Weekend Preview and Paragallo charged (Warning Language)

Here we go the last major weekend of preps (there is the Lexington next week, but those are those who need last minute earnings). Also I talk about a very serious topic.

First of the AR Derby

1)Captain Cherokee (Aaron Gryder, 20-1)
2)Papa Clem (Rafael Bejarano, 6-1)
3)Flat Out (Julio Garcia, 10-1)
4)Poltergeist (Quincy Hamilton, 20-1)
5)Ziegfeld (Jon Court, 12-1)
6)Flying Private (Israel Ocampo, 6-1)
7)Summer Bird (Chris Rosier, 30-1)
8)Old Fashioned (Terry Thompson, 9-5)
9)Win Willy (Cliff Berry, 7-2)
10)Danger to Society (Cornelio Velasquez, 6-1)

Even though he gets a jockey change, I still don't like Old Fashioned's chances. Personally I would love to see Win Willy win again, but beware of Papa Clem who apprently is working lights out on the Oaklawn surface. Flat Out for third, and Old Fashioned for fourth. If Willy wins, it will be another huge boost to his Derby winning sire Monarchos who got a G1 winner yesterday at Keenland.

Top three:
Win Willy
Papa Clem
Flat Out

Also at Oaklawn:

Oaklawn Park - April 11th, 2009 - Race 9
Northern Spur S. - Grade:
Estimated Local Post Time: 4:25 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Three Year Old
Purse: $75,000
Distance: One Mile
Surface: Dirt
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 It Happened Again (KY) 3 Colt 119 Terry J. Thompson
2 Golden Chapel (KY) 3 Colt 117 Israel Ocampo
3 Headstart (ON) 3 Colt 122 Aaron T. Gryder
4 Dance Caller (FL) 3 Colt 117 Larry J. Sterling, Jr.
5 Uno Mas (KY) 3 Colt 119 Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
6 Bergman (KY) 3 Colt 115 M. Clifton Berry
7 Marquee Event (FL) 3 Colt 115 Quincy Hamilton
8 Anaan (PA) 3 Colt 115 Larry Melancon
9 Kick On (FL) 3 Colt 119 Bryan McNeil
10 Fufty Too (KY) 3 Colt 115 Rafael Bejarano
11 Street Move (KY) 3 Colt 115 Christopher A. Emigh
12 Quiet Thanks (TX) 3 Colt 115 Eusebio Razo, Jr.
13 Good Sermon (KY) 3 Colt 117 Jon Kenton Court

I really like It Happended Again in this race. Also his name is fitting as he's by Proud Citizen, trained by Larry Jones and owned by former KY Gov. Breton Jones. They are the connections of last year's Champion 3yo filly Proud Spell. Uno Mas and Kick On who chased Friesan Fire and Old Fashioned respectivly for second and third.

Top three:
It Happend Again
Uno Mas
Kick On

At Aquaduct

Comely S. April 11, $150,000, 3yo, f, 1M, Aqueduct, 4:50 PM ET
Post Horse Sire Weight Jockey Trainer
1 Platinum Girl 3, f. Mineshaft 116 Michael Luzzi Todd Pletcher
2 Don't Forget Gil 3, f. Kafwain 122 Rajiv Maragh Mark Hennig
3 Subprime 3, f. High Yield 116 Richard Migliore James Jerkens
4 Laragh 3, f. Tapit 122 Ramon Dominguez John Terranova, II
5 Dream Play 3, f. Hennessy 118 Eddie Castro Kiaran McLaughlin
6 Holdontoyourdream 3, f. Proud Citizen 116 David Cohen Anthony Dutrow

One Word: Laragh. I really like this filly, more then her more known ownershipmate Stardom Bound. Holdontoyourdream and Don't Forget Gil just for their names for second and third respectivlly.

Top three:
Laragh
Holdontoyourdream
Don't Forget Gil

At Keenland the Bluegrass Stakes

1 -- Patena, Robby Albarado, 10-1
2 -- Join in the Dance, John Velazquez, 10-1
3 -- Theregoesjojo, Calvin Borel, 7-2
4 -- Cliffy's Future, Jesus Castanon, 20-1
5 -- Mafaaz, Richard Hills, 12-1
6 -- Terrain, Julien Leparoux, 6-1
7 -- Loch Dubh, Jamie Theriot, 50-1
8 -- General Quarters, Eibar Coa, 15-1
9 -- Charitable Man, Alan Garcia, 4-1
10 -- Hold Me Back, Kent Desormeaux, 3-1
11 -- Massone, Garrett Gomez, 12-1

The past few days the favorites in stakes races at Keenland have been upset. For this reason, I'm going to stay away from Hold Me Back. Instead I'm sticking with my gut and heart, with going with Patena. He could easily be better then I Want Revenge (Although he might not catch up until the summer). I would love to see Theregoesjojo get second and either General Quarters or Mafaaz get third. But watch Cliffy's Future pull a Dominican and win :P.

Now to some serious talk. Ernie Paragallo, who is a well known owner, has been charged 22 counts of animal abuse, link. However, Paragallo is saying that he did not abuse the animals, that it was a management problem, link. The following is going to have some profanity, so readers descrition is advised.

I think Paragallo is full of bs. It doesn't help that he has had his owners licence revoked once before, thankfully NYRA has banned him from doing bussiness, link. Animal abuse is a very serious charge, and he should pay the time for doing the crime. Even if he didn't know that it was going on, they are still his horses. I'm extremly hopeful that one of the horses abused was not Pink Viper, a half brother to Flashy Bull and one of my favorite horses in training. I'm also concerned about a few other other Paragallo horses that I like. Thankfully UBS and Artax, his two best horses are standing at stud. Lets hope he gets the max if convicted.

Weekend Preview

I'm not going to be posting the fields this week, as I spent a good part of the day crying. They moved my dad to Hospice today as he took a turn for the worse last weekend. So due to a lack of time I will just be giving you a small preview for each race I'm previewing.

Santa Anita Derby (G1) (Santa Anita): I really would love to see Chocolate Candy win it, with Pioneerof the Nile, Take the Points, and The Pamplemousse taking 2-3-4 respectivly. I feel that these are the four best horses on the West Coast.

Ashland S. (G1) (Keenland): While Stardom Bound is the favorite in here, I would not under estimate What a Pear. She hails from the same female family as Rags to Riches, Jazil ect. Also she won the same race at Aquaduct as Little Belle did before winning the Ashland. Look for Dream Empress to rebound here to get third behind Pear and Stardom, who is very vernuable.

Wood Memorial (G1) (Aquaduct): This is a two horse race between I Want Revenge and Imperial Council. Based on his impressive Gotham win, I give the edge to Revenge.

Oaklawn Handicap (G2) (Oaklawn): This is a G2? Seriously, no Tiago and no Magnum. With that being said, my beloved Prom Shoes is in this race and I love his chances. Also he is breaking from my dad's favorite number (#2), so this win would be so bitter sweet for me. Hopefully Jonesboro and Honest Man also rebound in this race.

Apple Blossom (G1) (Oaklawn): This is a G1? Yeah just as bad as the OakCap, maybe even worse. Acoma should win this race easily.

Carter H. (G1) (Aquaduct): This IMO is the best race of the weekend. You have 2 G1's, a horse who is very close to getting his G1 win, as well as an up and coming colt. I gotta go with the trifecta of Tale of Ekati, Kodiak Kowboy and Biker Boy. I like all three of these horses chances to hitting the board in this race.

Fantasy S. (G2) (Oaklawn): It's Rachel Alexandra's world and we are all living it. I hope Rach takes this easily to set up her matchup against Justwhistledixie and Stardom Bound (As well as What a Pear). Bon Jovi Girl and Just Jenda for 2-3 respectivlly.

For you fans of CAN racing, Woodbine opens on Saturday. Again I appoligze for not having a huge preview.

Weekend Preview

Lots of stakes that I'll be previewing, because two of them will not have payouts I will just be picking a winner for them.

#3. $2 Million UAE Derby (UAE-II), About 1 1/8 Miles (Dirt)

1. Regal Ransom (USA), Saeed bin Suroor, Alan Garcia
2. I Am The Best (GB), A. Al Raihe, Royston Ffrench
3. Lelah Dorak (KSA), B. Resaque, Edgar Prado
4. Muy Ponderado (ARG), M. bin Shafya, Wayne Smith
5. Desert Party (USA), Saeed bin Suroor, Frankie Dettori
6. Redding Colliery (USA), H. Brown, John Egan
7. So Shiny (ARG), J. Barton, Fenando Jara
8. Ra Junior (USA), B. Meehan, Jamie Spencer
9. Balcarce Nov (ARG), H. Brown, W. Marwing
10. Jose Adan (USA), Saeed bin Suroor, Ted Durcan
11. Soy Libriano (ARG), M. bin Shafya, A. Atjebi
12. Naval Officer (USA), J. Barton, Michael Kinane
13. Paso De Gloria (ARG), M. bin Shafya, Willaim Supple


Some of these horses are what we consider 4yo's, but they are eliable as the SH horses don't age until later in the year. I gotta go with Desert Party, he's Darley/Godolphin's best chance to make the Derby this year.

#7 $6 Million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I), about 1 1/4 Miles (Dirt)PP. Horse, Trainer, Jockey

1. Muhannak (IRE), R. Beckett, R. Moore
2. Arson Squad (USA), R. Dutrow Jr., E. Prado
3. Snaafy (USA), M. Al Muhairi, R. Hills
4. Asiatic Boy (ARG), M. de Kock, J. Murtagh
5. Happy Boy (BRZ), M. bin Shafya, A. Ajtebi
6. Gloria de Campeao (BRZ), P. Bary, J. Leme
7. Well Armed (USA), E. Harty, A. Gryder
8. Casino Drive (USA), K. Fujisawa, K. Ando
9. Joe Louis (ARG), J. Barton, W. Ramos
10. Albertus Maximus (USA), K. McLaughlin, A. Garcia
11. Muller (GER), N. Bruss, W. Marwing
12. Anak Nakal (USA), N. Zito, J. Bravo
13. Paris Perfect (SAF), N. Bruss, B. Faydherbe
14. My Indy (ARG), S. bin Suroor, L. Dettori


Shadow Rolls: Anak Nakal (USA), Asiatic Boy (ARG), Casino Drive (USA), Gloria de Campeao (BRZ), Muhannak (IRE), Paris Perfect (SAF), Well Armed (USA).


It comes down to a three horse race. Asiatic Boy, Casino Drive and Albertus Maximus. Of these three, I would love to see Casino Drive take it, the question is will the travel take something out of him. Look out for Anak Nakal to surprise if niether of those three take it.

Also on this card will be Indian Blessing going against the boys in the Golden Shaheen, and my boy Kip Deville in the Duty Free

Down at Gulfstream there are two races that I will be previewing, but Nicanor returns for a third try to break his maiden. He had a second place finish last time out.

Swale S. - Grade: 2
Estimated Local Post Time: 5:11 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Three Year Old
Purse: $150,000
Distance: Seven Furlongs
Surface: Dirt
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 This Ones for Phil (FL) 3 Gelding 120 Garrett K. Gomez
2 B Z Warrior (KY) 3 Colt 114 John R. Velazquez
3 Sabi Sabi (FL) 3 Colt 118 Jose Lezcano
4 Custom for Carlos (KY) 3 Colt 114 Kent J. Desormeaux
5 Brave Victory (KY) 3 Colt 116 Julien R. Leparoux
6 Big Drama (FL) 3 Colt 120 Eibar Coa

Two of these horses where on the Derby trail at one time or another, Big Drama and This Ones for Phil. Custom for Carlos won his maiden last time out against Nicanor. I gotta go with This Ones for Phil, only because I think Big Drama is going to need a race before getting back into things. Although I won't be suprised to see him win it.

Top three:
This Ones for Phil
Big Drama
Custom for Carlos

Gulfstream Park - March 28th, 2009 - Race 10
Florida Derby - Grade: 1
Estimated Local Post Time: 5:44 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Three Year Old
Purse: $750,000
Distance: One And One Eighth Miles
Surface: Dirt
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Toby the Coal Man (KY) 3 Colt 122 Julien R. Leparoux
2 Quality Road (VA) 3 Colt 122 John R. Velazquez
3 Casey's On Call (FL) 3 Colt 122 E. T. Baird
4 Dunkirk (KY) 3 Colt 122 Garrett K. Gomez
5 Sincero (FL) 3 Colt 122 Elvis Trujillo
6 Theregoesjojo (KY) 3 Colt 122 Kent J. Desormeaux
7 Danger to Society (KY) 3 Colt 122 Mario Madrid
8 Europe (KY) 3 Colt 122 Christopher P. DeCarlo
9 Stately Character (KY) 3 Colt 122 Rene R. Douglas

This is a must win situation for Dunkirk. A win and he's in the Derby, a 2nd he is iffy, 3rd or worse then it's the Preakness. And that's where I think he'll be heading as I'm going with Theregoesjojo, who I think is sitting on a huge race. Could Dunkirk run a huge race, of course, I like his trainer, respect his owner, not a huge fan of his jockey, love his sire. He does have a rabbit in Europe to set an honest pace, but with him having a nice pedigree as well I wouldn't be suprised to see him suprise people and take it. Quality Road is a miler, but he could outrun his pedigee.

Top three:
Theregoesjojo
Dunkirk
Quality Road

Dubai World Cup card and another two more drop off the Derby trail

Here are all of the TB races that will be run Sat morning- early afternoon (here on the East Coast) in Dubai, UAE.
Link

Because there is no betting allowed in Dubai, plus I don't know all of the horses as they are from all around the world. I won't be analyzing all the races, but Friday I will be analyzing the UAE Derby and World Cup as those two races might have an impact in the US races later this year.

Also according to DRF.com, Silver City will be focusing on sprinting and his next race will be the Derby Trial, also off the trail is Beethoven due to a small injury. This is a shame, because I thought he would to well in the FL Derby. Maybe we see him in the Haskell later this year.

The brackets will return tomarrow. :)

Weekend Preview Part 2 and Oaks on Bravo

So I decided to preview one more race for this weekend. The Honeybee Stakes which is Sunday at Oaklawn Park.

$100,000 Honeybee Stakes (gr. III, Race 9, 5:11 p.m.), 3-Year-Old Fillies, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Be Fair (FL), 119, Terry J. Thompson
2. Afleet Deceit (KY), 115, Christopher A. Emigh
3. Hightap (KY), 119, Shaun Bridgmohan
4. Just Jenda (KY), 122, Gabriel Saez
5. My Spanx (FL), 119, Martin Escobar
6. Peach Brew (OK), 117, Quincy Hamilton
7. Bon Jovi Girl (KY), 119, Jose C. Caraballo

I really like Bon Jovi Girl in this race, she is coming off an race against older females which she won. Just Jenda comes up from the Fair Grounds after finishing third in the Silverbulletday. I'm going with Peach Brew for third, partially for her name and partially because she an OK bred, and one of my favorite horses currently in training is an OK bred as well.

Top Three:
Bon Jovi Girl
Just Jenda
Peach Brew

Also ESPN is dropping the Friday before the Derby coverage, this includes the Kentucky Oaks. (Link) Even though, NBC Sports will pick up the slack and put the Oaks on Bravo (home to shows like the Real Housewives of New York, which ironicly, one of the stars is Bethaney Frankel the daughter of Bobby Frankel. But this is a story for another day), it's still not good. I mean ESPN is supposed to be "The Worldwide Leader in Sports", and they show poker over horse racing? Yes I know there are people who don't like Kenny Mayne, but honestly he knows more then people think. If I remeber correctly, he was the only one who correctly chose Jazil and Invasor to win their races respectivly in 2006. I don't know, hopefully the Bravo crew includes Tom Hammond and maybe Tom Durkin calling? But then again he may be waiting a day and let the new track announcer Mark Johnson call his first national televised race.

Weekend Preview

First off, I apologize for not having Stallion Spotlight yesterday. A family emergency came up and was not near a computer yesterday. While this is a huge weekend race wise with lots of good races all around of the country, I will only preview the four Derby and an Oaks preps. All these races are EDT.

At Tampa Bay Downs
$300,000 Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III, Race 11, 5:26 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Perfect Bull, 116, Dean Butler
2. Musket Man, 116, Daniel Centeno
3. Nowhere to Hide, 116, Alan Garcia, A 116
4. Hello Broadway, 116, Eibar Coa
5. Warrior's Reward, 116, Carlos Montalvo
6. Sumo, 116, Jeremy Rose
7. Join the Dance, 116, Elvis Trujillo
8. General Quarters, 122, James Lopez
9. Bear's Rocket, 116, Ronnie Allen, Jr.
10. Justdontcallmejeri, 116, Jesus Rios
11. Top Seed, 116, Rajiv Marah

General Quarters will have to prove that his Sam F. Davis win was no fluke. And he’s up against Hello Broadway who is a really nice horse. A half brother to G1 winner Nobiz Like Shobiz, Hello Broadway could follow his brother’s hoof steps at have his final prep in the Wood Memorial depending on how he does here of course. Warrior’s Reward is coming off a second place finish in an allowance, where he was beaten by FL Derby bound Dunkirk. The 10th place finisher in his maiden win, could break his maiden soon (Aka Nicanor). I really like Hello Broadway in this race, with Warrior’s Reward second and General Quarters third.

Top three:
Hello Broadway
Warrior’s Reward
General Quarters

At Oaklawn Park
$300,000 Rebel Stakes (gr. II, Race 10, 5:50 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Old Fashioned (KY), 122, Ramon A. Dominguez
2. Hamazing Destiny (KY), 115, Terry J. Thompson
3. Poltergeist (TX), 117, Quincy Hamilton
4. Pointing Home (FL), 115, Julio A. Garcia
5. Wise Kid (KY), 117, Jose C. Caraballo
6. His Greatness (KY), 117, Larry J. Sterling, Jr.
7. Captain Cherokee (KY), 117, Luis S. Quinonez
8. Silver City (KY), 117, Jon Kenton Court
9. Win Willy (KY), 117, M. Clifton Berry

In 2005 there where two horses: Rockport Harbor, a son of Unbridled’s Song owned by Fox Hill Farm, and Afleet Alex, a son of Northern Afleet who was trained by Tim Richey. Rocky was based at Philadelphia Park, the home track of Smarty Jones, Alex was based at Delaware Park (my home track). With the Delaware Valley coming off Smarty fever, Rocky and Alex where destined to do well on the Triple Crown They finished second and last respectfully in the Rebel. However, that was their only matchup, Rocky’s foot proved to be too much to do the TC, and well Alex went on to bigger and better things. Now another son of UBS carrying the colors of FHF and a horse trained by Richey face off. They are Old Fashioned, the Southwest winner and Wise Kid, a son of Lemon Drop Kid and his coming off an allowance win. I really like Wise Kid in this spot, he might just have what it takes to upset Old Fashioned. Look for Captain Cherokee, the half brother of 2 time BC Sprint winner Midnight Lute to be a factor as well. His dad Sir Cherokee won the AR Derby back in 2003.
Top three:
Wise Kid
Old Fashioned
Captain Cherokee

At the Fair Grounds
$600,000 Louisiana Derby (gr. II, Race 9, 4:45 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Free Country (KY), 122, Kent J. Desormeaux
2. Soul Warrior (KY), 122, Shaun Bridgmohan
3. Patena (KY), 122, Robby Albarado
4. Terrain (KY), 122, Julien R. Leparoux
5. Flying Pegasus (KY), 122, John R. Velazquez
6. Giant Oak (IL), 122, James Graham
7. Uno Mas (KY), 122, Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
8. Papa Clem (KY), 122, Rafael Bejarano
9. Friesan Fire (KY), 122, Gabriel Saez

Friesan Fire vs. Patena: Round 2, and this time Patena has a new trainer. Rick Dutrow takes over for Josie Caroll after being bought by IEAH after the Lacomte. Flying Pegasus was second in the Risen Star. Expect a better race out of Giant Oak and beware of Papa Clem, if he shows that he can take to dirt, the Cali horses can be very dangerous in the Derby.

Top three:
Fresian Fire
Patena
Giant Oak

$400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (gr. II, Race 6, 3:07 p.m.), 3-Year-Old Fillies, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Our Dahlia (KY), 121, Kent J. Desormeaux
2. Four Gifts (KY), 121, Robby Albarado
3. Rachel Alexandra (KY), 121, Calvin H. Borel
4. African Skies (GB), 121, Edgar S. Prado
5. Flying Spur (KY), 121, Patrick A. Valenzuela
6. War Tigress (KY), 121, James Graham

This is a no contest. Rachel Alexandra should take this and be ready for either the AR Derby or Fantasy Stakes (both at Oaklawn). With her stablemate War Echo out, look for Four Gifts to get up there for second and I gotta go with Flying Spur for third, just for her name.

Top three:
Rachel Alexandra
Four Gifts
Flying Spur

At Santa Anita Park
$200,000 San Felipe Stakes (gr. II, Race 4, 2:03 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles (All Weather)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. He's Really Big (CA), 115, Aaron T. Gryder
2. Pioneerof the Nile (KY), 122, Garrett K. Gomez
3. Feisty Suances (CA), 115, David R. Flores
4. Shafted (KY), 115, Joel Rosario
5. Jeranimo (FL), 115, Brice Blanc
6. Kelly Leak (FL), 115, Victor Espinoza
7. New Bay (KY), 115, Joseph Talamo

Another no contest, Pioneerof the Nile is the heavy favorite. I love that there is a horse in here named He’s Really Big, and just for that I’ll pt him second, and Shafted for third again for his name.
Top three:
Pioneerof the Nile
He’s Really Big
Shafted

Also this weekend: Honest Man is in action, a G1 out at SA (not really a great field, which is why I’m not previewing it.) and a few other nice stakes races.

Weekend Preview, Magna files Chapter 11

Well here it is, weekend preview. Really not much Derby and/or Oaks wise. But the two races that are, are huge ones. Plus the best early season race for older males, two of my favorites running in a prep for the Oaklawn Handicap, and it's another boys vs girl matchup.

We start off in New York, at Aquaduct on Saturday is the Gotham Stakes.


$250,000 Gotham Stakes (gr. III, Race 9, 4:18 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt) PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Naos (KY), 116, Michael J. Luzzi
2. Russell Road (WV), 116, Travis L. Dunkelberger
3. Masala (FL), 116, Eibar Coa
4. Axel Foley (KY), 116, Richard Migliore
5. Mr. Fantasy (NY), 116, Alan Garcia
6. Haynesfield (NY), 120, Charles C. Lopez
7. Imperial Council (KY), 116, Rajiv Maragh
8. I Want Revenge (KY), 116, Joseph Talamo
9. Giant Ryan (NY), 116, Jeffrey Sanchez

This races is loaded with talent. Masala is coming off a second place finish at Gulfstream, the winner Take the Points just finished second last week in the Sham. Axel Foley and I Want Revenge come in from Cali. But the three to keep an eye on are Haynesfield, Imperial Council and Mr. Fantasy. These three could become the Wood Memorial favorites if they do in this race. Haynesfield will most likely go off as the favorite. But I like Imperial Council in this race, although he is going two turns for the first time. The big reason why is that he is by Empire Maker (2003 Belmont winner, much to my dismay, but that's a story for another day), out of a mare by Thunder Gulch (1995 Derby and Belmont winner). And if you go back farther, his dam's broodmare sire is Risen Star (1988 Preakness and Belmont winner), and his sire's sire is Unbridled (1990 Derby winner). Mr. Fantasy is the half brother to last year's Indiana Derby winner Tin Cup Chalice. He's by E Dubai, who happens to be the sire of one of my favorite Darley horses (although I think he's retired or exported), Wafi City. Two turns should also not be problem for him as his broodmare sire is 1979 Derby and Preakness winner Spectacular Bid. Hayesfield is the questionmark. While he won the first prep, the Whirlaway, he's by a champion sprinter. Instead I'm going to put Masala who is by Lion Heart.

Top three:
Imperial Council
Mr. Fantasy
Masala

Next it's off to Oaklawn Park.


Oaklawn Park - March 7th, 2009 - Race 9Razorback H. - Grade: 3
Estimated Local Post Time: 5:02 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Four Year Old and Upward
Purse: $150,000
Distance: One And One Sixteenth Miles Surface: Dirt
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Spotsgone (KY) 6 Horse 113 Joe M. Johnson
2 Jonesboro (KY) 7 Horse 117 Calvin H. Borel
3 Catmantoo (KY) 6 Gelding 112 M. Clifton Berry
4 Let It Rock (FL) 4 Colt 113 Terry J. Thompson
5 Silver Edition (KY) 4 Colt 113 Bryan McNeil
6 Shim's Pride (KY) 6 Gelding 113 Israel Ocampo
7 Prom Shoes (KY) 5 Horse 117 Christopher A. Emigh

I've been waiting for this match-up for a few weeks. The class of the field is defending champ Jonesboro, and Essex winner Prom Shoes. These two have been thorns in each others sides for a year, and this time it's going to be very interesting. Look for last year's Essex winner Spotsgone to set the pace for Jonesboro and his stablemate Shoes. I'm going with Let It Rock for third, just for his name. But the Shoes will take it and go into the Oaklawn Handicap as the local favorite (depending on who ships in).

Top three:
Prom Shoes
Jonesboro
Let It Rock

Last, but not least, three Grade 1 races at Santa Anita.

Santa Anita Park - March 7th, 2009 - Race 7
Santa Anita Oaks - Grade: 1
Estimated Local Post Time: 3:07 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Three Year Old
Sex: Fillies Purse: $300,000
Distance: One And One Sixteenth Miles Surface: All Weather Track
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Stardom Bound (KY) 3 Filly 122 Mike E. Smith
2 Burg Berg (KY) 3 Filly 122 Tyler Baze
3 Miss Silver Brook (KY) 3 Filly 122 Alex O. Solis
4 Hooh Why (FL) 3 Filly 122 Robby Albarado
5 Stormy Slew (KY) 3 Filly 122 John R. Velazquez
6 Nan (KY) 3 Filly 122 Corey S. Nakatani
7 Will O Way (KY) 3 Filly 122 Russell A. Baze
8 Beltene (CA) 3 Filly 122 Joel Rosario
9 Third Dawn (KY) 3 Filly 122 Rafael Bejarano
10 Acronym (KY) 3 Filly 122 David Romero Flores

This is a make or break race for Stardom Bound, a solid win and she'll try boys next time out in the SA Derby. Otherwise it will be the Oaks. This is her race to lose. Alot of people people like Miss Silver Brook, and Hooh Why was second to Patena last year up at Woodbine (this was before IEAH bought him).

Top three:
Stardom Bound
Miss Silver Brook
Hooh Why

Santa Anita Park - March 7th, 2009 - Race 9
Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. - Grade: 1
Estimated Local Post Time: 4:07 PM
Race Type: StakesBreed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Four Year Old and Upward
Purse: $300,000
Distance: One Mile Surface: Turf
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Ventura (KY) 5 Mare 118 Garrett K. Gomez
2 Mast Track (KY) 5 Horse 117 Julien R. Leparoux
3 Monterey Jazz (KY) 5 Horse 116 Russell A. Baze
4 Hewitts (FL) 5 Gelding 114 David Romero Flores
5 Wise River (KY) 6 Horse 116 Robby Albarado
6 Artiste Royal (IRE) 8 Ridgling 119 Rafael Bejarano
7 Dixie Chatter (KY) 4 Colt 115 Tyler Baze
8 Mr Napper Tandy (GB) 5 Horse 113 Joel Rosario
9 Global Hunter (ARG) 6 Horse 116 Jose Valdivia, Jr.
10 Becrux (ITY) 7 Gelding 115 Edgar S. Prado
11 Gio Ponti (KY) 4 Colt 118 Ramon A. Dominguez
12 Victory Pete (FL) 4 Colt 113 Mike E. Smith

Ventura vs the boys: Round 2. She was the runner up in last year's Woodbine Mile before upsetting Indian Blessing in the BC Filly/Mare sprint. This is probley her max distance, look for her stablemate Mast Track to set the early pace. I would love Dixie Chatter to take it, he's had such bad luck since he was 2. I really don't like Gio Ponti in this spot.

Top three:
Dixie Chatter
Ventura
Mast Track

Santa Anita Park - March 7th, 2009 - Race 10
Santa Anita H. - Grade: 1
Estimated Local Post Time: 4:37 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Four Year Old and Upward
Purse: $1,000,000
Distance: One And One Fourth Miles Surface: All Weather Track
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Matto Mondo (CHI) 5 Horse 116 Rafael Bejarano
2 Cowboy Cal (KY) 4 Colt 120 John R. Velazquez
3 Heroi Do Bafra (BRZ) 7 Horse 111 Michael C. Baze
4 Monba (KY) 4 Colt 114 Edgar S. Prado
5 Colonel John (KY) 4 Colt 119 Garrett K. Gomez
6 Magnum (ARG) 8 Gelding 116 Joel Rosario
7 Blue Exit (KY) 4 Colt 115 Robby Albarado
8 Einstein (BRZ) 7 Horse 121 Julien R. Leparoux
9 Dansant (GB) 5 Horse 116 Tyler Baze
10 Cause (KY) 4 Colt 110 Jon Kenton Court
11 Court Vision (KY) 4 Colt 119 Ramon A. Dominguez
12 Zambezi Sun (GB) 5 Horse 116 Victor Espinoza
13 Champs Elysees (GB) 6 Horse 118 Jose Valdivia, Jr.
14 Stream Cat (KY) 6 Gelding 114 Alex O. Solis

The hot horse right now is Cowboy Cal, Einstein is comming off a 3rd place finish in the Donn and should be helped by the synthtic surface. Court Vision is coming off a 3rd place finish in the Gulfstearm Park Turf and is my pick to win the race. Col. John may need a race, Magnum looks like he's a new horse. Champs Elysees ran well in this race last year, his stablemate Zambezi Sun is coming off a short layoff. Dansant is a very interesting horse as he's Euro based. Now go watch Cal's stablemate Monba shock us all again and win the whole thing.

Top three:
Court Vision
Cowboy Cal
Einstein

As I reported last night, Manga was in danger of filing for bankruptcy. They did that today, link. It's Chapter 11 bankruptsy.

Big Weekend Preview (Part 2), Patena, Tiago and Injuries

Here is the final big race on the weekend.


Oaklawn Park - February 7th, 2009 - Race 9
Essex H. - Grade:
Estimated Local
Post Time: 5:02 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Four Year Old and Upward
Purse: $100,000
Distance: One And One Sixteenth Miles
Surface: Dirt
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Going Ballistic (FL) 5 Horse 115 M. Clifton Berry
2 Golden Yank (KY) 4 Gelding 119 Timothy T. Doocy
3 Solar Flare (ARG) 5 Horse 115 Calvin H. Borel
4 Prom Shoes (KY) 5 Horse 115 Christopher A. Emigh
5 Spotsgone (KY) 6 Horse 113 Joe M. Johnson
6 Encaustic (MD) 5 Horse 113 Luis S. Quinonez
7 Que Paso (VA) 6 Gelding 110 Martin Escobar
8 Telling (KY) 5 Horse 116 Eusebio Razo, Jr.

Last year Spotsgone went gate to wire to win the Essex Handiacap. I see Jinx Fires defending this title, but not with Spotsgone. I'm going with his stablemate Prom Shoes who loves Oaklawn. He won the final older male stakes race at Oaklawn last year and had an okay year afterwards (for Prom Shoes standards). He's coming off a pretty bad loss, but that was on turf which is not his best surface. Second I'm going with Solar Flare and Going Ballistic for third.

Top three:
Prom Shoes
Solar Flare
Going Ballistic

A few things as well. Saratoga Sinner is off the Derby trail with a chip in his knee, link. Every year there is a horse who doesn't stay on the trail for that long and this year it's him. Square Eddie is out for 30 days with a sore shin, link. It's a shame because I thought he would be the horse to upset Old Fashioned in the Southwest. Even if he doesn't make it back for the Derby, look out for him in the Queen's Plate which is on Poly (He's a Candian bred). Patena (TC 3yo colt #4) is heading to the LA Derby, link, and Tiago (TC Older Male #2) is back in Sunday's San Antonio at Santa Anita, due to a lack of time, I won't make a prediction other then go Tiago and Well Armed! Link

Tomarrow is the Stallion Spotlight.

Big Weeked Preview (Part 1)

Yes I know every weekend leading up to the Derby is big, but this one is different from last week. It's so big, that it's going to take two days to this preview (as the race I want to that's also Saturday doesn't get drawn until tomarrow). So part one will focus on a G1, the first major New York stakes of the year, and the return of a rivelry.

We start off at Aquaduct with a prep for Wood Memorial.


8th (3:49)
Whirlaway S.
1 1/16 Miles Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $100,000
1 Haynesfield Dominguez R A 122 L
2 Hehasnosay Castro E 118 L
3 Peace Town Pimentel J 120 L
4 Mike From Queens Maragh R 118 L
5 Zooger Hill C 118 L
6 Cellar Dweller Napravnik A R 118 L

Alot of people like the NY Bred Haynesfield, who won the Damon Runyon last year and the Count Fleet last time out. He's by Speightstown, so distance might be a bit on the long side, but his broodmare sire was third in the Queen's Plate (Canada's version of the Derby). I personally like Peace Town. He's by Peace Rules (3rd to Funny Cide in the 2003 KY Derby and G1 winner), out of a mare who is by a son of Seattle Slew. Won the Maryland Juvi last year and might be the horse to beat with Haynesfield who I'm going to put on top, but either way it will be interesting.

Top three:
Haynesfield
Peace Town
Mike from Queens

From Queens, we head to the Cresent City New Orleans, and the Fair Grounds for LA Derby Preview day.


6th (2:55)
Mineshaft H. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles Open 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes Purse: $125,000
1 Secret Getaway Graham J 119 L
2 Good and Lucky Valenzuela P A 120 L
3 Smokeyjonessutton Theriot H J II 112 Blk-Off L
4 Grasshopper Albarado R J 119 L
5 My Pal Charlie Bourque C C 121 L
6 Coragil Cat Hernandez B J Jr 114 L
7 Brothers Nicholas Prado E S 116 L
8 Honest Man Saez G 119 L

Honest Man is a really interesting horse pedigree wise. He's by Unbridled's Song out of G1 Oath. Now your proably saying is why is a horse by a Champion 2yo out of a G1 winning mar interesting, it's his dam side that's the interesting. Oath's half brother is War Pass, the 2007 BC Juvi winner. Now no mistake about it, Honest Man is a really nice horse. Won a G3 last year, he finished 3rd in his season debut this year. Grasshopper is another interesting horse, he gave Street Sense all he can handal in the 2007 Travlers finishing a soild second to the Derby winner. Another interesting thing is that Mineshaft and him share the same trainer. This is proably the most wide open race on the Fair Grounds card on Saturday.

Top Three:
Honest Man
Grasshopper
My Pal Charlie


8th (3:55)
Silverbulletday S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles Fillies 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $150,000
1 Four Gifts Albarado R J 122 L
2 More of the Best Castanon J L 116 L
3 War Echo Bridgmohan S X 116 L
4 Flying Spur Valenzuela P A 116 L
5 Garter Belt Lanerie C J 116 L
6 Southern Yankee Saez G 122 L
7 Just Jenda Thompson T J 122 L
8 War Tigress Hernandez B J Jr 120 L

Last year the Fair Grounds had the fantastic rivalry of Indian Blessing vs Proud Spell. This year it's Just Jenda vs Four Gifts. But this is somewhat of a rematch between the trainers. Larry Jones (Just Jenda) and Steve Asmussen (Four Gifts), these two along with Carl Naftzger (trainer of Unbridled) gave us Street Sense (Naftzger), Curlin (Asmussen) and Hard Spun (Jones) in 2007. Just Jenda and Four Gifts have each taken one race. Four Gifts as a two year old and Just Jenda as a three year old. Look out for Four Gifts stablemate, War Echo a 3/4 sister to last year's Lousiana Derby winner Pyro.

Top three:
Just Jenda
Four Gifts
War Echo

9th (4:29)
Risen Star S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $200,000
1 Map of the World Bourque C C 116 L
2 Indygo Mountain Theriot H J II 116 L
3 Nowhere to Hide Lanerie C J 116 L
4 It Happened Again Thompson T J 120 L
5 Uno Mas Hernandez B J Jr 120 L
6 Friesan Fire Saez G 122 L
7 Giant Oak Prado E S 120 L
8 Dumar Bridgmohan S X 120 L
9 Code of Honour Toups R 116 L
10 Soul Warrior Valenzuela P A 116 L
11 Summer's Empire Campbell J M 122 L
12 Flying Pegasus Albarado R J 120 L
13 Au Moon Leparoux J R 116 L

Two years ago Larry Jones and Fox Hill Farm had Hard Spun win the prep for the Risen Star the LaComte. Lghting strook twice, this time with Friesan Fire (#5 3yo colts in the TC Top Five), who won the LaComte this year. He'll face some of the same horses, Uno Mas, Au Moon and Indygo Mountain being the big names. Giant Oak, who finished second in his first try on dirt at Churchill last year is the morning line favorite. It Happended Again is a fitting name for him as he's by Proud Citizen (sire of Proud Spell), owned by former Kentucky Gov. Breton Jones and trained by Larry Jones (owner and trainer of Proud Spell).

Top three:
Friesan Fire
Giant Oak
It Happended Again

Here is an interesting story about Giant Oak Link

Then it's off to California with SA Oaks, Derby and Handicap preps.


6th (3:05)
Las Virgenes S. (G1)
1 Mile (All Weather Track) Fillies 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $300,000
1 Navigator Espinoza V 116 L
2 African Skies (GB) Talamo J 116
3 Century Park Baze T C 118 L
4 Nan Nakatani C S 116 L
5 Stardom Bound Smith M E 122 L
6 Haka Bejarano R 116 L
7 Saucey Evening Gomez G K 118 L
8 Toro Bonito Velazquez J R 116 L
9 Pinkarella Rosario J 116 L

Stardom Bound (#1 in 3yo fillies) makes her season debut for her new owner and trainer. Honestly she is the class of the race, but I'm going to try to beat her. Saucey Evening looks to the horse to do it. She's by More Than Ready who has done quite well with his Australian crops out of a full sister to General Challenge and Western Hemisphere. A Cal bred stakes winner, she might be the one to dethrone Stardom Bound.

Top three:
Saucey Evening
Stardom Bound
Pinkarella

8th (4:07)
Robert B. Lewis S. (G2)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $200,000
1 Bittel Road Velazquez J R 122 L
2 Pioneerof the Nile Gomez G K 122 L
3 Papa Clem Bejarano R 115 L
4 I Want Revenge Talamo J 115 Blk-On L
5 Mark S the Cooler Nakatani C S 115 L
6 Oil Man (IRE) Smith M E 115 L
7 Brother Keith Baze T C 115 L
8 Shafted Rosario J 117 L
9 Charlie's Moment Valdivia J Jr 117

Not much to really say about this race other then it's really between three horses.

Top three:
Pioneerof the Nile
Brother Keith
I Want Revenge


9th (4:38)
Strub S. (G2)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) Open 4 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $250,000
1 Dixie Chatter Baze T C 117 L
2 Blue Exit Smith M E 117 L
3 Trevor's Clever Baze M C 117 L \
4 Victory Pete Sutherland C 117 L
5 Gio Ponti Gomez G K 123 L
6 Medjool Solis A 117 L
7 Nownownow Talamo J 121 L
8 Cowboy Cal Velazquez J R 121 L
9 Wishful Tomcat Rosario J 119 L
10 Cause Garcia M 117 L
11 Cherokee Artist Valdivia J Jr 117 L
12 Wesley Castellano J J 119
13 Slew's Tiznow Bejarano R 119 L

Cowboy Cal, Nownownow, and Gio Ponti are actually turf horses who are benifitting from the Pro Ride surface (Although Cal did pretty well in last year's Derby). I gotta go with Dixie Chatter who is actually the only Grade One winner in the race. Nownownow is trained by Patrick Beincone who is coming off a suspention for cobra venom (yes cobra venom). He also bombed pretty badly last year. Gio Ponti had a rivalry with Court Vision and Cowboy Cal is the only Stonerside horse that is with the McNairs (the rest (except for stallions) where sold to Darley)

Top three:
Dixie Chatter
Cowboy Cal
Gio Ponti

Tomarrow, the Oaklawn race!

Welcome and Big Weekend

Welcome to Thoroughbred Chat. On this blog, I'll talk about the Triple Crown in both the US and Canada, plus the Breeder's Cup and major international races. So let's get started.

It's a major weekend for not only Derby preps, but Dubai World Cup preps.

We start off in Florida with two stakes races, an interesting allowance and the much anticpated debut of the full brother to Barbaro.

First off in the first race at Gulfstream,

1st (Post time 1:15)
1 Mile Open 3 Year Olds Allowance Purse: $42,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Sincero Leparoux J R 120
2 Pound Foolish Velasquez C 120 L
3 Cinnamon Road Velazquez J R 122 L
4 Well Positioned Castellano J J 120 L5 Copper Cascade Garcia Alan 122 L
6 Masala Coa E M 120 L
7 Take the Points Prado E S 120 L

Well Positioned is highley regarded and makes his 3yo debut. He's owned and trained by the same connections as last year's Derby winner Big Brown (This was before Big Brown was sold to IEAH). I will admit that I haven't seen his races, but I'll check them out on Calracing before Saturday. It will be interesting in how he does in this race. For second, I'll take Take the Points.

Top Three:
Well Positioned
Take the Points
Masala

7th (4:12)
Holy Bull S. (G3)
1 1/8 Miles Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $150,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Bruce N Autumn Prado E S 114 L
2 Danger to Society Albarado R J 114 L
3 Bear's Rocket Desormeaux K J 114 L
4 Saratoga Sinner Leparoux J R 114 L
5 El Crespo Castellano J J 114 L
6 Rockland Lezcano J 114 L
7 Stately Character McCauley W H 120 L
8 Idol Maker Velazquez J R 114 L
9 Nowhere to Hide Garcia Alan 114 L
10 West Side Bernie Trujillo E 122 L
11 Beethoven Borel C H 122 L

With standouts like Break Water Edison and Hello Broadway opting for Friday's Hutchenson instead, and Big Drama out, this is a wide open race. Beethoven won at Churchill in a stakes race in his 2yo finale, and West Side Bernie will be tough as well. Keep an eye on the 6, Rockland. He's won two stright on dirt and turf. He's by Smarty Jones out of the Kris S. mare Wiscasset making him a half brother to last year's Haskell runner-up Coal Play (Mineshaft). This is his stakes debut and Michael Matz trains.

Top Three:
Rockland
Beethoven
West Side Bernie

Speaking of Matz and brothers. At last the much, much anticpated debut of Nicanor, Barbaro's full brother.

8th (4:43)
1 Mile Open 3 Year Olds Maiden Special Weight Purse: $40,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Unbridled Cardinal Leparoux J R 122 L
2 Big Flirt Lopez P 122 L
3 Andiron Coa E M 122 L
4 Nicanor Prado E S 122 FTL5 Warrior's Reward Borel C H 122
6 Allrightsreserved Velazquez J R 122 L
7 Boyhood Dream Baird E T 122 FTL
8 Il Postino Velasquez C 122 L
9 Trust the Deputy Garcia Alan 122 L
10 Dubinsky Castellano J J 122 L
11 Single Malt Douglas R R 122 FTL
12 Audeamus Trujillo E 122 FTL
AE Stayonit Coa E M 122 L

Fitting that he makes his debut on the same day as the Holy Bull, which big brother won in the slop four years ago. No one is expecting for him to be like his brother. Unfortanlly, no fault of his own, younger siblings have had hard times coming out of their more famous siblings shadow (Just ask Rockcide and Homicide (Funny Cide's half sister and brother respectivley), Speedy Jones and Elusive Moment (Smarty Jones' half brother and full sister), ect) Really the only sibs that have made names for themselves lately are Sunriver (full to Ashado), Tiago (half to Giacomo), and Casino Drive (half to Jazil, 3/4 to Rags to Riches). I'll be rooting Nicanor on and hopefully he does well.

Top three:
Nicanor
Single Malt
Boyhood Dream

Gulfstream Park - January 31st, 2009 - Race 9
Donn H. - Grade: 1
Estimated Local Post Time: 5:14 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Four Year Old and Upward
Purse: $500,000
Distance: One And One Eighth Miles Surface: Dirt
1 Finallymadeit Nunez E O 117 L
2 Albertus Maximus Garcia Alan 120 L
3 Anak Nakal Bravo J 117 L
4 Bullsbay Velazquez J R 114 L
5 A. P. Arrow Desormeaux K J 115 Blk-On L
6 On Board Again Coa E M 112 L
7 Arson Squad Prado E S 119 L
8 Sir Whimsey Albarado R J 116 L
9 Great Hunter Castellano J J 116 L
10 Einstein (BRZ) Leparoux J R 122 L

Ahh the big race of the day at Gulfstream, and the first G1 of the year for the males. Albertus Maximus, won the Breeder's Cup Dirt Mile last year (Although it was actually synthtic, but that is a story for another day) and is now owned by Shadwell. Finallymadeit is taking a risk after running last week in the Sunshine Millions Classic. Arson Squad is a new horse on dirt, and hopefully Great Hunter is on the rebound. My pick is Anak Nakal, who won the PA Derby last year. It will be interesting in how he does in this race. Einstein is actually turf horse, but he does have some dirt sucess. He won the Clark Handicap last time out after bobbling at the break in the Arlington Million.

Top three:
Anak Nakal
Einstein
Albertus Maximus

It's off to California and Santa Anita for the first G1 for the females and it's a good one.

7th (3:36)
Santa Monica H. (G1)
7 Furlongs (All Weather Track) Fillies and Mares 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes Purse: $300,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Tizzy's Tune Rosario J 114 L
2 So Long Sonoma Smith M E 112 L
3 She's Cheeky Solis A 113 L
4 Indian Blessing Velazquez J R 122 L
5 Wake Up Maggie (IRE) Baze T C 115 L
6 Jibboom Bejarano R 115 L
7 Ventura Gomez G K 123 L
8 Baroness Thatcher Talamo J 115 Blk-On L

Rematch right off the bat. Breeder's Cup Filly/Mare Sprint winner Ventura vs the Female sprint Eclipse winner Indian Blessing. I gotta give the edge to Ventura, but I won't be suprised if Indian Blessing wins. Look out for Jibboom, she is an up and comer in the sprinting ranks.

Top three:
Ventura
Indian Blessing
Jibboom

Well that's it for today. I will be keeping track throughout the year, to see how many winner's I choose. A mythlogical $2 bet will go on each of them and then the day afterwards, I'll come back on and do recaps, plus have the total mythlogical earnings I have for the year. I hope you enjoy reading this blog and taking this journey with me.