Pacific Classic preview

With today being the biggest day at Saratoga with the Travers, tomorrow is the biggest day at Del Mar. Lets take a look at this year's Pacific Classic field.

Weekend Preview

In what will be the last busy weekend until Super Saturday at the end of September, we know who are the leaders of some key divisions when all is said and done. With the big summer races for the 3yo Females, 3yo Female Turf, Older Male Turf and 3yo Male Turf been held last weekend, the rest of the divisions are in the Spotlight. G1's at Saratoga and Del Mar headlined with the Travers and Pacific Classic. Lets take a look at the fields for this weekend.

On Saturday at Saratoga:

9th Race - Saratoga - Saturday, August 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Turf. Purse $250,000. Ballston Spa S. (Grade 2). INNER TURF FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. (04:05 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Heavenly Landing 5 M L 118 Rosario Joel Kenneally Eddie
2 Zagora (FR) 5 M L 120 Dominguez Ramon A. Brown Chad C.
3 Thundering Emilia 6 M L 118 Clemente Alfredo V. Matz Michael R.
4 Hungry Island 4 F L 120 Velazquez John R. McGaughey III Claude R.
5 Summer Soiree 4 F L 120 Leparoux Julien R. Motion H. Graham
6 Tapitsfly 5 M L 123 Castellano Javier Romans Dale L.
7 Ruthenia 4 F L 118 Lezcano Jose Clement Christophe
8 Mykindofladyfriend 6 M L 118 Napravnik Rosie Seyler Douglas J.
9 Acting Happy 5 M L 119 Dutrow, Jr. Richard E.

The head of Older Female Turf division is up for grabs after the retirement of Winter Memories. Summer Soiree is making her first start since a runner up in the Matriach in November. Hungry Island had been butting heads with Winter Memories I think is the horse to beat in here. If Tapitsfly gets to the lead like she did in the Just A Game, she might just be able to wire them.

10th Race - Saratoga - Saturday, August 25th, 2012
STAKES. 7 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $500,000. Test S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. No nomination fee. $5,000 to pass the entry box. A supplemental nomination fee of $10,000 in addition to the entry fee will be accepted at any time prior to entry. All starters including supplemental nominees will receive a $2,500 rebate. Any filly that competes in both the Prioress and Test will have their entry fee waived for the Test. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among the remainingfinishers. 122 lbs. Non-winners of a Grade 1 in 2012 or a Grade 2 twice in 2012 allowed 2 lbs.; a Grade 1 in 2011 or a Grade 2 in 2012, 4 lbs.; a Graded Sweepstake, 6 lbs. Trophies will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed Saturdday, August 11, 2012 with 23 Original Nominations and 2 Supplements. (04:38 PM) (10)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Well Kept 3 F L 116 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Gyarmati Leah
2 Aubby K 3 F L 116 Prado Edgar S. Nicks Ralph E.
3 Book Review 3 F L 116 Castellano Javier Brown Chad C.
4 Yara 3 F L 120 Napravnik Rosie Guerrero Juan Carlos
5 Beautiful But Blue 3 F L 116 Alvarado Junior Bush Thomas M.
6 Jazzy Idea 3 F L 116 Lezcano Jose Merryman Edwin W.
7 Gypsy Robin 3 F L o 120 Velazquez John R. Ward Wesley A.
8 Contested 3 F L 122 Bejarano Rafael Baffert Bob
9 Ullapool 3 F L 116 Rosario Joel Kenneally Eddie
10 Amie's Dini 3 F L 116 Cohen David Moquett Ron

With Emma's Encore and My Miss Aurelia skipping this race, we left with an interesting group. Aubby K, Contested, Amie's Dini and Yara are all shortning up after trying to take on the likes of Questing, Zo Impressive, and Grace Hall. Contested is my pick here as she should love the front end friendly track, but Yara also has early speed which could set up for a closer.


11th Race - Saratoga - Saturday, August 25th, 2012
STAKES. 7 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $500,000. Foxwoods King's Bishop S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. No nomination fee. $5,000 to pass the entry box. A supplemental nomination fee of $10,000 in addition to the entry fee will be accepted at any time prior to entry. All starters including supplemental nominees will receive a $2,500 rebate. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among the remaining finishers. Any horse that competes in both the Amsterdam and the Foxwoods King's Bishop will have their entry fee waived for the Foxwoods King's Bishop. 123 lbs. Non-winners of a Grade 1 in 2012; or a Grade 2 twice in 2012 allowed 2 lbs.; a Grade 1 or Grade 2, 4 lbs.; A sweepstake, or three races, 6 lbs. (Maiden, claiming, starter or restricted allowance races not considered). Trophies will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed Saturday, August 11, 2012 with 16 Original Nominations and 1 Supplement. (05:10 PM) (10)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Willy Beamin 3 G L 119 Garcia Alan Dutrow, Jr. Richard E.
2 Gun Boat 3 C L b 117 Bejarano Rafael Baffert Bob
3 Currency Swap 3 C L 121 Maragh Rajiv Pompay Teresa M.
4 Fort Loudon 3 C L 119 Alvarado Junior Zito Nicholas P.
5 Laurie's Rocket 3 C L 119 Rosario Joel Lukas D. Wayne
6 Spin Out 3 C L 117 Napravnik Rosie Zito Nicholas P.
7 Ever So Lucky 3 C L 117 Velazquez John R. Sheppard Jonathan E.
8 Unbridled's Note 3 C L 117 Leparoux Julien R. Asmussen Steven M.
9 Trinniberg 3 C L 121 Martinez Willie Parboo Bisnath
10 Doctor Chit 3 C L 119 Dominguez Ramon A. Pletcher Todd A.

In what is called a "stallion making race", IMO this is the race of the day at Saratoga. You can't get much better then having Currency Swap and Trinniberg who have quite a rivalry going that goes back to last September in the Hopeful (which also featured I'll Have Another in his lone off the board finish). Fort Loudon beat Trinniberg in the Carry Back, but his first start for Nick Zito he could only finish fifth. Keep an eye on Spin Out, this is his stakes debut but he's a 1/2 brother to Friendly Island who was second in the 2006 BC Sprint. Besides dear old dad won this race in 2007. This is a big step up for him thoguh.

12th Race - Saratoga - Saturday, August 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Dirt. Purse $1,000,000. Travers S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. No nomination fee. $10,000 to pass the entry box. A supplemental nomination fee of $20,000 in addition to the entry fee will be accepted at any time prior to entry. All starters including supplemental nominees will receive a $5,000 rebate. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among the remaining finishers. 126 lbs. Any horse that competes in both the Jim Dandy and the Travers will have their entry feewaived for the Travers. Trophies will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed Saturday, August 11, 2012 with 22 Original Nominations and 2 Supplements. (05:46 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Speightscity 3 R L 126 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Contessa Gary C.
2 Five Sixteen 3 G L 126 Napravnik Rosie Schettino Dominick A.
3 Golden Ticket 3 C L 126 Cohen David McPeek Kenneth G.
4 Stealcase 3 C L 126 Bridgmohan Shaun Casse Mark E.
5 Street Life 3 C L 126 Lezcano Jose Brown Chad C.
6 Alpha 3 C L 126 Dominguez Ramon A. McLaughlin Kiaran P.
7 Atigun 3 C L 126 Smith Mike E. McPeek Kenneth G.
8 Neck 'n Neck 3 C L 126 Goncalves Leandro R. Wilkes Ian R.
9 Liaison 3 C L 126 Bejarano Rafael Baffert Bob
10 Nonios 3 C L 126 Velazquez John R. Hollendorfer Jerry
11 Fast Falcon 3 C L 126 Alvarado Junior Zito Nicholas P.

This is a really bad race. 1 G1 winner and that was on synthetic, Alpha will try to continue the Godolphin hot streak by going a possibly simlar running style as Questing in last week's Alabama. Street Life won the Curlin in the slop (as did Alpha did in the Jim Dandy), but who he beat is a question mark. Speightscity has the young Ortiz in the saddle, watch how many times he whips him as Questing was swishing her tail in disgust and veering out in the Bama. When all is said and done, I think that Flower Alley will be the winning sire of the 2 major mile and a quarter races for 3yo colts. Neck 'n Neck is my pick for the race.

Sunday at Saratoga:

10th Race - Saratoga - Sunday, August 26th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $600,000. Personal Ensign H. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. By invitation only with no subscription fees. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among the remaining finishers. Selection of fourteen (14) invitees by Saturday, August 11. The Personal Ensign Invitational has been selected as one of the Breeders' Cup. (05:56 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 It's Tricky 4 F L 123 Castro Eddie McLaughlin Kiaran P.
2 Brushed By A Star 4 F L 118 Nakatani Corey S. Forster Grant T.
3 Love And Pride 4 F L o 114 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
4 Royal Delta 4 F L 124 Smith Mike E. Mott William I.
5 R Gypsy Gold 4 F L 115 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
6 Tiz Miz Sue 5 M L 115 Rocco, Jr. Joseph Hobby Steve

If this was still a mile and a quarter race then Royal Delta would be my pick no matter what. However, the shortning of distance, you would think I would be pointing toward's It's Tricky, that's not where I'm going though. I loved how Tiz Miz Sue ran in the DelCap, but like Royal Delta how much was taken out of her. Brushed by a Star has been able to avoid It's Tricky and Royal Delta until now could swoop in for the spoils.

Saturday at Del Mar:

8th Race - Del Mar - Saturday, August 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 3/8 Mile Turf. Purse $200,000. Del Mar H. (Grade 2). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. By subscription of $200 each, which shall accompany the nomination, $3,000 additional to start, with $200,000 Guaranteed, of which $120,000 to first, $40,000 to second, $24,000 to third, $12,000 to fourth and $4,000 to fifth. The Del Mar Handicap has been selected as one of the Breeders' Cup. (05:40 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Casino Host 4 C L 119 Talamo Joseph Ellis Ronald W.
2 Worth Repeating 6 H L 116 Pedroza Martin A. Machowsky Michael
3 Interaction (ARG) 6 H L 120 Blanc Brice McAnally Ronald L.
4 Hog's Hollow 6 G L 116 Espinoza Victor Gallagher Patrick
5 Brushburn 6 G L 116 Nakatani Corey S. Knapp Steve
6 Dhaamer (IRE) 5 G L 120 Gomez Garrett K. Mitchell Mike R.
7 Dynamic Host 6 G L 118 Flores David Romero Sherman Art
8 Fire With Fire 4 G L 116 Garcia Martin Drysdale Neil D.

I don't know the records of most of these horses. However, with a quick check on Equibase my pick for this race is Dhaamer off his win in the Sunset on Hollywood's closing day.

Sunday at Del Mar:

5th Race - Del Mar - Sunday, August 26th, 2012
STAKES. 7 Furlongs Synthetic. Purse $250,000. Pat O'Brien S. (Grade 2). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. By subscription of $250 each, which shall accompany the nomination, $3,750 additional to start, with $250,000 Guaranteed, of which $150,000 to the winner, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth and $5,000 to fifth. Three-year-olds 120 lbs.; Older 123 lbs. Non-winners of a Grade I since November 3 allowed 2 lbs.; of a Grade II in 2012 or a Grade I in 2011, 4 lbs. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. Nominations closed Thursday, August 16,2012 with 9. (03:05 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Bruce's Dream 6 G L 119 Rosario Joel Puype Mike
2 Mobilized 6 H L 119 Gomez Garrett K. Mandella Gary
3 Capital Account 5 H L 119 Flores David Romero Baffert Bob
4 Don Tito 5 H L 119 Lopez Paco Sadler John W.
5 Camp Victory 5 G L 123 Talamo Joseph Mitchell Mike R.
6 Coil 4 C L 121 Bejarano Rafael Baffert Bob

Camp Victory is the leading sprinter on the West Coast, but Coil could be give him a solid run if he is on his A Game.

7th Race - Del Mar - Sunday, August 26th, 2012
STAKES. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $200,000. Del Mar Mile H. (Grade 2). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. By subscription of $200 each, which shall accompany the nomination, $1,000 to pass the entry box and $2,000 additional to start, with $200,000 Guaranteed, of which $120,000 to the winner, $40,000 to second, $24,000 to third, $12,000 to fourth and $4,000 to fifth. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. Nominations Closed Thursday, August 16, 2012 with 18. (04:05 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Tale Of A Champion 4 C L 115 Rosario Joel Mulhall Kristin
2 Calimonco 6 H L 119 Espinoza Victor Sadler John W.
3 Mr. Commons 4 C L 121 Blanc Brice Shirreffs John A.
4 Jeranimo 6 H L 123 Gomez Garrett K. Pender Michael
5 Norvsky 6 G L 120 Bejarano Rafael Warren Donald
6 Obviously (IRE) 4 G L 118 Talamo Joseph Mitchell Mike R.

Jeranimo and Mr. Commons have butted heads the 6 months. Both are very talented horses and they could be the US' best shots in this year's Turf Mile. For this race I'm sticking with my heart and going with Mr. Commons.

9th Race - Del Mar - Sunday, August 26th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Synthetic. Purse $1,000,000. TVG Pacific Classic S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:05 PM) (10)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Rail Trip 7 G L 124 Valdivia, Jr. Jose Ellis Ronald W.
2 Amani (CHI) 4 F 119 Gomez Garrett K. Drysdale Neil D.
3 Richard's Kid 7 H 124 Espinoza Victor Mora Leandro
4 Where's Sterling 5 H L 124 Lopez Paco Ramirez Luis M.
5 Dullahan 3 C 118 Rosario Joel Romans Dale L.
6 Akkadian 4 G L 124 Garcia Martin Canani Julio C.
7 Jaycito 4 C L 124 Bejarano Rafael Baffert Bob
8 Suggestive Boy (ARG) 4 C L 124 Talamo Joseph McAnally Ronald L.
9 Game On Dude 5 G L 124 Sutherland Chantal Baffert Bob
10 Riveting Reason 4 C L 124 Flores David Romero Cho Myung Kwon

This race is full of a comeback story, girl against boys, drama and oh yeah the enigma which is Mining My Own's child. Rail Trip has blossomed back into the horse we knew and loved 3 years ago. Reunited with Valdivia, they took down the San Diego in what is Rail Trip's first win since returning to the Ellis barn after a diesastous stint in New York. Neil Drysdale sends out Amani who has only lost twice in her career. Once in her native Chile and once in her US debut last time to Include Me Out (stablemate of Rail Trip), Richard's Kid is where the drama comes in. He was expected to be going into this race with Bob Baffert, but was sold to an ownership group that includes Santa Anita CEO Mark Verge. This led to a war of words between Baffert's wife Jill and Verge. While Mora is the listed trainer, he will be trained by Doug O'Neill when his suspention is over in September. Thus this continues the rivalry the two barns had in the Spring. Where's Sterling has done okay in graded company, but he's only won once outside of his homebase of Florida. Dullahan is starting to become the enigma that Mine That Bird was after the Triple Crown. The good news is he's 2 for 2 on a synthetic surface. Akkadian has never been in the top three in a graded stakes race. It's been a bad week for Baffert, first he loses Richard's Kid, then Bodemiester is retired, Jaycito won his last start but was 6th at Hollywood before that in the LeRoy. Although McAnally is known as the trainer of the beloved John Henry, he's also known for his imports. In 2003 he won the race with another Argentinan bred by the name of Candy Ride. While Suggestive Boy did win last time out, both his US starts have been on grass. Although, last year's winner was a grass horse. I love Game on Dude, but he didn't do that great in last year's Pacific Classic. He's better on dirt and cushion then he is on poly. Riveting Reason was third in the Futurity at Del Mar at 2, but that's really it.

So who wins? My head says Amani, Dullahan and/or Suggestive Boy. However, I'm going with my heart and going with Rail Trip. I think he is very happy to be back home in California and honestly I think his owner Samantha Siegel deserves it. Dullahan for second and Amani for third.

Also this weekend is the Canadian Derby at Northlands. So that's the weekend preview, I hope all the horses return safe and sound!

Big Weekend

HUGE! In matter of fact. Unfortnally here on the East Coast we'll be getting hit by Hurricane Irene, so there's actually a chance I might not be even to see the races if I lose power. Either way here is this weekend's preview.

These races are for Saturday (read more after the jump):



10th Race - Saratoga - Saturday, August 27th, 2011
STAKES. 7 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $250,000. Ballerina S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. (04:38 PM) (7)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Hour Glass 5 M L 117 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
2 Tamarind Hall 4 F L 117 Cohen David Englehart Jeremiah C.
3 Hilda's Passion 4 F L 122 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
4 Bronx City Girl 4 F L 115 Leparoux Julien R. Wolfson Martin D.
5 Devil By Design 5 M L 117 Nakatani Corey S. Mott William I.
6 Tar Heel Mom 6 M L 119 Solis Alex O. Hough Stanley M.
7 Sassy Image 4 F L 122 Albarado Robby Romans Dale L.

Sassy Image is the hot horse going in winning her last three starts. Keep an eye on Tamarind Hall, she's already defeated Hilda's Passion in their last start and is latest star based out of Finger Lakes. Tar Heel Mom rebounded last time out on this track.

Top Three:
Tamarind Hall
Tar Heel Mom
Sassy Image


11th Race - Saratoga - Saturday, August 27th, 2011
STAKES. 7 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $250,000. Foxwoods King's Bishop S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. No nomination fee. $2,500 to pass the entry box. All starters will receive a $1,250 rebate.The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among remaining finishers if there are six (6) or more starters. All starters will be guaranteed no less than $1,000. If there are five (5) or less to start the purse will be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 6% to fourth and 4% to fifth. Any horse that competes in both the Amsterdam and the King's Bishop will have their entry fee waived for the King's Bishop. 123 lbs. Non-winners of a Grade 1 in 2011; or a Grade 2 twice in 2011 allowed 2 lbs.; a Grade 1 or Grade 2, 4 lbs.; A sweepstake, or three races, 6 lbs. (Maiden, claiming, starter or restricted allowance races not considered). Trophies will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed Saturday, August 13, 2011 with 27 Nominations. (05:12 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Flashpoint 3 C L 121 Velasquez Cornelio H. Ward Wesley A.
2 Caleb's Posse 3 C L 121 Maragh Rajiv Von Hemel Donnie K.
3 Runflatout 3 R L 117 Albarado Robby Sadler John W.
4 Dominus 3 R L 121 Leparoux Julien R. Asmussen Steven M.
5 Poseidon's Warrior 3 C L 119 Pennington Frankie Reid, Jr. Robert E.
6 Justin Phillip 3 C L 121 Dominguez Ramon A. Asmussen Steven M.
7 Uncle Mo 3 C L 121 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
8 Cool Blue Red Hot 3 C L 117 Cruz Manoel R. Penna, Jr. Angel J.

He's BACK!! The highly anticipated return of Uncle Mo. Believe it or not, he is the first of the Wood Top 3 to return. This race did lose a little bit of it's luster when The Factor stayed home to take on older. Even without him, this is still a very good field. Flashpoint and Caleb's Posse are different horses running sprints. Dominus could be a horse whose a bit under the radar, and Runflatout is also a very interesting horse. I think it's going to take a race for Mo to get back in the swing of things, but I would not be suprised if he wins.

Top Three:
Caleb's Posse
Runflatout
Dominus

12th Race - Saratoga - Saturday, August 27th, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Dirt. Purse $1,000,000. Travers S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. No nomination fee. $10,000 to pass the entry box. All starters will receive a $5,000 rebate. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among remaining finishers. 126 lbs. Any horse that competes in both the Jim Dandy and the Travers will have their entry fee waived for the Travers. Trophies will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed Saturday, August 13, 2011 with 21 Nominations. (05:45 PM) (10)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Bowman's Causeway 3 C L 126 Dominguez Ramon A. Brown Chad C.
2 Rattlesnake Bridge 3 C L 126 Velazquez John R. McLaughlin Kiaran P.
3 Moonshine Mullin 3 C L 126 Wilson Emma-Jayne Baker Reade
4 Ruler On Ice 3 G L 126 Valdivia, Jr. Jose Breen Kelly J.
5 Malibu Glow 3 C L 126 Maragh Rajiv Weaver George
6 Raison D'etat 3 C L 126 Castro Eddie Mott William I.
7 Coil 3 C L 126 Garcia Martin Baffert Bob
8 J W Blue 3 C L o 126 Velasquez Cornelio H. Dutrow Anthony W.
9 Stay Thirsty 3 C L 126 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
10 Shackleford 3 C L 126 Castanon Jesus Lopez Romans Dale L.

4 horses have a chance to ice 3yo Championship Honors with a win in this race (Ruler On Ice, Coil, Stay Thirsty and Shackleford). Their credentials are pretty much well known, so I will be focusing on the rest of the field. Bowman's Causeway lost to Inglorious who did not like the dirt last week in the Alabama. Rattlesnake Bridge was second to Uncle Mo in the Timely Writer and won the Long Branch last time out. It could be a big weekend for female Canadian jockeys should Moonshine Mullin pull a big upset. Malibu Glow really hasn't shown anything that he's a graded stakes horse. Raison D'etat by far is the most well bred horse in the field (AP Indy out of Sightseek), but he is taking a huge step up in class. JW Blue should is another horse who hasn't shown anything. So who am I going with in this race? While Coil has legacy on this side, so does Stay Thirsty. He's my pick for this year's Travers.

Top Three:
Stay Thirsty
Coil
Ruler On Ice

I really hate leaving Shack out of it, but I just don't think a mile and a quarter is his thing.

8th Race - Del Mar - Saturday, August 27th, 2011
STAKES. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $200,000. Del Mar Mile H. (Grade 2). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. By subscription of $200 each, which shall accompany the nomination, $1,000 to pass the entry box and $2,000 additional to start, with $200,000 Guaranteed, of which $120,000 to the winner, $40,000 to second, $24,000 to third, $12,000 to fourth and $4,000 to fifth. Weights Sunday, August 21. The field will be limited to 10 starters. High weights preferred. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. Nominations closed Thursday, August 18, 2011 with 16. (Rail at 14 feet). (05:35 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Champ Pegasus 5 H L 121 Rosario Joel Mandella Richard E.
2 Caracortado 4 G L 120 Talamo Joseph Machowsky Michael
3 Mr. Commons 3 C L 114 Smith Mike E. Shirreffs John A.
4 Calimonco 5 H L 118 Espinoza Victor Sadler John W.
5 Our Nautique (NZ) 6 G L 117 Gomez Garrett K. Hollendorfer Jerry
6 Victory Pete 6 H L 115 Bejarano Rafael Barba Alexis

Mr. Commons is taking on older horses here for the first time. Champ Pegasus is making his first start since Dubai.

Top Three:
Caracortado (if he goes)
Mr. Commons
Champ Pegasus

On Sunday:

10th Race - Saratoga - Sunday, August 28th, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Dirt. Purse $300,000. Personal Ensign S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. By invitation only with no subscription fees. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among remaining finishers if there were six (6) or more starters. All starters will be guaranteed no less than $1,000. If only five (5) were to start the purse will be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 6% to fourth and 4% to fifth. Three year olds, 116 lbs.; Older, 122 lbs. Non-winners of a Grade 1 twice since August 31, 2010 allowed 2 lbs.; a Grade 1 in 2011, 4 lbs.; a Grade 2 in 2011, 6 lbs. Trophies will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey., trainer and jockey. (05:56 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Super Espresso 4 F L 116 Dominguez Ramon A. Pletcher Todd A.
2 Tiz Miz Sue 4 F L 116 Rocco, Jr. Joseph Hobby Steve
3 Ask The Moon 6 M L 120 Castellano Javier Wolfson Martin D.
4 Pachattack 5 M L 116 Alvarado Junior Butler Gerard A.
5 Acronym 5 M L 116 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
6 Protesting 4 F L 116 Velazquez John R. McGaughey III Claude R.

Because of Irene, don't be suprised if Saratoga cancels. This race lost the luster it would have had this year with the defections of Blind Luck and Havre de Grace. Ask the Moon won the Ruffian here, but honestly I think she was a flukey winner. Super Espresso has been pretty awesome this year defeating Life at Ten and finishing third behind the now injured Awesome Maria. Tiz Miz Sue was dq'ed to fourth in the Ruffian and Pachattack is making her dirt debut.

Top Three:
Super Espresso
Tiz Miz Sue
Acronym


3rd Race - Del Mar - Sunday, August 28th, 2011
STAKES. 1 3/8 Mile Turf. Purse $200,000. Del Mar H. (Grade 2). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. (02:00 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Make Music For Me 4 C L 115 Bejarano Rafael Barba Alexis
2 Medici Code (GB) 7 G L 113 Pedroza Martin A. Vienna Darrell
3 Bourbon Bay 5 G L 121 Talamo Joseph Drysdale Neil D.
4 Celtic New Year 4 G L 114 Espinoza Victor Sadler John W.
5 Soul Candy 5 G L 115 Rosario Joel Gallagher Patrick
6 Imponente Purse (BRZ) 5 G L 117 Sutherland Chantal Avila A. C.

Bourbon Bay was supposed to go to the Pacific Classic, but will be forced to run here instead since it's earlier on the card. Never the less, I'm going to make him my top selection for this race.

Top Three:
Bourbon Bay
Medici Code
Celtic New Year


5th Race - Del Mar - Sunday, August 28th, 2011
STAKES. 7 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $250,000. Pat O'Brien S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. By subscription of $250 each, which shall accompany the nomination, or by supplementary nomination of $2,500 each by the closing time of entries, $3,750 additional to start, with $250,000 Guaranteed, of which $150,000 to the winner, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth and $5,000 to fifth. Three-year-olds 120 lbs.; Older 123 lbs. Non-winners of a Grade I since November 4 allowed 2 lbs.; of a Grade II in 2011 or a Grade I in 2010, 4 lbs. STARTERS TO BE NAMED THROUGH THE ENTRY BOX THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, BY THE CLOSING TIME OF ENTRIES. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. Nominations closed Thursday, August 18, 2011 with 12. (03:00 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Don Tito 4 C L 119 Quinonez Alonso Sadler John W.
2 Caracortado 4 G L 119 Espinoza Victor Machowsky Michael
3 Camp Victory 4 G L 119 Talamo Joseph Mitchell Mike R.
4 The Factor 3 C L 120 Garcia Martin Baffert Bob
5 Smiling Tiger 4 C L 123 Rosario Joel Bonde Jeff
6 Crown Of Thorns 6 H L 121 Gomez Garrett K. Mandella Richard E.

Carocortado is cross-entered into the Del Mar Mile. While this is a G1, I really hope he goes Sat. since I think he has a better chance there then here. This is not a great group of horses, but The Factor should do well here. I'm just not sure he can win.

Top Three:
Crown of Thorns
The Factor
Smiling Tiger

9th Race - Del Mar - Sunday, August 28th, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Dirt. Purse $1,000,000. TVG Pacific Classic S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:00 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Don Cavallo 4 C L 124 Contreras Luis Attfield Roger L.
2 Jeranimo 5 H L 124 Pedroza Martin A. Pender Michael
3 Stately Victor 4 C L 124 Smith Mike E. Maker Michael J.
4 Tres Borrachos 6 G L 124 Bejarano Rafael Jones Martin F.
5 Acclamation 5 H L 124 Valenzuela Patrick A. Warren Donald
6 Setsuko 4 C L 124 Espinoza Victor Mandella Richard E.
7 Great Warrior (BRZ) 3 C L 118 Berrio Omar A. Avila A. C.
8 Bourbon Bay 5 G L 124 Talamo Joseph Drysdale Neil D.
9 Game On Dude 4 G L 124 Sutherland Chantal Baffert Bob
10 Twirling Candy 4 C L 124 Rosario Joel Sadler John W.
11 Quindici Man 5 H L 124 Garcia Martin Lewis Craig Anthony

Obviously, Blind Luck not being in here (she's waiting for the Lady's Secret at SA) it's a wide open race. Twirling Candy is the one with the most to prove here. Acclamation and Jeranimo are coming from the turf, Setsuko is up and down, Game on Dude has been having a bit of seconatis lately and Tres Borrachos finally won again. So who wins? I'm going with Stately Victor. Why him? The past 2 years Mike Smith won the Pacific Classic on Victor's Cry. Both times he came into the race under the radar. Victor is coming off a 3rd place finish in the Dominon Day, he's won on Poly twice (including a G1).

Top Three:
Stately Victor
Game on Dude
Acclimation

So that's it! I hope that you all enjoy the weekend. If you are like me and will be pinned down by Irene, stay safe. I'll post ASAP.

Tiara Crowning?

Hey all! Since I didn't post my Alabama preview last night, I thought I would do it today instead. Lets take a look at this year's field.

10th Race - Saratoga - Saturday, August 20th, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Dirt. Purse $500,000. TVG Alabama S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. No nomination fee. $5,000 to pass the entry box. All starters will receive a $2,500 rebate. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among remaining finishers if there are six (6) or more starters. All starters to be guaranteed no less than $1,000. If only five (5) or less start the purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 6% to fourth and 4% to fifth. Any filly that competes in both the Coaching Club American Oaks and the Alabama will have their entry fee waived for the Alabama. 121 lbs. Trophies will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed Saturday, August 6, 2011 with 25 Nominations. (05:45 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Royal Delta 3 F L 121 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
2 Pinch Pie 3 F L 121 Velazquez John R. Dutrow Anthony W.
3 Plum Pretty 3 F L 121 Garcia Martin Baffert Bob
4 It's Tricky 3 F L 121 Castro Eddie McLaughlin Kiaran P.
5 St. John's River 3 F L 121 Albarado Robby Leggio, Jr. Andrew
6 Inglorious 3 F L 121 Contreras Luis Carroll Josie

Really the only horse who has zero chance is Pinch Pie, and she might not even go (at this time of writing the changes have not come out yet). It's Tricky can become the first horse since Sky Beauty to win the Triple Tiara (however, she would be the first to win the Tiara with the Alabama being part of the series, it replaced the Mother Goose the past couple of years). Royal Delta will try to rebound from her disapointing effort in the CCAO. St. John's River will try to become the 4th DE Oaks winner in a row to win the Alabama. Plum Pretty ran her eyeballs out in the CCAO, only to get caught by It's Tricky. Inglorious is the only horse in this race who has run at the Alabama distance (which she won), but that was on Polytrack.

For the past 3 years, 2 winners have gone onto be 3yo Filly Champion (Proud Spell and Blind Luck). With the exception of 2 possibly three (Pinch Pie and Royal Delta, maybe you can throw St. John's River into the mix as well), the winner of this race will be the 3yo Filly Champion (Inglorious' Woodbine races already count since she has made several starts in the US already this year). So who am I going with? I think it will go Canada, Louisana and New York. I'm going with Inglorious to win the 2011 Alabama. St. John's River for second and It's Tricky for third. Will be a fun race!

Also on the dockett, the Del Mar Oaks. However, since Sarah's Secret who would have been my pick to spring the upset is reportly scratched due to an injury, I'm not going to preview the race. However, I'm going with co-winner of the American Oaks, Cambina with Summer Soiree finishing a good second.

Also it looks like America's favorite fillies will be taking on the boys in their next races. Blind Luck will be going in the Pacific Classic and Havre de Grace in the Woodward.

Weekend Preview

Busy weekend at Saratoga as we are a week away from the Arlington's big Saturday.

Starting out on Saturday:

STAKES. 7 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $250,000. Test S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. No nomination fee. $2,500 to pass the entry box. All starters will receive a $1,250 rebate. Any filly that competed in the Prioress will have their entry fee waived for the Test. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among remaining finishers if there are six (6) or more starters. All starters will be guaranteed no less than $1,000. If only five (5) start the purse will be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 6% to fourth and 4% to fifth. 122 lbs. Non-winners of a Grade 1 in 2011 or a Grade 2 twice in 2011 allowed 2 lbs.; a Grade 1 in 2010 or a Grade 2 in 2011, 4 lbs.; a Graded Sweepstake, 6 lbs. Trophies will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed Saturday, July 23, 2011 with 24 Nominations. (05:12 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Ava K. 3 F L 116 Leparoux Julien R. Hushion Michael E.
2 American Lady 3 F L 116 Garcia Martin Baffert Bob
3 Roman Treasure 3 F L 116 Dominguez Ramon A. Hushion Michael E.
4 Coax Liberty 3 F L 116 Castro Eddie Lawrence, II James L.
5 Savvy Supreme 3 F L 116 Lezcano Jose Pletcher Todd A.
6 Turbulent Descent 3 F L 122 Flores David Romero Puype Mike
7 Pomeroys Pistol 3 F L 120 Velazquez John R. Tarrant Amy
8 Her Smile 3 F L 122 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
9 Salty Strike 3 F 118 Cruz Manoel R. McPeek Kenneth G.

Honestly, as much as I don't care for her, Turbulent Descent should enjoy the shortning up. Pomeroys Pistol and Her Smile where 1-2 in their last race, and I think they will be 1-2 again. This time however, I think PP will get a bit of revenge on Smile. Ava K. for third. I just wished May Day Rose would have been in this race, she would have beaten them all.

10th Race - Saratoga - Saturday, August 6th, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $750,000. Whitney Invitational H. (Grade 1). A HANDICAP FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:45 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Flat Out 5 H L 117 Solis Alex O. Dickey Charles L.
2 Friend Or Foe 4 C L 115 Lezcano Jose Kimmel John C.
3 Morning Line 4 C L 118 Velazquez John R. Zito Nicholas P.
4 Giant Oak 5 H L 119 Bridgmohan Shaun Block Chris M.
5 Tizway 6 H L 118 Maragh Rajiv Bond H. James
6 Mission Impazible 4 C L 118 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
7 Rail Trip 6 G L 117 Dominguez Ramon A. Dutrow, Jr. Richard E.
8 Headache 5 G L 116 Mena Miguel Maker Michael J.
9 Rodman 6 H L 114 Prado Edgar S. Hushion Michael E.
10 Apart 4 C L 117 Leparoux Julien R. Stall, Jr. Albert M.
11 Duke Of Mischief 5 H L 117 Bravo Joe Fawkes David

As much as we complain about the Older Male division, this is about good as you are going to get sans a few horses. Flat Out is coming of a very impressive win at Belmont. Friend or Foe was actually Woodward bound until he scratched from a NYB race. Morning Line is stretching out, Giant Oak is in a bit of a funk, Tizway I personally think right now is the top horse on the East Coast. Mission Impazible was an unlucky second in the Stephen Foster. Rail Trip looks like he's finally rounding back into form. Headache is taking a big step up in class. Rodman was second to Tizway earlier this year. Apart is always there and Duke of Mischief is an up and down horse.

Who wins? I gotta go with Apart. I fell in love with this guy last year, and frankly while he doesn't have the resume that Blame did at this point in his career, I think he may end up being better. Friend or Foe for second and Giant Oak for third.

On Sunday,

9th Race - Saratoga - Sunday, August 7th, 2011
STAKES. 6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $150,000. Honorable Miss H. (Grade 2). A HANDICAP FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. No nomination fee. $1,500 to pass the entry box. A supplemental nomination fee of $2,000 will be accepted at any point prior to the publication of weights. All starters including supplemental nominees will receive a $1,000 rebate. All supplemental nominees will be required to pay the entry fee. The purse will be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 6% to fourth and 4% to fifth. Any horse that competes in both the Honorable Miss Handicap and the Ballerina will have their entry fee waived for the Ballerina. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, July 23, 2011 with 23 Nominations. (05:12 PM) (5)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Irish Gypsy 5 M L 121 Velazquez John R. Baffert Bob
2 Wild News 4 F L 115 Lopez Charles C. Parisella John
3 Tar Heel Mom 6 M L 118 Solis Alex O. Hough Stanley M.
4 Champagne D'oro 4 F L 119 Cohen David Guillot Eric J.
5 Beat The Blues 4 F L 116 Mena Miguel Calhoun W. Bret

While any of these horses have a chance, this was the place of Champange d' Oro's breakout last year when it came to sprinting. Sadly this year she's fastly becoming only known as Ruler on Ice's big sister. However, she returned from colic finishing fifth in the Princess Rooney. Tar Heel Mom has either won or finished second in past four starts. I think she finds the winners circle in this race. Champagne d' Oro for second and Irish Gypsy for third.


10th Race - Saratoga - Sunday, August 7th, 2011
STAKES. 6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $250,000. Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. (Grade 1). A HANDICAP FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. No nomination fee. $2,500 to pass the entry box. All starters will receive a $1,250 rebate. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among the remaining finishers if there are six (6) or more starters. All starters will be guaranteed no less than $1,000. If only five (5) start the purse will be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 6% to fourth and 4% to fifth. Any horse that competes in both the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap and the Forego will have their entry fee waived for the Forego. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, July 23, 2011 with 23 Nominations. (05:45 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Noble's Promise 4 C L 117 Garcia Alan McPeek Kenneth G.
2 Bank Merger 4 C L 116 Leparoux Julien R. bin Suroor Saeed
3 Atta Boy Roy 6 R L 115 Castanon Jesus Lopez Lund Valorie
4 Hamazing Destiny 5 H L 115 Lezcano Jose Lukas D. Wayne
5 Calibrachoa 4 C L 116 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
6 Sean Avery 5 G L 115 Bravo Joe Iwinski Allen
7 Apriority 4 C L 116 Dominguez Ramon A. Fawkes David
8 Trappe Shot 4 C L 118 Velazquez John R. McLaughlin Kiaran P.

A mouth watering group of horses. Apriority has been consistant all year long and will try to get out of his stablemate Big Drama's shadow. Atta Boy Roy has only 1 win since being pulled up in the BC Sprint last year. Noble's Promise has been getting better as the year gets longer. Trappe Shot is my pick to the the Eclipse for Champion Sprinter, however he is not my pick in this race. I'm going with my heart and going with Sean Avery. Unlike his New York Rangers namesake who once again decides he wants to cause trouble, he's been pretty good since his return off an 2 year layoff. He had a three win race streak snapped last time out, and the winner of the race came back to finish an okay 4th on Haskell day. Still, one of my all time favorite sprinters Go Go Shoot was a nose away from winning this race a few years ago, and I would love to see another fav of mine get in the winners circle. Trappe Shot for second and Apriority for third.

While the Spa is the place to be this weekend, Del Mar will be pretty exciting on Sunday.

4th Race - Del Mar - Sunday, August 7th, 2011
MAIDEN CLAIMING. 1 Mile Dirt. Purse $31,000. FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD. Weight, 121 lbs. Claiming Price $40,000. (03:30 PM) (3)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Joker Face 3 G L b 121 Smith Mike E. Eurton Peter
2 Parable 3 G L 121 Sutherland Chantal Gaines Carla
3 Tapfortexas 3 G L 121 Machowsky Michael

Tapfortexas will only run if one of the other two horses scratch. The Duel of the Exes is what this being called. Up until last year Mike and Chantal had been engaged, but are no longer together. I gotta go with Parable since I'm all for the girl power (although Parable is a boy). Plus the name Joker Face kinda creeps me out. I'm going to say the winning margin is a head.

BTW the last time there was a highly anticipated match race involving two jockeys of different sexes, the loser of that race Woke Up Dreamin (who was ridden by Julie Krone that day) went on to be a stakes winner. However, I doubt that will happen this time around.

8th Race - Del Mar - Sunday, August 7th, 2011
STAKES. 6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $150,000. Best Pal S. (Grade 2). FOR TWO-YEAR-OLDS. By subscription of $150 each, which shall accompany the nomination, or by supplementary nomination of $1,500 each by closing time of entries, $2,250 additional to start, with $150,000 Guaranteed, of which $90,000 to first, $30,000 to second, $18,000 to third, $9,000 to fourth and $3,000 to fifth. Weight 123 lbs.; Non-winners of $50,000 allowed 2 lbs.; of a race of $25,000 other than maiden or claiming, 4 lbs.; of a race other than claiming, 6 lbs. Nominations closed Thurs. July 28, 2011 with 8. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. (05:30 PM) (7)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 I'll Have Another 2 C L 119 Rosario Joel O'Neill Doug F.
2 Creative Cause 2 C L 119 Bejarano Rafael Harrington Mike
3 Mighty Monsoon 2 C L 119 Espinoza Victor Bonde Jeff
4 Night Tide 2 C L 119 Garcia Martin Baffert Bob
5 Galex 2 C L 119 Talamo Joseph Hollendorfer Jerry
6 Curfew Tower 2 C L 119 Valenzuela Patrick A. Reed Eric R.
7 Brigand 2 C L 119 Gomez Garrett K. Baffert Bob

With the exception of Creative Cause, I really have not heard of any of these horses. However, they are babies and it's early on. Going with CC here and on names only Night Tide for second and Curfew Tower for third.

The Hambo is also tomorrow, but I'm looking foward to San Pail who is coming off a win in the Maple Leaf Trot. Lets hope all the horses come back safe and sound all around the world this weekend!

Showdown

Major, major weekend of racing. Two days filled with several G1's for sprinters and routers all around. Plus while not the most anticpated showdown, possibly the second most anticipated showdown will be held this weekend.

Here are some of the fantastic races to be held this weekend.

At Saratoga tomorrow,

10th (4:38)
Ballerina S. (G1)
7 Furlongs | Fillies and Mares | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $250,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Rightly So Velasquez C Dutrow Anthony W 117 L 6-1
2 2 Warbling Castellano J J Kenneally Eddie 119 L 4-1
3 3 Jessica Is Back Trujillo E Wolfson Martin D 122 L 7-2
4 4 Informed Decision Leparoux J R Sheppard Jonathan E 119 L 5-2
5 5 Qualia Maragh R Ribaudo Robert J 115 L 4-1
6 6 Pretty Prolific Prado E S McPeek Kenneth G 117 Blk-Off L 12-1
7 7 Devil by Design Desormeaux K J Mott William I 115 L 12-1
8 8 First Passage Bridgmohan J V Wolfson Martin D 117 L 15-1

Informed Decision lost in this race last year to Music Note, but she has a chance here this year. The only thing is she's not my pick, I'm going with the newly crowned G1 winner Jessica is Back in this race. She's a better sprinter then she is a router.

11th (5:10)
King's Bishop S. (G1)
7 Furlongs | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $250,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Latigo Shore Dominguez R A Zito Nicholas P 117 L 20-1
2 2 Hurricane Ike Borel C H Sadler John W 119 L 6-1
3 3 D' Funnybone Prado E S Dutrow, Jr. R E 123 L 5-2
4 4 Discreetly Mine Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 123 L 6-5
5 5 Bulldogger Garcia M Baffert Bob 117 L 5-1
6 6 Bank Merger Garcia Alan McLaughlin Kiaran P 117 L 8-1
7 7 In Jack's Memory Mena M Guillot Eric 117 L 20-1

This is a excellent matchup between D' Funnybone (once the top 3yo sprinter in the country) and Discreetly Mine (now the top 3yo sprinter in the country). Beware of Hurricane Ike who I believe will be the best of them all when all is said and done in their careers. However, for this race I'm going with the hot horse in Discreet Cat's little brother.

12th (5:46)
Travers S. (G1)
1 1/4 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $1,000,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Miner's Reserve Cohen D Zito Nicholas P 126 L 12-1
2 2 Trappe Shot Garcia Alan McLaughlin Kiaran P 126 L 4-1
3 3 Admiral Alex Desormeaux K J Blusiewicz Leon J 126 L 12-1
4 4 First Dude Dominguez R A Romans Dale 126 Blk-On L 8-1
5 5 A Little Warm Velazquez J R Dutrow Anthony W 126 L 7-2
6 6 Ice Box Leparoux J R Zito Nicholas P 126 L 10-1
7 7 Afleet Express Castellano J J Jerkens James A 126 L 6-1
8 8 Fly Down Lezcano J Zito Nicholas P 126 L 8-1
9 9 Friend Or Foe Maragh R Kimmel John C 126 L 15-1
10 10 Afleet Again Velasquez C Reid Robert E Jr 126 L 30-1
11 11 Super Saver Borel C H Pletcher Todd A 126 L 6-1

This race lost some of it's luster when Lookin at Lucky came down with a fever, never the less it's still a nice field. You have the experienced horses like Super Saver and Ice Box. Then there's Admiral Alex who is only making his second start of his career. Three horses, are trying to redeem themselves after poor preps (Super Saver, Ice Box and Fly Down). And then there is the always the bridesmaid never the bride First Dude. I'm going with my heart to pick the Derby champ to sweep the Derby/Travers. 1. Super Saver 2. First Dude 3. A Little Warm I believe this would be Todd Pletcher's first Travers win and Calvin Borel's second. Should be interesting if SS wins as on Sunday his jock and trainer will be opp. in the feature.

At Del Mar tomorrow,

8th (4:30)
Pacific Classic S. presented by TVG (G1)
1 1/4 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $1,000,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Battle of Hastings (GB) Blanc B 124 L
2 Isle of Giant's Valenzuela P A 124 L
3 Dakota Phone Rosario J 124 L
4 Temple City Bejarano R 124 L
5 Unusual Suspect Quinonez A 124 L
6 Richard's Kid Smith M E 124 L
7 Hold Me Back Gomez G K 124 L
8 Crowded House (GB) Nakatani C S 124 L
9 Awesome Gem Flores D R 124 L
10 The Usual Q. T. Espinoza V 124 L

This is a very interesting group of horses as I think only one will actually move onto the Classic. In matter of fact, he's going to be my pick in this race. I'm going with the old man of this group Awesome Gem, he finally has his G1 win and I think he's ready for more. For second I'm going with another gelding in Battle of Hastings, he was freaking fantastic in defeat last time out. I don't think Dakota Phone or Richard's Kid will do well here. Hold Me Back (as much as I think he's a poly specialist he is G1 placed on dirt) for third.
and Sunday at Monmouth

11th (5:43)
Molly Pitcher S. (G2)
1 1/16 Miles | Fillies and Mares | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Malibu Prayer Gomez G K Pletcher Todd A 123 L 6-5
2 2 Stage Trick Trujillo E Goldberg Alan E 117 L 15-1
3 3 Just Jenda Thompson T J Jones Cindy 117 L 4-1
4 4 Unforgotten Castro E Stewart Dallas 117 L 20-1
5 5 Queen Martha Bravo J Biancone Patrick L 117 L 9-5
6 6 Milwaukee Appeal Elliott S Fairlie Scott H 117 L 9-2

This very well could be called "We All Lost to Rachel Stakes", the only thing is not all of these horses faced Rachel Alexandra (Milwaukee Appeal hasn't yet). Malibu Prayer is the one to beat in here, however don't count out Just Jenda who adores the Monmouth surface.  Queen Martha has to show that her 2nd place finish in the Lady's Secret was not a fluke.

same day at Saratoga

10th (5:56)
Personal Ensign S. (G1)
1 1/4 Miles | Fillies and Mares | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Miss Singhsix (IRE) Valdivia J Jr 116 L
2 Rachel Alexandra Borel C H 122 L
3 Persistently Garcia Alan 116 L
4 Life At Ten Velazquez J R 120 L
5 Classofsixtythree Castellano J J 116 L

Okay so this is not the race everybody was looking foward to. However, depending on the outcome it could very well lead to it. While the post position shows that Rachel will most likely head to lead be stalked by Life at Ten, I actually think it will be the other way around. That could set it up for Miss Singsix. Here's the thing though, Rachel is the fastest horse in the field dispite Life at Ten's winning streak. Her Beyers (weather you buy into them or not, I personally really don't) are still higher then anything then Life has run. With that being said, this will be Rachel's toughest test to date. She hasn't faced anything like Life before. If lays just off the pace she can pass at the top of the stretch and win by a comfy margin. I'm going with Rachel Alexandra to win, Life at Ten to hang on to second (although I would not be suprised if she won and still be happy) and Persistently to beat out Miss Singsix for third.

So that's it for this weekend. I will have a recap and announce the winner for Week 2 (there's still time to enter!) on Monday.

What a Saturday

Turf, dirt it doesn't matter what the surface is. This is a fantastic weekend of racing. Arlington's big turf races, the Alabama and the Del Mar Oaks are this weekend. Here is this weekend's preview:

Starting at Saratoga:

10th (5:48)
BetFair TVG Alabama S. (G1)
1 1/4 Miles | Fillies | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $500,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Acting Happy Lezcano J Dutrow, Jr. R E 121 L 12-1
2 2 Devil May Care Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 121 L 7-5
3 3 Tizahit Prado E S Weaver George 121 L 20-1
4 4 Blind Luck Rosario J Hollendorfer Jerry 121 L 8-5
5 5 Connie and Michael Maragh R Schettino Dominick A 121 L 10-1
6 6 Havre de Grace Rose J Dutrow Anthony W 121 L 4-1

Yes all eyes will be on Devil May Care, and Blind Luck and they should be. However, the four other horses in this race all have just as good chances to win as those two (some may disagree on that, but I personally think the race is more wide open on second glance). Devil May Care is coming off her win in the CCA Oaks and Blind Luck a nose victory in the Delaware Oaks. This will be the longest Blind Luck has ever gone while DMC finished 10th in the KY Derby at the same distance. If there was any time for a horse to possibly upset these two, now it's that time. I'm going to try to do that with Havre de Grace, 2nd in her stakes debut the Go For Wand, and 2nd by a nose behind Blind Luck in the DE Oaks. She's by Saint Liam out of a Carson City mare, if it rains she moves up even more (and that's saying alot considering DMC and BL have wins in the slop as well). Connie and Michael is another horse who I think has a shot, she almost upset Devil May Care in the Mother Goose. Tizahit and Acting Happy have outside shots as well, but I don't think as much as the two I perviously mentioned. So my top three are: Havre de Grace, Connie and Michael, Blind Luck.

At Arlington:

8th (3:37)
Secretariat S. (G1)
1 1/4 Miles (Turf) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $400,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Paddy O'Prado Desormeaux K J Romans Dale 126 L 1-1
2 2 Mister Marti Gras Perez E E Block Chris M 123 L 10-1
3 3 Cherokee Lord Felix J E Livesay Charlie 119 L 30-1
4 4 Wigmore Hall (IRE) Spencer J P Bell Michael L 123 FTL 5-1
5 5 Dean's Kitten Leparoux J R Maker Michael J 123 L 8-1
6 6 Two Notch Road Baze M C Thompson Glenn R 119 L 12-1 scratched
7 7 Workin for Hops Torres F C Stidham Michael 123 L 5-2

Two Notch Road came down with a fever I believe and has been scratched. This is Paddy O' Prado's race to lose. Workin for Hops is going for the Mid-American Triple, however if Paddy loses I think it will be to Dean's Kitten. Top Three: Paddy O' Prado, Dean's Kitten, Workin for Hops.

9th (4:24)
Beverly D. S. (G1)
1 3/16 Miles (Turf) | Fillies and Mares | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $750,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Pachattack Fallon K Butler Gerard A 123 FTL 8-1
2 2 Hot Cha Cha Graham J Sims Phillip A 123 L 6-1
3 3 Acoma Castanon J L Carroll David 123 L 8-1
4 4 Gypsy's Warning (SAF) Buick W Motion H Graham 123 L 10-1
5 5 Rainbow View Leparoux J R Sheppard Jonathan E 123 L 4-1 scratched
6 6 Eclair de Lune (GER) Alvarado J McAnally Ronald 123 L 5-1
7 7 Biased (GB) Benoist G Delzangles Mikel 123 20-1
8 8 Romacaca Baze M C Canani Nick 123 L 20-1
9 9 Treat Gently (GB) Desormeaux K J Mott William I 123 L 9-2
10 10 Ave (GB) Dominguez R A Attfield Roger L 123 L 5-1

An injury to Rainbow View will keep her out of the race. Even before her scratch this was a wide open race with the death to Tuscan Evening who would have been the overwhelming favorite for the race. I'm going with the horse who just finished behind Tuscan in her last race Eclair de Lune and Treat Gently who I saw win the Dick Memorial last time out. Ave has a good shot, but I don't know alot about her and Acoma's best days maybe behind her. Top three: 1. Treat Gently/Eclair de Lune 2. Which ever of the first two horses doesn't win 3. Ave.

10th (5:14)
Arlington Million S. (G1)
1 1/4 Miles (Turf) | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $1,000,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Marsh Side Nakatani C S Drysdale Neil 126 L 12-1 scratched
2 2 Debussy (IRE) Buick W Gosden John H M 126 FTL 12-1
3 3 General Quarters Graham J McCarthy Thomas R 126 L 8-1
4 4 Just as Well Leparoux J R Sheppard Jonathan E 126 L 5-1
5 5 Quite a Handful Riggs T Hansen Andrew M 126 L 30-1
6 6 Gio Ponti Dominguez R A Clement Christophe 126 L 7-5
7 7 Rahystrada Karlsson I Hughes Byron G 126 L 10-1
8 8 Tajaaweed Baze M C Peitz Daniel C 126 L 15-1
9 9 Tazeez Hills R Gosden John H M 126 FTL 6-1
10 10 Summit Surge (IRE) Fallon K Cumani Luca M 126 FTL 10-1

I believe Marsh Side is going to a race in Canada instead. No horse has won the Arlington Million back to back years (Powerscourt was dq'ed in his first "win", John Henry won in non-consecutive years and The Tin Man (one of my personal favorite winners) finished second getting passed in the final few yards in his chance for repeat). Gio Ponti will try to become the first to do so. However, he's not the same horse he was last year after three bad beats, he defended his Man O War title. The same goes for Just as Well, but I think he has a better chance then Gio. Yes General Quarters got beat last time out, but he's won at this distance in a G1. If Rahystrada wins, his jockey Inez Karlson will become the first woman to win the Million (Estrapade became the first filly/mare to win the race in the 1980's). I'm going to go with my heart and going with the former claimer turned multiple G1 winner General Quarters. Top Three: 1. General Quarters 2. Just as Well 3. Gio Ponti

Finally at Del Mar:

9th (6:00)
Del Mar Oaks (G1)
1 1/8 Miles (Turf) | Fillies | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Berg Bahn (IRE) Solis A Lyons Gerard M 122 8-1
2 2 Antares World Alvarado F T Specht Steve 122 L 10-1
3 3 Perfect Shirl Sutherland C Attfield Roger L 122 L 6-1
4 4 Evening Jewel Espinoza V Cassidy James 122 L 5-2
5 5 Distinctive (GB) Blanc B Smart Bryan 122 15-1
6 6 Harmonious Smith M E Shirreffs John 122 L 3-1
7 7 It Tiz Flores D R Glatt Mark 122 L 8-1
8 8 Weekend Magic Quinonez A Cho Myung Kwon 122 L 12-1
9 9 Crisp Bejarano R Sadler John W 122 L 6-1
10 10 Warren's Jitterbug Valenzuela P A Gutierrez Jorge 122 L 20-1

Evening Jewel is now by default the best West Coast turf filly, however Perfect Shirl a half sister to Shakespeare comes in to challenge. Keep an eye on Crisp who I think could be turning things around. Top three: 1. Evening Jewel 2. Perfect Shirl 3. Crisp

And did I mention all of these races are tomorrow? What a great day of racing! There is still time to enter Week 1 of the Predict the Order Challenge even though there are scratches, everybody will begin with 3 points to be fair (1 point per scratch). Entires must be in by 9am EDT tomorrow. Even if I publish your comment after that time as long as it's in by 9 you are okay. The winner for the week, along with the running total will be announced on Monday.

Also the Live Chat this week is on Sunday instead of Monday. The same time as before though which is 7pm EDT. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and please join us on Sunday.

Weekend Preview (Part 2)

Here are the Sunday races! Starting at Saratoga:

7th (4:21)
Fourstardave H. (G2)
1 1/16 Miles (Turf) | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 5 Nownownow Leparoux J R Biancone Patrick L 116 Blk-On L 8-1
1A 7 Violon Sacre Leparoux J R Biancone Patrick L 116 L 8-1
2 1 Get Stormy Castellano J J Bush Thomas M 117 L 7-2
3 2 Whatsthescript (IRE) Gomez G K Contessa Gary C 116 L 6-1
4 3 Zifzaf Hill C Toner James J 113 L 20-1
5 4 Cherokee Artist Rose J Motion H Graham 115 L 6-1
6 6 Wesley Coa E M Hennig Mark 116 L 8-1
7 8 Radical Sabbatical Velazquez J R Tagg Barclay 114 L 15-1
8 9 Public Speaker Albarado R J McPeek Kenneth G 116 L 9-2
9 10 Pinckney Hill Velasquez C Penna Angel Jr 115 L 3-1
10 MTO Brother Nick Rose J Jerkens James A 118 L 4-1
11 MTO Convocation Rose J Jerkens James A 118 L 4-5

Several horses who where supposed to go in the rained off the turf Sussex at DP show up here instead. I gotta go with Cherokee Artist in here with Wesley second and Get Stormy third.

8th (4:55)
Curlin S.
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $75,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Winslow Homer Albarado R J Dutrow Anthony W 120 L 3-1
2 2 Quiet All American Mena M Romans Dale 120 L 15-1
3 3 Miner's Reserve Solis A Zito Nicholas P 120 L 2-1
4 4 Regal Warrior Castellano J J Trombetta Michael J 118 L 8-1
5 5 Westshore Leparoux J R Baker James E 120 L 10-1
6 6 Winaholic Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 118 L 4-1
7 7 So Elite Desormeaux K J Casse Mark 122 L 6-1
8 8 Citrus Kid Hill C Terranova, II John P 118 L 15-1

If they both go, it's a two horse race between Winslow Homer and Miner's Reserve. Citrus Kid is an okay horse, but is coming off a layoff. I've never heard of the other horses in this race, other then those three.

9th (5:30)
Ruffian Invitational H. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles | Fillies and Mares | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $250,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Malibu Prayer Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 116 L 2-1
2 2 Unrivaled Belle Desormeaux K J Mott William I 119 L 1-1
3 3 Starship Angel Gomez G K McLaughlin Kiaran P 113 L 12-1
4 4 Classofsixtythree Castellano J J Contessa Gary C 113 L 20-1
5 5 Tasty Temptation Leparoux J R Casse Mark 115 L 5-1
6 6 Zaphyra Prado E S Terranova, II John P 113 L 12-1

I don't get the Unrivaled Belle love. I really don't. Okay so she finished second in a G1 as a 3 and 4 year olds respectivly. For this reason I think MDO gets a bit of revenge over the UBS filly. It maybe her first start on dirt, but Tasty Temptation is one of the hottest fillies around. She beat Milwaukee Appeal last time out, and has been undefeated since she won the Wonder Where last year. If she where to win, it would make six Grade 1 winners for her sire four of those would be fillies (the other three: Champagne d'Oro, Gabby's Golden Gal and Rachel Alexandra). Malibu Prayer for second and Unrivaled Belle third.

Over at Del Mar

8th (5:30)
Bing Crosby S. (G1)
6 Furlongs (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $250,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 E Z's Gentleman Pedroza M A 123 L
2 Sky Cape Talamo J 119
3 Scenic Blast (AUS) Smith M E 121 L
4 El Brujo Rosario J 119 Blk-On L
5 Cost of Freedom Bejarano R 121 L
6 My Summer Slew Quinonez A 119 L
7 Smiling Tiger Espinoza V 119 L

E Z's Gentleman won the Triple Bend last time out, but keep on Scenic Blast. This is a horse who was a flat out monster in Australia. This is his second time in the US and his first time on a synthetic surface.

Last, but not least Monmouth. Since there are so many stakes on Sunday, I'm only going to preview 3 races.

9th (3:59)
Taylor Made Matchmaker S. (G3)
1 1/8 Miles (Turf) | Fillies and Mares | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $200,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Talkin About Love Marquez C H Jr Sleeter Kevin G 116 L 30-1
2 2 Eye of Taurus Castro E McLaughlin Kiaran P 116 L 6-1
3 3 Yippety Yip Garcia M Servis Jason 116 L 20-1
4 4 Obsequious Fragoso P Gray Elizabeth 116 L 30-1
5 5 Unbridled Essence Lopez P Sacco Gregory D 118 L 20-1
6 6 Tizaqueena Maragh R Stidham Michael 123 L 9-2
7 7 Cherokee Queen Trujillo E Wolfson Martin D 118 L 4-1
8 8 Mystic Miracle Bravo J Hennig Mark 118 L 10-1
9 9 Quiet Meadow Garcia Alan Brown Chad C 116 L 3-1
10 10 Tottie (GB) Lezcano J Brown Chad C 116 L 4-1
11 11 Giant Mover Dominguez R A Pletcher Todd A 116 L 8-1

This is Tizaqueena's race to lose, that it all. Eye of Taurus for second and Quiet Meadow for third.

11th (5:04)
Oceanport S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles (Turf) | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $200,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Nownownow Lopez P Biancone Patrick L 116 Blk-On L 8-1
2 2 Violon Sacre Lezcano J Biancone Patrick L 118 L 3-1
3 3 Whatsthescript (IRE) Trujillo E Contessa Gary C 116 L 5-1
4 4 Strike a Deal Lopez C C Goldberg Alan E 120 L 9-2
5 5 Cherokee Artist Dominguez R A Motion H Graham 118 L 4-1
6 6 Get Serious Fragoso P Forbes John H 120 L 7-2
7 7 Roman Tiger Bravo J Manning Dennis J 120 L 8-1
8 8 Tybalt Maragh R Stidham Michael 116 L 10-1

Okay so many in the Fourstardave are also in here as well. Because I'm not sure whose going and whose staying at Toga, I'm going with Cherokee Artist again. And if he stays in New York, Tybalt becomes my selection.

and last, but not least.

12th (5:43)
Izod Haskell Invitational S. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $1,000,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Lookin At Lucky Garcia M Baffert Bob 122 L 5-2
2 2 Afleet Again Bravo J Reid Robert E Jr 118 L 12-1
3 3 Ice Box Lezcano J Zito Nicholas P 120 L 9-2
4 4 First Dude Dominguez R A Romans Dale 118 L 6-1
5 5 Our Dark Knight Trujillo E Zito Nicholas P 118 L 15-1
6 6 Super Saver Borel C H Pletcher Todd A 122 L 3-1
7 7 Uptowncharlybrown Maragh R McLaughlin Kiaran P 118 L 15-1
8 8 Trappe Shot Garcia Alan McLaughlin Kiaran P 118 L 3-1

Horse by horse:

Lookin at Lucky: It's offical, his name is cursed. He has had the most rotten luck in the world and is stuck on the rail for the second time in three races. While it's a smallest field that he's been stuck on the rail for, he isn't a fan off it. The good news? It is the shortest way around.

Afleet Again: a live longshot, Cash is King's best horse since his dad Afleet Alex. Not sure he'll win here, but deserves a chance.

Ice Box: Needs things to go his way. I'm not a huge, huge fan of his.

First Dude: Will have company on the front end. Can he hold on even with the increased pressure? And can he turn the tables on Lucky? I don't think he will, but won't be suprised if he stays up.

Our Dark Knight: There are two ways to look at this either as a rabbit or as a horse who has a shot. I think it's as a rabbit, but he is by the defending sire.

Super Saver: Losing the Preakness is the best thing to happen. He's fresh and ready for action. If Calvin gives him the same ride he gave Rachel last week, he wins.

Uptowncharlybrown: While his new stablemate is more highly regarded, he is the local hope in this year's edition. Has a chance.

Trappe Shot: Lots of hype with him, not sure I buy all of it. I think he'll be there in the end, but won't win the race.

So who am I picking? I'm going with my heart and going with the Derby champ. Lucky for second and Uptowncharlybrown for third and Trappe Shot fourth.

So that's it for today! The Special Live Chat will be at 7pm on Sunday. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and all the horses and jockeys return safe and sound.

Weekend Preview (Part 1)

Since there are so many great races this weekend, I'm splitting the previews into 2 parts. Today will be all of the Saturday races, and tomorrow will be all of the Sunday races. So here we go!


Starting at Saratoga:

9th (5:14)
Diana S. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles (Turf) | Fillies and Mares | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $500,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Proviso (GB) Smith M E Mott William I 123 L 5-2
2 2 My Princess Jess Velasquez C Tagg Barclay 118 L 8-1
3 3 Phola Dominguez R A Pletcher Todd A 120 L 4-1
4 4 Forever Together Leparoux J R Sheppard Jonathan E 120 L 2-1
5 5 Dynaslew Coa E M Benzel Seth 118 L 15-1
6 6 Shared Account Prado E S Motion H Graham 118 L 8-1
7 7 Maram Lezcano J Brown Chad C 118 L 6-1

IMO three horses have something to prove in this race.

Proviso: She needs to show that she's the real deal. Yes she has a G1 over boys and a G1 over girls, but that was at a mile in both races. While she has won at a mile and eighth before, 2 problems: 1 it was over a synthetic surface. 2 she was DQ'ed for not staying staight. If she can stay straight, she wins. However if she faulters my #2 needs to prove something could steal it.

Forever Together: She's going for 3 Diana wins in a row. However she has lost a step. Saratoga seems to be her favorite track and if she can pull it together on Sat. she has a great chance to defend her title.

Maram: she really hasn't shown that form that got her to win the BC Juvi Fillies Turf, however she has a win as a 4yo under her, and has a chance here.

The funny thing is, I'm not picking any of them. I'm going with  My Princess Jess. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride and I finally she pulls through here and gets her first G1. Phola for second and Forever Together for third.

10th (5:48)
Jim Dandy S. (G2)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $500,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Steinbeck (IRE) Gomez G K O'Brien Aidan P 115 FTL 6-1
2 2 Afleet Express Castellano J J Jerkens James A 119 L 4-1
3 3 Stormy's Majesty Prado E S Galluscio Dominic G 115 L 15-1
4 4 Aikenite Cohen D Pletcher Todd A 115 L 10-1
5 5 A Little Warm Velazquez J R Dutrow Anthony W 115 L 7-2
6 6 Miner's Reserve Borel C H Zito Nicholas P 115 L 10-1
7 7 Winslow Homer Dominguez R A Dutrow Anthony W 119 L 12-1
8 8 Friend Or Foe Maragh R Kimmel John C 115 L 8-1
9 9 Fly Down Lezcano J Zito Nicholas P 121 L 3-1

Local prep for the Travers features an undefeated horse (Friend or Foe), a horse who almost shocked Lousiana (A Little Warm), a horse who could be a real deal (Afleet Express), a Euro (Steinbeck) and possibly best 3yo that Nick Zito has had since Sun King (Fly Down).  I'm going with my heart Fly Down. Now if Miner's Reserve scratches (he and Winslow Homer are cross-entered for Sunday), that could effect the pace senerio, but hopefully Fly is still able to get there in time. Aikenite for second and A Little Warm for third.

At Del Mar:

8th (5:30)
San Diego H. (G2)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $200,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Enriched Valenzuela P A 117 L
2 Isle of Giant's Quinonez A 113
3 Deal Breaker (GB) Bejarano R 115 L
4 Tres Borrachos Flores D R 114 L
5 Sangaree Pedroza M A 116 L
6 Red Eye Express (IRE) Espinoza V 114 L
7 Battle of Hastings (GB) Talamo J 118 L
8 Richard's Kid Baze R A 122 L
9 Mythical Power Garcia M 117 L
10 Dakota Phone Rosario J 117 L

Pac. Classic prep. Enriched is coming off a week layoff and doesn't have the greatest jockey in the world on him. However there is good news: P. Val rode Lava Man to his first Hollywood Gold Cup win, the bad news: it was the last time he won on big brother. Lava's other two HGC wins where under Corey Nakatani. Battle of Hastings, like Enriched is better on turf but taking a shot here. Richard's Kid may go in tomorrow's Couger II which he finished 2nd in last year before his Pac. Classic win. Mythical Power has a chance, but if I'm going with Baffert, I would go with Sangaree. He's a 1/2 brother to Congaree and has been the lucky loser a few times this year. Enriched for second and Tres Borrachos for third.

So that's it for today, more stakes in tomorrow's post.

Claiming, Toga, Del Mar and Rachel

Hey everyone! Some nice races tomorrow, the Mother Goose (which could set up for a very interesting Alabama), Claiming Crown, Eddie Read and oh yeah Rachel Alexandra. So lets get started!

We're going to start off today's preview with the Claiming Crown. If you are not don't know what this is, let me tell you. Every year Cantabury Park in Minn. (except in 02 when it was held at Philadelphia Park in PA and 07 when it was at Ellis Park in KY) holds Starter Stakes for those who have run at a claiming level in the past year. The Claiming Crown is often compared to the Breeders' Cup, but for claimers. Here is the big race on the day:

9th (5:47)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Starter Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Smarten Destiny Martin E M Jr Montano Angel 122 BL 6-1
2 2 My Friend Nev Ocampo I Ness Jamie 124 BL 7-2
3 3 Racing Bran Emigh C A Becker Scott 124 BL 2-1
4 4 Strike Impact Sellers S J Dupuy Pat 122 BL 9-2
5 5 For All Who Conga Centeno D E Ness Jamie 120 BL 5-1
6 6 Headache Leparoux J R Maker Michael J 122 BL 4-1

I really haven't heard of any of these horses except for Racing Bran who will be my pick in this race. He's a stakes winner and just finished second in a stakes at Prarie Meadows. My Friend for second and For All Who Conga third.

At Saratoga:

Saratoga (Race 9)
BetFair TVG Coaching Club of America Oaks (Gr I; 250k)
1 1/8 Miles - Dirt - 3yo Fillies
1. Bahama Bound (Tagg/Castellano) 8/1
2. Lisa's Booby Trap (T. Snyder/E. Castillo) 30/1
3. Seeking the Title (D. Stewart/R. Albarado) 8/1
4. Connie and Michael (D. Schettino/R. Maragh) 5/1
5. Absinthe Minded (D. Lukas/G. Gomez) 15/1
6. Biofuel (R. Baker/E. Da Silva) 6/1
7. Devil May Care (T. Pletcher/J. Velazquez) 6/5
8. Acting Happy (R. Dutrow/J. Lezcano) 5/1

A rematch of Devil May Care, Biofuel and Connie and Michael (with a new trainer), the first, third and second place finishers of the Mother Goose resectivley. However, I'm going with the upset with two horses. The first one is Acting Happy, she is coming in a little bit under the radar after winning the Black Eyed Susan, and the other is being thrown into the deep end, but I'm taking a chance with Lisa's Booby Trap. She's won all of her races at Finger Lakes, but this is the longest she's gone (she's never been over a mile and 70 yards). I fully expect her to run up track, but it only takes one race to shock someone. Afterall, Saratoga is known as the Graveyard of Favorites. Devil May Care for third.

Out to San Diego and Del Mar for our next race,

Saturday, July 24
DelMar (Race 8)
Eddie Read Handicap (Gr I; 300k)
1 1/8 Miles - Turf - 3yo and Up
1. Crowded House [GB] (B. Meehan/T. Baze)
2. Victor's Cry (E. Harty/C. Nakatani)
3. The Usual Q.T. (J. Cassidy/V. Espinoza)
4. Acclamation (D. Warren/C. Santiago-Reyes)
5. Loup Breton [Ire] (J. Canani/R. Bejarano)
6. Enriched (D. O'Neill/J. Rosario)
7. Hyades (B. Cecil/M. Garcia)

While Victory's Cry won a G1 last time out and The Usual Q.T. is always there on turf, I'm going with Team Lava Man... I mean Enriched. His half sister Lava Girl (ugh on the name, but that's a story for another day) won her debut on Weds (techically she deadheated, but still she won), to give the O'Neill barn a good start to Del Mar. Acclamation for second and Hyades for third.

And last, but not least at Monmouth:


Monmouth Park (Race 11)
Lady's Secret Stakes (400k)
1 1/8 Miles - Dirt - 3yo and Up Fillies & Mares
1. Stage Trick (A. Goldberg/E. Trujillo) 10/1
2. Queen Martha (P. Biancone/J. Bravo) 8/1
3. Ask The Moon (E. Allard/J. Rose) 15/1
4. Hark (I. Wilkes/C. Marquez Jr.) 20/1
5. Rachel Alexandra (S. Asmussen/C. Borel) 1/9
6. Fabulous Babe (J. Corrigan/P. Fragoso) 30/1
7. Yes She's a Lady (T. Pletcher/E. Castro) 12/1

Stakes winners (all, except Rachel): 2 stakes wins (Ask the Moon and Yes She's a Lady)
Rachel:: 10 stakes wins
Graded Stakes winners (all, except Rachel): 0
Rachel: 8 Graded stakes wins including 5 G1's

In otherwords, it's a bad, bad field. Unfortanlly, sometimes you have to deal with these things. The interesting thing is that every horse in this race has speed. Rachel has been in this type of spot before though, see last year's Mother Goose. If Calvin can get Rachel to relax, then it will be game set match, Rachel romps home by alot. She has a win over the Monmouth track and if it comes up sloppy her chances move up even greater. Everybody is running for second and I think that's between Stage Luck who is coming off a 3rd place finish in the Obeah and Yes She's a Lady. Hopefully this will set her up for the Personal Ensign which is at the end of Aug.

Most importantly, I hope all the horses and jockeys come back safe and sound.

Don't forget there is a live chat on Monday starting at 7 and the Weekend Recap will be on Sunday.

A Run at History

That's what is going to be happening this weekend, either way. We will either see the cornation of what is the best 3yo filly in the past 30 years in Rachel Alexandra, or an upset. Either way the Woodward and Forego kick off an exciting weekend of racing. Also we could see another upset as Todd Pletcher could lose the training title to Linda Rice. If she where to win, then she would become the first woman to win a training title not only at Saratoga, but at a major track. As I last checked, they where in a tie for the lead. I had plans for doing a field by field preview (posting the fields), the, but of course I forgot to. But I have several stakes to preview for this weekend.

Forego: 7 furlongs is the perfect distance for Kodiak Kowboy, unfortanlly the Forego happens to be at the track where he's had the least success. Pyro trys for win #1 in Godolphin colors, and maybe a furlong short of his best distance, I see him closing at the end to get second behind the Kowboy. Ready's Echo for third.

Darley Debutante (formerly the Del Mar Debutante): Medaglia d'Oro has a great chance of getting his first G1 winner whose name is not you know who or Gabby's Golden Gal, in Champagne D'oro who could be scratched from the race and go in the Del Mar Futurity instead. Look out for Mi Sueno, a daughter of G1 winner Madcap Escapade, and Necessary Evil who beat the boys earlier this year.

Del Mar Derby: This looks to be Battle of Hastings race to lose, but look out for Papa Clem who makes his first turf start.

Del Mar Futurity: All eyes will be on Lookin on Lucky, but if she goes I wouldn't count out Champagne D'oro. I mean after all, her sire already has one boy beater. However, I'm going with Make Music for Me, because well his name!

Spinaway: This race will always have a soft place in my heart as this was where Mani Bhavan one of my favorite horses to ever run at Delaware Park won her only G1 race. (Ironicly when you know who schooled yesterday, it was with the 5th race which where 2yo maiden fillies. The winner was a Stormy Alantic filly named Dattt Echo (I hate that name), she happens to be Mani's 3/4 sister). This year I'm going with Hot Dixie Chick.

Commentator: This is an overnight stakes that will honor the recent retiree. My only problem is that it's a turf sprint. Distance isn't a problem as Commentator did win a sprint stakes against open company before his two Whitney wins at 4 and 7. However turf? The last time I checked, he was a dirt runner. But I guess this is what NYRA had planned. Either way Cannonball who was last seen just missing out at Royal Ascot to romp over his fellow NYB's. One of the Linda Rice entrys for second.

Hopeful: Closing day of Saratoga! All eyes will be on Backtalk who is undefeated. But he will have some challenges in front of him. A. a new jockey, Miguel Mena not allowed in New York due to his recent arrest, Richard Migliore in. Although he is not having a great meet, he is a respected jockey and did win the Test earlier on this meet. B. He's breaking from the 13 post in a field of 13. Also keep an eye on Aikenite, Liston, Overlap and Dublin.

PA Derby: This was supposed to be the feel good story of Dale Beckner, who rode Soul Warrior to an huge upset over Mine That Bird in the WV Derby. This was after Mena missed his flight to WV and had entered rehab soon after that (but let's not go there). Unfortanlly Beckner was seriously injured last weekend at Presque Isle.(along with Michael Streight who was injured at Arlington). Also in the race is my pick Join in the Dance and the 5th and last place finishers of the Haskell Duke of Mischief and Bunker Hill. Also in the race is Our Edge who was eased last Saturday in the Travers. Hopefully he is scratched as he probley won't do well here.

Pacific Classic: Rail Trip should win this, I think Col. John and Einstein could give him a run for his money, but he was just too impressive IMO in his HGC win.

Woodward: Saving the best for last! This is not a walk in the park for Rachel Alexandra and this will be her toughest test yet. Bullsbay is coming off a huge effort in the Whitney and I think he's the most likely to bounce. Pass the Point and Da' Tara each have early speed and they are horses who I worry about the most along with Macho Again. It's a Bird, I don't see the hype about him, but then again I think he's overrated (along with Let it Rock), since he beat Prom Shoes earlier this year (note: I wanted the Shoes to win, it has nothing to do with the horses. And so far I've been right about Let it Rock since he hasn't run since and well It's a Bird might be DQ'ed from the Oaklawn Handicap and has only won once since then.). Asiatic Boy has done okay, but not great since he made his US debut in the Stephen Foster. Cool Coal Man, I expect to be right up there with Rachel, Macho and Bull, but just out of the money. So I'm going with my heart and going with Rach, Macho, Bull trifecta.

There are so many races this weekend (including the Kent at DP!), but just don't have the time to preview them all. I will have a full recap on Monday! Everyone have a great holiday weekend.

Watch Out Kelso

There are six G1's this weekend, three of them are at Arlington (the Million, Beverly D, and Secretariat), plus Zenyatta returns on Sunday and undefeated Cat Moves goes in the Test. However, a record is in danger of falling up at Saratoga. Kelso's record as the oldest horse to win the Whitney Handicap could be tied by Commentator this weekend. As a gelding, it's great to still see him around. If he does win, he'll also tie not only Kelso, but Discovery as the only three time winners (He first won the race in 2005 over future HOY Saint Liam, and he is the defending champ this year).

I couldn't find videos of Kelso's Whitneys that had audio, but I hope you enjoy his 3 of his 4 JCGC wins, in this two part video (Sorry it's not embeded the video part on that was disabled).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb84n3lV2LY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr0M4AlE4uU&feature=related

I would really love to see Commentator win this weekend. Others who I hope to see, Go Go Shoot in the Vanderbilt on Sunday (he's going against some nice horses including Fablous Strike, Benny the Bull and Kodiak Kowboy), Presious Passion in the Million (if he gets away from them like he did in the UN, they aren't going to catch them), and of course Zenyatta in the Clement Hirsh. I hope everyone has a fablous weekend, I will be visiting with a friend of mine tomorrow, then be traveling all day Sunday. However, I do plan to have a weekend recap when I get home.

Rachel to the Shore, The Bird in the Mountains

neI hope everyone enjoys the great racing that will be taking place this weekend. There are three G1's (Haskell, Diana and Go For Wand), plus two pretty major G2's (West Virginia Derby and Jim Dandy). The Haskell and WV Derby will have the return of the Bird Brothers (Mine That Bird and his fellow Birdstone foal Summer Bird). Forever Together will be in the Diana, and Cocoa Beach will try to rebound from her horrible season debut in the Go For Wand. Warrior's Reward will try to become the first male Medaglia d'Oro to win a stakes race in the Jim Dandy. Plus on the West Coast, it's the return of Dubai World Cup champ Well Armed and it will be the battle of the sexes as Allicansay is Wow makes her first try against the males. I'm missing something aren't I. Oh yeah a certin filly makes her second go-around with the boys.

Of the three 3yo's races this weekend, the Haskell has the most depth. You have Rachel Alexandra, Summer Bird, Munnings and Papa Clem leading the charge. Atomic Rain will make his Goldolphin debut, but he is recovering from an hoof injury, so he may end up not going. While on paper, this won't be a walk in the park for Rachel, I still think she will win it. Monmouth is a speed favoring track, and she likes the lead. She will either sit right off or be pressed by Munnings, whose stamina will come into question (However his dam's half sister was second in the Delaware Handicap). It may actually be too short for Summer Bird who may relish the 10 furlong distance more. There are a couple of longshots who are actually replacements for their highley regarded stablemates who either went elsewhere (Big Drama) or are out for the year (Musket Man).

The day before, Rachel's jockey and trainer will be facing off against each other. Steve Asmussen will send out Kensei (for Jess Jackson, Rachel's owner), where as Calvin Borel will be riding Warrior's Reward in the Jim Dandy. Saratoga Sinner, who made a brief apperience on the TC trail this year will make his comeback. Chartiable Man and Miner's Escape will also be in the race.

Up in the mountains of good old West Virgina, history will be made. Mine That Bird will be the first Derby winner to ever run at Mountianeer and in the WV Derby. Other then Big Drama, this is the weakest of the three major 3yo's races. If an honest pace is set, Mike Smith should have no problem guiding Mine back to the winner's circle. (BTW lets just hope we don't see a repeat of what happend to him on Thorn Song in the Eddie Read last week)

So my picks for the weekend are:
Jim Dandy: Warrior's Reward, Kensei
West Virginia Derby: Mine That Bird
Diana: Forever Together, My Princess Jess
Go For Wand: Weathered, Cocoa Beach
San Diego: Well Armed
Haskell: Rachel Alexandra, Papa Clem, Summer Bird

I hope everyone enjoys the weekend races. I personally will be out of town starting Sat. Hopefully I'll have a post either Sunday or Monday night. Until then, enjoy your weekend!