2013 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint Post Positions

Here are the post positions for the $1,000,000 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (gr. I), to be run on November 2nd at Santa Anita Park:

1 Jeranimo/Victor Espinoza

2 Rock Me Baby/Joe Talamo

3 Chips All In/Julien Leparoux

4 Reneesgotzip/Edwin Maldonado

5 Caracortado/Gary Stevens

6 Boat Trip/Rafael Bejarano

7 Tightend Touchdown/Javier Castellano

8 Handsome Mike/Mario Gutierrez

9 Capo Bastone/Joel Rosario

10 Havelock/James Graham

11 Spring to the Sky/John Velazquez

12 Mizdirection/Mike Smith

13 Dimension/D. Moran

14 Unbridled's Note/Corey Nakatani

-Keelerman

2013 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint Pre-Entries

Here are the pre-entries for the $1,000,000 Geico Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (gr. I), to be run on November 2nd at Santa Anita Park:

Geico Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (gr. I)
Distance: About 6 1/5 furlongs on turf
Post Time: 2:05 PM PDT

Boat Trip
Capo Bastone
Caracortado
Chips All In
Cristoforo Colombo
Dimension
Handsome Mike
Havelock
Jeranimo
Mizdirection
Obviously
Reneesgotzip
Rock Me Baby
Silver Max
Spring to the Sky
Tightnd Touchdown
Tour Guide
Unbridled's Note

Notes:
Boat Trip has second preference in the Breeders' Cup Mile.
Capo Bastone has second preference in the Breeders' Cup Sprint.
Cristoforo Colombo has first preference in the Breeders' Cup Mile.
Jeranimo has second preference in the Breeders' Cup Mile.
Obviously has first preference in the Breeders' Cup Mile.
Reneesgotzip has second preference in the Breeders' Cup Sprint.
Silver Max has first preference in the Breeders' Cup Mile.

Derby Trial Stakes entries: Titletown Five gets one last shot at making Derby

Although the 2013 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) is little more than a week away, the field may not be completely finalized. One prep race -- that being the $175,000 Derby Trial Stakes (gr. III) at Churchill Downs -- remains on the schedule, and the twenty points offered to the winner may very well be sufficient to secure a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate.

A field of nine has been entered in the one-mile race, led by the promising colt Titletown Five. Trained by D. Wayne Lukas, the colt broke his maiden at Churchill last year in a spectacular performance, but a minor injury has forced him to play catch-up this year. Titletown Five returned in March to finish second in the Gazebo Stakes at Oaklawn Park, then ran ninth in the Louisiana Derby (gr. II) after getting involved in a speed duel. Returning to the sight of his biggest victory, and making his third start off the layoff, Titletown Five may just have what it takes to win the Derby Trial and secure his spot in the Kentucky Derby. Gary Stevens has the mount from post nine.

Other prominent entrants include Zee Bros, an impressive maiden winner from the barn of Bob Baffert; Forty Tales, runner-up in the Hutcheson Stakes (gr. II) two starts back for trainer Todd Pletcher; Capo Bastone, who ran third in last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I); and Officer Alex, winner of the Bachelor Stakes at Oaklawn Park last time out.

Post Positions:
1 Officer Alex
2 Ruler of Love
3 Zee Bros
4 Forty Tales
5 Ruble
6 Capo Bastone
7 Tour Guide
8 G. T. Tabu
9 Titletown Five

Black Onyx wins Spiral Stakes at 15-1

Black Onyx succeeded in pulling off a surprising upset in the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Racing Spiral Stakes (gr. III) at Turfway Park, rallying for a 1 1/2-length triumph at odds of 15.70-1.

With jockey Joe Bravo aboard, Black Onyx settled into mid-pack early on in a field of twelve, about four lengths off the pace set by Mac the Man, who set moderate fractions of :23.74, :48.30, and 1:13.00 seconds. Giant Finish and Taken by the Storm were racing second and third, followed closely by Uncaptured, Black Onyx, and Fear the Kitten. My Name is Michael, Balance the Books, Channel Isle, Capo Bastone, For Greater Glory, and General Election were the trailers. Capo Bastone, who stumbled at the start, seemed to dislike the kick-back in his face.

The positions remained relatively unchanged throughout much of the race, but approaching the three-eighths pole, Taken by the Storm moved up to take command of the lead and loomed a serious contender for the win. However, Black Onyx soon came running on the far outside, rallying past Taken by the Storm just prior to the eighth pole to seize command of the race. From there, the outcome was never really in question, as Black Onyx stayed on strongly to win by 1 1/2 lengths over the late-rallying Uncaptured. The final time for nine furlongs was 1:51.98 seconds.

Giant Finish presented a moderate rally to claim third place, while Taken by the Storm weakened in the final furlong to finish fourth. Fear the Kitten, For Greater Glory, Channel Isle, My Name is Michael, Capo Bastone, General Election, Balance the Books, and Mac the Man completed the order of finish; the latter was eased to the wire.

Owned by Sterling Racing and trained by Kelly Breen, Black Onyx is a son of Rock Hard Ten out of the Cape Town mare Kalahari Cat. He has compiled a record of three wins and a second from five starts, with earnings of $407,810.

-Keelerman

Triple Crown Countdown 3-23-13

If you had told me two years ago that the Spiral Stakes (gr. III) at Turfway Park would -- in the span of two years -- produce a Kentucky Derby winner and a Kentucky Derby fourth-place finisher, I never would have believed it. Yet that is exactly what has happened, with 2011 Spiral winner Animal Kingdom claiming the Run for the Roses and 2012 victor Went the Day Well finishing a fast-closing fourth in the Derby.

So it is with newfound respect that I analyze the 2013 edition of the Spiral, which -- thanks to a new sponsorship agreement -- is officially known as the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Racing Spiral Stakes. No longer is the Spiral simply an enjoyable race for third-tier Derby contenders -- it is most undoubtedly one of the major prep races, and that is reflected in the new Kentucky Derby qualification point system, which has the Spiral as one of the final fifty-point Derby preps. As a result, a field of twelve has been entered in this year's renewal of the race, and several of them look as though they could be a factor in Louisville.

First and foremost is Uncaptured, who had a simply spectacular juvenile season, concluding a 6-for-7 campaign with a gritty victories in the Iroquois Stakes (gr. III) and Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs. Various hoof issues have kept him on the sidelines since then, but he's ready to roll now, as his recent one-mile workout at the Ocala Training Center suggests. Obviously, he's a bit behind schedule for making the Derby -- he'll likely have to come back in the Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) three weeks from now in order to get enough foundation to be a serious Derby contender -- but this race is a great starting point for him, and with a 4-for-5 record on Polytrack, he shouldn't have any trouble handling the Turfway main track.

Balance the Books appears to be his primary opposition, based on a strong third-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (gr. I) last November. A two-time graded stakes winner, Balance the Books will be making both his synthetic track and three-year-old debut today, which does set up the possibility of a sub-par performance. But all that aside, Balance the Books possesses a simply terrific turn-of-foot, and should be finishing fast in the final furlong.

Now, Uncaptured and Balance the Books are the morning line favorite, with respective odds of 3-1 and 7-2. Showcasing the unknown factor in most of the runners is the fact that Capo Bastone (9-2 odds) is the only other entrant listed at less than 10-1. And there's no denying that he deserves it -- he finished third in both the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) and FrontRunner Stakes (gr. I) last year, and returned to win an allowance race at Gulfstream Park last month by a determined head. But the fact is, his Beyer speed figures have been very low -- for the most part, he has run figures in the upper 70s, and actually decreased to a 69 in allowance victory. Furthermore, he has drawn gate twelve in the Spiral, which raises the possibility that he could be caught very wide on the turns.

So if all three of the favorites have questions to answer -- Uncaptured and Balance the Books regarding their layoffs, and Capo Bastone concerning his speed figures and post draw -- are we on the verge of witnessing a monumental upset?

Well, "monumental" isn't exactly the right word, because the longest longshot on the morning line is 20-1, but an upset is a distinct possibility. Personally, I like the chances of My Name Is Michael, who finished a fast-closing third in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr. III) last month despite a less-than-perfect trip. He also has an admirable record of Polytrack, having broken his maiden at Woodbine last year and finished second in the Display Stakes.

Local stars Mac the Man and General Election also merit a great deal of respect. The former is unbeaten in three starts here at Turfway, which includes dominating victories in the 96Rock Stakes and Turfway Park Prevue Stakes. The latter enters off of an impressive win in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes, in which he turned in an eight-wide rally to win by a determined half-length.

Rounding out the field are Giant Finish and For Greater Glory, the 2-3 finishers in the John Battaglia; Black Onyx, sharp winner of turf allowance race at Gulfstream last month; Fear the Kitten, who has placed in both the Southwest Stakes (gr. III) and LeComte Stakes (gr. III) this year; Channel Isle, fourth in the Southwest; and Taken by the Storm, sixth to Capo Bastone in that one's allowance win and subsequent winner of a turf allowance race at Gulfstream. Any and all of them could contend under the right circumstances, and quite frankly, I won't be surprised if any of them win.

Selections: My Name is Michael, Balance the Books, General Election

-Keelerman

Spiral Stakes entries: Uncaptured returns to the races

Uncaptured, winner of the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs last November, is scheduled to make his first start since that victory when he faces eleven rivals in the $550,000 Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Racing Spiral Stakes (gr. III) at Turfway Park.

The nine-furlong race was won two years ago by Animal Kingdom, who went on to win the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) six weeks later at Churchill Downs. Uncaptured, who has been dealing with hoof issues for several months, will be looking to take a similar route to the Derby, although it is not out of the question that he could start in second prep race three weeks from from now.

Uncaptured's primary opposition is expected to come from Balance the Books, who finished third in last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (gr. I), and Capo Bastone, who was third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I). Mac the Man, winner of three straight races at Turfway Park, and My Name Is Michael, who was third in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr. III) at Tampa Bay Downs last month, are other prominent entrants.

Post Positions:
1 Balance the Books
2 Channel Isle
3 Uncaptured
4 Fear the Kitten
5 My Name is Michael
6 For Greater Glory
7 Mac the Man
8 General Election
9 Black Onyx
10 Giant Finish
11 Taken by the Storm
12 Capo Bastone

-Keelerman

Capo Bastone wins return at Gulfstream Park

He had to work hard for it, but Capo Bastone made his 2013 debut a winning one when he wore down Offlee Fast to win a 1 1/16th miles allowance optional claiming race at Gulfstream Park by a head.

The son of Street Boss was making his first start since finishing third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) last November at Santa Anita Park. Sent off as the 3-2 favorite under jockey John Velazquez, Capo Bastone got hung wide entering the first turn, and soon found himself racing on the outside in fifth place as Offlee Fast led the way through quick fractions of :22.60 and :46.66 seconds. Duke of the City, Edge of Reality, and Sky Commander were his closest pursuers, while Irsaal, Taken by the Storm, and Finn's Quest trailed the field.

Following three-quarters of a mile in 1:12.84, Capo Bastone advanced strongly on the outside to challenge Offlee Fast for the lead, but the leader was not yet will to relinquish his advance, and dug in gamely turning for home. The two colts then staged a thrilling battle to the wire, with Capo Bastone edging his game rival by a head.

The final time over the sloppy track was 1:48.16. Finn's Quest rallied well to finish third, beaten about three lengths, while Duke of the City, Irsaal, Taken by the Storm, Edge of Reality, and Sky Commander completed the order of finish.

The winner is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and is trained by Todd Pletcher. He has now compiled a record of 2-0-2 from 5 starts, with earnings of $314,100.

-Keelerman

Triple Crown Countdown 2-16-13

Although there are three Kentucky Derby prep races scheduled for this weekend -- officially only two, since the San Vicente isn't worth any points -- this weekend is actually just an appetizer for what is to come. Next week, the second stage of the Kentucky Derby prep schedule begins, with the value of each prep race jumping from 10 points to the winner to a massive 50 points to the winner.

This week's Triple Crown Countdown shall be split into three separate posts, each one covering one of the three weekend prep races. The first one, which you are currently reading, will cover the El Camino Real Derby (gr. III). The second, which shall be posted tomorrow, will cover the San Vicente Stakes (gr. II). The last, scheduled for Monday, will discuss the Southwest Stakes (gr. III).

So without further ado, let's get started!

El Camino Real Derby (gr. III)

Nine furlongs at Golden Gate Fields

To me, this race looks like a two-horse battle between Manando and Zeewat, who are -- not surprisingly -- the two favorites. The first-mentioned colt is one of two Bob Baffert-trainees entered in the race, and is coming off of a sharp third-place finish to Goldencents and Den's Legacy in the Sham Stakes (gr. III) at Santa Anita. What was encouraging about his performance that day was that he set a very honest pace -- 1:10.06 for three-quarters of a mile -- and fought on tenaciously in the homestretch when challenged by Goldencents. Now, there are plenty of other speedy horses in this race, so the possibility exists that Manando could get caught up in a destructive pace duel. But on the other hand, it's also possible that Manando is simply the best horse in the race.

Zeewat has won three stakes races and is a perfect 2-for-2 since adding blinkers, but lacks the same flashy Beyer speed figures of Manando. However, what he does have is experience at Golden Gate Fields, and a proven ability to overcome traffic issues. Last time out, he was forced to check sharply at the start of the California Derby, but quickly settled into fourth position and rallied well in the stretch to win by a half-length. And don't forget that he is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer and will be ridden by Russell Baze, the two kings of Northern California racing.

If anyone can upset the top two choices, it's probably Baffert's other runner, Carving. The colt broke his maiden first time out for a claiming price at Del Mar, then stepped up to win the C. B. Afflerbaugh at Fairplex Park over next-out stakes winner Monument. That effort was followed by a distant fourth in the FrontRunner Stakes (gr. I), a victory in the Real Quiet Stakes, and a poor sixth in the CashCal Futurity (gr. I). Stepping down into grade III company today, Carving should have every chance at regaining his best form, and has the speed to be a presence from the start. I expect to see him settle just off of the early lead, perhaps in second or third, before attacking in the homestretch.

The remainder of the field would have to showcase major improvement to win. Wildcat Moon was beaten just a half-length by Zeewat in the California Derby, but that was after he ducked in sharply at the start and caused Zeewat to check. He's got decent speed, but stretching out to nine furlongs against this company will be a very difficult task. Rush In and Nina's Dragon finished just a half-length apart when second and third to the talented Greeley Awesome in a recent allowance race, and while both have flashed talent, Rush In was soundly beaten by Zeewat three starts back, and neither have run a Beyer speed figure over 77. Dice Flavor broke his maiden nicely at Betfair Hollywood Park two starts back, and was beaten just three-quarters of a length in an allowance optional claiming race at Santa Anita last time out, but is trying synthetic for the first time, and has yet to earn a Beyer over 74. Nevertheless, his sire is Scat Daddy, whose son Daddy Nose Best won this race last year, and he's shown a nice turn-of-foot on the turf, so Dice Flavor could potentially be a very overlooked contender in this race. North Pacific began his career at Hastings Park, and comes into this race off a nice victory going six furlongs here at Golden Gate, but he's facing winners for the first time and seems better sprinting. Rounding out the field is Counting Days, who won a maiden claiming race at Keeneland last fall by 10 1/4 lengths before finishing seventh in the Generous Stakes and fifth in a six-furlong allowance sprint. The distance and surface seem right, but he'll need a major step forward to defeat this field.

Selections: Manando, Zeewat, Dice Flavor

Other Races of Note

At Gulfstream Park . . .

Race 4: Eight horses were originally entered in this nine-furlong maiden special weight, but the scratch of Quiros will leave seven in the starting gate. Todd Pletcher's Abraham is the morning line favorite off of a nose defeat in his debut sprinting. Being by Distorted Humor out of an El Prado mare, Abraham shouldn't have any trouble with the added distance. Successful Brother has finished second in two consecutive maiden special weights at Calder and Gulfstream, but failed to rally despite a favorable pace scenario on both occasions. Nick Zito's The Candidate turned in a nice rally from well off behind to finish fourth in a one-mile maiden race here at Gulfstream, and should appreciate the added distance. If Abraham gets leg-weary in his first start around two turns, expect The Candidate to be absolutely flying late.

Race 5: This nine-furlong maiden special weight was originally scheduled to be run on the turf, but the race was moved to the main track following heavy rains at Gulfstream, the result being eight scratches. That leaves a field of six to contest the race, led by Todd Pletcher's Unitarian. The colt has been soundly beaten in all three of his starts thus far, but with Pulpit and Dynaformer in his immediate pedigree, he should at least enjoy the distance of today's race -- although it didn't help him last month when he finished fourth in a similar race here at Gulfstream. Personally, I am intrigued by Pontiff, a Dale Romans-trained half-brother to Pulpit. Although he showed nothing when ninth in his debut last month, he has trained well enough since then, and I'm hopeful that he'll show improvement today. Conservationalist, also trained by Romans, could also improve off of a deceptively good sixth in a maiden special weight on the turf.

Race 9: To me, this 1 1/16th miles allowance optional claiming race is one of the highlights of the weekend, for this race marks the return of Capo Bastone. The son of Street Boss ran third in both the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) and FrontRunner Stakes (gr. I) last year, despite trying to rally over speed-favoring tracks on both occasions. Subsequently transferred to the barn of Todd Pletcher, Capo Bastone looks like a deserving favorite in this spot, but if he needs to get a race under his belt before returning to top form, there are plenty of other horses here that could pull off the upset. The most obvious are Sky Commander, runner-up to Dynamic Sky in the Pasco Stakes last month; Duke of the City, who finished second to Orb in a recent nine-furlong maiden special weight; and Edge of Reality, who absolutely romped in his debut at Parx Racing for trainer Anthony Dutrow. Given that Anthony Dutrow's horses rarely win first-time out, one has to think that Edge of Reality could be sitting on a very big performance today.

At Santa Anita Park . . .

Race 7: The two favorites in this seven-furlong maiden special weight are Del Mar Sunset and Okaad, a pair of Bob Baffert-trained colts with a lot of potential. Del Mar Sunset has run once before, finishing third by a half-length behind the highly-regarded pair Demonic and Tiz the Truth in a race identical to this one. Okaad has also run just once, finishing fourth behind romping winner Treasury Bill in a 6-1/2 furlong maiden special weight on January 27th. There are plenty of other promising horses in this race, including the first-time starter Mistaken Identity, but it's hard to envision Baffert losing this race.

-Keelerman

Keelerman's Derby Top Twenty 2-13-13

1. Tiz the Truth (Tiznow - Truly Blessed, by French Deputy) Trained by Bob Baffert

The dam side of Tiz the Truth's pedigree is rather interesting to examine. His broodmare sire is French Deputy, winner of the 1995 Jerome Stakes (gr. II) and a highly successful sire in Japan, his top progeny including 2001 Japan Cup Dirt (Jpn-I) winner Kurofune and 2002 Whitney Invitational (gr. I) winner Left Bank. As for his tail-female family, you can argue that it is a bit weak -- going back three generations, it has produced just one black-type winner, that being Tiz the Truth's half-brother Notional. On the other hand, his third dam is Lady Tramp, winner of the 1967 Alcibiades Stakes and a full-sister to the multiple stakes winner Popular Demand.

2. Titletown Five (Tiznow - D' Wildcat Speed, by Forest Wildcat) Trained by D. Wayne Lukas

Surprise! I'll bet you didn't expect to see him up this high! There are a couple of reasons for his sudden rise in my rankings. First off, I was very encouraged by his sharp workout on February 9th, which signals that he should be ready to make his long-anticipated three-year-old debut sometime in mid-March. Secondly, please note that one of the few horses to have beaten Titletown Five -- Park City -- recently returned from a long layoff to win an allowance race at Gulfstream Park.

3. Normandy Invasion (Tapit - Boston Lady, by Boston Harbor) Trained by Chad Brown

Turned in a bullet workout on February 10th, breezing five-eighths in company with Brown's promising maiden winner Integrity and getting the distance in 1:01.44. From a pedigree perspective, ten furlongs may be a bit far for him, but I still can't get over how impressive his far-turn rally was in the Remsen Stakes last fall. If he can replicate that this year, he should be a contender in Louisville.

4. Itsmyluckyday (Lawyer Ron - Viva La Slew, by Doneraile Court) Trained by Edward Plesa, Jr.

There has been some talk that Itsmyluckyday's pedigree may not carry him a mile and a quarter. Perhaps it isn't the strongest classic pedigree I've ever seen, but the impression that Itsmyluckyday gave me in both the Gulfstream Park Derby and the Holy Bull leaves me with little doubt that he can be successful at ten furlongs. His great tactical speed, coupled with a powerful finishing kick, should make him a force in all the major races to come.

5. Verrazano (More Than Ready - Enchanted Rock, by Giant's Causeway) Trained by Todd Pletcher

His next start is scheduled to come in the $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby (gr. II) on March 9th. I find it interesting to note that Todd Pletcher's lone Derby winner, Super Saver, also used the Tampa Bay Derby as a springboard to Louisville.

6. Shanghai Bobby (Harlan's Holiday - Steelin', by Orientate) Trained by Todd Pletcher

With the plans being not to race him until the Florida Derby (gr. I) at the end of March, it's not surprising that he hasn't turned in a timed workout since the Holy Bull. The two-month gap between prep races is a bit unorthodox, but then again, it's the same pattern that worked for I'll Have Another last year.

7. Revolutionary (War Pass - Runup the Colors, by A.P. Indy) Trained by Todd Pletcher

He has been shipped from New York to Florida to continue his training, which means that he is now considered to be one of Pletcher's first-string runners. A number of options are being contemplated for his next start, including the Florida Derby, Louisiana Derby, and Wood Memorial, but nothing definite has been decided.

8. Flashback (Tapit - Rhumb Line, by Mr. Greely) Trained by Bob Baffert

He's already back on the work tab, having breezed a half-mile in :47.80 on February 12th at Santa Anita. In the San Felipe, I would like to see him really get pressured by Goldencents through a fairly quick pace. And so long as that happens, I don't care if he wins or loses the race -- so long as he is right there at the finish. Kind of like Bodemeister in the 2012 San Felipe Stakes.

9. Violence (Medaglia d'Oro - Violent Beauty, by Gone West) Trained by Todd Pletcher

On February 10th, he turned in his penultimate work for the Fountain of Youth, traversing five furlongs in 1:01.01 in company with Palace Malice. It was definitely a major step in the right direction, and a considerably sharper move than his work from one week earlier, so it appears that Violence is going to be ready to roll on February 23rd.

10. Capo Bastone (Stree Boss - Fight to Love, by Fit to Fight) Trained by Todd Pletcher

Still no word on where this colt will race next. Pletcher already has horses pointing toward the Risen Star, Fountain of Youth, Gotham, Tampa Bay Derby, and Rebel Stakes -- which is pretty much every Derby prep race there is between now and the Spiral Stakes. So with that in mind, it seems likely that Capo Bastone is going to have to run against one on his stablemates -- perhaps in the Fountain of Youth (gr. II) against Violence.

11. War Academy (Giant's Causeway - Cabbage Key, by A.P. Indy) Trained by Bob Baffert

Turned in another really nice workout on February 12th, traversing a half-mile in :47.80 at Santa Anita. It has been confirmed that his next start will come in the San Vicente Stakes (gr. II) on Sunday, so we'll soon be able to get a better feel for what kind of a colt he is.

12. Overanalyze (Dixie Union - Unacloud, by Unaccounted For) Trained by Todd Pletcher

Went five furlongs in a nice 1:01.93 at Palm Meadows on February 10th, another nice step toward a start in the Gotham. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing which Overanalyze shows up in the Gotham -- will we see the one that ground his way to victory in the Remsen, or the one that showcased an eye-catching turn-of-foot to win the Futurity?

13. Oxbow (Awesome Again - Tizamazing, by Cee's Tizzy) Trained by D. Wayne Lukas

Cruised five furlongs in a moderate 1:02.60 this morning, but don't let the slow time fool you -- the track seemed a bit heavy this morning, and his work was actually the second-fastest of the morning at that distance, missing the bullet by just a fifth of a second.

14. Code West (Lemon Drop Kid - Charitabledonation, by Saint Ballado) Trained by Bob Baffert

Breezed a half-mile in :48.00 at Santa Anita on February 12th, after which it was announced that he will make his next start in the Risen Star Stakes (gr. II) at Fair Grounds. The more I think about this colt the more I start to like him, which explains why he is ranked 14th this week after sitting 21st last week.

15. Dynamic Sky (Sky Mesa - Murani, by Distorted Humor) Trained by Mark Casse

His career thus far has been eerily similar to that of his stablemate Prospective. Both Dynamic Sky and Prospective began their careers at Woodbine; both finished off-the-board in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Both began their three-year-old season with a victory in the Pasco; both then ran second in the Sam. F Davis Stakes. Hopefully, Dynamic Sky's Derby dreams will end better than Prospective's, for the latter colt clipped heels at the start of the Derby and wound up eighteenth.

16. Palace Malice (Curlin - Palace Rumor, by Royal Anthem) Trained by Todd Pletcher

Breezed five furlongs in 1:01.01 on February 10th in preparation for a start in the Risen Star Stakes, where he will be ridden for the first time by Rosie Napravnik. As it will be his two-turn debut, I'd just like to see him finish up strongly to secure a spot in the superfecta.

17. Transparent (Bernardini - Habiboo, by Unbridled's Song) Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin

No word yet on where this colt will run next, but he hasn't breezed since his maiden victory on January 26th, so it's probably safe to assume that he won't seem him again until March.

18. Cerro (Mr. Greeley - Ballette, by Giant's Causeway) Trained by Graham Motion

Although his biggest success has come on dirt, Cerro actually has a strong turf pedigree, being a full brother to the stakes-placed two-time turf winner Sacham Spirit. And don't forget that his sire, Mr. Greeley, has produced a number of successful turf runners, including Juddmonte Spinster Stakes (gr. I) winner Aruna. So it should come as no surprise if Cerro takes to the turf strongly in the Palm Beach Stakes (gr. III) next month.

19. Goldencents (Into Mischief - Golden Works, by Banker's Gold) Trained by Doug O'Neill

Turned in yet another bullet workout this morning, cruising six furlongs in 1:13.40 at Santa Anita. O'Neill seems to be training him the same way he trained I'll Have Another last year, with numerous long, quick breezes. Will it result in another Derby success? Time will tell.

20. Proud Strike (Smart Strike - Colonella, by Pleasant Colony) Trained by Steve Asmussen

His next start is scheduled to come in the Risen Star Stakes, where he will face a very deep and very talented field of runners. But here's the interesting part -- jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. rode Proud Strike to his maiden victory, but has chosen to ride recent Fair Grounds allowance winner Departing in the Risen Star. As a result, Proud Strike will be ridden by a new jockey in the Risen Star. That new jockey -- wouldn't you know it! -- is Gary Stevens.

21. Fortify (Distorted Humor - Kotuku, by A.P. Indy) Trained by Mahmoud Al Zarooni.

He's drawn gate four in the UAE 2,000 Guineas (UAE-III), where he will face -- among others -- the unbeaten group I winner Soft Falling Rain and group III winner Glass Office. Please note that Fortify is no longer trained by Kiaran McLaughlin -- he is now trained by Mamoud Al Zarooni.

*****

With a number of major Derby preps coming up over the next several days, we can expect a number of major changes to my next top twenty. Regardless of what happens, you can probably expect to see Dewey Square and Uncaptured back on the list, as both have turned in recent workouts and seem to be back on the right track.

-Keelerman

Capo Bastone entered to race on 2-16-13 at Gulfstream Park

Capo Bastone, who finished third in both the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) and FrontRunner Stakes (gr. I) last year, will make his debut for trainer Todd Pletcher on Saturday in the ninth race at Gulfstream Park, a 1 1/16th miles allowance optional claiming race.

The son of Street Boss was trained throughout his two-year-old season by John Sadler, and compiled a record of 1-0-2 from 4 starts, with earnings of $288,000. Shortly after the Breeders' Cup, Capo Bastone was transferred to Todd Pletcher's barn at Palm Meadows Training Center, where he has been breezing steadily since the beginning of January.

Also entered in the race are Edge of Reality, who broke his maiden by eight lengths at Parx Racing last month, and Sky Commander, runner-up to Dynamic Sky in the Pasco Stakes at Tampa. Both colts are expected to draw a great deal of support in the wagering, and looked poised to pull an upset should Capo Bastone fail to fire his best shot off the layoff.

Post Positions:
1 Offlee Fast
2 Duke of the City
3 Edge of Reality
4 Sky Commander
5 Capo Bastone
6 Taken by the Storm
7 Finn's Quest
8 Irsaal

-Keelerman

Capo Bastone breezes three furlongs

Capo Bastone, third in both the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) and FrontRunner Stakes (gr. I) last fall, returned to the work tab for the first time since the Breeders' Cup when he breezed three furlongs at Palm Meadows Training Center this morning.

Trained by John Sadler throughout his career, but now in the care of Todd Pletcher, Capo Bastone clocked the distance in an easy :39.22 seconds, one of the slowest of the morning at that distance.

Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, the son of Street Boss is being pointed toward a start in the $150,000 Hutcheson Stakes on February 2nd at Gulfstream Park.

-Keelerman

Keelerman's Derby Top Ten 12-28-12

1. Dewey Square (Bernardini - Somethinaboutbetty, by Forestry) Trained by Dale Romans
I was very impressed by his effort in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. After being hung wide on both turns, he appeared to be on his way to a distant defeat at the top of the stretch. However, he seemed to find another gear when challenged by Tesseron and finished very well in the final eighth of a mile, winning his personal duel with Tesseron and closing 2 1/2 lengths on the winner. Coming off of two very easy victories, I was pleased to see him dig deep when it mattered and give it his all.

2. Normandy Invasion (Tapit - Boston Lady, by Boston Harbor) Trained by Chad Brown
He made a simply tremendous run around the final turn of the Remsen Stakes, and while he did flatten out just a bit in deep stretch to be beaten a nose, I think that he has the potential to keep improving with leaps and bounds. Also take note of the fact that the final time in the Remsen -- 1:50.13 -- was a full two seconds faster than Unlimited Budget ran in winning the Demoiselle Stakes one race earlier.

3. Capo Bastone (Stree Boss - Fight to Love, by Fit to Fight) Trained by Todd Pletcher
In my opinion, Capo Bastone's efforts in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and the FrontRunner Stakes were two of the finest performances turned in by a two-year-old this year. In the FrontRunner, he dropped back to last over a very speed-favoring track, yet still rallied to be beaten just a half-length for second. In the Juvenile, he again trailed the field over a speed-favoring surface, yet still rallied to loom menacingly in the stretch before flattening out a bit to finish third. It was later discovered that he had bled. He has since been transferred to the barn of Todd Pletcher and is currently training in Florida.

4. Shanghai Bobby (Harlan's Holiday - Steelin', by Orientate) Trained by Todd Pletcher
You can't deny that Shanghai Bobby has talent. He's unbeaten in five starts, he won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, he won the Champagne, he won the Hopeful . . . you don't sweep that trio if you lack talent. However, speed-favoring tracks seemed to help his chances in both the Juvenile and the Champagne, and he doesn't have the strongest mile-and-a-quarter pedigree.

5. Gulfport (Unbridled's Song - Dream Supreme, by Seeking the Gold) Trained by Dale Romans
This guy has flashed talent since his first start, but really put it all together two starts ago, romping to victory in a seven-furlong maiden special weight at Churchill Downs. He backed up that effort with an impressive triumph in a one-mile allowance race at Churchill Downs, which he won by 2 3/4 lengths in the quick time of 1:35.93. It appears as though the sky is the limit for this talented colt.

6. War Academy (Giant's Causeway - Cabbage Key, by A.P. Indy) Trained by Bob Baffert
He's only made one start, but it was a good one. In a 6-1/2 furlong maiden special weight at Betfair Hollywood Park, War Academy settled back into third while racing three wide, then finished up strongly to win by a commanding 1 3/4 lengths. His final time of 1:17.66 wasn't anything stellar, but this colt is not bred to be a sprinter. He is bred top-and-bottom to be a stayer -- he's a son of Giant's Causeway out of an A.P. Indy mare.

7. Violence (Medaglia d'Oro - Violent Beauty, by Gone West) Trained by Todd Pletcher
It took him a couple of tries, but Violence finally seems to be getting this racing thing figured out. After running greenly to victory in both a maiden special weight and the Nashua Stakes (gr. II), he put it all together in the CashCall Futurity (gr. I), racing along the rail for much of the race before splitting horses in the stretch and drawing off late to win by 1 1/4 lengths. He looks like a good one.

8. Titletown Five (Tiznow - D' Wildcat Speed, by Forest Wildcat) Trained by D. Wayne Lukas
This colt's career has been an interesting one. After losing his first three starts -- while competing against horses like Gulfport, Violence, and Maybe So -- he broke through in terrific fashion last time out, winning a seven-furlong allowance race at Churchill Downs by nine lengths while stopping the clock in 1:23.84. The runner-up, Bradester, was in turn ten lengths clear of the third-place finisher, and has since returned to break his own maiden in impressive fashion.

9. Overanalyze (Dixie Union - Unacloud, by Unaccounted For) Trained by Todd Pletcher
This fine colt showed a tremendous deal of grit in the Remsen Stakes, digging in when challenged by Normandy Invasion in the homestretch to turn certain defeat into victory. For his effort, he earned a Beyer speed figure of 99, one of the highest of the year for a two-year-old colt. The only reason I rank him so low is because he seems to be more of a grinder type, and doesn't have the same turn-of-foot as Normandy Invasion.

10. Long River (A.P. Indy - Round Pond, by Awesome Again) Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin
Beautifully-bred Darley colt lost his first two starts -- albeit against some very good horses -- before breaking through with a three-quarter length triumph going a mile and seventy yards at Aqueduct in rather quick time. He is currently scheduled to contest the Jerome Stakes (gr. II) at Aqueduct on January 5th, where he will get an opportunity to prove himself as an elite Derby contender.

-Keelerman

Shanghai Bobby digs deep to win Breeders' Cup Juvenile

Favored Shanghai Bobby had to fight hard, but got the job done on Saturday in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I), holding off a challenge from He's Had Enough to win the race by a head and sew up the juvenile championship in the process.

Ridden to victory by Rosie Napravnik, Shanghai Bobby didn't get off to the best of starts, but recovered to track Title Contender around the first turn and down the backstretch through quick fractions of :45.55 and 1:10.28. Speak Logistics was also fairly close to the pace, followed then by Monument, Fortify, He's Had Enough, Power Broker, and Capo Bastone.

Coming off the final turn, Napravnik asked her mount for run, and Shanghai Bobby responded by bursting clear of Title Contender and opening up a clear advantage. However, a side effect of this bold run was that Shanghai Bobby completely lost his focus, allowing He's Had Enough to get right up along side him and challenge for the lead. Fortunately, Shanghai Bobby dug back in to preserve the victory while stopping the clock in 1:44.58 seconds.

Disappointing was Power Broker, who got hung wide around the turn before failing to present a challenge. Capo Bastone made a nice middle move to reach contention, but failed to match strides with the top two in the stretch while finishing up third. Fortify rounded out the top four.

The winner is trained by Todd Pletcher and owned by Starlight Racing.

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Workout Report -- October 28th, 2012

It was another super-busy morning across the country, with some fifty candidates turning in workouts across the country. So without further ado, let's take a look at what happened!

At Belmont Park . . .

Todd Pletcher had a very busy morning, sending out four contenders to complete their major training. That quartet was headlined by Shanghai Bobby and Dreaming of Julia, who breezed a half-mile in company with each other. Dreaming of Julia recorded the slightly faster time, stopping the timer in :49.10 versus Shanghai Bobby's :49.12. They are expected to vie for favoritism in their respective Breeders' Cup races.

Pletcher also sent out Filly and Mare Sprint contender Turbulent Descent to work a half in an easy :48.97 seconds. The four-time grade I winner is coming off of a sub-par finish in the Gallant Bloom Handicap (gr. II) at Belmont Park, but her subsequent training signals that she is ready to roll.

The undefeated Kauai Katie, who is pre-entered in both the Juvenile Sprint and the Juvenile Fillies, breezed five furlongs in 1:01.41 for Pletcher. As decision has still not been made regarding which race she will enter.

Other Breeders' Cup contenders on the Belmont work tab included Belle of the Hall (Filly and Mare Sprint, 4f in :49.08), Brilliant Speed (Classic, 4f in :49.01), Manuka Honey (Juvenile Fillies Turf, 4f in :49.12), Mucho Macho Man (Classic, 4f in :48.38), and The Lumber Guy (Sprint, 4f in :48.27).

At Betfair Hollywood Park . . .

A total of six Breeders' Cup contenders finished up their serious training at Hollywood Park this morning, led by two-time grade II winner and Breeders' Cup Mile candidate Obviously. The Mike Mitchell-trainee seemed quite sharp going six furlongs in 1:12.60, which was just a fifth of a second slower than the fastest of the morning. I have felt for a while that this colt is up to the challenge of beating Wise Dan and Excelebration, and I do believe this workout confirms that he is ready.

Also breezing six furlongs were the John Shirreffs-trained pair Nereid and Star Billing, both preparing for the Filly and Mare Turf. The quicker of fillies was Nereid, runner-up in the Rodeo Drive Stakes (gr. I). Her time of 1:13.00 was the third-fastest of the morning. Star Billing, runner-up in the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (gr. I) two starts back, got the distance in 1:13.40.

Other morning workers were Camp Victory (Turf Sprint, 5f in 1:00.20), Chosen Miracle (Turf Sprint, 5f in 1:02.60), and Worth Repeating (Marathon, 5f in 1:02.40.)

At Churchill Downs . . .

The only Breeders' Cup contender out for morning training was the two-year-old filly Broken Spell, most recently second in the Darley Alcibiades Stakes (gr. I). The D. Wayne Lukas-trainee breezed a half-mile in :50.40 over a muddy track, the third time that she has gone that distance during the last two weeks. Time will tell if she's up to the task of defeating Executiveprivilege and Dreaming of Julia, but she does appear to have maintained her form well and should be sitting on another good run.

A few miles away, at the Churchill training track, Breeders' Futurity (gr. I) winner Joha went five-eighths in an easy 1:02.40 over a muddy track.

At Delaware Park . . .

With Grace Hall preparing to face the likes of Awesome Feather and Royal Delta in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. I), one would hope that she is training as well as possible. She confirmed that she is in good form this morning when she clocked a half-mile in :47.80, the fastest of twenty-seven such works at Delaware Park this morning. Trained by Anthony Dutrow, the daughter of Empire Maker is coming off of an impressive victory in the Indiana Oaks (gr. III)

At Fair Hill . . .

Nearctic Stakes (gr. I) winner Next Question, pointing for a start in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, was the star of the morning. The Michael Trombetta-trainee could not have gone better in his final pre-Breeders' Cup breeze, as his half-mile time of :48 flat was the fastest of the morning over the all-weather training track. The fact that he has experience over six furlongs should help his chances in the 6-1/2 furlong Turf Sprint, where many of his rivals are coming off of much shorter races.

At Keeneland . . .

An intriguing quintet of Breeders' Cup contenders were out and about at Keeneland this morning, all of them breezing of the Polytrack. First and foremost -- at least in terms of time -- was the two-year-old filly Oscar Party, pointing toward a start in the Juvenile Fillies Sprint (gr. I). The Wayne Catalano-trainee went exceptionally well, breezing five-eighths in 1:00.60, the third-fastest work of the morning. Most recently fourth in the JPMorgan Chase Jessamine Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland, the daughter of Dixie Union does seem to be improving as she prepares for the toughest race of her young career.

Also going five furlongs was Willcox Inn, coming off of a strong runner-up effort to Wise Dan in the Shadwell Turf Mile (gr. I). Preparing for a rematch with his Shadwell conqueror in the Breeders' Cup Mile, Willcox Inn breezed a sharp five-eighths in company with the two-year-old filly Every Way, stopping the timer in 1:00.80.

Trainer Tom Amoss sent out a pair of contenders, including Phoenix Stakes (gr. III) winner Sum of the Parts. Pointing toward a start in the Sprint, the three-year-old son of Speightstown breezed a half-mile in :47.60, the fifth fastest of forty-five works at the distance. The other Amoss-trainee, Turf Sprint candidate Global Power, went the distance in :50 flat.

Also on the work tab was Wesley Ward's grade I-placed filly Sweet Shirley Mae, who went a half-mile in :49.80. She is pre-entered in both the Juvenile Fillies and the Juvenile Sprint.

At Santa Anita Park . . .

Over two dozen Breeders' Cup candidates were out for training this morning, easily the busiest pre-Breeders' Cup morning thus far at Santa Anita. In alphabetical order, the horses were:

Bourbon Bay - Breeders' Cup Turf candidate breezed six furlongs in 1:13.40 over the turf course and will clearly be much sharper on Saturday, while making his second start off a layoff, than he was when finishing eighth in the John Henry Turf Championship Stakes (gr. II) last month.
Capo Bastone - The third-place finish in the FrontRunner Stakes (gr. I) went an excellent six furlongs in company with Key Reversal, his time of 1:11.60 being the second-fastest of the morning. Overall, his workouts since the FrontRunner have been terrific, and assuming that the track is less speed-favoring than it was on the day of the FrontRunner, I think that Capo Bastone has the ability to finish off his late run on Saturday to win the Juvenile in a mild upset.
Commander - Breeders' Cup Marathon contender breezed a solid five-eighths in 1:00.40 and seems to be maintaining his form well.
Dry Summer - Looked sharp breezing three-quarters of a mile with stablemate Gabriel Charles, but recorded the much slower time -- 1:13.80 seconds versus 1:12.60 for Gabriel Charles. However, Gabriel Charles was asked to make up several lengths during the workout, so his time was obviously going to be quicker. I thought both went quite well and look ready to roll.
Executiveprivilege - The undefeated favorite for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies breezed six furlongs in company with Sir Allison, but her time of 1:14.20 wasn't nearly as quick as her 1:12 flat work on October 21st. Now, the slowness of the breeze is probably nothing to be concerned about, but it would have been nice to have seen something just a little bit sharper in her final piece of serious training.
Gabriel Charles - As describe above, he worked in comapny with Dry Summer and recorded the faster time.
Gervinho - Zuma Beach Stakes winner went a half-mile in :48.80 on the turf; an average breeze, true, but he has never been particularly impressive in the morning.
In Lingerie - Spinster (gr. I) winner breezed a half-mile in company with the talented Turbo Compressor and was much the best, getting the distance in :46.60 versus the colt's :47.40. She is pre-entered in both the Ladies' Classic and the Filly and Mare Turf, but given how well she has been training on turf, I would have to think that the Filly and Mare Turf is the direction they're leaning.
John Scott - Coming off of a disappointing third-place in the California Cup Classic, this Dirt Mile candidate could not have gone much better, as his time of 1:00.40 was one of the faster five-furlong works of the morning. With questions still lingering in regards to his affinity for the track, this workout will go a long way toward dispelling the beliefs that he may be better on synthetic surfaces.
Lady of Shamrock - This two-time grade I winner faces the difficult task of winning the Filly and Mare Turf off of no races since August, but she has turned in several lengthy workouts during the past couple of weeks, including seven furlongs in 1:28.20 this morning. Of some concern is the fact that she was much, much sharper one week ago when traversing that same distance in 1:26.20, but I'm going to assume that her work today was simply a maintenance move.
Little Mike - His time of 1:01.80 was the slowest five-eighths of the morning over the turf course, but that is normal for him. It should set him up well for the Breeders' Cup Mile or Turf, whichever race his connections choose to run him in.
Love and Pride - Worked a half-mile in company with the two-year-old filly Tara From the Cape, and both  stopped the timer in :48 flat. It was an excellent breeze for both of them, and they look fit and ready heading into their respective Breeders' Cup races.
Mizdirection - Winning the Turf Sprint off of no starts since May will not be an easy task, but Mizdirection showed that fitness will not be an issue when she breezed five furlongs in a bullet :59.20 over the turf course. I don't think she could be doing any better.
Moonwalk - Dale Romans-trainee went five-eighths on turf in 1:01.60, slightly faster than stablemate Little Mike, but not a particularly impressive work overall. However, it is worth noting that she worked five furlongs in 1:04.20 prior to her victory in the Jessamine Stakes (gr. III) last time out.
Reneesgotzip - Breezed five furlongs in a super-sharp :59.40 over the turf course, and it seems that she will have no difficulty handling the surface in the Turf Sprint, should her connections choose to run her there rather than in the Filly and Mare Sprint.
Renee's Queen - Went six furlongs in 1:14 flat in company with Out for Revenge, a breeze that was actually the sixth-quickest of the morning. Howver, according to DRF.com, she was tiring badly at the finish.
Second City - Pointing toward a start in the Dirt Mile or Sprint, this promising colt went six furlongs in the same time as Renee's Queen, but DRF.com notes that Second City was much more impressive. His workmate was the grade I-placed six-year-old Hyades.
Shackleford - Two-time grade I winner went five-eighths in 1:00 flat, a very impressive breeze indeed and one that should set him up quite well for the Dirt Mile. He is clearly rounding back into form following a disappointing summer campaign and looks ready to improve upon his runner-up finish in the Dirt Mile one year ago.
Smiling Tiger - Recorded the fastest half-mile work of the morning by three-fifths of a second, getting the distance in :46.80 from the gate. He has been rather disappointing in all three of his starts this year, but this speed-sharpening work should help him be more involved early on than he has been all year.
Stormy Lucy - Breezed six furlongs over the turf in 1:14.60 in preparation for the Filly and Mare Turf, an average maintenance work that should set her up well for Friday's race.
Super Ninety Nine - Working in company with the grade I-place filly Candrea, this Bob Baffert-trainee went five furlongs in :59.40 and really could not have gone any better. Taking on the likes of Beholder and Merit Man in the Juvenile Sprint will not be an easy task, but this son of Pulpit clearly possesses a great deal of natural talent and looks ready to give Baffert a second straight win in the Juvenile Sprint.
Switch - Twice runner-up in the Filly and Mare Sprint, Switch has not had a particularly good season this year and may be nearing the end of her career, but after she breezed six furlongs in a bullet 1:11.20, it's clear that she may have another good run left in her. Competing over her home track, where she has won a pair of grade I sprints, she might even be up to defeating Groupie Doll and finally experiencing Breeders' Cup glory.
Tara From the Cape - As mentioned above, she went a half-mile in company with Love and Pride and stopped the time in a good :48 flat. She is pointing toward a start in the Juvenile Fillies Turf.
Trinniberg - Three-time graded stakes winner was quite sharp going a half-mile in :47.40, the second fastest of the morning at that distance. Coming off of a very strong effort runner-up effort in the Gallant Bob Stakes at Parx Racing, he does seem ready to turn in another good run, but will be facing older horses for the first time and will undoubtedly find the task a bit more difficult.
Turbo Compressor - As outlined above, this grade I winner worked in company with the three-year-old filly In Lingerie and simply wasn't quite as good as she, getting the distance in :47.40. Pre-entered in both the Mile and the Turf, he'll be facing a very tough task in either spot.
Under Review - Pointing toward a start in the Juvenile Turf, this Wayne Catalano-trainee traversed six furlongs over the turf course in an average 1:14.60.

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Contender Profile: CAPO BASTONE

Owner: Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners

Trainer: John Sadler

Breeder: Hargus and Sandra Sexton

Most Recent Jockey: Victor Espinoza

RACE RECORD

Age 2

3rd FrontRunner Stakes (gr. I)

4th Del Mar Futurity (gr. I)

1st Maiden Special Weight

PEDIGREE

		Street Cry
	Street Boss
		Blushing Ogygian
Know More
		Fit to Fight
	Fight to Love
		Love Is Love

To read what I have written about Capo Bastone in the past, click here.

Power Broker breaks maiden in FrontRunner Stakes

Coming into the $250,000 FrontRunner Stakes (gr. I), Power Broker had not won a race from three starts. Yet in the end he proved much the best against ten other juveniles, bursting clear at the top of the stretch and drawing away to win by 6 1/2 lengths.

Ridden to victory by Rafael Bejarano, Power Broker showed speed from the start and soon settled into the third position as Carving and Know More led the way through fractions of :23.19 and :47.53 seconds. The Whole Deal, Den's Legacy, and Dirty Swagg comprised the mid-pack runners, while Dry Summer, Imperative, Gabriel Charles, Wild Student, and Capo Bastone were the early trailers.

Following three-quarters of a mile in 1:12.45, Carving and Know More maintained their advantage, but Power Broker was gearing up with a strong run on the outside that soon put him in front. Under strong urging from Bejarano, the colt extended his lead with powerful strides, opening up a two-length lead past the eighth pole. He continued to extend his advantage throughout the final furlong, eventually hitting the wire in front by 6 1/2 lengths while stopping the clock for 1 1/16th miles in 1:44.44 seconds.

Know More held second by a half-length over Capo Bastone, who closed strongly from last to secure the show. Carving, Den's Legacy, The Whole Deal, Gabriel Charles, Dry Summer, Dirty Swagg, Imperative, and Wild Student completed the order of finish.

A son of Pulpit out of the Wild Again mare Shop Again, Power Broker is trained by Bob Baffert and owned by Gary and Mary West.

-Keelerman

FrontRunner Stakes Entries: 11 juveniles battle for berth in BC Juvenile

A field strong and talented field of eleven two-year-old colts has been entered in the $250,000 FrontRunner Stakes (gr. I), to be held on Saturday at Santa Anita Park. The 1 1/16th miles race -- which is a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile -- was known in previous years as the Norfolk Stakes (gr. I).

Among the major contenders expected to vie for favoritism are Know More, winner of the Best Pal Stakes (gr. II), and Den's Legacy, a promising maiden winner from the barn of Bob Baffert.

PP	Horse	Weight	Jockey	Trainer
1	Carving	122	Martin Garcia	Bob Baffert
2	Gabriel Charles	122	Joe Talamo	Jeff Mullins
3	Dirty Swagg	122	David Flores	Myung Kwon Cho
4	The Whole Deal	122	Edwin Maldonado	Steve Knapp
5	Dry Summer	122	Rosie Napravnik	Jeff Mullins
6	Imperative	122	Aaron Gryder	Eoin Harty
7	Know More	122	Garrett Gomez	Doug O'Neill
8	Capo Bastone	122	Victor Espinoza	John Sadler
9	Den's Legacy	122	Alonso Quinonez	Bob Baffert
10	Power Broker	122	Rafael Bejarano	Bob Baffert
11	Wild Student	122	Ignacio Puglisi	Paul Aguirre

-Keelerman

ROLLING FOG WINS THE DEL MAR FUTURITY!

Rolling Fog stamped himself as a two-year-old to watch with his impressive victory in the $300,000 Del Mar Futurity (gr. I) on Wednesday night at Del Mar, giving trainer Bob Baffert an incredible eleventh victory in the prestigious race.

Ridden to victory by Rafael Bejarano, Rolling Fog showed speed from the start and soon settled into the second position, just a half-length behind Caballo del Cielo as that colt set fractions of :22.91 and :45.89. Scherer Magic, Switch to the Lead, and Capo Bastone were also up close, with favored Know More racing in sixth. Pure Loyalty, Gabriel Charles, Heir of Storm, The Whole Deal, and Ive Struck a Nerve were the early trailers.

Turning for home, Bejarano asked Rolling Fog to run, and the son of Posse responded with a burst of speed that carried him past Caballo del Cielo and into the lead. Know More finished up strongly in the center of the racetrack, but Rolling Fog had enough left in the tank to hold off his late run by 1 1/4 lengths. The final time for seven furlongs was 1:22.96.

Scherer Magic raced evenly for third, finishing a nose in front of stablemate Capo Bastone. Caballo del Cielo, Gabriel Charles, Switch to the Lead, The Whole Deal, Ive Struck a Nerve, Pure Loyalty, and Heir of Storm completed the order of finish.

The winner is owned by Arnold Zetcher and is now undefeated in two starts.

-Keelerman

Del Mar Futurity Entries and Post Positions

Here are the entries and post positions for the $300,000 Del Mar Futurity (gr. I), to be run on September 5th at Del Mar. The prestigious seven-furlong race has drawn a large and evenly-matched field of twelve, including Best Pal Stakes (gr. II) winner Know More and promising debut winners Gabriel Charles and Capo Bastone.

1 Gabriel Charles
2 Capo Bastone
3 Switch to the Lead
4 Yankee Rebel
5 Know More
6 Heir of Storm
7 The Whole Deal
8 Pure Loyalty
9 Caballo del Cielo
10 Rolling Fog
11 Scherer Magic
12 Ive Struck a Nerve

-Keelerman