More history was made today at Royal Ascot as Wesley Ward's Jealious Again won in a Group 2. Ward has a few more horses going each day of the rest of the meet leading up to Saturday's King's Stand when Cannonball goes against Takeover Target. Megahertz's little sister Heaven Sent was second in her race today at RA.
Speaking of RA, in this case I mean Rachel Alexandra. Her next start will be the Mother Goose S. at Belmont next Saturday. As of right now only Flashing and Malibu Prayer are expected to take her own. Honestly even though she is coming off a tough race, trainers are going to be scared off by possibly the filly to run in sometime (And this comes after Azeri, Ashado and Rags to Riches, and at the same time as Zenyatta). Link
Nicanor won his second race today at Delaware. It was on a course labbled as firm, but it was bogged down.
Meanwhile it was a sad day, in the horse racing world. First off, Proud Accolade, the first horse to defeat Afleet Alex was euthanized due to nurological problems. This comes weeks after he had his first winning foal. Also passing away is 2009 Poker H. winner Sailor's Cap, who collapsed suddenly in his stall.
Showing posts with label Group 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Group 2. Show all posts
June 17, 2009
June 16, 2009
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!
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!
March 27, 2009
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
#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
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