OCEANPORT RACING REPORT.com Triple Crown February 25 & 26, 2006 Marcie Heacox

February 25, 2006

Southwest Stakes

Oaklawn Park - Hot Springs, AR

Bob Holthus-trained Lawyer Ron slipped another win into his briefcase as he won his fourth straight in Saturday's $250,000 Southwest Stakes (ungraded). The chestnut colt led a half mile in 48 seconds under restraint from jockey John McKee. Runner-up Steppenwolfer finished just 3/4 lengths back after closing furiously. The final time was 1:40 for the mile. The win was emotional for the connections, as owner/breeder James T. Hines, Jr. passed away recently in an accidental drowning. The top four finishers, including Red Raymond (3rd) and Music School(4th), are all aimed at the Rebel Stakes on March 18.

Santa Anita Park

Arcadia, CA

This Saturday's Santa Catalina Stakes (gr. II) will be renamed The Robert B. Lewis Memorial in honor of late owner/breeder Bob Lewis, a major figure in Southern California racing. The race serves as a prep for the Santa Anita Derby. Lewis, along with his wife Beverly, was no stranger to winning Triple Crown races, as he twice won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness double with Silver Charm and Charismatic. California's top-rated three-year-old Brother Derek is expected to run, as well as maiden winners Latent Heat, Point Determined, and Niagara Causeway.

February 26, 2006

Borderland Derby Stakes

Sunland Park - Sunland Park, NM

Indy Wildcat upset the Borderland Derby Stakes after shipping in from Southern California. Trained and part-owned by Paula Capestro and ridden by Michael Baze, the bay son of A.P. Indy traveled the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44 4/5. Second-place finisher Wait In Line finished only a head back despite his rider losing the whip in the stretch. It was another 1/2 length back to pacesetter Disappearing Trick. Favorites Doctor Decherd and Plagiarist ran 8th and 9th, respectively.