Derby Siblings



Elusive Moment (IRE) (Elusive Quality x I'll Get Along (Smile)),
full sister to 2004 KY Derby and Preakness winner
Smarty Jones. Taken before her first start
(October 20, 2007 at Delaware Park)
She finished 4th.
Photo by me (Rachel Levine) 

With his win at Belmont on Saturday, Brethren avoided what I like would like to call "The Derby Sibling Curse". What is that you may ask? While winning the Kentucky Derby is the biggest accomplishment in most horses careers, it might spell doom for their younger siblings.

Just ask Coincide, Rockcide and Homicide, 2 sons and a daughter of the Slewacide mare Belle's Good Cide. Three black sheep in one family, now Coincide won a couple of races, but the other two did not. Who was the good sheep for their dam? That would be none other then the Gusty Gelding himself, Funny Cide. Now of course Rockcide redeemed herself by being the dam of G3 winner Rule, but still she never won a race on flat and her lone try over the jumps.

Big Brown's little sister My Chestnut Girl has won only 1 race over in Europe.

Smarty Jones' little brother and sister Speedy Jones and Elusive Moment have a combined 1 win. EM is the lovely horse pictured above when she was a 2 year old. No she didn't win that day either sadly, I actually saw her again as a 3yo and she finished last.

Elusive Sparkle and Broadway Ticket, both little sisters to Street Sense did a little better then the average Derby winning sibling, but not as well as their champion brother.

Since 2003, the most successful Derby winners sibling has been Tiago who of course is Giacomo's little brother. He won the Santa Anita Derby and the Goodwood (the later as a 3yo), and had finished third in Belmont and the BC Classic. Then again he was born the same year as Street Sense, Hard Spun, Curlin, Rags to Riches etc.

It's really unfair to put Brother Bird (Mine That Bird's kid brother), Lentenor and Nicanor (Barbaro's brothers) in the conversation for a few reasons.

For Brother Bird, he has only made 7 starts in his career and has won his 2 races this year. Plus he just finished 5th in a stakes race on his first try and he's only 3. As for Nicanor and Lentenor, it's asking alot considering how beloved Barbaro was. Also Dynaformer's are better on turf then they are dirt, with that being said Nicanor has had some success on dirt and Lentenor finished 4th in this year's Florida Derby.

As for Brethren, he's only had one race under his belt. Weather he turns out to be a G1 winner like Super Saver or a claimer like their big brother Hedge Fund (who was retired a few months ago to WinStar) it remains to be seen. Whatever happens, he will be a special part of 2010 KY Derby for who his big brother is.

Be Like Mike

If you remember back in the 90's there was that Gatorade commerical featuring Michael Jordan, and where they are singing how they wanted to "be like Mike". Of course in that case they where talking about basketball, but in horse racing there is also a Mike. Except this Mike has four legs and runs his hardest.

Big Red Mike beating Hotep and Roan Inish in yesterday's Queen's Plate in front of the Queen of England. This was his jockey Eurico De Silva's second Queen's Plate win in a row (the first since Craig Perret did it in 1992 and 1993 with Alydeed and Peteski, the latter being the Triple Crown winner that year). It was the first Queen's Plate win for his trainer Nicholas Gonzalez.

Unfortanlly Moment of Majesty did not do well in this race. The next leg is the Prince of Wales which is at Fort Erie, this will be a good test for Big Red Mike to see weather or not he's just a poly horse.

Also it's offical, you can now scratch Pro Ride and turf off of Mine That Bird's favorite surfaces. He ran very poorly in yesterday's Firecracker won by Tizdejavu. Informed Decidsion returned to the winners circle and Franny Freud won her race as well. I Want Revenge's return wasn't perfect as he finished third behind Haynesfield in the Suburban.

I'm on vacation right now, so this will be the last post for a week. This does mean no DE Oaks preview, but this year's field is supposed to be Blind Luck, No Such Word, Havre de Grace and a few others. I'm hopeful to get to the track for the DelCap this year, but it's up in the air. Next week's chat will be at the regular time of 7pm.

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.

Favorite Races 2009: West Virginia Derby

The past few weeks I've been sharing some of my favorite races from the past year. This week I'm sharing three races to make up for last week, this week and Christmas being next week.

Today it's the lone all male stakes race that I will be talking about the West Virginia Derby.

Wanted: A steady jockey who will STAY on a former 50-1 longshot who suprised everyone. For more information please contact Mine That Bird in New Mexico. Thanks!

That's pretty much how you sum up Mine That Bird's Spring and Summer. The Derby winner had been bounced around between Calvin Borel and Mike Smith. With Borel unavaliable as he was riding Warrior's Reward in the Jim Dandy, Smith was rode the Derby champ in the WV Derby and was going to ride him in the Travers (more on that later). However, Preakness fouth place finisher Big Drama and Iowa Derby runner-up Soul Warrior had other plans. As Big Drama got off to a large lead, he was run down by Soul Warror in the final furlong. Mine That Bird could only finish in third. This was the biggest win of his jockey Dale Beckner's career and he was filling in for Miguel Mena who was supposed to ride the son of Lion Heart. Here's the video:




Unfortanlly Soul Warrior really hasn't reproduced his form from this race, add in Dale Beckner shortly afterwards was in a serious accident at Presque Isle. Big Drama ran horribly in the King's Bishop, while Mine That Bird was forced to miss the Travers due to throut issues. Reunited with Borel for his final two races of the season, MTB showed that he was pretty much a fluke winner. He's currently getting ready for next season in New Mexico. Expect Borel to continue to ride him, EXCEPT when in conflicts with a certin bay daughter of a certin El Prado stallion ;).

Tomorrow's race is actually two races (but will be counted as one) as we go north of the border.

How Time Flies

It just feels like yesterday that I started this blog, however next month (January 28 to be exact) is will be one year since I began my journey on this blog. And what a year it's been,

the up and down on the Triple Crown trail
Well Armed's Dubai World Cup win
Rachel Alexandra's amazing 20 length romp in the Oaks
Mine That Bird's 50-1 shocker in the Derby
The previously mentioned Rachel and MTB's heartstopping Preakness
Zenyatta's much anticpated 5yo debut
Summer Bird sweeping the "Big Three" NY G1's
Sea the Stars' Arc
Rachel's heartstopping Woodward
Rachel's Haskell
Zenyatta's amazing BC Classic win
Rule breaking his maiden and setting a track record
Ventura's very popular Matriach win
Unbridled Belle's Obeah and Turn Back the Alarm
Swift Temper's Delaware Handicap and Ruffian wins
Careless Jewel's amazing Alabama and Delaware Oaks wins
Icon Project's uber impressive Personal Ensign

There are many other races that I could put here, but that would take ages to compleate. One thing is for sure, this is a year that no one will forget.

So what to expect in 2010? I haven't decided yet, there maybe a road trip to an undisclosed location where there is a pretty well known track, but plans have not been written in stone yet. There might also be a trip to Pimlico to see the Preakness (TBD if I can convince a non horse racing friend of mine to come with me, then we are all set!). I'll have my favorite race of the year post up tomorrow, followed by on Friday with a preview of that night's Delta Jackpot which features my boy Rule.

Look out Boys, Supergirl is back

Guess who is back in training? It's a bird! It's a plane? Nope it's Supergirl! That's right ladies and gentleman the and only Rachel Alexandra is back in training. She actually is retuning earlier then she was supposed to, but I guess since she's on a track that she clearly loves (Churchill), Steve Asmussen didn't want to wait till they got her to the Fair Grounds. So my guess is she'll prep at the Fair Grounds for the Apple Blossom possibly, however I hope she preps for the race with a race. Fair Grounds created two new stakes races for fillies and mares that where in a way to entice Rachel. She'll miss the first one as I think it's next weekend, but the next one is in March (I think). It's going to be a fun 2010 with all three stars from this year's TC coming back (of course the leading men Summer Bird and Mine That Bird). Add in supporting actresses Careless Jewel (and I really hating calling her that, but honestly she just doesn't bring the same buzz that Rachel does), Justwhistledixie (she returns this weekend!), and some hidden gems for the girls. The supporting actors include, Musket Man (returning from injury), Friesan Fire (returning from injury and is pointing towards the Donn, eek!), Warrior's Reward and Al Khali (keep an eye on these two, if they are anything like their dad, they will get better with age), plus a few hidden gems for the guys. Also returning next year, Gio Ponti and Life is Sweet! Next year's 3yo's be afraid, be very afraid. We could have one of the best older divisions in a few years. It's a shame that Zensational was rushed off to stud (the other two big 3yo's who where retired where injured).

Meanwhile while one of this year's starlit's returns to training, another one gets her own race. The Lady's Secret at Oak Tree at Santa Anita has been renamed the Zenyatta. While not everyone is happy that this race has been renamed, here are a few points why I'm glad it is.

1. Lady's Secret has two other stakes races named after her, one at Monmouth Park which is a prep for the Molly Pitcher S., and an OK bred stakes.

2. The race started in 1993, so it's really not that an old of a race, compared to Californian Stakes which will be renamed after Lava Man once he re-retires which started running in 1954. Now of course that's not named after a horse, but still...

3. In the end the horses won't care, it's just a race.

And while what I'm about to post won't change people's minds, even Jerry Moss was uneasy about renaming the race. Here is the following from the article I posted before.

"At first, Jerry was reluctant to accept our offer of renaming the race, because he was a personal friend of Gene Klein," Chillingworth added. "But after he and Ann thought about it for a couple of days, he called back and said they thought Zenyatta would be flattered by the comparison and to know that she was held in such high esteem."

Personally, I'm really excited for this race next year now.

Just a few other things before I wrap up this post, this is actually a pretty big weekend of racing coast to coast. The final G1's of the season for New York will take place with the Gazelle and Cigar, it will be the final race for both Pyro and Kodiak Kowboy. The Gazelle will feature the return of last year's 2yo Champion Filly Stardom Bound. Remember her? She and not Rachel was supposed to be the boy beater, things change for a reason. Justwhistledixie also returns against Sara Louise and older females at Aqueduct. And oh yeah Basket (aka Go Go Shoot) and Sean (aka Sean Avery) tangle in the Highweight on Thanksgiving. Down at Churchill, it will be the last hurrahs for Unbridled Belle, more then likely Swift Temper on Thursday in the Falls City, while on Friday in the Clark it will be final races for Einstein and Kiss the Kid. Saturday will be the Kentucky Jockey Club won last year by Beethoven who unfortanlly was injured this year, and the Golden Rod which was one by Supergirl (aka Rachel). In California it's a weekend of goodbyes as Cowboy Cal and Ventura will be running for the final time in the Citation and the Matriach respectivly (at this time of writing Cal's stud plans have not been announced, while Ventura will be bred to Oasis Dream). I would love these two especially Ventura go out on high notes. However, also in the Citation is Enriched whose half brother is... Lava Man. On Sunday, Zenyatta will be paraded for all of the fans and Take the Points runs in the most underrated stakes race for 3yo's, the Hollywood Derby.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I will be back next week with new favorite race from this year. And you know what I'm going to make this a guessing game, sorry no prizes just for kicks. But here are the clues,

This was supposed to be a race that featured battle for early top honors, however the winner's main compition was scratched the day of the race. The winner won by a huge margin and almost broke the stakes record. The runner up of the race has sadly done nothing since, and the third place finisher has not run since then. This was a turning point in the winners season and gave them the jump start to being one of the greatest of their sex. This is a really, really easy answer, and I'll be shocked if no one gets it. *wink wink*

Triple Crown Classes of 2007 and 2009

Over the next few weeks I will be going back in the time machine and sharing some of my favorite races from the past year. Today however, it's a little bit different as I'm going to be comparing the 2007 Triple Crown Class to this year's class of 2009.

Preps 07: The two horses who got the most noise at the begining where the undefeated Hard Spun (Danzig) and Breeder's Cup Juvi winner Street Sense (Street Cry (IRE)) for the boys, the girls it was Breeder's Cup Juvi Fillies winner Dreaming of Anna (Rahy). Hard Spun would go on to win the Lacomte S. and Street Cry winning the Tampa Bay Derby, but they would both be overshadowed by a up and comer named Curlin (Smart Strike). Orginally trained by Helen Pitts, Curlin was partially sold to Jess Jackson's Stonestreet Stable, Padua Stable and George Bolton and switched to 2005 KY Oaks winning trainer Steve Asmussen. Meanwhile the two favorites truged along, unfortanlly Hard Spun would be upset by Teuflesburg (Johanensburg) in the Southwest S. and would detour to Turfway to win the Lane's End. Street Sense lost a heart breaker in the Blue Grass S., but would still go into the Derby as one of the favorites. Curlin, all he had done was win the Rebel and AR Derby to go into the big dance with being undefeated. Dreaming of Anna's Derby and Oaks hopes took a slide with her first start as a 3yo, and really was not the same horse on dirt then she was on turf. Meanwhile she was being overshadowed by Todd Pletcher's trio of Cotton Blossom (Broken Vow), Octave (Unbridled's Song) who where 3rd and 2nd in the previous years BC Juvi Fillies respectivly, and his own up and comer Rags to Riches (A.P. Indy), a half sister to 2006 Belmont winner Jazil (Seeking the Gold).

09 Preps: Midshipman (Unbridled's Song) and Stardom Bound (Tapit) won the Breeder's Cup races for their respective divisons respectfully. However, niether would be in training when May rolled around. Midshipman was recovering from an injury, and Stardom Bound was clearly not the same horse she was as a 2yo, dispite winning the two G1's at the begining of the year. Meanwhile in New Mexico, Canada's 2yo champion male Mine That Bird (Birdstone), couldn't beat anything, and in the Mid-West Golden Rod winner Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro) was winning, and winning big, while Justwhistledixie (Dixie Union) ruled Florida. Musket Man was becoming a blip on everyone's radar as well. However, all eyes where on I Want Revenge (Stephen Got Even), Friesan Fire (A.P. Indy) and Pioneerof the Nile (Empire Maker).

07 Derby: The two favorites going into the race where Street Sense and Curlin. However, the little PA bred that could Hard Spun, would not let these two big stars get in his way. All of the horses who went with him at the begining ended up towards the back of the field. As they headed to the top of the stretch, it looked like that the Delaware Park based horse would be the upset winner. It would have given his jockey Mario Pino and trainer Larry Jones the biggest wins in their career. However, coming through on the rail was the Churchill based Street Sense and Calvin Borel. Nicknamed "Boo" (he is much younger then his next sibling), and "Bo-Rail" of his love of hugging the inside rail, Street Sense would burst through to beat Hard Spun who would finish a gallant second. Curlin had suffered his first loss in his career finishing a solid third, however well back of the front two. It was the first Derby win for Borel and the second for Street Sense's trainer Carl Naftger who had won in 1990 with Unbridled (who would go onto sire his own Derby winner Grindstone and Belmont winner Empire Maker).

07 Oaks: All eyes where on Rags to Riches, many people thought she should have been in the Derby that year. However, her owners already had an entry into the Derby with Circler Quey. She did not disapoint as she powered home on a sloppy track to win the Oaks over her stablemate Octave. It was the second Oaks win for Pletcher and the first for her jockey Garrett Gomez.

09 Derby: There where many storylines going into this year's Derby, Larry Jones was trying to erase the heartbreak from the year before when his gallent filly Eight Belles broke down after the race. I Want Revenge had unpopular co-owners and a 19 year old Joe Talamo in the irons, however he would be scratched before the race with an injury. Pioneerof the Nile was trying to give his trainer Bob Baffert his first Derby win since 2002, and why not do it just a few months before he was set to enter the Hall of Fame. However, little Mine That Bird with Bo-Rail aboard did exactly what he did in 2007 and burst through to have the second biggest upset in the history of the race at 50-1. This was Borel's second Derby win overall and 2nd in 3 years and the first for his trainer Bernie "Chip" Wooley who took over Mine That Bird's training at the begining of the year. Pioneerof the Nile finished second and Musket Man was third. Friesan Fire finished second to last after being bumped around quite a bit.

09 Oaks: Unfortanlly the meeting of Justwhistledixie and Rachel Alexandra had failed to materialize after Dixie was injured the day of the race and was scratched. With her biggest threat out of the way, Rachel was expected to win. However, no one realized that it would be by as much as she did win. Sitting off Gabby's Golden Gal (Magadila d'Oro), Rachel and Calvin Borel (what you where expecting someone else?) took the lead at the top of the stretch and just took off. No one would catch her and she would win by 20 1/2 lengths, just off of the stakes record set by Bird Town (Cape Town) in 2003. Ironicly Bird Town's little brother is Birdstone (Grindstone), so things come full circle. Stone Legacy (Birdstone) was second and Flying Spur (Giant's Causeway) was third. It was Borel's first Oaks win, as well as for her trainer Hal Wiggins. Like Rags to Riches two years before, many people thought that Rachel Alexandra should have been in the Derby. However her owner at the time, was against nominating her for the Triple Crown. "Fillies should run with fillies and stallions with stallions", is how Dolphus Morrison her breeder/co-owner of Rachel had put it at that time. Little did we know the repulcusions would be withen the next five days sorrounding this filly who is named after Mr. Morrison's granddaughter.

07 Preakness: With the Derby out of the way, it was off to Pimlico for the Preakness. Hard Spun would have full court advantage with his jockey being Maryland's leading rider and being only an hour outside of his homebase at DP. However Curlin had gained enough experience to graduate to being a G1 winner. Ridden by Robby Albarado, he would beat Street Sense by a nose to give Steve Asmussen his first Triple Crown race winner. The weather vane would be painted in the colors of Midnight Cry Stable, Curlin's orginal owners. However, there was some contraversy sounding these connections as they where in jail awaiting trial for not giving money they won to their clients in a Phen Phen case.

09 Preakness: Much like the 05 Derby winner Giacomo (Holy Bull), Mine That Bird would not go into the Preakness with high hopes. Many people (including myself), thought he was a fluke. Also his owners and trainer wheren't that popular with some people. Likewise there was a new contender who many thought if she had been in the Derby, she would have won, unexpecticly was sold and transfered. Jess Jackson had bought Rachel Alexandra and sent her right to Steve Asmussen. Mine That Bird by weeks end, would not have a jockey. That's because Calvin Borel was offered and accepted Rachel's new connections offer of staying on her. Mine That Bird would quickly be reunited with an old friend (sort of), Mike Smith who rode Giacomo to his improble Derby win would be his new jockey. However, there was already a connection to him, his girlfriend Chantal Sutherland rode the Derby winner as a 2yo in Canada. In the end, history was made as Rachel Alexandra was able to hold on to the lead after being pressed by Big Drama and held off Mine That Bird. The first filly to win the Preakness in 85 years, the first horse to win from post 13, and the fifth favorite to win in 6 years (Barbaro and Street Sense failed to win, however Barbaro was pulled up and Street Sense lost by a nose). It was Steve Asmussen and Jess Jackson's second Preakness win (their first was with Curlin two years before) and Calvin Borel's first (he was second on Street Sense).

07 Belmont: With no Triple Crown on the line, Street Sense did not particpate in the mile and half "Test of Champions", however Curlin did and people thought it would be his coronation. However, a chestnut with a heart of gold and the pedigree to go a mile and half denied him. Rags to Riches became the first filly in over 100 years to win the Belmont beating Curlin. Tiago (Plesent Tap), himself a half brother to Giacomo was third that day with Hard Spun fourth with his new jockey Garett Gomez. The reason that is a big deal is Gomez jumped off Rags for Hard Spun as she was not supposed to go. However when Coolmore decided to send her, he was unable to uncomit and stayed on the Danzig colt. It was the first Triple Crown race win for her trainer Todd Pletcher and her jockey John Velequez.

09 Belmont: Dispite there not being a Triple Crown on the line, Mine That Bird did particpate. And with no Rachel in the race, he got Calvin Borel back. However it was redemption as Summer Bird (Birdstone) won the race giving Kent Desermoux his 1st Belmont win and trainer Tim Ice his first Triple Crown win after only being a licenced trainer for a little bit over a year. It was redemption for Desermoux for as the year before with Big Brown he was eased as Da' Tara upset the Derby and Preakness winner that day. Dunkirk was second and unfortnally the "Calvin Crown" was denied as Borel and Mine That Bird finished in third.

07 Aftermath: After the Belmont, Rags to Riches was able to race only once more in the Gazelle where she finished 2nd behind Lear's Princess. She retired before making a start at age 4 and had her first foal, a filly by Giant's Causeway this past Spring. She is currently in foal to Henrythenavagator. Street Sense won the Jim Dandy and Travers, before finishing his career with a 2nd in the Kentucky Cup Classic and a 4th in the Breeder's Cup Classic. Hard Spun finished second in the Haskell and got his G1 win in the King's Bishop. He beat Street Sense in the KCC before wrapping his career up in the BCC with a runner up finish. Both Street Sense and Hard Spun stand at Darley at Jonabell. Curlin would go onto finish 3rd in the Haskell, and win the Jockey Club Gold Cup and Breeder's Cup Classic to win Horse of the Year. He would come back as four year old to win the Dubai World Cup, Stephen Foster, Jockey Club Gold Cup to become North America's richest racehorse. However, he finished his career with a 4th place finish in the BCC, still that was more then enough to give him a second Horse of the Year honors. Curlin stands at Lane's End.

09 Aftermath: Mine That Bird would get some time off and reappear in the West Virginia Derby, with Mike Smith on him for the second time (this was when Calvin decided to ride Warrior's Reward the same day) he finished third behind Soul Warrior and Big Drama. It would be the start of an interesting summer for the Birdstone gelding, he was forced to miss the Travers due to a throat issue. That opened the door for Summer Bird who was coming off a second place finish in the Haskell to win not only the Travers, but the Jockey Club Gold Cup to to basically wrap up 3yo male honors. As for the third TC race winner? Well Rachel Alexandra came back in the Mother Goose against stakes winner Flashing and Malibu Prayer who was making her stakes debut. It was really no contest as Rachel destroyed the future Test and Chilukki winners in a 19 1/2 romp in a stakes record time. Her next spot would be the Haskell where she would face Summer Bird. With the sloppy track, Rachel and SB sat off the pace that was set by Munnings, and on the far turn the Preakness winner took the lead and cruised to an easy 6 length win that was almost a stakes and track record. With that win, Rachel Alexandra became only the second female to ever win the Haskell (the first being Serena's Song, but like Rachel, Serena had a win over the boys before and ironcily won the Mother Goose as well). Her final start of the year would be the Woodward Stakes, and will go down as the race that could not only nab her Horse of the Year (she and Zenyatta are considered the top two candiates), but Hall of Fame honors as well. Being pressed by 08 Belmont winner Da' Tara, Rachel set grueling fractions that would be perfectly set up for closers. However, Rachel Alexandra is not a normal race horse, as she had the heart to hold of Macho Again. Ironicly, both the Macho Uno colt and his half sis Be Fair where beaten by Rachel this year. Summer Bird and Mine That Bird both particpated in this year's BC Classic where they fell to another fablous filly Zenyatta. While Mine That Bird is done for the year, Summer Bird will be going in the Japan Cup Dirt which is in two weeks.

I hope that you enjoyed the reviews of the 07 and 09 TC classes, next week I'll start reviewing my favorite races of this year and in December do a Top 10 of the best races this past decade.

The Zengend

I appoligze for not having a post Thursday, unfortanlly the meeting I had for my vol. job ran longer then I expected (and I gotta do some stuff for that too ack!), so I did not get a chance to type up a preview for this weekend. However I do have time to do a recap of this past weekends races.

Starting off on Thursday when my favorite 2yo Rule, finally broke his maiden at Belmont. Huge congrats to WinStar Farm (his owner and breeder), and trainer Todd Pletcher. Friday with at opening day at Keenland. Sadly one of my favorite 2yo's this season, a Forest Danger colt named Gun Rock broke down after finishing 5th behind Liston (Country Star's half brother and who won the race that Brother Bird, Mine That Bird's half brother made his debut in), and was euthanized. He was trained by Barclay Tagg and owned by Fox Hill Farm. The stakes races at Keenland on Friday where ruled by defending Candian Horse of the Year Fatal Bullet, and former Canada based Negligee.

I spent yesterday at Delaware Park where it was Fan Apprication Day. Although my sister, who I will admit is not a horse racing fan, was not happy about going. However, she was a good sport and came anyway. It was supposed to be the Alex show, what I mean by that is former DP based Afleet Alex had two sons in the feature the Dover Stakes. They where Kratisto and Quick Ride, unfortanlly they ran 3rd (Quick Ride) and 6th (Kratisto) respectfully. Upsetting the field was Citrus Kid, and unfortanlly my pick Ennis was last. I have several photos to share, but that will wait until tomorrow when I do my DP season ending wrap up.

Then it was Santa Anita time, unfortanlly Mine That Bird was sixth as Gitmo Hernarando upset Colonal John and Richard's Kid, in the Goodwood. Meanwhile Zenyatta tied the great Personal Ensign with her 13 win in a row to remain undefeated in the Lady's Secret. Her next race will be either the Ladies Classic or the Classic. IMO if she goes in the Classic and wins, she is Horse of the Year. Which is a shame as I think it should be co-Horse of the Year with her and Rachel Alexandra as they would have both beaten the boys in the biggest races of the year. Both of them are future Hall of Famers and maybe, just maybe next year we will see these two face off at last.

Presious Passion, Mushka (via DQ) and Gayego all won their G1 races today. It will be a very interesting Breeder's Cup Turf, Ladies Classic (aka Distaff) and Sprint with those three in those respective races.


This week is going to be a bit of a crazy one as it's Homecoming week at my vol. job, so the posts maybe short and to the point, I do appogize for those type of posts in advance. Tomorrow I will have some of my best photos of the year from Delaware Park.

Zen the Bird

Huge weekend upcoming woodith several G1's, including the Goodwood, and Lady's Secret. Both of these races are at Oak Tree at Santa Anita. I'll have a full preview on tomorrow (when Belmont comes out with the Frizzette and Champagne fields), but this could be the biggest tests in the careers of not only Zenyatta, but Mine That Bird as well.

Why?

In the Lady's Secret, Zenyatta is facing Life is Sweet, a G1 winner like herself and who finished third against the boys in the HGC. Cocoa Beach comes west, she was second in the BC Ladies Classic last season and won the Beldame as well. Annaba's Creation, an allowance winner who has become the closes to ever to defeat the Zen, and Briecat who gave her all in the Vanity. Plus Leathal Heat who has finished 3rd and 2nd against the males. This is not going to be a walk in the park for Zen, however the pace and distance is more up her alley.

Mine That Bird's race is even worse. The Goodwood features Tiago, a former Goodwood winner and should do much better on a synth surface (although he clearly perfers dirt), upset Pacific Classic winner Richard's Kid, Gitano Hernando who is making his US debut and did pretty well in Europe and at one point was Belmont bound earlier this year, add in Col. John and Chocolate Candy who is clearly better on the synth. But like Zenyatta, the pace should be to his liking and with getting BFF back for the next two races helps as well.

Several other horses I'm watching make their final BC preps this weekend, and I'll preview those tomorrow.

Injuires, retirement and Mine That Bird

First off, G1 winner Mi Sueno's career is could be over before it really got started. Lets hope that this daughter of Madcap Escapade (who I was a huge fan of when she was running), makes a full recovery. Mi Sueno won the Darley (formally the Del Mar) Debutante last time out. Also on the front page of RockportHarbor.com, you can read that Winslow Homer will not be in the Champagine next week after devoloping a quarter crack.

One horse who won't make a return from injury is Better Talk Now, who will call it a career at age 10. I will admit, that while I was a fan of his, there where times where I rooted against him. One of those was in the 2004 Breeder's Cup Turf where he upset one of my all time favorite turf horses Kitten's Joy, "Blackie" as he was affectionaly called was set to wrap up his career in Saturday's Turf Classic, when this injury came up. No word on weather he's going to stay at Fair Hill or go to a farm (i.e. Kentucky Horse Park, Old Friends ect.). Here is one of my favorite wins of his the 2007 Manhattan Handicap where he beat that year's Breeder's Cup Turf champ English Channel and the late Shakis.



Finally, Mine That Bird had a workout this morning with Joe Talamo in the saddle. Calvin Borel is still named to ride him in the Goodwood. Speaking about Joe, he was on Conan O'Brian last night. I didn't see it except from a clip, and I'll be honest. I shut it off, as frankly Conan annoys me big time (I'll take his predasor Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel over him any time). With that being said, hopefully this puts some interest back into horse racing. Interesting enough this was the second time in 5 months that a jockey had been on the Tonight Show. Calvin was on shortly after his Derby win this past May. Here is Joe's interview:



I couldn't find a vid of Calvin' interview with Jay, if anyone can find it I'll be very greatful. Also you'll be seeing a new little feature at the bottom. This makes it easier for people who would like to retweet my post. Mary Forney uses this feature for her blog posts.

The Bull and Rachel: History! And Borail and the Bird back together

If you remember during the Travers Vault, I featured Holy Bull since he was one of the winners. Well ironicly Holy Bull also won the Woodward, which of course Rachel Alexandra will be going in this Saturday. Here is a video of The Bull's Woodward:



He was the last 3yo to take the Woodward... until possibly Saturday when Rachel tries to become the first filly/mare to win it (let alone as a 3yo.) Speaking of Rachel, her jockey Calvin Borel has found a mount for the Breeder's Cup Classic. And he knows his mount pretty well, Mine That Bird and Calvin will be reunited for the Goodwood and BCC. Now of course, Jess Jackson could change his mind, and send Rachel to the BC, but according to this article, she might be done for the year after the Woodward. It will be an intersting few weeks leading up to the Jockey Club Gold Cup and Beldame where should could face Zenyatta (highley unlikley though).

BTW since I didn't post yesterday LDP of Horsin Around was correct with the trivia question. Sara Louise upset Rachel in the Pocahontas (Rach was the favorite), in her defence though she ran into trouble in that race. It was also the last time Brian Hernandez Jr. was on Rachel, the next time which was the Golden Rod. That is when Calvin and Rachel turned the tables on Sara by breaking a stakes record. Those two have not looked back since.

Magical Rachel

I took me over 24 hours just to think of the perfect title for yesterday's Haskell, and while I was thinking about that Quality Road throws down a nice race in his return. However, I'm not going to look to that possible matchup of him vs you know who until after next weekend (it's going to be another great weekend of racing including the Arlington Million).

Right now I want to look back at yesterday's Haskell, where Rachel Alexandra continued her journey of being one of the best (if not the best) filly in modern times. The way she put away not only Belmont winner Summer Bird, but superstar Munnings, that takes a champion to do that. And that's what she is, all of the other horses (especially Atomic Rain who probley should have been scratched with the way he ran and Bunker Hill who was only entered due to injury to his stablemate Musket Man) where really no match for her. Here is a video of her magical win:



Now that she's beaten the other to TC race winners, what's next? The most logical would be the Haskell, but I don't know if she'll be heading there for a few reasons. The first one is with Kensei's win in the Jim Dandy, it put Steve Asmussen in a bit of a pickel. Since he and Rachel are both owned by Jess Jackson (techinally Rach is co-owned, but Mr. Jackson is the one who is one calling the shots). Secondly, if Rach doesn't go, that would free up Calvin Borel to ride Warrior's Reward (who like Rach is by Medaglia d'Oro and he has yet to have a male stakes winner), and last, but not least the possible incluction of Quality Road. Many people think that he is the best 3yo male and the only one who could give Rachel fits. However, she could skip the Haskell for the Woodward. It's a mile and eighth which by far is her best distance (she can go farther as she showed in the Preakness, but it might be a struggle going a mile and quarter), also it would give her an edge in HOY over others by beating older horses especially males whose depth is depleated by injury, retirement ect. Besides, the 3yo male championship is still up for grabs. In all honestly, it's a four horse race: Quality Road, Summer Bird, Kensei and Mine That Bird. If any of those four wins the Travers, then they most likely win the Eclipse.

Also we are all clamoring for that much anticipated Rachel vs Zenyatta match up (BTW Big Z runs on Sunday and really the only horse who should give her fits is her stablemate Life is Sweet), and who knows if that will even happen. For now, I think we should just all enjoy this wonderful filly. Yes she has her detractors, people who don't like her connections and so on. However, this is the closest thing that I personally see to Ruffian.

Rachel to the Shore, The Bird in the Mountains

neI hope everyone enjoys the great racing that will be taking place this weekend. There are three G1's (Haskell, Diana and Go For Wand), plus two pretty major G2's (West Virginia Derby and Jim Dandy). The Haskell and WV Derby will have the return of the Bird Brothers (Mine That Bird and his fellow Birdstone foal Summer Bird). Forever Together will be in the Diana, and Cocoa Beach will try to rebound from her horrible season debut in the Go For Wand. Warrior's Reward will try to become the first male Medaglia d'Oro to win a stakes race in the Jim Dandy. Plus on the West Coast, it's the return of Dubai World Cup champ Well Armed and it will be the battle of the sexes as Allicansay is Wow makes her first try against the males. I'm missing something aren't I. Oh yeah a certin filly makes her second go-around with the boys.

Of the three 3yo's races this weekend, the Haskell has the most depth. You have Rachel Alexandra, Summer Bird, Munnings and Papa Clem leading the charge. Atomic Rain will make his Goldolphin debut, but he is recovering from an hoof injury, so he may end up not going. While on paper, this won't be a walk in the park for Rachel, I still think she will win it. Monmouth is a speed favoring track, and she likes the lead. She will either sit right off or be pressed by Munnings, whose stamina will come into question (However his dam's half sister was second in the Delaware Handicap). It may actually be too short for Summer Bird who may relish the 10 furlong distance more. There are a couple of longshots who are actually replacements for their highley regarded stablemates who either went elsewhere (Big Drama) or are out for the year (Musket Man).

The day before, Rachel's jockey and trainer will be facing off against each other. Steve Asmussen will send out Kensei (for Jess Jackson, Rachel's owner), where as Calvin Borel will be riding Warrior's Reward in the Jim Dandy. Saratoga Sinner, who made a brief apperience on the TC trail this year will make his comeback. Chartiable Man and Miner's Escape will also be in the race.

Up in the mountains of good old West Virgina, history will be made. Mine That Bird will be the first Derby winner to ever run at Mountianeer and in the WV Derby. Other then Big Drama, this is the weakest of the three major 3yo's races. If an honest pace is set, Mike Smith should have no problem guiding Mine back to the winner's circle. (BTW lets just hope we don't see a repeat of what happend to him on Thorn Song in the Eddie Read last week)

So my picks for the weekend are:
Jim Dandy: Warrior's Reward, Kensei
West Virginia Derby: Mine That Bird
Diana: Forever Together, My Princess Jess
Go For Wand: Weathered, Cocoa Beach
San Diego: Well Armed
Haskell: Rachel Alexandra, Papa Clem, Summer Bird

I hope everyone enjoys the weekend races. I personally will be out of town starting Sat. Hopefully I'll have a post either Sunday or Monday night. Until then, enjoy your weekend!

The Derby duo is no more

Well to the suprise of no one, Calvin Borel is out as the jockey of Mine That Bird, link. This is the best thing that could happen to both sides. For Dr. Bach and his partner whose name I will not say do to his "idea", earlier this year and trainer Chip Wooley, they can find a jockey that is loyal. And for Calvin, he can focus on his two big horses, Rachel Alexandra and Warrior's Reward. Also he had no earlier connections with Chip, where as he had some connection with Steve Asmussen and he is the 1st call rider for Ian Wilkes.

That doeesn't this is mean it's disapointing. Here is a horse that everbody called a fluke, his jockey left him and then almost got beat on Rachel by the so called fluke. In all honestly, the Belmont was proably going to be his final ride on Mine anyway (in my opinon). It was strictly a bussiness decideson. And hopefully both sides will be able to move on for the rest of the year.

Previews for this weekend's 3 G1's will go up tomarrow.

Summer in Dunkirk is Mine

So a son of Birdstone won the Belmont.....

Just not the one everyone thought that would win. I like Summer Bird and was happy for him to win. Congrats to his owners and trainer who celebrated his 35th birthday yesterday. And it was redempion for his jockey Kent Desermoux who until today I considered "The Choke King of Belmont" (He lost two Triple Crown's on Real Quiet and Big Brown), I gotta give some love to Dunkirk, he showed that he was worth the millions that Coolmore spent, and it ended up being an okay day for them as they where 2nd and 3rd in the Epsom Derby, plus a win in the Woody Stephens with Munnings. Mine That Bird just ran out of gas, did Calvin Borel screw up? Most likely, but the Triple Crown was created to be difficult.

So while there was no "Calvin Crown", there was a "Cajun Crown", as Kent like Calvin is a native of Lousiana. Also Birdstone has 2 Classic winners in his first crop is amazing. And a little bit of love for Darley's new bread and butter Medaglia d'Oro as Gabby's Golden Gal upset Justwhistledixie in the Acorn. However, she did have little bit of heat stroke, but should be okay. Those two are going to be awesome sires in the upcoming years.

Now for some disapointments: Californian horses showed that other then the runner up finish in the Derby, look like that they are still just synthtic specialists. Chartiable Man got nothing, but hype and he didn't proform. I understand that he may have been interfered with, still fourth in this case is not good. Miner's Claim I thought was the better of the two Zito trainees and he was last, so yeah the Tesio is not a good prep for those who want to go to the Preakness or Belmont. The other disapointment was what was Mike Smith thinking? All he could do on Madeo was fourth? He could have at least a 3rd place finish on Mine.

Now that the Triple Crown is over, we look forward to the rest of the year. The big question will be where there be a TC in Canada, Eye of the Lepord looks like he might be it. Can Sea the Stars become the first TC in England since Nijnsky II? He won the second leg yesterday in the Epsom Derby, although is highly unlikely for the St. Ledger which is the final leg.

What to expect the rest of the year from Thoroughbred Chat? Well I'll be talking alot about some minor stakes races including the Susan's Girl and G3 Obeah which comes up in a few weeks. Don't forget next Saturday I'll have live chat starting at 3pm. Since it will be Stephen Foster Day, it will most likely be going for at least 2 hours, maybe more, maybe less. Also I've scrapped my major pedigree project for looking for relatives of TC winners. Instead I'm working on a spreadsheet of one of my favorite horses who ran 2 years ago, Hard Spun! I'll have a link to the spreadsheet ASAP.

Belmont Week is here!

It's Belmont week!

Mine That Bird had his final workout before the mile and half Belmont today, also returning to the track was Rachel Alexandra. I think both parties where very pleased with how they both ran. And Calvin Borel is confident in Mine, link. In other Belmont news, Summer Bird will be racing in blinkers for the first time. When the PP’s come out on Weds, I’ll have my picks then (I will say that I’m leaning towards a Mine That Bird/Charitable Man/Chocolate Candy trifecta). BTW Todd Pletcher is blogging again for NTRA, link.He did this in 2007 with Rags to Riches after she won the Belmont.

One of the 2yo’s who I’m watching worked out today up at Saratoga.

Rule
Your Comment: 2007 c Roman Ruler x Rockcide (Personal Flag)
Date: June 1, 2009
Track: Saratoga
Distance: Three Furlongs
Time: 37:62
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: Dirt training
Rank: 17/59

I should note that I did remove a part of my comment that I usually have because I’m going to explain why I’m following this horse. Roman Ruler is by Fusaichi Pegasus and was part of the 2005 3yo class. Although he did not run in the Triple Crown, he was a highly regarded and won the Haskell beating Sun King. Rockcide is a NY bred by Personal Flag. She didn’t win a race, and while it maybe surprising that she got into a G1 winner’s first book, let me explain a little bit of her female family. Rockcide hails from the same family as Belle of Cozzene (G3 winner), Zee Oh Six (Listed Stakes winner and ¾ brother to Belle of Cozzene) and Quakerbell (Listed stakes winner). However, her grand dam’s best foal in the shed, was a mare who won only 2 races in her life (Note: This is a clue of where I’m heading towards wink wink). Rockcide is out of this particular mare, Belle’s Good Cide by Slewacide. Her first foal, a colt named Coincide (By Cozzene), won three races and is now standing in Venezuela. Her second foal was also a colt, a chestnut by a rookie stallion by the name of Distorted Humor (Note: Clue #2!, and I’m sorry I have to mention him and his most famous foal. The story wouldn’t be complete without it). This colt however, would end up being a gelding before his racing career began. Trained by Barclay Tagg and owned by Sackatoga Stable, Rockcide’s half brother is the one and only Funny Cide! If you are wondering Rockcide was Belle’s 3rd foal and only female. The final foal, Homicide (by Mojave Moon), is now a timber racer. Sadly sometime after Homicide was born, Belle passed away from colic.

Anyway back to Rule, the fact that he is up at Saratoga tells me that Nick Zito trains him. Which is cool, since Nick trains another great DH gelding by the name of Commentator (Whose full sister Source of Humor makes her debut for Graham Motion on Friday at Monmouth). However, I could also be wrong and there is another trainer who is based up there. So, if anyone knows who trains Rule, please leave a comment on this post. I’m pretty interested in who does train him, and if he’s going to make his debut at Belmont, or wait until later in the year. Especially since he’s been working steadily.

Even though the US Triple Crown will end this upcoming Saturday in the Belmont, the Canadian Triple Crown will be getting started in a few weeks. The final major prep was yesterday in the Plate Trial, and the winner was Eye of the Leopard (AP Indy x Eye of the Sphynx by Smart Strike), link. Owned by the famous Sam-Son Farm, he should be the favorite for the Queen’s Plate at a mile and a quarter. Also for you Square Eddie fans, he’s still not recovered from his recent setback and will skip the Queen’s Plate. I feel bad for his owner Paul Reddam, who is from Canada. However, it’s for the best. We should see him later this year in the other Cali races.

Sadly, Susan Magnier who owns Ballydole (her husband John, Michael Tabor and Derek Smith make up Coolmore), lost her father the great trainer Vincent O'Brien (No relation to Ballydole’s current trainer Aidan O'Brien) this morning in Ireland. Mr. O’Brien was 92 and trained many great horses including El Gran Senor (the future broodmare sire of Chester House and Empire Maker) and Nijinsky II (British Triple Crown winner, and the sire of Ferdinand and Dancing Spree). Link

Sorry NYRA: Rachel to skip Belmont

As everyone knows by now, Rachel Alexandra will skip the Belmont Stakes. Will it effect the attendance, most likely. However, Mine That Bird will be in the race, and he has his new BFF back on his back after a one race hietus. With Rachel out, it helps Chartiable Man out, as he's the lone speed. But I wouldn't be surpised if Brave Victory went out with him, as his dad Lion Heart was pretty speedy himself.

Meanwhile, Rach will be in a non horse related magazine this upcoming August. It's a very well known magazine, that is more known for it's fashion sense. I'm talking about Vogue, and yesterday was her photo shoot. Some people like it (I'm one of those), others wished it happend before with horses like Rags to Riches and Zenyatta. I think the big reason why she is going to be in the magazine is that Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue was at the Preakness. If she hadn't been, who knows if she would be in the magazine. Hopefully this opens the door to a world racing has never traveled. Next thing we know, Mine is getting offers from magazines himself.

Anyway, due to some miscommunitation I didn't get to the track today. But lets just say I had a horrible day picking winners. So hopefully I will get there on June 20th which is DelCap/Oaks preview day.

The Game we call Cat and Mouse

This is pretty much what the jockey situations for Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird have turned into. We will not know until next week weather Rach will go, or who will ride Mine. Chip Woolley announced today that we announce next week who will ride Mine, after Jess Jackson announces weather or not Rach goes. Link Either way, this cat and mouse tatics will be over in a little bit over a week.

Speaking of the Belmont, Mr. Hot Stuff fired a bullet on Tuesday, link. He'll be ridden by Edgar Prado, who will be receving the highest sports award in Peru. It's unknown when he'll be presented with this award however, link. So congrats to him!

A.P. Arrow who was fifth in the 2005 Belmont Stakes, will begin his stud career in South Africa, link. Good luck to him at stud. Also Pioneering looks like he will be leaving Overbrook for Brazil, link. While not as successful at stud as his half brother Storm Cat, he did have a G1 winner. But, he's more known as the sire of The White Fox and So Long Birdie, Birdstone and Bird Town's half brother who stands in New Mexico. His owner? Mark Allen, the co-owner of Mine That Bird.

Also if anyone knows any info how Sky Mom is doing after the Arlington Matron accident, please post a comment here. Yes I know she was DQ'ed to last, but that's all I know.

Making up Minds is hard

I hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day weekend. I personally had a fantastic one, but it is now time to go back to bussiness.

First off the Queen of Racing returned this weekend, Zenyatta pretty much beat a bunch of listed stakes/G3 stakes horses and her stablemate Life is Sweet. Now nothing to take away from Zenyatta, who is an amazing horse, but her connections are going a bit on the concertive side this year. What do I mean that, I present the following from DRF.com, what her trainer John Shirreffs said. (I should note that his wife, is the racing manager for Zenyatta's owners Jerry and Ann Moss)

"Shirreffs is not interested in trying Zenyatta against males in a race such as the $700,000 Hollywood Gold Cup on July 11.
'The Gold Cup is a mile and a quarter," he said. "She's never run that far. It would be an ambitious spot and against the boys? Let's make it even harder.'"

To me this sounds like they are trying to avoid the boys, and Rachel Alexandra (IF that matchup comes it will be on the East Coast as Jess Jackson is not too thrilled in bringing Rach to run over the plastic, even though she has a win over it, abeit in an allowance at Keenland. Still she beat her new stablemate (And recent Eight Belles S. winner) Four Gifts in that allowance). Hopefully they will change their minds and maybe point to the Pacific Classic, that will set her up perfectly for either the Goodwood (If they want to go to the Classic) or the Lady's Secret (If they want to go to the Distaff (Sorry I just can't call it the Ladies Classic)).

Here is a vid of this year's Milady with the very uber impressive win by the Queen of Racing.



Speaking of making up minds, Rach's connections have not decided if she will go to the Belmont or not, link. As a fan, I would love to see her go and try to become the first filly to win 2 legs of the Triple Crown. However, the Preakness was a hard race, she did not like the track according to Calvin Borel, and had it been longer, Mine That Bird would have caught her most likely. Luckly, Steve Asmussen and Jess Jackson are letting her dictate what they decide to do. If she does not go, then look for her two weeks later in the Mother Goose.

Does this mean Mine That Bird, gets Calvin back? Not quite yet, link. His connections are giving Borel a few more days to think about it. We might not know who is riding Mine until possibly we know if Rach is going or not. If Cal does ride Mine and Rach is going, look for Robby Alberado to ride. Not a bad replacement though, especially since he beat Rach twice, once on Garden District (who hasn't done anything since that win, my guess is she's injured or retired) and once on Sara Louise (who now races for Godolphin, we should see her later this year). But then again, he was also the rider on her soon to be husband Curlin. However, I really don't see this happening.

Calvin himself, has been very successful since the Oaks and Derby. He got his 900 win at Churchill the week of the Preakness. That put him #2 on the all time wins list at Churchill, behind the one and only Pat Day. It continued this weekend when he won, I believe 5 races on Saturday. One of those races was the Louisville Handicap, and he won it with an old timer. Brass Hat return to the winner's circle for the first time since capturing the 2007 Mass Cap. This is his first stakes win on turf and pushed him closer to 2 mil in earnings (If it wasn't for a DQ in the 06 World Cup, he would be closer to 3 mil). Buff Bradley trains for his dad Fred. Link Calvin also appeared on several morning programs (Today and Good Morning America in perticler), the following video however, is from Pardon the Interruption.



Also run this weekend was the Metropolitian Handicap, aka the Met Mile. This year, the winner was Bribon, a French bred gelding. It's funny, the three major races in May (Derby, Preakness, Met Mile), where won by 2 geldings and a filly. Congrats to his connections. One of my favorite fillies (other then Rach) is the 4yo Medowlake filly, Maren's Meadow. It's been a rough few months for Maren, her trainer's pony was let out of his stall and a blistering agent was put on his mouth (as far as I know Pal (Larry Jones' pony) has recovered). Then she was sponged before an allowance race at Delaware (she was favored to win), and then folded like a cheap suitcase in the Azeri finishing last. She finally returned to the winner's circle yesterday with a win in the Monmouth Beach Stakes, link. One of my favorite former Delaware Park jockeys Kendrick Charmouche won two stakes yesterday at Mountaineer (link), he's based at Philadelphia Park. And last but not least, Autism Awareness shocked everyone again by taking his second stakes win of his career in the Berkeley, link. I've been following him since his El Camino win. Congrats to his connections.

I'm afraid that I have to end this post on a bit of a sad note, and to relize as much as we love this sport, lives can change in an instant. This weekend that happend at Arlington Park in the suburbs of Chicago. Rene Douglas and Jamie Theriot where running in the Arlington Matron. It was then Sky Mom ridden by Jamie, clipped heels with Born to Be who was ridden by Rene. The consquences where catostrophic, as Rene is in a Chicago area hospital, paralyzed from the waist down, and his mount Born to Be euthanized, link. Sky Mom and Jamie where DQ'ed to last after finishing fifth. On yesterday, the IL Racing Board decided to suspend Jamie for 30 days, link. Even though he is sorry and it was reckless riding, it doesn't make up that two lives where destroyed on Saturday. Rene Douglas' and Jamie Theriot's lives will now be intertwinned in this tragedy. My heart goes out to Rene and the rest of his family. There is a Facebook Group for Rene Douglas that you can visit, here.

Belmont journeys await

Well before the TC talk on ThoroughChat takes about a week and half break, there is some Belmont updates.

First off once again, Mine That Bird is looking for a new jockey. Link I understand that Mike Smith is trying to be loyal to the Moss', but what if he and Mine beat Rachel Alexandra and Calvin Borel? Would have he still taken off him? I don't know, but if Rach does not go (which I somewhat hope she doesn't as she deserves a rest and come back in the summer with full force), look for Calvin to ride him. If she does, I hope they decide on either putting a local on him or his former jockey/Mike's girlfriend, Chantal Sutherland.

Meanwhile it looks like that Mike's Derby mount, Chocolate Candy, could be ridden by Garrett Gomez (I don't think announcement has come yet on this though). I'm pretty disappointed by this choice. Either way hopefully he does well.

The following are the sires who could be represented in the Belmont, foals are in parenthesis.

Birdstone (Mine That Bird, 3rd jockey as in many races, unless Rach does not go. Winner of the KY Derby, 2nd in the Preakness the past two races, and Summer Bird, 3rd in the AR Derby, 6th in the KY Derby. Sire won the Belmont in 2004 denying Smarty Jones the Triple Crown.)

Candy Ride (Chocolate Candy, 2nd in SA Derby and 5th in the KY Derby. Sire was undefted as a racehorse.)

Fusaichi Pegasus (Flying Private, one of two horses who will be running in all three races, last in the KY Derby and 4th in the Preakness. Sire the 2000 KY Derby winner.)

Lemon Drop Kid (Charitable Man, newcomer to the TC who is owned by Mr. and Mrs. William Warren, better known as the owners of the late great Saint Liam. Ironicly Charitable and Liam where bred by the same breeder. The other difference other then sire and dam, is Chartiable was foaled if VA, while Liam was foaled in KY. However, Liam would have been foaled in VA as well, but Edward Evans, the breeder did not move his mares until I think a year after Liam was born. Won the Peter Pan last time. Sire denied Charismatic the Triple Crown in the 1999 Belmont.)

Medaglia d'Oro (Rachel Alexandra, she may not go, KY Oaks and Preakness winner. Sire finished 2nd in the 2002 Belmont and won the Travers that year)

Mineshaft (Miner's Escape, newcomer to the TC who is owned by Robert LaPenta, he is the defending owner in the Belmont with Da' Tara. Won the Tesio on Derby day. Sire was the 2003 Horse of the Year.)

Ten Most Wanted (Luv Gov, I love his name dispite who he is named after. Broke maiden and was 8th in the Preakness. Sire was 2nd in the 2003 Belmont and won the Travers that year. )

Tiznow (Mr. Hot Stuff, full brother to last year's Travers winner, was 3rd in the SA Derby and in 15th the KY Derby. Sire is the two time Breeder's Cup Classic winner, and the 2000 Horse of the Year.)

Unbridled's Song (Dunkirk, 2nd in the FL Derby and in 11th the KY Derby. Sire was the beaten favorite in the 1996 Derby won by Grindstone (who ironicly is the sire of Birdstone), winner of the 1995 BC Juvi.)

I end this post on a bit of a sad note, Broad Brush, winner of the PA Derby, Wood, BigCap among others, was euthanized on the 15th of this month. Among of the foals he sired, Concern, the 1994 Breeder's Cup Classic winner. He was 26 years old, link.