Chasing The Derby: Majestic City

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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

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

Week In Review: 10/3 -10/10

Union Rags winning Champagne Stakes at Belmont. Photo: HorsePhotos.com

This past weekend showcased both the highs and lows of horse racing and the Kentucky Derby Trail. We had a gutsy and triumphant victory by Union Rags in New York, which solidified his favoritism going into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. On the other side of the coin, we were reminded how perilous the sport can be when jockey Julien Leparoux and his mount Here Comes Frazier flew over the Keeneland rail down the stretch in the Bourbon Stakes//

Graded Stakes Review

Champagne S. (G1)

Winner: Union Rags NP

Trainer: Michael Matz

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Chart: Equibase

Video: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 92/98

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

You can read plenty of detailed accounts of Union Rags’s gallant trip in the Champagne Stakes (G1) at Belmont, in which he was bottled up and altered course several times before breaking through to a 5 1/4 length win. The effort proved he has the guts and ability to overcome trouble, a trait that is invaluable in the full fields of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and Kentucky Derby.

What you won’t read is any concern of the toll the race took on the young colt. While it wasn’t the roughest of trips, he did check several times and you have to wonder why Castellano rode the horse so hard once he was clear and even beyond the wire.

Early reports indicate Union Rags came out of the race well and cleaned his feed tub. The workout tab leading up to the Breeders’ Cup should tell us more. If there are any skipped weeks or laborious visual cues or times, it may warrant considering other contenders with more value. If he doesn’t miss a beat however, he’s my pick for the winner and eventual 2 year-old Champion. You can read more on Union Rags’s pedigree from the Aug 16th entry here.

Alpha finished second, which is admirable especially considering it was just his second career race and still appeared somewhat green by taking awhile to get engaged.

Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity (G1)

Winner: Dullahan

Trainer: Dale Romans

Jockey: Kent Desormeaux

Chart: Equibase

Video: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 85/94

Wrap-up Articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / TTimes /

Dullahan, a 17-1 longshot maiden, began the Dixiana Breeders Futurity (G1) near the back of the pack under a strong hold from jockey Kent Desormeaux. The new tactic paid off for him, but was much aided by the quick pace up front set by Musical Flair, Ancil, and Majestic City. Desormeaux guided Dullahan on the outside and started aggressively working on him before the winning stretch run.

The big question will be where Dullahan goes next. He earned a trip to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, but his past performances suggest he’s better suited to polytrack or turf. His two maiden special efforts on dirt were a 3rd and 5th place finish by a combined 16 lengths back.

Dullahan is most notably a half brother to 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. He was a $250,000 purchase and his catalog page can be found here

Majestic City NP hung on for a second place finish only passed by Dullahan in the final strides, which was an impressive performance considering he was involved in the brisk early fractions. His next move will also be interesting considering his dirt and distance questions.

Grey S. (G3)

Winner: Prospective

Trainer: Mark Casse

Jockey: Luis Contreras

Chart: Equibase

Video: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: NA/90

Wrap-up Articles: Bloodhorse / TTimes / DRF

The footsteps of upset Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird were also felt Sunday at Woodbine, in the annual running of the Grey Stakes (G3), a race he won in 2008. The 2011 edition was conquered by Prospective, the 4th choice on the board who had only a maiden special win on his resume.

Settling just behind the pacesetters, Prospective handled the 1 1/16 miles very professionally by pulling away when it meant the most. Trainer Mark Casse swept the trifecta with Lockout and Bluedacious finishing behind the winner. Casse said Lockout and Prospective are headed to Louisville, although the exact Breeders’ Cup juvenile race was not mentioned for either.

Prospective, a son of Malibu Moon, was a $250,000 purchase as a yearling and is the first foal for stakes winner Spirited Away. His catalog page can be viewed here

Bourboun S.- Turf (G3)

Winner: Animal Spirits

Trainer: Albert Stall Jr.

Jockey: Robby Albarado

Chart: Equibase

Video: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: NA/90

Wrap-up Articles: DRF / Bloodhorse / TTimes

Unfortunately, Sunday’s Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland was most notable for the freaky occurrence of Here Comes Frazier bolting over the rail. Fortunately it appears the horse will be ok, although his racing career is most likely over. Jockey Julien Leparoux passed the MRI on his arm with flying colors and will resume riding at Keeneland this week.

As for the winner of the Bourbon Stakes, Animal Spirits ridden by Robby Albarado took the outside path for his well-measured score. He was yet another juvenile who broke his maiden in a graded stakes. Trainer Al Stall was non-committal on next race plans but the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf seems to be the logical race.

Animal Spirit was a $50,000 Keeneland Yearling purchase. He’s the son of Arch, who sired last year’s Breeders Cup Classic winner Blame. On the dam side he shows just as much promise and long distance capabilities. The dam Pennant Champion is a full sister to three stakes winners including Our Emblem who was the dam of 2002 Kentucky Derby winner War Emblem. Animal Spirit’s sales page can be viewed here.

Works

10/4/11 Tarpy's Goal BEL- 5F- 1.01:18- B- 5/14

10/4/11 Secret Circle SA- 5F- 1.00:20- H- 5/26

10/6/11 Twelve Hundred HAW- 6F- 1.14:00- B- 1/5

10/7/11 Currency Swap MTH- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 2/9

10/7/11 Stark Ravin Mad HAW- 5F- 1.01:80- B- 6/18

10/9/11 Brown Eyed Jozi CD- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 2/18

10/10/11 Me and My Gals CD- 5F- 59:80- B- 1/33

10/10/11 Seeker CD- 4F- 52:40- B- 54/64

Articles

Union Rags on the fast track after impressive win at Belmont (Philly.com)

Secret Circle punches ticket to BC Juvenile Sprint (Brisnet)