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.
Lenny Shulman and Steve Haskin report on today's activities, including Drosselmeyer, Fly Down, Ice Box, Dave in Dixie, and Game On Dude. Plus, a weather update. Watch Video
For trainer John Sadler and owner Ike Thrash, sending Dave in Dixie into the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) is a venture into the great unknown.
So, whose pedigrees are most geared for the mile and a half of the Belmont Stakes?
Kentucky Derby runner-up Ice Box turned in a bullet half-mile work in :46 3/5 over the Oklahoma training track.
Backtalk has already amassed more than $170,000 in graded earnings, which is likely already enough to secure him a slot in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) starting gate.
Dave in Dixie and American Lion will seek revenge against Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) winner Caracortado in the $150,000 San Felipe Stakes (gr. II), a key 3-year-old prep at Santa Anita March 13.
Rule, Caracortado, and Sidney's Candy dominate weekend stakes in Florida and California.
California-bred gelding Caracortado knocked off a pair of highly-touted 3-year-olds and stayed unbeaten in five lifetime starts as he was much the best in the $150,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) Feb. 13 at Santa Anita.
Three important stakes that were canceled because of weather-related problems at Santa Anita Feb. 6 will return as promised a week later with the fields mostly intact.
Santa Anita canceled its Feb. 6 card due to heavy rains in Southern California. The wash out of the program impacts important prep races for both the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) and Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I).
Hot Triple Crown prospects American Lion and Tiz Chrome are among seven 3-year-olds ready to line up for the $150,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Feb. 6, a key prep for the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I).
WinStar adds another Kentucky Derby hopeful in Drosselmeyer, winner of an allowance race at Gulfstream Sunday.
The Breeder's Cup World Championships experienced its first defections Nov. 2 with the withdrawal of three horses from consideration. They are Kodiak Kowboy, Allicansayis Wow, and Dave in Dixie.
Unbeaten Lookin At Lucky seeks his fourth consecutive win for trainer Bob Baffert and a spot in the starting gate for next month's Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) when he faces 11 juvenile rivals in the $300,000 Norfolk Stakes (gr. I) at Oak Tree's Santa Anita meet Oct. 4.
| Trainer | John W. Sadler |
|---|---|
| Jockey | Calvin H. Borel |
| Owner | Thrash, Ike, Thrash, Dawn |
| Breeder | Glencrest Farm LLC |
| Dave in Dixie View Five-Cross Pedigree | Dixie Union | Dixieland Band |
| She's Tops | ||
| Risk | Wavering Monarch | |
| Youpickem |
| Sale / Hip | Type | Buyer | Consignor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KEEJAN2008 Hip 1164 |
Yearling | Four Star Sales, agent for Glencrest Farm | ($47,000) | |
| FTKJUL2008 Hip 379 |
Yearling | Bradley Thoroughbred Brokerage | Four Star Sales, agent for Glencrest Farm | $140,000 |
| KEEAPR2009 Hip 209 |
Two-year-old | John W. Sadler, agent | Eddie Woods, agent | $310,000 |
Prices in parentheses indicate a horse did not sell because it did not meet its reserve price.
| Upstart |
| California Chrome |
| Rachel Alexandra |
| Texas Red |
| Bodemeister |
| International Star |
| Far Right |
| Main Sequence |
| Buddy's Saint |
| Calculator |
