Uncover the Next Racing Phenomenon

Friday at Oaklawn

Kale’s Angel initially competed on turf in California for his first four starts, with only a maiden special weight victory to his name. However, it seems he is truly a dirt horse. When he switched surfaces for the 5 1/2-furlong Advent at Oaklawn, he showed extraordinary performance. He tracked and pressed fractions of 22.87 and 46.49 seconds set by the 1-2 favorite Innovator. Then, he seized command and pulled away to beat that rival by 5 3/4 lengths in 1:04.40, earning a remarkable 93 Beyer Speed Figure from Daily Racing Form. The future looks bright for Kale’s Angel, and he has now been added to our watch list. Perhaps he will develop into a dominant 3-year-old dirt sprinter in 2025.

This is a significant development as it showcases the adaptability of some horses and their potential to shine in different racing conditions. Kale’s Angel’s success on dirt is a testament to his talent and the importance of finding the right surface for each horse.

Saturday at Aqueduct

Keewaydin started as the 9-10 favorite in his two-turn debut in the Grade 2, 1 1/8-mile Remsen. He pressed the pace and briefly led through splits of 23.95, 48.59, and 1:13.32. But unfortunately, he came up empty and faded to finish fifth by 9 1/2 lengths. It’s possible that he struggled while stretching out in distance or there was an unclear reason for his underperformance. Nevertheless, we will give this watch list member a chance to rebound next time.

At the same time, Aviator Gui, the Chad Brown-trained son of Uncle Mo, has been added to our watch list. He had to wait in traffic around the final turn, which may have cost him victory. Once in the clear, he rallied fast, running his final furlong in 12.32 seconds according to the Equibase GPS result chart, to finish second by a nose. Past Brown trainees who have suffered narrow defeats in the Remsen include Kentucky Derby top-four finishers Sierra Leone, Zandon, and Normandy Invasion. So, Aviator Gui is in good company.

Saturday at Aqueduct (Another Race)

Muhimma picked up her second win as a watch list member when she won the 1 1/8-mile Demoiselle (G2). In her stakes debut, she had to work harder, but after setting fractions of 23.94, 48.24, and 1:12.55, she successfully held off a challenge from Ballerina d’Oro to win by one length in a strong time of 1:49.84. Muhimma earned a 90 Beyer and looks like a serious 2025 Kentucky Oaks (G1) contender. This win further highlights her potential and adds to the excitement around her.

It’s interesting to see how these horses perform in different races and against different opponents. Each win brings them one step closer to achieving greater success in the racing world.

Saturday at Aqueduct (Another Race)

Last year’s Breeders’ Futurity (G1) winner Locked continued his comeback with a stretch-running score over older rivals in the Cigar Mile Handicap (G2). In his second start back from a long layoff, the 3-year-old son of Gun Runner rated in sixth place behind quick splits of 22.87, 45.30, and 1:09.81. Then, he charged with determination through the final furlong to defeat Forego (G1) winner and Breeders’ Cup Sprint third-place finisher Mullikin by one length in 1:34.52. According to David Grening of DRF, the Pegasus World Cup (G1) and Saudi Cup (G1) are options for Locked’s next start, and we believe he will be a formidable force in either event.

Locked’s comeback win is a significant achievement, especially considering his layoff. It shows his determination and ability to perform at a high level when given the opportunity. His potential in the upcoming major races is something to look forward to.

Wednesday at Mahoning Valley

Perfect Shances faltered in her last race, the May 11 Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies on turf at Gulfstream Park, finishing seventh. But in her debut on dirt at Keeneland, she showed exceptional speed and won a 4 1/2-furlong maiden special weight by 4 3/4 lengths. She is now ending a seven-month layoff in a six-furlong dirt allowance at Mahoning Valley on Wednesday. Switching surfaces might just send her back to the winner’s circle, as she is trained by the high-percentage trainer Wesley Ward.

This shows the unpredictability of racing and how a change in surface can have a significant impact on a horse’s performance. Perfect Shances’ previous setback on turf may have been a learning experience, and her dirt debut was a promising sign of her potential.