HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Trainer Keith Sirota has tried to duck the big guns as best he can while waiting for Wacky for Love to cycle back to his top form here this winter. Now his horse is at the top of his game, and the competition should be more to his liking when he goes postward among the favorites in next Saturday's $100,000 Artax Handicap.

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Storm Flag Flying beat the snowstorm by one day and arrived in New York to continue her spring campaign on Thursday.

Storm Flag Flying, the 2-year-old champion filly in 2002, will run next in the $150,000 Distaff Breeders' Cup Handicap at Aqueduct on March 27. In the seven-furlong Distaff, Storm Flag Flying is expected to meet Randaroo, who has won four graded stakes in her last five starts.

Considering that Basketball Court began his career by running four times against maiden claimers, he certainly didn't appear to be a young colt with much of a future.

Since he was claimed for $25,000 by trainer Henry Walters, however, Basketball Court has improved greatly and has fired his best shot every time, moving up in class in each race.

Basketball Court has a big shot to secure his first stakes victory in Sunday's $60,000 Horatius, a six-furlong stakes for 3-year-olds at Laurel Park.

FLORENCE, Ky. - The long winter odyssey that began in Florida has finally brought trainer Nick Zito to Kentucky. So far, the march toward the 130th Kentucky Derby has proceeded almost to plan for Zito, but a crucial stopping point comes Saturday at Turfway Park.

That's where Zito will saddle Birdstone for the $500,000 , the annual Turfway showcase that often serves as a key Derby prep. With Eurosilver and The Cliff's Edge already safely and satisfactorily through their latest prep races, Zito now turns his full attention to bringing Birdstone one step closer to the May 1 Derby.

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - By winning his last two races with style, Eddington has established himself as one of the more intriguing prospects for this year's Kentucky Derby. But the obstacles he faces in Saturday's Grade 3, $200,000 at Aqueduct make him a risky betting proposition.

Eddington figures to be first or second choice in the Gotham, a one-turn mile race that figures to be run over a heavy, wet track. A field of eight was entered for the Gotham, which will be televised live on ESPN2 (3:30 p.m. Eastern) along with the Lane's End Stakes from Turfway Park.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - At first glance, the $200,000 at Oaklawn Park on Saturday looks like a showdown of two unbeaten colts - Smarty Jones, who is 4 for 4, and Purge, who is 2 for 2.

But, the race is not that simple. Add into the mix Mr. Jester, the nation's third-richest 2-year-old last year; Pro Prado and Proper Prado, a capable entry from the barn of Oaklawn kingpin Bob Holthus; Cryptograph, who is unbeaten around two turns; Kentucky Jockey Club runner-up Gran Prospect, who adds blinkers for this race; and the promising Maisie's Son and Archie B.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Purge is the wild card in Saturday's $200,000 Rebel Stakes for 3-year-olds at Oaklawn Park. He has pedigree, talent, looks, and winning connections, but is untested against stakes company or around two turns.

Purge, perfect in two career starts for trainer Todd Pletcher, comes into the race off a sharp victory in an entry-level allowance sprint

Feb. 22 at Gulfstream Park. The race was his first start at 3, and he covered the six furlongs in 1:09.40.

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Apprentice Fernando Jara continued to light up the tote board at Aqueduct by winning Thursday's feature aboard It's So Simple ($28.80).

Since booting home his first New York winner on Feb. 26, Jara has won with several longshots. Through Thursday, Jara had a record of 10-6-6 from 62 mounts.

Jara's double-digit winners include Anties Boy ($57.50), who scored on the first day of the spring meet March 10. Jara also rode winners who returned $32, $27.80, and $25.60.

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - On Wednesday, Whoopi Cat flew with stablemate Pomeroy from California to New York. On Saturday in Aqueduct's Grade 3 Cicada, Whoopi Cat will try to prove she wasn't just along for the ride.

Pomeroy, entered in the Grade 3 Gotham, is the primary reason trainer Patrick Biancone came to New York. Whoopi Cat, however, might be the horse ready for the better effort when she runs in the $100,000-added Cicada.

FLORENCE, Ky. - At least he can joke about it. Turfway Park president Bob Elliston had so tough a winter that even with the track's marquee race set for Saturday and springtime just around the corner, he has a difficult time believing that better times are ahead.

"You know that old saying about a light at the end of tunnel?" he asked. "Right now, I'm concerned that it's just another train coming the other way."