The Derby Dispatch Contacts: Darren Rogers (502) 636-4461(o), (502) 345-1030 (m) or [email protected] @DerbyMedia Kevin Kerstein (502) 635-4712 (o), (610) 420-6971 (m) or [email protected] @HorseRacingKK

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ROAD TO THE DERBY Lecomte favorite, and sixth-placer Shashashakemeup also CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON BEGINS will return in the first division. Those making their stakes debut in the first division include WITH SPLIT DIVISIONS OF Blackberry Wine, who registered the top last-out Brisnet GRADE II, $400,000 Speed rating (95) when capturing an allowance on the Lecomte undercard; Farmington Road, a last-out maiden winner at LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020) – The Road for ; and Ready to Roll, who to the Championship Series is set to kickoff romped by 7 ½ lengths over maiden foes at Oaklawn for Bret Saturday in New Orleans with split divisions of the $400,000 Calhoun. Risen Star (Grade II) at Fair Grounds. In the second division, Anneau d’Oro has shipped from Over the next nine weekends, 3-year-old Northern to face 11 foes. An eight-length maiden will continue their quest for points in select races to secure a winner on turf, the son of Medaglia d’Oro recorded an berth in the starting gate for the 146th running of the $3 million excellent head second when making his second start in the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (GI) on Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. The Blaine Wright-trainee exits a Saturday, May 2 at . neck second in the Dec. 7 Los Alamitos Futurity (GII), and Due to an oversubscribed field, each division of the Risen Anneau d’Oro will add blinkers and Joel Rosario for the Star will be awarded its original $400,000 purse and the Top 4 Risen Star. finishers will receive points on a 50-20-10-5 scale for the Finnick the Fierce will look to improve upon a fourth in Kentucky Derby. the Lecomte after receiving a less-than favorable trip, and Since the point series was adopted in 2013, it has taken an trainer Rey Hernandez will remove the blinkers on the average 26 points to make the field of 20 for the Kentucky confirmed closer. Mailman Money tries stakes competition in Derby. good form for Calhoun, rolling to a 5 ¾-length allowance Also, the Road to the Kentucky Derby Prep Season will triumph at Fair Grounds on Jan. 12. culminate this weekend with Saturday’s $100,000 El Camino Two turns is the big question for Liam’s Lucky Charm, Real Derby (Listed) over the Tapeta surface at Golden Gate who invades from South Florida off a 5 ½-length tally in the Fields and Monday’s $750,000 (GIII) at seven-furlong Pasco at Tampa Bay Downs. Ny Traffic returns Oaklawn Park. Both races will award the Top 4 finishers to stakes company after posting a 6 ¾-length triumph over points on a 10-4-2-1 scale. entry-level allowance rivals at Gulfstream in his first start for Saffie Joseph Jr. ANNEAU d’OR, ENFORCEABLE HEAD DIVISIONS Last-out maiden winners Major Fed, Modernist and AS POINT VALUES INCREASE IN RISEN STAR – Truculent are also part of the second division. – James Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI) runner-up Anneau d’Or and Scully/TwinSpires.com Lecomte (GIII) winner Enforceable are the top draws, and Saturday’s Risen Star (GII) at Fair Grounds has split into SATURDAY’S EL CAMINO REAL, MONDAY’S divisions after receiving 23 entries. Both divisions retain the SOUTHWEST CLOSE ROAD TO KENTUCKY original $400,000 purse, which means each will yield 85 DERBY PREP SEASON – The Road to the Kentucky qualifying points (50-20-10-5 scale) toward a Kentucky Derby Derby Prep Season is set to come to a close following berth. Saturday’s $100,000 (Listed) at Golden The Risen Star, which has been lengthened to 1 1/8 miles Gate Fields and Monday’s $750,000 Southwest Stakes (GIII) at this year, is the first of 16 Championship Series races in the Oaklawn. Road to the Kentucky Derby series. Both races will award 10 points to the winner, four to Enforceable will meet 10 challengers in the first division, second, two to third and one for fourth. which brings back five of the top six placings from the Jan. 18 In Saturday’s El Camino Real, $100,000 Stakes (GIII) Lecomte. Trained by Mark Casse, who won last year’s Risen runner-up Azul Coast will lead 10 rivals in Golden Gate’s 1 Star with eventual Preakness (GI) hero , 1/8-mile marquee race. Two other Triple Crown-nominated Enforceable earned his first stakes win with a 1 ½-length horses are in Saturday’s field: maiden winner Czechmight and decision last time, and the late-running son of will retain recent allowance winner The Stiff. the services of Julien Leparoux. Post time for the El Camino Real Derby is 6:45 p.m. ET. Silver State finished a rallying second in the Lecomte for Monday’s Southwest is expected to include $500,000 Smarty , and the colt drew better in post Jones winner Gold Street along with $400,000 Springboard 2 Saturday for a ground-saving trip. Ricardo Santana Jr. rides. Mile runner-up Answer In. Entries will be drawn Friday Lecomte third-placer Mr. Monomoy, a half-brother to 2018 afternoon. winner and champion 3-year-old Monomoy Girl, is back for Brad Cox. Scabbard, fifth as the UPCOMING ROAD TO THE DERBY RACES – it’s a long road to get there. You have to earn your way in

Date Race Track Top 4 Points We just want to keep Enforceable sound. We’re looking Feb. 15 Risen Star (Division 1) FG 50-20-10-5 forward to the race and seeing where we stand.” David Feb. 15 Risen Star (Division 2) FG 50-20-10-5 Carroll, assistant to trainer Mark Casse. Feb. 15 El Camino Real Derby GG 10-4-2-1 Feb. 17 Southwest OP 10-4-2-1 Feb. 23 Hyacinth# Tokyo 30-12-6-3 #9 Mr Monomoy: “I thought he ran a good race in the Feb. 28 Patton* Dundalk 20-8-4-2 Lecomte and was able to pass horses like we saw in his debut. Feb. 29 Fountain of Youth GP 50-20-10-5 He was able to gallop out well with Enforceable.” – trainer March 4 Road to the Kentucky Derby* Kempton 20-8-4-2 Brad Cox March 7 Gotham Aqu 50-20-10-5 March 7 San Felipe SA 50-20-10-5 March 7 Tampa Bay Derby Tam 50-20-10-5 Risen Star Division 2: March 14 Jeff Ruby Steaks TP 20-8-4-2 March 14 Rebel OP 50-20-10-5 #3 Mr Big News: “He’s had some education with his last race March 21 FG 100-40-20-10 March 22 Sun 50-20-10-5 when he was stuck in traffic. He’s bred to run further and is March 28 UAE Derby Meydan 100-40-20-10 developing nicely every day. I think he’ll like the distance. He March 28 GP 100-40-20-10 was stuck behind a slower pace last out and he March 28 Fukuryu# Nakyama 40-16-8-4 very well. It looks like he’s peaking right now.” - Calhoun April 2 Cardinal Condition* Chelmsford 30-12-6-3 April 4 Wood Memorial Aqu 100-40-20-10 April 4 Blue Grass Kee 100-40-20-10 #7 Major Fed: “He’s a big, good looking horse. We knew he April 4 Santa Anita Derby SA 100-40-20-10 had some talent from the start. We sprinted him first time out April 11 OP 100-40-20-10 and he was just kind of green and ran into some really nice April 11 Lexington Kee 20-8-4-2 horses. He got some good schooling in his maiden win and # Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby * European Road to the Kentucky Derby he’s just figuring things out.” – Travis Foley, assistant to trainer Greg Foley QUOTABLE #8 Anneau d’Or: “Our number one factor coming to Fair Notable quotes provided by owners, trainers and jockeys to Grounds was the spacing between the Risen Star and Santa track officials: Anita Derby. It allows us to travel across the country, come back and still get six weeks in between races. Those are the Risen Star Division 1: two races we’ve targeted and hopefully the horse keeps doing what it takes to get us where we want to go. … In my opinion, #1 Digital: “He’s a horse that is a little lighter physically. He we were a head and neck away from winning an Eclipse needs a little more time between works and races. … (His last Award. We have to find a way to get past horses. Joel Rosario race) was his first time going two turns and the horse that won flew up (to Northern California), worked him last week, and (Blackberry Wine) had some experience going two turns got to know him. Hopefully the changes will work to our already as well as more race experience in general.” – trainer advantage.” – trainer Blaine Wright Bret Calhoun #9 Lynn’s Map: “We’re throwing out the () at #3 Ready to Roll: “We got behind on him a little bit and Oaklawn. The track seemed to be very sticky that day and, to stuck him in a turf sprint just to give him a race for fitness. It me, he never settled and got comfortable. When Miguel became a bog that day with a wet turf course and he got a little (Mena) asked him to pick it up, Lynn’s Map sort of lost his bit tired. We brought him down to Fair Grounds and he had action and never looked happy in that race.” – Carroll some education in that race with a sloppy track and getting behind horses. After that race we sort of looked at the horses #11 Mailman Money: “He’s always been solid in the we had in our barn and didn’t want to run him against another mornings. I think he’s along the same lines as (2019 Louisiana so we opted to run down at Oaklawn and he ran to our Derby winner) By My Standards was early in his career when expectations. He’s coming along very well. If I had something he was physically and mentally immature. They got better as to criticize, I wish he wasn’t coming back in just 22 days but I they grew up a little bit. This horse has surprised us being two really liked the way he bounced back from his maiden win.” - for two. Physically and mentally he’s not where I know he will Calhoun be soon. That gives us a lot of confidence and optimism going forward into the Risen Star.” – Calhoun #7 Blackberry Wine: “We’ve been high on him since day one and that’s why we took him to Saratoga to start. He likes a firm PAST PERFORMANCES & HISTORY turf but has also shown he likes the main track.” – trainer Joe Brinset.com Kentucky Derby Contenders Past Performances Sharp https://bit.ly/39vIRX5

Risen Star Div 1. Past Performances #8 Enforceable: “We’re very happy with the split of the race. https://bit.ly/2uyXhaj It gives more horses and owners an opportunity to run and Risen Star Div 2. Past Performances earn points for the Kentucky Derby. (Enforceable) is a horse https://bit.ly/31Okq4H that trains himself. He loves going out in the mornings and doing his work. He does it very professionally every morning El Camino Real Past Performances and well within himself. … There’s not a shortcut to the Derby https://bit.ly/2tUMZAV ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY TOP 25 CAN SAN VICENTE WINNER NADAL GET THE

# Horse Trainer Points DISTANCE? – Since the speedy Nadal won last Saturday’s 1. Storm the Court Peter Eurton 22 seven-furlong San Vicente (Grade II), it has been debated by 2. Barclay Tagg 22 many handicappers if the -trained colt will thrive 3. Thousand Words Bob Baffert 20 at a two-turn distance. 4. Independence Hall Mike Trombetta 14 5. Shotski Jeremiah O’Dwyer 14 There is little doubt Nadal is quick out of the gate following 6. Enforceable Mark Casse 13 blistering opening quarter-mile fractions of the San Vicente in 7. Anneau d’Or Blaine Wright 12 :21.80 and :44. Nadal was purchased for $700,000 at the 2019 8. Shoplifted Steve Asmussen 12 Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Sale after recording the third-fastest 9. Silver Prospector Steve Asmussen 11 10. Maxfield Brendan Walsh 10 eighth-mile breeze at the sale in 10 seconds. 11. Eight Rings Bob Baffert 10 Nadal is by whose offspring have an average winning 12. Sole Volante Patrick Biancone 10 distance of 7.3 furlongs. Blame is by Arch whose progeny have 13. Dennis’ Moment Dale Romans 10 an average winning distance of 7.9 furlongs. 14. Max Player Linda Rice 10 15. Gold Street Steve Asmussen 10 On the bottom side of the pedigree, Nadal is out of the 16. Bob Baffert 10 Pulpit Ascending Angel. She was 0-12 on the racetrack 17. Ajaaweed Kiaran McLaughlin 7 and ran on the turf in 11 of those starts. She produced one 18. Scabbard Eddie Kenneally 6 other foal, Angel Number, who is 0-5. 19. Wrecking Crew Peter Miller 5 20. Finnick the Fierce Rey Hernandez 5 The debate on if Nadal can handle a two-turn distance 21. Green Light Go Jimmy Jerkens 4 could be solved when the colt takes on the 1 1/16-mile Rebel 22. Gouverneur Morris Todd Pletcher 4 (GII) in his next start on March 14. 23. High Velocity Bob Baffert 4 24. Answer In Brad Cox 4 25. American Theorem George Papaprodromou 4 BREEDERS’ FUTURITY RUNNER-UP GOUVERNEUR MORRIS RETURNS FRIDAY AT DERBY DETAIL TAMPA BAY DOWNS – Team Valor International and WinStar Farm’s $500,000 Breeders’ Futurity (GI) runner-up

Gouverneur Morris is set to make his 3-year-old debut in a SPLIT DIVISIONS – Saturday’s split divisions of the first-level allowance race on Friday at Tampa Bay Downs $400,000 Risen Star will be the fourth time the race has been where he will square off against four other Triple Crown- run in multiple divisions. The last time the race had split nominated rivals. divisions was 1995. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Gouverneur Morris broke his In split division races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, maiden impressively on Sept. 2 at Saratoga by nine lengths. the original points will be awarded to each division if the race The colt by Constitution finished 5 ½ lengths behind awards its originally published purse to both halves. If the Maxfield in the Breeders’ Futurity and has been regularly original purse is split between the two divisions, the points will training toward his seasonal debut since mid-December at be reduced accordingly. Palm Beach Downs in South Florida. The Risen Star was also run in split divisions in 1993 and Pletcher’s go-to rider John Velazquez will be in the irons. 1989. Also entered in the one mile and 40 yard allowance race is

$200,000 Iroquois Stakes (GIII) fourth-place finisher RISEN STAR NO STRANGER TO PRODUCING Letmeno and $150,000 Stakes fourth-place finisher FUTURE STAKES WINNERS – Last year’s running of the Untitled. Risen Star (GII) produced seven future graded stakes winners Pletcher has used this race at Tampa Bay Downs to pave his including Kentucky Derby (GI) winner , who road to the Kentucky Derby (GI). In 2016, Outwork won this finished second behind eventual Preakness (GI) hero War of allowance race (previously run at 6 ½ furlongs) prior to Will. finishing second in the Tampa Bay Derby (GII) and winning Last year’s fourth-place finisher, Hog Creek Hustle, the Wood Memorial (GI). He finished 14th in the Kentucky rebounded four months later to win the $400,000 Woody Derby. In 2018, Pletcher’s Magnum Moon cruised to victory Stephens (GI) at while seventh-place finisher in this race prior to winning the Rebel (GII) and Arkansas Mr. Money soared past $1 million in purse earnings with Derby (GI). He finished 19th in the Kentucky Derby. victories in the $500,000 West Virginia Derby (GIII), $500,000

Indiana Derby (GIII), $400,000 Mile (GIII) and OAKS, TURF CLASSIC EARLY NOMS DUE – Early $150,000 Matt Winn (GIII). nominations for the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks Another eventual stakes winner from last year’s race was (GI) and the $1 million Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic eighth-place runner Owendale who finished third in the (GI) close Saturday. For more information: Preakness prior to his half-length score in the $500,000 Ohio http://bit.ly/2spFso1 Derby (GIII) in late June.

Tenth-place finisher Henley’s Joy returned to turf ADDITIONAL TRIPLE CROWN NEWS AND NOTES following his unsuccessful dirt try in the Risen Star and found – Trainer Bob Baffert reported San Vicente runner-up Nadal Grade I glory in the $1 million Invitational. could target the March 14, $750,000 Rebel (GII) at Oaklawn. Plus Que Parfait was beaten 20 ¼ lengths in last year’s Baffert also reported top 3-year-olds Authentic and Risen Star but quickly rebounded to remain on the Derby trail Thousand Words could target the $400.000 San Felipe (GII) with a victory in the $2.5 million UAE Derby (GII). on March 7 at Santa Anita. … Trainer Doug O’Neill’s

assistant Leandro Mora reported $250,000 UAE 2000 Guineas (GIII) winner Fore Left would train up to the $2.5 Risen Star presented by Lamarque Ford (GII) Div. 2 million UAE Derby (GII). … Iroquois Stakes (GIII) winner Saturday, Feb. 15, $400,000, 3yo, 1 1/8 M, Fair Grounds (R12), Top 4 Points: 50-20-10-5. 7:12 p.m. ET. TV: TVG. Dennis’ Moment will have a change for the $400,000 # Horse Jockey Trainer ML Fountain of Youth. Due to Irad Ortiz Jr.’s commitment to 1. Modernist Junior Alvarado Bill Mott 8-1 ride McKenzie in the $12 million Saudi Cup, Flavien Prat 2. Truculent* Declan Carroll Jack Sisterson 20-1 will ride Dennis’ Moment in the Feb. 29 Fountain of Youth, 3. Mr. Big News Bret Calhoun 20-1 according to trainer Dale Romans. 4. Fame to Famous Colby Hernandez John McAllen 20-1 5. Liam’s Lucky Charm Edgard Zayas Ralph Nicks 9-2 6. Excession Ricardo Santana Jr. Steve Asmussen 20-1 THE RUNDOWN 7. Major Fed Julien Leparoux Greg Foley 10-1 8. Anneau d’Or Joel Rosario Blaine Wright 9-5 9. Lynn’s Map Corey Lanerie Mark Casse 10-1 John Battaglia Memorial 10. Finnick the Fierce Sonny Leon Rey Hernandez 10-1 Friday, Feb. 14, $100,000, 3yo, 1 1/16 M (Polytrack), Turfway Park (R5), Top 11. Mailman Money Gabriel Saez Bret Calhoun 8-1 4 Points: 0-0-0-0. 8:12 p.m. ET. TV: TVG. 12. Ny Traffic Javier Castellano Saffie Joseph Jr. 10-1

# Horse Jockey Trainer ML 1. Hail to the Chief Joe Bravo Wesley Ward 8-1 * Not Triple Crown nominated 2. Drew* Arnaldo Bocachica James Chapman 30-1 3. Artemus Eagle* Rafael Hernandez Mike Maker 5-1 4. Ryan’s Cat John McKee James Chapman 15-1 SPOTLIGHT HORSE: ANNEAU d’OR 5. High Holy Alan Garcia Darrin Miller 7-2 6. Truculent* Declan Carroll Jack Sisterson 6-1 7. Toma TOdo* Gerardo Corrales Mike Maker 5-1  Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI) runner-up Anneau d’Or 8. Invader Albin Jiminez Wesley Ward 9-2 traveled more than 2,200 miles from 9. Shake Some Action* Corey Lanerie Brad Cox 4-1 in Northern California to New Orleans for his 3-year-old 10. My Man Flintstone* Luan Machado Kenny McPeek 6-1 debut in Div. 2 of Saturday’s $400,000 Risen Star (GIII) at 11. Bahama Channel* Julie Burke Larry Demeritte 20-1 12. Declared* Declan Cannon Jack Sisterson 12-1 Fair Grounds. The $480,000 OBS April Sale purchase will

add blinkers in his seasonal bow for Canadian owner (GII) Peter Redekop and veteran horseman Blaine Wright. Saturday, Feb. 15, $200,000, 3yo , 1 1/16 M, Fair Grounds (R11), Top 4 Points: 50-20-10-5. 6:05 p.m. ET. TV: TVG.  Owner information: Peter Redekop is an 84-year-old native # Horse Jockey Trainer ML of British Columbia. Redekop began investing in horse 1. His Glory James Graham Tom Amoss 10-1 2. Ursula Mitchell Murrill Mike Stidham 8-1 racing in the late 1960s. He and his cousin, Peter Wall, 3. Brian Hernandez Jr. Kenny McPeek 8-1 originally began buying horses with the goal of winning 4. Impeccable Style Corey Lanerie Kenny McPeek 10-1 their home territory’s biggest race: the British Columbia 5. Tempers Rising Julien Leparoux Dallas Stewart 6-1 Derby at Racecourse. Redekop grew up in the 6. British Idiom Javier Castellano Brad Cox 8-5 7. Finite Ricardo Santana Jr. Steve Asmussen 2-1 former Soviet Union and his family was oppressed by Communists because of their religious beliefs. His family El Camino Real Derby was displaced for two years in Germany until World War Saturday, Feb. 15, $100,000, 3yo, 1 1/8 M (Tapeta), Golden Gate Fields (R7), II ended. Redekop’s family immigrated to Canada in 1948 Top 4 Points: 10-4-2-1. 6:45 p.m. ET. TV: TVG. and began a successful real estate business. # Horse Jockey Trainer 1. Indian Peak* Juan Hernandez Quinn Howey 2. Praise Loudly* Silvio Amador Daniel Franko  Trainer information: Blaine Wright is a successful trainer 3. American Farmer* Steve Sherman in the Pacific Northwest with strings of horses at Golden 4. Wine and Whiskey* Cristobal Herrera Felix Rondan Gate Fields in Northern California and Emerald Downs 5. Mysterious Stones* Billy Antongeorgi III Steve Sherman in his home state of Washington. Wright made a splash on 6. Final Final* Kevin Krigger Bill McLean 7. Sacred Rider* Frank Alvarado Steven Specht the national scene in 2019 with El Camino Real Derby 8. Ajourneytofreedom* Ricardo Gonzalez Blaine Wright winner Anothertwistafate. The colt pointed toward the 9. Azul Coast Rafael Bejarano Bob Baffert Kentucky Derby (GI) but opted to the Preakness (GI) 10. Czechmight Jose Valdivia Jr. Richard Baltas when he did not have enough points to run in the Derby. 11. The Stiff Julien Couton Michael McCarthy Wright has been involved in throughout his Risen Star presented by Lamarque Ford (GII) Div. 1 life. His father, Richard, is a retired jockey turned trainer. Saturday, Feb. 15, $400,000, 3yo, 1 1/8 M, Fair Grounds (R12), Top 4 Points: His mother, Susan, is an owner, breeder and former 50-20-10-5. 6:38 p.m. ET. TV: TVG. assistant trainer to his father. Wright’s parents still own

# Horse Jockey Trainer ML horses that he trained along with his sisters Cherie and 1. Digital Brian Hernandez Jr. Bret Calhoun 6-1 Judy. Wright sports six graded stakes victories and, 2. Silver State Ricardo Santana Jr. Steve Asmussen 4-1 3. Ready to Roll Gabriel Saez Bret Calhoun 20-1 arguably, his most successful horse he’s trained was 15- 4. Perfect Revenge Shaun Bridgmohan Saffie Joseph Jr. 20-1 time winner Alert Bay. The California-bred earned four 5. Moon Over Miami Junior Alvarado Bill Mott 10-1 graded stakes victories in his 36-race career. 6. Shashashakemup James Graham Keith Desormeaux 20-1 7. Blackberry Wine Adam Beschizza Joe Sharp 5-1 8. Enforceable Julien Leparoux Mark Casse 7-2 9. Mr. Monomoy Florent Geroux Brad Cox 6-1 10. Farmington Road Javier Castellano Todd Pletcher 8-1 11. Scabbard Joel Rosario Eddie Kenneally 12-1

SCULLY’S DERBY REPORT performance on Jan. 19, scoring by a widening 3 ¾-length margin over 6 ½ furlongs. He’s trained by five-time Kentucky Independence Hall entered 2020 as a top contender, but his Derby winner Bob Baffert and given his imposing physical Kentucky Derby stock took a precipitous hit when trying two stature, Nadal’s exciting debut sparked memories of 2018 turns in the Feb. 8 Sam F. Davis (GIII) at Tampa Bay Downs. Triple Crown winner , who rolled through three starts Sole Volante ran past the odds-on favorite to post a 2 ½- before becoming the first unraced 2-year-old to capture the length decision, and the former turf performer picked up 10 Kentucky Derby in 136 years. points toward a Kentucky Derby berth in his first qualifying Nadal came back three weeks later in the San Vicente, with race. Baffert conceding he did little between starts, and an inside The pace was hot in the 1 1/16-mile event, and post forced Joel Rosario’s hand as he let his mount run. The Independence Hall refused to settle. He tried to chase dueling bay colt has been all speed in both starts, and he required 13.54 front-runners from the break, forcing Jose Ortiz to take a seconds to complete the final furlong in the San Vicente, but heavy hold as they raced just behind the speed. Sole Volante Nadal remains eligible to keep improving. saved ground from his inside post while fifth, 15 ½ lengths Front-running Justify showed his tractability when stretching back after the opening half-mile, and he began to make out to two turns, settling just off the early pace before headway from off the pace rounding the far the turn. exploding to win going away, and we’ll see whether Nadal can Independence Hall advanced to take a short lead into the relax during the early stages when he stretches out to two turns stretch, but Sole Volante was coming. The Patrick Biancone- in the March 14 Rebel (GII) at Oaklawn Park. trained winner kicked clear late, completing the final sixteenth Champion 2-year-old Storm the Court was never a factor of a mile in six seconds, and Sole Volante received a 108 finishing fourth in the San Vicente, his first start since Brisnet Late Pace rating after finishing fast. Luca Panici was upsetting the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI) at Santa Anita, and up. he will point to the Rebel. A half-brother to a Grade III winner and from a classy turf Spa City stretched out to 1 1/8 miles in his third start and female family, Sole Volante brought only $6,000 when passing broke his maiden in front-running fashion at Gulfstream on through the sales ring as a yearling, and Biancone picked him Feb. 8. Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, the Godolphin out of the OBS April 2-year-old sale for $20,000. The gelded homebred son of could be headed straight to son of 2014 Breeders’ Cup Mile (GI) winner Karakontie is stakes company after registering a whopping 103 Briset Speed campaigned by Reeves Racing, Limelight rating for the one-length decision. Stables and Andie Biancone. Sole Volante opened his racing career with a three-length Previews score over turf maiden special weight rivals at Gulfstream Park West, and followed with a 13-1 upset in the grassy Pulpit S. at The second of three qualifiers at Fair Grounds, the Feb. 15 Gulfstream in late November, closing last-to-first to win by Risen Star (GII) also marks the first of 16 races in the two lengths. Switching to the main track for the Jan. 4 Mucho Championship portion of the Road to the Kentucky Derby Macho Man at a one-turn mile, Sole Volante came up 2 ½ series. It has been split into divisions, with each retaining the lengths short, but earned a 100 Brisnet Speed original $400,000 value, and point values will increase to 50-20- rating for the rallying third-place finish. 10-5 for the first four finishers. The distance was lengthened to He moved forward in the Davis, registering a 102 Speed 1 1/8 miles this year, and the first division came up tougher rating, and Sole Volante will bring his late kick to either the than the second. March 7 Tampa Bay Derby (GII) or March 21 Louisiana Golden Gate Fields will offer its lone qualifier on the same Derby (GII) according to Biancone, who finished second in afternoon, the $100,000 El Camino Real Derby, and Sham the 2004 Kentucky Derby with Lion Heart. (GIII) runner-up Azul Coast, who ships north for Baffert, Independence Hall looked suited to shorter distances while tops an 11-horse field in the 1 1/8-mile race on the Tapeta weakening late at 7-10 odds. It’s not what you want to see track. It is worth 17 combined points (10-4-2-1). from a Derby contender, but also premature to make any On Presidents’ Day, the $750,000 Southwest (GIII) takes definitive judgments given he didn’t switch off in the early place at Oaklawn Park. It’s the second of four qualifiers at the stages. Michael Trombetta will continue to work with the Hot Springs, Ark. venue, and the final 17-point qualifier for headstrong colt, and it will be interesting to see the tactics next the May 2 Kentucky Derby. The field for the 1 1/16-mile time. Southwest will be drawn on Valentine’s Day. Here are my thoughts on the Risen Star contestants: Other 3-year-olds 1st division: Nadal was bet to 8.50-1 favoritism among individual interests in Pool 2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW), #1 Digital: Nice maiden win two back, came up little short to which closed about 30 minutes prior to the seven-furlong San Blackberry Wine when trying two turns last time. Still some Vicente (GII) at Santa Anita on Feb. 9, and the highly- upside if he handles 1 1/8-mile distance. regarded sophomore remained unbeaten after scoring as the 3- 10 choice. He gunned it from the start, dueling through :21.81 #2 Silver State: Got going too late, but rallied well for second and :44.09 splits with longshot Ginobili, and fought back in in Lecomte. Serious win contender if he keeps improving for the stretch to win by three-quarters of a length. Steve Asmussen. A $700,000 2-year-old purchase by Blame, Nadal caused a stir when opening his career with a sparkling debut #3 Ready to Roll: Received a dream trip on lead and crushed #7 Major Fed: Third to Gold Street in Churchill debut, he maiden foes over a muddy Oaklawn Park track last time. May rolled to convincing maiden tally when stretching to two turns add to pace but appears unlikely. at Fair Grounds on New Year’s Day. Julien Leparoux takes mount on interesting longshot for Grey Foley. #4 Perfect Revenge: Recent claimer looks too slow based upon Speed ratings. #8 Anneau d’Or: After breaking maiden on turf, he followed with close seconds in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and Los Alamitos #5 Moon Over Miami: Sharp maiden win at Aqueduct two Futurity (GII). Adds blinkers for return and rates as the one to back, flat when opening 2020 with fifth as a favorite in beat with Joel Rosario. Gulfstream allowance. #9 Lynn’s Map: Recorded a solid allowance win at Fair #6 Shashashakemeup: Showed speed from outside post Grounds two back, but must rebound after disappointing fifth before weakening to sixth in Lecomte. Churchill maiden in the Smarty Jones. winner eligible to show more from a better starting position. #10 Finnick the Fierce: Rallied belatedly for fourth in #7 Blackberry Wine: Entered for turf in his first five starts Lecomte after dropping far back from rail post. A fast-closing (breaking his maiden in off-the-turf maiden), he exits an second in Kentucky Jockey Club (GII) two back, one-eyed late encouraging one-length tally over Digital in an entry-level runner should appreciate outside draw here. allowance at Fair Grounds. Posted the top last-out Brisnet Speed rating (95), and forward factor merits respect with #11 Mailman Money: He’s 2-for-2 for Calhoun, recording a Adam Beschizza. 5 3/4-length allowance triumph most recently over the track, and will try to challenge from just off the pace with the right #8 Enforceable: After a couple of non-threatening stakes trip. efforts to conclude his juvenile season, he broke through with 1 ½-length win in Lecomte. Look to keep enhancing #12 Ny Traffic: Javier Castellano takes the call after wire-to- credentials for Mark Casse. wire allowance win at Gulfstream, but gray colt still has much to prove given previous form. #9 Mr. Monomoy: Lacked necessary finishing kick checking in third after perfect trip in Lecomte. Well-bred colt must find Kentucky Derby Top 10 more while stretching out here. 1 Tiz the Law: March 28 Florida Derby next for sharp Holy #10 Farmington Road: Invades for Todd Pletcher after a Bull winner comfortable maiden tally at Tampa Bay Downs. His Brisnet Speed ratings are a little low, though. 2 Thousand Words: Unbeaten Robert B. Lewis winner targeting March 7 San Felipe #11 Scabbard: Seeks to rebound after faltering as the favorite in Risen Star, but tough outside draw for colt with a propensity 3 Maxfield: Optimistic he’ll return to worktab soon for troubled trips. 4 Anneau d’Oro: BC Juvenile runner-up heads second 2nd division: division of Risen Star

#1 Modernist: Had everything his own way in convincing 5 Dennis’ Moment: Will be back in Feb. 29 Fountain of maiden win at Aqueduct, but improving colt remains intriguing Youth for Bill Mott. 6 Nadal: KDFW Pool 2 favorite to try two turns in Rebel #2 Truculent: Steps up after rolling to a maiden win at Fair Grounds in late November. 7 Sole Volante: Late runner earned first dirt win with Sam F. Davis upset #3 Mr. Big News: Last-out maiden winner has improved in the last two for Calhoun, but don’t know if he’s fast enough to 8 Enforceable: Lecomte winner the one to beat in first challenge here. division of Risen Star

#4 Fame to Famous: Turf maiden winner makes dirt debut 9 Silver State: Looks to keep building on Lecomte runner-up as huge longshot. in Risen Star

#5 Liam’s Lucky Charm: Dynamite in one-turn races, nine 10 Ete Indien: Holy Bull runner-up has netted triple-digit furlongs the big question considering he finished a well-beaten Speed figs in both dirt starts – James third in lone two-turn start. Scully/TwinSpires.com

#6 Excession: Never fired at long odds in Lecomte. Broke maiden in slop so a wet track could aid his chances.

THIS WEEK IN DERBY HISTORY broke in forth, trailing and the other leaders along the rail. Taking over third as they entered the Wednesday marked 80 days until this year’s running of the $3 stretch, the crowd roared as Bimelech turned for home in million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve front. However, Gallahadion caught and passed Bimelech at (Grade I). The Kentucky Derby Museum’s Rickelle Nelson the sixteenth pole, going on to win the Derby by a length and a took a look back in history 80 years ago when Gallahadion half. The crowd was silenced and stunned that their hero had won the “Sweetest Derby.” lost. The few that did back Gallahadion were well rewarded as In 1940 Gallahadion won what was dubbed the “Sweetest the longshot paid $72.40. It was the third time in four years Derby.” The colt was owned by Mrs. Ethel V. Mars’ Milky that the one post triumphed, joining Lawrin and War Way Farm who was the widow of Frank Mars, founder of Admiral. – Rickelle Nelson/Kentucky Derby Museum the famous chocolate bar brand. It was also sweet for those who backed Gallahadion at odds of 36-1; providing the largest LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS UPDATE payout since Donerail’s victory in the 1913 Kentucky Derby at odds of 91-1. Fillies trained by Brad Cox and Steve Asmussen have both The bay colt was bred by R. A. Fairbairn, and foaled at used the Rachel Alexandra (GII) at Fair Grounds as Fairholme Stud near Winchester, Ky. He was the product of springboards to success in the Kentucky Oaks (GI), and the a mating between Sir Gallahad III, the sire of three Kentucky two barns provide the leading contenders in Saturday's renewal Derby winners (, Gallahadion and Hoop Jr.), and of the $300,000 Road to the Kentucky Oaks Championship the Reigh Count mare, Countess Time. Reigh Count won Series prep over 1 1/16 miles. the 1928 Kentucky Derby. Cox, who trained champion Monomoy Girl to the double Fairbairn sent the colt to the Saratoga Yearling Sale, where two years ago, unveils juvenile filly champion British Idiom Milky Way Farm purchased him for $5,000 (about the for her season debut. The daughter of Flashback won all three equivalent to $90,000 in 2020). of her starts last season, including a title-clinching triumph in Roy Waldron had the training duties of Gallahadion, who the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI) at Santa Anita. That didn’t win a race in five starts when he was 2-years-old. In proved a hard fought win for British Idiom, who was a more spite of the lackluster season, the colt quickly found the convincing winner of the Alcibiades (GI) at in her winner’s circle at the beginning of his 3-year-old campaign, stakes debut. capturing a race at Santa Anita on Jan. 5. Then, on Feb. 10, he Asmussen, who trained Rachel Alexandra himself, has proved himself against stakes company in the San Vicente. conditioned four winners of this race, including eventual Gallahadion didn’t fare so well in his subsequent races, the Kentucky Oaks scorers and . His Santa Anita Derby and San Juan Capistrano Handicap but, leading prospect currently is Finite, who’s registered three nevertheless, the two-time winner then shipped to Churchill stakes wins in succession, highlighted by a game score in the Downs to prepare for the Kentucky Derby, the one race that Golden Rod (GII) at Churchill Downs in late November. The Mrs. Mars had always wanted to win. Munnings filly opened her 2020 account last month, prevailing His next start would come in the Derby Trial, where he in a stretch duel over Ursula in the Silverbulletday over the would face Colonel Bradley’s star, the great Bimelech, or Fair Grounds strip. “Big Bim.” Many considered him as the second coming of Besides Ursula, the Rachel Alexandra field includes Man O’ War. Gallahadion would finish second in the Derby Tempers Rising, third beaten a neck in the Silverbulletday; Trial behind the crowd favorite. Pocahontas (GII) runner-up His Glory, unplaced behind After the race, Waldron thought that they had a chance, Finite in her last two; and the Kenny McPeek-trained pair of telling anyone who would listen, however few believed him. Swiss Skydiver and Impeccable Style. He wasn’t that impressed with Bimelech, yet he was confident The Rachel Alexandra offers Oaks qualifying points of 50- in how his horse was training, as well as knowing that 20-10-5 to the top four finishers. The race can be watched and Gallahadion hadn’t been pushed in the Derby Trial. wagered on at TwinSpires.com. – Vance Bimelech would end up going off as the shortest-priced Hanson/Brisnet.com favorite since pari-mutuel betting was used for Kentucky Derby wagering, while Gallahadion was a 36-1 longshot. Unfortunately, Mrs. Mars couldn’t attend the race that mattered most to her, as she was home sick. Colonel Bradley was unable to attend the Derby as well, as his doctor had advised that he stay home due to his health. Jockey Caroll Bierman took the reins on Gallahadion for the 66th running of the Kentucky Derby. Eight horses went to post, every move watched by the 90,000 people that made up the swarming crowd that filled Churchill Downs. The roof of every barn was filled, every seat was taken and even the new bleachers that were put on the backside were filled to capacity. Everyone had come to see the great Bimelech prove victorious in the race he was destined to win. Although, that isn’t how the race unfolded.

ROAD TO THE LONGINES KENTUCKY OAKS TOP 20 SAN FELIPE (GII) Saturday, March 7, $500,000, 3yo, 1 1/16 M, Santa Anita, Arcadia, Calif., Top # Horse Trainer Points 4 Points: 50-20-10-5. 1. Bast Bob Baffert 34 Brisnet.com Run 2. British Idiom Brad Cox 30 Horse (Points) Trainer Prime Power Style 3. Finite Steve Asmussen 20 Known Likely Starters: 4. Donna Veloce Simon Callaghan 12 5. Wicked Whisper Steve Asmussen 10 Thousand Words (20) Bob Baffert 137.4 E/P 6 Authentic (10) Bob Baffert 133.2 E 6 6. Lazy Daisy Doug O’Neill 10 Known Possible Starters: 7. Taraz Brad Cox 10 8. ’s Shape Saffie Joseph Jr. 10 Fast Enough (0) Rafael Becerra 132.5 E/P 5 9. Lake Avenue Bill Mott 10 Honor A. P. 132.0 E/P 4 10. Venetian Harboar Richard Baltas 10 American Theorem (4) George Papaprodromou 131.0 E/P 6 11. Lucrezia Arnaud Delacour 10 12. Harvey’s Lil Goil Bill Mott 10 JEFF RUBY STEAKS (GIII) 13. Perfect Alibi Mark Casse 6 Saturday, March 9, $200,000, 3yo, 1 1/8 M (Polytrack), Turfway Park, 14. Comical Steve Asmussen 6 Florence, Ky., Top 4 Points: 20-8-4-2. 15. Motu Kenny McPeek 6 16. Gingham Bob Baffert 5 17. Frank’s Rockette Bill Mott 4 REBEL (GII) 18. Maedean Mark Hennig 4 Saturday, March 14, $1 million, 3yo, 1 1/16 M, Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, 19. K P Dreamin Jeff Mullins 4 Ark., Top 4 Points: 50-20-10-5. 20. His Glory Tom Amoss 4 Brisnet.com Run Horse (Points) Trainer Prime Power Style

Known Possible Starters: TAKING SHAPE Nadal (0) Bob Baffert 140.5 E 6 Basin (0) Steve Asmussen 135.5 E/P 6 The possible fields for Kentucky Derby Championship Series races Three Technique (4) Jeremiah Englehart 132.8 P 5 are fluid as owners and trainers vie for points on the “Road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve.” Below are known TWINSPIRES.COM LOUISIANA DERBY (GII) horses mentioned to be under consideration for each race based on Saturday, March 21, $1 million, 3yo, 1 1/8 M, Fair Grounds, New Orleans, published news reports and other sources. La., Top 4 Points: 100-40-20-10.

SUNLAND DERBY (GII) FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH (GII) Sunday, March 22, $800,000, 3yo, 1 1/8 M, Sunland Park, Hobbs, N.M., Top 4 Saturday, Feb 29, $400,000, 3yo, 1 1/16 M, Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Points: 50-20-10-5. Beach, Fla., Top 4 Points: 50-20-10-5. Brisnet.com Run Horse (Points) Trainer Prime Power Style UAE DERBY (GII) Saturday, March 28, $2.5 million, 3yo, 1 3/16 M, Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, Known Likely Starters: Top 4 Points: 100-40-20-10. Chance It (0) Saffie Joseph Jr. 146.6 E/P 6 Horse (Points) Trainer Dennis’ Moment (10) Dale Romans 141.0 E/P 4 Known Likely Starters: Structor (0) Chad Brown 138.8 E/P 4 As Seen On TV (0) Kelly Breen 138.8 E/P 6 Fore Left Doug O’Neill

Known Possible Starters:

Shotski Jeremiah O’Dwyer 137.8 E 6 FLORIDA DERBY (GI) Saturday, March 28, $1 million, 3yo, 1 1/8 M, Gulfstream Park, Hallandale GOTHAM (GIII) Beach, Fla., Top 4 Points: 100-40-20-10. Brisnet.com Run Saturday, March 7, $300,000, 3yo, 1 M, Aqueduct, Ozone, N.Y., Top 4 Points: Horse (Points) Trainer Prime Power Style 50-20-10-5. Known Possible Starters: Brisnet.com Run Horse (Points) Trainer Prime Power Style Tiz the Law Barclay Tagg 141.2 P 4

Known Likely Starters:

Mischievous Alex (0) 137.6 E/P 5 WOOD MEMORIAL (GII) Montauk Traffic (0) Linda Rice 127.6 P 4 Saturday, April 4, $750,000, 3yo, 1 1/8 M, Aqueduct, Ozone, N.Y., Top 4

Known Possible Starters: Points: 100-40-20-10.

Shotski Jeremiah O’Dwyer 137.8 E 6 Brisnet.com Run Horse (Points) Trainer Prime Power Style

Known Possible Starters: TAMPA BAY DERBY (GII) Saturday, March 7, $400,000, 3yo, 1 1/16 M, Tampa Bay Downs, Oldsmar, Max Player (10) Linda Rice 132.4 P 3 Fla., Top 4 Points: 50-20-10-5. Brisnet.com Run BLUE GRASS (GII) Horse (Points) Trainer Prime Power Style Saturday, April 4, $1 million, 3yo, 1 1/8 M, Keeneland, Lexington, Ky., Top 4

Known Possible Starters: Points: 100-40-20-10.

Independence Hall (14) Mike Trombetta 142.2 E/P 7 SANTA ANITA DERBY (GI) Sole Volante (10) Patrick Biancone 136.7 S 0 Saturday, April 4, $1 million, 3yo, 1 1/8 M, Santa Anita, Arcadia, Calif., Top 4 Points: 100-40-20-10.

ARKANSAS DERBY (GI) Saturday, April 11, $1 million, 3yo, 1 1/8 M, Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, Ark., Top 4 Points: 100-40-20-10.

LEXINGTON (GIII) Saturday, April 11, $200,000, 3yo, 1 1/16 M, Keeneland, Lexington, Ky., Top 4 Points: 20-8-4-2.

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