Girl power! Lexie Lou gave her trainer Mark Casse his first Queen's Plate winner when she defeated Ami's Holiday and Asserting Bear. We Miss Artie who was the favorite had a poor start, but rallied to finish fourth. I don't think Lexie is a Triple Crown candidate (even though she has the pedigree to do so).
Showing posts with label girls rule. Show all posts
Showing posts with label girls rule. Show all posts
January 17, 2012
Eclipse Recap
Here are the results for the Eclipse, as well as my thoughts.
2yo Male: Hansen- Say what you may about him, the right horse won the award. He beat Union Rags on the track where it counts.
2yo Female: My Miss Aurelia- Nice that we heard from her namesake, but Barbara Banke was just as bad as her late husband when it comes to length.
3yo Male: Animal Kingdom- Three votes separated him and Caleb's Posse, and becomes the first Derby winner since Big Brown to win the award. However, I didn't agree with the decision (I was saying on both Twitter and Facebook that it was BS). Caleb won 2 G1's over a BC race winner from the year before and a TC race winner. Plus he defeated Archarcharch earlier in the year. Animal Kingdom got a great ride in what turned out (at least to me) the worst Derby in quite a while. I'm hoping that Caleb kicks butt this year while I believe Animal Kingdom will struggle. Especially with where he's going.
3yo Female: Royal Delta- No surprise, she deserved it, but Awesome Feather got a few votes? Really?
Older Male: Acclamation- In the end his win in a G1 nullified his G3 last place finish. Deserved it over the two other candidates who had good, but not great seasons. HOY Finalist
Older Female: Havre de Grace- Was there ever a doubt? Was very surprising that Maria got a vote instead of just Grace and Clover. HOY Finalist
Turf Male: Cape Blanco- Another not surprising choice, I had heard some people voted for Acclamation, so I figured that the vote would be close, but it wasn't. HOY Finalist
Turf Female: Stacelita- Did her owner really have to give her life story? Another non surprise, but I somewhat hoping that Perfect Shirl would have pulled off the upset.
Male Sprinter: Amazombie- I feel bad for Caleb, he didn't have a chance in this category and he lost his other category by a very slim margin. This was the biggest cheer I heard all night, at least to me it was.
Female Sprinter: Musical Romance- Honestly this was the award that I wasn't a 100% who would get it, but I'm not sure if the right horse won. Then again I was hoping that Sassy Image would be the winner.
Owner: Ken and Sarah Ramsey- Really glad they won and not Team Valor. Hopefully Stephanie's Kitten does well for them this year.
Breeder: Adena Springs- This. Is. BS. Really, I can't name a single Adena bred who won a stakes race this past year (not saying there where none, just at the top of my head I can't think of any). I find it funny that when the awards are on his station, Frank Stronach actually shows up (he usually lets his wife handle the awards).
Trainer: Bill Mott- The right person won, you can't take away who Drosselmeyer and Royal Delta did this year in the BC. Just like in 1995, he wins the Eclipse for Trainer.
Apprentice Jockey: Kyle Frey- The most heartwrenching as he was griving the loss of his grandfather. A superstar could be born at Phila, I mean Parx.
Jockey: Ramon Domingez- The Mid-Atlantic is the place to be. Sure he's based in New York now, but he dominated Delaware for years and rode Grace in all, but 1 of her wins in 2011 (Obeah was ridden by Gabriel Saez since it was the same day as the Belmont, Gabe rides her in morning workouts).
HORSE OF THE YEAR: There where three finalists, all deserving of the accolade to make it to this list. Acclamation, Cape Blanco and Havre de Grace. All three of them had the same amount of G1 wins, 3. All three had faced the best of their division, and all three where the winners of their division's Eclipse. In the end though only one horse could win, and that horse was....
2yo Male: Hansen- Say what you may about him, the right horse won the award. He beat Union Rags on the track where it counts.
2yo Female: My Miss Aurelia- Nice that we heard from her namesake, but Barbara Banke was just as bad as her late husband when it comes to length.
3yo Male: Animal Kingdom- Three votes separated him and Caleb's Posse, and becomes the first Derby winner since Big Brown to win the award. However, I didn't agree with the decision (I was saying on both Twitter and Facebook that it was BS). Caleb won 2 G1's over a BC race winner from the year before and a TC race winner. Plus he defeated Archarcharch earlier in the year. Animal Kingdom got a great ride in what turned out (at least to me) the worst Derby in quite a while. I'm hoping that Caleb kicks butt this year while I believe Animal Kingdom will struggle. Especially with where he's going.
3yo Female: Royal Delta- No surprise, she deserved it, but Awesome Feather got a few votes? Really?
Older Male: Acclamation- In the end his win in a G1 nullified his G3 last place finish. Deserved it over the two other candidates who had good, but not great seasons. HOY Finalist
Older Female: Havre de Grace- Was there ever a doubt? Was very surprising that Maria got a vote instead of just Grace and Clover. HOY Finalist
Turf Male: Cape Blanco- Another not surprising choice, I had heard some people voted for Acclamation, so I figured that the vote would be close, but it wasn't. HOY Finalist
Turf Female: Stacelita- Did her owner really have to give her life story? Another non surprise, but I somewhat hoping that Perfect Shirl would have pulled off the upset.
Male Sprinter: Amazombie- I feel bad for Caleb, he didn't have a chance in this category and he lost his other category by a very slim margin. This was the biggest cheer I heard all night, at least to me it was.
Female Sprinter: Musical Romance- Honestly this was the award that I wasn't a 100% who would get it, but I'm not sure if the right horse won. Then again I was hoping that Sassy Image would be the winner.
Owner: Ken and Sarah Ramsey- Really glad they won and not Team Valor. Hopefully Stephanie's Kitten does well for them this year.
Breeder: Adena Springs- This. Is. BS. Really, I can't name a single Adena bred who won a stakes race this past year (not saying there where none, just at the top of my head I can't think of any). I find it funny that when the awards are on his station, Frank Stronach actually shows up (he usually lets his wife handle the awards).
Trainer: Bill Mott- The right person won, you can't take away who Drosselmeyer and Royal Delta did this year in the BC. Just like in 1995, he wins the Eclipse for Trainer.
Apprentice Jockey: Kyle Frey- The most heartwrenching as he was griving the loss of his grandfather. A superstar could be born at Phila, I mean Parx.
Jockey: Ramon Domingez- The Mid-Atlantic is the place to be. Sure he's based in New York now, but he dominated Delaware for years and rode Grace in all, but 1 of her wins in 2011 (Obeah was ridden by Gabriel Saez since it was the same day as the Belmont, Gabe rides her in morning workouts).
HORSE OF THE YEAR: There where three finalists, all deserving of the accolade to make it to this list. Acclamation, Cape Blanco and Havre de Grace. All three of them had the same amount of G1 wins, 3. All three had faced the best of their division, and all three where the winners of their division's Eclipse. In the end though only one horse could win, and that horse was....
Grace!!! Say what you may about who she ran against, and that she didn't win the Classic. However, she defeated the Ladies Classic winner and the F/M Sprint runner up. Plus her final duel with Blind Luck In the end, the right horse won the Award.
ESPN's Jeannine Edwards was the host, and considering the circumstances she did an okay job. HRTV on the other hand, did a poor job with making it look like a rush job, although it turned out to be a last minute addition as Jason Shandler writes. I do disagree with him about making it look like how the MLB, NFL and NBA does it. I feel that they do a poor job by stretching it out since we have to wait for a certin award to come if we don't care about the rest of them. NHL, I feel is the only one that does it correctly in holding a ceremony right after the Stanley Cup Finals are over. Maybe that is something that the NTRA should look at for future years down the road is to hold it right after the Breeders' Cup at a nice hotel near the host track.
In the end, awards are now over and we don't have to think about them again... until this upcoming November.
June 26, 2011
Dare We Say
That not only the best 3yo in training in North America is a filly, but she is actually based in Canada? Inglorious not only becomes the first filly since Dancethruthedawn to win the Queen's Plate, but she did it in style. Coming off the pace, the daughter of Hennessy to grind down the pacesetter Hippolytus who the third longest shot on the board. The favorite Plate Trial winner Check Your Soul showed nothing, finishing a lackluster seventh. This is Josie Caroll's second Plate winner (she is the only female to win the Plate as a trainer), and the first for her owners who used to own Careless Jewel who I saw in person a few years ago win the Delaware Oaks.
The American based horses got their butts kicked finishing 4th, 5th, and 12th (plus a US owner with a CAN based trainer finished 14th). Chantal Sutherland was top US based jockey with a third place finish, but she had been based at Woodbine her entire career until this past Spring, so in those who didn't the experience on the track that she had then it's Johnny V. And lets face it, Ahmed Zayat is cursed no matter the country.
The next TC race is the Prince of Wales at Fort Erie run at the same distance as the Preakness 1 3/16. Obviously the distance won't be a concern considering Inglorious has already won at a mile and a quarter, but the surface might a little bit. She has run well on dirt (has a G3 runner up finish to her name), but she might be a little bit better on the synth. Or we could see her in the Alabama or heck even the Travers. It will be interesting where she goes.
Also Dear American Graded Stakes Committee,
Can you now please upgrade the Fair Grounds Oaks to a G1? Proud Spell, Rachel, St. John's River and Inglorious the past 4 years have come out of this race. Sure Daisy Devine isn't that great a horse, but SJR and Inglorious have made up for it. Thanks!
Yep I think the FG Oaks has done enough to deserve that G1 status. Now the question is will the AGS agree. We'll have to wait until December for that answer, but for now lets enjoy this truly remarkable filly.
The American based horses got their butts kicked finishing 4th, 5th, and 12th (plus a US owner with a CAN based trainer finished 14th). Chantal Sutherland was top US based jockey with a third place finish, but she had been based at Woodbine her entire career until this past Spring, so in those who didn't the experience on the track that she had then it's Johnny V. And lets face it, Ahmed Zayat is cursed no matter the country.
The next TC race is the Prince of Wales at Fort Erie run at the same distance as the Preakness 1 3/16. Obviously the distance won't be a concern considering Inglorious has already won at a mile and a quarter, but the surface might a little bit. She has run well on dirt (has a G3 runner up finish to her name), but she might be a little bit better on the synth. Or we could see her in the Alabama or heck even the Travers. It will be interesting where she goes.
Also Dear American Graded Stakes Committee,
Can you now please upgrade the Fair Grounds Oaks to a G1? Proud Spell, Rachel, St. John's River and Inglorious the past 4 years have come out of this race. Sure Daisy Devine isn't that great a horse, but SJR and Inglorious have made up for it. Thanks!
Yep I think the FG Oaks has done enough to deserve that G1 status. Now the question is will the AGS agree. We'll have to wait until December for that answer, but for now lets enjoy this truly remarkable filly.
January 17, 2011
November 9, 2009
Simply the Best: Zenyatta
Unfortanlly the video doesn't allow embedding, so here is a link to Tina Turner's Simply the Best. And that's what Zenyatta was on Saturday.
I had planned to do a full recap of each of the 14 races on today, but this girl deserves her own post tonight. What an historic achivement that she did, first female to ever win the Breeders' Cup Classic something Azeri couldn't do. The question is do can you deny her Horse of the Year, I say no. However, I also think Rachel Alexandra deserves Horse of the Year as well. That's right I think there should be Co-Horse of the Year, they both deserve it. It's really a shame that they are not going to face each other, that would have settled the confusion and we may have had a clear cut Horse of the Year. And people like to blame one connections over the other, I'm going to blame both. Jess Jackson should have brought Rachel to Santa Anita and Jerry Moss should have brought Zenyatta to Belmont or Saratoga. What Santa Anita have done is make special accomandations for Rachel and NYRA should have excused Zenyatta from going to the detention barn. Unfortnally that was never ment to be, and they stayed their seperate paths. This is going to be an interesting debate for the rest of the year and we won't know till January of who will be HOY. Until then let's enjoy the Amazon that is Zenyatta Mondatta (the full title of the Police album that she is named after, of course Jerry Moss is the M in A & M Records where the Police made their name in the US.)
Congrats to John and Dottie Shirreffs, her trainer and the racing manager for her owners respectivly, jockey Mike Smith, Jerry and Ann Moss her owners, the entire Shirreffs barn for their sweep of the Ladies Classic and Classic, and of course Zenyatta's parents Street Cry and Vertigineux.
Tomorrow I will recap the rest of the 2 days of action and then will be taking the rest of the week off to recover from an exciting two days of racing. Starting next week I'll be sharing some of my favorite races of the year, plus comparing this year's 3yo's to one of my favorite 3yo year 2007. Also I will be starting to share stories of retired thoroughbred race horses in the upcoming weeks.
I had planned to do a full recap of each of the 14 races on today, but this girl deserves her own post tonight. What an historic achivement that she did, first female to ever win the Breeders' Cup Classic something Azeri couldn't do. The question is do can you deny her Horse of the Year, I say no. However, I also think Rachel Alexandra deserves Horse of the Year as well. That's right I think there should be Co-Horse of the Year, they both deserve it. It's really a shame that they are not going to face each other, that would have settled the confusion and we may have had a clear cut Horse of the Year. And people like to blame one connections over the other, I'm going to blame both. Jess Jackson should have brought Rachel to Santa Anita and Jerry Moss should have brought Zenyatta to Belmont or Saratoga. What Santa Anita have done is make special accomandations for Rachel and NYRA should have excused Zenyatta from going to the detention barn. Unfortnally that was never ment to be, and they stayed their seperate paths. This is going to be an interesting debate for the rest of the year and we won't know till January of who will be HOY. Until then let's enjoy the Amazon that is Zenyatta Mondatta (the full title of the Police album that she is named after, of course Jerry Moss is the M in A & M Records where the Police made their name in the US.)
Congrats to John and Dottie Shirreffs, her trainer and the racing manager for her owners respectivly, jockey Mike Smith, Jerry and Ann Moss her owners, the entire Shirreffs barn for their sweep of the Ladies Classic and Classic, and of course Zenyatta's parents Street Cry and Vertigineux.
Tomorrow I will recap the rest of the 2 days of action and then will be taking the rest of the week off to recover from an exciting two days of racing. Starting next week I'll be sharing some of my favorite races of the year, plus comparing this year's 3yo's to one of my favorite 3yo year 2007. Also I will be starting to share stories of retired thoroughbred race horses in the upcoming weeks.
October 11, 2009
The Zengend
I appoligze for not having a post Thursday, unfortanlly the meeting I had for my vol. job ran longer then I expected (and I gotta do some stuff for that too ack!), so I did not get a chance to type up a preview for this weekend. However I do have time to do a recap of this past weekends races.
Starting off on Thursday when my favorite 2yo Rule, finally broke his maiden at Belmont. Huge congrats to WinStar Farm (his owner and breeder), and trainer Todd Pletcher. Friday with at opening day at Keenland. Sadly one of my favorite 2yo's this season, a Forest Danger colt named Gun Rock broke down after finishing 5th behind Liston (Country Star's half brother and who won the race that Brother Bird, Mine That Bird's half brother made his debut in), and was euthanized. He was trained by Barclay Tagg and owned by Fox Hill Farm. The stakes races at Keenland on Friday where ruled by defending Candian Horse of the Year Fatal Bullet, and former Canada based Negligee.
I spent yesterday at Delaware Park where it was Fan Apprication Day. Although my sister, who I will admit is not a horse racing fan, was not happy about going. However, she was a good sport and came anyway. It was supposed to be the Alex show, what I mean by that is former DP based Afleet Alex had two sons in the feature the Dover Stakes. They where Kratisto and Quick Ride, unfortanlly they ran 3rd (Quick Ride) and 6th (Kratisto) respectfully. Upsetting the field was Citrus Kid, and unfortanlly my pick Ennis was last. I have several photos to share, but that will wait until tomorrow when I do my DP season ending wrap up.
Then it was Santa Anita time, unfortanlly Mine That Bird was sixth as Gitmo Hernarando upset Colonal John and Richard's Kid, in the Goodwood. Meanwhile Zenyatta tied the great Personal Ensign with her 13 win in a row to remain undefeated in the Lady's Secret. Her next race will be either the Ladies Classic or the Classic. IMO if she goes in the Classic and wins, she is Horse of the Year. Which is a shame as I think it should be co-Horse of the Year with her and Rachel Alexandra as they would have both beaten the boys in the biggest races of the year. Both of them are future Hall of Famers and maybe, just maybe next year we will see these two face off at last.
Presious Passion, Mushka (via DQ) and Gayego all won their G1 races today. It will be a very interesting Breeder's Cup Turf, Ladies Classic (aka Distaff) and Sprint with those three in those respective races.
This week is going to be a bit of a crazy one as it's Homecoming week at my vol. job, so the posts maybe short and to the point, I do appogize for those type of posts in advance. Tomorrow I will have some of my best photos of the year from Delaware Park.
Starting off on Thursday when my favorite 2yo Rule, finally broke his maiden at Belmont. Huge congrats to WinStar Farm (his owner and breeder), and trainer Todd Pletcher. Friday with at opening day at Keenland. Sadly one of my favorite 2yo's this season, a Forest Danger colt named Gun Rock broke down after finishing 5th behind Liston (Country Star's half brother and who won the race that Brother Bird, Mine That Bird's half brother made his debut in), and was euthanized. He was trained by Barclay Tagg and owned by Fox Hill Farm. The stakes races at Keenland on Friday where ruled by defending Candian Horse of the Year Fatal Bullet, and former Canada based Negligee.
I spent yesterday at Delaware Park where it was Fan Apprication Day. Although my sister, who I will admit is not a horse racing fan, was not happy about going. However, she was a good sport and came anyway. It was supposed to be the Alex show, what I mean by that is former DP based Afleet Alex had two sons in the feature the Dover Stakes. They where Kratisto and Quick Ride, unfortanlly they ran 3rd (Quick Ride) and 6th (Kratisto) respectfully. Upsetting the field was Citrus Kid, and unfortanlly my pick Ennis was last. I have several photos to share, but that will wait until tomorrow when I do my DP season ending wrap up.
Then it was Santa Anita time, unfortanlly Mine That Bird was sixth as Gitmo Hernarando upset Colonal John and Richard's Kid, in the Goodwood. Meanwhile Zenyatta tied the great Personal Ensign with her 13 win in a row to remain undefeated in the Lady's Secret. Her next race will be either the Ladies Classic or the Classic. IMO if she goes in the Classic and wins, she is Horse of the Year. Which is a shame as I think it should be co-Horse of the Year with her and Rachel Alexandra as they would have both beaten the boys in the biggest races of the year. Both of them are future Hall of Famers and maybe, just maybe next year we will see these two face off at last.
Presious Passion, Mushka (via DQ) and Gayego all won their G1 races today. It will be a very interesting Breeder's Cup Turf, Ladies Classic (aka Distaff) and Sprint with those three in those respective races.
This week is going to be a bit of a crazy one as it's Homecoming week at my vol. job, so the posts maybe short and to the point, I do appogize for those type of posts in advance. Tomorrow I will have some of my best photos of the year from Delaware Park.
September 20, 2009
The Year of the Female
First there is Zenyatta winning with heart and class on the West Coast and of course Rachel Alexandra in the East, add in the super 4yo Goldkovia and "undefeated" 3yo Stacelita in Europe (undefeated is in quotes as in her last race she was elevated from second after Dar Re Mi was DQ'ed), and of course the boy beating 2yo Necssary Evil (who is on the sidelines right now with an injury.
The Year of the Female continued today with Ventura's win in the Woodbine Mile. She not only beat Rahy's Attorney who she lost to last year, but she beat Bribon, who outside of Gio Ponti could be the best older male in the US. And while this was a win and your in for the BC Mile (Turf), from what I read, she will go to BC Filly and Mare Sprint where she is the defending champion.
Here is her win from today:
So you have the following fillies have won or finished in the top three in open company in North America. Please keep in mind I know I'm probley missing a few.
Rachel Alexandra- wins in the Preakness, Haskell and Woodward
Allicansay is Wow- 2nd Del Mar Mile
Lethal Heat- 3rd Del Mar Mile
Ventura- 2nd Kilore Mile and win in the Woodbine Mile
Necesary Evil- win in the Hollywood Juvenile
Evita Argentina- win in the San Vincente
Life is Sweet- 3rd Hollywood Gold Cup
With her win today, it flatters... Gio Ponti who beat her by a nose earlier this year in the Kilore.
In other news: Forever Together lost a heartbreaker today also at Woodbine, while stablemate Just As Well won the Northern Dancer via DQ.
Next weekend is another light one, and then the weekend after that the final major preps for the Breeder's Cup begin. Can Macho Again become the latest horse to get his heart broken by Rachel and come back to win? We'll have to wait and see!
The Year of the Female continued today with Ventura's win in the Woodbine Mile. She not only beat Rahy's Attorney who she lost to last year, but she beat Bribon, who outside of Gio Ponti could be the best older male in the US. And while this was a win and your in for the BC Mile (Turf), from what I read, she will go to BC Filly and Mare Sprint where she is the defending champion.
Here is her win from today:
So you have the following fillies have won or finished in the top three in open company in North America. Please keep in mind I know I'm probley missing a few.
Rachel Alexandra- wins in the Preakness, Haskell and Woodward
Allicansay is Wow- 2nd Del Mar Mile
Lethal Heat- 3rd Del Mar Mile
Ventura- 2nd Kilore Mile and win in the Woodbine Mile
Necesary Evil- win in the Hollywood Juvenile
Evita Argentina- win in the San Vincente
Life is Sweet- 3rd Hollywood Gold Cup
With her win today, it flatters... Gio Ponti who beat her by a nose earlier this year in the Kilore.
In other news: Forever Together lost a heartbreaker today also at Woodbine, while stablemate Just As Well won the Northern Dancer via DQ.
Next weekend is another light one, and then the weekend after that the final major preps for the Breeder's Cup begin. Can Macho Again become the latest horse to get his heart broken by Rachel and come back to win? We'll have to wait and see!
September 7, 2009
It's a Girl's World! (and the boys are just living in it)
When you look back in the record books at the Woodward in a few years you'll see legendary names: Kelso, Forego, Seattle Slew, Damascus, Buckpasser, Spectacler Bid, Affirmed, Alysheba, Easy Goer, Saint Liam and Curlin are just a few of the horses to win the Woodward. Rachel Alexandra added her name to this list fighting off Macho Again in the final few yards.
First off I gotta give some love to Macho Again, as his connections took a chance and almost upset Rachel. Bullsbay showed that his Whitney win was no fluke as well, Asiatic Boy pretty much showed that while he was the best in Dubai, he's not tops here. Also can Da' Tara please retire with grace, this is the second race in a row he was eased. Maybe he's just not interested in racing anymore.
Now of course Rachel will have her detractors, but lets look at who she has beaten.
KY Derby winner Mine That Bird
Belmont and Travers winner Summer Bird
Tom Fool winner Munnings
Victory Ride winner Sara Louise (the last horse who has beaten her)
Silverbulletday winner War Echo
Eight Belles winner Four Gifts
Susan's Girl winner Bon Jovi Girl
Acorn winner Gabby's Golden Gal
Test winner Flashing
Secretriat winner Take the Points
Monmouth Oaks winner Just Jenda
Whitney winner Bullsbay
Stephen Foster winner Macho Again
UAE Triple Crown winner Asiatic Boy
Belmont winner Da' Tara
A pretty nice list considering that the older males and 3yo male class has taken a slight hit. More then likely she is done for the year, unless Zenyatta comes over from California and runs in the Beledame. However, this is extreamly unlikely and we'll have to wait and see if this happens.
More history was made today as Linda Rice became the first female trainer to win a major training title in the US. She defeated Todd Pletcher by 1 win. Also Dancing Brook Gal defeated the males in the All American Futurity. So the girl power rages on!
I'll have another post either Weds or Thursday!
First off I gotta give some love to Macho Again, as his connections took a chance and almost upset Rachel. Bullsbay showed that his Whitney win was no fluke as well, Asiatic Boy pretty much showed that while he was the best in Dubai, he's not tops here. Also can Da' Tara please retire with grace, this is the second race in a row he was eased. Maybe he's just not interested in racing anymore.
Now of course Rachel will have her detractors, but lets look at who she has beaten.
KY Derby winner Mine That Bird
Belmont and Travers winner Summer Bird
Tom Fool winner Munnings
Victory Ride winner Sara Louise (the last horse who has beaten her)
Silverbulletday winner War Echo
Eight Belles winner Four Gifts
Susan's Girl winner Bon Jovi Girl
Acorn winner Gabby's Golden Gal
Test winner Flashing
Secretriat winner Take the Points
Monmouth Oaks winner Just Jenda
Whitney winner Bullsbay
Stephen Foster winner Macho Again
UAE Triple Crown winner Asiatic Boy
Belmont winner Da' Tara
A pretty nice list considering that the older males and 3yo male class has taken a slight hit. More then likely she is done for the year, unless Zenyatta comes over from California and runs in the Beledame. However, this is extreamly unlikely and we'll have to wait and see if this happens.
More history was made today as Linda Rice became the first female trainer to win a major training title in the US. She defeated Todd Pletcher by 1 win. Also Dancing Brook Gal defeated the males in the All American Futurity. So the girl power rages on!
I'll have another post either Weds or Thursday!
May 26, 2009
Making up Minds is hard
I hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day weekend. I personally had a fantastic one, but it is now time to go back to bussiness.
First off the Queen of Racing returned this weekend, Zenyatta pretty much beat a bunch of listed stakes/G3 stakes horses and her stablemate Life is Sweet. Now nothing to take away from Zenyatta, who is an amazing horse, but her connections are going a bit on the concertive side this year. What do I mean that, I present the following from DRF.com, what her trainer John Shirreffs said. (I should note that his wife, is the racing manager for Zenyatta's owners Jerry and Ann Moss)
"Shirreffs is not interested in trying Zenyatta against males in a race such as the $700,000 Hollywood Gold Cup on July 11.
'The Gold Cup is a mile and a quarter," he said. "She's never run that far. It would be an ambitious spot and against the boys? Let's make it even harder.'"
To me this sounds like they are trying to avoid the boys, and Rachel Alexandra (IF that matchup comes it will be on the East Coast as Jess Jackson is not too thrilled in bringing Rach to run over the plastic, even though she has a win over it, abeit in an allowance at Keenland. Still she beat her new stablemate (And recent Eight Belles S. winner) Four Gifts in that allowance). Hopefully they will change their minds and maybe point to the Pacific Classic, that will set her up perfectly for either the Goodwood (If they want to go to the Classic) or the Lady's Secret (If they want to go to the Distaff (Sorry I just can't call it the Ladies Classic)).
Here is a vid of this year's Milady with the very uber impressive win by the Queen of Racing.
Speaking of making up minds, Rach's connections have not decided if she will go to the Belmont or not, link. As a fan, I would love to see her go and try to become the first filly to win 2 legs of the Triple Crown. However, the Preakness was a hard race, she did not like the track according to Calvin Borel, and had it been longer, Mine That Bird would have caught her most likely. Luckly, Steve Asmussen and Jess Jackson are letting her dictate what they decide to do. If she does not go, then look for her two weeks later in the Mother Goose.
Does this mean Mine That Bird, gets Calvin back? Not quite yet, link. His connections are giving Borel a few more days to think about it. We might not know who is riding Mine until possibly we know if Rach is going or not. If Cal does ride Mine and Rach is going, look for Robby Alberado to ride. Not a bad replacement though, especially since he beat Rach twice, once on Garden District (who hasn't done anything since that win, my guess is she's injured or retired) and once on Sara Louise (who now races for Godolphin, we should see her later this year). But then again, he was also the rider on her soon to be husband Curlin. However, I really don't see this happening.
Calvin himself, has been very successful since the Oaks and Derby. He got his 900 win at Churchill the week of the Preakness. That put him #2 on the all time wins list at Churchill, behind the one and only Pat Day. It continued this weekend when he won, I believe 5 races on Saturday. One of those races was the Louisville Handicap, and he won it with an old timer. Brass Hat return to the winner's circle for the first time since capturing the 2007 Mass Cap. This is his first stakes win on turf and pushed him closer to 2 mil in earnings (If it wasn't for a DQ in the 06 World Cup, he would be closer to 3 mil). Buff Bradley trains for his dad Fred. Link Calvin also appeared on several morning programs (Today and Good Morning America in perticler), the following video however, is from Pardon the Interruption.
Also run this weekend was the Metropolitian Handicap, aka the Met Mile. This year, the winner was Bribon, a French bred gelding. It's funny, the three major races in May (Derby, Preakness, Met Mile), where won by 2 geldings and a filly. Congrats to his connections. One of my favorite fillies (other then Rach) is the 4yo Medowlake filly, Maren's Meadow. It's been a rough few months for Maren, her trainer's pony was let out of his stall and a blistering agent was put on his mouth (as far as I know Pal (Larry Jones' pony) has recovered). Then she was sponged before an allowance race at Delaware (she was favored to win), and then folded like a cheap suitcase in the Azeri finishing last. She finally returned to the winner's circle yesterday with a win in the Monmouth Beach Stakes, link. One of my favorite former Delaware Park jockeys Kendrick Charmouche won two stakes yesterday at Mountaineer (link), he's based at Philadelphia Park. And last but not least, Autism Awareness shocked everyone again by taking his second stakes win of his career in the Berkeley, link. I've been following him since his El Camino win. Congrats to his connections.
I'm afraid that I have to end this post on a bit of a sad note, and to relize as much as we love this sport, lives can change in an instant. This weekend that happend at Arlington Park in the suburbs of Chicago. Rene Douglas and Jamie Theriot where running in the Arlington Matron. It was then Sky Mom ridden by Jamie, clipped heels with Born to Be who was ridden by Rene. The consquences where catostrophic, as Rene is in a Chicago area hospital, paralyzed from the waist down, and his mount Born to Be euthanized, link. Sky Mom and Jamie where DQ'ed to last after finishing fifth. On yesterday, the IL Racing Board decided to suspend Jamie for 30 days, link. Even though he is sorry and it was reckless riding, it doesn't make up that two lives where destroyed on Saturday. Rene Douglas' and Jamie Theriot's lives will now be intertwinned in this tragedy. My heart goes out to Rene and the rest of his family. There is a Facebook Group for Rene Douglas that you can visit, here.
First off the Queen of Racing returned this weekend, Zenyatta pretty much beat a bunch of listed stakes/G3 stakes horses and her stablemate Life is Sweet. Now nothing to take away from Zenyatta, who is an amazing horse, but her connections are going a bit on the concertive side this year. What do I mean that, I present the following from DRF.com, what her trainer John Shirreffs said. (I should note that his wife, is the racing manager for Zenyatta's owners Jerry and Ann Moss)
"Shirreffs is not interested in trying Zenyatta against males in a race such as the $700,000 Hollywood Gold Cup on July 11.
'The Gold Cup is a mile and a quarter," he said. "She's never run that far. It would be an ambitious spot and against the boys? Let's make it even harder.'"
To me this sounds like they are trying to avoid the boys, and Rachel Alexandra (IF that matchup comes it will be on the East Coast as Jess Jackson is not too thrilled in bringing Rach to run over the plastic, even though she has a win over it, abeit in an allowance at Keenland. Still she beat her new stablemate (And recent Eight Belles S. winner) Four Gifts in that allowance). Hopefully they will change their minds and maybe point to the Pacific Classic, that will set her up perfectly for either the Goodwood (If they want to go to the Classic) or the Lady's Secret (If they want to go to the Distaff (Sorry I just can't call it the Ladies Classic)).
Here is a vid of this year's Milady with the very uber impressive win by the Queen of Racing.
Speaking of making up minds, Rach's connections have not decided if she will go to the Belmont or not, link. As a fan, I would love to see her go and try to become the first filly to win 2 legs of the Triple Crown. However, the Preakness was a hard race, she did not like the track according to Calvin Borel, and had it been longer, Mine That Bird would have caught her most likely. Luckly, Steve Asmussen and Jess Jackson are letting her dictate what they decide to do. If she does not go, then look for her two weeks later in the Mother Goose.
Does this mean Mine That Bird, gets Calvin back? Not quite yet, link. His connections are giving Borel a few more days to think about it. We might not know who is riding Mine until possibly we know if Rach is going or not. If Cal does ride Mine and Rach is going, look for Robby Alberado to ride. Not a bad replacement though, especially since he beat Rach twice, once on Garden District (who hasn't done anything since that win, my guess is she's injured or retired) and once on Sara Louise (who now races for Godolphin, we should see her later this year). But then again, he was also the rider on her soon to be husband Curlin. However, I really don't see this happening.
Calvin himself, has been very successful since the Oaks and Derby. He got his 900 win at Churchill the week of the Preakness. That put him #2 on the all time wins list at Churchill, behind the one and only Pat Day. It continued this weekend when he won, I believe 5 races on Saturday. One of those races was the Louisville Handicap, and he won it with an old timer. Brass Hat return to the winner's circle for the first time since capturing the 2007 Mass Cap. This is his first stakes win on turf and pushed him closer to 2 mil in earnings (If it wasn't for a DQ in the 06 World Cup, he would be closer to 3 mil). Buff Bradley trains for his dad Fred. Link Calvin also appeared on several morning programs (Today and Good Morning America in perticler), the following video however, is from Pardon the Interruption.
Also run this weekend was the Metropolitian Handicap, aka the Met Mile. This year, the winner was Bribon, a French bred gelding. It's funny, the three major races in May (Derby, Preakness, Met Mile), where won by 2 geldings and a filly. Congrats to his connections. One of my favorite fillies (other then Rach) is the 4yo Medowlake filly, Maren's Meadow. It's been a rough few months for Maren, her trainer's pony was let out of his stall and a blistering agent was put on his mouth (as far as I know Pal (Larry Jones' pony) has recovered). Then she was sponged before an allowance race at Delaware (she was favored to win), and then folded like a cheap suitcase in the Azeri finishing last. She finally returned to the winner's circle yesterday with a win in the Monmouth Beach Stakes, link. One of my favorite former Delaware Park jockeys Kendrick Charmouche won two stakes yesterday at Mountaineer (link), he's based at Philadelphia Park. And last but not least, Autism Awareness shocked everyone again by taking his second stakes win of his career in the Berkeley, link. I've been following him since his El Camino win. Congrats to his connections.
I'm afraid that I have to end this post on a bit of a sad note, and to relize as much as we love this sport, lives can change in an instant. This weekend that happend at Arlington Park in the suburbs of Chicago. Rene Douglas and Jamie Theriot where running in the Arlington Matron. It was then Sky Mom ridden by Jamie, clipped heels with Born to Be who was ridden by Rene. The consquences where catostrophic, as Rene is in a Chicago area hospital, paralyzed from the waist down, and his mount Born to Be euthanized, link. Sky Mom and Jamie where DQ'ed to last after finishing fifth. On yesterday, the IL Racing Board decided to suspend Jamie for 30 days, link. Even though he is sorry and it was reckless riding, it doesn't make up that two lives where destroyed on Saturday. Rene Douglas' and Jamie Theriot's lives will now be intertwinned in this tragedy. My heart goes out to Rene and the rest of his family. There is a Facebook Group for Rene Douglas that you can visit, here.
May 17, 2009
Rachel and the Bird (Preakness review)
Well yesterday's Preakness, was one of the most amazing races I've seen in a long time. Mine That Bird showed that he was no fluke, and Rachel Alexandra showed that she could run with the boys. There where several surprises and disappointments for me personally.
Surprises
Mine That Bird- I actually had him around 4th or 5th, but the way he closed, had it been a little bit longer, we would be talking about a possible Triple Crown winner. Mike Smith was an excellent replacement, which makes you wonder? Will his girlfriend Chantal Sutherland, ride Mine if Rach and Zenyatta (Who I'm starting to have doubts about even making a start this year), go in the BCC. Yes I know it's to early to think that, but can I dream?
Flying Private- Wayne Lukas was right, his Derby was a fluke. Nice job by him and good luck in the Belmont (although he will not be in my top three at all).
Big Drama- He casted himself early yesterday morning, and then freaked out in the gate AND he still finished 5th! Awesome job by him, look out for him later this year.
Payton D'Oro- You're proabley asking yourself, whose this? Well she like Rach is by Medaglia d'Oro. And she won the Black Eyed Susan which was the day before. This filly could make some noise in the Delaware Oaks, which may come up a bit on the weak side this year with the CCA Oaks the week afterwards.
Are Hank Goldberg and I related?- The answer is no, but we had the same trifecta. And well that's it.
Pioneerof the Nile- That I was actually right that he wouldn't run well. Karma sucks doesn't Mr. Zayat. ;)
Jess Jackson and Steve Asmussen- This isn't really a suprise, but I was so happy that they both thanked Hal Wiggins. That was really nice and showed that they knew how special she could be. Yes I know there are people who don't like them (I'm not a huge, huge fan of them myself, but that's a story for another day), but you gotta respect what they did.
Disappointments
Friesan Fire- Why was he in this race? That was a really bad, and thankfully he will skip the Belmont. Hopefully we see him in an easier race later this year. Maybe he was the fluke and not Mine That Bird. A better horse then we've seen in these past two races.
Musket Man- That he's not going to the Belmont. But honestly this is a good thing, he'll be fresher for the rest of the year. And who knows he could end up stealing 3yo male championship from Mine That Bird.
Take the Points- After some comments that his co-owner made a few days ago about Rach, has basically decided that I will from now on look past the owners of a horse that I love/like. With that being said, he should have been able to beat Tone It Down. Makes you wonder excactlly how good the Cali horses are really.
Pioneerof the Nile- Ah you gotta love karma, Mr. Zayat should have kept his mouth shut. I knew he wouldn't do well here, and yes I'm dispointed his proformance. With the exception of Hard Spun, 2nd place finishers from the Derby, who also ran in the Preakness, have finished uptrack. No Belmont for him either, look for him in the Secretariat later this year.
General Quarters- Sigh, another bad proformance. He maybe a G1 winner, but just a touch below the top tier.
Mani Bhavan- Oy, another last place finish for her. But then again, she was coming off a layoff and shortening up. Hopefully she can rebound, but G1 winners at 2 don't always show that form at 3.
Calvin Borel- He was almost too confident, thankfully Rach is an awesome horse and was able to gut it out. While I'm not mad at him for making those comments, I'm just disapointed. But when you think about it, confidence is the key to victory.
Stone Legacy- Yeah, two weeks off wasn't enough for her. Why was she in the Black Eyed Susan?
So even though there will not be a Triple Crown winner this year, you have to wonder. Will Rachel run in the Belmont? If she does can, Mine turn the tables on her? Will Summer Bird, Chocolate Candy, Flying Private, Luv Gov ect. crash the party. Will MDO get a nice colt to run in the race? Who will win the Acorn? Will I be at the Belmont? The last question will be answered withen the next week or so (I hope) and the Acorn on the undercard. But the rest of these questions will be answered in 3 weeks at the oldest and longest Triple Crown race. The Belmont Stakes!
Since the next few weeks are going to be somewhat light (except for next Monday's Met Mile featuring 3yo Mr. Fantasy), will be talking about some of the unknown horses in racing.
Surprises
Mine That Bird- I actually had him around 4th or 5th, but the way he closed, had it been a little bit longer, we would be talking about a possible Triple Crown winner. Mike Smith was an excellent replacement, which makes you wonder? Will his girlfriend Chantal Sutherland, ride Mine if Rach and Zenyatta (Who I'm starting to have doubts about even making a start this year), go in the BCC. Yes I know it's to early to think that, but can I dream?
Flying Private- Wayne Lukas was right, his Derby was a fluke. Nice job by him and good luck in the Belmont (although he will not be in my top three at all).
Big Drama- He casted himself early yesterday morning, and then freaked out in the gate AND he still finished 5th! Awesome job by him, look out for him later this year.
Payton D'Oro- You're proabley asking yourself, whose this? Well she like Rach is by Medaglia d'Oro. And she won the Black Eyed Susan which was the day before. This filly could make some noise in the Delaware Oaks, which may come up a bit on the weak side this year with the CCA Oaks the week afterwards.
Are Hank Goldberg and I related?- The answer is no, but we had the same trifecta. And well that's it.
Pioneerof the Nile- That I was actually right that he wouldn't run well. Karma sucks doesn't Mr. Zayat. ;)
Jess Jackson and Steve Asmussen- This isn't really a suprise, but I was so happy that they both thanked Hal Wiggins. That was really nice and showed that they knew how special she could be. Yes I know there are people who don't like them (I'm not a huge, huge fan of them myself, but that's a story for another day), but you gotta respect what they did.
Disappointments
Friesan Fire- Why was he in this race? That was a really bad, and thankfully he will skip the Belmont. Hopefully we see him in an easier race later this year. Maybe he was the fluke and not Mine That Bird. A better horse then we've seen in these past two races.
Musket Man- That he's not going to the Belmont. But honestly this is a good thing, he'll be fresher for the rest of the year. And who knows he could end up stealing 3yo male championship from Mine That Bird.
Take the Points- After some comments that his co-owner made a few days ago about Rach, has basically decided that I will from now on look past the owners of a horse that I love/like. With that being said, he should have been able to beat Tone It Down. Makes you wonder excactlly how good the Cali horses are really.
Pioneerof the Nile- Ah you gotta love karma, Mr. Zayat should have kept his mouth shut. I knew he wouldn't do well here, and yes I'm dispointed his proformance. With the exception of Hard Spun, 2nd place finishers from the Derby, who also ran in the Preakness, have finished uptrack. No Belmont for him either, look for him in the Secretariat later this year.
General Quarters- Sigh, another bad proformance. He maybe a G1 winner, but just a touch below the top tier.
Mani Bhavan- Oy, another last place finish for her. But then again, she was coming off a layoff and shortening up. Hopefully she can rebound, but G1 winners at 2 don't always show that form at 3.
Calvin Borel- He was almost too confident, thankfully Rach is an awesome horse and was able to gut it out. While I'm not mad at him for making those comments, I'm just disapointed. But when you think about it, confidence is the key to victory.
Stone Legacy- Yeah, two weeks off wasn't enough for her. Why was she in the Black Eyed Susan?
So even though there will not be a Triple Crown winner this year, you have to wonder. Will Rachel run in the Belmont? If she does can, Mine turn the tables on her? Will Summer Bird, Chocolate Candy, Flying Private, Luv Gov ect. crash the party. Will MDO get a nice colt to run in the race? Who will win the Acorn? Will I be at the Belmont? The last question will be answered withen the next week or so (I hope) and the Acorn on the undercard. But the rest of these questions will be answered in 3 weeks at the oldest and longest Triple Crown race. The Belmont Stakes!
Since the next few weeks are going to be somewhat light (except for next Monday's Met Mile featuring 3yo Mr. Fantasy), will be talking about some of the unknown horses in racing.
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