As January comes to a close the eventual 2013 Kentucky Derby winner has broken his maiden at some track somewhere by now. This Saturday marks the deadline for all Triple Crown nominations, which officially will give everyone a list 250+ three-year-olds to try and pick and choose between who they will attempt to draft (if you participate in a fantasy horse racing league) and/or follow these next few months leading up to the Derby.
This Saturday also marks the running of the 1 1/16-mile Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream Park. A field of 10 was drawn today which is absolutely loaded with talent. Everyone will be attempting to take down undefeated and recently crowned two-year-old Champion Shanghai Bobby as he makes his sophomore debut. Bern Identity returns to take another shot at Mr. Bobby after coming up 4 1/2 lengths short to show in the 7-furlong Hopeful (G2) back on September 3. Since then, Bern went on to win the Jean Laffitt Sakes and was runner-up to Goldencents in the Delta Downs Jackpot (G2) to close out his two-year-old campaign. Frac Daddy, a neck second and Dewey Square, a closing third in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) will certainly be in the mix. That leaves us with the recent Gulfstream Park Derby winner by 6 3/4 lengths, Itsmyluckyday, who posted a 111 BRIS Speed rating. He is certainly the wild card in this one as he steps back into graded company.
10-4-2-1 points are up for grabs and with a win Shanghai Bobby could possibly have enough to secure a spot in the Derby before the "Kentucky Derby Championship Series" even begins. The other nine are looking to be the first to knock off the champ and propel themselves up the points list of Derby hopefuls.
Holy Bull (G3)
1/26 Gulfstream Park 5:05 EST
1/26 Gulfstream Park 5:05 EST
Three-Year-Olds, 1 1/16m
4 Bern Identity
While Bobby will be tough to take down, Bern certainly has improved since the last time they faced off and he will give him his best shot. Posted sharp workouts leading up to this one and Kelly Breen will have him ready. Has hit the board in all six of his starts and should make it seven on Saturday as he takes down the champ at the wire.
1 Shanghai Bobby
Looks to make it six in a row. Below par late pace and Speed figures in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile win last out would be only concern about this impressive colt. Will be the one to beat but likely to go off at even-money is tough to back with the talent in here.
6 Dewey Square
Son of Bernardini looks to improve off his last performance and will be trying to run down the leaders late. If this Romans trainee gets some pace to run after he could be dangerous.
2 Frac Daddy
Tough to knock this colt's short resume. One of the four in here that will be there in the end but unfortunately someone has to claim that lone one point.
EX/TRI BX: 4,1,6,2
