{"id":7895,"date":"2010-03-25T19:30:57","date_gmt":"2010-03-25T19:30:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blacktypebugler.com\/?p=7895"},"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=7895","title":{"rendered":"The $2,000,000 Sand Castle Derby"},"content":{"rendered":"

The <\/SPAN><\/U><\/B>Sand<\/SPAN><\/U><\/B><\/st1:PlaceName> <\/SPAN><\/U><\/B>Castle<\/SPAN><\/U><\/B><\/st1:PlaceType><\/st1:place> <\/SPAN><\/U><\/B>Derby<\/SPAN><\/U><\/B><\/st1:place><\/st1:City><\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/U><\/B><\/P>

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Purse<\/SPAN><\/U> : $2,000,000<\/P>

Distance<\/SPAN><\/U>: 1 1\/8<\/P>

Surface<\/SPAN><\/U>: Tapeta<\/P>

Sex<\/U><\/B>:<\/U> Open<\/P>

Grade<\/U><\/B>: 1<\/P>

Track<\/U><\/B>: Meydan Racecourse<\/P>

Rated<\/U><\/B>: Fast<\/P>

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(<\/I>Bluegrass<\/SPAN><\/I><\/st1:place> <\/SPAN><\/I>Derby<\/SPAN><\/I><\/st1:place><\/st1:City> Lock Race; Automatic berth)<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/I><\/P>

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Welcome all to Meydan<\/st1:PlaceName> City<\/st1:PlaceType><\/st1:place>, Dubai<\/st1:place><\/st1:City>; the new home of Meydan Racecourse. This is the 1st<\/SUP> 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\u2019s race is of great importance. The winner of today\u2019s race will receive a 1.2 million dollar paycheck, but more importantly, an automatic berth into the Bluegrass Derby. Today\u2019s 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<\/st1:place><\/st1:State>? All these questions and some others start here today. From a race perspective, we have 2 of Pazz\u2019s<\/B> 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\u2019s get to the details as the horses make their way onto the track:<\/P>

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The # 1 horse here today is Pinhook<\/B>. He is a 3 yr old scratch bred son of Awesome Again. Pinhook<\/B> comes into today\u2019s 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<\/SUP> 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<\/B> 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 \u00bc 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<\/I><\/B> of Pinhook <\/B>was asked about his Derby<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> chances and was quoted as saying \u201cWe really don\u2019t know what kind of horse we have yet. He\u2019s won 6 of 8 racesa, and in his last few, he hasn\u2019t been really tested. We\u2019ve brought him along slowly, but now we have to test him. Definitely a stronger bunch here today, but that\u2019s what we wanted. He\u2019ll show us here today where he stands against some of the higher ranked 3 yr olds.\u201d Pinhook Race Anaylsis<\/B>: 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\u2019s 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<\/st1:place> in the irons today.<\/P>

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The #2 horse here today is Prussian<\/B>. He is trained by 40% ITM Topicount<\/I><\/B>. The 3 yr old brown colt exits a 7th<\/SUP> 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, \u201cNot 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\u2019s training forwardly for this one.\u201d In his race before, the GR 3 Giant Slayer Classic, Prussian showed an affinity for the off going and finished a hard charging 2nd<\/SUP>, earning a 96 for his effort. Finishing 5th<\/SUP> 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<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> entry already. Old school trainer Topicount<\/I><\/B> knows you can\u2019t rush a horse to the Derby<\/st1:place><\/st1:City>. Prussian<\/B> is 5 weeks rested and looks to close off an anticipated fast pace. In Prussian\u2019s<\/B> 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<\/SUP> by 2 \u00bc lengths. He earned a 95 for that effort. Prussian\u2019s Race Anaylsis: <\/B>For a horse that has won only a maiden race, and that was on turf, Prussian<\/B> has a few things to like today. Although he didn\u2019t 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<\/B> he is a Derby<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> type horse. 10\/1 ML and gets 8.5% Wiedner in the stirrups.<\/P>

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The #3 horse is Gift Of The Gab<\/B>. He is a 3 yr old colt trained by 35% ITM trainer Ladofmanor. <\/I>Gift Of Gab<\/B>, a son of Monsun, enters today\u2019s race having finished 11th<\/SUP> by 18 lengths in his last race, the G3 Gary Asher Memorial.Trainer Ladofmanor<\/I><\/B> said aof the race \u201che just never ran a lick. I think when we shipped him back to NY, from Dubai<\/st1:place><\/st1:City>, 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.\u201d What Lad is referring to there was Gift Of Gab\u2019s<\/B> race in Feb in Dubai<\/st1:place><\/st1:City>. In the Gr 3 Dubai 2000 Guinees, a prep for today\u2019s 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<\/SUP> to 3rd<\/SUP> and making up 5 lengths in the process. He steadied out through the stretch and ran a solid 3rd<\/SUP>, earning a 98 speed number. His first and only 90+ speed number to date. Gift Of Gab Race Anaylsis<\/B>: I think if Ladofmanor<\/I><\/B> had to do it all over again, he may have kept Gift over in Dubai<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> 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<\/SUP> in the 12f Sydney Oaks. So, distance shouldn\u2019t be a limitation for this guy. Needs to run back to his Dubai<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> race here to be effective today, but even if doesn\u2019t fare well today; he may have a great career on turf. 19\/1 ML and taps 9.7% Tippett to be the pilot today. <\/P>

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Nextbonus<\/I><\/B>, brings the Louisiana<\/st1:place><\/st1:State> bred Sky Battle<\/B> 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<\/SUP> down the backside, took over at the \u00bc pole and extended the winning margin to 1 \u00bd 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<\/SUP>, letting the leaders go only 1 \u00bd ahead. When jockey Buctha asked the colt for some more, he dug in, but just couldn\u2019t find more. He finished 6th<\/SUP> by 4 lengths. Sky <\/B>Battle<\/B><\/st1:place><\/st1:City>\u2019s<\/B> best race was the prior one to that. In the Gr1 Dell Penn sponsored Lever Sparky Handicap, Sky Battle <\/B>got post position 14. Breaking 7th<\/SUP> out of the gate, he ran steady down the backside, but lost a 1 \u00bc to the leader. Jockey Eckloff tapped the 16.2 hand boy, and his response was immediate. He moved up to 4th<\/SUP> 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<\/SUP> place finisher of recent Gr1 All Saints Dery. Sky <\/B>Battle<\/B><\/st1:place><\/st1:City>\u2019s Race Anaylsis<\/B> : For today\u2019s contest, the biggest question here today will be the 9f. Sky Battle<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> has 4+ 90 speed numbers, but all sprinting. He has never been past 6 \u00bd f. All of mommy\u2019s 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.<\/P>

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The #5 horse is Tourist Attraction<\/B>. He is a 3 yr old colt by Sightseeing. Trainer Sledge<\/I><\/B> brings him here today after a 10th<\/SUP> place finish in the Gr1 Equinics Wave Sprint. In that 20 horse field, Tourist Attraction<\/B> broke a mid pack 9th<\/SUP> and kept that position down the backside. He moved up to 8th<\/SUP> at the \u00bd mile pole but didn\u2019t respond when asked by Givins. Sledge<\/I><\/B> told Smokeglack \u201cHe\u2019s 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\u2019t want any part of the 9f, so we just told jock Perez to get a feel for the race as it unfolds.\u201d Tourist Attraction<\/B> is no stranger to graded racing. Two races back, he lined up in the 6 \u00bd 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<\/SUP>. By the \u00bd 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 \u00be length victor. Tourist Attraction<\/B> earned a solid 99 for the victory. Tourist Attraction Race Analysis: <\/B>Another sprinter type so far, but he has class on his side. In a race filled with sprinters, he\u2019s 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.<\/P>

The #6 horse here today is Hellhound<\/B>. He is a 3 yr old chestnut colt, sired by Big Brown. Hellhound<\/B> comes into today\u2019s race with a hard closing 2nd<\/SUP> in an open allowance race at 6f. In January, he ran in the Gr3 Scam Stakes in California<\/st1:place><\/st1:State>. Going off at 21-1, Hellhound <\/B>broke midpack in 7th<\/SUP>, 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<\/SUP>. Trainer Supers<\/I> told the Dubai<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> journalist the other day, \u201cWe\u2019re not really sure where we are at with him yet. We chose this race to kind figure things out for us. He\u2019s 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\u2019s race. We think he\u2019s ready to fire a big bullet soon, and we\u2019re just hoping today is that day.\u201d \u00a0<\/SPAN>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\u2019s Stars Of Buda. Hellhound broke his maiden in Oct as a 2yr old in an 8f race, winning by 3 \u00bc lengths. Hellhound Race Anaylsis: <\/B>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.<\/P>

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Kauffmac<\/I><\/B>, brings 3 yr old filly Tizkauf<\/B> here today. A daughter of Tiznow, the chestnut filly enters here today with an 8th<\/SUP> 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\u2019re 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<\/SUP>, closing strongly in the 9f event. Sitting 8th<\/SUP> at the top of the stretch, she charged through the lane to miss by 1 \u00bd lengths. On Jan 2nd<\/SUP>, Tizkauf ran in the Gr3 Santa Jezebel Stakes. She finished 7th<\/SUP> in that race, but only missed the winners circle by 3 \u00bd 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 \u00be 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<\/B>: 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<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> lock race, and she is still possible of firing that 100 speed number. Doesn\u2019t matter boys or not, she may be able to hit that mark soon.. For Kauffmac<\/I><\/B>, 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.<\/P>

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Chono<\/I><\/B> brings Expense Report<\/B> to the race today. The 3 yr old son of Distorted Humor baost a 100 speed figure in his 2nd<\/SUP> place finish in the Dubai 2000 Guineas<\/st1:place><\/st1:country-region>. In that race at same track in Dubai<\/st1:place><\/st1:City>, the grandson of Sadler\u2019s Well\u2019s went off at 8-1 in the 13 horse field. Breaking alertly in 3rd<\/SUP> from the 4 post, Expense Report<\/B> went to wrok on the leaders at the \u00bd mile pole. Taking command at the top of the stretch, Expense Report just couldn\u2019t hold off the onslaught of Galaxy Alliance. Although he has aonly 2 wins to his career, Expense Report<\/B> 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<\/SUP> in a Gr3 at 8f, gives him the right to be here. Trainer Chono told the BTB \u201cWe think he\u2019s coming into this race well. We wanted to give him a chance to show us what he\u2019s 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\u2019d love nothing more than for him to win today, so we can get him ready for the trip back and focus on the Bluegrass<\/st1:place>.\u201d Expense Report Anaylsis: <\/B>To get to the Bluegrass<\/st1:place>, a horse must always be progressing, never going backwards. Expense Report is proving to Chono<\/I> 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.<\/P>

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Perfect Game Ted<\/B>, the post-time favorite makes his way onto the track. The scratch bred son of Pleasantly Perfect looks to solidify his 9th<\/SUP> place ranking and earn an automatic berth to the BG Derby. In Perfect Game Ted\u2019s last race, the Gr3 Rebel Yell, the grandson of Strike The Gold went wire to wire on the field at 8 \u00bd f; an impressive win, where he earned a 104 speed number. In his prior to that, the Gr3 Risen Star, Perfect Game Ted<\/B> sat in 3rd<\/SUP> 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<\/st1:time>, 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<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> 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<\/I> that he had a potential Derby<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> horse. Younghung<\/I><\/B> told the Foreign Press \u201cRight 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<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> for his 1st<\/SUP> 3 yr old start. Then moved him to the Louisiana<\/st1:place><\/st1:State> area for his next 2 preps. We chose this race because we feel confident this gives us the best chance to get a Derby<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> spot.\u201d Perfect Game Ted<\/B> 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<\/B>: 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<\/SUP> 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\u2019s race. A good stalking type horse who may have backclass to get the job done here today for Younghung <\/I><\/B>9\/2 ML fav and gets leading rider Harzheim in the saddle.<\/P>

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Trainer Broohar<\/I><\/B> brings Spring Storms<\/B> to the race today. A 3 yr old colt by Spring At Last, he enters today\u2019s contest a winner of an open allowance race at 7f. In that 10 horse field, Spring Storms<\/B> went off at 9\/5 and sat 2nd<\/SUP> 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 \u00bd lengths. In his 1st<\/SUP> race as a 3yr old, Broohar entered him in the Gr3 Special Bid Stakes at 6f. Although he finished 4th<\/SUP>, 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<\/SUP> spot. Spring Storms<\/B> has earned something in here that no other horse in here has. That is a Gr1 victory. Spring Storms<\/B> lined up at Saratoga<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> 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 \u00bc lengths. He shutdown his motors inside the 1\/16th<\/SUP> pole and won by a 1 \u00bd. 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\u2019t hold on in deep stretch and finished 4th<\/SUP>, but beaten only a 1 \u00be\u2019s. \u00a0<\/SPAN>Trainer Broohar<\/I><\/B> told Smokeglack, \u201cWe\u2019re 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\u2019re 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\u2019ll see, but we can always put him back to the sprinting game if need be.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Spring Storm Race Anaylsis<\/B>:\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Spring has a lot of things to like here today. He\u2019s 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\u2019s enough to get to the wire. 9-1 ML and gets Byrd today.<\/P>

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The #11 horse is Aurora Slew Ted<\/B>. The California<\/st1:place><\/st1:State> bred colt is a son of Council Member. He enters today\u2019s race having finished 6th<\/SUP> in the Chateau John Challenge Stakes . Going of at 2-1 in the 8 horse field, <\/B>Aurora<\/B><\/st1:place><\/st1:City> Slew Ted<\/B> ran mid-pack down the backside and just failed to fire through the stretch. Trainer Aurora<\/I> stated \u201cwe know he\u2019s better than his last. We are just going to move forward of that race. Sometimes it\u2019s better to throw in a clunker before the race you need to win.\u201d In his prior attempt to that Aurora Slew Ted<\/B> lined up against 13 others in the Gr3 Scam Stakes at 9f. Going off at 5-1, Aurora<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> sat 3rd<\/SUP> right behind the frontrunners. At the top of the stretch, the grandson of Mr.Prospector took control of 2nd<\/SUP>, but tired through the stretch to finish 5th<\/SUP>. In his last race as a 2yr old, Aurora<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> 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 \u00bd lengths. He earned a 94 for the effort. Aurora Slew Ted Race Analysis<\/B>: Aurora Slew Ted has 3 + speed numbers of 90 with his highest being a 99. In his first attempt at 2 turns, Aurora<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> 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<\/I><\/B><\/st1:place><\/st1:City> today that he wants 9f and must time his move right here today. Gets 9.8% jock Cain for the mount.<\/P>

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The #12 horse is Bigtime Favorite.<\/B> A scratch bred son of Ghostzapper, he enters today\u2019s race with a good 4th<\/SUP> place finish in the Rebel Yell Stakes. He earned a 97 in that race, which was the 2nd<\/SUP> highest for him. His highest speed number came as a 2yr old in the Gr3 Sam\u2019s Town Delta Jackpot, where he outfinished 12 other horses and missed getting the win by 1 length. In February, Bigtime Favorite<\/B> 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<\/B> will have a good spot today for most of the race. He has run 2+ 97 speed numbers and although he\u2019s never won past 6 \u00bd f, he may like the 9f more than some others in here. Bigtime Favorite Race Anaylsis: <\/B>I believe that trainer Axemjack<\/I><\/B> 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\u2019s run 2 respectable races at 8 \u00bd 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\u2019t get far away from him. Ran a good in thr Gr1 Paramus Mile as a 2 yr old. With all that said, it\u2019s 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.<\/P>

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The # 13 horse is Solar Expedition<\/B>. He is a son of Bernardini. He enters today\u2019s race with 4 straight allowance runs, winning one and finishing 2nd<\/SUP> in the other 3. Although he has only 2 wins to his credit, the Grandson of Giant\u2019s 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<\/B> ran a good 2nd<\/SUP>, missing by 2 \u00bc lengths. In October, as a 2 yr old, Solar<\/B> ran in the Gr3 Charcoal Breeders Cup. Sent off at 7-1, Solar Expedition finished 8th<\/SUP>, but closing hard late at the 8 \u00bd f distance, losing by only 3 \u00bc lengths. He lost that race to Lucky\u2019s Howie, who went on to finish 2nd<\/SUP> 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<\/B>: A horse with only 2 career wins, and to me, so much to like. His speed numbers are behind most in here, but here\u2019s where things get tricky. Ran 2 consistent 92 speed numbers in his last 2, one at 9f, and one at 9 \u00bd. He is starting to mature, and seems to me like he\u2019s 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<\/SUP> start of the year and not being pushed into the fray.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>I Just clicked on the trainers name, and it says <\/I>Dixie<\/I><\/st1:place>. 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.<\/P>

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The outside horse today is Lucky\u2019s Howie<\/B>. A $432,000 earner and son of Gone West. Lucky\u2019s Howie<\/B> enters today\u2019s race with a 5th<\/SUP> place finisher in the Blackhawk Stakes. Going off at 9\/5, Lucky\u2019s<\/B> threw in, like so many others in here, a race in which you can\u2019t really explain what happened. His 93 speed number was 8 pts lower than his previous attempt. Trainer Mr.Lucky<\/I><\/B> said of the effort \u201cWe 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\u2019t have done it. But at least we feel we got the bounce race out and it has set him up perfectly for today\u2019s race.\u201d What Mr.Lucky was referring to was Lucky\u2019s Howie\u2019s 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\u2019s Howie Race Anaylsis<\/B>:\u00a0 <\/SPAN>A 3 x graded placed horse, who has won at 8 1\/2f before is a horse to fear today. If Lucky\u2019s 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<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> horse, but must use his back class and stamp his authority over these today. From a pace perspective, Lucky\u2019s should be in the drivers seat.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Has tremendous distance class experience over most in here today. Probably will be sitting in 3rd<\/SUP> to 4th<\/SUP> 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.<\/P>

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Smoke\u2019s Analysis<\/B>: Hard to pinch hit for the 3 yr old Derby<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> guru Pazz, (I love his articles, even though I have never had a sniff at a Derby<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> horse. Next year Pazz, me an you.)<\/P>

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\u2019ll try the usual stab at 5.<\/P>

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1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN><\/SPAN>Perfect Game Ted<\/B>– Have trouble looking past 2 100+ speed numbers at 8 \u00bd f. Wheels back in 3 weeks for this, but likes distance more than most and has class to back it up.<\/P>

2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN><\/SPAN>Solar Expedition<\/B>– Don\u2019t 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<\/P>

3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN><\/SPAN>Lucky\u2019s Howie<\/B>– Hopefully got bounce out of the way and if runs back to 101 speed # in equinics, figures right there.<\/P>

4)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN><\/SPAN>Spring Storms<\/B>– Class sprinter can prove all wrong if\u00a0 <\/SPAN>hecan gut out the 9f. Will have a good sitting throughout, and if fires at right time, he\u2019s dangerous.<\/P>

5)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN><\/SPAN>Pinhook<\/B>– 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\u2019t surprise to see in winners circle.<\/P>

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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, \u2018cause it\u2019s now post time!!!!!<\/P>

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…<\/SPAN>cell phone rings<\/SPAN>\u2026.<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Smoke: Hello?<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Paz: Hey Smoke, it\u2019s Pazz\u2026How are ya?<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Smoke: Dude, I\u2019m over here at the New Penninsula Hotel in <\/SPAN>Dubai<\/SPAN><\/st1:place><\/st1:City>, partying<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Paz: That\u2019s great man. Hey man, need a favor from ya?<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Smoke: Yeah what\u2019s up man.. Speak up Pazz, music is crazy over here.<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Pazz: I was about to fly out there to do the <\/SPAN>Derby<\/SPAN><\/st1:place><\/st1:City> coverage and <\/SPAN>Roys<\/SPAN><\/st1:place><\/st1:City> called<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Smoke: Uhh.ohh. This doesn\u2019t sound good Pazz\u2026<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Pazz: <\/SPAN>Roys<\/SPAN><\/st1:place><\/st1:City> wants me home here to do a feature piece on the <\/SPAN>Derby<\/SPAN><\/st1:place><\/st1:City> for Sim Tv<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Smoke: That\u2019s great man\u2026So what\u2019s up? <\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Pazz: <\/SPAN>Roys<\/SPAN><\/st1:place><\/st1:City> told me you have to take the SCD, since you are over there<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Smoke: I knew I should have shut the cell phone off. Tell <\/SPAN>Roys<\/SPAN><\/st1:place><\/st1:City> I\u2019m on vacation!!<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Pazz: Smoke man, I\u2019m just the messenger.<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Smoke: Alright, I\u2019ll bite the bullet, but tell <\/SPAN>Roys<\/SPAN><\/st1:place><\/st1:City> I\u2019ll be looking to have a sitdown when I get back. Can\u2019t treat employees this way. <\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Pazz: So get some sleep and get on it Smoke..<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Smoke: I will man..Hey, anyone in here you really think has shot at winning <\/SPAN>Derby<\/SPAN><\/st1:place><\/st1:City>?<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Pazz: Yeah, 2\u2026I\u2019ll fax you the notes I have on the runners..<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Smoke: Alright man, shave for the tv, will ya?<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Pazz: Well you just go back to your room and get to writing.<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P>

Smoke: Alright man, talk to you when I get back..Take care.<\/o:p><\/SPAN><\/P><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Bluegrass Growing In The Desert?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":393,"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-7895","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7895","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\/393"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7895"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7895\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7895"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7895"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7895"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}