This week's races where only going to be from Gulfstream and the Fair Grounds. However, due to my screwing up a little bit in the first episode of Furlongs and Horses yesterday, I have a bonus race from Oaklawn.
This weeks previews will be the Sunshine Millions Classic (even though it's reallly a 1 horse race), Lecomte and Silverbulletday as well as the Smarty Jones! Lets take a look at the fields.
Gulfstream Park - Saturday, January 18, 2014
Race 10 - 5:03 PM $1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta
STAKES
Florida Sunshine Millions Classic S.
Purse $400,000. For Four Year Olds And Upward Registered Florida Breds With The Ftboa. $2,000 to pass the entry box and $2.000 additional to start, with $400,000 Guaranteed. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race. The owner of the winner to receive $240,000 $80,000 to second, $40,000 to third, $20,000 to fourth, $12,000 to fifth and $8,000 to sixth. Weight: 123 lbs: Non-winners of a Grade I over a mile since September 1, allowed 2 Lbs.; A graded stakes at a mile or over since July 1, 4 lbs; $60,000 at a mile or over since August 1, 6 lbs; Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Closed Saturday, January 4, 2014 with 24 Nominations. Trophy to the winning owner. One And One Eighth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Decaf Again (FL) 8/G L C Olivero 117 B R Rose 20/1
2 2 Joshua's Comprise (FL) 4/C L F Z Maysonett 117 B R Rose 30/1
3 3 Rule Number Six (FL) 5/H L M Rispoli 117 R Gaffney 12/1
4 4 Mucho Macho Man (FL) 6/H L G L Stevens 123 K Ritvo 2/5
5 5 Bernie the Maestro (FL) 7/G L J Rosario 117 M J Maker 4/1
6 6 Gourmet Dinner (FL) 6/H L J Castellano 117 R Triola 6/1
Decaf Again (Wised Up): At 8 he is still rolling along. 5th in last year's edition of this race, he finished 5th in the Gulfstream Park Handicap last year but would have more then likely 6th had Fort Larned had not lost his rider that day. Has finished off the board in his last two starts.
Joshua's Comprise (Comprise): Stablemate to Decaf Again, his current form has included 2 up track finishes and a fourth. He ran well in the Holy Bull last year, but even though this is restricted race some of these horses (with the exception of the favorite of course) are pretty decent.
Rule Number Six (Repent): Won an open stakes race at Calder in May, but hasn't won since. In matter of fact, hasn't even been in the top three since that race in May.
Mucho Macho Man (Macho Uno): What can you say? Awesome Again winner, Breeders' Cup Classic winner, he looms over this field. Sure many think that he should be in the Donn instead, but the past two seasons he has started his year in this race and ended with a top 3 finish at the BC. If it rains, he will scratch because last year was a disaster after being eased and having to play catch up the rest of the year.
Bernie the Maestro (Bernstein): 6th at Gulfstream in his last, but he did win at Indiana Downs in a stakes race before that. Although he is the second choice in the race, I'm not sure he has enough talent to really stay with my top two choices.
Gourmet Dinner (Trippi): Together again he and MMM. They where 1-2 in their very first race which GD won. In their last meeting in 2012 though MMM to GD's last place finish in the Woodward. He is the only other graded stakes winner in this field and hasn't won a stakes race since 2012. However, he won in October and has finished third in his last two races including his last at Laurel where the winner is a specialist on that surface.
Win: Mucho Macho Man
Place: Gourmet Dinner
Show: Rule Number Six
The next three races are all for three year olds as we really start get started with Derby and Oaks preps.
Fair Grounds - Saturday, January 18, 2014
Race 7 - 3:25 PM Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9) / Daily Double
STAKES
Silverbulletday S.
Purse $125,000. For Fillies Three Years Old. By subscription of $125 by Saturday, January 4. $600 to enter; $625 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $3,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $125,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner; 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% to fifth and 1% to sixth through ninth. Weight: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000, allowed 2 lbs, $25,000, allowed 4 lbs, $20,000, allowed 6 Lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. The Silverbulletday Stakes will be limited to fourteen (14) starters. Preference will be given to horses with the highest lifetime earnings at the time of passing the entry box. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, January 4, 2014, with 12 nominations. One Mile And Seventy Yards.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Express Model (IN) 3/F L R E Eramia 122 B S Flint 12/1
2 2 Unbridled Forever (KY) 3/F L R Albarado 116 D Stewart 7/5
3 3 Army (KY) 3/F L A Reznikov 116 P Vashchenko 20/1
4 4 Istanford (FL) 3/F L J Graham 120 M Stidham 3/1
5 5 Awesome Jill (KY) 3/F L S Bridgmohan 116 M Lovell 15/1
6 6 Divine Beauty (KY) 3/F L R Napravnik 120 J L Jones 8/5
Express Model (Unbridled Express): Stakes winner against Indiana breds, she was second in her local debut which was an off the turf race. Was scratched from the Allowance race last week that was featured to go here instead.
Unbridled Forever (Unbridled's Song): This is her stakes debut. Broke maiden at Churchill in her last, her dam shocked everyone by winning the KY Oaks in 2006 by winning by the highest odds ever in the race.
Army (Corinthian): Takes a major step up in class as she'll be taking on stakes company for the first time.
Istanford (Istan): Makes dirt debut, defeated Awesome Jill in her last. 5th in the Arlington-Washington Lassie at Arlington last fall. Has a shot.
Awesome Jill (Pioneerof the Nile): Stakes debut, was scratched out of the stakes race that featured on last week's RWP.
Devine Beauty (Divine Park): 2 for 2 in her career including a stakes in her last. However she stretches out.
Win: Unbridled Forever
Place: Instanford
Show: Devine Beauty
Fair Grounds - Saturday, January 18, 2014
Race 9 - 4:23 PM Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $0.10 Superfecta / Daily Double $0.50 Pick 3 (Races 9-11) / $0.50 Pick 4 (Races 9-12)
STAKES
LeComte S. (Grade III)
Purse $200,000. For Three Year Olds. By subscription of $200 by Saturday, January 4. (Louisiana Derby early bird nominees automatically subscribed); $1,000 to enter; $1,000 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $5,000 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $200,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% to fifth and 1% to sixth through ninth. Weight: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $36,000 allowed 2 Lbs.; $25,000, allowed 4 Lbs.; $20,000, allowed 6 Lbs. (Maiden and claiming races not considered in estimating allowances). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. The Lecomte Stakes will be limited to fourteen (14) starters. Preference to horses with the highest lifetime earnings at the time of passing entry box. Failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, January 4, 2014, with 82 nominations. One Mile And Seventy Yards.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Roman Unbridled (KY) 3/C L K J Smith 122 C Cook 8/1
2 2 Rainbow Trip (KY) 3/G L C Landeros 116 D Pish 12/1
3 3 Got Shades (KY) 3/C R Albarado 122 D Pish 8/1
4 4 Gold Hawk (KY) 3/C L S Bridgmohan 118 S M Asmussen 3/1
5 5 Smarty's Echo (KY) 3/C L J Graham 116 A P Smith 8/1
6 6 Albano (KY) 3/C L K D Clark 120 J L Jones 7/2
7 7 Vicar's in Trouble (LA) 3/C L R Napravnik 116 M J Maker 9/2
8 8 Silent Ruler (KY) 3/C L M Guidry 116 J K Desormeaux 15/1
9 9 Plug Catcher (KY) 3/C L M Mena 116 W B Calhoun 6/1
Roman Unbridled (Roman Ruler): 4th in the Delta Jackpot, and won a stakes at the same track in his last. We'll have to see if he can bring his form to a larger track.
Rainbow Trip (Sightseeing): 3rd in a stakes at Retama in two back and won his last. However, both of those races where on grass and that is where he has run the best in the past. However, he does have a 3rd place finish on dirt.
Got Shades (Pollard's Vision): Ran pretty well in the BC Juvy Turf 5th. 2 time stakes winner at Louisiana Downs, this is his dirt debut.
Gold Hawk (Empire Maker): 2 for 2, this is his stakes debut. Trainer knows how to handle good 3 year olds.
Smarty's Echo (Smarty Jones): 10th in his dirt debut in the BC Juvy, but one of the horses he finished behind has come back to win. 2nd in the Breeders' Futurity before the BC.
Albano (Istan): Won the Sugar Bowl in last, and is stretching out. Trainer won this race in 2007 with a horse who would finish second in the Derby and Classic. 1/2 brother to Mark Valeski ran well in the FG preps in 2012.
Vicar's in Trouble (Into Mischief): Broke maiden against state company in last, 3rd in other start against open company at Keeneland.
Silent Ruler (Roman Ruler): Has yet to break maiden.
Plug Catcher (Roman Ruler): 3rd to Gold Hawk in his last, uptrack before that.
Win: Got Shades
Place: Gold Hawk
Show: Smarty's Echo
Oaklawn Park - Monday, January 20, 2014Race 8 - 4:38 PM First Half Late Daily Double / Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10 Cent Superfecta
STAKES
Smarty Jones S.
Purse $150,000. Three Year Olds. No nomination fee. $750 to pass the entry box and $1000 additional to start, Supplementary nominations may be made by the closing time of entries at a fee of $2,500 which qulifies to starts. $150,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the Ownerof the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth and 2% to be divided equally between remaining starters. Weights: 122Lbs. Non-winners of $40,000 twice allowed 3 Lbs.; $40,000 once 5 Lbs.; $25,000 once 7 Lbs. (Maiden and Claiming races not considered.) In Allowance Stakes starting preference will be given to horses that have accumulated the highest earnings. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. The Owner of the winner to receive a trophy. Closed Saturday, January 11, 2014 with 25 nominees. One Mile.
PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 D'cajun Cat (FL) 3/C L R Santana, Jr. 115 S M Asmussen
2 Whyruawesome (KY) 3/G L E Martin, Jr. 115 A P Smith
3 Fire Starter (KY) 3/C L R Albarado 115 S Hobby
4 Son of a Preacher (FL) 3/C L M C Berry 115 W B Calhoun
5 A Step Ahead (IL) 3/C L F C Torres 115 B Williamson
6 Walt (KY) 3/C L K S Tohill 115 C A Hartman
7 Denali Rahy Ruler (KY) 3/C L A Birzer 115 T E Martin
8 Tanzanite Cat (FL) 3/C L N Arroyo, Jr. 115 C Autrey
9 Unstoppable Colby (KY) 3/C L J K Court 115 D W Lukas
10 Coastline (KY) 3/C L S Bridgmohan 117 M E Casse
D'cajun Cat (D'wildcat): 3rd in the Sugar Bowl and 5th in the Bashford Manor before that.
Whyruawesome (Whywhywhy): 5th in the Delta Jackpot in his last. Roman Unbridled who is going in the Lecomte finished right in front of him.
Fire Starter (Tapit): Broke maiden in his last start, before that was a DNF. His maiden win was at the distance of the Smarty.
Son of a Preacher (Pulpit): 2nd to Gold Hawk in his last. Defeated Albano in his career debut and this is his stakes debut.
A Step Ahead (Giant's Causeway): 2nd against IL breds in his last. Full brother Giant Oak is a 2 time G1 winner.
Walt (Run Away and Hide): 4th in the Springboard Mile when taken out of his game of going to the lead. Won his two starts before that.
Denali Rahy Ruler (Roman Ruler): 10th in the Springboard Mile. 1st or 2nd in his previous starts, but has never run outside of Remington.
Tanzanite Cat (Graeme Hall): Two starts with a win and a third. This is his stakes debut.
Unstoppable Colby (Pulpit): Hasn't broken maiden yet. 2nd in his last to Gold Hawk.
Coastline (Speightstown): 8th in the Delta Jackpot. Won a stakes at Churchill before that though.
Win: Son of a Preacher
Place: Walt
Show: Coastline
Showing posts with label Oaklawn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oaklawn. Show all posts
January 17, 2014
January 8, 2013
Fifth Season Preview
For the past several years the Older Male division at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas has produced some nice horses. The road to this years Oaklawn Handicap starts on Friday with the Fifth Season. It is also opening day there as well. Lets take a look this years field.
Oaklawn Park - Friday, January 11, 2013Race 8 - 4:33 PM First Half Late Daily Double / Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10Cent Superfecta
STAKES
Fifth Season S.
Purse $75,000. Four Year Olds And Upward. No nomination fee. $500 to pass the entry box and $750 additional to start. Supplementary nominations may be made by the closing time of entries at a fee of $1,500 which qualifies to start with $75,000 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: 122 Lbs. Non-winners of $50,000 in 2012-2013, allowed 3 Lbs.; $35,000 since October 11, 2012, allowed 5 Lbs.; $25,000 since September 11th, allowed 7 Lbs. (Maiden and Claiming races not considered). In Allowance Stakes starting preference will be given to horses that have accumulated the highest earnings. Starters to be named through the entry box bythe usual time of closing. The Owner of the winner to receive a trophy. Nominations closed Friday, January 4, 2013 with 23 nominees. One And One Sixteenth Miles.
PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 It Happened Again (KY) 7/G L V Lebron 122 T M Amoss
2 Skyring (KY) 4/C L J K Court 115 D W Lukas
3 Endorsement (KY) 6/H R Albarado 122 E G Harty
4 Stachys (KY) 6/G L A Birzer 115 M E Biehler
5 Eye of the Leopard (ON) 7/H L C H Borel 115 D W Lukas
6 Master Rick (FL) 4/C L R Santana, Jr. 122 S M Asmussen
7 Donoharm (KY) 4/G L M C Berry 119 W B Calhoun
8 Win Willy (KY) 7/H L A Cintron 119 M Robertson
9 Double Rah Rah (KY) 4/G L E T Baird 115 W H Fires
Eye of the Leopard will need a new jockey, as it was announced today that Calvin Borel will miss the beginning of the Oaklawn meet with an injury. You can read more here: http://www.drf.com/news/oaklawn-park-borel-fractures-wrist-fridays-meet-opener-nears
Endorsement and Win Willy are my picks in here. Both have experience going against solid company and I feel are
the best of the bunch. Skyring also has a big chance as well.
January 15, 2012
On Fire Baby takes on Boys
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.
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.
January 14, 2011
Let the Derby trail begin
Well here we go! It's the first Derby prep weekend of the season tonight's race is the Jean Laffitte which I believe used to be held for 2yo's (as Rule won it back in 09), however it looks like they've moved it to January making it for three year olds. However tomorrow is the big day with the Sham taking place at the very fast Santa Anita.
Santa Anita Park - January 15, 2011
Race 3 - 1:31 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 3-4-5)
STAKES Sham S. (Grade III)
Purse $100,000. For Three-Year-Olds . $1,500 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. 123 Lbs. Non-winners of a Graded I or Grade II Stakes at One Mile or Over, allowed 3 Lbs. Non-winners of a Graded Stake at One Mile or Over , 5 Lbs. *Early Bird nominees to the 2011 Santa Anita Derby (Closing Date: Saturday, January 8, 2010) are automatically eligible to the Sham Stakes with all fees waived. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. One And One Sixteenth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Clubhouse Ride (KY) 3/C L* P A Valenzuela 118 C A Lewis 3/1
2 2 Uncle Sam (KY) 3/R L* R Bejarano 118 B Baffert 5/2
3 3 Anthony's Cross (PA) 3/C L* J Rosario 118 E G Harty 7/2
4 4 Tapizar (KY) 3/C L* G K Gomez 118 S M Asmussen 8/5
5 5 Pride of Silver (KY) 3/G L* V Espinoza 118 R B Hess, Jr. 8/1
Just really for his name, I gotta go with Uncle Sam. Uncle seems to be a top choice for foals born in 2008 (ex. Uncle Mo). Clubhouse Ride for second, a very short field.
Also on Saturday at Santa Anita
Santa Anita Park - January 15, 2011
Race 8 - 4:07 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Superfecta (.10 Min.)
STAKES San Fernando S. (Grade II)
Purse $150,000. For Four-Year-Olds. By subscription of $225 each to accompany the nomination. Closed Thursday, January 6th, 2011 with 16. $2,250 additional to start with $150,000 guaranteed with $90,000 to the winner, $30,000 to second, $18,000 to third, $9,000 to fourth and $3,000 to fifth. 123 Lbs. Non-winners of a Grade I or Grade II race at One Mile or Over since July 14, 2010, allowed 3 Lbs.; Non-winners of a Grade I or Grade II race at One Mile or Over OR Two Grade III races at One Mile or Over since January 14, 2010, 5 Lbs. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. . One And One Sixteenth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Tweebster (KY) 4/R L* R Bejarano 118 B Baffert 3/1
2 2 Paris Vegas (KY) 4/C L* B Blanc 118 F Chappet 15/1
4 3 Haimish Hy (KY) 4/C L* J Talamo 123 A Sherman 5/1
5 4 Do It All (KY) 4/C L* P A Valenzuela 118 E G Harty 20/1
6 5 Thiskyhasnolimit (KY) 4/C L* G K Gomez 118 S M Asmussen 5/2
7 6 Indian Firewater (KY) 4/C L* M E Smith 118 B Baffert 4/1
8 7 Make Music for Me (KY) 4/C L* J Rosario 118 A Barba 7/2
9 8 Victory With Honor (KY) 4/C L* A Quinonez 118 E G Harty 20/1
Leg 2 of the Strub Series, this race took a big hit when Sidney's Candy was scratched this morning after being a "little off". Lets hope he will be okay and it's not more serious. I have to go with Make Music for Me, I've loved this little colt since he was two so hopefully he does tomorrow. Thiskyhasnolimit for second ad Indian Firewater for third.
Sunday at Santa Anita
Santa Anita Park - January 16, 2011
Race 8 - 4:07 PM
STAKESEl Encino S. (Grade II)
Purse $150,000. For Fillies, Four Years Old. By subscription of $225 each to accompany the nomination or by supplementary nomination of $3,000 by time of entry, $2,250 additional to start, with $150,000 guaranteed with $90,000 to the winner, $30,000 to second, $18,000 to third, $9,000 to fourth and $3,000 to fifth. 123 Lbs. Non-winners of a Grade I or Grade II race at One Mile or Over since July 15, allowed 3 Lbs.; Non-winners of a Grade I or Grade II race at One Mile or Over OR Two Grade III races at One Mile or Over since January 15, 2010, 5 Lbs.. 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.
1Champagne d'Oro (KY) 4/FL*J Talamo120E J Guillot
2Blind Luck (KY) 4/FL*J Rosario123J Hollendorfer
3Malibu Pier (KY) 4/FL*G K Gomez118C Gaines
4Fashion Trend (KY) 4/FL*V Espinoza118C Dollase
5Our Georgia (KY) 4/FP A Valenzuela118N D Drysdale
6Always a Princess (KY) 4/FL*R Bejarano123B Baffert
7Life Well Lived (KY) 4/F*A Quinonez118E G Harty
8It Tiz (KY) 4/FL*D R Flores118M Glatt
This is actually a very tough spot for Blind Luck to begin her 4yo season. Champagne d' Oro is streaching out in distance, Always a Princess is an up and comer, and Life Well Lived is the full sister to Well Armed. With that being said, if she gets the pace she needs, this is Blind Luck's race to lose. Life Well Lived for second and Champagne d' Oro for third.
Opening this weekend is Oaklawn! The Older Female division is going to be one of the strongest with Larry Jones in his return with a powerful 1-2-3 punch led by Ladies Classic 3rd place finisher Havre de Grace. Oaklawn does lose to old warriors in Jonesboro and Prom Shoes who will be standing at stud for the first time this year.
However, I did want to highlight one race,
Oaklawn Park - January 16, 2011
Race 9 - 5:11 PM Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10 Cent Superfecta
MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000
Purse $16,000. (Includes $6,400 – Other Sources). For Arkansas Bred (which Qualify Under Rules Governing Arkansas-Breds) Maidens, Three, Four, And Five Years Old. Three Year Olds, 118 Lbs.; Older, 124 Lbs. Claiming Price $20,000. Six Furlongs.
PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Claim $ Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 Magical Storm (AR) 4/G L $20,000 D V Beckner 124 J H Cook
2 Brandons Hot Sauce (AR) 4/G L $20,000 A Birzer 124 S Corderman
3 Davmar Three (AR) 4/G L $20,000 E Oro 124 J R Martin
4 Explosive Lyric (AR) 4/G L $20,000 J K Court 124 B Chatters
5 Shorty Too (AR) 4/G L $20,000 F C Torres 124 R L Morse
6 Aristocat Rex (AR) 3/C L $20,000 W Antongeorgi III 118 B Higgins
7 Smart Reality (AR) 4/G L $20,000 J Campbell 124 W T Howard
8 Indy Trucker (AR) 3/G $20,000 B Burress 118 W E Watkins 9 Fortuity (AR) 4/C L1 $20,000 M C Berry 124 A Milligan
10 Rattlesnake Holler (AR) 3/C L $20,000 C H Borel 118 D E Whited
11 Howdy Doody Time (AR) 3/G L $20,000 I V Diego 118 F D Loy
12 Brother Kris (AR) 4/G L1 $20,000 F L Ortiz 124 T C Burwell
Indy Trucker aka General, is owned by an online friend of mine and bred/co-owned/trained by another online friend's husband. This is his first start, so hopefully he does well. Orginally this race was supposed to today, but due to a frozen track it was recarded for Sunday. Also this is the first weekend back for Calvin Borel since his spill about a week after his well... fight. Go General!!!!
Most importantly, lets hope that all horses return safe and sound.
Santa Anita Park - January 15, 2011
Race 3 - 1:31 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 3-4-5)
STAKES Sham S. (Grade III)
Purse $100,000. For Three-Year-Olds . $1,500 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. 123 Lbs. Non-winners of a Graded I or Grade II Stakes at One Mile or Over, allowed 3 Lbs. Non-winners of a Graded Stake at One Mile or Over , 5 Lbs. *Early Bird nominees to the 2011 Santa Anita Derby (Closing Date: Saturday, January 8, 2010) are automatically eligible to the Sham Stakes with all fees waived. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. One And One Sixteenth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Clubhouse Ride (KY) 3/C L* P A Valenzuela 118 C A Lewis 3/1
2 2 Uncle Sam (KY) 3/R L* R Bejarano 118 B Baffert 5/2
3 3 Anthony's Cross (PA) 3/C L* J Rosario 118 E G Harty 7/2
4 4 Tapizar (KY) 3/C L* G K Gomez 118 S M Asmussen 8/5
5 5 Pride of Silver (KY) 3/G L* V Espinoza 118 R B Hess, Jr. 8/1
Just really for his name, I gotta go with Uncle Sam. Uncle seems to be a top choice for foals born in 2008 (ex. Uncle Mo). Clubhouse Ride for second, a very short field.
Also on Saturday at Santa Anita
Santa Anita Park - January 15, 2011
Race 8 - 4:07 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Superfecta (.10 Min.)
STAKES San Fernando S. (Grade II)
Purse $150,000. For Four-Year-Olds. By subscription of $225 each to accompany the nomination. Closed Thursday, January 6th, 2011 with 16. $2,250 additional to start with $150,000 guaranteed with $90,000 to the winner, $30,000 to second, $18,000 to third, $9,000 to fourth and $3,000 to fifth. 123 Lbs. Non-winners of a Grade I or Grade II race at One Mile or Over since July 14, 2010, allowed 3 Lbs.; Non-winners of a Grade I or Grade II race at One Mile or Over OR Two Grade III races at One Mile or Over since January 14, 2010, 5 Lbs. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. . One And One Sixteenth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Tweebster (KY) 4/R L* R Bejarano 118 B Baffert 3/1
2 2 Paris Vegas (KY) 4/C L* B Blanc 118 F Chappet 15/1
4 3 Haimish Hy (KY) 4/C L* J Talamo 123 A Sherman 5/1
5 4 Do It All (KY) 4/C L* P A Valenzuela 118 E G Harty 20/1
6 5 Thiskyhasnolimit (KY) 4/C L* G K Gomez 118 S M Asmussen 5/2
7 6 Indian Firewater (KY) 4/C L* M E Smith 118 B Baffert 4/1
8 7 Make Music for Me (KY) 4/C L* J Rosario 118 A Barba 7/2
9 8 Victory With Honor (KY) 4/C L* A Quinonez 118 E G Harty 20/1
Leg 2 of the Strub Series, this race took a big hit when Sidney's Candy was scratched this morning after being a "little off". Lets hope he will be okay and it's not more serious. I have to go with Make Music for Me, I've loved this little colt since he was two so hopefully he does tomorrow. Thiskyhasnolimit for second ad Indian Firewater for third.
Sunday at Santa Anita
Santa Anita Park - January 16, 2011
Race 8 - 4:07 PM
STAKESEl Encino S. (Grade II)
Purse $150,000. For Fillies, Four Years Old. By subscription of $225 each to accompany the nomination or by supplementary nomination of $3,000 by time of entry, $2,250 additional to start, with $150,000 guaranteed with $90,000 to the winner, $30,000 to second, $18,000 to third, $9,000 to fourth and $3,000 to fifth. 123 Lbs. Non-winners of a Grade I or Grade II race at One Mile or Over since July 15, allowed 3 Lbs.; Non-winners of a Grade I or Grade II race at One Mile or Over OR Two Grade III races at One Mile or Over since January 15, 2010, 5 Lbs.. 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.
1Champagne d'Oro (KY) 4/FL*J Talamo120E J Guillot
2Blind Luck (KY) 4/FL*J Rosario123J Hollendorfer
3Malibu Pier (KY) 4/FL*G K Gomez118C Gaines
4Fashion Trend (KY) 4/FL*V Espinoza118C Dollase
5Our Georgia (KY) 4/FP A Valenzuela118N D Drysdale
6Always a Princess (KY) 4/FL*R Bejarano123B Baffert
7Life Well Lived (KY) 4/F*A Quinonez118E G Harty
8It Tiz (KY) 4/FL*D R Flores118M Glatt
This is actually a very tough spot for Blind Luck to begin her 4yo season. Champagne d' Oro is streaching out in distance, Always a Princess is an up and comer, and Life Well Lived is the full sister to Well Armed. With that being said, if she gets the pace she needs, this is Blind Luck's race to lose. Life Well Lived for second and Champagne d' Oro for third.
Opening this weekend is Oaklawn! The Older Female division is going to be one of the strongest with Larry Jones in his return with a powerful 1-2-3 punch led by Ladies Classic 3rd place finisher Havre de Grace. Oaklawn does lose to old warriors in Jonesboro and Prom Shoes who will be standing at stud for the first time this year.
However, I did want to highlight one race,
Oaklawn Park - January 16, 2011
Race 9 - 5:11 PM Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10 Cent Superfecta
MAIDEN CLAIMING $20,000
Purse $16,000. (Includes $6,400 – Other Sources). For Arkansas Bred (which Qualify Under Rules Governing Arkansas-Breds) Maidens, Three, Four, And Five Years Old. Three Year Olds, 118 Lbs.; Older, 124 Lbs. Claiming Price $20,000. Six Furlongs.
PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Claim $ Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 Magical Storm (AR) 4/G L $20,000 D V Beckner 124 J H Cook
2 Brandons Hot Sauce (AR) 4/G L $20,000 A Birzer 124 S Corderman
3 Davmar Three (AR) 4/G L $20,000 E Oro 124 J R Martin
4 Explosive Lyric (AR) 4/G L $20,000 J K Court 124 B Chatters
5 Shorty Too (AR) 4/G L $20,000 F C Torres 124 R L Morse
6 Aristocat Rex (AR) 3/C L $20,000 W Antongeorgi III 118 B Higgins
7 Smart Reality (AR) 4/G L $20,000 J Campbell 124 W T Howard
8 Indy Trucker (AR) 3/G $20,000 B Burress 118 W E Watkins 9 Fortuity (AR) 4/C L1 $20,000 M C Berry 124 A Milligan
10 Rattlesnake Holler (AR) 3/C L $20,000 C H Borel 118 D E Whited
11 Howdy Doody Time (AR) 3/G L $20,000 I V Diego 118 F D Loy
12 Brother Kris (AR) 4/G L1 $20,000 F L Ortiz 124 T C Burwell
Indy Trucker aka General, is owned by an online friend of mine and bred/co-owned/trained by another online friend's husband. This is his first start, so hopefully he does well. Orginally this race was supposed to today, but due to a frozen track it was recarded for Sunday. Also this is the first weekend back for Calvin Borel since his spill about a week after his well... fight. Go General!!!!
Most importantly, lets hope that all horses return safe and sound.
April 9, 2010
Oak that Bluegrass
Final major preps this weekend! The Bluegrass down at Keenland and the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn, both are G1 races this year. I'm not going to do a major preview of the two races as I had a really nice post all written up then accdently posted before I was done. So I had to delete it unfortanlly. Anyway here are the two fields!
9th (5:30)
Toyota Blue Grass S. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $750,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Odysseus Maragh R Albertrani Thomas 123 LA 7-2
2 2 First Dude Dominguez R A Romans Dale 123 LA 8-1
3 3 Stately Victor Garcia Alan Maker Michael J 123 LA 30-1
4 4 Make Music for Me Smith M E Barba Alexis 123 LA 6-1
5 5 Codoy Velazquez J R Hubley Mark 123 L 30-1
6 6 Pleasant Prince Leparoux J R Ward Wesley A 123 L 3-1
7 7 Paddy O'Prado Desormeaux K J Romans Dale 123 LA 10-1
8 8 Aikenite Gomez G K Pletcher Todd A 123 LA 4-1
9 9 Interactif Bejarano R Pletcher Todd A 123 LA 4-1
9th (4:47)
Arkansas Derby (G1)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $1,000,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Super Saver Borel C H Pletcher Todd A 122 L 9-5
2 2 Dublin Thompson T J Lukas D Wayne 122 L 7-2
3 3 Noble's Promise Albarado R J McPeek Kenneth G 122 L 2-1
4 4 Northern Giant Espinoza V Lukas D Wayne 118 L 8-1
5 5 Uh Oh Bango Bridgmohan S X Owens R Kory 122 L 15-1
6 6 New Madrid Castellano A Jr Ice Tim A 118 L 20-1
7 7 Berberis Gryder A T Asmussen Steven M 118 L 30-1
8 8 Line of David Court J K Sadler John W 118 L 15-1
9 9 Pulsion Nakatani C S Biancone Patrick L 118 Blk-Off L 15-1
I will say that I like Make Music for Me in the Bluegrass and Super Saver in the AR Derby.
Also tomorrow, Stardom Bound makes her grass debut, Bell's Shoes takes another shot at stakes action, and much more.
To end the night, Apple Blossom, what can I say? Zenyatta showed that she is the best! I haven't watched the replay yet, but I plan to within the next couple of days or so. Hopefully a race against the males is next, but if her connections bring her back to Cali to face females, I believe people will not be happy. It's somewhat fitting that she won on the same day that Personal Ensign passed away. The first major horse to retire undefeated since Colin, Personal Ensign won the 1988 BC Distaff defeating Winning Colors who defeated the boys that season in the Kentucky Derby. Personal Ensign would go on to be the dam of three G1 winners including BC Juvi Fillies winner and Belmont 3rd place finisher My Flag, herself a G1 producing dam (BC Juvi Fillies winner Storm Flag Flying). I'm going to miss her.
Also don't forget that the Live Chat returns to it's normal Monday time at 7 pm EDT, there might be a couple of special guests, so stay tuned for that. Recap will be returning on Sunday as well.
9th (5:30)
Toyota Blue Grass S. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $750,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Odysseus Maragh R Albertrani Thomas 123 LA 7-2
2 2 First Dude Dominguez R A Romans Dale 123 LA 8-1
3 3 Stately Victor Garcia Alan Maker Michael J 123 LA 30-1
4 4 Make Music for Me Smith M E Barba Alexis 123 LA 6-1
5 5 Codoy Velazquez J R Hubley Mark 123 L 30-1
6 6 Pleasant Prince Leparoux J R Ward Wesley A 123 L 3-1
7 7 Paddy O'Prado Desormeaux K J Romans Dale 123 LA 10-1
8 8 Aikenite Gomez G K Pletcher Todd A 123 LA 4-1
9 9 Interactif Bejarano R Pletcher Todd A 123 LA 4-1
9th (4:47)
Arkansas Derby (G1)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $1,000,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Super Saver Borel C H Pletcher Todd A 122 L 9-5
2 2 Dublin Thompson T J Lukas D Wayne 122 L 7-2
3 3 Noble's Promise Albarado R J McPeek Kenneth G 122 L 2-1
4 4 Northern Giant Espinoza V Lukas D Wayne 118 L 8-1
5 5 Uh Oh Bango Bridgmohan S X Owens R Kory 122 L 15-1
6 6 New Madrid Castellano A Jr Ice Tim A 118 L 20-1
7 7 Berberis Gryder A T Asmussen Steven M 118 L 30-1
8 8 Line of David Court J K Sadler John W 118 L 15-1
9 9 Pulsion Nakatani C S Biancone Patrick L 118 Blk-Off L 15-1
I will say that I like Make Music for Me in the Bluegrass and Super Saver in the AR Derby.
Also tomorrow, Stardom Bound makes her grass debut, Bell's Shoes takes another shot at stakes action, and much more.
To end the night, Apple Blossom, what can I say? Zenyatta showed that she is the best! I haven't watched the replay yet, but I plan to within the next couple of days or so. Hopefully a race against the males is next, but if her connections bring her back to Cali to face females, I believe people will not be happy. It's somewhat fitting that she won on the same day that Personal Ensign passed away. The first major horse to retire undefeated since Colin, Personal Ensign won the 1988 BC Distaff defeating Winning Colors who defeated the boys that season in the Kentucky Derby. Personal Ensign would go on to be the dam of three G1 winners including BC Juvi Fillies winner and Belmont 3rd place finisher My Flag, herself a G1 producing dam (BC Juvi Fillies winner Storm Flag Flying). I'm going to miss her.
Also don't forget that the Live Chat returns to it's normal Monday time at 7 pm EDT, there might be a couple of special guests, so stay tuned for that. Recap will be returning on Sunday as well.
April 2, 2010
Last Chance to Dance
For many of these horses, this is their last chance to get into the Derby. This week I'm previewing the three Derby preps, along with the Oaklawn Handicap and the Carter Handicap. I'll start with the Derby preps and then move onto the Older horses afterwards.
Going East to West,
Aqueduct,
9th (5:12)
Wood Memorial S. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $750,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Most Happy Fella Napravnik A R Badgett William Jr 123 L 15-1
2 2 Awesome Act Leparoux J R Noseda Jeremy 123 L 9-2
3 3 Eskendereya Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 123 L 4-5
4 4 Schoolyard Dreams Dominguez R A Ryan Derek S 123 L 5-1
5 5 Jackson Bend Borel C H Zito Nicholas P 123 L 4-1
6 6 Carnivore Shepherd J Delozier, III J W 123 L 20-1
This race avoided some contravery when maiden filly Nicky Boy (who has finished last in both of her starts, that's right last), was denied entry in this race (I had a post written up on her, but deleted it after she was denied). The three favorites all need third or better to get into the Derby. Eskendereya is one of the Derby favorites for the Derby, Jackson Bend is a nice horse, but not on Esky's level IMO. Awesome Act though, has a chance. Trained by Jeremy Noseda who upset Afleet Alex in the 04 BC Juvi with Wilko, Awesome Act won the Gotham last time out. I think Schoolyard Dreams will bounce in this race off of his 2nd in the TB Derby. Most Happy Fella was the horse who allowed Nicky Boy to be denied, and actually he might have a good chance here to finish in the top three, not sure if he'll win though.
At Hawthorne,
7th (4:37)
Illinois Derby (G3)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $500,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 American Lion Flores D R Harty Eoin 122 Blk-Off L 7-2
2 2 Stephen's Got Hope Garcia J A O'Neill Doug 122 L 8-1
3 3 Boulder Creek Emigh C A Dollase Craig 122 L 10-1
4 4 Yawanna Twist Prado E S Dutrow, Jr. R E 122 L 4-1
5 5 Turf Melody Rose J Motion H Graham 122 L 6-1
6 6 Dave in Dixie Valdivia J Jr Sadler John W 122 L 9-2
7 7 Backtalk Mena M Amoss Thomas 122 L 3-1
8 8 Game Ball Martinez W Casse Mark 122 L 12-1
American Lion makes his dirt debut, however I'm still in the Dave in Dixie corner (who is also making his dirt debut). The big question about Backtalk is, did his fast workout leave cost him. Keep an eye on Game Ball and Stephen's Got Hope.
last, but not least at Santa Anita
6th (2:36)
Santa Anita Derby (G1)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $750,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Posse Power Mawing L A Lucarelli Frank 122 L 50-1
2 2 Thomas Baines Rosario J O'Neill Doug 122 L 50-1
3 3 Who's Up Espinoza V Puhich Michael 122 L 20-1
4 4 Sidney's Candy Talamo J Sadler John W 122 L 3-1
5 5 Setsuko Bejarano R Mandella Richard 122 L 20-1
6 6 Caracortado Atkinson P Machowsky Michael 122 L 5-1
7 7 Lookin At Lucky Gomez G K Baffert Bob 122 L 4-5
8 8 Cardiff Giant Santiago Reyes C Puhich Michael 122 L 30-1
9 9 Skipshot Alvarado F T Hollendorfer Jerry 122 L 15-1
10 10 Alphie's Bet Solis A Barba Alexis 122 L 8-1
Lucky returns to Santa Anita for his final tune up for the Derby. Now that he has the dirt start under his belt, he returns to the turf favoring Pro Ride. Dispite being the graded stakes winner out of him and Make Music for Me, I still think Alphie's Best is the second fiddle for his trainer Alexis Barba (is this the year we finally see a winning female Derby trainer, she and Shannon Ritter have good chances to make it happen). Sidney's Candy is a nice horse, but I think he's a horse who needs the front end to win. Setsuko comes out of the Sham, and could be sitting on a big race. Keep an eye on longshot Thomas Baines as well, just a hunch.
That's it for the Derby preps, now to the OakCap and Carter.
At Aqueduct, right after the Wood.
10th (5:45)
Carter H. (G1)
7 Furlongs | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $250,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 2 Digger Luzzi M J Brown Bruce R 114 L 8-1
1A 5 Driven by Success Cohen D Pletcher Todd A 114 L 8-1
2 1 Warrior's Reward Leparoux J R Wilkes Ian R 116 L 9-2
3 3 Elusive Warning Migliore R McLaughlin Kiaran P 114 L 12-1
4 4 Musket Man Dominguez R A Ryan Derek S 118 L 3-1
5 6 Munnings Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 119 L 4-5
At last, Digger makes his G1 debut! Musket Man returns to graded stakes action almost a year after his Preakness 3rd place finish. Munnings is the horse the beat, and the key with him is the weather, I personally think if given the chance he can win on a wet track, however he perfers a dry one. This is the perfect distance for him. Warrior's Reward has beaten Munnings, not that thrilled about the jockey choice, but Medaglia d' Oro is due for a male G1 winner in the US (he has 1 G1 winner in Europe and of course Rachel Alexandra and Gabby's Golden Gal for female G1 winners in the US).
And at Oaklawn,
10th (5:31)
Oaklawn H. (G2)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $500,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Duke of Mischief Coa E M Fawkes David 115 L 10-1
2 2 Delightful Kiss Gryder A T Anderson Pete D 115 L 8-1
3 3 Win Willy Berry M C Robertson McLean 117 L 8-5
4 4 Jonesboro Court J K Morse Randy L 114 L 10-1
5 5 Follow the Leader Quinonez L S Whiting Lynn S 114 L 4-1
6 6 Prom Shoes Thompson T J Fires William H 112 L 15-1
7 7 Dakota Phone Garcia M Hollendorfer Jerry 116 L 2-1
This could be the final Oaklawn starts for the old timers Jonesboro and Prom Shoes. I would like nothing to see those two go out with a bang finishing 1-2 (perferbly with Shoes on top and Jones second). Win Willy is certinally the horse to beat, but like Shoes and Delightful Kiss, Willy needs a pace to run at. Duke of Mischief was one of those okay 3yo's last, Follow the Leader is owned by Charles Cella (owner of Oaklawn) and a son of Smarty Jones (who of course outside of Curlin, Alex and Rachel is the best horse to come out of Oaklawn). Dakota Phone will try to emulate his stablemate newly crowned Fantasy Stakes (and Oaks favorite) winner Blind Luck.
So that's it for this weekend, I had planned to do a weekend recap, but because the chat will be tomorrow night there won't be. Remember the Chat begins at 8pm EDT tomorrow and there will not be a chat on Monday because of this. Enjoy your Saturday racing!
Going East to West,
Aqueduct,
9th (5:12)
Wood Memorial S. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $750,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Most Happy Fella Napravnik A R Badgett William Jr 123 L 15-1
2 2 Awesome Act Leparoux J R Noseda Jeremy 123 L 9-2
3 3 Eskendereya Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 123 L 4-5
4 4 Schoolyard Dreams Dominguez R A Ryan Derek S 123 L 5-1
5 5 Jackson Bend Borel C H Zito Nicholas P 123 L 4-1
6 6 Carnivore Shepherd J Delozier, III J W 123 L 20-1
This race avoided some contravery when maiden filly Nicky Boy (who has finished last in both of her starts, that's right last), was denied entry in this race (I had a post written up on her, but deleted it after she was denied). The three favorites all need third or better to get into the Derby. Eskendereya is one of the Derby favorites for the Derby, Jackson Bend is a nice horse, but not on Esky's level IMO. Awesome Act though, has a chance. Trained by Jeremy Noseda who upset Afleet Alex in the 04 BC Juvi with Wilko, Awesome Act won the Gotham last time out. I think Schoolyard Dreams will bounce in this race off of his 2nd in the TB Derby. Most Happy Fella was the horse who allowed Nicky Boy to be denied, and actually he might have a good chance here to finish in the top three, not sure if he'll win though.
At Hawthorne,
7th (4:37)
Illinois Derby (G3)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $500,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 American Lion Flores D R Harty Eoin 122 Blk-Off L 7-2
2 2 Stephen's Got Hope Garcia J A O'Neill Doug 122 L 8-1
3 3 Boulder Creek Emigh C A Dollase Craig 122 L 10-1
4 4 Yawanna Twist Prado E S Dutrow, Jr. R E 122 L 4-1
5 5 Turf Melody Rose J Motion H Graham 122 L 6-1
6 6 Dave in Dixie Valdivia J Jr Sadler John W 122 L 9-2
7 7 Backtalk Mena M Amoss Thomas 122 L 3-1
8 8 Game Ball Martinez W Casse Mark 122 L 12-1
American Lion makes his dirt debut, however I'm still in the Dave in Dixie corner (who is also making his dirt debut). The big question about Backtalk is, did his fast workout leave cost him. Keep an eye on Game Ball and Stephen's Got Hope.
last, but not least at Santa Anita
6th (2:36)
Santa Anita Derby (G1)
1 1/8 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $750,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Posse Power Mawing L A Lucarelli Frank 122 L 50-1
2 2 Thomas Baines Rosario J O'Neill Doug 122 L 50-1
3 3 Who's Up Espinoza V Puhich Michael 122 L 20-1
4 4 Sidney's Candy Talamo J Sadler John W 122 L 3-1
5 5 Setsuko Bejarano R Mandella Richard 122 L 20-1
6 6 Caracortado Atkinson P Machowsky Michael 122 L 5-1
7 7 Lookin At Lucky Gomez G K Baffert Bob 122 L 4-5
8 8 Cardiff Giant Santiago Reyes C Puhich Michael 122 L 30-1
9 9 Skipshot Alvarado F T Hollendorfer Jerry 122 L 15-1
10 10 Alphie's Bet Solis A Barba Alexis 122 L 8-1
Lucky returns to Santa Anita for his final tune up for the Derby. Now that he has the dirt start under his belt, he returns to the turf favoring Pro Ride. Dispite being the graded stakes winner out of him and Make Music for Me, I still think Alphie's Best is the second fiddle for his trainer Alexis Barba (is this the year we finally see a winning female Derby trainer, she and Shannon Ritter have good chances to make it happen). Sidney's Candy is a nice horse, but I think he's a horse who needs the front end to win. Setsuko comes out of the Sham, and could be sitting on a big race. Keep an eye on longshot Thomas Baines as well, just a hunch.
That's it for the Derby preps, now to the OakCap and Carter.
At Aqueduct, right after the Wood.
10th (5:45)
Carter H. (G1)
7 Furlongs | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $250,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 2 Digger Luzzi M J Brown Bruce R 114 L 8-1
1A 5 Driven by Success Cohen D Pletcher Todd A 114 L 8-1
2 1 Warrior's Reward Leparoux J R Wilkes Ian R 116 L 9-2
3 3 Elusive Warning Migliore R McLaughlin Kiaran P 114 L 12-1
4 4 Musket Man Dominguez R A Ryan Derek S 118 L 3-1
5 6 Munnings Velazquez J R Pletcher Todd A 119 L 4-5
At last, Digger makes his G1 debut! Musket Man returns to graded stakes action almost a year after his Preakness 3rd place finish. Munnings is the horse the beat, and the key with him is the weather, I personally think if given the chance he can win on a wet track, however he perfers a dry one. This is the perfect distance for him. Warrior's Reward has beaten Munnings, not that thrilled about the jockey choice, but Medaglia d' Oro is due for a male G1 winner in the US (he has 1 G1 winner in Europe and of course Rachel Alexandra and Gabby's Golden Gal for female G1 winners in the US).
And at Oaklawn,
10th (5:31)
Oaklawn H. (G2)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $500,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Duke of Mischief Coa E M Fawkes David 115 L 10-1
2 2 Delightful Kiss Gryder A T Anderson Pete D 115 L 8-1
3 3 Win Willy Berry M C Robertson McLean 117 L 8-5
4 4 Jonesboro Court J K Morse Randy L 114 L 10-1
5 5 Follow the Leader Quinonez L S Whiting Lynn S 114 L 4-1
6 6 Prom Shoes Thompson T J Fires William H 112 L 15-1
7 7 Dakota Phone Garcia M Hollendorfer Jerry 116 L 2-1
This could be the final Oaklawn starts for the old timers Jonesboro and Prom Shoes. I would like nothing to see those two go out with a bang finishing 1-2 (perferbly with Shoes on top and Jones second). Win Willy is certinally the horse to beat, but like Shoes and Delightful Kiss, Willy needs a pace to run at. Duke of Mischief was one of those okay 3yo's last, Follow the Leader is owned by Charles Cella (owner of Oaklawn) and a son of Smarty Jones (who of course outside of Curlin, Alex and Rachel is the best horse to come out of Oaklawn). Dakota Phone will try to emulate his stablemate newly crowned Fantasy Stakes (and Oaks favorite) winner Blind Luck.
So that's it for this weekend, I had planned to do a weekend recap, but because the chat will be tomorrow night there won't be. Remember the Chat begins at 8pm EDT tomorrow and there will not be a chat on Monday because of this. Enjoy your Saturday racing!
March 11, 2010
Say Hello to Tampa, Arcadia and Hot Springs!
With the two most anticpated 4 and 6 year old debuts in quite a while this weekend, I'm putting this weekends Derby and Oaks preps preview tonight instead. Without the daughters of Medaglia d' Oro and Street Cry starting, it was going to be a very nice weekend as it is. Three Derby preps in Florida, Arkansas and California, plus 2 Oaks preps in Florida and Arkansas. It starts to really getting to crunch time as horses need graded stakes earnings in order to make the start on on the 30th and 1st of April and May respectivley.
At Tampa:
11th (5:30)
Tampa Bay Derby (G3)
1 1/16 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Uptowncharlybrown Centeno D E Seewald Alan 116 Blk-On L 5-2
2 2 Tuvia's Force Lezcano J Zito Nicholas P 116 L 12-1
3 3 Gleam of Hope Martinez W Reinstedler A L 122 L 15-1
4 4 Slammy Boy Lebron V Reinstedler A L 116 L 20-1
5 5 Schoolyard Dreams Rose J Ryan Derek S 116 L 3-1
6 6 Super Saver Dominguez R A Pletcher Todd A 122 L 2-1
7 7 Odysseus Maragh R Albertrani Thomas 116 L 7-2
The 2-3 finishers of the Sam F. Davis come here to face a new field of horses. Uptowncharlybrown adds blinkers, but I still expect him to come from the back of the pack. I have my doubts about Schoolyard Dreams (it has nothing to do with what happend earlier this week either with Big Truck), and Odysseus seems to be the wise guy horse right now. Then there is Super Saver, finally making his three year old debut. Tampa is known to be more a closers friendly track, however stablemate Rule won gate to wire on this track in the Davis. He also gets a jockey change, because his jockey Calvin Borel is down in New Orleans riding what I would say is a nice horse. This could be a key race, dispite everyone saying that Oaklawn is the way to go. Since 2004, Limehouse, Sun King, Street Sense, Big Truck and Musket Man have either run, won or finished in the top three of 2 of the 3 Triple Crown events. If the winner of this race does well (finishes in the top three perferbly), on the first Saturday in May, we could see a grade increase next year. We'll see!
9th (4:27)
Florida Oaks (G3)
1 1/16 Miles | Fillies | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $175,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Tesoro de Amor Leyva J C Kaplan William A 116 L 15-1
2 2 C C's Pal Rose J Ryan Derek S 116 L 15-1
3 3 Cuff Me Desormeaux K J Dutrow Anthony W 116 L 7-2
4 4 Imaginary Saint Dominguez R A Pletcher Todd A 116 L 5-1
5 5 She Be Wild Lezcano J Catalano Wayne M 122 L 2-1
6 6 Diva Delite Homeister R B Jr Vivian David A 120 L 4-1
7 7 Mallory Square Morales P Gatis Christos 116 Blk-On L 12-1
8 8 Miss Afleet Alex Centeno D E Marshall Kenneth W 116 Blk-On L 10-1
9 9 Awesome Vow Stephen A O'Connell Kathleen 116 L 20-1
10 10 Yournotthebossofme Gonzalez L A Stewart Chad J 116 L 15-1
This is a make or break race for She Be Wild, a win and she still is on course for the Oaks, a loss then we know she's a okay horse on dirt, but a better horse on a synthetic surface. Keep an eye on Yournotthebossofme, she broke her maiden last time out against a filly named Joyce's Angel who was a first time starter. This is a bit of a quick turn around (2 weeks), so hopefully that doesn't hurt her in the long run.
At Oaklawn:
8th (4:42)
Honeybee S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles | Fillies | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $125,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 No Such Word Thompson T J 117 L
2 Decelerator Nakatani C S 122 L
3 Bell's Shoes Court J K 115 L
4 Tiz Miz Sue Castellano A Jr 115 Blk-On L
5 Beautician Albarado R J 115 Blk-Off L
6 Tap Tap Tapping Lenclud F 115 L
7 Laura Babe Quinonez L S 117 L
8 Bella Diamante Hamilton Q 115 L
9 Dixie Hearth Berry M C 117 L
1-2-3 from the Martha Washington comeback and try again. Personally, the longer she goes, the better I think Bell's Shoes will be. And now that she has a stakes race under her belt, I doubt she goes off at the odds she did in the MW. Keep an eye on No Such Word, she's a stablemate to last year's winner Just Jenda. Beautician gets her blinkers taken off, this is a big race for Decelerator as if she wins this, it would put her in the spotlight.
10th (5:47)
Rebel S. (G2)
1 1/16 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Cardiff Giant Santiago Reyes C 115 L
2 Lookin At Lucky Gomez G K 119 Blk-On L
3 Royal Express Compton P 117 L
4 Uh Oh Bango Corbett G W 117 L
5 Pleasant Storm Court J K 117 L
6 Noble's Promise Albarado R J 119 L
7 Dublin Nakatani C S 117 L
By far the strongest prep this year, you have the G1 winners Lookin at Lucky, Noble's Promise and Dublin, Uh Oh Bango who gave Rule a scare in the Delta Jackpot, Pleasant Storm who almost ran down Dryfly in the Smarty Jones, Royal Express who will be the early speed and Cardiff Giant who is a fast improving horse. The downside to this race is that Lucky, Noble and Bango will only have 2 races going into the Derby, Dublin showed that he's back in the Southwest. Pleasant is my dark horse for on the trail and I really don't know alot about the other two horses. This is going to be a barn burner of a race.
Finally at Santa Anita:
9th (4:38)
San Felipe S. (G2)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Stephen's Got Hope Baze T C 115 L
2 Interactif Bejarano R 117 L
3 Erbeia Solis A 115 L
4 American Lion Leparoux J R 117 Blk-On L
5 Sidney's Candy Talamo J 117 L
6 Dave in Dixie Rosario J 115 L
7 Caracortado Atkinson P 119 L
On paper, Stephen's Got Hope and Erbeia really shouldn't be in this race. Interactif is making his first start on a synthectic surface, American Lion tries to rebound, Sidney's Candy, Caracortado will be there in the end. However, I'm going with Dave in Dixie. I feel like he could be the best horse out of California this year, I could Caracortado be better then I think? Possibly. Interactif could be a male verison of Ventura in the long run, but I understand why he's in this race. This will be an interesting one indeed.
So that's it for 3yo talk this week, tomorrow the 2 big races of the weekend which involve Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta!
At Tampa:
11th (5:30)
Tampa Bay Derby (G3)
1 1/16 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Uptowncharlybrown Centeno D E Seewald Alan 116 Blk-On L 5-2
2 2 Tuvia's Force Lezcano J Zito Nicholas P 116 L 12-1
3 3 Gleam of Hope Martinez W Reinstedler A L 122 L 15-1
4 4 Slammy Boy Lebron V Reinstedler A L 116 L 20-1
5 5 Schoolyard Dreams Rose J Ryan Derek S 116 L 3-1
6 6 Super Saver Dominguez R A Pletcher Todd A 122 L 2-1
7 7 Odysseus Maragh R Albertrani Thomas 116 L 7-2
The 2-3 finishers of the Sam F. Davis come here to face a new field of horses. Uptowncharlybrown adds blinkers, but I still expect him to come from the back of the pack. I have my doubts about Schoolyard Dreams (it has nothing to do with what happend earlier this week either with Big Truck), and Odysseus seems to be the wise guy horse right now. Then there is Super Saver, finally making his three year old debut. Tampa is known to be more a closers friendly track, however stablemate Rule won gate to wire on this track in the Davis. He also gets a jockey change, because his jockey Calvin Borel is down in New Orleans riding what I would say is a nice horse. This could be a key race, dispite everyone saying that Oaklawn is the way to go. Since 2004, Limehouse, Sun King, Street Sense, Big Truck and Musket Man have either run, won or finished in the top three of 2 of the 3 Triple Crown events. If the winner of this race does well (finishes in the top three perferbly), on the first Saturday in May, we could see a grade increase next year. We'll see!
9th (4:27)
Florida Oaks (G3)
1 1/16 Miles | Fillies | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $175,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Tesoro de Amor Leyva J C Kaplan William A 116 L 15-1
2 2 C C's Pal Rose J Ryan Derek S 116 L 15-1
3 3 Cuff Me Desormeaux K J Dutrow Anthony W 116 L 7-2
4 4 Imaginary Saint Dominguez R A Pletcher Todd A 116 L 5-1
5 5 She Be Wild Lezcano J Catalano Wayne M 122 L 2-1
6 6 Diva Delite Homeister R B Jr Vivian David A 120 L 4-1
7 7 Mallory Square Morales P Gatis Christos 116 Blk-On L 12-1
8 8 Miss Afleet Alex Centeno D E Marshall Kenneth W 116 Blk-On L 10-1
9 9 Awesome Vow Stephen A O'Connell Kathleen 116 L 20-1
10 10 Yournotthebossofme Gonzalez L A Stewart Chad J 116 L 15-1
This is a make or break race for She Be Wild, a win and she still is on course for the Oaks, a loss then we know she's a okay horse on dirt, but a better horse on a synthetic surface. Keep an eye on Yournotthebossofme, she broke her maiden last time out against a filly named Joyce's Angel who was a first time starter. This is a bit of a quick turn around (2 weeks), so hopefully that doesn't hurt her in the long run.
At Oaklawn:
8th (4:42)
Honeybee S. (G3)
1 1/16 Miles | Fillies | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $125,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 No Such Word Thompson T J 117 L
2 Decelerator Nakatani C S 122 L
3 Bell's Shoes Court J K 115 L
4 Tiz Miz Sue Castellano A Jr 115 Blk-On L
5 Beautician Albarado R J 115 Blk-Off L
6 Tap Tap Tapping Lenclud F 115 L
7 Laura Babe Quinonez L S 117 L
8 Bella Diamante Hamilton Q 115 L
9 Dixie Hearth Berry M C 117 L
1-2-3 from the Martha Washington comeback and try again. Personally, the longer she goes, the better I think Bell's Shoes will be. And now that she has a stakes race under her belt, I doubt she goes off at the odds she did in the MW. Keep an eye on No Such Word, she's a stablemate to last year's winner Just Jenda. Beautician gets her blinkers taken off, this is a big race for Decelerator as if she wins this, it would put her in the spotlight.
10th (5:47)
Rebel S. (G2)
1 1/16 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $300,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Cardiff Giant Santiago Reyes C 115 L
2 Lookin At Lucky Gomez G K 119 Blk-On L
3 Royal Express Compton P 117 L
4 Uh Oh Bango Corbett G W 117 L
5 Pleasant Storm Court J K 117 L
6 Noble's Promise Albarado R J 119 L
7 Dublin Nakatani C S 117 L
By far the strongest prep this year, you have the G1 winners Lookin at Lucky, Noble's Promise and Dublin, Uh Oh Bango who gave Rule a scare in the Delta Jackpot, Pleasant Storm who almost ran down Dryfly in the Smarty Jones, Royal Express who will be the early speed and Cardiff Giant who is a fast improving horse. The downside to this race is that Lucky, Noble and Bango will only have 2 races going into the Derby, Dublin showed that he's back in the Southwest. Pleasant is my dark horse for on the trail and I really don't know alot about the other two horses. This is going to be a barn burner of a race.
Finally at Santa Anita:
9th (4:38)
San Felipe S. (G2)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Post # Horse Jockey Weight Claim Price Equip. Med.
1 Stephen's Got Hope Baze T C 115 L
2 Interactif Bejarano R 117 L
3 Erbeia Solis A 115 L
4 American Lion Leparoux J R 117 Blk-On L
5 Sidney's Candy Talamo J 117 L
6 Dave in Dixie Rosario J 115 L
7 Caracortado Atkinson P 119 L
On paper, Stephen's Got Hope and Erbeia really shouldn't be in this race. Interactif is making his first start on a synthectic surface, American Lion tries to rebound, Sidney's Candy, Caracortado will be there in the end. However, I'm going with Dave in Dixie. I feel like he could be the best horse out of California this year, I could Caracortado be better then I think? Possibly. Interactif could be a male verison of Ventura in the long run, but I understand why he's in this race. This will be an interesting one indeed.
So that's it for 3yo talk this week, tomorrow the 2 big races of the weekend which involve Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta!
March 5, 2010
Girl Power in Wonderland
Huge Saturday, as preps for the AR Derby, SA Derby, Apple Blossom, Oaklawn Handicap, and Wood Memorial take place. Add in the SA Oaks, Kilore Mile and the Big Cap (the latter two the reasoning behind today's title), and you have a fantastic Saturday card (weather permitting).
Going East to West.
Aqueduct - March 6, 2010
Race 10 - 5:12 PM Exacta, Trifecta, Super (.10), Daily Double Wagers
STAKES Gotham S. (Grade III)
Purse $250,000. For Three Year Olds. No nomination fee. $2,500 to pass the entry box. All starters will receive a $1,250 rebate. Any horse that competes in both the Gotham and Wood Memorial will have their subscription fees waived for the Wood Memorial. 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 remaining finishers. 123 Lbs. Non-winners of $150,000; or $45,000 twice allowed 3 Lbs.; $50,000; or $35,000 at a mile or over in 2009 allowed 5 Lbs.; three races other maiden or claiming, 7 Lbs. ( Maiden, Claiming, Starter, Restricted or Restricted Stake races not considered in allowances). A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, February 20, 2010 with 50 Nominations. One And One Sixteenth Miles. (Inner track)
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 1 Three Day Rush (KY) 3/C L F Jara 116 T A Pletcher
2 2 Yawanna Twist (NY) 3/C L E S Prado 116 R E Dutrow, Jr.
3 3 Nacho Friend (KY) 3/C L J Bravo 116 K J Breen
4 4 Awesome Act (KY) 3/C L* J R Leparoux 116 J Noseda
5 5 I've Got the Fever (KY) 3/C L C Hill 116 J P Terranova, II
6 6 Peppi Knows (KY) 3/G L R Migliore 120 T C Kreiser
7 7 Shrimp Dancer (NY) 3/C L C C Lopez 116 D G Donk
8 8 Turf Melody (KY) 3/C L R A Dominguez 120 H G Motion
9 9 Afleet Again (KY) 3/C L K Carmouche 116 R E Reid, Jr.
10 10 Wow Wow Wow (KY) 3/C L C S Nakatani 116 D W Lukas
Peppi Knows upset Eightyinfifty in the Whirlaway, keep in eye of the Euro Awesome Act, Jeremy Noseda sent Wilko to upset Afleet Alex in the BC Juvi in 04, and what do you know there is an Alex colt in the race with Afleet Again. Shrimp Dancer is a half to one of my favorite fillies Dancing Daisy (who I love for sentimental reasons), but he might end being a better turf horse then dirt.
Oaklawn Park - March 6, 2010
Race 7 - 4:03 PM Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10 Cent Superfecta / Pick 4 (Races 7-8-9-10)
STAKES Razorback H. (Grade III)
Purse $150,000. (Includes $50,000 – BC - Breeders' Cup). Four Year Olds And Upward. No nomination fee. $500 to pass the entry box and $1,000 additional to start with $100,000 Guaranteed and an additional $25,000 from the Breeders' Cup Fund for CUP ELIGIBLES ONLY. The Host Association's monies divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth, and 2% to be divided equally between remaining starters. Breeders' Cup Fund monies also correspomdingly divided providing a Breeders' Cup nominee has finished in an award position. Any Breeders' Cup Fund monies not awarded will revert back to the Fund. Weights: To be announced Sunday, February 28. This race will not be divided. Preference will be given in the following order: Breeders' Cup nominees only of equal racing quality orweight assignment (Respective of sex and weight for age). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Trophy to winning Owner given by Breeders' Cup Ltd. Closed Friday, February 26, 2010 with 18 nominees. One And One Sixteenth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 1 Prom Shoes (KY) 6/H L L S Quinonez 115 W H Fires
2 2 Spotsgone (KY) 7/H L J K Court 113 W H Fires
3 3 Jonesboro (KY) 8/H L C H Borel 117 R L Morse
4 4 Win Willy (KY) 4/C L M C Berry 116 M Robertson
5 5 Acting Zippy (FL) 5/G L T J Thompson 117 W D Bennett
6 6 Mad Flatter (FL) 5/H L S Bridgmohan 112 J D Thornbury
7 7 Racing Bran (IL) 5/G L C A Emigh 116 S Becker
8 8 Gone Astray (KY) 4/C L E Castro 119 C R McGaughey III
Gone Astray makes his 4 year old debut in this race, however he's not the one I fear the most for our heroes Prom Shoes and Jonesboro. Keep an eye on Acting Zippy, outside of Spotsgone and Racing Bran he is the speed of the race. If he gets away with Racing Bran got away with in the Essex, it will be difficult for Shoes, Jones and Willy to close on. However the fact that there is more speed in the race there is a chance of a speed duel. I just hope that we don't see a repeat of last year's Razorback where everybody fired at the same time bascailly shutting off both Jones and Shoes in the stretch.
Oaklawn Park - March 6, 2010
Race 9 - 5:02 PM First Half Late Daily Double / Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10 Cent Superfecta
STAKES Azeri S. (Grade III)
Purse $150,000. (Includes $25,000 – BC - Breeders' Cup). Fillies And Mares, Four Year Olds And Upward. One And One Sixteenth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 1 Freedom Star (KY) 4/F L* C H Borel 115 B Baffert
2 2 French Kiss (KY) 5/M L J M Johnson 115 G G Hartlage
3 3 Spirit Seeker (KY) 4/F L* E Castro 113 J Hollendorfer
4 4 War Echo (KY) 4/F L S Bridgmohan 119 S M Asmussen
5 5 Superior Storm (LA) 5/M L L S Quinonez 122 R D Jackson
6 6 Just Jenda (KY) 4/F L* T J Thompson 115 C Jones
7 7 Afleet Deceit (KY) 4/F L C A Emigh 115 S Becker
8 8 Taptam (TX) 5/M L I Ocampo 117 W B Calhoun
9 9 Euphony (KY) 5/M L M C Berry 115 D K Von Hemel
These nine fillies and mares are basically fighting for eight spots in the Apple Blossom (2 of them have already been called for). Outside of the Big Cap, this could be the race of the weekend, you have High Heels' little sister French Kiss, War Echo Pryo's little sister, Just Jenda who is trained by Cindy Jones (wife of Larry Jones, trainer of Proud Spell, Eight Belles and Hard Spun), Superior Storm whose been tearing up the LA tracks and others.
Santa Anita Park - March 6, 2010
Race 7 - 3:24 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 7-8-9) $1 Superfecta (.10 min)
STAKES Sham S. (Grade III)
Purse $150,000. For Three-Year-Olds . By subscription of $150 each to accompany the nomination. Closed with 6. $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. *Early Bird nominees to the 2010 Santa Anita Derby (Closing Date: Saturday, January 2, 2010) are automatically eligible to the Sham Stakes with all fees waived. Closed with 114. Weight: 122 Lbs. . Non-winners of a $150,000 at one mile or over since September 1 allowed , 2Lbs. Non-winners of $90,000 at one mile or over in 2009-10, 4 Lbs. Non-winners of a race other than maiden or claiming at one mile or over since November 1, 6 Lbs. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. One And One Eighth Miles. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 1 Marcello (KY) 3/C L* J Valdivia, Jr. 116 B Baffert
2 2 The Program (KY) 3/C L* M Garcia 118 B Baffert
3 3 Outlaw Man (VA) 3/C L* G K Gomez 116 K G McPeek
4 4 El Mirage King (KY) 3/C L* T Baze 116 M S Han
5 5 Boulder Creek (FL) 3/C L* V Espinoza 116 C Dollase
6 6 Kettle River (KY) 3/C L* B Blanc 118 E G Harty
7 7 Setsuko (KY) 3/C L* R Bejarano 116 R E Mandella
8 8 Wolf Tail (CA) 3/C L* C Sutherland 116 D F O'Neill
9 9 Nextdoorneighbor (FL) 3/C L* M E Smith 116 M Machowsky
10 10 Alphie's Bet (CA) 3/C L* A O Solis 116 A Barba
This race was actually supposed to be last Saturday, but due to rain it was moved to this Saturday (and if it rains tomorrow, it gets moved to Sunday). I like Setsuko and The Program in this race, alot of buzz is on Kettle River, and I have a gut feeling that Wolf Tail could do well in here.
Santa Anita Park - March 6, 2010
Race 8 - 3:57 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 8-9-10) $1 Pick 4 (Races 8-9-10-11) / $1 Superfecta (.10 min)
STAKES Santa Anita Oaks (Grade I)
Purse $250,000. For Fillies, Three Years Old. By subscription of $250 each to accompany the nomination. Closed with 14. $2,500 additional to start, with $250,000 guaranteed, of which $150,000 to first, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth and $5,000 to fifth. 122 Lbs. 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. The winner of the 2010 Santa Anita Oaks will be automatically eligible to the 2010 Santa Anita Derby with no fees. Should the winner have paid nomination fees to the Santa Anita Derby, those fees will be refunded only if the winner starts in the Santa Anita Derby. One And One Sixteenth Miles. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
2 1 Crisp (KY) 3/F L J Rosario 122 J W Sadler
3 2 Riviera Chic (KY) 3/F L1* M C Baze 122 J Lloyd
4 3 All Due Respect (FL) 3/F L G K Gomez 122 K Walsh
5 4 Blind Luck (KY) 3/F L R Bejarano 122 J Hollendorfer
6 5 Warren's Jitterbug (CA) 3/F L* J Talamo 122 J Gutierrez
7 6 Cozi Rosie (KY) 3/F L* M E Smith 122 J W Sadler
8 7 Zilva (PA) 3/F L* J Valdivia, Jr. 122 H G Motion
It's Blind Luck's world and we just live in it. I'm a little bit suprised and disapointed not to see Evening Jewel who gave Blind Luck all she could handle in her prep for this race. I'm expecting a much better race out of Crisp, who needs to show that if she's the real deal or not.
Santa Anita Park - March 6, 2010
Race 9 - 4:30 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 9-10-11) $1 Superfecta (.10 min)
STAKES Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. (Grade I)
Purse $250,000. For Four-Year-Olds And Upward. By subscription of $250 each to accompany the nomination. Closed with 20. $2,500 additional to start, with $250,000 guaranteed, of which $150,000 to first, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth, and $5,000 to to fifth. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. One Mile. (Turf)
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
2 1 Blue Chagall (FR) 5/G L* A O Solis 114 J C Canani
3 2 Awesome Gem (KY) 7/G L* D R Flores 117 C Dollase
4 3 Acclamation (CA) 4/C L* M Garcia 114 D Warren
5 4 Ever a Friend (KY) 7/G L* J Rosario 118 M R Mitchell
6 5 Red Alert Day (GB) 5/G L* R Bejarano 113 N D Drysdale
7 6 Monzante (KY) 6/G L* G K Gomez 115 M R Mitchell
8 7 Proviso (GB) 5/M L* M E Smith 114 W I Mott
9 8 Fluke (BRZ) 5/H L* J Talamo 116 H Ascanio
10 9 Battle of Hastings (GB) 4/G L* T Baze 119 J Mullins
Ever since last year with Rachel Alexandra, Ventura, Goldikova, Zenyatta etc. I think trainers are getting more brave in sending girls against the boys. Of course they could also fit the conditions of the race as well. I don't think she'll win, but Proviso has a good chance here. Awesome Gem is an old warrior who always gives his all. Battle of Hastings has had some hits and misses, and then there is Fluke, a former Bobby Frankel trainee who started an excellent weekend for Humberto Ascanio the weekend Venutra won the Matriarch.
Santa Anita Park - March 6, 2010
Race 10 - 5:02 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Superfecta (.10 min)
STAKES Santa Anita H. (Grade I)
Purse $750,000. For Four-Year-Olds And Upward. By subscription of $300 each to accompany the nomination. Closed with 31. $2,500 to pass the entry box and $5,000 to start with $750,000 guaranteed, of which $450,000 to first, $150,000 to second, $90,000 to third, $45,000 to fourth and $15,000 to fifth. The field will be limited to 14 starters. Preference shall be given to the high weights based upon the weight assignments, adjusted for the sex allowance. Total earnings in 2009-10 will be used in determining the preference of horses with equally assigned weights. No horse shall be assigned more than 126 Lbs. Trophies will be presented to the winning owner, breeder, trainer, and jockey. One And One Fourth Miles. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Pick Six (KY) 6/H L* A O Solis 114 D L Hendricks
2 2 St Trinians (GB) 5/M L* J Rosario 113 M R Mitchell
3 3 Rendezvous (KY) 4/C L* J Talamo 114 J Hollendorfer
4 4 Neko Bay (KY) 7/H L* M E Smith 117 J A Shirreffs
5 5 Eagle Poise (KY) 4/C L* T Baze 114 W I Mott
6 6 Loup Breton (IRE) 6/H L* G K Gomez 117 J C Canani
7 7 Mast Track (KY) 6/H L* D R Flores 117 J A Shirreffs
8 8 Pool Play (ON) 5/H L C Sutherland 114 M E Casse
9 9 Marsh Side (KY) 7/H L* M A Pedroza 117 N D Drysdale
10 10 Tiger's Rock (KY) 4/C L D Cohen 114 M W McCarthy
11 11 Dakota Phone (KY) 5/G L* V Espinoza 114 J Hollendorfer
12 12 Delightful Kiss (FL) 6/G L J C Leyva 115 P D Anderson
13 13 Misremembered (KY) 4/R L* M Garcia 116 B Baffert
14 14 Jeranimo (FL) 4/C L* R Bejarano 116 M Pender
In the long history of the Big Cap, a filly or mare has not won this race. That could change with St. Trinians who defeated Dubai bound Life is Sweet in her last race. She's already beaten the boys in England, and with the top older males Richard's Kid and Gio Ponti going to Dubai, this is her race to lose. Mast Track has the ability to wire this field and showed a few races back that he's not a one hit wonder. Misremembered ran into some steamrollers in his past few races, Neko Bay is playing fourth fiddle in his own barn (to Zenyatta, Life is Sweet and Mast Track. Marsh Side is probley better on turf, but we'll see.
So that's it! Our stakes preview for this weekend. The Wonderland part of the title? Alice in Wonderland of course! The Tim Burton remake came out today. Weekend review on Monday.
Going East to West.
Aqueduct - March 6, 2010
Race 10 - 5:12 PM Exacta, Trifecta, Super (.10), Daily Double Wagers
STAKES Gotham S. (Grade III)
Purse $250,000. For Three Year Olds. No nomination fee. $2,500 to pass the entry box. All starters will receive a $1,250 rebate. Any horse that competes in both the Gotham and Wood Memorial will have their subscription fees waived for the Wood Memorial. 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 remaining finishers. 123 Lbs. Non-winners of $150,000; or $45,000 twice allowed 3 Lbs.; $50,000; or $35,000 at a mile or over in 2009 allowed 5 Lbs.; three races other maiden or claiming, 7 Lbs. ( Maiden, Claiming, Starter, Restricted or Restricted Stake races not considered in allowances). A trophy will be presented to the winning owner. Closed Saturday, February 20, 2010 with 50 Nominations. One And One Sixteenth Miles. (Inner track)
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 1 Three Day Rush (KY) 3/C L F Jara 116 T A Pletcher
2 2 Yawanna Twist (NY) 3/C L E S Prado 116 R E Dutrow, Jr.
3 3 Nacho Friend (KY) 3/C L J Bravo 116 K J Breen
4 4 Awesome Act (KY) 3/C L* J R Leparoux 116 J Noseda
5 5 I've Got the Fever (KY) 3/C L C Hill 116 J P Terranova, II
6 6 Peppi Knows (KY) 3/G L R Migliore 120 T C Kreiser
7 7 Shrimp Dancer (NY) 3/C L C C Lopez 116 D G Donk
8 8 Turf Melody (KY) 3/C L R A Dominguez 120 H G Motion
9 9 Afleet Again (KY) 3/C L K Carmouche 116 R E Reid, Jr.
10 10 Wow Wow Wow (KY) 3/C L C S Nakatani 116 D W Lukas
Peppi Knows upset Eightyinfifty in the Whirlaway, keep in eye of the Euro Awesome Act, Jeremy Noseda sent Wilko to upset Afleet Alex in the BC Juvi in 04, and what do you know there is an Alex colt in the race with Afleet Again. Shrimp Dancer is a half to one of my favorite fillies Dancing Daisy (who I love for sentimental reasons), but he might end being a better turf horse then dirt.
Oaklawn Park - March 6, 2010
Race 7 - 4:03 PM Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10 Cent Superfecta / Pick 4 (Races 7-8-9-10)
STAKES Razorback H. (Grade III)
Purse $150,000. (Includes $50,000 – BC - Breeders' Cup). Four Year Olds And Upward. No nomination fee. $500 to pass the entry box and $1,000 additional to start with $100,000 Guaranteed and an additional $25,000 from the Breeders' Cup Fund for CUP ELIGIBLES ONLY. The Host Association's monies divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 5% to fourth, 3% to fifth, and 2% to be divided equally between remaining starters. Breeders' Cup Fund monies also correspomdingly divided providing a Breeders' Cup nominee has finished in an award position. Any Breeders' Cup Fund monies not awarded will revert back to the Fund. Weights: To be announced Sunday, February 28. This race will not be divided. Preference will be given in the following order: Breeders' Cup nominees only of equal racing quality orweight assignment (Respective of sex and weight for age). Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. Trophy to winning Owner given by Breeders' Cup Ltd. Closed Friday, February 26, 2010 with 18 nominees. One And One Sixteenth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 1 Prom Shoes (KY) 6/H L L S Quinonez 115 W H Fires
2 2 Spotsgone (KY) 7/H L J K Court 113 W H Fires
3 3 Jonesboro (KY) 8/H L C H Borel 117 R L Morse
4 4 Win Willy (KY) 4/C L M C Berry 116 M Robertson
5 5 Acting Zippy (FL) 5/G L T J Thompson 117 W D Bennett
6 6 Mad Flatter (FL) 5/H L S Bridgmohan 112 J D Thornbury
7 7 Racing Bran (IL) 5/G L C A Emigh 116 S Becker
8 8 Gone Astray (KY) 4/C L E Castro 119 C R McGaughey III
Gone Astray makes his 4 year old debut in this race, however he's not the one I fear the most for our heroes Prom Shoes and Jonesboro. Keep an eye on Acting Zippy, outside of Spotsgone and Racing Bran he is the speed of the race. If he gets away with Racing Bran got away with in the Essex, it will be difficult for Shoes, Jones and Willy to close on. However the fact that there is more speed in the race there is a chance of a speed duel. I just hope that we don't see a repeat of last year's Razorback where everybody fired at the same time bascailly shutting off both Jones and Shoes in the stretch.
Oaklawn Park - March 6, 2010
Race 9 - 5:02 PM First Half Late Daily Double / Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10 Cent Superfecta
STAKES Azeri S. (Grade III)
Purse $150,000. (Includes $25,000 – BC - Breeders' Cup). Fillies And Mares, Four Year Olds And Upward. One And One Sixteenth Miles.
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 1 Freedom Star (KY) 4/F L* C H Borel 115 B Baffert
2 2 French Kiss (KY) 5/M L J M Johnson 115 G G Hartlage
3 3 Spirit Seeker (KY) 4/F L* E Castro 113 J Hollendorfer
4 4 War Echo (KY) 4/F L S Bridgmohan 119 S M Asmussen
5 5 Superior Storm (LA) 5/M L L S Quinonez 122 R D Jackson
6 6 Just Jenda (KY) 4/F L* T J Thompson 115 C Jones
7 7 Afleet Deceit (KY) 4/F L C A Emigh 115 S Becker
8 8 Taptam (TX) 5/M L I Ocampo 117 W B Calhoun
9 9 Euphony (KY) 5/M L M C Berry 115 D K Von Hemel
These nine fillies and mares are basically fighting for eight spots in the Apple Blossom (2 of them have already been called for). Outside of the Big Cap, this could be the race of the weekend, you have High Heels' little sister French Kiss, War Echo Pryo's little sister, Just Jenda who is trained by Cindy Jones (wife of Larry Jones, trainer of Proud Spell, Eight Belles and Hard Spun), Superior Storm whose been tearing up the LA tracks and others.
Santa Anita Park - March 6, 2010
Race 7 - 3:24 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 7-8-9) $1 Superfecta (.10 min)
STAKES Sham S. (Grade III)
Purse $150,000. For Three-Year-Olds . By subscription of $150 each to accompany the nomination. Closed with 6. $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. *Early Bird nominees to the 2010 Santa Anita Derby (Closing Date: Saturday, January 2, 2010) are automatically eligible to the Sham Stakes with all fees waived. Closed with 114. Weight: 122 Lbs. . Non-winners of a $150,000 at one mile or over since September 1 allowed , 2Lbs. Non-winners of $90,000 at one mile or over in 2009-10, 4 Lbs. Non-winners of a race other than maiden or claiming at one mile or over since November 1, 6 Lbs. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. One And One Eighth Miles. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
1 1 Marcello (KY) 3/C L* J Valdivia, Jr. 116 B Baffert
2 2 The Program (KY) 3/C L* M Garcia 118 B Baffert
3 3 Outlaw Man (VA) 3/C L* G K Gomez 116 K G McPeek
4 4 El Mirage King (KY) 3/C L* T Baze 116 M S Han
5 5 Boulder Creek (FL) 3/C L* V Espinoza 116 C Dollase
6 6 Kettle River (KY) 3/C L* B Blanc 118 E G Harty
7 7 Setsuko (KY) 3/C L* R Bejarano 116 R E Mandella
8 8 Wolf Tail (CA) 3/C L* C Sutherland 116 D F O'Neill
9 9 Nextdoorneighbor (FL) 3/C L* M E Smith 116 M Machowsky
10 10 Alphie's Bet (CA) 3/C L* A O Solis 116 A Barba
This race was actually supposed to be last Saturday, but due to rain it was moved to this Saturday (and if it rains tomorrow, it gets moved to Sunday). I like Setsuko and The Program in this race, alot of buzz is on Kettle River, and I have a gut feeling that Wolf Tail could do well in here.
Santa Anita Park - March 6, 2010
Race 8 - 3:57 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 8-9-10) $1 Pick 4 (Races 8-9-10-11) / $1 Superfecta (.10 min)
STAKES Santa Anita Oaks (Grade I)
Purse $250,000. For Fillies, Three Years Old. By subscription of $250 each to accompany the nomination. Closed with 14. $2,500 additional to start, with $250,000 guaranteed, of which $150,000 to first, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth and $5,000 to fifth. 122 Lbs. 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. The winner of the 2010 Santa Anita Oaks will be automatically eligible to the 2010 Santa Anita Derby with no fees. Should the winner have paid nomination fees to the Santa Anita Derby, those fees will be refunded only if the winner starts in the Santa Anita Derby. One And One Sixteenth Miles. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
2 1 Crisp (KY) 3/F L J Rosario 122 J W Sadler
3 2 Riviera Chic (KY) 3/F L1* M C Baze 122 J Lloyd
4 3 All Due Respect (FL) 3/F L G K Gomez 122 K Walsh
5 4 Blind Luck (KY) 3/F L R Bejarano 122 J Hollendorfer
6 5 Warren's Jitterbug (CA) 3/F L* J Talamo 122 J Gutierrez
7 6 Cozi Rosie (KY) 3/F L* M E Smith 122 J W Sadler
8 7 Zilva (PA) 3/F L* J Valdivia, Jr. 122 H G Motion
It's Blind Luck's world and we just live in it. I'm a little bit suprised and disapointed not to see Evening Jewel who gave Blind Luck all she could handle in her prep for this race. I'm expecting a much better race out of Crisp, who needs to show that if she's the real deal or not.
Santa Anita Park - March 6, 2010
Race 9 - 4:30 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 9-10-11) $1 Superfecta (.10 min)
STAKES Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. (Grade I)
Purse $250,000. For Four-Year-Olds And Upward. By subscription of $250 each to accompany the nomination. Closed with 20. $2,500 additional to start, with $250,000 guaranteed, of which $150,000 to first, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth, and $5,000 to to fifth. A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. One Mile. (Turf)
P# PP Horse A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer
2 1 Blue Chagall (FR) 5/G L* A O Solis 114 J C Canani
3 2 Awesome Gem (KY) 7/G L* D R Flores 117 C Dollase
4 3 Acclamation (CA) 4/C L* M Garcia 114 D Warren
5 4 Ever a Friend (KY) 7/G L* J Rosario 118 M R Mitchell
6 5 Red Alert Day (GB) 5/G L* R Bejarano 113 N D Drysdale
7 6 Monzante (KY) 6/G L* G K Gomez 115 M R Mitchell
8 7 Proviso (GB) 5/M L* M E Smith 114 W I Mott
9 8 Fluke (BRZ) 5/H L* J Talamo 116 H Ascanio
10 9 Battle of Hastings (GB) 4/G L* T Baze 119 J Mullins
Ever since last year with Rachel Alexandra, Ventura, Goldikova, Zenyatta etc. I think trainers are getting more brave in sending girls against the boys. Of course they could also fit the conditions of the race as well. I don't think she'll win, but Proviso has a good chance here. Awesome Gem is an old warrior who always gives his all. Battle of Hastings has had some hits and misses, and then there is Fluke, a former Bobby Frankel trainee who started an excellent weekend for Humberto Ascanio the weekend Venutra won the Matriarch.
Santa Anita Park - March 6, 2010
Race 10 - 5:02 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Superfecta (.10 min)
STAKES Santa Anita H. (Grade I)
Purse $750,000. For Four-Year-Olds And Upward. By subscription of $300 each to accompany the nomination. Closed with 31. $2,500 to pass the entry box and $5,000 to start with $750,000 guaranteed, of which $450,000 to first, $150,000 to second, $90,000 to third, $45,000 to fourth and $15,000 to fifth. The field will be limited to 14 starters. Preference shall be given to the high weights based upon the weight assignments, adjusted for the sex allowance. Total earnings in 2009-10 will be used in determining the preference of horses with equally assigned weights. No horse shall be assigned more than 126 Lbs. Trophies will be presented to the winning owner, breeder, trainer, and jockey. One And One Fourth Miles. (All Weather Track)
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Pick Six (KY) 6/H L* A O Solis 114 D L Hendricks
2 2 St Trinians (GB) 5/M L* J Rosario 113 M R Mitchell
3 3 Rendezvous (KY) 4/C L* J Talamo 114 J Hollendorfer
4 4 Neko Bay (KY) 7/H L* M E Smith 117 J A Shirreffs
5 5 Eagle Poise (KY) 4/C L* T Baze 114 W I Mott
6 6 Loup Breton (IRE) 6/H L* G K Gomez 117 J C Canani
7 7 Mast Track (KY) 6/H L* D R Flores 117 J A Shirreffs
8 8 Pool Play (ON) 5/H L C Sutherland 114 M E Casse
9 9 Marsh Side (KY) 7/H L* M A Pedroza 117 N D Drysdale
10 10 Tiger's Rock (KY) 4/C L D Cohen 114 M W McCarthy
11 11 Dakota Phone (KY) 5/G L* V Espinoza 114 J Hollendorfer
12 12 Delightful Kiss (FL) 6/G L J C Leyva 115 P D Anderson
13 13 Misremembered (KY) 4/R L* M Garcia 116 B Baffert
14 14 Jeranimo (FL) 4/C L* R Bejarano 116 M Pender
In the long history of the Big Cap, a filly or mare has not won this race. That could change with St. Trinians who defeated Dubai bound Life is Sweet in her last race. She's already beaten the boys in England, and with the top older males Richard's Kid and Gio Ponti going to Dubai, this is her race to lose. Mast Track has the ability to wire this field and showed a few races back that he's not a one hit wonder. Misremembered ran into some steamrollers in his past few races, Neko Bay is playing fourth fiddle in his own barn (to Zenyatta, Life is Sweet and Mast Track. Marsh Side is probley better on turf, but we'll see.
So that's it! Our stakes preview for this weekend. The Wonderland part of the title? Alice in Wonderland of course! The Tim Burton remake came out today. Weekend review on Monday.
February 19, 2010
Which Youth will Rise to the Top in the South?
Three major preps this weekend for the Florida Derby, Arkansas Derby and Louisana Derby respectivly. The Risen Star at the Fair Grounds is the prep for the Louisana Derby, and features highely impressive Aqueduct winner Tempted to Tapit, WinStar's Drosselmeyer and Lacomte winner Ron the Greek. The Fountain of Youth is the much anticipated 3yo debut of Buddy's Saint, but he will have to go against Jackson Bend, Akinate among other contenders. The delayed Southwest also goes off tomorrow, featuring Smarty Jones winner and runner up Dryfly and Pleasant Storm respectivly. However, don't count out Dublin and Convaynce.
I'm not going to be doing a race by race preview for this week, however that will return next week. This is because of lack of time. Plus the next few weeks I've got a few posts that will be about memories, so stay tuned for those. Just think a week from this upcoming Monday, we will be only two months away from the Kentucky Derby! A full recap of this past weekends races will be up on Monday.
I'm not going to be doing a race by race preview for this week, however that will return next week. This is because of lack of time. Plus the next few weeks I've got a few posts that will be about memories, so stay tuned for those. Just think a week from this upcoming Monday, we will be only two months away from the Kentucky Derby! A full recap of this past weekends races will be up on Monday.
February 5, 2010
Super Saturday
With the Super Bowl on Sunday, I thought I would do a larger then normal preview. This weekend, it's the first G1's for the year for three year old fillies, older males and turf horses, plus a TC prep at the Big A (weather permitting), and two of my favorite horses are back in action at Oaklawn. I'm also instituding a jump break for Weekend Preview and Weekend Recap posts only. This is because these will be longer then useal posts and I don't want you to have to scroll all the way down to find a post you want to read, and this not it. If you don't like this, then please let me know for the future. So let's get started!
Starting at Aqueduct,
3rd (1:26)
Whirlaway S.
1 1/16 Miles
Open
3 Year Olds Stakes
Purse: $100,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer
1 1 Turf Melody Napravnik A R
2 2 Eightyfiveinafifty Chavez J F
3 3 Peppi Knows Migliore R
4 4 Afleet Again Serpa A
5 5 Three Day Rush Cohen D
6 6 Papa's Nice Cat Luzzi M J
This race may get postponed due to a nasty storm currently hitting the East Coast. Still, all eyes will be on the interestingly (and I'm sorry horribly named) Eightyfiveinafifty. I'm going to try to beat him with Peppi Knows and Afleet Again.
At Gulfstream,
9th (5:02)
Gulfstream Park Turf H. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles (Turf)
Open
4 Year Olds And Up Stakes
Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer
1 1 Le Grand Cru Lezcano J
2 2 Yate's Black Cat Desormeaux K J
3 3 Court Vision Albarado R J
4 4 Never On Sunday (FR) Bravo J
5 5 Take the Points Prado E S
6 6 Adagio (GB) Velasquez C
Last year IEAH and Rick Dutrow won the race with fan favorite Kip Deville, this year they have Court Vision who ironicly is the full brother to Kip's sire Kipling. Take the Points showed signs of promise on the turf since switching to the surface after his horrible Preakness. He has 2 G1 wins, but is coming off finishing midpack to the The Useal Q.T. in the Hollywood Derby, to make matters worse the Q.T. finished last in last weekend's Sunshine Millions Classic. Never on Sunday is best known for handing Goldikova one of her two losses last year, unfortanlly he has landed in the barn of Patrick "Cobra Venom" Biencone. I'm going with my boy Points for the win with Court a very close second. Shame Just As Well is skipping this race, he was closing fast on Kip last year.
10th (5:31)
Donn H. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $500,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Kiss the Kid Castro E
2 2 You and I Forever Trujillo E
3 3 Duke of Mischief Coa E M
4 4 Quality Road Velazquez J R
5 5 Dry Martini Castellano J J
6 6 Past the Point Prado E S
7 7 Helsinki Albarado R J
8 8 Mambo Meister Desormeaux K J
9 9 Dubai Gold Lezcano J
10 10 Delightful Kiss Leyva J C
For those old enough to remember The Brady Bunch (I'm not, but I've seen it on syndacation), then you will know how Jan used to go "Marsha, Marsha, Masha!". Well, this race "Quality, Quality, Quality!" in this case I mean Quality Road. I wasn't all that impressed by his Hal's Hope, but he is the deserving favorite. With that being said, I would love to see Dry Martini upset him.
At Oaklawn
9th (5:02)
Essex H.
1 1/16 Miles | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $100,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Jonesboro Castellano A Jr
2 2 Racing Bran Emigh C A
3 3 Crook's Bodgit Rini W
4 4 Spotsgone Court J K
5 5 Ready Set Thompson T J
6 6 Win Willy Berry M C
7 7 Prom Shoes Nakatani C S
8 8 Glamour Guy Borel C H
Win Willy won his first race of the year and is the deserving favorite. Spotsgone will be setting the early pace for his stablemate Prom Shoes, but I'm not expecting him to win as he is returning from surgery (although he's been posting bullets, so hopefully a good sign). Jonesboro may not go if it's a wet track and Ready Set has a trainer change. My heart says Shoes, Jonesboro in a deadheat, with Willy in third. I have a feeling that Willy will win with Jonesboro second and either Shoes or Ready Set in third. However, I really shouldn't count out Jonesboro, the last time he won the Essex, it was only a few days after his mom, the Hall of Famer Mom's Command was euthanized. This time around, his dad Sefapiano passed away from a heart attack. By far he's his best foal, much like he was the same for his mom.
Last, but not least at Santa Anita,
3rd (1:32)
Leriodesanimaux H.
1 Mile (Turf) | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $65,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Sudden War (ARG) Solis A
2 2 Quindici Man Rosario J
3 3 Fluke (BRZ) Talamo J
4 4 Battle of Hastings (GB) Baze T C
5 5 Mr. Big Smith M E
6 6 Cherokee Artist Leparoux J R
7 7 Blue Chagall (FR) Gomez G K
8 8 Great Siege (IRE) Espinoza
The last time Fluke won, it was in the Citation right after his former trainer passed away. And now here he is in a race named after a fellow BRZ bred, and ironcly trained by the same trainer he was. Don't count out Cherokee Artist though.
4th (2:03)
Las Virgenes S. (G1)
1 Mile (All Weather Track) | Fillies | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $250,000
Prg. PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Summer Games Baze M C Dominguez
2 2 Blind Luck Bejarano R
3 3 La Nez Smith M E
4 4 Switch Baze T C
5 5 Evening Jewel Espinoza V
6 6 Crisp Rosario J
This is Blind Luck's race to lose, however keep an eye on Crisp. Both of her races I've seen where pretty impressive, especially her maiden which she went really wide in the stretch and still won.
8th (4:07)
Robert B. Lewis S. (G2)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Macias Espinoza V
2 2 Dave in Dixie Rosario J
3 3 Tiz Chrome Gomez G K
4 4 Caracortado Atkinson P
5 5 Tango Tango Bejarano R
6 6 American Lion Leparoux J R
7 7 Domonation Talamo J
Tiz Chrome or American Lion, ennie meenie mighty mo! I'm going with American Lion, since he's on my list. However a good race by Tiz Chrome might change it up.
So that's it for this week, the Strub doesn't appeal to me and I think the La Canada is not until next week. So I hope everyone enjoys their weekend, and if you are like me and will be snowed in this week grab some hot coco and watch some races. Oh and enjoy the Super Bowl (Go Colts!).
Edit 12:09 PM Saturday: Santa Anita has canceled for the day due to rain. Hopefully for the Oak Tree meet, there will be a dirt surface, the draining problems are just too bad there :(.
Starting at Aqueduct,
3rd (1:26)
Whirlaway S.
1 1/16 Miles
Open
3 Year Olds Stakes
Purse: $100,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer
1 1 Turf Melody Napravnik A R
2 2 Eightyfiveinafifty Chavez J F
3 3 Peppi Knows Migliore R
4 4 Afleet Again Serpa A
5 5 Three Day Rush Cohen D
6 6 Papa's Nice Cat Luzzi M J
This race may get postponed due to a nasty storm currently hitting the East Coast. Still, all eyes will be on the interestingly (and I'm sorry horribly named) Eightyfiveinafifty. I'm going to try to beat him with Peppi Knows and Afleet Again.
At Gulfstream,
9th (5:02)
Gulfstream Park Turf H. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles (Turf)
Open
4 Year Olds And Up Stakes
Purse: $300,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer
1 1 Le Grand Cru Lezcano J
2 2 Yate's Black Cat Desormeaux K J
3 3 Court Vision Albarado R J
4 4 Never On Sunday (FR) Bravo J
5 5 Take the Points Prado E S
6 6 Adagio (GB) Velasquez C
Last year IEAH and Rick Dutrow won the race with fan favorite Kip Deville, this year they have Court Vision who ironicly is the full brother to Kip's sire Kipling. Take the Points showed signs of promise on the turf since switching to the surface after his horrible Preakness. He has 2 G1 wins, but is coming off finishing midpack to the The Useal Q.T. in the Hollywood Derby, to make matters worse the Q.T. finished last in last weekend's Sunshine Millions Classic. Never on Sunday is best known for handing Goldikova one of her two losses last year, unfortanlly he has landed in the barn of Patrick "Cobra Venom" Biencone. I'm going with my boy Points for the win with Court a very close second. Shame Just As Well is skipping this race, he was closing fast on Kip last year.
10th (5:31)
Donn H. (G1)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $500,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Kiss the Kid Castro E
2 2 You and I Forever Trujillo E
3 3 Duke of Mischief Coa E M
4 4 Quality Road Velazquez J R
5 5 Dry Martini Castellano J J
6 6 Past the Point Prado E S
7 7 Helsinki Albarado R J
8 8 Mambo Meister Desormeaux K J
9 9 Dubai Gold Lezcano J
10 10 Delightful Kiss Leyva J C
For those old enough to remember The Brady Bunch (I'm not, but I've seen it on syndacation), then you will know how Jan used to go "Marsha, Marsha, Masha!". Well, this race "Quality, Quality, Quality!" in this case I mean Quality Road. I wasn't all that impressed by his Hal's Hope, but he is the deserving favorite. With that being said, I would love to see Dry Martini upset him.
At Oaklawn
9th (5:02)
Essex H.
1 1/16 Miles | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $100,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Jonesboro Castellano A Jr
2 2 Racing Bran Emigh C A
3 3 Crook's Bodgit Rini W
4 4 Spotsgone Court J K
5 5 Ready Set Thompson T J
6 6 Win Willy Berry M C
7 7 Prom Shoes Nakatani C S
8 8 Glamour Guy Borel C H
Win Willy won his first race of the year and is the deserving favorite. Spotsgone will be setting the early pace for his stablemate Prom Shoes, but I'm not expecting him to win as he is returning from surgery (although he's been posting bullets, so hopefully a good sign). Jonesboro may not go if it's a wet track and Ready Set has a trainer change. My heart says Shoes, Jonesboro in a deadheat, with Willy in third. I have a feeling that Willy will win with Jonesboro second and either Shoes or Ready Set in third. However, I really shouldn't count out Jonesboro, the last time he won the Essex, it was only a few days after his mom, the Hall of Famer Mom's Command was euthanized. This time around, his dad Sefapiano passed away from a heart attack. By far he's his best foal, much like he was the same for his mom.
Last, but not least at Santa Anita,
3rd (1:32)
Leriodesanimaux H.
1 Mile (Turf) | Open | 4 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $65,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Sudden War (ARG) Solis A
2 2 Quindici Man Rosario J
3 3 Fluke (BRZ) Talamo J
4 4 Battle of Hastings (GB) Baze T C
5 5 Mr. Big Smith M E
6 6 Cherokee Artist Leparoux J R
7 7 Blue Chagall (FR) Gomez G K
8 8 Great Siege (IRE) Espinoza
The last time Fluke won, it was in the Citation right after his former trainer passed away. And now here he is in a race named after a fellow BRZ bred, and ironcly trained by the same trainer he was. Don't count out Cherokee Artist though.
4th (2:03)
Las Virgenes S. (G1)
1 Mile (All Weather Track) | Fillies | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $250,000
Prg. PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Summer Games Baze M C Dominguez
2 2 Blind Luck Bejarano R
3 3 La Nez Smith M E
4 4 Switch Baze T C
5 5 Evening Jewel Espinoza V
6 6 Crisp Rosario J
This is Blind Luck's race to lose, however keep an eye on Crisp. Both of her races I've seen where pretty impressive, especially her maiden which she went really wide in the stretch and still won.
8th (4:07)
Robert B. Lewis S. (G2)
1 1/16 Miles (All Weather Track) | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey
1 1 Macias Espinoza V
2 2 Dave in Dixie Rosario J
3 3 Tiz Chrome Gomez G K
4 4 Caracortado Atkinson P
5 5 Tango Tango Bejarano R
6 6 American Lion Leparoux J R
7 7 Domonation Talamo J
Tiz Chrome or American Lion, ennie meenie mighty mo! I'm going with American Lion, since he's on my list. However a good race by Tiz Chrome might change it up.
So that's it for this week, the Strub doesn't appeal to me and I think the La Canada is not until next week. So I hope everyone enjoys their weekend, and if you are like me and will be snowed in this week grab some hot coco and watch some races. Oh and enjoy the Super Bowl (Go Colts!).
Edit 12:09 PM Saturday: Santa Anita has canceled for the day due to rain. Hopefully for the Oak Tree meet, there will be a dirt surface, the draining problems are just too bad there :(.
April 10, 2009
Weekend Preview and Paragallo charged (Warning Language)
Here we go the last major weekend of preps (there is the Lexington next week, but those are those who need last minute earnings). Also I talk about a very serious topic.
First of the AR Derby
1)Captain Cherokee (Aaron Gryder, 20-1)
2)Papa Clem (Rafael Bejarano, 6-1)
3)Flat Out (Julio Garcia, 10-1)
4)Poltergeist (Quincy Hamilton, 20-1)
5)Ziegfeld (Jon Court, 12-1)
6)Flying Private (Israel Ocampo, 6-1)
7)Summer Bird (Chris Rosier, 30-1)
8)Old Fashioned (Terry Thompson, 9-5)
9)Win Willy (Cliff Berry, 7-2)
10)Danger to Society (Cornelio Velasquez, 6-1)
Even though he gets a jockey change, I still don't like Old Fashioned's chances. Personally I would love to see Win Willy win again, but beware of Papa Clem who apprently is working lights out on the Oaklawn surface. Flat Out for third, and Old Fashioned for fourth. If Willy wins, it will be another huge boost to his Derby winning sire Monarchos who got a G1 winner yesterday at Keenland.
Top three:
Win Willy
Papa Clem
Flat Out
Also at Oaklawn:
Oaklawn Park - April 11th, 2009 - Race 9
Northern Spur S. - Grade:
Estimated Local Post Time: 4:25 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Three Year Old
Purse: $75,000
Distance: One Mile
Surface: Dirt
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 It Happened Again (KY) 3 Colt 119 Terry J. Thompson
2 Golden Chapel (KY) 3 Colt 117 Israel Ocampo
3 Headstart (ON) 3 Colt 122 Aaron T. Gryder
4 Dance Caller (FL) 3 Colt 117 Larry J. Sterling, Jr.
5 Uno Mas (KY) 3 Colt 119 Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
6 Bergman (KY) 3 Colt 115 M. Clifton Berry
7 Marquee Event (FL) 3 Colt 115 Quincy Hamilton
8 Anaan (PA) 3 Colt 115 Larry Melancon
9 Kick On (FL) 3 Colt 119 Bryan McNeil
10 Fufty Too (KY) 3 Colt 115 Rafael Bejarano
11 Street Move (KY) 3 Colt 115 Christopher A. Emigh
12 Quiet Thanks (TX) 3 Colt 115 Eusebio Razo, Jr.
13 Good Sermon (KY) 3 Colt 117 Jon Kenton Court
I really like It Happended Again in this race. Also his name is fitting as he's by Proud Citizen, trained by Larry Jones and owned by former KY Gov. Breton Jones. They are the connections of last year's Champion 3yo filly Proud Spell. Uno Mas and Kick On who chased Friesan Fire and Old Fashioned respectivly for second and third.
Top three:
It Happend Again
Uno Mas
Kick On
At Aquaduct
Comely S. April 11, $150,000, 3yo, f, 1M, Aqueduct, 4:50 PM ET
Post Horse Sire Weight Jockey Trainer
1 Platinum Girl 3, f. Mineshaft 116 Michael Luzzi Todd Pletcher
2 Don't Forget Gil 3, f. Kafwain 122 Rajiv Maragh Mark Hennig
3 Subprime 3, f. High Yield 116 Richard Migliore James Jerkens
4 Laragh 3, f. Tapit 122 Ramon Dominguez John Terranova, II
5 Dream Play 3, f. Hennessy 118 Eddie Castro Kiaran McLaughlin
6 Holdontoyourdream 3, f. Proud Citizen 116 David Cohen Anthony Dutrow
One Word: Laragh. I really like this filly, more then her more known ownershipmate Stardom Bound. Holdontoyourdream and Don't Forget Gil just for their names for second and third respectivlly.
Top three:
Laragh
Holdontoyourdream
Don't Forget Gil
At Keenland the Bluegrass Stakes
1 -- Patena, Robby Albarado, 10-1
2 -- Join in the Dance, John Velazquez, 10-1
3 -- Theregoesjojo, Calvin Borel, 7-2
4 -- Cliffy's Future, Jesus Castanon, 20-1
5 -- Mafaaz, Richard Hills, 12-1
6 -- Terrain, Julien Leparoux, 6-1
7 -- Loch Dubh, Jamie Theriot, 50-1
8 -- General Quarters, Eibar Coa, 15-1
9 -- Charitable Man, Alan Garcia, 4-1
10 -- Hold Me Back, Kent Desormeaux, 3-1
11 -- Massone, Garrett Gomez, 12-1
The past few days the favorites in stakes races at Keenland have been upset. For this reason, I'm going to stay away from Hold Me Back. Instead I'm sticking with my gut and heart, with going with Patena. He could easily be better then I Want Revenge (Although he might not catch up until the summer). I would love to see Theregoesjojo get second and either General Quarters or Mafaaz get third. But watch Cliffy's Future pull a Dominican and win :P.
Now to some serious talk. Ernie Paragallo, who is a well known owner, has been charged 22 counts of animal abuse, link. However, Paragallo is saying that he did not abuse the animals, that it was a management problem, link. The following is going to have some profanity, so readers descrition is advised.
I think Paragallo is full of bs. It doesn't help that he has had his owners licence revoked once before, thankfully NYRA has banned him from doing bussiness, link. Animal abuse is a very serious charge, and he should pay the time for doing the crime. Even if he didn't know that it was going on, they are still his horses. I'm extremly hopeful that one of the horses abused was not Pink Viper, a half brother to Flashy Bull and one of my favorite horses in training. I'm also concerned about a few other other Paragallo horses that I like. Thankfully UBS and Artax, his two best horses are standing at stud. Lets hope he gets the max if convicted.
First of the AR Derby
1)Captain Cherokee (Aaron Gryder, 20-1)
2)Papa Clem (Rafael Bejarano, 6-1)
3)Flat Out (Julio Garcia, 10-1)
4)Poltergeist (Quincy Hamilton, 20-1)
5)Ziegfeld (Jon Court, 12-1)
6)Flying Private (Israel Ocampo, 6-1)
7)Summer Bird (Chris Rosier, 30-1)
8)Old Fashioned (Terry Thompson, 9-5)
9)Win Willy (Cliff Berry, 7-2)
10)Danger to Society (Cornelio Velasquez, 6-1)
Even though he gets a jockey change, I still don't like Old Fashioned's chances. Personally I would love to see Win Willy win again, but beware of Papa Clem who apprently is working lights out on the Oaklawn surface. Flat Out for third, and Old Fashioned for fourth. If Willy wins, it will be another huge boost to his Derby winning sire Monarchos who got a G1 winner yesterday at Keenland.
Top three:
Win Willy
Papa Clem
Flat Out
Also at Oaklawn:
Oaklawn Park - April 11th, 2009 - Race 9
Northern Spur S. - Grade:
Estimated Local Post Time: 4:25 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Three Year Old
Purse: $75,000
Distance: One Mile
Surface: Dirt
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 It Happened Again (KY) 3 Colt 119 Terry J. Thompson
2 Golden Chapel (KY) 3 Colt 117 Israel Ocampo
3 Headstart (ON) 3 Colt 122 Aaron T. Gryder
4 Dance Caller (FL) 3 Colt 117 Larry J. Sterling, Jr.
5 Uno Mas (KY) 3 Colt 119 Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
6 Bergman (KY) 3 Colt 115 M. Clifton Berry
7 Marquee Event (FL) 3 Colt 115 Quincy Hamilton
8 Anaan (PA) 3 Colt 115 Larry Melancon
9 Kick On (FL) 3 Colt 119 Bryan McNeil
10 Fufty Too (KY) 3 Colt 115 Rafael Bejarano
11 Street Move (KY) 3 Colt 115 Christopher A. Emigh
12 Quiet Thanks (TX) 3 Colt 115 Eusebio Razo, Jr.
13 Good Sermon (KY) 3 Colt 117 Jon Kenton Court
I really like It Happended Again in this race. Also his name is fitting as he's by Proud Citizen, trained by Larry Jones and owned by former KY Gov. Breton Jones. They are the connections of last year's Champion 3yo filly Proud Spell. Uno Mas and Kick On who chased Friesan Fire and Old Fashioned respectivly for second and third.
Top three:
It Happend Again
Uno Mas
Kick On
At Aquaduct
Comely S. April 11, $150,000, 3yo, f, 1M, Aqueduct, 4:50 PM ET
Post Horse Sire Weight Jockey Trainer
1 Platinum Girl 3, f. Mineshaft 116 Michael Luzzi Todd Pletcher
2 Don't Forget Gil 3, f. Kafwain 122 Rajiv Maragh Mark Hennig
3 Subprime 3, f. High Yield 116 Richard Migliore James Jerkens
4 Laragh 3, f. Tapit 122 Ramon Dominguez John Terranova, II
5 Dream Play 3, f. Hennessy 118 Eddie Castro Kiaran McLaughlin
6 Holdontoyourdream 3, f. Proud Citizen 116 David Cohen Anthony Dutrow
One Word: Laragh. I really like this filly, more then her more known ownershipmate Stardom Bound. Holdontoyourdream and Don't Forget Gil just for their names for second and third respectivlly.
Top three:
Laragh
Holdontoyourdream
Don't Forget Gil
At Keenland the Bluegrass Stakes
1 -- Patena, Robby Albarado, 10-1
2 -- Join in the Dance, John Velazquez, 10-1
3 -- Theregoesjojo, Calvin Borel, 7-2
4 -- Cliffy's Future, Jesus Castanon, 20-1
5 -- Mafaaz, Richard Hills, 12-1
6 -- Terrain, Julien Leparoux, 6-1
7 -- Loch Dubh, Jamie Theriot, 50-1
8 -- General Quarters, Eibar Coa, 15-1
9 -- Charitable Man, Alan Garcia, 4-1
10 -- Hold Me Back, Kent Desormeaux, 3-1
11 -- Massone, Garrett Gomez, 12-1
The past few days the favorites in stakes races at Keenland have been upset. For this reason, I'm going to stay away from Hold Me Back. Instead I'm sticking with my gut and heart, with going with Patena. He could easily be better then I Want Revenge (Although he might not catch up until the summer). I would love to see Theregoesjojo get second and either General Quarters or Mafaaz get third. But watch Cliffy's Future pull a Dominican and win :P.
Now to some serious talk. Ernie Paragallo, who is a well known owner, has been charged 22 counts of animal abuse, link. However, Paragallo is saying that he did not abuse the animals, that it was a management problem, link. The following is going to have some profanity, so readers descrition is advised.
I think Paragallo is full of bs. It doesn't help that he has had his owners licence revoked once before, thankfully NYRA has banned him from doing bussiness, link. Animal abuse is a very serious charge, and he should pay the time for doing the crime. Even if he didn't know that it was going on, they are still his horses. I'm extremly hopeful that one of the horses abused was not Pink Viper, a half brother to Flashy Bull and one of my favorite horses in training. I'm also concerned about a few other other Paragallo horses that I like. Thankfully UBS and Artax, his two best horses are standing at stud. Lets hope he gets the max if convicted.
April 3, 2009
Weekend Preview
I'm not going to be posting the fields this week, as I spent a good part of the day crying. They moved my dad to Hospice today as he took a turn for the worse last weekend. So due to a lack of time I will just be giving you a small preview for each race I'm previewing.
Santa Anita Derby (G1) (Santa Anita): I really would love to see Chocolate Candy win it, with Pioneerof the Nile, Take the Points, and The Pamplemousse taking 2-3-4 respectivly. I feel that these are the four best horses on the West Coast.
Ashland S. (G1) (Keenland): While Stardom Bound is the favorite in here, I would not under estimate What a Pear. She hails from the same female family as Rags to Riches, Jazil ect. Also she won the same race at Aquaduct as Little Belle did before winning the Ashland. Look for Dream Empress to rebound here to get third behind Pear and Stardom, who is very vernuable.
Wood Memorial (G1) (Aquaduct): This is a two horse race between I Want Revenge and Imperial Council. Based on his impressive Gotham win, I give the edge to Revenge.
Oaklawn Handicap (G2) (Oaklawn): This is a G2? Seriously, no Tiago and no Magnum. With that being said, my beloved Prom Shoes is in this race and I love his chances. Also he is breaking from my dad's favorite number (#2), so this win would be so bitter sweet for me. Hopefully Jonesboro and Honest Man also rebound in this race.
Apple Blossom (G1) (Oaklawn): This is a G1? Yeah just as bad as the OakCap, maybe even worse. Acoma should win this race easily.
Carter H. (G1) (Aquaduct): This IMO is the best race of the weekend. You have 2 G1's, a horse who is very close to getting his G1 win, as well as an up and coming colt. I gotta go with the trifecta of Tale of Ekati, Kodiak Kowboy and Biker Boy. I like all three of these horses chances to hitting the board in this race.
Fantasy S. (G2) (Oaklawn): It's Rachel Alexandra's world and we are all living it. I hope Rach takes this easily to set up her matchup against Justwhistledixie and Stardom Bound (As well as What a Pear). Bon Jovi Girl and Just Jenda for 2-3 respectivlly.
For you fans of CAN racing, Woodbine opens on Saturday. Again I appoligze for not having a huge preview.
Santa Anita Derby (G1) (Santa Anita): I really would love to see Chocolate Candy win it, with Pioneerof the Nile, Take the Points, and The Pamplemousse taking 2-3-4 respectivly. I feel that these are the four best horses on the West Coast.
Ashland S. (G1) (Keenland): While Stardom Bound is the favorite in here, I would not under estimate What a Pear. She hails from the same female family as Rags to Riches, Jazil ect. Also she won the same race at Aquaduct as Little Belle did before winning the Ashland. Look for Dream Empress to rebound here to get third behind Pear and Stardom, who is very vernuable.
Wood Memorial (G1) (Aquaduct): This is a two horse race between I Want Revenge and Imperial Council. Based on his impressive Gotham win, I give the edge to Revenge.
Oaklawn Handicap (G2) (Oaklawn): This is a G2? Seriously, no Tiago and no Magnum. With that being said, my beloved Prom Shoes is in this race and I love his chances. Also he is breaking from my dad's favorite number (#2), so this win would be so bitter sweet for me. Hopefully Jonesboro and Honest Man also rebound in this race.
Apple Blossom (G1) (Oaklawn): This is a G1? Yeah just as bad as the OakCap, maybe even worse. Acoma should win this race easily.
Carter H. (G1) (Aquaduct): This IMO is the best race of the weekend. You have 2 G1's, a horse who is very close to getting his G1 win, as well as an up and coming colt. I gotta go with the trifecta of Tale of Ekati, Kodiak Kowboy and Biker Boy. I like all three of these horses chances to hitting the board in this race.
Fantasy S. (G2) (Oaklawn): It's Rachel Alexandra's world and we are all living it. I hope Rach takes this easily to set up her matchup against Justwhistledixie and Stardom Bound (As well as What a Pear). Bon Jovi Girl and Just Jenda for 2-3 respectivlly.
For you fans of CAN racing, Woodbine opens on Saturday. Again I appoligze for not having a huge preview.
March 13, 2009
Weekend Preview Part 2 and Oaks on Bravo
So I decided to preview one more race for this weekend. The Honeybee Stakes which is Sunday at Oaklawn Park.
$100,000 Honeybee Stakes (gr. III, Race 9, 5:11 p.m.), 3-Year-Old Fillies, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Be Fair (FL), 119, Terry J. Thompson
2. Afleet Deceit (KY), 115, Christopher A. Emigh
3. Hightap (KY), 119, Shaun Bridgmohan
4. Just Jenda (KY), 122, Gabriel Saez
5. My Spanx (FL), 119, Martin Escobar
6. Peach Brew (OK), 117, Quincy Hamilton
7. Bon Jovi Girl (KY), 119, Jose C. Caraballo
I really like Bon Jovi Girl in this race, she is coming off an race against older females which she won. Just Jenda comes up from the Fair Grounds after finishing third in the Silverbulletday. I'm going with Peach Brew for third, partially for her name and partially because she an OK bred, and one of my favorite horses currently in training is an OK bred as well.
Top Three:
Bon Jovi Girl
Just Jenda
Peach Brew
Also ESPN is dropping the Friday before the Derby coverage, this includes the Kentucky Oaks. (Link) Even though, NBC Sports will pick up the slack and put the Oaks on Bravo (home to shows like the Real Housewives of New York, which ironicly, one of the stars is Bethaney Frankel the daughter of Bobby Frankel. But this is a story for another day), it's still not good. I mean ESPN is supposed to be "The Worldwide Leader in Sports", and they show poker over horse racing? Yes I know there are people who don't like Kenny Mayne, but honestly he knows more then people think. If I remeber correctly, he was the only one who correctly chose Jazil and Invasor to win their races respectivly in 2006. I don't know, hopefully the Bravo crew includes Tom Hammond and maybe Tom Durkin calling? But then again he may be waiting a day and let the new track announcer Mark Johnson call his first national televised race.
$100,000 Honeybee Stakes (gr. III, Race 9, 5:11 p.m.), 3-Year-Old Fillies, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Be Fair (FL), 119, Terry J. Thompson
2. Afleet Deceit (KY), 115, Christopher A. Emigh
3. Hightap (KY), 119, Shaun Bridgmohan
4. Just Jenda (KY), 122, Gabriel Saez
5. My Spanx (FL), 119, Martin Escobar
6. Peach Brew (OK), 117, Quincy Hamilton
7. Bon Jovi Girl (KY), 119, Jose C. Caraballo
I really like Bon Jovi Girl in this race, she is coming off an race against older females which she won. Just Jenda comes up from the Fair Grounds after finishing third in the Silverbulletday. I'm going with Peach Brew for third, partially for her name and partially because she an OK bred, and one of my favorite horses currently in training is an OK bred as well.
Top Three:
Bon Jovi Girl
Just Jenda
Peach Brew
Also ESPN is dropping the Friday before the Derby coverage, this includes the Kentucky Oaks. (Link) Even though, NBC Sports will pick up the slack and put the Oaks on Bravo (home to shows like the Real Housewives of New York, which ironicly, one of the stars is Bethaney Frankel the daughter of Bobby Frankel. But this is a story for another day), it's still not good. I mean ESPN is supposed to be "The Worldwide Leader in Sports", and they show poker over horse racing? Yes I know there are people who don't like Kenny Mayne, but honestly he knows more then people think. If I remeber correctly, he was the only one who correctly chose Jazil and Invasor to win their races respectivly in 2006. I don't know, hopefully the Bravo crew includes Tom Hammond and maybe Tom Durkin calling? But then again he may be waiting a day and let the new track announcer Mark Johnson call his first national televised race.
March 12, 2009
Weekend Preview
First off, I apologize for not having Stallion Spotlight yesterday. A family emergency came up and was not near a computer yesterday. While this is a huge weekend race wise with lots of good races all around of the country, I will only preview the four Derby and an Oaks preps. All these races are EDT.
At Tampa Bay Downs
$300,000 Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III, Race 11, 5:26 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Perfect Bull, 116, Dean Butler
2. Musket Man, 116, Daniel Centeno
3. Nowhere to Hide, 116, Alan Garcia, A 116
4. Hello Broadway, 116, Eibar Coa
5. Warrior's Reward, 116, Carlos Montalvo
6. Sumo, 116, Jeremy Rose
7. Join the Dance, 116, Elvis Trujillo
8. General Quarters, 122, James Lopez
9. Bear's Rocket, 116, Ronnie Allen, Jr.
10. Justdontcallmejeri, 116, Jesus Rios
11. Top Seed, 116, Rajiv Marah
General Quarters will have to prove that his Sam F. Davis win was no fluke. And he’s up against Hello Broadway who is a really nice horse. A half brother to G1 winner Nobiz Like Shobiz, Hello Broadway could follow his brother’s hoof steps at have his final prep in the Wood Memorial depending on how he does here of course. Warrior’s Reward is coming off a second place finish in an allowance, where he was beaten by FL Derby bound Dunkirk. The 10th place finisher in his maiden win, could break his maiden soon (Aka Nicanor). I really like Hello Broadway in this race, with Warrior’s Reward second and General Quarters third.
Top three:
Hello Broadway
Warrior’s Reward
General Quarters
At Oaklawn Park
$300,000 Rebel Stakes (gr. II, Race 10, 5:50 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Old Fashioned (KY), 122, Ramon A. Dominguez
2. Hamazing Destiny (KY), 115, Terry J. Thompson
3. Poltergeist (TX), 117, Quincy Hamilton
4. Pointing Home (FL), 115, Julio A. Garcia
5. Wise Kid (KY), 117, Jose C. Caraballo
6. His Greatness (KY), 117, Larry J. Sterling, Jr.
7. Captain Cherokee (KY), 117, Luis S. Quinonez
8. Silver City (KY), 117, Jon Kenton Court
9. Win Willy (KY), 117, M. Clifton Berry
In 2005 there where two horses: Rockport Harbor, a son of Unbridled’s Song owned by Fox Hill Farm, and Afleet Alex, a son of Northern Afleet who was trained by Tim Richey. Rocky was based at Philadelphia Park, the home track of Smarty Jones, Alex was based at Delaware Park (my home track). With the Delaware Valley coming off Smarty fever, Rocky and Alex where destined to do well on the Triple Crown They finished second and last respectfully in the Rebel. However, that was their only matchup, Rocky’s foot proved to be too much to do the TC, and well Alex went on to bigger and better things. Now another son of UBS carrying the colors of FHF and a horse trained by Richey face off. They are Old Fashioned, the Southwest winner and Wise Kid, a son of Lemon Drop Kid and his coming off an allowance win. I really like Wise Kid in this spot, he might just have what it takes to upset Old Fashioned. Look for Captain Cherokee, the half brother of 2 time BC Sprint winner Midnight Lute to be a factor as well. His dad Sir Cherokee won the AR Derby back in 2003.
Top three:
Wise Kid
Old Fashioned
Captain Cherokee
At the Fair Grounds
$600,000 Louisiana Derby (gr. II, Race 9, 4:45 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Free Country (KY), 122, Kent J. Desormeaux
2. Soul Warrior (KY), 122, Shaun Bridgmohan
3. Patena (KY), 122, Robby Albarado
4. Terrain (KY), 122, Julien R. Leparoux
5. Flying Pegasus (KY), 122, John R. Velazquez
6. Giant Oak (IL), 122, James Graham
7. Uno Mas (KY), 122, Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
8. Papa Clem (KY), 122, Rafael Bejarano
9. Friesan Fire (KY), 122, Gabriel Saez
Friesan Fire vs. Patena: Round 2, and this time Patena has a new trainer. Rick Dutrow takes over for Josie Caroll after being bought by IEAH after the Lacomte. Flying Pegasus was second in the Risen Star. Expect a better race out of Giant Oak and beware of Papa Clem, if he shows that he can take to dirt, the Cali horses can be very dangerous in the Derby.
Top three:
Fresian Fire
Patena
Giant Oak
$400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (gr. II, Race 6, 3:07 p.m.), 3-Year-Old Fillies, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Our Dahlia (KY), 121, Kent J. Desormeaux
2. Four Gifts (KY), 121, Robby Albarado
3. Rachel Alexandra (KY), 121, Calvin H. Borel
4. African Skies (GB), 121, Edgar S. Prado
5. Flying Spur (KY), 121, Patrick A. Valenzuela
6. War Tigress (KY), 121, James Graham
This is a no contest. Rachel Alexandra should take this and be ready for either the AR Derby or Fantasy Stakes (both at Oaklawn). With her stablemate War Echo out, look for Four Gifts to get up there for second and I gotta go with Flying Spur for third, just for her name.
Top three:
Rachel Alexandra
Four Gifts
Flying Spur
At Santa Anita Park
$200,000 San Felipe Stakes (gr. II, Race 4, 2:03 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles (All Weather)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. He's Really Big (CA), 115, Aaron T. Gryder
2. Pioneerof the Nile (KY), 122, Garrett K. Gomez
3. Feisty Suances (CA), 115, David R. Flores
4. Shafted (KY), 115, Joel Rosario
5. Jeranimo (FL), 115, Brice Blanc
6. Kelly Leak (FL), 115, Victor Espinoza
7. New Bay (KY), 115, Joseph Talamo
Another no contest, Pioneerof the Nile is the heavy favorite. I love that there is a horse in here named He’s Really Big, and just for that I’ll pt him second, and Shafted for third again for his name.
Top three:
Pioneerof the Nile
He’s Really Big
Shafted
Also this weekend: Honest Man is in action, a G1 out at SA (not really a great field, which is why I’m not previewing it.) and a few other nice stakes races.
At Tampa Bay Downs
$300,000 Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III, Race 11, 5:26 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Perfect Bull, 116, Dean Butler
2. Musket Man, 116, Daniel Centeno
3. Nowhere to Hide, 116, Alan Garcia, A 116
4. Hello Broadway, 116, Eibar Coa
5. Warrior's Reward, 116, Carlos Montalvo
6. Sumo, 116, Jeremy Rose
7. Join the Dance, 116, Elvis Trujillo
8. General Quarters, 122, James Lopez
9. Bear's Rocket, 116, Ronnie Allen, Jr.
10. Justdontcallmejeri, 116, Jesus Rios
11. Top Seed, 116, Rajiv Marah
General Quarters will have to prove that his Sam F. Davis win was no fluke. And he’s up against Hello Broadway who is a really nice horse. A half brother to G1 winner Nobiz Like Shobiz, Hello Broadway could follow his brother’s hoof steps at have his final prep in the Wood Memorial depending on how he does here of course. Warrior’s Reward is coming off a second place finish in an allowance, where he was beaten by FL Derby bound Dunkirk. The 10th place finisher in his maiden win, could break his maiden soon (Aka Nicanor). I really like Hello Broadway in this race, with Warrior’s Reward second and General Quarters third.
Top three:
Hello Broadway
Warrior’s Reward
General Quarters
At Oaklawn Park
$300,000 Rebel Stakes (gr. II, Race 10, 5:50 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Old Fashioned (KY), 122, Ramon A. Dominguez
2. Hamazing Destiny (KY), 115, Terry J. Thompson
3. Poltergeist (TX), 117, Quincy Hamilton
4. Pointing Home (FL), 115, Julio A. Garcia
5. Wise Kid (KY), 117, Jose C. Caraballo
6. His Greatness (KY), 117, Larry J. Sterling, Jr.
7. Captain Cherokee (KY), 117, Luis S. Quinonez
8. Silver City (KY), 117, Jon Kenton Court
9. Win Willy (KY), 117, M. Clifton Berry
In 2005 there where two horses: Rockport Harbor, a son of Unbridled’s Song owned by Fox Hill Farm, and Afleet Alex, a son of Northern Afleet who was trained by Tim Richey. Rocky was based at Philadelphia Park, the home track of Smarty Jones, Alex was based at Delaware Park (my home track). With the Delaware Valley coming off Smarty fever, Rocky and Alex where destined to do well on the Triple Crown They finished second and last respectfully in the Rebel. However, that was their only matchup, Rocky’s foot proved to be too much to do the TC, and well Alex went on to bigger and better things. Now another son of UBS carrying the colors of FHF and a horse trained by Richey face off. They are Old Fashioned, the Southwest winner and Wise Kid, a son of Lemon Drop Kid and his coming off an allowance win. I really like Wise Kid in this spot, he might just have what it takes to upset Old Fashioned. Look for Captain Cherokee, the half brother of 2 time BC Sprint winner Midnight Lute to be a factor as well. His dad Sir Cherokee won the AR Derby back in 2003.
Top three:
Wise Kid
Old Fashioned
Captain Cherokee
At the Fair Grounds
$600,000 Louisiana Derby (gr. II, Race 9, 4:45 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Free Country (KY), 122, Kent J. Desormeaux
2. Soul Warrior (KY), 122, Shaun Bridgmohan
3. Patena (KY), 122, Robby Albarado
4. Terrain (KY), 122, Julien R. Leparoux
5. Flying Pegasus (KY), 122, John R. Velazquez
6. Giant Oak (IL), 122, James Graham
7. Uno Mas (KY), 122, Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
8. Papa Clem (KY), 122, Rafael Bejarano
9. Friesan Fire (KY), 122, Gabriel Saez
Friesan Fire vs. Patena: Round 2, and this time Patena has a new trainer. Rick Dutrow takes over for Josie Caroll after being bought by IEAH after the Lacomte. Flying Pegasus was second in the Risen Star. Expect a better race out of Giant Oak and beware of Papa Clem, if he shows that he can take to dirt, the Cali horses can be very dangerous in the Derby.
Top three:
Fresian Fire
Patena
Giant Oak
$400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (gr. II, Race 6, 3:07 p.m.), 3-Year-Old Fillies, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Our Dahlia (KY), 121, Kent J. Desormeaux
2. Four Gifts (KY), 121, Robby Albarado
3. Rachel Alexandra (KY), 121, Calvin H. Borel
4. African Skies (GB), 121, Edgar S. Prado
5. Flying Spur (KY), 121, Patrick A. Valenzuela
6. War Tigress (KY), 121, James Graham
This is a no contest. Rachel Alexandra should take this and be ready for either the AR Derby or Fantasy Stakes (both at Oaklawn). With her stablemate War Echo out, look for Four Gifts to get up there for second and I gotta go with Flying Spur for third, just for her name.
Top three:
Rachel Alexandra
Four Gifts
Flying Spur
At Santa Anita Park
$200,000 San Felipe Stakes (gr. II, Race 4, 2:03 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles (All Weather)PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. He's Really Big (CA), 115, Aaron T. Gryder
2. Pioneerof the Nile (KY), 122, Garrett K. Gomez
3. Feisty Suances (CA), 115, David R. Flores
4. Shafted (KY), 115, Joel Rosario
5. Jeranimo (FL), 115, Brice Blanc
6. Kelly Leak (FL), 115, Victor Espinoza
7. New Bay (KY), 115, Joseph Talamo
Another no contest, Pioneerof the Nile is the heavy favorite. I love that there is a horse in here named He’s Really Big, and just for that I’ll pt him second, and Shafted for third again for his name.
Top three:
Pioneerof the Nile
He’s Really Big
Shafted
Also this weekend: Honest Man is in action, a G1 out at SA (not really a great field, which is why I’m not previewing it.) and a few other nice stakes races.
March 5, 2009
Weekend Preview, Magna files Chapter 11
Well here it is, weekend preview. Really not much Derby and/or Oaks wise. But the two races that are, are huge ones. Plus the best early season race for older males, two of my favorites running in a prep for the Oaklawn Handicap, and it's another boys vs girl matchup.
We start off in New York, at Aquaduct on Saturday is the Gotham Stakes.
$250,000 Gotham Stakes (gr. III, Race 9, 4:18 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt) PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Naos (KY), 116, Michael J. Luzzi
2. Russell Road (WV), 116, Travis L. Dunkelberger
3. Masala (FL), 116, Eibar Coa
4. Axel Foley (KY), 116, Richard Migliore
5. Mr. Fantasy (NY), 116, Alan Garcia
6. Haynesfield (NY), 120, Charles C. Lopez
7. Imperial Council (KY), 116, Rajiv Maragh
8. I Want Revenge (KY), 116, Joseph Talamo
9. Giant Ryan (NY), 116, Jeffrey Sanchez
This races is loaded with talent. Masala is coming off a second place finish at Gulfstream, the winner Take the Points just finished second last week in the Sham. Axel Foley and I Want Revenge come in from Cali. But the three to keep an eye on are Haynesfield, Imperial Council and Mr. Fantasy. These three could become the Wood Memorial favorites if they do in this race. Haynesfield will most likely go off as the favorite. But I like Imperial Council in this race, although he is going two turns for the first time. The big reason why is that he is by Empire Maker (2003 Belmont winner, much to my dismay, but that's a story for another day), out of a mare by Thunder Gulch (1995 Derby and Belmont winner). And if you go back farther, his dam's broodmare sire is Risen Star (1988 Preakness and Belmont winner), and his sire's sire is Unbridled (1990 Derby winner). Mr. Fantasy is the half brother to last year's Indiana Derby winner Tin Cup Chalice. He's by E Dubai, who happens to be the sire of one of my favorite Darley horses (although I think he's retired or exported), Wafi City. Two turns should also not be problem for him as his broodmare sire is 1979 Derby and Preakness winner Spectacular Bid. Hayesfield is the questionmark. While he won the first prep, the Whirlaway, he's by a champion sprinter. Instead I'm going to put Masala who is by Lion Heart.
Top three:
Imperial Council
Mr. Fantasy
Masala
Next it's off to Oaklawn Park.
Oaklawn Park - March 7th, 2009 - Race 9Razorback H. - Grade: 3
Estimated Local Post Time: 5:02 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Four Year Old and Upward
Purse: $150,000
Distance: One And One Sixteenth Miles Surface: Dirt
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Spotsgone (KY) 6 Horse 113 Joe M. Johnson
2 Jonesboro (KY) 7 Horse 117 Calvin H. Borel
3 Catmantoo (KY) 6 Gelding 112 M. Clifton Berry
4 Let It Rock (FL) 4 Colt 113 Terry J. Thompson
5 Silver Edition (KY) 4 Colt 113 Bryan McNeil
6 Shim's Pride (KY) 6 Gelding 113 Israel Ocampo
7 Prom Shoes (KY) 5 Horse 117 Christopher A. Emigh
I've been waiting for this match-up for a few weeks. The class of the field is defending champ Jonesboro, and Essex winner Prom Shoes. These two have been thorns in each others sides for a year, and this time it's going to be very interesting. Look for last year's Essex winner Spotsgone to set the pace for Jonesboro and his stablemate Shoes. I'm going with Let It Rock for third, just for his name. But the Shoes will take it and go into the Oaklawn Handicap as the local favorite (depending on who ships in).
Top three:
Prom Shoes
Jonesboro
Let It Rock
Last, but not least, three Grade 1 races at Santa Anita.
Santa Anita Park - March 7th, 2009 - Race 7
Santa Anita Oaks - Grade: 1
Estimated Local Post Time: 3:07 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Three Year Old
Sex: Fillies Purse: $300,000
Distance: One And One Sixteenth Miles Surface: All Weather Track
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Stardom Bound (KY) 3 Filly 122 Mike E. Smith
2 Burg Berg (KY) 3 Filly 122 Tyler Baze
3 Miss Silver Brook (KY) 3 Filly 122 Alex O. Solis
4 Hooh Why (FL) 3 Filly 122 Robby Albarado
5 Stormy Slew (KY) 3 Filly 122 John R. Velazquez
6 Nan (KY) 3 Filly 122 Corey S. Nakatani
7 Will O Way (KY) 3 Filly 122 Russell A. Baze
8 Beltene (CA) 3 Filly 122 Joel Rosario
9 Third Dawn (KY) 3 Filly 122 Rafael Bejarano
10 Acronym (KY) 3 Filly 122 David Romero Flores
This is a make or break race for Stardom Bound, a solid win and she'll try boys next time out in the SA Derby. Otherwise it will be the Oaks. This is her race to lose. Alot of people people like Miss Silver Brook, and Hooh Why was second to Patena last year up at Woodbine (this was before IEAH bought him).
Top three:
Stardom Bound
Miss Silver Brook
Hooh Why
Santa Anita Park - March 7th, 2009 - Race 9
Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. - Grade: 1
Estimated Local Post Time: 4:07 PM
Race Type: StakesBreed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Four Year Old and Upward
Purse: $300,000
Distance: One Mile Surface: Turf
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Ventura (KY) 5 Mare 118 Garrett K. Gomez
2 Mast Track (KY) 5 Horse 117 Julien R. Leparoux
3 Monterey Jazz (KY) 5 Horse 116 Russell A. Baze
4 Hewitts (FL) 5 Gelding 114 David Romero Flores
5 Wise River (KY) 6 Horse 116 Robby Albarado
6 Artiste Royal (IRE) 8 Ridgling 119 Rafael Bejarano
7 Dixie Chatter (KY) 4 Colt 115 Tyler Baze
8 Mr Napper Tandy (GB) 5 Horse 113 Joel Rosario
9 Global Hunter (ARG) 6 Horse 116 Jose Valdivia, Jr.
10 Becrux (ITY) 7 Gelding 115 Edgar S. Prado
11 Gio Ponti (KY) 4 Colt 118 Ramon A. Dominguez
12 Victory Pete (FL) 4 Colt 113 Mike E. Smith
Ventura vs the boys: Round 2. She was the runner up in last year's Woodbine Mile before upsetting Indian Blessing in the BC Filly/Mare sprint. This is probley her max distance, look for her stablemate Mast Track to set the early pace. I would love Dixie Chatter to take it, he's had such bad luck since he was 2. I really don't like Gio Ponti in this spot.
Top three:
Dixie Chatter
Ventura
Mast Track
Santa Anita Park - March 7th, 2009 - Race 10
Santa Anita H. - Grade: 1
Estimated Local Post Time: 4:37 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Four Year Old and Upward
Purse: $1,000,000
Distance: One And One Fourth Miles Surface: All Weather Track
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Matto Mondo (CHI) 5 Horse 116 Rafael Bejarano
2 Cowboy Cal (KY) 4 Colt 120 John R. Velazquez
3 Heroi Do Bafra (BRZ) 7 Horse 111 Michael C. Baze
4 Monba (KY) 4 Colt 114 Edgar S. Prado
5 Colonel John (KY) 4 Colt 119 Garrett K. Gomez
6 Magnum (ARG) 8 Gelding 116 Joel Rosario
7 Blue Exit (KY) 4 Colt 115 Robby Albarado
8 Einstein (BRZ) 7 Horse 121 Julien R. Leparoux
9 Dansant (GB) 5 Horse 116 Tyler Baze
10 Cause (KY) 4 Colt 110 Jon Kenton Court
11 Court Vision (KY) 4 Colt 119 Ramon A. Dominguez
12 Zambezi Sun (GB) 5 Horse 116 Victor Espinoza
13 Champs Elysees (GB) 6 Horse 118 Jose Valdivia, Jr.
14 Stream Cat (KY) 6 Gelding 114 Alex O. Solis
The hot horse right now is Cowboy Cal, Einstein is comming off a 3rd place finish in the Donn and should be helped by the synthtic surface. Court Vision is coming off a 3rd place finish in the Gulfstearm Park Turf and is my pick to win the race. Col. John may need a race, Magnum looks like he's a new horse. Champs Elysees ran well in this race last year, his stablemate Zambezi Sun is coming off a short layoff. Dansant is a very interesting horse as he's Euro based. Now go watch Cal's stablemate Monba shock us all again and win the whole thing.
Top three:
Court Vision
Cowboy Cal
Einstein
As I reported last night, Manga was in danger of filing for bankruptcy. They did that today, link. It's Chapter 11 bankruptsy.
We start off in New York, at Aquaduct on Saturday is the Gotham Stakes.
$250,000 Gotham Stakes (gr. III, Race 9, 4:18 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt) PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Naos (KY), 116, Michael J. Luzzi
2. Russell Road (WV), 116, Travis L. Dunkelberger
3. Masala (FL), 116, Eibar Coa
4. Axel Foley (KY), 116, Richard Migliore
5. Mr. Fantasy (NY), 116, Alan Garcia
6. Haynesfield (NY), 120, Charles C. Lopez
7. Imperial Council (KY), 116, Rajiv Maragh
8. I Want Revenge (KY), 116, Joseph Talamo
9. Giant Ryan (NY), 116, Jeffrey Sanchez
This races is loaded with talent. Masala is coming off a second place finish at Gulfstream, the winner Take the Points just finished second last week in the Sham. Axel Foley and I Want Revenge come in from Cali. But the three to keep an eye on are Haynesfield, Imperial Council and Mr. Fantasy. These three could become the Wood Memorial favorites if they do in this race. Haynesfield will most likely go off as the favorite. But I like Imperial Council in this race, although he is going two turns for the first time. The big reason why is that he is by Empire Maker (2003 Belmont winner, much to my dismay, but that's a story for another day), out of a mare by Thunder Gulch (1995 Derby and Belmont winner). And if you go back farther, his dam's broodmare sire is Risen Star (1988 Preakness and Belmont winner), and his sire's sire is Unbridled (1990 Derby winner). Mr. Fantasy is the half brother to last year's Indiana Derby winner Tin Cup Chalice. He's by E Dubai, who happens to be the sire of one of my favorite Darley horses (although I think he's retired or exported), Wafi City. Two turns should also not be problem for him as his broodmare sire is 1979 Derby and Preakness winner Spectacular Bid. Hayesfield is the questionmark. While he won the first prep, the Whirlaway, he's by a champion sprinter. Instead I'm going to put Masala who is by Lion Heart.
Top three:
Imperial Council
Mr. Fantasy
Masala
Next it's off to Oaklawn Park.
Oaklawn Park - March 7th, 2009 - Race 9Razorback H. - Grade: 3
Estimated Local Post Time: 5:02 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Four Year Old and Upward
Purse: $150,000
Distance: One And One Sixteenth Miles Surface: Dirt
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Spotsgone (KY) 6 Horse 113 Joe M. Johnson
2 Jonesboro (KY) 7 Horse 117 Calvin H. Borel
3 Catmantoo (KY) 6 Gelding 112 M. Clifton Berry
4 Let It Rock (FL) 4 Colt 113 Terry J. Thompson
5 Silver Edition (KY) 4 Colt 113 Bryan McNeil
6 Shim's Pride (KY) 6 Gelding 113 Israel Ocampo
7 Prom Shoes (KY) 5 Horse 117 Christopher A. Emigh
I've been waiting for this match-up for a few weeks. The class of the field is defending champ Jonesboro, and Essex winner Prom Shoes. These two have been thorns in each others sides for a year, and this time it's going to be very interesting. Look for last year's Essex winner Spotsgone to set the pace for Jonesboro and his stablemate Shoes. I'm going with Let It Rock for third, just for his name. But the Shoes will take it and go into the Oaklawn Handicap as the local favorite (depending on who ships in).
Top three:
Prom Shoes
Jonesboro
Let It Rock
Last, but not least, three Grade 1 races at Santa Anita.
Santa Anita Park - March 7th, 2009 - Race 7
Santa Anita Oaks - Grade: 1
Estimated Local Post Time: 3:07 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Three Year Old
Sex: Fillies Purse: $300,000
Distance: One And One Sixteenth Miles Surface: All Weather Track
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Stardom Bound (KY) 3 Filly 122 Mike E. Smith
2 Burg Berg (KY) 3 Filly 122 Tyler Baze
3 Miss Silver Brook (KY) 3 Filly 122 Alex O. Solis
4 Hooh Why (FL) 3 Filly 122 Robby Albarado
5 Stormy Slew (KY) 3 Filly 122 John R. Velazquez
6 Nan (KY) 3 Filly 122 Corey S. Nakatani
7 Will O Way (KY) 3 Filly 122 Russell A. Baze
8 Beltene (CA) 3 Filly 122 Joel Rosario
9 Third Dawn (KY) 3 Filly 122 Rafael Bejarano
10 Acronym (KY) 3 Filly 122 David Romero Flores
This is a make or break race for Stardom Bound, a solid win and she'll try boys next time out in the SA Derby. Otherwise it will be the Oaks. This is her race to lose. Alot of people people like Miss Silver Brook, and Hooh Why was second to Patena last year up at Woodbine (this was before IEAH bought him).
Top three:
Stardom Bound
Miss Silver Brook
Hooh Why
Santa Anita Park - March 7th, 2009 - Race 9
Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. - Grade: 1
Estimated Local Post Time: 4:07 PM
Race Type: StakesBreed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Four Year Old and Upward
Purse: $300,000
Distance: One Mile Surface: Turf
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Ventura (KY) 5 Mare 118 Garrett K. Gomez
2 Mast Track (KY) 5 Horse 117 Julien R. Leparoux
3 Monterey Jazz (KY) 5 Horse 116 Russell A. Baze
4 Hewitts (FL) 5 Gelding 114 David Romero Flores
5 Wise River (KY) 6 Horse 116 Robby Albarado
6 Artiste Royal (IRE) 8 Ridgling 119 Rafael Bejarano
7 Dixie Chatter (KY) 4 Colt 115 Tyler Baze
8 Mr Napper Tandy (GB) 5 Horse 113 Joel Rosario
9 Global Hunter (ARG) 6 Horse 116 Jose Valdivia, Jr.
10 Becrux (ITY) 7 Gelding 115 Edgar S. Prado
11 Gio Ponti (KY) 4 Colt 118 Ramon A. Dominguez
12 Victory Pete (FL) 4 Colt 113 Mike E. Smith
Ventura vs the boys: Round 2. She was the runner up in last year's Woodbine Mile before upsetting Indian Blessing in the BC Filly/Mare sprint. This is probley her max distance, look for her stablemate Mast Track to set the early pace. I would love Dixie Chatter to take it, he's had such bad luck since he was 2. I really don't like Gio Ponti in this spot.
Top three:
Dixie Chatter
Ventura
Mast Track
Santa Anita Park - March 7th, 2009 - Race 10
Santa Anita H. - Grade: 1
Estimated Local Post Time: 4:37 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Four Year Old and Upward
Purse: $1,000,000
Distance: One And One Fourth Miles Surface: All Weather Track
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Matto Mondo (CHI) 5 Horse 116 Rafael Bejarano
2 Cowboy Cal (KY) 4 Colt 120 John R. Velazquez
3 Heroi Do Bafra (BRZ) 7 Horse 111 Michael C. Baze
4 Monba (KY) 4 Colt 114 Edgar S. Prado
5 Colonel John (KY) 4 Colt 119 Garrett K. Gomez
6 Magnum (ARG) 8 Gelding 116 Joel Rosario
7 Blue Exit (KY) 4 Colt 115 Robby Albarado
8 Einstein (BRZ) 7 Horse 121 Julien R. Leparoux
9 Dansant (GB) 5 Horse 116 Tyler Baze
10 Cause (KY) 4 Colt 110 Jon Kenton Court
11 Court Vision (KY) 4 Colt 119 Ramon A. Dominguez
12 Zambezi Sun (GB) 5 Horse 116 Victor Espinoza
13 Champs Elysees (GB) 6 Horse 118 Jose Valdivia, Jr.
14 Stream Cat (KY) 6 Gelding 114 Alex O. Solis
The hot horse right now is Cowboy Cal, Einstein is comming off a 3rd place finish in the Donn and should be helped by the synthtic surface. Court Vision is coming off a 3rd place finish in the Gulfstearm Park Turf and is my pick to win the race. Col. John may need a race, Magnum looks like he's a new horse. Champs Elysees ran well in this race last year, his stablemate Zambezi Sun is coming off a short layoff. Dansant is a very interesting horse as he's Euro based. Now go watch Cal's stablemate Monba shock us all again and win the whole thing.
Top three:
Court Vision
Cowboy Cal
Einstein
As I reported last night, Manga was in danger of filing for bankruptcy. They did that today, link. It's Chapter 11 bankruptsy.
February 14, 2009
The Showdown at Oaklawn and a up and comer
Well Monday is the big day as it's finally here, the Southwest Stakes. Big field of ten horses going.
$250,000 Southwest Stakes (gr. III, Race 9, 5:02 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 Mile
PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Retap (KY), 117, Luis S. Quinonez
2. Loch Dubh (KY), 117, Jon K. Court
3. Silver City (KY), 117, Miguel Mena
4. Gresham (KY), 117, Calvin H. Borel
5. Old Fashioned (KY), 119, Ramon A. Dominguez
6. Buzzin and Dreamin (FL), 115, Israel Ocampo
7. Flat Out (FL), 119, Julio A. Garcia
8. Professor Z (KY), 117, Christopher A. Emigh
9. Poltergeist (TX), 117, Quincy Hamilton
10. Silver Bayer (KY), 115, Terry J. Thompson
11. Kick On (FL), 119, Ken S. Tohill
This is been penned to be really a three horse race. It would have been four if Square Eddie had not been injuired. Still it's between Silver City, Old Fashioned and Poltergeist. But I'm not going with either of those three as I'm going with my heart and picking Professor Z. Yeah he finished last in the Smarty, but he had an excuse of shedding his frog. I would have preferred to see him in the LA Derby, but Oaklawn horses do a bit better in the Derby, then Fair Grounds horses the past few years. I really would like to see Poltergeist get second as he beat Old Fashioned's stablemate Dr. Large, who I personally think will be the better of the two. And I'm going with Z's stablemate Retap for third. Now if OF proves me wrong and wins by daylight, then I'll be impressed. I'm wondering if Silver City is nothing, but talk as his stablemate Indygo Mountain bombed in Lousiana and is now off the trail. Now in Indygo's defence he had injury problems, but Oaklawn is a bit of a funky surface and not every horse likes it (Hard Spun being the biggest name).
Top three (Who I want):
Professor Z
Poltergeist
Retap
Who I think:
Old Fashioned
Poltergeist
Professor Z
I will be going with who I want for adding that total.
Also I applogize for not having other stakes races this weekend, it's just been too crazy for me to get everything together.
Keep an eye on Chef for later this year. He could give Notonthesamepage a run for his money in the sprinting ranks. He's by Smarty Jones out of a Fly So Free mare named Take the Cake. Now of course, he suprise everyone and do well in routes. We'll see how he does! Chart
$250,000 Southwest Stakes (gr. III, Race 9, 5:02 p.m.), 3-Year-Olds, 1 Mile
PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Retap (KY), 117, Luis S. Quinonez
2. Loch Dubh (KY), 117, Jon K. Court
3. Silver City (KY), 117, Miguel Mena
4. Gresham (KY), 117, Calvin H. Borel
5. Old Fashioned (KY), 119, Ramon A. Dominguez
6. Buzzin and Dreamin (FL), 115, Israel Ocampo
7. Flat Out (FL), 119, Julio A. Garcia
8. Professor Z (KY), 117, Christopher A. Emigh
9. Poltergeist (TX), 117, Quincy Hamilton
10. Silver Bayer (KY), 115, Terry J. Thompson
11. Kick On (FL), 119, Ken S. Tohill
This is been penned to be really a three horse race. It would have been four if Square Eddie had not been injuired. Still it's between Silver City, Old Fashioned and Poltergeist. But I'm not going with either of those three as I'm going with my heart and picking Professor Z. Yeah he finished last in the Smarty, but he had an excuse of shedding his frog. I would have preferred to see him in the LA Derby, but Oaklawn horses do a bit better in the Derby, then Fair Grounds horses the past few years. I really would like to see Poltergeist get second as he beat Old Fashioned's stablemate Dr. Large, who I personally think will be the better of the two. And I'm going with Z's stablemate Retap for third. Now if OF proves me wrong and wins by daylight, then I'll be impressed. I'm wondering if Silver City is nothing, but talk as his stablemate Indygo Mountain bombed in Lousiana and is now off the trail. Now in Indygo's defence he had injury problems, but Oaklawn is a bit of a funky surface and not every horse likes it (Hard Spun being the biggest name).
Top three (Who I want):
Professor Z
Poltergeist
Retap
Who I think:
Old Fashioned
Poltergeist
Professor Z
I will be going with who I want for adding that total.
Also I applogize for not having other stakes races this weekend, it's just been too crazy for me to get everything together.
Keep an eye on Chef for later this year. He could give Notonthesamepage a run for his money in the sprinting ranks. He's by Smarty Jones out of a Fly So Free mare named Take the Cake. Now of course, he suprise everyone and do well in routes. We'll see how he does! Chart
February 5, 2009
Big Weekend Preview (Part 2), Patena, Tiago and Injuries
Here is the final big race on the weekend.
Oaklawn Park - February 7th, 2009 - Race 9
Essex H. - Grade:
Estimated Local
Post Time: 5:02 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Four Year Old and Upward
Purse: $100,000
Distance: One And One Sixteenth Miles
Surface: Dirt
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Going Ballistic (FL) 5 Horse 115 M. Clifton Berry
2 Golden Yank (KY) 4 Gelding 119 Timothy T. Doocy
3 Solar Flare (ARG) 5 Horse 115 Calvin H. Borel
4 Prom Shoes (KY) 5 Horse 115 Christopher A. Emigh
5 Spotsgone (KY) 6 Horse 113 Joe M. Johnson
6 Encaustic (MD) 5 Horse 113 Luis S. Quinonez
7 Que Paso (VA) 6 Gelding 110 Martin Escobar
8 Telling (KY) 5 Horse 116 Eusebio Razo, Jr.
Last year Spotsgone went gate to wire to win the Essex Handiacap. I see Jinx Fires defending this title, but not with Spotsgone. I'm going with his stablemate Prom Shoes who loves Oaklawn. He won the final older male stakes race at Oaklawn last year and had an okay year afterwards (for Prom Shoes standards). He's coming off a pretty bad loss, but that was on turf which is not his best surface. Second I'm going with Solar Flare and Going Ballistic for third.
Top three:
Prom Shoes
Solar Flare
Going Ballistic
A few things as well. Saratoga Sinner is off the Derby trail with a chip in his knee, link. Every year there is a horse who doesn't stay on the trail for that long and this year it's him. Square Eddie is out for 30 days with a sore shin, link. It's a shame because I thought he would be the horse to upset Old Fashioned in the Southwest. Even if he doesn't make it back for the Derby, look out for him in the Queen's Plate which is on Poly (He's a Candian bred). Patena (TC 3yo colt #4) is heading to the LA Derby, link, and Tiago (TC Older Male #2) is back in Sunday's San Antonio at Santa Anita, due to a lack of time, I won't make a prediction other then go Tiago and Well Armed! Link
Tomarrow is the Stallion Spotlight.
Oaklawn Park - February 7th, 2009 - Race 9
Essex H. - Grade:
Estimated Local
Post Time: 5:02 PM
Race Type: Stakes
Breed: Thoroughbred
Age Restriction: Four Year Old and Upward
Purse: $100,000
Distance: One And One Sixteenth Miles
Surface: Dirt
Post Horse Name Age Sex Weight Jockey Name
1 Going Ballistic (FL) 5 Horse 115 M. Clifton Berry
2 Golden Yank (KY) 4 Gelding 119 Timothy T. Doocy
3 Solar Flare (ARG) 5 Horse 115 Calvin H. Borel
4 Prom Shoes (KY) 5 Horse 115 Christopher A. Emigh
5 Spotsgone (KY) 6 Horse 113 Joe M. Johnson
6 Encaustic (MD) 5 Horse 113 Luis S. Quinonez
7 Que Paso (VA) 6 Gelding 110 Martin Escobar
8 Telling (KY) 5 Horse 116 Eusebio Razo, Jr.
Last year Spotsgone went gate to wire to win the Essex Handiacap. I see Jinx Fires defending this title, but not with Spotsgone. I'm going with his stablemate Prom Shoes who loves Oaklawn. He won the final older male stakes race at Oaklawn last year and had an okay year afterwards (for Prom Shoes standards). He's coming off a pretty bad loss, but that was on turf which is not his best surface. Second I'm going with Solar Flare and Going Ballistic for third.
Top three:
Prom Shoes
Solar Flare
Going Ballistic
A few things as well. Saratoga Sinner is off the Derby trail with a chip in his knee, link. Every year there is a horse who doesn't stay on the trail for that long and this year it's him. Square Eddie is out for 30 days with a sore shin, link. It's a shame because I thought he would be the horse to upset Old Fashioned in the Southwest. Even if he doesn't make it back for the Derby, look out for him in the Queen's Plate which is on Poly (He's a Candian bred). Patena (TC 3yo colt #4) is heading to the LA Derby, link, and Tiago (TC Older Male #2) is back in Sunday's San Antonio at Santa Anita, due to a lack of time, I won't make a prediction other then go Tiago and Well Armed! Link
Tomarrow is the Stallion Spotlight.
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