in Triple Crown Articles

Tampa Downs heating up

One race this week on Saturday, The Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, played a big part in the 2006 Kentucky Derby picture. It was the first start of the year for the Todd Pletcher-trained colt Bluegrass Cat. The Cat did not disappoint. Winning the 1 1/16 mile stake by 1-¼ lengths over 63-1 shot Deputy Glitters, the odds on favorite paid $3.40 to win. He had to go all out to get the win as Deputy Glitters held on gamely.

Ridden by John Valazquez, Bluegrass Cat, out of the great sire Storm Cat, looked good in his first race since November of ’05. So he may now be the favorite for the Derby, as Stevie Wonderboy is out, and First Samurai has lost his only prep.

Today (Monday), another Derby hopeful will try to take a step toward the Run for the Roses, as the toast of the southern circuit, Lawyer Ron, will go in the Southwest Stakes at aklawn Park. Lawyer Ron will take on seven others in the mile test, with a purse of $250,000 up for grabs; it is the 10th race on the Oaklawn card today.

I asked a friend of mine, Lauren Stich, author of the book Pedigree Handicapping, and one of the most respected experts on thoroughbred bloodlines in North America, what she thought of the horses I have seen this winter, as they head to the Derby.

Here is what she had to say:

Achilles of Troy- His sire Notebook, who passed away last year, is pure speed. Most of his foals were bred for speed and Achilles really does not have stamina in his background. So the next race or two in Florida will tell us how he will do over a classic distance.

Great Point- this horse got raves from Lauren. She said his lines are great for going long. His sire, Point Given, got better and went longer as he matured to a 3-year old. His dam, Crafty Queen, could also go long, so Great Point should have little trouble as the spring approaches.

Keyed Entry- more high marks here for stamina. The sire Honour And Glory rated “high” in Lauren’s numbers for distance.

Cryptoclearence, and Avatar are also in his line, Avatar won the Belmont at 1 ½ Miles in 1975. So I hope this info will help you in your Derby handicapping. My thanks to Lauren.

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame released the names of 87 horses and people as this year’s nominees to the HOF.

Here are some of the names, and some of my favorites nominated:

HORSES- Artax, Best Pal, Ferdinand, Silver Charm, Manila, Spend a Buck, Swale, and Victory Gallop.

FEMALES- Banshee Breeze, Sharp Cat, Landaluce, Silverbulletday, and Life’s Magic.

JOCKEYS- Cash Asmussen, Jorge Chavez, Jean Cruguet, Robbie Davis, Mark Guidry, Eddie Maple, Craig Perret, Don Pierce, Edgar Prado, Randy Romero, and Jose Santos.

Notable riders who were not nominated are Chris Antley, who was murdered and had  drug problems, and Pat Valenzuela, who has been suspended seven times for testing positive for drugs. Both have HOF numbers.

TRAINERS- Jerry Hollendorfer, Bruce Headly, King T. Leatherbury, Mel Stute, Warren Stute, John Veitch, and John Campo.

Results will be published in May, induction ceremonies will be August 7, at Saratoga.

Contact me for picks of the 5 top Derby Preps starting in March. Email jrclemente@hotmail.com.