BC Day 2

Juvenile Turf:

I’m writing these as I’m watching the race replays and a stupid football game took over the first part of the coverage.  I am too lazy to go and look the race up on you tube, so this is all your getting, George Vancouver won, owned by the same connections as Wrote, who won this race last year.  Second went to Noble Tune and third went to Balance the Books.

Filly & Mare Sprint:

Went to Groupie Doll (who this was the second fasted F&M Sprint ever).  Everyone saw this coming from a mile away.  Dust and Diamonds was second, and Switch came in third (she was second these past two years).  Where was Turbulent Decent in this race?  What is going on with this filly?

Dirt Mile:

I was all about Shack in this race, I love this horse, and he is an animal. This dirt mile at SA versus Churchill, its two turns this year, as opposed to one.  Emcee and Fed Biz were also two other horses that a lot of people had their eyes on.   I liked Tapizar as a long shot in this race, he's got a good pace, and I just really like his sire, Tapit.  Shack bobbled at the start and I think he just couldn’t get his full rhythm.  After the second turn, Emcee was at the rail and Tapizar was racing next to him, and he just opened up down the stretch through the finish line.  Rail Trip followed him and Delegation came in third.  Emcee was 6^th, Shack was 7^th and Fed Biz was 8^th.

Turf Sprint:

I had money on Mizdirection, the Mike Smith mount, and the Euros in this field.  Other than that I don’t understand this downhill turf course, so I was just kind of guessing in this race.   California Flag, who has the track record and won this race is 09, got some play, but my opinion of him, its time to become a cross country horse, you are getting a little to old for my likings to be this quick.  Starspangledbanner, who despite his name is a Euro, led the pack for most of the race.  Mizdirection came flying through the pack to make the widest, and latest run to win.  She was off for 160 days previous to this years BC.  Unbridled Note was second, and Reneegotzip came in third.

BC Juvenile:

I am still lost on what happened with ArchWarrior, why wasn’t he in this race?  I know that he came in 4^th in the Champagne Stakes but really? I thought this horse was the next big thing.  Anyhow, that made Shanghai Bobby the favorite, which I don’t mind because I love Rosie these days.  I also put money on He’s Had Enough, can’t really stand his connections, but Mario was racing well all week, he went out as my longshot.  Title Contender looked really sweaty getting in this race.  I like Fortify, as well, and he is the only horse in this race that hasn’t run on lasix.  Title Contender and Bobby got the lead and they seemed to be flying.  Bobby opened up going through the second turn and He’s Had Enough was about to get room to go through and gave Bobby a run for his money.  Shanghai Bobby, still undefeated, won over He’s Had Enough by a head; Capo Bastone followed them.  The $2.00 exacta that I hit paid out $90.80.

BC Turf

I was all about Little Mike and St. Nicholas Abbey in this race.  I wasn’t really sure how I felt about Dullahan, I want to like him, but he has never won on the turf. Point of Entry was going off as the favorite.  I also put money on Trailblazer in this race, the Japanese import, although this horse is a huge douche bag, which needs to work on his ground skills immensely.  After a decent break for all, Turbo Compressor, Optimizer, and Little Mike took the lead.  That’s how it was until the stretch where Little Mike took the lead, Point of Entry was second, St. Nicholas Abbey had to go wide came in for third, and I hit the trifecta.  Little Mike also set a new BC record in this race and matched the Santa Anita track record.   And for the record, Dale Romans, may look like an idiot, but he really is not.

XPRESSBET Sprint

As anyone who knows me, knows I’m a very emotional racing fan.  I become a fan and I stand by that horse, pretty much until retirement; Trinniberg, is one of these horses.  I was in shock of the price that he went out at (12-1).  Trinni is super fast and I think the bright colors of his bridal and polo wraps make him faster. I also played Amazombie, for the Mike Smith factor, although he wasn’t had as good of a season as his did last year, he was fourth in his last start.  I also played Sum of the Parts, who won four of his last five races. Then I played The Lumber Guy as well, who has been doing well lately, and well I told my trainer I’d be betting on greys for her.  Sum of the Parts and Trinni took the lead followed by Fast Bullet and The Lumber Guy.  Trinniberg took the lead and won, followed by The Lumber Guy, and Sum of the Parts and Smiling Tiger were in a photo for third, but it went to Smiling Tiger.  Mike Smith said that right after the turn, the horse did not even pick it up, that the horse through in the towel early.

BC Mile

This is one of my favorite races of the whole weekend.  Years past this race has been dominated by Goldikova, one of my favorite horses of all time.  This year, I was so excited to see Excelebration.  I’ve seen a lot of this horse, due to watching many of Frankel’s races, he was going out at 2-1.  Although, my downfall with Exelebration, was that he race only two weeks ago at Ascot.  Wise Dan was the even money favorite in this race, and there was really no stopping him.  I did not believe anyone could win this race, but Wise Dan.  What I was also excited to see in this race was the return of Animal Kingdom, the 2011 Kentucky Derby winner.  He has only raced once this year.  I’m a big fan of this horse and I was pumped to see him race.  Wise Dan easily won.  Animal Kingdom ran a HUGE race coming in second, he just blew out of the pack like no other, and let be honest, from the start of this race, everyone was racing for second behind Wise Dan.  Obviously, who was on the lead for most of the race came in third followed by Excelebration in fourth.

BC Classic

So for the Classic, I was keeping it simple.  I was playing Game On Dude, Mucho Macho Man, and Ron the Greek.  I didn’t think to play Fort Larned at all.  It didn’t even cross my mind that he could win.  I actually didn’t think anyone could beat the Dude.  Fort Larned, MMM, and THAS took the lead going around the first turn, and Dude was sixth at this point. Fort Larned had the lead the entire trip under Brian Hernadez.  MMM came in second and these two, were so far ahead of the field, no one would be able to catch up to them.  Flat Out came in third, followed by Ron the Greek.  Still don’t know what happened to the Dude.  Sorry Bob.  

BC Friday

Juvenile Sprint:

With the scratch of Super Ninety Nine, Merit Man became the favorite.  I also had money on South Floyd in this race, but he was scratched at the gate. The vet scratched South Floyd at the gate due to being off in one of his left front foot. I liked Ceiling Kitty as well, basically she had many starts under her and three wins, and this was the Breeder’s Cup, you risk a lot by not betting Euros. Also, an advantage for her was running without Lasix.  Who I counted out; was Hightail.  He went off at 15-1 under Rajiv Maragh, and he was 0 for 8, of course we should count this horse out.  Merit Man flew out of the gate, but they then were running four wide, two lengths only separated the whole field. Merit Man made his move after the turn and Sweet Shirley Mae was right behind, then Hazardous came up on the rail, saving all of the ground and ended up winning by a head.  P Val sent in an inquiry, Hazardous and Merit Man had a slight contact going down the stretch, but lets be honest; these are two year olds.  P Val, I think you were just being a sore loser.  For being 50 years old, you should probably be able to lose a race with dignity at this point.

Final Order of finish, Hightail, Merit Man, Sweet Shirley Mae, Hazardous, Ceiling Kitty.

Marathon

Worth Repeating was scratched due to lameness from the day before that got no better on BC Friday.   The favorite for this race was Atigun under Mike Smith, who was third in the Belmont Stakes this year.  I liked long shot Juniper Pass and Grassy in this race.  I was nervous about Grassy due to his lack of dirt starts, but that horse will run all day.  Jaycito being in this race was a complete joke; the Zayats once again think their horses are much better than they are.  Jaycito set the early speed pace, pretty much because there was no one else to due it.  Half way through the race, Fame and Glory the import proved that he was just no factor at all.  Atigun took the lead and then at the top of the lane Grassy made his move and on the outside Calidoscopio made his move and blew away the field to win by 4, Grassy was second, Atigun took third and Juniper Pass came in for fourth.  It was Aaron Gryder’s first Breeders Cup win.

Juvenile Fillies Turf

I was all about Spring Venture in this race.  This filly was 3-0 up at Woodbine, and she looked great in all her wins.  I also had money on Flotilla on this race, for no apparent reason, just seemed like a decent long shot to me. I refused to put money on Tara from the Cape, due to the fact that I hate Cape Cod. Flashy Ways who was undefeated in Southern California, but I just wasn’t feeling her, even though her connections paid the $100,000 supplemental fee. Sky Lantern, the Euro, went off at the 5-2 favorite.  Everyone seemed to break off well, and the front of the pack was 4 or 5 wide.  Tara from the Cape led the pack down the backstretch.  Flotilla, a Euro, was stalking the leaders, then after the turn down the middle of the track, flew by everyone to win it. Spring Venture did nothing but get caught in traffic was ridden very wide. Watsdachances, the Chad Brown trainee came in second, and third was taken by Summer of Fun.  Board was full of long shots in this race.

Juvenile Fillies

I just really liked Beholder in this race.  Rumors went around all week that Executivepriviledge was not training well leading into the race.  Kauai Katie should not have been entered in this race; she should have run in the sprint.  I liked Dreaming of Julia; she was probably my favorite out of the three unbeaten fillies.  Renee’s Queen was a total bitch going into the gate, her rider had to get off.  Beholder and Kauai Katie both flew to the lead, Executivepriviledge took third with Spring in the air and Renee’s Queen following.  Right before the second turn Dreaming of Julia stepped up; Beholder was still on the lead.  She just opened the hell up finishing the turn and then Executivepriviledge tried to come in for a stretch duel but she drifted out pretty wide.  Exeutivepriviledge finished second, and Dreaming of Julia came in third.  This race makes me really excited for the 2013 Kentucky Oaks.

Filly & Mare Turf

I liked the Euros, The Fugue and Nahrain in this, Chad Brown’s Zagora and Lady of Shamrock.  Up I was up in the air about, she just didn’t have enough wins behind her to convince me that she could pull of this win, even though I have a growing obsession with Aiden O’Brien.  Star Billing took the lead followed by Marketing Mix, In Lingerie and Zagora. Down the stretch Zagora just went flying by, followed by Marketing Mix and The Fugue who came in third, who was trapped at the rail for almost her whole trip.  Lady of Shamrock did have a good last run, but she just does not measure up against this crowd.

Ladies Classic

I didn’t want Royal Delta to win, I just don’t respect her as much with Blind Luck and Havre de Grace out of the game, but she couldn’t beat either of them so that’s basically my issues with her.  But Mike Smith now has her mount and we all know my feelings about him.  Awesome Feather, I have been following her for quite sometime.   Other than that, My Miss Aurelia, who I love, that filly is a fucking animal.  They all broke great, and Royal Delta just took the lead and no one could touch her.  She finished in 148.80 and she and Mike were flawless.  My Miss Aurelia ran second and Include Me Out finished third.  Questing was pulled up, with an apparent eye injury.  I don’t believe it, I think she was pulled up because she had no chance.  Awesome Feather was depressing.  Where did she even finish?  She does not run against tough company and it obviously showed in this race.  Royal Delta's next year campaign should be 100% against the boys.  

Breeders Cup. Day 1

Well I am among the masses of horse racing fans that are anticipating Fridays event a hell of a lot more than Saturdays. The Ladie's Classic is the strongest field probably in the 29 year history of the event. We have two undefeated fillies and last years winner. All but one entrants have also one grade one races.

Since I've got a few more hours to go on this plane. Here's my take on Fridays BC races

BC Juvenille Sprint
My money is most likely going on Merit Man. He is going out at 8-5. He was his last start at 6 furlongs on the SA track. He also won his start before that at Del Mar. Super Ninety Nine who is currently 5-2 won at 7 furlongs at this track is also intriguing but a maiden special start does not convince me.  Hazardous, who is currently at 8-1 (a phenom price) has won 2 of 3, his latest at SA going 6 furlongs. It was against claiming company but the final time was 1:10, the same at Merit Man's last win. The last horse in this race that intrigues me is Ceiling Kitty. The biggest thing about the Breeder's Cup is never count out the Europeans. Although she has only won at 5 furlong distances, they do not use lasix in Europe which some think could be to her advantage.  She also has much more experience than most of the field.

BC Marathon
This is to me a very difficult race to handicap because its not necessarily how good the horse is, it's about the horse and rider combo making it the distance. Last year this race was won by Afleet Again who went out at 41-1 and paid out over $85. I know this because I won a decent amount of money on him. But that just reinforces the fact that this race is anyone's game. Atigun, who is going to go out at a low price, because he is a somewhat popular horse will be included in my betting because I think he finished a very strong third in the Belmont Stakes and maybe the extra distance is what he wants.  Also, this is a BC race and Mike Smith has the mount, easy math there.  Eldaafer won this very race at this very track in 2009, but he's also now 7 and probably not in the form that he was then.  Fame and Glory, the British import can run all day. He hasn't won in his last 3 starts but I'm definitely putting money on him, he's run from 1 1/4 to 2 1/2 miles.   When it comes to Jaycito I think the Zayats just want to enter as many of their horses as possible in the BC, I'm not even looking at them.   Juniper Pass has won at this distance on this track, but that was back in 2010.  If any of these horses can get back to their older form than it can be anyone's game.

BC Juviele Fillies Turf
Well in this race I like Spring Venture who is 3-0 at Woodbine. Other than that my money is going on the Euros (which ones is another question). They dominate in BC turf events, so I'm just going to play them. In this field we have, Sky Lantern, Flotilla, The Gold Cheongsam and Infanta Branca.  But the thing is, these are two year olds, they are babies, so it can be anyone's game.

BC Juvenile Fillies
I really like Beholder in this race. She is coming off of a win at SA and he out before that she lost by a head to Executiveprivilege. The one hole that she is in does make me nervous, but hopefully she can over come it. Baffert's super horse Executiveprivilege has had rumored subpar works, which makes me a little eary about her. She is 5-0 and a local horse who has won on the SA track ( and at the 1 1/16th distance) but if she's not working well, she's not working well.  The Pletcher/Stonestreet undefeated due of Dreaming of Julia and Kauai Katie just shipped in yesterday which does not impress me. Kauai Katie has not run more than 6 furlongs so I'm not 100% sure why she is in this race and not the sprint. Dreaming of Julia I thought was impressive in the Fizette, which is run at a mile, I do not think the extra 1/16 of a mile will be a problem for her. She is my pick from the undefeated starters.

BC Fillie and Mare Turf
Well for starters, Todd Pletcher, since when does In Lingerie run on turf? Did I miss something?  For this race I'm going back to good old Mike Smith, on Lady of Shamrock.  She is 5 for 6 this year and has    Won on this track plenty.  Nahrain, the Darley breed shipper was second in this race last year and she won her last start a Belmont.  The Fugue is also on my radar. This Euro has hit the board in 6 of her 7 lifetime starts. Ridasiyna the French import is also 4 for 5 this year.  Zagora who was over in Europe and is now in the states in Chad Brown also intrigues me. Her pictures look great and she got second in her last start and first in the start before that.

Ladies Classic
It's anyone's race. I think Royal Delta will probably win it, but I personally want Awesome Feather or My Miss Aurellia to win .  That's al my input this is going to be the best race of the whole weekend.

Awesome Feather

Thursday, Awesome Feather took the Nasty Storm Stakes by a dozen lengths, making her record a perfect 10 for 10.  I've been following this filly for quit some time, although I never know if she's injured, not injured due to her long gaps in between races.  Her next start is going to be the Ladie's Classic, in 6 weeks and I can not wait.  She just seems to keep getting better while other fillies, coughroyaldeltacough, seem to be, well who knows what is up with her. This filly is unstoppable and I'm obsessed with her.

Hoping Back in the Saddle

So I've been kind of too busy to blog/the racing world is just doing nothing for me these days.  Three year olds are dropping like flies, (as of recently: Bodemeister and Hansen) so that division is pretty much thinning out for the year, even with the Traver's this weekend.  Awesome Maria has been retired, leaving the older females down a top competitor.  

The Line Up for the Travers:
1. Speightscity, I. Ortiz Jr., G Contessa, 30-1
2. Five Sixteen, R. Napravnik, D A Schettino, 15-1 
3. Golden Ticket, D. Cohen, K G McPeek, 20-1
4. Stealcase, S. Brigmohan, M E Casse, 15-1
5. Street Life, J. Lezcano, C B Brown, 5-1
6. Alpha, R. Dominguez, K P McLaughlin, 5-2
7. Atigun, M. Smith, K G McPeek, 12-1
8. Neck 'n Neck, L. Goncalves, I R Wilkes, 9-2
9. Liaison, R. Bejarano, B Baffert, 8-1
10. Nonios, J. Velazquez, J Hollendorfer, 4-1
11. Fast Falcon, J. Alvarado, N P Zito, 20-

I'm going with Stealcase on this one.  He was impressive in the Haskell and at the price that he will probably go out at? That is where my money will be going.  I'm sure Alpha will go out as even money due to the Dominguez factor, that jock is on fire this meet.

Right before the Traver's is the Kings Bishop (Uncle Mo's return race last year)
1. Willy Beamin (NY), A Garcia, 119, R E Dutrow Jr.
2. Gun Boat (FL), R Bejarano, 117, B Baffert
3. Currency Swap (FL), R Maragh, 121, T M Pompay
4. Fort Loudon (FL), J Alvarado, 119, N P Zito
5. Laurie's Rocket (KY), J Rosario, 119, D W Lukas
6. Spin Out (KY), R Napravnik, 117, N P Zito
7. Ever So Lucky (KY), J R Velazquez, 117, J E Sheppard
8. Unbridled's Note (KY), J R Leparoux, 117, S M Asmussen
9. Trinniberg (KY), W Martinez, 121, B Parboo
10. Doctor Chit (KY), R A Dominguez, 119, T A Pletcher

If Trinniberg gets a good enough break, my money is on him, he is really just too fast.  Currency Swap and Fort Loudon are definitely contenders, but Trinniberg is just the quicker colt.  Should be a good race though, more excited for this than the Traver's actually.

Well Well Well

alright here is a side note, due to the Olympics NBC is only covering some of the "Summer at Saratoga", which I am pissed about.   Why didn't another network pick this up? Now I'm forced to watch TVG ugh.

Opening weekend at the Spa was good, I quickly learned that if you don't bet on a Todd Pletcher horse, you are bound to make some money.

Rags has been retired, no surprise there.  He was the little horse that couldn't.  He had this underdog appeal, that everyone rallied for, and he just continuously failed to preform when he needed to, except when Mike Smith let him win the Belmont.

Alpha won the Jim Dandy over a sloppy track yesterday- he looked good, not the biggest fan of this horse, but he will most likely be the favorite going into the Traver's (unless he you know, gets a temperature or something, aka dodges some faster horse).  He did look good, and he had a lot of horse left at the wire. Well see how he does on the Stay Thirsty route.

Now onto the Haskell,
1. Nonios
2. Dullahan
3. Paynter
4. Gemologist
5. Handsome Mike
6. Stealcase

I think it will be Handsome Mike with the upset, simply because those connections have been on fire lately.  Other than that, Its Paynter. Bejarano is traveling to ride, and I just cant believe that he would give up a Sunday at Del Mar unless he believes that he can win.  Dullahan, whom I would normally think would be a threat may still be tired, he ran in two of the TC races, which is a fairly tough process, and his Belmont running was just pathetic (beaten 11 lengths?).  Gemologist, who I thought was the most overrated horse going into the Derby, I think may hit the board, but I do not see him winning.  Todd Pletcher is doing great this summer, remember?

Other than that, I am just talking out of my ass because I am tired and my head hurts.

So You Think

So You Think, one of Aiden O'Brien's trainees has been retired due to pulled muscles in his hind.  He is jet-setting to Australia to join Uncle Mo for stud duty at Coolmore.  So You Think was a 10 time Group 1 winning horse and has over 5 million pounds in earnings. He most recently won the Prince of Wales Stakes at the Royal Ascot meet last month.  He was 23: 14-4-1.  So You Think's worst race was last November at Churchill, were he finished 6th in the Breeder's Cup Classic.

I really like this horse and I have a growing appreciate for Aiden O'Brien

Hansen.

Won the Iowa Derby, by 10 lengths.  Now he is headed to the $750,000 West Virginia Derby.

Dr. Kendall Hansen, are you late on your mortgage payment?  Needing money is the only way that insulting this horse by taking this path to the BC will make sense.

I do like the new, neon yellow bridal though.  Did you get that idea from the Parbhoos?

photo source: www.bloodhorse.com

Mike Smith, why are you avoiding California?

This Saturday at Belmont Park, Mike Smith is flying across the country for a $350,000. Ramon Dominguez gave up the mount on Mucho Macho Man, so Kathy Ritvo, got Mike Smith to fill in the mount.  If this makes sense to ANYONE out there, please explain it to me.  Its not like there aren't any big races going on in Southern California this weekend (ex. Hollywood Gold Cup).  Mike, are you not getting any mount? Why fly across the country for that kind of money? I love you, but this makes NO SENSE. 




$350,000 Suburban Handicap (gr. II, Race 9, 5:06 p.m. EDT), 3 & Up, 1 1/8 Miles
PP., Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Endorsement (KY), M. Garcia, 116, E G Harty
2. a-Stay Thirsty (KY), J. Castellano, 117, T A Pletcher
3. a-Caixa Eletronica (KY), E. Castro, 117, T A Pletcher
4. Buffum (PA), R. Maragh, 115, T Albertrani
5. Hymn Book (KY), A. Garcia, 118, C R McGaughey III
6. Trickmeister (KY), R.A. Dominguez, 117, R E Dutrow, Jr.
7. Mucho Macho Man (FL), M. E. Smith, 118, K Ritvo
8. To Honor and Serve (KY), J. Lezcano, 120, W L Mott
a- Repole Stable entry.

Belmont Stakes

I still cant believe that Union Rags won, wait, actually I can because Mike Smith let him.  To the love of my life, Mikie, is it time to retire? You are no longer thinking when you ride.  You let Bode run ridiculous fractions to lose the Derby (keeping up with Trinniberg, really Mike, is that what a Hall of Fame rider should do?)  Can you please put some more effort into your riding, us bettors and fans are sick of wasting our money on YOU!

I am happy Rags won, I was getting disappointed when this horse was losing all credibility. I'm not sure he will go back to super horse status, but his connections sure as hell deserve a win.

I can't think anymore to type this blog, as I had way to busy of a week at work.  Later on this weekend I will post pictures of Belmont Park.

-Quick Notes:
Giant Ryan was euthanized yesterday.  Bummer for his connections.
Royal Delta will run tomorrow.
A little over 1 month until Summer At Saratoga.
Kentucky Derby now has a questionable points system...

Dullahan has arrived at Belmont

....and he looks GOOD.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktRgrg58dTc&feature=youtu.be

Ogden Phipps Handicap

I think that It's Tricky is my favorite older female in racing, but she did not run well at all today despite winning the Odgen Phipps Handicap at a mile and a sixteenth.  The field as a whole all ran pretty flat, besides longshot Cash for Clunkers who was on the lead running the until the last 1/16 of the race, she ran a great race for her price.  It's Tricky, just pulled in front to win by 3/4 of a length.  Awesome Maria finished third.  Where was she?  What happened?  It just seemed like she didn't have it in her today.  She's  All In finished fourth, and Juanita, the winner of the La Trionne on Oaks day finished fifth.

The filly and mare division is going to be tough this year, and right now, these ladies need to pull it together.

Happy Memorial/Met Mile Day!!

Talk about a deep field in the Met Mile (Win and You're in for the BC Dirt Mile) this year, Caleb's Posse (my personal favorite) To Honor and Serve, Jackson Bend, Shack, Caixa Electronica, and Saginaw, all ran in the 10th race at Belmont Park today.  They seemed to spend a long time in the starting gate,  I guess To Honor and Serve was having a some issues.  Shack broke on the lead, which he held for the entirety of the race, Caleb's Posse rallied toward the end and it was a photo finish, Shack won by a nose.  To Honor and Serve was bottled up on the rail, but still finished third.  Jackson Bend, was off his game today and finished last.

I vow, from here on out, I will now have more respect for Shack.  I thought he had no chance against Amazombie, which he did beat him, and I really didn't think he had a chance today.  Shack has just come back at a 4 year old and he is ready to run.  I'm excited to see the majority of this group run again in the Breeder's Cup Dirt Mile.

Preakness Day

All I want is a Triple Crown winner, but I don't think it will be this year.  The Preakness is 1 3/16th miles long, I'll Have Another is a closer, Mario, a very good, but a very young jockey, I am not confident that he will be able to get this horse to attack at the right time.  If he goes to early, I think the horse will tire, if he goes to late, he will not be able to rally enough for the win.  I think I'll Have Another, with in running style only, has better chances of winning the Belmont (although, I do not know enough about his pedigree to comment on the Belmont distance).

Bode- possibly could be too tired?  Going with my "Plum Pretty" theory (I said about her running in the La Trionne, that she did not have enough of a layoff after the Apple Blossom) I think he may have run to hard in the Derby, that is he able to do it again today?  Shack, who was the leader in the majority of last years Derby came back to win the Preakness.  Overall, my point is, I will not be surprised if Bode wins, but I think he may have a Derby replay, be on the lead the whole race, then end up hitting the board, but not with the win.

Went the Day Well- I think this horse has a chance.  He impressed me in the Derby, now he's on my short list.

Creative Cause- For some reason, I just have never really got to rally behind this horse.  I am an emotional horse-woman, and I just do not like this horse that much.  This does not take away from the fact that he can win this race, but after a sub-par Derby performance (finishing 5th), he should of joined his peers and skipped over this race.

Daddy Nose Best- with Julien, why bother talking about him.  Daddy did nothing in the Derby, finished 10th.  I'm not sure why his connections are racing him.  Give him a break, then have him come back against Grade 2 and 3 company... I like this horse, but he is not fully Grade 1 material.

Optimizer- why is he even racing?

I think a non-Derby runner, will win this.  Other than that I have no idea, and with the new job I have not been reading as much as I usually do.  I'll probably through small bets on Bode, Teeth of the Dog, and Cozzetti (due to Dale Romans sex appeal)

$1 million Preakness Stakes (gr. I, Race 12, 6:18 p.m.), 3YO, 1 3/16 Miles (Dirt)

PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer, Odds

1. Tiger Walk (KY), K J Desormeaux, 126, I Correas IV, 30/1

2. Teeth of the Dog (KY), J Bravo, 126, M R Matz, 15/1

3. Pretension (NY), J Santiago, 126, C W Grove, 30/1

4. Zetterholm (NY), J Alvarado, 126, R E Dutrow Jr., 20/1

5. Went the Day Well (NY), J R Velazquez, 126, H G Motion, 6/1

6. Creative Cause (KY), J Rosario, 126, M Harrington, 6/1

7. Bodemeister (VA), M E Smith, 126, B Baffert, 8/5

8. Daddy Nose Best (KY), J R Leparoux, 126, S M Asmussen, 12/1

9. I'll Have Another (KY), M Gutierrez, 126, D F O'Neill, 5/2

10. Optimizer (KY), C S Nakatani, 126, D W Lukas, 30/1

11. Cozzetti (KY), J Lezcano, 126, D L Romans, 30/1

Where was Robbie Albarado this weekend?

He was busy beating up another woman, his current girlfriend. This douche cheated on said girl, she tried breaking up with him and so he beat her up. He bailed himself out on Friday. He should get his jocks license revoked. End of story.

Union Rags

Union Rags is going back to Florida. Michael Matz is none to pleased with his performance and gas said that everything he told Julien to do, he didn't. Julien also said that he heard a pop at the 3/16ths pole, but Rags still rallied a little to finish seventh. Matz ended up galloping Rags out last night to see if there were any injuries, which the horse came back with a clean bill of health. Nice excuse Julien. Rags is going to rest up, skip the Preakness and make his return in the Belmont, with a new jockey. And for the record, Julien, you can kiss all your Matz mounts goodbye. Todd, you maybe right about this jock.

Yes, I'll Have Another... Continued

Well here is the sober version of my Derby weekend update, still from this stupid iPad though, so all errors, blame them on Apple. Well, I was saying that Daddy Long Legs maybe a Derby threat and after watching the replay on the news here about 15 times, DLL got the best break from the one hole that anyone could ask for. He looked great but before he even got into the gate, the horse was extremely sweaty. Colm Odonoghue said that the horse was overheating which is why he stopped asking DLL. Not surprised considering it was 95 degrees yesterday and the horse probably isn't used to those temps being stationed in Ireland. Regardless of what others may say, I still love this colt and I want one of his babies to be made into one of my dressage horses. Take Charge Indy who finished second to last is going to have ankle surgery. I was just at The Galt House, having a drink and who happened to be there, none other than my love, Mike Smith. Of course I didn't say anything considering he would probably get a restraining order against me, but I did hear him talking about his ride on Bode. Bode is an inexperienced horse, and they need to get his speed under control, and the Derby isn't the place to be learning how to do this. I understand this. And hey, second place isn't all that bad. I think Baffert is pleased with the run. Everyone wants to win, but if you can't win, you might as well run second. I have been saying that I like I'll Have Another for sometime now. I think people want to believe that he won the Bob and Bev Lewis Stakes by luck, but when he came back to take the Santa Anita Derby (over Creative Cause) that just proved he has more luck than talent. Now that he won the Derby, I hope people will start thinking that this is a legit horse and not a case of beginners luck. And on top of that it was his jockeys, Mario Gutierrez first Kentucky Derby. Who wins in there first Derby? Really, that's amazing! Dullahan ran third, don't love this horse but I think he will be tough competition. I have a tendency not to love Dale Romans horses for really no good reason. Went The Day Well came out of no where to finish fourth and that surprised the hell out of me. I didn't not for one second think this horse had it in him, but apparently he did. Union Rags, what the he'll happened to you? And race fans, our we now over Gemologist and his unabated record. Please. I love Winstar farm, but this horse has been overrated since day one. He only had two graded races under his girth, and really what Derby level horse can't win an allowance race. Other than that, moat of these horses ran poorly, or they just couldn't find their way out of the pack. Tomorrow I'll Have Another ships to Maryland for the Preakness, I'm sure Hansen will ship, but other than that I'm not sure who will continue on to the next jewel in the Triple Crown.

Yes, I'll Have Another, lily that is....

What a Derby weekend. Rosie kicked ass on Believe You Can in the Oaks. Mike Smith let me down. Multiple times and I'll Have Another won the Derby. I had a big great entry typed up and this stupid kipad deleted it. And now I'm too drunk/tired to write it over again so I'll update it tomorrow. But I did have a win bet on I'll Have Another. Two, Gemologist is overrated. Three, the Preakness will be great. Four, I have a sunburn

My Oaks Horse Got the 1 Hole!

1. On Fire Baby/Joe Johnson/4-1
2. Grace Hall/Javier Castellano/5-2
3. Summer Applause/Garrett Gomez/15-1
4. Eden’s Moon/Martin Garcia/12-1
5. Hard Not to Like/Robby Albarado/20-1
6. Broadway’s Alibi/John Velazquez/4-1
7. Sacristy/Mike Smith/50-1
8. Jemima’s Pearl/Joe Talamo/10-1
9. Believe You Can/Rosie Napravnik/10-1
10. And Why Not/Julien Leparoux/15-1
11. Karlovy Vary/James Graham/20-1
12. Colonial Empress/Corey Nakatani/50-1
13. Amie’s Dini/Jon Court/10-1
14. Yara/Jesus Castanon/30-1

AE- Oaks Lilly/Rafael Bejarano/50-1

too good I had to post this...

From Graham Motions Twitter:

"Lady at the Hertz desk in Louisville just asked me if I had ever been to the Kentucky Derby....#howwouldsheknow '


I almost fell out of my chair laughing.

Daddy Long Legs.... Possible Derby Threat

So there is no denying the level of talent in this years Kentucky Derby, and to be completely honest, I have no clue who I even want to win, due to the fact I like so many of these damn horses!  Although, when in doubt I always go to whatever horse Mike Smith is riding, due to my undying love for a man who is six inches shorter and a hell of a lot of weight less than me.  I have always had a soft spot for Hansen (I’ve been following him since his first race, thank you TVG), but I don’t think his riding style will win this Derby; I don’t trust early speed in this group (and I am not ready to admit, I think my white horse may just really peak as a miler).  Union Rags, I would not be surprised if he won, but I don’t think he will, I think everyone want that “hero horse”, the next potential Triple Crown winning horse, and early on people though Rags was it.  To me, whom much pressure gets to the horse, and the connections, as racing fans, we tend to get ahead of ourselves with these babies on the track. Bodemeister, as the favorite, can easily win this (and with Mike aboard, I will be happy if he does), but how often does the favorite win the Derby?  I have great respect for the majority of these horse’s campaigns (minus the few lucky winners, cough cough Laison, coughcough). But here is my point (bare with me I’ve had a long week at work and I’ve consumed a decent amount of wine this evening) … I think we all need to watch out for DADDY LONG LEGS.  Now I don’t know that much about this beautiful, chestnut colt, besides the fact that he had a shitty 12^th place finish in the BCJ, he also has, three first place and a fourth place finish underneath his girth.  First of all this year’s Scat Daddy’s really intrigue me.  They can really run on anything, and they are all just very versatile horses.  DADDY LONG LEGS is out of Dreamy Maiden by Meadowlake, who has usually produced horses for shorter distances, but DLL had proven he could go distance by winning the UAE Derby, back on Dubai World Cup night.  The UAE Derby is 1 3/16 miles, where as Kentucky is 1 1/4, so he will have to push himself a little bit harder, but I think this horse can really do it (and hopefully at good odds, so I can make some money!!) Aidan O’Brien is the trainer of DLL and all I really know about him is that this guy can win races. DLL went up against some of the best international horses in March and demolished the field on the Tepata surface, and after winning in what is essentially quick sand, I think he will work well on the dirt.  Other than that I just have no facts or information on why this horse could win, just a feeling that he can surprise us all.  

... and hey he does owe me some money that I lost on him in BCJ

Havre De Grace Retired!

Havre de Grace was retired yesterday, she worked at Churhill that morning and due to her ankle being warm, they had her checked out.  Good thing they retired her in time so she can still be bred ($100 she's bred to Bernardini!) I'm calling bullshit on this injury, I am no vet, but cmon, a random, minor injury comes up after she dodges Plum Pretty in the Apple Blossom, the reigning Horse of the Year is getting older, and there are tougher, younger, faster, new fillies coming up to take her down.  Now if you read this blog, you know I love this horse dearly, but I think her owners are looking for a reason to retire her.  Now here is my question, are we "taking good care of our horses" or are we afraid to lose?

http://rockportharbor.com/2012/04/23/havre-de-grace-retired/#comments

On their website they put a link to her xrays. 

I have no idea who will win the Kentucky Derby

 Now that all the major prep races are over, who the hell knows who will be the favorite going into the derby.  Bodemiester had the most impressive win the the Arkansas Derby, winning my 9 lengths.  Dullahan had so much horse left winning the Blue Grass, I'm not even sure he broke a sweat.


I LIKE TOO MANY OF THESE HORSES

SMITH + DADDY NOSE BEST = KY DERBY !!?

well, after an extremely shitty work week, I have just found out that my favorite jockey (Mike Smith) is getting the mount on one of my favorite Derby horses: Daddy Nose Best.

just made my day.

MY FILLY... HdG

Actually, I think technically she is now considered a mare, but HdG will no longer be defending her Apple Blossom title, due to unfair wieght assignments.  Instead she will run in the La Troienne at Churchill Downs on the Oaks card (which I will be there for!) HdG was assigned 123lbs, where Plum Pretty (Oaks winner and 5th in the Breeder's Cup Ladie's Classic) was assigned 117lbs, other horses were assigned as low as 114lbs.  I completely understand their decision, I know they're taking a lot of heat "for dodging the competition" .... but who draws the line between safety and "good competition"

Here's what the Fox Hill Farm website said:

The Apple Blossom

By Rick on April 7, 2012

Larry and I really wanted to defend our title in the Apple Blossom. We were expecting fair weights and when they were released today, Larry called me and we were flabbergasted at the weights. Plum Pretty was the most unexpected but a lot of them were very unfair. Tiz Miz Sue was getting 8 pounds after just running over a hundred beyer and winning the graded Azeri Stakes. Absinthe Minded was getting 9. No one can say that we have ducked any one in racing. Hard Spun took on every tough race there was as did Round Pond and the immortal Eight Belles. We love the competition. Havre de Grace took on Blind Luck six times and ran against the boys in the prestigious Woodward and we didn’t bat an eye at running in the granddaddy of them all, the Classic. We have decided one thing though, we will take on any horse and take our defeats when we get them but we won’t let the racing secretaries decide who is going to win the races. That is why we took this stand on the Apple Blossom. The weights are unfair and I have asked all the journalists to demand that Pope explain how he came up with the numbers for the weights. He owes it to the fans that were going to pack the house for the Apple Blossom. He just didn’t invent these weights, his duty as racing secretary is to analyse each horse and their races and come up with fair weights. Since he had to do it, he should make it public so we can see his thinking and reasoning. I hope he takes on his responsibility. We will run in The La Troienne at Churchill Downs on May 4th. This is exactly what I said we would do if Pope came out with unfair weights. I hope you all understand. We have decisions to make in running a racing operation and today was one of those tough ones.
Rick

TC Update.

So I have been completely slacking in the blogging department...mainly blaming the fact that there is too much going on to keep up with!  And I've been busy at work. blahblahblah.

So a little recap...

Santa Anita Derby: Won by I'll Have Another.  I really like this horse/think he is a bit underrated.  Creative Cause looked great, and frankly he just didn't need to try that hard, for he has enough graded stakes earning for his locked spot in the Derby gate.  Longshot, Blueskiesnrainbows, took the third place spot. Laison and Midnight Transfer, both failed to impress.

Wood: Gemologist and Alpha were the only two contenders in this race.  I though Gem ran well, but there is just something about this horse that I am not all that impressed with.  Alpha ran a good second, I think that he will have distance trouble going into the TC.  Gemologist is going into the Derby undefeated, so I would like to see what odds he is going out at.  I do not think there was a star/Derby winning horse coming out of the Wood.

Illinois Derby:  I'm not even sure who won, I just know the Repole horse didn't hit the board.

Right now for earnings:
1) Hansen
2) Daddy Long Legs
3) Union Rags
4) Creative Cause
5) Wrote
6) Gemologist
7) Take Charge Indy
8) Sabercat
9) I'll Have Another
10) Daddy Nose Best
11) Secret Circle
12) Dullahan
13) Liaison
14) Alpha
15) Prospective
16) Trinniberg
17) Done Talking
18) Drill
19) Went the Day Well
20) Rousing Sermon

we still have the Blue Grass Stakes, Arkansas Derby...

MIKE SMITH

MIKE SMITH GETS WIN #5000.  ON AMAZOMBIE!! woo hoo...


I'll Have Another wins SA Derby, beats Creative Cause by a nose, and Gemologist holds up his unbeaten record and beats Alpha in the Wood.  All four are now going to the Derby!



.... its Saturday night, I'm heading out- will have more detailed updates tomorrow.

Rampart Stakes

We were supposed to see the Awesome females run against each other, Awesome Maria vs. Awesome Feather, but earlier in the week Chad Brown, AF's trainer said she wasn't acting herself so they were not going to race her.  AM took the lead at the quarter pole and just dominated down the stretch to victory.  AM is now 2-2 this year.  I can't wait too see the Awesome's match up against Havre de Grace.  The older female division this year is stacked, there are going to be some great races to come.  Maybe they should change the Breeder's Cup Ladies Classic to be the main race on the card!

Dubai World Cup

As I predicted (there is nothing I like more than being right) Royal Delta was destroyed in the Dubai World Cup.  She was stuck in the pack the whole race, and never broke away to take the lead.  The TVG broadcasters were both picking her as their favorite to win, yes, she looked great training, but the competition was just to much for her.  Game on Dude was in a decent position, but then after the second turn the horse just fell flat.  I'm proud of Chantal though, I think if they got a better post position then she would of had a better change of winning, but breaking from the 14 post it was just too much ground to make up.  Mickael Barzalona rode the *numbereighthorse* Monterosso to victory at 20-1  Capponi 11-1 was second, both for Godolphin.  Mickael also stood up to victory about 1/16 of a mile before the finish line, causing a little bit of controversy, but the race was his.  Also, Mickael, is 20 years old.  

All in all, the festivities in Dubai all looked amazing.  I would love to go there someday, and hopefully watch some American horses win!

TAKE CHARGE INDY

won the FLORIDA DERBY... with Calvin Borel, he will win the Derby.  Union Rags was trapped the whole race.

DUBAI DUTY FREE

CityScape demolished this field.  Await the Dawn had the lead for most of the race, then faded.  Congrats to Judmont.  Could not have ran a more impressive race!

Golden Shaheen

What happened to The Factor?  He was last basically the entire race and then went extremely wide down the stretch, never even had a chance of winning.  Krypton Factor ended up winning the race.

DUBAI GOLD CUP

This race stopped mid race, due to a breakdown?  They are consulting with the trainers to see if they will re-run today.  What's the story?

UEA DERBY

DADDY LONG LEGS JUST WON! WELCOME TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY!  Wrote who won the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf who looked good coming down the stretch, and then faded back will probably not ship over to the US now for the Kentucky Derby.  Daddy Long Legs just made this look easy!

Blind Luck & Rachel A

Both Blind Luck and Rachel Alexandra had confirmed that they are both in foal to Bernardini

.... and after these babies are born, they will both be sent to Tapit.... and then they will continue to follow who Zenyatta is bred to.

Sunland Park Oaks

Princess Arabella won this $200,000 Kentucky Oaks prep race, easily by eight lengths over the weekend.  She is trained by Bob Baffert and she is on the same Oaks trail as Plum Pretty who won the Oaks last year.  Martin Garcia was barely moving as he guided Princess Arabella to a gate to wire victory as everyother horse just tired out by the second turn.

Bob Baffert

We wish you a speeding recovery after the heart attack he had in Dubai resulting in surgery.  Like the champ he is though, he was still training his horses via telephone from his hospital bed.  ESPN is reporting he is out of the ICU and maybe out of the hospital as early as the 29th. 

Welcome to the Kentucky Derby DaddyNoseBest!!

Daddy Nose Best is a horse that I love.  I first saw him run on Traver's Day at Saratoga and I happened to be with my father who made it a point to let me know to bet on this horse, of course I didn't listen to him, because well what did he know about horseracing, I think I actually bet on Alex Solis and State Flag; and we all know what happened.  Daddy Nose Best ended up winning and paid out $10.60, while State Flag came in out of the money and in fifth place.  Obviously after the race, my father continued to tell me that I should always listen to him, because in fact "Daddy Nose Best".

Since that day, anytime I've seen this horse run, I put money on him just because, I never want me father to tell me he was right.  This plan back fired on me when Daddy Nose Best came in sixth in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf.  Even though I lost money on him, there is just something about this horse that I love.  First of all he’s had 10 starts, and he is 4-2-1, he has won on turf and dirt, and this horse has shipped all over the country.  He is extremely versatile and I think he is a horse to be reckoned with.  Now, I really hope I am not eating my own words on Sunday, May 6th. 

On Sunday, March 25th, Daddy Nose Best earned himself enough graded stakes dollars to be in the starting gate that first Saturday in May, by winning the Grade III $800,000 Sunland Derby.  He was ridden by Julien Leparoux for Steve Asmussen.  The reason why they won this race is because they were the only one with their heads on straight.  Castaway and Ender Knievel were in a dueling 1-2 fight for most of the race, until they both tired out and Isn't He Clever tried desperately to get in on the action with them.  Isn't He Clever was able to stay on enough to get second place, a whopping 7 1/4 lengths in front of the rest of the pact.

DaddyNoseBest bankrolled $400,000 on graded stakes dollars, and with the $120,000 he won in the El Camino Real Derby and Golden Gate, he has enough money for Derby Day.

Image Source: Google

ZENYATTA TO BE BRED TO ....

TAPIT

I'm not surprised and this is one hell of a sire.  Tapit is by Pulput (by A.P. Indy) and he is out of Tap Your Heels by Unbridled.

I would like to see Bernardini-Zenyatta vs. Tapit-Zenyatta Breeder's Cup Classic 2016

Uncle Mo's Heading to the Land Down Under...

According to the Coolmore website, Uncle Mo will be packing his bags and heading across the world to Australia to stand there for the 2012 season.  Zoffany who was trained by Aiden O'Brien and who finished second to Frankle in the St. James's Palace Stakes is headed there with Mo. 

Do you think Mike Repole is going to suffer from separation anxiety?

New Plans for Hansen and now for Alpha

Sometimes men are the most indecisive people, and frankly its annoying.  Hansen who is currently training at the Churchill Training track (according to his facebook) was originally pointed to the $1 Million Wood Memorial, and now drf.com is reporting that he will now skip the Wood and run in the $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes.  Which now because Hansen is skipping the Wood, Alpha who was being pointed to the Louisiana Derby is now being reconsidered for the Wood.  Dr. Kendall Hansen is saying that he would rather not ship the equine Hansen around that much, I get it, but look at a map, Kentucky to New York is not that long of a flight.  I think you are trying to get an easier race in before that first Saturday in May.  Ramon Dominguez who was injured in a spill last week is scheduled to race again March 31, The Wood is April 7th, and the Blue Grade is April 14.  I see the point of holding off and giving Ramon more time to heal, but if he wasn't ready he would not embarrass himself by losing on a Derby horse. Ramon is the regular rider for both Hansen and Alpha, but if they both are going to the Derby, he might as well make his choice now. 

But here's by advice to the owners: your horse isn't always going to win, so wo-man up and lets see some good competition! and dammit, enter them both in the Wood!

GIRL POWER

I feel like as writing this entry today, I should probably have a Spice Girls record blaring in the background, but per usual, I'm at work currently and my co-workers do not necessarily share the same love for 90s/2000s pop music as I do.  A week from Saturday, I truly believe that Chantal Sutherland will make history and be not only the first female jockey to race in the Dubai World Cup, but I think she has a mega chance to win.  Now I was not always a fan of Chantal, but after her performance in the Breeder's Cup, I was pretty blown away.  Chantal and Game on Dude was demolishing the field one-by-one, until Drosselmeyer came literally out of nowhere to win.  Drosselmeyer is a distance horse though.  His connections almost entered him in the Marathon, and he won the Belmont, (the longest of the Triple Crown), that is why he had a lot of horse left, but he got lucky and went wide to win.  I do not know a great amount about the field entering the World Cup, considering there is so much going on in American racing that following other countries would in fact make my head explode.  But this is a 2000m race (one mile and two furlongs), and we have seen GOD win at this length from taking the lead early, and following with the pack and then breaking away.  In his last start, in the San Antonio, Chantal had him relax a little bit with a couple of horses and then at the end he increased on his lead.  I think Baffert and Chantal are turning this gelding into a much more versatile horse.  So You Think is currently the favorite in the World Cup, does anyone remember that Chantal and GOD finished ahead of So You Think in the Breeder's Cup Classic?  SYT came in fifth place, and I understand that he had eight group one wins, but he just did nothing to impress me.

Chantal is no joke of a rider, and contrary to what I used to believe, she does not get her mounts just because she's pretty.  Even though I loved the reality series "Jockeys" I think it hurt some of the riders involved because it made the viewer to interested in the personal lives of each jock as opposed to their actual athletic ability.  In a way, it portrayed Chantal as the woman who did not want to quit her career just yet to have a baby with Mike Smith.  And of course, Mike Smith is "America's Sweetheart Jockey."  He was Zenyatta's jockey (and if you don't love Zenyatta, you my friend, are heartless), but as a viewer, you almost got so sucked into the drama that you were mad at Chantal for choosing her career.  As, the viewer, we made Chantal the antagonist because she was being a feminist, this is when the finger is pointed at me for being a hypocrite.  Chantal has over 7,100 starts and over 900 wins with $45,602,970 in total earnings, over $480,000 being from this year alone.  Basically Chantal is bad ass, and her career really just keeps getting better and better.  She reportedly is leaving for Dubai on Monday, and hopefully kicking a lot of ass on Saturday.

Win or lose, Chantal is making history next Saturday.  I will be watching, provided I can figure out the whole time change!   Good Luck Chantal & Game On Dude!!

Dubai

all American horses (Game on Dude, Royal Delta, The Factor, Lucky Chappy....etc)  have now left for Dubai.... World Cup countdown: 10 days

What's going on with these 3 year olds

I would consider myself an avid horse racing fan, but really my brain is just scrambled right now on trying to keep track of all of these damn three year olds.  Between New York, Florida, Louisiana, California, and Kentucky its like I need a damn spreadsheet to keep track of everyone and how their doing.  Let alone keeping track of those who are now off the derby train (which its safe to say if its a Todd Pletcher horse, probably going to be on the injured list, sooner rather than later).

March 31st, is the $1 Million Florida Derby (Grade 1) - the confirmed horses are Union Rags, El Padrino, Take Charge Indy, Neck'n Neck, News Pending, Reveron and Fort Loudon.  Union Rags has already faced Neck'n Neck, News Pending, and Fort Loudon all on this track in the Fountain of Youth back in February.

The Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds is on April 1st

April 7th, at Aqueduct, is the Wood Memorial which will be Hanson's next start.  April 7th is also the Santa Anita Derby

SO MUCH TO WATCH....


....to be continued

Havre de Grace

It was an easy win for Havre de Grace, by 41/2 lengths.  There is some criticism from the media about her debut for the fact that she had minimal competition, but this was her first start since the Breeder's Cup in November.  Horses can be sensitive, this was an easy win, but I think that it got HdG back in the swing of things, it geared her up to know that its time to start racing again.  Her stablemate Joyful Victory finished third in the Azeri at Oaklawn Park.  I believe that both of these horses will be pointed to the Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park.  HdG is the reigning champ of this race and the year before it was won by none other than the Great Zenyatta.  I think that HdG is prepared to have a great campaign this year, but I think she is going to be facing tougher competition than ever before.

my girl returning to the track...

Saturday will be a great day in New Orleans considering that my girl Havre de Grace will be making her 5 year old debut in the New Orleans Ladies.  Her morning like odds are at 1-5, she has minimal competition in the field.  Juanita who is going off from the 5th post position at 5-1 morning line odds may give HdG a slight run for her money.  Juanita has already had two starts this year, both at Fair Grounds on January 14th in the Marie G. Krantz Memorial Handicap where she got 2nd place and on February 11th, in the Tiffany Lass Stakes where she placed 3rd.  Not a bad horse, but still probably not good enough for the reigning Horse of the Year.

1) Sterling Madame 8-1
2) Havre de Grace 1-5
3) Annabel Lee 30-1
4) Distorted Love 12-1
5) Juanita 5-1

There is no set schedule for this year with Havre de Grace, but the $150,000 purse will be a nice little bonus to add to her total earnings of $ 2,496,175.  A more defined route will most likely be established depending on how HdG's stablemate, Joyful Victory does in the Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn.  Can't wait until Saturday!

image source: google

Hiatus is over...

Well I was on a brief hiatus in my blog world, well frankly due to work, but I am back now and better than ever!  ahhh, not really.

In most important news, Zenyatta had her baby last Thursday, March 8th, and 10:10 pm.

A very adorable 130lb colt by Bernadini.  Now people are already talking that he is going to be the Triple Crown winner of 2015, but I am not so sure he will even make it to the Triple Crown races.  Assuming that the Moss's will keep the Zenyatta connections with 12Zenyatta, John Sherriffs will have no problem taking his time on making sure the colt will be in top shape before racing.  With the reputation that this colt already has, the training needs to be meticulous and at his pace, not the pace of the media.  Zenyatta did not make her racing debut until the end of her three year old year.  Bernadini colts are currently dominating every age bracket, Alpha, Algorithms, Gamilati, Stay Thirsty's post Derby year was great, which leads me to believe that the need to wait and mature before racing comes from Vertigineux.  Zenyatta's half sister, who is by Bernadini, Eblouissante, is three right now and has yet to race. This little guy has big hoofs to live up to, good luck to his opponents on the racetrack.

How about Ghostzapper-Zenyatta 2013 Baby???

Fountain of Youth

Todd Pletcher, is the best trainer for making his horses look better than they are.  Discreet Dancer, was undefeated until yesterday, but he has never faced any real competition.  Uncle Mo, who seemed to be Pletcher's pride and joy, was destroyed when he faced the toughest field in all of his career in the Breeder's Cup Classic.  Everyone wanted to see the showdown between Algorithms and Union Rags, but Algorithms had a right front splint injury in his leg which caused him to be scratched.  He will only be out of traning for a few days... does not seem like a bad injury to me, I think it was an excuse to dodge Union Rags. Union Rag's comback was great.  He destoryed the field, and when he was galloping out he looked like he could run around one more time.  According to his facebook, Julien did not even use the crop on Rags, he just ran on his own.  He looked great.  Rags will start again in the Florida Derby at the end of March.  Congratulations to him and his connections!

and Pletcher, get your horses together!

Hansen

His next start will be in the Gotham Stakes!

Royal Delta is making a Royal Mistake going to Dubai

Since Royal Delta won the Ladie's Classic, I think people are making her out to be a horse that she is not.  She was sold for $8.5 Million at the Keeneland Fall Sale, which may have proven to be a mistake on Saturday.  Awesome Maria destoried the field.  Yes, it was both of their first races back since a lay-off, but are you kidding me?  Do you really think Royal Delta has a chance to win against the world's best horses in Dubai?  I do not think she has a fighting chance.  Let's look at the bigger picture just with American horses:  Royal Delta faced Havre de Grade in the Beldame, which showed that Royal Delta was no competition for Havre de Grace.  HdG's connections realized that the filly and mare group running in the Ladie's Classic was no competition for her, so that is why they opted for the Classic against the males.  HdG came in a respectable 4th place, but still she was no match for Game on Dude, who came in 2nd, and possibly will be running against Royal Delta in Dubai.  Royal Delta had a great campaign in 2011, but her comptition was never too stiff.  Bill Mott said, that she came in second in the Beldame and then she came back to win the Breeder's Cup, so if she comes in second in the Sabin, she'll come back to win the Dubai World Cup.  No filly has ever won the Dubai World Cup, and Royal Delta sure isn't going to be the first to win.  I think its going to be a huge mistake to ship her over there.  Although, if she hits the board, I will eat my own words.

Awesome Maria easily wins Sabin!

Johnny Valezquez easily guided Awesome Maria to victory by 4 3/4 lengths in Saturday's Grade 3 Sabin at Gulf Stream Park.  AM who has been off since last June, took the field by storm.  She beat Royal Delta, the defending 3-year-old Ladies Champ, followed by Groupie Doll, Canadian Mistress, and Ghostly Darkness.  All of AM's recorded workouts in the past few months have been great, so it is no surprise that she demolished this field.  No news yet on what race she will be heading to next.

Algorithms Scratched!

According to reports, he has a popped skin.  He was scratched this morning and will be out of training for the next few days.  10 Minutes to post in the Fountain of Youth...


GO UNION RAGS!!

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH WEEKEND

UNION RAGS VERSUS ALGORITHMS

HdG

She may now be staying at Fair Grounds and running there in the New Orleans Ladies....owner Rick Porter also may have the race bump up to $150,000 to equal the same purse as the Azeri.  Talk about some pull.  Joyful Victory also owned by Porter and trained by Larry Jones is going to be running in whatever race HdG is not...

HdG

Monday, reigning Horse of the Year worked five furlongs in :59 4/5.  Then she galloped out six furlongs in 1:14 3/5.  She ranked 1/63.  Her debut will either be in the $100,000 New Orleans Ladies Stakes at Fair Grounds, or the $150,000 Azeri Stakes (Grade 3) at Oaklawn Park.  Both races are on March 17th.

Royal Academy Passes Away

Royal Academy, winner of the 1990 Breeder's Cup Mile has died yesterday of old age, at age 25.  He was by Nijinsky and out of Crimson Saint.  Royal Academy is also the grandsire to champion Black Caviar (who is currently 19-0)  In his seven starts Royal Academy was 4-2-0, with earnings of $725,167.  He spent the last 5 years of his life at Coolmore Australia.

Animal Kingdom

This Saturday, Animal Kingdom will return to the tuft in the third race at Gulfstream Park.  This optional claimer/allowance race is going to be Animal Kingdoms only prep race before shipping to Dubai for the $10 Million World Cup.  This will be the Kentucky Derby winner's first race since he fractured his hock after his start in the Belmont Stakes in June. In the field of five, Animal Kingdom will most likely demolish the competition.

Photo Credit: Barbara Livingston, via drf.com

in other record breaking news.....

Mike Smith is also only 10 wins away from 5000!!

CONGRATULATIONS TODD PLETCHER

I'm aware I'm a little late on this post, but congratulations to Todd Pletcher on his 3000th win!! Last Saturday at Gulfstream Park, Spring Hill Farm won the third race on the card!

What in the world happened in the Donn

Hymm Book.... really?  I did not see that one coming, especially since this was not a turf race.  What happened to Shack?  He usually goes right to the lead, was he purposely not on the lead?  I think he probably needed a prep race before running in Grade 1 company again.  Dale Romans apparently has no excuse for why the favorite ended up finishing in 7th place.  But even though Shack went off as the favorite, both Flat Out and Ruler on Ice ran poorly.  Hymm Book beat Mission Impazible in a photo finish.  Mission Impazible would of won, had he not drifted so far out coming down the stretch.  They were folled by, Redeemed, Where's Sterling, Flat Out, Trickmeister, Shackleford, Ruler on Ice, Sangaree, Al Khali, and Soaring Empire.

Lets talk some Royal Delta....

I love nothing more, than when fillies kick ass.  And in todays racing, I think the fillies are doing a much better job than the colts.  Due to my slow work day yesterday, I re-watched the replay of the Ladies Classic, and Royal Delta for lack of better terms kicked ass.  She was relaxed for basically the first mile, but stayed no more than two or three lengths of the lead, and then boom down the stretch, when she was challenged by It's Tricky and Plum Pretty, Royal D threw herself into overdrive and easily won.  On February 2nd, she trained at Payson Park Training Center, and breezed four furlongs in 48:20 on a fast rack, ranking 1/12, then on February 9th, she worked six furlongs in 1:16:30. (news from her facebook page).  Since Ben Leon's Besilu Stables purched Royal Delta for a whopping $8.5 million back on November 8th, I'm sure her team wants to make this investment worth while.  Royal D is returning to the races on February 25th, in the Grade 3 Sabin at Gulfstream Park.  If all goes well, then she will ship over to Dubai  for the World Cup on March 31st.

...heating up part 2

Union Rags was without a jockey for about 30 seconds when Javier Castellano chose to ride Algorithms in the Fountain of Youth Stakes, and as long as this colt still wins, will ride him for the rest of the Triple Crown season.  Giving up Union Rags, maybe the best or worst decision Javier will have made (I can't wait to see).  Every jockey agent in the country was working overtime to secure their jock at the new rider for Union Rags.... and dun dun dun dun... the winner is JULIEN LEPAROUX.  Julien is an animal.  He is extremely aggressive and I think this is going to be a winning combination.  Yesterday, Julien worked Rags five furlongs in 1:03:08 and then galloped out six furlongs in 1:15:40

Both these horses look good... whomever wins this is going to be the favorite going into the Derby

Derby Season in heating up....

Well over the weekend (I was apparently to lazy to write) Javier Castellano had made the decision to stick with team Pletcher and ride Algorithms in the Fountain of Youth Stakes.  According to the horse's facebook page, on Monday, February 13th, he "breezed half a mile in :49 1/5, going easily in :24 4/5 and galloping out five furlongs in 1:02 1/5"  Todd Pletcher seems to be happy with the work.  The FOY is February 25th.... only nine days away.

Donn Handicap

$500,000 Donn Handicap 4 & Up, 1 1/8 Miles (Dirt)

1. Where's Sterling - J Lezcano, N Canani
2. Mission Impazible - J Castellano,  T  Pletcher
3. Ruler On Ice-R Napravnik, K  Breen
4. Redeemed - E Prado,  R  Dutrow Jr.
5. Soaring Empire - J Leparoux,  C  Gambolati
6. Al Khali - A Garcia,  W  Mott
7. Flat Out - A  Solis, C Dickey
8. Trickmeister - R  Dominguez,  R  Dutrow Jr.
9. Shackleford - J Castanon,  D  Romans
10. Hymn Book- J Velazquez, C McGaughey III
11. Sangaree- R Maragh, K McLaughlin

What in the world is going to happen this Saturday in the Grade 1 Donn Handicap?  I don't even know where to begin.  I think Trickmeister has great chances, and he is undefeated.  He will definitely be out there with the early speed.  Shackleford I think will give him a  run with the early speed, but he has not proven anything since his win in the Preakness.  Also, Dale Romans brought Shack down to the dirt mile for the Breeder's Cup.  Shack did win at 1 3/16th miles, but we will see if his speed can hole on for that extra 1/16th of a mile that he will push too.  Ruler on Ice is our other Classic winner who is making an appearance.  He has followed almost the same campaign at Shack, and is also win-less.  Although he did come in third in the Classic.  I would not be surprised if Ruler on Ice hit the board, I will be surprised if he wins though.  Although, hes trading Garrett Gomez in for Rosie Napravnik (who seems to do well when riding Kelly Breen's horses).  I think this girl is a smart rider, she has more thought and strategy than any other jock in this race.  Sangaree and Hymn Book are two horses that I wouldn't rule out.  Mission Impazible and Flat Out are two horses that I just don't know when it comes to. 

We will just have to see what the morning line odds are.... and really just wait until Saturday and see what happens.

It's a tough life for Javier Castellano

As of February 6, 2012, Javier has close to $1.4 Million in purse earnings and after the amazing year that he had in 2011, I believe that 2012 is only going to be better for the 5'1" jockey.  Life is apparently oh so difficult for him, starting with the Fountain of Youth Stakes.  Who should he ride, derby favorite, and running up in the Breeder's Cup Juvinelle, Union Rags or Algorithms, who is undefeated and is coming off a win in the Holy Bull Stakes, where the pair crushed 2-year-old Champion Hansen.  Union Rags or Algorithms?  Todd Pletcher, or Michael Matz? Bernardini's son or Dixie Union's son?

TOUGH CHOICE!

Personally, I would go with Union Rags, since I think he is the better horse, and he does have better chances to win the Derby.  Although, everytime Michael Matz has a promising horse, all we hear is, what if this  is another Barbaro in the making...  (Also, like with Larry Jones..... is this another Eight Belles).  The down side of going with Union Rags, is that it could make Todd Pletcher angry.  Javier is one of Todd's "go-to" riders, and frankly in today's world of horse racing, Todd Pletcher is on the top of the list of trainer's that you do not want to piss off.  Pletcher's Derby short list includes: Algorithms, Discreet Dancer, El Padrino, and Gemologist- Castellano is the regular rider on all four mounts.

What I think is actually going to happen, Javier will take the mount of Algorithms.  Javier was the regular rider on his sire, Bernardini, and Stay Thirsty (a Bernardini colt) he knows the family traits well.  I think over the years he probably has more trust in confidence in Pletcher as opposed to Matz, whom he does not work for nearly as much.  Each horse has two more works before the race, and one of each work will go to Javier.  He is supposed to make his decision on Saturday. 

February 25th, we will see how smart Javier is...


picture source: google images

Alpha takes the Withers

Alpha, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite three year olds won the Withers on Saturday at Aqueduct.  How Do I win, owned by Repole Stables led the pack until the 3/4 point, where Alpha swept to the front to win the Withers Stakes by three lengths.  In watching the replay, this horse has so much left in him going down the stretch.  Ramon Dominguez rode Alpha perfectly, he had him break easy, then he was just sitting in the pack between third and fourth, and then when it was time to run, he asked and the colt responded perfectly.  Alpha, who now has $180,000 of graded stakes earnings, is nearly guarenteed a spot the first weekend in May.  Bernardini colts prove to get better with age, and experience and that is exactly what Alpha is doing.  He ran second to Union Rags as a two year old, and I am sure this colt would love a rematch.  The next race for Alpha will either be the $400,000 Gotham Stakes, March 3rd, or he will ship to Florida to train for two months until the $1,000,000 Wood Memorial in April. Either way, this colt may be small, but he sure can move quick.

Game on Dude

Game on Dude easily came to victory in the San Antonio (G2), which was the seventh race on the card at Santa Anita on Sunday.  GoD was taken back to last early as the field all broke well, then he quickly raced up to the front of the pack before the first 1/4 mile (23:09)  by the 3/4 mile (1:09:12) GoD was ahead by three lengths.  Down the strech there was litterally a second where I though Uh Oh Bango, ridden by Mike Smith was going to catch up to the gelding, but there really was just no catching him.  GoD finished 5 1/4 lengths in front of Uh Oh Bango who was 12 1/4 lengths ahead of Victory Pete.  Skuptshot and El Gato Malo followed.  In a post race interview, jockey, Chantal Sutherland, said she still had plenty of horse left, and although he broke slow, he listened and responded well to everything she asked him to do.  The reporter asked owner Joe Torre and trainer Bob Baffert if the next race will be the Big Cap on March 3rd or the Dubai World Cup on March 31st, both men where very quiet with there answers leaving everyone wondering what is next for GoD.  Due, to Dude's perfect record at Santa Anita, I think all of his connections are happy with year end goals of the Breeder's Cup Classic, considering last year, they all had the taste of victory in their mouths.