Seemingly past his prime, not many really thought Drill could put in a
winning effort in Sunday’s San Vicente (G2) at Santa Anita. He did just that in a hard fought
stretch duel with runner-up American Act covering the 7-furlong distance in
1:21.28. Before fully proclaiming
Drill as a serious Kentucky Derby contender one needs to look at his past
performances first. He was entered
in four route races as a two-year-old and beaten by a combined 46 lengths. Even trainer Bob Baffert was quoted as
saying “I wouldn’t run out and buy a future book bet on him”. The semi-disappointment in the race was
1-2 favorite Creative Cause, who trailed the small four-horse field in the
early stages before racing wide into the stretch and finishing a late closing
third. There’s no doubt he was
doing his best running late and a stretch out in distance, most likely in the
Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn, will only help.
Trainer Mike Harrington said it was just what they were looking for in
Creative Cause’s return race.
American Act ran very admirably in only his second race and just missed
his first graded stakes victory by a nose. He set quick fractions and seems to do best when he’s on the
lead, but that tactic is not recommended for Derby-caliber horses. His pedigree also suggests 10-fulrongs
could be too long.
The horseracing spotlight will be on the two Southwest Stakes (G3) races
at Oaklawn Park on President’s Day.
For articles, PPs, and picks check out the upcoming
page here. It was reported
Sunday that trainer Allen Milligan has been working on a more aggressive running
style for King Corral who started well behind in the Smarty Jones Stakes. The trainer has also been leaning
harder on Jake Mo and plans are for the horse to set the pace Monday.
Entries were drawn well in advance of Saturday’s running of the Risen
Star Stakes (G2) at the Fair Grounds.
11 colts and geldings will vie in the $300,000 Derby prep including Mr.
Bowling, winner of the LeComte Stakes (G3) on the same track. He will not only face five horses from
that race again, but also a formidable new shipper in El Padrino, who will
carry four less pounds. Full
entries can be viewed here
Union Rags put in final preparations for next Sunday’s Fountain of Youth
(G2) with a 4-furlong breeze from the gate at Palm Meadows. Michael Matz says with a little more
gate training this week the horse should be ready for his return// El Padrino
apparently had an excellent 4 panel move for Todd Pletcher while stablemate
Gemologist tired in his 5-furlong breeze.
That’s probably not too worrying at this point considering it was only
his third work since a layoff and the longest of the year// Hansen fired a
bullet move at Gulfstream breezing 5-furlongs in 59 flat, the quickest of 31
others at the distance// Delta Jackpot (G3) winner Sabercat is continuing his
steady workout routine at Santa Anita ahead of the San Felipe (G2).
Upcoming:
Monday- Southwest Stakes (G3)- for PPs, articles, and picks click
here
Saturday- Risen Star Stakes (G2)- entries
San Vicente (G2)
Winner: Drill
Jockey: Martin Garcia
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Chart: Equibase Chart
Replay: YouTube
Wrap-up Articles: DRF
/ TTimes
/ Brisnet
/ Bloodhorse
Beyer Speed Figure: 94 (Preliminary)
Articles
The
Morning Line(s): Southwest Stakes (The Derby Post)
Oaklawn
Barn Notes 2/19 (Oaklawn Park)
Risen Star Preview articles: DRF
/ Brisnet
/ Bloodhorse
Haskin’s
Derby Trail: red, white, and Godolphin blue (Bloodhorse Blog)
Works
2/19:
Power World- PAY- 3F- 36:40 -B- 2/7
Sabercat- SA- 5F- 1.01:80- H- 23/37
Midnight Transfer- SA- 7F- 1.25:20- H- 2/4
Hansen- GP- 5F- 59:00- H- 1/31
Currency Swap- GP- 4F- 47:00- H- 2/32
Gemologist- PMM- 5F- 1.03:88- B- 29/32
Dan and Sheila- PMM- 5F- 1.01:56- B- 9/32
Midnight Serenade- CRC- 3F- 37:00- B- 2/9
Union Rags- PMM- 4F- 48:81 B- 7/18
El Padrino- PMM- 4F- 48:91- B- 14/18
2/18:
Chips All In- SA- 4F- 46:80- B- 1/8 (Turf)
Empire Way- HOL- 5F- 1.01:80- H- 30/50
Isn't He Clever- SUN- 5F- 1.01:40- B- 2/21
Shkspeare
Shaliyah- BEL-
4F- 49:66- B- 49/98
My Adonis- BEL- 5F- 1.00:27- B- 1/22
Friscan- FH- 5F-1.01:00- B- 3/10
Hakama- FH- 4F- 50:40- B- 4/5
Hogy- HAW- 4F- 50:40- B-17/49
Gold Megillah- PMM- 5F- 1.02:05- B- 12/23
Casual Trick- PMM- 5F- 1.00:41- B- 3/23
Prospective- PMM- 5F- 1.01:62- B- 6/23
Motor City- PMM- 4F- 51:12 B- 32/39
Hello Prince- CRC- 4F- 51:00- B- 42/71
Hammers Terror- FG- 4F- 48:80- B- 14/62 (Good)
Ted's Folly- FG- 4F- 51:20- B- 48/62
Dullahan- GP- 5F- 1.01:80- B- 14/26
Mr. Prankster- TP- 4F- 49:20- B- 6/13
