Southwest Stakes Win Solidifies Status of Old Fashioned as Early Kentucky Derby Favorite

February 16, 2008
By Profitus Maximus

Although Old Fashioned took the $250,000 Southwest Stakes(G3) fairly easily for his 3-year-old debut Monday at Oaklawn Park while defeating 10 opponents, including the highly regarded Silver City, he was not quite as impressive a winner as in his previous start in the Remsen Stakes.

Old Fashioned broke on top but the speedy Silver City, who was to his immediate inside, had other ideas as he took the lead turning onto the backstretch as Old Fashioned showed he could rate and sat just off the leader in the perfect stalking position.

Silver City set very quick opening fractions of 22.47 for the quarter and 45.98 for the half mile, and after 3/4 of a mile, Old Fashioned began to get the better of him and took command entering the homestretch and drew away by 3-1/4 lengths in a time of 137.41 for the one-mile contest. Silver City finished second.

The winner opened at 1-9 odds but eventually settled at 1-2, and so paid $3. He was also made the Kentucky Derby Future Wager individual betting favorite, closing at 7-1. Those who had placed their money on him in this future pool might be pleased though perhaps not thrilled with the rather more workmanlike than dazzling performance that they might have been expecting.

Old Fashioned is expected to make his next start in the March 14 $300,000 Rebel Stakes (G2), and subsequently in the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G2) at 1 1/8 miles April 11.

Equibase Race Results Here