The first Saturday of 2012 features a pair of early-season Triple Crown preps on opposite coasts.

The series of New York races leading up to the classics gets underway with the Count Fleet Stakes at a mile and 70 yards at Aqueduct. With the purse rising from $65,000 to $150,000, the event has attracted a solid field, led by Alpha and Stephanoatsee.

Alpha, trained by Kiaran McLaughlin for Goldolphin, was an impressive maiden winner at Saratoga before running second in the Champagne. He left his race in the starting gate when 11th in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. The son of Bernardini is a major player if he arrives in top mental form here.

Stephanoatsee is a half-brother to three graded winners, including Preakness hero Shackleford and Alabama winner Lady Joanne. Trained by Graham Motion, the son of AP Indy, who broke his maiden at Laurel last fall, was seven in the Remsen last November, but was victimized by a slow pace.

New York’s prep series continues with the $200,000 Withers (G3) on Feb. 4, the $400,000 Gotham (G3) on March 3 and the $1 million Wood Memorial (G1) April 7. It will be fascinating to see how the fields shape up with these increased purses.

Meanwhile, Santa Anita cards the Grade 3 Sham Stakes, featuring the 3-year-old debut of Secret Circle. The son of Eddington went 3-for-3 in 2011, capping his season with a victory in the inaugural Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint. However, the one-mile Sham marks his first start beyond six furlongs - a clear turning point for the colt, owned by Mike Pegram and trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert.

Hierro, an impressive maiden winner at the Churchill Downs fall meet for Steve Asmussen, makes his stakes debut here. The colt is by Hard Spun, one of the top freshman sires of 2011.

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.

Misremembered, a talented colt who has been knocking at the door with three straight second-place finishes in major stakes, finally broke through for Hall of Famer Bob Baffert with a game victory in the Santa Anita Handicap.

Misremembered stalked the pace set by 2008 Hollywood Gold Cup winner Rail Trip, took command when that rival began to fade badly, and grimly held off a hard-charging Neko Bay, who found room on the rail late.

The chestnut emerged from the win in good shape and Baffert said Monday that he's considering shipping the colt to Oaklawn Park for the Oaklawn Handicap on April 3. It would continue the trainer's assault on the Arkansas track - he shipped in Conveyance to take the Southwest last month and plans to send 2-year-old champion Lookin at Lucky for this weekend's Rebel Stakes.

Misremembered figures to be a threat wherever he goes, as he's already proved himself competent on a variety of surfaces, winning the Swaps at Hollywood, the Indiana Derby at Hoosier, finishing second in the Clark at Churchill and finishing second in the Malibu and Strub before Saturday's breakthrough score at Santa Anita.

Neko Bay, a late-developing 7-year-old who won the San Pasqual in January for his first graded score, gave another solid accounting of himself. The top two were followed by the consistent Dakota Phone in third, then Jeranimo, Rendevouz, the favored mare St. Trinians who never fired, Marsh Side, Delightful Kiss, Pick Six, Pool Play, Loup Breton, Tiger's Rock, Eagle Poise and Mast Track, who faded.

On the undercard, the lightly-raced but talented Crisp upset 2-year-old champion and heavy favorite Blind Luck to take the Grade I Santa Anita Oaks. The daughter of El Corredor, winner of the Santa Ysabel in January, stalked a moderate pace, took command between rivals in the stretch despite some mild contact and finished well to hold off Blind Luck. The latter, who was bidding for her third straight Grade I, rallied well into the soft pace but had no chance after altering course in midstretch, only finding room on the rail late.

Also on the undercard, Proviso outdueled Fluke to become the first female to win the Grade I Kilroe Mile. The top two were both formerly trained by the late Hall of Famer Bobby Frankel; Proviso was the first major winner for Bill Mott as the new main trainer for Juddmonte Farms.

Alphie's Bet jumped onto the Santa Anita Derby trail with a win in the Grade III Sham Stakes.

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Gotham Stakes winner Awesome Act arrived safely at Belmont Park postrace and will resume training this weekend to point for the Grade I Wood Memorial.

The English-based son of Awesome Again arrived in New York last Wednesday and was making his first start on dirt in the Gotham for trainer Jeremy Noseda after running on turf and synthetics last year. His only previous career victory came in a maiden on the turf in England; prior to last weekend, he was last seen finishing fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita in November.

Under Eclipse winning jockey Julien Leparoux, Awesome Act came rallied four wide on the turn and pulled away to defeat Yawanna Twist, who suffered his first defeat in three starts, by just over a length.

Nacho Friend was third, followed by Turf Melody, Shrimp Dancer, Peppi Knows, I’ve Got the Fever, Wow Wow Wow, Three Day Rush and Afleet Again.

In other stakes at Aqueduct on Saturday, Wall Street Wonder outdueled Custom For Carlos to win the Toboggan and Canestada wired the field in the Fred "Cappy" Capossela.

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.

Trainer Todd Pletcher, still in search of his first Kentucky Derby victory, looks to be loaded for bear once again just 10 weeks out from the Run for the Roses.

Pletcher’s Eskendereya ran away with the Grade II Foun¬tain of Youth Stakes on Saturday afternoon at Gulfstream, coasting to an 8 ½ length score under Johnny Velazquez.

"You’ve got to be excited when they perform like that in these kind of races at this time of year," Pletcher said. "I was particularly pleased with the way he finished. I don’t think we’ve ever gotten to the bottom of him."

Buddy’s Saint, making his 3-year-old debut after authoritative wins in the Nashua and Remsen last fall in New York, went off the 9-5 favorite. But the colt was knocked out of contention on the first turn. After breaking aggressively, he went for an opening on the rail and was jostled hard by Aikenite, appearing to bounce off the rail several times. Jose Lezcano eventually got the colt in the clear, but he had little left and finished ninth of 10.

"The other horses came in like nothing," Lezcano said. "I was already in a spot and they came in and killed my horse, put him into the rail. He came back a little bit to run, but I was out of the race by then because of what happened."

Meanwhile, Eskendereya was stalking the pace set by Lost Aptitude, who reeled off splits of :23.72 and :47.92 early. Eskendereya, a son of Giant’s Causeway, pounced on the far turn and drew away late for the convincing win, stopping the clock in 1:48.87 for the nine furlongs.

"It was great feeling when he kicked in and accelerated away from them," Velazquez said. "He galloped out really well, and I hope he can learn to relax just a bit more in the first part of the race. If he does, I don’t think he’ll have any trou¬ble going further."

Multiple stakeswinner Jackson Bend, who was sent off the second choice for trainer Nick Zito, tried to stay with the winner around the turn but wound up a distant second under Jeremy Rose. He did dig in well to hold off a mild rally from Aikenite, also trained by Pletcher.

"My horse ran his heart out," Rose said.

Eskendereya finished second in his career debut on closing day at Saratoga last September, then broke his maiden in the Pilgrim Stakes at Belmont when it was taken off the turf. Following a lackluster effort in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, he won a one-mile allowance in his 3-year-old debut Jan. 7 at Gulfstream.

Pletcher said he’ll likely point Eskendereya to the Florida Derby on March 27. He would join stablemate Rule, who took last weekend’s Sam F. Davis Stakes, in the race.

Zito added that Jackson Bend is likely headed to the Wood Memorial.

The top three were followed by Pleasant Prince, Ice Box, Pulsion, Positive Split, Prince Will I Am, the troubled Buddy’s Saint and Lost Aptitude.

On the Fountain of Youth undercard, D’Funnybone took the Hutcheson Stakes under Edgar Prado, validating the form he showed last year when scoring runaway wins in the Saratoga Special and Belmont Futurity.

Trainer Rick Dutrow said he’ll likely stretch the colt out in the Florida Derby.

Pletcher's outstanding day continued as his Discreetly Mine captured the Risen Star Stakes at the Fair Grounds and Connemara won the El Camino Real Derby.

Discreetly Mine broke through with a stakes win after Grade I placings last year in the Futurity and Champagne. The colt led wire-to-wire under Javier Castellano, with Aqueduct maiden winner Tempted to Tapit second throughout. The winner is likely headed to the Louisiana Derby.

Connemara rallied from last to first to take the El Camino Real in solid fashion. The colt, a half-brother to Lion Heart, is headed to the Santa Anita Derby.

In the day's other Derby prep, San Rafael winner Conveyance improved his record to 4-for-4 lifetime with a wire-to-wire win in the Grade III Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park.

Martin Garcia was up on the colt, who whisked through brisk early splits before finishing up in 1:36.94 for the mile. The Bob Baffert trainee was making his first start outside of California.

Dublin, winner of the Hopeful last summer at Saratoga, was making his 3-year-old debut in the race for Hall of Famer Wayne Lukas. The colt turned in a solid effort; after breaking poorly and with just one horse beaten down the backstretch, he made a sweeping move on the turn and closed strongly for the place.

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Karelian withstood a furious late rally and a stewards' inquiry to stun dual Eclipse champion Gio Ponti in the Tampa Bay Breeders' Cup.

Under Rosemary Homeister, Jr., Karelian (5-1) was allowed to coast through moderate early splits before being confronted by Gio Ponti (1-5) and Ramon Dominguez turning for home. The two battled the length of the stretch, with Karelian winning by a bob. The winner, on the inside, came out significantly down the stretch, but the result was allowed to stand, as the horses did not make contact.

Gio Ponti, who was prepping for the Dubai World Cup, was making his first start since finishing second in the Classic on Nov. 7.

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On the Fountain of Youth undercard, Courageous Cat claimed the Grade III Canadian Turf Stakes with a gritty performance. It was his first start since finishing second to the brilliant Goldikova in the Breeders' Cup Mile.

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Stonehouse upset the Mineshaft Handicap at Fair Grounds on Saturday afternoon after odds-on favorite Friesan Fire faded badly late.

Friesan Fire and General Quarters, 1-2 in the Louisiana Handicap last time out, tracked each other through moderate early fractions. But turning for home, Friesan Fire refused to change leads and dropped out of contention. Stonehouse ranged up between horses and did well to turn back a stubborn General Quarters on the inside.

Before taking the Risen Star, Pletcher and Castellano teamed up to take the Fair Grounds Handicap with Blues Street.

About the only thing that went wrong for Pletcher on Saturday was in the Silverbulletday, when his Grade I winning filly Devil May Car stopped badly in the stretch. Jody Slew scored her second straight stakes win.

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Bob Black Jack made his return to the races a successful one, taking the Grade II San Carlos Handicap with a wire-to-wire performance at Santa Anita.

The 5-year-old, who stopped the clock in 1:21.05, was making his first start since taking the 2008 Malibu Stakes.

Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Dancing In Silks finished fifth as the favorite.

It's already been an interesting time early on the Kentucky Derby trail, with poor weather forcing the shifting of race dates across the country and several key prep winners already sidelined by injury, leaving the door wide open. There's little time left for error; with 10 weeks to go, the road kicks into high gear this weekend.

The highly-regarded Buddy's Saint makes his 3-year-old debut in the Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes, hoping to use this as a springboard into the Florida Derby for longtime New York trainer Bruce Levine. The colt was a runaway winner of the Nashua and the Remsen last fall in New York.

A member of the only crop of 2005 Horse of the Year Saint Liam, Buddy's Saint has never crossed the wire behind another horse; he finished first but was disqualified to second in his career debut.

Out of the Grade I placed Blushing John mare Tuzia, Buddy's Saint should have no issues with the nine furlong distance. He breaks from the two under Jose Lezcano.

Hall of Famer Nick Zito sends out a pair in Jackson Bend and Ice Box. Jackson Bend (Jeremy Rose, post 5) was a multiple stakeswinner last fall in Florida, sweeping the Stallion Series before being transferred to Zito following his sale to Robert LaPenta. Second in the Holy Bull to the since-sidelined Winslow Homer last time out, the colt has won at up to a mile and a sixteenth. Ice Box (Joe Bravo, post 10) was an impressive winner in a nine furlong allowance here last out; both of this son of Pulpit's wins have come around two turns.

Todd Pletcher also starts two in Grade I-placed Aikenite (Alan Garcia, rail) and Pilgrim winner Eskendereya (Johnny Velazquez, post 8).

Norfolk runner-up Pulsion (Mike smith, post 3) makes his 3-year-old debut after illness forced him out of an allowance several weeks ago. Pleasant Price (Julien Leparoux, post 4), Prince Will I Am (CC Lopez, post 6), Positive Split (Edgar Prado, post 7) and Lost Aptitude (Rajiv Maragh, post 9) complete the field.

On the undercard, D'Funnybone makes his 3-year-old debut for trainer Rick Dutrow in the Grade II Hutcheson at seven furlongs. The colt was a runaway winner of the Saratoga Special and the Belmont Futurity last year, but faltered in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

Also on the undercard, Courageous Cat makes his first start since finishing second to the brilliant Goldikova in the Breeders' Cup Mile. He's the favorite in the Grade III Canadian Turf Stakes, and Garrett Gomez comes in to ride for trainer Bill Mott. They break from the seven.

Mechanicville's Chad Brown starts the stakeswinning Bluegrass Princess in the Grade III Honey Fox. Leparoux is aboard the filly, who breaks from the seven. The favorite is the Christophe Clement trainee Akilina, who breaks from six under Maragh.

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Perhaps overshadowed in Florida today is the return of dual champion Gio Ponti in the Tampa Bay Breeders Cup, at a mile and a sixteenth on the turf.

Gio Ponti was named both champion older male and champion turf horse for a campaign last year that included four Grade I wins and two placings, including a second behind Zenyatta in the Classic. The 5-year-old is headed for the March 27 Dubai World Cup for trainer Christophe Clement and figures to get an easy return to the races here; he was installed as the prohibitive 3-5 favorite on the morning line.

Regular rider Ramon Dominguez is aboard, and they leave from the two in the field of nine, with two cross-entries.

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All eyes are already on Oaklawn Park, and today the track hosts the Grade III Southwest Stakes at a mile. The race was originally carded for Monday, Feb. 15, but pushed back due to icy conditions - not the first rescheduling on this year's Triple Crown trail. The Southwest leads into next month's Rebel, and then the April 10 Arkansas Derby. In recent years, this path to the Triple Crown has produced Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex, Curlin and Summer Bird.

Dublin has two wins in five starts lifetime, both coming at Saratoga. He broke his maiden early in the meet, then won the Grade I Hopeful on closing day despite an awkward break. The imposing son of Afleet Alex ended his 2-year-old campaign with disappointing efforts in the Champagne and Iroquois, but looks to be on the rebound; after a minor procedure to improve his breathing, he's turned in bullet works for weeks. Terry Thompson is aboard for the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, and the colt breaks from the three.

The local threat, Dryfly, is 3-for-4 lifetime with a win in the Smarty Jones at a mile here last out. Calvin Borel retains the mount for veteran trainer Lynn Whiting, who is trying to return to the Derby after taking it with Lil E. Tee in 1992. Dryfly breaks from the four.

San Rafael winner Conveyance shipped in from California for the Southwest after the Robert B. Lewis was postponed due to the rain there, then had to wait the extra week anyway. Martin Garcia comes in to ride the Bob Baffert trainee, and they leave from the nine in the field of 10.

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At the Fair Grounds, the promising Drosselmeyer is stepping up in class in the Grade II Risen Star at a mile and a sixteenth.

The son of Distorted Humor, out of Grade I winner Golden Ballet, was an impressive allowance winner last out at Gulfstream, handing adversity professionally. Both of the colt's wins have come around two turns. The Mott trainee keeps Kent Desormeaux aboard, and they break from the six.

Ron The Greek won the Lecomte here last month with a solid late move for trainer Tom Amoss. But he drew far outside, in the 11, under James Graham.

Tempted to Tapit was a runaway maiden winner at Aqueduct in January. The colt is a fruntrunner but bred to go farther; at the very least, he could factor into a solid early pace; he drew post 2, indicating that going to the lead is likely. David Cohen comes in to ride from trainer Steve Klesaris.

Pletcher ships in the speedy Discreetly Mine, runner-up in the Champagne and Futurity, rather than keeping him at home for the Hutcheson. The half-brother to Grade I winner Discreet Cat has Javier Castellano up and breaks from the four.

Three-year-old fillies take the stage on the undercard in the Grade III Silverbulletday at a mile and a sixteenth. The favorite will be Devil May Care, a game winner of the Grade I Frizette last fall. Castellano rides for Pletcher as they break from the outside, post 6, in a short field.

The budding rivalry between Friesan Fire and General Quarters is renewed in the Grade III Mineshaft. Both performed well on the Triple Crown trail last year, with Friesan Fire taking the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby at the Fair Grounds and General Quarters winning the Blue Grass. Both were injured in the Preakness and laid up for the rest of the season, and both returned to action with solid efforts here before moving back to stakes company. Last time out, Friesan Fire held off a steadily closing General Quarters to win the Louisiana Handicap over these same conditions.

General Quarters drew the rail under Robby Albarado for owner-trainer Tom McCarthy, and Friesan Fire breaks from beside him under Shaun Bridgemohan for Steve Asmussen.

Giant Oak has been knocking on the door, finishing second to Misremembered in the Indiana Derby last fall, and then a credible fourth in the Clark. He's been freshened since for his 4-year-old debut. The colt drew the five for the Mineshaft, as trainer Neil Pessian opted to go with this rather than the Fair Grounds Handicap on the turf, where the colt was cross-entered.

In the Grade III Fair Grounds, the veteran campaigner Silverfoot returns from a nearly six month layoff. The multiple graded winner, now 10, has nearly reached millionaire status. Jamie Theriot rides from Dallas Stewart, and the pair drew the three.

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In the Grade II San Carlos Handicap at Santa Anita it could be an epically speedy battle, as Bob Black Jack returns to tackle Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Dancing in Silks.

Bob Black Jack is making his first start since winning the 2008 Malibu Stakes. The brilliantly fast horse set a since-broken world record for six furlongs, going 1:06.53 at Santa Anita in January 2008; he also set a Santa Anita track record for seven furlongs, going the distance in 1:20.37 in December 2007. That mark was shattered by two-time champion Indian Blessing. David Flores is up on Bob Black Jack for trainer James Kasperoff, and drew well, in the two.

Dancing in Silks, who figures to try to run Bob Black Jack down in the lane, won three straight races before upsetting the Sprint. He was third behind Kinsale King in his return last out in the Palos Verdes. Joel Rosario is back aboard the Carla Gaines trainee, and they break from the three.

Longshot St. Trinians ran down Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic winner Life is Sweet to upset the Grade II Santa Maria Handicap on Saturday; both are now headed toward much bigger goals.

St Trinians, an English-bred who is unbeaten in four starts in the United States, will start in the Santa Anita Handicap against males on March 6, rather than meeting Zenyatta a week later in the Santa Margarita. No female has ever won the Big ‘Cap.

Life is Sweet, making her first start since the Nov. 6 Ladies Classic, closed from last to just miss in a solid 2010 debut. Trainer John Shirreffs said the mare is still under consideration for the $10 million Dubai World Cup on March 27. Life is Sweet was third against males in last summer’s Hollywood Gold Cup.

Derby notes

In his season debut, Rule scored a professional, wire-to-wire win in the Grade III Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs. The son of Roman Ruler, already virtually assured a Derby starting spot with his win in the Delta Jackpot to end last season, was winning his third straight stakes.

Rule is out of the Personal Flag mare Rockcide, a half-sister to Funny Cide.

Trainer Todd Pletcher says that the colt will likely step up to Grade I company in the Florida Derby next out.

The California-bred gelding Caracortado remained unbeaten in five starts with an upset win in the rescheduled Robert B. Lewis at a mile and a sixteenth at Santa Anita. The diminutive colt tackled highly-regarded pacesetter Tiz Chrome in upper stretch and pulled away for a workmanlike score. Dave in Dixie closed well for second over American Lion.

Caracortado could clash with 2-year-old champion Lookin at Lucky in next month’s San Felipe.

In other 3-year-old action at Santa Anita, the speedy Sidney’s Candy took the seven-furlong San Vicinte in a gate-to-wire score.

Following his exciting win in Sunday's Grade II San Antonio Handicap, trainer Bob Baffert says Dubai is still the plan for Richard's Kid.

Sent off the favorite, Richard's Kid trailed early behind a slow pace and still had eight lengths to make up on the leaders with under a half mile to go. He rallied furiously up the inside to nip Dakota Phone by a head.

Baffert says the horse emerged for the race in good shape; a shipping date hasn't been decided yet. Richard's Kid was purchased by Sheikh Rashid's Zabeel Racing last month with the specific intent of pointing for the Dubai World Cup. The $10 million race, the richest in the world, will be held at Dubai's new Meydan Racecourse on March 27.

While Nad al Sheba, the track on which the World Cup was run since its 1996 inception, is dirt, Meydan uses a synthetic surface. Richard's Kid has two wins, a second and a third in five stakes starts on synthetic surfaces in California; in addition to the San Antonio, he won the Grade I Pacific Classic in September.

Baffert has won the World Cup twice, with Silver Charm in 1998 and Captain Steve in 2001.

After yesterday's stakes-rich card was rained out, Santa Anita returns to action today and hosts a solid field in the Grade II San Antonio Handicap.

Mast Track has a high cruising speed that can put him on or near the lead and he'll be dangerous if he gets loose. The winner of the 2008 Hollywood Gold Cup, he took the Grade III Native Diver in December for trainer Humberto Asicano, who took over following the death of Hall of Famer Bobby Frankel. He was then transferred to trainer John Shirreffs. Mike Smith will be aboard and they leave from the three.

Richard's Kid, a synthetic specialist, scored an upset in the Grade I Pacific Classic last summer but hasn't won since, turning in a good effort in the Goodwood before struggling in the Breeders' Cup Classic. Trainer Bob Baffert would like to head for the Dubai World Cup if Richard's Kid performs well here; he'll give Garrett Gomez a leg up, and the pair drew post 8.

Furthest Land, winner of the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, will look to atone after finishing last as the favorite in the Grade II San Pasqual Handicap. Trainer Mike Maker wasn't pleased with the ride Gomez turned in in that race; Julien Leparoux, who rode Furthest Land to the Breeders' Cup win, is back aboard today. They leave from the outside post, 11.

Also in the mix are turf specialist Marsh Side (Joel Rosario, post 2), last year's San Fernando winner Nownownow (Joe Talamo, post 10) and the consistent Dakota Phone (Martin Garcia, post 7).

Santa Anita's three graded stakes from yesterday's card - the Grade I Las Virgenes and the Grade II Strub and Robert B. Lewis - have been rescheduled for Feb. 13.

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Interactif makes his 3-year-old debut in the Grade III Hallandale Beach at Gulfstream, a mile and sixteenth affair on the turf.

The colt won the With Anticipation on the turf at Saratoga last summer, then took the Grade III Bourbon at Keeneland. He was last seen finishing third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf.

Kent Desormeaux will be aboard for Todd Pletcher.

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.