Hurricane Bertie (Storm Boot) was a very good sprinter who won the 2000 Princess Rooney and finished 3rd in the 1999 Ballerina. Although she passed away in 2001, her legacy lives on in the Hurricane Bertie Handicap which will be run this upcoming Sunday on the Donn undercard. Here is a look some of the past winners of the race.
2002-2003 Gold Mover (Gold Fever): the two time winner of the race also won the Princess Rooney twice and finished 2nd in the Humana Distaff twice as well. She is the dam of stakes winner Giant Mover (Giant's Causeway).
2006 Smokey Glacken (Forestry): The 1/2 sister to Smoke Glacken, she had previously won the Victory Ride at Saratoga and the First Lady which was also at Gulfstream. One of the horses she would defeat in the Hurricane Bertie would be G1 winner Splendid Blended (Unbridled's Song).
2011 Hilda's Passion (Canadian Frontier): After finishing second in the Sugar Swirl (which was formally known as the First Lady), she would win this race. She would eventually pick up wins in the Inside Information and Vagrancy. She would finish second in the Humana Distaff before ending her career with a win in the Ballerina at Saratoga.
*Note: Hurricane Bertie's dam is a 1/2 sister to Sun King (Charismatic) who ran in the 2005 Triple Crown and now stands in LA. He's one of my personal favorites.
Showing posts with label Stakes History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stakes History. Show all posts
February 6, 2014
July 31, 2013
Stakes History: Whitney Handicap
As the calendar turns from July to August, we start getting into the meat and potatoes of the Breeders' Cup schedule. This week marks the return of the Stakes History posts with the Whitney Handicap. The following five horses have won this prestigious race which is run at Saratoga.
1961,1963, 1965 Kelso: Winning the race once is an accomplishment, doing it twice? That's outstanding, but doing it three times like he did? Well that's out of this world! He of course won the Woodward, Jockey Club Gold Cup, and Met Mile thoroughout his legendary career. He is considering one of the top three geldings of all time along with Forego and John Henry.
1978 Alydar: Before being on the receiving end of a Travers DQ (which his long time rival Affirmed had crossed the wire first), he defeated older males here. As a four year old he would finish second in the Oaklawn Handicap and Carter. Of course as a sire he would become one of the best.
1997 Will's Way: Like his father Easy Goer and grandfather Alydar, he had won the Travers. In his Whitney win he would defeat future HOY Skip Away and Belmont winner Editor's Note. He would finish third in his final start the Woodward. His best foal is Cigar Mile winner Lion Tamer.
2003 Medaglia d' Oro: Winning the Travers before (or after depending on what year the horse runs in the Whitney) is a good thing. The reason being is here is the third double winner. In his win he would defeat Volponi who shocked everyone at the Breeders' Cup with a win in the Classic the year before (MDO was second). He would also win the Donn before ending his career second in the Dubai World Cup. Of course as the sire of well... You know know who.
2005 and 2008 Commentator: Even though he had failed miserably at this first try at two turns at Gulfstream, after winning an allowance he was entered back into a graded stakes in 2005. He would defeat that years HOY Saint Liam, Limehouse and Pollard's Vision among others. After struggling for a little bit in 2008 where he defeated Student Council who the year before had won the Pacific Classic the year before. He would end his career finishing third when trying for this third Whitney behind Bullsbay and Mucho Macho Man in 2009. He now lives at Old Friends in Kentucky.
1961,1963, 1965 Kelso: Winning the race once is an accomplishment, doing it twice? That's outstanding, but doing it three times like he did? Well that's out of this world! He of course won the Woodward, Jockey Club Gold Cup, and Met Mile thoroughout his legendary career. He is considering one of the top three geldings of all time along with Forego and John Henry.
1978 Alydar: Before being on the receiving end of a Travers DQ (which his long time rival Affirmed had crossed the wire first), he defeated older males here. As a four year old he would finish second in the Oaklawn Handicap and Carter. Of course as a sire he would become one of the best.
1997 Will's Way: Like his father Easy Goer and grandfather Alydar, he had won the Travers. In his Whitney win he would defeat future HOY Skip Away and Belmont winner Editor's Note. He would finish third in his final start the Woodward. His best foal is Cigar Mile winner Lion Tamer.
2003 Medaglia d' Oro: Winning the Travers before (or after depending on what year the horse runs in the Whitney) is a good thing. The reason being is here is the third double winner. In his win he would defeat Volponi who shocked everyone at the Breeders' Cup with a win in the Classic the year before (MDO was second). He would also win the Donn before ending his career second in the Dubai World Cup. Of course as the sire of well... You know know who.
2005 and 2008 Commentator: Even though he had failed miserably at this first try at two turns at Gulfstream, after winning an allowance he was entered back into a graded stakes in 2005. He would defeat that years HOY Saint Liam, Limehouse and Pollard's Vision among others. After struggling for a little bit in 2008 where he defeated Student Council who the year before had won the Pacific Classic the year before. He would end his career finishing third when trying for this third Whitney behind Bullsbay and Mucho Macho Man in 2009. He now lives at Old Friends in Kentucky.
May 1, 2013
Stakes History: Humana Distaff
One of the most important races for female sprinters is held on the Kentucky Derby undercard. Originally called the Brown & Williamson Handicap, the Humana Distaff has been a G1 race since 2002. Here are a few fillies and mares who have won this seven furlong race.
March 27, 2013
Stakes History: Dubai World Cup
Run since 1996, first at Nad Al Sheba and currently at Meydan, the Dubai World Cup is the worlds richest race in racing. The US had dominated the race with 8 (9 if you include Street Cry's even though he was moved to Godolphin) wins in the race. However, all of those where on dirt. Since the move to Tapeta, it has become more of internationally leveled with two of the past three winners being born outside of either Europe and North America. The following is just a few of the winners of this prestigious race.
2000- Dubai Millnium (GB): He only lost once in his career (Epsom Derby) and he never won Cartier Award (Europe's version of the Eclipse Awards). It's been reported that he was Sheik Mohammed's favorite horse.
2007- Invasor (ARG):His lone loss in his career was in 2006 in the UAE Derby (which he was eligible for as a Southern Hemisphere 3yo). Not only was he able to win the race, but also turn the tables on Discreet Cat who the year before won the UAE Derby.
1996- Cigar: Already a superstar back home in the States when he won inaugural DWC, this was win 14 in his sixteen straight win streak. Cigar was the first of what is currently 4 Breeders' Cup Classic winners to turn their win into Dubai World Cup wins the next year. The other three are Pleasantly Perfect, Invasor (ARG) and Curlin.
2000- Dubai Millnium (GB): He only lost once in his career (Epsom Derby) and he never won Cartier Award (Europe's version of the Eclipse Awards). It's been reported that he was Sheik Mohammed's favorite horse.
2007- Invasor (ARG):His lone loss in his career was in 2006 in the UAE Derby (which he was eligible for as a Southern Hemisphere 3yo). Not only was he able to win the race, but also turn the tables on Discreet Cat who the year before won the UAE Derby.
2009-Well Armed: Dubai had been a place of joy and heartbreak for his connections. An injury suffered in the UAE Derby two years before required surgery that had complications and almost cost him his life. After a poor showing in the BC Dirt Mile, people where doubting him. However, he and his rider Aaron Gryder showed that what had happened in that race was a fluke. They where able to turn the tables on Albert the Great who had win he Mile. It was also the last time the race was held on dirt.
2011- Victoire Pisa (JPN): Just weeks after a horrible earthquake and tsunami, rocked the country of Japan, they needed a hero. They got it from an unlikely source. Not only did Japan win the race, but they finished second too with Japan Cup Dirt winner Transend.
March 15, 2013
Stakes History: Rebel Stakes
Taking place this Saturday at Oaklawn Park, the Rebel is the second leg in the Arkansas route. This race has produced 2 Derby winners, 4 Preakness winners and 2 Belmont winners. Lets take a look at some of the past winners of this Grade 2 race.
1965: Swift Ruler- Would win the Arkasas Derby and finish second in the Bluegrass. As an older horse, he would pick up wins in the Oaklawn Handicap, Razorback and Ben Ali.
1976: Riverside Sam- Broke his maiden in the race when it was known as the Rebel Handicap. He would finish second in the Canadian Turf Handicap as well in his career.
1994: Judge T C- Finished sixth in the Arkansas Derby in his start after winning the Rebel. Would pick up wins in the Clark, and Fayette while finishing second in the Essex, Kentucky Cup Classic and Razorback as an older horse.
2004: Smarty Jones- Before Smarty mania had set in, the Elusive Quality colt had won the Count Fleet and Southwest (leg one). Of course he would win the AR Derby, KY Derby and Preakness before coming just short in the Belmont. Even though he would never race again, he was named Eclipse Champion 3yo male.
February 13, 2013
Stakes History: El Camino Real Derby
Although the El Camino Real Derby has not been a big factor when it comes to the Triple Crown for the past several years, the race has produced some fine horses. Originally held at the now defunct Bay Meadows, this years edition will be held on Saturday at Golden Gate Fields. Lets take a look at some of the past champions of this race.
1985- Tank's Prospect: The runner up to Chief's Crown in the previous year's Juvenile, he would turn the tables on him in the Preakness by winning by a head. That was a stakes record that he shared with Louis Quatorze until a meeting in 2012 changed the stakes record title to Secretariat after he was denied the stakes record originally due to a timing issue during his 1973 Triple Crown run. As a sire Tank had Real Cash who the American Derby and San Felipe in his career.
1991- Sea Cadet: He would go onto win the San Felipe and finish third in the Santa Anita Derby. As a four year old, he won three G1's including the Donn Handicap where he defeated the previous years Derby winner Strike the Gold (he had finished 8th in the race). Sadly, he passed away in April of his freshman year at stud and left limited porgeny behind. Here is his win in the ECRD: http://youtu.be/qIq7ogHG5Fw
1998- Event of the Year: He would go onto win the Jim Beam, but would miss the Triple Crown. His best finish in a G1 would be a runner up finish in the 1999 Santa Anita Handicap which was right after he won the Strub. He finished right ahead of Hall of Famer Silver Charm.
Other winners of this race include Snow Chief and Tabasco Cat.
December 25, 2012
Stakes History: Malibu Stakes
Held traditionally the day after Christmas, the Malibu is the final G1 of the year for 3yos and the first leg of the Strub Series. Some great horses have won this race in the past, including a couple of KY Derby winners. Lets take a look at some of them.
1954- Imbros (Polynesian): Set a world record when he won the Malibu. In the race he defeated Bersheem. Although he also won the Californian it would be as a sire 8 years later where he would start to leave a mark.
1962- Native Diver (Imbros): Like father, like son! Three years before he would win the first of his three Hollywood Gold Cup's, the Cal-Bred gelding would defeat Grid Iron Hero in the seven furlong contest. Along with his three HGC wins, Native Diver also won the San Diego Handicap 3 times.
1954- Imbros (Polynesian): Set a world record when he won the Malibu. In the race he defeated Bersheem. Although he also won the Californian it would be as a sire 8 years later where he would start to leave a mark.
1962- Native Diver (Imbros): Like father, like son! Three years before he would win the first of his three Hollywood Gold Cup's, the Cal-Bred gelding would defeat Grid Iron Hero in the seven furlong contest. Along with his three HGC wins, Native Diver also won the San Diego Handicap 3 times.
1986- Ferdinand (Nijinsky): The Derby winner ended this year defeating Snow Chief. Although the latter would win 3yo champion, Ferdinand would get his Eclipse win in 1987 when he won the Hollywood Gold Cup and the Breeders' Cup Classic (over his fellow Derby winner Alysheba). The Ferdinand clause which allows US stallions to be returned to the US from Japan is named in his honor.
2000- Dixie Union (Dixieland Band): That's right, Union Rags' dad won this race over Caller One (who would win Dubai's Golden Shaheen twice and finish 3rd in the BC Sprint). It ended a year where he also won the Haskell. Of course he would go onto sire some very nice horses before his premature death in 2010.
2004- Rock Hard Ten (Kris S.): Yes he would go onto win the Santa Anita Handicap and Goodwood as a four year old before being injured and missed the BCC. However, the runner up in the Malibu his year was taking a big step up in class from where he was running in claiming races. Of course that would be Lava Man! Rock Hard Ten was just sold to Korean interests to continue his stud career.
September 19, 2012
Stakes History: Kent Stakes
While not the most famous turf race for 3yo's in the US, some very good horses have run in this race. This year's edition will be held on Saturday at Delaware Park. Lets take a look at some of the past winners.
1950- Your Host (Alibhai (GB)): Defeated Post Card and Country Delight in that race. He is more known for his recovery from fracturing foreleg and shoulder, as well as being the sire of the wonderful gelding Kelso.
1999- North East Bound (D'Accord): Won by a neck over Courtside with the favorite Swamp back in third. He would go onto finish 2nd in the 2000 BC Mile behind War Chant.
2002- Miesque's Approval (Miesque's Son): There was actually a deadheat for third the year he won. Regal Sanction was second with Quest Star and Coco's Madness finishing tied for third. 2 years later he would be the last horse to defeat retiring jockey Jerry Bailey in the Sunshine Millions Turf and ended his year winning the 2006 BC Mile. He would be named Champion Turf Male that same year as well.
2007- Nobiz Like Shobiz (Albert the Great): Rarely would you see the Wood Memorial winner switch surfaces, but this is what this guy exactly did. With the 3yo pool very deep in order to show his best, he switched to turf. He had to waitout a photo finish between him and Twilight Metor with Strike a Deal finishing in third. He would win the Jamaica and finish 4th in the BC Mile.
1950- Your Host (Alibhai (GB)): Defeated Post Card and Country Delight in that race. He is more known for his recovery from fracturing foreleg and shoulder, as well as being the sire of the wonderful gelding Kelso.
1999- North East Bound (D'Accord): Won by a neck over Courtside with the favorite Swamp back in third. He would go onto finish 2nd in the 2000 BC Mile behind War Chant.
2002- Miesque's Approval (Miesque's Son): There was actually a deadheat for third the year he won. Regal Sanction was second with Quest Star and Coco's Madness finishing tied for third. 2 years later he would be the last horse to defeat retiring jockey Jerry Bailey in the Sunshine Millions Turf and ended his year winning the 2006 BC Mile. He would be named Champion Turf Male that same year as well.
2007- Nobiz Like Shobiz (Albert the Great): Rarely would you see the Wood Memorial winner switch surfaces, but this is what this guy exactly did. With the 3yo pool very deep in order to show his best, he switched to turf. He had to waitout a photo finish between him and Twilight Metor with Strike a Deal finishing in third. He would win the Jamaica and finish 4th in the BC Mile.
July 9, 2012
Stakes History: Delaware Oaks
While Saratoga now has the Coaching Club American Oaks as a prep for the Alabama, the hottest prep for the mile and quarter race the past 9 years has been the Delaware Oaks. Since 2003, 4 DE Oaks winners have gone onto Alabama glory including 3yo Champions Proud Spell and Blind Luck (the latter defeating an upstart in the 2010 edition and the former holding off a charge of a future Derby winning trainer). Lets take a look at some of the past winners:
1950- Next Move (Bull Lea): Defeated Busanda and Include to win the race. The Champion 3yo filly in 1950 and Champion Older Female in 1951, she also won the Beldame twice. As a broodmare, her best foal was stakes winner Good Move (Native Dancer).
1957- Bayou (Hill Prince): A year after her sister Levee (Hill Prince) (who would grow to be the dam of Shuvee) was second in the race, she was able to get some redemption for her. Bayou also won the Acorn and Gazelle to be named 1957 3yo Champion Filly. Her daughter Batteur (Bold Ruler) would finish 3rd in the DE Oaks in 1963.
1979- It's in the Air (Mr. Prospector): The 1978 2yo filly defeated future Delaware Handicap winner Jameela in this race. As a 4yo she would win the Vanity. She would produce stakes winner Air Dancer (Northern Dancer).
2003- Island Fashion (Petionville): Defeated Awesome Humor in the race, she would then to go onto deny Spoken Fur the Triple Tiara when she and Awesome Humor went 1-2 once again in the Alabama. (In a little bit of twist of fate, Island Fashioned's trainer for the Alabama was Barclay Tagg and Spoken Fur was trained by Bobby Frankel. 2 months before Frankel and Empire Maker had denied Tagg and Funny Cide the Triple Crown in the Belmont.) Island Fashion would go onto win the Santa Monica twice and even finished 2nd in the Santa Anita Handicap against the boys. She has been in Japan for the past few years.
2008- Proud Spell (Proud Citizen): Only months after winning the Kentucky Oaks and finishing 2nd in the Derby with Eight Belles, her trainer Larry Jones and jockey Gabe Saez needed a pickme up. That ment returning home to DE where she would not be denied a win over African Violet and She's All Eltish. I was there that day and other then the 2011 DelCap (whose winner I'm going to be talking about next), I had never heard the crowd cheer as loud as they did for when Proud Spell and Gabe returned to the winners circle. She would get revenge on Music Note who had defeated her in the Mother Goose by winning the Alabama. That was more then enough to hold off her late stablemate for 3yo honors. Her first foal is a 2yo named Indian Spell.
2010- Blind Luck (Pollard's Vision): The Oaks winner was coming off a bad start in the Hollywood Oaks. She would run down an upstart by the name of Havre de Grace on a muddy track to win by a short head. Thus a rivalry was born. Those two would meet again in the Alabama where they finished 1-2. Grace would get Clover's number in the Cotillion, but a runner up finish in the LC Classic sealed the Championship honors for her. They would meet just twice as 4yo's splitting with Grace winning the Azeri, and Clover winning possibly the greatest Delaware Handicap ever beating the future Horse of the Year by a nose. Blind Luck will throw her first foal next year by Bernardini.
1950- Next Move (Bull Lea): Defeated Busanda and Include to win the race. The Champion 3yo filly in 1950 and Champion Older Female in 1951, she also won the Beldame twice. As a broodmare, her best foal was stakes winner Good Move (Native Dancer).
1957- Bayou (Hill Prince): A year after her sister Levee (Hill Prince) (who would grow to be the dam of Shuvee) was second in the race, she was able to get some redemption for her. Bayou also won the Acorn and Gazelle to be named 1957 3yo Champion Filly. Her daughter Batteur (Bold Ruler) would finish 3rd in the DE Oaks in 1963.
1979- It's in the Air (Mr. Prospector): The 1978 2yo filly defeated future Delaware Handicap winner Jameela in this race. As a 4yo she would win the Vanity. She would produce stakes winner Air Dancer (Northern Dancer).
2003- Island Fashion (Petionville): Defeated Awesome Humor in the race, she would then to go onto deny Spoken Fur the Triple Tiara when she and Awesome Humor went 1-2 once again in the Alabama. (In a little bit of twist of fate, Island Fashioned's trainer for the Alabama was Barclay Tagg and Spoken Fur was trained by Bobby Frankel. 2 months before Frankel and Empire Maker had denied Tagg and Funny Cide the Triple Crown in the Belmont.) Island Fashion would go onto win the Santa Monica twice and even finished 2nd in the Santa Anita Handicap against the boys. She has been in Japan for the past few years.
2008- Proud Spell (Proud Citizen): Only months after winning the Kentucky Oaks and finishing 2nd in the Derby with Eight Belles, her trainer Larry Jones and jockey Gabe Saez needed a pickme up. That ment returning home to DE where she would not be denied a win over African Violet and She's All Eltish. I was there that day and other then the 2011 DelCap (whose winner I'm going to be talking about next), I had never heard the crowd cheer as loud as they did for when Proud Spell and Gabe returned to the winners circle. She would get revenge on Music Note who had defeated her in the Mother Goose by winning the Alabama. That was more then enough to hold off her late stablemate for 3yo honors. Her first foal is a 2yo named Indian Spell.
2010- Blind Luck (Pollard's Vision): The Oaks winner was coming off a bad start in the Hollywood Oaks. She would run down an upstart by the name of Havre de Grace on a muddy track to win by a short head. Thus a rivalry was born. Those two would meet again in the Alabama where they finished 1-2. Grace would get Clover's number in the Cotillion, but a runner up finish in the LC Classic sealed the Championship honors for her. They would meet just twice as 4yo's splitting with Grace winning the Azeri, and Clover winning possibly the greatest Delaware Handicap ever beating the future Horse of the Year by a nose. Blind Luck will throw her first foal next year by Bernardini.
May 25, 2012
Stakes History: Acorn Stakes
For years, the Acorn was known as Leg 1 of the Triple Tiara. However the past few years, the set of three races has been reconfigured several times. This year's Acorn will be on the undercard of the Met Mile, making possibly Leg 1 of the TT once again. Lets take a look at some of the past winners of the Acorn.
1961- Bowl of Flowers (Sailor): In 1960, she was named 2yo filly, and she got the same honors as 3yo in the year she won the Acorn. She also finished a good third against males in the Roamer Handicap. As a broodmare, her best foal was G2 winner Spruce Bouquet. She is in the Hall of Fame.
1975- Ruffian (Reviewer): http://youtu.be/YLRt23bqc3A Possibly the greatest filly of all time. She won all of her races that had at least 3 horses. Of course she is remembered for her match race with Foolish Pleasure. She is buried at Belmont Park and posthumously was named Champion 3yo Filly as well as being in the Hall of Fame. (Triple Tiara winner)
1985- Mom's Command (Top Command): There's just something about her that I've always loved. It could because that I'm a huge fan of her son and lone stakes winner Jonesboro. She was named 3yo Filly that season and is in the Hall of Fame. (Triple Tiara winner)
1997- Sharp Cat (Storm Cat): After being DQ'ed to last from a 3rd place finish in the KY Oaks, she was able to rebound to defeat Ajina who would be the Champion 3yo filly that season. As a four year old, she won the Beldame and Ruffian. None of her foals would be the same quality as she would be.
2005- Round Pond (Awesome Again): Just a week before Afleet Alex would win the Belmont, she would win one of her two G1 races sweeping the 2 major 3yo only races at Belmont for horses based at either Philadelphia Park (now Parx) and Delaware Park. As a 4yo, she would win a marred BC Distaff. Her first foal, Long River is 2 and waiting his first race.
2009- Gabby's Golen Gal (Medaglia d' Oro):
Poor Gabby, she had the unfortunate of being born the same year as Rachel Alexandra. Had the super filly not been sold, this would have been her likely landing spot. Instead, her sister from another mother (both are by MDO of course) upset Justwhistledixie who would have been the 2nd choice in the Oaks had she not been scratched. Gabby would go onto win the Santa Monica as a 4yo and is currently a broodmare in Japan.
1961- Bowl of Flowers (Sailor): In 1960, she was named 2yo filly, and she got the same honors as 3yo in the year she won the Acorn. She also finished a good third against males in the Roamer Handicap. As a broodmare, her best foal was G2 winner Spruce Bouquet. She is in the Hall of Fame.
1975- Ruffian (Reviewer): http://youtu.be/YLRt23bqc3A Possibly the greatest filly of all time. She won all of her races that had at least 3 horses. Of course she is remembered for her match race with Foolish Pleasure. She is buried at Belmont Park and posthumously was named Champion 3yo Filly as well as being in the Hall of Fame. (Triple Tiara winner)
1985- Mom's Command (Top Command): There's just something about her that I've always loved. It could because that I'm a huge fan of her son and lone stakes winner Jonesboro. She was named 3yo Filly that season and is in the Hall of Fame. (Triple Tiara winner)
1997- Sharp Cat (Storm Cat): After being DQ'ed to last from a 3rd place finish in the KY Oaks, she was able to rebound to defeat Ajina who would be the Champion 3yo filly that season. As a four year old, she won the Beldame and Ruffian. None of her foals would be the same quality as she would be.
2005- Round Pond (Awesome Again): Just a week before Afleet Alex would win the Belmont, she would win one of her two G1 races sweeping the 2 major 3yo only races at Belmont for horses based at either Philadelphia Park (now Parx) and Delaware Park. As a 4yo, she would win a marred BC Distaff. Her first foal, Long River is 2 and waiting his first race.
2009- Gabby's Golen Gal (Medaglia d' Oro):
Poor Gabby, she had the unfortunate of being born the same year as Rachel Alexandra. Had the super filly not been sold, this would have been her likely landing spot. Instead, her sister from another mother (both are by MDO of course) upset Justwhistledixie who would have been the 2nd choice in the Oaks had she not been scratched. Gabby would go onto win the Santa Monica as a 4yo and is currently a broodmare in Japan.
April 25, 2012
Stakes History: Derby Trial
Although the Derby Trial hasn't produced a starter in the Derby since 2005, it has still produced quality horses throughout the years. Lets a take a look at some of them:
1924 Black Gold (Black Toney): He was the first horse to win four Derbys (Louisana, Kentucky, Ohio State (now just called the Ohio Derby) and Chicago (which from what I can find is now defunct). Sadly after being found infertle, he broke down at the Fair Grounds and was euthanized. He is buried at the New Orleans track and they have the Black Gold Stakes named in honor of him.
1948 Citation (Bull Lea): The 8th Triple Crown winner ever, he of course also won 16 races in a row. That left him as the co-longest consecutive winning streak until it was passed by New Mexico darling Pepper's Pride and Zenyatta. The title currently belongs to the Mid-Atlantic claiming star Rapid Redux.
1984 Devil's Bag (Halo): The 2yo Champ the previous year never ran again after his win in the Derby Trial. Still, he went onto sire multiple Grade 1 winner Devil His Due (the sire of one of my personal favorites Spite the Devil). His full brother Saint Ballado is the sire of BC Distaff winner Ashado (who missed being elected into the Hall of Fame on Monday) and BC Classic winner Saint Liam (who in turn sired the recent retired Horse of the Year, Havre de Grace).
1992 Alydeed (Shadeed):
His 3 length win was good enough to get him a place in the Preakness starting gate. There he finished second behind Pine Bluff. He returned to his native Canada to win the Queen's Plate. Unfortanlly his ventures where not enough to land the 3yo Male Championship for Canada. As a four year old, he did return to win the Carter and finished third in the Met Mile.
2008 Macho Again (Macho Uno): Much like Alydeed, he turned his Derby Trial win into a runner up finish in the Preakness behind Big Brown. He would then finish 5th in the Belmont behind Da' Tara. As a four year old he would win the New Orleans Handicap and Stephen Foster. However, he will go down as the horse who gave everything that Rachel Alexandra had in her tank in the 2009 Woodward.
1924 Black Gold (Black Toney): He was the first horse to win four Derbys (Louisana, Kentucky, Ohio State (now just called the Ohio Derby) and Chicago (which from what I can find is now defunct). Sadly after being found infertle, he broke down at the Fair Grounds and was euthanized. He is buried at the New Orleans track and they have the Black Gold Stakes named in honor of him.
1948 Citation (Bull Lea): The 8th Triple Crown winner ever, he of course also won 16 races in a row. That left him as the co-longest consecutive winning streak until it was passed by New Mexico darling Pepper's Pride and Zenyatta. The title currently belongs to the Mid-Atlantic claiming star Rapid Redux.
1984 Devil's Bag (Halo): The 2yo Champ the previous year never ran again after his win in the Derby Trial. Still, he went onto sire multiple Grade 1 winner Devil His Due (the sire of one of my personal favorites Spite the Devil). His full brother Saint Ballado is the sire of BC Distaff winner Ashado (who missed being elected into the Hall of Fame on Monday) and BC Classic winner Saint Liam (who in turn sired the recent retired Horse of the Year, Havre de Grace).
1992 Alydeed (Shadeed):
His 3 length win was good enough to get him a place in the Preakness starting gate. There he finished second behind Pine Bluff. He returned to his native Canada to win the Queen's Plate. Unfortanlly his ventures where not enough to land the 3yo Male Championship for Canada. As a four year old, he did return to win the Carter and finished third in the Met Mile.
2008 Macho Again (Macho Uno): Much like Alydeed, he turned his Derby Trial win into a runner up finish in the Preakness behind Big Brown. He would then finish 5th in the Belmont behind Da' Tara. As a four year old he would win the New Orleans Handicap and Stephen Foster. However, he will go down as the horse who gave everything that Rachel Alexandra had in her tank in the 2009 Woodward.
April 6, 2012
Stakes History: Santa Anita Derby
While no horse has won both the SA Derby and KY Derby since 1989, it could be the most successful race to produce good horses since the early 90's. Lets take a look at a few of the winners.
1955- Swaps (Khaled (GB)): #20 on the 20th Century List of All Time Great Horses. Winner of the KY Derby, Hollywood Gold Cup among other stakes wins. He is also in the Hall of Fame and has a Hall of Fame daughter Affectionaly. He is interred at the Kentucky Derby Museum. The 1st prep race for the SA Derby is named the Swaps.
1958- Silky Sullivan (Sullivan): Sure there where closers before him, but he was horse racing's first true deep closer. In matter of fact, in the Derby that year, CBS had to put a seperate camera on him because of his closing style. He remained popular throughout his career, and while his stud success wasn't much, he did pass along his closing kick. Silky is buried at Golden Gate, and until the great Lost in the Fog's passing was the only horse buried there.
1966- Boldnesian (Bold Ruler): His lone stakes win in his short career after bone chips where found. His sire career was a bit better. He has stakes Wing Out, Bold Rukus and Bold Reasoning (the sire of Seattle Slew).
1973- Sham (Pretense): This would be his final win of his career, of course he finished second in the Wood in his next race before running 2nd in the Derby, Preakness and Belmont to Secretariat. He didn't run again after the Belmont. HIs stud career included Safe Play the dam to Defensive Play, a G1 winner on turf and dirt.
1988- Winning Colors (Caro (IRE))
She had already won the SA Oaks when she faced the males for the first time. Not only did she get the win in here, but this would lead her to become the as of right now last filly to win the Derby. She would finished third and 6th in the Preakness and Belmont respectively before finishing the year with a good runner up in the BC Distaff. As a broodmare she wasn't as successful, but her daughter Golden Colors was G3 placed in Japan.
1990: Mister Frisky (Marasayas):
1955- Swaps (Khaled (GB)): #20 on the 20th Century List of All Time Great Horses. Winner of the KY Derby, Hollywood Gold Cup among other stakes wins. He is also in the Hall of Fame and has a Hall of Fame daughter Affectionaly. He is interred at the Kentucky Derby Museum. The 1st prep race for the SA Derby is named the Swaps.
1958- Silky Sullivan (Sullivan): Sure there where closers before him, but he was horse racing's first true deep closer. In matter of fact, in the Derby that year, CBS had to put a seperate camera on him because of his closing style. He remained popular throughout his career, and while his stud success wasn't much, he did pass along his closing kick. Silky is buried at Golden Gate, and until the great Lost in the Fog's passing was the only horse buried there.
1966- Boldnesian (Bold Ruler): His lone stakes win in his short career after bone chips where found. His sire career was a bit better. He has stakes Wing Out, Bold Rukus and Bold Reasoning (the sire of Seattle Slew).
1973- Sham (Pretense): This would be his final win of his career, of course he finished second in the Wood in his next race before running 2nd in the Derby, Preakness and Belmont to Secretariat. He didn't run again after the Belmont. HIs stud career included Safe Play the dam to Defensive Play, a G1 winner on turf and dirt.
1988- Winning Colors (Caro (IRE))
She had already won the SA Oaks when she faced the males for the first time. Not only did she get the win in here, but this would lead her to become the as of right now last filly to win the Derby. She would finished third and 6th in the Preakness and Belmont respectively before finishing the year with a good runner up in the BC Distaff. As a broodmare she wasn't as successful, but her daughter Golden Colors was G3 placed in Japan.
1990: Mister Frisky (Marasayas):
Superstar from Puerto Rico showed that he was the real deal. With that win he tied Citation for then a record 16 wins in a row (it's been passed three times since). Unfortanlly, a tumor effected his Derby and Preakness efforts (although he finished third in the latter). He was elected to PR Hall of Fame and has sired a HOY in PR.
2007 Tiago (Pleasant Tap): Up to this point, he had been known as Giacomo's little brother. He would follow his KY Derby winning brother footsteps by upseting the field. It would lead to a seventh place finish in the Derby and 3rd in the Belmont. He would go onto win the Swaps, and Goodwood before finishing fifth in the BCC. As a four year old, he won the Oaklawn Handicap and finished third in the BCC. He currently is recovering from a health related issue and will be returning to stud next year.
April 5, 2012
Stakes History: Wood Memorial
Some of the greatest horses have won Aqueduct's biggest race for three year olds. The 2012 edition takes place this Saturday. Lets take a look at a few of the winners.
1968- Dancer's Image (Native Dancer): Even though he crossed the wire first in the KY Derby, he was disqualified for having bute which at the time was illegal. That handed the title to the favorite going into the race Foward Pass. This is the only time that a Derby winner has been disqualifed from the race. He would finish third in the Preakness showing that his Derby "win" was for real, but he once again was dq'ed this time for interference. Sadly, his ankles taken too much of a beating and was retired shortly afterwards. He stood in Maryland, Ireland, France and Japan. Peter Fuller his owner would rebound 20 years later with Hall of Famer Mom's Command.
1973- Angle Light (Quadrangle): When you watch the movie Secretariat, you see that Sham's connections are celebrating beating the Triple Crown winner in his final race before the Derby. There is one tiny problem, Big Red's stablemate beat Sham as well. He would go onto finish 10th in the Derby.
1975- Foolish Pleasure (What a Pleasure): He finished in the top three in the Derby (win), Preakness (2nd) and Belmont (2nd). However, he is more known for his match race against Ruffian (who was ridden that day by their regular jockey Jacinto Vasquez) that of course ended in tragedy with the undeafted filly being pulled up and subquently euthanized. As a four year old, he won both the Suburban and the Donn. His grandddaughter I'll Get Along is the dam to Smarty Jones.
1992- Devil His Due (Devil's Bag): He could only manage to finish 12th in the Derby. His career afterwards however was solid with wins in the Brooklyn, Suburban, and Pimlico Special among others. As a sire, he has Dubai World Cup winner Roses in May, and one of my personal favorites Withers winner Spite the Devil.
2000- Fusaichi Pegasus (Mr. Prospector):
The last horse to win both the Wood and the KY Derby. He would finish second in the Preakness, but come back to win the Jerome. It wasn't enough though to take 3yo honors (Tiznow the BCC winner was 3yo Champ Male and HOY). The $4 million yearling has had success at stud with the likes of Champ Pegasus, Classic Reunion (in Hong Kong, and unsuccessful in Australia as Winning Boy), Entergentic Boy (in Hong Kong), and Roman Ruler (who of course is the sire of last year's Belmont winner Ruler On Ice).
2008- Tale of Ekati (Tale of the Cat):
This was a make or break race for the 2yo Champion War Pass. He had already been upset in the Tampa Bay Derby by the Barclay Tagg trainee Big Truck. Here once again, Tagg would have his number with Tale of Ekati. Named for a diamond mine in his owner's native Canada, he finished 4th in the Kentucky Derby that year. He would go on to win both the Jerome and Cigar Mile (via a DQ) later on in the year.
(Note from Rachel: On a personal level, the 2008 Wood will go down as the most important races that I've seen. I was sitting in a hospital waiting room with my parents where my dad had just gotten the dianosis of colon cancer. It was the second to last horse race we would see together as he would pass away only hours before the Wood was run the next year)
1968- Dancer's Image (Native Dancer): Even though he crossed the wire first in the KY Derby, he was disqualified for having bute which at the time was illegal. That handed the title to the favorite going into the race Foward Pass. This is the only time that a Derby winner has been disqualifed from the race. He would finish third in the Preakness showing that his Derby "win" was for real, but he once again was dq'ed this time for interference. Sadly, his ankles taken too much of a beating and was retired shortly afterwards. He stood in Maryland, Ireland, France and Japan. Peter Fuller his owner would rebound 20 years later with Hall of Famer Mom's Command.
1973- Angle Light (Quadrangle): When you watch the movie Secretariat, you see that Sham's connections are celebrating beating the Triple Crown winner in his final race before the Derby. There is one tiny problem, Big Red's stablemate beat Sham as well. He would go onto finish 10th in the Derby.
1975- Foolish Pleasure (What a Pleasure): He finished in the top three in the Derby (win), Preakness (2nd) and Belmont (2nd). However, he is more known for his match race against Ruffian (who was ridden that day by their regular jockey Jacinto Vasquez) that of course ended in tragedy with the undeafted filly being pulled up and subquently euthanized. As a four year old, he won both the Suburban and the Donn. His grandddaughter I'll Get Along is the dam to Smarty Jones.
1992- Devil His Due (Devil's Bag): He could only manage to finish 12th in the Derby. His career afterwards however was solid with wins in the Brooklyn, Suburban, and Pimlico Special among others. As a sire, he has Dubai World Cup winner Roses in May, and one of my personal favorites Withers winner Spite the Devil.
2000- Fusaichi Pegasus (Mr. Prospector):
The last horse to win both the Wood and the KY Derby. He would finish second in the Preakness, but come back to win the Jerome. It wasn't enough though to take 3yo honors (Tiznow the BCC winner was 3yo Champ Male and HOY). The $4 million yearling has had success at stud with the likes of Champ Pegasus, Classic Reunion (in Hong Kong, and unsuccessful in Australia as Winning Boy), Entergentic Boy (in Hong Kong), and Roman Ruler (who of course is the sire of last year's Belmont winner Ruler On Ice).
2008- Tale of Ekati (Tale of the Cat):
This was a make or break race for the 2yo Champion War Pass. He had already been upset in the Tampa Bay Derby by the Barclay Tagg trainee Big Truck. Here once again, Tagg would have his number with Tale of Ekati. Named for a diamond mine in his owner's native Canada, he finished 4th in the Kentucky Derby that year. He would go on to win both the Jerome and Cigar Mile (via a DQ) later on in the year.
(Note from Rachel: On a personal level, the 2008 Wood will go down as the most important races that I've seen. I was sitting in a hospital waiting room with my parents where my dad had just gotten the dianosis of colon cancer. It was the second to last horse race we would see together as he would pass away only hours before the Wood was run the next year)
March 21, 2012
Stakes History: Spiral Stakes
The first of the major Kentucky Derby preps is this weekend at Turfway in the Spiral Stakes. The national audience will be getting their first look at horses who could end up in the gate for this year's Derby. Though the race has had several names (Jim Beam, Lane's End), and was recently downgraded to a Grade 3 from a Grade 2. Some pretty good horses have won this race.
Note: there are a few horses where I could not find their Spiral wins on YouTube. Sorry about that
1986: Broad Brush (Ack Ack)- He would turn his Jim Beam into a Wood Memorial win. After finishing third in the Derby and Preakness, he skipped the Belmont. He would win the Ohio Derby, PA Derby, Meadowlands Cup, Big Cap, and Suburban. As a sire, he would have a BCC winner in Concern, Include who is quite underrated as an and Justenoughheart who is the dam to Lewis Michael and BC Juvenile Fillies winner Dreaming of Anna.
1990: Summer Squall (Storm Bird)- While little brother A.P. Indy would steal his thunder, he was a very good horse in his own right. He would win the Bluegrass on his way to finishing second in the Derby and winning the Preakness. I would also win the PA Derby and Fayatte Handicap after his Preakness win. As a sire, he has KY Derby winner Charismatic and KY Oaks winner Summerly.
1991: Hansel (Woodman)-
He won the Jim Beam in stakes record time, and then followed that up with a win in the Lexington. After finishing 10th as the beaten favorite, he would win the Preakness and Belmont. While his career ended in August of that year after a runner up finish in the Travers, he had done enough to be named 3yo Champion Male. Hansel has been a disappointment at stud, and for a time was sent to Japan. However, he is back home in the US.
1992: Lil E. Tee (At the Threshold)- Much like his dad who won this race in 1984, he was ridden by Pat Day. After a runner up finish in the Arkansas Derby, he won the Run for the Roses. As a four year old he would win the Razorback Handicap as well.
1993: Prairie Bayou (Little Missouri)- He won the Blue Grass after his Jim Beam win. After finishing second in the Derby, he would become the first gelding since Creme Fraiche to win a TC race by winning the Preakness. Sadly, Julie Krone's Belmont win (the first by a woman jockey) would be overshadowed by his breakdown and euthanization. He was posthumously named 3yo Champion Male.
1995: Serena's Song (Rahy)- This would be the first of two times that year that she would defeat the boys. After a 16th finish in the Derby, she would win the Black Eyed Susan 2 weeks later. That July it would be the Haskell, and she would return to Turfway to finish behind Mariah's Storm (dam of Giant's Causeway) in the Turfway Breeders' Cup Stakes. Named 3yo Champion Female. As a four year old she would win G1 races such as the Santa Monica, and Hempstead (now the Ogden Phipps). Serena has a G2 winner in Grand Reward, G1 winner Sophisticat and G2 Harlington among her foals. She is in the Hall of Fame.
1996: Roar (Forty Niner)- He didn't run in the TC, but he still has recently made an impact on horse racing. He's the broodmare sire of Rachel Alexandra, and his female family has the 2010 Leading Freshman Sire Congrats.
2002: Perfect Drift (Dynaformer)- He would go onto be one of the most popular racehorses. After a 3rd place finish in the Derby and 10th in the Belmont, he won the Indiana Derby. While he only won 1 Grade 1 race in the 2003 Stephen Foster (he should have two, but Seek Gold nosed him out 2006 edition), he always tried his best. He was retired in a ceremony at Turfway after his 2008 season. He currently splits his time between Churchill Downs museum and his owners farm.
2005: Flower Alley (Distorted Humor)-
While he would win the Lane's End, the light wouldn't go on until after the TC. He would win the Jim Dandy and the Travers, before finishing a very good second in the BCC. That normally would be more then enough to give him 3yo honors, but Afleet Alex who didn't run past the Belmont was named Champion. He wasn't the same horse at 4 despite winning a G3. At stud, it's been a bit on the quiet side. With that being said, he does have a G1 winner in Lilacs and Lace, G3 winner Bouquet Booth (who hails from the same female family as HOY Havre de Grace) and several promising horses. (Runner up in the race Wild Desert would win the Queen's Plate for CAN breds later that summer.)
2007: Hard Spun (Danzig)-
This was an important win for him in that he was able to rebound from a poor Southwest where he had finished in fourth. His TC record speaks for it's self, one of the "Big Three", he was second behind Street Sense in the Derby, third behind Curlin and SS in the Preakness and fourth behind Rags to Riches in the Belmont. Runner up behind Any Given Saturday in the Haskell and gets his G1 win in the King's Bishop. He returns to Turfway to defeat Street Sense in the Kentucky Cup, and ends his career with a good second in the mud in the BCC behind Curlin. Hard Spun finished 2nd on the Freshman Sire List last year via earnings (however had more winners then 1st place Scat Daddy), and is currently leading the Sophmore Sire List. Among his foals include G2 winner in England Red Duke, G2 placed Midnight Transfer and Glinda the Good, G3 placed Inny Minnie and Yvete Sangalo (MEX), as well as stakes winners Hardend Wildcat and Hard Not to Like. He also has a few promising horses.
2011: Animal Kingdom (Leroidesanimaux (BRZ))-
Surprised many people by not only taking the Derby in his next race after winning the Spiral, but it was his first time on dirt and did it with a jockey (John Velazquez) who got the mount after his horse had scratched (Uncle Mo), do to an injury to Robby Alberado who was supposed to ride him. He would show that he was no fluke by finishing a brave second in the Preakness behind Shackleford and prob. would have finished better in the Belmont if Johnny V had almost come out of the saddle. Unfortunately he was injured in the race, and was given the rest of the year off. However with no standout, in the 3yo division his Derby win was enough to just hold off mile specialist Caleb's Posse for 3yo Male honors. He returned better then ever in allowance earlier this year, only to suffer a minor injury that will have him sidelined for a few months.
Note: there are a few horses where I could not find their Spiral wins on YouTube. Sorry about that
1986: Broad Brush (Ack Ack)- He would turn his Jim Beam into a Wood Memorial win. After finishing third in the Derby and Preakness, he skipped the Belmont. He would win the Ohio Derby, PA Derby, Meadowlands Cup, Big Cap, and Suburban. As a sire, he would have a BCC winner in Concern, Include who is quite underrated as an and Justenoughheart who is the dam to Lewis Michael and BC Juvenile Fillies winner Dreaming of Anna.
1990: Summer Squall (Storm Bird)- While little brother A.P. Indy would steal his thunder, he was a very good horse in his own right. He would win the Bluegrass on his way to finishing second in the Derby and winning the Preakness. I would also win the PA Derby and Fayatte Handicap after his Preakness win. As a sire, he has KY Derby winner Charismatic and KY Oaks winner Summerly.
1991: Hansel (Woodman)-
He won the Jim Beam in stakes record time, and then followed that up with a win in the Lexington. After finishing 10th as the beaten favorite, he would win the Preakness and Belmont. While his career ended in August of that year after a runner up finish in the Travers, he had done enough to be named 3yo Champion Male. Hansel has been a disappointment at stud, and for a time was sent to Japan. However, he is back home in the US.
1992: Lil E. Tee (At the Threshold)- Much like his dad who won this race in 1984, he was ridden by Pat Day. After a runner up finish in the Arkansas Derby, he won the Run for the Roses. As a four year old he would win the Razorback Handicap as well.
1993: Prairie Bayou (Little Missouri)- He won the Blue Grass after his Jim Beam win. After finishing second in the Derby, he would become the first gelding since Creme Fraiche to win a TC race by winning the Preakness. Sadly, Julie Krone's Belmont win (the first by a woman jockey) would be overshadowed by his breakdown and euthanization. He was posthumously named 3yo Champion Male.
1995: Serena's Song (Rahy)- This would be the first of two times that year that she would defeat the boys. After a 16th finish in the Derby, she would win the Black Eyed Susan 2 weeks later. That July it would be the Haskell, and she would return to Turfway to finish behind Mariah's Storm (dam of Giant's Causeway) in the Turfway Breeders' Cup Stakes. Named 3yo Champion Female. As a four year old she would win G1 races such as the Santa Monica, and Hempstead (now the Ogden Phipps). Serena has a G2 winner in Grand Reward, G1 winner Sophisticat and G2 Harlington among her foals. She is in the Hall of Fame.
1996: Roar (Forty Niner)- He didn't run in the TC, but he still has recently made an impact on horse racing. He's the broodmare sire of Rachel Alexandra, and his female family has the 2010 Leading Freshman Sire Congrats.
2002: Perfect Drift (Dynaformer)- He would go onto be one of the most popular racehorses. After a 3rd place finish in the Derby and 10th in the Belmont, he won the Indiana Derby. While he only won 1 Grade 1 race in the 2003 Stephen Foster (he should have two, but Seek Gold nosed him out 2006 edition), he always tried his best. He was retired in a ceremony at Turfway after his 2008 season. He currently splits his time between Churchill Downs museum and his owners farm.
2005: Flower Alley (Distorted Humor)-
While he would win the Lane's End, the light wouldn't go on until after the TC. He would win the Jim Dandy and the Travers, before finishing a very good second in the BCC. That normally would be more then enough to give him 3yo honors, but Afleet Alex who didn't run past the Belmont was named Champion. He wasn't the same horse at 4 despite winning a G3. At stud, it's been a bit on the quiet side. With that being said, he does have a G1 winner in Lilacs and Lace, G3 winner Bouquet Booth (who hails from the same female family as HOY Havre de Grace) and several promising horses. (Runner up in the race Wild Desert would win the Queen's Plate for CAN breds later that summer.)
2007: Hard Spun (Danzig)-
This was an important win for him in that he was able to rebound from a poor Southwest where he had finished in fourth. His TC record speaks for it's self, one of the "Big Three", he was second behind Street Sense in the Derby, third behind Curlin and SS in the Preakness and fourth behind Rags to Riches in the Belmont. Runner up behind Any Given Saturday in the Haskell and gets his G1 win in the King's Bishop. He returns to Turfway to defeat Street Sense in the Kentucky Cup, and ends his career with a good second in the mud in the BCC behind Curlin. Hard Spun finished 2nd on the Freshman Sire List last year via earnings (however had more winners then 1st place Scat Daddy), and is currently leading the Sophmore Sire List. Among his foals include G2 winner in England Red Duke, G2 placed Midnight Transfer and Glinda the Good, G3 placed Inny Minnie and Yvete Sangalo (MEX), as well as stakes winners Hardend Wildcat and Hard Not to Like. He also has a few promising horses.
2011: Animal Kingdom (Leroidesanimaux (BRZ))-
Surprised many people by not only taking the Derby in his next race after winning the Spiral, but it was his first time on dirt and did it with a jockey (John Velazquez) who got the mount after his horse had scratched (Uncle Mo), do to an injury to Robby Alberado who was supposed to ride him. He would show that he was no fluke by finishing a brave second in the Preakness behind Shackleford and prob. would have finished better in the Belmont if Johnny V had almost come out of the saddle. Unfortunately he was injured in the race, and was given the rest of the year off. However with no standout, in the 3yo division his Derby win was enough to just hold off mile specialist Caleb's Posse for 3yo Male honors. He returned better then ever in allowance earlier this year, only to suffer a minor injury that will have him sidelined for a few months.
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