Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
That's more like it
I had a sneaking suspicion that my luck at picking horses earlier this season was nothing more than that...luck. Alas, my hunch turned out to be true. I seem to have returned to my usual position of being usually wrong, with a few flashes of burning insight and the occasional "sure thing" pulling through for me. Let's start our weekend recap with the most heartening of performances.
Dubai World Cup
Having finished 3rd, 1st and 2nd respectively in America's three classic races, having compiled an overall race record of 6-1-2 in 9 previous lifetime races, which includes a win in the prestigious Breeder's Cup Classic, and having been named America's champion 3-year old male and Horse of the Year of 2007, one might question if Curlin had anything left to prove. Here in America he'd already been crowned king, but he still had to prove to the world that he was the best...the greatest...the finest piece of horseflesh prancing upon our tiny globe.
He did not disappoint.
Coming around the curve at the Dubai track, seemingly neck and neck with front runners Well Armed and Asiatic Boy, I have to admit I was concerned for a moment. Paused with the two leaders, having yet to switch his leads properly, the champion looked poised either for a romp or a complete failure. And then, seconds later, a collective sigh of relief could be sensed from thousands waiting with baited breath everywhere from Dubai to California. Drawing away from his opponents with relative ease, Curlin drove forward to win by 7 and 3/4 lengths, the largest margin in the history of the world's richest race.
And he made it look like a walk in the paddock.
None of my other picks even came close to the money horses, but really, who cares? This wasn't meant to be their race. Hell, it wasn't even meant to be the race of the two quality horses that Curlin left in his dust at the head of the stretch. This race belonged to Curlin, and we must thank him for giving us the experience.
Photo: Taken from The Aspiring Horseplayer
Florida Derby
What. The. Heck.
I sat there on my purple couch, watching my favorite Fierce Wind cruising to the rear, and said aloud, "Oh, that's not good." He finished 10th, which is at least one place better than my other favorite, Elysium Fields, who finished 11th in the twelve horse field. I'd call that a perfect storm of suckage. However, I shall try to be kind and not let my emotions take ahold of me and take away from the triumphs of those colts who actually did manage to finish in the money.
Big Brown made himself a perfect three for three with his romp in the Florida Derby. I have to admit, I never saw it coming. I just don't like speed horses this late in spring. I don't trust them to "go all the way". But you gotta admit that Big Brown has class. Unfortunately, it's the kind of class that puts me in mind of Bellamy Road. Remember him from a few years back? No, not really. Case rested.
Meanwhile, Smooth Air put in a nice performance finishing second, and likely buying himself enough graded earnings for a shot at the roses. Tomcito, the Peruvian mystery, was my sole good call. I was actually angry at the commentators before the race who were knocking him. I believe it was Randy Moss who said something along the lines of, "Of course he's never faced the caliber of horses we have here today." Oh, really? How do you know? I'm sorry, that's a tad Amero-centric of you. Maybe Peruvian stakes horses are not exactly the quality of American stakes horses, but South American wonders from the past have proved that this prejudice is mostly unfounded. Certainly, you'd have to admit that Peruvian stakes horses are at least as good as high quality American allowance horses...which is the most that winner and pre-race favorite Big Brown had ever faced previously. Tomcito proved that he had every right to be in this company, and if this hadn't been his first start in a new country (and his first start of 2008), I think he might seriously have given the eventual winner a run for his money.
You go Mystery Horse.
1. Fierce Wind- 10th
2. Elysium Fields- 11th
3. Tomcito- 3rd
And another thing? I still like Fierce Wind and Elysium Fields. I don't know what was up with the former's non-performance, but the way he was slipping steadily towards the back of the pack in mid-race did not look at all normal to me. I would not be surprised if, in the next few days, he turns up injured or sick. Unfortunately, there is absolutely zero chance of him being able to make the graded earnings necessary for a shot at the Derby this year. There goes another RttR slot wasted. As for Elysium Fields, I have absolutely no excuses. He got beat, and I don't know why. But I'm willing to give him another chance. Just one, mind you.
Shirley Jones
For the first time in a long time, a Malibu Moon has let me down. Sugar Swirl, who looked like the class of the race going into it, proved that she was. Baroness Thatcher backed up her dismal recent allowance performance with a second place finish I didn't think she had in her (honestly, I though she was on the slow decline to the breeding shed...my bad). Shaggy Mane put in a good performance, setting an honest pace and holding on to finish third. And Moon Catcher...sigh...can we just get this over with?
1. Mooncatcher- last
2. Sugar Swirl- 1st
3. Shaggy Mane- 3rd
Bonnie Miss
I know I didn't profile this one, but I feel the need to somehow make up for my otherwise crappy weekend. You'll just have to trust me that I liked She's All Eltish, who came in for the win. Really, I swear.
In other news
- Happy Birthday Secretariat. Did you happen to catch that monster chestnut taking on the world and winning with style yesterday? Yeah, I thought you might.
Dubai World CupHaving finished 3rd, 1st and 2nd respectively in America's three classic races, having compiled an overall race record of 6-1-2 in 9 previous lifetime races, which includes a win in the prestigious Breeder's Cup Classic, and having been named America's champion 3-year old male and Horse of the Year of 2007, one might question if Curlin had anything left to prove. Here in America he'd already been crowned king, but he still had to prove to the world that he was the best...the greatest...the finest piece of horseflesh prancing upon our tiny globe.
He did not disappoint.
Coming around the curve at the Dubai track, seemingly neck and neck with front runners Well Armed and Asiatic Boy, I have to admit I was concerned for a moment. Paused with the two leaders, having yet to switch his leads properly, the champion looked poised either for a romp or a complete failure. And then, seconds later, a collective sigh of relief could be sensed from thousands waiting with baited breath everywhere from Dubai to California. Drawing away from his opponents with relative ease, Curlin drove forward to win by 7 and 3/4 lengths, the largest margin in the history of the world's richest race.
And he made it look like a walk in the paddock.
None of my other picks even came close to the money horses, but really, who cares? This wasn't meant to be their race. Hell, it wasn't even meant to be the race of the two quality horses that Curlin left in his dust at the head of the stretch. This race belonged to Curlin, and we must thank him for giving us the experience.
Photo: Taken from The Aspiring Horseplayer
Florida Derby
What. The. Heck.
I sat there on my purple couch, watching my favorite Fierce Wind cruising to the rear, and said aloud, "Oh, that's not good." He finished 10th, which is at least one place better than my other favorite, Elysium Fields, who finished 11th in the twelve horse field. I'd call that a perfect storm of suckage. However, I shall try to be kind and not let my emotions take ahold of me and take away from the triumphs of those colts who actually did manage to finish in the money.
Big Brown made himself a perfect three for three with his romp in the Florida Derby. I have to admit, I never saw it coming. I just don't like speed horses this late in spring. I don't trust them to "go all the way". But you gotta admit that Big Brown has class. Unfortunately, it's the kind of class that puts me in mind of Bellamy Road. Remember him from a few years back? No, not really. Case rested.
Meanwhile, Smooth Air put in a nice performance finishing second, and likely buying himself enough graded earnings for a shot at the roses. Tomcito, the Peruvian mystery, was my sole good call. I was actually angry at the commentators before the race who were knocking him. I believe it was Randy Moss who said something along the lines of, "Of course he's never faced the caliber of horses we have here today." Oh, really? How do you know? I'm sorry, that's a tad Amero-centric of you. Maybe Peruvian stakes horses are not exactly the quality of American stakes horses, but South American wonders from the past have proved that this prejudice is mostly unfounded. Certainly, you'd have to admit that Peruvian stakes horses are at least as good as high quality American allowance horses...which is the most that winner and pre-race favorite Big Brown had ever faced previously. Tomcito proved that he had every right to be in this company, and if this hadn't been his first start in a new country (and his first start of 2008), I think he might seriously have given the eventual winner a run for his money.
You go Mystery Horse.
1. Fierce Wind- 10th
2. Elysium Fields- 11th
3. Tomcito- 3rd
And another thing? I still like Fierce Wind and Elysium Fields. I don't know what was up with the former's non-performance, but the way he was slipping steadily towards the back of the pack in mid-race did not look at all normal to me. I would not be surprised if, in the next few days, he turns up injured or sick. Unfortunately, there is absolutely zero chance of him being able to make the graded earnings necessary for a shot at the Derby this year. There goes another RttR slot wasted. As for Elysium Fields, I have absolutely no excuses. He got beat, and I don't know why. But I'm willing to give him another chance. Just one, mind you.
Shirley Jones
For the first time in a long time, a Malibu Moon has let me down. Sugar Swirl, who looked like the class of the race going into it, proved that she was. Baroness Thatcher backed up her dismal recent allowance performance with a second place finish I didn't think she had in her (honestly, I though she was on the slow decline to the breeding shed...my bad). Shaggy Mane put in a good performance, setting an honest pace and holding on to finish third. And Moon Catcher...sigh...can we just get this over with?
1. Mooncatcher- last
2. Sugar Swirl- 1st
3. Shaggy Mane- 3rd
Bonnie Miss
I know I didn't profile this one, but I feel the need to somehow make up for my otherwise crappy weekend. You'll just have to trust me that I liked She's All Eltish, who came in for the win. Really, I swear.
In other news
- Happy Birthday Secretariat. Did you happen to catch that monster chestnut taking on the world and winning with style yesterday? Yeah, I thought you might.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Let's get ready to RUMBLE!
With this Saturday marking D-35 until the Kentucky Derby, things are certainly getting hot around here. But not as hot as for:
The Duel in the Desert!!
(a.k.a. the Dubai World Cup)
For this race we have a case of taking Curlin out of the mix, and figuring the exacta. I know, I know...a whole bunch of us were doing this very same thing with the Tampa Bay Derby, and look what happened there. Maybe I've just bought in to all the hype, but I seriously don't see Curlin losing. Mind you, if he does, it will be to some fairly stiff international competition.
Sway Yed has got a pedigree I've never even heard of, which may account for why he's 7 years old, still a horse, and not living the life of Riley as a sire. Since 2005 he's never been worse than second (in 10 starts), has never raced less than 1 mile 1/8, and has excelled in both stakes and allowance company. Whoo, boy.
Well Armed gets props for coming in ahead of Heatseeker twice recently, but he's primarily a CA horse and if the switch from the California synthetic tracks doesn't get him, the travel likely will. I would have liked to see him race a little over there first.
Happy Boy seems comparatively outclassed here, and more of a turf specialist. Sorry, I can back only one South American per week, and he's not it.
Kocab at least has a pedigree I can recognize and admire. But his last win, though nice, was only over allowance company. Before that he seems to have struggled.
I really like Great Hunter, but he's already let me down several times this year. I'm afraid he may be losing his touch.
I love Premium Tap. I mean that. He's the definition of a consistent horse. Love him. Loved his daddy way back when. Loved his mommy's daddy even before that. Had him in my trifecta for this race last year, and that panned out well. He may be getting up there in years and not be at the top of his game, but he's never let me down yet. Until he does, he's got a devoted fan.
Vermillion looks like a killer. I question the ability of any dirt horse coming out of Japan, and especially with El Condor Pasa on top. He completely failed in this race last year. He seems to have done well for himself since then, but a close examination of his recent close rivals brings into question why the same names keep coming up again and again. Fighting your friends on your home turf is not like fighting foreign monsters in another country.
Count me among the many who think Jalil is overrated. You'd never catch me spending $9.7 million on any horse. However, he is pretty hard to fault. There's no indication to me that his competition has been anything but top level, and he's won his last three tolerably well. He's had a prep in Dubai, which is more than I can say for most of the outsiders taking a chance here.
Asiatic Boy is a quality horse, but he's never run 10 furlongs before. I need something to whittle down this high class field, and that's enough. Plus I did say I'm backing only one South American this weekend.
Lucky Find gave me a pause. He has the classic look to me of a horse that tried too hard last out, and could easily come back well today. Then I realized that I was coming to the outside posts in my list. Hmmm...nope.
Seriously, how many horses are in this race?
Gloria de Campeao also will not be able to overcome the outside post. Not with so many other good horses who could do it better than him in the race.
Curlin, of course, is next. He requires no analysis.
A.P. Arrow rounds out the field. He's also a pretty boy. I saw a photo of him this week and assumed it was Curlin, then I realized the face markings were totally wrong. Love the pedigree. Not so hot on the second place to Spring at Last in the less than breathtaking Donn Handicap.
1. Curlin
2. Sway Yed
3. Jalil
And because I'm treating this race analysis as if Curlin weren't even there:
4. Premium Tap
And if that's not enough to get you excited, we also have the:
Florida Derby
This one starts off as a pretty easy pick because two of my RttR stable horses are in the race, and I wouldn't have picked them if I didn't think they were among the top 3-year olds in the country. My only concern in this race was who to put on top; the hard knocking Elysium Fields (El Prado-Dreams, by Silver Hawk) or the impressive three for three Fierce Wind (Dixie Union-Post Parade, by A.P. Indy). I was leaning towards Fierce Wind because Big Truck (fast closing second to Fierce Wind in the Sam F. Davis Stakes) just flattered Fierce Wind with his Tampa Bay Derby win. Then the colt drove all questions from my mind by putting in a 46.80 four furlong workout. There you go, exacta determined.
The question remains, which of the numerous fine animals making an appearance in this race can I use to fill out my trifecta?
A lot of attention recently has been paid to allowance company superstars Big Brown (Boundary-Mien, by Nureyev) and Hey Burn (Put it Back-Restaining Order, by Skip Trial). The former is unbeaten in his 2 lifetime starts, with a combined total win margin of 24 lengths. This will be his first shot at stakes company, and his first time on normal dirt. Meanwhile, Hey Burn has won his last two by a combined margin of 20.5 lengths. He's been in stakes company previously, but could only manage a place and 4th. Both of these colts are obviously far above and beyond the quality of the allowance competition they've been facing. Both look likely to have a breakout performance in this race. Both have sires who's classic producing potential is iffy. In essence, I see nothing to separate the two. They are complete equals in my mind, and I can't back either of them. I dunno, I just get the feeling that they cosmically cancel each other out or something. Also, I think it's late in the year to be meeting your first real stakes competition, and given the depth of quality in the Florida Derby field, I think they're going to be outclassed.
Also making a well deserved jump up from allowance company are: Nistle's Crunch, who was 3rd in a turf stakes previously and won a 1 and 1/8 mile allowance race his last out, B B Frank, who came in second to Nistle's Crunch in his recent allowance win, Cool Gator, who scored the show in the same race, and Face the Cat (still a Helen Pitts trainee!), who last out won a 1 mile allowance race in January over the likes of...wait for it...Nistle's Crunch. And if you can unweave that tangle of horses, more power to you. Just keep repeating to yourself, "There is no transitive property of handicapping".
Smooth Air has some real stakes experience, he finished 3rd behind Fierce Wind and Big Truck in the 1 mile 1/8 Sam F. Davis Stakes. He was also first in the 7f Hutchenson. That would generally be enough to put him at the top of my list, but after seeing his races, I honestly think he's more of a 7-8f horse in general. Majestic Warrior has also seen stakes competition, but has failed to live up to pretty much anyone's expectations of him this year.
And then there's Tomcito (Street Cry-Inside Or Outside, by Eastern Echo). What do we know about this Peruvian invader? Bred in Kentucky, from an Irish stallion whose progeny took the roses last year. We don't know who he's faced or the depth of their quality. What we do know is that he's raced 5 times in his life and finished first four times (he has a single place finish). That he's raced and won at everything from 5.5 furlongs to a mile and a half. That his 4 wins give him a combined total margin of 39 1/4 lengths (that's an average of 9 and 3/4 lengths between him and the place horse). That he's faced older competition (because of South American standards), and stakes competition at that. And that his connections thought enough of him to risk shipping him all this way for a chance at America's classic race. Oh, did I mention he worked a bullet 5 furlongs last week?
Give me a button that says "I Like the Mystery Horse."
1. Fierce Wind
2. Elysium Fields
3. Tomcito
Shirley Jones Stakes
I know, why am I not profiling the Palm Beach Stakes? It's got 3-year old colts? Because I don't believe any of the contestants have a chance at the Derby. Plus, this race just looks more interesting. I'm not going to say much (I'm tired of typing as it is) except to say that I always back a Malibu Moon colt or filly when I can. Seeing as how she hasn't appeared since winning the Maryland Million Oaks last October, Moon Catcher is bound to be a hefty price, and she's got my vote. I'm also a fan of Shaggy Mane, who I think likes the track. Sugar Swirl is clearly the horse to beat, let's see if any of these girls can top her.
1. Moon Catcher
2. Sugar Swirl
3. Shaggy Mane
The Duel in the Desert!!
(a.k.a. the Dubai World Cup)
For this race we have a case of taking Curlin out of the mix, and figuring the exacta. I know, I know...a whole bunch of us were doing this very same thing with the Tampa Bay Derby, and look what happened there. Maybe I've just bought in to all the hype, but I seriously don't see Curlin losing. Mind you, if he does, it will be to some fairly stiff international competition.
Sway Yed has got a pedigree I've never even heard of, which may account for why he's 7 years old, still a horse, and not living the life of Riley as a sire. Since 2005 he's never been worse than second (in 10 starts), has never raced less than 1 mile 1/8, and has excelled in both stakes and allowance company. Whoo, boy.
Well Armed gets props for coming in ahead of Heatseeker twice recently, but he's primarily a CA horse and if the switch from the California synthetic tracks doesn't get him, the travel likely will. I would have liked to see him race a little over there first.
Happy Boy seems comparatively outclassed here, and more of a turf specialist. Sorry, I can back only one South American per week, and he's not it.
Kocab at least has a pedigree I can recognize and admire. But his last win, though nice, was only over allowance company. Before that he seems to have struggled.
I really like Great Hunter, but he's already let me down several times this year. I'm afraid he may be losing his touch.
I love Premium Tap. I mean that. He's the definition of a consistent horse. Love him. Loved his daddy way back when. Loved his mommy's daddy even before that. Had him in my trifecta for this race last year, and that panned out well. He may be getting up there in years and not be at the top of his game, but he's never let me down yet. Until he does, he's got a devoted fan.
Vermillion looks like a killer. I question the ability of any dirt horse coming out of Japan, and especially with El Condor Pasa on top. He completely failed in this race last year. He seems to have done well for himself since then, but a close examination of his recent close rivals brings into question why the same names keep coming up again and again. Fighting your friends on your home turf is not like fighting foreign monsters in another country.
Count me among the many who think Jalil is overrated. You'd never catch me spending $9.7 million on any horse. However, he is pretty hard to fault. There's no indication to me that his competition has been anything but top level, and he's won his last three tolerably well. He's had a prep in Dubai, which is more than I can say for most of the outsiders taking a chance here.
Asiatic Boy is a quality horse, but he's never run 10 furlongs before. I need something to whittle down this high class field, and that's enough. Plus I did say I'm backing only one South American this weekend.
Lucky Find gave me a pause. He has the classic look to me of a horse that tried too hard last out, and could easily come back well today. Then I realized that I was coming to the outside posts in my list. Hmmm...nope.
Seriously, how many horses are in this race?
Gloria de Campeao also will not be able to overcome the outside post. Not with so many other good horses who could do it better than him in the race.
Curlin, of course, is next. He requires no analysis.
A.P. Arrow rounds out the field. He's also a pretty boy. I saw a photo of him this week and assumed it was Curlin, then I realized the face markings were totally wrong. Love the pedigree. Not so hot on the second place to Spring at Last in the less than breathtaking Donn Handicap.
1. Curlin
2. Sway Yed
3. Jalil
And because I'm treating this race analysis as if Curlin weren't even there:
4. Premium Tap
And if that's not enough to get you excited, we also have the:
Florida Derby
This one starts off as a pretty easy pick because two of my RttR stable horses are in the race, and I wouldn't have picked them if I didn't think they were among the top 3-year olds in the country. My only concern in this race was who to put on top; the hard knocking Elysium Fields (El Prado-Dreams, by Silver Hawk) or the impressive three for three Fierce Wind (Dixie Union-Post Parade, by A.P. Indy). I was leaning towards Fierce Wind because Big Truck (fast closing second to Fierce Wind in the Sam F. Davis Stakes) just flattered Fierce Wind with his Tampa Bay Derby win. Then the colt drove all questions from my mind by putting in a 46.80 four furlong workout. There you go, exacta determined.
The question remains, which of the numerous fine animals making an appearance in this race can I use to fill out my trifecta?
A lot of attention recently has been paid to allowance company superstars Big Brown (Boundary-Mien, by Nureyev) and Hey Burn (Put it Back-Restaining Order, by Skip Trial). The former is unbeaten in his 2 lifetime starts, with a combined total win margin of 24 lengths. This will be his first shot at stakes company, and his first time on normal dirt. Meanwhile, Hey Burn has won his last two by a combined margin of 20.5 lengths. He's been in stakes company previously, but could only manage a place and 4th. Both of these colts are obviously far above and beyond the quality of the allowance competition they've been facing. Both look likely to have a breakout performance in this race. Both have sires who's classic producing potential is iffy. In essence, I see nothing to separate the two. They are complete equals in my mind, and I can't back either of them. I dunno, I just get the feeling that they cosmically cancel each other out or something. Also, I think it's late in the year to be meeting your first real stakes competition, and given the depth of quality in the Florida Derby field, I think they're going to be outclassed.
Also making a well deserved jump up from allowance company are: Nistle's Crunch, who was 3rd in a turf stakes previously and won a 1 and 1/8 mile allowance race his last out, B B Frank, who came in second to Nistle's Crunch in his recent allowance win, Cool Gator, who scored the show in the same race, and Face the Cat (still a Helen Pitts trainee!), who last out won a 1 mile allowance race in January over the likes of...wait for it...Nistle's Crunch. And if you can unweave that tangle of horses, more power to you. Just keep repeating to yourself, "There is no transitive property of handicapping".
Smooth Air has some real stakes experience, he finished 3rd behind Fierce Wind and Big Truck in the 1 mile 1/8 Sam F. Davis Stakes. He was also first in the 7f Hutchenson. That would generally be enough to put him at the top of my list, but after seeing his races, I honestly think he's more of a 7-8f horse in general. Majestic Warrior has also seen stakes competition, but has failed to live up to pretty much anyone's expectations of him this year.
And then there's Tomcito (Street Cry-Inside Or Outside, by Eastern Echo). What do we know about this Peruvian invader? Bred in Kentucky, from an Irish stallion whose progeny took the roses last year. We don't know who he's faced or the depth of their quality. What we do know is that he's raced 5 times in his life and finished first four times (he has a single place finish). That he's raced and won at everything from 5.5 furlongs to a mile and a half. That his 4 wins give him a combined total margin of 39 1/4 lengths (that's an average of 9 and 3/4 lengths between him and the place horse). That he's faced older competition (because of South American standards), and stakes competition at that. And that his connections thought enough of him to risk shipping him all this way for a chance at America's classic race. Oh, did I mention he worked a bullet 5 furlongs last week?
Give me a button that says "I Like the Mystery Horse."
1. Fierce Wind
2. Elysium Fields
3. Tomcito
Shirley Jones Stakes
I know, why am I not profiling the Palm Beach Stakes? It's got 3-year old colts? Because I don't believe any of the contestants have a chance at the Derby. Plus, this race just looks more interesting. I'm not going to say much (I'm tired of typing as it is) except to say that I always back a Malibu Moon colt or filly when I can. Seeing as how she hasn't appeared since winning the Maryland Million Oaks last October, Moon Catcher is bound to be a hefty price, and she's got my vote. I'm also a fan of Shaggy Mane, who I think likes the track. Sugar Swirl is clearly the horse to beat, let's see if any of these girls can top her.
1. Moon Catcher
2. Sugar Swirl
3. Shaggy Mane
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Caption this photo
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Curlin: Oh yeah! I am the stuff!Grey Lead Pony: Ugh! Gag me with a spoon.
News on the wire is that Curlin has drawn post 12 of 13 for the Dubai World Cup Saturday. Will it have any effect on his performance? I'm thinking no. I am more sure of his victory this year than I was of Invasor's last year. Mind you, the last time I felt this assured of a horse's performance was when Lost in the Fog failed to fire in the Breeder's Cup Sprint. You can put that one in the file of "races that broke my heart." There are just too many high class races in Dubai this weekend, with too many good foreign horses in them for me to focus on any race but this one. And I am apparently not alone in my enthusiasm. However, it has yet to inspire me to make Rocky references.
In other news
- Denis of Cork (Harlan's Holiday-Unbridled Girl, by Unbridled), recent impressive winner of the Southwest Stakes whose connections felt he needed a bit of a layoff afterwards, may not be able to enter the Wood Memorial (g.I) in New York because of "travel complications." Apparently his trainer is having problems arranging for a plane and doesn't want to keep his horse in a van for upwards of 16 hours. Okay, I've had horses...and I've had my share of trailering issues...so I get not wanting to push the horse into an unhappy situation. But are you telling me there are no friendly farms between Arkansas and New York where the driver and his charge couldn't get a night's rest before moving on to the Empire State? I'm thinking Denis' problem is not the drive but a bogie named War Pass; not to mention Court Vision, Giant Moon, Tale of Ekati and Texas Wildcatter...all probable starters for the Wood. Denis' connections now appear to be pointing him towards the Illinois Derby. Who's in that you ask? Well since Denis' stablemate Blackberry Road will now be scratched in favor of appearing in the Arkansas Derby (and why is Denis not just sticking around for that, I wonder), the answer is....ummm...no one.
- The owners of recently retired Rags to Riches have agreed to donate their royalties from the sales of the Breyer model horse in the image of their Champion filly to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Wait a minute...Rags to Riches has her own Breyer model? Sorry, must stop blogging now and go buy one. Who am I to argue with charity?
Photo: Dubai Racing Club
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Thanks for the memories
The sad news this morning is that champion Rags to Riches (A.P. Indy-Better Than Honor, by Distorted Humor) has been retired and is booked to first class Storm Cat son Giant's Causeway. Retiring with a record of 5-1-0 from 7 starts, which included impressive wins in the Kentucky Oaks (g.I), over the likes of Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies and Champion 2-year old female Dreaming of Anna, and the Santa Anita Oaks (g.I). And of course, there was her history making win over eventual Horse of the Year Curlin in the 2007 Belmont Stakes, where she went eye to eye with some of the most talented colts in America for a mile and a half and made her name as only the third filly to ever win that classic race (and the only one to win it at that distance). She was sidelined last year after fracturing her pastern in the Gazelle Stakes (g.I), which race remains her lone second place, to high quality older mare Lear's Princess. All signs pointed to her triumphant return to Todd Pletcher's stable this season, and a work several days ago seemed to show her in fine form. However, it was not to be. She re-injured her leg and her connections decided to take advantage of the breeding season while they still could.I do love a good filly, and I will never forget this one. How could I? The image of her battling down the stretch at Belmont with a game partner by her side is seared into my memory forever. I'll never forget my husband's comment at the end of it.
"They should breed."
I had to explain that they shared broodmare sires and that it probably wouldn't be advisable. Before I got into horse racing blogging I thought I was the only person who ever sat down with a stallion register and tried to pick out a worthy match for Rags to Riches. I had thought something in the Unbridled line would suit her well. Giant's Causeway will no doubt do fine, but I feel he brings too much grass into a pedigree made to go the US classic distances on dirt. Additionally, their offspring will be inbred 5x5 to Secretariat and to Blushing Groom. That's a little close for my comfort, but whatever. We can't all be complete outcrosses.
Meanwhile, with her dam having now produced two consecutive Belmont winners, and a potential third in Casino Drive (Mineshaft), we can expect equally great things from her champion daughter.
Good luck in the bluegrass my darling. You will be missed.
- Did anyone else catch Fierce Wind's most recent work? Four furlongs in 46 and change! Thank you for cementing yourself in place on top of Elysium Fields for my picks this coming weekend.
- Pepper's Pride (Desert God-Lady Pepper, by Chili Pepper), a New Mexico bred racing primarily in state-bred races just won the Sydney Valentini Handicap to remain unbeaten in 15 lifetime starts. As such, she's brought her lifetime winnings up to $816,665 and, should she be able to hang on for just one more race, will have tied the modern Thoroughbred record of 16 unbeaten starts and share title with such racing greats as Citation, Cigar, Mister Frisky and Hallowed Dreams.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter Re-cap
Good morning! I hope everyone's enjoying their peeps (mine are purple!). Hey, can anyone tell me why Ben-Hur is not playing on any TV stations this whole weekend? Last night The Ten Commandments was on two different stations at the exact same time, but no Ben-Hur. How can you not show Ben-Hur at Easter time? I'm probably the least religious person you'd ever find, but I like me a good Charlton Heston epic film. Plus, its main feature is horse racing, how can you go wrong? Sport of kings indeed. Speaking of which, I didn't win anything this weekend, but I don't think that I did half bad with these races (which seemed fairly open to begin with).
Lane's End Stakes
Adriano (A.P. Indy) became the next turf star to successfully transition to polytrack. He was eased at the finish, having had an absolutely lovely trip around the oval. I won't take anything away from this guy, but I don't think he's Derby material. He absolutely flopped on dirt during the Fountain of Youth. Not far behind him in second was Halo Najib (Halo's Image), who pretty much has to give up his Derby hopes after this. And in third was Medjool.
Okay, I've read several recaps of the race, I've read a bunch of bloggers responses to the race and no one, I mean no one, is talking about this horse. Maybe I'm biased because I thought he had a good chance at winning, but I seriously thought he put in a stellar performance in this race. He was 3 wide through the first turn, settled nicely, challenged going into the second turn (perhaps a tad early), was 5 wide (actually 6, given the large gaps between horses) coming around the final turn, was held out in the middle of the track by the horse just inside him (when he was obviously trying to get in and save ground), and still hung on for a game third. Not bad for a mere allowance winner previously. I said I thought he was a horse just about to break out of his shell...mark my words...give him even a moderately clean trip and he will.
That being said, I have serious concerns about his ability to run on real dirt as well, and at this point it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that he could never get the graded earnings necessary for a shot at the Derby. Ah, well.
1. Medjool- 3rd
2. Cannonball- 6th
3. Halo Najib- 2nd
Rushaway Stakes
Ho hum...do we really care about the outcome of this race? I was busy entertaining my parents with cheeses and other delectable foodstuffs while it was on and it thoroughly failed to grab my attention. That's saying something. Turns out Big Glen (Cactus Ridge) took it from favored Miner's Claim (Mineshaft), who himself proved that he could come back from his career two wins at two to put in a good performance today. I have no excuses for my poor performance in handicapping, except for the fact that maybe I just didn't care enough.
1. Tejano's Eliminator- 6th
2. Big Glen- 1st
3. Targe- 5th
Let's just forget this week. And that's soooo easy to do, because next week is gonna be a doozy: the Palm Beach Stakes (g.III), the Bonnie Miss (g.II), the hotly contested Florida Derby (g.I) and, of course, the official return of Curlin in the Dubai World Cup (g.I). Put on your lucky racing caps, the season is about to begin.
Lane's End Stakes
Adriano (A.P. Indy) became the next turf star to successfully transition to polytrack. He was eased at the finish, having had an absolutely lovely trip around the oval. I won't take anything away from this guy, but I don't think he's Derby material. He absolutely flopped on dirt during the Fountain of Youth. Not far behind him in second was Halo Najib (Halo's Image), who pretty much has to give up his Derby hopes after this. And in third was Medjool.
Okay, I've read several recaps of the race, I've read a bunch of bloggers responses to the race and no one, I mean no one, is talking about this horse. Maybe I'm biased because I thought he had a good chance at winning, but I seriously thought he put in a stellar performance in this race. He was 3 wide through the first turn, settled nicely, challenged going into the second turn (perhaps a tad early), was 5 wide (actually 6, given the large gaps between horses) coming around the final turn, was held out in the middle of the track by the horse just inside him (when he was obviously trying to get in and save ground), and still hung on for a game third. Not bad for a mere allowance winner previously. I said I thought he was a horse just about to break out of his shell...mark my words...give him even a moderately clean trip and he will.
That being said, I have serious concerns about his ability to run on real dirt as well, and at this point it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that he could never get the graded earnings necessary for a shot at the Derby. Ah, well.
1. Medjool- 3rd
2. Cannonball- 6th
3. Halo Najib- 2nd
Rushaway Stakes
Ho hum...do we really care about the outcome of this race? I was busy entertaining my parents with cheeses and other delectable foodstuffs while it was on and it thoroughly failed to grab my attention. That's saying something. Turns out Big Glen (Cactus Ridge) took it from favored Miner's Claim (Mineshaft), who himself proved that he could come back from his career two wins at two to put in a good performance today. I have no excuses for my poor performance in handicapping, except for the fact that maybe I just didn't care enough.
1. Tejano's Eliminator- 6th
2. Big Glen- 1st
3. Targe- 5th
Let's just forget this week. And that's soooo easy to do, because next week is gonna be a doozy: the Palm Beach Stakes (g.III), the Bonnie Miss (g.II), the hotly contested Florida Derby (g.I) and, of course, the official return of Curlin in the Dubai World Cup (g.I). Put on your lucky racing caps, the season is about to begin.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Weekend Preview
In between the storm of high quality races we had last week and the virtual hurricane of races next week (caused in no little amount by the sandstorm which is expected to follow in the wake of Curlin and the Dubai World Cup) is...ummm...this week. Mind you, I welcome the brake, as last week was just too much for me to handle. Point in fact, I think I'll stick to profiling only Derby trail 3-year olds for a while.
Lane's End Stakes
My dear husband once made fun of this race, laughing at how commercial horse racing has become that a clothing store can now sponsor a race. I told him it was the name of a famous breeding farm, which decidedly cut into his fun. Luckily for him, he can continue to rag me about the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (please kill me).
Twelve middle of the road Derby contenders have entered this race. As the Lane's End is now run on Keenland's polytrack, it's attracted several synthetic and grass specialists who would not normally be trying out a major Derby prep. However, the switch to synthetic does not mean that a serious Derby contender could not come from this field; the Lane's End was won last year by Hard Spun who, if he didn't win any of the Classics, certainly made his name heard in all of them...the definition of consistency.
Among the several horses we've seen before on the Derby trail, and making perhaps his last grasp at greatness, is Halo Najib (Halo's Image-Najibe's Wish, by Sword Dance). He was sixth last out in the Fountain of Youth, but prior to that won an OBS Championship race on synthetic track. Point of fact, this horse has never lost a race on synthetics (although the sample size of 2 races is not what one might consider "scientifically significant").
Turf War (Dixie Union-Grass Skirt, by Mr. Prospector) has also made his name known. He was 9th in the Southwest Stakes, never having been a factor. Before that he was part of the Delta Jackpot dead heat which I have continually ignored. If that pedigree looked familiar it's because he's a full brother to 4-year old Grasshopper, who was recently a hard fighting second to Circular Quay in the New Orleans Handicap (g.II), and a winner in the Mineshaft (g.III) before that.
Cannonball (Catenius-No Deadline, by Skywalker...now that's an interesting background) to date has been something of a turf expert (2-0-3 from 5 starts on that surface). He, Why Tonto (Indian Charlie) and Cowboy Cal (Giant's Causeway) have filled the trifecta their last 2 times out. Prior to that, Cannonball was 3rd in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf. Can he make a successful switch to the polytrack?
Then there's a plethora of lesser knowns, trying to make it to the big time. Adriano (A.P. Indy- Gold Canyon, by Mr. Prospector...lovely) was 9th in the Fountain of Youth, but has raced mostly turf and has one 4th on synthetic track. Chitoz has little to recommend him, but seems to like things wet and wild and may be worth watching if the track is off. Duke of de Buqe is a stakes company newbie, but recently won an allowance race impressively for Todd Pletcher (who I'd like to see actually do something for my RttR stable for once). Racecar Rhapsody was 4th in the infamous Delat Jackpot, but broke his maiden over this same polytrack surface. Macho Again has never won above 7 furlongs and appeared thoroughly outclassed by both Z Fortune and Blackberry Road in the Lecomte Stakes.
Medjool's highest class race before this was a 6th place behind Yankee Bravo in the California Derby. Afterwards he was dropped down in class and finally broke his maiden in a mile and 1/16 synthetic race, winning off by 4 and a half. Yes, he was put in a stakes before breaking his maiden on the basis of three places and a show effort in maiden company including the likes of Colonel John, Tres Borrachos, and Coast Guard. Although he'll be facing a tough test here, he looks to me like a horse just about to break out of his shell.
1. Medjool
2. Cannonball
3. Halo Najib
Bad news is I have no horses running again this week. Good news is, they're finally televising the prep races on normal channels!! That means I actually get to watch the Lane's End!! As it's happening!!
Rushaway Stakes
2. Big Glen
3. Targe
In other news
- It appears that Sierra Sunset, winner of last week's Rebel Stakes (g.II) has been sidelined with an ankle injury and is off the Derby trail. Now I don't feel quite so bad about him shutting down Z Fortune.
- Items from several prominent Claiborne sires are being put up at auction on eBay to benefit the Secretariat Foundation. Oh. My. God. I'll have you know I'm not what anyone would call rich, and I almost never go on eBay, but I have a soft spot for Secretariat memorabilia. I'm the proud owner of an authentic 1973 Kentucky Derby mint julep glass (which gets used only by me...and only once a year). I've also been trying for years to get ahold of mint copies of the Newsweek, Time, and Sports Illustrated editions that feature Secretariat on the cover; I was outbid last year for a collection of all three when I couldn't justify going over $200. I'm aware that there's no way I could ever afford any of these pieces, but a girl can dream can't she?
.jpg)
-Okay, this is probably totally off topic, but Ive decided that Pyro is not pretty. Seriously, I was talking about this with my husband and, though he's certainly not what you'd call a connoisseur of horseflesh, he agreed. He's very angular, especially when compared with his sometime running partner Curlin, who is about as well muscled and rounded as could be. It doesn't sway me from my support of him as a runner, though. Clearly, pretty is as pretty does, and some of the ugliest horses have found the roses on their shoulders come Derby day. Still, is anyone else in agreement with me that his looks leave something to be desired?
Photo: Skip Dickstein
Lane's End Stakes
My dear husband once made fun of this race, laughing at how commercial horse racing has become that a clothing store can now sponsor a race. I told him it was the name of a famous breeding farm, which decidedly cut into his fun. Luckily for him, he can continue to rag me about the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (please kill me).
Twelve middle of the road Derby contenders have entered this race. As the Lane's End is now run on Keenland's polytrack, it's attracted several synthetic and grass specialists who would not normally be trying out a major Derby prep. However, the switch to synthetic does not mean that a serious Derby contender could not come from this field; the Lane's End was won last year by Hard Spun who, if he didn't win any of the Classics, certainly made his name heard in all of them...the definition of consistency.
Among the several horses we've seen before on the Derby trail, and making perhaps his last grasp at greatness, is Halo Najib (Halo's Image-Najibe's Wish, by Sword Dance). He was sixth last out in the Fountain of Youth, but prior to that won an OBS Championship race on synthetic track. Point of fact, this horse has never lost a race on synthetics (although the sample size of 2 races is not what one might consider "scientifically significant").
Turf War (Dixie Union-Grass Skirt, by Mr. Prospector) has also made his name known. He was 9th in the Southwest Stakes, never having been a factor. Before that he was part of the Delta Jackpot dead heat which I have continually ignored. If that pedigree looked familiar it's because he's a full brother to 4-year old Grasshopper, who was recently a hard fighting second to Circular Quay in the New Orleans Handicap (g.II), and a winner in the Mineshaft (g.III) before that.
Cannonball (Catenius-No Deadline, by Skywalker...now that's an interesting background) to date has been something of a turf expert (2-0-3 from 5 starts on that surface). He, Why Tonto (Indian Charlie) and Cowboy Cal (Giant's Causeway) have filled the trifecta their last 2 times out. Prior to that, Cannonball was 3rd in the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Turf. Can he make a successful switch to the polytrack?
Then there's a plethora of lesser knowns, trying to make it to the big time. Adriano (A.P. Indy- Gold Canyon, by Mr. Prospector...lovely) was 9th in the Fountain of Youth, but has raced mostly turf and has one 4th on synthetic track. Chitoz has little to recommend him, but seems to like things wet and wild and may be worth watching if the track is off. Duke of de Buqe is a stakes company newbie, but recently won an allowance race impressively for Todd Pletcher (who I'd like to see actually do something for my RttR stable for once). Racecar Rhapsody was 4th in the infamous Delat Jackpot, but broke his maiden over this same polytrack surface. Macho Again has never won above 7 furlongs and appeared thoroughly outclassed by both Z Fortune and Blackberry Road in the Lecomte Stakes.
Medjool's highest class race before this was a 6th place behind Yankee Bravo in the California Derby. Afterwards he was dropped down in class and finally broke his maiden in a mile and 1/16 synthetic race, winning off by 4 and a half. Yes, he was put in a stakes before breaking his maiden on the basis of three places and a show effort in maiden company including the likes of Colonel John, Tres Borrachos, and Coast Guard. Although he'll be facing a tough test here, he looks to me like a horse just about to break out of his shell.
1. Medjool
2. Cannonball
3. Halo Najib
Bad news is I have no horses running again this week. Good news is, they're finally televising the prep races on normal channels!! That means I actually get to watch the Lane's End!! As it's happening!!
Rushaway Stakes
Although not as prestigious as the Lane's End (which is saying something), there is one other stakes race for 3-year old males this week. No really big horses here, but worth a look anways. Big Glen (Cactus Ridge) looks to be the top horse in the field, finishing 4th last to Absolutely Cindy in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes. Cape of Storms (Cape Town) actaully won the last time out in a one mile test over synthetic track. But prior to that he was a dismal 12th in the Smarty Jones Stakes. He'd probably look to be the class of the field, but he's gone through 8 jockeys in 13 starts...that just seems odd to me. I usually assume jockeys to be nothing more than heavy ornamentation on horse's backs, but when a horse can't seem to keep a regular rider, I start to wonder why.
Holidaze (Harlan's Holiday) returns after ghosting to 6th place behind Visionaire in the fogged-out Gotham. The splits on that are hilarious: __ __ __ __ 6th. Miner's Claim (Mineshaft) is undefeated...in 2 starts last year.
Tejano's Eliminator (Tejano Run) could only manage a 5th place the last time out in a small stakes race at 7f over a real dirt track. Before that, he came in first in a 1 mile 1/16 allowance over synthetic track and prior to that broke his maiden going a mile over the same surface. Targe (Monarchos) also performs well on synthetic track, he was second the last time out at 1 mile, and has won on this track before. Ichabod Crane (Jump Start) also looks to be a synthetic monster in the making. He hasn't run since January, but then he took a mile and 70 contest on synthetic track.
1. Tejano's Eliminator2. Big Glen
3. Targe
In other news
- It appears that Sierra Sunset, winner of last week's Rebel Stakes (g.II) has been sidelined with an ankle injury and is off the Derby trail. Now I don't feel quite so bad about him shutting down Z Fortune.
- Items from several prominent Claiborne sires are being put up at auction on eBay to benefit the Secretariat Foundation. Oh. My. God. I'll have you know I'm not what anyone would call rich, and I almost never go on eBay, but I have a soft spot for Secretariat memorabilia. I'm the proud owner of an authentic 1973 Kentucky Derby mint julep glass (which gets used only by me...and only once a year). I've also been trying for years to get ahold of mint copies of the Newsweek, Time, and Sports Illustrated editions that feature Secretariat on the cover; I was outbid last year for a collection of all three when I couldn't justify going over $200. I'm aware that there's no way I could ever afford any of these pieces, but a girl can dream can't she?
.jpg)
-Okay, this is probably totally off topic, but Ive decided that Pyro is not pretty. Seriously, I was talking about this with my husband and, though he's certainly not what you'd call a connoisseur of horseflesh, he agreed. He's very angular, especially when compared with his sometime running partner Curlin, who is about as well muscled and rounded as could be. It doesn't sway me from my support of him as a runner, though. Clearly, pretty is as pretty does, and some of the ugliest horses have found the roses on their shoulders come Derby day. Still, is anyone else in agreement with me that his looks leave something to be desired?Photo: Skip Dickstein
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