Notes on Saturday’s Derby Preps

By Jude T. Feld

Fencelineneighbor, the dam of Nextdooneighbor, winning in the slop at Santa Anita
Benoit Photo

GOTHAM (G3) – AQUEDUCT RACE 10

THREE DAY RUSH has a lot going for him here. An inside draw, a solid race at this level and distance (after a troubled trip into the first turn) and a positive jockey switch. Being by Harlan’s Holiday is also a plus. AWESOME ACT was not disgraced in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G2 but should be a G1) and that event looks like it might be a “key race.” Trainer Jeremy Noseda hasn’t got a great record with shippers but his charge might be good enough to handle the travel. PEPPI KNOWS BEST even if his trainer doesn’t. The Stephen Got Even gelding figures to bounce to the moon after running a huge speed figure off a layoff. Working a mile since, his fourth recorded work at that distance since Christmas Eve, he should be exhausted, but the $7,000 Keeneland bargain keeps running well.

PALM BEACH (G3) – GULFSTREAM PARK RACE 10

CENTER DIVIDER has always been well-regarded by his connections. The Giant’s Causeway colt showed dramatic improvement from his first to second start and just a tad more could find him in the winners’ circle. Jockey Alan Garcia fits him like a glove and has done very well for trainer Christophe Clement at the current meeting. BIM BAM is fast and dangerous. His game effort in the Hallandale Beach Stakes points him out as the one to fear most. ASPHALT is quickly rounding to his best form and certainly should have a say in the outcome. He should get a more patient ride from jockey Rajiv Maragh this time.

SHAM (G3) – SANTA ANITA RACE 7

If this race is cancelled due to weather again, they can officially change the name to the SHAME. If the weather holds, NEXTDOORNEIGHBOR should be very tough. The Amerman Racing homebred has been patiently handled by trainer Michael Machowsky and it has paid off. The son of Lido Palace figures to handle the mile and an eighth with aplomb. An off track could promote him too as his dam, Fencelineneighbor, won a stakes race in the slop at Santa Anita. Jockey Rafael Bejarano jumps off the top choice to ride SETSUKO. A late developer from the barn of Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella, the son of Pleasantly Perfect seems to be on the upswing. A solid performance can be expected. KETTLE RIVER has been a nice surprise for the Darley Stable. The son of Congaree is undefeated going two turns. He continues to train well and underrated jockey Brice Blanc will not diminish his chances.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 5th, 2010 at 12:56 pm and is filed under Selections. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.