UPI Thoroughbred Racing Roundup

Old Fashioned moved to the front of the line of Kentucky Derby hopefuls with a convincing victory Monday in the $250,000 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas. And the filly beat the boys in Monday's 3-year-old test at Santa Anita.

In the Southwest, Old Fashioned, unbeaten in three starts last year, picked up where he left off in 2008. Jockey Ramon Dominguez kept the gray son of Unbridled's Song just behind the pace set by Silver City, moved him into contention on the turn and drew off with ease to win by 3 1/4 lengths.

Silver City, also a legitimate Derby contender, held second and longshot Buzzin and Dreamin ran evenly to finish third as Old Fashioned ran the 1 mile on a fast track in 1:37.41.

The colt is trained by Larry Jones, who also in handling Friesan Fire, the leading contender for the Louisiana Derby.

"This horse is truly blessed," Jones said. "He stays fit. We weren't looking to go out in 45 (seconds), but he showed he was a lot fitter than we thought. He is a gift and we will play it day by day. With a horse like this, you don't want to take any chances."

Jones and Rick Porter, owner of Fox Hill Farms, which owns Old Fashioned, indicated the colt will remain at Oaklawn and point for the $300,000 Rebel Stakes on March 14, the stepping stone to the Arkansas Derby.

In the $150,000 San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita, Evita Argentina broke last of 10, came around the competition on the turn and edged clear to win by 1 length over Leedstheway. Gato Go Win finished third.

Wall Street Wonder and Ventana dead-heated for fourth and fifth.

Evita Argentina, running in large part because trainer John Sadler couldn't find an appropriate spot for her against fillies, finished the 7 furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:24.3 with Garrett Gomez in the irons.

Sadler's Assistant, Larry Benavidez, said he "wasn't too concerned with her being that far back … I was pretty confident, because this filly is going to give you her run no matter what. Garrett cut the corner perfect. It was a great ride by him."

While Evita Argentina has been sprinting, Benavidez said she may be stretched out to 1 1/16 miles for the Fair Grounds Oaks on March 14.

That, however, could indicate her future points to the first Friday in May at Churchill Downs -- Kentucky Oaks Day -- rather than the Derby trail.

The serious Derby contenders in California will return to business in the San Felipe on March 14.