March 13, 2025
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Quantifiable Results
Tejano Twist has accomplished many things over his spectacular 38-start career, including reaching double-digit wins (10) and surpassing the $1.5 million career purse earnings mark.
However, the title of ‘multiple graded stakes winner’ has eluded the 7-year-old gelding despite five kicks at the can.
Fortunately, the dedicated racer gets his sixth shot this Saturday in the $250,000 Whitmore (G3) at Oaklawn Park.
Call it a twist of fate, but the first graded tally of Tejano Twist’s career came in the 2023 edition of the six-furlong Whitmore.
After finishing second in last year’s running, the Chris Hartman trainee aims to do one better as the 7-2 opening line choice.
Adjust and Attack
Following a slow start to her career, Kathynmarissa has landed in the top three in seven consecutive contests.
The 4-year-old filly, fresh off a three-month layoff, makes her season debut this Saturday in the $100,000 Santa Ana (G3T) at Santa Anita.
While the runner-up in last year’s American Oaks (G1T) and Saratoga Oaks Invitational (G2T) has yet to breakthrough on the graded stage, Kathynmarissa still boasts lifetime earnings above $1.2 million – $914,900 of which were claimed in a smooth 2 ½-length triumph of September’s Dueling Grounds Oaks.
Oddsmakers are certainly keen on the Frankie Dettori mount’s chances this weekend, billing her as the even-money favorite.
Read the Signs
Off to a perfect two-for-two start to his career, hotshot rookie John Hancock vies for another signature score in Saturday’s $500,000 Virginia Derby.
Taking to Colonial Downs for his first start away from Tampa Downs, the promising 3-year-old colt opens as the field of 10’s second choice (3-1) behind 9-5 favorite Getaway Car.
The latter, and 2024 Best Pal (G3) champion, has made seven starts thus far, compiling a 3-2-0 line.
Both Getaway Car (Sunland Park Derby) and John Hancock (Sam F. Davis) enter the 1 1/8-mile contest on the heels of a stakes victory.
The pair will duel from posts six and two, respectively.
The Name Game
While there’s no way of knowing what You’ll Be Back’s connections told her following a third in last month’s Dixie Belle Stakes, one could make an educated guess.
The consistent 3-year-old filly returns to action this Saturday for a shot at her first stakes title in the $250,000 Virginia Oaks.
After performing well in the Dixie Belle and Year’s End Stakes (second) on Dec. 29, You’ll Be Back heads into the second main event on Colonial Downs’ Saturday card in good standing as the 9-2 third choice.
However, the Thomas Amoss charge faces stiff competition from Rachel Alexandra (G2) runner-up Gowells Delight (3-1) and dynamic youngster Fondly (7-2), who open as the board’s top choices.
A Winner in this World
It took four attempts to seal his first victory, but Multiverse is ready to dazzle in the $115,000 Hutcheson Stakes on Saturday afternoon.
Returning to Gulfstream Park, the site of his commanding 4 ½-length maiden conquest, Multiverse finally put it all together last time out.
The Riley Mott trainee with a hefty $575,000 price tag had gotten off to a slow start at Churchill Downs (sixth and seventh) but a move south to Florida appears to have unlocked his immense potential (third and first).
Multiverse takes to post six in the field of six as the 2-1 second choice.