Dreaming of Julia spectacular in Gulfstream Oaks

Narrowly favored Dreaming of Julia stamped herself as a heavy favorite for the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) this May when she romped to a jaw-dropping 21 3/4-length victory in the $300,000 Gulfstream Oaks (gr. II) this afternoon at Gulfstream Park.

Ridden to victory by John Velazquez, Dreaming of Julia -- who won the Frizette Stakes (gr. I) as a two-year-old last year -- broke cleanly and quickly settled into second place as Live Lively set a respectable pace of :23.43 and :47.18. Cue the Moon and Emollient were tracking them in third and fourth, followed by Original Script and Kimberly Jean.

Following three-quarters of a mile in 1:11.16 seconds, Dreaming of Julia moved up to take command from Live Lively, and then -- in the blink of an eye -- she was five lengths in front. Then ten lengths. Then twelve lengths. Under a hand ride from Velazquez, Dreaming of Julia drew off with remarkable ease to win by an almost unprecedented margin while stopping the clock for nine furlongs in a sharp 1:48.97 seconds.

Live Lively held second by four lengths over Cue the Moon, but was never a match for the winner. Kimberly Jean, Emollient, and Original Script completed the order of finish.

The winner is trained by Todd Pletcher and owned by Stonestreet Stables. A daughter of A.P. Indy out of the Wild Rush mare Dream Rush, Dreaming of Julia has now compiled a record of four wins, a second, and a third from six starts, with earnings of $767,000.

-Keelerman

Animal Kingdom romps in Dubai World Cup

Animal Kingdom became the first American-based horse to win the $10,000,000 Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (UAE-I) when unleashed a spectacular turn-of-foot to seize command of the world's richest race and win by two lengths.

Ridden to victory by Joel Rosario, Animal Kingdom flashed speed from the start of the race and soon found himself racing in second, right behind two-time Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic winner Royal Delta. Hunter's Light was tucked behind them along the rail, followed closely by Side Glance, Meandre, and Treasure Beach. Dullahan, Red Cadeaux, African Story, Planteur, Capponi, and Kassiano were the trailers.

Through fractions of :26.59, :50.02, and 1:13.63 Royal Delta led the way, but approaching the homestretch Animal Kingdom surged past her to seize command of the lead. From there, the race was over, as Animal Kingdom kept pouring on speed to win the race in simply spectacular fashion. The final time was 2:03.21.

Red Cadeaux made a solid rally along the inside to secure second, nearly five lengths clear of Planteur and Side Glance. African Story, Meandre, Hunter's Light, Treasure Beach, Kassiano, Royal Delta, Dullahan, and Capponi completed the order of finish.

A son of Leroidesanimaux out of the Acatenango mare Dalicia, Animal Kingdom is trained by Graham Motion and owned by Team Valor International and Arrowfield Stud. He has now compiled a record of 5-5-0 from 12 starts, with earnings of $8,387,500.

-Keelerman

Sajjhaa much the best in Dubai Duty Free

The six-year-old mare Sajjhaa completed a simply spectacular Meydan meet when she won the $5,000,000 Dubai Duty Free Sponsored by Dubai Duty Free (UAE-I) by a powerful two lengths, a victory that marked her fourth consecutive group stakes victory at Meydan this winter.

Ridden to victory by Silvestre De Sousa, Sajjhaa settled back in mid-pack early on as American hopeful Little Mike led the way through modest fractions. Rounding the final turn, De Sousa guided her through an opening along the rail to seize command of the lead, after which the results were never in question. Sajjhaa did not allow any of the deep closers to threaten, holding them all clear to win in powerful fashion while stopping the clock for 1,800 meters in a quick 1:47.92 seconds.

The Apache rallied mildly for second place, while Giofra finished third. Little Mike failed to showcase his typical stretch kick and wound up finishing thirteenth of fourteen.

Owned by Godolphin and trained by Saeed bin Suroor, Sajjhaa is a daughter of King's Best out of Anaamil, by Darshaan.

-Keelerman

Keelerman's Derby Top Twenty 3-29-13

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

Completed his preparation for the Florida Derby by traversing a half-mile in :49 2/5 at Calder on March 23rd. He drew well for tomorrow's big test, being assigned gate three, so at least we won't have to worry about him getting hung wide on the first turn. The only real concern is that he has Shanghai Bobby drawn to his inside and Merit Man drawn to his outside, meaning that he could potentially get caught in the middle of a skirmish for the lead. Then again, perhaps he'll rate behind them in third place and make his move later. Whatever he does, he needs to finish in the top two to guarantee himself enough points to make the Kentucky Derby field.

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

Unlike the majority of Pletcher's potential Derby colts, Verrazano has already secured his berth in the Derby by merit of his Tampa Bay Derby win. As a result, his exact finish in the Wood Memorial is not important -- although to be frank, anything less than a victory would be disappointing. Hopefully, we'll get an opportunity to see him rate off the lead, but given his natural speed, he may simply find himself in front by default.

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

He will pick up the services of Gary Stevens for the Arkansas Derby, which I thought was an interesting decision. Would it not be a simply spectacular story if Stevens and Lukas were to win the Derby together on the twenty-fifth anniversary of their triumph with Winning Colors? Given the circumstances, that would be practically unprecedented.

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

A lot has been written about how unfortunate it is that juvenile champion has yet to earn his way into the Derby, and while that may be so, it's not as though achieving that goal is going to be difficult. All he has to do is finish in the Florida Derby trifecta, and given his credentials, that shouldn't pose any problem. I look forward to seeing how he handles the additional sixteenth of a mile.

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

Drawing post position three in the Louisiana Derby probably wasn't the luckiest thing, given Revolutionary's tendency to break slowly, but as I wrote last week, the long homestretch should help him to overcome any traffic issues that he may encounter. But once again, he needs a good effort to secure a trip to the Derby, as he currently possesses just ten Kentucky Derby qualification points.

6. Orb (Malibu Moon - Lady Liberty, by Unbridled) Trained by Shug McGaughey

What's interesting about his run in the Fountain of Youth was that -- despite coming from off-the-pace -- he was actually running some very stiff internal fractions, including a sub-1:10 six furlongs. If he were to do that again, it would likely put him on the lead in the Florida Derby, which would be unprecedented. Therefore, it is more likely that he settles back once again behind a moderate pace, which should leave him with an even stronger kick for the homestretch.

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

He has been confirmed as an Arkansas Derby starter, where he will be ridden by Mike Smith. Hmm . . . where have I heard that before? A Baffert colt in Arkansas with Smith as the rider? Sounds like Bodemeister, doesn't it? Yes, it does. And I truly think that War Academy can one-up Bodemeister by not only winning the Arkansas Derby, but the Kentucky Derby as well. I'm expecting a bright future for this colt.

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

Well, it's now or never. Either he finishes in the Louisiana Derby exacta and secures his berth in the Derby, or he doesn't. On paper, he appears to be the lone speed, so perhaps he can take them all the way on the front end. But I suspect (okay, I know) that I have become attached to this colt in much the same way that I did Dublin in 2010, and my opinion of him is probably biased. :)

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

The presence of his stablemate Super Ninety Nine in the Santa Anita Derby may be very clever strategy on Baffert's part, as the speedy Super Ninety Nine will likely go to the lead, allowing Flashback to try and settle back with a target to run at. If this learning experience were to go as planned, it would help Flashback's chances immensely in the Derby, where the ability to rate off the leaders is extremely valuable.

10. Hear the Ghost (Ghostzapper - Rehear, by Coronado's Quest) Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer

There's nothing to dislike about the way he's training for the Santa Anita Derby, as his 1:13.60 six-furlong breeze at Hollywood last week was very strong. He's already secured enough points to make the Derby, so a top-two effort next week is not imperative. I'd just like to see him settle back off of what will hopefully be a moderate pace, then finish up well to crack the trifecta.

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

He returns to Fair Grounds this Saturday to contest the Louisiana Derby, where his grinding style should help him take advantage of the long homestretch. Any improvement upon his runner-up effort in the Risen Star should enable him to finish in the top three, which would assure him a berth in the Derby.

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

Like Code West, he is returning to Fair Grounds for a shot at the Louisiana Derby, but unlike Code West, a third-place finish will not secure him enough Derby points -- he will need to finish second or better. That's certainly a distinct possibility, but unless Pletcher runs 1-2 with Revolutionary and Palace Malice, it is likely that one of these highly-regarded Pletcher colts will end up without enough points to make the Derby.

13. Vyjack (Into Mischief - Life Happened, by Stravinsky) Trained by Rudy Rodriguez

Breezed five furlongs in a bullet :59.07 at Aqueduct on March 22nd, signaling his readiness for next week's Wood Memorial. Unfortunately, with Rudy Rodriguez dealing with a possible extension of his current suspension, the possibility exists that someone else will be the trainer of record for that race. Regardless, Rodriguez should be back in action before the Kentucky Derby.

14. Will Take Charge (Unbridled's Song - Take Charge Lady, by Dehere) Trained by D. Wayne Lukas

Using the Blue Grass Stakes as a final prep is an interesting choice, but since this colt doesn't need any additional Derby points, there really isn't a reason to stay in Arkansas and run against Oxbow again. Those who question whether he'll handle the Polytrack at Keeneland have a valid point, but remember, he did break his maiden there last fall.

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

Like many others, he's got a difficult task to conquer heading into his final Derby prep, that is, securing enough points to make the Derby. That fifth-place finish in the Risen Star really hurt, as it left him with just four points on his record and just one more race in which to earn more. Fortunately, he seems to be training well, having turned in a pair of bullet five-furlong works at Palm Meadows during the last two weeks.

16. Departing (War Front - Leave, by Pulpit) Trained by Albert Stall, Jr.

Completed his training for the Louisiana Derby by breezing a half-mile in :47.20 at Fair Grounds, the fastest of sixty-five such morning works. He's drawn very well in gate seven, right alongside his stablemate Sunbean. I anticipate a great performance -- but whether that performance is great enough to top Revolutionary, Titletown Five, Code West, and Palace Malice remains to be seen.

17. Den's Legacy (Medaglia d'Oro - Sunshine Song, by War Chant) Trained by Bob Baffert

He will be making a return trip to Arkansas to compete in the Arkansas Derby, where he will most likely be overshadowed by stablemate War Academy. Nevertheless, it would be unwise to count this colt out of contention, because he has quietly amassed twenty Derby qualification points, and a top three finish in Arkansas will likely stamp his ticket to Louisville.

18. Black Onyx (Rock Hard Ten - Kalahari Cat, by Cape Town) Trained by Kelly Breen

The three new additions to this week's top twenty, starting with this colt, are rounding out the bottom three positions simply because I'm not quite sure what to do with them. Like many a Spiral winner, Black Onyx emerged from seemingly nowhere to defeat a fairly strong field with a number of well-regarded entrants. The question is, can he transfer his form to dirt? Well, he did break his maiden over it last November at Aqueduct. Regardless, he's already arrived in Louisville to begin training for the Derby, so he'll have every opportunity to familiarize himself with the Churchill main track.

19. Govenor Charlie (Midnight Lute - Silverbulletway, by Storm Cat) Trained by Bob Baffert

As blazingly fast as the track was on Sunland Derby day, it was still a remarkable for Govenor Charlie to win as he did, breaking a 52-year-old track record by nearly three-fifths of a second. The ease at which he disposed of Abraham rounding the final turn was also remarkable. With only three starts under his belt -- and none as a two-year-old -- he'll have to buck history to win the Derby, but then again, maybe he has the talent to do just that.

20. Uncaptured (Lion Heart - Captivating, by Arch) Trained by Mark Casse

You couldn't really have asked for a finer effort in the Spiral, given that it was his first start since November. He flashed enough speed to stay within reach of the lead throughout the first six furlongs and finished up well in the final furlong. True, that final furlong was run in a slow :13.62, but I think it was more the result of a slow track than horses tiring, because watching the race, no one seemed to be that exhausted.

-Keelerman

Reynaldothewizard posts upset in Golden Shaheen

Reynaldothewizard took command of the lead turning for home and held on tenaciously to win the $2,000,000 Golden Shaheen Sponsored by Gulf News (UAE-I) at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, giving jockey Richard Mullen his first victory in one of the Dubai World Cup races.

During the early stages of the race, Reynaldothewizard was just behind the leaders in fourth place as Taisei Legend, Trinniberg, and Private Zone dueled for the lead through quick fractions. Gordon Lord Byron was down along the fence in fifth, followed by Krypton Factor on the outside. Favored Mental was toward the rear of the field and boxed in traffic.

Turning for home, the three leaders began to tire from their early exertions, allowing Reynaldothewizard to move up and take command of the lead. 76-1 shot Balmont Mast split horses in the stretch and rallied strongly up the fence to make the finish close, but the wire came in time for Reynaldothewizard, who held on to win by about a half-length while running the 1,200 meters in 1:12.46 seconds.

Balmost Mast finished second by a narrow margin over Krypton Factor, while Tamaathul rounded out the superfecta. The winner, a seven-year-old gelded son of Speightstown, is owned by Zabeel Racing International and trained by Satish Seemar.

-Keelerman

Lines of Battle holds off challenges in UAE Derby

Lines of Battle stamped his ticket to the Kentucky Derby when he took the lead at the top of the Meydan homestretch and held off late challenges from Elleval and Secret Number to win the $2,000,000 UAE Derby (UAE-II) by 1 1/2 lengths.

With Ryan Moore aboard, Lines of Battle broke well and soon settled into second place, right on the outside of Law Enforcement. Shuruq and Snowboarder were also close to the pace, while the American hopefuls He's Had Enough and Dice Flavor were toward the rear of the field. Favored Secret Number was dead last after being forced to steady early in the race.

As the horses made their way around the final turn, Snowboarder made a strong move to take command of the lead, but Lines of Battle quickly re-passed him and opened up a bit of an advantage. However, he began to drift out entering the final two hundred meters, allowing Elleval to rally through on the inside to challenge for the win. In the meantime, Secret Number was rallying rapidly on the extreme outside after finally securing racing room at the top of the stretch. However, neither colt could surpass Lines of Battle, who stayed on strongly in the final hundred meters to win the race by 1 1/2 lengths. The final time for 1,900 meters was 2:02.05 seconds.

Elleval held second by a half-length over Secret Number, while Snowboarder rounded out the superfecta. Dice Flavor and He's Had Enough never threatened, finishing eighth and eleventh, respectively.

Aidan O'Brien, the trainer of Lines of Battle, confirmed after the race that Lines of Battle would be pointed toward a start in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs: http://www.drf.com/news/uae-derby-kentucky-derby-likely-next-victorious-lines-battle

-Keelerman

Shea Shea breaks course record in Al Quoz Sprint

Heavily favored Shea Shea rallied powerfully in the Meydan homestretch to win the $1,000,000 Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored Emirates NBD (UAE-I) by a length, breaking the course record for five furlongs in the process.

With Christophe Soumillon aboard for trainer Mike de Kock, Shea Shea got off to a good start and settled just behind the early pace as Mr. Big and Varsity led the way. Entering the final two hundred meters, the ten-year-old gelding Joy and Fun moved up strongly to take command of the lead, but Shea Shea reeled him in during the final hundred meters to win going away by about a length. The final time of :56.41 eclipsed the course record of :57.02 set by Shea Shea in the Meydan Sprint earlier this month.

Joy and Fun held second by a length over Eagle Regiment.

-Keelerman

Cavalryman explodes to Dubai Gold Cup victory

Cavalryman showcased a spectacular turn-of-foot in the final two hundred meters of the $1,000,000 Dubai Gold Cup Sponsored by Al Tayer Motors (UAE-III) at Meydan, bursting clear of stablemate Ahzeemah to win the 3,200 meter turf race by four lengths,

With Silvestre De Sousa aboard, Cavalryman settled into mid-pack for much of the race as Saddler's Rock and Tenenbaum set a very slow pace. The positions really didn't change much at all until the homestretch, when Cavalryman rolled past his rivals with an eye-catching rally to win going away in powerful fashion. The final time was 3:24.28.

Ahzeemah narrowly held second over Verema, who rallied mildly to edge Imperial Monarch for the third spot.

The winner, a seven-year-old son of Halling out of the Highest Honor mare Silversword, is trained by Saeed Bin Suroor and owned by Godolphin Racing.

-Keelerman

Soft Falling Rain wins the Godolphin Mile

Soft Falling Rain, the only three-year-old in the field, overcome breaking from post thirteen to win the $1,000,000 Godolphin Mile Sponsored by Etisalat (UAE-II) at Meydan, the first thoroughbred race on the Dubai World Cup program.

Ridden to victory by Paul Hanagan, Soft Falling Rain was hung wide throughout the race as Alpha set a strong pace on the front end, but gradually moved up to reach contention as the field entered the homestretch. In the meantime, longshot Haatheq had made a bold run on the outside of Alpha to take command of the lead, and appeared to be on his way to victory. But Soft Falling Rain reeled him in with a powerful stretch run to win the race by three-quarters of a length while stopping the clock in 1:39.97 seconds.

Haatheq held second over the late-running Moonwalk in Paris, while Alpha tired in the final four hundred meters to finish fifth.

The winner, a son of National Assembly out of the Giant's Causeway mare Gardener's Delight, is owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum and is trained by Mike de Kock.

-Keelerman

Monterosso scratched from Dubai World Cup

Monterosso, winner of the 2012 Dubai World Cup, has been scratched from the 2013 edition of the race after coming up lame in his left foreleg.

Owned by Godolphin and trained by Mahmoud Al Zarooni, the six-year-old son of Dubawi was bidding to become the first two-time winner of the Dubai World Cup.

Additional details can be found on DRF.com: http://www.drf.com/news/dubai-world-cup-defending-champ-monterosso-scratched

Louisiana Derby entries: Revolutionary headlines full field of 14

Withers Stakes (gr. III) winner Revolutionary has been made the morning line favorite in the $1,000,000 Louisiana Derby (gr. II), to be run on Saturday at Fair Grounds.

The Todd Pletcher-trained colt drew gate three in a field of fourteen horses, which also includes Risen Star Stakes (gr. II) runner-up Code West, third-place finisher Palace Malice, and seventh-place finisher Proud Strike. Texas Heritage Stakes winner Departing, Gentilly Stakes winner Sunbean, and Gazebo Stakes runner-up Titletown Five have also been entered.

Post Positions:
1 Hip Four Sixtynine
2 Palace Malice
3 Revolutionary
4 Golden Soul
5 Whiskey Bravo
6 Sunbean
7 Departing
8 Code West
9 Proud Strike
10 Titletown Five
11 Mylute
12 Brazilian Court
13 Ground Transport
14 Nina's Dragon

-Keelerman

Florida Derby entries: Itsmyluckyday, Shanghai Bobby meet again

Itsmyluckyday and Shanghai Bobby, the 1-2 finishers in the Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III) back in January, are set to face off again on Saturday in the $1,000,000 Besilu Stable Florida Derby (gr. I) at Gulfstream Park.

The nine-furlong race is a major prep for the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) at Churchill Downs on May 4th, and has produced a number of top-notch racehorses in recent years, including Kentucky Derby winners Barbaro and Big Brown, Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Shackleford, four-time grade I winner Quality Road, and Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Union Rags.

The Florida Derby will offer the winner 100 Kentucky Derby qualification points, as well as 40 points to the runner-up, 20 points to third, and 10 points to fourth. As a result, eight other horses are lined up to face the Itsmyluckyday and Shanghai Bobby, including Besilu Stable Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II) winner Orb, Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II) runner-up Frac Daddy, and Hutcheson Stakes (gr. II) winner Merit Man.

Post Positions:
1 Shanghai Bobby
2 Pick of the Litter
3 Itsmyluckyday
4 Pontiff
5 Frac Daddy
6 Orb
7 Indy's Illusion
8 Merit Man
9 Are You Kidding Me
10 Narvaez

-Keelerman

Govenor Charlie sets track record in Sunland Derby

The lightly raced colt Govenor Charlie proved once again that sheer talent can overcome inexperience when he romped to a five-length triumph in the $800,000 Sunland Derby (gr. III) at Sunland Park, running nine furlongs in 1:47.54 seconds to establish a new track record.

Making only the third start of his career, Govenor Charlie got away to a good start under jockey Martin Garcia and soon settled into third place on the outside, tracking Saint Prado and Abraham through quick fractions of :22.74 and :46.22 seconds. Just Win Baby and Show Some Magic were racing as a pair in fourth, about two lengths off the lead, followed by Stormdriver, Dry Summer, Mudflats, and Shakin It Up.

Following three-quarters of a mile in 1:09.96, Govenor Charlie moved up to take the lead, and approaching the homestretch, he began to open up on his pursuers. Show Some Magic turned in a nice rally to briefly challenge, but Govenor Charlie easily turned him back, extending his advantage throughout the final furlong to reach the wire well in front.

Show Some Magic finished second by 3 1/4 lengths over Abraham, while Shakin It Up rallied mildly for fourth. Stormdriver, Mudflats, Saint Prado, Dry Summer, and Just Win Baby completed the order of finish.

The winner is trained by Bob Baffert and owned by Mike Pegram. A son of Midnight Lute out of the Storm Cat mare Silverbulletway, Govenor Charlie has now compiled a record of two wins and a second from three starts, with earnings of $444,800.

-Keelerman

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

Crop Report closes fast to win Rushaway Stakes

Heavily favored Crop Report overcome a slow start to win the $75,000 Team Valor Rushaway Stakes at Turfway Park with an explosive late rally, establishing himself in the process as a potential candidate for the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) on June 8th.

Ridden to victory by Joel Rosario, Crop Report bumped with Bet a Bundle at the start of the race and quickly dropped back to trail the field, racing nine lengths behind pace-setting Divine Ambition through an opening quarter mile of :23.76 seconds. Bet a Bundle and Takin the Sloroad were tracking the pace in second and third, followed by J. J. Got Even, Red Wings, and Crop Report.

Divine Ambition continued to lead the way through slow fractions of :47.97 and 1:13.14, and entered the homestretch with a commanding advantage. However, Crop Report was gearing up with a big run on the outside, and caught the leader with ease at the sixteenth pole to win going away by 1 3/4 lengths. The final time for a mile and a sixteenth was 1:45.66 seconds.

Divine Ambition held second by three lengths over Red Wings, who loomed a challenger at the top of the stretch before flattening out. Takin the Sloroad, J. J. Got Even, and Bet a Bundle trailed the field.

The winner is owned by Team Valor International and is trained by Graham Motion. A son of Medaglia d'Oro out of the Crafty Prospector mare Amarillo, Crop Report may be pointed toward a start in the Peter Pan Stakes (gr. II) at Belmont Park next time out, according to a report from DRF.com: http://www.drf.com/news/kentucky-derby-next-stop-spiral-winner-black-onyx

The Peter Pan is a prominent prep for the Belmont Stakes.

-Keelerman