1st: The Equinics’ Poseidon Challenge (G2), Flying Saucer Stakes (G3), Dalesbark Cup (G3), Game In Hand Special, Finnish Line Stakes, Hard Work Special, Pia Star Stakes, Junius Stakes
2nd: Breeders Bowl Juvenile Turf (G1), Smokin’ Eagle Handicap, Silly Prices(ENG) Cap
3rd: Goats That Faint Juvenile (G3)

By Sharon Shimko

A scant half-length did not come back to haunt trainer chuck. From dead last, Gone West Sal summoned up a terrifying run in the Breeders Bowl Juvenile Turf, picking off horses one-by-one while rounding the stretch, forced four-wide at the top of the lane, only to sink his head down in a dangerous stance, zeroing in upon that pacesetter with a furlong to run. ‘G.W.’ had the mark of the ethereal comet on him that fine Kentucky day -- Breeders Bowl destiny, however, was not meant for him, as he fell short of King’s Millenium by a scant half-length. With it, almost went all championship hopes for the multiple graded stakes winner’s connections. Gone West Sal had started out his career in Hong Kong, a splendid off pace score indicative of his come-from-the-clouds running style. Marching right up into the stakes ranks, the son of Gone West took six of his next eight added-money attempts from Ostend to Ontario. It was quite an impressive record and it garnered him amongst the big favorites on BB day, but again, perhaps such dynamicism is meant to test our fortitude and will.

It sure tested trainer chuck -- and he stepped up to the challenge, sending his prized charge on a three stakes race binge at the end of the year. Gone West Sal took two of the events and narrowly missed in the other. He ended the season with a whopping nine wins from 13 career starts, never finishing off the board. From sprints to short routes, this colt is one sizzling performer and that, above all, paid off in the end -- Gone West Sal wins the photo over his lightly-raced rival King’s Millenium for 2000 Champion 2YO Turf Colt honors. We can’t wait for the re-match and we can’t wait to see this impressive dynamo-on-the-loose chase the Derby classics this year. Good luck, chuck stable.

Race ID	Trk	RST	S	D	Race	Time	SP#	#	PP	C1	C2	C3	FIN	Jockey	Odds
893.6011	HK	2yo	T	6.5	The JUNIUS Stakes -Stk	1:16 2/5	102	6	3	2 2-1/2	2 3-3/4	2 2-1/4	1 1-1/2	C Baxter	.30
872.6614	NW	2yo	T	8	The PIA STAR Stakes -Stk	1:35 3/5	104	8	8	7 3-3/4	6 5	2 2	1 3-1/2	T Warner	.80
858.1715	VA	2yo	T	8	The SILLY PRICES(ENG) Cap -Stk	1:36 3/5	93	8	6	7 5	6 7-1/2	4 5-3/4	2 1/4	O Cash	1.30
837.0307	KY	2yo	T	8.5	Breeders Bowl Juvenile Turf -G1	1:43	102	12	1	12 8-1/2	11 12-3/4	5 9-3/4	2 1/2	B Alt	5.10
802.2814	OT	2yo	T	8.5	Flying Saucer Stakes -G3	1:44 2/5	90	12	10	8 5-1/4	6 7-3/4	2 4	1 4	V Townsend	2.70
788.3702	VT	2yo	T	8	--Special Restrictions -G2	1:36	99	12	11	8 6-1/4	7 9-1/4	4 4-1/2	1 hd	W McClendon	7.40
760.3315	E1	2yo	T	6.5	The HARD WORK Special -Stk	1:18 1/5	79	7	1	5 5	5 7-1/4	3 4-1/4	1 3	P Funk	.80
746.6115	FN	2yo	T	6	Finnish Line Stakes -Stk	1:11 4/5	78	6	5	5 2-3/4	5 4-1/4	2 2-1/4	1 2-1/4	M Scott	.60
725.5412	A2	2yo	T	6.5	The SMOKIN' EAGLE Handicap -Stk	1:17 1/5	87	12	10	11 3-3/4	10 5-1/4	5 2-1/2	2 2-1/4	L Fontain	3.20
711.5514	A3	2yo	T	6.5	Dalesbark Cup -G3	1:18 1/5	79	9	2	9 4-3/4	9 6-3/4	5 4	1 1-1/4	V Singleton	3.20
697.3415	E2	2yo	T	6.5	Goats That Faint Juvenile -G3	1:17 4/5	77	12	12	11 5	11 7-1/4	10 6	3 4	L Ulrich	5.00
676.3611	E4	2yo	T	6	The GAME IN HAND Special -Stk	1:11 1/5	84	12	6	9 4-3/4	9 7	2 4-1/2	1 1-3/4	D Digler	2.70
669.6007	HK	2yo	T	5.5	MSW-19600	1:05 4/5	64	10	7	8 3-1/4	8 5	3 2-3/4	1 2-1/4	V Ching	2.20