Below are some 3-year-olds I have on my watch list that turned in works during the past five days. A few of them are on everyone's Triple Crown Trail, while others are horses that some of you have told me to keep an eye out for.
I don't expect all of these horses to make a serious run at the Kentucky Derby, but some are worth noting simply for the fact that they running this weekend and have a decent chance to win.
Keep sending your Derby hopefuls and I'll put them in my watch list. I'll try to give updates when they work or are entered. It's still early enough on the trail that we can all hope to be the first ones to find the next star!
Later this week, I'll break down the San Rafael Stakes from Santa Anita.
Beethoven (Sky Mesa--Moonlight Sonata, By Carson City) - Jan. 10 at Gulfstream, five furlongs in 1:01.80, breezing. The Kentucky Jockey Club winner will make his 3-year-old debut in the Holy Bull Stakes on Jan. 31 for John Ward.
Big Drama (Montbrook-Riveting Drama, by Notebook) - Jan. 11 at Calder, seven furlongs in 1:32, breezing. The Delta Jackpot winner will also his make his 2009 debut in the highly-anticipated Holy Bull.
Gallant Son (Malabar Gold-Explicitly, by Exploit) - Jan. 10 at Golden Gate, six furlongs in 1:15, handily. Opened eyes as a 2-year-old at Emerald Downs by winning four straight. Finished seventh in BC Juvenile. Will make 2009 debut against probable favorite Chocolate Candy this Saturday in the California Derby. Looking forward to seeing how he does against a good field.
I Want Revenge (Stephen Got Even-Meguial, by Roy) - Jan. 12 at Hollywood, five furlongs in 1:00.60, handily. Second by a nose to Pioneerof the Nile in the CashCall Futurity, he is an improving horse from the barn of Jeff Mullins.
It Happened Again (Proud Citizen-Quiet Luck, by Quiet American) - Jan. 12 at Fair Grounds, five furlongs in 1:12.40, breezing. He is the third promising 3-year-old in the barn of Larry Jones. Broke his maiden at second asking in October before finishing a disappointing eighth in the Sugar Bowl last month at Fair Grounds. Has been entered in the Triple Sec Stakes at Delta Downs on Friday. Like Friesan Fire, Jones is hoping this talented colt starts to put it all together. Top jockey Gabriel Saez has the mount.
No Detour (Catienus-Single Goer, by Easy Goer) - Jan. 9 at Gulfstream, five furlongs in 1:02.80, breezing. He is one of Ken Ramsey's highly-regarded 3-year-olds. Is 0-for-3 so far with a pair of runner-ups. May not be a prime Kentucky Derby candidate, but is worth taking a serious look at on Thursday at Gulfstream in his maiden special weight contest. Julien Leparoux rides the 5/2 morning-line favorite.
Pioneerof the Nile (Empire Maker-Star of Goshen, by Lord At War) - Jan. 11 at Santa Anita, five furlongs on :57.60, handily. The CashCall Futurity winner had the best work of 74 horses that day on pro-Ride. The Bob Baffert trainee will make his 2009 debut on Feb. 7 in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes.
Silver City (Unbridled's Song-Proposal, by Mt. Livermore) - Jan. 11 at Fair Grounds, four furlongs in :48.20 breezing. Trained by Bret Calhoun, this colt has won his last two, the last one by 4 1/2 length Nov. 29 in allowance company. Is entered in the Dixieland Stakes on Friday at Oaklawn.
Stardom Bound (Tapit-My White Corvette, by Tarr Road) - Jan. 12 at Santa Anita, five furlongs in :59.40, handily. The probable Eclipse Award-winning filly turned in the third best work of 48 to go that day. No official word on her 2009 debut, but she may go to the Las Virgenes on Feb. 9.
Strategic Decision (Distorted Humor-Beautiful Pleasure, by Maudlin) - Jan. 10 at Gulfstream, four furlongs in :50.20. Third in his debut, the John Ward trainee is worth keeping an eye on. He runs in the sixth at Gulfstream on Wednesday.
The Pamplemousse (Kafwain-Comfort Zone, by Rubiano) - Jan. 14 at Santa Anita, three furlongs in :35.20, handily. Broke maiden impressively Dec. 14 at Hollywood going 1 1/16 miles. Will face a promising field of 3-year-olds in this weekend's San Rafael, including Brother Keith and Square Eddie. Will be able to tell a lot more after that.
