Janis R. Whitham's homebred 'TDN Rising Star' and undefeated Triple Crown hopeful McCraken (Ghostzapper) continues to train forwardly at Palm Meadows and is getting closer to making his 3-year-old debut, according to trainer Ian Wilkes. The bay breezed an easy half-mile over the dirt in Palm Beach County in :50.50 (16/18) Monday, his fourth work since annexing the GII Kentucky Jockey Club S. Nov. 26 at Churchill Downs.
McCraken captured his well-bet debut Oct. 2 under the Twin Spires and followed up with a powerful score in the Street Sense S. there four weeks later to earn his Rising Star badge. He then rallied from well off the pace to an eye-catching victory in the KJC.
“It's amazing, isn't it? Everyone gets excited when you have a 2-year-old turning 3,” Wilkes said. “He's exciting. He's a very talented horse. He's always showed that talent in the mornings. He's three-for-three and done everything right. He's doing well and, touch wood, everything's great.”
Wilkes is considering both the 1 1/16-mile GII Holy Bull S. and seven-furlong GII Swale S. at Gulfstream Feb. 4 for McCraken's next start, with an eye toward the GII Fountain of Youth S. Mar. 4, contested at 1 1/16 miles.
“It just depends,” Wilkes said. “I'll watch and see how the track is playing. He is a bit of a closer. Starting early next month, we'll look for a race.”
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