The Shoe Fits! John Placzankis tosses a ringer and wins $1 million in Santa Anita's annual St. Patrick's Day Horseshoe Pitch Contest March 16.
Photo: BENOIT PHOTO
California-bred Sierra Sunset threw his name smack into the middle of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) mix March 15 at Oaklawn Park, dominating eight rivals to win by three lengths in the $300,000 Rebel Stakes (gr. II).
However, less than a week later it was reported by trainer Jeff Bonde that Sierra Sunset has a hairline fracture of his left front ankle and is out of consideration for the Kentucky Derby.
Georgie Boy used a late burst to sweep past Gayego in deep stretch and win the $200,000 San Felipe (gr. II) in his first try around two turns March 15 at Santa Anita.
Stream of Gold won for the first time in nearly three years, and recorded his first win on American soil March 16, as the 7-year-old gelding scored by a neck over True Cause in the $150,000 Mac Diarmida Handicap (gr. IIT) on the Gulfstream Park turf.
Carolyn’s Cat won the expected early speed duel from Dill Or No Dill and then never looked back, going wire-to-wire for a 3 3/4-length victory in the $100,000 Cicada Stakes (gr. III) (VIDEO) March 15 on the inner dirt course at Aqueduct.
Big Truck (left) takes the Tampa Bay Derby over Atoned. War Pass is not in the picture.
Photo: TOM COOLEY
Aurora Springs Stable’s Awesome Chic used a perfect ground-saving trip under Irwin Rosendo, took over at the top of the stretch, and drew away to win the $200,000 Florida Oaks (gr. III) by 4 1/2 commanding lengths March 15 at Tampa Bay Downs.
Photo: TOM COOLEY
Dreaming of Anna wins the $175,000 Hillsborough Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Tampa Bay Downs.
Photo: TOM COOLEY
Eight Belles and jockey Ramon Dominguez won Oaklawn's Honeybee (gr. III) with deceptive ease.
Liberty Bull, third behind Denis of Cork and Sierra Sunset in the Southwest Stakes (gr. III) last time out, made that race look even better with a sharp two-length victory in the rich $600,000 WinStar Derby at New Mexico's Sunland Park March 16.
Favored Sky Mom overcame a stewards' inquiry and jockey objection to win the $200,000 WinStar Sunland Park Oaks in come-from-behind fashion by 4 3/4 lengths in New Mexico March 16.