpot (G-3) has been contested, only one winner, Big Drama, has gone on to a career as a Grade 1 winner. Only one horse that finished in the money has made an impact on the Triple Crown races. That was 2005 Kentucky Derby runner-up Closing Argument.

Traditionally, horses that ran in the Breeders' Cup haven't fared well in the Delta Jackpot. Only Z Humor, fifth in the BC Juvenile, has won the Jackpot. Last year, Drill was unplaced in the BC Juvenile and Delta Jackpot after finishing second in the Norfolk Stakes. In 2008, Skipadate was unplaced in both the BC Juvenile Turf and Jackpot. Colts from Florida have done very well in the Delta Jackpot. Big Drama and Gourmet Dinner both won the Jackpot after winning the In Reality Stakes and last year Decisive Moment was a runner up in the In Reality and Jackpot.

This year's Delta Jackpot field is loaded with stakes winners, including Breeders' Cup Sprint champ Hightail. As in previous years, the majority of the field is loaded with sprinter/miler pedigrees that will be challenged at classic distances.

Leading the field is Breeders' Cup Sprint Champ HIGHTAIL. The Wayne Lukas trainee surprised in the Sprint with a nose victory to win his maiden race. The son of Mineshaft has the pedigree to improve with maturity. He's coming off of the highest speed figure of his career.

BERN IDENTITY won the Sanford Stakes (G-2), but like every other two year old this year, was no match for Shanghai Bobby when he tangled with that rival in the Hopeful (G-1). Bern Identity easily won the Jean Lafitte Stakes, the prep race for the Jackpot by three lengths over Mylute. Read more about Bern Identity.

MYLUTE came from off of the pace and went five wide around the turn in the Jean Lafitte Stakes, he made up some ground, but wasn't going to catch Bern Identity. Mylute descends from a precocious female family. His half brother She Digs Me won the Sapling (G-3) and Tyro. Their dam and second dam are both stakes winners.

Two colts ship in from California for trainer Doug O'Neil. KNOW MORE won his maiden in the Best Pal (G-2). He wound up in a speed duel in the Frontrunner Stakes and finished a distant second to Power Broker. Experimenting with turf for the first time in the BC Juvenile Turf, Know More was wide the whole way and wasn't in the same zip code as the winner.

Know More's stablemate GOLDENCENTS wowed in his 7 ¼ length winning debut. Then he was tossed in against the monster known as Shanghai Bobby in the Champagne Stakes. Making his first start on dirt, shipping to a new track and adding 2 ½ furlongs, Goldencents did very well to place second, five lengths behind the winner.

ITSMYLUCKYDAY is the Florida representative in the Jackpot field. He crushed them in his last two races by over nine lengths, including a paid workout in the Foolish Pleasure Stakes. Itsmyluckyday hails from the female family of Florida Derby winner Vicar.

CENTRAL BANKER beat Hightail by a head in a maiden race and then finished second in the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Stakes. Both contests were over the lawn. Trying dirt for the first time, the son of Speightstown demolished a group of Churchill allowance runners by five lengths. Central Banker's half brother Gantry is a Grade 2 wining sprinter. Their dam is a stakes winner over the lawn. She's a half sister to Arkansas Derby winner Private Emblem. This is the female family of Met Mile hero Dixie Brass.

HEAVEN'S RUNWAY showed some ability on Presque Isle Downs Tapeta when he speed dueled his way to a ½ length win in the Fitz Dixon, Jr. Memorial. Switching barns, the son of Run Away and Hide tired badly to finish over 10 lengths behind the winner in the Iroquois in his first try over dirt.

Rounding out the Jackpot field is SHOW SOME MAGIC. After winning his maiden at Saratoga, he's been totally outclassed in both the Hopeful Stakes, and most recently, he was embarrassed by over 15 lengths by Bern Identity in the Jean Lafitte Stakes.

SELECTIONS

Track bias: Since the Delta Jackpot was held over a resurfaced track in 2006, two one run closers and two pace pressers have won. One mid-pack runner and one pace setter have also won.

Bern Identity is the obvious pick. His easy win in the Jean Lafitte earned him the highest late pace speed figure of his career and the second highest in the field. The son of Bernstein worked a bullet over the Delta Downs dirt in his latest breeze for the Jackpot. His trainer Kelly Breen is 17% with next out winners.

Hightail owns the highest late pace speed figure in the field. Is the well-bred colt living up to his pedigree or was his win in the Juvie Sprint a fluke? Trainer Wayne Lukas is 3% with graded stakes winners, and 13% with last out winners.

Mylute has shown improving speed figures in every race. He has the same late kick that his sire Midnight Lute did and the extra distance could be to his benefit. His trainer Tom Amoss wins with 30% two year olds.

Goldencents is fast, but he'll have to clear the field and may get into a fight with Heaven's Runway or Itsmyluckyday. The later doesn't need the lead to win and Heaven's Runway needs to show greater improvement over dirt.

#1 BERN IDENTITY-             $3.00   $2.60  
#9 GOLDENCENTS  - $7.20  $3.60   $3.40
#6 ITSMYLUCKYDAY
#4 MYLUTE – LONGSHOT PICK    $5.40

$2  EXACTA        $26.60
$2 TRIFECTA   $175.40

KIDDIE LIST 7-30-11

The summer racing season is upon us. Del Mar and Saratoga have held their opening weekends. The race distances are lengthening and the less precious juveniles being unwrapped like Christmas presents.

Every day on this blog from now until the end of the Saratoga and Del Mar meetings, I’ll point out blue blooded babies from my Kiddie List database that are entered to race or have a series of decent works.

Most two year olds will be mentioned only once or twice, but you can keep track of these babies through free virtual stable email notification systems at:

Equibase (http://www.equibase.com/index.cfm)

or DRF (http://www.drf.com).

 

Entered (7/30)

Arlington | Race 2 | 6F | MSW 2 YO

Take Charge Indy (A.P. Indy - Take Charge Lady, by Dehere) He is the fourth foal produced by his multiple G1 winning dam. Take Charge Lady won the Alcibiades (G2) at two. Two of three of Take Charge Indy’s siblings are winners and won at first asking. (won by 6 lengths).

Del Mar | Race 4 | 6F | MSW 2 YO fillies

Cascina (Dixie Union - Isabeau, by Prospector's Pick) she’s a half sister to two stakes winners and a stakes placed runner.

Emerald Gold (War Front - Dina Gold, by Seeking the Gold) she’s the third foal and filly for her dam. Both half sisters are winners and stakes placed.

M'Dearest (Macho Uno - Love and Marry, by Known Fact) she’s the fifth foal for her dam. All of her half siblings are winners and two, Riveting Reason and Bang Bang Bang are stakes winners.

Del Mar | Race 6 | 6F | MSW 2 YO

GROOVIN' SOLO (Bob and John - Squall Linda, by Summer Squall) He’s a half brother to Norfolk Stakes (G1) winner Street Hero and Hollywood Futurity champ Premier Pegasus.

Cloud Hopper (Stormello - Tifonica (ARG), by Equalize) he’s a half brother to Hollywood Derby (G1) champ Haimish Hy.

Dr. Evil (Bernardini - Deputy's Delight, by French Deputy) he’s a half brother to Ohio Derby (G2) hero Delightful Kiss, also Delightful Mary, third in the BC Juvenile Fillies (G1), and Honour the Deputy, second in the Tokyo City Cup (G3).

Ron Burgundy (Harlan's Holiday - Early Vintage, by Jump Start) he’s the first foal for his stakes placed dam. She’s a half to Sorrento Stakes heroine Tasha’s Miracle. Another half sister is stakes placed and one produced the multiple stakes winning sprinter Nathan’s H Q.

Results (7/27):

Saratoga | Race 3 | 5F | MSW 2 YO

J C's Pride (Henny Hughes - Hi Lili, by Silver Deputy) – 1^st

Saratoga | Race 5 | 5 ½ F (T) | MSW 2 YO

SARK (English Channel – November Snow) – 2^nd

Arthur (Artie Schiller - Janeian (NZ), by The Jogger) – 3^rd

Tiger Walk (Tale of the Cat - Majestic Trail, by Kris S.) – 4th

Ten W Forty – scratched

ON THE WORK TAB (7/30):

Monmouth:

Managed Account (Malibu Moon - Catinca, by Storm Cat) 4F :48.00 (3/31) Handily from the gate. Her dam has produced six runners two winners. Her dam is a multiple graded stakes winner. Her fourth dam is the Champion Three Year Old Silver Spoon.

Saratoga:

Distorted Point (Distorted Humor - Point Ashley, by Point Given) 4F :51.68 (3/3) breezing. She’s the second foal for her dam. Her full sister Elle Point hasn’t started, but is also breezing at Saratoga. Their dam won the Del Mar Debutante (G1) and placed in the Oak Leaf (G1). She’s a half to multiple stakes winner Raw Gold.

 

ON THE WORK TAB (7/29):

Saratoga:

Mi Vida (Distorted Humor - Crystal Current, by A.P. Indy) 4F 48:55 (3/32) Handily main dirt track. She’s the second foal out of a stakes winning sprinter. Her half brother is unraced. Mi Vida’s dam is a full sister to Hopeful (G1) winner Majestic Warrior and a half to stakes winner Evolutionist. Second dam is Test heroine Dream Supreme and third dam is multiple G1 winner Spinning Round.

Villanesca (Distorted Humor - Balletto (UAE), by Timber Country) 4F :48.01 (9/65). The Darley-bred filly has a top class distaff family. Her dam won the Frizette Stakes (G1) and placed in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. Balletto’s half sister Dearly was a Group 3 stakes winner in Ireland and bore the multiple graded turf router True Cause. The second dam was a Grade 3 winner and third dam Althea was the Champion Three Year Old Filly and the grand-dam of the top sire Arch, his half sister the Grade 1 winner Acoma. Fourth dam Courtly Dee is a blue hen.

VICTORIA STAKES

The Victoria Stakes, named for Queen Victoria, has been contested since 1903. Notable winners include Nearctic, Champion Two Year Old in Canada and sire of the incomparable Northern Dancer, Kentucky Derby hero George Smith, Belmont Stakes Champ Faireno, plus Champion Canadian Juveniles Sound Reason Deputy Minister and Cash Deposit. Champion Sprinter Kodiak Kowboy Won in 2007 and Sunny’s Halo, the 1983 Kentucky Derby Champ, was second in the Victoria stakes.

This year’s edition of the Victoria Stakes includes a full brother to last year’s victor, plus a half brother to a track record setter.

GIN JOINT (Macho Uno – Phils Pill, by Cozzene) was much the best in his second start after a slow beginning in his debut. The pretty gray colt is a half brother to the stakes placed Happy Clapper. On his distaff side, Gin Joint is inbred to the foundation mare Portage, as she is his fourth dam and Portage is also the fourth dam of Cozzene, Gin Joint’s sire. Portage, through her daughters, produced a dynasty, including the Champions TM Opera O, Dubai Millennium, and Bianconi, G-1 winner and broodmare of the year Fall Aspen, Cozzene, Dixie Union, top Maryland sire, Allen’s Prospect and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile/Preakness hero Timber County.

STARK RAVIN MAD (Bring The Heat – Harper N Abby, by Outflanker) won his debut at Arlington Park by a dominating six lengths. He’s bred to be precocious and his full brother Madman Diaries won the Victoria Stakes last year before winning the Sapling (G-3).

THREEANDDONEDAN (Dance With Ravens – So Smashing, by Two Punch) won his debut over a sloppy Pimlico track and has been firing bullets like a machine gun. His sire is a son of the Canadian Champion Dance Smartly, a half sister to prominent sire Smart Strike. Dance With Ravens is a half brother to Champion Canadian filly Dancethruthedawn and Queens Plate hero Scatter The Gold. Threeanddonedan is a half brother to Colleen Stakes winner and track record setter Six Pack Shelly.

BOLIVAR (Flashy Bull – Paris Sky, by Skywalker) makes his debut in the Victoria Stakes after recording only five works, although the last two were from the gate. His first crop sire has two winners from four starters. Bolivar is a half brother to stakes placed Proud Kentuckian, who faced the starter 26 times and won or placed in 16 attempts. Trainer Kelly Callaghan has a 20% win rate with first time runners.

FIREFALL (Bring The Heat – Highdollargirl, by Helmsman) flashed two furlongs in his debut at Gulfstream in April. He has a speed over stamina pedigree. Firefall’s sire gets 24% two year old winners and his offspring are speedy win early types, while his damsire Helmsman was best between 1 1/8 and 1 ¼ miles and his second damsire Skywalker won the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Firefall’s less precocious full sister needed five starts to win her maiden. She recently got the job done in a five furlong maiden claiming event at Woodbine in April. There is little blacktype in this distaff family.

SAFRACTION (Saffir - Attraction Fatale (Dauphin Fabuleux) raced off the pace and won his debut in a state-bred maiden event at Woodbine, getting 4 ½ furlongs in a brisk :51 3/5 seconds. He is the first winner for his first crop sire. Saffir has only eight foals in his initial crop and from four starters; he is represented by one winner and three offspring that have placed. Saffir was a $1.8 million dollar yearling son of Unbridled out of a stakes winning Storm Cat mare. Saffir faced the starter six times, winning twice, both sprint events, once over the lawn. Safraction’s damsire was 1984 Canadian Horse of the Year and Safraction’s dam won two listed sprint events. She’s produced nine starters, eight winners and her son Saratoga Prince is a stakes placed sprinter.

DISTINCTLY DONOVAN  (With Distinction – Hopi, by Cox’s Ridge) won his debut in April at Aqueduct. His second-crop sire gets sprinter/milers although his best runner Decisive Moment placed in the Spiral Stakes at 1 1/8 miles. Although Distinctly Donovan’s dam won once in eight tries, all four of her offspring to race are winners. She’s a full sister to G-3 winner Pima, dam of G-2 hero Bosque Redondo. Another full sister is stakes placed and a half sibling is a stakes winner. The Salzman barn has an eye catching 19% win rate with the maiden to stakes race angle.

BANNER BILL (Rockport Harbor – Temporada, by Summer Squall) sat three lengths off the lead then was up in time to win his debut over the Woodbine Polytrack. He’s a half brother to the listed stakes winner No Third Chance and another half sibling, Stormy Afternoon, is stakes placed. All six of his half siblings to race are winners. Banner Bill’s second dam Lemhi Go won the La Prevoyante Invitational (G-2), the Arlington Matron Handicap (G-3) and Sabin Handicap (G-3).

SELECTIONS:

How the track is playing: 55 races have been run this meet at five furlongs with an overwhelming 51% won on the front. 22% have been taken by one run stalkers.

STARK RAVIN MAD earned a legitimate 108 speed figure in his debut at Arlington Park. He appears to be emulating his speedy full brother Madman Diaries. He’s published a steady diet of three furlong moves, including a bullet last breeze. THREEANDDONEDAN has a history of speed in his family and his works are the best of the field. The only concern is the dirt to Poly move. His sire has only one winner in the last year over Polytrack. GIN JOINT is the most experienced horse in the field with two starts under his girth. He showed improvement and can continue to move forward. SAFRACTION and BANNER BILL have demonstrated the ability to sit off of the pace and win. FIREFALL is the morning line favorite and represents the barn of Wesley Ward who has been hitting with 28% starters this meet at Woodbine. Firefall has been working sharply at Keeneland.

#2 STARK RAVIN MAD
#3 THREEANDDONEDAN
#6 SAFRACTION
#1 GIN JOINT - longshot

Remsen Stakes (G-2) Pedigree Profiles and Handicapping Selections

The historical Remsen Stakes (G-2) has been run consecutively since 1918 and several winners competed successfully in the Spring Classics. In the last twenty years, two Kentucky Derby heroes completed the Remsen/Derby double and Pine Bluff notched a Remsen/Preakness double. 2005 Remsen victor Bluegrass Cat was second in the Derby and 2002 Remsen third place finisher Empire Maker won the Belmont. Get more Juvenile Stakes race selections on Iron Maidens Thoroughbreds website.

To Honor And Serve: Photo - Coglianese

This year, two highly regarded sons of the fantastic freshman sire Bernardini are scheduled to take on five other colts in the Remsen Stakes. The likely favorite To Honor and Serve (Bernardini – Pilfer, by Deputy Minister) has demolished his competition by over 12 lengths in his last two races, including the Grade 2 Nashua. To Honor and Serve has a pedigree that bodes well for next year’s Classics. Read more about him in our November 10 blog posting.

Buffum (inside) Photo: Coglianese

The other well-regarded colt who may go to the post as the second choice in the betting is Buffum (Bernardini – Storm Beauty, by Storm Cat). The Tom Albertrani trainee sat off of a swift :45 2/5 half mile and took the lead at the top of the stretch. He raced greenly in mid-stretch, ducking out from a left handed whip, but held off the second place finisher by a nose. Buffum is a half brother to multiple stakes winner Stormy West and brought to you by the family of Champion Sprinter Gold Beauty (dam of Dajur and Maplejinsky and grand-dam to Champion Older Mare Sky Beauty), Multiple Grade 1 winners Pine Island, Pleasant Home, and Tale of Ekati. Buffum‘s second, fourth and fifth dams are blue hens. Buffum had a strong five furlong breeze for this race.
Two horses that contested the Nashua Stakes will aim for better results in the Remsen. Mucho Macho Man (Macho Uno – Ponche De Leona, by Ponche) offered no challenge to Honor And Serve in the Nashua, but his speed figures have been improving. He probably won’t want to go farther than 1 1/16 miles. His sire has a few winners at 1 1/8 miles, but produces mostly miler types. Mucho Macho Man’s dam and damsire are stakes winning sprinters.

Economic Summit - Photo: Coglianese

Economic Summit (Malibu Moon – Summit Lite, by Mt. Livermore) was a distant fifth in the Nashua after winning his maiden by a length. He has a stamina over speed pedigree and may find the distance a half-furlong too far. His dam is a half sister to Grade 3 turf winner Strategic Partner. Second dam Very Special Lite set a new course record for a mile in 1:33.60 at Keeneland. The graded stakes winning miler Two Step Salsa was produced by this distaff family.

Bandbox - Photo: Coglianese

Many eyes will be on Bandbox (Tapit – Empty The Bases, by Grand Slam). The pretty gray colt is undefeated and has won his three races by over ten lengths, including the Sleepy Hollow Stakes for state-breds. Bandbox will be stretching from a sprint to 1 1/8 miles, which could be within his range, but he probably won’t want to go much farther. Tapit has some Grade 2 winning colts, but his most talented offspring are fillies and he has only three stakes winners at 1 1/8 miles. Bandbox has no blacktype in the first two generations, but his third dam won a couple of stake races. Many of his dam’s half siblings made 10 or more starts.
The well-bred Mountain Town (Cape Town – Mountain Bird, by Mt. Livermore) was a distant second in the Champange Stakes (G-1) to eventual Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Uncle Mo. Mountain Town is a product of the Whitney family breeding program. His dam is a graded stakes placed half sister to Belmont Stakes winner Birdstone and Kentucky Oaks winner Bird Town his second dam Dear Birdie was the 2004 Broodmare of the Year. Mountain Town has worked well but his pedigree indicates that he’ll be better at shorter distances.
Pants On Fire (Jump Start – Cabo De Noche, by Cape Town) took three tries to win his maiden, but got the job done against softer company over a sloppy track at Delaware. The Kelly Breen trainee has a stamina over speed pedigree. His sire Jump Start, a well bred son of A.P. Indy, produced Grade 2 winners Rail Trip and Sir Whimsey. His offspring are generally best at a mile and farther. Cape Town generally gets sprinters, but his speed is tempered by the stamina influence of third damsire Bates Motel. Pants On Fire’s dam is a half sister to stakes winning sprinters Hatfield and Key Hunter. Pants On Fire’s speed figures have improved with every start.
Selections:
How the track is playing: So far, only two races have been held at the 1 1/8 mile distance at Aqueduct this meet. Both were won by pace setter/pressers on the rail, typical for this track.
To Honor And Serve has already bested two entrants and is the only graded stakes winner in the field. Mucho Man and Pants On Fire may try to press the pace while the rest sit in varying positions behind Bandbox may post the strongest threat to the top horse. Bandbox has stakes experience and his off the pace running style could help. His pedigree is borderline for this distance. Buffum will get plenty of attention off of his maiden win. His pedigree suggests that this distance might not be within his scope and he may be overbet. Mountain Town was no match for the best two year old colt in the nation, but meets a softer group here. He could also find the distance too far, but his stalking running style can help. Mucho Macho Man’s speed figures have improved with every race and he can move forward in his second start off of a brief layoff.
To Honor And Serve
Bandbox
Buffum
Mucho Macho Man - longshot

It’s Never Too Soon to Talk Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup will be held in three months. More precisely, two months, 28 days. A lot will happen in that time period. Heck, the Juvenile Division has barely begun to form.

With the summer festivals at Saratoga and Del Mar in full swing, we will be treated to a preview of possible contestants for the Breeders’ Cup races. Babies can mature seemingly overnight, and a spectacular performance by a hitherto unknown maiden can make last week's sensation yesterday's news.

During the next two months and twenty-something days, this blog will focus upon up-and-coming two year old colts and fillies that may enter one of the four Breeders’ Cup Juvenile races. There’s no time like the present to become familiar with the names, pedigrees and accomplishments of future stars.

Stakes events will be plentiful leading up to the Breeders’ Cup. Below is a list of races that will help shape the Juvenile Divisions. Races with asterisks (*) are designated Breeders' Cup win-and-you're-in competitions. 

Are you new to racing or want more information on the Breeders’ Cup? Check out the official site: http://www.breederscup.com/. Read the latest Breeders’ Cup news and reminisce in the history area. Not only are there charts from all of the previous races, you can re-live some of the thrilling moments of past contests.

*NEW*  Breeders' Cup 360 includes articles on handicapping the Breeders' Cup and invites your participation!