Fed Biz could be the real deal// Classics unlikely for Thunder Moccasin// Rough trip for Stat's comeback

In general, only stakes race results generate a quick turnaround in the thoroughbred news media world.  Facts, videos, charts, and analysis trickle in hours and sometimes days after the race.  However, when a nearly one million dollar 3-year-old trained by Bob Baffert dominates an optional claiming race at Santa Anita three months before the Kentucky Derby, news tends to spread just as quick, if not quicker. Fed Biz, the lone CTD Contender to have only a maiden win on his resume, handled his step-up to allowance company with ease in the 3^rd race at Santa Anita.  His winning margin was 5 3/4 lengths, and he covered the mile in 1.34:74.  The Baffert charge, who jockey Rafael Bejarano already claimed as his “Derby horse”, will undoubtedly point to a graded stakes next time out. Consulado was behind him for the place and well clear of 3^rd place finisher Blueskiesnrainbows by 6 1/2 lengths//

Todd Pletcher admitted he’s putting Thunder Moccasin in a tough spot for his second race, the 7-furlong Hutcheson Stakes (G2).  However, based on recent training and the fact the 2-3-4 finishers from his maiden score came back to win (2^nd place Panthro has won twice), he feels he has a shot.  Pletcher also revealed he feels Thunder Moccasin would not excel at added distance//

In addition to Fed Biz’s race, another important allowance contest took place Thursday.  Race 8 at Gulfstream marked the return of Pletcher-trained Stat, who was 2^nd to Union Rags last time out in the Saratoga Special (G2) in August.  After a hop at the break and racing wide most of the way Thursday, the best Stat could finish was 4^th, but only a length-and-a-half behind the winner Maan//

Several articles on both the joy and perils of wagering on the Kentucky Derby futures// more…

Articles

Fed Biz impresses on eve of Future Wager (Brisnet)

Fed Biz dominates Santa Anita allowance field (Bloodhorse)

Fed Biz cruises to victory (DRF)

Feb Biz jumps on Triple Crown Trail with allowance win (TTimes)

Bob Baffert has another Kentucky Derby hopeful in Fed Biz (LA Times Blog)

Fed Biz impresses (Zipse At The Track Blog)

Thunder Moccasin move ‘ambitious’: Todd Pletcher (The Downey Profile)

Kinglet swoops late for UAE 2,000 Guineas win (Racing Post)

Empire Way headed to San Felipe (DRF)

Najjaar needs good week to make Southwest run (The Downey Profile)

Algorithms commences classic calculation (Bloodhorse)

Rising Stars: Alpha impresses in New York (The Saratogian)

Ever So Lucky starts outside in Hutheson Stakes (DRF)

Ever So Lucky expected to kick-off sophomore campaign in Hutcheson (TTimes)

Taking a look at potential Kentucky Derby horse Z Dager (Bleacher Report)

For those wise enough to be foolish [Future book wagering] (ESPN)

Kentucky Derby Future Wagers: Bet early, bet often (Forbes Online)

I always believed in futures (Twinspires Blog)

WinStar StableMates Fantasy Derby to open (Bloodhorse)

Video:

Robert Lewis Recap (TwinSpires)

Works

Hammers Terror- FG- 4F- 50:40- B- 20/29

Majestic Stride- OP- 7F- 1.28:00- B- 1/1

Consortium- PMM- 4F- 50:90- B- 36/43

Souper Speedy- PMM- 4F- 51:49- B- 40/43

Mr. Style- PMM- 4F- 49:88 B- 21/43

Night Tide- SA- 5F- 59:00- H- 2/29

Hutcheson Handicapper Picks

Dick’s Picks (The Downey Profile)

Notes and bits from web and Twitter:

Todd Pletcher on Discreet Dancer: bloodwork returned normal, he's doing better; will work Monday and still on track for Fountain of Youth- J.J. Hysell Trifecta Box via Twitter

Union Rags 'frolics' in sloppy Saratoga Special

Chart: Equibase

Video: YouTube

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

More tomorrow in Week In Review and Notable Performers

Week in Review and Notable Performer: 7/4 - 7/10

Following a busy July 4^th weekend of two graded races and eye-popping maiden winners, this past week was definitely a change of pace.  However, things should get going again this weekend with a graded race in Hollywood that includes arguably the top rated 2-year-old of the season so far (Majestic City). Plus a listed stakes that features a strong cast starring a 96 Beyer earner (Canigotoo)…

Notable Performer:

Stat

7/9/11 Belmont Maiden Special chart / video / Beyer: 79 / BRIS: 95

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: John Velazquez

Yet another Pletcher/Velazquez Notable Performance at Belmont.  Stat was the heavy favorite in the maiden contest that featured some other well-bred challengers.  The good-looking gray started towards the back before motoring his way along the outside into the final turn.  With little urging by Velazquez he grinded his way to a 2-length win.

Originally a yearling purchase of $260,000 he was pinhooked last April for $400,000.  Out of a stakes winning mare, Stat is a half brother to graded stakes placed Lenaro.  Although the damsire Gilded Time won the Breeders Cup Juvenile at 1 1/16 miles, that half of Stat’s pedigree leans towards sprinting.

However, the sire line shows more stamina, starting with Unbridled’s Song who won the Breeders Cup Juvenile, Florida Derby, and Wood Memorial before finishing 5^th as the favorite in the 1996 Kentucky Derby.  For Stat’s Keeneland catalog page with more pedigree info click here

2YO Non-Graded Stakes Results:

7/8/11 Iowa Stallion Futurity- Prairie Meadows- Beware The Devil chart

7/9/11 Texas Stallion- Lone Star- Sword Trick chart

7/9/11 Everett Nevin Alameda County S.- Pleasanton- Sherman Barlebort chart

7/10/11 Hoover S.- River Downs- Motega chart

7/10/11 New Westminster S.- Hastings- Herescomelucky chart

Works:

7/5/11 Majestic City: HOL- 5F- 59:60- H- 3/23

7/5/11 Night Tide: SA- 5F- 1.02:20- H- 4/5

7/7/11 Stark Ravin Mad: AP- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 3/30

7/10/11 Night Tide: SA- 5F- 59:00- H-1/37

7/10/11 Banner Bill: WO- 4F- 46:80- B- 1/44

7/11/11 Sum of the Parts: CD- 4F- 50:60- B- 30/40

7/11/11 Majestic City: HOL- 6f- 1.13:00- H- 2/9

Upcoming 2YO Stakes:

7/17/11 Hollywood Juvenile Championship (G3)- nominations / pps

7/16/11 Prairie Gold Juvenile S.- Prairie Meadows- entries

Other News:

Breeders Cup on the agenda for Red Duke (Racing Post)

Top 2YO Speed Figures*:

Top winning 2yo BRIS figs last week: Sword Trick - 98; Stat - 95; Trinniberg - 93; Saint Pete - 92; Sherman Bartlebort - 91

Winning 2yo Beyers last week: Sword Trick - 79; Stat - 79; Trinniberg - 78; Saint Pete - 77; Sherman Bartlebort - 79

*Source: DerbyContenders Twitter