Racetrack Lenny

2 More Preps

The Southwest Stakes was run yesterday at Oaklawn Park. This race was originally scheduled for President's Day; but, the track came up frozen and racing was called for the day. This gave the entrants the benefit of 5 extra days rest. Derby hopeful Lawyer Ron, John McKee up, was sent off as the prohibitive 1/2 favorite and did not disappoint. Lawyer Ron was being rated hard by jockey McKee and always led by a length or better in winning wire to wire. Instead of opening him up in the stretch, McKee knew he had the best horse and he did just enough to win. Smart move in conserving energy for another day. Nice race for this hopeful, keep an eye on him.

Meanwhile out west, Sunland Park had the Borderland Derby today. Derby hopefuls Doctor Decherd and Plagiarist, sent off 6/5 and 9/5 respectively, showed little in this mile and a sixteenth contest. Shaun Bridgmohan,in to ride Dr. Decherd, kept the good Dr.with the pace in 4th position and was done by the 3/4 mark. The fractions were very swift- 22.74; 45:69; 1:10.62 with the final time in 1:44:82. 9-1 shot Indy Wildcat, Michael Baze up, stalked the leading Diasppearing Trick (5-1); and, in an all out drive, won by a head. Derby fever may strike Indy Wildcat's connections; but, this was a grueling race for Indy. Let's see where his next start is and whether he will bounce off this good effort.

4 major stakes races next weekend: The Santa Catalina at Santa Anita Park; the Swale at Gulfstream; the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream; and the John Battaglia at Turfway Park. With these 4 stakes, the Derby season is officially open.

Racetrack Lenny

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