Week In Review & Notable Performers 11/29-12/5

The earlier-than-usual start to the Gulfstream meet started off with a bang, where buzz horse Discreet Dancer set a new track record and Ancient Rome captured the Spectacular Bid Stakes by a whisker// The American Graded Stakes Committee’s latest upgrade/downgrade decisions won’t have much impact on the Derby trail.  While the Hopeful at Saratoga was downgraded to G2 status, it still remains graded, which is all that matters in the earnings chase.  All other 2-year-old and 3-year old graded events held their grade with no new additions.  There is the complex matter of 2012 graded events for 2-year-olds losing their grade if any of the entries are allowed to run on medication on race days.  Whether that will actually be enforced remains to be seen// Although it’s extremely early, Calvin Borel seems to already be in a better spot on the Derby Trail than last year.  Instead of begging for a last minute mount, he may have to choose between three strong colts.  Timely Tally, Motor City, and Brown Eyed Jozi have all been impressive in the Fall// Glad to see Algorithms returning to a steady workout routine.  Of all the promising Pletcher juveniles, he possesses one of the better pedigrees for truly stretching out// The rich CashCall Futurity (G1) is the next scheduled graded contest, where Baffert could have as many as four starters.  His headliner, Secret Circle, will have to navigate around two turns for the first time in his career// Union Rags still takes favoritism in the latest Wynn Las Vegas Future Wager at 10-1.  Some enticing prices include Il Vilano (175-1), Algorithms (150-1), Brown Eyed Jozi (300-1), and Basmati (100-1).

Notable Performer:

Discreet Dancer

12/3/11 Gulfstream Maiden Special Weight

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Chart: Equibase

Video: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 100/99

Articles: TTimes / Bloodhorse

Notes and Thoughts:

-Track record time of 1:02.34 in 5.5 furlongs

-Third juvenile colt to earn triple-digit Beyer in 2011

-As exciting and flashy as his debut was, his running style and immediate pedigree don’t shout Derby contender.

-Mile was best distance for sire Discreet Cat

-Half brother to Travelin Man, a winner at 7 furlongs

-Hard to judge competition in a maiden special, but 2^nd place horse finished 6^th in a maiden claiming last out and the others don’t appear promising

Ancient Rome

12/3/11 Gulfstream Park Spectacular Bid Stakes

Jockey: Joe Rocco

Trainer: Anthony Dutrow

Chart: Equibase Chart

Video: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 92/97

Articles: DRF / Brisnet

News and Thoughts:

-Good stalking tactic on backstretch and nice acceleration when in engaged by For Oby in the stretch

-$35K Keeneland yearling purchase, who didn’t meet his $62,000 reserve as a 2-year-old. Catalog page can be viewed here

-Son of Roman Ruler, a grade 1 winner at 9 furlongs and sire of Belmont winner Ruler On Ice

-Out of a stakes winning mare at 6 furlongs

-For Oby lost by just a whisker, but pedigree doesn’t suggest he should stretch out.

Non-Graded Stakes:

12/3/11 Spectacular Bid S.- GP- Winner: Ancient Rome (more above)

12/4/11 Damon Runyon S.- AQU- Winner: Swag Daddy chart

12/4/11 New Mexico Eddy County S.- ZIA- Winner: E Bar Way chart

Works:

11/26/11 Vexor- GOLDMARK- 48:40- B- 1/5

12/3/11 Twelve Hundred HAW- 5F- 1.03:40- B- 8/14

12/3/11 Prospective OTC- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 3/7

12/3/11 Secret Circle HOL- 6F- 1.12:40- H- 2/12

12/3/11 Shkspeare Shaliyah BEL- 4F- 54:07- B- 33/33

12/3/11 Burning Time CRC- 5F- 1.02:60- B- 9/23

12/3/11 Jack's in the Deck LRL- 4F- 48:60- H- 8/58

12/3/11 Alpha PMM- 3F- 39:04- B- 21/21

12/3/11 Thursby PMM- 3F- 36:98- B- 4/21

12/4/11 Brother Francis SA- 5F- 1.00:80- H- 37/87

12/4/11 Empire Way HOL-5F- 1.00:40- H- 9/46

12/4/11 Hierro SA- 4F- 51:00- H- 45/50

12/4/11 Algorithms PMM- 5F- 1.00:14- B- 1/19

12/5/11 Finale PMM- 4F- 48:72- B- 8/14

12/5/11 Casual Trick PMM- 4F- 47:00- B- 1/23

12/5/11 Sabercat FG- 5F- 1.01:80- B- 4/15

12/5/11 Rousing Sermon HOL- 6F- 1.13:00- H- 3/6

12/5/11 Night Tide SA- 3F- 37:60- H- 4/7

12/5/11 Stoney Fleece SA- 4F- 48:60- H- 13/31

12/5/11 Drill SA- 4F- 47:00- H- 9/51

12/5/11 Sweet Swap SA- 4F- 46:40- H- 2/51

12/5/11 So Brilliant SA- 5F- 1.00:80- H- 21/52

12/5/11 Seeker RP- 4F- 49:47- B- 3/9

12/6/11 Speightscity BEL- 4F- 49:54- B- 2/11

Articles:

Union Rags’ handlers set agenda before Kentucky Derby (Philly.com)

Wilkes has two to watch for (Bloodhorse Blog)

Gulfstream Park making real strides (ESPN)

Gulfstream Park gambles on early opening to meet (DRF)

Inbred horses race to ruin (Global Animal)

First crop stallions to watch for 3-year-olds in 2012 (In The Money Blog)

2-year-olds to watch 12/6 (In The Money Blog)

Grading the early 2012 Kentucky Derby preps (Horse Racing Nation)

UPI racing round-up (UPI)

Sabercat adds fangs to Bluegrass Cat 2^nd crop (Bloodhorse)

Sunland Park meet opens with focus on 3-year-olds (DRF)

Field taking shape for CashCall Futurity (Brisnet)

Futures:

Wynn Las Vegas 12/5/11

Lucky’s 12/1/11

Speed Figures:

Winning 2yo BRIS: Discreet Dancer-99; Ancient Rome-97; Martini Madness-95; Atta Boy Pete-93; Politicallycorrect/Whistleblower-92

Winning 2yo Beyers last wk: Discreet Dancer-100; Ancient Rome-92; Martini Madness-78; Atta Boy Pete/Whistleblower-73; Politicallycorrect-79.

*Source: DerbyContenders Twitter

Week in Review and Notable Performers 11/22-11/28

Gemologist winning the Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2).  Photo: Horsephotos.com

A busy Holiday weekend gave us four new juvenile graded stakes winners. Gemologist emerged as the horse with the most buzz of the group based on his similarities to 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver.  They not only share the same owner/trainer combo, but also were victorious in the two-turn Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs// Dale Romans is excited with his Remsen (G2) winner O’Prado Again, and thinks the more distance the better// So Brilliant captured the one-turn Hollywood Prevue and will attempt to stretch out in the CashCall Futurity (G1) in three weeks//  Outside of the graded stakes, there were also other intriguing juvenile races, particular at the Churchill Downs “Stars of Tomorrow” card Saturday.  CTD NP Brown Eyed Jozi romped in an allowance and King Kid impressed in his first try// There’s a fantastic article by Gary West, who now contributes to ESPN.com, on promising early juveniles and their quest for the roses// Holiday shopping is in full swing.  Be sure to pick up a calendar for the horseplayer in the family.

Graded Stakes Review:

Kentucky Jockey Club (G2)

Winner: Gemologist NP

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Trainer: Todd Trainer

Chart: Equibase

Video: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 85/94

Wrap-up Articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Courier Journal / Brisnet / AP

Notes:

-Gemologist was very professional in his third start, sitting just off the pace and making a perfect timed move in the stretch.

-Pletcher intimated a “similar path” to Super Saver’s will be utilized but whether that means just two preps or also the Tampa and Arkansas Derbys remains to be seen.

-Gemologist was bought for $310,000 weanling and should relish added distance. His catalog page can be viewed here

-What an effort from Ever So Lucky.  Wheeled back in two weeks off of his debut, given a 5-furlong breeze 3 days before, and being pressured on the lead throughout the race it was amazing he hung on for as long as he did.  His future appears to be just as bright as the winner. 

-3^rd place Timely Tally made a great late charge as did 4^th place Optimizer who had to come around the final turn four wide.

Remsen (G2)

Photo: Horsephotos.com

Winner: O’Prado Again NP

Jockey: Kent Desormeaux

Trainer: Dale Romans

Chart: Equibase

Video: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 80/90

Wrap-up Articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / NYRA / Brisnet

-The winner seemed to catch a second and third wind at various times of the race, finally using a late burst in the final furlong to win.

-Desormeaux compared O’Prado Again to 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fushaichi Pegasus.

-Romans says he will take the Gulfstream route to the Derby in the Spring, but before the end of the year could end up in the CashCall Futurity. Let’s hope he takes a break and stays fresh for the Spring.

-O’Prado again was a $300,000 purchase and his catalog page is here

-El Padrino and Done Talking poured it on late but missed.  Souper Speedy hung on for 2^nd, but really had a perfect trip to steal this one.

Hollywood Prevue (G3)

Winner: So Brilliant

Jockey: Martin Garcia

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Chart: Equibase

Video: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 82/93

-Winner will point to CashCall Futurity along with stablemate Liaison, winner of the Real Quiet Stakes.

-Distance was not an issue for So Brilliant’s sire Medaglia d’Oro who was a grade one winner at 10 furlongs. So Brilliant’s dam was a stakes winner at 8.5 furlongs (turf)

-So Brilliant was a $300,00 purchase and his catalog page can be viewed here

-Not much separated So Brilliant and Brother Francis at the wire. The latter had to go four wide.

Generous S. (G3)

Winner: Stoney Fleece

Jockey: Joel Rosario

Trainer: John Sadler

Chart: Equibase

Video: YouTube

Wrap-up Articles: Bloodhorse /

Beyer/BRIS: 83/95

Notes:

-Sadler hinted he might look at restricted stakes on the main course for Stoney Fleece as opposed to staying on grass.  That could lead the way to a try on the Derby trail in the early part of next year, but it’s unlikely.   

-Stoney Fleece was only a $1200 purchase. His catalog page can be seen here

Graded Earnings List

CTD Unofficial List

Notable Performer:

Reveron

11/26/11 Calder Allowance

Jockey: Fernando Jara

Trainer: Agustin Bezara

Chart: Equibase

Video: Bloodhorse Replay

Beyer/BRIS: 86/95

Notes:

-Second consecutive victory for the short-priced favorite who should step up in class soon.

-Son of Songandaprayer, a Derby trail participant who won the Fountain of Youth, finished 2^nd in the Bluegrass Stakes, and 13^th in the 2001 Kentucky Derby.

King Kid

11/26/11 Churchill Downs Maiden Special Weight

Jockey: Corey Lanerie

Trainer: Dale Romans

Chart: Equibase

Video: Bloodhorse Replay

Beyer/BRIS: 68/89

Notes:

-King Kid stayed off the quick pace in the early going and used the outside/middle of the stretch to win.

-Will be shipped to Gulfstream this week.

-Son of Lemon Drop Kid should like stretch-out in distance. Dam was a stakes winner and won on dirt and turf at 8.5 furlongs.

-$35,000 purchase at Keeneland September Yearling sale. Catalog page here

-The light bulb went on for Desert Storm late in the race as he made an impressive dash to the wire to finish third.

Non-Graded Stakes:

11/26/11 Dave's Friend S.- LRL- Winner: Deliburnsky- chart

11/26/11 Kingarvie S.- WO- Winner: Run In Aruba- chart

11/26/11 West Virginia Futurity- CT- Winner: Figgpen- chart

11/27/11 Display S.- WO- Winner: Maritimer- chart

Works:

11/23/11 Majestic City HOL- 5F- 1.00:00- H- 5/64

11/23/11 Scorpion Warrior HOL- 6F- 1.14:20- H- 6/8

11/23/11 Algorithms PMM- 5F- 1.02:18- B- 12/15

11/23/11 Ever So Lucky KEE- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 2/3

11/26/11 Exfactor CD- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 4/34

11/26/11 Hierro CD- 5F- 1.02:80- B- 22/34

11/26/11 Jack's in the Deck LRL- 5F- 1.02:60- B- 11/24

11/26/11 Burning Time CRC- 4F- 49:00- B- 10/86

11/26/11 Twelve Hundred HAW- 5F- 1.01:80- B- 4/30

11/26/11 Secret Circle SA- 5F- 1.01:40- H- 42/59

11/26/11 Sweet Swap SA- 6F- 1.12:00- H- 4/13

11/27/11 Canigotoo RP- 4F- 51:93- B- 29/40

11/28/11 Algorithms PMM- 5F- 1.00:86- B- 4/6

11/28/11 State of Play PMM- 4F- 53:94- B- 17/19 (Turf)

11/28/11 Finale PMM- 4F- 53:23- B- 15/19 (Turf)

11/28/11 Sabercat FG- 4F- 53:00- B- 46/46

11/28/11 Seeker RP- 5F- 1.01:08- H- 5/16

Articles:

Spotting the next Kentucky Derby winner (ESPN)

Racing at Aqueduct [news on O’Prado Again] (ESPN)

Lucky Chappy will try Cashcall Futurity (DRF)

Breeders’ Cup winner Hansen’s owner has luck on his side (DRF)

No. 5 seems lucky for northern Ky doctor and his namesake horse, Hansen (Kentucky Enquirer)

Eclipse Awards discussion: The Juvenile debates (Horse Racing Nation)

Early peek at Kentucky Derby future odds (DRF Blog)

Futures:

Wynn Las Vegas 11/28/11

Lucky’s 11/23/11

Speed Figures:

Winning 2yo Beyers last week: Maritimer-91; Brown Eyed Jozi-84; Stoney Fleece-83; Reveron-86; Gemologist-85; Perfect Trippi-77, Junebugred- 75;

Top 2yo winning BRIS figs last week: Maritimer-99; Brown Eyed Jozi-97; Stoney Fleece/Reveron-95; Gemologist/Perfect Trippi/Junebugred-94

*Source: DerbyContenders Twitter

Notes and bits from Twitter:

Dale Romans on ATR Monday: COZZETTI (Cozzene/Lemon Drop Cello-Lemon Drop Kid), 11/16 MSW winner at CD at 8.5f to contest Hollywood Futurity- Steve Byk

King Kid trained like good horse in the morning at Churchill. Had a deceivingly smooth trip but that is attributed to his handyness. FQLLQW- Bruno De Julio

Notable Performances & Week In Review: 6/13- 6/19

A new 2-year-old Beyer top, Baffert’s first juvenile winner, and another Churchill maiden breaker make this week’s Notable Performers:

Canigotoo

6/16/11 Lone Star Park Maiden Special Weight (S): chart / video / Beyer: 96 / BRIS: N/A

Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun

Jockey: M. Clifton Berry

Bret Calhoun had quite a day on Thursday with seven straight winners at Lone Star.  Most notable was Canigotoo who won his debut by over 12 lengths and scored the highest Beyer speed rating of any 2-year-old this year.  Calhoun suggested the new Breeders Cup Juvenile Sprint is on the radar, which is a little surprising considering that negates the more lucrative graded Breeders Cup Juvenile.  He may well prove to have distance limitations, but his pedigree does show some positives and it’s awfully early to limit his potential.

A son of Menhal, an unglamorous runner who only mustered a 6 furlong maiden win in five career starts, you have to look further back to see potential.  Menhal is a son of the ultra successful stallion Danzig, who was responsible for winners in the Preakness, Belmont, and multiple Breeders Cup winners.  On the dam side, Canigotoo is out of Bella Selene, a seven-time winner in an unbelievable 72 starts. She is a half sister to Captain Bodgit who won the Florida Derby and Wood Memorial and finished 2^nd in the Kentucky Derby and 3^rd in the Preakness.  The dam sire Fight Over was an also-ran in the 1984 Kentucky Derby and 3^rd in the Preakness.

Article: Canigotoo eyes Breeders Cup Juvenile Sprint (DRF)

Night Tide

6/19/11 Hollywood Park Maiden Special Weight: chart / video / Beyer: 75 / BRIS: 102

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Jockey: Martin Garcia

Bob Baffert alluded earlier in the month to having some nice 2-year-olds in the barn.  He was anxious to unleash them and the time finally came last Sunday with Night Tide.  As the heavy favorite he sat just off the pacesetter in the early stages, which is somewhat unusual compared to our recent short distance Notable Performers.  Into the final turn he was still a ways from the leader A Toe by Three but with urging from Martin Garcia was able hit the wire a half-length ahead.  His final time for the 4 1/2 furlongs was less than a second off the track record.  Baffert was pleased with his performance and said the Hollywood Juvenile Championship (G3) would be next which could pit him against Notable Performer Majestic City.

A $150,000 yearling purchase, Night Tide’s breeding is top notch.  Malibu Moon only won a maiden race, but has proven to be AP Indy’s leading son in producing stakes winners.  His runners have succeeded at many distances, including the 10-furlong Derby distance.  Night Tide is out of Yo Ali who was also only a maiden winner.  Quiet American is the dam sire whose illustrious career in the breeding shed includes producing Kentucky Derby winner Real Quiet among other champions and stakes winners.

Article: Night Tide moving up to stakes [bottom of article] (DRF)

Brown Eyed Jozi

6/18/11 Churchill Downs Maiden Winner: chart / video / Beyer: 77 / BRIS: 100

Trainer: Cecil Borel

Jockey: Calvin Borel

In his second start, Brown Eyed Jozi was able to put it all together and beat an impressive field by over 8 lengths.  The track was listed as sloppy and Calvin Borel was able to get the colt out quickly and stay on the conveyor belt.  Heavily favored Whinston, a $625,000 2-year-old in training purchase from the Stonestreet Stables operation, loomed at the top of the stretch but showed no desire to duel.  Considering his connections and breeding he’s still one to keep an eye on, and may improve on a dry track.  

Johannesburg, Breeders Cup Juvenile champion and Kentucky Derby runner, sired the winner.  Brown Eyed Jozi’s dam, Brown Eyed Beauty is a stakes winner but only at sprint distances.  Her sire Miswaki, was a successful sire and broodmare sire of many versatile runners.

2YO Stakes Results:

6/18/11- Victoria Stakes- Lone Star Park- Winner: Banner Bill chart


Works:

6/20/11 Tarpy’s Goal: CD- 4F- 49:20- B- 23/78
6/20/11 Sum of the Parts: CD- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 8/39

6/21/11 Scorpion Warrior: HOL- 5F- 1.01:80- H- 10/12

2YO Speed Figures*:

Top winning 2yo BRIS figs last week: Night Tide - 102; Brown Eyed Jozi - 100; Pryce's Posse - 97; Darker Moon - 96; Banner Bill - 93.

Winning 2yo Beyers last week: Night Tide - 75; Brown Eyed Jozi - 77; Pryce's Posse - 70; Darker Moon - 65; Banner Bill - 70.

*Source: DerbyContenders Twitter