Week In Review and Notable Performer 12/21 - 12/27

A relatively quiet Holiday week gave little juvenile action on the track, but plenty of analysis, reviews, and prognostications for 2012 as the new year approaches// Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Champion and possible 2-year-old champion Hansen returned to the work tab at Gulfstream// Peter Miller was ecstatic after Got Even won the California Breeders' Champion Stakes on opening day at Santa Anita.  One would guess he’ll remain on the Santa Anita circuit for a Winter campaign// A little drama over the result of the Maryland Juvenile Stakes.  Three trainers filed a protest over the fact Rick Dutrow’s winning horse received a shot of Salix too soon before post time// Harvard n Yale finished second in his stakes try at Wolverhampton and it remains to be seen whether his connections will go through with shipping him over the pond// Info on who’s starting where on the 2012 Derby trail below…

Articles:

Got Even leads all the way in California Breeders’ Champion Stakes (DRF)

Zito pointing Casual Trick to Gulfstream Park Derby (Gulfstream Park News)

Hansen tours easy half-mile (Brisnet)

Baffert, Asmussen heavy on 3-year-old talent (DRF)

Harrington has three Classic hopefuls (DRF)

Liaison wins overrated CashCall Futurity (Triple Crown Champ Blog)

2-year-olds to watch: 2011 Awards (In The Money Blog)

Trainers protest Dutrow’s victory in Maryland Juvenile (TTimes)

Gulfstream Derby key early test for Gold Megillah (DRF)

Always tricky watching young ones grow up (DRF)

Unknown 3-year-olds stir interest (Fort Smith Times Record)

Summer Front as a Kentucky Derby prospect (Zipse at the Track Blog)

Inaugural 2012 Kentucky Derby contenders update (Graded Stakes)

The Derby trail goes through Gulfstream Park (Horse Racing Nation)

Futures

Wynn Las Vegas 12/27/11

Graded Earnings List

Unofficial CTD List current as of 12/18/11

Notable Performer

Thunder Moccasin

12/24/11 Gulfstream Park Maiden Special Weight

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: John Velazquez

Chart: Equibase chart

Video: Bloodhorse replay

Beyer/BRIS: 97/100

Notes and Thoughts:

-Quick debut winner led at every call and finished just over a second off track record

-Posted a 97 Beyer figure, 6th highest of the year for juveniles.

-Sire A.P. Warrior won the San Felipe and finished 3rd in the Santa Anita Derby before finishing 18th in the 2006 Kentucky Derby

-Dam is a daughter of a stakes winner at a mile on turf

-Sold for $95,000 the July selected yearling Fasig Tipton sale. Catalog page here

Non-Graded Stakes Results

12/26 California Breeders Champion S.- SA- Winner: Got Even chart

12/26 Lost In The Fog Juvenile S.- TUP- Winner: Taylors Deal chart

Works:

12/20/11 Prospective PMM- 4F- 48:24- B- 2/23

12/20/11 Coalition BEL- 4F- 50:00- B- 27/47

12/20/11 Fort Loudon CRC- 4F- 51:40- B- 8/8

12/20/11 Worthington SUN- 5F- 1.03:00- B- 15/20

12/21/11 Daddy Nose Best SA- 5F- 1.01:80- H- 8/13

12/21/11 Longview Drive GG- 4F- 50:00- H- 4/6

12/21/11 Sweet Swap SA- 6F- 1.14:80- H- 11/14

12/22/11 Secret Circle SA- 6F- 1.11:60- H- 1/12

12/23/11 Cyber Secret CD- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 1/4 (Muddy)

12/23/11 Night Tide SA- 4F- 49:20- H- 16/33

12/23/11 Battle Hardened PMM- 5F- 1.00:05- B- 1/12

12/23/11 Reveron CRC- 4F- 51:00- B- 21/28

12/23/11 Shared Property FG- 4F- 50:40- B- 25/40

12/23/11 Mr. Bowling FG- 5F- 1.01:40- B- 13/46

12/23/11 Sir Bond FG- 4F- 48:60- B- 6/40

12/23/11 Friscan FH- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 1/8

12/24/11 Jake Mo OP- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 1/21

12/24/11 Il Villano PRX- 6F- 1.17:10- B- 1/1

12/24/11 Stephanoatsee FH- 5F- 1.01:60- B- 1/9

12/24/11 Hansen GP- 4F- 53:00- B- 91/93

12/24/11 Hello Prince CRC- 4F- 50:20- B- 59/120

12/24/11Twelve Hundred HAW- 5F- 1.02:40- B- 4/13

12/24/11Canigotoo EVT- 4F- 50:45- B- 7/81

12/24/11Shkspeare Shaliyah BEL- 4F- 50:39- B- 100/134

12/24/11Rousing Sermon SA- 4F- 48:00 H- 23/83

12/24/11 Casual Trick PMM- 5F- 59:69- B- 1/56

12/24/11 Alpha PMM- 5F- 1.01:03- B- 10/56

12/24/11 Discreet Dancer PMM- 4F- 48:88- B- 24/123

12/24/11 El Padrino PMM- 4F- 48:93- B- 27/123

12/24/11 Mr. Besilu PMM- 3F- 38:94- B- 30/37

12/24/11 Seven Lively Sins FG- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 21/70

12/24/11 Tarpy's Goal GP -5F- 1.01:50- B- 30/69

12/24/11 Indian Ambush GP- 3F- 37:80- B- 13/23

12/24/11 Seeker FG- 4F- 53:40- B- 96/103

12/25/11 Hierro SA- 6F- 1.12:20- H- ¼

12/26/11 Gold Megillah PMM- 5F- 1.02:78- B- 4/11

12/26/11 Optimizer OP- 5F- 1.01:40- B- 1/10

12/26/11 Ancient Rome PMM- 4F- 48:24- B- 1/2

12/26/11 Coalition BEL- 4F- 49:56- B- 9/16

12/27/11 Prospective PMM- 4F- 49:85- B- 6/10

12/27/11 King Kid GP- 5F- 1.00:60- B-3/16

12/27/11 How Do I Win BEL- 4F- 49:34- B- 10/35

12/27/11 Thursby PMM- 4F- 52:90- B- 4/7

12/27/11 Longview Drive SA- 6F- 1.13:80- H- 5/10

12/27/11 Empire Way HOL- 4F- 47:60- H- 3/11

12/27/11 Sweet Swap SA- 5F- 58:40- H- 1/40

Speed Figures

Top winning 2yo BRIS figs last week: Thunder Moccasin-100; Fear the Heat-91; Devoted Wildcat-88; Report Card-88; Copus-87; News Pending-87.

Winning 2yo Beyers last week: Thunder Moccasin-97; Fear the Heat-84; Devoted Wildcat-69; Report Card-75; Copus-68; News Pending-75.

*Source: DerbyContenders Twitter

Notes and bits from Twitter:

-Ian Wilkes on his top prospects: “Motor City got a break after the Iroquois and he’s just come back into training,” said Wilkes. “I haven’t planned on anything for him yet, but he should be ready sometime around the end of February. Timely Tally, on the other hand, will be done for a while. He has a tendon issue. It’s not career-threatening, but I’m trying to work out now how much time I’ll have to give him.” (DRF)

-Liaison and Rousing Sermon, one-two finishers in CashCall, likely for Robert Lewis on Feb. 4. Secret Circle likely for Sham Jan. 7. (DRF)

*Info from J.J. Hysell Trifectabox on Twitter

Week In Review and Notable Performers 12/14 - 12/20

The CashCall Futurity at Hollywood Park was the headlining race this past weekend, where Bob Baffert’s Liaison virtually guaranteed a spot for himself in the 2012 Kentucky Derby// Finally, the Derby committee has decided to allow up to four also-eligibles for the draw.  However, the AE’s don’t have a chance to get in once advance wagering begins at 9am on Friday Oaks Day.  This means an AE would have just slipped in this year when Uncle Mo scratched around 8am Friday, but the Saturday scratch of I Want Revenge in 2009 was too late// Harvard N’ Yale, a promising Euro, will be pointed to the Derby after a start on December 26th at Wolverhampton// Several early blooming 2-year-olds returned to races this past week.  Todd Pletcher’s Algorithms picked up where he left off by defeating promising Consortium in an allowance score.  He’ll point for the Holy Bull (G3) January 29.  Grade 3 winner Exfactor also notched another stakes win and is headed to the Lecomte (G3)// Nice article below on unlikely Derby hopeful Ted’s Folly.

Graded Stakes Review

CashCall Futurity (G1)

Winner: Liaison NP

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Jockey: Rafael Bejarano

Chart: Equibase Chart

Video: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 90/94

Wrap-up Articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Notes and Thoughts:

-Just over 3 lengths separated the first 6 finishers and wouldn’t be surprised to see any of them move forward in their next race

-Liaison had the perfect trip sitting just off quick pacesetters

-Rousing Sermon was bridesmaid once again and just timed his closing kick too late

-Victor Espinoza on Brother Francis, lost his whip at the 1/8th pole

-Liaison was a $290,000 purchase at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.  His catalog page can be seen here

Notable Performer

Dan and Sheila

12/17/11 Gulfstream Park Maiden Special Weight

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Chart: Equibase chart

Video: Bloodhorse replay

Beyer/BRIS: NA/82

Notes and Thoughts:

-Dan and Sheila makes debut a winning one at a mile on Gulfstream dirt

-Sold for $150,000 at 2010 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Catalog page here

-Pletcher indicated he won’t rush him and most likely will step up to allowance and not stakes in next race

Futures

Wynn Las Vegas 12/19/11

Graded Earnings List

Unofficial CTD List current as of 12/18/11

Notable Performers recent results:

Algorithms- 12/16- GP- AOC- Finish: 1st. chart

Consortium- 12/16- GP- AOC- Finish: 2nd. chart

Jack’s In The Deck- 12/17- LRL- MD Juvenile Championship S.: Finish: 3rd. chart

Exfactor- 12/17- FG- Sugar Bowl S.: 1st. chart

Brown Eyed Jozi- 12/17- FG- Sugar Bowl S.: 1st. chart

Empire Way- 12/17- HOL- CashCall Futurity (G1)- Finish 5th. chart

Drill- 12/17- HOL- CashCall Futurity (G1)- Finish 9th. chart

Majestic City- 12/17- HOL- CashCall Futurity (G1)- Finish 10th. chart

Basmati- 12/17- HOL- CashCall Futurity (G1)- Finish 11th. chart

Finale- 12/18- GP- Dania S.- Finish: 2nd. chart

Burning Time- 12/18- GP- Dania S.- Finish: 8th. chart

Non-Graded Stakes Results

12/17/11 Maryland Juvenile Championship- LRL- Winner: King and Crusader chart

12/17/11 Sugar Bowl S.- FG- Winner: Exfactor chart

12/18/11 Dania Beach S.- GP- Winner: Summer Front chart

Works:

12/14/11 Tarpy's Goal GP- 4F- 50:00- B- 26/38

12/14/11 Sweet Swap SA- 4F- 48:00- H- 8/23

12/14/11 Longview Drive GG- 4F- 50:60- H- 14/20

12/14/11 Daddy Nose Best SA- 4F- 51:80- H- 28/29

12/15/11 King Kid GP- 4F- 48:45- B- 13/20

12/15/11 Fort Loudon CRC- 3F- 38:00- B- ¾

12/15/11 Mr. Bowling FG- 5F- 1.02:20- B- 11/31

12/15/11 Secret Circle SA- 4F- 49:40- H- 23/30

12/16/11 Friscan FH- 4F- 49:00- B- 1/6

12/16/11 Battle Hardened PMM- 5F- 1.02:93- B- 7/11

12/16/11 Thursby PMM- 4F- 50:44- B- 11/23 (Turf)

12/17/11 Night Tide SA- 4F- 50:20- H- 34/38

12/17/11 Stephanoatsee FH- 5F- 1.01:80- B- 3/14

12/17/11 Alpha PMM- 4F- 48:79- B- 14/65

12/17/11 Casual Trick PMM- 5F- 1.01:01- B- 5/22

12/17/11 Il Villano PRX- 4F- 48:87- B- 2/30

12/18/11 Hierro SA- 5F- 59:80- H- 17/94

12/18/11 How Do I Win BEL- 5F- 1.00:52- B- 2/22

12/18/11 Seven Lively Sins FG- 4F- 49:60- B- 7/84

12/18/11 Ancient Rome PMM- 4F- 48:05- B- 6/63

12/18/11 El Padrino PMM- 5F- 1.01:31- B- 1/3

12/18/11 Optimizer OP- 5F- 1.00:60- B- 1/8

12/19/11 Class President FG- 5F- 1.02:00- B- 11/28

12/19/11 Stoney Fleece SA- 6F- 1.14:00- H- 2/4

12/19/11 Gold Megillah PMM- 5F- 1.03:02- B- 7/11

12/20/11 Prospective PMM- 4F- 48:24- B- 2/23

12/20/11 Coalition BEL- 4F- 50:00- B- 27/47

12/20/11 Fort Loudon CRC- 4F- 51:40- B- 8/8

12/20/11 Worthington SUN- 5F- 1.03:00- B- 15/20

Articles:

Algorithms impresses, points to Holy Bull (Bloodhorse)

Churchill Downs to permit also-eligible entries for Kentucky Derby (Churchill Downs)

Consider the Exfactor in Louisiana preps (Sports Nola)

Wolverhampton prep for Noseda Derby hope (Racing Post)

Ted’s Folly, the little horse has big name (Tulsa World)

No rest for the wicked as Ted’s Folly goes for seventh win on the trot in the Lecomte (Bettor.com)

Bluegrass field of dreams [Motor City and Sabercat] (ESPN)

Hollywood Futurity in position to alter 2-year-old male Eclipse Award winner (The Saratogian)

Canani and Calabrese’s claiming coup (In The Money Blog)

2-year-olds to watch 12/20 (In The Money Blog)

Sheppard in unlikely spot with Ever So Lucky (DRF)

It’s never too early to start thinking Derby (Louisville.com)

Summer Front as a Kentucky Derby prospect? (Zipse At The Track Blog)

Baffert dreaming big, eyeing the Kentucky Derby with Liaison (Bettor Blog)

Sugar Bowl winner Exfactor will point to Lecomte (DRF)

Pletcher showcases plenty of young talent (DRF)

Speed Figures

Top winning 2yo BRIS figs last week: Algorithms-100; Radiant Talent-99; Spirit Rules-95; Liaison-94; Exfactor-94; Wayward Sailor-92

Winning 2yo Beyers last week: Algorithms-91; Radiant Talent-89; Spirit Rules-93; Liaison-90; Exfactor-82; Wayward Sailor-74

*Source: DerbyContenders Twitter

Liaison makes the grade in Cashcall Futurity

CashCall Futurity (G1)

Winner: Liaison

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Jockey: Rafael Bejarano

Chart: Equibase Chart

Video: YouTube

Beyer/BRIS: 90/NA

Wrap-up Articles: Bloodhorse / DRF / Brisnet

Week in Review and Notable Performers 12/6- 12/12

The rich $750,000 CashCall Futurity is this weekend.  Over 13 are possible to enter the gate.  A new intriguing contender is Dorsomais who was flown from France and has a 1 1/4 mile maiden race already under his belt. However, the spotlight will mostly focus on Drill, Majestic City, So Brilliant, Basmati, and Cozzetti// Owner Ron Winchell says Delta Jackpot winner Sabercat and highly touted but unraced Hardtap will winter at Santa Anita// Union Rags is slowly gearing up for a 3-year-old campaign in Florida// JC’s Pride, a quick promising Juvenile who broke a Saratoga track record and posted a triple-digit Beyer speed figure, was euthanized due to an infection// Currency Swap continues his rehabilitation// Recent maiden winners are garnering attention due to the approaching new year and proximity to serious major Kentucky Derby trail contests…

Upcoming Graded Stakes:

CashCall Futurity (G1): Race Page can be found here

Notable Performers:

Hakama

12/10/11 Aqueduct Maiden Special Weight

Jockey: Ramon Dominguez

Trainer: Michael Trombetta

Chart: Equibase chart

Video: Bloodhorse Replay

Beyer/BRIS: 81/97

Notes and Thoughts

-Whether it was the stretch out in distance or experience factor, Hakama responded well in his third try by setting the pace and finishing clear of the competition

-Hakama’s sire, First Samurai was a precocious 2-year-old who captured the Hopeful and Champagne, and then went on to win the Fountain of Youth his sophomore season before retiring due to injury before the Kentucky Derby.

-Purchased for $150,000 at the Keeneland Sept Yearling sale, catalog page here

Margano

12/10/11 Gulfstream Park Maiden Special Weight

Jockey: Javier Castellano

Trainer: Barclay Tagg

Chart: Equibase chart
Video: Bloodhorse Replay

Beyer/BRIS: 80/92

-Main reason he’s an NP is due to the fact he’s a full brother to 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro

-Like his brother, broke maiden on turf

-Trainer Tagg kept all options open including a switch to dirt in near future

Hammers Terror

12/8/11 Fair Grounds Allowance Optional Claiming

Jockey: James Graham

Trainer: Michael Stidham

Chart: Equibase chart

Video: Bloodhorse Replay

Beyer/BRIS: 73/92

Notes and Thoughts:

-First try on dirt looked easy as Graham relented on whip in final 16^th

-Lecomte (G3) at FG is next target

-Sire was best at a mile and turf, but pedigree suggests he could stretch out. 

-Dam is a half sister to multiple graded stakes winner Kingdom Found

-$40,000 purchase at Keeneland Sept Yearling sale. Catalog page here

Notable Performers recent results:

Canigotoo- 12/9/11-RP- AOC-1st- chart

Seeker- 12/10/11- Springboard Mile S.- 9th- chart

Twelve Hundred- 12/10/11 Jim Edgar Illinois Futurity- 3rd- chart

Non-Graded Stakes

12/9/11 Kudzu S.- FG- Winner: Crimson Pride- chart

12/10/11 Inaugural S.- TAM- Winner: Angelofdistinction- chart

12/10/11 Pennsylvania Nursery S.- PRX- Winner: Pollard’s Boy- chart

12/10/11 Gold Rush S.- GG- Winner: Russian Greek- chart

12/10/11 LA Champions Day Juvenile S.- FG- Winner: Beanwah’smachine- chart

12/10/11 Jim Edgar Illinois Futurity- HAW- Winner: Real Power- chart

12/10/11 Remington Springboard Mile S.- RP- Ted’s Folly- chart

Works:

12/7/11 Exfactor FG- 4F- 48:80 B- 2/30 (Good)

12/7/11 Majestic City HOL- 4F- 46:80- H- 1/22

12/7/11 Longview Drive GG- 6F- 1.17:60- H- 3/5

12/8/11 Reveron CRC- 1 Mile- 1.48:20- B- 1/1

12/8/11 Consortium PMM- 4F- 47:55- B- 1/18

12/8/11 State of Play PMM- 5F- 59:55- B- 7/19 (Turf)

12/9/11 Jake Mo FG- 4F- 49:60- B- 12/51

12/10/11 Worthington- SUNLAND PARK- 4F- 51:60- B- 43/46

12/10/11 Seven Lively Sins FG- 4F- 53:00- B- 55/57

12/10/11 Jack's in the Deck LRL- 4F- 50:00- B- 41/69

12/10/11 Alpha PMM- 4F- 48:40- B- 12/66

12/10/11 Algorithms PMM- 4F- 50:55- B- 57/66

12/10/11 Thursby PMM- 4F- 49:83- B- 47/66

12/11/11 Drill SA- 5F- 1.00:00- H- 11/97

12/11/11 Brother Francis SA- 5F- 1.02:20- H- 67/97

12/11/11 Night Tide SA- 3F- 37:60- H- 22/32

12/11/11 Empire Way HOL- 5F- 1.01:00- H- 15/42

12/11/11 Hierro SA- 5F- 1.02:40- H- 72/97

12/11/11  How Do I Win BEL- 4F- 51:11- B- 50/62

12/11/11 Speightscity BEL- 3F- 36:25- B- 2/25

12/11/11 Rousing Sermon HOL- 6F- 1.12:20- H- 2/20

12/11/11 Optimizer OP- 4F- 50:00- B- 20/23

12/11/11 Prospective PMM- 5F- 1.00:72- B- 3/33

12/11/11 Burning Time CRC- 5F- 1.01:40- H- 1/19

12/11/11 El Padrino PMM- 4F- 48:45- B- 5/22

12/12/11 Majestic City HOL- 5F- 58:80- H- 1/13

12/12/11State of Play PMM- 5F- 1.03:00- B- 11/13 (Turf)

12/12/11Gold Megillah PMM- 5F- 1.00:78- B- 3/8

12/12/11 Finale PMM- 4F- 48:77- B- 10/28

12/12/11 Class President FG- 4F- 52:00- B- 38/42

12/13/11 Exfactor FG- 5F- 1.01:00- B- 1/13

12/13/11 Stoney Fleece SA- 5F- 1.00:80- H- 2/6

Articles:

Six Kentucky Derby prospects to watch in 2012 (DRF)

Deromais, Cozzetti join CashCall Futurity chase (Hollywood Park)

Hollendorfer seeks Starlet-Futurity sweep (Hollywood Park)

Romans likes his CashCall prospect (DRF)

Drill possible for CashCall Futurity (DRF)

Cashcall stars can emerge from long shadows cast by Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (The Brock Talk)

Union Rags back in light training (Bloodhorse)

Union Rags still on the farm (DRF)

Hansen, O’Prado again get on track (DRF)

Plan B is just fine [Sabercat & Hardtap] (Bloodhorse)

12/13: 2-year-olds to watch (In The Money Blog)

Hammers Terror wins at Fairgrounds, is headed to Lecomte (The Times-Picayune)

Promising two-year-old JC’s Pride euthanized due to illness (Thoroughbred Times)

An early look at Derby 138 (The Voice-Tribune)

The wonderment of Kentucky Derby winter books (Zipse At The Track Blog)

The future is now (Bloodhorse Blog)

Rising Stars: Discreet Dancer dazzles in debut (The Saratogian)

Poolside with Currency Swap (Daily Gazette)

The Journey from juvenile to sophomore- the ones to watch out in 2012 (Bettor.com)

Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Turf runner-up Excaper likely for Dania Beach (Gulfstream Park News)

Futures:

Wynn Las Vegas: 12/11

Hilton: 12/9

Lucky’s: 12/5

Speed Figures:

2yo winning Beyers last week: Hakama-81; D' Wildcat Road/Out of Bounds-77; Hammers Terror-73; Beanwah'smachine/Pollard's Boy-92; Margano-80

Top 2yo winning BRIS figs last week: Hakama-97; D' Wildcat Road/Out of Bounds-93; Hammers Terror/Beanwah'smachine/Margano/Pollard's Boy-92

*Source: DerbyContenders Twitter

Notes and bits from Twitter:

-Repole/Pletchers’ Overdriven is resting and will point for the Hutcheson (G2) Feb 11 or Swale March 10^th.

-Nice works from two soon to be three year olds at Palm Meadows this morning, State of Play and Gold Megillah. Hopefully both have a future.- Graham Motion via Twitter

-Pathfork, last year's champion 2yo in Ireland now with John Sadler, could make U.S. debut in Sir Beaufort at Santa Anita- Trifectabox via Twitter (J.J. Hysell)