Keeneland September Yearling Sale Preview: Book 1, Session 1

The biggest yearling auction of the year starts on Monday, September 8^th at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, KY. Keeneland's September sale has produced many great horses in the past. For the next few weeks, there will be previews and recaps of this year's sales.

Today''s post is about Book 1, Session 1. These are Hip #'s 1-190, the recap will be posted on Tuesday, September 9^th. Here are the horses to watch for this session. Please note that these are based on pedigree only and not the physical appearance. I've separated this into two different charts. The first chart are of 10 yearlings who I think will bring big prices. The other list are horses who made the first cut, but not the second cut.  

Top 10

Hip #	Color	Sex	Sire	Dam	Broodmare Sire	Profile
7	B	C	Street Cry (IRE)	Lady Lochinvar	Lord at War (ARG)	Sire has a BC Juvenile/KY Derby 2yo Champion (Street Sense) and BC Ladies Classic/Classic Horse of the Year (Zenyatta). The colt is a ½ brother to G2 winner Master Command (A.P. Indy) who is the sire to this year's Derby runner up Commanding Curve; G3 winner Aurora Lights (Pulpit) and G1 placed X Star (Pulpit) who is the dam to G3 winner Castaway (Street Sense). This is the same female family G1 winners Al Mamoon (Believe It) and La Gueriere (Lord at War (ARG). Also hailing from this family is G2 placed Lost Solider (Danzig) the sire to Champion Sprinter Lost in the Fog.
29	B	F	Curlin	Leslie's Lady	Tricky Creek	Sire has Belmont/Met Mile winner Palace Malice and Preakness runner up Ride On Curlin. He is also a 2 time HOY. The dam is a stakes winner which makes this filly a half sib to several nice horses. Among them are G1 winner Into Mischief (Harlan's Holiday)(who is the sire of BC Dirt Mile winner Goldencents) and Juvenile Fillies/Distaff winner as well as Champion at 2 and 3 Beholder (Henny Hughes). This is the same female family as G3 placed Harry's Holiday (Harlan's Holiday).
52	Drkb/Br.	F	Congrats	Lucky Soph	Cozzene	Sire of G1 winners Wickedly Perfect, Emma's Encore and Turbulent Descent. This filly is a ½ sister to stakes placed Drewman (sire of stakes winner Lucy's Booby Trap) and G2 placed Lucky Pulpit (Pulpit) (sire of this year's Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome). This is the same female family as Seattle Song (Seattle Slew) the broodmare sire of 2 time Classic winner Tiznow (Cee's Tizzy) and BC Juvenile winner Unbridled's Song (Unbridled).
60	B	C	War Front	Magnificent Honour	A.P. Indy	Sire has 3rd place finisher in the BC Classic Declaration of War. Dam is a full sister to KY Oaks/Belmont winner and Champion 3yo Female Rags to Riches as well as a ½ sister to Belmont winner Jazil (Seeking the Gold), G2 winner in the US and G1 placed in Japan Casino Drive (Mineshaft) and BC Marathon winner Man of Iron (Giant's Causeway). This is the same female family as G1 winner Streaming (Smart Strike).
69	B	C	Malibu Moon	Midnight Kiss (NZ)	Groom Dancer	Sire has Champion Declan's Moon, KY Derby winner Orb, as well as G1 winners Life at Ten and Devil May Care. Dam is G1 placed in her native New Zealand. She is the dam to G1 winner Midnight Interlude (War Chant) and stakes winner Midnight Crooner (War Chant).
70	B	C	Street Cry (IRE)	Million Gift (JPN)	Sunday Silence	Dam is out of Maplejinsky (Nijinsky) which makes her a ½ sister to Champion Sky Beauty (Blushing Groom (FR)), as well as the dams to G1 winner Tale of Ekati (Tale of the Cat) and BC Distaff winner Pleasant Home (Seeking the Gold). The colt is a ½ brother to stakes winner Million Seller (A.P. Indy).
82	Ch	F	Candy Ride (ARG)	Miss Sea Oats	Langfuhr	Sire has 2yo Champion Shared Belief, as well as G1 winners Twirling Candy, Sidney's Candy and Misremembered. Dam is out of Oatsee (Unbridled) which makes her a ½ sister to G1 winners Lady Joanne (Orientate) and Shackleford (Forestry).
87	B	C	Bernardini	Misty Hour	Miswaki	Colt is already named Zero Hour, and is a ½ brother to G2 winner India (Hennessy) and stakes winner Pilfer (Deputy Minister) the dam to To Honor and Serve and G3 placed Elnaawai (Street Sense).
101	B	F	Kitten's Joy	Motokiks	Storm Cat	Filly is a ½ sister to G1 placed Keertana (Johar), Snowtop Mountain (Najarn) and Diversy Harbor (Curlin).
108	Drkb/br.	C	Smart Strike	My Miss Storm Cat	Sea of Secrets	Dam is G3 placed. Colt is a full brother to G1 winner and Champion My Miss Aurelia and ½ brother to stakes placed Albergatti (Unbridled's Song). Same female family as G2 winner Soul Warrior (Lion Heart).

Others Considered:

Hip #	Color	Sex	Sire	Dam	Broodmare Sire	Profile
4	B	C	Distorted Humor	Lady Diplomat	Silver Deputy	Sire is one of the best. Not only is he the sire of a Champion 3yo (Funny Cide), but as well as a Belmont/Breeders' Cup Classic winner (Drosselmeyer), Travers winner (Flower Alley) and two time Whitney winner (Commentator). Dam is stakes placed. This colt is a full brother to stakes winner Banker's Buy, ½ brother to stakes winner City Dweller (Carson City) and Glacken's Gal (Smoke Glacken). The latter is the dam to G2 winner Live Lively (Medaglia d'Oro).
9	Drk.b/br.	F	Majestic Warrior	Lady's Legacy	Matchlite	Her sire has a KY Oaks/Alabama winner in his first crop (Princess of Sylmar). Dam is stakes placed. The filly is a ½ G3 winner Shameful (Flying Chevron) (dam to Champion 2yo and Female Sprinter as well as BC Juvenile Fillies winner Indian Blessing (Indian Charlie), G2 placed Roman Threat (Roman Ruler) and stakes placed Spaniard (Candy Ride (ARG))); G2 placed Little Matth Man (Matty G) and stakes placed Malibu Legacy.
13	gr./rn.	C	Tapit	Lassie's Legacy	Deputy Minister	Sire has a Champion 2yo Female/BC Juvenile Fillies winner (Stardom Bound), Champion 2yo Male/BC Juvenile winner (Hansen), Belmont winner (Tonalist) and many more. The colt is a ½ sister to G3 placed Aspiring (Seeking the Gold) and stakes placed Happy Week (Distorted Humor). The dam is a ½ sister to Champion A.P. Indy, Preakness winner Summer Squall (Storm Bird), G1 placed Weekend in Seattle (Seattle Slew) among many others. This is the same female family as Belmont winner Lemon Drop Kid (Kingmambo).
19	Drk.b/br.	F	Hard Spun	Layreebelle	Tale of the Cat	Sire has a Champion 3yo Filly (Questing (GB)) as well as other G1 winners (Zo Impressive, Hard Not to Like, Hardest Core and Wicked Strong). The filly is a ½ sister to G2 winner Spellbound (Bernardini) and G2 placed Kid Cruz (Lemon Drop Kid). 2nd dam is G3 winner Voodoo Lily (Baldski) which makes the dam a ½ sister to G1 placed Magical Illusion (Pulpit) (dam to G3 placed Stage Magic (Ghostzapper)); G2 placed Lily O'Gold (Slew o' Gold) and Shah Jehan (Mr. Prospector) a G3 placed colt.
24	Ch	C	Kitten's Joy	Leh She Run	Pulpit	Sire has several G1 winners (Big Blue Kitten, Real Solution, Admiral Kitten) and a BC Juvenile Fillies Turf winner (Stephanie's Kitten). This colt is a ¾ brother to G2 winner O'Prado Again (El Prado (IRE)). Their dam is a ½ sister to G3 winner Sky Blue Pink (Strawberry Road (AUS)) (the dam to stakes placed Air Marshall (Silver Deputy)), as well as stakes winner Freddie Frisson (Dixieland Band) (dam of G1 winner First Samurai). This is the same female family as stakes winner Audacious Chloe (More Than Ready).
31	B	C	Medaglia d'Oro	Life at Ten	Malibu Moon	Sire has a Preakness/3yo Filly Champion/HOY (Rachel Alexandra), 2 KY Oaks winners (in addition to Rachel, he has Plum Pretty), dam won the Beldame and Phipps. This is her first foal.
34	Drk.B/Br.	C	War Front	Life Well Lived	Tiznow	2nd dam is stakes winner Well Dressed (Notebook). This makes the dam a full sister to Dubai World Cup winner Well Armed, she is a ½ sister to G3 winner Witty (Distorted Humor) and G1 placed Helsinki (Distorted Humor).
41	B	F	Kitten's Joy	Little Martha	Broad Brush	Dam is out of G1 winner Bail Out Becky (Red Ransom). This filly is a full sister to Champion in Puerto Rico Ransom the Kitten and ½ to stakes placed Bail Out the King (Kingmambo). This is the same female family as G1 winner and Champion in Peru, as well as G1 placed in the US Fly Lexis Fly (Badge of Silver) and BC Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Stephanie's Kitten (Kitten's Joy).
47	B	C	Uncle Mo	Lotta Dancing	Alydar	Sire won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and was 2yo Champion Male. This is his first crop. This colt's dam is G1 placed. He is a ½ brother to G2 winner Fantasticat (Storm Cat). His ½ sister Shootforthestars (Seattle Slew) is the dam to G1 winner Centralinteligence (Smarty Jones), G2 placed General Consensus (Giant's Causeway) as well as stakes placed horses Golden Rainbow (Seeking the Gold) and My Elusive Star (Elusive Quality).
49	Drkb/Br.	F	Speightstown	Love and Happiness	Septieme Ciel	Sire to several G1 winners including Golden Ticket, Dance to Bristol and Haynesfield. Also the Champion Sprinter in Canada Essence Hit Man. The filly is a ½ sister to G1 winner and runner up in the BC Distaff Happy Ticket (Anet) and stakes winner Clever Seven (Clever Trick).
58	Drkb/Br.	C	Street Cry (IRE)	Magical Ride	Storm Cat	Dam is G2 placed and the colt is a ½ brother to Preakness runner up Ride On Curlin (Curlin). His 2nd dam is G1 winner Victory Ride (Seeking the Gold). This is the same female family as G1 winner River Flyer (Riverman).
59	B	C	Bernardini	Magic Merger	Corporate Report	Sire of G1 winners Stay Thirsty, To Honor and Serve and Alpha among others. The colt is a ½ brother to G1 winner Hooh Why (Cloud Hopping), stakes winner Rumbling Cloud (Cloud Hopping) and stakes placed D'wild Beach (D'wildcat).
65	B	F	Tapit	Maryfield	Elusive Quality	Dam is a G1 winner, Champion Female Sprinter and a BC Filly & Mare Sprint winner.
90	B	C	Benchmark	Mo Chuisle	Free House	Sire has champion Points Offthebench, G1 winners Brother Derek and Idiot Proof. This colt is a full brother to Points Offthebench and G2 placed Bench Points. Dam is a ½ sister to G2 placed Visible Slew (Seattle Slew).
93	Ch	C	Smart Strike	Mon Belle	Maria's Mon	Sire of champions English Channel, Lookin at Lucky, My Miss Aurelia and Hall of Famer Curlin. Colt is a ½ brother to G3 placed Supreme (Empire Maker). Dam is a full sister to KY Derby winner Monarchos (Maria's Mon).
95	Gr/rn	F	Unbridled's Song	Montera	Easy Goer	Sire is a BC Juvenile winner and has multiple champions including Will Take Charge. The filly is a ½ sister to G3 winner Sue's Good News (Woodman), dam of G1 winner Tiz Miz Sue (Tiznow) and G2 placed Easyfromthegitgo (Dehere).
105	Drkb/br.	F	Bernardini	Mushka	Empire Maker	Dam is a G1 winner. 3rd dam is G1 winner Lakeway (Seattle Slew).
116	Drkb/br.	F	Elusive Quality	Night and Day	Unbridled's Song	Sire is a former world record holder at a mile and has Champions such as Elusive Kate, Sepoy and Smarty Jones. 2nd dam is Hall of Famer Serena's Song (Rahy).
118	Ch	C	City Zip	No Dress Code	Distorted Humor	Sire is a G1 winner and the sire of G1 winners Palace and Bustin Stones. The colt is a full brother to G1 placed Reneesgotzip. (Born in Turkey)
122	B	C	Giant's Causeway	Nothing Special	Tejabo	Sire was 2nd in the 2000 Breeders' Cup Classic and has as foals G1 winners Aragorn (IRE) and Giant Oak. The dam is G2 placed. The colt is a ½ brother to G1 winner Haynesfield (Speightstown) and stakes placed Mama Theresa (Carson City).
130	Drkb/br.	C	Lonhro (AUS)	Onemiracleatatime	Gulch	Sire is a G1 winner and Horse of the Year in Australia and is the sire of Denman (AUS) and Triple Crown winner Pierro (AUS). Colt is a ½ brother to G3 winner Wonderlandbynight (Sky Mesa). This is the same female family as G1 placed Rogue Romance (Smarty Jones).
134	B	C	Uncle Mo	Our Dani	Homebuilder	Colt ½ brother to G1 winner You (You and I) who is the dam to G2 winner You and I Forever (A.P. Indy) and G3 placed Causeway's Kin (Giant's Causeway).
136	Ch	C	Distorted Humor	Pacific Spell	Langfuhr	Same sire as #4. Colt is a ½ brother to Champion Proud Spell (Proud Citizen) and G3 placed Proud Pearl (Proud Citizen). Same female family as G1 winner J P's Gusto (Successful Appeal).
140	B	C	Kitten's Joy	Parisia	Tethra	Colt is a ½ brother to stakes winner Tasty Temptation (Medaglia d' Oro).
143	Gr	C	Tapit	Peeping Fawn	Danehill	Same sire as #'s 13 and 65. Dam is a G1 winner and ½ sister to G1 winner in France Thewayyouare (Kingmambo). Colt is a ½ brother to G2 placed in England Sir John Hawkins (Henrythenavigator). Same female family as G1 winners Jazil (Seeking the Gold) and Rags to Riches (A.P. Indy). (born in Japan)
144	B	C	Malibu Moon	Pepper's Pride	Desert God	Same sire as #69. Dam was 19 for 19 in her career and is a stakes winner. She is also a full sister to stakes winner Desert Pride (Desert God).
146	B	C	Smart Strike	Perfect Sting	Red Ransom	Dam is a Breeders' Cup Champ as well as an Eclipse Winner. Colt is a full brother to G3 winner Smart Sting and ½ brother to G2 placed Perfect Bullet (El Prado (IRE)). Same female family as G1 placed Celtic New Year (North Light (IRE)).
149	B	C	Bernardini	Pilfer	Deputy Minister	Dam is a stakes winner. Colt is a full brother to G1 winner To Honor and Serve and G1 placed Angela Renee. He is also a ½ brother to G3 placed Elnaawai (Street Sense).
154	Gr/rn	F	Tapit	Ponche de Leona	Ponche	Dam is a stakes winner. Filly is a ½ sister to Breeders' Cup Classic winner Mucho Macho Man (Macho Uno) and stakes placed Mucho Mans Gold (Gottcha Gold).
164	B	F	War Front	Promenade Girl	Carson City	Dam is G1 placed. Filly is a ½ sister to G2 winner Cavorting (Bernardini).
168	Drkb/br.	C	Sea the Stars (IRE)	Pulsating	Pulpit	Sire won the Epsom Derby and Arc. He is sire of G1 winners Sea the Moon (GER) and Taghrooda (GB). Dam is a full sister to G2 winner Mini Sermon (Pulpit).
172	Ch	C	Tapit	Queen Joanne	Mr. Greeley	Dam is stakes placed and a ½ sister to Champion Stevie Wonderboy (Stephen Got Even) and G1 placed Theyskens' Theory (Bernardini).
176	Ch	C	Giant's Causeway	Queen Randi	Fly So Free	Colt is a ½ brother to G1 placed Fly Down (Mineshaft) and Seafree (Chief Seattle).
180	B	C	Arch	Quickest	Forest Wildcat	Sire of Champion and conquer of Zenyatta (Street Cry (IRE)) Blame as well as G1 winners Hymn Book, Archarcharch and Pine Island. Dam is a ½ sister to KY Derby winner Super Saver (Maria's Mon) and G3 winner Brethren (Distorted Humor). Colt is a ½ brother to stakes winner Defy Gravity (Bandini).
187	B	C	Lemon Drop Kid	Rasta Farian	Holy Bull	Sire won the Belmont and was Champion Older Horse. He is the sire of G1 winners Richard's Kid, and Lemons Forever. Dam is a stakes winner and a ½ sister to G1 winner Somali Lemonade (Lemon Drop Kid) and G3 placed Chic Joy (A.P. Indy).
190	Dkb/br.	F	Awesome Again	R Betty Braybull	Holy Bull	Sire won the Breeders' Cup Classic and has Ghostzapper (Classic winner), Round Pond (Distaff winner), Wilko (Juvenile winner) as well as G1 winner Game On Dude).

Holy Bull Preview and two other races

I ran out of time and decided to just do the Holy Bull on video and the other two on the blog. Here is the video and all three previews.



Connelly, One And One Eighth Miles (Turf) Grade 3:

1. Vertiformer (Dynaformer x Tempo West by Rahy, Joe Bravo): 7th in the Ft. Lauderdale and 3rd in the McKnight both at Gulfstream and Calder respectivly. Ran in the 2012 Arlington Million and same female family as Union Rags.

2. Cajun Don (Full Mandate x Lac Dewat by Lac Ouimet, Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez): 3rd at the Fair Grounds and won at Retema before that. Last stakes race was at Sam Houston in March of last year and it didn't go according to plan where he finished 7th.

3. Marine Patrol (Tapit x Lady Solvig by Giant's Causeway, Shaun Bridgemohan): 2nd in the Woodchopper at the Fair Grounds in his stakes debut. Lightly raced with only 5 starts under his belt.

4. King David (Hat Trick x Storm West by Gone West, Rosie Naprivnick): 6th in the Buddy Diliberto at the Fair Grounds. 2nd in this race last year, and won the Jamaica in 2012, but has only started 5 times since that race.

5. Admiral Kitten (Kitten's Joy x Reachinforthestars by Grand Slam, Julian Leparoux): 2nd in the Hollywood Derby and Jamaica in his last two. Three back is a win in the Secretariat.

6. Arthur's Court (Artie Schiller x First Covenant by Bien Bien, Junior Chacaltana): Didn't race until age 5, one win and this is his stakes debut. 2nd in his last, but ran 11 times last year.

7. Michael's Gabriel (Dixieland Heat x Becky's Melody by Olympio, Iram Diego): 2nd in his last, ran up track though in the Mr. Sulu at the Fair Grounds in his only stakes race 3 back.

8. Fredericksburg (Speightstown x Chorograph by Dynaformer, Luis Saez): Won at Gulfstream in his last. Hasn't had a ton of success in graded stakes though with only a 7th and a DNF.

Picks: 1st: King David, 2nd: Marine Patrol, 3rd: Admiral Kitten

Endeavor, 1 1/16th (Turf), Grade 3:

1. Moment in Dixie (Dixieland Band x Ellie's Moment by Kris S., Elvis Trujillo): 5th in the South Beach at Gulfstream in her last, 3rd at Aqueduct in the Trevita. 4th and 9th in her previous stakes tries, but those where G1's on dirt.

2. Seattle Me Up (Point Given x Donna Slew by Seattle Slew, Octavio Bernal): 3 starts under her belt, but a miserble 13th in her start at Gulfstream. Her previous two starts however where at Tampa.

3. Floral Romance (After Market x Proposed by Benchmark, Daniel Centeno): 7th in the Marshua's River at Gulfstream which was her stakes debut. Won at Belmont before that.

4. Sca Doodle (Scat Daddy x Bubbly Baily by Dixie Union, Gary Boulanger): Has only run at Woodbine. 4th in her last was third in the Avowal Stakes 3 back.

5. Cloud Scapes (Smart Strike x Every Cloud by Storm Cat, Erick Rodriguez): Won at Tampa in her last, stakes debut. Has never been worse then 4th in her career.

6. Final Escrow (Bernardini x Escrow Agent by El Gran Senor, Antonio Gallarado): Won at Tampa after finishing 5th in the Maple Leaf at Woodbine. Also won the Rosenberger at Delaware 3 back.

7. Donna's Fly Girl (Kitalpha x Dakota Lass by Crowning Storm, Augusto Marin): Has run no better then 5th in her last four starts. Both career wins where at Ellis.

8. Rare Event (A.P. Indy x Our Rite of Spring by Stravinsky, Marlon St. Julien): 5th at Tampa in her last to Final Escrow, but that was taken off the turf. 9th in the Cardinal before that and has never finished better then 5th in a stakes race.

9. Action Lady (Action This Day x Lady Woodwin by Lord Avie, Ademar Santos): 3rd in the same race at Tampa as Rare Event and Final Escrow. 10th in her last stakes race 3 back at Indiana.

10. Wholelottashakin (Scat Daddy x Carr Shaker by Carr de Naskra, Alan Garcia): 2nd at Gulfstream nad 5th at Aqueduct in her last two. 3rd in the Ticonderoga at Belmont 3 back.

11. Left a Message (Mr. Greeley x Chief Secreatary by Deputy Minister, Quincy Hamilton): 3rd in the Long Island Handicap at Aqueduct and 2nd in the Dowager. Shortens up in this race.

12. Dream Clover (Oasis Dream x In Clover by Inchinor, Luis Garcia): 2 starts in the US, two out of the top three finishes (granted her US debut was against Hungry Island). Hasn't run since May of last year, but 3rd at Chantilly in her final France start.

AE. Liberty Girl (A.P. Warrior x Champagne Glow by Saratoga Six, Ronald Allen): 2nd at Tampa on dirt in her last. Was an Oaks trail horse last year when she finished 4th in the Fantasy and Honeybee.

Picks: 1st: Final Escrow, 2nd: Left a Message, 3rd: Cloud Scapes

Holy Bull, 1 1/16th (Derby prep), Grade 2:

1. Coup de Grace (Tapit x Home Court by Storm Cat), John Velazquez): 2 for 2 and makes stakes debut. Jockey returns from injury that kept him out most of BC Saturday. 2 turn debut.

2. Financial Mogul (Street Boss x Trav n' Kris by Snow Chief, Jose Ortiz): 2nd in the Nashua and 4th in the Futurity before that.

3. Best Plan Yet (Hear No Evil x Bayou Plans by Bayou Hebert, Edgard Zayas): 9th in the Gulfstream Park Derby won the In Reality and Foolish Pleasure before that.

4. Almost Famous (Unbridled's Song x Wild Gams by Forest Wildcat, Calvin Borel): 4th in the Street Sense, but rebounded with a win in an allowance race his last.

5. Our Caravan (Daaher x Alwaan by Elusive Quality, Corey Lanerie): 1 for 1, the runner up finished third in his first start of the year.

6. Mr. Speaker (Pulpit x Salute by Unbridled, Jose Lezcano): Dania Beach winner, has never been on dirt before however with his pedigree it should be no problem.

7. Cairo Prince (Pioneerof the Nile x Holy Bubbette by Holy Bull, Luis Saez): Finished second in the Remsen and won the Nashua.

8. Wicked Strong (Hard Spun x Moyne Abbey by Charismatic, Javier Castellano): 3rd in the Remsen, broke his maiden before that, the runner up of that race came back to win in his next.

9. Conquest Titan (Birdstone x Miner's Secret by Mineshaft, Shaun Bridgmohan): Won Allowance in his last after finishing 13th in the Juvenile and 5th in the Breeders' Futurity.

10. Big Bazinga (Bluegrass Cat x Darling Daughter by Maria's Mon, Joe Bravo): 7th in the Jackpot and finished 2nd in the Grey.

11. Intense Holiday (Harlan's Holiday x Intensify by Unbridled's Song, Joel Rosario): 4th in both the Remsen and Nashua.

Picks: 1st: Wicked Strong, 2nd: Cairo Prince, 3rd: Mr. Speaker

Race Picks Week 1: Fair Grounds

With the new year just under way, it's time to introduce a new feature to Furlong Drive, Race Picks! Each week, I will be picking 2 to 3 races weather they are stakes races, claiming, opt. claimers or maiden races and make predictions about them. While normally I would be doing 2 or 3 different tracks, this week I will just be doing one track with two races on one card.

FT July Preview

Like I did for last years Yearling sales, I will once again do picks that will be posted on the blog and will have recaps as well. First up will be the July Sale! More info after the jump.

Fifth Season Preview

  For the past several years the Older Male division at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas has produced some nice horses. The road to this years Oaklawn Handicap starts on Friday with the Fifth Season. It is also opening day there as well. Lets take a look this years field. 

  

 Oaklawn Park - Friday, January 11, 2013Race 8 - 4:33 PM     First Half Late Daily Double / Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10Cent Superfecta 

STAKES

Fifth Season S.

Purse $75,000. Four Year Olds And Upward. No nomination fee. $500 to pass the entry box and $750 additional to start. Supplementary nominations may be made by the closing time of entries at a fee of $1,500 which qualifies to start with $75,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the Owner of the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% to be divided equally between remaining starters. WEIGHTS: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $50,000 in 2012-2013, allowed 3 Lbs.; $35,000 since October 11, 2012, allowed 5 Lbs.; $25,000 since September 11th, allowed 7 Lbs. (Maiden and Claiming races not considered). In Allowance Stakes starting preference will be given to horses that have accumulated the highest earnings. Starters to be named through the entry box bythe usual time of closing. The Owner of the winner to receive a trophy. Nominations closed Friday, January 4, 2013 with 23 nominees. One And One Sixteenth Miles.

PP Horse                                A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer

1 It Happened Again (KY)     7/G L V Lebron 122 T M Amoss

2 Skyring (KY)           4/C L J K Court 115 D W Lukas

3 Endorsement (KY) 6/H R Albarado 122 E G Harty

4 Stachys (KY)           6/G L A Birzer 115 M E Biehler

5 Eye of the Leopard (ON) 7/H L C H Borel 115 D W Lukas

6 Master Rick (FL) 4/C L R Santana, Jr. 122 S M Asmussen

7 Donoharm (KY) 4/G L M C Berry 119 W B Calhoun

8 Win Willy (KY) 7/H L A Cintron 119 M Robertson

9 Double Rah Rah (KY) 4/G L E T Baird 115 W H Fires

Eye of the Leopard will need a new jockey, as it was announced today that Calvin Borel will miss the beginning of the Oaklawn meet with an injury. You can read more here: http://www.drf.com/news/oaklawn-park-borel-fractures-wrist-fridays-meet-opener-nears

Endorsement and Win Willy are my picks in here. Both have experience going against solid company and I feel are

the best of the bunch. Skyring also has a big chance as well. 

FT Kentucky Day 2 Preview

Fasig Tipton's Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale takes place October 22-24 at their sales grounds in Lexington. This sale tends to be a catch all for those horses who where not sold at any of the other sales throughout the year. Today's preview is Day 2 and includes Hips 419-836.

Hip #	Sex	Color	Sire	Dam	Broodmare Sire	Female Family
420	colt	bay	Colonel John	Serena's Sister	Rahy	Dam is a full sister to multiple G1 winner and Champion 3yo Filly Serena's Song (Rahy) and 1/2 sister to G3 winner Vivid Imagination (Raise a Man). The colt is a 1/2 brother to G2 winner Doubles Partner (Rock Hard Ten) and stakes winner Stormy Venus (Stormy Atlantic).
432	filly	bay	Mineshaft	She's Authentic	Authenticate	Dam is a 1/2 sister to G1 placed Hot Storm (Stormy Atlantic) and G2 placed Unforgotten (Northern Afleet).
436	colt	bay	Street Sense	She's the Queen	Lasting Approval	Dam is a 1/2 sister to stakes winner High Blues (High Yield) and G2 placed fillies Lotta Rhythm (Rhythm) and Lotta Kim (Roar) (the dam to multiple G1 winner, 3yo Champion Filly and Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra (Medagla d'Oro).
443	filly	dark bay/ brown	Any Given Saturday	Side Venture	Touch Gold	Dam is a 1/2 sister to G1 placed Denis of Cork (Harlan's Holiday).
468	filly	chestnut	Parading	Sky	Menifee	1/2 sister to stakes winner in Puerto Rico Score Classy (Even the Score).
477	colt	bay	Into Mischief	Smolensk	Danzig	Dam is a G2 winner in France and G1 placed in England. She is also a 1/2 sister to G2 winner Better Than Honour (Deputy Minister) (dam of G1 winners Jazil (Seeking the Gold) and 3yo Champion Filly Rags to Riches (A.P. Indy). The colt is a 1/2 brother to stakes winner Martha's Moon (Malibu Moon).
490	filly	dark bay/ brown	Hard Spun	So Spirited	Favorite Trick	Dam is a 1/2 sister to G1 winners Roman Ruler (Fusaichi Pegasus) and El Corredor (Mr. Greeley), plus G3 winner Silver Tornado (Maria's Mon) and G1 placed Maimonides (Vindication).
495	colt	bay	Any Given Saturday	Sparkles Plenty	Toccet	Dam is out of stakes placed Box of Jewels (Half a Year). This is the same female family as G1 winner Golden Ballet (Moscow Ballet) (dam of multiple G1 winner Drosselmeyer (Distorted Humor) and G1 placed Gilded Gem (Smarty Jones).
522	filly	bay	Afleet Alex	Strategy	A.P. Indy	Dam is a stakes winner and out of multiple G1 winner Educated Risk (Mr. Prospector).
551	filly	bay	Indian Charlie	Sweet Trip	Carson City	1/2 sister to G1 winner Rail Trip (Jump Start).
557	filly	dark bay/ brown	Stormy Atlantic	Talkin Indian	Indian Charlie	Dam is a 1/2 sister to G2 placed B.A. Way (Lasting Approval), G3 placed Beat the Play (Defensive Play) and multiple G1 winner and BC Turf winner Better Talk Now (Talkin Man).
574	filly	chestnut	Curlin	Thiscatsforcaryl	Storm Cat	1/2 sister to G3 placed Sacred Journey (Unbridled's Song), stakes winner Be Like Mike (Unbridled's Song) and stakes placed and conscutive wins holder Rapid Redux (Pleasantly Perfect).
594	colt	bay	Awesome Again	Tom's Angel	Boston Harbor	Dam is a 1/2 sister to G2 winner J J'sdream (Glitterman). This is the same female family as G1 winner Awesome Gem (Awesome Again).
620	colt	dark bay/ brown	Flower Alley	Tweedside	Thunder Gulch	Dam is a G1 winner, and 1/2 sister to G2 winner Evanescent (Northern Jove) and G2 winner Tactical Advantage (Forty Niner).
629	colt	dark bay/ brown	Kitten's Joy	Unfold the Rose	Catienus	Full brother to G1 winner Stephanie's Kitten (Kitten's Joy).
637	colt	Grey/ roan	Rockport Harbor	Valid Bonnet	Valid Appeal	Dam is a G2 placed. The colt is a 1/2 brother to stakes placed Little Bonnet (Coroando's Quest) (she is the dam to G1 winner Boys at Tosconova (Officer)).
660	colt	bay	Empire Maker	War Thief	Lord at War (ARG)	Dam is a G3 winner. The colt is a 1/2 brother to G3 winner Boss Lafitte (Dynaformer).
688	colt	chestnut	Malibu Moon	Wishful Splendor	Smart Strike	Dam is G3 placed. The colt is a 1/2 brother to G2 winner Juanita (Mineshaft), stakes placed horses Sirocco Strike (Forestry) and Isla (Unbridled's Song).
727	filly	bay	Point Given	Alljazz	Stop the Music	1/2 sister to stakes winner and Champion 3yo Filly in Canada Kimchi (Langfur), stakes placed horses Deputy Jazz (War Deputy) and King of Jazz (K One King).
754	colt	bay	Birdstone	A.P. Test	A.P. Indy	(Named Testosterstone). Dam is a 1/2 sister to G3 winner Cozzy Corner (Cozzene) and G1 winner Riskaverse (Dyanformer). This is the same female family as Horse of the Year Havre de Grace (Saint Liam).
761	colt	chestnut	Roman Ruler	Argyle Pink	Sky Mesa	Dam is G2 placed and a 1/2 sister to G1 winner and Champion sprinter Smoke Glacken (Two Punch) and G2 winner Smokey Glacken (Forestry).
805	filly	chestnut	Discreet Cat	Be Happy My Love	Formal Gold	Dam is a 1/2 sister to stakes placed Smartys Emperoress (Holy Roman Emperor (IRE)) and G1 winner as well as Champion 3yo male Smarty Jones (Elusive Quality).
811	filly	bay	Bandini	Bella Dorato	Goldminsters Gold	Dam is stakes placed. Filly is a 1/2 sister to G1 placed Trinniberg (Teuflesburg).
829	filly	chestnut	Broken Vow	Blowing Kisses	Vindication	Dam is stakes placed. and a 1/2 sister to G1 winner Pusscat Doll (Real Quiet) G1 placed Jimmy Creed (Distored Humor) and stakes winner Funny Feeling (Distorted Humor).
836	colt	dark bay/ brown	Old Fashioned	Bodhavista	Pass the Tab	1/2 brother to G1 placed Imperialism (Langfur) and stakes winner White Beauty (Robyn Dancer).

FT Kentucky Fall Day 1 Preview

Fasig Tipton's Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale takes place October 22-24 at their sales grounds in Lexington. This sale tends to be a catch all for those horses who where not sold at any of the other sales throughout the year. Today's preview is Day 1 which is hips 1-418. Here are the picks:

Hip #	Sex	Color	Sire	Dam	Broodmare Sire	Female Family
4	colt	bay	Pulpit	Keeper Hill	Deputy Minister	Dam is a multiple G1 winner and a 1/2 sister to G2 winner Golden Gear (Gulch) and G3 placed Chasm (Gulch).
8	colt	dark bay/ brown	Exchange Rate	Kicken Vixen	Vindication	Dam is a 1/2 sister to multiple G1 winner Kicken Kris (Kris S.) and G2 placed Kris' Sis (Forestry).
22	filly	chestnut	Parading	Kwick Wick	Lite the Fuse	Dam is a 1/2 sister to multiple G1 winner Take the Points (Even the Score) and stakes winner Tin Man Commin (Tinners Way).
37	filly	dark bay/ brown	Indian Charlie	Lady's Legacy	Matchlite	Dam is stakes placed. The filly is a 1/2 sister to G2 placed Little Matth Man (Matty G) and G3 placed Shameful (Flying Chevron) (dam of multiple G1 winner and Champion Indian Blessing (Indian Charlie) as well as G2 placed Roman Threat (Roman Ruler)).
82	colt	chestnut	Bluegrass Cat	Look Upon	Carson City	Dam is stakes placed. The colt is a 1/2 brother to stakes winer Shine Upon (Congaree) and G1 placed Keep the Peace (Touch Gold).
86	colt	bay	Henrythenavigator	Lotta Dancing	Alydar	Dam is G1 placed. The colt is a 1/2 brother to G2 winner Fantasticat (Storm Cat).
132	colt	Grey/ roan	Smart Strike	Mini Sermon	Pulpit	Dam is a G2 winner. This is the same female family as G2 winner A Little Warm (Stormin Fever), stakes winner Rumor (Indian Charlie) and G1 winner In Lingerie (Empire Maker).
161	colt	bay	Colonel John	Monaassabaat	Zilzal	Dam is a stakes winner in England. The colt is a 1/2 brother to G3 placed in England Echo River (Irish River (FR)) and stakes placed England and Turkey Prince Alzain (Street Sense). The colt's second dam is multiple G1 winner and Champion It's in the Air (Mr. Prospector).
175	filly	dark bay/ brown	Offlee Wild	Mrs. Marcos	Private Account	1/2 sister to G1 winner Zoftig (Cozzene) (dam of G1 winners Zaftig (Gone West) and Zo Impressive (Hard Spun).
191	colt	bay	Latent Heat	My Sweet Heart	You and I	Dam is a 1/2 sister to stakes winner Pretty Gale (Mountain Cat) and multiple G1 winner and Champion 3yo War Emblem (Our Emblem).
193	colt	bay	Broken Vow	Naughty Natasha	Known Fact	1/2 brother to G1 placed Naughty New Yorker (Quiet American) and 3/4 brother to G3 placed Pupil (Unbridled).
199	colt	chestnut	Sun King	Nice 'N Groovy	Groovy	(Named Nice'n Sunny) Dam is a 1/2 sister to G1 winner Perfect Drift (Dynaformer), stakes placed Raintree Lake (Salt Lake) and stakes placed Gypsy (Marfa).
222	filly	chestnut	Pollard's Vision	One Hot Lady	Tabasco Cat	Dam is a 1/2 sister to G3 placed in Ireland Heart Shaped (Storm Cat) and G1 winner A P Valentine (A.P. Indy).
237	colt	dark bay/ brown	Tale of the Cat	Packet	Polish Navy	Dam is a stakes winner. The colt is a 1/2 brother to G2 winner Great Intentions (Cat Thief), full brother to stakes winner Sea Road and from the same female family as G1 winner Karlovy Vary (Dynaformer) and G2 placed Rocket Legs (Dynaformer).
268	filly	chestnut	Flower Alley	Platinum Heights	Storm Cat	Dam is a 1/2 sister to multiple G1 winner and Champion Turf horse Chief Bearhart (Chief's Crown), G1 winner Explosive Red (Explodent) and G2 winner Ruby Ransom (Red Ransom).
276	filly	bay	Bluegrass Cat	Pout	Deputy Minister	1/2 sister to stakes winner Commander (Broken Vow). The same female family as G1 placed Past the Point (Indian Charlie).
300	filly	dark bay/ brown	Forestry	Queen Majesty	Regal Classic	1/2 brother to G3 placed Ponzi Scheme (Sunday Break (JPN)) and G3 placed Uno Mas (Macho Uno).
307	colt	chestnut	El Corredor	Quiet Lucky	Quiet American	1/2 brother to G3 winner It Happened Again (Proud Citizen), stakes winner Lucky Sam (Pembroke) and G3 placed Murch (Mr. Greeley).
322	colt	bay	Street Sense	Rare Opportunity	Danzig Connection	3/4 sister to G2 winner Street Sounds (Street Cry (IRE)) and 1/2 stakes winner Silver Highlight (Silver Charm).
324	colt	dark bay/ brown	Yes It's True	Raspberry Eggcream	Time for a Change	1/2 brother to G1 placed Rothko (Arch) and G3 winner Electrify (Delaware Township).
329	filly	bay	Empire Maker	Regala di Trieste	Old Trieste	Dam is a 1/2 sister to G1 winner Pioneerof the Nile (Empire Maker) and G2 placed Forefathers (Gone West).
372	filly	dark bay/ brown	Broken Vow	Rushen Heat	Unusual Heat	Dam is stakes placed and a full sister to G1 winners Golden Doc A (Unusual Heat) and Unusual Suspect (Unusual Heat).
376	filly	bay	Pleasant Tap	Sabu	Deputy Minister	1/2 sister to stakes winner Mykindasaint (Saint Ballado).
391	filly	Grey/ roan	Unbridled's Song	Sararegal	Regal Classic	(Named After the Glory) Dam is stakes placed. The filly is a 1/2 sister to G1 placed,Champion Sprinter, as well as Horse of the Year in Canada Fatal Bullet (Red Bullet) and stakes placed Millennia (Milwaukee Brew).
408	colt	bay	Einstein (BRZ)	Scrape	Mr. Prospector	Dam is a full sister to G1 winner and sire Forty Niner (Mr. Prospector).

Don't forget to vote in the poll that I have up as I will do a Pedigree Look post on the winner of the race you guys choose!

FT Eastern Preview

The Fasig Tipton Eastern Yearling Sale is the closest yearling sale to my home in Delaware. Taking place on Monday October 1^st, 2012 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, 375 horses will go through the ring. Since these horses have lesser quality pedigrees then those who might go through Saratoga or Keeneland sales, the prices will be lower. Never the less I was able to find some nice yearlings that made my list. Most of these horses listed where born in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Hip #	Sex	Color	Sire	Dam	Broodmare Sire	Female Family
19	filly	dark bay/ brown	Smarty Jones	Last Toots	Concern	Dam is stakes placed and a 1/2 sister to stakes winner Mo Hotta Mo Betta (Unbridled) and stakes winner Toot's Tonya (Mining)
23	colt	bay	Sky Mesa	Lexi Star	Crypto Star	Dam is G2 placed and a 1/2 sister to stakes placed Gentleman's Locket (Gentleman (ARG)).
31	filly	dark bay/ brown	Kitten's Joy	Long Approach	Broad Brush	Dam is G2 placed and a 1/2 sister to stakes placed in France Final Approach (Kris S.).
34	colt	dark bay/ brown	Roman Ruler	Lost Love	Lost Code	1/2 brother to G1 placed Love Silver (Silver Ghost), stakes winner The Max (Point Given), G2 placed Parting Words (Artie Schiller), G3 placed Chosen Chief (Marquetry) and G3 placed Maximus Ruler (G3).
35	colt	bay	Great Notion	Love Me Twice	Not for Love	Named Phlash Phelps. The dam is a 1/2 sister to G3 placed Baltimore Bob (Malibu Moon) The colt is a 1/2 brother to stakes winner Action Andy (Gators N' Bears).
43	filly	bay	Student Council	Magster	Houston	1/2 sister to stakes placed Mr. Good Stuff (Good and Tough). This is the same female family as multiple G1 winner Tranquility Lake (Rahy), the dam of multiple G1 winner After Market (Storm Cat).
45	filly	dark bay/ brown	Stevie Wonderboy	Majestic Trail	Kris S.	Dam is a 1/2 sister to G2 winner Supremo (Gone West) and stakes winner in Germany Personal Love (Diesis (GB)). The filly is a 1/2 sister to G3 placed Tiger Walk (Tale of the Cat). This is the same female family as G2 winner and super sire Dynaformer (Roberto).
71	filly	bay	Jump Start	My Aunt Dianne	Norquestor	1/2 sister to stakes winner My Sweet Nenana (Jazz Club) and G2 placed Toboggan Slide (Rock Slide).
83	filly	bay	Fairbanks	New Meeting	General Meeting	Dam is a 1/2 sister to G3 winner Big Pal (Beau's Eagle) and stakes winner Lovely Habit (Habitony (IRE)). This is the same female family as G2 winner in Germany and G1 winner in the US Silvano (GER) (Lomitas (GB)) and G1 winner in Germany and the US Sabiango (GER) (Acatenago).
125	colt	dark bay/ brown	Street Sense	Richbabe	Richman	Dam is a stakes winner. The colt is a 1/2 brother to G3 winner Richwoman (Successful Appeal).
126	colt	dark bay/ brown	Not for Love	Richetta	Polish Numbers	Dam is a stakes winner. The colt is a 1/2 borther to G3 placed Concealed Identity (Smarty Jones).
147	colt	bay	Smoke Glacken	Senate Caucus	Siphon (BRZ)	This is the same female family as G1 winners Summer Bird (Birdstone), Tapit (Pulpit) and Rubiano (Fappiano).
152	filly	chestnut	Smarty Jones	Shootforthestars	Seattle Slew	Dam is a 1/2 sister to G2 winner Fantasticat (Storm Cat). The filly is a 1/2 sister to G2 placed General Consensus (Giant's Causeway), stakes placed Golden Rainbow (Seeking the Gold), 3/4 sister to stakes placed My Elusive Star (Elusive Quality) and full sister to G2 placed Centerintellgence (Smarty Jones).
154	filly	bay	Noonmark	Showering	Miswaki	Dam is a stakes winner. The filly is a 1/2 sister to G3 palced Perfect Shower (Perfect Soul (IRE)) and stakes placed Cool Rain Falling (Capote). This is the same feamle family as G1 winners Chief Seattle (Seattle Slew) and The Factor (War Front).
155	filly	dark bay/ brown	Exchange Rate	Silmaril	Diamond	Dam is a multiple stakes winner and G2 placed.
163	filly	bay	Forestry	Smokinatthefinish	Smoke Glacken	Dam is a 1/2 sister to G2 winner Doremifasollatido (Bernstein) and G2 placed Fortunate Damsel (Runaway Groom).
186	filly	dark bay/ brown	Thewayyouare	Sweet Elixir	Aptitude	Dam is a 1/2 sister to multiple G1 winner Borrego (El Prado IRE)).
210	colt	chestnut	Benny the Bull	Tugger	Twining	(Named Red Toro) Dam is G2 placed.
215	filly	grey/ roan	Even the Score	Valid Goddess	Vaild Appeal	Dam is a G3 winner and the filly is a 1/2 sister to G3 placed Valid Brush (Broad Brush).
223	colt	dark bay/ brown	Rock Hard Ten	Welcome Inn	Orientate	Dam is a stakes winner and a 1/2 sister to G1 placed in England Montgomery's Arch (Arch) and G3 placed Inny Minnie (Hard Spun).
237	filly	bay	Old Fashioned	Always Asking	Valid Appeal	(Named Nice Girl) 1/2 sister to multiple G1 winner Ask the Moon (Malibu Moon).
260	colt	chestnut	Lemon Drop Kid	Blushing Broad	Broad Brush	Dam is stakes placed. The colt is a ½ sister to stakes winner Love's Brush (Not for Love).
261	filly	dark bay/ brown	Rock Hard Ten	Body N Soul	Seeking the Gold	Dam is ½ sister to G2 placed and Queen's Plate winner Nigon (Unbridled). This is the same female family as G1 winner Island Sand (Tabasco Cat).
329	filly	bay	Thewayyouare	Finlandia	Royal Anthem	Dam is G3 placed and a ½ sister to G2 placed Banrock (Go for Gin).
333	colt	dark bay/ brown	Not for Love	Fleet and Fancy	Touch Gold	Dam is a ½ sister to muliple G1 winner and Champion 2yo Midshipman (Unbridled's Song) and G2 winner Fast Cookie (Deputy Minister).
336	filly	bay	Big Brown	Foolish Kisses	Cannonade	(Named Untiltherewasyou), dam is a stakes winner. The filly is a ½ sister to G2 placed Gotaghostofachance Silver Ghost), stakes winners I'mtoogoodtobetrue (Good and Tough), Anofficerandalady (Officer) and Folly May Pay (Twining).
338	colt	dark bay/ brown	Partner's Hero	For Fun	Not for Love	Dam is a ½ sister to G2 winner Heros Reward (Partner's Hero).
340	filly	chestnut	Not for Love	Formalities Aside	Awesome Again	Dam is a ½ sister to G1 winner in the UAE and US Well Armed (Tiznow), G1 placed Helsinki (Distorted Humor) and G3 winner Witty (Distorted Humor).
373	filly	bay	Benny the Bull	Jolie's Dream	Jolie's Halo	Dam is a ½ sister to G3 winner Gators N Bears (Stormy Atlantic) and stakes placed Dressed for Succes (Tricky Mister).

Super Saturday preview (Part 2)

Welcome to Part 2 of the Super Saturday preview! Today it will be about the Ladies Classic and Classic. 2 stakes, 1 on each coast per division! Lets take a look at them all.

Starting off with the Ladies Classic races.

5th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012

STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $400,000. Beldame Invitational S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. (02:58 PM) (7)

Post #	Horse's Name	Age/Sex	Weight	Jockey	Trainer
1	Go Unbridled	5/M	123	Rosario Joel	Jerkens H. Allen
2	Maristar	5/M	123	Velazquez John R.	Pletcher Todd A.
3	Royal Delta	4/F	123	Smith Mike E.	Mott William I.
4	Cash for Clunkers	4/F	123	Garcia Alan	Violette, Jr. Richard A.
5	Disposablepleasure	3/F	120	Dominguez Ramon A.	Pletcher Todd A.
6	It's Tricky	4/F	123	Castro Eddie	McLaughlin Kiaran P.
7	Acting Happy	5/M	123	Castellano Javier	Dutrow, Jr. Richard E.

This is billed as what could be one of the final races between Royal Delta and It's Tricky. The latter is a bobble away from being undefeated and the former looked very flat in the Personal Ensign. They have faced each other four other times with them going 1-2 in two of them. This will be Round 5 for them. Go Unbridled won against NYB company in her last. Her best finish against graded stakes company was last November 3^rd place finish in the Turnback the Alarm. Maristar has not run well since a runner up finish against males in the Washington Park Handicap last September. This will be her first start as a member of the Pletcher barn. Cash for Clunkers was the runner up in the Ogden Phipps, but then ran seventh in the DelCap. Disposablepleasure was the runner up in the Black Eyed Susan and Mother Goose, but hasn't run well since and finally Acting Happy whose been running in allowance races lately, but was fourth in her last stakes race. When all is said and done, it should be between Royal Delta and It's Tricky. While the nine furlongs is to Royal Delta's advantage, this is a 1 turn race, so It's Tricky has a big chance. I'm going with Royal Delta, I think whatever happened in the Personal Ensign won't carry over, but I do think It's Tricky will give her a tough time on the front end as they go into the stretch. Go Unbridled for third. Now of course if the track is muddy, then I think It's Tricky has the advantage and then I'll still have Royal Delta in the top three, but second and Acting Happy for third.

8th Race - Santa Anita Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012

STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $250,000. Zenyatta S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEARS-OLD AND UPWARD. (04:38 PM) (9)

Post #	Horse's Name	Age/Sex	Weight	Jockey	Trainer
1	Amani (CHI)	4/F	121	Bejarano Rafael	Drysdale Neil D.
2	Love Theway Youare	4/F	124	Flores David Romero	Cho Myung Kwon
3	Switch	5/M	119	Gomez Garrett K.	Sadler John W.
4	Joyful Victory	4/F	119	Napravnik Rosie	Jones J. Larry
5	Star Billing	4/F	121	Espinoza Victor	Shirreffs John A.
6	Include Me Out	4/F	124	Talamo Joseph	Ellis Ronald W.
7	Love and Pride	4/F	124	Garcia Martin	Pletcher Todd A.
8	Via Villaggio	3/F	116	Pedroza Martin A.	Hollendorfer Jerry
9	Miss Mittagong	5/M	119	Gutierrez Mario	Cecil Ben D.A.

This is formally what was known as the Lady's Secret. You have some East Coast horses against the best of the West, should be a pretty fun race. Love Theway Youare is the only horse to defeat Include Me Out this year, but that was on a synthetic surface and she then finished fifth in the Hollywood Gold Cup against males. Amani hasn't won in the US yet, but she was third in her first US start against Include Me Out and was sixth in the Pacific Classic. The East Coasters Joyful Victory and Love and Pride are coming from oposite directions. The filly from the same owner and trainer as last year's Horse of the Year was second in the Gardenia, but was hung wide. She gets a big jockey change from Gabe Saez to Rosie Napravnik. Love and Pride got the blinkers removed for her Personal Ensign win in her last, the speed bias track that is Santa Anita will be very helpful for her. Miss Mittagong is 0 for 4 this year, but she was third in the Santa Margarita in March. However, she's only made one start since and that was a 7^th place at Del Mar in the Adoration. Via Villaggio was second in the DE Oaks and third in the Alabama in her last two starts. However last year, her trainer sent out Blind Luck to a very suprising last place finish in this race. Star Billing has never raced on dirt and is a G1 winner on turf. Her pedigree on first apprience looks like it could go either way and has a family member who did very well on dirt (Stellar Jayne) and she was second in the Hirsch at Del Mar. My gut feeling the reason why she was entered was because her trainer was also the trainer of Z, namesake of this race. Switch is more likely for the F/M Sprint then the Ladies Classic. Still, there are no true sprint prep for females in California, this was the only spot for her. 4^th in the Hirsch in her last. Finally, there is Include Me Out who has defeated almost every top quality filly in California. Ron Ellis did make some contraversial comments on Tuesday on the NTRA Teleconfernce that basically said that there is a “East Coast Bias” and that he didn't think that she was being respected enough. When going through all the information, in the end I think it comes down to a good old East vs West showdown between Love and Pride and Include Me Out. In the end, I think Include Me Out gets the job done and sends a message to the East Coast fillies that she is not to be messed with. Love and Pride for second and Amani for third.

And now the now the Classic prep races!

STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Dirt. Purse $1,000,000. TVG Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:46 PM) (10)

Post #	Horse's Name	Age/Sex	Weight	Jockey	Trainer
1	Ron The Greek	5/H	126	Lezcano Jose	Mott William I.
2	Stay Thirsty	4/C	126	Dominguez Ramon A.	Pletcher Todd A.
3	Ruler On Ice	4/G	126	Garcia Alan	Breen Kelly J.
4	Hymn Book	6/G	126	Velazquez John R.	McGaughey III Claude R.
5	Fort Larned	4/C	126	Hernandez, Jr. Brian Joseph	Wilkes Ian R.
6	Atigun	3/C	122	Smith Mike E.	McPeek Kenneth G.
7	Fast Falcon	3/C	122	Nakatani Corey S.	Zito Nicholas P.
8	San Pablo	4/C	126	Castellano Javier	Pletcher Todd A.
9	Flat Out	6/H	126	Rosario Joel	Mott William I.
10	Game Ball	5/H	126	Maragh Rajiv	Chatterpaul Naipaul

Fast Falcon and Atigun where 3^rd and 4^th respectively in the Travers. Ruler on Ice and Stay Thirsty who where 1-2 in last year's Belmont have not shown the same spark this year as they did as 3yo's. Even though he is the defending champ, Flat Out has not really shown the same tancity that he had shown last year, although as the year has gotten longer he's been finishing higher in the order. Hymn Book won the Donn earlier this year, but has been a little inconsistant since then. San Pablo is a bit of a dark horse as he's won his last 2 races, both of them stakes races. Game Ball has no chance in this race has he has been struggling in stakes races. Finally Fort Larned and Ron the Greek where 1-2 in the Whitney. The latter won the SA Handicap and Stephen Foster while the former has had 1 bad race this year and that was against Ron in the Foster. My pick for this race is Flat Out, he loves Belmont and has one of the most talented jockeys currently riding on his back. If it is a sloppy track that won't be a problem for him as he won on that type last year. Ron the Greek for second and Fort Larned for third. For the latter two, it might actually not be a bad thing for them to lose as they could end up being horses with a chance when it comes to Santa Anita time. With that being said, I would not be surprised if either of them wins the race as well.

10th Race - Santa Anita Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012

STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $250,000. Awesome Again S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:38 PM) (9)

Post #	Horse's Name	Age/Sex	Weight	Jockey	Trainer
1	Game On Dude	5/G	124	Bejarano Rafael	Baffert Bob
2	Winning Machine	6/G	119	Matias Javier	Lucarelli Frank
3	Nonios	3/C	116	Pedroza Martin A.	Hollendorfer Jerry
4	Groovin' Solo	3/C	116	Flores David Romero	Cho Myung Kwon
5	Suggestive Boy (ARG)	4/C	121	Talamo Joseph	McAnally Ronald L.
6	Empire Way	3/C	116	Blanc Brice	Harrington Mike
7	Richard's Kid	7/H	119	Gomez Garrett K.	O'Neill Doug F.
8	Balladry	4/C	119	Espinoza Victor	Harty Eoin G.
9	Rail Trip	7/G	119	Valdivia, Jr. Jose	Ellis Ronald W.

Formaly known as the Goodwood. Winning Machine takes a big step up in class from the Longacres Mile where he was the runner up. Balladry was third in the Cougar II. Richard's Kid was third in the Pacific Classic makes his first offical start for his new trainer. Groovin' Solo hasn't run since March and has never run well in graded stakes company. Empire Way is the full brother to Royal Delta, but he is not as talented as she is. Suggestive Boy makes his US dirt debut after his first off the board showing in the US. Rail Trip is the sentimential favorite and is already guarenteed a spot in the Dirt Mile. Nonios ran 5^th in the Travers after finishing second in the Haskell. Finally, Game on Dude was runner up in the Pacific Classic, but gets a key jockey changed from Chantal to Rafael. On heart alone, then Rail Trip wins. However, sadly that is not There happens to be a son of AA's in the race, and he is also my pick for this race. I'm going with Dude to win and position himself to be the Breeders' Cup Classic morning line favorite. Richard's Kid for second and Rail Trip for third. 

So that's it for this weekend, there are a couple of other races outthere this weekend including the Oklahoma Derby and the John Henry Turf Championship (formally known as the Clement Hirsch Turf Championship, both of those races will run on Sunday. Good luck to all the horses and may they return safe and sound.