Valkyrie's First Contenders

[Kenren]

Spotlights on Valkyrie's First Series Contenders

Kentucky Derby
While it somewhat depends on his performance in the upcoming Florida Derby, it is highly likely that Monarch's Journey will be the Valkyrie horse making his run for the roses. He's done a lot right this year, given that he hadn't been run in the HOTY* races last year. He's found his stride, and is improving with every start, even against very strong competition. His calculating and intelligent demeanor lends itself well to larger fields, so the Kentucky Derby should be right in his ballpark. He has the speed and stamina to outlast his competitors, and it will hopefully show in this test. His last start was a third in the Wood Memorial, and his final prep for the Kentucky Derby will be the Florida Derby.

Acorn Stakes
This race has always been, and still is, Aphrodite's Chant's goal. After taking off the first two months of the year, Chance has shown that she has all the drive and talent that she did as a juveniles, and the time off only did her good. Her first start off the layoff was a place in the Alabama Stakes, and in her next start, the Davona Dale, she found her winning form against some very tough competition. Her last race before the Triple Tiara will be the Silverbulletday against her toughest competition this year - the same level that she was dominant in last year. If all goes well, look to see her the first Saturday in May.

Kentucky Open
Valkyrie will not have an entrant in the Kentucky Open.

Debutante Stakes
The Debutante will have Valkyrie's strongest entrant of the series, Santana's Legend. The filly, originally aimed at the Turf Triple Crown, has duked it out all early season with the best and strongest of both colts and fillies in the preps. While even in big fields she was strong enough to nab third over and over - in the Phoenix Stakes, the Coronation Cup, and the Prince Cup - she was time and again unable to snag with win. In her first start in a Tiara prep, Ana took the Black Caviar Stakes - just as National Treasure did for the same farm years ago. Her last prep was in the Crown-prep, the Secretariat Stakes, and she pulled a second spot. The fourth week in April, Santana's Legend will be making her Tiara bid.

(C) ELLIE @ GANGNAM STYLE