Early to Research, Early to Handicap the Derby Pays Off

In the fall an old horseplayer’s fancy turns to thoughts of winning the Kentucky Derby in the spring. At least I do.

I’ve paid more attention to 2-year-olds during the 21st Century for several reasons. Let’s face it — you can never do too much research on prospects for America’s Race.

If you have the time I do, it pays in the long run.

Back on Jan. 18, 2003, I saw Funny Cide run a game race in the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park. I was captivated after he hit the gate breaking from post 13, encountered trouble and traveled wide the entire 1 1/16 miles, but covered the distance in a respectable 1:44 2/5.

In early March, the son of Distorted Humor stayed close to the pace in the Louisiana Derby, rallied in the stretch, dropped back, came again along the rail and finished third to Peace Rules. It was another troubled trip. The gelding was placed second when Kafwain was disqualified.

Later in mid-month I decided to take a shot on Funny Cide with a Derby futures wager at 59-1 because the odds were so high.

On Derby Day, I viewed the simulcast from Retama Park in Greater San Antonio where I was having a good Saturday afternoon, hitting several exactas at Churchill Downs.

I played a $1 trifecta for $23 keying Funny Cide, Empire Maker and Ten Most Wanted on top of all three and Offlee Wild in the middle, leaving Empire Maker out underneath, but including Funny Cide, Offlee Wild, Ten Most Wanted and Peace Rules. I also bet $2 on Funny Cide’s nose.

Funny Cide didn’t disappointment – returning $27.60 on the front end. The trifecta paid $332.40. And the futures bet rewarded me with $120.80.

On Sept. 7 this year, a 2-year-old son of Gulch attracted my attention when he came from way off the pace in his six-furlong debut at Turfway Park.

The colt broke sluggishly, moved from last to sixth more than 5 ½ lengths behind the leader after a half-mile, made up more than five lengths in the stretch and finished second beaten only a half-length. He ran the final quarter in 24 2/5.

I kept tabs on Court Vision the remainder of this racing year. He was greeeaaat! He ran at three different tracks and three distances, on conventional dirt, Polytrack, during the daytime and at night.

On Oct. 6 at Keeneland, he was three lengths back in fourth after a half-mile, advanced to third in the stretch and drew clear by 1 ¾ lengths at 1 1/16 miles. Three weeks later at Churchill Downs, Court Vision fanned more than six wide in eighth for the drive, closed determinedly in the stretch to make up 4 ½ lengths and won the $150,000 Iroquois Stakes at a mile by a half-length.

On Nov. 24 at Aqueduct in the $200,000 Remsen Stakes, the dark bay raced 2 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, dropped to fourth in tight after six furlongs, came out for room in stretch, bumped with two rivals down the lane and scored by a neck at 1 1/8 miles.

The last Remsen winner to win the Kentucky Derby was Thunder Gulch in ’94 – also sired by Gulch. Hall of Famer Bill Mott, looking for his first victory on the first Saturday in May, trains Court Vision.

Mott’s best showing came in ’98 when Favorite Trick, the ’97 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champ and Horse of the Year, finished eighth to Real Quiet.

Another Mott prospect, Majestic Warrior, missed this year’s Juvenile because of a hoof injury suffered running sixth in the $400,000 Champagne Stakes.

Belmont’s Champagne at a mile went to undefeated War Pass, trained by Nick Zito, who later captured the Juvenile leading at every call like in all his five victories. The last Champagne winner to smell the roses was Sea Hero in ’92.

Zito, who won the Champagne five times, saddled two Kentucky Derby winners: Strike the Gold in ’91 and Go for Gin in ’94.

Future 3-year-olds worth watching are:

Pyro, trained by Steve Asmussen, who was runner-up to War Pass in the Champagne and Juvenile.

Mott’s Z Humor, third in the Champagne and fifth in the Juvenile, who dead-heated for first in this month’s $1 million Delta Jackpot Stakes.

Asmussen’s Kodiak Cowboy, second in the Belmont Futurity, who finished third in the Juvenile.

Barclay Tagg’s Tale of Ekati, winner of the Futurity, who ran fourth in the Juvenile.

By BookMaker Racebook

AQUEDUCT

Press Only: Raced fifth inside more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out in stretch losing ground, finished gamely to make up more than 4 ¾ lengths and ran third beaten 1 ¼ lengths at a mile and 70 yards on Dec. 7.

In for a Dime: Trailed by more than seven lengths after a half-mile, rallied three wide on far turn to third in stretch, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on Nov. 28; ran final quarter in 24 4/5.

Borrowing Base: Broke awkwardly, bumped, trailed by more than 10 lengths after a half-mile, advanced from ninth to fifth in stretch, altered course, made up more than 3 ¾ lengths and finished a game third beaten two necks at 1 1/8 miles on Nov. 25.

Court Vision: Settled two wide in hand more than 4 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, fanned more than six wide for the drive, closed determinedly in stretch from fifth to make up 4 ½ lengths and won by a half-length at a mile on Oct. 27 at Churchill Downs. (Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, dropped to fourth after six furlongs, came out for room in stretch bumping with two different rivals down the lane and won by a neck at 1 1/8 miles on Nov. 24.)

CALDER

Straight Blues: Raced seven lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, dropped back to eighth in traffic midway on far turn, circled five wide for drive, rallied belatedly to make up more than three lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on a good turf course Dec. 6; ran final quarter in 22 4/5.

Flight to Eden: Trailed by more than 5 ½ lengths after three-eighths of a mile, swung out for stretch run, advanced from seventh to fifth, made up more than 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 29.

Teddy Ballgame: Steadied on first turn, raced eighth after a half-mile, swung out for stretch run, closed well from fifth to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 25.

Lady Lori: Bumped by winner at break, raced fourth more than a length behind after a half-mile, steadied behind rivals on far turn, angled out for room in stretch and finished willingly in second by three-quarters of a length at a mile and 70 yards on Nov. 16. (Chased pace 1 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, eased out for stretch run, rallied to gain lead nearing sixteenth pole and drew clear by two lengths at seven furlongs on Nov. 26.)

FAIR GROUNDS

Kindling: Raced ninth early, dropped to 10th and last more than 12 lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied late from ninth to make up more than 7 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a half-length at 5 ½ furlongs on the turf Dec. 6.

Corrine: Raced seventh more than 12 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, advanced to sixth in stretch, made up 5 ¼ lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 29.

GOLDEN GATE FIELDS

Designer Breed: Trailed by more than a dozen lengths after a half-mile, came out mid-stretch in 10th, closed well to make up more than six lengths and finished second beaten a length at 6 ½ furlongs on Oct. 27 at Oak Tree. (Trailed by more than 7 ½ lengths after a half-mile, eased out in upper stretch to find a clear path, closed fast from fifth and gained second by 2 ½ lengths at six furlongs on Dec. 1,)

HAWTHORNE

One Perfect Day: Pressed pace in fourth after a half-mile, waited for room on turn and upper stretch, altered course, rallied when clear and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Dec. 5.

Flyabovetherest: Raced ninth more than 14 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, circled field to fifth in stretch, closed fast to make up 8 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Nov. 25; ran final quarter in 23 4/5.

Convairman: Raced seventh more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to fifth in stretch, rallied late to make up 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 24; ran final quarter in 24 4/5.

Rally Catcher: Steadied inside early, trailed by seven lengths after a half-mile, advance wide to seventh in stretch, made up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a nose and two lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 14.

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Too Phar: Broke slowly, advanced from eighth to six more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, split rivals in a bit tight in fourth in mid-stretch, rallied in deep stretch to make up 3 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Nov. 28.

Banner Lodge: Raced ninth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, came out leaving turn, forced five wide by runner-up into stretch, rallied from seventh making up more than 4 ½ lengths, finished third beaten a neck and a nose, but was moved up to second on an interference disqualification Nov. 23; ran final quarter in 23 2/5.

Dr Zaentz: Chased pace between rivals in eighth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, moved outside leaving turn, swung five wide into stretch, rallied from sixth to make by three lengths and finished second by two lengths at six furlongs on Nov. 11; ran final quarter in 24 1/5. (Raced sixth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, waited inside leaving turn, split horses in mid-stretch and rallied to gain second by 3 ½ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Nov. 30.)

Dirty Dish Mitch: Squeezed at start, raced ninth more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up four wide to third in stretch, drifted in but made up two lengths and finished second beaten a length at seven furlongs on Nov. 10. (Steadied into the first turn, raced fourth more than 1 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to second after six furlongs, took lead in stretch and kicked clear under a stead hand ride to win by 8 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 mile on Dec. 6.)

HOOSIER PARK

Dixie Obsession: Stumbled at start, raced eighth early, moved to seventh more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to fourth in stretch, made up three lengths and finished third beaten a length at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface on Nov. 21.

Men’s Club: Raced six lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, allowed to fall back to eighth, came out 10 wide for drive, advanced to third in stretch, made up 3 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 16 at Churchill Downs. (Broke outward at break, trailed by more than 14 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced to fourth in stretch, rallied through traffic late and gained second by a head at a mile on Nov. 23.)

LAUREL PARK

Helen Says: Raced fifth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, closed willingly in stretch to make up more than four lengths and finished third beaten 1 ½ lengths at six furlongs on Dec. 7.

Grace and Power: Steadied entering first turn, raced fifth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, eased out for drive, advanced to third in stretch, made up 1 ¾ lengths and finished second by 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 24.

Double or Quits: Raced inside more than 6 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, swung four wide leaving turn, rallied from fourth to make up more than 4 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a nose at seven furlongs on Nov. 17. (Raced fifth early, advanced along rail entering far turn, took lead turning for home, pulled away under urging and won easily by 8 ½ lengths at a mile on Dec. 5.)

Brokerage House: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, eased out in mid-stretch and closed with a rush to make up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 3.

Baseball Diamond: Broke next to last from outside, moved to ninth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced seven wide to seventh in stretch, rallied to make up 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by a nose at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface Oct. 24.

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Graded by Results: Raced fourth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, closed fast to make up more than 4 ¼ lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a nose and a neck at six furlongs on Dec. 4.

Secret Time: Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, angled out into stretch, made up nearly two lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 24. (Pressed pace in second after a half-mile, challenged winner in stretch and was beaten a head at six furlongs on Dec. 3)

Lover Nekia: Raced three lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, weaved between rivals on far turn to fifth while losing ground, advanced to third in stretch, finished well making up five lengths and finished second beaten a length at a mile and 70 yards on Nov. 23.

Casual: Caught in traffic early, raced seventh more than 4 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, swung to five path advancing to fourth in upper stretch, rallied to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 23 at Laurel.

Showerstosunshine: Bumped leaving gate, saved ground racing ninth more than 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, split foes in stretch, rallied from eighth to make up more than 4 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at seven furlongs Nov. 17.

White Russian: Raced more than five lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, launched drive leaving turn from fourth, made up more than 2 ¾ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Oct. 9.

SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

Aledo Monarch: Raced fourth early, steadied on first turn, shuffled back to eighth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, dropped to ninth after six furlongs, swung seven wide for drive, closed fastest of all to make up three lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a head and a neck at a mile and 70 yards on Nov. 30. Raced in sixth more than fourth lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied strongly three wide on far turn into stretch, closed fast from fifth and won by three-quarters of a length at a mile on Dec. 7.)

Tejas Cat: Broke seventh and last, raced five lengths behind in sixth after three-eighths of a mile, swung six wide for drive, advanced to fourth in stretch, closed willingly to make up nearly three lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on a good surface Nov. 24.

Distorted Cat: Broke eighth and last, raced seventh more than 7 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, swung out five wide to sixth in upper stretch, closed fast to make up more than 5 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at five furlongs on a good surface Nov. 24.

TURFWAY PARK

Bricks Princess: Raced fourth early, dropped to sixth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, looked for room behind a wall of rivals at the three-sixteenths pole, rallied when clear late and finished second beaten a half-length at a mile on Dec. 7.

Billybob Bly: Broke last, trailed early, moved from 11th to 10th more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, swung widest to fifth in stretch, finished fast to make up four lengths and ran third beaten two necks at six furlongs on Nov. 29; ran final quarter in 23 4/5.

Our Dancing Babe: Trailed early, advanced to 11th more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied midway on far turn when bothered and dropped to 12th and last, rallied in traffic to seventh in stretch, angled out to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at about a mile on the turf on Nov. 24 at Fair Grounds; ran final quarter in 24 flat.

Dixie Decision: Raced more than 9 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, advanced between horses more than three wide to fifth in stretch and rallied to gain second by a nose at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course on Oct. 28 at Churchill Downs. (Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, moved between horses around far turn to reach contention, rallied clear in stretch to gain lead by a half-length and won by three-quarters of a length at a mile on Dec. 8; returned $10 on front end.)

TURF PARADISE

Danceafunnymile: Raced eight lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, eased out in stretch while racing greenly, finished well making up more than 3 ½ lengths and ran second beaten a half-length at six furlongs on Dec. 7.

Mo Jo Annie: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, swung four wide for drive, rallied to third in stretch, made up 2 ¼ lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a head and three-quarters of a length at 6 ½ furlongs on Nov. 27.

Crazy Girl: Bobbled in tight leaving gate, raced eighth and last more than 12 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to seventh in stretch, closed fast outside to make up more than 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at six furlongs on Nov. 19; ran final quarter in 23 1/5. (Raced fourth early, moved to lead three wide on bend, responded to urging gradually edging away through the final furlong and won by 5 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on Dec. 8.)

By BookMaker Racebook

AQUEDUCT

In for a Dime: Trailed by more than seven lengths after a half-mile, rallied three wide on far turn to third in stretch, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on Nov. 28; ran final quarter in 24 4/5.

Borrowing Base: Broke awkwardly, bumped, trailed by more than 10 lengths after a half-mile, advanced from ninth to fifth in stretch, altered course, made up more than 3 ¾ lengths and finished a game third beaten two necks at 1 1/8 miles on Nov. 25.

Court Vision: Settled two wide in hand more than 4 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, fanned more than six wide for the drive, closed determinedly in stretch from fifth to make up 4 ½ lengths and won by a half-length at a mile on Oct. 27 at Churchill Downs. (Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, dropped to fourth after six furlongs, came out for room in stretch bumping with two different rivals down the lane and won by a neck at 1 1/8 miles on Nov. 24.)

Rewrite: Raced eighth more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced four wide approaching stretch and prevailed after long drive by a neck at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Oct. 20 at Belmont Park. (Raced along inside eighth more than 7 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, saved ground in sixth for drive, found room in stretch and drove clear by a length at a mile on a good turf course Nov. 18.)

Trouble Maker: Broke last, trailed by more than 4 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced inside to third in stretch, altered course outside and finished second by 1 ¾ lengths at six furlongs on the turf Oct. 14 at Belmont Park. (Raced sixth more than 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came wide from fifth into stretch and rallied to second at a mile on a good turf course Nov. 18.)

CALDER

Flight to Eden: Trailed by more than 5 ½ lengths after three-eighths of a mile, swung out for stretch run, advanced from seventh to fifth, made up more than 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 29.

Teddy Ballgame: Steadied on first turn, raced eighth after a half-mile, swung out for stretch run, closed well from fifth to make up 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 25.

Lady Lori: Bumped by winner at break, raced fourth more than a length behind after a half-mile, steadied behind rivals on far turn, angled out for room in stretch and finished willingly in second by three-quarters of a length at a mile and 70 yards on Nov. 16. (Chased pace 1 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, eased out for stretch run, rallied to gain lead nearing sixteenth pole and drew clear by two lengths at seven furlongs on Nov. 26.)

FAIR GROUNDS

Corrine: Raced seventh more than 12 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, advanced to sixth in stretch, made up 5 ¼ lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 29.

Our Dancing Babe: Trailed early, advanced to 11th more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied midway on far turn when bothered and dropped to 12th and last, rallied in traffic to seventh in stretch, angled out to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a about a mile on the turf on Nov. 24; ran final quarter in 24 flat.

GOLDEN GATE FIELDS

Designer Breed: Trailed by more than a dozen lengths after a half-mile, came out mid-stretch in 10th, closed well to make up more than six lengths and finished second beaten a length at 6 ½ furlongs on Oct. 27 at Oak Tree. (Trailed by more than 7 ½ lengths after a half-mile, eased out in upper stretch to find a clear path, closed fast from fifth and gained second by 2 ½ lengths at six furlongs on Dec. 1,)

HAWTHORNE

Flyabovetherest: Raced ninth more than 14 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, circled field to fifth in stretch, closed fast to make up 8 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Nov. 25; ran final quarter in 23 4/5.

Convairman: Raced seventh more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to fifth in stretch, rallied late to make up 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 24; ran final quarter in 24 4/5.

Rally Catcher: Steadied inside early, trailed by seven lengths after a half-mile, advance wide to seventh in stretch, made up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a nose and two lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 14.

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Too Phar: Broke slowly, advanced from eighth to six more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, split rivals in a bit tight in fourth in mid-stretch, rallied in deep stretch to make up 3 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Nov. 28.

Banner Lodge: Raced ninth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, came out leaving turn, forced five wide by runner-up into stretch, rallied from seventh making up more than 4 ½ lengths, finished third beaten a neck and a nose, but was moved up to second on an interference disqualification Nov. 23; ran final quarter in 23 2/5.

Dr Zaentz: Chased pace between rivals in eighth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, moved outside leaving turn, swung five wide into stretch, rallied from sixth to make by three lengths and finished second by two lengths at six furlongs on Nov. 11; ran final quarter in 24 1/5. (Raced sixth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, waited inside leaving turn, split horses in mid-stretch and rallied to gain second by 3 ½ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Nov. 30.)

Dirty Dish Mitch: Squeezed at start, raced ninth more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up four wide to third in stretch, drifted in but made up two lengths and finished second beaten a length at seven furlongs on Nov. 10.

HOOSIER PARK

Dixie Obsession: Stumbled at start, raced eighth early, moved to seventh more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to fourth in stretch, made up three lengths and finished third beaten a length at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface on Nov. 21.

Men’s Club: Raced six lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, allowed to fall back to eighth, came out 10 wide for drive, advanced to third in stretch, made up 3 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 16 at Churchill Downs. (Broke outward at break, trailed by more than 14 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced to fourth in stretch, rallied through traffic late and gained second by a head at a mile on Nov. 23.)

LAUREL PARK

Grace and Power: Steadied entering first turn, raced fifth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, eased out for drive, advanced to third in stretch, made up 1 ¾ lengths and finished second by 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 24.

Casual: Caught in traffic early, raced seventh more than 4 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, swung to five path advancing to fourth in upper stretch, rallied to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 23.

Double or Quits: Raced inside more than 6 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, swung four wide leaving turn, rallied from fourth to make up more than 4 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a nose at seven furlongs on Nov. 17.

Brokerage House: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, eased out in mid-stretch and closed with a rush to make up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 3.

Baseball Diamond: Broke next to last from outside, moved to ninth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced seven wide to seventh in stretch, rallied to make up 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by a nose at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface Oct. 24.

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Secret Time: Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, angled out into stretch, made up nearly two lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on Nov. 24.

Lover Nekia: Raced three lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, weaved between rivals on far turn to fifth while losing ground, advanced to third in stretch, finished well making up five lengths and finished second beaten a length at a mile and 70 yards on Nov. 23.

Showerstosunshine: Bumped leaving gate, saved ground racing ninth more than 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, split foes in stretch, rallied from eighth to make up more than 4 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at seven furlongs Nov. 17.

White Russian: Raced more than five lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, launched drive leaving turn from fourth, made up more than 2 ¾ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Oct. 9.

SAM HOUSTON RACE PARK

Aledo Monarch: Raced fourth early, steadied on first turn, shuffled back to eighth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, dropped to ninth after six furlongs, swung seven wide for drive, closed fastest of all to make up three lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a head and a neck at a mile and 70 yards on Nov. 30.

Tejas Cat: Broke seventh and last, raced five lengths behind in sixth after three-eighths of a mile, swung six wide for drive, advanced to fourth in stretch, closed willingly to make up nearly three lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on a good surface Nov. 24.

Distorted Cat: Broke eighth and last, raced seventh more than 7 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, swung out five wide to sixth in upper stretch, closed fast to make up more than 5 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at five furlongs on a good surface Nov. 24.

TURF PARADISE

Mo Jo Annie: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, swung four wide for drive, rallied to third in stretch, made up 2 ¼ lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a head and three-quarters of a length at 6 ½ furlongs on Nov. 27.

Crazy Girl: Bobbled in tight leaving gate, raced eighth and last more than 12 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to seventh in stretch, closed fast outside to make up more than 4 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at six furlongs on Nov. 19; ran final quarter in 23 1/5.

TURFWAY PARK

Billybob Bly: Broke last, trailed early, moved from 11th to 10th more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, swung widest to fifth in stretch, finished fast to make up four lengths and ran third beaten two necks at six furlongs on Nov. 29; ran final quarter in 23 4/5.

By BookMaker Racebook