Fleet Daisy – BB Juvenile Champion
He put the form on the board last start when a barnstorming second in G1-World Cup, but this week Fleet Daisy went one better, taking out the most important race of the year for horses in his class, and proving beyond doubt that he’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the majors of 2008. The 2 million dollar Breeders Bowl Juvenile was won with authority by the quality opus trained colt, as top hoop K. Ledwith unleashed the now trade mark closing burst to guide Fleet Daisy to the line with a comfortable margin in hand. The race proved to be more a tactical battle than a test of speed, with the 1.43.4 among the slower times recorded for this event.
The jump saw seven horses spread across the track, with De Fu having no trouble sliding across to the rail, while jockeys on the other slick starters began to jostle for position. Broadway Dancer, Crease Infraction (widest) and
De Fu established a handy lead in the run, with the rest of the field comprising two groups. The handy brigade included Broadway Dancer, Crease Infraction, Sahara Desert, Banking Fever, Pyralis, Smart Off and Ghost In A Dancer, all bunched with less then three lengths separating the seven of them. Then a break to Adonai, Fleet Daisy, Rahfleet and Garden Society, all racing six or seven lengths off the pace. Broke Back and The Gun Went Off were giving the leader a dozen lengths by this time.
De Fu was looking comfortable by half way, and was traveling sweetly for H. Harzheim. Pyralis and Banking Fever were first to make their moves, edging stylishly closer. Broadway Dancer, Sahara Desert and Ghost In a Dancer were well in the mix, all continuing to race handy, while first Crease Infraction, then closely followed by Adonai and Smart Off, were the first group to throw in the towel. Fleet Daisy was making his presence felt with a sustained run from further back.
Into the stretch and De Fu was under pressure but refusing to surrender. Pyralis headed him briefly at the furlong before Fleet Daisy stormed over the top of them, while Ghost In A Dancer boxed on.
Down to the wire and Fleet Daisy had sailed home by a deceptive length and a quarter from Pyralis, who left no doubt about his ability to cover that further bit of ground.
In the preview summary, it was noted that Ghost In A Dancer and De Fu had something to prove. They both stood up today. Ghost In A Dancer, though never looking a likely winner, ran the race right out to the line, beaten just a length and a half, while De Fu tried gallantly to lead all the way
Broadway Dancer secured the photo verdict for fifth, after a solid battle with
Rahfleet made ground in the run home in an indication that he may need still further.
Banking Fever looked a chance at the top of the stretch before his run petered out. Although running eighth, he was beaten just three and a half lengths.
Garden Society, Broke Back and The Gun Went Off passed the faders as they made a little ground when it was beyond mattering
Adonia, Smart Off and Crease Infraction were in the mix early, but surrendered when the race got serious.
Fleet Daisy is a two year old son of Afleet Alex / Rhino Daisy (Affirmed / Nureyev). He’s the third foal of his dam, and a half brother to stakeswinner Dragon Daisy (Awesome Again). This was his fourth win from seven starts and lifts his earnings to just above $1,500,000. He ran the eight and a half furlongs in 1.43.4 and returned a speed rating of 93. Previous rated # 5 in his division, this win elevates him to # 1. With three grade 1 races now on his form sheet, his record reads 1-1-1 and with this victory in the pinnacle juvenile event, it is hard to see Fleet Daisy not securing this year’s 2yo eclipse award.
Opus is a member of the eight stable Moose Hollow Farm, supporters of Barndog’s State Tag Series. Fleet Daisy is the leading earner in the barn which boasts a win rate of 17.6%. Four other six figure earners share the stable, including this star’s half sister. The others are Milquetoast, Solar Celebre and Synchronizer. Fleet Daisy was the only entry from the farm this week.
For the bettors: Usually following this writer’s tips is a shortcut to poverty, but this week we turned the tables, finding the winner (despite a plethora of disclaimers). Fleet Daisy paid $23 for the win, and we also tipped the exacta for a handy dividend of $304.20
Crystal Ball: It’s not rocket science to suggest that any early triple crown markets would have Fleet Daisy and Pyralis heading the betting, but I was very taken by the run of Rahfleet. If he’s on top of the podium in early May, remember, you read it here first.