WANTED: 1st Graded Win In Gary Asher
GARY ASHER MEMORIAL STAKES
KY, 8.5F dirt, $125,000, 3yo open
Stakes Record: 1:42 1/5
WELCOME!
This is the 10th running of the Gary Asher Memorial. The inaugural running of the stakes race was March 6th, 1999. It showcased a plump field of 10 runners going for a purse of $80,000 and was still ranked as an overnight stakes. In 2001 the Gary Asher Memorial was upgraded to a grade 3 stakes, hoping to draw more attention on the road to the roses. However, the road through the Gary Asher to the Roses has been a bumpy ride.
In 2000, Breeder’s Bowl Juvenile champion Yodel Elf commanded the Gary Asher only to flounder home 7th in the Bluegrass
All in all, as a prep race for the Bluegrass
Here are some commonalities. Post 11, post 4, & post 5 have produced 2 winners each. Other winners broke from 8 and 10. Four winners wired their respective fields while 3 others hung back in mid-pack before making their winning bid. Only 1 favorite and 2 second-choices have won. Four winners have had double-digit odds at post time. Lastly, jockey P Cadigan has acquired 2 victories (Depravity in 2006 &
This Saturday, the Gary Asher Memorial-G3 has 8 stakes winners loading into the gate. None have won a graded stakes race. Let’s check out the horses.
PP1: GOLD TO GOLD (Bay 3yoC by Country Be Gold, out of Defrere x Seeking The Gold): Rank: N/A, Stakes Placed
Drawing the inside is Gold To Gold. Trained by graywolf4, the colt has been consistent, finishing in the money in 6 of his 8 starts; however, he has only seen the winner’s enclosure once. That victory came 7 ½ months ago in his 2yo debut going 8.5F on a track listed ‘good.’ The way that he ran that day makes me think that he could have some untapped potential on the green stuff. In stakes company, the best this colt has managed is 3rd in 2 of the 4 tries. Gold To Gold runs best when he sits 3 to 4 lengths behind the leaders. He has plenty of stamina to complete the 8.5F race, but does he have the heart? At odds of 19/1, he will need to improve in the speed figure category in order to win this race. The Gary Asher will be Gold To Gold’s 4th start of the year.
PP2: PRO MON (Light Grey 3yoC by Maria’s Mon, out of Pro Cat, Storm Cat x Mr. Prospector): Rank: 73, Graded Placed
Pro Mon is the 8/1 co-2nd choice. Trainer mardigras has aided his light grey colt in putting together a 4 for 7 in-the-money record. As pretty as that looks, however, Pro Mon has only won 1 of those 7 races. That victory came more than 11 months ago in his 2yo debut which was around 5.5F on a track listed ‘good.’ Though there is a lack of wins to his credit, the colt still had a notable 2yo season. After two close calls in overnight stakes, the colt attempted to earn a birth in the Breeder’s Bowl by running in the 8F North Folk-G2. Pro Mon broke leisurely, strolling along in the back of the pack. Heading into the stretch Pro Mon was still in 12th. His jockey steered him out to the middle of the track and the colt got down to business chasing down the leaders. Pro Man blitzed past 9 competitors before running out of ground, finishing 3rd.
The colt’s sophomore debut came 4 weeks ago in an 8F overnight stakes. Pro Mon attempted to close from 12 lengths back down the lane, but his bid was too little too late. Pro Man finished 7th, 9 lengths back. The colt will either need much more ground or will need to be pushed a lot sooner.
PP3: ZAPPER MAN (Bay 3yoC by Ghostzapper, out of Eye Of The Storm, Woodman x Storm Cat): Rank: 53, Stakes Winner
Zapper Man is a finicky colt whose motto appears to be ‘win or go home’ – in his 9 lifetime starts he has traveled to the winner’s circle 5 times which is definitely something to be proud of. But what about those other 4 starts? …He appeared to just canter along never making a bid. There also doesn’t appear to be much rhyme or reason as to when he will run well. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say that the BTB Cup-G2 on the slop was not to Zapper Man’s liking – so throw that race out. And perhaps his last start, the Movieland Futurity-G1, was just 1 race too many (9 exactly) as a 2yo.
Trainer peter12 gave his colt a well-deserved 3 months off to grow, rest, and train. Zapper Man will be ready to run well, but will most likely need another race or two after this before the Sim sees what he is truly capable of as a sophomore. He will be ridden by jockey D Givins. Givins has never won a Gary Asher, but has finished on the board twice and won a Bluegrass Derby so he is a plus. I figure this colt to be in the top 3. His morning-line odds are 12/1.
PP4: PANTALAIMON (Bay 3yoC by Smarty Jones, out of Demon Soul, Deputy Minister x Stephen Got Even): Rank: 136, Stakes Winner
Bunsay’s Smarty Jones colt will be loading into the 4-hole. The small bay is another that has consistency issues. Pantalaimon debuted in
Five weeks later Pantalaimon made his 3yo debut in the 8.5F Giant Slayer Classic-G3. After light rains the track was listed ‘good.’ Bunsay wasn’t concerned as Pantalaimon had won a stakes race going 8.5F on a ‘sloppy’ surface. But, again, the colt struggled. He only managed to hold on for 9th (Deja’Vodoo 12th). All 3 graded races have ended unfavorably which makes me think the colt has class issues. He has this Saturday to prove me wrong. Perhaps he needs a try on the turf? His odds are 9/1.
PP5: DESERTRY (Bay 3yoC by Forestry, out of Yomambo,
The strapping son of Forestry broke his 2yo maiden at first asking late last summer. Trainer twister placed him in an overnight stakes that featured a small 4-horse field. Desertry finished 3rd at even money. His 3rd start came in 8.5F Sparkling Wine-G1 in a desperate attempt to gain a spot in the Breeder’s Bowl. The colt struggled to keep up with the class of the field and finished a beaten 11th. Desertry’s last two starts of his 2yo season were unremarkable.
Four weeks later Desertry made his 3yo debut in a short 6.5F restricted allowance. The colt’s prep race for Saturday’s event came in another restricted allowance, this time over 8F. Desertry rated well less than 2 lengths behind the pacesetters. As they turned for home he made a quick move to the lead. He stretched out well opening up with each jump to win by more than 2 lengths with a 98 speed figure. If he can repeat that performance then he will be dangerous. Desertry will be leaving the gates with 11/1 odds which after his last race looks like that price may be a bargain.
PP6: BALIUS (Bay 3yoC by Bernardini, out of Gatita, Cat Thief x Sovereign Dancer): Rank: 478, Stakes Winner
As a 2yo, Balius put together a 3:2-1-0 record, winning at first asking. In his follow-up start he closed rapidly from the back to just miss by a ¼ length, settling for 2nd. Four weeks later he got his first taste of stakes company. Balius ran like a weathered pro, bidding his time in the back and charging past horses for the win. It was only October, but trainer
Two and a half months later in January
PP7: GIDEON’S TRUMPET (Chestnut 3yoC by Awesome Again, out of Forty Niner x Secretariat): Rank: 110, Stakes Winner
Gideon’s Trumpet comes into the Gary Asher looking like the one to beat. He is listed at 8/1 morning-line odds making him co-2nd choice. The chestnut colt won his first 2 career starts handily, breaking his maiden and scoring a stakes victory. Floralpark (from the CVBear camp) gave the colt two shots to break into the Breeder’s Bowl field – first in the 8F Trixy Delight’s Special-G3 (4th) and then in the 8F Camel Juvenile-G2 (7th). After another disappointing run in a 6.5F overnight stakes in October, floralpark decided to turn the colt out for the rest of the year.
Three and a half months later in January, Gideon’s Trumpet made his first sophomore appearance in an 8F overnight stakes. Gideon’s Trumpet rated mid-pack. As the field started to approach the final turn, the colt was beginning to pick off other horses. Down the lane he was in full gear, sweeping past the frontrunner to win by 1 ¼ lengths with a much improved 101 speed figure. It’s been five weeks and I suspect Gideon’s Trumpet is primed for a big run. If he can replicate or improve off his last race then he could possibly make it onto the
PP8: DEJA’VODOO (Bay 3yoC by Pulpit, out of We All Die Young, Forty Niner x Storm Bird): Rank: 100, Stakes Winner
This one rolls in from DelPenn. As a juvenile Deja’vodoo was 6 for 8 in-the-money including 3 wins. He broke his maiden at first asking with a slow 57 speed figure. Trainer zewango wasn’t phased – the colt’s bred from a late-developing mare. Two starts later the colt notched his 2nd career win after wiring a field in a restricted allowance, this time with a 77sp. After another so-so run in an open allowance, Deja’Vodoo had his first taste of DelPenn competition in the 7F The Hopeful Stakes. The bay colt broke well, running along in 5th. As the group turned for home he made a move to challenge, but the two pacesetters were too strong and just as stubborn. Deja’Vodoo had to settle for 3rd. In November, zewango gave Deja’Vodoo his first go at 2-turns in an 8F overnight stakes. Laying much further back than normal, the colt ran along in last. It began to look like jockey Singhi was going to get a boot in his you-know-what, but as the field entered the stretch the colt flicked his ears forward and dug-in, passing horse after horse. He kept on going when he hit the lead to win by 1 ¾ lengths. His final start of the year came in the DelPenn Juvy. Deja’Vodoo was kept within 3 of the lead this time around. He was moving well as they came around the final turn, but so was another. Deja’Vodoo fought hard, but wasn’t good enough, finishing 2nd by ¾ lengths with a career-best 96sp.
The performance had tagged the colt as a Bluegrass Derby hopeful. Zewango debuted the colt in the 8.5F Giant Slayer Classic. The race came up tuff featuring 5 graded winners. It also came up listed ‘good.’ Deja’Vodoo despised the going. He finished 12th. I’d toss that race out and start with a clean slate. This colt is one to watch. He comes into the race off 5-weeks rest.
PP9: LEGEND IS BORN (Bay 3yoC by Ghostzapper, out of Richards Dream,
Legend Is Born debuted in August as a 2yo and has already strung together 9 starts – that’s quite a schedule. It took the son of Ghostzapper two shots to break his maiden. Once he did it was off to graded competition in the 5.5F Autumn Run-G3. For a big striding colt, the race just wasn’t enough ground. He raced along in last and as they swept into the stretch he was still in 9th. But the colt was start to roll, he blew past 6 horses in that last furlong to pick up 3rd, 1 ¼ lengths behind the winner. At this point 6.5F was the furthest the colt had been, but trainer sansanfarm entered Legend Is Born in an 8.5F overnight stakes. The winner (Zapper Man) was too good that day. Legend Is Born finished 4th beaten 7 ½ lengths. The colt tried a 5.5F turf race next and finished 2nd. Three weeks later he attempted another 8.5F stakes race. The outcome was better, he finished 2nd.
Sansanfarm didn’t give the colt a break as he heading into the new year. Over the following 6 weeks Legend Is Born would start in two allowances. The first was going 8.5F. The colt won handily by 3 ½ lengths and with a career-best 99 speed figure. The other allowance was over 9.5F. Again, Legend Is Born won, but he had to work for it, winning by a ¼ length. The colt looked tired, but sansanfarm pressed on, entering him in a 9F turf allowance 2 weeks later. Legend Is Born mildly closed for 4th. The colt looks talented, but he comes into this race off a mere 2 weeks rest. His last two starts he looked like he dragged a bit. I’m going to have to say a fresher colt will win this even though Legend Is Born is the 6/1 favorite.
PP10: HANGOVER CURE (Light Grey 3yoC by Speightstown, out of Cozzyup To The Bar, Cozzene x Nijinisky II): Rank: N/A, Allowance Winner
Hangover Cure’s 2yo season was sub par to say the least. The colt put together a 5:1-0-1 record with average speed figures. He did break his maiden at first asking with an 82sp – that number would be his best for the season. He attempted his hand at the turf, but flunked.
Trainer simond5 gave the grey colt 5 weeks rest between his 2yo and 3yo seasons. He then placed the colt in his first route… and 8F restricted allowance. Hangover Cure rated patiently 4 lengths behind the pacesetters. Approaching the turn for home he had already started picking off competitors. As they entered the stretch it was all-systems-go as the colt snuck through on the rail to overcome the leader. Hangover Cure won by 1 ¾ lengths with a 90sp. Two weeks later the colt ran in another 8F restricted allowance on the same track and with the same jockey (W Bowman). This time the colt sat closer to the lead. As he moved up to challenge, the leader excelled, pulling away from Hangover Cure. Hangover Cure had to settle for 2nd beaten 2 ¼ lengths with a career-best 97sp. It has been 2-weeks since that race. The colt’s ability in graded competition is a question still to be answered. If he can rate about 4 or 5 off the leaders early on I think that he has a shot at getting a small chunk of the purse money.
PP11: WHIM (Bay 3yoC by Cactus Ridge, out of Out Of Place x
Whim started off his 2yo season well with back-to-back victories in a maiden and restricted allowance race. After a decent effort in an open allowance race, Whim got his first taste of stakes competition in a 7F event against 3 other horses. The colt ran along 3 lengths back before making a winning bid to open up by 1 ½ lengths. Trainer alysalley had visions of Breeder’s Bowl dashing in his head and entered the colt in the 8.5F Sparlking Wine-G1. Whim raced further back than normal which may have hindered him. He made a move to get into contention, but it wasn’t enough. The colt finished 4th, beaten by 4 ½ lengths with a career-best 90 speed figure. After two more starts at two Whim ended the year with a 7:3-0-1 record.
Three weeks later Whim made his sophomore debut in an 8.5F open allowance. The colt raced well enough for 2nd. Four weeks ago Whim raced in another 8.5F open allowance. He raced well against his 3 competitors as the even-money favorite, winning the race by 2 lengths. Whim will need to see an increase of about 10 speed figure points to make a claim at the Gary Asher.
PP12: SUNDAY PROSPECTOR (Bay 3yoC by Crafty Prospector, out of Silent Cry, Street Cry x Sunday Silence): Rank: 69, Stakes Winner
Sunday Prospector began his career in a duo of owner-restricted races going 6F both times. The colt placed 2nd in his first one and then should tenacity in his nose-victory in the latter. His next two starts came in overnight stakes going 6.5F both times. Sunday Prospector could only muster a 5th and 4th. Trainer cozyfarms gave Sunday Prospector 7 weeks off. When he returned, the colt started in an 8F allowance. Sunday Prospector broke very well from the gate. He stalked the leaders for the first half before taking over the race. Sunday Prospector drew off to win 1 ¾ lengths with an 89sp (13 points better than his previous best). For his 2yo finale, Sunday Prospector made an appearance in an 8.5F overnight stakes. This time the colt rated further back in 5th before making his move. He won by an impressive 2 ¼ lengths and with a 94sp.
With six weeks rest, Sunday Prospector made his sophomore appearance in an 8.5F overnight stakes. The colt chased Jack’s House throughout, finishing 2nd with a career-best 100sp. He comes into the Gary Asher off another 6 week break and has jockey P Cadigan on board. He is definitely one to keep an eye on as the 3rd choice (9/1).
PP13: CHALK EATER (Bay 3yoC by Kingmambo, out of High Limit,
Chalk Eater made his first 4 starts as a 2yo on the turf. After managing a 1st and a 3rd, trainer chilimac figured it was time to see what the colt could do on the main track. In October, Chalk Eater debuted on the dirt in an 8F allowance. After dueling on the front end the colt finished 2nd beaten by 3 lengths. In November, the colt ran in a similar race. This time he was able to gain the lead without much of a battle. Chalk Eater won by 2 ¾ lengths with an 87sp. His final start that year came in an 8.5F overnight stakes. The track had been listed as ‘sloppy’ after some sporadic showers fell in
After 7-weeks R&R, chilimac selected an 8.5F stakes for the colt’s sophomore outing. This time the trainer had instructed the jockey to rate Chalk Eater. The jockey obeyed but had to fight his mount. Chalk Eater was not a happy camper and only managed to finish 3rd beaten by more than 4 lengths. Chalk Eater comes into the Gary Asher off 5-weeks rest. The colt will have 1 or 2 other frontrunners to contest with, but if he can pull away he may be tough to catch.
PP14: TEMPORAL SPRING(eng) (Chestnut 3yoC by Pivotal, out of Redoute’s Choice x Buckpasser): Rank: 109, Stakes Winner
Temporal Spring(eng) is the frontrunner to keep an eye on as he is deadly on the lead. The colt debuted on the turf as a 2yo. After two decent 2nd’s, trainer mav176 decided to see what the dirt had in store for his colt. Mav176 gave the colt 3 months off to frolic in the pasture and train. Temporal Spring(eng) returned in a 7F maiden special weight on the dirt. The colt broke fast and darted straight to the rail daring others to catch him. At the wire he had 2 lengths cushion between himself and the runner-up. Temporal Spring(eng) was allowed another 2 months off before his 8F allowance race. Again, the colt played cat and mouse with the field, winning the event without breaking a sweat. Six weeks down the road Temporal Spring(eng) received his first taste of stakes competition. As usual, the colt was favored, and as usual, the colt broke on top. Temporal Spring(eng) opened up by 4 ½ lengths. He felt a bit of pressure in the stretch drive, but nothing too serious, winning the race by 1 ½ lengths and with a career-best 96sp.
Trainer mav176 is good to his horse and allowed his star pupil another 6 weeks off before making his much anticipated 3yo debut. The 8.5F Giant Slayer Classic-G3 was the chosen race. The race came up listed as ‘good’ after light rains fell the week before. Temporal Spring(eng) got minimal respect at the windows as bettors questioned his ability to perform on an off track. For the first time in his young career, Temporal Spring(eng) was out broken at the gate. He chased behind Alberta Indystorm for the first half. After the 7F pole, jockey J Wilcox eased up on his colt knowing that his day would have to wait. Temporal Spring(eng) finished 8th. I think this colt is still very good and if the offtrack was truly the problem last time out then others should beware. He comes into this well-rested. A win here may set him on the Bluegrass Derby trail.
These are the horses that I like:
Gideon’s Trumpet – impressed after 3 ½ months off, broke the 100 speed barrier, if duplicates could be the winner.
Deja’Vodoo – giving him the benefit of the doubt that his didn’t like the offtrack LTO, is a tuff colt.
Zapper Man – talented colt will be 4 to 6 back, but 3-month layoff may be his Achilles’ heel.
Sunday Prospector – will be sitting within 3 or 4 of the leaders, is fresh & has broken the 100 speed barrier.
Temporal Spring(eng) – is fresh & fast, will have to outrun a couple other frontrunners.
I pick Gideon’s Trumpet, Temporal Spring(eng), and Sunday Prospector for top-3.**
I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw a new stakes record set on Saturday. Happy racing/betting to all & Good Luck!!
~Keely J
**I’m an awful handicapper! J