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Week In Review and Notable Performer 12/21 - 12/27

A relatively quiet Holiday week gave little juvenile action on the track, but plenty of analysis, reviews, and prognostications for 2012 as the new year approaches// Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Champion and possible 2-year-old champion Hansen returned to the work tab at Gulfstream// Peter Miller was ecstatic after Got Even won the California Breeders' Champion Stakes on opening day at Santa Anita.  One would guess he’ll remain on the Santa Anita circuit for a Winter campaign// A little drama over the result of the Maryland Juvenile Stakes.  Three trainers filed a protest over the fact Rick Dutrow’s winning horse received a shot of Salix too soon before post time// Harvard n Yale finished second in his stakes try at Wolverhampton and it remains to be seen whether his connections will go through with shipping him over the pond// Info on who’s starting where on the 2012 Derby trail below…


Articles:
Liaison wins overrated CashCall Futurity (Triple Crown Champ Blog)
Unknown 3-year-olds stir interest (Fort Smith Times Record)


Futures


Graded Earnings List


Notable Performer

Thunder Moccasin
12/24/11 Gulfstream Park Maiden Special Weight
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: John Velazquez
Beyer/BRIS: 97/100

Notes and Thoughts:

-Quick debut winner led at every call and finished just over a second off track record

-Posted a 97 Beyer figure, 6th highest of the year for juveniles.

-Sire A.P. Warrior won the San Felipe and finished 3rd in the Santa Anita Derby before finishing 18th in the 2006 Kentucky Derby

-Dam is a daughter of a stakes winner at a mile on turf

-Sold for $95,000 the July selected yearling Fasig Tipton sale. Catalog page here


Non-Graded Stakes Results
12/26 California Breeders Champion S.- SA- Winner: Got Even chart
12/26 Lost In The Fog Juvenile S.- TUP- Winner: Taylors Deal chart


Works:
12/20/11 Prospective PMM- 4F- 48:24- B- 2/23
12/20/11 Coalition BEL- 4F- 50:00- B- 27/47
12/20/11 Fort Loudon CRC- 4F- 51:40- B- 8/8
12/20/11 Worthington SUN- 5F- 1.03:00- B- 15/20
12/21/11 Daddy Nose Best SA- 5F- 1.01:80- H- 8/13
12/21/11 Longview Drive GG- 4F- 50:00- H- 4/6
12/21/11 Sweet Swap SA- 6F- 1.14:80- H- 11/14
12/22/11 Secret Circle SA- 6F- 1.11:60- H- 1/12
12/23/11 Cyber Secret CD- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 1/4 (Muddy)
12/23/11 Night Tide SA- 4F- 49:20- H- 16/33
12/23/11 Battle Hardened PMM- 5F- 1.00:05- B- 1/12
12/23/11 Reveron CRC- 4F- 51:00- B- 21/28
12/23/11 Shared Property FG- 4F- 50:40- B- 25/40
12/23/11 Mr. Bowling FG- 5F- 1.01:40- B- 13/46
12/23/11 Sir Bond FG- 4F- 48:60- B- 6/40
12/23/11 Friscan FH- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 1/8
12/24/11 Jake Mo OP- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 1/21
12/24/11 Il Villano PRX- 6F- 1.17:10- B- 1/1
12/24/11 Stephanoatsee FH- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 1/9
12/24/11 Hansen GP- 4F- 53:00- B- 91/93
12/24/11 Hello Prince CRC- 4F- 50:20- B- 59/120
12/24/11Twelve Hundred HAW- 5F- 1.02:40- B- 4/13
12/24/11Canigotoo EVT- 4F- 50:45- B- 7/81
12/24/11Shkspeare Shaliyah BEL- 4F- 50:39- B- 100/134
12/24/11Rousing Sermon SA- 4F- 48:00 H- 23/83
12/24/11 Casual Trick PMM- 5F- 59:69- B- 1/56
12/24/11 Alpha PMM- 5F- 1.01:03- B- 10/56
12/24/11 Discreet Dancer PMM- 4F- 48:88- B- 24/123
12/24/11 El Padrino PMM- 4F- 48:93- B- 27/123
12/24/11 Mr. Besilu PMM- 3F- 38:94- B- 30/37
12/24/11 Seven Lively Sins FG- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 21/70
12/24/11 Tarpy's Goal GP -5F- 1.01:50- B- 30/69
12/24/11 Indian Ambush GP- 3F- 37:80- B- 13/23
12/24/11 Seeker FG- 4F- 53:40- B- 96/103
12/25/11 Hierro SA- 6F- 1.12:20- H- ¼
12/26/11 Gold Megillah PMM- 5F- 1.02:78- B- 4/11
12/26/11 Optimizer OP- 5F- 1.01:40- B- 1/10
12/26/11 Ancient Rome PMM- 4F- 48:24- B- 1/2
12/26/11 Coalition BEL- 4F- 49:56- B- 9/16
12/27/11 Prospective PMM- 4F- 49:85- B- 6/10
12/27/11 King Kid GP- 5F- 1.00:60- B-3/16
12/27/11 How Do I Win BEL- 4F- 49:34- B- 10/35
12/27/11 Thursby PMM- 4F- 52:90- B- 4/7
12/27/11 Longview Drive SA- 6F- 1.13:80- H- 5/10
12/27/11 Empire Way HOL- 4F- 47:60- H- 3/11
12/27/11 Sweet Swap SA- 5F- 58:40- H- 1/40


Speed Figures
Top winning 2yo BRIS figs last week: Thunder Moccasin-100; Fear the Heat-91; Devoted Wildcat-88; Report Card-88; Copus-87; News Pending-87.

Winning 2yo Beyers last week: Thunder Moccasin-97; Fear the Heat-84; Devoted Wildcat-69; Report Card-75; Copus-68; News Pending-75.

*Source: DerbyContenders Twitter


Notes and bits from Twitter:

-Ian Wilkes on his top prospects: “Motor City got a break after the Iroquois and he’s just come back into training,” said Wilkes. “I haven’t planned on anything for him yet, but he should be ready sometime around the end of February. Timely Tally, on the other hand, will be done for a while. He has a tendon issue. It’s not career-threatening, but I’m trying to work out now how much time I’ll have to give him.” (DRF)

-Liaison and Rousing Sermon, one-two finishers in CashCall, likely for Robert Lewis on Feb. 4. Secret Circle likely for Sham Jan. 7. (DRF)

*Info from J.J. Hysell Trifectabox on Twitter


Week In Review and Notable Performers 12/14 - 12/20

The CashCall Futurity at Hollywood Park was the headlining race this past weekend, where Bob Baffert’s Liaison virtually guaranteed a spot for himself in the 2012 Kentucky Derby// Finally, the Derby committee has decided to allow up to four also-eligibles for the draw.  However, the AE’s don’t have a chance to get in once advance wagering begins at 9am on Friday Oaks Day.  This means an AE would have just slipped in this year when Uncle Mo scratched around 8am Friday, but the Saturday scratch of I Want Revenge in 2009 was too late// Harvard N’ Yale, a promising Euro, will be pointed to the Derby after a start on December 26th at Wolverhampton// Several early blooming 2-year-olds returned to races this past week.  Todd Pletcher’s Algorithms picked up where he left off by defeating promising Consortium in an allowance score.  He’ll point for the Holy Bull (G3) January 29.  Grade 3 winner Exfactor also notched another stakes win and is headed to the Lecomte (G3)// Nice article below on unlikely Derby hopeful Ted’s Folly.


Graded Stakes Review

CashCall Futurity (G1)
Winner: Liaison NP
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Video: YouTube
Beyer/BRIS: 90/94
Wrap-up Articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Notes and Thoughts:

-Just over 3 lengths separated the first 6 finishers and wouldn’t be surprised to see any of them move forward in their next race

-Liaison had the perfect trip sitting just off quick pacesetters

-Rousing Sermon was bridesmaid once again and just timed his closing kick too late

-Victor Espinoza on Brother Francis, lost his whip at the 1/8th pole

-Liaison was a $290,000 purchase at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.  His catalog page can be seen here


Notable Performer

Dan and Sheila
12/17/11 Gulfstream Park Maiden Special Weight
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Beyer/BRIS: NA/82

Notes and Thoughts:

-Dan and Sheila makes debut a winning one at a mile on Gulfstream dirt

-Sold for $150,000 at 2010 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Catalog page here

-Pletcher indicated he won’t rush him and most likely will step up to allowance and not stakes in next race

Futures

Graded Earnings List


Notable Performers recent results:
Algorithms- 12/16- GP- AOC- Finish: 1st. chart
Consortium- 12/16- GP- AOC- Finish: 2nd. chart
Jack’s In The Deck- 12/17- LRL- MD Juvenile Championship S.: Finish: 3rd. chart
Exfactor- 12/17- FG- Sugar Bowl S.: 1st. chart
Brown Eyed Jozi- 12/17- FG- Sugar Bowl S.: 1st. chart
Empire Way- 12/17- HOL- CashCall Futurity (G1)- Finish 5th. chart
Drill- 12/17- HOL- CashCall Futurity (G1)- Finish 9th. chart
Majestic City- 12/17- HOL- CashCall Futurity (G1)- Finish 10th. chart
Basmati- 12/17- HOL- CashCall Futurity (G1)- Finish 11th. chart
Finale- 12/18- GP- Dania S.- Finish: 2nd. chart
Burning Time- 12/18- GP- Dania S.- Finish: 8th. chart


Non-Graded Stakes Results
12/17/11 Maryland Juvenile Championship- LRL- Winner: King and Crusader chart
12/17/11 Sugar Bowl S.- FG- Winner: Exfactor chart
12/18/11 Dania Beach S.- GP- Winner: Summer Front chart

Works:
12/14/11 Tarpy's Goal GP- 4F- 50:00- B- 26/38
12/14/11 Sweet Swap SA- 4F- 48:00- H- 8/23
12/14/11 Longview Drive GG- 4F- 50:60- H- 14/20
12/14/11 Daddy Nose Best SA- 4F- 51:80- H- 28/29
12/15/11 King Kid GP- 4F- 48:45- B- 13/20
12/15/11 Fort Loudon CRC- 3F- 38:00- B- ¾
12/15/11 Mr. Bowling FG- 5F- 1.02:20- B- 11/31
12/15/11 Secret Circle SA- 4F- 49:40- H- 23/30
12/16/11 Friscan FH- 4F- 49:00- B- 1/6
12/16/11 Battle Hardened PMM- 5F- 1.02:93- B- 7/11
12/16/11 Thursby PMM- 4F- 50:44- B- 11/23 (Turf)
12/17/11 Night Tide SA- 4F- 50:20- H- 34/38
12/17/11 Stephanoatsee FH- 5F- 1.01:80- B- 3/14
12/17/11 Alpha PMM- 4F- 48:79- B- 14/65
12/17/11 Casual Trick PMM- 5F- 1.01:01- B- 5/22
12/17/11 Il Villano PRX- 4F- 48:87- B- 2/30
12/18/11 Hierro SA- 5F- 59:80- H- 17/94
12/18/11 How Do I Win BEL- 5F- 1.00:52- B- 2/22
12/18/11 Seven Lively Sins FG- 4F- 49:60- B- 7/84
12/18/11 Ancient Rome PMM- 4F- 48:05- B- 6/63
12/18/11 El Padrino PMM- 5F- 1.01:31- B- 1/3
12/18/11 Optimizer OP- 5F- 1.00:60- B- 1/8
12/19/11 Class President FG- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 11/28
12/19/11 Stoney Fleece SA- 6F- 1.14:00- H- 2/4
12/19/11 Gold Megillah PMM- 5F- 1.03:02- B- 7/11
12/20/11 Prospective PMM- 4F- 48:24- B- 2/23
12/20/11 Coalition BEL- 4F- 50:00- B- 27/47
12/20/11 Fort Loudon CRC- 4F- 51:40- B- 8/8
12/20/11 Worthington SUN- 5F- 1.03:00- B- 15/20


Articles:
2-year-olds to watch 12/20 (In The Money Blog)


Speed Figures
Top winning 2yo BRIS figs last week: Algorithms-100; Radiant Talent-99; Spirit Rules-95; Liaison-94; Exfactor-94; Wayward Sailor-92

Winning 2yo Beyers last week: Algorithms-91; Radiant Talent-89; Spirit Rules-93; Liaison-90; Exfactor-82; Wayward Sailor-74

*Source: DerbyContenders Twitter

Liaison makes the grade in Cashcall Futurity




CashCall Futurity (G1)
Winner: Liaison
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Video: YouTube
Beyer/BRIS: 90/NA
Wrap-up Articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Week in Review and Notable Performers 12/6- 12/12

The rich $750,000 CashCall Futurity is this weekend.  Over 13 are possible to enter the gate.  A new intriguing contender is Dorsomais who was flown from France and has a 1 1/4 mile maiden race already under his belt. However, the spotlight will mostly focus on Drill, Majestic City, So Brilliant, Basmati, and Cozzetti// Owner Ron Winchell says Delta Jackpot winner Sabercat and highly touted but unraced Hardtap will winter at Santa Anita// Union Rags is slowly gearing up for a 3-year-old campaign in Florida// JC’s Pride, a quick promising Juvenile who broke a Saratoga track record and posted a triple-digit Beyer speed figure, was euthanized due to an infection// Currency Swap continues his rehabilitation// Recent maiden winners are garnering attention due to the approaching new year and proximity to serious major Kentucky Derby trail contests…

Upcoming Graded Stakes:
CashCall Futurity (G1): Race Page can be found here

Notable Performers:

Hakama
12/10/11 Aqueduct Maiden Special Weight
Jockey: Ramon Dominguez
Trainer: Michael Trombetta
Beyer/BRIS: 81/97

Notes and Thoughts

-Whether it was the stretch out in distance or experience factor, Hakama responded well in his third try by setting the pace and finishing clear of the competition

-Hakama’s sire, First Samurai was a precocious 2-year-old who captured the Hopeful and Champagne, and then went on to win the Fountain of Youth his sophomore season before retiring due to injury before the Kentucky Derby.

-Purchased for $150,000 at the Keeneland Sept Yearling sale, catalog page here

Margano
12/10/11 Gulfstream Park Maiden Special Weight
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Trainer: Barclay Tagg
Beyer/BRIS: 80/92

-Main reason he’s an NP is due to the fact he’s a full brother to 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro

-Like his brother, broke maiden on turf

-Trainer Tagg kept all options open including a switch to dirt in near future


Hammers Terror
12/8/11 Fair Grounds Allowance Optional Claiming
Jockey: James Graham
Trainer: Michael Stidham
Beyer/BRIS: 73/92

Notes and Thoughts:

-First try on dirt looked easy as Graham relented on whip in final 16th

-Lecomte (G3) at FG is next target

-Sire was best at a mile and turf, but pedigree suggests he could stretch out. 

-Dam is a half sister to multiple graded stakes winner Kingdom Found

-$40,000 purchase at Keeneland Sept Yearling sale. Catalog page here



Notable Performers recent results:

Canigotoo- 12/9/11-RP- AOC-1st- chart
Seeker- 12/10/11- Springboard Mile S.- 9th- chart
Twelve Hundred- 12/10/11 Jim Edgar Illinois Futurity- 3rd- chart

Non-Graded Stakes
12/9/11 Kudzu S.- FG- Winner: Crimson Pride- chart
12/10/11 Inaugural S.- TAM- Winner: Angelofdistinction- chart
12/10/11 Pennsylvania Nursery S.- PRX- Winner: Pollard’s Boy- chart
12/10/11 Gold Rush S.- GG- Winner: Russian Greek- chart
12/10/11 LA Champions Day Juvenile S.- FG- Winner: Beanwah’smachine- chart
12/10/11 Jim Edgar Illinois Futurity- HAW- Winner: Real Power- chart
12/10/11 Remington Springboard Mile S.- RP- Ted’s Folly- chart


Works:
12/7/11 Exfactor FG- 4F- 48:80 B- 2/30 (Good)
12/7/11 Majestic City HOL- 4F- 46:80- H- 1/22
12/7/11 Longview Drive GG- 6F- 1.17:60- H- 3/5
12/8/11 Reveron CRC- 1 Mile- 1.48:20- B- 1/1
12/8/11 Consortium PMM- 4F- 47:55- B- 1/18
12/8/11 State of Play PMM- 5F- 59:55- B- 7/19 (Turf)
12/9/11 Jake Mo FG- 4F- 49:60- B- 12/51
12/10/11 Worthington- SUNLAND PARK- 4F- 51:60- B- 43/46
12/10/11 Seven Lively Sins FG- 4F- 53:00- B- 55/57
12/10/11 Jack's in the Deck LRL- 4F- 50:00- B- 41/69
12/10/11 Alpha PMM- 4F- 48:40- B- 12/66
12/10/11 Algorithms PMM- 4F- 50:55- B- 57/66
12/10/11 Thursby PMM- 4F- 49:83- B- 47/66
12/11/11 Drill SA- 5F- 1.00:00- H- 11/97
12/11/11 Brother Francis SA- 5F- 1.02:20- H- 67/97
12/11/11 Night Tide SA- 3F- 37:60- H- 22/32
12/11/11 Empire Way HOL- 5F- 1.01:00- H- 15/42
12/11/11 Hierro SA- 5F- 1.02:40- H- 72/97
12/11/11  How Do I Win BEL- 4F- 51:11- B- 50/62
12/11/11 Speightscity BEL- 3F- 36:25- B- 2/25
12/11/11 Rousing Sermon HOL- 6F- 1.12:20- H- 2/20
12/11/11 Optimizer OP- 4F- 50:00- B- 20/23
12/11/11 Prospective PMM- 5F- 1.00:72- B- 3/33
12/11/11 Burning Time CRC- 5F- 1.01:40- H- 1/19
12/11/11 El Padrino PMM- 4F- 48:45- B- 5/22
12/12/11 Majestic City HOL- 5F- 58:80- H- 1/13
12/12/11State of Play PMM- 5F- 1.03:00- B- 11/13 (Turf)
12/12/11Gold Megillah PMM- 5F- 1.00:78- B- 3/8
12/12/11 Finale PMM- 4F- 48:77- B- 10/28
12/12/11 Class President FG- 4F- 52:00- B- 38/42
12/13/11 Exfactor FG- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 1/13
12/13/11 Stoney Fleece SA- 5F- 1.00:80- H- 2/6

Articles:
12/13: 2-year-olds to watch (In The Money Blog)
An early look at Derby 138 (The Voice-Tribune)
The future is now (Bloodhorse Blog)


Futures:

Speed Figures:
2yo winning Beyers last week: Hakama-81; D' Wildcat Road/Out of Bounds-77; Hammers Terror-73; Beanwah'smachine/Pollard's Boy-92; Margano-80

Top 2yo winning BRIS figs last week: Hakama-97; D' Wildcat Road/Out of Bounds-93; Hammers Terror/Beanwah'smachine/Margano/Pollard's Boy-92

*Source: DerbyContenders Twitter


Notes and bits from Twitter:

-Repole/Pletchers’ Overdriven is resting and will point for the Hutcheson (G2) Feb 11 or Swale March 10th.

-Nice works from two soon to be three year olds at Palm Meadows this morning, State of Play and Gold Megillah. Hopefully both have a future.- Graham Motion via Twitter

-Pathfork, last year's champion 2yo in Ireland now with John Sadler, could make U.S. debut in Sir Beaufort at Santa Anita- Trifectabox via Twitter (J.J. Hysell)