Barbaro's brother heating up

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Stanton, DE (Sports Network) - Nicanor, the three-year-old brother of 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, recorded his second consecutive victory Wednesday at Delaware Park. The colt posted his first career win last month at the historic track.

Owned by Lael Stables, the full brother to Barbaro notched Wednesday's win in a 1 1/8 mile allowance race on the turf. His maiden victory in May was also on the turf. In that effort he ran away to win by more than 15-lengths.

In his first three career starts at Gulfstream Park, the Mike Matz trainee had two seconds after finishing off-the-board in his initial start on January 31.

In his latest winning effort Nicanor was ridden by Rosie Napravnik and was sent off as the 2-5 favorite in the eight horse field. Leading the entire way, he covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:52.95 on a firm course.

On Saturday at Delaware Park, veteran trainer Larry Jones will be honored for his accomplishments and dedication to racing. Jones is best known as the trainer of such thoroughbreds as Hard Spun, Eight Belles and Proud Spell.

"It is a privilege for any racetrack to have a trainer of the stature of Mr. Larry Jones with his base of operation at their facility," said Executive Director of Racing John Mooney. "Mr. Jones brings high caliber and quality horses to Delaware for several prominent owners and breeders such as Mr. Rick Porter's Fox Hill Farm, Vinery Stable, Brereton C. Jones and many others including his wife Cindy.

"He has been very supportive of Delaware Park racing providing not only stakes caliber horses, but also competitive horses in all levels of our program. We wish him the very best and truly hope he will continue to race and train his horses even beyond this year especially at Delaware Park."

The special tribute will include the fourth race being named in Jones' honor as the J. Larry Jones Tribute. A presentation of a trophy will occur immediately after the race in the winner's circle.

Jones trained Hard Spun to win the 2007 Lane's End Stakes and second-place finishes in the Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup Classic. He was also the trainer of the filly Eight Belles who ran to a second-place finish in the 2008 Kentucky Derby before tragically collapsing after crossing the finish line.

Also last year, Jones conditioned three-year-old filly Proud Spell who won the Kentucky and Delaware Oaks and was voted the Eclipse Award as the three-year- old filly of the year.

This year Jones trained Friesan Fire to victories in the Risen Star Stakes and Louisiana Derby. The colt was made the 7-2 favorite for the Kentucky Derby, but finished 18th in the 19 horse field.