The KYD trail begins in earnest now that we are 4 months from the first Saturday in May.
We have 2 contests for 3YOC that are of interest, and have KYD points:
At Aqueduct, it is the Jerome:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/briswatch.cgi/public/ToddPletcher/PLETCHER+TODD+A/9999/summary.html
[ URL above; Saturday January 6, 2024; Aqueduct - Race 3; PPs ]
Not unlike last spring, there is a storm expected for Friday into Saturday, so don't be surprised if there is a cancellation; or at least a mud situation.
Also, these early stakes races all seem to have only 5 or 6 entrants. Until the big points races I'd expect that to continue, especially in the cold weather venues.
But I digress.
El Grande O has had a little time off, and appreciates a muddy track.
Drum Roll Please has more starts, and finished 3rd in the Remsen.
At Santa Anita, it is the San Vicente:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/briswatch.cgi/Baffert/BAFFERT+BOB/9999/summary.htm
[ URL above; Saturday January 6, 2024; Santa Anita Park - Race 8; PPs ]
Muth makes his first appearance since the BC, where he finished a distant second to
Fierceness. (Fierceness BTW is back on the workout tab).
Slider has some talent, but threw in a dud in the BC on the turf.
Pilot Commander is a $700k son of Justify and has (only) a maiden win.
Boltage has the best name of the bunch, but he hasn't shown the class yet; perhaps the move to Mike Smith is what he needed. Muth is the bet. Looking at Slider second.
The 6th race at Santa Anita is an interesting allowance race:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/briswatch.cgi/Baffert/BAFFERT+BOB/9999/summary.htm
[ URL above; Saturday January 6, 2024; Santa Anita Park - Race 6; PPs ]
Newgate makes his first appearance on the track since winning the RB Lewis on the KYD trail last year.
Big City Lights is lightly raced for a 5 year old, but he's finished in the top 2 for all of his races. Is
Ginobili ready after having only 3 starts in 2 years; most recently he was terrible and had time off.
Sir Atticus can be in the top 3.
Larry
DevilHorse