2015 Countdown to the Crown Preseason Annual

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23 The Big List 2015

CONTENTS 2015 ANNUAL 5

From The Publisher

7 10th Anniversary: Countdown to the Crown

Our crew scouts the 3-year-olds from all corners of the country.

66 Preseason Top 20 horses, pedigrees, All Americans

Jeremy Plonk shares his 2015 superlatives as the trail begins.

69 Top 100 BRIS Speed Figures

A history of the report, 2006-‘15.

Complete list of the fastest 2YOs of 2014 by the BRISNET numbers.

10 Beat the Host

73 2015 Road to the Crown

Xpressbet’s contest gives you a chance to prove it -- and get paid.

13 Sweeter With Age

Experience has mattered when pursuing the roses – who’s next?

19 Cover Story: Will California Have Another?

I’ll Have Another and California Chrome have made the west best.

Full, easy-print Triple Crown prep schedule on asingle page.

76 Individual Prep Histories / Triple Crown Trail Previews.

From January through the Belmont, a 2-page preview of every major stop-off on the trail.

142 Appendix:

BRIS past performances for each Kentucky Derby winner, 2003-‘14.

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From the Publisher Last year’s debut of the Countdown to the Crown Preseason Annual was a dream come true. As a lifelong reader of preseason publications in the major team sports, to bring such an edition to the sport I love most was a thrill. And you responded.

The 2014 annual was read more than 180,000 times at last count, far surpassing my initial goal of 50,000 reads. Time and again, horseplayers and fans came back to the publication throughout the spring to utilize its many tools.

Criticisms were few, but one that I took to heart was the size of the type and presentation. It’s a mobile device world, and you already may have noticed that the monthly Horse Player NOW Magazine had gone to a larger visual design in April. Now, the Annual’s second go‘round follows suit with a crisp, large, mobile-ready layout for the reader on the go. This publication would not be possible without the title support of Xpressbet and the Preakness – support those who support you!

Countdown to the Crown Preseason Annual / Horse Player NOW Magazine Copyright 2015 Horse Player NOW All Rights Reseved

Editor, Publisher, Designer Jeremy Plonk Contributing Researchers Jerry Shottenkirk Brian Nadeau Ed DeRosa (BRIS) Photography Chief Enzina Mastrippolito (Photosbyz) Contributing Photographers Coady Photography / Oaklawn, Sunland, Delta Hodges Photos / Fair Grounds Adam Coglianese / NYRA Michael Burns / Woodbine Benoit Photos / Santa Anita Jim McCue / Maryland Jockey Club Reed Palmer / Churchill Downs Kim Pratt / Parx Dustin Orona / Remington Park

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th

10 anniversary of Countdown to the Crown

By Jeremy Plonk

More than 200 editions strong and entering its 10th season, my weekly scouting report

Countdown to the Crown continues

to be what gets me out of bed each morning thinking about horse racing.

The discovery of something new, finding the next big thing or simply putting what we’ve seen among the Triple Crown prospects into a sensible context has been my desired goal. And for each feeling of mission accomplished, a new week comes along and we get to hit the reset button and do it all over again. That ability to spawn new enthusiasm is what makes the lead up to the Triple Crown so special. You don’t get that feeling moving from $5,000 claimer to $5,000 claimer each Thursday.

Countdown to the Crown is

detailed, and I make no apologies

for that. Those who’ve followed the decade-long series have read more than one million words about the top prospects. Handicapping horse races is an intellectual exercise, and the drive-by society not interested in putting in the effort won’t ever be turned on to it. It’s never been my desire to make things watered down so more folks might stumble into a short-term interest.

Countdown is written for serious

horseplayers and followers of the game’s true regular season, playoffs and Super Bowl. It’s the one time of year where things are defined, goals are common and we can envision players and schedules with a championship sense.

This marks the second year that I’ve taken full control of the direction and distribution of Countdown to the Crown. I’ve bounced Countdown around on various websites since its debut in 2006. Each time, the decision was mine when to move, and for strategic reasons; first and foremost: where I thought it could best benefit you, the reader and bettor.    

Horseplayerdaily.com (2006-‘07) ESPN.com (2008-‘11) DRF.com (2012-‘13) Countdowntothecrown.com (2014-present)

Countdown runs from the first

Friday in January through the Belmont Stakes, about 22 weeks per year on average. Last year we added for the first time coverage of Canada’s prestigious Queen’s Plate trail and main event. This expanded the series into the first weekend in July and brought in an entirely new audience and freshness. It turned out to be quite a double as the Countdown series tabbed not only Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome, but also

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Queen’s Plate-winning filly Lexie Lou. That’s quite a fun parlay.

Countdown is a week-long exercise that begins each Monday with a review of the charts, videos and coverage of the previous weekend’s 3-year-old races. Also each Monday, I set out the weekly calendar and plot each and every 3-year-old maiden special weight, allowance and stakes race on my weekly worksheets that soon start to look like a Chinese takeout menu. By the end of the day on Tuesday, I’ve written all the race reviews and recaps and put half of the scouting report to bed for the coming week.

With Wednesday’s entries for Saturday released, my work begins in handicapping each of the races for not only prospects, but also potential plays. We don’t put this kind of effort in just for verbage.

By Thursday night, my handicapping is complete; and on Friday each week I put the finishing touches in with my updated Top 20 before the release.

Then, just like you, I can’t wait to watch it unfold every Saturday and Sunday all the way through the classics. – JP

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We’re Waiting For You!

By Jeremy Plonk

Admit it – you think you can take down the handicapping pros. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t be in the parimutuel pools. One of the many beauties of playing the races is that our self-perceptions drive us.

In the coming weeks, you’ll get the chance to take me down, as well as 9 other well-known racing handicappers in Xpressbet’s wildly popular and annual Beat the Host competition. I’m honored to bat leadoff this year, and you can match wits against me on Saturday, Jan. 3 simply by opening an Xpressbet account or having an existing Xpressbet account.

Beat the Host is a weekly competition (Saturdays in January and February) in which players are challenged to top the host’s cumulative mutuel total in 8 mandatory races. Please visit http://xpressbet.com/BeattheHost

for a complete explanation of how the tournament works and to view additional Xpressbet tournaments— Live and Showdown.

Here is the 2015 Beat the Host schedule of hosts:

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Jan 3 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan 24 Jan 31 Feb 7 Feb 14 Feb 21 Feb 28

Jeremy Plonk Jeff Siegel Jon White Steve Byk Brian Nadeau Brad Free Tom Quigley Eddie Olcyzk Johnny D

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to experienced players,‖ said John DeSantis, senior VP / editor at Xpressbet. ―The weekly Saturday format provides players with opportunities to whip the host and to qualify for the championship round. There’s also $2,500 in weekly cash up for grabs.‖ Tip For Beating the Pros The public has a big advantage in that the hosts’ picks are published in advance and you can play off of those and counter the hosts’ moves. For instance, if the host picks a likely $3 horse that’s a heavy favorite, you can swing for something big in that race and feel as though the worst you can do is fall $3 behind. When we take a big price swing, you can feel more comfortable playing a favorite and taking the incremental edge moving ahead. Zig when we zag.

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t‟s never a gray day when you wear the roses, but 62-yearold Shug McGaughey and 77year-old Art Sherman have hoisted the last two Kentucky Derby trophies following wins by Orb and California Chrome.

Both were winning the big Derby for the first time in their long careers, and both products of a 1979 rookie class of trainers across the nation. To put it in context, that‟s the same season that Larry

Bird and Magic Johnson took their rivalry from the NCAA to the NBA. While you don‟t need an AARP card for Derby success, a lot of lifetime experience goes into those greatest two minutes in sports.

Yes, we make too much of the trainer‟s experience actually IN the Derby. The last 16 winners were trained by 16 different gentlemen, 13 of them first-time victors. The Big „90s Baffert, Lukas and Zito troika are a distant memory.

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The fact is that established trainers who finally land their big career horse have been the Derby calling card since the turn of the current century. And it hasn‟t had to be a conditioner overloaded with experience on the trail, per se. Below, consider the prior lifetime Derby records, as well as the career years of experience going into that year‟s Derby (Exp.): Prior Experience of Recent Kentucky Derby-Winning Trainers Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Trainer Neil Drysdale John Ward Bob Baffert Barclay Tagg John Servis John Shirreffs Michael Matz Carl Nafzger Rick Dutrow Chip Woolley Todd Pletcher Graham Motion Doug O‟Neill Shug McGaughey Art Sherman

Age 52 55 49 65 45 59 55 65 48 44 42 46 43 62 77

Exp. 17 31 23 31 20 27 8 39 13 18 10 18 18 34 35

Prior Derby 0: 0-0-0 2: 0-0-0 11:2-1-2 0: 0-0-0 0: 0-0-0 0: 0-0-0 0: 0-0-0 2: 1-0-0 0: 0-0-0 0: 0-0-0 24: 0-2-1 2: 0-0-0 2: 0-0-0 6: 0-1-1 0: 0-0-0

The average age of Derby-winning trainers since 2000 has been 54 years young with 23 years of head-training experience apiece. The only “neophytes” among the celebrated were Olympic equestrian Michael Matz, who came to training Thoroughbreds late in a lifetime of horsemanship, and Todd Pletcher, who spent only a decade before his rapid ascension to the throne in Louisville, but for some fans it felt like an eternity with his powerful stable.

All this makes for interesting retrospective, but our mission is for it to lend perspective to who might wear the roses in 2015. That we examine next.

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Who Sits on the Cusp?

The list of veteran horsemen never to win the Derby is as long as our “Big List” in the Preseason Annual.

Hall of Famers like Bill Mott and Jonathan Sheppard certainly deserve reward from the racing gods at some point, but it‟s in neither‟s DNA to push a young horse along in the development often needed to make the first Saturday in May, much less win.

It‟s for that reason you see Mott with a Belmont win (Drosselmeyer) and perhaps even explain last year‟s score by Christophe Clement (Tonalist) to end the Triple Crown chase.

Also last year, John Sadler (Candy Boy), Steve Asmussen (Tapiture) and Jimmy Jerkens (Wicked Strong) arguably arrived in Louisville armed with their best chances in their successful careers.

All of the above would make for deserved and fitting trainers to be draped in roses. Wayne Catalano, bouncing back from a near-death case of pneumonia last fall, fits the storyline that eerily

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becomes non-fiction many a Derby season. Larry Jones‟ battles with health issues and a career renaissance put him into that category as well a few years removed from dirty seconds in Louisville with Hard Spun and Eight Belles in successive attempts.

Kentuckians Kenny McPeek (Sarava), Kiaran McLaughlin (Jazil) and Dale Romans (Shackleford) have tasted Triple Crown success, but not in their home state. All are at a career arc that would seemingly put them squarely in the 2015 discussion.

Jerry Hollendorfer has missed Derbies due to injuries with his 2 best colts, Event of the Year and Shared Belief. And then there‟s Neil Howard, who will be 66 by the time May rolls around, and 25 years removed from his Preakness tally with Summer Squall. There wouldn‟t be a more adored and pleasant winner‟s circle if the affable veteran were to win – and he has some sophomores of repute this year to legitimately consider.

But for all those discussed, two other particular trainers stand out.

Ian Wilkes Set to turn 50 a few weeks after this year‟s Derby, the long-time Carl Nafzger assistant has settled into the national scene with horses like 2012 Breeders‟ Cup Classic winner Fort Larned. He galloped 1990 Kentucky Derby winner Unbridled among his first forays in the US after crafting his trade in his native Australia . Wilkes bided his time for nearly 15 years as Nafzger‟s able assistant and since 2005 has been a featured name on the program as well as the man behind the scenes for Nafzger-trained horses like Street Sense, the 2007 Kentucky Derby winner. It‟s a similar apprenticeship and time on his own as Todd Pletcher, who left D. Wayne Lukas in 2000 before rising to Super Saver‟s glory in „10.

Throughout the past fall and early winter, Wilkes‟ 2-year-olds continually outran perceptions.

Known for his patience and slowerdeveloping pedigree choices, his

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late-running horses often were up against it vs. sprinters, win-early types and barns that ask for more.

He looks to have a slew of runners ready to break out this winterspring with experience and distance.

Mark Casse Valentine‟s Day marks his 54th birthday, and oh what a sweet spring it would be if he could follow-up on last year‟s Queen‟s Plate title with a Kentucky Derby trophy. Casse trained his first winner in 1979 as a teenager and his 36th year as a licensed conditioner brings about clearly his strongest group of horses to date.

Powerful owners John Oxley and Conquest Stables (Ernie Semersky and Dory Newell) have entrusted him with a higher-quality racing stock than he‟s had for much of his career, though he‟s been leading meet trainer at Churchill Downs and Woodbine, where the filly Lexie Lou gave him his first Queen‟s Plate title last July. - JP

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Nothing wrinkles the khakis of an east-coast horseplayer more than a great California horse.

Maybe they never forgave the Giants and Dodgers for heading west? Perhaps pronouncing the west is best once in a while feels like a self-inflicted wound to the psyche?

Whatever the case, this east-coast native and resident can’t help but recognize horsepower when it appears from any of America’s shores. I’m particularly amused by racing fans who blast me for being

a west-coast homer without having any idea of my zip code of choice.

The dual Triple Crown wins by I’ll Have Another and California Chrome in the past 3 seasons didn’t come as happenstance. As powerful as the Californians looked in 2014 and 2012, it almost makes you wonder what the heck happened in 2013?

That year, Orb from the east, Oxbow from the midwest and Palace Malice (from a blend of both) made the pacific division look pedestrian.

I’m a firm believer in the strength of a class and not the exceptional nature of a single horse. Great teams don’t come from feeble conferences that fail to test their mettle; nor do great horses come from inferior circuits incapable of bringing out their development.

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The west rates inferior, day-in and day-out … without hesitation from this opinion. But that means absolutely nothing in terms of evaluating the west’s effectiveness of its 3-year-old program. While you loathe 6-horse fields of bad $20,000 claimers as much as anyone on a Thursday at Santa Consider both I’ll Have Another and Anita, you also are the same California Chrome’s recent seasons. horseplayers who make Bob Baffert Not only were they the 6-to-5 every time he big horses of the You won’t get a ships a horse within Triple Crown, but each discussion from me torch-shot of the had compatriots siding with California Statue of Liberty ... strongly atop the 3racing on a daily even if they’re actually year-old division. I’ll basis compared to trained by John Have Another’s biggest the east. The west Terranova for weeks potential foil? That rates inferior, day-in on end while Baffert was blazing west and day-out … watches on TVG. coaster Bodemeister, Two out of 3 doesn’t who took him to the make a trend, and therefore mat in Louisville and Baltimore. there’s no declaration here that the California Chrome’s only serious west coast has somehow blown the threats for champion 3-year-old in doors off the east in terms of the 2014 were fellow Golden Staters Triple Crown arms race. But when Bayern and Shared Belief. These you consider how closed off the recent examples underscore how a California racing scene is from the region can dominate. rest of the spring world, it really is You won’t get a discussion from amazing in that such a small pool me siding with California racing on of eligible runners you get so many a daily basis compared to the east. dominant performers. Consider

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Oaklawn Park as the intersectional auditioning for the Juvenile takes bowl game of sorts and it’s place. And once Santa Anita’s startling how many Californians – winter meet opens each Dec. 26, Baffert or otherwise – have there’s no better progression of dominated the major sophomore races than the Sham-Lewis-San stakes. Yes, for every Bodemeister Felipe-Santa Anita Derby from a or Secret Circle in Hot Springs, you mile to 1-1/16 miles to 1-1/8 miles. can also find a Line of David or All are held over the same surface Papa Clem who were merely okay at the same venue with no travel on the west coast. The only east necessary. A lack of shipping does coasters capable of holding serve wonders for keeping on a schedule, in Hot Springs staying healthy when meeting and hydrated.

Jan 10 – Sham (G3) the west have And, none of Jan 24 – Cal Cup Derby (s) been Todd these races Feb 1 – San Vicente (G2) Pletcher’s posse typically hold the Feb 7 – Lewis Memorial (G2) (Danza, Super potential to Mar 7 – San Felipe (G2) Saver knock a horse Apr 4 – Santa Anita Derby (G1) specifically). out completely; small-toSo why have the moderate field sizes often have a Californians done so well in recent top-heavy feel that galvanize the years? A few reasons come to better runners and leave mind, none bigger than the something in the tank. outstanding local prep schedule.

The 2-year-old program in the west The similar nature of the Lewis and does not go dormant after San Felipe also provides a subtle, Thanksgiving like we see in the but important, boost to the east, and races like the Hollywood western contenders. The races are – now Los Alamitos – Futurity help both 1-1/16 miles and one-off the west develop talents that may preps from the Santa Anita Derby. not have been Breeders’ Cup ready You’re not going to run in both, so in September or October when this tends to separate the major

players on the west coast who don’t have to clash heads too early in the season with a peak performance in February or March.

One tends to get the come-backing type horses who have been away since Fall and whose ‘name’ reputations will send others looking for the recent alternative. The other will get the ‘now’ horses from the meet who have dazzled vs. lesser and look to stamp their candidacy. You don’t have that in Florida, where the Fountain of Youth tends to stockpile as the lone source for Florida Derby major contenders, and therefore becomes a street fight too far out from May. Another elephant in the room is the fact that eastern horsemen have the Travers to point for in summer, while the Californians simply don’t have such an alternative worth leaving anything in the tank. Del Mar’s Polytrack surface in recent years has turned off horsemen with quality dirt performers, and the meet offers nothing of

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consequence for 3-year-olds on the main track anyway. Why wouldn’t you push and go all-in during spring with a really good 3-year-old in California? The rest of the year offers the Los Al Derby (former Swaps) on dirt.

It’s difficult to predict if a particular circuit will have the stronger horses in a given year. But the BC Juvenile in 2013 certainly foreshadowed the western dominance last spring.

When Santa Anita maiden winner New Year’s Day was able to run past proven New York G1 commodities Havana and Strong Mandate, the writing was on the wall.

In an encore performance, west coaster Texas Red (pictured) destroyed this past fall’s Juvenile field that included one of Todd Pletcher’s strongest-ever hands in the race, featuring G1 winners Carpe Diem and Daredevil. That being said, it would be no surprise to see the Californians have another come May 2 in Louisville.

- JP

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ABOUT THE BIG LIST Countdown to the Crown’s annual list of sophomores to watch isn’t supposed to be a predictor of the Derby, Preakness and Belmont winners. It’s also not intended to be a “we had him first” type of braggadocio.

Instead, The Big List serves as a measuring stick for races from the maiden ranks through the Triple Crown,

giving you a sense of who beat whom, how strong particular races may have been and also a sense of important prospects as our commentary leads.

Use this list to judge names in the running lines of the past performances for horses coming off layoffs, those changing circuits and notable points about pedigrees during surface and distance changes.

It’s a Big List with an even bigger amount of applications!

2015 Preakness Meet runs April 2 - June 6 Visit pimlico.com for information

THE BIG LIST 2015

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ABUSIVE POWER Baffert Curlin Nominated to major winter stakes before sidelined; disappointing Dmr debut.

ACKERET Rodriguez Mach Ride Vyjack connections with Parx ALW sprint winner to test Aqu winter; sprint sire.

ACTION HERO Proctor Street Cry Regally bred son of Starrer working at SA toward winter debut; in patient hands.

ACADEMY BAY Asmussen Magna Graduate Indiana-bred went 2-2 at Indy Downs, including 2-turn Futurity score.

A DAY IN PARADISE L. Jones Yes It’s True th Kee slow route MSW winner was decent 4 behind Eagle on dirt; 2nd in FG ALW. A LOT Mott Tapit 6F turf MSW winner flat late at mile in Awad in Sept; dam 3rd 7F G1 Santa Monica A ROD AGAIN Maker Awesome Again nd Same connex General a Rod, but unrelated; 2 try cruised 11/6 in CD route MSW. ACCEPTANCE Warren Vronsky 3 sharp SA/LA wins, including CA-bred stakes at 7F on BC Sat; dam G2 sprinter.

ADROSA SKY Casse Sky Mesa June debut winner at WO returned to disappoint in ALW; dam ½ to GSW St. Averil.

ALAZANO Stewart More Than Ready 2 decent MSW tries in KY with some issues (vet scratch); dam Canadian stakes star.

Trainer Dallas Stewart has been 2nd the past 2 Derbies with longshots Commanding Curve and Golden Soul

ALDRIN C. Brown Malibu Moon Dam is ½ sister to Tapit; nibbling in fall Bel, Aqu MSWs nearing graduation.

ALL INDIANS Hess Latent Heat Speedy Dmr summer MSW winner appears sprint-only; no match for Lord Nelson.

ALL IS NUMBER Violette Bernstein NY-bred impressed in Dec debut win & figures to test open foes in NY this winter.

THE BIG LIST 2015

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ALL RISE Mott Mineshaft rd Unraced ½ to BC Distaff 3 Authenticity (won CD’s La Troienne); set for GP debut.

ALRIGHT ALRIGHT Vienna Munnings Bred to sprint; quick SA dirt debut winner was 2nd in G3 Bob Hope at Dmr as chalk.

A M MILKYWAY Broberg Elusive Bluff TX-bred beat promising mid-Dec MSW open cast at FG in 2nd start sprinting.

AMI’S FLATTER J. Carroll Flatter April foal debuted a 7F WO winner in Nov over solid cast; damsire Victory Gallop.

AMBIDEXTROUS ALEX J. Scott Broken Vow nd 2 start Kee MSW sprint winner in modest time; sent to Tampa, dull at GPW. AMERICAN PHAROAH Baffert Pioneerof The Nile Brilliant in Dmr Futurity/FrontRunner; injured front left pre-BC & distance worries.

What will the Del Mar Futurity and FrontRunner Stakes winner have to offer iwhen he returns from injury?

ANIMAL INSTINCT Motion Leroidesanimaux Disappointing Lrl debut in Sept; sent to Pmm fall; female family of Bien Bien et al.

ANOTHER LEMON DROP Bauer Lemon Drop Kid Kee 9F graduate was solid behind Dortmund on dirt before convincing FG ALW win.

Any Given Saturday ANYTIME ANYPLACE Kitchingman Made pace in debut in Dmr MSW; couldn’t hold Firing Line, stayed on for 2nd.

APOSTROPHE Tiznow Unraced & began breezing at Aqu in Oct; female family leans heavily to sprints.

ASTOUNDING Catalano Tapit CD debut runner-up MSW in Nov hammered to 6/5; dam 2yo sprint SW at Emd. ATTA’ BOY WOODY Hollendorfer Atticus June debut dash winner at SA; sidelined since 2nd-best in Graduation at Dmr 7/30.

THE BIG LIST 2015

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AWESOME INDIAN Wenzel Indian Charlie Odds-on debut winner out since Emd score 7/13; dam Midwestern stakes sprinter.

AWESOME TRAUM Romans Awesome Again Decent tries in KY MSW ranks, but couldn’t finish; damside pedigree leans sprint.

BAD READ SANCHEZ O’Neill Warrior’s Reward rd Best Pal 3 returned to worktab in Nov after 3 months away; dam won 2 sprints.

Any Given Saturday BANDAGES C. Stewart nd Beat solid cast in 2 try at Tam in Dec in okay time; ½ to G2 Cornhusker winner.

BARBADOS Gorder Speightstown At GP since throttling 6F Kee MSW in Oct; female family Raven’s Pass, Advice.

BATTLE OF EVERMORE Sadler Scat Daddy rd 3 to Texas Red at Dmr and knocking on MSW door; dam top-notch sprinter.

BATTLE RED Pletcher Kitten’s Joy Turfer frustrated bettors with several 2nds at short odds; dam 9F NY-bred SW. BAYERD Asmussen Speightstown Sprint-pedigreed Spa MSW winner took Oklahoma route through 2yo stakes.

BEARS PERSONALITY Baker Awesome Again Came to hand late in the WO season with a dominant ALW route win on Poly.

BECAUSE I’M HAPPY Mareina Street Sense nd rd Disappointed 2 try after debut 3 to Daredevil; regrouping in FL for sharp barn.

BENCH WARRANT Sadler Street Boss Dmr July debut winner returned in Nov w/ decent ALW 3rd & LA Fut 4th; miler?

BIG BEN Romans Arch Nice debut 2nd going 9F on turf at CD in late Nov; ½ to GSW sprinter Beau’s Town.

BIG BIG EASY Asmussen Midshipman Beat strong CD mile field in Sept before disappointing in Jean Lafitte at Delta.

Any Given Saturday BIG FAMILY Delgado Smoked GP West debut MSW over 7F in Nov; dam 1/2 to versatile Storm Treasure.

BLAME GAME Pletcher Blame Dec debut GP winner didn’t beat much, but did it right sprinting; modest damside.

BLAME JIM Pletcher Sharp Humor April foal wired Sar debut dash at odds-on in July before sidelined; sprint genes.

BLAZE’N PROSPECTOR Stall Discreetly Mine Solid debut 3rd in good FG MSW mid-Dec; from female family of Worldly Manner.

THE BIG LIST 2015

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BLOFELD (picture) Pletcher Quality Road Futurity/Nashua winner; dam multiple SW sprinter; exited work tab late Oct.

The mind and soundness of Quality Road’s feet were his undoing as a potential superstar. How will his offspring fare in overcoming both?

BLUE DANCER G. Tracy Bluegrass Cat Pride of western Canada overmatched when 10th in BC Juvenile after dueling.

BLUEGRASS SINGER Vitali Bluegrass Cat Rolled good cast of Zito, Pletcher shippers in impressive Dec GP ALW mile; tested.

BODHISATTVA Corrales Student Council th Remsen 5 rebounded with Lrl ALW win going 1-turn mile. Can take Tesio path.

BOLD BID P. Miller Pulpit June debut dud at SA, but nom’d to big winter stakes; back working at SLR in Nov. BOLD CONQUEST Asmussen Curlin nd rd Iroquois 2 , Breeders Futurity 3 but absent since Oct; dam 2nd in Sunland Oaks.

BOLLYWOOD Baffert Bernardini Off tab since another disappointment in early Oct; dam won G1 Santa Margarita.

BOLO Gaines Temple City Eddie Logan winner on SA turf likely gets a shot on dirt or Tapeta soon; finisher.

BO TALON Fires Super Saver Dam Nany’s Sweep won G1 Santa Monica sprinting; slow CD sprint win Nov. BOTTOM LINE Cox Pulpit Ex-Catalano charge haltered by sharp barn for $50k off big win in November.

BOW TIE BOSS J. Jerkens Candy Ride nd Solid debut 2 to Daredevil in Sept at Bel when green; AWOL since that time.

BRAVO CHARLIE Romans Exchange Rate nd Big 2 -start improvement in CD route MSW; distance pedigree on damside.

THE BIG LIST 2015

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BRIDGET’S BIG LUVY Englehart Tiz Wonderful rd Late May foal graduated in 3 start at Bel sprinting 6F in Oct; off tab mid-Nov. BRIDLED TRANZ Unbridled Song Unstarted grandson of BC JF winner Cash Run; worked :10-1/5 & snagged $500k.

BRONZE STAR Hollendorfer Tapit Improved with Fall distance at SA for MSW score; dam was 2yo debut SW at Crc. BROTHER BOBO Ja. Servis Kantharos 1/2 bro to crack sprinter Ribo Bobo lived up to win-early sprint pedigree in Florida.

BROUGHTON KITTEN Sharp Kitten’s Joy Turf route MSW nibbler on NYRA circuit; dam won 12F Waya on lawn for Clement.

BUFFALO ROCK D. Stewart Rockport Harbor Solid work progression toward FG winter debut; female family includes Alysheba.

BULLHEADED BOY Pletcher Bullsbay NY-bred has plenty of stakes type and figures to try open foes in NY this winter.

BULLY PROOF Pletcher Bellamy Road Fast PBD worker nailed late in slow Dec GP debut by Quality Bird; stamina?

BUSTIN IT Mareina Bustin Stones NY-bred sprint blazer unseen since scratching from NY Futurity at FL in Oct. CAGED Ryan Indian Charlie nd $750k Stonestreet purchase debuted 2 at Tam in late Dec; dam ½ to Vindication.

CALAFATE Asmussen Elusive Quality Strong FG worker was vet scratch 12/20 at FG; dam ½ to Cotillion winner India.

CALCULATOR P. Miller In Summation Sore foot forced 2x G1 runner-up to miss BC Juvenile; back on tab 2 weeks CALMBEFORETHESTORM Bauer later.

Stormy Atlantic Son of superb stakes mare Ruby’s Surprise debuted winner at CD in Nov; at FG. CANDY COWBOY Mullins Candy Ride th Belated 4 in fast Oct debut 6F MSW at SA; much turf stamina in damside genes.

CAN’T HAPPEN HERE C. Brown Desert Party rd Beaten fav in Bourbon on turf when 3 as chalk (away since); damsire Touch Gold.

CAPITALISM G. Tracy Cape Canaveral Top 2YO in western Canada rattled off 3 straight in fall, including Northlands Juvy.

CARDIAC Abrams Papa Clem rd Cal-bred 3 in I’m Smokin at Del Mar, but did not venture around 2 turns at age 2.

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CARIBBEAN COWBOY K. Von Hemel Petionville Iowa-bred won all 3 at Prairie Meadows over summer before going on the shelf.

CARPE DIEM Pletcher Giant’s Causeway Appears to have all the tools as G1 winner & BC Juvy runner-up; GP key player.

Carpe Diem seized the day at Keeneland. Can he do the same at Churchill Downs?

CATALINA RED C. Stewart Munnings 2-time Tampa sprint stakes winner developing sharply early winter; bred to sprint.

CATANOVA Tale of the Cat $320k Ocala Mar 2YO buy dropped off tab at Saratoga in August without a debut.

CATCH A RIDE Howard Candy Ride From regal Canadian female family, solid MSW tries in KY/LA; potential breakout.

CEDERBERG Taylor Rosberg 2-for-2 at Hastings in summer before sidelined, won BC Nursery by 5+ lengths.

CENTAURO STAR Delgado Indian Charlie nd 2 -best to hyped Overcontrol in Dec debut at GP; obscure barn lured Castellano.

CHARLIE’S BROTHER Scace With Distinction Maybe most likely router of the Tampa early winter sprint stakes set; foundation.

CHESTNUT DRIVE Street Cry $750k Kee Sep buy for Live Oak yet to make work tab; out of BC JF 2nd Beautician.

CHICAGO SON Reavis Sharp Humor IL-bred broke maiden at AP on Poly and added Haw dirt sprint ALW win in Oct. CHIEF ISTAN L. Jones Istan Smoked Delaware MSW dashers in debut before going off work tab at Kee in Oct. CHIEF KITTEN C. Brown Kitten’s Joy Pulpit Stakes winner on GP lawn disappointed in Kee’s Bourbon; Spiral hope?

CHIP LEADER Catalano Giant’s Causeway Mth 1M turf debut winner failed to build on that in fall on dirt; dam 2nd in Busher.

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CHOCOLATE WILDCAT Jason Servis Wildcat Heir Sprint-pedigreed colt failed in turf mile at GP in Nov; win-early type lost his way.

CHOCOPOLOGIE Devereux Candy Ride Absent since 17-length LaD MSW route romp in Aug vs. fellow La-breds.

CINCO CHARLIE Asmussen Indian Charlie Hard-campaigned 2YO sprinter has class; dam ½ to Bwana Charlie/Bull et al.

CIRCUS PERFORMER Pletcher Dynaformer Sharp Kee turf debut win rallying; female family of Wild Rush, Winslow Homer.

CLASSY CLASS McLaughlin Discreetly Mine th Gave way late in Remsen (4 ) after easy Bel debut sprint win; dam 3rd Spinaway.

CLEVELAND SOUND Motion More Than Ready Hinted he may want distance early on, but failed in initial route bids; can improve.

CLOCKWORK Hills Noonmark NY-bred sprinter debuted Belmont winner in Oct before 4th in Notebook vs. NYBs. COLD SPICE Maker Tiznow nd 2 good tries on turf in KY, route genes; 2 dam won Debutante, Schuylerville dirt.

COMBAT DIVER Contessa Line of David nd Big leap forward in 2 start when moving to dirt; ½ to active turf SW filly Joy. COMPETITIVE EDGE Pletcher Super Saver Romped 2x at Spa, including G1 Hopeful; sidelined w/ front left hairline fracture.

CONGRATS TO KEN Weaver Congrats nd Sharp debut 2 over Spa turf, has bombed since; may be in line for main track run.

CONQUEST BESPOKE Casse Speightstown Outrun debuting in Oak Tree Juvenile Turf; dam ½ to grassy GSW Get Funky.

CONQUEST BIG LUCK E Casse Lookin At Lucky Strong sprint finishes in 2-for-2 season and may be barn’s best TC hopeful yet.

He’s got the potential for Triple Crown success, just like his Preakness-winning papa (pictured left).

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CONQUEST BOOGALOO

Casse Scat Daddy Versatile sort short/long, turf/Poly; female family leans more to win-early types.

CONQUEST DREAMIN Casse Artie Schiller Outrun in first 2 tries on west coast; turf pedigree, hard to see this one right now.

CONQUEST HIOSILVER Casse Majesticperfection Game Dmr debut 1M win on Poly; sidelined since Aug; dam won G2 Mrs. Revere.

CONQUEST PANTHERA Casse Kitten’s Joy Summered with barn’s SoCal string, winning Dmr debut before dirt flop in SA G1.

CONQUEST QUICKDRAW Casse Quality Road nd Well-bet debut 2 at WO in Nov before sent to CD; grand dam G1W Be Gentle.

CONQUEST TSUNAMI Casse Stormy Atlantic Speedster wired CD’s Street Sense, but failed badly at 2 turns in Kee, Delta stakes.

CONQUEST TYPHOON Casse Stormy Atlantic Romping winner of G2 Summer on WO turf and strong rally 4th in BC Juvy Turf.

CORPS OF DISCOVERY Caramori Unbridled’s Song Returned from summer absence to win at CD in Sept w/ first Lasix; damsire Tapit.

COURTIER Mott Pioneerof The Nile Found home on turf w/ pair of Oct wins on front end; troubled trip in prior dirt bid.

COZMIC ONE Shirreffs Bernardini Son of great Zenyatta under the microscope; off tab Sept ‘til late Dec return at SA. CRITTENDEN Harty Distorted Humor 2 late season wins at Tam, including turf route ALW; female family of Gilded Time.

CRONINTHEBARBARIAN Simms Stroll

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Solid 2YO turfer won Ky Downs Juvenile and 2nd in Gulfstream’s Pulpit at 1 mile.

CROWN THE KITTEN Ward Kitten’s Joy Returned from Ascot trip to win twice on US turf, including El Joven at Retama.

CURLIN CRUSH Asmussen Curlin nd Solid improvement 2 start when trying dirt at Kee; outstanding female family.

CURLINO Casse Curlin Sharp worker well-backed in 2 Ky fall MSW placings; damside pedigree sprint?

CYCLOGENESIS Weaver Stormy Atlantic Highly impressive turf sprinter at 2 now at Palm Meadows; dam loved TP ... Spiral?

CYRUS ALEXANDER Hollendorfer Medaglia d’Oro ½ bro to Super Saver cost $1.7M; ran 3 solid MSW placings in CA in fall; promising.

CZAR Colebrook Makfi Pure turf pedigree but long-winded maiden nibbler picked up check in KD Juvenile.

DA JENIUS Guillot Malibu Moon Regally bred son of Madcap Escapade showed a bit of promise in Sar MSWs. DADDY D T Sadler Scat Daddy rd BC Juv Turf 3 split field on dirt in Front Runner; female family of Wagon Limit.

DANNY BOY Romans Harlan’s Holiday Versatile performer may be better on turf; late style compromised some at GP. DANZIG MOON Casse Malibu Moon Solid 1-turner in Ky MSWs fall and can be a Queen’s Plate contender; Phipps blood.

DAREDEVIL (picture) Pletcher More Than Ready Wet-track wonder disappointed in BC Juvy and raised questions about a fast track.

Champagne alumni have a long and storied history in the Triple Crown series.

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DECISION DAY J. Carroll Macho Uno Fought every step winning 9F Coronation Futurity on WO Polytrack; true router.

DECORATION Colebrook Congrats Improving and versatile, knocking on MSW door in KY to close fall; some talent.

DEFONDO Stewart El Corredor 6F debut runner-up showed speed at CD, but disappointed at short odds at FG. DESIGNED FOR WAR Pletcher War Front Front-running Spa turfer failed to sustain pace in stakes, dirt ALW at Kee. DIAMOND MAJESTY Biancone Lookin At Lucky nd 2 start SA MSW winner when adding Lasix in late Oct; failed to make stakes rise.

DION Asmussen Distorted Humor Modest debut 5th at FG in Dec unveiling; dam is full-sister to Jump Start.

DIVINING ROD Delacour Tapit Lael homebred out of G1 winner Precious Kitten rolled to easy Lrl Nov debut win.

DOCKET Harty Tiznow Wanted longer in dirt sprints; ran well in turf MSW route at Tam; dirt route suits.

DOM THE BOMB Rivelli Bring the Heat Fast IL-bred passed distance test in IL Futurity vs. softer; ok 4th at Kee vs. toughies.

DONTBETWITHBRUNO Pletcher Tiz Wonderful Troubled 4th in debut, bet off the board at Aqu in late Nov; too early to give up on.

DORTMUND Baffert Big Brown Highly touted off pair of 1-turn wins at SA, CD and showed guts in G1 at Los Al.

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DUBAI SKY Mott Candy Ride nd Returned at Payson in Nov after 2 start MSW turf win at Bel in Sept; grass genes.

DUFF Potts Candy Ride Multiple PA-bred stakes winner at 2 on dirt, synthetic; beat promising Nasa at Prx. DYNAFORMERSREQUEST Dynaformer $600k Kee Sept buy yet to log a work; dam full-sis to G1 Garden City turf winner.

EAGLE Howard Candy Ride Loved way he finished up in G2 Ky Jockey Club and should be a factor on FG scene.

EASY COMPARISON Motion Street Sense Spa MSW runner-up at 7F went to bench after dull Bel try in Sept; dam sprinted.

EH CUMPARI Dilger Elusive Quality Closed like a wild horse in Aqu debut win then was up against bias in G2 Remsen.

EL KABEIR Terranova Scat Daddy Nashua/Ky Jockey Club winner with complete 2yo resume; win-early pedigree?

El Kabeir showed guts in winning at Churchill, but note the fall surface in Louisville is vastly different than the one in spring for Derby.

ENCRYPT Tapit Stonestreet bought $1.2M son of G3-placed Ava Knowsthecode; yet to post work.

ENSIGN ELI Drexler Midshipman Speedy open MSW sprint winner at WO failed to negotiate route in Cup & Saucer.

ETRUSCAN L. Jones Bernardini Son of Ky Oaks champ Proud Spell out since a pair of average Kee fall MSW bids.

EXODUS L. Jones Medaglia d’Oro Son of G1 winner Stop Traffic figures to be FG force with MSW breakout looming.

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EXTANT Josephson Benchmark 2-for-2 sprinting at GG & training for winter campaign; Cal Derby stretch-out?

EXTENSIBLE C. Brown Malibu Moon Well-bred from the female line of Golden Attraction, Seaside Attraction; Jan debut.

FAME AND POWER Baffert First Defence MSW nibbler yet to break through after 2nds at Dmr, Los Al; Juddmonte blood.

FANTASIZE Stidham Artie Schiller nd Total turf pedigree and improved nicely in 2 start MSW mile win at FG in Dec. FAR FROM OVER Pletcher Blame Regally bred out of Alchemist; game Dec debut win 2 turns at Aqu, a tough task.

FAR RIGHT Moquett Notional Good efforts at CD, DeD set him up to be serious early season Oaklawn player.

FARRAJ Tapit Unraced son of blue hen mare Rhumb Line, making him kin to Zazu, Flashback.

FIELD OF COURAGE Casse Marchfield nd 2 start MSW winner at WO debuted in Simcoe S.; dam G3-placed earned $400k.

FILM FREAK Proctor Fusaichi Pegaus Well-bred son of Film Critic slow to come along, but improving with distance.

FIRESPIKE Maker Flower Alley Accomplished turfer no threat in dirt G1 at Kee; dam ½ to Queen’s Plate winner.

FIRING LINE Callaghan Line of David Promising type on multiple surfaces/distances after sharp G1 Los Al Futurity 2nd.

FIRST DOWN Albertrani Street Sense Sharp Bel debut before troubled Nashua 4th; dam ½ to Euro turf star Crimplene.

FIVEOTWO Romans Kitalpha Paternal grandson of Miesque ran 3 solid dirt MSWs in fall at CD; grass future?

FLAGNDINI R. Preciado Bandini Bombed at 2/1 in PA Nursery off layoff from huge Sept debut Prx win; Aqu shot?

FLASHAWAY Casse Eskendereya MSW winner at Woodbine was most recently 6th in Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes.

FLASHY JEWEL Wilkes Flashy Bull Outran expectations in late Nov debut at CD for patient barn; good female family.

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FLY FRIENDLY SKY S. Flint Sky Mesa nd Beat good bunch in 2 try sprinting on turf at FG in late Dec; ex-Asmussen charge.

FORCE Casse Flatter nd Improved 2 time out against a very good field at SA and should be solid miler.

FORTUNATO McPeek Harlan’s Holiday Outrun in MSW debut at CD and retooling at Tampa; dam won Bay Meadows Oaks.

FOUR LEAF CHIEF S. Flint Lookin At Lucky Won Juvenile Stakes at Louisiana Downs; most recently won La Legacy at Delta.

FRAMMENTO Zito Midshipman nd 2 start Kee winner didn’t progress in CD ALW bid; ran into GP buzzsaw in Dec. FROSTED McLaughlin Tapit Romped over well-meant Aldrin in Bel mile MSW 10/30; 2nd in Remsen at Aqu. FUNNY QUESTIONS Quality Road Hit the work tab in December at GP; female family Frolic’s Dream, Smok’n Frolic.

FURYOFTHENORSEMEN Klesaris Northern Afleet Intriguing sort looked awesome winning going 6F at Aqu; dam routed on turf.

GAMBLER’S ROLL D’Amato Eskendereya Los Al debut winner in Sept outrun in Juv Turf at SA on BC Day; dam was win-early.

GANDONO Lemon Drop Kid Hit tab at FG in mid-Dec for first time; full to Aurelia’s Belle; great female family.

GENERAL BELLAMY Mott Bellamy Road Slowly putting it together and 2 turns sure did the trick in MSW win at Aqu. GENTLMENS AGREMENT Gabriel Yankee Gentleman Dec debut MSW winner at FG romped La-breds at 9/5 odds; turf route on damside.

GHOST BAY Murray Ghostzapper Md Juvenile Futurity champ should relish more distance; promising local sort.

GLENVILLE GARDENS J. Carroll Street Cry Maiden winner in Display Stakes., 2nd in Swynford behind Conquest Boogaloo.

GLOBAL POSITIONING Hushion Malibu Moon NY-bred aired going 6F and connections not afraid to run them against open foes.

GOLDEN ACTOR Roncancio Curlin Going-away winner in Jean Lafitte at Delta; followed with 9th in Delta Jackpot.

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GOLDEN YEARS Jenkins Not For Love One of stronger MD-based prospects in years; distance a question, not talent.

GOLD SHIELD McGaughey Medaglia d’Oro Son of 7F ace Dream Supreme disappointed some in NYRA MSW bids; now at GP. GOO BIRD McPeek Summer Bird Forwarded an impressive last to first rally in Ellis Park maiden turf race.

GOOD LUCK GUS Rodriguez Lookin At Lucky NY-bred likes to win races and looked at home winning a 2-turn state-bred stakes.

GOOD PICK NICK McLaughlin Tapit th Stonestreet colt odds-on in debut 6 at Aqu; ½ to G2 winner Dancinginherdreams.

GORGEOUS BIRD Wilkes Unbridled’s Song Grandson of Oaks winner Bird Town improved sharply in 2nd start MSW win at CD. GRAND FULL MOON Diodoro Malibu Moon Dead-heated with Native American in Shakopee Juv. at Cby; runner-up TuP stakes.

GRAND SKY Casse Sky Mesa Was getting to Diamond Majesty in Santa Anita MSW; same female family as Spain.

GRANNY’S KITTEN Maker Kitten’s Joy Only start in July produced convincing victory in Belmont Park turf sprint; out since.

GREAT REZULTS Wilkes Zensational CD winner has all-Baffert pedigree as dam is stakes-placed full-sis to Yearly Report.

GREAT STUFF Wilkes Quality Road rd Late-running debut 3 at CD in Sept to Toasting Master; no break in training since.

GREY WIZARD C. Brown Kitten’s Joy nd Debuted 2 to Dubai Sky in Belmont MSW going 1 1/16 miles; likely turf.

GUNSLINGER O’Callaghan Indian Charlie Coolmore nom’d to G1 stakes, but didn’t start at 2; dam ½ to Japanese superstars.

GUSTNADO Mott Smart Strike Was 3rd behind Vision Perfect in grassy Awad S. after maiden score at Bel. HANDY CANDY Wilkes Candy Ride CD MSW winner didn't advance fall; female family Student Council, Don't Get Mad. HARD TO PORT Mott Afleet Alex Exploded late in fall CD MSW sprint debut; ace dam Turn Away by Empire Maker.

D

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HASHTAG BOURBON Gorder Super Saver Sharp 2YO suffered ankle chip and hopefully returns to promising form at OP. HAWKSHAW McPeek Discreetly Mine nd 2 start MSW winner at Turfway going mile on Polytrack; just a May 17 foal.

HEBBRONVILLE Whiting Majesticperfection Solid at Parx, followed with sharp 2nd to Blofeld in G1 Futurity at Belmont.

HENRY JONES Lukas Temple City Outrun at Spa, but put it together in KY fall and 3rd in key Kee ALW route.

HENRY’S HOLIDAY O’Neill Harlan’s Holiday th Well-beaten 5 in Del Mar Futurity before sidelined; good 2nd in Best Pal Stakes.

HERO OF HUMOR Dorochenko Sharp Humor Maiden special weight winner at Churchill Downs; unplaced in stakes at GP West.

HERO ON SATURDAY D. Anderson AnyGivenSaturday Won MSW race at PrM; followed with overnight stakes win at Canterbury.

HERO TEN ALL Mullins Rock Hard Ten Runner-up to Dortmund in debut came back to win at Los Al in Dec going 1 mile.

HERRIOT Olmstead Air Commander Debuted MSW winner at Canterbury in July before going on the sidelines since.

HIDDEN DANGER Catalano Tiznow Fought it out for CD maiden special weight win in 3rd try; in the mix in all 3.

HIGH NOON RIDER Weaver Distorted Humor Beautifully-bred Aqu MSW winner was a decent 3rd in a good RP 2-turn stakes.

HIGHWAY TO FAME Fires Monarchos Easy winner at 37-1 in maiden special weights debut at Churchill Downs.

HOLIDAY CAMP Baffert Street Boss Off the board in pair of races after career debut win in Santa Anita maiden special.

HOLY BOSS Asmussen Street Boss 5th in Champagne after Churchill Downs maiden victory; failed to progress fall.

HOLLYWOOD CRITIC Minshall Blame nd rd 2 in Display, 3 in Grey on Poly while still maiden; ¾ bro to G1 winner Arravale.

HOMER MATT P. Miller Majesticperfectioni rd Well-meant, he debuted with a 3 in SA Juvenile S.; followed with 2nd in MSW.

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HONEST Plesa Blame Monmouth sprint maiden breaker will get class / distance tests at Gulfstream.

HOOTENANNY Ward Quality Road Proved he can stretch out when he captured the G1 BC Juvenile Turf; Europe at 3?

HOTTAP Asmussen Tapit Underachieving a bit in KY/LA MSW bids; well bred, well connected, more to give.

HUBBA SHAKE Wolfson Street Sense Battled-tested 2yo won & placed on dirt/turf route stakes; early season factor?

HUMOR Distorted Humor Son of multiple Breeders’ Cup stakes-placed mare Film Maker yet to post a drill.

I SPENT IT A. Dutrow Super Saver nd Won Saratoga Special Stakes in 2 start; exited Champagne w/ injury - OP return?

I’M VENEZUELAN Tessore War Chant Won MSW at Gulfstream in debut and has been stakes-placed 3 times since then.

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IDEAL Hollendorfer Super Saver Couple of nice sprint MSW tries against more brilliant types; will love routing.

IMPERIA McLaughlin Medaglia d’Oro Broke maiden in Belmont’s G3 Pilgrim Stakes on turf; 2nd in Ky. Jockey Club Stakes.

INCREMENTAL Stall Flatter Jean Lafitte 3rd as maiden and has shown some dirt potential despite turf genes.

INDEBTED Clement Malibu Moon Debuted a winner at 7 1-2 furlongs over Delaware Park turf. Not seen since July.

INDIANAUGHTY Botti Indian Charlie Team Valor UK buy broke maiden at Kempton; dam Be Fair 4th in Ky Oaks.

INDICT V. Foley Blame Won maiden special offering at Ellis Park in debut, unplaced in pair of ALW races.

INFILTRATION Lovell Temple City Runner-up in grassy El Joven at Retama; nominated to Ky Jockey Club; dirt at FG? INSTANT REPLAY Catalano Lemon Drop Kid Beat very good debut field at Parx, but off board in 2 tries since at CD vs. winners.

INTERNATIONAL STAR Maker Fusaichi Pegasus Won G3 Grey Stakes at Woodbine and most recently 4th in G2 Ky. Jockey Club S. IRON FIST Hollendorfer Tapit Talented maiden absent since 3rd to American Pharoah in G1 Del Mar Futurity.

ISLAND TOWN Wilkes Hard Spun Finished well for sharp maiden special score at Churchill Downs in 3rd appearance.

IT’LL BE FINE McPeek Greatness Solid ALW performer in KY & NY, but failed twice to make stakes rise on the road.

ITSAKNOCKOUT Pletcher Lemon Drop Kid Sharp GP debut in Dec beating barnmate Old Mountain Lane; solid female family.

IT’S NOT ME Navarro D’Wildcat Gulfstream West sprint stakes winner rose out of claiming ranks; likely peaked.

JACK TRIPP Romans Flatter Kee MSW winner failed to deliver in CD fall ALW bids; tries to right ship at GP. JAIDEN’S BEST O’Connell Wildcat Heir Early developer placed twice in Fla Stallion Series, but distance and development?

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JESS’S DREAM McLaughlin Curlin Son of Curlin/Rachel Alexandra meant to be a classic runner; at Palm Meadows.

Highly unlikely to be ready for the Triple Crown, but whenever and wherever Rachel’s baby shows up, it will be a big deal.

JOE FRANKLIN Breen Bernstein Sharp MSW win at Kee vs. good bunch before Pen ALW score; miler pedigree.

JOHN’S SUCCESS O’Neill Colonel John rd Finished 3 behind Luck of the Kitten in the Zuma Beach S. on SA turf.

JUMPIN FRAC FLASH McPeek Any Given Saturday Done early, finished last in Ky. Jockey Club S.; was easy winner going mile at CD. KAMARIUS Pletcher Candy Ride Not seen since easy distance victory in maiden special race over Saratoga turf.

KANTUNE Casse Kantharos Winless in 6 starts in MSW races, but nibbling vs. good fields and capable of more.

KARLYRAE’SWARRIOR Hobby Majesticwarrior Kentucky MSW nibbler will get a chance to graduate at Oaklawn; must step it up.

KEEN ICE Romans Curlin Rallying 3rd in Remsen at Aqu; broke his maiden at Churchill; dam ½ to Coal Play.

KEEP ME GROUNDED Mora/O’Neill First Samurai Well-bred colt training toward winter debut; nominated to Los Al Futurity early.

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KENTUCKIAN Hollendorfer Tiznow Son of multiple stakes-winning mare Forest Music drilling at SA toward debut.

KERJILLION C. Brown Freud NY-bred looked awesome winning grassy Bel MSW in Oct, but has some dirt genes.

KHOZAN Todd Pletcher Distorted Humor Son of Delta Princess, making him ½ bro to Royal Delta; drilling PBD for debut.

KILLINGIT Wohlers Candy Ride May foal romped to CD MSW route win on front end in Nov after east coast bids.

KING RONTOS R. Rodriguez Unbridled’s Song rd Debut Tremont 3 in summer didn’t develop sprinting; 2nd dam Wilderness Song.

KRISTI’S COPILOT A. Sherman Lucky Pulpit Debuted a winner at Santa Anita and followed with a 5th in SA Juvenile Stakes.

KULAK Dorochenko Sharp Humor 2nd in Birdonthewire S. at Gulfstream after posting maiden win over same strip.

LAWLESS WEST Catalano Giant’s Causeway nd Headed wrong way late fall; best finish 2 by a nose in a slowly run MSW at Kee. LAWN RANGER McPeek U S Ranger Won 2 of 4, including a score in G3 Bourbon S. at Kee; was 6th in G1 BC Juv Turf.

LEAVE THE LIGHT ON C.Brown Horse Greeley Has won 2 of 3, most notably a gate to wire triumph in G2 Remsen at Aqueduct.

LEITRIM Asmussen Lookin At Lucky Promising debut 4th vs very strong FG route cast to open year; dam solid sprinter.

LEMON DROP PRIZE Pitts Lemon Drop Kid Won debut despite slow start and wide trip at Kee; followed with dull try at CD LORD NELSON Baffert Pulpit nd th Won Speakeasy S. at SA in 2 start; finished 5 in G2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes.

LUCK OF THE KITTEN Ward Kitten’s Joy Runner-up to Hootenanny in G1 BC Juvenile Turf; won Zuma Beach S. at SA. LUCKY DELFINO Garoffolo Flatter Debuted a winner after sweeping move at Gulfstream; winless in three since.

LUCKY PLAYER Asmussen Lookin At Lucky th Won G3 Iroquois S. at Churchill and finished 8 in G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

NEW YEAR NEW POST TIME NEW WAGERS Superfectas on every race Rolling Doubles & Pick 3s Three Pick 4s Post time 12:30pm

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MADE FROM LUCKY Mazza Lookin At Lucky Returned from Aug layoff to smoke GP MSW routers in late Dec despite greenness.

MADIBA Hollendorfer Candy Ride nd Winless in three starts; best finish was a 2 to Conquest Panthera in debut.

MAGIC OF BELIEVING McPeek Badge of Silver Solid Kee 9F turf MSW 2nd but wasn’t as effective back at CD on dirt in Nov. C. Brown MAJESTIC AFFAIR Majesticperfection Broke his maiden at Canterbury Downs and most recently was 2nd in Lewis at Lrl. MAJESTICO Lukas Majesticperfection Took four races to break his maiden and then was unplaced in G2 Ky. Jockey Club.

MAMILIO Jo. Servis Hard Spun 1/2 to Acorn/DelCap winner Island Sand scored Mth MSW; winters at Gulfstream.

MANCHURIAN Hennig Curlin Didn't move forward off debut 3rd at Bel; kept in NY for winter despite turf genes.

MAN OF STATURE Calhoun My Golden Song Dull on turf, but long 2yo campaign on dirt was solid enough to get FG-OP chance.

MARCH C. Brown Blame nd Debut 2 late Nov at Aqu to Ship Disturber; ½ brother sharp 3yo Eightyfiveinafifty.

MARKET CONDUCT C.Brown Super Saver NY-bred earned checks in Sleepy Hollow, Bongard, outrun in Remsen, stays in NY. MARKING McLaughlin Bernardini Son of multiple stakes-winning mare Seventh Street; went off tab in Fla in Nov. MAWTHOOQ McLaughlin Distorted Humor Grass may ultimately be his thing, but he was stunning winning a 1m MSW at Aqu. METABOSS Bonde Street Boss th 4 behind OchoOchoOcho in Juvenile Turf S. at Santa Anita; winless in three tries.

MIDHMAAR C.Brown Tapit AWOL since Sept debut 3rd at Bel; dam Take d'Tour won G1 Ogden Phipps twice.

MICKS MIRACLE D’Amato Wildcat Heir Devastating sprint debut at SA in Dec with a sprint pedigree; San Vicente target?

MIDNIGHT TRACE Motion Scat Daddy Debut winner in Tam turf mile from far outside post impressed; ON-bred options.

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The Pamplemousse MIGHTY MOUSSE Baffert AWOL since Sept 3 debut at LA when six-wide 3rd at 1/2; dam ½ sister to Paynter.

MINI COSMO Motion Unbridled Energy Lrl debut winner came to hand late fall/ winter in Mid-Atlantic; NY winter type.

MONEY MULTIPLIER C. Brown Lookin At Lucky 1/2 bro to top '14 soph Intense Holiday working well toward early January debut.

MOONLIGHT BANDIT Casse Malibu Moon Convincing MSW winner at CD tired badly in Remsen; training well in Florida.

MORE FRONT Clement War Front $400k buy debuted w/ even turf route bid in Nov; female family of Clear Mandate.

MORGANS HARBOUR Pinchin Graeme Hall Broke his maiden at Gulfstream and was 2nd to Mr. Jordan in Juv Sprint at GPW. MORNING BUZZ Wilkes Congrats Was 2nd in debut at CD to sharp Conquest Big Luck E; out since dull Sept follow-up.

MOVE THE CHAINS Ward Eskendereya May debut 2nd sent to sidelines until return to GP tab in Dec; damside turf routes.

MR. JORDAN Plesa Kantharos Ran off with Smooth Air Stakes at GPW to go 3-for-3, but out with ligament issue.

MR. L.S. SHOE Hodges Forefathers Unbeaten in pair against Louisiana-Breds, including a decisive win in La. Stallion S. MR. Z Lukas Malibu Moon Lost to OchoOchoOcho by a nose in Delta Jackpot; strong contender at Oaklawn.

MUTAMAKKIN War Front Unraced and yet to log a work, dam is ½ sister to turf route ace Somali Lemonade.

MY CURBY Lyster Curlin Impeccably bred son of turf ace mare My Baby Baby; knocking on door in KY/LA. MY JOHNNY BE GOOD Harty Colonel John Romped Tam ALW by 14+ lengths in fast 6F time in late Dec; 2nd to Eagle routing.

MY POINT EXACTLY Kaplan Concord Point Sunday Silence Stakes winner on LaD turf in Sept sidelined since leaving tab in Nov.

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NASA Jo. Servis Smarty Jones May foal romped 7F MSW at Lrl in Sept & added PA Nursery; class test in Jerome.

When you have undefeated Kentucky Derby champions as sire (Smarty Jones) and damsire (Seattle Slew), it’s easy to get interested in Nasa.

NET GAIN Mott Include Has improved with distance and maturity and won’t be a maiden much longer.

NEW SUMMIT West Sky Mesa Battled in SA sprint debut behind Firing Line et al; dam 1/2 to Affirmed Success.

NIGHT PROWLER C. Brown Giant’s Causeway rd Maiden winner at Belmont followed with 3 in Pulpit at GPW, losing 3-horse pic.

NOBLE HUSTLE T. Dutrow Smart Strike th Took some money in lone out when 4 at the Spa; Dec return to Fair Hill tab.

NONNA’S BOY Pletcher Distorted Humor Won debut at 1/10, but AWOL since off-the-board finishes in Sanford, Sar Special.

NO PROBLEM S. McCarthy Munnings Has won 2 of 3, including G3 Bob Hope Stakes at Del Mar with solid late run.

NOT ENOUGH EDDIE O’Neill/Mora Square Eddie Los Al debut winner well-beaten in subsequent tries, including Juvy Turf Sprint.

NOTIONAL DEBT Robb Notional Beat better-than-looks field at Lrl in Nov MSW; training sharp; ½ bro Debt Ceiling.

NOVAK Nicks Sky Mesa Pair of solid MSWs at GP late in the year short/long on dirt/turf - versatile.

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NUBLADO BLING E. Martinez, Jr. Too Much Bling nd Maiden winner at Lone Star was strong 2 to Bayerd in Kip Deville at Remington.

NUN THE LESS Block Candy Ride nd Was 2 to Conquest Tsunami in Street Sense S. at CD after allowance win at Kee. NUTTY FUTTY Van Culin Johar Top effort was 3rd behind Startup Nation in G2 With Anticipation S. at Saratoga.

OAK BROOK Block Giant’s Causeway Kin go Giant Oak has same versatility on turf/dirt as brother; router won CD MSW. ON TAP L. Rice Tapit Well-bred son of Fantastic Shirl debuted 3rd to Ship Distuber; should want route.

OCHO OCHO OCHO Cassidy Street Sense Unbeaten in three races after outlasting Mr. Z. for G3 Delta Jackpot Stakes win.

He’s fast. He’s traveled.

He’s conditioned by a veteran looking for his ‘career’ horse in the Triple Crown. Ocho Ocho Ocho has a lot to like – whether he draws post 8 or not.

OCEAN KNIGHT McLaughlin Curlin Owns 2-turn pedigree, making his 6F Aqu debut for patient barn more noteworthy.

OFFERING PLAN C. Brown Spring At Last Turf runner showed some class at 2, is bred for the main and should get a shot.

OLD MOUNTAIN LANE Pletcher War Front rd Well-bet Kee debut 3 & then rallied to just miss at GP in Dec to stablemate.

ONE GO ALL GO Mott Fairbanks G3 stakes-placed on the Polytrack, but hasn’t shown much in two dirt starts.

ONE LUCKY DANE Baffert Lookin At Lucky Well regarded, in expert hands and was hardly disgraced in the BC Juvenile.

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OSTROLENKA Pletcher Musket Man Talented NY-bred impressed twice before a very wide no-show in G2 Remsen.

OUTDATED Diodoro Old Fashioned Lost In The Fog Juvenile winner was outmatched in 1 juvenile attempt in California.

OUTLASH Pletcher Unbridled's Song Jan GP debuter has distance influence; female family of Telling, Academy Award.

OVERCONTROL Pletcher Tapit Worked :10-1/5 OBS Apr to lure $725k; May 6 foal debuted sharp/green GP winner.

PAIN AND MISERY H. Dominguez Bob And John 6F Zia stakes winner has impressed on paper and warrants a class/distance text.

PAPPOU Sadler Tapit Modest improvement with distance/experience; out of strong southern mare.

PASSED DUE Rushton Pass Rush Stakes-placed at Indiana Grand, but has a long ways to go to join the big leagues.

PASSION FOR ACTION DePaulo Speightstown Woodbine-based Ontario-bred is much more likely to aim for their Queen’s Plate.

PATERSON HILL Breaux Fusaichi Pegasus DeD MSW winner has yet to go beyond 5F, but is bred top and bottom to route.

PAT’S SHOES Hartlage Eskendereya Late-running maiden at CD behind A Rod Again; dam big-time sprint family.

PEACENLUVPEACENLUV Papaprodromou Artie Schiller Bred for grass and runner-up in SA’s Juvenile Turf Sprint likely stays short, green.

PEACOCK STRUT Baffert Ghostzapper nd 2 dam great Tap To Music; unraced, began drilling in Oct. toward SA debut.

PERFECTLY D.K. Von Hemel Majesticperfection Knocking on door in CD fall MSWs; Oaklawn player out of stakes machine dam.

PERFORMANCE BONUS C. Brown Discreetly Mine Strong 2nd to Classy Class in lone out at Bel and figures to resurface at GP soon.

PINK MAGIC E. Williams Straight Man Won his debut going 2F at Crc in May, but shows just one work at MVR since.

PIONEEROF THE WEST Casse Pioneerof The Nile Del Mar MSW winner goes for a loaded barn and will certainly get his chance.

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PLANET Street Cry (IRE) Unraced, hit worktab at Los Alamitos in Dec; dam 3rd in G1 Humana Distaff at 7F. POW WOW PAL Ward Indian Charlie 2 good 2nds in KY before heading to GP for winter; dam G1 winner Funny Moon.

PRETENTIOUS Cassidy Super Saver May 28 foal inconsistent, but showed ability; dam Turkappeal strong turf router.

PRIDE OF STRIDE Motion Candy Ride (ARG) Underrated two-time winner is trained by a Derby winner and should run all day.

PRIME ENGINE Hollendorfer Northern Afleet EmD stakes winner failed to last in G3 Delta Jackpot, so class issues persist.

PRIVATE PROSPECT M. Campbell Discreet Cat G3 stakes-placed on Poly but didn’t make any friends when 9th in BC Juvenile.

PRIVATE SHOW Albertrani Discreetly Mine West Point charge awoke when 4th at Belmont in last, but hasn’t worked since Nov. PROPHETIC Cassidy Super Saver rd Encouraging 3 in his lone out at Del Mar in August, but hasn’t been seen since.

PROSPECT PARK Sise Tapit Beat a very promising SA dirt route group in late Dec to graduate; big upside.

PUNCTUATE Baffert Distorted Humor Peppers Pride’s (19-for-19) son closed from 12th to win debut; could be any kind.

PURIM’S GOLD Ritvo Purim Bred to run all day, but didn't advance off Del sprint wins when arriving in Florida.

QUALITY BIRD Wilkes Quality Road nd 2 start Dec MSW winner at GP in slow time; female family Birdstone, Birdtown.

QUIET RAY Eskendereya Stonestreet charge has been legging up at their trainer center since mid-October.

R U WATCHINGBUD Ross Kentucky Bear Stakes-placed on the Poly at Woodbine and likely to aim for their Queen’s Plate.

READY FOR RYE Albertrani City Zip Very impressive Bel MSW sprint winner could very well outrun his miler pedigree.

REALITY Gorder Super Saver Supremely bred son of Dianehill may be better on grass; better than he’s shown.

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RECONFIGURE Plesa Lemon Drop Kid Late Dec GP debut win around 2 turns on turf over Pletcher duo; modest damside.

RECOUNT DiVito Limehouse rd G3 winner on the Poly did run 3 in a dirt stakes at PRM and has ample talent.

RED BUTTON Glatt Distorted Humor Del Mar MSW winner hasn’t bridged the gap to stakes foes; not sure he's for dirt.

RED GUARD McGaughey Bernardini Beautifully-bred, but hasn’t lived up to the hype in three modest turf runs so far.

REID THE NEWS A. Dominguez Mass Media Owns just a MCL debut win at Del Park and was recently 9th in a minor Tam stakes.

REMO Mora/O’Neill Hard Spun Love pedigree with Dynaformer on bottom; needs to relax early, underachiever.

REQUITE Weaver Warrior’s Reward Sprinter was bet in his Spa debut win; decent 4th in G1 Hopeful before benched.

REVOLVER Asmussen Tale Of The Cat nd Poorly kept secret when odds-on 2 in his lone start at CD and will be heard from.

RICHARD THE GREAT Nicks Distorted Humor th Two-time winner at GP was 6 in a minor GPW stakes with some traffic issues.

RISETOTHEOCCASION Gorder Discreet Cat Indy MSW winner didn’t embarrass with CD sprinters in fall; bred to be miler.

RISK PARITY Amoss Sky Mesa Solid tries before confidence boost class-drop/romp; dam ½ to Favorite Trick.

ROCKINATTEN Mora/O’Neill High Cotton rd Dominant 3 start GPW MSW winner bought & sent west in Nov; ex-Nicks trainee.

ROCK SHANDY P. Miller Lemon Drop Kid Versatile, G3 stakes-placed on the turf and could get a dirt chance at SA. ROD McLEOD Romans Roman Ruler CD summer debut winner seems to find trouble since; pedigree leans shorter.

ROWDY DYLAN P. Miller Sky Mesa Barretts Juvy runner-up off the tab since being eased in Zuma Beach in early Oct. ROYAL BURGH Pletcher Street Sense Game Kee MSW winner bombed in the Remsen but will get another chance at GP.

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ROYAL SAINT Asmussen Candy Ride (ARG) Rousing MSW sprint winner in lone start at Elp in Aug; returned to FG tab 12/29.

ROYAL SON Pletcher Tiznow Two sharp Spa runner-up efforts say he can do some things at 3 down in Florida.

ROYAL SQUEEZE C. Brown Wildcat Heir In Reality Stakes runner-up has been own worst enemy in-race w/ erratic trips.

Wohlers RUNHAPPY Super Saver Dominant, green Turfway debut winner in late Dec headed to FG or OP for next.

RUN LIKE A MILLION Hollendorfer Kafwain Los Al Futurity nominee blew away GG MSWs in sharp debut; dam won G3 Railbird.

SAHAM Walsh Lemon Drop Kid Clearly 2nd best to sharp Wilkes 2nd timer in debut at CD; rough trip in GP route.

SARATOGA HEATER Stall Temple City NY-bred was a solid 4th in the G3 Jackpot at Delta and could make noise at FG. SAVOY STOMP Pletcher Medaglia d’Oro th G1 bloodlines here, but that 5 in the G2 Nashua raises some quality questions.

SAYS ME Asmussen Congrats Didn’t fire in two KY starts and time is running out to make a lasting impression.

SEATTLE BOOM War Front Well-bred runner is by a hot sire, but didn’t appear on the worktab as a 2YO. SEATTLE SERENADE Hollendorfer Smart Strike Beautifully-bred runner is out of a $500k dam and is on the tab going 3F at GG. SEBASTIAN’S HEART Papaprodromou Broken Vow MCL winner at SA picked up stakes sprint checks in Bob Hope, Speakeasy Stakes.

SECRETO PRIMERO Machowsky First Samurai nd 2 to Texas Red in route MSW at Dmr looking for breakout; nice female family.

SECOND SUMMER Eurton Summer Bird Bred to handle distance and any surface, closing turfer so far set for a breakout.

SECURED POSITION Cash Patriot Act nd Blew up tote at Bel, then a closing 2 in Mth's Tyro; out since Aug, bred to run on.

SENOR GRITS Wilkes Elusive Quality CD sprint MSW winner ran well in tough Lrl stakes; pedigree leans sprint/mile.

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SERBIAN SYCLONE P. Miller Wildcat Heir 2 really strong sprint wins since being blasted by Dortmund; San Vicente up next.

SEVE’S ROAD O’Neill/Mora Quality Road Showed some promise in July before sidelined; return to tab Oct & AWOL again.

SHARM Lukas Majestic Warrior Working on the “lifetime maiden” tag and his form seems to be going backwards.

SHIP DISTURBER Violette Sky Mesa Sterling 6 ½ F Aqu debut in Nov., is bred to run on and NY is there for the taking.

SHOTGUN KOWBOY Trout Kodiak Kowboy One of better OK-breds to face the trail; 3-for-4 headed to Oaklawn for validation.

Steady comer couldn’t quite get to Bayerd in the Springboard Mile, but should get a rematch at Oaklawn in a budding rivalry.

SIGNATURE CAT Guillot Discreet Cat nd Debut 2 to El Kabier but didn’t build on that; sent west after Hopeful bust.

SILVERHILL Calhoun Silver City Underrated sort traded jabs with some biggies last summer and wasn’t disgraced.

SILVER RIDE Lynch Candy Ride (ARG) nd Intriguing runner was a good 2 to Dortmund at CD and has plenty of upside.

SING PRAISES Gold Hear No Evil Florida-bred likes to win and will certainly get his acid test at GP this winter.

SINGING PASS Bernardini Son of G1 Garden City turf winner Magnificent Song hasn’t hit the worktab yet.

SIR SAMSON Koriner Smart Strike nd 2 start Los Al maiden winner in Dec.; dam was G2 A Gleam winner sprinting.

SKILL NOT LUCK C. Brown Lookin At Lucky Under the radar colt has a pair of two-turn wins at Parx, which is more than most.

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SKY BISTRO Casse Sky Mesa Sharp, heavily bet winner in his lone start at CD in May, but hasn’t worked since.

SKY HERO Casse Sky Mesa 2-turn CD ALW winner in November was a disappointing 8th in G2 Ky Jockey Club.

SKY RACER Casse Sky Mesa Ontario-bred part of a loaded group of 3yos for Casse, but may try the Plate path.

SKY PREACHER O’Neill/Mora Sky Mesa Outstanding turf router at SA absent since going awry in G1 Frontrunner on dirt.

SKYWAY Casse Sky Mesa NY-bred won the G2 Best Pal at Dmr, but struggled with better when sent longer.

SMART AS A FAWKES Fawkes Langfuhr Intriguing sort aired in his lone GP start in July and is readying for his return there.

SMART TRANSITION Shirreffs Smart Strike Impeccably bred son of Zardana working well at SA toward winter debut.

SMOKEM KITTEN Maker Kitten’s Joy Romped GP MSW turf route debut in early Dec by 5 wire to wire; May 26 foal.

SOUL DRIVER Mullins Street Boss Extended game to 9F turf MSW win at SA and was 2nd-best in grassy Eddie Logan.

SOUPER COLOSSAL Plesa War Front th Freaky fast, failed going long when 7 in BC Juv. and may be a crack sprinter/miler.

SPOTLIGHT Super Saver Well-bred to go 1 ¼ miles top and bottom (Tiznow), but has yet to hit the worktab.

SPRING QUALITY Motion Quality Road Augustin homebred impressed winning only start at Kee and is working at Fair Hill.

ST. RENO Sadler Awesome Again Well-bred runner out of ½ to sprint star Thunderello; unraced nom to big stakes.

STALK THE WILDCAT Hollendorfer Ministers Wild Cat GG stakes winner never been past 6Fs, but is bred for it and likely will try at SA. STAND AND SALUTE Hollendorfer Saint Anddan Game two-turn stakes winner at GG will likely test the big boys at SA this winter.

STANFORD Pletcher Malibu Moon Heady connections, but Mth debut winner failed in Sar Special; Dec return to tab.

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STARBOUND Amoss Harlan’s Holiday MSW nibbler seeks FG breakout; from female family of Macho Again.

STARTUP NATION C. Brown Temple City G2 turf winner has talent, but if he hasn’t tried dirt yet, maybe it's just not for him?

STEAM PLAY Baffert Stroll Talented sort has been 2nd in 2 key races, but may need turf to strut his best stuff.

STORMY LIBERAL O’Neill/Mora Stormy Atlantic nd Turf-bred runner made nice run 2 to Conquest Typhoon in Deville at Dmr. STORMY WAYLLEN Catalano Stormy Atlantic Two-time turf winner is training at GP and could try the main track this winter.

STORY TO TELL Hendricks Bluegrass Cat Battle-tested stakes sprinter at age 2; dam was solid Mid-Atlantic stakes dasher.

STREET PASSAGE Matz Bernardini Impeccably bred son of Beaumont winner Street Sounds; steady tab toward debut.

STREET JERSEY Tagg Street Cry (IRE) G1 bloodlines (dam Jersey Girl won Pletcher’s first G1) & was 3rd in both Bel outs.

STREET TOUGH Kenneally Street Cry (IRE) Underachieving maiden in KY is half to Daddy Long Legs; dam was sharp sprinter.

STRIKE EM DOWN Barr Smart Strike Nibbling in some key eastern MSWs routes; dam ½ to Take Charge Lady.

STRONG COFFEE Motion Warrior’s Reward Spa turf winner was a fringe player in two grassy graded stakes to end the year.

SUBTLE INDIAN Diodoro Indian Charlie Impressive Cby debut winner is legging up at TuP and should face winners soon.

TAHKEEM ??

Candy Ride (ARG) Unworked to this point; dam Mini Sermon was sharp 6-7F sprint G2 stakes winner.

TAKEOVER TARGET C. Brown Harlan’s Holiday Awesome Bel turf debut winner could be in line for a dirt run at GP this winter.

TALE OF VERVE Stewart Tale Of Ekati May like FG’s long stretch this winter; sharp female family and has some ability.

TAPIT WICKED Asmussen Tapit Three starts, three 2nds, a bit reminiscent to stablemate Tapiture as an early 2yo.

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TAPITSPHERE Asmussen Tapit th CD debut winner in June was 4 in two minor stakes in August, unraced since.

TAPKEE Pletcher Tapit rd Useful 3 in lone out at Spa, is working at PBD and the gut says he’s got talent.

TASK FORCE GLORY Maker Badge of Silver Nibbler broke out with 9F turf win at CD late Nov; hooked some good fields prior.

TEXAS RED Desormeaux Afleet Alex Most impressive BCJ winner since Street Sense, but quirky race shape a tricky read.

THE GOMPER Ellis Sky Mesa Rolled home in fast, eye-catching Los Al debut and SA ALW 2nd; distance test next.

THE GREAT WAR Ward War Front Euro colt was 4th in BC Juv. in dirt debut and will reportedly be with Ward in US. THE MAN Baffert Ecclesiastic Working like a freak toward SA debut (entered 1/3); sire was sharp turf sprinter.

THE TRUTH OR ELSE McPeek Yes Its’ True th G1-placed at 1-turn, but didn’t fire when 6 in Aqu’s G2 Remsen going 2 turns.

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THE WOW SIGNAL Quinn Starspangledbanner Euro G1 winner lost his form to end season and will be pointed to 1,000 Guineas.

THIRTYSEVENLIVESON Romans Giant’s Causeway Still a maiden after four starts and thrown to the wolves in Aqueduct’s G2 Remsen.

THIRTYSILVERPIECES Ward Badge of Silver Turf speedster won CD ALW on front end before fading badly in Bourbon at Kee. TITAN Casse Awesome Again th 6 in lone start at WO; sent to Oaklawn for winter and has Queen's Plate options.

TIZ A CHANCE Motion Tiz Wonderful nd Bet like a good thing when 2 in lone out at Bel in Sept, but hasn’t worked since.

TIZ TIME TO SHINE C. Brown Tiznow NY-bred won pricey FL stakes to break his maiden; Crown run would be a big ask.

TIZCANO P. Miller Tiznow Del Mar Nov ALW sprint winner is out of Alcibiades champ Westerly Breeze.

TIZNOW R J Asmussen Tiznow Romping MSW winner at FG in 2-turn debut may make waves there this winter.

TIZ TOWN Wilkes Tiznow rd Legendary pedigree out of Bird Town; 3 in 9F turf MSW on CD’s “Stars” card.

TOASTING MASTER Romans Congrats Sprinter won two straight to end year at CD and will get a chance to go long at GP. TODAY’S AGENDA T. Dutrow Monba Chased Competitive Edge, Bayerd in good Spa tries, but just failed at Parx, Lrl after.

TOP CLEARANCE Catalano Majestic Warrior nd Good 2 in lone start at Mth in Sep, but hasn’t worked since Oct; 3rd dam Potridee.

TOUCHDOWN KITTEN Ward Kitten’s Joy GP turf winner isn’t bred for the main track, but will likely give it a go this winter.

TOUGH CUSTOMER Catalano Giant’s Causeway Romping CD debut winner was an encouraging 4th in Kee’s G1 Breeders’ Futurity.

TRADESMAN Albertrani Street Sense Darley homebred’s dam is a half-sis to Congaree and his debut 2nd at Bel was good.

TREATY OF ROME War Front Yet to hit worktab, but offered at Wynn; dam a win-early sprint type for Calhoun.

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TWENTY GAUGE Romans Fusaichi Pegasus Showed some distance promise and surface versatility nibbling in KY MSW ranks.

ULTRA SHARP Dollase Sharp Humor Showed second start improvement at Los Al in mid-Dec; some damside stamina.

UNBLUNTED S. McCarthy Sharp Humor Impressive SA 7F MSW winner disappointed when 5th in GG’s Gold Rush.

UNINFLUENCED Pletcher Indian Charlie Set for winter debut in NY after training at PBD; dam a full-sis to Unbridled's Song.

UNRIVALED Montoya Super Saver Ex-Gorder charge 15-length MSW winner at Parx 12/23; female family of War Pass.

UPSTART Violette Flatter NYB has run well against open and was a fine 3rd in BC Juv. from impossible draw.

VICI Stall War Front Beat very strong FG MSW route cast on Jan 1; 2nd dam the fantastic Wild Applause.

VISCERAL House Big Brown nd Sharp worker very good debut 2 in FG turf sprint vs. good cast; turfy damside.

VISION PERFECT Donk Pollard’s Vision Very impressive turf stakes winner at Bel could be a real sleeper on the main track.

W V JETSETTER Weaver Jet Phone TX-bred 10th in Kee’s G1 Breeders’ Futurity and likely not classy enough in routes.

WABEL Baffert Curlin nd Speedster simply 2 best in 2 starts to The Gomper and Micks Miracle; upside.

WAGING WAR Stall War Front th Kee MSW winner didn’t carry that over when 6 in a 2-turn ALW route at CD. WAKE UP JOE Doug Matthews Zensational nd Sprinter was a good 2 in a CD ALW going 6F and seems best suited to one-turn WAKE UP NICK Mora/O’Neill Cindago Multiple Cal-bred stakes winner needs to do better than his 6th in the G3 Jackpot.

WAR ENVOY O’Brien War Front Euro is second tier in his own barn; abysmal BC result; 4th dam Winning Colors.

WAR POINT Gowan War Chant Ride On Curlin’s barn looking for sequel; damsire Point Given, wants distance.

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WAR RIDE War Front Unraced son of G1 Spinaway winner Irish Smoke getting serious on FG work tab.

WAR STORY Amoss Northern Afleet Visually impressive CD/FG winner bears some close scrutiny in 'Nawlins this winter.

WAYWARD KITTEN Ward Kitten’s Joy Ramsey homebred is 3: 1-2-0 on the turf, but could be in line for a dirt run at GP. WESTBOUND Catalano Giant’s Causeway Son of sharpie Sweet Lips showed some life at Kee, but disappointed at 2.

WHITE BAY McGaughey Speightstown ½ brother to Sightseeing showed improvement at Lrl before heading to Payson.

WICKED RASCAL O’Connell West Acre Sidelined 2x GP summer dirt sprint winner could find winter competition too tough.

WILD ZAMBEZI Pletcher Giant’s Causeway Son of G1 winner Wild Spirit owns 2-turn win at Mth, but bas been out since Oct. WILDLY BRILLIANT Einstein (BRZ) Unraced, but his works at Los Alamitos say he’s close to making his debut at SA. WILLING TO TRAVEL Hollendorfer Pleasantly Perfect Improving sort since private buy from Chicago scored Dmr turf route MSW in Nov. WIRELESS FUTURE Amoss Scat Daddy Like this kind of pedigree with turfy damside; improving sort should get distance.

WOLF MAN ROCKET Baffert Mineshaft Working solidly toward SA winter debut; turf stamina on damside of pedigree.

XY JET Navarro Kantharos Win-early sprint type may be hard-pressed to keep going toward the Swale.

ZANDAR Morley Kitten’s Joy nd Bel MSW turf winner was 2 to very talented Vision Perfect in their grassy Awad.

ZENDAI Harty Zensational Nibbling in tough SoCal MSW sprints showing upside; female famly of Re Toss.

ZIP’S MOONDANCE Preciado City Zip Very impressive winning his lone start at the Spa, but hasn’t run or worked since.

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Jeremy Plonk’s Top 20 - Updates at Countdowntothecrown.com!

TEXAS RED

DIVINING ROD

Trainer: Keith Desormeaux Winter Home: Santa Anita (Cal.) BC champ could venture CA or LA routes.

Trainer: Arnaud Delacour Winter Home: Tampa Bay Downs (Fla.) Turfy genes, but ton of talent; beware.

CONQUEST BIGLUCK E

LORD NELSON

CARPE DIEM

PROSPECT PARK

DORTMUND

FIRING LINE

EAGLE

IMPERIA

BARBADOS

ROYAL SON

KEEN ICE

MR. Z

OCHO OCHO OCHO

DAREDEVIL

AMERICAN PHAROAH

BLOFELD

I SPENT IT

LEAVE THE LIGHT ON

Trainer: Mark Casse Winter Home: Palm Meadows (Fla.) Unbeaten and ready to make name known.

Trainer: Todd Pletcher Winter Home: Palm Beach Downs (Fla.) Little to knock on pedigree/performance.

Trainer: Bob Baffert Winter Home: Santa Anita (Cal.) Distance tests only hurdle to scale now.

Trainer: Neil Howard Winter Home: Fair Grounds (La.) Late runner for patient barn will like FG. Trainer: Michael Tomlinson Winter Home: Gulfstream Park (Fla.) Very dangerous on a fast GP surface.

Trainer: Dale Romans Winter Home: Gulfstream Park (Fla.) Deep closer may not shine at quick GP. Trainer: Jim Cassidy Winter Home: Santa Anita (Cal.) Delta winner can take his track with him.

Trainer: Bob Baffert Winter Home: Santa Anita (Cal.) Brilliant summer/fall; will be progress?

Trainer: Tony Dutrow Winter Home: Oaklawn Park (Ark.) If he bounces back from injury, watch out.

Trainer: Bob Baffert Winter Home: Santa Anita (Cal.) Better than KJC indicates; solid galloper.

Trainer: Cliff Sise Winter Home: Santa Anita (Cal.) Rising player by Tapit after MSW score.

Trainer: Simon Callaghan Winter Home: Santa Anita (Cal.) LA Fut 2nd out of strong dam; intrigues.

Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin Winter Home: Palm Meadows (Fla.) Versatile surface-wise & proven at CD. Trainer: Todd Pletcher Winter Home: Gulfstream Park (Fla.) Well-bred maiden set to burst on scene.

Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas Winter Home: Oaklawn Park (Ark.) Battle-tested & will be given every shot.

Trainer: Todd Pletcher Winter Home: Palm Beach Downs (Fla.) Difficult to know if he’s all mud or not.

Trainer: Todd Pletcher Winter Home: Palm Beach Downs (Fla.) Never sure how they return from injury.

Trainer: Chad Brown Winter Home: Palm Meadows (Fla.) Tend to overrate Remsen; cautious here.

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20 Pedigrees to Follow (Listed Alphabetically)

Action Hero Cozmic One Cyrus Alexander Divining Rod Etruscan Exodus Far From Over Humor Imperia Jess’s Dream Kentuckian Marking Punctuate Seattle Serenade Singing Pass Smart Transition Street Jersey Tiz Town Westbound White Bay

Street Cry/Starrer Bernardini/Zenyatta half to Super Saver Tapit/Precious Kitten Bernardini/Proud Spell Medaglia d’Oro (pictured)/Stop Traffic Blame/Alchemist Distorted Humor/Film Maker Medgalia d’Oro (pictured)/Cocoa Beach Curlin/Rachel Alexandra Tiznow/Forest Music Bernardini/Seventh Street Distorted Humor/Pepper’s Pride Smart Strike/Serenading Bernardini/Magnificent Song Smart Strike/Zardana Street Cry/Jersey Girl Tiznow/Bird Town Giant’s Causeway/Sweet Lips half to Sightseeing

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COUNTDOWN TO THE CROWN ALL-AMERICAN TEAMS Jeremy Plonk selects his Super High 5 lists of this year’s best – from the horses to the humans!

All-Established Team (proven format at age 2)  Texas Red  American Pharoah  Carpe Diem  Dortmund  Mr. Z Honorable Mention: El Kabeir, Daredevil, Hootenanny.

All-Potential Team (sleepers you might not have heard of yet)  Conquest Big Luck E  Barbados  Divining Rod  Prospect Park  Royal Son Honorable Mention: The Gomper, Nasa, Wabel, Overcontrol.

All-Small Barn Team (hailing from unheralded trainers)  Texas Red (Keith Desormeaux)  Diving Rod (Arnaud Delacour)

 Prospect Park (Cliff Sise)  Firing Line (Simon Callaghan)  Eh Cumpari (Mike Dilger) Honorable Mention: Charlie’s Brother (Lynn Scace), Shotgun Kowboy (CR Trout), My Curby (Steven Lyster), Strike Em Down (Don Barr), Unrivaled (Marya Montoya).

All-American Prep Jockeys (load up your fantasy team)  John Velazquez  Javier Castellano  Joel Rosario  Martin Garcia  Mike Smith Honorable Mention: Rafael Bejarano, Gary Stevens.

All-American Prep Trainers (load up your fantasy team)  Todd Pletcher  Bob Baffert  Mark Casse  Jerry Hollendorfer  Kiaran McLaughlin

TOP 100 JUVENILE SPEED FIGURES OF 2014

Horse Name Upstart Bustin It Ocho Ocho Ocho Daredevil American Pharoah Acceptance Bluegrass Singer Cinco Charlie Mr. Jordan Bolo Taylor S Condo Commando Bourbon Cowboy Take Charge Brandi Ocho Ocho Ocho Texas Red Wake Up Nick Upstart Top Decile Mr. Z Freudie Anne Feathered Lady Eli Ready for Rye Feathered Cyclogenisis El Kabeir Carpe Diem Blofeld Take Charge Brandi Wonder Gal Heart of Paradise Maybellene I Spent It

Sex Speed Track R 106 SAR C 104 SAR C 104 SA C 104 BEL R 103 DMR C 103 SA G 103 GP C 102 FG C 102 GPW C 102 SA F 102 CD F 102 AQU C 101 FG F 101 SA C 101 DED C 101 SA C 101 SA R 101 BEL F 101 SA C 100 DED F 100 AQU F 100 SA F 100 SA G 100 BEL F 100 LRC C 100 LRL C 100 SAR C 100 KEE C 100 BEL F 100 LRC F 100 SA F 99 SA F 99 LRC C 99 SAR

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Race Date Dist. Surface 8/24/2014 6.5 D 8/24/2014 6.5 D 11/1/2014 6.5 D 10/4/2014 8 D 9/3/2014 7 A 11/1/2014 7 D 12/17/2014 8 D 12/20/2014 6 D 11/29/2014 8 D 12/27/2014 8 T 11/29/2014 6 D 11/29/2014 9 D 12/20/2014 6 D 11/1/2014 8.5 D 11/22/2014 8.5 D 11/1/2014 8.5 D 11/1/2014 7 D 10/4/2014 8 D 11/1/2014 8.5 D 11/22/2014 8.5 D 12/14/2014 8.32 D 11/1/2014 8.5 D 10/31/2014 8 T 10/11/2014 6 D 12/13/2014 8.5 D 9/27/2014 5.5 T 8/30/2014 7 D 10/4/2014 8.5 D 10/5/2014 6 D 12/13/2014 8.5 D 11/1/2014 8.5 D 6/5/2014 5 D 12/13/2014 8.5 D 8/10/2014 6.5 D

TOP 100 JUVENILE SPEED FIGURES OF 2014

Naval Command Danette American Pharoah Mischief Clem Temper Mint Patty Cavorting Golden Years Ben's Duchess Bayerd Hebbronville Enchanting Lady Puca Om Frosted Ostrolenka Cinco Charlie High Dollar Woman Catalina Red Lassofthemohicans Leave the Light On Dortmund Majestic Presence Nublado Bling Dortmund X Y Jet Firing Line Frammento Niconellie Feathered Hebbronville High Noon Rider Soul Driver Mr. Jordan Angela Renee Mr. Z

F F R C F F C F C C F F C C C C F C F C C F C C G C C G F C C C C F C

99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97 97

GP SA SA SA BEL SAR LRL SA RP BEL SA SA DMR AQU BEL BEL SAR TAM GP AQU CD LRC RP LRC TAM LRC GP GP SAR PRX AQU SA GPW SAR LRC

8/14/2014 11/1/2014 9/27/2014 11/1/2014 9/21/2014 8/10/2014 12/6/2014 12/27/2014 9/28/2014 10/5/2014 6/22/2014 11/1/2014 8/9/2014 11/29/2014 10/18/2014 10/5/2014 7/27/2014 12/6/2014 12/28/2014 11/29/2014 11/29/2014 12/13/2014 9/28/2014 12/20/2014 12/27/2014 12/20/2014 12/17/2014 7/13/2014 8/31/2014 9/1/2014 11/19/2014 12/27/2014 11/8/2014 8/10/2014 12/20/2014

6.5 8.5 8.5 7 7 6.5 7 5.5 6 6 5.5 8.5 6.5 9 8 6 6 6 8 9 8 8.5 6 8.5 7 8.5 8 4.5 7 5.5 8 8 6.5 6.5 8.5

D D D D D D D D D D D D A D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D T D D D

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TOP 100 JUVENILE SPEED FIGURES OF 2014

Catalina Red The Lewis Dinner Sunset Glow Enchantress Achiever's Legacy Sing Praises Imperia My Johnny Be Good Sunset Glow Robo Girl Micks Miracle Momameamaria Curalina Far Right Another Lemon Drop

Court's Ruling Enchantress Twotwentyfive A Battle Red Nasa R Limo Joe Juan and Bina Fantastic Style Acceptance Shotgun Kowboy El Kabeir Tizcano Calculator Hard to Stay Notgo

Several tied with ‌

C F F F F C C C F F C F F C C C F C C C C C F C G C C C F

97 97 97 97 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 95

TAM AQU SA GP LRC GP CD TAM DMR SA SA AQU SAR DED FG HP KEE GP AQU PRX GP GPW SA SA RP CD GP DMR SAR

12/27/2014 11/16/2014 10/31/2014 12/13/2014 12/13/2014 9/6/2014 11/29/2014 12/28/2014 8/6/2014 4/25/2014 12/26/2014 11/16/2014 7/27/2014 11/22/2014 12/19/2014 9/6/2014 10/4/2014 9/6/2014 11/19/2014 12/6/2014 12/19/2014 11/29/2014 12/27/2014 10/5/2014 9/28/2014 11/29/2014 6/22/2014 9/3/2014 8/6/2014

7 6 8 6 8.5 7 8.5 6 6.5 4.5 6.5 6 6 8.5 8 4 6 7 8 7 5.5 8 5.5 6.5 6 8.5 4.5 7 6

D D T D D D D D A D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D A D

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Laurel Park Winter Stakes

CLOSES...............RUNS...................STAKE.................................................. AGE...................... DISTANCE.................... PURSE

Fri., Dec. 26....... Sat., Jan. 3.........What A Summer...............................F&M 4 & Up........6 Furlongs..................$100,000 Guaranteed Fri., Dec. 26....... Sat., Jan. 3.........Native Dancer..................................4 & Up.................About 11/16 Miles........$100,000 Guaranteed Fri., Dec. 26....... Sat., Jan. 3.........Fire Plug...........................................4 & Up.................6 Furlongs..................$100,000 Guaranteed Fri., Dec. 26....... Sat., Jan. 3.........Nellie Morse.....................................F&M 4 & Up........About 11/16 Miles........$100,000 Guaranteed Thu., Jan. 15..... Sat., Jan. 24.......Marshua...........................................Fillies 3-y-o........6 Furlongs..................$100,000 Guaranteed Thu., Jan. 15..... Sat., Jan. 24.......Frank Whiteley, Jr............................3-y-o...................7 Furlongs..................$100,000 Guaranteed Thu., Feb. 5........ Sat., Feb. 14.......Barbara Fritchie Handicap (G2).......F&M 3 & Up........7 Furlongs..................$300,000 Guaranteed Thu., Feb. 5........ Sat., Feb. 14.......John B. Campbell Handicap............3 & Up.................11/8 Miles....................$100,000 Guaranteed Thu., Feb. 5........ Sat., Feb. 14.......Maryland Racing Media..................F&M 3 & Up........11/8 Miles....................$100,000 Guaranteed Thu., Feb. 5........ Mon., Feb. 16.....General George Handicap (G3)........3 & Up.................7 Furlongs..................$250,000 Guaranteed Thu., Feb. 5........ Mon., Feb. 16.....Miracle Wood...................................3-y-o...................1 Mile..........................$100,000 Guaranteed Thu., Feb. 5........ Mon., Feb. 16.....Wide Country...................................Fillies 3-y-o........7 Furlongs..................$100,000 Guaranteed Thu., Mar. 5....... Sat., Mar. 14.......Caesar's Wish..................................Fillies 3-y-o........1 Mile..........................$100,000 Guaranteed Thu., Mar. 5....... Sat., Mar. 14.......Private Terms...................................3-y-o...................11/8 Miles....................$100,000 Guaranteed Thu., Mar. 12..... Sat., Mar. 21.......Harrison Johnson Memorial............3 & Up.................11/8 Miles....................$100,000 Guaranteed Thu., Mar. 12..... Sat., Mar. 21.......Conniver (Md-bred/Md-Sired)*.......F&M 3 & Up........7 Furlongs..................$100,000 Guaranteed *Md-bred and Md-Sired run for $100,000; Md-Bred only run for $75,000.

Visit laurelpark.com for full racing schedule.

The Maryland Jockey Club, Inc.

P.O. Box 130, Laurel, Maryland 20725 800.638.1859 • 301.725.0400 • Fax 301.725.4561 Coleman "Coley" Blind, Stakes Coordinator

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Date Jan 3 Jan 3 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan 17 Jan 19 Jan 24 Jan 24 Jan 24 Jan 24 Jan 24 Jan 31 Feb 1 Feb 7 Feb 7 Feb 14 Feb 16 Feb 16 Feb 21 Feb 21 Feb 21 Feb 21 Feb 28 Feb 28 Mar 1 Mar 7 Mar 7 Mar 7 Mar 14 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 22 Mar 28 Mar 28 Mar 28 Apr 4 Apr 4 Apr 4 Apr 11 Apr 11 Apr 18 Apr 18 Apr 25 May 2 May 9 May 16 June 6

Stakes Distance Jerome 1 Mile 70Yd Mucho Macho Man * 1 Mile Sham 1 Mile Lecomte 1 Mile 70Yd California Derby (syn) * 1 1/16 Miles Smarty Jones 1 Mile Holly Bull 1 1/16 Miles Hutcheson * 6 Furlongs Kitten’s Joy (turf) * 1 Mile Frank Whitley, Jr. * 7 Furlongs California Cup Derby * (CA) 1 1/16 Miles Sam F. Davis 1 1/16 Miles San Vicente 7 Furlongs Withers 1 1/16 Miles Robert B. Lewis 1 1/16 Miles El Camino Real (syn) 1 1/8 Miles Southwest 1 1/16 Miles Miracle Wood * 1 Mile Mine That Bird Derby 1 1/16 Miles Fountain of Youth 1 1/16 Miles Risen Star 1 1/16 Miles Turf Paradise Derby 1 1/16 Miles Swale * 7 Furlongs Palm Beach (turf) * 1 1/8 Miles Battalgia Mem. (syn)* 1 1/16 Miles Gotham 1 1/16 Miles San Felipe 1 1/16 Miles Tam Derby 1 1/16 Miles Rebel 1 1/16 Miles Private Terms * 1 1/8 Miles Spiral (syn) 1 1/8 Miles Sunland Derby 1 1/8 Miles UAE Derby * 1 3/16 Miles Florida Derby 1 1/8 Miles Louisiana Derby 1 1/8 Miles Wood Memorial 1 1/8 Miles Santa Anita Derby 1 1/8 Miles Blue Grass 1 1/8 Miles Arkansas Derby 1 1/8 Miles Lexington 1 1/16 Miles Federico Tesio 1 1/16 Miles Illinois Derby 1 1/8 Miles Derby Trial 1 Mile Kentucky Derby 1 1/4 Miles Peter Pan 1 1/8 Miles Preakness 1 3/16 Miles Belmont Stakes 1 1/2 Miles (*) denotes races are not previewed in the

Track Derby Points Aqu 10-4-2-1 GP SA 10-4-2-1 FG 10-4-2-1 GG OP 10-4-2-1 GP 10-4-2-1 GP GP Lrl SA Tam SA Aqu 10-4-2-1 SA 10-4-2-1 GG 10-4-2-1 OP 10-4-2-1 Lrl Sun GP 50-20-10-5 FG 50-20-10-5 TuP GP GP TP Aqu 50-20-10-5 SA 50-20-10-5 Tam 50-20-10-5 OP 50-20-10-5 Lrl TP 50-20-10-5 Sun 50-20-10-5 Mey 100-40-20-10 GP 100-40-20-10 FG 100-40-20-10 Aqu 100-40-20-10 SA 100-40-20-10 Kee 100-40-20-10 OP 100-40-20-10 Kee 10-4-2-1 Pim Haw CD CD Bel Pim Bel Preseason Annual.

WHY BET ALONE ‌ EVEN FROM HOME? Play the races with our pros and thousands of fans worldwide in real time each Saturday.

Visit Horseplayernow.com for more.

76

JEROME STAKES January 3, 2015

Derby qualifying points: 10-4-2-1 STAKES HISTORY

KEY INGREDIENTS: At a mile and 70 yards on the inner-dirt course, the Jerome gives a 2-turn test to newly turned sophomores who dare to brave the New York winter. The Jerome falls 3 weeks before Gulfstream’s first 2turn dirt stakes offering, and, weather permitting, could lure a quality-type to stay north.

The traditional fall meet race moved to spring in 2011 and then to its current winter position in 2013. Locally based outfits have won both editions since the January calendar move. The Jerome has been more apt to produce top sprinters like Vyjack, Discreet Cat, The Lumber Guy and Silver Train, no matter the date it has been contested.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Odds-on favorite Noble Moon wired the field (pictured), but none of these players would turn out to have a serious say on the trail or Triple Crown. Noble Moon exited with a foot injury.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Vyjack and Matuszak have made Triple Crown race bids since the Jerome moved to January 2 years ago. It also produced a BC Sprint winner (The Lumber Guy, ’12) and a Preakness third during its 2-year run in April. Triple Crown alumni since 2011 include:

Ky Derby: Vyjack (18th, ’13).

Preakness: Astrology (3rd, ’11).

Belmont: Vyjack (8th, ’13),

Matuszak (DNF, ’14).

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’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05 ’04

HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Jerome Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) Noble Moon I. Ortiz Jr. Gyarmati 95 Vyjack C. Velasquez R. Rodriguez 93 The Lumber Guy Luzzi Hushion 96 Adios Charlie Maragh Hough 101 Girolamo A. Garcia bin Suroor 105 Tale of Ekati C. Velasquez Tagg 100 Daaher Luzzi McLaughlin 109 Discreet Cat Gomez Bin Suroor 112 Silver Train Prado R. Dutrow 110 Teton Forest Bridgmohan Baffert 111

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05 ’04

Winning Preps for Last 10 Jerome Winners Noble Moon 3rd Nashua Stakes (Aqu) Vyjack 1st Overnight Stakes (Aqu) The Lumber Guy 5th Wood Memorial (Aqu) Adios Charlie 1st Allowance (GP) Girolamo Race held after the Triple Crown.

Tale of Ekati Race held after the Triple Crown.

Daaher Race held after the Triple Crown.

Discreet Cat Race held after the Triple Crown.

Silver Train Race held after the Triple Crown.

Teton Forest Race held after the Triple Crown.

INSIDE THE JEROME STAKES: Parx-based invaders have run second each of the past 2 years since the winter move (Classic Giacnroll, Siete de Oros). The last 4 winners have all been early speed horses and 3 straight have exited stakes or overnight stakes attempts.

78

SHAM STAKES January 10, 2015

Derby points: 10-4-2-1 STAKES HISTORY

KEY INGREDIENTS: The Sham opens the West Coast’s road to the Triple Crown for 3year-olds, but this year it’s a mere 3 weeks after the relocated Los Alamitos Futurity (the $500,000 spin-off to the Hollywood Futurity).

Fields of merely 5,5 and 4 have marked the last 3 editions of the Sham and that was with a 4-week buffer from the Futurity finale.

Inaugurated in 2001, this once was a 1-1/8 miles test that has been truncated over the years now to a two-turn mile. Horses conceivably could cut back from the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile to run here given the spacing of the race and two-turn nature. But it’s become more of a middle-distance predictor in today’s Derby trail culture. It’s probably no coincidence the Sham produced the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner 3 times and the BC Sprint winner once in the last 4 years.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Midnight Hawk, the 2-5 favorite in a field of just 4, edged clear late from second choice Kristo. The second-start maiden breaker debuted a winner 28 days prior at Hollywood Park. He would go on to place in the Lewis Memorial, San Felipe, Sunland Derby and Illinois Derby before going on the sidelines and missing the Triple Crown.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Let’s look at only the four years at a shorter distance in January to compare apples to apples. Outside of Goldencents (pictured), the Sham has whiffed in its attempt to be relevant on the big stage.

K y Derby : Goldencents (17th, ’13) Preakness : Goldencents (5th, ’13) Belm ont : none

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’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Sham Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) Midnight Hawk Smith Baffert 97 Goldencents Krigger O’Neill 93 Out of Bounds Gomez Harty 105 Tapizar Gomez Asmussen 103 Alphie’s Bet Solis Barba 94 The Pamplemousse Solis Canani 97 Colonel John Gomez Harty 90 Ravel Gomez M. McCarthy 102 Bob And John Espinoza Baffert 106 Going Wild Espinoza Lukas 99

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ‘07

Winning Preps for Last 10 Sham Stakes Winners Midnight Hawk 1st Maiden (Hol/BHP) Goldencents 1st Delta Jackpot (DeD) Out of Bounds 1st Maiden (Hol/BHP) Tapizar 1st Maiden (CD) Alphie’s Bet 1st Maiden (SA) The Pamplemousse 1st San Rafael (SA) Colonel John 2nd CashCall Futurity (Hol/BHP) Ravel 1st Maiden (Hol/BHP)

’06 Bob And John ’05 Going Wild

1st 1st

Allowance (SA) San Miguel (SA)

INSIDE THE SHAM STAKES: Horses within 2 lengths of the lead after the first half-mile have won 4 straight. 9 of last 10 Sham winners exited prep victories (4 of last 5 exiting maiden breakers). Since moving to January, the Sham winners had respectively made 1, 4, 2 and 4 prior career starts. Trainer Bob Baffert has 1 win and 2 seconds in the past 3 editions (Midnight Hawk, Den’s Legacy and Secret Circle).

LECOMTE STAKES

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January 17, 2015

Derby points: 10-4-2-1 STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: The Lecomte is the Mid-South’s first two-turn prep on the trail, worth $200,000 in purse money, but only by two days as it shares the MLK Holiday weekend with Oaklawn’s $300,000 Southwest.

The two races compete for many of the same-type runners.

The Lecomte anchors a 6-stakes card dubbed Road to the Derby Kickoff Day. At a mile and 70 yards in distance, it serves as a similar rehearsal for the Risen Star (1-1/16 miles) en route to the Louisiana Derby (1-1/8 miles). For many young horses, this will be their first test of a demanding, lengthy stretch run at FG. Horses coming back on fairly short rest (3-4 weeks) have done very well in the Lecomte in recent years, including eventual Preakness champ Oxbow in ’13 (pictured).

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: LA-bred Vicar’s In Trouble parlayed his second-start maiden breaker at the meet into graded stakes glory.

He pressed the pace and drew off by 6+ lengths to kick off a milliondollar season that would see him add the Louisiana Derby and Super Derby. The top 3 Lecomte finishers all exited wins at the meet.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: The ’13 Lecomte was perhaps its best edition of late. But it’s also had some other notable types.

K y Derby : Vicar’s In Trouble (19th,

’14), Golden Soul (2nd, ’13), Oxbow (6th, ’13), Friesan Fire (18th, ’09), Hard Spun (2nd, ’07),

Preakness : Oxbow (1st, ’13),

Friesan Fire (10th, ‘09), Hard Spun (3rd, ’07)

Belm ont : Hard Spun (4th, ’07)

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’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’05 ’04

HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Lecomte Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) Vicar’s In Trouble Napravnik Maker 88 Oxbow Court Lukas 94 Mr Bowling Albarado L. Jones 95 Wilkinson Gomez Howard 92 Ron the Greek Graham Amoss 98 Friesan Fire Saez L. Jones 97 Z Fortune Bridgmohan Asmussen 99 Hard Spun Pino L. Jones 101 Storm Surge Albarado D. Stewart 93 Fire Slam Sellers D. Carroll 97

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’05 ’04

Winning Preps for Last 10 Lecomte Stakes Winners Vicar’s In Trouble 1st Maiden (FG) Oxbow 4th CashCall Futurity (BHP) Mr Bowling 3rd Iroquois Stakes (CD) Wilkinson 3rd Allowance (FG) Ron the Greek 4th Springboard Mile (RP) Friesan Fire 2nd Allowance (FG) Z Fortune 1st Allowance (Aqu) Hard Spun 1st PA Nursery(Pha/Prx) Storm Surge 1st Sugar Bowl (FG) Fire Slam 2nd Delta Jackpot (DeD)

INSIDE THE LECOMTE STAKES: 12 of the last 13 Lecomte winners were less than 3 lengths behind after the opening half-mile. 12 of the last 13 Lecomte winners were 5-1 or less on the tote since 42-1 and 59-1 upsets in 1999 and 2000. The race was not held in 2006 following Hurricane Katrina. The past 2 winners have romped by 6-3/4 lengths & 11-1/2 lengths, the latter a stakes record. Since ’07, it’s produced at least 1 Triple Crown starter every year except ’12.

82

SMARTY JONES STAKES January 19, 2015

Derby points: 10-4-2-1 STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: The one-mile listed stakes kicks off Oaklawn’s highly successful quartet of sophomore routes, culminating in the nine-furlong Arkansas Derby.

Held on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday card, it quickly has launched itself into graded stakes consideration after only 7 editions.

The one-mile events at Oaklawn end at the sixteenth-pole finish line, but that hasn’t stopped patented closers like Caleb’s Posse, Will Take Charge (pictured) and Flat Out from tasting success.

The Smarty Jones competes directly the same holiday weekend with Fair Grounds’ Lecomte Stakes for horses. Consider runners from Remington Park’s Springboard Mile following a ’13 win by alumnus Will Take Charge and ’14 runner-up by fellow Springboarder Walt.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Tanzanite Cat, a son of Arkansas Derby winner Graeme Hall, shared his papa’s affinity for Hot Springs by winning his local debut at 9-1.

The stakes unveiling came in a 1-23 pace carousel the entire trip.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: The Smarty Jones has been a longterm projector in its 7 years.

Alumni have won Travers, King’s Bishop, PA Derby, Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, Suburban (2x) and Jockey Club Gold Cup (2x).

K y Derby : Will Take Charge (8th,

’13), Optimizer (11th, ’12), Archarcharch (dnf, ’11)

Preakness : Will Take Charge (7th, ’13), Optimizer (6th, ’12)

Belm ont : Will Take Charge (10th, ’13), Optimizer (10th, ’12)

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’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08

HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Smarty Jones Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) Tanzanite Cat Arroyo Autrey 92 Will Take Charge Court Lukas 93 Junebugred Bravo Hobby 91 Caleb’s Posse Razo DK Von Hemel 85 Dryfly Borel Whiting 95 Flat Out Julio Garcia Dickey 96 Liberty Bull Razo Amoss 92

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08

Winning Preps for Smarty Jones Winners Tanzanite Cat 1st Maiden (FG) Will Take Charge 2nd Springboard Mile (RP) Junebugred 1st Maiden (Aqu) Caleb’s Posse 7th Springboard Mile (RP) Dryfly 1st Allowance (CD) Flat Out 1st Maiden (FG) Liberty Bull 2nd Sugar Bowl (FG)

INSIDE THE SMARTY JONES STAKES: The Smarty Jones is named for the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner who rose to stardom via Oaklawn’s series of preps.

He earned a $5 million Centennial bonus during the track’s 100th season by winning the Arkansas Derby and Kentucky Derby. Smarty Jones won the Southwest, Rebel and Arkansas Derby while wintering in Hot Springs from his Pennsylvania home base. Oaklawn expanded its prep season from 3 races to 4 by adding the Smarty Jones Stakes in his honor in 2008.

84

HOLY BULL STAKES January 24, 2015

Derby points: 10-4-2-1 STAKES HISTORY

KEY INGREDIENTS: The Holy Bull marks the first twoturn dirt test at Gulfstream en route to the Florida Derby. Despite all its distance and calendar placement changes the past decade, what we know about this particular two-turn configuration in the Holy Bull is that speed can be deadly with a short run to the first turn and the sixteenth pole finish line in play. It’s been a popular return spot of ‘name’ 2YOs like champs Shanghai Bobby and Hansen, as well as Cairo Prince.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Intense Holiday and Wicked Strong would make for a strong edition in pursuit of runaway winner Cairo Prince, the 2-1 favorite. The Holy Bull champ would make only 1 more start before being sidelined, 4th as the Florida Derby favorite for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin (pictured).

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Since its move to January, Holy Bull alumni have struggled to maintain form through the classics.

Consider that span (2009-’14):

K y Derby : Wicked Strong (4th,

’14), Intense Holiday (12th, ’14), Itsmyluckyday (15th, ’13), Frac Daddy (16th, ’13), Hansen (9th, ’12), Mucho Macho Man (3rd, ’11), Dialed In (8th ’11), Jackson Bend (12th, ’10), Homeboykris (16th, ’10), West Side Bernie (9th, ’09).

Preakness : Itsmyluckyday (2nd,

’13), Dialed In (4th, ’11), Mucho Macho Man (6th, ’11), Jackson Bend (3rd, ’10), Aikenite (10th, ’10).

Belm ont : Wicked Strong (4th, ’14),

Frac Daddy (14th, ’13), My Adonis (8th, ’12), Mucho Macho Man (7th, ’11).

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Holy Bull Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Cairo Prince L. Saez McLaughlin 98 ’13 Itsmyluckyday Trujillo Plesa 106 ’12 Algorithms Castellano Pletcher 105 ’11 Dialed In Leparoux Zito 104 ’10 Winslow Homer Dominguez T. Dutrow 95 ’09 Saratoga Sinner Leparoux Kenneally 102 ’08 Hey Byrn C. Lopez Plesa 90 ’07 Nobiz Like Shobiz C. Velasquez Tagg 103 ’06 Barbaro Prado Matz 104 ’05 Closing Argument C. Velasquez McLaughlin 107

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

Winning Preps for Last 10 Holy Bull Stakes Winners Cairo Prince 2nd Remsen (Aqu) Itsmyluckyday 1st Gulfstream Derby (GP) Algorithms 1st Allowance (GP) Dialed In 1st Maiden (CD) Winslow Homer 1st Allowance (Pha/Prx) Saratoga Sinner 1st Maiden (GP) Hey Byrn 1st Allowance (GP) Nobiz Like Shobiz 1st Remsen (Aqu) Barbaro 1st Tropical Park Derby (Crc) Closing Argument 2nd Delta Jackpot (DeD)

INSIDE THE HOLY BULL STAKES: Recent returning Eclipse Award winners Shanghai Bobby and Hansen were defeated in their 3-year-old unveilings in the Holy Bull. Both were upset by horses who had more recent races over the track. Look for this race to produce some versatility beyond the Triple Crown as alumni last year included eventual major turf and sprint stakes winners Mr. Speaker and Coup de Grace, while the ’12 edition included eventual turf star Silver Max.

86

SAM F. DAVIS January 31, 2015

Derby points: none STAKES HISTORY

KEY INGREDIENTS: Contested since 1976, the Davis picked up steam in 2004 when Nick Zito brought The Cliff’s Edge to town and the purse reached $100,000. It’s had a share of solid alumni – including ’06 Derby runner-up Bluegrass Cat and ’09 third-place finisher Musket Man. But stripped of Kentucky Derby qualifying points in 2013, the lone local 2-turn prep for the Tampa Bay Derby likely continues its step back in quality without any ties to the big dance.

Trainer Todd Pletcher (pictured) continues to use the Davis as a divide-and-conquer tool for his Florida brigade. He’s won the race 5 times in the last 9 years with wide-ranging talents, but a lessstout hand has been played in more recent years with TAP’s B and C-teamers.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Pletcher saddled 1-2 finishers Vinceremos and Harpoon, winning at a 12-1 mutuel, as Gulfstream Park preppers swept the trifecta.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: The Davis’ has produced at least 1 Kentucky Derby starter in each of the past 3 years, but all have been lost in the Louisville shuffle. Triple Crown alumni since ’07:

Ky Derby: Vinceremos (17th, ’14),

Falling Sky (19th, ’13), Prospective (18th, ’12), Musket Man (3rd, ’09), General Quarters (10th, ’09), Big Truck (18th, ’08), Smooth Air (11th, ’08), Z Humor (14th, ’08).

Preakness: Schoolyard Dreams (9th,

’10), Musket Man (3rd, ’09), General Quarters (9th, ’09).

Belmont: Uptowncharlybrown (12th,

’10).

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’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Davis Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) Vinceremos Prado Pletcher 92 Falling Sky J.Espinoza Terranova 92 Battle Hardened Leparoux Kenneally 91 Brethren Dominguez Pletcher 94 Rule Velazquez Pletcher 104 General Quarters Lopez M. Miller 100 Fierce Wind C. Velasquez Zito 96 Any Given Saturday Velazquez Pletcher 97 Bluegrass Cat Velazquez Pletcher 101 Andromeda’s Hero Bejarano Zito 92

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

Winning Preps for Last 10 Davis Stakes Winners Vinceremos 1st Maiden (GP) Falling Sky 1st Allowance (Tam) Battle Hardened 2nd Maiden (GP) Brethren 1st Allowance (CD) Rule 1st Delta Jackpot (DeD) General Quarters 2nd Pasco (Tam) Fierce Wind 1st Allowance (GP) Any Given Saturday 2nd Kentucky Jockey Club (CD) Bluegrass Cat 1st Remsen (Aqu) Andromeda’s Hero 3rd Allowance (GP)

INSIDE THE SAM F. DAVIS STAKES: Nine straight Davis winners exited a 1st or 2nd-place finish most recently, so a “now” horse gets an edge over one looking for a rebound. There’s a real tendency for the public to over-value a race over the always-labeled “quirky” Tampa Bay Downs surface, so be sure to note that only 2 of the past 10 Davis winners had tuned-up locally. 5 of the last 6 Sam F. Davis Stakes victors raced on or near the lead within the first 2 positions.

SAN VICENTE STAKES

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February 1, 2015

Derby points: none STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: The San Vicente once was a powerful comeback race in an era when horsemen used its 7-furlong distance as a springboard to a route. But current training norms allow for few ‘throwaway’ races on a season schedule, and with no Derby qualifying points, this race is diminished even a bit more. The last 5 editions have struggled to top 7 entrants.

Those who have come to play have found the dominance of Bob Baffert & John Sadler (pictured), who have combined to win an unthinkable 9 of the last 10 San Vicente editions. Baffert has won the race 8 times since 1997, when Silver Charm was the type of headliner who used this race to open his season.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Kobe’s Back rallied last-to-first as the 8/5 favorite to blow away the field by more than 5 lengths for Sadler over a group not heard from on the Triple Crown trail after.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Silver Charm used the return sprint here to launch his Derby-Preakness campaign of 1997. Since 2004, here’s the diminished run-down:

Ky Derby: Creative Cause (5th, ’12),

Sidney’s Candy (17th, ’10), Sinister Minister (16th, ’06), Don’t Get Mad (4th, ’05), Imperialism (3rd, ‘04).

Preakness: Creative Cause (3rd, ’12), Sway Away (12th, ’11), Imperialism (5th, ’04).

Belmont: None.

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 San Vicente Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Kobe’s Back Rosario Sadler 97 ’13 Shakin It Up Flores Baffert 92 ’12 Drill Garcia Baffert 103 ’11 The Factor Garcia Baffert 104 ’10 Sidney’s Candy Talamo Sadler 95 ’09 Evita Argentina Gomez Sadler 93 ’08 Georgie Boy Bejarano Walsh 106 ’07 Noble Court Nakatani Sadler 90 ’06 Too Much Bling Gomez Baffert 98 ’05 Fusaichi Rock Star Flores Baffert 97 Winning Preps for Last 10 San Vicente Stakes Winners ’14 Kobe’s Back 10th CashCall Futurity (BHP/Hol) ’13 Shakin It Up 3rd Hollywood Prevue (BHP/Hol) ’12 Drill 5th San Pedro (SA) ’11 The Factor 1st Maiden (SA) ’10 Sidney’s Candy 4th Allowance (SA) ’09 Evita Argentina 2nd Santa Ynez (SA) ’08 Georgie Boy 1st Del Mar Futurity (Dmr) ’07 Noble Court 3rd San Miguel (SA) ’06 Too Much Bling 1st San Miguel (SA) ’05 Fusaichi Rock Star 4th Cowdin (Bel) INSIDE THE SAN VICENTE STAKES: Given the race has been moved up 2 weeks earlier in the meet this year from mid-February to early-February, you might expect the winner to be the third straight to be making his first start of the meeting (as did Kobe’s Back and Shakin It Up). 5 of the last 6 San Vicente winners exited defeats and righted the ship with 3 of those coming off of off-the-board finishes.

WITHERS STAKES

90

Feburary 7, 2015

Derby points: 10-4-2-1 STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: Second leg of 3 local route preps for the Wood Memorial, the 1 1/16 miles Withers follows the Jerome by 5 weeks as another repositioned fixture on the NYRA stakes calendar. The Withers has been held in winter over the inner-dirt track just the past 3 years, but it lured high-quality winners like Alpha and Revolutionary in its infancy, as well as Samraat (pictured).

Recent editions have featured several holdovers from the main January NYRA stakes, along with rising class players from the meet – few shippers outside the MidAtlantic make the trip. Each of the 3 winners since moving to a winter date have been Aqueduct-prepped and NYRA-based performers.

Withers field sizes have been 6,8 and 6 in the last 3 years.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: New York-breds Samraat and Uncle Sigh met for the first of what would be 4 consecutive clashes that would last all the way to the Kentucky Derby. Both bet to 6-5 odds in a field of 6, Samraat proved a length best on this day and in each of their match-ups.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: When in April, the Withers springboarded horses like Bernardini and Scrappy T to strong Preakness showings. In 2012-’14, as a winter prep:

Ky Derby: Samraat (5th, ’14),

Uncle Sigh (14th, ’13), Alpha (12th, ’12), Revolutionary (3rd, ’13).

Preakness: none.

Belmont: Samraat (6th, ’14),

Revolutionary (5th, ’13).

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Withers Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Samraat J. Ortiz Violette 99 ’13 Revolutionary Castellano Pletcher 96 ’12 Alpha Dominguez McLaughlin 100 ’10 Afleet Again Mariano Reid 109 ’09 Mr. Fantasy Migliore McLaughlin 103 ’08 Harlem Rocker Coa Pletcher 96 ’07 Divine Park Garcia McLaughlin 97 ’06 Bernardini Castellano Albertrani 110 ’05 Scrappy T Arroyo Bailes 106 ’04 Medallist J. Chavez A. Jerkens 114

’14 ’13 ’12 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05 ’04

Winning Preps for Last 10 Withers Stakes Winners Samraat 1st Damon Runyon (Aqu) Revolutionary 1st Maiden (Aqu) Alpha 1st Count Fleet (Aqu) Afleet Again 10th Gotham (Aqu) Mr. Fantasy 3rd Gotham (Aqu) Harlem Rocker 1st Allowance (GP) Divine Park 1st Allowance (Kee) Bernardini 1st Maiden (GP) Scrappy T 3rd Wood Memorial (Aqu) Medallist 2nd Allowance (GP)

INSIDE THE WITHERS STAKES: Kiaran McLaughlin has trained the Withers champ 3 times in the past 7 years, including Alpha in ‘12. Both Revolutionary and Alpha were able to win from 3-4 lengths off the lead, while Samraat pressed in second a year ago.

As a winter fixture, the Withers has not been won wire-to-wire in 3 seasons.

The last 3 winners of this race have gone off at 6-5, 3-5 and 1-5 odds since Afleet Again’s 24-1 upset in ’10 (when the Withers was an April event).

LEWIS MEMORIAL

92

February 7, 2015

Derby points: 10-4-2-1 STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: The former Santa Catalina Stakes offers two turns and 1 1/16 miles to prove your mettle, and is far enough from December’s G1 Los Al Futurity and November’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile to be an effective starting out point for big-timers.

And with a Dec. 26 annual start date to the local meet, the Lewis becomes a haven for impressive, early-season maiden winners to be tested. But the race historically has lacked a depth of challengers.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: A solid edition of the Lewis saw second choice Candy Boy come to the fore of the west coast crop as Sham winner Midnight Hawk began to see some distance limitations.

Candy Boy was the only Triple Crown participant in the field,

finishing a troubled 13th in the Derby, but would go on to a solid campaign in the summer/fall.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Ferdinand and I’ll Have Another are the most recognizable winners of this prep to taste spring success.

Its 2009 renewal, clearly its best, boasted Pioneeerof The Nile, I Want Revenge and Papa Clem, who won SA Derby, Wood and Ark Derby. From 1993-2013, its TC impact has been sparse. Top performances include:

K y Derby : I’ll Have Another (1st,

’12), Pioneeerof The Nile (2nd, ’08), Charismatic (1st, ’99)

Preakness : I’ll Have Another (1st,

’12), Charismatic (1st, ’99)

Belm ont : None.

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’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

HANDICAPPER'S AIDES Last 10 Lewis Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) Candy Boy Stevens Sadler 97 Flashback Leparoux Baffert 95 I’ll Have Another Gutierrez O’Neill 102 Anthony’s Cross Rosario Harty 93 Caracortado Atkinson Machowsky 96 (s) Pioneerof the Nile Gomez Baffert 96 (s) Crown of Thorns Espinoza Mandella 94 (s) Great Hunter Nakatani O’Neill 100 Brother Derek Solis Hendricks 102 Declan’s Moon Espinoza Ellis 100

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

Winning Preps for Last 10 Lewis Stakes Winners Candy Boy 2nd CashCall Futurity (BHP/Hol) Flashback 1st Maiden (BHP/Hol) I’ll Have Another 6th Hopeful (SAR) Anthony’s Cross 3rd Sham (SA) Caracortado 1st Cal Breeders Champ (SA) Pioneerof the Nile 1st CashCall Futurity (Hol) Crown of Thorns 1st Maiden (SA) Great Hunter 3rd BC Juvenile (CD) Brother Derek 1st San Rafael (SA) Declan’s Moon 1st CashCall Futurity (Hol)

INSIDE THE LEWIS MEMORIAL STAKES: 9 of the last 11 Lewis winners exited serious stakes preps, so it’s rare to see a maiden/allowance type rise to the occasion at this particular juncture.

Tactical speed is important in early season routes, especially on the west coast – even Candy Boy tracked within 2 lengths of the lead in a more forward position than expected. The race is named for the late Bob Lewis (pictured previous page), who, with his wife, Beverly, raced and campaigned such stalwarts as Silver Charm, Charismatic and Serena's Song.

EL CAMINO REAL DERBY

94

February 14, 2015

Derby points: 10-4-2-1 STAKES HISTORY

KEY INGREDIENTS: Northern California’s only graded stakes en route to the Triple Crown, the El Camino Real Derby gets its field from the listed California Derby at Golden Gate, from class risers at the meet and a smattering of second-tier Santa Anita sophomores. It’s among the earliest 1 1/8 miles distance tests of the season and the mileage here often gives its winners a sense of belonging on the trail as trips extend. It’s the only Triple Crown trail race in the US on the Tapeta.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Tamarando, a well-developed 2YO, earned his only victory in 6 starts as a sophomore when giving the Jerry Hollendorfer-Russell Baze team yet another El Camino Real Derby trophy. Runner-up Dance

With Fate would ship east to win the G1 Blue Grass at Keeneland, while also-rans Enterprising and I’ll Wrap It Up would go on to run 1-2 in Del Mar’s G2 La Jolla on turf.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Charismatic was second here en route to his Derby/Preakness run of ‘99. And he was part of an exceptional ECR run that included Tabasco Cat, Casual Lies and Cavonnier in the ‘90s. Since going synthetic in ‘09, here’s the ledger:

K y Derby : Chocolate Candy (5th,

’09), Comma to the Top (19th, ’11), Daddy Nose Best (10th, ’12), Dance With Fate (6th, ’14).

Preak : Daddy Nose Best (9th, ’12).

Belm ont : Chocolate Candy (9th,

’09).

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 El Camino Real Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Tamarando R. Baze Hollendorfer 90 ’13 Dice Flavor Valdivia Gallagher 93 ’12 Daddy Nose Best Leparoux Asmussen 92 ’11 Silver Medallion R. Baze Asmussen 91 ’10 Connemara R. Baze Pletcher 85 ’09 Chocolate Candy R. Baze Hollendorfer 88 ’08 Autism Awareness Contreras Vallejo 94 (d) ’07 Bwana Bull R. Baze Hollendorfer 93 (d) ’06 Cause to Believe R. Baze Hollendorfer 99 (d) ’05 Uncle Denny R. Baze Becerra 97 (d) Winning Preps for Last 10 El Camino Real Derby Winners ’14 Tamarando 2nd Cal Cup Derby (SA) ’13 Dice Flavor 3rd Allowance (SA) ’12 Daddy Nose Best 1st Eddie Logan (SA) ’11 Silver Medallion 1st Eddie Logan (SA) ’10 Connemara 2nd California Derby (GG) ’09 Chocolate Candy 1st California Derby (GG) ’08 Autism Awareness 1st Maiden (GG) ’07 Bwana Bull 1st California Derby (GG) ’06 Cause to Believe 2nd San Miguel (SA) ’05 Uncle Denny 4th Sham (SA) INSIDE THE EL CAMINO REAL DERBY: Russell Baze owns 7 El Camino Real Derby titles in the last 10 years.

Meanwhile, 3 of the last 4 winners exited Santa Anita turf miles, successfully stretching out in distance and handling the surface change.

Tamarando closed from last to win, but was 5 lengths out of it. In fact, all 6 winners in the synthetic era rallied from a stalking position of fourth place or farther back in the pack early on.

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SOUTHWEST STAKES February 16, 2015

Derby points: 10-4-2-1 STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: Oaklawn’s first 2-turn, graded stakes in its Arkansas Derby leadup has become a Presidents Day Monday holiday fixture. The Smarty Jones kicks off the local preps as a listed event. The Southwest extended in 2013 to 1 1/16 miles from 1 mile, making it the same distance as March’s Rebel, but more importantly now provides for the traditional finish line to be in play and not the 1/16th-pole finish line that is employed in mile races.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: G2 Ky Jockey Club winner Tapiture (pictured) dominated G1 BC Juvenile 3rd-place finisher Strong Mandate in their seasonal debuts with rising player Ride on Curlin well back to round out the trifecta.

The Southwest beats the Risen Star at Fair Grounds to the punch by 5 days on the calendar as they compete for horses in the region.

Horseflesh has been no issue as the Southwest has lured 10-plus starters each year since 2008, including split divisions in 2012 that featured 21 entrants in total.

K y Derby : Smarty Jones (1st, ’04),

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Recent Southwest alumni include elder stars Will Take Charge, Caleb’s Posse and Flat Out, but it’s also produced strongly in the TC with placings since ’04 by: Steppenwolfer (3rd, ’06), Hard Spun (2nd, ’07), Denis of Cork (3rd, ’08).

Preakness : Smarty Jones (1st,

’04), Hard Spun (3rd, ’07), Ride on Curlin (2nd, ’14).

Belm ont : Smarty Jones (2nd, ’04).

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Southwest Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Tapiture Santana Asmussen 99 ’13 Super Ninety Nine Bejarano Baffert 101 ’12 Castaway Bejarano Baffert 97 ’12 Secret Circle Bejarano Baffert 103 ’11 Archarcharch Court Fires 93 ’10 Conveyance Garcia Baffert 102 ’09 Old Fashioned Dominguez L. Jones 97 ’08 Denis of Cork Albarado D. Carroll 99 ’07 Teuflesberg Elliott Sanders 102 ’06 Lawyer Ron McKee R. Holthus 99 ’05 Greater Good McKee R. Holthus 95 Winning Preps for Last 10 Southwest Stakes Winners ’14 Tapiture 1st Kentucky Jockey Club (CD) ’13 Super Ninety Nine 1st Allowance (SA) ’12 Castaway 1st Maiden (SA) ’12 Secret Circle 2nd Sham (SA) ’11 Archarcharch 4th Smarty Jones (OP) ’10 Conveyance 1st San Rafael (SA) ’09 Old Fashioned 1st Remsen (Aqu) ’08 Denis of Cork 1st Allowance (FG) ’07 Teuflesberg 3rd LeComte (FG) ’06 Lawyer Ron 1st Risen Star (LaD) ’05 Greater Good 1st Kentucky Jockey Club (CD) INSIDE THE SOUTHWEST STAKES: Archarcharch in 2011 is the only winner in the past decade to have prepped at the local meet, while the shippers have come from mostly the Midwest and West Coast. 6 of the last 7 Southwest winners raced on the lead or within the first 2 positions early in the race, including the 2 victors since the race extended to 1-1/16 miles.

MINE THAT BIRD DERBY

98

February 21, 2015

Derby points: none STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: The former Borderland Derby is the only major local route prep for the rich Sunland Park Derby. At 1 1/16 miles on the dirt, the Mine That Bird Derby gives hopefuls a chance to acclimate to the extreme altitude and dust conditions at Sunland Park that can be troublesome for some shippers.

But without graded status or Kentucky Derby qualifying points, as well as competition in the region from the same-day Risen Star, a second-tier field is expected.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Unbeaten and lightly raced New Mexico-bred Proceed ran his record to 3-for-3 by kicking clear late from New York transplant Rebranded, a former Todd Pletcher trainee.

Proceed, who gave trainer Joel

Marr (pictured) of Peppers Pride fame his second straight MTB Derby score, was injured and missed the Sunland Derby.

Rebranded managed to run fourth in the local main event next out.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: It almost begins and ends with Mine That Bird, who was 2nd to Scorewithcater in the 2009 edition when named the Borderland Derby. The 2005 renewal produced a Belmont Stakes starter, as well as eventual BC Sprint winner Thor’s Echo for trainer Doug O’Neill.

K y Derby : Mine That Bird (1st, ’09).

Preakness : Mine That Bird (2nd, ’09).

Belm ont : Mine That Bird (3rd, ’09), Southern Africa (8th, ’05).

99

HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Mine That Bird Derby Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Proceed Juarez Marr 98 ’13 Dry Summer Madeira Marr 87 ’12 Isn’t He Clever Medellin Dominguez 91 ’11 Fusa Code J. Shepherd Asmussen 88 ’10 Storming Saint Contreras Dominguez 85 ’09 Scorewithcater M. Baze O’Neill 88 ’08 Poni Colada Juarez Asmussen 92 ’07 Takedown Murphy Asmussen 85 ’06 Indy Wildcat M. Baze Capestro 90 ’05 Southern Africa Gomez Puhich 99 Winning Preps for Last 10 Mine That Bird Derby Winners ’14 Proceed 1st Red Hedeman Mile (Sun) ’13 Dry Summer 1st Allowance (Sun) ’12 Isn’t He Clever 4th Robert B. Lewis (SA) ’11 Fusa Code 3rd Maiden (SA) ’10 Storming Saint 3rd Riley Allison Futurity (Sun) ’09 Scorewithcater 1st Allowance (SA) ’08 Poni Colada 6th Smarty Jones (OP) ’07 Takedown 1st Allowance (Sun) ’06 Indy Wildcat 3rd Maiden (SA) ’05 Southern Africa 7th Sham (SA) INSIDE THE MINE THAT BIRD DERBY: Horses relocated from the major national circuits have fared well in this race once acclimated with local conditioners, including ’14 runner-up Rebranded (via Todd Pletcher) from New York and ’13 winner Dry Summer from California (via Jeff Mullins). Field size has been an issue in recent years with 6-8 starters in each of the last 3 editions. No Mine That Bird / Borderland Derby winner has gone on to win the Sunland Derby to date.

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FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH STAKES February 21, 2015

Derby points: 50-20-10-5 STAKES HISTORY

KEY INGREDIENTS: Finding the right distance and configuration for the Fountain of Youth has been a work in progress.

From 2005-’09, it was toyed between a too-far, too-soon 1 1/8 miles and a 1-turn mile that wasn’t demanding enough. Gulfstream moved its finish poles for 1 1/16 miles races 3 years ago, and that’s solved some of the distance issues, but the configuration favors inside speed to a fault. Super horses like Orb and Union Rags overcame it, but the latter did so by changing tactics and racing closer to the pace. Orb’s stablemate Top Billing wasn’t able to overcome it last year when third. That’s the quandary for a good horse this time of year: Change tactics to be a player, or let the chips fall where they may in pursuit of the bigger prizes down the road?

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Wildcat Red and General a Rod dueled throughout in a 12-horse field that would see 5 eventual Triple Crown performers, including Belmont Stakes 2-3 finishers Commissioner & Medal Count.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Even losing stars like Eskendereya and Quality Road to injuries, the FoY remains stout. Six FoY alumni have won the Derby since 1980.

Since just 2010, consider the Triple Crown highlights:

K y Derby : Orb (1st, ’13), Ice Box

(2nd ’10).

Preakness : Shackleford (1st, ’11).

Belm ont : Commissioner (2nd, ’14),

Medal Count (3rd, ’14), Orb (3rd, ’13), Union Rags, (1st, ’12).

101

HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Fountain of Youth Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Wildcat Red L. Saez Garoffalo 100 ’13 Orb Velazquez McGaughey 102 ’12 Union Rags Leparoux Matz 103 ’11 Soldat A. Garcia McLaughlin 104 ’10 Eskendereya Velazquez Pletcher 103 ’09 Quality Road Velazquez Pletcher 110 ’08 Cool Coal Man Desormeaux Zito 100 ’07 Scat Daddy Velazquez Pletcher 101 ’06 First Samurai Prado Brothers 102 ’05 High Fly Bailey Zito 105 Winning Preps for Last 10 Fountain of Youth Winners ’14 Wildcat Red 1st Hutcheson (GP) ’13 Orb 1st Allowance (GP) ’12 Union Rags 2nd BC Juvenile (CD) ’11 Soldat 1st Allowance (GP) ’10 Eskendereya 1st Allowance (GP) ’09 Quality Road 2nd Allowance (GP) ’08 Cool Coal Man 1st Allowance (GP) ’07 Scat Daddy 3rd Holy Bull (GP) ’06 First Samurai 2nd Hutcheson (GP) ’05 High Fly 3rd Holy Bull (GP) INSIDE THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH STAKES: 5 of the last 7 Fountain of Youth winners rose in class from the local Gulfstream meet’s allowance ranks. In fact, 9 of the last 10 winners exited a top 3 finish already at the meet. You don’t want to be too far behind at Gulfstream as 9 of the past 11 winners were 4th or closer-up early in the race and last year’s FoY was a 1-2 carousel all the way around the track.

John Velazquez (pictured previous page) has won 4 of the last 8 editions, 3 of them aboard Todd Pletcher trainees.

102

RISEN STAR STAKES February 21, 2015

Derby points: 50-20-10-5 STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: The Fair Grounds’ brass has realized the five-week mentality of today’s horsemen, and you see the track’s middle leg of its 3-year-old series placed exactly five weeks after the Lecomte and five weeks before the Louisiana Derby.

Spacing matters. The Risen Star’s 1 1/16 miles distance around two turns also is smack-dab in the middle between the Lecomte and La Derby.

The Risen Star competes with the Southwest, run the previous Monday, and the same-day Fountain of Youth for horses, but 7 straight years has boasted fields of 10-plus runners, including a capacity lineup of 14 a year ago.

No less than 7 different last-prep locales were represented in last year’s field alone.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Florida invader Intense Holiday (pictured) rallied to nab Lecomte 1-2 finishers Albano and Vicar's in Trouble in a Risen Star that would see 3 eventual Crown performers, and miss a shot at a fourth when Hoppertunity was later injured.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: The past 2 Kentucky Derby runnerups have been Risen Star alumni, and this race produced two-thirds of the Triple Crown winners in ’13.

The Risen Star has been on the rise. Consider its immediate success:

K y Derby : Commanding Curve

(2nd, ’14), Golden Soul (2nd, ’13),

Preakness : Oxbow (1st, ’13),

Mylute (3rd, ’13)

Belm ont : Palace Malice (1st, ’13),

Oxbow (2nd, ’13).

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Risen Star Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Intense Holiday Smith Pletcher 99 ’13 Ive Struck a Nerve Graham Desormeaux 99 ’12 El Padrino Castellano Pletcher 101 ’11 Mucho Macho Man Maragh Ritvo 97 ’10 Discreetly Mine Castellano Pletcher 97 ’09 Friesan Fire G. Saez L. Jones 100 ’08 Pyro Bridgmohan Asmussen 96 ’07 Notional Albarado O’Neill 100 ’06 Lawyer Ron McKee R. Holthus 105 ’05 Scipion Stevens Biancone 95 Winning Preps for Last 10 Risen Star Stakes Winners ’14 Intense Holiday 3rd Holy Bull (GP) ’13 Ive Struck a Nerve 4th Lecomte (FG) ’12 El Padrino 1st Allowance (GP) ’11 Mucho Macho Man 4th Holy Bull (GP) ’10 Discreetly Mine 4th Spectacular Bid (GP) ’09 Friesan Fire 1st Lecomte (FG) ’08 Pyro 2nd BC Juvenile (Mth) ’07 Notional 1st San Rafael (SA) ’06 Lawyer Ron 1st Peninsula Diamond Jo (EvD) ’05 Scipion 3rd Allowance (SA) INSIDE THE RISEN STAR STAKES: Gulfstream Park shippers have won 4 of the last 5 editions, including 3 from trainer Todd Pletcher’s powerhouse shedrow. Only twice in the past decade has a locally prepped horse won this race, and its notable that the last to win rising in class from a Fair Grounds maiden or allowance was Gradepoint in ’04.

GOTHAM STAKES

104

March 7, 2015

Derby points: 50-20-10-5 STAKES HISTORY

KEY INGREDIENTS: For much of its history, the Gotham was a 1-turn mile held in late March. Beginning in 2006, it was moved to early March and extended to 2 turns at 1 1/16 miles on the inner-dirt track. Given NYRA’s recent repositioning of races like the Jerome and Withers, the Gotham no longer must serve as a sole Wood Memorial provider.

This year's Gotham will compete head-to-head with the same-day Tampa Bay Derby for shippers from Gulfstream Park.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: New York-breds Samraat and Uncle Sigh continued their rivalry from the Withers as Samraat again took measure by a neck (pictured). In Trouble, third, was making his first start since winning the G2 Futurity at Belmont in September.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Red Bullet’s 2000 Preakness and Easy Goer’s 1989 Belmont comprise the only Gotham winners to post scores in the TC since Secretariat. Since 2010, its alumni have struggled on the big stage:

K y Derby : Samraat (5th, ’14),

Uncle Sigh (14th, ’14), Vyjack (18th, ’13), Overanalyze (11th, ’13), Hansen (9th, ’12), Done Talking (14th, ’12), Stay Thirsty (12th, ’11), Awesome Act (19th, ’10).

Preakness : Tiger Walk (8th, ’12),

Pretension (11th, ’12), Norman Asbjornson (11th, ’11), Yawanna Twist (4th, ’10).

Belm ont : Samraat (6th, ’14),

Vyjack (8th, ’13), Overanalyze (7th, ’13), My Adonis (8th, ’12), Stay Thirsty (2nd, ’11).

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Gotham Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Samraat J. Ortiz Violette 99 ’13 Vyjack Rosario R. Rodriguez 99 ’12 Hansen Dominguez Maker 105 ’11 Stay Thirsty Dominguez Pletcher 95 ’10 Awesome Act Leparoux Noseda 102 ’09 I Want Revenge Talamo Mullins 113 ’08 Visionaire Lezcano Matz 100 ’07 Cowtown Cat Dominguez Pletcher 96 ’06 Like Now Jara McLaughlin 108 ’05 Survivalist Migliore McGaughey 101

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

Winning Preps for Last 10 Gotham Stakes Winners Samraat 1st Withers (Aqu) Vyjack 1st Jerome (Aqu) Hansen 2nd Holy Bull (GP) Stay Thirsty 5th BC Juvenile (CD) Awesome Act 4th BC Juvenile Turf (SA) I Want Revenge 3rd Lewis Memorial (SA) Visionaire 3rd Risen Star (FG) Cowtown Cat 3rd Swale (GP) Like Now 1st Capossela (Aqu) Survivalist 2nd ALW (GP)

INSIDE THE GOTHAM STAKES: The reconfigured NYRA winter prep path is paying dividends in the Gotham as both Vyjack and Samraat have been products of local campaigns. The rise of the Risen Star at Fair Grounds and the Southwest at Oaklawn as middle-distance alternatives has impacted the quality and quantity of potential Florida shippers looking to avoid heavyweights in the Fountain of Youth – which in the past was a solid stream of activity for this race.

SAN FELIPE STAKES

106

March 7, 2015

Derby points: 50-20-10-5 STAKES HISTORY

KEY INGREDIENTS: Positioned 4 weeks after the Lewis and 4 weeks before the Santa Anita Derby, the San Felipe keeps a horseman on a consistent schedule (there’s 4 weeks between the SA and Ky Derbies as well).

The San Felipe provides rematches of what we’ve seen at the meet, along with rising maiden/allowance types. A ‘wow’ performance is a San Felipe norm, and isn’t always followed up upon in the SA Derby as the distance increases.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Eventual Derby/Preakness winner California Chrome (pictured) made his case for the west’s best when he dominated 6 rivals who would not go on to Triple Crown appearances. Morning line favorite Bayern (foot bruise) scratched.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Traditionalists are drawn to names like Affirmed and Sunday Silence, and more immediately Bodemeister and California Chrome have restored luster. The early 2000s also were a golden run for the San Felipe. Highlights since ‘00 include:

K y Derby : Fusaichi Pegasus (1st,

’00), Giacomo (1st, ’05), Pioneerof The Nile (2nd, ’09), Bodemeister (2nd, ’12), California Chrome (1st, ’14).

Preakness : Fusaichi Pegasus (2nd,

’00), Point Given (1st, ’01), Giacomo (3rd, ’05), Bodemeister (2nd, ’12), Creative Cause (3rd, ’12), California Chrome (1st, ’14).

Belm ont : Commendable (1st, ’00), Point Given (1st, ’01), Medaglia d’Oro (2nd, ’02).

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 San Felipe Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 California Chrome Espinoza Sherman 102 ’13 Hear the Ghost Nakatani Hollendorfer 99 ’12 Creative Cause Rosario Harrington 102 ’11 Premier Pegasus A.Quinonez Cho 100 ’10 Sidney’s Candy Talamo Sadler 93 (s) ’09 Pioneerof the Nile Gomez Baffert 92 (s) ’08 Georgie Boy M. Baze Walsh 95 (s) ’07 Cobalt Blue Espinoza O’Neill 98 ’06 A.P. Warrior Nakatani Shirreffs 101 ’05 Consolidator Bejarano Lukas 103 Winning Preps for Last 10 San Felipe Stakes Winners ’14 California Chrome 1st California Cup Derby (SA) ’13 Hear the Ghost 2nd San Pedro (SA) ’12 Creative Cause 3rd San Vicente (SA) ’11 Premier Pegasus 1st Hollywood Prevue (Hol) ’10 Sidney’s Candy 1st San Vicente (SA) ’09 Pioneerof the Nile 1st Robert B. Lewis (SA) ’08 Georgie Boy 1st San Vicente (SA) ’07 Cobalt Blue 1st Allowance (SA) ’06 A.P. Warrior 1st El Camino Real Derby (BM) ’05 Consolidator 4th San Vicente (SA) INSIDE THE SAN FELIPE STAKES: Stakes-experienced runners with some recent success have dominated the San Felipe even with the temptation of the annual west coast class-rising flashes. Note 7 straight winners (and 10 of the last 11) exited superfecta finishes in major stakes. Also consider that stretch-out sprinters have done exceptionally well here, winning 6 of the last 8 renewals. Bob Baffert has been surprisingly cold with several short-priced losers in the San Felipe over the past decade since winning this race in ’99, ’01 and ‘04.

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TAMPA BAY DERBY March 7, 2015

Derby points: 50-20-10-5 STAKES HISTORY

KEY INGREDIENTS: It’s no coincidence that the meteoric rise of the Tampa Bay Derby coincided directly with the reconfiguration of the oval at Gulfstream Park and GP’s lack of middle-distance races for a few years. Horsemen flocked to Tampa in search of that 1 1/16 miles, twoturn, midseason prep that could set them up better for 1 1/8 miles in a final Derby tune-up. From 2005-’09 that GP void became a boon for Tampa, which lured horses like Sun King, Bluegrass Cat, Street Sense, Any Given Saturday and champion War Pass.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Ring Weekend (pictured), under local leading rider Daniel Centeno, spurted clear early and wired the field at 14/1 to continue a huge spring run for hot sire Tapit. Ring

Weekend held off a pair of Todd Pletcher challengers, Vinceremos/ Surfing USA, who ran 2-3.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: You have to look at this race from 2010-present because of the drain the Fountain of Youth puts on it since moving back to 1-1/16 miles:

K y Derby : Vinceremos (17th, ’14),

Verrazano (14th, ’13), Java’s War (13th, ’13), Falling Sky (19th, ’13), Prospective (18th, ’12), Watch Me Go (18th, ’11), Super Saver (1st, ’10).

Preakness : Ring Weekend (5th,

’14), Cozzetti (7th, ’12), Super Saver (8th, ’10), Schoolyard Dreams (9th, ’10).

Belm ont : Uptowncharlybrown

(12th, ’10).

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Tampa Bay Derby Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Ring Weekend Centeno Motion 97 ’13 Verrazano Velazquez Pletcher 100 ’12 Prospective Contreras Casse 95 ’11 Watch Me Go L. Garcia O’Connell 95 ’10 Odysseus Maragh Albertrani 100 ’09 Musket Man Centeno Ryan 93 ’08 Big Truck Coa Tagg 99 ’07 Street Sense Borel Nafzger 105 ’06 Deputy Glitters Lezcano Albertrani 106 ’05 Sun King Prado Zito 100 Winning Preps for Last 10 Tampa Bay Derby Winners ’14 Ring Weekend 1st Maiden (GP) ’13 Verrazano 1st Allowance (GP) ’12 Prospective 2nd Sam F. Davis (Tam) ’11 Watch Me Go 3rd Sam F. Davis (Tam) ’10 Odysseus 1st Allowance (Tam) ’09 Musket Man 3rd Sam F. Davis (Tam) ’08 Big Truck 2nd Sam F. Davis (Tam) ’07 Street Sense 1st BC Juvenile (CD) ’06 Deputy Glitters 2nd Sam F. Davis (Tam) ’05 Sun King 1st Allowance (GP) INSIDE THE TAMPA BAY DERBY: Sam F. Davis Stakes winners have struggled to come back and repeat that performance in the Tampa Bay Derby as the fields pick up in quality opposition from out of town. The only to sweep both was Burning Roma in 2001. Gulfstream shippers have won the past 2 editions after a 5-year run of successful local preppers. Todd Pletcher had saddled 5 beaten favorites in the Tampa Bay Derby since 2006 before delivering on a short price with Verrazano 2 years ago.

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REBEL STAKES March 14, 2015

Derby points: 50-20-10-5 STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: The winners’ roll includes Smarty Jones, Curlin, Lawyer Ron, Lookin At Lucky, Will Take Charge, The Factor, and Secret Circle since ’04.

The Rebel sits four weeks in front of the Arkansas Derby, which gives horsemen seven weeks until Ky Derby Day and a perfect, two-turn, 1 1/16 miles tune-up vs. a big field.

The seven-week time frame is very important – it forces trainers to ready their charges on three weeks’ rest after two big starts. It’s no coincidence that the Rebel has produced FIVE Preakness winners since ‘04 following the Crown’s quickest turn-around.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Hoppertunity (pictured) came east for Bob Baffert and gave the trainer his 4th Rebel win in 5 years.

But the eventual SA Derby runnerup missed the Triple Crown with a

foot issue. Tapiture & Ride On Curlin (2nd, 3rd) would go on to make Triple Crown appearances.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Rebel alumni have been strong in all TC races since ‘04, but have been exceptional on Preakess Day. Consider the highlighted placings:

K y Derby : Smarty Jones (1st, ’04),

Afleet Alex (3rd, ’05), Steppenwolfer (3rd, ’06), Curlin (3rd, ’07).

Preakness : Smarty Jones (1st,

’04), Afleet Alex (1st, ’05), Curlin (1st, ’07), Lookin At Lucky (1st, ’10), Oxbow (1st, ’13), Ride on Curlin (2nd, ’14).

Belm ont : Smarty Jones (2nd, ’04),

Afleet Alex (1st, ’05), Curlin (2nd, ’07), Anak Nakal (3rd, ’08), Atigun (3rd, ’12), Oxbow (2nd, ’13).

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’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ‘05

HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Rebel Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) Hoppertunity Smith Baffert 99 101 Will Take Charge Court Lukas Secret Circle Bejarano Baffert 97 The Factor Garcia Baffert 106 102 Lookin At Lucky Gomez Baffert Win Willy Berry M. Robertson 104 Sierra Sunset Emigh Bonde 103 Curlin Albarado Asmussen 101 Lawyer Ron McKee Holthus 98 Greater Good McKee Holthus 101

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ‘05

Winning Preps for Last 10 Rebel Stakes Winners Hoppertunity 4th Risen Star (FG) Will Take Charge 6th Southwest (OP) Secret Circle 1st Southwest (OP) The Factor 1st San Vicente (SA) Lookin At Lucky 1st Cash Call Futurity (Hol) Win Willy 1st Allowance (OP) Sierra Sunset 2nd Southwest (OP) Curlin 1st Maiden (GP) Lawyer Ron 1st Southwest (OP) Greater Good 1st Southwest (OP)

INSIDE THE REBEL STAKES: The Southwest Stakes has produced six of the last 11 Rebel winners, and last year’s 2-3-4 finishers. History shows it’s about locally prepped runners or a rare California invader (Fair Grounds tends to get the Florida shippers in this timeframe if there are any to be had). Each of the last 4 Rebel winners have gone on to achieve much success later in their 3-year-old seasons, winning G1 races both short (The Factor, Secret Circle) and long (Will Take Charge, Hoppertunity).

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SPIRAL STAKES March 21, 2015

Derby points: 50-20-10-5 STAKES HISTORY

KEY INGREDIENTS: The move of Keeneland’s Blue Grass to dirt this year will be a very intriguing sub-plot to the quality of the Spiral Stakes, now the east’s lone synthetic surface prep for the Triple Crown. A bevy of quality Gulfstream turf horses will have essentially one direction to seek and could make this one of the stronger editions in recent years.

Plus, as horsemen contemplate more time between starts, the 6week window between the Spiral and first Saturday in May is more appealing than once thought.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Second wagering choice We Miss Artie (pictured) got a fortuitous head bob to win the Spiral in the final jump at 7/2 odds over frontrunning longshot Harry’s Holiday. It was Todd Pletcher’s first Spiral win in the Polytrack era. We Miss Artie

and Harry’s Holiday went on to finish 10th and 17th, respectively, in the Kentucky Derby.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: From 1990-’93, the Spiral enjoyed its heyday with consecutive TC race winners Summer Squall, Hansel, Lil E Tee & Prairie Bayou having won first in Florence. But things went cold from ’94-’05, so let’s examine the highlights of the Poly era, ’06-present.

Ky Derby: Hard Spun (2nd, ‘07), Animal Kingdom (1st, ‘11), Went the Day Well (4th, ’12).

Preakness: Hemingway’s Key (3rd,

’06), Hard Spun (3rd, ‘07), Macho Again (2nd, ’08), Animal Kingdom (2nd, ’08).

Belmont: Hard Spun (4th, ‘07).

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’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Spiral Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) We Miss Artie Velazquez Pletcher 93 Black Onyx Bravo Breen 96 Went the Day Well Velazquez Motion 103 Animal Kingdom Garcia Motion 97 Dean’s Kitten Velasquez Maker 101 Hold Me Back Dsrmeaux Mott 101 Adriano Prado Motion 101 Hard Spun Pino L. Jones 106 With a City Blanc Maker 101 Flower Alley Chavez Pletcher 98 (d)

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

Winning Preps for Last 10 Spiral Stakes Winners We Miss Artie 8th Fountain of Youth (GP) Black Onyx 1st Allowance (GP) Went the Day Well 1st Maiden (GP) Animal Kingdom 2nd Allowance (GP) Dean’s Kitten 2nd Palm Beach (GP) Hold Me Back 5th Remsen (Aqu) Adriano 9th Fountain of Youth (GP) Hard Spun 4th Southwest (OP) With a City 8th John Battaglia Memorial (TP) Flower Alley 1st Maiden (GP)

INSIDE THE SPIRAL STAKES: 6 of the last 7 Spiral winners were horses who had raced on the turf at Gulfstream during the winter, including 4 straight. Meanwhile, 7 of the last 8 Spiral winners have been single-digit odds in a race with a longshot’s misnomer. A glance of the last decade shows the Spiral has been a big stop for power barns – there are no fluky stables involved from Pletcher to Mott to Maker to Motion, Jones, Breen et al. The Spiral is the first race in Kentucky during the calendar year to offer Derby qualifying points.

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SUNLAND DERBY March 22, 2015

Derby points: 50-20-10-5 STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: One of the newest stops on the Triple Crown trail, New Mexico’s big one debuted in 2003. West coast horsemen took to it from the start as Doug O’Neill won the thennamed WinStar Derby twice in its first three years. Bob Baffert (twice), Jeff Bonde & Mike Machowsky also have realized success here leaving California. It’s offered at 1 1/8 miles on dirt, over a very fast racing surface that can fool speed-figure players and those following the stopwatch.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Mine That Bird and Ruler On Ice give this short, 11-year history two TC victories, and Thor’s Echo would win this race before becoming a Breeders’ Cup Sprint champ. The full alumni in TC races:

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Chitu (pictured) and Midnight Hawk led a 1-2 sweep for Bob Baffert as eventual Belmont Stakes runner-up Commissioner settled for third in what figures as one of the strongest editions of the Sunland Derby held to date.

’13), Daddy Nose Best (9th, ’12), Astrology (3rd, ’11), Mine That Bird (2nd, ’09).

K y Derby : Chitu (9th, ’14), Daddy

Nose best (10th, ’12), Twice the Appeal (10th, ’11), Conveyance (‘15th, ’10), Mine That Bird (1st, ’09), Advice (13th, ’09), Sort It Out (17th, ’05).

Preakness : Govenor Charlie (8th,

Belm ont : Commissioner (2nd, ’14)

Ruler On Ice (1st, ’11), Mine That Bird (3rd, ’09), Southern Africa (8th, ’05).

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Sunland Derby Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Chitu Garcia Baffert 103 ’13 Govenor Charlie Garcia Baffert 99 ’12 Daddy Nose Best Leparoux Asmussen 101 ’11 Twice the Appeal Reyes Bonde 95 ’10 Endorsement Albarado Ritter 99 ’09 Kelly Leak Smith Machowsky 92 ’08 Liberty Bull G. Melancon Amoss 91 ’07 Song of Navarone Espinoza Dominguez 104 ’06 Wanna Runner Espinoza Baffert 99 ’05 Thor’s Echo Nakatani O’Neill 96

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

Winning Preps for Last 10 Sunland Derby Winners Chitu 2nd Lewis Memorial (SA) Govenor Charlie 1st Maiden (SA) Daddy Nose Best 1st El Camino Real Derby (GG) Twice the Appeal 4th Turf Paradise Derby (TuP) Endorsement 1st Maiden (OP) Kelly Leak 1st Allowance (SA) Liberty Bull 3rd Southwest (OP) Song of Navarone 3rd Sham (SA) Wanna Runner 5th El Camino Real Derby (BM) Thor’s Echo 2nd Borderland Derby (Sun)

INSIDE THE SUNLAND DERBY: Henry Dominguez is the only locally based horsemen to win the Sunland Derby in the past decade, so the ship-ins certainly demand attention.

Specifically, west coast-experienced runners have won 5 of the last 6 editions. Those tuning up in the local Borderland Derby have found the waters far deeper in the Sunland Derby. It’s also notable that 5 of the last 6 winners exited an exacta finish in their most recent prep as this is not a place for a rebounder historically.

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FLORIDA DERBY March 28, 2015

Derby points: 100-40-20-10 STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: The Florida Derby always has been a key focus of the Triple Crown trail. But as it has maneuvered on the calendar and horsemen have evolved into wanting more time between starts, this prep has taken on an even greater influence.

Prime placement 5 weeks out from the Kentucky Derby, a 1 1/8 miles race on dirt and with a wonderful series of local preps leading into it, it’s now assumed the crème de la crème of the trail.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Unbeaten Todd Pletcher trainee Constitution scored in just his third lifetime start and stakes debut as the 3/1 second choice. Meanwhile, 6/5 favorite and Derby darling Cairo Prince ran a dull fourth after trainer Kiaran McLaughlin opted to bypass the Fountain of Youth prep.

Injuries would force both Constitution & Cairo Prince out of

the Triple Crown chase. Only Wildcat Red and General a Rod would go on to Triple Crown starts as longshot contenders.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: 3 Kentucky Derby winners this decade also won the Florida Derby (Orb, Big Brown, Barbaro), so its influence has been immense. Since moving closer to the TC dates in 2005, top placings include:

K y Derby : Orb (1st, ’13), Ice Box

(2nd, ’10), Big Brown (1st, ’08), Barbaro (1st, ’06).

Preakness : Itsmyluckyday (2nd,

’13), Shackleford (1st, ’11), First Dude (2nd, ’10), Big Brown (1st, ’08).

Belm ont : Orb (3rd, ’13), Union

Rags (1st, ’12), First Dude (3rd, ’10), Dunkirk (2nd, ’09), Da’Tara (1st, ’08), Sunriver (3rd, ’06).

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’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Florida Derby Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) Constitution Castellano Pletcher 97 Orb Velazquez McGaughey 97 Take Charge Indy Borel Byrne 104 Dialed In Leparoux Zito 101 Ice Box Lezcano Zito 101 Quality Road Velazquez J. Jerkens 103 Big Brown Desormeaux R. Dutrow 110 Scat Daddy Prado Pletcher 101 Barbaro Prado Matz 104 High Fly Bailey Zito 108

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

Winning Preps for Last 10 Florida Derby Winners Constitution 1st Allowance (GP) Orb 1st Fountain of Youth (GP) Take Charge Indy 2nd Allowance (GP) Dialed In 2nd Allowance (GP) Ice Box 5th Fountain of Youth (GP) Quality Road 1st Fountain of Youth (GP) Big Brown 1st Allowance (GP) Scat Daddy 1st Fountain of Youth (GP) Barbaro 1st Holy Bull (GP) High Fly 1st Fountain of Youth (GP)

INSIDE THE FLORIDA DERBY: It’s pretty simple looking at the table above – the Florida Derby is all about a rising allowance performer at the meet or a solid Fountain of Youth winner simply holding dominance over the region. There are very few shippers to worry about and rarely worth considering. This race has been won in recent years by deep closers, stalkers, pressers and front-end speed; don’t let the public’s over-emphasis of early speed at Gulfstream influence you at 9 furlongs in the Florida Derby.

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LOUISIANA DERBY March 28, 2015

Derby points: 100-40-20-10 STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: The Louisiana Derby once was a strong mid-season race that propelled top Triple Crown hopefuls toward their final prep.

But its push back later in the calendar 5 years ago (while simultaneously expanding from 1 1/16 miles to 1 1/8 miles) rapidly improved its profile.

The taxing Fair Grounds homestretch of 1,346 feet actually is more than 111 feet longer than Churchill Downs, providing a realistic dress rehearsal. Competing with the same-day Florida Derby for horses, it often gets the East’s A-minus or B team in a matchup vs. seasoned locals.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Risen Star alumni reshuffled the order when Vicar's in Trouble (pictured) rocked the field asleep

on the front end to mildly upset the 9/5 favorite Intense Holiday. Laterunning Commanding Curve was third in a telling performance behind a slow pace that gave him a longshot look in Louisville.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Since changing its date and distance in 2010, the La Derby has produced 5 of the 15 trifecta placings in the Kentucky Derby and 2 of 5 Belmont Stakes winners!

K y Derby : Commanding Curve

(2nd, ’14), Golden Soul (2nd, ’13), Revolutionary (3rd, ’13), Nehro (2nd, 11), Mucho Macho Man (3rd, ’11).

Preakness : Mylute (3rd, ’13).

Belm ont : Palace Malice (1st, ’13),

Drosselmeyer (1st, ’10), Fly Down (2nd, ’10).

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Louisiana Derby Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Vicar’s in Trouble Napravnik Maker 104 ’13 Revolutionary Castellano Pletcher 105 ’12 Hero of Order Martin Dorochenko 95 ’11 Pants On Fire Napravnik Breen 97 ’10 Mission Impazible Maragh Pletcher 97 ’09 Friesan Fire G. Saez L. Jones 103 ’08 Pyro Bridgmohan Asmussen 100 ’07 Circular Quay Velazquez Pletcher 105 ’05 High Limit Dominguez Frankel 106 ’04 Wimbledon Santiago Baffert 103

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’05 ’04

Winning Preps for Last 10 Louisiana Derby Winners Vicar’s in Trouble 3rd Risen Star (FG) Revolutionary 1st Withers (Aqu) Hero of Order 4th Black Gold (FG) Pants On Fire 6th Risen Star (FG) Mission Impazible 3rd Southwest (OP) Friesan Fire 1st Risen Star (FG) Pyro 1st Risen Star (FG) Circular Quay 5th Risen Star (FG) High Limit 1st Allowance (Del) Wimbledon 1st Maiden (SA)

INSIDE THE LOUISIANA DERBY: 8 straight La Derby winners exited stakes bids, while 6 of the last 8 competed in the Risen Star on the local path. In the 5 years since moving the date and distance, Todd Pletcher trainees own 2 wins and a second, including Intense Holiday a year ago as runner-up. Hero of Order paid $220.80 to win as a 109-1 stunner in 2013. 4 of 5 winners since the distance moved to 9 furlongs have been within 2 lengths of the early lead with Revolutionary the only deep closer to win during that span.

WOOD MEMORIAL

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April 4, 2015

Derby points: 100-40-20-10 STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: New York’s once-proud and stout Derby prep has become an endangered species with no top 3 impact on the Kentucky Derby since 2003. The rise of the Florida and Louisiana Derbies (and their later spots on the calendar), as well as the wane of the Gotham, have left the Wood on the brink of becoming second-tier…not to mention some bad injury luck to horses like Eskendereya and I Want Revenge.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Wicked Strong (pictured) earned his first stakes win when he drew clear in a 9/1 upset over winter rivals Samraat and Uncle Sigh, while Florida speedball Social Inclusion ran well from a tough post to be third in his stakes debut.

Keeneland’s return to dirt, and new dates overlap with the purseenhanced Blue Grass makes it reasonable to wonder just what kind of quality we can expect from the Wood. This will be a very telltale year for the historic race.

’14), Normandy Invasion (4th, ’13), Tale of Ekati (4th, ’08).

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Since the Florida Derby’s ’06 rise, the best the Wood has offered in the Triple Crown has been:

K y Derby : Wicked Strong (4th,

Preakness : Social Inclusion (3rd, ’14), Jackson Bend (3rd, ’10).

Belm ont : Wicked Strong (4th, ’14),

Street Life (4th, ’12), Anak Nakal (3rd, ’08).

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Wood Memorial Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Wicked Strong Maragh J. Jerkens 103 ’13 Verrazano Velazquez Pletcher 100 ’12 Gemologist Castellano Pletcher 104 ’11 Toby’s Corner Castro Motion 97 ’10 Eskendereya Velazquez Pletcher 102 ’09 I Want Revenge Talamo Mullins 109 ’08 Tale Of Ekati Prado Tagg 100 ’07 Nobiz Like Shobiz C. Velasquez Tagg 102 ’06 Bob And John Gomez Baffert 103 ’05 Bellamy Road Castellano Zito 115

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

Winning Preps for Last 10 Wood Memorial Winners Wicked Strong 4th Allowance (GP) Verrazano 1st Tampa Bay Derby (Tam) Gemologist 1st Allowance (GP) Toby’s Corner 3rd Gotham (Aqu) Eskendereya 1st Fountain of Youth (GP) I Want Revenge 1st Gotham (Aqu) Tale Of Ekati 6th Louisiana Derby (FG) Nobiz Like Shobiz 3rd Fountain of Youth (GP) Bob And John 3rd San Felipe (SA) Bellamy Road 1st Allowance (GP)

INSIDE THE WOOD MEMORIAL: 4 of the last 5 Wood winners shipped north from Florida to score, including 3 straight and 2 of those rising in class out of allowance offerings. Favorites have won 4 of the last 6. Entering off a win isn’t a must; half of the last 10 winners lost their prior starts. Todd Pletcher’s deep bench has won 3 of the last 5 Wood Memorial offerings via Florida.

SANTA ANITA DERBY

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April 4, 2015

Derby points: 100-40-20-10 STAKES HISTORY

KEY INGREDIENTS: Behind California Chrome (pictured) and I’ll Have Another, the SA Derby has accounted for 4 of the last 9 Triple Crown races.

This 1-1/8 miles test concludes a thoughtful and inviting prep series that, because of its geography, rarely welcomes any fresh faces as the season unfolds. Variety only comes from the rare NoCal shipper.

In the current decade, 2010present, horses like Lookin At Lucky, I’ll Have Another and California Chrome have flexed western muscle. All TC starters since SA returned to dirt in 2011:

Ky Derby: California Chrome (1st,

’14), Goldencents (17th, ’13), I’ll Have Another (1st, ’12), Creative Cause (5th, ’12), Liaison (6th, ’12), Midnight Interlude (16th, ’11), Comma to the Top (19th, ’11)

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Eventual Ky Derby-Preakness champ California Chrome rolled to a 5-1/4 length win over Hoppertunity and Candy Boy. The San Felipe winner cemented his status as the likely favorite in Louisville in easy fashion.

’14), Candy Boy (13th, ’14), Goldencents (5th, ’13), I’ll Have Another (1st, ’12), Creative Cause (3rd, ’12), Midnight Interlude (3rd, ’11), Mr. Commons (8th, ’11)

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT:

Belmont: California Chrome (4th,

Preakness: California Chrome (1st,

’14), Paynter (2nd, ’12)

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Blue Grass Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 California Chrome Espinoza Sherman 106 ’13 Goldencents Krigger O’Neill 106 ’12 I’ll Have Another Gutierrez O’Neill 98 ’11 Midnight Interlude Espinoza Baffert 98 ’10 Sidney’s Candy Talamo Sadler 99 (s) ’09 Pioneerof the Nile Gomez Baffert 95 (s) ’08 Colonel John Nakatani Harty 98 (s) ’07 Tiago Smith Shirreffs 100 ’06 Brother Derek Solis Hendricks 105 ’05 Buzzards Bay Guidry Mullins 103 Winning Preps for Last 10 Blue Grass Stakes Winners ’14 California Chrome 1st San Felipe (SA) ’13 Goldencents 4th San Felipe (SA) ’12 I’ll Have Another 1st Lewis Memorial (SA) ’11 Midnight Interlude 1st Maiden (SA) ’10 Sidney’s Candy 1st San Felipe (SA) ’09 Pioneerof the Nile 1st San Felipe (SA) ’08 Colonel John 1st Sham (SA) ’07 Tiago 7th Lewis Memorial (SA) ’06 Brother Derek 1st Lewis Memorial/Santa Catalina (SA) ’05 Buzzards Bay 3rd El Camino Real Derby (GG) INSIDE THE SANTA ANITA DERBY: 9 straight winners exited local SA preps, including 8 of the last 9 from local stakes bids. 4 of the last 6 winners tuned up in the San Felipe with 6 of the last 7 exiting winning prep races. 4 straight winners on dirt all raced within 2 lengths of the early lead. Tiago, Castledale and Buddy Gil are the only SA Derby dirt winners in the last 20 years to rally from more than 4 lengths back to score.

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BLUE GRASS STAKES April 4, 2015

Derby points: 100-40-20-10 STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: Your father’s Blue Grass Stakes is back in 2015, returning to natural dirt for the first time since one-hit wonder Sinister Minister blitzed the field in 2006. While the surface has changed, so has the date: Opening Saturday of the meet will be the new Blue Grass Day, 4 weeks out (vs. 3) from the run for the roses.

This should have a thinning impact on the same-day Wood Memorial, while being a positive for the Spiral (lone east synthetic prep) and Arkansas Derby (lone ‘last chance’ shot 3 weeks out for horses needing more time).

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Dance With Fate (pictured) and Medal Count rallied from far back to run 1-2 and earn dates in the Derby. The field also included BC Turf Sprint champ Bobby’s Kitten.

Field size was a Blue Grass boon on Polytrack, but even with a $1 million purse, look for top-end quality to be the calling card over deep quantity in a race trying to reestablish stardom.

’07), First Dude (2nd, ’10).

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Like it or not, the Polytrack fared better statistically in its 8 years producing Triple Crown successes than the prior 8 years on dirt.

K y Derby : Street Sense (1st, ’07), Paddy O’Prado (3rd, ’10), Dullahan (3rd, ’12).

Preakness : Street Sense (2nd, Belm ont : First Dude (3rd, ’10),

Brilliant Speed (3rd, ’11), Palace Malice (1st, ’13), Medal Count (3rd, ’14).

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Blue Grass Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Dance With Fate Nakatani Eurton 99 ’13 Java’s War Leparoux McPeek 96 ’12 Dullahan Desormeaux Romans 102 ’11 Brilliant Speed Rosario Albertrani 97 ’10 Stately Victor A. Garcia Maker 99 ’09 General Quarters Coa T. McCarthy 98 ’08 Monba Prado Pletcher 97 ’07 Dominican Bejarano D. Miller 98 ’06 Sinister Minister Gomez Baffert 116 (d) ’05 Bandini Velazquez Pletcher 109 (d) Winning Preps for Last 10 Blue Grass Stakes Winners ’14 Dance With Fate 2nd El Camino Real Derby (GG) ’13 Java’s War 2nd Tampa Bay Derby (Tam) ’12 Dullahan 2nd Palm Beach (GP) ’11 Brilliant Speed 2nd Hallandale Beach (GP) ’10 Stately Victor 5th Allowance (GP) ’09 General Quarters 5th Tampa Bay Derby (Tam) ’08 Monba 12th Fountain of Youth (GP) ’07 Dominican 1st Rushaway (TP) ’06 Sinister Minister 2nd California Derby (GG) ’05 Bandini 2nd Fountain of Youth (GP) INSIDE THE BLUE GRASS STAKES: The last horse to win the Blue Grass and Kentucky Derby was Strike the Gold in 1991, some 16 years before Polytrack and now 24 years ago. That’s quite a stat considering a record 23 Blue Grass alumni have won the Kentucky Derby all-time, 1 more than the Florida Derby for best prep.

Comparing past dirt-era Blue Grass editions to this year will be apples and oranges as the former configuration, turns, banking and poles all were changed during the multiple surface transitions that have taken place.

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ARKANSAS DERBY April 11, 2015

Derby points: 100-40-20-10 STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: Spurred by Smarty Jones and its $5M Centennial Season Bonus in ’04, the Arkansas Derby has truly blossomed since. It has all the elements of the perfect Derby prep, most importantly a large field size historically and a sure-fire huge crowd making a chaotic scene. It’s old-school placement on the calendar just 3 weeks out from Derby Day has served as a galvanizer throughout the Triple Crown with much success across all 3 majors, including 3 different horses last year alone placing in the Derby, Preakness & Belmont.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: 41-1 stunner Danza (pictured) made a rousing rise in class, while an exceptionally deep field also included eventual BC Classic winner Bayern, 3rd as the chalk.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: The highlights since ’04 have been tremendous, including a year ago with Danza, Ride On Curlin & Commissioner spreading out:

K y Derby : Danza (3rd, ’14),

Bodemeister (2nd, ’12), Nehro (2nd ’11), Super Saver (1st, ’10), Curlin (3rd, ’07), Steppenwolfer (3rd, ’06), Afleet Alex (3rd, ’05), Smarty Jones (1st, ’04).

Preakness : Ride On Curlin (2nd,

’14), Oxbow (1st, ’13), Bodemeister (2nd, ’12), Curlin (1st, ’07), Afleet Alex (1st, ’05), Smarty Jones (1st, ’04).

Belm ont : Commissioner (2nd, ’14),

Atigun (3rd, ’12), Summer Bird (1st, ’09), Curlin (2nd, ’07), Afleet Alex (1st, ’05), Andromeda’s Hero (2nd, ’05), Smarty Jones (2nd, ’04).

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Arkansas Derby Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Danza Bravo Pletcher 104 ’13 Overanalyze Bejarano Pletcher 96 ’12 Bodemeister Smith Baffert 105 ’11 Archarcharch Court Fires 99 ’10 Line of David Court Sadler 99 ’09 Papa Clem Bejarano G. Stute 100 ’08 Gayego Smith Lobo 101 ’07 Curlin Albarado Asmussen 102 ’06 Lawyer Ron McKee Holthus 101 ’05 Afleet Alex Rose Ritchey 107

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

Winning Preps for Last 10 Arkansas Derby Winners Danza 3rd Allowance (GP) Overanalyze 5th Gotham (Aqu) Bodemeister 2nd San Felipe (SA) Archarcharch 3rd Rebel (OP) Line of David 1st Allowance (SA) Papa Clem 2nd Louisiana Derby (FG) Gayego 2nd San Felipe (SA) Curlin 1st Rebel (OP) Lawyer Ron 1st Rebel (OP) Afleet Alex 6th Rebel (OP)

INSIDE THE ARKANSAS DERBY: 3 straight (and 6 of the last 7) winners of this race shipped in from out of town and did not participate in earlier races of the tough series. It’s fair to debate if the Rebel has gotten TOO good, in that horses are bouncing out of the Rebel in the Arkansas Derby (and then rebounding well again in the Triple Crown). But it’s clear that this has become the most diverse regional race of the spring march toward Louisville with power brokers from Florida, California and New York all willing to clash with the Hot Springs hotshots.

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LEXINGTON STAKES April 11, 2015

Derby points: 10-4-2-1 STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: Two major changes are in store for the Lexington in 2015: a return to dirt and a date move 1 week back on the calendar to allow 3 weeks between it and the Kentucky Derby. The Lexington is the last race that offers qualifying points, if necessary, for the Derby, though only 10-4-2-1 are up for grabs. At 1-1/16 miles and given its closeness to the Derby, it could become a bit more of a Preakness prep in reality, or a middle-distance stop-off due to its truncated stretch run that uses the sixteenth-pole finish line.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Favorite and future G1 winner Mr. Speaker transferred his turf form with aplomb, rolling by 4 lengths.

The field included eventual Canadian classic winner Ami’s

Holiday and multiple G3 turf winner Divine Oath.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: The Lexington hit its best stride when alumnus Touch Gold scored the ‘97 Belmont Stakes, and 2 years later Charismatic added rousing 1999 Kentucky Derby / Preakness wins. The race has failed to produce a TC starter the last 3 years, however. Some of its famous alumni in dirt years:

K y Derby : Charismatic (’99, 1st), Swale (’84, 1st).

Preakness : Charismatic (’99, 1st),

Hansel (’91, 1st), Risen Star (’88, 1st)

Belm ont : Touch Gold (’97, 1st),

Hansel (’91, 1st), Risen Star (’88, 1st)

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Lexington Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Mr. Speaker Lezcano McGaughey 99 ’13 Winning Cause Leparoux Pletcher 86 ’12 All Squared Away J. Garcia Ward 97 ’11 Derby Kitten Leparoux Maker 96 ’10 Exhi Albarado Pletcher 97 ’09 Advice Gomez Pletcher 93 ’08 Behindatthebar Flores Pletcher 99 ’07 Slew’s Tizzy Albarado Fox 94 ’06 Showing Up C. Velasquez Tagg 96 (d) ’05 Coin Silver Castellano Pletcher 108 (d) Winning Preps for Last 10 Lexington Stakes Winners ’14 Mr. Speaker 2nd Palm Beach (GP) ’13 Winning Cause 1st Allowance (Kee) ’12 All Squared Away 6th Spiral (TP) ’11 Derby Kitten 2nd Alligator Alley (GP) ’10 Exhi 1st Rushaway (TP) ’09 Advice 5th Sunland Derby (Sun) ’08 Behindatthebar 1st Allowance (SA) ’07 Slew’s Tizzy 7th Louisiana Derby (FG) ’06 Showing Up 1st Allowance (GP) ’05 Coin Silver 3rd Allowance (GP) INSIDE THE LEXINGTON STAKES: Keeneland’s dirt-era Lexington that ended in 2006 resurfaces, literally, now in a different world of training racehorses. The short window between the Lexington and Derby Day (3 weeks) will run smack dab against the Arkansas Derby in competition for horses on the same day, and the local Blue Grass for more dough the week prior to open the meet. It’s difficult to project if the new Lexington will draw upon its last-chance mantra or latedeveloper’s reputation it once had. It could become a miler’s race.

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FEDERICO TESIO STAKES April 18, 2015

Derby points: none STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: The Federico Tesio Stakes serves as Pimlico’s only local prep for the Triple Crown. Maryland’s winterspring racing is at Laurel Park until the month of April and the lead-up to the middle jewel of the Triple Crown at Pimlico. The 1 1/16 miles race returned to the schedule in ’13 after a 1-year absence, and is a good spot for a late bloomer on the trail or a horse who fails to qualify for the Kentucky Derby on points – such as Ruler On Ice in 2011, who would upset the Belmont.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Kid Cruz (pictured) shipped from his Aqueduct base for a second stakes win of the year in Maryland.

He would go on to become the race’s 1st Preakness starter since ’08, ending a 4-edition drought.

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Last year’s Tesio picked up steam with a Preakness (Kid Cruz) and Belmont (Matuszak) starter. Of its last 12 editions, it’s offered a Belmont winner and 2 Preakness placings. Consider:

K y Derby : None.

Preakness : Kid Cruz (8th, ’14),

Icabad Crane (3rd, ’08), Xchanger (8th, ’07), Malibu Moonshine (8th, ’05), Water Cannon (10th, ’04), Cherokee’s Boy (8th, ’03), Magic Weisner (2nd, ’02).

Belm ont : Matuszak (DNF, ’14),

Ruler On Ice (1st, ’11), Miner’s Escape (10th, ’09), Icabad Crane (8th, ’08).

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’14 ’13 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05 ’04

HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Tesio Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) Kid Cruz Pimentel L. Rice 90 Abstraction Goncalves D. Carroll 95 Concealed Identity Russell E. Gaudet 96 Bank The Eight Pino T. Dutrow 91 Miner’s Escape Garcia Zito 96 Icabad Crane Rose Motion 94 Xchanger Domingez Shuman 102 Ah Day Fogelsonger Leatherbury 108 Malibu Moonshine Hamilton Leatherbury 98 Water Cannon Fogelsonger Albert 96

’14 ’13 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05 ’04

Winning Preps for Last 10 Tesio Stakes Winners Kid Cruz 1st Private Terms (Lrl) Abstraction 1st Maiden (FG) Concealed Identity 1st Allowance (Pim) Bank The Eight 1st Allowance (Prx) Miner’s Escape 1st Maiden (GP) Icabad Crane 3rd Rushaway (TP) Xchanger 7th Rebel (OP) Ah Day 1st Allowance (Lrl) Malibu Moonshine 1st Private Terms (Lrl) Water Cannon 1st Private Terms (Lrl)

INSIDE THE FEDERICO TESIO STAKES: Out of town shippers have won the last 2 editions of the Tesio since coming back on the stakes calendar in 2013. In fact, Concealed Identity in ’11 is the only true, locally based winter horse to win the Tesio in its last 7 renewals.

Horses rising in class from maiden/allowance races have accounted for 4 of the last 5 victories. The Tesio is a popular stop for Parx-based runners who don’t have any stakes of note for 3-year-olds this time of year, and they’ve fared well here in recent years.

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DERBY TRIAL April 25, 2015

Derby points: none STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: The days of a blowout prep 7 days out from the Kentucky Derby are long gone in modern training. But the 1-turn mile of the Derby Trial has evolved into a mix of pure sprinters, late bloomers, comebackers from injury and tantalizing middle-distance runners whose connections eyeball the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. The Derby Trial anchors the traditional opening day program of the Churchill spring meeting – but offers no qualifying points.

the other alumni would have any significant impact on the the stakes calendar in 2014.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Eventual Breeders’ Cup Classic champ and odds-on favorite Bayern was disqualified from the win for drifting out late under Rosie Napravnik (pictured), putting recent maiden breaker Embellishing Bob on top. None of

Titletown Five (9th, ’13), Aikenite (10th, ’10), Pleasant Prince (11th, ’10), Macho Again (2nd, ’08).

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Don’t Get Mad in ’05 was the last Derby Trial runner to wheel back into the Kentucky Derby (ran solid 4th). Since that time, the Trial has had a surprising, though sporadic, good fortune in the Belmont Stakes. Consider:

K y Derby : None.

Preakness : Bayern (9th, ’14),

Belm ont : Paynter (2nd, ’12), Game

On Dude (4th, ’10), Da’Tara (1st, ’08).

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’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Derby Trial Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) Embellishing Bob B. Hernandez Margolis 92 Forty Tales Rosario Pletcher 93 Hierro Leparoux Asmussen 107 Machen Prado Howard 95 Hurricane Ike Borel Sadler 105 Hull Mena Romans 96 Macho Again Leparoux Stewart 103 Flying First Class Guidry Lukas 96 Record Bejarano Baffert 98 Don’t Get Mad Stevens Ellis 107

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

Winning Preps for Last 10 Derby Trial Winners Embellishing Bob 1st Maiden (FG) Forty Tales 5th Swale (GP) Hierro 4th Allowance (SA) Machen 5th Louisiana Derby (FG) Hurricane Ike 2nd Bay Shore (Aqu) Hull 1st Allowance (TP) Macho Again 7th Spiral (TP) Flying First Class 6th Arkansas Derby (OP) Record 2nd Allowance (SA) Don’t Get Mad 6th Santa Anita Derby (SA)

INSIDE THE DERBY TRIAL: 5 of the last 6 Derby Trial winners exited sprint preps at 6-7 furlongs; only Machen turned back from a route bid since ‘09. Of those last 6 Derby Trial winners, 3 were making class rises from maiden or allowance preps. 8 of the last 10 Derby Trial winners were coming off of losses, and it would be 9 of 10 if Bayern had not been DQ’d a year ago following a 3rd in the Arkansas Derby. .

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KENTUCKY DERBY May 2, 2015

STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: The Derby offers so many firsts: 1 1/4 miles distance, 126 pounds for each runner, a mob-scene crowd over 150,000, and the largest field of runners a horse ever will face in a race. These are the real variables, almost immeasurable to daily racing and handicapping, that make the first Saturday in May such a wondrous mental challenge.

Pre-Derby workouts are scrutinized like no other time of the year, and it seems annually that the great ones tip their hands. It’s about peaking; everything must come together. Deciding which horse, not only set to run the race of his life but also fortunate enough to get his trip, rates our favorite challenge in all of sports. The advice here: never let a workout or

two change your opinion of horse, only enhance it. You must like a horse’s season of work, first, before a flashy workout sways you.

When endearing form from your study meets a series of eyecatching workouts from the experts, you have found your Derby horse.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: California Chrome (pictured) opened up on the field with ease in the stretch to run his personal winning streak to 5 in a row and give the west coast its 2nd Derby winner in 3 years. He was the first Derby winner with 10+ prior career starts since Charismatic in 1999, who had 14 prior races before wearing the roses. Chrome also marked the 8th home-bred to win the Derby in the last 11 years.

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Kentucky Derby Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 California Chrome Espinoza Sherman 103 ’13 Orb Rosario McCaughey 111 ’12 I’ll Have Another Gutierrez O’Neill 108 ’11 Animal Kingdom Velazquez Motion 105 ’10 Super Saver Borel Pletcher 105 ’09 Mine That Bird Borel Woolley 110 ’08 Big Brown Desormeaux R. Dutrow 111 ’07 Street Sense Borel Nafzger 108 ’06 Barbaro Prado Matz 109 ’05 Giacomo Smith Shirreffs 100

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

Winning Preps for Last 10 Kentucky Derby Winners California Chrome 1st Santa Anita Derby (SA) Orb 1st Florida Derby (GP) I’ll Have Another 1st Santa Anita Derby (SA) Animal Kingdom 1st Spiral (TP) Super Saver 2nd Arkansas Derby (OP) Mine That Bird 4th Sunland Derby (Sun) Big Brown 1st Florida Derby (GP) Street Sense 2nd Blue Grass (Kee) Barbaro 1st Florida Derby (GP) Giacomo 4th Santa Anita Derby (SA)

INSIDE THE KENTUCKY DERBY: 4 straight Derby winners exited major prep victories from 3 different regions of the country – Florida, Kentucky and California. In fact, 8 of the last 9 Derby winners exited a 1st or 2nd-place final prep. The last Derby winner to break his maiden as a 3-year-old was Monarchos in ’01 (only done 8 times in history). Art Sherman was the 8th trainer since 2000 to win the Derby in his first career attempt and first since Chip Woolley in ’09. With Orb and California Chrome, favorites have now won 2 straight Kentucky Derbies.

PETER PAN STAKES

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May 9, 2015

STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: Belmont Park’s sole local route prep for the final jewel of the Triple Crown, this 1 1/8 miles race is unique in that it is contested around just one turn. It lures an eclectic mix of Aqueduct holdovers and southern invaders, some with aspirations for the test of the champion and others with sights on the middle-distance nature of the Peter Pan. Most years it will produce at least one starter for the Belmont.

Belmont Stakes precursor. Runnerup Commissioner would return to trail only Tonalist home in the final jewel as well.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Tonalist, who missed the Wood Memorial with an illness, returned strong in winning by 4 lengths in what would turn out to be a

Commissioner (2nd, ’14), Street Life (4th, ’12), Charitable Man (4th, ’09), Ready’s Echo (dh-3rd, ’09), Sunriver (3rd, ’06), Sunday Break (3rd, ’02).

TRIPLE CROWN IMPACT: Tonalist was the first Peter PanBelmont sweep since AP Indy in ’92 and first Peter Pan alumnus to win the carnations since Lemon Drop Kid in ’99. Since ’02, here are the best finishes of the Peter Pan alumni:

Belm ont : Tonalist (1st, ’14),

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Peter Pan Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Tonalist Rosario Clement 107 ’13 Freedom Child Saez Albertrani 105 ’12 Mark Valeski Napravnik L. Jones 102 ’11 Alteration Dominguez D. Von Hemel 103 ‘09 Charitable Man A. Garcia McLaughlin 103 ’08 Casino Drive Desormeaux Fujisawa 109 ’07 Sightseeing Prado McGaughey 99 ’06 Sunriver Bejarano Pletcher 103 ’05 Oratory Bailey Albertrani 114 ’04 Purge Velazquez Pletcher 110 Winning Preps for Last 10 Peter Pan Stakes Winners ’14 Tonalist 2nd Allowance (GP) ’13 Freedom Child 10th Wood Memorial (Aqu) ’12 Mark Valeski 2nd Louisiana Derby (FG) ’11 Alteration 5th Arkansas Derby (OP) ‘09 Charitable Man 7th Blue Grass (Kee) ’08 Casino Drive 1st Maiden (Kyoto/Japan) ’07 Sightseeing 2nd Wood Memorial (Aqu) ’06 Sunriver 3rd Florida Derby (GP) ’05 Oratory 2nd Allowance (Aqu) ’04 Purge 5th Arkansas Derby (OP) INSIDE THE PETER PAN STAKES: The average winner in the last 8 years has been a well-backed 8/5 price, so there hasn’t been much creativity here. Horses racing within 4 lengths of the lead have dominated the past decade. Arkansas Derby alumni have found the Peter Pan timing to their liking with precision strikes when they show up, including Purge, Alteration and last year’s runner-up Commissioner.

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PREAKNESS STAKES May 16, 2015

KEY INGREDIENTS: The 2-week turnaround between the Derby and Preakness provides a test to the horses and horsemen who typically don’t operate in those tight time restraints. But it’s the Derby alumni who maintain a major stranglehood on “new shooters.” With a field limited to 14 starters and much of the filler chaffed away by Baltimore, the Preakness has become the truest test in the Triple Crown. Big upsets are the absolute exception.

Oxbow’s surprise 2 years ago marked just the fifth Preakness champ since 1911 to score at 15/1 or more.

Horses who ran dynamite races in the Derby, but ran into bad pace shapes or traffic trouble, have had much recent success in the

STAKES HISTORY Preakness. Winners like Lookin At Lucky, Shackleford and Oxbow fit those profiles, not to mention Bodemeister in a repeat runner-up effort 3 years ago to I’ll Have Another. Be leery of a Derby winner who exits a perfect race set-up, sure to be underlay odds in the middle jewel. On the flipside, give a highly-thought-of Derby disappointment a long look at rebounding at an inflated price from what you saw in Louisville.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: California Chrome (pictured) doubled down on his Derby win with a similar trip and performance over Ride On Curlin. Victor Espinoza became the 3rd active jockey to win the Preakness more than once, joining Gary Stevens and Kent Desormeaux.

139

HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Preakness Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 California Chrome Espinoza Sherman 105 ’13 Oxbow Stevens Lukas 112 ’12 I’ll Have Another Gutierrez O’Neill 109 ’11 Shackleford Castanon Romans 103 ’10 Lookin At Lucky Garcia Baffert 104 ’09 Rachel Alexandra Borel Asmussen 105 ’08 Big Brown Desormeaux R. Dutrow 101 ’07 Curlin Albarado Asmussen 113 ’06 Bernardini Castellano Albertrani 114 ’05 Afleet Alex Rose Ritchey 112 Winning Preps for Last 10 Preakness Stakes Winners ’14 California Chrome 1st Kentucky Derby (CD) ’13 Oxbow 6th Kentucky Derby (CD) ’12 I’ll Have Another 1st Kentucky Derby (CD) ’11 Shackleford 4th Kentucky Derby (CD) ’10 Lookin At Lucky 6th Kentucky Derby (CD) ’09 Rachel Alexandra 1st Kentucky Oaks (CD) ’08 Big Brown 1st Kentucky Derby (CD) ’07 Curlin 3rd Kentucky Derby (CD) ’06 Bernardini 1st Withers Stakes (Aqu) ’05 Afleet Alex 3rd Kentucky Derby (CD) INSIDE THE PREAKNESS STAKES: Derby winners are 10-for-15 in the Preakness exacta since 2000, including 6 wins during that span. 8 straight Preakness winners have come off 2-week layoffs (7 Derby alumni, 1 Oaks). Since ’83, only 3 Preakness champs didn’t exit the Derby. 10 of the last 13 Derby winners have been made the Preakness favorite. Of the last 8 California-based Kentucky Derby winners, 6 have gone on to add the Preakness as well. 6 of the last 12 Preakness editions were won by trainers making 1st attempt in the middle jewel.

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BELMONT STAKES June 6, 2015

STAKES HISTORY KEY INGREDIENTS: As American bloodlines have trended toward speed over the last several decades, the ability of horses to negotiate the once “Test of a Champion” at 1 1/2 miles really has become a game of survival. That un-scalable hurdle for many has left some recent Belmont Stakes results appear fluky on the surface. Others have seemed more plausible, including quality animals like Palace Malice, Union Rags and Tonalist of late.

Preparation for the Belmont Stakes has evolved distinctly into the camp of horsemen skipping the Preakness and accepting the fiveweek interval between the Derby and Belmont. The last Belmont winner to have even competed in Baltimore was the iron-sided Afleet

Alex in ’05, who used to train in two-a-day sessions as if he was from another era. Belmont Park’s “big sandy” surface easily rates the most “horse-for-course” of any of the Triple Crown footings. Simply put: If many factors appear comparable, horses who have run here in the past with success should be given a lean over those who are not proven on the surface.

Resist the temptation for deep, home-run closers who you think will relish 1 1/2 miles. This race just isn’t won that way most years; it’s a grinder’s trip.

MOST RECENT RENEWAL: Tonalist (pictured) denied California Chrome’s Triple Crown bid in a wild finish that gave trainer Christophe Clement his biggest career win on dirt.

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HANDICAPPER’S AIDES Last 10 Belmont Stakes Winners (BRIS Speed Figure) ’14 Tonalist Rosario Clement 108 ’13 Palace Malice Smith Pletcher 100 ’12 Union Rags Velazquez Matz 104 ’11 Ruler On Ice Valdivia Breen 107 ’10 Drosselmeyer Smith Mott 97 ’09 Summer Bird Desormeaux Ice 105 ’08 Da’Tara A. Garcia Zito 106 ’07 Rags To Riches Velazquez Pletcher 106 ’06 Jazil Jara McLaughlin 109 ’05 Afleet Alex Rose Ritchey 107

’14 ’13 ’12 ’11 ’10 ’09 ’08 ’07 ’06 ’05

Winning Preps for Last 10 Belmont Stakes Winners Tonalist 1st Peter Pan (Bel) Palace Malice 12th Kentucky Derby (CD) Union Rags 7th Kentucky Derby (CD) Ruler On Ice 2nd Federico Tesio Stakes (Pim) Drosselmeyer 2nd Dwyer Stakes (Bel) Summer Bird 6th Kentucky Derby (CD) Da’Tara 2nd Barbaro Stakes (Pim) Rags To Riches 1st Kentucky Oaks (CD) Jazil 4th Kentucky Derby (CD) Afleet Alex 1st Preakness (Pim)

INSIDE THE BELMONT STAKES: 5 of the last 11 Belmont winners were horses who ran out of the money in the Kentucky Derby and skipped the Preakness. Last year, Tonalist became the first Peter Pan-Belmont sweeper since A.P. Indy in ’92. A dozen runners since Affirmed have arrived at Belmont with a chance to sweep the Triple Crown and they are 12: 0-4-4 after California Chrome’s misfire a year ago.

Only 7 Belmont winners since 1990 had competed in all 3 Triple Crown races, Afleet Alex the most recent in ’05.

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APPENDIX 2015 COUNTDOWN TO THE CROWN PRESEASON ANNUAL

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