Farewell Gators N Bears

Today's post was supposed to be about Nate's Mineshaft and how he just came out of nowhere to win the two big older male stakes at the Fair Grounds. However, I read some sad news today about one of my favorite horses of all time. This from the Maryland Thoroughbred Breeders Association (the orginal was part of the PDF weekly bulletin that they put out. In order to save you time, I've copied and pasted small section below):

Gators N Bears gone too soon 

     "Shamrock Farms’s 12-year-old stallion Gators N Bears died while covering his first mare of the season on March 17 at the Woodbine, Md., farm. Shamrock’s farm manager, Jim Steele, said the multiple graded stakes-winning sprinter died from either an aneurysm or a heart attack. The stallion’s death “was very unexpected,” added Steele. “Everybody was in shock. There was never an indication that there was anything wrong with him.” Gators N Bears had been booked to about a dozen mares this season. A son of Stormy Atlantic out of I’ll Be Along (by Notebook), a half-sister to millionaire Friendly Lover, Gators N Bears retired to Maryland Stallion Station in Glyndon after a career in which he earned $804,393 over four seasons. Counted among his 10 wins (six stakes) from 32 starts was the Jersey Shore Breeders’ Cup-G3 and Maryland Breeders’ Cup Handicap-G3; his 13 stakes-placings included the Grade 1 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash. Bred by Robert W. Camac and purchased privately as a 2-year-old from the late trainer’s estate early in 2002 by Leo Nechamkin, Gators N Bears was twice named New Jersey- bred Horse of the Year. In his first year at stud, he covered 71 mares. With oldest runners now 5, Gators N Bears has sired stakes winners Action Andy and Gator Bay, and stakes-placed Gators Choice and Alongcamethedevil. Action Andy, a member of Gators N Bears’ first crop, and his sire’s leading earner with $206,870, won his first three starts this year, including back- to-back added-money races (the Pelican and Super Stakes) at Tampa Bay Downs. In an allowance on March 10 at Tampa Bay, Action Andy set a track record of 1:15.47 for 61⁄2 furlongs."

I fell in love with Gators N Bears in 2004 when he ran on the Preakness undercard. Of course the big story that day was Smarty Jones in the Preakness. Ironcily, Bob Camac who was expected to be Smarty's trainer (before he was murdered by his step-son), bred Gators. He while he only one other stakes race afterwards, he always gave it his all. Sadly, I couldn't find a video of his MBC Cap win. Goodbye Gators, you where an awesome horse and where on your way to be a solid stallion for Maryland.

The Singing Jockey

Yes he is known for being the lead singer of the Monkees, but it turned out that Davy Jones was more then that. Davy passed away in Florida of a heart attack at the age of 66. Part of the group that where the "American Beatles" (although Davy was British), it turns out that he had another dream and that was to be a jockey.

According to this article from the Daily Mail, Davy rode as an apprentice at Newmarket for a trainer by the name of Basil Foster. Of course acting and singing ended up taking first perference and  visited him when he was touring with the Monkees. Eventually he got an amateur  jocks license and rode in charity events. He even won a race at Lingfield that was for amateurs.

He also owned several horses and has a Cat Thief 2yo who is named after Mr. Foster.

RIP Davy. Here is my favorite Monkee song, I'm a Believer (I had perviously posted a video of Smashmouth covering it.

Farewell Fleet Indian

Five years ago at the Breeders' Cup, Fleet Indian was trying to ice Older Female Champion with a win in the Distaff. She had already won the Delaware Handicap, Personal Ensign and Beldame in succession. However, she was eased in the stretch as Round Pond won the race. It turned out that it didn't matter since her win over the BC winner was more then enough to get the Older Female Champion. The NY Bred by Indian Charlie passed away Saturday of colic at the age of 10. According to the Breeders' Cup website she saw Distorted Humor this year, however was not in foal.

Here is the race that I think put her on the map, the Obeah which would be the start of trainer Todd Pletcher's domince of this race winning 2 out of 3 runnings after she won the 2006 edition.



RIP Girl

Farewell Little Guy

Serena's Song and Dreaming of Anna have two things in common. They both like beating the boys and they are both are by Rahy. Sadly, the little horse that could passed away today of old age at the age of 26. Along with Serena and Anna, Rahy is also the sire of Anna's full brother G2 winner Lewis Michael, as well as multiple G1 winner and BC Turf winner Fantastic Light. As a broodmare sire his most accomplished grandchild is Giant's Causeway (whose dam Mariah's Storm was the insperation for Dreamer).

Here are videos of Serena winning the Haskell, Anna's BCJF and Fantastic Light's BCT.







Farewell Little Guy. :(

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.

Memories of Kensei

Back in 2009 shortly after Rachel Alexandra had won the Haskell, there was talk that she would next tackle the Travers at the mile and a quarter distance. However, after her stablemate Kensei won the Jim Dandy, plans changed and she was rerouted to her perfered mile and an eighth distance in the Woodward and Kensei was Travers bound. Sadly the Mr. Greeley colt broke down yesterday at Belmont Park and was euthanized.

While he was most known for being the older brother of 2yo and 3yo Champion Lookin at Lucky, Kensei was a pretty good horse himself. Not only did he win the Jim Dandy at 3, but also won the Dwyer in his start before that. He was coming off a second place finish to Soaring Empire in the Majestic Light after winning the Salvatore Mile pervious to that start. It looked like he was on his way to have a good season before what might have been a promising stallion career. All that changed in an instant.

The 3yo colts and geldings where not some of my favorite, but Kensei stood out to me. I'll miss him.

The Legends Travers race call will be tomorrow.

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.

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.

Goodbye Tuscan Evening

Sometimes life changes in an instant. That happend today to the Jerry Hollendorfer barn when a tragedy happend. Tuscan Evening who was not only the best turf female in the US, but America's best hope to win a BC Turf race this year passed away unexpectly this morning. Early reports are that she suffered a heart attack after her work this morning. I wasn't a huge fan of hers, but she always showed her heart in all of her races. In her memory here is her Gamely win which she won early this season for her first Grade 1. RIP Tuscan Evening.

Remembering Kip Deville

Orginally, I had planned to do lots of stakes previews today. However, some sad news came across the wire today. In 2007, Kip Deville put his owners IEAH on the map when he won the Breeders' Cup Mile upseting Excellent Art and Nobiz Like Shobiz. The latter being a former stablemate to his arch rival Showing Up. Kip lost his brave battle with laminatis today which he devoloped after colicing last year.

As you might expect, I was crushed to hear this. I first heard of Kip in 2006 when Showing Up ran down at Colonial. It was his first try on turf and he won, but I was impressed by the runner up that day. It happend to be Kip Deville. Kip and Showing Up would go onto face each other a few more times over the 2006 season. While Showing Up always won, the final meeting Kip had the last laugh. That was at Keenland when the both of them now G1 winners. In what would be the final start for Showing Up, Kip was able to win by a neck.

That November, Kip won the BC Mile becoming only the second OK bred to win a BC race (Lady's Secret was the first with the Distaff, on her way to being Horse of the Year) and finished second in 2008 behind the wonderful Goldikova. His final win was last Febuary in the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap. In that race he defeated future G1 winner Court Vision and Arlington Million runner up Just as Well. Soon afterwards, he hit a bad slide and then the word came of his colic and subquent laminatis.

Kip will be honored in October with a stakes race at Remington Park in his native Oklahoma. Here is his 2007 Mile win:



RIP Kip :(

I appoloigze for not having a Weekend Preview this week like I promised, but I felt that this was more important to me for today. There is a great weekend of racing with Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta, Blame, General Quarters (who I think could be the next Kip), as well as the Woodbine Oaks. I will have a weekend recap though, so stay tuned for that on Monday!

It's Preak Time!

Two weeks ago, Super Saver and Calvin Borel ruled Churchill Downs, giving Todd Pletcher his first Derby win. Now it's time for Pimlico and the second leg of the Triple Crown. The Preakness (named after Preakness, the first winner of the Dinner Party Stakes which is now the Dixie Stakes, a race that will also be run tomorrow), is often where championships are made (as I posted on Monday).

Here is this year's field for the 136th Preakness.

12th (6:12)
Preakness S. (G1)
1 3/16 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds Stakes | Purse: $1,000,000
Prg. # PP Horse Jockey Trainer Wt. Claim $ Equip. Med. ML
1 1 Aikenite Castellano J J Pletcher Todd A 126 LA 20-1
2 2 Schoolyard Dreams Coa E M Ryan Derek S 126 LA 15-1
3 3 Pleasant Prince Leparoux J R Ward Wesley A 126 LA 20-1
4 4 Northern Giant Thompson T J Lukas D Wayne 126 LA 30-1
5 5 Yawanna Twist Prado E S Dutrow, Jr. R E 126 L 30-1
6 6 Jackson Bend Smith M E Zito Nicholas P 126 LA 12-1
7 7 Lookin At Lucky Garcia M Baffert Bob 126 LA 3-1
8 8 Super Saver Borel C H Pletcher Todd A 126 LA 5-2
9 9 Caracortado Atkinson P Machowsky Michael 126 LA 10-1
10 10 Paddy O'Prado Desormeaux K J Romans Dale 126 LA 9-2
11 11 First Dude Dominguez R A Romans Dale 126 LA 20-1
12 12 Dublin Gomez G K Lukas D Wayne 126 LA 10-1

Aikenite is the stablemate of Super Saver, and is coming off a second place finish in the Derby Trial, Schoolyard Dreams finished second just in front of the Derby champ in the Tampa Bay Derby. Pleasant Prince is coming into the race off a third in the Derby Trial, Northern Giant finished second in the Lane's End, and ... Yawanna Twist will have to channel his inner Funny Cide (he's a NY Bred) to have a chance, he's also the closes to a local as his trainer is from Maryland and his jockey started his US career here. Jackson Bend, I still think is a bit overhyped, but he could suprise people. A much better post for Lookin at Lucky, and gets a key jockey change. The champ is here! No jockey has won back to back Preakness' since Pat Day did it three times in a row, and Calvin's record outside of Churchill isn't great, but Super Saver well he's the champ afterall. Caracortado (Scarface is Spanish), is considered to be the best of the new shooters. Paddy O' Prado and his stablemate First Dude have jockeys who know Pimlico very well and Dublin will try to win from the same post that his dad did.

There is not much pace in this race which means if Super Saver gets a loose lead he could wire them. The downside the last time a Maria's Mon colt was going against a Baffert trainee who was very good was Monarchos who ran in the 01 Preakness against Point Given, after defeating the son of Thunder Gulch in the Derby. However Point Given showed that he was a very good horse by turning the tables on Monarchos. That's the one thing that concerns me about this race is that Lucky will turn the tables on Super Saver. Then there is Caracoratdo who ran pretty well in California. I think Paddy sadly is going to bounce in this race. In all this is really not a great race sadly.

My top three are going to be Super Saver, Lookin at Lucky and either Caracorado, Aikenite, Dublin or Yawanna Twist for third. It would be the second Preakness win for Calvin Borel, and first for both Todd Pletcher and WinStar as an owner (they of course bred Funny Cide). Now lets just hope that it ends up this way.

The undercard somewhat leaves alot to be desiered. Rainbow View is in action as is Nicanor and Just as Well, other then those three that's really it. Hopefully the Belmont undercard is better.

Of course my condolences go out to Carolyn Hine as she lost her wonderful Champion Skip Away today at the age of 17. #3 on the North American Earnings List, in a way Skip Away should be #1 as the 1-2 (Curlin and Cigar respectivly) had run in the Dubai World Cup which is why they are 1 and 2. Of many races, "Skippy" as he was called is honored with his own race the Skip Away down at Gulfstream. Somewhat fitting he passes away on the eve of the Preakness which he finished second in 1996 to Louis Quatorze. Skip Away was trained by Mrs. Hine's husband Sonny.

There's no chat tomorrow, I will be announcing the Summer Series List sometime in the next two to three weeks.

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.

Clicking Heels: Maidens and Upsets

Wow what a weekend for stakes races! It's amazing how things can change in one snap. Down at Gulfstream, Paddy O' Prado who was a maiden won the Grade 3 Palm Beach Stakes on turf. At Santa Anita, Make Music for Me finally broke his maiden when he won the Pasadena Stakes on turf. Next race for him will be the Santa Anita Derby (I think the goal was really to break his maiden has he has enough graded stakes earnings to get into the Derby field).

Meahwhile Music's stablemate Alphie's Bet upset the field in the Sham, and Crisp upsetting Blind Luck in the Santa Anita Oaks. Proviso won the Kilore, a nose over her former stablemate Fluke. This was the first win for Bill Mott for Judmonte who took over most of the US stock from Humberto Ascanio after the death of Bobby Frankel. The big winner of the weekend for Cal trainers was Bob Baffert, he won the Azeri at Oaklawn with Freedom Star and the Big Cap with Misremembered. The Wood may have found it's favorite this weekend, when the Awesome Act won the Gotham. If he does well in the Wood, I expect him to be transfered to a US trainer. Win Willy won the Razorback over Spotsgone, Gone Astray and Prom Shoes. He'll be one of the favorites for the Oaklawn Handicap, which right now looks like it's going to be a weak addition. However, things can change over the next few weeks, and I'll be interested in where everyone ends up.

Sadly, Big Truck who upset War Pass in the 2008 Tampa Bay Derby broke down and was euthanized. There have been a few rumors that may or not may not be true about the health of Truck, but for purposes of this blog, I'm not going to get into the details here. Here is that Tampa Bay Derby win,



This is a big week coming up, lots of Derby prep talk. Plus, a certin filly whose name begins with R and a certin mare whose name begins with Z make their 2010 debuts in Louisana and California respectivly.

Remembering Bobby Frankel

I had just gotten home from breakfest and put on my IPod was saddened to see on Echofon (Twitter app), that Bobby Frankel had lost his battle with cancer. I'll be honest with you, while he was not one of my favorite trainers he really did care for his animals.

I cried with tears of sadness when Empire Maker had beaten Funny Cide in the Belmont. And was happy for him when Ventura and Champs Elysees won the Woodbine Mile and Candidian International this year respectivly. By far Megahertz, Peace Rules, Ventura, Champs Elysees, and Mass Media will go down as my favorite Frankel trainees.

Here is a video of the little ball of dynamite that is Megahertz winning the 2005 Yellow Ribbon at Santa Anita.

The Zengend

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

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

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

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

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


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

Remembering El Prado

I had planned to talk about Silverbulletday winner War Echo who starts her comeback on Weds in a listed stake at Belmont, however some sad news came over the wire within the past 2 hours. Accordig to DRF.com the Saddler's Well El Prado (IRE), passed away this morning due to an heart attack. You have to sign up to see the article which can be found here. El Prado was one of my favorite stallions siring BC Mile winner Artie Shiller, G1 winners Asi Siempre and Borrego and many other great horses. However, the two horses who made him a superstar sire are Medaglia d'Oro and Kitten's Joy. I've talked about MDO quite a bit the past few months, but I'll give you some of his stats. 2002 Jim Dandy and Travers winner, 2 time Breeder's Cup runner-up, 2003 Whitney winner, 2004 Donn Handicap winner and 2004 Dubai World Cup runner up. He's gotten off to a great start at stud with stakes winners including the one and only Rachel Alexandra, Gabby's Golden Gal (both Rach and Gabby are G1 winners), G2 winner Payton d'Oro, stakes winners C.S. Silk, Retraceable, Tasty Temptation and Al Khali, his first male stakes winner. In Europe he has the promising Al Zir.

Kitten's Joy is out of the Lear Fan mare Kitten's First, and burst onto the seen as one of the best turf males in 2004. Many thought that if he hadn't lost to Better Talk Now in the BC Turf that year, he and not Smarty Jones would have won the Champion 3yo Male that year. KJ won the 2004 Eclipse for Turf Male and came back to finish second in the Arlington Million the next year. KJ has also gotten off to a fast start being number 1 on the Freshman List (as of right now), and has 1 graded stakes winner. This past weekend, KJ had a great weekend with several winners and a second place finish in a graded stakes.

Here is one of KJ's races the 2004 Turf Classic



I couldn't find a video of any of El Prado's races, however he was the 1991 2yo Champion in Ireland with a win in the Group 2 National Stakes. He stood at Adena Springs in Kentucky and was owned during his racing career by Coolmore.

I'm defently going to miss him.

The Travers Vault: Final Night!

Welcome to the final night of the Travers Vault. I appoligze if I missed any of your favorites, but these where ones that I felt that where interesting and involved some of my favorite horses. I've got some good ones for tonight. They are Alydar (1978), Holy Bull (1994), Medaglia d'Oro (2002) and Birdstone (2004). Tomorrow night the preview for this year's Travers.

Alydar- 1978 Winner (By DQ)



Affirmed and Alydar, Alydar and Affirmed. When you say one, you have to say the other. Starting as two year olds, Affirmed and Alydar butted head. Unfortanlly is a relativly one sided affiar. In matter of fact, Alydar finished behind Affirmed in all three Triple Crown races. However their final match-up would be the most memorable, although Affimed crossed the line first, Alydar would be placed first as Affirmed was disqualified for interference. And although Alydar won the battle that day, Affirmed won the war with the score 7-3 (That includes Alydar's Travers win). Sadly, Alydar would break his leg in 1990 and be euthanized soon afterwards. But not before he sired champions such as Turkoman, Easy Goer and Althea. However, his most famous foal was "America's Horse", Alysheba who won did something his father couldn't win a Triple Crown race by winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. And although he was denied the Triple Crown in the Belmont, he went on to finish second behind Ferdinad in the Breeder's Cup Classic, and went on to win the BCC the next year. Alysheba happens to be the broodmare sire of the late great George Washington. Sadly Alysheba was euthanized earlier this year, do to a nurlogical condition, but he will go down as Alydar's best foal. Affirmed did not have the success at stud that he did on the track. However, he did sire a Triple Crown winner in Canada in Petski. He's also the broodmare sire for an up and coming colt named Backtalk (Smarty Jones). But like Alydar, he had a fan favorite foal. The Tin Man didn't win the Derby or Preakness, like Alysheba did. But he did win the 2006 Arlington Million and just missed repeating in 07. He now lives out in California where he's owners live. Both Alydar and Affirmed are Racing's Hall of Fame.

Holy Bull- 1994 Winner



His owner passed away and his trainer became his owner. Holy Bull went in the 1994 Kentucky Derby as the favorite, however finished dismaly (like Hansel before him and Bellemy Road and Friesan Fire after him). But that was just the begging of this son of Great Above. "The Bull" would bounce back and take the Met Mile, Haskell, Travers and Woodward (as a 3yo). Concern who he held off, would go on to win the Breeder's Cup Classic that year, but it was too little too late. Holy Bull had done enough to win 3yo championship and Horse of the Year. Unfortanlly Holy Bull was pulled up in the 1995 Donn Handicap (won by eventual 2 time Horse of the Year Cigar). Holy Bull now stands at Darley at Jonabell, where he has sired Derby winner Giacomo. Concern stands in Oklahoma, where his most accomplished foal is the 2 time Eclipse winning steeplechaser Good Night Shirt.

Medaglia d'Oro- 2002 Winner



Who knew that this Travers winner would go on to be the hottest stallion this year? Not me, now of course I didn't start following horse racing until a year after this, but still. Now I will admit that Bobby Frankel is not my favorite trainer, and his owner Edmund Gann isn't my favorite owner (ironicly Mr. Gann doesn't have any horses left with Frankel, and I'll get into the interesting thing about MDO and Dolphus Morrison (You know whos breeder/former owner) at the end of this profile), but you gotta respect this son of El Prado. 4th in the Derby, he ran poorly in the Preakness (as the favorite), before finishing second to a longshot in the Belmont. Medaglia won the local prep the Jim Dandy. But it was as a four year old where he would really shine, this was when he won the Whitney, Donn and finished second in the BCC for the second stright year (he did so as a 3yo as well, both times beaten by longshots). He finished his career with a 2nd place finish in the Dubai World Cup. At his first year of stud, he stood at Hill N' Dale and got a veratiy of mares. The foals would grow up to be stakes winners Gabby's Golden Gal, Renda, C.S. Silk, Retracable, Payton d'Oro, and stakes placed Warrior's Reward. But there is one foal missing from this list. Humm I wonder... In the perenthesis I said that at the end there is something interesting about MDO and Dolphus Morrison. Here's what it is, Edmund Gann owned a filly named You, the breeder? Dolphus Morrison. Of course, Mr. Morrison sent another homebred of his to MDO, a Roar mare named Lotta Kim. He would name the resulting foal after his granddaughter. Little did he know that Rachel Alexandra would take him on a wild ride and now his daughter will try to beat the older boys next Saturday in the Woodward. Among the horses who might face her include It's a Bird (owned by you guessed it, Edmund Gann). Medaglia now stands at Darley at Jonabell after being bought just after the end of the NH breeding season. He has Warrior's Reward in this year's Travers. Not bad for a horse whose humble beginings include spending time in Montana. (See Steve Haskin's post about his beginings on Bloodhorse.com)

and last, but not least!

Birdstone- 2004 winner



Birdstone will go down as one of the most unpopular Belmont winners sadly. A son of 1996 Derby winner Grindstone and half brother to 2003 KY Oaks winner Bird Town, Stone upset fan favorite Smarty Jones in his quest to win the Triple Crown. While Smarty would not make a start after the Belmont, Stone would make 2 more including a win the Travers where he beat Haskell winner (and Derby runner-up) Lion Heart. And while a finalist for 2yo champion and 3yo champion, he would be denied both times by Action This Day and Smarty respectivly. Birdstone has gone off to a remarkable start at stud. He has a champion in Canada (2yo) and this horse happend to go off as the 2nd longest shot to ever to win the Kentucky Derby. Of course I'm talking about Mine That Bird, he also has Summer Bird the Belmont winner and stakes winner Livin Lovin. Has he had the buzz MDO has? No, but with Mine a gelding we can expect him to be running for years to come. He has Summer Bird in this year's Travers.

I hope everybody enjoyed the Travers Vault. I don't plan to do this next week for the Woodward, but I probley will bring this back for the Breeder's Cup. Before I wrap up for the night, one of my favorite members of the TC class of 06. Sunriver passed away today. The younger brother of all time leading money earner for fillies, Ashado, Sunriver won one G1 at four and finished 3rd behind Jazil (Rags to Riches brother) in the 06 Belmont.

Remembering Happy Ticket

Today is a very sad day for me personally. I found out that one of my favorite fillies who ran a few years ago, Happy Ticket passed away last month. She was just eight years old.
Link

Happy was a Louisiana bred by Anet, she became the highest earning LA bred in her career. Among the races that she won was the G1 Ballerina S. up at Saratoga in 2005. The next year she was second twice behind Round Pond (First in the G3 Azeri at Oaklawn then her final start the G1 Breeder’s Cup Distaff). She also won the G2 Fleur De Lies at Churchill in 2006.
She leaves behind a yearling son by Distorted Humor and a newborn daughter by Empire Maker.

Here is a video from the LA Bred Association

Belmont journeys await

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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