With the Haskell showdown between Pants on Fire, Ruler on Ice and Shackleford next week, I thought it would be a good time to look at what I think where the Top 10 races from the first half of the year.
10. Belmont Stakes- While all eyes where on the rematch of Derby winner Animal Kingdom and Preakness winner Shackleford. A muddy track and Ruler on Ice threw a wrench into those plans. Not only did he give his jockey Jose Valdivia owners George and Lori Hall and trainer Kelly Breen their first TC wins, but he effectively made the 3yo Championship wide open. Of course Animal Kingdom is now out for the year. Stay Thirsty, who is owned by Mike Repole (owner of Uncle Mo) was second, just like his big brother Andromeda's Hero was in 2005 Belmont.
9. Kentucky Derby- After Juvenile Champion Uncle Mo was scratched, a field of nineteen went postward in the first fast track Derby since 2008. An injury to jockey Robbie Alberado opened the mount on Animal Kingdom. John Velazquez took over and notched his first win in the Derby. Nehro was second.. It was the first Derby win for trainer Graham Motion and owners Team Valor. Sadly Archarcharch was vanned off what ended up being a career ending injury.
8. Louisiana Derby- Mucho Macho Man had won the final prep for this race, the Risen Star and was trying to make history for his trainer Kathy Ritvo. However, Rosie Naprivnik who was on her way to becoming the first female to win the Fair Grounds title and Pants on Fire made history themselves. Going gate to wire holding off Nehro who was flying late. POF and Rosie finished ninth in the Derby, tied for the highest finish for a female jockey (Julie Krone being other one).
7. Delaware Oaks- Her trainer was most known for being the trainer of the late great Happy Ticket. Her owner, well she was more famous for being the owner of the farm that Lotta Kim (Rachel's dam) lives on. Her sister Panty Raid, a G1 winner herself was always a hard knocker. It was time for St. John's River to shine. That she did, in her first race since her game runner up finish in the Kentucky Oaks, she ran down Strike the Moon to win the DE Oaks by a nose. The Alabama at a mile and a quarter is next for her (distance should be no challenge for her as PR won at the distance in the American Oaks (abeit on turf)).
6. La Canada- Something was wrong with Blind Luck. The 3yo champion from the previous year had not returned to her form. She had already lost the middle leg to Always a Princess, and she would lose the third one as well. It would turn out to be AAP's final win however, she was eased in her final start the Santa Margarita and was retired due to injury.
5. La Trioenne- After a second place finish to longtime rival Havre de Grace, Blind Luck finally saw the winners circle again. This time she was able to get revenge on Unriveled Belle who had defeated her in the BC Ladies Classic (thus being the lone horse to defeat both 09 and 10 3yo Filly Champions, both future Hall of Famers). Showing that famous late kick of hers, she showed the world that she had not lost a step and was not ready to let Havre de Grace have the crown that belonged to her.
4. Apple Blossom Handicap- Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Until this year's Azeri, that was exactly what Havre de Grace was. After defeating Blind Luck for the second time, she was able to grind down Switch to win her first G1 and become a millionaire at the same time. However, the greatest was yet to come for her and Blind Luck.
3. Preakness Stakes- One year after he came so close in getting his first TC race win in the same race, Dale Romans finally was able to get through to the winners circle. With Jose Castonon in the irons for owners Mike Lauffer and Bill Cabbage, Shackleford went gate to wire holding off a challenge from Animal Kingdom. This came two years co-owner Lauffer had co-owned Rachel Alexandra with her breeder Dolphus Morrison. Of course Rachel went on to win the Preakness for Jess Jackson.
2a. Wood Memorial- He was unstoppable, he was unbeatable, he was... what the f just happend? That is what most people thought of Uncle Mo. With his unbeaten record at risk, he entered Aquaduct's big 3yo race as the heavy favorite. His owner Mike Repole, a fan of the New York Mets not only would not win the race, he would lose to a son of a Wood winner whose late owner was George Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees. Toby's Corner who is bred and owned by his sire Bellamy Road's breeder, and trained by Graham Motion who was no stranger to upsets up to that point. He saddled Better Talk Now to defeat Dale Romans and Kitten's Joy in the 2004 Breeders' Cup Turf (in a way ironic). Uncle Mo would be scratched out of the Derby with an illness, he is on the way back. As for Toby? He was injured in the leadup to the race and has not made a start since.
2b. Arkansas Derby- In 2007, I fell in love with a colt by the name of Prom Shoes. I would follow the Jinks Fires' trainee throughout the rest of his career. In 2011, Jinks and his son-in-law Jon Court would finally make it to the pinicle of racing, the Kentucky Derby. One year after Jon was bounced from Line of David after winning the Derby with eventual Derby winner Super Saver a nose behind.
1. Delaware Handicap- They had already met once this year in the Azeri. Havre de Grace won. Since then Blind Luck had won the La Trioenne and Vanity, while Grace won the Apple Blossom and Obeah. It would be Round Six in what could be the best rivalry since Sunday Silence and Easy Goer. Blind Luck was able to get her nose down to the wire first in front of the game Grace. As for Round Seven? Well right now that's up in the air.
I hope you enjoyed this recap of these races. I know I missed a few (Turblent Descents SA Oaks, It's Tricky's CCAO etc.), but so many spaces where filled by races that I felt where more deserving. I'll probley be doing a Top 15 for the year later on this year though. Stay tuned!
Showing posts with label Top Ten. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Top Ten. Show all posts
July 24, 2011
February 18, 2010
Derby Top 10 for Feb 18
Here it is! This weeks Derby Top 10 and the Top 5 for the Oaks.
10. Dave in Dixie (Dixie Union): The downside is that he's had only three starts, the upside is he finished second in the Lewis finishing in front of American Lion and Tiz Chrome. It will be interesting in what he does in the San Felipe and then the Santa Anita Derby. The winner of the race, Caracortado is undefeated, but I need to see another race from him before he goes on this list. I just have this feeling that Dave will be better in the long run.
9. Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil): Gets a good acid test this weekend against a very nice Fountain of Youth field which includes a few Pletcher trainees and Buddy's Saint. A win, and he moves up a few spots on the list. IMO this is the race where he needs to prove that he's the real deal.
8. Super Saver (Maria's Mon): Has yet to start as a three year old, but apperently will be making his start in the Gotham.
7. Uptowncharlybrown (Limehouse): This is a weird thing to say, but while moves up a place in the top 10, he actually doesn't move because Winslow Homer was my #7 the last time I did the list and he's now off the trail. Got beat in the Sam Davis last Saturday, but on the gallop out did pass Rule and Schoolyard Dreams. Rule is hightailing out of Tampa, not sure about Schoolyard Dreams. Could be the favorite for the Tampa Bay Derby.
6. Blind Luck (Pollard's Vision): Won a nose decision in her last race, the SA Oaks will tell weather she is going to be SA Derby bound. If not, we'll see her on the last day in April.
5. Pleasant Storm (Pleasent Tap): You are probley saying who? He almost upset Dryfly in the Smarty Jones, and will be facing Dublin, Dryfly and Convanynce in the delayed Southwest on Saturday. He might not be the best horse in the field, but he deserves a chance.
4. Ron the Greek (Full Mandate): Was his Lacomte a fluke or is he really the real deal? We will find out on Saturday in the Risen Star.
3. Rule (Roman Ruler): People say that Oaklawn is the way to go when it comes to Derby preps. Tampa may have something to say about that. Sun King, Bluegrass Cat, Any Given Saturday, Street Sense, Musket Man all made starts at Tampa. Rule will try to follow in their footsteps when he makes his first G1 start in either to Florida Derby or the Wood Memorial. Either way he has to learn to rate, otherwise he fold like a cheap suitcase.
2. Lookin at Lucky (Smart Strike): Drops down a spot for now, because he has yet to start. However, nothing on the West Coast has really impressed me that much. Now of course things can change any given day, that's why you run a race.
1. Buddy's Saint (Saint Liam): The first leaderchange of the season. Makes his debut on Saturday in the Fountain of Youth against Jackson Bend, among others. He dodged a bullet when Winslow Homer came out of the Holy Bull with an injury and was forced off the TC trail. He can cement his place as the best in the East with a win. This isn't a gimmee, he's going to have to work for it. We'll see what happens.
Dropped off: American Lion (Tiznow)
On the radar: American Lion, Dryfly (Jump Start), Dublin (Afleet Alex), Schoolyard Dreams (Stephen Got Even)
Need to see another race from: Caracortado (Cat Dreams)
I appologize for not having an Oaks top 5, I'm hoping to have that more then likely for next week after this weekend's Silverbulletday. However I can you who my Top Three are as of right now.
3. Bell's Shoes (Mineshaft): Remember her name, she was third in the Martha Washington her first stakes race. One of dam's half brothers Wildcat Shoes chased Smarty Jones in 04, while another one of the half brothers is G2 placed. Of course that other half brother is one of my favorites Prom Shoes. My guess is that the Honeybee will be next for her.
2. Sassy Image (Broken Vow): This year's Justwhistledixie? She won her first race of the year very impressively. Not sure what's next for her though.
1. Blind Luck (Pollard's Vision): Until someone beats her, she's on top.
On the radar: Christine Daae (Giant's Causeway), Quiet Temper (Quiet American), Bella Medaglia (Medaglia d'Oro), Jody Slew (Slew City Slew)
Weekend preview tomorrow!
10. Dave in Dixie (Dixie Union): The downside is that he's had only three starts, the upside is he finished second in the Lewis finishing in front of American Lion and Tiz Chrome. It will be interesting in what he does in the San Felipe and then the Santa Anita Derby. The winner of the race, Caracortado is undefeated, but I need to see another race from him before he goes on this list. I just have this feeling that Dave will be better in the long run.
9. Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil): Gets a good acid test this weekend against a very nice Fountain of Youth field which includes a few Pletcher trainees and Buddy's Saint. A win, and he moves up a few spots on the list. IMO this is the race where he needs to prove that he's the real deal.
8. Super Saver (Maria's Mon): Has yet to start as a three year old, but apperently will be making his start in the Gotham.
7. Uptowncharlybrown (Limehouse): This is a weird thing to say, but while moves up a place in the top 10, he actually doesn't move because Winslow Homer was my #7 the last time I did the list and he's now off the trail. Got beat in the Sam Davis last Saturday, but on the gallop out did pass Rule and Schoolyard Dreams. Rule is hightailing out of Tampa, not sure about Schoolyard Dreams. Could be the favorite for the Tampa Bay Derby.
6. Blind Luck (Pollard's Vision): Won a nose decision in her last race, the SA Oaks will tell weather she is going to be SA Derby bound. If not, we'll see her on the last day in April.
5. Pleasant Storm (Pleasent Tap): You are probley saying who? He almost upset Dryfly in the Smarty Jones, and will be facing Dublin, Dryfly and Convanynce in the delayed Southwest on Saturday. He might not be the best horse in the field, but he deserves a chance.
4. Ron the Greek (Full Mandate): Was his Lacomte a fluke or is he really the real deal? We will find out on Saturday in the Risen Star.
3. Rule (Roman Ruler): People say that Oaklawn is the way to go when it comes to Derby preps. Tampa may have something to say about that. Sun King, Bluegrass Cat, Any Given Saturday, Street Sense, Musket Man all made starts at Tampa. Rule will try to follow in their footsteps when he makes his first G1 start in either to Florida Derby or the Wood Memorial. Either way he has to learn to rate, otherwise he fold like a cheap suitcase.
2. Lookin at Lucky (Smart Strike): Drops down a spot for now, because he has yet to start. However, nothing on the West Coast has really impressed me that much. Now of course things can change any given day, that's why you run a race.
1. Buddy's Saint (Saint Liam): The first leaderchange of the season. Makes his debut on Saturday in the Fountain of Youth against Jackson Bend, among others. He dodged a bullet when Winslow Homer came out of the Holy Bull with an injury and was forced off the TC trail. He can cement his place as the best in the East with a win. This isn't a gimmee, he's going to have to work for it. We'll see what happens.
Dropped off: American Lion (Tiznow)
On the radar: American Lion, Dryfly (Jump Start), Dublin (Afleet Alex), Schoolyard Dreams (Stephen Got Even)
Need to see another race from: Caracortado (Cat Dreams)
I appologize for not having an Oaks top 5, I'm hoping to have that more then likely for next week after this weekend's Silverbulletday. However I can you who my Top Three are as of right now.
3. Bell's Shoes (Mineshaft): Remember her name, she was third in the Martha Washington her first stakes race. One of dam's half brothers Wildcat Shoes chased Smarty Jones in 04, while another one of the half brothers is G2 placed. Of course that other half brother is one of my favorites Prom Shoes. My guess is that the Honeybee will be next for her.
2. Sassy Image (Broken Vow): This year's Justwhistledixie? She won her first race of the year very impressively. Not sure what's next for her though.
1. Blind Luck (Pollard's Vision): Until someone beats her, she's on top.
On the radar: Christine Daae (Giant's Causeway), Quiet Temper (Quiet American), Bella Medaglia (Medaglia d'Oro), Jody Slew (Slew City Slew)
Weekend preview tomorrow!
February 1, 2010
Derby Top 10 for Feb. 1st
With it now being February, we are just 3 months away from the Oaks and Derby. And with that a new Top list, but this time it will be Top Ten, and a new list will be coming out every other week from now until the Oaks and Derby. Today I'm going to be focusing on just the Derby and tomorrow the Oaks.
10. William's Kitten (Kitten's Joy): 3rd in the Holy Bull last time out, he could be a interesting horse to follow the next few weeks to see what happens.
9. Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil): I need to see another race from him to see if he's the real deal, I don't think he will do that great in the FOY against Buddy's Saint and Winslow Homer, but we'll see.
8. Uptowncharlybrown (Limehouse): This horse could be this year's Funny Cide, Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex story. The horse from the otherside of the tracks, owned by Fantasy Lane Stable (I believe 51 people are part of this perticler partnership), he'll be going in the Sam F. Davis next, and we'll see how good he actually is.
7. Winslow Homer (Unbridled's Song): Is this finally Rick Porter's year? The big question is can he stay sound and have a good FOY. He could be better around two turns and I liked that he was able to split horses after finding a little bit of trouble.
6. Rule (Roman Ruler): I've been hyping this guy since really before he was born. By a Haskell winner, out of a half sister to a Derby winner. This guy has the speed to stay in front and his uncles heart. The problem is he needs to learn how to rate, and ironicly from what I read in a Bloodhorse article, WinStar thinks he's their best chance. I sure hope so.
5. Super Saver (Maria's Mon): Drops in the rankings, but don't worry I still think he has a good chance. The good news is that he has a win over the Churchill surface which is something that not everyone has. I'm not sure what's next for him.
4. Blind Luck (Pollard's Vision): Was really flattered this past weekend by Bickersons. Yes it was at seven furlongs, and yes it was on dirt. I still think she will be heading to the Oaks, but keeping her on here just in case.
3. Ron the Greek (Full Mandate): I'm probley rating this guy too high. However, his Lacomte was one of the most impressive come from behind wins I've seen. I don't know much about his sire other then he's by AP Indy, however his dam is a full sister to the dam of Musket Man. This guy maybe going into the Risen Star under the radar.
2. Buddy's Saint (Saint Liam): Both Citrus Kid and Homeboykris bombed in their first races as three year olds, however I want to see how he does in the FOY against the likes of Winslow Homer and Jackson Bend.
1. Lookin at Lucky (Smart Strike): Until someone beats him, he stays at the top. He should be making his 3yo debut in a few weeks.
Dropped off: Noble's Promise (Cuvee)
Possible inclusion next time: American Lion (Tiznow), Dossylemeyer (Distorted Humor), Sassy Image (Broken Vow), Backwater Blues (Dixieland Band)
Need to see another race from: Afleet Express (Afleet Alex), Dryfly (Jump Start)
10. William's Kitten (Kitten's Joy): 3rd in the Holy Bull last time out, he could be a interesting horse to follow the next few weeks to see what happens.
9. Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil): I need to see another race from him to see if he's the real deal, I don't think he will do that great in the FOY against Buddy's Saint and Winslow Homer, but we'll see.
8. Uptowncharlybrown (Limehouse): This horse could be this year's Funny Cide, Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex story. The horse from the otherside of the tracks, owned by Fantasy Lane Stable (I believe 51 people are part of this perticler partnership), he'll be going in the Sam F. Davis next, and we'll see how good he actually is.
7. Winslow Homer (Unbridled's Song): Is this finally Rick Porter's year? The big question is can he stay sound and have a good FOY. He could be better around two turns and I liked that he was able to split horses after finding a little bit of trouble.
6. Rule (Roman Ruler): I've been hyping this guy since really before he was born. By a Haskell winner, out of a half sister to a Derby winner. This guy has the speed to stay in front and his uncles heart. The problem is he needs to learn how to rate, and ironicly from what I read in a Bloodhorse article, WinStar thinks he's their best chance. I sure hope so.
5. Super Saver (Maria's Mon): Drops in the rankings, but don't worry I still think he has a good chance. The good news is that he has a win over the Churchill surface which is something that not everyone has. I'm not sure what's next for him.
4. Blind Luck (Pollard's Vision): Was really flattered this past weekend by Bickersons. Yes it was at seven furlongs, and yes it was on dirt. I still think she will be heading to the Oaks, but keeping her on here just in case.
3. Ron the Greek (Full Mandate): I'm probley rating this guy too high. However, his Lacomte was one of the most impressive come from behind wins I've seen. I don't know much about his sire other then he's by AP Indy, however his dam is a full sister to the dam of Musket Man. This guy maybe going into the Risen Star under the radar.
2. Buddy's Saint (Saint Liam): Both Citrus Kid and Homeboykris bombed in their first races as three year olds, however I want to see how he does in the FOY against the likes of Winslow Homer and Jackson Bend.
1. Lookin at Lucky (Smart Strike): Until someone beats him, he stays at the top. He should be making his 3yo debut in a few weeks.
Dropped off: Noble's Promise (Cuvee)
Possible inclusion next time: American Lion (Tiznow), Dossylemeyer (Distorted Humor), Sassy Image (Broken Vow), Backwater Blues (Dixieland Band)
Need to see another race from: Afleet Express (Afleet Alex), Dryfly (Jump Start)
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