It's the first MM Derby Style face-off! Today it's 2011 winner Animal Kingdom vs 1994 winner Go for Gin.
Here are their races:
Animal Kingdom
Go For Gin
and the poll
the winner will be announced on Sunday night! Later this week, the Affirmed region will have it's first face-off, but that won't be announced until the post is up.
Showing posts with label Animal Kingdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Animal Kingdom. Show all posts
June 18, 2013
Farewell to Animal Kingdom
Today marked the end of an era to a horse who is one of only two horses to win both the Kentucky Derby and the Dubai World Cup. Animal Kingdom ended his career with a disapointing 11th in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot. John Velazquez was on board like he was for his Derby win (Joel Rosario was on for the World Cup win). He is heading to Arrowfield in Australia for Southern Hemisphere stud duty. However, he will be back home in the States in the winter for Northern Hemisphere stud duty at Darley. Here are his two biggest wins of his career.
2011 Kentucky Derby
2013 Dubai World Cup
This also marks the end of Team Valor and Graham Motion's relationship, as former US Godolphin assistant Rick Metee has taken over the Team Valor horses in the US. However, Graham now has horses owned by Michael Phelps and his coach Bob Bowman.
2011 Kentucky Derby
2013 Dubai World Cup
This also marks the end of Team Valor and Graham Motion's relationship, as former US Godolphin assistant Rick Metee has taken over the Team Valor horses in the US. However, Graham now has horses owned by Michael Phelps and his coach Bob Bowman.
March 21, 2012
Stakes History: Spiral Stakes
The first of the major Kentucky Derby preps is this weekend at Turfway in the Spiral Stakes. The national audience will be getting their first look at horses who could end up in the gate for this year's Derby. Though the race has had several names (Jim Beam, Lane's End), and was recently downgraded to a Grade 3 from a Grade 2. Some pretty good horses have won this race.
Note: there are a few horses where I could not find their Spiral wins on YouTube. Sorry about that
1986: Broad Brush (Ack Ack)- He would turn his Jim Beam into a Wood Memorial win. After finishing third in the Derby and Preakness, he skipped the Belmont. He would win the Ohio Derby, PA Derby, Meadowlands Cup, Big Cap, and Suburban. As a sire, he would have a BCC winner in Concern, Include who is quite underrated as an and Justenoughheart who is the dam to Lewis Michael and BC Juvenile Fillies winner Dreaming of Anna.
1990: Summer Squall (Storm Bird)- While little brother A.P. Indy would steal his thunder, he was a very good horse in his own right. He would win the Bluegrass on his way to finishing second in the Derby and winning the Preakness. I would also win the PA Derby and Fayatte Handicap after his Preakness win. As a sire, he has KY Derby winner Charismatic and KY Oaks winner Summerly.
1991: Hansel (Woodman)-
He won the Jim Beam in stakes record time, and then followed that up with a win in the Lexington. After finishing 10th as the beaten favorite, he would win the Preakness and Belmont. While his career ended in August of that year after a runner up finish in the Travers, he had done enough to be named 3yo Champion Male. Hansel has been a disappointment at stud, and for a time was sent to Japan. However, he is back home in the US.
1992: Lil E. Tee (At the Threshold)- Much like his dad who won this race in 1984, he was ridden by Pat Day. After a runner up finish in the Arkansas Derby, he won the Run for the Roses. As a four year old he would win the Razorback Handicap as well.
1993: Prairie Bayou (Little Missouri)- He won the Blue Grass after his Jim Beam win. After finishing second in the Derby, he would become the first gelding since Creme Fraiche to win a TC race by winning the Preakness. Sadly, Julie Krone's Belmont win (the first by a woman jockey) would be overshadowed by his breakdown and euthanization. He was posthumously named 3yo Champion Male.
1995: Serena's Song (Rahy)- This would be the first of two times that year that she would defeat the boys. After a 16th finish in the Derby, she would win the Black Eyed Susan 2 weeks later. That July it would be the Haskell, and she would return to Turfway to finish behind Mariah's Storm (dam of Giant's Causeway) in the Turfway Breeders' Cup Stakes. Named 3yo Champion Female. As a four year old she would win G1 races such as the Santa Monica, and Hempstead (now the Ogden Phipps). Serena has a G2 winner in Grand Reward, G1 winner Sophisticat and G2 Harlington among her foals. She is in the Hall of Fame.
1996: Roar (Forty Niner)- He didn't run in the TC, but he still has recently made an impact on horse racing. He's the broodmare sire of Rachel Alexandra, and his female family has the 2010 Leading Freshman Sire Congrats.
2002: Perfect Drift (Dynaformer)- He would go onto be one of the most popular racehorses. After a 3rd place finish in the Derby and 10th in the Belmont, he won the Indiana Derby. While he only won 1 Grade 1 race in the 2003 Stephen Foster (he should have two, but Seek Gold nosed him out 2006 edition), he always tried his best. He was retired in a ceremony at Turfway after his 2008 season. He currently splits his time between Churchill Downs museum and his owners farm.
2005: Flower Alley (Distorted Humor)-
While he would win the Lane's End, the light wouldn't go on until after the TC. He would win the Jim Dandy and the Travers, before finishing a very good second in the BCC. That normally would be more then enough to give him 3yo honors, but Afleet Alex who didn't run past the Belmont was named Champion. He wasn't the same horse at 4 despite winning a G3. At stud, it's been a bit on the quiet side. With that being said, he does have a G1 winner in Lilacs and Lace, G3 winner Bouquet Booth (who hails from the same female family as HOY Havre de Grace) and several promising horses. (Runner up in the race Wild Desert would win the Queen's Plate for CAN breds later that summer.)
2007: Hard Spun (Danzig)-
This was an important win for him in that he was able to rebound from a poor Southwest where he had finished in fourth. His TC record speaks for it's self, one of the "Big Three", he was second behind Street Sense in the Derby, third behind Curlin and SS in the Preakness and fourth behind Rags to Riches in the Belmont. Runner up behind Any Given Saturday in the Haskell and gets his G1 win in the King's Bishop. He returns to Turfway to defeat Street Sense in the Kentucky Cup, and ends his career with a good second in the mud in the BCC behind Curlin. Hard Spun finished 2nd on the Freshman Sire List last year via earnings (however had more winners then 1st place Scat Daddy), and is currently leading the Sophmore Sire List. Among his foals include G2 winner in England Red Duke, G2 placed Midnight Transfer and Glinda the Good, G3 placed Inny Minnie and Yvete Sangalo (MEX), as well as stakes winners Hardend Wildcat and Hard Not to Like. He also has a few promising horses.
2011: Animal Kingdom (Leroidesanimaux (BRZ))-
Surprised many people by not only taking the Derby in his next race after winning the Spiral, but it was his first time on dirt and did it with a jockey (John Velazquez) who got the mount after his horse had scratched (Uncle Mo), do to an injury to Robby Alberado who was supposed to ride him. He would show that he was no fluke by finishing a brave second in the Preakness behind Shackleford and prob. would have finished better in the Belmont if Johnny V had almost come out of the saddle. Unfortunately he was injured in the race, and was given the rest of the year off. However with no standout, in the 3yo division his Derby win was enough to just hold off mile specialist Caleb's Posse for 3yo Male honors. He returned better then ever in allowance earlier this year, only to suffer a minor injury that will have him sidelined for a few months.
Note: there are a few horses where I could not find their Spiral wins on YouTube. Sorry about that
1986: Broad Brush (Ack Ack)- He would turn his Jim Beam into a Wood Memorial win. After finishing third in the Derby and Preakness, he skipped the Belmont. He would win the Ohio Derby, PA Derby, Meadowlands Cup, Big Cap, and Suburban. As a sire, he would have a BCC winner in Concern, Include who is quite underrated as an and Justenoughheart who is the dam to Lewis Michael and BC Juvenile Fillies winner Dreaming of Anna.
1990: Summer Squall (Storm Bird)- While little brother A.P. Indy would steal his thunder, he was a very good horse in his own right. He would win the Bluegrass on his way to finishing second in the Derby and winning the Preakness. I would also win the PA Derby and Fayatte Handicap after his Preakness win. As a sire, he has KY Derby winner Charismatic and KY Oaks winner Summerly.
1991: Hansel (Woodman)-
He won the Jim Beam in stakes record time, and then followed that up with a win in the Lexington. After finishing 10th as the beaten favorite, he would win the Preakness and Belmont. While his career ended in August of that year after a runner up finish in the Travers, he had done enough to be named 3yo Champion Male. Hansel has been a disappointment at stud, and for a time was sent to Japan. However, he is back home in the US.
1992: Lil E. Tee (At the Threshold)- Much like his dad who won this race in 1984, he was ridden by Pat Day. After a runner up finish in the Arkansas Derby, he won the Run for the Roses. As a four year old he would win the Razorback Handicap as well.
1993: Prairie Bayou (Little Missouri)- He won the Blue Grass after his Jim Beam win. After finishing second in the Derby, he would become the first gelding since Creme Fraiche to win a TC race by winning the Preakness. Sadly, Julie Krone's Belmont win (the first by a woman jockey) would be overshadowed by his breakdown and euthanization. He was posthumously named 3yo Champion Male.
1995: Serena's Song (Rahy)- This would be the first of two times that year that she would defeat the boys. After a 16th finish in the Derby, she would win the Black Eyed Susan 2 weeks later. That July it would be the Haskell, and she would return to Turfway to finish behind Mariah's Storm (dam of Giant's Causeway) in the Turfway Breeders' Cup Stakes. Named 3yo Champion Female. As a four year old she would win G1 races such as the Santa Monica, and Hempstead (now the Ogden Phipps). Serena has a G2 winner in Grand Reward, G1 winner Sophisticat and G2 Harlington among her foals. She is in the Hall of Fame.
1996: Roar (Forty Niner)- He didn't run in the TC, but he still has recently made an impact on horse racing. He's the broodmare sire of Rachel Alexandra, and his female family has the 2010 Leading Freshman Sire Congrats.
2002: Perfect Drift (Dynaformer)- He would go onto be one of the most popular racehorses. After a 3rd place finish in the Derby and 10th in the Belmont, he won the Indiana Derby. While he only won 1 Grade 1 race in the 2003 Stephen Foster (he should have two, but Seek Gold nosed him out 2006 edition), he always tried his best. He was retired in a ceremony at Turfway after his 2008 season. He currently splits his time between Churchill Downs museum and his owners farm.
2005: Flower Alley (Distorted Humor)-
While he would win the Lane's End, the light wouldn't go on until after the TC. He would win the Jim Dandy and the Travers, before finishing a very good second in the BCC. That normally would be more then enough to give him 3yo honors, but Afleet Alex who didn't run past the Belmont was named Champion. He wasn't the same horse at 4 despite winning a G3. At stud, it's been a bit on the quiet side. With that being said, he does have a G1 winner in Lilacs and Lace, G3 winner Bouquet Booth (who hails from the same female family as HOY Havre de Grace) and several promising horses. (Runner up in the race Wild Desert would win the Queen's Plate for CAN breds later that summer.)
2007: Hard Spun (Danzig)-
This was an important win for him in that he was able to rebound from a poor Southwest where he had finished in fourth. His TC record speaks for it's self, one of the "Big Three", he was second behind Street Sense in the Derby, third behind Curlin and SS in the Preakness and fourth behind Rags to Riches in the Belmont. Runner up behind Any Given Saturday in the Haskell and gets his G1 win in the King's Bishop. He returns to Turfway to defeat Street Sense in the Kentucky Cup, and ends his career with a good second in the mud in the BCC behind Curlin. Hard Spun finished 2nd on the Freshman Sire List last year via earnings (however had more winners then 1st place Scat Daddy), and is currently leading the Sophmore Sire List. Among his foals include G2 winner in England Red Duke, G2 placed Midnight Transfer and Glinda the Good, G3 placed Inny Minnie and Yvete Sangalo (MEX), as well as stakes winners Hardend Wildcat and Hard Not to Like. He also has a few promising horses.
2011: Animal Kingdom (Leroidesanimaux (BRZ))-
Surprised many people by not only taking the Derby in his next race after winning the Spiral, but it was his first time on dirt and did it with a jockey (John Velazquez) who got the mount after his horse had scratched (Uncle Mo), do to an injury to Robby Alberado who was supposed to ride him. He would show that he was no fluke by finishing a brave second in the Preakness behind Shackleford and prob. would have finished better in the Belmont if Johnny V had almost come out of the saddle. Unfortunately he was injured in the race, and was given the rest of the year off. However with no standout, in the 3yo division his Derby win was enough to just hold off mile specialist Caleb's Posse for 3yo Male honors. He returned better then ever in allowance earlier this year, only to suffer a minor injury that will have him sidelined for a few months.
March 3, 2012
The Older Male Dirt Division Back?
After several years of lackness in the Older Male Dirt division, it looks like that it has finally returned. With the recent wins of Mucho Macho Man, Animal Kingdom, Ron the Greek, Nehro and others, we could be in for a fun season with these horses. That is of course if they all stay healthy. So why did this divison from 2008 until possibly this year stink on ice? It be lots of factors:
*Two of the three 3yo Finalists from 2007 (Street Sense and Hard Spun) where both retired to stud for the 2008 season.
*Since 2007 (really since 2006, but Barbaro had suffered a career (and eventually life ending) injury), the Kentucky Derby winner did not return as a four year (Animal Kingdom broke that streak when he returned a few weeks ago).
*Since 2008, the 3yo Champion 3yo had not returned as a 4yo (another streak that Animal Kingdom broke). And before that since 2001 only Funny Cide (2003) and Curlin (2007) returned as four year olds (of course Funny Cide is a gelding so he didn't have much of a choice and Curlin's owner wanted him to run).
*The 2 of the past 3 years best Older Horse consistantly was a grass horse (Gio Ponti in 2009 and Acclamation in 2011).
Honestly I think it could be a little bit too early to tell weather or not the Older Division is really back. We'll have to see how well Game On Dude does in Dubai where he could face several tough Europeans and the Japanese runners who went 1-2 in last year's race (this year they will be lead by last year's DWC runner up Transend). Either way, it's going to be an exciting year for these Older Horses on their way to the Breeders' Cup.
*Two of the three 3yo Finalists from 2007 (Street Sense and Hard Spun) where both retired to stud for the 2008 season.
*Since 2007 (really since 2006, but Barbaro had suffered a career (and eventually life ending) injury), the Kentucky Derby winner did not return as a four year (Animal Kingdom broke that streak when he returned a few weeks ago).
*Since 2008, the 3yo Champion 3yo had not returned as a 4yo (another streak that Animal Kingdom broke). And before that since 2001 only Funny Cide (2003) and Curlin (2007) returned as four year olds (of course Funny Cide is a gelding so he didn't have much of a choice and Curlin's owner wanted him to run).
*The 2 of the past 3 years best Older Horse consistantly was a grass horse (Gio Ponti in 2009 and Acclamation in 2011).
Honestly I think it could be a little bit too early to tell weather or not the Older Division is really back. We'll have to see how well Game On Dude does in Dubai where he could face several tough Europeans and the Japanese runners who went 1-2 in last year's race (this year they will be lead by last year's DWC runner up Transend). Either way, it's going to be an exciting year for these Older Horses on their way to the Breeders' Cup.
June 17, 2011
It's tough to be Rajiv Maragh
I know the Belmont was last week, but I finally had the right words in my head to finally get this post down. Why is it tough to be him? Well for the second year in a row, he finished last in the Belmont. This time though it was his own fault, and it may have cost the Derby winner his career. As may know by now Maragh was suspeneded for 10 days for his careless riding in the race on Isn't He Perfect. That has been reduced to seven days however.
Since then, Animal Kingdom will be out of training for 2 weeks for a small fracture caused by when he almost fell. While it sounds like it won't require surgery, what if it gets bigger then does need it? That will certinally knock him out for the rest of the year and how knows even after the 2 weeks he'll ever be the same horse. Sure it's minor, but an injury is still an injury.
This is not Maragh's first go around with Belmont bad luck. Last year he was riding feel good story Uptowncharlybrown who was running in memory of his late trainer Allen Seewald. Sadly the saddle slipped and a 5 pound weight came out. Charly was disqualifed from fifth because he did not carry the entire 126 pounds all the way round the track. He hasn't run since, but is starting his comeback at Monmouth under Linda White.
From finishing third in the Derby on Mucho Macho Man to finishing last on a longshot who while had a right to be in the race, altered the career of another horse. It's been a tough 5 weeks for Rajiv Maragh.
Since then, Animal Kingdom will be out of training for 2 weeks for a small fracture caused by when he almost fell. While it sounds like it won't require surgery, what if it gets bigger then does need it? That will certinally knock him out for the rest of the year and how knows even after the 2 weeks he'll ever be the same horse. Sure it's minor, but an injury is still an injury.
This is not Maragh's first go around with Belmont bad luck. Last year he was riding feel good story Uptowncharlybrown who was running in memory of his late trainer Allen Seewald. Sadly the saddle slipped and a 5 pound weight came out. Charly was disqualifed from fifth because he did not carry the entire 126 pounds all the way round the track. He hasn't run since, but is starting his comeback at Monmouth under Linda White.
From finishing third in the Derby on Mucho Macho Man to finishing last on a longshot who while had a right to be in the race, altered the career of another horse. It's been a tough 5 weeks for Rajiv Maragh.
June 7, 2011
My Belmont Choices
The more I think about it, the more I have narrowed down who my pick will be for the Belmont. While I won't announce until Friday, I thought I would post some of the horses that I think have a good chance.
Nehro- The Derby runner-up was closing better then Animal Kingdom IMO. In reality I think if he had won the Derby, we might have seen a Triple Crown winner this year. His past three races where all 2nd place finishes and he was closing like a train in each race. This son of Mineshaft could give Steve Asmussen his first Belmont winner, and Ahmed Zayat who had been close with Pioneerof the Nile in the 09 Derby, his first TC race winner.
Stay Thirsty- Everyone knows that Afleet Alex won the 2005 Belmont, but what people forget is that Andromeda's Hero finished in second. This Bernardini colt is his little brother. Wouldn't it be something if Mike Repole wins after his big horse Uncle Mo well... was struck by the Juvenile curse.
Master of Hounds- Kingmambo like his great mother was a miler, however he does have stamina on his dams side. He showed that dirt will not be a problem for him. Kingmambo has already sired a Belmont winner in Lemon Drop Kid.
Brilliant Speed- Wanna talk about a horse bred for the distance. Dynaformer colt who is from the same family as Touch Gold who of course is a Belmont winner himself and With Approval who won the CAN Triple Crown. This horse could run to Antartica and back if you asked him.
Animal Kingdom- You have to wonder how much did his grinding second place finish took out of him. While his sire was a miler, he does have loads of stamina on his dam side. The Belmont track should suit the Leroidesermex (BRZ) colt well with it being a large track. My only question is does he have enough in the tank?
Shackleford- A couple of good things about him and bad things about him. Belmont tends to be a speed favoring track, and the pace for the Belmont tends to be slower then the other two races. However, he did set a slow pace in the Derby and faltered at the end. The other thing is, he is by Forestry so you have to wonder how far he really wants to go. The other good news is that his broodmare sire does have a Belmont winner, and one of his sisters finished second on this track as a 3yo. Although Lady Joanne's race was a one turn race. Much like Animal Kingdom, he's run in both TC races, the others listed have not. Will he have enough in the tank?
Prime Cut- Probley the lone horse who will have not started in either the Derby or Preakness. This Bernstein colt defeated Bind who had won his maiden impressively down at the Fair Grounds. He does have some stakes experience, but has yet to win one. He does get help on his dam's side through her sire of Stravinsky, in turn Stravinsky is a brother to Moscow Ballet the defending broodmare sire and the sire of one of my favorite fillies, Moscow Burning.
Others considered: Ruler on Ice and Santiva.
Nehro- The Derby runner-up was closing better then Animal Kingdom IMO. In reality I think if he had won the Derby, we might have seen a Triple Crown winner this year. His past three races where all 2nd place finishes and he was closing like a train in each race. This son of Mineshaft could give Steve Asmussen his first Belmont winner, and Ahmed Zayat who had been close with Pioneerof the Nile in the 09 Derby, his first TC race winner.
Stay Thirsty- Everyone knows that Afleet Alex won the 2005 Belmont, but what people forget is that Andromeda's Hero finished in second. This Bernardini colt is his little brother. Wouldn't it be something if Mike Repole wins after his big horse Uncle Mo well... was struck by the Juvenile curse.
Master of Hounds- Kingmambo like his great mother was a miler, however he does have stamina on his dams side. He showed that dirt will not be a problem for him. Kingmambo has already sired a Belmont winner in Lemon Drop Kid.
Brilliant Speed- Wanna talk about a horse bred for the distance. Dynaformer colt who is from the same family as Touch Gold who of course is a Belmont winner himself and With Approval who won the CAN Triple Crown. This horse could run to Antartica and back if you asked him.
Animal Kingdom- You have to wonder how much did his grinding second place finish took out of him. While his sire was a miler, he does have loads of stamina on his dam side. The Belmont track should suit the Leroidesermex (BRZ) colt well with it being a large track. My only question is does he have enough in the tank?
Shackleford- A couple of good things about him and bad things about him. Belmont tends to be a speed favoring track, and the pace for the Belmont tends to be slower then the other two races. However, he did set a slow pace in the Derby and faltered at the end. The other thing is, he is by Forestry so you have to wonder how far he really wants to go. The other good news is that his broodmare sire does have a Belmont winner, and one of his sisters finished second on this track as a 3yo. Although Lady Joanne's race was a one turn race. Much like Animal Kingdom, he's run in both TC races, the others listed have not. Will he have enough in the tank?
Prime Cut- Probley the lone horse who will have not started in either the Derby or Preakness. This Bernstein colt defeated Bind who had won his maiden impressively down at the Fair Grounds. He does have some stakes experience, but has yet to win one. He does get help on his dam's side through her sire of Stravinsky, in turn Stravinsky is a brother to Moscow Ballet the defending broodmare sire and the sire of one of my favorite fillies, Moscow Burning.
Others considered: Ruler on Ice and Santiva.
May 24, 2011
Rubber Match
Right now, it looks like that Derby winner Animal Kingdom and Preakness winner Shackleford will indeed meet up for the rubber match in the Belmont. Each has a win against each other and it's the start of what could be a great rivalry. That is if Animal Kingdom stays on dirt (which I assume for now he will). The last time there was a rubber match in the Belmont was in 2005. Derby winner Giacomo faced off against Preakness winner Afleet Alex. In the end, Alex showed why he should have been a Triple Crown winner by passing by Giacomo like well as Tom Durkin called it "like he was standing still".
Sadley he never raced again, due to an injury he most likely suffered in his imfamous "bump and run" with Scrappy T. Lets hope that doesn't happen to Shack and AK.
As you may have heard by now, two horses where retired within 24 hours of each other. Yesterday, it was announced that the top Turf horse in the US Paddy O' Prado has been retired due to a fractured sesamoid. Grade 1 winner Brass Hat also has been retired at the age of 10. Good luck to Paddy in his stud career, and Brass have fun being a horse!
Sadley he never raced again, due to an injury he most likely suffered in his imfamous "bump and run" with Scrappy T. Lets hope that doesn't happen to Shack and AK.
As you may have heard by now, two horses where retired within 24 hours of each other. Yesterday, it was announced that the top Turf horse in the US Paddy O' Prado has been retired due to a fractured sesamoid. Grade 1 winner Brass Hat also has been retired at the age of 10. Good luck to Paddy in his stud career, and Brass have fun being a horse!
May 21, 2011
Unbridled Treasures
I'm not the world's biggest Unbridled fan. Partially because his son Empire Maker defeated Funny Cide to deny him the Triple Crown. However, I am a fan of a grandson of his in Rockport Harbor. It was a great weekend for the 1990 Kentucky Derby winner, his granddaughter Royal Delta (by Empire Maker) won the Black Eyed Susan. Then his grandson Shackleford (by Forestry out of one of his daughter's Oatsee) upset Animal Kingdom to win the Preakness. It was the first win for all of his connections, which include jockey Jesus Castanon, co-owner Mike Lauffer (you may have heard his name before, back in 2009 he co-owned a certin filly before selling her to Jess Jackson) and trainer Dale Romans.
It's Dale that I'm estatic for. Back in 2004, he had a great turf colt by the name of Kitten's Joy. He could have had 2 Eclipse titles to his name, if it wheren't for a gelding named Better Talk Now. BTN upset KJ to win the BC Turf. While he still won Champion Turf, had he won the race that may have had more then enough to pass Smarty Jones for Champion 3yo. BTN was trained by Graham Motion who of course trains Animal Kingdom.
Great job by the Derby winner, but it just wasn't his day. The winner reminds me quite a bit like Hard Spun. A speedy horse who a mile and quarter was probley a little bit too long for his taste, but had a heart of the champion. Now here comes the hard part. Since 2001, all the Preakness winners have gone on to be Eclipse Champions at the end of the year (this includes three HOY's, Point Given, Curlin and Rachel Alexandra). Shackleford will have to prove himself that he is the real deal in the next race (which could be the Belmont possibly, although personally I think it's a bit too long for him).
Astrology was third, I think his mini duel in the stretch with Shackleford did him in. Still, a nice effort out of him.
So once again, no Triple Crown. But you know what, I'm okay with that. There was some comments made by Barry Irwin before the race that I agreed and disagreed with (he regrets saying what he said about trainers lieing to him, but he wants the FBI involved with steroids? I do think the goverment needs to get involved, but I think Congress has the keys to that, not the FBI. And that he compared it to BALCO which was wierd, because the BALCO people got slaps on their wrists (Barry Bonds is likely not to serve any jail time because of his purjury convinction).
Subnote, it appears that the $10 mil that Lauffer and Dolph Morrison sold Rachel for is true. And one more note, HOW ABOUT THAT STORM CAT! Sure Forestry is Shack's sire, but the big guy finally gets back in the winner's circle in a TC race.
It's Dale that I'm estatic for. Back in 2004, he had a great turf colt by the name of Kitten's Joy. He could have had 2 Eclipse titles to his name, if it wheren't for a gelding named Better Talk Now. BTN upset KJ to win the BC Turf. While he still won Champion Turf, had he won the race that may have had more then enough to pass Smarty Jones for Champion 3yo. BTN was trained by Graham Motion who of course trains Animal Kingdom.
Great job by the Derby winner, but it just wasn't his day. The winner reminds me quite a bit like Hard Spun. A speedy horse who a mile and quarter was probley a little bit too long for his taste, but had a heart of the champion. Now here comes the hard part. Since 2001, all the Preakness winners have gone on to be Eclipse Champions at the end of the year (this includes three HOY's, Point Given, Curlin and Rachel Alexandra). Shackleford will have to prove himself that he is the real deal in the next race (which could be the Belmont possibly, although personally I think it's a bit too long for him).
Astrology was third, I think his mini duel in the stretch with Shackleford did him in. Still, a nice effort out of him.
So once again, no Triple Crown. But you know what, I'm okay with that. There was some comments made by Barry Irwin before the race that I agreed and disagreed with (he regrets saying what he said about trainers lieing to him, but he wants the FBI involved with steroids? I do think the goverment needs to get involved, but I think Congress has the keys to that, not the FBI. And that he compared it to BALCO which was wierd, because the BALCO people got slaps on their wrists (Barry Bonds is likely not to serve any jail time because of his purjury convinction).
Subnote, it appears that the $10 mil that Lauffer and Dolph Morrison sold Rachel for is true. And one more note, HOW ABOUT THAT STORM CAT! Sure Forestry is Shack's sire, but the big guy finally gets back in the winner's circle in a TC race.
May 9, 2011
Can Artie do it again?
In 2005 the Candy Stripes colt Leroidesanimaux was going into the Breeders' Cup Mile with on the hotest streak for that year (with the exception of Lost in the Fog of course). A win would be a guarenteed Eclipse Award at the end of the year. Somebody forgot to tell El Prado's son Artie Schiller, who upset Leroi to deny him the win. Although Leroi would end up winning Turf Male Eclipse in the end. Here is an interesting sub-plot to this story, riding Leroi on that day was John Velesquez and Garrett Gomez who picked up the mount after Artie's normal rider Richard Migliore was injured.
Fast Foward to 2011, Johnny V wins the Derby on a son of Leroi's Animal Kingdom. He could be met in the Preakness... a son of Artie's. Mr. Commons is coming off a 3rd place finish against Midnight Interlude and Comma to the Top in the Santa Anita Derby. It's doubtful that Garrett will ride (he's trained by John Shirreffs, so more then likely Mike Smith will be the rider in the race), though. Mr. Commons could be the one that will be the freshest of the new shooters as he has not run since the SA Derby. That could be something that either helps or hurts him in the long run of things.
It will be interesting if Artie can once again upset Leroi.
Fast Foward to 2011, Johnny V wins the Derby on a son of Leroi's Animal Kingdom. He could be met in the Preakness... a son of Artie's. Mr. Commons is coming off a 3rd place finish against Midnight Interlude and Comma to the Top in the Santa Anita Derby. It's doubtful that Garrett will ride (he's trained by John Shirreffs, so more then likely Mike Smith will be the rider in the race), though. Mr. Commons could be the one that will be the freshest of the new shooters as he has not run since the SA Derby. That could be something that either helps or hurts him in the long run of things.
It will be interesting if Artie can once again upset Leroi.
May 7, 2011
Plum Kingdom
Here are the recaps.
Oaks
A few weeks ago I said on Twitter that I felt that Plum Pretty was the horse who could defeat the Tapit fillies and still thought that way until I realized I was going to be rooting Daisy Devine. Of course that didn't work and Plum Pretty was able to give her sire Medaglia d' Oro his second Oaks winner. St. John's River ran an awesome race to finish to finish second and Zazu was third. No excuse for Joyful Victory who was on the rail which was the worst part to be in. Sadly it was too far for Daisy. Gives Trainer Bob Baffert his second Oaks win (Silverbulletday in 1999). Martin Garcia got his first Oaks win, one year after winning the Preakness on Lookin at Lucky.
Derby
Since the AR Derby I had my eyes on one horse: Archarcharch. Sadly he was pulled up after the race and will be having surgery (thankfully not life threatning, but then likely career ending). The racing gods must have smiled on former Bobby Frankel trainees as two of his best swept sire honors. Friday it was MDO, Saturday it was the King of the Animals! Leroidesmuex (or as I will be calling him the rest of the post, Leroi)'s Animal Kingdom won the Kentucky Derby. It gives not only Graham Motion his first Derby win, but John Velesquez who was supposed to be riding Uncle Mo his first. One year after his main trainer Todd Pletcher got his. Team Valor who had been so close with Captain Bodgit was able to get a bit of revenge on Bob. Also on Todd who was the main trainer for them until this year. Animal Kingdom becomes the 2nd Fair Hill based horse to wear the roses in 5 years (the late great Barbaro being the other). Nehro was second, Mucho Macho Man finished up in third with Shakleford in fourth.
So the flags of Arizona, Mexico, England and Puerto Rico fly high tonight. Those are the home state/countries/terratory of the winning connections trainer and jockey wise. And MDO and Leroi may have had an angel looking over them. Both where trained by Bobby Frankel during their careers. Even though on my final list I had AK listed as last, in reality he was around fifth. The reason why he was last was he had yet to work on dirt.
So we now move onto the Preakness, it makes you wonder if Leroi's son will get stopped by a son of the horse who denied him the BC Mile in his final start. I will be talking about him later this week.
Oaks
A few weeks ago I said on Twitter that I felt that Plum Pretty was the horse who could defeat the Tapit fillies and still thought that way until I realized I was going to be rooting Daisy Devine. Of course that didn't work and Plum Pretty was able to give her sire Medaglia d' Oro his second Oaks winner. St. John's River ran an awesome race to finish to finish second and Zazu was third. No excuse for Joyful Victory who was on the rail which was the worst part to be in. Sadly it was too far for Daisy. Gives Trainer Bob Baffert his second Oaks win (Silverbulletday in 1999). Martin Garcia got his first Oaks win, one year after winning the Preakness on Lookin at Lucky.
Derby
Since the AR Derby I had my eyes on one horse: Archarcharch. Sadly he was pulled up after the race and will be having surgery (thankfully not life threatning, but then likely career ending). The racing gods must have smiled on former Bobby Frankel trainees as two of his best swept sire honors. Friday it was MDO, Saturday it was the King of the Animals! Leroidesmuex (or as I will be calling him the rest of the post, Leroi)'s Animal Kingdom won the Kentucky Derby. It gives not only Graham Motion his first Derby win, but John Velesquez who was supposed to be riding Uncle Mo his first. One year after his main trainer Todd Pletcher got his. Team Valor who had been so close with Captain Bodgit was able to get a bit of revenge on Bob. Also on Todd who was the main trainer for them until this year. Animal Kingdom becomes the 2nd Fair Hill based horse to wear the roses in 5 years (the late great Barbaro being the other). Nehro was second, Mucho Macho Man finished up in third with Shakleford in fourth.
So the flags of Arizona, Mexico, England and Puerto Rico fly high tonight. Those are the home state/countries/terratory of the winning connections trainer and jockey wise. And MDO and Leroi may have had an angel looking over them. Both where trained by Bobby Frankel during their careers. Even though on my final list I had AK listed as last, in reality he was around fifth. The reason why he was last was he had yet to work on dirt.
So we now move onto the Preakness, it makes you wonder if Leroi's son will get stopped by a son of the horse who denied him the BC Mile in his final start. I will be talking about him later this week.
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