Just got word that SQUARE EDDIE is trying the real dirt at Oaklawn in the SOuthwest stakes Feb. 16. Also pointing for that race is Old Fashioned. Dixieland winner Silver City may try that one, as well as Smarty Jones STakes winner Flat Out. A promising allowance horse from opening weekend is Poltergeist, who is also looking at the Southwest.
Last year, Gayego tried the real dirt in the Arkansas Derby, on his way to the KY Derby. It looks like trainers of 2009’s talented California contingent are headed this way as well. I love this. Perhaps the American Graded STakes Committee will take this to heart when they review Graded Stakes rankings. The ARKANSAS DERBY needs to be a GRADE 1 RACE, people!!!
skipaway2000 