This is it! The preview that everyone has been waiting for. Can American Pharoah become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed? Or will it be another year of heartache. Lets take a look at this year's Belmont field.
11th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 1/2 Mile Dirt. Purse $1,500,000. Belmont S. presented by DraftKings (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $600 each, to accompany the nomination, if made on or before January 17, 2015, or $6,000, if made on or before March 23, 2015. At any time prior to the closing time of entries, horses may be nominated to The Belmont Stakes upon payment of a supplementary fee of $75,000 to the New York Racing Association, Inc. $15,000 to pass the entry box and $15,000 additional to start. All entrants will be required to pay entry and starting fees; but no fees, supplemental or otherwise shall be added to the purse. The purse to be divided $800,000 to the winner, $280,000 to second, $150,000 to third, $100,000 to fourth, $60,000 to fifth, $45,000 to sixth, $35,000 to seventh and $30,000 to eighth. Colts and Geldings, 126 lbs.; Fillies, 121 lbs. The winning owner will be presented with the August Belmont Memorial Cup to be retained for one year as well as a trophy for permanent possession and trophies to the winning trainer and jockey. (06:50 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Mubtaahij (IRE) 3 C 126 Ortiz, Jr. Irad de Kock Michael F.
2 Tale Of Verve 3 C L 126 Stevens Gary L. Stewart Dallas
3 Madefromlucky 3 C L 126 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
4 Frammento 3 C L o 126 Smith Mike E. Zito Nicholas P.
5 American Pharoah 3 C L 126 Espinoza Victor Baffert Bob
6 Frosted 3 C L 126 Rosario Joel McLaughlin Kiaran P.
7 Keen Ice 3 C L 126 Desormeaux Kent J. Romans Dale L.
8 Materiality 3 C L 126 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
Mubtaahij has the pedigree to go a mile and a half, however that's on turf. Tale of Verve may have gotten lucky with the sloppy track, however his broodmare sire is Unbridled. Madefromlucky's dad won the Preakness and hails from the same female family as Tapit. Fragment's trainer has spoiled 2 TC's in the past. Frosted is the buzz horse. Keen Ice I think is a serious threat and despite it being the 10 year anniversary of his sire's Belmont win... I'm not entirely sold on Materiality. As for American Pharoah, the pressure is going to be great on him.
My heart says AP can do it. My head says that the three horses who have a big chance to beat him are Keen Ice, Frosted and Madefromlucky with Tale Of Verve and Mubtaahij have good chances. End the end I think AP gets it done... by a length. Keen Ice for second and Frosted for third.
Good luck to all and safe travels!
Showing posts with label Grade 1. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grade 1. Show all posts
June 4, 2015
June 3, 2015
Belmont Stakes Preview (Part 2)
This is part 2 of the stakes that will be held tomorrow, Friday and Saturday at Belmont Park. Notably missing are the Met Mile and the Phipps. Those previews can be found at Road to the Cup starting tomorrow.
8th Race - Belmont Park - Friday, June 5th, 2015
STAKES. 6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $250,000. True North S. (Grade 2). FOR FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. By subscription of $250 each which should accompany the nomination. $1,250 to pass the entry box and an additional $1,250 to start. A supplemental nomination fee of $3,750 in addition to the entry and starting fees can bemade at any time prior to the close of entries. The purse will be divided as follows $137,500 to the owner of the winner, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth, $7,500 to fifth, $5,000 to sixth with the remaining $5,000 to be divided equally amongst the remaining finishers. Weight 124 lbs. Non-winners of $60,000 twice in 2014-15 allowed 2 lbs.; such a race in 2014-15, 4 lbs.; of two races other than maiden, claiming, starter or state bred in 2015, 6 lbs.; such a race in 2015, 8 lbs. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 15 Original Nominations and 1 Supplement. (04:32 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Favorite Tale 4 G L 124 Rosario Joel Preciado Guadalupe
2 Stallwalkin' Dude 5 G L 122 Cruz Angel Jacobson David
3 Captain Serious 4 G L 124 Alvarado Junior Rice Linda
4 Tenango 5 G L 116 Velasquez Cornelio H. Jacobson David
5 Dads Caps 5 H L 124 Ortiz Jose L. Rodriguez Rudy R.
6 Eastwood 5 H L 118 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
7 Clearly Now 5 H L 122 Lezcano Jose Lynch Brian A.
8 Rock Fall 4 C L 120 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
This is a race between Captain Serious, Dads Caps, and Clearly Now. Don't underestimate Eastwood here either. I think Captain Serious gets the job done.
9th Race - Belmont Park - Friday, June 5th, 2015
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $300,000. New York S. (Grade 2). INNER TURF FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:05 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Selenite 4 F L 119 Carmouche Kendrick Donk David G.
2 White Rose 5 M L 119 Castellano Javier Mott William I.
3 Waltzing Matilda (IRE) 4 F L 115 Alvarado Junior Stack Tommy
4A Kitten's Queen 5 M L 117 Cancel Eric Brown Chad C.
5 Eastern Belle (GB) 4 F L 115 Lezcano Jose Motion H. Graham
6 Beauty Parlor 4 F L 119 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Clement Christophe
7 Riposte (GB) 5 M L b 119 Rosario Joel Mott William I.
8A Stephanie's Kitten 6 M L 119 Velazquez John R. Brown Chad C.
9 Maximova 5 M L 115 Velasquez Cornelio H. Clement Christophe
After being scratched against the boys Steph returns here. I think she wins, but keep an eye out for Riposte and the Clement horses.
3rd Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 7 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $500,000. Woody Stephens S. (Grade 2). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $500 each which should accompany the nomination. $3,000 to pass the entry box and an additional $4,500 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $7,500 along with the entry and starting fees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries. The purse will be divided as follows $275,000 to the winner, $100,000 to second, $60,000 to third, $30,000 to fourth, $15,000 to fifth, $10,000 to sixth with the remaining $10,000 divided equally amongst remaining finishers. 123 lbs. Non-winners of a Graded Sweepstake in 2014-15 allowed 2 lbs.; of a sweepstake, 4 lbs.; of two races other than maiden,claiming or starter, 6 lbs.; such a race, 8 lbs. A Trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 26 Nominations. (12:39 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Ready For Rye 3 G L 123 Saez Luis Albertrani Thomas
2 March 3 C L 123 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Brown Chad C.
3 Competitive Edge 3 C L 123 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
4 Two Weeks Off 3 C L 117 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
5 Cinco Charlie 3 C L 123 Santana, Jr. Ricardo Asmussen Steven M.
6 Classy Class 3 C L 117 Velasquez Cornelio H. McLaughlin Kiaran P.
This will be a good race to see how good Competitive Edge really is. Two Weeks Off, Cinco Charlie and March though have great chances to give him a loss here.
7th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 Mile Dirt. Purse $750,000. TVG Acorn S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. By subscription of $750 which should accompany the nomination. $5,000 to pass the entry box and an additional $6,250 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $11,250 along with the entry and starting fees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries.The purse to be divided as follows $400,000 to the winner, $140,000 to second, $75,000 to third, $50,000 to fourth, $30,000 to fifth and $22,500 to sixth, $17,500 to seventh and $15,000 to eighth. 123 lbs. Non-winners of $500,000 allowed 2 lbs.; of a Graded Sweepstake, 4 lbs.; of two races at a mile or over other than maiden, claiming or starter, 6 lbs.; such a race at a mile or over, 8 lbs. Trophies will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed, Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 33 Nominations. (03:15 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Oceanwave 3 F L b 115 Espinoza Victor Catalano Wayne M.
2 Wonder Gal 3 F L 115 Stevens Gary L. Gyarmati Leah
3 By The Moon 3 F L 121 Ortiz Jose L. Nevin Michelle
4 Calamity Kate 3 F L 117 Lopez Paco Breen Kelly J.
5 Bar Of Gold 3 F L 115 Alvarado Junior Kimmel John C.
6 Curalina 3 F L 117 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
7 Condo Commando 3 F L 121 Rosario Joel Rodriguez Rudy R.
8 Shook Up 3 F L 115 Albarado Robby Asmussen Steven M.
9 Promise Me Silver 3 F L 121 Smith Mike E. Calhoun W. Bret
10 Light The City 3 F L 115 Ortiz, Jr. Irad McLaughlin Kiaran P.
11 Miss Ella 3 F L 121 Maragh Rajiv Motion H. Graham
12 Danzatrice 3 F L 117 McCarthy Trevor Lynch Cathal A
Promise Me Silver has a lot to prove. Shook Up is coming off runner up finish in the KY Oaks. A lot of people thought Wonder Gal was going to be a serious horse this year... we'll see how she does in her second start of the year. I would love Condo Commando and By the Moon's chances if it where a sloppy track (rain is no longer in the forecast). I think Promise Me Silver wins, but not by much. By the Moon for second.
8th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $700,000. Longines Just a Game S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (04:00 PM) (10)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Lady Lara (IRE) 4 F L 121 Alvarado Junior Mott William I.
2 Sandiva (IRE) 4 F L 115 Smith Mike E. Pletcher Todd A.
3 Discreet Marq 5 M L 117 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Clement Christophe
4 Coffee Clique 5 M L 123 Velazquez John R. Lynch Brian A.
5 Baffle Me 6 M L 113 Lopez Paco Hennig Mark A.
6 Filimbi 5 M L 117 Rosario Joel Mott William I.
7 J Wonder 4 F L 113 Lezcano Jose McGaughey III Claude R.
8 Ball Dancing 4 F L 123 Castellano Javier Brown Chad C.
9 Tepin 4 F L 121 Leparoux Julien R. Casse Mark E.
10 Photo Call (IRE) 4 F L 113 Maragh Rajiv Motion H. Graham
There's Discreet Marq... and then there's everyone else. Coffee Clique though is the defending champ. Look out for Ball Dancing and Filimbi as well.
10th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $1,000,000. Knob Creek Manhattan S. (Grade 1). INNER TURF FOR FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:46 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Hyper 8 H L 114 Leparoux Julien R. Brown Chad C.
2 Twilight Eclipse 6 G L 122 Castellano Javier Albertrani Thomas
3 Finnegans Wake 6 H L 122 Espinoza Victor Miller Peter
4 War Dancer 5 H L 116 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
5 Big Blue Kitten 7 H L 118 Bravo Joe Brown Chad C.
6 Legendary (GB) 6 G L 118 Prado Edgar S. Saville Niall
7 Slumber (GB) 7 H L b 114 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Brown Chad C.
8 Biz The Nurse (IRE) 5 H L 114 Rosario Joel Albertrani Thomas
9 Magic Artist (IRE) 4 C 116 Demuro Cristian Figge Wolfgang
10 General A Rod 4 C L o 114 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
11 Jack Milton 5 H L 124 Nakatani Corey S. Pletcher Todd A.
Twilight Eclipse finally got his G1 win here. I don't think Jack Milton was a mile and a quarter. Finnegan's Wake could finally coming into his own. Twilight and Finnegan to go 1-2 in some order.
8th Race - Belmont Park - Friday, June 5th, 2015
STAKES. 6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $250,000. True North S. (Grade 2). FOR FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. By subscription of $250 each which should accompany the nomination. $1,250 to pass the entry box and an additional $1,250 to start. A supplemental nomination fee of $3,750 in addition to the entry and starting fees can bemade at any time prior to the close of entries. The purse will be divided as follows $137,500 to the owner of the winner, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth, $7,500 to fifth, $5,000 to sixth with the remaining $5,000 to be divided equally amongst the remaining finishers. Weight 124 lbs. Non-winners of $60,000 twice in 2014-15 allowed 2 lbs.; such a race in 2014-15, 4 lbs.; of two races other than maiden, claiming, starter or state bred in 2015, 6 lbs.; such a race in 2015, 8 lbs. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 15 Original Nominations and 1 Supplement. (04:32 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Favorite Tale 4 G L 124 Rosario Joel Preciado Guadalupe
2 Stallwalkin' Dude 5 G L 122 Cruz Angel Jacobson David
3 Captain Serious 4 G L 124 Alvarado Junior Rice Linda
4 Tenango 5 G L 116 Velasquez Cornelio H. Jacobson David
5 Dads Caps 5 H L 124 Ortiz Jose L. Rodriguez Rudy R.
6 Eastwood 5 H L 118 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
7 Clearly Now 5 H L 122 Lezcano Jose Lynch Brian A.
8 Rock Fall 4 C L 120 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
This is a race between Captain Serious, Dads Caps, and Clearly Now. Don't underestimate Eastwood here either. I think Captain Serious gets the job done.
9th Race - Belmont Park - Friday, June 5th, 2015
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $300,000. New York S. (Grade 2). INNER TURF FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:05 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Selenite 4 F L 119 Carmouche Kendrick Donk David G.
2 White Rose 5 M L 119 Castellano Javier Mott William I.
3 Waltzing Matilda (IRE) 4 F L 115 Alvarado Junior Stack Tommy
4A Kitten's Queen 5 M L 117 Cancel Eric Brown Chad C.
5 Eastern Belle (GB) 4 F L 115 Lezcano Jose Motion H. Graham
6 Beauty Parlor 4 F L 119 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Clement Christophe
7 Riposte (GB) 5 M L b 119 Rosario Joel Mott William I.
8A Stephanie's Kitten 6 M L 119 Velazquez John R. Brown Chad C.
9 Maximova 5 M L 115 Velasquez Cornelio H. Clement Christophe
After being scratched against the boys Steph returns here. I think she wins, but keep an eye out for Riposte and the Clement horses.
3rd Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 7 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $500,000. Woody Stephens S. (Grade 2). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $500 each which should accompany the nomination. $3,000 to pass the entry box and an additional $4,500 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $7,500 along with the entry and starting fees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries. The purse will be divided as follows $275,000 to the winner, $100,000 to second, $60,000 to third, $30,000 to fourth, $15,000 to fifth, $10,000 to sixth with the remaining $10,000 divided equally amongst remaining finishers. 123 lbs. Non-winners of a Graded Sweepstake in 2014-15 allowed 2 lbs.; of a sweepstake, 4 lbs.; of two races other than maiden,claiming or starter, 6 lbs.; such a race, 8 lbs. A Trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 26 Nominations. (12:39 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Ready For Rye 3 G L 123 Saez Luis Albertrani Thomas
2 March 3 C L 123 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Brown Chad C.
3 Competitive Edge 3 C L 123 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
4 Two Weeks Off 3 C L 117 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
5 Cinco Charlie 3 C L 123 Santana, Jr. Ricardo Asmussen Steven M.
6 Classy Class 3 C L 117 Velasquez Cornelio H. McLaughlin Kiaran P.
This will be a good race to see how good Competitive Edge really is. Two Weeks Off, Cinco Charlie and March though have great chances to give him a loss here.
7th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 Mile Dirt. Purse $750,000. TVG Acorn S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. By subscription of $750 which should accompany the nomination. $5,000 to pass the entry box and an additional $6,250 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $11,250 along with the entry and starting fees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries.The purse to be divided as follows $400,000 to the winner, $140,000 to second, $75,000 to third, $50,000 to fourth, $30,000 to fifth and $22,500 to sixth, $17,500 to seventh and $15,000 to eighth. 123 lbs. Non-winners of $500,000 allowed 2 lbs.; of a Graded Sweepstake, 4 lbs.; of two races at a mile or over other than maiden, claiming or starter, 6 lbs.; such a race at a mile or over, 8 lbs. Trophies will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed, Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 33 Nominations. (03:15 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Oceanwave 3 F L b 115 Espinoza Victor Catalano Wayne M.
2 Wonder Gal 3 F L 115 Stevens Gary L. Gyarmati Leah
3 By The Moon 3 F L 121 Ortiz Jose L. Nevin Michelle
4 Calamity Kate 3 F L 117 Lopez Paco Breen Kelly J.
5 Bar Of Gold 3 F L 115 Alvarado Junior Kimmel John C.
6 Curalina 3 F L 117 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
7 Condo Commando 3 F L 121 Rosario Joel Rodriguez Rudy R.
8 Shook Up 3 F L 115 Albarado Robby Asmussen Steven M.
9 Promise Me Silver 3 F L 121 Smith Mike E. Calhoun W. Bret
10 Light The City 3 F L 115 Ortiz, Jr. Irad McLaughlin Kiaran P.
11 Miss Ella 3 F L 121 Maragh Rajiv Motion H. Graham
12 Danzatrice 3 F L 117 McCarthy Trevor Lynch Cathal A
Promise Me Silver has a lot to prove. Shook Up is coming off runner up finish in the KY Oaks. A lot of people thought Wonder Gal was going to be a serious horse this year... we'll see how she does in her second start of the year. I would love Condo Commando and By the Moon's chances if it where a sloppy track (rain is no longer in the forecast). I think Promise Me Silver wins, but not by much. By the Moon for second.
8th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $700,000. Longines Just a Game S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (04:00 PM) (10)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Lady Lara (IRE) 4 F L 121 Alvarado Junior Mott William I.
2 Sandiva (IRE) 4 F L 115 Smith Mike E. Pletcher Todd A.
3 Discreet Marq 5 M L 117 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Clement Christophe
4 Coffee Clique 5 M L 123 Velazquez John R. Lynch Brian A.
5 Baffle Me 6 M L 113 Lopez Paco Hennig Mark A.
6 Filimbi 5 M L 117 Rosario Joel Mott William I.
7 J Wonder 4 F L 113 Lezcano Jose McGaughey III Claude R.
8 Ball Dancing 4 F L 123 Castellano Javier Brown Chad C.
9 Tepin 4 F L 121 Leparoux Julien R. Casse Mark E.
10 Photo Call (IRE) 4 F L 113 Maragh Rajiv Motion H. Graham
There's Discreet Marq... and then there's everyone else. Coffee Clique though is the defending champ. Look out for Ball Dancing and Filimbi as well.
10th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $1,000,000. Knob Creek Manhattan S. (Grade 1). INNER TURF FOR FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:46 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Hyper 8 H L 114 Leparoux Julien R. Brown Chad C.
2 Twilight Eclipse 6 G L 122 Castellano Javier Albertrani Thomas
3 Finnegans Wake 6 H L 122 Espinoza Victor Miller Peter
4 War Dancer 5 H L 116 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
5 Big Blue Kitten 7 H L 118 Bravo Joe Brown Chad C.
6 Legendary (GB) 6 G L 118 Prado Edgar S. Saville Niall
7 Slumber (GB) 7 H L b 114 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Brown Chad C.
8 Biz The Nurse (IRE) 5 H L 114 Rosario Joel Albertrani Thomas
9 Magic Artist (IRE) 4 C 116 Demuro Cristian Figge Wolfgang
10 General A Rod 4 C L o 114 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
11 Jack Milton 5 H L 124 Nakatani Corey S. Pletcher Todd A.
Twilight Eclipse finally got his G1 win here. I don't think Jack Milton was a mile and a quarter. Finnegan's Wake could finally coming into his own. Twilight and Finnegan to go 1-2 in some order.
April 30, 2015
Kentucky Derby Preview
All of the hard work is done... now 20 horses will head to the starting gate on Saturday and race for about 2 minutes for the most prestigious race for 3yo's in the US. Here is the field for this year's Kentucky Derby!
April 29, 2015
Kentucky Oaks Preview
My Oaks preview this year won't be that in depth as in years past. However I really wanted to do a preview on this race. So here is the field for the 2015 Oaks!
March 6, 2015
2015 Santa Anita Handicap Preview
Thought that I would have time to record a preview for this race... but a few things got in the way and well it didn't happen. However, I do have a written preview for you instead. Here is the preview for this year's Santa Anita Handicap.
February 6, 2015
Donn and San Antonio Preview
The most important winter race for Older Horses on the East Coast and the return of the Horse of the Year on the West Coast are the highlights for this weekend. Lets take a look at this year's Donn and San Antonio fields.
September 17, 2014
Cotillion and PA Derby preview
Saturday could be the most important day in the history of Parx. Lets take a look at this year's fields for the Cotillion and PA Derby.
August 20, 2014
Travers Preview
The big race of the Saratoga meet is here. Here is the field for this year's Travers Stakes going a mile and a quarter on dirt.
August 14, 2014
Alabama Preview
One of the most important races for 3yo Fillies is this weekend. Lets take a look at this year's field for the Alabama Stakes.
July 10, 2014
2014 Delaware Handicap Preview
Yep it's that time, the biggest race at Delaware is this Saturday! Here is the field for this year's Del Cap.
June 27, 2014
Preview of the Mother Goose
The return of Kentucky Oaks winner Untapable! Here are the horses who will be facing her.
June 5, 2014
Belmont preview
1 1/2 miles stand between California Chrome and becoming the 12th Triple Crown winner. 10 horses are set to make sure that another year passes in between TC winners. Lets take a look at this year's Belmont field.
11th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 7th, 2014
STAKES. 1 1/2 Mile Dirt. Purse $1,500,000. Belmont S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $600 each, to accompany the nomination, if made on or before January 25, 2014, or $6,000, if made on or before March 22, 2014. At any time prior to the closing time of entries, horses may be nominated to The Belmont Stakes upon payment of a supplementary fee of $75,000 to the New York Racing Association, Inc. $15,000 to pass the entry box and $15,000 additional to start. All entrants will be required to pay entry and starting fees; but no fees, supplemental or otherwise shall be added to the purse. The purse to be divided $800,000 to the winner, $280,000 to second, $150,000 to third, $100,000 to fourth, $60,000 to fifth, $45,000 to sixth, $35,000 to seventh and $30,000 to eighth. Colts and Geldings, 126 lbs.; Fillies, 121 lbs. The winning owner will be presented with the August Belmont Memorial Cup to be retained for one year as well as a trophy for permanent possession and trophies to the winning trainer and jockey. (06:52 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Medal Count 3 C L 126 Albarado Robby Romans Dale L.
2 California Chrome 3 C L 126 Espinoza Victor Sherman Art
3 Matterhorn 3 C L 126 Bravo Joe Pletcher Todd A.
4 Commanding Curve 3 R L 126 Bridgmohan Shaun Stewart Dallas
5 Ride On Curlin 3 C L 126 Velazquez John R. Gowan William G.
6 Matuszak 3 C L 126 Smith Mike E. Mott William I.
7 Samraat 3 C L 126 Ortiz Jose L. Violette, Jr. Richard A.
8 Commissioner 3 C L 126 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
9 Wicked Strong 3 C L 126 Maragh Rajiv Jerkens James A.
10 General A Rod 3 C L 126 Napravnik Rosie Maker Michael J.
11 Tonalist 3 C L 126 Rosario Joel Clement Christophe
Post positions don't really matter that much in this race because of the length. Some people think California Chrome's post is good and some who think that it's terrible. The horses who are serious challengers to Cal Chrome are Tonalist, Wicked Strong, Commanding Curve, Medal Count and Commissioner. I don't think Ride On Curlin is as big of a threat for a few reasons, the biggest is that this is the third jockey change in a row. Secondly while he was bred for two turns he has yet to win going it. Thirdly, to me he looked to be spinning his wheels on the Pimlico surface at the end. He had every chance to pass Chrome there and he didn't. Samraat would be a minor surprise and General A Rod, well his sire already has a Belmont winner. Matterhorn and Mutuszak have no business being in this race.
I want to see a Triple Crown, I really do. However, Wicked Strong was my Derby pick and ran into so much traffic in that race, yet ran well enough to run fourth. He broke his maiden at Belmont last year and has run his best races in New York. He is my choice to upset California Chrome in the Belmont.
Win: Wicked Strong
Place: Tonalist
Show: California Chrome
11th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 7th, 2014
STAKES. 1 1/2 Mile Dirt. Purse $1,500,000. Belmont S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $600 each, to accompany the nomination, if made on or before January 25, 2014, or $6,000, if made on or before March 22, 2014. At any time prior to the closing time of entries, horses may be nominated to The Belmont Stakes upon payment of a supplementary fee of $75,000 to the New York Racing Association, Inc. $15,000 to pass the entry box and $15,000 additional to start. All entrants will be required to pay entry and starting fees; but no fees, supplemental or otherwise shall be added to the purse. The purse to be divided $800,000 to the winner, $280,000 to second, $150,000 to third, $100,000 to fourth, $60,000 to fifth, $45,000 to sixth, $35,000 to seventh and $30,000 to eighth. Colts and Geldings, 126 lbs.; Fillies, 121 lbs. The winning owner will be presented with the August Belmont Memorial Cup to be retained for one year as well as a trophy for permanent possession and trophies to the winning trainer and jockey. (06:52 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Medal Count 3 C L 126 Albarado Robby Romans Dale L.
2 California Chrome 3 C L 126 Espinoza Victor Sherman Art
3 Matterhorn 3 C L 126 Bravo Joe Pletcher Todd A.
4 Commanding Curve 3 R L 126 Bridgmohan Shaun Stewart Dallas
5 Ride On Curlin 3 C L 126 Velazquez John R. Gowan William G.
6 Matuszak 3 C L 126 Smith Mike E. Mott William I.
7 Samraat 3 C L 126 Ortiz Jose L. Violette, Jr. Richard A.
8 Commissioner 3 C L 126 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
9 Wicked Strong 3 C L 126 Maragh Rajiv Jerkens James A.
10 General A Rod 3 C L 126 Napravnik Rosie Maker Michael J.
11 Tonalist 3 C L 126 Rosario Joel Clement Christophe
Post positions don't really matter that much in this race because of the length. Some people think California Chrome's post is good and some who think that it's terrible. The horses who are serious challengers to Cal Chrome are Tonalist, Wicked Strong, Commanding Curve, Medal Count and Commissioner. I don't think Ride On Curlin is as big of a threat for a few reasons, the biggest is that this is the third jockey change in a row. Secondly while he was bred for two turns he has yet to win going it. Thirdly, to me he looked to be spinning his wheels on the Pimlico surface at the end. He had every chance to pass Chrome there and he didn't. Samraat would be a minor surprise and General A Rod, well his sire already has a Belmont winner. Matterhorn and Mutuszak have no business being in this race.
I want to see a Triple Crown, I really do. However, Wicked Strong was my Derby pick and ran into so much traffic in that race, yet ran well enough to run fourth. He broke his maiden at Belmont last year and has run his best races in New York. He is my choice to upset California Chrome in the Belmont.
Win: Wicked Strong
Place: Tonalist
Show: California Chrome
May 15, 2014
Preakness Picks
Ah the Preakness, the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown. To be honest if the Kentucky Derby is the Oscars, the Preakness is the Golden Globes. Just as famous, but a bit under appreciated. Lets take a look at the field.
Race 12 - Preakness S. (Grade I)
Purse $1,500,000. For Three-Year-Olds, $15,000 To Pass The Entry Box, Starters To Pay $15,000 Additional. 60% of the purse to the winner, 20% to second, 11% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth. Weight 126 pounds for Colts and Geldings, 121 pounds for Fillies. A replica of the Woodlawn Vase will be presented to the winning owner to remain his or her personal property. One And Three Sixteenth Miles.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Dynamic Impact (KY) 3/C L M Mena 126 M E Casse 12/1
2 2 General a Rod (KY) 3/C L J Castellano 126 M J Maker 15/1
3 3 California Chrome (CA) 3/C L V Espinoza 126 A Sherman 3/5
4 4 Ring Weekend (KY) 3/G L A Garcia 126 H G Motion 20/1
5 5 Bayern (KY) 3/C L R Napravnik 126 B Baffert 10/1
6 6 Ria Antonia (KY) 3/F L C H Borel 121 T M Amoss 30/1
7 7 Kid Cruz (KY) 3/C L J Pimentel 126 L Rice 20/1
8 8 Social Inclusion (KY) 3/C L L Contreras 126 M J Azpurua 5/1
9 9 Pablo Del Monte (FL) 3/C L J Sanchez 126 W A Ward 20/1
10 10 Ride On Curlin (KY) 3/C L J Rosario 126 W G Gowan 10/1
Historically speaking, if you did not run in the Preakness then you had no chance in the race. Since 2003, only 2 horses have won the Preakness without running in the Derby Bernardini and Rachel Alexandra. That being said, Social Inclusion is the best of the newcomers. He was third in the Wood and the 1-2 in the Wood finished 4th and 5th in the Derby. He only has 3 starts under his belt (as did Bernardini) and his dad was runner up in the Derby but was up track in the Preakness (won by Rachel). General a Rod makes his second start for his new connections, but I wished that he waited for the Belmont.
If you are a girl power fan, then your trifecta should be Bayern (ridden by Rosie), Kid Cruz (trained by Linda) and Ria Antonia (the filly in the race). However Bayern and Ria don't have a chance in this race. Especially the latter, sure she'll be ridden by Rachel's rider and her come from behind style suits him. However, she was 6th in the KY Oaks and hasn't crossed the wire first since last July. That being said, unlike Rags to Riches and Rachel, she has experience against males (it didn't go well, but the winner of that race Conquest Titan did start his TC trail well before tailing off at the end).
Then there is California Chrome. There was a tizzy made on Twitter after it was found out that he was coughing, and that he was found to have a small blister in his throat (which apparently he had pre Derby as well). If it he wins, then we worried about nothing. If he loses, then well... questions will be asked. His post is not ideal as the speed is outside of him. However, great horses overcome obstacles like this.
So who wins? Well in my heart I want a Ria/CC/Kid tri. However, that's not who I'm going to go with. After going back and forth between four horses I've decided that my Preakness pick will be Kid Cruz. He's taking a monster step up in class, but he has something that no one else has on this year's Preakness; a win on the track. California Chrome for second, Social Inclusion for third and Ring Weekend for fourth.
Good luck to all and safe travels!
Purse $1,500,000. For Three-Year-Olds, $15,000 To Pass The Entry Box, Starters To Pay $15,000 Additional. 60% of the purse to the winner, 20% to second, 11% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth. Weight 126 pounds for Colts and Geldings, 121 pounds for Fillies. A replica of the Woodlawn Vase will be presented to the winning owner to remain his or her personal property. One And Three Sixteenth Miles.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Dynamic Impact (KY) 3/C L M Mena 126 M E Casse 12/1
2 2 General a Rod (KY) 3/C L J Castellano 126 M J Maker 15/1
3 3 California Chrome (CA) 3/C L V Espinoza 126 A Sherman 3/5
4 4 Ring Weekend (KY) 3/G L A Garcia 126 H G Motion 20/1
5 5 Bayern (KY) 3/C L R Napravnik 126 B Baffert 10/1
6 6 Ria Antonia (KY) 3/F L C H Borel 121 T M Amoss 30/1
7 7 Kid Cruz (KY) 3/C L J Pimentel 126 L Rice 20/1
8 8 Social Inclusion (KY) 3/C L L Contreras 126 M J Azpurua 5/1
9 9 Pablo Del Monte (FL) 3/C L J Sanchez 126 W A Ward 20/1
10 10 Ride On Curlin (KY) 3/C L J Rosario 126 W G Gowan 10/1
Historically speaking, if you did not run in the Preakness then you had no chance in the race. Since 2003, only 2 horses have won the Preakness without running in the Derby Bernardini and Rachel Alexandra. That being said, Social Inclusion is the best of the newcomers. He was third in the Wood and the 1-2 in the Wood finished 4th and 5th in the Derby. He only has 3 starts under his belt (as did Bernardini) and his dad was runner up in the Derby but was up track in the Preakness (won by Rachel). General a Rod makes his second start for his new connections, but I wished that he waited for the Belmont.
If you are a girl power fan, then your trifecta should be Bayern (ridden by Rosie), Kid Cruz (trained by Linda) and Ria Antonia (the filly in the race). However Bayern and Ria don't have a chance in this race. Especially the latter, sure she'll be ridden by Rachel's rider and her come from behind style suits him. However, she was 6th in the KY Oaks and hasn't crossed the wire first since last July. That being said, unlike Rags to Riches and Rachel, she has experience against males (it didn't go well, but the winner of that race Conquest Titan did start his TC trail well before tailing off at the end).
Then there is California Chrome. There was a tizzy made on Twitter after it was found out that he was coughing, and that he was found to have a small blister in his throat (which apparently he had pre Derby as well). If it he wins, then we worried about nothing. If he loses, then well... questions will be asked. His post is not ideal as the speed is outside of him. However, great horses overcome obstacles like this.
So who wins? Well in my heart I want a Ria/CC/Kid tri. However, that's not who I'm going to go with. After going back and forth between four horses I've decided that my Preakness pick will be Kid Cruz. He's taking a monster step up in class, but he has something that no one else has on this year's Preakness; a win on the track. California Chrome for second, Social Inclusion for third and Ring Weekend for fourth.
Good luck to all and safe travels!
May 2, 2014
Derby Pick
All the hard work is done. We are less then 24 hours away from Orb handing his title to the 2014 Kentucky Derby winner. With Hoppertunity scratched 19 horses will race for the roses. This year I don't have time to go horse thorough horse for pros and cons. So I'll just give a few of my thoughts on this year's race.
* California Chrome with a perfect break wins, but I don't think he will and might even get involved with the speed duel.
* Danza is intruging, but not sure he wants to go farther then 9 furlongs.
* Medal Count being by sire who is known for horses who can stay is big, but this is his 3 race in 4 weeks.
* Wicked Strong has an outside post, but he has the running style that it suits him.
* If Ride On Curlin gets to the rail fast he could be a serious contender.
* The two NY breds Samraat and Uncle Sigh have big chances.
So who wins? If everything goes perfectly then it's California Chrome. However, my heart and head have been on one horse since the final preps. That horse will break from #20, is he Big Brown? No, but he doesn't have to be in this case. My pick for Derby 140 is Wicked Strong. Samraat for second and Medal Count for third. My dark horse is Dance with Fate.
Good luck to all and may everyone return safe and sound!
* California Chrome with a perfect break wins, but I don't think he will and might even get involved with the speed duel.
* Danza is intruging, but not sure he wants to go farther then 9 furlongs.
* Medal Count being by sire who is known for horses who can stay is big, but this is his 3 race in 4 weeks.
* Wicked Strong has an outside post, but he has the running style that it suits him.
* If Ride On Curlin gets to the rail fast he could be a serious contender.
* The two NY breds Samraat and Uncle Sigh have big chances.
So who wins? If everything goes perfectly then it's California Chrome. However, my heart and head have been on one horse since the final preps. That horse will break from #20, is he Big Brown? No, but he doesn't have to be in this case. My pick for Derby 140 is Wicked Strong. Samraat for second and Medal Count for third. My dark horse is Dance with Fate.
Good luck to all and may everyone return safe and sound!
March 7, 2014
2014 Santa Anita Handicap preview
Furlongs and Horses returns with a preview of tomorrow's Santa Anita Handicap!
Here is the video (not sure what's up with the blackbars sorry about that):
The field:
Race 9 - Santa Anita H. (Grade I)
Purse $750,000. For Four-Year-Olds And Upward. By subscription of $100 each to accompany the nomination, closed with 16. $2,500 to pass the entry box and $7,500 to start with $750,000 guaranteed, of which $450,000 to first, $150,000 to second, $90,000 to third, $45,000to fourth and $15,000 to fifth. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. One And One Fourth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Will Take Charge (KY) 4/C L L Saez 123 D W Lukas 2/1
2 2 Mucho Macho Man (FL) 6/H L G L Stevens 124 K Ritvo 9/5
3 3 Blingo (KY) 5/G L A T Gryder 117 J A Shirreffs 8/1
4 4 Imperative (KY) 4/G L K J Desormeaux 114 G Papaprodromou 12/1
5 5 Rousing Sermon (CA) 5/H L R Bejarano 114 J Hollendorfer 12/1
6 6 American Blend (KY) 6/G L J Talamo 114 C Gaines 20/1
7 7 Game On Dude (KY) 7/G L M E Smith 122 B Baffert 5/2
8 8 Hear the Ghost (KY) 4/G L J Rosario 114 J Hollendorfer 20/1
Here is the video (not sure what's up with the blackbars sorry about that):
The field:
Race 9 - Santa Anita H. (Grade I)
Purse $750,000. For Four-Year-Olds And Upward. By subscription of $100 each to accompany the nomination, closed with 16. $2,500 to pass the entry box and $7,500 to start with $750,000 guaranteed, of which $450,000 to first, $150,000 to second, $90,000 to third, $45,000to fourth and $15,000 to fifth. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. One And One Fourth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Will Take Charge (KY) 4/C L L Saez 123 D W Lukas 2/1
2 2 Mucho Macho Man (FL) 6/H L G L Stevens 124 K Ritvo 9/5
3 3 Blingo (KY) 5/G L A T Gryder 117 J A Shirreffs 8/1
4 4 Imperative (KY) 4/G L K J Desormeaux 114 G Papaprodromou 12/1
5 5 Rousing Sermon (CA) 5/H L R Bejarano 114 J Hollendorfer 12/1
6 6 American Blend (KY) 6/G L J Talamo 114 C Gaines 20/1
7 7 Game On Dude (KY) 7/G L M E Smith 122 B Baffert 5/2
8 8 Hear the Ghost (KY) 4/G L J Rosario 114 J Hollendorfer 20/1
September 20, 2013
Cotillion and PA Derby preview
Even without PA bred Princess of Sylmar, the G1 Cotillion looks like a pretty good race. The PA Derby however, is a rematch of the 1-2 from the Travers and could have an interesting say in 3yo honors. Lets take a look at both fields.
August 30, 2013
Woodward Preview
As we head into the final weekend at Saratoga, this weeks preview is on the Woodward which features 6 horses all could win it. Lets take a look at the field:
10th Race - Saratoga - Saturday, August 31st, 2013
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $750,000. Woodward S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. No nomination fee. $7,500 to pass the entry box. A supplemental nomination fee of $15,000 in addition to the entry fee will be accepted at any time prior to the close of entries. All starters including supplemental nominees will receive a $4,000 rebate. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among the remaining finishers. Any horse that competes in both the Whitney Invitational Hcp and the Woodward or have placed in a graded sweepstake will have their entry fee waived for the Woodward. Weights for age. Three-year-olds, 121 lbs.; older, 126 lbs. The estate of Mrs. William Woodward, Sr. to add the Woodward Challenge Cup, to be won three times,not necessarily consecutively, by the same owner before becoming his or her property. The owner of the winner will also receive a trophy for permanent possession and trophies will be presented to the winning trainer and jockey. The New York Racing Association reserves the right to transfer this race to an invitational. Closed Saturday, August 17, 2013 with 22 Nominations. (05:45 PM) (7)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Ron The Greek 6 H L 126 Castellano Javier Mott William I.
2 Successful Dan 7 G L 126 Leparoux Julien R. LoPresti Charles
3 Fort Larned 5 H L 126 Hernandez, Jr. Brian Joseph Wilkes Ian R.
4 Flat Out 7 H L 126 Alvarado Junior Mott William I.
5 Paynter 4 C L 126 Bejarano Rafael Baffert Bob
6 Mucho Macho Man 5 H L 126 Prado Edgar S. Ritvo Katherine
7 Alpha 4 C L b 126 Velazquez John R. McLaughlin Kiaran P.
Fort Larned came up with what appears to be a small rear issue which caused his scratch yesterday (Thursday). Even with his defection, you have a pretty good group of horses. Successful Dan (DQ'ed from a win) and Mucho Macho Man (2nd in the BCC) are the only non Grade 1 winners in the race, but they doesn't mean they have a chance to win. Ron the Greek had a great start to his season, but finished no better then third or fourth in his races since. Flat Out would win this race... if it was at Belmont. Even that being said he was the runner up in this race in 2011. S. Dan freaked out and still finished second in the Whitney. That's heart. Speaking of heart, this is Paynter's biggest test to date in his comeback. Without Fort Larned, he will get the lead in this race. MMM was third in Whitney and he is the defending runner up of the Woodward. Meanwhile Alpha has a win over the track which no one else in the race has.
I'll be honest, I want all six to win! For as long as I've followed racing, this has to be the first time that I had thought this. Sadly, that can't happen. In my head Successful Dan should win this race. But in my heart, I have him coming up just short to Paynter. So who wins? Going with my heart and going with the Awesome Again colt who has tons of it. Paynter is my pick to win the Woodward, Successful Dan for second and Alpha for third.
10th Race - Saratoga - Saturday, August 31st, 2013
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $750,000. Woodward S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. No nomination fee. $7,500 to pass the entry box. A supplemental nomination fee of $15,000 in addition to the entry fee will be accepted at any time prior to the close of entries. All starters including supplemental nominees will receive a $4,000 rebate. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among the remaining finishers. Any horse that competes in both the Whitney Invitational Hcp and the Woodward or have placed in a graded sweepstake will have their entry fee waived for the Woodward. Weights for age. Three-year-olds, 121 lbs.; older, 126 lbs. The estate of Mrs. William Woodward, Sr. to add the Woodward Challenge Cup, to be won three times,not necessarily consecutively, by the same owner before becoming his or her property. The owner of the winner will also receive a trophy for permanent possession and trophies will be presented to the winning trainer and jockey. The New York Racing Association reserves the right to transfer this race to an invitational. Closed Saturday, August 17, 2013 with 22 Nominations. (05:45 PM) (7)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Ron The Greek 6 H L 126 Castellano Javier Mott William I.
2 Successful Dan 7 G L 126 Leparoux Julien R. LoPresti Charles
4 Flat Out 7 H L 126 Alvarado Junior Mott William I.
5 Paynter 4 C L 126 Bejarano Rafael Baffert Bob
6 Mucho Macho Man 5 H L 126 Prado Edgar S. Ritvo Katherine
7 Alpha 4 C L b 126 Velazquez John R. McLaughlin Kiaran P.
Fort Larned came up with what appears to be a small rear issue which caused his scratch yesterday (Thursday). Even with his defection, you have a pretty good group of horses. Successful Dan (DQ'ed from a win) and Mucho Macho Man (2nd in the BCC) are the only non Grade 1 winners in the race, but they doesn't mean they have a chance to win. Ron the Greek had a great start to his season, but finished no better then third or fourth in his races since. Flat Out would win this race... if it was at Belmont. Even that being said he was the runner up in this race in 2011. S. Dan freaked out and still finished second in the Whitney. That's heart. Speaking of heart, this is Paynter's biggest test to date in his comeback. Without Fort Larned, he will get the lead in this race. MMM was third in Whitney and he is the defending runner up of the Woodward. Meanwhile Alpha has a win over the track which no one else in the race has.
I'll be honest, I want all six to win! For as long as I've followed racing, this has to be the first time that I had thought this. Sadly, that can't happen. In my head Successful Dan should win this race. But in my heart, I have him coming up just short to Paynter. So who wins? Going with my heart and going with the Awesome Again colt who has tons of it. Paynter is my pick to win the Woodward, Successful Dan for second and Alpha for third.
August 24, 2013
Pacific Classic preview
With today being the biggest day at Saratoga with the Travers, tomorrow is the biggest day at Del Mar. Lets take a look at this year's Pacific Classic field.
August 2, 2013
Whitney Preview
1)Successful Dan........................J. Leparoux.............C. LoPresti............12-1
2)Mucho Macho Man....................E. Prado.................K. Ritvo................6-1
3)Fort Larned.............................B Hernandez Jr........I. Wilkes...............7/5
4)Cross Traffic............................J. Velazquez...........T. Pletcher.............5/2
5)Ron The Greek.........................J. Lezcano..............W. Mott.................6-1
6)Alpha......................................J. Rosario...............K. Mclaughlin.......10-1
7)Csaba.....................................L. Saez...................P. Gleaves.............20-1
8)Fast Falcon..............................J. Alvarado.............N. Zito...................15-1
The 1-2 from last years BCC face off for the first time since that race. The co- winner from the Travers who had the #1 jockey in the US onboard, the big brother of the reigning horse of the year and Ron who is always tough in big races. This is a pretty good field.
Fort Larned did win the Stephen Foster in his last and he did need that. After dumping Brian in his first start and not doing great in the Oaklawn Handicap. The good news is he is defending champ of this race. Cross Traffic does have the now leading jockey in wins at Saratoga in Johnny V. However, he makes his Saratoga debut in this race. A win in this race would be bittersweet as his sire just passed away. Alpha returns from Dubai and this year the form has shown from other horses that you need a couple of races to get back in sync. Csbada is the king of 2 turn races in Florida. I think Mucho Macho Man is not the same horse this year. Successful Dan is so talented, but fragile at the same time. Doesn't help that he bombed in his last.
Fort Larned did win the Stephen Foster in his last and he did need that. After dumping Brian in his first start and not doing great in the Oaklawn Handicap. The good news is he is defending champ of this race. Cross Traffic does have the now leading jockey in wins at Saratoga in Johnny V. However, he makes his Saratoga debut in this race. A win in this race would be bittersweet as his sire just passed away. Alpha returns from Dubai and this year the form has shown from other horses that you need a couple of races to get back in sync. Csbada is the king of 2 turn races in Florida. I think Mucho Macho Man is not the same horse this year. Successful Dan is so talented, but fragile at the same time. Doesn't help that he bombed in his last.
When is all said no done, I think that Fort Larned is able to defend his title. He loves Saratoga and honestly the two other horses who I think can win this race come from off the pace where as he is close to it. Alpha for second and Ron the Greek for third. I wouldn't be suprised if Successful Dan hits the board either.
July 28, 2013
Haskell Preview
The major three year olds returned to action with the Jim Dandy which was won by Palace Malice yesterday. Today, it's Monmouth's turn as they hold their biggest race of the year, the Haskell. The race in the past been won by great horses such as Serena's Song, Peace Rules, Rachel Alexandra and last year by Paynter. Lets take a look at this year's field:
13th Race - Monmouth Park - Sunday, July 28th, 2013
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $1,000,000. William Hill Haskell Invitational S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS. By invitation only. No nomination, entry or starting fees. The owner of the winner to receive $600,000, $200,000 to second, $100,000 to third, $60,000 to fourth, $30,000 to fifth and $10,000 to sixth through last. Weight: 122 lbs. Non-winners of a Triple Crown race allowed 2 lbs.; Non-winners of a Grade I Stake at a mile or over in 2013, 4 lbs. The winning owner to receive a trophy. (06:18 PM) (7)
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $1,000,000. William Hill Haskell Invitational S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS. By invitation only. No nomination, entry or starting fees. The owner of the winner to receive $600,000, $200,000 to second, $100,000 to third, $60,000 to fourth, $30,000 to fifth and $10,000 to sixth through last. Weight: 122 lbs. Non-winners of a Triple Crown race allowed 2 lbs.; Non-winners of a Grade I Stake at a mile or over in 2013, 4 lbs. The winning owner to receive a trophy. (06:18 PM) (7)
1. Vyjack 3 G L 118 Lopez Paco Rodriguez Rudy R.
2. Pick Of The Litter 3 C L 118 Castanon Jesus Lopez Romans Dale L.
3. Golden Soul 3 C L 118 Albarado Robby Stewart Dallas
4. Power Broker 3 C L 118 Napravnik Rosie Baffert Bob
5. Oxbow 3 C L 122 Stevens Gary L. Lukas D. Wayne
6. Micromanage 3 C L 118 Bravo Joe Pletcher Todd
7. Verrazano 3 C L 120 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
Verrazano won the local prep for this race, the Long Branch. Golden Soul, Vyjack and Oxbow come out of the Belmont. Power Broker was originally not going to go in the race, but a last minute decision had him pointed here. Honestly, this is a three horse race between Golden Soul, Oxbow and Verrazano. I think the son of Awesome Again and his just out of retirement jockey hold off the two horses that are trained by former asst. to his trainer.
Top three: Oxbow, Golden Soul and Verrazano
Dark Horse: Pick of the Litter
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