Greetings and a belated Happy New Year from my corner of The Saratogian's newsroom!

One of my New Year's resolutions was to blog more - and fortunately, Gulfstream Park gave me the perfect opportunity to do so by staging the first running of the Gulfstream Park Derby on New Year's Day.

For the uninitiated, all Thoroughbreds officially turn a year older on Jan. 1, regardless of their actual date of foaling. The Gulfstream Park Derby was open to the newly-turned 3-year-olds of 2012 who are taking their first steps on the road to this year's Kentucky Derby.

The mile-and-a-sixteenth event was won by Reveron, who was making his first start around two turns after posting back-to-back wins at Calder. The colt, who hasn't missed the board in five starts, is by the speedy Songandaprayer, a graded winner best known for running the fastest opening half-mile in Kentucky Derby history before backing up to finish unplaced in 2001. However, Reveron does get a dose of stamina from his female family. Presumably, he'll continue down Florida's series of Triple Crown preps, meaning we'll get to see him against tougher competition and at longer distances.

Finishing second in his stakes debut was Casual Trick, who was an impressive maiden winner at Churchill Downs last fall for Hall of Famer Nick Zito.

As we turn our attention to this 3-year-old crop, make sure to go back and read columnist Michael Veitch's first ranking of the Triple Crown contenders, which was published Sunday. My top 10 list will be out in Thursday's edition of The Saratogian.

If all goes well, in just 27 days, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta will occupy the same starting gate for the first time in the Apple Blossom Invitational.

First, though, fans will have to be content with watching them start within a half-hour of each other, as both make their respective season debuts today.

Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra will start in the $200,000 New Orleans Ladies Stakes at the Fair Grounds, which is slated to go off at 6:15 p.m. EST. Just 21 minutes later, two-time champion older female Zenyatta goes postward in the Grade I, $250,000 Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap at Santa Anita.

The New Orleans Ladies, a mile and a sixteenth stake, was created for the purpose of attracting Rachel Alexandra, who has been stabled at the Fair Grounds since late November. The 4-year-old is making her first start since defeating older males in the Woodward last Sept. 5 at Saratoga, capping a Horse of the Year campaign that included wins in the Kentucky Oaks, Preakness, Mother Goose and Haskell.

Rachel Alexandra, who breaks from the two in a short field of five for the New Orleans Ladies, will have regular rider Calvin Borel aboard. The filly also gets an equipment change, as trainer Steve Asmussen replaced her regular bridle with a figure eight noseband, a bridle many of Asmussen’s horses wear that can sometimes help a horse relax and soften its carriage. Rachel Alexandra, on an accelerated work schedule in order to make the New Orleans Ladies and Apple Blossom, has been exceptionally keen in her morning works, and some worry fitness is an issue coming off her long layoff.

“We’re happy with where she’s at now,” Asmussen said following her last work. “The main thing is she’s healthy and this is a step in the process to getting her back to her previous level.”

The only other graded winner in the field, Zardana, ships in from California for John Shirreffs, who, of course, also trains Zenyatta. Davis Flores will be aboard the winner of Hollywood Park’s Bayakoa Handicap as they leave from the three, just outside of Rachel.

Clear Sailing, who breaks from post 5 under Shane Sellers, is a Fair Grounds specialist, having won an allowance by eight and the Pelleteri Stakes in her last start. Fighter Wing (Corey Lanerie, rail), second behind Clear Sailing in the Pelleteri, and Unforgotten (Miguel Mena, post 4), unplaced in the Sunshine Millions Distaff last out, complete the field.

Zenyatta drew post eight in a field of nine for the Santa Margarita, a race she also won during the first of her two championship campaigns in 2008. The 6-year-old daughter of Street Cry hasn’t started since becoming the first female to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 7, improving her record to a perfect 14-for-14 lifetime. It was thought she’d be retired after that race, but in January, owners Jerry and Ann Moss announced that their star would return for one more season.

Zenyatta carries 127 pounds, including regular rider Mike Smith, in the nine furlong event. She gives between 12 to 19 pounds to her rivals.

“It’s a lot of weight to spot them starting off the year, but fortunately for us she’s a big mare and carries her weight very well, so, hopefully, it won’t bother her too much,” Smith said. “She’s ready for something and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Striking Dancer, who carries the next highest weight at 115, won the Grade II La Canada at Santa Anita last time out. Alex Solis rides the filly, who breaks from post 5.

Chantal Sutherland rides Pretty Unusual, who she partnered to a win in the Grade II El Encino three starts back. But in her last two efforts, the filly was unplaced in the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf and the Buena Vista Handicap.

Dance To My Tune (Martin Garcia, rail), Pretty Katherine (Joel Rosario, post 2), Made For Magic (Barrio, post 3), Gripsholm Castle (Victor Espinoza, post 6), Powerofvoodoo (Kaplan, post 7) and Floating Heart (Joe Talamo, post 9) round out the field.

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Although racing’s two leading ladies will steal the spotlight on Saturday, plenty of other stakes are happening around the country, including some key Kentucky Derby preps.

Eclipse champion 2-year-old Lookin at Lucky is making his first start outside of California, his first start on conventional dirt and his first start with blinkers in the Grade II Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Trainer Bob Baffert chose to ship the colt for his season debut after the success he had bringing stablemate Conveyance in to win the Southwest last month.

Lookin at Lucky, who hasn’t started since winning the CashCall Futurity at Hollywood in December, is 5-for-6 lifetime, with his only loss coming by an unlucky head in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He also owns wins in the Best Pal and Norfolk. The half-brother to Jim Dandy winner Kensei breaks from the two under regular rider Garrett Gomez.

Hopeful winner Dublin was a hard-charging second in the Southwest in his season debut after breaking poorly and sitting near the back of the pack down the backstretch. The strapping son of Afleet Alex breaks from the outside, post 7, and gets a rider change, as the legendary trainer Wayne Lukas is choosing to replace Terry Thimpson with Corey Nakatani.

Noble’s Promise (Robby Albarado, post 6) is making his first start since running second to Lookin at Lucky in the Futurity. Cardiff Giant (Christian Santiago Reyes, rail) was second in the San Rafael and third in the Southwest.

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The unbeaten Caracortado, winner of the Robert B. Lewis last out, highlights a balanced field of seven in the Grade II San Felipe at Santa Anita. The gelding, who will be ridden by Paul Atkinson as they break from the outside, is 5-for-5 lifetime and hopes to use this race as a springboard into next month’s Santa Anita Derby.

Todd Pletcher ships in Interactif time in hopes of breaking onto the Derby trail. The colt won the With Anticipation at Saratoga and the Bourbon at Keeneland, both on the turf. Rafael Bejerano will ride, and they break from post 2.

American Lion, who gets the services of Eclipse winning jockey Julien Leparoux, won the Hollywood Prevue, then was third in the Lewis last out. The colt has blinkers on for trainer Eoin Harty and breaks from the four.

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Super Saver won the Kentucky Jockey Club last fall on the same track where the Kentucky Derby will be run in less than two months. The colt tries to take another step toward that goal in today’s Grade III Tampa Bay Derby. The colt breaks from post 6 for trainer Todd Pletcher and will have NYRA leading rider Ramon Dominguez aboard.

Odysseus (Rajiv Maragh, post 7) is coming off an impressive allowance score at Tampa and Uptowncharlybrown (Daniel Centino, rail) is 2-for-3 lifetime at the track, including the Pasco Stakes.

Also on the Tampa card, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner and Eclipse champion She Be Wild is favored in the Grade III Florida Oaks.

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A balanced field of 11 older campaigners will challenge the Grade II Gulfstream Park Handicap. Nick Zito sends out Gulfstream specialist Cool Coal Man, who is 4-for-5 lifetime at the track, including an allowance win last time out in his season debut. Cool Coal Man will be ridden by Eddie Castro and drew the nine.

This Ones For Phil is trying to stretch his speed out to a mile after winning a blazingly fast edition of the Sunshine Millions Sprint last out. Johnny Velazquez rides for Rick Dutrow. He’ll have to use his speed early, breaking from the outside, post 11.

You And I Forever (Javier Castellano, post 10) was second to Quality Road two starts back in the Hal’s Hope, Grasshopper (Alan Garcia, post 8) returned from a layoff of over nine months to win a Gulfstream allowance last out and the talented Harlem Rocker (Eibar Coa, post 5) is rounding his way back into form on the third start off a long layoff.

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The speedy Bickersons was planning to try to wheel back on just over two weeks rest in the Grade III Cicada at Aqueduct. But she'll get some extra time, as rain and high winds forced the postponement of today's card. The race will be rescheduled for March 20.

Bickersons won the Moccasin last fall and the Forward Gal earlier this year.

There's a top female who could make racing history while challenging the boys today, and her name is not Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta. St. Trinians, winner of the Santa Maria last out over Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic winner Life Is Sweet, will attempt to become the first female winner of the Grade I, $750,000 Santa Anita Handicap.

The British-bred daughter of Piccolo, who is 11-7-0-3 lifetime, is unbeaten in four starts in the United States, also having won the Paseana Handicap in December.

She faces a field of local talent that includes Strub runner-up and Swaps winner Misremembered San Pasqual winner Neko Bay San Marcos winner Loup Breton and Native Diver winner Mast Track, who also took the 2008 Hollywood Gold Cup. Tiger’s Rock ships in for Pletcher and is cutting back to 10 furlongs after taking the marathon Gallant Fox and Coyote Lake at Aqueduct. Marsh Side, winner of the Grade I Canadian International in 2008, is trying a synthetic track again after finishing poorly in the San Antonio.

The Big 'Cap highlights a Santa Anita card that includes two other Grade Is in the Santa Anita Oaks and Kilroe Mile. In the Oaks, 2-year-old filly champion Blind Luck goes for her first straight Grade I against the lightly-raced by talented hopefuls Crisp and Zilva. In the Kilroe Mile - which produced last year's dual champion Gio Ponti - 2008 winner Ever A Friend returns to defend his title against a solid field that includes the mare Proviso stepping up against males.

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There are no stars entered in today's Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct, the first graded event of the year for 3-year-olds in New York. But the race provides the opportunity to test the waters and perhaps pick up some graded earnings and move on to next month's Wood Memorial.

The first three finishers from the listed Whirlaway Stakes Feb. 6 at Aqueduct all return for another crack today. Peppi Knows wound up getting an easy trip and coasting to the win after favored Eightfiveinafifty blew the first turn and did not finish. The gelding, who also won the Finger Lakes Juvenile and finished second to Buddy’s Saint in the Remsen last fall, is 6-4-1-1 lifetime and keeps the services of jockey Richie Migliore. They break from post 6.

Afleet Again made a mild rally to finish second in the Whirlaway and Three Day Rush, a Todd Pletcher trainee, who has been off the board just once in seven starts, was third after encountering trouble on the first turn when Eightyfiveinafifty bolted.

The morning-line favorite is European shipper Awesome Act, an English-based colt who most recently was fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. The colt gets the services of 2009 Eclipse winning rider Julien Leparoux.

Wayne Lukas sends in Wow Wow Wow for socialite Marylou Whitney. The colt was eighth in his only stakes try in the Smarty Jones, but most recently was a solid allowance winner at Oaklawn. Corey Nakatani, who is now based at Oaklawn, comes in to ride.

Yawanna Twist is stretching out around two turns for the first time after beating New York-bred rivals by a combined 10 lengths in his first two starts. He gets the services of Hall of Fame rider Edgar Prado.

Nacho Friend is making his first start since finishing a close fourth in the Sanford last summer at Saratoga. Turf Melody, unplaced in the Lecomte Stakes, completes the field.

The Gotham is the feature on Aqueduct’s 11-race card that includes two other stakes. Wall Street Wonder, winner of the Paumonok on Jan. 23, tries graded company for the first time in the 117th running of the Grade III Toboggan. Rival Custom For Carlos is coming off back-to-back stakes wins, including the Grade III Mr. Prospector at Gulfstream. Three-year-old sprinters take the stage in the 109th running of the Fred "Cappy" Capossela.

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Fillies and mares hoping for an invitation to take on Rachel and Zenyatta in next month's Apple Blossom will get a chance to make an impression in today's local prep, the Grade III Azeri Stakes. Just Jenda, a two-time Grade III winner last year, is making her season debut for Cindy and Larry Jones.

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Paddy o' Prado and Dean's Kitten, both of whom broke their maidens at Saratoga, have outside shots in today's Grade III Palm Beach Stakes for 3-year-olds at Gulfstream.

The nine-furlong event is more notable for who's not in the gate than who is running. Todd Pletcher's stakes-winning colt Interactif and maiden winner Lentenor - the full brother to Barbaro - were both considered strong contenders, but will instead wait for a spot to try dirt.

When he's right, he's right. In his most spectacular performance yet, Quality Road served notice that we'd better not concede the entire season to the ladies just yet, running away with the Grade I Donn Handicap.

The highweight at 123, Quality Road sat in second throughout, took command on the far turn, and steadily drew away under no urging from Johnny Velazquez to win by nearly 13. His time of 1:47.49 broke his own track record of 1:47.72 that he set in last year's Florida Derby.

Quality Road showed flashes of brilliance last year - winning the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby and setting a Saratoga track record in the Amsterdam - but also struggled with quarter cracks, muddy tracks and gate issues. Trainer Todd Pletcher hopes that is behind the colt now; he says Quality Road will be freshened and pointed to the Met Mile.

"He’s got a very high cruising speed and can go 46 and 1:09 and still keep going. Not many horses can do that and he was spotting weight to all those horses, six pounds or more," Pletcher said. "The plan for him here all along was to run in the Hal’s Hope and then the Donn, give him a little break, and then point for the Met Mile and the big races at Saratoga before the Breeders’ Cup Classic in the fall."

Dry Martini, winner of last year's Suburban, rallied for second and Delightful Kiss came from last to be third.

Quality Road's performance helped erase some of the sting of the day for Pletcher, as he saw his Take the Points cross the line first in the Grade I Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap only to be disqualified.

Coming down the stretch, Kent Desormeaux, on Yate's Black Cat, went for a hole between pacesetter Le Grand Cru on the rail and a closing Take the Points. But the hole was moving faster than he was, Le Grand Cru was holding his ground at the rail, and Take the Points worsened the problem by drifting in under right-handed urging from Edgar Prado. Yate's Black Cat clipped heels badly in traffic and stumbled.

Following a steward's inquiry, Take the Points was placed fifth. Pletcher says he'll consider an appeal since Take the Points wasn't solely to blame for the issue.

The beneficiary was Court Vision, who closed on the outside to be second and was moved up to first with the DQ. The winner of last year's Shadwell Mile, the 5-year-old was ridden by Robby Albarado for Rick Dutrow and IEAH Stables. Never on Sunday was second and Le Grand Cru third.

Also on the card, Tottie won the Grade III Suwanee River over Cable and In My Glory.

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Peppi Knows scored his second stakes win in the Whirlaway at Aqueduct after favored Eightyfiveinafifty took himself out of the race on the first turn.

Eightyfiveinafifty was rank while being rushed up to the lead in the first quarter mile under Jorge Chavez. He then blew the turn and Chavez, sensing it wasn't his day, attempted to pull him up along the outside rail. At some point, however, the bit and reins broke, causing Chavez to lose control of the colt. Eightyfiveinafifty jumped both outside rails, tossing Chavez, and ran back through the stable area, where he was caught by a stable gate employee before he could escape onto the highway.

Trainer Gary Contessa says he'll go back to the drawing board with the colt, who was physically fine except for a cut on his hind leg that needed stitches.

"He'll need a couple of stitches. I'll need a Valium," Contessa quipped.

Chavez complained of back pain and will take off his lone mount Sunday; X-rays were negative and he's expected to ride again Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Peppi Knows led wire to wire but was shortening stride at the end, just holding off a closing Afleet Again. Richie Migliore, in his second day back after sustaining a mild concussion, rode the winner.

The winner flattered the form of Buddy's Saint, who he finished second behind in last fall's Remsen. Peppi Knows also won the Finger Lakes Juvenile Stakes in October.

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A pair of horses who were on last year's Triple Crown trail turned in solid performances on Saturday. In the Essex Handicap at Oaklawn, Racing Bran upset favored Win Willy, but the second was an encouraging effort from a promising colt who missed last year's Triple Crown with an injury.

In his first start since finishing third in the Preakness, Musket Man held off Guam Typhoon to win the Super Stakes at Tampa by a neck.

Musket Man, who is 6-for-9 lifetime, also won the Illinois Derby and was third in the Kentucky Derby last year.

Quality Road endured a rocky 3-year-old season but looks to be well on his way to a solid 4-year-old campaign. He'll try to affirm that progress Saturday in the Grade I Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park, the first major race of the year for older horses.

Quality Road won the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby at Gulfstream in the spring, then missed the Triple Crown with quarter cracks. Transferred to trainer Todd Pletcher, he returned to set a track record in the Amsterdam at Saratoga, but then ran third in the Travers and Jockey Club Gold Cup while behaving poorly at the gate each time. Entered in the Breeders' Cup Classic, he refused to enter the gate and then panicked while blindfolded, requiring him to be scratched. Following extensive gate schooling with former NYRA starter Bob Duncan, he returned for a workmanlike and well-behaved score in the Grade III Hal's Hope on Gulfstream's opening day and appears poised to move forward from here. The son of Elusive Quality drew the four for the nine furlong contest under regular rider Johnny Velazquez and will go off the favorite. He carries highweight of 123, giving between six to 10 pounds to his nine rivals.

Several other horses who have performed well at Gulfstream in recent weeks will return here. You and I Forever challenged Quality Road around the far turn in the Hal's Hope before his rival pulled away. The son of standout filly You returns here and will break from the two under Elvis Trujillo for trainer Marty Wolfson. Duke of Mischief, who leaves from three under Eibar Coa, rallied from the back to catch Kiss The Kid by a neck in the Fort Lauderdale here last month. Kiss The Kid is also back and drew the rail under Eddie Castro. Mambo Meister (Kent Desormeaux, post 8) was third in the Fort Lauderdale; Dry Martini (Javier Castellano, post 5), who also won the Suburban last summer at Belmont, was fourth.

Multiple graded-placed Past the Point (Edgar Prado, post 6), Helsinki (Robby Albarado, post 7), Dubai Gold (Jose Lezcano, post 9) and the veteran campaigner Delightful Kiss (Juan Levya, post 10) complete the field.

Also on the Gulfstream card is the Grade I Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap at nine furlongs. Court Vision leaves from the five under Albarado for trainer Rick Dutrow. The multiple Grade I winner has earned over $1.5 million and took the Shadwell Mile last fall; he hasn't started since finishing a good fourth in the Breeders' Cup Mile. Take the Points breaks from the five under Prado for Pletcher. He enjoyed a solid 3-year-old campaign once moved to the lawn last summer, winning the Grade I Secretariat and Jamacia. But most recently he was off the board in the Hollywood Derby.

Lady Shakespeare, a full sister to multiple Grade I winner Shakespeare, headlines the Grade III Suwanee River Stakes. The filly won the Ontario Colleen last year and finished second in the Marshua's River here last time out.

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The speedy Eightyfiveinafifty looks to take a step up in class and see if he can get on the Triple Crown trail in Aqueduct's Whirlaway Stakes, the first of New York's preps leading up to the Wood Memorial. He's the clear standout in a field of six for the mile and a sixteenth race, his first try around two turns. The son of Forest Camp drew attention by blitzing his way to a 17 1/2 maiden win here last month, finishing in 1:10.85 for six furlongs. The colt, who was third in his career debut at Saratoga last summer, has worked sharply for this. There's no doubt he will be out front early and ensure an honest pace, but the question is how far he can carry his speed.

Pletcher sends out Three Day Rush, winner of the Monmouth Park NATC Futurity and most recently, a Gulfstream allowance. He leaves from the five under David Cohen, who's enjoying a successful inner track meet.

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Two solid horses are looking to return to their past form as older campaigners go a mile and a sixteenth in the Essex Handicap at Oaklawn. Jonesboro, who has earned over $1.4 million, drew the rail and is the highweight at 120. The multiple graded winner likes this track; he won the Essex three years ago, the Razorback two years ago and was this in the Oaklawn Handicap last year. But most recently, he finished last in the Ack Ack. Abel Castellano rides today.

Win Willy was expected to make some noise on the Triple Crown trail last year - he won the Rebel here, handing multiple stakeswinner Old Fashioned his first loss, then was fourth in the Arkansas Derby (behind San Fernando winner Papa Clem, Old Fashioned and champion Summer Bird). However, he was injured training Derby week and laid off for several months. He has a win and a third in three starts back, with that win coming at Oaklawn in an optional event last time out. Cliff Berry is in the irons.

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Santa Anita was scheduled to run a card with three graded stakes - the Grade I Las Virgenes and the Grade II Strub and Robert B. Lewis. But heavy rain in the Arcadia area and poor drainage led to the cancellation of live racing for Saturday. The track has struggled with poor drainage as California has experienced heavy rains this winter; several weeks ago, Santa Anita lost nearly a week of racing to the weather.

Despite a deep field and the presence of an Eclipse champion, Bickersons turned the Forward Gal into a laugher at Gulfstream on Saturday, romping to a seven-length score in the Grade II event.

The filly, winner of the Moccasin Stakes during an up-and-down campaign in California last fall, broke alertly under Joe Bravo and stalked the pace set by previously unbeaten Richiegirlgonewild. Bickersons took over approaching the quarter pole and the outcome was never in doubt from there.

Longshot Joanie's Catch made a noteworthy rally up the inside for second and Liam's Dream was third after a troubled trip. She Be Wild, making her first start since winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies to cap her Eclipse campaign, raced wide throughout but never really fired, finishing an even fifth.

Meanwhile, on the undercard, Drosselmeyer won a nine furlong allowance to stamp himself as a 3-year-old to watch on the Florida road to the Derby. The Bill Mott trainee showed poise and determination in waiting for a hole to open in the stretch before edging away late under Kent Desormeaux.

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Gabby's Golden Gal may be ready to live up to the promise she showed last season, as the 4-year-old upset the Grade I La Brea at Santa Anita.

Under a patient ride from Martin Garcia, the daughter of Medaglia d'Oro settled nicely off the pace before running down the leaders in the final furlong.

Proviso closed steadily for the place; Free Flying Soul, who led at the top of the lane, faded to third. Grade I winners Evita Argentina and Diamondrella never fired.

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The Coyote Lakes Stakes, the feature at Aqueduct on Sunday, was a carbon copy of the Gallant Fox run over the same conditions a month ago. The Todd Pletcher trainee Tiger's Rock wore down stablemate Nite Light to win the marathon event. Giant Chieftain once again rounded out the trifecta.

The time for the 1 5/8 miles was 2:45.07, significantly better than the 2:47.34 Tiger's Rock turned in in the Gallant Fox on New Year's Eve.

Eclipse champion 2-year-old filly She Be Wild makes her 2010 debut in a loaded field, as she goes postward this afternoon in the Grade II Forward Gal Stakes at Gulfstream.

The daughter of Offlee Wild has won four of five starts, with her only defeat a second in the Grade I Alcibiades. Last time out, she won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies under jockey Julien Leparoux (himself now an Eclipse winner), who will be back aboard today. A Wayne Catalano trainee, She Be Wild is making her first start on conventional dirt and breaks from post 6 in a full field of 13 for the seven furlong event.

The multiple-Grade I -placed Bickersons returns from California, where she won the Moccasin Stakes at Hollywood in late 2009. Joe Bravo will be aboard as they break from far outside, in post 12.

Ailalea won the Grade III Tempted at Aqueduct last time out and the undefeated Richiegirlgonewild won the six furlong, Grade III Old Hat Stakes here last time out. The presence of Richiegirlgonewild, who hasn't yet been beyond six furlongs, ensures a fast pace, and a filly like Ailalea could benefit. Edgar Prado is aboard the daughter of Pulpit for Todd Pletcher.

A nine furlong allowance on the Forward Gal undercard includes a couple of interesting 3-year-olds who will be trying to step up into the Fountain of Youth Stakes in late February.

Bill Mott sends out Drosselmeyer, a son of Distorted Humor and the Grade I winner Golden Ballet. The colt broke his maiden last November at Churchill Downs when stretched out to a mile around two turns. Kent Desormeaux was aboard and will be back up today. Pulsion was second in the Norfolk to eventual 2-year-old champion Lookin at Lucky. He finished off the board with a troubled trip in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and runs back for the first time today. Leparoux will be aboard for trainer Patrick Biancone.

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Evita Argentina makes her 4-year-old debut in the Grade I, seven furlong Santa Monica at Santa Anita. The filly defeated males in the San Vicinte last spring, knocked off older females in the A Gleam at Hollywood over the summer, and capped off her year with a last-to-first win in the Grade I La Brea here in late December. Regular rider Joel Rosario is aboard the daughter of Candy Ride, as she breaks from the three under co-highweight of 120 pounds.

Free Flying Soul was third in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint; she followed that performance up with wins in the ungraded Winter Stakes and Kalookan Queen Handicap. Mike Smith is aboard this contender, who breaks from the six.

Proviso, a solid competitor overseas, crossed the wire first but was disqualified in the Spinster last fall, then was fourth in the Ladies' Classic; she returns from that freshening and breaks from the seven under Rafael Bejerano. Diamondrella, a two-time Grade I winner in 2009, drew the rail under Garrett Gomez. Gabby's Golden Gal won the Acorn last June, but returned from a five-month layoff to finish off the board here in the La Brea. She drew the outside post, 11, under Martin Garcia.

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In modern American racing, where speed on the dirt is prized above anything and horses with those qualities often head to the breeding shed early, that veteran main-track marathoner is the rarest of creatures. The best on the New York circuit meet again in this afternoon’s Coyote Lakes Stakes at Aqueduct, a 1 5/8 mile affair.

Tiger’s Rock and Nite Light, Todd Pletcher stablemates who ran 1-2 in the Gallant Fox over this same trip on New Year’s Eve, headline the field. Tiger’s Rock was relatively inexperienced when he upset that race by four lengths; he has three wins, all at 12 furlongs or more, from just six starts. He gets David Cohen aboard and leaves from the outside post in the field of seven.

Nite Light, a son of champion mare Lite Light, drew the rail under leading rider Ramon Dominguez and could control the pace from there. He kept good company last year, finishing second to the gritty Awesome Gem in the Grade II Hawthorne Gold Cup; he won the Greenwood Cup Stakes and the Turfway Park Fall Championship, both at 12 furlongs. Nite Light was a beaten favorite in the Gallant Fox, but was rounding back into form after a cross-country trip to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

Giant Chieftan was third in the Gallant Fox after running ride throughout. He leaves from the three under Channing Hill. The 7-year-old New York bred mare Borrowing Base meets males again. She won the Power Lunch Stakes at 1 ¾ miles two races back, defeating multiple stakeswinner Atoned. Fellow entrant Jane’s Kid was third in that race. Precursor won the Proud Truth here in October.

In the headline event of the annual Sunshine Millions program, the popular California-bred Bold Chieftain prevailed in a thrilling stretch drive to take the $500,000 Classic.

The 7-year-old campaigner wove through traffic under Russell Baze and found a narrow gap in the stretch, splitting horses late to prevail by a neck over Palladio.

"This ranks right up there with any race I've ever won, anywhere," Baze said. "We were in some pretty tight straights there turning for home. I didn't know if I was going to get through or not, but a hole presented itself coming to the three-sixteenths and we got through but then I had to check up and we clipped heels. Even though we got through, I had [Unusual Smoke] laying on me and it's hard for a horse to move when he's got horses laying on him like that, but he did it."

Palladio, a Florida-bred 8-year-old, held off 50-1 shot Unusual Smoke for the place. Favored The Usual QT had a six-race win streak, all on the turf, snapped as he switched to Pro-Ride. The colt appeared to handle the surface well early, tugging his way into a stalking second behind early leader Enriched, but he faded badly down the stretch to be last.

Also at Santa Anita, Quisisana rallied four wide for the lead and held on by a nose over a hard-charging Dubai Majesty to score her first stakes win in the Filly and Mare Sprint. Dubai Majesty was second in this event for the second year in a row. In the Filly and Mare Turf, favored Tight Precision won under a patient ride from Joel Rosario.

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The highlight of the Gulfstream Park portion of the card was the Sprint, which featured a blazingly fast and exciting duel between This Ones for Phil and Pashito the Che. The two hooked up out of the gate and blitzed through early fractions of 21.46 and 43.23. They were open lengths ahead of the field through five furlongs in 55.31 and came down to the wire nose to nose, with This Ones for Phil prevailing by the slimmest of margins in 1:08.81.

"When I saw [Pashito the Che] on the lead, I knew he was the horse to beat so I got right after him," jockey Johnny Velazquez said. "At the three-sixteenth’s pole I got head-to-head with him, and from then on it was both of those horses. They fought every step of the way, all the way home, and it was just the luck of bob to me, I guess. When you get to ride horses like this, and they run the way those two did, it’s very exciting."

In his first start off the claim for trainer Marty Wolfson, Jet Propulsion dictated the pace and earned a frontrunning win in the Turf under newly-minted Eclipse winner Julien Leparoux. Jet Propulsion's uncoupled stablemate Pickapocket made up some ground late for the place. Earlier, Sweet Repent made it two straight stakes wins by cruising to a daylight win in the Distaff.

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Aqueduct cancelled due to extreme cold after just three races - but one of the ones they did get in was the 70th running of the Correction Handicap. Hold That Prospect led from start to finish to earn her first stakes win in a 7 1/2 length romp under Jorge Chavez.

Heaven's Voice stumbled at the start but closed from far back to nose out Fascinatin' Rhythm for second.

State-bred showcase days often offer contentious, intriguing fields and a fun chance to feature fan favorites. The Sunshine Millions, one of the more innovative of these showcases, is no exception. The brainchild of Frank Stronach, the program consists of six races (two were cut this year to save the purses of the others) limited to horses bred in Florida or California. Three races are run at Santa Anita, the other three at Gulfstream Park, with the locales trading races each year. The eighth annual rendition of the event is this afternoon.

The highlight of the program will be the $500,000 Sunshine Millions Classic, to be run at Santa Anita this year. A standout on class is The Usual QT, who puts a six-race win streak on the line while switching from turf to the Pro-Ride main track. Three of those victories came in stakes, including the Grade I Hollywood Derby. The Usual QT, making his 4-year-old debut, leaves from post seven in an expected field of 10 under Victor Espinoza.
The colt's chief competition could come from the popular California campaigner Bold Chieftain, who breaks from the nine under Russell Baze. The 7-year-old, who has earned over $1.1 million lifetime, ended his 2009 campaign with wins in the Governors Handicap, California Cup Classic and San Quentin Handicap.

Also on the Santa Anita portion of the card:
Filly and Mare Sprint: Last year's 1-2 finishers in this event, High Resolve and Dubai Majesty, return for a rematch. Both could be compromised by the draw in a full field for the six furlong event; High Resolve drew the 11 under Baze and Dubai Majesty breaks from 10 under Jamie Theriot.
Filly and Mare Turf: Pretty Unusual wheels back after upsetting the Grade II El Encino on Jan. 17. She was the second graded winner in as many days for Chantal Sutherland, who will be back aboard today.

On the Gulfstream portion of the card:
Sprint: This figures to be a blazingly fast affair between This Ones For Phil and Pashito the Che. This Ones For Phil won the now-defunct Sunshine Millions Dash last year and competed successfully in graded company in the spring; he returned from a five-month break to win an optional event at Laurel last time out. Johnny Velazquez will be aboard for trainer Rick Dutrow, and they leave from the six. Pashito the Che breaks from the four under Eibar Coa and adds blinkers for the first time. He won the Gallant Bob and Jack Dudley Sprint last fall and was second in the Gravesend at Aqueduct last time out. An upset threat is Accredit, who won the Grade II Churchill Downs Stakes last year and gets the services of Eclipse champion jockey Julien Leparoux.
Distaff: Sweet Repent came on late to nip Amazing by a nose in the Grade III Stage Door Betty at Calder last time out. Both return for a rematch today - and Sweet Repent gets an extra sixteenth of a mile to rally into.
Turf: Duke of Mischief, who spent some time on the major 3-year-old circuit last year, won the Grade III Fort Lauderdale here last time out and figures in this spot. He breaks from the three under Coa. Soldier's Dancer, who has battled minor injuries throughout his career and continually returns to compete at the stakes level, was second in this race last year. He won the PTHA Presidents Cup and the Bonnie Heath Turf Cup leading into this and drew post 8 under Manuel Cruz.
Former claimer Jet Propulsion gets the services of Leparoux. The 7-year-old is 44-12-10-3 lifetime, including several graded placings, and has earned nearly $400,000.

Meanwhile, at Aqueduct, a small but contentious field of five fillies and mares goes six furlongs in the listed Correction Handicap. Hold That Prospect, a 2-1 shot on the morning line, breaks from the five under Jorge Chavez and has the speed to control the race from the outset. She is 11-for-25 lifetime and sports a mark of 6-4-1-0 since trainer Gary Gullo claimed her last March; she also has an affinity for Aqueduct, winning an optional claimer and a starter handicap here in the fall.
Fascinatin’ Rhythm kept solid company in 2009; she finished third in the Grade II Fritchie at Laurel behind Royale Michele and Seventh Street, who went on to win the Grade I Go For Wand at Saratoga. The Laurel-based mare breaks from the three under Rosie Napravnik, who has enjoyed a solid winter in New York.
Fascinatin’ Rhythm and fellow Correction entrant Heaven’s Voice were 2-3 in the Squan Song at Laurel last out. Heaven’s Voice picks up the services of leading rider Ramon Dominguez and leaves from the two. What Time It Is, on the rail, won twice and was third in a handicap in five starts last year, but is making her first start since June 6. Rounding out the field is the Brazilian-bred Bright Halo, the 2007 champion 2-year-old filly in Uruguay. She has seven wins from nine lifetime starts, but missed the board in her first start in this country.

The Florida path to the Kentucky Derby gets underway this afternoon with the running of the Grade III Holy Bull Stakes, as nine colts go a mile.

Headlining the field is the intriguing prospect Jackson Bend. The colt has won five straight races, at up to a mile and a sixteenth, and swept a set of ungraded events in the Florida Stallion Stakes. In doing so, he defeated highly regarded New York stakeswinner D'Funnybone and the speedy Thank U Philippe, who he meets again today. Following his win in the In Reality Stakes, Jackson Bend was purchased by Robert LaPenta and transferred to Nick Zito; the colt makes his first start for the New York-based trainer today and breaks from the nine under Jeremy Rose, who also rides him for the first time.

Grade I winner Homeboykris drew post 2 under Edgar Prado. The son of Roman Ruler upset a well-regarded field to take the Champagne at Belmont. However, he was a distant fifth in the Remsen last time out behind Buddy's Saint.

Several other starters haven't broken through in a stakes yet but have shown promise. Todd Pletcher sends out Aikenite under regular rider Johnny Velazquez; the colt was third in the Hopeful at Saratoga, second in the Breeders' Futurity and a troubled fifth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He breaks from the eight. Piscitelli drew the four under Kent Desormeaux; the colt set the pace in the Juvenile and finished fourth, beaten less than a length by winner Vale of York. Winslow Homer broke his maiden at Saratoga, then won an allowance by more than a dozen lengths in Philadelphia. He gets NYRA leading rider Ramon Dominguez and breaks from post 6.

Thank U Philippe, who was also second to Buddy's Saint in the Nashua, is expected to set the pace; he gets blinkers on and leaves from the rail under Eddie Castro. Litigation Risk (Alan Garcia, post 3), William's Kitten (Julien Leparoux, post 5) and Wild Lime (Jose Lezcano, post 7) complete the field.

The Florida route to the Derby, which continues with the Fountain of Youth Feb. 20 and the Florida Derby March 20, has been a successful one in recent years, sending Barbaro in 2006 and Big Brown in 2008 to Derby victory.

Meanwhile in Louisiana, a big field of 11 will face off in the Grade III, $100,000 Lecomte at the Fair Grounds. The Louisiana series continues with the Risen Star on Feb. 20 and the Louisiana Derby March 27.

The morning-line favorite for the LeComte is Citrus Kid, who won the Dover Stakes at a mile and a sixteenth and finished third in the Remsen behind Buddy's Saint. He breaks from the five under Miguel Mena.

Maximus Ruler breaks from the rail under Francisco Torres. The colt has shown promise, finishing a troubled third in his debut before scoring in a mile allowance at Churchill Downs.

Turf Melody (Jose Valdivia, post 2) is the only three-time winner in the field, including the Springboard Mile Stakes. Worldly (Robby Albarado, post 3) is a full brother to the multiple stakeswinner Suave; he finished third in the Kentucky Jockey Club behind Super Saver last fall.

Not all the stakes action today is for 3-year-olds, however. Earlier at the Fair Grounds, two horses who were on the Derby trail last year meet in the Louisiana Handicap. Friesan Fire and General Quarters are each making the first start of their 4-year-old campaigns and just the second start off injuries both suffered in the Preakness. Friesan Fire, who won the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby last spring, was third in an allowance optional claiming event in his comeback Dec. 3. General Quarters, who won the Blue Grass last April, was second under similar conditions on Dec. 26.

Elsewhere, Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Dancing in Silks will make his 2010 debut in the Grade II Palos Verdes Handicap at Santa Anita. The California track is resuming racing today after storms that forced the cancellation of three cards this week.