Racetrack Lenny

March Madness

No, not that March Madness, the horse kind March Madness. The major stake races leading up to the first Saturday in May have begun.

Lost In The Fog, the new sensation that hadn't been made triple crown eligible, won the Swale Stakes at Gulfstream Park yesterday. Sent off as the 1/2 favorite, Lost In The Fog tracked the leaders and took over at the head of the stretch to win by 4-3/4 widening lengths. The race was a 7 furlong event; so, at least we know we have a good sprinter. Lost In The Fog's connections will pay the $6,000 now needed to make Lost In The Fog triple crown eligible. Derby fever is contagious!

At Oaklawn Park, Afleet Alex ran in the Mountain Valley Stakes against much lesser competition. Sent off at 1/5 and ridden by Jeremy Rose, Afleet Alex took over with authority in the stretch and continued beyond the 6 furlongs getting 7 furlongs in 1:22. A nice race and a nice work. Jockey John Velasquez was not available for the race as he had a prior committment; however, Velasquez will ride as things get closer to the Derby.

The Fountain of Youth, a 1-1/8 mile affair at Gulfstream Park, turned out a very nice field of horses. Many established their credentials quite nicely. Nick Zito's High Fly won in impressive fashion taking over in deep stretch and looking visually impressive. His workouts hinted he was ready and he was. Local Derby hopeful, B.B. Best set a very pressured pace and took 3rd at 16-1. I don't think we've seen the last of B.B. Best. Bandini made a good run at High Fly and seemed to be gaining late; but, he was all out to do that while High Fly looked like he had something left. Bandini's race was a good one and he has established himself as a contender.

Those who backed Defer came away disappointed with a 7th place finish with no apparent excuse. Didn't see anything in the papers or news today that might give a clue as to why the lacklustre effort. Another highly touted horse, Papi Chullo, remained a maiden. Sent off at 4-1 despite being a maiden, Papi Chullo was far back early and closed a ton to get 4th. The connections of Papi Chullo will have to work at getting a little more "gate" speed for Papi. Despite this, the Derby is the one race where there can be a pace meltdown and a closer (with good traffic luck) can get all the marbles.

Finally, out on the West Coast, The Santa Catalina Stakes was run at Santa Anita. At a 1-1/16th miles, Declan's Moon was sent off as the 4/5 favorite. On paper, this was a 3 horse race- Declan's Moon, Going Wild and Spanish Chestnut. That's exactly how it happened. I like it when that happens. Spanish Chestnut set a very pressured pace and gave way late. With more patient handling, Spanish Chestnut might have lasted the whole way. Going Wild was going really well late. Declan's Moon looked totally soaked at the end. He was fractious in the paddock area and was lathered up; however, as he gains more experience, he may get over that. However, I think the early Derby favorite is beatable and we just have to figure out who will beat him.

The sad news in the Santa Catalina was that highly regarded Snack took a bad step and broke down. He was vanned off; however, I don't know what the injury was or if it was life threatening. Will be checking to see. In any event, he is definitely out of the Derby picture.

This should be a heavy workout week and we'll be following for any clues.

Remember, bet with your head, not over it!

Racetrack lenny

racetrack lenny went to the post at @ 4:53 PM