Maker has promising colt for Mucho Macho Man

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Mike Maker is considering the Mucho Macho Man, formerly known as the Gulfstream Park Derby, for A. Rod Again. Making his second start, A. Rod Again rallied to a 4 1/2-length maiden triumph going 1 1/16 miles at Churchill Downs on Nov. 6.

“I’ve always liked him,” Maker said of A. Rod Again, a son of Awesome Again. “He really put it all to together in his second start, and he continues to move forward with every work.”

Among the others likely to compete in the Mucho Macho Man are Ami’s Flatter, Brother Bobo, Jack Tripp, Twotwentyfive A, and possibly Juan and Bina. The Mucho Macho Man is one of five stakes on Saturday’s program, all of which will be drawn Wednesday.

Maker worked two of his top handicap horses, General a Rod and Harry’s Holiday, in company Sunday, with both going five furlongs in 1:00.60. Harry’s Holiday went perhaps slightly best of the pair.

Both General a Rod and Harry’s Holiday competed in this year’s Kentucky Derby, finishing 11th and 16th.

“I thought they worked fabulous,” said Maker. “Harry’s Holiday is ready to go. General a Rod still has a ways to go. It will probably be another three or four weeks before he’s ready to run.”

Maker said a series of quarter cracks have prevented Harry’s Holiday from starting since the Derby. Harry’s Holiday, a son of Harlan’s Holiday, won his 2-year-old finale here last December.

“I had him in at Churchill Downs last month, and they canceled the races that day,” said Maker. “I’ve also entered him once here already, but the race did not fill.”