I know the Belmont was last week, but I finally had the right words in my head to finally get this post down. Why is it tough to be him? Well for the second year in a row, he finished last in the Belmont. This time though it was his own fault, and it may have cost the Derby winner his career. As may know by now Maragh was suspeneded for 10 days for his careless riding in the race on Isn't He Perfect. That has been reduced to seven days however.
Since then, Animal Kingdom will be out of training for 2 weeks for a small fracture caused by when he almost fell. While it sounds like it won't require surgery, what if it gets bigger then does need it? That will certinally knock him out for the rest of the year and how knows even after the 2 weeks he'll ever be the same horse. Sure it's minor, but an injury is still an injury.
This is not Maragh's first go around with Belmont bad luck. Last year he was riding feel good story Uptowncharlybrown who was running in memory of his late trainer Allen Seewald. Sadly the saddle slipped and a 5 pound weight came out. Charly was disqualifed from fifth because he did not carry the entire 126 pounds all the way round the track. He hasn't run since, but is starting his comeback at Monmouth under Linda White.
From finishing third in the Derby on Mucho Macho Man to finishing last on a longshot who while had a right to be in the race, altered the career of another horse. It's been a tough 5 weeks for Rajiv Maragh.
Showing posts with label Uptowncharlybrown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Uptowncharlybrown. Show all posts
June 17, 2011
July 28, 2010
Can 2009's Haskell be topped?
We are only a few days away from the 2010 Haskell. Last year, Rachel Alexandra won for fun in the mud defeating Summer Bird, Munnings and Papa Clem. Of course Summer Bird would go onto win Champion 3yo Male, and Rachel Champion 3yo Female along with Horse of the Year. 2 Champion from 1 race, how can that be topped? Here's how:
Super Saver- Derby winner
Lookin at Lucky- Preakness winner
Trappe Shot- possibly the horse to beat
First Dude- runner up in the Preakness, 3rd in the Belmont
Uptowncharlybrown- Trappe Shot's stablemate, the local hope and running in his former trainers memory
Ice Box- Derby runner up
Afleet Again- dark horse
This could set up for the Travers which would feature as well Fly Down the Belmont runner up and Lententor. Keep an eye on Concord Point for the Travers as well, track record at Iowa and could very well be Bob Baffert's best 3yo and this is with him having Lucky.
Because there's alot of stakes action this weekend (the Jim Dandy and Diana up at Saratoga, the San Diego at Del Mar, plus the Haskell undercard which features the Jersey Derby and the Matchmaker), this weekend's preview will begin tomorrow and end on Friday. If you where at the live chat on Monday, you will know I announced a very special live chat on Sunday. The time is yet to be determined but will be no later then 8pm EDT. So stay tuned on Friday for that time.
Super Saver- Derby winner
Lookin at Lucky- Preakness winner
Trappe Shot- possibly the horse to beat
First Dude- runner up in the Preakness, 3rd in the Belmont
Uptowncharlybrown- Trappe Shot's stablemate, the local hope and running in his former trainers memory
Ice Box- Derby runner up
Afleet Again- dark horse
This could set up for the Travers which would feature as well Fly Down the Belmont runner up and Lententor. Keep an eye on Concord Point for the Travers as well, track record at Iowa and could very well be Bob Baffert's best 3yo and this is with him having Lucky.
Because there's alot of stakes action this weekend (the Jim Dandy and Diana up at Saratoga, the San Diego at Del Mar, plus the Haskell undercard which features the Jersey Derby and the Matchmaker), this weekend's preview will begin tomorrow and end on Friday. If you where at the live chat on Monday, you will know I announced a very special live chat on Sunday. The time is yet to be determined but will be no later then 8pm EDT. So stay tuned on Friday for that time.
June 7, 2010
Dancing the Humor Away
Back in 2000, the first foals for a G3 winner by a son of 1988 KY Derby runner-up Forty Niner where born. Known as a miler, many people didn't give Distorted Humor a chance. Flash foward to 2002 when Distorted Humor wins the Freshman Sire title nosing out Elusive Quality (who would go onto bigger things himself). A year later, his son Funny Cide would win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, before finishing 3rd in the Belmont Stakes. That was the closest a Distorted Humor foal got to the Belmont Stakes winners circle... until Saturday.
Named for the man who gives the Nutcracker to Clara in the Ballet, "The Nutcracker", Drosselmeyer completed the Sire Triple Crown for Distorted Humor. This gave WinStar their first Belmont, Mike Smith his first Belmont (he was third with Tiago in 07) and Bill Mott his first Triple Crown race win. Fly Down was second, and First Dude showed he wasn't a fluke by finishing third. Drosselmeyer is out of Golden Ballet who is by Moscow Ballet. I'm estatic to see Moscow Ballet in his pedigree as one of my favorite turf fillies is his daughter Moscow Burning (who now is a broodmare in Japan)
Unfortnally while he finished 5th, Uptowncharlybrown was DQ'ed to last after losing not carrying all of the weight in the race (the lead pad which wieghs 8 pounds fell off). I feel bad for his owners, and Kieren who just took over his training. However, he finished in front of Ice Box who I think was the worse of the two Zito trainees, so I consider it a win.
So the Triple Crown season is over, and honestly I think it's ho-hum. 10 years from now if someone asked me who won the 2010 Derby, Preakness and Belmont, I might have to look it up. No offence to Super Saver (who was my favorite winner this year), Lookin at Lucky and Drosselmeyer, but I'll remember Funny, Rachel Alexandra, Rags to Riches, Afleet Alex, Smarty Jones etc. before them. These where slow horses, who are making last year's crop look better. Useally I like to give years themes (i.e. 2007 was loyality and the power of friendship), this year I would say Hall of Fame. 2 of the three winning trainers are in the Hall of Fame and the one who isn't will be once he's eligble, as for jockeys it's too early in Martin Garcia's career to call him a HOF, but Mike Smith is already in and once he becomes eligble Calvin Borel will get in.
Undercard races:
Eightfiveinfifty got fried by Discreet Cat's little brother (Discreetly Mine). Nice, nice win by D' Funnybone. Proviso won, as did Winchester who finally showed his 3yo form. Did you know that of the five Grade/Group 1 winners that Medaglia d' Oro has sired, three are fillies. Champagne d' Oro joined last year's Acorn winner Gabby's Golden Gal and Rachel in that sisterhood. MDO is turning into the premier filly sire. Gotta feel bad for Warrior's Reward and Passion for Gold (who hasn't started since his Group 1 win), overshadowed by Rachel, Gabby and Champagne. However, Trappe Shot showed that he could be the best 3yo in the country by defeating older horses in an allowance.
Finally for today, John Sadler has Blind Luck's number. For the second time in four races, a Sadler filly beats her. This time Switch in yesterday's Hollywood Oaks. And once again Blind Luck apperently got a bad ride, I read that either the DE Oaks or DelCap could be next for her. Hopefully yesterday's second place finish doesn't put a dent in her plans as she gets ready for the Alabama.
Summer season starts off with a bang this weekend. The Foster, Obeah, Phipps, Flur De Lis and Vanity run this upcoming weekend. It will be interesting where Rachel will land and who will face Zenyatta.
Named for the man who gives the Nutcracker to Clara in the Ballet, "The Nutcracker", Drosselmeyer completed the Sire Triple Crown for Distorted Humor. This gave WinStar their first Belmont, Mike Smith his first Belmont (he was third with Tiago in 07) and Bill Mott his first Triple Crown race win. Fly Down was second, and First Dude showed he wasn't a fluke by finishing third. Drosselmeyer is out of Golden Ballet who is by Moscow Ballet. I'm estatic to see Moscow Ballet in his pedigree as one of my favorite turf fillies is his daughter Moscow Burning (who now is a broodmare in Japan)
Unfortnally while he finished 5th, Uptowncharlybrown was DQ'ed to last after losing not carrying all of the weight in the race (the lead pad which wieghs 8 pounds fell off). I feel bad for his owners, and Kieren who just took over his training. However, he finished in front of Ice Box who I think was the worse of the two Zito trainees, so I consider it a win.
So the Triple Crown season is over, and honestly I think it's ho-hum. 10 years from now if someone asked me who won the 2010 Derby, Preakness and Belmont, I might have to look it up. No offence to Super Saver (who was my favorite winner this year), Lookin at Lucky and Drosselmeyer, but I'll remember Funny, Rachel Alexandra, Rags to Riches, Afleet Alex, Smarty Jones etc. before them. These where slow horses, who are making last year's crop look better. Useally I like to give years themes (i.e. 2007 was loyality and the power of friendship), this year I would say Hall of Fame. 2 of the three winning trainers are in the Hall of Fame and the one who isn't will be once he's eligble, as for jockeys it's too early in Martin Garcia's career to call him a HOF, but Mike Smith is already in and once he becomes eligble Calvin Borel will get in.
Undercard races:
Eightfiveinfifty got fried by Discreet Cat's little brother (Discreetly Mine). Nice, nice win by D' Funnybone. Proviso won, as did Winchester who finally showed his 3yo form. Did you know that of the five Grade/Group 1 winners that Medaglia d' Oro has sired, three are fillies. Champagne d' Oro joined last year's Acorn winner Gabby's Golden Gal and Rachel in that sisterhood. MDO is turning into the premier filly sire. Gotta feel bad for Warrior's Reward and Passion for Gold (who hasn't started since his Group 1 win), overshadowed by Rachel, Gabby and Champagne. However, Trappe Shot showed that he could be the best 3yo in the country by defeating older horses in an allowance.
Finally for today, John Sadler has Blind Luck's number. For the second time in four races, a Sadler filly beats her. This time Switch in yesterday's Hollywood Oaks. And once again Blind Luck apperently got a bad ride, I read that either the DE Oaks or DelCap could be next for her. Hopefully yesterday's second place finish doesn't put a dent in her plans as she gets ready for the Alabama.
Summer season starts off with a bang this weekend. The Foster, Obeah, Phipps, Flur De Lis and Vanity run this upcoming weekend. It will be interesting where Rachel will land and who will face Zenyatta.
April 16, 2010
Win One for Alan
This weekend's Lexington would normally be a chance for horses to just squeek in on earnings into the Derby in 2 weeks. However this year, all but two will not get in. And niether of those two are expected in this year's Run for the Roses. But the Derby might not matter for one of those two horses in the longrun. We all know the story about Uptowncharlybrown and group of owners Fantasy Lane Racing. Sadly earlier this week, his trainer Alan Seewald passed away in New Jersey. According to DRF.com, there was some talk of pulling Charly from tomorrow's race, but they've decided to march foward. In all likelyhood he'll be just short on earnings, but would have skipped it anyway. Before I talk more about Charly, here is the field for tomorrow's Lexington.
9th (5:15)
Coolmore Lexington S. (G2)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Krypton Garcia Alan McLaughlin Kiaran P 117 LA 6-1
2 2 Uptowncharlybrown Gomez G K White Linda A 117 L 4-1
3 3 Distorted Dave Espinoza V Sadler John W 117 LA 10-1
4 4 Bushwhacked Maragh R Sheppard Jonathan E 117 L 12-1
5 5 Call Shot Alvarado J Catalano Wayne M 117 LA 10-1
6 6 Prince Will I Am Borel C H Nihei Michelle 117 LA 30-1
7 7 Lonesome Street Leparoux J R Maker Michael J 117 LA 12-1
8 8 Exhi Albarado R J Pletcher Todd A 121 LA 8-1
9 9 Heavenville Bridgmohan S X Asmussen Steven M 117 LA 12-1
10 10 Connemara Baze R A Pletcher Todd A 121 LA 5-1
11 11 Kettle River Castellano J J Harty Eoin 117 LA 5-1
12 12 Chief Counsel Desormeaux K J Mott William I 117 LA 15-1
Other then Charly, Connemara (3/4 brother to Lion Heart) is the only other horse who can race his way into the field. Keep an eye on Heavenville, he was the horse who helped Offlee Wild earn Top Freshman Sire last year. While Bushwhacked could surpise the field as well. Charly's new trainer, Linda White was Alan's assistant, so while there will be a new name to train him, she already knows him well.
To quote Notre Dame running back George Gipp (1895-1920) when talking to his coach Knute Rockne (1888-1931),
With that being said, my pick for this weekend in my heart and my head is Uptowncharlybrown. So go win one for Alan, Charly!
Also running this weekend is Causeithertz, the first foal of Megahertz! Due to lack of time this weekend, there won't be a Weekend Recap, however the Live Chat will still go on on Monday at 7.
9th (5:15)
Coolmore Lexington S. (G2)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Krypton Garcia Alan McLaughlin Kiaran P 117 LA 6-1
2 2 Uptowncharlybrown Gomez G K White Linda A 117 L 4-1
3 3 Distorted Dave Espinoza V Sadler John W 117 LA 10-1
4 4 Bushwhacked Maragh R Sheppard Jonathan E 117 L 12-1
5 5 Call Shot Alvarado J Catalano Wayne M 117 LA 10-1
6 6 Prince Will I Am Borel C H Nihei Michelle 117 LA 30-1
7 7 Lonesome Street Leparoux J R Maker Michael J 117 LA 12-1
8 8 Exhi Albarado R J Pletcher Todd A 121 LA 8-1
9 9 Heavenville Bridgmohan S X Asmussen Steven M 117 LA 12-1
10 10 Connemara Baze R A Pletcher Todd A 121 LA 5-1
11 11 Kettle River Castellano J J Harty Eoin 117 LA 5-1
12 12 Chief Counsel Desormeaux K J Mott William I 117 LA 15-1
Other then Charly, Connemara (3/4 brother to Lion Heart) is the only other horse who can race his way into the field. Keep an eye on Heavenville, he was the horse who helped Offlee Wild earn Top Freshman Sire last year. While Bushwhacked could surpise the field as well. Charly's new trainer, Linda White was Alan's assistant, so while there will be a new name to train him, she already knows him well.
To quote Notre Dame running back George Gipp (1895-1920) when talking to his coach Knute Rockne (1888-1931),
I've got to go, Rock. It's all right. I'm not afraid. Some time, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys, ask them to go in there with all they've got and win just one for the Gipper. I don't know where I'll be then, Rock. But I'll know about it, and I'll be happy.(Note on the quote: according to Wikipedia that this quote may be fictional. However in 1940, the movie Knute Rockne, All American, this quote was recited by future US President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) who protrayed George Gibb in the movie. Of course there is a horse racing angle to President Reagan as he passed away the same day as Smarty Jones being denied in the Belmont).
With that being said, my pick for this weekend in my heart and my head is Uptowncharlybrown. So go win one for Alan, Charly!
Also running this weekend is Causeithertz, the first foal of Megahertz! Due to lack of time this weekend, there won't be a Weekend Recap, however the Live Chat will still go on on Monday at 7.
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 15, 2010
The Wild Weekend
Wow! Stakes action ran coast to coast this weekend, and personally some very happy results. Since I didn't have the time to do a preview of this past weekends races (partically forgot, partically didn't have the time to do so), I'm not going to recap all of the races I had planned to preview. I can tell you is that the Southwest was postponed (my guess is to weather?), so that won't be a race I will recapping. However, for now, here are the recaps for this past weekend.
Sam F. Davis at Tampa: Rule took one more step foward in his quest for the Derby. By winning this race, he defeated the highely regarded Uptowncharlybrown and Schoolyard Dreams. The Florida Derby is next for him, and honestly if he can rate, he'll be fine. While may not be able to win the Derby, he could be there at the end.
La Canada: It's time for Stardom Bound to retire. The 08 2yo champ has not looked the same, she showed a little bit of promise in her last race, but it's time for her to go.
Martha Washington: Better known as the 3yo debut of Rachel Alexandra last year. Decelerator won the race this year, but keep an eye on the third place finisher Bell's Shoes. She's a Mineshaft out of a King of Kings mare, the dam also happens to be a half sister to the one and only Prom Shoes.
Santa Maria: If either Zenyatta or Rachel Alexandra where to lose this year, it could be to St Trinians. The Mike Mitchell trainee beat Z's stablemate and last year's Ladies Classic winner Life is Sweet. It would be nice to see Mitchell have a big horse again after losing the late Star Over the Bay due to breakdown in Singapore. Her next race is expected to be the Santa Anita Handicap, which is coming up on the weak side.
Las Virgenes: All I can say is wow! Blind Luck almost bit the bullet on Saturday, but was able to gut out a nose victory over Evening Jewel. Crisp who quite a people where high on never fired. I think the slow fractions and a bad trip may have almost hurt Blind Luck's chances. Hopefully a better trip in the SA Oaks, could lead to a SA Derby start. However, I think the connections are leaning towards the Oaks at this time.
Barbara Fitche: Weathered did okay, I don't really think 7 furlongs is her thing. Hopefully she can rebound in her next race, and it could set her up for the Obeah in June.
The Lewis had a huge upset as did the Strub. I'll have more posts this upcoming week, and I do promise to do a weekend preview.
Sam F. Davis at Tampa: Rule took one more step foward in his quest for the Derby. By winning this race, he defeated the highely regarded Uptowncharlybrown and Schoolyard Dreams. The Florida Derby is next for him, and honestly if he can rate, he'll be fine. While may not be able to win the Derby, he could be there at the end.
La Canada: It's time for Stardom Bound to retire. The 08 2yo champ has not looked the same, she showed a little bit of promise in her last race, but it's time for her to go.
Martha Washington: Better known as the 3yo debut of Rachel Alexandra last year. Decelerator won the race this year, but keep an eye on the third place finisher Bell's Shoes. She's a Mineshaft out of a King of Kings mare, the dam also happens to be a half sister to the one and only Prom Shoes.
Santa Maria: If either Zenyatta or Rachel Alexandra where to lose this year, it could be to St Trinians. The Mike Mitchell trainee beat Z's stablemate and last year's Ladies Classic winner Life is Sweet. It would be nice to see Mitchell have a big horse again after losing the late Star Over the Bay due to breakdown in Singapore. Her next race is expected to be the Santa Anita Handicap, which is coming up on the weak side.
Las Virgenes: All I can say is wow! Blind Luck almost bit the bullet on Saturday, but was able to gut out a nose victory over Evening Jewel. Crisp who quite a people where high on never fired. I think the slow fractions and a bad trip may have almost hurt Blind Luck's chances. Hopefully a better trip in the SA Oaks, could lead to a SA Derby start. However, I think the connections are leaning towards the Oaks at this time.
Barbara Fitche: Weathered did okay, I don't really think 7 furlongs is her thing. Hopefully she can rebound in her next race, and it could set her up for the Obeah in June.
The Lewis had a huge upset as did the Strub. I'll have more posts this upcoming week, and I do promise to do a weekend preview.
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