Right now, it looks like that Derby winner Animal Kingdom and Preakness winner Shackleford will indeed meet up for the rubber match in the Belmont. Each has a win against each other and it's the start of what could be a great rivalry. That is if Animal Kingdom stays on dirt (which I assume for now he will). The last time there was a rubber match in the Belmont was in 2005. Derby winner Giacomo faced off against Preakness winner Afleet Alex. In the end, Alex showed why he should have been a Triple Crown winner by passing by Giacomo like well as Tom Durkin called it "like he was standing still".
Sadley he never raced again, due to an injury he most likely suffered in his imfamous "bump and run" with Scrappy T. Lets hope that doesn't happen to Shack and AK.
As you may have heard by now, two horses where retired within 24 hours of each other. Yesterday, it was announced that the top Turf horse in the US Paddy O' Prado has been retired due to a fractured sesamoid. Grade 1 winner Brass Hat also has been retired at the age of 10. Good luck to Paddy in his stud career, and Brass have fun being a horse!
Showing posts with label Paddy O' Prado. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paddy O' Prado. Show all posts
May 24, 2011
August 23, 2010
Champions and Tears of Joy
Here is this past weekend's recap of all of the races I previewed on Friday. I'll be doing each recap race by race, and then at the end of the post announcing the winner of Week 1 of the Order of Finish Challenge. I will also announce which races will be on this week's OFC card.
Alabama: I think it's offical, your 2010 3yo Champion Filly is Blind Luck. Defeating Devil May Care who showed that she wants no part of a mile and a quarter will go along way in detirmining this year's champ. This also puts the American Graded Stakes Committee in a bit of a tight spot. They will probley have to chose between the Fantasy and the Delaware Oaks if they feel that either of them deserves an upgrade from a G2 to a G1. Why these two races? Two of the past three Fantasy winners (Rachel Alexandra and Blind Luck) have won the KY Oaks next time out, and two of the past three winners have finished in the top three in a TC race (Eight Belles and Rachel Alexandra).Plus Rachel having earned 3yo Filly and Horse of the Year awards helps.
As for the Delaware Oaks, the past 4 winners (Moon Catcher, Proud Spell, Careless Jewel and Blind Luck) have all finished in the top 4 in the Alabama with 3 wins (with Moon Catcher being the only non winner). Proud Spell went on to win Champion 3yo Filly honors after winning the KY Oaks, DE Oaks and Alabama. My money is on the Fantasy to get a G1 rating, however it took forever for the AR Derby to get G1 status. Selfishly, I hope that the DE Oaks finally gets it's due and becomes a G1 next year. Of course a race will have to be downgraded in order to do so, we can only wait and hope.
Havre de Grace who I had winning, showed that her DE Oaks was no fluke by finishing 2nd. It wasn't as close as last time, but the fact that she lost to Blind Luck by a nose and a neck is no embressement. She is a budding star and hopefully will get a chance to turn the tables on her. Acting Happy was third with Devil May Care in fourth, Connie and Michael did not want to run Saturday, hopefully she's okay.
Secretariat: Before people start to crown Lookin at Lucky for 3yo Champion Male, I think Paddy O' Prado could sneak up and steal it. Especially since he is the #1 Turf Male in the US now. The way he won the race, made him finally a G1 winner after being so close in the Bluegrass and Derby. While the US is still behind the eight ball when it comes to turf, he is Team USA's best hope to regain the BC Turf title. It will be very interesting where he goes next and how he does down the road. Wigmore Hall was second and Workin for Hops who probley would be the best 3yo turf male in the US if it wheren't for Paddy was third.
Beverly D: Richard Duchossois has said that he rather win the Beverly D. then the Kentucky Derby (DRF, Aug 21, 2010). Why you may ask? The race is named after his late wife. That wish was granted when Eclair de Lune trained by Ron McAnally who trained John Henry to two Million wins won the Beverly D. It was her first stakes win, and her first win in the US since coming over from France. My second favorite winner on the day. Hot Cha Cha was second and Gypsy's Warning was third.
Arlington Million: Debussy won with Taweez third, but I think both of those horses ran flukey races, especially Debussy who got the perfect ride. My heart sank for Gio Ponti who would have been the second horse to win multiple Millions, and the first to do it back to back. Here is a horse while isn't the same horse as last year, has finished 2nd three times this year. His lone off out of the money finish was in Dubai over two horses who on dirt I think he would have beaten with ease. General Quarters and Just as Well, what the heck happend? Rahystrada was certanly better then I gave him credit for.
Del Mar Oaks: Dear John, If Mike ever rides me like that, I will lose. Love, Zenyatta. Thankfully while Z was not in the race (considering it was on turf and restricted to horses three years younger then her), Mike Smith pulled off a move that may one day get her beat. Harmonius who ended up finishing second was going extremely wide and likely cost her the race. The winner was Evening Jewel, and want to talk about a horse who has taken to turf like a duck takes to water. She is a 1 G1 away from completing only what Lava Man has been able to do and that is win G1's on turf, synth and dirt. Her next race is most likely going to be the QEII at Keenland, but I would not be suprised if the BC Ladies Classic is in the future. After all she and Havre de Grace are probley the two horses who have given Blind Luck absolutly fits in all of her races this year. Also her story is also amazing, her owner is battling cancer and she is his therapy (somewhat like how Afleet Alex was his breeder's therapy towards the end of his life).
So a really emotional Saturday East to West. And it gets even better this upcoming weekend, the Travers, Ballerina, King's Bishop and Pacific Classic on Saturday and on Sunday the Personal Ensign featuring Rachel and Life at Ten.
Now for the results of Week 1 of the Predict the Order Finish Challenge. What I've decided to do is other then giving everybody one point for scratches is to move each horse a spot if needed. This is because there where a few people who had a certin horse last, but another one had the same horse in second to last, but it ended up being last after the scratch. If this sounds confusing, then I won't do this in the future. So with that congrats to NJDerek who won Week #1 with 27 points, in second it was Tencentcielo with 21 points and in third with 15 points was Saratoga Spa. This weeks races will be the Travers, Ballerina, King's Bishop, Pacific Classic and the Personal Ensign. The post should be up sometime Thursday.
Alabama: I think it's offical, your 2010 3yo Champion Filly is Blind Luck. Defeating Devil May Care who showed that she wants no part of a mile and a quarter will go along way in detirmining this year's champ. This also puts the American Graded Stakes Committee in a bit of a tight spot. They will probley have to chose between the Fantasy and the Delaware Oaks if they feel that either of them deserves an upgrade from a G2 to a G1. Why these two races? Two of the past three Fantasy winners (Rachel Alexandra and Blind Luck) have won the KY Oaks next time out, and two of the past three winners have finished in the top three in a TC race (Eight Belles and Rachel Alexandra).Plus Rachel having earned 3yo Filly and Horse of the Year awards helps.
As for the Delaware Oaks, the past 4 winners (Moon Catcher, Proud Spell, Careless Jewel and Blind Luck) have all finished in the top 4 in the Alabama with 3 wins (with Moon Catcher being the only non winner). Proud Spell went on to win Champion 3yo Filly honors after winning the KY Oaks, DE Oaks and Alabama. My money is on the Fantasy to get a G1 rating, however it took forever for the AR Derby to get G1 status. Selfishly, I hope that the DE Oaks finally gets it's due and becomes a G1 next year. Of course a race will have to be downgraded in order to do so, we can only wait and hope.
Havre de Grace who I had winning, showed that her DE Oaks was no fluke by finishing 2nd. It wasn't as close as last time, but the fact that she lost to Blind Luck by a nose and a neck is no embressement. She is a budding star and hopefully will get a chance to turn the tables on her. Acting Happy was third with Devil May Care in fourth, Connie and Michael did not want to run Saturday, hopefully she's okay.
Secretariat: Before people start to crown Lookin at Lucky for 3yo Champion Male, I think Paddy O' Prado could sneak up and steal it. Especially since he is the #1 Turf Male in the US now. The way he won the race, made him finally a G1 winner after being so close in the Bluegrass and Derby. While the US is still behind the eight ball when it comes to turf, he is Team USA's best hope to regain the BC Turf title. It will be very interesting where he goes next and how he does down the road. Wigmore Hall was second and Workin for Hops who probley would be the best 3yo turf male in the US if it wheren't for Paddy was third.
Beverly D: Richard Duchossois has said that he rather win the Beverly D. then the Kentucky Derby (DRF, Aug 21, 2010). Why you may ask? The race is named after his late wife. That wish was granted when Eclair de Lune trained by Ron McAnally who trained John Henry to two Million wins won the Beverly D. It was her first stakes win, and her first win in the US since coming over from France. My second favorite winner on the day. Hot Cha Cha was second and Gypsy's Warning was third.
Arlington Million: Debussy won with Taweez third, but I think both of those horses ran flukey races, especially Debussy who got the perfect ride. My heart sank for Gio Ponti who would have been the second horse to win multiple Millions, and the first to do it back to back. Here is a horse while isn't the same horse as last year, has finished 2nd three times this year. His lone off out of the money finish was in Dubai over two horses who on dirt I think he would have beaten with ease. General Quarters and Just as Well, what the heck happend? Rahystrada was certanly better then I gave him credit for.
Del Mar Oaks: Dear John, If Mike ever rides me like that, I will lose. Love, Zenyatta. Thankfully while Z was not in the race (considering it was on turf and restricted to horses three years younger then her), Mike Smith pulled off a move that may one day get her beat. Harmonius who ended up finishing second was going extremely wide and likely cost her the race. The winner was Evening Jewel, and want to talk about a horse who has taken to turf like a duck takes to water. She is a 1 G1 away from completing only what Lava Man has been able to do and that is win G1's on turf, synth and dirt. Her next race is most likely going to be the QEII at Keenland, but I would not be suprised if the BC Ladies Classic is in the future. After all she and Havre de Grace are probley the two horses who have given Blind Luck absolutly fits in all of her races this year. Also her story is also amazing, her owner is battling cancer and she is his therapy (somewhat like how Afleet Alex was his breeder's therapy towards the end of his life).
So a really emotional Saturday East to West. And it gets even better this upcoming weekend, the Travers, Ballerina, King's Bishop and Pacific Classic on Saturday and on Sunday the Personal Ensign featuring Rachel and Life at Ten.
Now for the results of Week 1 of the Predict the Order Finish Challenge. What I've decided to do is other then giving everybody one point for scratches is to move each horse a spot if needed. This is because there where a few people who had a certin horse last, but another one had the same horse in second to last, but it ended up being last after the scratch. If this sounds confusing, then I won't do this in the future. So with that congrats to NJDerek who won Week #1 with 27 points, in second it was Tencentcielo with 21 points and in third with 15 points was Saratoga Spa. This weeks races will be the Travers, Ballerina, King's Bishop, Pacific Classic and the Personal Ensign. The post should be up sometime Thursday.
July 19, 2010
A New Contender Emerges
However, what makes Life at Ten, possibly the most impressive of his winners (the other three being Irving's Baby, 2006 Eclipse winning Older Female Fleet Indian and the formentioned Unbridled Belle who is my favorite Pletcher horse outside of Super Saver, Rule, Rags to Riches and Ashado respectivley) she was the only one who did not prep in the Obeah (she won the Ogden Phipps the same day up at Belmont defeating Unriveled Belle and Funny Moon). Not bad for a mare who until last November had trouble winning Allowance races. The Personal Ensign is going to be a barn burner if all the players show up: Life at Ten, Miss Singsix, Funny Moon, Milwaukee Appeal, Tasty Temptation and the two big prizes Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra (although Z my guess will stay in Cali for the Hirish even though she doesn't relish the Del Mar surface, Rachel runs this upcoming Saturday in the Lady's Secret). However, only time will tell if this actually happens.
Other stakes action this weekend:
Virginia Derby: Paddy O' Prado is a beast on turf. In a way it's great that the Derby didn't ruin him, and he is def. the horse to beat in the Secretariat in a few weeks. Of course he could take on older horses the same day in the Arlington Million, but my guess is they will keep him against 3yo's for now.
Swaps: Skipshot upsets Sidney's Candy by a nose. I don't think either horse will particpate against older though until the Goodwood at Oak Tree.
Modesty: It's offical, Tuscan Evening is America's best hope to claim back the F/M Turf title. However keep an eye on Eclair de Lune if she goes in the Beverly D. Her owner Richard Duchossois, is the widower of the namesake. Big disapointment from Rainbow View.
Dick Memorial: Could Treat Gently be the best distance horse in America? All of her losses in North America where at less then a mile and a quarter. Both of her last two races have been over a mile and a half and she's won both of them. If she can keep this up, maybe the Turf and not the F/M Turf could be in her future.
Arlington Handicap: Don't know much about the winner Rahystrada. However this sets up great for Just as Well who will try to turn the tables on Gio Ponti (if he comes) in the Arlington Million. Unfortanlly General Quarters will miss the race after re-injurying himself.
Photo Above: Life at Ten in the post parade right before the Delaware Handicap, photo was taken by me (Rachel Levine). Here are more photos from Saturday's DelCap:
Gozzip Girl before the Dick Memorial, she finished fourth.
Last year's Barbaro winner Our Edge in the Carpenter Memorial. (This was the only race of the three that I took photos where I missed the post parade) He finished 4th to Sir Whimsey.
Milwaukee Appeal in the post parade for the DelCap. She finished 4th (see a pattern in this?)
June 21, 2010
Double Win!
Well, I think I'm on a roll. Both Paddy O' Prado and Lady Shakespeare won their respective races on Saturday. If you remember, I gave the both of them out as winners on Friday. Also running on Saturday was Backtalk who could only mantage third against the highely talented Comedero in the Red Legend Stakes. Is Arkansas breds the way to go now (a Arkie bred won at Royal Ascot last week as well)? Probley not, but Comedero could be the top 3yo in the Country when it is all said and done. As a gelding, his racing possiblites are limitless.
With tomorrow being my birthday, the next post won't be for a few days. My boy Arcata runs tomorrow night at Penn National, so hopefully he does well and maybe a nice birthday present.
HRBA voting is now closed, so I hope everyone had a chance to vote! There is a live announcement Weds at 5pm EDT. So stay tuned for that!!
With tomorrow being my birthday, the next post won't be for a few days. My boy Arcata runs tomorrow night at Penn National, so hopefully he does well and maybe a nice birthday present.
HRBA voting is now closed, so I hope everyone had a chance to vote! There is a live announcement Weds at 5pm EDT. So stay tuned for that!!
March 8, 2010
Clicking Heels: Maidens and Upsets
Wow what a weekend for stakes races! It's amazing how things can change in one snap. Down at Gulfstream, Paddy O' Prado who was a maiden won the Grade 3 Palm Beach Stakes on turf. At Santa Anita, Make Music for Me finally broke his maiden when he won the Pasadena Stakes on turf. Next race for him will be the Santa Anita Derby (I think the goal was really to break his maiden has he has enough graded stakes earnings to get into the Derby field).
Meahwhile Music's stablemate Alphie's Bet upset the field in the Sham, and Crisp upsetting Blind Luck in the Santa Anita Oaks. Proviso won the Kilore, a nose over her former stablemate Fluke. This was the first win for Bill Mott for Judmonte who took over most of the US stock from Humberto Ascanio after the death of Bobby Frankel. The big winner of the weekend for Cal trainers was Bob Baffert, he won the Azeri at Oaklawn with Freedom Star and the Big Cap with Misremembered. The Wood may have found it's favorite this weekend, when the Awesome Act won the Gotham. If he does well in the Wood, I expect him to be transfered to a US trainer. Win Willy won the Razorback over Spotsgone, Gone Astray and Prom Shoes. He'll be one of the favorites for the Oaklawn Handicap, which right now looks like it's going to be a weak addition. However, things can change over the next few weeks, and I'll be interested in where everyone ends up.
Sadly, Big Truck who upset War Pass in the 2008 Tampa Bay Derby broke down and was euthanized. There have been a few rumors that may or not may not be true about the health of Truck, but for purposes of this blog, I'm not going to get into the details here. Here is that Tampa Bay Derby win,
This is a big week coming up, lots of Derby prep talk. Plus, a certin filly whose name begins with R and a certin mare whose name begins with Z make their 2010 debuts in Louisana and California respectivly.
Meahwhile Music's stablemate Alphie's Bet upset the field in the Sham, and Crisp upsetting Blind Luck in the Santa Anita Oaks. Proviso won the Kilore, a nose over her former stablemate Fluke. This was the first win for Bill Mott for Judmonte who took over most of the US stock from Humberto Ascanio after the death of Bobby Frankel. The big winner of the weekend for Cal trainers was Bob Baffert, he won the Azeri at Oaklawn with Freedom Star and the Big Cap with Misremembered. The Wood may have found it's favorite this weekend, when the Awesome Act won the Gotham. If he does well in the Wood, I expect him to be transfered to a US trainer. Win Willy won the Razorback over Spotsgone, Gone Astray and Prom Shoes. He'll be one of the favorites for the Oaklawn Handicap, which right now looks like it's going to be a weak addition. However, things can change over the next few weeks, and I'll be interested in where everyone ends up.
Sadly, Big Truck who upset War Pass in the 2008 Tampa Bay Derby broke down and was euthanized. There have been a few rumors that may or not may not be true about the health of Truck, but for purposes of this blog, I'm not going to get into the details here. Here is that Tampa Bay Derby win,
This is a big week coming up, lots of Derby prep talk. Plus, a certin filly whose name begins with R and a certin mare whose name begins with Z make their 2010 debuts in Louisana and California respectivly.
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