This week's races where only going to be from Gulfstream and the Fair Grounds. However, due to my screwing up a little bit in the first episode of Furlongs and Horses yesterday, I have a bonus race from Oaklawn.
This weeks previews will be the Sunshine Millions Classic (even though it's reallly a 1 horse race), Lecomte and Silverbulletday as well as the Smarty Jones! Lets take a look at the fields.
Gulfstream Park - Saturday, January 18, 2014
Race 10 - 5:03 PM $1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta
STAKES
Florida Sunshine Millions Classic S.
Purse $400,000. For Four Year Olds And Upward Registered Florida Breds With The Ftboa. $2,000 to pass the entry box and $2.000 additional to start, with $400,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $240,000 $80,000 to second, $40,000 to third, $20,000 to fourth, $12,000 to fifth and $8,000 to sixth. Weight: 123 lbs: Non-winners of a Grade I over a mile since September 1, allowed 2 Lbs.; A graded stakes at a mile or over since July 1, 4 lbs; $60,000 at a mile or over since August 1, 6 lbs; Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Closed Saturday, January 4, 2014 with 24 Nominations. Trophy to the winning owner. One And One Eighth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Decaf Again (FL) 8/G L C Olivero 117 B R Rose 20/1
2 2 Joshua's Comprise (FL) 4/C L F Z Maysonett 117 B R Rose 30/1
3 3 Rule Number Six (FL) 5/H L M Rispoli 117 R Gaffney 12/1
4 4 Mucho Macho Man (FL) 6/H L G L Stevens 123 K Ritvo 2/5
5 5 Bernie the Maestro (FL) 7/G L J Rosario 117 M J Maker 4/1
6 6 Gourmet Dinner (FL) 6/H L J Castellano 117 R Triola 6/1
Decaf Again (Wised Up): At 8 he is still rolling along. 5th in last year's edition of this race, he finished 5th in the Gulfstream Park Handicap last year but would have more then likely 6th had Fort Larned had not lost his rider that day. Has finished off the board in his last two starts.
Joshua's Comprise (Comprise): Stablemate to Decaf Again, his current form has included 2 up track finishes and a fourth. He ran well in the Holy Bull last year, but even though this is restricted race some of these horses (with the exception of the favorite of course) are pretty decent.
Rule Number Six (Repent): Won an open stakes race at Calder in May, but hasn't won since. In matter of fact, hasn't even been in the top three since that race in May.
Mucho Macho Man (Macho Uno): What can you say? Awesome Again winner, Breeders' Cup Classic winner, he looms over this field. Sure many think that he should be in the Donn instead, but the past two seasons he has started his year in this race and ended with a top 3 finish at the BC. If it rains, he will scratch because last year was a disaster after being eased and having to play catch up the rest of the year.
Bernie the Maestro (Bernstein): 6th at Gulfstream in his last, but he did win at Indiana Downs in a stakes race before that. Although he is the second choice in the race, I'm not sure he has enough talent to really stay with my top two choices.
Gourmet Dinner (Trippi): Together again he and MMM. They where 1-2 in their very first race which GD won. In their last meeting in 2012 though MMM to GD's last place finish in the Woodward. He is the only other graded stakes winner in this field and hasn't won a stakes race since 2012. However, he won in October and has finished third in his last two races including his last at Laurel where the winner is a specialist on that surface.
Win: Mucho Macho Man
Place: Gourmet Dinner
Show: Rule Number Six
The next three races are all for three year olds as we really start get started with Derby and Oaks preps.
Fair Grounds - Saturday, January 18, 2014
Race 7 - 3:25 PM Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9) / Daily Double
STAKES
Silverbulletday S.
Purse $125,000. For Fillies Three Years Old. By subscription of $125 by Saturday, January 4. $600 to enter; $625 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $3,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $125,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner; 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% to fifth and 1% to sixth through ninth. Weight: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000, allowed 2 lbs, $25,000, allowed 4 lbs, $20,000, allowed 6 Lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. The Silverbulletday Stakes will be limited to fourteen (14) starters. Preference will be given to horses with the highest lifetime earnings at the time of passing the entry box. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, January 4, 2014, with 12 nominations. One Mile And Seventy Yards.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Express Model (IN) 3/F L R E Eramia 122 B S Flint 12/1
2 2 Unbridled Forever (KY) 3/F L R Albarado 116 D Stewart 7/5
3 3 Army (KY) 3/F L A Reznikov 116 P Vashchenko 20/1
4 4 Istanford (FL) 3/F L J Graham 120 M Stidham 3/1
5 5 Awesome Jill (KY) 3/F L S Bridgmohan 116 M Lovell 15/1
6 6 Divine Beauty (KY) 3/F L R Napravnik 120 J L Jones 8/5
Express Model (Unbridled Express): Stakes winner against Indiana breds, she was second in her local debut which was an off the turf race. Was scratched from the Allowance race last week that was featured to go here instead.
Unbridled Forever (Unbridled's Song): This is her stakes debut. Broke maiden at Churchill in her last, her dam shocked everyone by winning the KY Oaks in 2006 by winning by the highest odds ever in the race.
Army (Corinthian): Takes a major step up in class as she'll be taking on stakes company for the first time.
Istanford (Istan): Makes dirt debut, defeated Awesome Jill in her last. 5th in the Arlington-Washington Lassie at Arlington last fall. Has a shot.
Awesome Jill (Pioneerof the Nile): Stakes debut, was scratched out of the stakes race that featured on last week's RWP.
Devine Beauty (Divine Park): 2 for 2 in her career including a stakes in her last. However she stretches out.
Win: Unbridled Forever
Place: Instanford
Show: Devine Beauty
Fair Grounds - Saturday, January 18, 2014
Race 9 - 4:23 PM Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta / Daily Double $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 9-11) / $0.50 Pick 4 (Races 9-12)
STAKES
LeComte S. (Grade III)
Purse $200,000. For Three Year Olds. By subscription of $200 by Saturday, January 4. (Louisiana Derby early bird nominees automatically subscribed); $1,000 to enter; $1,000 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $5,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $200,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% to fifth and 1% to sixth through ninth. Weight: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000 allowed 2 Lbs.; $25,000, allowed 4 Lbs.; $20,000, allowed 6 Lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. The Lecomte Stakes will be limited to fourteen (14) starters. Preference to horses with the highest lifetime earnings at the time of passing entry box. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, January 4, 2014, with 82 nominations. One Mile And Seventy Yards.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Roman Unbridled (KY) 3/C L K J Smith 122 C Cook 8/1
2 2 Rainbow Trip (KY) 3/G L C Landeros 116 D Pish 12/1
3 3 Got Shades (KY) 3/C R Albarado 122 D Pish 8/1
4 4 Gold Hawk (KY) 3/C L S Bridgmohan 118 S M Asmussen 3/1
5 5 Smarty's Echo (KY) 3/C L J Graham 116 A P Smith 8/1
6 6 Albano (KY) 3/C L K D Clark 120 J L Jones 7/2
7 7 Vicar's in Trouble (LA) 3/C L R Napravnik 116 M J Maker 9/2
8 8 Silent Ruler (KY) 3/C L M Guidry 116 J K Desormeaux 15/1
9 9 Plug Catcher (KY) 3/C L M Mena 116 W B Calhoun 6/1
Roman Unbridled (Roman Ruler): 4th in the Delta Jackpot, and won a stakes at the same track in his last. We'll have to see if he can bring his form to a larger track.
Rainbow Trip (Sightseeing): 3rd in a stakes at Retama in two back and won his last. However, both of those races where on grass and that is where he has run the best in the past. However, he does have a 3rd place finish on dirt.
Got Shades (Pollard's Vision): Ran pretty well in the BC Juvy Turf 5th. 2 time stakes winner at Louisiana Downs, this is his dirt debut.
Gold Hawk (Empire Maker): 2 for 2, this is his stakes debut. Trainer knows how to handle good 3 year olds.
Smarty's Echo (Smarty Jones): 10th in his dirt debut in the BC Juvy, but one of the horses he finished behind has come back to win. 2nd in the Breeders' Futurity before the BC.
Albano (Istan): Won the Sugar Bowl in last, and is stretching out. Trainer won this race in 2007 with a horse who would finish second in the Derby and Classic. 1/2 brother to Mark Valeski ran well in the FG preps in 2012.
Vicar's in Trouble (Into Mischief): Broke maiden against state company in last, 3rd in other start against open company at Keeneland.
Silent Ruler (Roman Ruler): Has yet to break maiden.
Plug Catcher (Roman Ruler): 3rd to Gold Hawk in his last, uptrack before that.
Win: Got Shades
Place: Gold Hawk
Show: Smarty's Echo
Oaklawn Park - Monday, January 20, 2014Race 8 - 4:38 PM First Half Late Daily Double / Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10 Cent Superfecta
STAKES
Smarty Jones S.
Purse $150,000. Three Year Olds. No nomination fee. $750 to pass the entry box and $1000 additional to start, Supplementary nominations may be made by the closing time of entries at a fee of $2,500 which qulifies to starts. $150,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the Ownerof the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% to be divided equally between remaining starters. Weights: 122Lbs. Non-winners of $40,000 twice allowed 3 Lbs.; $40,000 once 5 Lbs.; $25,000 once 7 Lbs. (Maiden and Claiming races not considered.) In Allowance Stakes starting preference will be given to horses that have accumulated the highest earnings. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. The Owner of the winner to receive a trophy. Closed Saturday, January 11, 2014 with 25 nominees. One Mile.
PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 D'cajun Cat (FL) 3/C L R Santana, Jr. 115 S M Asmussen
2 Whyruawesome (KY) 3/G L E Martin, Jr. 115 A P Smith
3 Fire Starter (KY) 3/C L R Albarado 115 S Hobby
4 Son of a Preacher (FL) 3/C L M C Berry 115 W B Calhoun
5 A Step Ahead (IL) 3/C L F C Torres 115 B Williamson
6 Walt (KY) 3/C L K S Tohill 115 C A Hartman
7 Denali Rahy Ruler (KY) 3/C L A Birzer 115 T E Martin
8 Tanzanite Cat (FL) 3/C L N Arroyo, Jr. 115 C Autrey
9 Unstoppable Colby (KY) 3/C L J K Court 115 D W Lukas
10 Coastline (KY) 3/C L S Bridgmohan 117 M E Casse
D'cajun Cat (D'wildcat): 3rd in the Sugar Bowl and 5th in the Bashford Manor before that.
Whyruawesome (Whywhywhy): 5th in the Delta Jackpot in his last. Roman Unbridled who is going in the Lecomte finished right in front of him.
Fire Starter (Tapit): Broke maiden in his last start, before that was a DNF. His maiden win was at the distance of the Smarty.
Son of a Preacher (Pulpit): 2nd to Gold Hawk in his last. Defeated Albano in his career debut and this is his stakes debut.
A Step Ahead (Giant's Causeway): 2nd against IL breds in his last. Full brother Giant Oak is a 2 time G1 winner.
Walt (Run Away and Hide): 4th in the Springboard Mile when taken out of his game of going to the lead. Won his two starts before that.
Denali Rahy Ruler (Roman Ruler): 10th in the Springboard Mile. 1st or 2nd in his previous starts, but has never run outside of Remington.
Tanzanite Cat (Graeme Hall): Two starts with a win and a third. This is his stakes debut.
Unstoppable Colby (Pulpit): Hasn't broken maiden yet. 2nd in his last to Gold Hawk.
Coastline (Speightstown): 8th in the Delta Jackpot. Won a stakes at Churchill before that though.
Win: Son of a Preacher
Place: Walt
Show: Coastline
Showing posts with label Fair Grounds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fair Grounds. Show all posts
January 17, 2014
March 16, 2012
Breaking Down the New Orleans Ladies Classic
This Saturday marks the return of the defending Horse of the Year Havre de Grace. She makes her debut in the New Orleans Ladies Classic at the Fair Grounds. This marks the second time that a HOY has run in this race (Rachel Alexandra finished second in the ingaural edition to mark her first loss since 2008 as a 2yo). Much like Rachel, Grace is heads above this field, however lets take a look to see if there is a Zardana type horse who could possibly upset the apple cart.
1. Sterling Madame (Unbridled Energy): 2 for 2 at the Fair Grounds, but those where in allowance races. Makes her stakes debut here.
2. Havre de Grace (Saint Liam): I think we know her creditals.
3. Annabel Lee (J Town): Has faced Summer Soiree, Daisy Devine, and Her Smile, but they where all on the turf. Poor lately in allowances.
4. Distorted Love (Distorted Humor): If any horse beats Grace, this is prob. the mare to do it. 4th to Grace's stablemate Joyful Victory in the Tiffney Lass, her trainer Helen Pitts knows how to train nice horses (she was Curlin's first trainer, and also trained Sweet Talker and Einstein).
5. Juanita (Mineshaft): Other then Grace, she is the only other stakes winner in the field. She's got the defending leading jockey on her back, but she has faultered sometimes when facing quality company (although she has defeated Daisy Devine, but that was before Daisy took her racing to the grass). 3rd to JV in the Tiff Lass.
This is Grace's race to lose. Many of the others will be facing Joyful Victory in the Azeri, and this could set up a very interesting showdown between her, JV, Awesome Maria and maybe even Awesome Feather in the Apple Blossom. I'm going with Distorted Love for second and Juanita for third.
1. Sterling Madame (Unbridled Energy): 2 for 2 at the Fair Grounds, but those where in allowance races. Makes her stakes debut here.
2. Havre de Grace (Saint Liam): I think we know her creditals.
3. Annabel Lee (J Town): Has faced Summer Soiree, Daisy Devine, and Her Smile, but they where all on the turf. Poor lately in allowances.
4. Distorted Love (Distorted Humor): If any horse beats Grace, this is prob. the mare to do it. 4th to Grace's stablemate Joyful Victory in the Tiffney Lass, her trainer Helen Pitts knows how to train nice horses (she was Curlin's first trainer, and also trained Sweet Talker and Einstein).
5. Juanita (Mineshaft): Other then Grace, she is the only other stakes winner in the field. She's got the defending leading jockey on her back, but she has faultered sometimes when facing quality company (although she has defeated Daisy Devine, but that was before Daisy took her racing to the grass). 3rd to JV in the Tiff Lass.
This is Grace's race to lose. Many of the others will be facing Joyful Victory in the Azeri, and this could set up a very interesting showdown between her, JV, Awesome Maria and maybe even Awesome Feather in the Apple Blossom. I'm going with Distorted Love for second and Juanita for third.
March 9, 2012
Is it LA's Year?
It's been 16 years since Grindstone swept the Louisiana Derby and the Kentucky Derby. Since then 14 horses have won the LA Derby, but not the KY Derby (the 2006 edition was canceled do to Hurricane Katrina). Lets take a look at the horses who have won and where they have finished in the Triple Crown races since Grindstone.
1997- Crypto Star (Cryptoclearnence): 5th in the KY Derby, 4th in the Belmont
1998- Comic Strip (Red Ransom): did not participate
1999- Kimberlite Pipe (Take Me Out): 6th in the KY Derby, 8th in the Preakness
2000- Mighty (Lord at War (ARG)): did not participate
2001- Fifty Stars (Quiet American): 9th in the KY Derby
2002- Repent (Louis Quatorze): did not participate
2003- Peace Rules (Jules): 3rd in the KY Derby, 4th in the Preakness
2004- Wimbledon (Wild Rush): did not participate (was scratched from the Derby after entries where taken)
2005- High Limit (Maria's Mon): 20th in the KY Derby, 5th in the Preakness
2006: No Race due to Hurricane Katrina
2007- Circular Quay (Thunder Gulch): 6th in the KY Derby, 5th in the Preakness
2008- Pyro (Pulpit): 8th in the KY Derby
2009- Friesan Fire (A.P. Indy): 18th in the KY Derby, 10th in the Preakness
2010- Mission Impazible (Unbridled's Song): 9th in the KY Derby
2011- Pants On Fire (Jump Start): 9th in the KY Derby
Even though the LA Derby winner hasn't gone on to win the KY Derby, there is a bit of a loophole in that the race has produced a winner of the Run for the Roses since 1996. Finishing third behind Peace Rules in 2003 was Funny Cide (who eventually was award 2nd place prize money in the LA Derby after the DQ of Kafwain), turned the tables on him in the KY Derby and then beat him in the Preakness. The record after the Triple Crown is not good either. While Repent finished second in the Travers, and Mission Impazible has done well in his G1 adventures post TC (with several runner up finishes), only two have gone onto win G1 races after the TC. Those two are Peace Rules and Pyro, both winning their G1's in NY.
And from those group, Repent has had the best stud career (Pyro's first foals where born last year, and most will be running in Japan where he is standing, Friesan Fire just entered stud this year, Circuler Quey's first foals are 2yo's this year).
Could El Padrino or Mark Valeski who went 1-2 in the final prep the Risen Star turn the luck of the Louisiana Derby around? It's too early to tell, they most likely will be the two favorites in the race should they both go. It should be very fun race.
1997- Crypto Star (Cryptoclearnence): 5th in the KY Derby, 4th in the Belmont
1998- Comic Strip (Red Ransom): did not participate
1999- Kimberlite Pipe (Take Me Out): 6th in the KY Derby, 8th in the Preakness
2000- Mighty (Lord at War (ARG)): did not participate
2001- Fifty Stars (Quiet American): 9th in the KY Derby
2002- Repent (Louis Quatorze): did not participate
2003- Peace Rules (Jules): 3rd in the KY Derby, 4th in the Preakness
2004- Wimbledon (Wild Rush): did not participate (was scratched from the Derby after entries where taken)
2005- High Limit (Maria's Mon): 20th in the KY Derby, 5th in the Preakness
2006: No Race due to Hurricane Katrina
2007- Circular Quay (Thunder Gulch): 6th in the KY Derby, 5th in the Preakness
2008- Pyro (Pulpit): 8th in the KY Derby
2009- Friesan Fire (A.P. Indy): 18th in the KY Derby, 10th in the Preakness
2010- Mission Impazible (Unbridled's Song): 9th in the KY Derby
2011- Pants On Fire (Jump Start): 9th in the KY Derby
Even though the LA Derby winner hasn't gone on to win the KY Derby, there is a bit of a loophole in that the race has produced a winner of the Run for the Roses since 1996. Finishing third behind Peace Rules in 2003 was Funny Cide (who eventually was award 2nd place prize money in the LA Derby after the DQ of Kafwain), turned the tables on him in the KY Derby and then beat him in the Preakness. The record after the Triple Crown is not good either. While Repent finished second in the Travers, and Mission Impazible has done well in his G1 adventures post TC (with several runner up finishes), only two have gone onto win G1 races after the TC. Those two are Peace Rules and Pyro, both winning their G1's in NY.
And from those group, Repent has had the best stud career (Pyro's first foals where born last year, and most will be running in Japan where he is standing, Friesan Fire just entered stud this year, Circuler Quey's first foals are 2yo's this year).
Could El Padrino or Mark Valeski who went 1-2 in the final prep the Risen Star turn the luck of the Louisiana Derby around? It's too early to tell, they most likely will be the two favorites in the race should they both go. It should be very fun race.
February 24, 2012
GulfFair Weekend (Part 1)
What a weekend down at Gulfstream. Sunday (which will be previewed tomorrow) has Fountain of Youth and Saturday's card is very good as well. Also the Fair Grounds has their final prep races before the LA Derby and Fair Grounds Oaks Lets take a look at whose running!
At Gulfstream:
8th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $100,000. Sabin S. (Grade 3). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. Free nomination by Saturday, February 11, 2012, $1,000 to pass the entry box and $500 additional to start, with $100,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $60,000; $20,000 to second, $10,000 to third, $5,000 to fourth, $3,000 to fifth and $2,000 to sixth. Supplemental nominations may be made at time of entry a fee of $5,000, which includes entry and starting fees. Weight : 123 lbs. Non-winners of a grade I or II at a mile or over since June 1 allowed 2 lbs; a graded stakes or $60,000 twice since July 1, 4 lbs., $45,000 since August 1, 6 lbs. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. This race will be limited to 14 Starters, with Also Eligibles. If more than fourteen (14) entries pass the entry box preference will be given to graded stakes winners, then highest 2010-2012 earnings. Trophy to winning owner. Nominations Closed Saturday, February 11, 2012 with 13 Nominations. (03:49 PM) (5)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Ghostly Darkness 4 F L 117 Maragh Rajiv Reed Eric R.
2 Royal Delta 4 F L 123 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
3 Awesome Maria 5 M L 123 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
4 Groupie Doll 4 F L 121 Borel Calvin H. Bradley William
5 Canadian Mistress 4 F L 117 Trujillo Elvis Wolfson Martin D.
This is Awesome Maria's first start since being injured after her Ogden Phipps win, many people think that Groupie Doll could upset the apple cart if she could pull the upset (she certinally has the jockey to do it with). However, this is Royal Delta's race to lose and it could set her up for a showdown in Dubai with Animal Kingdom.
10th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 3/8 Mile Turf. Purse $100,000. Very One S. (Grade 3). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. (04:45 PM) (14)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Here To Win (BRZ) 6 M L 117 Bravo Joe McLaughlin Kiaran P.
2 Hasay (GB) 5 M L 117 Dominguez Ramon A. Motion H. Graham
3 Woodford Belle 5 M L 117 Castanon Jesus Lopez Nihei Michelle
4 Perfect Shirl 5 M L 123 Velazquez John R. Attfield Roger L.
5 Casablanca Smile (CHI) 6 M L 121 Desormeaux Kent J. McGaughey III Claude R.
6 Keertana 6 M L 121 Lezcano Jose Proctor Thomas F.
7 Clarinet 5 M L 117 Leparoux Julien R. Motion H. Graham
8 Good Karma (ITY) 4 F L 117 Maragh Rajiv Clement Christophe
9 Shimmering Moment 5 M L 117 Rocco, Jr. Joseph Abbott, III Francis
10 Middle Club (GB) 5 M L 117 Lopez Paco Clement Christophe
11 Font 4 F L 117 Solis Alex O. Tagg Barclay
12 Aquitaine 6 M L 117 Contreras Luis Matz Michael R.
13 Full Moon Party 5 M L 117 Wilson Emma-Jayne Frazier Matt
14 Dash Dot Dash 6 M L 117 Trujillo Elvis Wolfson Martin D.
The BC F/M Turf Champ is back! The good news is that Perfect Shirl has had a start over this track before finishing second. However Keertana who defeated the boys last year is also this race and she finished third off a layoff in the Endeavor, and she's 2 for 2 in her second start off a layoff. However, those layoffs where shorter then the one she just came off. Those 2 are my 1-2 in either order and Clarinet (just because I play the instrument) for third.
11th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $250,000. Davona Dale S. (Grade 2). FOR FILLIES, THREE YEAR OLDS. (05:13 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Nuffsaid Nuffsaid 3 F L 116 Lezcano Jose Hennig Mark A.
2 Grace Hall 3 F L 118 Dominguez Ramon A. Dutrow Anthony W.
3 Captivating Lass 3 F L 116 Velazquez John R. McLaughlin Kiaran P.
4 The Cat's All That 3 F L 116 Lopez Paco Peery Chuck
5 Frolic's Revenge 3 F L 118 Leyva Juan C. Wolfson Milton W.
6 Yara 3 F L 116 Castanon Jesus Lopez Garoffalo Jose
7 Disposablepleasure 3 F L 120 Leparoux Julien R. Pletcher Todd A.
8 Taker Home 3 F L 116 Contreras Luis Pirie Barbara A.
9 Salad Girl 3 F L 118 Trujillo Elvis Plesa, Jr. Edward
With both My Miss Aurilea and Weemissfrankie on the sidelines, the #1 Oaks contender is Grace Hall. She make's her 3 year old debut in here, and other then Disposablepleasure and Frolic's Revenge there really isn't anything in here that could possibly beat her. Should be interesting how she does in here though.
At the Fair Grounds:
5th Race - Fair Grounds - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING. 1 Mile 70Y Dirt. Purse $49,000. FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, OR STATE BRED ALLOWANCE RACES OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $17,500. Weight, 123 lbs. Non-winners Of Two Races At A Mile Or Over Since January 25 Allowed 2 lbs. One such race since then Allowed 4 lbs. Claiming Price $17,500. (02:00 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Wheemaway 4 G L 121 Sellers Shane J. Pish Danny
2 Majestic Harbor 4 C L 119 Lanerie Corey J. McGee Paul J.
3 Musicstreet Menace 6 G L 119 Mena Miguel Scherer Richard R.
4 Adirondack Express 4 G L 119 Graham James Stidham Michael
5 Nehro 4 C L 119 Bridgmohan Shaun Asmussen Steven M.
6 Avenue B 4 R L 119 Albarado Robby Carroll David M.
7 Stinking Creek 4 C L 119 Napravnik Rosie Maker Michael J.
8 Major Prince 4 C L 121 Jacinto John Charles Keith
9 Big Town 4 C L 114 McMahon C.J. Glyshaw Tim
10 Austons Sure Cure 6 H L 119 Hernandez, Jr. Brian Joseph Pessin Neil L.
11 Only Boy 4 G L 119 Clark Kerwin D. Deville Carl J.
12 Face The Fire 7 G L 119 Theriot Jamie Gabriel, Jr. Leo G.
Last year's Derby runner up is the final horse from the Top 3 to return as a four year old. Both Animal Kingdom and Mucho Macho Man have returned as winners, the question is will he? I'm going to say yes, he's run well over this surface before and but hasn't fully put it all together. Still this is a good spot for a comeback.
7th Race - Fair Grounds - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $200,000. Rachel Alexandra S. (Grade 3). FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. By subscription of $200 by Saturday, February 11th; $900 to enter, $900 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $4,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $200,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth , 2% to fifth and 1% to starters sixth through ninth. Weight 122 lbs. Non-winners of a graded stakes allowed, 2lbs, a sweepstakes at a mile or over allowed, 4 lbs, a race at a mile or over since November 25th allowed, 6 lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by usual time of closing. Preference to horses that have accumulated the highest lifetime earnings excluding restricted races at the time of passing entry box. Different owners have equal draw according to money earned. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed Saturday, February 11, 2012, with 13 nominations. (02:58 PM) (7)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Believe You Can 3 F L 122 Napravnik Rosie Jones J. Larry
2 Avie's Sense 3 F L 116 Graham James Carroll Josie
3 Inny Minnie 3 F L 116 Bridgmohan Shaun Margolis Steve
4 Table Three Ten 3 F L 116 Castellano Javier Motion H. Graham
5 Summer Applause 3 F L 118 Albarado Robby Calhoun W. Bret
6 Applauding 3 F L 116 Sellers Shane J. Stall, Jr. Albert M.
7 Annaclone 3 F L 116 Mena Miguel Flint Bernard S.
I'm wondering if there's something more nasty going inside of Applauding then we know (this is the second stakes she's been scratched from). Many people are high on Taple Three Ten, but I've never seen her. The 1-2-3 from the Silverbulletday return, and I think Inny Minnie will turn the tables on Believe You Can and Summer Applause.
11th Race - Fair Grounds - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $300,000. Risen Star S. (Grade 2). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $300 by Saturday, February 11th (Louisiana Derby early bird nominees automatically subscribed); $1,250 to enter; $1,450 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $6,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $300,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% to fifth and 1% to starters sixth through ninth. Weight: 122 lbs. Non-winners of a grade I or II stakes allowed, 2lbs, a sweepstakes at a mile or over, allowed, 4lbs, $27,000 twice at a mile or over, allowed, 6lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Preference to horses accordingto highest lifetime earnings excluding restricted races at the time of passing entry box. Different owners have equal draw according to earnings. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed SSaturday, February 11, 2012, with 79 nominations. (04:55 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Afford 3 C L 116 Bridgmohan Shaun Geier Greg
2 Optimizer 3 C L 116 Marquez, Jr. Carlos H. Lukas D. Wayne
3A Mr. Bowling 3 C L 120 Albarado Robby Jones J. Larry
4 Z Dager 3 C L 116 Sellers Shane J. Asmussen Steven M.
5 Ted's Folly 3 G L 120 Zimmerman Ramsey Brown Wilson L.
6B Adena's Chance 3 C L 116 Eramia Richard E. Dorochenko Gennadi
7B Hero Of Order 3 C L 116 Graham James Dorochenko Gennadi
8 El Padrino 3 C L 116 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
9A Mark Valeski 3 C L 116 Napravnik Rosie Jones J. Larry
10 Shared Property 3 G L 120 Goncalves Leandro R. Amoss Thomas M.
11 Tizanexpense 3 C L 116 Mena Miguel
How loaded is Todd Pletcher this year? El Padrino who is getting quite a bit of buzz, is not even the buzziest horse in his stable. Mr. Bowling has a stablemate in Mark Valeski. If you where part of Sunday's Live Chat, I posted how the horses have done in their last couple of starts. I'm going with Optimizer in this. Why? It's not I don't think the big name horses are horrible, is that I'm just thinking about the long run where pedigree might stand out more. Yes his sire is a turf horse, but with a Belmont winning broodmare sire that will help him in the long run. Z Dagger for second and El Padrino for third.
So that's part one of the Weekend Preview, tomorrow will be the FOY preview which I will go over each horse one by one.
At Gulfstream:
8th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $100,000. Sabin S. (Grade 3). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. Free nomination by Saturday, February 11, 2012, $1,000 to pass the entry box and $500 additional to start, with $100,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $60,000; $20,000 to second, $10,000 to third, $5,000 to fourth, $3,000 to fifth and $2,000 to sixth. Supplemental nominations may be made at time of entry a fee of $5,000, which includes entry and starting fees. Weight : 123 lbs. Non-winners of a grade I or II at a mile or over since June 1 allowed 2 lbs; a graded stakes or $60,000 twice since July 1, 4 lbs., $45,000 since August 1, 6 lbs. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. This race will be limited to 14 Starters, with Also Eligibles. If more than fourteen (14) entries pass the entry box preference will be given to graded stakes winners, then highest 2010-2012 earnings. Trophy to winning owner. Nominations Closed Saturday, February 11, 2012 with 13 Nominations. (03:49 PM) (5)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Ghostly Darkness 4 F L 117 Maragh Rajiv Reed Eric R.
2 Royal Delta 4 F L 123 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
3 Awesome Maria 5 M L 123 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
4 Groupie Doll 4 F L 121 Borel Calvin H. Bradley William
5 Canadian Mistress 4 F L 117 Trujillo Elvis Wolfson Martin D.
This is Awesome Maria's first start since being injured after her Ogden Phipps win, many people think that Groupie Doll could upset the apple cart if she could pull the upset (she certinally has the jockey to do it with). However, this is Royal Delta's race to lose and it could set her up for a showdown in Dubai with Animal Kingdom.
10th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 3/8 Mile Turf. Purse $100,000. Very One S. (Grade 3). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. (04:45 PM) (14)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Here To Win (BRZ) 6 M L 117 Bravo Joe McLaughlin Kiaran P.
2 Hasay (GB) 5 M L 117 Dominguez Ramon A. Motion H. Graham
3 Woodford Belle 5 M L 117 Castanon Jesus Lopez Nihei Michelle
4 Perfect Shirl 5 M L 123 Velazquez John R. Attfield Roger L.
5 Casablanca Smile (CHI) 6 M L 121 Desormeaux Kent J. McGaughey III Claude R.
6 Keertana 6 M L 121 Lezcano Jose Proctor Thomas F.
7 Clarinet 5 M L 117 Leparoux Julien R. Motion H. Graham
8 Good Karma (ITY) 4 F L 117 Maragh Rajiv Clement Christophe
9 Shimmering Moment 5 M L 117 Rocco, Jr. Joseph Abbott, III Francis
10 Middle Club (GB) 5 M L 117 Lopez Paco Clement Christophe
11 Font 4 F L 117 Solis Alex O. Tagg Barclay
12 Aquitaine 6 M L 117 Contreras Luis Matz Michael R.
13 Full Moon Party 5 M L 117 Wilson Emma-Jayne Frazier Matt
14 Dash Dot Dash 6 M L 117 Trujillo Elvis Wolfson Martin D.
The BC F/M Turf Champ is back! The good news is that Perfect Shirl has had a start over this track before finishing second. However Keertana who defeated the boys last year is also this race and she finished third off a layoff in the Endeavor, and she's 2 for 2 in her second start off a layoff. However, those layoffs where shorter then the one she just came off. Those 2 are my 1-2 in either order and Clarinet (just because I play the instrument) for third.
11th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $250,000. Davona Dale S. (Grade 2). FOR FILLIES, THREE YEAR OLDS. (05:13 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Nuffsaid Nuffsaid 3 F L 116 Lezcano Jose Hennig Mark A.
2 Grace Hall 3 F L 118 Dominguez Ramon A. Dutrow Anthony W.
3 Captivating Lass 3 F L 116 Velazquez John R. McLaughlin Kiaran P.
4 The Cat's All That 3 F L 116 Lopez Paco Peery Chuck
5 Frolic's Revenge 3 F L 118 Leyva Juan C. Wolfson Milton W.
6 Yara 3 F L 116 Castanon Jesus Lopez Garoffalo Jose
7 Disposablepleasure 3 F L 120 Leparoux Julien R. Pletcher Todd A.
8 Taker Home 3 F L 116 Contreras Luis Pirie Barbara A.
9 Salad Girl 3 F L 118 Trujillo Elvis Plesa, Jr. Edward
With both My Miss Aurilea and Weemissfrankie on the sidelines, the #1 Oaks contender is Grace Hall. She make's her 3 year old debut in here, and other then Disposablepleasure and Frolic's Revenge there really isn't anything in here that could possibly beat her. Should be interesting how she does in here though.
At the Fair Grounds:
5th Race - Fair Grounds - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING. 1 Mile 70Y Dirt. Purse $49,000. FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, OR STATE BRED ALLOWANCE RACES OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $17,500. Weight, 123 lbs. Non-winners Of Two Races At A Mile Or Over Since January 25 Allowed 2 lbs. One such race since then Allowed 4 lbs. Claiming Price $17,500. (02:00 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Wheemaway 4 G L 121 Sellers Shane J. Pish Danny
2 Majestic Harbor 4 C L 119 Lanerie Corey J. McGee Paul J.
3 Musicstreet Menace 6 G L 119 Mena Miguel Scherer Richard R.
4 Adirondack Express 4 G L 119 Graham James Stidham Michael
5 Nehro 4 C L 119 Bridgmohan Shaun Asmussen Steven M.
6 Avenue B 4 R L 119 Albarado Robby Carroll David M.
7 Stinking Creek 4 C L 119 Napravnik Rosie Maker Michael J.
8 Major Prince 4 C L 121 Jacinto John Charles Keith
9 Big Town 4 C L 114 McMahon C.J. Glyshaw Tim
10 Austons Sure Cure 6 H L 119 Hernandez, Jr. Brian Joseph Pessin Neil L.
11 Only Boy 4 G L 119 Clark Kerwin D. Deville Carl J.
12 Face The Fire 7 G L 119 Theriot Jamie Gabriel, Jr. Leo G.
Last year's Derby runner up is the final horse from the Top 3 to return as a four year old. Both Animal Kingdom and Mucho Macho Man have returned as winners, the question is will he? I'm going to say yes, he's run well over this surface before and but hasn't fully put it all together. Still this is a good spot for a comeback.
7th Race - Fair Grounds - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $200,000. Rachel Alexandra S. (Grade 3). FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. By subscription of $200 by Saturday, February 11th; $900 to enter, $900 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $4,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $200,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth , 2% to fifth and 1% to starters sixth through ninth. Weight 122 lbs. Non-winners of a graded stakes allowed, 2lbs, a sweepstakes at a mile or over allowed, 4 lbs, a race at a mile or over since November 25th allowed, 6 lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by usual time of closing. Preference to horses that have accumulated the highest lifetime earnings excluding restricted races at the time of passing entry box. Different owners have equal draw according to money earned. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed Saturday, February 11, 2012, with 13 nominations. (02:58 PM) (7)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Believe You Can 3 F L 122 Napravnik Rosie Jones J. Larry
2 Avie's Sense 3 F L 116 Graham James Carroll Josie
3 Inny Minnie 3 F L 116 Bridgmohan Shaun Margolis Steve
4 Table Three Ten 3 F L 116 Castellano Javier Motion H. Graham
5 Summer Applause 3 F L 118 Albarado Robby Calhoun W. Bret
7 Annaclone 3 F L 116 Mena Miguel Flint Bernard S.
I'm wondering if there's something more nasty going inside of Applauding then we know (this is the second stakes she's been scratched from). Many people are high on Taple Three Ten, but I've never seen her. The 1-2-3 from the Silverbulletday return, and I think Inny Minnie will turn the tables on Believe You Can and Summer Applause.
11th Race - Fair Grounds - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $300,000. Risen Star S. (Grade 2). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $300 by Saturday, February 11th (Louisiana Derby early bird nominees automatically subscribed); $1,250 to enter; $1,450 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $6,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $300,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% to fifth and 1% to starters sixth through ninth. Weight: 122 lbs. Non-winners of a grade I or II stakes allowed, 2lbs, a sweepstakes at a mile or over, allowed, 4lbs, $27,000 twice at a mile or over, allowed, 6lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Preference to horses accordingto highest lifetime earnings excluding restricted races at the time of passing entry box. Different owners have equal draw according to earnings. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed SSaturday, February 11, 2012, with 79 nominations. (04:55 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Afford 3 C L 116 Bridgmohan Shaun Geier Greg
2 Optimizer 3 C L 116 Marquez, Jr. Carlos H. Lukas D. Wayne
3A Mr. Bowling 3 C L 120 Albarado Robby Jones J. Larry
4 Z Dager 3 C L 116 Sellers Shane J. Asmussen Steven M.
5 Ted's Folly 3 G L 120 Zimmerman Ramsey Brown Wilson L.
6B Adena's Chance 3 C L 116 Eramia Richard E. Dorochenko Gennadi
7B Hero Of Order 3 C L 116 Graham James Dorochenko Gennadi
8 El Padrino 3 C L 116 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
9A Mark Valeski 3 C L 116 Napravnik Rosie Jones J. Larry
10 Shared Property 3 G L 120 Goncalves Leandro R. Amoss Thomas M.
11 Tizanexpense 3 C L 116 Mena Miguel
How loaded is Todd Pletcher this year? El Padrino who is getting quite a bit of buzz, is not even the buzziest horse in his stable. Mr. Bowling has a stablemate in Mark Valeski. If you where part of Sunday's Live Chat, I posted how the horses have done in their last couple of starts. I'm going with Optimizer in this. Why? It's not I don't think the big name horses are horrible, is that I'm just thinking about the long run where pedigree might stand out more. Yes his sire is a turf horse, but with a Belmont winning broodmare sire that will help him in the long run. Z Dagger for second and El Padrino for third.
So that's part one of the Weekend Preview, tomorrow will be the FOY preview which I will go over each horse one by one.
March 25, 2011
Fair Dubai
The final preps for the Kentucky Derby begin this weekend with the Louisiana Derby. However, before I preview that race. Here are some of the other races that will be going on at the Fair Grounds and Meydan in Dubai. For Dubai I'm going to preview two races.
Golden Shaheen (Group 1) 6 furlongs
1. Kinsale King
2. Dim Sum (GB)
3. Charlie's Moment
4. Force Freeze
5. Dynamic Blitz (AUS)
6. Sunny King (IRE)
7. Euroears
8. Escape Route
9. Rocket Man (AUS)
10. Green Birdie (NZ)
A rematch from last year's Shaheen with the American Kinsale King and Singapore's Super Horse Rocket Man. Kinsale King really did not have a great US season last year, but then again he is a synthetic specialist he did win his prep at Golden Gate to get ready for his defence. Rocket Man hasn't done much wrong since his second place finish, and I do think he'll turn the tables on KK this year. Euroears is a good horse, but he never has reached that elite company when it comes to sprinting. This race however, is missing the two fastest horses in the World in Big Drama and Black Caviar. Green Birdie for third, really just for his name.
Top Three:
Rocket Man
Kinsale King
Green Birdie
Dubai World Cup (Group 1) 10 furlongs
1. Fly Down
2. Monterosso (GB)
3. Prince Bishop (IRE)
4. Cape Blanco (IRE)
5. Gio Ponti
6. Victore Pisa (JPN)
7. Musir (AUS)
8. Gitano Hernando (GB)
9. Transend (JPN)
10. Poet's Voice (GB)
11. Richard's Kid
12. Twice Over (GB)
13. Buena Vista (JPN)
14. Golden Sword (GB)
The big race on the Dubai card tomorrow. Gio Ponti will be carrying the Red, White and Blue (Fly Down will more likely stay in the Middle East after this race, Richard's Kid is now based out of the Middle East and Gitano Hernando was sold to the Chechen President (ugh :(). This is Twice Over's race to lose, he won the final prep over this surface, and is probley better on synthetic then he is on turf (even though he is a Group 1 winner on turf). Gio Ponti is really not the same horse he was 2 years ago, he had some good wins last year (including defending his Man O' War), but he's coming in without a prep. If she where to win the race, Buena Vista will become the richest horse male or female in the World.
Top three:
wice Over
Buena Vista
Gio Ponti
Now to the Fair Grounds card.
Fair Grounds - March 26, 2011
Race 6 - 2:49 PM Exacta / Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8)
STAKES New Orleans H. (Grade II)
Purse $400,000. For Four Year Olds And Upward. . By subscription of $400 each; $1,800 to pass the entry box; $1,800 additional to start. $400,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth 2% to fifth and 1% to sixth through ninth. Weights Thursday March 17th. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. This Stake will be limited to 14 starters. High Weights will be preferred. Different owners have equal draw according to weights. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed Saturday, March 12, 2011, with 17 nominations. One And One Eighth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 3 Fast Alex (KY) 4/C L T Agilar 114 G Geier 10/1
1A 8 Country Flavor (KY) 5/G L S J Sellers 117 G Geier 10/1
2 1 El Caballo (KY) 7/H L R Albarado 115 R E Nicks 10/1
3 2 Mission Impazible (KY) 4/C L G K Gomez 118 T A Pletcher 3/1
4 4 Birdrun (FL) 5/H L R Maragh 119 W I Mott 5/1
5 5 Demarcation (KY) 7/G L A R Napravnik 120 P J McGee 4/1
6 6 Giant Oak (IL) 5/H L S Bridgmohan 122 C M Block 5/2
7 7 Apart (KY) 4/C L J M Campbell 118 A M Stall, Jr. 9/2
I see this a three horse race with Mission Impazible (who last year's LA Derby), Giant Oak and Apart. While he has been running into some tough luck lately, I remain on the Apart bandwagon... for now. I don't think Fair Grounds is Giant Oak's favorite track, and he has failed as the favorite since his first two starts. Demarcation did win the Mineshaft, but this is a bit of a different race with Giant Oak in here.
Top three:
Apart
Giant Oak
Mission Impazible
Fair Grounds - March 26, 2011
Race 8 - 3:56 PM Exacta / Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta Pick 3 (Races 8-9-10)
STAKES Fair Grounds Oaks (Grade II)
Purse $500,000. For Fillies Three Years Old. By subscription of $400 each; $1,800 to enter; $1,800 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $15,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $500,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth 2% to fifth and 1% to sixth through ninth. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Weight: 121 Lbs. This Stake will be limited to 14 starters. Preference will be given in the following manner : first preference to graded or group winners in order (I,II,III), then highest career earnings (non-restricted), then total career earnings. Different owners have equal draw according to earnings. Second choice high earners of a same owner entry receive no consideration over a single entry. Starters to be named through the entry box at usual time of closing. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed Saturday, March 12, 2011, with 15 nominations. One And One Sixteenth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Grandacious (KY) 3/F L J M Campbell 121 W B Calhoun 6/1
2 2 Little Miss Holly (KY) 3/F L E S Prado 121 S Margolis 8/1
3 3 Switching Gears (KY) 3/F L S Bridgmohan 121 S Margolis 8/1
4 4 Tapit Dancer (KY) 3/F L M C Baze 121 S M Asmussen 10/1
5 5 Daisy Devine (KY) 3/F L J Graham 121 A McKeever 8/1
6 6 Snow Fall (KY) 3/F L A R Napravnik 121 M Stidham 8/1
7 7 Tourmaline (FL) 3/F L M Mena 121 L Wiggins 20/1
8 8 St. John's River (KY) 3/F L K J Desormeaux 121 A Leggio, Jr. 8/1
9 9 Niji's Grand Girl (KY) 3/F L G K Gomez 121 K G McPeek 4/1
10 10 Inglorious (ON) 3/F L C Sutherland 121 J Carroll 3/1
Snow Fall is scratched due to illness according to DRF. Fillies in this race got a big break when Kathmanblu was not entered. Inglorious becomes the morning line favorite in this now wide open race. I do think that Daisy Devine has the best shot to upset her, with Switching Gears finishing in third.
Top three:
Daisy Devine
Inglorious
Switching Gears
Fair Grounds - March 26, 2011
Race 10 - 5:03 PM Exacta / Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta Pick 3 (Races 10-11-12)
STAKES Louisiana Derby (Grade II)
Purse $1,000,000. For Three Year Olds. (Foals of 2008) Early Bird Nomination Fee of $500 due by Monday, December 13, 2010, which includes nominating fee for, Lecomte (GIII) Stakes and Risen Star Stakes (GII) (Early Bird). Final nomination for Louisiana Derby closes Saturday, March 12, 2011, by subscription of $1,000. $5,000 to pass the entry box; $5,000 additional to start. Supplementary nominations of $50,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $1,000,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% to fifth and 1% to sixth through ninth. Weight: Colts and Geldings, 122 Lbs.; Fillies, 117 Lbs. This race will be limited to 14 starters. Preference will be given in the following manner: first preference to graded or group winners in order (I,II,III), then highest career earnings (non-restricted), then total career earnings. In no case shall two horses sharing common ownership start to the exclusion of a single interest. Starters to be named through the entry box at usual time of closing. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. One And One Eighth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Nacho Business (KY) 3/C L J Bravo 122 K J Breen 10/1
1A 2 Pants On Fire (KY) 3/C L A R Napravnik 122 K J Breen 10/1
2 3 Nehro (KY) 3/C L M C Baze 122 S M Asmussen 30/1
3 4 Mavericking (IL) 3/C L S Bridgmohan 122 N L Pessin 20/1
4 5 Mucho Macho Man (FL) 3/C L R Maragh 122 K Ritvo 9/5
5 6 Liondrive (LA) 3/C L J Graham 122 T A Ice 50/1
6 7 Machen (KY) 3/C L E S Prado 122 N J Howard 7/2
7 8 Majestic Harbor (KY) 3/C L C J Lanerie 122 P J McGee 12/1
8 9 Le Mans (KY) 3/C L R Albarado 122 S M Asmussen 20/1
9 10 Wilkinson (KY) 3/C L G K Gomez 122 N J Howard 8/1
10 11 Left (KY) 3/G L J M Campbell 122 A M Stall, Jr. 10/1
11 12 Elite Alex (ON) 3/C L C H Borel 122 T F Ritchey 6/1
12 13 Populist Politics (LA) 3/C L R E Eramia 122 T M Amoss 30/1
Populist Politics is going in today's Cresent City Derby instead. Like the NOH, I feel this is between only a few horses. Mucho Macho Man, Elite Alex, Machen and Wilkinson. I think Left may end up being the best of the group down the road, but he's up against in this race. I would love to see a Rockport Harbor colt do well, so I'm hoping Majestic Harbor can somehow pull the upset. With that being said, MMM is the best horse in this field and should win the LA Derby. Could be best chance the Louisiana Derby has had in a while to produce a Derby winner.
Top three:
Mucho Machen Man
Wilkinson
Machen/Elite Alex/Left
Also in action this weekend, Bind and Might. In the UAE Derby Sweet Ducky is going. Gran Lioness is at Oaklawn against Arizena (Azeri's daughter). Mixed Up returns at Aiken.
Lastly, Black Caviar won today at Moonee Valley in Australia under the lights. She is now 11 for 11 in her career, what a filly!
So that's it for today, the Oaks list returns next week and I will have a recap of all the races on Monday.
Golden Shaheen (Group 1) 6 furlongs
1. Kinsale King
2. Dim Sum (GB)
3. Charlie's Moment
4. Force Freeze
5. Dynamic Blitz (AUS)
6. Sunny King (IRE)
7. Euroears
8. Escape Route
9. Rocket Man (AUS)
10. Green Birdie (NZ)
A rematch from last year's Shaheen with the American Kinsale King and Singapore's Super Horse Rocket Man. Kinsale King really did not have a great US season last year, but then again he is a synthetic specialist he did win his prep at Golden Gate to get ready for his defence. Rocket Man hasn't done much wrong since his second place finish, and I do think he'll turn the tables on KK this year. Euroears is a good horse, but he never has reached that elite company when it comes to sprinting. This race however, is missing the two fastest horses in the World in Big Drama and Black Caviar. Green Birdie for third, really just for his name.
Top Three:
Rocket Man
Kinsale King
Green Birdie
Dubai World Cup (Group 1) 10 furlongs
1. Fly Down
2. Monterosso (GB)
3. Prince Bishop (IRE)
4. Cape Blanco (IRE)
5. Gio Ponti
6. Victore Pisa (JPN)
7. Musir (AUS)
8. Gitano Hernando (GB)
9. Transend (JPN)
10. Poet's Voice (GB)
11. Richard's Kid
12. Twice Over (GB)
13. Buena Vista (JPN)
14. Golden Sword (GB)
The big race on the Dubai card tomorrow. Gio Ponti will be carrying the Red, White and Blue (Fly Down will more likely stay in the Middle East after this race, Richard's Kid is now based out of the Middle East and Gitano Hernando was sold to the Chechen President (ugh :(). This is Twice Over's race to lose, he won the final prep over this surface, and is probley better on synthetic then he is on turf (even though he is a Group 1 winner on turf). Gio Ponti is really not the same horse he was 2 years ago, he had some good wins last year (including defending his Man O' War), but he's coming in without a prep. If she where to win the race, Buena Vista will become the richest horse male or female in the World.
Top three:
wice Over
Buena Vista
Gio Ponti
Now to the Fair Grounds card.
Fair Grounds - March 26, 2011
Race 6 - 2:49 PM Exacta / Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8)
STAKES New Orleans H. (Grade II)
Purse $400,000. For Four Year Olds And Upward. . By subscription of $400 each; $1,800 to pass the entry box; $1,800 additional to start. $400,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth 2% to fifth and 1% to sixth through ninth. Weights Thursday March 17th. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. This Stake will be limited to 14 starters. High Weights will be preferred. Different owners have equal draw according to weights. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed Saturday, March 12, 2011, with 17 nominations. One And One Eighth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 3 Fast Alex (KY) 4/C L T Agilar 114 G Geier 10/1
1A 8 Country Flavor (KY) 5/G L S J Sellers 117 G Geier 10/1
2 1 El Caballo (KY) 7/H L R Albarado 115 R E Nicks 10/1
3 2 Mission Impazible (KY) 4/C L G K Gomez 118 T A Pletcher 3/1
4 4 Birdrun (FL) 5/H L R Maragh 119 W I Mott 5/1
5 5 Demarcation (KY) 7/G L A R Napravnik 120 P J McGee 4/1
6 6 Giant Oak (IL) 5/H L S Bridgmohan 122 C M Block 5/2
7 7 Apart (KY) 4/C L J M Campbell 118 A M Stall, Jr. 9/2
I see this a three horse race with Mission Impazible (who last year's LA Derby), Giant Oak and Apart. While he has been running into some tough luck lately, I remain on the Apart bandwagon... for now. I don't think Fair Grounds is Giant Oak's favorite track, and he has failed as the favorite since his first two starts. Demarcation did win the Mineshaft, but this is a bit of a different race with Giant Oak in here.
Top three:
Apart
Giant Oak
Mission Impazible
Fair Grounds - March 26, 2011
Race 8 - 3:56 PM Exacta / Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta Pick 3 (Races 8-9-10)
STAKES Fair Grounds Oaks (Grade II)
Purse $500,000. For Fillies Three Years Old. By subscription of $400 each; $1,800 to enter; $1,800 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $15,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $500,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth 2% to fifth and 1% to sixth through ninth. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Weight: 121 Lbs. This Stake will be limited to 14 starters. Preference will be given in the following manner : first preference to graded or group winners in order (I,II,III), then highest career earnings (non-restricted), then total career earnings. Different owners have equal draw according to earnings. Second choice high earners of a same owner entry receive no consideration over a single entry. Starters to be named through the entry box at usual time of closing. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed Saturday, March 12, 2011, with 15 nominations. One And One Sixteenth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Grandacious (KY) 3/F L J M Campbell 121 W B Calhoun 6/1
2 2 Little Miss Holly (KY) 3/F L E S Prado 121 S Margolis 8/1
3 3 Switching Gears (KY) 3/F L S Bridgmohan 121 S Margolis 8/1
4 4 Tapit Dancer (KY) 3/F L M C Baze 121 S M Asmussen 10/1
5 5 Daisy Devine (KY) 3/F L J Graham 121 A McKeever 8/1
7 7 Tourmaline (FL) 3/F L M Mena 121 L Wiggins 20/1
8 8 St. John's River (KY) 3/F L K J Desormeaux 121 A Leggio, Jr. 8/1
9 9 Niji's Grand Girl (KY) 3/F L G K Gomez 121 K G McPeek 4/1
10 10 Inglorious (ON) 3/F L C Sutherland 121 J Carroll 3/1
Snow Fall is scratched due to illness according to DRF. Fillies in this race got a big break when Kathmanblu was not entered. Inglorious becomes the morning line favorite in this now wide open race. I do think that Daisy Devine has the best shot to upset her, with Switching Gears finishing in third.
Top three:
Daisy Devine
Inglorious
Switching Gears
Fair Grounds - March 26, 2011
Race 10 - 5:03 PM Exacta / Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta Pick 3 (Races 10-11-12)
STAKES Louisiana Derby (Grade II)
Purse $1,000,000. For Three Year Olds. (Foals of 2008) Early Bird Nomination Fee of $500 due by Monday, December 13, 2010, which includes nominating fee for, Lecomte (GIII) Stakes and Risen Star Stakes (GII) (Early Bird). Final nomination for Louisiana Derby closes Saturday, March 12, 2011, by subscription of $1,000. $5,000 to pass the entry box; $5,000 additional to start. Supplementary nominations of $50,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $1,000,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% to fifth and 1% to sixth through ninth. Weight: Colts and Geldings, 122 Lbs.; Fillies, 117 Lbs. This race will be limited to 14 starters. Preference will be given in the following manner: first preference to graded or group winners in order (I,II,III), then highest career earnings (non-restricted), then total career earnings. In no case shall two horses sharing common ownership start to the exclusion of a single interest. Starters to be named through the entry box at usual time of closing. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. One And One Eighth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Nacho Business (KY) 3/C L J Bravo 122 K J Breen 10/1
1A 2 Pants On Fire (KY) 3/C L A R Napravnik 122 K J Breen 10/1
2 3 Nehro (KY) 3/C L M C Baze 122 S M Asmussen 30/1
3 4 Mavericking (IL) 3/C L S Bridgmohan 122 N L Pessin 20/1
4 5 Mucho Macho Man (FL) 3/C L R Maragh 122 K Ritvo 9/5
5 6 Liondrive (LA) 3/C L J Graham 122 T A Ice 50/1
6 7 Machen (KY) 3/C L E S Prado 122 N J Howard 7/2
7 8 Majestic Harbor (KY) 3/C L C J Lanerie 122 P J McGee 12/1
8 9 Le Mans (KY) 3/C L R Albarado 122 S M Asmussen 20/1
9 10 Wilkinson (KY) 3/C L G K Gomez 122 N J Howard 8/1
10 11 Left (KY) 3/G L J M Campbell 122 A M Stall, Jr. 10/1
11 12 Elite Alex (ON) 3/C L C H Borel 122 T F Ritchey 6/1
Populist Politics is going in today's Cresent City Derby instead. Like the NOH, I feel this is between only a few horses. Mucho Macho Man, Elite Alex, Machen and Wilkinson. I think Left may end up being the best of the group down the road, but he's up against in this race. I would love to see a Rockport Harbor colt do well, so I'm hoping Majestic Harbor can somehow pull the upset. With that being said, MMM is the best horse in this field and should win the LA Derby. Could be best chance the Louisiana Derby has had in a while to produce a Derby winner.
Top three:
Mucho Machen Man
Wilkinson
Machen/Elite Alex/Left
Also in action this weekend, Bind and Might. In the UAE Derby Sweet Ducky is going. Gran Lioness is at Oaklawn against Arizena (Azeri's daughter). Mixed Up returns at Aiken.
Lastly, Black Caviar won today at Moonee Valley in Australia under the lights. She is now 11 for 11 in her career, what a filly!
So that's it for today, the Oaks list returns next week and I will have a recap of all the races on Monday.
March 26, 2010
Fair Game to All
Four preps this weekend, two in Kentucky, one in Lousiana and one in New Mexico. I'll also preview a couple of other stakes races that will be running.
First at Turfway Park,
8th (4:40)
Rushaway S.
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $100,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Activity Report Borel C H Lukas D Wayne 117 LA 4-1
2 2 Lonesome Street Velasquez C Maker Michael J 115 LA 5-1
3 3 Exhi Baze R A Pletcher Todd A 115 LA 6-1
4 4 Pathoki Prescott R Stevens Lowell T 117 LA 20-1
5 5 Positive Split Solis A McPeek Kenneth G 115 Blk-On LA 8-5
6 6 Instant Message Sterling L J Jr Margolis Steve 117 LA 5-1
7 7 In the Paint Decarlo C P Gorder Kellyn 115 LA 8-1
8 8 Max Silverhammer Pompell T L Denzik, Jr. W J 117 LA 12- 1
I was debating weather to include this race in the preview tonight, and decided to do so, as Activity Report was in this race. I really don't know anyone in this field other then Activity Report. However, normally the winner goes onto the Bluegrass. In 07, Dominican upset Street Sense in the Bluegrass after winning the Rushaway in the race before Hard Spun's Lane's End win.
9th (5:12)
Lane's End S. (G2)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $500,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Connemara Baze R A Pletcher Todd A 121 LA 9-5
2 2 Doubles Partner Decarlo C P Pletcher Todd A 121 LA 10-1
3 3 Chief Counsel Torres F C Mott William I 121 LA 12-1
4 4 Kettle River Lopez J Harty Eoin 121 LA 8-1
5 5 Ranger Heartley Baze M C Sadler John W 121 LA 6-1
6 6 Outlaw Man Solis A McPeek Kenneth G 121 Blk-On LA 8-1
7 7 Northern Giant Borel C H Lukas D Wayne 121 LA 5-1
8 8 Letsgetitonmon McKee J Asmussen Steven M 121 LA 20-1
9 9 Dean's Kitten Velasquez C Maker Michael J 121 LA 5-1
10 10 Vow to Wager Lebron V Romans Dale 121 LA 20-1
Connemara is the deserving favorite in this race. The 3/4 brother of Lion Heart's won in California in his prep for this race. Kettle River and Dean's Kitten both where good two year olds, never count out a Lukas horse. However, I'm going with Doubles Partner. He beat Lentenor in an allowance race, before the latter finished fourth in the Florida Derby. He maybe a bit underrated here, but I'm willing to give him that chance. Not a hundred percent sure he'll be Derby bound (same goes for Connemara), but he's my pick for this race.
10th (4:48)
Louisiana Derby (G2)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $750,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Hotep Husbands P Frostad Mark 122 L 30-1
2 2 Mission Impazible Maragh R Pletcher Todd A 122 L 8-1
3 3 Fly Down Lezcano J Zito Nicholas P 122 L 8-1
4 4 The Program Nakatani C S Baffert Bob 122 L 10-1
5 5 A Little Warm Cohen D Dutrow Anthony W 122 L 4-1
6 6 Ron the Greek Graham J Amoss Thomas 122 L 6-1
7 7 Discreetly Mine Castellano J J Pletcher Todd A 122 L 7-2
8 8 Island Soul Albarado R J Asmussen Steven M 122 L 20-1
9 9 Stay Put Theriot H J II Margolis Steve 122 L 10-1
10 10 Wow Wow Wow Jacinto J Lukas D Wayne 122 L 30-1
11 11 Mister Marti Gras Bridgmohan S X Pessin Neil L 122 L 30-1
12 12 Backtrack Sellers S J Scherer Gary 122 L 30-1
13 13 Drosselmeyer Desormeaux K J Mott William I 122 L 5-1
While the speed held up today at the Fair Grounds, anything can happen tomorrow. This race is loaded with speed which helps my pick of Ron the Greek to rebound from his Risen Star loss. Discreetly Mine, I have that feeling will be a very nice miler like his big brother Discreet Cat. Hotep, could win this race, go to the Derby and then go the Queen's Plate (he's Eye of the Lepord's little brother). This is the last chance for Drosselmeyer and he got stuck with the outside post. Keep an eye on Mission Impaziable who like Ron will be coming off the pace. Wow Wow Wow, I think is a no no no here.
Finally Sunday at Sunland:
12th (5:45)
Sunland Derby (G3)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $800,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Storming Saint Contreras L Dominguez Henry 122 L 8-1
2 2 Nacho Friend Bravo J Breen Kelly J 122 L 9-2
3 3 Conveyance Garcia M Baffert Bob 122 L 9-5
4 4 McKenna's Justice Tohill K S Hartman Chris A 122 L 15-1
5 5 Endorsement Albarado R J Ritter Shannon 122 L 10-1
6 6 Classical Slew Baze T C O'Neill Doug 122 L 6-1
7 7 Fog Alert Juarez A J Jr Taylor Brant L 122 L 12-1
8 8 Guiltbyassociation Enriquez I D Fincher Todd W 122 L 20-1
9 9 Tempted to Tapit Cohen D Klesaris Steve 122 L 3-1
If you told me a year ago that the winners of the Coolmore, and KY Derby, plus the runner up of the PA Derby would come out of this race, I would be laughing. One year and tons of head scratching later, this is the big dirt race from the west. Conveyance and Tempeted to Tapit are def. the two horses to beat. Nacho Friend is also an interesting horse in here, however I'm going with Storming Saint. He won the Borderland Derby via DQ over his stablemate who happens to be owned by the same connections as Mine That Bird (Storming Saint is not owned by Team MTB). However, Conveyance is undefeated and I expect him to win here. I won't be suprised if he's upset though.
A few other stakes this weekend, the Sunland Oaks which Gabby's Golden Gal won last year, the New Orleans Handicap featuring Stones River, Unbridled Belle's half brother. That's the preview for this weekend. The recap post will be going up on Sunday with the next live chat on Monday! I will have a mini-review of Rachel's Story the new HRTV Inside Information on Weds or Thurs of next week. I haven't decided yet.
First at Turfway Park,
8th (4:40)
Rushaway S.
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $100,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Activity Report Borel C H Lukas D Wayne 117 LA 4-1
2 2 Lonesome Street Velasquez C Maker Michael J 115 LA 5-1
3 3 Exhi Baze R A Pletcher Todd A 115 LA 6-1
4 4 Pathoki Prescott R Stevens Lowell T 117 LA 20-1
5 5 Positive Split Solis A McPeek Kenneth G 115 Blk-On LA 8-5
6 6 Instant Message Sterling L J Jr Margolis Steve 117 LA 5-1
7 7 In the Paint Decarlo C P Gorder Kellyn 115 LA 8-1
8 8 Max Silverhammer Pompell T L Denzik, Jr. W J 117 LA 12- 1
I was debating weather to include this race in the preview tonight, and decided to do so, as Activity Report was in this race. I really don't know anyone in this field other then Activity Report. However, normally the winner goes onto the Bluegrass. In 07, Dominican upset Street Sense in the Bluegrass after winning the Rushaway in the race before Hard Spun's Lane's End win.
9th (5:12)
Lane's End S. (G2)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $500,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Connemara Baze R A Pletcher Todd A 121 LA 9-5
2 2 Doubles Partner Decarlo C P Pletcher Todd A 121 LA 10-1
3 3 Chief Counsel Torres F C Mott William I 121 LA 12-1
4 4 Kettle River Lopez J Harty Eoin 121 LA 8-1
5 5 Ranger Heartley Baze M C Sadler John W 121 LA 6-1
6 6 Outlaw Man Solis A McPeek Kenneth G 121 Blk-On LA 8-1
7 7 Northern Giant Borel C H Lukas D Wayne 121 LA 5-1
8 8 Letsgetitonmon McKee J Asmussen Steven M 121 LA 20-1
9 9 Dean's Kitten Velasquez C Maker Michael J 121 LA 5-1
10 10 Vow to Wager Lebron V Romans Dale 121 LA 20-1
Connemara is the deserving favorite in this race. The 3/4 brother of Lion Heart's won in California in his prep for this race. Kettle River and Dean's Kitten both where good two year olds, never count out a Lukas horse. However, I'm going with Doubles Partner. He beat Lentenor in an allowance race, before the latter finished fourth in the Florida Derby. He maybe a bit underrated here, but I'm willing to give him that chance. Not a hundred percent sure he'll be Derby bound (same goes for Connemara), but he's my pick for this race.
10th (4:48)
Louisiana Derby (G2)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $750,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Hotep Husbands P Frostad Mark 122 L 30-1
2 2 Mission Impazible Maragh R Pletcher Todd A 122 L 8-1
3 3 Fly Down Lezcano J Zito Nicholas P 122 L 8-1
4 4 The Program Nakatani C S Baffert Bob 122 L 10-1
5 5 A Little Warm Cohen D Dutrow Anthony W 122 L 4-1
6 6 Ron the Greek Graham J Amoss Thomas 122 L 6-1
7 7 Discreetly Mine Castellano J J Pletcher Todd A 122 L 7-2
8 8 Island Soul Albarado R J Asmussen Steven M 122 L 20-1
9 9 Stay Put Theriot H J II Margolis Steve 122 L 10-1
10 10 Wow Wow Wow Jacinto J Lukas D Wayne 122 L 30-1
11 11 Mister Marti Gras Bridgmohan S X Pessin Neil L 122 L 30-1
12 12 Backtrack Sellers S J Scherer Gary 122 L 30-1
13 13 Drosselmeyer Desormeaux K J Mott William I 122 L 5-1
While the speed held up today at the Fair Grounds, anything can happen tomorrow. This race is loaded with speed which helps my pick of Ron the Greek to rebound from his Risen Star loss. Discreetly Mine, I have that feeling will be a very nice miler like his big brother Discreet Cat. Hotep, could win this race, go to the Derby and then go the Queen's Plate (he's Eye of the Lepord's little brother). This is the last chance for Drosselmeyer and he got stuck with the outside post. Keep an eye on Mission Impaziable who like Ron will be coming off the pace. Wow Wow Wow, I think is a no no no here.
Finally Sunday at Sunland:
12th (5:45)
Sunland Derby (G3)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $800,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Storming Saint Contreras L Dominguez Henry 122 L 8-1
2 2 Nacho Friend Bravo J Breen Kelly J 122 L 9-2
3 3 Conveyance Garcia M Baffert Bob 122 L 9-5
4 4 McKenna's Justice Tohill K S Hartman Chris A 122 L 15-1
5 5 Endorsement Albarado R J Ritter Shannon 122 L 10-1
6 6 Classical Slew Baze T C O'Neill Doug 122 L 6-1
7 7 Fog Alert Juarez A J Jr Taylor Brant L 122 L 12-1
8 8 Guiltbyassociation Enriquez I D Fincher Todd W 122 L 20-1
9 9 Tempted to Tapit Cohen D Klesaris Steve 122 L 3-1
If you told me a year ago that the winners of the Coolmore, and KY Derby, plus the runner up of the PA Derby would come out of this race, I would be laughing. One year and tons of head scratching later, this is the big dirt race from the west. Conveyance and Tempeted to Tapit are def. the two horses to beat. Nacho Friend is also an interesting horse in here, however I'm going with Storming Saint. He won the Borderland Derby via DQ over his stablemate who happens to be owned by the same connections as Mine That Bird (Storming Saint is not owned by Team MTB). However, Conveyance is undefeated and I expect him to win here. I won't be suprised if he's upset though.
A few other stakes this weekend, the Sunland Oaks which Gabby's Golden Gal won last year, the New Orleans Handicap featuring Stones River, Unbridled Belle's half brother. That's the preview for this weekend. The recap post will be going up on Sunday with the next live chat on Monday! I will have a mini-review of Rachel's Story the new HRTV Inside Information on Weds or Thurs of next week. I haven't decided yet.
March 25, 2010
Desert Running
The World's Richest Race and a key Kentucky Oaks prep are being previewed today. I'm not going to preview the entire Meydan card, which you can find here (there is an Arabian race that's missing). However, I will be choosing two races, the Sheema and the World Cup.
7th (12:35)
Dubai Sheema Classic Sponsored by Guangsha Group (Grade I) (G1)
About 1 1/2 Miles (Turf) | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $5,000,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Jukebox Jury (IRE) Ffrench R L Johnston Mark 125 12-1
2 2 Eastern Anthem (IRE) Ajtebi A Al Zarooni Mahmoud 126 8-1
3 3 Anmar Hills R Al Zarooni Mahmoud 125 30-1
4 4 Pan River (TUR) Kaya S Kasar Ayhan 126 30-1
5 5 Quijano (GER) Starke A Schiergen Peter 126 40-1
6 6 Pompeyano (IRE) Mullen R Seemar Sateesh 126 40-1
7 7 Youmzain (IRE) Fallon K Channon Michael R 126 9-2
8 8 Golden Sword (GB) Soumillon C de Kock Michael F 125 20-1
9 9 Presious Passion Trujillo E Hartmann Mary 126 9-2
10 10 Buena Vista (JPN) Peslier O Matsuda Hiroyoshi 120 10-1
11 11 Deem (IRE) Leparoux J R Barton Jerry 121 40-1
12 12 Mourilyan (IRE) Shea K Brown Herman J 126 20-1
13 13 Spanish Moon Moore R L Stoute Sir Michael 126 6-1
14 14 Dar Re Mi (GB) Buick W T Gosden John H M 121 10-1
15 15 Campanologist Durcan T E bin Suroor Saeed 126 15-1
16 16 Cavalryman (GB) Dettori L bin Suroor Saeed 125 8-1
I should note that these odds are US based, there is no gambling allowed in Dubai. 1 American in the race, but he could be America's best hope ever in this race. If Presious Passion gets to the lead early and sets his fractions, he'll be there at the end. Keep an eye on Buena Vista and Dar Re Mi, those two fillies could give PP a run for his money. The latter finishing third right behind PP and the now retired Condiut in the BC Turf. Jukebox Jury ran a gallant second in Candian Invitational last year, and Youmzain has run behind Zarkava and Sea the Stars in back to back Arcs.
8th (1:45)
Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (Grade I) (G1)
About 1 1/4 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $10,000,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Allybar (IRE) Ajtebi A Al Zarooni Mahmoud 126 12-1
2 2 Gitano Hernando (GB) Fallon K Botti Marco 126 9-2
3 3 Red Desire (JPN) Soumillon C Matsunaga Mikio 121 10-1
4 4 Gio Ponti Dominguez R A Clement Christophe 126 7-2
5 5 Gloria de Campeao (BRZ) Pereira T J Bary Pascal F 126 20-1
6 6 Vision d'Etat (FR) Peslier O Libaud Eric 126 6-1
7 7 Lizard's Desire (SAF) Shea K de Kock Michael F 126 20-1
8 8 Furthest Land Leparoux J R Maker Michael J 126 20-1
9 9 Crowded House (GB) Velazquez J R Meehan Brian 126 15-1
10 10 Richard's Kid Gomez G K Baffert Bob 126 5-1
11 11 Twice Over (GB) Queally T P Cecil Henry 126 8-1
12 12 Mastery (GB) Dettori L bin Suroor Saeed 126 40-1
13 13 Mr. Brock (SAF) Moore R L de Kock Michael F 126 30-1
14 14 Amor de Pobre (CHI) Gryder A T Barton Jerry 126 40-1
With the exception one, all of the winners of this race have been either American or had Dubai connections. Could this be the year that Japan breaks through? It could be while Red Desire isn't the horse that the Japansee where looking forward to (she is bascally filling in for the now retired Vodka who would have been going for the World Record for earnings in this race), she does have a chance after defeating Gloria de Campeao in the prep for this race. Gitano Hernando is an interesting horse, and could be the best non Dubai connections/American based (he has American owners) horse (Although I think Twice Over is sitting on a big race himself). Richard's Kid rebounded from his BCC diesaster and has been sold (again), he'll be running for Zabeel Racing (and assume a win could land him in Godolphin silks next time out). Futhest Land just seems to be overhyped. Yes he's owned by Team Roses in May/Kitten's Joy, but I don't think he's that great of a horse. Which leads me to America's best chance and that's Gio Ponti. His prep for the World Cup wasn't as bad as it seems. If he hadn't acted up in the gate Karlian would have been beaten by a length at least instead of winning by a nose. That was a very good prep for him, because with the synth surface it you don't know what will be happening. As for my pick, I'm going for the upset and going with Crowded House.
And now for tomorrow's Oaks prep,
9th (5:16)
Fair Grounds Oaks (G2)
1 1/16 Miles | Fillies | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Quiet Temper Albarado R J Romans Dale 121 L 7-2
2 2 Sheer Beauty Graham J Flint Bernard S 121 L 15-1
3 3 Seeking the Title Desormeaux K J Stewart Dallas 121 L 10-1
4 4 Mambo Fever Cohen D Dutrow Anthony W 121 Blk-On L 6-1
5 5 Camille's Appeal Bridgmohan S X Asmussen Steven M 121 L 20-1
6 6 Visavis Hernandez B J Jr Margolis Steve 121 L 8-1
7 7 The Rumor's True Eramia R E Duke Steven 121 L 30-1
8 8 Jody Slew Mena M Calhoun W. B 121 L 5-1
9 9 Shezacrazygirl Valenzuela P A Stall Albert M Jr 121 L 15-1
10 10 Champagne d'Oro Jacinto J Guillot Eric 121 L 8-1
11 11 Ailalea Castellano J J Pletcher Todd A 121 L 3-1
Ashado, Summerly, Proud Spell and Rachel Alexandra have two things in common, they all won the Fair Grounds Oaks before going onto winning the Kentucky Oaks. Thus making this race a key prep for the Run for the Lillies. Jody Slew almost wasn't entered into this year's race due to an injury, but I think she's getting better and will not be scratched. There's alot of pressure on her as she's trying to become the first filly to win the Tiffany Lass, Silverbulletday and this race. Quiet Temper is now floating a little bit under the radar, she rebounded from her poor proformance in the Tiff. to finish second in the Silver. Keep an eye on Champagne d'Oro, she has one win to her name (she actually previously won as a 2yo, but I believe she tested postive for something thus was DQ'ed), but she has stakes experience abeit poorly, but that will help her. I would love to see Quiet Temper turn the tables on Jody, and bring her form into the Oaks.
The rest of this weekend's preview will be tomorrow.
7th (12:35)
Dubai Sheema Classic Sponsored by Guangsha Group (Grade I) (G1)
About 1 1/2 Miles (Turf) | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $5,000,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Jukebox Jury (IRE) Ffrench R L Johnston Mark 125 12-1
2 2 Eastern Anthem (IRE) Ajtebi A Al Zarooni Mahmoud 126 8-1
3 3 Anmar Hills R Al Zarooni Mahmoud 125 30-1
4 4 Pan River (TUR) Kaya S Kasar Ayhan 126 30-1
5 5 Quijano (GER) Starke A Schiergen Peter 126 40-1
6 6 Pompeyano (IRE) Mullen R Seemar Sateesh 126 40-1
7 7 Youmzain (IRE) Fallon K Channon Michael R 126 9-2
8 8 Golden Sword (GB) Soumillon C de Kock Michael F 125 20-1
9 9 Presious Passion Trujillo E Hartmann Mary 126 9-2
10 10 Buena Vista (JPN) Peslier O Matsuda Hiroyoshi 120 10-1
11 11 Deem (IRE) Leparoux J R Barton Jerry 121 40-1
12 12 Mourilyan (IRE) Shea K Brown Herman J 126 20-1
13 13 Spanish Moon Moore R L Stoute Sir Michael 126 6-1
14 14 Dar Re Mi (GB) Buick W T Gosden John H M 121 10-1
15 15 Campanologist Durcan T E bin Suroor Saeed 126 15-1
16 16 Cavalryman (GB) Dettori L bin Suroor Saeed 125 8-1
I should note that these odds are US based, there is no gambling allowed in Dubai. 1 American in the race, but he could be America's best hope ever in this race. If Presious Passion gets to the lead early and sets his fractions, he'll be there at the end. Keep an eye on Buena Vista and Dar Re Mi, those two fillies could give PP a run for his money. The latter finishing third right behind PP and the now retired Condiut in the BC Turf. Jukebox Jury ran a gallant second in Candian Invitational last year, and Youmzain has run behind Zarkava and Sea the Stars in back to back Arcs.
8th (1:45)
Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (Grade I) (G1)
About 1 1/4 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $10,000,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Allybar (IRE) Ajtebi A Al Zarooni Mahmoud 126 12-1
2 2 Gitano Hernando (GB) Fallon K Botti Marco 126 9-2
3 3 Red Desire (JPN) Soumillon C Matsunaga Mikio 121 10-1
4 4 Gio Ponti Dominguez R A Clement Christophe 126 7-2
5 5 Gloria de Campeao (BRZ) Pereira T J Bary Pascal F 126 20-1
6 6 Vision d'Etat (FR) Peslier O Libaud Eric 126 6-1
7 7 Lizard's Desire (SAF) Shea K de Kock Michael F 126 20-1
8 8 Furthest Land Leparoux J R Maker Michael J 126 20-1
9 9 Crowded House (GB) Velazquez J R Meehan Brian 126 15-1
10 10 Richard's Kid Gomez G K Baffert Bob 126 5-1
11 11 Twice Over (GB) Queally T P Cecil Henry 126 8-1
12 12 Mastery (GB) Dettori L bin Suroor Saeed 126 40-1
13 13 Mr. Brock (SAF) Moore R L de Kock Michael F 126 30-1
14 14 Amor de Pobre (CHI) Gryder A T Barton Jerry 126 40-1
With the exception one, all of the winners of this race have been either American or had Dubai connections. Could this be the year that Japan breaks through? It could be while Red Desire isn't the horse that the Japansee where looking forward to (she is bascally filling in for the now retired Vodka who would have been going for the World Record for earnings in this race), she does have a chance after defeating Gloria de Campeao in the prep for this race. Gitano Hernando is an interesting horse, and could be the best non Dubai connections/American based (he has American owners) horse (Although I think Twice Over is sitting on a big race himself). Richard's Kid rebounded from his BCC diesaster and has been sold (again), he'll be running for Zabeel Racing (and assume a win could land him in Godolphin silks next time out). Futhest Land just seems to be overhyped. Yes he's owned by Team Roses in May/Kitten's Joy, but I don't think he's that great of a horse. Which leads me to America's best chance and that's Gio Ponti. His prep for the World Cup wasn't as bad as it seems. If he hadn't acted up in the gate Karlian would have been beaten by a length at least instead of winning by a nose. That was a very good prep for him, because with the synth surface it you don't know what will be happening. As for my pick, I'm going for the upset and going with Crowded House.
And now for tomorrow's Oaks prep,
9th (5:16)
Fair Grounds Oaks (G2)
1 1/16 Miles | Fillies | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Quiet Temper Albarado R J Romans Dale 121 L 7-2
2 2 Sheer Beauty Graham J Flint Bernard S 121 L 15-1
3 3 Seeking the Title Desormeaux K J Stewart Dallas 121 L 10-1
4 4 Mambo Fever Cohen D Dutrow Anthony W 121 Blk-On L 6-1
5 5 Camille's Appeal Bridgmohan S X Asmussen Steven M 121 L 20-1
6 6 Visavis Hernandez B J Jr Margolis Steve 121 L 8-1
7 7 The Rumor's True Eramia R E Duke Steven 121 L 30-1
8 8 Jody Slew Mena M Calhoun W. B 121 L 5-1
9 9 Shezacrazygirl Valenzuela P A Stall Albert M Jr 121 L 15-1
10 10 Champagne d'Oro Jacinto J Guillot Eric 121 L 8-1
11 11 Ailalea Castellano J J Pletcher Todd A 121 L 3-1
Ashado, Summerly, Proud Spell and Rachel Alexandra have two things in common, they all won the Fair Grounds Oaks before going onto winning the Kentucky Oaks. Thus making this race a key prep for the Run for the Lillies. Jody Slew almost wasn't entered into this year's race due to an injury, but I think she's getting better and will not be scratched. There's alot of pressure on her as she's trying to become the first filly to win the Tiffany Lass, Silverbulletday and this race. Quiet Temper is now floating a little bit under the radar, she rebounded from her poor proformance in the Tiff. to finish second in the Silver. Keep an eye on Champagne d'Oro, she has one win to her name (she actually previously won as a 2yo, but I believe she tested postive for something thus was DQ'ed), but she has stakes experience abeit poorly, but that will help her. I would love to see Quiet Temper turn the tables on Jody, and bring her form into the Oaks.
The rest of this weekend's preview will be tomorrow.
March 12, 2010
Rachel and Zenyatta... Need I Say More?
The day has finally come, tomorrow two future Hall of Famers make their four and six year old debuts respectivly. The big question is, will Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta win their races? Dispite going up against crummy fields there are worries for both that they could lose. Lets look at the fields and see:
10th (5:15)
New Orleans Ladies S.
1 1/16 Miles | Fillies and Mares | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $200,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Fighter Wing Lanerie C J Geier Greg 117 L 15-1
2 2 Rachel Alexandra Borel C H Asmussen Steven M 123 L 1-5
3 3 Zardana (BRZ) Flores D R Shirreffs John 121 L 5-1
4 4 Unforgotten Mena M Stewart Dallas 117 L 15-1
5 5 Clear Sailing Sellers S J Delahoussaye Glenn 117 L 6-1
At first glance you are say, plesh Rachel should handle this fillies with ease. Well... she probley will, but there are a few concerns. 1. She's coming into this race at 80%, and this is not a guarenteed win. 2. Zardana, humm that sounds like Zenyatta. Actually Zardana is not owned by the Moss', but by Arnold Zelcher of Gabby's Golden Gal fame. 3. There is other speed in the race setting up for Clear Sailing who is a closer like her dad Empire Maker.
But Zardana and Clear Sailing are not the two I'm the most worried about. It's Fighter Wing and Unforgotten, they could decide that they want to win tomorrow. This is not an easy race for Rachel, but she should beat this fillies and set up a showdown next month. Everybody else needs a win to earn an invite to the AB.
7th (3:37)
Santa Margarita Invitational H. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) | Fillies and Mares | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $250,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Dance to My Tune Garcia M Hollendorfer Jerry 111 L 50-1
2 2 Pretty Katherine Rosario J Hollendorfer Jerry 111 L 50-1
3 3 Made for Magic Berrio O A Avila A C 111 L 50-1
4 4 Pretty Unusual Sutherland C Abrams Barry 113 L 12-1
5 5 Striking Dancer Solis A McPeek Kenneth G 115 L 8-1
6 6 Powerofvoodoo Kaplan T Abrams Barry 108 L 50-1
7 7 Gripsholm Castle Espinoza V Cecil B D A 112 L 12-1
8 8 Zenyatta Smith M E Shirreffs John 127 L 1-9
9 9 Floating Heart Talamo J Pletcher Todd A 111 L 12-1
Like Rachel, on paper this is a walk in a park for Z. Post Postition shouldn't really hurt her because she'll be coming from the back of the pack anyway. But look at the weights, they range from 115 to 108. Z is carring 127. I have this gut feeling that she's going to lose tomorrow, I don't know to who, but that feeling inside me says she is. That being said, I do hope and think she'll win tomorrow to set up the showdown for next month.
The beauty of horse racing is that on any given day, someone can show up and win. Just ask Jim Dandy, Upset, Onion, Silmiril, Giacomo, Mine That Bird, etc. Rach and Z only need to have their B game to win, where as I think everybody else needs to have their A plus game to have a chance to finish first. Still, finishing second or third behind two of the greatest female race horses is not a bad placement.
A great weekend of racing! To cap it off, on Sunday on CBS there is a show called Undercover Boss. It's where heads of large bussiness' go undercover into the bowels basically of the company (previous CEO's include the heads of White Castle, Hooters and Waste Management). This Sunday, the COO of Churchill Downs Inc., Bill Carstanjen is the lastest to go undercover. I think the filming for his episode was done at Arlington and Calder. A weekend recap will be on Monday and Tuesday a recap of Sunday's Undercover Boss.
10th (5:15)
New Orleans Ladies S.
1 1/16 Miles | Fillies and Mares | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $200,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Fighter Wing Lanerie C J Geier Greg 117 L 15-1
2 2 Rachel Alexandra Borel C H Asmussen Steven M 123 L 1-5
3 3 Zardana (BRZ) Flores D R Shirreffs John 121 L 5-1
4 4 Unforgotten Mena M Stewart Dallas 117 L 15-1
5 5 Clear Sailing Sellers S J Delahoussaye Glenn 117 L 6-1
At first glance you are say, plesh Rachel should handle this fillies with ease. Well... she probley will, but there are a few concerns. 1. She's coming into this race at 80%, and this is not a guarenteed win. 2. Zardana, humm that sounds like Zenyatta. Actually Zardana is not owned by the Moss', but by Arnold Zelcher of Gabby's Golden Gal fame. 3. There is other speed in the race setting up for Clear Sailing who is a closer like her dad Empire Maker.
But Zardana and Clear Sailing are not the two I'm the most worried about. It's Fighter Wing and Unforgotten, they could decide that they want to win tomorrow. This is not an easy race for Rachel, but she should beat this fillies and set up a showdown next month. Everybody else needs a win to earn an invite to the AB.
7th (3:37)
Santa Margarita Invitational H. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) | Fillies and Mares | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $250,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Dance to My Tune Garcia M Hollendorfer Jerry 111 L 50-1
2 2 Pretty Katherine Rosario J Hollendorfer Jerry 111 L 50-1
3 3 Made for Magic Berrio O A Avila A C 111 L 50-1
4 4 Pretty Unusual Sutherland C Abrams Barry 113 L 12-1
5 5 Striking Dancer Solis A McPeek Kenneth G 115 L 8-1
6 6 Powerofvoodoo Kaplan T Abrams Barry 108 L 50-1
7 7 Gripsholm Castle Espinoza V Cecil B D A 112 L 12-1
8 8 Zenyatta Smith M E Shirreffs John 127 L 1-9
9 9 Floating Heart Talamo J Pletcher Todd A 111 L 12-1
Like Rachel, on paper this is a walk in a park for Z. Post Postition shouldn't really hurt her because she'll be coming from the back of the pack anyway. But look at the weights, they range from 115 to 108. Z is carring 127. I have this gut feeling that she's going to lose tomorrow, I don't know to who, but that feeling inside me says she is. That being said, I do hope and think she'll win tomorrow to set up the showdown for next month.
The beauty of horse racing is that on any given day, someone can show up and win. Just ask Jim Dandy, Upset, Onion, Silmiril, Giacomo, Mine That Bird, etc. Rach and Z only need to have their B game to win, where as I think everybody else needs to have their A plus game to have a chance to finish first. Still, finishing second or third behind two of the greatest female race horses is not a bad placement.
A great weekend of racing! To cap it off, on Sunday on CBS there is a show called Undercover Boss. It's where heads of large bussiness' go undercover into the bowels basically of the company (previous CEO's include the heads of White Castle, Hooters and Waste Management). This Sunday, the COO of Churchill Downs Inc., Bill Carstanjen is the lastest to go undercover. I think the filming for his episode was done at Arlington and Calder. A weekend recap will be on Monday and Tuesday a recap of Sunday's Undercover Boss.
February 19, 2010
Which Youth will Rise to the Top in the South?
Three major preps this weekend for the Florida Derby, Arkansas Derby and Louisana Derby respectivly. The Risen Star at the Fair Grounds is the prep for the Louisana Derby, and features highely impressive Aqueduct winner Tempted to Tapit, WinStar's Drosselmeyer and Lacomte winner Ron the Greek. The Fountain of Youth is the much anticipated 3yo debut of Buddy's Saint, but he will have to go against Jackson Bend, Akinate among other contenders. The delayed Southwest also goes off tomorrow, featuring Smarty Jones winner and runner up Dryfly and Pleasant Storm respectivly. However, don't count out Dublin and Convaynce.
I'm not going to be doing a race by race preview for this week, however that will return next week. This is because of lack of time. Plus the next few weeks I've got a few posts that will be about memories, so stay tuned for those. Just think a week from this upcoming Monday, we will be only two months away from the Kentucky Derby! A full recap of this past weekends races will be up on Monday.
I'm not going to be doing a race by race preview for this week, however that will return next week. This is because of lack of time. Plus the next few weeks I've got a few posts that will be about memories, so stay tuned for those. Just think a week from this upcoming Monday, we will be only two months away from the Kentucky Derby! A full recap of this past weekends races will be up on Monday.
January 22, 2010
Laholy! (Weekend Preview)
This weekend is the Lacomte and the Holy Bull, the first to preps on the Louisana and Florida trails respectivly. Also this weekend is the Lousiana Handicap (featuring General Quarters and Friesan Fire), and the Tiffany Lass (while the race isn't as well known as the Silverbulletday or the Fair Grounds Oaks, in 2004 it was won by a Roar filly named Lotta Kim. In 2006, Kim had her first foal a filly by Medaglia d'Oro, who went on to have a pretty good 2yo season, a fantasitic 3yo season and a highely anticpated 4yo season wink wink), both of those races are down at the Fair Grounds. Also this weekend Santa Anita should be returing after torrental rain storms had canceled Sunday to today.
But for now, lets focus on the Lacomte and Holy Bull:
First at Gulfstream:
Gulfstream Park - January 23, 2010
Race 9 - 5:08 PM Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / 10 Cent Superfecta / Daily Double (Races 9&10)
STAKES Holy Bull S. (Grade III)
Purse $150,000. For Three Year Olds. Free nomination by Saturday, January 9, 2010, $1,500 to pass the entry box and $1,500 additional to start, with $150,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $90,000, $30,000 to second, $15,000 to third, $7,500 to fourth, $4,500 to fifth and $3,000 to sixth. Supplemental nominations may be at time of entry a fee of $6,000, which includes entry and starting fees. Weight: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of a grade I or II stakes allowed, 2 Lbs.; of a sweepstakes at a mile or over, 4 Lbs.; of two races other than maiden or claiming at a mile or over, 6 Lbs. Horses finishing first, second or third in the Holy Bull will automatically be nominated to the Florida Derby. Trophy to the winning owner.Closed Saturday, January 9, 2010 with 51 nominations. One Mile.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Thank U Philippe (FL) 3/C L E Castro 116 M D Wolfson 8/1
2 2 Homeboykris (MD) 3/G L E S Prado 122 R E Dutrow, Jr. 5/1
3 3 Litigation Risk (FL) 3/C L A Garcia 116 R A Violette, Jr. 12/1
4 4 Piscitelli (KY) 3/C L K J Desormeaux 116 R W Sacco 6/1
5 5 William's Kitten (KY) 3/C L* J R Leparoux 120 M J Maker 8/1
6 6 Winslow Homer (KY) 3/C L R A Dominguez 116 A W Dutrow 6/1
7 7 Wild Lime (KY) 3/C L J Lezcano 116 M J Trombetta 20/1
8 8 Aikenite (FL) 3/C L* J R Velazquez 116 T A Pletcher 4/1
9 9 Jackson Bend (FL) 3/C L J Rose 120 N P Zito 5/2
Homeboykris is the lone graded stakes winner in the race, Piscitelli ran well in the BC Juvenile, and Jackson Bend has been flattered by Homeboykris and D'Funnybone. However I'm going to be focusing on three horses, William's Kitten who is coming off a second place finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, Winslow Homer who is an allowance winner, and Aikenite who is G1 placed. I would love to see Winslow Homer on top, however I think a mile at Gulfstream is a one turn race and he is probley a better two turn horse. On the plus side, he has the jockey that broke his maiden in the saddle, and the winner of his first race came back to be stakes placed.
Top three:
Winslow Homer
Aikenite
William's Kitten
At the Fair Grounds
Fair Grounds - January 23, 2010
Race 10 - 4:43 PM Exacta / Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta Pick 3 (Races 10-11-12) / $0.50 Pick 4 (Races 10-11-12-13)
STAKES LeComte S. (Grade III)
Purse $100,000. For Three Year Olds. By subscription of $100 each (Louisiana Derby early bird nominees automatically subscribed); $400 to enter; $500 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $2,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $100,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% to fifth and 1% to sixth through ninth. Weight: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000 allowed 2 Lbs.; $25,000, allowed 4 Lbs.; $20,000, allowed 6 Lbs. (Maiden andclaiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. NOTE: This Stake will be limited to 14 starters should race not be split. Preference to horses according to highest lifetiime earnings excluding restricted races at the time of passing entry box. Equibase, Inc. records will be considered official for determining money earned. Different owners have equal draw according to earnings. Second choice high earners of a same ownerentry receive no consideration over a single entry. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed Saturday, January 9, 2010, with 72 nominations. One Mile And Forty Yards.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Maximus Ruler (KY) 3/C L F C Torres 120 C Hanna 4/1
2 2 Turf Melody (KY) 3/C L J Valdivia, Jr. 122 H G Motion 7/2
3 3 Worldly (KY) 3/C L R Albarado 116 P J McGee 5/1
4 4 Depaul (KY) 3/C L S J Sellers 116 S M Asmussen 20/1
5 5 Citrus Kid (KY) 3/C L M Mena 122 J P Terranova, II 8/1
6 6 Callide Valley (KY) 3/C L* C J Lanerie 120 E Kenneally 10/1
7 7 B'wanagoldmine (FL) 3/G L E M Martin, Jr. 120 D Pish 15/1
8 8 Letsgetitonmon (KY) 3/C L S Bridgmohan 116 S M Asmussen 10/1
9 9 Cool Bullet (FL) 3/G L B J Hernandez, Jr. 122 S Margolis 5/1
10 10 Rock Hard (KY) 3/G L J Theriot 118 B C Barnett 30/1
11 11 Ron the Greek (FL) 3/C L J Graham 116 T M Amoss 8/1
All eyes will be on Turf Melody, but once again I'm going with a different horse. Citrus Kid is a horse who in my opion is a horse with upside. The horse who finished 3rd (before being DQ'ed to 5th), Laus Deo won the Count Fleet a few weeks ago. He's coming off a third place finish in the Remsen to Buddy's Saint who is more then likely going to be the Fountain of Youth favorite. I'm not a huge fan of his jock, but hopefully he does well.
So it's a nice weekend of races, I'm also looking foward to an allowance at Oaklawn that features Backwater Blues who I saw break his maiden at Delaware last year.
Also Denis of Cork and Papa Clem where both retired due to injury, while The Maliet, who won a G3 last year broke down at Gulfstream and was subquently euthanized, she was a stablemate of the forementioned Buddy's Saint.
I'll have a recap on Monday.
But for now, lets focus on the Lacomte and Holy Bull:
First at Gulfstream:
Gulfstream Park - January 23, 2010
Race 9 - 5:08 PM Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / 10 Cent Superfecta / Daily Double (Races 9&10)
STAKES Holy Bull S. (Grade III)
Purse $150,000. For Three Year Olds. Free nomination by Saturday, January 9, 2010, $1,500 to pass the entry box and $1,500 additional to start, with $150,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $90,000, $30,000 to second, $15,000 to third, $7,500 to fourth, $4,500 to fifth and $3,000 to sixth. Supplemental nominations may be at time of entry a fee of $6,000, which includes entry and starting fees. Weight: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of a grade I or II stakes allowed, 2 Lbs.; of a sweepstakes at a mile or over, 4 Lbs.; of two races other than maiden or claiming at a mile or over, 6 Lbs. Horses finishing first, second or third in the Holy Bull will automatically be nominated to the Florida Derby. Trophy to the winning owner.Closed Saturday, January 9, 2010 with 51 nominations. One Mile.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Thank U Philippe (FL) 3/C L E Castro 116 M D Wolfson 8/1
2 2 Homeboykris (MD) 3/G L E S Prado 122 R E Dutrow, Jr. 5/1
3 3 Litigation Risk (FL) 3/C L A Garcia 116 R A Violette, Jr. 12/1
4 4 Piscitelli (KY) 3/C L K J Desormeaux 116 R W Sacco 6/1
5 5 William's Kitten (KY) 3/C L* J R Leparoux 120 M J Maker 8/1
6 6 Winslow Homer (KY) 3/C L R A Dominguez 116 A W Dutrow 6/1
7 7 Wild Lime (KY) 3/C L J Lezcano 116 M J Trombetta 20/1
8 8 Aikenite (FL) 3/C L* J R Velazquez 116 T A Pletcher 4/1
9 9 Jackson Bend (FL) 3/C L J Rose 120 N P Zito 5/2
Homeboykris is the lone graded stakes winner in the race, Piscitelli ran well in the BC Juvenile, and Jackson Bend has been flattered by Homeboykris and D'Funnybone. However I'm going to be focusing on three horses, William's Kitten who is coming off a second place finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, Winslow Homer who is an allowance winner, and Aikenite who is G1 placed. I would love to see Winslow Homer on top, however I think a mile at Gulfstream is a one turn race and he is probley a better two turn horse. On the plus side, he has the jockey that broke his maiden in the saddle, and the winner of his first race came back to be stakes placed.
Top three:
Winslow Homer
Aikenite
William's Kitten
At the Fair Grounds
Fair Grounds - January 23, 2010
Race 10 - 4:43 PM Exacta / Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta Pick 3 (Races 10-11-12) / $0.50 Pick 4 (Races 10-11-12-13)
STAKES LeComte S. (Grade III)
Purse $100,000. For Three Year Olds. By subscription of $100 each (Louisiana Derby early bird nominees automatically subscribed); $400 to enter; $500 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $2,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $100,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% to fifth and 1% to sixth through ninth. Weight: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000 allowed 2 Lbs.; $25,000, allowed 4 Lbs.; $20,000, allowed 6 Lbs. (Maiden andclaiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. NOTE: This Stake will be limited to 14 starters should race not be split. Preference to horses according to highest lifetiime earnings excluding restricted races at the time of passing entry box. Equibase, Inc. records will be considered official for determining money earned. Different owners have equal draw according to earnings. Second choice high earners of a same ownerentry receive no consideration over a single entry. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed Saturday, January 9, 2010, with 72 nominations. One Mile And Forty Yards.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Maximus Ruler (KY) 3/C L F C Torres 120 C Hanna 4/1
2 2 Turf Melody (KY) 3/C L J Valdivia, Jr. 122 H G Motion 7/2
3 3 Worldly (KY) 3/C L R Albarado 116 P J McGee 5/1
4 4 Depaul (KY) 3/C L S J Sellers 116 S M Asmussen 20/1
5 5 Citrus Kid (KY) 3/C L M Mena 122 J P Terranova, II 8/1
6 6 Callide Valley (KY) 3/C L* C J Lanerie 120 E Kenneally 10/1
7 7 B'wanagoldmine (FL) 3/G L E M Martin, Jr. 120 D Pish 15/1
8 8 Letsgetitonmon (KY) 3/C L S Bridgmohan 116 S M Asmussen 10/1
9 9 Cool Bullet (FL) 3/G L B J Hernandez, Jr. 122 S Margolis 5/1
10 10 Rock Hard (KY) 3/G L J Theriot 118 B C Barnett 30/1
11 11 Ron the Greek (FL) 3/C L J Graham 116 T M Amoss 8/1
All eyes will be on Turf Melody, but once again I'm going with a different horse. Citrus Kid is a horse who in my opion is a horse with upside. The horse who finished 3rd (before being DQ'ed to 5th), Laus Deo won the Count Fleet a few weeks ago. He's coming off a third place finish in the Remsen to Buddy's Saint who is more then likely going to be the Fountain of Youth favorite. I'm not a huge fan of his jock, but hopefully he does well.
So it's a nice weekend of races, I'm also looking foward to an allowance at Oaklawn that features Backwater Blues who I saw break his maiden at Delaware last year.
Also Denis of Cork and Papa Clem where both retired due to injury, while The Maliet, who won a G3 last year broke down at Gulfstream and was subquently euthanized, she was a stablemate of the forementioned Buddy's Saint.
I'll have a recap on Monday.
February 25, 2009
Weekend Preview, Rachel Alexandra to the FG Oaks, England invades Santa Anita (again)
Well it's a pretty good weekend race race. I'll be previewing three stakes races and a claiming (Which I'll explain in a moment). Three tracks, three states. All of these races are on Saturday.
We start off in New York and Aquaduct.
5th (2:24)
1 Mile 70 Yards Open 4 Year Olds And Up Claiming ($25,000) Purse: $34,000
1 Stealth Missile Castro E 120 $25,000 L
2 Curvature Hill C 118 $25,000 L
3 Rovic's Wealth Dominguez R A 120 $25,000 L
4 One of the Best Lopez C C 118 $25,000 L
5 Saratoga Lulaby Migliore R 118 $25,000 L
6 Arcata Maragh R 118 $25,000 L
7 Marina Market Napravnik A R 118 $25,000 L
8 Crafty Mark Alvarado N R 118 $25,000 L
9 Counting House Chavez J F 118 $25,000
Normally I wouldn't preview claiming races, since there are so many to choose from. However, I'm making an exception because of one horse. Arcata is a horse who I've followed almost his entire career. He's a gorgous son of Wagon Limit, and broke his maiden at Delaware Park in November 2006. I know this, as I was there for his maiden win. To make a long story short, I was in my first semester at a local CC here in Delaware, and well I skipped most of math class to see Hard Spun in the Port Penn S. that year. Ironicly, Arcata had flattered Hard Spun as he was a horse who Hard Spun had previously beaten. Since then Hard Spun of course finished second in the KY Derby and Breeder's Cup Classic, while Arcata won a small stakes down at Laurel last year. This is his first start for Scott Lake after being claimed from Graham Motion. I really hope he does well, and wins this race. I'm choosing Saratoga Lulaby and Marina Market for second and third respectivlly, really just for their names.
Top three:
Arcata
Saratoga Lulaby
Marina Market
8th (3:49)
Stymie H.
1 1/8 Miles Open 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes Purse: $65,000
1 Barcola Napravnik A R 121 L
2 Researcher Luzzi M J 123 L
3 Judiths Wild Rush Bocachica O 121 L
4 Brilliant Son Migliore R 119 L
5 Manteca Maragh R 119 L
6 True Resurgence Sanchez J 119 L
7 Barrier Reef Dominguez R A 119 L
8 Real Merchant (CHI) Castro E 121 L
This race is loaded with horses I really like. I've seen Barcola in person a few times, with him winning both times. Researcher is such a neat story, I've liked Barrier Reef for awhile now and he's sure to go of as the favorite. But Manteca, is the horse I would really love to see win, he's a New York bred out of a Delaware Handicap winner.
Top four (any order: I'm putting a win, place, show bet on all four of them. Depending on where they finish, that's the one I'll take)
Manteca
Barcola
Barrier Reef
Researcher
Off to Gulfstream and the final major FL Derby prep.
9th (5:14)
Fountain of Youth S. (G2)
1 Mile Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $250,000
1 Bee Cee Cee Velasquez C 120 L
2 Theregoesjojo Desormeaux K J 116 L
3 Notonthesamepage Trujillo E 120 L
4 Take the Points Decarlo C P 116 L
5 Jack Spratt Douglas R R 120 L
6 Rocketing Returns Lezcano J 116 L
7 Beethoven Borel C H 122 L
8 Break Water Edison Coa E M 122 Blk-On L
9 Capt. Candyman Can Leparoux J R 122 L
10 Taqarub Garcia Alan 120 L
11 Quality Road Velazquez J R 114 FTL
12 This Ones for Phil Prado E S 120 L
There are several horses that are the it horses in Florida. I really like Capt. Candyman Can and Take the Points. The thing is TTP is most likley going to be scratched for the final race I'm previewing. So I'll take Theregoesjojo if he does go the race I have not previewed. And Beethoven to go third either way.
If TTP does go:
Take the Points
Capt. Candyman Can
Beethoven
If he doesn't:
Capt. Candyman Can
Theregoesjojo
Beethoven
9th (4:38)
Sham S. (G3)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $200,000
1 Hi Flyin Indy Quinonez A 116 L
2 Smart Bid Bejarano R 118 L
3 Tiz True Gryder A T 116 L
4 Lifeline Baze T C 116 L
5 The Pamplemousse Solis A 118 L
6 Balfour Park Blanc B 116 Blk-On L
7 Mr. Hot Stuff Nakatani C S 116 L
8 Bourbon Bay Rosario J 116 L
9 Ventana Rios J M 116 Blk-On L
10 Mark S the Cooler Talamo J 116 L
11 Unbridled Roman Smith M E 116 L
12 Take the Points Gomez G K 118
This is the more likely race of the two for Take the Points. I'm not a 100% sure how he'll do here as it's against tough company and it's on a synthtic surface. Alot of people like The Pamplemousse (French for grapefruit), and Mr. Hot Stuff (brother to Col. John). I gotta go with The Pamplemousse, but I don't know how well he'll do in the SA Derby.
Top three:
The Pamplemousse
Take the Points
Mr. Hot Stuff
Also a few things: Rachel Alexandra will be heading the New Orleans for the Fair Grounds Oaks link. Also England will be sending a rep for the Santa Anita Handicap. Dansant has synthtic experience, but has not faced the company that he'll be facing in the Big Cap as grass is king over in Europe, link.
We start off in New York and Aquaduct.
5th (2:24)
1 Mile 70 Yards Open 4 Year Olds And Up Claiming ($25,000) Purse: $34,000
1 Stealth Missile Castro E 120 $25,000 L
2 Curvature Hill C 118 $25,000 L
3 Rovic's Wealth Dominguez R A 120 $25,000 L
4 One of the Best Lopez C C 118 $25,000 L
5 Saratoga Lulaby Migliore R 118 $25,000 L
6 Arcata Maragh R 118 $25,000 L
7 Marina Market Napravnik A R 118 $25,000 L
8 Crafty Mark Alvarado N R 118 $25,000 L
9 Counting House Chavez J F 118 $25,000
Normally I wouldn't preview claiming races, since there are so many to choose from. However, I'm making an exception because of one horse. Arcata is a horse who I've followed almost his entire career. He's a gorgous son of Wagon Limit, and broke his maiden at Delaware Park in November 2006. I know this, as I was there for his maiden win. To make a long story short, I was in my first semester at a local CC here in Delaware, and well I skipped most of math class to see Hard Spun in the Port Penn S. that year. Ironicly, Arcata had flattered Hard Spun as he was a horse who Hard Spun had previously beaten. Since then Hard Spun of course finished second in the KY Derby and Breeder's Cup Classic, while Arcata won a small stakes down at Laurel last year. This is his first start for Scott Lake after being claimed from Graham Motion. I really hope he does well, and wins this race. I'm choosing Saratoga Lulaby and Marina Market for second and third respectivlly, really just for their names.
Top three:
Arcata
Saratoga Lulaby
Marina Market
8th (3:49)
Stymie H.
1 1/8 Miles Open 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes Purse: $65,000
1 Barcola Napravnik A R 121 L
2 Researcher Luzzi M J 123 L
3 Judiths Wild Rush Bocachica O 121 L
4 Brilliant Son Migliore R 119 L
5 Manteca Maragh R 119 L
6 True Resurgence Sanchez J 119 L
7 Barrier Reef Dominguez R A 119 L
8 Real Merchant (CHI) Castro E 121 L
This race is loaded with horses I really like. I've seen Barcola in person a few times, with him winning both times. Researcher is such a neat story, I've liked Barrier Reef for awhile now and he's sure to go of as the favorite. But Manteca, is the horse I would really love to see win, he's a New York bred out of a Delaware Handicap winner.
Top four (any order: I'm putting a win, place, show bet on all four of them. Depending on where they finish, that's the one I'll take)
Manteca
Barcola
Barrier Reef
Researcher
Off to Gulfstream and the final major FL Derby prep.
9th (5:14)
Fountain of Youth S. (G2)
1 Mile Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $250,000
1 Bee Cee Cee Velasquez C 120 L
2 Theregoesjojo Desormeaux K J 116 L
3 Notonthesamepage Trujillo E 120 L
4 Take the Points Decarlo C P 116 L
5 Jack Spratt Douglas R R 120 L
6 Rocketing Returns Lezcano J 116 L
7 Beethoven Borel C H 122 L
8 Break Water Edison Coa E M 122 Blk-On L
9 Capt. Candyman Can Leparoux J R 122 L
10 Taqarub Garcia Alan 120 L
11 Quality Road Velazquez J R 114 FTL
12 This Ones for Phil Prado E S 120 L
There are several horses that are the it horses in Florida. I really like Capt. Candyman Can and Take the Points. The thing is TTP is most likley going to be scratched for the final race I'm previewing. So I'll take Theregoesjojo if he does go the race I have not previewed. And Beethoven to go third either way.
If TTP does go:
Take the Points
Capt. Candyman Can
Beethoven
If he doesn't:
Capt. Candyman Can
Theregoesjojo
Beethoven
9th (4:38)
Sham S. (G3)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $200,000
1 Hi Flyin Indy Quinonez A 116 L
2 Smart Bid Bejarano R 118 L
3 Tiz True Gryder A T 116 L
4 Lifeline Baze T C 116 L
5 The Pamplemousse Solis A 118 L
6 Balfour Park Blanc B 116 Blk-On L
7 Mr. Hot Stuff Nakatani C S 116 L
8 Bourbon Bay Rosario J 116 L
9 Ventana Rios J M 116 Blk-On L
10 Mark S the Cooler Talamo J 116 L
11 Unbridled Roman Smith M E 116 L
12 Take the Points Gomez G K 118
This is the more likely race of the two for Take the Points. I'm not a 100% sure how he'll do here as it's against tough company and it's on a synthtic surface. Alot of people like The Pamplemousse (French for grapefruit), and Mr. Hot Stuff (brother to Col. John). I gotta go with The Pamplemousse, but I don't know how well he'll do in the SA Derby.
Top three:
The Pamplemousse
Take the Points
Mr. Hot Stuff
Also a few things: Rachel Alexandra will be heading the New Orleans for the Fair Grounds Oaks link. Also England will be sending a rep for the Santa Anita Handicap. Dansant has synthtic experience, but has not faced the company that he'll be facing in the Big Cap as grass is king over in Europe, link.
February 4, 2009
Big Weeked Preview (Part 1)
Yes I know every weekend leading up to the Derby is big, but this one is different from last week. It's so big, that it's going to take two days to this preview (as the race I want to that's also Saturday doesn't get drawn until tomarrow). So part one will focus on a G1, the first major New York stakes of the year, and the return of a rivelry.
We start off at Aquaduct with a prep for Wood Memorial.
8th (3:49)
Whirlaway S.
1 1/16 Miles Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $100,000
1 Haynesfield Dominguez R A 122 L
2 Hehasnosay Castro E 118 L
3 Peace Town Pimentel J 120 L
4 Mike From Queens Maragh R 118 L
5 Zooger Hill C 118 L
6 Cellar Dweller Napravnik A R 118 L
Alot of people like the NY Bred Haynesfield, who won the Damon Runyon last year and the Count Fleet last time out. He's by Speightstown, so distance might be a bit on the long side, but his broodmare sire was third in the Queen's Plate (Canada's version of the Derby). I personally like Peace Town. He's by Peace Rules (3rd to Funny Cide in the 2003 KY Derby and G1 winner), out of a mare who is by a son of Seattle Slew. Won the Maryland Juvi last year and might be the horse to beat with Haynesfield who I'm going to put on top, but either way it will be interesting.
Top three:
Haynesfield
Peace Town
Mike from Queens
From Queens, we head to the Cresent City New Orleans, and the Fair Grounds for LA Derby Preview day.
6th (2:55)
Mineshaft H. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles Open 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes Purse: $125,000
1 Secret Getaway Graham J 119 L
2 Good and Lucky Valenzuela P A 120 L
3 Smokeyjonessutton Theriot H J II 112 Blk-Off L
4 Grasshopper Albarado R J 119 L
5 My Pal Charlie Bourque C C 121 L
6 Coragil Cat Hernandez B J Jr 114 L
7 Brothers Nicholas Prado E S 116 L
8 Honest Man Saez G 119 L
Honest Man is a really interesting horse pedigree wise. He's by Unbridled's Song out of G1 Oath. Now your proably saying is why is a horse by a Champion 2yo out of a G1 winning mar interesting, it's his dam side that's the interesting. Oath's half brother is War Pass, the 2007 BC Juvi winner. Now no mistake about it, Honest Man is a really nice horse. Won a G3 last year, he finished 3rd in his season debut this year. Grasshopper is another interesting horse, he gave Street Sense all he can handal in the 2007 Travlers finishing a soild second to the Derby winner. Another interesting thing is that Mineshaft and him share the same trainer. This is proably the most wide open race on the Fair Grounds card on Saturday.
Top Three:
Honest Man
Grasshopper
My Pal Charlie
8th (3:55)
Silverbulletday S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles Fillies 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $150,000
1 Four Gifts Albarado R J 122 L
2 More of the Best Castanon J L 116 L
3 War Echo Bridgmohan S X 116 L
4 Flying Spur Valenzuela P A 116 L
5 Garter Belt Lanerie C J 116 L
6 Southern Yankee Saez G 122 L
7 Just Jenda Thompson T J 122 L
8 War Tigress Hernandez B J Jr 120 L
Last year the Fair Grounds had the fantastic rivalry of Indian Blessing vs Proud Spell. This year it's Just Jenda vs Four Gifts. But this is somewhat of a rematch between the trainers. Larry Jones (Just Jenda) and Steve Asmussen (Four Gifts), these two along with Carl Naftzger (trainer of Unbridled) gave us Street Sense (Naftzger), Curlin (Asmussen) and Hard Spun (Jones) in 2007. Just Jenda and Four Gifts have each taken one race. Four Gifts as a two year old and Just Jenda as a three year old. Look out for Four Gifts stablemate, War Echo a 3/4 sister to last year's Lousiana Derby winner Pyro.
Top three:
Just Jenda
Four Gifts
War Echo
9th (4:29)
Risen Star S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $200,000
1 Map of the World Bourque C C 116 L
2 Indygo Mountain Theriot H J II 116 L
3 Nowhere to Hide Lanerie C J 116 L
4 It Happened Again Thompson T J 120 L
5 Uno Mas Hernandez B J Jr 120 L
6 Friesan Fire Saez G 122 L
7 Giant Oak Prado E S 120 L
8 Dumar Bridgmohan S X 120 L
9 Code of Honour Toups R 116 L
10 Soul Warrior Valenzuela P A 116 L
11 Summer's Empire Campbell J M 122 L
12 Flying Pegasus Albarado R J 120 L
13 Au Moon Leparoux J R 116 L
Two years ago Larry Jones and Fox Hill Farm had Hard Spun win the prep for the Risen Star the LaComte. Lghting strook twice, this time with Friesan Fire (#5 3yo colts in the TC Top Five), who won the LaComte this year. He'll face some of the same horses, Uno Mas, Au Moon and Indygo Mountain being the big names. Giant Oak, who finished second in his first try on dirt at Churchill last year is the morning line favorite. It Happended Again is a fitting name for him as he's by Proud Citizen (sire of Proud Spell), owned by former Kentucky Gov. Breton Jones and trained by Larry Jones (owner and trainer of Proud Spell).
Top three:
Friesan Fire
Giant Oak
It Happended Again
Here is an interesting story about Giant Oak Link
Then it's off to California with SA Oaks, Derby and Handicap preps.
6th (3:05)
Las Virgenes S. (G1)
1 Mile (All Weather Track) Fillies 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $300,000
1 Navigator Espinoza V 116 L
2 African Skies (GB) Talamo J 116
3 Century Park Baze T C 118 L
4 Nan Nakatani C S 116 L
5 Stardom Bound Smith M E 122 L
6 Haka Bejarano R 116 L
7 Saucey Evening Gomez G K 118 L
8 Toro Bonito Velazquez J R 116 L
9 Pinkarella Rosario J 116 L
Stardom Bound (#1 in 3yo fillies) makes her season debut for her new owner and trainer. Honestly she is the class of the race, but I'm going to try to beat her. Saucey Evening looks to the horse to do it. She's by More Than Ready who has done quite well with his Australian crops out of a full sister to General Challenge and Western Hemisphere. A Cal bred stakes winner, she might be the one to dethrone Stardom Bound.
Top three:
Saucey Evening
Stardom Bound
Pinkarella
8th (4:07)
Robert B. Lewis S. (G2)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $200,000
1 Bittel Road Velazquez J R 122 L
2 Pioneerof the Nile Gomez G K 122 L
3 Papa Clem Bejarano R 115 L
4 I Want Revenge Talamo J 115 Blk-On L
5 Mark S the Cooler Nakatani C S 115 L
6 Oil Man (IRE) Smith M E 115 L
7 Brother Keith Baze T C 115 L
8 Shafted Rosario J 117 L
9 Charlie's Moment Valdivia J Jr 117
Not much to really say about this race other then it's really between three horses.
Top three:
Pioneerof the Nile
Brother Keith
I Want Revenge
9th (4:38)
Strub S. (G2)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) Open 4 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $250,000
1 Dixie Chatter Baze T C 117 L
2 Blue Exit Smith M E 117 L
3 Trevor's Clever Baze M C 117 L \
4 Victory Pete Sutherland C 117 L
5 Gio Ponti Gomez G K 123 L
6 Medjool Solis A 117 L
7 Nownownow Talamo J 121 L
8 Cowboy Cal Velazquez J R 121 L
9 Wishful Tomcat Rosario J 119 L
10 Cause Garcia M 117 L
11 Cherokee Artist Valdivia J Jr 117 L
12 Wesley Castellano J J 119
13 Slew's Tiznow Bejarano R 119 L
Cowboy Cal, Nownownow, and Gio Ponti are actually turf horses who are benifitting from the Pro Ride surface (Although Cal did pretty well in last year's Derby). I gotta go with Dixie Chatter who is actually the only Grade One winner in the race. Nownownow is trained by Patrick Beincone who is coming off a suspention for cobra venom (yes cobra venom). He also bombed pretty badly last year. Gio Ponti had a rivalry with Court Vision and Cowboy Cal is the only Stonerside horse that is with the McNairs (the rest (except for stallions) where sold to Darley)
Top three:
Dixie Chatter
Cowboy Cal
Gio Ponti
Tomarrow, the Oaklawn race!
We start off at Aquaduct with a prep for Wood Memorial.
8th (3:49)
Whirlaway S.
1 1/16 Miles Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $100,000
1 Haynesfield Dominguez R A 122 L
2 Hehasnosay Castro E 118 L
3 Peace Town Pimentel J 120 L
4 Mike From Queens Maragh R 118 L
5 Zooger Hill C 118 L
6 Cellar Dweller Napravnik A R 118 L
Alot of people like the NY Bred Haynesfield, who won the Damon Runyon last year and the Count Fleet last time out. He's by Speightstown, so distance might be a bit on the long side, but his broodmare sire was third in the Queen's Plate (Canada's version of the Derby). I personally like Peace Town. He's by Peace Rules (3rd to Funny Cide in the 2003 KY Derby and G1 winner), out of a mare who is by a son of Seattle Slew. Won the Maryland Juvi last year and might be the horse to beat with Haynesfield who I'm going to put on top, but either way it will be interesting.
Top three:
Haynesfield
Peace Town
Mike from Queens
From Queens, we head to the Cresent City New Orleans, and the Fair Grounds for LA Derby Preview day.
6th (2:55)
Mineshaft H. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles Open 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes Purse: $125,000
1 Secret Getaway Graham J 119 L
2 Good and Lucky Valenzuela P A 120 L
3 Smokeyjonessutton Theriot H J II 112 Blk-Off L
4 Grasshopper Albarado R J 119 L
5 My Pal Charlie Bourque C C 121 L
6 Coragil Cat Hernandez B J Jr 114 L
7 Brothers Nicholas Prado E S 116 L
8 Honest Man Saez G 119 L
Honest Man is a really interesting horse pedigree wise. He's by Unbridled's Song out of G1 Oath. Now your proably saying is why is a horse by a Champion 2yo out of a G1 winning mar interesting, it's his dam side that's the interesting. Oath's half brother is War Pass, the 2007 BC Juvi winner. Now no mistake about it, Honest Man is a really nice horse. Won a G3 last year, he finished 3rd in his season debut this year. Grasshopper is another interesting horse, he gave Street Sense all he can handal in the 2007 Travlers finishing a soild second to the Derby winner. Another interesting thing is that Mineshaft and him share the same trainer. This is proably the most wide open race on the Fair Grounds card on Saturday.
Top Three:
Honest Man
Grasshopper
My Pal Charlie
8th (3:55)
Silverbulletday S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles Fillies 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $150,000
1 Four Gifts Albarado R J 122 L
2 More of the Best Castanon J L 116 L
3 War Echo Bridgmohan S X 116 L
4 Flying Spur Valenzuela P A 116 L
5 Garter Belt Lanerie C J 116 L
6 Southern Yankee Saez G 122 L
7 Just Jenda Thompson T J 122 L
8 War Tigress Hernandez B J Jr 120 L
Last year the Fair Grounds had the fantastic rivalry of Indian Blessing vs Proud Spell. This year it's Just Jenda vs Four Gifts. But this is somewhat of a rematch between the trainers. Larry Jones (Just Jenda) and Steve Asmussen (Four Gifts), these two along with Carl Naftzger (trainer of Unbridled) gave us Street Sense (Naftzger), Curlin (Asmussen) and Hard Spun (Jones) in 2007. Just Jenda and Four Gifts have each taken one race. Four Gifts as a two year old and Just Jenda as a three year old. Look out for Four Gifts stablemate, War Echo a 3/4 sister to last year's Lousiana Derby winner Pyro.
Top three:
Just Jenda
Four Gifts
War Echo
9th (4:29)
Risen Star S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $200,000
1 Map of the World Bourque C C 116 L
2 Indygo Mountain Theriot H J II 116 L
3 Nowhere to Hide Lanerie C J 116 L
4 It Happened Again Thompson T J 120 L
5 Uno Mas Hernandez B J Jr 120 L
6 Friesan Fire Saez G 122 L
7 Giant Oak Prado E S 120 L
8 Dumar Bridgmohan S X 120 L
9 Code of Honour Toups R 116 L
10 Soul Warrior Valenzuela P A 116 L
11 Summer's Empire Campbell J M 122 L
12 Flying Pegasus Albarado R J 120 L
13 Au Moon Leparoux J R 116 L
Two years ago Larry Jones and Fox Hill Farm had Hard Spun win the prep for the Risen Star the LaComte. Lghting strook twice, this time with Friesan Fire (#5 3yo colts in the TC Top Five), who won the LaComte this year. He'll face some of the same horses, Uno Mas, Au Moon and Indygo Mountain being the big names. Giant Oak, who finished second in his first try on dirt at Churchill last year is the morning line favorite. It Happended Again is a fitting name for him as he's by Proud Citizen (sire of Proud Spell), owned by former Kentucky Gov. Breton Jones and trained by Larry Jones (owner and trainer of Proud Spell).
Top three:
Friesan Fire
Giant Oak
It Happended Again
Here is an interesting story about Giant Oak Link
Then it's off to California with SA Oaks, Derby and Handicap preps.
6th (3:05)
Las Virgenes S. (G1)
1 Mile (All Weather Track) Fillies 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $300,000
1 Navigator Espinoza V 116 L
2 African Skies (GB) Talamo J 116
3 Century Park Baze T C 118 L
4 Nan Nakatani C S 116 L
5 Stardom Bound Smith M E 122 L
6 Haka Bejarano R 116 L
7 Saucey Evening Gomez G K 118 L
8 Toro Bonito Velazquez J R 116 L
9 Pinkarella Rosario J 116 L
Stardom Bound (#1 in 3yo fillies) makes her season debut for her new owner and trainer. Honestly she is the class of the race, but I'm going to try to beat her. Saucey Evening looks to the horse to do it. She's by More Than Ready who has done quite well with his Australian crops out of a full sister to General Challenge and Western Hemisphere. A Cal bred stakes winner, she might be the one to dethrone Stardom Bound.
Top three:
Saucey Evening
Stardom Bound
Pinkarella
8th (4:07)
Robert B. Lewis S. (G2)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $200,000
1 Bittel Road Velazquez J R 122 L
2 Pioneerof the Nile Gomez G K 122 L
3 Papa Clem Bejarano R 115 L
4 I Want Revenge Talamo J 115 Blk-On L
5 Mark S the Cooler Nakatani C S 115 L
6 Oil Man (IRE) Smith M E 115 L
7 Brother Keith Baze T C 115 L
8 Shafted Rosario J 117 L
9 Charlie's Moment Valdivia J Jr 117
Not much to really say about this race other then it's really between three horses.
Top three:
Pioneerof the Nile
Brother Keith
I Want Revenge
9th (4:38)
Strub S. (G2)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) Open 4 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $250,000
1 Dixie Chatter Baze T C 117 L
2 Blue Exit Smith M E 117 L
3 Trevor's Clever Baze M C 117 L \
4 Victory Pete Sutherland C 117 L
5 Gio Ponti Gomez G K 123 L
6 Medjool Solis A 117 L
7 Nownownow Talamo J 121 L
8 Cowboy Cal Velazquez J R 121 L
9 Wishful Tomcat Rosario J 119 L
10 Cause Garcia M 117 L
11 Cherokee Artist Valdivia J Jr 117 L
12 Wesley Castellano J J 119
13 Slew's Tiznow Bejarano R 119 L
Cowboy Cal, Nownownow, and Gio Ponti are actually turf horses who are benifitting from the Pro Ride surface (Although Cal did pretty well in last year's Derby). I gotta go with Dixie Chatter who is actually the only Grade One winner in the race. Nownownow is trained by Patrick Beincone who is coming off a suspention for cobra venom (yes cobra venom). He also bombed pretty badly last year. Gio Ponti had a rivalry with Court Vision and Cowboy Cal is the only Stonerside horse that is with the McNairs (the rest (except for stallions) where sold to Darley)
Top three:
Dixie Chatter
Cowboy Cal
Gio Ponti
Tomarrow, the Oaklawn race!
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