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.

How Time Flies

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

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

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

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

Look out Boys, Supergirl is back

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triple Crown Classes of 2007 and 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer the Icon Note Capt!

Heh heh, just a mashup for this weekends big winners up at Saratoga which wraps up next Monday with the Hopeful. This was a very interesting weekend as it was a return of a very good 3yo who hit hard times as a 4yo, a DQ for the first time in a very prestigous race, a romp in a race named after an undefeated filly and the "Other Bird" flattering you know who (wink, wink).

Yesterday was an exciting day up at Saratoga as Music Note who did not come out on form as a 4yo won the Ballerina yesterday upsetting Indian Blessing. IMO Music Note looked better sprinting, then she does going route. As for Indian Blessing, sadly her last two races have not looked good. And honestly I'm suprised how well she's been holding up as her sire is not known for his soundness. Also returning yesterday for Godolphin was Sara Louise, better known as the filly who gave Rachel Alexandra her last loss. For bonus points what was the name of the race (I'll have the answer tomorrow), no prize though sorry! Rachel did defeat her though in the very next race (no bonus points for this, but I will also say the answer tomorrow).

Vineyard Haven made his US seasonal debut yesterday in the King's Bishop. Unfortanlly for him, he was DQ'ed from his win after bumping with runner-up Capt. Candyman Can not once, but twice. I believe this is Candy Ride's first G1 winner. Munnings and Big Drama where nowhere to be found in the exciting finish.

Finally the "Other Bird" is now Mine That Bird, as Summer Bird becomes the 30th Belmont/Travers winner. The first since his father did so in 2004. Congrats to Tim Ice and Summer Bird's owners. The second place finisher was really suprising as Hold Me Back who I tossed on Friday got up to be second, and Quality Road was third. In all honestly that has to be very disapointing for his connections, considering the runner-up in the Amsterdam came back to win. Secondly, Summer Bird is now the #1 3yo colt and last, but not least a win by Rachel next week will seal up the HOY for her. I'll have a preview of the Woodward and the Hopeful on Friday.

Today Icon Project (a half sister to the dam of Munnings ironicly), pretty much dismantled the Personal Ensign. Delaware Handicap winner Swift Temper was second and Obeah runner up Morena was third. Ironcily the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and last place finishers have run/won at Delaware Park (Icon Project, Swift Temper, Morena, last year's Susan's Girl winner Weathered and Unbridled Belle).

Dispointements for this weekend:
Munnings and Big Drama- 3rd and I don't even know where in the King's Bishop? It basically knocks them out of Champion Sprinter talk and it's down to Fab. Strike and Zenzational.

Our Edge- Eased in the Travers, hopefully he's okay

Unbridled Belle- her Personal Ensign today was bad. I know her owners where going to be retiring her after this season, but I'm sad that she may go out on a low note.

Suprises:
Hold Me Back- that was awesome that he got up for second, I don't know what his chances are in the KY Cup as I think there will be some synth specialists going there.

Icon Project- Did I think she would win? Yes, but to win by that much? No way that was a freaking amazing race by her. Hopefully this puts the DelCap over the top for G1 status, but not sure. The DelOaks should also be looked at as the past two years the winner of that race has gone on to win the Alabama.

Sara Louise- I thought she may needed a race, but it was a very nice comeback.

So there is one more weekend up at Saratoga before moving back south for Belmont (until October), then Aquaduct. And luckly the Woodward and Forego look like they are going to be fantastic races. A few things before I wrap up the post for tonight, I'm starting a podcast (which is something I mentioned before). It's going to be called Thoroughbred Rush and you can find the shownotes here. Episodes will be released once a week on Mondays (I'll be recording them on Sunday nights after the last major stakes race of the weekend (if there are any on Sunday)). I'll be very interested in the responce I get. But more info on this will becoming tomorrow.

Also Next Sunday, I'm having a Blogger's Roundtable. I had planned on doing it today, but totally forgot to announce it. So it will be next weekend at 6pm. I'm using Coveritlive.com's software to host the chat. If you are interested in being part of the panel send me a PM on twitter, my screenname is TBChat!.



Everyone enjoy the rest of your weekend! I'll have another post either tomorrow or Tuesday!

Magical Rachel

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

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



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

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

Shore time for Rachel

So it's offical, Rachel Alexandra will be making her next start on Aug. 2nd, at Monmouth Park in the Haskell Invatational (link). This is bad news for Big Drama, who will now have to leave his homebase and go face Mine That Bird in the West Virginia Derby. However, Summer Bird will be there, as will Atomic Rain and possibly Munnings who could be the biggest challenge for Rachel in the first part of the race. However, Monmouth is a speed bias track, which means advantage Rachel. So we'll see who else shows up for this race. I'm debating on weather I should go or not. I might go, I might not.

What is bad news for Big Drama, is good news for Acoma and especially Julian Leperoux. That's because he will be riding Acoma in Sunday's Delaware Handicap and will not have to be forced to chose between her and Pure Clan who could have faced the half sister to Arch in the Beverly D. Acoma would have gone to the Bev D., if Rachel had gone to the Delaware Handicap (which I'll preview tomarrow along with the rest of the Delaware stakes this weekend).

I will Saturday looks fantastic, and Sunday might not be as exciting.

Summer in Dunkirk is Mine

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

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

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

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

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

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

Belmont Week is here!

It's Belmont week!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.