Stable Mail Alert: 2yo Maiden Watch

--Steve Sherack

TDN’s Racing Editor Steve Sherack reveals a group of four well-bred 2-year-old maidens to keep an eye on this fall. You can follow Steve on Twitter at @SteveSherackTDN.

PRETENTIOUS (c, 2, Super Saver--Turkappeal {MSW & MGSP, $280,440}, by Turkoman) Lifetime Record: 1-0-0-1, $9,000. O-DP Racing LLC; B-Farfellow Farms Ltd. (KY); T-James Cassidy. *$200,000 2yo ‘14 OBSAPR. **1/2 to Pink Champagne (Awesome Again), GSW, $145,957; and Z Appeal (Ghostzapper), SW.
   Hailing from the first crop of red-hot leading freshman sire Super Saver, Pretentious stamped himself as a very promising prospect with an impressive stretch rally to finish third going 5 1/2 furlongs over the Del Mar Polytrack Sept. 3 (video). Not given much respect at the windows at 15-1 in his unveiling despite sporting a flashy win-early pedigree (mare was a 2yo stakes winner and has also produced two debut winners), Pretentious was outsprinted early in ninth through fractions of :22.14 and :45.37. Still with plenty to do as they straightened for home, the dark bay found another gear when finally switching over to his right lead in the stretch and finished like a rocket on the outside to come within five lengths of smart wire-to-wire winner All Indians (Latent Heat). The $200,000 OBSAPR graduate continued to run on impressively after the wire as well, galloping out past the top two finishers on the clubhouse turn. Pretentious returned to the worktab with an easy five-furlong move in 1:02 2/5 at Santa Anita Sept. 17 and has been entered in a 6 1/2-furlong dirt test in Arcadia Saturday. Would love to see him eventually stretch out over grass down the line.

PROVEN COMMODITY (c, 2, Bernardini--Sahara Gold {GSW, $248,742}, by Seeking the Gold) Lifetime Record: 1-0-0-0, $4,150. O/B-Darley (KY); T-Tom Albertrani. *1/2 to Better Lucky (Ghostzapper), MGISW, $1,018,950; 3/4 to Sahara Heat (A.P. Indy), GSW, $170,858.
   Overlooked at 28-1 in his Aug. 9 Saratoga debut (video), Proven Commodity certainly gave his backers a good run for their money. Flashing some decent early speed from third for a barn not known for cranking up its firsters, the Darley homebred was hung out four wide on the far turn and gave the well-meant firster Requite (Warrior’s Reward) (subsequently a well-beaten fourth in the GI Hopeful S.) a brief challenge in the stretch before tiring to finish fourth, beaten 7 1/2 lengths. Should move forwardly nicely with that one under his belt for his patient barn.

　
RED GUARD (c, 2, Bernardini--Rose of Summer, by El Prado {Ire}) Lifetime Record: 1-0-0-0, $3,750. O-Lane’s End Racing; B-Graceville Breeding (KY); T-Shug McGaughey. *1/2 to Laragh (Tapit), GISW, $581,877; and Summer Front (War Front), MGSW & MGISP, $874,140.
   The well-bred Red Guard--a half-brother to GI Hollywood Starlet heroine Laragh and classy turfer Summer Front--caught the eye with a debut fourth for Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey going seven furlongs over the Belmont turf Sept. 13 (video). Void of any early speed, the 14-1 shot was out of the picture for most of the way through somewhat easy early fractions of :22.92 and :46.58 over the firm going. Swung out to the center of the course at the top of the lane, Red Guard finally got going in mid-stretch and finished up with huge strides while racing on his incorrect lead to come within 2 1/2 lengths of the winner. Red Guard has worked once since, firing a three-furlong bullet in :35.74 at Belmont Park Sept. 24. Couldn't be in better hands.

WAGING WAR (c, 2, War Front--Sidle, by Seeking the Gold) Lifetime Record: 2-0-0-0, $7,840. O-Columbine Stable LLC; B-Claiborne Farm (KY); T-Al Stall Jr. *$350,000 yrl ‘13 KEESEP.
    After making a flashy five-wide move on the far turn when a debut fourth at Saratoga Aug. 2 (video), Waging War certainly looked like he’d be on his way to graduating at second asking. The Aug. 23 (video) crowd at Saratoga agreed and he was well-backed as the 9-5 chalk, but he failed to deliver, reporting home a well-beaten fifth behind the GI Champagne S.-bound Bayerd (Speightstown) (he was already in deep water before altering course to avoid an ill-fated foe in the stretch). Produced by a winning half-sister to GI Woodford Reserve Turf Classic S. hero Stroll (Pulpit), a switch to grass should help this son of War Front reach his full potential. He’s been training up a storm over the Churchill Downs main track since, most recently firing a best-of-36 five-furlong bullet in 1:00 2/5 Sept. 22.

Stable Mail: A-Z (Part III)

TDN’s Racing Editor Steve Sherack takes a closer look at his stable mail account in this continuing series. Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveSherackTDN.

PACIFIC (c, 3, Smart Strike): Steel-gray brought $1.8 million from Stonestreet Stables after posting a jaw-dropping bullet in :9 4/5 (video) at last year’s OBSMAR sale, but is yet to make it to the races. No works since five-furlong breeze at Palm Meadows in late November.

PLEASE EXPLAIN (f, 3, Curlin): Stamped herself as a serious filly with a powerful last-to-first six-length victory in Tampa’s Suncoast S. Feb. 1 (video) after breaking her maiden at fourth asking at Gulfstream Dec. 19. Another very promising runner for her red-hot sire.

REVOCATION (g, 4, Broken Vow): Posted a breakthrough wire-to-wire first-level allowance victory (100 Beyer) while making his first attempt for trainer Kelly Breen at Belmont last September (video), but failed to stretch his speed to two turns when a distant second in Delaware’s Barbaro S. most recently Oct. 9. Still awaiting his return to the worktab.

SCHOOLOFHARDROCKS (c, 3, Rock Hard Ten): Visually impressive come-from-behind debut winner going a mile over the Del Mar Polytrack Aug. 31 (video) continues to gear up for a return to the races at Santa Anita (worked 4f in :49 1/5 Feb. 2).  Subsequent GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile hero New Year’s Day earned his diploma two races later while also covering the mile distance in 1:36 4/5. Amerman homebred from the David Hofmans barn was scratched from the GI FrontRunner S. at Santa Anita Sept. 28.

SCREEN GODDESS (f, 3, Giant’s Causeway): Well-bred George Krikorian homebred came from a mile out of it to post a very good-looking maiden win in her turf debut at Hollywood Dec. 21 (video). The long-striding half-sister to GISW Star Billing worked an easy five furlongs in 1:02 at Santa Anita Feb. 4.

SHADOW BANKING (c, 3, Harlan’s Holiday): Hailing from a very deep Dr. Chandler family, including grassy GISWs Dynaforce & Cetewayo, the $250k BESMAR graduate announced his presence with a jaw-dropping debut victory going long over the Belmont lawn Sept. 11 (video). He left himself with way too much to do in the GIII Pilgrim S. Oct. 6, and had to settle for a distant second behind stablemate Bobby’s Kitten. Nothing on the worktab since.

SHAKIN IT UP (c, 4, Midnight Lute): Will be the first to admit that I wasn’t a big fan of his during his abbreviated sophomore campaign, but he has certainly caught my attention following a pair of very good-looking victories in the seven-furlong GI Malibu S. Dec. 26 and the 1 1/16-mile GII Strub S. Jan. 18, respectively. Let’s see if he can keep it up as the distances continue to increase.

SHE’S A TIGER (f, 3, Tale of the Cat): Recently-crowned Eclipse champion is back with trainer Jeff Bonde’s So. California string after enjoying a well-deserved vacation at co-owner Mark Dedomenico’s Pegasus Training Center in Washington. Can’t wait to see her run again.

SILENTIO (h, 5, Silent Name {Jpn}): Very nice to see the strapping dark bay put it all together with a game tally over subsequent GII Ft. Lauderdale S. hero Summer Front in the GII Citation H. Nov. 29 (video) following a huge third-place finish at 31-1 in the GI Breeders’ Cup Mile. The best is yet to come.

Stable Mail: A-Z (Part II)

TDN’s Racing Editor Steve Sherack takes a closer look at his stable mail account in this second installment of a continuing series. Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveSherackTDN.

FAMOUS ALICE (f, 3, Kitten’s Joy): Punched home nicely to post a visually impressive debut win going six furlongs over the Hollywood grass Nov. 23, then reported home second-best as the chalk after mixing it up through hot fractions going down the hill in an optional claimer Jan. 19 (video). From the Tom Proctor barn.

FASCINATING (f, 3, Smart Strike): Hard to find a maiden with a better resume than her. Off since a rallying third while making her two-turn debut in the GI Chandelier S. at Santa Anita Sept. 28, Bodemeister’s little sister is yet to post a breeze for Baffert since Oct. 21.

FOOTSTEPSINBRONZE (IRE) (c, 3, Footstepsinthesand {GB}): Raced with a hot pace going down the hill in his Jan. 11 unveiling (video), and kept on battling in the stretch to come up only a half-length short. Promising runner for Simon Callaghan.

GAREN (c, 3, Street Cry {Ire}): Half-brother to Horse of the Year Invasor (Arg) took a major step forward in his second career attempt with blinkers added, doing all of the heavy lifting dueling on the front end through hot fractions and staying on nicely in the stretch to finish a respectable fourth in a salty maiden at Santa Anita Jan. 18 (video). In great hands with Peter Miller.

INDIANAPOLIS (c, 3, Medaglia d’Oro): Baffert trainee took the overland route to get it right with a good-looking come-from-behind win at first asking at Hollywood Nov. 24, then beat up on three rivals with a sharp performance in the six-furlong San Pedro S. Jan. 20 (video), good for a 97 Beyer. Finishes like he’ll handle more distance. Next stop: GII San Vicente S. Feb. 16.

INTERRUPTED (f, 3, Broken Vow): Half-sister to millionaire Alternation hasn’t exactly set the world on fire with her speed figures, but this Pin Oak homebred was certainly visually impressive in a pair of explosive come-from-behind tallies over the Laurel sod Sept. 27 & Oct. 25 (video) last term. In steady training at Palm Meadows with Graham Motion.

IRISH WHISPER (f, 4, Langfuhr): Promising NY-bred returned to the races in style with a razor sharp wire-to-wire allowance win at the Big A Jan. 26, her first start since a dismal grass attempt at Saratoga last summer. Awfully nice filly from the Jeremiah Englehart barn when she brings her best.

KID LIGHTNING (c, 4, Lemon Drop Kid): Half-brother to champion Stevie Wonderboy had some trips when under the care of Kiaran McLaughlin last term. Transferred to Chad Brown, the chestnut rallied smartly from far back into slow fractions to finish a close third at 11-1 in a grassy optional claimer at Gulfstream Jan. 11 (video), good for a career high 80 Beyer. Plenty of potential for this lightly raced 4-year-old.

LA MADRINA (f, 3, Tapit): Anxiously awaiting this well-bred half-sister to Verrazano (More Than Ready)’s career debut. Emory Hamilton homebred is in steady training with Shug at Payson.

LENT (c, 4, Pulpit): Fort Larned’s little bro stepped up with a smart maiden win at second asking with Lasix added when stretched to a mile in an 11-horse field at Churchill Downs last June (video). Trained by Ian Wilkes, the lightly raced 4-year-old is back in training at Palm Meadows.

MEAN SEASON (c, 4, Henny Hughes): Picked up by Jake Ballis for $150k at the KEENOV sale and transferred to Hall of Famer Bill Mott following a debut win at Laurel in September, the chestnut looked like an absolute steal, rolling to a jaw-dropping eight-length win in an optional claimer at the Big A Dec. 22 (video), good for a gaudy 105 Beyer. Forced to miss a Jan. 18 start with a fever.

OUR AMAZING ROSE (f, 3, Yes It’s True): Hard-pressed to find a more impressive debut winner at Saratoga last summer than her (video). The Repole/Pletcher runner ran five furlongs in :57.68, good for a 91 Beyer; her stablemate, subsequent GII Saratoga Special S. hero Corfu (Malibu Moon), covered the same trip in :58.27 two races earlier that day. Starting to gear up at Palm Meadows for her sophomore debut.

Click here for Part I of this series.

Stable Mail: A-Z

TDN’s Racing Editor Steve Sherack takes a closer look at his stable mail account (A-D) in this first installment of a continuing series. Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveSherackTDN.

ABSTRACTION (c, 4, Pulpit): Lightly-raced My Meadowview Farm homebred disappeared following a troubled third (bumped start, checked clubhouse turn, wide move far turn, etc.) behind Code West in the GIII Matt Winn S. at Churchill Downs last June (video). Was super impressive in his runaway Fair Grounds maiden win Mar. 13 and also overcame some adversity to annex the Federico Tesio S. as the heavy chalk at Pimlico Apr. 27; anxiously awaiting his return to the worktab.

ALL IN BLUE (c, 3, More Than Ready): Razor sharp debut winner at Belmont July 4 (video) failed to land a blow in either of his next two attempts in the GII Sanford S. July 21 or the GI Hopeful S. Sept. 2, both at the Spa. Starlight colorbearer may need a switch to grass to put it all together.

BAND OF JOY (h, 5, Bowman’s Band): Promising turf sprinter couldn’t have endured a worse trip before finishing up like a rocket (final eighth clocked in :10.84) when third in an optional claimer at Gulfstream Jan. 19 (video), his first attempt for Todd Pletcher after being purchased privately by Paul Pompa Jr. It would be an awfully quick turnaround, but he’s nominated for the Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint Feb. 1.

BARDSTOWN (r, 3, Stormy Atlantic): Highly-touted $400k KEEAPR graduate turned in a very promising rally to finish second in his six-furlong debut at Del Mar Aug. 25 (video) before hitting the sidelines. Looking forward to seeing this chestnut back in action as a sophomore; from the Bob Hess Jr. barn.

BEE BRAVE (GB) (f, 4, Rail Link {GB}): European invader stormed home powerfully from last off a lengthy layoff in her U.S. debut for trainer Simon Callaghan in a first-level Santa Anita allowance going a mile on the lawn Jan. 18 (video), her first attempt since posting a narrow debut win at Ayr back in August 2012. Stakes-quality runner.

CALISTOGA (f, 4, Speightstown): Couldn’t have been more impressive in a pair of powerful front-running tallies at Gulfstream last term Jan. 12 & Mar. 7. Slightly favored in a field of 13 in the GIII Eight Belles S. on the GI Kentucky Oaks undercard (video), the chestnut was surprisingly placed toward the back of pack while racing on the outside after exiting from stall 13. She made a huge middle-move to reach contention while parked extremely wide on the far turn, and understandably ran out of gas late to finish a good fourth. Produced by a winning full-sister to GI Kentucky Derby hero Giacomo (Holy Bull) and a half-sister to MGISW Tiago (Pleasant Tap), the Donald Dizney colorbearer continues to train up a storm for Bill Mott at Payson Park.

CANDY BOY (c, 3, Candy Ride {Arg}): C R K Stable homebred finally put it all together at fourth asking with a powerful maiden win going two turns at Hollywood Nov. 22, then held on for runner-up honors behind champion Shared Belief (Candy Ride {Arg}) following a well-documented dramatic middle move in the GI CashCall Futurity Dec. 14 (video). Legit GI Kentucky Derby hopeful for John Sadler.

CANDY DANDY (c, 3, Candy Ride {Arg}): Immediately caught the eye with a jaw-dropping debut win over a salty group at Churchill Downs June 30 (video)--including subsequent GIII Sapling S. hero Dunkin Bend (Dunkirk) and recent GII Holy Bull S. runner-up Conquest Titan (Birdstone)--but failed to live up to the billing with a disappointing fifth as the even-money chalk in the GII Saratoga Special S. Aug. 11. Had a chip removed since and has been training steadily for SteveAsmussen at the Fair Grounds.

CAN’THELPBELIEVING (IRE) (c, 3, Duke of Marmalade {Ire}): Turned in a serious late rally (final eighth in :11.58) to get the money going long at third asking with blinkers/Lasix added at Gulfstream Jan. 11 (video). Very promising grass runner for the always dangerous Graham Motion barn.

COACH INGE (c, 3, Big Brown): Nothing seemed to go right after an early bobble for this Repole/Pletcher representative as the 7-5 chalk in his seven-furlong Gulfstream unveiling Dec. 19 (video). Made a menacing sweeping move on the far turn before running out of gas in the stretch to finish a well-beaten fourth; should move forward nicely with that one under his belt.

CONSTITUTION (c, 3, Tapit): Had every right to pack it in after rushing up into hot fractions after missing the break, but battled on gamely in the stretch to earn his diploma at first asking going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Jan. 11 (video). Produced by a stakes-placed half-sister to GI Forego S. hero Emcee (Unbridled’s Song), the $400k FTSAUG graduate tops a very long list of promising sophomores for Pletcher.

DANCE WITH FATE (c, 3, Two Step Salsa): Along with colleague Brian DiDonato, I’ve been a big fan/supporter of the 2009 G2 Godolphin Mile hero’s first crop of runners. Trained by Peter Eurton, Dance With Fate showcased his ability with a pair of runner-up finishes at the top level last term, and he recently took his game to another level with a switch to grass, closing smartly into slow early fractions in an $80k optional tagger at Santa Anita Jan. 24 (video).

DANZA (c, 3 Street Boss): An eye-catching rallying third from along the fence in his second career start when last seen in the GII Saratoga Special S. Aug. 11 (video), the Eclipse colorbearer is currently on the comeback trail at Palm Meadows.

Second Chances...

-Steve Sherack

While Arnold Zetcher’s Spring Moon (f, 2, Zensational) stamped herself as an exciting prospect for the upcoming juvenile stakes races courtesy her powerful four-length debut win at Del Mar July 21 (video), several of the also-rans from that salty heat have plenty of potential as well.

Assigned the dreaded one hole, West Point firster Tacit Approval (Tapit) ran a good one to hold the second slot after chasing the winner throughout. Hustled by Victor Espinoza to keep up in second through an opening quarter in :22.89, the 5-1 chance was guided to the outside as she took a run at the leader on the turn for home, and while proving no match, Tacit Approval stayed on gamely to hold her position by a half-length despite switching to her left lead down the lane. Produced by the talented racemare Punch Appeal (Successful Appeal)--heroine of the Delta Princess S. and Pocahontas S.--the bay brought $320,000 at the Barretts March Sale. Tacit Approval is trained by Craig Dollase.

The well-bred Fascinating (Smart Strike), a $1.3-million KEESEP yearling purchase, also showed plenty of promise while finishing a close third in her unveiling. Sent off at 7-2, the half-sister to GI Arkansas Derby hero and GI Kentucky Derby/GI Preakness S. runner-up Bodemeister (Empire Maker) broke well from her outside draw and chased from third. Sent three-wide into the stretch, Fascinating was re-guided to the inside of Tacit Approval and ran on well to narrowly outkick 6-5 chalk Southern Sunshine (High Cotton) for show honors. The Bruce Lunsford and Hill ‘n’ Dale colorbearer is trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert.

Richard Pell’s Southern Sunshine, meanwhile, should certainly benefit with that run under her belt. Conditioned by defending Del Mar leading trainer Peter Miller, the $340,000 OBSMAR graduate was bumped hard at the break and recovered nicely to settle in sixth. The half-sister to Den’s Legacy (Medaglia d’Oro), GSW & GISP, $405,600, began to make her move from the back as they straightened for home. With Joe Talamo aboard, Southern Sunshine swung wide into the stretch, and finished with interest to come within 4 3/4 lengths of the victress.

Satirical (Distorted Humor), produced by a half-sister to champion Funny Cide, was a late scratch after running off during the post parade. The $420,000 KEESEP yearling purchase is trained by Richard Mandella.

The final time for the 5 1/2-furlong contest over the Polytrack was 1:04.31. Spring Moon, also trained by Baffert, earned a 70 Beyer Speed Figure for the victory. She returned a generous $13.80 to win.

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveSherackTDN

NY Watch List

TDN’s Racing Editor and handicapper Steve Sherack reveals his latest list of horses-to-watch on the NYRA circuit. Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveSherackTDN

ANTONE SUAVEY: Finally broke through with a maiden win at ninth asking, and following a troubled start at $20k, outran his 19-1 odds with a very respectable fourth-place finish at $16k on quick notice. Hard to dismiss at a price versus a similar bunch of grass sprinters.

BALANCE THE BOOKS: Flashed plenty of potential on the grass as a juvenile--including a strong third in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita--and just never looked comfortable in a pair of Triple Crown preps on the Poly earlier this spring. Got back on track on the lawn with a rallying third after being compromised by a slow early pace in the Solar Splendor S. at Belmont July 13. Loves the grass course at the Spa (won the GII With Anticipation S. as a maiden last term); GII National Museum of Racing Hall Of Fame S. Aug. 9 seems like a perfect fit.

BILL OF RIGHTS: Claimed by Steve Asmussen for $20k off Eoin Harty back in April, the full brother to Colonel John never fired in a $30k maiden claimer after a stumbling beginning in his first attempt for his new connections at Churchill June 16. Returned to $20k, the bay exploded with second-time Lasix, running away to an impressive front-running tally over the Belmont grass July 13, good for a career high 70 Beyer. Can handle a bump up the ladder for sharp barn.

MAGNIFICENT SHIRL: Continues to pile up excuses in each of her three starts since transferring to the Michelle Nihei barn. Up against it while trailing a field of six in the seven-furlong Diamondrella S. through easy fractions of :23.64 and :46.88, and veered in sharply once finally uncorking in the stretch. Ran much better than that fourth-place finish looks on paper.

MENTOR CANE: A debut second behind the talented Flashback (Tapit) at Hollywood in December, the son of Mizzen Mast fired fresh off the bench with a visually impressive five-length graduation at Belmont July 6, good for a 97 Beyer. Geared down late after flashing :44.66 speed to boot; very promising sophomore for the relocated Shirreffs barn.

SHARPANDWITTY: New York-bred needed 11 tries to exit the maiden ranks, but ran a big one against open company in her first attempt against winners after getting bumped at the break. Did all of the heavy lifting on the front end with company that day, and reported home a clear-cut second at 10-1. Has longshot appeal for low-profile connections.

SUPREME COMMANDER: Made a solid middle-move from the back of the pack while racing very wide in his unveiling behind the impressive Touchofstarquality at Belmont July 6. Son of the lawnmower Perfect Sting should move forward nicely with that well-beaten fourth-place finish under his belt for the very patient John Shirreffs.

YOU SO SMART: Not exactly Rosie Napravnik’s shining moment aboard this New York-bred last time. Making her grass/route debuts and receiving first-time Lasix for the dangerous Maker barn, the daughter of Jade Hunter was bumped at the break, and was hard-held in fifth through a very easy half mile in :50.96. The 8-1 shot remained all dressed up with nowhere to run throughout the stretch until finally finding some room late to finish fifth, beaten only 1 3/4 lengths. Will be very tough with a clean trip next time.

Click here to see who made the July 1 NY Watch List.

Salty Juvenile Maiden Loaded With Potential

-Steve Sherack

While Stop Smiling (f, 2, It’s No Joke)--a half-sister to MGISW Weemissfrankie (Sunriver)--stamped herself as one to watch with an impressive debut victory (video) for Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer on the Hollywood Gold Cup undercard (good for a 73 Beyer), several also-rans in that five-furlong contest should be kept on the radar screen as well.

Considering the deep field that day, it was quite surprising to see the runner-up, a first-time starter from the low-profile Art Sherman barn, take as much money as she did to go off as the 7-2 second choice. They knew, apparently, and Abide in Me (Tiz Wonderful), a $50k OBSAPR purchase, ran to the money and lived up to her morning works with a strong effort to finish 1 1/2 lengths adrift the victress after receiving a perfect stalking trip.

The third-place finisher, L T Reckless (Henny Hughes), also put on a pretty good showing. Sent off at 10-1, the $50k KEESEP yearling broke like a shot from post eight, zipped through fractions of :22.24 and :45.61, and just got a little bit leg weary late to get tagged for second by a neck. She is trained by Doug O’Neill.

Secret Compass (Discreet Cat), a $425k OBSMAR graduate, was favored at 9-5 from the mighty Bob Baffert barn after firing a four-furlong bullet in :47 1/5 at Santa Anita June 30. Outsprinted early, the Westrock Stables colorbearer had plenty to do as they entered the far turn, and really started to figure it out in deep stretch to finish a very promising fourth, beaten only 2 1/4 lengths.

Savings Account (Medaglia d’Oro), trained by Tom Proctor, also ran like a horse that should move forward with a race under her belt. The $310k KEESEP acquisition broke inward into a rival at the start, and was also checked slightly shortly thereafter. She saved ground throughout near the back of the pack, and showed mild late interest to report home a respectable fifth, beaten 3 1/2 lengths. Savings Account is the second foal from the stakes-winning and graded stakes placed Unbridled’s Song mare Wild Hoots.

Trainer Peter Miller is always dangerous with his youngsters, and he extended to $280k to land Spy Girl (Discreet Cat) on behalf of Richard Pell at this year’s OBSAPR sale. The bay took good money at 7-2--worked a bullet five furlongs in :59 2/5 at BHP June 28--and pressed the early leader from second for most of the way before tiring in the stretch to finish sixth. Expecting a much better effort from that speedy filly as well next time.

With the prestigious Del Mar meeting right around the corner, it should be fun to see how this group stacks up as the waters get deeper.

NY Watch List

TDN’s Racing Editor and handicapper Steve Sherack reveals his first horses-to-watch list for the upcoming action at Belmont and Saratoga this summer.

BOURBON TWIST: Visually impressive debut winner at Saratoga last summer has disappointed in a pair of paceless races since returning from the shelf in April, including a May 19 effort over a saturated Belmont turf course. New York-bred from the Chad Brown barn can get back on track with the proper set-up.

CAPO BASTONE: Unlike Pletcher stablemate Forty Tales, he was unable to overcome the speed-favoring strip on the GI Belmont S. undercard in the GII Woody Stephens S. Training well for a switch to grass--4f in :49.21 BEL (IT) June 23 and 4f in :49.20 BEL (IT) June 30--and certainly has the pedigree/proper running style [Street Boss half-brother to GIII Regret S. runner-up C J’s Leelee (Mizzen Mast)] to take to the green stuff. Best two races have come over the Del Mar Polytrack and Churchill main track, which both play kindly to grass types.

CAPTAIN GAUGHEN: His overall record isn’t pretty, but this son of Disco Rico has really stepped up his game since kicking off his sophomore campaign with a runaway maiden win at eighth asking against older horses May 24. Left himself a little bit too much to do after racing in 12th for most of the way in the New York Stallion Spectacular Bid S. June 30, and held his own with a strong second-place finish behind the back-classy West Hills Giant. Never been better.

FOREVER FOR ALWAYS: Frost Giant filly took a major step forward with a switch to grass to outrun her 19-1 odds with a solid third-place finish at the Big A Apr. 5. Can fire fresh off the bench versus state-breds for low-profile outfit.

GO ON MURT (IRE): Euro-import ran a big fifth after racing a bit headstrong early and enduring a wide trip in a key heat while making his U.S. bow at Belmont June 2, then flashed good speed and stayed on stubbornly in the stretch when just tagged for second on the turn back to seven furlongs June 27. Third try will be the charm versus a similar bunch of $35k beatens.

IRISH WHISPER: New York-bred looked like a future stakes horse while beating up on a big field in her unveiling at Belmont May 5, then had plenty of excuses (lunged at break/wide trip) when a well-beaten sixth after making a solid middle-move in her first attempt versus winners as the heavy favorite June 12. Langfuhr filly deserves another chance.

RED SUPREME: Made up some nice ground after getting a bit roughed up at the start in his grassy unveiling at Gulfstream for Tom Bush to finish a quietly good fourth at 63-1, then switched to the Mike Miceli barn to place a rallying fourth after receiving somewhat of a questionable ride most recently May 4. Waiting patiently for his return.

SUNLOVER: Needed six tries to exit the maiden ranks last term, but really turned it on nicely late in the year, capped by a solid third-place finish at 30-1 in the Super Mario S. at Belmont Nov. 23. Transferred to trainer Eddie Kenneally for his sophomore season, the GoldMark colorbearer never got a chance to run while a nightmare fifth--beaten only two lengths--going six furlongs on the Belmont lawn June 23. Should take a nice step forward with that one under his belt.

TOWN EXTENSION: Fipke homebred showed some promise at two, but has failed to take the next step forward with a pair of disappointing efforts over wet tracks this term. A switch to grass may be all that this son of Speightstown from the extended family of Warning Zone and We Can Seek (Chi) needs to finally put it all together.

YOUR LION EYES: From the dangerous Michael Mareina barn, this Lion Heart filly flashed some potential while making her debut in a grassy $25k maiden claimer. Last of 12 after missing the break, the 4-year-old came alive in the stretch to report home an educational sixth, beaten only 4 3/4 lengths. Looking good.

Second Chances: Gulfstream Maiden Watch

--Steve Sherack

TDN’s Racing Editor Steve Sherack reveals a pair of Gulfstream maidens that need to be on your radar.

Silverton Hill’s BIG BLUE SPIRIT (GB) (c, 3, Invincible Spirit {Ire}--Blue Sail, by Kingmambo), a debut second behind subsequent G3 JRA Killavullan S. hero Nephrite (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) for trainer Kevin Prendergast at The Curragh Sept. 25, stamped himself as one to watch following a very promising U.S. debut at Gulfstream Dec. 29 (TDN Video).

Favored at 9-5 while stretching to a mile on grass for conditioner Darrin Miller, the bay was up against it as soon as they sprung the latch, checking shortly after the break. With Johnny Velazquez aboard, the 85,000gns TATOCT yearling purchase quickly rushed up along the rail to reach contention, but had to tap on the brakes once again after finding some traffic on the clubhouse turn. Eighth through a half mile in :49.10, Big Blue Spirit raced under cover while under a tight hold on the turn for home, was finally angled out for run in mid-stretch and came charging late between horses to gamely get the nod for second.

Big Blue Spirit, out of a full-sister to G1 Poule D'Essai Des Pouliches heroine Bluemamba, has been entered in the sixth race at Gulfstream Park Saturday, a 1 1/8-mile $51k maiden special weight on the lawn (Bris PPs). With a five-furlong bullet at Payson in the interim, he is certainly worth a bet at 6-1 on the morning-line.

The bar was set high for COLONIAL FLAG (f, 3, Pleasant Tap--Silk n’ Sapphire, by Smart Strike) even before she set foot in a starting gate.

Skara Glen Stable, W. S. Farish and ENL Stables LLC went to $475,000 to acquire the 3/4-sister to GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf victress Shared Account (Pleasantly Perfect) as a Keeneland September yearling, and she was backed at odds of 9-2 in her Jan. 14 unveiling negotiating a mile on the Gulfstream weeds (TDN Video).

Trained by Michael Matz, she was outsprinted early and settled in eighth while saving ground through fractions of :23.91 and :49.63. Loaded for bear on the far turn, Colonial Flag had nowhere to run once they straightened for home, forcing jockey Julien Leparoux to check hard. The situation didn’t get any better until deep stretch, but once finally clear, the dark bay looked like she was shot out of a cannon to report home fifth, beaten only 3 1/4 lengths.

Better luck next time.

Second Chances...

--Steve Sherack

TDN’s Racing Editor Steve Sherack reveals three more maidens to keep an eye on this winter in his latest installment of Second Chances. Click here to view previous entries.

James Hirschmann III and B J Wright’s BOAT TRIP (c, 2, Harlan’s Holiday--Turning Wheel {GSW-Fr, $142,092}, by Seeking The Gold), a $100,000 OBSMAR purchase, has gained valuable racing experience during his first two trips to post for conditioner Michael Pender in Southern California.

Co-owned and trained by the red-hot connections of GI Hollywood Derby and GII Oak Tree Derby upsetter Ultimate Eagle (Mizzen Mast) and the classy GII Citation H. winner Jeranimo (Congaree), the bay debuted with a close fifth at 95-1 after enduring a wide trip in a key race at Santa Anita Nov. 5 (TDN Video).

The form for that heat has held up quite well with the first three finishers already returning with big efforts, led by the top two Hodge (City Place) and Brother Francis (Lion Heart) resurfacing with placings in the GIII Hollywood Prevue S. Nov. 24; third-place finisher Bling Cha Bling (Too Much Bling) switched to grass to earn his diploma in style at Hollywood Dec. 10. 

Backed at 15-1 in his second career start in Inglewood Nov. 27 (TDN Video), Boat Trip was closer to the pace after being dealt a more favorable inside draw. Under a nice hold in third through a sharp opening quarter in :21.98, the half-brother to G3 UAE 2000 Guineas third Rallying Cry (War Chant) was guided out three wide on the turn for home, and kept on coming in the stretch to complete the trifecta, only 3/4 of a length behind $825,000 OBSAPR topper Macho Rocket (Macho Uno).

The final time for the six-furlong affair was 1:10.06. Boat Trip, bred in Kentucky by Galleria Bloodstock and Samac, received a 75 Beyer Speed Figure.

“It’s the perfect prototypical progression of a racehorse,” explained Pender, who maintains a select 20-horse string. “He seems to be taking everything in stride and he’s really starting to come around now. He’s our big horse for next year.”

Pender added that Boat Trip could re-appear in a mile dirt race at Santa Anita Dec. 29. He has returned to the worktab with a five-furlong move in 1:01.40 at Hollywood Park Dec. 7.

The well-bred SIR BOND (c, 2, Street Sense--Emmaus, by Silver Deputy), out of an unraced daughter of the bluehen mare La Affirmed (Affirmed), appears poised for bigger and better things following an encouraging debut second behind the talented Hierro (Hard Spun) (Sept. 8 Second Chances graduate) at Churchill Downs Nov. 9 (TDN Video).

Given a 9-1 chance, the Jerry Durant colorbearer was away from the stalls awkwardly and trailed the field of 10 through an opening quarter in :23.19. He began to pick up the pace with an eye-catching wide rally on the turn for home and finished with interest to report home a clear-cut second, 5 1/4 lengths behind the aforementioned “TDN Rising Star.”

The final time for seven furlongs was 1:23 3/5. Sir Bond, a $260,000 KEEAPR graduate, earned a solid 74 Beyer. The half-brother to MGSW Wiseman’s Ferry (Hennessy) was bred in Kentucky by Nursery Place and Robert T. Manfuso.

Under the watchful eye of veteran trainer Neil Howard, Sir Bond has remained busy on the worktab since his unveiling. He has posted four subsequent workouts, most recently covering four furlongs in :50 at Fair Grounds Dec. 11.

TREASURED UP (f, 2, Medaglia d’Oro--Melisma, by Well Decorated), a $450,000 FTSAUG yearling acquisition by Spendthrift Farm, rounds out the lot.

Backed at 5-2 to get it right at first asking in an 11-horse field beneath the lights at Turfway Park Dec. 3 (TDN Video), the dark bay reported home a respectable second, beaten three lengths.

Ridden along early to chase in third through an opening quarter in :22.45 over the tricky Polytrack, the half-sister to millionaire Choctaw Nation (Louis Quatorze) stayed one-paced after switching to her right lead in the stretch while chasing the wire-to-wire winner to the finish. She earned a 64 Beyer.

Trained by Al Stall Jr., a change in surface to dirt (likely to come at Fair Grounds) and some added distance should help do the trick from this pricey filly. She was bred in Kentucky by Summer Wind Farm.

Maiden Breakers Shine on Stakes Loaded Weekend Racecards...

--Steve Sherack

With all of the focus on Breeders’ Cup preview races the past two weekends, and rightfully so, several maiden winners snuck in a bit under the radar with big-time performances.

COACH SICKIE (c, 2, Henny Hughes--Dixie Holiday, by Dixieland Band) looked like the real deal winning his Santa Anita debut for fun Oct. 1 (TDN Video).

Sent off at odds of 6-1, the Michael House colorbearer chased the early leaders in third through a sharp opening quarter in :21.45. With Alonso Quinonez aboard, the $90,000 FTMMAY juvenile graduate cruised up three wide to join the dueling pair entering the stretch and accelerated nicely down the lane to score by 5 1/4 lengths.

Coach Sickie, bred in Kentucky by Peter Blum, stopped the clock for 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:03.12 over the “fast” track, good for a 78 Beyer Speed Figure. Trained by Jeff Mullins, the bay has already gotten back to business in the a.m., posting a four-furlong breeze in :50.40 at Santa Anita Oct. 10. Coach Sickie is a half brother to GII Carry Back S. runner-up Smash (Smart Strike) and the multiple stakes winning mare Holiday Runner (Meadowlake), who went on to produce MGISW Seventh Street (Street Cry {Ire}).

GOLDEN HISTORY (f, 2, Medaglia d’Oro--User History, by Mr. Prospector) didn’t get much love from the Beyer boys, receiving only a 57 rating following her successful Woodbine unveiling Oct. 2 (TDN Video), but was visually impressive, nontheless.

Backed as the 8-5 favorite, the granddaughter of champion User Friendly (GB) (Slip Anchor {GB}) was outsprinted in seventh through fractions of :22.58 and :45.75. The dark bay began to roll while racing very wide on the turn for home and quickened impressively once switching over to her right lead in the stretch to score by 2 3/4 lengths, stopping the clock for seven furlongs in 1:24.74 over the Polytrack.

Golden History, bred in Kentucky by Stonewall Farm Stallions LLC, was the third highest-priced juvenile at the 2011 OBS March Sale, fetching $450,000 from trainer Mark Casse on behalf of owner John Oxley. She was also the most expensive 2-year-old filly to go through the ring for her leading sire in 2011.

The loaded Bob Baffert barn looks like it has a couple more future stars on its hands.

CONTESTED (f, 2, Ghostzapper--Gold Vault, by Arch), from the family of MGISW Pomeroy (Boundary), earned a “TDN Rising Star” tag with a sharp 6 1/2-length win at second asking at Santa Anita Oct. 2 (TDN Video). Breaking from post 11, the even-money favorite was away alertly and forced the early issue on the outside from third through a blazing opening quarter in :21.72. With Baffert’s go-to-guy Martin Garcia aboard, she revved up three wide on the far turn, took over in hand at the head of affairs and ran away and hid from ‘em in the stretch under mild urging.

Owned by Natalie J. Baffert, the $110,000 KEESEP yearling purchase covered six furlongs over the “fast” going in 1:08.95. She was awarded an 88 Beyer Speed Figure. Contested, bred in Kentucky by Cherry Valley Farm LLC, finished a good second behind the promising Egg Drop (Alphabet Soup) in her Del Mar unveiling Sept. 3. The latter failed to land a blow when finishing a disappointing 10th in the GI Darley Alcibiades S. at Keeneland Oct. 7.

FAST BULLET (c, 3, Speightstown--Renfro Valley Star, by Dayjur), a grandson of champion Brave Raj (Rajab), proved to be well worth the wait, airing by 6 1/4 lengths in his debut at the Great Race Place Oct. 9 (TDN Video).

Not much of a secret at 7-5 while sporting a typical flashy Baffert worktab, the blinkered chestnut was hustled to the front and raced under heavy pressure on the inside through fractions of :21.84 and :44.80. Seemingly unphased by his early efforts, the Zayat Stables representative found another gear when asked the question by Martin Garcia in the stretch and kept finding more to report home an eye-catching winner.

The final time for six was furlongs over the “fast” surface was 1:08.59. One race earlier on the card fillies and mares in the 6 1/2-furlong Louis R. Rowan S. covered the same distance in 1:08.86 before stopping the clock in 1:15.

The half-brother to GIII Hollywood Juvenile Championship S. runner-up Blairs Roarin Star (Roar), bred in Kentucky by Roy Gottlieb, earned a 92 Beyer. He was purchased for $230,000 as a KEESEP yearling.

Second Chances: Juvenile Maidens to Keep an Eye On

--Steve Sherack

The maiden watch continues in Steve Sherack’s latest installment of Second Chances. Click here to view previous blogs.

CONQUESTA (f, 2, Empire Maker--Turn to Lass {SW, $138,760}, by Bright Launch) ran a remarkable race to place second at 39-1 in her unveiling over the Belmont lawn Sept. 11 (TDN Video).

The Marc Keller colorbearer was away without a hitch from the dreaded one hole and settled into stride while racing in eighth through fractions of :22.46 and :46.40. With Joe Bravo aboard, the $200,000 FTKJUL yearling purchase made an eye-catching sweeping move on the turn for home to slingshot herself into the lead at the head of affairs. She quickly opened a clear advantage and looked to be well on her way to a victory in the stretch, but understandably got a little leg weary late, and couldn’t hold the rally of firster Somali Lemonade (Lemon Drop Kid), who powered to a 1 3/4-length win. The final time for the seven-furlong affair over the “good” going was 1:23.30. Conquesta, bred in Kentucky by Hurstland Farm and Kevin McLaughlin, was awarded a very respectable 82 Beyer. She has returned to the worktab with a pair of easy four furlongs moves over the Belmont training track, most recently covering the distance in :50.81 Oct. 3.

It’s been a pretty quiet year for trainer Robert Ribaudo [five wins from 52 starters], but his barn has suddenly come alive during the Belmont fall meeting, saddling two winners and a second-place finisher from only six starters.

DENDRITE (c, 2, Rockport Harbor--Tustin, by Conquistador Cielo) could be live at a price following a sixth-place finish at 59-1 in his grass debut at Belmont Sept. 17 (TDN Video). Away from the stalls sharply, he bumped slightly with the eventual winner at the start after breaking outward, then quickly dropped back to settle in sixth through easy fractions of :24.25 and :49.29.

Racing well within himself beneath five-pound apprentice Irad Ortiz Jr, the bay began to advance while under a tight hold entering the bend, made a strong four-wide move on the turn to challenge for command at the top of the lane, but failed to quicken in the stretch, and reported home 3 3/4 lengths behind the well-bred Our Entourage (Street Cry {Ire}--Sand Springs). The final time for the 1 1/16-mile affair over the “firm” going was 1:43.81. Our Entourage has been entered to make his next start in Saturday’s GI Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland.

Dendrite, owned in partnership by William Punk Jr. and Philip DiLeo and trained by David Donk, earned a 63 Beyer. Bred in Kentucky by Richard Forbush, he failed to meet his reserve twice in the sales ring, RNA’ing for $19,000 as a KEENOV weanling and $14,500 as a KEESEP yearling. The bay turned in a three-furlong move in :35.85 over the Belmont training track Oct. 4. He is entered to make his second career start in the fifth race at Belmont on Saturday, a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight on grass (BRIS PPs).

There’s plenty of upside for Samuel H. Rogers Jr.’s homebred SATURDAY'S FOR FUN (c, 2, Any Given Saturday--Changing World {GSW, $394,749}, by Spinning World), who finished with interest to complete the trifecta at 8-1 in his Belmont unveiling on the turf Sept. 28 (TDN Video).

Nudged along in third through an opening quarter in :23.59, the Barclay Tagg trainee showed a little immaturity in the stretch, but looked good once leveling out late to finish within 3 1/2 lengths of good-looking first-time starter Summer Front (War Front), a $475,000 KEEAPR graduate. The final time for six furlongs over the “good” course was 1:11.80. Saturday’s for Fun earned a 54 Beyer.

Rogers’s history with Saturday’s for Fun’s family dates all the way back to the third dam Reach for It (Ack Ack), who he acquired as a broodmare for $65,000 at the 1992 KEENOV sale. He enjoyed more than his share of success campaigning Saturday’s for Fun’s first two dams--Changing World and Reach the Top (Cozzene)--collecting graded stakes victories with each.

Woodford Racing’s BATTLE FORCE (c, 2, Giant’s Causeway--Leo’s Pegasus {SP, $193,312}, by Fusaichi Pegasus) looks like a good one to keep an eye out for on the West Coast.

Making his debut going a mile over the Santa Anita sod Oct. 1 (TDN Video), the bay showed little early interest trailing the field of nine through fractions of :23.22 and :47.73. With Mike Smith in the irons, he hit the gas with a sharp outside move on the turn for home, entered the stretch at least six wide, and was outkicked to the wire by Silentio (Silent Name {Jpn}), who shot through an opening along the rail in the stretch after saving all the ground to score by 3/4 of a length. Battle Force completed the exacta at odds of 10-1.

The final time over the “firm” going was 1:35.73. Battle Force, trained by John Shirreffs, earned a 68 Beyer. He was bred in Kentucky by Manganaro LLC.

Second Chances: Maiden Watch Round III

--Steve Sherack

TDN’s Steve Sherack adds three more runners to the maiden watch in the latest installment of Second Chances. Click here to view previous columns.

Stonestreet Stables’s HIERRO (c, 2, Hard Spun--Brief Bliss, by Navarone), a $350,000 OBSMAR graduate (Breeze Video), should move forward nicely following an educational fifth-place finish going seven furlongs in his debut at Saratoga Sept. 3 (TDN Video). Given a 4-1 chance in a salty 10-horse field, the chestnut was the last one to exit the stalls and raced in eighth through an opening quarter in :22.59. With Ramon Dominguez aboard, the Steve Asmussen trainee began to gain some momentum while racing two wide on the turn for home until briefly forcing to check in traffic. Guided to the inside, he showed plenty of immaturity in the stretch, racing greenly down the lane and reporting home 8 3/4 lengths behind impressive Darley homebred firster Alpha (Bernardini). The final time over the fast track was 1:23.97; Hierro received a 65 Beyer Speed Figure. Out of the graded stakes placed mare Brief Bliss, Hierro is a half-brother to Cherokee Triangle (Cherokee Run), MSW & GSP, $330,294. He was bred in Kentucky by Sally Andersen.

PUNCTUAL JEFF (c, 2, More Than Ready--Floating Island, by A.P. Indy) ran a winning race when second-best tackling two turns in his unveiling at odds of 5-1 over the Saratoga spinach Sept. 3 (TDN Video). Trained by Chad Brown, the Paul Pompa Jr. colorbearer was away slowly and trailed the field of 12 through slow early fractions of :24.06 and :49.69. The $230,000 KEESEP yearling purchase began to launch his bid while saving ground beneath Ramon Dominguez on the turn for home, gamely split horses when tipped out at least six wide into the stretch and came flying down the center of the course to just miss 27-1 longshot Kitten’s Kid (Kiten’s Joy) by a neck. The final time for the 1 1/16-mile event over the firm going was 1:44.27. Punctual Jeff, from the extended family of MGISW Devil May Care (Malibu Moon), received a 63 Beyer. He was bred in Kentucky by Forging Oaks LLC.

The Turbulent Descent team of Blinkers On Racing and trainer Mike Puype may have another nice one on their hands in the form of CLEARLY A COWBOY (c, 2, With Distinction--Cowgirl Lucky, by Stephen Got Even). Given a 9-2 chance in his career opener at Del Mar Sept. 4 (TDN Video), the $90,000 OBSAPR juvenile (Breeze Video) chased along the inside in sixth, raced in traffic on the far turn, and battled on nicely along the rail in the stretch to just get up for the show spot over a pair of rivals, finishing 4 3/4 lengths behind the good-looking winner Norm’s Passion (Artie Schiller). The final time for 5 1/2 furlongs over the Polytrack was 1:02.98; Clearly a Cowboy, bred in Kentucky by Robert and Mary Harris, was awarded a very solid 76 Beyer.

Second Chances II: Saratoga Maiden Watch

--Steve Sherack

TDN’s Steve Sherack reveals three juvenile maidens to keep an eye out for following promising debuts at Saratoga. To view the first installment of the Second Chances Aug. 18 blog, click here.

PENN’S GRANT (c, 2, Empire Maker--Mystery Itself, by Pulpit) stamped himself as one to watch from the Barclay Tagg barn with a well-beaten, rallying third-place finish behind “TDN Rising Star” Fire On Ice (Unbridled’s Song) on the GI Travers S. undercard Aug. 27 (TDN Video).

Not given much respect at the windows at 25-1 debuting for an outfit not known for having them fully cranked at first asking (8% striking rate with firsters out of a 53-horse sample entering the card, per DRF PPs), the Lael Stable homebred was in no hurry to exit the stalls, and trailed the field of eight by 10 lengths through an opening quarter in :22.29. With Cornelio Velasquez in the irons, the dark bay caboosed the bunch as they turned for home, but came alive in the stretch, weaving his way through traffic and blowing by rivals to just miss second by a neck, finishing 11 lengths adrift the promising winner. Fire On Ice earned an 88 Beyer; Penn’s Grant received a 60 rating. The final time for the six-furlong affair over the fast going was 1:09.67.

The Jacksons also bred and raced Penn’s Grant’s dam Mystery Itself, a daughter of multiple Grade I winner You’d Be Surprised (Blushing Groom {Fr}), to a stakes victory at Delaware Park and a runner-up finish in Belmont’s GIII Pebbles H.--both grass events going two turns.

More ground and possibly a surface switch to the green stuff should be right in Penn’s Grant’s wheelhouse. Curious to see if Tagg works him on the turf going forward; his 11 breezes entering his debut were all on dirt.

SWEET ZAPPER (f, 2, Ghostzapper–Sweet Symphony, by A.P. Indy), asked to tackle two turns and turf at first asking at the Spa Aug. 19 (TDN Video), broke slowly and was settled while last of seven through fractions of :23.67 and :48.68. Tipped out five wide into the lane by Jose Lezcano, she produced a sustained rally down the center of the course while never seriously threatening the winner to complete the exacta at 24-1, two lengths behind St Pancras (Scat Daddy). The final time for the 1 1/16 miles over the firm going was 1:44.05. Sweet Zapper was awarded a 68 Beyer Speed Figure.

Owned and bred by Kinsman Farm, the chestnut is trained by Bill Mott, who was connecting with only 6% percent of his firsters from a 124-horse sample (courtesy DRF) entering the day’s action. Mott also trained Sweet Zapper’s dam Sweet Symphony for the famed Steinbrenner operation, a dominating heroine of the 2005 GI Alabama S. at Saratoga. The 9-year-old mare has also produced an unraced 3-year-old filly by Awesome Again named Sweet Again, and foaled a Medaglia d’Oro colt earlier this year. Sweet Symphony never raced on turf during her 11-race career.

STREET SAVY (f, 2, Street Sense--Home Court, by Storm Cat), a granddaughter of champion older mare Jewel Princess (Key to the Mint), fired a best-of-84 four-furlong bullet in :47 at Saratoga Aug. 1, and was backed as the 6-5 chalk in her debut for trainer Chad Brown over a sloppy sealed track Aug. 21 (TDN Video).


Urged along in the early stages to race in a close-up fifth through a :22.70 opening quarter over the off going, she made her move on the outside to challenge for the lead at the head of the affairs, but was no match for the Phipps homebred Spare Change (Bernardini), who splashed her way home to an eight-length victory. Street Savy was second-best, 10 1/4 lengths ahead of the third-place finisher. She was given a 53 Beyer. The final time for seven furlongs was 1:26.48. The well-bred bay didn’t seem to be handling the off going from the get-go and deserves another shot to see what she can do over a fast track.


Street Savy’s owner/breeder AGS Thoroughbreds extended to $1.4 million to acquire her graded-stakes placed dam Home Court in foal to Gone West at the 2005 Keeneland November sale. The operation has done quite well selling her offspring since--$300,000 Gone West filly ‘07 FTSAUG; $500,000 Unbridled’s Song colt ‘08 FTSAUG; and $350,000 Bernardini filly ‘09 KEESEP. AGS decided to hold on to Street Savy after she RNA’d for $95,000 at last year’s Keeneland September sale.

Second Chances...

--Steve Sherack

TDN’s Steve Sherack takes a closer look at a trio of promising also-rans in recent 2-year-old maiden races at Saratoga and Del Mar.

Stealcase (c, 2, Lawyer Ron--Steal the Show {SP}, by Cat Thief) became the most expensive of 17 juveniles by his ill-fated freshman sire to go through the ring this year when bringing $320,000 from trainer Mark Casse on behalf of Kentucky Derby-winning owner John C. Oxley at the OBS March sale (Breeze Video).

The chestnut left the Saratoga backstretch buzzing following a best-of-16 five-furlong bullet in :59.45 July 19, and was backed as the 8-5 favorite while debuting in a nine-horse affair at the Spa July 30 (TDN Video). A bobble at the break put Stealcase up against it from the get-go, racing in eighth in the early stages before rushing up in traffic (does this move ever work?) to sit in a close-up fourth through an opening quarter in :22.72. With Shaun Bridgmohan aboard, the April foal set his sights on the top two after angling off the rail at the head of affairs, but ran out of gas in the stretch, and had to settle for fourth, beaten 6 3/4 lengths. The final time for the six-furlong heat was 1:10.23. Stealcase earned a 72 Beyer.

Stealcase, bred in Kentucky by Secret Whispers Partnership, returned to the worktab with a five-furlong breeze in 1:01.31 at Saratoga Aug. 13. Expecting a big effort from him next time with that effort under his belt. Giant Surprise (Giant’s Causeway), a sharp 4 1/4-length wire-to-wire winner for Mike Repole and Todd Pletcher at first asking that day, has been sidelined after emerging with a condylar fracture to his left front cannon bone.

Love to Run (c, 2, Pulpit--I Love America, by Quiet American), a $190,000 OBSMAR graduate (Breeze Video), also stamped himself as one to watch with a rallying third-place finish at first asking at Saratoga Aug. 13 (TDN Video).

Given a 7-1 chance, the bay was outsprinted in seventh through an opening quarter in :22.23. Still with plenty left to do as they approached the far turn, Love to Run began to roll while taking the overland route. He drifted in after a couple of right-handers from Alex Solis once they straightened for home, but leveled out nicely thereafter to complete the trifecta, finishing only a length behind Clip the Coupons (Congrats), a first-time starter from the red-hot Chad Brown barn. The final time for six furlongs was 1:11.14. Love to Run earned a very solid 79 Beyer.

Owned by Summit Thoroughbreds and trained by John Kimmel, Love to Run’s dam I Love America is a half-sister to Ideal Image (Hennessy), who produced MGISW Sassy Image (Broken Vow). Love to Run was bred in Kentucky by Fares Farm LLC.

Also keep your eyes peeled for Peachtree Stable’s Muse of Fire (f, 2, Dixie Union--Big City Dream, by Horatius) in Southern California. The $140,000 OBSMAR juvenile (Breeze Video), conditioned by Bob Baffert, flashed some ability in her Aug. 14 Del Mar unveiling to finish a better-than-it-looked fourth at odds of 7-1 (TDN Video).

Drawn outside in post 11, the bay broke slowly and was 10 lengths back in 10th through an opening quarter in :21.85. She began to make an eye-catching move blowing past rivals while hung out at least five wide on the far turn to reach contention (maybe Mike Smith thought he was back on Zenyatta?), but couldn’t quite keep the momentum going in the stretch, reporting home six lengths adrift the winner, Silent Saga (Silent Name {Jpn}), campaigned by owner/breeder/trainer Myung Kwon Cho.

The final time in the 5 1/2-furlong event over the Polytrack was 1:03.42. The daughter of the multiple stakes placed mare Big City Dream was given a 60 Beyer. Muse of Fire was bred in Maryland by John T. Crane Jr. and Margaret M. Crane.

Pair of Matz Juveniles Hit the Ground Running...

--Steve Sherack

For a trainer connecting with only roughly 6 percent of his first-time starters (stat courtesy DRF Formulator from a 50-horse sample), Michael Matz sure has unleashed a couple of promising juveniles this summer.

Union Rags (c, 2, Dixie Union--Tempo, by Gone West) was the first to catch the eye at Delaware Park July 12 (TDN Video). Given a 7-1 chance in his unveiling, the bay settled nicely in seventh through an opening quarter in :22.08. With Julian Pimentel aboard, he immediately quickened when asked the question and gamely split horses while rallying on the turn for home. Continuing to roll while riding the rail, the March foal was guided off the fence for his stretch run, and quickly inhaled the leader, striding away in style to score by a decisive 1 3/4 lengths. The final time for the five-furlong affair was :58.25, good for a 65 Beyer.

Four of the eight also-rans from that contest have returned to action so far, including a pair of next out winners. Angel’s Tune (High Cotton), sixth as the even-money favorite in his unveiling for Todd Pletcher, successfully stretched to a route maiden special win at Delaware Aug. 9. Fifth-place finisher High Heat (Latent Heat) resurfaced with a sharp wire-to-wire maiden special weight victory at Delaware Aug. 1. Eighth-place finisher Noon Time Shots (Capture The Gold) returned to place a distant second in a Jersey-bred maiden special at Monmouth July 25. Freddie One Bite (Forest Wildcat), 3 1/2 lengths behind Union Rags in third, repeated that performance in High Heat’s aforementioned maiden win.

Union Rags has registered a trio of smart breezes since sporting the cap and gown. He returned to Matz’s Fair Hill base with a four-furlong move in :52 July 26, then posted a five-furlong bullet in 1:01.60 at the tranquil Maryland training center Aug. 2. Shipped to Saratoga, he has continued to train smartly, firing a best-of-44 four-furlong bullet in :47.66 Aug. 9.

Michael Matz/Equi-Photo

Bred in Kentucky by Phyllis M. Wyeth, Union Rags was re-acquired by his breeder for $390,000 earlier this year as a FTFFEB juvenile after zipping an eighth in :10 1/5 (breeze video). The full-brother to the stakes-placed Geefour previously brought $145,000 as a FTSAUG yearling.

Union Rags’s dam Tempo showed some talent in her shortened career. Trained by Bill Mott, she made her debut worth the wait at the age of three with a 4 1/2-length win in a Calder maiden in December. Sidelined thereafter, the chestnut finally returned to action as 5-year-old with a sharp allowance win at Gulfstream in February. She concluded her three-race career the following month with a second-place finish in an Aqueduct allowance behind Quiet Dance (Quiet American), who later produced Horse of the Year Saint Liam (Saint Ballado).

Next up to take the spotlight for the Kentucky Derby winning trainer was And Why Not (f, 2, Street Cry {Ire}--Alchemist, by A.P. Indy) at Saratoga Aug. 7 (TDN Video).

Outsprinted in seventh through a sizzling opening quarter in :21.73 after breaking alertly over a drying out speed-favoring surface, the 7-1 chance made a flashy move to reach contention on the turn for home. Ridden by Julien Leparoux, she hit the front in the stretch and kept on finding more, drawing off to graduate at first asking by a good looking 5 1/2 lengths. And Why Not stopped the clock for 6 1/2 furlongs over a “good” track in 1:19.71. She earned a 64 Beyer in the victory.



And Why Not/Adam Coglianese

 Bred in Kentucky by Helen Groves, Helen Alexander and D.D. Matz, she was purchased by Helen Groves for $775,000 at last year’s FTSAUG sale to dissolve the partnership (TDN Sales Coverage). Out of the very solid graded-stakes placed mare Alchemist, And Why Not is a granddaughter of GI Go For Wand H. heroine and GI Test S. runner-up Aldiza (Storm Cat).

Second Half Players...

--Steve Sherack

A pair of recent maiden winners at Belmont Park appear primed to join the upper echelon of the sophomore filly division following sharp debuts.

Darley homebred Kinda Spicy (f, 3, A.P. Indy–Isola Piu Bella {Chi}, by Rich Man’s Gold) opened some eyes in her unveiling for trainer Tom Albertrani, airing by 6 3/4 lengths June 19 (TDN Video). Asked to go a mile by a barn not known to have them fully cranked at first asking (Albertrani was winning at a 7% clip from a 70-horse sample prior to her debut, per DRF Formulator), the 9-2 chance chased in fourth through early fractions of :23.20 and :46.35. Waiting for room behind foes in a compact field of five, the bay found a seam at the top of the stretch and was hand-ridden to the wire to win in style. With John Velazquez aboard, Kinda Spicy stopped the clock for a mile in 1:37.19, good for an 82 Beyer Speed Figure.


Kinda Spicy
Adam Coglianese photo


The second foal out of Chilean champion and U.S. multiple graded stakes winner Isola Piu Bella has posted two easy four-furlong workouts at Belmont since, going :51.11 July 1 (21/23) and :51.39 July 7 (22/23).

Counterparty (f, 3, Exchange Rate–Passionate Bird, by Birdonthewire), a $575,000 KEESEP yearling purchase by Cheyenne Stables LLC, proved she had the talent to back up her good looks in her July 3 unveiling for the Todd Pletcher barn (TDN Video).

Drawn widest of all in post six, the gray ducked out a couple of paths at the start, but quickly recovered to rate in fourth through an opening quarter in :22.79. Counterparty cruised up in hand to gain command at the quarter pole as Velazquez took a peak back, and blew the doors off in the stretch to score by 3 1/2 decisive lengths.

Her final time of 1:12.39 for six furlongs was faster than a pair of graded stakes for juveniles contested later on the card--the GII Futurity S. (1:13.36) and GII Matron S. (1:12.68). The daughter of the multiple stakes winning mare Passionate Bird also earned an 82 Beyer over a drying out “fast” track, which appeared to have plenty of moisture in it.

Counterparty
Adam Coglianese photo

Wouldn’t be surprised to see either of these promising fillies in stakes races at the upcoming Saratoga meeting.

Key Race Alert...

Juvenile filly Bluegrass Atatude (f, 2, Two Punch–Potomac Bend, by Polish Numbers) stamped herself as one to watch with a stylish come-from-behind debut victory going 4 1/2 furlongs at Pimlico Apr. 15 (see Sherack Apr. 17 TDN blog entry), but hadn’t been heard from since.

Well, the chestnut is finally back in serious training for John Salzman Jr., posting a pair of three-furlong moves in :38.20 and :37.40 at Laurel July 2 and July 8, respectively. The Maryland-bred’s two-length win at Old Hilltop registered only a 59 on the Beyer scale, but she continues to be flattered by the also-rans as she sits on the bench.

The second and third-place finishers that day, Dancing Anna (Cuvee) and Defy Gravity (Bandini) both registered impressive next out maiden wins, then earned trips to the GII Matron S. at Belmont July 3. Defy Gravity tired to finish a well-beaten fifth as the 9-5 favorite in the Matron, but Dancing Anna held her own, staying on to place third after pressing the early pace at odds of 11-1.

Two other fillies from that eight-horse key maiden heat at Pimlico have also earned their diplomas since, fifth-place finisher Silkystar (Cuvee) and sixth-place finisher Forever Noble (Noble Causeway).

Pretty good results from one of the first two-year-old races of the season, and it looks like the best is still yet to come.

Speed Figure Maiden Watch...

--Steve Sherack

Anyone care to guess who has posted the highest Beyer Speed Figure in the 2-year-old division thus far? Give up? Apparently, a Texas-bred colt by the little known Danzig stallion Menhal is currently sitting atop the standings with a 96 rating (through June 30).

Sent off as the 2-1 favorite in his June 16 unveiling, Canigotoo broke like a rocket from post one, and zipped through fractions of :22.61 and :45.75. With pilot M.C. Berry aboard, he began to open daylight at the head of affairs and was hand-ridden to an eye-catching 12 1/4-length decision over 11 overmatched rivals (TDN Video). The gray, owned by Jerry Durant and Bill Jordan and trained by Bret Calhoun, stopped the clock for five furlongs in :58. He was bred by L. T. Smith Enterprises.

Canigotoo is out of the hard-knocking 24-year-old Fight Over mare Bella Selene, who is a half-sister to 1997 GI Florida Derby hero and GI Kentucky Derby runner-up Captain Bodgit (Saint Ballado). Bella Selene hit the board in 36 of her 72 trips to post, with $145,316 in earnings.

Menhal, a winner of one of four career starts, stands at Blossom Farm in Texas for a private fee. From seven crops, the 14-year-old has been represented by 11 winners from only 16 starters. He is out of the GI Beldame S. third-place finisher Coxwold (Cox’s Ridge), and hails from the extended family of GISWs Conquistarose, De La Rose and Upper Nile.

Canigotoo returned to the worktab with a four-furlong move in :48.80 at Lone Star June 30. Stay tuned.

Eddie’s Band, a 3-year-old son of Claiborne sire Eddington, also made some noise on the leaderboard, earning a gaudy 102 Beyer in his Louisiana Downs maiden win at second asking May 27 (TDN Video).

Away from the stalls alertly from post eight, the flashy blaze-faced chestnut cruised through an opening quarter in :23.14, began to shake clear entering the far turn and poured it on in the stretch after a couple of taps from Richard Eramia’s whip to score by a good-looking 9 1/4 lengths. He completed the seven-furlong distance in 1:22.85.

Eddie’s Band was hammered down to 2-5 following a troubled debut second May 8. In that attempt, he finished with interest while racing on his wrong lead in the stretch. Eddie's Band also got bumped at the break and raced in traffic that day.

Bred in Kentucky by B. Wayne Hughes, the son of the 8-year-old mare Bandstand (Deputy Minister) was acquired for a bargain $11,000 by Larry Johnson as a Keeneland September yearling. His second dam, City Band (Carson City), won the GI Oak Leaf S. and bankrolled $607,418. She produced stakes winners Foolishly (Broad Brush) and Weather Warning (Storm Cat), as well as Storm Tide (Storm Cat), the dam of MGSW American Lion (Tiznow).

Eddie’s Band, trained by Morris Nicks in his first two starts, has been training smartly since cap and gown day. He has posted three workouts, led by a best-of-31 five-furlong move in :59 4/5 at Louisiana Downs June 18. Transferred to Ralph Nicks, Eddie's Band is entered in a $75,000 optional claimer going a mile at Churchill Downs July 4  (Brisnet PPs).

To view the complete DRF Beyer Leaderboard, click here.

On the Comeback Trail...

--Steve Sherack

Looking for some fresh runners that can make an immediate impact from the sidelines? Keep an eye out for Arresting Officer (c, 3, Officer--Gold Roses, by Seeking the Gold) and Funny Sunny (f, 3, Sharp Humor--Sunny Laugh, by Relaunch).

The California-bred Arresting Officer immediately caught the eye with a sharp debut maiden win going six furlongs for trainer Mike Mitchell at the Oak Tree meeting in late October (TDN Video). Away from the stalls slowly, the two-year-old was rushed up along the inside to challenge for the lead through an opening quarter in :22.44. With Joe Talamo aboard, the chestnut rebroke in the stretch and drew off to win in style by a geared-down 5 3/4 lengths.

Backed at 4-5 while negotiating an extra furlong in the California Breeders' Champion S. at Santa Anita Dec. 26, Arresting Officer was parked out four wide through a half mile in a snappy :44.39. He gained the lead at the top of the straight and began to edge clear in the stretch, but just didn’t have quite enough left in the tank to hold off a late rally to his inside and got tagged by a half-length (TDN Video).

Subsequently transferred to Richard Mandella, Arresting Officer has posted five workouts at Santa Anita since, including a five-furlong move in 1:00 4/5 June 9 and a sharp six-furlong drill in 1:12 June 15. The $47,000 KEESEP yearling graduate is owned by S N R Investments LLC.

Amanda Pope went to $380,000 to acquire Funny Sunny from WinStar’s draft at the Keeneland November sale following a smart debut win at Hoosier Park for conditioner Richard Budge Oct. 13. A good second to Oh Carole (Unbridled’s Song) while making her first start for the Bob Hess Jr. barn in a Gulfstream allowance Jan. 30 (TDN Video), the gray’s purchase price looked like a bargain in her next attempt in Hallandale Feb. 25.

Chasing in second through an opening quarter in :22.33 in that first-level allowance, Funny Sunny gained command as they turned for home and opened daylight in the stretch after a couple of taps from Kent Desormeaux’s whip to score by 10 3/4 lengths, good for a 95 Beyer Speed Figure (TDN Video). Missing in action since, Funny Sunny has breezed twice at Belmont Park, posting a three-furlong bullet in :36 June 7 and an easy five-furlong move in 1:03 2/5 June 13.

Check back with this blog for future updates as these two promising sophomores near their return to the races.