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Triple Crown Weekend Prep Report Card: Midnight Bourbon Aging Well

One Kentucky Derby qualifying points race was held over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, but there were a couple of other races worth looking at.

The points race was the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes from Fair Grounds in New Orleans, La., a 1 1/16-mile contest offering 17 Derby points to the top four finishers (10-4-2-1). While no winners of the Lecomte have gone on to capture the G1 Kentucky Derby, there are some notable successes in the not-too-distant past, including G1 Preakness winners War of Will (2019) and Oxbow (2013). Going back a few more years to 2007, you'll find Derby runner-up Hard Spun on the Lecomte winner's roster.

Tampa Bay Downs ran the Pasco Stakes, a starting point for the Oldsmar, Fla., track's Derby qualifying points races: the Feb. 6 Sam F. Davis (17 points) and March 6 Tampa Bay Derby (85 points). The Pasco, run at seven furlongs, offered a $125,000 purse but no Derby points and has never produced a winner that had an impact on the Triple Crown.

Finally, California-breds were in the spotlight at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif., including 3-year-olds in the Cal Cup Derby. While this might not be a points race, let's remember that a Lucky Pulpit colt named California Chrome launched his 3-year-old championship campaign (including Kentucky Derby and Preakness wins) with a victory in the Cal Cup Derby.

As I wrote in my first 2021 Triple Crown Weekend Prep Report Card, the following grades are entirely subjective and based on my personal “eyeball test,” Beyer Speed Figures from Daily Racing Form, historical significance of the race and perceived quality of fields. I don't employ an “easy” curve in my grading.

Jan. 16: Lecomte Stakes, 1 1/16 miles, Fair Grounds

Midnight Bourbon was second-choice in the wagering behind the Brad Cox-trained Into Mischief colt Mandaloun, the 4-5 favorite who came into the Lecomte undefeated in two starts: a six-furlong maiden win at Keeneland Oct. 24 and an allowance victory at Churchill Downs Nov. 28. Midnight Bourbon, trained by Steve Asmussen, chased the front-running (and likely distance challenged) Jackie's Warrior last time out when third in the G1 Champagne Stakes at a one-turn mile at Belmont Park Oct. 10. Michael Stidham-trained Proxy (by Tapit) won back-to-back maiden and allowance races around two turns in November and December at Fair Grounds after narrowly losing his debut at Monmouth Oct. 24. He was the 8-1 fifth choice in the betting.

Midnight Bourbon and Joe Talamo hold off Proxy and Mandaloun to win the Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds

All three come from serious racing and breeding operations: Midnight Bourbon is a Winchell Thoroughbreds homebred Tiznow colt; Mandaloun is a Juddmonte Farms homebred; and Proxy is a Godolphin homebred produced from the outstanding racemare Panty Raid, winner of the G1 Spinster at Keeneland.

Midnight Bourbon has the goods pedigree-wise, being a half brother to G3 Salvatore Mile winner Pirate's Punch (by Shanghai Bobby); G1 Haskell winner Girvin (by Tale of Ekati); and G3 Iroquois winner Cocked and Loaded (by Colonel John). Now pensioned Tiznow, the two-time G1 Breeders' Cup Classic winner, has been an outstanding sire. He was a late developer, not debuting until late April of his 3-year-old campaign and winding up the year as the champion 3-year-old male and 2000 Horse of the Year. It wouldn't be a stretch to think Midnight Bourbon will age well.

Joe Talamo, subbing for jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. aboard Midnight Bourbon, took it to his rivals early, outhustling Proxy and Mandaloun for the early lead and laying down 24 and change fractions all the way around the Fair Grounds oval and repelling bids from Proxy and a three-wide Mandaloun from the three-eighths pole to the wire, holding them at bay by one length. Trainer Cox said he might put blinkers on Mandaloun for his next start in the Risen Star, where he'll get a rematch with Midnight Bourbon.

The winner earned a 91 Beyer Speed Figure in the Lecomte, a significant improvement from his previous best Beyer, 80, when second to late-running Sittin On Go at Churchill Downs in the G3 Iroquois Sept. 5 after making a bold move to the lead on the turn for home.

Midnight Bourbon ran his final sixteenth in 6.32 seconds and the final five-sixteenths in 30.85 in his first true two-turn test (he broke his maiden going a mile on the peculiar Ellis Park layout where they start coming out of a chute on the clubhouse turn).

Grade: B

Jan. 16: Pasco Stakes, seven furlongs, Tampa Bay Downs

The Bill Mott-trained Union Rags colt Nova Rags jumped off the Daily Racing Form past performances page as the only 3-year-old in the eight-horse lineup to contest a graded stakes, finishing fourth in the G3 Nashua at Aqueduct on Nov. 8.

Nova Rags was made the 13-10 favorite and ran to his odds, winning by 2 ¾ lengths under Samy Camacho despite going very wide throughout (five wide going into the final turn). Nova Rags covered seven furlongs in 1:24.55 and earned a 75 Beyer Speed Figure, three ticks lower than a 78 Beyer in his debut maiden victory at Belmont Park Oct. 10.

Nova Rags draws off late under Samy Camacho to win the Pasco Stakes by 2 3/4 lengths

Out of a Smart Strike mare, the Michael Shanley homebred should improve with distance and Hall of Famer Mott is known for his patience with all of his horses. It's hard to take much from this race, especially when you go back and look at how soundly he was defeated in the Nashua, where he lost by 14 ¼ lengths without apparent excuse.

Grade: D

Jan. 16: California Cup Derby 1 1/16 miles, Santa Anita

Trainer David Hofmans added blinkers to Big Fish's equipment for this race restricted to California-bred or -sired horses after removing the hood two starts back. This a long-striding colt by the Dynaformer stallion Mr. Big who probably wasn't best suited when sent out for a 4 ½-furlong maiden test last June 19 in his debut, finishing second. After another sprint try on dirt where he finished third to Cal Cup Derby favorite Good With People, Hofmans moved Big Fish to turf, where he graduated against state-breds going one mile, then won the Del Mar Juvenile Turf Stakes against open company at the same distance.

Big Fish put in a big stretch run to win the California Cup Derby under Juan Hernandez

In the Cal Cup Derby, jockey Juan Hernandez allowed Big Fish to settle well behind the early leaders, commenced a drive around the three-eighths pole, saved ground into the stretch and ran down Good With People and Peter Miller stablemate None Above the Law. Big Fish won going away by 1 ½ lengths in a fairly pedestrian 1:46.37 for 1 1/16 miles, earning a 71 Beyer Speed Figure.

Hofmans now has options for the Legacy Ranch homebred, who comes from the same female family as Pasco winner Nova Rags. The fourth dam of Big Fish is Kaylem Ho, and Kaylem Ho is the second dam of Nova Rags. Kaylem Ho was a member of Mrs. Henry D. Paxson's excellent broodmare ban in the late 1970s in Pennsylvania.

Grade: C-

Coming up on Friday's opening-day card at Oaklawn is the Smarty Jones Stakes at a mile, with 17 Derby points offered. The following weekend, the Road to the Kentucky Derby gets more serious with the Jan. 30 Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream Park and Robert B. Lewis (G3) at Santa Anita.

Previously: Jan. 3 Triple Crown Weekend Prep Report Card

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Tampa Bay Downs: Union Rags Colt Nova Rags Rallies To Win Pasco For Mott

Leading Tampa Bay Downs jockey Samy Camacho welcomed the chance to ride the Pasco Stakes favorite, 3-year-old colt Nova Rags, for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. But when 16-1 shot Newyearsblockparty took the lead turning for home, Camacho realized translating opportunity to success was no easy bargain.

“I was a little worried at the three-eighths pole, because (Newyearsblockparty) was going between horses and I had to start working,” Camacho said after posting a 2 ¾-length victory aboard the 13-10 favorite at the Oldsmar, Fla., track. “But I hit him once at the top of the stretch and he responded, and when he switched leads in the stretch it was 'Bye.'”

Nova Rags completed the seven-furlong distance of the $125,000 Pasco Stakes in 1:24.55 on a fast track. Newyearsblockparty continued on willingly under jockey Jose Ferrer, finishing three-quarters of a length ahead of Foreman in the 23rd running of the 3-year-old event.

The victory was the second from three lifetime starts for the Michael Shanley-bred and owned Nova Rags, who showed signs he will enjoy going even farther as he continues his development.

Nova Rags' performance was one of numerous highlights on a partly sunny, windy Skyway Festival Day afternoon. In the previous race, the 37th running of the $125,000 Gasparilla Stakes for 3-year-old fillies, Special Princess staged a whirlwind rally on the outside to forge a dead heat with pace-setter Adios Trippi.

Both Special Princess and Adios Trippi are Florida-breds, meaning both earned $32,500 through additional money provided by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association. Special Princess, bred and owned by J D Farms and trained by Walter Woodard, was ridden by Ademar Santos.

Adios Trippi, who is owned in partnership by Paradise Farms Corp., Brian Hanley, Greg Boyer, Scott Estes and Walder Racing, is trained by Peter Walder and was ridden by Antonio Gallardo.

The co-winners finished in a time of 1:24.89. Feeling Mischief, the betting favorite, flattened out through the stretch, finishing third.

In the third main-track stakes on the card, the 37^th running of the $50,000 Wayward Lass for older fillies and mares, heavy favorite Lucky Stride wore down her competition to post a 2 ¼-length victory from On the Town. Estilo Talentoso finished third.

Gallardo rode Lucky Stride for owner Sonata Stable and trainer Michael Trombetta. The winner's time was 1:44.24, .97 seconds off the stakes record set in 2019 by Tapa Tapa Tapa.

Meanwhile, the Pasco victory by Nova Rags, a son of Union Rags out of the Smart Strike mare Wishful Splendor, should open more doors for the colt who finished fourth in his previous start, the Grade 3 Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct in November. “It's what we were hoping for,” said Mott's assistant, Mark Schreiber. “His last race was a little disappointing, but he was kind of shying from horses on the outside of him and he needed to mature a little.

“Samy rode him perfectly today and it looks like he will stretch out. All along, Bill (Mott) saw a lot in this horse,” Schreiber said.

All of the winning connections were ecstatic after the Gasparilla, even though a solo victory is always preferable. The victory was the first career stakes triumph for Woodard and the first stakes triumph at Tampa Bay Downs for Santos.

“This puts me on the map,” Woodard exulted. “I told everyone before the race they were going to know (Special Princess) was there, and Ademar did a hell of a job. She's really come into herself and I was very confident coming into the race.”

Santos was riding Special Princess for the first time, but he'd noticed she had started slow in her two previous Oldsmar starts and suggested to Woodard they work her from the starting gate a few days before the race to put more speed into her. “She broke a lot better today and got the job done,” Santos said. “I thought we beat (Adios Trippi), but it feels good because you don't have too many chances to ride this kind of horse. I told the pony rider to turn her loose in the post parade and she put her head down and got busy, and I knew she had her mind on business.”

Woodard and Santos had teamed to win the previous race on the card, the fifth, with 3-year-old claiming filly Peaceful Way, also owned by J D Farms.

Walder, who engineered the private purchase of Adios Trippi after her impressive maiden score Oct. 5 at Parx Racing in Philadelphia, was, like Woodard, just this side of over the moon after the result was posted.

“This is the happiest I've ever been for a dead-heat. I thought (Special Princess) nailed her, but my filly ran an awesome race because she took the beating up front (posting demanding fractions of 22.57 seconds for the first quarter-mile and 45.65 for the half),” Walder said.

“She just ran against a tough group at Gulfstream two weeks ago (finishing third in the Cash Run Stakes) and it was kind of a quick turnaround, but I liked the idea of wheeling her back from a mile to seven furlongs. She's getting better with each race,” Walder said.

Gallardo shared Walder's excitement. “She did the job, and it's better than second,” he said.

Lucky Stride improved to 9-for-16 with her Wayward Lass victory. “She hasn't done a darn thing wrong since we got her,” said Trombetta, who watched from Gulfstream Park. He had taken over her training last summer but had yet to win with her in four starts, all in stakes competition. “We tried her on turf a couple of times and she did fine, but we'd put this race on the calendar a while back and it worked out.”

Lucky Stride, who trailed by as much as 11 or 12 lengths in the early going, benefited from a quick pace set by long shot No Mercy Percy (who held on well for fourth), but Gallardo wasn't sure if she would get the job done as On the Town and Estilo Talentoso both finished with good energy. “I had to work with her. Michael told me she was kind of a one-paced horse, and I had to stay on top of her the whole time. But when I put her in the clear, she finished strong,” Gallardo said.

“She got floated out so wide on the turn, I was worried she wouldn't be able to get there,” Trombetta said. “It was very nice to see her finish so well.”

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Gulfstream Park: Mandatory Payout Spurs $5.3 Million Into Rainbow 6 Pool

Multiple winning tickets on Gulfstream Park's mandatory payout of the 20-cent Rainbow 6 Saturday were each worth $14,626.86.

There was $5,353.843 of new money bet into the pool at the Hallandale Beach, Fla., track.

The Rainbow 6 begins anew Sunday with a $100,000 guaranteed pool beginning with the sixth race, an allowance optional claiming event at 1 1/16 miles on the turf featuring a field of six. The first race in the sequence is followed by a maiden special weight event at five furlongs on the turf for 3-year-old fillies. There were four turf races in Sunday's Rainbow 6.

There will also be a Super Hi-5 carryover Sunday of $8,740.12.

The Rainbow 6 carryover jackpot is usually only paid out when there is a single unique ticket sold with all six winners. On days when there is no unique ticket, 70 percent of that day's pool usually goes back to those bettors holding tickets with the most winners, while 30 percent is carried over to the jackpot pool. However, on mandatory-payout days, the entire pool is paid out to the bettor or bettors with the most winners in the six-race sequence.

WHO'S HOT: Jockey Tyler Gaffalione had three winners on the afternoon, capping the day with his victory aboard Ride a Comet in the Tropical Park (G3). Gaffalione also won the third race with Shadwell Stable's first-time starter, Lamutanaatty, a 3-year-old son of Into Mischief, and the allowance optional claimer fourth race with Bluegrass Parkway…Trainer Bill Mott had a pair of 3-year-olds break their maidens Saturday. Frank Fletcher Racing Operations, Inc.'s Candy Man Rocket, a son of Candy Ride making his second start, ran away from eight others to win over six furlongs by 9 ¼ lengths in 1:11.28. Donald Dizney's homebred Simovitch won going a mile by 3 ½ lengths while covering the distance in 1:39.04.

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Candy Ride Colt Romps at Gulfstream

5th-Gulfstream, $40,000, Msw, 1-9, 3yo, 6f, 1:11.28, ft, 9 1/4 lengths.

CANDY MAN ROCKET (c, 3, Candy Ride {Arg}–Kenny Lane, by Forestry) faded to seventh in his career bow in the slop at Churchill Downs Nov. 22 and received Lasix for the first time in this second attempt. Breaking on top, the 7-1 shot was overtaken by Jeebar (Frosted) and settled to stalk from second through a :22.79 opening quarter and :46.11 half-mile. Sweeping to the front entering the lane, the bay charged clear with ease to win for fun by 9 1/4 lengths. Jeebar held second. The winner’s dam is also responsible for the juvenile colt Notacry (Orb) and a yearling filly by Tonalist. Kenny Lane was bred back to Tonalist. Sales history: $190,000 RNA Wlg ’18 KEENOV; $70,000 RNA Ylg ’19 KEESEP; $250,000 2yo ’20 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $24,824. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.

O-Frank Fletcher Racing Operations, Inc.; B-R. S. Evans (KY); T-William I. Mott.

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