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Handicap Division Road to the BC Classic - Dirt Routes for older males
There were five graded stakes in January in what should be a fascinating division to watch this year. BRASS HAT started things off with an easy victory in the New Orleans Handicap (G2). The 9 furlong race was run for the first (and hopefully last) time at Louisiana Downs due to damage from Hurricane Katrina to Fairgrounds Race Course.
ON THIN ICE won the Hals Hope (G3) at Gulfstream Park, also at a mile and one-eighth.
Winner of last years Louisiana Derby (G2), HIGH LIMIT looked in top form as a four-year-old with a nose victory over BUCKLAND MANOR in the San Pasqual at a mile and one sixteenth at Santa Anita.
Also at Santa Anita, UNBRIDLED ENERGY won the San Fernando BC Stakes (G2) at a mile and a sixteenth.
The mile and a sixteenth Aqueduct Handicap (G3), conveniently held at Aqueduct Racetrack, was won by HAPPY HUNTING.
Handicap Division Road to the BC Distaff - Dirt Routes for older females
PROPOSED won the only graded stakes race in this division in January - the El Encino Stakes (G2) at a mile and a sixteenth at Santa Anita.
Handicap Division Road to the BC Sprint Dirt Sprints for older males
The 5 ½ furlong El Conejo Handicap (G3) at was won by WITH DISTINCTION at Santa Anita.
GAFF was the winner of the 6 furlong Mr. Prospector Handicap (G3) at Gulfstream Park.
The Palos Verdes Handicap (G2), 6 furlongs at Santa Anita, was won by MAJOR SUCCESS.
Handicap Division Road to the BC Sprint Dirt Sprints for older females
At Gulfstream Park, the 6 furlong First Lady Handicap (G3) was won by SMOKEY GLACKEN.
The first Grade 1 stakes race of the year, the 7 furlong Santa Monica Handicap, was won by BEHAVING BADLY.
Handicap Division Road to the BC Mile/Turf Turf Routes for older males
BADGE OF SILVER, winner of last years New Orleans Handicap (G2) on dirt, took an early lead and held on to win the San Gabriel Handicap (G2).
Eight-year-old THE TIN MAN won the 10 furlong San Marcos Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita.
HOTSTUFANTHENSOME won the 11 furlong Mac Diarmida Handicap (G3) at Gulfstream Park.
Handicap Division Road to the BC Mile/F&M Turf Turf Routes for older females
SILVER CUP (IRE) won the 9 furlong San Gorgonia Handicap (G2) at Santa Anita.
The mile and a sixteenth Bayou BC Handicap (G3) was won by SNOWDROPS (GB).
Three-year-olds Road to the Kentucky Derby
Three-year-olds fillies Road to the Kentucky Oaks
ITTY BITTY PRETTY won the mile and a sixteenth Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita.
BAGHDARIA won the Silverbulletday Stakes (G3) at Louisiana Downs at a mile and a sixteenth.
The Santa Ynez Stakes (G2), 7 furlongs at Santa Anita, was won by DANCE DAILY.
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Three trainers won multiple graded stakes races in January. Bobby Frankel lead the way with three (San Gabriel, San Pasqual and Palos Verdes all at Santa Anita). D. Wayne Lukas (El Conejo, Santa Ynez) and Richard Mandella (San Fernando BC, San Marcos) both won two, also at Santa Anita.
Patrick Valenzuela had a great month of January with four graded stakes winners (BADGE OF SILVER, ITTY BITTY PRETTY, HIGH LIMIT, PROPOSED all at Santa Anita). Not far behind was Victor Espinoza with three (SILVER CUP, THE TIN MAN, BEHAVING BADLY). Shaun Bridgmohan had a very good day at Gulfstream Park on January 7th with two graded stakes winners (ON THIN ICE, GAFF).
--- Thoroughbred Report Graded Stakes Awards - January 2006 ---
HORSE OF THE MONTH: THE TIN MAN
TRAINER OF THE MONTH: Bobby Frankel
JOCKEY OF THE MONTH: Patrick Valenzuela