Old Fashioned Triumphs in Southwest Stakes

by Patricia Woo | Feb 23 2009

The $250,000 Gr. 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park was a touted as a big test for Old Fashioned, runaway winner of the Gr. 2 Remsen Stakes in November 2008 at Aqueduct, and a top Kentucky Derby contender. And despite facing these high expectations, the Larry Jones-trained 3-year-old proved he was more than up to the task, demonstrating an ability to stalk the pace and then respond when asked to pull clear of his nearest challenger.

On Presidents’ Day, Feb. 16, 11 horses lined up for the start of the Southwest Stakes but this 1-mile test for 3-year-olds would quickly turn into a two-horse race. Old Fashioned, under regular rider Ramon Dominguez, took the early lead but was soon overtaken by Silver City. Both sons of Unbridled’s Song raced one-two down the backstretch, distancing themselves from the rest of the pack. But when they reached the far turn, Dominguez made his move, asking for more speed from Old Fashioned. And after regaining the lead, Old Fashioned even drew away slightly, hitting the wire 3 ¼-lengths before Silver City.

Dominguez was complimentary of his mount after the race, saying: “Down the backside I knew we were going fast but it didn't feel like [Old Fashioned] was rushing to keep up with the leader. When I caught up to the leader at the top of the stretch he dug in and finished strong.” Old Fashioned completed the mile race in 1:37.41.

Silver City, trained by Bret Calhoun, also pegged himself as a potential Derby candidate with his game performance and impressive stretch run; prior to stretching out in the Southwest Stakes, the speedy colt won the Dixieland Stakes at 5 ½ furlongs and an allowance race, both at Oaklawn Park. “He settled in down the backside and relaxed,” said jockey Miguel Mena. “When the winner came to us at the quarter pole he fought back and never stopped trying.”

Relative longshot Buzzin And Dreamin finished third, and Smarty Jones Stakes champion Flat Out rallied for fourth after a poor start.

With this win, Old Fashioned earns $150,000, keeps his unbeaten streak of four wins alive and sets his sights on his next race, likely the $300,000 Gr. 2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park on his way to the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May.

In other Derby news, $750,000 Gr. 3 Delta Jackpot winner Big Drama is back in training. After kicking himself in the shin while in his stall and suffering a bone bruise, the David Fawkes trainee had to be withdrawn from his eagerly awaited 2009 debut – the Holy Bull Stakes on Jan. 31 – while he recovered from surgery. "I was very pleased with his work this morning," Fawkes said on Feb. 22, after Big Drama breezed a half-mile in :50 at Calder Race Course.  "It's a good start, but I don't have anything in particular in mind just yet until he gets further along.” Horse bettors will have to continue waiting, then, for news of Big Drama’s first race as a 3-year-old.

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