As we move further into the 2017 racing calendar, the picture will start to become more clear as to who is headed to Kentucky for the BLUEGRASS DERBY (G1) in May. One of the races that will help sort out that picture will take place in New York on Sunday. The GARY ASHER MEMORIAL STAKES (G3) will feature a full-field of 3yo\u2019s hoping to make an impression on their respective division.<\/p>\n
Clear skies will dominate the weather forecast on this early spring day. A fast track will await the field of 14,<\/p>\n
A victory in the GARY ASHER MEMORIAL STAKES (G3) will launch any horse into the discussion to make the field for the Derby.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
1) DARK AIN\u2019T RANGER <\/b>(21\/1)<\/p>\n
3yo Bay Colt<\/p>\n
9 \u2013 2 \u2013 1 \u2013 2 (.556) – $81,215<\/p>\n
Jockey: F Rankster<\/p>\n
Owner: windsong93<\/b><\/p>\n
BUSHRANGER x TIZWAY x SHAMARDAL<\/p>\n
By lightng99<\/b> in Ireland<\/p>\n
It took this well-traveled colt a couple cracks to break his maiden during the course of last year. However, he has shown steady improvement since his opening victory. He ran a solid 92SP in the GIANT STAYER CLASSIC (G3) last time out, settling for a seventh place finish. Returning to the distance might bode well for the colt if he can continue to improve upon his numbers.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
2) BAHAMIAN BREAD <\/b>(7\/1) <\/b><\/p>\n
3yo Bay Colt<\/p>\n
9 \u2013 3 \u2013 3 \u2013 1 (.778) – $166,645<\/p>\n
Jockey: J Lowich<\/p>\n
Owner: durkascheapies<\/b><\/p>\n
BAHAMIAN SQUALL x SHAMARDAL x AUTHORIZED<\/p>\n
By dankmemes <\/b>in Florida<\/p>\n
The second co-favorite is moving back to the main track after a productive run of four races on the grass. He ran an impressive 97SP in the FAINTING GOAT NIGHTMARE STAKES (G2) his last race; ultimately finishing 5thunder a closing drive down the stretch. If he is able to make the transition, the colt will be a factor in this event.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
3) BELTWAY BANDIT <\/b>(14\/1) <\/b><\/p>\n
3yo Bay Colt<\/p>\n
8 \u2013 3 \u2013 2 \u2013 0 (.625) – $55,060<\/p>\n
Jockey: K Banner<\/p>\n
Owner: lschweitzer83<\/b><\/p>\n
FED BIZ x EMPRE MAKER x SMART STRIKE<\/p>\n
By fastncanuck<\/b> in Kentucky<\/p>\n
It was a career performance last race for the offspring of allowance-winning mare, ARUKAZA. The colt has had three different owners during the course of his young career, but has shown resilience in his three career wins. The 97SP last time out shows he is on an upward trend, and could be a factor if the he takes to the distance.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
4) WHYDAH GALLY <\/b>(11\/1) <\/b><\/p>\n
3yo Bay Colt<\/p>\n
6 \u2013 2 \u2013 2 \u2013 0 (.667) – $72,311<\/p>\n
Jockey: Z Ayya<\/p>\n
Owner: champorchump<\/b><\/p>\n
MALIBU MOON x UNBRIDLED x ALYDAR<\/p>\n
By champorchump<\/b> in Kentucky<\/p>\n
The MALIBU MOON colt is bumping up to the graded level after scoring a win in a restricted allowance contest his last time out. While it took him five shots at that step to score a win, his numbers have improved each and every time. Being a veteran at longer distance should also bode well for this rising star.<\/p>\n
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5) TAKE ABACK <\/b>(6\/1) <\/b><\/p>\n
3yo Bay Colt<\/p>\n
2 \u2013 2 \u2013 0 \u2013 0 (1.000) – $62,940<\/p>\n
Jockey: P Haynes<\/p>\n
Owner: asrasr<\/b><\/p>\n
DISTORTED HUMOR x BERNARDINI x AWESOME AGAIN<\/p>\n
By waitandsee6<\/b> in Kentucky<\/p>\n
With a late start to his racing career, this colt has made up for lost time winning his first two contests; while running stout, mid-90\u2019s SP numbers in the process. His connections seem to have an idea of the colt\u2019s preferences, keeping him at this distance his entire young career. He has been installed as the program favorite, so his lack of experience is of no concern to seemingly anybody. If he can score his third consecutive victory, look for him to take a massive jump toward qualification for the Derby.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
6) SILENCE THE CAT <\/b>(9\/1) <\/b><\/p>\n
3yo Brown Colt<\/p>\n
7 \u2013 4 \u2013 0 \u2013 2 (.857) – $167,560<\/p>\n
Jockey: G Giant<\/p>\n
Owner: jonesstables7<\/b><\/p>\n
DAWN APPROACH x TALE OF THE CAT x SUNDAY SILENCE<\/p>\n
By jonesstables7<\/b> in Ireland<\/p>\n
He won the KRISTOPHER S. DIRT JUVENILE (ST) back in early December to cap off a formidable rookie campaign. Now returning to the surface and distance from that race, the colt will look to capitalize on a quick early pace and close down the stretch. If the breeding is any indication, this horse should certainly take well to the increased distances as we get further into the season.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
7) LAUGHING MADLY <\/b>(9\/1) <\/b><\/p>\n
3yoBay Colt<\/p>\n
8 \u2013 4 \u2013 0 \u2013 2 (.750) – $140,258<\/p>\n
Jockey: D Fendlay, Jr.<\/p>\n
Owner: sticks1<\/b><\/p>\n
COGITO x CORONADO\u2019S QUEST x MISWAKI<\/p>\n
By sticks1<\/b> in California<\/p>\n
He ran off four wins in a row throughout the fall last year, and is now looking for his first graded win in this being the third attempt at the grade three level. The offspring of stakes-winning mare, LAUGHING REGINA, improved his numbers last time out extending to a mile for the first time in his career. We will see if the extra sixteenth spells even more success for the colt.<\/p>\n
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8) WOLF OF THE CASINO <\/b>(17\/1) <\/b><\/p>\n
3yoBay Colt<\/p>\n
14 \u2013 3 \u2013 2 \u2013 2 (.500) – $117,773<\/p>\n
Jockey: C Ambrose<\/p>\n
Owner: graywolf12<\/b><\/p>\n
CASINO HOST x STRAVINSKY x LEO CASTELLI<\/p>\n
By graywolf12<\/b> in Saudi Arabia<\/p>\n
This heavily-raced colt is looking to add to his already formidable resume. His last run was strong, but he eventually settled for 6th in Arizona\u2019s DANZIG WITH SAL DIRT ROUTE (ST). The son of grade two winning mare, WOLF OF QUEENSLAND, has shown he can make it work at almost any race length. However, it looks as though his connections might be looking to settle him in at the classic distance, possibly eyeing up a run for the Bluegrass and beyond.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
9) ALPHA\u2019S SUCCESS <\/b>(16\/1) <\/b><\/p>\n
3yoBay Colt<\/p>\n
5 \u2013 2 \u2013 0 \u2013 0 (.400) – $64,064<\/p>\n
Jockey: B Child<\/p>\n
Owner: hillside<\/b><\/p>\n
ALPHA x GRAND SLAM x REVIEWER<\/p>\n
By hillside<\/b> in New York<\/p>\n
He ran a career-best 97SP his last time out in a restricted, local-bred allowance race. Staying with the distance, the colt will hope to improve upon that performance to factor in this event. Look for him to stalk to pace, and make his move early.<\/p>\n
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10) GRIZIT <\/b>(9\/1) <\/b><\/p>\n
3yo Roan Colt<\/p>\n
6 \u2013 2 \u2013 2 \u2013 0 (.667) – $91,040<\/p>\n
Jockey: S Noles<\/p>\n
Owner: knightbred<\/b><\/p>\n
TAPIT x SPEIGHTSTOWN x COZZENE<\/p>\n
By knightbred<\/b> in Kentucky<\/p>\n
The TAPIT colt experienced moderate success throughout his rookie season. He edged out a victory to finish out 2016 in a restricted allowance right here in New York. His 2017 campaign did not start out so promising; but if he can find his career-best, he may be a factor toward the finish as the numbers indicate.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
11) RAPID FINISHER <\/b>(8\/1) <\/b><\/p>\n
3yoBay Colt<\/p>\n
7 \u2013 1 \u2013 1 \u2013 1 (.429) – $62,288<\/p>\n
Jockey: J Benisz<\/p>\n
Owner: jmsstable<\/b><\/p>\n
EMPIRE MAKER x A.P. INDY x ROBERTO<\/p>\n
By jmsstable <\/b>in Kentucky<\/p>\n
He finished two-and-a-half lengths off of the lead in THE LONG BOMBER DIRT MILE (ST) finishing 3rd. However, an impressive 99SP in that race has prompted his connections to take a step up in class to this event. While the ITM percentage may not be impressive, the speed numbers are some of the best in the field, and the colt will certainly make some noise.<\/p>\n
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12) NIGHTCLUB SPY <\/b>(7\/1) <\/b><\/p>\n
3yo Roan Colt<\/p>\n
9 \u2013 3 \u2013 1 \u2013 1 (.556) – $195,700<\/p>\n
Jockey: B Dirks<\/p>\n
Owner: train2race<\/b><\/p>\n
MISSION IMPAZIBLE x THEATRICAL x STORM CAT<\/p>\n
By train2race <\/b>in New York<\/p>\n
NIGHTCLUB SPY is returning back east after an unsuccessful two-race stint in California. A west coast trip that comprised of two finishes outside of the money in the MOVIELAND FUTURITY (G1) and THE SCAM (G3) respectively. His last win came immediately prior to that in THE NASHUA SPECIAL (G3), which took place early November right here in New York. The son of mare, TOTAL KAOS, is looking for a victory which will help him jump back into the mix for the Bluegrass.<\/p>\n
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13) PLAYA MAYA <\/b>(17\/1) <\/b><\/p>\n
3yoBay Colt<\/p>\n
4 \u2013 1 \u2013 2 \u2013 0 (.750) – $70,895<\/p>\n
Jockey:\u00a0 D Silver<\/p>\n
Owner: blankpoin4<\/b><\/p>\n
AL KHALI x GONE WEST x DYNAFORMER<\/p>\n
By blankpoin4<\/b> in New York<\/p>\n
This marks the first time this colt will be facing competition foaled outside of New York. Running primarily against EMPIRE STATE RACING residency rivals, his steadily-improving numbers show he has the speed to run at this level. A close second in a restricted allowance was enough to prompt owner\/trainer blankpoin4<\/b> to take a swing at in a grade three contest.<\/p>\n
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14) HOORAYFORNASKARA <\/b>(9\/1) <\/b><\/p>\n
3yoBay Colt<\/p>\n
7 \u2013 2 \u2013 1 \u2013 1 (.571) – $71,070<\/p>\n
Jockey: I Thomas<\/p>\n
Owner: desertdog1<\/b><\/p>\n
HOORAYFORHOLLYWOOD x OUR EMBLEM x NASKARA<\/p>\n
By desertdog1<\/b> in California<\/p>\n
Owner\/trainer desertdog1<\/b> started off the colt\u2019s winter season by facing stakes level competition. However, after three races and not a whole lot to show, the California-bred sophomore scored a victory in a restricted allowance last time out. Now bumping back up in class, and heading to the east coast for the first time; the colt will look to continue his upward trend.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
TAKE ABACK <\/b>is two for two in his young career, and it is hard to argue against the colt given his impressive first two victories.<\/p>\n
The experience of SILENCE THE CAT<\/b> should be enough of a factor in this one.<\/p>\n
LAUGHING MADLY <\/b>is hoping the increased distance will help him get to the front of the pack in this race.<\/p>\n
ALPHA\u2019S SUCCESS <\/b>is the BTB LONGSHOT SPECIAL. His impressive race the last time out is enough to warrant a play in this contest.<\/p>\n
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Derbyfever.com PP\u2019s\u2026<\/p>\n