Half-dozen for Holy Bull// Undercard allowance comes up tough// Basmati yet another off trail// Liaison fires 2nd consecutive bullet

Hansen is the favorite in Sunday's Holy Bull.  Photo: Horsephotos.com

As expected, a compact group of entries were drawn for Sunday’s Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream Park.  2-year-old champion Hansen leads the cast as the favorite at 6-5 odds. He could get some early pressure from Silver Max , who was a somewhat unexpected addition to the field.  If those two engage in a duel, promising and undefeated Algorithms could pounce.  The field rounds out to six with My Adonis, who could also vie for the early lead; restricted stakes winner Fort Loudon; and Consortium, 2^nd last time out against Algorithms.  The Holy Bull race page which includes free PPs, links to articles, and race replays can be viewed here// Hansen took to the Gulfstream track Thursday morning, later than his usual pre-dawn time.  Apparently he had a spirited 2 mile gallop and some gate training. Union Rags also had an “intense jog” at Palm Meadows according to Bruno De Julio, who also indicated the colt was noticeably perspiring as usual// The Holy Bull will not be the only race Derby watchers take note of Sunday at Gulfstream. The 7^th race will undoubtedly produce at least one horse whose connections will move onto graded company with hopes of pointing to Kentucky down the road.  El Padrino was supposed to start in last weekend’s LeComte (G3) before suffering a minor setback.  Take Charge Indy, 5^th in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and Casual Trick, 2^nd behind Holy Bull entrant Algorithms in his last race, both have trainers who believe their horses are serious prospects// In a trend that will hopefully end Friday, another contender was ruled off the Kentucky Derby trail, making it three contenders in three days.  Basmati recently underwent ankle surgery and will miss the Triple Crown series, however he is expected to make a full recovery// Ever So Lucky, 2^nd in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs in November, has settled in at Gulfstream.  He will most likely work Sunday and aim for the 7-furlong Hutcheson (G2)// DRF has an interview with trainer Kiaran McLaughlin who seems confident with his prospects Alpha and Consortium// CashCall Futurity winner Liaison posted a bullet workout for the second consecutive week at Santa Anita// more…

Entries

-Holy Bull S. (G3)- race page with pps, race videos, articles and more here

-Gulfstream Park- Race 7- AOC- $53,500- entries

Articles

Holy Bull Preview articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet / TTimes / Miami Herald

Allowance draws intriguing cast of 3-year-olds (DRF)

Ever So Lucky arrives at Gulfstream Park (DRF)

UAE Derby draws 136 nominations (The Downey Profile)

Q&A with Kiaran McLaughlin (DRF)

New Hansen Blog (Courier Journal)

Wynn Las Vegas opens future bet on Rachel Alexandra foal (TTimes)

Works:

Sir Bond- FG- 5F- 1.02:80- B- 2/2 (Sloppy)

Team Six- FH- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 1/8

Souper Speedy- PMM- 3F- 37:23- B- 2/5

Empire Way- HOL- 6F- 1.14:80- H- 5/10

Liaison SA- 6F- 1.11:80- H- 1/18

Night Tide- SA- 5F- 1.00:20- H- 15/40

Longview Drive- SA- 6F- 1.13:20- H- 4/18

Notes and bits from web and Twitter:

Delta Jackpot runner-up Basmati of TC trail after ankle surgery. Trainer O'Neill tells me prognosis 'great for 100% full recovery- Jennie Rees via Twitter

Ever So Lucky, following a 12-hour van ride from South Carolina, gallops a mile at Gulfstream Friday- DRFGrening via Twitter

Nice to see Hopeful winner Currency Swap back at track w Terri Pompay- DRFGrening via Twitter

3yo maidens to watch in Sat. 2nd at GP going 7 1/2f -- Zito firster Stereo in Moton and Pletcher pair Colony Strike and Mordi's Miracle- Steve Haskin via Twitter

Also Dale Romans' Quick Wit coming off a second to the highly regarded Spring Hill Farm.Rick Violette's Term Loan big favorite at Aqueduct- Steve Haskin via Twitter

Union Rags in jog out of Tuesday work. Very intense animal wet under saddle, kidney and shoulder sweat it's who he is plus traffic on track- Bruno De Julio via Twitter

Secret Circle going to Arkansas// Drill pointing to San Vicente, Creative Cause may skip// Dutrow drama// Bullet for Casual Trick

The Oaklawn Park meet started Friday, which is yet another sign the Kentucky Derby Trail is about to go full swing.  Gary West covers several prospects in his article for ESPN, including three for D. Wayne Lukas who will race in Monday’s Smarty Jones Stakes// Bob Baffert is strongly considering sending Secret Circle to Oaklawn for the Southwest (G3).  It’s good to see he hasn’t decided to take the colt off the trail just yet// Baffert also said Drill will probably wind up in the 7-furlong San Vicente (G2).  Drill has been well beaten in his last three stakes tries, but may already have enough in graded earnings to make the Derby gate// Creative Cause, 3^rd in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) had a so-so workout Friday, but trainer Mike Harrington said that’s the norm in the mornings.  Harrington is thinking twice about the San Vicente (G2) as Creative Cause’s comeback race given the expected speed horses// Rick Dutrow ran two horses in an optional claimer at Aqueduct Friday and there’s the possibility he will wheel both of them back on Monday in the Jimmy Winkfield Stakes. Dutrow’s King and Crusader wired the field in today’s race, but it was revealed he was disqualified from his previous race, the Maryland Juvenile Championship, when he was given lasix too close to post. Will this guy ever lose his license?// Dale Romans can finally celebrate Silver Max breaking his maiden.  The Romans-described “sleeper” Kentucky Derby candidate was the bridesmaid in his first five tries, but wired his competition today on turf.  

Articles

Oaklawn opens up to possibilities (ESPN)

Secret Circle may try Southwest (DRF)

Drill likely to start year in San Vicente (DRF)

Lecomte figures to draw large, competitive group (DRF)

Dutrow’s King and Crusader disqualified from Juvenile Championship (The Baltimore Sun)

Reveron kicks off 2012 Triple Crown chase (Bloodhorse)

Countdown to the Crown Week 2 (DRF)

Stay ahead of herd for Derby futures (Las Vegas Review Journal)

Churchill Downs Spring Meet 2012 press release (Churchill Downs Media)

Kentucky Derby saddle towel colors including new also-eligibles (Churchill Downs Media)

Works:

Creative Cause- HOL- 5F- 1.01:00- H- 15/34

Drill- SA- 4F- 48:00- H- 5/36

Casual Trick- PMM- 4F- 47:38- B- 1/30

Friscan- FH- 6F- 1.15:80- B- 1/1

Fort Loudon- CRC- 6F- 1.15:00- B-1/2

Tarpy's Goal- GP- 4F- 50:45 B-21/34

Week In Review 12/26/11- 1/2/12

The first week of the New Year was highlighted by the inaugural running of the Gulfstream Park Derby.  CTD NP Reveron was able to hold off a game Casual Trick.  Full recap and video below// Trainer Mike Maker turned up the heat for Hansen’s second work since the layoff.  The Breeders’ Cup winner blitzed four furlongs in 48:60// The grade 3 Sham Stakes kicks the Derby prep season into high gear at Santa Anita Saturday. Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion Secret Circle will lead the cast// The Count Fleet stakes at Aqueduct, also on Saturday, offers an intriguing field despite the race being ungraded// Apparently Majestic City will not be pointed to the Kentucky Derby and instead will get time off.  While this is most likely true, let’s not forget trainer Peter Miller also said Comma To The Top would skip the Derby last year, before contracting a case of Derby Fever weeks before the race// Isn’t He Clever, a dominant winner of the Riley Allison Futurity last Friday, posted a 97 Beyer for that effort.  It will be interesting to see whether or not his connections decide to leave him on the Sunland circuit or try to get graded earnings sooner rather than later…

Non-Graded Stakes Results

12/30/11 Riley Allison Futurity- SUN- Winner: Isn’t He Clever chart

12/31/11 Restrainor S.- AQU- Winner: Swag Daddy chart

12/31/11 Louisiana Futurity- FG- Winner: Effie chart

12/31/11 Red Hedeman Mile- SUN- Winner: That’s Who chart

12/31/11 Eddie Logan S.- SA- Winner: Chips All In chart

1/1/12 Gulfstream Park Derby

Winner: Reveron CTD NP

Jockey: Fernando Jara

Trainer: Agustin Bezara

Chart: Equibase

Video: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 87/98

Articles: DRF / Bloodhorse / Miami Herald / Miami Herald #2

Notable Performers

Casual Trick

1/1/11 Gulfstream Park Derby- Finished 2nd (*Winner Reveron was a CTD NP on 11/26/11)

Trainer: Nick Zito

Jockey: John Velazquez

charts, videos above

Article: Casual Trick impresses Zito in Gulfstream Park Derby (DRF)

Notes and Thoughts:

-Zito admitted it was ambitious to move Casual Trick up to a two turn stakes off a maiden win

-Very game down the stretch but couldn’t catch the stubborn winner

-$425K purchase at the Keeneland September Yearling sale. Catalog page here

-Distance should not be an issue for the son of Bernardini who is out of a Group 1 winning mare at the Derby distance of 1 1/4 miles

-Same owner/trainer combo as last year’s Kentucky Derby favorite Dialed In, and 2010 runner-up Ice Box

-Zito looking for another two-turn race at Gulfstream before Fountain Of Youth (G2), but it will not be Holy Bull (G3)

Isn’t He Clever

12/30/11 Riley Allison Futurity- Sunland Park

Trainer: Henry Dominguez

Jockey: Alejandro Medellin

Chart: Equibase chart

Video: Bloodhorse Replay

Beyer/BRIS: 97/99

Article: Isn’t He Clever too good in Riley Allison Futurity (DRF)

Notes and Thoughts:

-Romped by over 11 lengths in his second stakes try to go 4-3-1-0

-Son of Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Smarty Jones

-Dam was a full sister to a multiple graded stakes winner Flag Down, who won up to distance of 12 furlongs on turf

-Sold for $45,000 the 2010 Keeneland September Yearling sale. Catalog page here

Midnight Transfer

12/26/11 Santa Anita Maiden Special Weight

Trainer: Carla Gaines

Jockey: Joel Rosario

Chart: Equibase chart

Video: Bloodhorse Replay

Beyer/BRIS: 96/96

Article: Midnight Transfer to try two turns after impressive maiden win (DRF)

Notes and Thoughts:

-Finally broke maiden in 4th try, however never beaten more than 3 lengths in previous attempts

-Posted 96 Beyer figure

-Son of Hard Spun out of a French Deputy mare who was a half-sister to Kentucky Derby runner-up Lion Heart

-$80,000 purchase in last year’s April 2-year-olds in training sale at Keeneland. Catalog page here

Articles

Secret Circle pointing to Sham (DRF)

Count Fleet Stakes set for Saturday (Miami Herald)

At $150K, Aqueduct’s Count Fleet becomes serious Derby prep (Courier Journal Blog)

Hansen turns in Gulfstream work (DRF)

2012 Kentucky Derby outlook (Classic Champion Thoroughbreds Blog)

3-year-olds to watch 1/3/12 (In The Money Blog)

No Triple Crown plans for Majestic City (DRF)

Choices wide open for Chips All In (DRF)

Works

12/28/11 Fort Loudon CRC- 3F- 37:60- B- 9/10

12/28/11 Secret Circle SA- 6F- 1.10:80- H- 1/14

12/28/11 Class President FG- 4F- 50:20- B- 30/70

12/28/11 Daddy Nose Best SA- 4F- 49:40- H- 20/32

12/29/11 Friscan FH- 5F- 1.01:80- B- 1/3

12/29/11 Mr. Bowling FG- 6F- 1.12:80- B-1/4

12/29/11 Night Tide SA- 4F- 48:60- H- 18/43

12/29/11 Speightscity BEL- 5F- 1.01:22- H- 1/9

12/29/11 Cyber Secret CD- 4F- 50:80- B- 5/5

12/30/11 Sir Bond FG- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 13/53

12/30/11 Shared Property FG- 5F- 1.03:00- B- 33/53

12/30/11 Creative Cause HOL- 3F- 37:00- B- 5/8

12/30/11 Brother Francis SA- 5F- 1.02:40- H- 44/56

12/30/11 Worthington SUN- 5F- 1.03:20- B- 14/16

12/30/11 Rousing Sermon SA- 5F- 1.02:40- H- 33/42

12/30/11 Jake Mo OP- 7F- 1.29:80- B- 1/4

12/31/11 Drill HOL- 4F- 48:20- H- 14/59

12/31/11 Unbridled's Note SA- 4F- 51:00- B- 53/58

12/31/11 Consortium PMM- 4F- 49:07- B- 33/99

12/31/11 State of Play PMM- 4F- 49:95- B- 56/99

12/31/11 Exfactor FG- 4F- 49:20- B- 24/141

12/31/11 Seeker FG- 4F- 49:40- B- 39/141

12/31/11 Stephanoatsee FH- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 3/8

12/31/11 Burning Time CRC- 4F- 49:00- B- 5/108

12/31/11 For Oby CRC- 4F- 51:00- B- 66/108

12/31/11 Seven Lively Sins FG- 4F- 48:60- B- 5/81

12/31/11 Hansen GP- 4F- 48:75- B-17/57

12/31/11 Tarpy's Goal GP- 5F- 1.00:75- H- 9/45

12/31/11 Indian Ambush GP- 4F- 49:10- B- 21/57

12/31/11 Il Villano PRX- 5F- 59:30- B- 1/33

1/1/12 Shkspeare Shaliyah AQU- 4F- 50:70- B- 1/3

1/1/12 How Do I Win BEL- 5F- 1.01:90- B- 3/9

1/1/12 Hierro SA- 4F- 47:60- B- 2/29

1/1/12 Prospective PMM- 5F- 1.00:43 B- 1/11

1/1/12 Mr. Besilu PMM- 4F- 49:86 B- 22/27

1/1/12 Right to Vote PMM- 3F- 37:00 B- 3/8

1/2/12 Empire Way HOL- 5F- 1.01:20- H- 12/16

1/2/12 Longview Drive SA- 6F- 1.12:60- H- 2/6

1/2/12 Alpha BEL- 4F-  47:88- H- 1/40

1/2/12 Algorithms PMM- 4F- 50:01- B- 27/30

1/2/12 Stat PMM- 3F- 37:74- B- 5/6

1/3/12 Thursby PMM- 5F- 1.02:14- B- 8/10

1/3/12 Secret Circle SA- 4F- 49:60 H- 19/30

Futures

Wynn Las Vegas 1/2/11

Lucky’s 12/28/11

Graded Earnings List

Unofficial CTD List current as of 12/18/11

Speed Figures*

Top winning 3yo BRIS figs on January 1st: Reveron - 98; Beggarthyneighbor - 94; D'Wildbunch – 84

Winning 3yo Beyers on January 1st: Reveron - 87; Beggarthyneighbor - 80; D'Wildbunch – 63

Top winning 2yo BRIS figs last week: Isn't He Clever - 99; Midnight Transfer - 96; Fed Biz - 95; Romancing the Gold - 95; Got Even - 94.

Winning 2yo Beyers last week: Isn't He Clever - 97; Midnight Transfer - 96; Fed Biz - 88; Romancing the Gold - 80; Got Even - 87

*Source: DerbyContenders Twitter

Notes and bits from Twitter

Sapling S. champ She Digs Me is sidelined & off the #KyDerby trail. Ditto for stablemate & Spa turf MSW winner Tiz Sardonic Joe*

*Source: DerbyContenders Twitter

Reveron holds off Casual Trick in Gulfstream Park Derby

1/1/12 Gulfstream Park Derby

Winner: Reveron CTD NP

Jockey: Fernando Jara

Trainer: Agustin Bezara

Chart: Equibase

Video: Bloodhorse Replay

Articles: DRF / Bloodhorse / Miami Herald

Week In Review and Notable Perfomers 11/14-11/20

Like it or not, the quirky Delta Downs Jackpot (G3) plays a part in determining the following year’s Kentucky Derby field. Sabercat, the winner of Saturday’s million dollar contest, is guaranteed a spot in the gate.  Second-place runner Basmati has a very good shot as well seeing as he cashed in $200K in graded earnings// Three graded races this week in Hollywood, New York, and Louisville.  Links to pps, past race videos, and articles can be found on the upcoming page here. Interesting that Hollywood Prevue (G3) entrant Empire Way is down to 60-1 odds in the latest Kentucky Derby Wynn Las Vegas Future Book.  Seeing as he only has a decent maiden win to his credit, being a full brother to Breeders’ Cup winner Royal Delta is a major factor in the backing// Majestic City will rest a little before returning to synthetic in the Cashcall Futurity (G1).  Lucky Chappy, another colt who tried the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf last time out, will also try the Futurity// Three-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer Nick Zito is getting the fever early again with promising maiden winner Casual Trick. Although the winning Beyer speed figure was low, plenty of colts have won first time out with a low 60 Beyer and steadily improved towards May…

Graded Stakes Review:

Delta Downs Jackpot (G3)

Winner: Sabercat NP

Jockey: Gerard Melancon

Trainer: Steve Asmussen

Chart: Equibase

Video: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: NA/86

Wrap-up articles: Bloodhorse / DRF1 DRF2 / Thoroughbred Times

Sabercat Notes:

-The manner the race unfolded, the final time, and the low speed figures are not really worthy of a “Notable Performer” tag.  Nonetheless, winning a million dollar graded race and being assured a spot in the Kentucky Derby gate by November are reason enough to put on the list.

-Will ship to Santa Anita for a likely west-coast campaign

-$120,000 Sept Keeneland yearling purchase. His catalog page can be viewed here

-Half brother to a stakes winner out of a dam who was a half sister to a graded stakes winner

Other Delta Jackpot Notes:

-Hard to tell exactly what Drill’s issue is—blinkers, running style, dirt—but whatever it is he’s a mess right now

-2^nd Place finisher Basmati holds his own in every contest, but has a difficult time winning

Notable Performer:

How Do I Win

11/18/11 Aqueduct Starter Allowance

Jockey: John Velazquez

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Chart: Equibase

Beyer/BRIS: 78/91

Notes:

-An eye-popping 19-length winner last time out, How Do I Win proved that effort was not a fluke due to a sealed track

-Repole/Pletcher connections

-$190,000 Keeneland September Yearling purchase. Catalog page can be viewed here

-Sire Corinthian won up to 8.5 furlongs, but excelled at 8 furlongs.

-Dam is half sister to multiple graded stakes winner Powerful Punch (up to 9 furlongs)

Non-Graded Stakes:

11/18/11 Oklahoma Stallion S.- RP- Winner: Ted’s Folly- chart

11/19/11 Ohio Freshman S.- BEU- Winner: Baker’s Haulover- chart

11/19/11 Louisiana Legacy S.- DED- Winner: Cajun Charlie- chart

Works:

11/17/11 Majestic City HOL- 4F- 49:00- H- 12/19

11/17/11 Secret Circle SA- 5F- 1.01:20- H- 24/38

11/18/11 Friscan FH- 5F- 49:00- B- 1/14

11/18/11 Canigotoo RP- 5F- 1.00:28- B- 2/36

11/18/11 Sweet Swap SA- 6F- 1.12:80- H- 1/9

11/19/11 Twelve Hundred HAW- 5F- 1.02:40- B- 1/24

11/19/11 Hierro CD- 4F- 51:80- B- 84/91

11/19/11 Exfactor CD- 4F- 48:80- B- 14/91

11/19/11 Optimizer CD- 5F- 1.00:80- B- 4/50

11/20/11 Brown Eyed Jozi CD- 5F- 1.00:40- B- 2/32 (Good)

11/20/11 Seeker CD- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 18/32 (Good)

Articles:

Late-year juvenile races worth your attention (Saratogian)

Top 2 in Juvenile stakes preparing for Gulfstream (Miami Herald)

Looking back at Hansen’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (Courier Journal Blog)

Kentucky Derby musings with my friend Captain Obvious (The Brock Talk)

Pena eyes Kentucky Derby for classic winner Fly Lexis Fly (Thoroughbred Times)

Zito harbors Derby hopes for Casual Trick (Brisnet)

Before Breeders’ Cup, Kentucky Jockey Club was major target for juveniles (DRF)

Majestic City will await CashCall Futurity (DRF)

Delta Jackpot winner Sabercat part of memorable weekend for Asmussen (DRF)

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

Futures:

Wynn Las Vegas 11/21/11

Lucky’s 11/20/11

Speed Figures:

Top 2yo winning BRIS figs last week: Lucky Culprit - 96; Costas Fiftieth - 94; Ted's Folly - 93; He Can Run - 91; How Do I Win - 91

2yo winning Beyers last week: Lucky Culprit - 87; Costas Fiftieth - 81; Ted's Folly - 74; He Can Run - 75; How Do I Win – 78

*Source: DerbyContenders Twitter

Notes and bits from Twitter:

Graham Motion on ATR: Team Valor's LUCKY CHAPPY-IRE, 4th in BC Juvy Turf, will contest $750k G1 CashCall Futurity (HOL; 12/17)- Steve Byk