Saarland Gets Shut Out Again; May Head to Big A

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The seven-furlong allowance race at Gulfstream that had been intended as Saarland's first start of the year has now failed to fill on two occasions. With Sunday's field again drawing only three horses, trainer Shug McGaughey could head up to Aqueduct for an allowance race next Friday.

The race, to be run at one mile around two turns on the inner track, would serve as a prep for the mile Gotham Stakes on March 17. NYRA stakes coordinator Andrew Byrnes is confident the race will fill. "It's gotta go," he said. "I'm sure we can get it to go with five starters."

With his style of running, one wouldn't think Saarland would scare away that many horses that it would prevent the race from filling. We'll also have a better idea how legitimate the Remsen form was when Nokoma runs at Gulfstream on Saturday. So far, the form hasn't held up very well.

McGaughey, meanwhile, breezed his Florida Derby hopeful D'Coach three furlongs in :38 at Gulfstream Friday morning. The son of Dehere finished second in the Whirlaway Stakes to Saratoga Blues, but was disqualified to third for lugging in after turning for home.

In other Florida Derby news, Kenny McPeek will change jockeys on Harlan's Holiday, replacing Tony D'Amico, who retains the mount on Repent. The move was made in order to prevent a conflict down the road. As yet, no jockey has been named to ride Harlan's Holiday.

At Santa Anita, Werblin, third in the San Vicente Stakes, worked 6 furlongs in 1:13 2/5 for the March 2 San Rafael Stakes.

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