Thu, 01/12/2006 - 00:00

Shocking to see 12 taking on Hot Storm

When a horse dominates her rivals in the manner that Hot Storm has ruled the filly-mare sprint division in recent months at Turfway Park, it doesn't make sense for horses to keep coming at her in droves.

And yet an overflow field awaits Hot Storm, an emphatic winner of her last three races, in the $50,000 Wishing Well Stakes on Saturday. The six-furlong Wishing Well is the highlight of a 12-race card at Turfway in Florence, Ky.

Thu, 01/12/2006 - 00:00

'Latenite' will try to silence skeptics

When Latenite Band upset fellow New Mexico-breds in the Red Hedeman Mile at Sunland Park on Dec. 18, it was considered a bit of a fluke since he was almost 7-1. He will get a chance to dismiss any fluke notions Saturday, when he runs in Sunland's $125,000 Pepsi Cola Handicap at six furlongs. The Pepsi Cola has lured a field of 10, and Latenite Band will carry high weight of 121 pounds.

Wed, 01/11/2006 - 00:00

Two-turn form Derek's trump card

Horsephotos
Trainer Dan Hendricks says he's hopeful that Brother Derek, shown winning the Hollywood Futurity, can turn the tables on Stevie Wonderboy in Saturday's San Rafael.

It's not often the West Coast's two highest-ranked contenders for the Kentucky Derby meet in a stakes race in January, but it's not often the West Coast has a crop as deep as it does this year.

Wed, 01/11/2006 - 00:00

Wanna Runner tries big boys

Horsephotos
Stevie Wonderboy makes his first two-turn start in Saturday's San Rafael at Santa Anita.

ARCADIA, Calif. - For a gelding making his stakes debut, Wanna Runner will face a severe test in Saturday's Grade 2, $150,000 San Rafael Stakes at Santa Anita.

Trained by Bob Baffert, Wanna Runner enters the race on a two-race winning streak, but must face Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Stevie Wonderboy and Hollywood Futurity winner Brother Derek in the one-mile San Rafael.

"We'll find out if he fits," Baffert said. "He's a fighter. I know that when he'll look a horse in the eye, he'll fight them off. That's half the battle right there."

Wed, 01/11/2006 - 00:00

Stakes an option for Osidy

ARCADIA, Calif. - Osidy, the winner of the Grade 3 Will Rogers Stakes at Hollywood Park last month, will start this weekend at Santa Anita.

Whether he starts in a $60,000 optional claimer at 1 1/8 miles on turf on Friday or the $200,000 San Fernando Breeders' Cup Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on dirt on Saturday will be decided before Friday.

Trainer Richard Mandella has the San Fernando as a main goal, but entered Osidy in Friday's race when it was offered as a late addition to the card.

Wed, 01/11/2006 - 00:00

Gathering of maiden winners

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Ten of the 12 3-year-old fillies entered in Friday's $33,000 allowance feature at Gulfstream Park are coming off their maiden wins. The problem is trying to figure out which one will exit the race with a two-race winning streak.

Wed, 01/11/2006 - 00:00

Asmussen in all four stakes

BOSSIER CITY, La. - The Fair Grounds meet might have been uprooted and lifted to Louisiana Downs by Hurricane Katrina, but Churchill Downs Inc. has not changed its business plan. CDI racetracks all trot out full-tilt multi-stakes days during their seasons, and the biggest one at the displaced Fair Grounds meet comes Saturday.

Wed, 01/11/2006 - 00:00

'Judiths' looks great to go

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Judiths Wild Rush opened his 2005 campaign running for a $50,000 claiming price at Gulfstream Park. He ended it by being named the Sovereign Award winner as Canada's top sprinter.

Wed, 01/11/2006 - 00:00

Hennig's pair find better spot

Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTOS
A fast pace would greatly enhance the late-running Freeroll's chances in Saturday's Affectionately Handicap.

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - In the right spot, the speedy After the Tone and the late-running Freeroll make up a nice entry. Last month's Ladies Handicap may not have been the right spot.

"It was a little too far for After the Tone and there was not enough pace for Freeroll," said Seth Gregory, assistant to trainer Mark Hennig.

Wed, 01/11/2006 - 00:00

Two injured at Turf Paradise

Turf Paradise's leading rider, Glenn Corbett, and its leading apprentice, Kristina Kenney, suffered injuries in a spill in the track's fourth race Tuesday, while a third fallen rider, Joel Campbell, escaped without injury.

Corbett was on the lead when his mount, Jay R, broke down near the three-eighths pole. Kenney's mount, Restlessinseattle, was following and could not avoid the fallen horse and rider. Campbell and his mount, Steve's Memo, fell over the first two fallen horses and riders.