Suff
02-05-2003, 12:59 AM
1 -- Vindication/Bob Baffert; Seattle Slew-Strawberry Reason, by Strawberry Road
Baffert has given him a few extra days between works. He returned to the track Feb. 3 and Bafert said everything looks good. He should work sometime during the week. No decision where he'll make his first start.
2 -- Kafwain/Bob Baffert; Cherokee Run-Swazi's Moment, by Moment of Hope
Looked awesome winning the San Vicente in his 3-year-old debut, totally outclassing three highly touted speedsters in 1:21 for 7 furlongs. Enough stamina influences in female family to suggest he'll go on.
3 -- Empire Maker/Bobby Frankel; Unbridled-Toussaud, by El Gran Senor
A lot of questions will be answered Feb. 7 when he makes his 3-year-old debut in the nine-furlong Sham Stakes. Frankel will be satisfied with nothing less than a victory. Drilled a sharp 6 furlongs in 1:12 3/5 in company with Midas Eyes.
4 -- Sky Mesa/John Ward; Pulpit-Caress, by Storm Cat
Had an easy 5-furlong breeze in 1:05 at Palm Beach Downs Feb. 3. Ward said he has no idea when the colt will be ready to run. "When Baffert makesup his mind I'll make up mine. Maybe Bob and I can have a match race and get this prep out of the way."
5 -- Domestic Dispute/Bob Baffert; Unbridled's Song-Majestical Moment, by Magesterial
Bouncedout of Santa Catalina victory in great shape; breezed a half in :47 4/5 on Feb. 1. Long, lean staying-type with an impressive stride. Has a lot going for him. Baffert will wait for the San Felipe on Mar. 16.
6 -- Toccet/John Scanlan; Awesome Again-Cozzene's Angel, by Cozzene
Will move back up near top after he returns to the track. Scanlan said they're just waiting and walking him every day, and that he's expected to resume training around Feb. 15. Private Terms, Wood Memorial on tap.
7 -- Offlee Wild/Thomas V. Smith; Wild Again-Alvear, by Seattle Slew
Turned in a sharp 5-furlong breeze in 1:00 3/5 at Gulfstream in first work back since his Holy Bull victory. He appears to have all the tools, and a distance-oriented pedigree. Just needs to be tested for class.
8 -- Ten Cents a Shine/Kenny McPeek; Devil His Due-Aunt Mottz, by Honey Jay
Took a step forward in 3-year-old debut, dead-heating for win in a 1 1/16-mile allowance against a tenacious opponent who could be any kind. Showed more professionalism and early foot, and willingness to battle.
9 -- Powerful Touch/Ken McPeek; Touch Gold-Punch Bowl, by Two Punch
Not much separating him and Offlee Wild. Ran a gutsy race, battling back at the end to miss by a head. Came out of the race with a slight foot bruise. He's a big, lanky colt and will skip the Fountain of Youth and wait for the Florida Derby.
10 -- Seattle Hoofer/Michael Stidham; Seattle Slew-Star of Broadway, by Broad Brush
We'll find out a lot more about him in the Risen Star. He'll have to step up in class. Breezed a half in :50 1/5 on Jan. 31. Showed he's a very talented colt, but he's still a bit green and needs to work on his lead changes.
11 -- Indy Dancer/Todd Pletcher; A.P.Indy-Dance With Grace, by Mr. Prospector
Pletcher still giving him slow breezes at Palm Meadows. Breezed 6 furlongs in 1:16 2/5 for Fountain of Youth. Powerful stretch runner, but needs to be closer to the pace at Gulfstream if he hopes torun down top-quality horses.
12 -- Saintly Look/Dallas Stewart; Saint Ballado-Sensational Eyes, by Roman Majesty
Passed a big test in Lecomte, breaking from the 11-post, dueling head and head through solid fractions, then drawing off. But big guns in field didn't fire, so he'll have to show he can do it again in Risen Star.
13 -- Scrimshaw/D. Wayne Lukas; Gulch-Rogue Girl, by Sham
Lukas gavehim some time to put on weight after the Santa Catalina. Was too sharp coming off 1:08 1/5 allowance victory. Lukas said he ran too fast too early. Worked a sharp 5 furlongs in 1:00 2/5 on Feb. 1. No decision on next start.
14 -- Senor Swinger /Mickey Goldfine; El Prado-Smooth Swinger, by Kris S.
Ran impressively in Gulfstream allowance race, making a strong move on the turn, then digging in and holding off a classy opponent in Ten Cents a Shine to score a dead-heat victory. Only second career start, coming off maiden win at Hawthorne. Will have no problem going long.
15 -- Robledo
Rebounded from disastrous start in Santa Catalina to beat a tough opponent in Turf Paradise Derby on his home track. Stalked Siberland, overcame traffic problems and wore down his opponent, finishing 17 3/4 lengths ahead of third-place finisher. Deceptively strong predigree and should run all day.
16 -- Badge of Silver/Ronny Werner; Silver Deputy-Silveroo, by Silver Hawk
Breezed 7 furlongs in 1:28 3/5 at Fair Grounds. Exciting colt and has won both his career starts in brilliant fashion. Very impressive in 3-year-old debut, coming off long layoff to run off with a 6-furlong allowance race by 7 lengths in 1:09 3/5. Despite speed, he's bred to go long.
17 -- Whywhywhy/Patrick Biancone; Mr. Greeley-Thorough Fair, by Quiet American
Continues to work brilliantly for 3-year-old debut in Fountain of Youth. Followed Worked :59 2/5 work at Santa Anita with 7-furlong move in 1:25 4/5. Classy colt and a grade I winner, but distance capabilities are in question. However, broodmare sire has already sired a Kentucky Derby winner.
18 -- Lion Tamer/Todd Pletcher; Will's Way-Tippecanoe Creek, by Olympio
Pletcher still not convincedhe's a mile and a quarter horse. We won't find out much in the 7-furlong Hutcheson Stakes, but he may be a Came Home type who just keeps winning as he stretches out. Breezed 5 furlongs in 1:03 2/5 at Palm Meadows.
3YO's that are being discounted as Contenders
Bham (Boston Harbor) The male influences in the pedigree are the primary clues whether a horse will be more effective in sprints or at a route. With just one glance at Bham's pedigree, it is clear that he will not be comfortable beyond nine furlongs, if he even gets that far. Sired by Boston Harbor, juvenile champion in 1996 (by champion 2-year-old and speed influence Capote), and out of a mare by speed influence Gone West, Bham should be kept to distances under 1 1/16 miles.
Boston Bull (Boston Harbor) Also sired by Boston Harbor, Boston Bull gets stamina from his dam's sire, Pleasant Colony, but that may not be enough for him to be dangerous at 1 1/4 miles. Boston Bull gets class from his dam, Delicacy, who produced middle distance stakes winners Majestic Dy (Dynaformer) and Skip a Grade (Honor Grades), who were both by stamina influences. But with Boston Harbor as his sire, Boston Bull will be best at distances up to one mile.
Bull Market (Holy Bull) While he surprised nearly everyone winning at 1 1/4 miles, Holy Bull was an aberration for his sire (Great Above), and the majority of his offspring prefer distances up to 1 1/8 miles, at best. Having Capote as his dam's sire only accentuates his predilection for speed rather than stamina.
Champali (Glitterman) Champali was a multiple stakes winner at 2, but like other sons of speed influence Glitterman (Dewan), he will find 1 1/4 miles well beyond his capability. Glitterman has had a highly successful career as a stallion. In 2001, his son Balto Star was tabbed as a Derby threat off brilliant victories in the Turfway Spiral Stakes and Arkansas Derby, both at 1 1/8 miles. Balto Star found the Derby distance too far as a 3-year-old, and only was able to stretch out to longer distances as an older horse, when he finished second in the Man o' War Stakes on grass.
Colita (Grindstone) A member of Unbridled's first crop, Grindstone won the Kentucky Derby in 1996 but has been predominantly a speed influence as a sire. Few remember that Grindstone was a precocious juvenile, winning a five-furlong maiden race at Belmont Park in early June of his 2-year-old year. His offspring inherited his speed but they have yet to be successful at 1 1/4 miles. Colita descends from a good female family, which has produced stakes winners such as Too Many Sweets, I'm Sweets, and Jaggery John. His dam's sire is the versatile Dixieland Band, but his second dam's sire is Full Pocket, who is strictly a source of speed.
Domestic Dispute (Unbridled's Song) Unbridled's Song was also a member of Unbridled's first crop, and like Grindstone, his runners have more speed than stamina. Unbridled's Song's best runners have been Unbridled Elaine, Buddha, Songandaprayer, and Griffinite. While Buddha was injured as a 3-year-old following the Wood Memorial, both Songandaprayer and Griffinite had distance limitations. Domestic Dispute won the Santa Catalina Stakes at 1 1/16 miles, but it came against a modest group.
Echeverria (Awesome Again) Although he is by 1998 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Awesome Again, who is very capable of siring a Derby winner, Echeverria's pedigree is top-heavy with speed influences. His dam's sire is Piccolino and his second dam is by Medieval Man, another strict source of speed.
Elusive City (Elusive Quality) Although I am enamored by Elusive Quality as a stallion, his runners will have severe distance limitations, especially on the dirt. They are superior sprinter-milers who may stretch out on occasion but likely will find 1 1/4 miles beyond their scope. Elusive City, a top European juvenile, is also out of a mare by top sprinter Dayjur.
Omega Code (Elusive Quality) Also sired by Elusive Quality, Omega Code has strong stamina influences on his female side and he may eventually stretch out to middle distances, but most likely as a mature older horse. His dam, Tin Oaks, is by Deputy Minister and is out of the multiple stakes winner Squan Song (by the noted stamina influence Exceller). Omega Code's fourth dam is a full sister to champions Bold Lad and Successor, and his fifth dam is Misty Morn, a champion in 1955 and the dam of five stakes winners.
Baffert has given him a few extra days between works. He returned to the track Feb. 3 and Bafert said everything looks good. He should work sometime during the week. No decision where he'll make his first start.
2 -- Kafwain/Bob Baffert; Cherokee Run-Swazi's Moment, by Moment of Hope
Looked awesome winning the San Vicente in his 3-year-old debut, totally outclassing three highly touted speedsters in 1:21 for 7 furlongs. Enough stamina influences in female family to suggest he'll go on.
3 -- Empire Maker/Bobby Frankel; Unbridled-Toussaud, by El Gran Senor
A lot of questions will be answered Feb. 7 when he makes his 3-year-old debut in the nine-furlong Sham Stakes. Frankel will be satisfied with nothing less than a victory. Drilled a sharp 6 furlongs in 1:12 3/5 in company with Midas Eyes.
4 -- Sky Mesa/John Ward; Pulpit-Caress, by Storm Cat
Had an easy 5-furlong breeze in 1:05 at Palm Beach Downs Feb. 3. Ward said he has no idea when the colt will be ready to run. "When Baffert makesup his mind I'll make up mine. Maybe Bob and I can have a match race and get this prep out of the way."
5 -- Domestic Dispute/Bob Baffert; Unbridled's Song-Majestical Moment, by Magesterial
Bouncedout of Santa Catalina victory in great shape; breezed a half in :47 4/5 on Feb. 1. Long, lean staying-type with an impressive stride. Has a lot going for him. Baffert will wait for the San Felipe on Mar. 16.
6 -- Toccet/John Scanlan; Awesome Again-Cozzene's Angel, by Cozzene
Will move back up near top after he returns to the track. Scanlan said they're just waiting and walking him every day, and that he's expected to resume training around Feb. 15. Private Terms, Wood Memorial on tap.
7 -- Offlee Wild/Thomas V. Smith; Wild Again-Alvear, by Seattle Slew
Turned in a sharp 5-furlong breeze in 1:00 3/5 at Gulfstream in first work back since his Holy Bull victory. He appears to have all the tools, and a distance-oriented pedigree. Just needs to be tested for class.
8 -- Ten Cents a Shine/Kenny McPeek; Devil His Due-Aunt Mottz, by Honey Jay
Took a step forward in 3-year-old debut, dead-heating for win in a 1 1/16-mile allowance against a tenacious opponent who could be any kind. Showed more professionalism and early foot, and willingness to battle.
9 -- Powerful Touch/Ken McPeek; Touch Gold-Punch Bowl, by Two Punch
Not much separating him and Offlee Wild. Ran a gutsy race, battling back at the end to miss by a head. Came out of the race with a slight foot bruise. He's a big, lanky colt and will skip the Fountain of Youth and wait for the Florida Derby.
10 -- Seattle Hoofer/Michael Stidham; Seattle Slew-Star of Broadway, by Broad Brush
We'll find out a lot more about him in the Risen Star. He'll have to step up in class. Breezed a half in :50 1/5 on Jan. 31. Showed he's a very talented colt, but he's still a bit green and needs to work on his lead changes.
11 -- Indy Dancer/Todd Pletcher; A.P.Indy-Dance With Grace, by Mr. Prospector
Pletcher still giving him slow breezes at Palm Meadows. Breezed 6 furlongs in 1:16 2/5 for Fountain of Youth. Powerful stretch runner, but needs to be closer to the pace at Gulfstream if he hopes torun down top-quality horses.
12 -- Saintly Look/Dallas Stewart; Saint Ballado-Sensational Eyes, by Roman Majesty
Passed a big test in Lecomte, breaking from the 11-post, dueling head and head through solid fractions, then drawing off. But big guns in field didn't fire, so he'll have to show he can do it again in Risen Star.
13 -- Scrimshaw/D. Wayne Lukas; Gulch-Rogue Girl, by Sham
Lukas gavehim some time to put on weight after the Santa Catalina. Was too sharp coming off 1:08 1/5 allowance victory. Lukas said he ran too fast too early. Worked a sharp 5 furlongs in 1:00 2/5 on Feb. 1. No decision on next start.
14 -- Senor Swinger /Mickey Goldfine; El Prado-Smooth Swinger, by Kris S.
Ran impressively in Gulfstream allowance race, making a strong move on the turn, then digging in and holding off a classy opponent in Ten Cents a Shine to score a dead-heat victory. Only second career start, coming off maiden win at Hawthorne. Will have no problem going long.
15 -- Robledo
Rebounded from disastrous start in Santa Catalina to beat a tough opponent in Turf Paradise Derby on his home track. Stalked Siberland, overcame traffic problems and wore down his opponent, finishing 17 3/4 lengths ahead of third-place finisher. Deceptively strong predigree and should run all day.
16 -- Badge of Silver/Ronny Werner; Silver Deputy-Silveroo, by Silver Hawk
Breezed 7 furlongs in 1:28 3/5 at Fair Grounds. Exciting colt and has won both his career starts in brilliant fashion. Very impressive in 3-year-old debut, coming off long layoff to run off with a 6-furlong allowance race by 7 lengths in 1:09 3/5. Despite speed, he's bred to go long.
17 -- Whywhywhy/Patrick Biancone; Mr. Greeley-Thorough Fair, by Quiet American
Continues to work brilliantly for 3-year-old debut in Fountain of Youth. Followed Worked :59 2/5 work at Santa Anita with 7-furlong move in 1:25 4/5. Classy colt and a grade I winner, but distance capabilities are in question. However, broodmare sire has already sired a Kentucky Derby winner.
18 -- Lion Tamer/Todd Pletcher; Will's Way-Tippecanoe Creek, by Olympio
Pletcher still not convincedhe's a mile and a quarter horse. We won't find out much in the 7-furlong Hutcheson Stakes, but he may be a Came Home type who just keeps winning as he stretches out. Breezed 5 furlongs in 1:03 2/5 at Palm Meadows.
3YO's that are being discounted as Contenders
Bham (Boston Harbor) The male influences in the pedigree are the primary clues whether a horse will be more effective in sprints or at a route. With just one glance at Bham's pedigree, it is clear that he will not be comfortable beyond nine furlongs, if he even gets that far. Sired by Boston Harbor, juvenile champion in 1996 (by champion 2-year-old and speed influence Capote), and out of a mare by speed influence Gone West, Bham should be kept to distances under 1 1/16 miles.
Boston Bull (Boston Harbor) Also sired by Boston Harbor, Boston Bull gets stamina from his dam's sire, Pleasant Colony, but that may not be enough for him to be dangerous at 1 1/4 miles. Boston Bull gets class from his dam, Delicacy, who produced middle distance stakes winners Majestic Dy (Dynaformer) and Skip a Grade (Honor Grades), who were both by stamina influences. But with Boston Harbor as his sire, Boston Bull will be best at distances up to one mile.
Bull Market (Holy Bull) While he surprised nearly everyone winning at 1 1/4 miles, Holy Bull was an aberration for his sire (Great Above), and the majority of his offspring prefer distances up to 1 1/8 miles, at best. Having Capote as his dam's sire only accentuates his predilection for speed rather than stamina.
Champali (Glitterman) Champali was a multiple stakes winner at 2, but like other sons of speed influence Glitterman (Dewan), he will find 1 1/4 miles well beyond his capability. Glitterman has had a highly successful career as a stallion. In 2001, his son Balto Star was tabbed as a Derby threat off brilliant victories in the Turfway Spiral Stakes and Arkansas Derby, both at 1 1/8 miles. Balto Star found the Derby distance too far as a 3-year-old, and only was able to stretch out to longer distances as an older horse, when he finished second in the Man o' War Stakes on grass.
Colita (Grindstone) A member of Unbridled's first crop, Grindstone won the Kentucky Derby in 1996 but has been predominantly a speed influence as a sire. Few remember that Grindstone was a precocious juvenile, winning a five-furlong maiden race at Belmont Park in early June of his 2-year-old year. His offspring inherited his speed but they have yet to be successful at 1 1/4 miles. Colita descends from a good female family, which has produced stakes winners such as Too Many Sweets, I'm Sweets, and Jaggery John. His dam's sire is the versatile Dixieland Band, but his second dam's sire is Full Pocket, who is strictly a source of speed.
Domestic Dispute (Unbridled's Song) Unbridled's Song was also a member of Unbridled's first crop, and like Grindstone, his runners have more speed than stamina. Unbridled's Song's best runners have been Unbridled Elaine, Buddha, Songandaprayer, and Griffinite. While Buddha was injured as a 3-year-old following the Wood Memorial, both Songandaprayer and Griffinite had distance limitations. Domestic Dispute won the Santa Catalina Stakes at 1 1/16 miles, but it came against a modest group.
Echeverria (Awesome Again) Although he is by 1998 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Awesome Again, who is very capable of siring a Derby winner, Echeverria's pedigree is top-heavy with speed influences. His dam's sire is Piccolino and his second dam is by Medieval Man, another strict source of speed.
Elusive City (Elusive Quality) Although I am enamored by Elusive Quality as a stallion, his runners will have severe distance limitations, especially on the dirt. They are superior sprinter-milers who may stretch out on occasion but likely will find 1 1/4 miles beyond their scope. Elusive City, a top European juvenile, is also out of a mare by top sprinter Dayjur.
Omega Code (Elusive Quality) Also sired by Elusive Quality, Omega Code has strong stamina influences on his female side and he may eventually stretch out to middle distances, but most likely as a mature older horse. His dam, Tin Oaks, is by Deputy Minister and is out of the multiple stakes winner Squan Song (by the noted stamina influence Exceller). Omega Code's fourth dam is a full sister to champions Bold Lad and Successor, and his fifth dam is Misty Morn, a champion in 1955 and the dam of five stakes winners.