Pedigree Look: Rachel Alexandra

Name: Rachel Alexandra
Year Born: 2007
Color: Dark Bay/Brown
Sex: Filly
Sire: Medaglia d'Oro
Dam: Lotta Kim
Broodmare Sire: Roar

Profile: Racing was desperate. A year after Big Brown was eased in the Belmont and Eight Belles broke down in the Derby, more people turned away from racing. Then came along a horse who turned the racing world on it's side. A hero had risen... or should I say a heroine. Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d' Oro) went on to do things that a three year old filly had done in the past, but not in a long time. She ended her Horse of the Year winning season doing the impossible, defeating Older Males in a two turn Grade 1 race. She and Zenyatta helped turn the “Sport of Kings” into the “Sport of Queens”.

Rachel's career started at Churchill Downs where she would finish sixth in her debut (in a little bit of foreshadowing, the winner of that race Songtress was trained by her future trainer who she would make history with). She would break her maiden in her second start before finishing second in the Debutante Stakes at Churchill. After an slight injury had her miss the summer 2yo races, she returned in allowance at Keeneland which she won. Then a runner up finish in the Pocahontas before winning the Golden Rod, both of those races where at Churchill. It was after the Pocahontas that she would switch jocks from Brian Hernandez Jr. (who is now most known as the rider of Fort Larned) to Calvin Borel who had his greatest success in 2007 with Street Sense.

Her three year old season with her as one of the favorites for the Kentucky Oaks, she won the Martha Washington which is the first leg in Oaklawn's prep series. After winning for fun in the mud in the Fair Grounds Oaks, she returned to Oaklawn for the Fantasy which she won with ease. That set her for the Kentucky Oaks, even though many people thought that she should go to the Derby instead. Set off as the favorite, she did not disappoint the Oaks crowd by winning by 20 ½ lengths and almost setting a stakes record. Soon after her Oaks romp, she was bought in part by Stonestreet Stable who had owned 2007 Preakness and Breeders' Cup Classic winner Curlin). More importantly, she was moved from Hal Wiggins to Steve Asmussen.

The Preakness would be her next start, but there was some controversy when reportedly Mine That Bird (the winner of the Derby) and Pioneerof the Nile's (the runner-up) connections had tried to keep her out of the race. That failed miserably after Marylou Whitney (the owner of MTB's sire Birdstone) had told her trainer that she would remove her horse if it meant keeping Rachel out. The plan was dropped and Rachel went to the race... with Calvin in the saddle. She would defeat Mine That Bird by a diminishing length under his new rider Mike Smith (who of course was the regular rider of Zenyatta and Azeri). She was the first filly to win the race since Nelly Morse won 85 years before in 1924.

After skipping the Belmont, the Mother Goose would be her next race where she would demolish two other fillies (both who would go onto win G1's) in a stakes record and almost track record time. It was then on to the Haskell where she would face Belmont winner and future 3yo Male Champ Summer Bird, along with Munnings whose owners and trainer also had the last filly before Rachel to win a Triple Crown race in Rags to Riches. All she did there was defeat the boys in the slop and just missing the stakes and track record. In what would be her final start as a three year old, she faced older males in the Woodward. While most expected her to win the race, she would be facing several nice horses including G1 winners Bullsbay and Macho Again as well as UAE Triple Crown winner Asiatic Boy. She would defeat them all winning by a head. Here is that win.



The 2009 season got her 3yo Champion Filly honors and Horse of the Year over Zenyatta. Her 4yo season didn't go as planned, but she did pick up wins in the Flur de Lis and the Lady's Secret before ending her career with a runner up finish in the Personal Ensign. Her first foal Jess's Dream (Curlin) is a yearling and should make his first start sometime next year. She also has a Bernardini filly on the ground this year. Sadly Rachel had a complication after foaling the filly and is barren for the 2014 foaling season. It is unknown right now weather she will be able to continue her broodmare career.

Sire

Medaglia d' Oro (El Prado (IRE)) was one of the best 3yo and Older Horses of his generation. He won the Travers, Whitney and Donn Handicap at ages 3, 4 and 5. He was also the two time runner up in the Breeders' Cup Classic and was second in the Dubai World Cup as well. Other then Rachel he is the sire of G1 winners Plum Pretty (who also won the KY Oaks), Champagne d' Oro and Warrior's Reward.

El Prado (IRE) (Sadlers Wells) is a G2 winner in his native Ireland and was Champion 2yo in 1991 there. He is the sire of G1 winners Kitten's Joy (Turf Champion and turning out to be a good sire himself), Borrego, and Spanish Moon among others. His dam Lady Capulet (Sir Ivor) won the Irish One Thousand Guineas. She is also the dam to G1 placed in Ireland Entitled (IRE) (Mill Reef). Caps and Bells (Tom Fool), Lady Capulet's dam is also the dam to G2 winner in Ireland Sir Wimborne (Sir Ivor) and Drone (Sir Gaylord) the broodmare sire of both Charismatic (Summer Squall) and Grindstone (Unbridled) both of them Kentucky Derby winners. This is the same female family as G3 winner in England and Ireland Turkish Treasure (Sir Ivor).

Cappucino Bay (Bailjumper) is a stakes winner in her own right. She is the dam to stakes placed Expresso Bay (Metfield), G3 winner Naples Bay (Giant's Causeway) and Cappucino Kid (Pioneering) who now lives at Old Friends since 2008. Dubbed In (Silent Screen) won six times in 42 starts. Other then Cappucino, she is the dam to stakes winner Maharesred (Maheras).

Dam

Lotta Kim (Roar) is G2 placed. Rachel Alexandra is currently her only foal to race, but she also has a yearling Samantha Nicole (Medaglia d' Oro) who is owned by Stonestreet. Both Rachel and Samantha are named after Dolphus Morrison's (their breeder) granddaughters.

Roar (Forty Niner) is a G2 winner. As a sire, Roar has stakes winner Coach Jimi Lee and G2 winner Roar Emotion among his foals. His dam Wild Applause (Northern Dancer) is G1 placed. She is also the dam to G1 placed Yell (A.P. Indy) and G3 winner Blare of Trumpets (Fit to Fight). This is the same female family as Derby winner Sea Hero (Polish Navy), G1 placed Mackie (Summer Squall) and G1 winner Hero's Honor (Northern Dancer).

Kim's Blues (Cure the Blues) won 4 of her 24 starts. Among her foals, she is the dam to stakes winners High Blues (High Yield) and Lotta Rhythm (Rhythm). Her dam Early Decision (Lord Gaylord) is a stakes winner. This is the same female family as Belmont winner Hail to All (Hail to Reason).

Prayers for Rachel

Last night I went to bed with no care in the world. Wake up this morning, Valentine's Day meant for love to a horror. First to a human story that involved Oscar Pistorious better known as the Blade Runner being charged with murder. An inspiration to all, now tarnished. Then the other horrifying news, was one that has all who follow North American racing holding their collective breath.

Rachel Alexandra, possibly the greatest three year old filly since Ruffian is in serious condition after foaling her Bernardini filly. The foal has been placed with a nurse mare. Other then sharing a first name, Rachel in a way kept me in the sport and indirectly saved my life. While I rather not talk about that, here are some races of hers that I would like to share that brought much joy to me.

 2009 Haskell



2009 Kentucky Oaks



2010 Lady's Secret



2009 Woodward



please keep her in your prayers

Woodward Vault: Rachel Alexandra

She wasn't supposed to win the race. Sure she was favored and her competition that she was facing wasn't fantastic. The issue was she was a 3yo going against older males. Very few 3yo's had won the race, and none of them where a filly. Then we saw something that we hadn't seen before in her, she fought back. The 2009 Woodward was the bow on the fantastic year that Rachel Alexandra (Medagalia d' Oro) had. Having already locked up 3yo Filly honors with wins in the Oaks, Preakness and Haskell, her connections looked towards the big prize of Horse of the Year. While Azeri was the last female to win the title in 2002, no 3yo filly had won since Busher won the title in 1945. If she where to win the race, then it would put her in the drivers seat for the title.

With her most likely adversary Zenyatta staying home in California, the field for the Woodward didn't have the greatest accomplishments. It was going to be a tough race, Stephen Foster winner Macho Again, the upset winner of the Whitney Bullsbay, the previous year's Belmont winner Da' Tara, Asiatic Boy the Triple Crown winner and the talented Cool Coal Man where all entered in the race as well. On paper it looked to be one sided with Rachel being the heavy favorite, but despite not being the world's best horses, these horses wheren't just going to laydown because she was a filly. This was going to be to a race tough one and it turned out to be just that. Sent right to the lead by her regular rider Calvin Borel, Rachel was pressured by Da' Tara who was entered to be most likely a horse to press her to set up for his stablemate Cool Coal Man and Past the Point who gave her future boyfriend Curlin a scare the year before in the same race. The fractions she had set where very brisk and for a normal pacesetter they would have been falling back as their legs got more tired. Da' Tara had done just that as the field had gotten closer to the front. As they turned for home, Bullsbay and Macho Again had both started to make their moves. Rachel was tiring and Calvin was trying as hard as he could to keep her in front (however, many believe he overwhipped her). Macho Again had one last chance to catch her, but... well I'll let the video speak for itself.



That would turn out to be her final race of the year and sealed up Horse of the Year honors for her, even though Zenyatta had won the BC Classic. While her 4yo season wasn't as great, she did pick up wins in the Lady's Secret at Monmouth and Flus de Lis at Churchill Downs. She finished her career with a runner up finish in the Personal Ensign. Her first foal, a colt by Curlin is named Jess's Dream (nicknamed Taco) and is currently in foal to Bernardini with a filly.

I am Guilty

That's right, I'm guilty. You might be guilty of the same thing that I am. What is that? Well, it's bickering, finger pointing, being armchair trainers and owners. With recent events with the connections of Havre de Grace's decision to skip today's Apple Blossom Handicap, the Internet it up. Facebook, Twitter and forums where full of discussion about the skipping. As expected, the reaction was negative that she was skipping a Grade 1 race for a Grade 2 at a track where she hasn't had the most success. However, what people where critical of is the reactions of trainer Larry Jones and owner Rick Porter. They said it was "whining" for the weight spread (she was giving six pounds to Plum Pretty, ten pounds to Tiz Miz Sue). When I was reading many of these responses though, I felt that there where times that there was whining about the whining. Being critical is one thing, being flat out rude is another though.

 This is nothing new though. In matter of fact, there was criticism of the past two Horse of the Year winners as well. With Rachel Alexandra, it was why she skipped races such as the Breeders' Cup. It got louder when she was retired after her loss in the Personal Ensign. There was some name calling on several of the platforms that I mentioned earlier in the post. In the case of Zenyatta, most people where stomping their feet with her connections refusal for leaving California except for three races (twice for the Apple Blossom and once for her final race in the Breeders' Cup. I was one of those who where very disappointment by the decisions of mainly Zenyatta's connections, but at times of Rachel's as well. However, now that both are retired and have foals on the ground everyone is falling in love with them again.

In this day of age, where social media is getting more and more predominate in horse racing, you are going to see more complaining. We're also in an age where horses do not carry as much as Kelso, Forego, Man O' War and other all time great horses. At this point, no trainer or owner is going to please the bettor, newspaper handicapper or fan of the sport. Can we be disappointed about it? Absolutely, but for every 2 things that an owner may say that is stupid, they may say 1 smart thing. I am no means defending Porter, Jones or decision to skip the Apple Blossom. I'm disappointed in not seeing Grace doing her thing as much as the next person. But it's going to be okay, she'll be back to fight another day. It maybe that I see things as if there glass where half empty and not half full kind of girl. I hope that she and the other horses have a safe racing year.

Early 2015 TC Favorite!

He's here!!!!! The product of 2 time Horse of the Year Curlin (Smart Strike) and 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra (Medagalia d' Oro) was born this afternoon at Stonestreet Farm in KY. Here is a picture that was posted on both Twitter and Facebook.

Of course the stakes will be high for him considering who both his parents are. Since the announcement on Derby day last year, that Rachel was carring a colt, I had pegged this little guy to be the early favorite for the 2015 Triple Crown. If all goes according to plan, he will be making his first start sometime in 2014 when he is 2.

Of course right now the most important thing is that it appears that both son and mother are doing well. Rachel will be bred to 2006 3yo Champion Male Bernardini this year. This is the second major mare announced to visit him this year in the past two weeks. Blind Luck will also be visiting him for her first foal, and of course Zenyatta is currently in foal to him and will be due shortly.

Z, Rach and Goldi talk

*Location: Kentucky and France*

Zenyatta: I can't believe it's been a year since I retired! I remember like it was yesterday.
Rachel Alexandra: Me too! It doesn't seem like it's been two years since I defeated the boys.
Goldikova: WAAA!!!!!!!
Z and Rach: What's wrong?
Goldi: *sniffles* I lost my last race. Makes me sad since I lost to two boys!
Z: Don't feel so bad. I lost too.
Rach: Me too.
Goldi: Really? I lost to Court Vision. Who did you lose too?
Rach: Persistently. Oooh that name gives me the shivers.
Z: Blame for me. Makes me happy that Mike won this year with Drosselmeyer.
Rach: Goldi, don't beat yourself up about your loss.
Z: Agree, I mean every great horse ends their career with a loss. Just ask Zarkava.
Goldi: She never lost, I lost to her.
Rach: Okay then, how about Frankel?
Goldi: He hasn't lost either! WAAA!!!
Z (whispers to Rach): So what are we going to do?
Rach (who is looking something on her laptop that has her boyfriend Curlin as her wallpaper): Lets see. Got it!
Rach and Z: Sea the Stars!!!!
Goldi: He won his final race.
Rach and Z: Back to drawing board.

Yes I was bored and decided to do this. Regular posts return next week!

Rachel and Grace talk

*Location: Stonestreet Farm, Kentucky*

(Phone: RING!)

Hot Dixie Chick: Hello?

Havre de Grace (calling from Saratoga Race Course, New York): Umm hi, I'm kinda nervous to ask this, but can I talk to Rachel Alexandra? This is Havre de Grace, we won the same race the Woodward.

Dixie: Sure. RACHEL!!!! Phone!!!!

Rachel Alexandra: Hello who is this?

Grace: Rachel? My name is Grace, and I just won the Woodward.

Rachel: Congrats! I have actually heard of you talking to my friend Zenyatta. I hear that you and Blind Luck have quite a rivelry going.

Grace: Yep! Anyway, the reason why I asked is for advice.

Rachel: Advice?

Grace: Well yeah. See I have two more races this year, maybe you give me some kind words of encourgement?

Rachel: Well there isn't much that I can say, but keep your head up. Just do your best.

Grace: So just play hard to get?

Rachel: Exactly, Summer Bird and Macho Again wanted to date me, but I told them that I was already taken.

Grace: I guess that would work.

Rachel: As the days past your confidence will keep going up and you'll feel like your the Queen of the World.

Grace: Queen of the World? That sounds freaking cool.

Dixie: Rach, Curlin is on the phone.

Rachel: Grace, I hate to shorten this talk, but my boyfriend wants to talk to me. After all I am the mother of his little super boy.

Grace: Before you go, I just gotta say that as a yearling, we always talked about you. Can I get your autohoof sometime?

Rachel: Sure! Lets talk again soon!

Grace: Yay! Bye Rachel!

Rachel: Bye Grace, congrats!

After she hung up the phone, Grace called her BFF Peyton d' Oro who finished second in the Molly Pitcher behind her dad's sister Quiet Giant. They set up a big party for when they both got back to Delaware Park on their weekend success. Rachel and Curlin had a long talk ending with Curlin being a bit mad since he lost to a filly. Still, he appologized to Rachel and told her to send Grace his congrats since he also won the Woodward. Rachel set up a phone conference with Zenyatta and Rags to Riches to talk to Grace, Blind Luck and a youngster named Hard Not to Like. (That will be coming in a later post, along with a conversation with Macho Again, Bullsbay, Flat Out and Rule).

Reliving a Wonderful Day

Havre de Grace is running in this year's Woodward. I think it would be fun to look at the last time a filly ran in the Woodward, and made history by doing it. It's hard to believe that this upcoming Labor Day will be 2 years to the day that the 2009 Woodward was run. Many great champions had won the Woodward before then. With the likes of Kelso, Forego, Holy Bull, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Cigar and Curlin. That doesn't include several high profile stallions. Up until 2009, all of the winners of the Woodward where male. It looked like it would remain a boys club too, until Jess Jackson who had won the Woodward the year before with Curlin made an announcement.

That announcement would lead to the start of what would be a highley debatable Horse of the Year discussion. However, that's not for here nor there. The announcement was that his two time boy beating filly Rachel Alexandra would entered unchartered ground for her. Facing Older Males at the track that is known for it's upsets, earning the nickname "The Graveyard of Favorites".

She would be facing Bullsbay and Macho Again, who had finished 1-2 in the Whitney to deny Commentator a three peat to the race. It's a Bird who had crossed the wire first in that years Oaklawn Handicap, only to be DQ'ed thanks to a postive drug test, UAE Triple Crown winner Asiatic Boy where two other participents. Stablemates Cool Coal Man and 08 Belmont winner Da' Tara where expected to pressure Rachel on the front, and last but not least Pass the Point who gave Curlin all he could handle the year before.

However, none of those horses had the record Rachel did. Under her previous trainer Hal Wiggins, Rachel won the Martha Washington, Fair Grounds Oaks and Fantasy before winning the Kentucky Oaks by the largest margin and just off the stakes record. After being sold and transfered to Steve Asmussen, she won the Preakness (with Derby winner Mine That Bird in second), Mother Goose, and Haskell (with Belmont winner Summer Bird in second). With Champion 3yo Filly honors already locked up and really nothing to prove against that age group, the race for Horse of the Year was set.

It didn't disapoint, as expected Rachel was gunned to lead by her regular jockey Calvin Borel (who gave up the mount on Mine That Bird to ride her, a mount he did get back for the Belmont, Goodwood, and BCC). Da' Tara followed her pressing her all the way, as they turned for home the horses who where up early faded... except Rachel. She was then tackled by Bullsbay, but put him away quickly and with one last charge, Macho Again who was ridden by Robby Alberado, the regular rider of her future boyfriend made their way to get way to the wire first. It wasn't enough as Rachel was able to hold on to defeat the boys for the third and what would be final time in her career.



Dispite Zenyatta winning the Breeders' Cup Classic, Rachel Alexandra had done enough in the year to win Horse of the Year. Of course a subpar year for Rachel standards ment that Zenyatta was the top dog for the Older Females and got her well deserved Horse of the Year honors in 2010. Rachel is now in foal to Curlin, and is expecting a colt in February. Don't be suprised if that little guy is the early favorite to claim the Triple Crown when he is three.

While Grace will be trying her best against the boys this Sat, she can look to the trailblazer that is Rachel Alexandra.

Mother Goose Legends Race (Part 2)

For a reminder here is the field with their jockeys:

1. Shuvee- Jesse Davidson
2. Ruffian- Jacinto Vasquez
3. Octave- John Velezquez
4. Serena's Song- Gary Stevens
5. Rachel Alexandra- Calvin Borel
6. Mom's Command- Abby Fuller
7. Smuggler- Edgar Prado
8. Sky Beauty- Mike Smith

All eight champions are in the gate! Everyone is standing beautifully and we are off in the Mother Goose Legends Race! Going straight to the lead is Ruffian, Sky Beauty is in second with Rachel Alexandra in third. Shuvee leads the next set of Serena's Song and Mom's Command, Smuggler is next and Octave is the early trailer. Ruffian is where she loves to be, up front. Sky Beauty is in second, Rachel Alexandra wants to go now, but Borel tells her not yet. Shuvee is next, Serena's Song is coming close to her though. Mom's Command is biding her time with Fuller, Smuggler is next and Octave is still last. Sky Beauty is now even with Ruffian. Borel and Fuller tell their fillies that the race is on here comes Rachel Alexandra, with Mom's Command in tow. Shuvee is starting to make her move and here comes Octave who is making up ground, and is making her move. Serena's Song and Smuggler trying their best to keep up. Ruffian is still in front as the field makes the turn for home. Rachel Alexandra, Sky Beauty and Octave! But here is Shuvee!!! Three fillies Shuvee, Ruffian and Rachel Alexandra are fighting it out, Octave is trying one last chance to catch them. Smuggler and Serena's Song are coming, but it will be too late for them. Four horses with a chance who will get it? Here's the wire! PHOTO! Between Ruffian and Rachel Alexandra, Shuvee finishes in third, Octave just ran out of time as did Smuggler, Serena's Song, it just wasn't Mom's Command's day today, the same goes with Sky Beauty.

All the fillies recieve a very warm appolouse as they return from their cool out. The photo sign is still up as Jacinto and Calvin sitting on Horse racing's Black Beauty and Rachel respectively as the photo sign is about to come down. Ruffian wins! A nose seperates to two outstanding fillies!

Final Order:

Ruffian
Rachel Alexandra
Shuvee
Octave
Smuggler
Serena's Song
Mom's Command
Sky Beauty

I hope that you all enjoyed this Legends race! I might do this again next month when it's DelCap week! Stay tuned for more details on that.

Mother Goose Legends Race (Part 1)

Welcome everyone to the first annual Mother Goose Legends Race! We have 8 former Mother Goose winners in today's Mile and Eighth race over a fast track. Lets meet these eight accomplished fillies!

Note: The jockeys that each horse has on her back is the jockey that she won the Mother Goose with


In Post 1 we have 1969 winner Shuvee with Jesse Davidson. The only filly to win the Jockey Club Gold Cup twice at the distance of 2 miles!

In Post 2 it's the great 1975 winner Ruffian with Jacinto Vasquez. A two time Eclipse Award winner, she'll be part of the early speed today.

In Post 3 2007 winner Octave with John Velezquez in the irons. She'll be coming off the pace.

In Post 4 it's 1995 winner Serena's Song and Gary Stevens. She's faced the big boys before, she'll have to come up big against these leading ladies.

In Post 5, it's the other speed horse in the field, it's 2009 winner and Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra with Calvin Borel. Look for her to be up front early with Ruffian.

In Post 6, it's all girl power with 1985 winner Mom's Command and her jock Abby Fuller. They will be a force to be reckoned with.

In Post 7, 2005 winner Smuggler with Edgar Prado. Could be a dark horse in the field.

Last, but not least in Post 8 it's the newest Hall of Famer 1993 winner Sky Beauty with Mike Smith. She'll be up there with Ruffian and Rachel Alexandra.

That's the field for the 1st Mother Goose Legends Race!

Part 2 will be tomorrow with the actual call of the race! For now, leave a comment in the comment section for who you are rooting for in this race!

Now as to why these horses where chosen, of course being a big Rachel fan I had to include her. I'm also a big Mom fan thanks to her son Jonesboro. I wasn't the biggest Smuggler fan as I think she waltzed her way into Eclipse honors after Round Pond got injured. Ruffian has held the stakes record until Lakeway broke it (it has since been broken again by Rachel). Sky Beauty's nephew Tale of Ekati will always hold a place in my heart, I was debating on either Chris Evert (since the human Chrissy is making a return to TV this week) or Shuvee and went with Shuvee since she's cool! Serena well she and Rachel are the only Haskell winners who are female and Octave was overshadowed by her stablemate Rags to Riches. I was debating on Devil May Care, but then I would have had to make a jockey up for her since Johnny V was on Octave and I really didn't want to do that.

I hope you enjoy the call tomorrow!

Unbridled Treasures

I'm not the world's biggest Unbridled fan. Partially because his son Empire Maker defeated Funny Cide to deny him the Triple Crown. However, I am a fan of a grandson of his in Rockport Harbor. It was a great weekend for the 1990 Kentucky Derby winner, his granddaughter Royal Delta (by Empire Maker) won the Black Eyed Susan. Then his grandson Shackleford (by Forestry out of one of his daughter's Oatsee) upset Animal Kingdom to win the Preakness. It was the first win for all of his connections, which include jockey Jesus Castanon, co-owner Mike Lauffer (you may have heard his name before, back in 2009 he co-owned a certin filly before selling her to Jess Jackson) and trainer Dale Romans.

It's Dale that I'm estatic for. Back in 2004, he had a great turf colt by the name of Kitten's Joy. He could have had 2 Eclipse titles to his name, if it wheren't for a gelding named Better Talk Now. BTN upset KJ to win the BC Turf. While he still won Champion Turf, had he won the race that may have had more then enough to pass Smarty Jones for Champion 3yo. BTN was trained by Graham Motion who of course trains Animal Kingdom.

Great job by the Derby winner, but it just wasn't his day. The winner reminds me quite a bit like Hard Spun. A speedy horse who a mile and quarter was probley a little bit too long for his taste, but had a heart of the champion. Now here comes the hard part. Since 2001, all the Preakness winners have gone on to be Eclipse Champions at the end of the year (this includes three HOY's, Point Given, Curlin and Rachel Alexandra). Shackleford will have to prove himself that he is the real deal in the next race (which could be the Belmont possibly, although personally I think it's a bit too long for him).

Astrology was third, I think his mini duel in the stretch with Shackleford did him in. Still, a nice effort out of him.

So once again, no Triple Crown. But you know what, I'm okay with that. There was some comments made by Barry Irwin before the race that I agreed and disagreed with (he regrets saying what he said about trainers lieing to him, but he wants the FBI involved with steroids? I do think the goverment needs to get involved, but I think Congress has the keys to that, not the FBI. And that he compared it to BALCO which was wierd, because the BALCO people got slaps on their wrists (Barry Bonds is likely not to serve any jail time because of his purjury convinction).

Subnote, it appears that the $10 mil that Lauffer and Dolph Morrison sold Rachel for is true. And one more note, HOW ABOUT THAT STORM CAT! Sure Forestry is Shack's sire, but the big guy finally gets back in the winner's circle in a TC race.

Goodbye Jess

He was a lawyer by trade, a vintner by choice and a horse owner for love. Those where just three qualities of Jess Jackson, the owner of Kendell-Jackson winery and Stonestreet Farm (his middle name). He lost his battle to cancer today at the age of 81. While he's most known for 2 time Horse of the Year Curlin, as well as Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, Jackson also owned uber impressive maiden winner McLean's Music (who is named after one of his grandchildren), Kensei (half brother to 2 time Champion Lookin at Lucky), and several other horses.

Sure he ruffled some feathers along the way (calling synthetic "plastic", refusing to run Rachel in the BC after Curlin had finished 4th the year before on the same surface), but he also didn't have to bring Curlin or Rachel back at 4, but he did. There will always be people who disliked him for who he was, but everybody has their faults. So while we say Good bye to Jess, lets look back at Curlin and Rachel's best races:

2007 Preakness



2009 Preakness



2007 Jockey Club Gold Cup



2007 Breeders' Cup Classic



2009 Mother Goose



2009 Haskell



2009 Woodward



It's a shame he's not going to see the product of Curlin and Rachel, but lets hope that the little guy or girl will be able to keep on his/her parents and Jess' legacy.

Rachel and Z- It's Hard to Say Goodbye

I thought that now would be a good time to do a tribute video to both Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. Since I had already done one for the each of them individually, this time around. Finding to the right song, was not hard at all. About a year ago I had found a group called Straight No Chaser which is an alcalpalla group Indiana University who are now recording artists. When they where still in college they had done a cover of Boyz II Men's It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday. I happen to like Boyz II Men and thought that they would be perfect for this video.

Here is the video of Rachel and Z accompied by Boyz II Men's It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday. I hope you enjoy.

Simply Rachel

I've had overnight to proccess the retirement of Rachel Alexandra. We may never know what made Jess Jackson retire his filly yesterday. It could be that he didn't want to lose again, or the fact he's in failing health himself (cancer), or the fact that she just wasn't the same. I'm by no means a Jackson fan, so I'm not going to defend him on this year's campaign. In all honesty, this is not what this post is about either. This is about how Rachel helped me know that it was okay to love again, in more ways then one.

2008 and 2009 where rough years for me, emotionally, physically and mentally, both in a horse racing sense, and personally. Eight Belles had broke down in the Derby, Big Brown one of my least favorite horses won the Derby, and then Casino Drive was scratched from the Belmont horse racing wise. Personally, my dad was diagnoised and subqently passed away of colon cancer, and I dropped out of college to save money. Needless to say horse racing was the last thing on my mind.

However a month after the 08 Derby, I was reading Blood Horse's Maiden Watch blog. This blog covers stallions whose oldest foals are 2yo and Medaglia d' Oro was one of the stallions that was featured. The day I read the blog, a MDO filly out of a Roar mare was one of those listed. I noticed the first part of her name was Rachel. Of course with my first name is Rachel, it got my interest. It was for the Debutate Stakes, where she finished second. I added her to my Equibase Virtual Stable and then waited to get her workouts. She ended up being off for several months and next ran at Keenland (her lone time on a synthetic surface) where she won. Another try in stakes company this time in the Pocahontas where she finished second again. This was when I realised she had potential.

Then I saw that she was trained by Hal Wiggins. Naturally, I thought to my grandfather whose first name is Hal. Sometimes destiney does that to you. Her Golden Rod win was one of my favorites as she was able to turn the tables on Sara Louise who had beaten her in the Pocahontas. Little did the world know, she was just warming up. After winning the Martha Washington, and Fair Grounds Oaks, the Fantasy was her prep for the KY Oaks. For me personally it was bittersweet as not only was it my mom's birthday, but it was the day after my dad passed away. When I was able watch the replay I started to cry.

Our house was under repair at the time, and I was unable to view the Oaks at the Hotel we where staying at. However, I was able to squeel like a little girl when I read that she won by a little over 20 lengths. Two weeks later when she ran in the Preakness, I was able to finally see her on tv (I had watched most of her races on the internet). After the race, my mom, sister and myself went out to dinner to a restraunt near the hotel. When we got in there NBC was still on and Lester Holt was explaining that Rachel won and there where people cheering! I couldn't believe it, even though we where only a few minutes away from Delaware Park, horse racing is really not a big thing in Delaware. While we where waiting for a table, a man pulled out his phone and told the family that the filly (meaning Rachel) won the Preakness. Of course she won that race just 10 days after being sold and transfered to Steve Asmussen.

You could tell that Calvin Borel loved Rachel, the fact that he took off Mine That Bird who had won the Derby the day after the duo won the Oaks says something. Keep in mind two years before, Calvin was just a nose a away from winning the Preakness on Street Sense after taking the Derby with the 06 2yo Champ. Of course Curlin won the race on his way to become 2 time Horse of the Year. He went as far as saying that Rachel was the best horse that he's ever ridden. That's how I felt as well, in a way Rachel tought me that it was okay to love again (I'm currently loving my vol. job for the first time in 2 years, and I'm working on planning out a novel that I'm going to be writing in the near future). I know it sounds strange that a horse who I had never met did that, but there is something about her. And I'm not alone in that thinking either. Rachel had fans all over the world, and brought together people who may otherwise not have met. Funny how things work out like that.

When I first titled this post, it was a A One of Kind Horse, but that didn't feel right. That's when I came up with Simply Rachel. It felt right, it's how I want to remember her. So what's next for our favorite heroine? A date with Curlin next year, hopefully in 5 years (when the foal will be three) we'll see him/her on the Derby/Oaks trail. I know that lightning doesn't strike twice when it comes to horses of Rachel's caliber, maybe with this little one it will. Also a trip the Hall of Fame where she should be inducted in her first year of elegbility. In the meantime, Lotta Kim is carrying a full sibling to Rachel with her dam (Kim's Blues) also carring a foal by Medaglia d' Oro.

This isn't a goodbye, but a hello to a new journey in life. Hopefully one that will bring just as much wonder as Rachel brought onto the track.

Rough Day

There are days in history that will go down in history as the worst days in US History (the two most famous December 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbor bombing) and September 11, 2001). September 28 could go down as the worst Horse Racing day news wise. That because we heard of a death of a champion in Real Quiet, a pension of a champion sire in Kingmambo, and the latest blow, the retirement of one of the greatest fillies in modern times in Rachel Alexandra. I'll be focusing on Rachel in tomorrow's post, so today I'll be focusing on Real Quiet and Kingmambo.

In 1998, Bob Baffert who was coming off his first Derby win with Silver Charm the year before. He had two chances in 98 with Santa Anita winner Indian Charlie and The Fish, better known as Real Quiet. Charlie did well finishing third, but it was the Fish who won the Roses at the end. Real Quiet passed away yesterday suddenly in his paddock, he was 15. As a sire he had Wonder Lady Anne L, Pussycat Doll and Champion Sprinter Midnight Lute as his top horses. I orginally had planned to do a longer post on Fish, but Rachel's reitrement and Kingmambo's pension came today as well, so I thought I would talk about Kingmambo today and Rachel tomorrow.

When you think of the BC Mile many names come up: Da Hoss, Lure and Goldikova. Those three have something in common as that they won multiple Miles (Lure and Goldi back to back and Hoss winning in non-consutive years). However, the first of horse to win multiple Miles (and go back to back) was the American born French raced Miesque. Ridden by Freddie Head (who now trains Goldikova), Miesque won back to back BC Miles. One of her sons, Kingmambo was pensioned today due to a neck injury. Internationally, he was one of the best sires out there. In the US, one of his most famous foals is 1999 Belmont winner Lemon Drop Kid. Of course he denyed Charismatic the Triple Crown that year. He is also the sire of Henrythenavagator who was runner up in the 08 Classic.

And of course the last blow of the day was the retirement of Rachel. Tomorrow's post will talk about how by watching her, I was able to remain in love with horse racing.

Bittersweetness

Well it was an interesting weekend to say the least. No offence to Travers winner Afleet Express or Personal Ensign winner Persistently, but I think both winners where flukey. In the case of Afleet Express, he just nosed out Fly Down who I personally think is the second best 3yo in the US behind the absent Lookin at Lucky. As for Persistently, she got a perfect ride after Rachel was forced to the lead. However, I doubt she wins another race as only 2 of her vanquishers have since (Songtress and Sara Louise where the only two to win another race so far, Garden District is now retired, Zardana is MIA and Unriveled Belle all of a sudden can't win). With that being said, both wins are bittersweet.

Express' sire of course is Afleet Alex who basically singlehandly made Delaware Park the place to be. Per is owned by the Phipps family who of course owned Personal Ensign who sadly passed away this year. In matter of fact, PE's granddaughter Storm Flag Flying upset Azeri in this race in 2004. The loss stings a little bit less as Per is from the same female family as a weanling filly by Hard Spun (Per's granddam is the one and only Heavenly Prize and her sister Oh What a Windfall is the dam to the weanling).

As much as I'm disapointed in Super Saver (hope he's okay, second to last is unlike him) and Rachel (she ran her freaking heart out, and got beat in the last half furlong by a bad ride by Calvin). The biggest disapointment on the weekend was Life at Ten. She had a perfect spot and faded at the end to finish third. Also Miss Singsix ran like who I though she would.

On the West Coast, Richard's Kid defended his PC title. While he has a few dirt wins, I just don't think he has what it takes to win the Classic. I hope Awesome Gem is okay, he's the one I'm worried about the most. I think he's never finished in last. Then again it was that kind of weekend with the Hungerian Bullet, Overdose losing for the first time in Germany.

As for this week's Challenge, I only got one entry so I'm discounting this week's totals and will try again this upcoming weekend. I should have a few nice posts this week, stay tuned!

Can 2009's Haskell be topped?

We are only a few days away from the 2010 Haskell. Last year, Rachel Alexandra won for fun in the mud defeating Summer Bird, Munnings and Papa Clem. Of course Summer Bird would go onto win Champion 3yo Male, and Rachel Champion 3yo Female along with Horse of the Year. 2 Champion from 1 race, how can that be topped? Here's how:

Super Saver- Derby winner
Lookin at Lucky- Preakness winner
Trappe Shot- possibly the horse to beat
First Dude- runner up in the Preakness, 3rd in the Belmont
Uptowncharlybrown- Trappe Shot's stablemate, the local hope and running in his former trainers memory
Ice Box- Derby runner up
Afleet Again- dark horse

This could set up for the Travers which would feature as well Fly Down the Belmont runner up and Lententor. Keep an eye on Concord Point for the Travers as well, track record at Iowa and could very well be Bob Baffert's best 3yo and this is with him having Lucky.

Because there's alot of stakes action this weekend (the Jim Dandy and Diana up at Saratoga, the San Diego at Del Mar, plus the Haskell undercard which features the Jersey Derby and the Matchmaker), this weekend's preview will begin tomorrow and end on Friday. If you where at the live chat on Monday, you will know I announced a very special live chat on Sunday. The time is yet to be determined but will be no later then 8pm EDT. So stay tuned on Friday for that time.

Heat and Rain

The East Coast got some very interesting weather this weekend. On Friday which was Saratoga's opening day, rain fell forcing all, but two races off the turf. Saturday wasn't much better as the first few races where off the turf, but eventually returned later on in the card.

Not that it mattered for the first G1 of the meeting which of course was the Coaching Club of America Oaks. However, after two key scratches (Connie and Michael and Lisa's Booby Trap), Devil May Care did not have any problems with the field. This was a filly who I thought had consistancy problems, but I guess I was wrong. Biofuel was second and my pick Acting Happy was third. This sets up for a very interesting Alabama which will feature the following: Blind Luck, Devil May Care, Roan Inish, and possibly Havre de Grace (who depending on her post could suprise some people). However, I think Run DMC (the horse, not the group) could face the boys again in the Travers if Todd Pletcher wants to. However, a match up between her and Blind Luck is more likely then between Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra at this point. Whoever wins the race, will be Champion 3yo filly (unless Grace, Inish or Biofuel win, then it's still up in the air IMO).

Speaking of last year's Champion 3yo filly, I'll get to her race right now. Three words: It was hot. With the heat index over 100, Monmouth ran yesterday, when people thought that they shouldn't have (I was one of them). Never the less, Rachel won by 3 over Queen Martha, with Ask the Moon 11 back. People are going to say, she should have smashed this group by more, or she's not the same horse, or who has she faced? I'm at the point to say, who cares? Who cares who she has faced, so what if she's not the same horse, at least she's still around. Keep in mind, Jess Jackson could have retired her (the same goes for the Moss' with Zenyatta) and we would have moved on. But she stayed in training and I'm going to enjoy her the rest of the year. Keep in mind, with the exception of her first start, she has been never worse then 2nd in her career. Here is an interesting fact: There have been 5 horses who have beaten Rachel. Those 5 horses have been trained by 5 trainers who have also trained Eclipse Award winners. They are:

Steve Asmussen (when Rachel was still with Hal Wiggins): trained Curlin to Champion 3yo Male, Champion Older Male and 2 time Horse of the Year, trained Rachel Alexandra to Champion 3yo Female and Horse of the Year. Defeated Rachel with Songstress (Rachel was 6th, however would finish behind Rachel in a future stakes race)

Todd Pletcher: trained Rags to Riches to 3yo Champion Female, Fleet Indian to Champion Older Female and English Channel to Champion Turf Male. Defeated Rachel with Garden District (Rachel was second)

Dale Romans: trained Kitten's Joy to Champion Turf Male. Defeated Rachel with Sara Louise (Rachel was second, however would turn the tables on Sara in the very next start)

John Sheriffs: trained Zenyatta to 2 time Champion Older Female and 2 time runner up to Horse of the Year. Defeated Rachel with Zardana (Rachel was second, however would finish behind Rachel in the very next start)

Bill Mott: trained Cigar to 2 time Champion Older Male and 2 time Horse of the Year. Defeated Rachel with Unriveled Belle (Rachel was second)

So only Garden District and Unriveled Belle are only two that she has either not beaten or finished in front of in a future start. She has a chance with Unriveled Belle if they both go to the Personal Ensign which could be Rachel's next start.

The Useal Q.T. won the Eddie Read, and Headache won the Claiming Crown Jewel. No Triple Crown in Canada as Golden Moka invades from Panama (that's right Panama) to remain undefeated in the Prince of Wales. The Queen's Plate winner Big Red Mike who IMO was spinning his wheels finished third. Golden Moka could be a horse to watch in the Travers if his connections decide to take the jump to G1 next time out.

However, the race of the weekend was the King George in England. The winner, Harbinger not only set a course record, but he romped home over Epsom Derby winner Workforce. He def. made himself the Arc favorite and the BC Turf favorite as well. Brian of Zipse at the Track wrote a wonderful post about him which you can find here.

Don't forget there is a live chat tomorrow starting at 7pm EDT. Among the topics, Rachel, Haskell, Blind Luck vs DMC, Harpinger, Golden Moka and more! Hope you join us!

Claiming, Toga, Del Mar and Rachel

Hey everyone! Some nice races tomorrow, the Mother Goose (which could set up for a very interesting Alabama), Claiming Crown, Eddie Read and oh yeah Rachel Alexandra. So lets get started!

We're going to start off today's preview with the Claiming Crown. If you are not don't know what this is, let me tell you. Every year Cantabury Park in Minn. (except in 02 when it was held at Philadelphia Park in PA and 07 when it was at Ellis Park in KY) holds Starter Stakes for those who have run at a claiming level in the past year. The Claiming Crown is often compared to the Breeders' Cup, but for claimers. Here is the big race on the day:

9th (5:47)
1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Starter Stakes | Purse: $150,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Smarten Destiny Martin E M Jr Montano Angel 122 BL 6-1
2 2 My Friend Nev Ocampo I Ness Jamie 124 BL 7-2
3 3 Racing Bran Emigh C A Becker Scott 124 BL 2-1
4 4 Strike Impact Sellers S J Dupuy Pat 122 BL 9-2
5 5 For All Who Conga Centeno D E Ness Jamie 120 BL 5-1
6 6 Headache Leparoux J R Maker Michael J 122 BL 4-1

I really haven't heard of any of these horses except for Racing Bran who will be my pick in this race. He's a stakes winner and just finished second in a stakes at Prarie Meadows. My Friend for second and For All Who Conga third.

At Saratoga:

Saratoga (Race 9)
BetFair TVG Coaching Club of America Oaks (Gr I; 250k)
1 1/8 Miles - Dirt - 3yo Fillies
1. Bahama Bound (Tagg/Castellano) 8/1
2. Lisa's Booby Trap (T. Snyder/E. Castillo) 30/1
3. Seeking the Title (D. Stewart/R. Albarado) 8/1
4. Connie and Michael (D. Schettino/R. Maragh) 5/1
5. Absinthe Minded (D. Lukas/G. Gomez) 15/1
6. Biofuel (R. Baker/E. Da Silva) 6/1
7. Devil May Care (T. Pletcher/J. Velazquez) 6/5
8. Acting Happy (R. Dutrow/J. Lezcano) 5/1

A rematch of Devil May Care, Biofuel and Connie and Michael (with a new trainer), the first, third and second place finishers of the Mother Goose resectivley. However, I'm going with the upset with two horses. The first one is Acting Happy, she is coming in a little bit under the radar after winning the Black Eyed Susan, and the other is being thrown into the deep end, but I'm taking a chance with Lisa's Booby Trap. She's won all of her races at Finger Lakes, but this is the longest she's gone (she's never been over a mile and 70 yards). I fully expect her to run up track, but it only takes one race to shock someone. Afterall, Saratoga is known as the Graveyard of Favorites. Devil May Care for third.

Out to San Diego and Del Mar for our next race,

Saturday, July 24
DelMar (Race 8)
Eddie Read Handicap (Gr I; 300k)
1 1/8 Miles - Turf - 3yo and Up
1. Crowded House [GB] (B. Meehan/T. Baze)
2. Victor's Cry (E. Harty/C. Nakatani)
3. The Usual Q.T. (J. Cassidy/V. Espinoza)
4. Acclamation (D. Warren/C. Santiago-Reyes)
5. Loup Breton [Ire] (J. Canani/R. Bejarano)
6. Enriched (D. O'Neill/J. Rosario)
7. Hyades (B. Cecil/M. Garcia)

While Victory's Cry won a G1 last time out and The Usual Q.T. is always there on turf, I'm going with Team Lava Man... I mean Enriched. His half sister Lava Girl (ugh on the name, but that's a story for another day) won her debut on Weds (techically she deadheated, but still she won), to give the O'Neill barn a good start to Del Mar. Acclamation for second and Hyades for third.

And last, but not least at Monmouth:


Monmouth Park (Race 11)
Lady's Secret Stakes (400k)
1 1/8 Miles - Dirt - 3yo and Up Fillies & Mares
1. Stage Trick (A. Goldberg/E. Trujillo) 10/1
2. Queen Martha (P. Biancone/J. Bravo) 8/1
3. Ask The Moon (E. Allard/J. Rose) 15/1
4. Hark (I. Wilkes/C. Marquez Jr.) 20/1
5. Rachel Alexandra (S. Asmussen/C. Borel) 1/9
6. Fabulous Babe (J. Corrigan/P. Fragoso) 30/1
7. Yes She's a Lady (T. Pletcher/E. Castro) 12/1

Stakes winners (all, except Rachel): 2 stakes wins (Ask the Moon and Yes She's a Lady)
Rachel:: 10 stakes wins
Graded Stakes winners (all, except Rachel): 0
Rachel: 8 Graded stakes wins including 5 G1's

In otherwords, it's a bad, bad field. Unfortanlly, sometimes you have to deal with these things. The interesting thing is that every horse in this race has speed. Rachel has been in this type of spot before though, see last year's Mother Goose. If Calvin can get Rachel to relax, then it will be game set match, Rachel romps home by alot. She has a win over the Monmouth track and if it comes up sloppy her chances move up even greater. Everybody is running for second and I think that's between Stage Luck who is coming off a 3rd place finish in the Obeah and Yes She's a Lady. Hopefully this will set her up for the Personal Ensign which is at the end of Aug.

Most importantly, I hope all the horses and jockeys come back safe and sound.

Don't forget there is a live chat on Monday starting at 7 and the Weekend Recap will be on Sunday.

Ownership Conundrum

This topic was suggested by the Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance. As you may or may not know, I'm a member of the TBA. You can read more TBA member blogs by visiting, tbablogs.com.

Conundrum. What does that mean? According to Dictionary.com, it has two meanings. One of them means anything that puzzles. So what's the conundrum about horse racing? In this case two words, Jess Jackson.

Rachel Alexandra's next start will be the Lady's Secret at Monmouth. At first glance it looks like the perfect race, a mile and eighth and at a track where Rachel has had success before (see last year's Haskell). However the Lady's Secret is ungraded (unlike the formally Oak Tree at Santa Anita which was renamed the Zenyatta. That race is a G1). Which leads to question, why go for a race that's ungraded when there is a race, the Ruffian which is a G1, at a mile and an eighth and up at Saratoga another track where she has had success.

Sounds like a conundrum doesn't it. However, this isn't as puzzling as you think it does. The key in this is one word: money. Jess Jackson was able to convince the Monmouth officals, not once, but twice to raise the purse of two races. The Haskell which was raised to $1.25 million and now the Lady's Secret which was orginally supposed to be run at a mile and sixteenth for $150,000 and held two weeks later on Haskell day. Instead, it will be run two weeks earlier on July 24 for $400,000. The Ruffian is Handicap, and will be run for $250,000. Maybe the big reason why Rachel is being pointed here is that NYRA couldn't afford to boost the Ruffian purse. Since before the Belmont, they've been in money trouble thanks to a slots contract falling through. Monmouth's daily purses are at least a million dollars a day, and many more trainers are going towards the New Jersey track.

While particpating in the Lady's Secret would lead to the Molly Pitcher, I personally think the next step would be a G1. That leaves two options, the first is the Personal Ensign which is at a mile and a quarter, in that race she could face Life at Ten who will prep for that in the Delaware Handicap. However, the Woodward which she won last year could also be a plan. However, that could end up being the toughest race of her career if Quality Road and Blame show up.

Only time will tell who well this conundrum goes.

As for the Weekend Preview, this week's big race is the Queen's Plate. The favorite is Hotep who is a full brother to last year's winner Eye of the Lepoard. However, like I said last year about his big brother I think he will be finishing third behind this year Moment of Majesty (the "other" filly) and Roan Inish (Woodbine Oaks winner). Of course I could be wrong as useal. Also in action? Mine That Bird makes his turf debut, and Informed Decidesion tries to bounce back after two subpar efforts at Arlington.