In part two of Stopping the Clock, here are a few works turned in this week by some of the early Kentucky Derby contenders.
There are no prominent 3-year-old races this weekend, but next week we'll return with analysis of the Hutcheson (gr. II) and Holy Bull (gr. III) from Gulfstream. Those two should help us start to form a clearer Derby picture.
Enjoy the Sunshine Millions this weekend. It's always one of the best betting days of the year; prices everywhere. Check out That Handicapping Show for a breakdown of the Millions Classic.
Big Drama - Jan. 18 at Calder, five furlongs in 1:00.20, handily. The Delta Jackpot winner will go in the Jan. 31 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream. Trained by David Fawkes, he has won five of six starts and already has enough graded earnings to qualify for the Derby. A big run in the Holy Bull will put the colt near the top of every watch list.
Break Water Edison - Jan. 21 at Gulfstream, five furlongs in 1:00.80, breezing. A solid work considering he went wide on the turn. Got the final quarter mile in :23 3/5, according to trainer John Kimmel. The Nashua Stakes winner is gearing for a big run in the Jan. 30 Hutcheson after a three-month layoff.
Checklist - Jan. 18 at Palm Meadows, five furlongs in 1:02.80, breezing. The Gone West colt was very impressive in his Jan. 3 debut at Gulfstream in which he won by four lengths while being ridden out by John Velazquez. Looks like the best 3-year-old in Todd Pletcher's barn, so far.
Giant Oak - Jan. 16 at Fair Grounds, five furlongs in 1:00.40, breezing. Second in the Kentucky Jockey Club in November at Churchill, he continues to work towards his season debut. His second start on dirt should be even better. Trained by Chris Block.
Hello Broadway - Jan. 21 at Gulfstream, six furlongs in 1:15.60, handily. Was geared down towards the end of his work, which Barclay Tagg was very pleased with. The half-brother to Nobiz Like Shobiz will also make his first start of the year in the seven-furlong Hutcheson after finishing runner-up to Break Water Edison in the Nashua on Nov. 2.
I Want Revenge - Jan. 19 at Hollywood, six furlongs in 1:10.80, handily. A smooth, bullet work for the son of Stephen Got Even. Second to Pioneerof the Nile in CashCall Futurity, he continues to work towards his 3-year-old debut.
Indygo Mountain - Jan. 22 at Fair Grounds, four furlongs in :49.80, breezing. The Bret Calhoun trainee was not in top form for the Lecomte, but don't forget about this colt. Look for a bigger run from him in the Risen Star.
Notonthesamepage - Jan. 18 at Gulfstream, four furlongs in :47.80, handily. The best of 47 works that day for the Wesley Ward trainee. After earning an incredible 115 Beyer in the Spectacular Bid on Jan. 3, Ward said his star will go in the Fountain of Youth on Feb. 28.
Old Fashioned - Jan. 18 at Fair Grounds, five furlongs in 1:01.20, breezing. The Remsen winner is on target for the Feb. 16 Southwest at Oaklawn. Will continue training at Fair Grounds leading up to the one-mile race.
Pioneerof the Nile - Jan. 18 at Santa Anita, five furlongs in 1:00.20, handily. The CashCall winner remains on target for the Feb. 7 Robert B. Lewis Stakes. Word from California is that this colt is training like a monster for Baffert.
Stardom Bound - Jan. 19 at Santa Anita, five furlongs in 1:00.80, handily. Everyone is anxiously awaiting the filly's 3-year-old debut.
West Side Bernie - Jan. 18 at Palm Meadows, five furlongs in 1:00.05, handily. The best move of 41 that day. The Delta Jackpot runner-up already has more than $200k in graded earnings and his 3-year-old debut will be eagerly anticipated.
