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)

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

On this Haskell eve

It's really hard to believe that three years ago, we saw a wonderful filly desimate a group of colts that included the 2009 3yo Champion Male. However, Rachel Alexandra did just that when she won the 2009 Haskell over Summer Bird and Munnings. Of course after that she won both the Woodward and Horse of the Year honors over Zenyatta. In 2010, Looking at Lucky romped over a field that included the Derby winner Super Saver. A win in the Indiana Derby sealed 3yo Male honors for him. Both of those horses, had won the Preakness Stakes before winning the Haskell. In last year's edition, Coil was able to run down the Preakness winner Shackleford and doing stretch. However, neither of them were able to get the 3yo Champion as Animal Kingdom who has been idle since the Belmont was able to hold on over BC Dirt Mile winner Caleb's Posse. Here is video of all three of the wins:

Rachel



Lucky



Coil



With this years Derby and Preakness winner I'll Have Another injured and retired and Belmont winner Union Rags the same, the Haskell is wide open this year so let's take a look at this year's field.

13th Race - Monmouth Park - Sunday, July 29th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $1,000,000. Haskell Invitational S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS. By invitation only, with no nomination, entry or starting fees. The winning owner 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. 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 2012, 4 lbs.The owner of the winner to receive a trophy.e owner of the winner to receive a trophy. (06:17 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Nonios 3 C L 118 Nakatani Corey S. Hollendorfer Jerry
2 Dullahan 3 C L 120 Desormeaux Kent J. Romans Dale L.
3 Paynter 3 C L 118 Bejarano Rafael Baffert Bob
4 Gemologist 3 C L 120 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
5 Handsome Mike 3 C L 118 Gutierrez Mario O'Neill Doug F.
6 Stealcase 3 C L 118 Bridgmohan Shaun Casse Mark E.

Nonios was second in the Swaps last time out behind Blueskiesandrainbows (who was 3rd to I'll Have Another in the SA Derby). Dullahan will try to rebound from a disastrous Belmont and gets Kent D. back in the irons. Paynter finished second in the Belmont is subbing for his stablemate Bodemeister. Gemologist will try to rebound from his first defeat and an injury that kept him out of the Belmont. Handsome Mike while not as accomplished as his now retired stablemate, he has a chance in this race. However, his past stakes chances haven't been great. Stealcase is the wildcard after finishing second in the Matt Winn.

So who gets the win? I'm thinking if no one goes with Paynter and the fact that Monmouth is a speed favoring track he goes gate to wire. If there is a hot pace then look out for Dullahan who on class alone should be in the mix even though he is more then likely on the wrong surface. Gemologist for third.

Hey! It's Opening Day!

The 75th aniversary of Delaware Park, and the first Horseman's run meet at Monmouth Park both open today. Both meets will see a reduction of purses and in Delaware's case less days running. Unfortunately, both meets where hit with off season troubles. With Delaware it was the annual "we don't have a contract with the horsemen" deal, and Monmouth's lease with Morris Bailey fell through. Both where sorted out and two big summer races the Delaware Handicap, and the Haskell will run as planned.

Since Delaware Park is my home track, I thought I would give a little bit of an outlook on what I expect:

The jockey colony at Delaware will look very different this year without Gabriel Saez and Rosie Napravnik. Both have moved onto two different tracks, Gabe will be doing his riding at Churchill and Rosie will be doing her's at the Belmont/Saratoga. However, defending champ Joe Rocco Jr. (who is riding this weekend at Monmouth), Abel Castallano Jr. (the younger brother to Javiar) and Jeremy Rose are back.

Larry Jones will not be at Delaware this year (prob. due to the Oaklawn debacle). However, Tim Richey, Graham Motion, Jonathon Shepard, Michael Matz, Mac Robinson and Steve Hobby are all expected to have horses run during the meet. The Delaware Park blog has picked Jamie Ness as the early favorite for the training title.

As for the big races during year, there is a great chance that both Oaks winner Believe You Can and her jockey could return to their old stomping ground in the DE Oaks. The DelCap prob. won't be as epic this year with the retirements of Blind Luck and Havre de Grace, but I expect the likes of Royal Delta, Awesome Maria, the defending DE Oaks winner St. John's River and Juanita to take part in this year's edition.

I will keep everyone updated on the Delaware meet throughout the summer and most of the fall leading up to closing day which is BC Saturday, November 3rd.

Spa and Shore

After having over a month off, the 3yo's are back in the picture with the Jim Dandy and Haskell happening this weekend.

10th Race - Saratoga - Saturday, July 30th, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $500,000. Jim Dandy S. (Grade 2). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. No nomination fee. $5,000 to pass the entry box. All starters will receive a $2,500 rebate. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among remaining finishers if there are six (6) or more starters. all starters will be guaranteed no less than $1,000. If only five (5) start the purse will be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 6% to fourth and 4% to fifth. 123 lbs. Non-winners of a Grade 1 in 2011 allowed 2 lbs.; a Grade 2 over a mile in 2011, 4 lbs.; a Graded Sweepstake at a mile or over, 6 lbs. (Maiden, claiming, starter and restricted allowance races not considered). Any horse that competes in both the Jim Dandy and the Travers will have their subscription fees waived for the Travers. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, July 16, 2011 with 48 Nominations. (05:45 PM) (7)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Moonshine Mullin 3 C L 117 Wilson Emma-Jayne Baker Reade
2 Dominus 3 R L 121 Leparoux Julien R. Asmussen Steven M.
3 Brilliant Speed 3 C L 123 Velazquez John R. Albertrani Thomas
4 Scotus 3 C L 119 Garcia Alan McPeek Kenneth G.
5 Will's Wildcat 3 G L 117 Albarado Robby Baker James E.
6 Stay Thirsty 3 C L 119 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
7 Alternation 3 C L 121 Dominguez Ramon A. Von Hemel Donnie K.

I say that three of these horses are an unknown to me personally. Granted Moonshine Mullin is based in Canada, and obviously the fact that Emma is coming down to ride means that she is high on him. What I will talk about is that Stay Thirsty was an unlucky second in the Belmont. Alternation won the Peter Pan and is obviously very talented. Unfortanlly a freakout and a poor race had him out of the TC. Dominus won the Dywer and Brillant Speed is probley better on turf and polytrack. Don't know anything about Scotus and Will's Wildcat.

On talent alone, Alternation could be a very special horse. With that being said, I'm sticking with my guns and going with Stay Thirsty. Dominus for second and Alternation for third.


12th Race - Monmouth Park - Sunday, July 31st, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $1,000,000. Haskell Invitational S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS. By invitation only, with no nomination, entry, or starting fees. The winning owner to receive $600,000, $200,000 to second, $100,000 to third, $60,000 to fourth, $30,000 to fifth and $10,000 paid from 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 2011, 4 lbs. The owner and trainer of any Triple Crown race victor which starts in the Haskell receives a $25,000 bonus per Triple Crown race victory. The owner of the winner to receive a trophy. (05:43 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Coil 3 C L o 118 Garcia Martin Baffert Bob
2 Joe Vann 3 C L 118 Bravo Joe Pletcher Todd A.
3 Pants On Fire 3 C L 118 Trujillo Elvis Breen Kelly J.
4 Concealed Identity 3 G L 118 DeCarlo Christopher P. Gaudet Edmond D.
5 Shackleford 3 C L 122 Castanon Jesus Lopez Romans Dale L.
6 Ruler On Ice 3 G L 122 Valdivia, Jr. Jose Breen Kelly J.
7 J J's Lucky Train 3 C L 118 Lopez Paco Anderson William D.
8 Astrology 3 C L 118 Leparoux Julien R. Asmussen Steven M.

With the exception of J J's Lucky Train and Joe Vann, this is a pretty good field. Shackleford will try to become the 3rd Preakness winner in a row to win the Haskell (Rachel and Lucky being the other two). Pants on Fire gets a new jockey with Rosie out and Ruler on Ice will have to prove that his Belmont win was not a fluke. This will be Concealed Identity's first race as "House Horse" (where the owner of the horse happens to be the track runner. Which in CI's case he is since co-owner Morris Bailey is the lessee of Monmouth). Coil will try to rebound from a 2nd place photo finish in the Swaps. Astrology could be a dark horse in this race. Joe and JJ are taking huge steps up in class.

I gotta go with the horse whose extremely hot right now in Fire, Shackleford for second and Astrology for third. If it rains, then remove Astrology move Shack down to third and put Ice in that second spot.

The Ruffian dispite the defeaction of Awesome Maria got a good field. I'm going with a MDO 1-2 with Payton d' Oro winning and Super Espresso finishing a good second. Should be a fun weekend. I'm sadly going to be out of the loop racing wise due to family comittments, but I'll be back Monday with a recap!

Showdown

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

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

At Saratoga tomorrow,

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

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

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

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

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

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

At Del Mar tomorrow,

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

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

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

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

same day at Saratoga

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

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

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

Weekend Preview (Part 2)

Here are the Sunday races! Starting at Saratoga:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Over at Del Mar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

and last, but not least.

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

Horse by horse:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claiming, Toga, Del Mar and Rachel

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

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

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

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

At Saratoga:

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

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

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

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

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

And last, but not least at Monmouth:


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

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

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

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

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

Ownership Conundrum

This topic was suggested by the Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance. As you may or may not know, I'm a member of the TBA. You can read more TBA member blogs by visiting, tbablogs.com.

Conundrum. What does that mean? According to Dictionary.com, it has two meanings. One of them means anything that puzzles. So what's the conundrum about horse racing? In this case two words, Jess Jackson.

Rachel Alexandra's next start will be the Lady's Secret at Monmouth. At first glance it looks like the perfect race, a mile and eighth and at a track where Rachel has had success before (see last year's Haskell). However the Lady's Secret is ungraded (unlike the formally Oak Tree at Santa Anita which was renamed the Zenyatta. That race is a G1). Which leads to question, why go for a race that's ungraded when there is a race, the Ruffian which is a G1, at a mile and an eighth and up at Saratoga another track where she has had success.

Sounds like a conundrum doesn't it. However, this isn't as puzzling as you think it does. The key in this is one word: money. Jess Jackson was able to convince the Monmouth officals, not once, but twice to raise the purse of two races. The Haskell which was raised to $1.25 million and now the Lady's Secret which was orginally supposed to be run at a mile and sixteenth for $150,000 and held two weeks later on Haskell day. Instead, it will be run two weeks earlier on July 24 for $400,000. The Ruffian is Handicap, and will be run for $250,000. Maybe the big reason why Rachel is being pointed here is that NYRA couldn't afford to boost the Ruffian purse. Since before the Belmont, they've been in money trouble thanks to a slots contract falling through. Monmouth's daily purses are at least a million dollars a day, and many more trainers are going towards the New Jersey track.

While particpating in the Lady's Secret would lead to the Molly Pitcher, I personally think the next step would be a G1. That leaves two options, the first is the Personal Ensign which is at a mile and a quarter, in that race she could face Life at Ten who will prep for that in the Delaware Handicap. However, the Woodward which she won last year could also be a plan. However, that could end up being the toughest race of her career if Quality Road and Blame show up.

Only time will tell who well this conundrum goes.

As for the Weekend Preview, this week's big race is the Queen's Plate. The favorite is Hotep who is a full brother to last year's winner Eye of the Lepoard. However, like I said last year about his big brother I think he will be finishing third behind this year Moment of Majesty (the "other" filly) and Roan Inish (Woodbine Oaks winner). Of course I could be wrong as useal. Also in action? Mine That Bird makes his turf debut, and Informed Decidesion tries to bounce back after two subpar efforts at Arlington.

Time at the Shore

How would you like to ride at a track where there is an average of a million dollars a day on the line? This year's Monmouth meet is just that. Home to the Haskell Invitational, Monmouth opens it's season tomorrow with two pretty good stakes races, I'm only going to preview one of them as the other features Kiss the Kid who is going to win easy.

Monmouth Park - May 22, 2010
Race 5 - 2:50 PM Win, Place and Show Exacta, Trifecta and 10-Cent Superfecta Daily Double (Races 5-6)/Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7)
STAKES Decathlon S.
Purse $100,000. For Three-Year-Olds And Upward. No fee to nominate, $600 to pass the entry box with starters to receive a minimum of $1,500 each. Three-Year-Olds: 117 Lbs.; Older: 123 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000 twice since February 15 allowed 2 Lbs.; $45,000 in 2010, 4 Lbs.; $30,000 since April 1 or a sweepstakes in 2010, 6 Lbs. (Maiden, claiming and starter races not considered.) The winning owner to receive a trophy. Closed Friday, May 14, 2010 with 20 nominations. A $400 supplemental nomination was made at time of entry, Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Six Furlongs.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Lit'sgoodlookngray (CA) 6/G L* G K Gomez 117 R B Hess, Jr. 5/1
2 2 Tommy's Memory (FL) 4/G L D D Amiss 121 A J Ryan 8/1
3 3 Congressional Page (KY) 5/G L* C H Marquez, Jr. 117 M J Trombetta 4/1
4 4 Mannington (FL) 5/G L E Trujillo 121 T M Pompay 9/2
5 5 Go Go Shoot (FL) 5/G L J R Velazquez 117 T A Pletcher 2/1
6 6 Mr. Fantasy (NY) 4/C L E Castro 117 M E Hushion 3/1
7 7 At the Disco (NJ) 6/H L P Lopez 117 M Hartmann 15/1

This is Go Go Shoot's (aka Basket) first race in the Pletcher barn and this is his first start of the year. Mr. Fantasy is always there at the end. Congressional Page will be tough, but I really haven't heard of the other horses. This is Basket's race to lose, he loves Monmouth and it should set him up for a good showing at Saratoga in the Vanderbilt (hopefully!).

Top three:
Go Go Shoot (BASKET!!!!!)
Mr. Fantasy (won't be suprised if he wins)
Mannington (just for his name)

Up in Canada on Sunday:

Woodbine - May 23, 2010
Race 6 - 3:25 PM Exactor / Triactor / Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8)
STAKES La Lorgnette S.
Purse $150,000. (Plus $50,000 – State Bred). For Three-Year-Old Fillies. By subscription of $150 each which shall accompany the nomination and an additional $1,500 when making entry. The purse to be divided: 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 11% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth. Weight: 123 Lbs. Non-winners of a Sweepstakes of $60,000 twice at a mile or over, allowed 3 Lbs.; Of a Sweepstakes of $60,000 once at a mile or over, 5 Lbs.; Of a Sweepstakes of $60,000 at any distance, 7 Lbs. (Maiden or claiming races not considered.) (No Canadian Bred Allowance.) Final entries to be made through the entry box at the closing time then in effect for overnight events. A supplemental nomination may be made no later than the time of final entry, by a non-refundable fee of $3,000, which includes the entry fee. * Plus up to $16,200 Ontario Sired/Ontario Bred Breeder Awards. One And One Sixteenth Miles. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Biofuel (KY) 3/F L E R Da Silva 120 R Baker 9/5
2 2 Moment of Majesty (ON) 3/F L R C Landry 116 S Leslie 10/1
3 3 Ernfold (ON) 3/F L* J McAleney 116 R L Attfield 2/1
4 4 Tee Game (ON) 3/F L S Callaghan 116 M J Doyle 8/1
5 5 Empire Spring (KY) 3/F L P Husbands 116 C Clement 6/1
6 6 Redverse (KY) 3/F L E Ramsammy 116 J Carroll 4/1
7 7 Witch's Coven (KY) 3/F L E Wilson 116 D R Bell 15/1

This is an interesting race, because all but three are ineligble for the Woodbine Oaks. However, last year's 2-3 went 1-2 in the Oaks (Milwakee Appeal and Tasty Temptation) before going 3-4 in the Queen's Plate. This is Biofuel's race to lose however, I think a horse who is being over looked is Empire Spring. She's by Empire Maker out of a Strivinsky mare Our Rite of Spring who won a small stakes at Aqueduct a few years ago. I should note that Our Rite of Spring is a half sister to Hard Spun, so a little bit of bias is upcoming in my picks. Yes it took a while to break her maiden, but the 2 of the 3 (not sure about the third) winners went on to be graded stakes winners (the late The Mailet and Crisp respectivly). The times she's been out of the top three, she's finished 4th one of those times being nosed out for third. A win here will be huge, especially against Biofuel, but I think she can do it. For third I'm going with Moment of Majesty.

Top Three:
Empire Spring (Hard Spun's niece does her uncle proud)
Biofuel (IMO a little bit overrated as she either wins or fails to finish in the top 3, class keeps her in the top three in this race)
Moment of Majesty (a little bit of a coin flip as I wanted to include one of the CAN breds, and she seemed to be the best of the three choices, besides she's by Saint Liam so she's a rare one as he sadly only had one crop. Plus she's owned by former Toranto Maple Leaf, Curtis Joseph.)

Anyway I hope everybody has a wonderful and safe weekend! I will be back on Sunday night with a recap then the Met Mile vault will be begining.

Rachel to the Shore, The Bird in the Mountains

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shore time for Rachel

So it's offical, Rachel Alexandra will be making her next start on Aug. 2nd, at Monmouth Park in the Haskell Invatational (link). This is bad news for Big Drama, who will now have to leave his homebase and go face Mine That Bird in the West Virginia Derby. However, Summer Bird will be there, as will Atomic Rain and possibly Munnings who could be the biggest challenge for Rachel in the first part of the race. However, Monmouth is a speed bias track, which means advantage Rachel. So we'll see who else shows up for this race. I'm debating on weather I should go or not. I might go, I might not.

What is bad news for Big Drama, is good news for Acoma and especially Julian Leperoux. That's because he will be riding Acoma in Sunday's Delaware Handicap and will not have to be forced to chose between her and Pure Clan who could have faced the half sister to Arch in the Beverly D. Acoma would have gone to the Bev D., if Rachel had gone to the Delaware Handicap (which I'll preview tomarrow along with the rest of the Delaware stakes this weekend).

I will Saturday looks fantastic, and Sunday might not be as exciting.

And it all went down (Weekend Preview)

I had plans to do a huge weekend preview, unfortanlly some things got in the way and I didn't get a chance to get it done. So here is a short, but sweet side of it.

Presious Passion goes for his second UN win tomarrow, unfortnlly Better Talk Now will be scratched due to injury (according to DRF). However, the old timers will still be repasented by Brass Hat.

Gabby's Golden Girl trys to become a multible G1 winner (And another notch in the belt of Medaglia d'Oro) in the Prioress (actually an interesting story behind her as she and her brother Lacomte have to be the only horses to have stakes races named after them (I read that they where siblings in an issue of TDN this week).

The American Oaks featuring horses from the US, Europe and New Zealand go a mile and a quarter at Hollywood for 3 and 4 year old fillies (the NZ filly is technically a 4yo, however she would be a 3yo if she was born in the NH, so she is eligble for this race.

3yo Zenzational takes on older males in the Triple Bend.

And that's not all!

The Salvatore Mile featuring G1 placed horses Smooth Air and Solar Flare, the Suburban, the Tom Fool which will feature 3yo Munnings taking on older males including recent True North winner Fablous Strike.

And today one of my favorite horses Go Go Shoot, won a small stake at Monmouth, plus Smarty Jones got his first US stakes winner in Backtalk who won the G3 Bashford Manor at Churchill. He's a half brother to G1 placed Bsharpsonata.

Anyway I hope everyone has a great weekend. Please be safe tomarrow for the 4th and remember to support the troops!