This is like WHAC-A-MOLE!

Dear Partners and Friends,

Everywhere you look Donegal runners are popping up in Graded Stakes races and Donegal is trying to knock down these major victories.

While Conor Foley does a great job with the overall stable report, I thought I would share the information I have gathered today in my talks with Dale Romans, Bill Mott, Wayne Catalano and Peter Miller.  

February 7:

Peter Miller had been undecided on whether to run Rock Shandy, but as of today Peter's recommendation is to run in this spot at Santa Anita (The Robert and Beverly Lewis; $200,000 Grade III at a mile and a sixteenth).  

Also Feb. 7:

Finnegan's Wake will run in his next graded stakes, the Grade II San Marco Stakes for $200,000 going a mile and a quarter and shooting for his third straight Grade II victory.

ALSO on Feb. 7:

Bill Mott intends to enter The Big Wind, going a mile and a sixteenth on the turf in his MSW first start. Bill says he is coming to hand on the grass and is optimistic about him. That said, Bill's horses usually need a start before showing their best.

February 21:

This day will present a designer problem.

In Florida, PUCA will run in the Grade II, $200,000 Davona Dale going a mile. Bill Mott says she cannot be doing any better (see this mornings most recent bullet notice below). Bill has suggested we give Eclipse winning jock, Joel Rosario, one more try and so we will. 

On the same day we could have action times two in New Orleans.

Keen Ice will make his next start in either the 50 point Risen Star (Grade II, $400,000), going a mile and a sixteenth at Fairgrounds OR on March 7 at Tampa Bay. The two BIG differences between these races  and last Saturday's are that Fairgrounds  is not as speed favoring and the stretch is the longest in North America, instead of the shortest. Tampa Bay is very tiring which would also be good for Ice. We need to give Ice as much room as possible on the proper lead to get the best out of him.

Also Feb. 21, we expect to see Irish You Well return to the races in the Grade III $125,000 Mineshaft Stakes. This race will be contested at a mile and a sixteenth. How is Irish doing? See yesterday's workout notice below!

Unknown:

Dunbrody is probably three works away, but take a look at his recent work notice below. Wayne Catalano could not have been more positive about him this morning. 

Again, this is just an abbreviated update designed to let you consider/make travel plans.  

Please let us know by the end of this week if you are coming to Santa Anita. Our crowds are growing and knowing early is becoming more and more important for us to serve you best.

Jerry