Summary:
Probable 2-year-old Champion Shanghai Bobby
will likely face a small field in his 2013 debut in the Holy Bull January 26 at
Gulfstream. Allowance winner Tulira
Castle was added to the probable mix and posted a long six furlong breeze at
Gulfstream today. Another allowance winner Bradester and Gulfstream Park Derby
winner Itsmyluckyday have also been mentioned as possible for the Holy Bull// By Bob Fortus’ count, there are 10 sophomores
pointing for the Lecomte Stakes (G3) at the Fair Grounds January 19, which is
the next prep to offer Derby points. Sugar
Bowl stakes winner Tour Guide, recent allowance winner Malibu High, and Display
stakes winner Avie’s Quality head the probable list. Others include Golden Soul, Fear the Kitten,
Mylute, Oxbow, I’ve Struck a Nerve, General Election, and Hawaakom// The
mystery has been solved over the status of Gulfport, an impressive Churchill
Downs allowance winner, who missed a scheduled start in the Jerome Stakes (G2). He unfortunately sustained a cracked cannon
bone when working out in late December and is officially off the trail. It’s a definite blow for the connections and
trainer Dale Romans, who held high hopes for the well-bred son of Unbridled’s
Song// Just when I thought we had somewhat definitive news on Archwarrior- that
he is taking a break in Kentucky and under a tight timeframe to make the Derby-
the still questionably official Twitter account IamArchwarrior reiterated he will
definitely miss the Run for the Roses and hope for the Belmont. Until I read an actual article, I’ll still
withhold from taking him off the contender list// J.J. Hysell notes turf runner
Brown Almighty has posted two bullet works on the Oaklawn dirt in preparation
for Smarty Jones Stakes January 21.
There seems to be quite a bit of buzz for his upcoming debut on dirt// Steve
Haskin argues we should always “expect the unexpected” when it comes to the
Derby and points to Giacomo, Mine That Bird, and Smarty Jones as all having
serious question marks before winning the Derby// more…
Articles
Lecomte field
shaping up (DRF)
CD
allowance winner Gulfport off Derby trail with cracked cannon bone (Courier
Journal Blog)
Brown
Almighty taking to the Oaklawn dirt (In the Money Blog)
Haskin’s
Derby Trail- The powers of illusion (Bloodhorse Blog)
Works:
Malibu High- LD- 7F- 1.29:60- H- 1/1
Hear the Ghost- HOL- 6F- 1.12:60- H- 2/8
Tulira Castle- GP- 6F- 1.13:20- B- 1/2
