Close calls

This was an exciting weekend of racing. We saw the best older horse (turf,dirt and synthetic) win a very exciting Arlington Million, a champion calling it a career, a sprinter showing his heart, two last place finishers becoming G1 winners (I'll explain that when I get to that part), and oh yeah an undefeated filly who almost lost that title.

First off yesterday there where five G1's, three at Arlington and two at Saratoga. First up was the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington, that was won by Take the Points. Ironically, he had finished last to Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness. Since that last place finish, he's been put on turf and has finished 4th, 2nd and now 1st in his last three starts. He certainly has taken to turf like a duck takes to water. Black Bear Island, a full brother to 2002 and 2003 Breeder's Cup Turf Champion, High Chaperal was second. A few minutes later up at Saratoga, the Test Stakes featuring undefeated Cat Moves. Unfortunately, she was upset by Flashing, who was last to guess who, in the Mother Goose (wink, wink). So Rachel got flattered not once, but twice. Now granted neither horse was should have been in the Preakness and Mother Goose respectively, but you gotta give it up to their connections for trying.

Back to Arlington we go for the Beverly D, in which was won by Dynaforce. It also gave Kent Desermoux his second, Grade 1 win of the day (he was on Take the Points). Could he make it three for three in the Arlington Million? Unfortunately the answer would be no, as Gio Ponti would win the race. He is clearly the best older male on turf, dirt or synthetic out there right now. And with the garbage of an older horse division we have right now, I think he might try the Classic. Especially if Team Europe sends over their best horse, the great Sea the Stars for the Classic.

The other Grade 1 at Saratoga was the Whitney. If you remember on Friday with my post about Commentator trying to tie Kelso and Discovery for the most Whitney wins. Sadly, it wasn't meant to be, as Bullsbay upset him. So with a third place finish and at age 8, trainer Nick Zito and owner Tracy Farmer decided that it was time to retire him. He retires as the fourth best Distorted Humor foal money wise (the Top three are Funny Cide, Flower Alley and Hystericalady who like him are G1 winners), and third on the New York Bred money winning list (behind Funny (again) and Say Florida Sandy, ahead of horses like Carson Hallow, Fleet Indian and Gander). As for Bullsbay, I give him zero chance to win the Classic, which is a shame as his trainer and jockey are locals for me.

Now to today, first up at Saratoga, Fabulous Strike was able to grind out a win in the Vanderbilt. But I gotta give some love to 2nd place finisher, Go Go Shoot. Basket (my nickname for him since his breeder/former owner is Bobby Hurley who was on Duke's basketball team in the early 90's. In matter of fact his stable name is Devil Eleven Stable.), was amazing and he didn't give up at all. Hopefully he can have a little bit more oomph at the end and able to beat him next time. Here is the video, I apologize for groan you hear, that's me as I was hoping Basket would hang on).



Last, but not least, Zenyatta ran this weekend. On paper, it looked like it would be between her and her stablemate Life is Sweet. But then again, that is why you run the race and while it didn't look pretty she got the job done. Here is the video of her close call.



So you have to wonder, what almost did her in? The slow pace, the short distance, Mike Smith moving too late? I had heard that she was amped up more then useal, the crowd may have been too much for her. Either way, I now somewhat hope they stay away from the Pacific Classic and wait for a better spot. And that match up with Rachel doesn't look appitazing now, epspecially the way Rachel has been running lately. With her past races, she's in the cat bird's seat when they get off the final turn. It will be interesting in what happens next in the career of Zenyatta. Also some exciting news coming tomorrow, stay tuned!