2010 Kentucky Derby Prep Races - Whirlaway Stakes and Robert B. Lewis Stakes
by Patricia Woo | Feb 1 2010
February's arrival means preparations for the Kentucky Derby are in full swing. And on Saturday, Feb. 6, savvy horse bettors will be taking a look at some of the top contenders in two exciting prep races: the Whirlaway Stakes at Aqueduct and the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita Park.
The $100,000 Whirlaway Stakes is a 1 1/16-mile test for 3-year-olds held annually at Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park, N.Y. Gary Contessa's trainee Eightyfiveinafifty is among the nominees for this Kentucky Derby prep, an exciting recent maiden winner over this race track on Jan. 9. A son of Forest Camp, Eightyfiveinafifty won that 6-furlong race with a Beyer Speed Figure of 105 and recently posted a bullet move on Jan. 20 over Aqueduct's inner track. Though his pedigree suggests that sprints may be his strength, Contessa will test Eightyfiveinafifty around two turns in the Whirlaway.
Todd Pletcher's entry for the Whirlaway Stakes is recent Gulfstream Park allowance race winner Three Day Rush; whether he can perform at longer distances will also be a question for this Harlan's Holiday colt.
Kiaran McLaughlin's Brake Lights will bypass the Whirlaway and is off the Kentucky Derby trail recovering from bone chip removal surgery; he will likely return to racing in the summer.
The Whirlaway Stakes is a prep for the $250,000 Gr. 3 Gotham Stakes in March.
Over at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., the Gr. 2 Robert B. Lewis Stakes will also take place on Saturday, Feb. 6. It is a 1 1/16-mile test for 3-year-olds with a purse of $150,000. Michael Machowsky's Caracortado posted a recent 6-furlong work in 1:13.40 on Jan. 31 in preparation for the race; he is undefeated in four starts, including the California Breeders' Champion Stakes over the same track and distance on Dec. 26.
Two sons of Tiznow are also expected to lead the contingent: American Lion and Tiz Chrome. After winning the Gr. 3 Hollywood Prevue Stakes as a 2-year-old in November, the Eoin Harty-trained American Lion is on many horse bettor's radars as one to watch on the road to the Kentucky Derby. Bob Baffert's trainee Tiz Chrome, facing graded stakes company for the first time, will be putting his two-race streak on the line; this Kentucky-bred colt posted a strong victory in the $53,500 Stuka Stakes at Hollywood Park on Dec. 19.
Don't miss out on the Whirlaway Stakes or the Robert. B Lewis Stakes! Bet on horse racing at the Bodog Racebook!
