Even a poor start and the short stretch of the one mile Southwest Stakes were not enough to stop heavily favored Greater Good from winning his 2005 debut and first step on the road to the Kentucky Derby (GI).

Greater Good, who had not raced since winning Churchill Downs' Kentucky Jockey Club (GII) last November, was sent off the 1-2 favorite in the field of seven, which included only one other Visa Triple Crown nominee, Silver Haze.

Greater Good broke last after hopping at the start, but jockey John McKee didn't panic, allowing his colt to settle, content to trail after a half mile. The pace was a sensible one over the wet fast track, with the leader Munificence, under Calvin Borel, stopping the timer at :47.20 at the midway point. Munificence held his two-length lead as the field came into the stretch. Both Humor At Last and Copy My Notes made bids for the lead on the turn, but could not sustain their efforts. Meanwhile, McKee had Greater Good in high gear, and by mid-stretch he was in third and cutting into Munificence's lead with every stride. With Oaklawn Park's one mile races starting and finishing at the sixteenth pole, McKee was well aware that he had less room to work with than normal. Greater Good stormed by the leader for a 3/4 length win in 1:39.09, with Munificence holding second, 1 1/2 lengths in front of Humor At Last. Copy My Notes, Major League, Silver Haze, and My Parade completed the order of finish.

Greater Good earned $60,000 for owner Lewis Lakin and trainer Bob Holthus, bringing his lifetime total to $286,275. He has four wins from six starts. The favorite paid $3.00, $2.40, and $2.20. Munificence's place was $3.20 and $2.20, while Humor At Last paid $2.20 for third place. The exacta with the top two choices paid $10.40.

Greater Good will likely race next in the Rebel Stakes (GIII) March 19 at Oaklawn, setting up a potential showdown with both Afleet Alex and Rockport Harbor, who's trainers decided to skip the Southwest and train up to the Rebel.

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