Racetrack Lenny

They're Running For Real

Most seasons, you don't know if your Derby hopeful is out for a workout or is running for real. With some of the favorites knocked out of the Derby picture (e.g. Declan's Moon), a huge field is expected and so earnings become a factor. The only way to get earnings is to win races.

The Grade 1 Florida Derby showed that Nick Zito's High Fly is for real. Now 5 of 6, he stalked a brisk pace, grabbed the lead at the head of the stretch and looked good crossing the finish line at 6/5. He then ran on about another 1/8th of a mile to get that 1-1/4 under him. Zito now plans to rest High Fly right up to Derby day. Interesting tactic; however, everything Zito has tried with him has worked out beautifully. Another Zito trainee, Noble Causeway, ran a nice race, closing at the end and continued on past the finish line with good energy. This race helped him immensely. B.B. Best once again went to the lead, just as he did in the Fountain of Youth, and just as he did then, he gave way late. B.B. Best will be a good 7F horse.

Todd Pletcher had to be disappointed with Vicarage. Sent off at 7-1, he sat in 4th tracking the pace intently and was backing up at the end. If you're looking for an excuse, Vicarage hit the gate hard at the start and jockey John Velasquez moved him up aggressively while 4 wide and could not sustain that bid.

Maiden Papi Chullo is still a maiden and ran his worst race yet. He's had sensational workouts; but, he can't transfer those workouts onto the track. He was a real underlay at 9-1. It's time for his connections to put Papi Chullo in a maiden race so the horse can win and gain some confidence.

My longshot pick, Park Avenue Ball, sat on the rail saving ground under Ramon Dominguez. The rail was kind of dead at the Gulf yesterday; however, Park Ave. Ball was gaining along the rail. Only problem was that B.B. Best and High Fly were not tiring and drifting out. So, with no hole at the rail, Dominguez had to pull out for a late charge on the outside. It may have taken a little out of Park Ave. Ball as he tired late. At 26-1, he was worth a wager. This horse needs a pace meltdown to have any chance. Look for him in the Derby.

SunLand Park offered the WinStar Derby for a $500,000 purse. Southern Africa was sent off as the 8/5 favorite under Jon Court. He pressured the pace setter, Thor's Echo, ridden by Corey Nakatani. Southern Africa actually grabbed the lead briefly at the 3/4 pole; but, Thor's Echo came back to win by a length at 2-1. Pretty impressive. Sort It Out was closing from far back to just miss getting second at 2-1. In my mind, Sort it Out's close was more impressive than Park Ave. Ball. Are you getting the idea that I like closers?

You've got to admit, Nick Zito has a good hand of cards. Sun King, High Fly, Noble Causeway- I think he can smell roses.

Is that a crocus I see blooming???

Racetrack Lenny

racetrack lenny went to the post at @ 7:04 PM