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Game On Dude Looks Super in San Antonio

Game On Dude took some heat for six furlongs, then sped away in the stretch to take the $196,000 San Antonio Stakes (gr. II) as expected Feb. 3 for his sixth win in seven tries at Santa Anita Park.

'Dude' Set for Super Tuneup in San Antonio

Game On Dude will have at most four rivals when he returns to Santa Anita Park in the $200,000 San Antonio Stakes (gr. II) on Super Bowl Sunday Feb. 3.

Game On Dude Draws Rail for Native Diver

Game On Dude, looking to rebound from his seventh-place finish as the favorite in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), drew the rail for the $250,000 Native Diver Stakes (gr. III) Dec. 1 at Betfair Hollywood Park.

Acclamation Goes for 3rd Straight Whittingham

Off for more than eight months, champion Acclamation makes his much-awaited return in the $250,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap (gr. IT) at Betfair Hollywood Park June 9, a race he has won the past two years.

Acclamation Seeks Fifth Straight in Hirsch

On a four-race tear for trainer Donald Warren, multiple grade I winner Acclamation is expected to face seven opponents as the favorite for the $150,000 Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship (gr. IIT) at Santa Anita Oct. 2.

Celtic New Year Rings in Breeders' Cup Berth

Celtic New Year, coming from off the pace, got through an opening in the stretch and held off heavy favorite Bourbon Bay and Imponente Purse in a tight finish in the $200,000 Del Mar Handicap (gr. IIT) on the turf Aug. 28.

No Standout in Del Mar Handicap

Bourbon Bay, fresh off a convincing win in the Cougar II Handicap (gr. II), returns to turf in the $200,000 Del Mar Handicap (gr. IIT) Aug. 28 in San Diego.

Thirteen U.S. Starters Likely for World Cup

Thirteen American-trained horses were announced as likely starters in six races on the $26 million Dubai World Cup card to be held March 26 at Meydan Racecourse.

Twirling Candy Stomps Strub Rivals

Looking like a standout for next month's Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I), heavily favored Twirling Candy simply overpowered his rivals in winning the $200,000 Strub Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Feb. 5.

Strub Pick Twirling Candy Aims for Big 'Cap

Malibu Stakes (gr. I) winner Twirling Candy and Indian Firewater, who captured the San Fernando Stakes (gr. II) three weeks later, meet for the first time in the $200,000 Strub Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Feb. 5.

Sidney's Candy Stands Out in Sir Beaufort

Sidney's Candy, making his first start since finishing sixth in the TVG Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT) last month, is the one to beat in the $150,000 Sir Beaufort Stakes (gr. IIT) on opening day of the 2010-11 Santa Anita meet.

Oak Tree Derby: 8 Vie for Graded Stakes Win

A modest group of eight 3-year-olds attempt to break through for a first graded stakes victory in the $150,000 Oak Tree Derby (gr. IIT) on the Hollywood Park turf course Oct. 16.

Belmont Doings: 'It's a Tote Board Race'

Every day seems to bring a new Belmont Stakes (gr. I) pick. What else is new? This year's Belmont is that kind of race. There is no standout, and the majority of the horses entered seem to have a legitimate shot to win.

Belmont Interview: Alexis Barba

Lenny Shulman chats with Alexis Barba, trainer of Belmont contender Make Music for Me. Presented by Taylor Made Stallions.

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Belmont News Minute: Thurs, 6/3/2010

Lenny Shulman comments on the activities of the day including Nick Zito's pair of Fly Down and Ice Box; Make Music for Me; and the arrival of Bob Baffert and Game On Dude, with comments from Bob Baffert.

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Ice Box Draws Post Position 6 in Belmont

Ice Box, runner-up in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), drew post position 6 and was installed as the 3-1 morning favorite when a dozen horses were entered for the June 5, $1 million Belmont Stakes (gr. I).

Belmont Doings: Plenty of History to be Made

If people think there is nothing historical about this year's Belmont, they are greatly mistaken.

Belmont Doings: Mile and a Half or Bust

So, whose pedigrees are most geared for the mile and a half of the Belmont Stakes?

Three Work for Belmont; Interactif in Field

Three probable starters for the June 5 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) turned in their final works the morning of May 31 at the New York racetrack, and the race got another starter in Interactif.

Stately Victor, Stay Put Arrive at Belmont

Belmont Stakes (gr. I) hopeful Stately Victor arrived at Belmont Park a few hours behind schedule May 27, but no worse for the trip.

Make Music for Me, Drosselmeyer on Work Tab

Newly arrived Make Music for Me had his first breeze at Belmont Park May 23, covering a mile in 1:43.65 with trainer Alexis Barba looking on in preparation for the June 5 Belmont Stakes (gr. I).

Spangled Star In, New Madrid Out of Belmont

In the latest developments for the June 5 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), Spangled Star has been added to the field for the 1 1/2-mile classic while New Madrid has been withdrawn from consideration.

Ice Box Works; Belmont Field Shaping Up

Robert LaPenta Jr.'s Ice Box, the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) runner-up and probable morning-line favorite for the upcoming Belmont Stakes (gr. I), turned in a four-furlong work at Saratoga May 19.

Dublin, New Shooters Take Aim at Super Saver

Pimlico Race Course officials said May 3 that Dublin, seventh in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), will be shipping to Pimlico Race Course May 11 to prepare for the Preakness Stakes.

Pletcher: Derby is 'One You Want to Win Most'

On a wet morning of May 2 at Churchill Downs, trainer Todd Pletcher was absorbing the previous day's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) victory by Super Saver as the trainers of others made future plans.

Super Saver Wins the Derby!

Super Saver, with Calvin Borel up, wins the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). WinStar Farm's homebred son of Maria's Mon gives trainer Todd Pletcher his first Derby win.

Alexis Barba: Looking at 'Lucky' Again

Trainer Alexis Barba is looking at lucky, in more ways than one. Her colt, Make Music for Me, who has been close to Lookin At Lucky three times, will get another shot in the Kentucky Derby.

Lookin At Lucky on Rail; Sidney's Candy in 20

Lookin At Lucky was made the 3-1 choice for Saturday's Kentucky Derby after drawing the rail. Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner Sidney's Candy, the 5-1 second choice, draws post 20.

Backtalk, Make Music for Me Draw Into Derby

Backtalk and Make Music for Me drew into Derby 136 after the defections of Interactif and Endorsement Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs

Outsiders Backtalk, Make Music for Me Work

Backtalk and Make Music for Me, two horses whose connections would like to get them into the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) worked Sunday, April 25.

Maker Sets Plans for His Derby Qualifiers

Trainer Mike Maker said April 11 that Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) winner Stately Victor is headed to Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May following his 4 1/4-length win at odds of 40-1 a day earlier.

Blue Grass Stakes Notes, April 9

Several Blue Grass starters were on the racetrack April 9, including Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III) winner Odysseus and morning-line choice Pleasant Prince.

And Down the Stretch They Come...

This weekend offers the last 2 major Derby preps...Who will make the graded earnings cut and who won't?

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Kentucky Derby Trail: Paddy Cake

Saturday's Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland should be one of the more intriguing Derby preps of the year.

Graded Earnings the Story In Blue Grass

Ken and Sarah Ramsey's Pleasant Prince, runner-up to Ice Box in the Florida Derby at 29-1 odds, was made the slight 3-1 favorite among nine 3-year-olds entered in the April 10 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland.

Small Field Seen for Keeneland's Blue Grass

A probable field of six 3-year-olds, headed by Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III) winner Odysseus, is expected for the April 10 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland.

Kentucky Derby Trail: Make or Break Weekend

There isn't a grade I stakes to be found March 13-14, but it is by far the most important weekend of the year so far for 3-year-old males.

Arkansas Weather Could Keep 'Lucky Home

Trainer Bob Baffert has Lookin At Lucky penciled in for the Rebel Stakes (gr. II) at Oaklawn Park March 13 for the colt's 3-year-old debut. But he left the door slightly ajar for the San Felipe Stakes (gr. II) the same day.

'All Others' Favored in Derby Future Wagering

When Pool 1 of the Future Wager for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) closed Feb. 14, the horses included as the "all others" option was the 3-2 favorite.

Lookin At Lucky Collects in CashCall Futurity

Heavy favorite Lookin At Lucky wrapped up divisional honors as the nation's top 2-year-old after his convincing win in the $750,000 CashCall Futurity (gr. I) at Hollywood Park Dec. 19.

Solid CashCall Futurity Field Taking Shape

Make Music for Me, a maiden who finished a closing second to Lookin at Lucky in both the Best Pal Stakes (gr. II) and Del Mar Futurity (gr. II), will start in the $750,000 CashCall Futurity (gr. I) at Hollywood Park Dec. 19.

Full Field For Keeneland's Breeders' Futurity

With a spot in the $2-million Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) on the line, an overflow field of 14 was drawn for the $500,000 Dixiana Breeders' Futurity (gr. I) Oct. 10 at Keeneland.

Lookin At Lucky Quick Learner in DM Futurity

Even-money choice Lookin at Lucky remained unbeaten in three starts and gave trainer Bob Baffert his ninth win in the Del Mar Futurity (gr. I) in the past 14 years Sept. 7 at the seaside track.

Lookin At Lucky on Rail for Del Mar Futurity

Lookin At Lucky, winner of the Best Pal Stakes (gr. II), will have to overcome the rail draw when he puts his unbeaten record on the line against eight juvenile rivals in the $300,000 Del Mar Futurity (gr. I) Sept. 7.

Lookin at Lucky Lives Up to Best Pal Billing

Favored Lookin at Lucky, in the familiar Mike Pegram silks for trainer Bob Baffert, jumped into graded company with a three-quarters of a length win in the $150,000 Best Pal Stakes (gr. II) at Del Mar Aug. 9.

Smiling Tiger Gets Class Test in Best Pal

Smiling Tiger, a Northern California shipper whose two wins were by a combined 14 lengths, gets tested for class in the $150,000 Best Pal Stakes (gr. II) at Del Mar Aug. 9.