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02-26-2008, 08:33 AM
FCR has updated both the list (read completely below) http://www.fullcardreports.com/CAP/2008-Kentucky-Derby-Contenders.htm :ThmbUp: and the blog http://horseracingupdate.wordpress.com/
2008 Kentucky Derby Top Contenders
The Top 15 Listed Alphabetically: Last Update February 25, 2008 1:33 pm EST plus several others to keep an eye on - by http://FullCardReports.com (http://fullcardreports.com/)
ANAK NAKEL - Finished a disappointing 8th in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth. It was his first start of the year and his only start at Gulfstream. It is possible that he just didn't like the track or plainly needed the start. The follow up week will paint a better picture as the racing news unfolds. Won the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes going 1 1/16 miles on November 24 at Churchill. That was his 2yo finale. Previously he finished a very game 2nd in the Grade 3 Nashua at Aqueduct for a mile. This son of VICTORY GALLOP is bred top and bottom (QUIET AMERICAN - damsire) to get a classic distance and his run style and tactical speed is perfect for the Derby. Victory Gallop finished second in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness S. (G1) before spoiling the Triple Crown bid of Real Quiet in the 1 1/2-mile Belmont S. (G1). Trained by Nick Zito who knows how to win this race.
VIDEO: Fountain of Youth (G2) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/636) | VIDEO: Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/298)
NEXT START - TBA
BLACKBERRY ROAD - Underrated to say the least. Improved position to finish 5th out of 11 in the Grade 3 Risen Star on February 9 at the Fairgrounds. He had a rough trip in this race as there was no room for him to run through all of the stretch. Was 2nd best in the Grade 3 Lecomte going 1 mile at the Fairgrounds on January 12. This GONE WEST (a proven source of speed and stamina) colt also finished 2nd in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes behind ANAK NAKEL. Dogwood Stable has a one run closer on their hands here who should benefit if there is a fast pace up front.
VIDEO: Risen Star Stakes (G3) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/499) | VIDEO: Lecomte Stakes (G3) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/381)
NEXT START - Fair Grounds Louisiana Derby (G2) on March 8 at Fair Grounds.
COLONEL JOHN - Shows a nice work tab recently including a 7f bullet on February 19 and a 5f drill in :58.3 (bullet best of 60 that morning for 5f) at Hollywood Park on February 7. He has worked 6f and 7f several times and should be in top condition for the Sham. Got up for 2nd in the Grade 1 $750,000 Cash Call Futurity going 1 1/16 miles over the all-weather surface at Hollywood Park on December 22. Won the $100,000 Real Quiet Stakes at the same distance and track in November. This son of TIZNOW has an awesome late kick and is bred top and bottom (TURKOMAN - damsire) to run a classic distance.
VIDEO: Cash Call Futurity (G1) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/439)
NEXT START - Sham Stakes (G3) on March 1 at Santa Anita.
COOL COAL MAN - Burst on to the scene with a game victory in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth by a 1/2 length. He sat second flight in the race and was just 2 lengths back at the 2nd call. Took over on the stretch turn and fended off a gritty Elysium Fields down the lane. He improved his final time for 9 furlongs by 8 lengths over his 3yo debut at Gulfstream (also a win) in a 2nd level allowance event on January 26. Has 2 wins as a 2yo before coming up rank in the Jockey Club Stakes. Nick Zito has this son of Mineshaft on his best game right now and there is the nagging question whether or not he has peaked to early or just beat a bunch that needed the race. If he's really that good it won't matter.Owned by Robert Lapenta who also has WAR PASS.
VIDEO: Fountain of Youth (G2) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/636)
NEXT START - TBA.
COURT VISION - One-paced colt passed tired rivals to finish 3rd in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth on February 24. Not a bad 3yo debut and could certainly improve off of this race. Has won 3 of 5 lifetime (and 2 placings) including the Grade 2 Remsen going 1 1/8 miles at Aqueduct on November 24 and the Grade 3 Iroquois for a mile at Churchill Downs on October 28. Bred by Farish, owned by WinStar, trained by Mott, sired by GULCH, just lots of reasons to like this well bred colt.
VIDEO: Fountain of Youth (G2) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/636) | VIDEO: Remsen Stakes (G2) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/267)
NEXT START - TBA.
DENIS OF CORK - Remains undefeated after 3 career starts including a big win in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes going 1 1/16 miles at Oaklawn Park on February 18. He did benefit in that race by being the best closer while catching the benefit of a fast pace up front. This colt broke his maiden at Churchill Downs last year so there's no question that he likes the track. He's by sire HARLAN'S HOLIDAY and out of the UNBRIDLED mare UNBRIDLED GIRL.
VIDEO: Southwest Stakes (G3) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/579)
NEXT START - Rebel Stakes (G2) on March 15 at Oaklawn.
EL GATO MALO - Has been sharp in the am. On February 15 "The Cat" worked 6f in a nice 1:11.4 over the Santa Anita main track.On February 9 he worked 5 furlongs in :58.3 breezing at Hollywood Park. The West coast clockers rarely give the "breezing" notation so this work was exceptional. EL GATO MALO is Spanish for "The Bad Cat", is the gelded son of EL CORREDOR and is undefeated after 3 career starts. Of those three include the Grade 3 San Rafael going 1 mile on January 12 at Santa Anita (a track record performance) and the 1 mile $75k Gold Rush at Golden Gate on December 15. He has not been asked to run his best yet which means there's no telling how good he really can be. Very promising.
VIDEO: San Rafael (G3) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/382)
NEXT START - Sham Stakes (G3) on March 1 at Santa Anita.
FIERCE WIND - Won the Sam F Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs going 1 1/16 miles on February 16. In this race he showed that he can rate off the pace and close ground late to win. Previously he had won 2 races in a row in gate to wire fashion including a 5 1/4 length score in a 1st level allowance event at Gulfstream on January 21. This colt is by DIXIE UNION (and AP INDY damsire - dam is multiple stakes producer POST PARADE) and trained by Nick Zito and those are all extra positives for this colt.
VIDEO: Sam F Davis Stakes (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/570)
NEXT START - Tampa Bay Derby on March 15 or the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 29
GEORGIE BOY - Worked 5f in :59.2 at Hollywood Park in preparation for the San Felipe. Remains sharp with a 6-3-2-1 career mark. Won the Grade 2 San Vicente at 7 furlongs on February 10 at Santa Anita. He took over late in the stretch and drew off from favorite INTO MISCHIEF to win by 3 1/4 lengths. This Kathy Walsh trainee was also a winner at the 7 furlong Del Mar Futurity in his 2yo finale. He really doesn't have the pedigree for a classic distance but then again thoroughbreds in this day and age have been out-running their bloodlines.
VIDEO: San Vicente Stakes (G2) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/506)
NEXT START - San Felipe Stakes (G2) on March 15 at Santa Anita.
GIANT MOON - Has a steady work tab of 5f breezes in prep for the Gotham Stakes to which he will bring his perect 4-4-0-0 record into. May be a New York Bred however he is by GIANT'S CAUSEWAY (sire) with CAPOTE (damsire). The colt is undefeated after 4 starts which include 2 NY Bred stakes and the open $75k Count Fleet. He has some speed and likes to fight for the lead which is not really a solid recipe for Kentucky Derby success. Still deserves a mention here.
NEXT START - Aqueduct Gotham Stakes (G3) on March 8 at Aqueduct.
INTO MISCHIEF - Finished 2nd in the Grade 2 San Vicente at 7 furlongs on February 10 at Santa Anita but this was his 1st start of the year and is pointed towards the San Felipe Stakes on March 15 at Santa Anita. Won the Grade 1 Cash Call Futurity on Dec. 22 at Hollywood Park going 1 1/16 miles and was 2nd best in the 7f Hollywood Prevue. Owned by B. Wayne Hughes and trained by the capable Richard Mandella.
VIDEO: San Vicente Stakes (G2) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/506) | VIDEO: Cash Call Futurity (G1) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/439)
NEXT START - San Felipe Stakes (G2) on March 15 at Santa Anita.
MONBA - Another one who disappointed in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth finishing dead last. He was squeezed back hard on the 1st turn and might just have gotten injured. We'll see what pops into the news about him soon. Has the same sire and a very similar run style as Kentucky Derby winner MONARCHOS. This $200,000 yearling sale purchase was a late closing 4th in the Grade 1 $750,000 Cash Call Futurity (Dec. 22) but was only 2 lengths behind the winner. Previously he won a 1st level allowance going 1 mile at Churchill Downs. Trained by top dog Todd Pletcher who has been working him steadily down at Palm Beach Downs training track.
VIDEO: Fountain of Youth (G2) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/636) | VIDEO: Cash Call Futurity (G1) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/439)
NEXT START - TBA.
PYRO - Won the Grade 3 Risen Star on February 9 at the Fairgrounds. He was very impressive in victory as he was dead last as they turned for home and then weaved in and out of horses like they were standing still. Pyro came home the last 1/4 in a fierce 22.3! "Unbelievable," jockey Shaun Bridghmohan said, watching the replay of the stretch run afterward. "I never even hit him." It was more impressive seeing that he made such a great late move coming off a slow pace. He's been training with stablemete CURLIN which might just be a genius decision by trainer Steve Asmussen. Had a nice 2yo season finishing 2nd in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile and in the Grade 1 Champagne. This PULPIT colt has never finished off the board in 5 career starts. He obviously has a very strong late move and has the ability to lay 2nd flight off of a fast pace.
VIDEO: Risen Star Stakes (G3) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/499) | VIDEO: Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/264)
NEXT START - Fair Grounds Louisiana Derby (G2) on March 8 at Fair Grounds.
WAR PASS - Made a victorious 3yo debut in a non-condition $60k allowance as he won easily and effortlessly going 8f at Gulfstream on February 24 (Fountain of Youth card). The heavily favored 1-9 shot broke right on top at the start and was hard held by Cornelio Velasquez. Even though CV looked like a statue on him, WAR PASS ran the 2nd quarter mile in a swift :22.3 and came home the final quarter in :24.2 while still never being asked to run. The champ remains a perfect 5 for 5 on top. Had been smokin' in the a.m. in prep for his 3yo debut including a 4 furlong move in a blistering :46.4 over the deep training track at Palm Meadows on February 2. Won the 1 1/16 miles Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile which is no longer a jinxed race. Also won the Grade 1 Champagne at a mile in New York. This CHEROKKE RUN colt remains undefeated after 4 lifetime starts and is trained by the very capable Nick Zito. The colt is pure speed.
VIDEO: Allowance Race at Gulfstream (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/637) | VIDEO: Breeders. Cup Juvenile (G1) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/264)
NEXT START - Tampa Bay Derby (G3) March 15.
Z FORTUNE - Finished 2nd best in the Grade 3 Risen Star on February 9 at the Fairgrounds. He did have the lead briefly at the stretch turn but was no match for PYRO down the lane. New York bred was undefeated after 3 starts and got the unusual ship in victory at the Fair Grounds in the Grade 3 Lecomte. This SIPHON colt has good speed but is not a need to lead type. He proved that in the Lecomte.
VIDEO: Risen Star Stakes (G3) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/499) | VIDEO: Lecomte Stakes (G3) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/381)
NEXT START - Louisiana Derby on March 8 or Rebel Stakes on March 15.
Several To Keep An Eye On: ALAAZO is undefeated after 2 starts including a 1st level allowance going 9 furlongs at Gulfstream on February 4. This son of A.P. Indy has the bloodlines and the connections to make it big. ATONED (by sire REPENT) has quietly compiled a 7-2-4-0 career mark highlighted by his neck defeat to COURT VISION in the G2 Remsen back in November. He has been training well at Palm Beach Downs for 3yo debut for trainer Todd Pletcher and owners Doogwood Stable. CHECK IT TWICE is another who has a solid worktab down at PBD. This other son of REPENT won the $100k Whatapleasure going 8 1/2 furlongs at Calder in 2yo finale. COAST GUARD finished 2nd to CROWN OF THORNS (out injured) in the Grade 2 Bob Lewis at Santa Anita on February 2. COSMIC just broke his maiden on the Fountain of Youth under-card. He has outstanding pedigree out of the Dinny Phipps owned dam, millionaire Eclipse champion HEAVENLY PRIZE who won eight Grade I races from two to four. COSMIC is by outstanding sire EL PRADO and keeps improving with every start. COWBOY CAL has a 4-3-1-0 record on the turf and is by sire GIANT'S CAUSEWAY and trained by top dog Todd Pletcher. 'Cal is bred to run all day top and bottom. ELYSIUM FIELDS finished a game 2nd in the G2 Fountain of Youth. This is another son of EL PRADO who is improving with each start. High profile connections here as well and trained by Barclay Tagg. INDIAN SUN is an honest colt by INDIAN CHARLIE who finished 2nd in the G2 San Rafael and was then the victim of a slow pace in the G2 Bob Lewis. Has since won an allowance event of the turf. J BE K is undefeated after 2 starts but has yet to run longer than 6 furlongs. Is trained by Baffert and owned by the Zayat Stables. KODIAK KOWBOY finished 3rd in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile finishing out a 2yo season that produced 4 wins and over a 1/2 million in earnings. Has been training well at the Fair Grounds for 3yo debut for Steve Asmussen. MAJESTIC WARRIOR has not raced since his disappointing effort in the G1 Champagne back in October. Previously he was an impressive winner in the G1 Hopeful at Saratoga. This son of A.P. INDY has been legging up at Payson Park Training Center. Owned by 'The Boss' Steinbrenner along with Tabor and Smith. RACECAR RHAPSODY is a late running closer who finished 4th in the Grade 3 Delta Jackpot but only 1 3/4 lengths behind the winner. He was 3rd in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes but was only a 1/2 length behind ANAK NAKAL. This TALE OF THE CAT colt was a $400,000 yearling sale purchase and has rock solid late pace figures and speed figures. Trained by Ken McPeek. TALE OF EKATI finished 4th in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile after winning the G2 Futurity as a 2yo. Has looked sharp in the a.m for Barclay Tagg down at Palm Meadows Training Center. YANKEE BRAVO is undefeated after 3 starts including the $150k Calderby at Golden Gate back on January 27.
2/25/2008 8:04 PM http://FullCardReports.com (http://fullcardreports.com/)
Other links:
http://www.fullcardreports.com/images22/redflag.gif 2008 Graded Stakes Earnings (http://www.fullcardreports.com/CAP/2008-Graded-Earnings-Kentucky-Derby.htm) - The top 20 Kentucky Derby contender graded stakes earners
http://www.fullcardreports.com/images22/redflag.gif 2008 Triple Crown Trail (http://www.fullcardreports.com/CAP/2008_Triple_Crown_Trail.asp)- Upcoming 3yo Kentucky Derby prep races
http://www.fullcardreports.com/images22/redflag.gif 2008 Triple Crown Trail Results (http://www.fullcardreports.com/CAP/2008_Results_Triple_Crown_Trail.asp)- Kentucky Derby contender prep race results
<br>
2008 Kentucky Derby Top Contenders
The Top 15 Listed Alphabetically: Last Update February 25, 2008 1:33 pm EST plus several others to keep an eye on - by http://FullCardReports.com (http://fullcardreports.com/)
ANAK NAKEL - Finished a disappointing 8th in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth. It was his first start of the year and his only start at Gulfstream. It is possible that he just didn't like the track or plainly needed the start. The follow up week will paint a better picture as the racing news unfolds. Won the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes going 1 1/16 miles on November 24 at Churchill. That was his 2yo finale. Previously he finished a very game 2nd in the Grade 3 Nashua at Aqueduct for a mile. This son of VICTORY GALLOP is bred top and bottom (QUIET AMERICAN - damsire) to get a classic distance and his run style and tactical speed is perfect for the Derby. Victory Gallop finished second in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness S. (G1) before spoiling the Triple Crown bid of Real Quiet in the 1 1/2-mile Belmont S. (G1). Trained by Nick Zito who knows how to win this race.
VIDEO: Fountain of Youth (G2) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/636) | VIDEO: Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/298)
NEXT START - TBA
BLACKBERRY ROAD - Underrated to say the least. Improved position to finish 5th out of 11 in the Grade 3 Risen Star on February 9 at the Fairgrounds. He had a rough trip in this race as there was no room for him to run through all of the stretch. Was 2nd best in the Grade 3 Lecomte going 1 mile at the Fairgrounds on January 12. This GONE WEST (a proven source of speed and stamina) colt also finished 2nd in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes behind ANAK NAKEL. Dogwood Stable has a one run closer on their hands here who should benefit if there is a fast pace up front.
VIDEO: Risen Star Stakes (G3) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/499) | VIDEO: Lecomte Stakes (G3) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/381)
NEXT START - Fair Grounds Louisiana Derby (G2) on March 8 at Fair Grounds.
COLONEL JOHN - Shows a nice work tab recently including a 7f bullet on February 19 and a 5f drill in :58.3 (bullet best of 60 that morning for 5f) at Hollywood Park on February 7. He has worked 6f and 7f several times and should be in top condition for the Sham. Got up for 2nd in the Grade 1 $750,000 Cash Call Futurity going 1 1/16 miles over the all-weather surface at Hollywood Park on December 22. Won the $100,000 Real Quiet Stakes at the same distance and track in November. This son of TIZNOW has an awesome late kick and is bred top and bottom (TURKOMAN - damsire) to run a classic distance.
VIDEO: Cash Call Futurity (G1) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/439)
NEXT START - Sham Stakes (G3) on March 1 at Santa Anita.
COOL COAL MAN - Burst on to the scene with a game victory in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth by a 1/2 length. He sat second flight in the race and was just 2 lengths back at the 2nd call. Took over on the stretch turn and fended off a gritty Elysium Fields down the lane. He improved his final time for 9 furlongs by 8 lengths over his 3yo debut at Gulfstream (also a win) in a 2nd level allowance event on January 26. Has 2 wins as a 2yo before coming up rank in the Jockey Club Stakes. Nick Zito has this son of Mineshaft on his best game right now and there is the nagging question whether or not he has peaked to early or just beat a bunch that needed the race. If he's really that good it won't matter.Owned by Robert Lapenta who also has WAR PASS.
VIDEO: Fountain of Youth (G2) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/636)
NEXT START - TBA.
COURT VISION - One-paced colt passed tired rivals to finish 3rd in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth on February 24. Not a bad 3yo debut and could certainly improve off of this race. Has won 3 of 5 lifetime (and 2 placings) including the Grade 2 Remsen going 1 1/8 miles at Aqueduct on November 24 and the Grade 3 Iroquois for a mile at Churchill Downs on October 28. Bred by Farish, owned by WinStar, trained by Mott, sired by GULCH, just lots of reasons to like this well bred colt.
VIDEO: Fountain of Youth (G2) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/636) | VIDEO: Remsen Stakes (G2) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/267)
NEXT START - TBA.
DENIS OF CORK - Remains undefeated after 3 career starts including a big win in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes going 1 1/16 miles at Oaklawn Park on February 18. He did benefit in that race by being the best closer while catching the benefit of a fast pace up front. This colt broke his maiden at Churchill Downs last year so there's no question that he likes the track. He's by sire HARLAN'S HOLIDAY and out of the UNBRIDLED mare UNBRIDLED GIRL.
VIDEO: Southwest Stakes (G3) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/579)
NEXT START - Rebel Stakes (G2) on March 15 at Oaklawn.
EL GATO MALO - Has been sharp in the am. On February 15 "The Cat" worked 6f in a nice 1:11.4 over the Santa Anita main track.On February 9 he worked 5 furlongs in :58.3 breezing at Hollywood Park. The West coast clockers rarely give the "breezing" notation so this work was exceptional. EL GATO MALO is Spanish for "The Bad Cat", is the gelded son of EL CORREDOR and is undefeated after 3 career starts. Of those three include the Grade 3 San Rafael going 1 mile on January 12 at Santa Anita (a track record performance) and the 1 mile $75k Gold Rush at Golden Gate on December 15. He has not been asked to run his best yet which means there's no telling how good he really can be. Very promising.
VIDEO: San Rafael (G3) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/382)
NEXT START - Sham Stakes (G3) on March 1 at Santa Anita.
FIERCE WIND - Won the Sam F Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs going 1 1/16 miles on February 16. In this race he showed that he can rate off the pace and close ground late to win. Previously he had won 2 races in a row in gate to wire fashion including a 5 1/4 length score in a 1st level allowance event at Gulfstream on January 21. This colt is by DIXIE UNION (and AP INDY damsire - dam is multiple stakes producer POST PARADE) and trained by Nick Zito and those are all extra positives for this colt.
VIDEO: Sam F Davis Stakes (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/570)
NEXT START - Tampa Bay Derby on March 15 or the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 29
GEORGIE BOY - Worked 5f in :59.2 at Hollywood Park in preparation for the San Felipe. Remains sharp with a 6-3-2-1 career mark. Won the Grade 2 San Vicente at 7 furlongs on February 10 at Santa Anita. He took over late in the stretch and drew off from favorite INTO MISCHIEF to win by 3 1/4 lengths. This Kathy Walsh trainee was also a winner at the 7 furlong Del Mar Futurity in his 2yo finale. He really doesn't have the pedigree for a classic distance but then again thoroughbreds in this day and age have been out-running their bloodlines.
VIDEO: San Vicente Stakes (G2) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/506)
NEXT START - San Felipe Stakes (G2) on March 15 at Santa Anita.
GIANT MOON - Has a steady work tab of 5f breezes in prep for the Gotham Stakes to which he will bring his perect 4-4-0-0 record into. May be a New York Bred however he is by GIANT'S CAUSEWAY (sire) with CAPOTE (damsire). The colt is undefeated after 4 starts which include 2 NY Bred stakes and the open $75k Count Fleet. He has some speed and likes to fight for the lead which is not really a solid recipe for Kentucky Derby success. Still deserves a mention here.
NEXT START - Aqueduct Gotham Stakes (G3) on March 8 at Aqueduct.
INTO MISCHIEF - Finished 2nd in the Grade 2 San Vicente at 7 furlongs on February 10 at Santa Anita but this was his 1st start of the year and is pointed towards the San Felipe Stakes on March 15 at Santa Anita. Won the Grade 1 Cash Call Futurity on Dec. 22 at Hollywood Park going 1 1/16 miles and was 2nd best in the 7f Hollywood Prevue. Owned by B. Wayne Hughes and trained by the capable Richard Mandella.
VIDEO: San Vicente Stakes (G2) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/506) | VIDEO: Cash Call Futurity (G1) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/439)
NEXT START - San Felipe Stakes (G2) on March 15 at Santa Anita.
MONBA - Another one who disappointed in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth finishing dead last. He was squeezed back hard on the 1st turn and might just have gotten injured. We'll see what pops into the news about him soon. Has the same sire and a very similar run style as Kentucky Derby winner MONARCHOS. This $200,000 yearling sale purchase was a late closing 4th in the Grade 1 $750,000 Cash Call Futurity (Dec. 22) but was only 2 lengths behind the winner. Previously he won a 1st level allowance going 1 mile at Churchill Downs. Trained by top dog Todd Pletcher who has been working him steadily down at Palm Beach Downs training track.
VIDEO: Fountain of Youth (G2) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/636) | VIDEO: Cash Call Futurity (G1) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/439)
NEXT START - TBA.
PYRO - Won the Grade 3 Risen Star on February 9 at the Fairgrounds. He was very impressive in victory as he was dead last as they turned for home and then weaved in and out of horses like they were standing still. Pyro came home the last 1/4 in a fierce 22.3! "Unbelievable," jockey Shaun Bridghmohan said, watching the replay of the stretch run afterward. "I never even hit him." It was more impressive seeing that he made such a great late move coming off a slow pace. He's been training with stablemete CURLIN which might just be a genius decision by trainer Steve Asmussen. Had a nice 2yo season finishing 2nd in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile and in the Grade 1 Champagne. This PULPIT colt has never finished off the board in 5 career starts. He obviously has a very strong late move and has the ability to lay 2nd flight off of a fast pace.
VIDEO: Risen Star Stakes (G3) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/499) | VIDEO: Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/264)
NEXT START - Fair Grounds Louisiana Derby (G2) on March 8 at Fair Grounds.
WAR PASS - Made a victorious 3yo debut in a non-condition $60k allowance as he won easily and effortlessly going 8f at Gulfstream on February 24 (Fountain of Youth card). The heavily favored 1-9 shot broke right on top at the start and was hard held by Cornelio Velasquez. Even though CV looked like a statue on him, WAR PASS ran the 2nd quarter mile in a swift :22.3 and came home the final quarter in :24.2 while still never being asked to run. The champ remains a perfect 5 for 5 on top. Had been smokin' in the a.m. in prep for his 3yo debut including a 4 furlong move in a blistering :46.4 over the deep training track at Palm Meadows on February 2. Won the 1 1/16 miles Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile which is no longer a jinxed race. Also won the Grade 1 Champagne at a mile in New York. This CHEROKKE RUN colt remains undefeated after 4 lifetime starts and is trained by the very capable Nick Zito. The colt is pure speed.
VIDEO: Allowance Race at Gulfstream (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/637) | VIDEO: Breeders. Cup Juvenile (G1) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/264)
NEXT START - Tampa Bay Derby (G3) March 15.
Z FORTUNE - Finished 2nd best in the Grade 3 Risen Star on February 9 at the Fairgrounds. He did have the lead briefly at the stretch turn but was no match for PYRO down the lane. New York bred was undefeated after 3 starts and got the unusual ship in victory at the Fair Grounds in the Grade 3 Lecomte. This SIPHON colt has good speed but is not a need to lead type. He proved that in the Lecomte.
VIDEO: Risen Star Stakes (G3) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/499) | VIDEO: Lecomte Stakes (G3) (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/videos/381)
NEXT START - Louisiana Derby on March 8 or Rebel Stakes on March 15.
Several To Keep An Eye On: ALAAZO is undefeated after 2 starts including a 1st level allowance going 9 furlongs at Gulfstream on February 4. This son of A.P. Indy has the bloodlines and the connections to make it big. ATONED (by sire REPENT) has quietly compiled a 7-2-4-0 career mark highlighted by his neck defeat to COURT VISION in the G2 Remsen back in November. He has been training well at Palm Beach Downs for 3yo debut for trainer Todd Pletcher and owners Doogwood Stable. CHECK IT TWICE is another who has a solid worktab down at PBD. This other son of REPENT won the $100k Whatapleasure going 8 1/2 furlongs at Calder in 2yo finale. COAST GUARD finished 2nd to CROWN OF THORNS (out injured) in the Grade 2 Bob Lewis at Santa Anita on February 2. COSMIC just broke his maiden on the Fountain of Youth under-card. He has outstanding pedigree out of the Dinny Phipps owned dam, millionaire Eclipse champion HEAVENLY PRIZE who won eight Grade I races from two to four. COSMIC is by outstanding sire EL PRADO and keeps improving with every start. COWBOY CAL has a 4-3-1-0 record on the turf and is by sire GIANT'S CAUSEWAY and trained by top dog Todd Pletcher. 'Cal is bred to run all day top and bottom. ELYSIUM FIELDS finished a game 2nd in the G2 Fountain of Youth. This is another son of EL PRADO who is improving with each start. High profile connections here as well and trained by Barclay Tagg. INDIAN SUN is an honest colt by INDIAN CHARLIE who finished 2nd in the G2 San Rafael and was then the victim of a slow pace in the G2 Bob Lewis. Has since won an allowance event of the turf. J BE K is undefeated after 2 starts but has yet to run longer than 6 furlongs. Is trained by Baffert and owned by the Zayat Stables. KODIAK KOWBOY finished 3rd in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile finishing out a 2yo season that produced 4 wins and over a 1/2 million in earnings. Has been training well at the Fair Grounds for 3yo debut for Steve Asmussen. MAJESTIC WARRIOR has not raced since his disappointing effort in the G1 Champagne back in October. Previously he was an impressive winner in the G1 Hopeful at Saratoga. This son of A.P. INDY has been legging up at Payson Park Training Center. Owned by 'The Boss' Steinbrenner along with Tabor and Smith. RACECAR RHAPSODY is a late running closer who finished 4th in the Grade 3 Delta Jackpot but only 1 3/4 lengths behind the winner. He was 3rd in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes but was only a 1/2 length behind ANAK NAKAL. This TALE OF THE CAT colt was a $400,000 yearling sale purchase and has rock solid late pace figures and speed figures. Trained by Ken McPeek. TALE OF EKATI finished 4th in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile after winning the G2 Futurity as a 2yo. Has looked sharp in the a.m for Barclay Tagg down at Palm Meadows Training Center. YANKEE BRAVO is undefeated after 3 starts including the $150k Calderby at Golden Gate back on January 27.
2/25/2008 8:04 PM http://FullCardReports.com (http://fullcardreports.com/)
Other links:
http://www.fullcardreports.com/images22/redflag.gif 2008 Graded Stakes Earnings (http://www.fullcardreports.com/CAP/2008-Graded-Earnings-Kentucky-Derby.htm) - The top 20 Kentucky Derby contender graded stakes earners
http://www.fullcardreports.com/images22/redflag.gif 2008 Triple Crown Trail (http://www.fullcardreports.com/CAP/2008_Triple_Crown_Trail.asp)- Upcoming 3yo Kentucky Derby prep races
http://www.fullcardreports.com/images22/redflag.gif 2008 Triple Crown Trail Results (http://www.fullcardreports.com/CAP/2008_Results_Triple_Crown_Trail.asp)- Kentucky Derby contender prep race results
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