Yep it's that time, the biggest race at Delaware is this Saturday! Here is the field for this year's Del Cap.
Showing posts with label Delaware. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Delaware. Show all posts
July 10, 2014
June 13, 2014
2014 Obeah Preview
I thought I was going to have time to do a video version of this preview, but a few things came up and didn't get a chance to spend time to really record one. However, I did want to do a preview for the race as this a prep for the Delaware Handicap.
Obeah Handicap 1 1/8th on dirt, Grade 3
1 Daydreamin Gracie (MD) 6/M L C Evans 118 D Kobiskie
2 Montana Native (KY) 4/F L J Pimentel 120 C Clement
3 Blue Violet (KY) 4/F L K D Clark 118 J L Jones
4 Flash Forward (KY) 4/F L J L Ortiz 118 D Schettino
5 Zucchini Flower (KY) 5/M L T McCarthy 118 H G Motion
6 Golden Production (PA) 5/M L V R Carrasco 118 J Navarro
7 Gamay Noir (KY) 4/F L D Centeno 124 M D Wolfson
8 Ambusher (KY) 4/F L J C Caraballo 118 I R Wilkes
Daydreamin Gracie- 4th in the Gallorette, turf to dirt. Has starts at Delaware, but none in stakes.
Montana Native- 5th in last year's Alabama and won the Winter Melody (local prep) in her last. Trainer won the Belmont on Saturday to deny the Triple Crown. Was last in the Cat Cay which was won by Princess of Sylmar.
Blue Violet- 2nd in the Winter Melody in her last was third in last year's Rachel Alexandra before finishing 6th in the FG Oaks.
Flash Forward- 3rd in the Cat Cay and 3rd in the Top Flight to Teen Pauline. Has the unfortince to run against some of the best 3yo's last year and older fillies this year. Could be the one to beat.
Zucchini Flower- 2nd in the Monmouth Beach and 3rd in the Dahila before that. 7th in her lone graded stakes attempt, but that was in 2012.
Golden Production- ran primarly on the West Coast, first start on the East Coast was a 7th in the Foxy J.G. At Parx. 6th in the Santa Maria earlier this year.
Gamay Noir- 3rd in the Sixty Sails and won the Rampart. She's already made 6 starts this year, but that hasn't effected her that much.
Ambusher- Winless since last August. 4th in the Arlington Matron last time out which was also her graded stakes debut.
Picks: 1st- Montana Native 2nd- Flash Forward 3rd- Blue Violet
Sadly I won't be able to attend this year's Obeah, but hopefully 1 or 2 of these fillies comes back for the DelCap.
Obeah Handicap 1 1/8th on dirt, Grade 3
1 Daydreamin Gracie (MD) 6/M L C Evans 118 D Kobiskie
2 Montana Native (KY) 4/F L J Pimentel 120 C Clement
3 Blue Violet (KY) 4/F L K D Clark 118 J L Jones
4 Flash Forward (KY) 4/F L J L Ortiz 118 D Schettino
5 Zucchini Flower (KY) 5/M L T McCarthy 118 H G Motion
6 Golden Production (PA) 5/M L V R Carrasco 118 J Navarro
7 Gamay Noir (KY) 4/F L D Centeno 124 M D Wolfson
8 Ambusher (KY) 4/F L J C Caraballo 118 I R Wilkes
Daydreamin Gracie- 4th in the Gallorette, turf to dirt. Has starts at Delaware, but none in stakes.
Montana Native- 5th in last year's Alabama and won the Winter Melody (local prep) in her last. Trainer won the Belmont on Saturday to deny the Triple Crown. Was last in the Cat Cay which was won by Princess of Sylmar.
Blue Violet- 2nd in the Winter Melody in her last was third in last year's Rachel Alexandra before finishing 6th in the FG Oaks.
Flash Forward- 3rd in the Cat Cay and 3rd in the Top Flight to Teen Pauline. Has the unfortince to run against some of the best 3yo's last year and older fillies this year. Could be the one to beat.
Zucchini Flower- 2nd in the Monmouth Beach and 3rd in the Dahila before that. 7th in her lone graded stakes attempt, but that was in 2012.
Golden Production- ran primarly on the West Coast, first start on the East Coast was a 7th in the Foxy J.G. At Parx. 6th in the Santa Maria earlier this year.
Gamay Noir- 3rd in the Sixty Sails and won the Rampart. She's already made 6 starts this year, but that hasn't effected her that much.
Ambusher- Winless since last August. 4th in the Arlington Matron last time out which was also her graded stakes debut.
Picks: 1st- Montana Native 2nd- Flash Forward 3rd- Blue Violet
Sadly I won't be able to attend this year's Obeah, but hopefully 1 or 2 of these fillies comes back for the DelCap.
July 24, 2013
DelCap Recap and Photos (Part 1)
Today and Tomorrow will be my recap of this year's Delaware Handicap. Even though there was a short field, the crowd may have been the largest that I've seen at Delaware Park. Royal Delta was the horse to beat even though she was coming off a poor result in the La T. We had been having some pretty hot weather and Saturday was no exception. However, where I was sitting and standing thorough out the day there was a bit of a breeze, but not much. By the time post time had arrived for the race, the fence area by the rail where I usually stand, it was basically packed.
As for the race itself, well Royal Delta didn't disapoint as Mike Smith slowed her down just enough where she just cruised for her fifth Grade 1 in her career. While she won't ever be mentioned in the same breath as say Rachel Alexandra and Mike's main girls Azeri and Zenyatta, she did make some history by becoming the first back to back winner of the race since Nastique did it in 1988 and 1989. Oh and she did it by taking off a second from her winning time from last year.
The following pictures where taken by me (Rachel Levine). I didn't get around to putting my copyright on some of these photos, but the next time I will be doing that. Keep in mind more photos are coming tomorrow!
Royal Delta in the post parade.
Centering who finished fourth in the race. I was honestly disapointed with how she ran.
The champ heading to the paddock
Runner up She's All In (1) and Summer Applause (2).
And Why Not who ran okay in third.
Stay tuned for tomorrow for more pictures!!!
July 19, 2013
Delaware Handicap preview
Tomorrow is the biggest race of the year for my home track of Delaware Park. It's Delaware Handicap day! And after years of trying to get G1 status, it will run as the highest grade designation you can get this year. Lets take a look at this years field.
9th Race - Delaware Park - Saturday, July 20th, 2013
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Dirt. Purse $750,000. Delaware H. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. By a subscription of $300 each, which shall accompany the nomination, $2,500 to enter and $5,000 to start. $750,000 Guaranteed, of which $450,000 to the winner, $150,000 to second, $82,500 to third, $45,000 to fourth and $22,500 to fifth. Weights: Monday, July 16. Horses that finished first, second, third or fourth in the Obeah Stakes earned a free nomination to The Delaware Handicap. A trophy to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed on Monday, July 8, 2013, with 14 Nominations. (05:20 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 She's All In 6 M L 112 Carrasco Victor R. Von Hemel Donnie K.
2 Summer Applause 4 F L 118 Cintron Alex Brown Chad C.
3 Royal Delta 5 M 123 Smith Mike E. Mott William I.
4 Authenticity 6 M L 118 Centeno Daniel Pletcher Todd A. SCRATCHED
5 And Why Not 4 F L 112 Navarro Joshua Matz Michael R.
6 Centring 5 M L 115 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Albertrani Thomas
Authenticity will actually be scratched out of the race as she will instead stay in New York to face Zenyatta's little sister in the Shuvee. On paper, this is Royal Delta's race to lose. She is also the defending champ of this race and with Tiz Miz Sue skipping the race, it opens the race for second up. And Why Not is the local hope this year, locals tend to do pretty well in the DelCap (see Tiz, Grace, Lemon Drop Mom). If Royal Delta goes down in defeat, keep an eye on Centring. Third in the Phipps and has the pedigree for a mile and a quarter. Those two will go 1-2 in some order with the longshot She's All In my pick for third.
Sadly there is no Sussex this year and the only other stakes race on the card, a filly/mare sprint, don't think has a Dust N Diamonds type of horse like there was last year. I promise to have photos posted on Sunday or Monday!
May 29, 2013
Favorite 10 Horses That I've Seen in Person at Delaware Park
I've been blessed that even though that I've only been to one racetrack in my life (Delaware Park), there have been some great horses that I've been able to see in person. This, I have decided to compile a list of my favorite 10 horses that I saw. Please note, that I don't have photos for all of them, so there won't be any posted. Sorry! Also all of these horses participated in stakes races (granded and listed). This just makes it a little bit easier on my part. Now here is the list.
10. Bon Jovi Girl (2009): 1/2 sister to multiple champ Gio Ponti, I got to see her in both the Susan's Girl and the Delaware Oaks. She won the Susan's Girl and finished 4th in the Oaks, but no one that day was going to beat Careless Jewel. She would finish second in the Cotillion and 3rd in the Gazelle as well. Also running in the Susan's Girl that day was Payton d' Oro who won the Black Eyed Susan in her race before and Garden District who was one of the few horses to defeat Rachel Alexandra, but not be defeated by her/finish behind her.
9. Shake the Bank (2007): Yep got to see Better Talk Now's rabbit run by himself! He ran in the Caesar Rodney Stakes along with Defer and Silver Tree. Silver Tree won the race, but Shake ran awesome in defeat.
8. Utley (2012): How can I not include a horse who is named after the 2nd baseman of the Phillies. He ran in the Sussex Stakes and finished fifth. Global Power won the race, and honestly this year's field could be a good one if all of the horses who I think could show up do (I'm not going to name name's as I know I'm going to be wrong anyway).
7. Unbridled Belle (2007, 2008, 2009): The first of 3 DelCap winners on my list. I've seen her win both the DelCap in 07 and the Obeah in 09. I also saw her finish third twice in 08 and 09 in the DelCap. A wonderful filly who in a way was I think a little under appreciated as she was running at the same time as Zenyatta, Cocoa Beach and Music Note.
6. Proud Spell (2008): There are two times that I heard the Delaware crowd give a winner a huge cheer. Blind Luck and this girl. Keep in mind, she was a bit down on her luck when she won the Delaware Oaks after her big win in the KY Oaks. This was a popular win, especially since she was based at Delaware. Of course she would win the Alabama on her way to 3yo Filly Champion honors.
5. Havre de Grace (2011): What the Horse of the Year is only #5 on you're list?! Well that's because the Top 4 horses are very special. Although it was a nose defeat in the 2010 DelCap, she got just as a big cheer as Blind Luck did. In matter of fact, as my family and I where leaving the track, people where still talking about the race! This was prob the only time that I've seen that happen.
4. Tiz Miz Sue (2012): What heart does this filly have! She gave Royal Delta all that she wanted in last year's edition. It was just plain old awesome that in back to back years we got a great race. Monday was her first G1 win of her career (Ogden Phipps) and she, along with Delta is a big reason that the DelCap is a G1 race this year.
3. Blind Luck (2011): I missed the Delaware Oaks the year before being in CT, but the DelCap was the race of the year. Two longtime rivals slugging it out for the sixth time. A fantastic race! I took some photos of her and Grace, and you could tell that they where ready for battle. Also in the race that year was Life at Ten who just wasn't the same filly she was pre Breeders' Cup.
2. Royal Delta (2012): What a filly! She gave the DelCap crowd a big treat as she dug into to hold off Tiz Miz Sue. To then go win the Beldame and basically put on a front running clinic in the Ladies Classic again? Memorable! I hope she returns this year as I believe the Classic is the year end goal, but the Older Female division is pretty tough with Tiz being better and On Fire Baby as well.
1. Hard Spun (2006): I was a freshman in college when I first attended the races at Delaware Park. I remember skipping out of most of my math class to do so. My mom wasn't too happy that it was a race horse was the reason why I wanted out, but I had already done almost all my work in the class for the day and was able to get out. It was his stakes debut in the Port Penn and he romped in the mud. I will never forget that day.
10. Bon Jovi Girl (2009): 1/2 sister to multiple champ Gio Ponti, I got to see her in both the Susan's Girl and the Delaware Oaks. She won the Susan's Girl and finished 4th in the Oaks, but no one that day was going to beat Careless Jewel. She would finish second in the Cotillion and 3rd in the Gazelle as well. Also running in the Susan's Girl that day was Payton d' Oro who won the Black Eyed Susan in her race before and Garden District who was one of the few horses to defeat Rachel Alexandra, but not be defeated by her/finish behind her.
9. Shake the Bank (2007): Yep got to see Better Talk Now's rabbit run by himself! He ran in the Caesar Rodney Stakes along with Defer and Silver Tree. Silver Tree won the race, but Shake ran awesome in defeat.
8. Utley (2012): How can I not include a horse who is named after the 2nd baseman of the Phillies. He ran in the Sussex Stakes and finished fifth. Global Power won the race, and honestly this year's field could be a good one if all of the horses who I think could show up do (I'm not going to name name's as I know I'm going to be wrong anyway).
7. Unbridled Belle (2007, 2008, 2009): The first of 3 DelCap winners on my list. I've seen her win both the DelCap in 07 and the Obeah in 09. I also saw her finish third twice in 08 and 09 in the DelCap. A wonderful filly who in a way was I think a little under appreciated as she was running at the same time as Zenyatta, Cocoa Beach and Music Note.
6. Proud Spell (2008): There are two times that I heard the Delaware crowd give a winner a huge cheer. Blind Luck and this girl. Keep in mind, she was a bit down on her luck when she won the Delaware Oaks after her big win in the KY Oaks. This was a popular win, especially since she was based at Delaware. Of course she would win the Alabama on her way to 3yo Filly Champion honors.
5. Havre de Grace (2011): What the Horse of the Year is only #5 on you're list?! Well that's because the Top 4 horses are very special. Although it was a nose defeat in the 2010 DelCap, she got just as a big cheer as Blind Luck did. In matter of fact, as my family and I where leaving the track, people where still talking about the race! This was prob the only time that I've seen that happen.
4. Tiz Miz Sue (2012): What heart does this filly have! She gave Royal Delta all that she wanted in last year's edition. It was just plain old awesome that in back to back years we got a great race. Monday was her first G1 win of her career (Ogden Phipps) and she, along with Delta is a big reason that the DelCap is a G1 race this year.
3. Blind Luck (2011): I missed the Delaware Oaks the year before being in CT, but the DelCap was the race of the year. Two longtime rivals slugging it out for the sixth time. A fantastic race! I took some photos of her and Grace, and you could tell that they where ready for battle. Also in the race that year was Life at Ten who just wasn't the same filly she was pre Breeders' Cup.
2. Royal Delta (2012): What a filly! She gave the DelCap crowd a big treat as she dug into to hold off Tiz Miz Sue. To then go win the Beldame and basically put on a front running clinic in the Ladies Classic again? Memorable! I hope she returns this year as I believe the Classic is the year end goal, but the Older Female division is pretty tough with Tiz being better and On Fire Baby as well.
1. Hard Spun (2006): I was a freshman in college when I first attended the races at Delaware Park. I remember skipping out of most of my math class to do so. My mom wasn't too happy that it was a race horse was the reason why I wanted out, but I had already done almost all my work in the class for the day and was able to get out. It was his stakes debut in the Port Penn and he romped in the mud. I will never forget that day.
August 1, 2012
Delaware Handicap Photos (IMG Heavy)
A little late, but I thought I would share some of my Delaware Handicap photos that I took a few weeks ago. This is going to be basically to be a very image heavy post. Some of these photos you've seen if you follow me on Twitter, and some are those that I haven't posted before on either. This will be a pretty image heavy post and not all the photos I took will be in this post. However as I work through both these photos (and the Preakness day photos that I'm really far behind and will be posted on Facebook with a selected few posted on Flickr (my screename there is Horselane for those interested in knowing) it will be added to. A Facebook album will also be added to in the next few weeks. For now, I hope you all enjoy these photos!
Royal Delta (Empire Maker) and Tiz Miz Sue (Tiznow) battling it out in the stretch. The defending Ladies Classic winner would just hold off the local with Awesome Maria in third.
This was actually the photo I had entered into the America's Best Racing Fan photo contest, but didn't win (yes I'm a bit disapointed about that).
Global Power (Pulpit) the Sussex winner. Last year's Sussex was actually pretty awesome for me since the winner Mr. Ryder is a 1/2 brother to Red Duke who is Hard Spun's first Group/Graded Stakes winner. Global Power doesn't have the siblings like that, but his second dam is 1994 Canadian Horse of the Year Alywow, which makes his dam a half to Century City (IRE). Sorry for the photographer in the way!
The beautiful and talented Awesome Maria (Maria's Mon). Right after I took this photo, I went on Twitter and wrote "Awesome Maria is a beast". She looked to be about 1/2 inch taller then the other fillies in the race and her build was more muscilar. Unfortanlly, it looks like she's taken after her two Uncles, Discreet Cat and Discreetly Mine in the distance limitations catagory. She was third in the race.
I think Kisses for Love (A.P. Warrior) knew she was a bad girl after she dumped her rider Jeremy Rose while warming up. Both horse and rider where fine and finished third in the race. This is her coming back to be remounted after being caught. She is the niece to G2 placed Smooth Bid.
Ponies waiting for the horses to come out to the track before the first for the post parade and warm up. As a sucker for chestnuts with white faces I love the horse in the line with the palominos and closes to the rail.
Utley (Smart Strike) before the Sussex. He is a 1/2 brother to 2yo Champion Filly in Europe, Rainbow View. I assume he is named after the Phillies 2nd baseman Chase Utley considering his owner George Strawbridge is from this area.
Dust and Diamonds (Vindication) dusting the Dashing Beauty field. I will have a Pedigree Look post on her next week.
Tiz Miz Sue and Joe Rocco Jr. before the race. She ran better then anyone thought she would I think. However, I'm not really that suprised because she gave Havre de Grace everything she wanted in last year's Obeah.
Alpha Mike Foxtrot (Two Punch) winning the baby race before the Sussex. His dam is a multiple stakes winner, Shashobegon.
Delta and Mike Smith after the race. What a game effort she gave. Hopefully she does well against It's Tricky in the Personal Ensign.
July 20, 2012
Weekend Preview
A great stakes card tomorrow at 3 different tracks. A Grade 1 at Saratoga, a G2 at Delaware and a G2 at Colonial. Lets take a look at all three races.
10th Race - Saratoga - Saturday, July 21st, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $300,000. TVG Coaching Club American Oaks (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. No nomination fee. $3,000 to pass the entry box. A supplemental nomination fee of $6,000 in addition to the entry fee will be accepted at any time prior to entry. All starters including supplemental nominees will receive a $1,500 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 filly that competes in both the TVG 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, July 7, 2012 with 27 Nominations. (05:45 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Questing (GB) 3 F L 121 Ortiz, Jr. Irad McLaughlin Kiaran P.
2 Disposablepleasure 3 F L 121 Napravnik Rosie Pletcher Todd A.
3 Yara 3 F L b 121 Rosario Joel Guerrero Juan Carlos
4 Funny Proposition 3 F L 121 Bridgmohan Shaun Casse Mark E.
5 Zo Impressive 3 F L 121 Maragh Rajiv Albertrani Thomas
6 In Lingerie 3 F L 121 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
A very talented bunch of horses. In Lingerie and Zo Impressive faced off in an allowance at Gulfstream. Since then In Lingerie has won 2 stakes including the G2 Black Eyed Susan, while Zo Impressive has finished second in the Acorn and won the Mother Goose last time out. While In Lingerie does scare me, she did have a slight injury in the BES which forced her to miss the Goose. Disposablepleasure is no slouch either, she was 2nd to Zo in the MG, but will get a rider change as her jockey will be at his old track at post time. Yara is a bit of emigma here, Funny Proposition I don't know much about. Questing is 1 for 2 on dirt and will be running in the Godolphin colors for the first time. Me being a little bias is hoping that Zo and Quest, but I have a feeling it will be Zo, In and Dis in some order.
Last year's Delaware Handicap was one for the ages with Blind Luck and Havre de Grace battling it. This year's field has a chance to match it.
10th Race - Delaware Park - Saturday, July 21st, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Dirt. Purse $750,000. Delaware H. (Grade 2). FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. By a subscription of $300 each, which shall accompany the nomination, $2,500 to enter and $5,000 to start. $750,000 Guaranteed, of which $450,000 to the winner, $150,000 to second, $82,500 to third, $45,000 to fourth and $22,500 to fifth. Horses that finished first, second, third or fourth in the Obeah Stakes earned a free nomination to The Delaware Handicap. A trophy to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed on Monday, July 9, 2012, with 17 Nominations. the Obeah Stakes earned a free nomination to The Delaware Handicap. A trophy to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. (05:45 PM) (7)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Royal Delta 4 F L 124 Smith Mike E. Mott William I.
2 Tiz Miz Sue 5 M L 114 Rocco, Jr. Joseph Hobby Steve
3 Cash For Clunkers 4 F L 114 Garcia Alan Violette, Jr. Richard A.
4 Daring Reality 4 F L 112 Santana, Jr. Ricardo Lynch Cathal A.
5 Pachattack 6 M L 118 Desormeaux Kent J. Motion H. Graham
6 Awesome Maria 5 M L 121 Dominguez Ramon A. Pletcher Todd A.
7 Love And Pride 4 F L 115 Rose Jeremy Pletcher Todd A.
There are two horses who have already won at a mile and a quarter. They are Royal Delta and Pachattack. Awesome Maria's granddam won the Alabama and she has the pedigree to go a mile and a quarter, but hasn't been the distance yet. Tiz Miz Sue gave Havre de Grace a little bit of a scare in the Obeah last year, Cash for Clunkers almost upset the Ogden Phipps and Love and Pride won this year's Obeah. Daring Reality is the unknown for me, since I don't know much about her.
If Royal Delta gets her trip, then she wins by ease. Awesome Maria and Pachattack could be stubborn enough to give just as a thrilling duel as last year. They go 2-3 with Tiz Miz Sue finishing fourth.
Finally, at Colonial.
9th Race - Colonial Downs - Saturday, July 21st, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $600,000. Virginia Derby (Grade 2). OUTER TURF FOR THREE YEAR-OLDS. (08:38 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Optimizer 3 C L 117 Karamanos Horacio Lukas D. Wayne
2 Finnegans Wake 3 C L 117 Desormeaux Kent J. Romans Dale L.
3 Two Months Rent 3 G L 117 Pimentel Julian Toner James J.
4 Coach Royal 3 C L 117 Rocco, Jr. Joseph Terranova, II John P.
5 Summer Front 3 C L 119 Dominguez Ramon A. Clement Christophe
6 Easy Crossing 3 C L 117 Leparoux Julien R. Clement Christophe
7 Silver Max 3 C L 123 Albarado Robby Romans Dale L.
8 Lucky Chappy (IRE) 3 C L 117 Garcia Alan Motion H. Graham
9 Mr. Handsome 3 C L 117 Russell Sheldon Tullock, Jr. Timothy J.
Summer Front is staying at Saratoga. Never the less, it will be a very busy day for Ramon, Alan and Kent as the first two will ride at both Saratoga and Delaware before Colonial while the last will ride at Delaware and Colonial. With Summer Front staying in New York, Silver Max is the horse to beat. Lucky Chappy returns to turf after a dismal showing in the UAE Derby and Optimizer also returns to what is more then likely his perfered surface. I'm sticking with Max in this race with Summer Front (who would have been my pick) out.
All in all, a good day of racing. On the West Coast, Eden's Moon makes her turf debut and also at Colonial is the Virgina Oaks.
Starting at Saratoga:
10th Race - Saratoga - Saturday, July 21st, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $300,000. TVG Coaching Club American Oaks (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. No nomination fee. $3,000 to pass the entry box. A supplemental nomination fee of $6,000 in addition to the entry fee will be accepted at any time prior to entry. All starters including supplemental nominees will receive a $1,500 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 filly that competes in both the TVG 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, July 7, 2012 with 27 Nominations. (05:45 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Questing (GB) 3 F L 121 Ortiz, Jr. Irad McLaughlin Kiaran P.
2 Disposablepleasure 3 F L 121 Napravnik Rosie Pletcher Todd A.
3 Yara 3 F L b 121 Rosario Joel Guerrero Juan Carlos
4 Funny Proposition 3 F L 121 Bridgmohan Shaun Casse Mark E.
5 Zo Impressive 3 F L 121 Maragh Rajiv Albertrani Thomas
6 In Lingerie 3 F L 121 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
A very talented bunch of horses. In Lingerie and Zo Impressive faced off in an allowance at Gulfstream. Since then In Lingerie has won 2 stakes including the G2 Black Eyed Susan, while Zo Impressive has finished second in the Acorn and won the Mother Goose last time out. While In Lingerie does scare me, she did have a slight injury in the BES which forced her to miss the Goose. Disposablepleasure is no slouch either, she was 2nd to Zo in the MG, but will get a rider change as her jockey will be at his old track at post time. Yara is a bit of emigma here, Funny Proposition I don't know much about. Questing is 1 for 2 on dirt and will be running in the Godolphin colors for the first time. Me being a little bias is hoping that Zo and Quest, but I have a feeling it will be Zo, In and Dis in some order.
Last year's Delaware Handicap was one for the ages with Blind Luck and Havre de Grace battling it. This year's field has a chance to match it.
10th Race - Delaware Park - Saturday, July 21st, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Dirt. Purse $750,000. Delaware H. (Grade 2). FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. By a subscription of $300 each, which shall accompany the nomination, $2,500 to enter and $5,000 to start. $750,000 Guaranteed, of which $450,000 to the winner, $150,000 to second, $82,500 to third, $45,000 to fourth and $22,500 to fifth. Horses that finished first, second, third or fourth in the Obeah Stakes earned a free nomination to The Delaware Handicap. A trophy to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed on Monday, July 9, 2012, with 17 Nominations. the Obeah Stakes earned a free nomination to The Delaware Handicap. A trophy to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. (05:45 PM) (7)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Royal Delta 4 F L 124 Smith Mike E. Mott William I.
2 Tiz Miz Sue 5 M L 114 Rocco, Jr. Joseph Hobby Steve
3 Cash For Clunkers 4 F L 114 Garcia Alan Violette, Jr. Richard A.
4 Daring Reality 4 F L 112 Santana, Jr. Ricardo Lynch Cathal A.
5 Pachattack 6 M L 118 Desormeaux Kent J. Motion H. Graham
6 Awesome Maria 5 M L 121 Dominguez Ramon A. Pletcher Todd A.
7 Love And Pride 4 F L 115 Rose Jeremy Pletcher Todd A.
There are two horses who have already won at a mile and a quarter. They are Royal Delta and Pachattack. Awesome Maria's granddam won the Alabama and she has the pedigree to go a mile and a quarter, but hasn't been the distance yet. Tiz Miz Sue gave Havre de Grace a little bit of a scare in the Obeah last year, Cash for Clunkers almost upset the Ogden Phipps and Love and Pride won this year's Obeah. Daring Reality is the unknown for me, since I don't know much about her.
If Royal Delta gets her trip, then she wins by ease. Awesome Maria and Pachattack could be stubborn enough to give just as a thrilling duel as last year. They go 2-3 with Tiz Miz Sue finishing fourth.
Finally, at Colonial.
9th Race - Colonial Downs - Saturday, July 21st, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $600,000. Virginia Derby (Grade 2). OUTER TURF FOR THREE YEAR-OLDS. (08:38 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Optimizer 3 C L 117 Karamanos Horacio Lukas D. Wayne
2 Finnegans Wake 3 C L 117 Desormeaux Kent J. Romans Dale L.
3 Two Months Rent 3 G L 117 Pimentel Julian Toner James J.
4 Coach Royal 3 C L 117 Rocco, Jr. Joseph Terranova, II John P.
6 Easy Crossing 3 C L 117 Leparoux Julien R. Clement Christophe
7 Silver Max 3 C L 123 Albarado Robby Romans Dale L.
8 Lucky Chappy (IRE) 3 C L 117 Garcia Alan Motion H. Graham
9 Mr. Handsome 3 C L 117 Russell Sheldon Tullock, Jr. Timothy J.
Summer Front is staying at Saratoga. Never the less, it will be a very busy day for Ramon, Alan and Kent as the first two will ride at both Saratoga and Delaware before Colonial while the last will ride at Delaware and Colonial. With Summer Front staying in New York, Silver Max is the horse to beat. Lucky Chappy returns to turf after a dismal showing in the UAE Derby and Optimizer also returns to what is more then likely his perfered surface. I'm sticking with Max in this race with Summer Front (who would have been my pick) out.
All in all, a good day of racing. On the West Coast, Eden's Moon makes her turf debut and also at Colonial is the Virgina Oaks.
May 21, 2012
A Day at Delaware Park
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| You've heard of Railbirds, but have you heard of Gatebirds? Saw this guy before the feature and just had to get a picture of him for my sister who adores birds. |
The feature for the day was the Joseph French Memorial featuring last year's Oaklawn Handicap winner Win Willy. He also defeated Old Fashioned in the Rebel as a 3yo which gave the then undefeated colt his first loss. He would go onto race one more time, before being retired due to an injury. Willy ran awesome finishing a closing second to Not Abroad who I saw finish a good second back in 2010 in the Barbaro. This was his season debut. Malibu Glow who ran in last year's Travers finished third in the race.
Also running on Saturday where Morrow Code who finished 6th in the Instant Racing at Oaklawn. She won her race, maybe we see her on Belmont day in the Go For Wand? Sue's Sweet Sioux, half sister to last year's Obeah runner up Tiz Miz Sue also raced. She was third in her maiden to a Darley horse named Maria's Own.
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| Sue's Sweet Sioux before her race in the paddock. |
The runner up in the race was Steele Road who is by Street Cry (IRE) out of the great filly Ashado. All she did for Pletcher was win the Oaks, Coaching Club Oaks and Distaff the same year leading to 3yo Filly honors. The next year while she did win 3 G1 races, she really wasn't the same horse that she was at 3. Still, she had done more then enough to earn Older Female honors and was sold for then a world record to Darley as well.
Also in the race was 4th place finisher Horn Buckle, a son of Ghostzapper (who ironically defeated Ashado for Hall of Fame honors this year) out of Welcome Surprise. During her racing career, she won the Dogwood, but it's her pedigree that's more interesting. She is out of Weekend Surprise which makes her a 1/2 sister to none other then Summer Squall and A.P. Indy. Horn Buckle, is a 1/2 brother to Mr. Sekiguchi who cost $8,000,000 as a yearling but only could win 2 races in his career.
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| Edgewater in the paddock before the French. Finished 5th in the race. |
Not all of my pictures that I took are posted on today's post. Why? Because I ended up taking over 200 photos. Also there is not enough storage space to put them all up here. However, throughout the week I will be adding the photos to Facebook on the Furlong Drive page (the album should be public for those who don't have Facebook). You can find a link right here. So for now enjoy some of my other photos that I took. When will I get back to the track? Maybe in a few weeks if I don't go to the Belmont, maybe that weekend. However, more then likely Delaware Oaks and Delaware Handicap will be my next two times heading to the track.
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| Steele Road in the post parade |
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| Off in the French! |
May 12, 2012
Hey! It's Opening Day!
The 75th aniversary of Delaware Park, and the first Horseman's run meet at Monmouth Park both open today. Both meets will see a reduction of purses and in Delaware's case less days running. Unfortunately, both meets where hit with off season troubles. With Delaware it was the annual "we don't have a contract with the horsemen" deal, and Monmouth's lease with Morris Bailey fell through. Both where sorted out and two big summer races the Delaware Handicap, and the Haskell will run as planned.
Since Delaware Park is my home track, I thought I would give a little bit of an outlook on what I expect:
The jockey colony at Delaware will look very different this year without Gabriel Saez and Rosie Napravnik. Both have moved onto two different tracks, Gabe will be doing his riding at Churchill and Rosie will be doing her's at the Belmont/Saratoga. However, defending champ Joe Rocco Jr. (who is riding this weekend at Monmouth), Abel Castallano Jr. (the younger brother to Javiar) and Jeremy Rose are back.
Larry Jones will not be at Delaware this year (prob. due to the Oaklawn debacle). However, Tim Richey, Graham Motion, Jonathon Shepard, Michael Matz, Mac Robinson and Steve Hobby are all expected to have horses run during the meet. The Delaware Park blog has picked Jamie Ness as the early favorite for the training title.
As for the big races during year, there is a great chance that both Oaks winner Believe You Can and her jockey could return to their old stomping ground in the DE Oaks. The DelCap prob. won't be as epic this year with the retirements of Blind Luck and Havre de Grace, but I expect the likes of Royal Delta, Awesome Maria, the defending DE Oaks winner St. John's River and Juanita to take part in this year's edition.
I will keep everyone updated on the Delaware meet throughout the summer and most of the fall leading up to closing day which is BC Saturday, November 3rd.
Since Delaware Park is my home track, I thought I would give a little bit of an outlook on what I expect:
The jockey colony at Delaware will look very different this year without Gabriel Saez and Rosie Napravnik. Both have moved onto two different tracks, Gabe will be doing his riding at Churchill and Rosie will be doing her's at the Belmont/Saratoga. However, defending champ Joe Rocco Jr. (who is riding this weekend at Monmouth), Abel Castallano Jr. (the younger brother to Javiar) and Jeremy Rose are back.
Larry Jones will not be at Delaware this year (prob. due to the Oaklawn debacle). However, Tim Richey, Graham Motion, Jonathon Shepard, Michael Matz, Mac Robinson and Steve Hobby are all expected to have horses run during the meet. The Delaware Park blog has picked Jamie Ness as the early favorite for the training title.
As for the big races during year, there is a great chance that both Oaks winner Believe You Can and her jockey could return to their old stomping ground in the DE Oaks. The DelCap prob. won't be as epic this year with the retirements of Blind Luck and Havre de Grace, but I expect the likes of Royal Delta, Awesome Maria, the defending DE Oaks winner St. John's River and Juanita to take part in this year's edition.
I will keep everyone updated on the Delaware meet throughout the summer and most of the fall leading up to closing day which is BC Saturday, November 3rd.
February 9, 2012
End of the Line for Delaware?
The past several years, Delaware Park has been a hotspot for big time horses to come out of. From Afleet Alex and Barbaro to Havre de Grace, they have put the Stanton track on the map. However, with Parx (Philadelphia Park) not only having slots but getting a G1 as well, Delaware has struggled with their dates over the past few years. This upcoming season will be no exception, with the DTRC giving only 100 days of racing for the 2012 season. This is down 6 days from the 2011 sesason, and 16 days from 2010. Plus there is no contract currently with the Horseman's Association. The start of the season will be May 12 with for the third year in a row, the Delaware Oaks and Delaware Handicap will be held on two different weekends.
It's sad to see my home track struggling like this and with the way things are going right now. Unfortunately, the competition from PA and MD with both of those states now having slots has hurt Delaware. It's just very frustrating to see this happen and honestly, as a fan there is prob. little that I can personally do (other then bet which is something I'm not really interested in).
Even with the issues that are going on, I hope that the 2012 season is a good one. Hopefully we see another good Delaware Handicap, of course prob. nothing like last years with Grace and Blind Luck. Thorough, with all the talented fillies that are returning, it could turn out to be one of the deepest DelCaps in quite a while.
It's sad to see my home track struggling like this and with the way things are going right now. Unfortunately, the competition from PA and MD with both of those states now having slots has hurt Delaware. It's just very frustrating to see this happen and honestly, as a fan there is prob. little that I can personally do (other then bet which is something I'm not really interested in).
Even with the issues that are going on, I hope that the 2012 season is a good one. Hopefully we see another good Delaware Handicap, of course prob. nothing like last years with Grace and Blind Luck. Thorough, with all the talented fillies that are returning, it could turn out to be one of the deepest DelCaps in quite a while.
September 28, 2011
Super Saturday Preview (Part 1)
This will be Part 1 of a 3 part post that goes until Friday as the final preps for the Breeders' Cup begin. Super Saturday will be jammed pack with key stakes from New York, Indiana, PA, and California. Today's preview will be starting with the PA and DE stakes.
10th Race - Parx Racing - Saturday, October 1st, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $750,000. Cotillion S. (Grade 2). FOR FILLIES THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $200 each if made on or before Monday, July 4, 2011 or $750 if made on or before Monday, September 5, 2011, $1,500 to pass the entry box, $2,000 additional to start, with $750,000 guaranteed. The purse to be distributed: $7,500 to all starters with the balance of the purse to be divided: 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 11% to third, 6% to fourth, and 3% to fifth. Weight: 122 lbs. Winners of a grade I race at a mile or over in 2011 to carry 2 lbs. additional. Non-winners of a graded race at a mile or over in 2011 allowed 3 lbs. of $60,000 at a mile or over in 2011, 5 lbs.; of three races at a mile or over other than maiden or claiming in 2011, 8 lbs. This race will not be divided. A field of 14 horses will be drawn with the preference given to Graded/Group stakes winners in order (I-II-III), stakes winners, then highest career earnings. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Early nominations closed Monday, July 4, 2011with 29. Late nominations closed Monday, September 5, 2011 with 7. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. (04:58 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Daring Reality 3 F L 114 Castillo Oliver Lynch Cathal A.
2 Halo Dolly 3 F L 119 Baze Russell A. Hollendorfer Jerry
3 Plum Pretty 3 F L 124 Bejarano Rafael Baffert Bob
4 It's Tricky 3 F L 124 Castro Eddie McLaughlin Kiaran P.
5 Love And Pride 3 F L 114 Bravo Joe Pletcher Todd A.
6 Buster's Ready 3 F L 124 Cohen David Pletcher Todd A.
The past few years race has attrached the top 3yos in the National, with the exception of the no-shows of Royal Delta and Zazu, you've otherwise did get those fillies. 3 G1 winners (Plum Pretty, It's Tricky and Buster's Ready), Halo Dolly who comes from the same trainer as Blind Luck and a local in Daring Reality. The headliners are Plum Pretty and It's Tricky, both are coming out of the Alabama where It's Tricky ran her heart out to lose to Royal Delta. A mile and a sixteenth might be what Plum Pretty ordered to get back to the winners circle for the first time since her KY Oaks win. I'm going with Buster's Ready in here. Sure she hasn't beaten the likes of It's Tricky and Plum Pretty, but she is from the female family of last year's winning sire. Her jockey has ridden well at Philadelphia/Parx before, and should do well here. It's Tricky for second and Plum Pretty for third.
9th Race - Parx Racing - Saturday, October 1st, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $100,000. PA Horse Breeders Distaff S. FOR REGISTERED PENNSYLVANIA BRED FILLIES AND MARES, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. By subscription of $200 each which should accopany the nomination, $300 to pass the entry box, $500 additional to start, with $100,000 guaranteed. The winner to receive $60,000 with $20,000 to second, $11,000 to third, $6,000 to fourth and $3,000 to fifth. In addition to the purse, $500 will be paid to the horses finishing sixth through last. Weights: Three Year Olds, 119 lbs.; Older 122 lbs. Winners of a sweepstakes in 2011 to carry 2 lbs. additional. Non-winners of $30,000 twice since July 1 allowed 3 lbs.; of $30,000 once since then, 5 lbs. (Maiden, claiming and starter races not considered). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. (Preference to horses with the highest win earnings in 2009-2011). Nominations closed Saturday, September 17, 2011 with 9. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. (04:13 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Coco's Sweetie 3 F L 114 Hampshire, Jr. Josiah Francis Coletti, Jr. Edward J.
2 Single Scoop 5 M L 117 Baker Christopher John Miller Craig S.
3 Queen's Rule 3 F L 114 Bracho Jesus A. Bracho Sherene
4 Seychelles 5 M L 124 Molina Victor H. Le Vine Carol Lynn
5 Holladay Dixie 6 M L 117 Montanez Rosario Calderon Luis
6 Outlaw Dancer 4 F L 124 Cora David Houghton T. Bernard
7 Diva's Gold 5 M L 117 Flores Jose Luis Reid, Jr. Robert E.
8 Ann's Smart Dancer 3 F L 121 Pennington Frankie Reid, Jr. Robert E.
None of these horses are BC bound, however I wanted to preview this race for one filly. Ann's Smart Dancer (by Dances with Ravens out of Bennington) has lost only once her career. This is her first try past six furlongs, so she'll be up against it and her post is not the greatest. She's co-bred/co-owned by Craig Donnelly whose the former Philadelphia Inquirer handicapper. Go Ann!
8th Race - Delaware Park - Saturday, October 1st, 2011
STAKES. 1 Mile 70Y Dirt. Purse $75,000. Blue Hen S. FOR FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. By subscription of $75 each which shall accompany the nomination; $275 to enter and $500 to start. $75,000 Guaranteed, of which $45,000 to the winner, $15,000 to second, $8,2,50 to third, $4,500 to fourth and $2,250 to fifth.Weight 121 lbs. Non-Winners of a stake at a mile or over allowed 2 lbs., a race other than maiden or claiming at a mile or over, 4 lbs, non winners of a race since August 1, 6 lbs, maidens, 8 lbs. Trophy to the winning owner. Stake closed with 19 nominations on Tuesday, September 20, 2011.er. (04:24 PM) (7)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Glinda The Good 2 F LA 117 Luzzi Michael J. Asmussen Steven M.
2 Believe You Can 2 F LA 117 Saez Gabriel Jones J. Larry
3 Always Here Too 2 F L 115 Santiago Javier Amoss Thomas M.
4 Take It Inside 2 F LA 117 Gonzalez Santiago Gorham Michael E.
5 Filare L'oro 2 F LA 117 Caraballo Jose C. Robb John J.
6 Grace Hall 2 F L 117 Rocco, Jr. Joseph Dutrow Anthony W.
7 Doe 2 F LA 117 Delgado Alberto Kobiskie Dane
While this race doesn't have the history of the Fritzette, some pretty good fillies came out of this race. Including 3yo Champion Filly Xtra Heat, Gio Ponti's little sister Bon Jovi Girl and G3 placed Ms Vanenzza. Grace Hall is the most accomplished filly in this race winning the Spinaway at Saratoga last time out. That makes it even more interesting that she is preping here and not at Belmont, but I guess Tony wanted a two turn race to get her ready for the BC. While she should win here easily, keep an eye on the two Hard Spun fillies. Glinda the Good hails from the same female family as Papa Clem, and her sister Take the Ribbon was a G1 placed filly. Filare l' Oro was fourth to Grace Hall in her debut, and finally won last time out going a route of ground. The longer the races get, the better she should get.
Tomorrow's preview will be Indiana!
10th Race - Parx Racing - Saturday, October 1st, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $750,000. Cotillion S. (Grade 2). FOR FILLIES THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $200 each if made on or before Monday, July 4, 2011 or $750 if made on or before Monday, September 5, 2011, $1,500 to pass the entry box, $2,000 additional to start, with $750,000 guaranteed. The purse to be distributed: $7,500 to all starters with the balance of the purse to be divided: 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 11% to third, 6% to fourth, and 3% to fifth. Weight: 122 lbs. Winners of a grade I race at a mile or over in 2011 to carry 2 lbs. additional. Non-winners of a graded race at a mile or over in 2011 allowed 3 lbs. of $60,000 at a mile or over in 2011, 5 lbs.; of three races at a mile or over other than maiden or claiming in 2011, 8 lbs. This race will not be divided. A field of 14 horses will be drawn with the preference given to Graded/Group stakes winners in order (I-II-III), stakes winners, then highest career earnings. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Early nominations closed Monday, July 4, 2011with 29. Late nominations closed Monday, September 5, 2011 with 7. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. (04:58 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Daring Reality 3 F L 114 Castillo Oliver Lynch Cathal A.
2 Halo Dolly 3 F L 119 Baze Russell A. Hollendorfer Jerry
3 Plum Pretty 3 F L 124 Bejarano Rafael Baffert Bob
4 It's Tricky 3 F L 124 Castro Eddie McLaughlin Kiaran P.
5 Love And Pride 3 F L 114 Bravo Joe Pletcher Todd A.
6 Buster's Ready 3 F L 124 Cohen David Pletcher Todd A.
The past few years race has attrached the top 3yos in the National, with the exception of the no-shows of Royal Delta and Zazu, you've otherwise did get those fillies. 3 G1 winners (Plum Pretty, It's Tricky and Buster's Ready), Halo Dolly who comes from the same trainer as Blind Luck and a local in Daring Reality. The headliners are Plum Pretty and It's Tricky, both are coming out of the Alabama where It's Tricky ran her heart out to lose to Royal Delta. A mile and a sixteenth might be what Plum Pretty ordered to get back to the winners circle for the first time since her KY Oaks win. I'm going with Buster's Ready in here. Sure she hasn't beaten the likes of It's Tricky and Plum Pretty, but she is from the female family of last year's winning sire. Her jockey has ridden well at Philadelphia/Parx before, and should do well here. It's Tricky for second and Plum Pretty for third.
9th Race - Parx Racing - Saturday, October 1st, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $100,000. PA Horse Breeders Distaff S. FOR REGISTERED PENNSYLVANIA BRED FILLIES AND MARES, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. By subscription of $200 each which should accopany the nomination, $300 to pass the entry box, $500 additional to start, with $100,000 guaranteed. The winner to receive $60,000 with $20,000 to second, $11,000 to third, $6,000 to fourth and $3,000 to fifth. In addition to the purse, $500 will be paid to the horses finishing sixth through last. Weights: Three Year Olds, 119 lbs.; Older 122 lbs. Winners of a sweepstakes in 2011 to carry 2 lbs. additional. Non-winners of $30,000 twice since July 1 allowed 3 lbs.; of $30,000 once since then, 5 lbs. (Maiden, claiming and starter races not considered). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. (Preference to horses with the highest win earnings in 2009-2011). Nominations closed Saturday, September 17, 2011 with 9. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. (04:13 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Coco's Sweetie 3 F L 114 Hampshire, Jr. Josiah Francis Coletti, Jr. Edward J.
2 Single Scoop 5 M L 117 Baker Christopher John Miller Craig S.
3 Queen's Rule 3 F L 114 Bracho Jesus A. Bracho Sherene
4 Seychelles 5 M L 124 Molina Victor H. Le Vine Carol Lynn
5 Holladay Dixie 6 M L 117 Montanez Rosario Calderon Luis
6 Outlaw Dancer 4 F L 124 Cora David Houghton T. Bernard
7 Diva's Gold 5 M L 117 Flores Jose Luis Reid, Jr. Robert E.
8 Ann's Smart Dancer 3 F L 121 Pennington Frankie Reid, Jr. Robert E.
None of these horses are BC bound, however I wanted to preview this race for one filly. Ann's Smart Dancer (by Dances with Ravens out of Bennington) has lost only once her career. This is her first try past six furlongs, so she'll be up against it and her post is not the greatest. She's co-bred/co-owned by Craig Donnelly whose the former Philadelphia Inquirer handicapper. Go Ann!
8th Race - Delaware Park - Saturday, October 1st, 2011
STAKES. 1 Mile 70Y Dirt. Purse $75,000. Blue Hen S. FOR FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. By subscription of $75 each which shall accompany the nomination; $275 to enter and $500 to start. $75,000 Guaranteed, of which $45,000 to the winner, $15,000 to second, $8,2,50 to third, $4,500 to fourth and $2,250 to fifth.Weight 121 lbs. Non-Winners of a stake at a mile or over allowed 2 lbs., a race other than maiden or claiming at a mile or over, 4 lbs, non winners of a race since August 1, 6 lbs, maidens, 8 lbs. Trophy to the winning owner. Stake closed with 19 nominations on Tuesday, September 20, 2011.er. (04:24 PM) (7)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Glinda The Good 2 F LA 117 Luzzi Michael J. Asmussen Steven M.
2 Believe You Can 2 F LA 117 Saez Gabriel Jones J. Larry
3 Always Here Too 2 F L 115 Santiago Javier Amoss Thomas M.
4 Take It Inside 2 F LA 117 Gonzalez Santiago Gorham Michael E.
5 Filare L'oro 2 F LA 117 Caraballo Jose C. Robb John J.
6 Grace Hall 2 F L 117 Rocco, Jr. Joseph Dutrow Anthony W.
7 Doe 2 F LA 117 Delgado Alberto Kobiskie Dane
While this race doesn't have the history of the Fritzette, some pretty good fillies came out of this race. Including 3yo Champion Filly Xtra Heat, Gio Ponti's little sister Bon Jovi Girl and G3 placed Ms Vanenzza. Grace Hall is the most accomplished filly in this race winning the Spinaway at Saratoga last time out. That makes it even more interesting that she is preping here and not at Belmont, but I guess Tony wanted a two turn race to get her ready for the BC. While she should win here easily, keep an eye on the two Hard Spun fillies. Glinda the Good hails from the same female family as Papa Clem, and her sister Take the Ribbon was a G1 placed filly. Filare l' Oro was fourth to Grace Hall in her debut, and finally won last time out going a route of ground. The longer the races get, the better she should get.
Tomorrow's preview will be Indiana!
July 18, 2011
Delaware Handicap Photo Diary (Undercard Part 1)
The following pictures are some of the undercard races I saw on Saturday. I got there just before the Sussex was about the head into the gate, so I don't have any of the post parade. Part 2 of the Undercard will be tomorrow and then the DelCap photos will be on Weds. This was the first time that I used my Rebel at the track, so not all the pictures came out to be perfect.
Mr. Ryder (Giant's Causeway) and Bim Bam (Deputy Wild Cat) battle it out in the Sussex. Mr. Ryder was coming off a win in an allowance race, Bim Bam off a runner up finish in the Manhattan.
Mr. Ryder wins in a photo! He actually became his dam Saudia's second stakes winner in a week. Last week, the Gone West mare's 2yo Red Duke (Hard Spun) won a Group 2 at Newmarket. Not bad for a mare who had won once in her life. Ironicly, Mr. Ryder's owner happends to be co-breeder of his little brother's sire.
Paddock before the Carpenter Memorial. This was the only race that I went down to possibly what is the most beautiful paddock in the US.
Outriders and their ponies in the paddock waiting to head to the track for the race.
The reason why there only a few photos is I didn't want to post to be too image heavy. Also I shot all of these Photos in RAW (which is simlar to a film negative), so it takes a little time to processes them all. However, more photos are coming!
Mr. Ryder (Giant's Causeway) and Bim Bam (Deputy Wild Cat) battle it out in the Sussex. Mr. Ryder was coming off a win in an allowance race, Bim Bam off a runner up finish in the Manhattan.
Mr. Ryder wins in a photo! He actually became his dam Saudia's second stakes winner in a week. Last week, the Gone West mare's 2yo Red Duke (Hard Spun) won a Group 2 at Newmarket. Not bad for a mare who had won once in her life. Ironicly, Mr. Ryder's owner happends to be co-breeder of his little brother's sire.
Paddock before the Carpenter Memorial. This was the only race that I went down to possibly what is the most beautiful paddock in the US.
Outriders and their ponies in the paddock waiting to head to the track for the race.
The reason why there only a few photos is I didn't want to post to be too image heavy. Also I shot all of these Photos in RAW (which is simlar to a film negative), so it takes a little time to processes them all. However, more photos are coming!
July 15, 2011
Round Six
After all the hype, tomorrow is the big day. It will be the Showdown in Stanton (where Delaware Park is located), Rumble in the DelCap, the West vs East. Lets meet the field for the 2011 Delaware Handicap!
Delaware Park - July 16, 2011
Race 10 - 5:18 PM
Delaware H. (Grade II)
Purse $750,000. For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward. . One And One Fourth Miles.
PP Horse Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 Life At Ten (KY) D Cohen 115 T A Pletcher
2 Thundering Emilia (KY) J Pimentel 111 M R Matz
3 Havre de Grace (KY) R A Dominguez 124 J L Jones
4 Love's Blush (MD) T L Dunkelberger 112 R Jenkins
5 Blind Luck (KY) G K Gomez 122 J Hollendorfer
First off the bat, Thundering Emilia is more then likely the better of the two longshots in this race. Love's Brush IMO will be the backmarker after BL makes her move in the stretch. So now that is out of the way, the question will be will the real Life at Ten show up, or is she done? Since her BC fiesco, she really has not been the same horse. The weather tomorrow is supposed to be good, so that might help her. The other thing that will help is that she is basically going to be the lone speed and she's won at this distance and track before. The problem is so has Blind Luck. She's finally rounding back into form with a win in the Vanity for her 6th Grade 1 of her career. She gets Garrett Gomez on her who has ridden her before and won this race back in 2008 with Hystericalady. Which leads us to the hometown favorite Havre de Grace. Not only is she coming off a win in the Obeah, the record for that race is pretty good. 3 out of the past 4 years, the winner of the Obeah has gone on to finish in the top 3 for the DelCap (only Peak's Maria Way did not finishing fourth, but runner-up Unbridled Belle won the race). She has a former leading rider at Delaware in Ramon Dominguez on her back, he who also has won this race in 2007 with Unbridled Belle.
So who is my pick? I gotta with my heart and go with Saint Liam's best foal and Pollard's Vision's best foal neck and neck for the wire. I'm going with Havre de Grace for the win, Blind Luck for second and Life at Ten showing her class to finish third.
I'm really excited to see Grace and BL as I have not seen them before. I will be having pictures (paddock possible, but since DelCap day is always busy, but def. track level for DelCap)!
Delaware Park - July 16, 2011
Race 10 - 5:18 PM
Delaware H. (Grade II)
Purse $750,000. For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward. . One And One Fourth Miles.
PP Horse Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 Life At Ten (KY) D Cohen 115 T A Pletcher
2 Thundering Emilia (KY) J Pimentel 111 M R Matz
3 Havre de Grace (KY) R A Dominguez 124 J L Jones
4 Love's Blush (MD) T L Dunkelberger 112 R Jenkins
5 Blind Luck (KY) G K Gomez 122 J Hollendorfer
First off the bat, Thundering Emilia is more then likely the better of the two longshots in this race. Love's Brush IMO will be the backmarker after BL makes her move in the stretch. So now that is out of the way, the question will be will the real Life at Ten show up, or is she done? Since her BC fiesco, she really has not been the same horse. The weather tomorrow is supposed to be good, so that might help her. The other thing that will help is that she is basically going to be the lone speed and she's won at this distance and track before. The problem is so has Blind Luck. She's finally rounding back into form with a win in the Vanity for her 6th Grade 1 of her career. She gets Garrett Gomez on her who has ridden her before and won this race back in 2008 with Hystericalady. Which leads us to the hometown favorite Havre de Grace. Not only is she coming off a win in the Obeah, the record for that race is pretty good. 3 out of the past 4 years, the winner of the Obeah has gone on to finish in the top 3 for the DelCap (only Peak's Maria Way did not finishing fourth, but runner-up Unbridled Belle won the race). She has a former leading rider at Delaware in Ramon Dominguez on her back, he who also has won this race in 2007 with Unbridled Belle.
So who is my pick? I gotta with my heart and go with Saint Liam's best foal and Pollard's Vision's best foal neck and neck for the wire. I'm going with Havre de Grace for the win, Blind Luck for second and Life at Ten showing her class to finish third.
I'm really excited to see Grace and BL as I have not seen them before. I will be having pictures (paddock possible, but since DelCap day is always busy, but def. track level for DelCap)!
July 8, 2011
Hollywood Wars
The last G1 at Belmont until the Fall, plus Hollywood's big summer race and the second biggest race at Delaware are all on Saturday! Lets take a look at the fields:
I gotta go with St. John's River in here. She is the class of the field and even with a last minute jockey change, it shouldn't be a problem. Dance Quietly for second and All for Thee for third.
Last, but not least!
Race 8 - 4:37 PM
STAKES
Hollywood Gold Cup H. (Grade I)
Purse $500,000. For Three Year Olds And Upward. One And One Fourth Miles. (All Weather Track)
PP Horse Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 Twirling Candy (KY) J Rosario 122 J W Sadler
2 Miss Match (ARG) J Talamo 110 N D Drysdale
3 Setsuko (KY) V Espinoza 115 R E Mandella
4 Game On Dude (KY) C Sutherland 118 B Baffert
5 Awesome Gem (KY) D R Flores 116 C Dollase
6 Soul Candy (CA) G K Gomez 114 P Gallagher
7 First Dude (FL) M Garcia 116 B Baffert
8 Dark Cove (KY) R Bejarano115 K G McPeek
For the second time in three years, a filly is taking on the boys in this race. Life is Sweet was third in this race in 09, but that was really in an effort to avoid her much more accomplished stablemate Zenyatta. LIS did go onto the Ladies Classic however that year. Several jockeys are reunited, the big ones being Sutherland with Game on Dude and Flores with Awesome Gem. The Gemster is coming off a good second in the Cornhusker, and reunites with his man David in attempt to defend their HGC title. Game on Dude gets his leading lady Chantal back after being riden by David in the Charles Town Classic and Martin Garcia in the Lone Star Handicap. Twirling Candy and Setsuko renew their rivalry in this race after finishing 1-2 in the Californian. Dark Cove is a bit of an unknown in this race, he was third on the grass at Colonial and his sire's foals are probley better on the dirt. Soul Candy (who dispite his name is not by Candy Ride), is coming off a fourth behind Twirling Candy and Setsuko. Miss Match is the filly in this race. She's not really at an advantage in this race, because her lone start at this distance in the US was a second to last place finish in the Delaware Handicap last year. However, she seems to have found a home on the synthetic and is coming off a 3rd place finish to Blind Luck. Last, but not least Todd Pa... I mean First Dude. Finally is on a little bit of a win streak and is coming off a win in the Alysheba which he won by a nose.
So who wins this year's HGC. I gotta go with Awesome Gem, Setsuko for second and Miss Match for third. I'm just not entirely convinced that Twirling Candy can go this far, First Dude and Game on Dude liking synthetic is an unknown, and IMO Soul Candy and Dark Cove are a bit overmatched in this race.
There are several other stakes races going on this weekend like the Affirmed (which features Coil, but there is just something about Runflatout that intruges me), the Summitt of Speed (go May Day Rose! No Big Drama :(), are also tomorrow.
More importantly though, I hope that all horses have safe trips and come home sound!
Delaware Park - July 9, 2011  Race 9 - 4:51 PM Daily Double (Races 9-10) / Exacta / Trifecta (50-cent min.) Superfecta (10-cent min.) / Pick 3 (Races 9-10-11, 50-cent min.)
Purse $300,000. For Fillies Three Years Old. By subscription of $200 each, which shall accompany the nomination, $1,000 to enter and $1,500 to start. $300,000 Guaranteed, of which $180,000 to the winner, $60,000 to second, $33,000 to third, $18,000 to fourth and $9,000 to fifth. Weight 122 Lbs. Non-Winners of $90,000 at a mile or over in 2011 allowed 2 Lbs., $60,000 at a mile or over in 2011, 4 Lbs., $45,000 at a mile or over in 2011, 6 Lbs. (Maiden, claiming and starter races not considered in estimating allowances). Horses that finished first, second or third in the Go For Wand Stakes automatically earned a free nomination to the Delaware Oaks. Trophy to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed with 33 nominations on June 25, 2011. One And One Sixteenth Miles. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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I gotta go with St. John's River in here. She is the class of the field and even with a last minute jockey change, it shouldn't be a problem. Dance Quietly for second and All for Thee for third.
Belmont Park - July 9, 2011 Race 9 - 5:17 PM Exacta, Trifecta, Super (.10), Daily Double Wagers
Purse $600,000. For Three Year Olds And Upward. One And Three Eighth Miles. (Inner turf) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This race is a bit of a crossroads for Gio Ponti. I think he has to win this race in order to stay in training. His last two starts where very poor (however, the Dubai race was mainly rider error). Bearpath was beaten at the wire by Keertana in his last race the Louisville Handicap. Nownownow is a Breeders' Cup winner, but he has only won once since that race and that was on a synthetic surface (he's cross entered into a stakes at Monmouth). Al Khali is trying to give his sire his second US male G1 winner, but can be a bit inconsistant. Mission Approved is a former claimer who gave Gio a scare in this race last year, he came back this year to turn the tables on the three time Eclipse winner in the Manhattan. Boisterous could be a bit of a dark horse in this race as he won his past two races. Cape Blanco is making his US debut, and is coming off a 6th place finish at Royal Ascot. So who am I going with? If he gets his way again, Mission Approved is going to be heard to run down. Boisterous to finish second and Gio Ponti or Cape Blanco for third. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last, but not least!
Race 8 - 4:37 PM
STAKES
Hollywood Gold Cup H. (Grade I)
Purse $500,000. For Three Year Olds And Upward. One And One Fourth Miles. (All Weather Track)
PP Horse Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 Twirling Candy (KY) J Rosario 122 J W Sadler
2 Miss Match (ARG) J Talamo 110 N D Drysdale
3 Setsuko (KY) V Espinoza 115 R E Mandella
4 Game On Dude (KY) C Sutherland 118 B Baffert
5 Awesome Gem (KY) D R Flores 116 C Dollase
6 Soul Candy (CA) G K Gomez 114 P Gallagher
7 First Dude (FL) M Garcia 116 B Baffert
8 Dark Cove (KY) R Bejarano115 K G McPeek
For the second time in three years, a filly is taking on the boys in this race. Life is Sweet was third in this race in 09, but that was really in an effort to avoid her much more accomplished stablemate Zenyatta. LIS did go onto the Ladies Classic however that year. Several jockeys are reunited, the big ones being Sutherland with Game on Dude and Flores with Awesome Gem. The Gemster is coming off a good second in the Cornhusker, and reunites with his man David in attempt to defend their HGC title. Game on Dude gets his leading lady Chantal back after being riden by David in the Charles Town Classic and Martin Garcia in the Lone Star Handicap. Twirling Candy and Setsuko renew their rivalry in this race after finishing 1-2 in the Californian. Dark Cove is a bit of an unknown in this race, he was third on the grass at Colonial and his sire's foals are probley better on the dirt. Soul Candy (who dispite his name is not by Candy Ride), is coming off a fourth behind Twirling Candy and Setsuko. Miss Match is the filly in this race. She's not really at an advantage in this race, because her lone start at this distance in the US was a second to last place finish in the Delaware Handicap last year. However, she seems to have found a home on the synthetic and is coming off a 3rd place finish to Blind Luck. Last, but not least Todd Pa... I mean First Dude. Finally is on a little bit of a win streak and is coming off a win in the Alysheba which he won by a nose.
So who wins this year's HGC. I gotta go with Awesome Gem, Setsuko for second and Miss Match for third. I'm just not entirely convinced that Twirling Candy can go this far, First Dude and Game on Dude liking synthetic is an unknown, and IMO Soul Candy and Dark Cove are a bit overmatched in this race.
There are several other stakes races going on this weekend like the Affirmed (which features Coil, but there is just something about Runflatout that intruges me), the Summitt of Speed (go May Day Rose! No Big Drama :(), are also tomorrow.
More importantly though, I hope that all horses have safe trips and come home sound!
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