Daily Feed: Nothing wrong with Will Take Charge, Lukas eyes next spot on trail// Fortify taking Dubai route to Derby// Updated Futures

Summary:

The spotlight still shines on trainer D. Wayne Lukas after his recent sweep of last weekend’s two Kentucky Derby point races.  Surprisingly he is showing some restraint in his prognostications, fully realizing it’s only January.  Oxbow, winner of Saturday’s LeComte will either start next in the Risen Star (G2) at the Fair Grounds February 23 or Rebel (G2) March 16 at Oaklawn. Smarty Jones Stakes winner Will Take Charge is most likely headed to the Rebel (G2) and Lukas said he will keep the two prospects separated for now. He also revealed jockey Jon Court thought Will Take Charge may have “tweaked or jammed something” just after the wire, but vet tests and a little jog revealed nothing was amiss// Texas Bling was just a neck away from taking the Smarty Jones Stakes away from Will Take Charge Monday.  He will try for more Derby points in the Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn on February 18// Jennie Rees from the Courier Journal confirmed reports that multiple graded stakes placed runner Fortify is in Dubai preparing for the UAE 2,000 Guineas on February 14.  If he handles the surface well, Fortify will then try the UAE Derby (G2) on March 29, where a win or place would probably give him enough points for the Kentucky Derby (He’s currently #24 in the point standings)//Ed DeRosa over at TwinSpires blogs about Kentucky future wager strategies in regards to Saturday’s Holy Bull. He’s hoping for a good effort from any horse with current future odds of 50-1 and over, with the proviso they don’t win the race.  However, I would think a strong stretch move by any will most likely still cause their odds to drop regardless if they win or not// Speaking of Future odds, the latest were released by Wynn Las Vegas. A link to the full list, plus PPs from Brisnet below. I really don’t like taking any horse in January below 50-1 odds, yet it seems harder and harder every year to find potential value plays.  Even mere maiden and allowance winners like Verrazano, Flashback, Palice Malice, and Bradester are all sub-50-1. I’ll take Honorable Dillon (150-1) and Mountain Eagle (100-1)// more…

Articles:

After sweeping the Smarty Jones and Lecomte, Lukas making plans for round 2 (DRF)

D. Wayne Lukas dominates Kentucky Derby trail races (Louisville.com)

Trip Notes: LeComte (DRF)

Fortify in Dubai and pointing for UAE 2000 Guineas (Courier Journal Blog)

Kentucky Derby pedigree Profile: Oxbow (Horseracing Nation)

The Kentucky Derby future wager question before a big prep race: Now or later? (TwinSpires Blog)
Ranking the latest Derby contenders (Bleacher Report)

Weewinnin out to prove 60-1 victory was no synthetic (Santa Anita Notes)

Churchill announces Spring Meet Stakes (Brisnet)

Futures:

Wynn Las Vegas 1/21/13 (Brisnet PPs here)

Workouts:

Weekend Hideaway- PMM- 5F- 59:41- B- 1/11

Weekend Stakes Speed Figures

Oxbow (91 Beyer, 94 BRIS)

Will Take Charge (86 Beyer, 93 BRIS)

Weekend Review: Oxbow wins LeComte// Palace Malice 2nd to Majestic Hussar at Gulfstream// 9 set for Smarty Jones// Brown looking at Bluegrass for turf runners// Holy Bull workouts

LeComte Stakes (G3)

Winner (pts): Oxbow (10)

Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas

Jockey: Jon Court

2nd, 3rd, 4th (pts): Golden Soul (4), Fear The Kitten (2), Ive Struck a Nerve (1)

Chart: Equibase

Replay: Bloodhorse

Wrap-up Articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

CTD Analysis: Two camps seem to be forming after Oxbow’s absolute domination in the LeComte Saturday.  A few were impressed, but many felt it only proved the field was weak.  I will stay cautiously optimistic and not pitch my tent in either camp.  There have surely been weaker fields in an early January graded stakes for 3-year-olds.  The cast included winners of graded stakes, listed stakes, and open allowances- not to mention promising maiden breakers.  True, there were questions for many of those winners, such as how they would take to dirt or if their pedigree would allow them to excel going two-turns.  And the answer for now is they all failed.  However, you can’ rule out the possibility Oxbow has simply progressed and matured. And it’s not as if his résumé was weak going into the race.  Before his lackluster 4th last time out on synthetic in the CashCall (G1), he convincingly won a crowded maiden contest at Churchill by over 4 lengths.  Lukas has always been high on him and pointed out the win was even more impressive considering he was one of the only late shippers.  Oxbow’s sire Awesome Again won multiple grade 1’s going 10 furlongs, and there are also distance signs on his dam side. The main concern for Oxbow is his frontend running style. His two wins have come in wire-to-wire fashion, something that does not happen often in the 20-horse Kentucky Derby. Oxbow will be pointed to the Risen Star (G2) at the Fair Grounds February 23 or possibly the Southwest (G3) at Oaklawn February 18.

It’s difficult to get excited about any other LeComte participant, but I’m not giving up on 2nd place finisher Golden Soul who was bumped and pinched back at the start.  He then had to race wide most of the way and wound up making a good run down the stretch.  Jockey Brian Hernandez thinks he put in a solid effort considering the obstacles and step up in class and believes he’ll get better with added distance and seasoning.

Upcoming Points Race:

Smarty Jones Stakes- 1/23/13

Oaklawn Park

1 Mile

Derby Points 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th: 10, 4, 2, 1

Time/TV: 5:38PM ET/TVG

PPs: Click Here

Preview Articles: DRF / Brisnet / KentuckyDerby.com Video Preview

Picks: Triple Crown Champ /

Weekend News Summary:

Trainer Chad Brown is pointing two of his best 3-year-old turf stars, Noble Tune and Balance the Books, to the Bluegrass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland April 13. They will start in a turf race before that, which means if they qualify for the Derby we will have no measure of how well they will perform on dirt.  Defenders of turf and synthetic runners like to point out Kentucky Derby winners Animal Kingdom, Big Brown, Barbaro, and others had success off dirt before coming to Louisville, but they don’t mention the long list of those who failed to make the switch. Just last year, horses that competed on synthetic or won their best races on it, finished 3rd (not bad), 4th (not bad), 8th, 9th, and 20th (real bad).  A mixed bag for sure, but results that won’t cause me to run to the windows and bet on either Noble Tune or Balance the Books on the first Saturday in May// Majestic Hussar crashed the return party for Saratoga maiden winner Palace Malice in an allowance at Gulfstream Saturday. Majestic Hussar also broke his maiden at Saratoga in August, but followed it up with a dismal 7th place in the Hopeful Stakes (G1) before a comeback 2nd in another Gulfstream allowance in December.  While trainer Eddie Kenneally is confident and asserted he will put the colt on the Derby trail, the fact that Majestic Hussar’s two wins have both come on sloppy sealed tracks gives pause.  The Fountain of Youth (G2) February 23rd is the likely next race target// There has been some mystery on the status of Purple Egg, an undefeated colt by Lion Heart, who was scratched from both the Gulfstream Park Derby and Pasco Stakes.  Trainer Jane Cibelli finally admitted Purple Egg was still suffering the effects of a fever and they are taking it slow// Clearly Now, 3rd in the Display Stakes at Woodbine in December, is pointing for the Holy Bull (G3) Saturday.  He’ll face newly minted 2-year-old Champion Shanghai Bobby and a likely short field.  Shanghai Bobby had his final work before the Holy Bull Sunday, going 5 furlongs in 1:00.88.  Bern Identity and Dewey Square both posted 5-furlong moves at Palm Meadows and Gulfstream respectively// Reports from Aqueduct suggest Todd Pletcher’s Revolutionary is training like a monster.  He’s on schedule for the Withers (G3) on February 2// more…

Articles:

Shanghai Bobby posts final Holy Bull breeze [plus works by Dewey Square and Bern Identity] (Bloodhorse)

Clearly Now joins strong field for Holy Bull Saturday [plus news on Shanghai Bobby and Majestic Hussar] (Gulfstream Park)

Revolutionary preps for Withers with eye-catching workout (DRF)

Brown has plan to give turf runners chance at Kentucky Derby (DRF)

Majestic Hussar returns in sharp form, may target Fountain of Youth (DRF)

Clawback sticks to sprinting in Jimmy Winkfield (DRF)

Top 20 intriguing under-the-radar 3-year-olds (In the Money Blog)

Workouts:

Saturday:

Vyjack- AQU- 4F- 51:01- B- 17/23

Itsmyluckyday- CRC- 4F- 48:40- B- 2/57

Honorable Dillon- PMM- 5F- 1.01:70- B- 15/22

Fury Kapcori- HOL- 6F- 1.12:40- H- 1/3

Tour Guide- FG- 4F- 49:20- B- 29/88

Sunday:

Dewey Square- GP- 5F- 59:10- B- 1/20

War Academy- SA- 4F- 48:20- H- 6/27

Violence- PMM- 4F- 50:90- B- 41/45

Capo Bastone- PMM- 4F- 49:55- B- 24/45

Overanalyze- PMM- 4F- 51:62- B- 44/45

Normandy Invasion- PMM- 4F- 49:93- B- 34/45

Bern Identity- PMM- 5F- 59:33- B- 1/13

Shanghai Bobby- PMM- 5F- 1.00:88- B- 5/13

Verrazano- PMM- 5F- 1.00:88- B- 5/13

Revolutionary- BEL- 4F- 48:05- B- 13/78

Quotes and Tweets:

“Oxbow scheduled to ship back to #Oaklawn today, trainer Wayne Lukas said. Several next-race options, including Southwest and Rebel at Oaklawn”- Robert Yates via Twitter

Morning line set for LeComte// Flashback fires bullet, pointing to Robert Lewis// Tentative plan set for Verrazano

Summary

The favorite for this Saturday’s LeComte (G3) was not obvious when looking at the PPs. Today we learned it’s Avie’s Quality at 5-2, at least on the morning line. By Saturday, the favorite could very well be graded stakes winner Circle Unbroken (7-2) or even sharp allowance winner Malibu High (5-1).  The LeComte will be Avie’s Quality’s first attempt on dirt, much less his first race away from Woodbine. Ever since the addition of blinkers, he has reeled off authoritative wins in a maiden contest and a listed stakes.  Avie’s Quality’s trainer Josie Carroll says the colt has been training well on dirt, but they all say that, so the jury is still out// Dallas Stewart is pleased with Golden Soul’s progression in morning workouts and thinks the dominating maiden winner deserves a chance to make the Kentucky Derby// Finally some news on Todd Pletcher’s Verrazano.  The eye-popping maiden breaker has been training well and Pletcher is looking for an allowance in February and hoping to “gradually stretch out”.  Whether or not that means a possible start in one of the 100-point Derby preps in late March or April later down the road remains to be seen// Flashback, another popular debut winner from a Derby winning barn, blitzed 4-furlongs at Santa Anita this morning in 46:60. Bob Baffert announced the Robert Lewis (G2) on February 2 is the current target race// Keeneland announced their Spring stakes schedule, with no surprises in purses or dates for the two Derby preps: Bluegrass S. (G1) and Coolmore Lexington S. (G3)// more…

Entries:

LeComte Stakes (G3)- Fair Grounds- 1M 70 yards- 5:55 ET

Derby Points 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th: 10, 4, 2, 1

PPs: Click Here

Preview Articles: Bloodhorse Bloodhorse THS Video/ DRF / Brisnet / HR Nation / Courier Journal /  

Articles:

Road to Kentucky Derby has a new map (DRF)

Avie’s Quality gets chance to prove himself on dirt in LeComte (DRF)

Keeneland Spring stakes to offer 3.625M (Bloodhorse)

2013 Kentucky Derby contenders (About.com)

Workouts:

Flashback- SA- 4F- 46:60- H- 1/34

Hear the Ghost- HOL- 6F- 1.15:40- H- 9/10

Quotes and Tweets:

“3YO Flashback pointed to Bob Lewis Stakes @santaanitapark on Feb. 2, per [Bob Baffert]”- Dick Downey via Twitter

“[Verrazano] had a good breeze on Sunday (four furlongs in :49 2/5), and he’ll have another one this Sunday. Then, we’ll look for a spot for him maybe next month,” Pletcher said. “Most likely we’ll go the allowance route. We’ll look to gradually stretch out.”- Todd Pletcher via Gulfstream Park Notes

9 entered for Saturday’s LeComte// Get Happy Mister transferred to Von Hemel, will he ever stretch out?// Avare arrives at Oaklawn

Summary

It’s interesting to see what angle the major horse racing publications use when previewing a race with no clear-cut favorite. Nine entries were drawn for the LeComte (G3) this Saturday at the Fair Grounds, while Oxbow, Circle Unbroken, Avie’s Quality, Malibu High, and Golden Soul all received first paragraph attention.  The LeComte field represents a diverse cast in both accomplishments and geography.  The entries have raced in California, New York, Canada, Kentucky, and West Virginia.  Accomplishments range from maiden wins (Oxbow, Hawaakom, Golden Soul, Ive Struck a Nerve), allowance winners (Malibu High, Fear the Kitten, Heitei), a listed stakes winner (Avie’s Quality), and a graded stakes winner (Circle Unbroken)// With Calvin Borel on the sidelines with a wrist injury, Miguel Mena gets the temporary assignment aboard undefeated Malibu High.  I’m sure he’s happy to fill in for a $200,000 stakes race, but knowing he’s only a stopgap replacement will surely damper his enthusiasm if the colt performs well. Full entries and a link to free PPs for the LeComte can be found below// Palace Malice, last seen in August easily winning a Saratoga maiden contest, was entered in an allowance Saturday at Gulfstream. Todd Pletcher most likely has bigger plans for him after that// Undefeated Get Happy Mister was transferred to Kelly Von Hemel’s barn and pointing for the six-furlong Gazebo Stakes March 3 at Oaklawn. I normally wouldn’t pay much attention to a sprinter from Arapahoe Park, but the fact he’s won his four races by a combined 31 1/4 lengths and sired by Fountain Of Youth winner First Samurai I’ll keep him on my watch list.  You would hope his connections would at least try to stretch him out// More ink for Brown Almighty who will be making his dirt debut in the Smarty Jones Stakes on Monday.  The buzz generated for this slightly above-average turf runner is astounding, but apparently his trainer Tim Ice feels he’ll show a new dimension on dirt.  Among the challengers Brown Almighty will face is another buzz horse Avare. The Doug O’Neill trained sophomore is a recent winner of the Eddie Logan Stakes at Santa Anita and just arrived at Oaklawn// more…

Entries:

LeComte Stakes (G3)- Fair Grounds- 1M 70 yards- 5:55 ET

Derby Points 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th: 10, 4, 2, 1

PPs: Click Here

Preview Articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet /

Articles:

Brown Almighty to make dirt debut in Smarty Jones (DRF)

Pedigree Profile: Vyjack (Horse Racing Nation)

Get Happy Mister, winner of Gold Rush Futurity, in Von Hemel’s barn (DRF)

Kentucky Derby Report 1-17-13 (Brisnet)

Workouts:

Heitei- EVT- 4F- 51:15- B- 2/10

Oxbow- OP- 4F- 50:20- B- 5/9

Tweets:

Photo of Avare at Oaklawn by Nick Hines via Twitter:

Holy Bull, Lecomte probables// Gulfport ruled out// Archwarrior saga continues

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

Tulira Castle joins Holy Bull probables (DRF)

Lecomte field shaping up (DRF)

Jimmy Winkfield, Withers among options for Clawback (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)

Coundown to the Crown: Week 2- Jan 11 (DRF)

Haskin’s Derby Trail- The powers of illusion (Bloodhorse Blog)

Cincinnati radio station to sponsor Turfway’s second Spiral prep (Brisnet)

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

Hansen, My Adonis work for Holy Bull// Midnight Transfer wins San Pedro, could stretch out next// Beyers released for Saturday stakes

In final serious preparation for next Sunday’s Holy Bull (G3), Champion 2-year-old Hansen breezed 5 furlongs in a quick 59 and 4 at Gulfstream.  All indications are that the work was par for the course, which means professional and eager// Hansen wasn’t the only Holy Bull contender who hit the track for a timed move.  My Adonis went a short 3 panels in a quick 34:81 at Palm Meadows.  It’s not often you see a trainer opt for such a short distance work one week out from a route, especially when the colt has not raced since a flat effort in November’s Delta Jackpot (G3)//

Midnight Transfer just nailed Got Even at the wire in the San Pedro Stakes at Santa Anita Sunday.  The son of 2007 Kentucky Derby runner-up Hard Spun could stretch out next in the San Felipe (G2).  Drill was the post-time favorite, but put in yet another dismal effort.  It appears the colt either peaked in October or simply needs time off.  Nevertheless, he still sits very high on the Graded Earnings list, which was updated today to reflect yesterday’s LeComte earnings//

Preliminary and estimated Beyer speed figures came out today for Saturday’s key 3-year-old races.  LeComte winner Mr. Bowling earned a low 80 while Graham Motion’s Kitten’s Joy Stakes winner Howe Great posted an 85.  Nothing stellar// The top three finishers from the LeComte, Mr. Bowling, Z Dager, and Shared Property will point for the next logical prep on the same track, the Risen Star (G2).  Larry Jones’s other promising colt Mark Valeski, an allowance winner last week, will ship to Arkansas for the Southwest (G3) on February 20// Speaking of the Southwest, another colt earned his way to the race Sunday with a maiden win at Oaklawn. Majestic Stride defeated several older horses handily and every step of the way.

Some may remember the hub-bub over Sweet Ducky last year on the Derby trail.  The promising colt was sold to controversial Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov who attempted to bring him into the Derby by way of the UAE Derby (G2) in Dubai.  After a 13^th place finish those dreams were dashed.  Now, the leader has purchased another hopeful, Maritimer, who is a multiple stakes winner on the Canadian circuit.  According to the Toronto Star the connections will try the same Dubai-to-Kentucky plan.  It remains to be seen whether the colt would be allowed in the Derby considering Sweet Ducky was prohibited to run in New York and Kentucky in 2011…

Rankings

CTD Top 5     

Articles

Hansen workout reports: DRF / Bloodhorse / TTimes

Midnight Transfer closes from last to win San Pedro S. (DRF)

Joneses “celebrate” two stakes win (Fair Grounds Barn Notes)

Mr. Bowling, Believe You Can cap big week for L. Jones (Courier Journal Blog)

Star Canadian horse sold to controversial Chechan leader (Toronto Star)

Stakes Results

San Pedro Stakes- Santa Anita- Winner: Midnight Transfer- chart / replay

Works:

Fed Biz- HOL- 5F- 1.01:00- H- 9/32

How Do I Win- BEL- 4F- 49:65 -B-19/51

My Adonis- PMM- 3F- 34:81- B- 1/9

Thunder Moccasin- PMM- 4F- 49:77- B- 24/38

Margano- GP- 4F- 48:95- B- 10/26

Hansen- GP- 5F- 59:80- H- 3/39

Big Screen- GP- 5F- 59:40- H- 2/39

Mr. Bowling guts it out in LeComte/ Motion exacta in Kitten’s Joy/ Impressive maiden breaker for Pletcher

The Grade 3 LeComte Stakes provided a thrilling finish with Mr. Bowling holding on by a neck over Z Dager, but it’s questionable whether a serious Kentucky Derby contender will come from the race.  The large field was strung-out wide and most appeared to be laboring down the stretch.  Although it wasn’t necessarily visually impressive, the winner did defeat 12 mostly promising sophomores.

Mr. Bowling failed as the favorite in his last race in the Iroquois (G2) at Churchill Downs in November.  His third-place showing was admirable however, especially considering it was not the best of trips darting from the outside, in, and outside again. 

Training steadily since then and posting strong workout times, he was the second favorite in the LeComte.  Jockey Robby Albarado kept the son of Istan in a good spot early just behind the pacesetters and triggered a bold move into the final turn.  A sustained run down the stretch, with a little swerving, was just enough to hold off the charging Z Dager and Shared Property.  The latter had to stay wide almost the entire race and could be heard from down the road. 

Mr. Bowling’s trainer Larry Jones, who is no stranger to the Derby trail, said the Risen Star (G2) would be the next logical target.  Those with high expectations that disappointed included the little Oklahoma-bred Ted’s Folly, graded winner Exfactor who was stretching out for the first time, and Seven Lively Sins who was piloted by leading Fair Grounds jockey Rosie Napravik.

Another 3-year-old stakes (ungraded) was held on turf at Gulfstream Park.  The Kitten’s Joy Stakes was won by Howe Great. Graham Motion trained both the winner who has already won on dirt, and runner-up Lucky Chappy// Tarpy’s Goal, the inaugural CTD Notable performer, got back on track in a 7 furlong optional claimer at Gulfstream.  The son of High Cotton was coming off 5 straight defeats, including a turf try just last weekend// Thursby, a half-brother to last year’s Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, finished 7^th in his latest maiden race at Gulfstream.  The colt has now finished 12^th, 10^th, and 7^th// Todd Pletcher had an impressive debut winner in the 9^th race at Gulfstream named Liberty Bound.  The Mr. Greely-sired colt beat his stablemate Z Vilna by a winning margin of 4 and a quarter lengths// Steve Haskin offers his first Derby trail column, which focuses on the top 12 contenders based on pedigree// Nick Zito’s Casual Trick had a strong workout at Palm Meadows.  The trainer had said he will skip next weekend’s Holy Bull, but you never know…

Graded Stakes Results:

LeComte S. (G3)- Fair Grounds

Winner: Mr. Bowling

Chart: Equibase chart

Video: Bloodhorse replay

Wrap-up articles: Bloodhorse / Brisnet / DRF / TTimes / The Times-Picayune

Other Results:

Kitten’s Joy Stakes- Winner: Howe Great- chart / video

Gulfstream Race 9 MSW- Winner: Liberty Bound- chart / video

Articles

Team Valor pair one-two in Kitten’s Joy (DRF)

Haskin’s Derby Trail: It’s all in the blood (Bloodhorse Blog)

Howe great caps big weekend for Motion, Team Valor (Courier Journal)

Works:

Consortium PMM- 5F- 1.01:22- B- 6/28

Battle Hardened- PMM- 5F- 1.01:77 B-11/28

Casual Trick- PMM- 4F- 47:33- B- 3/72

Souper Speedy- PMM- 3F- 39:88- B- 7/7

State of Play- TAM- 6F- 1.14:40- B- 2/3

13 entered for LeComte/ Union Rags lets it out a notch/

As expected, it will be close to a full gate in Saturday’s LeComte Stakes (G3) at the Fair Grounds.  A large field of 13 sophomores brings not only multiple story lines but also big betting opportunities.  The tepid favorite is Shared Property at 4-1, whose most notable score came on Polytrack and will also be coming off a three-month layoff. Twice graded stakes-placed Seven Lively Sins is next on the line, but third choice Exfactor should get some play based on his recent stakes victory on the same track.  However, the LeComte will be his two-turn debut and his pedigree gives mixed signals on whether or not that will suit him.  Z Dager and Todd Pletcher’s Dan and Sheila are coming off impressive maiden wins and could build their own bandwagon with a win.  Perhaps the most heartwarming result could unfold if Ted’s Folly extends his winning streak to seven.  The small Oklahoma bred has modest connections and was purchased for just $1,200.  Below is a link to free PP’s of the race and the upcoming page will soon have race videos for all of the entries// Union Rags had a more serious breeze Wednesday morning, with a quick time of 49 and 3 for four furlongs.  He’s still gearing up for the Fountain Of Youth (G2) in late February// Trainer Lloyd Mason is going to be ambitious with Rockinarz Recruit.  He has nominated the colt to the Triple Crown and hopes to point him to the El Camino Real (G3) at Golden Gate after Friday’s optional claimer at Santa Anita// Churchill Downs announced the deadlines for their three future wager pools.  Last year, the Pool #3 exacta bet of Animal Kingdom over Nehro paid $3,074 compared to just $330 on Derby day.  Good luck with that in 2012// Good article from Brock Sheridan on the continued disrespect of Hansen…

Lecomte (G3)

Entries: Equibase

Link to pps: Click here (1/21 Dan and Sheila)

Preview Articles: Fairgrounds / Bloodhorse / TTimes / DRF

Articles:

3-year-olds to watch 1/18/12 (In The Money Blog)

Union Rags breezes half-mile at Palm Meadows (TTimes)

Exotic Slew, Rockinarz Recruit tune up for future stakes (DRF)

Algorithms will begin Kentucky Derby quest in Holy Bull Stakes (Graded Stakes Blog)

Churchill Downs sets dates for 2012 Kentucky Derby future wager pools (Churchill Downs)

Hansen gets Rodney treatment for an Eclipse Champion (The Brock Talk)

Bovada opens 2012 Derby Future book (Courier Journal Blog)

Works:

Union Rags PMM- 4F- 49:63- B- 4/13

Take Charge Indy PMM- 6F- 1.14:73- B- 2/2

Margano GP- 4F- 48:85- B- 5/16

King Kid GP- 5F- 1.01:80- B- 2/10

Coalition BEL- 5F- 1.02:13- B- 8/18

Sir Bond FG- 4F- 49:80- B- 15/46

Drill SA- 4F- 46:80- H- 1/28

Unbridled's Note SA- 5F- 1.00:80- H- 5/19

Empire Way HOL-6F- 1.14:00- H- 5/8

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