Steve Davidowitz's Kentucky Derby prep race review: Holy Bull Stakes

Grade 2, $400,000 Holy Bull Stakes, 1 1/16 miles Gulfstream Park, Jan 25
10 Derby eligibility points to the winner, 4 for second, 2 for third, 1 for fourth.

Very few horses came out of this race with realistic credentials to stay on the Triple Crown chase. The winner, Cairo Prince, certainly advanced his standing, scoring by 5 3/4 lengths in 1:42.16 to earn a 95 Beyer Speed Figure. Sharp for his 2014 debut, Cairo Prince comfortably tracked the leaders three wide through the backstretch, edged closer approaching the far turn and took the lead entering the stretch.

From there to the wire, it was no contest, although Conquest Titan did rally with good energy around the field to take second while Intense Holiday moved up between horses on the backstretch and finished a respectable third.

Here are some additional observations about each horse as they finished.

1st - Cairo Prince (Post 7). Son of Pioneerof the Nile, out of a daughter of Holy Bull, lost by a nose to highly regarded Honor Code in his 2013 finale, but looked more mature dominating these as the 2.10-1 favorite. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin says Gulfstream’s Fountain of Youth, Feb. 22, probably will be next.

2nd - Conquest Titan (9). Defeated eventual Gulfstream Derby winner General a Rod in his 2013 finale at Churchill with big late run. Rallied from last for his placing here after getting pinched back early. Added distance should help and he loves Churchill.

3rd - Intense Holiday (11). Fourth in the Nashua and Remsen last fall, his OK third in this spot was similar. Must improve.

4th - Almost Famous (4). Pressed Coup de Grace for 5 furlongs; took over on the far turn and held well to the stretch. Gradually gave way when passed by the winner and failed to hold second or third. Wants a clear lead for his best.

5th - Best Plan Yet (3). Was 92-1 and made a brief forward run along the inside approaching the far turn when forced to steady, and made a second run in the stretch while posing no threat. Better than rated.

6th - Financial Mogul (2). Rallied for second in the Nashua last fall and he made a brief move on the far turn here only to flatten out. Acts like a one-turn type.

7th - Mr. Speaker (6). Had shown strong turf form, and trainer Shug McGaughey put him in here to see if he’s just as good on dirt. He’s not. Stalked the pace for more than 6 furlongs, edging closer approaching the stretch, but gradually gave way. Back to grass. (Earlier on the Gulfstream card, McGaughey’s Top Billing made a strong visual impression winning a 1 1/16-mile allowance race with a smooth last-to-first rally with minimal urging to earn a 90 Beyer Speed Figure.)

8th - Our Caravan (5). Won Gulfstream maiden debut Dec. 14, but was no factor here. Needs more seasoning.

9th - Wicked Strong (8). A close third to Honor Code and Cairo Prince in the Remsen, he showed nothing here. Hard to gauge.

10th - Coup de Grace. (1). Won his first two at short odds. Was rushed a bit to get the lead along the rail only to fade when challenged on the far turn.

11th - Big Bazinga (10). Raced in mid pack through the first half but ran in reverse thereafter. Might perk up when he returns to Polytrack in Canada.

Next: Grade 3, $250,000 Withers Stakes, 1 1/16 miles, Aqueduct, Feb. 1.