However, what makes Life at Ten, possibly the most impressive of his winners (the other three being Irving's Baby, 2006 Eclipse winning Older Female Fleet Indian and the formentioned Unbridled Belle who is my favorite Pletcher horse outside of Super Saver, Rule, Rags to Riches and Ashado respectivley) she was the only one who did not prep in the Obeah (she won the Ogden Phipps the same day up at Belmont defeating Unriveled Belle and Funny Moon). Not bad for a mare who until last November had trouble winning Allowance races. The Personal Ensign is going to be a barn burner if all the players show up: Life at Ten, Miss Singsix, Funny Moon, Milwaukee Appeal, Tasty Temptation and the two big prizes Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra (although Z my guess will stay in Cali for the Hirish even though she doesn't relish the Del Mar surface, Rachel runs this upcoming Saturday in the Lady's Secret). However, only time will tell if this actually happens.
Other stakes action this weekend:
Virginia Derby: Paddy O' Prado is a beast on turf. In a way it's great that the Derby didn't ruin him, and he is def. the horse to beat in the Secretariat in a few weeks. Of course he could take on older horses the same day in the Arlington Million, but my guess is they will keep him against 3yo's for now.
Swaps: Skipshot upsets Sidney's Candy by a nose. I don't think either horse will particpate against older though until the Goodwood at Oak Tree.
Modesty: It's offical, Tuscan Evening is America's best hope to claim back the F/M Turf title. However keep an eye on Eclair de Lune if she goes in the Beverly D. Her owner Richard Duchossois, is the widower of the namesake. Big disapointment from Rainbow View.
Dick Memorial: Could Treat Gently be the best distance horse in America? All of her losses in North America where at less then a mile and a quarter. Both of her last two races have been over a mile and a half and she's won both of them. If she can keep this up, maybe the Turf and not the F/M Turf could be in her future.
Arlington Handicap: Don't know much about the winner Rahystrada. However this sets up great for Just as Well who will try to turn the tables on Gio Ponti (if he comes) in the Arlington Million. Unfortanlly General Quarters will miss the race after re-injurying himself.
Photo Above: Life at Ten in the post parade right before the Delaware Handicap, photo was taken by me (Rachel Levine). Here are more photos from Saturday's DelCap:
Gozzip Girl before the Dick Memorial, she finished fourth.
Last year's Barbaro winner Our Edge in the Carpenter Memorial. (This was the only race of the three that I took photos where I missed the post parade) He finished 4th to Sir Whimsey.
Milwaukee Appeal in the post parade for the DelCap. She finished 4th (see a pattern in this?)
