10B SPORTS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2008
》 HORSE RACING
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pyro, ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan, wins the Risen Star Stakes horse race at Fair Grounds race course in New Orleans. Pyro made a smashing seasonal debut in the appropriately named Risen Star Stakes at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, roaring from last at the top of the stretch to a two-length victory over stablemate Z Fortune.
Colt races to surprise finish
Three-year-old opens as top Kentucky Derby contender
BY RICHARD ROSENBLATT
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Steve Asmussen is set for another enjoyable ride along the Kentucky Derby trail, and this time the trainer starts out with the early lead thanks to his rising star Pyro — and a few other promising 3-woods
— and a few other promising 3-year-olds.
Pyro made a smashing seasonal debut in the appropriately named Risen Star Stakes at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, roaring from last at the top of the stretch to a two-length victory over stablemate Z Fortune.
A year ago, Asmussen guided Curlin through a thrilling Triple Crown campaign — third in the Derby, first in the Preakness and second in the Belmont Stakes — en route to Horse of the Year honors. Curlin, though, didn't make his first career start until Feb. 3, 2007, while Pyro already is a well-seasoned thoroughbred.
The son of Pulpit proved it in the 1 1-16th-mile Risen Star, overtaking 10 rivals for his second win in five races. His two runner-up finishes were against unbeaten War Pass in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and the Champagne Stakes.
After Saturday's race in which Pyro made up 8½ lengths in the final quarter mile, Pyro opens at No.1 in The Associated Press' Run to the Roses Top 10 list of Derby contenders.
"He's a tremendous horse," Asmussen said. "How good is he? He's good enough to do what we just watched. He accelerated home."
Pyro may have an advantage over most promising 3-year-olds for now — the colt has been working in the company of Curlin. "Guess his workmate did the job, huh?" Asmussen added.
Z Fortune, meanwhile, was 3-
for-3 and led midway through the
stretch of the Risen Star before being overtaken by Pyro.
"He was halfway idling when he made the lead," Z Fortune's rider Garrett Gomez said. "I think the longer distances will definitely help this colt."
Also among Asmussen's dozen Triple Crown nominees is Kodiak Kowboy, third in the BC Juvenile and a winner in four of seven races.
Churchill Downs oddsmaker Mike Battaglia set the early future wagering, with the mutuel field of all other 3-year-olds nominated listed as the 3-1 favorite over 23 separate betting choices. Pyro was listed at 5-1 and War Pass at 6-1 after the first of three betting pools closed Sunday night.
A total of 449 3-year-olds were nominated for the Derby, Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, with Todd Pletcher leading all trainers with 31 nominees.
MLB
All-Star leaves major league Mike Sweeney says goodbye to KC Royals for Oakland A's
ASSOCIATED PRESS
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Five-time All-Star first baseman Mike Sweeney has agreed to a minor league contract with the Oakland As, ending his 17-year tenure with the Kansas City Royals.
Sweeney, 35, told The Kansas City Star that he began seeking other opportunities after the Royals indicated they weren't interested in seeking a new deal with the free agent.
"I have no hard feelings toward (general manager) Dayton Moore or the Royals for not bringing me back for 2008," Swenee said. "Dayton was very respectful but explained it
just wasn't a good fit.
"I knew after that door was closed, I had to look for another place to play."
Sweeney has been battling knee and back injuries over the last several years, and played in only 74 games last season. But he is optimistic about joining the A's at camp in Phoenix on Wednesday.
"I really feel the best I've felt in years," he said, "and I'm just looking to get after it. I'll get to play a little first base, do some DHing and, hopefully, have an impact in some younger guys."
Sweeney was drafted by the Royals in the 10th round of the 1991
draft. After making the big leagues in 1995, he became a five-time AllStar and became the team's captain before the 2003 opener. He had a career .299 average at Kansas City.
"Kansas City became my second home, but it's not my team anymore," he said. "It belongs to Alex (Gordon) and (Mark) Teahen and (David) DeJesus and Gil (Mche) and all of those younger guys."
He agreed on Sunday to terms of the contract, which includes several performance incentives.
Sweeney became expendable when Billy Butler showed big league power last season as designated hitter while Sweeney was injured.
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