Pedigree Query

The Derby prep races are behind us, yet the Illinois Derby could be a stepping stone to the Preakness Stakes. Cross The Line, who ran a decent race in the SA Derby off a layoff (neck and a nose behind Bolo and Prospect Park) should show much better in here with that race under his belt. Here's the entries. Past performances will be posted when they are released. TJ

9th RACE. (C8) Post 5:40PM STAKES
The 58th Running of
THE ILLINOIS DERBY (Grade III)
PURSE $400,000 Guaranteed 1 1/8 Miles FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS.

1 KANTUNE (L) Casse, M Emigh, C 123
2 VERRACO (L) Cassidy, J Trujillo, E 123
3 CROSS THE LINE (L) Hollendorfer, J Geroux, F 123
4 A. ROD AGAIN (L) Maker, M Mena, M 123
5 CONQUEST CURLINATE (L) Casse, M Bridgmohan, S 123
6 WHISKEY TICKET (L) 27 Baffert, B Pedroza, M 123
7 LEWYS VAPORIZER (L) S27 Rivelli, L Sanjur, S 123
8 PHENOMENAL PHOENIX (L) 27 Von Hemel, D Quinonez, L 123
9 PRIVATE PROSPECT (L) 27 Campbell, M Esquivel, E 123

Here's the past performances. TJ
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_viewe ... m3=1305720

Hard to look past Cross the Line here. Of the others, the Baffert has an upside.

Cross the Line
Whiskey Ticket
Conquest Curlinate

Whiskey Ticket
Conquest Curlinate
Cross The Line

Cross The Line....has increased his numbers in every start, receiving his highest number in his last start first time on the dirt. Hollendorfer wheels him back in just two weeks and worked him in between...will be ready for this one.
Private Prospect...hidden in here, ran close behind Far Right, Bayerd and Mr.Z three back off a layoff. Then caught two off tracks and finished up the track, could surprise over a fast track.
Phenomenal Phoenix...another who needs the track fast. Sharp trainer.
Whiskey Ticket...Baffert tries two turns with this colt, should be close up throughout.

I saw the race (on TV) where Conquest Curlinate broke his maiden at Oaklawn, and I was impressed enough to put him in my virtual stable. He didn't perform well next time out, however, so I'm hoping for a rebound here.

Also, I forgot to mention that I still think it's reprehensible that this race is not a Derby prep. race with real Derby points. Don't the decision makers remember War Emblem?

geowarrior wrote:I saw the race (on TV) where Conquest Curlinate broke his maiden at Oaklawn, and I was impressed enough to put him in my virtual stable. He didn't perform well next time out, however, so I'm hoping for a rebound here.

Also, I forgot to mention that I still think it's reprehensible that this race is not a Derby prep. race with real Derby points. Don't the decision makers remember War Emblem?

Hi Geo,
I agree...but this is just a bit of race track politics. CD owns Arlington and their main competition in the Illinois market is Hawthorne. CD made itself the dictatorial ruler of the road to the Derby points prep race schedule and simply eliminated this top race to hurt Hawthorne's premier 3YO race. TJ

Here's the finish. The top two looked very impressive...I'm sure we'll here about them heading to the Preakness. Bad day for Hollendorfer, with two beaten favorites. TJ
Whiskey Ticket
Conquest Curlinate
Phenomenal Phoenix
Verraco

Here's the replay. TJ
http://www1.drf.com/displayVideo.do?tra ... ountry=USA