1/20/2004

Weekend winners have flaws

This past weekend's early Kentucky Derby trials may soon be forgotten, as the big guns appear over the next few weeks, because both Second of June, winner of the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream, and St. Averil, winner of the Santa Catalina at Santa Anita, will need to overcome both physical and mental problems, if they are to sustain their challenges.

First, Second of June, who will be looking to be number one on May 1st. at Churchill Downs, cost only $7,500 as a 2-y-old sale purchase: less than his precocious sire Louis Quatorze's stud fee. So he must have one or two confirmation defects, which may show up as the heat is turned on. N.B. he already sports front bandages.....not a good sign!

For the time being, though, support him until he's beaten, because he's obviously got a serious motor, which augurs well for the future popularity of his talented young sire>

It should be noted that the winner and disappointing favorite, Silver Wagon, who ran like a snipe through the stretch, finished ten lengths clear of the rest of the field, which suggests that they are above average. N.B. SW will probably be equipped with blinkers next time out. But as long as Second of June stays sound he'll probably maintain the upper hand.

Meanwhile, on the west coast, St. Averil was much the best in the Santa Catalina Stakes, despite taking a wide and circuitous trip. He didn't beat much, though, and one has to wonder how he'll handle a struggle, when he steps up in class, because off-spring of his over-rated sire, Saint Ballado, have a propensity for throwing in the towel when things get tough.

So Futures bettors beware. Its early days, yet.