3/17/11
Last updated: 3/17/11 1:24 PM
Before attention is turned to the $150,000
Inside Information S. (G2) at
Gulfstream Park on Saturday, a $55,600 entry-level allowance for three-year-olds
will garner a share of the spotlight. Carded as the
3RD race, the one-turn mile
features the WinStar homebred CAL NATION (Distorted Humor), a dazzling debut
winner at Gulfstream on February 5.
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Cal Nation was a dominant winner of his career debut in February
(Joe Ganley/EquiSport Photos) |
While inexperience might ultimately preclude a shot at the classics, nothing
is likely to be off the table should Cal Nation look the part Saturday. The Todd
Pletcher trainee was highly regarded entering his seven-furlong debut, starting
at 6-5 against eight rivals. Stalking a fast pace in second through a half-mile,
Cal Nation moved to the front approaching the stretch and drew off under hand
encouragement to win by 7 3/4 lengths in a time of 1:22.
With a dip in the recent fortunes of stablemate and fellow WinStar homebred
Brethren (Distorted Humor), who finished third as the heavy favorite in last
week’s Tampa Bay Derby (G2), Cal Nation could enter the Kentucky Derby (G1)
picture with a strong effort against five rivals and would have ample time to
get in another race before the May 7 Run for the Roses.
Among those challenging Cal Nation are stablemate DANCE CITY (City Zip), a
one-length maiden winner in January over 1 1/8 miles who runs for the estate of
the late Ned Evans. Returning from a winter break is I’M STEPPIN’ IT UP
(Congrats), who finished third, beaten 14 1/2 lengths, behind Uncle Mo (Indian
Charlie) in the Champagne S. (G1) in October, while BOWMAN’S CAUSEWAY (Giant’s
Causeway) takes a class drop after a rough-trip fourth in the Fountain of Youth
S. (G2).
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The seven-furlong Inside Information, the final major test for older filly
and mare sprinters at the Gulfstream meet, features HILDA’S PASSION (Canadian
Frontier), who rebounded from a neck loss in the Sugar Swirl S. (G3) to post a
comfortable 2 1/2-length decision in last month’s Hurricane Bertie S. (G3). The
four-year-old’s other stakes wins since August include the Raven Run S. (G2) at
Keeneland and the Bennington S. at Saratoga.
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Amen Hallelujah’s last win came at Gulfstream in the 2010 Davona Dale
(Guy Gustafson/Horsephotos.com) |
Multiple Grade 2 vixen AMEN HALLELUJAH (Montbrook) has dropped two straight
at Gulfstream this winter after a long layoff, but showed signs of progress in
the February 19 Sabin S. (G3) over a mile when finishing a clear second. The
beaten favorite in her last three outings, long-time supporters should receive a
more favorable price at the windows Saturday.
Former Canadian champion MILWAUKEE APPEAL (Milwaukee Brew) will make her 2011
debut in the Inside Information. Though winless in six starts last season, the
five-year-old placed three times at the graded level in the Spinster S. (G1),
Molly Pitcher S. (G2) and Shuvee H. (G2). Another looking for more than a minor
share against graded foes is MS VANENZZA (Successful Appeal), who placed behind
Hilda’s Passion in both the Sugar Swirl and Hurricane Bertie.
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Multiple Grade 1-placed BEAUTICIAN (Dehere) finally got off the stakes duck
with a score in the Pan Zareta S. at Fair Grounds last time, while American
Beauty S. winner STEPHANIE GOT EVEN (Stephen Got Even) makes her debut for
trainer Marty Wolfson after being privately purchased following a second in the
Spring Fever S. CHORAGUS (Harlan’s Holiday), who captured the Wayward Lass S. at
Tampa Bay Downs last time, completes the field.
