NEWS
Lookin At Lucky probable for Rebel,
Vale of York to return Thursday
Posted: Monday, March 01, 2010 11:59 AM
by Jeff Lowe
Champion Lookin At Lucky is more and more likely to begin 2010 with a dirt test on March 13 in the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park.
Trainer Bob Baffert told the Associated Press that the Smart Strike colt would probably target the Rebel instead of the San Felipe Stakes (G2) the same day at Santa Anita Park.
Lookin At Lucky has never raced on a conventional dirt track. He won the Norfolk Stakes (G1) and finished second to Vale of York (Ire) on the synthetic Pro-Ride surface at Santa Anita Park, before clinching the Eclipse Award with a victory in the CashCall Futurity (G1) on December 19 at Hollywood Park.
Three Chimneys Hopeful Stakes (G1) winner Dublin and CashCall Futurity runner-up Noble’s Promise also are scheduled for the Rebel, and Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) winner Super Saver is a possible starter.
“The Rebel looks like it will be a nice, tough race,” said Baffert, who won the Southwest Stakes (G3) on February 20 at Oaklawn with Conveyance.
Noble’s Promise breezed five furlongs in :59.80 handily on February 27 at Gulfstream Park. The Rebel will be his first start of the year.
“We’re excited about it; we think he’ll be very, very tough,” trainer Ken McPeek said. “He’s stronger than he was last year.”
Jockey Robby Albarado will have the mount on Noble’s Promise for the first time in the Rebel, replacing Rafael Bejarano.
Trainer Todd Pletcher said Super Saver will be ridden by Ramon Dominguez in the Rebel or the Tampa Bay Derby (G3), both on March 13.
Calvin Borel, the colt’s rider in the Kentucky Jockey Club, will be at Fair Grounds on March 13 to pilot Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra in the New Orleans Ladies Stakes.
Vale of York is scheduled to return in the $250,000 Al Bastakiya sponsored by Derrinstown Stud on Thursday at Meydan Racecourse.
Unraced since the Juvenile, Vale of York is one of 23 candidates for the United Arab Emirates Derby (UAE-G2) prep. Final entries will be taken on Tuesday.
“He has been a bit behind in his preparation so will improve for the run,” Godolphin Racing Manager Simon Crisford told Racing Post. “He is ready for the outing, though. We have the option of taking him to Europe or America and the race will teach us a lot.”
Argentine Group 1 winner Enak, Gulfstream Park maiden winner Tahitian Warrior, and recent Meydan allowance winner Mendip also are eligible for the Al Bastakiya for Godolphin.
Jeff Lowe is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer
