In what could be the most wide open HOY in quite awhile (at least since I've been following horse racing), it looks like the field has been narrowed down to about 7. I'll talk about their accomplishments and what I think they need to happen in the BC in order for them to be Horse of the Year.
Acclamation (Unusual Heat x Winning in Style)
Accompilishments: Wins- Eddie Read (G1), Charles Wittingham (G1), Pacific Classic (G1), Jim Murray (G2), Clement L. Hirch Turf (G2)
Profile: With the exception of his first two starts of the year, this Cal Bred has been nothing, but money. He's already beaten the top Cal based Older Males and has not only a great shot at Eclipse for Turf Male, but Older Male too. He's probley better on turf then he is dirt, so if he where to go to the Classic, I really don't think he would have a great chance. Turf is most likely his race of choice.
What Needs to Happen at the BC: Up until a few days ago, he was the one who probley had the toughest assignment with going against Cape Blanco. However, the Irish invader was injured in what turned out to be his final race. He now needs to win and have help in the Classic from a longshot.
Possible Horse of the Year Chances: Honestly slim, no turf horse has been HOY since Kotashaan was in 1993. However, that main track win in the PC will help his chances.
Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie x Playa Maya)
Accomplishments: Wins- Timely Writer, Kelso (G2) On the Board: 2nd Kings Bishop (G1), 3rd Wood Memorial (G1)
Profile: After the year he's had, it's hard to believe that he even has a chance at HOY. Yet, with the 3yo's all beating up on each other and no clear cut standout, here he is. He's going to be going a distance that he's never been before in the Classic, and his brash owner Mike Repole will try to make him the favorite for the race.
What Needs to Happen at the BC: Only a win will help him in the Classic (although I think he's a better candiate for the Dirt Mile, he does not have a G1 win on his resume this year. The good news is he did win over the Churchill surface last year going two turns in the Juvenile. The bad news, it's 3/16 shorter then the mile and quarter Classic. The upside? His sire was third in the Derby (behind his stablemate Real Quiet), has a winner at a 1 1/4 distancce, and his broodmare sire is the defending sire of the Classic (with Blame just holding off Zenyatta). He is currently Timeform's #1 US based horse.
Possible Horse of the Year Chances: Fair. If he wins the Classic, he is 3yo Champion Male and maybe HOY.
Game On Dude (Awesome Again x Wordly Pleasure)
Accomplishments: Won: Santa Anita Handicap (G1), Goodwood (G1) On the Board: 2nd Charles Town Classic (G3), Hollywood Gold Cup (G1), 3rd Lone Star Handicap (G3)
Profile: Really has not done much wrong this year, shocked the world in the Big Cap, was a nose from winning the HGC, sputtered on the poly in the Pacific Classic and won the Goodwood. Like Acclamation, he's beaten all the Califorians (including Acclamation in the CTC), and he has a jockey that fits him like a glove. Chantal Sutherland could make history herself becoming the first female jockey to win the Classic, and only the second to win a BC race (Julie Krone being the first).
What Needs to Happen at the BC: A win and he's HOY and Older Male.
Possible Horse of the Year Chances: Very good, however he might need the lead to get it done. Churchill might be the perfect surface for him to do it.
Flat Out (Flatter x Cresta Lil)
Accomplishments: Wins: Suburban (G2), Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1), On the Board: 2nd Lone Star Handicap (G3), Whitney (G1) Woodward (G1)
Profile: A horse who might be a little underappriated due to the fact he ran second to both Tizway and Havre de Grace at Saratoga. Won the two big distance races at Belmont.
What Needs to Happen at the BC: See Game On Dude, the problem is his worst loss this year was at Churchill. He has yet to win going two turns (a mile and a quarter at Belmont is a turn and a half basically). His JCGC time was also the slowest since they went back to a mile and a quarter in 1990.
Possible Horse of the Year Chances: Good, I would say not as good as Game On Dude or Tizway since they already have multiple G1 wins under the belt, but he would even it up.
Tizway (Tiznow x Bethany)
Accomplishments: Wins- Whitney (G1), Met Mile (G1) On the Board: 3rd Gulfstream Park Handicap (G3), Charles Town Classic (G3)
Profile: After starting the year slow, he went on to win the stallion making Met Mile and defeated Flat Out in the Whitney. The problem is an illness popped up before the JCGC which he was forced to miss the race. He will need to be on his A game if he has any chance now to win the Classic.
What Needs to Happen at the BC: He needs to win and then have the other contenders finish up track. The reason being is that since he did miss some time, he can get it back if they all finish poorly.
Possible Horse of the Year Chances: Good to Fair. He seems to be an up and down horse who might be better in New York (all, but one of his wins where there) then anywhere else. Also he has yet to win at the Mile and Quarter distance (he was third in the 09 JCGC). The final whammy against him is that no horse over the age of 5 has won the Classic. Tizway is six.
Stay Thirsty (Bernardini x Marozia)
Accomplishments: Wins- Gotham (G3), Jim Dandy (G2), Travers (G1), On the Board: 2nd Belmont (G1), 3rd Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1)
Profile: For all of last year, and the spring till the Belmont he was in his stablemate Uncle Mo's shadow. However, after a runner up finish in the Belmont he showed that he might just be a pretty good horse on his own. Mo fans started getting worried after he won both the Jim Dandy and Travers that their favorite horse was passed in his own stable. However, he was brought back down to reality after Mo won the Kelso and Thirsty was third in the JCGC.
What Needs to Happen at the BC: A win will get him HOY and 3yo Champion Male. If he does not win, while he'll be out of HOY contention, he still could get 3yo Honors.
Possible Horse of the Year Chances: Fair, honestly Churchill might not be his best track. He may very well be a Saratoga wonderhorse, even though his first stakes win was at Aqueduct. The one thing that seperates him and Mo is that he has a win at a mile and a quarter.
Havre de Grace (Saint Liam x Easter Bunnette)
Accomplishments: Wins- Azeri (G3), Apple Blossom (G1), Obeah (G3), Woodward (G1), Beldame (G1), On the Board: 2nd Delaware Handicap (G2)
Profile: I never got to see Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta in person during their racing days. I had the honor to see this girl and her arch rival Blind Luck at this year's Delaware Handicap where they did not dissapoint. Only a nose loss to BL is between her and a perfect season. She has already beaten the boys in the Woodward, and she has won in the slop (Beldame). With Older Female honors locked up (Blind Luck's uncharaistic finish sealed the deal) it's time to go after the big prize, Horse of the Year.
What Needs to Happen at the BC: A win in the Classic and she's HOY. The concern is that the last time her owner and trainer ran a female in a major Open race, she was a valient second and sadly was euthanzied due to a break down after the race (Eight Belles, 2008 Kentucky Derby). Also she has yet to win at a mile and a quarter, but gave Blind Luck all she could handle both times at this distance. If it comes up sloppy, she moves up big time.
Possible Horse of the Year Chances: Very good, in matter of fact she is in the drivers seat. Before last year, Female HOY's never happend Back to Back. Rachel, Z and Grace would be the first back to back to back Female HOYs.
It will be interesting on what happens to all of these horses, in the weeks leading up to the race.
Showing posts with label Uncle Mo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Uncle Mo. Show all posts
October 5, 2011
October 2, 2011
BC Classic Top 7
With the US Major preps over, here are the Top 7 Horses to Watch in the Classic.
1. Havre de Grace (Saint Liam)- Beat the boys, won for fun in the Slop in the Beldame. While she has yet to win at 10 furlongs, she has been very close both times she's run at the distance. Will work at Keeneland which has worked before for her owners with Round Pond. I just hope her arch rival Blind Luck who uncharistically not closing in her race yesterday. Was third in the Ladies Classic last year.
2. Tizway (Tiznow)- Dispite missing the Jockey Club Gold Cup, that race really did not show much with a horse for a course winning and a Marathon contender in second. Lets just hope his illness doesn't take his sharpness off.
3. Awesome Gem (Awesome Again)- Yes he was second in his race today, but man was he closing like a train. He actually could go in several races, but I would love to see him go in the Classic. He's had the best finish (3rd in 07) there. Plus with the speed in the race, he could pick up the pieces.
4. Flat Out (Flatter)- Yes he's won at mile and a quarter now, something that 2 of the top 3 have not. However, he was sixth at Churchill earlier this year and both of his graded stakes wins where at Belmont. Plus his mile and a quarter JCGC winning time was the slowest since 1990 when the race went back to a mile and a quarter.
5. To Honor and Serve (Bernardini)- Distance should not be a problem (especially with Deputy Minister on the bottom), trainer also had his sire who was runner up in the Classic in 06. If he finishes in front of Uncle Mo in the Classic, he may very well be 3yo Champion Male. That's how wide open this group is.
6. Game On Dude (Awesome Again)- It's been an up and down season for him. He was able to turn the tables on Awesome Gem, but he is going to be on the lead to have a chance. He could make history with win in the Classic. Not only would it give his trainer his first Classic win, but he could make his jockey the first Female winning jock.
7. Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie)- stablemate Stay Thirsty was able to get out of the 2yo Champions shadow for the summer, but has taken a step back now that he's back. Not only did he put away Jackson Bend in the stretch, but he did it impressively. He's won at Churchill before. So why is he so low? Well he's a miler, not a mile and a quarter specialist. In matter of fact if he goes with the speed, he prob. backs up towards the end. However, a win in the Classic would give him another championship and very well Horse of the Year honors.
It will be interesting how this race turns out. The reason I did not include So You Think is that frankly Euro's don't have the greatest luck with 2 wins in the Classic. However, that doesn't he doesn't have a chance.
1. Havre de Grace (Saint Liam)- Beat the boys, won for fun in the Slop in the Beldame. While she has yet to win at 10 furlongs, she has been very close both times she's run at the distance. Will work at Keeneland which has worked before for her owners with Round Pond. I just hope her arch rival Blind Luck who uncharistically not closing in her race yesterday. Was third in the Ladies Classic last year.
2. Tizway (Tiznow)- Dispite missing the Jockey Club Gold Cup, that race really did not show much with a horse for a course winning and a Marathon contender in second. Lets just hope his illness doesn't take his sharpness off.
3. Awesome Gem (Awesome Again)- Yes he was second in his race today, but man was he closing like a train. He actually could go in several races, but I would love to see him go in the Classic. He's had the best finish (3rd in 07) there. Plus with the speed in the race, he could pick up the pieces.
4. Flat Out (Flatter)- Yes he's won at mile and a quarter now, something that 2 of the top 3 have not. However, he was sixth at Churchill earlier this year and both of his graded stakes wins where at Belmont. Plus his mile and a quarter JCGC winning time was the slowest since 1990 when the race went back to a mile and a quarter.
5. To Honor and Serve (Bernardini)- Distance should not be a problem (especially with Deputy Minister on the bottom), trainer also had his sire who was runner up in the Classic in 06. If he finishes in front of Uncle Mo in the Classic, he may very well be 3yo Champion Male. That's how wide open this group is.
6. Game On Dude (Awesome Again)- It's been an up and down season for him. He was able to turn the tables on Awesome Gem, but he is going to be on the lead to have a chance. He could make history with win in the Classic. Not only would it give his trainer his first Classic win, but he could make his jockey the first Female winning jock.
7. Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie)- stablemate Stay Thirsty was able to get out of the 2yo Champions shadow for the summer, but has taken a step back now that he's back. Not only did he put away Jackson Bend in the stretch, but he did it impressively. He's won at Churchill before. So why is he so low? Well he's a miler, not a mile and a quarter specialist. In matter of fact if he goes with the speed, he prob. backs up towards the end. However, a win in the Classic would give him another championship and very well Horse of the Year honors.
It will be interesting how this race turns out. The reason I did not include So You Think is that frankly Euro's don't have the greatest luck with 2 wins in the Classic. However, that doesn't he doesn't have a chance.
September 12, 2011
Road to Super Saturday: Uncle Mo
From now until the Friday before Super Saturday (which is held at Belmont Park and is the last major set of G1 races before the Breeders' Cup), I will be looking at one horse every few days who might be heading to a race on that day. Today I will be looking at last year's 2yo Champion Male Uncle Mo.
It's been an up and down year for the son of Indian Charlie. After starting the year well with a win in a small stake, the Timely Writer down at Gulfstream, he headed to the Wood Memorial for what was supposed to be his final prep before the Derby. After a 3rd place finish behind Toby's Corner and Arthur's Tale, he came down with an illness that forced his scratching from the Derby. He was on the sidelines while Animal Kingdom, Shackleford and Ruler On Ice won the TC races. His stablemate, Stay Thirsty picked up the slack winning both the Jim Dandy and the Travers. It was on the latter's undercard that Mo returned to the track in the King's Bishop.
That's where he finished a nose behind Caleb's Posse who had been beaten by The Factor (who defeated Older Males the next day) and Archarcharch in Arkansas earlier in the season. However, fans of his where pleased with his effort. Owner Mike Repole was seriously considering retiring him after the runner-up finish which set up a minor uproar. However, it appears that his next race will be the Kelso. He has already won at the distance of 1 mile this year, and he's won over the Belmont track. Below is the race that he won last year at Belmont, the G1 Champange Stakes. This will most likely lead him to a starting spot in the Dirt Mile.
Later on this week: Jackson Bend and Royal Delta.
It's been an up and down year for the son of Indian Charlie. After starting the year well with a win in a small stake, the Timely Writer down at Gulfstream, he headed to the Wood Memorial for what was supposed to be his final prep before the Derby. After a 3rd place finish behind Toby's Corner and Arthur's Tale, he came down with an illness that forced his scratching from the Derby. He was on the sidelines while Animal Kingdom, Shackleford and Ruler On Ice won the TC races. His stablemate, Stay Thirsty picked up the slack winning both the Jim Dandy and the Travers. It was on the latter's undercard that Mo returned to the track in the King's Bishop.
That's where he finished a nose behind Caleb's Posse who had been beaten by The Factor (who defeated Older Males the next day) and Archarcharch in Arkansas earlier in the season. However, fans of his where pleased with his effort. Owner Mike Repole was seriously considering retiring him after the runner-up finish which set up a minor uproar. However, it appears that his next race will be the Kelso. He has already won at the distance of 1 mile this year, and he's won over the Belmont track. Below is the race that he won last year at Belmont, the G1 Champange Stakes. This will most likely lead him to a starting spot in the Dirt Mile.
Later on this week: Jackson Bend and Royal Delta.
April 9, 2011
That My Friends is Why It's Called Horse RACING
Back in 1973, the previous year's 2yo Champion Male and the defending Horse of the Year Secretariat went into the Wood Memorial with the confidence that he would win. However, somebody forgot to tell his stablemate Angle Light and rival Sham who went on to finish 1-2 in the Wood that year.
Flash foward to 2011, the previous year's 2yo Champion Male Uncle Mo went into the Wood with the confidnece that he would win. However, somebody forget to tell Toby's Corner and Arthur's Tale who went 1-2 in the Wood this year.
That's right Secretariat and Uncle Mo both finished third in the Wood. Now of course Big Red went on to win the Derby, Preakness and Belmont thus getting the Triple Crown earning him 3yo Champion Male honors as well as defending his Horse of the Year title. As for Uncle Mo, honestly I don't even think he's going to be the Derby winner, let alone the Triple Crown. He just doesn't seem to be a horse who wants to go mile and eighth let alone a mile and a quarter.
With that being said, Mo is far from the only horse to lose a race he should have won. It happens all the time when favorites lose... just not the way he lost. There is a reason why this is called horse racing and not horse walking.
As for the winner, Graham Motion is the one who is loaded now and not Todd Pletcher. Of course he won't be as loaded if Animal Kingdom skips the Derby. Kinda funny that the Englishman takes Team Valor horses away from the Texan and now the Wood. Toby is by Bellamy Road who I was not a fan of when he was running. But it helped that he was owned by George Stinebrenner who I dispised since he owned the Yankees and I'm a Phillie fan.
When I was in high school, my Economics teacher always say TINSTFL which stands for There Is No Such Thing as a Free Lunch. For today, I think the TINSTFR: There Is No Such Thing as a Free Race.
A very different looking Derby list when it comes out on Weds.
Flash foward to 2011, the previous year's 2yo Champion Male Uncle Mo went into the Wood with the confidnece that he would win. However, somebody forget to tell Toby's Corner and Arthur's Tale who went 1-2 in the Wood this year.
That's right Secretariat and Uncle Mo both finished third in the Wood. Now of course Big Red went on to win the Derby, Preakness and Belmont thus getting the Triple Crown earning him 3yo Champion Male honors as well as defending his Horse of the Year title. As for Uncle Mo, honestly I don't even think he's going to be the Derby winner, let alone the Triple Crown. He just doesn't seem to be a horse who wants to go mile and eighth let alone a mile and a quarter.
With that being said, Mo is far from the only horse to lose a race he should have won. It happens all the time when favorites lose... just not the way he lost. There is a reason why this is called horse racing and not horse walking.
As for the winner, Graham Motion is the one who is loaded now and not Todd Pletcher. Of course he won't be as loaded if Animal Kingdom skips the Derby. Kinda funny that the Englishman takes Team Valor horses away from the Texan and now the Wood. Toby is by Bellamy Road who I was not a fan of when he was running. But it helped that he was owned by George Stinebrenner who I dispised since he owned the Yankees and I'm a Phillie fan.
When I was in high school, my Economics teacher always say TINSTFL which stands for There Is No Such Thing as a Free Lunch. For today, I think the TINSTFR: There Is No Such Thing as a Free Race.
A very different looking Derby list when it comes out on Weds.
March 13, 2011
Mo was awesome, Brethren not so much
Yes people will say that he didn't beat much. Yes people say the final time was slow. However, it wasn't who he beat or how fast he ran the final time what made Uncle Mo impressive in yesterday's Timely Writer. It was how he did it. After a bump at the begging of the race, Mo went right to the lead. He did have a little challenge from Rattlesnake Bridge, but he was no match for Indian Charlie's Champion son. He galloped out beautifully as well. So what is next for Mo, "Uncle Todd" (trainer Todd Pletcher), and "Uncle Mike" (owner Mike Repole), most likely back to New York and the Wood Memorial. I wasn't a big believer before, and while I'm still not 100% on how well he'll do, I'm getting closer in believing in him. Here is the race:
While Mo had no problems with his field at Gulfstream, Brethren wasn't so lucky at Tampa. After hitting the stretch run what looked to be too early, Super Saver's little brother was run down by two longshots. The West Acre colt Watch Me Go was the upset winner over Crimson Knight and Brethren in third. It didn't help that Ramon Dominguez gave 2 stakes winners 2 bad rides (he gave Pluck a horrible ride his first prep for the 2,000 French Guineas). My guess is if Pletcher wants to follow the same prep plan that he did last year with SS, the Arkansas Derby which SS was second in will be next for Brethren. As for the winner, he'll need to prove himself if he wants to run with the likes of Uncle Mo, Soldat and others in his next race.
Here is Watch Me Go's win:
Meanwhile in California, Premier Pegasus showed that he is the real deal with an uber impressive win in the San Felipe. The Fusaichi Pegasus colt emulated his sire in winning the final prep for the SA Derby. 11 years ago on this upcoming Saturday, FuPeg won the San Felipe on his way to win the Kentucky Derby. While Pre Peg was great, Jaycito was just as good in coming from last to second. It will be a very interesting SA Derby.
While Bob Baffert must have been pleased with his new charge Jaycito's performance (considering how well Pre Peg ran), he was also concerned about Always a Princess who defeated Blind Luck in the last two legs of the La Canada series. In yesterday's Santa Margarita, the Leroidesmeux filly set the pace and was backing up as the race was ending. Sadly she had fallen at the wire, and TVG misreported that she was euthanized. As of last night, she was scheduled for surgery tomorrow (got this from Thoroughbred Champions forum), while her racing career is over, hopefully her life can be saved.
In Oaks news, Kathmanblu may finally have found a challenger. Joyful Victory won the Honeybee. Next up for her, the Fantasy during the Racing Festival weekend. That race has produced the past 3 years 2 Oaks winners, a Derby runner up, a Preakness winner, 2 Three Year Old Fillies Champions and a Horse of the Year. Of course I'm talking about Eight Belles, Rachel Alexandra and Blind Luck. In matter of fact, Joyful is compared to her late ownershipmate. I don't think it's a fair comparison because they are two completly different horses.
I will be having a post tomorrow on the Gulfstream Park Handicap winner. Why does he get his own post? Well he's about to get the respect that he rightfully deserves.
Finally, my heart goes out to those in Japan which recently suffered an 8.9 earthquake and tsunami. From what I've heard the horse racing indurstry was not that effected by what had happened due to the location of most of the farms. However, some of the training centers did recieve minimal damage I believe. I highly recommend reading Keiblog for more information.
While Mo had no problems with his field at Gulfstream, Brethren wasn't so lucky at Tampa. After hitting the stretch run what looked to be too early, Super Saver's little brother was run down by two longshots. The West Acre colt Watch Me Go was the upset winner over Crimson Knight and Brethren in third. It didn't help that Ramon Dominguez gave 2 stakes winners 2 bad rides (he gave Pluck a horrible ride his first prep for the 2,000 French Guineas). My guess is if Pletcher wants to follow the same prep plan that he did last year with SS, the Arkansas Derby which SS was second in will be next for Brethren. As for the winner, he'll need to prove himself if he wants to run with the likes of Uncle Mo, Soldat and others in his next race.
Here is Watch Me Go's win:
Meanwhile in California, Premier Pegasus showed that he is the real deal with an uber impressive win in the San Felipe. The Fusaichi Pegasus colt emulated his sire in winning the final prep for the SA Derby. 11 years ago on this upcoming Saturday, FuPeg won the San Felipe on his way to win the Kentucky Derby. While Pre Peg was great, Jaycito was just as good in coming from last to second. It will be a very interesting SA Derby.
While Bob Baffert must have been pleased with his new charge Jaycito's performance (considering how well Pre Peg ran), he was also concerned about Always a Princess who defeated Blind Luck in the last two legs of the La Canada series. In yesterday's Santa Margarita, the Leroidesmeux filly set the pace and was backing up as the race was ending. Sadly she had fallen at the wire, and TVG misreported that she was euthanized. As of last night, she was scheduled for surgery tomorrow (got this from Thoroughbred Champions forum), while her racing career is over, hopefully her life can be saved.
In Oaks news, Kathmanblu may finally have found a challenger. Joyful Victory won the Honeybee. Next up for her, the Fantasy during the Racing Festival weekend. That race has produced the past 3 years 2 Oaks winners, a Derby runner up, a Preakness winner, 2 Three Year Old Fillies Champions and a Horse of the Year. Of course I'm talking about Eight Belles, Rachel Alexandra and Blind Luck. In matter of fact, Joyful is compared to her late ownershipmate. I don't think it's a fair comparison because they are two completly different horses.
I will be having a post tomorrow on the Gulfstream Park Handicap winner. Why does he get his own post? Well he's about to get the respect that he rightfully deserves.
Finally, my heart goes out to those in Japan which recently suffered an 8.9 earthquake and tsunami. From what I've heard the horse racing indurstry was not that effected by what had happened due to the location of most of the farms. However, some of the training centers did recieve minimal damage I believe. I highly recommend reading Keiblog for more information.
February 5, 2011
Look Out Uncle Mo
In 2006 while Barbaro was winning the Kentucky Derby, a Storm Cat colt ridden by Ramon Domingez and trained by Todd Pletcher and owned by WinStar Farm was finishing in second. His name was Bluegrass Cat and he would go on to win the Haskell before finishing his career in Travers finishing second behind that year's champion Bernardini. As a stallion, Bluegrass Cat is off to a wonderful start with an Oaks favorite in Kathmanblu.
However today, his half brother Cal Nation made his debut in impressive fashion. By Distorted Humor out of the AP Indy mare She's a Winner, Cal Nation hails from one of the hottest female families in the past few years. Not only did Bluegrass Cat finish second in the Derby, but Super Saver who won last year is from the same family (She's a Winner and SS' dam Supercharger are full sisters, their full brother Girolamo won the Vosburgh last year as well). This makes CN a cousin to Super Saver's half brother Brethren who also happens to be by the 2003 winning Derby winning sire. But like Super Saver, Brethren and his brother, Cal Nation is owned by WinStar Farm and trained by Todd Pletcher.
However, dispite the title that his stablemate Uncle Mo should watch out, there are a few things that need to be cleared up. First off is history, no horse has won the Derby without starting at 2 since Apollo did it in 1882. Secondly, this was only his first start and it may have been against poor company. It will be interesting where he does go next, however he is a horse who should get better as the distances get longer. This horse could be a special one to follow this year and may well end up being the best of the Pletcher bunch.
It's going to be a fun Derby trail down in Florida that's for sure.
However today, his half brother Cal Nation made his debut in impressive fashion. By Distorted Humor out of the AP Indy mare She's a Winner, Cal Nation hails from one of the hottest female families in the past few years. Not only did Bluegrass Cat finish second in the Derby, but Super Saver who won last year is from the same family (She's a Winner and SS' dam Supercharger are full sisters, their full brother Girolamo won the Vosburgh last year as well). This makes CN a cousin to Super Saver's half brother Brethren who also happens to be by the 2003 winning Derby winning sire. But like Super Saver, Brethren and his brother, Cal Nation is owned by WinStar Farm and trained by Todd Pletcher.
However, dispite the title that his stablemate Uncle Mo should watch out, there are a few things that need to be cleared up. First off is history, no horse has won the Derby without starting at 2 since Apollo did it in 1882. Secondly, this was only his first start and it may have been against poor company. It will be interesting where he does go next, however he is a horse who should get better as the distances get longer. This horse could be a special one to follow this year and may well end up being the best of the Pletcher bunch.
It's going to be a fun Derby trail down in Florida that's for sure.
January 18, 2011
Perfect Zenalie
The road to the 2010 Horse of the Year honors will go down as one of the most heated battles ever. On one side, you have the blueblood bred Blame who won 3 G1's including the BC Classic. On the other side, you have the bluecollar bred Zenyatta who won 5 G1's was runner up in the Classic. Most people assumed that the 3 time Older Female Champ would come just a bit short for the third year in a row for the highest accolade of the night. However, it turned out that they where wrong.
Zenyatta becomes the third Female this century to win Horse of the Year honors behind Azeri and Rachel Alexandra. She also becomes the third HOY to win the award the year after winning the Classic (Cigar who lost in his defence of the Classic, but had won HOY the year before as well and Skip Away who lost HOY in 97 to Favorite Trick, but won HOY in 98 after losing the Classic to Awesome Again). Blame was a very close second, while Goldikova got more votes then people expected she would finishing in third.
While people are dispointed and upset with Blame not winning HOY, in a way it maybe a good thing he did not win. Since 1990 only 8 horses who won the Classic, have gone onto win Horse of the Year honors. Those that are left:
1990- Criminal Type (did not participate)
1993- Kotashaan (won the Turf)
1994- Holy Bull (did not participate)
1996- Cigar (3rd in the Classic)
1997- Favorite Trick (won the Juvenile)
1998- Skip Away (6th in the Classic)
1999- Charismatic (did not participate)
2001- Point Given (did not participate)
2002- Azeri (f) (Won the Distaff)
2008- Curlin (4th Classic)
2009- Rachel Alexandra (f) (did not participate)
2010- Zenyatta (f) (2nd in the Classic)
Now in Charismatic and Point Given's defence, both suffered career ending injuries. Still they did not take part in the BC their respective years. That doesn't mean Blame didn't deserve HOY, he absolutly did. But it's just a title, the horse's themselves don't care about it. In a way, too much pressure is put on the horse. Should Blame's fans be dispointed? Tt really depends on who you talk to. Him not getting Horse of the Year is not going to deminish the fact that he defeated Z on the track where it counts. His trainer Al Stall was gracious in defeat which is different from last year when Jerry & Ann Moss post awards show basically threw Rachel under the bus.
Valerie of Foolish Pleasure and Fillies First put together a nice list of Champion Females from around the world from this past year.
As for the other awards of the night:
2yo Champions: No suprise that Awesome Feather and Uncle Mo took them. Both deserved them off their wins in the BC.
3yo Champions: Again no suprise that Blind Luck (one vote away from being unanimous which I found suprising) and Lookin at Lucky won. Shame Lucky has been retired, and "Clover's" 4yo didn't start out as expected.
Older Champions: Suprised that Blame was unanimous, you would think Zenyatta would be? Nope. At least this year it was Goldikova and not some random horse like Icon Project that got the vote.
Sprinters: Not suprised by Dubai Majesty, but Big Drama was a little bit of suprise at least for me it was.
Turf: Gio Ponti was a bit of a suprise, I felt that Winchester should have won since he did defeat him. However, that was seemed to be the tone of the night. Goldi won for the Females which was no suprise at all.
Steeplechase: Slip Away which is also no suprise.
In all it was basically chalky last night. Personally I'm glad that it's finally over, Z has ridden into the sunset the ultimate champion and we can now focus on horses that will be running this year.
At least until November comes around.
Zenyatta becomes the third Female this century to win Horse of the Year honors behind Azeri and Rachel Alexandra. She also becomes the third HOY to win the award the year after winning the Classic (Cigar who lost in his defence of the Classic, but had won HOY the year before as well and Skip Away who lost HOY in 97 to Favorite Trick, but won HOY in 98 after losing the Classic to Awesome Again). Blame was a very close second, while Goldikova got more votes then people expected she would finishing in third.
While people are dispointed and upset with Blame not winning HOY, in a way it maybe a good thing he did not win. Since 1990 only 8 horses who won the Classic, have gone onto win Horse of the Year honors. Those that are left:
1990- Criminal Type (did not participate)
1993- Kotashaan (won the Turf)
1994- Holy Bull (did not participate)
1996- Cigar (3rd in the Classic)
1997- Favorite Trick (won the Juvenile)
1998- Skip Away (6th in the Classic)
1999- Charismatic (did not participate)
2001- Point Given (did not participate)
2002- Azeri (f) (Won the Distaff)
2008- Curlin (4th Classic)
2009- Rachel Alexandra (f) (did not participate)
2010- Zenyatta (f) (2nd in the Classic)
Now in Charismatic and Point Given's defence, both suffered career ending injuries. Still they did not take part in the BC their respective years. That doesn't mean Blame didn't deserve HOY, he absolutly did. But it's just a title, the horse's themselves don't care about it. In a way, too much pressure is put on the horse. Should Blame's fans be dispointed? Tt really depends on who you talk to. Him not getting Horse of the Year is not going to deminish the fact that he defeated Z on the track where it counts. His trainer Al Stall was gracious in defeat which is different from last year when Jerry & Ann Moss post awards show basically threw Rachel under the bus.
Valerie of Foolish Pleasure and Fillies First put together a nice list of Champion Females from around the world from this past year.
As for the other awards of the night:
2yo Champions: No suprise that Awesome Feather and Uncle Mo took them. Both deserved them off their wins in the BC.
3yo Champions: Again no suprise that Blind Luck (one vote away from being unanimous which I found suprising) and Lookin at Lucky won. Shame Lucky has been retired, and "Clover's" 4yo didn't start out as expected.
Older Champions: Suprised that Blame was unanimous, you would think Zenyatta would be? Nope. At least this year it was Goldikova and not some random horse like Icon Project that got the vote.
Sprinters: Not suprised by Dubai Majesty, but Big Drama was a little bit of suprise at least for me it was.
Turf: Gio Ponti was a bit of a suprise, I felt that Winchester should have won since he did defeat him. However, that was seemed to be the tone of the night. Goldi won for the Females which was no suprise at all.
Steeplechase: Slip Away which is also no suprise.
In all it was basically chalky last night. Personally I'm glad that it's finally over, Z has ridden into the sunset the ultimate champion and we can now focus on horses that will be running this year.
At least until November comes around.
January 2, 2011
Horses to Look Foward To in 2011
Well welcome to 2011! I for one am happy that 2010 is finally over and that we can look ahead to this year's Triple Crown and beyond.
Here are some of the horses that I'm looking foward to seeing this year, all of these horses are three and up.
Dixon Lane (Pulpit)- His half sisters are graded stakes winners and his niece will go down as one of the best 3yo's of all time. Dixon Lane has some big shoes to fill for Steve Asmussen. Two years after Curlin and a year after his niece Rachel Alexandra. He's made all of his starts on turf so far, but being by Pulpit I would not be suprised to see him on dirt soon.
Souper Spectacular (Giant's Causeway)- His half sisters are G1 winners with one of them being one of the best horses of all time. Luckly for this Seth Benzel trainee, he can make his own name out of the shadows of his sisters Balance and Zenyatta. His career started on the dirt before moving to turf. He was 4th in his first stakes try, look for him to improve that next time out.
Blind Luck (Pollard's Vision) vs Havre de Grace (Saint Liam)- I'm fully looking foward to Round 5 in this rivalry. Right now it's "Clover" (a name giving by her breeder's daughter) 3 Grace 1, although it's really 2-1 since neither of them won that fourth meeting. Although Grace will be having a new trainer in Larry Jones, I will still think that Jerry Hollendorfer will send his charge to Oaklawn like he did last year.
Giant Oak (Giant's Causeway)- Okay so he finally got over his losing streak, but not actually crossing the wire first. Still his Clark was one of the most impressive losses (or wins depending on what way you look at it) in a way. Hopefully this Chris Block trainee can keep things together and we'll see him in the winner's circle more often in the future.
Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie), Brethren (Distorted Humor), R Heat Lightning (Trippi)- Last year Todd Pletcher finally got over the hump by winning the Derby. Now Uncle Mo could be the best chance to win the Triple Crown, however not if Super Saver's little brother has anysay. Brethren is undefeated and more importantly like his brother did when he was 2, he has a win at Churchill. In matter of fact as the year goes on I expect him to slowly creep onto everybody's radar and Uncle Mo to slip considerbly. It's very hard for a 2yo champion to show the same form they did as a 3yo. Mo is up against it. As for RHL, I don't think she'll be an Oaks contender, however she will fill the void that was left with the retirements of Dubai Majesty and Gabby's Golden Gal (who where recently sold to Japanese connections).
Switch (Quiet American)- While R Heat Lightning is facing 3yo's, John Sadler filly should take the early lead in the Sprinting ranks. She almost set a track record in the La Brea (which was eventually set by her stablemate Twirling Candy). However, dispite how souped up the track this is a filly with a future. She could have some challenges by Glided Gem (who is 1/2 to the dam of Droysselmeyer), but she should blow away the Sprint division.
That's it for now. As the year goes on, there will be more horses that pop up. But for now, these are the ones that I'm most looking foward to.
Here are some of the horses that I'm looking foward to seeing this year, all of these horses are three and up.
Dixon Lane (Pulpit)- His half sisters are graded stakes winners and his niece will go down as one of the best 3yo's of all time. Dixon Lane has some big shoes to fill for Steve Asmussen. Two years after Curlin and a year after his niece Rachel Alexandra. He's made all of his starts on turf so far, but being by Pulpit I would not be suprised to see him on dirt soon.
Souper Spectacular (Giant's Causeway)- His half sisters are G1 winners with one of them being one of the best horses of all time. Luckly for this Seth Benzel trainee, he can make his own name out of the shadows of his sisters Balance and Zenyatta. His career started on the dirt before moving to turf. He was 4th in his first stakes try, look for him to improve that next time out.
Blind Luck (Pollard's Vision) vs Havre de Grace (Saint Liam)- I'm fully looking foward to Round 5 in this rivalry. Right now it's "Clover" (a name giving by her breeder's daughter) 3 Grace 1, although it's really 2-1 since neither of them won that fourth meeting. Although Grace will be having a new trainer in Larry Jones, I will still think that Jerry Hollendorfer will send his charge to Oaklawn like he did last year.
Giant Oak (Giant's Causeway)- Okay so he finally got over his losing streak, but not actually crossing the wire first. Still his Clark was one of the most impressive losses (or wins depending on what way you look at it) in a way. Hopefully this Chris Block trainee can keep things together and we'll see him in the winner's circle more often in the future.
Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie), Brethren (Distorted Humor), R Heat Lightning (Trippi)- Last year Todd Pletcher finally got over the hump by winning the Derby. Now Uncle Mo could be the best chance to win the Triple Crown, however not if Super Saver's little brother has anysay. Brethren is undefeated and more importantly like his brother did when he was 2, he has a win at Churchill. In matter of fact as the year goes on I expect him to slowly creep onto everybody's radar and Uncle Mo to slip considerbly. It's very hard for a 2yo champion to show the same form they did as a 3yo. Mo is up against it. As for RHL, I don't think she'll be an Oaks contender, however she will fill the void that was left with the retirements of Dubai Majesty and Gabby's Golden Gal (who where recently sold to Japanese connections).
Switch (Quiet American)- While R Heat Lightning is facing 3yo's, John Sadler filly should take the early lead in the Sprinting ranks. She almost set a track record in the La Brea (which was eventually set by her stablemate Twirling Candy). However, dispite how souped up the track this is a filly with a future. She could have some challenges by Glided Gem (who is 1/2 to the dam of Droysselmeyer), but she should blow away the Sprint division.
That's it for now. As the year goes on, there will be more horses that pop up. But for now, these are the ones that I'm most looking foward to.
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