With two weeks to go before the draw he is probably my horse. I don't like the fact that he was fifth in his last out (Derby winners usually run 1st, 2nd, or 4th in their final prep) but in this unconventional year, anything is possible. I truly feel the Florida horses are the best of the bunch and for the value you'll probably get with this guy (10-1 or 12-1) he's too good to pass up. Plus, Coronado's Quest was a big favorite of mine. I wish he wasn't so quirky as a sophomore or he didn't have the injury before the Preakness of 98....probably would've won the thing that year.
Close Ally looked very impressive today at Keeneland winning by about six. He exited off of a tough Grindstone that included Great Mills (2nd Transylvania) and Willcox Inn (Blue Grass bound on Saturday). Close Ally is beautifully bred by Giant's Causeway out of a daughter of the great race mare Gorgeous. I wonder if they'll stick to the turf with him or go on the dirt. Turf seems most likely.
Reports show he is probable for the Lexington Stakes on April 23rd at Keeneland.
Looks like he's off the Derby trail after losing some time over the winter. He's just now posting workouts in the Big Easy; hopefully he gets a race in him soon. He was impressive last summer but soured late in the year.
I love the way he kept coming and coming in the Capossela. It would be neat to see Bobby Flay in the Derby limelight but I think they'll be smart with this one....maybe go the Kentucky Derby Trial route. He could be something special in 6 to 7 1/2 furlongs as a sprinting closer.
Counting down the days until I see him again. There is a NW2 race at Keeneland Opening Day (Apr. 8) with his name on it. Another with same conditions on Blue Grass Day (Apr. 16). Smart money says he'll surface in one of those.
Romped by 9 1/2 in Canterbury Juvenile (Barenscheer). Won for fun and quick too!
On the list of nominees for Canterbury Juvenile - August 8th
Any insight on to where he is running next? Arlington? Perhaps a stakes race in the midwest?
Just an FYI....Awesome Act will be wearing Vinery Stable silks in the Derby on Saturday afternoon. Dark Green with White Yolk ala Freisan Fire in the Derby on Saturday. I think this horse is going to win as Leparoux is perfectly suited for him and knows Churchill. The big question if he wins is will he go onto the Preakness or might they try the Epsom Derby with him?