New York racing has a big 4th of July Saturday with a WAYI in the Belmont Oaks, but there are two very interesting races this weekend to in the Dwyer and the Suburban.
7th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, July 4th, 2015
STAKES. 1 Mile Dirt. Purse $500,000. Dwyer S. (Grade 3). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $500 each which should accompany the nomination; $3,000 to pass the entry box and an additional $4,500 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $7,500 along with the entry and starting fees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries.The guaranteed purse of $500,000 will be divided accordingly, $275,000 to the owner of the winner, $100,000 to second, $60,000 to third, $30,000 to fourth, $15,000 to fifth, $10,000 to sixthand remaining $10,000 to be divided equally amongst the remaining finishers. Weight 123 lbs. Non-winners of a Graded Sweepstake at a mile or over allowed 2 lbs.; of a Sweepstake at a mile or over, 4 lbs.; of two races other than maiden, claiming or starteer in 2015, 6 lbs.; of such a race in 2015, 8 lbs. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, June 20, 2015 with 30 Nominations. (03:52 PM) (7)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Blofeld 3 C L 123 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
2 Bridget's Big Luvy 3 C L b 121 Maragh Rajiv Englehart Jeremiah C.
3 Tommy Macho 3 C L 117 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
4 Texas Red 3 C L 123 Desormeaux Kent J. Desormeaux J. Keith
5 Hollywood Angel 3 G L 117 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Farro Patricia
6 Speightster 3 C L 117 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
7 Smart Transition 3 C L 115 Alvarado Junior Shirreffs John A.
Texas Red returns to the races after an injury knocked him off the TC trail. Blofeld could be his biggest challenge to get back into the WC. Keep an eye on Smart Transition to possibly upset this group.
9th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, July 4th, 2015
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Dirt. Purse $500,000. Suburban H. (Grade 2). A HANDICAP FOR FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. By subscription of $500 each which should accompany the nomination; $3,000 to pass the entry box and an additional $4,500 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $7,500 (along with the entry and starting fees) must be made before 11:00 AM Saturday June 27th. The guaranteed purse will be divided accordingly, $275,000 to the owner of the winner, $100,000 to second, $60,000 to third, $30,000 to fourth, $15,000 to fifth, $10,000 tosixth and the remaining $10,000 divided equally amongst the remaining finishers. Trophies will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, June 20, 2015 with 18 Nominations. (05:11 PM)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Street Babe 4 G L 114 Rosario Joel Dilger Michael
2 Coach Inge 4 G L 118 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Pletcher Todd A.
3 Mylute 5 H L 115 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
4 Neck 'n Neck 6 H L 114 Leparoux Julien R. Wilkes Ian R.
5 Effinex 4 C L 117 Alvarado Junior Jerkens James A.
6 Tonalist 4 C L o 123 Velazquez John R. Clement Christophe
Tonsils returns to his perfer mile and a quarter distance. Coach Inge held off V.E. Day in the Brooklyn, but Enffinex has already won at this distance this year. I think Tonalist holds off Mylute at the end.
Showing posts with label Belmont. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Belmont. Show all posts
July 3, 2015
June 4, 2015
Belmont Stakes Preview (Part 3)
This is it! The preview that everyone has been waiting for. Can American Pharoah become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed? Or will it be another year of heartache. Lets take a look at this year's Belmont field.
11th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 1/2 Mile Dirt. Purse $1,500,000. Belmont S. presented by DraftKings (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $600 each, to accompany the nomination, if made on or before January 17, 2015, or $6,000, if made on or before March 23, 2015. At any time prior to the closing time of entries, horses may be nominated to The Belmont Stakes upon payment of a supplementary fee of $75,000 to the New York Racing Association, Inc. $15,000 to pass the entry box and $15,000 additional to start. All entrants will be required to pay entry and starting fees; but no fees, supplemental or otherwise shall be added to the purse. The purse to be divided $800,000 to the winner, $280,000 to second, $150,000 to third, $100,000 to fourth, $60,000 to fifth, $45,000 to sixth, $35,000 to seventh and $30,000 to eighth. Colts and Geldings, 126 lbs.; Fillies, 121 lbs. The winning owner will be presented with the August Belmont Memorial Cup to be retained for one year as well as a trophy for permanent possession and trophies to the winning trainer and jockey. (06:50 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Mubtaahij (IRE) 3 C 126 Ortiz, Jr. Irad de Kock Michael F.
2 Tale Of Verve 3 C L 126 Stevens Gary L. Stewart Dallas
3 Madefromlucky 3 C L 126 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
4 Frammento 3 C L o 126 Smith Mike E. Zito Nicholas P.
5 American Pharoah 3 C L 126 Espinoza Victor Baffert Bob
6 Frosted 3 C L 126 Rosario Joel McLaughlin Kiaran P.
7 Keen Ice 3 C L 126 Desormeaux Kent J. Romans Dale L.
8 Materiality 3 C L 126 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
Mubtaahij has the pedigree to go a mile and a half, however that's on turf. Tale of Verve may have gotten lucky with the sloppy track, however his broodmare sire is Unbridled. Madefromlucky's dad won the Preakness and hails from the same female family as Tapit. Fragment's trainer has spoiled 2 TC's in the past. Frosted is the buzz horse. Keen Ice I think is a serious threat and despite it being the 10 year anniversary of his sire's Belmont win... I'm not entirely sold on Materiality. As for American Pharoah, the pressure is going to be great on him.
My heart says AP can do it. My head says that the three horses who have a big chance to beat him are Keen Ice, Frosted and Madefromlucky with Tale Of Verve and Mubtaahij have good chances. End the end I think AP gets it done... by a length. Keen Ice for second and Frosted for third.
Good luck to all and safe travels!
11th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 1/2 Mile Dirt. Purse $1,500,000. Belmont S. presented by DraftKings (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $600 each, to accompany the nomination, if made on or before January 17, 2015, or $6,000, if made on or before March 23, 2015. At any time prior to the closing time of entries, horses may be nominated to The Belmont Stakes upon payment of a supplementary fee of $75,000 to the New York Racing Association, Inc. $15,000 to pass the entry box and $15,000 additional to start. All entrants will be required to pay entry and starting fees; but no fees, supplemental or otherwise shall be added to the purse. The purse to be divided $800,000 to the winner, $280,000 to second, $150,000 to third, $100,000 to fourth, $60,000 to fifth, $45,000 to sixth, $35,000 to seventh and $30,000 to eighth. Colts and Geldings, 126 lbs.; Fillies, 121 lbs. The winning owner will be presented with the August Belmont Memorial Cup to be retained for one year as well as a trophy for permanent possession and trophies to the winning trainer and jockey. (06:50 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Mubtaahij (IRE) 3 C 126 Ortiz, Jr. Irad de Kock Michael F.
2 Tale Of Verve 3 C L 126 Stevens Gary L. Stewart Dallas
3 Madefromlucky 3 C L 126 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
4 Frammento 3 C L o 126 Smith Mike E. Zito Nicholas P.
5 American Pharoah 3 C L 126 Espinoza Victor Baffert Bob
6 Frosted 3 C L 126 Rosario Joel McLaughlin Kiaran P.
7 Keen Ice 3 C L 126 Desormeaux Kent J. Romans Dale L.
8 Materiality 3 C L 126 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
Mubtaahij has the pedigree to go a mile and a half, however that's on turf. Tale of Verve may have gotten lucky with the sloppy track, however his broodmare sire is Unbridled. Madefromlucky's dad won the Preakness and hails from the same female family as Tapit. Fragment's trainer has spoiled 2 TC's in the past. Frosted is the buzz horse. Keen Ice I think is a serious threat and despite it being the 10 year anniversary of his sire's Belmont win... I'm not entirely sold on Materiality. As for American Pharoah, the pressure is going to be great on him.
My heart says AP can do it. My head says that the three horses who have a big chance to beat him are Keen Ice, Frosted and Madefromlucky with Tale Of Verve and Mubtaahij have good chances. End the end I think AP gets it done... by a length. Keen Ice for second and Frosted for third.
Good luck to all and safe travels!
June 3, 2015
Belmont Stakes Preview (Part 2)
This is part 2 of the stakes that will be held tomorrow, Friday and Saturday at Belmont Park. Notably missing are the Met Mile and the Phipps. Those previews can be found at Road to the Cup starting tomorrow.
8th Race - Belmont Park - Friday, June 5th, 2015
STAKES. 6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $250,000. True North S. (Grade 2). FOR FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. By subscription of $250 each which should accompany the nomination. $1,250 to pass the entry box and an additional $1,250 to start. A supplemental nomination fee of $3,750 in addition to the entry and starting fees can bemade at any time prior to the close of entries. The purse will be divided as follows $137,500 to the owner of the winner, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth, $7,500 to fifth, $5,000 to sixth with the remaining $5,000 to be divided equally amongst the remaining finishers. Weight 124 lbs. Non-winners of $60,000 twice in 2014-15 allowed 2 lbs.; such a race in 2014-15, 4 lbs.; of two races other than maiden, claiming, starter or state bred in 2015, 6 lbs.; such a race in 2015, 8 lbs. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 15 Original Nominations and 1 Supplement. (04:32 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Favorite Tale 4 G L 124 Rosario Joel Preciado Guadalupe
2 Stallwalkin' Dude 5 G L 122 Cruz Angel Jacobson David
3 Captain Serious 4 G L 124 Alvarado Junior Rice Linda
4 Tenango 5 G L 116 Velasquez Cornelio H. Jacobson David
5 Dads Caps 5 H L 124 Ortiz Jose L. Rodriguez Rudy R.
6 Eastwood 5 H L 118 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
7 Clearly Now 5 H L 122 Lezcano Jose Lynch Brian A.
8 Rock Fall 4 C L 120 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
This is a race between Captain Serious, Dads Caps, and Clearly Now. Don't underestimate Eastwood here either. I think Captain Serious gets the job done.
9th Race - Belmont Park - Friday, June 5th, 2015
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $300,000. New York S. (Grade 2). INNER TURF FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:05 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Selenite 4 F L 119 Carmouche Kendrick Donk David G.
2 White Rose 5 M L 119 Castellano Javier Mott William I.
3 Waltzing Matilda (IRE) 4 F L 115 Alvarado Junior Stack Tommy
4A Kitten's Queen 5 M L 117 Cancel Eric Brown Chad C.
5 Eastern Belle (GB) 4 F L 115 Lezcano Jose Motion H. Graham
6 Beauty Parlor 4 F L 119 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Clement Christophe
7 Riposte (GB) 5 M L b 119 Rosario Joel Mott William I.
8A Stephanie's Kitten 6 M L 119 Velazquez John R. Brown Chad C.
9 Maximova 5 M L 115 Velasquez Cornelio H. Clement Christophe
After being scratched against the boys Steph returns here. I think she wins, but keep an eye out for Riposte and the Clement horses.
3rd Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 7 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $500,000. Woody Stephens S. (Grade 2). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $500 each which should accompany the nomination. $3,000 to pass the entry box and an additional $4,500 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $7,500 along with the entry and starting fees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries. The purse will be divided as follows $275,000 to the winner, $100,000 to second, $60,000 to third, $30,000 to fourth, $15,000 to fifth, $10,000 to sixth with the remaining $10,000 divided equally amongst remaining finishers. 123 lbs. Non-winners of a Graded Sweepstake in 2014-15 allowed 2 lbs.; of a sweepstake, 4 lbs.; of two races other than maiden,claiming or starter, 6 lbs.; such a race, 8 lbs. A Trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 26 Nominations. (12:39 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Ready For Rye 3 G L 123 Saez Luis Albertrani Thomas
2 March 3 C L 123 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Brown Chad C.
3 Competitive Edge 3 C L 123 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
4 Two Weeks Off 3 C L 117 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
5 Cinco Charlie 3 C L 123 Santana, Jr. Ricardo Asmussen Steven M.
6 Classy Class 3 C L 117 Velasquez Cornelio H. McLaughlin Kiaran P.
This will be a good race to see how good Competitive Edge really is. Two Weeks Off, Cinco Charlie and March though have great chances to give him a loss here.
7th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 Mile Dirt. Purse $750,000. TVG Acorn S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. By subscription of $750 which should accompany the nomination. $5,000 to pass the entry box and an additional $6,250 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $11,250 along with the entry and starting fees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries.The purse to be divided as follows $400,000 to the winner, $140,000 to second, $75,000 to third, $50,000 to fourth, $30,000 to fifth and $22,500 to sixth, $17,500 to seventh and $15,000 to eighth. 123 lbs. Non-winners of $500,000 allowed 2 lbs.; of a Graded Sweepstake, 4 lbs.; of two races at a mile or over other than maiden, claiming or starter, 6 lbs.; such a race at a mile or over, 8 lbs. Trophies will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed, Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 33 Nominations. (03:15 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Oceanwave 3 F L b 115 Espinoza Victor Catalano Wayne M.
2 Wonder Gal 3 F L 115 Stevens Gary L. Gyarmati Leah
3 By The Moon 3 F L 121 Ortiz Jose L. Nevin Michelle
4 Calamity Kate 3 F L 117 Lopez Paco Breen Kelly J.
5 Bar Of Gold 3 F L 115 Alvarado Junior Kimmel John C.
6 Curalina 3 F L 117 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
7 Condo Commando 3 F L 121 Rosario Joel Rodriguez Rudy R.
8 Shook Up 3 F L 115 Albarado Robby Asmussen Steven M.
9 Promise Me Silver 3 F L 121 Smith Mike E. Calhoun W. Bret
10 Light The City 3 F L 115 Ortiz, Jr. Irad McLaughlin Kiaran P.
11 Miss Ella 3 F L 121 Maragh Rajiv Motion H. Graham
12 Danzatrice 3 F L 117 McCarthy Trevor Lynch Cathal A
Promise Me Silver has a lot to prove. Shook Up is coming off runner up finish in the KY Oaks. A lot of people thought Wonder Gal was going to be a serious horse this year... we'll see how she does in her second start of the year. I would love Condo Commando and By the Moon's chances if it where a sloppy track (rain is no longer in the forecast). I think Promise Me Silver wins, but not by much. By the Moon for second.
8th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $700,000. Longines Just a Game S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (04:00 PM) (10)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Lady Lara (IRE) 4 F L 121 Alvarado Junior Mott William I.
2 Sandiva (IRE) 4 F L 115 Smith Mike E. Pletcher Todd A.
3 Discreet Marq 5 M L 117 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Clement Christophe
4 Coffee Clique 5 M L 123 Velazquez John R. Lynch Brian A.
5 Baffle Me 6 M L 113 Lopez Paco Hennig Mark A.
6 Filimbi 5 M L 117 Rosario Joel Mott William I.
7 J Wonder 4 F L 113 Lezcano Jose McGaughey III Claude R.
8 Ball Dancing 4 F L 123 Castellano Javier Brown Chad C.
9 Tepin 4 F L 121 Leparoux Julien R. Casse Mark E.
10 Photo Call (IRE) 4 F L 113 Maragh Rajiv Motion H. Graham
There's Discreet Marq... and then there's everyone else. Coffee Clique though is the defending champ. Look out for Ball Dancing and Filimbi as well.
10th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $1,000,000. Knob Creek Manhattan S. (Grade 1). INNER TURF FOR FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:46 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Hyper 8 H L 114 Leparoux Julien R. Brown Chad C.
2 Twilight Eclipse 6 G L 122 Castellano Javier Albertrani Thomas
3 Finnegans Wake 6 H L 122 Espinoza Victor Miller Peter
4 War Dancer 5 H L 116 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
5 Big Blue Kitten 7 H L 118 Bravo Joe Brown Chad C.
6 Legendary (GB) 6 G L 118 Prado Edgar S. Saville Niall
7 Slumber (GB) 7 H L b 114 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Brown Chad C.
8 Biz The Nurse (IRE) 5 H L 114 Rosario Joel Albertrani Thomas
9 Magic Artist (IRE) 4 C 116 Demuro Cristian Figge Wolfgang
10 General A Rod 4 C L o 114 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
11 Jack Milton 5 H L 124 Nakatani Corey S. Pletcher Todd A.
Twilight Eclipse finally got his G1 win here. I don't think Jack Milton was a mile and a quarter. Finnegan's Wake could finally coming into his own. Twilight and Finnegan to go 1-2 in some order.
8th Race - Belmont Park - Friday, June 5th, 2015
STAKES. 6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $250,000. True North S. (Grade 2). FOR FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. By subscription of $250 each which should accompany the nomination. $1,250 to pass the entry box and an additional $1,250 to start. A supplemental nomination fee of $3,750 in addition to the entry and starting fees can bemade at any time prior to the close of entries. The purse will be divided as follows $137,500 to the owner of the winner, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth, $7,500 to fifth, $5,000 to sixth with the remaining $5,000 to be divided equally amongst the remaining finishers. Weight 124 lbs. Non-winners of $60,000 twice in 2014-15 allowed 2 lbs.; such a race in 2014-15, 4 lbs.; of two races other than maiden, claiming, starter or state bred in 2015, 6 lbs.; such a race in 2015, 8 lbs. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 15 Original Nominations and 1 Supplement. (04:32 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Favorite Tale 4 G L 124 Rosario Joel Preciado Guadalupe
2 Stallwalkin' Dude 5 G L 122 Cruz Angel Jacobson David
3 Captain Serious 4 G L 124 Alvarado Junior Rice Linda
4 Tenango 5 G L 116 Velasquez Cornelio H. Jacobson David
5 Dads Caps 5 H L 124 Ortiz Jose L. Rodriguez Rudy R.
6 Eastwood 5 H L 118 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
7 Clearly Now 5 H L 122 Lezcano Jose Lynch Brian A.
8 Rock Fall 4 C L 120 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
This is a race between Captain Serious, Dads Caps, and Clearly Now. Don't underestimate Eastwood here either. I think Captain Serious gets the job done.
9th Race - Belmont Park - Friday, June 5th, 2015
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $300,000. New York S. (Grade 2). INNER TURF FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:05 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Selenite 4 F L 119 Carmouche Kendrick Donk David G.
2 White Rose 5 M L 119 Castellano Javier Mott William I.
3 Waltzing Matilda (IRE) 4 F L 115 Alvarado Junior Stack Tommy
4A Kitten's Queen 5 M L 117 Cancel Eric Brown Chad C.
5 Eastern Belle (GB) 4 F L 115 Lezcano Jose Motion H. Graham
6 Beauty Parlor 4 F L 119 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Clement Christophe
7 Riposte (GB) 5 M L b 119 Rosario Joel Mott William I.
8A Stephanie's Kitten 6 M L 119 Velazquez John R. Brown Chad C.
9 Maximova 5 M L 115 Velasquez Cornelio H. Clement Christophe
After being scratched against the boys Steph returns here. I think she wins, but keep an eye out for Riposte and the Clement horses.
3rd Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 7 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $500,000. Woody Stephens S. (Grade 2). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $500 each which should accompany the nomination. $3,000 to pass the entry box and an additional $4,500 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $7,500 along with the entry and starting fees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries. The purse will be divided as follows $275,000 to the winner, $100,000 to second, $60,000 to third, $30,000 to fourth, $15,000 to fifth, $10,000 to sixth with the remaining $10,000 divided equally amongst remaining finishers. 123 lbs. Non-winners of a Graded Sweepstake in 2014-15 allowed 2 lbs.; of a sweepstake, 4 lbs.; of two races other than maiden,claiming or starter, 6 lbs.; such a race, 8 lbs. A Trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 26 Nominations. (12:39 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Ready For Rye 3 G L 123 Saez Luis Albertrani Thomas
2 March 3 C L 123 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Brown Chad C.
3 Competitive Edge 3 C L 123 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
4 Two Weeks Off 3 C L 117 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
5 Cinco Charlie 3 C L 123 Santana, Jr. Ricardo Asmussen Steven M.
6 Classy Class 3 C L 117 Velasquez Cornelio H. McLaughlin Kiaran P.
This will be a good race to see how good Competitive Edge really is. Two Weeks Off, Cinco Charlie and March though have great chances to give him a loss here.
7th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 Mile Dirt. Purse $750,000. TVG Acorn S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. By subscription of $750 which should accompany the nomination. $5,000 to pass the entry box and an additional $6,250 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $11,250 along with the entry and starting fees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries.The purse to be divided as follows $400,000 to the winner, $140,000 to second, $75,000 to third, $50,000 to fourth, $30,000 to fifth and $22,500 to sixth, $17,500 to seventh and $15,000 to eighth. 123 lbs. Non-winners of $500,000 allowed 2 lbs.; of a Graded Sweepstake, 4 lbs.; of two races at a mile or over other than maiden, claiming or starter, 6 lbs.; such a race at a mile or over, 8 lbs. Trophies will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed, Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 33 Nominations. (03:15 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Oceanwave 3 F L b 115 Espinoza Victor Catalano Wayne M.
2 Wonder Gal 3 F L 115 Stevens Gary L. Gyarmati Leah
3 By The Moon 3 F L 121 Ortiz Jose L. Nevin Michelle
4 Calamity Kate 3 F L 117 Lopez Paco Breen Kelly J.
5 Bar Of Gold 3 F L 115 Alvarado Junior Kimmel John C.
6 Curalina 3 F L 117 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
7 Condo Commando 3 F L 121 Rosario Joel Rodriguez Rudy R.
8 Shook Up 3 F L 115 Albarado Robby Asmussen Steven M.
9 Promise Me Silver 3 F L 121 Smith Mike E. Calhoun W. Bret
10 Light The City 3 F L 115 Ortiz, Jr. Irad McLaughlin Kiaran P.
11 Miss Ella 3 F L 121 Maragh Rajiv Motion H. Graham
12 Danzatrice 3 F L 117 McCarthy Trevor Lynch Cathal A
Promise Me Silver has a lot to prove. Shook Up is coming off runner up finish in the KY Oaks. A lot of people thought Wonder Gal was going to be a serious horse this year... we'll see how she does in her second start of the year. I would love Condo Commando and By the Moon's chances if it where a sloppy track (rain is no longer in the forecast). I think Promise Me Silver wins, but not by much. By the Moon for second.
8th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $700,000. Longines Just a Game S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (04:00 PM) (10)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Lady Lara (IRE) 4 F L 121 Alvarado Junior Mott William I.
2 Sandiva (IRE) 4 F L 115 Smith Mike E. Pletcher Todd A.
3 Discreet Marq 5 M L 117 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Clement Christophe
4 Coffee Clique 5 M L 123 Velazquez John R. Lynch Brian A.
5 Baffle Me 6 M L 113 Lopez Paco Hennig Mark A.
6 Filimbi 5 M L 117 Rosario Joel Mott William I.
7 J Wonder 4 F L 113 Lezcano Jose McGaughey III Claude R.
8 Ball Dancing 4 F L 123 Castellano Javier Brown Chad C.
9 Tepin 4 F L 121 Leparoux Julien R. Casse Mark E.
10 Photo Call (IRE) 4 F L 113 Maragh Rajiv Motion H. Graham
There's Discreet Marq... and then there's everyone else. Coffee Clique though is the defending champ. Look out for Ball Dancing and Filimbi as well.
10th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $1,000,000. Knob Creek Manhattan S. (Grade 1). INNER TURF FOR FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:46 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Hyper 8 H L 114 Leparoux Julien R. Brown Chad C.
2 Twilight Eclipse 6 G L 122 Castellano Javier Albertrani Thomas
3 Finnegans Wake 6 H L 122 Espinoza Victor Miller Peter
4 War Dancer 5 H L 116 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
5 Big Blue Kitten 7 H L 118 Bravo Joe Brown Chad C.
6 Legendary (GB) 6 G L 118 Prado Edgar S. Saville Niall
7 Slumber (GB) 7 H L b 114 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Brown Chad C.
8 Biz The Nurse (IRE) 5 H L 114 Rosario Joel Albertrani Thomas
9 Magic Artist (IRE) 4 C 116 Demuro Cristian Figge Wolfgang
10 General A Rod 4 C L o 114 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
11 Jack Milton 5 H L 124 Nakatani Corey S. Pletcher Todd A.
Twilight Eclipse finally got his G1 win here. I don't think Jack Milton was a mile and a quarter. Finnegan's Wake could finally coming into his own. Twilight and Finnegan to go 1-2 in some order.
Belmont Stakes Preview (Part 1)
This is part 1 of what will a 3 part preview for the stakes races leading up to the Belmont Stakes preview. This first post will the 2yo races (later on tonight it will be the rest of the races sans Belmont).
3rd Race - Belmont Park - Thursday, June 4th, 2015
STAKES. 5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $250,000. Astoria S. FOR FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. By subscription of $250 each which should accompany the nomination; $1,250 to pass the entry box and an additional $1,250 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $3,750 along with the entry and starting fees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries. The guaranteed purse of $250,000 will be divided accordingly $130,000 to the winner, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth, $10,000 to fifth, $6,500 to sixth, $4,500 to seventh and $4,000 to eighth. 120 lbs. Non winners of a race other than claiming or starter allowed 3 lbs.; Maidens, 5 lbs. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 22 Nominations. (01:52 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 One Minute 2 F L 120 Velazquez John R. Asmussen Steven M.
2 Moment Is Right 2 F L 120 Rosario Joel Ward Wesley A.
3 La Nina 2 F L 115 Cruz Angel Lawrence, II James L.
4 Decked Out 2 F L 120 Desormeaux Kent J. Desormeaux J. Keith
5 Tonasah 2 F L 115 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
6 Little Cherie 2 F L 120 Smith Mike E. Maker Michael J.
Moment Is Right is cross-entered into the Tremont, but will go here. La Nina is still a maiden, Tonasah will be making her career debut. Moment Is Right beat the boys in her lone start and should be the horse to beat here.
Top three:
Moment is Right
Decked Out
One Minute
4th Race - Belmont Park - Friday, June 5th, 2015
STAKES. 5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $250,000. Tremont S.. FOR TWO YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $250 each which should accompany the nomination; $1,250 to pass the entry box and an additional $1,250 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $3,750 along with the entry and startingfees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries. The guaranteed purse of $250,000 will be divided accordingly $130,000 to the winner, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth, $10,000 to fifth, $6,500 to sixth, $4,500 to seventhand $4,000 to eighth. 121 lbs. Non winners of a race other than claiming or starter allowed 3 lbs.; Maidens, 5 lbs. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 21 Original Nominations and 1 Supplement. (02:24 PM) (10)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Cocked And Loaded 2 C L 121 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Rivelli Larry
2 The Love Monkey 2 C 116 Rice Taylor B. Rice Kevin
3 Swipe 2 C L 116 Desormeaux Kent J. Desormeaux J. Keith
4 Cat Tree 2 C L 121 Parker Deshawn L. Kobiskie Dane
5 Banree 2 F L 118 Hernandez Rafael Manuel Ward Wesley A.
6 Sweet Steppin 2 C L 118 Perez Xavier Salzman, Jr. John E.
7 Uncle Vinny 2 C L 121 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
8 Dr. Shane 2 C 121 Franco Manuel Esler Nicholas
9 Moment Is Right 2 F L 118 Rosario Joel Ward Wesley A.
10 Paynes Prairie 2 C L 116 Castellano Javier Asmussen Steven M.
There are several maidens in this race. Moment is Right will remain against her own sex in tomorrow's Astoria. Leaning towards Cat Tree for this race, but don't count out Uncle Vinny either.
Top three:
Cat Tree
Uncle Vinny
Banree
3rd Race - Belmont Park - Thursday, June 4th, 2015
STAKES. 5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $250,000. Astoria S. FOR FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. By subscription of $250 each which should accompany the nomination; $1,250 to pass the entry box and an additional $1,250 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $3,750 along with the entry and starting fees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries. The guaranteed purse of $250,000 will be divided accordingly $130,000 to the winner, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth, $10,000 to fifth, $6,500 to sixth, $4,500 to seventh and $4,000 to eighth. 120 lbs. Non winners of a race other than claiming or starter allowed 3 lbs.; Maidens, 5 lbs. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 22 Nominations. (01:52 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 One Minute 2 F L 120 Velazquez John R. Asmussen Steven M.
2 Moment Is Right 2 F L 120 Rosario Joel Ward Wesley A.
3 La Nina 2 F L 115 Cruz Angel Lawrence, II James L.
4 Decked Out 2 F L 120 Desormeaux Kent J. Desormeaux J. Keith
5 Tonasah 2 F L 115 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
6 Little Cherie 2 F L 120 Smith Mike E. Maker Michael J.
Moment Is Right is cross-entered into the Tremont, but will go here. La Nina is still a maiden, Tonasah will be making her career debut. Moment Is Right beat the boys in her lone start and should be the horse to beat here.
Top three:
Moment is Right
Decked Out
One Minute
4th Race - Belmont Park - Friday, June 5th, 2015
STAKES. 5 1/2 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $250,000. Tremont S.. FOR TWO YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $250 each which should accompany the nomination; $1,250 to pass the entry box and an additional $1,250 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $3,750 along with the entry and startingfees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries. The guaranteed purse of $250,000 will be divided accordingly $130,000 to the winner, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth, $10,000 to fifth, $6,500 to sixth, $4,500 to seventhand $4,000 to eighth. 121 lbs. Non winners of a race other than claiming or starter allowed 3 lbs.; Maidens, 5 lbs. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 21 Original Nominations and 1 Supplement. (02:24 PM) (10)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Cocked And Loaded 2 C L 121 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Rivelli Larry
2 The Love Monkey 2 C 116 Rice Taylor B. Rice Kevin
3 Swipe 2 C L 116 Desormeaux Kent J. Desormeaux J. Keith
4 Cat Tree 2 C L 121 Parker Deshawn L. Kobiskie Dane
5 Banree 2 F L 118 Hernandez Rafael Manuel Ward Wesley A.
6 Sweet Steppin 2 C L 118 Perez Xavier Salzman, Jr. John E.
7 Uncle Vinny 2 C L 121 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
8 Dr. Shane 2 C 121 Franco Manuel Esler Nicholas
10 Paynes Prairie 2 C L 116 Castellano Javier Asmussen Steven M.
There are several maidens in this race. Moment is Right will remain against her own sex in tomorrow's Astoria. Leaning towards Cat Tree for this race, but don't count out Uncle Vinny either.
Top three:
Cat Tree
Uncle Vinny
Banree
June 27, 2014
Preview of the Mother Goose
The return of Kentucky Oaks winner Untapable! Here are the horses who will be facing her.
June 5, 2014
Belmont preview
1 1/2 miles stand between California Chrome and becoming the 12th Triple Crown winner. 10 horses are set to make sure that another year passes in between TC winners. Lets take a look at this year's Belmont field.
11th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 7th, 2014
STAKES. 1 1/2 Mile Dirt. Purse $1,500,000. Belmont S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $600 each, to accompany the nomination, if made on or before January 25, 2014, or $6,000, if made on or before March 22, 2014. At any time prior to the closing time of entries, horses may be nominated to The Belmont Stakes upon payment of a supplementary fee of $75,000 to the New York Racing Association, Inc. $15,000 to pass the entry box and $15,000 additional to start. All entrants will be required to pay entry and starting fees; but no fees, supplemental or otherwise shall be added to the purse. The purse to be divided $800,000 to the winner, $280,000 to second, $150,000 to third, $100,000 to fourth, $60,000 to fifth, $45,000 to sixth, $35,000 to seventh and $30,000 to eighth. Colts and Geldings, 126 lbs.; Fillies, 121 lbs. The winning owner will be presented with the August Belmont Memorial Cup to be retained for one year as well as a trophy for permanent possession and trophies to the winning trainer and jockey. (06:52 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Medal Count 3 C L 126 Albarado Robby Romans Dale L.
2 California Chrome 3 C L 126 Espinoza Victor Sherman Art
3 Matterhorn 3 C L 126 Bravo Joe Pletcher Todd A.
4 Commanding Curve 3 R L 126 Bridgmohan Shaun Stewart Dallas
5 Ride On Curlin 3 C L 126 Velazquez John R. Gowan William G.
6 Matuszak 3 C L 126 Smith Mike E. Mott William I.
7 Samraat 3 C L 126 Ortiz Jose L. Violette, Jr. Richard A.
8 Commissioner 3 C L 126 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
9 Wicked Strong 3 C L 126 Maragh Rajiv Jerkens James A.
10 General A Rod 3 C L 126 Napravnik Rosie Maker Michael J.
11 Tonalist 3 C L 126 Rosario Joel Clement Christophe
Post positions don't really matter that much in this race because of the length. Some people think California Chrome's post is good and some who think that it's terrible. The horses who are serious challengers to Cal Chrome are Tonalist, Wicked Strong, Commanding Curve, Medal Count and Commissioner. I don't think Ride On Curlin is as big of a threat for a few reasons, the biggest is that this is the third jockey change in a row. Secondly while he was bred for two turns he has yet to win going it. Thirdly, to me he looked to be spinning his wheels on the Pimlico surface at the end. He had every chance to pass Chrome there and he didn't. Samraat would be a minor surprise and General A Rod, well his sire already has a Belmont winner. Matterhorn and Mutuszak have no business being in this race.
I want to see a Triple Crown, I really do. However, Wicked Strong was my Derby pick and ran into so much traffic in that race, yet ran well enough to run fourth. He broke his maiden at Belmont last year and has run his best races in New York. He is my choice to upset California Chrome in the Belmont.
Win: Wicked Strong
Place: Tonalist
Show: California Chrome
11th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 7th, 2014
STAKES. 1 1/2 Mile Dirt. Purse $1,500,000. Belmont S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $600 each, to accompany the nomination, if made on or before January 25, 2014, or $6,000, if made on or before March 22, 2014. At any time prior to the closing time of entries, horses may be nominated to The Belmont Stakes upon payment of a supplementary fee of $75,000 to the New York Racing Association, Inc. $15,000 to pass the entry box and $15,000 additional to start. All entrants will be required to pay entry and starting fees; but no fees, supplemental or otherwise shall be added to the purse. The purse to be divided $800,000 to the winner, $280,000 to second, $150,000 to third, $100,000 to fourth, $60,000 to fifth, $45,000 to sixth, $35,000 to seventh and $30,000 to eighth. Colts and Geldings, 126 lbs.; Fillies, 121 lbs. The winning owner will be presented with the August Belmont Memorial Cup to be retained for one year as well as a trophy for permanent possession and trophies to the winning trainer and jockey. (06:52 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Medal Count 3 C L 126 Albarado Robby Romans Dale L.
2 California Chrome 3 C L 126 Espinoza Victor Sherman Art
3 Matterhorn 3 C L 126 Bravo Joe Pletcher Todd A.
4 Commanding Curve 3 R L 126 Bridgmohan Shaun Stewart Dallas
5 Ride On Curlin 3 C L 126 Velazquez John R. Gowan William G.
6 Matuszak 3 C L 126 Smith Mike E. Mott William I.
7 Samraat 3 C L 126 Ortiz Jose L. Violette, Jr. Richard A.
8 Commissioner 3 C L 126 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
9 Wicked Strong 3 C L 126 Maragh Rajiv Jerkens James A.
10 General A Rod 3 C L 126 Napravnik Rosie Maker Michael J.
11 Tonalist 3 C L 126 Rosario Joel Clement Christophe
Post positions don't really matter that much in this race because of the length. Some people think California Chrome's post is good and some who think that it's terrible. The horses who are serious challengers to Cal Chrome are Tonalist, Wicked Strong, Commanding Curve, Medal Count and Commissioner. I don't think Ride On Curlin is as big of a threat for a few reasons, the biggest is that this is the third jockey change in a row. Secondly while he was bred for two turns he has yet to win going it. Thirdly, to me he looked to be spinning his wheels on the Pimlico surface at the end. He had every chance to pass Chrome there and he didn't. Samraat would be a minor surprise and General A Rod, well his sire already has a Belmont winner. Matterhorn and Mutuszak have no business being in this race.
I want to see a Triple Crown, I really do. However, Wicked Strong was my Derby pick and ran into so much traffic in that race, yet ran well enough to run fourth. He broke his maiden at Belmont last year and has run his best races in New York. He is my choice to upset California Chrome in the Belmont.
Win: Wicked Strong
Place: Tonalist
Show: California Chrome
June 6, 2013
Belmont and Undercard Preview
So here we are the final Triple Crown race of the year. I gotta say that even though this year's edition hasn't been as exciting I would say that the winners maybe a little bit more popular then last years.
Will Wayne or one of this three former assistants take it down or is it Shug's for the taking? Will youngsters Irad, Joel or Rosie (all of them are under 30) get it done or it will be the old timers Gary and Jon (both are either 50 or over 50)? Will Kenny and Kieren end up in the Winners Circle again together? (Tight finishes have been the norm the past couple of years in the Belmont and last year's Travers was a pretty awesome race!) Will one of the Todd Squad make it? Lets take a look at this year's field!
1 Frac Daddy (30-1) Garcia, McPeek
2 Freedom Child (8-1) Saez, Albertrani
3 Overanalyze (12-1) Velazquez, Pletcher
4 Giant Finish (30-1) Prado, Dutrow
5 Orb (3-1) Rosario, McGaughey
6 Incognito (20-1) Ortiz Jr., McLaughlin
7 Oxbow (5-1) Stevens, Lukas
8 Midnight Taboo (30-1) Gomez, Pletcher
9 Revolutionary (9-2) Castellano, Pletcher
10 Will Take Charge (20-1) Court, Lukas
11 Vyjack (20-1) Leparoux, Rodriguez
12 Palace Malice (15-1) Smith, Pletcher
13 Unlimited Budget (8-1) Napravnik, Pletcher
14 Golden Soul (10-1) Albarado, Stewart
Here are the pros and cons for each horse.
Frac Daddy (Scat Daddy)
Pros: Belmont winning jockey, Broodmare sire second in the Belmont
Cons: Ran very poorly in the Derby
Freedom Child (Malibu Moon)
Pros: Won the Peter Pan at the track, weather looks like it will be to his liking.
Cons: Was a non starter in the Wood after coming out of the gates poorly (in which only one Derby starter from that prep ran well), took awhile to break his maiden
Overanalyze (Dixie Union)
Pros: Defending sire, the AR Derby better then first expected, defending jock
Cons: Can be a hit or miss when it comes to stakes races
Giant Finish (Frost Giant)
Pros: Ran remarkably well in the Derby considering his last minute addition, has the right jock to pull the upset, race owes his trainers family
Cons: Still have to say has yet to win a NYB stakes race
Orb (Malibu Moon)
Pros: Derby winner, Belmont winning trainer, weather will help, has an awesome female family for a mile and a half
Cons: Didn't really take to the Pimlico surface, how much is in the tank
Incognito (A.P. Indy)
Pros: Belmont winning sire, mom won 2 G1's at the track going a route of ground, Belmont winning trainer, young jockey
Cons: 5th in the Peter Pan, took awhile to break maiden
Oxbow (Awesome Again)
Pros: Preakness winner, his cousin ran second in this race last year, both his jockey and trainer have won the Belmont (apart and together)
Cons: Ran in both the Derby and Preakness like Orb how much is left?
Midnight Taboo (Langfuhr)
Pros: Sire has a Triple Crown winner in Canada, Belmont winning broodmare sire
Cons: 3 starts under his belt, stakes debut
Revolutionary (War Pass)
Pros: Skipped the Preakness, gets the jockey that he won the LA Derby back, dam won at a mile and a quarter
Cons: I'm concerned that his sire's side will shine thorough a bit and he'll be backing up late
Will Take Charge (Unbridled's Song)
Pros: Gets Derby rider back
Cons: Ran very poorly in the Preakness, like Orb and Oxbow ran in both races
Vyjack (Into Mischief)
Pros: Ummm none
Cons: Ran poorly in the Derby, too far IMO for his liking
Palace Malice (Curlin)
Pros: Sire second in this race in 2007, Belmont winning jock
Cons: If he sets a hot pace like he did in the Derby, he could be in serious trouble
Unlimited Budget (Street Sense)
Pros: Dad won the Derby in 2007, trainer knows how to win the Belmont with a filly
Cons: Female family not as strong for a mile and a half as Rags to Riches was, 3rd in the Oaks but IMO that was an oddly run race
Golden Soul (Perfect Soul (IRE))
Pros: 2nd in the Derby, Trainer was an asst. for previous Belmont winners
Cons: 1 win in his career, winless this year
So who gets the win this year? As much as I would love either Oxbow or Orb win, niether is my pick for the race. My pick for the 2013 Belmont is Golden Soul, Oxbow for second and Orb for third. Incognito to finish in fourth. However, this race can be a crapshoot as well, so if Orb wins, I wouldn't be suprised.
As for the Undercard, the race of the day outside the Belmont is the Just A Game. Stephanie's Kitten vs Mizdirection? I think Steph has the advantage, but don't count out Miz or Centre Court who I think could have a monster year. I love Reload in the True North and Point of Entry in the Manhattan, but Optimizer ran so well on the two turf stakes before the the TC races.
September 28, 2012
Super Saturday preview (Part 2)
Welcome to Part 2 of the Super Saturday preview! Today it will be about the Ladies Classic and Classic. 2 stakes, 1 on each coast per division! Lets take a look at them all.
Starting off with the Ladies Classic races.
5th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $400,000. Beldame Invitational S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. (02:58 PM) (7)
Post # Horse's Name Age/Sex Weight Jockey Trainer 1 Go Unbridled 5/M 123 Rosario Joel Jerkens H. Allen 2 Maristar 5/M 123 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A. 3 Royal Delta 4/F 123 Smith Mike E. Mott William I. 4 Cash for Clunkers 4/F 123 Garcia Alan Violette, Jr. Richard A. 5 Disposablepleasure 3/F 120 Dominguez Ramon A. Pletcher Todd A. 6 It's Tricky 4/F 123 Castro Eddie McLaughlin Kiaran P. 7 Acting Happy 5/M 123 Castellano Javier Dutrow, Jr. Richard E.
This is billed as what could be one of the final races between Royal Delta and It's Tricky. The latter is a bobble away from being undefeated and the former looked very flat in the Personal Ensign. They have faced each other four other times with them going 1-2 in two of them. This will be Round 5 for them. Go Unbridled won against NYB company in her last. Her best finish against graded stakes company was last November 3rd place finish in the Turnback the Alarm. Maristar has not run well since a runner up finish against males in the Washington Park Handicap last September. This will be her first start as a member of the Pletcher barn. Cash for Clunkers was the runner up in the Ogden Phipps, but then ran seventh in the DelCap. Disposablepleasure was the runner up in the Black Eyed Susan and Mother Goose, but hasn't run well since and finally Acting Happy whose been running in allowance races lately, but was fourth in her last stakes race. When all is said and done, it should be between Royal Delta and It's Tricky. While the nine furlongs is to Royal Delta's advantage, this is a 1 turn race, so It's Tricky has a big chance. I'm going with Royal Delta, I think whatever happened in the Personal Ensign won't carry over, but I do think It's Tricky will give her a tough time on the front end as they go into the stretch. Go Unbridled for third. Now of course if the track is muddy, then I think It's Tricky has the advantage and then I'll still have Royal Delta in the top three, but second and Acting Happy for third.
8th Race - Santa Anita Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $250,000. Zenyatta S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEARS-OLD AND UPWARD. (04:38 PM) (9)
| Post # | Horse's Name | Age/Sex | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Amani (CHI) | 4/F | 121 | Bejarano Rafael | Drysdale Neil D. |
| 2 | Love Theway Youare | 4/F | 124 | Flores David Romero | Cho Myung Kwon |
| 3 | Switch | 5/M | 119 | Gomez Garrett K. | Sadler John W. |
| 4 | Joyful Victory | 4/F | 119 | Napravnik Rosie | Jones J. Larry |
| 5 | Star Billing | 4/F | 121 | Espinoza Victor | Shirreffs John A. |
| 6 | Include Me Out | 4/F | 124 | Talamo Joseph | Ellis Ronald W. |
| 7 | Love and Pride | 4/F | 124 | Garcia Martin | Pletcher Todd A. |
| 8 | Via Villaggio | 3/F | 116 | Pedroza Martin A. | Hollendorfer Jerry |
| 9 | Miss Mittagong | 5/M | 119 | Gutierrez Mario | Cecil Ben D.A. |
This is formally what was known as the Lady's Secret. You have some East Coast horses against the best of the West, should be a pretty fun race. Love Theway Youare is the only horse to defeat Include Me Out this year, but that was on a synthetic surface and she then finished fifth in the Hollywood Gold Cup against males. Amani hasn't won in the US yet, but she was third in her first US start against Include Me Out and was sixth in the Pacific Classic. The East Coasters Joyful Victory and Love and Pride are coming from oposite directions. The filly from the same owner and trainer as last year's Horse of the Year was second in the Gardenia, but was hung wide. She gets a big jockey change from Gabe Saez to Rosie Napravnik. Love and Pride got the blinkers removed for her Personal Ensign win in her last, the speed bias track that is Santa Anita will be very helpful for her. Miss Mittagong is 0 for 4 this year, but she was third in the Santa Margarita in March. However, she's only made one start since and that was a 7th place at Del Mar in the Adoration. Via Villaggio was second in the DE Oaks and third in the Alabama in her last two starts. However last year, her trainer sent out Blind Luck to a very suprising last place finish in this race. Star Billing has never raced on dirt and is a G1 winner on turf. Her pedigree on first apprience looks like it could go either way and has a family member who did very well on dirt (Stellar Jayne) and she was second in the Hirsch at Del Mar. My gut feeling the reason why she was entered was because her trainer was also the trainer of Z, namesake of this race. Switch is more likely for the F/M Sprint then the Ladies Classic. Still, there are no true sprint prep for females in California, this was the only spot for her. 4th in the Hirsch in her last. Finally, there is Include Me Out who has defeated almost every top quality filly in California. Ron Ellis did make some contraversial comments on Tuesday on the NTRA Teleconfernce that basically said that there is a “East Coast Bias” and that he didn't think that she was being respected enough. When going through all the information, in the end I think it comes down to a good old East vs West showdown between Love and Pride and Include Me Out. In the end, I think Include Me Out gets the job done and sends a message to the East Coast fillies that she is not to be messed with. Love and Pride for second and Amani for third.
And now the now the Classic prep races!
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Dirt. Purse $1,000,000. TVG Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:46 PM) (10)
| Post # | Horse's Name | Age/Sex | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Ron The Greek | 5/H | 126 | Lezcano Jose | Mott William I. |
| 2 | Stay Thirsty | 4/C | 126 | Dominguez Ramon A. | Pletcher Todd A. |
| 3 | Ruler On Ice | 4/G | 126 | Garcia Alan | Breen Kelly J. |
| 4 | Hymn Book | 6/G | 126 | Velazquez John R. | McGaughey III Claude R. |
| 5 | Fort Larned | 4/C | 126 | Hernandez, Jr. Brian Joseph | Wilkes Ian R. |
| 6 | Atigun | 3/C | 122 | Smith Mike E. | McPeek Kenneth G. |
| 7 | Fast Falcon | 3/C | 122 | Nakatani Corey S. | Zito Nicholas P. |
| 8 | San Pablo | 4/C | 126 | Castellano Javier | Pletcher Todd A. |
| 9 | Flat Out | 6/H | 126 | Rosario Joel | Mott William I. |
| 10 | Game Ball | 5/H | 126 | Maragh Rajiv | Chatterpaul Naipaul |
Fast Falcon and Atigun where 3rd and 4th respectively in the Travers. Ruler on Ice and Stay Thirsty who where 1-2 in last year's Belmont have not shown the same spark this year as they did as 3yo's. Even though he is the defending champ, Flat Out has not really shown the same tancity that he had shown last year, although as the year has gotten longer he's been finishing higher in the order. Hymn Book won the Donn earlier this year, but has been a little inconsistant since then. San Pablo is a bit of a dark horse as he's won his last 2 races, both of them stakes races. Game Ball has no chance in this race has he has been struggling in stakes races. Finally Fort Larned and Ron the Greek where 1-2 in the Whitney. The latter won the SA Handicap and Stephen Foster while the former has had 1 bad race this year and that was against Ron in the Foster. My pick for this race is Flat Out, he loves Belmont and has one of the most talented jockeys currently riding on his back. If it is a sloppy track that won't be a problem for him as he won on that type last year. Ron the Greek for second and Fort Larned for third. For the latter two, it might actually not be a bad thing for them to lose as they could end up being horses with a chance when it comes to Santa Anita time. With that being said, I would not be surprised if either of them wins the race as well.
10th Race - Santa Anita Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $250,000. Awesome Again S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:38 PM) (9)
| Post # | Horse's Name | Age/Sex | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Game On Dude | 5/G | 124 | Bejarano Rafael | Baffert Bob |
| 2 | Winning Machine | 6/G | 119 | Matias Javier | Lucarelli Frank |
| 3 | Nonios | 3/C | 116 | Pedroza Martin A. | Hollendorfer Jerry |
| 4 | Groovin' Solo | 3/C | 116 | Flores David Romero | Cho Myung Kwon |
| 5 | Suggestive Boy (ARG) | 4/C | 121 | Talamo Joseph | McAnally Ronald L. |
| 6 | Empire Way | 3/C | 116 | Blanc Brice | Harrington Mike |
| 7 | Richard's Kid | 7/H | 119 | Gomez Garrett K. | O'Neill Doug F. |
| 8 | Balladry | 4/C | 119 | Espinoza Victor | Harty Eoin G. |
| 9 | Rail Trip | 7/G | 119 | Valdivia, Jr. Jose | Ellis Ronald W. |
Formaly known as the Goodwood. Winning Machine takes a big step up in class from the Longacres Mile where he was the runner up. Balladry was third in the Cougar II. Richard's Kid was third in the Pacific Classic makes his first offical start for his new trainer. Groovin' Solo hasn't run since March and has never run well in graded stakes company. Empire Way is the full brother to Royal Delta, but he is not as talented as she is. Suggestive Boy makes his US dirt debut after his first off the board showing in the US. Rail Trip is the sentimential favorite and is already guarenteed a spot in the Dirt Mile. Nonios ran 5th in the Travers after finishing second in the Haskell. Finally, Game on Dude was runner up in the Pacific Classic, but gets a key jockey changed from Chantal to Rafael. On heart alone, then Rail Trip wins. However, sadly that is not There happens to be a son of AA's in the race, and he is also my pick for this race. I'm going with Dude to win and position himself to be the Breeders' Cup Classic morning line favorite. Richard's Kid for second and Rail Trip for third.
So that's it for this weekend, there are a couple of other races outthere this weekend including the Oklahoma Derby and the John Henry Turf Championship (formally known as the Clement Hirsch Turf Championship, both of those races will run on Sunday. Good luck to all the horses and may they return safe and sound.
So that's it for this weekend, there are a couple of other races outthere this weekend including the Oklahoma Derby and the John Henry Turf Championship (formally known as the Clement Hirsch Turf Championship, both of those races will run on Sunday. Good luck to all the horses and may they return safe and sound.
September 27, 2012
Super Saturday Preview (Part 1)
Outside of the Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup, Super Saturday is the biggest day in horse racing. Oodles of G1 races ending with the Jockey Club Gold Cup in New York and the Awesome Again (formally Goodwood) in California. This is Part 1 of a 2 part weekend preview. Tonight will be most of the undercard stakes races for both coasts and then tomorrow it will be 4 races, 2 on each coast. Each of them will be a preview for horses who might go in the Ladies Classic or the Classic. Lets get it started.
The following races are all at Belmont
6th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 1 Mile Dirt. Purse $400,000. Kelso H. (Grade 2). A HANDICAP FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. (03:30 PM) (9) |
| PP | Horse | A/S | Wgt | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Isn't He Perfect | 4 C | 114 | Luzzi Michael J. | Dutrow, Jr. Richard E. |
| 2 | Golddigger's Boy | 5 H | 115 | Lezcano Jose | Preciado Ramon |
| 3 | Jersey Town | 6 H | 116 | Castellano Javier | Tagg Barclay |
| 4 | Tapizar | 4 C | 117 | Nakatani Corey S. | Asmussen Steven M. |
| 5 | To Honor And Serve | 4 C | 121 | Velazquez John R. | Mott William I. |
| 6 | Shackleford | 4 C | 121 | Dominguez Ramon A. | Romans Dale L. |
| 7 | Gallant Fields | 5 G | 114 | Rosario Joel | Dutrow, Jr. Richard E. |
| 8 | Pacific Ocean | 5 G | 116 | Garcia Wilmer A. | Dutrow, Jr. Richard E. |
| 9 | Trickmeister | 5 H | 116 | Velasquez Cornelio H. | Dutrow, Jr. Richard E. |
4 horses in this race are trained by Rick Dutrow. Of those 4, Trickmiester might be the one who has the best chance. Shackleford will try to rebound from a last place finish going shorter. To Honor and Serve is more likely to be Classic bound then Dirt Mile bound. Tapizar has a world of talent, but has only raced 4 times this year, 3 of them in Jan, Feb and Mar, although he did win in Aug in his last start. Jersey Town was 3rd in the Forego in his last start and finished 3rd in this race last year. My pick for this race is Shackleford, he won the Met Mile on this course in May and should love stretching back out to a mile. To Honor and Serve for second and Jersey Town for third.
7th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $400,000. Vosburgh Invitational S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. (04:04 PM) (10)
|
| PP | Horse | A/S | Wgt | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Poseidon's Warrior | 4 C | 124 | Ortiz, Jr. Irad | Reid, Jr. Robert E. |
| 2 | Little Drama | 4 G | 124 | Maragh Rajiv | Mareina Michael |
| 3 | Zero Rate Policy | 4 G | 124 | Lezcano Jose | Pompay Teresa M. |
| 4 | Sean Avery | 6 G | 124 | Bravo Joe | Iwinski Allen |
| 5 | The Lumber Guy | 3 C | 124 | Velazquez John R. | Hushion Michael E. |
| 6 | Fort Loudon | 3 C | 124 | Nakatani Corey S. | Zito Nicholas P. |
| 7 | Rothko | 4 C | 124 | Leparoux Julien R. | Asmussen Steven M. |
| 8 | Royal Currier | 4 G | 124 | Elliott Stewart | Farro Patricia |
| 9 | Caixa Eletronica | 7 H | 124 | Castellano Javier | Pletcher Todd A. |
| 10 | Justin Phillip | 4 C | 124 | Dominguez Ramon A. | Asmussen Steven M. |
Little Drama is the ½ brother to 2010 BC Sprint champ Big Drama. Sean Avery returned in his last start off an over a year layoff to win. Fort Loudon finished second in the King's Bishop and has the same owner/breeder as Jackson Bend. Poseidon's Warrior won the Vanderbilt in his last start. Rothko has a world of talent. The same can be said about Justin Phillip who needs to just finish it at the end to get a win. Caixa Eletronica has won stakes races at 9 and 6 furlongs this year. Sadly I don't know enough about Zero Rate Policy and Royal Currier. Finally The Lumber Guy had battled horses who where on the Triple Crown trail earlier this year. My pick for this race is Sean Avery, on paper I think he's the most talented of those in this year's race. Justin Phillip for second and Fort Loudon for third.
8th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $600,000. Flower Bowl Invitational S. (Grade 1). INNER TURF FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. (04:38 PM) (9)
|
| PP | Horse | A/S | Wgt | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Dream Peace (IRE) | 4 F | 119 | Leparoux Julien R. | Brown Chad C. |
| 2 | Hessonite | 4 F | 119 | Lezcano Jose | Donk David G. |
| 3 | Hit It Rich | 5 M | 119 | Castellano Javier | McGaughey III Claude |
| 4 | I'm A Dreamer (IRE) | 5 M | 123 | Turner Hayley | Simcock David |
| 5 | Starformer | 4 F | 119 | Smith Mike E. | Mott William I. |
| 6 | Bizzy Caroline | 4 F | 119 | Cohen David | McPeek Kenneth G. |
| 7 | Zagora (FR) | 5 M | 121 | Dominguez Ramon A. | Brown Chad C. |
| 8 | Nahrain (GB) | 4 F | 121 | Velazquez John R. | Varian Roger |
| 9 | Halo Dolly | 4 F | 121 | Rosario Joel | Hollendorfer Jerry |
East, West, Europe this race has it this year. Dream Peace was second in the Diana in her New York debut and makes her first start for Chad Brown in this race. I'm a Dreamer won the Beverly D and will try to make history with Hayley who could become the first woman to win the race in 24 years (Julie Krone being the last to do so). Zagora set a track record at Saratoga in her last and finished right behind her new stablemate in the Diana. Nahrain was last year's BC F/M Turf runner up. Halo Dolly heads East to take on these girls as she is not BC Nominated. Hit it Rich and Bizzy Caroline where 1-2 in the Glen Falls in their last. Starformer won the Dick at Delaware and was second in the Waya in her last. Finally Hessonite has been recently facing NYB company, but she was second in a G3 at Parx in July. My pick for this race is Nahrain. She was so close in last year's BC and while her record hasn't been great this year (only 1 top three finish), she has been improving her position, so she might be finally hitting her stride this year. Zagora for second and Starformer for third.
9th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/2 Mile Turf. Purse $600,000. Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:12 PM) (6)
|
| PP | Horse | A/S | Wgt | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Hailstone | 5 H | 126 | Leparoux Julien R. | Ribaudo Robert |
| 2 | Point of Entry | 4 C | 126 | Velazquez John R. | McGaughey III Claude |
| 3 | Treasure Beach (GB) | 4 C | 126 | Spencer Jamie P. | O'Brien Aiden P. |
| 4 | Little Mike | 5 G | 126 | Dominguez Ramon A. | Romans Dale L. |
| 5 | Kindergarden Kid | 5 G | 126 | Castellano Javier | Maker Michael J. |
| 6 | Finnegan's Wake | 3 C | 121 | Rosario Joel | Romans Dale L. |
Outside of the two big races at Belmont on the day, this is going to be a doosey. You have the European Treasure Beach won won the Secretariat last year, ran in the Arc, ran okay in Canada as well. Not having a fantastic season, but Cape Blanco had possibly his gutsiest race in the Hirsch last year. Then there are the two very strong Americans in Sword Dancer winner Point of Entry and Arlington Million winner Little Mike. A mile and half is a question mark for the latter, but for Treasure Beach and Point of Entry it shouldn't be a problem. Watch out for Finnegan's Wake as well, he ran a bang up race in the Secretariat in what the American's only won the Million, but showed a better then expected showing. Going with Point of Entry here, Treasure Beach for second and Little Mike for third.
The following races take place at Santa Anita on Saturday
6th Race - Santa Anita Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $250,000. Chandelier S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES, TWO YEARS OLD. (03:36 PM) (11) |
| PP | Horse | A/S | Wgt | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Majestic Minister | 2 F | 122 | Gryder Aaron T. | Puype Mike |
| 2 | Renee's Queen | 2 F | 122 | Garcia Martin | Guillot Eric |
| 3 | Switch To The Lead | 2 F | 122 | Espinoza Victor | Biancone Patrick |
| 4 | Wittgenstein (IRE) | 2 F | 122 | Gutierrez Mario | O'Neill Doug F. |
| 5 | Beholder | 2 F | 122 | Gomez Garrett K. | Mandella Richard E. |
| 6 | Butterfly Soul | 2 F | 122 | Carreno Jorge | Vallejo Genaro |
| 7 | Executiveprivilege | 2 F | 122 | Bejarano Rafael | Baffert Bob |
| 8 | Scarlet Strike | 2 F | 122 | Talamo Joseph | Hollendorfer Jerry |
| 9 | Salamera | 2 F | 122 | Castillio Angel | Garcia Rodolfo |
| 10 | Contessa's Moment | 2 F | 122 | Puglisi Ignacio | Aguirre Paul G. |
| 11 | Miss Empire | 2 F | 122 | Pedroza Martin A. | Miller Peter |
This is what formally was known as the Oak Leaf Stakes. Executiveprivilege is the filly to beat here, but Beholder gave her fits when trying to hold onto the lead that she had in the Del Mar Debutante. However, niether of them on dirt. Miss Empire is one who could enjoy the surface switch from synth to dirt. Butterfly Soul is one of the few who has a start on dirt, it was at Fairplex, but it was on dirt. Contessa's Moment also has dirt starts under her belt. I'm going with Miss Empire in this race. I feel that she has the pedigree that can go two turns the best, and I feel that Executiveprivilege might end up tailing off at the end. Beholder for second and Butterfly Soul for third.
7th Race - Santa Anita Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $250,000. FrontRunner S. (Grade 1). FOR TWO-YEAR-OLDS. (04:07 PM) (11)
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| PP | Horse | A/S | Wgt | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Carving | 2 C | 122 | Garcia Martin | Baffert Bob |
| 2 | Gabriel Charles | 2 C | 122 | Talamo Joseph | Mullins Jeff |
| 3 | Dirty Swagg | 2 R | 122 | Flores David Romero | Cho Myung Kwon |
| 4 | The Whole Deal | 2 C | 122 | Maldonado Edwin A. | Knapp Steve |
| 5 | Dry Summer | 2 R | 122 | Napravnik Rosie | Mullins Jeff |
| 6 | Imperative | 2 R | 122 | Gryder Aaron T. | Harty Eoin G. |
| 7 | Know More | 2 C | 122 | Gomez Garrett K. | O'Neill Doug F. |
| 8 | Capo Bastone | 2 C | 122 | Espinoza Victor | Sadler John W. |
| 9 | Den's Legacy | 2 C | 122 | Quinonez Alonso | Baffert Bob |
| 10 | Power Broker | 2 C | 122 | Bejarano Rafael | Baffert Bob |
| 11 | Wild Student | 2 C | 122 | Puglisi Ignacio | Aguirre Paul G. |
Formerally known as the Norfolk. This is a very interesting race. With Carving you have as owners Bob's wife Jill and Bode Miller (yes THAT Bode Miller), he won at Fairplex in his last start. With Know More, it's the first big race day that Doug O'Neill is back from his suspention. Capo Bastone just missed finishing in the top three in the Del Mar Futurity in his last race. Dry Summer won a stakes on turf, but he should take to dirt well. In the end my pick for this race is Power Broker. He's yet to win, but he's out of a ½ sister to Miss Shop and Trappe Shot, by the sire of Trappe Shot's sire. Two turns and dirt should be no problem for him and the fact that he has Baffert's #1 jockey on him is a big plus. Capo Bastone for second and The Whole Deal for third.
9th Race - Santa Anita Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $250,000. Rodeo Drive S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. (05:08 PM) (13)
|
| PP | Horse | A/S | Wgt | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Go Forth North | 5 M | 119 | Flores David Romero | Avila A. C. |
| 2 | Let's Go Cheyenne | 4 F | 119 | Bejarano Rafael | Cerin Vladimir |
| 3 | Stormy Lucy | 3 F | 116 | Pedroza Martin A. | Lucarelli Frank |
| 4 | Left A Message | 3 F | 116 | Blanc Brice | Proctor Thomas F. |
| 5 | My Gi Gi | 3 F | 116 | Espinoza Victor | Eurton Peter |
| 6 | Cambina (IRE) | 4 F | 119 | Garcia Martin | Bonde Jeff |
| 7 | Camelia Rose (FR) | 4 F | 119 | Gutierrez Mario | Callaghan Simon |
| 8 | Thisismystage | 4 F | 119 | Maldonado Edwin A. | Dollase Craig |
| 9 | Vivo Per Lei | 5 M | 119 | Quinonez Alonso | Proctor Thomas F. |
| 10 | I Dazzle | 4 F | 119 | Valenzuela Patrick A. | Van Berg Jack C. |
| 11 | Marketing Mix | 4 F | 121 | Gomez Garrett K. | Proctor Thomas F. |
| 12 | City To City | 5 M | 121 | Talamo Joseph | Hollendorfer Jerry |
| 13 | Nereid | 4 F | 119 | Napravnik Rosie | Shirreffs John A. |
Formally the Yellow Ribbon Stakes. Stormy Lucy and My Gi Gi have been battling Lady of Shamrock who skips this race the past few months. Marketing Mix could very well be the #1 turf female based in the US. Nereid has only been in the top 3 once since her dead heat win in last year's American Oaks and that wasn't a win. Cambina, her co-winner also hasn't won since, but she has been in the money a few more times. Let's Go Cheyenne and Left a Message where 1-2 in a listed stakes at Del Mar. Marketing Mix is my pick for this race off her game second place finish in the Beverly D. I've been on the Cambina for quite a while, so she's my pick for second and Go Forth North for third.
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