Preview for the Queen Anne

I had planned to do a video preview of two Royal Ascot races, but do to some laziness on my part I didn't get a chance to full prepare my preview well enough to do one. That being said, I do have a written preview and will have a recap tomorrow night. So here is the first preview which will be tomorrow at Ascot Racecourse in England, part of the Royal Ascot meet. The Queen Anne!

Queen Anne Stakes 1 mile Royal Ascot

Horse, Jockey, Trainer

1. Side Glance, Jamie Spencer, Andrew Balding
2. Tullius, Jimmy Fortune, Andrew Balding
3. Soft Falling Rain, Paul Hanagan, Mike De Kock
4. Verrazano, Joseph O'Brien, Aiden O'Brien
5. Anodin, Olivier Peslier, Freddy Head
6. Mull of Killough, Adam Kirby, Jane Chapple-Hyam
7. Ansgar, Rory Cleary, Sabrina Harty
8. Toronado, Richard Hughes, Richard Hannon
9. Glory Awaits, James Doyle, Kevin Ryan
10. Producer, Ryan Moore, Richard Hannon

Side Glance (Passing Glance): 5th in the Singapore International in his last and 4th in the World Cup before that. Has won at Ascot, but that was in 2010.

Tullius (Le Vie Die Colori): Second in the Lockinge to Olympic Glory who is not in this race (ran 4th in France in May). Won at Sandown in a Group 2 before that.

Soft Falling Rain (National Assembly): 2nd in his Godolphin Mile defense. In lone start over the Ascot surface he was second to last in the Queen Elizabeth II last fall. Has finished off the board only twice in his career.

Verrazano (More Than Ready): 3rd in his European debut, but still think he's up against it on this European experiment. The good news is that Goldencents and Will Take Charge, two horses who he finished behind last year are coming off runner up finishes in G1 races.

Anodin (Anabaa): 2nd to Olympic Glory in a Group 1 in France in his last. First race outside of France.

Mull of Killough (Mull of Kintyre): 7th in the same race as Side Glance. Won a G3 at Newmarket before that, also ran poorly in Dubai. Has run well at Ascot in the past though with a 2nd place finish in a G2 last July.

Ansgar (Celtic Swing): 3rd in his season debut at Naas in a listed race. Has run twice over jumps, up against it since the quality that he has faced on flat is far from superior.

Toronado (High Chapperal): Season debut after finishing last to Declaration of War at York in the Juddmonte International. 2nd in lone start at Ascot. Was Europe's 2yo Champion in 2012.

Glory Awaits (Chiosir): 13th in the Godolphin Mile and then before that finished up track to Soft Falling Rain. 2nd in last year's 2000 Guineas.

Producer (Dutch Art): G2 winner in Turkey while being a G3 winner in England. Has never run over the Ascot surface.

Picks:

1st- Toronado
2nd- Soft Falling Rain
3rd- Tullius

Fair Dubai

The final preps for the Kentucky Derby begin this weekend with the Louisiana Derby. However, before I preview that race. Here are some of the other races that will be going on at the Fair Grounds and Meydan in Dubai. For Dubai I'm going to preview two races.

Golden Shaheen (Group 1) 6 furlongs

1. Kinsale King
2. Dim Sum (GB)
3. Charlie's Moment
4. Force Freeze
5. Dynamic Blitz (AUS)
6. Sunny King (IRE)
7. Euroears
8. Escape Route
9. Rocket Man (AUS)
10. Green Birdie (NZ)

A rematch from last year's Shaheen with the American Kinsale King and Singapore's Super Horse Rocket Man. Kinsale King really did not have a great US season last year, but then again he is a synthetic specialist he did win his prep at Golden Gate to get ready for his defence. Rocket Man hasn't done much wrong since his second place finish, and I do think he'll turn the tables on KK this year. Euroears is a good horse, but he never has reached that elite company when it comes to sprinting. This race however, is missing the two fastest horses in the World in Big Drama and Black Caviar. Green Birdie for third, really just for his name.

Top Three:
Rocket Man
Kinsale King
Green Birdie

Dubai World Cup (Group 1) 10 furlongs

1. Fly Down
2. Monterosso (GB)
3. Prince Bishop (IRE)
4. Cape Blanco (IRE)
5. Gio Ponti
6. Victore Pisa (JPN)
7. Musir (AUS)
8. Gitano Hernando (GB)
9. Transend (JPN)
10. Poet's Voice (GB)
11. Richard's Kid
12. Twice Over (GB)
13. Buena Vista (JPN)
14. Golden Sword (GB)

The big race on the Dubai card tomorrow. Gio Ponti will be carrying the Red, White and Blue (Fly Down will more likely stay in the Middle East after this race, Richard's Kid is now based out of the Middle East and Gitano Hernando was sold to the Chechen President (ugh :(). This is Twice Over's race to lose, he won the final prep over this surface, and is probley better on synthetic then he is on turf (even though he is a Group 1 winner on turf). Gio Ponti is really not the same horse he was 2 years ago, he had some good wins last year (including defending his Man O' War), but he's coming in without a prep. If she where to win the race, Buena Vista will become the richest horse male or female in the World.

Top three:
wice Over
Buena Vista
Gio Ponti

Now to the Fair Grounds card.

Fair Grounds - March 26, 2011

Race 6 - 2:49 PM Exacta / Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8)
STAKES New Orleans H. (Grade II)

Purse $400,000. For Four Year Olds And Upward. . By subscription of $400 each; $1,800 to pass the entry box; $1,800 additional to start. $400,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth 2% to fifth and 1% to sixth through ninth. Weights Thursday March 17th. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. This Stake will be limited to 14 starters. High Weights will be preferred. Different owners have equal draw according to weights. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed Saturday, March 12, 2011, with 17 nominations. One And One Eighth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 3 Fast Alex (KY) 4/C L T Agilar 114 G Geier 10/1
1A 8 Country Flavor (KY) 5/G L S J Sellers 117 G Geier 10/1
2 1 El Caballo (KY) 7/H L R Albarado 115 R E Nicks 10/1
3 2 Mission Impazible (KY) 4/C L G K Gomez 118 T A Pletcher 3/1
4 4 Birdrun (FL) 5/H L R Maragh 119 W I Mott 5/1
5 5 Demarcation (KY) 7/G L A R Napravnik 120 P J McGee 4/1
6 6 Giant Oak (IL) 5/H L S Bridgmohan 122 C M Block 5/2
7 7 Apart (KY) 4/C L J M Campbell 118 A M Stall, Jr. 9/2

I see this a three horse race with Mission Impazible (who last year's LA Derby), Giant Oak and Apart. While he has been running into some tough luck lately, I remain on the Apart bandwagon... for now. I don't think Fair Grounds is Giant Oak's favorite track, and he has failed as the favorite since his first two starts. Demarcation did win the Mineshaft, but this is a bit of a different race with Giant Oak in here.

Top three:
Apart
Giant Oak
Mission Impazible

Fair Grounds - March 26, 2011

Race 8 - 3:56 PM Exacta / Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta Pick 3 (Races 8-9-10)
STAKES Fair Grounds Oaks (Grade II)

Purse $500,000. For Fillies Three Years Old. By subscription of $400 each; $1,800 to enter; $1,800 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $15,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $500,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth 2% to fifth and 1% to sixth through ninth. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Weight: 121 Lbs. This Stake will be limited to 14 starters. Preference will be given in the following manner : first preference to graded or group winners in order (I,II,III), then highest career earnings (non-restricted), then total career earnings. Different owners have equal draw according to earnings. Second choice high earners of a same owner entry receive no consideration over a single entry. Starters to be named through the entry box at usual time of closing. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed Saturday, March 12, 2011, with 15 nominations. One And One Sixteenth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Grandacious (KY) 3/F L J M Campbell 121 W B Calhoun 6/1
2 2 Little Miss Holly (KY) 3/F L E S Prado 121 S Margolis 8/1
3 3 Switching Gears (KY) 3/F L S Bridgmohan 121 S Margolis 8/1
4 4 Tapit Dancer (KY) 3/F L M C Baze 121 S M Asmussen 10/1
5 5 Daisy Devine (KY) 3/F L J Graham 121 A McKeever 8/1
6 6 Snow Fall (KY) 3/F L A R Napravnik 121 M Stidham 8/1
7 7 Tourmaline (FL) 3/F L M Mena 121 L Wiggins 20/1
8 8 St. John's River (KY) 3/F L K J Desormeaux 121 A Leggio, Jr. 8/1
9 9 Niji's Grand Girl (KY) 3/F L G K Gomez 121 K G McPeek 4/1
10 10 Inglorious (ON) 3/F L C Sutherland 121 J Carroll 3/1

Snow Fall is scratched due to illness according to DRF. Fillies in this race got a big break when Kathmanblu was not entered. Inglorious becomes the morning line favorite in this now wide open race. I do think that Daisy Devine has the best shot to upset her, with Switching Gears finishing in third.

Top three:
Daisy Devine
Inglorious
Switching Gears

Fair Grounds - March 26, 2011

Race 10 - 5:03 PM Exacta / Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta Pick 3 (Races 10-11-12)
STAKES Louisiana Derby (Grade II)

Purse $1,000,000. For Three Year Olds. (Foals of 2008) Early Bird Nomination Fee of $500 due by Monday, December 13, 2010, which includes nominating fee for, Lecomte (GIII) Stakes and Risen Star Stakes (GII) (Early Bird). Final nomination for Louisiana Derby closes Saturday, March 12, 2011, by subscription of $1,000. $5,000 to pass the entry box; $5,000 additional to start. Supplementary nominations of $50,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $1,000,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% to fifth and 1% to sixth through ninth. Weight: Colts and Geldings, 122 Lbs.; Fillies, 117 Lbs. This race will be limited to 14 starters. Preference will be given in the following manner: first preference to graded or group winners in order (I,II,III), then highest career earnings (non-restricted), then total career earnings. In no case shall two horses sharing common ownership start to the exclusion of a single interest. Starters to be named through the entry box at usual time of closing. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. One And One Eighth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Nacho Business (KY) 3/C L J Bravo 122 K J Breen 10/1
1A 2 Pants On Fire (KY) 3/C L A R Napravnik 122 K J Breen 10/1
2 3 Nehro (KY) 3/C L M C Baze 122 S M Asmussen 30/1
3 4 Mavericking (IL) 3/C L S Bridgmohan 122 N L Pessin 20/1
4 5 Mucho Macho Man (FL) 3/C L R Maragh 122 K Ritvo 9/5
5 6 Liondrive (LA) 3/C L J Graham 122 T A Ice 50/1
6 7 Machen (KY) 3/C L E S Prado 122 N J Howard 7/2
7 8 Majestic Harbor (KY) 3/C L C J Lanerie 122 P J McGee 12/1
8 9 Le Mans (KY) 3/C L R Albarado 122 S M Asmussen 20/1
9 10 Wilkinson (KY) 3/C L G K Gomez 122 N J Howard 8/1
10 11 Left (KY) 3/G L J M Campbell 122 A M Stall, Jr. 10/1
11 12 Elite Alex (ON) 3/C L C H Borel 122 T F Ritchey 6/1
12 13 Populist Politics (LA) 3/C L R E Eramia 122 T M Amoss 30/1

Populist Politics is going in today's Cresent City Derby instead. Like the NOH, I feel this is between only a few horses. Mucho Macho Man, Elite Alex, Machen and Wilkinson. I think Left may end up being the best of the group down the road, but he's up against in this race. I would love to see a Rockport Harbor colt do well, so I'm hoping Majestic Harbor can somehow pull the upset. With that being said, MMM is the best horse in this field and should win the LA Derby. Could be best chance the Louisiana Derby has had in a while to produce a Derby winner.

Top three:
Mucho Machen Man
Wilkinson
Machen/Elite Alex/Left

Also in action this weekend, Bind and Might. In the UAE Derby Sweet Ducky is going. Gran Lioness is at Oaklawn against Arizena (Azeri's daughter). Mixed Up returns at Aiken.

Lastly, Black Caviar won today at Moonee Valley in Australia under the lights. She is now 11 for 11 in her career, what a filly!

So that's it for today, the Oaks list returns next week and I will have a recap of all the races on Monday.

Super Weekend!

Final Preperations for the Breeder's Cup really start get going tomorrow at Belmont, 5 G1's in 5 dividesons (Classic, Ladies Classic, Turf, F/M Turf, Sprint). Here is a breakdown of each race,

Beldame- A small field of 5 including the coupled entry of Captains Lover (SAF) and 07 Beldame winner Unbridled Belle. However, 4 time G1 winner Music Note is the one to beat, she won the Ballerina last time out (over Indian Blessing and Informed Decideson both who came back to win). Also she finally is rounding back into form. There is some rain in the forcast, and that might give Belle in advantage. She won the Obeah in the mud, however she doesn't care for it with a dismal proformance in the 07 Breeder's Cup Distaff. I gotta go with those two preferably Unbridled Belle on top as this more then likely will be her final start of her career.

Flower Bowl- One word: Dynaforce. The Beverly D champ comes back to defend her Flower Bowl title. Criticsisim may give her a run for her money, but the daughter of Dynaformer is my pick for the race. And in all honesty, if she wins this I think she can upset the Euros and Forever Together in the F/M Turf (Unless my Arc pick comes over, but I'll get to that race in a little bit).

Vosburgh- Like the Beldame, a small field but very talented. I'm going to go right away and throw out Munnings. With rain in the forcast, and his last two races he ran okay over it (a pair of thirds, Haskell (which he wouldn't have won anyway) and the King's Bishop (which he should have won)). Instead I'm going with the 1-2 from the Vanderbilt, except in reverse order. So, I'm putting my boy Go Go Shoot first and hopefully Fablous Strike finishes second.

Joe Hirish Turf Classic Invit.- Will he go, or won't he? That is the question. Gio Ponti, who could be the one to beat in the BC Turf (unless Sea the Stars comes over) could instead go out to California for his final prep. With that being said, he and Al Khali are my picks. Pressious Passion is another one, but I'm concerned about the soft turf with him. The last time he ran over a course like that he finished last.

Jockey Club Gold Cup- Outside of the Belmont, this is the big race at the Elmont track. Summer Bird can become the first horse since Easy Goer in 1989 to win the Belmont, Travers and Jockey Gold Cup. That's pretty amazing to be mentioned in the same breath as the arch rival to Sunday Silence. However, I'm going to say he comes up just a bit short in that bid. Instead, I'm going with my heart and going with Dry Martini. He's trained by one of my favorite trainers in Barclay Tagg, and ridden by Edgar Prado. Like Summer Bird, Dry Martini has a win at this distance of mile and quarter with a win in the Suburban in July. However, with the possible rain I do like Summer Bird here and really wouldn't be suprised if he wins. Macho Again who is trying to become the lastest lose to Girl Wonder Rachel (Alexandra) and win next time out. Asiatic Boy is trying to rebound from his first off the board finish in the US. As for the other three year old in the race, Quality Road, as useal I'm tossing him. I really don't get the hype and the last time he ran at this distance he failed miserbly. So my top four in any order are Summer Bird, Dry Martini, Macho Again and Asiatic Boy. Preferably with either Summer Bird or Dry Martini on top.

Also this weekend: a pair of juvi races at Oak Tree, a pair of juvi turf races at Belmont, Cal Cup (Lava Man's half brother Enriched goes in the Cal Cup Mile), Goldikova runs in her final prep for her title defence in the BC Mile, and the Arc. I see Sea the Stars and Stacelita both going down this weekend, and I'm going with Dar Re Mi (to get revenge on the French) and defending BC Turf champ Conduit. If Dar Re Mi wins, it would be back to back titles for fillies (the undefeated Zarkava won last year).

Also a few notes, Commentator will be going to Old Friends. And sadly, the dam of Ashado, Sunriver and Ballado's Halo (dam of one of my favorite colts Speight the Halo), Goulash lost her battle with laminatis. I will have a full recap of this past weekends races on Sunday.

It's all about King Yeats and Queen's Plate preview

Well before I get to Yeats' history making proformance today at RA, here is Sunday's Queen's Plate, the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. It's at a mile and a quarter (like the Derby) and is on Polytrack.

$1 Million Queen's Plate (Race 9, 5:36 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds Foaled in Canada, 1 1/4 Miles (All Weather)
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer, ML Odds
1. El Brujo (ON), E Wilson, 126, M Pierce, 15/1
2. Flip for the Coin (ON), E Ramsammy, 126, V Armata, 30/1
3. Active Duty (ON), C Fraser, 126, M E Casse, 20/1
4. Milwaukee Appeal (ON) (f), S Elliott, 121, S H Fairlie, 3/1
5. Mr. Foricos Two U (ON), M E Smith, 126, C Day Phillips, 15/1
6. Reservoir (ON), J McAleney, 126, J Carey, 20/1
7. Eye of the Leopard (ON), E R Da Silva, 126, M R Frostad, 7/2
8. Rapid Release (ON), J C Jones, 126, R L Attfield, 8/1
9. Bucephalus (ON), T Pizarro, 126, K Attard, 30/1
10. Stardust Ziggy (ON), J Baird, 126, L M Perkins, 20/1
11. Tasty Temptation (ON) (f), P Husbands, 121, M E Casse. 4/1
12. Shut It Down (ON), R A Baze, 126, L Richards, 20/1
13. Keino West (ON), G Olguin, 126, S Attard, 15/1
Equipment Changes: 9 - Bucephalus - Blinkers On (f): filly

Milwaukee Appeal will try to pull a Rachel Alexandra and sweep an Oaks/TC race double (of course Rach did hers in the KY Oaks and Preakness.), and she has a jockey who has won the Kentucky Derby (in matter of fact one of two in the race, the other being Mike Smith) on her in Stewart Elliott. She is also trying to become the first horse since Dancethruthedawn to sweep the Woodbine Oaks and Queen's Plate (in 2001). Other then her, only three other fillies have done it one of them being her mother Dance Smartly. But beware of the other filly Tasty Temptation, while she lost to Milwaukee Appeal, she was flying after a horrible break in the Woodbine Oaks, and actually had finished in front of Appeal in their race before that against Hooh Why. Plus her sire is red hot right now. Eye of the Leopard has the best chance to take it for the boys, the Plate winner hails from the same owner and trainer as Dancethruthedawn. He can also make for AP Indy who had a horrible TC with Friesan Fire and give his broodmare sire Smart Strike the sweep of taking North America's 2 most prestgious races as a broodmare sire. So my top three are Tasty Temptation, Milwaukee Appeal and Eye of the Leopard in that order.

Notebly missing is the 2 yo champions from last year and Square Eddie who would have been the favorite in the race. Well the 2yo champ filly is out for the year, Square Eddie is recovering from the injury that kept him out of the Derby and Preakness, and well Mine That Bird is ineligable due to him being a KY bred.

Now to our top story of the day, Yeats becoming a 4 time champion in the Ascot Gold Cup (Eng-G1). Instead of me telling you about it, I thought I would show it do you.



Congrats to all of his connections, especially to trainer Aidan O'Brian. While I doubt he'll come over for the BC Marathon (the lengthened this year, my guess is to entice more stayers like himself), it's nice to see an intact horse like himself, still in training at age 8 and at such a high level. The lone American in today's races did not due so well. Just two more days until the closing, and the big matchup of Australia vs US vs UAE/Europe/US (Takeover Target vs Cannonball vs Diabolical).

Top Hats and Coat Tails: It's Royal Ascot time! (Part 1)

This week in England, it's the big meet of the year at Ascot Racecourse. Horses all over the world come there to compeate in races that go through Saturday. Among this year's contenders are six horses from Wesley Ward that will all be ridden by John Velesquez, orginally they where going to be ridden by Rene Douglas, before his career ending injury at Arlington.

Before the Americans took to the track, there was an huge upset. Dubai Duty Free winner Gladiatorus went down in the Queen Anne (Eng-G1) to Paco Boy. This shakes up the mile divideson in Europe and sets up a very interestesting showdowns later this year and possibly in the BC Mile at Santa Anita. Gladiatorus finshed up track, however this was his first start for Godolphin, but then again Godolphin in Europe has been struggling (And their ace in the hole here in the US was fourth in her return on Saturday. But we aren't talking about Music Note).

Up next was the King's Stand (Eng-G1), this race has been dominated by the Aussies the past few years, among those winner's Australia's modern day Seabiscuit Takeover Target (Although I think he's more like Lava Man). He wasn't in today's race, but he'll be in Saturday's Golden Jubaliee (Eng-G1). The American's had the first of two runner's of the day with Ken and Sarah Ramsey's Cannonball (Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey of course are more known for their two superstars Roses in May and Kitten's Joy. And speaking of KJ, congrats to him as he got his first winner last weekend.). The Aussies however, once again won it, this time with Scentic Blast. BC Turf Sprint 4th place finsher Fleeting Sprit was second. And for you Cannonball fans, he did okay finishing 6th after trailing the field and closing late. If he recovers well, maybe we'll see him on Saturday.

Up next was the Coventry S. (Eng-G2). This race was the first of two 2yo races on the day (the other featured a Ward trainee, but I'll get to that later on in the post). The race was won by Canford Cliffs.

The longest race of the day was the Ascot S. How long was it? 2 1/2 miles! The winner was Judgethemoment and was one of two American bred horses that won.

The big race of the day was the St. James's Palace Stakes (Eng-1), which was won by Ballydoyle's Mastercraftsman. This could be the #2 3yo in Europe (Behind Sea the Stars), but we shall see when/if they meet up (Unless they already have).

Last, but not least history was made when the Tiger Ridge gelding, Strike the Tiger, became the first American based horse to win at Royal Ascot in the Windsor Castle S. Congrats to Wesley Ward, his owners and Johnny V. Not bad for a horse who broke his maiden in a 30k claiming race at Churchill in April. I wonder how the Brits feel about this win? My guess is they will be looking at poly preps for him, for the BC Juvy or BC Juvy Turf. BTW he also becomes only the third US based horse to win in Europe, before him there was Irish 2000 Guineas winner Fourstar Allstar (the kid brother of New York legend Fourstardave), and 1928 Derby winner Reigh Count who won the 1929 Cornonation Cup at Epsom.

So what's on tap for tomarrow, BC Juvy Turf winner Donativum returns in his second race of the year. He had to skip the Classic races due to him being ineligable since he is a gelding. Also for you Megahertz fans, her little sister Heaven Sent runs, and Wesley Ward sends out Jealous Again, who unlike her history making stablemate is already a graded stakes placed in the US thanks to her 2nd place finish against the boys Derby week.

Thursday is the big day for me as my favorite Euro, Yeats runs. Please Aidan, send him to the Marathon this year PLEASE!!!!!! He could destroy the field, okay yeah it's on ProRide, but you saw how Henry ran on it last year.

I will have a post on this weekends DelCap/Oaks preps on Friday!

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