Second Chances: Kowalski

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. In this edition, 2-year-old colt Kowalski (Will Take Charge), a strong third after missing the break in his six-furlong debut at Churchill Downs June 28, is highlighted. Previous runners featured in this column include: MGISW and 'TDN Rising Star' Paradise Woods (Union Rags), GSW Backyard Heaven (Tizway) and MSW and 'TDN Rising Star' Gidu (Ire) (Frankel {GB}). La Chancla (Uncle Mo), featured in this space in early June, was a smart next out maiden winner at Belmont Park July 7.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – As the promising Kowalski (c, 2, Will Take Charge-Willowbern, by Bernardini) came charging home to a useful third-place finish on debut at Churchill Downs in late June (video) carrying Peter Brant's forest green silks and sporting a famed white bridle of Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas, memories of the duo's former standouts from yesteryear such as Gulch and Stella Madrid quickly came to mind.

“He's one of my favorite people,” Lukas said of Brant back at his regular digs at Barn 83 after wrapping up a morning of training on Oklahoma. “He's really a treat to be around and he's a tremendous asset to the Thoroughbred industry in every way. He's got the passion for it. There's nothing better than if I could get a good horse for him.”

Kowalski, one of two juveniles for Brant's White Birch Farm residing in the Lukas barn, has every right to be that good horse.

Off as the 3-1 second-choice for a barn not exactly known for cranking on its babies to win first out these days, Kowalski broke 11th and was on the move into a sharp :22.29 opening quarter. Tipped out six deep by Jon Court and looking a serious danger while launching a flashy bid on the turn for home, he finished with interest down the center of the course to complete the trifecta, 6 1/2 lengths adrift the good-looking Eddie Kenneally-trained debut winner Noose (More Than Ready).

“You would think that an old quarter-horse guy like me could get one away from the gate, but he missed the break,” Lukas said with a smile as a single strand of straw dangled from his mouth. “He did some things in that race that a young horse doesn't normally do. If they get away that bad, they lose all touch with the race. We think he's definitely a good prospect.”

Kowalski has breezed twice over the training track since joining the Lukas string in Saratoga. He worked four furlongs in :47.64 (4/14) July 9 and covered the same distance in :48.29 (3/53) July 21.

“He's doing well,” Lukas said. “His works have been solid. We don't always let them do what they'd like to do, especially if they've got a lot of talent. We saw enough that we don't have to find out if he can do it every day now. We're hopeful that he's a top candidate. That first race impressed everybody.”

Lukas picked out the bay on behalf of Brant for $225,000 at last year's Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Out of the unraced Bernardini mare Willowbern, Kowalski hails from the second crop of champion 3-year-old colt Will Take Charge. Lukas, of course, trained the handsome blaze-faced chestnut to wins in the GI Travers S. and GI Clark H. Will Take Charge is the sire of one black-type winner and five graded stakes horses, according to TDN Sire Lists.

“He's got that look,” Lukas replied when asked if Kowalski would handle stretching out in distance. “I'm looking for some more of the Will Take Charges to start showing up–he was such a good horse. Hopefully he starts getting more [stakes horses]. This may be one.”

Kowalski has been entered in Saturday's fourth race at Saratoga, a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special weight.