HOLTHUS RETURNS GREATER GOOD IN SOUTHWEST

The first of three Oaklawn Park sophomore preps for the Kentucky Derby goes Saturday with the 1 mile Southwest. The series, which culminates in April with the 9f Arkansas Derby, was swept in 2004 by Smarty Jones on the way to his exciting bid to become the second undefeated Triple Crown winner.

The three races had originally looked likely to draw top Derby contenders Afleet Alex and Rockport Harbor, but that pair continue to be held back by trainers Tim Ritchey and John Servis as they wait for next month's Rebel. Instead, 70+ year old Bob Holthus, for decades one of the top conditioners on the Kentucky-Louisiana-Arkansas circuit, will introduce his well-regarded GREATER GOOD as a three year old.

Greater Good carries a 5/3-0-1 mark into the Southwest, with his lone off the board finishes coming in his Ellis Park debut (5th from the 10 hole) and his troubled 3rd in the Gr. III Iroquois (CD). Sandwiched around those efforts were a 7f MSW win at Ellis and 8.5f victories in the Gr. III KY Cup Juvenile (Turfway) and Gr. II KY Jockey Club (CD).

The son of Intidab will be a heavy favorite in the Southwest, but the layoff, pace and short OP stretch could conspire against him in the moderate field he faces. Undefeated MUNIFICENCE and Chicago-based HUMOR AT LAST (2 of 3) will likely work the front-end, but may not give the late-running Greater Good and John McKee a necessary target to chase down.

THE SOUTHWEST, OP-9th, 1 mile, $100,000, 6:02 EST

1) COPY MY NOTES (Holthus/Doocy) 119/10-: "Other" Holthus entrant makes soph bow after winning in condition company, faltered as Stakes horse at 2. But this Souvenir Copy bay colt finished behind several nice ones last year, including Lunarpal, Storm Surge, Straight Line, Bellamy Road, Diamond Isle and Scipion, while tossing respectable figs. Board eligible if improved, and merits inclusion with style and post that have had impact this trip at Hot Springs the past week. Loses McKee to barnmate in favor of solid Doocy.

2) MY PARADE (Milligan/Thompson) 117/15-1: Farish-bred Parade Ground bay was consistent check earner as baby banking $137,000 in 7 race season in LA minor leagues. Deep closer flopped in 1/29 comebacker this oval though that may have been due to wet conditions. Worked OK once since that effort and cuts back to difficult distance this course for off-the-pace runners. Hard to envision.

3) GREATER GOOD (Holthus/McKee) 119/3-2: Likely odds-on choice got deserved break after quarter-mill earning juvy campaign for breeder-owner and likable training vet. Has drilled nicely for campaign kicker and is difficult to go against, though distance not in his favor. Has head start on graded earnings for Derby, so Holthus really doesn't "need" win here. Should be good enough on talent alone, but that hasn't saved a number of big favorites from loses in preps the past few weeks. Note also that Holthus has been on tough 0 for 19 Ozarks skid after strong meet start.

4.) SILVER HAZE (Wren/Berry) 115/6-1: Much like "Copy", colt has been condition stud and stakes also-ran. Debuted as three year old when decent 4th in the Gr. III Lecomte (FG) four weeks ago. Pilot got to know this son of Silver Deputy last November when just missing to nice Smooth Bid at Remington (Magna Mile). Seems to have tactical foot, is lone entrant with a win at the distance, and offers some value to exotics. Using.

5) MAJOR LEAGUE (Murphy/Quinonez) 119/15-1: Bargain TX-bred has not had a break since Lone Star debut last July, visiting exacta 50% of time (10 starts) while banking $100,000. Son of Magic Cat ($3,500 fee) has really not progressed since Harrah's Juvenile score on grass last fall, failing to menace in returns on the main. Was right behind Silver Haze in the Lecomte though, and got tour of this facility facing elders (N3L ALW) at 8.5f three weeks ago. For bottom of gimmicks only.

6) MUNIFICENCE (Whiting/Borel) 117/5-1: ML 2nd choice has reeled off three straight sprint scores including last pair by open lengths. Now joins barn off Lil E. Tee trainer Whiting who's 0 for 10 for meet so far. Modest figures improving incrementally, but speed 0 for last 9 this trip (BRIS Bias Report) and will likely get pressure from one to his right straight from the bell. Think he gets swallowed up.

7) HUMOR AT LAST (Mitchell/Rose) 117/3-1: Grey IL-bred leaves Cicero for the first time after building 3/2-1-0 mark versus 'Land of Lincoln' types as 2 year old. Crushed maidens and $90k stake fields at three-quarters before just missing in season-ending two turn debut 12/18. Has been working solidly at FG, adds the big "L" here, and will likely be the one to catch down the short Oaklawn stretch.

SELECTIONS:

1. Greater Good
2. Silver Haze
3. Copy My Notes
4. Humor At Last

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