The oldest race in North America runs on Sunday. The Queen's Plate for 3yo CAN breds going a mile and a quarter on the poly at Woodbine. Here is the field:
11th Race - Woodbine - Sunday, July 6th, 2014
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Synthetic. Purse $1,000,000. Queen's Plate S.. FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS, FOALED IN CANADA. (05:38 PM) (15)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Cap In Hand 3 C L 126 Bahen Steven Ronald Attard Sid C.
2 Coltimus Prime 3 C L 126 Campbell Jesse M. Nixon Justin J.
3 Athenian Guard 3 G L o 126 Moreno Omar De Paulo Michael P.
4 Asserting Bear 3 C L 126 Sutherland Kruse Chantal Baker Reade
5 Man O' Bear 3 C L b 126 Wilson Emma-Jayne Baker Reade
6 We Miss Artie 3 C L 126 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
7 Majestic Sunset 3 C L 126 Boulanger Gary Casse Mark E.
8 Lions Bay 3 C L 126 Moran David Attard Jamie
9 Heart To Heart 3 C L 126 Da Silva Eurico Rosa Lynch Brian A.
10 Matador 3 C L 126 Leparoux Julien R. Casse Mark E.
11 One Destiny 3 C L 126 Stein Justin Fehr Alec
12 Tower Of Texas 3 C L 126 Velazquez John R. Attfield Roger L.
13 Niigon Express 3 C L 126 Olguin Gerry Attard Paul
14 Lexie Lou 3 F L 121 Husbands Patrick Casse Mark E.
15 Ami's Holiday 3 C L 126 Contreras Luis Carroll Josie
On paper, this is We Miss Artie's race to lose. He won his prep for this race after running in the Derby. Lexie Lou won the Woodbine Oaks, and if she where to win would be her trainers first Plate winner. Cap In Hand has the defending trainer, who will be facing his sons (Lions Bay and Niigon Express) as well as having the defending sire (Midnight Lute).
Distance wise, Lexie than Artie. Tower of Texas' sire won the Derby (and his 3/4 sister was 3rd in the Woodbine Oaks). Niigon Express, Heart to Heart, Coltimus Prime all have sires who have either won the Plate or have sire a Plate/Oaks winner.
So who wins? Not sure about the post, but Tower of Texas has the right jockey and trainer to pull the upset. We Miss Artie for second and Lexie Lou for third.
Good luck to all and safe travels!
Showing posts with label Woodbine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Woodbine. Show all posts
July 4, 2014
September 14, 2012
Woodbine Mile Weekend Preview
With all the pedigree postings that I've done lately, I thought now would be a good time to do a racing preview. This weekend marks the start of the final preps for the Breeders' Cup which will be held the first weekend in November at Santa Anita. It's all about the turf in Canada as Woodbine has the first of their 2 big turf weekends. Saturday will be the 2yo stakes the Summer and Natalma which are Win and You're Ins for the Juvenile Turf and Juvenile Fillies Turf respectively. They are both G2 races. Meanwhile Sunday will be the G1 Northern Dancer and G2 Canadian both of which are preps for the Canadian Invitational and E.P. Taylor respecitvely. They are the only non Win and You're in races as the races that they are preps for are. Finally the crown jewel of the weekend is the G1 Woodbine Mile.
Lets take a look a look at this year's fields.
First up the Natalma
The Americans in this race, Coconut Shrimp, Summer of Fun and Incrediable Journey could be hard to beat. Don't count out though Nancy O or Tiz Ro for the hometeam. Nancy's dam is Arravale while Ro is a 1/2 sister to Jambalaya. Both are in the Canadian Hall of Fame and both have had success on this course. They are my 1-2 with Tiz Ro on top of Nancy O.
The Summer
ENTRIES 9TH WO SEPTEMBER 15
1 MILE TURF OPEN 2 YEAR OLDS
SUMMER S. (G2) PURSE $250,000
FOR TWO-YEAR-OLDS.
Pgm Horse Jockey/Trainer PP Wt Claim Med EQ Odds
--- ---------------------- ------------------------- -- -- ----- --- -- ----
1 BEAR'S FURR,2,C E.WILSON 1 122 L O 15/1
R.BAKER
2 BEST PLAY,2,C J.CASTELLANO 2 122 L 6/1
M.FROSTAD
3 I'M BOUNDTOSCORE,2,C S.ROOK 3 122 L 9/2
T.RANKIN
4 ARCHER HILL,2,C A.O.SOLIS 4 122 L 5/2
L.LEWIS
5 ARE YOU KIDDING ME,2,C L.CONTRERAS 5 122 L 3/1
R.ATTFIELD
6 THE B'S AND E'S,2,G G.K.GOMEZ 6 122 L 8/1
W.WARD
7 MERCENARY,2,G O.MORENO 7 122 L 15/1
D.COTEY
8 INDIANO JONES,2,C P.HUSBANDS 8 122 L 4/1
M.CASSE
From all reports, Archer Hill could be something special. However with 2yo's you really don't know what you have until they get into stakes races. Are You Kidding Me is my pick for this race. He won an allowance race over Nancy O at 7 furlongs.
The Canadian
ENTRIES 5TH WO SEPTEMBER 16
1 1/8 MILES TURF FILLIES AND MARES 3 YEAR OLDS AND UP
CANADIAN S. (G2) PURSE $300,000
FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD.
Pgm Horse Jockey/Trainer PP Wt Claim Med EQ Odds
--- ---------------------- ------------------------- -- -- ----- --- -- ----
1 MOMENT OF MAJESTY,5,M G.OLGUIN 1 115 L 12/1
S.LESLIE
2 LAUGHING (IRE),4,F L.CONTRERAS 2 119 L 3/1
A.GOLDBERG
3 STARS TO SHINE,5,M A.O.SOLIS 3 119 L 6/1
M.FROSTAD
4 BAREFOOT LADY (IRE),4, J.P.SPENCER 4 113 8/1
R.FAHEY
5 ALL STAR HEART,5,M B.BLANC 5 119 L 7/2
R.MCANALLY
6 SHIMMERING MOMENT,5,M S.RUSSELL 6 113 L 12/1
F.ABBOTT, III
7 SMART STING,4,F J.R.VELAZQUEZ 7 117 12/1
R.ATTFIELD
8 INDIAN POND,4,F E.R.DA SILVA 8 115 L 15/1
M.CASSE
9 KAPITALE (GER),4,F M.DEMURO 9 117 L 5/2
A.WOEHLER
I would love to see Moment of Majesty get this win for Cujo (Curtis Joseph the former goalie and one of her co-owners/breeders).
The Northern Dancer
ENTRIES 8TH WO SEPTEMBER 16
1 1/2 MILES TURF OPEN 3 YEAR OLDS AND UP
NORTHERN DANCER TURF S. (G1) PURSE $500,000
FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD.
Pgm Horse Jockey/Trainer PP Wt Claim Med EQ Odds
--- ---------------------- ------------------------- -- -- ----- --- -- ----
1 CELTIC CONVICTION,4,G J.M.CAMPBELL 1 119 L 20/1
M.DOYLE
2 OJIBWAY SIGNAL,4,G L.CONTRERAS 2 119 L 20/1
D.BELL
3 AL KHALI,6,R G.K.GOMEZ 3 119 L 3/1
W.MOTT
4 SCALO (GB),5,H U.RISPOLI 4 121 L 2/1
A.WOEHLER
5 FORTE DEI MARMI (GB),6 A.O.SOLIS 5 123 L 8/1
R.ATTFIELD
6 MUSKETIER (GER),10,H J.R.VELAZQUEZ 6 121 L 5/2
R.ATTFIELD
7 WIGMORE HALL (IRE),5,G J.P.SPENCER 7 123 L 6/1
M.BELL
8 IRISH MISSION,3,F J.STEIN 8 109 L 10/1
M.FROSTAD
Al Khali finally ran well in a G1 race in the Sword Dancer in his last. Musktetier at the age of 10 tries to get that elusive G1 win to his name. Wigmore Hall is the defending champ, but he's not coming into the race as strong as he was last year. Scalo was 3rd in his NA debut, Forte Dei Marmi won that race the Sky Classic. Keep an eye on Irish Mission, she won the Breeders' Stakes on this course in her last to go along with her Woodbine Oaks win and Queen's Plate runner up on the poly.
Finally the Woodbine Mile
ENTRIES 10TH WO SEPTEMBER 16
1 MILE TURF OPEN 3 YEAR OLDS AND UP
RICOH WOODBINE MILE S. (G1) PURSE $1,000,000
FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD.
Pgm Horse Jockey/Trainer PP Wt Claim Med EQ Odds
--- ---------------------- ------------------------- -- -- ----- --- -- ----
1 RIDING THE RIVER,5,G P.HUSBANDS 1 121 L 10/1
D.COTEY
2 DANCE AND DANCE (IRE), G.K.GOMEZ 2 117 l 12/1
E.VAUGHAN
3 WISE DAN,5,G J.R.VELAZQUEZ 3 121 L 6/5
C.LOPRESTI
4 ARTIC FERN,5,G J.STEIN 4 117 L 20/1
M.KEOGH
5 BIG BAND SOUND,5,H T.PIZARRO 5 121 L 6/1
D.VELLA
6 HUNTERS BAY,5,H E.WILSON 6 119 L 15/1
R.BAKER
7 CITYSCAPE (GB),6,H J.DOYLE 7 124 5/2
R.CHARLTON
8 HOLLINGER,5,G A.O.SOLIS 8 117 L 20/1
R.ATTFIELD
9 WORTHADD (IRE),5,H L.CONTRERAS 9 119 l 8/1
S.PRESCOTT
Wise Dan is one of the most versatle horses around. Dirt, Turf, Poly, it really doesn't matter where he runs he'll win. Hunter's Bay is undefeated at Woodbine, but all those races where on the poly. He was 7th in the Whitney in his last race. Worthhadd was 2nd in a German G2 in his last, but he had the unfortance of facing Frankel at Royal Ascot before that and well it wasn't pretty as he finished last in the race. Riding the River might be the dark horse in this race, he was second in the Play the King which is the local prep adn he's taken home two graded stakes on this course. He was fifth in last year's edition to Dan's stablemate Turallure. The best of the Europeans is Cityscape. Although his record this year isn't fantastic, he did win in Dubai and was second to Excelebration in his last (in turn the former went to France to avoid another throttling to latter's ownershipmate). I'm going with Wise Dan in this, he has possibly the best US based jockey currently riding and has the defending trainer. Cityscape for 2nd and Riding the River forthird.
So that's the Woodbine weekend preview! Also tomorrow morning (afternoon in the UK), Camelot will try to become the first horse since Nijinsky to win the British Triple Crown in the St. Ledger at Doncaster. It's going to be a tough race especially since Thought Worthy, a full brother to a St. Ledger winner is in the race. He is my pick to upset Camelot and Joseph O'Brien. Also there is the Garden City at Belmont, but no Centre Court or Stephenie's Kitten. Unfortnally due to time constraints I'm not going to be able to do Book 3 for Keeneland, however I'm okay with that since I did quite a bit of work on it. I will be doing the preview and recap FT Mid-Atlantic sale which is in a few weeks.
Lets take a look a look at this year's fields.
First up the Natalma
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The Summer
ENTRIES 9TH WO SEPTEMBER 15
1 MILE TURF OPEN 2 YEAR OLDS
SUMMER S. (G2) PURSE $250,000
FOR TWO-YEAR-OLDS.
Pgm Horse Jockey/Trainer PP Wt Claim Med EQ Odds
--- ---------------------- ------------------------- -- -- ----- --- -- ----
1 BEAR'S FURR,2,C E.WILSON 1 122 L O 15/1
R.BAKER
2 BEST PLAY,2,C J.CASTELLANO 2 122 L 6/1
M.FROSTAD
3 I'M BOUNDTOSCORE,2,C S.ROOK 3 122 L 9/2
T.RANKIN
4 ARCHER HILL,2,C A.O.SOLIS 4 122 L 5/2
L.LEWIS
5 ARE YOU KIDDING ME,2,C L.CONTRERAS 5 122 L 3/1
R.ATTFIELD
6 THE B'S AND E'S,2,G G.K.GOMEZ 6 122 L 8/1
W.WARD
7 MERCENARY,2,G O.MORENO 7 122 L 15/1
D.COTEY
8 INDIANO JONES,2,C P.HUSBANDS 8 122 L 4/1
M.CASSE
From all reports, Archer Hill could be something special. However with 2yo's you really don't know what you have until they get into stakes races. Are You Kidding Me is my pick for this race. He won an allowance race over Nancy O at 7 furlongs.
The Canadian
ENTRIES 5TH WO SEPTEMBER 16
1 1/8 MILES TURF FILLIES AND MARES 3 YEAR OLDS AND UP
CANADIAN S. (G2) PURSE $300,000
FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD.
Pgm Horse Jockey/Trainer PP Wt Claim Med EQ Odds
--- ---------------------- ------------------------- -- -- ----- --- -- ----
1 MOMENT OF MAJESTY,5,M G.OLGUIN 1 115 L 12/1
S.LESLIE
2 LAUGHING (IRE),4,F L.CONTRERAS 2 119 L 3/1
A.GOLDBERG
3 STARS TO SHINE,5,M A.O.SOLIS 3 119 L 6/1
M.FROSTAD
4 BAREFOOT LADY (IRE),4, J.P.SPENCER 4 113 8/1
R.FAHEY
5 ALL STAR HEART,5,M B.BLANC 5 119 L 7/2
R.MCANALLY
6 SHIMMERING MOMENT,5,M S.RUSSELL 6 113 L 12/1
F.ABBOTT, III
7 SMART STING,4,F J.R.VELAZQUEZ 7 117 12/1
R.ATTFIELD
8 INDIAN POND,4,F E.R.DA SILVA 8 115 L 15/1
M.CASSE
9 KAPITALE (GER),4,F M.DEMURO 9 117 L 5/2
A.WOEHLER
I would love to see Moment of Majesty get this win for Cujo (Curtis Joseph the former goalie and one of her co-owners/breeders).
The Northern Dancer
ENTRIES 8TH WO SEPTEMBER 16
1 1/2 MILES TURF OPEN 3 YEAR OLDS AND UP
NORTHERN DANCER TURF S. (G1) PURSE $500,000
FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD.
Pgm Horse Jockey/Trainer PP Wt Claim Med EQ Odds
--- ---------------------- ------------------------- -- -- ----- --- -- ----
1 CELTIC CONVICTION,4,G J.M.CAMPBELL 1 119 L 20/1
M.DOYLE
2 OJIBWAY SIGNAL,4,G L.CONTRERAS 2 119 L 20/1
D.BELL
3 AL KHALI,6,R G.K.GOMEZ 3 119 L 3/1
W.MOTT
4 SCALO (GB),5,H U.RISPOLI 4 121 L 2/1
A.WOEHLER
5 FORTE DEI MARMI (GB),6 A.O.SOLIS 5 123 L 8/1
R.ATTFIELD
6 MUSKETIER (GER),10,H J.R.VELAZQUEZ 6 121 L 5/2
R.ATTFIELD
7 WIGMORE HALL (IRE),5,G J.P.SPENCER 7 123 L 6/1
M.BELL
8 IRISH MISSION,3,F J.STEIN 8 109 L 10/1
M.FROSTAD
Al Khali finally ran well in a G1 race in the Sword Dancer in his last. Musktetier at the age of 10 tries to get that elusive G1 win to his name. Wigmore Hall is the defending champ, but he's not coming into the race as strong as he was last year. Scalo was 3rd in his NA debut, Forte Dei Marmi won that race the Sky Classic. Keep an eye on Irish Mission, she won the Breeders' Stakes on this course in her last to go along with her Woodbine Oaks win and Queen's Plate runner up on the poly.
Finally the Woodbine Mile
ENTRIES 10TH WO SEPTEMBER 16
1 MILE TURF OPEN 3 YEAR OLDS AND UP
RICOH WOODBINE MILE S. (G1) PURSE $1,000,000
FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD.
Pgm Horse Jockey/Trainer PP Wt Claim Med EQ Odds
--- ---------------------- ------------------------- -- -- ----- --- -- ----
1 RIDING THE RIVER,5,G P.HUSBANDS 1 121 L 10/1
D.COTEY
2 DANCE AND DANCE (IRE), G.K.GOMEZ 2 117 l 12/1
E.VAUGHAN
3 WISE DAN,5,G J.R.VELAZQUEZ 3 121 L 6/5
C.LOPRESTI
4 ARTIC FERN,5,G J.STEIN 4 117 L 20/1
M.KEOGH
5 BIG BAND SOUND,5,H T.PIZARRO 5 121 L 6/1
D.VELLA
6 HUNTERS BAY,5,H E.WILSON 6 119 L 15/1
R.BAKER
7 CITYSCAPE (GB),6,H J.DOYLE 7 124 5/2
R.CHARLTON
8 HOLLINGER,5,G A.O.SOLIS 8 117 L 20/1
R.ATTFIELD
9 WORTHADD (IRE),5,H L.CONTRERAS 9 119 l 8/1
S.PRESCOTT
Wise Dan is one of the most versatle horses around. Dirt, Turf, Poly, it really doesn't matter where he runs he'll win. Hunter's Bay is undefeated at Woodbine, but all those races where on the poly. He was 7th in the Whitney in his last race. Worthhadd was 2nd in a German G2 in his last, but he had the unfortance of facing Frankel at Royal Ascot before that and well it wasn't pretty as he finished last in the race. Riding the River might be the dark horse in this race, he was second in the Play the King which is the local prep adn he's taken home two graded stakes on this course. He was fifth in last year's edition to Dan's stablemate Turallure. The best of the Europeans is Cityscape. Although his record this year isn't fantastic, he did win in Dubai and was second to Excelebration in his last (in turn the former went to France to avoid another throttling to latter's ownershipmate). I'm going with Wise Dan in this, he has possibly the best US based jockey currently riding and has the defending trainer. Cityscape for 2nd and Riding the River forthird.
So that's the Woodbine weekend preview! Also tomorrow morning (afternoon in the UK), Camelot will try to become the first horse since Nijinsky to win the British Triple Crown in the St. Ledger at Doncaster. It's going to be a tough race especially since Thought Worthy, a full brother to a St. Ledger winner is in the race. He is my pick to upset Camelot and Joseph O'Brien. Also there is the Garden City at Belmont, but no Centre Court or Stephenie's Kitten. Unfortnally due to time constraints I'm not going to be able to do Book 3 for Keeneland, however I'm okay with that since I did quite a bit of work on it. I will be doing the preview and recap FT Mid-Atlantic sale which is in a few weeks.
September 16, 2011
Turf Weekend (Part 2)
Here is Part 2 of the Woodbine preview which includes a preview of three stakes races on the card.
5th Race - Woodbine - Sunday, September 18th, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile About Turf. Purse $300,000. Canadian S. (Grade 2). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. (02:59 PM) (14)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Perfect Shirl 4 F L 119 Husbands Patrick Attfield Roger L.
2 Fantasia (GB) 5 M L 119 Maragh Rajiv Sheppard Jonathan E.
3 Magic Broomstick 5 M L 113 Wilson Emma-Jayne Frostad Mark R.
4 Mekong Melody (IRE) 6 M 119 Velazquez John R. Attfield Roger L.
5 Forest Uproar 5 M L 113 Moreno Omar Frostad Mark R.
6 Bay To Bay 4 F L 121 Contreras Luis Lynch Brian A.
7 Woolly Bear 5 M L 113 Dos Ramos Richard Anthony England Deborah
8 Shared Account 5 M L 121 Prado Edgar S. Motion H. Graham
9 Never Retreat 6 M L 121 Leparoux Julien R. Block Chris M.
10 Hooh Why 5 M L 113 Stein Justin Hoffman Mark
11 Miss Keller (IRE) 5 M L 119 Gomez Garrett K. Attfield Roger L.
12 Apple Charlotte 4 F L 113 Russell Sheldon Motion H. Graham
13 Zagora (FR) 4 F L 124 Castellano Javier Brown Chad C.
14 Stars To Shine 4 F L 115 Buick William T. Frostad Mark R.
A wide open affair with many of fillies who have a big chance. Hooh Why is a filly who has been a bit under the radar her entire career, even though she is a G1 winner. Shared Account is the defending BC F/M Turf winner, Zagora won the Diana up at Saratoga, and Perfect Shirl's brother Shakespeare won the Woodbine Mile back in 2007. I'm going with Miss Keller in this race. Yes she is has not been the same horse this year, however she is the defending champion of this race. Fantasia for second and Hooh Why for third.
8th Race - Woodbine - Sunday, September 18th, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/2 Mile Turf. Purse $500,000. Northern Dancer Turf S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. (04:34 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Hotep 4 C L 119 Wilson Emma-Jayne Frostad Mark R.
2 Bourbon Bay 5 G L 123 Talamo Joseph Drysdale Neil D.
3 Hailstone 4 C L 119 Leparoux Julien R. Casse Mark E.
4 Wigmore Hall (IRE) 4 G L 123 Spencer Jamie P. Bell Michael L. W.
5 Simmard 6 H L 119 Husbands Patrick Attfield Roger L.
6 Seaside Retreat 8 G L 119 Contreras Luis Casse Mark E.
7 Laureate Conductor 5 H L 119 Stein Justin De Paulo Michael P.
8 Al Khali 5 R L 121 Garcia Alan Mott William I.
Wigmore Hall has been a world traveler and is coming off a 4th place finish in the Million. Seaside Retreat is making his first stakes start since 2008. Bourbon Bay is coming off a head loss after being scratched out of the Pacific Classic. So who wins? I would love to see Al Khali finally break through and get his G1 win. He's been a bit of a forgotten horse in his sire's first crop. Bourbon Bay for second and Wigmore Hall for third.
10th Race - Woodbine - Sunday, September 18th, 2011
STAKES. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $1,000,000. Ricoh Woodbine Mile S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:42 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Hollinger 4 G L 117 Pizarro Tyler Attfield Roger L.
2 Forte Dei Marmi (GB) 5 G L 117 Velazquez John R. Attfield Roger L.
3 Woodbourne 7 G L 117 Wilson Emma-Jayne Tiller Robert P.
4 Courageous Cat 5 H L 124 Valenzuela Patrick A. Mott William I.
5 Right One (FR) 5 G L 119 Gomez Garrett K. Clement Christophe
6 Grand Adventure 5 H L 119 Husbands Patrick Frostad Mark R.
7 Riding The River 4 G L 117 Dos Ramos Richard Anthony Cotey David
8 Turallure 4 C L 121 Leparoux Julien R. Lopresti Charles
9 Side Glance (GB) 4 G 119 Fortune Jimmy Balding Andrew
10 Kara's Orientation 4 C L 121 Ramsammy Emile Chircop Steven
11 Dance And Dance (IRE) 5 G L 117 Spencer Jamie P. Vaughan Edward
12 Court Vision 6 H L 121 Albarado Robby Romans Dale L.
Historically speaking, this race has not been kind to Europeans. Also, outside posts do not have the greatest record as all. Add into the fact, that he has his third different trainer in his career, the odds are stacked against Court Vision. Earlier this year, Courageous Cat's jockey, Pat Valenzuela threw down the gauntlet towards Goldikova's connections. This is his first race since July. The best finisher coming out of the local prep race, the Play the King is Grand Adventure. He was 6th in the race and has been going backwards in his starts. Hollinger was the 2yo Champion a few years ago, but has had injury issues. So who is my pick? I am a stubborn girl and I gotta go with my heart on this. My pick for this year's Woodbine Mile is Court Vision. Sure he's not the same horse, but this is his final year running. I would love to see him go out with a bang. Courageous Cat for second and Kara's Orientation for third.
Most importantly, I hope that all the horses come back safe and sound! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, until next week!
5th Race - Woodbine - Sunday, September 18th, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile About Turf. Purse $300,000. Canadian S. (Grade 2). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. (02:59 PM) (14)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Perfect Shirl 4 F L 119 Husbands Patrick Attfield Roger L.
2 Fantasia (GB) 5 M L 119 Maragh Rajiv Sheppard Jonathan E.
3 Magic Broomstick 5 M L 113 Wilson Emma-Jayne Frostad Mark R.
4 Mekong Melody (IRE) 6 M 119 Velazquez John R. Attfield Roger L.
5 Forest Uproar 5 M L 113 Moreno Omar Frostad Mark R.
6 Bay To Bay 4 F L 121 Contreras Luis Lynch Brian A.
7 Woolly Bear 5 M L 113 Dos Ramos Richard Anthony England Deborah
8 Shared Account 5 M L 121 Prado Edgar S. Motion H. Graham
9 Never Retreat 6 M L 121 Leparoux Julien R. Block Chris M.
10 Hooh Why 5 M L 113 Stein Justin Hoffman Mark
11 Miss Keller (IRE) 5 M L 119 Gomez Garrett K. Attfield Roger L.
12 Apple Charlotte 4 F L 113 Russell Sheldon Motion H. Graham
13 Zagora (FR) 4 F L 124 Castellano Javier Brown Chad C.
14 Stars To Shine 4 F L 115 Buick William T. Frostad Mark R.
A wide open affair with many of fillies who have a big chance. Hooh Why is a filly who has been a bit under the radar her entire career, even though she is a G1 winner. Shared Account is the defending BC F/M Turf winner, Zagora won the Diana up at Saratoga, and Perfect Shirl's brother Shakespeare won the Woodbine Mile back in 2007. I'm going with Miss Keller in this race. Yes she is has not been the same horse this year, however she is the defending champion of this race. Fantasia for second and Hooh Why for third.
8th Race - Woodbine - Sunday, September 18th, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/2 Mile Turf. Purse $500,000. Northern Dancer Turf S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. (04:34 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Hotep 4 C L 119 Wilson Emma-Jayne Frostad Mark R.
2 Bourbon Bay 5 G L 123 Talamo Joseph Drysdale Neil D.
3 Hailstone 4 C L 119 Leparoux Julien R. Casse Mark E.
4 Wigmore Hall (IRE) 4 G L 123 Spencer Jamie P. Bell Michael L. W.
5 Simmard 6 H L 119 Husbands Patrick Attfield Roger L.
6 Seaside Retreat 8 G L 119 Contreras Luis Casse Mark E.
7 Laureate Conductor 5 H L 119 Stein Justin De Paulo Michael P.
8 Al Khali 5 R L 121 Garcia Alan Mott William I.
Wigmore Hall has been a world traveler and is coming off a 4th place finish in the Million. Seaside Retreat is making his first stakes start since 2008. Bourbon Bay is coming off a head loss after being scratched out of the Pacific Classic. So who wins? I would love to see Al Khali finally break through and get his G1 win. He's been a bit of a forgotten horse in his sire's first crop. Bourbon Bay for second and Wigmore Hall for third.
10th Race - Woodbine - Sunday, September 18th, 2011
STAKES. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $1,000,000. Ricoh Woodbine Mile S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:42 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Hollinger 4 G L 117 Pizarro Tyler Attfield Roger L.
2 Forte Dei Marmi (GB) 5 G L 117 Velazquez John R. Attfield Roger L.
3 Woodbourne 7 G L 117 Wilson Emma-Jayne Tiller Robert P.
4 Courageous Cat 5 H L 124 Valenzuela Patrick A. Mott William I.
5 Right One (FR) 5 G L 119 Gomez Garrett K. Clement Christophe
6 Grand Adventure 5 H L 119 Husbands Patrick Frostad Mark R.
7 Riding The River 4 G L 117 Dos Ramos Richard Anthony Cotey David
8 Turallure 4 C L 121 Leparoux Julien R. Lopresti Charles
9 Side Glance (GB) 4 G 119 Fortune Jimmy Balding Andrew
10 Kara's Orientation 4 C L 121 Ramsammy Emile Chircop Steven
11 Dance And Dance (IRE) 5 G L 117 Spencer Jamie P. Vaughan Edward
12 Court Vision 6 H L 121 Albarado Robby Romans Dale L.
Historically speaking, this race has not been kind to Europeans. Also, outside posts do not have the greatest record as all. Add into the fact, that he has his third different trainer in his career, the odds are stacked against Court Vision. Earlier this year, Courageous Cat's jockey, Pat Valenzuela threw down the gauntlet towards Goldikova's connections. This is his first race since July. The best finisher coming out of the local prep race, the Play the King is Grand Adventure. He was 6th in the race and has been going backwards in his starts. Hollinger was the 2yo Champion a few years ago, but has had injury issues. So who is my pick? I am a stubborn girl and I gotta go with my heart on this. My pick for this year's Woodbine Mile is Court Vision. Sure he's not the same horse, but this is his final year running. I would love to see him go out with a bang. Courageous Cat for second and Kara's Orientation for third.
Most importantly, I hope that all the horses come back safe and sound! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, until next week!
September 14, 2011
Turf Weekend (Part 1)
Hey all! This weekends races is actually going to be a 2 parter since it is Woodbine Mile weekend! Two year olds are the headliner on Saturday and then the Northern Dancer and Mile on Sunday. Today, I will be focusing on the two Sat. races, the Natalma and Summer Stakes. Both of them are Win and You're In Races for the Breeders' Cup.
6th Race - Woodbine - Saturday, September 17th, 2011 STAKES. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $200,000. Natalma S. (Grade 3). FOR TWO-YEAR-OLD FILLIES. (03:32 PM) (13)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Sky Dreamer 2 F L 119 Husbands Patrick Casse Mark E.
2 Ten K Cat 2 F L 119 Welch Quincy Lynch Brian A.
3 Welcome Dance 2 F L 119 Albarado Robby Matz Michael R.
4 Anna Sophia 2 F L 119 Valenzuela Patrick A. Mott William I.
5 Spirited Miss 2 F L 119 Leparoux Julien R. Casse Mark E.
6 Runfor Ro 2 F L 119 Campbell Jesse M. O'Callaghan Danny M.
7 Quality Lass 2 F L 119 Maragh Rajiv Casse Mark E.
8 Hard Not To Like 2 F L 119 Da Silva Eurico Rosa Cox Gail
9 Evil Kitten 2 F L 119 Wilson Emma-Jayne Gonzalez Nicholas
10 Northern Passion 2 F L 119 Contreras Luis Casse Mark E.
11 Stephanie's Kitten 2 F L 119 Pizarro Tyler Catalano Wayne M.
12 Dayatthespa 2 F L 119 Dominguez Ramon A. Brown Chad C.
13 St Pancras 2 F L 119 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A
An interesting group of horses in fact that some are making there first starts, all but one of them has 1 win to their names and some of these horses already have stakes experience. There are three horses in here that I think have great chances to win. Anna Sophia has made both of her starts on dirt, but she has turf on both sides of her family. Stephanie's Kitten is the one who scares me the most for my pick. Her trainer sent out her sire's niece Dreaming of Anna to beat the boys in the Summer back in 2006. Of course she would win the BC Juvenile Fillies that year to lock up 2yo Filly honors. My pick for this race is Hard Not to Like. Now I am being a bit bias since she is by Hard Spun. However, she's already won at this distance and won the Allowance race which was the Summer prep (the Natalma allowance did not fill), so she's already beaten the boys. She's also the only one in the race who has 2 wins under her belt. I think that classyness will give the win. Anna Sophia for second and Stephanie's Kitten for third.
This is the defending final prep for the BC Juvy Fillies Turf (More Than Real was second in this race last year).
9th Race - Woodbine - Saturday, September 17th, 2011 STAKES. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $250,000. Summer S. (Grade 3). FOR TWO-YEAR-OLDS. (05:10 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Secret Consultant 2 G L b 122 Ramsammy Emile Doyle Michael J.
2 Daddy Nose Best 2 C L 122 Leparoux Julien R. Asmussen Steven M.
3 Excaper 2 C L 122 Wilson Emma-Jayne Black Ian
4 Jomelo 2 G L 122 Pizarro Tyler Attard Sid C.
5 Finale 2 C L 122 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
6 Maritimer 2 C L 122 Contreras Luis Attard Sid C.
7 Burn The Mortgage 2 C L 122 Dominguez Ramon A. Catalano Wayne M.
8 Making Amends 2 C L 122 Husbands Patrick Casse Mark E.
Maritimer was a green, but closing second to Hard Not to Like in the Allowance race that was the Summer prep. Also coming out of that race is Making Amdends who was 4th. Finale has been awesome since being switched from dirt to turf. He won the Contential Mile at Monmouth last time out. He'll be extreamly hard to beat here, but I'm going to Excaper. He's only raced once, but his trainer and jockey are known for their turf horses (teaming up on the recently retired Rahy's Attorney to a runner up finish in the Sword Dancer). He is switching from poly to turf, but the change isn't as much as a shock as it is dirt to turf. Finale for second and Martitimer for third.
I should note this has been a hot prep lately 3 of the last 5 winners have gone on to either win a BC race or finish in the Top 3 (the previously mentioned Anna, Bridgetown and last year's BC Juvy Turf winner Pluck).
So that's it! I'll be back on Friday with the Northern Dancer and Mile previews until then!
6th Race - Woodbine - Saturday, September 17th, 2011 STAKES. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $200,000. Natalma S. (Grade 3). FOR TWO-YEAR-OLD FILLIES. (03:32 PM) (13)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Sky Dreamer 2 F L 119 Husbands Patrick Casse Mark E.
2 Ten K Cat 2 F L 119 Welch Quincy Lynch Brian A.
3 Welcome Dance 2 F L 119 Albarado Robby Matz Michael R.
4 Anna Sophia 2 F L 119 Valenzuela Patrick A. Mott William I.
5 Spirited Miss 2 F L 119 Leparoux Julien R. Casse Mark E.
6 Runfor Ro 2 F L 119 Campbell Jesse M. O'Callaghan Danny M.
7 Quality Lass 2 F L 119 Maragh Rajiv Casse Mark E.
8 Hard Not To Like 2 F L 119 Da Silva Eurico Rosa Cox Gail
9 Evil Kitten 2 F L 119 Wilson Emma-Jayne Gonzalez Nicholas
10 Northern Passion 2 F L 119 Contreras Luis Casse Mark E.
11 Stephanie's Kitten 2 F L 119 Pizarro Tyler Catalano Wayne M.
12 Dayatthespa 2 F L 119 Dominguez Ramon A. Brown Chad C.
13 St Pancras 2 F L 119 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A
An interesting group of horses in fact that some are making there first starts, all but one of them has 1 win to their names and some of these horses already have stakes experience. There are three horses in here that I think have great chances to win. Anna Sophia has made both of her starts on dirt, but she has turf on both sides of her family. Stephanie's Kitten is the one who scares me the most for my pick. Her trainer sent out her sire's niece Dreaming of Anna to beat the boys in the Summer back in 2006. Of course she would win the BC Juvenile Fillies that year to lock up 2yo Filly honors. My pick for this race is Hard Not to Like. Now I am being a bit bias since she is by Hard Spun. However, she's already won at this distance and won the Allowance race which was the Summer prep (the Natalma allowance did not fill), so she's already beaten the boys. She's also the only one in the race who has 2 wins under her belt. I think that classyness will give the win. Anna Sophia for second and Stephanie's Kitten for third.
This is the defending final prep for the BC Juvy Fillies Turf (More Than Real was second in this race last year).
9th Race - Woodbine - Saturday, September 17th, 2011 STAKES. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $250,000. Summer S. (Grade 3). FOR TWO-YEAR-OLDS. (05:10 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Secret Consultant 2 G L b 122 Ramsammy Emile Doyle Michael J.
2 Daddy Nose Best 2 C L 122 Leparoux Julien R. Asmussen Steven M.
3 Excaper 2 C L 122 Wilson Emma-Jayne Black Ian
4 Jomelo 2 G L 122 Pizarro Tyler Attard Sid C.
5 Finale 2 C L 122 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
6 Maritimer 2 C L 122 Contreras Luis Attard Sid C.
7 Burn The Mortgage 2 C L 122 Dominguez Ramon A. Catalano Wayne M.
8 Making Amends 2 C L 122 Husbands Patrick Casse Mark E.
Maritimer was a green, but closing second to Hard Not to Like in the Allowance race that was the Summer prep. Also coming out of that race is Making Amdends who was 4th. Finale has been awesome since being switched from dirt to turf. He won the Contential Mile at Monmouth last time out. He'll be extreamly hard to beat here, but I'm going to Excaper. He's only raced once, but his trainer and jockey are known for their turf horses (teaming up on the recently retired Rahy's Attorney to a runner up finish in the Sword Dancer). He is switching from poly to turf, but the change isn't as much as a shock as it is dirt to turf. Finale for second and Martitimer for third.
I should note this has been a hot prep lately 3 of the last 5 winners have gone on to either win a BC race or finish in the Top 3 (the previously mentioned Anna, Bridgetown and last year's BC Juvy Turf winner Pluck).
So that's it! I'll be back on Friday with the Northern Dancer and Mile previews until then!
June 24, 2011
Live Chats are Back
That's right everyone! The Live Chats are coming back. After a hiatus in the spring due to family comittments, they are offically coming back. When? July 8th which is in two weeks from tonight. The Chat will begin at 8pm and run till about 9:30ish. We will be covering all parts of racing from breeding to racing and much more!
The chats will then be held every other Thursday starting at 8 and ending around the same time. This will go until the end of August when Breeders' Cup chats will be every Weds. at 7:30 until the BC. Don't worry all this information will be posted at the begining of the chat on the 8th.
Hope to see you for the Chat!
Also this weekend, the winner of this year's Kentucky Oaks, the beaten favorite and 3rd place finisher are in action, as well as the FG Oaks winner. Zazu and Plum Pretty face each other in the Hollywood Oaks, Joyful Victory headlines the Mother Goose while Daisy Devine is in Iowa to try her hand at the Iowa Oaks. It's also the first leg of the CAN Triple Crown with the Queen's Plate. Check Your Soul is the favorite, but I'm going with Inglorious, as she can help even out the chance of the FG Oaks becoming a G1 if she wins (since Daisy didn't do well in the KY Oaks :().
It's also the first Graded Stakes of the year for 2yo's at Churchill (who is running tonight, dispite having a tornado on Weds). Should be a good weekend of racing!
The chats will then be held every other Thursday starting at 8 and ending around the same time. This will go until the end of August when Breeders' Cup chats will be every Weds. at 7:30 until the BC. Don't worry all this information will be posted at the begining of the chat on the 8th.
Hope to see you for the Chat!
Also this weekend, the winner of this year's Kentucky Oaks, the beaten favorite and 3rd place finisher are in action, as well as the FG Oaks winner. Zazu and Plum Pretty face each other in the Hollywood Oaks, Joyful Victory headlines the Mother Goose while Daisy Devine is in Iowa to try her hand at the Iowa Oaks. It's also the first leg of the CAN Triple Crown with the Queen's Plate. Check Your Soul is the favorite, but I'm going with Inglorious, as she can help even out the chance of the FG Oaks becoming a G1 if she wins (since Daisy didn't do well in the KY Oaks :().
It's also the first Graded Stakes of the year for 2yo's at Churchill (who is running tonight, dispite having a tornado on Weds). Should be a good weekend of racing!
October 7, 2010
A Look into the Future
Last weekend, Zenyatta and others battled it out for wins in their final Breeders' Cup preps. This weekend, it's the look into the future with 2yo's taking center stage at Belmont and Woodbine (Oak Tree had their 2yo races last weekend).
But our first stop is at my home track of Delaware Park:
9th (4:51)
Dover S.
1 1/16 Miles | Open | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $75,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Star Zapper Rocco J Vazquez Juan C 117 LA 8-1
2 2 Commander Rose J Dutrow Anthony W 117 L 6-1
3 3 Irish Lion Castellano A Jr Griffith Gregory 117 LA 15-1
4 4 Go Maire Tu Karamanos H A Correas Ignacio IV 117 LA 12-1
5 5 Tazered Rosendo I J Contessa Gary C 117 L 6-1
6 6 I'm Steppin' It Up Napravnik A R Pecoraro Anthony 117 LA 8-1
7 7 Congo Jara F Pletcher Todd A 115 LA 4-1
8 8 Chipshot Saez G Asmussen Steven M 115 LA 5-1
9 9 Rush Now Hernandez B J Jr Dutrow Anthony W 117 L 3-1
I would not count out either of the Tony Dutrow horses, but I'm going with Chipshot here with Tazered in second.
Now to Belmont (both of these races are Saturday):
8th (4:37)
Frizette S. (G1)
1 Mile | Fillies | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 R Heat Lightning Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 120 L 3-1
2 2 Promise Me a Cat Prado E S Martin Carlos F 120 L 5-1
3 3 Coax Liberty Caraballo J C Lawrence, II James L 120 Blk-On L 30-1
4 4 Maple Forest Cohen D Pletcher Todd A 120 L 12-1
5 5 A Z Warrior Garcia Alan Baffert Bob 120 L 4-1
6 6 After Later Fragoso P Biancone Patrick L 120 L 12-1
7 7 Tap for Luck Solis A Pletcher Todd A 120 L 6-1
8 8 Joyful Victory Velasquez C Dutrow Anthony W 120 L 5-1
9 9 Valiant Passion Lezcano J Pletcher Todd A 120 L 8-1
While R Heat Lighting won the Spinaway, I'm going in a different direction for this race. A Z Warrior is the half to E Z Warrior and J Z Warrior, and while both of those horses are sprinters, she should be a router with her pedigree. Plus the move to dirt should make her an even better horse. Maple Forest for second.
9th (5:09)
Champagne S. (G1)
1 Mile | Open | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 3 Uncle Mo Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 122 L 1-4
1A 5 Stay Thirsty Castellano J J Pletcher Todd A 122 L 1-4
2 1 Meridian Magic Solis A Zito Nicholas P 122 L 20-1
3 2 Settle for Medal Lezcano J Hennig Mark 122 L 10-1
4 4 I'm Steppin' It Up Cohen D Pecoraro Anthony 122 L 20-1
5 6 Mountain Town Velasquez C Dutrow, Jr. R E 122 L 12-1
6 7 Brother in Arms Prado E S Breen Kelly J 122 L 5-1
Maybe it's me, but I must be the one person in the world who does not get the Uncle Mo hype. As an Indian Charlie he's probley almost to his max distance, and I think his stablemate Stay Thirsty is the better horse in the long run. However, he might be scratched and only Uncle Mo will run. I gotta stay with my boy Settle for Medal. Yes he finished last in Hopeful, but a mile might just be the perfect distance for him. I'm willing to eat crow on this race.
Up at Woodbine on Saturday:
6th (3:25)
Mazarine S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Fillies | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $225,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Anne's Beauty Clark D Attard Paul 116 L 15-1
2 2 Delightful Mary Fraser C Casse Mark 116 L 1-1
3 3 Wyomia Ramsammy E Vella Daniel J 116 FTL 5-2
4 4 Poof Too Husbands P Frostad Mark 116 L 3-1
5 5 Ghostly Darkness Da Silva E R Clement Christophe 114 L 8-1
6 6 Idratherbeatthespa Fraser C Casse Mark 114 L 15-1
I'm going with a longshot in here, Anne's Beauty. Reason being? My middle name is Anne :P. Plus I really don't know much about the Canada based 2yo's.
and Sunday:
8th (4:27)
Grey S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $225,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Classic Legacy Moreno O 117 L
2 Midway Train Jones J 115 L
3 Silverleo Sutherland C 117 L
4 Bear's Future Olguin G L 119 L
5 Something Extra Clark D 15 L
6 Top Pit Boss Contreras L 115 L
7 Blue Laser Fraser C 117 L
8 Withdrawal Fraser C 117 L
9 Rockin Heat Da Silva E R 115 L
10 Justice Is Served Somsanith N 115 L
It's all about Bear's Future for me. Hopefully he does well, Rockin Heat for second and Midway Train for third.
Also this weekend is the Dixana Futrity at Keenland and lots of nice grass races plus the Spinster. Also a short note, the Live Chat has been moved to Saturday at 8pm Eastern. This is because I'm hopeing more people could particpate.
But our first stop is at my home track of Delaware Park:
9th (4:51)
Dover S.
1 1/16 Miles | Open | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $75,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Star Zapper Rocco J Vazquez Juan C 117 LA 8-1
2 2 Commander Rose J Dutrow Anthony W 117 L 6-1
3 3 Irish Lion Castellano A Jr Griffith Gregory 117 LA 15-1
4 4 Go Maire Tu Karamanos H A Correas Ignacio IV 117 LA 12-1
5 5 Tazered Rosendo I J Contessa Gary C 117 L 6-1
6 6 I'm Steppin' It Up Napravnik A R Pecoraro Anthony 117 LA 8-1
7 7 Congo Jara F Pletcher Todd A 115 LA 4-1
8 8 Chipshot Saez G Asmussen Steven M 115 LA 5-1
9 9 Rush Now Hernandez B J Jr Dutrow Anthony W 117 L 3-1
I would not count out either of the Tony Dutrow horses, but I'm going with Chipshot here with Tazered in second.
Now to Belmont (both of these races are Saturday):
8th (4:37)
Frizette S. (G1)
1 Mile | Fillies | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 R Heat Lightning Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 120 L 3-1
2 2 Promise Me a Cat Prado E S Martin Carlos F 120 L 5-1
3 3 Coax Liberty Caraballo J C Lawrence, II James L 120 Blk-On L 30-1
4 4 Maple Forest Cohen D Pletcher Todd A 120 L 12-1
5 5 A Z Warrior Garcia Alan Baffert Bob 120 L 4-1
6 6 After Later Fragoso P Biancone Patrick L 120 L 12-1
7 7 Tap for Luck Solis A Pletcher Todd A 120 L 6-1
8 8 Joyful Victory Velasquez C Dutrow Anthony W 120 L 5-1
9 9 Valiant Passion Lezcano J Pletcher Todd A 120 L 8-1
While R Heat Lighting won the Spinaway, I'm going in a different direction for this race. A Z Warrior is the half to E Z Warrior and J Z Warrior, and while both of those horses are sprinters, she should be a router with her pedigree. Plus the move to dirt should make her an even better horse. Maple Forest for second.
9th (5:09)
Champagne S. (G1)
1 Mile | Open | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 3 Uncle Mo Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 122 L 1-4
1A 5 Stay Thirsty Castellano J J Pletcher Todd A 122 L 1-4
2 1 Meridian Magic Solis A Zito Nicholas P 122 L 20-1
3 2 Settle for Medal Lezcano J Hennig Mark 122 L 10-1
4 4 I'm Steppin' It Up Cohen D Pecoraro Anthony 122 L 20-1
5 6 Mountain Town Velasquez C Dutrow, Jr. R E 122 L 12-1
6 7 Brother in Arms Prado E S Breen Kelly J 122 L 5-1
Maybe it's me, but I must be the one person in the world who does not get the Uncle Mo hype. As an Indian Charlie he's probley almost to his max distance, and I think his stablemate Stay Thirsty is the better horse in the long run. However, he might be scratched and only Uncle Mo will run. I gotta stay with my boy Settle for Medal. Yes he finished last in Hopeful, but a mile might just be the perfect distance for him. I'm willing to eat crow on this race.
Up at Woodbine on Saturday:
6th (3:25)
Mazarine S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Fillies | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $225,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Anne's Beauty Clark D Attard Paul 116 L 15-1
2 2 Delightful Mary Fraser C Casse Mark 116 L 1-1
3 3 Wyomia Ramsammy E Vella Daniel J 116 FTL 5-2
4 4 Poof Too Husbands P Frostad Mark 116 L 3-1
5 5 Ghostly Darkness Da Silva E R Clement Christophe 114 L 8-1
6 6 Idratherbeatthespa Fraser C Casse Mark 114 L 15-1
I'm going with a longshot in here, Anne's Beauty. Reason being? My middle name is Anne :P. Plus I really don't know much about the Canada based 2yo's.
and Sunday:
8th (4:27)
Grey S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $225,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Classic Legacy Moreno O 117 L
2 Midway Train Jones J 115 L
3 Silverleo Sutherland C 117 L
4 Bear's Future Olguin G L 119 L
5 Something Extra Clark D 15 L
6 Top Pit Boss Contreras L 115 L
7 Blue Laser Fraser C 117 L
8 Withdrawal Fraser C 117 L
9 Rockin Heat Da Silva E R 115 L
10 Justice Is Served Somsanith N 115 L
It's all about Bear's Future for me. Hopefully he does well, Rockin Heat for second and Midway Train for third.
Also this weekend is the Dixana Futrity at Keenland and lots of nice grass races plus the Spinster. Also a short note, the Live Chat has been moved to Saturday at 8pm Eastern. This is because I'm hopeing more people could particpate.
September 16, 2010
A Race Close to My Heart
The Woodbine Mile holds a special place in my heart which in a way is very wierd. I don't like in Canada where Woodbine is or have ever been there. But there's just something about the race that makes me very interested. It could be that Kip Deville finished second in the race before taking the BC Mile, or that Leroidesanimaux won before bombing in the Mile, or it could be that I just love a mile race on the grass. Whatever it is, this is one of my favorite races in the year. A new Woodbine Mile Champion will be crowned on Sunday. Before we look foward to this year's race, lets look back at Ventura's win last year.
Here is this year's field:
10th (5:42)
Woodbine Mile S. (G1)
1 Mile (Turf) | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $1,000,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Crowded House (GB) Rosario J 117 L
2 Victor's Cry Nakatani C S 124 L
3 Zifzaf Leparoux J R 117 L
4 Court Vision Albarado R J 124 L
5 Straight Story Maragh R 117 L
6 Smokey Fire Jones J 121 L
7 Signature Red Da Silva E R 121 L
8 Auteur Smith M E 117 L
9 Riviera Cocktail Prado E S 117 L
10 Woodbourne Sutherland C 117 L
11 The Usual Q. T. Espinoza V 124 L
12 Famous Name (GB) Smullen P J 119 FTL
13 Grand Adventure Husbands P 121 L
I''m not going to get into usual analyzing the race since this week (that won't be returning until the BC). However I will pick a winner right now. I'm going with my heart and going with Court Vision with Smokey Fire a very close second. I would not be suprised if The Usual Q.T. wins, but I'm just not a fan of his. More importantly, I hope that all the horses return safe and sound.
Here is this year's field:
10th (5:42)
Woodbine Mile S. (G1)
1 Mile (Turf) | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $1,000,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Crowded House (GB) Rosario J 117 L
2 Victor's Cry Nakatani C S 124 L
3 Zifzaf Leparoux J R 117 L
4 Court Vision Albarado R J 124 L
5 Straight Story Maragh R 117 L
6 Smokey Fire Jones J 121 L
7 Signature Red Da Silva E R 121 L
8 Auteur Smith M E 117 L
9 Riviera Cocktail Prado E S 117 L
10 Woodbourne Sutherland C 117 L
11 The Usual Q. T. Espinoza V 124 L
12 Famous Name (GB) Smullen P J 119 FTL
13 Grand Adventure Husbands P 121 L
I''m not going to get into usual analyzing the race since this week (that won't be returning until the BC). However I will pick a winner right now. I'm going with my heart and going with Court Vision with Smokey Fire a very close second. I would not be suprised if The Usual Q.T. wins, but I'm just not a fan of his. More importantly, I hope that all the horses return safe and sound.
July 2, 2010
Ownership Conundrum
This topic was suggested by the Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance. As you may or may not know, I'm a member of the TBA. You can read more TBA member blogs by visiting, tbablogs.com.
Conundrum. What does that mean? According to Dictionary.com, it has two meanings. One of them means anything that puzzles. So what's the conundrum about horse racing? In this case two words, Jess Jackson.
Rachel Alexandra's next start will be the Lady's Secret at Monmouth. At first glance it looks like the perfect race, a mile and eighth and at a track where Rachel has had success before (see last year's Haskell). However the Lady's Secret is ungraded (unlike the formally Oak Tree at Santa Anita which was renamed the Zenyatta. That race is a G1). Which leads to question, why go for a race that's ungraded when there is a race, the Ruffian which is a G1, at a mile and an eighth and up at Saratoga another track where she has had success.
Sounds like a conundrum doesn't it. However, this isn't as puzzling as you think it does. The key in this is one word: money. Jess Jackson was able to convince the Monmouth officals, not once, but twice to raise the purse of two races. The Haskell which was raised to $1.25 million and now the Lady's Secret which was orginally supposed to be run at a mile and sixteenth for $150,000 and held two weeks later on Haskell day. Instead, it will be run two weeks earlier on July 24 for $400,000. The Ruffian is Handicap, and will be run for $250,000. Maybe the big reason why Rachel is being pointed here is that NYRA couldn't afford to boost the Ruffian purse. Since before the Belmont, they've been in money trouble thanks to a slots contract falling through. Monmouth's daily purses are at least a million dollars a day, and many more trainers are going towards the New Jersey track.
While particpating in the Lady's Secret would lead to the Molly Pitcher, I personally think the next step would be a G1. That leaves two options, the first is the Personal Ensign which is at a mile and a quarter, in that race she could face Life at Ten who will prep for that in the Delaware Handicap. However, the Woodward which she won last year could also be a plan. However, that could end up being the toughest race of her career if Quality Road and Blame show up.
Only time will tell who well this conundrum goes.
As for the Weekend Preview, this week's big race is the Queen's Plate. The favorite is Hotep who is a full brother to last year's winner Eye of the Lepoard. However, like I said last year about his big brother I think he will be finishing third behind this year Moment of Majesty (the "other" filly) and Roan Inish (Woodbine Oaks winner). Of course I could be wrong as useal. Also in action? Mine That Bird makes his turf debut, and Informed Decidesion tries to bounce back after two subpar efforts at Arlington.
Conundrum. What does that mean? According to Dictionary.com, it has two meanings. One of them means anything that puzzles. So what's the conundrum about horse racing? In this case two words, Jess Jackson.
Rachel Alexandra's next start will be the Lady's Secret at Monmouth. At first glance it looks like the perfect race, a mile and eighth and at a track where Rachel has had success before (see last year's Haskell). However the Lady's Secret is ungraded (unlike the formally Oak Tree at Santa Anita which was renamed the Zenyatta. That race is a G1). Which leads to question, why go for a race that's ungraded when there is a race, the Ruffian which is a G1, at a mile and an eighth and up at Saratoga another track where she has had success.
Sounds like a conundrum doesn't it. However, this isn't as puzzling as you think it does. The key in this is one word: money. Jess Jackson was able to convince the Monmouth officals, not once, but twice to raise the purse of two races. The Haskell which was raised to $1.25 million and now the Lady's Secret which was orginally supposed to be run at a mile and sixteenth for $150,000 and held two weeks later on Haskell day. Instead, it will be run two weeks earlier on July 24 for $400,000. The Ruffian is Handicap, and will be run for $250,000. Maybe the big reason why Rachel is being pointed here is that NYRA couldn't afford to boost the Ruffian purse. Since before the Belmont, they've been in money trouble thanks to a slots contract falling through. Monmouth's daily purses are at least a million dollars a day, and many more trainers are going towards the New Jersey track.
While particpating in the Lady's Secret would lead to the Molly Pitcher, I personally think the next step would be a G1. That leaves two options, the first is the Personal Ensign which is at a mile and a quarter, in that race she could face Life at Ten who will prep for that in the Delaware Handicap. However, the Woodward which she won last year could also be a plan. However, that could end up being the toughest race of her career if Quality Road and Blame show up.
Only time will tell who well this conundrum goes.
As for the Weekend Preview, this week's big race is the Queen's Plate. The favorite is Hotep who is a full brother to last year's winner Eye of the Lepoard. However, like I said last year about his big brother I think he will be finishing third behind this year Moment of Majesty (the "other" filly) and Roan Inish (Woodbine Oaks winner). Of course I could be wrong as useal. Also in action? Mine That Bird makes his turf debut, and Informed Decidesion tries to bounce back after two subpar efforts at Arlington.
May 21, 2010
Time at the Shore
How would you like to ride at a track where there is an average of a million dollars a day on the line? This year's Monmouth meet is just that. Home to the Haskell Invitational, Monmouth opens it's season tomorrow with two pretty good stakes races, I'm only going to preview one of them as the other features Kiss the Kid who is going to win easy.
Monmouth Park - May 22, 2010
Race 5 - 2:50 PM Win, Place and Show Exacta, Trifecta and 10-Cent Superfecta Daily Double (Races 5-6)/Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7)
STAKES Decathlon S.
Purse $100,000. For Three-Year-Olds And Upward. No fee to nominate, $600 to pass the entry box with starters to receive a minimum of $1,500 each. Three-Year-Olds: 117 Lbs.; Older: 123 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000 twice since February 15 allowed 2 Lbs.; $45,000 in 2010, 4 Lbs.; $30,000 since April 1 or a sweepstakes in 2010, 6 Lbs. (Maiden, claiming and starter races not considered.) The winning owner to receive a trophy. Closed Friday, May 14, 2010 with 20 nominations. A $400 supplemental nomination was made at time of entry, Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Six Furlongs.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Lit'sgoodlookngray (CA) 6/G L* G K Gomez 117 R B Hess, Jr. 5/1
2 2 Tommy's Memory (FL) 4/G L D D Amiss 121 A J Ryan 8/1
3 3 Congressional Page (KY) 5/G L* C H Marquez, Jr. 117 M J Trombetta 4/1
4 4 Mannington (FL) 5/G L E Trujillo 121 T M Pompay 9/2
5 5 Go Go Shoot (FL) 5/G L J R Velazquez 117 T A Pletcher 2/1
6 6 Mr. Fantasy (NY) 4/C L E Castro 117 M E Hushion 3/1
7 7 At the Disco (NJ) 6/H L P Lopez 117 M Hartmann 15/1
This is Go Go Shoot's (aka Basket) first race in the Pletcher barn and this is his first start of the year. Mr. Fantasy is always there at the end. Congressional Page will be tough, but I really haven't heard of the other horses. This is Basket's race to lose, he loves Monmouth and it should set him up for a good showing at Saratoga in the Vanderbilt (hopefully!).
Top three:
Go Go Shoot (BASKET!!!!!)
Mr. Fantasy (won't be suprised if he wins)
Mannington (just for his name)
Up in Canada on Sunday:
Woodbine - May 23, 2010
Race 6 - 3:25 PM Exactor / Triactor / Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8)
STAKES La Lorgnette S.
Purse $150,000. (Plus $50,000 – State Bred). For Three-Year-Old Fillies. By subscription of $150 each which shall accompany the nomination and an additional $1,500 when making entry. The purse to be divided: 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 11% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth. Weight: 123 Lbs. Non-winners of a Sweepstakes of $60,000 twice at a mile or over, allowed 3 Lbs.; Of a Sweepstakes of $60,000 once at a mile or over, 5 Lbs.; Of a Sweepstakes of $60,000 at any distance, 7 Lbs. (Maiden or claiming races not considered.) (No Canadian Bred Allowance.) Final entries to be made through the entry box at the closing time then in effect for overnight events. A supplemental nomination may be made no later than the time of final entry, by a non-refundable fee of $3,000, which includes the entry fee. * Plus up to $16,200 Ontario Sired/Ontario Bred Breeder Awards. One And One Sixteenth Miles. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Biofuel (KY) 3/F L E R Da Silva 120 R Baker 9/5
2 2 Moment of Majesty (ON) 3/F L R C Landry 116 S Leslie 10/1
3 3 Ernfold (ON) 3/F L* J McAleney 116 R L Attfield 2/1
4 4 Tee Game (ON) 3/F L S Callaghan 116 M J Doyle 8/1
5 5 Empire Spring (KY) 3/F L P Husbands 116 C Clement 6/1
6 6 Redverse (KY) 3/F L E Ramsammy 116 J Carroll 4/1
7 7 Witch's Coven (KY) 3/F L E Wilson 116 D R Bell 15/1
This is an interesting race, because all but three are ineligble for the Woodbine Oaks. However, last year's 2-3 went 1-2 in the Oaks (Milwakee Appeal and Tasty Temptation) before going 3-4 in the Queen's Plate. This is Biofuel's race to lose however, I think a horse who is being over looked is Empire Spring. She's by Empire Maker out of a Strivinsky mare Our Rite of Spring who won a small stakes at Aqueduct a few years ago. I should note that Our Rite of Spring is a half sister to Hard Spun, so a little bit of bias is upcoming in my picks. Yes it took a while to break her maiden, but the 2 of the 3 (not sure about the third) winners went on to be graded stakes winners (the late The Mailet and Crisp respectivly). The times she's been out of the top three, she's finished 4th one of those times being nosed out for third. A win here will be huge, especially against Biofuel, but I think she can do it. For third I'm going with Moment of Majesty.
Top Three:
Empire Spring (Hard Spun's niece does her uncle proud)
Biofuel (IMO a little bit overrated as she either wins or fails to finish in the top 3, class keeps her in the top three in this race)
Moment of Majesty (a little bit of a coin flip as I wanted to include one of the CAN breds, and she seemed to be the best of the three choices, besides she's by Saint Liam so she's a rare one as he sadly only had one crop. Plus she's owned by former Toranto Maple Leaf, Curtis Joseph.)
Anyway I hope everybody has a wonderful and safe weekend! I will be back on Sunday night with a recap then the Met Mile vault will be begining.
Monmouth Park - May 22, 2010
Race 5 - 2:50 PM Win, Place and Show Exacta, Trifecta and 10-Cent Superfecta Daily Double (Races 5-6)/Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7)
STAKES Decathlon S.
Purse $100,000. For Three-Year-Olds And Upward. No fee to nominate, $600 to pass the entry box with starters to receive a minimum of $1,500 each. Three-Year-Olds: 117 Lbs.; Older: 123 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000 twice since February 15 allowed 2 Lbs.; $45,000 in 2010, 4 Lbs.; $30,000 since April 1 or a sweepstakes in 2010, 6 Lbs. (Maiden, claiming and starter races not considered.) The winning owner to receive a trophy. Closed Friday, May 14, 2010 with 20 nominations. A $400 supplemental nomination was made at time of entry, Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Six Furlongs.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Lit'sgoodlookngray (CA) 6/G L* G K Gomez 117 R B Hess, Jr. 5/1
2 2 Tommy's Memory (FL) 4/G L D D Amiss 121 A J Ryan 8/1
3 3 Congressional Page (KY) 5/G L* C H Marquez, Jr. 117 M J Trombetta 4/1
4 4 Mannington (FL) 5/G L E Trujillo 121 T M Pompay 9/2
5 5 Go Go Shoot (FL) 5/G L J R Velazquez 117 T A Pletcher 2/1
6 6 Mr. Fantasy (NY) 4/C L E Castro 117 M E Hushion 3/1
7 7 At the Disco (NJ) 6/H L P Lopez 117 M Hartmann 15/1
This is Go Go Shoot's (aka Basket) first race in the Pletcher barn and this is his first start of the year. Mr. Fantasy is always there at the end. Congressional Page will be tough, but I really haven't heard of the other horses. This is Basket's race to lose, he loves Monmouth and it should set him up for a good showing at Saratoga in the Vanderbilt (hopefully!).
Top three:
Go Go Shoot (BASKET!!!!!)
Mr. Fantasy (won't be suprised if he wins)
Mannington (just for his name)
Up in Canada on Sunday:
Woodbine - May 23, 2010
Race 6 - 3:25 PM Exactor / Triactor / Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8)
STAKES La Lorgnette S.
Purse $150,000. (Plus $50,000 – State Bred). For Three-Year-Old Fillies. By subscription of $150 each which shall accompany the nomination and an additional $1,500 when making entry. The purse to be divided: 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 11% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth. Weight: 123 Lbs. Non-winners of a Sweepstakes of $60,000 twice at a mile or over, allowed 3 Lbs.; Of a Sweepstakes of $60,000 once at a mile or over, 5 Lbs.; Of a Sweepstakes of $60,000 at any distance, 7 Lbs. (Maiden or claiming races not considered.) (No Canadian Bred Allowance.) Final entries to be made through the entry box at the closing time then in effect for overnight events. A supplemental nomination may be made no later than the time of final entry, by a non-refundable fee of $3,000, which includes the entry fee. * Plus up to $16,200 Ontario Sired/Ontario Bred Breeder Awards. One And One Sixteenth Miles. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Biofuel (KY) 3/F L E R Da Silva 120 R Baker 9/5
2 2 Moment of Majesty (ON) 3/F L R C Landry 116 S Leslie 10/1
3 3 Ernfold (ON) 3/F L* J McAleney 116 R L Attfield 2/1
4 4 Tee Game (ON) 3/F L S Callaghan 116 M J Doyle 8/1
5 5 Empire Spring (KY) 3/F L P Husbands 116 C Clement 6/1
6 6 Redverse (KY) 3/F L E Ramsammy 116 J Carroll 4/1
7 7 Witch's Coven (KY) 3/F L E Wilson 116 D R Bell 15/1
This is an interesting race, because all but three are ineligble for the Woodbine Oaks. However, last year's 2-3 went 1-2 in the Oaks (Milwakee Appeal and Tasty Temptation) before going 3-4 in the Queen's Plate. This is Biofuel's race to lose however, I think a horse who is being over looked is Empire Spring. She's by Empire Maker out of a Strivinsky mare Our Rite of Spring who won a small stakes at Aqueduct a few years ago. I should note that Our Rite of Spring is a half sister to Hard Spun, so a little bit of bias is upcoming in my picks. Yes it took a while to break her maiden, but the 2 of the 3 (not sure about the third) winners went on to be graded stakes winners (the late The Mailet and Crisp respectivly). The times she's been out of the top three, she's finished 4th one of those times being nosed out for third. A win here will be huge, especially against Biofuel, but I think she can do it. For third I'm going with Moment of Majesty.
Top Three:
Empire Spring (Hard Spun's niece does her uncle proud)
Biofuel (IMO a little bit overrated as she either wins or fails to finish in the top 3, class keeps her in the top three in this race)
Moment of Majesty (a little bit of a coin flip as I wanted to include one of the CAN breds, and she seemed to be the best of the three choices, besides she's by Saint Liam so she's a rare one as he sadly only had one crop. Plus she's owned by former Toranto Maple Leaf, Curtis Joseph.)
Anyway I hope everybody has a wonderful and safe weekend! I will be back on Sunday night with a recap then the Met Mile vault will be begining.
September 18, 2009
The return of Midshipman
The 2yo champion male Midshipman returns today in an Opt. Claimer/Allowance at Belmont. This will be his first start wearing the Godolphin colors after wrapping up the year in the colors of Darley. However, he wasn't always a Darley/Godolphin horse. He was aquired by Darley when they bought most of Stonerside's horses (they did not aquire the stallions or Cowboy Cal). Here is a race where he was wearing the Stonerside colors, the 2008 Del Mar Futurity.
While today maybe his return, I'm not picking him to win. Instead I'm going with the Lael owned Just Ben, who is a very speedy horse as he showed on the Belmont undercard (when he was owned by Zayat).
Juvis rule the weekend with the Matron and Futurity at Belmont, up in Canada it's Woodbine's big weekend (outside of Queen's Plate Day) with the Woodbine Mile. Can Ventura rebound from two heart breaking losses against Gio Ponti and Informed Decideson? Or will Bribon continue his acent to the top of the Older Male Divideson. Also going Sunday defending Eclipse winner F/M turf Forever Together who looks like she is following the same path that she took last year.
The Race Horse Idol has been delayed! When I'll start it up? I'm not sure, but I do appologize for the inconvience. And thank you everyone for your patience.
While today maybe his return, I'm not picking him to win. Instead I'm going with the Lael owned Just Ben, who is a very speedy horse as he showed on the Belmont undercard (when he was owned by Zayat).
Juvis rule the weekend with the Matron and Futurity at Belmont, up in Canada it's Woodbine's big weekend (outside of Queen's Plate Day) with the Woodbine Mile. Can Ventura rebound from two heart breaking losses against Gio Ponti and Informed Decideson? Or will Bribon continue his acent to the top of the Older Male Divideson. Also going Sunday defending Eclipse winner F/M turf Forever Together who looks like she is following the same path that she took last year.
The Race Horse Idol has been delayed! When I'll start it up? I'm not sure, but I do appologize for the inconvience. And thank you everyone for your patience.
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