Oscar Performance

SCRIBBLED on a sheet of paper, a combination of cursive and print - call it turf scratch - five letters and two numbers define a first impression. On a hectic August day in Saratoga, I scribbled, “Lynch 48” in a reporter’s notebook (yes, I still use one) while horses breezed on the turf. “Lynch 48” would later be deciphered as Oscar Performance in 48 seconds for a half mile. The son of Kitten’s Joy, trained by Brian Lynch, blew his debut but won his next three, including the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. Lynch, a Bobby Frankel disciple, won’t change a thing and Oscar Performance will dominate the three-year-old turf division next year.

Farrell

ANOTHER one who came across my radar at Saratoga, the two-year-old filly elicited cackles from trainer Wayne Catalano after she breezed at Arlington Park in Chicago. Yes, she breezed so well that she made her trainer snap his finger and walk in circles, while 811 miles away. She’s just two-for-four in her career, but won the Golden Rod with electric speed and innate stamina in her most recent start. See what price you can get on her for the Kentucky Oaks. Put me in for half your stake and call me on the first Friday in May.

Arrogate

AN easy one. The son of Unbridled’s Song grabbed the three-year-old division by the throat in two starts, leading his foes in the Travers and handing California Chrome his only defeat of the season. Lightly raced and in capable hands, the grey colt is just getting started.

McCraken

HE’S three-for-three so far, taking the slow road at Churchill Downs while his two-year-old rivals danced under the lights at the Breeders’ Cup and beyond. The homebred son of Ghostzapper overcame the 11 stall in a field of 12, settled well off the pace, circled and stormed home in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes in November. He’s the real deal. While you’re at the betting shop, see what price you can get on the Farrell/McCraken Oaks/Derby double.