Nobiz, AGS, Tiago Lead 2 of 5 Wins
Mistical Plan, Icy Atlantic, After Market Follow the 2007 Leaders
Three early season stars now lead the ranks of thoroughbreds with two wins from five starts. Nobiz Like Shobiz, Any Given Saturday, Tiago were Triple Crown hopefuls.
Nobiz Like Shobiz, Any Given Saturday, and Tiago, three Triple Crown entrants this year, sport two wins apiece from just five starts. All three colts have a shot at earning more racing credentials as three-year-old talents. As of the second week in July, they remain part of the cream of the crop in 2007. They are joined on the five-start, two-win list by Mistical Plan, Icy Atlantic, and After Market, all of whom have prospered in lower rated races.
Nobiz was favored by many in the Kentucky Derby after a stunning Wood Memorial triumph. He failed to fire, however, in the Run for the Roses, lasting only for the 10th spot. Trainer Barclay Tagg chose not to enter his star in the remaining two Triple Crown contests.
Any Given Saturday, a Todd Pletcher schoolee, also went to Churchill Downs as a possible three-classic race threat. He was ineffective in the Derby, finishing eighth. He skipped the rest of the Triple Crown show.
Tiago was much more of a surprise, and a successful one. His Derby run was uneventful. He came under the wire seventh. Trainer John Shirreffs shunned the Preakness Stakes, but he brought Giacomo's half brother back for the Belmont Stakes. Under a savvy ride by veteran jockey Mike Smith, who also rode Giacomo to a Derby triumph in 2005, Tiago came on well late. Smith, who all along favored his mount's chances, just couldn't get Tiago up to the last two horses. He finished third behind the nose and throat struggle engaged in by Curlin and winner, Rags to Riches.
Five-Start, Two-Win 2007 Leaders: Nobiz Like Shobiz, Any Given Saturday, Sealy Hill, Hystericalady, all 5 starts, 2 Wins, 1 Second, 1 Third, 1 Race Off the Board ----- Tiago, Mistical Plan, 5 starts, 2 Wins, 0 Seconds, 1 Third, 2 Races Off the Board ----- Icy Atlantic, 5 starts, 2 Wins, 2 Seconds, 0 Thirds, 1 Race Off the Board ----- After Market, 5 starts, 2 Wins, 0 Seconds, 0 Thirds, 3 Races Off the Board.
Kettleoneup is 6-2-2-2-0, while Hard Spun and High Heels follow with 6-2-1-1-1 records. Mach Ride is 6-2-0-1-3; Miss Shop, 6-2-0-0-4; High Again, 7-2-2-1-2, and Teuflesberg gallops in at 7-2-1-2-2.
Octave, another Pletcher filly, and Precious Kitten each have earned one win on the year with 3 seconds from four posts. Other one-win entries include: Ermine, 4-1-2-0-1; Circular Quay, 4-1-0-0-3; Sky Conqueror, 3-1-1--0-1; Take D' Tour, 3-1-2-0-0; Storm in May, 7-1-1-2-3; Better Talk Now, 3-10-1-1; Einstein(BRZ), 5-1-0-1-3; Song of Navarone, 2-1-0-1-0; Honey Ryder (Pletcher again), 3-1-2-0-0; Sightseeing, 5-1-2-2-0; Bob and John, 2-1-1-0-0; The Tin Man, 2-1-1-0-0; Silent Name(JPN), 4-1-0-1-2; Cloudy's Knight, 6-1-2-1-2; Join Effort, 1-1-0-0-0; Shaggy Mane, 3-1-1-0-1; King of the Roxy, 3-1-1-0-1; Saskawea, 4-1-2-0-1; Alezzandro, 3-1-1-1-0; Price Tag(GB), 3-1-1-1-0; Sweetnorthernsaint, 5-1-2-1-1.
