Chasing The Derby: Junebugred

Showing posts with label Junebugred. Show all posts

Gotham draws 13, Hansen gets bad post// Consortium, Junebugred latest off Trail// Future Wager Pool #2 odds released

The Gotham Stakes (G3) drew a big field of 13, highlighted by the entry of 2-year-old Champion Hansen. He was assignd the unfortunate post #12, which is not optimal on the Aqueduct inner track. Nonetheless, Hansen is the overwhelming favorite at 6-5. Second choice is My Adonis at 5-1, who trailed Hansen by just a half-length at the wire in the Holy Bull (G3). There are several other contenders who could be maturing at the right time and on the verge of a breakout performance. Raconteur, Side Road, and Stealcase are ones we’ll keep an eye on. Entries and preview articles for the Gotham below// More defections from the Trail Wednesday. Consortium was withheld from the Gotham due to an ankle chip and will not point for the Derby. That same injury was attributed to Junebugred, winner of the Smarty Jones Stakes and a disappointing 6^th in the Southwest (G3). Also, catching up to a bit of old news, Bob Baffert’s Sky Kingdom will be out 60 days which knocks him off the Trail as well// The morning line odds for the Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool #2 were released. Once again ‘All Others’ are favored at 3-1, however Union Rags is close behind at 4-1. A little surprised to see allowance winner Fed Biz is the third choice at 12-1. It will be interesting to see if the public keeps him that low. Six new individual horses were added: Bodemeister, Castaway, Mark Valeski, News Pending, Scatman, and Secret Circle// Speaking of Scatman, trainer Michael Lauer says his phone has been ringing steadily with calls from reporters ever since Scatman challenged Secret Circle all the way to the wire in the Southwest. The colt will try the Rebel (G2) next, which could setup a rematch if Secret Circle ships back// Bob Baffert’s Fed Biz and Liaison had extended 6-furlongs works and are still on track for the San Felipe// Currency Swap, winner of the Hopeful (G1) last year, is training slowly for a return to racing. Trainer Teresa Pompay says the colt will ideally race in an allowance at Gulfstream followed by a Derby prep// more…

Gotham Stakes (G3)

Entries here

Preview articles: NYRA / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF

Articles

Consortium on shelf with ankle chip (Bloodhorse)

Bone chip takes Junebugred off TC Trail (Bloodhorse)

Champion Hansen in New York state of mind (TTimes)

On the farm: the weaning of Hansen (Hansen Blog via Courier Journal)

Motion takes a pass on Gotham with two candidates (DRF)

Triple Crown victory one of few eluding Dominguez (DRF)

Baffert pair work for San Felipe (Bloodhorse)

Scatman targets Rebel, Junebugred off trail (Oaklawn Barn Notes)

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool #2: ‘All Others’ favored (Churchill Downs)

Romans mulls News Pending’s next start (The Downey Profile)

Calhoun has two shots to produce a Kentucky Derby prospect (DRF)

Currency Swap getting late start (The Downey Profile)

Union Rags’ pedigree suggest he can hit Kentucky Derby’s distance (The Saratogian)

Union Rags the latest Kentucky Derby contender to have Pennsylvania ties (DRF)

3-year-olds to watch 2/28 (In The Money Blog)

Who’s hot, who’s not 2/29 (DRF)

Who is the real News Pending? (Bloodhorse Blog)

Kentucky Derby Report March 1 (Brisnet)

Rankings

Super Six Derby Pix (They Are Off Blog)

Works

Motor City- PMM- 4F- 52:22- B- 20/20

Animal Spirits- FG- 3F- 37:80- B- 11/14

Night Tide- SA- 7F- 1.25:60- H- 1/2

Liaison- SA- 6F- 1.13:80- H- 4/12

Fed Biz- SA- 6F- 1.13:40- H- 3/12

Brother Francis- SA- 6F- 1.12:00- H- 1/12

Southwest may split in two, shippers arrive// Bodemeister aiming for stakes// Ten to vie in El Camino// Updated future odds

While the major racetracks have had difficulty attracting healthy fields for their noteworthy Kentucky Derby preps- five entered for the Hutcheson, six in the Withers and Holy Bull, and only four or five expected in Saturday’s San Vicente at Santa Anita- that is not a problem for Oaklawn Park and Monday’s Southwest (G3). In fact, with possibly 21 horses pointing for the race, there is a distinct possibility the Southwest could be split into two races, both carrying a $250,000 purse and Grade 3 status. Smarty Jones Stakes winner Junebugred, who will get some betting action in either race, worked a bullet 48 and 1 Tuesday morning. According to trainer Steve Hobby, Junebugred has progressed from his last victory and should be a threat// The Southwest did lose one contender when trainer Larry Jones decided to keep Mark Valeski at the Fair Grounds. He’ll have to face stablemate and Lecomte (G3) winner Mr. Bowling, and as Jones stated he’ll soon know which one is better// Ten entries are expected for the El Camino Real Derby (G3) at Golden Gate Fields. In addition to likely favorite Russian Greek there will be a filly, Lady of Fifty, who recently won the California Oaks. Information on the other eight possible contenders can be viewed in the linked DRF article below// As expected, Bob Baffert will send impressive maiden winner Bodemeiseter to a stakes race next time out in March. Which particular race is unknown, but that’s often the case with Baffert who keeps decisions close to the vest until days before the race// Jason Shandler discusses Javier Castellano and his agent’s decision to ride Algorithms over Union Rags and says it simply came down to trainers. Given that Todd Pletcher is loaded with at least five serious Derby prospects, a majority ridden by Castellano, they wanted to stay on as many as possible this early in the season. It still seems something is missing in this theory. If Castellano chose Union Rags, would he have been pulled from Gemologist, El Padrino, and Spring Hill Farm? None of those horses have a scheduled race that conflict with Union Rags, so there is no reason he would lose those mounts, unless Pletcher hinted he would look elsewhere// more…

Articles

Southwest may wind up split (DRF)

California invaders arrive safely, including Breeders’ Cup winner Secret Circle (Oaklawn Park)

Afford targets Risen Star (DRF)

Jones pointing both Mark Valeski and and Mr. Bowling to Risen Star (DRF)

Bodemeister headed to stakes after maiden romp (DRF)

Carava regroups in new territory [American Act] (DRF)

El Camino Real a proven springboard (DRF)

Thunder Moccasin: Pretty and pretty talented (Bloodhorse)

Haskin’s Derby Trail: El Al jets ready to take off (Bloodhorse Blog)

From ‘Rags’ to Pletcher riches (Bloodhorse Blog)

Up to code [Algorithms’ mare] (Bloodhorse Blog)

Gomez hoping to return for San Felipe (Bloodhorse)

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

A bright future (ESPN)

Registration open for ‘Road to the Roses’ Kentucky Derby Fantasy Challenge (Churchill Downs)

Future Odds

Wynn Las Vegas 2/13

Rankings
Paulick Derby Index 2/14 (Paulick Report)

Down and Derby Sweet 16 (Zipse at the Track Blog)

Works

Souper Speedy- PMM- 5F- 1.03:22- B- 3/6

Junebugred- OP- 4F- 48:20- B- 1/8

Worthington- SUN- 5F- 1.02:40- B- 14/32

Russian Greek- GG- 4F- 49:00- H- 2/10

Weekly Speed Figures*

Top winning 3yo BRIS figs last week: Golden Ticket-103; Bodemeister-101; Fed Biz, Good Morning Diva, Thunder Moccasin, Hardened Wildcat & Panthro-97

Top winning 3yo Beyers last week: Bodemeister-99; Fed Biz-97; Thunder Moccasin-93; Panthro-90; Good Morning Diva-87; Golden Ticket & Hardened Wildcat-83;

*DerbyContenders via Twitter

Alpha gets 90 Beyer from Withers// Overdriven officially off trail// Southwest contenders breeze// Gemologist returns to work tab

It appears most runners from Saturday’s Derby preps are in good order Sunday. Alpha, the winner who grabbed the most headlines, will be pointed to just one more race before the Kentucky Derby- either the Gotham (G3) or Wood Memorial (G1)// Gemologist, the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) winner at Churchill Downs in November, finally returned to the work tab with a short and slow breeze. Other than Todd Pletcher mentioning the colt will have two races before the Derby, specifics are unknown// Another Pletcher contender was officially ruled off the Derby trail Sunday. Overdriven, winner of the Sanford (G2) at Saratoga in July and injured in August, will not have enough time to prepare for Derby. That leaves owner Mike Repole of Uncle Mo/Stay Thirsty fame with only one possible contender in Our Entourage. That prospect will race on turf for his 3-year-old debut and then point for the Wood Memorial (G1)// Several contenders for the Southwest (G3) worked at Oaklawn Sunday, including Smarty Jones Stakes winner Junebugred who put in a strong 5-panel move// Lost amid all Saturday’s key results was that Cyber Secret returned to winning ways at Oaklawn and could be headed to the Rebel (G2) or Arkansas Derby (G1) next. The colt earned a 96 Beyer figure from the allowance which immediately puts him ahead of the other 3-year-olds on that circuit// Another race that didn’t get much attention Saturday was the 5-furlong Needles stakes at Gulfstream. Musical Flair made his return from a four-month layoff to win by 3/4 lengths in come-from-behind fashion. Trainer Sal Santoro says he’ll most likely point Musical Flair to the Fountain of Youth (G2), where he would face very stiff competition in Union Rags, Hansen, and others.

Articles

Gotham or Wood likely next for Alpha (DRF)

Alpha continues drive towards Derby (ESPN Blog)

Petals on the path- The Withers (Staten Island Advance)

Choking on chalk- 3YO preps (DRF Blog)

Needles winner Musical Flair may stretch out for Fountain of Youth (DRF)

Gemologist reappears on work tab; other Pletcher horse breeze (The Downey Profile)

Oaklawn Barn Notes Feb 5 [info on Junebugred and Cyber Secret] (Oaklawn Park)

Stat returns in Thursday GP allowance (The Downey Profile)

Works

Brown Eyed- Jozi LAD- 5F- 59:40- B- 1/3

Reckless Jerry- OP- 5F- 1.02:40- B- 17/56

Junebugred- OP- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 10/56

Jake Mo- OP- 7F-1.29:20- B- 1/1

Midnight Transfer- SA- 4F- 49:60- H- 21/28

Dan and Sheila- PMM- 4F- 50:68- B- 38/46

Thunder Moccasin- PMM- 4F- 47:66- B- 1/46

Big Blue Nation- PMM- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 5/24

Gemologist- PMM- 3F- 39:88- B- 7/7

Superstars emerge in Holy Bull, undercard?// Contenders work for Robert Lewis, Withers, Southwest

Normally, a 5-length commanding win over the reigning 2-year-old Champion would catapult a colt like Algorithms into the leading ranks of Kentucky Derby prospects. While that may be the case in some circles, other circles will cast their doubts. The Gulfstream Park track for the Holy Bull (G3) Sunday was listed as sealed and sloppy, and played extremely quirky throughout the day, giving way to both dominating wins and dissapointing efforts. Furthermore, champion Hansen stumbled at the start and hurriedly tried to make up for it by gunning to the lead and running a second quarter in a blistering 22:03. That scenario set up perfectly for lightly raced Algorithms who fired to the front just after the final turn and extended his separation from Hansen with every stride under little urging.

Regardless of stumbles and track conditions, a few things are clear. Hansen is not a freak who can overcome adversity and he still has not learned to rate – a tactic that should probably be acquired if his connections wish him to wear the roses in May. Despite these faults it was his first race in nearly three months and he still held on for 2^nd against a decent group of horses. Could more conditioning, a dry track, and a clean break make the difference? We’ll have to wait and see.

As for the winner Algorithms, all signs point up. An undefeated graded stakes winner in just his third race, he carries the dual threat of favorable pedigree and proper running style for the Classics. The fact that he’s trained by Kentucky Derby and Belmont winning trainer Todd Pletcher, who not only swept the two graded races on Sunday’s card but also proved to have another Derby threat from an undercard race, will only embolden his backers. Pletcher stated he’s unsure of where to go next with Algorithms, other than the fact he would like to separate some of his leading contenders, a list that seems to grow by the day.

The show spot in the Holy Bull went to My Adonis, who encountered some bumping at the start yet was able to compose himself and make a late charge.

El Padrino was the impressive victor in the aforementioned undercard entry-level optional claimer at Gulfstream. In a perfectly timed move by Javier Castellano, the colt overtook Take Charge Indy deep in the stretch to win by 2-lenghts in a final time of 1:42.68. The top two finishers were well clear of the remaining field by almost 14 lengths. It also appeared Calvin Borel may have pushed the button on Take Charge Indy a bit too soon in the backstretch. Considering it was the colt’s first race since the Breeders’ Cup it was an admirable effort that should set him up well for the next race, presumably the Fountain of Youth (G2). Favorite Casual Trick showed absolutely nothing when the race turned serious before the stretch. He was virtually spinning his wheels and ended up last of all except for Gaelico who was pulled up. The winner earned a speedy 100 Beyer Speed figure for the win at 1 1/16 miles, which was higher than the 98 his stablemate received for the Holy Bull win. Both figures are exceptional for sophomores at this time of year, especially considering recent trends.

Key workouts occurred from East to West and in between Sunday. At Santa Anita, Rousing Sermon, 2^nd in the CashCall Fututity (G1) by a neck last out, put in a serious 4-furlong work. According to trainer Jerry Hollendorfer the colt is set for Saturday’s Robert Lewis (G2)// Smarty Jones Stakes winner Junebugred breezed a quick 4-furlongs at Oaklawn in preparation for the Southwest (G3). He’ll face some of the same horses from the Smarty Jones, including 4^th place Jake Mo who also worked Sunday// Todd Pletcher’s How Do I Win and Gary Contessa’s Speightscity worked at Belmont for Saturday’s Withers (G3) at Aqueduct. They’ll go against presumed favorite Alpha whose connections plan to enter in all three New York preps// The Courier-Journal released their annual Kentucky Derby guide, which includes an overview of contenders, rankings, schedules, and coverage of geographical “divisions”. All linked below…

Results

Holy Bull S. (G3)

Winner: Algorithms

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Chart: Equibase chart

Replay: YouTube

Beyer: 98

Articles: Gulfstream Park / Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet / The Derby Post

Gulfstream Park Race 7- Allowance Optional Claiming

Winner: El Padrino

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Chart: Equibase chart

Replay: Bloodhorse replay

Beyer: 100

Articles: DRF / Brisnet

Other Articles

Junebugred back to work with Southwest in mind [with video] (Oaklawn Park News)

Rousing Sermon drills, ‘ready to go’ in Lewis (Bloodhorse)

Repole’s How Do I Win breezes for Withers (Bloodhorse)

Courier Journal Kentucky Derby Preview:

-After capturing Derby magic once, trainers face long odds to make repeat trip

-50 leading contenders plus 100 more to watch

-2012 Derby prep races

-CJ Poll- Our Derby panel rates the prospects

-How Triple Crown race winners fared in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile

-The Derby bubble (Graded Earnings)

-Midwest: At a glance / Keeping up with the Joneses

-West Region: At a glance / Baffert barn full of potential

-East Region: At a glance / Hansen a-prancin’ into party

Works

Speightscity- BEL- 5F- 1.00:65- B- 4/28

Twelve Hundred- HAW- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 1/8

Worthington- SUN- 4F- 50:80- B- 20/23

Rousing Sermon- SA- 4F- 47:40- H- 5/40

How Do I Win- BEL- 4F- 49:04- B- 29/61

Brown Eyed Jozi- LAD- 5F- 1.03:00- B- 6/6

Junebugred- OP- 4F- 48:40- B- 4/82

Jake Mo- OP- 4F- 51:40- B- 61/82

Thunder Moccasin- PMM- 4F- 48:93- B- 18/39

Short field expected for Holy Bull// Updated Kentucky Derby Futures// Dutrow saga won’t go away

The Holy Bull (G3) on January 29^th looks to be a bad betting race. As of now, only four horses are committed, including 2-year-old champion Hansen. The other three according to DRF include Algorithms, Consortium, and My Adonis. Fort Loudon, who finished 7^th in the Breeders Cup Juvenile (G1) won by Hansen, could make the field five deep// Updated future odds were released from Wynn Las Vegas. Twelve new additions and several big drops including yesterday’s Smarty Jones Stakes winner Junebugred from 300-1 to 100-1. As much as I like Sky Kingdom, 35-1 just doesn’t seem fair for an allowance winner in January. Union Rags and Liaison remain the co-favorites at 12-1//The saga of King and Crusader’s disqualification from the Maryland Juvenile Championship won’t go away. Now the owner has filed an appeal// Dale Romans-trained Cozzeti apparently had a nice workout Sunday on turf and is pointing for the Kitten’s Joy Stakes on Saturday at Gulfstream//Surprisingly little news on Saturday’s Lecomte (G3) at the Fairgrounds. Entries should be drawn tomorrow. A large field is expected.

Articles

Hansen to return in Holy Bull (DRF)

Early Triple Crown nomination deadline looms (Bloodhorse)

Riccio, owner of Dutrow-trained disqualified stakes winner, files appeal (TTimes)

Futures

Wynn Las Vegas 1/16/12

Works

Rousing Sermon- SA- 6F- 1.14:80- H- 1/1

Night Tide- SA- 5F- 59:80- H- 6/29

Hakama- FH- 3F- 37:00- B- 1/4

Thursby- PMM- 5F- 1.05:40- B- 3/6 (Turf)

Late report from 1/10/12: Ever So Lucky- CAMDEN- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 1/2 (Turf)

Speed Figures*

Top winning 3yo BRIS figs last wk: Ecabroni-97; Hardened Wildcat-97; Two Seventeen-96; Spring Hill Farm-96; Silver Max-96; Phantom Fury-96

Winning 3yo Beyers last week: Ecabroni-84; Hardened Wildcat-86; Two Seventeen-82; Spring Hill Farm-79; Silver Max-86; Phantom Fury-84.

*Source: DerbyContenders Twitter

Junebugred a neck in front in Smarty Jones// Dutrow goes 1-2 in Jimmy Winkfield// Hansen takes Eclipse

While the filly On Fire Baby was the star attraction before the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Monday, Junebugred took the winner’s check afterwards. Guided by jockey Joe Bravo, the victor started just off the pace and on the rail. After swinging a few paths out to pass tiring foes, Bravo swung back to the rail for the winning move. Charging on the outside was 17-1 shot Reckless Jerry who ended up passing Junebugred past the wire. Both horses will probably end up in the Southwest (G3) at the same track in February. Aside from racing 4-wide, On Fire Baby really had no major excuse, but did finish an admirable 3^rd by only a little over a length. Jockey Joe Johnson thinks stretching out further will help, while trainer Gary Hartlage was unsure of her next race// King and Crusader picked up a second victory in four days, but this time it was without the tag and for stakes money. Rick Dutrow’s once disqualified charge sat just off the quick pace and held on for the score. Dutrow’s other entry Reserved Quality made a spirited run on the outside for 2^nd. Winning owner James Riccio said King and Crusader will get about 6 weeks off which could mean the next race will be the Gotham (G3) in March// A nice feature article on Creative Cause below. The “And Down The Stretch They Come” blog is worth a daily consult// All the debate and intrigue turned out to be pretty clear-cut. Hansen defeated Union Rags in voting for 2-year-old Champion by a score of 194 to 52…

Results:

Smarty Jones S.- Oaklawn

Winner: Junebugred

Chart: Equibase chart

Video: Bloodhorse Replay

Articles: Oaklawn / DRF / Bloodhorse / Brisnet / TTimes / Miami Herald

Jimmy Winkfleld S.- Aqueduct

Winner: King and Crusader

Chart: Equibase chart

Video: Bloodhorse Replay

Articles: NYRA / DRF / Brisnet / TTimes

Articles: