first. Zandon
Owner / Coach: Jeff Drown / Chad Brown
Genealogy: Start up –Memories Prevail via Creative cause
Breeder: Brereton Jones (KY)
Despite losing the February 19 Resurrection Star presented by Lamarque Ford (G2), he won support in this corner with a third place finish after a lousy start. It was a disastrous start for runner-up Remsen Stakes (G2), yet he still managed to rally wide to just one third behind. Epicenter and Happy smile , both of them enjoy more wonderful rides. It may seem like little to separate these three talented ponies, but this 3-year-old may have the strongest of all the best prepared on the Road to the Kentucky Derby so far this time of year. .
2. Happy smile
Lucky Seven Stable / Kenny McPeek
Runhappy –Pleasant smile via Pleasant Tap
Moreau Bloodstock International and White Bloodstock (KY)
With jockey Corey Lanerie patiently riding it from Saturday to avoid wide moves on the second turn in the Resurrection Star, this foal found a seam between the horses in the stretch and ended well. . He overtook Zandon for the spot after the second had overtaken him at the start, although the two were slightly ahead of the pack coming in fourth. Medina’s Pioneers at the wire. The 2021 Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) winner can build upon his return.
3. Epicenter
Winchell Thoroughbreds / Steve Asmussen
Not this time –Silent candy via Candy Ride
Westwind Farm (KY)
In contrast to Lecomte Stakes (G3), when he was thrust into quick splits and finished in the near second, he faced limited speed pressure on the Risk Star and won position in a previous score. Although his lead dwindled in the final period, from 4 1/2 to 2 3/4, he was confidently handled by Joel Rosario in the final game to beat him. Zandon and Smile Happy in the warm-up races of the season.
4. Rattle N Roll
Lucky Seven Stable / Kenny McPeek
Connection –Jazz Melodies via Johannesburg
Location St. Simon (KY)
Heading for a return in March, last year’s Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1) runaway winner recorded his longest windfall this year with a five-feather long move at: 59.65 in Gulfstream Park Feb 19. Smashing his right shoulder into the lane after drifting a short distance at the turn, he exited his company, the twice girl had no place to stay. Do it the way . Videos xbtv.com showed that both horses felt markedly warm in South Florida weather.
5. White Abarrio
C2 Racing Stable and La Milagrosa Stable / Saffie Joseph Jr.
Race day –Catch the diamond via Into Mischief
Spend Farm (KY)
Coach Saffie Joseph Jr. reported last week that this foal left Holy Bull Stakes (G3) in good condition pending the April 2 Curlin Florida Derby (G1) match at Gulfstream. Even though he’s a bit underwhelmed with 6-1 odds at Holy Bull, he won’t outshine anyone in the Florida Derby. This pony was 3v4 with his only defeat coming in third in the Kentucky Jockey Club when he shipped for the first time and was suddenly brought back to be pulled behind. horse.
6. Mo Donegal
Donegal Racing / Todd Pletcher
Uncle Mo –Callmissbrown via Pulp
Ashview Farm and Colts Old Barn (KY)
He was back on the work tab last Saturday with an easy half mile at: 51.13 at Palm Beach Downs. Seeing him return to action only two weeks after his third stint in Holy Bull is a promising sign, whatever the slow time. Hall of Fame coach Todd Pletcher thinks it will be more serious for him as he prepares for his second race in 2021 as 1/8 mile prep will suit him better compared to the short 1 1/16 mile of Holy Bull.
7. Classic Road
Kentucky West Racing and Clarke Cooper / Brian Lynch
Giant high riser –Private world via Thunder Gulch
Kentucky West Racing and Clarke M. Cooper Family Living Trust (KY)
Although he won the Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3) on February 12 in form that started at age 3, the race didn’t display the Resurrection Star’s obvious quality — hence his behind the top half a dozen. As a teenager, he wasn’t quite on par with Rattle N Roll and Smile Happy, both of which beat him in categorical proportions, though much could change between ages 2 and 3. Speedy but not crazy, he should always enjoy the ride well as he continues down the Triple Crown trail.
8. Emmanuel 
WinStar Farm and Siena Farm / Todd Pletcher
More than ready –Hard cloth via Spin hard
Helen K. Groves Revocable Trust (KY)
A class test awaits at the holdings for his next start, likely at the Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) on March 5 at Gulfstream Park. Pletcher gave him a five-step still-long move at 1:00 PM May at Palm Meadows last weekend when he tightened the screws. Perfect in two starts, he won the first race of 6 3/4 length on December 11 before stretching to two turns and edging past optional claimant company in Tampa Bay Downs January 30, with both wins coming in quick time.
9. Simplify
Tami Bobo / Antonio Sano
Not this time–Simply Confection via Candy Ride
France Weiner and Irwin Weiner (FL)
His race in Holy Bull is similar to Zandon’s in the Resurrection Star in that he dug a hole for himself, drawing attention with a menacing second-turn rally, and then leveled in the lane. His runner-up finish was a great attempt, although would have liked to have seen him switch directions before stretching. He was given a hint by his rider to switch directions and did so in a 5 bullet long solo do exercise : 58.62 at Gulfstream this past Saturday.
ten. During due
Racing Edge / Kelly Breen
Not this time–Sweet Annie via Curlin
Gary & Mary West Barn (KY)
Reaching the optional claimant’s score on February 4 at Gulfstream, in which he beat a few prized ponies from the Pletcher stables, he looks like a well-kept pony. classification during manufacturing. His recent one-mile win, coupled with his pedigree and 2 to 3 overall record, suggest he should do well on future doubles attempts.
11. Charge it
Whisper Hill Farm / Todd Pletcher
Tapit –I will take responsibility via Charlie India
Whisper Hill Farm (KY)
After his second start, running a mile in 1:35.55 with a 103 Equibase speed measurement, Pletcher indicated that trying the bets on the Road to the Kentucky Derby was under consideration. This pony seems to have that quality, possessing speed, talent and pedigree. Even his second place in his debut on January 8 was a high-level performance, far behind the current 3rd place. Volcano .
twelfth. Chasing time
MyRacehorse / Steve Asmussen
Not this time–Race hunter via Dixie Union
Tenlane Farm (KY)
Although Bob Baffert is trained Newgrange is the most popular game on Saturday’s Rebel Stakes (G2) show at Oaklawn Park, this pony did not land in ‘Dozen and Newgrange, as Baffert was suspended at tracks owned by Churchill Downs Inc. for drug violations. This pony took a big leap when stretched to two turns, first level optional spanking when asking the enemy on Jan 14, and plenty of distance getting him ready for a show. another top performance.
