18 May. ITA. Premio Regina Elena. G3. Rome. 1.600 mts. Turf. 210.000 €
1.- LOVE OF DUBAI (D.Holland)
2.- VATTENE (N.Murro)
3.- FAIRY EFISIO (D.Vargiu)


The Clive Brittain-trained Love Of Dubai (More Than Ready) upset the locals in Rome this afternoon when running away with the G.3 Premio Regina Elena, the Italian 1,000 Guineas.

With nineteen going to post and no outright favourite it was always going to be a very open race. Italian hopes lay with Bruno Grizzetti who was running four but, again, they would be disappointed.

Lia Rumma (Monashee Mountain) was quick to break and went straight to the front followed by L’Indiscreta (Desert Prince) and Ventana (Fath). Not surprisingly the field was spread out with almost twenty lengths separating the first from last.

Fairy Efisio (Efisio) was five off the leaders, Vattene (Kendor) a couple of lengths further back and Love Of Dubai close to the rear of the field.

As they spread out coming into the run for home, Lia Rumma and L’Indiscreta held the advantage and at two out there was no obvious winner.

Coming wide towards the standside Daryll Holland found a gap and began to drive Love Of Dubai forward with a powerful run. Vattene was rallying on her inner and Fairy Efisio coming wide on her outside. With a half-furlong left Love Of Dubai quickened again and went on to win comfortably by two lengths from Vattene with Fairy Efisio a neck away in third.

During the spring Love Of Dubai had acquitted herself admirably when campaigned in Dubai, running third in the UAE 1,000 Guineas before finishing bridesmaid, again to Cocoa Beach, in the Oaks.

Coming into this race Brittain recognised her run in the Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury was below par and had expected a much-improved performance today. He wasn’t disappointed.

18 May. ITA. Premio Presidente Repubblica. G1. Rome. 2.000 mts. Turf. 396.000 €
1.- SADDEX (K.McEvoy)
2.- PRESSING (N.Callan)
3.- FREEMUSIC (G.Marcelli)


Saddex (Sadler’s Wells) added a second Group One to his tally this afternoon, coming out on top to lift the Premio Presidente della Repubblica at Rome, denying Pressing (Soviet Star) a second consecutive victory at the highest level.

With just nine tackling the 2000m (1¼m), there was never any urgency about the pace. Axxos (Monsun) and Shrek (Pelder) took the field along sedately followed by Sopran Promo (Montjeu) and Freemusic (Celtic Swing). Pressing ran uncovered just behind with Saddex preferring to remain off the pace near the back of the field.

Last year’s Italian 2,000 Guineas winner Golden Titus (Titus Livius) moved up to join Hattan (Halling) in mid-division as they approached the first turn.

Coming into the long Capannelle home stretch Axxos and Shrek were still out in front but Pressing came three wide and looked to have a lot of running left. Saddex began to make his move from the rear.

With two furlongs to run Pressing quickened sharply and took over the lead but Saddex and Golden Titus began to close in. Golden Titus fell away and there were just two left in the race. Under a strong ride from Kerrin McEvoy, Saddex wore down Pressing and scored by just a head at the wire.

Freemusic, who had failed to reproduce his three year-old form, took a well-deserved third ahead of Golden Titus and Selmis (Selkirk), fourth and fifth respectively.

Like so many of the German horses Saddex showed his resilience at this distance. He came into the race off a strong half-length second to Duke Of Marmalade in the G.1 Prix Ganay at Longchamp, and a return visit for the G.1 Grand Prix de Paris is not out of the

18 May. GER. Badener Meile. G3. Baden Baden. 1.600 mts. Turf. 50.000 €
1.- WIESENPFAD (A.Vries)
2.- SANTIAGO (A.Suborics)
3.- WAKY LOVE (J.Lermyte)


Wiesenpfad (Waky Nao) came with a dynamic run up the inside to land the G.3 Badener Meile at Baden-Baden this afternoon.

Always dangerous over a mile, and particularly at Baden-Baden the Waldemar Hickst-trained five year-old certainly didn’t let down.

After an initial scramble for the lead, the consistent Black Out (Second Set) set a strong pace and was soon followed by Molly Max (Big Shuffle), Mharadono (Sharp Prod) and Waky Love (Royal Dragon). Favourite Santiago (Highest Honor) was content to remain towards the rear.

Coming into the stretch Black Out’s three lengths lead was soon whittled down by Terry Hellier and Molly Max but Wiesenpfad came flying up the inside and took a further 2½ length lead in a matter of strides. Santiago, running up the outside, made up ground but could never catch Wiesenpfad who won comfortably.

Waky Love finished third with Molly Max a neck further back in fourth. Smokejumper (Big Shuffle) was fifth.

17 May. GER. Von Wert - Benazet-Rennen. G3. Baden Baden. 1.200 mts. Turf. 50.000 €
1.- ABBADJINN (T.Mundry)
2.- DARK ISLANDER (E.Ahern)
3.- TIZA (C.Soumillon)


There was a thrilling finish this afternoon to the first group race of the Baden-Baden May meeting. Despite the presence of two foreign group winners, the G.3 Benazet-Rennen trophy stays at home.

In the lead up to the race, all the attention was focused on ex-South African galloper Tiza (Goldkeeper) and G.2 Oak Tree Derby winner Dark Islander (Singspiel). But late money came in for Peter Rau’s Abbadjinn (Big Shuffle) and the public were duly rewarded.

After initial scrapping the field was taken along by Lucky Strike (Petong) and Gainsbury (Dashing Blade) with eventual winner Abbadjinn staying close on the leaders’ heels. Dark Islander remained in mid-division with Christophe Soumillon and Tiza opting to remain towards the rear.

Turning into the stretch the field migrated to the standside rail and Abbadjinn was quick to make a move. Eddie Ahern on Dark Islander had a clear run ahead and followed suit. Soumillon however found he was alone at the back with no room to get through and was forced to tack wide.

Dark Islander, on the rail, quickly made up ground on Abbbadjinn with Tiza coming up on the outside. Under a determined ride from Torsten Mundry Abbadjinn held on by a neck from Dark Islander. Tiza flattened out in the dying strides and could manage only third.

Matrix was fourth with Gainsbury and Lucky Strike fifth and sixth respectively.

17 May. GB. Juddmonte Lockinge S. G1. Newbury. 8f. Turf. 200.000 £
1.- CREACHADOIR (L.Dettori)
2.- PHOENIX TOWER (T.Durcan)
3.- TARIQ (J.Fortune)


Creachadoir continued the great record of the Godolphin outfit in the Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes with a determined success in the Group 1 contest at Newbury.

Frankie Dettori was never far off the pace set by Rob Roy and his mount quickened up nicely around a furlong and a half out.

The 3-1 favourite stuck to his guns well when in front and had enough in reserve to hold Phoenix Tower and Tariq by three-quarters of a length and a neck.

Dettori said: “The race went to plan and he quickened well. He was idling a little bit in front.

“His form is rock-solid and he is a force to be reckoned with this year.

“I had the box seat and managed to get some room at the two. I pressed go and he responded immediately.”

The win is an important one for Sheikh Mohammed’s operation as it marks the first Group One success of the year in Europe.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor, who bagged the race three times in succession from 1998 to 2000, said: “He is a stronger horse than last year and had been working very well.

“There is no plan, but we may take him to Ascot.

“Hopefully this race will help him to settle down a little bit as he was very fresh beforehand.”

Phoenix Tower ran a fine race in defeat, losing his unbeaten record on just his fifth career start.

His trainer Henry Cecil said: “He doesn’t have the experience as he had been off a long time with his hairline fracture. He missed most of last season and only came back at Newmarket last month.

“He is improving and will get 10 furlongs in time. He is in both races at Royal Ascot (Queen Anne and Prince Of Wales’s) and we will see.

“There wasn’t much pace in the race and he will appreciate even faster ground.”

17 May. USA. Preakness S. G1. Pimlico. 9,5f. Dirt. 1.000.000 $
1.- BIG BROWN (K.Desormeaux)
2.- MACHO AGAIN (J.Leparoux)
3.- ICABAD CRANE (J.Rose)


In a performance that was more like a coronation than a Thoroughbred horse race, Big Brown crushed his 11 rivals in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico Race Course Saturday afternoon by 5 1/4 lengths. The son of Boundary, who two weeks ago won the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) by 4 3/4 lengths, will now head to Belmont Park for the June 7 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) with a chance to become racing’s 12th winner of the Triple Crown.

The historic victory makes him one of four unbeaten horses to win both the Derby and Preakness, joining Majestic Prince (1969), Seattle Slew (1977), and Smarty Jones (2004). Only Seattle Slew was able to land the Triple Crown.

Before a crowd of more than 112,000 fans, Big Brown went off the 1-5 favorite and returned $2.40 to win as the lowest-priced winner since Spectacular Bid paid $2.10 in 1979. The final time for the 1 3/16 miles was 1:54.80.

Big Brown is owned by IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr. Just prior to the Preakness, it was announced that upon his retirement, Big Brown will stand at stud at Robert Clay’s Three Chimneys Farm near Midway, Ky.

Ridden more than confidently by Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux, Big Brown was tucked inside the first time by the winning post after breaking from the six-hole in the classic as Hey Byrn, Gayego, and Riley Tucker were out on the lead. The early fractions were :23.57 and :46.81. On the backstretch, Desormeaux was able to get Big Brown off the rail and to a clear spot just off the leaders. Traveling clear and wide around the final bend after six furlongs in 1:10.48, Big Brown easily caught up to the leaders.

Macho Again, who broke from the rail, inched up from eighth position down the backstretch and came with the widest move of all around the bend.

As they straightened away in the lane, Big Brown unleashed a tremendous turn of foot and put several lengths between him and his rivals in a mere 100 yards. After the devastating display of acceleration, Desormeaux eased up on the colt before they hit the sixteenth pole as he peeked behind for competition and won “under wraps.”

“He’s a freak of a horse; it was just the easiest win ever,” said Desormeaux.

Winning trainer Rick Dutrow said, “Going down the backside when Kent got him out and he was laying third on the outside, I knew it was over. I only saw him ask for run once just to separate himself, then he guided him to the wire. It was beautiful.”

Macho Again, winner of the Derby Trial, rallied to finish second at 39-1, finishing a half-length ahead of 22-1 shot Icabad Crane in third.

“He really ran great,” said trainer Dallas Stewart of Macho Again. “He hooked a superstar, you know.”

The remaining order of finish was: Racecar Rhapsody, Stevil, Kentucky Bear, Hey Byrn, Giant Moon, Tres Borrachos, Yankee Bravo, Gayego, and Riley Tucker. Behindatthebar was scratched May 16.

Big Brown paid $2.60 to place and $2.40 to show. Macho Again returned $17.20 and $10.40. Icabad Crane paid $5.60 to show. The 7-1 exacta returned $36.60 and the 7-1-3 trifecta paid $336.80. The $1 superfecta with Racecar Rhapsody returned $1,192.30.

“He just keeps on getting better and keeps on getting stronger,” said Dutrow right after the race. “He is special.”

“When asked about the run for the Triple Crown in three weeks, Dutrow said, “It doesn’t look like he got down on his belly today. I know we have horse left. I’m going to be under the impression that he’s going to be tough to beat in the Belmont.”

“To bring him back for the Triple Crown will be a dream come true,” said Michael Iavarone, the major principal with IEAH Stables along with Richard Schiavo. “It’s going to be a fun, fun three weeks.

One of the horses that will take on Big Brown in the Belmont will be Casino Drive. Casino Drive won the Peter Pan Stakes (gr. II) in just his second career start. The son of Mineshaft is a half-brother to the last two winners of the Belmont Stakes: Jazil and Rags to Riches. All three are out of the grade I-winning mare Better Than Honour. A $950,000 sale yearling, Casino Drive was shipped to Japan where he broke his maiden.

“The Japanese people are going to come here and think that Godzilla is dead. Well, Godzilla’s not dead,” Dutrow said at the post-race press conference.

Big Brown is a 3-year-old colt by the pensioned stallion Boundary, out of the Nureyev mare Mien. He was bred in Kentucky by Monticule. He was purchased by Paul Pompa for $190,000 out of the Keeneland April 2-year-old sale from the Eddie Woods consignment.

“I’m very proud,” said Paul Pompa Jr. after the race. Pompa had Big Brown with trainer Patrick Reynonds as a 2-year-old. After majority interest was sold to IEAH Stables, the colt was turned over to Rick Dutrow. “I have a lot of respect for Rick Dutrow. I had a lot of respect for Rick Dutrow before he had this horse. Mike and IEAH made me a very fair deal. These guys arent’ afraid. They made me a great deal. It was a win-win situation for everybody. Patrick Reynolds, did a great job breaking this horse.”

Big Brown broke his maiden at first asking at Saratoga last year on Sept. 3 going 1 1/16 miles on the turf. It was then IEAH made the deal with Pompa. Big Brown would not return to the races until March 5. He defeated an allowance field by 12 3/4 lengths. He came right back March 29 and won the Florida Derby (gr. I) by five lengths as the 3-2 favorite. He then won the Kentucky Derby as the 2-1 favorite against 19 rivals. Only Gayego returned from the Derby to take him on in Baltimore.

In the past 11 years six horses have won the first two legs of the Triple Crown and gone on the Belmont with a shot at the Triple Crown: Silver Charm (1997), Real Quiet (’98), Charismatic (’99), War Emblem (’02), Funny Cide (’03), and Smarty Jones ('04).

17 May. USA. Maryland Sprint H. G3. Pimlico. 6f. Dirt. 200.000 $
1.- STARFORADAY (E.Prado)
2.- SUAVE JAZZ (R.Dominguez)
3.- COGNAC KISSES (J.Rose)


Starforaday, who scored his first career win in the OBS Sprint Stakes two years ago, finally broke through for another big victory on Saturday in the $100,000 Maryland Sprint Handicap (G3) at Pimlico Race Course.

The five-year-old Five Star Day horse has won both of his starts this year after being purchased privately by Winning Move Stable in January, when he was in a field recovering from foot problems.

"This horse ripped off half of his foot when he was vanned off at Keeneland [Race Course] last year," said trainer Gary Contessa, referring to a fourth-place finish in an allowance race on October 17. "He has terrible, terrible feet."

Contessa credited Ian McKinlay, the same farrier who treated Big Brown's quarter-crack issues, with helping to save Starforaday's career. Like Big Brown, Starforaday wears the Yasha glue-on shoes that McKinlay developed.

"They've really made a difference," Contessa said. "We've got a long way to go. We're always going to have problems, but … now we have a hell of a sprinter."

Starforaday won an optional/claiming race on May 1 at Belmont Park in his only other start since the private purchase from owner-trainer Donna Wormser.

Contessa said he was concerned when pacesetter Celtic Innis led through a relatively pedestrian first quarter in :23.16 while Starforaday, a deep closer, rated last under jockey Edgar Prado. The pace picked up a bit going into the far turn and Starforaday made his move from four wide in early stretch to catch Suave Jazz and favorite Cognac Kisses and win by a neck, completing the six furlongs in 1:09.56 on a track rated as fast.

Suave Jazz finished second, a neck ahead of Cognac Kisses in third.

Out of the Known Fact mare Known Feminist, Starforaday has won four of 14 career starts and earned $184,519.

17 May. USA. Hirsch Jacobs S. G3. Pimlico. 6f. Dirt. 100.000 $
1.- LANTANA MOB (R.Albarado)
2.- SILVER EDITION (E.Prado)
3.- FORCE FREEZE (M.Berry)


Vinery Stable’s Lantana Mob benefited from a perfectly timed ride, unleashed a furious rally around the far turn and into the stretch, and powered to a near track record-setting victory in the $100,000 Hirsch Jacobs Stakes (G3) on the Preakness Stakes (G1) undercard on Saturday at Pimlico Race Course.

The three-year-old Posse colt won the six-furlong Hirsch Jacobs by a neck over Silver Edition in 1:09.10 on a track rated as fast. Northern Wolf holds the six-furlong track record at Pimlico of 1:09, set in the Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash in August 1990.

“He was able to sit off the pace today, which is what we wanted,” said Tom Ludt, president of Vinery Stables. “I thought it was very impressive to close down there. They haven’t been closing too well today from what I’ve saw today, so to do that was pretty special.”

Lantana Mob won three of seven starts as a two-year-old for trainer Steve Asmussen, including the Sapling Stakes (G3) at Monmouth Park, but closed the season with losses in the Champagne Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park and Favorite Trick Breeders’ Cup Stakes at Monmouth.

Rested after finishing third in the Favorite Trick, Lantana Mob returned to win the Bachelor Stakes on April 6 at Oaklawn Park in 1:09.42.

“After the [Favorite Trick] we sent him home to the farm for some rest,” Ludt said. “The way he’s matured, he’s really grown up.”

Force Freeze, runner-up to Lantana Mob in the Bachelor in his only career defeat, set the quick early pace of :22.86 for the opening quarter-mile with Indy Joe, Sheeler, and Silver Edition in close pursuit. Force Freeze still led after a half in :45.17, but Silver Edition and jockey Edgar Prado pounced on the early leader at the top of the stretch and set sail for the wire.

Lantana Mob closed from nearly five lengths back under Robby Albarado after the half and picked off rivals in the stretch to the surprise of Prado, but not to Albarado.

“They were going quick up front,” Albarado said. “We bided our time and let things unfold. We didn’t get by until three jumps from the wire but I knew I had him.”

“I can’t believe he got beat,” Prado said. “I knew [Lantana Mob] was gaining on me, but when I took the lead I though I was clear.”

Force Freeze hung on gamely to finish third, a length behind the runner-up.

Bred in Kentucky by Thomas/Burleson/Visagie, Lantana Mob has won five of nine career starts and earned $309,048. He is out of the Copelan mare Lantana.

17 May. USA. Gallorette H. G3. Pimlico. 8,5f. Turf. 100.000 $
1.- ROSHANI (J.Velazquez)
2.- LADY DIGBY (J.Rose)
3.- VALBENNY (E.Prado)


Roshani won a stretch-long duel with Lady Digby and survived a stewards’ inquiry and jockey’s claim of foul to win the $100,000 Gallorette Handicap (G3) at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday.

John Velazquez, who rode the winner for owner Ben McElroy and trainer Todd Pletcher, said he came out in the stretch but did not make contact with the runner-up.

“Down the stretch [Roshani] got to the lead, and she was looking at the crowd and waiting on the other horse,” Velazquez said. “The more [Lady Digby] drifted out, the more I moved close, because my horse was concentrating better with someone next to her. I came out, but I never touched her.”

Roshani stalked front runner Le Cordon Bleu through fractions of :25.41 and :50.48, assuming the lead after six furlongs in 1:15.09.

The top two battled each other for the final 5/16, with Roshani finishing a half length in front. Final time for 1 1/16 miles over the turf course rated good was 1:49.08.

Grade 2 winner Valbenny (Ire), making her first start since September 8 and first for new owner Lael Stables, finished another 4 1/2 lengths back in third in the five-horse field.

Roshani, a five-year-old Fantastic Light mare out of Sahibah, by Deputy Minister, was bred in Kentucky by Mill Ridge Farm and Jamm Ltd. She improved her lifetime record to six wins from 1 starts with earnings of $331,300.

Lady Digby’s jockey Jeremy Rose said he filed an objection because he was bumped twice during the stretch run, although he said he did not expect the ruling to be in his favor.

“[Roshani] came out and bumped me twice in the stretch run. My horse dropped the bit and switched leads on me,” Rose said. “They’ll probably leave the winner up, but I wanted them to look at it.”

17 May. USA. Dixie S. G2. Pimlico. 9f. Turf. 250.000 $
1.- PAYS TO DREAM (J.Castellano)
2.- STAY CLOSE (A.Napravnik)
3.- RA DER DEAN (H.Karamanos)

Pays to Dream continued a big weekend for New York-bred horses in Maryland May 17 when he rallied from well off the pace and blew away the competition in the grade II Dixie Stakes for 3-year-olds and up on the turf at Pimlico Race Course.

Owned and bred by December Hill Farm and trained by David Donk, Pays to Dream was last early in a bunched-up field of nine in the 1 1/8-mile Dixie, run on a course rated good after heavy rain the previous day. The 4-year-old gelding by High Yield out of the Time for a Change mare Changing Ways remained last on the final turn, rallied along the inside when a hole opened, swept three-wide at the top of the lane and gobbled up the leaders.

With Javier Castellano aboard, Pays to Dream opened up daylight on the field and won by 7 1/2 lengths. Stay Close, who attended the pace throughout, held well for second, a head in front of Ra Der Dean in third and Distorted Reality in fourth. Heavily favored Shakis bid on the far turn but failed to fire in the lane and checked in fifth.

Fractions for the $250,000 Dixie were :26.36 for the first quarter-mile, :51.71 for a half-mile, 1:16.24 for six furlongs, and 1:42.90 for a mile. The final time was 1:54.74, more than eight seconds off the course record.

"It was a soft course, and I wasn't sure if he'd handle it or not," Donk said. "Horses with that style usually don't do that well when the turf is soft, but I was impressed. That was wonderful."

"I had a beautiful trip today--a dream trip," Castellano said. "I took my time. The (turf) is a little soft today. I saved ground all the way around."

Pays to Dream, who finished last in his 2008 debut April 27 on the grass at Aqueduct, returned $40.40 to win. It was his fifth victory, three of which came in New York-bred maiden and allowance company and the other in a restricted stakes at Saratoga.

17 May. USA. Allaire DuPont Distaff S. G2. Pimlico. 8,5f. Dirt. 200.000 $
1.- BUY THE BARREL (G.Saez)
2.- LEXI STAR (J.Rose)
3.- BEAR NOW (J.Theriot)


On May 17, the jockeys at Pimlico wore patches on their boots to honor Eight Belles. Each time the television networks showed a replay of Big Brown’s latest performance, the late runner’s image filled the frame. And when Buy the Barrel took the $150,000 Allaire DuPont Distaff Handicap (gr. II)for trainer Larry Jones and jockey Gabriel Saez, we were reminded of Eight Belles once again.

Just 14 days before sending Buy the Barrel to the DuPont on the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) undercard, Jones and Saez partnered to start her ill-fated stablemate in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). Eight Belle’s subsequent breakdown on the gallop out in the May 3 race clouded the sweetness of their victory in the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) with Proud Spell just one day earlier, so it was especially satisfying to see the trainer and jockey return in the DuPont with a victorious run from yet another classy filly.

“It’s very special to win on a big day of racing, especially to be paired back up with Gabriel," Jones said. "It’s bittersweet for us. It’s good to be back on the winning side, and everything worked out the way it’s supposed to."
A 4-year-old daughter of E Dubai, Buy the Barrel did not have the easiest of starts in the DuPont. She was bumped by Silver Knockers leaving the gate and broke last of eight runners, but she quickly recovered to settle three wide and three back behind a pace set by 5-2 favorite Bear Now. Silver Knockers about two lengths back between those two through a quarter in :24.21 and a half in :47.16.
That order remained unchanged while Bear Now led three-quarters in 1:10.34, but Saez switched Buy the Barrel to her left lead and the filly responded with an extra surge, rolling past the front-runner and holding off a late run from Lexi Star. She won by 2 1/2 lengths in a final time of 1:42.43.

“I tried to stay behind the pace to the three-eighths pole and then make a move," Saez said. "She responded real good, obviously. It’s very exciting to win a race like this. This is right up there behind the Kentucky Oaks.”
Buy the Barrel returned $8, $4.80, and $3.20. Lexi Star brought $6.40 and $3.60 under Jeremy Rose, while Bear Now and Jamie Theriot paid $3.20. Peach Flambe, Cash’s Girl, Silver Knockers, Altesse, and Runaway Rosie completed the order of finish. Wow Me Free was scratched by trainer Kiaran McLaughlin to run in Belmont Park’s Shuvee Handicap (gr. II), in which she finished third under Alan Garcia.
A Hinkle Farms homebred from Kentucky out of the Drouilly mare Affordable Price, Buy the Barrel has won seven of 16 starts and has two runner-up efforts to her name. With earnings of $309,740, she counts a 5 3/4-length score in the April 9 Bayakoa Stakes and an 8 1/2-length win in the Jan. 26 Sam Houston Distaff Stakes among her victories this year.

"At 2, we thought we had a really promising candidate, but she just needed to be brought around slowly," Jones noted. "Thank goodness the owners knew that. Now she’s 4 and we hope she’s not even reached her peak yet. She’ll be going to the Delaware Handicap next.”

17 May. USA. Will Rogers S. G3. Hollywood Park. 8f. Turf. 100.000 $
1.- POLONIUS (J.Court)
2.- INDIAN SUN (R.Migliore)
3.- EZ DREAMER (C.Nakatani)


Front-running favorite Polonius gamely repelled the late charge of Indian Sun to post a half-length victory in the $106,800 Will Rogers Stakes (gr. III) for 3-year-olds on the Hollywood Park turf May 17.

Ridden by Jon Court, Polonius completed the one-mile test on firm going in 1:34.95 while earning his first graded stakes win for owner B.J. Wright and trainer Michael Pender.

Stewards reviewed a claim of foul from Corey Nakatani, the rider of third-place finisher Ez Dreamer, against Polonius for an incident in the stretch run, but decided to take no action.

Pender returned Polonius, a Florida-bred son of Broken Vow--Word o' Ransom by Red Ransom, to the turf after the bay colt faded in his last start, the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) April 5, finishing ninth after pressing the pace. In front-running style, Polonius began his career by winning two of three starts on the lawn, including the Pasadena Stakes at Santa Anita in March.

“I think he kind of redeemed himself today," Pender said. "He doesn’t really appreciate the synthetic surface, nothing against synthetic surfaces, but some horses handle it better than others. He’s one that definitely likes the grass. Our horse has never had to work that hard to get it, but I do believe if they had gone around again they still wouldn’t have got him.”

His early speed was much in evidence once again in the Will Rogers, opening a clear advantage early for Court while pacing the field through fractions of :23.73, :47.51 and 1:11.17. Tiz West, who pressed the leader, jumped shadows twice on the final turn and continued to drift out in the stretch to lose all chance. Indian Sun, a contender in several West Coast Triple Crown preps and the Arkansas Derby (gr. II) this spring, sat fourth into the final turn for jockey Richard Migliore and made a bold run at the outside of Polonius in the lane. But could not get past the winner, who edged away in the final strides.

Indian Sun finished second, 1 1/2 lengths in front of Ez Dreamer.

Nakatani claimed foul on Ez Dreamer after steadying behind the winner in upper stretch when Polonius drifted to the inside.

"I was clear of (Ez Dreamer) when I came over, that's all there was to it," Court said. "He likes to be in front. I don't think he necessarily has to be in front, but that's his preference. I thought the pace would be a little bit more contested, but he inherited the lead pretty good."

Tiz West and Robscarvic completed the order.

Polonius earned $64,080 for his third win in five lifetime starts, kicking his bankroll to $143,100. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel H. Rogers bred Polonius, a $150,000 Barretts sale in March 2007.

Sent off at odds of 17-10, the winner paid $5.40, $3 and $2.10, topping a $2 exacta worth $18 with Indian Sun, who returned $3.20 and $2.20 in his return to the lawn for trainer Dan Hendricks. The Arizona invader Ez Dreamer was $3 to show.

Red Sky Dubai, expected to be a pace factor, was scratched by Molly Pearson.

16 May. USA. Maryland Lottery Pimlico Special H. G1. Pimlico. 9,5f. Dirt. 500.000 $
1.- STUDENT COUNCIL (S.Bridgmohan)
2.- GOTTCHA GOLD (C.Lopez)
3.- SIR WHIMSEY (E.Prado)


Trainer Steve Asmussen had not started a horse at Pimlico Race Course since Curlin's victory in the 2007 Preakness Stakes (G1), but his stable returned with style on Friday when Student Council chased down Gottcha Gold to win the Maryland Lottery Pimlico Special Handicap (G1).

Student Council snapped a series of four straight unplaced finishes since his consecutive wins in the Pacific Classic Stakes (G1) and Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap (G2) last August and September, respectively. Dismissed at odds of 7.20-to-1, he was the only Grade 1 winner in the field of seven.

The victory was especially significant for owner Ro Parra because he grew up in Lexington Park, Maryland, and attended, by his estimate, at least 15 editions of the Preakness.

"All from the infield, never from the grandstand," he said. "This is the first time I've been to Pimlico and watched a race from the grandstand."

The Pimlico Special also marked the first time Parra was able to be there in person when one of his horses won a Grade 1 race. Asmussen was not at Pimlico on Friday.

Parra said Student Council struggled to recover from an eighth-place finish in the Japan Cup Dirt on November 24 at Nakayama racecourse. He finished fifth in the San Antonio Handicap (G2), sixth in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) at Santa Anita Park, and came into Friday's race off a seventh-place finish in the John B. Connally Turf Handicap (G3) at Sam Houston Race Park on April 5.

"We were disappointed in the Santa Anita Handicap," Parra said. "We thought we were going to win the race. It's taken a while, but Steve had him ready. I spoke to [Asmussen] about an hour before the race and he said, 'Smile when you get in the winner's circle.'"

Ridden for the first time by jockey Shaun Bridgmohan, Student Council rated in last place through the first half mile before he gradually reeled in Gottcha Gold, who set a moderate pace with fractions of :23.87, :47.46, 1:11.39, and 1:36.17 through one mile.

Student Council caught Gottcha Gold inside the sixteenth pole and won by a neck in 1:54.87 on a muddy track.

Gottcha Gold, the second choice at odds of 2.10-to-1, finished 5 3/4 lengths clear of Sir Whimsey in third. Mineshaft Handicap (G3) winner Grasshopper finished fifth as the 2-to-1 favorite.

Parra bought Student Council privately from owner-breeder William S. Farish prior to the Pacific Classic. The six-year-old Kingmambo horse has won eight of 27 career starts and earned $1,301,731.

16 May. USA. Black-Eyed Susan S. G2. Pimlico. 9f. Dirt. 250.000 $
1.- SWEET VENDETTA (C.Hill)
2.- SHE'S ALL ELTISH (G.Gomez)
3.- SEATTLE SMOOTH (E.Prado)


Sweet Vendetta, a lightly raced filly co-bred and co-owned by entertainer David Cassidy, encountered little trouble on the muddy Pimlico Race Course main track on Friday and sprang a mild upset in the $200,000 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2).

Ridden by Channing Hill for trainer Gary Contessa, Sweet Vendetta won the 1 1/8-mile Black-Eyed Susan by 1 1/2 lengths from Shes All Eltish with Seattle Smooth another three-quarters of a length back in third. Final time was 1:49.60 on a muddy track.

The Black-Eyed Susan was Sweet Vendetta’s first start since the Andover Way Stakes on March 19 at Aqueduct, a one-mile and 70-yard race she won by four lengths but also a race in which she bled from the nostrils. Treated with Lasix for each of her seven career starts, Sweet Vendetta did not bleed in the Black-Eyed Susan and benefited from a confident ride by Hill to record her first career graded stakes win.

“I loved the mile-and-an-eighth for her, I knew she was a natural for this distance,” Contessa said. “And when the heavens opened up [last night] it was icing on the cake. But she’s not just a mud horse.”

The victory in the Andover Way came in the slop, and overnight rains Thursday and for the early portion of Friday’s program put plenty of moisture in the track. A New York-bred filly by Stephen Got Even, Sweet Vendetta had finished second to eventual Ashland Stakes (G1) winner Little Belle in her previous effort in the Busher Stakes over the inner dirt track at Aqueduct.

The Zayat Stables entry of Sherine and Pious Ashley took the early initiative, with the former setting the pace on an easy lead through splits of :23.65 and :47.62. Hill was content to allow Sweet Vendetta to settle in sixth position through the opening portion, around the far turn, and into the backstretch. Hill stayed on the rail up the backstretch, angled out on the turn, and launched a prolonged bid while four wide entering the stretch.

Garrett Gomez opened up a 2 1/2-length lead in midstretch aboard Shes All Eltish and looked like a winner in deep stretch before Sweet Vendetta continued to close strongly under Hill’s urging.

“I really had a good feeling about this race today, and when she swung wide I had a great feeling,” Contessa said.

The victory was also sweet for Cassidy, who bred the filly in partnership with Edward Tipton. Sold for $30,000 earlier this year at the Keeneland January horses of all ages sale to dissolve a partnership between Tipton and Cassidy, Sweet Vendetta has won three of seven career starts and earned $206,596.

Team Penney Racing was listed as the buyer of Sweet Vendetta at Keeneland January and she raced in the name of Team Penny and Cassidy in the Black-Eyed Susan.

“This is probably the best filly the mare [Sand Pirate] has had,” Cassidy said. “Unfortunately I sold the mare, but I do own a half sister. With Sweet Vendetta I always believed she’d be a good three-year-old. And honestly, as a breeder, this is one of my greatest thrills.”

16 May. USA. Adena Stallions' Miss Preakness S. G3. Pimlico. 6f. Dirt. 125.000 $
1.- PALANKA CITY (C.Emigh)
2.- CASANOVA KILLER (J.Rose)
3.- BEAU'S VALENTINE (K.Desormeaux)


Jockey Chris Emigh took one look at the scratches for the $100,000 Adena Stallions’ Miss Preakness Stakes (G3) on Friday at Pimlico Race Course and figured the race was his to lose aboard William Stritz’s Palanka City.

As it turned out, Emigh was spot on with that assessment.

Palanka City, fresh off a pair of wins at Oaklawn Park after a distant fourth-place effort behind the ill-fated Eight Belles in the Martha Washington Stakes there, came from off the pace to post a 5 1/2-length victory in the six-furlong Miss Preakness.

“When I saw that scratch [of the Todd Pletcher-trained Passion] I said, ‘this has got to be all me,’ “ said Emigh, who has ridden the three-year-old Carson City filly in all five of her starts this season for trainer Terry Gestes. “I just sat on her for as long as I could. I hit her once and she really responded.”

Casanova Killer, the runner-up in the field of five reduced by the scratch of La Habra Stakes (G3) winner Passion and listed stakes winner Hadavision, set an uncontested pace of :22.93 and :46.16 and still looked like a winner in midstretch with Palanka City in second.

Emigh asked the question inside the furlong marker and got the same response Palanka City showed in a six-furlong allowance win on March 2 and a four-length score in the six-furlong Prima Donna Stakes on April 11 at Oaklawn.

The 1-to-2 favorite was quickly opened up in deep stretch and was well clear under the wire in 1:10.90 on the muddy track. Beau’s Valentine, badly outrun in the early stages, was another 4 3/4 lengths back in third.

“She was a bit nervy today and she’s not usually like that,” said Gestes, who was winless in his previous two starts in graded stakes events. “Turning for home I was a little bit [concerned], but I was hoping she’d re-break and she did.”

Bred by Overbrook Farm, Palanka City is out of the Storm Bird mare Indian Sunset. The Miss Preakness was her fifth win from ten career starts and boosted her career earnings to $173,000.

16 May. GB. Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup. G2. York. 14f. Turf. 140.000 £
1.- GEORDIELAND (S.Kelly)
2.- ROYAL AND REGAL (N.Callan)
3.- SAMUEL (E.Ahern)


GEORDIELAND, the perpetual bridesmaid who seemed wedded to habitual defeat, renewed his commitment to winning yesterday when nailing Royal And Regal in the last stride of a pulsating Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup.

An undoubted talent, the grey was a Gold Cup runner-up at Royal Ascot last year but had also been beaten three times at odds-on in the course of a winless run since joining trainer Jamie Osborne.

Yet under a ride of pure nerve by Shane Kelly, he reeled in the front-running Royal And Regal, making up four lengths in the final furlong to earn a turn in the big-race spotlight and provide Kelly with a prestige win just 18 days into his comeback from a year-long suspension.

"He's been the highest-rated horse in my yard for a long while and it's been bloody frustrating, so it's a huge relief after having the horse for two years and not winning a race," said Osborne.

"He had been beaten at 1-4 and to win this is fantastic, even if he does nothing else.

"I couldn't have two more understanding owners than Martin Myers and Tony Taylor. We were going to buy him a bridesmaid's dress at the end of last year but we can put that on hold now. He has beaten all bar one in some of the best Group races there have been over this trip, and I promise you this horse tries. We'll have another shot at Yeats at Royal Ascot now."

Geordieland was cut to 16-1 (from 25) by Paddy Power for the Gold Cup, where he has a length and a half to make up on last year's winner Yeats.
Kelly, who was banned for providing information for reward, said: "Even going by the furlong pole, as cocky as it sounds, I felt I was always going to get to the leader.
"To win a Group 2 after a ban is fantastic and I want to say how grateful I am to Jamie and the owners for putting me up."

Osborne added: "I didn't put Shane up for charity. I thought he would suit him and he proved he is as good as anyone. I don't want to sound sentimental but I think Shane has been incredibly badly treated and history will tell us that if the reality of his ban and the reasons for it are out in the open, you would see how badly treated he was."

15 May. GB. Totesport.com Dante S. G2. York. 10,4f. Turf. 150.000 £
1.- TARTAN BEARER (R.Moore)
2.- FROZEN FIRE (J.Murtagh)
3.- TWICE OVER (T.Durcan)


HE WAS born in the same box as North Light, and the omens for Tartan Bearer following his illustrious predecessor into the Epsom winner's circle got even better yesterday when he won the principal Derby trial - the same race North Light took on the way to Classic glory in 2004.

The brother of Golan, himself a Derby runner-up, put his name firmly in the frame for the 2008 Vodafone Derby with a battling success under Ryan Moore in the Totesport.com Dante Stakes, the race won by three of the last four winners of the Epsom Classic. But there will be no place for one-time favourite Twice Over, who was ruled out after finishing only third, as was Centennial.

Tartan Bearer expanded Sir Michael Stoute's team of potential Derby runners to three when defeating Frozen Fire by a head to match the feats of Doctor Fremantle and Tajaaweed, winners of Classic trials for the trainer during last week's Chester meeting.

Of the trio, Tartan Bearer has made the greatest strides, as the colt, an 85-rated winner of a Leicester maiden before yesterday's Group 2, delighted his four-time Derby-winning trainer with a performance that earned him the mantle of favouritism from VCbet, Boylesports and Stan James, although he is 7-1 with Ladbrokes, who make Casual Conquest, still an uncertain starter, 4-1 favourite.

Stoute said: "We have three nice middle-distance colts. I was very pleased with this fellow. It just shows how progressive he is. He won his maiden at Leicester in workmanlike fashion, but that's him. He is not exhilarating in his work at home, but he will travel really well.

"I think he got in front long enough and will have learned from that. Ryan had to go for that split, but he was just there long enough. He wasn't going to get beat, but he was just doing enough there. That will sharpen him up mentally as well."
North Light, like Tartan Bearer owned and bred by Ballymacoll Stud, was Stoute's last Derby winner, and this year he will have at least two challengers with Dee Stakes winner Tajaaweed already on target. Chester Vase winner Doctor Fremantle, who carries the same Khalid Abdullah colours as Twice Over, could also now come into the reckoning as a potential supplementary entry.

Stoute added: "I am entitled to be very hopeful about the winner. I think he goes there with a chance. If you go to a Derby more than hopeful, you are a little bit unwise, but he's progressed and that was very pleasing.
"Tajaaweed will also run, and I will have to speak to Prince Khalid about Doctor Fremantle."

After sitting last on Tartan Bearer, Moore produced his mount between Young Pretender and Twice Over to hit the front inside the final furlong and hold the challenge of the Aidan O'Brien-trained Frozen Fire, the pair finishing two and a half lengths clear of Twice Over.

Trainer Henry Cecil did not blame the ground for the eclipse of Twice Over, but the decision to plan for a Derby challenge rather than the 2,000 Guineas may have been misguided as the colt appeared not to stay the extended 1m2f.

"I am not blaming the ground - the others went on it," said Cecil. "He came there nicely and emptied out. He probably got his second wind and ran on a bit, but it was disappointing really. Whether we will have to go back in distance or not, I don't know.

"It is up to the prince, but I wouldn't think he would go for the Derby on that, would you? He seemed to falter; he emptied out. You wouldn't think he was a Derby horse after that, would you?"

O'Brien has his own choice of contenders, of whom Frozen Fire is now most prominent in the betting at a top-priced 10-1 with Ladbrokes.
Jockey Johnny Murtagh said: "He ran great. He's always had a lot of ability. He ran a good trial and I thought he was going to win, but Ryan just got me.
"I suppose it was my lad's first race and Ryan's had had a run before, and his horse was just in front on the line. I think he would be a possible for Epsom."
Sandown Classic Trial winner Centennial, who was fourth, will be campaigned towards other Classics.

Trainer John Gosden said: "We were not disappointed in the slightest. I said before that a mile and a quarter at Sandown on good to soft was a stiff test. This was a fast race today on quick ground and those horses have quickened past him.
"He needs further and we will pick him up in trip to a mile and a half and we very much have the Leger in mind for him later in the year.
"He is in the Irish Derby and we would like to have a run there - I hope there is a bit of rain about."

15 May. GB. Totescoop6 Special Middleton S. G3. York. 10,4f. Turf. 50.000 £
1.- PROMISING LEAD (R.Moore)
2.- UNDER THE RAINBOW (N.Callan)
3.- FLYING CLARETS (P.Hanagan)


THEY were on opposite sides in the main feature but Dante-winning trainer Sir Michael Stoute and Twice Over's owner Khalid Abdullah teamed up in the chief supporting act to record the easiest victory of the day with Promising Lead.

Their progressively four-year-old filly, beaten just a head in a Group 1 at Longchamp on Arc day, was sent off 2-5 favourite for her drop to Group 3 company in the Totescoop6 Special Middleton Stakes and won very much as the market suggested.

She cruised to the front over a furlong out and was just pushed out by Ryan Moore to score by an easy three and a half lengths, to the delight of her watching owner.

"It's nice to win a Group 3 but she was just beaten agonisingly in the Prix de l'Opera last season and we are going to try to put that right this year," said Abdullah's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe.

"She is in all the obvious races over a mile and a quarter and she will probably stay a mile and a half. She likes fast ground and the Pretty Polly Stakes in Ireland could be a race for her."

14 May. GB. Tattersalls Musidora S. G3. York. 10,4f. Turf. 60.000 £
1.- LUSH LASHES (K.Manning)
2.- CAPE AMBER (J.Spencer)
3.- DAR RE MI (J.Fortune)

JIM BOLGER could be training the favourite for both the Derby and Oaks, but his aversion to Epsom as a destination for New Approach may also apply to Lush Lashes, despite an impressive trial by the filly at York yesterday.

After Lush Lashes had produced the most emphatic performance of any Juddmonte Oaks candidate when winning the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes by five lengths, Bolger, without ruling out Epsom, appeared more keen to wait until July for the Darley Irish Oaks.

The news was another blow to the Epsom Classics. Bolger had ruled 2,000 Guineas runnerup New Approach out of the Derby, for which he was antepost favourite, before Newmarket, while Dermot Weld is unlikely to send either former Oaks antepost favourite Chinese White or Sunday's impressive Leopardstown winner Casual Conquest.
After finishing sixth in the 1,000 Guineas, Lush Lashes relished the step up to 1m2 1/2 f yesterday. A comfortable victory over Cape Amber and Dar Re Mi saw her immediately promoted to the head of the Oaks ante-post market at best odds of 5-2 with Coral, Totesport and Boylesports. William Hill go 6-4 with a run.

Yet a quick telephone call to Bolger at home in Ireland by travelling head groom Ger Flynn revealed the trainer was reluctant to make an immediate commitment to Epsom.

Bolger, speaking at Naas in the evening, where he saddled a double in the two juvenile races, said: "Her next race will be an Oaks, either at Epsom or the Curragh, and it's possible she could run in both, although running in the Irish Oaks is the more likely option."

Asked if he had anything against Epsom, Bolger replied: "No."
Jockey Kevin Manning produced Lush Lashes to lead two furlongs out and the filly immediately picked up to put daylight between her and her rivals.
"She was very, very impressive," said Manning, who later flew back to partner Bolger's Naas winners.
"I haven't spoken with Jim yet, but I wouldn't worry - she gets the mile and a half and would be a great ride in either race."
Asked about the track at Epsom, he said: "I don't see a problem. She is a very straightforward ride."

Cape Amber was meant to contest the 1,000 Guineas and her performance to finish second on her reappearance delighted trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam.
She goes to Epsom and is a general 8-1 chance.
"It's been stop-start," said Chapple-Hyam. "She couldn't run in the Fred Darling and couldn't run in the Guineas, and she is only just coming right.
"Jamie Spencer said she blew up, and a mile and a half and a bit more give is what she wants. I couldn't be happier with her. The winner is good, but she was having her fourth run and mine her second."

Dar Re Mi's target will depend on Bolger's decision, but trainer John Gosden believed she could have finished second if she had not collided with Moonstone when Johnny Murtagh made a forward move at halfway.
Gosden said: "He's a friend of mine, but I'm not amused by Johnny Murtagh. I don't see the point of employing those tactics four and half furlongs out. If he had been trying to box Jimmy Fortune in two furlongs out that's fine, but just rough riding at four and half furlongs out was not funny.
"She's got cuts in a hind leg and it's probably cost her second place. We will have to give her some antibiotics."
On his filly's next target, Gosden added: "I'm in the hands of Mr Bolger. If he decides to go to Ireland we will go to Epsom, and if not she will go for the Ribblesdale."

The stewards held an inquiry but took no action against any jockeys.

14 May. GB. Duke Of York Hearthstead Homes S. G2. York. 6f. Turf. 100.000 £
1.- ASSERTIVE (R.Moore)
2.- WAR ARTIST (K.McEvoy)
3.- BECKERMET (C.Catlin)


IF AT first you don't succeed, try, try again was the maxim employed by Assertive yesterday when he gained his first Group success at the 16th attempt in the Duke of York Stakes under a power-packed ride from Ryan Moore, writes Tony Elves.
Injury scuppered Moore's bid to land a second jockeys' championship last season, but his hunger is more apparent than ever.

He held a handy position towards the centre of the course on the Richard Hannon-trained winner as Beckermet took his group along at a good rattle from the start.
Moore made the decision to unleash the 15-2 shot over a furlong out and, having taken the initiative, he never looked like being pegged back by War Artist as he took the Hearthstead Homes-sponsored Group 2 by a neck and the same.

The winner had failed narrowly in the Abernant at Newmarket on his reappearance last month, but all roads now lead to Royal Ascot.

Assistant trainer Richard Hannon jnr said: "That first run was great, but he probably needed it and he will go for the Golden Jubilee.
"It is a great result for owner Lady Whent as she owns the stallion Bold Edge, and Assertive is tough and will go on any ground.
"He deserves to win a race like that and, hopefully, he will go to Royal Ascot and do the same."

The five-year-old was made 16-1 for the Group 1 at Royal Ascot by VCbet, Boylesports, William Hill and Coral. However, all of the firms were more impressed with the runner-up, who is as short as 12-1 with Coral.

War Artist's trainer James Eustace said: "Six furlongs at Ascot will suit him better and he goes for the Golden Jubilee. He handles fast ground really well and, with his 5lb penalty, it was a hell of run."

14 May. IRE. Blue Wind S. G3. Naas. 10f. Turf. 90.000 €
1.- ADORED (J.Murtagh)
2.- TIFFANY DIAMOND (J.Heffernan)
3.- PROFOUND BEAUTY (P.Smullen)


A maiden at the start of the month, Aiden O’Brien’s Adored underlined her tremendous rate of progress when making all the running for Johnny Murtagh at Naas to claim the featured Blue Wind Stakes.

A gamble on Profound Beauty went badly astray as Dermot Weld’s odds-on chance was unable to overhaul Murtagh’s mount and, indeed, lost out for second to the winner’s 33/1 stablemate, Tiffany Diamond.

Any hope of Marjalina being considered for the English Oaks disappeared when Kevin Prendergast’s hitherto unbeaten charge dropped right out and was later discovered to be coming in season.

Adored is from the Darshaan mare Sudden Hope, who is a half sister to Kris' G1 winner Sudden Love and has a Sadler's Wells yearling three-quarter-brother to Adored.

13 May. FR. Prix de Guiche. G3. Chantilly. 1.800 mts. Turf. 80.000 €
1.- TRINCOT (C.Soumillon)
2.- IN CHAMBERS (O.Peslier)
3.- MAYWHEATER (C.Lemaire)


Philippe Demercastel was rewarded with a runner in the June 1st Prix du Jockey Club this afternoon when Trincot (Peintre Celebre) clinched victory in the G.3 Prix de Guiche at Chantilly.

Taking the same route as Lawman did last year, Trincot was a still a maiden coming into the 2008 season but has now scored three back-to-back successes.

Opting to remain towards the rear of the field in company with Putney Bridge (Mizzen Mast), it was Mayweather (Nayef) and In Seclusion (Cozzene) who made the running while In Chambers (Oasis Dream) ran freely in behind.

It was Mayweather who led coming into the stretch but Johan Victoire tried to wind up In Seclusion early – to no avail.

In Chambers gradually made up ground on his outside but Trincot came wider still. With just under a furlong to go it was a two-horse race with Trincot and Christophe Soumillon holding on by a neck from In Chambers.

Mayweather stayed on well to take third a length away. Putney Bridge was two lengths further back with In Seclusion another half-length off in fifth.

12 May. FR. Prix Greffulhe. G2. Saint Cloud. 2.000 mts. Turf. 130.000 €
1.- PROSPECT WELLS (O,Peslier)
2.- RIPPLE (C.Soumillon)
3.- TROIS ROIS (D.Bonilla)


Prospect Wells (Sadler’s Wells) exacted revenge on Ripple this afternoon at Saint-Cloud on the way to winning the G.2 Prix Greffulhe, the last of the recognised trials for the G.1 Prix du Jockey Club.

With just five declared there was never going to be any pace and, true to form, there wasn’t.

It was Christophe Soumillon and Ripple (Rock Of Gibraltar) who took them on with the grey Chirango (Chichicastenango) on his outer. Stablemate Salsalavie (Fly To The Stars) chose the rail followed by Alec Head’s Trois Rois (Hernando) and Prospect Wells comfortably cantering at the rear.

With three furlongs to go Thierry Thulliez stepped up the pace on Chirango and was quickly followed by Davy Bonilla on Trois Rois. But Ripple regained the lead as Olivier Peslier made his move on Prospect Wells from the rear.

With a half-furlong left Ripple led by 1½ lengths but Trois Rois and Prospect Wells came with a strong run towards the standside. But there was never any doubt about the winner as a well-timed ride gave Prospect Wells his first win from four career starts, a short neck ahead of Ripple. Trois Rois was a similar margin behind in third but gave Bonilla a difficult ride and should produce a better run next time out.

This win capped capped an extraordinary two days for the Wertheimer brothers, having won the French 2,000 Guineas, finishing runner-up in the fillies version, landing the G.3 Prix de Saint-Georges and finally, today assuring a place in the French Derby. Not forgetting of course that Olivier Peslier was on board each time.

12 May. GER. Schwarzgold-Rennen (ex Kolner Herbst Stuten-Meile). G3. Koln. 1.600 mts. Turf. 50.000 €
1.- PEACE ROYALE (A.Suborics)
2.- LOVE ACADEMY (A.Starke)
3.- ROSENREIHE (F.Minarik)


Peace Royale (Sholokhov), sixth to yesterday’s French 1,000 Guineas winner Zarkava, in last year’s G.1 Prix Marcel Boussac, ran out a convincing winner of this afternoon’s G.3 Schwarzgold-Rennen at Cologne - despite throwing a shoe in the process.

Recognised as often the most telling German 1,000 Guineas trials, there is little doubt, barring incident, that the first three home will line up for the big event on 1st June.

Canadian-bred Idonea (Swain) took the field on at a merry pace from the outset. Peace Royale and Love Academy (Medicean), winner of last autumn’s G.3 Preis der Winterkönigin, raced together behind the leader with group-placed Diamantgottin (Fantastic Light) on their heels.

With a half-mile to race the field closed ranks and by the turn for home there were just five lengths separating the nine runners.

Zaya (Diktat) was the first to go and gradually worked up a small lead but Andreas Suborics and Peace Royale soon passed her with Love Academy closing in behind.

With just a furlong left to run Suborics was a length clear and went on to win by that margin from Love Academy in second. Rosenreihe (Catcher In The Rye) came with a late run and although drifting when pushed, Filip Minarik kept her on course to finish third a further half-length away. Diamantgottin came in fourth.

Trainer Andreas Wöhler later confirmed that Peace Royale will run in the 1,000 Guineas at Dusseldorf and all going well may tackle the G.1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot next month. Mi Emma, trained by Wöhler, finished runner-up to Indian Ink in that race last year.

12 May. GER. Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen-German Two Thousand Guineas. G2. Koln. 1.600 mts. Turf. 165.000 €
1.- PRECIOUS BOY (A.Vries)
2.- KONIG CONCORDE (W.Panov)
3.- LIANG KAY (T.Hellier)


Precious Boy (Big Shuffle) ran out the first German classic winner of the season, winning the G.2 Mehl-Mühlens Rennen, 2,000 Guineas, at Cologne this afternoon.

The winner came within a whisker of being withdrawn at the start after refusing to load. Eventually seven runners did get away and after a number of early exchanges it was English visitor Solent Ridge (Namid) who took up the running with the leading protagonists Precious Boy and Liang Kay (Dai Jin), opting to stay towards the rear.

Coming around the final turn Adrie de Vries made a move around the outside, wide enough to lose ground, and as they entered the straight had to get to work early to make his losses.

A gaping hole opened up for Terry Hellier and Liang Kay with 1½ furlongs to run and they soon took a small lead. Under a vigorous ride de Vries headed his old rival and went on to win comfortably.

It appeared that Liang Kay would take second but Konig Concorde (Big Shuffle) came from the wide outside under what could only be described as a frenetic ride, and clinched second spot.

After winning the G.3 Preis des Winterfavoriten last October, trainer Waldemar Hickst impressed that this race was his ultimate goal. He had won all three of his juvenile starts before going down by a short-head to Liang Kay in the G.3 Dr Busch Memorial three weeks ago.

Whether he has the stamina for the Deutsches Derby will be a up for discussion in the coming days but Hickst is tending towards keeping him at eight to ten furlongs.

11 May. ITA. Premio Tudini . G3. Rome. 1.200 mts. Turf. 89.000 €
1.- GESTURE (S.Landi)
1.- TITUS SHADOW (D.Vargiu)
3.- BLACK MAMBAZO (M.Monteriso)


The three year-olds took on their older counterparts in the six furlong G.3 Premio Tudini in Rome this afternoon, a race which provided a spectacular finish.

Early season Guineas hope Black Mambazo (Statue Of Liberty) had given most of the running and, cantering up the centre of the track, had a clear view of the line 1½ furlongs out. Remarque (Marju) and Le Cadre Noir (Danetime) were battling among themselves behind the leader but the action was to come from the standside.

Titus Shadow (Titus Livius), under Dario Vargiu, came powering up the inside to head Black Mambazo but Gesture (Bahri) came up the rails with a late burst and these two fought out the finish with the judge unable to separate them in a photograph.

Black Mambazo finished third a length behind.

While both will be credited with a G.3 win, Bruno Grizzetti, trainer of Titus Shadow, rounded off a sensational afternoon, having won the G.3 Carlo d’Alessio with Gimmy before Cima De Triomphe landed the Derby.

This marked just a second black-type win for Titus Shadow from sixteen starts – his other win came over course and distance in October 2006.

Gesture however was winning his eighth race from 29 starts and his fourth in succession.

11 May. ITA. Premio Carlo d'Alessio . G3. Rome. 2.400 mts. Turf. 125.000 €
1.- GIMMY (D.Vargiu)
2.- MONTALEGRE (S.Mulas)
3.- ROCKMASTER (J.Spencer)

11 May. ITA. Derby Italiano. G1. Rome. 2.200 mts. Turf. 1.000.000 €
1.- CIMA DE TRIOMPHE (S.Mulas)
2.- PERMESSO (U.Rispoli)
3.- PAPETTI (P.Convertino)


Although big hope Farrel (Fruits Of Love) failed to win today Bruno Grizzetti will be returning to Varese this evening a happy trainer after saddling three of the first four home in the 125th Italian Derby.

There was never much to separate the field for most of the 2200m (11f) contest with favoured Fathayer (Volponi) and Senlis (High Chaparral) dictating the pace.

As the nineteen runners entered the stretch the field spread out almost the whole width of the track and although Fathayer had given himself a lead of 1½ lengths, he was soon joined by Senlis and Rastignano (Spartacus).

Permesso (Sakhee) took over the lead with a furlong to go but Silvano Mulas on Cima De Triomphe (Galileo) came with a strong run and held on to win by a half-length from a fast-finishing Permesso. A further length away in third came Papetti with Farrel another half-length behind.

Cima De Triomphe came into the Derby Italiano off a Listed win at San Siro three weeks ago, just his second victory from five starts.

The only foreign runner in the race was Peter Chapple-Hyam’s Bougereau (Alhaarth) who could manage only seventh. Emilio Borromeo’s Italian 2,000 Guineas winner Senlis placed ninth.

11 May. FR. Prix de Saint-Georges. G3. Longchamp. 1.000 mts. Turf. 80.000 €
1.- ONLY ANSWER (O.Peslier)
2.- MOOD MUSIC (D.Boeuf)
3.- DERISON (T.Jarnet)


It was an extraordinary day for Olivier Peslier and the Wertheimer brothers at Longchamp. They won the 2,000 Guineas, finished runner-up in the 1,000 Guineas and then landed the G.3 Prix de Saint-Georges. All were Wertheimer home-breds and all three horses are trained by different handlers.

In an uncommon change for France a blistering pace was set from the start as Cabulco (Kendor) flew to the lead. The field strung out quickly and at the halfway stage nine lengths separated the nine runners.

Two out the German-trained Mood Music (Kyllachy) took up the running but Olivier Peslier on Only Answer (Green Desert) came up on his outer to contest the lead. Peslier asked the question with a furlong to go and was rewarded amply to take the Group Three by an easy length.

Mood Music held on for second with Derison (Miesque’s Son) putting in a tardy but impressive late burst to finish just a further neck away in third.

A four year-old with a fillies’ allowance and in receipt of weight from the placegetters, Only Answer is unlikely to have it so easy next time out. Last year she won twice and placed fourth to Tax Free in a G.3 over course and distance but failed to win on both of her prior starts this year.

11 May. FR. Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. G1. Longchamp. 1.600 mts. Turf. 400.000 €
1.- ZARKAVA (C.Soumillon)
2.- GOLDIKOVA (O.Peslier)
3.- HALFWAY TO HEAVEN (D.McCabe)


Zarkava unleashed her potent finishing kick under Christophe Soumillon to maintain superstar status with a Classic success in the French 1000 at Longchamp.

The Aga Khan’s daughter of Zamindar has mopped on all four of her starts to date, and on each occasion displayed an electric turn of foot.

Victory in the Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc day marked her out as something special and she warmed up for the French 1000 Guineas without breaking sweat over the course and distance last month.

With her unbeaten record in tact, she was sent off the 4-9 favourite and was settled in rear by Soumillon after her trademark slow start.

Halfway To Heaven, representing Ballydoyle, did her part in setting a ferocious pace which helped Zarkava set a new race record.

Once pulled out into clear air, Alain de Royer-Dupre’s charge skipped clear within a matter of strides and opened up a two-length margin at the line.

Kayaba ran well in behind to finish second, with Aidan O’Brien’s Halfway To Heaven taking third.

Soumillon said: “She always jumps out of the gate like that and if you look at all of the races, she has ran in before she has been slowly away from the gate.

“After that she followed the pace, and this was the best day for her turn of foot.

“I didn’t have to push her along too much as the pace was good and she was the best today.

“We will have to see what happens next. I am a jockey and not a trainer!”

Despite holding an entry at Epsom in next month’s Juddmonte Oaks, Zarkava is likely to stay in France for the short term and head to Chantilly on June 8 for the Prix de Diane.

His Highness the Aga Khan said: “To go to the Diane would be the obvious thing to do.

“I honestly don’t know if she is entered at Epsom but that was never the plan.

“I get the feeling from her races that she will stay further, and it is great to have another super filly.”

De Royer-Dupre added: “She was a bit slow to start and they must have gone quickly.”

In addition to the third home, O’Brien was responsible for the sixth-placed Psalm.

He said: “Halfway To Heaven ran well and she is a tough lady. Psalm ran a good race too but she had a bad draw.”

11 May. FR. Poule d'Essai des Poulains. G1. Longchamp. 1.600 mts. Turf. 400.000 €
1.- FALCO (O.Peslier)
2.- RIO DE LA PLATA (L.Dettori)
3.- RIVER PROUD (T.Quinn)


Falco ran out a comfortable winner of the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp.

Trained by Carlos Laffon-Parias and ridden by Olivier Peslier, the 20-1 chance avoided any traffic problems and swept to the front with a powerful run just over two furlongs from home.

Despite tiring towards the finish, he still had clear daylight between himself and the chasing pack at the line.

With 19 runners, the one-mile Group One feature always threatened to be a rough race and so it proved, with the field strung out like washing entering the home straight.

But Peslier, sat just off the early pace and on the outside of the field, always had Falco out of trouble and asked his mount to take command with over a quarter of a mile to run.

The response was impressive and ultimately proved decisive as the Frankie Dettori-ridden Rio De La Plata (5-1) stayed on for second without ever threatening to reel in the easy winner.

Third place went to River Proud, who belied his price tag of 25-1 and looked unlucky not to finish closer.

After encountering trouble in the starting stalls, he had to come from a long way back in the straight and was finishing best of all at the line.

The layers were relatively impressed with the effort of Rio De La Plata and reacted by cutting Saeed Bin Suroor’s charge for the Vodafone Derby.

He is now 16-1 from 25s with VC Bet for the Epsom Classic, while William Hill are slightly shorter at 14s from 16-1.

Simon Crisford, racing manager for Godolphin, was thrilled with the performance of runner-up Rio De La Plata.

Crisford said: “He’s run very well and we are very pleased, but we’ll just see what happens from here.

“We’ll go home and make some plans.

“He’s entered in everything from a mile to a mile and a half, including the Derby, and all options are open.”

After getting upset in stall 14, River Proud was taken out and transferred to the widest stall on offer before the starter let them go.

Cole said: “They moved him from stall 14 to stall 20 so he was on the wide outside.

“He’s never been good in the stalls and has had to come from almost last position entering the straight.

“If you look at the speed he showed and imagine if he’d done that from fourth or fifth position, who knows what would have happened?

“You have to behave in the stalls and he hasn’t, which has probably cost him the French 2000 Guineas.

“We’ve never had this sort of encouragement from him and he made up half a furlong very easily.”

Peslier was delighted with the way the race panned out for Falco. The winning jockey said: “My horse was always going well. He likes a good gallop and they went a good gallop throughout.

“He has a nice action and for a horse like him, it is better to be in a good position.

“Moving into the straight I went up on the outside and there was a horse coming with me.

“But I knew my horse was very strong and full of running, so when the other horse went I made my move early.”

11 May. IRE. Derrinstown Stud One Thousand Guineas Trial. G3. Leopardstown. 8f. Turf. 85.000 €
1.- CARRIBEAN SUNSET (P.Smullen)
2.- KATIYRA (M.Kinane)
3.- INDIANA GAL (F.Berry)


DERMOT WELD and Pat Smullen crowned another day to remember at Leopardstown this season when Carribean Sunset landed the supporting 1,000 Guineas Trial to complete anear 123-1 treble on the day.

The 9-2 chance, successful here last month when defeating Halfway To Heaven and subsequent Newmarket 1,000 Guineas third Saoirse Abu, swept to the front at the distance and pulled out plenty under pressure to hold the staying on Katiyra by half-a-length. Pat Martin's Indiana Gal finished a creditable length-and-a-half back in third.

“These are important ones to win,” said Weld, referring also to the Derby Trial he won earlier with Casual Conquest. “She's very game,very brave, very tough and she's getting better. She had to battle there again but she had the form to win. She'll go for the Irish 1,000 Guineas next.”

11 May. IRE. Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial S. G2. Leopardstown. 10f. Turf. 125.000 €
1.- CASUAL CONQUEST (P.Smullen)
2.- WASHINGTON IRVING (J.Heffernan)
3.- MOIQEN (D.McDongh)


Casual Conquest produced a tremendous performance to run out an impressive winner of the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown.

Dermot Weld’s 13-2 chance was making his seasonal reappearance in the 10-furlong Group Two feature but evidently lacked nothing for fitness as he readily brushed aside Washington Irving and Moiqen.

Casual Conquest turned for home in last place but rocketed to the front well over a furlong from home once Pat Smullen asked his mount to go about his business, finishing six lengths to the good over Washington Irving.

Although William Hill make Casual Conquest their 7-1 third favourite for the Vodafone Derby, he is not entered for the Epsom highlight and seems likely to run in the French equivalent.

“He’s in the French and the Irish Derby and it’s a great pity the entry fee is too high for the Epsom Derby,” said Weld.

“We’ll speak to (owners) Moyglare Stud but the French Derby is probably the likely option.

“He’s had a little hold-up but he’s really come to himself in the last few weeks and I thought he was capable of winning.”

11 May. IRE. Amethyst S. G3. Leopardstown. 8f. Turf. 70.000 €
1.- FERNELEY (W.Supple)
2.- LORD ADMIRAL (M.Kinane)
3.- EXCELERATE (C.Hayes)


Ferneley set out to lead all the way in the Group Three Amethyst Stakes at Leopardstown and never looked in danger once he quickened clear coming down the straight.

The Francis Ennis-trained four-year-old had Tian Shan for company for the first half of the mile contest, but shook him off and ran on too strongly for challengers coming from the rear.

Willie Supple kept the 8-1 shot going to win by two lengths, with favourite Lord Admiral edging second spot close home.

The race lost a degree of interest when former Aussie star Haradasun, due to make his debut for Aidan O’Brien, was declared a non-runner.

Ennis said: “That was very impressive. The good ground is the secret to this horse.”

11 May. USA. Railbird S. G3. Hollywood Park. 7f. AW. 100.000 $
1.- MILLION DOLLAR RUN (J.Rosario)
2.- TASHA'S MIRACLE (M.Garcia)
3.- LETHAL HEAT (R.Bejarano)


Everest Stables’ homebred Million Dollar Run, a maiden making only her second career start, stalked the pace, took over at the top of the stretch, and drew clear to win the $110,400 Railbird Stakes (gr. III) by 2 1/4 lengths May 11 on the Hollywood Park Cushion Track.

Ridden by Joel Rosario, Million Dollar Run shocked the eight-horse field, winning at odds of 14-1. Included in those she upset was 8-5 favorite Lethal Heat, who entered the Railbird undefeated in three starts.

Lethal Heat stumbled badly out of the gate and was never a factor. The 3-year-old daughter of Unusual Heat rallied late and did well to get up for third, 2 3/4 lengths behind runner-up Tasha’s Miracle.

A daughter of Tejano Run, Million Dollar Run entered the Railbird off a neck defeat in her racing a debut, a six-furlong maiden special weight contest at Santa Anita Park March 30. The chestnut filly is trained by Marcelo Polanco.

The final time for seven furlongs was 1:20.66, just .16 of a second shy of the track record set last year.

Million Dollar Run broke well and received a perfect stalking trip behind pacesetter Peisinoe, who posted solid fractions of :22.13 and :44.45 under Alex Solis. Tasha’s Miracle raced in third, while Homemade Brew was next through the backstretch.

Peisinoe was still in front as they were coming out of the turn, but the rail opened up for Tasha’s Miracle and Million Dollar Run was revved up from a three-wide position.

Million Dollar Run took over before they reached the eighth-pole and drew clear in upper stretch.

"I worked her once before and she went very good," said Rosario, who earned his first graded stakes score. "We had a great trip from the outside. Alex Solis went to the front, and I got to wait and wait. When I asked her, she responded and won. That's pretty impressive, winning a stakes with a maiden."

Polanco said: "She ran so good, and she has been training so good. When the nominations came out, it wasn’t that tough to my knowledge, and that was part of my main decision. She was training just perfect. Every single thing she did from the last race to this one came out perfect.

"I told Joel to keep it close if somebody wanted to go and if nobody went just get into good position and save some for the last. We’re going to be taking it day by day; the main thing is for her to come out of this sound.”

Out of the Hold for Gold mare Six Zeroes, Million Dollar Run was bred in Kentucky. She paid $31.40, $13.20, and $6. The $2 exacta (10-4) with Tasha’s Miracle was worth $193. The $1 trifecta (10-4-5) returned $426.80.

Lethal Heat, who entered off a victory in the Santa Paula (gr. III) at Santa Anita March 30 , was hustled into mid-pack by Rafael Bejarano after the poor break, but was too far back to challenge the top two.

"She was getting nervous in the gate," Bejarano said. "There was a lot of noise, and she was leaning to the right when the gate sprung and she stumbled real bad. We had a nice trip, but we had to come from too far behind. I think it cost me the race."

Sweet Hope was fourth, followed by Magical Victory, Peisinoe, Highland Torree, and Homemade Br ew. P.S.U. Grad and Lovely Isle were scratched.

10 May. USA. Lone Star Derby. G3. Lone Star Park. 8,5f. Dirt. 400.000 $
1.- EL GATO MALO (R.Bejarano)
2.- LEONIDES (R.Migliore)
3.- SAMBA ROOSTER (G.Gomez)


West Point Thoroughbreds’ El Gato Malo, making his first start on traditional dirt, made a dramatic move in late stretch to take the 400,000 Lone Star Derby (gr. III) by a half-length May 10 at Lone Star Park.

Fourth at the top of the lane, El Gato Malo forced his way away from the rail under Rafael Bejarano, bumped with Texas Wildcatter, and then began his surge towards the leaders. He needed the entire final furlong to get past Leonides and pacesetter Samba Rooster.

El Gato Malo completed the 1 1/16-mile contest in 1:43.04. Leonides was second in the 13-horse field, a nose in front of Samba Rooster.

Trained by Craig Dollase, El Gato Malo was one of the early favorites for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) after taking the San Rafael (gr. III) by 6 1/4 lengths in January. But the son of El Corredor finished second in the March 1 Sham Stakes (gr. I) and fifth in the April 5 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), and came up short on graded earnings. Bred in Kentucky by Kenneth Roberts, El Gato Malo was making his first start outside of California.

Samba Rooster, second in the April 19 Lexington Stakes (gr. II), broke to the early lead under Garrett Gomez. The son of Songandaprayer posted aggressive fractions of :22.98, :46.27, and 1:10.20. He was pressed the whole way by Leonides, with My Pal Charlie and Limestone Edge also close up. El Gto Malo was fifth through the backstretch.

The winner edged his way toward the outside as he came out of the final turn, and once finding room, began his assault on the front.

Going off as the favorite, the bay gelding paid $5.20, $3.80 and $2.80. The exacta (2-9) with Leonides returned $69. The trifecta (12-9-1A) was worth $168.40.

El Gato Malo, who is out of the Mountain Cat mare One Bad Cat, improved to 4-1-0 from six starts.

Leonides, also a California invader, was coming off a second-place finish in the six-furlong San Miguel Stakes at Santa Anita March 29. The Lone Star was his first try more than six furlongs. The son of Richter Scale is trained by Vladimir Cerin.

10 May. USA. Senorita S. G3. Hollywood Park. 8f. Turf. 100.000 $
1.- SWEETER STILL (M.Garcia)
2.- MAGICAL FANTASY (A.Solis)
3.- BEL AIR SIZZLE (C.Potts)


In spite of drifting out a couple of paths from mid-stretch to the wire, favored Sweeter Still won the $109,800 Senorita Stakes (gr. III) on the Hollywood Park turf by a nose over Magical Fantasy.

Stewards, following a lengthy inquiry, decided against making a change in the order of finish.

Magical Fantasy, rallying strongly for Alex Solis while coming off the far turn of the one-mile event for 3-year-old fillies, certainly looked like a winner with a full head of steam when Sweeter Still began her drift into the 11-1 challenger's path under left-handed urging from jockey Martin Garcia.

Garcia quickly switched to the right hand, but the two fillies appeared to bump a couple of times. But Magical Fantasy could not get past the stubborn Sweeter Still until a jump after the wire.

Stewards took a long look at the race angle replays before deciding that the infraction didn't warrant making a change. They reasoned both fillies were drifting out. Bel Air Sizzle finished third, 1 3/4 lengths behind. The final time was 1:35.63 on firm going.

"She kept coming out and coming out and crowding my filly," Solis complained. "It cost me the race. If (Sweeter Still) had run straight, I would have run by her.”

"Maybe (Solis) is right that I was drifting out," Garcia admitted. "I tried to help her with my right hand, but she kept getting out. I did everything I could to keep her straight. There was some contact, but it was past the wire."

Jeff Mullins trains Sweeter Still for David J. Lanzman Racing Stable and Jason Wood. The diminutive Irish-bred filly Sweeter Still proved once again what a gritty performer she is. In her last start, she refused to give way to the well-regarded Missit in the one-mile Providencia (gr. IIT) on the Santa Anita turf April 5. After being headed in deep stretch that day, she fought back against Missit before losing by a nose. Prior to that, Sweeter Still won the China Doll, also at one mile, by one length.

“It was a tight race," said a relieved Mullins. "I told Martin to sit behind the pace and make one run. It looked like he might have moved a little bit too soon, but he got the job done. She doesn’t weigh six-hundred pounds soaking wet, so for a filly that size to accomplish what she’s accomplished is pretty sweet. We’re going to regroup now and see what comes along next.”

Sweeter Still was forwardly placed as Dawn Before Dawn overtook Lovely Isle shortly after the start and led the field of eight through fractions of :22.64, :46.32, and 1:10.87. Moving on the outside of the pacesetter, Sweeter Still grabbed the lead at the head of the stretch and proceeded to open a 1 1/2-length advantage.

But the English import Magical Fantasy, who showed no early speed in her first U.S. try for trainer Paddy Gallagher, mounted a major bid rounding the turn on the extreme outside of her rivals. She swept past the rest of the field and dueled with the winner for the final sixteenth of a mile.

After beginning her career with one start in Ireland for trainer Aidan O'Brien, Sweeter Still has won three of five U.S. tries. The daughter of Rock of Gibraltar earned $65,880 for the victory, bumping her career total to $184,637.

Sent off at odds of 3-2, she paid $5, $3.40, and $2.60. Magical Fantasy, who did most of her running on Polytrack in England for trainer James Nicol, returned $11.20 and $5.60 as the unlucky loser. The $2 exacta paid $48.40. Bel Air Sizzle, ridden by Clinton Potts, was $4.20 to show.

It was a neck to Divine Legacy in fourth, followed by Lovely Isle, Gorgeous Goose, Dawn Before Dawn, and P. S. U. Grad. Harmony Creator, Fire n' Brimstone, and Decorator were scratched.

10 May. USA. Los Angeles H. G3. Hollywood Park. 6f. AW. 100.000 $
1.- STREET BOSS (D.Flores)
2.- SAILORS SUNSET (J.Court)
3.- HIGH STANDARDS (J.Rosario)


Street Boss overtook four foes after being swung out approaching the stretch and earned a one-length victory in his stakes debut in the $110,500 Los Angeles Handicap (G3) on Saturday at Hollywood Park.

Street Boss clipped heels soon after the start and trailed in a field of nine as Grade 3 winner High Standards dueled with Sailors Sunset through a half-mile in :43.80. Jockey David Flores and Street Boss moved ahead on the turn and improved to fifth in early stretch. Street Boss seized command from 2007 Los Angeles winner Sailors Sunset near midstretch, and set a Hollywood Cushion Track record of 1:07.55 for six furlongs.

Sailors Sunset previously set a track record at the Inglewood, California, track by running six furlongs in 1:07.79 en route to winning the Vernon O. Underwood Stakes (G3) on December 2, 2006.

Sailors Sunset finished 1 1/2 lengths in front of third-place finisher High Standards.

Trained by Bruce Headley, Street Boss entered off consecutive wins at Santa Anita Park in an allowance race on March 6 and an allowance/optional claiming race on April 14. Both races were run at 6 1/2 furlongs.

Earning his fifth win in nine lifetime starts, Street Boss increased his earnings to $221,800. Bred in Kentucky by Brilliant Stable, Street Boss is out of Blushing Ogygian, by Ogygian.