Hansen, Union Rags still lead pack

When I talked to Michael Matz after the 2-year-old stakes on Thanksgiving weekend, he said he would not trade. Have to imagine his reaction would be the same after watching last Saturday's CashCall Futurity.

Since the Breeders' Cup, no 2-year-old has emerged to take the 2012 Kentucky Derby winter book favoritism away from Union Rags, trained by Matz. Only Hansen has been able to beat Union Rags on the track. A few horses ran faster Beyer Speed Figures, but none really proved anything.

There have been just three triple-digit Beyer Figures earned by a 2-year-old this year - J.C.'s Pride and the filly Stopshoppingmaria (both 101) and Overdriven (100). J.C.'s Pride was euthanized in early December due to complications from an infection. Stopshoppingmaria never came close to that maiden win figure in two subsequent seconds in stakes. Overdriven's figure declined seven points in his Sanford win and he never raced again.