Maximum Effort

J J Grey (Street Boss), who was riding a two-race winning streak heading into Saturday's Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows, recorded the hattrick when wiring his rivals in the 8 1/2-furlong sophomore contest. Fleet-footed at the start, the grey broke on top and despite losing the advantage for a brief moment, he regained the lead by the time the field it the first turn. Completing a quarter in :23.84, J J Grey continued to show the way through a :47.95 as favored Desert Gate (Omaha Beach) stalked a couple of...

Capping a productive day for the team of Pegram, Watson and Weitman and trainer Bob Baffert, Desert Gate (Omaha Beach) powered away from his rivals with ease to score in the Texas Derby at Lone Star on Monday. The group was also represented by Usha (Tiz the Law), winner of the GIII Winning Colors Stakes at Churchill Downs on Monday. Pounded down to 1-5 favoritism while getting Lasix for the first time, Desert Gate broke sharply and put the screws to Vintage Cowboy (Essential Quality), who carved out an opening...