2009 Kentucky Derby trail news and notes (March 10th)
March 10, 2009 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under California Racing, Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Kentucky Derby, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers, Triple Crown
I Want Revenge uncorked a 113 BSF en route to a romping Gotham Stakes (G3) tally (replay below) while trying conventional dirt for the first time. He showed quality on synthetic, and his connections (Mullins/Talamo) were spot-on in saying he would move up on dirt. He will ship back to his Hollywood Park base before returning to the Big A for the Wood Memorial on April 4th.
Imperial Council ran a quality race to grab the place in his first start around two turns. If you like Shug’s well bred colt, don’t give up on him because the …read more
2009 Kentucky Derby trail: Grade 3 Gotham Stakes
March 6, 2009 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Kentucky Derby, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Trainers
Aqueduct’s $250k Gotham Stakes is an important two turn graded test for Derby hopefuls, and the final local prep for the $750k Wood Memorial (G1) at nine furlongs on April 4th.
Masala was clearly 2nd best behind stablemate Take the Points at the Gulf last time, and that one came back to finish a fine 2nd behind The Pamplemousse in the Sham Stakes (G3) last weekend. Todd Pletcher is 23% 2nd off a layoff, and his strong late pace fig last time bodes well for his route chances.
Imperial Council is a $130k Keeneland sales grad with the best pedigree …read more
2009 Kentucky Derby trail news and notes (March 2nd)
March 2, 2009 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under California Racing, Horses, Jockeys, Kentucky Derby, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers, Triple Crown
Fountain of Youth
Early/pressing type Quality Road (Elusive Quality) was easily best over clear runner-up Theregoesjojo (Brahms) in the one-turn mile (113 BSF). The aforementioned duo are expected to go next in the Florida Derby, which will be their initial foray around two turns. Without route foundation, they could be in deep water on the 1st Saturday in May, but they are serious players over the Gulfstream speedway, especially the winner. Don’t be shocked in either or both ship out of town (Wood Memorial?) for the next engagements.
Graded route hero Beethoven (Sky Mesa) ran on well to land the …read more






