Tomorrow's Smarty Jones at Oaklawn is not only the prep for the three big races at the track, but could be the begining of what could be an interesting year for On Fire Baby as she takes on the boys in this race.
8th Race - Oaklawn Park - Monday, January 16th, 2012
STAKES. 1 Mile Dirt. Purse $100,000. Smarty Jones S.. 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. $100,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the Owner of 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.; $30,000 once 5 lbs.; $15,000 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 excluding money won in restricted races. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. The Owner of the winner to receive a trophy. Closed Wednesday, January 11, 2012 with 31 nominees. (04:33 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Laurie's Rocket 3 C L 117 Hernandez, Jr. Brian Joseph Stewart Dallas
2 Junebugred 3 C L 115 Bravo Joe Hobby Steve
3 Prince Cheval 3 G L 115 Kuntzweiler Greta Allen Gene
4 No Spin 3 C L b 119 Hill Channing Ice Tim A.
5 Fastestwhogetspaid 3 C L 117 Ocampo Israel Williamson Brian
6 Optimizer 3 C L 115 Thompson Terry J. Lukas D. Wayne
7 Copus 3 G L 117 Felix Julio E. Rainwater Bradlee
8 Jake Mo 3 C L 119 Berry M. Clifton Milligan Allen
9 Hard Nosed 3 G L 115 Santana, Jr. Ricardo Moquett Ron
10 On Fire Baby 3 F 117 Johnson Joe M. Hartlage Gary G.
11 King Coral 3 G L 117 Saez Gabriel Milligan Allen
12 Reckless Jerry 3 C L 117 Laviolette Shane Smith Kenny P
Jake Mo, No Spin, and Optimizer could be the ones to challenge her the most. Laurie's Rocket and Hard Nosed also have faced high quality horses. This won't be an easy race for On Fire Baby, especially since with those horses who I talked about. That being said, she is the class of the field and is undefeated on dirt. My one concern for her going forward is how far she really wants to go, but for now at a mile she is my pick for tomorrow. Should be the start to a fun year at Oaklawn!
Don't forget that the live chat is tomorrow night at 7:30 as the Eclipse Awards get underway at 8 on HRTV.
Showing posts with label Listed Stakes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Listed Stakes. Show all posts
January 15, 2012
November 2, 2011
Breeders' Cup Friday Preview
It's that time! The Breeders' Cup has arrived. Today's post will be all about the Friday races. Much like last year's post, I will be doing a pro and cons for each the Ladies Classic contenders.
5th Race - Churchill Downs - Friday, November 4th, 2011
STAKES. 6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $500,000. Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint. FOR TWO-YEAR-OLDS. Weight 122 lbs. All Fillies allowed 3 lbs. $5,000 to pre-enter, $10,000 to enter, with guaranteed $500,000 purse including nominator awards of which 54% to the owner of the winner, 18% to second, 9.9% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth; plus stallion nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third and foal nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third. (04:10 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Seeker 2 C LA 122 Leparoux Julien R. Asmussen Steven M.
2 Sum Of The Parts 2 C L 122 Maragh Rajiv Amoss Thomas M.
3 Blacky The Bull 2 C LA 122 Valenzuela Patrick A. Bonde Jeff
4 Trinniberg 2 C L 122 Velasquez Cornelio H. Parboo Bisnath
5 Shumoos 2 F L 119 Gomez Garrett K. Meehan Brian
6 Secret Circle 2 C LA 122 Bejarano Rafael Baffert Bob
7 Holdin Bullets 2 G L 122 Sanchez Jeffrey Ward Wesley A.
8 Jake Mo 2 C LA 122 Smith Mike E. Milligan Allen
9 Vexor 2 C L 122 Cohen David Kimmel John C.
The newest of the Breeders' Cup races, a good group of horses. Secret Circle is the hot horse, Jake Mo got off to a great start but has faltered a bit lately, Vexor won the shortened Nashua, Trinniberg was the runner up in the Hopeful. I'm going with Seeker who was third in the Nashua behind Vexor and Trinniberg. Vexor for second and Secret Circle for third.
6th Race - Churchill Downs - Friday, November 4th, 2011
STAKES. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $1,000,000. Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (Grade 2). FOR FILLIES, TWO YEARS OLD. Weight: 122 lbs. $10,000 to pre-enter, $20,000 to enter, with guaranteed $1 million purse including nominator awards of which 54% to the owner of the winner, 18% to second, 9.9% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth; plus stallion nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third and foal nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third. (If deemed inadvisable by management to run this race over the turf course, it will be run on the main track at One mile.). (04:50 PM) (16)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 My Gi Gi 2 F LA 122 Bejarano Rafael Koriner Brian J.
2 Dayatthespa 2 F L 122 Dominguez Ramon A. Brown Chad C.
3 Up (IRE) 2 F L 122 Moore Ryan L. O'Brien Aidan P.
4 Stopshoppingmaria 2 F LA 122 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
5 Stephanie's Kitten 2 F LA 122 Velazquez John R. Catalano Wayne M.
6 Sweet Cat 2 F LA 122 Gomez Garrett K. Pletcher Todd A.
7 Royal Bonnie 2 F LA 122 Velasquez Cornelio H. Weaver George
8 Hard Not To Like 2 F LA 122 Smith Mike E. Cox Gail
9 Pure Gossip 2 F L 122 Curatolo Ryan Serpe Philip M.
10 Elusive Kate 2 F 122 Buick William T. Gosden John H. M.
11 Ann Of The Dance 2 F L 122 Nakatani Corey S. Wolfson Martin D.
12 Dear Lavinia 2 F 122 Lemaire Christophe P. Rouget Jean-Claude
13 Customer Base 2 F L 122 Leparoux Julien R. Proctor Thomas F.
14 Somali Lemonade 2 F LA 122 Solis Alex O. Matz Michael R.
15 Bourbonstreetgirl 2 F L 122 Talamo Joseph Contessa Gary C.
16 Karlovy Vary 2 F LA 122 Gomez Garrett K. Arnold, II George R.
Welcome back to the Breeders' Cup to the McNairs! They restarted their stable after selling their stock to Darley a few years ago. Their horse Elusive Kate has won Group 1 races in France. In matter of fact, many of these fillies could even do well in the dirt version (Elusive Kate, Hard Not the Like, Stopshoppingmaria and My Gi Gi). Stephanie's Kitten won the Alcibides last time out, but her connections sound like her career is best on the turf. Somali Lemonade could be the next Winter Memories, but the outside post hurts her. Hard Not to Like has already defeated boys twice, but her stakes win was on a soft turf against fellow CAN breds. Good news her jockey knows how to come from behind and should suit her running style well. Ann of the Dance also defeated the boys, but faltered in her two stakes tries. Elusive Kate is going to be hard to beat, but I'm going to try to with either Stephanie's Kitten, Stopshoppingmaria and/or Hard Not to Like.
7th Race - Churchill Downs - Friday, November 4th, 2011
STAKES. 7 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $1,000,000. Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. Northern Hemisphere Three-Year-Olds, 122 lbs.; Older, 124 lbs.; Southern Hemisphere Three-Year-Olds, 120 lbs.; Older, 124 lbs. $10,000 to pre-enter, $20,000 to enter, with guaranteed $1 million purse including nominator awards of which 54% to the owner of the winner, 18% to second, 9.9% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth; plus stallion nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third and foal nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third. (05:30 PM) (13)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Irish Gypsy 5 M LA 124 Garcia Martin Baffert Bob
2 Great Hot (BRZ) 3 F L 122 Sutherland Chantal Avila A. C.
3 Turbulent Descent 3 F LA 122 Flores David Romero Puype Mike
4 Champagne D'oro 4 F LA 124 Nakatani Corey S. Guillot Eric J.
5 Musical Romance 4 F L 124 Leyva Juan C. Kaplan William A.
6 Switch 4 F LA 124 Rosario Joel Sadler John W.
7 Tar Heel Mom 6 M LA 124 Solis Alex O. Hough Stanley M.
8 Tanda 4 F LA 124 Talamo Joseph Mitchell Mike R.
9 Golden Mystery 5 M LA 124 Carmouche Kendrick Guerrero Juan Carlos
10 Tamarind Hall 4 F LA 124 Cohen David Englehart Jeremiah C.
11 Her Smile 3 F LA 122 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
12 Pomeroys Pistol 3 F L 122 Castellano Javier Tarrant Amy
13 Shotgun Gulch 4 F L 124 Gomez Garrett K. Trout C. R.
Historically speaking, winner of this race is the Champion Female Sprinter (the exception is Indian Blessing). This is probley the most wide open race of both days and even with Turbulent Descent in this race. Switch might be tired from a campaign that had her go all different distances, but she was the runner up in this race last year. Tamarind Hall was able to go from Finger Lakes, to stakes placement. Other then Turbulent Descent do not count out Her Smile and Pomeroys Pistol, especially PP whose always there at the end. I'm going with Tar Heel Mom, she bounced in her prep, but should rebound in this race. Switch for second and Tamarind Hall or Pomeroy's Pistol for third.
Race - Churchill Downs - Friday, November 4th, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $2,000,000. Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES, TWO YEARS OLD. Weight, 122 lbs. $20,000 to pre-enter, $40,000 to enter, with guaranteed $2 million purse including nominator awards of which 54% to the owner of the winner, 18% to second, 9.9% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth; plus stallion nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third and foal nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third. (06:10 PM) (14)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Questing (GB) 2 F L 122 Buick William T. Gosden John H. M.
2 Candrea 2 F LA 122 Garcia Martin Baffert Bob
3 Rocket Twentyone 2 F LA 122 Razo, Jr. Eusebio Howard W. T.
4 Miss Netta 2 F LA 122 Maragh Rajiv McLaughlin Kiaran P.
5 Grace Hall 2 F L 122 Dominguez Ramon A. Dutrow Anthony W.
6 Self Preservation 2 F LA 122 Rosario Joel Cecil Ben D. A.
7 Putthebabiesdown 2 F LA 122 Garcia Alan McPeek Kenneth G.
8 Homecoming Queen (IRE) 2 F L 122 Moore Ryan L. O'Brien Aidan P.
9 My Miss Aurelia 2 F LA 122 Nakatani Corey S. Asmussen Steven M.
10 Northern Passion 2 F LA 122 Contreras Luis Casse Mark E.
11 Weemissfrankie 2 F LA 122 Bejarano Rafael Eurton Peter
12 Frolic's Revenge 2 F L 122 Velazquez John R. Wolfson Milton W.
13 Say A Novena 2 F L 122 Trujillo Elvis Plesa, Jr. Edward
14 Awesome Belle 2 F L 122 Jurado Luis Gold Stanley I.
Of the two Europeans, Questing has the better chance (has had sibs win on dirt), Homecoming Queen's half sib also has dirt experience, but then again Dylan Thomas got a beat down by Bernardini in the JCGC. This is the first of the East vs West showdowns to watch. Weemissfrankie hails from the West; Grace Hall, My Miss Aurelia are from the East. Northern Passion reps Canada, and Awesome Belle hails from the same owner, sire and trainer as Awesome Feather. This past weekend's Pocahontas was going to be an indicator of how well this Juvy would have turn out. I gotta say... Weemissfrankie is going to be very hard to beat in this race. Even with her post position her running style might be okay. I rather seen Questing off the rail since she's never been on dirt so has not had dirt kicked in her face. Those are my top two with Grace Hall in third.
9th Race - Churchill Downs - Friday, November 4th, 2011
STAKES. 1 3/8 Mile Turf. Purse $2,000,000. Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. Northern Hemisphere Three-Year-Olds, 120 lbs.; Older, 124 lbs. Southern Hemisphere Three-Year-Olds, 115 lbs. Older, 124 lbs. $20,000 to pre-enter, $40,000 to enter, with guaranteed $2 million purse including nominator awards of which 54% to the owner of the winner, 18% to second, 9.9% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth; plus stallion nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third and foal nominator awards of 3% to the winner,1% to second and 0.55% to third. (If deemed inadvisable by management to run this race over the turf course, it will be run on the main track at One and One Fourth mile.). (06:50 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Dubawi Heights (GB) 4 F L 124 Rosario Joel Callaghan Simon
2 Stacelita (FR) 5 M L 124 Dominguez Ramon A. Brown Chad C.
3 Harmonious 4 F LA 124 Garcia Martin Shirreffs John A.
4 Cambina (IRE) 3 F LA 120 Gomez Garrett K. Bonde Jeff
5 Nahrain (GB) 3 F L 120 Dettori Lanfranco Varian Roger
6 Announce (GB) 4 F 124 Guyon Maxime H. Fabre Andre
7 Aruna 4 F LA 124 Leparoux Julien R. Motion H. Graham
8 Perfect Shirl 4 F LA 124 Velazquez John R. Attfield Roger L.
9 Shared Account 5 M LA 124 Prado Edgar S. Motion H. Graham
10 Distorted Legacy 4 F L 124 Maragh Rajiv Penna, Jr. Angel J.
11 Dynaslew 5 M LA 124 Nakatani Corey S. Benzel Seth
12 Misty For Me (IRE) 3 F L 120 Moore Ryan L. O'Brien Aidan P.
Two of the major players opted for the Turf, so this race came up a little bit of the "light side". Stacelita has done nothing wrong since her US debut which she finished third in. Nahrain will be Frankie's only mount on both cards thanks to suspention that starts on Saturday. Shared Account is the defending champ, but she hasn't had the same form that she did last year. Aruna had the option of going in the Ladies Classic, but goes here instead. I gotta stick with my girl Cambina, she's had some bad luck lately. Distance will def help her cause. Perfect Shirl for second (since someone who I assume works for her owner Chuck Fipke has an account for her sire Perfect Soul) and Stacelita for third.
Last, but not least. No Blind Luck, No Zazu, No Havre de Grace? No Problem!
10th Race - Churchill Downs - Friday, November 4th, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $2,000,000. Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. Northern Hemisphere Three-year-olds, 121 lbs.; Older, 124 lbs.; Southern Hemisphere Three-year-olds, 116 lbs.; Older, 124 lbs. $20,000 to pre-enter, $40,000 to enter, with guaranteed $2 million purse including nominator awards of which 54% to the owner of the winner, 18% to second, 9.9% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth; plus stallion nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third and foal nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third. (07:30 PM) (10)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Miss Match (ARG) 6 M LA b 124 Gomez Garrett K. Drysdale Neil D.
2 Pachattack 5 M LA b 124 Maragh Rajiv Butler Gerard A.
3 It's Tricky 3 F LA 121 Dominguez Ramon A. McLaughlin Kiaran P.
4 Satans Quick Chick 5 M LA 124 Prado Edgar S. Reed Eric R.
5 Ask The Moon 6 M LA 124 Castellano Javier Wolfson Martin D.
6 Royal Delta 3 F LA 121 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
7 Ultra Blend 5 M L 124 Flores David Romero Sherman Art
8 Plum Pretty 3 F L 121 Bejarano Rafael Baffert Bob
9 Medaglia D'amour 5 M LA b 124 Valenzuela Patrick A. Cecil Ben D. A.
10 Super Espresso 4 F LA 124 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
Here we go the Ladies Classic Pros and Cons.
Miss Match
Pros: Returns to female compition, 4th at this distance last time out
Cons: Hasn't shown the same spark she did in her first two races in the West
Pachattack
Pros: Has been consistant in the US and Canada, 2nd on dirt, has won on the Main Track
Cons: Might be too short, her lone win in NA was on poly, lost to a horse who bombed in California
It's Tricky
Pros: Has beaten Plum Pretty and Turbulent Descent, multiple G1 winner, should love the Churchill surface, cooler weather
Cons: Can be antsy so the crowd could effect her, might be tailing off from a strong summer campagin, not a great second in her last start, will be facing older for the first time
Satan's Quick Chick
Pros: Dam's sister is the dam to Union Rags (Juvenile favorite), 3rd to Havre de Grace last time out
Cons: Hasn't won since January, Grace destroyed the field in the Beldame, her previous graded stakes trys this year haven't been successful.
Ask the Moon
Pros: Won two Grade 1's this summer, Churchill should suit her running style well
Cons: GREEN! She did not face Grace in those two G1's, she did not do well in California.
Royal Delta
Pros: Won the Alabama defeating Plum Pretty and It's Tricky, 2nd to Grace in the Beldame.
Cons: Really there's not much con, her worst loss was in Florida, the only thing I can think of is that she's lightly raced.
Ultra Blend
Pros: Hasn't done much wrong this year, 2nd to Zazu in the Lady's Secret, could be a dark horse
Cons: Never been outside of California.
Plum Pretty
Pros: Won on this track earlier in the year, rebounded from an okay summer last time out
Cons: Will be facing older for the first time, might be a tad longer then she really wants to go, dispite winning at this distance.
Medaglia D'amour
Pros: Uhh... PVal! And has main track experience
Cons: Never raced on dirt, never has been out of California, not really much going for her
Super Espresso
Pros: Bred simlar to Rachel Alexandra (MDO out of a Forty Niner mare, Rachel is of course out of a Roar mare, Roar is by Forty Niner), did well in stakes company especially G1's, will enjoy the return to dirt.
Cons: Has tailed off a bit since her good Ruffian showing, outside post might hurt her a bit, trainer and jockey where involved in that Life at Ten feisco last year, so there might be people who might bet against her because of that.
So who wins the race? I'm going with Royal Delta, I just think that if that the Beldame was better then people say it was and a dry track will be something she should prob. love. Ultra Blend for second and Super Espresso for third.
5th Race - Churchill Downs - Friday, November 4th, 2011
STAKES. 6 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $500,000. Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint. FOR TWO-YEAR-OLDS. Weight 122 lbs. All Fillies allowed 3 lbs. $5,000 to pre-enter, $10,000 to enter, with guaranteed $500,000 purse including nominator awards of which 54% to the owner of the winner, 18% to second, 9.9% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth; plus stallion nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third and foal nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third. (04:10 PM) (9)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Seeker 2 C LA 122 Leparoux Julien R. Asmussen Steven M.
2 Sum Of The Parts 2 C L 122 Maragh Rajiv Amoss Thomas M.
3 Blacky The Bull 2 C LA 122 Valenzuela Patrick A. Bonde Jeff
4 Trinniberg 2 C L 122 Velasquez Cornelio H. Parboo Bisnath
5 Shumoos 2 F L 119 Gomez Garrett K. Meehan Brian
6 Secret Circle 2 C LA 122 Bejarano Rafael Baffert Bob
7 Holdin Bullets 2 G L 122 Sanchez Jeffrey Ward Wesley A.
8 Jake Mo 2 C LA 122 Smith Mike E. Milligan Allen
9 Vexor 2 C L 122 Cohen David Kimmel John C.
The newest of the Breeders' Cup races, a good group of horses. Secret Circle is the hot horse, Jake Mo got off to a great start but has faltered a bit lately, Vexor won the shortened Nashua, Trinniberg was the runner up in the Hopeful. I'm going with Seeker who was third in the Nashua behind Vexor and Trinniberg. Vexor for second and Secret Circle for third.
6th Race - Churchill Downs - Friday, November 4th, 2011
STAKES. 1 Mile Turf. Purse $1,000,000. Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (Grade 2). FOR FILLIES, TWO YEARS OLD. Weight: 122 lbs. $10,000 to pre-enter, $20,000 to enter, with guaranteed $1 million purse including nominator awards of which 54% to the owner of the winner, 18% to second, 9.9% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth; plus stallion nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third and foal nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third. (If deemed inadvisable by management to run this race over the turf course, it will be run on the main track at One mile.). (04:50 PM) (16)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 My Gi Gi 2 F LA 122 Bejarano Rafael Koriner Brian J.
2 Dayatthespa 2 F L 122 Dominguez Ramon A. Brown Chad C.
3 Up (IRE) 2 F L 122 Moore Ryan L. O'Brien Aidan P.
4 Stopshoppingmaria 2 F LA 122 Castellano Javier Pletcher Todd A.
5 Stephanie's Kitten 2 F LA 122 Velazquez John R. Catalano Wayne M.
6 Sweet Cat 2 F LA 122 Gomez Garrett K. Pletcher Todd A.
7 Royal Bonnie 2 F LA 122 Velasquez Cornelio H. Weaver George
8 Hard Not To Like 2 F LA 122 Smith Mike E. Cox Gail
9 Pure Gossip 2 F L 122 Curatolo Ryan Serpe Philip M.
10 Elusive Kate 2 F 122 Buick William T. Gosden John H. M.
11 Ann Of The Dance 2 F L 122 Nakatani Corey S. Wolfson Martin D.
12 Dear Lavinia 2 F 122 Lemaire Christophe P. Rouget Jean-Claude
13 Customer Base 2 F L 122 Leparoux Julien R. Proctor Thomas F.
14 Somali Lemonade 2 F LA 122 Solis Alex O. Matz Michael R.
15 Bourbonstreetgirl 2 F L 122 Talamo Joseph Contessa Gary C.
16 Karlovy Vary 2 F LA 122 Gomez Garrett K. Arnold, II George R.
Welcome back to the Breeders' Cup to the McNairs! They restarted their stable after selling their stock to Darley a few years ago. Their horse Elusive Kate has won Group 1 races in France. In matter of fact, many of these fillies could even do well in the dirt version (Elusive Kate, Hard Not the Like, Stopshoppingmaria and My Gi Gi). Stephanie's Kitten won the Alcibides last time out, but her connections sound like her career is best on the turf. Somali Lemonade could be the next Winter Memories, but the outside post hurts her. Hard Not to Like has already defeated boys twice, but her stakes win was on a soft turf against fellow CAN breds. Good news her jockey knows how to come from behind and should suit her running style well. Ann of the Dance also defeated the boys, but faltered in her two stakes tries. Elusive Kate is going to be hard to beat, but I'm going to try to with either Stephanie's Kitten, Stopshoppingmaria and/or Hard Not to Like.
7th Race - Churchill Downs - Friday, November 4th, 2011
STAKES. 7 Furlongs Dirt. Purse $1,000,000. Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. Northern Hemisphere Three-Year-Olds, 122 lbs.; Older, 124 lbs.; Southern Hemisphere Three-Year-Olds, 120 lbs.; Older, 124 lbs. $10,000 to pre-enter, $20,000 to enter, with guaranteed $1 million purse including nominator awards of which 54% to the owner of the winner, 18% to second, 9.9% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth; plus stallion nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third and foal nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third. (05:30 PM) (13)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Irish Gypsy 5 M LA 124 Garcia Martin Baffert Bob
2 Great Hot (BRZ) 3 F L 122 Sutherland Chantal Avila A. C.
3 Turbulent Descent 3 F LA 122 Flores David Romero Puype Mike
4 Champagne D'oro 4 F LA 124 Nakatani Corey S. Guillot Eric J.
5 Musical Romance 4 F L 124 Leyva Juan C. Kaplan William A.
6 Switch 4 F LA 124 Rosario Joel Sadler John W.
7 Tar Heel Mom 6 M LA 124 Solis Alex O. Hough Stanley M.
8 Tanda 4 F LA 124 Talamo Joseph Mitchell Mike R.
9 Golden Mystery 5 M LA 124 Carmouche Kendrick Guerrero Juan Carlos
10 Tamarind Hall 4 F LA 124 Cohen David Englehart Jeremiah C.
11 Her Smile 3 F LA 122 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
12 Pomeroys Pistol 3 F L 122 Castellano Javier Tarrant Amy
13 Shotgun Gulch 4 F L 124 Gomez Garrett K. Trout C. R.
Historically speaking, winner of this race is the Champion Female Sprinter (the exception is Indian Blessing). This is probley the most wide open race of both days and even with Turbulent Descent in this race. Switch might be tired from a campaign that had her go all different distances, but she was the runner up in this race last year. Tamarind Hall was able to go from Finger Lakes, to stakes placement. Other then Turbulent Descent do not count out Her Smile and Pomeroys Pistol, especially PP whose always there at the end. I'm going with Tar Heel Mom, she bounced in her prep, but should rebound in this race. Switch for second and Tamarind Hall or Pomeroy's Pistol for third.
Race - Churchill Downs - Friday, November 4th, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $2,000,000. Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES, TWO YEARS OLD. Weight, 122 lbs. $20,000 to pre-enter, $40,000 to enter, with guaranteed $2 million purse including nominator awards of which 54% to the owner of the winner, 18% to second, 9.9% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth; plus stallion nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third and foal nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third. (06:10 PM) (14)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Questing (GB) 2 F L 122 Buick William T. Gosden John H. M.
2 Candrea 2 F LA 122 Garcia Martin Baffert Bob
3 Rocket Twentyone 2 F LA 122 Razo, Jr. Eusebio Howard W. T.
4 Miss Netta 2 F LA 122 Maragh Rajiv McLaughlin Kiaran P.
5 Grace Hall 2 F L 122 Dominguez Ramon A. Dutrow Anthony W.
6 Self Preservation 2 F LA 122 Rosario Joel Cecil Ben D. A.
7 Putthebabiesdown 2 F LA 122 Garcia Alan McPeek Kenneth G.
8 Homecoming Queen (IRE) 2 F L 122 Moore Ryan L. O'Brien Aidan P.
9 My Miss Aurelia 2 F LA 122 Nakatani Corey S. Asmussen Steven M.
10 Northern Passion 2 F LA 122 Contreras Luis Casse Mark E.
11 Weemissfrankie 2 F LA 122 Bejarano Rafael Eurton Peter
12 Frolic's Revenge 2 F L 122 Velazquez John R. Wolfson Milton W.
13 Say A Novena 2 F L 122 Trujillo Elvis Plesa, Jr. Edward
14 Awesome Belle 2 F L 122 Jurado Luis Gold Stanley I.
Of the two Europeans, Questing has the better chance (has had sibs win on dirt), Homecoming Queen's half sib also has dirt experience, but then again Dylan Thomas got a beat down by Bernardini in the JCGC. This is the first of the East vs West showdowns to watch. Weemissfrankie hails from the West; Grace Hall, My Miss Aurelia are from the East. Northern Passion reps Canada, and Awesome Belle hails from the same owner, sire and trainer as Awesome Feather. This past weekend's Pocahontas was going to be an indicator of how well this Juvy would have turn out. I gotta say... Weemissfrankie is going to be very hard to beat in this race. Even with her post position her running style might be okay. I rather seen Questing off the rail since she's never been on dirt so has not had dirt kicked in her face. Those are my top two with Grace Hall in third.
9th Race - Churchill Downs - Friday, November 4th, 2011
STAKES. 1 3/8 Mile Turf. Purse $2,000,000. Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. Northern Hemisphere Three-Year-Olds, 120 lbs.; Older, 124 lbs. Southern Hemisphere Three-Year-Olds, 115 lbs. Older, 124 lbs. $20,000 to pre-enter, $40,000 to enter, with guaranteed $2 million purse including nominator awards of which 54% to the owner of the winner, 18% to second, 9.9% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth; plus stallion nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third and foal nominator awards of 3% to the winner,1% to second and 0.55% to third. (If deemed inadvisable by management to run this race over the turf course, it will be run on the main track at One and One Fourth mile.). (06:50 PM) (12)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Dubawi Heights (GB) 4 F L 124 Rosario Joel Callaghan Simon
2 Stacelita (FR) 5 M L 124 Dominguez Ramon A. Brown Chad C.
3 Harmonious 4 F LA 124 Garcia Martin Shirreffs John A.
4 Cambina (IRE) 3 F LA 120 Gomez Garrett K. Bonde Jeff
5 Nahrain (GB) 3 F L 120 Dettori Lanfranco Varian Roger
6 Announce (GB) 4 F 124 Guyon Maxime H. Fabre Andre
7 Aruna 4 F LA 124 Leparoux Julien R. Motion H. Graham
8 Perfect Shirl 4 F LA 124 Velazquez John R. Attfield Roger L.
9 Shared Account 5 M LA 124 Prado Edgar S. Motion H. Graham
10 Distorted Legacy 4 F L 124 Maragh Rajiv Penna, Jr. Angel J.
11 Dynaslew 5 M LA 124 Nakatani Corey S. Benzel Seth
12 Misty For Me (IRE) 3 F L 120 Moore Ryan L. O'Brien Aidan P.
Two of the major players opted for the Turf, so this race came up a little bit of the "light side". Stacelita has done nothing wrong since her US debut which she finished third in. Nahrain will be Frankie's only mount on both cards thanks to suspention that starts on Saturday. Shared Account is the defending champ, but she hasn't had the same form that she did last year. Aruna had the option of going in the Ladies Classic, but goes here instead. I gotta stick with my girl Cambina, she's had some bad luck lately. Distance will def help her cause. Perfect Shirl for second (since someone who I assume works for her owner Chuck Fipke has an account for her sire Perfect Soul) and Stacelita for third.
Last, but not least. No Blind Luck, No Zazu, No Havre de Grace? No Problem!
10th Race - Churchill Downs - Friday, November 4th, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/8 Mile Dirt. Purse $2,000,000. Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (Grade 1). FOR FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD. Northern Hemisphere Three-year-olds, 121 lbs.; Older, 124 lbs.; Southern Hemisphere Three-year-olds, 116 lbs.; Older, 124 lbs. $20,000 to pre-enter, $40,000 to enter, with guaranteed $2 million purse including nominator awards of which 54% to the owner of the winner, 18% to second, 9.9% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth; plus stallion nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third and foal nominator awards of 3% to the winner, 1% to second and 0.55% to third. (07:30 PM) (10)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Miss Match (ARG) 6 M LA b 124 Gomez Garrett K. Drysdale Neil D.
2 Pachattack 5 M LA b 124 Maragh Rajiv Butler Gerard A.
3 It's Tricky 3 F LA 121 Dominguez Ramon A. McLaughlin Kiaran P.
4 Satans Quick Chick 5 M LA 124 Prado Edgar S. Reed Eric R.
5 Ask The Moon 6 M LA 124 Castellano Javier Wolfson Martin D.
6 Royal Delta 3 F LA 121 Lezcano Jose Mott William I.
7 Ultra Blend 5 M L 124 Flores David Romero Sherman Art
8 Plum Pretty 3 F L 121 Bejarano Rafael Baffert Bob
9 Medaglia D'amour 5 M LA b 124 Valenzuela Patrick A. Cecil Ben D. A.
10 Super Espresso 4 F LA 124 Velazquez John R. Pletcher Todd A.
Here we go the Ladies Classic Pros and Cons.
Miss Match
Pros: Returns to female compition, 4th at this distance last time out
Cons: Hasn't shown the same spark she did in her first two races in the West
Pachattack
Pros: Has been consistant in the US and Canada, 2nd on dirt, has won on the Main Track
Cons: Might be too short, her lone win in NA was on poly, lost to a horse who bombed in California
It's Tricky
Pros: Has beaten Plum Pretty and Turbulent Descent, multiple G1 winner, should love the Churchill surface, cooler weather
Cons: Can be antsy so the crowd could effect her, might be tailing off from a strong summer campagin, not a great second in her last start, will be facing older for the first time
Satan's Quick Chick
Pros: Dam's sister is the dam to Union Rags (Juvenile favorite), 3rd to Havre de Grace last time out
Cons: Hasn't won since January, Grace destroyed the field in the Beldame, her previous graded stakes trys this year haven't been successful.
Ask the Moon
Pros: Won two Grade 1's this summer, Churchill should suit her running style well
Cons: GREEN! She did not face Grace in those two G1's, she did not do well in California.
Royal Delta
Pros: Won the Alabama defeating Plum Pretty and It's Tricky, 2nd to Grace in the Beldame.
Cons: Really there's not much con, her worst loss was in Florida, the only thing I can think of is that she's lightly raced.
Ultra Blend
Pros: Hasn't done much wrong this year, 2nd to Zazu in the Lady's Secret, could be a dark horse
Cons: Never been outside of California.
Plum Pretty
Pros: Won on this track earlier in the year, rebounded from an okay summer last time out
Cons: Will be facing older for the first time, might be a tad longer then she really wants to go, dispite winning at this distance.
Medaglia D'amour
Pros: Uhh... PVal! And has main track experience
Cons: Never raced on dirt, never has been out of California, not really much going for her
Super Espresso
Pros: Bred simlar to Rachel Alexandra (MDO out of a Forty Niner mare, Rachel is of course out of a Roar mare, Roar is by Forty Niner), did well in stakes company especially G1's, will enjoy the return to dirt.
Cons: Has tailed off a bit since her good Ruffian showing, outside post might hurt her a bit, trainer and jockey where involved in that Life at Ten feisco last year, so there might be people who might bet against her because of that.
So who wins the race? I'm going with Royal Delta, I just think that if that the Beldame was better then people say it was and a dry track will be something she should prob. love. Ultra Blend for second and Super Espresso for third.
September 28, 2011
Super Saturday Preview (Part 1)
This will be Part 1 of a 3 part post that goes until Friday as the final preps for the Breeders' Cup begin. Super Saturday will be jammed pack with key stakes from New York, Indiana, PA, and California. Today's preview will be starting with the PA and DE stakes.
10th Race - Parx Racing - Saturday, October 1st, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $750,000. Cotillion S. (Grade 2). FOR FILLIES THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $200 each if made on or before Monday, July 4, 2011 or $750 if made on or before Monday, September 5, 2011, $1,500 to pass the entry box, $2,000 additional to start, with $750,000 guaranteed. The purse to be distributed: $7,500 to all starters with the balance of the purse to be divided: 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 11% to third, 6% to fourth, and 3% to fifth. Weight: 122 lbs. Winners of a grade I race at a mile or over in 2011 to carry 2 lbs. additional. Non-winners of a graded race at a mile or over in 2011 allowed 3 lbs. of $60,000 at a mile or over in 2011, 5 lbs.; of three races at a mile or over other than maiden or claiming in 2011, 8 lbs. This race will not be divided. A field of 14 horses will be drawn with the preference given to Graded/Group stakes winners in order (I-II-III), stakes winners, then highest career earnings. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Early nominations closed Monday, July 4, 2011with 29. Late nominations closed Monday, September 5, 2011 with 7. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. (04:58 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Daring Reality 3 F L 114 Castillo Oliver Lynch Cathal A.
2 Halo Dolly 3 F L 119 Baze Russell A. Hollendorfer Jerry
3 Plum Pretty 3 F L 124 Bejarano Rafael Baffert Bob
4 It's Tricky 3 F L 124 Castro Eddie McLaughlin Kiaran P.
5 Love And Pride 3 F L 114 Bravo Joe Pletcher Todd A.
6 Buster's Ready 3 F L 124 Cohen David Pletcher Todd A.
The past few years race has attrached the top 3yos in the National, with the exception of the no-shows of Royal Delta and Zazu, you've otherwise did get those fillies. 3 G1 winners (Plum Pretty, It's Tricky and Buster's Ready), Halo Dolly who comes from the same trainer as Blind Luck and a local in Daring Reality. The headliners are Plum Pretty and It's Tricky, both are coming out of the Alabama where It's Tricky ran her heart out to lose to Royal Delta. A mile and a sixteenth might be what Plum Pretty ordered to get back to the winners circle for the first time since her KY Oaks win. I'm going with Buster's Ready in here. Sure she hasn't beaten the likes of It's Tricky and Plum Pretty, but she is from the female family of last year's winning sire. Her jockey has ridden well at Philadelphia/Parx before, and should do well here. It's Tricky for second and Plum Pretty for third.
9th Race - Parx Racing - Saturday, October 1st, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $100,000. PA Horse Breeders Distaff S. FOR REGISTERED PENNSYLVANIA BRED FILLIES AND MARES, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. By subscription of $200 each which should accopany the nomination, $300 to pass the entry box, $500 additional to start, with $100,000 guaranteed. The winner to receive $60,000 with $20,000 to second, $11,000 to third, $6,000 to fourth and $3,000 to fifth. In addition to the purse, $500 will be paid to the horses finishing sixth through last. Weights: Three Year Olds, 119 lbs.; Older 122 lbs. Winners of a sweepstakes in 2011 to carry 2 lbs. additional. Non-winners of $30,000 twice since July 1 allowed 3 lbs.; of $30,000 once since then, 5 lbs. (Maiden, claiming and starter races not considered). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. (Preference to horses with the highest win earnings in 2009-2011). Nominations closed Saturday, September 17, 2011 with 9. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. (04:13 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Coco's Sweetie 3 F L 114 Hampshire, Jr. Josiah Francis Coletti, Jr. Edward J.
2 Single Scoop 5 M L 117 Baker Christopher John Miller Craig S.
3 Queen's Rule 3 F L 114 Bracho Jesus A. Bracho Sherene
4 Seychelles 5 M L 124 Molina Victor H. Le Vine Carol Lynn
5 Holladay Dixie 6 M L 117 Montanez Rosario Calderon Luis
6 Outlaw Dancer 4 F L 124 Cora David Houghton T. Bernard
7 Diva's Gold 5 M L 117 Flores Jose Luis Reid, Jr. Robert E.
8 Ann's Smart Dancer 3 F L 121 Pennington Frankie Reid, Jr. Robert E.
None of these horses are BC bound, however I wanted to preview this race for one filly. Ann's Smart Dancer (by Dances with Ravens out of Bennington) has lost only once her career. This is her first try past six furlongs, so she'll be up against it and her post is not the greatest. She's co-bred/co-owned by Craig Donnelly whose the former Philadelphia Inquirer handicapper. Go Ann!
8th Race - Delaware Park - Saturday, October 1st, 2011
STAKES. 1 Mile 70Y Dirt. Purse $75,000. Blue Hen S. FOR FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. By subscription of $75 each which shall accompany the nomination; $275 to enter and $500 to start. $75,000 Guaranteed, of which $45,000 to the winner, $15,000 to second, $8,2,50 to third, $4,500 to fourth and $2,250 to fifth.Weight 121 lbs. Non-Winners of a stake at a mile or over allowed 2 lbs., a race other than maiden or claiming at a mile or over, 4 lbs, non winners of a race since August 1, 6 lbs, maidens, 8 lbs. Trophy to the winning owner. Stake closed with 19 nominations on Tuesday, September 20, 2011.er. (04:24 PM) (7)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Glinda The Good 2 F LA 117 Luzzi Michael J. Asmussen Steven M.
2 Believe You Can 2 F LA 117 Saez Gabriel Jones J. Larry
3 Always Here Too 2 F L 115 Santiago Javier Amoss Thomas M.
4 Take It Inside 2 F LA 117 Gonzalez Santiago Gorham Michael E.
5 Filare L'oro 2 F LA 117 Caraballo Jose C. Robb John J.
6 Grace Hall 2 F L 117 Rocco, Jr. Joseph Dutrow Anthony W.
7 Doe 2 F LA 117 Delgado Alberto Kobiskie Dane
While this race doesn't have the history of the Fritzette, some pretty good fillies came out of this race. Including 3yo Champion Filly Xtra Heat, Gio Ponti's little sister Bon Jovi Girl and G3 placed Ms Vanenzza. Grace Hall is the most accomplished filly in this race winning the Spinaway at Saratoga last time out. That makes it even more interesting that she is preping here and not at Belmont, but I guess Tony wanted a two turn race to get her ready for the BC. While she should win here easily, keep an eye on the two Hard Spun fillies. Glinda the Good hails from the same female family as Papa Clem, and her sister Take the Ribbon was a G1 placed filly. Filare l' Oro was fourth to Grace Hall in her debut, and finally won last time out going a route of ground. The longer the races get, the better she should get.
Tomorrow's preview will be Indiana!
10th Race - Parx Racing - Saturday, October 1st, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $750,000. Cotillion S. (Grade 2). FOR FILLIES THREE YEAR OLDS. By subscription of $200 each if made on or before Monday, July 4, 2011 or $750 if made on or before Monday, September 5, 2011, $1,500 to pass the entry box, $2,000 additional to start, with $750,000 guaranteed. The purse to be distributed: $7,500 to all starters with the balance of the purse to be divided: 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 11% to third, 6% to fourth, and 3% to fifth. Weight: 122 lbs. Winners of a grade I race at a mile or over in 2011 to carry 2 lbs. additional. Non-winners of a graded race at a mile or over in 2011 allowed 3 lbs. of $60,000 at a mile or over in 2011, 5 lbs.; of three races at a mile or over other than maiden or claiming in 2011, 8 lbs. This race will not be divided. A field of 14 horses will be drawn with the preference given to Graded/Group stakes winners in order (I-II-III), stakes winners, then highest career earnings. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Early nominations closed Monday, July 4, 2011with 29. Late nominations closed Monday, September 5, 2011 with 7. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner, trainer and jockey. (04:58 PM) (6)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Daring Reality 3 F L 114 Castillo Oliver Lynch Cathal A.
2 Halo Dolly 3 F L 119 Baze Russell A. Hollendorfer Jerry
3 Plum Pretty 3 F L 124 Bejarano Rafael Baffert Bob
4 It's Tricky 3 F L 124 Castro Eddie McLaughlin Kiaran P.
5 Love And Pride 3 F L 114 Bravo Joe Pletcher Todd A.
6 Buster's Ready 3 F L 124 Cohen David Pletcher Todd A.
The past few years race has attrached the top 3yos in the National, with the exception of the no-shows of Royal Delta and Zazu, you've otherwise did get those fillies. 3 G1 winners (Plum Pretty, It's Tricky and Buster's Ready), Halo Dolly who comes from the same trainer as Blind Luck and a local in Daring Reality. The headliners are Plum Pretty and It's Tricky, both are coming out of the Alabama where It's Tricky ran her heart out to lose to Royal Delta. A mile and a sixteenth might be what Plum Pretty ordered to get back to the winners circle for the first time since her KY Oaks win. I'm going with Buster's Ready in here. Sure she hasn't beaten the likes of It's Tricky and Plum Pretty, but she is from the female family of last year's winning sire. Her jockey has ridden well at Philadelphia/Parx before, and should do well here. It's Tricky for second and Plum Pretty for third.
9th Race - Parx Racing - Saturday, October 1st, 2011
STAKES. 1 1/16 Mile Dirt. Purse $100,000. PA Horse Breeders Distaff S. FOR REGISTERED PENNSYLVANIA BRED FILLIES AND MARES, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. By subscription of $200 each which should accopany the nomination, $300 to pass the entry box, $500 additional to start, with $100,000 guaranteed. The winner to receive $60,000 with $20,000 to second, $11,000 to third, $6,000 to fourth and $3,000 to fifth. In addition to the purse, $500 will be paid to the horses finishing sixth through last. Weights: Three Year Olds, 119 lbs.; Older 122 lbs. Winners of a sweepstakes in 2011 to carry 2 lbs. additional. Non-winners of $30,000 twice since July 1 allowed 3 lbs.; of $30,000 once since then, 5 lbs. (Maiden, claiming and starter races not considered). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. (Preference to horses with the highest win earnings in 2009-2011). Nominations closed Saturday, September 17, 2011 with 9. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. (04:13 PM) (8)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Coco's Sweetie 3 F L 114 Hampshire, Jr. Josiah Francis Coletti, Jr. Edward J.
2 Single Scoop 5 M L 117 Baker Christopher John Miller Craig S.
3 Queen's Rule 3 F L 114 Bracho Jesus A. Bracho Sherene
4 Seychelles 5 M L 124 Molina Victor H. Le Vine Carol Lynn
5 Holladay Dixie 6 M L 117 Montanez Rosario Calderon Luis
6 Outlaw Dancer 4 F L 124 Cora David Houghton T. Bernard
7 Diva's Gold 5 M L 117 Flores Jose Luis Reid, Jr. Robert E.
8 Ann's Smart Dancer 3 F L 121 Pennington Frankie Reid, Jr. Robert E.
None of these horses are BC bound, however I wanted to preview this race for one filly. Ann's Smart Dancer (by Dances with Ravens out of Bennington) has lost only once her career. This is her first try past six furlongs, so she'll be up against it and her post is not the greatest. She's co-bred/co-owned by Craig Donnelly whose the former Philadelphia Inquirer handicapper. Go Ann!
8th Race - Delaware Park - Saturday, October 1st, 2011
STAKES. 1 Mile 70Y Dirt. Purse $75,000. Blue Hen S. FOR FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. By subscription of $75 each which shall accompany the nomination; $275 to enter and $500 to start. $75,000 Guaranteed, of which $45,000 to the winner, $15,000 to second, $8,2,50 to third, $4,500 to fourth and $2,250 to fifth.Weight 121 lbs. Non-Winners of a stake at a mile or over allowed 2 lbs., a race other than maiden or claiming at a mile or over, 4 lbs, non winners of a race since August 1, 6 lbs, maidens, 8 lbs. Trophy to the winning owner. Stake closed with 19 nominations on Tuesday, September 20, 2011.er. (04:24 PM) (7)
PP Horse A/S M/E Wgt Jockey Trainer
1 Glinda The Good 2 F LA 117 Luzzi Michael J. Asmussen Steven M.
2 Believe You Can 2 F LA 117 Saez Gabriel Jones J. Larry
3 Always Here Too 2 F L 115 Santiago Javier Amoss Thomas M.
4 Take It Inside 2 F LA 117 Gonzalez Santiago Gorham Michael E.
5 Filare L'oro 2 F LA 117 Caraballo Jose C. Robb John J.
6 Grace Hall 2 F L 117 Rocco, Jr. Joseph Dutrow Anthony W.
7 Doe 2 F LA 117 Delgado Alberto Kobiskie Dane
While this race doesn't have the history of the Fritzette, some pretty good fillies came out of this race. Including 3yo Champion Filly Xtra Heat, Gio Ponti's little sister Bon Jovi Girl and G3 placed Ms Vanenzza. Grace Hall is the most accomplished filly in this race winning the Spinaway at Saratoga last time out. That makes it even more interesting that she is preping here and not at Belmont, but I guess Tony wanted a two turn race to get her ready for the BC. While she should win here easily, keep an eye on the two Hard Spun fillies. Glinda the Good hails from the same female family as Papa Clem, and her sister Take the Ribbon was a G1 placed filly. Filare l' Oro was fourth to Grace Hall in her debut, and finally won last time out going a route of ground. The longer the races get, the better she should get.
Tomorrow's preview will be Indiana!
June 24, 2011
Live Chats are Back
That's right everyone! The Live Chats are coming back. After a hiatus in the spring due to family comittments, they are offically coming back. When? July 8th which is in two weeks from tonight. The Chat will begin at 8pm and run till about 9:30ish. We will be covering all parts of racing from breeding to racing and much more!
The chats will then be held every other Thursday starting at 8 and ending around the same time. This will go until the end of August when Breeders' Cup chats will be every Weds. at 7:30 until the BC. Don't worry all this information will be posted at the begining of the chat on the 8th.
Hope to see you for the Chat!
Also this weekend, the winner of this year's Kentucky Oaks, the beaten favorite and 3rd place finisher are in action, as well as the FG Oaks winner. Zazu and Plum Pretty face each other in the Hollywood Oaks, Joyful Victory headlines the Mother Goose while Daisy Devine is in Iowa to try her hand at the Iowa Oaks. It's also the first leg of the CAN Triple Crown with the Queen's Plate. Check Your Soul is the favorite, but I'm going with Inglorious, as she can help even out the chance of the FG Oaks becoming a G1 if she wins (since Daisy didn't do well in the KY Oaks :().
It's also the first Graded Stakes of the year for 2yo's at Churchill (who is running tonight, dispite having a tornado on Weds). Should be a good weekend of racing!
The chats will then be held every other Thursday starting at 8 and ending around the same time. This will go until the end of August when Breeders' Cup chats will be every Weds. at 7:30 until the BC. Don't worry all this information will be posted at the begining of the chat on the 8th.
Hope to see you for the Chat!
Also this weekend, the winner of this year's Kentucky Oaks, the beaten favorite and 3rd place finisher are in action, as well as the FG Oaks winner. Zazu and Plum Pretty face each other in the Hollywood Oaks, Joyful Victory headlines the Mother Goose while Daisy Devine is in Iowa to try her hand at the Iowa Oaks. It's also the first leg of the CAN Triple Crown with the Queen's Plate. Check Your Soul is the favorite, but I'm going with Inglorious, as she can help even out the chance of the FG Oaks becoming a G1 if she wins (since Daisy didn't do well in the KY Oaks :().
It's also the first Graded Stakes of the year for 2yo's at Churchill (who is running tonight, dispite having a tornado on Weds). Should be a good weekend of racing!
October 7, 2010
A Look into the Future
Last weekend, Zenyatta and others battled it out for wins in their final Breeders' Cup preps. This weekend, it's the look into the future with 2yo's taking center stage at Belmont and Woodbine (Oak Tree had their 2yo races last weekend).
But our first stop is at my home track of Delaware Park:
9th (4:51)
Dover S.
1 1/16 Miles | Open | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $75,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Star Zapper Rocco J Vazquez Juan C 117 LA 8-1
2 2 Commander Rose J Dutrow Anthony W 117 L 6-1
3 3 Irish Lion Castellano A Jr Griffith Gregory 117 LA 15-1
4 4 Go Maire Tu Karamanos H A Correas Ignacio IV 117 LA 12-1
5 5 Tazered Rosendo I J Contessa Gary C 117 L 6-1
6 6 I'm Steppin' It Up Napravnik A R Pecoraro Anthony 117 LA 8-1
7 7 Congo Jara F Pletcher Todd A 115 LA 4-1
8 8 Chipshot Saez G Asmussen Steven M 115 LA 5-1
9 9 Rush Now Hernandez B J Jr Dutrow Anthony W 117 L 3-1
I would not count out either of the Tony Dutrow horses, but I'm going with Chipshot here with Tazered in second.
Now to Belmont (both of these races are Saturday):
8th (4:37)
Frizette S. (G1)
1 Mile | Fillies | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 R Heat Lightning Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 120 L 3-1
2 2 Promise Me a Cat Prado E S Martin Carlos F 120 L 5-1
3 3 Coax Liberty Caraballo J C Lawrence, II James L 120 Blk-On L 30-1
4 4 Maple Forest Cohen D Pletcher Todd A 120 L 12-1
5 5 A Z Warrior Garcia Alan Baffert Bob 120 L 4-1
6 6 After Later Fragoso P Biancone Patrick L 120 L 12-1
7 7 Tap for Luck Solis A Pletcher Todd A 120 L 6-1
8 8 Joyful Victory Velasquez C Dutrow Anthony W 120 L 5-1
9 9 Valiant Passion Lezcano J Pletcher Todd A 120 L 8-1
While R Heat Lighting won the Spinaway, I'm going in a different direction for this race. A Z Warrior is the half to E Z Warrior and J Z Warrior, and while both of those horses are sprinters, she should be a router with her pedigree. Plus the move to dirt should make her an even better horse. Maple Forest for second.
9th (5:09)
Champagne S. (G1)
1 Mile | Open | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 3 Uncle Mo Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 122 L 1-4
1A 5 Stay Thirsty Castellano J J Pletcher Todd A 122 L 1-4
2 1 Meridian Magic Solis A Zito Nicholas P 122 L 20-1
3 2 Settle for Medal Lezcano J Hennig Mark 122 L 10-1
4 4 I'm Steppin' It Up Cohen D Pecoraro Anthony 122 L 20-1
5 6 Mountain Town Velasquez C Dutrow, Jr. R E 122 L 12-1
6 7 Brother in Arms Prado E S Breen Kelly J 122 L 5-1
Maybe it's me, but I must be the one person in the world who does not get the Uncle Mo hype. As an Indian Charlie he's probley almost to his max distance, and I think his stablemate Stay Thirsty is the better horse in the long run. However, he might be scratched and only Uncle Mo will run. I gotta stay with my boy Settle for Medal. Yes he finished last in Hopeful, but a mile might just be the perfect distance for him. I'm willing to eat crow on this race.
Up at Woodbine on Saturday:
6th (3:25)
Mazarine S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Fillies | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $225,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Anne's Beauty Clark D Attard Paul 116 L 15-1
2 2 Delightful Mary Fraser C Casse Mark 116 L 1-1
3 3 Wyomia Ramsammy E Vella Daniel J 116 FTL 5-2
4 4 Poof Too Husbands P Frostad Mark 116 L 3-1
5 5 Ghostly Darkness Da Silva E R Clement Christophe 114 L 8-1
6 6 Idratherbeatthespa Fraser C Casse Mark 114 L 15-1
I'm going with a longshot in here, Anne's Beauty. Reason being? My middle name is Anne :P. Plus I really don't know much about the Canada based 2yo's.
and Sunday:
8th (4:27)
Grey S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $225,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Classic Legacy Moreno O 117 L
2 Midway Train Jones J 115 L
3 Silverleo Sutherland C 117 L
4 Bear's Future Olguin G L 119 L
5 Something Extra Clark D 15 L
6 Top Pit Boss Contreras L 115 L
7 Blue Laser Fraser C 117 L
8 Withdrawal Fraser C 117 L
9 Rockin Heat Da Silva E R 115 L
10 Justice Is Served Somsanith N 115 L
It's all about Bear's Future for me. Hopefully he does well, Rockin Heat for second and Midway Train for third.
Also this weekend is the Dixana Futrity at Keenland and lots of nice grass races plus the Spinster. Also a short note, the Live Chat has been moved to Saturday at 8pm Eastern. This is because I'm hopeing more people could particpate.
But our first stop is at my home track of Delaware Park:
9th (4:51)
Dover S.
1 1/16 Miles | Open | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $75,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Star Zapper Rocco J Vazquez Juan C 117 LA 8-1
2 2 Commander Rose J Dutrow Anthony W 117 L 6-1
3 3 Irish Lion Castellano A Jr Griffith Gregory 117 LA 15-1
4 4 Go Maire Tu Karamanos H A Correas Ignacio IV 117 LA 12-1
5 5 Tazered Rosendo I J Contessa Gary C 117 L 6-1
6 6 I'm Steppin' It Up Napravnik A R Pecoraro Anthony 117 LA 8-1
7 7 Congo Jara F Pletcher Todd A 115 LA 4-1
8 8 Chipshot Saez G Asmussen Steven M 115 LA 5-1
9 9 Rush Now Hernandez B J Jr Dutrow Anthony W 117 L 3-1
I would not count out either of the Tony Dutrow horses, but I'm going with Chipshot here with Tazered in second.
Now to Belmont (both of these races are Saturday):
8th (4:37)
Frizette S. (G1)
1 Mile | Fillies | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 R Heat Lightning Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 120 L 3-1
2 2 Promise Me a Cat Prado E S Martin Carlos F 120 L 5-1
3 3 Coax Liberty Caraballo J C Lawrence, II James L 120 Blk-On L 30-1
4 4 Maple Forest Cohen D Pletcher Todd A 120 L 12-1
5 5 A Z Warrior Garcia Alan Baffert Bob 120 L 4-1
6 6 After Later Fragoso P Biancone Patrick L 120 L 12-1
7 7 Tap for Luck Solis A Pletcher Todd A 120 L 6-1
8 8 Joyful Victory Velasquez C Dutrow Anthony W 120 L 5-1
9 9 Valiant Passion Lezcano J Pletcher Todd A 120 L 8-1
While R Heat Lighting won the Spinaway, I'm going in a different direction for this race. A Z Warrior is the half to E Z Warrior and J Z Warrior, and while both of those horses are sprinters, she should be a router with her pedigree. Plus the move to dirt should make her an even better horse. Maple Forest for second.
9th (5:09)
Champagne S. (G1)
1 Mile | Open | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 3 Uncle Mo Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 122 L 1-4
1A 5 Stay Thirsty Castellano J J Pletcher Todd A 122 L 1-4
2 1 Meridian Magic Solis A Zito Nicholas P 122 L 20-1
3 2 Settle for Medal Lezcano J Hennig Mark 122 L 10-1
4 4 I'm Steppin' It Up Cohen D Pecoraro Anthony 122 L 20-1
5 6 Mountain Town Velasquez C Dutrow, Jr. R E 122 L 12-1
6 7 Brother in Arms Prado E S Breen Kelly J 122 L 5-1
Maybe it's me, but I must be the one person in the world who does not get the Uncle Mo hype. As an Indian Charlie he's probley almost to his max distance, and I think his stablemate Stay Thirsty is the better horse in the long run. However, he might be scratched and only Uncle Mo will run. I gotta stay with my boy Settle for Medal. Yes he finished last in Hopeful, but a mile might just be the perfect distance for him. I'm willing to eat crow on this race.
Up at Woodbine on Saturday:
6th (3:25)
Mazarine S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Fillies | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $225,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Anne's Beauty Clark D Attard Paul 116 L 15-1
2 2 Delightful Mary Fraser C Casse Mark 116 L 1-1
3 3 Wyomia Ramsammy E Vella Daniel J 116 FTL 5-2
4 4 Poof Too Husbands P Frostad Mark 116 L 3-1
5 5 Ghostly Darkness Da Silva E R Clement Christophe 114 L 8-1
6 6 Idratherbeatthespa Fraser C Casse Mark 114 L 15-1
I'm going with a longshot in here, Anne's Beauty. Reason being? My middle name is Anne :P. Plus I really don't know much about the Canada based 2yo's.
and Sunday:
8th (4:27)
Grey S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $225,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Classic Legacy Moreno O 117 L
2 Midway Train Jones J 115 L
3 Silverleo Sutherland C 117 L
4 Bear's Future Olguin G L 119 L
5 Something Extra Clark D 15 L
6 Top Pit Boss Contreras L 115 L
7 Blue Laser Fraser C 117 L
8 Withdrawal Fraser C 117 L
9 Rockin Heat Da Silva E R 115 L
10 Justice Is Served Somsanith N 115 L
It's all about Bear's Future for me. Hopefully he does well, Rockin Heat for second and Midway Train for third.
Also this weekend is the Dixana Futrity at Keenland and lots of nice grass races plus the Spinster. Also a short note, the Live Chat has been moved to Saturday at 8pm Eastern. This is because I'm hopeing more people could particpate.
July 23, 2010
Claiming, Toga, Del Mar and Rachel
Hey everyone! Some nice races tomorrow, the Mother Goose (which could set up for a very interesting Alabama), Claiming Crown, Eddie Read and oh yeah Rachel Alexandra. So lets get started!
We're going to start off today's preview with the Claiming Crown. If you are not don't know what this is, let me tell you. Every year Cantabury Park in Minn. (except in 02 when it was held at Philadelphia Park in PA and 07 when it was at Ellis Park in KY) holds Starter Stakes for those who have run at a claiming level in the past year. The Claiming Crown is often compared to the Breeders' Cup, but for claimers. Here is the big race on the day:
9th (5:47)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Starter Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Smarten Destiny Martin E M Jr Montano Angel 122 BL 6-1
2 2 My Friend Nev Ocampo I Ness Jamie 124 BL 7-2
3 3 Racing Bran Emigh C A Becker Scott 124 BL 2-1
4 4 Strike Impact Sellers S J Dupuy Pat 122 BL 9-2
5 5 For All Who Conga Centeno D E Ness Jamie 120 BL 5-1
6 6 Headache Leparoux J R Maker Michael J 122 BL 4-1
I really haven't heard of any of these horses except for Racing Bran who will be my pick in this race. He's a stakes winner and just finished second in a stakes at Prarie Meadows. My Friend for second and For All Who Conga third.
At Saratoga:
Saratoga (Race 9)
BetFair TVG Coaching Club of America Oaks (Gr I; 250k)
1 1/8 Miles - Dirt - 3yo Fillies
1. Bahama Bound (Tagg/Castellano) 8/1
2. Lisa's Booby Trap (T. Snyder/E. Castillo) 30/1
3. Seeking the Title (D. Stewart/R. Albarado) 8/1
4. Connie and Michael (D. Schettino/R. Maragh) 5/1
5. Absinthe Minded (D. Lukas/G. Gomez) 15/1
6. Biofuel (R. Baker/E. Da Silva) 6/1
7. Devil May Care (T. Pletcher/J. Velazquez) 6/5
8. Acting Happy (R. Dutrow/J. Lezcano) 5/1
A rematch of Devil May Care, Biofuel and Connie and Michael (with a new trainer), the first, third and second place finishers of the Mother Goose resectivley. However, I'm going with the upset with two horses. The first one is Acting Happy, she is coming in a little bit under the radar after winning the Black Eyed Susan, and the other is being thrown into the deep end, but I'm taking a chance with Lisa's Booby Trap. She's won all of her races at Finger Lakes, but this is the longest she's gone (she's never been over a mile and 70 yards). I fully expect her to run up track, but it only takes one race to shock someone. Afterall, Saratoga is known as the Graveyard of Favorites. Devil May Care for third.
Out to San Diego and Del Mar for our next race,
Saturday, July 24
DelMar (Race 8)
Eddie Read Handicap (Gr I; 300k)
1 1/8 Miles - Turf - 3yo and Up
1. Crowded House [GB] (B. Meehan/T. Baze)
2. Victor's Cry (E. Harty/C. Nakatani)
3. The Usual Q.T. (J. Cassidy/V. Espinoza)
4. Acclamation (D. Warren/C. Santiago-Reyes)
5. Loup Breton [Ire] (J. Canani/R. Bejarano)
6. Enriched (D. O'Neill/J. Rosario)
7. Hyades (B. Cecil/M. Garcia)
While Victory's Cry won a G1 last time out and The Usual Q.T. is always there on turf, I'm going with Team Lava Man... I mean Enriched. His half sister Lava Girl (ugh on the name, but that's a story for another day) won her debut on Weds (techically she deadheated, but still she won), to give the O'Neill barn a good start to Del Mar. Acclamation for second and Hyades for third.
And last, but not least at Monmouth:
Monmouth Park (Race 11)
Lady's Secret Stakes (400k)
1 1/8 Miles - Dirt - 3yo and Up Fillies & Mares
1. Stage Trick (A. Goldberg/E. Trujillo) 10/1
2. Queen Martha (P. Biancone/J. Bravo) 8/1
3. Ask The Moon (E. Allard/J. Rose) 15/1
4. Hark (I. Wilkes/C. Marquez Jr.) 20/1
5. Rachel Alexandra (S. Asmussen/C. Borel) 1/9
6. Fabulous Babe (J. Corrigan/P. Fragoso) 30/1
7. Yes She's a Lady (T. Pletcher/E. Castro) 12/1
Stakes winners (all, except Rachel): 2 stakes wins (Ask the Moon and Yes She's a Lady)
Rachel:: 10 stakes wins
Graded Stakes winners (all, except Rachel): 0
Rachel: 8 Graded stakes wins including 5 G1's
In otherwords, it's a bad, bad field. Unfortanlly, sometimes you have to deal with these things. The interesting thing is that every horse in this race has speed. Rachel has been in this type of spot before though, see last year's Mother Goose. If Calvin can get Rachel to relax, then it will be game set match, Rachel romps home by alot. She has a win over the Monmouth track and if it comes up sloppy her chances move up even greater. Everybody is running for second and I think that's between Stage Luck who is coming off a 3rd place finish in the Obeah and Yes She's a Lady. Hopefully this will set her up for the Personal Ensign which is at the end of Aug.
Most importantly, I hope all the horses and jockeys come back safe and sound.
Don't forget there is a live chat on Monday starting at 7 and the Weekend Recap will be on Sunday.
We're going to start off today's preview with the Claiming Crown. If you are not don't know what this is, let me tell you. Every year Cantabury Park in Minn. (except in 02 when it was held at Philadelphia Park in PA and 07 when it was at Ellis Park in KY) holds Starter Stakes for those who have run at a claiming level in the past year. The Claiming Crown is often compared to the Breeders' Cup, but for claimers. Here is the big race on the day:
9th (5:47)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Starter Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Smarten Destiny Martin E M Jr Montano Angel 122 BL 6-1
2 2 My Friend Nev Ocampo I Ness Jamie 124 BL 7-2
3 3 Racing Bran Emigh C A Becker Scott 124 BL 2-1
4 4 Strike Impact Sellers S J Dupuy Pat 122 BL 9-2
5 5 For All Who Conga Centeno D E Ness Jamie 120 BL 5-1
6 6 Headache Leparoux J R Maker Michael J 122 BL 4-1
I really haven't heard of any of these horses except for Racing Bran who will be my pick in this race. He's a stakes winner and just finished second in a stakes at Prarie Meadows. My Friend for second and For All Who Conga third.
At Saratoga:
Saratoga (Race 9)
BetFair TVG Coaching Club of America Oaks (Gr I; 250k)
1 1/8 Miles - Dirt - 3yo Fillies
1. Bahama Bound (Tagg/Castellano) 8/1
2. Lisa's Booby Trap (T. Snyder/E. Castillo) 30/1
3. Seeking the Title (D. Stewart/R. Albarado) 8/1
4. Connie and Michael (D. Schettino/R. Maragh) 5/1
5. Absinthe Minded (D. Lukas/G. Gomez) 15/1
6. Biofuel (R. Baker/E. Da Silva) 6/1
7. Devil May Care (T. Pletcher/J. Velazquez) 6/5
8. Acting Happy (R. Dutrow/J. Lezcano) 5/1
A rematch of Devil May Care, Biofuel and Connie and Michael (with a new trainer), the first, third and second place finishers of the Mother Goose resectivley. However, I'm going with the upset with two horses. The first one is Acting Happy, she is coming in a little bit under the radar after winning the Black Eyed Susan, and the other is being thrown into the deep end, but I'm taking a chance with Lisa's Booby Trap. She's won all of her races at Finger Lakes, but this is the longest she's gone (she's never been over a mile and 70 yards). I fully expect her to run up track, but it only takes one race to shock someone. Afterall, Saratoga is known as the Graveyard of Favorites. Devil May Care for third.
Out to San Diego and Del Mar for our next race,
Saturday, July 24
DelMar (Race 8)
Eddie Read Handicap (Gr I; 300k)
1 1/8 Miles - Turf - 3yo and Up
1. Crowded House [GB] (B. Meehan/T. Baze)
2. Victor's Cry (E. Harty/C. Nakatani)
3. The Usual Q.T. (J. Cassidy/V. Espinoza)
4. Acclamation (D. Warren/C. Santiago-Reyes)
5. Loup Breton [Ire] (J. Canani/R. Bejarano)
6. Enriched (D. O'Neill/J. Rosario)
7. Hyades (B. Cecil/M. Garcia)
While Victory's Cry won a G1 last time out and The Usual Q.T. is always there on turf, I'm going with Team Lava Man... I mean Enriched. His half sister Lava Girl (ugh on the name, but that's a story for another day) won her debut on Weds (techically she deadheated, but still she won), to give the O'Neill barn a good start to Del Mar. Acclamation for second and Hyades for third.
And last, but not least at Monmouth:
Monmouth Park (Race 11)
Lady's Secret Stakes (400k)
1 1/8 Miles - Dirt - 3yo and Up Fillies & Mares
1. Stage Trick (A. Goldberg/E. Trujillo) 10/1
2. Queen Martha (P. Biancone/J. Bravo) 8/1
3. Ask The Moon (E. Allard/J. Rose) 15/1
4. Hark (I. Wilkes/C. Marquez Jr.) 20/1
5. Rachel Alexandra (S. Asmussen/C. Borel) 1/9
6. Fabulous Babe (J. Corrigan/P. Fragoso) 30/1
7. Yes She's a Lady (T. Pletcher/E. Castro) 12/1
Stakes winners (all, except Rachel): 2 stakes wins (Ask the Moon and Yes She's a Lady)
Rachel:: 10 stakes wins
Graded Stakes winners (all, except Rachel): 0
Rachel: 8 Graded stakes wins including 5 G1's
In otherwords, it's a bad, bad field. Unfortanlly, sometimes you have to deal with these things. The interesting thing is that every horse in this race has speed. Rachel has been in this type of spot before though, see last year's Mother Goose. If Calvin can get Rachel to relax, then it will be game set match, Rachel romps home by alot. She has a win over the Monmouth track and if it comes up sloppy her chances move up even greater. Everybody is running for second and I think that's between Stage Luck who is coming off a 3rd place finish in the Obeah and Yes She's a Lady. Hopefully this will set her up for the Personal Ensign which is at the end of Aug.
Most importantly, I hope all the horses and jockeys come back safe and sound.
Don't forget there is a live chat on Monday starting at 7 and the Weekend Recap will be on Sunday.
July 21, 2010
The Spa, need a say more?
I'm not talking about relaxation, I'm talking about Saratoga Race Track in Saratoga Springs, NY whose nickname is The Spa City. Saratoga is starts it's meet on Friday with 2 stakes races, a graded stakes for 2yo fillies and an ungraded stakes that is loaded with talent. Lets take a look at both of these stakes.
8th (4:55)
James Marvin S.
7 Furlongs | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $75,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 You and I Forever Lezcano J Bush Thomas M 123 L 20-1
2 2 Cool Coal Man Velazquez J R Zito Nicholas P 123 L 6-1
3 3 Half Metal Jacket Dominguez R A Dutrow Sydney 121 L 10-1
4 4 Vineyard Haven Garcia Alan bin Suroor Saeed 121 L 3-5
5 5 Discreet Treasure Velasquez C Brown Bruce R 121 L 12-1
6 6 Friesan Fire Bridgmohan S X Asmussen Steven M 121 L 12-1
7 7 Le Grand Cru Gomez G K Pletcher Todd A 123 L 12-1
8 8 Flat Bold Maragh R Albertrani Thomas 119 L 12-1
9 9 Atoned Albarado R J Howard Neil J 121 L 30-1
10 10 Silver Edition Borel C H Lukas D Wayne 121 L 30-1
What a fantastic lineup! CCM (Cool Coal Man) is coming out of a key race, the Skip Away at Monmouth. Sir Whimsey and Gone Astray who where 2nd and 3rd behind him came back to win stakes the next time out. He's had success at Saratoga before winning the Albert the Great last season, but well his last race at the Spa wasn't so pleasant. He finished second to last in Rachel Alexandra's Woodward win. Outside of Rachel, he's the only one from last year's Woodward who has won since (Macho Again, It's a Bird (who was eventually DQ'ed from his Oaklawn Handicap win) and Astatic Boy have been retired without winning another race, Da' Tara is probley done as well as he has yet to race this year). You and I Forever has come on this year and has delayed his retirement (he was supposed to go to India to stand at stud). If Vineyard Haven can stay straight, he wins. This is his most successful track. I say this is a must win for Friesan Fire, last year's star 3yo's (except for Mine That Bird) have won as four year olds. He's behind the eight ball now, and a loss pretty much will tell me that he was a 3 race wonder. My Pick: CCM with Vineyard Haven second and Atoned third. If CCM doesn't win, I'm going to say You and I Forever does.
9th (5:30)
Schuylerville S. (G3)
6 Furlongs | Fillies | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $100,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 4 Spa Sunrise Coa E M Ward Wesley A 119 L 2-1
1A 7 Final Mesa Coa E M Ward Wesley A 121 L 2-1
2 1 Stopspendingmaria Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 119 L 7-2
3 2 Le Mi Geaux Lenclud F Dutrow, Jr. R E 119 L 6-1
4 3 Let's Get Fiscal Garcia Alan Violette, Jr. R A 119 L 7-2
5 5 Dos Lunas Court J K Glenney John 119 L 12-1
6 6 Show Me the Bling Leparoux J R Biancone Patrick L 119 L 3-1
With two year olds, you really don't know what you have until really October or November. Either way this is going to be an interesting race. Unfortanlly I don't know anything about any of these horses except for Final Mesa who is undefeated in three starts over 2 different surfaces (synth and dirt). However, she might scratch so my pick is her entrymate Spa Sunrise (if she does scratch). The big reason is for her name, I mean afterall it is Opening Day at the Spa get it Sunrise... Spa (joking around of course).
I hope everyone enjoys opening day of Saratoga!
8th (4:55)
James Marvin S.
7 Furlongs | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $75,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 You and I Forever Lezcano J Bush Thomas M 123 L 20-1
2 2 Cool Coal Man Velazquez J R Zito Nicholas P 123 L 6-1
3 3 Half Metal Jacket Dominguez R A Dutrow Sydney 121 L 10-1
4 4 Vineyard Haven Garcia Alan bin Suroor Saeed 121 L 3-5
5 5 Discreet Treasure Velasquez C Brown Bruce R 121 L 12-1
6 6 Friesan Fire Bridgmohan S X Asmussen Steven M 121 L 12-1
7 7 Le Grand Cru Gomez G K Pletcher Todd A 123 L 12-1
8 8 Flat Bold Maragh R Albertrani Thomas 119 L 12-1
9 9 Atoned Albarado R J Howard Neil J 121 L 30-1
10 10 Silver Edition Borel C H Lukas D Wayne 121 L 30-1
What a fantastic lineup! CCM (Cool Coal Man) is coming out of a key race, the Skip Away at Monmouth. Sir Whimsey and Gone Astray who where 2nd and 3rd behind him came back to win stakes the next time out. He's had success at Saratoga before winning the Albert the Great last season, but well his last race at the Spa wasn't so pleasant. He finished second to last in Rachel Alexandra's Woodward win. Outside of Rachel, he's the only one from last year's Woodward who has won since (Macho Again, It's a Bird (who was eventually DQ'ed from his Oaklawn Handicap win) and Astatic Boy have been retired without winning another race, Da' Tara is probley done as well as he has yet to race this year). You and I Forever has come on this year and has delayed his retirement (he was supposed to go to India to stand at stud). If Vineyard Haven can stay straight, he wins. This is his most successful track. I say this is a must win for Friesan Fire, last year's star 3yo's (except for Mine That Bird) have won as four year olds. He's behind the eight ball now, and a loss pretty much will tell me that he was a 3 race wonder. My Pick: CCM with Vineyard Haven second and Atoned third. If CCM doesn't win, I'm going to say You and I Forever does.
9th (5:30)
Schuylerville S. (G3)
6 Furlongs | Fillies | 2 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $100,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 4 Spa Sunrise Coa E M Ward Wesley A 119 L 2-1
1A 7 Final Mesa Coa E M Ward Wesley A 121 L 2-1
2 1 Stopspendingmaria Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 119 L 7-2
3 2 Le Mi Geaux Lenclud F Dutrow, Jr. R E 119 L 6-1
4 3 Let's Get Fiscal Garcia Alan Violette, Jr. R A 119 L 7-2
5 5 Dos Lunas Court J K Glenney John 119 L 12-1
6 6 Show Me the Bling Leparoux J R Biancone Patrick L 119 L 3-1
With two year olds, you really don't know what you have until really October or November. Either way this is going to be an interesting race. Unfortanlly I don't know anything about any of these horses except for Final Mesa who is undefeated in three starts over 2 different surfaces (synth and dirt). However, she might scratch so my pick is her entrymate Spa Sunrise (if she does scratch). The big reason is for her name, I mean afterall it is Opening Day at the Spa get it Sunrise... Spa (joking around of course).
I hope everyone enjoys opening day of Saratoga!
July 16, 2010
All Delaware, all the time!
It's finally here, the 2010 Delaware Handicap is on Saturday. This year's field is not the best the race has ever seen, but it's nice for this year. In all honestly, this race would have been alot better had Rachel Alexandra been in here. Not saying that this year's horses aren't nice for the race, but I would have loved to finally see Rachel in person. Lets look at the field for this year's DelCap. Like the previous two years, it will be a Win and In for the Breeders Cup. Meaning that the winner (if nominated) will have a spot in the Ladies Classic in November. Here's this year's field!Delaware H. (G2)
1 1/4 Miles | Fillies and Mares | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $750,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Funny Moon Garcia Alan 121 L
2 Miss Singhsix (IRE) Valdivia J Jr 118 L
3 Milwaukee Appeal Elliott S 119 LA
4 Million Seller Rose J 114 LA
5 Miss Match (ARG) Hernandez B J Jr 115 LA
6 Life At Ten Velazquez J R 122 LA
Funny Moon and Life at Ten are the G1 winners in this year's edition. Miss Singhsix won the Obeah the local prep, the past two years the winner who was 2007 DelCap winner Unbridled Belle has finished third in the DelCap. Milwaukee Appeal won last year's Woodbine Oaks and finished 3rd in the Queen's Plate and 2nd by a nose in the Prince of Wales. She's probley better on dirt then poly, and this is probley the confidence booster she needs. Never heard of Million Seller and Miss Match who could have a say in things. So who am I picking? I'm going with Milwaukee Appeal with Funny Moon second and Miss Singhsix third. However, I fully expect Life at Ten to win tomorrow.
The Dick and Carpenter don't have the greatest fields either, but Gozzip Girl is going in the Dick and Our Edge in the Carpenter. As for me? I'm planning to be there, but most likely not the entire card this year due to other obligations. So the plan is to be there for the Carpenter, Dick and DelCap. A recap of DelCap weekend and the other stakes action across the country (i.e. Virginia Derby, American Derby, American Handicap, Modesty) will be happening on Monday.
Photo: 2007 DelCap winner Unbridled Belle before the 2008 Edition where she finished third, she also finished third in last year's race. Photo by me (Rachel Levine).
July 2, 2010
Ownership Conundrum
This topic was suggested by the Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance. As you may or may not know, I'm a member of the TBA. You can read more TBA member blogs by visiting, tbablogs.com.
Conundrum. What does that mean? According to Dictionary.com, it has two meanings. One of them means anything that puzzles. So what's the conundrum about horse racing? In this case two words, Jess Jackson.
Rachel Alexandra's next start will be the Lady's Secret at Monmouth. At first glance it looks like the perfect race, a mile and eighth and at a track where Rachel has had success before (see last year's Haskell). However the Lady's Secret is ungraded (unlike the formally Oak Tree at Santa Anita which was renamed the Zenyatta. That race is a G1). Which leads to question, why go for a race that's ungraded when there is a race, the Ruffian which is a G1, at a mile and an eighth and up at Saratoga another track where she has had success.
Sounds like a conundrum doesn't it. However, this isn't as puzzling as you think it does. The key in this is one word: money. Jess Jackson was able to convince the Monmouth officals, not once, but twice to raise the purse of two races. The Haskell which was raised to $1.25 million and now the Lady's Secret which was orginally supposed to be run at a mile and sixteenth for $150,000 and held two weeks later on Haskell day. Instead, it will be run two weeks earlier on July 24 for $400,000. The Ruffian is Handicap, and will be run for $250,000. Maybe the big reason why Rachel is being pointed here is that NYRA couldn't afford to boost the Ruffian purse. Since before the Belmont, they've been in money trouble thanks to a slots contract falling through. Monmouth's daily purses are at least a million dollars a day, and many more trainers are going towards the New Jersey track.
While particpating in the Lady's Secret would lead to the Molly Pitcher, I personally think the next step would be a G1. That leaves two options, the first is the Personal Ensign which is at a mile and a quarter, in that race she could face Life at Ten who will prep for that in the Delaware Handicap. However, the Woodward which she won last year could also be a plan. However, that could end up being the toughest race of her career if Quality Road and Blame show up.
Only time will tell who well this conundrum goes.
As for the Weekend Preview, this week's big race is the Queen's Plate. The favorite is Hotep who is a full brother to last year's winner Eye of the Lepoard. However, like I said last year about his big brother I think he will be finishing third behind this year Moment of Majesty (the "other" filly) and Roan Inish (Woodbine Oaks winner). Of course I could be wrong as useal. Also in action? Mine That Bird makes his turf debut, and Informed Decidesion tries to bounce back after two subpar efforts at Arlington.
Conundrum. What does that mean? According to Dictionary.com, it has two meanings. One of them means anything that puzzles. So what's the conundrum about horse racing? In this case two words, Jess Jackson.
Rachel Alexandra's next start will be the Lady's Secret at Monmouth. At first glance it looks like the perfect race, a mile and eighth and at a track where Rachel has had success before (see last year's Haskell). However the Lady's Secret is ungraded (unlike the formally Oak Tree at Santa Anita which was renamed the Zenyatta. That race is a G1). Which leads to question, why go for a race that's ungraded when there is a race, the Ruffian which is a G1, at a mile and an eighth and up at Saratoga another track where she has had success.
Sounds like a conundrum doesn't it. However, this isn't as puzzling as you think it does. The key in this is one word: money. Jess Jackson was able to convince the Monmouth officals, not once, but twice to raise the purse of two races. The Haskell which was raised to $1.25 million and now the Lady's Secret which was orginally supposed to be run at a mile and sixteenth for $150,000 and held two weeks later on Haskell day. Instead, it will be run two weeks earlier on July 24 for $400,000. The Ruffian is Handicap, and will be run for $250,000. Maybe the big reason why Rachel is being pointed here is that NYRA couldn't afford to boost the Ruffian purse. Since before the Belmont, they've been in money trouble thanks to a slots contract falling through. Monmouth's daily purses are at least a million dollars a day, and many more trainers are going towards the New Jersey track.
While particpating in the Lady's Secret would lead to the Molly Pitcher, I personally think the next step would be a G1. That leaves two options, the first is the Personal Ensign which is at a mile and a quarter, in that race she could face Life at Ten who will prep for that in the Delaware Handicap. However, the Woodward which she won last year could also be a plan. However, that could end up being the toughest race of her career if Quality Road and Blame show up.
Only time will tell who well this conundrum goes.
As for the Weekend Preview, this week's big race is the Queen's Plate. The favorite is Hotep who is a full brother to last year's winner Eye of the Lepoard. However, like I said last year about his big brother I think he will be finishing third behind this year Moment of Majesty (the "other" filly) and Roan Inish (Woodbine Oaks winner). Of course I could be wrong as useal. Also in action? Mine That Bird makes his turf debut, and Informed Decidesion tries to bounce back after two subpar efforts at Arlington.
June 10, 2010
Night Racing at it's best
Tomorrow night is the first night racing at Churchill Downs for the year, this will be a good test for later on in the year when the BC Ladies Classic (aka the Distaff) will be run with the light on. However, tomorrow's night's stakes race is a turf race, and I would like to preview it tonight, because it has some names people may remember.
Churchill Downs - June 11, 2010
Race 10 - 10:52 PM Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta
STAKES Opening Verse S.
Purse $62,000. (Includes $12,000 – KTDF - Kentucky TB Devt Fund). For Three Year Olds And Upward. Nominations close Friday, June 4, 2010 with no fee. $300 supplementary nominations may be made at time of entry. $100 to enter. Three Year Olds, 118 Lbs. Older, 125 Lbs. Non-winners of a graded sweepstakes on the turf in 2010, allowed 2 Lbs.; $45,000 at a mile or over on the turf in 2010, 4 Lbs.; two races other than claiming since December 25, 2009, 6 Lbs. The field will be limited to 10. If more than 10 entries pass the entry box preference will be given to gradedstakes winners, then highest 2009-2010 earnings. Closed Friday, June 4, 2010 with 28 nominations. (If deemed inadvisable by management to run this race over the turf course, it will be run on the main track at One and One Sixteenth mile.). One And One Sixteenth Miles. (Turf)
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Macho Toro (FL) 4/C L P Tolentino 119 M Schoeman 50/1
2 2 Flying Private (KY) 4/C LA C J Lanerie 119 D W Lukas 10/1
3 3 Public Speaker (KY) 5/H LA* R Albarado 119 K G McPeek 5/1
4 4 Yate's Black Cat (KY) 7/H LA M Mena 119 D L Romans 5/1
5 5 Tizdejavu (KY) 5/H LA* J L Castanon 119 G Fox 4/1
6 6 Prom Shoes (KY) 6/H LA S Bridgmohan 119 W H Fires 10/1
7 7 Furthest Land (KY) 5/G LA* J Theriot 119 M J Maker 5/2
8 8 Timeless Fashion (KY) 6/G LA J Lopez 119 T Drury, Jr. 10/1
9 9 Pop Tarrt (KY) 4/C L S Gonzalez, Jr. 119 J Deegan 20/1
10 10 Demarcation (KY) 6/G LA C H Borel 119 P J McGee 5/1
Flying Private ran in last year's Triple Crown series and has done well on dirt this year. Yate's Black Cat is an old time turf horse who should not be taken lightly, really disapointed to see Prom Shoes in this race since turf is not really his favorite surface, and it's at Churchill while his hometrack, one of his worst. Tizdejavu is an interesting horse who was reguarded as the top turf 3yo a few years ago. Furthest Land should win this race, he is the defending BC Dirt Mile (although it's never run at a mile until this year) winner. I think getting him at his perfered distance (a mile to a mile and sixteenth) will get him back to the Winners Circle.
I'll have the Weekend Preview post tomorrow as planned, however I felt that this deserved it's own post. Don't forget to vote in the HRBA final ballot (something I've ment to mentioned, but have forgotten). The Ballot and all of the info can be found here.
Churchill Downs - June 11, 2010
Race 10 - 10:52 PM Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta
STAKES Opening Verse S.
Purse $62,000. (Includes $12,000 – KTDF - Kentucky TB Devt Fund). For Three Year Olds And Upward. Nominations close Friday, June 4, 2010 with no fee. $300 supplementary nominations may be made at time of entry. $100 to enter. Three Year Olds, 118 Lbs. Older, 125 Lbs. Non-winners of a graded sweepstakes on the turf in 2010, allowed 2 Lbs.; $45,000 at a mile or over on the turf in 2010, 4 Lbs.; two races other than claiming since December 25, 2009, 6 Lbs. The field will be limited to 10. If more than 10 entries pass the entry box preference will be given to gradedstakes winners, then highest 2009-2010 earnings. Closed Friday, June 4, 2010 with 28 nominations. (If deemed inadvisable by management to run this race over the turf course, it will be run on the main track at One and One Sixteenth mile.). One And One Sixteenth Miles. (Turf)
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Macho Toro (FL) 4/C L P Tolentino 119 M Schoeman 50/1
2 2 Flying Private (KY) 4/C LA C J Lanerie 119 D W Lukas 10/1
3 3 Public Speaker (KY) 5/H LA* R Albarado 119 K G McPeek 5/1
4 4 Yate's Black Cat (KY) 7/H LA M Mena 119 D L Romans 5/1
5 5 Tizdejavu (KY) 5/H LA* J L Castanon 119 G Fox 4/1
6 6 Prom Shoes (KY) 6/H LA S Bridgmohan 119 W H Fires 10/1
7 7 Furthest Land (KY) 5/G LA* J Theriot 119 M J Maker 5/2
8 8 Timeless Fashion (KY) 6/G LA J Lopez 119 T Drury, Jr. 10/1
9 9 Pop Tarrt (KY) 4/C L S Gonzalez, Jr. 119 J Deegan 20/1
10 10 Demarcation (KY) 6/G LA C H Borel 119 P J McGee 5/1
Flying Private ran in last year's Triple Crown series and has done well on dirt this year. Yate's Black Cat is an old time turf horse who should not be taken lightly, really disapointed to see Prom Shoes in this race since turf is not really his favorite surface, and it's at Churchill while his hometrack, one of his worst. Tizdejavu is an interesting horse who was reguarded as the top turf 3yo a few years ago. Furthest Land should win this race, he is the defending BC Dirt Mile (although it's never run at a mile until this year) winner. I think getting him at his perfered distance (a mile to a mile and sixteenth) will get him back to the Winners Circle.
I'll have the Weekend Preview post tomorrow as planned, however I felt that this deserved it's own post. Don't forget to vote in the HRBA final ballot (something I've ment to mentioned, but have forgotten). The Ballot and all of the info can be found here.
May 21, 2010
Time at the Shore
How would you like to ride at a track where there is an average of a million dollars a day on the line? This year's Monmouth meet is just that. Home to the Haskell Invitational, Monmouth opens it's season tomorrow with two pretty good stakes races, I'm only going to preview one of them as the other features Kiss the Kid who is going to win easy.
Monmouth Park - May 22, 2010
Race 5 - 2:50 PM Win, Place and Show Exacta, Trifecta and 10-Cent Superfecta Daily Double (Races 5-6)/Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7)
STAKES Decathlon S.
Purse $100,000. For Three-Year-Olds And Upward. No fee to nominate, $600 to pass the entry box with starters to receive a minimum of $1,500 each. Three-Year-Olds: 117 Lbs.; Older: 123 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000 twice since February 15 allowed 2 Lbs.; $45,000 in 2010, 4 Lbs.; $30,000 since April 1 or a sweepstakes in 2010, 6 Lbs. (Maiden, claiming and starter races not considered.) The winning owner to receive a trophy. Closed Friday, May 14, 2010 with 20 nominations. A $400 supplemental nomination was made at time of entry, Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Six Furlongs.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Lit'sgoodlookngray (CA) 6/G L* G K Gomez 117 R B Hess, Jr. 5/1
2 2 Tommy's Memory (FL) 4/G L D D Amiss 121 A J Ryan 8/1
3 3 Congressional Page (KY) 5/G L* C H Marquez, Jr. 117 M J Trombetta 4/1
4 4 Mannington (FL) 5/G L E Trujillo 121 T M Pompay 9/2
5 5 Go Go Shoot (FL) 5/G L J R Velazquez 117 T A Pletcher 2/1
6 6 Mr. Fantasy (NY) 4/C L E Castro 117 M E Hushion 3/1
7 7 At the Disco (NJ) 6/H L P Lopez 117 M Hartmann 15/1
This is Go Go Shoot's (aka Basket) first race in the Pletcher barn and this is his first start of the year. Mr. Fantasy is always there at the end. Congressional Page will be tough, but I really haven't heard of the other horses. This is Basket's race to lose, he loves Monmouth and it should set him up for a good showing at Saratoga in the Vanderbilt (hopefully!).
Top three:
Go Go Shoot (BASKET!!!!!)
Mr. Fantasy (won't be suprised if he wins)
Mannington (just for his name)
Up in Canada on Sunday:
Woodbine - May 23, 2010
Race 6 - 3:25 PM Exactor / Triactor / Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8)
STAKES La Lorgnette S.
Purse $150,000. (Plus $50,000 – State Bred). For Three-Year-Old Fillies. By subscription of $150 each which shall accompany the nomination and an additional $1,500 when making entry. The purse to be divided: 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 11% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth. Weight: 123 Lbs. Non-winners of a Sweepstakes of $60,000 twice at a mile or over, allowed 3 Lbs.; Of a Sweepstakes of $60,000 once at a mile or over, 5 Lbs.; Of a Sweepstakes of $60,000 at any distance, 7 Lbs. (Maiden or claiming races not considered.) (No Canadian Bred Allowance.) Final entries to be made through the entry box at the closing time then in effect for overnight events. A supplemental nomination may be made no later than the time of final entry, by a non-refundable fee of $3,000, which includes the entry fee. * Plus up to $16,200 Ontario Sired/Ontario Bred Breeder Awards. One And One Sixteenth Miles. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Biofuel (KY) 3/F L E R Da Silva 120 R Baker 9/5
2 2 Moment of Majesty (ON) 3/F L R C Landry 116 S Leslie 10/1
3 3 Ernfold (ON) 3/F L* J McAleney 116 R L Attfield 2/1
4 4 Tee Game (ON) 3/F L S Callaghan 116 M J Doyle 8/1
5 5 Empire Spring (KY) 3/F L P Husbands 116 C Clement 6/1
6 6 Redverse (KY) 3/F L E Ramsammy 116 J Carroll 4/1
7 7 Witch's Coven (KY) 3/F L E Wilson 116 D R Bell 15/1
This is an interesting race, because all but three are ineligble for the Woodbine Oaks. However, last year's 2-3 went 1-2 in the Oaks (Milwakee Appeal and Tasty Temptation) before going 3-4 in the Queen's Plate. This is Biofuel's race to lose however, I think a horse who is being over looked is Empire Spring. She's by Empire Maker out of a Strivinsky mare Our Rite of Spring who won a small stakes at Aqueduct a few years ago. I should note that Our Rite of Spring is a half sister to Hard Spun, so a little bit of bias is upcoming in my picks. Yes it took a while to break her maiden, but the 2 of the 3 (not sure about the third) winners went on to be graded stakes winners (the late The Mailet and Crisp respectivly). The times she's been out of the top three, she's finished 4th one of those times being nosed out for third. A win here will be huge, especially against Biofuel, but I think she can do it. For third I'm going with Moment of Majesty.
Top Three:
Empire Spring (Hard Spun's niece does her uncle proud)
Biofuel (IMO a little bit overrated as she either wins or fails to finish in the top 3, class keeps her in the top three in this race)
Moment of Majesty (a little bit of a coin flip as I wanted to include one of the CAN breds, and she seemed to be the best of the three choices, besides she's by Saint Liam so she's a rare one as he sadly only had one crop. Plus she's owned by former Toranto Maple Leaf, Curtis Joseph.)
Anyway I hope everybody has a wonderful and safe weekend! I will be back on Sunday night with a recap then the Met Mile vault will be begining.
Monmouth Park - May 22, 2010
Race 5 - 2:50 PM Win, Place and Show Exacta, Trifecta and 10-Cent Superfecta Daily Double (Races 5-6)/Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7)
STAKES Decathlon S.
Purse $100,000. For Three-Year-Olds And Upward. No fee to nominate, $600 to pass the entry box with starters to receive a minimum of $1,500 each. Three-Year-Olds: 117 Lbs.; Older: 123 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000 twice since February 15 allowed 2 Lbs.; $45,000 in 2010, 4 Lbs.; $30,000 since April 1 or a sweepstakes in 2010, 6 Lbs. (Maiden, claiming and starter races not considered.) The winning owner to receive a trophy. Closed Friday, May 14, 2010 with 20 nominations. A $400 supplemental nomination was made at time of entry, Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Six Furlongs.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Lit'sgoodlookngray (CA) 6/G L* G K Gomez 117 R B Hess, Jr. 5/1
2 2 Tommy's Memory (FL) 4/G L D D Amiss 121 A J Ryan 8/1
3 3 Congressional Page (KY) 5/G L* C H Marquez, Jr. 117 M J Trombetta 4/1
4 4 Mannington (FL) 5/G L E Trujillo 121 T M Pompay 9/2
5 5 Go Go Shoot (FL) 5/G L J R Velazquez 117 T A Pletcher 2/1
6 6 Mr. Fantasy (NY) 4/C L E Castro 117 M E Hushion 3/1
7 7 At the Disco (NJ) 6/H L P Lopez 117 M Hartmann 15/1
This is Go Go Shoot's (aka Basket) first race in the Pletcher barn and this is his first start of the year. Mr. Fantasy is always there at the end. Congressional Page will be tough, but I really haven't heard of the other horses. This is Basket's race to lose, he loves Monmouth and it should set him up for a good showing at Saratoga in the Vanderbilt (hopefully!).
Top three:
Go Go Shoot (BASKET!!!!!)
Mr. Fantasy (won't be suprised if he wins)
Mannington (just for his name)
Up in Canada on Sunday:
Woodbine - May 23, 2010
Race 6 - 3:25 PM Exactor / Triactor / Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8)
STAKES La Lorgnette S.
Purse $150,000. (Plus $50,000 – State Bred). For Three-Year-Old Fillies. By subscription of $150 each which shall accompany the nomination and an additional $1,500 when making entry. The purse to be divided: 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 11% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth. Weight: 123 Lbs. Non-winners of a Sweepstakes of $60,000 twice at a mile or over, allowed 3 Lbs.; Of a Sweepstakes of $60,000 once at a mile or over, 5 Lbs.; Of a Sweepstakes of $60,000 at any distance, 7 Lbs. (Maiden or claiming races not considered.) (No Canadian Bred Allowance.) Final entries to be made through the entry box at the closing time then in effect for overnight events. A supplemental nomination may be made no later than the time of final entry, by a non-refundable fee of $3,000, which includes the entry fee. * Plus up to $16,200 Ontario Sired/Ontario Bred Breeder Awards. One And One Sixteenth Miles. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Biofuel (KY) 3/F L E R Da Silva 120 R Baker 9/5
2 2 Moment of Majesty (ON) 3/F L R C Landry 116 S Leslie 10/1
3 3 Ernfold (ON) 3/F L* J McAleney 116 R L Attfield 2/1
4 4 Tee Game (ON) 3/F L S Callaghan 116 M J Doyle 8/1
5 5 Empire Spring (KY) 3/F L P Husbands 116 C Clement 6/1
6 6 Redverse (KY) 3/F L E Ramsammy 116 J Carroll 4/1
7 7 Witch's Coven (KY) 3/F L E Wilson 116 D R Bell 15/1
This is an interesting race, because all but three are ineligble for the Woodbine Oaks. However, last year's 2-3 went 1-2 in the Oaks (Milwakee Appeal and Tasty Temptation) before going 3-4 in the Queen's Plate. This is Biofuel's race to lose however, I think a horse who is being over looked is Empire Spring. She's by Empire Maker out of a Strivinsky mare Our Rite of Spring who won a small stakes at Aqueduct a few years ago. I should note that Our Rite of Spring is a half sister to Hard Spun, so a little bit of bias is upcoming in my picks. Yes it took a while to break her maiden, but the 2 of the 3 (not sure about the third) winners went on to be graded stakes winners (the late The Mailet and Crisp respectivly). The times she's been out of the top three, she's finished 4th one of those times being nosed out for third. A win here will be huge, especially against Biofuel, but I think she can do it. For third I'm going with Moment of Majesty.
Top Three:
Empire Spring (Hard Spun's niece does her uncle proud)
Biofuel (IMO a little bit overrated as she either wins or fails to finish in the top 3, class keeps her in the top three in this race)
Moment of Majesty (a little bit of a coin flip as I wanted to include one of the CAN breds, and she seemed to be the best of the three choices, besides she's by Saint Liam so she's a rare one as he sadly only had one crop. Plus she's owned by former Toranto Maple Leaf, Curtis Joseph.)
Anyway I hope everybody has a wonderful and safe weekend! I will be back on Sunday night with a recap then the Met Mile vault will be begining.
March 12, 2010
Rachel and Zenyatta... Need I Say More?
The day has finally come, tomorrow two future Hall of Famers make their four and six year old debuts respectivly. The big question is, will Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta win their races? Dispite going up against crummy fields there are worries for both that they could lose. Lets look at the fields and see:
10th (5:15)
New Orleans Ladies S.
1 1/16 Miles | Fillies and Mares | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $200,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Fighter Wing Lanerie C J Geier Greg 117 L 15-1
2 2 Rachel Alexandra Borel C H Asmussen Steven M 123 L 1-5
3 3 Zardana (BRZ) Flores D R Shirreffs John 121 L 5-1
4 4 Unforgotten Mena M Stewart Dallas 117 L 15-1
5 5 Clear Sailing Sellers S J Delahoussaye Glenn 117 L 6-1
At first glance you are say, plesh Rachel should handle this fillies with ease. Well... she probley will, but there are a few concerns. 1. She's coming into this race at 80%, and this is not a guarenteed win. 2. Zardana, humm that sounds like Zenyatta. Actually Zardana is not owned by the Moss', but by Arnold Zelcher of Gabby's Golden Gal fame. 3. There is other speed in the race setting up for Clear Sailing who is a closer like her dad Empire Maker.
But Zardana and Clear Sailing are not the two I'm the most worried about. It's Fighter Wing and Unforgotten, they could decide that they want to win tomorrow. This is not an easy race for Rachel, but she should beat this fillies and set up a showdown next month. Everybody else needs a win to earn an invite to the AB.
7th (3:37)
Santa Margarita Invitational H. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) | Fillies and Mares | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $250,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Dance to My Tune Garcia M Hollendorfer Jerry 111 L 50-1
2 2 Pretty Katherine Rosario J Hollendorfer Jerry 111 L 50-1
3 3 Made for Magic Berrio O A Avila A C 111 L 50-1
4 4 Pretty Unusual Sutherland C Abrams Barry 113 L 12-1
5 5 Striking Dancer Solis A McPeek Kenneth G 115 L 8-1
6 6 Powerofvoodoo Kaplan T Abrams Barry 108 L 50-1
7 7 Gripsholm Castle Espinoza V Cecil B D A 112 L 12-1
8 8 Zenyatta Smith M E Shirreffs John 127 L 1-9
9 9 Floating Heart Talamo J Pletcher Todd A 111 L 12-1
Like Rachel, on paper this is a walk in a park for Z. Post Postition shouldn't really hurt her because she'll be coming from the back of the pack anyway. But look at the weights, they range from 115 to 108. Z is carring 127. I have this gut feeling that she's going to lose tomorrow, I don't know to who, but that feeling inside me says she is. That being said, I do hope and think she'll win tomorrow to set up the showdown for next month.
The beauty of horse racing is that on any given day, someone can show up and win. Just ask Jim Dandy, Upset, Onion, Silmiril, Giacomo, Mine That Bird, etc. Rach and Z only need to have their B game to win, where as I think everybody else needs to have their A plus game to have a chance to finish first. Still, finishing second or third behind two of the greatest female race horses is not a bad placement.
A great weekend of racing! To cap it off, on Sunday on CBS there is a show called Undercover Boss. It's where heads of large bussiness' go undercover into the bowels basically of the company (previous CEO's include the heads of White Castle, Hooters and Waste Management). This Sunday, the COO of Churchill Downs Inc., Bill Carstanjen is the lastest to go undercover. I think the filming for his episode was done at Arlington and Calder. A weekend recap will be on Monday and Tuesday a recap of Sunday's Undercover Boss.
10th (5:15)
New Orleans Ladies S.
1 1/16 Miles | Fillies and Mares | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $200,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Fighter Wing Lanerie C J Geier Greg 117 L 15-1
2 2 Rachel Alexandra Borel C H Asmussen Steven M 123 L 1-5
3 3 Zardana (BRZ) Flores D R Shirreffs John 121 L 5-1
4 4 Unforgotten Mena M Stewart Dallas 117 L 15-1
5 5 Clear Sailing Sellers S J Delahoussaye Glenn 117 L 6-1
At first glance you are say, plesh Rachel should handle this fillies with ease. Well... she probley will, but there are a few concerns. 1. She's coming into this race at 80%, and this is not a guarenteed win. 2. Zardana, humm that sounds like Zenyatta. Actually Zardana is not owned by the Moss', but by Arnold Zelcher of Gabby's Golden Gal fame. 3. There is other speed in the race setting up for Clear Sailing who is a closer like her dad Empire Maker.
But Zardana and Clear Sailing are not the two I'm the most worried about. It's Fighter Wing and Unforgotten, they could decide that they want to win tomorrow. This is not an easy race for Rachel, but she should beat this fillies and set up a showdown next month. Everybody else needs a win to earn an invite to the AB.
7th (3:37)
Santa Margarita Invitational H. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) | Fillies and Mares | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $250,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Dance to My Tune Garcia M Hollendorfer Jerry 111 L 50-1
2 2 Pretty Katherine Rosario J Hollendorfer Jerry 111 L 50-1
3 3 Made for Magic Berrio O A Avila A C 111 L 50-1
4 4 Pretty Unusual Sutherland C Abrams Barry 113 L 12-1
5 5 Striking Dancer Solis A McPeek Kenneth G 115 L 8-1
6 6 Powerofvoodoo Kaplan T Abrams Barry 108 L 50-1
7 7 Gripsholm Castle Espinoza V Cecil B D A 112 L 12-1
8 8 Zenyatta Smith M E Shirreffs John 127 L 1-9
9 9 Floating Heart Talamo J Pletcher Todd A 111 L 12-1
Like Rachel, on paper this is a walk in a park for Z. Post Postition shouldn't really hurt her because she'll be coming from the back of the pack anyway. But look at the weights, they range from 115 to 108. Z is carring 127. I have this gut feeling that she's going to lose tomorrow, I don't know to who, but that feeling inside me says she is. That being said, I do hope and think she'll win tomorrow to set up the showdown for next month.
The beauty of horse racing is that on any given day, someone can show up and win. Just ask Jim Dandy, Upset, Onion, Silmiril, Giacomo, Mine That Bird, etc. Rach and Z only need to have their B game to win, where as I think everybody else needs to have their A plus game to have a chance to finish first. Still, finishing second or third behind two of the greatest female race horses is not a bad placement.
A great weekend of racing! To cap it off, on Sunday on CBS there is a show called Undercover Boss. It's where heads of large bussiness' go undercover into the bowels basically of the company (previous CEO's include the heads of White Castle, Hooters and Waste Management). This Sunday, the COO of Churchill Downs Inc., Bill Carstanjen is the lastest to go undercover. I think the filming for his episode was done at Arlington and Calder. A weekend recap will be on Monday and Tuesday a recap of Sunday's Undercover Boss.
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 15, 2010
Weekend Preview
Well it's the weekend! And there are some great stakes races going on. The one stakes race that I wanted to preview tonight, the Smarty Jones, the field has not been set yet. So instead, I'm going to be doing Aqueduct, Santa Anita and Golden Gate stakes races. Oaklawn will make it's season debut next week.
First Saturday at Aqueduct:
Aqueduct - January 16, 2010
Race 3 - 1:26 PM Exacta, Trifecta, Pick 3 Races (3-5), Daily Double Wagers
STAKES Evening Attire S.
Purse $65,000. For Three Year Olds And Upward. No nomination fee. A supplemental nomination fee of $650 may be made by closing time of entries. $300 to pass the entry box and an additional $350 to start. All entrants will be required to pay entry and starting fees. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among the remaining finishers. Three Year Olds 116 Lbs. Older 123 Lbs. Non-winners of a Graded Sweepstakes since October 1, 2009 allowed 3 Lbs. A sweepstakes since June 1, 2009 allowed 5 Lbs. Four Races, 7 Lbs. (Maiden, Claiming, starter and restricted allowance races not considered in allowances). A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, January 2, 2010 with 23 Nominations. One And One Sixteenth Miles. (Inner track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Understatement (KY) 5/H L* D Cohen 116 T A Pletcher 3/5
1A 2 Well Positioned (ON) 4/C L R A Dominguez 116 R E Dutrow, Jr. 3/5
2 3 Ah Day (MD) 7/G L* S Russell 120 K T Leatherbury 4/1
3 4 More Than a Reason (KY) 5/H L C Hill 116 R Persaud 8/1
4 5 Storm Play (VA) 5/H L A R Napravnik 116 T A Pletcher 7/2
5 6 Bunker Hill (FL) 4/C L C C Lopez 120 D S Ryan 15/ 1
This is the stakes debut for Well Postioned, who was highley touted last year. He really hasn't been the same since losing to Take the Points (who showed that he wa no fluke by going on to win two G1's). I'm going with the old man in the field Ah Day, he's actually been on a bit of a tear lately and could be in good form.
Tomorrow at Golden Gate,
Golden Gate Fields - January 16, 2010
Race 8 - 4:22 PM $1 Exacta / $2 Quinella / $1 Trifecta / $1 Superfecta (.10 min) $2 Daily Double
STAKES California Derby
Purse $100,000. For Three Years Old. BY SUBSCRIPTION OF $50 EACH TO ACCOMPANY THE NOMINATION OR BY SUPPLEMENTARY NOMINATION OF $2,000 AT TIME OF ENTRY WHICH INCLUDES ALL FEES. $1,000 TO ENTER. Weight: 121 Lbs. Highest earnings preferred. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, January 9, 2010 with 16 nominations. One And One Sixteenth Miles. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Our Minesweeper (ID) 3/G L* F T Alvarado 121 M Lenzini 5/1
2 2 Connemara (KY) 3/C L* R A Baze 121 T A Pletcher 2/1
3 3 Thomas Baines (KY) 3/G L* M C Baze 121 D F O'Neill 7/2
4 4 Cahill Country (CA) 3/C L* I Beato 121 J Bonde 15/1
5 5 Ranger Heartley (KY) 3/G L* J A Garcia 121 J W Sadler 3/1
6 6 Shudacudawudya (CA) 3/C L* F Duran 121 L C Mason 4/
All eyes will be on Connemara, 3/4 brother to recently exported Derby runner up Lion Heart. From what I heard, Our Minesweeper is supposed to be a really good horse, and you don't see that many Idaho breds in big races. So he's my pick wiht Thomas Baines finishing second and Connemara third.
At Santa Anita Saturday, three stakes races.
Santa Anita Park - January 16, 2010
Race 3 - 1:32 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 3-4-5)
STAKES San Rafael S. (Grade III)
Purse $100,000. For Three-Year-Olds. By subscription of $100 each to accompany the nomination. Closed Thursday, January 7th, 2010. with zero. $1,000 additional to start with $100,000 guaranteed of which $60,000 to the winner, $20,000 to second, $12,000 to third, $6,000 to fourth and $2,000 to fifth. *Early bird nominees to the 2010 Santa Anita Derby (Closing Date Saturday, January 2, 2010) are automatically eligible to the San Rafael Stakes with all fees waived. Closed with 114. Weight: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $70,000at one mile or over allowed 3 Lbs.; $40,000 at any distance, 6 Lbs. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. One Mile. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Cardiff Giant (KY) 3/G L* V Espinoza 116 J Periban 6/1
2 2 Domonation (KY) 3/C L* J Rosario 116 J W Sadler 5/2
3 3 Conveyance (KY) 3/C L* G K Gomez 116 B Baffert 3/5
4 4 Lucky Rave (GB) 3/C L* A O Solis 116 P Eurton 8/1
5 5 Via Verde (KY) 3/R L* R Bejarano 116 J W Sadler 8/1
I don't really have a pick in this race. Conveyance is the one to beat in this race. I'll be honest the two horses that I think will be coming out of California are Lookin at Lucky and Interactif (that's right I said Interactif, but I'll get to why I think he will do well on the synth and the Derby trail this year in another post). Of course things can change quite a bit in a short amount of time. For right now, I find the Calforina circuit somewhat unappealing for males.
Santa Anita Park - January 16, 2010
Race 5 - 2:35 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 5-6-7) $1 Superfecta (.10 Min.)
STAKES Santa Ynez S. (Grade II)
Purse $150,000. For Fillies, Three Years Olds. By subscription of $150 each to accompany the nomination. Closed Thursday, January 7th, 2010 with 13. $1,500 additional to start, with $150,000 guaranteed, of which $90,000 to first, $30,000 to second, $18,000 to third, $9,000 to fourth and $3,000 to fifth. 121 Lbs. Winners of $50,000 twice to carry 2 Lbs. additional. Non-winners of $60,000 allowed 3 Lbs.; Non-winners of $35,000 anytime, 5 Lbs.; $25,000 since November 5, 7 Lbs. (Maiden and Claiming races not considered). Atrophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. Seven Furlongs. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Seriously (KY) 3/F L* V Espinoza 114 B Baffert 10/1
2 2 Franny Freud (NY) 3/F L G K Gomez 123 J P Terranova, II 5/2
3 3 Whispering Hush (CA) 3/F L* M E Smith 114 J E Kruljac 8/1
4 4 Amen Hallelujah (FL) 3/F L* C Sutherland 114 R E Dutrow, Jr. 3/1
5 5 She's Funomenal (KY) 3/F L* J Rosario 116 J Hollendorfer 9/5
6 6 Switch (KY) 3/F L* R Bejarano 114 J W Sadler 9/2
I like She's Funomenal in here. While she is probley not Blind Luck good, she could be a Careless Jewel type of filly. Franny Freud is making the cross country trip, but she is staying in the Baffert barn which is a bit of a plus.
Santa Anita Park - January 16, 2010
Race 7 - 3:37 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 7-8-9) $1 Superfecta (.10 Min.)
STAKES San Fernando S. (Grade II)
Purse $150,000. (Includes $75,000 – BC - Breeders' Cup). For Four-Year-Olds. By subscription of $150 each to accompany the nomination. Closed Thursday, January 7th, 2010 with 24. $1,500 additional to start with $75,000 guaranteed, and an additional $75,000 from the Breeders' Cup Fund for Cup nominees only. The host association's money to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 12% to tird, 6% to fourth and 2% to fifth. Breeders' Cup fund monies also correspondingly divided provided a Breeders' Cup nominee has finished in an awarded position. Any Breeders' Cup find monies not awarded will revert to the fund. 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $90,000 twice at one mile or over in 2009-10, allowed 2 Lbs.; non-winners of $90,000 at one mile or over in 2009-10 or $60,000 at any distance since December 25, 4 Lbs.; arace of $45,000 since July 1, 6 Lbs. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. . One And One Sixteenth Miles. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Smart Bid (PA) 4/C L* M E Smith 118 H G Motion 9/2
2 2 Viscount (KY) 4/C L* G K Gomez 116 B Baffert 6/1
3 3 Rendezvous (KY) 4/C L* R Bejarano 120 J Hollendorfer 9/2
4 4 Papa Clem (KY) 4/C L* T Baze 120 G Stute 3/1
5 5 Mr. Hot Stuff (KY) 4/C L* J Talamo 116 E G Harty 8/1
6 6 Mythical Power (KY) 4/C L* J Rosario 120 B Baffert 4/1
7 7 Gallant Son (KY) 4/C L* A O Solis 116 F Lucarelli 8/1
8 8 Quindici Man (KY) 4/C L V Espinoza 118 C A Lewis 10/1
Second leg of the Strub series, and honestly if either Papa Clem or Mr. Hot Stuff don't win this race then I don't know what. Smart Bid could make a challenge, but I think it's between last year's AR Derby winner and the younger brother to Col. John.
Sunday at Santa Anita:
Santa Anita Park - January 17, 2010
Race 8 - 4:07 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Superfecta (.10 Min.)
STAKES El Encino S. (Grade II)
Purse $150,000. For Fillies, Four Years Old. By subscription of $150 each to accompany the nomination or by supplementary nomination of $3,000 by time of entry, $1,500 additional to start, with $150,000 guaranteed, of which $90,000 to first, $30,000 to second, $18,000 to third, $9,000 to fourth and $3,000 to fifth. 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $90,000 twice at one mile or over in 2009-10, allowed 3 Lbs.; $90,000 at one mile or over in 2009-10 or $60,000 at any distance since October 1, 5 Lbs.; $35,000 anytime, 7 Lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered). Starters to be named through the entry box by the closing time of entries. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. One And One Sixteenth Miles. (All Weather Track)
PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 Rose Diamond (IRE) 4/F L* J Talamo 115 P L Biancone
2 Pretty Unusual (CA) 4/F L* C Sutherland 119 B Abrams
3 Will O Way (KY) 4/F L* A Quinonez 117 V Cerin
4 Dave's Revenge (KY) 4/F L* B Blanc 115 R B Hess, Jr.
5 Eloquently (GB) 4/F L* D R Flores 115 J W Sadler
6 Gumption (KY) 4/F L* J Valdivia, Jr. 115 B Headley
7 Stardom Bound (KY) 4/F L M E Smith 122 R E Dutrow, Jr.
8 Dream Empress (KY) 4/F L* T Baze 117 K G McPeek
9 Justwhistledixie (KY) 4/F L G K Gomez 122 W I Mott
10 Gilded Gem (KY) 4/F L* V Espinoza 115 B Baffert
11 Spirit Seeker (KY) 4/F L* J Rosario 115 J Hollendorfer
12 Best Lass (PA) 4/F L* A O Solis 117 K G McPeek
13 Freedom Star (KY) 4/F L* M Garcia 115 B Baffert
The second leg of the La Canada series. On paper, Stardom Bound, Dream Empress and Justwhistledixie are the standouts, however I feel that two of them have seen the last of their better days. Keep in mind, Stardom Bound was supposed to be the star of last year, Dream Empress was a G1 winner as a 2yo and Justwhistledixie was supposed to be "Alydar" to Rachel Alexandra's "Affirmed". Dixie is making the cross country trip which is somewhat suspect, but so is Stardom Bound. I'm going with Glided Gem, she's 2 for 2 and could be the heir apperent for West Coast older females. Keep in mind, 2 years ago a filly by Street Cry came into this race with only 2 races under her belt. Of course that filly, had a little bit more fanfair as she was the kid sister to G1 winner Balance. However, I would say that she went onto have a good career, I mean she won the Lady's Secret, Vanaity, Apple Blossom, Clement L. Hirish, Milady and BC Ladies Classic in her career. Am I missing a race? Humm I wonder, oh yeah a little race I like to call the BC Classic. Am I saying that Glided Gem is going to be the next Zenyatta? No, I'm not. However they both came/are coming into the race a little bit under the radar.
A few notes before I wrap up the post for tonight, the weekend recap will be on Sunday instead of Monday due to the holiday and the fact that the Eclipse Awards are also on Monday. Don't forget that there will be a live chat Monday starting at 7pm EST. I'm looking for panalists to be part of the chat, if you are interested DM (Direct Message) me on twitter. My screen name is tbchat on there. There will be an Eclipse wrapup on Tuesday and then I'll be taking a few days off to get ready for next weekend.
First Saturday at Aqueduct:
Aqueduct - January 16, 2010
Race 3 - 1:26 PM Exacta, Trifecta, Pick 3 Races (3-5), Daily Double Wagers
STAKES Evening Attire S.
Purse $65,000. For Three Year Olds And Upward. No nomination fee. A supplemental nomination fee of $650 may be made by closing time of entries. $300 to pass the entry box and an additional $350 to start. All entrants will be required to pay entry and starting fees. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% divided equally among the remaining finishers. Three Year Olds 116 Lbs. Older 123 Lbs. Non-winners of a Graded Sweepstakes since October 1, 2009 allowed 3 Lbs. A sweepstakes since June 1, 2009 allowed 5 Lbs. Four Races, 7 Lbs. (Maiden, Claiming, starter and restricted allowance races not considered in allowances). A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, January 2, 2010 with 23 Nominations. One And One Sixteenth Miles. (Inner track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Understatement (KY) 5/H L* D Cohen 116 T A Pletcher 3/5
1A 2 Well Positioned (ON) 4/C L R A Dominguez 116 R E Dutrow, Jr. 3/5
2 3 Ah Day (MD) 7/G L* S Russell 120 K T Leatherbury 4/1
3 4 More Than a Reason (KY) 5/H L C Hill 116 R Persaud 8/1
4 5 Storm Play (VA) 5/H L A R Napravnik 116 T A Pletcher 7/2
5 6 Bunker Hill (FL) 4/C L C C Lopez 120 D S Ryan 15/ 1
This is the stakes debut for Well Postioned, who was highley touted last year. He really hasn't been the same since losing to Take the Points (who showed that he wa no fluke by going on to win two G1's). I'm going with the old man in the field Ah Day, he's actually been on a bit of a tear lately and could be in good form.
Tomorrow at Golden Gate,
Golden Gate Fields - January 16, 2010
Race 8 - 4:22 PM $1 Exacta / $2 Quinella / $1 Trifecta / $1 Superfecta (.10 min) $2 Daily Double
STAKES California Derby
Purse $100,000. For Three Years Old. BY SUBSCRIPTION OF $50 EACH TO ACCOMPANY THE NOMINATION OR BY SUPPLEMENTARY NOMINATION OF $2,000 AT TIME OF ENTRY WHICH INCLUDES ALL FEES. $1,000 TO ENTER. Weight: 121 Lbs. Highest earnings preferred. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, January 9, 2010 with 16 nominations. One And One Sixteenth Miles. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Our Minesweeper (ID) 3/G L* F T Alvarado 121 M Lenzini 5/1
2 2 Connemara (KY) 3/C L* R A Baze 121 T A Pletcher 2/1
3 3 Thomas Baines (KY) 3/G L* M C Baze 121 D F O'Neill 7/2
4 4 Cahill Country (CA) 3/C L* I Beato 121 J Bonde 15/1
5 5 Ranger Heartley (KY) 3/G L* J A Garcia 121 J W Sadler 3/1
6 6 Shudacudawudya (CA) 3/C L* F Duran 121 L C Mason 4/
All eyes will be on Connemara, 3/4 brother to recently exported Derby runner up Lion Heart. From what I heard, Our Minesweeper is supposed to be a really good horse, and you don't see that many Idaho breds in big races. So he's my pick wiht Thomas Baines finishing second and Connemara third.
At Santa Anita Saturday, three stakes races.
Santa Anita Park - January 16, 2010
Race 3 - 1:32 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 3-4-5)
STAKES San Rafael S. (Grade III)
Purse $100,000. For Three-Year-Olds. By subscription of $100 each to accompany the nomination. Closed Thursday, January 7th, 2010. with zero. $1,000 additional to start with $100,000 guaranteed of which $60,000 to the winner, $20,000 to second, $12,000 to third, $6,000 to fourth and $2,000 to fifth. *Early bird nominees to the 2010 Santa Anita Derby (Closing Date Saturday, January 2, 2010) are automatically eligible to the San Rafael Stakes with all fees waived. Closed with 114. Weight: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $70,000at one mile or over allowed 3 Lbs.; $40,000 at any distance, 6 Lbs. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. One Mile. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Cardiff Giant (KY) 3/G L* V Espinoza 116 J Periban 6/1
2 2 Domonation (KY) 3/C L* J Rosario 116 J W Sadler 5/2
3 3 Conveyance (KY) 3/C L* G K Gomez 116 B Baffert 3/5
4 4 Lucky Rave (GB) 3/C L* A O Solis 116 P Eurton 8/1
5 5 Via Verde (KY) 3/R L* R Bejarano 116 J W Sadler 8/1
I don't really have a pick in this race. Conveyance is the one to beat in this race. I'll be honest the two horses that I think will be coming out of California are Lookin at Lucky and Interactif (that's right I said Interactif, but I'll get to why I think he will do well on the synth and the Derby trail this year in another post). Of course things can change quite a bit in a short amount of time. For right now, I find the Calforina circuit somewhat unappealing for males.
Santa Anita Park - January 16, 2010
Race 5 - 2:35 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 5-6-7) $1 Superfecta (.10 Min.)
STAKES Santa Ynez S. (Grade II)
Purse $150,000. For Fillies, Three Years Olds. By subscription of $150 each to accompany the nomination. Closed Thursday, January 7th, 2010 with 13. $1,500 additional to start, with $150,000 guaranteed, of which $90,000 to first, $30,000 to second, $18,000 to third, $9,000 to fourth and $3,000 to fifth. 121 Lbs. Winners of $50,000 twice to carry 2 Lbs. additional. Non-winners of $60,000 allowed 3 Lbs.; Non-winners of $35,000 anytime, 5 Lbs.; $25,000 since November 5, 7 Lbs. (Maiden and Claiming races not considered). Atrophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. Seven Furlongs. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Seriously (KY) 3/F L* V Espinoza 114 B Baffert 10/1
2 2 Franny Freud (NY) 3/F L G K Gomez 123 J P Terranova, II 5/2
3 3 Whispering Hush (CA) 3/F L* M E Smith 114 J E Kruljac 8/1
4 4 Amen Hallelujah (FL) 3/F L* C Sutherland 114 R E Dutrow, Jr. 3/1
5 5 She's Funomenal (KY) 3/F L* J Rosario 116 J Hollendorfer 9/5
6 6 Switch (KY) 3/F L* R Bejarano 114 J W Sadler 9/2
I like She's Funomenal in here. While she is probley not Blind Luck good, she could be a Careless Jewel type of filly. Franny Freud is making the cross country trip, but she is staying in the Baffert barn which is a bit of a plus.
Santa Anita Park - January 16, 2010
Race 7 - 3:37 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 7-8-9) $1 Superfecta (.10 Min.)
STAKES San Fernando S. (Grade II)
Purse $150,000. (Includes $75,000 – BC - Breeders' Cup). For Four-Year-Olds. By subscription of $150 each to accompany the nomination. Closed Thursday, January 7th, 2010 with 24. $1,500 additional to start with $75,000 guaranteed, and an additional $75,000 from the Breeders' Cup Fund for Cup nominees only. The host association's money to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 12% to tird, 6% to fourth and 2% to fifth. Breeders' Cup fund monies also correspondingly divided provided a Breeders' Cup nominee has finished in an awarded position. Any Breeders' Cup find monies not awarded will revert to the fund. 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $90,000 twice at one mile or over in 2009-10, allowed 2 Lbs.; non-winners of $90,000 at one mile or over in 2009-10 or $60,000 at any distance since December 25, 4 Lbs.; arace of $45,000 since July 1, 6 Lbs. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. . One And One Sixteenth Miles. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Smart Bid (PA) 4/C L* M E Smith 118 H G Motion 9/2
2 2 Viscount (KY) 4/C L* G K Gomez 116 B Baffert 6/1
3 3 Rendezvous (KY) 4/C L* R Bejarano 120 J Hollendorfer 9/2
4 4 Papa Clem (KY) 4/C L* T Baze 120 G Stute 3/1
5 5 Mr. Hot Stuff (KY) 4/C L* J Talamo 116 E G Harty 8/1
6 6 Mythical Power (KY) 4/C L* J Rosario 120 B Baffert 4/1
7 7 Gallant Son (KY) 4/C L* A O Solis 116 F Lucarelli 8/1
8 8 Quindici Man (KY) 4/C L V Espinoza 118 C A Lewis 10/1
Second leg of the Strub series, and honestly if either Papa Clem or Mr. Hot Stuff don't win this race then I don't know what. Smart Bid could make a challenge, but I think it's between last year's AR Derby winner and the younger brother to Col. John.
Sunday at Santa Anita:
Santa Anita Park - January 17, 2010
Race 8 - 4:07 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Superfecta (.10 Min.)
STAKES El Encino S. (Grade II)
Purse $150,000. For Fillies, Four Years Old. By subscription of $150 each to accompany the nomination or by supplementary nomination of $3,000 by time of entry, $1,500 additional to start, with $150,000 guaranteed, of which $90,000 to first, $30,000 to second, $18,000 to third, $9,000 to fourth and $3,000 to fifth. 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $90,000 twice at one mile or over in 2009-10, allowed 3 Lbs.; $90,000 at one mile or over in 2009-10 or $60,000 at any distance since October 1, 5 Lbs.; $35,000 anytime, 7 Lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered). Starters to be named through the entry box by the closing time of entries. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. One And One Sixteenth Miles. (All Weather Track)
PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 Rose Diamond (IRE) 4/F L* J Talamo 115 P L Biancone
2 Pretty Unusual (CA) 4/F L* C Sutherland 119 B Abrams
3 Will O Way (KY) 4/F L* A Quinonez 117 V Cerin
4 Dave's Revenge (KY) 4/F L* B Blanc 115 R B Hess, Jr.
5 Eloquently (GB) 4/F L* D R Flores 115 J W Sadler
6 Gumption (KY) 4/F L* J Valdivia, Jr. 115 B Headley
7 Stardom Bound (KY) 4/F L M E Smith 122 R E Dutrow, Jr.
8 Dream Empress (KY) 4/F L* T Baze 117 K G McPeek
9 Justwhistledixie (KY) 4/F L G K Gomez 122 W I Mott
10 Gilded Gem (KY) 4/F L* V Espinoza 115 B Baffert
11 Spirit Seeker (KY) 4/F L* J Rosario 115 J Hollendorfer
12 Best Lass (PA) 4/F L* A O Solis 117 K G McPeek
13 Freedom Star (KY) 4/F L* M Garcia 115 B Baffert
The second leg of the La Canada series. On paper, Stardom Bound, Dream Empress and Justwhistledixie are the standouts, however I feel that two of them have seen the last of their better days. Keep in mind, Stardom Bound was supposed to be the star of last year, Dream Empress was a G1 winner as a 2yo and Justwhistledixie was supposed to be "Alydar" to Rachel Alexandra's "Affirmed". Dixie is making the cross country trip which is somewhat suspect, but so is Stardom Bound. I'm going with Glided Gem, she's 2 for 2 and could be the heir apperent for West Coast older females. Keep in mind, 2 years ago a filly by Street Cry came into this race with only 2 races under her belt. Of course that filly, had a little bit more fanfair as she was the kid sister to G1 winner Balance. However, I would say that she went onto have a good career, I mean she won the Lady's Secret, Vanaity, Apple Blossom, Clement L. Hirish, Milady and BC Ladies Classic in her career. Am I missing a race? Humm I wonder, oh yeah a little race I like to call the BC Classic. Am I saying that Glided Gem is going to be the next Zenyatta? No, I'm not. However they both came/are coming into the race a little bit under the radar.
A few notes before I wrap up the post for tonight, the weekend recap will be on Sunday instead of Monday due to the holiday and the fact that the Eclipse Awards are also on Monday. Don't forget that there will be a live chat Monday starting at 7pm EST. I'm looking for panalists to be part of the chat, if you are interested DM (Direct Message) me on twitter. My screen name is tbchat on there. There will be an Eclipse wrapup on Tuesday and then I'll be taking a few days off to get ready for next weekend.
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!
November 3, 2009
Breeder's Cup Fields (Part 1)
Welcome to Part 1 of a three part field coverage for the 2009 Breeder's Cup. This year there are 14 races over two days at Oak Tree at Santa Anita in Arcadia, California. Here are the first five fields that I will be talking about over the course of three days. Also I will give how I would play each race betting wise. I may or may not play them though.
Marathon
1 Black Astor, Alex Solis, 12-1
2 Muhannak (IRE), Ryan Moore, 12-1
3 Nite Light, John Velazquez, 4-1
4 Cloudy's Knight, R. Homeister, 8-1
5 Father Time (GB), Eddie Ahern, 3-1
6 Mastery (GB), L. Dettori, 9/5
7 Sir Dave, Joel Rosario, 20-1
8 Eldaafer, R. Bejarano, 30-1
9 Man of Iron, John Murtagh, 8-1
10 Gangbuster, Kent Desormeaux, 30-1
While Mastery more then likely will off as the post time favorite, I'm going against him in this race. There are two horses in the race, I'm picking for their pedigrees. The first is Nite Light, a son of Thunder Gulch the 1995 KY Derby and Belmont Stakes winner out of 1991 KY Oaks winner Lite Light who in turn spoiled Meadow Star's chance at the Triple Tiara in the CCA Oaks when that race was a mile and a half. The second is a Euro named Man of Iron, who is by 2000 BC Classic runner up Giant's Causeway out of the Deputy Minister mare Better Than Honour. This makes Man of Iron a half brother to 2006 Belmont winner Jazil, 2008 Peter Pan winner Casino Drive and 2007 KY Oaks and Belmont winner Rags to Riches. Keep an eye on Cloudy's Knight to possibly be there in the end. I'm throwing out Muhannak who has done nothing since he won the Marathon last year, and my dark horse is Father Time as I think Nite Light may take more money then he will.
Who I want to win: Nite Light, Man of Iron, Cloudy's Knight
Who I think will win: Father Time, Mastery, Man of Iron
How I'll play it: Nite Light/Man of Iron exacta, Father Time $2 across the board
Dark Horse: Father Time
Filly & Mare Sprint
1 Free Flying Soul, Mike Smith, 50-1
2 Sara Louise, L. Dettori, 9/2
3 Game Face, E. Prado, 10-1
4 Only Green (IRE), O. Peslier, 20-1
5 Silver Swallow, Alex Solis, 30-1
6 Evita Argentina, J. Rosario, 20-1
7 Informed Decision, J. Leparous, 5/2
8 Seventh Street, Rajiv Maragh, 4-1
9 Ventura, Garret Gomez, 8/5
This race betting wise is wide open, as anybody can win this. However, I see only four horses winning. I personally would love to see Ventura win this race, however I'm going to bet against her this race. I'm going to bet Sara Louise, Game Face, and Evita Argentina, all three horses are coming a bit under the radar for a few reasons. Sara Louise, the last horse to beat Rachel Alexandra was second last time out against Indian Blessing. Game Face is coming off a bit of a layoff, but did win the Princess Rooney this year at Calder, Evita Argentina beat the boys in a stakes race over the course earlier this year. My dark horse in this race is Seventh Street, she won the Apple Blossom and Go For Wand. She maybe better at least a mile, but she could suprise people here.
Who I want to win: Ventura, Sara Louise, Evita Argentina
Who I think will win: Ventura, Informed Decision
How I'll play it: Sara Louise/Game Face/Evita Argentina trifecta, Sara Louise $4 win, place, Seventh Street $2 win
Dark Horse: Seventh Street
Juvenile Fillies
1 Zilva, Jeremy Rose, 30-1
2 Ms Vanenzza, Joseph Rocco Jr., 30-1
3 Blind Luck, T. Baze, 3-1
4 Beautician, R. Albarado, 6-1
5 Bickersons, Joel Rosario, 20-1
6 Connie and Michael, K. Desormeaux, 4-1
7 Devil May Care, J. Velazquez, 8-1
8 She Be Wild, J. Leparoux, 8-1
9 Champagne d'Oro, Martin Garcia, 50-1
10 Negligee, Rajiv Maragh, 6-1
11 Always a Princess, G. Gomez, 6-1
12 Biofuel, E. Da Silva, 15-1
My heart says that Ms Vanenzza as she won her prep the Blue Hen Stakes at Delaware Park, but I'm going with She Be Wild. She was second in the Alcibides last time out, but before that she won Arlington's Lassie Stakes at 8-1 she could be a steal. Negligee is a horse, I'm tossing but I wouldn't be suprised if she turns out to be a great 3yo. Blind Luck inherated top billing after the retirement of Mi Sueno and the no show Hot Dixie Chick. Champagne d'Oro faced the boys, but did not do well at all. Hopefully she improves in this race, but I don't think she'll win. The buzz horse is Connie and Michael, who I may go against and instead go with Devil May Care. Unfortanlly this race is lacking an Awesome Maria, Hot Dixie Chick and Dattt Echo, okay so the latter is just a maiden winner, but I think she may have done well in this race.
Who I want to win: She Be Wild, Ms Vanenzza
Who I think will win: Negligee, Blind Luck, She Be Wild
How I'm playing it: $2 across the board She Be Wild
Dark Horse: Ms Vanenzza
Sprint
1 Zensational, V. Espinoza, 7/5
2 Cost of Freedom, T. Baze, 20-1
3 Fatal Bullet, E. Da Silva, 9/2
4 Crown of Thorns, R. Bejarano, 12-1
5 Gayego, G. Gomez, 5/2
6 Dancing in Silks, J. Rosario, 12-1
7 Join in the Dance, J. Velazquez, 30-1
8 Capt. Candyman Can, J. Castellano, 15-1
9 Fleeting Spirit (IRE), L. Dettori, 8-1
This is a battle of Egypt vs UAE, Zensational who is owned by a Egyptian national vs Gayego, owned by the Ruler of Dubai. However, I'm not choosing either of them. Instead I'm going with Capt. Candyman Can, who won the King's Bishop via DQ and Join in the Dance who was second in the Tampa Bay Derby behind Musket Man earlier this year. Fleeting Spirit while used to facing the boys, however she is running on a non turf surface for the first time. With that being said, she does have one of the best jockeys in the World on her. Hopefully she and Frankie can get a clear shot and suprise people, especially since girls do pretty well in the Sprint.
Who I want to win: Capt. Candyman Can, Fleeting Spirit, Join in the Dance
Who I think will win: Zenzastional, Capt. Candyman Can, Gayego
How I'm playing it: Capt. Candyman Can/Fleeting Spirit/Join in the Dance trifecta, Fleeting Spirit/Zenzastional exacta
Dark Horse: Fatal Bullet
Juvenile Fillies Turf
1 Potosina, J. Velazquez, 20-1
2 Elusive Galaxy (IRE), R. Bejarano, 12-1
3 Smart Seattle, 8-1
4 Rose Catherine, J. Castellano, 8-1
5 La Nez, Mike Smith, 20-1
6 Jungle Tale, S. Bridgmohan, 15-1
7 House of Grace, Michael Luzzi, 4-1
8 Lillie Langtry, J. Murtagh, 3-1
9 Hatheer, Alan Garcia, 10-1
10 Tapitsfly, Robby Albarado, 8-1
11 Junia Tepzia (IRE), K. Fallon, 8-1
12 Lisa's Kitten, J. Leparoux, 12-1
Unfortnally I don't know alot about the horses, however I'm going with Lillie Langtry who looks like she could be something special next year for the Euros. Lisa's Kitten won last time out in Texas, and House of Grace looks like she could be some value. Unfortnally the horse I really wanted to see in the race, Dad's Crazy is an AE and unlikley to make the field.
Who I want to win: Lillie Langtry
Who I think will win: Lillie Langtry
Not going to play this race
Dark Horse: Tapitsfly
I hope you enjoyed Part 1, tomorrow Part 2 with five more races, and then on Thurs the final four races.
Marathon
1 Black Astor, Alex Solis, 12-1
2 Muhannak (IRE), Ryan Moore, 12-1
3 Nite Light, John Velazquez, 4-1
4 Cloudy's Knight, R. Homeister, 8-1
5 Father Time (GB), Eddie Ahern, 3-1
6 Mastery (GB), L. Dettori, 9/5
7 Sir Dave, Joel Rosario, 20-1
8 Eldaafer, R. Bejarano, 30-1
9 Man of Iron, John Murtagh, 8-1
10 Gangbuster, Kent Desormeaux, 30-1
While Mastery more then likely will off as the post time favorite, I'm going against him in this race. There are two horses in the race, I'm picking for their pedigrees. The first is Nite Light, a son of Thunder Gulch the 1995 KY Derby and Belmont Stakes winner out of 1991 KY Oaks winner Lite Light who in turn spoiled Meadow Star's chance at the Triple Tiara in the CCA Oaks when that race was a mile and a half. The second is a Euro named Man of Iron, who is by 2000 BC Classic runner up Giant's Causeway out of the Deputy Minister mare Better Than Honour. This makes Man of Iron a half brother to 2006 Belmont winner Jazil, 2008 Peter Pan winner Casino Drive and 2007 KY Oaks and Belmont winner Rags to Riches. Keep an eye on Cloudy's Knight to possibly be there in the end. I'm throwing out Muhannak who has done nothing since he won the Marathon last year, and my dark horse is Father Time as I think Nite Light may take more money then he will.
Who I want to win: Nite Light, Man of Iron, Cloudy's Knight
Who I think will win: Father Time, Mastery, Man of Iron
How I'll play it: Nite Light/Man of Iron exacta, Father Time $2 across the board
Dark Horse: Father Time
Filly & Mare Sprint
1 Free Flying Soul, Mike Smith, 50-1
2 Sara Louise, L. Dettori, 9/2
3 Game Face, E. Prado, 10-1
4 Only Green (IRE), O. Peslier, 20-1
5 Silver Swallow, Alex Solis, 30-1
6 Evita Argentina, J. Rosario, 20-1
7 Informed Decision, J. Leparous, 5/2
8 Seventh Street, Rajiv Maragh, 4-1
9 Ventura, Garret Gomez, 8/5
This race betting wise is wide open, as anybody can win this. However, I see only four horses winning. I personally would love to see Ventura win this race, however I'm going to bet against her this race. I'm going to bet Sara Louise, Game Face, and Evita Argentina, all three horses are coming a bit under the radar for a few reasons. Sara Louise, the last horse to beat Rachel Alexandra was second last time out against Indian Blessing. Game Face is coming off a bit of a layoff, but did win the Princess Rooney this year at Calder, Evita Argentina beat the boys in a stakes race over the course earlier this year. My dark horse in this race is Seventh Street, she won the Apple Blossom and Go For Wand. She maybe better at least a mile, but she could suprise people here.
Who I want to win: Ventura, Sara Louise, Evita Argentina
Who I think will win: Ventura, Informed Decision
How I'll play it: Sara Louise/Game Face/Evita Argentina trifecta, Sara Louise $4 win, place, Seventh Street $2 win
Dark Horse: Seventh Street
Juvenile Fillies
1 Zilva, Jeremy Rose, 30-1
2 Ms Vanenzza, Joseph Rocco Jr., 30-1
3 Blind Luck, T. Baze, 3-1
4 Beautician, R. Albarado, 6-1
5 Bickersons, Joel Rosario, 20-1
6 Connie and Michael, K. Desormeaux, 4-1
7 Devil May Care, J. Velazquez, 8-1
8 She Be Wild, J. Leparoux, 8-1
9 Champagne d'Oro, Martin Garcia, 50-1
10 Negligee, Rajiv Maragh, 6-1
11 Always a Princess, G. Gomez, 6-1
12 Biofuel, E. Da Silva, 15-1
My heart says that Ms Vanenzza as she won her prep the Blue Hen Stakes at Delaware Park, but I'm going with She Be Wild. She was second in the Alcibides last time out, but before that she won Arlington's Lassie Stakes at 8-1 she could be a steal. Negligee is a horse, I'm tossing but I wouldn't be suprised if she turns out to be a great 3yo. Blind Luck inherated top billing after the retirement of Mi Sueno and the no show Hot Dixie Chick. Champagne d'Oro faced the boys, but did not do well at all. Hopefully she improves in this race, but I don't think she'll win. The buzz horse is Connie and Michael, who I may go against and instead go with Devil May Care. Unfortanlly this race is lacking an Awesome Maria, Hot Dixie Chick and Dattt Echo, okay so the latter is just a maiden winner, but I think she may have done well in this race.
Who I want to win: She Be Wild, Ms Vanenzza
Who I think will win: Negligee, Blind Luck, She Be Wild
How I'm playing it: $2 across the board She Be Wild
Dark Horse: Ms Vanenzza
Sprint
1 Zensational, V. Espinoza, 7/5
2 Cost of Freedom, T. Baze, 20-1
3 Fatal Bullet, E. Da Silva, 9/2
4 Crown of Thorns, R. Bejarano, 12-1
5 Gayego, G. Gomez, 5/2
6 Dancing in Silks, J. Rosario, 12-1
7 Join in the Dance, J. Velazquez, 30-1
8 Capt. Candyman Can, J. Castellano, 15-1
9 Fleeting Spirit (IRE), L. Dettori, 8-1
This is a battle of Egypt vs UAE, Zensational who is owned by a Egyptian national vs Gayego, owned by the Ruler of Dubai. However, I'm not choosing either of them. Instead I'm going with Capt. Candyman Can, who won the King's Bishop via DQ and Join in the Dance who was second in the Tampa Bay Derby behind Musket Man earlier this year. Fleeting Spirit while used to facing the boys, however she is running on a non turf surface for the first time. With that being said, she does have one of the best jockeys in the World on her. Hopefully she and Frankie can get a clear shot and suprise people, especially since girls do pretty well in the Sprint.
Who I want to win: Capt. Candyman Can, Fleeting Spirit, Join in the Dance
Who I think will win: Zenzastional, Capt. Candyman Can, Gayego
How I'm playing it: Capt. Candyman Can/Fleeting Spirit/Join in the Dance trifecta, Fleeting Spirit/Zenzastional exacta
Dark Horse: Fatal Bullet
Juvenile Fillies Turf
1 Potosina, J. Velazquez, 20-1
2 Elusive Galaxy (IRE), R. Bejarano, 12-1
3 Smart Seattle, 8-1
4 Rose Catherine, J. Castellano, 8-1
5 La Nez, Mike Smith, 20-1
6 Jungle Tale, S. Bridgmohan, 15-1
7 House of Grace, Michael Luzzi, 4-1
8 Lillie Langtry, J. Murtagh, 3-1
9 Hatheer, Alan Garcia, 10-1
10 Tapitsfly, Robby Albarado, 8-1
11 Junia Tepzia (IRE), K. Fallon, 8-1
12 Lisa's Kitten, J. Leparoux, 12-1
Unfortnally I don't know alot about the horses, however I'm going with Lillie Langtry who looks like she could be something special next year for the Euros. Lisa's Kitten won last time out in Texas, and House of Grace looks like she could be some value. Unfortnally the horse I really wanted to see in the race, Dad's Crazy is an AE and unlikley to make the field.
Who I want to win: Lillie Langtry
Who I think will win: Lillie Langtry
Not going to play this race
Dark Horse: Tapitsfly
I hope you enjoyed Part 1, tomorrow Part 2 with five more races, and then on Thurs the final four races.
August 19, 2009
Weekend Preview (Part 1): Local Races
So this weekend is some Delaware Certified Stakes races. I may or may not go, but one of my favorite horses Wawaset Park, is running. He is a Distorted Humor gelding and is going in the New Castle S. against Pattysbuddy and Secretintellengence. Also going this weekend is Fox Hill Farm's Christina's World in the Tax Free Shopping Distaff, it's against older fillies and mares, but I think she may do well.
The reason why I'm previewing these first, is I may or may not go to Delaware Park this weekend. It all depends on the weather, especially after being outside in the low 90's all this week thanks to my vol. job. I will have an Alabama and Del Mar Oaks preview tomorrow night.
The reason why I'm previewing these first, is I may or may not go to Delaware Park this weekend. It all depends on the weather, especially after being outside in the low 90's all this week thanks to my vol. job. I will have an Alabama and Del Mar Oaks preview tomorrow night.
July 15, 2009
It's here!
Delware Festival of Racing is finally here. 6 stakes races (four graded, two each day), over the course of two days. And history can be made on Sunday.
Here are the races
First on Saturday:
Race 5 - 3:03 PM STAKES R. R. M. Carpenter Jr. Memorial S. Purse $100,000. For Three Year Olds And Upward. Nomination fee of $50, $450 to enter and $600 to start. Supplemental nominations of $1,500 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $100,000 Guaranteed, of which $60,000 to the winner, $20,000 to second, $11,000 to third, $6,000 to fourth and $3,000 to fifth. Weight: Three year olds: 118 Lbs. Older: 123 Lbs. Non-winners of $45,000 at a mile or over in 2009 allowed 2 Lbs. $30,000 at a mile or over in 2009, 4 Lbs. $22,000 at a mile or over since May 18, 6 Lbs. (Maiden, claiming and starter races not considered in estimating allowances). Field limited to 12 starters. Preference to horses that have accumulated the highest total earnings in 2008 - 2009. Trophy to the winning owner.
One And One Sixteenth Miles.
PP Horse VirtualStable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 P V Lightening (MD) 5/G LA T Maragh 117 G Capuano
2 Acting Zippy (FL) 4/G L J Shepherd 117 W D Bennett
3 Good and Lucky (FL) 6/G LA* D Cohen 123 J Carroll
4 Eddie C. (KY) 7/G LA R A Dominguez 117 C W Grove
5 Dinner in Odem (FL) 5/G L T J Thompson 121 P Wasiluk, Jr.
6 Researcher (VA) 5/G LA K Carmouche 123 J C Runco
7 Ready Set (KY) 4/C LA J Lezcano 117 M R Matz
8 Kurbat (CHI) 5/G LA* J Rose 121 H G Motion
This is really a 2 horse race, between graded stakes winners Researcher and Ready Set. I'll take Researcher, but would love to see Ready Set win. P V Lightning has a stakes win over the track and is my longshot pick.
Race 9 - 4:51 PM STAKES Robert G. Dick Memorial H. (Grade III) Purse $200,000. (Includes $50,000 – BC - Breeders' Cup). For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward. By subscription of $200 each which shall accompany the nomination; $1,350 to enter and $1,600 to start. Supplemental nominations of $2,500 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $200,000 Guaranteed (*includes $50,000 from Breeders' Cup fund for cup nominees only). The host association's money to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 11% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth. Breeders' Cup monies not awarded reverts backto the fund. Weight: Three year olds 118 Lbs. Older 123 Lbs. Non-Winners of $90,000 at a mile or over on the turf in 2009 allowed 2 Lbs. $60,000 at a mile or over on the turf in 2009, 4 Lbs. $45,000 at a mile or over on the turf in 2009, 6 Lbs. (Maiden,, claiming and starter races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to pass the entry box by the usual time of closing. Preference to Breeders' Cup nominees only of equal racing quality or horses which have accumulated the highest total earnings on the turf in 2008 - 2009. The winner to receive a trophy from Breeders' Cup Limited. (If deemed inadvisable by management not to run this race over the turf course, it will be run on the main track at One Mile and One Quarter). One And Three Eighth Miles. (Turf)
PP Horse VirtualStable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 Avie's Tale (KY) 4/F LA B J Hernandez, Jr. 117 T E Salzman
2 Jaunty Gale (FL) 5/M L T J Thompson 117 P Wasiluk, Jr.
3 Trensa (KY) 5/M LA A R Napravnik 117 M R Matz
4 Precious Princess (KY) 5/M LA* J Shepherd 117 V Oliver
5 Caprice (GER) 6/M LA* J Rose 117 H G Motion
6 Dyna's Lassie (KY) 5/M LA* D Cohen 117 P D Fout
7 Winter View (KY) 5/M L G Saez 123 J E Sheppard
8 Astrologie (FR) 4/F LA* R A Dominguez 117 C Clement
9 Dress Rehearsal (IRE) 4/F LA R Migliore 123 W I Mott
Winter View should win this easily, and might even challenge her stablemate Forever Together later this year.
7th (3:57)
Delaware Oaks (G2) 1 1/16 Miles Fillies 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $250,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Sweet Golden Carol Saez G 116 LA
2 Bon Jovi Girl Caraballo J C 120 LA
3 Livin Lovin Dominguez R A 116 LA
4 Careless Jewel Landry R C 116 LA
5 Malibu Prayer Decarlo C P 116 LA
6 Missunitednations Carmouche K 116 L
7 Payton d'Oro Thompson T J 122 LA
Bon Jovi Girl and Payton d'Oro have been a thorn in each other's side the past two races. However, it could be a shipper from New York who suprises everyone. The reason why surprises, is she is coming off a 19 1/2 length loss. However, she had an excuse in her previous race, and that was she was expected to lose. It was the Mother Goose, and well the horse who won is going to go 2 for 2 against the boys in 3 weeks. Malibu Prayer had set very quick fractions, that where just the perfect amount for Rachel Alexandra to run into. Delaware is a bit of a quirky track where if you are on the lead, it's very hard to give up. So it's a semi speed bias track, because horses can come flying out of the clouds. But you should be on or near the lead at the top of the stretch in order to be able to win it. That is why I'm going with Malibu Prayer to win, Bon Jovi Girl for second and in a suprise Mssuntiednations for third.
For Sunday:
Race 6 - 3:38 PM STAKES Light Hearted S. Purse $75,000. For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward. No Nomination fee; $350 to enter and $500 to start. Supplemental nominations of $1,500 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $75,000 Guaranteed, of which $45,000 to the winner, $15,000 to second, $8,250 to third, $4,500 to fourth and $2,250 to fifth. Weight: Three year olds, 118 Lbs.: Older 123 Lbs. Non-Winners of $45,000 on the turf since June 19, allowed 2 Lbs. $35,000 on the turf since then 4 Lbs. $22,000 on the turf since May 19, 6 Lbs.(Maiden, claiming and starter races not considered in estimating allowances.) Field will be limited to 12 Starters. Starters to pass the entry box by the usual time of closing. Preference to horses that have accumulated the highest total earnings in 2008 - 2009. Trophy to the winning owner. Seven And One Half Furlongs. (Turf)
PP Horse VirtualStable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 Sugar Baby Love (GER) 5/M LA* D Cohen 117 R E Nicks
2 War Eagle Lady (KY) 4/F LA J R Leparoux 117 J E Baker
3 Julia Tuttle (FL) 4/F LA* A R Napravnik 117 A F Allen, III
4 Kitty Cat Express (FL) 4/F L J S Vail 117 B Silva
5 Precious Princess (KY) 5/M LA* J Shepherd 117 V Oliver
6 D Day (MD) 4/F LA I J Rosendo 117 S F Cronk
7 Warrior Maid (LA) 3/F LA G Saez 112 J L Jones
8 Miss Challenge (KY) 4/F LA R A Dominguez 117 G Weaver
9 Twiceasbeautiful (FL) 5/M L S Russell 119 M S Sharp
10 Drop a Line (KY) 5/M LA* J Rose 117 H G Motion
11 Come Fly Away (MD) 5/M LA* K Carmouche 117 M Shuman
12 Wilderness Trace (KY) 5/M LA J Rocco, Jr. 119 J R Fisher
Also Eligibles:
13 Remoulade (KY) 5/M LA* A Garcia 119 M R Matz
14 Beau's Trip (MD) 7/M LA C L Potts 117 R Jenkins
A nice big field for sprinting on the turf. You don't see many turf sprints stakes races for fillies in the US, so this is exciting. Unfortnally I've only heard of Warrior Maid, so she's my pick. And would have been my pick as well, she's coming off two third place finishes behind Bon Jovi Girl and Four Gifts (both who iroinclly faced Rachel earlier this year).
Race 8 - 4:36 PM STAKES Barbaro S. (Grade III) Purse $150,000. For Three Year Olds. By subscription of $100 each which shall accompany the nomination; $700 to enter and $900 to start. Supplemental nominations of $2,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all other fees. $150,000 Guaranteed, of which $90,000 to the winner, $30,000 to second, $16,500 to third, $9,000 to fourth and $4,500 to fifth. Weight 122 Lbs. Non-Winners of $55,000 at a mile or over in 2009 allowed 2 Lbs.; $35,000 twice at a mile or over in 2009, 4 Lbs.; one such race, 6 Lbs. (Maiden, claiming and starter races not considered in estimating allowances). Field limited to 12 starters. Preference to horses that have accumulated the highest total earnings. Trophy to the winning owner, trainer and jockey.
One And One Sixteenth Miles.
PP Horse VirtualStable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 Code of Honour (FL) 3/G LA* D R Shepherd 116 W D Bennett
2 Denver (KY) 3/C LA J Rose 116 T A Pletcher
3 It Happened Again (KY) 3/C LA G Saez 116 J L Jones
4 Sumo (KY) 3/C LA* J R Leparoux 116 H G Motion
5 Doc's Friend (KY) 3/C LA J Shepherd 116 J L Jones
6 Sudden Shift (KY) 3/G LA O Vargas 118 A Kondor
7 In the Juice (MD) 3/G LA A R Napravnik 116 J J Robb
8 Slew of Smoke (FL) 3/C LA C L Potts 116 M E Gorham
9 Our Edge (FL) 3/C LA* A Garcia 118 N P Zito
10 Pitched Perfectly (KY) 3/C LA* D Cohen 116 B Tagg
11 Bunker Hill (FL) 3/C LA K Carmouche 116 D S Ryan
12 Dumar (KY) 3/C LA R A Dominguez 116 S M Asmussen
This is the final prep for Haskell horses. Although last year's winner Magical Forest finished last in the Haskell, the 3rd place finisher Ready Set won the West Virgina Derby. Because Barbaro was owned by Lael Stable (Roy and Gretchen Jackson), and well they have a horse in the race who happens to be trained by a Derby winning trainer (however it's not Michael Matz). I've gotta go with Pitched Perfectly who ships in from Belmont. The three locals have a chance, but I think Barclay Tagg has this guy in the right spot. And if he wins, maybe a trip to the Haskell where he has had at least one starter before.
last, but not least the Delaware Handicap!
$1,000,000 Delaware Handicap (gr. II, 5: 35 p.m.), Fillies & Mares 3 & Up, 1 1/4 Miles (Dirt)
PP. Horse, Trainer, Jockey, Weight, Odds
1. Temple Street, Brad Cox, Jon Court, 111, 10-1
2. Morena, Claudio, Michael Matz, A.R. Napravnik, 116, 8-1
3. Icon Project, Martin Wolfson, Jose Valdivia, 115, 6-1
4. Acoma, David Carroll, Julian Leparoux, 119, 5/2
5. Unbridled Belle, Todd Pletcher, Richard Migliore, 119, 2-1
6. Livin Lovin, Steve Klesaris, Ramon Dominguez, 112, 10-1
7. Swift Temper, Dale Romans, Alan Garcia, 117, 4-1
I have a feeling that Livin Lovin will be going to the Oaks instead, but I could also be wrong. Temple Street is coming in from Churchill, and horses who do well there often do well here. Morena was second last time out in the Obeah and is one of 2 horses who has already won at this distance. Icon Project could be the horse with the best chance to upset the race. Acoma almost skipped this race for the Beverly D. The question is can Unbridled Belle become the first 2 time winner of the DelCap since Susan's Girl? Her trainer Todd Pletcher will be going for his fourth win in the race as well to tie the record (his other three are Belle (07, she was 3rd last year, Fleet Indian, 06 when she won Champion Older Female and Irving's Baby in 01). Livin Lovin is a 3yo, just not the 3yo everyone thought would be coming, and is cross entered into Sat. Oaks. And last, but least Swift Temper has last year's Belmont winning jockey combined with the trainer of Kitten's Joy and well that's about it.
I gotta with Unbridled Belle on this, she loves Delaware and she seems to have found a jockey who fits her like a glove (interesting enough this same jockey also had success on my all time favorite horse). Icon Project for second and Morena for third.
Well I hope you enjoyed my preview! I promise to have photos up in a timely manner this time. I'm actually thinking of buying a domain and hosting, because Final Turn Gallery is shutting down, so I think I'll make one so that people who photograph horses can share them with others.
Here are the races
First on Saturday:
Race 5 - 3:03 PM STAKES R. R. M. Carpenter Jr. Memorial S. Purse $100,000. For Three Year Olds And Upward. Nomination fee of $50, $450 to enter and $600 to start. Supplemental nominations of $1,500 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $100,000 Guaranteed, of which $60,000 to the winner, $20,000 to second, $11,000 to third, $6,000 to fourth and $3,000 to fifth. Weight: Three year olds: 118 Lbs. Older: 123 Lbs. Non-winners of $45,000 at a mile or over in 2009 allowed 2 Lbs. $30,000 at a mile or over in 2009, 4 Lbs. $22,000 at a mile or over since May 18, 6 Lbs. (Maiden, claiming and starter races not considered in estimating allowances). Field limited to 12 starters. Preference to horses that have accumulated the highest total earnings in 2008 - 2009. Trophy to the winning owner.
One And One Sixteenth Miles.
PP Horse VirtualStable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 P V Lightening (MD) 5/G LA T Maragh 117 G Capuano
2 Acting Zippy (FL) 4/G L J Shepherd 117 W D Bennett
3 Good and Lucky (FL) 6/G LA* D Cohen 123 J Carroll
4 Eddie C. (KY) 7/G LA R A Dominguez 117 C W Grove
5 Dinner in Odem (FL) 5/G L T J Thompson 121 P Wasiluk, Jr.
6 Researcher (VA) 5/G LA K Carmouche 123 J C Runco
7 Ready Set (KY) 4/C LA J Lezcano 117 M R Matz
8 Kurbat (CHI) 5/G LA* J Rose 121 H G Motion
This is really a 2 horse race, between graded stakes winners Researcher and Ready Set. I'll take Researcher, but would love to see Ready Set win. P V Lightning has a stakes win over the track and is my longshot pick.
Race 9 - 4:51 PM STAKES Robert G. Dick Memorial H. (Grade III) Purse $200,000. (Includes $50,000 – BC - Breeders' Cup). For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward. By subscription of $200 each which shall accompany the nomination; $1,350 to enter and $1,600 to start. Supplemental nominations of $2,500 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $200,000 Guaranteed (*includes $50,000 from Breeders' Cup fund for cup nominees only). The host association's money to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 11% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth. Breeders' Cup monies not awarded reverts backto the fund. Weight: Three year olds 118 Lbs. Older 123 Lbs. Non-Winners of $90,000 at a mile or over on the turf in 2009 allowed 2 Lbs. $60,000 at a mile or over on the turf in 2009, 4 Lbs. $45,000 at a mile or over on the turf in 2009, 6 Lbs. (Maiden,, claiming and starter races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to pass the entry box by the usual time of closing. Preference to Breeders' Cup nominees only of equal racing quality or horses which have accumulated the highest total earnings on the turf in 2008 - 2009. The winner to receive a trophy from Breeders' Cup Limited. (If deemed inadvisable by management not to run this race over the turf course, it will be run on the main track at One Mile and One Quarter). One And Three Eighth Miles. (Turf)
PP Horse VirtualStable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 Avie's Tale (KY) 4/F LA B J Hernandez, Jr. 117 T E Salzman
2 Jaunty Gale (FL) 5/M L T J Thompson 117 P Wasiluk, Jr.
3 Trensa (KY) 5/M LA A R Napravnik 117 M R Matz
4 Precious Princess (KY) 5/M LA* J Shepherd 117 V Oliver
5 Caprice (GER) 6/M LA* J Rose 117 H G Motion
6 Dyna's Lassie (KY) 5/M LA* D Cohen 117 P D Fout
7 Winter View (KY) 5/M L G Saez 123 J E Sheppard
8 Astrologie (FR) 4/F LA* R A Dominguez 117 C Clement
9 Dress Rehearsal (IRE) 4/F LA R Migliore 123 W I Mott
Winter View should win this easily, and might even challenge her stablemate Forever Together later this year.
7th (3:57)
Delaware Oaks (G2) 1 1/16 Miles Fillies 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $250,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Sweet Golden Carol Saez G 116 LA
2 Bon Jovi Girl Caraballo J C 120 LA
3 Livin Lovin Dominguez R A 116 LA
4 Careless Jewel Landry R C 116 LA
5 Malibu Prayer Decarlo C P 116 LA
6 Missunitednations Carmouche K 116 L
7 Payton d'Oro Thompson T J 122 LA
Bon Jovi Girl and Payton d'Oro have been a thorn in each other's side the past two races. However, it could be a shipper from New York who suprises everyone. The reason why surprises, is she is coming off a 19 1/2 length loss. However, she had an excuse in her previous race, and that was she was expected to lose. It was the Mother Goose, and well the horse who won is going to go 2 for 2 against the boys in 3 weeks. Malibu Prayer had set very quick fractions, that where just the perfect amount for Rachel Alexandra to run into. Delaware is a bit of a quirky track where if you are on the lead, it's very hard to give up. So it's a semi speed bias track, because horses can come flying out of the clouds. But you should be on or near the lead at the top of the stretch in order to be able to win it. That is why I'm going with Malibu Prayer to win, Bon Jovi Girl for second and in a suprise Mssuntiednations for third.
For Sunday:
Race 6 - 3:38 PM STAKES Light Hearted S. Purse $75,000. For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward. No Nomination fee; $350 to enter and $500 to start. Supplemental nominations of $1,500 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $75,000 Guaranteed, of which $45,000 to the winner, $15,000 to second, $8,250 to third, $4,500 to fourth and $2,250 to fifth. Weight: Three year olds, 118 Lbs.: Older 123 Lbs. Non-Winners of $45,000 on the turf since June 19, allowed 2 Lbs. $35,000 on the turf since then 4 Lbs. $22,000 on the turf since May 19, 6 Lbs.(Maiden, claiming and starter races not considered in estimating allowances.) Field will be limited to 12 Starters. Starters to pass the entry box by the usual time of closing. Preference to horses that have accumulated the highest total earnings in 2008 - 2009. Trophy to the winning owner. Seven And One Half Furlongs. (Turf)
PP Horse VirtualStable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 Sugar Baby Love (GER) 5/M LA* D Cohen 117 R E Nicks
2 War Eagle Lady (KY) 4/F LA J R Leparoux 117 J E Baker
3 Julia Tuttle (FL) 4/F LA* A R Napravnik 117 A F Allen, III
4 Kitty Cat Express (FL) 4/F L J S Vail 117 B Silva
5 Precious Princess (KY) 5/M LA* J Shepherd 117 V Oliver
6 D Day (MD) 4/F LA I J Rosendo 117 S F Cronk
7 Warrior Maid (LA) 3/F LA G Saez 112 J L Jones
8 Miss Challenge (KY) 4/F LA R A Dominguez 117 G Weaver
9 Twiceasbeautiful (FL) 5/M L S Russell 119 M S Sharp
10 Drop a Line (KY) 5/M LA* J Rose 117 H G Motion
11 Come Fly Away (MD) 5/M LA* K Carmouche 117 M Shuman
12 Wilderness Trace (KY) 5/M LA J Rocco, Jr. 119 J R Fisher
Also Eligibles:
13 Remoulade (KY) 5/M LA* A Garcia 119 M R Matz
14 Beau's Trip (MD) 7/M LA C L Potts 117 R Jenkins
A nice big field for sprinting on the turf. You don't see many turf sprints stakes races for fillies in the US, so this is exciting. Unfortnally I've only heard of Warrior Maid, so she's my pick. And would have been my pick as well, she's coming off two third place finishes behind Bon Jovi Girl and Four Gifts (both who iroinclly faced Rachel earlier this year).
Race 8 - 4:36 PM STAKES Barbaro S. (Grade III) Purse $150,000. For Three Year Olds. By subscription of $100 each which shall accompany the nomination; $700 to enter and $900 to start. Supplemental nominations of $2,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all other fees. $150,000 Guaranteed, of which $90,000 to the winner, $30,000 to second, $16,500 to third, $9,000 to fourth and $4,500 to fifth. Weight 122 Lbs. Non-Winners of $55,000 at a mile or over in 2009 allowed 2 Lbs.; $35,000 twice at a mile or over in 2009, 4 Lbs.; one such race, 6 Lbs. (Maiden, claiming and starter races not considered in estimating allowances). Field limited to 12 starters. Preference to horses that have accumulated the highest total earnings. Trophy to the winning owner, trainer and jockey.
One And One Sixteenth Miles.
PP Horse VirtualStable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 Code of Honour (FL) 3/G LA* D R Shepherd 116 W D Bennett
2 Denver (KY) 3/C LA J Rose 116 T A Pletcher
3 It Happened Again (KY) 3/C LA G Saez 116 J L Jones
4 Sumo (KY) 3/C LA* J R Leparoux 116 H G Motion
5 Doc's Friend (KY) 3/C LA J Shepherd 116 J L Jones
6 Sudden Shift (KY) 3/G LA O Vargas 118 A Kondor
7 In the Juice (MD) 3/G LA A R Napravnik 116 J J Robb
8 Slew of Smoke (FL) 3/C LA C L Potts 116 M E Gorham
9 Our Edge (FL) 3/C LA* A Garcia 118 N P Zito
10 Pitched Perfectly (KY) 3/C LA* D Cohen 116 B Tagg
11 Bunker Hill (FL) 3/C LA K Carmouche 116 D S Ryan
12 Dumar (KY) 3/C LA R A Dominguez 116 S M Asmussen
This is the final prep for Haskell horses. Although last year's winner Magical Forest finished last in the Haskell, the 3rd place finisher Ready Set won the West Virgina Derby. Because Barbaro was owned by Lael Stable (Roy and Gretchen Jackson), and well they have a horse in the race who happens to be trained by a Derby winning trainer (however it's not Michael Matz). I've gotta go with Pitched Perfectly who ships in from Belmont. The three locals have a chance, but I think Barclay Tagg has this guy in the right spot. And if he wins, maybe a trip to the Haskell where he has had at least one starter before.
last, but not least the Delaware Handicap!
$1,000,000 Delaware Handicap (gr. II, 5: 35 p.m.), Fillies & Mares 3 & Up, 1 1/4 Miles (Dirt)
PP. Horse, Trainer, Jockey, Weight, Odds
1. Temple Street, Brad Cox, Jon Court, 111, 10-1
2. Morena, Claudio, Michael Matz, A.R. Napravnik, 116, 8-1
3. Icon Project, Martin Wolfson, Jose Valdivia, 115, 6-1
4. Acoma, David Carroll, Julian Leparoux, 119, 5/2
5. Unbridled Belle, Todd Pletcher, Richard Migliore, 119, 2-1
6. Livin Lovin, Steve Klesaris, Ramon Dominguez, 112, 10-1
7. Swift Temper, Dale Romans, Alan Garcia, 117, 4-1
I have a feeling that Livin Lovin will be going to the Oaks instead, but I could also be wrong. Temple Street is coming in from Churchill, and horses who do well there often do well here. Morena was second last time out in the Obeah and is one of 2 horses who has already won at this distance. Icon Project could be the horse with the best chance to upset the race. Acoma almost skipped this race for the Beverly D. The question is can Unbridled Belle become the first 2 time winner of the DelCap since Susan's Girl? Her trainer Todd Pletcher will be going for his fourth win in the race as well to tie the record (his other three are Belle (07, she was 3rd last year, Fleet Indian, 06 when she won Champion Older Female and Irving's Baby in 01). Livin Lovin is a 3yo, just not the 3yo everyone thought would be coming, and is cross entered into Sat. Oaks. And last, but least Swift Temper has last year's Belmont winning jockey combined with the trainer of Kitten's Joy and well that's about it.
I gotta with Unbridled Belle on this, she loves Delaware and she seems to have found a jockey who fits her like a glove (interesting enough this same jockey also had success on my all time favorite horse). Icon Project for second and Morena for third.
Well I hope you enjoyed my preview! I promise to have photos up in a timely manner this time. I'm actually thinking of buying a domain and hosting, because Final Turn Gallery is shutting down, so I think I'll make one so that people who photograph horses can share them with others.
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