{"id":1824,"date":"2006-03-09T01:42:05","date_gmt":"2006-03-09T01:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blacktypebugler.com\/?p=1824"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","slug":"oldbtb_1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=1824","title":{"rendered":"The Triple Crown Contenders Get Serious"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">This week the derby trail brings us to sunny <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = \"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags\" \/><st1:State w:st=\"on\"><st1:place w:st=\"on\">Florida<\/st1:place><\/st1:State>, where the horses we will be discussing in serious tones within a couple of months continue their preparations on the quest for equine immortality. Technically, this is the Florida Derby, a 9 furlong dirt race for open three year olds, carrying a purse of $750,000 and Grade 1 status. In reality it is a giant step on the road to fame. A mere step to the eventual stars, a glimmer of hope to some, and an unpleasant reality check perhaps for a few more. As expected we have a star-studded field due to face the starter, with the line-up including horses ranked 1 and 2 in the division, and 4 of the top 10 classic dirt three year olds all making an appearance. <\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">Now to the history lesson. The Florida Derby has proven something of a jinx race for runners preparing for the Bluegrass Derby and Triple Crown. As you will see below, no horse has managed to complete the double in the seven years of these races being run. Three of the seven Bluegrass Derby winners did not contest this event, while those who did finished ITM three times, and the only other winner finished fifth. Very sobering statistics for those trainers who fail to take home a prize check this weekend.<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = \"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office\" \/><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">Here are the details of the Florida Derby as a guide to the Bluegrass Derby:<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">1999 \u2013 <\/B>Florida Derby Winner,<B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\"> Velvet Blush<\/B> did not run in the Bluegrass Derby<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><SPAN style=\"mso-tab-count: 1\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Bluegrass <st1:City w:st=\"on\"><st1:place w:st=\"on\">Derby<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> Winner <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Pharrun Prospect<\/B> finished <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">5th<\/B> in the Florida Derby<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">2000 \u2013 <\/B>Florida Derby Winner,<B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\"> Lynn\u2019s Powers<\/B> finished <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">4th<\/B> in the Bluegrass Derby<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><SPAN style=\"mso-tab-count: 1\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Bluegrass <st1:City w:st=\"on\"><st1:place w:st=\"on\">Derby<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> Winner <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Down the Jazz<\/B> finished <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">2nd<\/B> in the Florida Derby<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">2001 \u2013 <\/B>Florida Derby Winner,<B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\"> Super Champ<\/B> finished <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">8th<\/B> in the Bluegrass Derby<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><SPAN style=\"mso-tab-count: 1\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Bluegrass Derby Winner <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Buda with the Slew<\/B> did not run in the Florida Derby<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">2002 \u2013 <\/B>Florida Derby Winner,<B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\"> Fusaichi Devil<\/B> finished <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">15th<\/B> in the Bluegrass Derby<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><SPAN style=\"mso-tab-count: 1\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN><st1:place w:st=\"on\"><st1:PlaceName w:st=\"on\">Bluegrass<\/st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st=\"on\"><st1:City w:st=\"on\">Derby<\/st1:City><\/st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st=\"on\">Winner<\/st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st=\"on\"><B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Tower<\/B><\/st1:PlaceType><\/st1:place><B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\"> Storm<\/B> finished <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">2nd<\/B> in the Florida Derby<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">2003 \u2013 <\/B>Florida Derby Winner,<B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\"> Smokin Two Bs<\/B> finished <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">17th<\/B> in the Bluegrass Derby<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><SPAN style=\"mso-tab-count: 1\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Bluegrass Derby Winner <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">I Seek U<\/B> did not run in the Florida Derby<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">2004 \u2013 <\/B>Florida Derby Winner,<B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\"> Stormy Bluff II<\/B> finished <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">3rd<\/B> in the Bluegrass Derby<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><SPAN style=\"mso-tab-count: 1\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Bluegrass Derby Winner <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Granhee<\/B> finished <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">3rd<\/B> in the Florida Derby<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">2005 \u2013 <\/B>Florida Derby Winner,<B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\"> Fly For Buda<\/B> finished <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">3rd<\/B> in the Bluegrass Derby<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><SPAN style=\"mso-tab-count: 1\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Bluegrass Derby Winner <st1:place w:st=\"on\"><B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Anticosti<\/B><\/st1:place> did not run in the Florida Derby<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">Anyway, someone I should remember from high school once said \u201cHistory is bunk\u201d, so let\u2019s take a look at the runners facing the starter this week:<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">From the inside gate will emerge <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Peacenik<\/B>, looking to follow up on his last start Grade 1 Equinics victory. A winner of 6 of 11 and $880,000 in purses, <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Peacenik<\/B> is the highest ranked last start winner lining up for this event. An important guide for those who follow the \u201crecent form is the best form\u201d philosophy. <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Peacenik<\/B> is the only progeny of the once male multiple stakes winning horse <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Big N Tall<\/B> <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">(Broad Brush \/ Black Tie Affair)<\/I> and was conceived following an appointment with <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Peace Rules<\/I>. Raced by <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">oaklawn66<\/B> since day one, <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Peacenik<\/B> took a little time to get going, requiring three runs to win his maiden. From there on advancement came rapidly, with an allowance win at start number five and a stakes victory next time out. His first taste of Graded racing resulted in a sixth, then he rounded out his two year old season with stakes and Grade 2 victories. 2006 began with a close black type second, before the pinnacle so far, the Equinics success in the <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Qlinton Potts<\/I> over 9.5 furlongs. This is his third race as a tree year old and he\u2019ll be looking to cement his spot in the upcoming Bluegrass Derby with a big effort here. He\u2019ll happily surrender the early advantage gained by drawing gate one, and will be able to save plenty of ground during the race, reserving his best for the home run.<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">. <\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">Barrier 2 is the starting position for <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">El Corzador. <\/B>Homebred by current owner \/ trainer <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">thebaker2<\/B>, using his well bred but poorly performed (2 from 22 and $14k) racehorse <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Batouttadaghetto<\/B> <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">(El Corredor \/ Northern Dancer)<\/I>, this smart son of <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Green Desert<\/I> has well surpassed the deeds of his progenitor in just nine starts. With maiden and stakes wins on his CV, he also boasts a third in the G3 <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Silver Fence Derby<\/I> in North California two starts back. This upcoming race presents a real challenge to <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">El Corzador<\/B> and <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">thebaker2<\/B>, as they strive to improve their Grade 1 record. On paper that record doesn\u2019t look too flash, with a fourth in DelPenn\u2019s <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Eruption Handicap<\/I>, and a last start eleventh in <st1:place w:st=\"on\"><st1:State w:st=\"on\">Vermont<\/st1:State><\/st1:place>\u2019s Equinics <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">George Woolfe<\/I>, eight lengths behind <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Ermington Pegasus<\/B>. Positives to be taken from those runs are the fact that <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">El Corzador<\/B> was coming home at the end of both events, and this race is a bit longer than either of them. There is some strong opposition lining up here, but he has lined up against the best before, and he won\u2019t need much of an improvement to be right in the mix.<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Half a World Away<\/B>. One of the greatest achievements any celebrity can attain is to be known by just one word, and for everyone to instantly recognize that celebrity. Elvis, Madonna, Elton, Oprah and HAWA. In only ten starts this horse has already reached celebrity status, taking out the sim\u2019s premier two year old event, the <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Breeder\u2019s Bowl Juvenile<\/I>, on his way to being awarded last years eclipse award for 2 year old colts. <SPAN style=\"mso-spacerun: yes\">\u00a0<\/SPAN>Trainer <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">foxvbullet<\/B> has been attempting to pour a little cold water on all the hype, but he <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">is<\/I> the current measuring stick, and great things are expected of him each time he ventures to the racetrack. <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Half a World Away<\/B> joined the rest of the world when trainer <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">foxvbullet<\/B> decided his well bred male horse <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Whenworldscollide<\/B> was not, and was never likely to, set the world on fire. With three wins on the board from 28, and no sign of being stakes material, the son of <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Gone West \/ Verbatim<\/I> was shipped off to <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Belong to Me<\/I>, via the veterinary clinic. The result did set the world alight from day one, picking up his maiden on debut and having two Graded victories by the time he\u2019d raced four times. A minor Glitch when fifth at his first Grade 1 attempt, then <st1:place w:st=\"on\"><st1:City w:st=\"on\">Dubai<\/st1:City><\/st1:place>\u2019s G2 <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Camel Juvenile<\/I> and the <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Breeders Bowl<\/I> in consecutive starts. His opponents may take some comfort from the fact that he has been beaten in two of his last three, but all trainers and jockeys will be organizing their tactics around finding a way to beat HAWA to the wire.<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">Gate 4 will be occupied by <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Bearly Wanted<\/B>. He\u2019s another coming into the race with black type winning form, having tasted victory last start in the 8.5 furlong <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">South for Forbes Bonanza<\/I> in <st1:place w:st=\"on\"><st1:country-region w:st=\"on\">Mexico<\/st1:country-region><\/st1:place> five weeks ago. Homebred by current owner \/ trainer <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">wilko, Bearly Wanted<\/B> is a son of <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Deputy Commander<\/I> from the well bred but underperforming and \u2018unowned\u2019 mare <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Bearly the Laura<\/B> (<I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Seeking the Gold \/ D\u2019Accord<\/I>), <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Bearly Wanted<\/B> has been to the races nine times, for three wins, a second and three thirds, including one against Graded opposition in the G3 \u2013 <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">San Somebody Stakes<\/I> two starts ago at his first run for the year. Trainer <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">wilko<\/B> has chosen a tough assignment here as an introduction to Grade 1 racing, pitching him in against the cream of the age group, but <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Bearly Wanted<\/B> has established himself as having plenty of heart, he looks to be on the way up and he knows how to run a race right out to the line.<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">From stall 6 comes <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Park the Deputy<\/B>, another smart colt making a mockery of his stable name of origin. He\u2019s had just the four starts, winning three and third in the other. He gave a great sight last start when just run down by <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Peacenik<\/B> and <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">San Pelligrino<\/B> in the closing stages of Vermonts Equinics Grade 1<I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">, The <st1:City w:st=\"on\"><st1:place w:st=\"on\">Clinton<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> Potts<\/I>. Having previously won a maiden and two stakes races, the jump directly to Grade 1 had a few people wondering, but <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">slowracers<\/B> had plenty of justifiable faith in her charge. He is a son of <st1:place w:st=\"on\"><st1:PlaceName w:st=\"on\"><I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Ecton<\/I><\/st1:PlaceName><I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\"> <st1:PlaceType w:st=\"on\">Park<\/st1:PlaceType><\/I><\/st1:place>, from <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Many Flirt<\/B> <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">(Deputy Minister \/ Lycius).<\/I> <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Many Flirt<\/B> was a dual stakes winning, Grade 2 placed winner of 11 races from her 48 starts. In this race, <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Park the Deputy<\/B> is one of the two likely to challenge for the early lead, so a smart jump and an easy cart across to the rail, keeping <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Lockitineddie<\/B> outside him will probably be the tactics of jockey <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">C.Romine<\/I>. Nobody in the state is riding better than this hoop at the moment, so if he gets to dictate the race he will give <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Park the Deputy<\/B> every possible chance.<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Blue Orchid<\/B> lines up in number 7. Superbly bred <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">(Kingmambo \/ Sadler\u2019s Wells \/ Danehill),<\/I> from scratch by breeder \/ owner \/ trainer <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">bulletwork<\/B>, he\u2019s as honest as they come, having finished on the podium in all eight starts. His two year old season resulted in two wins, two seconds and three thirds from seven starts. Given that he has as yet been unable to wire that elusive black type win, he would appear to be facing an uphill battle here, but it\u2019s the most recent run which creates interest. Coming from the rear of the field in <st1:State w:st=\"on\">Nebraska<\/st1:State>\u2019s Grade 3 <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Thousand <st1:place w:st=\"on\">Islands<\/st1:place> Stakes<\/I> five weeks ago he was giving up an impossible start coming to the turn. He flew past ten horses on the way to his strong second behind <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Breeding Empire<\/B>, and although the time was not sensational, his final sections were. <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">bulletwork<\/B> has built <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Blue Orchid<\/B> up to this attempt at Triple Crown glory, and he looks to be working up to his best form at just the right time.<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Fappaburst<\/B> occupies stall 8. A talented sprinter, he has raced only once in a route event, where he finished eighth in <st1:State w:st=\"on\"><st1:place w:st=\"on\">Illinois<\/st1:place><\/st1:State>\u2019 Grade 2 <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Darling-Squash Futurity<\/I> in week 2622. That failure may not have been as bad as it appears on paper, as he maintained his position throughout the event and was beaten less than six lengths. It\u2019s very difficult to line up sprinting form when looking for positives in such a tough field, but his solid closing effort last start when third here in the Grade 2 <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Hutchinson Stakes<\/I> four weeks ago, and his equally impressive finish when second in the Grade 1 <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Killer Monkey<\/I> four starts back, may have been enough for <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">sarava02<\/B> to contemplate another tilt at longer racing. You only get one chance at the Triple Crown. Fappaburst was bred from scratch by <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">saravo02<\/B> using <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Coronado\u2019s Quest \/ Fappiano \/ Buckpasser<\/I>. He\u2019s currently sitting on two wins from 9, with a couple of nice Graded ITM\u2019s thrown in. As an unknown quantity, <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Fappaburst<\/B> must be shown plenty of respect. He\u2019s one who could find that, with maturity, the extra distance is just what he\u2019s been looking for.<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">Lining up in stall number 8 will be <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Belmont Bomb<\/B>. This <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">graywolf20<\/B> trained colt lacks nothing in experience, meeting the starter for the sixteenth time this weekend. <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Belmont Bomb<\/B> is as yet the only stakeswinning offspring of the young and value priced sire <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Sarava<\/I>. His dam <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Desert Fever<\/B> was an eight start maiden daughter of <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Stormin Fever \/ September Ceil,<\/I> so from a bloodline perspective the task ahead looks daunting. On the track so far <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Belmont Bomb<\/B> has three wins from his fifteen starts, the best result being a stakes win in the <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Crystal Serenade Cap<\/I> at his twelfth and final run as a two year old. 2006 has begun on a solid note. After an ordinary run in a stakes event to start the season, he has run third of fourteen in <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">The Thousand Island Stks<\/I> &#8211; G 3, then at his most recent appearance, fourth of fourteen in <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">The Fountain of Ute<\/I> &#8211; Grade 2 at this track three weeks ago. He\u2019s as tough as nails, and he\u2019s been finishing his races off tidily, so the distance should be of no concern. This is a race where not a single runner is without some sort of chance. <\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Lockitineddie<\/B> will bounce from gate # 9 and will probably try to lead. Lightly raced but extremely capable, he comes to this race from his strong all the way win in the Grade 3 <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Giant Slayer Classic<\/I> in <st1:place w:st=\"on\"><st1:country-region w:st=\"on\">Denmark<\/st1:country-region><\/st1:place> six weeks ago. On that occasion he covered the 8.5 furlongs in 1.42.4, returning a speed rating of 101, after jumping from the outside gate, leading easily and skipping away on the corner. The fact that a horse of the class of <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Rhibus<\/B> was unable to close the gap speaks volumes for the heart shown by <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Lockitineddie<\/B> in that race. That was his third win from 5 outings and clearly his most impressive. The progeny of <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Smarty Jones<\/I> is performing exceptionally well in the sim, and this runner is among the elite of that breed, behind only <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Magical Merlin<\/B> and <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Fame or Fortune<\/B> in earnings. <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Nijinsky<\/I> and <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Mr. Prospector<\/I> make up the remainder of <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Lockitineddie\u2019s<\/B> pedigree, and if he continues in the vein of his most recent start, this <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">boogie<\/B> bred, owned and trained colt may well find himself vying for the headline spot on his sire\u2019s list.<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">From barrier 10, <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Rhibus<\/B> <SPAN style=\"mso-spacerun: yes\">\u00a0<\/SPAN>brings both an incredibly strong form-line and astonishing breeding into this event. His gender altered immediate ancestor, <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Pleasant Nijinsky<\/B> <EM>(Pleasant Colony \/ Nijinsky)<\/EM> was a multiple Grade 1 winning horse who earned just shy of $5 million, and a visit to <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Kingmambo<\/I> produced <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Rhibus.<\/B> <SPAN style=\"mso-spacerun: yes\">\u00a0<\/SPAN>Perhaps unfortunately, sim legends, as in real life, are often measured by their performances in an unfairly small selection of premium events. <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Rhibus<\/B>, at least for now, carries a slight stigma attached to a \u201cmere\u201d fourth in The Breeders Bowl Juvenile. Take that one run off the form page however, and five wins and two seconds from his seven other runs stacks up as well as, or better than, any other three year old currently in training. He rounded out his two year old season most impressively with a Grade1 victory in DelPenn\u2019s<I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\"> Eruption Handicap<\/I>, and his three year old season began solidly when he returned a triple digit speed figure when second behind <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Lockitineddie<\/B> in <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">The Giant Slayer<\/I> \u2013 G3 in <st1:place w:st=\"on\"><st1:country-region w:st=\"on\">Denmark<\/st1:country-region><\/st1:place> six weeks ago. <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">gradetwo<\/B> has always given <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Rhibus<\/B> a decent spacing between his runs, and he comes into this ready to make a significant addition to the $700,000 plus which he has earned thus far. He shares the top line in a tight betting market, and will give a great sight as he endeavors to earn the leading ranking among his peers.<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">From barrier 11 will emerge <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Worst Day Ever<\/B>, strangely named, as he hasn\u2019t really had one yet. A measure of the strength of this event comes from looking at the early market. This runner is the outsider of the field, but the bookmakers are not prepared to give you any better than 17\/1, and that is for a colt who comes into this undefeated in two black type starts at three years of age. A genuine blueblood, <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Worst Day Ever<\/B> carries the blood of <EM>Kingmambo \/ Sadlers Wells \/ Secretariat<\/EM>. His gender altered predecessor, <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Harve de Grace<\/B>, did not live up to his breeding as a racehorse, but <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">lenny16<\/B> saw the possibilities and claimed him shortly before retiring him. The talent <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Harve de Grace<\/B> was missing on the track has turned up in his only offspring. <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Worst Day Ever\u2019s<\/B> two year old season didn\u2019t herald the likelihood of a serious Triple Crown contender, as he struggled in four races after winning his maiden on debut. <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">lenny16<\/B> has found the key this year though, and <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Worst Day Ever<\/B> has grown in stature as a three year old. His two stakes wins were both over 9.5 furlongs, so this week\u2019s journey is of no concern and he\u2019s the only runner in the race shooting for three in a row.<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><SPAN style=\"mso-spacerun: yes\"><\/SPAN>\u00a0<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">Gate 12 has been allotted to <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Two Twelve<\/B>. A dual stakes winner, he\u2019s been building up nicely, winning twice in black type races from his three most recent starts, while gradually increasing the distance he has been asked to cover. A scratch bred three year old carrying <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Forestry \/ Norquestor \/ Turn To<\/I> blood, <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Two Twelve<\/B> took three runs to achieve maiden victory, but breeder \/ trainer <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">1stclass<\/B> had no hesitation in then stepping him straight up to stakes racing. A second and first in stakes races rounded out his two year old season. 2006 began with a ninth in the Grade 3 <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">San Somebody Stakes<\/I>, but the run was better than it appears on paper, with <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Two Twelve<\/B> beaten by less than four lengths. He followed that up by beating nine opponents in <st1:State w:st=\"on\"><st1:place w:st=\"on\">New Mexico<\/st1:place><\/st1:State>\u2019s <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Teflon Don Cap<\/I> four weeks ago, covering the eight and a half in 1.42.8 and returning a 98 speed figure.<SPAN style=\"mso-spacerun: yes\">\u00a0 <\/SPAN>This is a tough race and he\u2019s being ridden by an out-of-form rider, but <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Two Twelve\u2019s<\/B> form is on the rise, he\u2019s had a solid preparation and he\u2019s in with a chance.<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">Taking his spot in stall 13 is <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Destiny Dance<\/B>. A stakes winner of 2 from 9, he\u2019s been mixing with some elite company, and although he hasn\u2019t seen the winners stall in his last five, his most recent run was most encouraging. <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Destiny Dance<\/B> is a son of <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Dubai Destination<\/I> from the \u201copen to everybody\u201d mare <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Hard Hill<\/B> <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">(Danehill \/ Lyphard\u2019s Wish)<\/I>, who was retired after just one run.<B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\"> topicountb<\/B> decided to use this mare and the connections must be very happy with the result. Winning his maiden at his third start, he then backed that up next run with a black type victory in <st1:place w:st=\"on\"><st1:State w:st=\"on\">Indiana<\/st1:State><\/st1:place>\u2019s <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Their Master Bonanza<\/I>. Looking to graded racing since then, <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Destiny Dancer<\/B> has found the going a bit rough, finishing out of the money at each of his next four. It\u2019s the last run, however, which has given the best indication that the early promise may yet be fulfilled. His strong third here in the Grade 2 <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Sunny\u2019s Prospector Stakes<\/I> four weeks ago, when <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Destiny Dance<\/B> worked strongly to the line at the end of 8.5 furlongs, was enough to convince the <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">topicountb<\/B> stable that he was one worthy of setting on the road to the Triple Crown.<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">Drawn the outside gate we will find <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Ermington Pegasus<\/B>. This lightly raced three year old has wasted no time in flying through the classes, reaching the highlight of Grade 1 success at just his fourth career start. It\u2019s easy enough to recount his racing history, it all sits on the colt\u2019s home page. Maiden Win, Stakes win, Grade 2 third and Grade 1 Equinics <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">George Wolfe<\/I> win. The sky is the limit for this <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">pigeon3<\/B> trained colt. For the breeders, <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Ermington Pegasus<\/B> is, to date, the most successful of the three progeny of <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Secret Pegasus<\/B>. A daughter of <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Fusaichi Pegasus \/ Secretariat<\/I>, <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Secret Pegasus<\/B> was no champion, managing a maiden win and one stakes ITM as a two year old in a career of 33 starts, which never lived up to early promise. Sent to <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Night Shift<\/I>, she produced the now four year old plodder <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Dave\u2019s Secret<\/B>, before a visit to <I style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal\">Sky Mesa<\/I> produced <B style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight: normal\">Ermington Pegasus.<\/B> The bookmakers are keeping him very safe against this quality field, and top jockey L. Butcha has elected to accept the ride. His \u2018come from the rear\u2019 racing style will have his supporters chewing their fingernails with a couple of furlongs to go, but a storming finish will come as no surprise<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><SPAN style=\"mso-spacerun: yes\"><\/SPAN>\u00a0<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">The Odds Makers opinion:<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><SPAN style=\"mso-tab-count: 1\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN>5\/1 \u2013 Half a World Away, Rhibus<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><SPAN style=\"mso-tab-count: 1\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN>8\/1 \u2013 Peacenik, Ermington Pegasus<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><SPAN style=\"mso-tab-count: 1\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN>9\/1 \u2013 Lockitineddie<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><SPAN style=\"mso-tab-count: 1\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><o:p>\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\">The Computer opinion:<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><SPAN style=\"mso-tab-count: 1\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN>HAWA \u2013 1<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt\"><SPAN style=\"mso-tab-count: 1\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Rhibus \u2013 2<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt\">Peacenik &#8211; 4<SPAN style=\"mso-tab-count: 1\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN><\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt\">Ermington Pegasus \u2013 6<\/P><P class=MsoNormal style=\"MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 36pt\">Park the Deputy &#8211; 27<\/P><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>HAWA Puts His Top Ranking on the Line in Florida Derby<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":261,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1824","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1824","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/261"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1824"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1824\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1824"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1824"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1824"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}