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.
Showing posts with label Gulfstream. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gulfstream. Show all posts
February 6, 2015
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:
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
January 17, 2014
Race Week Picks Week 2: Gulfstream, Fair Grounds and Oaklawn
This week's races where only going to be from Gulfstream and the Fair Grounds. However, due to my screwing up a little bit in the first episode of Furlongs and Horses yesterday, I have a bonus race from Oaklawn.
This weeks previews will be the Sunshine Millions Classic (even though it's reallly a 1 horse race), Lecomte and Silverbulletday as well as the Smarty Jones! Lets take a look at the fields.
Gulfstream Park - Saturday, January 18, 2014
Race 10 - 5:03 PM $1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta
STAKES
Florida Sunshine Millions Classic S.
Purse $400,000. For Four Year Olds And Upward Registered Florida Breds With The Ftboa. $2,000 to pass the entry box and $2.000 additional to start, with $400,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $240,000 $80,000 to second, $40,000 to third, $20,000 to fourth, $12,000 to fifth and $8,000 to sixth. Weight: 123 lbs: Non-winners of a Grade I over a mile since September 1, allowed 2 Lbs.; A graded stakes at a mile or over since July 1, 4 lbs; $60,000 at a mile or over since August 1, 6 lbs; Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Closed Saturday, January 4, 2014 with 24 Nominations. Trophy to the winning owner. One And One Eighth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Decaf Again (FL) 8/G L C Olivero 117 B R Rose 20/1
2 2 Joshua's Comprise (FL) 4/C L F Z Maysonett 117 B R Rose 30/1
3 3 Rule Number Six (FL) 5/H L M Rispoli 117 R Gaffney 12/1
4 4 Mucho Macho Man (FL) 6/H L G L Stevens 123 K Ritvo 2/5
5 5 Bernie the Maestro (FL) 7/G L J Rosario 117 M J Maker 4/1
6 6 Gourmet Dinner (FL) 6/H L J Castellano 117 R Triola 6/1
Decaf Again (Wised Up): At 8 he is still rolling along. 5th in last year's edition of this race, he finished 5th in the Gulfstream Park Handicap last year but would have more then likely 6th had Fort Larned had not lost his rider that day. Has finished off the board in his last two starts.
Joshua's Comprise (Comprise): Stablemate to Decaf Again, his current form has included 2 up track finishes and a fourth. He ran well in the Holy Bull last year, but even though this is restricted race some of these horses (with the exception of the favorite of course) are pretty decent.
Rule Number Six (Repent): Won an open stakes race at Calder in May, but hasn't won since. In matter of fact, hasn't even been in the top three since that race in May.
Mucho Macho Man (Macho Uno): What can you say? Awesome Again winner, Breeders' Cup Classic winner, he looms over this field. Sure many think that he should be in the Donn instead, but the past two seasons he has started his year in this race and ended with a top 3 finish at the BC. If it rains, he will scratch because last year was a disaster after being eased and having to play catch up the rest of the year.
Bernie the Maestro (Bernstein): 6th at Gulfstream in his last, but he did win at Indiana Downs in a stakes race before that. Although he is the second choice in the race, I'm not sure he has enough talent to really stay with my top two choices.
Gourmet Dinner (Trippi): Together again he and MMM. They where 1-2 in their very first race which GD won. In their last meeting in 2012 though MMM to GD's last place finish in the Woodward. He is the only other graded stakes winner in this field and hasn't won a stakes race since 2012. However, he won in October and has finished third in his last two races including his last at Laurel where the winner is a specialist on that surface.
Win: Mucho Macho Man
Place: Gourmet Dinner
Show: Rule Number Six
The next three races are all for three year olds as we really start get started with Derby and Oaks preps.
Fair Grounds - Saturday, January 18, 2014
Race 7 - 3:25 PM Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9) / Daily Double
STAKES
Silverbulletday S.
Purse $125,000. For Fillies Three Years Old. By subscription of $125 by Saturday, January 4. $600 to enter; $625 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $3,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $125,000 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: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000, allowed 2 lbs, $25,000, allowed 4 lbs, $20,000, allowed 6 Lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. The Silverbulletday Stakes will be limited to fourteen (14) starters. Preference will be given to horses with the highest lifetime earnings at the time of passing the entry box. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, January 4, 2014, with 12 nominations. One Mile And Seventy Yards.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Express Model (IN) 3/F L R E Eramia 122 B S Flint 12/1
2 2 Unbridled Forever (KY) 3/F L R Albarado 116 D Stewart 7/5
3 3 Army (KY) 3/F L A Reznikov 116 P Vashchenko 20/1
4 4 Istanford (FL) 3/F L J Graham 120 M Stidham 3/1
5 5 Awesome Jill (KY) 3/F L S Bridgmohan 116 M Lovell 15/1
6 6 Divine Beauty (KY) 3/F L R Napravnik 120 J L Jones 8/5
Express Model (Unbridled Express): Stakes winner against Indiana breds, she was second in her local debut which was an off the turf race. Was scratched from the Allowance race last week that was featured to go here instead.
Unbridled Forever (Unbridled's Song): This is her stakes debut. Broke maiden at Churchill in her last, her dam shocked everyone by winning the KY Oaks in 2006 by winning by the highest odds ever in the race.
Army (Corinthian): Takes a major step up in class as she'll be taking on stakes company for the first time.
Istanford (Istan): Makes dirt debut, defeated Awesome Jill in her last. 5th in the Arlington-Washington Lassie at Arlington last fall. Has a shot.
Awesome Jill (Pioneerof the Nile): Stakes debut, was scratched out of the stakes race that featured on last week's RWP.
Devine Beauty (Divine Park): 2 for 2 in her career including a stakes in her last. However she stretches out.
Win: Unbridled Forever
Place: Instanford
Show: Devine Beauty
Fair Grounds - Saturday, January 18, 2014
Race 9 - 4:23 PM Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta / Daily Double $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 9-11) / $0.50 Pick 4 (Races 9-12)
STAKES
LeComte S. (Grade III)
Purse $200,000. For Three Year Olds. By subscription of $200 by Saturday, January 4. (Louisiana Derby early bird nominees automatically subscribed); $1,000 to enter; $1,000 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $5,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $200,000 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: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000 allowed 2 Lbs.; $25,000, allowed 4 Lbs.; $20,000, allowed 6 Lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. The Lecomte Stakes will be limited to fourteen (14) starters. Preference to horses with the highest lifetime earnings at the time of passing entry box. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, January 4, 2014, with 82 nominations. One Mile And Seventy Yards.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Roman Unbridled (KY) 3/C L K J Smith 122 C Cook 8/1
2 2 Rainbow Trip (KY) 3/G L C Landeros 116 D Pish 12/1
3 3 Got Shades (KY) 3/C R Albarado 122 D Pish 8/1
4 4 Gold Hawk (KY) 3/C L S Bridgmohan 118 S M Asmussen 3/1
5 5 Smarty's Echo (KY) 3/C L J Graham 116 A P Smith 8/1
6 6 Albano (KY) 3/C L K D Clark 120 J L Jones 7/2
7 7 Vicar's in Trouble (LA) 3/C L R Napravnik 116 M J Maker 9/2
8 8 Silent Ruler (KY) 3/C L M Guidry 116 J K Desormeaux 15/1
9 9 Plug Catcher (KY) 3/C L M Mena 116 W B Calhoun 6/1
Roman Unbridled (Roman Ruler): 4th in the Delta Jackpot, and won a stakes at the same track in his last. We'll have to see if he can bring his form to a larger track.
Rainbow Trip (Sightseeing): 3rd in a stakes at Retama in two back and won his last. However, both of those races where on grass and that is where he has run the best in the past. However, he does have a 3rd place finish on dirt.
Got Shades (Pollard's Vision): Ran pretty well in the BC Juvy Turf 5th. 2 time stakes winner at Louisiana Downs, this is his dirt debut.
Gold Hawk (Empire Maker): 2 for 2, this is his stakes debut. Trainer knows how to handle good 3 year olds.
Smarty's Echo (Smarty Jones): 10th in his dirt debut in the BC Juvy, but one of the horses he finished behind has come back to win. 2nd in the Breeders' Futurity before the BC.
Albano (Istan): Won the Sugar Bowl in last, and is stretching out. Trainer won this race in 2007 with a horse who would finish second in the Derby and Classic. 1/2 brother to Mark Valeski ran well in the FG preps in 2012.
Vicar's in Trouble (Into Mischief): Broke maiden against state company in last, 3rd in other start against open company at Keeneland.
Silent Ruler (Roman Ruler): Has yet to break maiden.
Plug Catcher (Roman Ruler): 3rd to Gold Hawk in his last, uptrack before that.
Win: Got Shades
Place: Gold Hawk
Show: Smarty's Echo
Oaklawn Park - Monday, January 20, 2014Race 8 - 4:38 PM First Half Late Daily Double / Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10 Cent Superfecta
STAKES
Smarty Jones S.
Purse $150,000. Three Year Olds. No nomination fee. $750 to pass the entry box and $1000 additional to start, Supplementary nominations may be made by the closing time of entries at a fee of $2,500 which qulifies to starts. $150,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the Ownerof the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% to be divided equally between remaining starters. Weights: 122Lbs. Non-winners of $40,000 twice allowed 3 Lbs.; $40,000 once 5 Lbs.; $25,000 once 7 Lbs. (Maiden and Claiming races not considered.) In Allowance Stakes starting preference will be given to horses that have accumulated the highest earnings. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. The Owner of the winner to receive a trophy. Closed Saturday, January 11, 2014 with 25 nominees. One Mile.
PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 D'cajun Cat (FL) 3/C L R Santana, Jr. 115 S M Asmussen
2 Whyruawesome (KY) 3/G L E Martin, Jr. 115 A P Smith
3 Fire Starter (KY) 3/C L R Albarado 115 S Hobby
4 Son of a Preacher (FL) 3/C L M C Berry 115 W B Calhoun
5 A Step Ahead (IL) 3/C L F C Torres 115 B Williamson
6 Walt (KY) 3/C L K S Tohill 115 C A Hartman
7 Denali Rahy Ruler (KY) 3/C L A Birzer 115 T E Martin
8 Tanzanite Cat (FL) 3/C L N Arroyo, Jr. 115 C Autrey
9 Unstoppable Colby (KY) 3/C L J K Court 115 D W Lukas
10 Coastline (KY) 3/C L S Bridgmohan 117 M E Casse
D'cajun Cat (D'wildcat): 3rd in the Sugar Bowl and 5th in the Bashford Manor before that.
Whyruawesome (Whywhywhy): 5th in the Delta Jackpot in his last. Roman Unbridled who is going in the Lecomte finished right in front of him.
Fire Starter (Tapit): Broke maiden in his last start, before that was a DNF. His maiden win was at the distance of the Smarty.
Son of a Preacher (Pulpit): 2nd to Gold Hawk in his last. Defeated Albano in his career debut and this is his stakes debut.
A Step Ahead (Giant's Causeway): 2nd against IL breds in his last. Full brother Giant Oak is a 2 time G1 winner.
Walt (Run Away and Hide): 4th in the Springboard Mile when taken out of his game of going to the lead. Won his two starts before that.
Denali Rahy Ruler (Roman Ruler): 10th in the Springboard Mile. 1st or 2nd in his previous starts, but has never run outside of Remington.
Tanzanite Cat (Graeme Hall): Two starts with a win and a third. This is his stakes debut.
Unstoppable Colby (Pulpit): Hasn't broken maiden yet. 2nd in his last to Gold Hawk.
Coastline (Speightstown): 8th in the Delta Jackpot. Won a stakes at Churchill before that though.
Win: Son of a Preacher
Place: Walt
Show: Coastline
This weeks previews will be the Sunshine Millions Classic (even though it's reallly a 1 horse race), Lecomte and Silverbulletday as well as the Smarty Jones! Lets take a look at the fields.
Gulfstream Park - Saturday, January 18, 2014
Race 10 - 5:03 PM $1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta
STAKES
Florida Sunshine Millions Classic S.
Purse $400,000. For Four Year Olds And Upward Registered Florida Breds With The Ftboa. $2,000 to pass the entry box and $2.000 additional to start, with $400,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $240,000 $80,000 to second, $40,000 to third, $20,000 to fourth, $12,000 to fifth and $8,000 to sixth. Weight: 123 lbs: Non-winners of a Grade I over a mile since September 1, allowed 2 Lbs.; A graded stakes at a mile or over since July 1, 4 lbs; $60,000 at a mile or over since August 1, 6 lbs; Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Closed Saturday, January 4, 2014 with 24 Nominations. Trophy to the winning owner. One And One Eighth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Decaf Again (FL) 8/G L C Olivero 117 B R Rose 20/1
2 2 Joshua's Comprise (FL) 4/C L F Z Maysonett 117 B R Rose 30/1
3 3 Rule Number Six (FL) 5/H L M Rispoli 117 R Gaffney 12/1
4 4 Mucho Macho Man (FL) 6/H L G L Stevens 123 K Ritvo 2/5
5 5 Bernie the Maestro (FL) 7/G L J Rosario 117 M J Maker 4/1
6 6 Gourmet Dinner (FL) 6/H L J Castellano 117 R Triola 6/1
Decaf Again (Wised Up): At 8 he is still rolling along. 5th in last year's edition of this race, he finished 5th in the Gulfstream Park Handicap last year but would have more then likely 6th had Fort Larned had not lost his rider that day. Has finished off the board in his last two starts.
Joshua's Comprise (Comprise): Stablemate to Decaf Again, his current form has included 2 up track finishes and a fourth. He ran well in the Holy Bull last year, but even though this is restricted race some of these horses (with the exception of the favorite of course) are pretty decent.
Rule Number Six (Repent): Won an open stakes race at Calder in May, but hasn't won since. In matter of fact, hasn't even been in the top three since that race in May.
Mucho Macho Man (Macho Uno): What can you say? Awesome Again winner, Breeders' Cup Classic winner, he looms over this field. Sure many think that he should be in the Donn instead, but the past two seasons he has started his year in this race and ended with a top 3 finish at the BC. If it rains, he will scratch because last year was a disaster after being eased and having to play catch up the rest of the year.
Bernie the Maestro (Bernstein): 6th at Gulfstream in his last, but he did win at Indiana Downs in a stakes race before that. Although he is the second choice in the race, I'm not sure he has enough talent to really stay with my top two choices.
Gourmet Dinner (Trippi): Together again he and MMM. They where 1-2 in their very first race which GD won. In their last meeting in 2012 though MMM to GD's last place finish in the Woodward. He is the only other graded stakes winner in this field and hasn't won a stakes race since 2012. However, he won in October and has finished third in his last two races including his last at Laurel where the winner is a specialist on that surface.
Win: Mucho Macho Man
Place: Gourmet Dinner
Show: Rule Number Six
The next three races are all for three year olds as we really start get started with Derby and Oaks preps.
Fair Grounds - Saturday, January 18, 2014
Race 7 - 3:25 PM Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9) / Daily Double
STAKES
Silverbulletday S.
Purse $125,000. For Fillies Three Years Old. By subscription of $125 by Saturday, January 4. $600 to enter; $625 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $3,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $125,000 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: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000, allowed 2 lbs, $25,000, allowed 4 lbs, $20,000, allowed 6 Lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. The Silverbulletday Stakes will be limited to fourteen (14) starters. Preference will be given to horses with the highest lifetime earnings at the time of passing the entry box. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, January 4, 2014, with 12 nominations. One Mile And Seventy Yards.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Express Model (IN) 3/F L R E Eramia 122 B S Flint 12/1
2 2 Unbridled Forever (KY) 3/F L R Albarado 116 D Stewart 7/5
3 3 Army (KY) 3/F L A Reznikov 116 P Vashchenko 20/1
4 4 Istanford (FL) 3/F L J Graham 120 M Stidham 3/1
5 5 Awesome Jill (KY) 3/F L S Bridgmohan 116 M Lovell 15/1
6 6 Divine Beauty (KY) 3/F L R Napravnik 120 J L Jones 8/5
Express Model (Unbridled Express): Stakes winner against Indiana breds, she was second in her local debut which was an off the turf race. Was scratched from the Allowance race last week that was featured to go here instead.
Unbridled Forever (Unbridled's Song): This is her stakes debut. Broke maiden at Churchill in her last, her dam shocked everyone by winning the KY Oaks in 2006 by winning by the highest odds ever in the race.
Army (Corinthian): Takes a major step up in class as she'll be taking on stakes company for the first time.
Istanford (Istan): Makes dirt debut, defeated Awesome Jill in her last. 5th in the Arlington-Washington Lassie at Arlington last fall. Has a shot.
Awesome Jill (Pioneerof the Nile): Stakes debut, was scratched out of the stakes race that featured on last week's RWP.
Devine Beauty (Divine Park): 2 for 2 in her career including a stakes in her last. However she stretches out.
Win: Unbridled Forever
Place: Instanford
Show: Devine Beauty
Fair Grounds - Saturday, January 18, 2014
Race 9 - 4:23 PM Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta / Daily Double $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 9-11) / $0.50 Pick 4 (Races 9-12)
STAKES
LeComte S. (Grade III)
Purse $200,000. For Three Year Olds. By subscription of $200 by Saturday, January 4. (Louisiana Derby early bird nominees automatically subscribed); $1,000 to enter; $1,000 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $5,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $200,000 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: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000 allowed 2 Lbs.; $25,000, allowed 4 Lbs.; $20,000, allowed 6 Lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. The Lecomte Stakes will be limited to fourteen (14) starters. Preference to horses with the highest lifetime earnings at the time of passing entry box. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, January 4, 2014, with 82 nominations. One Mile And Seventy Yards.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Roman Unbridled (KY) 3/C L K J Smith 122 C Cook 8/1
2 2 Rainbow Trip (KY) 3/G L C Landeros 116 D Pish 12/1
3 3 Got Shades (KY) 3/C R Albarado 122 D Pish 8/1
4 4 Gold Hawk (KY) 3/C L S Bridgmohan 118 S M Asmussen 3/1
5 5 Smarty's Echo (KY) 3/C L J Graham 116 A P Smith 8/1
6 6 Albano (KY) 3/C L K D Clark 120 J L Jones 7/2
7 7 Vicar's in Trouble (LA) 3/C L R Napravnik 116 M J Maker 9/2
8 8 Silent Ruler (KY) 3/C L M Guidry 116 J K Desormeaux 15/1
9 9 Plug Catcher (KY) 3/C L M Mena 116 W B Calhoun 6/1
Roman Unbridled (Roman Ruler): 4th in the Delta Jackpot, and won a stakes at the same track in his last. We'll have to see if he can bring his form to a larger track.
Rainbow Trip (Sightseeing): 3rd in a stakes at Retama in two back and won his last. However, both of those races where on grass and that is where he has run the best in the past. However, he does have a 3rd place finish on dirt.
Got Shades (Pollard's Vision): Ran pretty well in the BC Juvy Turf 5th. 2 time stakes winner at Louisiana Downs, this is his dirt debut.
Gold Hawk (Empire Maker): 2 for 2, this is his stakes debut. Trainer knows how to handle good 3 year olds.
Smarty's Echo (Smarty Jones): 10th in his dirt debut in the BC Juvy, but one of the horses he finished behind has come back to win. 2nd in the Breeders' Futurity before the BC.
Albano (Istan): Won the Sugar Bowl in last, and is stretching out. Trainer won this race in 2007 with a horse who would finish second in the Derby and Classic. 1/2 brother to Mark Valeski ran well in the FG preps in 2012.
Vicar's in Trouble (Into Mischief): Broke maiden against state company in last, 3rd in other start against open company at Keeneland.
Silent Ruler (Roman Ruler): Has yet to break maiden.
Plug Catcher (Roman Ruler): 3rd to Gold Hawk in his last, uptrack before that.
Win: Got Shades
Place: Gold Hawk
Show: Smarty's Echo
Oaklawn Park - Monday, January 20, 2014Race 8 - 4:38 PM First Half Late Daily Double / Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10 Cent Superfecta
STAKES
Smarty Jones S.
Purse $150,000. Three Year Olds. No nomination fee. $750 to pass the entry box and $1000 additional to start, Supplementary nominations may be made by the closing time of entries at a fee of $2,500 which qulifies to starts. $150,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the Ownerof the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% to be divided equally between remaining starters. Weights: 122Lbs. Non-winners of $40,000 twice allowed 3 Lbs.; $40,000 once 5 Lbs.; $25,000 once 7 Lbs. (Maiden and Claiming races not considered.) In Allowance Stakes starting preference will be given to horses that have accumulated the highest earnings. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. The Owner of the winner to receive a trophy. Closed Saturday, January 11, 2014 with 25 nominees. One Mile.
PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 D'cajun Cat (FL) 3/C L R Santana, Jr. 115 S M Asmussen
2 Whyruawesome (KY) 3/G L E Martin, Jr. 115 A P Smith
3 Fire Starter (KY) 3/C L R Albarado 115 S Hobby
4 Son of a Preacher (FL) 3/C L M C Berry 115 W B Calhoun
5 A Step Ahead (IL) 3/C L F C Torres 115 B Williamson
6 Walt (KY) 3/C L K S Tohill 115 C A Hartman
7 Denali Rahy Ruler (KY) 3/C L A Birzer 115 T E Martin
8 Tanzanite Cat (FL) 3/C L N Arroyo, Jr. 115 C Autrey
9 Unstoppable Colby (KY) 3/C L J K Court 115 D W Lukas
10 Coastline (KY) 3/C L S Bridgmohan 117 M E Casse
D'cajun Cat (D'wildcat): 3rd in the Sugar Bowl and 5th in the Bashford Manor before that.
Whyruawesome (Whywhywhy): 5th in the Delta Jackpot in his last. Roman Unbridled who is going in the Lecomte finished right in front of him.
Fire Starter (Tapit): Broke maiden in his last start, before that was a DNF. His maiden win was at the distance of the Smarty.
Son of a Preacher (Pulpit): 2nd to Gold Hawk in his last. Defeated Albano in his career debut and this is his stakes debut.
A Step Ahead (Giant's Causeway): 2nd against IL breds in his last. Full brother Giant Oak is a 2 time G1 winner.
Walt (Run Away and Hide): 4th in the Springboard Mile when taken out of his game of going to the lead. Won his two starts before that.
Denali Rahy Ruler (Roman Ruler): 10th in the Springboard Mile. 1st or 2nd in his previous starts, but has never run outside of Remington.
Tanzanite Cat (Graeme Hall): Two starts with a win and a third. This is his stakes debut.
Unstoppable Colby (Pulpit): Hasn't broken maiden yet. 2nd in his last to Gold Hawk.
Coastline (Speightstown): 8th in the Delta Jackpot. Won a stakes at Churchill before that though.
Win: Son of a Preacher
Place: Walt
Show: Coastline
March 29, 2012
Stakes History: Florida Derby
Since 1990, the Florida Derby has produced 5 horses who have gone onto win the Run for the Roses, however there have been several horses who have come out of this race to do some great things. Lets take a look at a few of them. (Note: Yes I'm skipping a few of them, but that's because I have some features on those horses coming up in the next few weeks leading up to the Derby).
1964: Northern Dancer (Nearctic)- What can be said about him. Lets see after his FL Derby win he won almost every race he ran in. KY Derby, Preakness, came up short in the Belmont, but also won the Queen's Plate (Canada's most important race). He was named Champion 3yo in both the US and Canada, as well as HOY in Canada. Of course he became one of the most important sires in the world with such horses as Danzig, Saddler's Wells, Storm Bird and many others.
1967: In Reality (Intentionally)- There are not that many horses that carry the great Man O' War on their sire's side, he is one of them. After winning the FL Derby, he went to the Preakness finishing second to Damascus. As a four year old, he won both the Carter and the Met Mile. He would go onto to sire BC Sprint winner Smile, multiple champion Desert Vixen, and Relaunch who keeps the line alive through his grandson 2 time BCC winner Tiznow.
1986: Swale (Seattle Slew)- A life taken too soon. While he won the KY Derby (after a runner up finish in the Lexington) and Belmont, he passed away only 8 days later after his bath. He would be honored posthumously wth the 3yo Championship, and Gulfstream would name a race after him. The Swale Stakes was won this year by Trinniburg.
1987: Cryptoclearence (Fappiano)- He had the unfortantence of being born in the same year as Alysheba (whose sire Alydar won this race in 1978). 4th in the Derby, 3rd in the Preakness and 2nd in the Belmont. He won the Hawthorne Gold Cup three times, and finished fifth in the BCC three times. As a sire, he would finally find the winners circle in the TC with Victory Gallop (98 Belmont). He also sired Volponi who shocked everyone by winning the 2002 BCC.
1990: Unbridled (Fappiano)- Just 3 years after Cryptoclearnence, he would give his sire his second FL Derby win. Of course, his KY Derby win is memorable with his trainer Carl Nafzger describing his win to his owner Francis Genter who was blind. He followed up that Derby win with a win in the BCC. Much like Northern Dancer, he became an excellent sire. Unbridled's Song, Empire Maker, Eddington, Banshee Breeze, and Halfbridled are just a few of his great foals.
1998: Cape Town (Seeking the Gold)- His dam was a KY Oaks winner and his sire was one of the best. His TC run was okay with a 5th in the Derby and 9th in the Preakness, but he never ran again after that. As a sire, he has KY Oaks winner and 3yo Champion Filly Bird Town.
2003: Empire Maker (Unbridled)- He was the one that would break the streak. The one that finally gave Bobby Frankel his KY Derby win. The beautifully bred colt would follow up his FL Derby win with a win in the Wood Memorial. Of course when it came to the big dance, the Wood runner up Funny Cide would spoil the party, but even with a bad foot he was able to hold off his stablemate Peace Rules for the runner up spot. He would turn the tables on the Gutsy Gelding with a win in the Belmont before finishing his career with a runner up finish in the Jim Dandy. While he hasn't produced a big horse for his owners who sent him to Japan recently, he has several solid horses. They include KY Derby runner up Pioneerof the Nile, Country Star, as well as BC Ladies Classic winner and 3yo Champion Filly Royal Delta.
2006: Barbaro (Dyanaformer)- In only his second race on dirt, he was able to hold off a challenge from Sharp Humor to win the FL Derby. That sent him into the KY Derby off a 5 week layoff, to try to do something that no horse since Needles could, win the race. Oh boy did he did, pulling away from the field to win by a comfortable margin. Of course his Preakness was struck by tragedy and his gallant battle through laminitis remains an inspiration to many around the world. His little brother Lentenor finished fourth in the 2010 edition.
1964: Northern Dancer (Nearctic)- What can be said about him. Lets see after his FL Derby win he won almost every race he ran in. KY Derby, Preakness, came up short in the Belmont, but also won the Queen's Plate (Canada's most important race). He was named Champion 3yo in both the US and Canada, as well as HOY in Canada. Of course he became one of the most important sires in the world with such horses as Danzig, Saddler's Wells, Storm Bird and many others.
1967: In Reality (Intentionally)- There are not that many horses that carry the great Man O' War on their sire's side, he is one of them. After winning the FL Derby, he went to the Preakness finishing second to Damascus. As a four year old, he won both the Carter and the Met Mile. He would go onto to sire BC Sprint winner Smile, multiple champion Desert Vixen, and Relaunch who keeps the line alive through his grandson 2 time BCC winner Tiznow.
1986: Swale (Seattle Slew)- A life taken too soon. While he won the KY Derby (after a runner up finish in the Lexington) and Belmont, he passed away only 8 days later after his bath. He would be honored posthumously wth the 3yo Championship, and Gulfstream would name a race after him. The Swale Stakes was won this year by Trinniburg.
1987: Cryptoclearence (Fappiano)- He had the unfortantence of being born in the same year as Alysheba (whose sire Alydar won this race in 1978). 4th in the Derby, 3rd in the Preakness and 2nd in the Belmont. He won the Hawthorne Gold Cup three times, and finished fifth in the BCC three times. As a sire, he would finally find the winners circle in the TC with Victory Gallop (98 Belmont). He also sired Volponi who shocked everyone by winning the 2002 BCC.
1990: Unbridled (Fappiano)- Just 3 years after Cryptoclearnence, he would give his sire his second FL Derby win. Of course, his KY Derby win is memorable with his trainer Carl Nafzger describing his win to his owner Francis Genter who was blind. He followed up that Derby win with a win in the BCC. Much like Northern Dancer, he became an excellent sire. Unbridled's Song, Empire Maker, Eddington, Banshee Breeze, and Halfbridled are just a few of his great foals.
1998: Cape Town (Seeking the Gold)- His dam was a KY Oaks winner and his sire was one of the best. His TC run was okay with a 5th in the Derby and 9th in the Preakness, but he never ran again after that. As a sire, he has KY Oaks winner and 3yo Champion Filly Bird Town.
2003: Empire Maker (Unbridled)- He was the one that would break the streak. The one that finally gave Bobby Frankel his KY Derby win. The beautifully bred colt would follow up his FL Derby win with a win in the Wood Memorial. Of course when it came to the big dance, the Wood runner up Funny Cide would spoil the party, but even with a bad foot he was able to hold off his stablemate Peace Rules for the runner up spot. He would turn the tables on the Gutsy Gelding with a win in the Belmont before finishing his career with a runner up finish in the Jim Dandy. While he hasn't produced a big horse for his owners who sent him to Japan recently, he has several solid horses. They include KY Derby runner up Pioneerof the Nile, Country Star, as well as BC Ladies Classic winner and 3yo Champion Filly Royal Delta.
2006: Barbaro (Dyanaformer)- In only his second race on dirt, he was able to hold off a challenge from Sharp Humor to win the FL Derby. That sent him into the KY Derby off a 5 week layoff, to try to do something that no horse since Needles could, win the race. Oh boy did he did, pulling away from the field to win by a comfortable margin. Of course his Preakness was struck by tragedy and his gallant battle through laminitis remains an inspiration to many around the world. His little brother Lentenor finished fourth in the 2010 edition.
February 25, 2012
FairGulf Preview (Part 2)
Here we go, FOY preview.
But first:
9th Race - Gulfstream Park - Sunday, February 26th, 2012
ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING. 1 1/8 Mile Turf. Purse $56,500. FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $7,500 TWICE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR STATE BRED OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $62,500. Weight, 123 lbs. Non-winners of $24,000 twice at a mile or over since January 26 Allowed 2 lbs. Non-winners of a race at a mile or over since then Allowed 4 lbs. Claiming Price $62,500 (Races where entered for $50,000 or less not considered in allowances) (Condition Eligibility). (If deemed inadvisable to run this race over the turf course, it will be run on the main track at One Mile and One Eighth) (Rail at 108 feet). (04:17 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Prado Dash 4 C L 119 Wilson Emma-Jayne Nafzger Carl A.
2 Oligarch 4 C L 119 Centeno Daniel Garcia Rodolfo
3A Utley 4 C L 119 Leparoux Julien R. Sheppard Jonathan E.
4 Slow Pace 4 G L 119 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
5 Freshman Dorm 5 H L 119 Maragh Rajiv McLaughlin Kiaran P.
6 Laureate Conductor 6 H L 119 Contreras Luis De Paulo Michael P.
7A Deal Making 7 G L 119 Rose Jeremy Motion H. Graham
8 Point Of Entry 4 C L 119 Velazquez John R. McGaughey III Claude R.
9 Sky Blazer 4 G L 119 Prado Edgar S. Tagg Barclay
10 Uptowncharlybrown 5 H L 119 Lopez Paco Coletti, Sr. Edward J.
11 Hailstone 5 H L 119 Rocco, Jr. Joseph Ribaudo Robert
12 Decaf Again 6 G L 119 Garcia Jose Angel Rose Barry R.
Longtime favorite of mine Uptowncharlybrown looks like he's found his stride again. However, beware of Utley, he is a sibling of Rainbow View and Just as Well, both of them multiple stakes winners (the former being 2yo Champion Filly in Europe). In his second start in the US (he was formally based in Europe) it was a win. Besides he's named after the Phillies Chase Utley! (His owner is from this area).
11th Race - Gulfstream Park - Sunday, February 26th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $400,000. Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth S. (Grade 2). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. (05:13 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Neck 'n Neck 3 C L b 116 Lezcano Jose Wilkes Ian R.
2 Algorithms 3 C L 120 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
3 Fort Loudon 3 C L 120 Maragh Rajiv Gold Stanley I.
4 Casual Trick 3 R L 116 Nakatani Corey S. Zito Nicholas P.
5 Discreet Dancer 3 C L 116 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
6 News Pending 3 C L 116 Desormeaux Kent J. Romans Dale L.
7 Union Rags 3 C L 122 Leparoux Julien R. Matz Michael R.
8 Csaba 3 C L 116 Lopez Paco Gleaves Philip A.
Going over each horse one by one.
1. Neck 'n Neck (Flower Alley)- 5th in the Sam Davis, 2nd in his season debut to Discreet Dancer.
2. Algorithms (Bernardini)- Only 3 starts under his debut, but he defeated the 2yo Champ Hansen in his three year old debut which was the Holy Bull. His half brother Keyed Entry ran poorly as the distances got longer, the good news is his pedigree is more one suited for distance. He is so highly rated by his jockey that he jumped off Union Rags to ride him.
3. Fort Loundon (Awesome of Course)- the same connections that orginally brought you Jackson Bend and Awesome Feather. Like Jackson, he swept the Florida Stallion Series. However, he is not as accomplished and is coming off a fourth place finish in the Holy Bull.
4. Casual Trick (Bernardini)- 2nd in the Gulfstream Park Derby and eighth in an allowance. Prob. better on turf with an Epsom Oaks winning dam.
5. Discreet Dancer (Discreet Cat)- Like his Holy Bull winning stablemate, he's lightly raced with only two starts. However, both of those starts where wins and they where at Gulfstream.
6. News Pending (Harlan's Holiday)- 2nd last time out, and broke his maiden in the race before that.
7. Union Rags (Dixie Union)- Gets a new jockey in his 3yo debut, but that really shouldn't be a big deal. Beared out a bit in his loss in the Breeders' Cup, but from all reports he has gotten bigger and stronger, could end up being very hard to beat. Apperently he's being compared to Barbaro who shares a trainer with.
8. Csaba (Kitten's Joy)- A very turfy pedigree, was fifth in the Dania Beach last time out.
My pick, I think it's going to between Algorthms and Union Rags. In the end, my pick for the Fountain of Youth is Union Rags. He may just be too classy for this group and should set up well for the Florida Derby. Algorthms for second and Fort Loundon for third.
But first:
9th Race - Gulfstream Park - Sunday, February 26th, 2012
ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING. 1 1/8 Mile Turf. Purse $56,500. FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $7,500 TWICE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR STATE BRED OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $62,500. Weight, 123 lbs. Non-winners of $24,000 twice at a mile or over since January 26 Allowed 2 lbs. Non-winners of a race at a mile or over since then Allowed 4 lbs. Claiming Price $62,500 (Races where entered for $50,000 or less not considered in allowances) (Condition Eligibility). (If deemed inadvisable to run this race over the turf course, it will be run on the main track at One Mile and One Eighth) (Rail at 108 feet). (04:17 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Prado Dash 4 C L 119 Wilson Emma-Jayne Nafzger Carl A.
2 Oligarch 4 C L 119 Centeno Daniel Garcia Rodolfo
3A Utley 4 C L 119 Leparoux Julien R. Sheppard Jonathan E.
4 Slow Pace 4 G L 119 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
5 Freshman Dorm 5 H L 119 Maragh Rajiv McLaughlin Kiaran P.
6 Laureate Conductor 6 H L 119 Contreras Luis De Paulo Michael P.
7A Deal Making 7 G L 119 Rose Jeremy Motion H. Graham
8 Point Of Entry 4 C L 119 Velazquez John R. McGaughey III Claude R.
9 Sky Blazer 4 G L 119 Prado Edgar S. Tagg Barclay
10 Uptowncharlybrown 5 H L 119 Lopez Paco Coletti, Sr. Edward J.
11 Hailstone 5 H L 119 Rocco, Jr. Joseph Ribaudo Robert
12 Decaf Again 6 G L 119 Garcia Jose Angel Rose Barry R.
Longtime favorite of mine Uptowncharlybrown looks like he's found his stride again. However, beware of Utley, he is a sibling of Rainbow View and Just as Well, both of them multiple stakes winners (the former being 2yo Champion Filly in Europe). In his second start in the US (he was formally based in Europe) it was a win. Besides he's named after the Phillies Chase Utley! (His owner is from this area).
11th Race - Gulfstream Park - Sunday, February 26th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $400,000. Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth S. (Grade 2). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. (05:13 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Neck 'n Neck 3 C L b 116 Lezcano Jose Wilkes Ian R.
2 Algorithms 3 C L 120 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
3 Fort Loudon 3 C L 120 Maragh Rajiv Gold Stanley I.
4 Casual Trick 3 R L 116 Nakatani Corey S. Zito Nicholas P.
5 Discreet Dancer 3 C L 116 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
6 News Pending 3 C L 116 Desormeaux Kent J. Romans Dale L.
7 Union Rags 3 C L 122 Leparoux Julien R. Matz Michael R.
8 Csaba 3 C L 116 Lopez Paco Gleaves Philip A.
Going over each horse one by one.
1. Neck 'n Neck (Flower Alley)- 5th in the Sam Davis, 2nd in his season debut to Discreet Dancer.
2. Algorithms (Bernardini)- Only 3 starts under his debut, but he defeated the 2yo Champ Hansen in his three year old debut which was the Holy Bull. His half brother Keyed Entry ran poorly as the distances got longer, the good news is his pedigree is more one suited for distance. He is so highly rated by his jockey that he jumped off Union Rags to ride him.
3. Fort Loundon (Awesome of Course)- the same connections that orginally brought you Jackson Bend and Awesome Feather. Like Jackson, he swept the Florida Stallion Series. However, he is not as accomplished and is coming off a fourth place finish in the Holy Bull.
4. Casual Trick (Bernardini)- 2nd in the Gulfstream Park Derby and eighth in an allowance. Prob. better on turf with an Epsom Oaks winning dam.
5. Discreet Dancer (Discreet Cat)- Like his Holy Bull winning stablemate, he's lightly raced with only two starts. However, both of those starts where wins and they where at Gulfstream.
6. News Pending (Harlan's Holiday)- 2nd last time out, and broke his maiden in the race before that.
7. Union Rags (Dixie Union)- Gets a new jockey in his 3yo debut, but that really shouldn't be a big deal. Beared out a bit in his loss in the Breeders' Cup, but from all reports he has gotten bigger and stronger, could end up being very hard to beat. Apperently he's being compared to Barbaro who shares a trainer with.
8. Csaba (Kitten's Joy)- A very turfy pedigree, was fifth in the Dania Beach last time out.
My pick, I think it's going to between Algorthms and Union Rags. In the end, my pick for the Fountain of Youth is Union Rags. He may just be too classy for this group and should set up well for the Florida Derby. Algorthms for second and Fort Loundon for third.
February 24, 2012
GulfFair Weekend (Part 1)
What a weekend down at Gulfstream. Sunday (which will be previewed tomorrow) has Fountain of Youth and Saturday's card is very good as well. Also the Fair Grounds has their final prep races before the LA Derby and Fair Grounds Oaks Lets take a look at whose running!
At Gulfstream:
8th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $100,000. Sabin S. (Grade 3). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. Free nomination by Saturday, February 11, 2012, $1,000 to pass the entry box and $500 additional to start, with $100,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $60,000; $20,000 to second, $10,000 to third, $5,000 to fourth, $3,000 to fifth and $2,000 to sixth. Supplemental nominations may be made at time of entry a fee of $5,000, which includes entry and starting fees. Weight : 123 lbs. Non-winners of a grade I or II at a mile or over since June 1 allowed 2 lbs; a graded stakes or $60,000 twice since July 1, 4 lbs., $45,000 since August 1, 6 lbs. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. This race will be limited to 14 Starters, with Also Eligibles. If more than fourteen (14) entries pass the entry box preference will be given to graded stakes winners, then highest 2010-2012 earnings. Trophy to winning owner. Nominations Closed Saturday, February 11, 2012 with 13 Nominations. (03:49 PM) (5)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Ghostly Darkness 4 F L 117 Maragh Rajiv Reed Eric R.
2 Royal Delta 4 F L 123 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
3 Awesome Maria 5 M L 123 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
4 Groupie Doll 4 F L 121 Borel Calvin H. Bradley William
5 Canadian Mistress 4 F L 117 Trujillo Elvis Wolfson Martin D.
This is Awesome Maria's first start since being injured after her Ogden Phipps win, many people think that Groupie Doll could upset the apple cart if she could pull the upset (she certinally has the jockey to do it with). However, this is Royal Delta's race to lose and it could set her up for a showdown in Dubai with Animal Kingdom.
10th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 3/8 Mile Turf. Purse $100,000. Very One S. (Grade 3). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. (04:45 PM) (14)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Here To Win (BRZ) 6 M L 117 Bravo Joe McLaughlin Kiaran P.
2 Hasay (GB) 5 M L 117 Dominguez Ramon A. Motion H. Graham
3 Woodford Belle 5 M L 117 Castanon Jesus Lopez Nihei Michelle
4 Perfect Shirl 5 M L 123 Velazquez John R. Attfield Roger L.
5 Casablanca Smile (CHI) 6 M L 121 Desormeaux Kent J. McGaughey III Claude R.
6 Keertana 6 M L 121 Lezcano Jose Proctor Thomas F.
7 Clarinet 5 M L 117 Leparoux Julien R. Motion H. Graham
8 Good Karma (ITY) 4 F L 117 Maragh Rajiv Clement Christophe
9 Shimmering Moment 5 M L 117 Rocco, Jr. Joseph Abbott, III Francis
10 Middle Club (GB) 5 M L 117 Lopez Paco Clement Christophe
11 Font 4 F L 117 Solis Alex O. Tagg Barclay
12 Aquitaine 6 M L 117 Contreras Luis Matz Michael R.
13 Full Moon Party 5 M L 117 Wilson Emma-Jayne Frazier Matt
14 Dash Dot Dash 6 M L 117 Trujillo Elvis Wolfson Martin D.
The BC F/M Turf Champ is back! The good news is that Perfect Shirl has had a start over this track before finishing second. However Keertana who defeated the boys last year is also this race and she finished third off a layoff in the Endeavor, and she's 2 for 2 in her second start off a layoff. However, those layoffs where shorter then the one she just came off. Those 2 are my 1-2 in either order and Clarinet (just because I play the instrument) for third.
11th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $250,000. Davona Dale S. (Grade 2). FOR FILLIES, THREE YEAR OLDS. (05:13 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Nuffsaid Nuffsaid 3 F L 116 Lezcano Jose Hennig Mark A.
2 Grace Hall 3 F L 118 Dominguez Ramon A. Dutrow Anthony W.
3 Captivating Lass 3 F L 116 Velazquez John R. McLaughlin Kiaran P.
4 The Cat's All That 3 F L 116 Lopez Paco Peery Chuck
5 Frolic's Revenge 3 F L 118 Leyva Juan C. Wolfson Milton W.
6 Yara 3 F L 116 Castanon Jesus Lopez Garoffalo Jose
7 Disposablepleasure 3 F L 120 Leparoux Julien R. Pletcher Todd A.
8 Taker Home 3 F L 116 Contreras Luis Pirie Barbara A.
9 Salad Girl 3 F L 118 Trujillo Elvis Plesa, Jr. Edward
With both My Miss Aurilea and Weemissfrankie on the sidelines, the #1 Oaks contender is Grace Hall. She make's her 3 year old debut in here, and other then Disposablepleasure and Frolic's Revenge there really isn't anything in here that could possibly beat her. Should be interesting how she does in here though.
At the Fair Grounds:
5th Race - Fair Grounds - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING. 1 Mile 70Y Dirt. Purse $49,000. FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, OR STATE BRED ALLOWANCE RACES OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $17,500. Weight, 123 lbs. Non-winners Of Two Races At A Mile Or Over Since January 25 Allowed 2 lbs. One such race since then Allowed 4 lbs. Claiming Price $17,500. (02:00 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Wheemaway 4 G L 121 Sellers Shane J. Pish Danny
2 Majestic Harbor 4 C L 119 Lanerie Corey J. McGee Paul J.
3 Musicstreet Menace 6 G L 119 Mena Miguel Scherer Richard R.
4 Adirondack Express 4 G L 119 Graham James Stidham Michael
5 Nehro 4 C L 119 Bridgmohan Shaun Asmussen Steven M.
6 Avenue B 4 R L 119 Albarado Robby Carroll David M.
7 Stinking Creek 4 C L 119 Napravnik Rosie Maker Michael J.
8 Major Prince 4 C L 121 Jacinto John Charles Keith
9 Big Town 4 C L 114 McMahon C.J. Glyshaw Tim
10 Austons Sure Cure 6 H L 119 Hernandez, Jr. Brian Joseph Pessin Neil L.
11 Only Boy 4 G L 119 Clark Kerwin D. Deville Carl J.
12 Face The Fire 7 G L 119 Theriot Jamie Gabriel, Jr. Leo G.
Last year's Derby runner up is the final horse from the Top 3 to return as a four year old. Both Animal Kingdom and Mucho Macho Man have returned as winners, the question is will he? I'm going to say yes, he's run well over this surface before and but hasn't fully put it all together. Still this is a good spot for a comeback.
7th Race - Fair Grounds - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $200,000. Rachel Alexandra S. (Grade 3). FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. By subscription of $200 by Saturday, February 11th; $900 to enter, $900 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $4,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $200,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth , 2% to fifth and 1% to starters sixth through ninth. Weight 122 lbs. Non-winners of a graded stakes allowed, 2lbs, a sweepstakes at a mile or over allowed, 4 lbs, a race at a mile or over since November 25th allowed, 6 lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by usual time of closing. Preference to horses that have accumulated the highest lifetime earnings excluding restricted races at the time of passing entry box. Different owners have equal draw according to money earned. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed Saturday, February 11, 2012, with 13 nominations. (02:58 PM) (7)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Believe You Can 3 F L 122 Napravnik Rosie Jones J. Larry
2 Avie's Sense 3 F L 116 Graham James Carroll Josie
3 Inny Minnie 3 F L 116 Bridgmohan Shaun Margolis Steve
4 Table Three Ten 3 F L 116 Castellano Javier Motion H. Graham
5 Summer Applause 3 F L 118 Albarado Robby Calhoun W. Bret
6 Applauding 3 F L 116 Sellers Shane J. Stall, Jr. Albert M.
7 Annaclone 3 F L 116 Mena Miguel Flint Bernard S.
I'm wondering if there's something more nasty going inside of Applauding then we know (this is the second stakes she's been scratched from). Many people are high on Taple Three Ten, but I've never seen her. The 1-2-3 from the Silverbulletday return, and I think Inny Minnie will turn the tables on Believe You Can and Summer Applause.
11th Race - Fair Grounds - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $300,000. Risen Star S. (Grade 2). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $300 by Saturday, February 11th (Louisiana Derby early bird nominees automatically subscribed); $1,250 to enter; $1,450 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $6,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $300,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% to fifth and 1% to starters sixth through ninth. Weight: 122 lbs. Non-winners of a grade I or II stakes allowed, 2lbs, a sweepstakes at a mile or over, allowed, 4lbs, $27,000 twice at a mile or over, allowed, 6lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Preference to horses accordingto highest lifetime earnings excluding restricted races at the time of passing entry box. Different owners have equal draw according to earnings. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed SSaturday, February 11, 2012, with 79 nominations. (04:55 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Afford 3 C L 116 Bridgmohan Shaun Geier Greg
2 Optimizer 3 C L 116 Marquez, Jr. Carlos H. Lukas D. Wayne
3A Mr. Bowling 3 C L 120 Albarado Robby Jones J. Larry
4 Z Dager 3 C L 116 Sellers Shane J. Asmussen Steven M.
5 Ted's Folly 3 G L 120 Zimmerman Ramsey Brown Wilson L.
6B Adena's Chance 3 C L 116 Eramia Richard E. Dorochenko Gennadi
7B Hero Of Order 3 C L 116 Graham James Dorochenko Gennadi
8 El Padrino 3 C L 116 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
9A Mark Valeski 3 C L 116 Napravnik Rosie Jones J. Larry
10 Shared Property 3 G L 120 Goncalves Leandro R. Amoss Thomas M.
11 Tizanexpense 3 C L 116 Mena Miguel
How loaded is Todd Pletcher this year? El Padrino who is getting quite a bit of buzz, is not even the buzziest horse in his stable. Mr. Bowling has a stablemate in Mark Valeski. If you where part of Sunday's Live Chat, I posted how the horses have done in their last couple of starts. I'm going with Optimizer in this. Why? It's not I don't think the big name horses are horrible, is that I'm just thinking about the long run where pedigree might stand out more. Yes his sire is a turf horse, but with a Belmont winning broodmare sire that will help him in the long run. Z Dagger for second and El Padrino for third.
So that's part one of the Weekend Preview, tomorrow will be the FOY preview which I will go over each horse one by one.
At Gulfstream:
8th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $100,000. Sabin S. (Grade 3). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. Free nomination by Saturday, February 11, 2012, $1,000 to pass the entry box and $500 additional to start, with $100,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $60,000; $20,000 to second, $10,000 to third, $5,000 to fourth, $3,000 to fifth and $2,000 to sixth. Supplemental nominations may be made at time of entry a fee of $5,000, which includes entry and starting fees. Weight : 123 lbs. Non-winners of a grade I or II at a mile or over since June 1 allowed 2 lbs; a graded stakes or $60,000 twice since July 1, 4 lbs., $45,000 since August 1, 6 lbs. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. This race will be limited to 14 Starters, with Also Eligibles. If more than fourteen (14) entries pass the entry box preference will be given to graded stakes winners, then highest 2010-2012 earnings. Trophy to winning owner. Nominations Closed Saturday, February 11, 2012 with 13 Nominations. (03:49 PM) (5)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Ghostly Darkness 4 F L 117 Maragh Rajiv Reed Eric R.
2 Royal Delta 4 F L 123 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
3 Awesome Maria 5 M L 123 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
4 Groupie Doll 4 F L 121 Borel Calvin H. Bradley William
5 Canadian Mistress 4 F L 117 Trujillo Elvis Wolfson Martin D.
This is Awesome Maria's first start since being injured after her Ogden Phipps win, many people think that Groupie Doll could upset the apple cart if she could pull the upset (she certinally has the jockey to do it with). However, this is Royal Delta's race to lose and it could set her up for a showdown in Dubai with Animal Kingdom.
10th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 3/8 Mile Turf. Purse $100,000. Very One S. (Grade 3). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. (04:45 PM) (14)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Here To Win (BRZ) 6 M L 117 Bravo Joe McLaughlin Kiaran P.
2 Hasay (GB) 5 M L 117 Dominguez Ramon A. Motion H. Graham
3 Woodford Belle 5 M L 117 Castanon Jesus Lopez Nihei Michelle
4 Perfect Shirl 5 M L 123 Velazquez John R. Attfield Roger L.
5 Casablanca Smile (CHI) 6 M L 121 Desormeaux Kent J. McGaughey III Claude R.
6 Keertana 6 M L 121 Lezcano Jose Proctor Thomas F.
7 Clarinet 5 M L 117 Leparoux Julien R. Motion H. Graham
8 Good Karma (ITY) 4 F L 117 Maragh Rajiv Clement Christophe
9 Shimmering Moment 5 M L 117 Rocco, Jr. Joseph Abbott, III Francis
10 Middle Club (GB) 5 M L 117 Lopez Paco Clement Christophe
11 Font 4 F L 117 Solis Alex O. Tagg Barclay
12 Aquitaine 6 M L 117 Contreras Luis Matz Michael R.
13 Full Moon Party 5 M L 117 Wilson Emma-Jayne Frazier Matt
14 Dash Dot Dash 6 M L 117 Trujillo Elvis Wolfson Martin D.
The BC F/M Turf Champ is back! The good news is that Perfect Shirl has had a start over this track before finishing second. However Keertana who defeated the boys last year is also this race and she finished third off a layoff in the Endeavor, and she's 2 for 2 in her second start off a layoff. However, those layoffs where shorter then the one she just came off. Those 2 are my 1-2 in either order and Clarinet (just because I play the instrument) for third.
11th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $250,000. Davona Dale S. (Grade 2). FOR FILLIES, THREE YEAR OLDS. (05:13 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Nuffsaid Nuffsaid 3 F L 116 Lezcano Jose Hennig Mark A.
2 Grace Hall 3 F L 118 Dominguez Ramon A. Dutrow Anthony W.
3 Captivating Lass 3 F L 116 Velazquez John R. McLaughlin Kiaran P.
4 The Cat's All That 3 F L 116 Lopez Paco Peery Chuck
5 Frolic's Revenge 3 F L 118 Leyva Juan C. Wolfson Milton W.
6 Yara 3 F L 116 Castanon Jesus Lopez Garoffalo Jose
7 Disposablepleasure 3 F L 120 Leparoux Julien R. Pletcher Todd A.
8 Taker Home 3 F L 116 Contreras Luis Pirie Barbara A.
9 Salad Girl 3 F L 118 Trujillo Elvis Plesa, Jr. Edward
With both My Miss Aurilea and Weemissfrankie on the sidelines, the #1 Oaks contender is Grace Hall. She make's her 3 year old debut in here, and other then Disposablepleasure and Frolic's Revenge there really isn't anything in here that could possibly beat her. Should be interesting how she does in here though.
At the Fair Grounds:
5th Race - Fair Grounds - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING. 1 Mile 70Y Dirt. Purse $49,000. FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, OR STATE BRED ALLOWANCE RACES OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $17,500. Weight, 123 lbs. Non-winners Of Two Races At A Mile Or Over Since January 25 Allowed 2 lbs. One such race since then Allowed 4 lbs. Claiming Price $17,500. (02:00 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Wheemaway 4 G L 121 Sellers Shane J. Pish Danny
2 Majestic Harbor 4 C L 119 Lanerie Corey J. McGee Paul J.
3 Musicstreet Menace 6 G L 119 Mena Miguel Scherer Richard R.
4 Adirondack Express 4 G L 119 Graham James Stidham Michael
5 Nehro 4 C L 119 Bridgmohan Shaun Asmussen Steven M.
6 Avenue B 4 R L 119 Albarado Robby Carroll David M.
7 Stinking Creek 4 C L 119 Napravnik Rosie Maker Michael J.
8 Major Prince 4 C L 121 Jacinto John Charles Keith
9 Big Town 4 C L 114 McMahon C.J. Glyshaw Tim
10 Austons Sure Cure 6 H L 119 Hernandez, Jr. Brian Joseph Pessin Neil L.
11 Only Boy 4 G L 119 Clark Kerwin D. Deville Carl J.
12 Face The Fire 7 G L 119 Theriot Jamie Gabriel, Jr. Leo G.
Last year's Derby runner up is the final horse from the Top 3 to return as a four year old. Both Animal Kingdom and Mucho Macho Man have returned as winners, the question is will he? I'm going to say yes, he's run well over this surface before and but hasn't fully put it all together. Still this is a good spot for a comeback.
7th Race - Fair Grounds - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $200,000. Rachel Alexandra S. (Grade 3). FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. By subscription of $200 by Saturday, February 11th; $900 to enter, $900 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $4,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $200,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth , 2% to fifth and 1% to starters sixth through ninth. Weight 122 lbs. Non-winners of a graded stakes allowed, 2lbs, a sweepstakes at a mile or over allowed, 4 lbs, a race at a mile or over since November 25th allowed, 6 lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by usual time of closing. Preference to horses that have accumulated the highest lifetime earnings excluding restricted races at the time of passing entry box. Different owners have equal draw according to money earned. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed Saturday, February 11, 2012, with 13 nominations. (02:58 PM) (7)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Believe You Can 3 F L 122 Napravnik Rosie Jones J. Larry
2 Avie's Sense 3 F L 116 Graham James Carroll Josie
3 Inny Minnie 3 F L 116 Bridgmohan Shaun Margolis Steve
4 Table Three Ten 3 F L 116 Castellano Javier Motion H. Graham
5 Summer Applause 3 F L 118 Albarado Robby Calhoun W. Bret
7 Annaclone 3 F L 116 Mena Miguel Flint Bernard S.
I'm wondering if there's something more nasty going inside of Applauding then we know (this is the second stakes she's been scratched from). Many people are high on Taple Three Ten, but I've never seen her. The 1-2-3 from the Silverbulletday return, and I think Inny Minnie will turn the tables on Believe You Can and Summer Applause.
11th Race - Fair Grounds - Saturday, February 25th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $300,000. Risen Star S. (Grade 2). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $300 by Saturday, February 11th (Louisiana Derby early bird nominees automatically subscribed); $1,250 to enter; $1,450 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $6,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $300,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% to fifth and 1% to starters sixth through ninth. Weight: 122 lbs. Non-winners of a grade I or II stakes allowed, 2lbs, a sweepstakes at a mile or over, allowed, 4lbs, $27,000 twice at a mile or over, allowed, 6lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Preference to horses accordingto highest lifetime earnings excluding restricted races at the time of passing entry box. Different owners have equal draw according to earnings. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed SSaturday, February 11, 2012, with 79 nominations. (04:55 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Afford 3 C L 116 Bridgmohan Shaun Geier Greg
2 Optimizer 3 C L 116 Marquez, Jr. Carlos H. Lukas D. Wayne
3A Mr. Bowling 3 C L 120 Albarado Robby Jones J. Larry
4 Z Dager 3 C L 116 Sellers Shane J. Asmussen Steven M.
5 Ted's Folly 3 G L 120 Zimmerman Ramsey Brown Wilson L.
6B Adena's Chance 3 C L 116 Eramia Richard E. Dorochenko Gennadi
7B Hero Of Order 3 C L 116 Graham James Dorochenko Gennadi
8 El Padrino 3 C L 116 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
9A Mark Valeski 3 C L 116 Napravnik Rosie Jones J. Larry
10 Shared Property 3 G L 120 Goncalves Leandro R. Amoss Thomas M.
11 Tizanexpense 3 C L 116 Mena Miguel
How loaded is Todd Pletcher this year? El Padrino who is getting quite a bit of buzz, is not even the buzziest horse in his stable. Mr. Bowling has a stablemate in Mark Valeski. If you where part of Sunday's Live Chat, I posted how the horses have done in their last couple of starts. I'm going with Optimizer in this. Why? It's not I don't think the big name horses are horrible, is that I'm just thinking about the long run where pedigree might stand out more. Yes his sire is a turf horse, but with a Belmont winning broodmare sire that will help him in the long run. Z Dagger for second and El Padrino for third.
So that's part one of the Weekend Preview, tomorrow will be the FOY preview which I will go over each horse one by one.
February 10, 2012
It's Donn Time!
Here we go! In what could be the deepest Donn in quite a while with 2 TC race winners, an undefeated horse, a horse with upside and a horse who has shown the talent before but hasn't put it quite together. Here is this year's field!
10th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, February 11th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $500,000. Donn H. (Grade 1). FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. By subscription of $500 each by Saturday, January 28, 2012 , which shall accompany the nomination, $2,500 to pass the entry box and $2,500 additional to start. Supplementary nomination by Noon Friday February 3, at a fee of$25,000 which includes entry and starting fee. $500,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. Monies to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% to sixth. Weights: Saturday, February 4, 2012. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. This race will be limited to 14 Starters, with Also Eligibles. High Weights Preferred with second preference to horses with the highest lifetime earnings. Trophy to the winning owner. Nominations Closed Saturday, January 28, 2012 with 14 Nominations. (04:45 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Where's Sterling 5 H L 115 Lezcano Jose Canani Nick
2 Mission Impazible 5 H L 117 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
3 Ruler On Ice 4 G L 119 Napravnik Rosie Breen Kelly J.
4 Redeemed 4 C L 118 Prado Edgar S. Dutrow, Jr. Richard E.
5 Soaring Empire 5 H L 116 Leparoux Julien R. Gambolati Cam M.
6 Al Khali 6 R L 115 Garcia Alan Mott William I.
7 Flat Out 6 H L 121 Solis Alex O. Dickey Charles L.
8 Trickmeister 5 H L 117 Dominguez Ramon A. Dutrow, Jr. Richard E.
9 Shackleford 4 C L 119 Castanon Jesus Lopez Romans Dale L.
10 Hymn Book 6 G L 116 Velazquez John R. McGaughey III Claude R.
11 Sangaree 7 H L 115 Maragh Rajiv McLaughlin Kiaran P.
Since he's been in stakes company, Redeemed has been either 1st or 2nd. He won the Discovery in his final start as a three year old. Mission Impazible is certainly a horse who can win a G1, but he hasn't had things go his way. The good news is he's done well over the Gulfstream surface. With the possible chance of rain, it would be stupid of me to overlook Ruler On Ice. He hasn't won on a dry surface, but is 2 for 2 over wet. Of course he gets his stablemate's jockey which will help him. Another horse who should love the slop is Trickmiester who is the undefeated horse here. This is really a make or break race for Flat Out whose last three races have been very lackluster. Shackleford gave Dialed In all he can handle in last year's FL Derby and hopefully runs well in his first race as a four year old. Al Khali is prob. going to grass race (which I previewed on Turf Talk), Sangaree has a chance, as does Soaring Empire. The other two horses are unknowns to me I'm afraid.
My pick is: Shackleford. If he can control the front, I don't think there will be anyone who can pass him. Ruler On Ice for second and Flat Out for third.
More importantly, I hope all the horses come back safe and sound!
10th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, February 11th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $500,000. Donn H. (Grade 1). FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. By subscription of $500 each by Saturday, January 28, 2012 , which shall accompany the nomination, $2,500 to pass the entry box and $2,500 additional to start. Supplementary nomination by Noon Friday February 3, at a fee of$25,000 which includes entry and starting fee. $500,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. Monies to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% to sixth. Weights: Saturday, February 4, 2012. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. This race will be limited to 14 Starters, with Also Eligibles. High Weights Preferred with second preference to horses with the highest lifetime earnings. Trophy to the winning owner. Nominations Closed Saturday, January 28, 2012 with 14 Nominations. (04:45 PM) (11)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Where's Sterling 5 H L 115 Lezcano Jose Canani Nick
2 Mission Impazible 5 H L 117 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
3 Ruler On Ice 4 G L 119 Napravnik Rosie Breen Kelly J.
4 Redeemed 4 C L 118 Prado Edgar S. Dutrow, Jr. Richard E.
5 Soaring Empire 5 H L 116 Leparoux Julien R. Gambolati Cam M.
6 Al Khali 6 R L 115 Garcia Alan Mott William I.
7 Flat Out 6 H L 121 Solis Alex O. Dickey Charles L.
8 Trickmeister 5 H L 117 Dominguez Ramon A. Dutrow, Jr. Richard E.
9 Shackleford 4 C L 119 Castanon Jesus Lopez Romans Dale L.
10 Hymn Book 6 G L 116 Velazquez John R. McGaughey III Claude R.
11 Sangaree 7 H L 115 Maragh Rajiv McLaughlin Kiaran P.
Since he's been in stakes company, Redeemed has been either 1st or 2nd. He won the Discovery in his final start as a three year old. Mission Impazible is certainly a horse who can win a G1, but he hasn't had things go his way. The good news is he's done well over the Gulfstream surface. With the possible chance of rain, it would be stupid of me to overlook Ruler On Ice. He hasn't won on a dry surface, but is 2 for 2 over wet. Of course he gets his stablemate's jockey which will help him. Another horse who should love the slop is Trickmiester who is the undefeated horse here. This is really a make or break race for Flat Out whose last three races have been very lackluster. Shackleford gave Dialed In all he can handle in last year's FL Derby and hopefully runs well in his first race as a four year old. Al Khali is prob. going to grass race (which I previewed on Turf Talk), Sangaree has a chance, as does Soaring Empire. The other two horses are unknowns to me I'm afraid.
My pick is: Shackleford. If he can control the front, I don't think there will be anyone who can pass him. Ruler On Ice for second and Flat Out for third.
More importantly, I hope all the horses come back safe and sound!
January 13, 2012
Charly, Soaring, Flat oh my!
All three horses who are in my title are in action tomorrow at Gulfstream. Charly and Flat in the Ft. Lauderdale, while Soaring tries to defend his Hal's Hope title.
9th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, January 14th, 2012
STAKES. 1 Mile Dirt. Purse $100,000. Hal's Hope S. (Grade 3). FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. Free Nomination by Saturday December 31, 2011, $1,000 to pass the entry box and $500 additional to start, with $100,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $60,000; $20,000 to second, $10,000 to third, $5,000 to fourth, $3,000 to fifth and $2,000 to sixth. Supplemental nominations may be made at time of entries at a fee of $5,000, which includes entry and starting fees. Weight : 123 lbs. Non-winners of a grade I in 2011 allowed 2 lbs; a graded stakes or $60,000 twice at a mile or over in 2011 4 lbs., $45,000 twice at a mile or over in 2011 6 lbs. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. This race will be limited to 14 Starters, with Also Eligibles. If more than fourteen (14) entries pass the entry box preference will be given to graded stakes winners, then highest 2010-2012 earnings. Trophy to winning owner. Nominations Closed Saturday, December 31, 2011 with 21 Nominations. (04:17 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Jackson Bend 5 H L 123 Velazquez John R. Zito Nicholas P.
2 Sky Venture 5 G L 117 Leyva Juan C. Paul Cecil
3 Sangaree 7 H L 117 Maragh Rajiv McLaughlin Kiaran P.
4 Successful Mission 6 G L 121 Trujillo Elvis Plesa, Jr. Edward
5 Decisive Moment 4 C L 121 Madrid Sebastian O. Arias Juan D.
6 Our Dark Knight 5 H L 117 Bravo Joe Zito Nicholas P.
7 Soaring Empire 5 H L 121 Leparoux Julien R. Gambolati Cam M.
8 Cool Blue Red Hot 4 C L 117 Cruz Manoel R. Penna, Jr. Angel J.
9 Will's Wildcat 4 G L 117 Borel Calvin H. Baker James E.
This will be the Sangaree's first race in his new barn since Godolphin decided close it's US operations (he will still be running in Godolphin colors though). Soaring Empire is the defending champ, but stretching out to a mile is what Jackson Bend has been asking for. Our Dark Knight could suprise people as well.
10th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, January 14th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Turf. Purse $100,000. Ft. Lauderdale S. (Grade 3). FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. Free nomination by Saturday December 31, 2011, $1,000 to pass the entry box and $500 additional to start, with $100,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $60,000, $20,000 to second, $10,000 to third, $5,000 to fourth, $3,000 to fifth and $2,000 to sixth. Supplemental nominations may be made at time of entry for a fee of $5,000, which includes entry and starting fees. Weight: 123 lbs. Non-winners of a gradeI or II stakes on the turf in 2011 allowed 2 lbs.; of a sweepstakes at a mile or over on the turf since July 1, 4lbs., $45,000 at a mile or over since August 1, 6 lbs. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. This race willl be limited to 14 Starters, with Also Eligibles. If more than fourteen (14) entries pass the entry box preference will be given to graded stakes winners, then highest 2010-2012 earnings. Trophy to the winning owner. Nominations Closed on Saturday, December 31, 2011 with 38 Nominations. (If deemed inadvisable to run this race over the turf course, it will be run on the main track at One Mile and One Sixteenth). (04:45 PM) (14)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Uptowncharlybrown 5 H L b 117 Maragh Rajiv Coletti, Sr. Edward J.
2 Santiva 4 C L 117 Castanon Jesus Lopez Walsh Brendan P.
3 Guys Reward 5 H L 117 Centeno Daniel Romans Dale L.
4 Yummy With Butter 8 G L 121 Lopez Paco Belsoeur Yvon
5 Mutual Trust (GB) 4 C L 123 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
6 Mambo Meister 7 G L 117 Bravo Joe Gleaves Philip A.
7 Teaks North 5 G L 123 Leyva Juan C. Sallusto Justin
8 Flat Out 6 H L 119 Solis Alex O. Dickey Charles L.
9 Hollinger 5 G L 117 Velazquez John R. Attfield Roger L.
10 Silver Medallion 4 C L 121 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
11 Hoofit (NZ) 5 G L 117 Prado Edgar S. Motion H. Graham
12 Kindergarden Kid 5 G L 121 Leparoux Julien R. Tagg Barclay
13 Cool Blue Red Hot 4 C L 117 Cruz Manoel R. Penna, Jr. Angel J.
14 Flatter This 5 H L 119 Jurado Luis O'Connell Kathleen
Obviously the big reason why Flat Out is in here and not the Hal's Hope is for feet reasons (he's had quarter cracks in the past). Yummy with Butter won two stakes last year, but had faultered down the stretch. Hoofit was screwed in the BC Turf Sprint by being basically taken out of the race, Hollinger was third last time out in a G3. Charly is trying to rebound from 2 4th place finishes, Teaks North shocked everyone in the UN, but faultered down the stretch. Santiva ran in the Derby and Belmont, but this is only his second start since June.
Picks
Hal's Hope: Jackson
Ft. L: Flat Out
The Smarty Jones on Monday will feature a boys vs girl senerio as On Fire Baby starts her campaign for possible try at the Derby. Don't forget about the live chat on Monday as well!
STAKES. 1 Mile Dirt. Purse $100,000. Hal's Hope S. (Grade 3). FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. Free Nomination by Saturday December 31, 2011, $1,000 to pass the entry box and $500 additional to start, with $100,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $60,000; $20,000 to second, $10,000 to third, $5,000 to fourth, $3,000 to fifth and $2,000 to sixth. Supplemental nominations may be made at time of entries at a fee of $5,000, which includes entry and starting fees. Weight : 123 lbs. Non-winners of a grade I in 2011 allowed 2 lbs; a graded stakes or $60,000 twice at a mile or over in 2011 4 lbs., $45,000 twice at a mile or over in 2011 6 lbs. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. This race will be limited to 14 Starters, with Also Eligibles. If more than fourteen (14) entries pass the entry box preference will be given to graded stakes winners, then highest 2010-2012 earnings. Trophy to winning owner. Nominations Closed Saturday, December 31, 2011 with 21 Nominations. (04:17 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Jackson Bend 5 H L 123 Velazquez John R. Zito Nicholas P.
2 Sky Venture 5 G L 117 Leyva Juan C. Paul Cecil
3 Sangaree 7 H L 117 Maragh Rajiv McLaughlin Kiaran P.
4 Successful Mission 6 G L 121 Trujillo Elvis Plesa, Jr. Edward
5 Decisive Moment 4 C L 121 Madrid Sebastian O. Arias Juan D.
6 Our Dark Knight 5 H L 117 Bravo Joe Zito Nicholas P.
7 Soaring Empire 5 H L 121 Leparoux Julien R. Gambolati Cam M.
8 Cool Blue Red Hot 4 C L 117 Cruz Manoel R. Penna, Jr. Angel J.
9 Will's Wildcat 4 G L 117 Borel Calvin H. Baker James E.
This will be the Sangaree's first race in his new barn since Godolphin decided close it's US operations (he will still be running in Godolphin colors though). Soaring Empire is the defending champ, but stretching out to a mile is what Jackson Bend has been asking for. Our Dark Knight could suprise people as well.
10th Race - Gulfstream Park - Saturday, January 14th, 2012
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Turf. Purse $100,000. Ft. Lauderdale S. (Grade 3). FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. Free nomination by Saturday December 31, 2011, $1,000 to pass the entry box and $500 additional to start, with $100,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $60,000, $20,000 to second, $10,000 to third, $5,000 to fourth, $3,000 to fifth and $2,000 to sixth. Supplemental nominations may be made at time of entry for a fee of $5,000, which includes entry and starting fees. Weight: 123 lbs. Non-winners of a gradeI or II stakes on the turf in 2011 allowed 2 lbs.; of a sweepstakes at a mile or over on the turf since July 1, 4lbs., $45,000 at a mile or over since August 1, 6 lbs. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. This race willl be limited to 14 Starters, with Also Eligibles. If more than fourteen (14) entries pass the entry box preference will be given to graded stakes winners, then highest 2010-2012 earnings. Trophy to the winning owner. Nominations Closed on Saturday, December 31, 2011 with 38 Nominations. (If deemed inadvisable to run this race over the turf course, it will be run on the main track at One Mile and One Sixteenth). (04:45 PM) (14)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Uptowncharlybrown 5 H L b 117 Maragh Rajiv Coletti, Sr. Edward J.
2 Santiva 4 C L 117 Castanon Jesus Lopez Walsh Brendan P.
3 Guys Reward 5 H L 117 Centeno Daniel Romans Dale L.
4 Yummy With Butter 8 G L 121 Lopez Paco Belsoeur Yvon
5 Mutual Trust (GB) 4 C L 123 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
6 Mambo Meister 7 G L 117 Bravo Joe Gleaves Philip A.
7 Teaks North 5 G L 123 Leyva Juan C. Sallusto Justin
8 Flat Out 6 H L 119 Solis Alex O. Dickey Charles L.
9 Hollinger 5 G L 117 Velazquez John R. Attfield Roger L.
10 Silver Medallion 4 C L 121 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
11 Hoofit (NZ) 5 G L 117 Prado Edgar S. Motion H. Graham
12 Kindergarden Kid 5 G L 121 Leparoux Julien R. Tagg Barclay
13 Cool Blue Red Hot 4 C L 117 Cruz Manoel R. Penna, Jr. Angel J.
14 Flatter This 5 H L 119 Jurado Luis O'Connell Kathleen
Obviously the big reason why Flat Out is in here and not the Hal's Hope is for feet reasons (he's had quarter cracks in the past). Yummy with Butter won two stakes last year, but had faultered down the stretch. Hoofit was screwed in the BC Turf Sprint by being basically taken out of the race, Hollinger was third last time out in a G3. Charly is trying to rebound from 2 4th place finishes, Teaks North shocked everyone in the UN, but faultered down the stretch. Santiva ran in the Derby and Belmont, but this is only his second start since June.
Picks
Hal's Hope: Jackson
Ft. L: Flat Out
The Smarty Jones on Monday will feature a boys vs girl senerio as On Fire Baby starts her campaign for possible try at the Derby. Don't forget about the live chat on Monday as well!
February 4, 2011
Weekend Preview
It's back! I felt that now was a good time to bring back the Weekend Previews that have been going on here on Thorough Chat for 2 years now. This weekend will be an all Grade 1 affair on the East Coast and West Coast (there are other races as well, but I won't be previewing those this weekend).
Lets start off in Florida with the first G1's of the year for Older Males.
Gulfstream Park - February 5, 2011
Race 9 - 4:51 PM Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / Bet 3 (Races 9-10-11)
STAKES Gulfstream Park Turf H. (Grade I)
Purse $300,000. For Four Year Olds And Upward. By subscription of $300 each by Saturday, January 22, 2011 , which shall accompany the nomination, $3,000 to pass the entry box and $1,500 additional to start, with $300,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid before the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $180,000, $60,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth, $9,000 to fifth and $6,000 to sixth. Weights: Saturday, January 29, 2011. This race will be limited to 14 Starters, with Also Eligibles. High Weights Preferred with second preference to horses with the highest lifetime earnings. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. In the event this stakes is taken off the turf, it may be subject to downgrading upon review by the Graded Stakes Committee. Trophy to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, January 22, 2011 with 25 nominations. (If deemed inadvisable to run this race over the turf course, it will be run on the main track at One Mile and One Eighth) . One And One Eighth Miles. (Turf) (Rail at 60 Feet)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Get Stormy (KY) 5/H L J Castellano 119 T M Bush 5/1
2 2 Smart Bid (PA) 5/H L E S Prado 115 H G Motion 6/1
3 3 Justaroundmidnight (IRE) 4/F L F Geroux 112 P L Biancone 10/1
4 4 Sal the Barber (KY) 5/H L C H Velasquez 116 C Clement 8/1
5 5 Teaks North (FL) 4/G L J Valdivia, Jr. 114 J Sallusto 12/1
6 6 Little Mike (FL) 4/G L J Bravo 116 D L Romans 5/1
7 7 Twilight Meteor (ON) 7/H L A O Solis 117 M D Wolfson 3/1
8 8 Battle of Hastings (GB) 5/G L J R Leparoux 120 G Fox 5/2
This should be a good race between Get Stormy, Twilight Meteor and Battle of Hastings. Keep an eye on Smart Bid and Little Mike as well. Especially Little Mike as he upset BOF, Blues Street, and Souper Spectacler in the Ft. Lorderdale with Smart Bid finishing third. However he has a new trainer who could be a downfall even though Dale Romans trained Kitten's Joy. I do think he will lose this race however, as I expect Battle of Hastings to turn the tables on Little Mike and win this race.
Gulfstream Park - February 5, 2011
Race 10 - 5:26 PM Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta
STAKES Donn H. (Grade I)
Purse $500,000. For Four Year Olds And Upward. By subscription of $500 each by Saturday, January 22, 2011 , which shall accompany the nomination, $2,500 to pass the entry box and $2,500 additional to start. Supplementary nomination by Noon Friday January 28, at a fee of$25,000 which includes entry and starting fee. $500,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. Monies to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% to sixth. Weights: Saturday, January 29, 2011. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. This race will be limited to 14 Starters, with Also Eligibles. High Weights Preferred with second preference to horses with the highest lifetime earnings. Trophy to the winning owner. Closed Saaturday, January 22, 2011 with 16 nominations. One And One Eighth Miles.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 I Want Revenge (KY) 5/H L R A Dominguez 117 R E Dutrow, Jr. 6/1
2 2 Hear Ye Hear Ye (FL) 4/C L J Sanchez 113 S I Gold 30/1
3 3 Morning Line (KY) 4/C L J R Velazquez 119 N P Zito 3/1
4 4 Giant Oak (IL) 5/H L* S Bridgmohan 118 C M Block 6/1
5 5 Eldaafer (KY) 6/G L* E S Prado 118 D Alvarado 8/1
6 6 Fly Down (KY) 4/C L* J R Leparoux 122 N P Zito 5/2
7 7 Square Eddie (ON) 5/H L* C S Nakatani 116 D F O'Neill 20/1
8 8 Rule (KY) 4/C L J Castellano 119 T A Pletcher 4/1
9 9 Ron the Greek (FL) 4/C L J Lezcano 116 T Albertrani 15/1
This could be the deepest Donn since 2004 when Medaglia d' Oro, Funny Cide, and Bowman's Band faced off with MDO winning and Funny finishing third. I Want Revenge is not the same horse he was at 3, Hear Ye Hear Ye is a long shot who is owned by the former connections of Jackson Bend and Awesome Feather. Morning Line was just sold and this will be his last race in the US before going to Dubai. Giant Oak is coming off a win (via DQ) in the Clark. This is Eldaafer's first race since his win in the Marathon (which was followed by well the fight). Fly Down like his stablemate is more then likely Dubai bound. Square Eddie set a track record last time out at Santa Anita, the big question is can he stay healthy. Speaking of Funny, his nephew Rule showed a new side to him in the Hal's Hope, coming off the pace. Ron the Greek made some noise on the Derby trail last year before getting injured and transfered.
If there is a speed duel that will happen I expect that between Eddie and either Morning Line or Rule (although with his new running style that might not happen). Eldaafer and Rule (if he doesn't go for the lead) will be in that second pack with Fly Down towards the back. In the end I think the son of Roman Ruler will give his sire his second G1 winner and a bit of revenge for his uncle who is in Gulfstream's Garden of Champions. Eldaafer for second and Fly Down in third.
At Santa Anita
Santa Anita Park - February 5, 2011
Race 4 - 2:04 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 4-5-6) $1 Superfecta (.10 Min.)
STAKES Las Virgenes S. (Grade I)
Purse $250,000. For Fillies, Three Years Old. By subscription of $375 each to accompany the nomination. Closed January 27, 2011 with 12. $3,750 additional to start, with $250,000 guaranteed, of which $150,000 to first, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth and $5,000 to fifth 122 Lbs. Non-winners of a Grade I race at One Mile of Over, allowed 3 lbs,: Non-winners of a Grade II OR Grade III race at One Mile or Over, 5 Lbs. This race is part of the "Black-Eyed Susan 2.2" A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. . One Mile.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Plum Pretty (PA) 3/F L* M Garcia 117 B Baffert 8/1
3 2 Tiz the Route (KY) 3/F L* B Blanc 117 J Herrick 20/1
4 3 California Nectar (CA) 3/F L* P A Valenzuela 117 D F O'Neill 4/1
5 4 May Day Rose (FL) 3/F L* R Bejarano 119 B Baffert 9/2
6 5 Turbulent Descent (FL) 3/F L* D R Flores 122 M Puype 4/5
7 6 Zazu (KY) 3/F L* J Rosario 117 J W Sadler 9/2
Round 2 of Turbulent Descent vs May Day Rose vs Zazu. TD has yet to have a race over dirt which might cost her in this race. However, Rose only faced 2 horses in her last start, while Zazu lost to California Nectar. This also marks the return to stakes action for Martin Garcia who was knocked out of competition for a few months due to immigration status. I think dispite all this including the return of TD, Rose gives Rockport Harbor his first G1 winner. Turbulent Descent for second and Plum Pretty for third.
I had hoped to preview the Essex, but due to weather conditions at Oaklawn, they have canceled this weekends cards. That's okay since Win Willy would have smoked the field, but my guess is he may either a. Not go and wait for the Razorback, b. go and skip the Razorback. We'll see what happens.
Recap will be coming on Monday!
Lets start off in Florida with the first G1's of the year for Older Males.
Gulfstream Park - February 5, 2011
Race 9 - 4:51 PM Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / Bet 3 (Races 9-10-11)
STAKES Gulfstream Park Turf H. (Grade I)
Purse $300,000. For Four Year Olds And Upward. By subscription of $300 each by Saturday, January 22, 2011 , which shall accompany the nomination, $3,000 to pass the entry box and $1,500 additional to start, with $300,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid before the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $180,000, $60,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth, $9,000 to fifth and $6,000 to sixth. Weights: Saturday, January 29, 2011. This race will be limited to 14 Starters, with Also Eligibles. High Weights Preferred with second preference to horses with the highest lifetime earnings. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. In the event this stakes is taken off the turf, it may be subject to downgrading upon review by the Graded Stakes Committee. Trophy to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, January 22, 2011 with 25 nominations. (If deemed inadvisable to run this race over the turf course, it will be run on the main track at One Mile and One Eighth) . One And One Eighth Miles. (Turf) (Rail at 60 Feet)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Get Stormy (KY) 5/H L J Castellano 119 T M Bush 5/1
2 2 Smart Bid (PA) 5/H L E S Prado 115 H G Motion 6/1
3 3 Justaroundmidnight (IRE) 4/F L F Geroux 112 P L Biancone 10/1
4 4 Sal the Barber (KY) 5/H L C H Velasquez 116 C Clement 8/1
5 5 Teaks North (FL) 4/G L J Valdivia, Jr. 114 J Sallusto 12/1
6 6 Little Mike (FL) 4/G L J Bravo 116 D L Romans 5/1
7 7 Twilight Meteor (ON) 7/H L A O Solis 117 M D Wolfson 3/1
8 8 Battle of Hastings (GB) 5/G L J R Leparoux 120 G Fox 5/2
This should be a good race between Get Stormy, Twilight Meteor and Battle of Hastings. Keep an eye on Smart Bid and Little Mike as well. Especially Little Mike as he upset BOF, Blues Street, and Souper Spectacler in the Ft. Lorderdale with Smart Bid finishing third. However he has a new trainer who could be a downfall even though Dale Romans trained Kitten's Joy. I do think he will lose this race however, as I expect Battle of Hastings to turn the tables on Little Mike and win this race.
Gulfstream Park - February 5, 2011
Race 10 - 5:26 PM Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta
STAKES Donn H. (Grade I)
Purse $500,000. For Four Year Olds And Upward. By subscription of $500 each by Saturday, January 22, 2011 , which shall accompany the nomination, $2,500 to pass the entry box and $2,500 additional to start. Supplementary nomination by Noon Friday January 28, at a fee of$25,000 which includes entry and starting fee. $500,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. Monies to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% to sixth. Weights: Saturday, January 29, 2011. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. This race will be limited to 14 Starters, with Also Eligibles. High Weights Preferred with second preference to horses with the highest lifetime earnings. Trophy to the winning owner. Closed Saaturday, January 22, 2011 with 16 nominations. One And One Eighth Miles.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 I Want Revenge (KY) 5/H L R A Dominguez 117 R E Dutrow, Jr. 6/1
2 2 Hear Ye Hear Ye (FL) 4/C L J Sanchez 113 S I Gold 30/1
3 3 Morning Line (KY) 4/C L J R Velazquez 119 N P Zito 3/1
4 4 Giant Oak (IL) 5/H L* S Bridgmohan 118 C M Block 6/1
5 5 Eldaafer (KY) 6/G L* E S Prado 118 D Alvarado 8/1
6 6 Fly Down (KY) 4/C L* J R Leparoux 122 N P Zito 5/2
7 7 Square Eddie (ON) 5/H L* C S Nakatani 116 D F O'Neill 20/1
8 8 Rule (KY) 4/C L J Castellano 119 T A Pletcher 4/1
9 9 Ron the Greek (FL) 4/C L J Lezcano 116 T Albertrani 15/1
This could be the deepest Donn since 2004 when Medaglia d' Oro, Funny Cide, and Bowman's Band faced off with MDO winning and Funny finishing third. I Want Revenge is not the same horse he was at 3, Hear Ye Hear Ye is a long shot who is owned by the former connections of Jackson Bend and Awesome Feather. Morning Line was just sold and this will be his last race in the US before going to Dubai. Giant Oak is coming off a win (via DQ) in the Clark. This is Eldaafer's first race since his win in the Marathon (which was followed by well the fight). Fly Down like his stablemate is more then likely Dubai bound. Square Eddie set a track record last time out at Santa Anita, the big question is can he stay healthy. Speaking of Funny, his nephew Rule showed a new side to him in the Hal's Hope, coming off the pace. Ron the Greek made some noise on the Derby trail last year before getting injured and transfered.
If there is a speed duel that will happen I expect that between Eddie and either Morning Line or Rule (although with his new running style that might not happen). Eldaafer and Rule (if he doesn't go for the lead) will be in that second pack with Fly Down towards the back. In the end I think the son of Roman Ruler will give his sire his second G1 winner and a bit of revenge for his uncle who is in Gulfstream's Garden of Champions. Eldaafer for second and Fly Down in third.
At Santa Anita
Santa Anita Park - February 5, 2011
Race 4 - 2:04 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 4-5-6) $1 Superfecta (.10 Min.)
STAKES Las Virgenes S. (Grade I)
Purse $250,000. For Fillies, Three Years Old. By subscription of $375 each to accompany the nomination. Closed January 27, 2011 with 12. $3,750 additional to start, with $250,000 guaranteed, of which $150,000 to first, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth and $5,000 to fifth 122 Lbs. Non-winners of a Grade I race at One Mile of Over, allowed 3 lbs,: Non-winners of a Grade II OR Grade III race at One Mile or Over, 5 Lbs. This race is part of the "Black-Eyed Susan 2.2" A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. . One Mile.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Plum Pretty (PA) 3/F L* M Garcia 117 B Baffert 8/1
3 2 Tiz the Route (KY) 3/F L* B Blanc 117 J Herrick 20/1
4 3 California Nectar (CA) 3/F L* P A Valenzuela 117 D F O'Neill 4/1
5 4 May Day Rose (FL) 3/F L* R Bejarano 119 B Baffert 9/2
6 5 Turbulent Descent (FL) 3/F L* D R Flores 122 M Puype 4/5
7 6 Zazu (KY) 3/F L* J Rosario 117 J W Sadler 9/2
Round 2 of Turbulent Descent vs May Day Rose vs Zazu. TD has yet to have a race over dirt which might cost her in this race. However, Rose only faced 2 horses in her last start, while Zazu lost to California Nectar. This also marks the return to stakes action for Martin Garcia who was knocked out of competition for a few months due to immigration status. I think dispite all this including the return of TD, Rose gives Rockport Harbor his first G1 winner. Turbulent Descent for second and Plum Pretty for third.
I had hoped to preview the Essex, but due to weather conditions at Oaklawn, they have canceled this weekends cards. That's okay since Win Willy would have smoked the field, but my guess is he may either a. Not go and wait for the Razorback, b. go and skip the Razorback. We'll see what happens.
Recap will be coming on Monday!
March 19, 2010
Floridian Saturday
Florida (Gulfstream to be exact) has it's big day tomorrow. Five stakes races ending with the Grade 1 Florida Derby.
7th (4:11)
Bonnie Miss S. (G2)
1 1/8 Miles | Fillies | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $200,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Danny's Friend Nunez E O Warren Fred G 116 L 20-1
2 2 Switch Baze T C Sadler John W 116 L 4-1
3 3 Devil May Care Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 122 L 4-1
4 4 Joanie's Catch Lopez P Rose Barry R 116 L 10-1
5 5 Amen Hallelujah Leparoux J R Dutrow, Jr. R E 122 L 8-5
6 6 Christine Daae Nakatani C S Biancone Patrick L 116 L 2-1
The stakes debut of Christine Daae, the horse many are calling this years Rachel Alexandra. This is actually a very tough group lead by Amen Hallelujah, Switch is the stablemate of Crisp, Devil May Care has to bounce back if she wants any chance to make the Oaks. I think that Christine could be nothing, but hype and will lose this race to either Switch, Joanie's Catch or Amen Hallelujah. Then again I've been wrong before.
8th (4:42)
Rampart S. (G3)
1 1/8 Miles | Fillies and Mares | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Bambera (VEN) Perez E Andrade Pablo 121 L 8-1
2 2 Don't Forget Gil Dominguez R A Hennig Mark 121 L 4-1
3 3 Miss Match (ARG) Garcia Alan Matz Michael R 117 L 12-1
4 4 Aurora Lights Velasquez C Coatrieux Eric 121 L 3-1
5 5 Even Road Cruz M R Ersoff Stanley M 117 L 10-1
6 6 Miss Singhsix (IRE) Leparoux J R Wolfson Martin D 117 L 6-1
7 7 Champagne Eyes Castellano J J Wolfson Martin D 117 L 15-1
8 8 Unrivaled Belle Desormeaux K J Mott William I 117 L 2-1
The much anticipated US debut of Bambera. On paper, she's ahead of this class. However, she in reality is taking a step up in class (Ven.'s G1's are not internationally regonized thanks to Sid Fernarndo for mentioning this on Twitter a while back). Don't Forget Gil was a nice horse for the first part of the year, then faded down the stretch, Unrivaled Belle finished second behind Flashing in the Gazelle. However, I should note that Flashing had the honor of finishing third in the Mother Goose, when Rachel was facing her and future G2 winner Malibu Prayer, so it's unfair to compare Gil and Belle to Bambera. The interesting thing is that Bambera is 8-1 on the morning line, Brian of Zipse at the Track says this. I think (and hope) that Bambera wins this race to set up an even more intereresting Apple Blossom sans Rachel.
9th (5:14)
Appleton S. (G3)
7 1/2 Furlongs (Turf) | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $100,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Society's Chairman Lezcano J Attfield Roger L 120 L 5-1
2 2 Together Indy Desormeaux K J Weaver George 118 L 12-1
3 3 Kiss the Kid Castro E Tarrant Amy 122 L 5-2
4 4 Carson Hall Dominguez R A Tagg Barclay 118 L 10-1
5 5 Suyeta Lopez P Leahy Michael P 118 L 20-1
6 6 Storm Play Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 118 8-1
7 7 Rahy's Attorney Castellano J J Black Ian 122 L 3-1
8 8 Boots Ahead Leparoux J R Weaver George 120 L 6-1
9 9 Almoradi (IRE) Nakatani C S Biancone Patrick L 118 L 8-1
This is really a two horse race between Kiss the Kid and Rahy's Attorney. Kiss is the defending champ in this race, and I wouldn't be suprised if he wins. Carson Hall seems to be intriguing and he's my pick to finish second.
10th (5:45)
Swale S. (G2)
7 Furlongs | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Hear Ye Hear Ye Sanchez J Gold Stanley I 120 L 15-1
2 2 Silver Craft Castanon J L Reinstedler A L 116 L 15-1
3 3 Ibboyee Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 120 L 4-1
4 4 City Trooper Castellano J J Weaver George 116 L 6-1
5 5 Fearless Cowboy Garcia Alan McLaughlin Kiaran P 120 L 10-1
6 6 Dixie Band Leparoux J R Catalano Wayne M 120 L 6-1
7 7 D' Funnybone Prado E S Dutrow, Jr. R E 122 L 6-5
8 8 Gary D Trujillo E Pinchin Jose 120 L 12-1
9 9 Privilaged Baze T C Sadler John W 114 L 20-1
D'Funnybone is the horse to beat, I would love to see Ibboyee rebound from the Count Fleet in here. Hear Ye Hear Ye is trained by the former trainer of Jackson Bend.
11th (6:20)
Florida Derby (G1)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $750,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Soaring Empire Castro E Gambolati Cam 122 L 20-1
2 2 Lentenor Garcia Alan Matz Michael R 122 L 6-1
3 3 Pulsion Nakatani C S Biancone Patrick L 122 L 12-1
4 4 Pleasant Prince Leparoux J R Ward Wesley A 122 L 15-1
5 5 Game On Dude Rose J Mareina Michael 122 L 12-1
6 6 First Dude Dominguez R A Romans Dale 122 L 8-1
7 7 Rule Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 122 L 5-2
8 8 Ice Box Lezcano J Zito Nicholas P 122 L 15-1
9 9 Miner's Reserve Desormeaux K J Zito Nicholas P 122 L 6-1
10 10 Best Actor Castellano J J Catalano Wayne M 122 L 20-1
11 11 Radiohead (GB) Prado E S Dutrow, Jr. R E 122 L 3-1
So here we are the first G1 for three year olds. The first name to pop out off the page is Lentenor, who of course is by Dynaformer out of a Carson City mare. He's taking a huge step up in class, and only has a maiden win to his name (however many horses in this race do). However, he has family history with this race, as his big brother won the race in 2006. Now he has a long way to catch what Barbaro did, and this is his one shot of doing so. Radiohead is an intriging horse that he's only of two horses in this race that have graded stakes experience. Of course I've been babling about Rule for the past year, and he is my pick to win the race. This really isn't a great field, but Rule doesn't need to win in order to make the Derby. However, getting that Grade 1 win could be important in the long run when it comes to the Championship contention.
Top three:
Rule
Radiohead
Lententor
Also one more announcement, if you are member of the Facebook group, then you've already read this, but if you are not this is what I'm talking about:
7th (4:11)
Bonnie Miss S. (G2)
1 1/8 Miles | Fillies | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $200,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Danny's Friend Nunez E O Warren Fred G 116 L 20-1
2 2 Switch Baze T C Sadler John W 116 L 4-1
3 3 Devil May Care Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 122 L 4-1
4 4 Joanie's Catch Lopez P Rose Barry R 116 L 10-1
5 5 Amen Hallelujah Leparoux J R Dutrow, Jr. R E 122 L 8-5
6 6 Christine Daae Nakatani C S Biancone Patrick L 116 L 2-1
The stakes debut of Christine Daae, the horse many are calling this years Rachel Alexandra. This is actually a very tough group lead by Amen Hallelujah, Switch is the stablemate of Crisp, Devil May Care has to bounce back if she wants any chance to make the Oaks. I think that Christine could be nothing, but hype and will lose this race to either Switch, Joanie's Catch or Amen Hallelujah. Then again I've been wrong before.
8th (4:42)
Rampart S. (G3)
1 1/8 Miles | Fillies and Mares | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Bambera (VEN) Perez E Andrade Pablo 121 L 8-1
2 2 Don't Forget Gil Dominguez R A Hennig Mark 121 L 4-1
3 3 Miss Match (ARG) Garcia Alan Matz Michael R 117 L 12-1
4 4 Aurora Lights Velasquez C Coatrieux Eric 121 L 3-1
5 5 Even Road Cruz M R Ersoff Stanley M 117 L 10-1
6 6 Miss Singhsix (IRE) Leparoux J R Wolfson Martin D 117 L 6-1
7 7 Champagne Eyes Castellano J J Wolfson Martin D 117 L 15-1
8 8 Unrivaled Belle Desormeaux K J Mott William I 117 L 2-1
The much anticipated US debut of Bambera. On paper, she's ahead of this class. However, she in reality is taking a step up in class (Ven.'s G1's are not internationally regonized thanks to Sid Fernarndo for mentioning this on Twitter a while back). Don't Forget Gil was a nice horse for the first part of the year, then faded down the stretch, Unrivaled Belle finished second behind Flashing in the Gazelle. However, I should note that Flashing had the honor of finishing third in the Mother Goose, when Rachel was facing her and future G2 winner Malibu Prayer, so it's unfair to compare Gil and Belle to Bambera. The interesting thing is that Bambera is 8-1 on the morning line, Brian of Zipse at the Track says this. I think (and hope) that Bambera wins this race to set up an even more intereresting Apple Blossom sans Rachel.
9th (5:14)
Appleton S. (G3)
7 1/2 Furlongs (Turf) | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $100,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Society's Chairman Lezcano J Attfield Roger L 120 L 5-1
2 2 Together Indy Desormeaux K J Weaver George 118 L 12-1
3 3 Kiss the Kid Castro E Tarrant Amy 122 L 5-2
4 4 Carson Hall Dominguez R A Tagg Barclay 118 L 10-1
5 5 Suyeta Lopez P Leahy Michael P 118 L 20-1
6 6 Storm Play Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 118 8-1
7 7 Rahy's Attorney Castellano J J Black Ian 122 L 3-1
8 8 Boots Ahead Leparoux J R Weaver George 120 L 6-1
9 9 Almoradi (IRE) Nakatani C S Biancone Patrick L 118 L 8-1
This is really a two horse race between Kiss the Kid and Rahy's Attorney. Kiss is the defending champ in this race, and I wouldn't be suprised if he wins. Carson Hall seems to be intriguing and he's my pick to finish second.
10th (5:45)
Swale S. (G2)
7 Furlongs | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Hear Ye Hear Ye Sanchez J Gold Stanley I 120 L 15-1
2 2 Silver Craft Castanon J L Reinstedler A L 116 L 15-1
3 3 Ibboyee Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 120 L 4-1
4 4 City Trooper Castellano J J Weaver George 116 L 6-1
5 5 Fearless Cowboy Garcia Alan McLaughlin Kiaran P 120 L 10-1
6 6 Dixie Band Leparoux J R Catalano Wayne M 120 L 6-1
7 7 D' Funnybone Prado E S Dutrow, Jr. R E 122 L 6-5
8 8 Gary D Trujillo E Pinchin Jose 120 L 12-1
9 9 Privilaged Baze T C Sadler John W 114 L 20-1
D'Funnybone is the horse to beat, I would love to see Ibboyee rebound from the Count Fleet in here. Hear Ye Hear Ye is trained by the former trainer of Jackson Bend.
11th (6:20)
Florida Derby (G1)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $750,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Soaring Empire Castro E Gambolati Cam 122 L 20-1
2 2 Lentenor Garcia Alan Matz Michael R 122 L 6-1
3 3 Pulsion Nakatani C S Biancone Patrick L 122 L 12-1
4 4 Pleasant Prince Leparoux J R Ward Wesley A 122 L 15-1
5 5 Game On Dude Rose J Mareina Michael 122 L 12-1
6 6 First Dude Dominguez R A Romans Dale 122 L 8-1
7 7 Rule Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 122 L 5-2
8 8 Ice Box Lezcano J Zito Nicholas P 122 L 15-1
9 9 Miner's Reserve Desormeaux K J Zito Nicholas P 122 L 6-1
10 10 Best Actor Castellano J J Catalano Wayne M 122 L 20-1
11 11 Radiohead (GB) Prado E S Dutrow, Jr. R E 122 L 3-1
So here we are the first G1 for three year olds. The first name to pop out off the page is Lentenor, who of course is by Dynaformer out of a Carson City mare. He's taking a huge step up in class, and only has a maiden win to his name (however many horses in this race do). However, he has family history with this race, as his big brother won the race in 2006. Now he has a long way to catch what Barbaro did, and this is his one shot of doing so. Radiohead is an intriging horse that he's only of two horses in this race that have graded stakes experience. Of course I've been babling about Rule for the past year, and he is my pick to win the race. This really isn't a great field, but Rule doesn't need to win in order to make the Derby. However, getting that Grade 1 win could be important in the long run when it comes to the Championship contention.
Top three:
Rule
Radiohead
Lententor
Also one more announcement, if you are member of the Facebook group, then you've already read this, but if you are not this is what I'm talking about:
I'm pleased to announce the following chat dates for the Thorough Chat's Live Chats. This went over well with the Eclipse Chat, so I'm bringing this back. All Chats will begin at 7:00 pm EDT/6:00 CDT and end about 45 minutes to an hour later. All chats will be on Mondays, except for April 5, there will not be a chat (for those who may not know I lost my dad last year on April 4, out of respect of him I will not be holding a chat even though it's really one of the last Mondays before the Derby. April 5 is also my mom's birthday, and it's a major milestone so I think my sister and I want to take her somewhere nice.). The chat instead will be held on Saturday April 3th (Time will be determined, more then likely around 8 pm).All of these chats will be held on Coverit Live, and no they will not be replacing the Weekend Recaps. While these chats are going on the Weekend Recaps will be on Sundays instead (the lone exception is the April 3rd races, the recap will be on Tuesday instead). I hope everyone enjoys the first weekend of Spring!
What is the chats going to focus on? It will be a recap of the past weekends races. I'll have a video of the race and we will break down how each horse did. Then we will be able to talk about other contenders who are on the Derby trail. I hope that you can join us starting this Monday, March 22, 2010 for the TC Derby Trail Live Chat.
Dates:
March 22: Recap of the FL Derby and Swale
March 29: Recap of the Lane's End, Sunland Derby and LA Derby
April 3: Special Chat: Recap of the SA Derby, Wood, IL Derby
April 5: No Chat due to personal obligations.
April 12: Recap of the Bluegrass and AR Derby
April 19: Recap of the Lexington
So that's it! I hope everyone enjoys these chats and I'm really excited about them.
February 19, 2010
Which Youth will Rise to the Top in the South?
Three major preps this weekend for the Florida Derby, Arkansas Derby and Louisana Derby respectivly. The Risen Star at the Fair Grounds is the prep for the Louisana Derby, and features highely impressive Aqueduct winner Tempted to Tapit, WinStar's Drosselmeyer and Lacomte winner Ron the Greek. The Fountain of Youth is the much anticipated 3yo debut of Buddy's Saint, but he will have to go against Jackson Bend, Akinate among other contenders. The delayed Southwest also goes off tomorrow, featuring Smarty Jones winner and runner up Dryfly and Pleasant Storm respectivly. However, don't count out Dublin and Convaynce.
I'm not going to be doing a race by race preview for this week, however that will return next week. This is because of lack of time. Plus the next few weeks I've got a few posts that will be about memories, so stay tuned for those. Just think a week from this upcoming Monday, we will be only two months away from the Kentucky Derby! A full recap of this past weekends races will be up on Monday.
I'm not going to be doing a race by race preview for this week, however that will return next week. This is because of lack of time. Plus the next few weeks I've got a few posts that will be about memories, so stay tuned for those. Just think a week from this upcoming Monday, we will be only two months away from the Kentucky Derby! A full recap of this past weekends races will be up on Monday.
February 5, 2010
Super Saturday
With the Super Bowl on Sunday, I thought I would do a larger then normal preview. This weekend, it's the first G1's for the year for three year old fillies, older males and turf horses, plus a TC prep at the Big A (weather permitting), and two of my favorite horses are back in action at Oaklawn. I'm also instituding a jump break for Weekend Preview and Weekend Recap posts only. This is because these will be longer then useal posts and I don't want you to have to scroll all the way down to find a post you want to read, and this not it. If you don't like this, then please let me know for the future. So let's get started!
Starting at Aqueduct,
3rd (1:26)
Whirlaway S.
1 1/16 Miles
Open
3 Year Olds Stakes
Purse: $100,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer
1 1 Turf Melody Napravnik A R
2 2 Eightyfiveinafifty Chavez J F
3 3 Peppi Knows Migliore R
4 4 Afleet Again Serpa A
5 5 Three Day Rush Cohen D
6 6 Papa's Nice Cat Luzzi M J
This race may get postponed due to a nasty storm currently hitting the East Coast. Still, all eyes will be on the interestingly (and I'm sorry horribly named) Eightyfiveinafifty. I'm going to try to beat him with Peppi Knows and Afleet Again.
At Gulfstream,
9th (5:02)
Gulfstream Park Turf H. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles (Turf)
Open
4 Year Olds And Up Stakes
Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer
1 1 Le Grand Cru Lezcano J
2 2 Yate's Black Cat Desormeaux K J
3 3 Court Vision Albarado R J
4 4 Never On Sunday (FR) Bravo J
5 5 Take the Points Prado E S
6 6 Adagio (GB) Velasquez C
Last year IEAH and Rick Dutrow won the race with fan favorite Kip Deville, this year they have Court Vision who ironicly is the full brother to Kip's sire Kipling. Take the Points showed signs of promise on the turf since switching to the surface after his horrible Preakness. He has 2 G1 wins, but is coming off finishing midpack to the The Useal Q.T. in the Hollywood Derby, to make matters worse the Q.T. finished last in last weekend's Sunshine Millions Classic. Never on Sunday is best known for handing Goldikova one of her two losses last year, unfortanlly he has landed in the barn of Patrick "Cobra Venom" Biencone. I'm going with my boy Points for the win with Court a very close second. Shame Just As Well is skipping this race, he was closing fast on Kip last year.
10th (5:31)
Donn H. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $500,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Kiss the Kid Castro E
2 2 You and I Forever Trujillo E
3 3 Duke of Mischief Coa E M
4 4 Quality Road Velazquez J R
5 5 Dry Martini Castellano J J
6 6 Past the Point Prado E S
7 7 Helsinki Albarado R J
8 8 Mambo Meister Desormeaux K J
9 9 Dubai Gold Lezcano J
10 10 Delightful Kiss Leyva J C
For those old enough to remember The Brady Bunch (I'm not, but I've seen it on syndacation), then you will know how Jan used to go "Marsha, Marsha, Masha!". Well, this race "Quality, Quality, Quality!" in this case I mean Quality Road. I wasn't all that impressed by his Hal's Hope, but he is the deserving favorite. With that being said, I would love to see Dry Martini upset him.
At Oaklawn
9th (5:02)
Essex H.
1 1/16 Miles | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $100,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Jonesboro Castellano A Jr
2 2 Racing Bran Emigh C A
3 3 Crook's Bodgit Rini W
4 4 Spotsgone Court J K
5 5 Ready Set Thompson T J
6 6 Win Willy Berry M C
7 7 Prom Shoes Nakatani C S
8 8 Glamour Guy Borel C H
Win Willy won his first race of the year and is the deserving favorite. Spotsgone will be setting the early pace for his stablemate Prom Shoes, but I'm not expecting him to win as he is returning from surgery (although he's been posting bullets, so hopefully a good sign). Jonesboro may not go if it's a wet track and Ready Set has a trainer change. My heart says Shoes, Jonesboro in a deadheat, with Willy in third. I have a feeling that Willy will win with Jonesboro second and either Shoes or Ready Set in third. However, I really shouldn't count out Jonesboro, the last time he won the Essex, it was only a few days after his mom, the Hall of Famer Mom's Command was euthanized. This time around, his dad Sefapiano passed away from a heart attack. By far he's his best foal, much like he was the same for his mom.
Last, but not least at Santa Anita,
3rd (1:32)
Leriodesanimaux H.
1 Mile (Turf) | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $65,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Sudden War (ARG) Solis A
2 2 Quindici Man Rosario J
3 3 Fluke (BRZ) Talamo J
4 4 Battle of Hastings (GB) Baze T C
5 5 Mr. Big Smith M E
6 6 Cherokee Artist Leparoux J R
7 7 Blue Chagall (FR) Gomez G K
8 8 Great Siege (IRE) Espinoza
The last time Fluke won, it was in the Citation right after his former trainer passed away. And now here he is in a race named after a fellow BRZ bred, and ironcly trained by the same trainer he was. Don't count out Cherokee Artist though.
4th (2:03)
Las Virgenes S. (G1)
1 Mile (All Weather Track) | Fillies | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $250,000
Prg. PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Summer Games Baze M C Dominguez
2 2 Blind Luck Bejarano R
3 3 La Nez Smith M E
4 4 Switch Baze T C
5 5 Evening Jewel Espinoza V
6 6 Crisp Rosario J
This is Blind Luck's race to lose, however keep an eye on Crisp. Both of her races I've seen where pretty impressive, especially her maiden which she went really wide in the stretch and still won.
8th (4:07)
Robert B. Lewis S. (G2)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Macias Espinoza V
2 2 Dave in Dixie Rosario J
3 3 Tiz Chrome Gomez G K
4 4 Caracortado Atkinson P
5 5 Tango Tango Bejarano R
6 6 American Lion Leparoux J R
7 7 Domonation Talamo J
Tiz Chrome or American Lion, ennie meenie mighty mo! I'm going with American Lion, since he's on my list. However a good race by Tiz Chrome might change it up.
So that's it for this week, the Strub doesn't appeal to me and I think the La Canada is not until next week. So I hope everyone enjoys their weekend, and if you are like me and will be snowed in this week grab some hot coco and watch some races. Oh and enjoy the Super Bowl (Go Colts!).
Edit 12:09 PM Saturday: Santa Anita has canceled for the day due to rain. Hopefully for the Oak Tree meet, there will be a dirt surface, the draining problems are just too bad there :(.
Starting at Aqueduct,
3rd (1:26)
Whirlaway S.
1 1/16 Miles
Open
3 Year Olds Stakes
Purse: $100,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer
1 1 Turf Melody Napravnik A R
2 2 Eightyfiveinafifty Chavez J F
3 3 Peppi Knows Migliore R
4 4 Afleet Again Serpa A
5 5 Three Day Rush Cohen D
6 6 Papa's Nice Cat Luzzi M J
This race may get postponed due to a nasty storm currently hitting the East Coast. Still, all eyes will be on the interestingly (and I'm sorry horribly named) Eightyfiveinafifty. I'm going to try to beat him with Peppi Knows and Afleet Again.
At Gulfstream,
9th (5:02)
Gulfstream Park Turf H. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles (Turf)
Open
4 Year Olds And Up Stakes
Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer
1 1 Le Grand Cru Lezcano J
2 2 Yate's Black Cat Desormeaux K J
3 3 Court Vision Albarado R J
4 4 Never On Sunday (FR) Bravo J
5 5 Take the Points Prado E S
6 6 Adagio (GB) Velasquez C
Last year IEAH and Rick Dutrow won the race with fan favorite Kip Deville, this year they have Court Vision who ironicly is the full brother to Kip's sire Kipling. Take the Points showed signs of promise on the turf since switching to the surface after his horrible Preakness. He has 2 G1 wins, but is coming off finishing midpack to the The Useal Q.T. in the Hollywood Derby, to make matters worse the Q.T. finished last in last weekend's Sunshine Millions Classic. Never on Sunday is best known for handing Goldikova one of her two losses last year, unfortanlly he has landed in the barn of Patrick "Cobra Venom" Biencone. I'm going with my boy Points for the win with Court a very close second. Shame Just As Well is skipping this race, he was closing fast on Kip last year.
10th (5:31)
Donn H. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $500,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Kiss the Kid Castro E
2 2 You and I Forever Trujillo E
3 3 Duke of Mischief Coa E M
4 4 Quality Road Velazquez J R
5 5 Dry Martini Castellano J J
6 6 Past the Point Prado E S
7 7 Helsinki Albarado R J
8 8 Mambo Meister Desormeaux K J
9 9 Dubai Gold Lezcano J
10 10 Delightful Kiss Leyva J C
For those old enough to remember The Brady Bunch (I'm not, but I've seen it on syndacation), then you will know how Jan used to go "Marsha, Marsha, Masha!". Well, this race "Quality, Quality, Quality!" in this case I mean Quality Road. I wasn't all that impressed by his Hal's Hope, but he is the deserving favorite. With that being said, I would love to see Dry Martini upset him.
At Oaklawn
9th (5:02)
Essex H.
1 1/16 Miles | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $100,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Jonesboro Castellano A Jr
2 2 Racing Bran Emigh C A
3 3 Crook's Bodgit Rini W
4 4 Spotsgone Court J K
5 5 Ready Set Thompson T J
6 6 Win Willy Berry M C
7 7 Prom Shoes Nakatani C S
8 8 Glamour Guy Borel C H
Win Willy won his first race of the year and is the deserving favorite. Spotsgone will be setting the early pace for his stablemate Prom Shoes, but I'm not expecting him to win as he is returning from surgery (although he's been posting bullets, so hopefully a good sign). Jonesboro may not go if it's a wet track and Ready Set has a trainer change. My heart says Shoes, Jonesboro in a deadheat, with Willy in third. I have a feeling that Willy will win with Jonesboro second and either Shoes or Ready Set in third. However, I really shouldn't count out Jonesboro, the last time he won the Essex, it was only a few days after his mom, the Hall of Famer Mom's Command was euthanized. This time around, his dad Sefapiano passed away from a heart attack. By far he's his best foal, much like he was the same for his mom.
Last, but not least at Santa Anita,
3rd (1:32)
Leriodesanimaux H.
1 Mile (Turf) | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $65,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Sudden War (ARG) Solis A
2 2 Quindici Man Rosario J
3 3 Fluke (BRZ) Talamo J
4 4 Battle of Hastings (GB) Baze T C
5 5 Mr. Big Smith M E
6 6 Cherokee Artist Leparoux J R
7 7 Blue Chagall (FR) Gomez G K
8 8 Great Siege (IRE) Espinoza
The last time Fluke won, it was in the Citation right after his former trainer passed away. And now here he is in a race named after a fellow BRZ bred, and ironcly trained by the same trainer he was. Don't count out Cherokee Artist though.
4th (2:03)
Las Virgenes S. (G1)
1 Mile (All Weather Track) | Fillies | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $250,000
Prg. PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Summer Games Baze M C Dominguez
2 2 Blind Luck Bejarano R
3 3 La Nez Smith M E
4 4 Switch Baze T C
5 5 Evening Jewel Espinoza V
6 6 Crisp Rosario J
This is Blind Luck's race to lose, however keep an eye on Crisp. Both of her races I've seen where pretty impressive, especially her maiden which she went really wide in the stretch and still won.
8th (4:07)
Robert B. Lewis S. (G2)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Macias Espinoza V
2 2 Dave in Dixie Rosario J
3 3 Tiz Chrome Gomez G K
4 4 Caracortado Atkinson P
5 5 Tango Tango Bejarano R
6 6 American Lion Leparoux J R
7 7 Domonation Talamo J
Tiz Chrome or American Lion, ennie meenie mighty mo! I'm going with American Lion, since he's on my list. However a good race by Tiz Chrome might change it up.
So that's it for this week, the Strub doesn't appeal to me and I think the La Canada is not until next week. So I hope everyone enjoys their weekend, and if you are like me and will be snowed in this week grab some hot coco and watch some races. Oh and enjoy the Super Bowl (Go Colts!).
Edit 12:09 PM Saturday: Santa Anita has canceled for the day due to rain. Hopefully for the Oak Tree meet, there will be a dirt surface, the draining problems are just too bad there :(.
January 22, 2010
Laholy! (Weekend Preview)
This weekend is the Lacomte and the Holy Bull, the first to preps on the Louisana and Florida trails respectivly. Also this weekend is the Lousiana Handicap (featuring General Quarters and Friesan Fire), and the Tiffany Lass (while the race isn't as well known as the Silverbulletday or the Fair Grounds Oaks, in 2004 it was won by a Roar filly named Lotta Kim. In 2006, Kim had her first foal a filly by Medaglia d'Oro, who went on to have a pretty good 2yo season, a fantasitic 3yo season and a highely anticpated 4yo season wink wink), both of those races are down at the Fair Grounds. Also this weekend Santa Anita should be returing after torrental rain storms had canceled Sunday to today.
But for now, lets focus on the Lacomte and Holy Bull:
First at Gulfstream:
Gulfstream Park - January 23, 2010
Race 9 - 5:08 PM Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / 10 Cent Superfecta / Daily Double (Races 9&10)
STAKES Holy Bull S. (Grade III)
Purse $150,000. For Three Year Olds. Free nomination by Saturday, January 9, 2010, $1,500 to pass the entry box and $1,500 additional to start, with $150,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $90,000, $30,000 to second, $15,000 to third, $7,500 to fourth, $4,500 to fifth and $3,000 to sixth. Supplemental nominations may be at time of entry a fee of $6,000, which includes entry and starting fees. Weight: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of a grade I or II stakes allowed, 2 Lbs.; of a sweepstakes at a mile or over, 4 Lbs.; of two races other than maiden or claiming at a mile or over, 6 Lbs. Horses finishing first, second or third in the Holy Bull will automatically be nominated to the Florida Derby. Trophy to the winning owner.Closed Saturday, January 9, 2010 with 51 nominations. One Mile.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Thank U Philippe (FL) 3/C L E Castro 116 M D Wolfson 8/1
2 2 Homeboykris (MD) 3/G L E S Prado 122 R E Dutrow, Jr. 5/1
3 3 Litigation Risk (FL) 3/C L A Garcia 116 R A Violette, Jr. 12/1
4 4 Piscitelli (KY) 3/C L K J Desormeaux 116 R W Sacco 6/1
5 5 William's Kitten (KY) 3/C L* J R Leparoux 120 M J Maker 8/1
6 6 Winslow Homer (KY) 3/C L R A Dominguez 116 A W Dutrow 6/1
7 7 Wild Lime (KY) 3/C L J Lezcano 116 M J Trombetta 20/1
8 8 Aikenite (FL) 3/C L* J R Velazquez 116 T A Pletcher 4/1
9 9 Jackson Bend (FL) 3/C L J Rose 120 N P Zito 5/2
Homeboykris is the lone graded stakes winner in the race, Piscitelli ran well in the BC Juvenile, and Jackson Bend has been flattered by Homeboykris and D'Funnybone. However I'm going to be focusing on three horses, William's Kitten who is coming off a second place finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, Winslow Homer who is an allowance winner, and Aikenite who is G1 placed. I would love to see Winslow Homer on top, however I think a mile at Gulfstream is a one turn race and he is probley a better two turn horse. On the plus side, he has the jockey that broke his maiden in the saddle, and the winner of his first race came back to be stakes placed.
Top three:
Winslow Homer
Aikenite
William's Kitten
At the Fair Grounds
Fair Grounds - January 23, 2010
Race 10 - 4:43 PM Exacta / Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta Pick 3 (Races 10-11-12) / $0.50 Pick 4 (Races 10-11-12-13)
STAKES LeComte S. (Grade III)
Purse $100,000. For Three Year Olds. By subscription of $100 each (Louisiana Derby early bird nominees automatically subscribed); $400 to enter; $500 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $2,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $100,000 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: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000 allowed 2 Lbs.; $25,000, allowed 4 Lbs.; $20,000, allowed 6 Lbs. (Maiden andclaiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. NOTE: This Stake will be limited to 14 starters should race not be split. Preference to horses according to highest lifetiime earnings excluding restricted races at the time of passing entry box. Equibase, Inc. records will be considered official for determining money earned. Different owners have equal draw according to earnings. Second choice high earners of a same ownerentry receive no consideration over a single entry. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed Saturday, January 9, 2010, with 72 nominations. One Mile And Forty Yards.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Maximus Ruler (KY) 3/C L F C Torres 120 C Hanna 4/1
2 2 Turf Melody (KY) 3/C L J Valdivia, Jr. 122 H G Motion 7/2
3 3 Worldly (KY) 3/C L R Albarado 116 P J McGee 5/1
4 4 Depaul (KY) 3/C L S J Sellers 116 S M Asmussen 20/1
5 5 Citrus Kid (KY) 3/C L M Mena 122 J P Terranova, II 8/1
6 6 Callide Valley (KY) 3/C L* C J Lanerie 120 E Kenneally 10/1
7 7 B'wanagoldmine (FL) 3/G L E M Martin, Jr. 120 D Pish 15/1
8 8 Letsgetitonmon (KY) 3/C L S Bridgmohan 116 S M Asmussen 10/1
9 9 Cool Bullet (FL) 3/G L B J Hernandez, Jr. 122 S Margolis 5/1
10 10 Rock Hard (KY) 3/G L J Theriot 118 B C Barnett 30/1
11 11 Ron the Greek (FL) 3/C L J Graham 116 T M Amoss 8/1
All eyes will be on Turf Melody, but once again I'm going with a different horse. Citrus Kid is a horse who in my opion is a horse with upside. The horse who finished 3rd (before being DQ'ed to 5th), Laus Deo won the Count Fleet a few weeks ago. He's coming off a third place finish in the Remsen to Buddy's Saint who is more then likely going to be the Fountain of Youth favorite. I'm not a huge fan of his jock, but hopefully he does well.
So it's a nice weekend of races, I'm also looking foward to an allowance at Oaklawn that features Backwater Blues who I saw break his maiden at Delaware last year.
Also Denis of Cork and Papa Clem where both retired due to injury, while The Maliet, who won a G3 last year broke down at Gulfstream and was subquently euthanized, she was a stablemate of the forementioned Buddy's Saint.
I'll have a recap on Monday.
But for now, lets focus on the Lacomte and Holy Bull:
First at Gulfstream:
Gulfstream Park - January 23, 2010
Race 9 - 5:08 PM Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / 10 Cent Superfecta / Daily Double (Races 9&10)
STAKES Holy Bull S. (Grade III)
Purse $150,000. For Three Year Olds. Free nomination by Saturday, January 9, 2010, $1,500 to pass the entry box and $1,500 additional to start, with $150,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $90,000, $30,000 to second, $15,000 to third, $7,500 to fourth, $4,500 to fifth and $3,000 to sixth. Supplemental nominations may be at time of entry a fee of $6,000, which includes entry and starting fees. Weight: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of a grade I or II stakes allowed, 2 Lbs.; of a sweepstakes at a mile or over, 4 Lbs.; of two races other than maiden or claiming at a mile or over, 6 Lbs. Horses finishing first, second or third in the Holy Bull will automatically be nominated to the Florida Derby. Trophy to the winning owner.Closed Saturday, January 9, 2010 with 51 nominations. One Mile.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Thank U Philippe (FL) 3/C L E Castro 116 M D Wolfson 8/1
2 2 Homeboykris (MD) 3/G L E S Prado 122 R E Dutrow, Jr. 5/1
3 3 Litigation Risk (FL) 3/C L A Garcia 116 R A Violette, Jr. 12/1
4 4 Piscitelli (KY) 3/C L K J Desormeaux 116 R W Sacco 6/1
5 5 William's Kitten (KY) 3/C L* J R Leparoux 120 M J Maker 8/1
6 6 Winslow Homer (KY) 3/C L R A Dominguez 116 A W Dutrow 6/1
7 7 Wild Lime (KY) 3/C L J Lezcano 116 M J Trombetta 20/1
8 8 Aikenite (FL) 3/C L* J R Velazquez 116 T A Pletcher 4/1
9 9 Jackson Bend (FL) 3/C L J Rose 120 N P Zito 5/2
Homeboykris is the lone graded stakes winner in the race, Piscitelli ran well in the BC Juvenile, and Jackson Bend has been flattered by Homeboykris and D'Funnybone. However I'm going to be focusing on three horses, William's Kitten who is coming off a second place finish in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, Winslow Homer who is an allowance winner, and Aikenite who is G1 placed. I would love to see Winslow Homer on top, however I think a mile at Gulfstream is a one turn race and he is probley a better two turn horse. On the plus side, he has the jockey that broke his maiden in the saddle, and the winner of his first race came back to be stakes placed.
Top three:
Winslow Homer
Aikenite
William's Kitten
At the Fair Grounds
Fair Grounds - January 23, 2010
Race 10 - 4:43 PM Exacta / Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta Pick 3 (Races 10-11-12) / $0.50 Pick 4 (Races 10-11-12-13)
STAKES LeComte S. (Grade III)
Purse $100,000. For Three Year Olds. By subscription of $100 each (Louisiana Derby early bird nominees automatically subscribed); $400 to enter; $500 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $2,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $100,000 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: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000 allowed 2 Lbs.; $25,000, allowed 4 Lbs.; $20,000, allowed 6 Lbs. (Maiden andclaiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. NOTE: This Stake will be limited to 14 starters should race not be split. Preference to horses according to highest lifetiime earnings excluding restricted races at the time of passing entry box. Equibase, Inc. records will be considered official for determining money earned. Different owners have equal draw according to earnings. Second choice high earners of a same ownerentry receive no consideration over a single entry. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed Saturday, January 9, 2010, with 72 nominations. One Mile And Forty Yards.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Maximus Ruler (KY) 3/C L F C Torres 120 C Hanna 4/1
2 2 Turf Melody (KY) 3/C L J Valdivia, Jr. 122 H G Motion 7/2
3 3 Worldly (KY) 3/C L R Albarado 116 P J McGee 5/1
4 4 Depaul (KY) 3/C L S J Sellers 116 S M Asmussen 20/1
5 5 Citrus Kid (KY) 3/C L M Mena 122 J P Terranova, II 8/1
6 6 Callide Valley (KY) 3/C L* C J Lanerie 120 E Kenneally 10/1
7 7 B'wanagoldmine (FL) 3/G L E M Martin, Jr. 120 D Pish 15/1
8 8 Letsgetitonmon (KY) 3/C L S Bridgmohan 116 S M Asmussen 10/1
9 9 Cool Bullet (FL) 3/G L B J Hernandez, Jr. 122 S Margolis 5/1
10 10 Rock Hard (KY) 3/G L J Theriot 118 B C Barnett 30/1
11 11 Ron the Greek (FL) 3/C L J Graham 116 T M Amoss 8/1
All eyes will be on Turf Melody, but once again I'm going with a different horse. Citrus Kid is a horse who in my opion is a horse with upside. The horse who finished 3rd (before being DQ'ed to 5th), Laus Deo won the Count Fleet a few weeks ago. He's coming off a third place finish in the Remsen to Buddy's Saint who is more then likely going to be the Fountain of Youth favorite. I'm not a huge fan of his jock, but hopefully he does well.
So it's a nice weekend of races, I'm also looking foward to an allowance at Oaklawn that features Backwater Blues who I saw break his maiden at Delaware last year.
Also Denis of Cork and Papa Clem where both retired due to injury, while The Maliet, who won a G3 last year broke down at Gulfstream and was subquently euthanized, she was a stablemate of the forementioned Buddy's Saint.
I'll have a recap on Monday.
January 1, 2010
Weekend Preview, Happy New Year and Happy Birthday
Happy New Year everyone! I appologize for not posting yesterday as I got involved with something else. So I didn't get a chance to even really look at the fields for today's stakes races. Instead I'm going to preview tomorrow and Sunday's stakes races. However before that, today is also the universal birthday for horses in the Northern Hemisphere.
So,
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear horsies (especially Funny Cide (age 10), Rockport Harbor (age 8), Hard Spun (age 6), She Be Wild (age 3), Rule (age 3), Blind Luck (age 3), Rocky's babies (ages 2 and 1), Round Pond (age 8), Rachel Alexandra (age 4), Zenyatta (age 6), Hard Spun babies (age 1), Zenyatta's lucky date (age ?))
Happy birthday to you!
Now to this weekend's races.
First up at tomorrow at Aqueduct
8th (3:44)
Count Fleet S.
1 Mile 70 Yards | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $65,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Laus Deo Cohen D Dutrow Anthony W 116 L 6-1
2 2 Ibboyee Dominguez R A Pletcher Todd A 120 L 8-5
3 3 Run to Grand Ave. Castellano J J Levine Bruce N 116 L 8-1
4 4 Peppi Knows Belmonte L A Kreiser Timothy C 120 L 5-1
5 5 Turbo Speed Cora D Houghton T Bernard 120 L 7-2
6 6 Worth a Buck Garcia Alan Weaver George 116 15-1
7 7 Afleet Again Arroyo A S Reid Robert E Jr 116 Blk-On L 15-1
8 8 Our Commander Napravnik A R Capuano Gary 120 L 10-1
Laus Deo may not be as good as his stablemate Winslow Homer, but he's by one of the hottest sires around in Medaglia d'Oro and the males are finally starting to come around. Hopefully he does well in this prep for the Whirlaway, Gotham, Wood Memorial route.
Not a stakes, but also at Aqueduct tomorrow
9th (4:12)
6 Furlongs | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Allowance | Purse: $40,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 5 Structural Change Garcia Alan Bush Thomas M 118 L 6-1
1A 6 Offensive Attack Napravnik A R Bush Thomas M 118 L 6-1
2 1 Chernobyl's Hero Studart M Odintz Jeff 118 L 30-1
3 2 Won Great Classic Hill C Brown Bruce R 118 L 20-1
4 3 Kid Freud Cohen D Autrey Cody 118 L 9-2
5 4 Puregoodniss Lopez C C Imperio Joseph 118 L 10-1
6 7 L. C. Bulgari Chavez J F Maker Michael J 118 8-1
7 8 Psychotic Summer DeSouza N Toscano John T Jr 118 L 50-1
8 9 Golden Boychick Castellano J J Levine Bruce N 118 L 5-2
9 10 Estimator Bocachica O Grusmark Karl M 118 L 50-1
10 11 Island Son Jara F Duggan David P 118 L 30-1
11 12 Driven by Solar Dominguez R A Pletcher Todd A 123 L 3-1
12 13 Conquer the Fear Fragoso P Morrison John 118 L 20-1
Chernobyl's Hero is a horse that I've been following for quite a while now. He's been a bit of a hit and miss, but again like Laus Deo I'm hoping that he does well in the race.
Saturday at Santa Anita
8th (4:07)
San Gorgonio H. (G2)
1 1/8 Miles (Turf) | Fillies and Mares | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Century Park Baze T C 116 L
2 Rosa Grace (GB) Talamo J 114 Blk-On L
3 Treat Gently (GB) Bejarano R 116 L
4 Life Is Sweet Gomez G K 122 L
5 Diamondrella (GB) Solis A 122 L
6 Czechers Sutherland C 115 L
7 Lavender Sky Ajtebi A 114 Blk-On L
8 Teamgeist (ARG) Smith M E 116 L
9 Cat by the Tale Rosario J 115 L
Now with Zenyatta now retired, Life is Sweet is the #1 older female on the West Coast and #2 overall (behind Rachel Alexandra). She does have turf experience, but that was on the East Coast where the turf is more on the softer side. Diamondrella could be the one to beat her, but it might be a little bit beyond her scope. Treat Gently gets a trainer change (from Bobby Frankel/Humberto Acanio to Bill Mott), so she may need a race.
Sunday at Gulfstream
8th (4:43)
Hal's Hope S. (G3)
1 Mile
Open
4 Year Olds And Up Stakes
Purse: $100,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 You and I Forever Castro E 116 L
2 Quality Road Velazquez J R 122 L
3 Helsinki Leparoux J R 116 L
4 Colonial Causeway Velasquez C 116 L
5 Le Grand Cru Lezcano J 120 L
6 Suyeta Farina T 116 L
7 Harlem Rocker Coa E M 116 L
8 Spin Master Garcia Alan 116 L
9 Congressional Page Marquez C H Jr 116 L
On paper, Quality Road should destroy the field. My concern is that he will freak out again and be scratched. However, he has gotten help on gates, so hopefully that has changed his opinon on gates. With that being said, Harlem Rocker while maybe a few steps below his Prince of Wales form a few years ago is my pick.
I know I forgot about a few stakes races, but these are the big ones for me (personally) this weekend. I'll be back Monday with a recap and start the countdown to ThoroughChat's 1 year aniversary!
So,
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear horsies (especially Funny Cide (age 10), Rockport Harbor (age 8), Hard Spun (age 6), She Be Wild (age 3), Rule (age 3), Blind Luck (age 3), Rocky's babies (ages 2 and 1), Round Pond (age 8), Rachel Alexandra (age 4), Zenyatta (age 6), Hard Spun babies (age 1), Zenyatta's lucky date (age ?))
Happy birthday to you!
Now to this weekend's races.
First up at tomorrow at Aqueduct
8th (3:44)
Count Fleet S.
1 Mile 70 Yards | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $65,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Laus Deo Cohen D Dutrow Anthony W 116 L 6-1
2 2 Ibboyee Dominguez R A Pletcher Todd A 120 L 8-5
3 3 Run to Grand Ave. Castellano J J Levine Bruce N 116 L 8-1
4 4 Peppi Knows Belmonte L A Kreiser Timothy C 120 L 5-1
5 5 Turbo Speed Cora D Houghton T Bernard 120 L 7-2
6 6 Worth a Buck Garcia Alan Weaver George 116 15-1
7 7 Afleet Again Arroyo A S Reid Robert E Jr 116 Blk-On L 15-1
8 8 Our Commander Napravnik A R Capuano Gary 120 L 10-1
Laus Deo may not be as good as his stablemate Winslow Homer, but he's by one of the hottest sires around in Medaglia d'Oro and the males are finally starting to come around. Hopefully he does well in this prep for the Whirlaway, Gotham, Wood Memorial route.
Not a stakes, but also at Aqueduct tomorrow
9th (4:12)
6 Furlongs | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Allowance | Purse: $40,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 5 Structural Change Garcia Alan Bush Thomas M 118 L 6-1
1A 6 Offensive Attack Napravnik A R Bush Thomas M 118 L 6-1
2 1 Chernobyl's Hero Studart M Odintz Jeff 118 L 30-1
3 2 Won Great Classic Hill C Brown Bruce R 118 L 20-1
4 3 Kid Freud Cohen D Autrey Cody 118 L 9-2
5 4 Puregoodniss Lopez C C Imperio Joseph 118 L 10-1
6 7 L. C. Bulgari Chavez J F Maker Michael J 118 8-1
7 8 Psychotic Summer DeSouza N Toscano John T Jr 118 L 50-1
8 9 Golden Boychick Castellano J J Levine Bruce N 118 L 5-2
9 10 Estimator Bocachica O Grusmark Karl M 118 L 50-1
10 11 Island Son Jara F Duggan David P 118 L 30-1
11 12 Driven by Solar Dominguez R A Pletcher Todd A 123 L 3-1
12 13 Conquer the Fear Fragoso P Morrison John 118 L 20-1
Chernobyl's Hero is a horse that I've been following for quite a while now. He's been a bit of a hit and miss, but again like Laus Deo I'm hoping that he does well in the race.
Saturday at Santa Anita
8th (4:07)
San Gorgonio H. (G2)
1 1/8 Miles (Turf) | Fillies and Mares | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Century Park Baze T C 116 L
2 Rosa Grace (GB) Talamo J 114 Blk-On L
3 Treat Gently (GB) Bejarano R 116 L
4 Life Is Sweet Gomez G K 122 L
5 Diamondrella (GB) Solis A 122 L
6 Czechers Sutherland C 115 L
7 Lavender Sky Ajtebi A 114 Blk-On L
8 Teamgeist (ARG) Smith M E 116 L
9 Cat by the Tale Rosario J 115 L
Now with Zenyatta now retired, Life is Sweet is the #1 older female on the West Coast and #2 overall (behind Rachel Alexandra). She does have turf experience, but that was on the East Coast where the turf is more on the softer side. Diamondrella could be the one to beat her, but it might be a little bit beyond her scope. Treat Gently gets a trainer change (from Bobby Frankel/Humberto Acanio to Bill Mott), so she may need a race.
Sunday at Gulfstream
8th (4:43)
Hal's Hope S. (G3)
1 Mile
Open
4 Year Olds And Up Stakes
Purse: $100,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 You and I Forever Castro E 116 L
2 Quality Road Velazquez J R 122 L
3 Helsinki Leparoux J R 116 L
4 Colonial Causeway Velasquez C 116 L
5 Le Grand Cru Lezcano J 120 L
6 Suyeta Farina T 116 L
7 Harlem Rocker Coa E M 116 L
8 Spin Master Garcia Alan 116 L
9 Congressional Page Marquez C H Jr 116 L
On paper, Quality Road should destroy the field. My concern is that he will freak out again and be scratched. However, he has gotten help on gates, so hopefully that has changed his opinon on gates. With that being said, Harlem Rocker while maybe a few steps below his Prince of Wales form a few years ago is my pick.
I know I forgot about a few stakes races, but these are the big ones for me (personally) this weekend. I'll be back Monday with a recap and start the countdown to ThoroughChat's 1 year aniversary!
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
March 24, 2009
A rabbit for Dunkirk?, Lime Rickey to the Wood and Twitter
Possible Florida Derby favorite Dunkirk could have a rabbit for the FL Derby. Rabbit is just a name for a pacesetter and not an actual rabbit. Europe (Unbridled's Song x Zing) is the possible rabbit, he is the full brother to graded stakes winner Half Ours. Link
Also Lime Rickey will make his dirt debut in the Wood Memorial. His owners are Dogwood Stables who owned Limehouse a few years ago. Link
Finally, I'm now a Tweeter! Still really getting used to it, so there maybe times where I might just post something on Twitter and not on here. Look out for a Facebook group sometime withen the next week or two as well. Link
The Stallion Spotlight might not be ready for tomarrow, so stay tuned for it. I might just skip it this week, because of the huge weekend of Derby preps and the Dubai races.
Also Lime Rickey will make his dirt debut in the Wood Memorial. His owners are Dogwood Stables who owned Limehouse a few years ago. Link
Finally, I'm now a Tweeter! Still really getting used to it, so there maybe times where I might just post something on Twitter and not on here. Look out for a Facebook group sometime withen the next week or two as well. Link
The Stallion Spotlight might not be ready for tomarrow, so stay tuned for it. I might just skip it this week, because of the huge weekend of Derby preps and the Dubai races.
February 25, 2009
Weekend Preview, Rachel Alexandra to the FG Oaks, England invades Santa Anita (again)
Well it's a pretty good weekend race race. I'll be previewing three stakes races and a claiming (Which I'll explain in a moment). Three tracks, three states. All of these races are on Saturday.
We start off in New York and Aquaduct.
5th (2:24)
1 Mile 70 Yards Open 4 Year Olds And Up Claiming ($25,000) Purse: $34,000
1 Stealth Missile Castro E 120 $25,000 L
2 Curvature Hill C 118 $25,000 L
3 Rovic's Wealth Dominguez R A 120 $25,000 L
4 One of the Best Lopez C C 118 $25,000 L
5 Saratoga Lulaby Migliore R 118 $25,000 L
6 Arcata Maragh R 118 $25,000 L
7 Marina Market Napravnik A R 118 $25,000 L
8 Crafty Mark Alvarado N R 118 $25,000 L
9 Counting House Chavez J F 118 $25,000
Normally I wouldn't preview claiming races, since there are so many to choose from. However, I'm making an exception because of one horse. Arcata is a horse who I've followed almost his entire career. He's a gorgous son of Wagon Limit, and broke his maiden at Delaware Park in November 2006. I know this, as I was there for his maiden win. To make a long story short, I was in my first semester at a local CC here in Delaware, and well I skipped most of math class to see Hard Spun in the Port Penn S. that year. Ironicly, Arcata had flattered Hard Spun as he was a horse who Hard Spun had previously beaten. Since then Hard Spun of course finished second in the KY Derby and Breeder's Cup Classic, while Arcata won a small stakes down at Laurel last year. This is his first start for Scott Lake after being claimed from Graham Motion. I really hope he does well, and wins this race. I'm choosing Saratoga Lulaby and Marina Market for second and third respectivlly, really just for their names.
Top three:
Arcata
Saratoga Lulaby
Marina Market
8th (3:49)
Stymie H.
1 1/8 Miles Open 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes Purse: $65,000
1 Barcola Napravnik A R 121 L
2 Researcher Luzzi M J 123 L
3 Judiths Wild Rush Bocachica O 121 L
4 Brilliant Son Migliore R 119 L
5 Manteca Maragh R 119 L
6 True Resurgence Sanchez J 119 L
7 Barrier Reef Dominguez R A 119 L
8 Real Merchant (CHI) Castro E 121 L
This race is loaded with horses I really like. I've seen Barcola in person a few times, with him winning both times. Researcher is such a neat story, I've liked Barrier Reef for awhile now and he's sure to go of as the favorite. But Manteca, is the horse I would really love to see win, he's a New York bred out of a Delaware Handicap winner.
Top four (any order: I'm putting a win, place, show bet on all four of them. Depending on where they finish, that's the one I'll take)
Manteca
Barcola
Barrier Reef
Researcher
Off to Gulfstream and the final major FL Derby prep.
9th (5:14)
Fountain of Youth S. (G2)
1 Mile Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $250,000
1 Bee Cee Cee Velasquez C 120 L
2 Theregoesjojo Desormeaux K J 116 L
3 Notonthesamepage Trujillo E 120 L
4 Take the Points Decarlo C P 116 L
5 Jack Spratt Douglas R R 120 L
6 Rocketing Returns Lezcano J 116 L
7 Beethoven Borel C H 122 L
8 Break Water Edison Coa E M 122 Blk-On L
9 Capt. Candyman Can Leparoux J R 122 L
10 Taqarub Garcia Alan 120 L
11 Quality Road Velazquez J R 114 FTL
12 This Ones for Phil Prado E S 120 L
There are several horses that are the it horses in Florida. I really like Capt. Candyman Can and Take the Points. The thing is TTP is most likley going to be scratched for the final race I'm previewing. So I'll take Theregoesjojo if he does go the race I have not previewed. And Beethoven to go third either way.
If TTP does go:
Take the Points
Capt. Candyman Can
Beethoven
If he doesn't:
Capt. Candyman Can
Theregoesjojo
Beethoven
9th (4:38)
Sham S. (G3)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $200,000
1 Hi Flyin Indy Quinonez A 116 L
2 Smart Bid Bejarano R 118 L
3 Tiz True Gryder A T 116 L
4 Lifeline Baze T C 116 L
5 The Pamplemousse Solis A 118 L
6 Balfour Park Blanc B 116 Blk-On L
7 Mr. Hot Stuff Nakatani C S 116 L
8 Bourbon Bay Rosario J 116 L
9 Ventana Rios J M 116 Blk-On L
10 Mark S the Cooler Talamo J 116 L
11 Unbridled Roman Smith M E 116 L
12 Take the Points Gomez G K 118
This is the more likely race of the two for Take the Points. I'm not a 100% sure how he'll do here as it's against tough company and it's on a synthtic surface. Alot of people like The Pamplemousse (French for grapefruit), and Mr. Hot Stuff (brother to Col. John). I gotta go with The Pamplemousse, but I don't know how well he'll do in the SA Derby.
Top three:
The Pamplemousse
Take the Points
Mr. Hot Stuff
Also a few things: Rachel Alexandra will be heading the New Orleans for the Fair Grounds Oaks link. Also England will be sending a rep for the Santa Anita Handicap. Dansant has synthtic experience, but has not faced the company that he'll be facing in the Big Cap as grass is king over in Europe, link.
We start off in New York and Aquaduct.
5th (2:24)
1 Mile 70 Yards Open 4 Year Olds And Up Claiming ($25,000) Purse: $34,000
1 Stealth Missile Castro E 120 $25,000 L
2 Curvature Hill C 118 $25,000 L
3 Rovic's Wealth Dominguez R A 120 $25,000 L
4 One of the Best Lopez C C 118 $25,000 L
5 Saratoga Lulaby Migliore R 118 $25,000 L
6 Arcata Maragh R 118 $25,000 L
7 Marina Market Napravnik A R 118 $25,000 L
8 Crafty Mark Alvarado N R 118 $25,000 L
9 Counting House Chavez J F 118 $25,000
Normally I wouldn't preview claiming races, since there are so many to choose from. However, I'm making an exception because of one horse. Arcata is a horse who I've followed almost his entire career. He's a gorgous son of Wagon Limit, and broke his maiden at Delaware Park in November 2006. I know this, as I was there for his maiden win. To make a long story short, I was in my first semester at a local CC here in Delaware, and well I skipped most of math class to see Hard Spun in the Port Penn S. that year. Ironicly, Arcata had flattered Hard Spun as he was a horse who Hard Spun had previously beaten. Since then Hard Spun of course finished second in the KY Derby and Breeder's Cup Classic, while Arcata won a small stakes down at Laurel last year. This is his first start for Scott Lake after being claimed from Graham Motion. I really hope he does well, and wins this race. I'm choosing Saratoga Lulaby and Marina Market for second and third respectivlly, really just for their names.
Top three:
Arcata
Saratoga Lulaby
Marina Market
8th (3:49)
Stymie H.
1 1/8 Miles Open 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes Purse: $65,000
1 Barcola Napravnik A R 121 L
2 Researcher Luzzi M J 123 L
3 Judiths Wild Rush Bocachica O 121 L
4 Brilliant Son Migliore R 119 L
5 Manteca Maragh R 119 L
6 True Resurgence Sanchez J 119 L
7 Barrier Reef Dominguez R A 119 L
8 Real Merchant (CHI) Castro E 121 L
This race is loaded with horses I really like. I've seen Barcola in person a few times, with him winning both times. Researcher is such a neat story, I've liked Barrier Reef for awhile now and he's sure to go of as the favorite. But Manteca, is the horse I would really love to see win, he's a New York bred out of a Delaware Handicap winner.
Top four (any order: I'm putting a win, place, show bet on all four of them. Depending on where they finish, that's the one I'll take)
Manteca
Barcola
Barrier Reef
Researcher
Off to Gulfstream and the final major FL Derby prep.
9th (5:14)
Fountain of Youth S. (G2)
1 Mile Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $250,000
1 Bee Cee Cee Velasquez C 120 L
2 Theregoesjojo Desormeaux K J 116 L
3 Notonthesamepage Trujillo E 120 L
4 Take the Points Decarlo C P 116 L
5 Jack Spratt Douglas R R 120 L
6 Rocketing Returns Lezcano J 116 L
7 Beethoven Borel C H 122 L
8 Break Water Edison Coa E M 122 Blk-On L
9 Capt. Candyman Can Leparoux J R 122 L
10 Taqarub Garcia Alan 120 L
11 Quality Road Velazquez J R 114 FTL
12 This Ones for Phil Prado E S 120 L
There are several horses that are the it horses in Florida. I really like Capt. Candyman Can and Take the Points. The thing is TTP is most likley going to be scratched for the final race I'm previewing. So I'll take Theregoesjojo if he does go the race I have not previewed. And Beethoven to go third either way.
If TTP does go:
Take the Points
Capt. Candyman Can
Beethoven
If he doesn't:
Capt. Candyman Can
Theregoesjojo
Beethoven
9th (4:38)
Sham S. (G3)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) Open 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $200,000
1 Hi Flyin Indy Quinonez A 116 L
2 Smart Bid Bejarano R 118 L
3 Tiz True Gryder A T 116 L
4 Lifeline Baze T C 116 L
5 The Pamplemousse Solis A 118 L
6 Balfour Park Blanc B 116 Blk-On L
7 Mr. Hot Stuff Nakatani C S 116 L
8 Bourbon Bay Rosario J 116 L
9 Ventana Rios J M 116 Blk-On L
10 Mark S the Cooler Talamo J 116 L
11 Unbridled Roman Smith M E 116 L
12 Take the Points Gomez G K 118
This is the more likely race of the two for Take the Points. I'm not a 100% sure how he'll do here as it's against tough company and it's on a synthtic surface. Alot of people like The Pamplemousse (French for grapefruit), and Mr. Hot Stuff (brother to Col. John). I gotta go with The Pamplemousse, but I don't know how well he'll do in the SA Derby.
Top three:
The Pamplemousse
Take the Points
Mr. Hot Stuff
Also a few things: Rachel Alexandra will be heading the New Orleans for the Fair Grounds Oaks link. Also England will be sending a rep for the Santa Anita Handicap. Dansant has synthtic experience, but has not faced the company that he'll be facing in the Big Cap as grass is king over in Europe, link.
January 29, 2009
Two years ago, Kip and Breeder's Cup loses a sponcer
I can hardly believe that it's been two years since Barbaro (Dynaformer x La Ville Rouge) was euthanized due to complications of lamintis. And now here we are, just days before his brother makes his debut. Alot has happend in these two years, not only has track safety and lamintis been brought to the forfont of horse racing lovers, but so has horse slaughter. The memorial at Churchill Downs will be unveiled in April, link. In his honor, here is his final win and the one that captured hearts of America, the 2006 Kentucky Derby.
Before I give a preview of the first G1 turf race of the year, I have some Breeder's Cup News. The sponcer of the Breeder's Cup Juvenile and Juvenile Filles, Bessemer Trust has decided not to renew their sponcership agreement. You can find a link to this story right here. This is not good news when you think about it, as Bessemer Trust happens to be owned by the Phipps family. Although the BC is hopeful that they will get a new sponcer soon.
Now to Sunday's race,
Gulfstream Park - February 1st, 2009 - Race 9
Gulfstream Park Turf H. - Grade: 1
Estimated Local Post Time: 5:04 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Four Year Old and Upward
Purse: $300,000
Distance: One And One Eighth Miles
Surface: Turf
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Just as Well (KY) 6 Horse 113 Julien R. Leparoux
2 Kiss the Kid (KY) 6 Horse 117 Elvis Trujillo
3 Pick Six (KY) 5 Horse 112 Rene R. Douglas
4 Court Vision (KY) 4 Colt 121 Ramon A. Dominguez
5 Red Rocks (IRE) 6 Horse 122 Javier Castellano
6 Sligovitz (ON) 4 Colt 114 John R. Velazquez
7 Uigur (BRZ) 5 Horse 115 Alan Garcia
8 Kip Deville (OK) 6 Horse 124 Cornelio H. Velasquez
9 Nergal (FR) 6 Gelding 114 Kent J. Desormeaux
MTO Phil the Power (KY) 5 Gelding 111 Eibar Coa
11 Summer Patriot (KY) 5 Ridgling 114 Eibar Coa
The first G1 on turf of the season. And really it's a three horse race between Breeder's Cup winners Red Rocks and Kip Deville, plus the up and comer Court Vision. Both Red Rocks and Kip are coming off bad losses, Rocks in the BC and Kip in Hong Kong where he blew the turn. Court Vision (who is a full brother to Kip's father so in a way he's his uncle), won the Hollywood Derby in his last start. Although this may be a bit on the long side for Kip, I'm going with my heart and chose him even though this is not his best distance. I'm going with Court Vision for second, and Red Rocks for third.
Top three:
Kip Deville
Court Vision
Red Rocks
Also Indian Blessing is not running in Saturday's Santa Monica Handicap so replace her with Baroness Thatcher.
So the new top three:
Ventura
Jibboom
Baroness Thatcher
Tomarrow will be the Stallion Spotlight, where I will be profiling a stallion once a week and talking about their offspring.
Before I give a preview of the first G1 turf race of the year, I have some Breeder's Cup News. The sponcer of the Breeder's Cup Juvenile and Juvenile Filles, Bessemer Trust has decided not to renew their sponcership agreement. You can find a link to this story right here. This is not good news when you think about it, as Bessemer Trust happens to be owned by the Phipps family. Although the BC is hopeful that they will get a new sponcer soon.
Now to Sunday's race,
Gulfstream Park - February 1st, 2009 - Race 9
Gulfstream Park Turf H. - Grade: 1
Estimated Local Post Time: 5:04 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Four Year Old and Upward
Purse: $300,000
Distance: One And One Eighth Miles
Surface: Turf
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Just as Well (KY) 6 Horse 113 Julien R. Leparoux
2 Kiss the Kid (KY) 6 Horse 117 Elvis Trujillo
3 Pick Six (KY) 5 Horse 112 Rene R. Douglas
4 Court Vision (KY) 4 Colt 121 Ramon A. Dominguez
5 Red Rocks (IRE) 6 Horse 122 Javier Castellano
6 Sligovitz (ON) 4 Colt 114 John R. Velazquez
7 Uigur (BRZ) 5 Horse 115 Alan Garcia
8 Kip Deville (OK) 6 Horse 124 Cornelio H. Velasquez
9 Nergal (FR) 6 Gelding 114 Kent J. Desormeaux
MTO Phil the Power (KY) 5 Gelding 111 Eibar Coa
11 Summer Patriot (KY) 5 Ridgling 114 Eibar Coa
The first G1 on turf of the season. And really it's a three horse race between Breeder's Cup winners Red Rocks and Kip Deville, plus the up and comer Court Vision. Both Red Rocks and Kip are coming off bad losses, Rocks in the BC and Kip in Hong Kong where he blew the turn. Court Vision (who is a full brother to Kip's father so in a way he's his uncle), won the Hollywood Derby in his last start. Although this may be a bit on the long side for Kip, I'm going with my heart and chose him even though this is not his best distance. I'm going with Court Vision for second, and Red Rocks for third.
Top three:
Kip Deville
Court Vision
Red Rocks
Also Indian Blessing is not running in Saturday's Santa Monica Handicap so replace her with Baroness Thatcher.
So the new top three:
Ventura
Jibboom
Baroness Thatcher
Tomarrow will be the Stallion Spotlight, where I will be profiling a stallion once a week and talking about their offspring.
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