Ned Evans

Everyone knows how the system works; how lavishly choreographed is the promotion of new sires. Center stage is cleared, the footlights are turned up, the make-up and costume departments go into overdrive. But we also know that most of them will go out there, clear their throats nervously, and murmur a few lines that barely qualify them, in the longer term, for a place in the back row of the chorus line. Every now and then, however, one of these rookies steps up and you sense within moments that a...

4th-Gulfstream, $40,000, Msw, 5-24, 3yo/up, f/m, 6f, 1:10.83, sy. GRAND CRU CLASSE (f, 3, Bernardini--Christmas Lass, by Lemon Drop Kid), a $335,000 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic pick-up last year off a :22 1/5 breeze, sported a steady series of drills at Payson Park but was let go at 6-1 for this first go as the money poured in on regally bred sixth-time starter Doll Collection (Tapit--Groupie Doll). Away last but not by much, Grand Cru Classe was scrubbed on to vie for position early before eventually settling in along the fence as...

8th-Oaklawn, $90,000, Alw (NW1X)/Opt. Clm ($80,000), 3-8, 3yo, f, 6f, 1:10.52, ft. LEXI ON THE MOVE (f, 3, Fast Anna--Invalida, by Street Cry {Ire}) took a track-and-trip event restricted to fillies who had previously sold at auction for $60,000 or less by daylight here Feb. 15, and was backed early and often in this tougher spot to go off at even-money. Away on top, the bay sat perched three wide behind a dueling trio through an opening quarter of :21.94. She ranged up ominously after a :45.30 half, and kicked...