Military Attack

© turfclub.com.sg

MOORE LAUNCHES SINGAPORE ATTACK
   For all that he has achieved in his many years at the track, the one glaring omission for trainer John Moore was the lack of a Group 1 on foreign soil. Not only was he able to cross that off his bucket list with Military Attack (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire})’s emphatic score in the SAI Cup, but he also saddled G1 Champions Mile hero Dan Excel (Ire) (Shamardal) to an outstanding runner-up effort. "I’ve finally got the icing on the cake! I’ve been trying to win this race for years and I’ve finally done it," said the 63-year-old, nearing compulsory retirement in Hong Kong and who saddled the two most recent runners-up in this event Irian (Ger) (Tertullian) in 2011 and Zaidan (Street Cry {Ire}) last year. Formerly trained in Europe as Rave, Military Attack has really come to hand this year, with a breakthrough win in the January Cup at Happy Valley and a defeat of two-time G1 Hong Kong Cup hero California Memory (Highest Honor {Fr}) in the Hong Kong Gold Cup the following month. After proving narrowly best under top weight of 133 pounds in the Premier Plate H. Mar. 24, he completed his ascent to the top with a 10-1 upset in the G1 Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup Apr. 28. While winners of that event like Presvis (GB) (Sakhee) have pressed on to this, Military Attack was looking to become the first to complete the double and did so with complete authority. Neatly drawn here in four, the 5-year-old was close up early, but then eased back to a share of fifth, three back on the fence. Flax (SAf) (Silvano {Ger}) led into the backstretch, but was soon confronted by favored Pastorius (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), last-out winner of the G1 Prix Ganay, who circled rivals and went forward to apply some pressure. Dan Excel was also never far away, but Military Attack was always traveling for Zac Purton, and as they approached the stretch, it was really just a question of when and where the running room would materialize. The seas parted, and, as has become his trademark, he exploded away from his rivals and was very much in hand in the final 50 yards. Dan Excel held for second from Mawingo (Ger) (Tertullian), while Pastorius finished ahead of only Flax. And there may be bigger and better ahead for the winner. "I would now love to send him to the G1 Cox Plate [2040m] in October in Australia," said Moore. "I know it’s tough with the two weeks [quarantine] at Werribee, but he has shown he could travel. And the Cox Plate would be nice as I would love nothing more than to win a group race in my own country." The other disappointment of the race was Red Cadeaux (GB) (Cadeaux Genereux {GB}), who was well back early and could do no better than eighth.

Sunday, Kranji, Singapore
SINGAPORE AIRLINES INTERNATIONAL CUP-G1, S$3,000,000 (US$2,382,465), Kranji, 5-19, 3yo/up, 2000mT, 1:59.58, gd.
1--MILITARY ATTACK (IRE), 126, g, 5, by Oratorio (Ire)
1st Dam: Almaaseh (Ire), by Dancing Brave
2nd Dam: Al Bahathri, by Blushing Groom (Fr)
3rd Dam: Chain Store, by Nodouble
(€40,000 yrl ‘09 GOFMIL). O-Mr & Mrs Steven Lo Kit Sing; B-P E Banahan; T-John Moore; J-Zac Purton; S$1,710,000. Lifetime Record: G1SW-HK, 22-10-3-1. *1/2 to Almaty (Ire) (Dancing Dissident), Hwt. 3yo-Ire at 5-7f, GSW-Eng & Ire, $172,077. **Formerly Rave (Ire). Werk Nick Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2--Dan Excel (Ire), 126, g, 5, Shamardal--Love Excelling (Fr), by Polish Precedent. (48,000gns RNA yrl ‘09 TATOCT). O-David Philip Boehm; B-John Connaughton; T-John Moore; S$607,500.
3--Mawingo (Ger), 126, h, 5, Tertullian--Montfleur (GB), by Sadler’s Wells. O-Australian Bloodstock Stable; B-Gestut Schlenderhan; T-Michael Freedman; S$307,500.
Margins: 3 1/4, HD, 3/4. Odds: 2.40, 18.60, 26.00.
Also Ran: Lizarre (SAf), Mull of Killough (Ire), Hunter’s Light (Ire), Better Life (Aus), Red Cadeaux (GB), Meandre (Fr), Deep Pockets (NZ), Ready to Strike (NZ), Pastorius (Ger), Flax (SAf).
Click for the Singapore Turf Club chart or the free brisnet.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO.

Sunday, Kranji, Singapore
KRISFLYER INTERNATIONAL SPRINT-G1, S$1,000,000 (US$794,155), Kranji, 5-19, 3yo/up, 1200mT, 1:08.71, gd.
1--LUCKY NINE (IRE), 126, g, 6, by Dubawi (Ire)
        1st Dam: Birjand (GB), by Green Desert
        2nd Dam: Belle Genius, by Beau Genius
        3rd Dam: Time and Tide, by Mr. Leader
(€9,000 yrl ‘08 TATIRE). O-Dr Chang Fuk To & Maria Chang Lee Ming Shum; B-Darley; T-Caspar Fownes; J-Brett Prebble; S$570,000. Lifetime Record: G1SW-HK, G1SP-UAE, GSP-Jpn, 34-11-7-5. *1/2 to Sudden Storm (Jpn) (Storming Home {GB}), MGSP-Jpn, $1,045,436; and Teehaff (Jpn) (Storming Home {GB}), SW & GSP-Jpn, $741,697. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. 
2--Bel Sprinter (Aus), 126, g, 5, Bel Esprit (Aus)-- Gavroche (Aus), by Snippets (Aus). O-Y Warren, M Brown et al; B-G E Bailey; T-Jason Warren; S$202,500.
3--Super Easy (NZ), 126, c, 4, Darci Brahma (NZ)-- Parfore (NZ), by Gold Brose (Aus). (NZ$140,000 yrl ‘10 NZBPRE). O-Joy N Happiness Stable; B-M J Ryan; T-Michael Freedman; S$102,500.
Margins: 3, NK, NO. Odds: 4.40, 3.80, 2.20.
Also Ran: Balmont Mast (Ire), Kavanagh (SAf), Speedy Cat (NZ), Goal Keeper (Aus), Mr Big (Aus), Dux Scholar (GB), Dasher Go Go (Jpn), Emerald Hill.
Click for the Singapore Turf Club chart or the free brisnet.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO.
   In three previous trips to Japan and one to Dubai, Lucky Nine hadn’t met with the greatest fortune, each time encountering trouble to dash his chances. The 2011 G1 Hong Kong Sprint hero finally got that monkey off his back with a dominating victory to get the night off on a high note for Hong Kong. Fifth in the G1 Sprinters’ S. at Nakayama Sept. 30, the Darley-bred bounced back to win the G2 Jockey Club Sprint at Sha Tin Nov. 18, but was only fifth to Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}) in defense of his Hong Kong Sprint crown Dec. 9. He filled that same spot behind 1000-meter specialist Eagle Regiment (Aus) (El Moxie) in the Centenary Sprint Cup Jan. 27, but was back to his best with a strong win in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize over 1200 meters Feb. 17. Fourth to Horse of the Year Ambitious Dragon (NZ) (Pins {Aus}) in a salty renewal of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup going seven panels Mar. 17, he was exiting a seventh in the Sprint Cup Apr. 28, but was found to have bled significantly. Trainer Caspar Fownes decided to set him for this race in spite of the climate and he was sent off the third choice behind local Horse of the Year Super Easy. One of the first to leave, Lucky Nine was gathered up to race in third behind dueling pacesetters early on, as Super Easy was further back in midfield. Brett Prebble, successful in this with Sacred Kingdom (Aus) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}) in 2009, pulled his mount out into the clear leaving the quarter pole, but soon had a race on his hands, as Super Easy laid it down entering the final furlong. But the favorite couldn’t get to Lucky Nine, who pulled well clear, as Australia’s Bel Sprinter grabbed second on the line. "The pressure on me after his last run where he had blood in his trachea was quite heavy," said Fownes. "Having to travel him here and then get him to perform at his top, the pressure was right on. This means a lot to us to come here and win on international soil. We’ll put him away now and we’ll look forward to the next season." Emerald Hill (Sharp Humor), who argued the early pace, dropped jockey Jose Verenzuela nearing the 200-meter mark and was diagnosed with ruptured distal sesamoidian ligaments on its near-fore, according to the stewards’ post-race report. It was the third win in five years for Hong Kong, which was represented by Green Birdie (NZ) (Catbird {Aus}) in 2010.

Sunday, Woodbine
SELENE S.-GIII, $152,019, WOX, 5-19, 3yo, f,
1 1/16m (AWT), 1:43 3/5, ft.
1--#@COFFEE CLIQUE, 117, f, 3, by Medaglia d’Oro
1st Dam: Miss Chapin, by Royal Academy
2nd Dam: Society Dream (Fr), by Akarad (Fr)
3rd Dam: Society Bride, by Blushing Groom (Fr)
O-Amerman Racing LLC; B-Mrs Jerry Amerman (KY); T-Brian A Lynch; J-Luis Contreras. $87,534. Lifetime Record: 6-3-1-0, $166,300. Werk Nick Rating: F. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.

2--Nipissing, 124, f, 3, Niigon--Kiche, by Dixieland Band. O-Chiefswood Stable; B-Chiefswood Stables Limited (ON); T-Rachel Halden. $35,014.

3--Overheard, 117, f, 3, Macho Uno--Whisper to Me, by Thunder Gulch. O-Pin Oak Stable; B-Pin Oak Stud, LLC (KY); T-Malcolm Pierce. $16,048.
Margins: 4, NK, 1 1/4. Odds: 2.80, 1.85, 4.35.
Also Ran: Spring Venture, Leigh Court, Fun in D' Sun, Thats Our Princess. Scratched: Takeyourbreathaway.
Click for the brisnet.com chart or the brisnet.com PPs. VIDEO.

   Successful in her debut going seven panels at this venue Dec. 2, Coffee Clique bobbled at the start of a Gulfstream optional claimer next time out and finished fifth Jan. 1. Trying the turf, she took an optional claimer going a mile there Feb. 2 and was fourth routing over the sod in the GIII Herecomesthebride S. Mar. 2. Shuffled back before being forced out on the turn in the Secret Grace S. roughly run Mar. 31, she finished third, but was promoted to second. The second choice broke widest here and rated towards the back of the pack down through the opening exchanges. She steadily moved up to the outside of the field exiting the backstretch, caught up to free wheeling leader Leigh Court (Grand Slam) at the top of the lane and pulled away to finish under a hand ride. "She's a great little filly, very honest," said winning trainer Brian Lynch. "[Jockey] Luis [Contreras] got to work her during the week as she's not long up from Keeneland. I think he was very confident after that work and rode her very nicely today. She's very versatile, looks like the Poly and the turf…that's her number."

Navan, 14.45, Mdn, €15,500, 2yo, 5fT, 1:04.38, yl.
STUBBS (IRE) (c, 2, Danehill Dancer {Ire}--Moonstone {GB} {G1SW-Ire & G1SP-Eng, $611,999} by Dalakhani {Ire}), who was third on debut behind the Bolger trainee Saburo (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) at The Curragh Mar. 24, broke well and raced behind the early pace in the center. Taking over with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining, the 4-5 pick stretched clear to score by 4 1/4 lengths from Treadstone (GB) (Myboycharlie {Ire}). "He traveled and quickened up well and is bred to get further, so he’ll be a nice horse for next year," Joseph O’Brien said. Stubbs, a son of 2008 G1 Irish Oaks heroine and G1 English Oaks runner-up Moonstone, is a 3/4-brother to Nevis (Ire) (Dansili {GB}), SW-Eng. and Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, €12,095. VIDEO, courtesy attheraces.com.
O-Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt; T-Aidan O’Brien.
   
   

Oxbow

© Horsephotos

It was an historic day at Old Hilltop for Calumet Farm's Brad Kelley, trainer D. Wayne Lukas and jockey Gary Stevens, and we recap all the action from Saturday. While there is only a light domestic schedule Sunday, the international focus is on Kranji Racecourse in Singapore, where a full field of middle-distance specialists compete for the winner's share of US$2.4 million in the G1 Singapore Airlines International Cup and in the US$803,000 KrisFlyer International Sprint. Dowload today's TDN now!

OXBOW GIVES LUKAS A SIXTH PREAKNESS
   A Triple Crown will have to wait yet another year after Calumet Farm’s Oxbow (Awesome Again) gave Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas--age 77--a sixth win and fellow Hall of Famer Gary Stevens--age 50 and a handful of months removed from a seven-year retirement--a third victory in Saturday’s GI Preakness S. at Old Hilltop in Baltimore. Itsmyluckyday (Lawyer Ron) looked a danger in deep stretch before settling for second, while Mylute (Midnight Lute) came from the back of the pack to be third. GI Kentucky Derby hero Orb (Malibu Moon) was sent off at prohibitive odds of 3-5 to take this middle jewel, but raced in a bit of traffic and closer to the pace than is his custom on the backstretch and only a belated rally carried him into fourth.

Saturday, Pimlico Racecourse
PREAKNESS S.-GI, $1,000,000, PIM, 5-18, 3yo,1 3/16m, 1:57 2/5, ft.
1--sOXBOW, 126, c, 3, by Awesome Again
1st Dam: Tizamazing, by Cee's Tizzy
2nd Dam: Cee's Song, by Seattle Song
3rd Dam: Lonely Dancer, by Nice Dancer
($250,000 yrl '11 KEESEP). O-Calumet Farm; B-Colts Neck Stables LLC (KY); T-D Wayne Lukas; J-Gary Stevens. $600,000. Lifetime Record: 11-3-1-1, $983,500. *Full to Awesome Patriot, SW & GSP, $114,600. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2--Itsmyluckyday, 126, c, 3, Lawyer Ron--Viva La Slew, by Doneraile Court. ($47,000 yrl '11 KEESEP; $110,000 2yo ‘12 OBSMAR). O-Trilogy Stable & Laurie Plesa; B-Liberation Farm & Brandywine Farm (KY); T-Edward Plesa Jr. $200,000.
3--Mylute, 126, c, 3, Midnight Lute--Stage Stop, by Valid Expectations. ($150,000 yrl '11 FTKJUL). O-GoldMark Farm LLC & Whisper Hill Farm; B-Mike Rutherford (KY); T-Thomas Amoss. $110,000.
Margins: 1 3/4, HF, 6 3/4. Odds: 15.40, 8.50, 10.90.
Also Ran: Orb, Goldencents, Departing, Will Take Charge, Govenor Charlie, Titletown Five.
Click for the brisnet.com chart, the brisnet.com PPs or the free brisnet.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO.

Walking the Dog...
   In the capable hands of Stevens, whose two previous Preakness wins came for Bob Baffert (Silver Charm, 1997, Point Given, 2001), Oxbow was given rein and edged past Goldencents (Into Mischief) to lead with a circuit to travel, while Itsmyluckyday and Titletown Five (Tiznow) were the closest pursuers. Orb and GIII Illinois Derby hero Departing (War Front) raced as a team further back, while Govenor Charlie (Midnight Lute), Will Take Charge and Mylute comprised the latter third of the field into the clubhouse turn. Oxbow traveled sweetly turning up the backstretch and there were no real deltas until Joel Rosario guided Orb off the inside and into the two path to launch a middle move between Titletown Five and Itsmyluckyday that carried him to within two lengths of the pacesetter nearing the half-mile pole. But Titletown Five countered up the fence and Departing ranged up to his outside, and all at once, Orb was relegated to sixth and was sending out distress signals as he was niggled along by Rosario. Back at the head of affairs, Stevens was a mere pilot as Oxbow took them around the final turn after breezing the opening six furlongs in 1:13.26, and, surprisingly, his host of pursuers did not include the Derby winner. Itsmyluckyday, three or four wide the trip, took aim from the outside and Departing appeared dangerous for a stride or two in upper stretch, but Oxbow had managed to conserve enough energy for that crucial final furlong and stayed on well for the win. Itsmyluckyday was a gallant second ahead of Mylute, who validated his fifth in the Derby with another creditable effort. Stevens admitted that he resorted to calling an audible early in the race. "We talked about strategy and I didn’t expect to be on the lead," he admitted. "In these Classic races, you don’t give up anything you get for free. They gave me a free three-quarters of a mile today. I was smiling pretty good midway down the backside. I actually thought about Wayne [Lukas] up in the grandstand. I knew he would be looking at those fractions and be pleased with what he was seeing." For Lukas, it was not only his sixth Preakness, now clearly the second-most prolific trainer in the event, but his 14th Classic overall, the winningest in Triple Crown history. It was his first Classic success since sending out Commendable (Gone West) to an upset score in the 2000 GI Belmont S. "What a story this is," the beaming conditioner said. "I’m happy for Gary [Stevens] and I’m just so happy for [Calumet owner] Mr. [Brad] Kelley. He’s trying to revitalize Calumet, and now Calumet is back in a Classic race. That’s just very gratifying. It’s been a while [Charismatic, 1999], but it never gets old. I have great respect for the Phipps family and Shug [McGaughey], but I was telling one of your colleagues that I get paid to spoil dreams." Asked whether he’d press on to the Belmont, Lukas said, "I’ve got to talk to Mr. Kelley, but I like to rack them up in the big events. So, we’ll probably go."

Lukas and Stevens: A Quarter-Century of Classics...
   Oxbow’s win punctuated an improbable confluence of events that saw Wayne Lukas and Gary Stevens partner for a fourth Classic win together. Lukas, clearly well past his prime, but rejuvenated by the investment of Kelley. And Stevens, who called it a career--or so we thought--in 2005, returning to the saddle just shy of his 50th birthday. Saturday’s victory comes just over 25 years after Lukas made the decision to let Stevens retain the Kentucky Derby mount on Winning Colors after she had won the 1988 GI Santa Anita Derby.

Disappointment for McGaughey...
   As much as he preaches one step at a time, trainer Shug McGaughey said he’d have been lying if he said he wasn’t thinking about the Triple Crown. Disappointed as he was, the Hall of Fame conditioner was gracious and forthcoming in post-race interviews. "I’m disappointed. It was a great opportunity," McGaughey admitted. "This was quite a run for a couple of weeks. We’ll pack it up and go back home and see what kind of horse we’ve got down the road and figure it out from there." He added, "I don’t think two weeks had anything to do with it. Oxbow ran back in two weeks. Itsmyluckyday ran back in two weeks, Mylute ran back in two weeks. I just think he got himself in a position where he wasn’t comfortable and then without the pace scenario in front of him; they really weren’t spread out a little bit more than maybe I’d hoped. That probably affected him more than anything else."

FARHH OUT
Having had a chip removed from his fetlock after finishing runner-up in the G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp in September, Godolphin’s Farhh (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) returned to a Frankel-free world to blitz his rivals at Newbury yesterday and earn a belated first Group 1 success in the G1 Lockinge S. Sent off the 10-3 second choice as all the money was for Ballydoyle’s Declaration of War (War Front), the bay was rank early behind the pace-setters but when let loose by Silvestre de Sousa passing the quarter pole sprinted clear for a four-length success from the 80-1 outsider Sovereign Debt (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}). "He won really well, which surprised me as Saeed has had to tiptoe very quietly with him," Racing Manager Simon Crisford commented. "This is fantastic, particularly after the problems we’ve had in the past few weeks and a major boost to the stable."

Saturday, Newbury, Britain
JLT LOCKINGE S.-G1, £180,000, Newbury, 5-18, 4yo/up, 1mT, 1:35.43, gd/fm.
1--FARHH (GB), 126, h, 5, by Pivotal (GB)
1st Dam: Gonbarda (Ger) (MG1SW-Ger & SW-Ity, $526,628), by Lando (Ger)
2nd Dam: Gonfalon (GB), by Slip Anchor (GB)
3rd Dam: Grimpola (Ger), by Windwurf (Ger)
O-Godolphin; B-Darley; T-Saeed bin Suroor; J-Silvestre de Sousa; £110,159. Lifetime Record: G1SP-Fr, 9-4-4-1, £590,922. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2--Sovereign Debt (Ire), 126, c, 4, Dark Angel (Ire)--Kelsey Rose (GB), by Most Welcome (GB). (105,000gns yrl ‘10 TATOCT). O-Lawrie Inman; B-Yeomanstown Stud; T-Michael Bell; £41,764.
3--Aljamaaheer (Ire), 126, c, 4, Dubawi (Ire)--Kelly Nicole (Ire), by Rainbow Quest. (100,000gns wnlg ‘09 TATDEC). O-Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum; B- Corrin Stud & Sean O’Keeffe; T-Roger Varian; £20,901.
Margins: 4, NK, 4HF. Odds: 10-3, 80-1, 16-1.
Also Ran: Chil the Kite (GB), Declaration of War, Fencing, Penitent (GB), Amaron (GB), Reply (Ire), Trumpet Major (Ire), Libranno (GB), Cityscape (GB). Scratched: Beauty Parlour (GB).
Click for the Racing Post result, the brisnet.com PPs or the free brisnet.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO, courtesy Racing UK.
   Farhh only got as far as the starting stalls in his first encounter with Frankel (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting in September 2010, injuring himself in the gates ahead of the seven-furlong conditions race that first signposted the future Juddmonte giant’s considerable prowess. While his nemesis struck gold on several occasions, Godolphin’s bay stayed under the radar and he boasted just two handicap successes to his tally at the time of Sir Henry Cecil’s peerless campaigner’s streak to glory in this race 12 months ago. A luckless third in the G1 Prince of Wales’s S. at Royal Ascot in June was the first showcasing of Farhh’s raw talent, and that was quickly followed by a second in the G1 Eclipse S. at Sandown before he met with Frankel again in the G1 Sussex S. at the start of August. Six lengths adrift there, he was a further length behind as that rival sauntered to a career-best in York’s G1 Juddmonte International later that month before going down by a head to Moonlight Cloud (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) in what amounted to a match in the Prix du Moulin in September. Nurtured back from his injury after that race, he was expected to be ring-rusty here, but there were no signs of that as he turned on the pace despite having over-raced initially as Declaration of War’s rabbit Reply (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}) and Penitent (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}) fought for the lead. Dominating from the quarter pole as his chief market rivals floundered around him, he hit the line strongly to provide Saeed bin Suroor with a fifth renewal of a race that helped cement his reputation during the operation’s earlier days. "We were slightly concerned about the trip today, but he did it so well maybe we will think about the G1 Queen Anne S. rather than the G1 Prince of Wales’s S. [at Royal Ascot June 18 and 19 respectively]," Crisford said. "We’ll keep both options open and see what Sheikh Mohammed wants to do. He deserved it, having kept on finishing second to the best horse of all time last year." Sovereign Debt’s trainer Michael Bell was delighted with the effort of the surprise package of the race, who was not performing out of turn judged on what he had shown on the gallops. "His work at home has always shown he is more a 120 horse than a 110, so I wasn’t surprised to see him run well," he told PA Sport. "He is a very exciting horse to have. He’s in the Queen Anne at Ascot, which I am sure the owner will be keen to have a look at." Joseph Allen’s lightly-raced colorbearer Declaration of War arrived at Newbury with serious confidence behind him judged by the betting move for him at 5-4, but could find little in the way of acceleration when asked by Joseph O’Brien before the final quarter, and trailed in a disappointing fifth.

Saturday, Pimlico
DIXIE S.-GII, $300,000, PIM, 5-18, 3yo/up, 1 1/8mT, 1:47 4/5, fm.
1--@SKYRING, 118, c, 4, by English Channel
1st Dam: Violet Lady, by Seattle Slew
2nd Dam: Top Corsage, by Topsider
3rd Dam: Corsage, by Native Royalty
O-Calumet Farm; B-Bluegrass Hall LLC (KY); T-D Wayne Lukas; J-Gary L Stevens. $180,000. Lifetime Record: 20-4-3-2, $424,148.*1/2 to Greenspring (Orientate), GSW, $205,780; Caballero Negro (Formal Gold), SW & GSP, $169,415.
Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.

2--Willcox Inn, 118, h, 5, Harlan’s Holiday--De Aar, by Gone West. ($50,000 yrl '09 FTKJUL). O-Lael Stable & All In Stable; B-Dr John A Chandler (KY); T-Michael Stidham. $60,000.

3--Optimizer, 122, c, 4, English Channel--Indy Pick, by A.P. Indy. O-Calumet Farm; B-Bluegrass Hall LLC (KY); T-D Wayne Lukas. $30,000.
Margins: HF, HD, 3/4. Odds: 24.20, 5.50, 3.10.
Also Ran: Howe Great, Two Months Rent, See Tobe, Swift Warrior, Doubles Partner, Forte Dei Marmi (GB), Imagining, Humble and Hungry. Scratched: Thunder Lord, Utley.
Click for the brisnet.com chart, the brisnet.com PPs or the free brisnet.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO.
   In what would prove a harbinger of things to come, a colt owned and bred by Brad Kelley, ridden by Gary Stevens and trained by D. Wayne Lukas wired the field at longshot odds, in this case Skyring in the Dixie S. Winner of the James W. Murphy S. on last year’s Preakness undercard, the homebred had kept busy since, with no fewer than 11 starts with nary another victory, though several near misses. Third by a neck in the GIII American Derby in July, he was beaten a half-length into second by Unbridled Command (Master Command) in the GIII Saranac S. at Saratoga in September and was third at 50-1 against elder rivals in the GIII River City H. Nov. 25. He took a break from grass racing while wintering at Oaklawn Park and was narrowly beaten in the Jan. 11 Fifth Season S. before a fifth in the Essex H. Feb. 2. He was thrown to the wolves against Horse of the Year Wise Dan (Wiseman’s Ferry) in the GI Maker’s 46 Mile and attended an easy pace before weakening to fourth. The less-preferred half of an uncoupled entry, Skyring was ridden for speed by Stevens and took them along at an even clip, as his stable companion Optimizer rated in the perfect spot back in third. Nursed along by the Hall of Fame rider through the middle stages, Skyring was asked to kick turning for home, dug in gamely in the final furlong and staved off late rallies from Willcox Inn and Optimizer for his first graded-stakes victory.

Saturday, Pimlico Racecourse
GALLORETTE H.-GIII, $150,000, PIM, 5-18, 3yo/up, f/m, 1 1/16mT, 1:40 3/5, fm.
1--@PIANIST, 116, f, 4, by More Than Ready
1st Dam: Red Piano, by Red Ransom
2nd Dam: Spinet, by Nureyev
3rd Dam: Special Key, by Key to the Mint
($100,000 yrl '10 KEESEP). O-Hidden Brook Farm & Dan Zucker; B-Grapestock LLC (KY); T-Chad C Brown; J-Mike E Smith. $90,000. Lifetime Record: 10-5-1-1, $300,950. Werk Nick Rating: D. Click for the
eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.




2--Hard Not to Like, 118, f, 4, Hard Spun--Like a Gem, by Tactical Cat. O-Hillsbrook Farms; B-Garland E Williamson (ON); T-Michael R Matz. $30,000.

3--Appealing Cat, 116, f, 4, Successful Appeal--Dynamic Cat, by Dynaformer. O-Augustin Stable; B-George Strawbridge Jr (PA); T-H Graham Motion. $15,000.
Margins: 2 3/4, 1 1/4, 1 1/4. Odds: 6.70, 9.10, 8.50.
Also Ran: Samitar (GB), Charged Cotton, Embarr, Silver Screamer, Old Tune (Brz).
Scratched: Daydreamin Gracie, Idle Talk. Click for the brisnet.com chart or the brisnet.com PPs. VIDEO.
   Pianist broke her maiden at second asking in July at Belmont and cleared her first allowance condition at Saratoga the next month before returning to Elmont for a first black-type win in the Sept. 20 Given S. Disappointing at odds-on when fourth in the GIII Valley View S. Oct. 19 at Keeneland and in the Nov. 21 Stardusk S. at Aqueduct, connections regrouped, the the sky seemed the limit when the chestnut returned with a visually impressive allowance victory at Gulfstream Feb. 7. But she stubbed her toe again in her latest, when fifth to next-out GISW Centre Court (Smart Strike) in the GII Honey Fox S. in Hallandale Mar. 16. With Mike Smith having his first ride for Chad Brown, Pianist broke on song and argued the pace inside of Silver Screamer (Cozzene) past the winning post for the first time before leading outright around the clubhouse turn. Though she had to go reasonably hard up front, covering the half in :46.65 and six panels in 1:10.54, she was able to find extra in the stretch and was never seriously menaced en route to her first graded-stakes success.

Saturday, Pimlico
MARYLAND SPRINT H.-GIII, $150,000, PIM, 5-18, 3yo/up, 6f, 1:10 2/5, ft.
1--SAGE VALLEY, 114, c, 4, by Discreet Cat
1st Dam: Ashwood C C (MSW, $581,329), by Cryptoclearance
2nd Dam: Dylan's Crafty, by Crafty Prospector
3rd Dam: Dylan's Delight, by One for All
($47,000 RNA yrl '10 KEESEP). O-Michael Dubb; B-Buck Pond Farm Inc (KY); T-Rudy Rodriguez; J-John Velazquez. $90,000. Lifetime Record: MSW, 8-5-0-3, $243,200. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the
eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.

2--Hardened Wildcat, 114, g, 4, Hard Spun--Wild Snitch, by Forest Wildcat. O/B-New Farm (KY); T-Chad Brown. $30,000.
3--Laurie's Rocket, 113, c, 4, Bluegrass Cat--Clay's Rocket, by American Chance. ($300,000 yrl '10 KEESEP). O-Willis Horton; B-Gulf Coast Farms LLC (KY); T-D Wayne Lukas. $15,000.

Margins: 2 1/4, 3HF, 1HF. Odds: 2.30, 2.40, 2.60.
Also Ran: Warrioroftheroses, Immortal Eyes, Broad Rule, Manito, Action Andy. Scratched: Candyman E, Poseidon's Warrior.
Click for the brisnet.com chart or the brisnet.com PPs. VIDEO.
   Claimed by these shrewd connections for $50,000 last February, Sage Valley rounded out the trifecta in a starter/optional claimer at Belmont July 12 and in an entry-level allowance at Saratoga Aug. 25, but has been bulletproof since. An easy winner of a Sept. 12 starter/optional tagger at Belmont, the dark bay dismantled a six-furlong allowance rained off the turf in Elmont Oct. 3 and was last seen winning Aqueduct’s seven-furlong Mr. Nasty S. by 6 3/4 lengths Nov. 9. After emerging victorious in an extended duel for market superiority, Sage Valley took it to them on the track, stamping himself as a potential force in this year’s sprint decision. Drawn widest in this field of 10, the 4-year-old was away without incident and was fourth upon settling, as Manito (Indian Charlie) cut out the early splits. He ranged up into contention three wide on the turn, was shaken up by John Velazquez at the three-sixteenths marker and was doing some of his best running in the final 50 yards to win going away. "The race came up pretty tough," trainer Rudy Rodriguez admitted. "I was looking for a race in New York, but I’m glad I came to this one. He ran great. He’s a nice horse; he’s lightly raced. He’s had some issues so we have to take our time with him and he’ll perform. Johnny [Velazquez] rode him nicely."

Saturday, Pimlico
ALLAIRE DUPONT DISTAFF S.-GIII, $148,500, PIM, 5-18, 3yo/up, f/m, 1 1/16m, 1:46 2/5, ft.
1--SUMMER APPLAUSE, 124, f, 4, by Harlan’s Holiday
1st Dam: Summer Exhibition, by Royal Academy
2nd Dam: Dewan's Flag, by Dewan
3rd Dam: Against All Flags, by Hoist the Flag
($82,000 RNA yrl '10 FTKJUL). O-Gillian Campbell, Greenwood Lodge Farm Inc, Dan Clark & Greg Skoda; B-Greenwood Lodge Farm Inc (KY); T-Chad C Brown; J-John R Velazquez. $90,000. Lifetime Record: 11-5-2-0, $587,406. *1/2 to Big Easy (Gulch), MSP, $217,134. Werk Nick Rating: C. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.



2--Sea Island, 118, f, 4, Pulpit--Resort, by Pleasant Colony. O/B-Phipps Stable (KY); T-Claude R McGaughey III. $30,000.
3--Brushed by a Star, 118, m, 5, Eddington--Brush Hour, by Broad Brush. ($10,000 yrl '09 KEESEP; $400,000 HRA ‘12 FTKNOV). O-Unlimited Equine LLC; B-Desmond Ryan, Barry & Ken Donworth (KY); T-Eddie Kenneally. $15,000.

Margins: 2, 3, 3/4. Odds: 1.60, 4.60, 2.20.
Also Ran: Daydreamin Gracie, Moon Philly. Scratched: Access to Charlie, Withgreatpleasure.
   Winner of the 2012 GIII Rachel Alexandra S., Summer Applause was touched off late by Believe You Can (Proud Citizen) in the GII Fair Grounds Oaks before finishing a strong fourth to that rival in the GI Kentucky Oaks. Put away for the year thereafter, the bay filly resumed in the inaugural Sam Houston Ladies’ Classic Jan. 26, but endured all sort of trouble, as Miguel Mena lost his irons at one point and she trailed in last in a toss-out sort of effort. That marked her final appearance for the Bret Calhoun barn, and she made a successful debut for this noted outfit, stretching clear to win the GII Top Flight H. by a convincing 2 3/4 lengths Mar. 2. Returned to Grade I company for her latest, the Apr. 12 Apple Blossom H. at Oaklawn, she raced close to an easy pace set by On Fire Baby (Smoke Glacken), but could not sustain her bid and split the field in fourth. Facing decidedly softer here, Summer Applause took up a stalking position from second as Daydreamin Gracie (Domestic Dispute) slowed them to a walk on the front end. There was no change in the plot down the backstretch, but Moon Philly (Malibu Moon) split foes and led from between on the turn. That was short-lived, however, as Summer Applause tackled that one at midstretch and drove clear to an easy victory. "There wasn’t much speed in the race," winning rider John Velazquez commented. "I wanted to stay reasonably close to the lead. I asked her for run in the last quarter of a mile and she responded well." Click for the brisnet.com chart or the brisnet.com PPs. VIDEO.

Saturday, Belmont Park
VAGRANCY H.-GII, $200,000, BEL, 5-18, 3yo/up, f/m, 6 1/2f, 1:15 4/5, ft.
1--#@GLORIOUS VIEW, 114, f, 4, by Pleasant Tap
1st Dam: Cayuga's Waters (SW, $194,422), by Langfuhr
2nd Dam: Tomahawkstress, by Apalachee
3rd Dam: Tribal Envoy, by Chieftain
O-Laue Ranch; B-Brant Laue (KY); T-William I Mott; J-Junior Alvarado. $120,000. Lifetime Record: 12-4-4-1, $303,190. *1/2 to Cascadilla Falls (E Dubai), SW, $140,310. Werk Nick Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.

2--Fantasy of Flight, 118, m, 5, Tiznow--Positive Energy, by Rubiano. ($240,000 wlng '08 KEENOV; $725,000 yrl '09 FTSAUG). O-Sanford H Robbins LLC; B-Kim & Rodney Nardelli (KY); T-Michelle Nevin. $40,000.


3--Withgreatpleasure, 117, m, 5, Hold That Tiger-- Doubleyourpleasure, by Double Negative. O-David Blethen; B-Valerie & David Blethen (KY); T-David Nunn. $20,000.
Margins: HF, 2, 3/4. Odds: 1.70, 3.50, 8.20.
Also Ran: Miss d'Oro, Spectacular Sky, Irish Exchange.
Click for the brisnet.com chart, the brisnet.com PPs or the free brisnet.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO.
   Glorious View took nine starts to break her maiden, but has done nothing wrong since that 6 1/4-length romp at Aqueduct Feb. 15. The bay filly returned with a five-length allowance tally at the Big A Mar. 10 and added a six-length optional claimer victory last time out Apr. 11. Favored in her stakes debut, she broke sharply from the rail and took the early lead, setting fractions of :22.14 and :45.04. Fantasy of Flight challenged at the top of the lane and the two rivals duked it out down the stretch, but Glorious View gamely dug in to maintain a narrow advantage. "She showed a lot of gameness today," confirmed trainer Bill Mott. "She had won her last few races fairly easily, and that’s a pretty nice filly who ran up to her in the stretch." Winning rider Junior Alvarado added, "I knew there was going to be a lot of speed in the race. My filly has speed but she can stalk, too. Billy left it up to me. She broke really sharp and pretty much took me around the whole way. When I asked her to run, she kept digging in. She tries so hard, it makes things a lot easier for me. At the end, I just put her closer to [Fantasy of Flight], and she kept fighting. She would never let that other horse go by."

CHICK LANG S., $100,000, PIM, 5-18, 3yo, 6f, 1:10 3/5, ft.
1--#ZEE BROS, 116, c, 3, by Brother Derek
1st Dam: Nyanza, by Montbrook
2nd Dam: Sweet Remedy, by Dr. Carter
3rd Dam: Sweet Saree, by Torsion
($270,000 2yo ‘12 OBSAPR). O-Zayat Stables LLC; B-Eico Stable (KY); T-Bob Baffert; J-Martin Garcia. $60,000. Lifetime Record: 4-2-1-0, $106,814. *First black-type winner for sophomore sire (by Benchmark).


2--Bobcat Jim, 118, c, 3, Sharp Humor--Glimmer, by Deputy Minister. ($165,000 yrl '11 KEESEP; $150,000 2yo ‘12 FTMMAY). O-Dream Walkin Farms, Inc. $20,000.


3--Brave Dave, 122, c, 3, Put It Back--Sing That Song, by Songandaprayer. O-David Melin & Laurie Plesa. $10,000.
Margins: 2 1/4, NK, 2 1/4. Odds: 2.70, 10.00, 9.80.
   Zee Bros, who graduated at Santa Anita second time out, tired to sixth after setting the pace in the Apr. 27 GIII Derby Trial last time out. The bay colt broke well and was soon at the front of affairs. He had company through an opening quarter in :22.65, but shrugged off those rivals and had a clear advantage after a half in :45.16 and was unchallenged to the wire. "We’ve always been really high on this horse," said winning trainer Bob Baffert. "His Derby Trial, he went real fast, the track was off and tiring. He got a lot out of it and we expected him to run a big race today. When they are doing awesome, you have to run them." Click for the brisnet.com chart or VIDEO.

ROLLICKING S., $75,000, PIM, 5-18, 2yo, 5f,
1:00 1/5, ft.
1--#DEBT CEILING, 122, c, 2, by Discreet Cat
1st Dam: Top Marks (SW, $109,131), by Marquetry
2nd Dam: Top Princess, by Topsider
3rd Dam: Always a Princess, by Never Bend
($8,500 wlng '11 KEENOV; $27,000 yrl '12 KEESEP). O-Tim E O'Donohue; B-Brandywine Farm (KY); T-John J Robb; J-Eric Camacho. $45,000. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $66,660. *1/2 to Dean’s List (Holy Bull), MSP, $177,277.

2--Silvertonguedtommy, 122, g, 2, Street Boss--Golden Say, by Golden Missile. ($10,000 yrl '12 KEESEP). O-PTK LLC. $15,000.

3--New Zone, 114, f, 2, Wilko--Profit Zone, by Meadowlake. ($1,200 yrl '12 FTKOCT). O-Taylor, Kenneth et al. $7,500.
Margins: 2HF, 3/4, NK. Odds: 5.10, 5.00, 26.50.
Also Ran: Sweet Emma Rose, Take Time to Pay, John Bailey. Scratched: No Nay Never, Knit One Purr Two.
   Debt Ceiling bested New Zone by 4 1/2 lengths in an early Laurel maiden Mar. 30, and appeared to have bounced out of that effort well, firing several bullets at that venue in the interim. He was unhurried early here, however, as Silvertounguedtommy set the pace with heavily favored Wesley Ward trainee Sweet Emma Rose (City Zip) in hot pursuit. Debt Ceiling still had plenty to do at the head of the lane as Silvertonguedtommy began to get away from them, but the dark bay unleashed a powerful run down the center of the course to blow away his competition. "We’ll go back to Laurel after this," trainer John Robb said. "We were just pointing to this race. There aren’t a lot of spots for him right now. His first race, he was not really ready and we didn’t expect him to run as well as he did. But he was ready for this one." Owner Tim O’Donohue added, "I picked him out at Keeneland and I really liked his eye. It was like the eye of a tiger and he was very professional. He was the total package and his family-- the runners are very precocious." Click for the
brisnet.com chart or VIDEO.

4th-BHP, $52,250, Msw, 3yo/up, f/m, 6 1/2f (AWT), 1:16 4/5, ft.
GIFTING (f, 3, Street Cry {Ire}--Teeming, by Storm Cat) was bet down to 3-5 when unveiled at Santa Anita Apr. 21, and while she didn’t earn her diploma, she did get an education. Off slowly, the homebred never quite settled and checked in fourth. She was adding blinkers this time, and gave her previous backers a chance to get out on her at 6-5. Away decently from her rail draw, Gifting keenly tugged her way into third down the backside. She produced a three-wide run at the head of the lane, and met with resistance from pacesetter Ridingthewiththedevil (Candy Ride {Arg}), but kicked clear under a confident ride to score by a length. The winner is a half to Cascading (A.P. Indy), SW, $126,997; and Distracting (Distorted Humor), SP. She is a granddaughter of Broodmare of the Year Better Than Honour (Deputy Minister), responsible for GI Belmont S. winners Rags to Riches (A.P. Indy) and Jazil (Seeking the Gold) as well as Grade II winner Casino Drive (Mineshaft) and Breeders’ Cup Marathon winner Man of Iron (Giant’s Causeway). Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $34,560. Click for the brisnet.com chart or VIDEO.
O/B-Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings Inc (J G Sikura) & Edward McGhee (KY). T-Bob Baffert.

Triple Group 1 winner Ortensia (Aus) (Testa Rossa {Aus}) has been retired. Successful in the G1 Winterbottom S., G1 Al Quoz Sprint and G1 Nunthorpe S. , the Paul Messara trainee had finished unplaced in Saturday's Listed Ortensia S. at Scone and the conditioner tweeted, "Today we say goodbye to Ortenisa. A great mare for our stable. Eleven starts for us, three Group 1s in three countries, one Group 2 and a Listed race. Ortensia has a new job now as a mum." She retires with a total of 13 wins from 37 starts and £1,419,881 in prize money.