Black Type Bugler

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Black Type Bugler

eHorseracing.com’s Official Online News Source

The $2,000,000 Sand Castle Derby

The Sand Castle Derby

 

Purse : $2,000,000

Distance: 1 1/8

Surface: Tapeta

Sex: Open

Grade: 1

Track: Meydan Racecourse

Rated: Fast

 

(Bluegrass Derby Lock Race; Automatic berth)

 

Welcome all to Meydan City, Dubai; the new home of Meydan Racecourse. This is the 1st running of The Sand Castle Derby at this newly built track. The track is built to hold 60,000 spectators and an 18 hole golf course. The grandstand is 1.2 km long, and will be packed to the rafters today. This stunning track has attracted some of the best 3 yr olds in the world. Today’s race is of great importance. The winner of today’s race will receive a 1.2 million dollar paycheck, but more importantly, an automatic berth into the Bluegrass Derby. Today’s race is a real good acid test for some of these 3 yr olds. Firstly, it is the first time that many of these horses will go a solid 9f. That right there will separate a few in here. Can a horse ship across the world, and then have enough left for a race in May in Kentucky? All these questions and some others start here today. From a race perspective, we have 2 of Pazz’s top 20 rankings in here today. Some in here are begging for the distance, and others will be trying to gut it out through the 400m stretch. Let’s get to the details as the horses make their way onto the track:

 

The # 1 horse here today is Pinhook. He is a 3 yr old scratch bred son of Awesome Again. Pinhook comes into today’s race having won his last, The Whipped Ruler Stakes. In that race, facing 5 others, the grandson of Seeking The Gold, sat comfortably in 2nd throughout, and overtook the leader turning for home and fought to a 1/4 length victory and earned a 95 speed rating. Back in January, Pinhook won the Grim Fiddle Stakes, also against 5 others. Going off at 9-5 in that event, the brown colt sat a length off the pace and again took clear at the top of the stretch to a convincing 2 ¼ length victory. In his last race as a 2 yr old, Pinhook faced 3 others in the WTAS Quiet Thief Mem. It was a carbon copy of all his other races to date. Sat off leaders flank, and took over when asked. 55% ITM Circusham, the trainer of Pinhook was asked about his Derby chances and was quoted as saying “We really don’t know what kind of horse we have yet. He’s won 6 of 8 racesa, and in his last few, he hasn’t been really tested. We’ve brought him along slowly, but now we have to test him. Definitely a stronger bunch here today, but that’s what we wanted. He’ll show us here today where he stands against some of the higher ranked 3 yr olds.” Pinhook Race Anaylsis: Have to admire the training job here. Good time between races, and never overshot any of his stakes starts .His last 2 wins, albeit longer today, shows he can at least get 8f. He’s bred to run all day, but you never know until they run it. From a pace perspective, no one here has it better. He should do his usual stalking of the frontrunner, and take his cue from his jock as to when to go. Not too many things to not like here, but if had to make one, just for arguments cause, he still has to go 1f longer than he ever has today. That with the class of the race alone, could be the only negative. 8/1 ML, gets the rail, and Oldham in the irons today.

 

 

The #2 horse here today is Prussian. He is trained by 40% ITM Topicount. The 3 yr old brown colt exits a 7th place finisher in his last, The Three Brothers Stakes. Going off at 7-1 in the 14 horse field, Prussian broke towards the rear and just never got motivated. Topicount told the BTB, “Not sure what really happened with that. He just never seemed to get hold of the Monmouth track. We drew a line through it, and he’s training forwardly for this one.” In his race before, the GR 3 Giant Slayer Classic, Prussian showed an affinity for the off going and finished a hard charging 2nd, earning a 96 for his effort. Finishing 5th in that race was none other than Fl Derby winner Begone Oasis. So some confidence can be had as to finishing in front of a Derby entry already. Old school trainer Topicount knows you can’t rush a horse to the Derby. Prussian is 5 weeks rested and looks to close off an anticipated fast pace. In Prussian’s last race as 2 yr old, the son of Hussonet took dead aim turning for home, but just ran out of real estate to finish 2nd by 2 ¼ lengths. He earned a 95 for that effort. Prussian’s Race Anaylsis: For a horse that has won only a maiden race, and that was on turf, Prussian has a few things to like today. Although he didn’t get his rain dance prayers answered, he is one of a few that should relish the 9f. Although his last race was at 9f, he looks like he will close better against this field today. Runs solid mid 90 numbers, but will have to have a 4-5 apoint increase to win this today. His C ranked mommy was a graded placed mare, and 5x stakes winner. From a negative perspective, sorry Pazz makes me do it: I think Prussian will get a big class test today. He will have to close more powerful than he ever has, and show Topicount he is a Derby type horse. 10/1 ML and gets 8.5% Wiedner in the stirrups.

 

 

The #3 horse is Gift Of The Gab. He is a 3 yr old colt trained by 35% ITM trainer Ladofmanor. Gift Of Gab, a son of Monsun, enters today’s race having finished 11th by 18 lengths in his last race, the G3 Gary Asher Memorial.Trainer Ladofmanor said aof the race “he just never ran a lick. I think when we shipped him back to NY, from Dubai, that may have been a mistake. We shipped him back today, because we know he loves the new racecourse and we think he will like the 9f.” What Lad is referring to there was Gift Of Gab’s race in Feb in Dubai. In the Gr 3 Dubai 2000 Guinees, a prep for today’s event, Gift Of Gab lined up against 12 others. Going off at 21-1, Gift Of Gab made a bold move with 4f to go, closing from 7th to 3rd and making up 5 lengths in the process. He steadied out through the stretch and ran a solid 3rd, earning a 98 speed number. His first and only 90+ speed number to date. Gift Of Gab Race Anaylsis: I think if Ladofmanor had to do it all over again, he may have kept Gift over in Dubai and trained him for this race off his Feb Dubai race. With that said, at least he got the much needed experience of running one more against a class field. He ships back to the track where he ran by far the best race of his career. From distance expectations, he could run a marathon and not blow hard. His mommy was a Gr 2 winner and she finished 2nd in the 12f Sydney Oaks. So, distance shouldn’t be a limitation for this guy. Needs to run back to his Dubai race here to be effective today, but even if doesn’t fare well today; he may have a great career on turf. 19/1 ML and taps 9.7% Tippett to be the pilot today.

 

 

Nextbonus, brings the Louisiana bred Sky Battle here today. The 3 yr old colt, sired by War Eagle enters the race today a victor in his last, an open allowance race against 7 others. In that 6f race, Sky Battle sat a patient 3rd down the backside, took over at the ¼ pole and extended the winning margin to 1 ½ lengths. He earned a solid 94 for the victory. In January, at Gulfstream racetrack, Sky Battle lined up against 8 others in the Gr2 Swale Stakes. Going off at 5-1, the son of E ranked mare Snow Mommy, broke 4th, letting the leaders go only 1 ½ ahead. When jockey Buctha asked the colt for some more, he dug in, but just couldn’t find more. He finished 6th by 4 lengths. Sky Battle’s best race was the prior one to that. In the Gr1 Dell Penn sponsored Lever Sparky Handicap, Sky Battle got post position 14. Breaking 7th out of the gate, he ran steady down the backside, but lost a 1 ¼ to the leader. Jockey Eckloff tapped the 16.2 hand boy, and his response was immediate. He moved up to 4th at the top of the stretch and bore down on the leaders. He came charging through the stretch, but just missed the wire to Deputy Hero, the 3rd place finisher of recent Gr1 All Saints Dery. Sky Battle’s Race Anaylsis : For today’s contest, the biggest question here today will be the 9f. Sky Battle has 4+ 90 speed numbers, but all sprinting. He has never been past 6 ½ f. All of mommy’s 9 wins came at sprinting. So why does Nextbonus come? Well, he has speed and can use that to his advantage today. He will get a great position down the backside, and if he can time his move well, should get the jump on some of the deep closers. Now whether or not he can sustain that through the stretch is another thing. But always beware of speed horses getting easier fractions due to the 9f stretch out for most today. 12/1 ML and gets 10.8% Ayso in the saddle today.

 

The #5 horse is Tourist Attraction. He is a 3 yr old colt by Sightseeing. Trainer Sledge brings him here today after a 10th place finish in the Gr1 Equinics Wave Sprint. In that 20 horse field, Tourist Attraction broke a mid pack 9th and kept that position down the backside. He moved up to 8th at the ½ mile pole but didn’t respond when asked by Givins. Sledge told Smokeglack “He’s never been past 7f, but we feel he may be better served going a bit longer. He has great tactical speed and we think he can use his sprinting class today to help get the 9f. We know some others in here won’t want any part of the 9f, so we just told jock Perez to get a feel for the race as it unfolds.” Tourist Attraction is no stranger to graded racing. Two races back, he lined up in the 6 ½ f Gr2 $150,00 Swale Stakes. Going off at 5-1 in the 9 horse field, the Grandson of Saint Ballado broke alertly in 2nd. By the ½ mile pole he was in front, and turned for home with a one length lead. He held the challengers off and hit the wire a ¾ length victor. Tourist Attraction earned a solid 99 for the victory. Tourist Attraction Race Analysis: Another sprinter type so far, but he has class on his side. In a race filled with sprinters, he’s one that has been battle tested and will use that to his advantage. Another in here who is bred to run to the cows come home, and may use that edge to help him get past the 7f which he has never traveled. He has 5+ 90 speed figures in his sprinting game. May be your frontrunner today, if Sledge chooses to do so. Will hope to control the pace up front and give it all he has through the stretch. 11/1 ML and Perez to do the pace scenario.

The #6 horse here today is Hellhound. He is a 3 yr old chestnut colt, sired by Big Brown. Hellhound comes into today’s race with a hard closing 2nd in an open allowance race at 6f. In January, he ran in the Gr3 Scam Stakes in California. Going off at 21-1, Hellhound broke midpack in 7th, trailing by 8 lengths. At the top of the stretch, he was still 8 lengths back, and ran evenly through the stretch, passing 2 horses late to finish an even 6th. Trainer Supers told the Dubai journalist the other day, “We’re not really sure where we are at with him yet. We chose this race to kind figure things out for us. He’s already won at 8 and 8 1/2f, so we decided to get a sprint into him last out to get some more athleticism for today’s race. We think he’s ready to fire a big bullet soon, and we’re just hoping today is that day.”  In January, in The Gold Project Special stakes, contested at 8 1/2f, the grandson of Gone West broke right on top and waved bye bye to the field early. He opened up his margin to 3 at the 4f marker and stayed strong to hold off the closer in that event, the runnerup in the Fl derby Topicount’s Stars Of Buda. Hellhound broke his maiden in Oct as a 2yr old in an 8f race, winning by 3 ¼ lengths. Hellhound Race Anaylsis: 22/1 shot ML is the underlay of the race. One of the few that has won 2x over a mile. best speed number is 92, but capable today of way more than that. Bred for quality, and comes off a prep sprint for this. May be better served sprinting against better, but definitely deserves a shot to be here. Gets 10.5% Harmon today.

 

Kauffmac, brings 3 yr old filly Tizkauf here today. A daughter of Tiznow, the chestnut filly enters here today with an 8th place finish in the St Moors Bluff Stakes. Going off the favorite in the 8 horse field, Tizkauf threw in one of those races you just scratch you’re head at. She never got interested and trailed throughout. In her prior, an allowance nw3l in January, the granddaughter of Dehere ran a solid 2nd, closing strongly in the 9f event. Sitting 8th at the top of the stretch, she charged through the lane to miss by 1 ½ lengths. On Jan 2nd, Tizkauf ran in the Gr3 Santa Jezebel Stakes. She finished 7th in that race, but only missed the winners circle by 3 ½ lengths. In that race, there were 7 graded placed horses and 2 stakes winners. In her last race as a 2 yr old, Tizkauf ran in the gr3 Mistaken Soda Identity. In the 14 horse field, Tizkauf again came charging late to miss by 2 ¾ lengths. Her 95 speed number was the highest of her career and if she can better that effort by 4-5, she has a chance. Tizkauf Race Anaylsis: Ok, so we have the wiseguy with the filly in the race. Why enter her against boys, when she can go fight it out with other fillies. Well, she has reason to be here today. Firstly, she will absolutely have no problems with the 9f. With so many sprinter types trying to stretch out today, she will be blowing by a few in here with no problem. A somewhat soft Derby lock race, and she is still possible of firing that 100 speed number. Doesn’t matter boys or not, she may be able to hit that mark soon.. For Kauffmac, hopefully today. Performed very admirably against some of the top fillies in the land, she may be able to just use her affection to the distance to her advantage. 17/1 and Belfatto in the saddle.

 

 

Chono brings Expense Report to the race today. The 3 yr old son of Distorted Humor baost a 100 speed figure in his 2nd place finish in the Dubai 2000 Guineas. In that race at same track in Dubai, the grandson of Sadler’s Well’s went off at 8-1 in the 13 horse field. Breaking alertly in 3rd from the 4 post, Expense Report went to wrok on the leaders at the ½ mile pole. Taking command at the top of the stretch, Expense Report just couldn’t hold off the onslaught of Galaxy Alliance. Although he has aonly 2 wins to his career, Expense Report is heading in the right direction for a 3yr old in March. His speed numbers have increased at the right time of year. In his prior race to that, Expense Report earned a 94 speed number in an allowance nw2l at 8f. He will be tested in terms of his class here today, but increasing speed numbers and a closing 2nd in a Gr3 at 8f, gives him the right to be here. Trainer Chono told the BTB “We think he’s coming into this race well. We wanted to give him a chance to show us what he’s got, so we decided to prime him for this effort. We know he loves the track already, so we decided to keep him here and point to this as our immediate goal. We’d love nothing more than for him to win today, so we can get him ready for the trip back and focus on the Bluegrass.” Expense Report Anaylsis: To get to the Bluegrass, a horse must always be progressing, never going backwards. Expense Report is proving to Chono that he is doing just that. I think he will like the 9f fine, and should get a cozy trip in mid-pack down the backside. His class will be tested, like most others in here though, and his liking for the racetrack may be enough to get him to the wire first today.

 

Perfect Game Ted, the post-time favorite makes his way onto the track. The scratch bred son of Pleasantly Perfect looks to solidify his 9th place ranking and earn an automatic berth to the BG Derby. In Perfect Game Ted’s last race, the Gr3 Rebel Yell, the grandson of Strike The Gold went wire to wire on the field at 8 ½ f; an impressive win, where he earned a 104 speed number. In his prior to that, the Gr3 Risen Star, Perfect Game Ted sat in 3rd down the backside, and pushed his way through the stretch, but managed to hold on to the show spot. The same final time as The Rebel in 1:42, he earned a 102 speed number for that. In his final race as a 2 yr old, Perfect Game Ted ran in the Movieland Futurity. A showcase 2 yr old race that usually unveils Derby horses for the following year. Going off at 14-1 in the full 14 horse field, Perfect Game Ted came flying late to miss the #4 ranked colt Flame Of Apollo. His 98 speed number told trainer Younghung that he had a potential Derby horse. Younghung told the Foreign Press “Right when he hit the wire in the Movieland, we went to dinner and started to map out his 3 yr old campaign. We kept him at Cali for his 1st 3 yr old start. Then moved him to the Louisiana area for his next 2 preps. We chose this race because we feel confident this gives us the best chance to get a Derby spot.” Perfect Game Ted is the deserved favorite here. He is graded tested, and has performed well in all of them. He has run 2+ 100 speed numbers, which will be enough to win here today. Perfect Game Ted Race Anaylsis: Has run 7 straight times at a mile or over, so no stranger to route races, which will serve him very well here today. From a different look, possible things not to like today are: going for 8th straight graded race today. A tough toll on any horse. Besides his last, he struggles just a bit through the stretch, albeit better company than today’s race. A good stalking type horse who may have backclass to get the job done here today for Younghung 9/2 ML fav and gets leading rider Harzheim in the saddle.

 

Trainer Broohar brings Spring Storms to the race today. A 3 yr old colt by Spring At Last, he enters today’s contest a winner of an open allowance race at 7f. In that 10 horse field, Spring Storms went off at 9/5 and sat 2nd throughout. At the quarter pole, jock Valerio asked the grandson of Thunder Gulch for some more, and he responded through the stretch winning by a widening 1 ½ lengths. In his 1st race as a 3yr old, Broohar entered him in the Gr3 Special Bid Stakes at 6f. Although he finished 4th, Spring Storms was never more than a length off the leader at any point in the race. He earned a 93 speed number for the 4th spot. Spring Storms has earned something in here that no other horse in here has. That is a Gr1 victory. Spring Storms lined up at Saratoga in the Gr1 Hopeless Stakes. In the 7f race, Spring Storms sat right off the flank of the frontrunners and took control at the top of the stretch by 2 ¼ lengths. He shutdown his motors inside the 1/16th pole and won by a 1 ½. His next race would be the Gr1 North Wildwood in NJ. This time he took control of the race from the onset. Cruising on the lead, Spring Storms just couldn’t hold on in deep stretch and finished 4th, but beaten only a 1 ¾’s.  Trainer Broohar told Smokeglack, “We’re like a couple of others in here. We want to find out if he can get the 9f or not. I know he has class, and we’re looking for him to use his speed to his advantage today. We put some stiff long breezes in him for this to try to give him some bottom. We’ll see, but we can always put him back to the sprinting game if need be.”    Spring Storm Race Anaylsis:  Spring has a lot of things to like here today. He’s a Gr1 and Gr3 winner already. So class test is passed here. Frontrunner type who has the experience and the class to back it up. The important thing today of course is, can he harness that speed and use it to go 9f? With so many in here having to answer the same question, he at least knows he is quality. May let some other horses do his work for him and try to turn the jets on with 3f to go and outlast the competition. Will use his class speed to make one long determined run and hope it’s enough to get to the wire. 9-1 ML and gets Byrd today.

 

The #11 horse is Aurora Slew Ted. The California bred colt is a son of Council Member. He enters today’s race having finished 6th in the Chateau John Challenge Stakes . Going of at 2-1 in the 8 horse field, Aurora Slew Ted ran mid-pack down the backside and just failed to fire through the stretch. Trainer Aurora stated “we know he’s better than his last. We are just going to move forward of that race. Sometimes it’s better to throw in a clunker before the race you need to win.” In his prior attempt to that Aurora Slew Ted lined up against 13 others in the Gr3 Scam Stakes at 9f. Going off at 5-1, Aurora sat 3rd right behind the frontrunners. At the top of the stretch, the grandson of Mr.Prospector took control of 2nd, but tired through the stretch to finish 5th. In his last race as a 2yr old, Aurora ran in the Gr3 Los Angeles Prevue Stakes. Going 7f, the son of of F ranked mare Pro Groom, Aurora made a big move at the leaders and just missed the win by 1 ½ lengths. He earned a 94 for the effort. Aurora Slew Ted Race Analysis: Aurora Slew Ted has 3 + speed numbers of 90 with his highest being a 99. In his first attempt at 2 turns, Aurora ran that 99, so he may like the distance more than others in here. He is graded class tested, but must rebound from a last performance and run the best race of his carrer to date. Has sprinting class ability and is another in here who will try to save some of that for the stretch here today. If he can run back to his race in January, with a slight improvement here today, he can be a 22.00 winner. Must prove to Aurora today that he wants 9f and must time his move right here today. Gets 9.8% jock Cain for the mount.

 

The #12 horse is Bigtime Favorite. A scratch bred son of Ghostzapper, he enters today’s race with a good 4th place finish in the Rebel Yell Stakes. He earned a 97 in that race, which was the 2nd highest for him. His highest speed number came as a 2yr old in the Gr3 Sam’s Town Delta Jackpot, where he outfinished 12 other horses and missed getting the win by 1 length. In February, Bigtime Favorite ran in the Gr3 Risen Star Stakes and ran one of those young 3 yr old career races and finished an uncharacteristic 11, beaten 14 lengths. A midpack type runner, Bigtime Favorite will have a good spot today for most of the race. He has run 2+ 97 speed numbers and although he’s never won past 6 ½ f, he may like the 9f more than some others in here. Bigtime Favorite Race Anaylsis: I believe that trainer Axemjack has picked the perfect race for this guy. Not crazy about the wheel back in 3 weeks, but everybody feeling the pressure of time to get to the dance. He’s run 2 respectable races at 8 ½ f graded company already, more than most in here can say. He won a Gr2 sprinting as a 2 yr old, so the sprinters in here won’t get far away from him. Ran a good in thr Gr1 Paramus Mile as a 2 yr old. With all that said, it’s now or never for this guy. Race sets up well for him and deserves the entry here, with a chance at getting that big dance ticket. 8-1 and get the services of 14.6% rider Cassell.

 

The # 13 horse is Solar Expedition. He is a son of Bernardini. He enters today’s race with 4 straight allowance runs, winning one and finishing 2nd in the other 3. Although he has only 2 wins to his credit, the Grandson of Giant’s Causeway may be the one to fear here today. His highest speed number is 92, having achieved that two times in a row. In his last race, an allowance nw2 in 9 event, Solar Expedition ran a good 2nd, missing by 2 ¼ lengths. In October, as a 2 yr old, Solar ran in the Gr3 Charcoal Breeders Cup. Sent off at 7-1, Solar Expedition finished 8th, but closing hard late at the 8 ½ f distance, losing by only 3 ¼ lengths. He lost that race to Lucky’s Howie, who went on to finish 2nd in the Gr1 Equinics in February. His last 8 races have been at a mile or over, a purpose that will serve him very well today. Solar Expedition Race Anaylsis: A horse with only 2 career wins, and to me, so much to like. His speed numbers are behind most in here, but here’s where things get tricky. Ran 2 consistent 92 speed numbers in his last 2, one at 9f, and one at 9 ½. He is starting to mature, and seems to me like he’s ready to pop a 98 or more soon. If that prediction is accurate, he likes the distance more than anyone in here today, and that alone makes him a threat. Only his 3rd start of the year and not being pushed into the fray.  I Just clicked on the trainers name, and it says Dixie. So add that to the mix and it spells upset. Well guarded 3 yr old asked to take next step here, but has many things to like to get the golden ticket.

 

The outside horse today is Lucky’s Howie. A $432,000 earner and son of Gone West. Lucky’s Howie enters today’s race with a 5th place finisher in the Blackhawk Stakes. Going off at 9/5, Lucky’s threw in, like so many others in here, a race in which you can’t really explain what happened. His 93 speed number was 8 pts lower than his previous attempt. Trainer Mr.Lucky said of the effort “We assume he bounced a bit off the big effort from his prior race. We brought him back from a Gr1 with only 2 weeks rest. He was kicking down the barn. But in retrospect, we shouldn’t have done it. But at least we feel we got the bounce race out and it has set him up perfectly for today’s race.” What Mr.Lucky was referring to was Lucky’s Howie’s race in February. In the Gr1 Equinics at 9 1/2f race, the grandson of Dynaformer took charge of the race from the gate. He held that lead until the last jump, where he got nosed out at the wire. He earned a 101 speed number for that race. Anything like that performance here today, puts him in the winners circle. Lucky’s Howie Race Anaylsis:  A 3 x graded placed horse, who has won at 8 1/2f before is a horse to fear today. If Lucky’s Howie can just get a bit more consistent in his efforts, he would be a good bet here today. Has all the markings for a Derby horse, but must use his back class and stamp his authority over these today. From a pace perspective, Lucky’s should be in the drivers seat.  Has tremendous distance class experience over most in here today. Probably will be sitting in 3rd to 4th down the backside, since we have so many sprinter types trying to get the 9f today. He will use his distance experience and hope that he can put it all together. If can shake loose of his greenness, can definitely win here today.

 

Smoke’s Analysis: Hard to pinch hit for the 3 yr old Derby guru Pazz, (I love his articles, even though I have never had a sniff at a Derby horse. Next year Pazz, me an you.)

The golden ticket is at stake today. Some trainers feel the pressure and are wheeling their stars back to try to get it. A bunch of solid graded sprinters are going the route distance to try to serve that purpose. Some in here are trying Gr1 company for the first time. But in order to win it, you must be in it. Tough handicapping race, but I’ll try the usual stab at 5.

 

1)      Perfect Game Ted– Have trouble looking past 2 100+ speed numbers at 8 ½ f. Wheels back in 3 weeks for this, but likes distance more than most and has class to back it up.

2)      Solar Expedition– Don’t trust trainer and looks like a horse that ready to pop big number. Loves the distance and should be closing strong late. Live 13-1 shot

3)      Lucky’s Howie– Hopefully got bounce out of the way and if runs back to 101 speed # in equinics, figures right there.

4)      Spring Storms– Class sprinter can prove all wrong if  hecan gut out the 9f. Will have a good sitting throughout, and if fires at right time, he’s dangerous.

5)      Pinhook– A good tactical frontrunner type that has carried it 8f twice already. Has to go 1f more today, but gets graded test today and wouldn’t surprise to see in winners circle.

 

Anyway, best of luck to all the trainers and their chance at an automatic spot in the starting gate for the Bluegrass Derby. Get set all, ‘cause it’s now post time!!!!!

 

 

 

 

…cell phone rings….

 

Smoke: Hello?

Paz: Hey Smoke, it’s Pazz…How are ya?

Smoke: Dude, I’m over here at the New Penninsula Hotel in Dubai, partying

Paz: That’s great man. Hey man, need a favor from ya?

Smoke: Yeah what’s up man.. Speak up Pazz, music is crazy over here.

Pazz: I was about to fly out there to do the Derby coverage and Roys called

Smoke: Uhh.ohh. This doesn’t sound good Pazz…

Pazz: Roys wants me home here to do a feature piece on the Derby for Sim Tv

Smoke: That’s great man…So what’s up?

Pazz: Roys told me you have to take the SCD, since you are over there

Smoke: I knew I should have shut the cell phone off. Tell Roys I’m on vacation!!

Pazz: Smoke man, I’m just the messenger.

Smoke: Alright, I’ll bite the bullet, but tell Roys I’ll be looking to have a sitdown when I get back. Can’t treat employees this way.

Pazz: So get some sleep and get on it Smoke..

Smoke: I will man..Hey, anyone in here you really think has shot at winning Derby?

Pazz: Yeah, 2…I’ll fax you the notes I have on the runners..

Smoke: Alright man, shave for the tv, will ya?

Pazz: Well you just go back to your room and get to writing.

Smoke: Alright man, talk to you when I get back..Take care.

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