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Winslow Homer joined my top ten list on January 25th, but his Derby trail run is over after a stress fracture in his cannon bone was discovered late last month. His defection leaves an open space on my list, and I have decided to fill it with Drosselmeyer.
The exciting son of Distorted Humor hit the board in his first three outings on turf and synthetic, and he ended his juvenile season with a sharp flat mile maiden win at Churchill. He kicked off his 3yo campaign with a professional off the pace optional claiming tally at the Gulf on Jan 31st, and he earned a triple digit Bris speed rating for his efforts.
The Whirlaway Stakes at Aqueduct was supposed to be the coming out party for the fleet Eightyfiveinafifty, but instead of a wire job victory he is lucky to be alive after bolting and crashing through the rail. 14 stitches later and his next start is up in the air.
Interactif barely clings to life on the top ten list after missing by a nose in his 3yo bow. Wire job winner Bim Bam was game in victory, and the runner-up seems best when able to sit back and make a run.
Seven horses remain from my original list on Nov 15th, but many changes could be around the bend. On Feb 13th, Santa Anita Park runs the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (rescheduled from Feb 6th). Top ten player American Lion and honorable mention Dave In Dixie square off. The Grade 3 Sam Davis from Tampa Bay will also be contested on the 13th.
Oaklawn Park runs the Southwest Stakes on Feb 15th, and honorable mention Dublin gets a shot to rebound from a disappointing end to his juvenile season for D Wayne Lukas.
Two graded races are scheduled for Feb 20th, beginning with the Gulfstream’s Fountain of Youth. Jackson Bend, Eskendereya, and Buddy’s Saint are the marquee names.
On the same day, Fair Grounds Race Course plays host to the Risen Star Stakes. I am looking for Maximus Ruler to turn the tables on Ron The Greek.
1. Lookin At Lucky (Smart Strike) – Bad weather in SoCal and a minor illness caused a small setback for the 2yo champ. Working in blinkers and might go next in the San Felipe on March 13th.
2. Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil) – Was clearly 2nd best in the Holy Bull, and that was a decent start to his 3yo campaign. Should learn more about him in the Fountain of Youth on Feb. 20th.
3. Eskendereya (Giant’s Causeway) – Rebounded from a troubled BC Juvenile journey with a sharp prominent throughout win in an allowance affair at Gulfstream Park. Gets tested for class in the Fountain of Youth.
4. American Lion (Tiznow) – Solid score in the Hollywood Prevue (G3) on Nov 21st. Connections (Eoin Harty, WinStar Farms) opted to pass on the CashCall Futurity, and the talented colt goes next in the Grade 2 Robert Lewis at Santa Anita on Feb 13th.
5. Super Saver (Maria’s Mon) – Strong wire job victory in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill. The Todd Pletcher (WinStar Farm) trainee should only improve with distance and experience.
6. Buddy’s Saint (Saint Liam) – Followed up his romping Nashua (G2) tally with another easy score in the Remsen (G2). The Bruce Levine trainee is working well for the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth.
7. Drosselmeyer (Distorted Humor) – New to the top ten list. The Bill Mott trainee rallied for a smart nine furlong optional claiming score at Gulfstream Park on Jan 31st.
8. Noble’s Promise (Cuvee) – Landed the place behind Lookin At Lucky in the CashCall Futurity on Dec. 19th. He is back in Florida and is off to a slow start in regards to gearing up for his 3yo campaign.
9. Vale of York (Invincible Spirit) – Surprise BC Juvenile winner brought good turf form to Santa Anita, and he proved he could handle synthetic ground. Godolphin runner is not bred for dirt, but the new track in Dubai (synthetic) should suit him.
10. Interactif (Broken Vow) – Was nosed in grassy Hallandale Beach return at Gulfstream on Feb 7th. The versatile Pletcher trainee has the Santa Anita Derby as an early spring goal.
Honorable Mention: Dave In Dixie (John Sadler), Dublin (Wayne Lukas), Maximus Ruler (Clark Hanna), Rule (Todd Pletcher), William’s Kitten (Michael Maker)
Image: Newscom
Noble’s Promise will breeze this Friday or Sat. at Gulfstream Park. Noble had a solid work this past Sat 3/8 2/12 in 37. flat. Kenny had him going in 36.4.
Look for a 1/2 this week and next week. More than likly will follow those up with two 5/8 mile works before his next start. He is training very well at this time, looking forward to his return.