Mon, 04/06/2009 - 00:00

Old Fashioned gets tune-up

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Old Fashioned and Danger to Society both worked Monday at Oaklawn Park for Saturday's Grade 2, $1 million Arkansas Derby. The 1 1/8-mile race will close out the Oaklawn season, and as of Monday there were eight to nine probables following the defection of Wise Kid. Entries for the Arkansas Derby are to be taken Wednesday.

Mon, 04/06/2009 - 00:00

Theregoesjojo to join Blue Grass

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Theregoesjojo will run back just two weeks after finishing third to Quality Road and Dunkirk in the Florida Derby when he becomes part of a sizable field likely to clash Saturday in the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland.

Trainer Ken McPeek said he had numerous reasons to buck convention by wheeling back so quickly.

Mon, 04/06/2009 - 00:00

Cecil hoping to repeat success as an invader

Southern California-based trainer Ben Cecil had such a good time with his invasion of Golden Gate Fields last weekend that he is already planning to return. Cecil captured an allowance race on Friday with Ferneley, who is now being pointed to the Grade 2, $300,000 San Francisco Mile on April 25. Saturday, Cecil won the $75,000 Yerba Buena Stakes with Restless Soul.

Ferneley, a Group 3 winner in his native Ireland, rallied from last to win the one-mile turf race by 3 1/4 lengths in 1:35.96. Yacht Spotter was second, with favored Bold Chieftain third.

Mon, 04/06/2009 - 00:00

Mr. Hot Stuff may opt for Peter Pan

ARCADIA, Calif. - The Kentucky Derby hopes for Mr. Hot Stuff essentially ended with a third-place finish in Saturday's $750,000 Santa Anita Derby.

Mr. Hot Stuff has $114,000 in graded stakes earnings, which leaves him 23rd among Derby prospects. If more than 20 horses enter, the field for the Kentucky Derby is determined by graded stakes earnings.

"If he gets in, we'll give it a shot," trainer Eoin Harty said. "If he doesn't get in, he doesn't get in. I'd love to see what he could do over a mile and a quarter with a legitimate pace."

Mon, 04/06/2009 - 00:00

Mullins could face sanctions over Gato Go Win

Jeff Mullins, the trainer of potential Kentucky Derby favorite I Want Revenge, could face sanctions from the New York State Racing and Wagering Board after Mullins was observed giving Gato Go Win medication in the race-day security barn Saturday, necessitating the colt's scratch from the Grade 3 Bay Shore Stakes.

Mon, 04/06/2009 - 00:00

Allegre, Shesa Private I take twin features

It was Grade 1-caliber shipper Obrigado who drew all the attention before Sunday's $50,000 Wildcat Handicap at Turf Paradise, but it was the up-and-coming Allegre who got all the plaudits after the 1 3/8-mile turf race as he posted a powerful victory.

Mon, 04/06/2009 - 00:00

Rachel Alexandra on top for Oaks

Sunny Taylor / Coady Photography
Calvin Borel celebrates aboard Rachel Alexandra after their 8 3/4-length victory in Sunday's Grade 2 Fantasy at Oaklawn.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Rachel Alexandra established herself as the probable favorite for next month's Kentucky Oaks with a cruising, 8 3/4-length win in the Grade 2, $250,000 Fantasy at Oaklawn Park on Sunday. The score came one day after champion Stardom Bound was upset in the Grade 1 Ashland at Keeneland.

The Fantasy was the fourth consecutive stakes win for Rachel Alexandra, and as the 1-9 favorite in a five-horse field she created a $3,382 minus win pool and a $227,722 minus place pool. There was no show wagering in the Fantasy.

Sun, 04/05/2009 - 00:00

Sweet August Moon on a roll

ARCADIA, Calif. - The three-race winning streak Sweet August Moon has compiled at Santa Anita this year has taken her career to new heights.

She won her first stakes in the Honest Lady Stakes last month and her first graded stakes in Sunday's $100,000 Las Flores Handicap, a Grade 3 for fillies and mares at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Ridden by Aaron Gryder, Sweet August Moon ($8.20) won by 1 1/4 lengths over Foxy Danseur, who finished a head in front of 4-5 favorite High Resolve.

Sun, 04/05/2009 - 00:00

Fonner cancels Sunday program

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - The winter storm that has socked the Midwest resulted in Fonner Park canceling its live program on Sunday. Although only about two inches of snow fell in Grand Island, sustained winds of well over 30 miles per hour and blowing snow forced management to cancel the card early Sunday morning with travel conditions worsening.

Sun, 04/05/2009 - 00:00

No trouble for The Nutz in Dowd Mile

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. - The Nutz left no doubt where his next start will come after a dominant 3 3/4-length win in the $20,000 Dowd Mile Stakes at Fonner Park on Saturday afternoon.

The reigning champion of the meet's biggest race, The Nutz tuned up for his appearance in the $75,000 Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes on April 25 by easily shaking off his rivals through the final turn to take command in upper stretch.