Muth was the best California-based 2-year-old of the fall, winning the American Pharoah Stakes (G1) and running second to eastern shipper Fierceness in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1). Two months later, he still appears on top on the West Coast.

Trainer Brad Cox made it 2-for-2 in the 3-year-old preps when Gold Square's Drum Roll Please took charge leaving the eighth pole and did not miss a beat in recording a 3 3/4-length victory in the $145,500 Jerome Stakes Jan. 6 at Aqueduct Racetrack.