DerbyTrail
01-08-2005, 11:37 AM
From my Derby Trail Group on Yahoo... Have lots of racing people in the Group.. Steve Haskin of B-H, Steve Grabowski of DRF, Lansdon Robbins who owns Offlee Wild (Azalea Stables)... Would love to have PA regs join up and contribute! Great day of racing today, and great sports day overall... Hope everyone enjoys...http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/DerbyTrail/
Derby Trail kicks off its third year Saturday with the start of the first serious racing for sophomores. An excellent field of 12 featuring several Derby hopefuls lines up at revamped Gulfstream Park in the $125,000 Aventura, while some lesser-knowns go two races earlier in a 7f N1X allowance. In addition to the action at Hallandale, Aqueduct's Count Fleet and an interesting 7f Maiden Special at Santa Anita also feature colts with aspirations for glory.
The Aventura, 1 mile, $125,000
1.) DEPUTY INDY (Castellano/Hough) 116/8-1: Hough-Robsham $350,000 KEE (Sept. '03) buy lands here off professional diploma-grabber at Big A in Nov., his lone start at 2. AP Indy son tackled the good Benjamin Baby (scheduled in Count Fleet) that day at the difficult unveiling trip of 7f, and did it with plenty left. Recently classy female family includes second dam Shawnee Creek (dam of Storm Creek), third dam Back Ack (dam of millionaire North Sider), and full sister Fircroft who won Miss Grillo at 9f and placed in the CCA Oaks (12f). Hough has been handling this Derby buzz colt like a special horse, so bypassing condition opps for this spot is telling. Got to Palm Meadows early and has worked like a Rolex while there. Castellano abandons Nafzger's Wahran (hardly a stiff) for this guy, and suspect it may be last time you get 8-1 on him this spring... or possibly ever.
2.) REY DE CAFE (Bailey/Arnold) 120/10-1: Red Arnold KEE turf stake winner tries main one more time, though it sure looked like he'd found a home on the lawn. That shouldn't have come as surprise given 2nd dam Tricky Game's success with her son King Cugat, as classy a turf champ as we remember. (Tricky Game also dropped Western Expression). This Kingmambo rednut was 6/2-2-0 last year overall, 3/1-2-0 on the sod, 3/1-0-0 on the main with his maidenbreaker coming in the CNL mud. Draws the interest of J.B. and has steady worktab since the break, but we prefer to wait for his further adventures on the "proper surface".
3.) MAGNA GRADUATE (Byrne/Fallon) 116/10-1(Blk on): Attractive price on steadily improving son of ill-fated A.P. Indy half brother Honor Grades, sire of good ones Adoration, Honor Glide, Kalu and Whata Brainstorm. Couldn't get to the front, his preference, in the KY JC in November when off the board first time in 5 career tries, and Byrne adds goggles today. Euro-star Fallon added to the changes on modest $30,000 KEE fall '03 buy that cuts back here to length of maiden-breaking Ellis win. Has yet to take a step back during development process, and expect a good run here from advantageous starting point.
4.) VINOTECH (Coa/Plesa) 116/8-1: Intriguing prospect from Plesa tries stakes company for the first time after fine rookie season that saw him go 3/2-1-0 at Calder, with lone loss at the hands of today's favorite High Fly. One turn config should suit bay son of Smoke Glacken who owns plenty of pedigree power for stretch-outs from mom's family that features Danada Farm legends Proud Delta, Advocator, Beautillion and Delta Judge, et al. Loses Prado (to longshot Cherokee Chase) in favor of FL regular Coa, who should get first run tracking the one to his left. Note opportunity to evaluate class as Kopper Kilgoar and Dr. Cevin, who he vanquished in his last two, both go in today's 5th.
5.) DRUM MAJOR (Weaver/Santos) 116/15-1: Dogwood spring purchase (KEE) won first time out this trip on grass in NY, but flopped when troubled and wide 7th in the KY JC when last seen. Distance shouldn't be any problem for son of Dynaformer and classy female family that harkens back to Bounding Basque, Heavenly Cause and Quixotic Lady. Barely missed on the main versus Copy My Notes two back, and adds Santos in plus pilot move. Still hard to see where he fits in with these, though early pace should set up his late run OK. For exotic tickets?
6.) HIGH FLY (Castro/White) 116/5-2: One of two Derby hopefuls (with Electric Light) from our friend Charlotte Weber's Live Oak operation. Homebred son of Atticus won first two tries at 2 earning pair of 90+ Beyers before getting winter break. Should relish added distance being from female family that produced 1981 Belmont winner Summing. Have to include chestnut from barn that clicks at 20%, but taking a stand against him on top today at underlay number.
7.) HAL'S IMAGE (Olivero/Barry) 116/20-1: From the family that brought you the heart-warming tale of Harold Rose and Hal's Hope, now both sadly gone... Half brother of that game FL Derby winner has been consistent check earner logging 1-1-3-4 mark in 11 starts as a juvy. FL bred was distinct cut below state-only stakes runners in FL Stallion Series, and will certainly not rate with these.
8.) MAGOO'S MAGIC (Chavez/A. Jerkens) 120/4-1: Pacesetting type started career in two super live Miami MSW frays for White before moving to Mr. Jerkens and tanking in the Cowdin. Righted the ship immediately though with impressive gate to wire score in the Huntington when last seen. Boasts superior pedigree power as son of Awesome Again and Slew the Queen, a full sister of Metfield (making him a first cousin of Killenaule) and half to P.R. stud Hail Bold King, the classy and versatile graded stakes winner. Third dam Silver Spoon is a C.V. Whitney Hall of Famer; 4th dam Silver Fog was grand-dam of Suburban-Whitney winner Silver Buck (who set a 10f track record at Belmont) and 6th dam Frilette won the Beldame before dropping the long-winded 30's star Cravat. Has had 7 weeks to recover from 91 Beyer effort in the Big A stakes score, but must jostle with Magna on the front end with hard-driving Chavez taking the reins. May be hard-pressed to save any ground today, gives 4# to all but 'Cafe', and seems under-priced at $10. Tough call.
9.) CHEROKEE CHASE (Prado/Wolfson) 116/20-1: FL bred son of Rizzi has had similar career to Hal's Image thus far, with wire job Seacliff score a resume plus. Grappled all the way around with Better Than Bonds and GP's Black Knight in the What a Pleasure last month, and adds the services of a top jock in Prado for this effort. Has pace set, stalked and closed in 9 race career, so it's hard to know what Wolfson has in mind today. Gelding is half to outstanding Smokn' Frolic, but has not shown that one's brilliance. Anticipate competitive try with Edgar signed though. Value underneath.
10.) WAHRAN (Blanc/Nafzger) 116/6-1: One of several Buckram Oak runners scheduled today (War Temp-5th, Dynever-9th), this bay by Quiet American won first out (KEE) at 7f before falling just short of the admired Don't Get Mad in a CD N1X in November after being moved from Zito to Nafzger. Half brother of multiple stakes winner Allied Forces must overcome a wide trip under new pilot Blanc in his sophomore bow to have any chance. Has demonstrated some troubling stretch attributes however, drifting in his debut and bearing in at the end of the second start. Only drilled twice since the run in Louisville, and am forced to side against my friend Mustafa Fastok's latest Derby hopeful here.
11.) GINGER'S FELLA (Velasquez/Azpuria) 116/20-1: Scratched from last week's grassy Trop Park Derby for this, hails from a female family that boasts plenty of dirt and turf success. Third dam Vague Prospect dropped Baydon Belle, dam of the just retired Read The Footnotes. Vague Prospect's dam Prospector's Fire delivered Fire The Groom, a Beverly D winner and dam of the brilliant UK Sprint Champion Stravinsky. Fifth dam Native Street was a KY Oaks winner and dam of more than 10 winners including brothers Regal and Royal (Jamaica H.) and Royal and Regal (FL Derby). Bargain son of Rizzi has already earned 2X his $16,000 first start tag price with two wins at this trip in last three starts. Azpurua tabs Johnny V. for leg up on late runner whose figs have been just below the top ones here. Blue collar colt reminds us of Imperialism. Using.
12.) D'COURT'S SPEED (Day/Zito) 116/12-1: Second entrant that began career under care of White, son of Doneraile Court now a LaPenta-Zito production after 12/04 private purchase. Dam was a Puerto Rican champion, and half sister D'Wildcat Speed was 2003 P.R. HOY before success in the U.S. Winner upon debut, second in the Seacliff and Foolish Pleasure before 60 day break and subsequent non-effort 5th in the What a Pleasure. Trust Nick to move this grey up, and naming of Day a plus, but can't expect too much here from wide berth, a historic kiss of death at "old" Gulfstream. One to keep tabs on...
SELECTIONS: Terrific way to start the Derby Prep season. A wide open affair with value to be found...
1. Deputy Indy
2. Magna Graduate
3. High Fly
4. Ginger's Fella
5. Vinotech
GP 5th, 7f, N1X Alw $33,000
The 5th at Gulfstream features at least five important sophs going for their first condition win. Mike Matz' HOLY GROUND is a Saint Ballado chestnut that blasted next out winner Hole in the Head at 65f in his debut, earning a gaudy 93 Beyer. May have a turf future... SIPHON CITY from the Pletcher outfit won one of those injurious April baby sprints at KEE and was immediately shelved. $500,000 Smith-Tabor red was third when seen again at BEL in the fall and looks healthy again from the Palm Meadows morning efforts. Adds blinkers today... WAR TEMPO is another of the Buckram Oak hopefuls with Nafzger, also by Quiet American, and adds Lasix , Day for 2nd lifetime start. Dam set a 7f course record at BEL... DEAREST MON is one of two big horses from the Violette barn today (look for Qualified Opinion in the Count Fleet), and big things are expected from this late (May) Maria's Mon colt... DEVIL AT SEA was a $500,000 F-T Feb. '04 buy by John Peace that won at 7f like a good horse by 10+ over a next out winner. Drew wide for 2nd career start for Weaver-Santos...
AQU 8th, 30th Count Fleet, 1m 70 yds, $75,000
The Count Fleet features Pat Kelly's NAUGHTY NEW YORKER, yet another son of Quiet American that followed his maiden win in the slop on 11/12 with a field-circling draw-off victory in the Damon Runyan. Chased the "Grocer" in the Sleepy Hollow while still a maiden, and faces open company for the first time today under regular helmsman Samyn... FATHER WEIST is a Zito second stringer, but so was Pie's Prospect last year. Pulpit bay via a Private Account mare shows steady improvement and has already faced off against a bunch of good ones Rockport Harbor, Consolidator, Wallstreet Scandal, Magna Graduate)... QUALIFIED OPINION is this year's edition from Seth Klarman's Klaravich with Dick Violette. Is 2 for 2 on the Big A main and inner, and worked a sharp bullet 5f in preparation for stakes unveiling. By With Approval through Mime, an Irish Cure the Blues mare bred by Bert Firestone...FuPeg Tabor product KILLENAULE has never missed the board for Todd Pletcher (9/4-3-2) winning the Storm Cat and Dover while third in the Remsen and Colin. As mentioned, is a cousin of Magoo's Magic, has already visited 7 racetracks under 7 pilots and meets The Mig today. Interesting colt...BENJAMIN BABY took five tries to graduate, but then dueled Pavo gamely to the wire when 2nd in the City Zip. Forest Wildcat May foal should handle first two turn try and should like it wet...
SA 6th, MSW, 7f, $44,000
B. Wayne Hughes' MYSTO'S was a game second to acclaimed Fusaichi Samurai in 2nd career try, and was a late 2nd in career debut before that... Jason Orman takes the wraps off QUASIMODO here, a son of A.P. Indy and a half to 6-figure earners Tangazi, Stylish and Party Queen. Could get "over the hump" immediately... Bob Baffert's name gets mentioned for the first time this season as he enters Fog City Stables' SAY ANYTHING for the first time. This son of Cat Thief is a half to the tragic Midway Cat, the very likable colt that broke down in the '03 FL Derby... Kristen Mulhall debuts WANNAWINEMALL, a Thoroughbred Corp. dispersal colt by Royal Anthem who will likely end up on the sod...
Finally, remember that SWEET CATOMINE makes her sophomore debut Sunday in the Grade 3 Santa Ysabel Stakes at Santa Anita. Although wet weather is anticipated for California, trainer Julio Canani says the 2-5 favorite in the field of seven will run no matter what...
Derby Trail kicks off its third year Saturday with the start of the first serious racing for sophomores. An excellent field of 12 featuring several Derby hopefuls lines up at revamped Gulfstream Park in the $125,000 Aventura, while some lesser-knowns go two races earlier in a 7f N1X allowance. In addition to the action at Hallandale, Aqueduct's Count Fleet and an interesting 7f Maiden Special at Santa Anita also feature colts with aspirations for glory.
The Aventura, 1 mile, $125,000
1.) DEPUTY INDY (Castellano/Hough) 116/8-1: Hough-Robsham $350,000 KEE (Sept. '03) buy lands here off professional diploma-grabber at Big A in Nov., his lone start at 2. AP Indy son tackled the good Benjamin Baby (scheduled in Count Fleet) that day at the difficult unveiling trip of 7f, and did it with plenty left. Recently classy female family includes second dam Shawnee Creek (dam of Storm Creek), third dam Back Ack (dam of millionaire North Sider), and full sister Fircroft who won Miss Grillo at 9f and placed in the CCA Oaks (12f). Hough has been handling this Derby buzz colt like a special horse, so bypassing condition opps for this spot is telling. Got to Palm Meadows early and has worked like a Rolex while there. Castellano abandons Nafzger's Wahran (hardly a stiff) for this guy, and suspect it may be last time you get 8-1 on him this spring... or possibly ever.
2.) REY DE CAFE (Bailey/Arnold) 120/10-1: Red Arnold KEE turf stake winner tries main one more time, though it sure looked like he'd found a home on the lawn. That shouldn't have come as surprise given 2nd dam Tricky Game's success with her son King Cugat, as classy a turf champ as we remember. (Tricky Game also dropped Western Expression). This Kingmambo rednut was 6/2-2-0 last year overall, 3/1-2-0 on the sod, 3/1-0-0 on the main with his maidenbreaker coming in the CNL mud. Draws the interest of J.B. and has steady worktab since the break, but we prefer to wait for his further adventures on the "proper surface".
3.) MAGNA GRADUATE (Byrne/Fallon) 116/10-1(Blk on): Attractive price on steadily improving son of ill-fated A.P. Indy half brother Honor Grades, sire of good ones Adoration, Honor Glide, Kalu and Whata Brainstorm. Couldn't get to the front, his preference, in the KY JC in November when off the board first time in 5 career tries, and Byrne adds goggles today. Euro-star Fallon added to the changes on modest $30,000 KEE fall '03 buy that cuts back here to length of maiden-breaking Ellis win. Has yet to take a step back during development process, and expect a good run here from advantageous starting point.
4.) VINOTECH (Coa/Plesa) 116/8-1: Intriguing prospect from Plesa tries stakes company for the first time after fine rookie season that saw him go 3/2-1-0 at Calder, with lone loss at the hands of today's favorite High Fly. One turn config should suit bay son of Smoke Glacken who owns plenty of pedigree power for stretch-outs from mom's family that features Danada Farm legends Proud Delta, Advocator, Beautillion and Delta Judge, et al. Loses Prado (to longshot Cherokee Chase) in favor of FL regular Coa, who should get first run tracking the one to his left. Note opportunity to evaluate class as Kopper Kilgoar and Dr. Cevin, who he vanquished in his last two, both go in today's 5th.
5.) DRUM MAJOR (Weaver/Santos) 116/15-1: Dogwood spring purchase (KEE) won first time out this trip on grass in NY, but flopped when troubled and wide 7th in the KY JC when last seen. Distance shouldn't be any problem for son of Dynaformer and classy female family that harkens back to Bounding Basque, Heavenly Cause and Quixotic Lady. Barely missed on the main versus Copy My Notes two back, and adds Santos in plus pilot move. Still hard to see where he fits in with these, though early pace should set up his late run OK. For exotic tickets?
6.) HIGH FLY (Castro/White) 116/5-2: One of two Derby hopefuls (with Electric Light) from our friend Charlotte Weber's Live Oak operation. Homebred son of Atticus won first two tries at 2 earning pair of 90+ Beyers before getting winter break. Should relish added distance being from female family that produced 1981 Belmont winner Summing. Have to include chestnut from barn that clicks at 20%, but taking a stand against him on top today at underlay number.
7.) HAL'S IMAGE (Olivero/Barry) 116/20-1: From the family that brought you the heart-warming tale of Harold Rose and Hal's Hope, now both sadly gone... Half brother of that game FL Derby winner has been consistent check earner logging 1-1-3-4 mark in 11 starts as a juvy. FL bred was distinct cut below state-only stakes runners in FL Stallion Series, and will certainly not rate with these.
8.) MAGOO'S MAGIC (Chavez/A. Jerkens) 120/4-1: Pacesetting type started career in two super live Miami MSW frays for White before moving to Mr. Jerkens and tanking in the Cowdin. Righted the ship immediately though with impressive gate to wire score in the Huntington when last seen. Boasts superior pedigree power as son of Awesome Again and Slew the Queen, a full sister of Metfield (making him a first cousin of Killenaule) and half to P.R. stud Hail Bold King, the classy and versatile graded stakes winner. Third dam Silver Spoon is a C.V. Whitney Hall of Famer; 4th dam Silver Fog was grand-dam of Suburban-Whitney winner Silver Buck (who set a 10f track record at Belmont) and 6th dam Frilette won the Beldame before dropping the long-winded 30's star Cravat. Has had 7 weeks to recover from 91 Beyer effort in the Big A stakes score, but must jostle with Magna on the front end with hard-driving Chavez taking the reins. May be hard-pressed to save any ground today, gives 4# to all but 'Cafe', and seems under-priced at $10. Tough call.
9.) CHEROKEE CHASE (Prado/Wolfson) 116/20-1: FL bred son of Rizzi has had similar career to Hal's Image thus far, with wire job Seacliff score a resume plus. Grappled all the way around with Better Than Bonds and GP's Black Knight in the What a Pleasure last month, and adds the services of a top jock in Prado for this effort. Has pace set, stalked and closed in 9 race career, so it's hard to know what Wolfson has in mind today. Gelding is half to outstanding Smokn' Frolic, but has not shown that one's brilliance. Anticipate competitive try with Edgar signed though. Value underneath.
10.) WAHRAN (Blanc/Nafzger) 116/6-1: One of several Buckram Oak runners scheduled today (War Temp-5th, Dynever-9th), this bay by Quiet American won first out (KEE) at 7f before falling just short of the admired Don't Get Mad in a CD N1X in November after being moved from Zito to Nafzger. Half brother of multiple stakes winner Allied Forces must overcome a wide trip under new pilot Blanc in his sophomore bow to have any chance. Has demonstrated some troubling stretch attributes however, drifting in his debut and bearing in at the end of the second start. Only drilled twice since the run in Louisville, and am forced to side against my friend Mustafa Fastok's latest Derby hopeful here.
11.) GINGER'S FELLA (Velasquez/Azpuria) 116/20-1: Scratched from last week's grassy Trop Park Derby for this, hails from a female family that boasts plenty of dirt and turf success. Third dam Vague Prospect dropped Baydon Belle, dam of the just retired Read The Footnotes. Vague Prospect's dam Prospector's Fire delivered Fire The Groom, a Beverly D winner and dam of the brilliant UK Sprint Champion Stravinsky. Fifth dam Native Street was a KY Oaks winner and dam of more than 10 winners including brothers Regal and Royal (Jamaica H.) and Royal and Regal (FL Derby). Bargain son of Rizzi has already earned 2X his $16,000 first start tag price with two wins at this trip in last three starts. Azpurua tabs Johnny V. for leg up on late runner whose figs have been just below the top ones here. Blue collar colt reminds us of Imperialism. Using.
12.) D'COURT'S SPEED (Day/Zito) 116/12-1: Second entrant that began career under care of White, son of Doneraile Court now a LaPenta-Zito production after 12/04 private purchase. Dam was a Puerto Rican champion, and half sister D'Wildcat Speed was 2003 P.R. HOY before success in the U.S. Winner upon debut, second in the Seacliff and Foolish Pleasure before 60 day break and subsequent non-effort 5th in the What a Pleasure. Trust Nick to move this grey up, and naming of Day a plus, but can't expect too much here from wide berth, a historic kiss of death at "old" Gulfstream. One to keep tabs on...
SELECTIONS: Terrific way to start the Derby Prep season. A wide open affair with value to be found...
1. Deputy Indy
2. Magna Graduate
3. High Fly
4. Ginger's Fella
5. Vinotech
GP 5th, 7f, N1X Alw $33,000
The 5th at Gulfstream features at least five important sophs going for their first condition win. Mike Matz' HOLY GROUND is a Saint Ballado chestnut that blasted next out winner Hole in the Head at 65f in his debut, earning a gaudy 93 Beyer. May have a turf future... SIPHON CITY from the Pletcher outfit won one of those injurious April baby sprints at KEE and was immediately shelved. $500,000 Smith-Tabor red was third when seen again at BEL in the fall and looks healthy again from the Palm Meadows morning efforts. Adds blinkers today... WAR TEMPO is another of the Buckram Oak hopefuls with Nafzger, also by Quiet American, and adds Lasix , Day for 2nd lifetime start. Dam set a 7f course record at BEL... DEAREST MON is one of two big horses from the Violette barn today (look for Qualified Opinion in the Count Fleet), and big things are expected from this late (May) Maria's Mon colt... DEVIL AT SEA was a $500,000 F-T Feb. '04 buy by John Peace that won at 7f like a good horse by 10+ over a next out winner. Drew wide for 2nd career start for Weaver-Santos...
AQU 8th, 30th Count Fleet, 1m 70 yds, $75,000
The Count Fleet features Pat Kelly's NAUGHTY NEW YORKER, yet another son of Quiet American that followed his maiden win in the slop on 11/12 with a field-circling draw-off victory in the Damon Runyan. Chased the "Grocer" in the Sleepy Hollow while still a maiden, and faces open company for the first time today under regular helmsman Samyn... FATHER WEIST is a Zito second stringer, but so was Pie's Prospect last year. Pulpit bay via a Private Account mare shows steady improvement and has already faced off against a bunch of good ones Rockport Harbor, Consolidator, Wallstreet Scandal, Magna Graduate)... QUALIFIED OPINION is this year's edition from Seth Klarman's Klaravich with Dick Violette. Is 2 for 2 on the Big A main and inner, and worked a sharp bullet 5f in preparation for stakes unveiling. By With Approval through Mime, an Irish Cure the Blues mare bred by Bert Firestone...FuPeg Tabor product KILLENAULE has never missed the board for Todd Pletcher (9/4-3-2) winning the Storm Cat and Dover while third in the Remsen and Colin. As mentioned, is a cousin of Magoo's Magic, has already visited 7 racetracks under 7 pilots and meets The Mig today. Interesting colt...BENJAMIN BABY took five tries to graduate, but then dueled Pavo gamely to the wire when 2nd in the City Zip. Forest Wildcat May foal should handle first two turn try and should like it wet...
SA 6th, MSW, 7f, $44,000
B. Wayne Hughes' MYSTO'S was a game second to acclaimed Fusaichi Samurai in 2nd career try, and was a late 2nd in career debut before that... Jason Orman takes the wraps off QUASIMODO here, a son of A.P. Indy and a half to 6-figure earners Tangazi, Stylish and Party Queen. Could get "over the hump" immediately... Bob Baffert's name gets mentioned for the first time this season as he enters Fog City Stables' SAY ANYTHING for the first time. This son of Cat Thief is a half to the tragic Midway Cat, the very likable colt that broke down in the '03 FL Derby... Kristen Mulhall debuts WANNAWINEMALL, a Thoroughbred Corp. dispersal colt by Royal Anthem who will likely end up on the sod...
Finally, remember that SWEET CATOMINE makes her sophomore debut Sunday in the Grade 3 Santa Ysabel Stakes at Santa Anita. Although wet weather is anticipated for California, trainer Julio Canani says the 2-5 favorite in the field of seven will run no matter what...