Kentucky Derby

[HowboutthemCowboys]

I've been trying to catch up on some race replays the last few nights as I have'nt been paying as close attention this year.

The pp's and race replays are free here--http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2009/.

 

I will probly change my mind at least a few times between now and race day, but if I had to pick a horse today it'd be Pioneer of the Nile.

More to come when I have more time.

[gilthorp]

I know there's not many of you that follow the ponies, but this is the best time of year for those of us that do.

 

Disclaimer: The following information is pedigree information on some of the contenders. This is useful reading if you're looking to get an idea of which of these colts are bred to get the mile and a quarter. Compiled this information from the contenders page at kentukyderby.com

 

Pedigree

 

Advice is by multiple graded winner Chapel Royal (Montbrook), winner of the 2003 runnings of the Sanford S. (G2) and Flash S. (G3) at sprint distances. The precocious juvenile finished second in the Champagne S. (G1) at Belmont Park and third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Santa Anita, both at 1 1/16 miles, but he didn’t move forward off those efforts at three. The Todd Pletcher-trained colt was retired following a fourth in the seven-furlong Swale S. (G2) and a fifth in the six-furlong Fly So Free S.

Advice’s dam, Word O’ Wisdom (Hennessy), was winless in three starts, and she’s out of multiple stakes victress Word O’ Ransom (Red Ransom), who raced primarily at sprint distances. This is the immediate female family of Polonius (Broken Vow), winner of the grassy Will Rogers S. (G3) at a mile in 2008.

There are stamina influences on both sides of his pedigree, but Advice is bred to excel at shorter distances than 1 ¼ miles.

 

 

Beethoven will try to exorcise three generations' worth of Kentucky Derby (G1) demons that have bedeviled his sire Sky Mesa, grandsire Pulpit and great-grandsire A.P. Indy. Pulpit was the only one of the three who actually ran for the roses, finishing fourth in 1997 and exiting the race with a bone chip. While A.P. Indy was scratched on the morning of the 1992 classic, Sky Mesa's hopes were abandoned because of a nagging foot bruise in mid-March of 2003. Like Beethoven, Sky Mesa was owned by John C. Oxley and trained by John Ward. The regally bred bay, whose pedigree featured each of the Triple Crown immortals of the 1970s -- Seattle Slew in his direct male line, along with Secretariat and Affirmed -- was unbeaten in three starts as a juvenile. Sky Mesa's victories in the Hopeful S. (G1) and Breeders' Futurity (G2) stamped him as a serious prospect before fate intervened. He sustained an ankle injury that ruled him out of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), and then came the hoof trouble that forced him to miss the first half of his sophomore campaign. He returned to action over the summer, placing in both the Dwyer S. (G2) and Haskell Invitational (G1), but it is questionable whether his early promise was ever fulfilled. Sky Mesa has had just two crops to race so far, already compiling an Average Winning Distance of 6.9 furlongs. Headlining his initial crop were the Grade 2-winning fillies Storm Mesa and Skylighter. Beethoven hails from his second crop, along with Arlington-Washington Futurity (G3) winner Terrain and Kentucky Oaks (G1) hopeful Sky Diva, who captured the Frizette S. (G1).

The aptly named Beethoven is the first foal from Moonlight Sonata, who broke her maiden in the Arlington-Washington Lassie S. (G3). She found that one-turn mile to be the limit of her stamina, which is not surprising in light of her pedigree. Moonlight Sonata is by multiple Grade 2-winning sprinter and successful sire Carson City, whose top performers include such outstanding speedsters as State City, City Zip, Carson Hollow and Cuvee. His progeny have recorded an Average Winning Distance of 6.5 furlongs. On the other hand, when crossed with a more stamina-laden strain, Carson City has been able to get horses of greater staying capacity, such as Canadian champion Small Promises and Grade 2-winning millionaire Pollard's Vision. Moreover, Carson City's daughters have been successful in producing 1 1/4-mile performers when sent to the right stallion. Carson City is the broodmare sire of 2006 Kentucky Derby hero Barbaro (Dynaformer), as well as Lear's Princess (Lear Fan), who just missed in the Alabama S. (G1) and Coaching Club American Oaks (G1).

Moonlight Sonata is a half-sister to the speed-oriented Bevo (Prospectors Gamble), the winner of the Futurity S. (G1) and Saratoga Special (G2). They are out of Wheatly Way, a minor stakes victress at Calder who never won past six furlongs. Wheatly Way is by Wheatly Hall, runner-up in the Arkansas Derby (G1) and an undistinguished sire. The female line has been steadily churning out stakes-class runners, with the highlight of the lot in recent decades being Twixt (Restless Native), heroine of the 1975 Top Flight H. (G1), and there is plenty of quality further back. This is the kind of hard-scrabble family that is eligible to prosper when matched with blue-bloods like Sky Mesa. Beethoven, who is inbred to mega-sire Mr. Prospector, may inherit the best of both worlds.

 

 

Chocolate Candy, who is already proven up to 1 1/8 miles, has the genetic tools to comfortably get 1 1/4 miles. His sire, Candy Ride (Arg), was named champion miler in Argentina off just three wins in his native land, then was imported to California where he pushed his career record to six-for-six before retiring prematurely. Under the tutelage of Ron McAnally, Candy Ride captured the American H. (G2) over nine furlongs on turf, then showed his versatility in taking the 10-furlong Pacific Classic (G1) by more than three lengths in a time of 1:59. Candy Ride is making a strong impression this season with his three-year-olds. In addition to Chocolate Candy, Candy Ride has also been represented by Grade 2 winners Capt. Candyman Can and the filly Evita Argentina. While those two have proven to be more prolific in one-turn races, Chocolate Candy is evidence that Candy Ride is quickly becoming a sire of all types of horses for all types of surfaces.

Crownette, the dam of Chocolate Candy, captured the restricted Santa Ysabel S. over 1 1/16 miles early in her three-year-old season, but eventually proved to be more of an allowance-caliber runner for McAnally. Chocolate Candy is the first stakes winner Crownette has produced, but her first foal, Crowning Storm (Storm Cat), placed in both the Iroquois S. (G3) at Churchill and the Affirmed H. (G3) at Hollywood Park. Another product of Chocolate Candy’s female family is 1978 Triple Crown winner and dual Horse of the Year Affirmed (Exclusive Native).

Crownette is by Seattle Slew, the 1977 Triple Crown winner, who long ago stamped his influence on the breed both as a sire and as a broodmare sire. In the latter capacity, Seattle Slew has been represented by champions Cigar (Palace Music) and Lemon Drop Kid (Kingmambo), both multiple winners at 10 furlongs or longer, and the champion mare Escena (Strawberry Road [Aus]).

 

 

Desert Party is by world-class sire Street Cry (Ire), who was arguably Godolphin's best hope of winning the Kentucky Derby (G1) before injury ruled him out of the race in 2001. An extremely talented racehorse as a juvenile, Street Cry enjoyed his most successful campaign as a four-year-old, running away to daylight wins in the 2002 Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) and the Stephen Foster H. (G1) at Churchill Downs. Considering his high-class pedigree, as a son of French two-year-old champion Machiavellian and Irish Oaks (Ire-G1) queen Helen Street (GB) (Troy), it should come as no surprise that Street Cry has become a raging success at stud. In his brief stallion career so far, he has already been represented by his first Derby winner when Street Sense made a stirring run to win the 2007 edition. Other standouts by the phenom include unbeaten champion Zenyatta, Italian highweight Per Incanto and Grade 1 winners Street Boss, Street Hero and Cry and Catch Me. Street Cry has sired top juveniles, impressive sprinters, turf stayers and champion middle-distance performers, on all surfaces.

Desert Party is out of the winning Sage Cat, making him a half-brother to stakes queen Elliecat (Crafty Prospector), who landed the 1 1/16-mile Chou Croute H. Sage Cat is a daughter of Tabasco Cat, who bounceed back from a sixth in the Kentucky Derby to win the Preakness S. (G1) and Belmont S. (G1) in 1996. Tabasco Cat has yet to make a big impact as a broodmare sire, but his daughters have produced 10 stakes winners, led by four-time stakes victor Capitano (Belong to Me). Ironically, despite Tabasco Cat's stamina, his daughters seem to be transmitting more speed than staying power.

 

 

Dunkirk is exquisitely bred for classic success. He is the latest contender by multiple Grade 1-winning millionaire Unbridled's Song, the hero of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), Florida Derby (G1) and Wood Memorial S. (G2). Dispatched as the 7-2 favorite in the 1996 Kentucky Derby (G1), he was compromised by foot issues and wound up running in bar shoes, but still turned in a terrific performance to finish fifth. A son of 1990 Kentucky Derby winner Unbridled, Unbridled's Song now ranks as a successful stallion, with an Average Winning Distance of 7.2 furlongs for his progeny. His top performers have excelled at a range of distances. Unbridled's Song is responsible for First Defence, hero of the seven-furlong Forego S. (G1); Thorn Song, winner of the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1); Political Force, who just missed in the Metropolitan Mile (G1) before capturing the 1 1/4-mile Suburban H. (G1); Octave, victress of the 1 1/4-mile Coaching Club American Oaks (G1); Unbridled Elaine, successful in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1); the gallant but ill-fated Eight Belles, who finished second to Big Brown in last year's Kentucky Derby; reigning champion juvenile Midshipman and Old Fashioned, who were both on the Derby trail before being derailed by injury.

Dunkirk's dam, Secret Status, romped by 6 3/4 lengths in the 2000 Kentucky Oaks (G1). Also that season, she won the Mother Goose S. (G1) and Florida Oaks (G3) while placing in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) and Alabama S. (G1). Secret Status, who retired with a mark of 19-8-3-4 and more than $1 million in earnings, has no shortage of stamina in her pedigree. Her sire, A.P. Indy, captured the 1 1/2-mile Belmont S. (G1) and 1 1/4-mile Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) en route to Horse of the Year honors in 1992. A.P. Indy, himself a son of 1977 Triple Crown legend Seattle Slew, has enjoyed a highly successful career at stud. A two-time leading sire, he is responsible for such champions as Horse of the Year Mineshaft; Bernardini, winner of the 2006 Preakness S. (G1); and Rags to Riches, the first filly in 102 years to win the Belmont in 2007. A.P. Indy mares have produced the likes of champion filly Wait a While (Maria's Mon); Kentucky Derby runner-up Bluegrass Cat (Storm Cat) and Any Given Saturday (Distorted Humor), both successful in the Haskell Invitational (G1); and millionaire Zanjero (Cherokee Run).

Secret Status is a full sister to multiple Grade 3 victor Alumni Hall (A.P. Indy) and a half-sister to stakes queen Private Gift (Unbridled). They are out of the stakes-winning Private Status, a daughter of Triple Crown runner-up Alydar. Private Status is herself a half-sister to two multiple Chilean Group 1 heroines -- Miss Brio (Chi) (Semenenko), who added the Maskette S. (G1) at Belmont to her resume, and Maria Candela (Chi) (*Balconaje), who swept the El Derby (Chi-G1) and Las Oaks (Chi-G1) in her homeland. Although the family spent generations in Argentina, it descends from the American-bred mare Mystify (Disguise), whose sire and dam were both by the great Domino.

 

 

Flying Private is by 2000 Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus and is out of a mare by 1990 Derby winner Unbridled, who is also the sire of 1996 Derby winner Grindstone. A son of legendary sire Mr. Prospector, Fusaichi Pegasus' best offspring include 2007 champion Australian three-year-old Haradasun, 2005 Haskell Invitational (G1) hero Roman Ruler, 2005 Blue Grass (G1) victor Bandini and 2005 Belmont S. (G1) runner-up Andromeda's Hero. When coupled with the right mare, his offspring should be able to handle 10 furlongs.

Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner Unbridled, the champion three-year-old colt in 1990, is an excellent stamina influence and is the sire of four U.S. champions. The late stallion is also responsible for 2003 Belmont S. (G1) hero Empire Maker, sire of leading 2009 Derby contender Pioneerof the Nile. As a broodmare sire, Unbridled's descendants include two recent quick three-year-old fillies, multiple Grade 1 winner Dream Rush (Wild Rush) and Grade 3 heroine La Traviata (Johannesburg), so Unbridled isn't a one-dimensional influence.

Flying Private's dam, Beautiful Pleasure is from the female family of multiple stakes winner Bidding Proud (Explosive Bid), a successful route runner in the mid-90s for Jimmy Croll. The nine-year-old mare raced mostly in sprints during her racing career, but she has the bloodlines to produce long-distance specialists.

Flying Private owns a solid pedigree for 1 1/4 miles.

 

 

Friesan Fire represents a fusion of American and Australian bloodlines of the highest order. He inherits an abundance of stamina from his sire, A.P. Indy, who captured the 1 1/2-mile Belmont S. (G1) and 1 1/4-mile Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) en route to Horse of the Year honors in 1992. A.P. Indy, himself a son of 1977 Triple Crown legend Seattle Slew, has enjoyed a highly successful career at stud. A two-time leading sire, he is responsible for such champions as Horse of the Year Mineshaft; Bernardini, winner of the 2006 Preakness S. (G1); and Rags to Riches, the first filly in 102 years to win the Belmont in 2007. The Kentucky Derby, however, has eluded him and his progeny so far. A.P. Indy was the favorite for the 1992 Derby, but he was scratched because of a quarter-crack on the morning of the race. Of his offspring, Aptitude came closest to wearing the roses when finishing runner-up in 2000.

Friesan Fire receives a dose of speed from his dam, Bollinger (Aus), who scored her signature victory in the Coolmore Classic (Aus-G1) at about 7 1/2 furlongs. She also landed the about seven-furlong Surround S. (Aus-G2) and the South Pacific Classic (Aus-G3), defeating males in the latter.

Bollinger is the daughter of juvenile champions from two hemispheres. She is by Dehere, America's champion two-year-old male of 1993, and out of Bint Marscay, who ranked as Australia's top juvenile in 1992-93. Interestingly, Bollinger is bred on the same cross as Dehere's best son, the versatile Defier, who won Australian Group 1 events from one mile up to about 1 3/8 miles.

Dehere has emerged as a solid broodmare sire. His daughters have produced the likes of American champion sprinter Midnight Lute (Real Quiet) and Australian superstar filly Forensics (Flying Spur); Oratory (Pulpit) and Recapturetheglory (Cherokee Run), both American Grade 2 winners at nine furlongs; and Rebel Raider (Reset), who surprised the Victoria Derby (Aus-G1) at about 1 9/16 miles.

Bint Marscay emulated her sire, the influential Marscay, by winning the prestigious Golden Slipper S. (Aus-G1) at two. Although she never won beyond that about six-furlong trip, her family has churned out top-level campaigners at longer distances. Her Group 1-winning half-brothers, Filante (Star Way) and Kenny's Best Pal (Bletchingly), both won at around 1 1/4 miles. Their dam Eau d'Etoile, by the classic colossus *Sir Tristram, placed in a pair of Oaks in the Antipodes.

The family is on a tear at present. Bollinger's half-sister, Group 3 heroine Mannington (Danehill), has produced Romneya (Red Ransom), the winner of the January 31 Vanity S. (Aus-G3) and February 14 Fillies Classic (Aus-G2). Romneya also just missed in the March 7 Surround S. (Aus-G2). Mannington's previously celebrated offspring was Benicio (More Than Ready), who lasted the demanding trip in the 2005 Victoria Derby, proving that latent stamina is still alive and well in the midst of the family's overarching speed.

Friesan Fire is inbred 3 X 4 to the immortal Secretariat, with both A.P. Indy and Dehere being out of Secretariat mares.

 

 

General Quarters will try to exorcise three generations' worth of Kentucky Derby (G1) demons that have bedeviled his sire Sky Mesa, grandsire Pulpit and great-grandsire A.P. Indy. Pulpit was the only one of the three who actually ran for the roses, finishing fourth in 1997 and exiting the race with a bone chip. While A.P. Indy was scratched on the morning of the 1992 classic, Sky Mesa's hopes were abandoned because of a nagging foot bruise in mid-March of 2003. The regally bred bay, whose pedigree featured each of the Triple Crown immortals of the 1970s -- Seattle Slew in his direct male line, along with Secretariat and Affirmed -- was unbeaten in three starts as a juvenile. Sky Mesa's victories in the Hopeful S. (G1) and Breeders' Futurity (G2) stamped him as a serious prospect before fate intervened. He sustained an ankle injury that ruled him out of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), and then came the hoof trouble that forced him to miss the first half of his sophomore campaign. He returned to action over the summer, placing in both the Dwyer S. (G2) and Haskell Invitational (G1), but it is questionable whether his early promise was ever fulfilled. Sky Mesa has had just two crops to race so far, already compiling an Average Winning Distance of 6.9 furlongs. Headlining his initial crop were the Grade 2-winning fillies Storm Mesa and Skylighter. General Quarters hails from his second crop, along with Arlington-Washington Futurity (G3) winner Terrain and Frizette S. (G1) winner Sky Diva.

Out of Ecology (Unbridled’s Song), who was well beaten in her only two starts, General Quarters is from the family of Hall of Fame grass champion Manila (Lyphard), his Irish champion half-brother Stately Don (Nureyev), and French champion Targowice (Round Table). Damsire Unbridled’s Song has been on an unbelievable run the past couple of years. Hero of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), Florida Derby (G1) and Wood Memorial S. (G2), Unbridled’s Song was dispatched as the 7-2 favorite in the 1996 Kentucky Derby (G1), he was compromised by foot issues and wound up running in bar shoes, but still turned in a terrific performance to finish fifth. A son of 1990 Kentucky Derby winner Unbridled, Unbridled's Song now ranks as a successful stallion, with an Average Winning Distance of 7.2 furlongs for his progeny. His top performers have excelled at a range of distances. Unbridled's Song is responsible for First Defence, hero of the seven-furlong Forego S. (G1); Thorn Song, winner of the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1); Political Force, who just missed in the Metropolitan H. (G1) before capturing the 1 1/4-mile Suburban H. (G1); Octave, victress of the 1 1/4-mile Coaching Club American Oaks (G1); Unbridled Elaine, successful in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1); the gallant but ill-fated Eight Belles, who finished second to Big Brown in last year's Kentucky Derby; reigning champion juvenile Midshipman; and Old Fashioned, who recently left the Derby trail due to injury.

In addition to General Quarters, Unbridled’s Song is also the broodmare of sire of Derby hopeful Hold Me Back (Giant’s Causeway), the Lane’s End S. (G2) winner who finished second to General Quarters in the Blue Grass.

 

 

Hold Me Back is by English and Irish champion Giant's Causeway, who was hailed as the "Iron Horse" after capturing five Group 1 events during the summer of 2000. Undefeated from three starts as a juvenile, the powerful chestnut was initially campaigned as a miler at three, placing in both the Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) at Newmarket and the Irish Two Thousand Guineas (Ire-G1) at the Curragh before beginning his golden run in the St James's Palace S. (Eng-G1) at Royal Ascot. Giant's Causeway proved that 1 1/4 miles was well within his compass next time out in the Eclipse S. (Eng-G1), where he showed all of his trademark battling qualities to come again after being headed. The son of Storm Cat went on to defeat his elders three more times, in the Sussex S. (Eng-G1), Juddmonte International (Eng-G1) and Irish Champion S. (Ire-G1), and concluded his career with a terrific runner-up effort to Tiznow in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) on the dirt at Churchill Downs. Giant's Causeway has followed up his stellar racing career with an equally outstanding record at stud. Most of his best progeny are turf horses, such as European champion and dual French classic winner Shamardal, Two Thousand Guineas victor Footstepsinthesand (GB), the brilliant miler Aragorn (Ire) and the record-setting Red Giant. Some have transitioned beautifully from turf to synthetic, with the prime examples being Santa Anita H. (G1) hero Heatseeker (Ire) and Spinster S. (G1) romper Carriage Trail. But those two also performed well on the dirt, like several other classy individuals by Giant's Causeway, chief among them First Samurai, the winner of the Champagne S. (G1) and Hopeful S. (G1).

The maternal half of Hold Me Back's pedigree is likewise marked by surface versatility. He is out of the unraced Restraint, who has produced three other winners, two of them principally turf runners. She is by millionaire Unbridled's Song, successful in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), Florida Derby (G1) and Wood Memorial (G2) and a gallant fifth as the 7-2 favorite in the 1996 Kentucky Derby (G1). He has sired top-level performers on all surfaces -- the now-sidelined champion Midshipman raced exclusively on synthetic; his current Kentucky Derby hopefuls Old Fashioned and Dunkirk are accomplished on dirt, as are his Grade 1-winning millionaires Unbridled Elaine and Octave; and Thorn Song and Magnificent Song have racked up Grade 1 scores on the turf. Unbridled's Song is just beginning to exert an influence as a broodmare sire, with his daughters producing Sam F. Davis S. (G3) winner General Quarters (Sky Mesa), Santa Ynez S. (G2) queen Alpha Kitten (Tale of the Cat) and Grade 3 scorers Etched (Forestry) and Elusive Lady (Van Nistelrooy). The final three in that list are all bred on the same cross as Hold Me Back, being by Storm Cat stallions.

Restraint is herself out of the multi-talented Avowal, Canada's champion sprinter and champion three-year-old filly in 1982. By two-time Canadian Horse of the Year L'Enjoleur, Avowal won stakes on both dirt and turf, set a new Woodbine course record sprinting 6 1/2 furlongs, and wired the field by 13 lengths in the 1 1/8-mile Canadian Oaks. She produced two stakes winners -- Adarling (Alleged), who captured the Broadway Lullaby S. on the grass, and Freedom Fleet (Afleet), who landed the Autumn S. and placed in the prestigious Queen's Plate S. on Woodbine's old dirt track.

 

 

I Want Revenge's pedigree is laced with stamina on both top and bottom. He is by millionaire Stephen Got Even, a son of 1992 Horse of the Year A.P. Indy and grandson of 1977 Triple Crown legend Seattle Slew. Stephen Got Even captured the GalleryFurniture.com S. (G2), now known as the Lane's End S. (G2), at Turfway Park in just his fourth career start. In the wake of that effort, he went postward as the 5-1 second choice in the 1999 Kentucky Derby (G1), where he was bumped on the first turn and eventually finished 14th. Stephen Got Even ran creditably in a few other major contests at three, placing third in the Woodward S. (G1) and fourth in the Preakness S. (G1) and Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1). The bay put it all together with a game score in the 1 1/8-mile Donn H. (G1) in his four-year-old debut, but was unfortunately sidelined thereafter and never raced again. At stud, Stephen Got Even has sired champion Stevie Wonderboy, hero of the 2005 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1); Grade 2 victor Don't Get Mad, a gallant fourth in the 2005 Kentucky Derby; Sweet Vendetta, winner of last year's Black-Eyed Susan S. (G2); and For All We Know, queen of the seven-furlong Raven Run S. (G2).

I Want Revenge is out of Meguial (Arg), a stakes winner who placed in a trio of prestigious Group 1 events in her native Argentina. Although two of those came at about one mile, she also finished second in the about 1 1/4-mile Gran Premio Seleccion (Argentine Oaks) (Arg-G1). Meguial later raced in the United States, usually at 1 1/16 miles, but she did not reproduce her Argentinean form while placing in three minor stakes.

Meguial is a daughter of the Fappiano stallion Roy, one of the most successful sires ever in South America. Despite being a fast and precocious juvenile who just missed in the Sanford S. (G2), Roy became a major classic influence, with Chilean Horse of the Year Barrio Chino and Argentinean Horse of the Year Freddy (Arg) among his hefty list of champions. As a broodmare sire, his leading light has been the world-class miler Host (Chi) (Hussonet), but Roy's daughters have also produced Group 1 winners with plentiful staying power. Moreover, Meguial's dam, Starry Night (Fitzcarraldo), is inbred to Donatello II, a potent stamina factor.

 

 

The British-bred Mafaaz is qualified to stay 1 1/4 miles, but his pedigree leaves his aptitude for dirt open to debate. Perhaps the most potent argument in his favor is that he hails from the male line of Mr. Prospector, via the same European-based branch as Street Cry (Ire), the sire of 2007 Kentucky Derby (G1) hero Street Sense and current hopeful Desert Party. Mafaaz's sire, Medicean, and Street Cry are both by the Mr. Prospector stallion Machiavellian, a champion juvenile in France. Medicean was primarily a miler, capturing the Lockinge S. (Eng-G1) and Queen Anne S. (Eng-G2), but he stayed a truly run 1 1/4 miles well enough to land the prestigious Eclipse S. (Eng-G1). Still, given Medicean's undeniable heart and determination, his attitude may have been largely responsible for helping him to stretch his stamina beyond its natural limits. His leading progeny have tended to excel at around a mile, including Coronation S. (Eng-G1) heroine Nannina and the classy Bankable, but both of them have run well in defeat going 1 1/4 miles. Medicean is also responsible for multiple Group 1-winning juvenile Dutch Art, who ended his career in sprints; Almerita (Ger), queen of the about 11-furlong Preis der Diana (German Oaks) (Ger-G1); and Grade 2 scorer Medici Code (GB), who just missed in the 1 1/4-mile San Marcos S. (G2).

Mafaaz stands to inherit more stamina from his well-bred dam Complimentary Pass, who placed second once from two career starts. She has produced two other winners -- the Group 3-placed Gweebarra (GB) (Lomitas [GB]), a sprinter/miler, and the English handicapper Spunger (Fraam), who has won twice at about 1 1/4 miles. Complimentary Pass is a daughter of the wildly successful Danehill, a dominating presence in both the European and Australian breeding industries. Although his signature victory came in the Sprint Cup (Eng-G1), Danehill has sired top-class performers at all distances. In addition to such versatile stars as Duke of Marmalade (Ire), Oratorio (Ire), Intercontinental (GB), Banks Hill (GB) and Elvstroem, he has sired 1 1/2-mile classic winners like Dylan Thomas (Ire), North Light (Ire) and Peeping Fawn; champion milers like Rock of Gibraltar (Ire), George Washington (Ire), Fairy King Prawn and Redoute's Choice; blazing sprinters like Mozart (Ire) and Fastnet Rock; and even a two-time champion stayer in Westerner. It should come as no surprise that Danehill is just as multi-talented a broodmare sire, with his daughters producing such diverse runners as the milers Nannina (bred on the same cross as Mafaaz), Saoire (GB) (Pivotal) and Asian Winds (Fuji Kiseki); top juveniles Teofilo (Galileo [ire]) and Intense Focus (Giant's Causeway); 10-to-12 furlong aficionado Vengeance of Rain (Zabeel); and the remarkable Tuesday Joy (Carnegie [ire]), who has won Australian Group 1 events from 7 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/2 miles.

Complimentary Pass belongs to one of the most celebrated families in the Stud Book. She is out of Capo di Monte (Ire) (Final Straw), the winner of the 1 3/8-mile Vineland H. (G3), and herself a half-sister to German highweight Wind in Her Hair (Ire) (Alzao), victress of the about 1 1/2-mile Aral Pokal (Ger-G1) and later the dam of Japanese superstar Deep Impact (Sunday Silence). Mafaaz's third dam, Burghclere (Busted), is closely related to champion Height of Fashion (Fr) (Bustino), who was an illustrious producer for Sheikh Hamdan. Among Height of Fashion's offspring are the sensational Nashwan (Blushing Groom [Fr]), the last horse to win both the Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) and Epsom Derby (Eng-G1), and four-time Group 1 winner Nayef (Gulch).

 

 

Mine That Bird is the leading runner so far by millionaire Birdstone, who carved out a permanent niche in racing history by foiling Smarty Jones' Triple Crown bid in the 2004 Belmont S. (G1). A son of 1996 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Grindstone, and a grandson of 1990 Derby hero Unbridled, Birdstone stamped himself as a classic contender when capturing the Champagne S. (G1) at two. Unfortunately, the spring of his three-year-old season did not go according to plan, and he could manage only eighth in the Run for the Roses. The real Birdstone reappeared in the 1 1/2-mile Belmont, rolling home late to inflict the first and only defeat upon Smarty Jones. Later that summer, Birdstone added the prestigious Travers S. (G1) to his resume. Given his proficiency at distances of 1 1/4 miles and beyond, he promises to pass on his abundant stamina. Birdstone already has two Derby contenders in his very first crop, with Arkansas Derby (G2) third Summer Bird joining Mine That Bird in the starting gate.

Mine That Bird is the first foal from the unraced Mining My Own, who is by Smart Strike, sire of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and Preakness (G1) and the third-place finisher in the 2007 Kentucky Derby. The 1996 Grade 1 winner is a relatively new broodmare sire and will have the opportunity to shine for years to come.

Mining My Own, an eight-year-old mare, should provide plenty of stamina for her offspring. She is out of Aspenelle, a confirmed router who finished second in the 1993 Canadian Oaks, and Aspenelle hails from Vice Regent, whose offspring tend to relish longer distances. Vice Regent’s best offspring include the outstanding Deputy Minister, the 1981 Canadian Horse of the Year who went on to be a successful stallion; Canadian champions Regal Classic, Regal Intention, Bessarabian, Ruling Angel, Fraud Squad, Bounding Away, Christy’s Mount and Deceit Dancer; and multiple Grade 1-winning millionaire Twice the Vice.

Mine That Bird looks well suited for the Derby distance.

 

 

Mr. Hot Stuff boasts a strong pedigree for 1 1/4 miles. His sire, $6.4 million earner and 2009 Hall of Fame inductee Tiznow, scored all of his most notable victories at that classic distance. A late-developing sort who did not break his maiden until late May as a sophomore, Tiznow went on to become champion three-year-old and Horse of the Year in 2000. He set a new track record of 1:59 4/5 when romping in the 1 1/4-mile Super Derby (G1) at Louisiana Downs, and later that fall, he captured the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs. In 2001, Tiznow took home another Eclipse Award as champion older horse. That year, he added the Santa Anita H. (G1) to his resume, and in his final career outing in the Breeders' Cup Classic, he mounted a determined rally inside the final yards to deny Sakhee by a nose. In the process, Tiznow became the only two-time winner of that 1 1/4-mile prize.

Tiznow , who stands at WinStar Farm near Versailles, Kentucky, is also proving to be an outstanding stallion, transmitting his stamina to his progeny in the process. In 2008, he was represented by Travers (G1) and Santa Anita Derby (G1) hero Colonel John, a full brother to Mr. Hot Stuff, and Well Armed captured the Goodwood S. (G1) during the Oak Tree meet. Well Armed who went on to post a 14-length victory in this year's running Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1). Fillies by Tiznow include Folklore, the champion juvenile filly of 2005; 2008 Canadian champion mare Bear's Now; and multiple Grade 1 heroine Tough Tiz's Sis.

Additional staying power is conferred by Mr. Hot Stuff's dam. He is the fifth foal out of Sweet Damsel, the winner of five minor races at about a mile, on both dirt and turf, from her 33 starts. Her previous three foals are all winners, inclkuding Grade 3-placed Caroline's Gold (Touch Gold). Sweet Damsel is by Turkoman, the champion older male of 1986, who blazed 1 1/4 miles in a track-record 1:58 3/5 at Hialeah to capture the Widener H. (G1). As might be expected, his progeny are responsible for a stout Average Winning Distance of 8.1 furlongs. Turkoman has made his mark as a broodmare sire, especially in the Triple Crown. His daughters have produced 2001 Horse of the Year Point Given, who disappointed when fifth in the Run for the Roses but rebounded with powerful scores in the Preakness S. (G1) and Belmont S. (G1), and Hard Spun, a gallant runner-up in last year's Kentucky Derby and third in the Preakness.

Sweet Damsel is herself out of Illinois-bred stakes victress Grande Dame, who is by 1976 Gotham S. (G2) winner Zen. Mr. Hot Stuff's third dam, Fia, finished third in the 1 1/2-mile Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) in 1977. She likely inherited her stamina from her sire, One for All, the Canadian champion grass horse in 1971. This is the family of multiple Grade 2 victor Imperialism (Langfuhr), who was third to Smarty Jones in the 2004 Run for the Roses.

 

 

In many respects, Musket Man is the perfect example of an overachiever. With speed influences permeating both sides of his family tree, and out of a dam that was more successful in the claiming ranks at the end of her career, Musket Man has done very well indeed to win both the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) at 1 /16 miles and the Illinois Derby (G2) at nine furlongs.

Musket Man is by Yonaguska, who captured the 2000 Hopeful S. (G1) in a dead heat at two and, after faltering when stretched out to two turns, reverted to sprinting. He later added the Hutcheson S. (G2), Sport Page H. (G3) and Fall Highweight H. (G2) to his resume, but ended his career on a sour note when unplaced in his final five starts. Like his sire, sprint champion Cherokee Run, Yonaguska has been represented by offspring who were able to stretch their speed to 1 1/16 miles and sometimes up to nine furlongs. Musket Man is the first graded stakes winner sired by Yonaguska, who is also represented this year by Earth Living, the runner-up in the U.A.E. One Thousand Guineas and the U.A.E. Oaks.

Fortuesque, the dam of Musket Man, won two allowances early in her career, placed in only one of her five stakes attempts (via disqualification), and had to drop into the claiming ranks to secure her final two wins. Unsuccessful beyond 6 1/2 furlongs, Fortuesque had not produced anything close in talent to Musket Man prior to his arrival.

Fortunate Prospect, the sire of Fortuesque, was a Grade 3 winner at three who later became a prolific winner of listed sprints along the Eastern seaboard. Out of a mare by 1965 Kentucky Derby winner Lucky Debonair, Fortunate Prospect sired a mix of sprint specialists and runners who were competitive up to nine furlongs. Among the latter group were 1992 Demoiselle S. (G2) heroine Fortunate Faith and multiple Grade 3 winner Suave Prospect, who placed in both the Florida Derby (G1) and Blue Grass S. (G2). Likewise, Fortunate Prospect’s daughters have produced runners as diverse as multiple Grade 3 turf winner Fort Prado (El Prado [ire]) and multiple Grade 2 winner and sire Successful Appeal (Valid Appeal).

Given the abundance of speed influences in his pedigree, it would be a bit of a surprise to see Musket Man win at 1 1/4 miles at the highest level.

 

 

Papa Clem is by Smart Strike, the leading sire for the past two years, whose offspring have shown an immense amount of versatility. A half-brother to Canadian Triple Crown winner and Hall of Fame filly Dance Smartly (Danzig), Smart Strike won six of his eight career starts, earning his signature victory in the nine-furlong Philip H. Iselin H. (G1) in 1996. Smart Strike has become one of the most successful sires in recent years, stamping his legacy through his son Curlin, the 2007 Horse of the Year who became North America’s all-time leading money winner with a second consecutive score in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) last fall. His other major victories occurred in the Preakness S. (G1), Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1), Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), Stephen Foster H. (G1), Woodward S. (G1) and Arkansas Derby (G2), all contested at nine or 10 furlongs. Curlin also did well to finish third in the Kentucky Derby (G1) in only his fourth career start, and was beaten a head into second in the Belmont S. (G1). In addition to numerous Canadian champions, Smart Strike has also been represented in the United States by English Channel, the 2007 male turf champion, as well as the Grade 1-winning sprinter Fabulous Strike, among others. With Smart Strike on top, Papa Clem’s capabilities are virtually limitless.

Papa Clem was produced by Miss Houdini (Belong to Me), who captured the seven-furlong Del Mar Debutante (G1) in her second career start in 2002. Off nearly a year after that score, she would lose her final two races after which she was retired. Papa Clem’s second dam was Magical Maiden (Lord Avie), who captured the 1991 Hollywood Starlet (G1) and the Las Virgenes S. (G1) the following year. This family produced Avies Copy (Lord Avie), the Grade 2 winner who ran third behind Alysheba and Bet Twice in the 1987 Kentucky Derby.

Broodmare sire Belong to Me was a sprint specialist himself, capturing the Best Turn S. (G3) and Boojum H. (G3), but has gotten offspring capable at a variety of distances and surfaces. Last season, he was represented by Forever Together, a Grade 2 winner on dirt who was transformed into an Eclipse Award champion when moved to the grass. As a damsire, Belong to Me’s most prominent runner has been Circular Quay (Thunder Gulch), winner of the Hopeful S. (G1) at two who later captured the Louisiana Derby (G2) prior to a sixth-place finish in the 2007 Kentucky Derby. Circular Quay stretched out at four to take the nine-furlong New Orleans H. (G2).

 

 

Like many colts before him, Pioneerof the Nile will seek to avenge the loss of his father in the Kentucky Derby. His sire, the regally bred Empire Maker, won the Florida Derby (G1) and Wood Memorial S. (G1) prior to starting as the 5-2 favorite in the 2003 Run for the Roses, but complications from a foot bruise perhaps compromised his chances at Churchill Downs as he wound up 1 3/4 lengths second behind Funny Cide. Bypassing the Preakness S. (G1), the Juddmonte homebred pointed toward the 12-furlong Belmont S. (G1), which he won by three-quarters of a length and thus derailed Funny Cide’s Triple Crown bid. By 1990 Kentucky Derby winner and champion Unbridled, Empire Maker is out of the 2002 Broodmare of the Year Toussaud (El Gran Senor), also the dam of Chester House (Mr. Prospector) and Chiselling (Woodman), both Grade 1 winners over 1 1/4 miles. There is absolutely nothing to suggest from a paternal standpoint that Pioneerof the Nile will find the Derby’s 10-furlong trip taxing in any way.

Pioneerof the Nile was produced from Star of Goshen, whose lone stakes victory was an 11-length romp in the 1997 La Troienne S. going seven furlongs at Churchill, with eventual three-year-old filly champion Ajina (Strawberry Road [Aus]). Star of Goshen had won her first two starts by a combined 16 lengths, but met defeat for the first time when second in the Edgewood S., then concluded her career when eased under the wire in the Hollywood Oaks (G2). Pioneerof the Nile counts as a half-brother the multiple Grade 2-placed Forefathers (Gone West), whose best came around one turn, but an infusion of stamina in the female is provided by Lord at War (Arg), whose signature victory occurred in the 1985 Santa Anita H. (G1) over 1 1/4 miles. Lord at War’s daughters have produced a host of top quality routers, most notably the 2002 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner War Emblem (Our Emblem), 2008 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) victor Raven’s Pass (Elusive Quality), Grade 1 heroine Citronnade (Lemon Drop Kid) and Suburban H. (G2) winner E Dubai (Mr. Prospector).

Pioneerof the Nile’s second dam, Castle Eight (Key to the Kingdom), also produced Powis Castle (Rare Brick), who finished eighth in the 1994 Derby but later found success as a sprinter in capturing the Malibu S. (G2) among other races. Powis Castle also placed twice going nine furlongs in the Jim Beam S. (G2) and Del Mar Derby (G2), so despite there being more notable sprinters in Pioneerof the Nile’s immediate female family, there is plenty to like about the dark bay as he continues to stretch out.

 

 

Quality Road will attempt to give top-class sire Elusive Quality his second Kentucky Derby (G1) winner in six years, following the romp posted by dual classic hero Smarty Jones in 2004. A grandson of Mr. Prospector, Elusive Quality was a brilliant miler who set a pair of track records in his three-year career for conditioner Bill Mott, first blitzing seven furlongs in a scorching 1:20 over the main oval at Gulfstream Park in an allowance heat, and in arguably his greatest showing, the then four-year-old took the 1998 Poker H. (G3) at Belmont Park in a remarkable 1:31 3/5 for a mile on the turf, a record that stands to this day. Much of the progeny of Elusive Quality have excelled up to a mile, but he's proven his ability to sire winners at classic distances when aptly mated, evidenced by Smarty Jones and reigning Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) star Raven's Pass. This season, the Darley stallion was represented by U.A.E. Oaks vixen Devotee, further emphasizing his versatility and brilliance at stud.

Quality Road is the fourth foal produced from the 14-year-old Strawberry Road (Aus) mare Kobla, a full sister to champion Ajina, heroine of the 1997 Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1), Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) and Mother Goose S. (G1) for Mott. The high-quality Ajina excelled at a route of ground, with five of her seven wins coming at nine or 10 furlongs, but also possessed a good deal of speed that saw her win at seven panels as a juvenile. The third dam of Quality Road is Irish champion Highest Trump (Bold Bidder), and the colt is also related to 1995 Queen Elizabeth II S. (Eng-G1) and St. James's Palace S. (Eng-G1) hero and sire Bahri (Riverman). Strawberry Road has been responsible for 64 stakes winners as a broodmare sire, with millionaire Affluent (Affirmed) being the chief earner. Affluent picked up a quartet of Grade 1 wins in her career, winning two each on turf and dirt, and her best distances ranged from seven to nine furlongs.

Quality Road is inbred to the two most influential strains in American racing, Raise a Native and Northern Dancer.

Regal Ransom's pedigree offers a blend of dirt and turf influences, implying that he may enjoy a surface switch at some point. He is by the highly successful stallion Distorted Humor, who sired 2003 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1) hero Funny Cide in his first crop. Funny Cide's championship campaign proved that Distorted Humor, a specialist at seven furlongs to one mile, was capable of siring runners with much greater stamina than he himself had. Indeed, Distorted Humor's biggest victories came in the seven-furlong Churchill Downs H. (G2), where he set a new track record; the Commonwealth S. (G2) at that same distance; the 7 1/2-furlong Ack Ack H. (G3); and the Salvator Mile H. (G3). In addition to $3.5 million earner Funny Cide, he is responsible for such notable 1 1/4-mile performers as Flower Alley, winner of the Travers S. (G1); Hystericalady, whose highlights include scores in the seven-furlong Humana Distaff (G1) and the 1 1/4-mile Delaware H. (G2); turf marathoner Fourty Niners Son; Hawthorne Gold Cup H. (G2) victor It's No Joke; and Australasian Oaks (Aus-G1) queen Rinky Dink (Aus). Other progeny of Distorted Humor have excelled at up to 1 1/8 miles, most notably the brilliant Commentator, a two-time winner of the Whitney H. (G1), and Haskell Invitational (G1) romper Any Given Saturday.

The distaff side contributes some turf proficiency, along with a reinforcing dash of speed . His dam, Kelli's Ransom, raced exclusively on the turf, placing in three of her four career starts. The closest she came to winning was in a 5 1/2-furlong sprint, where she just failed to get up in time by a neck. She has produced one other winner, the English-based Speedy Dollar (Dixie Union), who has yet to win past seven furlongs. Kelli's Ransom is a daughter of the lightly raced, but internationally influential, Red Ransom. A son of Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) winner and noted sire Roberto, Red Ransom has demonstrated a range of aptitudes. Some of his progeny fit into the sprinter/miler mold, like English highweight Intikhab and Australian Group 1 winners Charge Forward, Red Dazzler and recent phenom Typhoon Tracy, while others stay beyond 1 1/4 miles. In the latter category are Italian champion Electrocutionist, successful in the 1 1/2-mile Gran Premio di Milano (Ity-G1) and the 1 1/4-mile Juddmonte International (Eng-G1) on turf, along with the 1 1/4-mile Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) on dirt; champion turf mare Perfect Sting, who exploded any stamina doubts when equaling Churchill's 1 3/8-mile course record in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1); and Casual Look, queen of the Epsom Oaks (Eng-G1). Red Ransom mares have produced such sprinter/milers as U S Ranger (Danzig), Sherine (Precise End) and Chatain (Forest Wildcat), but when crossed with stouter stallions, they have foaled such classic winners as Oaks d'Italia (Ity-G2) victress Fashion Statement (Rainbow Quest) and Breeders' S. scorer Marchfield (A.P. Indy).

Kelli's Ransom is actually a close relative of Marchfield's dam, multiple Grade 3 turf heroine Pico Teneriffe (Red Ransom). Kelli's Ransom is also a half-sister to Minister Eric (Old Trieste), victor of the San Fernando S. (G2) and runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1). They hail from a reliable family that keeps churning out major performers over the decades. From Regal Ransom's sixth dam, 1948 Test S. winner Alablue (Blue Larkspur), descend such eminences as Hollywood Gold Cup H. queen Princessnesian (*Princequillo); Santa Anita Derby winner and sire Boldnesian (Bold Ruler); champion filly Revidere (Reviewer); the original Duke of Marmalade (*Vaguely Noble), who captured back-to-back runnings of the Premio Roma (Ity-G1) in 1975-76; French Group 1-winning siblings Gabina (Caro [ire]) and Galetto (Caro [ire]); and $3.3 million earner Cryptoclearance (Fappiano), a four-time Grade 1 hero who finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby, third in the Preakness and second in both the Belmont (G1) and Travers in 1987.

Being by a Mr. Prospector-line stallion in Distorted Humor, and with Mr. Prospector also appearing in his dam's pedigree, Regal Ransom is inbred 3 x 4 to the mega-sire.

 

 

Square Eddie is by Smart Strike, the leading sire for the past two years, whose offspring have shown an immense amount of versatility. A half-brother to Canadian Triple Crown winner and Hall of Fame filly Dance Smartly (Danzig), Smart Strike won six of his eight career starts, earning his signature victory in the nine-furlong Philip H. Iselin H. (G1) in 1996. Smart Strike has become one of the most successful sires in recent years, stamping his legacy through his son Curlin, the 2007 Horse of the Year who became North America’s all-time leading money winner with a second consecutive score in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) last fall. His other major victories occurred in the Preakness S. (G1), Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1), Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), Stephen Foster H. (G1), Woodward S. (G1) and Arkansas Derby (G2), all contested at nine or 10 furlongs. Curlin also did well to finish third in the Kentucky Derby (G1) in only his fourth career start, and was beaten a head into second in the Belmont S. (G1). In addition to numerous Canadian champions, Smart Strike has also been represented in the United States by English Channel, the 2007 male turf champion, as well as the Grade 1-winning sprinter Fabulous Strike, among others. With Smart Strike on top, Square Eddie’s capabilities are virtually limitless.

Square Eddie is the first stakes winner produced from Forty Gran, who captured two of 16 starts and was twice stakes-placed in the 2000 Edgewood S. and Audubon Oaks. Campaigned primarily on turf, she was badly beaten in her two dirt attempts, albeit both came in stakes. Square Eddie’s half-sister Reverently (Pulpit), who placed in the Princess Elizabeth S. over the Woodbine Polytrack, is a two-time winner on turf. This fondness for turf has its roots in Forty Gran’s sire El Gran Senor, the English and Irish champion who captured the Dewhurst S. (Eng-G1) at two then added the Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) and 12-furlong Irish Derby (Ire-G1) at three. The son of 1964 Kentucky Derby winner Northern Dancer suffered his lone setback with a narrow runner-up finish in the Epsom Derby (Eng-G1). As a broodmare sire, El Gran Senor has been represented by a variety of talents such as Belmont winner Empire Maker (Unbridled), Champagne S. (G1) and Futurity S. (G1) winner Grand Slam (Gone West), Grade 1 sprint victress Honest Lady (Seattle Slew), Arlington Million (G1) winner Chester House (Mr. Prospector) and English highweight miler Ramonti (Martino Alonso).

Forty Gran is out of the multiple stakes-winning Forty Weight (Quadratic), who hails from the family of 10-furlong Grade 1 winners Alphabet Soup (Cozzene), the 1996 Breeder’s Cup Classic winner, and Pompeii (Broad Brush), who captured the 2001 Personal Ensign H. (G1). All indicators suggest that Square Eddie should be effective the longer he goes.

 

 

Summer Bird's pedigree is shot through with Kentucky Derby (G1) connections. He is by millionaire Birdstone, who carved out a permanent niche in racing history by foiling Smarty Jones' Triple Crown bid in the 2004 Belmont S. (G1). A son of 1996 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Grindstone, and a grandson of 1990 Derby hero Unbridled, Birdstone stamped himself as a classic contender when capturing the Champagne S. (G1) at two. Unfortunately, the spring of his three-year-old season did not go according to plan, and he could manage only eighth in the Run for the Roses. The real Birdstone reappeared in the 1 1/2-mile Belmont, rolling home late to inflict the first and only defeat upon Smarty Jones. Later that summer, Birdstone added the prestigious Travers S. (G1) to his resume. Given his proficiency at distances of 1 1/4 miles and beyond, he promises to pass on his abundant stamina. Birdstone already has two Derby contenders in his very first crop, with Canadian champion juvenile Mine That Bird joining Arkansas Derby (G2) third Summer Bird in the starting gate.

Summer Bird is out of the thrice-placed mare Hong Kong Squall, who has produced four other winners, three at route distances. She is by multiple Grade 1 star Summer Squall, the runner-up to Unbridled in the 1990 Kentucky Derby who turned the tables next time out in the Preakness (G1). Summer Squall's leading performers are Horse of the Year Charismatic, hero of the 1999 Derby and Preakness; champion two-year-old filly Storm Song; Grade 1-winning millionaire Summer Colony; and 2005 Kentucky Oaks (G1) victress Summerly. As a broodmare sire, Summer Squall is responsible for champion two-year-old male Stevie Wonderboy (Stephen Got Even) and last year's Norfolk S. (G1) winner Street Hero (Street Cry [ire]).

Summer Bird's granddam, the winning Hong Kong Jade, is herself a daughter of 1987 Derby and Preakness star Alysheba. Hong Kong Jade is a half-sister to champion sprinter Rubiano (Fappiano) as well as stakes queen Tap Your Heels (Unbridled), the dam of Grade 1 winner and successful young sire Tapit.

 

 

While speed influences are dominant in West Side Bernie’s immediate family, there is a healthy amount of stamina influences several generations back that have seemingly helped this colt achieve success over a distance of ground. West Side Bernie is by Bernstein, a multiple Irish Group 3-winning son of Storm Cat who was unplaced in his only start beyond a mile in the 2000 River City H. (G3), which also happened to be his only race in the United States. Campaigned on turf throughout his brief career, Bernstein was out of a mare by 1978 Triple Crown winner Affirmed, thus offered plenty to breeders looking for runners who could compete on a variety of surfaces. In addition to siring champions in Japan and Argentina, Bernstein has been represented by a versatile group of runners on this continent, particularly in this year’s crop of three-year-olds. West Side Bernie captured the Kentucky Cup Juvenile (G3) on Polytrack and was second in the Wood Memorial S. (G1) on dirt, the filly Dream Empress captured the Alcibiades S. (G1) on Polytrack last fall, and another filly, Doremifasollatido, prevailed in the Matron S. (G2) on dirt last season.

West Side Bernie is the first foal out of Time Honored, whose two career victories occurred in a maiden claimer and a starter allowance, both over six furlongs. She is by Gilded Time, the champion-two-year-old colt of 1992 who captured the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) over 1 1/16 miles. Gilded Time missed the 1993 Triple Crown due to injury and did not race after his Juvenile triumph until more than a year later when, remarkably, he finished a narrowly beaten third in the 1993 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1). He was retired after going unplaced in the Malibu S. (G2) in his next start. Always considered suspect to stay a distance of ground, Gilded Time has unsurprisingly sired a fair number of sprint specialists. However, when bred to mares of more stout pedigree, he has sired runners who have fared well at what would be considered middle distances in the United States, including the Grade 1 winners Elloluv and Mandy’s Gold as well as Arkansas Derby (G2) victor Gayego. The same applies to Gilded Time’s daughters who, when mated to sources of stamina, have yielded the likes of this year’s Santa Maria H. (G1) winner Santa Teresita and 2007 Fantasy S. (G2) heroine High Heels.

There is a great deal of class in this family the further back one goes and it was once the source of a slew of Canadian champions, including the Dominion’s 1970 Horse of the Year Fanfreluche (Northern Dancer), who shared the three-year-old filly championship in 1970 on the basis of her victory in the 10-furlong Alabama S. at Saratoga. With names like Round Table and Private Account also gracing his pedigree page, it would not be altogether surprising if West Side Bernie were to continue playing a role at the classic distances.

 

 

Win Willy has an intriguing pedigree pattern. His sire, 2001 Kentucky Derby (G1) star Monarchos, and his dam, the stakes-winning sprinter City Fair, are bred along similar lines: both are by Raise a Native-line sires, out of Northern Dancer-line mares, with the classic influence of Hail to Reason appearing in their granddams. But they had very different distance capacities. Monarchos is a son of the versatile Maria's Mon, the champion two-year-old male of 1995, whose leading progeny span the spectrum of American Thoroughbred prowess -- from main-track sprinters like Latent Heat to champion Wait a While, a top-class filly at 1 1/4 miles on turf. Monarchos, from the first crop of Maria's Mon, put his sire on the map with a dazzling campaign in the early spring of his sophomore year. Employing his trademark, circling move from far back, Monarchos stormed to a 4 1/2-length triumph in the Florida Derby (G1) before taking the Run for the Roses by 4 3/4 lengths. His resume also includes a solid second in the Wood Memorial (G1) and a remote third in the Belmont S. (G1). Monarchos is transmitting some of his stamina to his offspring, with Texas Wildcatter finishing second in the 1 3/8-mile Canadian Derby (Can-G3) and Medjool, Forest Command and Moyers Pond placing in graded stakes at 1 1/8 miles. Monarchos may also be passing on his sire's versatility. Besides Win Willy, his other Grade 2 winner is Informed Decision, who captured the seven-furlong Raven Run S. (G2).

City Fair raced almost exclusively in sprints over the course of her 30-race career, winning six times and hitting the board in 15 others while amassing $299,527 in earnings. In her lone attempt at a mile, she wound up a distant second. Successful in the six-furlong Correction H. at Aqueduct, she placed in six stakes, including a runner-up effort behind champion Xtra Heat in the Interborough H. City Fair is by the multiple Grade 2-winning sprinter and successful sire Carson City, whose top performers include such outstanding speedsters as State City, City Zip, Carson Hollow and Cuvee. His progeny have recorded an Average Winning Distance of 6.5 furlongs. On the other hand, when crossed with a more stamina-laden strain, Carson City has been able to get horses of greater staying capacity, such as Canadian champion Small Promises and Grade 2-winning millionaire Pollard's Vision. Moreover, Carson City's daughters have been successful in producing 1 1/4-mile performers when sent to the right stallion. Carson City is the broodmare sire of 2006 Kentucky Derby hero Barbaro (Dynaformer), as well as Lear's Princess (Lear Fan), who just missed in the Alabama S. (G1) and Coaching Club American Oaks (G1).

City Fair's full brother, Lorenzon, had a similar profile. A stakes winner going six furlongs, he too was well beaten in his only one-mile race. Their female line, however, reflects a more variegated picture, with plenty of stamina further back in the family. One immediate family member, Royal Abjar (Gone West), was a two-time highweight in Germany at around a mile, while his half-sister Encoremoi (Assert [ire]) captured a 1 1/2-mile stakes in France. Win Willy's third dam, Encorelle (Fr) (Arctic Tern), is a full sister to Escaline (Fr), queen of the about 1 5/16-mile Prix de Diane (French Oaks) (Fr-G1) in 1983.

[tazinib1]

One day I'll get to add the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness to my resume. I caught the Belmont stakes in Elmont,NY in 2006. A pretty awesome experience.

[T_bone65]

One day I'll get to add the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness to my resume. I caught the Belmont stakes in Elmont,NY in 2006. A pretty awesome experience.

 

 

If you ever want to do the Preakness let me know, we go every year and I have access to an additional 2 tickets but I need to know in Dec

[tazinib1]

If you ever want to do the Preakness let me know, we go every year and I have access to an additional 2 tickets but I need to know in Dec

 

Are you freaken kidding me? Dude.....mark me down.

[T_bone65]

Are you freaken kidding me? Dude.....mark me down.

 

 

I will try my best to remember this when we order tickets next Dec. We sit right between the start and finish lines just before the grandstands, awesome view.

[gilthorp]

Be careful...he called me from the infield ass drunk one year and tried to have phone sex with me.

[tazinib1]

Be careful...he called me from the infield ass drunk one year and tried to have phone sex with me.

 

Drinking and the races go hand in hand...not sure about the phone sex though.

[T_bone65]

Be careful...he called me from the infield ass drunk one year and tried to have phone sex with me.

 

I believe it was consensual

[gilthorp]

Two colts out of the Derby in the last two days. Quality Road and his quarter crack just was too much a risk so Jerkens took him out. As well, Square Eddie, who was being talked about as a wise guy horse is also out after coming up hot in his leg after this morning's work.

 

This puts Join In The Dance and Atomic Rain into the race, after Take The Points opted not to take the slot, Atomic Rain is in.

[Vinatieri Is God]

2 days away!!!

[gilthorp]

This is bittersweet. My crew is down there since yesterday and they got a full day of racing in today...having dinner at Pat's steakhouse tonight. Tomorrow is supposed to bring rain in the morning and a good chance of rain all through til the Derby. I need to figure this out now for a wet track.

[HowboutthemCowboys]

OK, I've narrowed it down to 10.

 

Pioneer of the Nile. Coming from synthetics, won't like the dirt in his face, blah blah...

He beat the Wood Memorial winner and Arkansas Derby winner ( I Want Revenge and Papa Clem) easily in Cali. Beat IWR twice. Those 2 went on to love the dirt. Hopefully he will too.

His last 6 races have been Grade 1 or 2 Stakes. He won the last 4, had a bad trip in one of the losses and ran well in the other to finish 3rd in only the 3rd start of his career.

Has beaten , I believe 4, of the horses that he'll run against Saturday, one of which will be the fave.

Has had 2 decent works at Churchill since arriving there ,and from everthing I've read, seems to be doing great there.

I'm one of the people that believe Mr. Beyer's numbers are low for the Cali horses. If I'm right, he'd have I believe 2 Beyers in triple digits already.

As Gil pointed out the other day "There is absolutely nothing to suggest from a paternal standpoint that Pioneerof the Nile will find the Derby’s 10-furlong trip taxing in any way."

IMO, if he settles like he did in the Bob Lewis Stakes 3 races ago, and gets even an honest pace, he's wearin the roses. That said, if the track's a mess like the weather forecasters are saying it may be, I won't be all in.

 

A few thoughts on some others I'll be using...

I don't think the pace is gonna be strong this year. Maybe ( hopefully ) honest, but not fast.

Regal Ransom just might be able to steal it.

Anyone remember Da'Tara? Alan Garcia was riding and gets RR for this one.

He has 2 nice works at Churchill .

30-1 ML.

 

Chocolate Candy has run against POTN and IWR and has'nt won but has run well.

Seems to like Churchill from what I've read.

By one of my favorite horses to watch Candy Ride.

20-1 ML

 

Mr. Hot Stuff I have a thing for horses that come from the clouds. Probly cost me more money over the years than my kids but...

As you can see I like the Cali. horses this year. Again I think the Beyers are not fair to these horses which is fine by me, b/c I hope they're overlooked.

Love the change to John Velazquez. ( although I reserve the right to curse him like a dog if he gives a bad ride Saturday.)

30-1 ML

 

 

Hold Me Back is one who I've read good things about, is 3rd start off a layoff and is trained by one of my favorites, Bill Mott. Kent Desormeax can't hurt either.

15-1 ML but IMO will be an overlay.

 

Friesan Fire is a good one. He also has'nt raced since the 2nd week of March and has never been past a mile and a 16th. 5-1? No thanks.

Maybe if it's sloppy..

 

 

 

 

I Want Revenge is , I guess, the logical winner. I have'nt seen him beat anyone and I have visions of Bellamy Road's Wood Memorial when I think of him. I really think I'm tossing him.

 

DISCLAIMER I have'nt done really well on the Derby since Monarchos won.

 

Good luck guys.

 

ETA -- Dunkirk. might be a great horse down the line , I just can't see it happening this week. Has only ran 3 times and I think that Pletcher will never win the Derby. I could be talked into playing this horse but not at 4 or 5-1 which is where he'll be.

Edited May 1, 2009 by HowboutthemCowboys

[gilthorp]

I'm down to 6 and then 2 that will only be used in the bottom of tri's and supers.

[HowboutthemCowboys]

EARLY KENTUCKY DERBY ODDS

 

1. West Side Bernie, 48-1

 

2. Musket Man, 26-1

 

3. Mr. Hot Stuff, 33-1

 

4. Advice, 50-1

 

5. Hold Me Back, 11-1 Suprisingly low to me

 

6. Friesan Fire, 9-2

 

7. Papa Clem, 13-1

 

8. Mine That Bird, 48-1

 

9. Join in the Dance, 57-1

 

10. Regal Ransom, 34-1 anyone else get the feeling that Churchill's gonna be sealed and fast as lightning tomorrow, and speed favoring?

 

11. Chocolate Candy, 9-1

 

12. General Quarters, 5-1 This year's wiseguy horse?

 

13. I Want Revenge, 6-1

 

14. Atomic Rain, 68-1

 

15. Dunkirk, 8-1

 

16. Pioneerof the Nile, 10-1 I would love to see this at post time tomorrow.

 

17. Summer Bird, 35-1

 

18. Nowhere to Hide, 52-1

 

19. Desert Party, 24-1 worth a few bucks to me at that price. wow.

 

20. Flying Private, 37-1

[gilthorp]

I'm live on $10 doubles from Rachel today to the 10 and the 19. I like both of their chances.

 

Will be hard to take a stand without knowing how sloppy the track will be tomorrow.

[godtomsatan]

I have done so little following of the ponies this spring

[jackshi17]

PRGM HORSE WEIGHT JOCKEY ODDS

1 West Side Bernie 126 Elliott S 30-1

2 Musket Man 126 Coa E M 20-1

3 Mr. Hot Stuff 126 Velazquez J R 30-1

4 Advice 126 Douglas R R 30-1

5 Hold Me Back 126 Desormeaux K J 15-1

6 Friesan Fire 126 Saez G 5-1

7 Papa Clem 126 Bejarano R 20-1

8 Mine That Bird 126 Borel C H 50-1

9 Join in the Dance 126 Decarlo C P 50-1

10 Regal Ransom 126 Garcia Alan 30-1

11 Chocolate Candy 126 Smith M E 20-1

12 General Quarters 126 Leparoux J R 20-1

13 I Want Revenge 126 Talamo J 3-1

14 Atomic Rain 126 Bravo J 50-1

15 Dunkirk 126 Prado E S 4-1

16 Pioneerof the Nile 126 Gomez G K 4-1

17 Summer Bird 126 Rosier C R 50-1

18 Nowhere to Hide 126 Bridgmohan S X 50-1

19 Desert Party 126 Dominguez R A 15-1

20 Flying Private 126 Albarado R J 50-1

[Ramhock]

This is the only thoroughbred race I bet, each year. I have only seen 2 preps. My father-in-law has read the RF every day for the 26 years that I know him. I visited him yesterday. He has watched ALL the preps. He likes Friesan Fire. Said he ran very greenly for a few starts, then they added blinkers. Ran a bit greenly in the next start but his last 2 were very professional. Each year, I buy a trifecta for him, for Father's Day. This year it's a part-wheel.

 

6,13 w/ 6, 12, 13, 19 w/ 6, 12, 13, 19

 

Also, exacta box (FF's odds are to low to bet straight)

 

5, 6, 13

 

Good luck to all!!

 

****************************

 

With the scratch of the 13, ended up w/ tri key, 6 w/ 5, 12, 15 & 19 . . . ex box 5, 6, 19 . . . 19 to win.

Edited May 2, 2009 by Ramhock

[SLAYER]

#6 especially on a sloppy track. been saying the Fire since March, not changing now.

 

on top of the 5, 7, & 12(small Ex) 15 (big Ex)

Edited May 2, 2009 by SLAYER

[whomper]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The owners of I Want Revenge intend to scratch the morning line favorite from the Kentucky Derby.

 

David Lanzman announced early Saturday they'll scratch the 3-1 favorite just hours before the Run for the Roses.

 

A 9 a.m. press conference was scheduled to discuss the reason for the decision. Trainer Jeff Mullins did not immediately return a call from the Associated Press seeking comment.

 

I Want Revenge, co-owned by IEAH Stables and others, established himself as one of the Derby favorites with a last-to-first dash in the Wood Memorial last month.

 

Copyright 2009 by STATS LLC and The Associated

[HowboutthemCowboys]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The owners of I Want Revenge intend to scratch the morning line favorite from the Kentucky Derby.

 

David Lanzman announced early Saturday they'll scratch the 3-1 favorite just hours before the Run for the Roses.

 

A 9 a.m. press conference was scheduled to discuss the reason for the decision. Trainer Jeff Mullins did not immediately return a call from the Associated Press seeking comment.

 

I Want Revenge, co-owned by IEAH Stables and others, established himself as one of the Derby favorites with a last-to-first dash in the Wood Memorial last month.

 

Copyright 2009 by STATS LLC and The Associated

did'nt like him and hoped he'd get hammered at the windows.

[HowboutthemCowboys]

worked today and only watched 2 races, 1 on turf.

 

still playing the Cali horses, mud has me playing much less than I had planned.

keying Musket Man with alll in a dollar exacta. longshot special.

[tazinib1]

I'm liking General Quarters. w/p/s Boxed.

[tazinib1]

I'm liking General Quarters. w/p/s Boxed.