Look No Further Expectations were high for Further Ado ahead of Saturday’s $1.25 million Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland, and the 4-5 favourite choice responded with a dominant 11-length triumph. It was the largest margin of victory the key Kentucky Derby (G1) prep race has seen since Sinister Minister’s electrifying 12 ¾-length tally in 2006. Further Ado now turns his sights to the 152nd Run for the Roses, coming May 2 at neighbouring Churchill Downs. The sophomore Gun Runner colt has fond memories at the historic Louisville oval, namely, a Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) score last November. Trained by Brad Cox for owner Spendthrift Farm, Further Ado’s latest conquest paid $3.70. Contented So Happy left his connections delighted after reaching the winner’s circle 2 ¾ lengths clear in Saturday’s $500,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1). Competing for owners Norman Stables and Saints or Sinners, the colt, trained by Mark Glatt, showed impressive poise to not only catch 6-5 choice Potente but pull away for the confident triumph. So Happy, who has enjoyed a strong start to his sophomore season with a pair of stakes wins (Grade 2 San Vicente on January 10), will now be rewarded with a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate. At 7-1 on Saturday, he paid $16.60. Seasoned Veteran Albus certainly didn’t look like a horse with no experience above the maiden level in a hard-nosed conquest of the $750,000 Wood Memorial (G2), Saturday at Aqueduct. Paired with rider Jaime Torres, the 3-year-old Yaupon colt overcame a challenging start to reel in then leader Napoleon Solo at the stretch and held firm to thwart a spirited comeback attempt from 38-1 foe Right to Party. The 1 ¼-length victory secured Albus’ spot in next month’s Kentucky Derby, where he will join fellow Riley Mott charge Incredibolt in the starting gate. Now 2-0-1 ($436,288) from four starts for owner Pin Oak Stud, Albus, at 11-1 in the Wood Memorial, paid $25.78. Never a Doubt Meaning made the most of her billing as the 4-5 favourite in Saturday’s $200,000 Santa Anita Oaks (G2), delivering a confident two-length score for owners Bridlewood Farm and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. Entering the 1 1/16-mile contest off a Las Virgenes Stakes win on February 8, also at Santa Anita, the 3-year-old Gun Runner filly kept the momentum going with rider Juan Hernandez, who took the place of Flavien Prat. Meaning is now three-for-four ($307,000) to begin her career and will likely make her next start in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) on May 1 after picking up 100 qualifying points. She paid $3.80. Smooth Stride Always a Runner’s tremendous closing speed was on full display in a dazzling come-from-behind triumph of Saturday’s $200,000 Gazelle (G3) at Aqueduct. Working with rider Dylan Davis, the 3-year-old Gun Runner filly endured a physical first few steps before settling along the inside. Once in position, Always a Runner began her gradual ascent up the ladder but still trailed by 5 ½ lengths at the stretch. Undeterred by the gap, the Chad Brown charge dug in, tracking down leader Pashmina and separating for the 1 ¼-length victory. Still unbeaten through two starts ($129,200), Always a Runner punched her ticket to the Kentucky Oaks with the win. At 9-2, she paid $11.38. Matthew Lomon, for Woodbine Share This:Share
