HORSE OF THE MONTH UNIQUE BELLA Also... Day Preview Handicap the Derby Preps Corey Lanerie Barry Meadow: Ways to Win April 2017 / Volume 72 Issue 4

Articles 4 European Report 42 Turf Investor Dubai World Cup 2017 Preview Supplement Win Plays with Smart Exotics 8 East Coast Update 44 Horse of the Month Wood Revival? Unique Bella 12 Contest Central Win Big in the Big 6 Derby Preps Extras 30 Midwest Memo 19 William F. Hudgins Jr.’s Turf Selections Lanerie Dominates Churchill Standings 20 Horses To Watch 34 Over the Turf The Ensuing Step 27 Stop Watch and Shed Row 36 West Coast Notebook 28 Index to Fit & Ready, Shed Row Q&A: Brian Trump of Rockingham Ranch and Stop Watch 40 Skeptical Handicapper Ways to Win

Henry Bomze John Blake, Subscribe by Phone, Mail or Web Founder, 1946 Frank Cotolo, (800) 645-2240 William F. Hudgins Jr., Since 1946 American Turf Magazine Allen Hakim Todd Liebman, 747 Middle Neck Road Suite 103 American Turf Magazine (U.S.P.S. Number: 055-450)(ISSN: Publisher Barry Meadow, 0003-1445) is published with 10 issues per year by All Star Great Neck, NY 11024 Sports, Inc., 747 Middle Neck Road, Suite 103, Great Neck, Noel Michaels, NY 11024. Copyright © 2007 by All Star Sports, Inc. All www.americanturf.com rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. Periodicals postage Noel Michaels Bob Pandolfo, paid at Great Neck, NY and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send all address changes to American Editor Ellen Parker, Turf Monthly, 747 Middle Neck Road, Suite 103, Great Subscription Rate Neck, NY 11024. Michael Sherack, Devoted to the information of all lovers of the Daniel Itzhaky Steve Sherack, horse. The contents of this magazine are published as a $39.00 matter of news, information and entertainment and must Graphic Designer Lauren Stich, not be construed as an invitation to speculate. 1 year Digital Only Reproduction in whole or in part prohibited except by David Zenner written permission of the publisher. The names of all Correspondents characters used in fiction and semi-fiction are fictitious. Use of a name which is the same as that of any living person is purely accidental. All manuscripts and artwork received at owner's risk. All letters received are regarded as meant for publication unless otherwise noted. Statistics and charts in this publication relating to results of races in North America are compiled by Daily Racing Form LLC and Equibase Company LLC, all rights reserved, and are reprinted by special arrangements with the copyright owners. Reproduction prohibited.

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Dubai World Cup 2017 Preview By John Blake

he 22nd running of the Dubai POSTPONED will be hoping that Postponed travels superbly well dur- World Cup meeting on March his effort at this meet suggests it will ing a race and if handler Roger Varian T 25th brings the three-month be alright on the night, rather than can resurrect him to the peak of his International Carnival of racing in the an indication that last year’s Dubai powers, then a back-to-back win is a desert to a glittering crescendo. Ahead Sheema Classic winner has dipped in strong possibility, which would be a is a day of stellar action at the impos- form at the wrong time. tenth win from a 20-race career. ing , culminating in Undeniably talented, Postponed suf- JACK HOBBS and HIGHLAND the world’s richest race, the 10 furlong fered a set-back by managing only a REEL are well-known European big Dubai World Cup – expected to be, on fast-finishing second in the 12-furlong hitters over middle distances but the all known form, at the mercy of Breed- Group 2 Turf contest that he won on latter would have to claw back over four ers’ Cup Classic winner, ARROGATE. the same card last year as a stepping lengths of supremacy from Postponed The sport’s biggest payday offers up stone to a commanding victory in the from their match-up in the big race last $29m; you can add on another $1m if Group 1 . The year. If he takes his chance, however, you include the curtain raiser contested six-year-old was having his first run this well-travelled Breeders’ Cup Turf by purebred Arabians. The eight-race for five months but, unlike 12 months winner is as durable as they come and card comprises five Group 1 contests earlier, the race didn’t unfold as jockey has only once in his last seven starts and we are likely to see the return of Andrea Atzeni, established now as finished adrift of gold and silver. many of the top that one of the leading riders in Britain, Jack Hobbs is a lightly raced five-year contested their respective divisions last would have hoped. Without the free- old who would need to improve on his year. And why not, when every one dom in the critical final quarter mile best form to overcome the favorite, but of the 76+ furlongs travelled during to make his move, the race was won the Irish Derby hero of 2015 is in the the evening is worth about $380,000 by the improving four-year-old PRIZE excellent hands of John Gosden and apiece. MONEY, owned by the home team of would be another strong representa- Super Saturday – run at Meydan . tive for Godolphin if allowed to take March 4th – is not only a high-class “He has run a good race against a his chance. meeting in its own right, but is for race fit opponent and will strip fitter in Little such guesswork hangs over the many contenders their dress rehearsal three weeks’ time bidding to defend his odds-on favorite for the finale, Arro- for Dubai World Cup night. The con- Sheema Classic crown,” said an opti- gate, who bids to hand a nections of leading English hope mistic Atzeni after the race. third Cup win after a wait of 16 years

Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 5 European Report

since Captain Steve’s win when the Kock’s charge has landed all four of of Europe but would be a strong fancy race was run at the old Nad Al Sheba his wins at Meydan, including his last if allowed to take his chance. Older track. The distinctive grey colt broke - an eight-length demolition of his rival MUTAKAYYEF is another British the hearts of California Chrome fans UAE Derby rivals back in 2015. He contender who has won at a mile but in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and can saw off some decent types to bag sec- has not been seen on the track since a follow in the footsteps of that great ond behind California Chrome in last decent show behind Tenpin in Septem- American champion on the biggest year’s World Cup but it would need a ber’s Woodbine Mile. In contrast, the stage of all. He has not looked back career-high performance and a flop Roger Charlton-trained DECORATED since his maiden defeat and if he pulls from Arrogate to see him go one better KNIGHT has two wins to his name off his seventh straight win, he will just this time around. already this year and showed good tac- about double his lifetime earnings. Baf- The Group 1 over nine tical speed to manoeuvre his way to the fert reports that the son of Unbridled’s furlongs is a prize that naturally front to land the Super Saturday trail Song is training well and he will have attracts a strong European contingent. race. He must be short-list material for almost two weeks to acclimatize when RIBCHESTER is a very smart miler the big race. arriving in Dubai. who has the form and profile to be a UAE 2,000 Guineas hero THUN- If his opponents are simply chasing dominant 4-year-old in that category DER SNOW is an obvious stand-out place money, then none deserves it this year. Another Godolphin repre- for the UAE Derby. He was just behind more than MUBTAAHIJ. Mike De sentative, he has yet to race outside the best British juveniles last year but

Arrogate is the Horse to Beat in the 2017 Dubai World Cup

6 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA European Report

Postponed looked the real deal at Meydan in Feb- the younger Jungle Cat could be the between these two genuine stayers ruary and must be seen as Godolphin’s value option to redress the balance as in last year’s two-mile race. In the banker of the meet. FAWREE is put up he clocked a decent time in his trail intervening months both horses have as an alternative. He fluffed his lines in win. A word should also go to . held their form fairly well, although the trial race when unseating his rider The Group 1 Newmarket July Cup Big Orange drew a blank in both the at the start but this Mike De Kock run- winner was asked to dig deep into his Group 1 Melbourne Cup and Hong ner has a progressive profile for a barn stamina to tackle last year’s Breeders’ Long Vase at Sha Tin. The French colt that knows the time of day. Cup Mile and ran out of gas to finish Vazirabad blew away the cobwebs with The speedsters division looks very in mid-division. A return to sprinting a good placed effort over a shorter hot this year and the in-from pair of is certain to bring out the best in him trip at Meydan in February and the ERTIJAAL – the likely favorite – and and he would be an outsider worth Alain De Royer Dupre-trained geld- trial winner JUNGLE CAT look to be considering. ing may be better prepared to give the the headline acts of the Group 1 Al The looks another French another reason to cheer when Quoz Sprint. The former has almost fascinating race to unravel. Reigning the thoroughbred world congregates three lengths in hand judged on their champ VAZIRABAD may once again once again in Dubai. duel at the track in February, and a have to fend off the versatile globe- little less on their respective efforts in trotter BIG ORANGE as his main this big prize last year. It could be that challenger. There was just a neck

Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 7 8 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 East Coast Update

Wood Revival? Will This Be the Year the Wood Memorial Re-Emerges as a Potent Triple Crown Prep? By Michael Sherack

or most New Yorkers, racing its share of attention. The Saturday, in 1977 and the others Assault (1946), needs to be strong on the NYRA April 8 card on the second weekend of Count Fleet (1943), and Gallant Fox F scene in order to first get spring the spring meet will feature the Wood (1930). and Triple Crown fever. Guess it’s some- Memorial and offer four additional Fusaichi Pegasus won the Wood thing like the NBA needing teams like graded stakes. The G3, $250,000 Bay Memorial in 2000 before winning the the Knicks and Lakers to be successful Shore Stakes will be run at seven fur- and finishing second as the playoff push begins. Oh well, so longs for 3-year-olds, the G1, $400,000 in the Preakness. Congaree, the follow- much for that. Carter is for older horses at the same ing year, used the Wood Memorial as Aqueduct on March 4 hosted the trip, the G2, $300,000 features 3-year- a springboard to third-place finishes Grade 3, $300,000 Gotham Stakes, and old fillies at 1 1/8 miles, and the G3, in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, with weekend temperatures in the 20s- $150,000 Excelsior is run at 1 ¼ miles and in 2003 followed 30s with overnight lows in the teens, for older horses. his win with a second-place Kentucky the race produced a heavily-beaten The key questions are how much Derby finish and win in the Belmont favorite who set a legitimate pace but attention does the Wood Memorial Stakes. was on empty early. The winner is likely deserve generally speaking, and how Numerous other important horses headed to ’s Blue Grass important and pertinent will this year’s won the Wood Memorial prior to Stakes. So, the post-op made it feel running be with an eye toward the Ken- 2000, and just to go down memory like spring, and Triple Crown-quality tucky Derby? lane a touch, there was Unbridled’s racing is further away than we think, Numerous horses of high qual- Song (1996), Devil His Due (1992), and want. ity have won the Wood Memorial, of Easy Goer (1989), Slew o’ Gold (1983), New York racing will get a much course, but it just seems you have to go (1981), needed kick in the pants in April and back too far to find them. Four Triple (1967), Bold Ruler (1957), and Nashua the Grade 2, $750,000 Wood Memorial Crown winners have won the Wood (1955). for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles will get Memorial, the last being Seattle Slew Herein is the problem: since EMPIRE

Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 9 East Coast Update

MAKER’s win 14 years ago, the only only his second start of the year, eas- as the field turned for home, and Wood Memorial winner to even hit ily ran clear late, and jumped way up didn’t have any answers in the lane the board in any Triple Crown race has the Beyer Speed Figure scale to post as he tired to finish third, beaten 11 been , who finished second a career best 102. But, none of this is lengths. Other than the pace, trainer in the Belmont Stakes in 2015. likely to matter in New York as J Boys Cathal Lynch didn’t find excuses in Will this year’s Wood Memorial Echo seems most likely headed to the the days following the race, and one renewal, freshly downgraded to Grade Blue Grass Stakes for his next start. would think he could possibly be given 2 status, be a strong race and a Ken- EL AREEB entered the Gotham the chance to rebound in the Wood tucky Derby prep to be taken seriously? Stakes having won his four prior starts Memorial. As of this early-March writing, it can by a combined margin of nearly 30 ONE LINER, who races for a part- be tough to predict field headliners lengths and the heavy favorite at 40 nership led by WinStar Farm and and depth. Much can happen as the cents on the dollar in a field of seven. trainer Todd Pletcher, could be the race nears with top trainers keeping He received high marks for his With- headliner in the Wood Memorial if their runners apart given the many ers Stakes score, also in New York, in his connections choose the spot. It was Kentucky Derby preps available. his prior start as he showed the abil- one of three races being considered But, the immediate Gotham Stakes ity to rate behind the pace and finish for his next start along with the Blue fallout didn’t bode well for the Wood strongly, something he needed to dem- Grass Stakes and Florida Derby. The Memorial. onstrate to be taken most seriously as son of Into Mischief ran his mark to Much was made of J BOYS ECHO a real Kentucky Derby prospect in the three-for-three with a 3 ½-length score getting the right trip to win the eyes of many. when tried at a route for the first time Gotham Stakes from off the pace, but it In the Gotham Stakes, however, El in Oaklawn Park’s G3 Southwest Stakes seems silly to knock a lightly raced and Areeb found himself setting a hot pace in his last start. improving 3-year-old who was making under pressure, was in deep trouble MO TOWN, a 2 ½-length winner

Empire Maker Edges Funny Cide in the 2003 Wood Memorial

10 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA East Coast Update

of last year’s Remsen Stakes at Aque- possible Wood Memorial candidates in a second-place finish in the Gotham duct, flopped when a distant fifth as CLOUD COMPUTING and PRACTI- Stakes when asked to tackle both a the favorite in his only start since in the CAL JOKE. route of ground and winners in stakes G2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds Cloud Computing cost $200,000 as a company for the first time – neither in February. The lightly-raced son of yearling, that alone a ringing endorse- an easy task in and of itself. He is out Uncle Mo would get some attention ment for a son of Maclean’s Music, who of an A.P. Indy mare and an obvious in the Wood Memorial if trainer Tony commands a stud fee of $8,500. He prospect. Practical Joke, last year’s Cham- pagne Stakes winner, finished second “Since Empire Maker's win in Gulfstream Park’s Fountain of Youth Stakes when making his first start since 14 years ago, the only Wood he was third in last-November’s Breed- ers’ Cup Juvenile, and can certainly improve from here. Memorial winner to even hit the Whether or not the Wood Memo- rial can move forward off its recent board in any Triple Crown race track record and restore its old luster remains to be seen. Will this be the has been Frosted.” year?

Dutrow decides on the race for the lived up to favored billing with a win colt’s next start. in his six-furlong debut over Aque- Trainer Chad Brown has at least two duct’s inner track and followed it with

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April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 11 12 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 Contest Central

Win Big in the Big 6 Derby Preps By Noel Michaels

f you are playing in a handicapping Fair Grounds Track Profile history in 2012 when Hero of Order tournament in late March and early Based on the Fair Grounds track pro- won and paid $220.80, so you have to I April – or just interested in playing file at the distance of 1 1/8 miles, both consider all of the contenders in the the races on big days – you are bound early speedsters and pressers and the starting gate for the race – not just the to encounter one or all of the Big 6 closers should receive fair trips (except short-priced ones. Aside from Hero of Kentucky Derby prep races. They often on the day after the track’s drying-out Order, since 2010, the average winning occupy key spots on the contest wager- day, when Fair Grounds often favors payoff for the Louisiana Derby winner ing menu of any Saturday event. You off-the-pace horses). Otherwise, recent was just under $10. That means you’re will invariably need to handicap well Louisiana Derbies have been won with ideally looking for a horse in the 4-1 in the preps if you hope to win one of every kind of running style, with the odds range. the many tournaments and qualifiers notable exception of mid-pack stalkers. on those dates. Even if you are not a This segment of horses is at the most The Road to the Louisiana Derby tournament player, you will also want to risk from bad trips in Fair Grounds Most top finishers in the Louisiana read onward for tips on handicapping routes because they could get caught Derby exit the local stakes preps for some of the biggest races of the sea- in bad spots wide on the turns if they the race – the Lecomte Stakes and/ son – the Florida Derby, the Louisiana draw outside posts in big fields. These or especially the Risen Star Stakes. Derby, the Wood Memorial, the Blue horses often have to be used too hard Since 2007, 6 of the last 10 winners of Grass, the Santa Anita Derby, and the to gain position going into the turn, the Louisiana Derby exited the Risen Arkansas Derby. or else end up falling into the FG trap Star Stakes. Going back to 2007, nine Here’s a look at some handicapping of trying to make middle moves while straight Louisiana Derby winners were tips that should point you in the right wide on the turn instead of using the coming out of some kind of stakes race direction and help you narrow down more prudent strategy of waiting until in their last outing, so this really isn’t a the choices in the Derby Big 6 Derby the long straightaway before launching spot to be looking for recent allowance preps. Cashing in these races can go a late bid. or maiden winners to pop-up and win. a long way to helping you win on some of spring racing’s biggest days. Best Posts Best Connections Horses that break from wide posts in Steve Asmussen won in 2016 with big fields can occasionally suffer wide, Gun Runner. Otherwise the Louisiana LOUISIANA DERBY, FAIR GROUNDS, ground-losing trips, however, post Derby has been mostly the property of SATURDAY, APRIL 1 draw is generally not as important at trainers Todd Pletcher and Mike Maker 1 1/8 miles at Fair Grounds as it is at since 2010. Mike Maker won the race The profile of a Louisiana Derby win- the shorter route distances. Therefore, back-to-back in 2014-2015 with Vic- ner is a speed/tactical speed horse or the only real post position angle for the ar’s In Trouble and International Star. deep closer drawn in posts 1-3, exit- Louisiana Derby involves speed horses Meanwhile, Todd Pletcher won in 2010 ing a stakes race, trained by either and pressers that draw inside, who can with Mission Impazible and in 2013 Mike Maker, Steve Asmussen, or Todd have a big tactical advantage. with Revolutionary. When Pletcher isn’t Pletcher, and going off in somewhere winning, he’s often coming in second. in the odds range of 3-1 to 6-1. Average Odds He trained the runners-up in both The Louisiana Derby featured one 2014 and 2015 with Intense Holiday Here’s a closer look: of the major upsets in recent prep race and Stanford. In terms of jockeys, there

Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 13 Contest Central

has been no preference for either ship- Gulfstream Track Profile success at Gulfstream at 1 1/8 miles, in riders or locally-based Fair Grounds Speed and especially tactical speed based on the bad numbers from those jockeys. are two very important keys to success starting positions year-in and year-out. on the Gulfstream main track. Deep With a short run to the first turn at 1 closers are generally not the best horses 1/8 miles on dirt at Gulfstream, roughly FLOIRDA DERBY, GULFSTREAM to play on the main track at 1 1/8 miles. two-thirds of the races at that distance PARK, SATURDAY, APRIL 1 Stalkers and mid-pack horses some- are won from the four inside posts. All times run well, but deep closers are other posts have yield low chances of The profile of the Florida Derby generally not the best plays at Gulf- winning, and posts nine and outward winner is a front-running, pace press- stream Park. The only two recent Flor- have almost zero chance (unless your ing, or at least close-up stalking horse ida Derby winning closers were both name is Big Brown). One final note on exiting a first- or second-place finish trained by Nick Zito. dirt route posts: The rail post 1 has been in either a local overnight race or the great in these races, often winning at a Fountain of Youth, who, if possible, is Best Posts win percentage over 20%. also ridden by John Velazquez and/or The Florida Derby is likely to have trained by Nick Zito or Todd Pletcher. a field of between 8-10 starters. Post Average Odds Look for a horse going off in some- has surprisingly not been a big factor The Florida Derby promises to be a where in the odds range of 3-1 to 5-1, in this race recently. That is a surprise, wide-open race filled with legitimate and the farther inside the horse is because at the distance of 1 1/8 miles in contenders, so opportunities will be drawn, the better. Nyquist broke all races other than the Florida Derby, the there to catch a winner in this race at the molds in 2016 when he shipped post position bias against outside posts a decent price. After the decade of the from the West coast and won from in two-turn races on Gulfstream’s main 2000s saw first- and second-favorites post 13. track has been a solid and reliable hand- winning the race 8 times out of 10 icapping factor for many years. You just with only one big longshot, the Florida Here’s a closer look: can’t bet horses from outside posts with Derby has recently been a bit more

2016 Wood Memorial winner Outwork

14 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA Contest Central

productive in terms of the odds. The speed that are the first- or second favor- in this race. You could do a heck of a lot five winners between 2011 and 2015 ites in the race, or for a late-runner with worse than narrowing this field down to paid an average of $9.40. That’s aver- ideal odds in the 8-1 to 9-1 range. the first- and second-favorites, plus any age winning odds just over 7-2, so let’s late-runner sitting on the tote board in call the prime odds range somewhere Here’s a closer look: the 8-1 to 9-1 odds range. between 3-1 and 5-1. Aqueduct Track Profile The Road to the Wood Memorial The Road to the Florida Derby You’d have to say that this is a difficult With most of New York’s top horses Unlike the Louisiana Derby, which is prep race in which to go wire-to-wire and horsemen wintering at Gulfstream dominated by horses with prior stakes because no horse since 2005 has won the Park, it should come as no surprise experience, the Florida Derby is often Wood Memorial on the lead, although that 6 of the 7 Wood Memorial win- just the opposite. The Florida Derby Outwork was close last year. Instead of ners from 2010-16 shipped north from is the place where 3-year-old up-and- looking for a pure speed horse front- Florida to win the Wood, including 5 comers come to burst onto the scene. runner type, a better option is finding in a row from 2012-16. That might The winner of this race is likely to come either a close-to-the-pace presser, or come as a surprise to some, due to from one of two categories, 1) horses an actual closer from far off the pace. the fact that Aqueduct has its own set exiting the Fountain of Youth Stakes, Horses from these two pace categories of winter Wood Memorial prep races, or 2) lightly-raced horses stepping-up have won the race eight straight years. leading up to the Gotham Stakes in after a classy allowance or an overnight When one of the favorites wins, it is early March. Gotham horses haven’t stakes win or place in their last race. likely to be a horse pressing the pace. been good bets in the Wood, however, Ten of the last 11 Florida Derby win- Every time a price horse has won since because the last Gotham winner to win ners finished first or second in their 2004, all four times it was a horse that the Wood was 2011 3rd-place finisher last race (often the Fountain of Youth). rallied from off the pace. Toby’s Corner (and before that, I Want Revenge in 2009). Despite the fact Best Connections Best Posts that the majority of Wood Memorial Except for the rare case of Nyquist, While the Aqueduct main track, in starters exit the Gotham, every other who shipped here to earn a big bonus, general, does not possess a big post Wood Memorial winner since 2010 the Florida Derby is not a place for position bias, there sure seems to be has come from Florida, out of either shippers. The race has been dominated a favoritism toward inside posts in the Fountain of Youth, the Tampa Bay by locally-based horses for more than the 1 1/8-mile Wood Memorial. As Derby, or an allowance race at Gulf- a decade. Todd Pletcher won this race mentioned before, saving ground on stream Park. One other interesting in back-to-back years in 2014 (Materi- the turns is important on Aqueduct’s note, is that 7 of the 11 Wood Memo- ality) and 2015 (Constitution), as did two-turn main track layout, and it’s rial winners from 2006 to 2016 lost Nick Zito in 2010 (Ice Box) and 2011 much easier to save ground from an their last race. (Dialed In). Jockey John Velazquez inside post draw, specifically posts 1-4. won the Florida Derby three times Looking at the recent winners of the Best Connections since 2009 aboard Quality Road, Orb, Wood Memorial, 9 of the last 15 vic- In the last decade or so, two train- and Materiality. Interesting to note, all tors benefitted from breaking from ers have been repeat winners of the three of Johnny V’s wins came for three posts 1-4. Horses drawn as far out as Wood Memorial, with Barclay Tagg different trainers. post 8, including Outwork, have won winning twice in 2007 with Nobiz Like the race, but the majority of winners Shobiz, and again in 2008 with Tale have come from the inside posts. Also of Ekati. Todd Pletcher won the race WOOD MEMORIAL, AQUEDUCT, note that no horse breaking outside on four different occasions – all with SATURDAY, APRIL 8 post 8 has won the Wood Memorial Florida shippers ridden by either John in the 2000s. Velazquez or Javier Castellano. These The profile of the Wood Memorial horses win even though they are gener- winner is a horse from post positions Average Odds ally Pletcher’s second-stringers. Note 1-4 that is coming from Florida out of Eight of the last 11 Wood Memo- that Pletcher has not won with a horse either the Fountain of Youth, the Tampa rials have been won by the first- or from the Aqueduct (Gotham) route to Bay Derby, or a Gulfstream allowance second-favorite, with the chalk win- the Wood, or from out of the Gotham. race who is preferably trained by Todd ning four times. The other three were New York riders based in Florida for Pletcher or Barclay Tagg, or ridden by won by horses paying between $19.00 the winter have won this race every John Velazquez, Javier Castellano, or and $21.40 (8-1 to 9-1 odds). Those year since Cornelio Velasquez in 2007. another New York jockey that winters results basically give you the guidelines The one exception was Eddie Castro at Gulfstream. Look for the horses with of what you are searching for price-wise in 2011.

April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 15 Contest Central

BLUE GRASS STAKES, KEENELAND, have been won by horses of every run- years ago, Keeneland’s route races, SATURDAY, APRIL 8 ning style from speed horses to closers. including the races at the Blue Grass By most accounts, the new Keeneland distance of 1 1/8 miles, have been dom- The profile of the Blue Grass win- dirt track seems a lot less speed biased inated by horses breaking from the six ner is a front-running or pace-pressing than the old dirt track prior to the Poly- inside posts. If you don’t have a post horse able to stay within 3 lengths of track era. What that really means, how- 1-6 in a Keeneland 1 1/8-mile race, you the lead, and/or breaking from posts ever, is that closers have a better chance could be in trouble. 1-6. Look for horses coming out of than they used to. Just ask Brody’s Cause. the Tampa Bay Derby, or other Florida Nevertheless, that still does not mean Average Odds races, in the 3-1 to 5-1 odds range, they have as good of a chance at the It is not realistic to expect the kind preferably trained by Kentucky con- speedsters and pace pressers overall. In of outrageous win prices commonly nections such as Ken McPeek, Dale Keeneland routes, you’re looking for a offered in this race during the Polytrack Romans, or Mike Maker. horse on the lead or within less than 3 era. The four winners of the years 2012- lengths of the lead at the half-mile call. 15 paid an average win price of $9.40. Here is a closer look: Those horses statistically win the major- Brody’s Cause was right in that range ity of Keeneland’s two-turn dirt races. in 2016 paying $10.40 in an overflow Keeneland Track Profile field. Therefore it is reasonable to look The last seven dirt runnings of the Best Posts for horses in the 3-1 to 5-1 odds range Blue Grass Stakes (2015-16, 2002-06) Since switching back to dirt a few as picks to win the Blue Grass.

Danza was the longshot winner of the 2014 Arkansas Derby

16 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA Contest Central

The Road to the Blue Grass horse preferably should be trained that three of the last six SA Derby win- There has been a good connection by either Bob Baffert, Doug O’Neill, ners paid over $10. If you’re betting lately between the Blue Grass Stakes or Jeff Mullins. If you can find such a this race with profit in mind you should and the Tampa Bay Derby, with 4 of the horse going off between 4-1 and 10-1, be looking at horses in the 4-1 to 10-1 last 8 Blue Grass winners exiting the then jump on it. odds range. Tampa Bay Derby (not necessarily the winner, Brody’s Cause, for example, Here’s a closer look: The Road to the Santa Anita Derby was seventh at Tampa). Logic would Eleven straight SA Derby winners have it that the Fountain of Youth would Santa Anita Track Profile exited local prep races, almost always also be a place where the next Blue In SA Derbies run on dirt over the the San Felipe. The recent trend points Grass winner might emerge from, now last 21 years (18 runnings), only four particularly to horses exiting the San that the Blue Grass Stakes is back on horses including last year’s Exaggera- Felipe – the local 1 1/16-mile prep race the dirt. Similar to the Wood Memo- tor have managed to close from fur- directly proceeding the Santa Anita rial, the main theme when looking for ther back than four lengths off the Derby – with six of the last eight SA a Blue Grass winner or exotics horse pace to win (Tiago, Buddy Gil, and Derby winners coming out of that race. would be to look for horses that spent Castledale, who was a stalker and not a Also, seven of the last nine SA Derby the winter in Florida, either at Gulf- true closer). Eggagerator was the only winners came into the race off a win in stream or Tampa. Even though many closing winner from the most recent their last start. horses come into the Blue Grass from six dirt runnings, and even he raced earlier preps in Kentucky, California, within 5 lengths of the early lead that Best Connections Oaklawn, or Fair Grounds, 8 of the day. The SA Derby was won three years Bob Baffert won the Santa Anita last 9 Blue Grass winners spent their in a row by front runners from 2013- Derby three times in seven runnings winters in Florida. 15, and the 2011-12 winners were also between 2009 and 2015, but Baffert pressers/stalkers. is certainly not the only game in town Best Connections because often will not even enter his It is difficult to assign preference in Best Posts first-string Ky. Derby contender in this this race based on the human connec- As detailed above in the Santa Anita race, instead opting for the Arkansas tions. Bob Baffert, for example, tends handicapping tips, the main track Derby. The other main barns you also to focus on the Santa Anita Derby and strongly favors horses drawn on the want to watch out for in this race are Arkansas Derby. Todd Pletcher won inside or middle at 1 1/8 miles on the trainers Doug O’Neill and Jeff Mullins. in 2015, but his runner in this race dirt. Recent results of the SA Derby Doug O’Neill won two of the five most will likely be his third-string 3-year-old echo that sentiment, with just one win- recent runnings of the race with Gold- (his top horses will probably go to the ner since 2008 drawn outside posts 1-5 encents in 2013 and I’ll Have Another Florida Derby and Wood Memorial). (Midnight Interlude won from post 6 in in 2012. Jeff Mullins won three straight Also, no jockey in more than a decade 2011 – hardly an outside draw). Only Santa Anita Derby runnings from has scored a repeat win in this race. two SA Derby winners in the last 16 2003-05. All told, in the last 11 dirt The best way to go probably is to try years started outside post 6, with none editions of this race, a total of eight to cash-in on Kentucky connections, since 2007. The Santa Anita Derby were won by three trainers – Baffert, such as 2016 winner Dale Romans, often doesn’t feature very big fields, O’Neill, and Mullins. Ken McPeek, or Mike Maker. Those with maybe 7-9 horses expected in the trainers have scored at least one Blue starting gate any given year. However, Grass win over the course of the last it is still advantage to draw inside in ARKANSAS DERBY, OAKLAWN, several years. posts 1-5. SATURDAY, APRIL 15

Average Odds The profile of the Arkansas Derby SANTA ANITA DERBY, SANTA Since the Santa Anita Derby switched winner is to look for a pace presser or ANITA, SATURDAY, APRIL 8 back to dirt for the 2011 running, the stalker, that is not a locally-based horse, average win price for the victor has preferably trained by Bob Baffert, Todd The profile of the Santa Anita Derby been around $12, with winners run- Pletcher or Steve Asmussen. The horse winner is to bet a front-runner or pace ning the gamut of prices from the can exit the Rebel or any out-of-town presser breaking from posts 1-5 who $3.20 returned by favored Dortmund race. A contender doesn’t have to have is capable of leading or racing within in 2015, to another Bob Baffert winner, won its last start. Bet exotics and use four lengths of the lead, and who is Midnight Interlude, who paid $29.80 the favorite, who has won his last race, exiting some kind of win at Santa in 2011. In spite of back-to-back chalk in combination with horses better than Anita in his last race. If possible, the horses in 2014-15, it is still noteworthy 4-1 odds who have lost their last race.

April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 17 Contest Central

Here is a closer look: have plenty of time during the run up Pharoah, who trained at Santa Anita). to get into position for the first turn, Last year’s winner Creator joined Oaklawn Track Profile and saving ground at Oaklawn is not Archarcharch as the only locally-based Oaklawn Park is generally a track as important as getting a clean trip. Arkansas Derby winners in the nine that favors horses that are able to run years from 2008-16. in the front half of the field, pace-wise. Average Odds Recent runnings of the Arkansas Derby, The Arkansas Derby has seen every- Best Connections specifically, haven’t shown a preference thing from teeny-tiny-priced favorites Heavyweights from the west and for any one running style, but rather, like American Pharoah ($2.20 to win in east, Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher, the results have shown a type certain 2015) to mega giant bombs like Danza have ruled this race in recent years, running styles has had difficulties win- who paid $84.60 in 2014. Only two accounting for four winners in a row ning this race. The pace of the race will Arkansas Derby winners from 2008 to (two each for both trainers) between almost certainly be too fast, and that’s 2016 had won their last race, so bet 2012-15. Baffert in particular really has why only two horses in the 13 years the exotics using the favorite who won targeted this race, and the entire series from 2004 to 2016 won the Arkansas its last race, along with horses that are of Oaklawn prep races, more than any Derby on the front-end the whole way. exiting losses and sitting at 4-1 or bet- other trainer. Even though his stable is The Arkansas Derby “sweet spot” from ter on the tote board. not based there, Oaklawn Park is like a pace perspective has been to look for a second home to one or more of his pace pressers or stalkers with tactical The Road to the Arkansas Derby top horses each and every spring. The speed that can race 1-3 lengths off the he Rebel used to be the pre-domi- other trainer with a national stable with early pace. nant route to the Arkansas Derby back enough ammo to successfully focus on in the mid-2000s when a murderers this race would be Steve Asmussen, Best Posts row of winners came from the Rebel who won the Arkansas Derby in 2007 Post position has not been a major including racing greats Smarty Jones, with Curlin. handicapping angle in the Arkansas Afleet Alex, Lawyer Ron, and Curlin. Derby in recent years. At the 1 1/8-mile Since then, it has been all about horses distance at Oaklawn, horses seem to based out-of-town (including American

HOOFBEATS FROM THE PAST

Howard Rowe has not only written about history, he has lived it. He has devoted most of his life to the sport as a writer and observer. A first-hand knowledge of the sport, a sharp intellect and longevity combined to make him a valuable historian. This collection of his work brings horses, colorful characters, races and racetracks of the late 19th and early 20th century to life and recalls a bygone era. His historical articles are part of thoroughbred racing's legacy. Mail to American Turf 747 Middle Neck Road, Suite 103 Price: Great Neck, NY 11024/ or call 800-645-2240 / $19.95 or visit www.americanturf.com to order + $6 SH

18 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 William F. Hudgins Jr.’s North American Turf

here have already been some downright professional turf Tperformances this early in the 2017 grass racing season from a bunch of potentially outstanding 3-year-olds who, although not earmarked for the obviously more highlighted and prestigious “Triple Crown Trail” nonetheless certainly – from a serious turf player’s standpoint – deserve kudos and respect going forward for what they’re accomplishing (and how they’re doing it) over the lawn thus far. Here’s a short list of some of them, the young turfers I think we’ll be hear- ing from as the season rolls along: Maurice Miller’s Apache Brave appears he has all the makings of a fine infielder going forward as does Hronis Racing’s Cis- tron. I was thoroughly impressed with Joe Turner’s Elwood J who, by the way, should relish stretching out in distance as should both Empire Equines’ Fifty Five and Warner Thor- oughbred’s Hot Dad – each of whom already looking the part of genuine runners while competing under stakes conditions. Three Diamonds Farm’s Shiraz, Reddam Racing’s Tap It All and Burns Racing’s Tipo Duro round out a fine sophomore group to definitely keep a close and attentive eye on this year. It’s a given that they all may not pan out as “exceptional” grass mammals but you never know – each has proven them- selves amongst their peer group thus far and all have more than enough legitimate upside to continue to progress into something special. Good handicapping my friends! “hudg”

North America’s Top Fifteen Turf Routers ( 9-1/2 Furlongs And Longer ) #1 Da Big Hoss – Continues, for now anyway, as the top dawg on the pile! #2 Wake Forest (Ger) – Poised for a rock-solid 2017 campaign. #3 Ashleyluvssugar – West coast terror going long over those hard layouts. #4 Money Multiplier – Truly a professional stayer; Lots to admire here. #5 Kaigun (Can) – Not one to take a back seat to anyone on this elite ledger. #6 Bullards Alley – Really talented infielder; Improving, tough and classy. #7 Bigger Picture – Already making his claims to fame early into the year. #8 World Approval – Probably at his best out west on the firmer footing. #9 Deauville (Ire) – European tough guy always to be respected. #10 Kasaqui (Arg) – Hanging in there with the toughies listed hereon; Solid. #11 Texas Ryano – Love his serious and strong late kick; Big-time player. #12 The Pizza Man – Still hoping we see this talented old pro this season. #13 Grand Tito – Just when you think he can’t he goes out and gets it done! #14 Si Sage (Fra) – Far more gifted than it seems on paper; Subtle class. #15 Generosidade (Uru) – This one can simply run all damn day long.

Grass Routers To Watch Over North American Courses… BROKEN KEY – Stakes-placed veteran campaigner still a danger. CAMERON RULES – Louisiana-bred gelding at his best over the green stuff. CAVITY – Cibelli-conditioned 5-year-old a snug fit at the $16k selling level. CHRISTMAS CABALLO – More than capable of clearing his condition races. HARDLY HOME – Will continue to get better as he hones his abilities. HAYABUSA ONE – French-bred horse rolls in from out of the clouds late. LU RAE'S LUCKY SKY – Very professional looking grasser; Worth watching. MODERN TALE – BEST BET – Clearly on the improve - can rise through the ranks. OSCAR NOMINATED – This ones likely to get better as the distances get longer. PERFECT TAY – Mid-level claimer is genuine and quite consistent. RAPO – Seems a good fit vs. $25,000 infield platers. SPECIALEYES – Speedy sort still learning but has some skills. STRIKE MIDNIGHT – Grandson of Mr. Prospector bred to stay a distance of grass. THETRAILERGUY – Looks like a different mammal since the transition to the turf. WARD 'N JERRY – LONGSHOT – Stalking style always a big plus!; Tab.

April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 19 AQUEDUCT GULFSTREAM PARK

BALAC: Stumbled at the start to begin too far back so his late BIONDETTI’S CHOICE: First starter made a good move from run could only result in a distant third-place finish. Give him last in difficult mile turf assignment chasing a lone speed one more try. leader getting away with murder on the front end. Finished BATTERY: Showed up off a long layoff for Pletcher and was third and just needs a solid pace to chase to graduate. immediately claimed by Jacobson out of a second-place COASTED: Lost the 2017 debut after a bad start, but ran big finish behind a runaway speed horse. Fits well vs. the local for second and won’t be beaten in the next Graded stakes for competition. 3yo turf fillies. BETWEEN THE LINES: Came back running off an eight-month DERBY CHAMPAGNE: Closed well but too late and settled layoff, finishing second behind only the 1-3 favorite. Ready to for third, beaten a pair of necks in first race back from a six- win off the claim by Rudy. month layoff. Looks good in return from the sidelines. GIANT ENDING: Stumbled and then forced to steady after the EL MOZO: Missed the break and lost his best chance at the start, then rushed up but couldn’t catch a wire-to-wire winner start. Deserves one more chance against maiden claimers. that benefitted from this horse’s trouble to the tune of an FEARLESS PRINCESS: Didn’t miss by much after breaking easy solo lead. Can make amends. slowly and chasing a tepid pace. Finished third behind the two JAMIE’S JAMMIN: Leapt up out of the starting gate then big favorites and can upset with a better pace to chase. rushed up into a three-way duel for the lead and faded to LORI’S STORE: Closed well in good effort off a seven-month third as a result. Just needs a better break. layoff but didn’t get enough pace to chase to catch the high- METAURUS: Got off to a disastrous break to lose all chance at class front-runners. Can knock off similar in return from the the start in a race ruled up front on a crawling slow pace. Live layoff. overlay. MAI TY ONE ON: Got beat by a runaway 1-2 favorite, but was ON THE FRINGE: The word was out on this first starter from beat of the rest despite breaking awkwardly and rushing up Linda Rice and she delivered at first asking. Should have no into a speed duel. His turn next time. trouble repeating at the next level. PAST TALK: First starter broke slow when not handling the rail SPIRIT LETS HEARIT: Showed speed but got hooked in a four- post, then rushed up along the rail and won anyway, just by length-gap speed duel and outlasted the early challenger for a neck but nevertheless as much the best. Likely to repeat at second. Ready to roll in return from a three-month layoff. the next level. STORM PETREL: Battled for the lead on a live pace and RED AGUIA: Stumbled at the start and broke poorly, then held on best of the speeds for second after the two early rushed up into a speed duel and faded due to the early efforts. challengers tired to last and next-to-last. Too early to give up. STORY TO TELL: Lost to his lone speed entry-mate after REY ASTRAY: Missed the start to spot the field several getting off to a rough start from the rail post. Just needs to lengths at the break and lost all chance at 5 1/2F. Worth one get off the inside draw. more try. UNREPENTED: Ran a strange race for second, ¾-lengths ZAPTUIT: Wasn’t far out of it until lacking room in some behind the perfect-trip 6-5 favorite at the wire after pressing, traffic late on the turn. Rally fell short as a result in a race dropping back to last, and then coming again in the stretch. where the speed didn’t stop. Don’t overlook. WINGMAN: Broke slow in first race back from a 2 ½-month layoff. Just needs a clean start in second race back from the sidelines. YOUR SECRET’S SAFE: Needed a race off a 3 ½-month layoff BEST BET: ABBREVIATE: Unlucky to finish off the board, and never had a chance to catch a loose-on-the-lead runaway losing by only a length in a race she could have won if she winner. His turn next time. wasn’t boxed-in in the stretch after a hole closed in her. Live overlay in next. LONGSHOT: MISSCHIEF MAAS: Solid z-pattern effort for third, going for the lead early, falling back in the field, then coming BEST BET: HOLD ON MOMMA: Tough trip second after a poor again behind a runaway 3-5 favorite. start and traffic trouble on the turn and again in deep stretch. Better luck next time. LONGSHOT: SCHOUT BAY: Ran best of the rest when second behind only a loose lone speed runaway favorite. Don’t ignore.

20 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 GOLDEN GATE SANTA ANITA

DRESSCODE VIOLATOR: Finished off the board when needing A NEW TREND: Got caught in a three-length-gap a race off a 10-month layoff, but rallied to lose by less than speed duel and outlasted the early challenger to be two lengths. Prepped and ready. third, again. Can shake loose up front and break case FOXTROT ROMEO: Missed the break and then rushed up to of third-itis. press and set the pace and got leg-weary late due to the early BOY HOWDY: Settled for second, six lengths clear efforts. Ready to win in return from the three-month layoff. of third when beaten only by the 3-2 favorite in GIANT MARK: Was the only off-the-pace horse to make a dent behind a slow pace but settled for third behind the front- comeback from a six-month layoff. Try again. runners. Knocking on the door at present. CATFISH HUNTER: First starter settled for third LUCK LASTS: Got hooked in a 3 ½-length-gap speed duel and behind a wire-to-wire 3-5 favorite after getting settled for second behind a perfect-trip stalker. Ready to go all stymied in traffic on multiple occasions. Just needs the way up front. clear sailing to graduate. MR. SHOOK: Well-bet first starter pressed a very fast pace CAUTIOUS GIANT: Just missed holding off the 3-5 and held on for second. Won’t remain a maiden for long. favorite when second in return from a four-month NEWCOMB: Dueled on a blazing fast pace and held best of the layoff. Worth another try. speeds for fourth. Still a threat to shake loose up front. CONQUEST SMARTEE: Closed strong in a turf sprint PATTI KINSELLA: Pressed a loose speed 3-5 favorite and nearly caught that one until settling for second, four lengths and just missed in return from a 4 ½-month layoff. clear of the third horse. Her turn next time. Prepped and ready now. QUICK SONG: Ran out of gas late when needing a race off a DANZING CANDY: Broke slow from the bad rail post three-month layoff. Can rebound in return from the sidelines. in the 6 1/2F down the hill Joe Hernandez Stakes, SHARKZILLA: Broke last in a 10-horse field in return from then rushed up to duel and held on best of the nearly a six-month layoff, then rushed up to press and loose speeds for third in a quick time after a blazing third- leader and faded to third due to the early efforts first off the quarter fraction. Try again off 8 ½-month layoff. bench. Too early to give up. KOPITAR: First starter drew the tough one post in 6 SILVER CHROME: Wiped out when crowded and interfered 1/2F downhill career debut but had run in the stretch with in the stretch. Can make amends with clear sailing. when stuck down on the rail and finished third, beaten only about a length. Won’t be a maiden for long. BEST BET: GLOBAL EVENT: Shook loose on the lead, but not LINE: Stumbled badly in first start back from an before getting hooked in a 10-length-gap speed duel. Paid the eight-month layoff and needed the race and couldn’t price late and settled for second, but looms a speed threat recover. Live overlay needs a clean start. again next time. OH MARVELOUS ME: Settled for second again, this time outlasting an early challenger until losing to a LONGSHOT: RAVIZZONE: Never fully recovered after forced perfect-trip 3-5 favorite. His turn next time. to be snatched-up when impeded in the chute. Live overlay based on the sixth-place finish. ROCKETANN: Found her best stride too late in sprint prep return from a four-month layoff. Looks good in return from the sidelines. SENSE OF GLORY: Battled for the lead and held on for a clear second behind only a perfect set-up 6-5 favorite. TALLY MO: Set a pressured pace and outran big odds to finish best of the speeds for second behind a nice- looking first starter. Was clear of third, and is set to graduate.

BEST BET: MISS BARTOLAZZO: Hooked in an extended duel for the lead when needing a race in return from an eight-month layoff. Held second in a race otherwise ruled by stalker/closers, and is ready in second off the layoff. LONGSHOT: GATOR DON’T PLAY: First starter ran mid-pack after breaking slowly and then clipping heels to begin too far back. Too early to give up on him.

April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 21 PENN NATIONAL PARX

ACTIVELY ENGAGED: Moved out of traffic and rallied to BLUE SHINE: Didn’t have needed late punch and settled be third in blanket finish most recently; note, mare had for third when in from TAM and seeking repeat on class turned back from route trip and figures sharper next rise most recently; goes forward for solid K. Nations time, so stay on board. barn (20% wins last year). BEAUZIGGITY: Was hustled to stay in range, dropped CHECKBOUNCIN BILLY: Chased the pace and weakened back in the lane, and then finished with mild gain for to fifth when shooting for second straight score in her third in acceptable effort most recently; fires bigger latest; can do better for always solid P. Farro barn. shot in upcoming third start of current form cycle. FUNNY SURPRISE: Bobbled at the break and then GOLD CRESCENT: Was squeezed at the break, moved up moved up to chase in second throughout her latest on quickly, shot clear on the pace, and gave out in the lane class drop; next time for filly who has finished on the to finish third; another chance for trainer K. Graci. board in eight of 10 career starts. JOHNNY JUMP UP: Gained wide from last of eight to LILY’S PEAK: Set the pace and gave out when it counted finish fast for a narrowly beaten third in his second to finish fifth under 10-pound “bug” D. Haddock most start back from December-layoff; primed for breakout recently; has finished on the board in 26 of 40 career effort now. starts, so give another chance. NOONAN ON THURSDAY: Was unhurried early in last of S.S. MINNOW: Gained from just off the pace and just six behind a soft tempo and still finished nicely for third came up second best in good effort most recently; stay in solid effort; solid for trainer E. McClellan (23% wins with gelding for trainer M. Vera (26% wins last year). last year).

BEST BET: REMAIN SILENT: Moved out and gained a BEST BET: J EDGAR: Was bumped at the break, raced touch for fourth, but never threatened in his latest; well back early, and gained somewhat before he evened note, gelding was freshened and making his first start out late and finished sixth; can do more. on class rise following claim by confident M. Pino barn. LONGSHOT: RHYTHM BLUES: Saved ground when an LONGSHOT: JUST A TASTE: Bobbled at the break, moved even fifth in his latest, and has underachieved in four up to chase, and weakened to finish a distant fourth starts since in from WO; give solid B. Kulp barn to figure behind dominant winner in her first start in nearly two out way to spring upset, as gelding brings touch of months; next time. class.

22 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 TURFWAY / KEENELAND LAUREL PARK

CABBY JOSHTIN: Showed speed but got caught by a CLUBMAN: Rated just off the pace, moved wide to runaway 1-5 favorite. Held second and is dangerous speed contention, and weakened in the stretch when third vs. cheapies. in his latest; lightly raced 3YO capable of more and ELOQUENT MOMENT: First starter outran 10-1 odds for capable of forward move to leave maiden ranks. second behind only a loose lone speed 4-5 favorite. Won’t IREDELL: Battled throughout and came up second best, be a maiden for long. as he often does, most recently; form has been very FLATTER CHATTER: Just missed in first race back from an solid since claimed by J. Rodriguez early this year, so eight-month layoff. Ready to graduate in next vs. the local keep him on your tickets. maiden claimers. RECRUITING READY: Shook off pace pressure and IT’S YOUR NICKEL: Fair Grounds winner for McPeek will drove clear in the lane for one-length score to live up be very difficult to beat in the Spiral based on dominant to favored billing with some class relief for his latest; Battaglia win. classy colt moves forward now. THE GORILLA MAN: Wasn’t going to beat Tiz Sardonic Joe, TANGO DELTA: Rated, moved wide, and could only but was five-lengths the best of the rest in second and finish evenly in the lane when fourth in her latest; note, stacks up well back at that level. filly was up in class in first start for trainer M. Reid THE RIDGE: Clearly second best behind only a runaway following claim, and can benefit. winning 2-5 favorite. Worth another shot. ZIPPITY ZOOM: Set pace under pressure inside, dropped CAPTAIN TYREE: Battled on the pace throughout when back, moved between, and came again with rally to fall second, beaten only a neck, in his latest; gelding has a neck short in second as odds-on choice most recently; finished in the exacta in 15 of 29 career starts and can atones. maintain sharp form. FINISHLIKEAPRO: Raced with the pace and responded to pressure to score by a length and has kept solid form through two starts this year; in the exacta in half of his 16 lifetime starts, so stay with him. BEST BET: METALLIC: Raced wide and had some traffic GRIDIRON CAT: Hopped at the break, chased, checked trouble when third in his favored racing debut; 3YO late, and weakened to fifth when never able to get his son of Medaglia d’Oro was pricey yearling buy and had rhythm as odds-on choice in his latest; try again off trained strongly for bow, so stay tuned. $30k-claim by trainer B. Cox (28% wins last year). MY MAN COLTON: Made up plenty of ground to finish a LONGSHOT: L X SUNRISE: Took class drop and close third when showing much-needed improvement responded with late run for third when making her on noteworthy class drop most recently; trainer M. third start of the year most recently; adds value to your Munna hit at 25% last year. gimmicks. TEELFA: Moved wide and gained third when making her second start off two-month break most recently; goes forward for M. Nicks barn. MORE THAN SHIRL: Moved wide and gained steadily in good effort to pick up third when cut back in distance and moved back to turf for his latest; sharper for experience. LA REINA ISABEL: Showed improved early interest when she chased the pace and weakened to fifth in her latest; good overall resume, she can jump up in upcoming third start of current form cycle.

BEST BET: MATAR: Invaded from Calder off a four-month layoff and handled the local competition for second. Looks good in return from the sidelines.

LONGSHOT: MELLOW FELLOW: Made a move to a clear lead, but had to go very fast in the middle fractions to get there and still managed to hold on to outrun 25-1 odds for third, four lengths clear of the fourth horse. Don’t overlook.

April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 23 OAKLAWN FAIR GROUNDS

BALANDEEN: Ran a distant third in 6F sprint prep CAPTAIN TYREE: Battled on the pace throughout when return from a 3 ½-month layoff. Galloped out seven second, beaten only a neck, in his latest; gelding has furlongs and will be ready for second start off the layoff. finished in the exacta in 15 of 29 career starts and can LIL MISS BLUE EYES: The only late-runner to make a maintain sharp form. dent when third in a race where the front runners ran FINISHLIKEAPRO: Raced with the pace and responded 1-2-4-5. Better than-it-looked effort was just a head out to pressure to score by a length and has kept solid form of second behind a runaway odds-on favorite. through two starts this year; in the exacta in half of his MAGICIAN MAN: Had some early traffic inside when 16 lifetime starts, so stay with him. needing a race in return from a six-month layoff. Looms GRIDIRON CAT: Hopped at the break, chased, checked large in next vs. the local competition. late, and weakened to fifth when never able to get his MR. RIGHT: Broke last when not handling the rail post, rhythm as odds-on choice in his latest; try again off then tried to make headway but was shuffled back into $30k-claim by trainer B. Cox (28% wins last year). the turn. Closed late but came up 1 ½-lengths short due MY MAN COLTON: Made up plenty of ground to finish a to the early troubles. Just needs to get off of the rail close third when showing much-needed improvement draw. on noteworthy class drop most recently; trainer M. NATURAL WONDER: Closed for second as by far the Munna hit at 25% last year. longest shot on the board in first race back from a five- TEELFA: Moved wide and gained third when making her month layoff in a tough spot. Don’t overlook. second start off two-month break most recently; goes P C COWBOY: Broke awkwardly and couldn’t recover forward for M. Nicks barn. for better than second due to the tough start. Finished MORE THAN SHIRL: Moved wide and gained steadily in 3+ lengths clear of third and can make amends with a good effort to pick up third when cut back in distance better start. and moved back to turf for his latest; sharper for SASSY OLIVIA ANN: Missed the break to start last in experience. an 11-horse field, yet still managed to outrun 34-1 odds LA REINA ISABEL: Showed improved early interest in 6F career debut for a late closing third. Prepped and when she chased the pace and weakened to fifth in ready and just needs a clean start. her latest; good overall resume, she can jump up in SUGAR FOOT ANNE: Waited behind horses, squeezed upcoming third start of current form cycle. through traffic and ran gamely but settled for second behind a closer with clear sailing. Ready to graduate. SWEET INVENTION: Showed speed but dueled in comeback from a year layoff, but outran the early challenger and held off the even-money favorite for second. Won’t be a maiden much longer. TIZFUN: Broke near the back of a 10-horse field and then rushed up to press the pace, got floated wide, and managed a dead heat for second. Set to graduate in next off the claim.

BEST BET: DYNAMITE JILL: Got caught in a three-way, three-length-gap speed duel and held on by far the best of the speeds for second behind only the 8-5 favorite in a race where deep closers ran 1-3-4. TURF PARADISE ANOTHER WHIZ ROCK VICTOR LONGSHOT: ARCH ARCH BABY: Pressed a live pace and BRITE RULER SECRET REVEALED was the only front runner still around at the finish when FOR CASH SEVEN TORRENTS fourth in a race where closers finished 1-2-3-5-6. Don’t GETINTHELAMBORGHINI TON EIGHTY ignore. LEADEM IN KEN WOODLANDSWAY

SUNLAND PARK ATILLAS GIFT MT VEEDER BELLA ANATOLA NOT MY NOTE DEWEY ROHANA EKATI WILDCAT RUNAWAY GHOST GETTING YOU HOME SMACK RIDGE INDIAN TIVA STREAKS BRO LAST BEST WEST SUNDAY ROSE

24 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 TAMPA BAY DOWNS HAWTHORNE

ARTICULATE: Set a pressured pace and held on best of AHOYMYCAPTAIN: Broke a step slow at 5F in career debut, the speeds for third, beaten just a neck and a nose by a but make a sustained run for third and just needs a better pair of in-form stalkers. Remains a threat for new barn start to graduate. ALWAYSMYPLEASURE: Broke slowly but gained good ground off the claim. until traffic in mid-stretch halted his rally when still full of KIWANDA: Chased a loose lone speed runaway winning run. Settled for second and worth another try. 9-5 favorite in return from a year layoff, but ran a live BELLA CARMELLA: Got engaged in a seven-length-gap battle return for second and fits vs. the local maiden claimers. for the lead and got caught as a result. Can make amends vs. LADDIE BOY: Bad start and wide trip en route to a mid- similar. pack finish. Can rebound so don’t give up. COUNTESS ST MICHELE: Got KO’d in a 3 ½-length-gap speed LIGHTHOUSE SOUND: Closed well but settled for duel in first start of the meet, but looms a threat to shake second again, this time by a head behind a loose lone loose up front so don’t ignore. speed winner. Try again. LOGI: Started last in first race since December and was the only horse in the race to make a dent from off the pace, R LUCKY CHARM: Got hooked in a two-length-gap duel getting a brief lead before running out of stream. Try again in for the lead and held on to just miss by a nose and a return from the sidelines. neck when an unlucky third. Worth another chance. MS. TRISH S: Was unprepared for the start, just as the SEEKINGTHEPERFECT: Dueled early, waited in traffic, eventual winner got out to a long solo easy lead. Did as well as tried to move, waited, and then railed and still outran possible for second and looks good next time. 16-1 odds for third. Seeking a better trip in next. NET FREE: Broke last, then rushed up into a four-length-gap THORNTON: Overcame traffic after getting boxed-in at speed duel and beat the early challenger for second. Just the quarter pole, but swung around and won anyway. needs a clean start. Likely repeater. TIZAMINT: Rushed to the lead and into a three-length-gap duel and faded when needing a race off nearly a six-month TICKER TAPE PARADE: Settled for third after a rough layoff. Fits vs. the local maiden claimers. start and a bad trip, eventually getting through on the YOUNG CORBETT: Percolated into a three-way, six-length- rail in the stretch but too late. gap speed duel and did best of the speeds for second and is TIZ SHOPPING: Well-bet but needed a race off a seven- knocking on the door vs. maiden claimers. month layoff, finishing third in a race ruled by a loose- on-the-lead favorite. Ready to graduate. BEST BET: LEGENDARY VISION: Oaklawn invader reared at the break to start last and spot the field several lengths, but circled the field and beat the odds-on favorite to win as much the best. Likely repeater. BEST BET: TEREZA Z: Finished a clear third but beaten just a nose and a head in a blanket finish after having LONGSHOT: VANDERBOOM RIDGE: Missed the break and the toughest trip when steadied in mid-stretch. Better finished sixth, but actually finished only 1 ½ lengths out of luck next time. second after the troubled beginning and can rebound with a good start. LONGSHOT: CATSKILL FLYER: Stumbled out of the gate and broke slow and couldn’t catch the favored front- runners and just missed third by a neck. Don’t overlook.

TURF PARADISE WOODBINE ANOTHER WHIZ ROCK VICTOR ARTILLIA HAZEL MEADOW BRITE RULER SECRET REVEALED BELLA FIGURA PINK LLOYD FOR CASH SEVEN TORRENTS DEVILISH STYLE RIVER MAID GETINTHELAMBORGHINI TON EIGHTY FOR U RUTH SKYLANDER GIRL LEADEM IN KEN WOODLANDSWAY FORESTELLA WHO’S GOT IT

CHARLES TOWN EMERALD DOWNS AARON’S TAP OFFICER RIDGE COMING IN HOT MADAMOO CHARITABLE BOUND SASSAFRAS SPRINGS DADDYALWAYSSAYS MY HEART GOES ON CUTTIN EDGE TECH SENSATIONAL NOTION FACE VALUED RISER FLOATING BY SLIP THE CABLE ILLUMINATION ROAD SOUTHERN SOLUTION GOLDEN MAN SMOKIN’ SÉANCE K K’S WONDERWOMAN TIGER SUMMIT JOKERS TO THE RIGHT THE SQUIRE KNIFE RIVER WINE AT NINE

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26 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 Shed Row Winning reports from our trackmen at major ovals Stop Watch Specials

OZONE PARK, NY NEW YORK Ladies and gents: ALTESINO: Couldn’t be any closer. DYNAMAX PRIME has done little wrong since getting off the grass. JUST GOT OUT is CAN CAN BABE: Very popular claimer. moving up off the claim. ALL ABOUT ASHLEY will be back in the spotlight. DOWNTOWN SARATIAGO: Longshot appeal. AT NOON takes it to the house. Brighter days are ahead for CLOUD CONTROL. BENNY TEN TWENTY NINE: It all adds up. BIG BOY has taken a nice step forward this winter. DO SHARE has plenty of upside for trainer Linda Rice. BEAR CLAUSE sneaks into the gimmicks at a big price. TIZ RAE ANNA exceeded expectations in route debut. FEATHER IN MY CAP is better than she looks.

SO. FLORIDA AVAST MATEY: Very capable when right. CUNAVICHE: Tab at the basement. HALLANDALE BEACH, FL EL GRAN NOEL: A very likely winner. Power to the patrons: TRICKITA: Treats her followers. Use GOLDEN MILA in the gimmicks if you’re looking for a longshot. AQUA TEEN is com- ing of age. REASON TO SOAR stamped himself as one to watch with smart debut. VINO BLANCO continues to put in steady efforts without winning. SIGHT READING is worth a closer look. Take a small flyer on MISS REGAL LIGHT. TROYA isn’t impossible at $16k; use underneath. PAWLEYS EXPRESS has a lot to like. BRIDGE OF LUCK sneaks up on PHILADELPHIA the right bunch. CHARLIE THE GREEK takes a trip to the winner’s circle. BETTER THAN RUBIES: Set for best. EXCLUSIVE SYMPHONY: Hitting all the right notes. RUNAWAY MISTRESS: Runs away and hides. STREET HEAT: Dials it up a notch.

TAMPA BAY, FL Greetings: SAINT LIPSI CHICK continues to elevate her game in 2017. HIGH PITCH brings the heat. FLOWER PUNCH has a solid record over the local lawn. Giving ASIAN MOONLADY one MARYLAND more chance. ATTACK ZONE isn’t out there to make any friends. BLEEDING HEART AFTER THE CUT OFF: Slices through $5k level. gained a nice education in the debut. QUARTERS earned her diploma at fifth ANDY’S LOVE: Feel good about this one. asking. You’ve got to BELIEVE INDEED! NEUQUA does her best work in sprint races. MAGIC HARBOR: Old boy does it again. SANDRO is ready to go. VALUE ADDED: Looking for right spot.

BENSALEM, PA KENTUCKY Fellow horseplayers: AYE SKIPPER: Intriguing longshot. TRUE BOLDNESS looked like a different horse at second asking. GUYANA EXPRESS com- JINGLE ME THIS: Broke his maiden by a pole. ing full speed ahead at a price. VALDINA CROSSING runs ‘em down late. Late-bloomer LITL STROLL: Has some sneaky form. EASTERN FRONT is starting to get it. ROCKY THE KID has the eye of the tiger. HIGH WAR VENTURE: Head to the windows. MATH can produce some big numbers. Keeping ANOTHER SECRET on the down low. LIL NEDDY is capable of improvement. TALK TO ME backs up our words on the racetrack. BIG TOWN is still going strong at nine.

LOUISIANA BITTERS ‘N BOURBON: Fitting in well here. EUROBOSS: Runs like a ‘Boss.’ HOT ZAPPER: About to heat up. LEXINGTON, KY WICKED STRIDE: Will be moving like a winner. Hello racing fans: WALL STREET’s stock is on the rise. JENNA J has the look of a serious runner. RANGER SAM outran his odds in first start off the bench. COVER BOY gets his picture taken. FANCY JUSTICE regained her form at Turfway. BOBBY V. always seems to show up. THE GREEN COUGAR gets his paws on one. DOLL FACE runs to her good looks. KINETIC ENERGY NORTHERN CALIFORNIA nearly got it done off an August layoff. NORTH OF EDEN is moving in the right direction. ADMIRAL BOOM: Here it comes! BREAKAWAY DIXIE: Some bang for your buck. AMP AND ADRENALIN: Amped up about this guy. STARTING LINEUP: Take a swing for the fences.

ARCADIA, CA Attention ATM readers: Don’t snooze on SLEEPIN N CHEATIN. PAPA MAMBO gets it done versus Cal-breds. COULD BE MAGIC still hasn’t delivered her best. Don’t let a few bad efforts from SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FOOLISH TO DECEIVE scare you away. BAR SCENE delivers a top-shelf effort. ALL OF AGENT NINE T NINE: Breaks through. A SUDDEN has shown ability since day one. MUNNY SPUNT pads the bankroll. POWER CRIMSON AND GOLD: Has us seeing green. FOOT shows them his heels. PIONEER LAD, a son of top sire Pioneeron the Nile, is IT GIRL: There’s something about her. one to watch. GIANIS owns a win at 33-1 on his resume; respect. PLAY HARD TO GET: He’s due.

April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 27 Index to Fit & Ready, Shed Row and Stop Watch

This index can be used to locate horses listed in CABBY JOSHTIN:TP EUROBOSS:SW this month's Fit & Ready, Stop Watch and Shed CAMERON RULES :TRF EXCLUSIVE SYMPHONY:SW Row pages. Track abbreviations are as follows: CAN CAN BABE:SW FANCY JUSTICE :SR CAPTAIN TYREE:FG FEARLESS PRINCESS:GP CATFISH HUNTER:SA FEATHER IN MY CAP:SR AQUEDUCT:AQU PENN NATIONAL:PEN CHARLES TOWN:CT SANTA ANITA:SA CATSKILL FLYER:TAM FINISHLIKEAPRO:FG FAIR GROUNDS:FG SUNLAND PARK:Sun CAUTIOUS GIANT:SA FLATTER CHATTER:TP GOLDEN GATE:GG TAMPA BAY DOWNS:TAM CAVITY :TRF FLOATING BY:CT GULFSTREAM PARK:GP TURF PARADISE:TUP CHARITABLE BOUND:CT FLOWER PUNCH :SR HAWTHORNE:HAW TURF SELECTIONS:Trf LAUREL PARK:LRL TURFWAY PARK:TP CHARLIE THE GREEK :SR FOOLISH TO DECEIVE :SR MAHONING VALLEY:MVR TURF SELECTIONS:Trf CHECKBOUNCIN BILLY:PRX FOR CASH:TUP OAKLAWN PARK:OP SHED ROW:SR CHRISTMAS CABALLO :TRF FOXTROT ROMEO:GG PARX:PRX STOP WATCH:SW CLOUD CONTROL:SR FUNNY SURPRISE:PRX CLUBMAN:LRL GATOR DON’T PLAY:SA COASTED:GP GENEROSIDADE:TRF A NEW TREND:SA BALAC:AQU CONQUEST SMARTEE:SA GETINTHELAMBORGHINI:TUP AARON’S TAP:CT BALANDEEN:OP COULD BE MAGIC :SR GETTING YOU HOME:SUN ABBREVIATE:GP BAR SCENE :SR COUNTESS ST GIANIS :SR ACTIVELY ENGAGED:PEN BATTERY:AQU MICHELE:HAW GIANT ENDING:AQU ADMIRAL BOOM:SW BEAUZIGGITY:PEN COVER BOY :SR GIANT MARK:GG AFTER THE CUT OFF:SW BELIEVE INDEED:SR CRIMSON AND GOLD:SW GLOBAL EVENT:GG AGENT NINE T NINE:SW BELLA ANATOLA:SUN CUNAVICHE:SW GOLD CRESCENT:PEN AHOYMYCAPTAIN:HAW BELLA CARMELLA:HAW CUTTIN EDGE TECH:CT GOLDEN MAN:CT ALL OF A SUDDEN :SR BENNY BIG BOY :SR DA BIG HOSS :TRF GOLDEN MILA :SR ALTESINO:SW BETTER THAN RUBIES:SW DANZING CANDY:SA GRAND TITO :TRF ALWAYSMYPLEASURE:HAW BETWEEN THE LINES:AQU DEAUVILLE :TRF GRIDIRON CAT:FG AMP AND ADRENALIN:SW BIG TOWN :SR DEPUTY DANE:MVR GUYANA EXPRESS :SR ANDY’S LOVE:SW BIGGER PICTURE :TRF DERBY CHAMPAGNE:GP HARDLY HOME :TRF ANOTHER SECRET :SR BIONDETTI’S CHOICE:GP DEWEY:SUN HAYABUSA ONE :TRF ANOTHER WHIZ:TUP BITTERS ‘N BOURBON:SW DO SHARE :SR HIGH MATH :SR ANSWER QUIETLY:MVR BLEEDING HEART :SR DOLL FACE :SR HIGH PITCH :SR AQUA TEEN :SR BLUE SHINE:PRX DOWNTOWN AT NOON :SR HOLD ON MOMMA:AQU ARCH ARCH BABY:OP BOBBY V:SR DRESSCODE VIOLATOR:GG HOT ZAPPER:SW ARTICULATE:TAM BOY HOWDY:SA DUVAL ST:MVR INDIAN TIVA:SUN ASHLEYLUVSSUGAR :TRF BRAVE ACT:MVR DYNAMITE JILL:OP IREDELL:LRL ASIAN MOONLADY :SR BREAKAWAY DIXIE:SW EASTERN FRONT :SR IT GIRL:SW ATILLAS GIFT:SUN BRIDGE OF LUCK :SR EKATI WILDCAT:SUN IT’S YOUR NICKEL:TP ATTACK ZONE :SR BRITE RULER:TUP EL GRAN NOEL:SW J EDGAR:PEN AVAST MATEY:SW BROKEN KEY :TRF EL MOZO:GP JAMIE’S JAMMIN:AQU AYE SKIPPER:SW BULLARDS ALLEY :TRF ELOQUENT MOMENT:TP JENNA J:SR

28 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 Index to Fit & Ready, Shed Row and Stop Watch

JINGLE ME THIS:SW MR. RIGHT:OP ROHANA:SUN TEREZA Z:TAM JOHNNY JUMP UP:PEN MS. TRISH S:HAW RUNAWAY GHOST:SUN TEXAS RYANO :TRF JOKERS TO THE RIGHT:CT MT VEEDER:SUN RUNAWAY MISTRESS:SW THE GORILLA MAN:TP JUST A TASTE:PRX MUNNY SPUNT :SR S.S. MINNOW:PRX THE GREEN COUGAR :SR JUST GOT OUT :SR MY MAN COLTON:FG SAINT LIPSI CHICK :SR THE PIZZA MAN :TRF KAIGUN :TRF NATURAL WONDER:OP SALSAMON:MVR THE RIDGE:TP KASAQUI :TRF NET FREE:HAW SANDRO :SR THE SQUIRE:CT KINETIC ENERGY :SR NEWCOMB:GG SARATIAGO:SW THETRAILERGUY :TRF KIWANDA:TAM NOONAN ON THURSDAY:PEN SASSAFRAS SPRINGS:CT THIS DREAM OF MINE:MVR KOPITAR:SA NORTH OF EDEN :SR SASSY OLIVIA ANN:OP THORNTON:TAM L X SUNRISE:LRL NOT MY NOTE:SUN SCHOUT BAY:AQU TICKER TAPE PARADE:TAM LA REINA ISABEL:FG OFFICER RIDGE:CT SECRET REVEALED:TUP TIZ RAE ANNA :SR LADDIE BOY:TAM OH MARVELOUS ME:SA SEEKINGTHEPERFECT:TAM TIZ SHOPPING:TAM LAST BEST WEST:SUN ON THE FRINGE:AQU SENSATIONAL NOTION:CT TIZAMINT:HAW LEADEM IN KEN:TUP OSCAR NOMINATED :TRF SENSE OF GLORY:SA TIZFUN:OP LEGENDARY VISION:HAW P C COWBOY:OP SEVEN TORRENTS:TUP TON EIGHTY:TUP LIGHTHOUSE SOUND:TAM PAPA MAMBO :SR SHARKZILLA:GG TRICKITA:SW LIL MISS BLUE EYES:OP PAST TALK:GP SI SAGE :TRF TROYA :SR LIL NEDDY :SR PATTI KINSELLA:GG SIGHT READING :SR TRUE BOLDNESS:SR LILY’S PEAK:PRX PAWLEYS EXPRESS :SR SILVER CHROME:GG TWICE WITH ICE:MVR LINE:SA PERFECT TAY :TRF SLEEPIN N CHEATIN:SR UNREPENTED:AQU LITL STROLL:SW PIONEER LAD:SR SLIP THE CABLE:CT VALDINA CROSSING :SR LOGI:HAW PLAY HARD TO GET:SW SMACK RIDGE:SUN VALUE ADDED:SW LORI’S STORE:GP POWER FOOT :SR SMOKIN’ SÉANCE:CT VANDERBOOM RIDGE:HAW LU RAE'S LUCKY SKY :TRF QUEENS QUARTERS :SR SPECIALEYES :TRF VINO BLANCO :SR LUCK LASTS:GG QUICK SONG:GG SPIRIT LETS HEARIT:AQU WAKE FOREST :TRF LUCKYALLMYLIFE:MVR R LUCKY CHARM:TAM STARTING LINEUP:SW WALL STREET:SR MAGIC HARBOR:SW RANGER SAM :SR STORM PETREL:AQU WAR VENTURE:SW MAGICIAN MAN:OP RAPO :TRF STORY TO TELL:AQU WARD 'N JERRY :TRF MAI TY ONE ON:GP RAVIZZONE:GG STREAKS BRO:SUN WICKED STRIDE:SW MATAR:TP REASON TO SOAR :SR STREET HEAT:SW WINGMAN:AQU MELLOW FELLOW:TP RECRUITING READY:LRL STRIKE MIDNIGHT :TRF WOODLANDSWAY:TUP METALLIC:LRL RED AGUIA:GP SUGAR FOOT ANNE:OP WORLD APPROVAL :TRF METAURUS:AQU REMAIN SILENT:PRX SUNDAY ROSE:SUN YO BERBS:MVR MISS BARTOLAZZO:SA REY ASTRAY:GP SWEET INVENTION:OP YOUNG CORBETT:HAW MISS REGAL LIGHT:SR RHYTHM BLUES:PEN TALK TO ME :SR YOUR SECRET’S SAFE:AQU MISSCHIEF MAAS:GP ROCK VICTOR:TUP TALLY MO:SA ZAPTUIT:GP MODERN TALE :TRF ROCKETANN:SA TANGO DELTA:LRL ZIPPITY ZOOM:LRL MONEY MULTIPLIER :TRF ROCKY PARADE:MVR TEELFA:FG MORE THAN SHIRL:FG ROCKY THE KID :SR TEN TWENTY NINE:SW

April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 29 30 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 Midwest Memo

Corey Lanerie Ready to Dominate By David Zenner

f you followed the racing at was good enough, so to go there and the Lone Star Meet was over he would in the 1980s, there dominate I owe it mostly to my connec- catch the last part of the Arlington Park I was a pretty good chance that Hall tions, the people who backed me and season. of Fame jockey would be the my agent ‘Jaws’ (Terry Miller). ‘Jaws’ “I didn’t ride a whole lot in the bush meet’s leading rider and that domi- does a great job. tracks but I started really young and I nance carried over into the 90s, when “It all boils down to hard work early got my license to ride professionally he seemingly split titles with Shane in the morning, especially when I first when I was 16. I was galloping horses Sellers. Moving forward into the new got there to establish connections and since I was nine,” he said. “[Before millennium it was Julien Leparoux do a good job, stay on top and to keep coming to Kentucky] I was working whose name was often atop the leader everybody happy.” with [agent] Rick Mocklin. Things had board from the middle of the last decade The 42-year-old native of Lafayette, slowed down a bit for us there and we into the early part of the teens. Now it Louisiana’s story is not unlike many of were going to go to Kentucky. Before I appears Churchill Downs has become his Cajun counterparts including fellow made the move, Rick decided he wasn’t the domain of jockey COREY LANERIE Churchill Downs titlist and three-time going to make the move. He was more who has captured 12 of the last 14 titles Derby-winning jockey , in comfortable staying home. at the Louisville, Kentucky, race course. that his career began on the bush tracks “So when I got to Kentucky I con- In fact, his dozen crowns rank second of his home state as a teenager before nected with Jaws and that turned out all-time behind Pat Day’s 34. graduating to the recognized tracks in to be a blessing in disguise,” Lanerie “It’s pretty special to be a leading the Bayou. Before ascending to the continued. “He had his own clientele rider at Churchill Downs and espe- major circuit, Lanerie paid his dues at that I was able to move right in with. cially for so many meets,” Lanerie smaller tracks earning riding titles at Had I gone there with an agent it may said. “At one time it was a track that all three Texas tracks – Lone Star Park, have taken me some time to work my I had always been scared to go to and Sam Houston, and Retama Park. He way into spots and you never know, try – I never thought I could make or also rode at the Fair Grounds and after things might not have worked out and

April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 31 Midwest Memo

I never would have taken off. a little bit of a working vacation. I can aboard the eventual multiple Grade I “When I got there I don’t think it stay home, work the weekends, and stakes winner early in his career. was one particular barn [ I rode for]. freshen my body up.” “I didn’t win any big races on him I rode for a lot of the small trainers Asked what his strengths as a rider but I remember the first time I worked that seemed to win races. When I first are, Lanerie said, “I ride the rail a lot. I him I knew he was something special. got there I didn’t ride much for Dale like to save ground. I think that means Posse was a real sprinter I rode too.” [Romans] at all the first few years. a lot especially in turf races. I just ride Lanerie also has Grade I wins with Eddie Kenneally always rode me. Tony my horses rather than try to ride the Molly Morgan, Weep No More, Brody’s Reinstedler put me on a nice stakes race to beat the favorite. I think that Cause, and Hooh Why. Like any rider, horses, and Frankie Brothers rode people like that I ride my horse out to especially one who makes his living me in the Cradle [at the former River the finish for fourth- and fifth-place on the Kentucky circuit, Lanerie says Downs] a few times.” money.” eventually winning the Kentucky Derby Now firmly established in Kentucky, Well respected by his peers, Lanerie would be his goal. Lanerie can stay in one place for most won the George Woolf Memorial Award “Even being in the race is like a of the year making just one move to in 2014. “That was something I never dream come true,” he said. “Growing Florida where he winters at Gulfstream thought about coming up. To get up and watching the race on TV it’s Park. Last year Lanerie plied his sum- nominated was a victory in itself to be like a different world and then when mer trade at Ellis Park rather than go thought of that way and then to win it I became a jockey and was in the race to Saratoga on a full-time basis which – well I guess some of the guys really it’s like you finally got to be where you allowed him to spend more time with do like me.” want to be. You’re on the biggest stage family yet still be available for stakes Riding the Florida-Kentucky circuit in racing, but now you’ve got to win it.” races on the weekends. allows Lanerie to get on some pretty “The racing [at Ellis] is getting better good horses and he cites and it works out good,” he said. “It’s as the best he’s ridden, having been

Corey Lanerie Celebrates a Win Aboard Majestic Harbor

32 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA Featuring “Horses To Watch” at virtually every track in North America. An 8-page publication with long ONLY and informative commentary. The club lists one $3.21/week! “Four Star Special” (Best Bet) and one “Longshot of With 1-year subscriptions Delivery by email, download, fax or US Mail the Week” for every major track.

To order, call (800) 645-2240 or go to AmericanTurf.com/club April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 33 Over the Turf

The Ensuing Step Keying Last-out Maiden Grass Winners By William F. Hudgins, Jr.

t would have been quite easy for evaluating the last-out maiden special 8-1/2 panel jaunt over the Del Mar turf me to have opted to entitle this weight winner. Youthful developing course last November slated to test I article “Exceptional Entry-Level Thoroughbreds who can turn in an entry-level allowance distaffers in her Allowance Spot Plays”. After all, our effort such as this in their most recent sixth career start. Her latest outing initial mandate utilizing the forthcom- race, even against limited competition, personifies a professional performance ing methodology is that you restrict are prized commodities when following as she settled early-on, hit the quarter your selections exclusively to the type up such a performance against prelimi- pole in third position just a length off of turf heats going a mile or longer. I nary allowance competition. the leaders, responded when asked to elected instead to focus on the near ideal move up to second just a head behind, candidate that often enters these kind Spotting Well-Placed Last-out and finished with aplomb to prove a of classy preliminary condition heats, Maiden Winners one-length winner. The pace quarter that being young equine athletes who 1. Confine potential selections to entry- was a respectable :24-3/5 seconds. Well- have just won at the maiden special level allowance and/or optional spotted for her ensuing contest, Lucy weight level and are now about to take claiming allowance for “non-winners De proved her professionalism was no the next logical ensuing step along of one other than…” in turf races at joke – comfortably rating seventh but Thoroughbred racing’s classification distances of eight furlongs (one mile) just 2-3/4 off the pace at the quarter ladder. or longer. pole, kicked it up when set down to sit Lightly-raced last-out maiden special 2. Dismiss all entrants who show more fourth just 3/4-lenghth off the paceset- weight winners offer the astute punter than ten career starts and who did ters, then powering home a half-length an opportunity to evaluate one of my not win their most recent race while to the good. Your reward for recogniz- favorite prerequisites for racing class facing maiden special weight compe- ing this was the logical next step for her – the “professional performance”. A tition going seven furlongs or longer was a decent $13.20 mutuel. professional performance is a winning over the turf. Thoroughbreds, not unlike their effort in which a turf horse, while trav- 3. To remain a viable selection, an human counterparts, learn and eling a distance of 7 furlongs or longer, analysis of that last-out maiden vic- develop at different rates. What turf reaches the pre-stretch call (most times tory should show the horse under handicappers should look for amongst the quarter pole) in a contending posi- scrutiny raced off the pace but within the younger, lightly-campaigned Thor- tion not on the lead but not more than four lengths of the leader at the pre- oughbreds is what can legitimately be four-lengths off the leader and shows stretch call and gained both ground deemed a truly professional perfor- it accelerated to gain both ground and and running position to the stretch mance last time out while facing other running position to the stretch call (the call. perceived “quality” young runners over eighth pole). Additionally, when look- 4. Finally, the intermediate fraction a distance of grass real estate. Pro- ing at the intermediate fractions of this from the half-mile to the 3/4-mile vided management opts to place the key effort, the time from the half-mile must have been no more than :24-4/5 sharp neophyte in a logical spot in its to the 3/4-mile – the third quarter – was seconds in that key last race. ensuing race, the likelihood of regres- run in “racing time”, meaning no more sion is minimal and the potential for than 24-4/5 seconds. Amongst more GGG Stables’ Lucy De is an excellent another solid performance is remark- seasoned grass runners one may need illustration of exactly the sharp, lightly- ably enhanced. Good handicapping to go back one, two, or sometimes three raced young athlete we love to uncover rascals! races in order to isolate the evaluative in a grassy entry-level allowance route. professional performance. Not so when This 4-year-old filly showed up for an

34 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 Horse of the Month

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April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 35 36 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 West Coast Notebook

Q&A: Brian Trump of Rockingham Ranch By Steve Sherack

rian Trump is the Director of engaged and married. Together, we Y Jet had just run a very strong sec- Operations at Rockingham have a beautiful daughter Skylar, and ond in the Golden Shaheen. We both B Ranch, the nom de course of another daughter on the way. During watched a documentary on the Godol- his father-in-law, Gary Hartunian. our dating, she suggested I go down to phin operation, from breeding horses, Rockingham Ranch has campaigned Del Mar with her father as he had just to purchasing horses, to the differences standouts such as the 2015 Grade 1 bought a horse that would be running between his UK, UAE, and Australian Woodford Reserve Turf Classic winner that day. Having no previous experi- operations, and finally to re-purposing Finnegans Wake, last year’s G1 Dubai ence with horses or at the racetrack, retired horse. We looked at each other Golden Shaheen runner-up X Y Jet, I thought it would be a good bonding and he said to me, ‘Wow, this is who and the very promising recent stakes experience with my girlfriend's father. we are up against. We need to be more winner Conquest Farenheit. Little did she know that I would catch organized, and have a better plan.” the bug and horseracing would quickly As soon as we got back to L.A., I took Q: Just a little about yourself first. Where fill the competitive void that was once on a full-time role for Rockingham are you from originally, where did you filled by baseball. Ranch. My job entails visiting our sta- attend school, and how were you introduced ble weekly [with trainer Peter Miller] to racing? Q: What’s a typical day for you like with at the San Luis Rey Training Center. I Brian Trump: I'm originally from the your duties at Rockingham Ranch? Tell us provide Gary with status reports on all Calabasas (Calif.) area. Grew up in about your role there. 41 of our horses in training there. Daily the land of Kardashians. Went to high BT: As Rockingham Ranch has phone meetings with our racing man- school at a small private school in the grown, so has my position. When my ager and longtime friend David Lan- L.A. area called Montclair Prep. It is at father-in-law Gary Hartunian had a few zman to discuss our New Jersey/Florida Montclair Prep where I met my future horses, I was simply a fan of the sport. trainer Jorge Navarro and to get status wife, whose brother was my teammate However, as the stable grew and we updates on our 11 horses with him, and on the baseball team. After going on started to venture into breeding, Gary our West Virginia trainer Jeff Runco a few dates, we remained friends as I decided there was a need for someone and our horses with him. Weekly status went off to play baseball at UC San to keep an eye on all the horses and reports with our broodmares at Taylor Diego, and she stayed in L.A. to pursue provide him with updates, as well as Made Farm in Kentucky and Ballena her professional ice skating career. handle all the paperwork. I remember Vista Farm in California, as well as our We reconnected years later after I sitting next to him on the flight back stallion Finnegans Wake, our wean- got back from college and quickly got from the Dubai World Cup, where X lings, yearlings, and 2-year-olds, and

Photo by Benoit April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 37 West Coast Notebook

our horses rehabilitating from injuries Q: Favorite way to celebrate a big win BT: I prefer to use a combination of or just getting some needed rest at our at the races? both Beyer figures and Rags numbers. rehab facility. And then, all the day-to- BT: Unfortunately, I do not get to I think both offer advantages, and I try day paperwork as far as making sure spend that much time at the actual to make the best decision based on all each horse’s papers are at the correct races. Most of my time is spent prep- info provided. track, making sure our racing licenses ping them for the race. When it comes are up to date in each state, and writing to the weekends, my time is spent with Q: What do you love most about racing? up contracts on prospective horses to my family. We usually all take a break BT: Many people enjoy the thrill of be purchased. from what we are doing to catch the the race, but for me it's everything race on TVG, either at home or on my that leads up to that race. Each one of Q: What’s been your favorite moment at iPhone, and when we have a big win, these horses has their own back story, the races since you began working for Rock- we usually go out for a nice dinner. As whether it be being bought at an auc- ingham Ranch? my daughter gets older, I will be taking tion, claimed at the track, or coming BT: By far, my favorite moment at the her out to the races more and more. off an injury. There is a big team of races was watching Finnegans Wake in people that come together and give the the G1 Woodford Reserve Turf Clas- Q: Finnegans Wake stands his first season best care and attention to each one of sic stalk the entire field nine lengths at stud in California in 2017. What’s the their individual needs. Whether it be at back, come around the final turn wide response to him been like so far? the rehabilitation facility, or under the and close on the entire field to win by BT: He ended his racing career care of Peter Miller and his amazing a head. It was the most exhilarating sound, and we kept going back and team, I truly appreciate being a part feeling. forth on whether to keep running him, of getting each horse to reach his/her but ultimately felt that he deserved the potential. Q: How big is the entire stable? Any run- stallion lifestyle after all the great suc- ners that you’re particularly excited about cess and memories he gave us. Q: You mentioned earlier that you are a for 2017? The feedback we have gotten has former baseball player. Any other sport(s) BT: We are now up to 64 horses of been that of excitement and great hope that you’re a fan of? racing age, 10 babies, 12 broodmares, for his foals. We feel that his ability to BT: I grew up playing baseball and and one stallion. We are very excited run long on the turf will translate well basketball, so they still have a place in about many of our horses this year. to his foals. Many people forget he fin- my heart. With the Chargers coming to We have a half-brother to Calcula- ished fourth by only a length and a half Los Angeles, I am excited to get into tor by Overdriven [named Earnhardt], to Hard Aces, Hoppertunity, and Catch football again. who is a specimen of horse and should A Flight in the G1 Santa Anita Gold be running soon and looks promising. Cup, and he ran four-wide the entire Q: Closing thoughts? We also have a Tapit 3-year-old that race. This horse could run on the dirt BT: I think it is a very exciting time should be debuting shortly that has very well, too, and because of that, we in horseracing. With the recent success shown some fight and will be debuting are sending our own dirt mares to him of American Pharoah and California shortly, too. as well in hopes of breeding some two- Chrome, horseracing appears to have We are very excited for the return of turn, dirt Cal.-bred horses. We have become more mainstream here in the California Diamond, Chalon, Bobby already locked him up to some very United States. More and more we see Abu Dhabi, and Big League. They all nice mares who have already had some big races being shown on NBC Sports, got off to nice starts, and with rest, of the top Cal.-bred horses, including and I feel a new generation of younger look to be coming back stronger. We Carries a Jewel, dam of 2016 Cal. Bred fans are getting into the sport that may are thrilled about Richard's Boy and 2-year-old California Diamond. not have otherwise without the recent Stormy Liberal. Both appear to be exposure. I am excited to see what the at the top of their game and we are Q: Do you have a favorite racetrack to future of the sport brings and love see- hoping to get them to Dubai to run handicap/wager on? ing new ideas like the Pegasus Cup. in the Al Quoz Sprint on the turf. We BT: I honestly am not a big gambler, Furthermore, it is fun to see other couldn’t be more excited about Con- but when I do throw some money young men and women get into the quest Farenheit. After experimenting down, it’s usually on our own horses. sport as ultimately we will become the on the dirt, we were very pleased to So, I guess that would mean either future of horse racing. see him back to his normal self on Santa Anita or Del Mar as that's where the turf in the Baffle Stakes. We are we race the majority of our horses. pointing him to the Pasadena Stakes, and from there will see where he takes Q: Which speed figures/past performances us this year! do you prefer using when analyzing pp’s?

38 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 Jerry Bailey’s Inside Track Volumes I & 2

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April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 39 Skeptical Handicapper

Ways to Win By Barry Meadow

very so often, I hear some player, than most individuals can do. But even than is taken in, which gives you a posi- or read in some handicap- these teams can’t do everything. “We tive expectation. Some of these require E ping forum, something to this don’t play perfectly,” says Bill Bentner, major money, so this is not a strategy effect: “You can’t win unless you do X.” head of one of the leading teams. “But for desperados. That X could range from understand- we play well enough considering we • Play turf races only. These races ing graduate-school-level mathematics bet on every track. A lone wolf playing generally attract a better class of horse, to staying away from favorites to watch- his own circuit may actually do better more easily handicapped than the dirt ing horses in the paddock. than us at that track.” That’s because maiden claimers that are so common I say, it’s best not to say you can’t the lone wolf can add such factors as at so many tracks. Watch replays, and do something. I played the Thor- paddock deportment and accurate race you can see who might have had par- oughbreds full-time for more than notes (the teams all depend on charts, ticularly good or bad trips of late. You 20 years. And certainly, there were though some use humans to supple- can often catch longshots who actually some things I could have done better. ment their trip notes at some tracks). figure in these races. I rarely watched horses in the paddock, And understand the daily nuances and • Look to beat vulnerable favorites. or studied the warmups. I could have idiosyncrasies at his home track. By playing against horses who have kept better bias notes. I bet too many So, what about you? Do you have no particular edge in speed and pace races at fair tracks and bullrings where a winning plan? Let’s look at a num- numbers, or who have no early speed, some horses take to the configuration ber of possibilities (find the one that or who are coming off long layoffs, or and others don’t. appeals most to you): who are ridden by 5% jockeys, you’re Then again, I did a bunch of things • Concentrate on one or two tracks more likely to catch prices. Learn how right. I studied the replays carefully. and know all the horses, trainers, and to identify horses that will probably be I rarely bet unless I felt I had an edge. jockeys at those tracks. That means overbet. When you’re right, at least I took advantage of rebates and pro- keeping detailed notes on each horse, you’ll get paid. motions. understanding which jockeys fit which • Consider trifectas and superfectas. Winning isn’t easy, particularly since types of horses, studying the replays, Unlike the pick 3’s and pick 6’s, you an estimated 20% of today’s handle is knowing the trainers, being able to have to be right only once. If you can bet by computerized robotic wager- figure changing biases on the fly, etc. leave out a favorite or second choice, ing teams, whose software spits out • Stick with non-jackpot carryovers, so much the better. Many tracks offer frighteningly accurate odds lines and particularly on mandatory payout days. 10-cent or 20-cent bets in these pools, makes optimal bets faster and better There’s often more money given out so don’t be afraid to throw in some

40 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 Skeptical Handicapper

bombs. Take stands – this one must at Del Mar but 24% at Golden Gate, • Whatever you do, stick with these be in the top two, this other one can’t and those in Kentucky buck a 14% universal strategies: be on the ticket at all, etc. takeout at Kentucky Downs but 22% Do all you can to get the largest • Zero-in on trainer specialties and at Churchill Downs. These are huge rebates possible. This might mean patterns. Learn the ins and outs of your differences. using more than one ADW, depending 20 leading trainers. Know who works • Follow small tracks with small han- on varying rates per track. his horses fast, who raises his horses dles. While you can’t crush a race at Pay attention to promotions and in class only when he’s confident, who Mahoning Valley as you might at Sara- reload bonus offers. Free money always helps your bottom line. Apply proper money management “Winning isn't easy, principles, betting only when you feel you have an advantage.

particularly since an Barry Meadow is the author of Money Secrets At The Racetrack. For seven years, he published estimated 20% of today's the newsletter Meadow’s Racing Monthly. In 2014, he won the first-ever Ron Rippey Award for handicapping media. His newly revised handle is bet by computerized website, trpublishing.com, features a number of free handicapping articles. To be notified robotic wagering teams.” about his upcoming book, send an e-mail to [email protected] requesting to be on wins off layoffs, which jockeys each one toga, you probably won’t be facing the his mailing list. prefers to use, etc. You’re not going to same number of sharpies, either. If you make big money just through speed specialize in tracks where there’s not and pace numbers, but trainer analysis much out-of-state interest from serious can still land rewards. players, you might have an advantage. • Specialize in tracks, and bets, with Some places handle almost nothing lower takeouts. Pick 5 players in Cali- on Monday through Wednesday, when fornia, for instance, are charged 14% many big players don’t participate.

April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 41 Turf Investor

Supplement Win Plays with Smart Exotics By Frank Cotolo

here is a munificence of exotic like this: Leg one is a win at $15.40; to two, three or more results to cash, wagers on racetrack programs leg two is a win at $23.00; leg three is are on the side of the bettor. That, of T these days. The sheer number a win at $8.80; leg four is a loss. course, goes for multi-race exotics – of available types of exotics can make The loss of the Pick 4 ticket is dev- the “Pick” races and Daily Doubles. one dizzy, especially since their base astating with even a minimally teamed The single-race exotics provide an even prices have changed, some now avail- ticket. For instance, let’s say it is a more complex set of chances, no less able as little as 10 cents. The question 50-cent Pick 4 that reads: 1,2,3 / 4,5 / passing on a single winner to partici- is simple: Which exotics, if any, are 6,7,8 / 1,2,4. This is a $27.00 ticket that pate. worth a play? returns nothing because 1, 2 or 4 were Every player I have ever known not winners in the final leg. Passed Single-Race Rigmarole seems to strive for a particular exotic. were three strong-paying winners. At The single-race exotic, of course, For unknown reasons, each player worst (just to make a point because no relies on a single field of horses. It becomes attached to hitting certain one should play against themselves would seem to be easier by compari- exotics and most of the time that can in a single race), if $2.00 were played son to cash an exotic ticket involving lead to a very expensive challenge. on each of the horses making up the competitors in the same race than in The “fever,” if you will, to hit a Pick Pick 4 ticket, it would have cost $22.00. a series of races (and fields), where the 3 or a Pick 4, or a Superfecta, or any The return would have been $47.20. problems within the individual races exotic, can become pricey, even when So, even playing poorly, a profit from have no effect on the other two, three the ticket has winners – but not as many win bets was possible, while the Pick or more races involved, as in Pick bets. needed to cash – if the player has put 4 returned nothing without all legs Indeed, the single-race exotic calls all of his or her money into hitting the being won. for only a single winner and in an exotic. This is because when cashing This is a great case for playing horses exacta, one winner and a loser; and one of these singe- or multi-race exot- to win and using an exotic as a supple- in a trifecta one winner and two los- ics becomes just short of obsessive, the ment wager only, if your bankroll can ers; and in a superfecta one winner player will pass on great win prices to withstand the investment. Ultimately, and three losers, etc. Add to that the accommodate a limited bankroll. of course, the win bets will always be rule that all losers must finish in the There is nothing worse – and I mean more valuable since the odds of need- exact order you choose, and you are nothing – than having a Pick-4 ticket ing a single result to cash as opposed choosing horses in a world of chaos.

42 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 Turf Investor

Of course there is the option of boxing on top, a 2-1 second and a 5-1 third, have keyed the higher odds horse for numbers. However, that means buying you won’t be making a down payment the win and crisscrossed the other two numerous losing combinations and on a home. In fact, you may have lost for second and third, which still cost being able only to cash the ticket for a money if you bought a ticket with too $6.00 but you would have been able single price. For a $2.00 base price, for many combinations or boxed it. to cash the trifecta three times. Then, instance, a trifecta box costs $12.00. For instance, if you boxed that 4-5, for the $6.00, you would have collected $192.00. And, of course, if you had played another $6.00 to win on your key horse (the 5-1), add $36.00 and “The 'fever', if you will, to collect $228.00 on the $12.00 invest- ment. As well, if you had not played the trifecta at all and played $12.00 to win hit a Pick 3 or a Pick 4, or a on the 5-1, you would have cashed for $72.00 no matter which horses came in second or third. superfecta, or any exotic, Ideally, having two bankrolls, one for wins and one for exotics, is the best can become pricey.” possible way to approach the pools, even though the cheap exotics are usu- ally affordable. But if you are selective, There is a lot of waste in ways to 2-1 and 5-1 trifecta for $1.00 ($6.00 you can make a few big scores with a purchase any kind of exotic for any box) and it came in with the 5-1 first, win and an exotic bet, while taking the price, but it doesn’t matter because the 2-1 second and the 4-5 third, which chance with only the exotic wager can return is always reflecting the nature should be the best paying combo, your wipe you out in no time. More about of the horses involved in the winning trifecta (according to a sample taken exotic play in my next column. combination. If you hit a trifecta with from recent race at Charles Town) a combination (no matter how many would pay roughly $64.00. If, however, combinations you buy) that has a 4-5 you targeted a bigger score, you could

April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 43 44 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 Horse of the Month

Unique Bella “The goal is to make her a champion. There will be time later to run against the colts if we choose,” Fernando Diaz- Valdes, advisor to Don Alberto Stable By Ellen Parker

here have always been great grey but even her name – ‘Bella’ recalls leading the sire list for the last three fillies around. Of this one can Eight Bells with whom she shares the years, her dam won a Breeders’ Cup T be certain. Whether we reach grey bloodline of Unbridled’s Song. race of her own (the 2010 Breeders’ into the past to recall a Sceptre or Except that Unique Bella is actually Cup Ladies Classic) and sold for $2.8 Dahlia, or reminiscence with fondness inbred to Unbridled, the 1990 Ken- million as a broodmare prospect, going the recent duo of Rachel Alexandra tucky Derby winner and excellent sire. to Elizabeth Moran’s Brushwood Stable and Zenyatta, these are history makers. Unbridled is the broodmare sire of Pennsylvania. Unique Bella herself Yet in recent times, we seem to have of her sire, Tapit, and the sire of her cost a cool $400,000 as a 2015 Keene- had them in ever growing numbers – broodmare sire, Unbridled’s Song. For land yearling. Azeri, Rags to Riches, Zenyatta, Rachel all the close in-breeding, she appears Her buyer was Carlos Heller’s Don Alexandra and all beat the bigger and stronger than Eight Bells Alberto Stables of Chile. She spent boys. International superstars like and one well-known turf writer com- her formative years at Creekview Farm Treve and Black Caviar and Goldikova mented that Unique Bella more closely near Paris, Kentucky, before being con- did no less. resembles Kentucky Derby winning filly signed for Brushwood by Eaton Sales. Just last year two Americans took Winning Colors than her star-crossed Reiley McDonald, owner of Eaton often their show on the road – Tepin and relation. checked on the classy miss prior to her Lady Aurelia – and they are sched- Nevertheless, from the outset com- debut in the sale ring. uled to stick around. And now we have parison would be the key to Unique “She has a beautiful head, neck, another superstar in the making – one Bella’s career. For starters not only shoulder profile and was deep through that might test the reigning queen, did she have the pedigree ties to Eight the girth, a hallmark of good horses,” Songbird, who happens to also reside Bells, but the trainer/rider ties of Hol- Reiley recalled. Creekview Farm man- in the barn of trainer Jerry Hollen- lendorfer and Mike Smith to two-time ager Brian Cotter added that she was dorfer. Eclipse award winner Songbird. a very uncomplicated, quick study in Unique Bella has a cross to bear, As to that pedigree, it fairly sings her early lessons and that she made however. Not only is she a big, strong with class. Her sire, Tapit, has been no mistakes, something rare with any

Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 45 Horse of the Month

young horse. Santa Ynez Stakes at seven furlongs at quickly, in the Feb. 5 Las Virgenes Since the filly deserved the best, Santa Anita on January 8, 2017. Only Stakes, over a flat mile at Santa Anita. who better than the man who had four other horses showed up to try her, This time, only three rivals could be developed superstar Songbird? The but it was a good four – all were com- found, but one was champion and filly made her initial start on June 16, ing off wins and Shane’s Girlfriend was Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner 2016 at Santa Anita and ran second to coming off a victory in the G3 Delta Champagne Room. a rival whose name might become a Downs Princess Stakes, which earned Settling just off the pace, the grey trivia question –Chalon – beaten 2 ¼ her the role as favorite. blur flew by her rivals and drew out to lengths going five furlongs. It was later Unique Bella had broken her maiden a handy 8 ¾-length victory in 1:35 3/5. discovered that she had a minor shin in wire-to-wire style, so when a three- Said her rider/admirer, “The way she problem, quite common with young- way battle for the lead developed, Mike settled, I could have taken her even sters and she was given some time off Smith thought it was a good time to farther back. At some point you have to heal and grow. see what would happen with his latest to let them be who they are, let them do Upon her return almost five months superstar if she was asked to rate. what they’re good at. I just let her do to the day of her first race, Unique “Taking hold of her didn’t seem to what she wanted to do and she picked Bella said “thanks” for the time off with bother her,” said the Hall of Famer, it up, and was well within herself.” The a resounding 10 ¼ length romping win “When we hit the far turn, it was like man who has handled Zenyatta and at 6 ½ furlongs at Del Mar. The chart she was breathing different air.” Seven Songbird knows a good one when he comment, as it would continue to do, and one half lengths of different air to rides one. read “handily.” be exact, with a final time of 1:22 1/5 Hollendorfer was the one who was A horse like Unique Bella seldom for the seven furlongs. surprised. “You never expect that,” races through all her conditions and “Today she showed that she is bril- said the veteran trainer. “But I was she was immediately placed into liant,” said Hollendorfer. Brilliant pretty confident when Mike made his graded stakes competition in the G2 enough it seemed to return rather move early.”

Unique Bella and Jockey Mike Smith

46 American Turf Magazine / April 2017 Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA Horse of the Month

Now the heat was on. Fans and com- was heard when a late-charging G1 Diaz-Valdes added that while it might mentators alike began clamoring for a winner named Abel Tasman came fly- not appear right this minute that the match with the boys. But neither Hol- ing at the grey filly. Mike Smith asked males constitute a great crop, that they lendorfer nor the filly’s owners were his budding superstar and she rebroke are developing and his concern is the keen on the idea. and found that something extra the filly, not someone else’s colts. “I’d like to keep her in California like good ones have to beat off the chal- “With a filly like this, you have to take we did with Songbird and if we’re lucky lenge and go on to a 2 ¼ length win one step at a time. You can’t afford to go for the Kentucky Oaks.” Fernando – this time “driving” instead of hand- leave races like the Kentucky Oaks on Diaz-Valdes noted that he had been ily. Given that a filly had tested her, the table.” As the Don Alberto brand told to go to the Kentucky Derby, but however, made the Santa Anita Oaks has continued to grow, Diaz-Valdes is that a wait-and-see position made the – and the Kentucky Oaks if the result aware that the now global racing and most sense at the time. was as hoped – and not the Derby a breeding enterprise needs family lines Three-year-olds are all about learn- more likely springtime goal for Unique to build upon. ing new tricks and in Unique Bella’s Bella. A filly like Unique Bella is just what a next start, the 1 1/16 mile G3 Santa Nevertheless, as mid-March major breeding farm needs – far more Ysabel at Santa Anita March 4, she was approached, there was still no standout than they need a win against males. required to dig a bit deeper into her among the colts. Would the Unique It will likely be on this basis that deci- well-documented talent. Breaking a bit Bella camp change their mind and go sions about her future will be made. So slowly from her rail slot she had to bull for the roses? Her connections did not don’t count her out – but don’t count her way through to the lead, but had seem to be leaning in that direction. her in, either. established herself as the one to beat “We’re just trying to do our best and with a five-length win in mid-stretch. she’s rewarding us,” Hollendorfer com- At that point, many went to cash mented. “I don’t have any thoughts their tickets, but a roar from the crowd about running her against the boys.”

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April 2017 / American Turf Magazine 47