Top Fifty Equibase Speed Figures for Three-Year-Olds
Monday, February 8th, 2010Since this upcoming weekend marks the first future book wagering pool on this year’s Kentucky Derby, just like last year, we are listing the top fifty Equibase Speed Figures earned by the current crop of three-year-olds (thru Feb 6th). The figures were earned either last year or this year and are for races that are at a distance of at least six furlongs. In each row, after the horse’s name is the Equibase Speed Figure (ESF) the horse earned, the Class Rating of the race, the track code, date, race name if it is a stakes race, distance, and surface.
Here are some highlights of the top figure earners and some of the other notable Kentucky Derby contenders on the list as well. Eightyfiveinafifty – Blew the first turn at his first attempt in a route in the Whirlaway Stakes, as jockey Jorge Chavez couldn’t control him since the bit broke. Previously, this colt exploded in his second start with an Equibase Speed Figure (ESF) of 123 on the Inner Dirt at Aqueduct. Trainer Gary Contessa says he seems OK, although he did get a two-inch cut on his right hind leg. Definitely a question mark regarding his future as of now. A Little Warm – This colt has two efforts that made the list. Both starts were six furlong races, with the first getting an ESF of 107 at Philadelphia Park and the other a 111 at Gulfstream Park. Trained by Anthony Dutrow, this horse may make his next start in the Hutcheson Stakes on Feb. 20th at the seven furlong distance. Bickersons – This filly scored a seven length victory in the Forward Gal Stakes, earning an Equibase Speed Figure of 110. Her connections have hinted that they will probably keep her in sprints and one turn routes in the future. Could develop into a top sprinter. Christine Daae – The second filly to top our list. Trainer Patrick Biancone is pointing her to the Davona Dale for her next start on Feb. 27th at Gulfstream Park. Her connections have high hopes for her and long range plans include the Kentucky Oaks. Rule – Has garnered two strong Equibase Speed Figures in his last two starts, both routes. Earned a 109 ESF in winning the Jean Laffitte at Delta Downs at the distance of one mile. Followed up that win with a game effort with an ESF of 108 in taking the newly graded, Delta Jackpot at 1 1/16 miles. Will have to see more from this Pletcher trainee against top flight company. Conveyance – This Bob Baffert trainee scored an Equibase Speed Figure of 109 in his second career start at Hollywood Park. Followed that up with a convincing win in the San Rafael Stakes at Santa Anita in his first route try, getting an ESF of 99. One of the Baffert trained platoon pointing to the first Saturday in May. Wildcat Frankie – Raced this past Saturday in an allowance race at Gulfsteam at a mile for his first route attempt. Held on for the win, but only earned an ESF of 90. Yielded late to A Little Warm in the Spectacular Bid Stakes on 1/9/10, getting an ESF of 108. Had earned an ESF of 109 in a five and a half furlong race at Calder in his debut. Buddy’s Saint – Scored a 108 ESF when posting a twelve length victory in the Nashua Stakes. Followed up that effort with another easy win in the Remsen Stakes getting an Equibase Speed Figure of 96. Connections are definitely pointing this one along the Derby trail. Uh Oh Bango – Put himself in the Derby picture by finishing a neck behind Rule in the Delta Jackpot. Looking to races at Oaklawn Park or Sunland Park as preps for the Derby. City Trooper – Has more experience that most of the others at the top of the list. Has lost twice since earning the 108 ESF on 11/18/09. Jackson Bend – Swept Calder’s Florida Stallion Series by taking the In Reality with an Equibase Speed Figure of 108. Followed that up with a second to Winslow Homer, while earning an ESF of 93. Toboggan Slide – Finished third to Buddy’s Saint as the favorite in the Nashua. Had an ESF of 108 in the Maryland Million Nursery at Laurel prior to that start. Vale of York (IRE) – Co-highweight with Lookin At Lucky on the Experimental Free Handicap, published annually by The Jockey Club. His exciting victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile earned him an Equibase Speed Figure of 108. Racing for the powerful Godolphin outfit, he is expected to start next at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, with an eye towards the Kentucky Derby as the ultimate prize. Lookin At Lucky – Part of the strong Baffert brigade, this colt has done little wrong so far in his career. Only loss was a narrow one in the BC Juvenile as he had to overcome a tough post position draw and a tough trip. Looks to be a strong contender for major races throughout the year. Piscitelli – Will miss the Triple Crown races after suffering an injury in his most recent race. Equibase Speed Figures are just one tool to help identify talented race horses. This year’s Kentucky Derby winner has a good chance to come from the above list of ESF leaders. There are still lots of prep races along the way to this year’s Run for the Roses. Good luck to all on the Derby trail and I hope that as many contenders as possible stay safe and sound on the journey there. Who is your pick for the Kentucky Derby right now? Let us hear about your choice and the reason why he or she is going to win. Craig Walker We want to hear from you! Leave a comment by clicking the “Comment” link directly below. TrackMaster, an Equibase company, is your complete source for Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Harness Racing information. Products ranging from Thoroughbred Past Performances, Harness Racing Programs, and Thoroughbred Handicapping software to Horse Racing Picks from our experts, are provided for all levels of handicapping sophistication. |