Southwest Stakes Probables

Here is an early look at the possible runners for the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn.  The race could be split into two divisions according to Oaklawn officials.  We will have a full preview of the race or races once the entries are announced.

The Shippers:

Adirondack King – Has won three of six life time starts for John Servis, who trained the legendary Smarty Jones.  He ships in from Florida,  where he recently finished third at Tampa Bay Downs in the Pasco Stakes.

Castaway – This recent maiden winner for Bob Baffert ships in from Santa Anita.  He’s a Street Sense colt so you would expect him to get better as the distances get longer.

Longview Drive – Has won two stakes at Golden Gate, and recently was third in the Sham Stakes just one length behind winner Out of Bounds.  He’s trained by hall of fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

Secret Circle – Won the Breeders Cup Juvenile Sprint for trainer Bob Baffet.  He was second in the Sham last time out, losing by just a half length.  Distance is the big question mark with him, but with the Southwest being a run at a mile he’ll be tough to catch.

Unbridled’s Note – One for one so far with a maiden win at Churchill last Novemeber.  Has been training at Santa Anita under Steve Asmussen this winter.  Hard to know what to expect, but this colt is very well-bred and could be a major factor if he’s ready.

The Locals:

Apprehender – One for one in his career, winning a six furlong maiden in eye-catching fashion.  There are questions about distance with this colt, but trainer Ingrid Mason believes he can run all day long.

Atigun – Won a recent allowance at Oaklawn in come from behind fashion.  Ran fifth in the Kentucky Jockey Club in November; his only other graded stakes try.

Big Wednesday – Has won three of four starts, but lost his only start on a dirt track.  His trainer, Joseph Martin say he’s training great over the Oaklawn track.

Chalybeate Springs – Broke his maiden at Oaklawn in his eighth start, but finished 13th in the Lecomte Stakes one week later.  Hall of Fame trainer D Wayne Lukas trains.

Cyber Secret – Very impressive wire to wire win in his last start; an allowance at Oaklawn.  He’s owned by Oaklawn Park owner Charles Cella.

Gameday News – Broke his maiden via a DQ last time out at Oaklawn.  Owned by D Wayne Lukas and Bill Parcels.

Jake Mo – Finished fourth in the Smarty Jones Stakes in his last start.  He has now ran in five stakes, including the Breeeders Cup Juvenile Sprint where he finished fifth.

Junebugred – Won the Smarty Jones last time out; ranks at the top local three-year old so far.  He’s trained by Steve Hobby who’s been on fire this year at Oaklawn.

Majestic Stride – Very impressive maiden winner at Oaklawn last time out.  This colt is by Trippi, which raises concerns about how far he can run.

Najjar – Tremendous come from behind maiden winner last time out at Oaklawn.  This colt is out of Belmont Winner Jazil, so look for him to get better going long.

No Spin – Finished tenth in the Smarty Jones last time out, but has had some health problems.  Tim Ice trains.

Optimizer – Finished sixth in the Smarty Jones last time out.  He’s run in four graded stakes already and is the most accomplished local horse in terms of class.  He’s bred to run long distances.

Pee H Dee – Sharp allowance win last time out at Oaklawn, and finished 3rd in the Springboard Mile at Remington in December.  Chris Richard trains

Ring It Up – Has finished 2nd in two recent allowances where he lost to Atigun and Cyber Secret, and seems to be improving with age.  Chris Richard also trains this one.

Reckless Jerry – Finished 2nd in the Smarty Jones while racing wide throughout the entire race.  Many people believe with a better trip he would have won the race.  He’s owned by country music singer Toby Keith.