As the new year begins, we resolve to preview the coming sports year in Baltimore and beyond

Movers, shakers and newsmakers of 2007

Horse Racing

Chelokee Could Propel Matz To Another Derby

Looking for a horse with the makings to be a star in 2007? Michael Matz, who brought Barbaro from the Fair Hill Training Center to win the Kentucky Derby last year, might just have one.

Chelokee, a 3-year-old sired by Cherokee Run, owned by Centenial Farms and trained at the Maryland stable until recently being shipped to Florida for the winter season, could just be - if not another Derby winner - at least a strong contender.

Horses who start fast as 2-year-olds don't win the Kentucky Derby. Chelokee started slowly. When he debuted Sept. 9 at Delaware Park, he ran eighth in a field of 10. But on Oct. 8, he broke his maiden with a dazzling 13 1/4 -length victory at Delaware Park.

Matz sounds excited about Chelokee's potential. He said: "You've got to dream."