Summer the Icon Note Capt!

Heh heh, just a mashup for this weekends big winners up at Saratoga which wraps up next Monday with the Hopeful. This was a very interesting weekend as it was a return of a very good 3yo who hit hard times as a 4yo, a DQ for the first time in a very prestigous race, a romp in a race named after an undefeated filly and the "Other Bird" flattering you know who (wink, wink).

Yesterday was an exciting day up at Saratoga as Music Note who did not come out on form as a 4yo won the Ballerina yesterday upsetting Indian Blessing. IMO Music Note looked better sprinting, then she does going route. As for Indian Blessing, sadly her last two races have not looked good. And honestly I'm suprised how well she's been holding up as her sire is not known for his soundness. Also returning yesterday for Godolphin was Sara Louise, better known as the filly who gave Rachel Alexandra her last loss. For bonus points what was the name of the race (I'll have the answer tomorrow), no prize though sorry! Rachel did defeat her though in the very next race (no bonus points for this, but I will also say the answer tomorrow).

Vineyard Haven made his US seasonal debut yesterday in the King's Bishop. Unfortanlly for him, he was DQ'ed from his win after bumping with runner-up Capt. Candyman Can not once, but twice. I believe this is Candy Ride's first G1 winner. Munnings and Big Drama where nowhere to be found in the exciting finish.

Finally the "Other Bird" is now Mine That Bird, as Summer Bird becomes the 30th Belmont/Travers winner. The first since his father did so in 2004. Congrats to Tim Ice and Summer Bird's owners. The second place finisher was really suprising as Hold Me Back who I tossed on Friday got up to be second, and Quality Road was third. In all honestly that has to be very disapointing for his connections, considering the runner-up in the Amsterdam came back to win. Secondly, Summer Bird is now the #1 3yo colt and last, but not least a win by Rachel next week will seal up the HOY for her. I'll have a preview of the Woodward and the Hopeful on Friday.

Today Icon Project (a half sister to the dam of Munnings ironicly), pretty much dismantled the Personal Ensign. Delaware Handicap winner Swift Temper was second and Obeah runner up Morena was third. Ironcily the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and last place finishers have run/won at Delaware Park (Icon Project, Swift Temper, Morena, last year's Susan's Girl winner Weathered and Unbridled Belle).

Dispointements for this weekend:
Munnings and Big Drama- 3rd and I don't even know where in the King's Bishop? It basically knocks them out of Champion Sprinter talk and it's down to Fab. Strike and Zenzational.

Our Edge- Eased in the Travers, hopefully he's okay

Unbridled Belle- her Personal Ensign today was bad. I know her owners where going to be retiring her after this season, but I'm sad that she may go out on a low note.

Suprises:
Hold Me Back- that was awesome that he got up for second, I don't know what his chances are in the KY Cup as I think there will be some synth specialists going there.

Icon Project- Did I think she would win? Yes, but to win by that much? No way that was a freaking amazing race by her. Hopefully this puts the DelCap over the top for G1 status, but not sure. The DelOaks should also be looked at as the past two years the winner of that race has gone on to win the Alabama.

Sara Louise- I thought she may needed a race, but it was a very nice comeback.

So there is one more weekend up at Saratoga before moving back south for Belmont (until October), then Aquaduct. And luckly the Woodward and Forego look like they are going to be fantastic races. A few things before I wrap up the post for tonight, I'm starting a podcast (which is something I mentioned before). It's going to be called Thoroughbred Rush and you can find the shownotes here. Episodes will be released once a week on Mondays (I'll be recording them on Sunday nights after the last major stakes race of the weekend (if there are any on Sunday)). I'll be very interested in the responce I get. But more info on this will becoming tomorrow.

Also Next Sunday, I'm having a Blogger's Roundtable. I had planned on doing it today, but totally forgot to announce it. So it will be next weekend at 6pm. I'm using Coveritlive.com's software to host the chat. If you are interested in being part of the panel send me a PM on twitter, my screenname is TBChat!.



Everyone enjoy the rest of your weekend! I'll have another post either tomorrow or Tuesday!