NOTES ON THE SATURDAY PROGRAM

By Jude T. Feld

Saturday is a big weekend for some Kentucky Derby (G1) hopefuls. Here’s my analysis of the three major two-turn preps:

FASIG-TIPTON FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH (G2) – GULFSTREAM RACE 10

Undefeated BUDDY’S SAINT was an exceptional two-year-old. Trainer Bruce Levine has been ultra-patient with the son of Saint Liam and should have him prepared for an excellent effort in his initial race of 2010. His juvenile pace and speed figures tower over this field and it stands to reason that he should be bigger and stronger this year. JACKSON BEND ran a solid second to former Derby hopeful Winslow Homer in his first start for Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito after a terrific two-year-old campaign under the care of Stanley Gold. Look for another solid effort this afternoon. LOST APTITUDE never runs a bad race. He’ll be trying dirt for the first time but his pedigree certainly approves the move and his pressing style should help his cause.

RISEN STAR (G2) – FAIR GROUNDS RACE 10

Winstar Farm’s DROSSELMEYER was visually impressive running down a short field of low-level conditioned allowance foes in his 2010 debut at Gulfstream Park. The son of top sire Distorted Humor from the multiple stakes winner Golden Ballet should be able to stalk the multiple early speed types entered here and get first run on the Silky Sullivan-like closer RON THE GREEK. Hall of Fame trainers like Billy Mott seldom run “bouncers,” but you’ve got to wonder, at least a little bit, if coming back in 20 days off a big race and a two-month vacation, coupled with a long trip from Florida to New Orleans could be a problem. With seven of the 12 entrants capable of solid early speed, the pace should be fast enough to set up the ‘GREEK’s closing charge. The Florida-bred has been training nicely since his Lecomte (G3) score for sharp trainer Tom Amoss. He’ll be farther back than the balls on a tomcat in the early running, but if a speed duel develops, it would not be shocking to see the son of Full Mandate posing for pictures once again. TEMPTED TO TAPIT is the speed of the speed. If left to his own devices on the front end he has the quality to go all the way.

EL CAMINO REAL DERBY (G3) – GOLDEN GATE RACE 7

CONNEMARA broke horribly, losing all chance in the California Derby. He managed a good rally however, but the son of Giant’s Causeway fell three-quarters of a length short. Hall of Fame jockey Russell Baze sticks with the Todd Pletcher trainee and they could easily turn the tables on RANGER HEARTLEY. The latter was making his 2010 debut in the Cal Derby and managed to hold on after setting a moderate pace. If the son of Lost Soldier can handle the mile and an eighth distance, he could be a pace threat again. JAIRZIHNO ran decently in his American debut and should improve off that effort. He should relish the added distance as well.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 18th, 2010 at 6:07 am and is filed under Selections. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.