Observer
03-14-2002, 06:30 PM
Lots of big things going on this weekend for the 3-year-olds on the Derby trail, but there are some little gems out there that are not going to make the spotlight. Some of the more interesting things that will be in the shadows are at the Fair Grounds Saturday.
In race 6, Zarb's Magic puts his three-race win streak on the line with a switch back to turf, over which he has never won in seven starts. From his past 11 starts, Zarb's Magic has won 8, and run second twice. His only off the board finish came when stretched back out coming off a short rest for the Lousiana Champions Day Starter Handicap. Zarb's Magic won the 1996 Risen Star, ran second in the G3 Louisiana Derby and came back to win the G2 Arkansas Derby prior to running 13th in the Kentucky Derby. Now age 9, he has three wins from three starts this year, all going six furlongs on the dirt at Fair Grounds. Maybe they're hoping this gets rained off the turf??
In race 9, the Victorial Lass, Hallowed Dreams ended up missing from the entries after being expected to start. This was to be the first start since the win-machine suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time when second to the now injured/retired My Brent's Diamond in trying to defend her title in the Pan Zareta Feb. 9. Instead however, a new story could be in the making, as Run for Little Bit seeks to remain unbeaten after taking each of her four career starts. Unveiled on Mar. 15, 2001, the Tactical Advantage filly didn't make her next start until Jan. 4, and has remained unbeaten even while trying turf in her third career start. In contrast to the speedy Hallowed Dreams, this filly seems to have some versatility in her running styles. This should definitely be a fun race!!
In race 6, Zarb's Magic puts his three-race win streak on the line with a switch back to turf, over which he has never won in seven starts. From his past 11 starts, Zarb's Magic has won 8, and run second twice. His only off the board finish came when stretched back out coming off a short rest for the Lousiana Champions Day Starter Handicap. Zarb's Magic won the 1996 Risen Star, ran second in the G3 Louisiana Derby and came back to win the G2 Arkansas Derby prior to running 13th in the Kentucky Derby. Now age 9, he has three wins from three starts this year, all going six furlongs on the dirt at Fair Grounds. Maybe they're hoping this gets rained off the turf??
In race 9, the Victorial Lass, Hallowed Dreams ended up missing from the entries after being expected to start. This was to be the first start since the win-machine suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time when second to the now injured/retired My Brent's Diamond in trying to defend her title in the Pan Zareta Feb. 9. Instead however, a new story could be in the making, as Run for Little Bit seeks to remain unbeaten after taking each of her four career starts. Unveiled on Mar. 15, 2001, the Tactical Advantage filly didn't make her next start until Jan. 4, and has remained unbeaten even while trying turf in her third career start. In contrast to the speedy Hallowed Dreams, this filly seems to have some versatility in her running styles. This should definitely be a fun race!!