Naming a thoroughbred racehorse is a tricky proposition.

There's a formal process that is administered by the Jockey Club, and getting a name approved takes a lot of homework and some luck.

So imagine Cot Campbell's surprise when he decided to name his promising 2-year-old colt, Aikenite. With all of the great horses to come through Aiken, none had ever used that name.

"We wanted to name a horse for the community," the Dogwood Stable president said. "We waited until we thought we had one that was terribly promising. This one turned out to be pretty good."

Aikenite will run the most important race of his career Saturday in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. A win in the mile and 1/16th race at Santa Anita could result in an Eclipse Award as the top 2-year-old, and it would stamp Aikenite as one of the favorites for next spring's Kentucky Derby.

Aikenite is one of five horses with ties to Aiken that will be running this weekend in the Breeders' Cup events. The others are Midshipman, Quality Road, Cowboy Cal and Nite Light.

"Aikenite's an improving horse, and he likes the poly track," said Ron Stevens, who broke Aikenite. "I feel good about him. I don't know who I'd trade him for."

Campbell purchased Aikenite for $225,000 at a 2-year-old sale in Ocala, Fla., and it was off to the races.

Aikenite finished second in the Grade 1 Dixiana Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland and was a fast-closing third in the Grade 1 Hopeful at Saratoga. He won his debut at Saratoga on Aug. 9.

"He's done little wrong since," Campbell said. "He's one of these horses with a fabulous temperament. If he was a human he'd be very likable, coachable, and understand the objective and pick it up quickly."

Under the eye of trainer Todd Pletcher, Aikenite had his final breeze at Belmont on Saturday and covered five furlongs in :59.4 with Alan Garcia in the saddle.

The workout left Campbell encouraged.

"This was the colt's best work to date, as far as his enthusiasm goes," Campbell said. "In the past Aikenite has been rather lethargic as a workhorse, but he has become enthusiastic for the task at hand."

The horse shipped out of Belmont and arrived in California on Tuesday night.

Aikenite is the co-third choice at odds of 8-1, but Campbell's still optimistic he can win and start preparations for the Kentucky Derby. That would include some work in Aiken before shipping to Florida in January.

"That is the dream," Campbell said.

Of course, a win by Aikenite this weekend would be a boon to the city and its reputation as a thoroughbred training center.

"The Aiken Chamber of Commerce, no matter their advertising budget, could not get the amount of impressions that he will generate," Campbell said. "It's a good name to say. It's sharp, and it snaps off the top well."