Throughout the Saratoga meet, I will be previewing stakes races from selected days. Today's preview is of the Honorable Miss, lets take a look at the field.
4th Race - Saratoga - Wednesday, July 29th, 2015
STAKES. 6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $200,000. Honorable Miss H. (Grade 2). A HANDICAP FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. By subscription of $200 each which should accompany the nomination; $1,000 to pass the entry box and an additional $1,000 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $2,000 along with the entry and starting fees may be made at any time prior to the publication of weights. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among the remaining finishers. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, July 18, 2015 with 17 Nominations. (02:39 PM)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Enchantress 3 F L o 108 Cancel Eric Pletcher Todd A.
2 Ultimate Shopper 5 M L 113 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Nicks Ralph E.
3 La Verdad 5 M L 121 Ortiz Jose L. Rice Linda
4 Judy The Beauty 6 M L 124 Rosario Joel Ward Wesley A.
5 Street Story 4 F L 116 Castellano Javier Asmussen Steven M.
La Verdad is the horse to beat. However, Judy the Beauty is the defending F/M Sprint champ. I think these two will go in some order (preferably with La Verdad on top). Street Story for third.
Showing posts with label Grade 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grade 2. Show all posts
July 28, 2015
June 3, 2015
Belmont Stakes Preview (Part 2)
This is part 2 of the stakes that will be held tomorrow, Friday and Saturday at Belmont Park. Notably missing are the Met Mile and the Phipps. Those previews can be found at Road to the Cup starting tomorrow.
8th Race - Belmont Park - Friday, June 5th, 2015
STAKES. 6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $250,000. True North S. (Grade 2). FOR FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. By subscription of $250 each which should accompany the nomination. $1,250 to pass the entry box and an additional $1,250 to start. A supplemental nomination fee of $3,750 in addition to the entry and starting fees can bemade at any time prior to the close of entries. The purse will be divided as follows $137,500 to the owner of the winner, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth, $7,500 to fifth, $5,000 to sixth with the remaining $5,000 to be divided equally amongst the remaining finishers. Weight 124 lbs. Non-winners of $60,000 twice in 2014-15 allowed 2 lbs.; such a race in 2014-15, 4 lbs.; of two races other than maiden, claiming, starter or state bred in 2015, 6 lbs.; such a race in 2015, 8 lbs. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 15 Original Nominations and 1 Supplement. (04:32 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Favorite Tale 4 G L 124 Rosario Joel Preciado Guadalupe
2 Stallwalkin' Dude 5 G L 122 Cruz Angel Jacobson David
3 Captain Serious 4 G L 124 Alvarado Junior Rice Linda
4 Tenango 5 G L 116 Velasquez Cornelio H. Jacobson David
5 Dads Caps 5 H L 124 Ortiz Jose L. Rodriguez Rudy R.
6 Eastwood 5 H L 118 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
7 Clearly Now 5 H L 122 Lezcano Jose Lynch Brian A.
8 Rock Fall 4 C L 120 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
This is a race between Captain Serious, Dads Caps, and Clearly Now. Don't underestimate Eastwood here either. I think Captain Serious gets the job done.
9th Race - Belmont Park - Friday, June 5th, 2015
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $300,000. New York S. (Grade 2). INNER TURF FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:05 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Selenite 4 F L 119 Carmouche Kendrick Donk David G.
2 White Rose 5 M L 119 Castellano Javier Mott William I.
3 Waltzing Matilda (IRE) 4 F L 115 Alvarado Junior Stack Tommy
4A Kitten's Queen 5 M L 117 Cancel Eric Brown Chad C.
5 Eastern Belle (GB) 4 F L 115 Lezcano Jose Motion H. Graham
6 Beauty Parlor 4 F L 119 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Clement Christophe
7 Riposte (GB) 5 M L b 119 Rosario Joel Mott William I.
8A Stephanie's Kitten 6 M L 119 Velazquez John R. Brown Chad C.
9 Maximova 5 M L 115 Velasquez Cornelio H. Clement Christophe
After being scratched against the boys Steph returns here. I think she wins, but keep an eye out for Riposte and the Clement horses.
3rd Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 7 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $500,000. Woody Stephens S. (Grade 2). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $500 each which should accompany the nomination. $3,000 to pass the entry box and an additional $4,500 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $7,500 along with the entry and starting fees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries. The purse will be divided as follows $275,000 to the winner, $100,000 to second, $60,000 to third, $30,000 to fourth, $15,000 to fifth, $10,000 to sixth with the remaining $10,000 divided equally amongst remaining finishers. 123 lbs. Non-winners of a Graded Sweepstake in 2014-15 allowed 2 lbs.; of a sweepstake, 4 lbs.; of two races other than maiden,claiming or starter, 6 lbs.; such a race, 8 lbs. A Trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 26 Nominations. (12:39 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Ready For Rye 3 G L 123 Saez Luis Albertrani Thomas
2 March 3 C L 123 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Brown Chad C.
3 Competitive Edge 3 C L 123 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
4 Two Weeks Off 3 C L 117 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
5 Cinco Charlie 3 C L 123 Santana, Jr. Ricardo Asmussen Steven M.
6 Classy Class 3 C L 117 Velasquez Cornelio H. McLaughlin Kiaran P.
This will be a good race to see how good Competitive Edge really is. Two Weeks Off, Cinco Charlie and March though have great chances to give him a loss here.
7th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 Mile Dirt. Purse $750,000. TVG Acorn S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. By subscription of $750 which should accompany the nomination. $5,000 to pass the entry box and an additional $6,250 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $11,250 along with the entry and starting fees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries.The purse to be divided as follows $400,000 to the winner, $140,000 to second, $75,000 to third, $50,000 to fourth, $30,000 to fifth and $22,500 to sixth, $17,500 to seventh and $15,000 to eighth. 123 lbs. Non-winners of $500,000 allowed 2 lbs.; of a Graded Sweepstake, 4 lbs.; of two races at a mile or over other than maiden, claiming or starter, 6 lbs.; such a race at a mile or over, 8 lbs. Trophies will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed, Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 33 Nominations. (03:15 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Oceanwave 3 F L b 115 Espinoza Victor Catalano Wayne M.
2 Wonder Gal 3 F L 115 Stevens Gary L. Gyarmati Leah
3 By The Moon 3 F L 121 Ortiz Jose L. Nevin Michelle
4 Calamity Kate 3 F L 117 Lopez Paco Breen Kelly J.
5 Bar Of Gold 3 F L 115 Alvarado Junior Kimmel John C.
6 Curalina 3 F L 117 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
7 Condo Commando 3 F L 121 Rosario Joel Rodriguez Rudy R.
8 Shook Up 3 F L 115 Albarado Robby Asmussen Steven M.
9 Promise Me Silver 3 F L 121 Smith Mike E. Calhoun W. Bret
10 Light The City 3 F L 115 Ortiz, Jr. Irad McLaughlin Kiaran P.
11 Miss Ella 3 F L 121 Maragh Rajiv Motion H. Graham
12 Danzatrice 3 F L 117 McCarthy Trevor Lynch Cathal A
Promise Me Silver has a lot to prove. Shook Up is coming off runner up finish in the KY Oaks. A lot of people thought Wonder Gal was going to be a serious horse this year... we'll see how she does in her second start of the year. I would love Condo Commando and By the Moon's chances if it where a sloppy track (rain is no longer in the forecast). I think Promise Me Silver wins, but not by much. By the Moon for second.
8th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $700,000. Longines Just a Game S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (04:00 PM) (10)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Lady Lara (IRE) 4 F L 121 Alvarado Junior Mott William I.
2 Sandiva (IRE) 4 F L 115 Smith Mike E. Pletcher Todd A.
3 Discreet Marq 5 M L 117 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Clement Christophe
4 Coffee Clique 5 M L 123 Velazquez John R. Lynch Brian A.
5 Baffle Me 6 M L 113 Lopez Paco Hennig Mark A.
6 Filimbi 5 M L 117 Rosario Joel Mott William I.
7 J Wonder 4 F L 113 Lezcano Jose McGaughey III Claude R.
8 Ball Dancing 4 F L 123 Castellano Javier Brown Chad C.
9 Tepin 4 F L 121 Leparoux Julien R. Casse Mark E.
10 Photo Call (IRE) 4 F L 113 Maragh Rajiv Motion H. Graham
There's Discreet Marq... and then there's everyone else. Coffee Clique though is the defending champ. Look out for Ball Dancing and Filimbi as well.
10th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $1,000,000. Knob Creek Manhattan S. (Grade 1). INNER TURF FOR FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:46 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Hyper 8 H L 114 Leparoux Julien R. Brown Chad C.
2 Twilight Eclipse 6 G L 122 Castellano Javier Albertrani Thomas
3 Finnegans Wake 6 H L 122 Espinoza Victor Miller Peter
4 War Dancer 5 H L 116 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
5 Big Blue Kitten 7 H L 118 Bravo Joe Brown Chad C.
6 Legendary (GB) 6 G L 118 Prado Edgar S. Saville Niall
7 Slumber (GB) 7 H L b 114 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Brown Chad C.
8 Biz The Nurse (IRE) 5 H L 114 Rosario Joel Albertrani Thomas
9 Magic Artist (IRE) 4 C 116 Demuro Cristian Figge Wolfgang
10 General A Rod 4 C L o 114 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
11 Jack Milton 5 H L 124 Nakatani Corey S. Pletcher Todd A.
Twilight Eclipse finally got his G1 win here. I don't think Jack Milton was a mile and a quarter. Finnegan's Wake could finally coming into his own. Twilight and Finnegan to go 1-2 in some order.
8th Race - Belmont Park - Friday, June 5th, 2015
STAKES. 6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $250,000. True North S. (Grade 2). FOR FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. By subscription of $250 each which should accompany the nomination. $1,250 to pass the entry box and an additional $1,250 to start. A supplemental nomination fee of $3,750 in addition to the entry and starting fees can bemade at any time prior to the close of entries. The purse will be divided as follows $137,500 to the owner of the winner, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth, $7,500 to fifth, $5,000 to sixth with the remaining $5,000 to be divided equally amongst the remaining finishers. Weight 124 lbs. Non-winners of $60,000 twice in 2014-15 allowed 2 lbs.; such a race in 2014-15, 4 lbs.; of two races other than maiden, claiming, starter or state bred in 2015, 6 lbs.; such a race in 2015, 8 lbs. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 15 Original Nominations and 1 Supplement. (04:32 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Favorite Tale 4 G L 124 Rosario Joel Preciado Guadalupe
2 Stallwalkin' Dude 5 G L 122 Cruz Angel Jacobson David
3 Captain Serious 4 G L 124 Alvarado Junior Rice Linda
4 Tenango 5 G L 116 Velasquez Cornelio H. Jacobson David
5 Dads Caps 5 H L 124 Ortiz Jose L. Rodriguez Rudy R.
6 Eastwood 5 H L 118 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
7 Clearly Now 5 H L 122 Lezcano Jose Lynch Brian A.
8 Rock Fall 4 C L 120 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
This is a race between Captain Serious, Dads Caps, and Clearly Now. Don't underestimate Eastwood here either. I think Captain Serious gets the job done.
9th Race - Belmont Park - Friday, June 5th, 2015
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $300,000. New York S. (Grade 2). INNER TURF FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:05 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Selenite 4 F L 119 Carmouche Kendrick Donk David G.
2 White Rose 5 M L 119 Castellano Javier Mott William I.
3 Waltzing Matilda (IRE) 4 F L 115 Alvarado Junior Stack Tommy
4A Kitten's Queen 5 M L 117 Cancel Eric Brown Chad C.
5 Eastern Belle (GB) 4 F L 115 Lezcano Jose Motion H. Graham
6 Beauty Parlor 4 F L 119 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Clement Christophe
7 Riposte (GB) 5 M L b 119 Rosario Joel Mott William I.
8A Stephanie's Kitten 6 M L 119 Velazquez John R. Brown Chad C.
9 Maximova 5 M L 115 Velasquez Cornelio H. Clement Christophe
After being scratched against the boys Steph returns here. I think she wins, but keep an eye out for Riposte and the Clement horses.
3rd Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 7 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $500,000. Woody Stephens S. (Grade 2). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $500 each which should accompany the nomination. $3,000 to pass the entry box and an additional $4,500 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $7,500 along with the entry and starting fees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries. The purse will be divided as follows $275,000 to the winner, $100,000 to second, $60,000 to third, $30,000 to fourth, $15,000 to fifth, $10,000 to sixth with the remaining $10,000 divided equally amongst remaining finishers. 123 lbs. Non-winners of a Graded Sweepstake in 2014-15 allowed 2 lbs.; of a sweepstake, 4 lbs.; of two races other than maiden,claiming or starter, 6 lbs.; such a race, 8 lbs. A Trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 26 Nominations. (12:39 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Ready For Rye 3 G L 123 Saez Luis Albertrani Thomas
2 March 3 C L 123 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Brown Chad C.
3 Competitive Edge 3 C L 123 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
4 Two Weeks Off 3 C L 117 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
5 Cinco Charlie 3 C L 123 Santana, Jr. Ricardo Asmussen Steven M.
6 Classy Class 3 C L 117 Velasquez Cornelio H. McLaughlin Kiaran P.
This will be a good race to see how good Competitive Edge really is. Two Weeks Off, Cinco Charlie and March though have great chances to give him a loss here.
7th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 Mile Dirt. Purse $750,000. TVG Acorn S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. By subscription of $750 which should accompany the nomination. $5,000 to pass the entry box and an additional $6,250 to start. For horses not originally nominated, a supplemental payment of $11,250 along with the entry and starting fees may be made at any time prior to the closing of entries.The purse to be divided as follows $400,000 to the winner, $140,000 to second, $75,000 to third, $50,000 to fourth, $30,000 to fifth and $22,500 to sixth, $17,500 to seventh and $15,000 to eighth. 123 lbs. Non-winners of $500,000 allowed 2 lbs.; of a Graded Sweepstake, 4 lbs.; of two races at a mile or over other than maiden, claiming or starter, 6 lbs.; such a race at a mile or over, 8 lbs. Trophies will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. Closed, Saturday, May 23, 2015 with 33 Nominations. (03:15 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Oceanwave 3 F L b 115 Espinoza Victor Catalano Wayne M.
2 Wonder Gal 3 F L 115 Stevens Gary L. Gyarmati Leah
3 By The Moon 3 F L 121 Ortiz Jose L. Nevin Michelle
4 Calamity Kate 3 F L 117 Lopez Paco Breen Kelly J.
5 Bar Of Gold 3 F L 115 Alvarado Junior Kimmel John C.
6 Curalina 3 F L 117 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
7 Condo Commando 3 F L 121 Rosario Joel Rodriguez Rudy R.
8 Shook Up 3 F L 115 Albarado Robby Asmussen Steven M.
9 Promise Me Silver 3 F L 121 Smith Mike E. Calhoun W. Bret
10 Light The City 3 F L 115 Ortiz, Jr. Irad McLaughlin Kiaran P.
11 Miss Ella 3 F L 121 Maragh Rajiv Motion H. Graham
12 Danzatrice 3 F L 117 McCarthy Trevor Lynch Cathal A
Promise Me Silver has a lot to prove. Shook Up is coming off runner up finish in the KY Oaks. A lot of people thought Wonder Gal was going to be a serious horse this year... we'll see how she does in her second start of the year. I would love Condo Commando and By the Moon's chances if it where a sloppy track (rain is no longer in the forecast). I think Promise Me Silver wins, but not by much. By the Moon for second.
8th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $700,000. Longines Just a Game S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (04:00 PM) (10)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Lady Lara (IRE) 4 F L 121 Alvarado Junior Mott William I.
2 Sandiva (IRE) 4 F L 115 Smith Mike E. Pletcher Todd A.
3 Discreet Marq 5 M L 117 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Clement Christophe
4 Coffee Clique 5 M L 123 Velazquez John R. Lynch Brian A.
5 Baffle Me 6 M L 113 Lopez Paco Hennig Mark A.
6 Filimbi 5 M L 117 Rosario Joel Mott William I.
7 J Wonder 4 F L 113 Lezcano Jose McGaughey III Claude R.
8 Ball Dancing 4 F L 123 Castellano Javier Brown Chad C.
9 Tepin 4 F L 121 Leparoux Julien R. Casse Mark E.
10 Photo Call (IRE) 4 F L 113 Maragh Rajiv Motion H. Graham
There's Discreet Marq... and then there's everyone else. Coffee Clique though is the defending champ. Look out for Ball Dancing and Filimbi as well.
10th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, June 6th, 2015
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $1,000,000. Knob Creek Manhattan S. (Grade 1). INNER TURF FOR FOUR- YEAR- OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:46 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Hyper 8 H L 114 Leparoux Julien R. Brown Chad C.
2 Twilight Eclipse 6 G L 122 Castellano Javier Albertrani Thomas
3 Finnegans Wake 6 H L 122 Espinoza Victor Miller Peter
4 War Dancer 5 H L 116 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
5 Big Blue Kitten 7 H L 118 Bravo Joe Brown Chad C.
6 Legendary (GB) 6 G L 118 Prado Edgar S. Saville Niall
7 Slumber (GB) 7 H L b 114 Ortiz, Jr. Irad Brown Chad C.
8 Biz The Nurse (IRE) 5 H L 114 Rosario Joel Albertrani Thomas
9 Magic Artist (IRE) 4 C 116 Demuro Cristian Figge Wolfgang
10 General A Rod 4 C L o 114 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
11 Jack Milton 5 H L 124 Nakatani Corey S. Pletcher Todd A.
Twilight Eclipse finally got his G1 win here. I don't think Jack Milton was a mile and a quarter. Finnegan's Wake could finally coming into his own. Twilight and Finnegan to go 1-2 in some order.
March 5, 2015
Derby Preps for the Weekend
There will be only one video this weekend and that will be the SA Handicap, however I do have time to do written previews for this weeks Derby prep. However, they are not going to be that in depth. Sorry!
February 6, 2015
Donn and San Antonio Preview
The most important winter race for Older Horses on the East Coast and the return of the Horse of the Year on the West Coast are the highlights for this weekend. Lets take a look at this year's Donn and San Antonio fields.
January 31, 2015
San Vincente Preview
The Champ is back! BC Juvenile Texas Red makes his 3yo debut on Sunday in the San Vincente. Lets take a look at this year's field.
January 23, 2015
Holy Bull Preview
The Florida Derby trail begins on Saturday with the Holy Bull. Lets take a look at this year's field:
September 17, 2014
Cotillion and PA Derby preview
Saturday could be the most important day in the history of Parx. Lets take a look at this year's fields for the Cotillion and PA Derby.
July 29, 2014
West Virginia Derby Preview
The West Virginia Derby will be held on Saturday at Mountaineer. This year's field includes three horses who ran in this year's KY Derby as well as as one who was on the trail. Lets a take a look at this year's field.
July 25, 2014
Jim Dandy Preview
Top quality 3yo's are back! This weekend is not only the Haskell, but the Jim Dandy which has produced several eventual Travers winners. Lets take a look at this year's field:
January 24, 2014
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
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
September 20, 2013
Cotillion and PA Derby preview
Even without PA bred Princess of Sylmar, the G1 Cotillion looks like a pretty good race. The PA Derby however, is a rematch of the 1-2 from the Travers and could have an interesting say in 3yo honors. Lets take a look at both fields.
May 3, 2013
Derby and Undercard preview
It's the biggest day of the year for horse racing in North America. For 20 horses it's about two minutes that stand between them and glory. Who will wear this year's Roses and be able to call themselves Kentucky Derby winner. Lets take at this year's stakes for the Derby card.
Twin Spires Turf Sprint S. 4yo+ 5 furlongs (Turf) $125,000
PP Name of Horse Jockey Age/Sex/Weight Trainer
1 Southern Dude Leparoux 5/G/118 Amoss
2 Havelock Gomez 6/G/120 Miller
3 Regally Ready Nakatani 6/G/118 Asmussen
4 Ghost Is Clear Rosario 5/G/118 Maker
5 Cactus Son Albarado 5/G/118 K. Smith
6 Chamberlain Bridge Mena 9/G/118 Calhoun
7 Berlino Di Tiger (BRZ) Goncalves 5/H/118 Caramori
8 Icon Ike Napravnik 4/C/120 Jones
I would love to see the old man Chamberlain Bridge win this, Icon Ike has a chance as well.
Grade 1 Humana Distaff S. 4yo+F/M 7 furlongs $300,000
PP Name of Horse Jockey Age/Sex/Weight Trainer
1 Jamaican Smoke Leparoux 4/F/118 Kenneally
2 Rumor M. Smith 5/M/120 Mandella
3 Same Cross Napravnik 4/F/118 Jones
4 Emma's Encore Rocco Jr. 4/F/118 Jerkens
5 There Is No Limit Krigger 6/M/118 O'Neill
6 Aubby K Prado 4/F/120 Nicks
7 Burban Lezcano 5/M/118 Kenneally
8 Byrama (GB) Rosario 4/F/118 Callaghan
9 Holiday Soiree Castellano 4/F/118 McCauley
Even without the defending champ Groupie Doll, this is a pretty good race. Emma's Encore surprised people last spring before tailing off, Rumor is looking for her first G1 win, and Aubby K could be a potential superstar. I'm going with Rumor in this race with Aubby K in second.
Grade 2 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile S. 4yo+F/M 1 mile (Turf) $250,000
PP Name of Horse Jockey Age/Sex/Weight Trainer
1 Drama Drama Torres 4/F/118 V. Oliver
2 Channel Lady Bejarano 4/F/118 Pletcher
3 Daisy Devine Graham 5/M/120 McKeever
4 Frontside Goncalves 5/M/118 Carmori
5 Hungry Island Castellano 5/M/118 McGaughey
6 Stephanie's Kitten Leparoux 4/F/118 Catalano
7 Karlovy Vary Lanerie 4/F/118 Arnold
8 Marketing Mix Gomez 5/M/123 Proctor
9 Class Included Albarado 5/M/118 Romans
10 Stopshoppingmaria Velazquez 4/F/118 Pletcher
Class Included was cross entered into the La Trioanne. Hungry Island, Stephanie's Kitten, Marketing Mix and Daisy Devine in the same race? Sign me up! Marketing Mix is certinally the #1 turf female in the US, but I would love to see Daisy get it after being run down in her defence of the Jenny Wiley. Marketing Mix for second and Hungry Island for third.
Grade 2 Churchill Downs S. 4yo+ 7 furlongs $400,000
PP Name of Horse Jockey Age/Sex/Weight Trainer
1 Night Party Sellers 5/H/118 Huffman
2 Hierro Velazquez 4/C/118 Pletcher
3 Laurie's Rocket Lebron 4/C/118 Lukas
4 Handsome Mike Gutierrez 4/C/120 O'Neill
5 Unbridled's Note Nakatani 4/C/118 Asmussen
6 Pass The Dice Leparoux 5/H/118 Catalano
7 Politicallycorrect Rosario 4/G/118 Ward
8 Trinniberg Martinez 4/C/123 Parbhoo
9 Delaunay Napravnik 6/G/118 Amoss
Trinniberg ran in the Derby last year, Handsome Mike's jockey returns to the site of his greatest win and Hierro won the Derby Trial. I think Dubai took a lot of the Sprint champ, and if it rains Hierro moves up big time. Don't count out Pass the Dice who beat the Hard Spun colt in his last at Gulfstream.
Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic S. 4yo+ 1 1/8 (Turf) $500,000
PP Name of Horse Jockey Age/Sex/Weight Trainer
1 Middie Torres 5/G/120 P. Oliver
2 Slim Shadey (GB) Stevens 5/G/122 Callaghan
3 Optimizer Rosario 4/C/120 Lukas
4 Silver Max Albarado 4/C/120 Romans
5 Swift Warrior Castellano 5/H/120 Terranova
6 Jeranimo Bejarano 7/H/122 Pender
7 Bim Bam Santana Jr. 6/H/118 Moquett
8 Wise Dan Lezcano 6/G/124 LoPresti
9 Point of Entry Velazquez 5/H/124 McGaughey
This is the race of the day with Wise Dan, a last minute entry instead of going to the Stephen Foster. Point of Entry beat Animal Kingdom in what was that Derby winner's final US start before he won the World Cup. This will be Wise Dan's toughest race to date in the past 2 years, Point of Entry is no horse to mess with. Don't count out Bim Bam, Jeramino or Optimizer. All three have bit chances to upset the applecart as well.
Grade 1 Kentucky Derby, 3yo 10F $2,000,000
PP Name of Horse Jockey Age/Sex/Weight Trainer
2 Oxbow Stevens 3/C/126 Lukas
3 Revolutionary Borel 3/C/126 Pletcher
4 Golden Soul Albarado 3/C/126 Stewart
5 Normandy Invasion Castellano 3/C/126 Brown
6 Mylute Napravnik 3/C/126 Amoss
7 Giant Finish Espinoza 3/C/126 Dutrow
8 Goldencents Krigger 3/C/126 O'Neill
9 Overanalyze Bejarano 3/C/126 Pletcher
10 Palace Malice M. Smith 3/C/126 Pletcher
11 Lines Of Battle Moore 3/C/126 O'Brien
12 Itsmyluckyday Trujillo 3/C/126 Plesa
13 Falling Sky Saez 3/C/126 Terranova
14 Verrazano Velazquez 3/C/126 Pletcher
15 Charming Kitten Prado 3/C/126 Pletcher
16 Orb Rosario 3/C/126 McGaughey
17 Will Take Charge Court 3/C/126 Lukas
18 Frac Daddy Lebron 3/C/126 McPeek
19 Java's War Leparoux 3/C/126 McPeek
20 Vyjack Gomez 3/G/126 Rodriguez
So this is this year's field. Can the resurgance of Wayne, plus the unretirement of Gary be 1988 all over again (when they won with Winning Colors)? Will Kevin or Victor make history for their island of St. Croix? Can the newly announced Hall of Famer Calvin get #4? (the same for Gary) Will the two first time trainers Rudy and Chad able to come out of the shadows of their mentors? Will Eddie and Tony be able to add yet another Derby title to their family? (Eddie is the brother in law to John Servis, Tony's younger brother is Rick Dutrow) Will Todd and Johnny V get their second wins, but the first together? Will Kenny's dyanmic duo get the win? Can Rosie become the female jockey to win the Roses? Will Shug finally win after almost getting it done 24 years earlier? All these questions and more will be answered on Saturday. Here is the pros and cons for each horse.
Black Onyx (Rock Hard Ten)
SCRATCHED will not be replaced by Fear the Kitten (Kitten’s Joy) who was the AE as the scratch happened after 9:30.
Oxbow (Awesome Again)
Pros: Same female family as last year's Belmont runner up, jockey and trainer have teamed up for 2 Derby wins together. Won the Lecomte, has been close in many preps for the race. Jockey going for 4th Derby win.
Cons: 5th in the AR Derby, jockey is coming out of retirement.
Revolutionary (War Pass)
Pros: Jockey going for 4th Derby win and was just announced as an inductee into the Hall of Fame, same owner trainer jockey combo that won in 2010, can overcome trouble.
Cons: Is there too much pressure on him? Can he get thorough traffic fast enough. Jockey change.
Golden Soul (Perfect Soul (IRE))
Pros: Second on this surface in November, second in the Lecomte.
Cons: Had to wait to get into the race, 4th in the LA Derby and 6th in the Risen Star before that.
Normandy Invasion (Tapit)
Pros: 2nd in the Wood Memorial, buzz horse, owner was runner up twice since 2007, trainer's first starter.
Cons: Don't think as good as everyone says he says, ran off in a workout on Thursday, will be chasing the ghost of Eight Belles who has the same owner as he does and broke from this gate when she was second in 2008.
Mylute (Midnight Lute)
Pros: 2nd in the LA Derby, jockey could make history by becoming the first female jockey to win the race.
Cons: Jockey change, 7th in the Risen Star.
Giant Finish (Frost Giant)
Pros: Ummm.... 3rd in the Sprial. Trainer’s brother won the Derby in 08 with Big Brown.
Cons: Waited till the last minute to enter the race, couldn’t win a NYB stakes race. Forced out Fear the Kitten who might not have a better chance then he did, but possibly belonged more then he did.
Goldencents (Into Mischief)
Pros: Won the SA Derby, defending trainer, jockey trying to make history in becoming the first Black jockey to win in over 100 years, co-owner (although it’s only 5%) is newly announced Basketball Hall of Famer and National Champion Rick Pitino.
Cons: Will the distance catch up to him, 1st time jockey has ridden in the Derby.
Overanalyze (Dixie Union)
Pros: Won the AR Derby, sire won the Belmont last year.
Cons: Slow race, his owner (although Mike Repole has been quiet during this week).
Palace Malice (Curlin)
Pros: Second in the Blue Grass, sire was third in this race in 2007.
Cons: 7th in the LA Derby.
Lines of Battle (War Front)
Pros: Won his final prep the UAE Derby, same female family as Dynaformer who has sired a Derby winner.
Cons: Never been on dirt, no European based horse has won the race, rookie jockey, Dubai has not been kind to horses when it comes to the Derby. Last US start was uptrack (abeit on grass).
Itsmyluckyday (Lawyer Ron)
Pros: Won the Holy Bull defeating the 2yo champ, 2nd in the FL Derby, trainer’s brother in law won the race in 2004.
Cons: No horse from last year’s BC Juvenile is in the Derby this year, makes you wonder how good Shanghai Bobby is when healthy.
Falling Sky (Lion Heart)
Pros: Won the Sam Davis, 3rd in the TB Derby.
Cons: Only 1 start outside of Florida, but that was a fourth place finish in the AR Derby.
Verrazano (More Than Ready)
Pros: Undefeated, won the Wood.
Cons: 1/2 brother ran poorly in last year’s race, unraced at 2.
Charming Kitten (Kitten’s Joy)
Pros: 3rd in the Bluegrass
Cons: Never been on dirt
Orb (Malibu Moon)
Pros: Won the FL Derby, hot jockey, great female family who has produced champions who have won at this distance.
Cons: Morning line favorites haven’t done fantastic in the past, hopefully the post doesn’t hurt him. Jockey change.
Will Take Charge (Unbridled’s Song)
Pros: Won the Rebel in his last over his stablemate who is also in this race (Oxbow), has a race over the surface.
Cons: Longer layoff then others, 1/2 brother was second to last in last year’s race.
Frac Daddy (Scat Daddy)
Pros: 2nd in the AR Derby, 2nd in the Kentucky Jockey Club over this surface last year.
Cons: 7th in the FL Derby, 6th in the Holy Bull in two other starts at 3. Although he was injured in one of those races.
Java’s War (War Pass)
Pros: Won the Bluegrass after a poor start, 2nd in the TB Derby.
Cons: 0 for 2 at Churchill, but one of those starts was on turf.
Vyjack (Into Mischief)
Pros: Won the Gotham and Jerome, 3rd in the Wood.
Cons: 20 post, first starter for trainer, many question marks onto weather he can get the distance.
This year’s Derby is really a coin toss, if this was a nine furlong race then most of these horses would have big chances. The ten furlongs though adds in some question marks. Even though Black Oynx had no chance, his scratch does change a few things. For one, Oxbow will not move over, so there is less chance for him to run into the rail. Also it means for the first time in several years, there won’t be 20 horses running in the race. The past week or so, I’ve been going back and forth between 4 horses and with the addition of Golden Soul, that went up to six. I have finally decided on four of them. After much consideration my pick for the 2013 Derby is Orb. I just feel he is the right horse for the distance and honestly Shug deserves it after Easy Goer’s duel with Sunday Silence in the 1989 Triple Crown. I also think it will come back to haunt Johnny V that he decided to stay on Verrazano. Revolutionary for second, Goldencents for third and Golden Soul for fourth.
Hopefully everyone returns safe and sound!
May 2, 2013
Kentucky Oaks and Undercard preview
All the hard work has payed off, we are
just about 24 hours away from the Kentucky Oaks and 72 hours away
from the KY Derby! Today and tomorrow's posts will be about the Oaks
card and the Derby card. I'm only going to be previewing the stakes
races which will be running each day with pedigree notes on the Grade
1 races only (just to save a little time). Lets take a look at
tomorrow Oaks day card.
September 27, 2012
Super Saturday Preview (Part 1)
Outside of the Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup, Super Saturday is the biggest day in horse racing. Oodles of G1 races ending with the Jockey Club Gold Cup in New York and the Awesome Again (formally Goodwood) in California. This is Part 1 of a 2 part weekend preview. Tonight will be most of the undercard stakes races for both coasts and then tomorrow it will be 4 races, 2 on each coast. Each of them will be a preview for horses who might go in the Ladies Classic or the Classic. Lets get it started.
The following races are all at Belmont
6th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 1 Mile Dirt. Purse $400,000. Kelso H. (Grade 2). A HANDICAP FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. (03:30 PM) (9) |
| PP | Horse | A/S | Wgt | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Isn't He Perfect | 4 C | 114 | Luzzi Michael J. | Dutrow, Jr. Richard E. |
| 2 | Golddigger's Boy | 5 H | 115 | Lezcano Jose | Preciado Ramon |
| 3 | Jersey Town | 6 H | 116 | Castellano Javier | Tagg Barclay |
| 4 | Tapizar | 4 C | 117 | Nakatani Corey S. | Asmussen Steven M. |
| 5 | To Honor And Serve | 4 C | 121 | Velazquez John R. | Mott William I. |
| 6 | Shackleford | 4 C | 121 | Dominguez Ramon A. | Romans Dale L. |
| 7 | Gallant Fields | 5 G | 114 | Rosario Joel | Dutrow, Jr. Richard E. |
| 8 | Pacific Ocean | 5 G | 116 | Garcia Wilmer A. | Dutrow, Jr. Richard E. |
| 9 | Trickmeister | 5 H | 116 | Velasquez Cornelio H. | Dutrow, Jr. Richard E. |
4 horses in this race are trained by Rick Dutrow. Of those 4, Trickmiester might be the one who has the best chance. Shackleford will try to rebound from a last place finish going shorter. To Honor and Serve is more likely to be Classic bound then Dirt Mile bound. Tapizar has a world of talent, but has only raced 4 times this year, 3 of them in Jan, Feb and Mar, although he did win in Aug in his last start. Jersey Town was 3rd in the Forego in his last start and finished 3rd in this race last year. My pick for this race is Shackleford, he won the Met Mile on this course in May and should love stretching back out to a mile. To Honor and Serve for second and Jersey Town for third.
7th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $400,000. Vosburgh Invitational S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. (04:04 PM) (10)
|
| PP | Horse | A/S | Wgt | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Poseidon's Warrior | 4 C | 124 | Ortiz, Jr. Irad | Reid, Jr. Robert E. |
| 2 | Little Drama | 4 G | 124 | Maragh Rajiv | Mareina Michael |
| 3 | Zero Rate Policy | 4 G | 124 | Lezcano Jose | Pompay Teresa M. |
| 4 | Sean Avery | 6 G | 124 | Bravo Joe | Iwinski Allen |
| 5 | The Lumber Guy | 3 C | 124 | Velazquez John R. | Hushion Michael E. |
| 6 | Fort Loudon | 3 C | 124 | Nakatani Corey S. | Zito Nicholas P. |
| 7 | Rothko | 4 C | 124 | Leparoux Julien R. | Asmussen Steven M. |
| 8 | Royal Currier | 4 G | 124 | Elliott Stewart | Farro Patricia |
| 9 | Caixa Eletronica | 7 H | 124 | Castellano Javier | Pletcher Todd A. |
| 10 | Justin Phillip | 4 C | 124 | Dominguez Ramon A. | Asmussen Steven M. |
Little Drama is the ½ brother to 2010 BC Sprint champ Big Drama. Sean Avery returned in his last start off an over a year layoff to win. Fort Loudon finished second in the King's Bishop and has the same owner/breeder as Jackson Bend. Poseidon's Warrior won the Vanderbilt in his last start. Rothko has a world of talent. The same can be said about Justin Phillip who needs to just finish it at the end to get a win. Caixa Eletronica has won stakes races at 9 and 6 furlongs this year. Sadly I don't know enough about Zero Rate Policy and Royal Currier. Finally The Lumber Guy had battled horses who where on the Triple Crown trail earlier this year. My pick for this race is Sean Avery, on paper I think he's the most talented of those in this year's race. Justin Phillip for second and Fort Loudon for third.
8th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $600,000. Flower Bowl Invitational S. (Grade 1). INNER TURF FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. (04:38 PM) (9)
|
| PP | Horse | A/S | Wgt | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Dream Peace (IRE) | 4 F | 119 | Leparoux Julien R. | Brown Chad C. |
| 2 | Hessonite | 4 F | 119 | Lezcano Jose | Donk David G. |
| 3 | Hit It Rich | 5 M | 119 | Castellano Javier | McGaughey III Claude |
| 4 | I'm A Dreamer (IRE) | 5 M | 123 | Turner Hayley | Simcock David |
| 5 | Starformer | 4 F | 119 | Smith Mike E. | Mott William I. |
| 6 | Bizzy Caroline | 4 F | 119 | Cohen David | McPeek Kenneth G. |
| 7 | Zagora (FR) | 5 M | 121 | Dominguez Ramon A. | Brown Chad C. |
| 8 | Nahrain (GB) | 4 F | 121 | Velazquez John R. | Varian Roger |
| 9 | Halo Dolly | 4 F | 121 | Rosario Joel | Hollendorfer Jerry |
East, West, Europe this race has it this year. Dream Peace was second in the Diana in her New York debut and makes her first start for Chad Brown in this race. I'm a Dreamer won the Beverly D and will try to make history with Hayley who could become the first woman to win the race in 24 years (Julie Krone being the last to do so). Zagora set a track record at Saratoga in her last and finished right behind her new stablemate in the Diana. Nahrain was last year's BC F/M Turf runner up. Halo Dolly heads East to take on these girls as she is not BC Nominated. Hit it Rich and Bizzy Caroline where 1-2 in the Glen Falls in their last. Starformer won the Dick at Delaware and was second in the Waya in her last. Finally Hessonite has been recently facing NYB company, but she was second in a G3 at Parx in July. My pick for this race is Nahrain. She was so close in last year's BC and while her record hasn't been great this year (only 1 top three finish), she has been improving her position, so she might be finally hitting her stride this year. Zagora for second and Starformer for third.
9th Race - Belmont Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/2 Mile Turf. Purse $600,000. Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational S. (Grade 1). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. (05:12 PM) (6)
|
| PP | Horse | A/S | Wgt | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Hailstone | 5 H | 126 | Leparoux Julien R. | Ribaudo Robert |
| 2 | Point of Entry | 4 C | 126 | Velazquez John R. | McGaughey III Claude |
| 3 | Treasure Beach (GB) | 4 C | 126 | Spencer Jamie P. | O'Brien Aiden P. |
| 4 | Little Mike | 5 G | 126 | Dominguez Ramon A. | Romans Dale L. |
| 5 | Kindergarden Kid | 5 G | 126 | Castellano Javier | Maker Michael J. |
| 6 | Finnegan's Wake | 3 C | 121 | Rosario Joel | Romans Dale L. |
Outside of the two big races at Belmont on the day, this is going to be a doosey. You have the European Treasure Beach won won the Secretariat last year, ran in the Arc, ran okay in Canada as well. Not having a fantastic season, but Cape Blanco had possibly his gutsiest race in the Hirsch last year. Then there are the two very strong Americans in Sword Dancer winner Point of Entry and Arlington Million winner Little Mike. A mile and half is a question mark for the latter, but for Treasure Beach and Point of Entry it shouldn't be a problem. Watch out for Finnegan's Wake as well, he ran a bang up race in the Secretariat in what the American's only won the Million, but showed a better then expected showing. Going with Point of Entry here, Treasure Beach for second and Little Mike for third.
The following races take place at Santa Anita on Saturday
6th Race - Santa Anita Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $250,000. Chandelier S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES, TWO YEARS OLD. (03:36 PM) (11) |
| PP | Horse | A/S | Wgt | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Majestic Minister | 2 F | 122 | Gryder Aaron T. | Puype Mike |
| 2 | Renee's Queen | 2 F | 122 | Garcia Martin | Guillot Eric |
| 3 | Switch To The Lead | 2 F | 122 | Espinoza Victor | Biancone Patrick |
| 4 | Wittgenstein (IRE) | 2 F | 122 | Gutierrez Mario | O'Neill Doug F. |
| 5 | Beholder | 2 F | 122 | Gomez Garrett K. | Mandella Richard E. |
| 6 | Butterfly Soul | 2 F | 122 | Carreno Jorge | Vallejo Genaro |
| 7 | Executiveprivilege | 2 F | 122 | Bejarano Rafael | Baffert Bob |
| 8 | Scarlet Strike | 2 F | 122 | Talamo Joseph | Hollendorfer Jerry |
| 9 | Salamera | 2 F | 122 | Castillio Angel | Garcia Rodolfo |
| 10 | Contessa's Moment | 2 F | 122 | Puglisi Ignacio | Aguirre Paul G. |
| 11 | Miss Empire | 2 F | 122 | Pedroza Martin A. | Miller Peter |
This is what formally was known as the Oak Leaf Stakes. Executiveprivilege is the filly to beat here, but Beholder gave her fits when trying to hold onto the lead that she had in the Del Mar Debutante. However, niether of them on dirt. Miss Empire is one who could enjoy the surface switch from synth to dirt. Butterfly Soul is one of the few who has a start on dirt, it was at Fairplex, but it was on dirt. Contessa's Moment also has dirt starts under her belt. I'm going with Miss Empire in this race. I feel that she has the pedigree that can go two turns the best, and I feel that Executiveprivilege might end up tailing off at the end. Beholder for second and Butterfly Soul for third.
7th Race - Santa Anita Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $250,000. FrontRunner S. (Grade 1). FOR TWO-YEAR-OLDS. (04:07 PM) (11)
|
| PP | Horse | A/S | Wgt | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Carving | 2 C | 122 | Garcia Martin | Baffert Bob |
| 2 | Gabriel Charles | 2 C | 122 | Talamo Joseph | Mullins Jeff |
| 3 | Dirty Swagg | 2 R | 122 | Flores David Romero | Cho Myung Kwon |
| 4 | The Whole Deal | 2 C | 122 | Maldonado Edwin A. | Knapp Steve |
| 5 | Dry Summer | 2 R | 122 | Napravnik Rosie | Mullins Jeff |
| 6 | Imperative | 2 R | 122 | Gryder Aaron T. | Harty Eoin G. |
| 7 | Know More | 2 C | 122 | Gomez Garrett K. | O'Neill Doug F. |
| 8 | Capo Bastone | 2 C | 122 | Espinoza Victor | Sadler John W. |
| 9 | Den's Legacy | 2 C | 122 | Quinonez Alonso | Baffert Bob |
| 10 | Power Broker | 2 C | 122 | Bejarano Rafael | Baffert Bob |
| 11 | Wild Student | 2 C | 122 | Puglisi Ignacio | Aguirre Paul G. |
Formerally known as the Norfolk. This is a very interesting race. With Carving you have as owners Bob's wife Jill and Bode Miller (yes THAT Bode Miller), he won at Fairplex in his last start. With Know More, it's the first big race day that Doug O'Neill is back from his suspention. Capo Bastone just missed finishing in the top three in the Del Mar Futurity in his last race. Dry Summer won a stakes on turf, but he should take to dirt well. In the end my pick for this race is Power Broker. He's yet to win, but he's out of a ½ sister to Miss Shop and Trappe Shot, by the sire of Trappe Shot's sire. Two turns and dirt should be no problem for him and the fact that he has Baffert's #1 jockey on him is a big plus. Capo Bastone for second and The Whole Deal for third.
9th Race - Santa Anita Park - Saturday, September 29th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/4 Mile Turf. Purse $250,000. Rodeo Drive S. (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. (05:08 PM) (13)
|
| PP | Horse | A/S | Wgt | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Go Forth North | 5 M | 119 | Flores David Romero | Avila A. C. |
| 2 | Let's Go Cheyenne | 4 F | 119 | Bejarano Rafael | Cerin Vladimir |
| 3 | Stormy Lucy | 3 F | 116 | Pedroza Martin A. | Lucarelli Frank |
| 4 | Left A Message | 3 F | 116 | Blanc Brice | Proctor Thomas F. |
| 5 | My Gi Gi | 3 F | 116 | Espinoza Victor | Eurton Peter |
| 6 | Cambina (IRE) | 4 F | 119 | Garcia Martin | Bonde Jeff |
| 7 | Camelia Rose (FR) | 4 F | 119 | Gutierrez Mario | Callaghan Simon |
| 8 | Thisismystage | 4 F | 119 | Maldonado Edwin A. | Dollase Craig |
| 9 | Vivo Per Lei | 5 M | 119 | Quinonez Alonso | Proctor Thomas F. |
| 10 | I Dazzle | 4 F | 119 | Valenzuela Patrick A. | Van Berg Jack C. |
| 11 | Marketing Mix | 4 F | 121 | Gomez Garrett K. | Proctor Thomas F. |
| 12 | City To City | 5 M | 121 | Talamo Joseph | Hollendorfer Jerry |
| 13 | Nereid | 4 F | 119 | Napravnik Rosie | Shirreffs John A. |
Formally the Yellow Ribbon Stakes. Stormy Lucy and My Gi Gi have been battling Lady of Shamrock who skips this race the past few months. Marketing Mix could very well be the #1 turf female based in the US. Nereid has only been in the top 3 once since her dead heat win in last year's American Oaks and that wasn't a win. Cambina, her co-winner also hasn't won since, but she has been in the money a few more times. Let's Go Cheyenne and Left a Message where 1-2 in a listed stakes at Del Mar. Marketing Mix is my pick for this race off her game second place finish in the Beverly D. I've been on the Cambina for quite a while, so she's my pick for second and Go Forth North for third.
September 14, 2012
Woodbine Mile Weekend Preview
With all the pedigree postings that I've done lately, I thought now would be a good time to do a racing preview. This weekend marks the start of the final preps for the Breeders' Cup which will be held the first weekend in November at Santa Anita. It's all about the turf in Canada as Woodbine has the first of their 2 big turf weekends. Saturday will be the 2yo stakes the Summer and Natalma which are Win and You're Ins for the Juvenile Turf and Juvenile Fillies Turf respectively. They are both G2 races. Meanwhile Sunday will be the G1 Northern Dancer and G2 Canadian both of which are preps for the Canadian Invitational and E.P. Taylor respecitvely. They are the only non Win and You're in races as the races that they are preps for are. Finally the crown jewel of the weekend is the G1 Woodbine Mile.
Lets take a look a look at this year's fields.
First up the Natalma
The Americans in this race, Coconut Shrimp, Summer of Fun and Incrediable Journey could be hard to beat. Don't count out though Nancy O or Tiz Ro for the hometeam. Nancy's dam is Arravale while Ro is a 1/2 sister to Jambalaya. Both are in the Canadian Hall of Fame and both have had success on this course. They are my 1-2 with Tiz Ro on top of Nancy O.
The Summer
ENTRIES 9TH WO SEPTEMBER 15
1 MILE TURF OPEN 2 YEAR OLDS
SUMMER S. (G2) PURSE $250,000
FOR TWO-YEAR-OLDS.
Pgm Horse Jockey/Trainer PP Wt Claim Med EQ Odds
--- ---------------------- ------------------------- -- -- ----- --- -- ----
1 BEAR'S FURR,2,C E.WILSON 1 122 L O 15/1
R.BAKER
2 BEST PLAY,2,C J.CASTELLANO 2 122 L 6/1
M.FROSTAD
3 I'M BOUNDTOSCORE,2,C S.ROOK 3 122 L 9/2
T.RANKIN
4 ARCHER HILL,2,C A.O.SOLIS 4 122 L 5/2
L.LEWIS
5 ARE YOU KIDDING ME,2,C L.CONTRERAS 5 122 L 3/1
R.ATTFIELD
6 THE B'S AND E'S,2,G G.K.GOMEZ 6 122 L 8/1
W.WARD
7 MERCENARY,2,G O.MORENO 7 122 L 15/1
D.COTEY
8 INDIANO JONES,2,C P.HUSBANDS 8 122 L 4/1
M.CASSE
From all reports, Archer Hill could be something special. However with 2yo's you really don't know what you have until they get into stakes races. Are You Kidding Me is my pick for this race. He won an allowance race over Nancy O at 7 furlongs.
The Canadian
ENTRIES 5TH WO SEPTEMBER 16
1 1/8 MILES TURF FILLIES AND MARES 3 YEAR OLDS AND UP
CANADIAN S. (G2) PURSE $300,000
FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD.
Pgm Horse Jockey/Trainer PP Wt Claim Med EQ Odds
--- ---------------------- ------------------------- -- -- ----- --- -- ----
1 MOMENT OF MAJESTY,5,M G.OLGUIN 1 115 L 12/1
S.LESLIE
2 LAUGHING (IRE),4,F L.CONTRERAS 2 119 L 3/1
A.GOLDBERG
3 STARS TO SHINE,5,M A.O.SOLIS 3 119 L 6/1
M.FROSTAD
4 BAREFOOT LADY (IRE),4, J.P.SPENCER 4 113 8/1
R.FAHEY
5 ALL STAR HEART,5,M B.BLANC 5 119 L 7/2
R.MCANALLY
6 SHIMMERING MOMENT,5,M S.RUSSELL 6 113 L 12/1
F.ABBOTT, III
7 SMART STING,4,F J.R.VELAZQUEZ 7 117 12/1
R.ATTFIELD
8 INDIAN POND,4,F E.R.DA SILVA 8 115 L 15/1
M.CASSE
9 KAPITALE (GER),4,F M.DEMURO 9 117 L 5/2
A.WOEHLER
I would love to see Moment of Majesty get this win for Cujo (Curtis Joseph the former goalie and one of her co-owners/breeders).
The Northern Dancer
ENTRIES 8TH WO SEPTEMBER 16
1 1/2 MILES TURF OPEN 3 YEAR OLDS AND UP
NORTHERN DANCER TURF S. (G1) PURSE $500,000
FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD.
Pgm Horse Jockey/Trainer PP Wt Claim Med EQ Odds
--- ---------------------- ------------------------- -- -- ----- --- -- ----
1 CELTIC CONVICTION,4,G J.M.CAMPBELL 1 119 L 20/1
M.DOYLE
2 OJIBWAY SIGNAL,4,G L.CONTRERAS 2 119 L 20/1
D.BELL
3 AL KHALI,6,R G.K.GOMEZ 3 119 L 3/1
W.MOTT
4 SCALO (GB),5,H U.RISPOLI 4 121 L 2/1
A.WOEHLER
5 FORTE DEI MARMI (GB),6 A.O.SOLIS 5 123 L 8/1
R.ATTFIELD
6 MUSKETIER (GER),10,H J.R.VELAZQUEZ 6 121 L 5/2
R.ATTFIELD
7 WIGMORE HALL (IRE),5,G J.P.SPENCER 7 123 L 6/1
M.BELL
8 IRISH MISSION,3,F J.STEIN 8 109 L 10/1
M.FROSTAD
Al Khali finally ran well in a G1 race in the Sword Dancer in his last. Musktetier at the age of 10 tries to get that elusive G1 win to his name. Wigmore Hall is the defending champ, but he's not coming into the race as strong as he was last year. Scalo was 3rd in his NA debut, Forte Dei Marmi won that race the Sky Classic. Keep an eye on Irish Mission, she won the Breeders' Stakes on this course in her last to go along with her Woodbine Oaks win and Queen's Plate runner up on the poly.
Finally the Woodbine Mile
ENTRIES 10TH WO SEPTEMBER 16
1 MILE TURF OPEN 3 YEAR OLDS AND UP
RICOH WOODBINE MILE S. (G1) PURSE $1,000,000
FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD.
Pgm Horse Jockey/Trainer PP Wt Claim Med EQ Odds
--- ---------------------- ------------------------- -- -- ----- --- -- ----
1 RIDING THE RIVER,5,G P.HUSBANDS 1 121 L 10/1
D.COTEY
2 DANCE AND DANCE (IRE), G.K.GOMEZ 2 117 l 12/1
E.VAUGHAN
3 WISE DAN,5,G J.R.VELAZQUEZ 3 121 L 6/5
C.LOPRESTI
4 ARTIC FERN,5,G J.STEIN 4 117 L 20/1
M.KEOGH
5 BIG BAND SOUND,5,H T.PIZARRO 5 121 L 6/1
D.VELLA
6 HUNTERS BAY,5,H E.WILSON 6 119 L 15/1
R.BAKER
7 CITYSCAPE (GB),6,H J.DOYLE 7 124 5/2
R.CHARLTON
8 HOLLINGER,5,G A.O.SOLIS 8 117 L 20/1
R.ATTFIELD
9 WORTHADD (IRE),5,H L.CONTRERAS 9 119 l 8/1
S.PRESCOTT
Wise Dan is one of the most versatle horses around. Dirt, Turf, Poly, it really doesn't matter where he runs he'll win. Hunter's Bay is undefeated at Woodbine, but all those races where on the poly. He was 7th in the Whitney in his last race. Worthhadd was 2nd in a German G2 in his last, but he had the unfortance of facing Frankel at Royal Ascot before that and well it wasn't pretty as he finished last in the race. Riding the River might be the dark horse in this race, he was second in the Play the King which is the local prep adn he's taken home two graded stakes on this course. He was fifth in last year's edition to Dan's stablemate Turallure. The best of the Europeans is Cityscape. Although his record this year isn't fantastic, he did win in Dubai and was second to Excelebration in his last (in turn the former went to France to avoid another throttling to latter's ownershipmate). I'm going with Wise Dan in this, he has possibly the best US based jockey currently riding and has the defending trainer. Cityscape for 2nd and Riding the River forthird.
So that's the Woodbine weekend preview! Also tomorrow morning (afternoon in the UK), Camelot will try to become the first horse since Nijinsky to win the British Triple Crown in the St. Ledger at Doncaster. It's going to be a tough race especially since Thought Worthy, a full brother to a St. Ledger winner is in the race. He is my pick to upset Camelot and Joseph O'Brien. Also there is the Garden City at Belmont, but no Centre Court or Stephenie's Kitten. Unfortnally due to time constraints I'm not going to be able to do Book 3 for Keeneland, however I'm okay with that since I did quite a bit of work on it. I will be doing the preview and recap FT Mid-Atlantic sale which is in a few weeks.
Lets take a look a look at this year's fields.
First up the Natalma
| ||||||||||||
The Summer
ENTRIES 9TH WO SEPTEMBER 15
1 MILE TURF OPEN 2 YEAR OLDS
SUMMER S. (G2) PURSE $250,000
FOR TWO-YEAR-OLDS.
Pgm Horse Jockey/Trainer PP Wt Claim Med EQ Odds
--- ---------------------- ------------------------- -- -- ----- --- -- ----
1 BEAR'S FURR,2,C E.WILSON 1 122 L O 15/1
R.BAKER
2 BEST PLAY,2,C J.CASTELLANO 2 122 L 6/1
M.FROSTAD
3 I'M BOUNDTOSCORE,2,C S.ROOK 3 122 L 9/2
T.RANKIN
4 ARCHER HILL,2,C A.O.SOLIS 4 122 L 5/2
L.LEWIS
5 ARE YOU KIDDING ME,2,C L.CONTRERAS 5 122 L 3/1
R.ATTFIELD
6 THE B'S AND E'S,2,G G.K.GOMEZ 6 122 L 8/1
W.WARD
7 MERCENARY,2,G O.MORENO 7 122 L 15/1
D.COTEY
8 INDIANO JONES,2,C P.HUSBANDS 8 122 L 4/1
M.CASSE
From all reports, Archer Hill could be something special. However with 2yo's you really don't know what you have until they get into stakes races. Are You Kidding Me is my pick for this race. He won an allowance race over Nancy O at 7 furlongs.
The Canadian
ENTRIES 5TH WO SEPTEMBER 16
1 1/8 MILES TURF FILLIES AND MARES 3 YEAR OLDS AND UP
CANADIAN S. (G2) PURSE $300,000
FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD.
Pgm Horse Jockey/Trainer PP Wt Claim Med EQ Odds
--- ---------------------- ------------------------- -- -- ----- --- -- ----
1 MOMENT OF MAJESTY,5,M G.OLGUIN 1 115 L 12/1
S.LESLIE
2 LAUGHING (IRE),4,F L.CONTRERAS 2 119 L 3/1
A.GOLDBERG
3 STARS TO SHINE,5,M A.O.SOLIS 3 119 L 6/1
M.FROSTAD
4 BAREFOOT LADY (IRE),4, J.P.SPENCER 4 113 8/1
R.FAHEY
5 ALL STAR HEART,5,M B.BLANC 5 119 L 7/2
R.MCANALLY
6 SHIMMERING MOMENT,5,M S.RUSSELL 6 113 L 12/1
F.ABBOTT, III
7 SMART STING,4,F J.R.VELAZQUEZ 7 117 12/1
R.ATTFIELD
8 INDIAN POND,4,F E.R.DA SILVA 8 115 L 15/1
M.CASSE
9 KAPITALE (GER),4,F M.DEMURO 9 117 L 5/2
A.WOEHLER
I would love to see Moment of Majesty get this win for Cujo (Curtis Joseph the former goalie and one of her co-owners/breeders).
The Northern Dancer
ENTRIES 8TH WO SEPTEMBER 16
1 1/2 MILES TURF OPEN 3 YEAR OLDS AND UP
NORTHERN DANCER TURF S. (G1) PURSE $500,000
FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD.
Pgm Horse Jockey/Trainer PP Wt Claim Med EQ Odds
--- ---------------------- ------------------------- -- -- ----- --- -- ----
1 CELTIC CONVICTION,4,G J.M.CAMPBELL 1 119 L 20/1
M.DOYLE
2 OJIBWAY SIGNAL,4,G L.CONTRERAS 2 119 L 20/1
D.BELL
3 AL KHALI,6,R G.K.GOMEZ 3 119 L 3/1
W.MOTT
4 SCALO (GB),5,H U.RISPOLI 4 121 L 2/1
A.WOEHLER
5 FORTE DEI MARMI (GB),6 A.O.SOLIS 5 123 L 8/1
R.ATTFIELD
6 MUSKETIER (GER),10,H J.R.VELAZQUEZ 6 121 L 5/2
R.ATTFIELD
7 WIGMORE HALL (IRE),5,G J.P.SPENCER 7 123 L 6/1
M.BELL
8 IRISH MISSION,3,F J.STEIN 8 109 L 10/1
M.FROSTAD
Al Khali finally ran well in a G1 race in the Sword Dancer in his last. Musktetier at the age of 10 tries to get that elusive G1 win to his name. Wigmore Hall is the defending champ, but he's not coming into the race as strong as he was last year. Scalo was 3rd in his NA debut, Forte Dei Marmi won that race the Sky Classic. Keep an eye on Irish Mission, she won the Breeders' Stakes on this course in her last to go along with her Woodbine Oaks win and Queen's Plate runner up on the poly.
Finally the Woodbine Mile
ENTRIES 10TH WO SEPTEMBER 16
1 MILE TURF OPEN 3 YEAR OLDS AND UP
RICOH WOODBINE MILE S. (G1) PURSE $1,000,000
FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD.
Pgm Horse Jockey/Trainer PP Wt Claim Med EQ Odds
--- ---------------------- ------------------------- -- -- ----- --- -- ----
1 RIDING THE RIVER,5,G P.HUSBANDS 1 121 L 10/1
D.COTEY
2 DANCE AND DANCE (IRE), G.K.GOMEZ 2 117 l 12/1
E.VAUGHAN
3 WISE DAN,5,G J.R.VELAZQUEZ 3 121 L 6/5
C.LOPRESTI
4 ARTIC FERN,5,G J.STEIN 4 117 L 20/1
M.KEOGH
5 BIG BAND SOUND,5,H T.PIZARRO 5 121 L 6/1
D.VELLA
6 HUNTERS BAY,5,H E.WILSON 6 119 L 15/1
R.BAKER
7 CITYSCAPE (GB),6,H J.DOYLE 7 124 5/2
R.CHARLTON
8 HOLLINGER,5,G A.O.SOLIS 8 117 L 20/1
R.ATTFIELD
9 WORTHADD (IRE),5,H L.CONTRERAS 9 119 l 8/1
S.PRESCOTT
Wise Dan is one of the most versatle horses around. Dirt, Turf, Poly, it really doesn't matter where he runs he'll win. Hunter's Bay is undefeated at Woodbine, but all those races where on the poly. He was 7th in the Whitney in his last race. Worthhadd was 2nd in a German G2 in his last, but he had the unfortance of facing Frankel at Royal Ascot before that and well it wasn't pretty as he finished last in the race. Riding the River might be the dark horse in this race, he was second in the Play the King which is the local prep adn he's taken home two graded stakes on this course. He was fifth in last year's edition to Dan's stablemate Turallure. The best of the Europeans is Cityscape. Although his record this year isn't fantastic, he did win in Dubai and was second to Excelebration in his last (in turn the former went to France to avoid another throttling to latter's ownershipmate). I'm going with Wise Dan in this, he has possibly the best US based jockey currently riding and has the defending trainer. Cityscape for 2nd and Riding the River forthird.
So that's the Woodbine weekend preview! Also tomorrow morning (afternoon in the UK), Camelot will try to become the first horse since Nijinsky to win the British Triple Crown in the St. Ledger at Doncaster. It's going to be a tough race especially since Thought Worthy, a full brother to a St. Ledger winner is in the race. He is my pick to upset Camelot and Joseph O'Brien. Also there is the Garden City at Belmont, but no Centre Court or Stephenie's Kitten. Unfortnally due to time constraints I'm not going to be able to do Book 3 for Keeneland, however I'm okay with that since I did quite a bit of work on it. I will be doing the preview and recap FT Mid-Atlantic sale which is in a few weeks.
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