Horsin' Around

Nothing But A Dream?

2011-04-11T17:20:00.003-04:00

She started off her career so promising, announcing herself with a bang, drawing off impressively over the Keeneland synthetics. The nearly white filly, Dancinginherdreams, a daughter of the hot sire Tapit, then was sent to Churchill Downs. In her stakes debut and first time trying the dirt, Dancinginherdreams ran away from her competition yet again. Her, John Ward, raved about her talent and maturity, only adding to the growing speculation that she could perhaps be the next year's Kentucky Oaks winner.

Next year came and Ward entered his promising pupil in the seven furlong Forward Gal where she ran a rapidly closing second to Pomeroy's Pistol. Not the return we all were hoping for, but an encouraging beginning to say the least, especially when considering how well she closed over a track not know for it's kindness towards deep closers. In her next start, the mile Davona Dale, the highly regarded filly ran second again, this time to R Heat Lightning, currently the Oaks favorite. Dancinginherdreams would then leave Gulfstream, bypassing the Gulfstream Oaks in favor of the Ashland Stakes at Keeleland, the sight of her dominating maiden victory.

Even I believe that the Tapit filly would return to her winning ways here. She had an impressive victory over the track and did not have to run over a very speed biased track. I believed she would turn in a big effort, but when Saturday came she turned in the worst finish of her career, finishing a well beaten ninth.

What happened? Has Dancinginherdreams simply not progressed from her promising juvenile form? Was her loss due to the possibility of not liking the track? I know she won at Keeneland, and it was an impressive win, however, that was against maidens not stakes winners. Is it possible that she is a one track horse? Look at Win Willy. Who would've thought he would take down a mighty looking Misremembered. But Oaklawn is his track and he got the pace he was looking for. Win Willy is mediocre at best when racing elsewhere, but at Oaklawn he is a force to be reckoned with. Could it be that elsewhere Dancinginherdreams is simply just good, but she's a Churchill freak?

This was a freaky weekend and with many favorites falling victim to some unorthodox circumstance or another I am willing to toss the Ashland out. It was the only truly bad performance of the consistent filly's career, and I would wager that when she gets back to Churchill she will come alive again to light up the tote board.

One Mo Chance

2011-04-10T08:49:00.004-04:00

Show of hands who was surprised when Uncle Mo, for the first time in his short career, came to the top of the stretch and did not kick clear? Who was surprised that in the stretch, not only, was he passed by one horse, but two? Well, as long as we're being honest, I'll say that my jaw hit the floor so hard that I may have knocked some teeth lose.

When Tom Durkin said "The most shocking upset since Secretariat himself" he was not exaggerating. There was shock, then disappointment, then the "what just happened" mode. Did Uncle Mo not handle the track, was he too short, did grabbing his quarter throw him off, or was it a combination of all of things? We can't be sure, but one thing I can say is every horse deserves a second shot, even Uncle Mo.

Uncle Mo did, for once in his career, came staggering down the last sixteenth of a mile, as opposed to his normal bounding. He went right for the lead setting, what looked like average fractions for the day. However, when comparing with the only other nine furlong race within the last couple of days he was moving at a fairly decent clip.

The first quarter and half are normally pretty average when compared to other track, however when looking at the three quarters and mile splits, one notices a huge difference. Where other tracks will run a 1.11 or 1.12, Aqueduct normally sees a 1.12 or 1.13. Mile splits for many tracks will be 1.35 or 1.36, but at Aqueduct you hardly ever see a horse breaking 1.37. In fact not many, over last week were even breaking 1.38. Uncle Mo's fractions over the Aqueduct main course were 23.49, 47.98, 1.12.28, 1.37.26, with his personal final time being around 1.50.13.

Were these fractions blazing, no. However they were solid when put into proper prospective. Mo was also a short horse in need of conditioning, entering the Wood Memorial. He only had two four furlong works coming into the race, off the Timely Writer, one was a 49.45. Before the Timely Writer the longest he worked was 5 furlongs, and he did that twice before running in that spot. One could argue that Uncle Mo was better prepared to go nine furlongs in his first start than he was in the Wood Memorial.

Looking at the replay, it is apparent Uncle Mo had simply run out of gas down the stretch, which can be largely attributed to the lack of work he had prior to the race. It was also reported that Uncle Mo grabbed his left front quarter leaving the gate. Depending on the severity, this could have easily caused Uncle Mo pain when he went to switch to his left lead in the stretch. Normally, Uncle Mo switches leads and displays a turn of foot that leaves his opponents spinning. This time Uncle Mo did not drop his shoulder and level off. Instead it looked like he continued evenly down the lane.

Knowing all of this does Uncle Mo deserve to be tossed to the curb off this one race? I say no. Many people wanted a race that would see him challenged and would give him some conditioning. The Wood did that. He faced adversity and even though he did not win he certainly did not fold, like other top Derby contenders have this year when trouble has come their way. He certainly got the conditioning most were crowing for out of this race, which if coupled with a couple of long fast drills from Pletcher, should have him cranked up and raring to go for the Derby. So, come on people. Yes, the result was disappointing, but everybody and every horse has an off day. Let's give Uncle Mo one more shot.

Weekend Review

2011-04-04T10:30:00.004-04:00

Fabulous Fillies

From where I stand it was not the males that took center stage at Gulfstream, when all was said and done, it was the fillies. R Heat Lighting did it again, dazzling her onlookers and crushing her foes, with an even more dominating victory than in her Davona Dale romp. Settling into a nice smooth rhythm, R Heat Lightning, sat third behind a solid pace of 23 flat, and 46.32. After three quarters in a snappy 1.10.97, the daughter of Trippi began to turn on the pressure. Advancing on the outside, R Heat Lightning entered the stretch with daylight between her and her opposition, under only a hand ride, before drawing away at will.

She stopped the clock in 1.49.27, which was a 4/5's of a second faster than Dialed In ran a day later. There is no doubt this filly will enter the Kentucky Oaks as a major favorite. If beaten foes return victorious elsewhere, it should only add to her reputation, before the Oaks.

In the Older Filly/Mare division a new name joins the ranks. Awesome Maria threw her hat into the arena when she stormed to a decisive victory in the Rampart. Among the fallen was Unrivaled Belle, who defeated Rachel Alexandra and won the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic in 2010.

Florida Derby Pros and Cons

After a surprising loss in allowance race, Dialed In put it all back together when he nipped a dead game Shackleford, in the shadow of the wire, to take the Florida Derby. The son of Mineshaft benefited from a solid pace set-up after Shackleford, To Honor and Serve, and Flashpoint all gunned for the lead. Dialed in dropped as many as 14 lengths off the leaders, biding his time.

After the field moved past the 3/8ths pole, Dialed In began to pick up the pace, picking off horses one by one. At the top of the stretch it was still Shackleford to catch, but Dialed In, five lengths out was charging hard. A resolute Shackleford did not make it easy, but in the end Dialed in would not be denied.

The final time was an average 1.50.07. The pros of Dialed In's race are that he is most certainly the real deal. The Flordia Derby showed his gameness and what he could do when he gets an honest pace, which is what he will get when he goes to the Kentucky Derby. However, the Florida Derby was a huge performance for this horse, and could set him up for a bounce come Derby day.

The cons, if you would call them that are, for one, Dialed In is not adjustable. He raced closer up two outings ago, and did not show the same punch he did in the Holly Bull or Florida Derby. Being this way puts him at a huge disadvantage in the Derby. He will risk either getting caught wide or running into traffic. Also note, that while it looked like Dialed In flew home, his final furlong was run in over 13 seconds. R Heat Lighting ran her final furlong in 12.77 under a mild hand ride. So while this race was impressive, and there is no doubt that Dialed In is a very talented colt, some of the cons I saw in this race would keep him out of my top three come Derby day.

A Gulfstream Heatwave

2011-04-01T11:46:00.008-04:00

Florida is always one of the warmest places to be during this time of year, but this weekend it's about to get a whole lot hotter. Not only is Gulfstream Park hosting a fabulous race card, filled with appetizing allowance races and juicy stakes, but it feature the Gulfstream Oaks and, the big enchilada, the Florida Derby.

The first race to draw attention on Saturday's card is the fifth race, an allowance optional claiming. The two main draws there are Tapitsfly and Hibaayeb. The former won the 09 edition of the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. She came back this year with a disappointing effort in her first start, where she finished 11, however she came back to run a much improved second in her next outing. Hibaayeb surprised all when she came over from Europe and took the Grade one Yellow Ribbon, at Hollywood Park by storm. If she can pull out another performance like that she will be tough to handle.

The next race to come will be the Rampart, featuring the return of last year's Breeders Cup Ladies Classic victor, Unrivaled Belle. The five year old mare, who last year beat the 2009 Horse of the Year, Rachel Alexandra, makes her 2011 debut while defending her Rampart crown. However with the likes of the ever so consistent Awesome Maria and Persuading, who returns to dirt, in the race, the daughter of Unbridled Song will have her work cut out for her.

Saturday will end with the Gulfstream Oaks, formerly known as the Bonnie Miss. Here R Heat Lightning gets her first taste of nine furlongs, and her performance will define her as a miler or the division leader, heading into the Kentucky Oaks. The horse that is expected to give R Heat Lightning her biggest challenge is the unbeaten star from Aqueduct, It's Tricky. The daughter of Mineshaft has absolutely dominated her competition in her last two starts but should receive a much stiffer test in this spot.

Sunday opens up with a dynamic and wide open field for the Swale featuring Black N Beauty, Travelin Man, and Little Drama. Black N Beauty is trying to recover the form that saw him wire a solid allowance field earlier this year. Travelin Man will try to wire the field, while his nemesis, Flashpoint, runs in the more lucritive Florida Derby, while the Calder sensation Little Drama tries to fit in with the big boys. The Sir Shackleton should heat things up as D'Funnybone, Iboyee, Our Edge, and Regal Ransom all hook up for the lead, to see who can go fastest the longest, setting things up for Capt. Candyman Can, who returned after a 16 month layoff to take the Super Stakes. D'Funnybone, who displayed both blazing and dazzling speed, early last year before tailing off, returns after eight months away. The question is, can he return to his brilliant form that he had as a 2 year old and early on as a three year old, or has he just finally flamed out?

The next two races, the Appleton and Skip Away Stakes flash names like Nicanor, Barbaro's little brother, and Little Mike, who has been performing quite well in his last couple outings. In the latter we have Colizeo and Drosselmeyer. I know it seems like the day could not get any better.

You would think that by this time the stands will have to be all but cheered out, right? Wrong, because, believe it or not, the Florida Derby tops anything that any of the previous races had. I would go as far as to say the Foriday Derby is the most competitive Derby prep this year. Soldat, To Honor and Serve, Stay Thirsty, Dialed In, and Flashpoint will all do battle, and by time the dust settles, we may very well have a horse that could give even the might Uncle Mo a challenge in the Run for the Roses? So, what do you think? Can you take the heat?

Dial It Down on Dialed In

2011-02-02T09:19:00.002-05:00

Last weekends Holly Bull featured a solid field of both 3yr old with great potential, and those who were already well accomplished from a successful juvenile season. Horses like Gourmet Dinner, Sweet Ducky, and Mucho Macho Man were figured to run big, however it was the Zito colt, Dialed In, with only a maiden win to his credit, that was the hype of the field.

The son of Mineshaft amazed many, in his maiden victory, after encountering a troubled trip but unleashing such an acceleration, that despite running greenly in the stretch, the colt still won easily. In the Holly Bull the blue blooded colt dropped as much as 15 lengths off the pace, a death sentence for most closers at Gulfstream Park. But after the half mile pole, Dialed in began to close that distance like a locomotive. By the top of the stretch he was no longer in last, but had catapulted him past half the field, and was only a few lengths off of the new leader Sweet Ducky. Despite not switching leads until deep in the stretch, despite the biased, and despite being only a second time start the colt pulled on even terms and then powered clear to win by 1 1/2 length.

All in all impressive does not properly describe what Dialed in was able to do. He will no doubt move way up on many derby lists, including this writers. However, to put this colt in the top three like many are about to do is a little premature. Yes, it does take a special colt to do what he did in the Holly Bull, which is why he should move up. But, with the likes of Uncle Mo, To Honor and Serve, Boys of Tascanova, and Tapizar still looking strong, you have to ask yourself would Dialed In have been able to run any of those horses down in there prime?

Boys was supposed to run in the Holly Bull, but because Rick Dutrow concluded he did not seem to be showing his normal spunk, he withdrew him. Boys at Toscanova at a mile over Gulfstream would've been even tougher to run down than Sweet Ducky. He was a finalist in last years Juvenile Championships, and though some may doubt him getting 1o furlongs, he had already show that a mile was well within his scope.

Dialed In put in a phenomenal effort last Sunday that should move him up on Kentucky Derby lists around the nation. However he has yet display that kick against the most elite of three year olds, which is why everyone should hold off on moving him ahead of the likes of some of the 3yr old yet to debut.

Flipping the Switch

2011-01-31T14:18:00.005-05:00

She showed promise late as a juvenile before running into some freak perfomers and soon to titans early as a 3yr. Then then Switch began to show us flashes of what was to come. The first came when she bested eventual 3yr old Champion Filly, Blind Luck. Next she gave the mighty Zenyatta all she could handle in the Grade one Lady's Secret. She again displayed talent when running second to Dubai Majesty in the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, though that race went slightly unoticed by the majority of racing fans.

That didn't matter, because Switch annouce herself empithatically in the La Brea Stakes. There she bested Champagne D' Oro, probably the best 3yr old filly sprinter in the east. She also ran a dazzling 1.20.33 for the seven furlong test, finishing well clear of the second place runner Malibu Pier. Now that she had the public's attention the daughter of Quiet American went into her second Grade one as the overwhelming favorite, being bet down to 1/5. She did not dissappoint. Stalking a rapid early pace of 22.42 and 45 flat for the first half, she then advance easily upon her frontrunning foes be for expolding away. She was eventually geared down, winning in 1.20.7.

Switch has rapidly developed in to what could be a monster distaffer. She has now proven to be dominant as a sprinter, winning two consecutive grade ones at seven furlongs. Now the John Saddler trainee is being pointed toward the Santa Margurita, before going on an Oaklawn assult in the Apple Blossom. Winning both of these will give Switch four consecutive Grade ones, catapulting her to the top of the older mare division. Yes, all of this could easily go down the tubes if Switch turns out to be dominant only as a sprinter. But with her recent success, it makes it easy to get excited.

Burning Up the Coasts

2011-01-28T19:42:00.002-05:00

From the East Coast to the Left Coast a slew of talented Thoroughbreds are lining up, ready to stamp themselves as the one to watch in their division. The big event for older males and females, this weekend, is the Sunshine Millions. Santa Anita and Gulfstream Park split the six races with Gulfstream Park taking the Classic, Filly and Mare Turf, and the Filly and Mare Sprint. Leaving Santa Anita with the Turf, Distaff, and Sprint.

Racing in the Sunshine Millions Classic is the well know First Dude. However, it is not for his devastating wins that he is know for, it is his streak of "almost wins." Last year the giant of a colt ran second and third in the Preakness and Belmont, then followed those efforts up with a pair of third place efforts in the Haskell Invitational and Travers Stakes and a second place in the PA Derby. His only off the board performance was in the Breeders Cup Classic, where he was eighth. Today First Dude and his band of loyal supporters hopes he can break from his bridesmaid shell to stamp himself as one of 2011's leading older males.

Two other very interesting races at Gulfstream Park are the Forward Gal and Holly Bull Stakes, the latter for 3yr old colts, the former for fillies. Both races are stacked miles high with talent, but it is yet again the race for fillies that features the most star power. The unbeaten Dancinginherdreams lines up against the ultra classy and consistent R Heat Lighting. The former, dominated in her only two starts as a juvenile winning her maiden in an explosive 5 lengths before showing the maturity of an old veteran in the Pocahontas Stakes, drawing clear by 5 1/4 length. R Heat Lighting burst onto the scene in a dramatic last to first win in the Spinaway Stakes at Saratoga, but after a troubled trip she had to settle for second in the Frizette, to AZ Warrior. She then battled with the eventual 2yr old Female champion, Awesome Feather, in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies, before finally giving way to finish second.

In the Holly Bull has the potential to be a telling race, as it hosts many three year olds with the potential to do some real damage on the Triple Crown Trail. Among them in recent allowance winner Black N Beauty, explosive maiden winner Dialed In, Delta Jackpot victor Gourmet Dinner, and multiple stakes hero Sweet Ducky. One lesser known colt, Mucho Macho Man finished second twice to To Honor and Serve, a leading candidate for the Triple Crown.

If you thought the Sunshine State was starting to get hot, you might want to pack your sunscreen and plenty of Gatorade, because the Golden State is about to burst the thermometer. The Sunshine Millions Turf features some of 2010's most elite turf horses. Leading them are Caracortado, Precious Passion, and The Usual QT. Caracortado found a home on turf when dominating a turf allowance in his debut on the green. This will be his second turf start, but against much tougher competition. The Usual QT has shown himself to be a brilliant turf talent, but maybe not the luckiest. He was good enough to go to Dubai and run 4th in the Dubai Duty Free. Then after a bit of a rough start coming back to America, returned to form in the Eddie Read. The race would prove to be his last win, but he did run second in the Woodbine Mile, then back to back thirds in the Breeders Cup Mile and San Gabriel. Presious Passion is trying to rebound off a 4 race losing streak, and what better way for the 8 year old gelding to do that than to return to the sight of some of his most dynamic performances. In 2009, the chestnut fire ball lit up the Santa Antia Turf with scintillating win in the Hircsh Turf Championship, before nearly denying defending Breeders Cup Turf Champion, Conduit, his second Breeders Cup title.

Two other names that might be recognized are Evening Jewel and Switch. Both ultra tough fillies who finally came into there own last year, after just barely getting nicked by Champion 3yr old Filly Blind Luck. Switch tops the Santa Monica, run on Sunday, and will be looking for her second grade one win. The ever so versatile Evening Jewel makes a return to the dirt in the Sunshine Millions Distaff, and looks to be the class of the field.

So there you have it, two blazing coasts, packed together in one sizzling weekend of racing.

2011 Champion Older Mare?

2011-01-02T19:26:00.002-05:00

I'm feeling like today is a good day just to take a leap, and today's leap is predicting who will be next year's Champion Older Mare. The last few years it has been the fillies and mares relentlessly ruling the racetrack and it doesn't look like there will be any big changes to that this year. Life at Ten and Unrivalled Belle, arguably the two best of the division last year, not including Zenyatta, will be taking on the newly turned 4 year olds, Blind Luck, Devil May Care, Havre de Grace and possibly even Evening Jewel and Switch. With that line-up, the Older Mare division will be dynamite, but which one of these lovely ladies will scratch and claw there way to the top?

Will it be Life at Ten? The six year old mare was a force on the front end last year and dominated a very good mare in Unrivalled Belle, twice before the Ladies Classic debacle. She won the Ogden Phipps Handicap, the DE Handicap and Beldame. Her only true loss came when she locked horse with Rachel Alexandra in the Personal Ensign.

Blind Luck will certainly be a fan favorite to take over the division. The plucky little filly with a nose for the wire is all class and all game. She nosed out the versatile Evening Jewel in the Oaks and the speedy Havre de Grace in the Alabama. She can run on anything anywhere and seems to enjoy giving her fans a heart attack as she closes, literally, just in the nick of time.

What about Devil May Care? She is a brilliant filly, who is, unfortunately, inconsistent. She loses her debut in 2010, blows away a talented field in the Bonnie Miss, runs 10th in the Derby, strings together two impressive victories in the Mother Goose and Coaching Club American Oaks, then finally runs a dull fourth against Blind Luck in the Alabama. Now the Derby was against colts and she was found to have Hepatitis after the Alabama, but that still leaves her dull 2010 debut. On her best day, she's as good as any if not better, but the challenge is finding out when exactly her good day's are.

Fillies and mares like Unrivalled Belle, Havre de Grace, Switch and Evening Jewel could also jump up to steel the spotlight. Havre de Grace will have to get out of Blind Luck's shadow, Unrivalled Belle will have to prove she's a champ outside of Churchill Downs, Evening Jewel may decide turf is for her as Switch could very well stick to sprinting.

So out of all the scratching, clawing, kicking and biting, who do I think will emerge top dog? I pick the little big girl with a big time Napoleon complex. The little filly knows how to get it done. She is and always will be a champion. She gives a whole new meaning to the saying, "where there is a will there is a way." Blind Luck showed us just how talented, brilliant, and game she was all in one season. I don't see that picture changing this year.

2010 Eclipse Awards

2010-12-30T18:48:00.002-05:00

I'll bet you all can't guess what this blog is gonna be about, I mean my title doesn't give a clue at all right? Ok, enough with the joking and time to get down to business. The 2010 Eclipse Awards are fast approaching and I have yet to post what would be my ballot if I had a vote. However after many days of carefully examining the merits of each horse, I have chosen who I believe should walk away with a Eclipse Award Trophy, the night of January 17, 2011.

Champion Two-Year-Old Male: Uncle M0- Who didn't see this coming? Not only is he unbeaten, no other horse he has faced has come close enough to sniff his tail. He stepped it up in company and distance every time he ran and every time he completely dominated his foes. He is easily the top candidate for this award. The runner up would have to be Boys at Toscanova and the second runner up would be Kantharos.

Champion Two-Year-Old Filly: Awesome Feather- This filly went six for six and danced in the biggest dance of her division, emerging the victor of an exciting stretch duel with the runner-up R Heat Lightning. The second runner-up would go to the exciting daughter of Tapit, Dancinginherdreams.

Champion Three-Year-Old Male: Lookin at Lucky- Another easy choice. He consistently showed he was the best, through both his wins and his losses. Runner-up honors got to Fly Down and second-runner up goes to Paddy o Prado.

Champion Three-Year-Old Filly: Blind Luck- This filly is the definition of consistency and is a complete throw back. She ducked nobody and danced every dance, more often than not coming out on top. Runner-up would go to her gritty rival Havre de Grace. Coming in third is the brilliant, yet inconsistent Devil May Care.

Champion Sprinter: Big Drama- The horse danced every dance and showed up every single time, winning where it counted most. That tops one brilliant performance, and even the fact that the runner-up Majesticperfection may have been the better horse. Third goes to Discreetly Mine.

Champion Turf Horse: Paddy O Prado- The dazzling dappled grey takes it by a nose over last years champion Gio Ponti, who had a bang up year himself. Paddy may have lost his only attempt at older males on turf, however had he entered the the BC Turf he would've been the favorite which shows you his dominance over his own peers. Coming up third is Winchester.

Champion Filly/Mare Turf Horse: Proviso- Yes, she gets it over the brilliant French sensation Goldikova, who settles for second only because it is my belief a horse must race in the US more than once to be considered for an American Award. Proviso dominated, winning four consecutive grade ones, one even against males. Third would be the ill fated Tuscan Evening.

Champion Older Male: Blame- After his win in the Classic he put the title away for good. A brilliant and explosive win in the Stephan Foster and a head decision over Quality Road in the Whitney also helped. Quality Road is a distant second and in third comes Haynesfield.

Champion Older Female: Zenyatta- Completely dominated out west and may very well be remembered most for her only loss. A gallant and compelling head loss to Blame in the Breeders Cup Classic. Second Life At Ten and third is Unrivalled Belle.

Horse of the Year: Blame- He won the Classic and the only head to head match up between himself and Zenyatta, and with both horses having only one loss the edge goes to him. His wins in the Whitney and Stephan Foster hold more weight than the restricted grade ones his rival competed in. Blame danced every dance and in the one where everyone went all in he Zenyatta had a full house but Blame had the Royal Flush.

Mo Has History on His Side

2010-12-29T15:58:00.002-05:00

When it comes to the Kentucky Derby and the Triple Crown as a whole, people are sticklers for tradition and history. You will see many fans base their picks on what "history has to say." Many people threw out Big Brown based on the fact that he was breaking from the 20 hole, and only one other horse had ever won from that post. People made Curlin the Kentucky Derby favorite over Juvenile champion, Street Sense, in 2007, all because he had only run in two preps and no other Breeders Cup Juvenile winner had been victorious in the Run for the Roses. This year will likely be more of the same, with fans making pre-judgments base on historical trends. In that case, why not start with the early Kentucky Derby favorite and what history has in store for him?

Uncle Mo, has been brilliant thus far in his career. In only three starts he has managed to enchant many fans. His brilliance and dominance evoked memories of past greats who managed to completely crush their competition. However history has shown us, that not all precocious juveniles return to their world beating form at three. Uncle Mo's most prestigious victories have come in the Champagne and Breeders Cup Juvenile. In the history of the Champagne, nine winners have come back to have Triple Crown success, horses like Alydar and Forty Niner came very close to adding their names to that list as well. The history between the Juvenile and Derby is far less encouraging. Only two winners of the race came back to have success in the Kentucky Derby.

Since his rise to the head of the division, it has been said by Todd Pletcher that the talented colt will only have two starts before the Kentucky Derby. Some of you history fanatics may use this is as a reason to toss the soon to be Champion 2yr Old, a word of caution though, the last four Derby only had two preps to their credit. Interestingly enough three of those four made at least one start in Florida, and two made that start in the Tampa Bay Derby, the exact race that is highest on the list of probables for Uncle Mo's first start. Uncle Mo's final prep will be in the Wood Memorial.

The Wood has had it's fair share of success, serving as a valid stepping stone to Triple Crown, however it last saw success in 2003 when Empire Maker won the Belmont. However, the last two winners of the race never got a chance to strut their stuff, even both Eskendereya and I Want Revenge were vaulted to early Derby favoritism after the Wood victories. Other than that the Wood was won by horses who either found callings at shorter distances or on other surfaces. This will be the third consecutive year the Wood Memorial will have one of the top contender in it's field. Maybe third time will be the charm that brings the race back to it's glory days in the Triple Crown.

Other tid bits that historically back Uncle Mo up are that two of the last four Derby winners had a dominating performance over Churchill Downs, as juveniles. One of those performances was by Street Sense, the only Breeders Cup Juvenile hero to take the Kentucky Derby. That day he stormed up the rail, crossing the line 1o lengths the best.

If one is a stout historian, who believes in the ways of old, then no, Uncle Mo has a lot to overcome in order to pass the first test of the Triple Crown trial. However, recent history suggests that the talented son of Indian Charlie will have little to worry about.

Horse of Last Decade...

2010-11-15T10:17:00.002-05:00

Last year ended a spectacular decade for racing. We saw raw brilliance on display, outstanding power, blinding speed, and sometimes all of those qualities put together in one horse. Horses like Ghostzapper, Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta, Curlin, Point Given, Smarty Jones, Rags to Riches, and many many others dazzled us with their complete dominance over the track, capturing our hearts with their magnificence.

Last year I found it hard to rank my top three of the decade. Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra, and Curlin were my top three. Yes, they were the most recent, but they all were some of the most brilliant, most dominant, and most captivating horses the nation had seen. Two of those three had yet to retire from racing, and that fact makes it extremely hard to compare merits side by side. After this year, I find it much easier. The horse of last decade was Curlin. Next Zenyatta, then Rachel Alexandra.

Why Curlin over Zenyatta you may ask? For one he simply did more and faced better. Over the course of February of 2007 to November of 2008, Curlin race 16 times. That is only four times less than Zenyatta, who has raced 20 times from November of 2007 to November of 2010. He raced in seven states and two countries over that time period and nine different track. He was only a winner over dirt, but ran over turf and synthetics, registering a second place finish in his only start over turf. The only track he did not register a win over was Santa Anita.

After running in what was, at the time, the grade two Arkansas Derby, he race exclusively in grade ones. His most remembered for his gritty head win, after re-rallying to beat Street Sense, in the Preakness. His stirring stretch duel with Rags to Riches in the Belmont, where he came up a head short. The "stylish performance" in the '07 Classic, where he came "power housing home" by four and one half lengths. And lastly his near eight length romp in the Dubai World Cup, in 2008.

We got to see Curlin's best on many occasions, and when we did it left us breathless. While Zenyatta was brilliant, magnificent, and stole the hearts of many in America, there was only one time we saw her best, and that was this year's Classic. For me, it will be her most memorable race. However, I would ask my readers, who do you think was the better horse? Blame or Curlin? Blame is a monster, no doubt, but not Curlin. She was the best horse in the Classic, no doubt, but her running style would've left her at even more of a disadvantage against Curlin, who could close, run mid-pack, stalk, or even lead.

Zenyatta was great, but her light schedule, lack of travel, and light competition for the majority over her career, leaves her just short of Curlin. Rachel Alexandra was one of the most brilliant and stunning fillies we will ever see. Her '09 season was historic and will not be duplicate in my lifetime. However, her inability to return to that same form leaves her just shy of top honors.

Zenyatta Great, but Not Horse of the Year

2010-11-08T08:21:00.002-05:00

I never doubted Zenyatta's greatness, though I have in the past felt others were greater or had a greater season. This year, Zenyatta left me feeling that maybe she had lost a step. She was not finishing off her races with that killer kick that left daylight between her and her opposition. She barely beat St. Trinians, a good, hard trying little mare, but by no means great. She then barely finished in front of Rinteval, who was of even less caliber. Her last prep, in the Ladies Secret, she finished a short neck in front of Switch, who like St. Trinians is a good filly, but should not be able to give the mighty Zenyatta such a scare.

After watching those close calls I had my doubts about Zenyatta being able to run down horses like Quality Road, Lookin at Lucky, and Blame over conventional dirt. In an epic edition of the Breeders Cup Classic, Zenyatta charged down the stretch like a runaway express train, passing every horse as though they were tied to a post. As the wire approached, the mighty amazon zeroed in on Blame the final horse standing in her path.

It was the scenario we had seen so many times before in this season, with daylight still between Zenyatta and her nearest opponent, with time rapidly running out. Every time Zenyatta got to the wire just in the nick of time. This time, as the lights shined down on the two battling horses, Blame did not relent, denying Zenyatta her second consecutive Classic and the unbeaten status of 20-20 by a head.

I did not think Zenyatta would win, but as she came charging down the stretch I was willing her to get there, willing her to get by just one last time. In this loss she gain more respect from me than any of her previous 19 victories. She ran her heart out, and for the first time laid her body down showing us every bit of speed and heart she possessed. It was a beautiful sight to behold.

Alas, the champion mare who has fallen short of Horse of the Year twice before will have to settle to second once again. Blame, the victor of the Breeders Cup Classic deserves that honor. Is he as well know as Zenyatta? No. Is he as charismatic? No. Is he the better horse of the two? Probably not. But Blame had the better season, ducking nobody and finishing behind only one horse this year.

His victories in the Stephan Foster and Whitney Handicaps were nothing short of spectacular. First running down a very formidable, loose on the lead Battle Plan, while first flashing his brilliant turn of foot that saw him turn a four and a half length disadvantage to a 1 length victory in one furlong. In the Whitney he faced off with the brilliant Quality Road, the leading candidate for Horse of the Year, at the time. The son of Elusive Quality had things his own way early and still could not with stand the late charge of Blame.

Blame did have one hiccup this year, when finishing a surprising second to Haynesfield, who routed the field in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. With the pace so slow and the track playing to the favor Haynesfield speedy running style, Blame closed valiantly, but could mount a serious challenge to the winner.

With the Classic victory, Blame ran the race of his life and redeemed his status and clinched Horse of the Year. Does Zenyatta deserve to be honored? Yes, she does, but Blame settled things where they are supposed to be settled...On the track. He is your Horse of the Year.

Gio or Haynesfield???

2010-10-28T09:48:00.002-04:00

The nominations are out and the fields for each of the respective Breeders Cup races are set. By looking at the prospective fields, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize this may be one of the best editions of the Breeders Cup in recent years. We all know the big names in races like the Classic, Ladies Classic, Mile, and Juvenile. But even in other races, like the Sprint -both male and female-, the Dirt Mile, the Filly and Mare Turf, we still see an amazing amount of depth.

In recent weeks the connections of certain horses have given us our fair share of surprises. Who would've thought that Paddy O'Prado, a brilliant, budding turf star, would be pointed at the Classic instead of the Turf? After the release of the nominations for each race, I was yet again surprised. Gio Ponti, as the connections promised, was cross entered in the Breeders Cup Mile and the Classic, but with his first preference as the Classic.

Gio Ponti is all class and grit. On turf he's a star, he is the reigning Eclipse Champion on Turf as well as the Older Male Champion. He's run his best races over turf and ran a winning race in last year's Breeders Cup Classic, but that was over synthetics. Over dirt Gio Ponti is an untested and untried wild card.

Another thing that may arise if Gio Ponti were to race in the Classic would be the possible loss of regular rider, Ramon Dominguez. Ramon also rides the fast improving Hayensfield, who has had a spectacular, but very underrated year. The only blemish on his 2010 record was a lackluster fourth in the Whitney, but that was after breaking through the gate prematurely. Before that he had won an allowance optional claimer, before beating Convocation, I Want Revenge, and a loose on the lead Regal Ransom. After the Whitney debacle he turned things around by handing the nation's leading older male, Blame, his first loss of the season by over 4 lengths.

So, what does Ramon do? Does he go with the gritty and classy Gio Ponti who goes in as the untested and untried wild card? Or, is he more wise to take the much improved and underrated Haynesfield? The opinion here is Ramon should take Hayensfield, if Gio Ponti is indeed entered in the Classic. However, the decision could easily go either way.

The Secretariat World Cup

2010-10-15T16:15:00.008-04:00

Good afternoon ladies and gentleman, and welcome to the pride of Kentucky, Churchill Downs! The weather is perfect with the temperatures in the mid fifties and the is sun shining brightly down on the field. The turf is firm and the horses are ready to rumble!

Today's race, the Secretariat World Cup, is run over the lawn at nine furlongs. Leading the field as the horses come out onto the track is Japan sensation, Deep Impact. The son of Sunday Silence has a wicked closing kick and is looking like he's ready to give us a show today. Next in line is Ouija Board. The world traveling mare has won many great victories, including two Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turfs. Number three is Sea the Stars, the 2009 Arc champion who has yet to be fully extended.

Leading the Americans is the mighty Curlin. The handsome son of Smart Strike claimed the Dubai World Cup and Breeders Cup Classic among his great victories. Next is the unbeaten Zeeennnnnnnyyyaaattaaaaaa! The dancing daughter of Street Cry, the only filly or mare to ever capture the Breeders Cup Classic, looks like she's really on the muscle today. Now comes Rachel Alexandra the GREAT! The blazed faced filly who stole hearts across America with her historical 2009 season looks to be ready for a big performance. Next in line is the only horse in the field that can stand toe to toe with Zenyatta, the speedy Quality Road. This year's Donn, Met Mile and Woodward victor is looking absolutely stunning today. Now for the last of the Americans, the Kentucky Derby and Breeders Cup Classic runner-up, the tough as nails, Hard Spun.

The final three of this all star line up are Zarkava, the 2008 Arc de Triumph hero, Henrythenavigator, who dominated at a mile in Europe before placing second in the 2008 Breeders Cup Classic. Lastly comes the European sensation, Goldikova. Ever since emerging out of Zarkava's shadow she has been absolutely dazzling, winning 11 group/grade one races, including two Breeders Cup Miles.

The field has now reached the gate and is beginning to load. First to go in are Deep Impact and Goldikova and now here go the rest of them. Quality Road balks slightly, but now goes in quietly. Last to load is Zenyatta, and now she goes in and they are all set......AND THEY'RE OFF!

Quality Road and Hard Spun break alertly with Rachel Alexandra not far behind them, while Zenyatta and Deep Impact drop to the tail of the field. On the lead Quality Road and Hard Spun are going at it, with Rachel Alexandra, moving a couple lanes out, tracking them closely. Next comes Curlin and just off him is Goldikova. Then comes a break of about two lengths to Sea the Stars and Zarkava who are running stride for stride. Then comes Ouija Board and Henrythenavigator, with Deep Impact and Zenyatta bringing up the rear.

The first quarter goes in a solid 23 flat with Quality Road getting a narrow lead over Hard Spun. Rachel Alexandra advances slightly, traveling comfortably, just off of Hard Spun's flank. After a half in 46 and 2/5 Hard Spun moves back up to pressure, while the rest of the field begins to make their runs. As they head into the far turn, here comes Rachel Alexandra. She's only a half length off the lead and is still traveling very easily. Curlin now follows her as they fly through three quarters in 1.09 and 1/5 seconds!

With three furlongs left to run, Goldikova finds a small seam between Curlin and Rachel Alexandra. Now here comes the Calvary charge as the Euros begin to advance. They hit the top of the stretch and it's Rachel Alexandra who strikes the front, with Curlin and Goldikova in hot pursuit. With a fresh burst of energy, here come Zarkava and Sea the Stars, still running neck and neck down the center of the track. Zenyatta is doing her best now, but it won't be enough today.

A furlong left to run and it's still Rachel Alexandra with a narrow lead. Curlin can not go on, but here comes Sea the Stars! Now with a stunning rally here comes Deep Impact, flying after the leaders! Only half a furlong to go and it's Rachel Alexandra and Sea the Stars, but can they hold off Deep Impact? He is coming like a freight train! Time is running out, but here comes Deep Impact, coming with one final late surge, taking the lead and hitting the wire in front. Two lengths back comes Sea the Stars who narrowly out fought Rachel Alexandra for second by 3/4's of a length.

What a race ladies and gentleman, truly one for the ages.

Order of Finish: Deep Impact (2), Sea the Stars (3/4), Rachel Alexandra (head), Zarkava (1.5), Goldikova (neck), Ouija Board (1), Curlin (3/4), Zenyatta (2), Henrythenavigator (1/2), Hard Spun (1), Quality Road.

Final Time: 1.46 and 2/5

94 Too Low For Mo

2010-10-11T12:02:00.005-04:00

After a dominating 4 3/4 length romp in the Champagne Stakes, I was sure Uncle Mo had not only matched his Saratoga maiden route, but exceeded it. The speedy son of Indian Charlie proved that the extra quarter mile was no problem for him as he stretched out from six furlongs to a flat mile on only his second career start.

The colt was pressured right from the gate by that "pesky," as Tom Durkin called it, I'm Steppin Up. After a sizzling opening quarter in 22.41 and a stiff half mile in 45.92 it was clear that if Uncle Mo were to win the Champagne he would really have to be something special. Around the far turn they came, and Mountain Town began to mount a menacing rally around the far turn. At the head of the stretch, it looked as though Mo wouldn't be in for another easy win.

It was just then, when it looked like the talented colt would not find more, that he spurted clear with an amazing turn of foot and bounded to the wire much the best. His final time of 1.34.51 was the second fastest of the meet so far, only .09 seconds off what Tizway had run six days earlier in the Kelso. His time for the final quarter was one second better than what AZ Warrior turned in for her effort in the Frizette and .7 seconds better than Tizway's final quarter in the Kelso. Add in that his final time was the second fastest in the history of the Champagne, and you have a monster performance that would surely garner a monster speed figure.

The next day the speed figures were released and soon many were baffled by the respectable, but not stellar 94 BFS Uncle Mo received. I checked everything I could on the track -- Belmont was not playing overly fast that Saturday or in the days leading up to the Champagne. During that race week, from Wednesday to Friday the final times for a mile around Belmont were all around the 1.37-1.38 range, one even was a 1.39. Yes, all of these were claiming races, maidens and AOC's. Saturday the only other race ran over a mile was the Frizette, which was run in 1.35.68. How is it that when the track was playing average and Uncle Mo made it look like a freeway did he only receive a 94 BFS?

I asked Youbet's Derek Simon his opinion on the matter and how he felt. Rather than try to rephrase what he said and confuse you all I'll give you his response.

Derek Simon's Response on the Frizette and Champagne BFS:

"For better or for worse, part of what Beyer and his associates attempt to do with their speed figures is have them make sense. Mathematically speaking, its almost like an unstructured form of linear regression, whereby disparate data points, i.e. individual speed figures, are smoothed out. This in my opinion makes the figure more reliable overall, but less reliable in specific instances.

Saturday's Belmont card was one of those "specific instances," I'm afraid. To begin there were only two dirt route races to consider on Saturday: The Champagne and the Frizette, both for two year olds -an age that often produces overnight improvement. However here's (I think) what the Beyer folk are thinking:

Frizette

A Z Warrior (77 previous Beyer high)
*R Heat Lightning (76)
Joyful Victory (77)

Champagne

Uncle Mo (102)
*Mountain Town (61)
I'm Stepin' Up (74)

*Key horses in my opinion. R Heat Lightning recorded Beyers of 76, 76, 74 in her three lifetime starts, making her Frizette number a benchmark of sorts, while Mountain Town's BFS was so poor that, should he finish well, which he did, it casts doubt (rightly or wrongly) on the quality of the race.

Now, the spread of 13 points between the two races is a constant based on the race times, so if Beyer gives Uncle Mo, say a 102 again, that means A Z Warrior gets an 89 and R Heat Lightning gets and 86 -significantly better than anything she's earned before. That with what would amount to a 93 figure for Mountain Town, is why I believe the race was deemed to be slower.

Is this fair, or more importantly, accurate? I'm not sure, but I'm leaning to "no" on both accounts. I say that because my figures generally show improvement on the part all top finishers. And Dani's theory of a deep Saratoga track, inflating final times of certain horses on certain days is making more and more sense. For example, R Heat Lightning recorded a respectable -8 LRS in the Frizette, after garnering a woeful -24 LRS in the Spinaway, run at Saratoga. Surely the leaders stopping to a craw in that race contributed to a final 76 BFS."

Basically what I got out of that was that Beyer is trying to twist these latest figures, to make his earlier ones look more accurate, which in my opinion is not right. As Derek pointed out 2 year olds can improve overnight. Who is to say that Mountain Town who ran a low 61, could not have show that same improvement in this start? A Z Warrior, being a 2 year old is not only eligible to improve, but also was coming off synthetics, was eligible to jump up when transferring to dirt. R Heat Lightning, if my theory on Saratoga is correct, was bound to run better over a track that was not as deep or tiring.

So, Was Uncle Mo's BFS too low? I think yes, and that it should've been in the 102-105 range. But that is just me. What are your thoughts?

Weekend Stars

2010-10-10T08:36:00.003-04:00

We may not have been able to see whether Sidney's Candy was the real deal over turf or if he was "Bellamy Road" type of horse. However, what we were able to see this weekend were three displays. One that left us dazzled and wanting more, the other one won with such measured ease, and the last was of explosiveness and true grit.

Uncle Mo came in the Champagne after dazzling race-goers at Saratoga with a dominant 14.5 length romp. Over a surface that was deep and tiring, making other horses older and more mature, come to all but a halt in the stretch, Uncle Mo spurted home in a final furlong of 11.76. He was now out to prove that he was the real deal and in doing so he was being asked to go a quarter of a mile further while duplicating his Saratoga form.

Mo broke sharply and looked to be engaged in a heated speed duel that was sure to soften him up. The first quarter mile in went in a blistering 22.4 with a half in 45.92. By now Uncle Mo was still battling with I'm Steppin Up and Mountain Town was beginning to roll on the outside. Mo seemingly beaten down on the inside, as they neared the final turn, kicked into a whole new gear and dispensed of his two challenger easily. He crossed the wire 4.5 lengths the best in the second best time in Champagne history, 1.34.51. He stated with empathy that he is the real deal.

Proviso is now jockey Mike Smith's "Grass Zenyatta." There is no denying the European import is one of the best milers in the country despite the fact she loves to get to the wire in just the nick of time. Racing second last for the majority of the race through solid opening fractions of 23.92, 47.54, and 1.11.75 Mike Smith swung his mount to the outside to begin her rally. As the field turned for home she remained on her wrong lead, and while she was still coming up her explosive kick was nowhere near what it had been in her last three starts. Then midway down the stretch she switched onto her right lead and with late surge she sprinted home to nip C.S. Silk on the wire.

After so much excitement Keeneland fans were still ready for one more as the field for the Shadwell Mile assembled on the track. Gio Ponti, reigning Turf Champion led the group, but even with his champion status some wondered if he had lost a step since last year and if he could be vulnerable against the likes of Get Stormy, Enriched and Courageous Cat.

Like Proviso, Gio Ponti broke and settled second to last. He seemed to be traveling well as Acting Zippy felt the pressure of Enriched, Get Stormy, and Courageous Cat all breathing down his neck and ran opening splits of 24.22, 47.98, and 1.11.91. As the field turned for home Ramon Dominguez gave Gio Ponti his cue and the 5yr old began to commence his bid. With Society's Chairman keeping him in close quarters, Gio Ponti stormed passed Get Stormy and then pulled alongside of Courageous Cat. Gio Ponti surged between horses passing Courageous Cat and ridding himself of that pesky Society's Chairman to win by an easy and measured length.

With such sparking performances on display Uncle Mo has most likely established himself as the favorite for the Breeders Cup Juvenile, even over Rick Dutrow's talented Boys at Tuscanova, while Gio Ponti and Proviso cemented their status as worthy challengers to Goldikova who will try for an unprecedented three-peat in the Breeders Cup Mile.

Miler Madness!

2010-10-08T14:27:00.003-04:00

Time to bring on the milers! The First Lady kicks off the three grade one miles we will be treated to on Saturday, and I've got to say this is a dynamite field. Trying to pick a winner was not easy at all, and who can expect it to be when you have Proviso and Wasted Tears facing off!

Wasted Tears is on an absolute roll, winning all five of her starts this year. She is one for one over the Keeneland turf and has a sparkling five wins and one second in eight tries at the mile distance. Proviso may not be riding an unbeaten season, but she has been absolutely spectacular over the lawn, winning three out of three tries, and even beating colts. Both fillies enter this race off of razor thin winning margins in their last races. Proviso beat Shared Account by a head while Wasted Tears held gamely, beating out Lilly Fa Pootz by a scant nose. Both are gritty, and both are forces to be reckoned with over the green. Who will come out on top?

After the fillies kick things off, the boys take over in the Shadwell Mile. Here we see Gio Ponti shorten back to a mile after getting shocked in the Arlington Million. The cut back in distance should suit the defending Male Turf Champion well. Courageous Cat, the brilliant blaze-faced colt who finished second to Goldikova in last year's Breeders Cup Mile, chooses a tough spot to come back after his tough run in Dubai in March. If he's anywhere close to peak level he should be hard to handle.

A couple of horses to watch for here are Get Stormy and Enriched. Both will break like rockets and will probably be winging out on the lead. Get Stormy has rail position which may give him the lead, but Enriched has proven that he can really fly. Twice this year the speedy gelding has run some pretty crazy half mile splits and in both races he proved he could not only take the heat but excel under it.

The Oak Tree Mile will finish it off for the trio of milers and here the speedy Sidney's Candy will be looking for his second straight overwhelming turf performance. Last out in the La Jolla, Sidney's Candy ran his rivals off their feet and into the ground while also spinning the clock dizzy. Running a half mile in 45 and four and six furlongs in 1.08 and four and winning is amazing, winning by five and setting a new stakes record is phenomenal. If he can duplicate that performance he will be tough to beat here and will give Goldikova one heck of a challenge on Breeders Cup day.

Victor's Cry would seem the most likely to upset the chestnut fireball. He has a win over this track, beating the speedy Karelian, who upset Gio Ponti, earlier this year and gave Court Vision all he wanted last year in the Shadwell Turf Mile. Since then he has been beaten around pretty good -- first getting dominated by The Usual QT in his next outing then running a dull ninth in this year's Shadwell Turf Mile. However, he is returning to the site where he ran down Karelian, and that might be enough to bring the wow factor back for him.

So with all the excitement, what is your take on this weekend's upcoming races? Do think Sidney's Candy will win in some sweet style? Will Proviso or Wasted Tears take the First Lady? Will Gio get back to the winner's circle? You tell me.

Juveniles Take Center Stage

2010-10-07T13:22:00.004-04:00

It may be tough for this weekend to give us the build up and excitement that Super Saturday presented us with, but make no mistake this weekend we are faced with a plethora of intriguing and exciting grade one stakes, headed by none other than this years talent juvenile crop.

The Darley Alcibiades Stake will kick of the parade of juvenile races, and is headed by the wickedly fast Wickedly Perfect and unbeaten Wonderlandbynight. The former is seeking to rebound off a 4 1/2 length thrashing she received at the hooves of Tell A Kelly. The dashing grey has speed to burn and while her go go running style may raise questions about her ability to get the distance, the top half of her pedigree lists Belmont winner AP Indy as her grandsire. That could lend her plenty of stamina for this 8.5 furlong event.

Wonderlandbynight stormed down the stretch to take the Arlington Washington Lassie by 2 1/2, and looked good doing it. This dazzling chestnut seems just as effective at shorter distances as she does at longer. She crossed the line first in a five furlong event before coming back two races later to win at a flat mile. The extra furlong will most likely only be more of an advantage.

Friday, as exciting as it sounds, is just an opener for Saturday where the Frizette and Champagne Stakes take place at Belmont, while Keeneland gives us Breeders Futurity. In the Frizette, trainer Todd Pletcher takes aim with four talented fillies, topped by R Heat Lightning. The bay lass started off her career with a dazzling five length romp at Delaware Park, completing five furlongs in 58.78 seconds. After a small hiccup in her second start, where she was beaten one length, she went back to her winning ways, capturing the Spinaway Stakes by four lengths.

There are quite a few promising maiden winners that could jump up in this spot, but the one I like the best would be Joyful Victory. The classically bred filly broke her maiden over Delaware Park's main strip by a neck, going 8.5 furlongs. The final time 1.42.9 is solid to say the least. Her sire is Wood Memorial hero Tapit, who is on fire as a sire, while Breeders Cup Classic winner, Wild Again pops up as her broodmare sire. With breeding like this she should only get better with age and distance.

The Champagne Stakes is headlined by maiden winner Uncle Mo. To say this colt was impressive in his debut would be an understatement. He obliterated the field by 14 1/2 lengths, running 11 second furlongs like they were nothing. He made older sprinter stakes sprinters, who ran later on the card look like they ordinary. After running blistering opening splits they all faltered, running 13, even 14 second final furlongs. Uncle Mo ran the same speedway splits then clocked his last furlong in 11.76 seconds. If stablemate, Stay Thirsty, is scratched -as he is expected too- an upset by any others, would come as a complete shock.

Last but not least, the day unwinds with the Breeders Futurity. Unlike the last three races there is no immediate stand out. The favorite a maiden winner over turf is 4-1, with several horse sharing co-favoritism as the second choice. Out of all the horses I'm liking Major Gain. He was beaten by nearly three to Caleb's Posse, but turned the tables on that rival, winning the mile long Arlington Washington Futurity. Trying to pick the rest is like throwing darts blindfolded, so my hat is off to you if you can pick the top three.

Tomorrow will be Miler Madness here as I will take you through Oak Tree and Shadwell Turf Mile, while throwing in the 6 furlong Ancient Title just for fun.

A Letter to Jess Jackson

2010-10-04T17:33:00.003-04:00

Dear Mr. Jackson,

Over the last three or so years I have been treated to some of racing's greatest thrills, and they are all thanks to you. They are thanks to you and your willingness to campaign your great horses like champions. Curlin I fell in love with as soon as I saw the replays of his Rebel and Arkansas Derby. I watched in awe, saying to myself now that horse will be a great horse. I backed him all through the Triple Crown and even after his Haskell Invitational, where it was obvious he was just shaking off the rust. You ran him in the Gold Cup against the best older male and another of my favorites, Lawyer Ron. His Classic that year was a thing of beauty, and I still remember the call, "and it's Curlin POWER HOUSING home in an absolutely stylish performance!"

The year after that it was all fun. I loved how he crushed the World Cup field with such ease then came back here to win the Stephen Foster just as easily. You showed just how much a sportsman you were that year. You tried him on turf, and then even after Big Brown was prevented from attending the Classic, you took Curlin to California anyway, even though the surface was new and untested at Santa Anita.

I was sorry Curlin had to retire on that losing note, but he had nothing more to prove and he was a tired horse by the end of that year. After his retirement I thought I was lost, until Rachel Alexandra blew me away in the Kentucky Oaks. Her previous owner had said that he would not race Rachel against males, and after that performance I thought, what a waste, she would be able to handle them so easily. Then you bought her and put together a campaign for the ages. My favorite performance of hers was not the Oaks or the Mother Goose, where she dazzled us with speed and ease. It was not her Woodward, which was won on her pure heart and determination. No, my favorite performance was her Haskell. Speed, beauty, and pure brilliance were all on display, and in my opinion it was her crowning moment.

After a season of dominance, we could only hope she would return the same. A bit of a rush job, to give fans the Zenyatta vs Rachel Alexandra showdown they wanted, delayed that. Her loss in the La Troienne was to be expected, if you cross the New Orleans Ladies out, which many of us did, the La Troienne was her first real race back, and was needed.

After those two heart breakers, she wowed us again. She may not have been perfect, obviously drifting out through the stretch, but in the Fleur de Lis she won by 10.5 easy lengths. The Lady's Secret wasn't the blowout many of us expected, but then again on a day that had a heat index of 105 degrees, who could blame Calvin for wrapping her up as soon as he gained the lead?

After these two races, all Rachel fans were so confident that she would win the Personal Ensign Handicap. She was working better than ever before, had two strong wins under her belt, and seemed well on her way to regaining her 2009 form. It was a huge let-down when she dueled for over a mile with Life at Ten, putting her away on the far turn, only to get caught in the final strides by Persistently.

That loss hurt, but after finding out facts like no horse since 2006 had been able to take a grade one, 10-furlong race wire-to-wire at Saratoga, it lessened the blow. To know the track has been insanely deep and tiring over the last few years meant that for her to last as long as she did in her first try over 10 furlongs, was unreal. It gave me and countless others confidence that the Personal Ensign set her up for a HUGE performance in her next possible start.

After a series of strong works, two bullet moves, our hopes were high. She was looking again like a monster. Many were convinced that after her final work she would decimate the Beldame field. There were those, like me, who even thought she could win the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Then you dashed all of our hopes and expectations in one swift sentence, that Rachel had been retired.

After that, not just me, but many lost a lot of respect for you. Part of me doubts Steve, Dominic, or Calvin actually knew you were going to retire her. Steve was not training Rachel like a horse he knew had a good chance of a soon-to-be retirement, he was training her like she was going to race, and she was looking like she was ready not only to race, but to return to her form of 2009.

The sting of her retirement smarted even more as we watched the two races she could've potentially been in this weekend. The horse she beat by 10.5 lengths in her final start WON the Beldame and did it with ease. Rachel had run Life at Ten into the ground last time, and seeing her return to win only strengthens the belief that Rachel not only would've won, but she would've crushed the field. The Gold Cup unfolded as I would've predicted, but even better. Rachel would've run away with that race and demolished Haynesfield. If he could win off of fractions like that, running even Blame off his feet, Rachel would've done it ten times better.

Mr. Jackson, for two years you were the best thing that ever happened to racing. You were a sportsman, not afraid to take on the best, even if it meant there would be a possibility of losing. You brought back both Curlin and Rachel as four year olds. You even kept faith in Rachel after she lost her first two starts this season. However, the last move you made, the one that will be remembered most, was a duck. Perhaps you were scared that Rachel, despite training like a monster and having the bottom Personal Ensign provided her, might not win.

If you were not scared, and there was some underlying reason like a nagging injury that provoked her retirement, we as her fans and loyal supporters deserve to know. We deserve the truth. We have defended you, Curlin and Rachel against many naysayers and never lost faith.

So, Mr. Jackson, was it a loss of faith and ultimately a duck, that led to Rachel's premature retirement? Or, was it an injury that stole away the horse who was the hero to so many?

Yours Truly,

Laura Pugh

A Bitter Sweet Departure

2010-09-30T17:57:00.001-04:00

All who know me from Facebook and Twitter know that this week has just not been my week. I'm sick, I'm tired, and my classes just seem to drrrraaaaggggg by. However I knew if I could just make it through this week, the weekend would all be worth it, because this weekend was Super Saturday. From coast to coast it will a day only second to the Breeders Cup itself. Brilliant turf star, Paddy O'Prado is set to try and continue his dominance, this time over his elders. Rail Trip and Blame face off in what promises to be a very contentious edition of the Jockey Club Gold Cup and on the Left Coast, Zenyatta goes for number 19 in a row while Twirling Candy looks to add the Grade one Goodwood to impressive resume.

All of this would be enough to get any racing fanatic through a bad week, but the most important thing of all this weekend was the return of Rachel Alexandra. She was the main reason for all of my excitement, because in whatever race her connections chose to run in, the Beldame or the Jockey Club Gold Cup, I knew she was sitting on a huge race, and would likely return to her 2009 glory. I was so ready just to see her run a huge race that would set her up perfectly for the Breeder's Cup.

The reigning Horse of the Year was looking all set to go. She was coming off of two strong and dazzling bullet works, the first at 3/4's of a mile gone in 1.12.05 and the second would be 48.45 seconds for four furlongs. Her fans were practically foaming at the mouth, waiting for Jess Jackson to announce what race she would run in. Instead he shocked and ultimately crushed millions of fans when he announced in a press release that Rachel Alexandra would not race this Saturday, or any coming weekends, that she had been retired.

Some were left numb by the announcement, I only wish I had felt that. To me the announcement seemed to completely crush me as well as stun me. It made no sense and still does not. Why after two bullet works and only four days before the race do you retire? I normally am full of answers, but for once I'm left overflowing with questions.

However, after giving everything time to sink in, the gaping hole I felt seems to hurt less. Now, I look back at the memories Rachel has left me. I remember that at the beginning of 09 I was looking for a horse to fill the void Curlin had left. Zenyatta had yet to race, and at that point, I though Rachel was a nice horse, very fast, but was beating up on a weak crop of fillies. I expected a win in the Kentucky Oaks, maybe by as much as 10 easy lengths, but she outdid even that. As she ran away with the field, cruising under the finish by over 20 lengths, she ran away with my heart.

From then on I firmly backed, so much, that I would become livid when others started to bash her. She took me on the ride of my life. Her Preakness and Woodward, challenger after challenger ran at her and she repelled them, finding more and more, ultimately leaving my speechless with her courage. Her Mother Goose and Haskell left me speechless as well, but because of her raw speed and brilliance, creating an aura of invincibility.

Even though this season did not come close to approaching her dazzling 2009 form, her heart and determination in every race were enough to keep me at her side. I will miss her, I will miss her so much, but I will move on. I will never forget what she gave me, never in a million years. She gave us everything every time she set foot on the track, making sure that no matter what, we will always remember her. Good-by Rachel Alexandra.

Gold is the Way to Go

2010-09-22T18:51:00.003-04:00

The nominations are out and as expected, the reigning Horse of the Year will make her return on October 2nd. Rachel Alexandra was nominated to the Beldame, where she would get the chance to avenge not just one, but two of her losses this year. It will be a hotly contested race, but at 9 furlongs over Belmont, where she is a stakes record holder, does anyone think a broken Life at Ten will turn the tables or Persistently will be able to close the ground in time?

The fact she was nominated to this race comes as no surprise, but what caught the eye of Rachel Fans around the nation was not the prospect of Rachel Alexandra avenging two of her losses, it was her nomination to the 10 furlong Jockey Club Gold Cup. After such a slow time, where she staggered home in the final sixteenth of a mile, only to get beat in the Personal Ensign, why would her connections choose to even nominate her to the Gold Cup. Not only is it 10 furlongs, but it is against two of the strongest older males in the country.

The answer is because even though her 2o1o record does not suggest it, she is still the same filly she was last year, the only difference is she is just now only getting started. At nine furlongs, even 9.5 furlongs this mare is a beast, a force to be reckoned with. She showed she was back to herself with two relatively easy wins in her two starts leading up to the Personal Ensign, the only question heading into the race was the distance. Rachel Alexandra answered that question with a disguised affirmative.

Saratoga is not the place to try to go wire to wire in a grade one race 9 furlongs. Only three horses have been able to do that task and only one of those three succeed in doing so at 10 furlong, and that was back in 2006. Yet there she went, thundering around the track, locked into a heated speed duel that last 7/8ths of a mile before Rachel's challenger, Life at Ten, finally caved. We all know how the story ended, Rachel Alexandra fought her heart out, but the deep and tiring Saratoga track and lengthy speed duel took it's toll, and the champion yielded the lead in the final strides.

I'll bet you are all asking how the heck this race shows she can get 10 furlongs and 1o furlongs against the toughest males she has yet to face. Rachel Alexandra, nearly pulled off what had not been done in four years, winning a 10 furlong grade one going head to head. The filly she crushed and ran into submission, was a proven 10 furlong winner, was riding a six race winning streak and was a grade one winner. In her first start going 10 furlongs, Rachel Alexandra nearly pulled off what had been impossible for four years.

In the Gold Cup she will not face a horse that is as speed crazy as Life at Ten. Her main competition, on the front end, will come from Rail Trip. The son of Jump Start has plenty of early speed, but is better when sitting just off the pace. He has the ability to go with Rachel, but I highly doubt that Dutrow would have Rail Trip sent into a match race, especially considering his last race was in July and he is now trying to have him as ready as possible for the Breeders Cup Classic. Because of this Rachel Alexandra will probably be able to control a fairly moderate pace without a whole ton of pressure.

The second thing going her way is the track. Her two biggest opponents, Blame and Rail Trip, have never raced over Big Sandy. In her only start over the track, Rachel Alexandra romped to a near 20 length victory in stakes record time, while being eased. It goes without saying that Rachel Alexandra loves Belmont Park.

These two things combined with the conditioning the Personal Ensign gave her suggest that Gold Cup would be well with in her reach. She now has the conditioning, she loves the track, she would be the controlling speed, and she would be receiving weight instead of giving it. With everything seemingly pointing in her favor, one can only conclude that the Gold Cup is the way to go.

Zenyatta vs Mighty Mouse

2010-09-17T11:08:00.002-04:00

The grade one Lady's Secret just got a whole lot more interesting when Jerry Hollendorfer announced that leading 3 year old filly, Blind Luck, was nominated to the event. The unbeaten Zenyatta, who has been training like the champion she is, has also been pointed to this race for some time.

The Lady's Secret had seemed to be another foregone conclusion. Zenyatta would be entered, she'd drop to the tail of the field the majority of the race, start her run on the far turn, then canter by her hopelessly outclassed opponents. With the possible addition of Blind Luck, things look a whole lot more interesting.

Both Blind Luck and Zenyatta have the exact same running style. Both like to drop to the tail of the field before unleashing a furious rally that leaves their rivals dizzy. After that the similarities stop. Zenyatta is a giant of a mare with the stride the size of Texas. It may take her a while to get that big caboose of her's in gear, but when she does she comes flying down that stretch like a freight train. Over her three year career, Zenyatta has been kept in the cozy confines of her home state California for all but two starts. She only ventured outside her female division once, and that was the 2009 Breeders Cup Classic, where she became the first filly in the history of the race, to win.

Blind Luck is by no means a giant. She is a small but agile filly. She may not be the quickest at the start of the race, but she has plenty of boom boom pow when she makes her run. Just watch the 2009 Hollywood Scarlet or this years Kentucky Oaks. Explosive is an understatement when the term is applied to the plucky little filly. Unlike Zenyatta, she has had her fair share of traveling. This year alone she went from California to Arkansas to Kentucky, before shipping back to California, then shipping to Delaware then New York. You could say she's been around the block a time or two. What she does lack is a win over males, but other than that, it is hard to fault such a full schedule.

If the two do in fact meet in the Lady's Secret we can all expect a stretch run for the ages. The distance of 8.5 furlongs favors neither one, since both seem to prefer going longer. It will have to be a race of strategy by the jockey before the two closers hit the stretch.

As mentioned earlier, Blind Luck is much smaller, but her small size makes it so much easier to go from 5th to 1st gear in the blink of an eye, where as Zenyatta's massive proportions may need some more time to unwind into that big ground, ground eating stride. Chances are Blind Luck will get the jump on her elder and will try to as hard as she can to fend her off. With the distance being only 8.5 furlongs, Blind Luck may just be able to hold off the big mare, if Mike Smith waits a second too long before giving his mare the green light.

Either way, we can all expect a race to the finish. So, who will it be, if the connections of Blind Luck decide to take a chance? Will it we the princess in waiting, Blind Luck or will be Queen Zenyatta, whose nose crosses the wire first?

Lookin at the Goodwood?

2010-09-15T08:42:00.000-04:00

Lookin at Lucky, last year’s Juvenile champion and this year’s leading candidate for male 3 year old honors has been nothing short of spectacular. Was he the most dominant colt earlier this year? The answer is no, not to the naked eye at least. He won his 2010 debut by a head, but only after clipping heels on the backstretch and going 4 wide off the turn. In the Santa Anita Derby he was shoved into the rail, just as the field was turning for home, before regaining his composure and running on for third.

After his two preps came the horrendous Derby. On paper he was the beaten co-favorite, finishing sixth. Being run into the rail a total of three times, essentially losing all chance before the first turn, can explain that finish. It was in the Preakness Lucky’s Luck finally turned. The short margin, however, still left questions to his dominance. Was he really just barely the best of a mediocre field, or did three straight horrible trips just take the starch out of him?

Lucky came back and answered that question empathetically in the Haskell Invitational. It was a short field, but nonetheless a strong one, containing, First Dude the Preakness runner-up, Ice Box the Derby runner-up, Super Saver the Derby winner, and Trappe Shot the young impressive upstart. Lucky ran away with the field by over 4 lengths, in spectacular fashion. With that win Lookin at Lucky was all set to clean up the three year old division and launch a new assault on Horse of the Year.

Unfortunately, the travel took its toll on the impressive colt. He came out of the race with a fever that delayed his return to his California base and knocked him out of training for weeks. The illness cost him valuable time and could have a negative effect on his form. That kind of setback this close to the Breeders’ Cup Classic is never easily made up.

Bob Baffert, the colt’s trainer has now been put in a bind. There is no way he can have Lookin at Lucky ready for another ship across the county for the September 25 Pennsylvania Derby. Baffert has already stated that shipping so much this season took its toll on the colt, so shipping out of town for a later date, closer to the Breeders’ Cup, may not be a wise idea. What race could possibly be a good prep that gives Lucky enough time to become race ready and doesn’t require a ship out of state?

The Goodwood, during Oak Tree’s meet, at Hollywood Park would be the best options. It may not be conventional dirt, but it is the track in California that most resembles the surface. It is nine furlongs, which may leave more left in the tank for Lookin at Lucky than a race at 10 furlongs might. It also gives him a chance to face his elders, and another up and coming colt in Twirling Candy.

So, is the Goodwood the right way to go? Do you think Baffert should take a shot and ship out to Belmont for the Gold Cup? Would trying to make the PA Derby still be a good idea? The Goodwood certainly presents the most pluses and looks like the most logical choice at this stage for Lookin at Lucky.

One For America

2010-09-11T18:53:00.004-04:00

I remember chaos. I remember the tight, drawn look on my 4th grade teacher's face as we waited for the news of whether we would be sent home early. Why? We had absolutely no clue. Normally as a kid at the age of age 10 years old, a shortened school day was music to my ears, but this was different. I could sense the fear and the tension. It didn't take much longer before we were told the buses had arrived to drive us home, and we were soon ushered out the doors.

I got home and the first thing I remember was seeing my mom sitting on her bed crying. Again, why? I had no idea. Then I looked up at the TV. Replaying on the screen was a giant plane slamming into one of two skyscrapers. The once glorious building that stood so tall was instantly cut in half, the other was half rubble. Not long after came the next plane, slamming into the second tower, doing to it what had been done to the first.

I remember seeing terrified people jumping from incredible heights to what could only be their death. I was only 10, but this was still one of the most horrible sights I can remember. Other scenes showed nothing but the dark clouds of smoke that blanketed the area like a giant dark carpet of doom. The one word I first think of when remembering it all was horrifying.

Only a few weeks after the shocking terrorist attack on the twin towers, America's Horse of the Year returned in the Breeders Cup Classic and he was seeking to do the impossible. The big handsome colt Tiznow had won racing's year end event the previous year in style, doggedly fending of Giant's Causeway, the European invader.

That year, he was again the underdog to the European raced, but middle east bred and owned, Sakhee. After being out for six months for a wrenched back, it didn't look like Tiznow would be able to withstand the full force of a fit and ready Sakhee. But this was Tiznow, the colt who, when looked in the eye on racing's biggest stage, refused to lose.

Breaking from the gate, Orientate and Albert The Great hooked up in a furious speed duel, with Tiznow not far back in third and Sakhee patiently waiting in sixth. The positions remained the same throughout most of the race, but as the field passed the half mile marker, Tiznow and Sakhee began to move.

As they moved into the stretch, the smaller quicker Sakhee slingshotted himself to a narrow lead. Tiznow was not ready to give in. The American Horse of the Year found himself in a race to the finish. By the furlong pole the two horses were locked into battle, and it was Tiznow who surged clear in the final stride.

The race still brings me to tears and the call of "Tiznow wins it for AMERICA!", rings clearly in my head even now. It was vindication in a way. Tiznow ran his heart out, symbolizing the heart and soul of every American in the process. Tiznow may only be a horse, but he should forever remain, not just an American Horse of the Year, but an American Hero. Tiznow, I salute you.

Classic Candy

2010-09-07T15:56:00.003-04:00

He's big, he's tall, and he's dark, but Twirling Candy is no stranger to racing fans. Unbeaten and untested in four starts, he is known as a budding star. His last two scores in the Oceanside Stakes and the Del Mar Derby have only solidified that belief.

One would think that two such impressive scores over the lawn, both of which were won with a big powerful late spurt that left the fields toiling in his wake, would warrant a stab at racing's most exciting weekend, the Breeders Cup Turf. That, however, may not be where the good looking son of Candy Ride is being pointed.

There is almost no doubt that with such a talented horse, trainer John Saddler will try to make the Breeders Cup, but the Turf, which may be the most logical option, may not be the race Saddler is eyeing the most. The race he may have his sights set on could possibly be none other than the Classic.

Why in the world would Sadder do a thing like that? Why would he take what is obviously a monster over the turf and switch him to dirt? The answer is that Twirling Candy has two easy and dominant wins over the surface in California that plays most like dirt. Hollywood Park's Cushion Track.

In his debut, before anyone knew his name, Twirling Candy won by a measured half a length over Nextdoorneighbor, a horse that was being considered for this year's Kentucky Derby. He then followed that effort up with an eye catching allowance race that he won going away. Now he is being pointed towards the Goodwood, a Grade one, again at Hollywood Park.

Should he win the Goodwood like he has everything else, easily, then why not take a stab at the Classic? With Candy Ride as a sire and the way he is always striding out so strongly after the finish, would suggest that he should have no trouble with the distance. His sire could've cared less what was under his feet, and as of now, it seems he has passed that trait on to Twirling Candy.

The talented colt will have a lot going against him if he enters the Classic. One big obstacle is the quality of the field. This year's Classic seems to be shaping up as one of the best in recent memory. He also had to shake off the curse that seems to follow California synthetic horses once they try main track under the Twin Spires. Finally, he will have to overcome his inexperience. If he goes in the Classic, it will be only his sixth career start.

Can such a lightly raced colt, even one as talented as Twirling Candy, win despite all that stands in his way? If he can, there is no reason to not use the word 'great' to describe him. If he falls just short, it will be expected, and there will many ex uses for him to fall back on. However, a loss will not mean he cannot still be great. It only means it was too much too soon. One thing is for certain, with a talent like Twirling Candy, anything is possible.

Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover

2010-09-03T10:12:00.005-04:00

In racing some of the most important tools we as handicappers and fans use to help us identify the horse most likely to come out on top in a specific race are times. We look at final times, internal fractions, final quarters, and single furlong fractions in works. Basically any distance that is assigned a number, we look at.

We get so excited when we see a speed demon run killer fractions come home after being eased in the final furlong to get only a fraction of a second away from a track or stakes record. A closer who closes a quarter mile in under 24 seconds impresses us, and if they can run a sub 23 we are awestruck. As Americans, we are speed freaks.

It is no wonder that when a horse runs a slow final time as well as moderate internal fractions that lead to an even less final quarter or furlong, we are extremely underwhelmed. That is exactly what seems to be happening during the 2010 meet at Saratoga. The Travers Stakes for three year olds went the 10-furlong test in an unimpressive 2.03.23 and ran the final quarter in a lackadaisical 26 and change. Blame won the Whitney Handicap in an average final time of 1.48.88, and in this year's Personal Ensign, Persistently ran a sloooowwwww snail-like time of 2.04.49 while crawling home in a final quarter of 27 and change.

So how do we judge these horses? Are they really that slow? Are they really that average? Or could it possibly be something deeper, under the surface? The truth is that for the past three or so years the Saratoga main track has been steadily producing more average final times coupled with unimpressive final quarters and furlongs at the grade one level from nine furlongs and up. While also looking back, it can be seen that over the past few years at the same distance and level, Saratoga has been increasingly unkind to any horse that wants to try and take the race wire to wire.

Lets go back to last year's Alabama Stakes. Careless Jewel, known for her early speed, was rated back in second for the first six or seven furlongs before bursting away to a visually impressive win, but won with a less than stellar time of 2.03.24 with a final quarter of 25 and change. That same year, Summer Bird won the Travers in an average time of 2.02.83, but with a final quarter of 26.22.

An earlier example of this occurring was the 2008 Travers, with a final time of 2.03.2 and a final furlong of 26 flat. Another was the 2007 Woodward, where Lawyer Ron ran a solid 9 furlongs in 1.48. 6 but ran his final three eighths in 37.15 seconds. A final example was the 2007 Personal Ensign, a race run in 2.03.48 with a slow 26.69 final quarter. It would also be valuable to note that in not one of these races did the winner lead the field wire to wire. In fact, since 2006 there have only been three horses that were able to wire their fields at the grade one level, going 9 furlongs or over. Those horses were Fleet Indian, Commentator, and Rachel Alexandra. Horses that were closer to the pace were Premium Tap and Careless Jewel.

What does this tell us? It says that Saratoga is a uniquely deep and tiring track that takes it toll on horses, producing average internal fractions, average to slow final clockings and normally slow final fractions. So, next time you're handicapping a race at Saratoga, just remember to try to look a little deeper and not just at that slow final time you may see on your Daily Racing Form.

Choices

2010-09-01T13:07:00.004-04:00

After a shocking second place finish in the Personal Ensign, beaten only by a length, the search for Rachel Alexandra's next potential start begins. Jess Jackson mentioned earlier, that he wanted the reigning Horse of the Year to be on a five week schedule, that would set her up for a start in this years Breeder's Cup.

As we look five weeks down the calender from the Personal Ensign, there are three races that pop out the most, the first being the Beldame, which is viewed by many as Rachel Alexandra's most likely next start.

The Beldame is only 8. 5 furlongs, a distance Rachel has run twice over this year, with the result being two second place finishes. The Beldame is at Belmont Park, the site of Rachel Alexandra's second stakes record and her 20 length beat down of Grade one winners Flashing and Malibu Prayer.

At this distance, her foes which already include Persistently, the filly who upset Rachel Alexandra in the Personal Ensign, and may very well include Malibu Prayer, Unrivaled Belle and Life At Ten. If there was a time for Rachel Alexandra to get revenge upon those who stole some of her thunder this year, this race would be it.

The Jockey Club Gold Cup would be the next most likely start. At 10 furlongs, many may point out that in Rachel's only try at the distance she lost and the final time was not all that impressive. I say, Rachel can still get the distance. Saratoga and Belmont are nowhere near the same. Saratoga is not the track a horse wants to be on the front end if they are want a serious chance at winning at 10 furlongs. The front end was exactly where Rachel was. Belmont is not as deep, and Rachel Alexandra skipped over the very track to a near 20 length victory last year.

The competition in this race may also put the connections of the Medaglia D'Oro filly off. Blame already had a good reputation as an exceptional closer when he came into the Whitney. He put an exclamation on that status as he ran down Quality Road, after the Pletcher trainee got away with coasting along on the front end. This race doesn't seem to have an abundance of speed, but Rachel will need to be at her best if she's going to hold off the son of Arch.

The last and least likely option would be the Hawthorn Gold Cup. This race is also at 10 furlongs, but again it is not over a track as deep and tiring as Saratoga has been the last couple years. The plus to this race are that the competition will not be quite as stiff as the Beldame or Jockey Club Gold Cup, which means there is less of a chance for Rachel to be used up before the Breeders Cup.

However the negatives are the travel and grade two status. Both the Beldame and Jockey Club Gold Cup are just a van ride from Saratoga, but the Hawthorn Gold Cup is all the way in Illinois. Why ship for a grade two when you have two grade ones to choose from right in your backyard?

So what should the connections of Rachel Alexandra do? Should they go for the softer Hawthorn Gold Cup? How about the shorter, but more contentious Beldame? Or, do you think they should go all in for the Jockey Club Gold Cup?

Don't Make It Personal

2010-08-30T09:37:00.004-04:00

It was supposed to be the Queen's crowning moment, her return to the spotlight. On August 29 Rachel Alexandra, reigning Horse of the Year, was all set to return to glory as she turned back Life At Ten and entered the Saratoga stretch, with a four length lead, in the Personal Ensign.

Her fans cheered wildly in the stands as their champion began to cruise down the stretch, to what looked like a dominant victory. However, as the wire drew near, the effects of an intense speed duel began to take effect and it was apparent the heroine of so many hearts was beginning to feel leg weary.

Persistently, the longshot of the field was running a huge race, seemingly being lifted along by the ghost of the unbeaten distaffer, Personal Ensign. The chestnut mare did not seem to get the memo that this was Rachel Alexandra's coming out party, and in just the final heart-wrenching strides, Persistently gunned down the champion, stunning the racing fans into an eerie silence.

Now the bashing can begin again, but really what is there to bash? Rachel Alexandra did not embarrass herself in the least. Many will point to her slow final quarter to prove their point that she is simply not a 10 furlong horse and may be best at shorter distances. What these detractors seem to forget is that the top two finishers in the Travers Stakes, both who were never on the lead until the stretch call of the race, were hard pressed to finish their final quarter much faster.

Saratoga seems to be a deep and tiring track, especially in races that are 9 furlongs and over. Final furlongs and quarter miles look pedestrian. Don't believe me? Just look at last year. The Travers, albeit over mud, had a final quarter of 26.22 and Careless Jewel's Alabama had a final quarter of 25.86. Bullsbay, the Whitney winner, ran a final furlong in 13 seconds flat? A little fact for you, none of these horses led wire to wire. Careless Jewel was closest to the pace out of the three.

Rachel Alexandra was rushed to the lead and engaged in a speed duel with Life At Ten. The fractions may not have looked blistering, but over the Saratoga main track and going 10 furlongs, set before Rachel a daunting task of getting to the wire first.

Another plus to the race was that Rachel Alexandra pummeled the horse that was supposed to give her the stiffest challenge. Life At Ten dropped her anchor turning for home and finished 10 lengths behind Rachel Alexandra. Once again Rachel Alexandra has proven that it is a suicide mission, for any horse that is in the race to win it, to try and stay with her early.

The point is, Rachel fans, the Personal Ensign was a better effort than it appears at first glance. Did we all expect a win, especially as our heroine entered the stretch? Yes, we did, and we would've had it if not for a spectacular ride by Mr. Garcia. I also hope the connections of Rachel Alexandra do not give up. The race has given her the bottom she will need later this year.

It is my hope that we will see Rachel Alexandra, not in the Beldame, but in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. The race is without a true speed horse since it has become apparent that Quality Road will not join the fray, meaning Rachel will have the lead all to herself over a track where she owns a stakes record.

All in all was this the outcome we were expecting? No. But hopefully it is a step in the right direction.

Time to Pay the Devil Her Due

2010-08-20T12:55:00.003-04:00

This weekend is chalked full of both past and current racing stars ready to shine. Stars like the 2009 Wood Memorial victor, I Want Revenge, will try to show the racing world that he still has what it takes to be among the top handicap males this season. Gio Ponti will try to string together back-to-back wins in more ways than one when he attempts to become the first horse to win back-to-back Arlington Millions. Paddy O'Prado will try to dazzle the crowd yet a third time in a row while amongst his own age group before he tries taking on the leading older male turf horses in the Secretariat Stakes.

However exciting those races seem to be, none of them measure up to what we may see in the Alabama Stakes, where the two most accomplished 3yr old fillies will meet. Devil May Care, the brilliant daughter of Malibu Moon, will try to dethrone last year's Champion Juvenile Filly and this year's Kentucky Oaks winner, Blind Luck.

The last time these two met on the track was in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies, where Blind Luck finished the better of the two. However, one could conclude that Devil May Care should get a mulligan, as the race was run over the synthetic surface Pro-Ride, instead of conventional dirt. Of the two fillies, Blind Luck has certainly proven herself the most consistent, winning more often than not and never finishing worse than third in her 12 race career.

Both fillies demonstrated an immense amount of talent early on in their careers. Blind Luck won her first two starts before capturing the Oak Leaf Stakes in her career start, then absolutely demolished the Hollywood Starlet field by a widening 7 1/4 lengths. Devil May Care was thrust right into grade one competition after easily taking her maiden.

This year the two could not have been more different. Devil May Care has proven just how hard to handle she can be when she is on her game. Each of her wins this year have been dazzling performances, where she simply leaves the crowd staring in awe. When she is off, however, she's really off. In each of her losses this year she has been nowhere to be found, except for up the track.

Blind Luck, on the other hand, has been the picture of consistency. She has crisscrossed the nation more than once this year and never has she run a bad race. The plucky little filly continued the dominance she showed as a two year old by taking the Las Virgenes, Fantasy, Kentucky Oaks, and most recently the Delaware Oaks. As good as she seemed over the synthetics in California, she seems even better over the conventional dirt tracks of the east, so far going a perfect 3 for 3.

Now we finally get to see the two face off, once again. Which one wins, the brilliant, yet inconsistent Devil May Care or the gritty little closer Blind Luck? Here, I'm giving the edge to Devil May Care. One may hesitate at the 11th, 10th, and 5th place finishes that mar an otherwise dazzling career. However, before you jump ship, remember that the 11th place finish came at the hands of Pro-Ride, a track that conventional dirt horses seem to detest. Her 5th place finish came off of a lengthy layoff, just after the Breeders Cup debacle. Lastly, her tenth place finish came, not in the Kentucky Oaks, but the Derby, arguably the hardest race in America to win.

Since those losses Devil May Care has been a complete bear, mauling anything any east coast trainer has the guts to send to meet her. Her tactical speed will give her the ability to to rate up close to the pace, and if needed, she'll even take the lead. Her late acceleration is her most valuable weapon, and it should quickly propel her clear of the rest of the field. The only question is, will Blind Luck, who is known for her close calls this season, be able to run her down? I think not. Blind Luck will come charging hard at Devil May Care, but I fear the Pletcher trainee will just be too far ahead and too plain good to be run down.

At the end of the day, the Devil will collect her winning amongst the Blind Luck's champion crown.

The California Flash

2010-08-19T12:47:00.002-04:00

Watch out turf sprinters of California, the silver streak of lightning California Flag is back and is more polished than ever before. Going into the Green Flash, the connections of the California Flag, made it well know that they were not expecting a win from their flashy silver bullet.

Breaking from the gate California Flag, know for his blazing early speed, was taken back into fourth place, shaking up the entire making of the race. Turning for home Mike Smith decided to shake the six year old up, and shake him up he did. California Flag dug down and produce a late kick that closed ever so steadily on Quick Enough and was just enough to hold of Summer Slew as the trio flashed under the wire.

The final time was a scorching 55.58 seconds over Del Mar's Turf Course. What made the victory even more impressive was that it was the grey gelding's first start in five months, his last start being Al Quoz Sprint, over in Dubai, where California Flag represented America with a third place finish.

With the victory has announced loud and clear he is not ready to hang up his cape quite yet and that any young guns willing to face him will have personally take the crown he so proudly wears as the best turf sprinter in America.

Racing Doesn't Need A Sore Loser

2010-08-09T13:26:00.002-04:00

The Whitney Handicap certainly lived up to it's billing as the Race of the Year. The top three horses in the race all showed up and the two heavy weights gave us a dramatic stretch drive that will not soon be forgotten. Musket Man, the dark bay colt, demonstrated, once again, his amazing class and consistency. His trainer, Derek Ryan, on the other hand, showed just how classless he could be.

Musket Man place third in the Whitney and was not even beaten by a total of two lengths. Ryan, felt the performance could've been better had his horse gotten the pace setup that was supposed to take place, with Haynesfield pressing Quality Road on the lead. That feeling I can understand, Musket Man seems to never get that perfect set up that will allow him to have his breakout performance. However, Ryan took things to a whole new level, when he just stopped short of accusing other trainers of fixing the race.

"What is it? Everybody's afraid to be Todd Pletcher?" "Instead of running a proper race they are sucking up to Pletcher." Those two quotes are taken right from the horse's mouth. Here is a newsflash for Ryan, the jockey aboard the horse who Ryan is referring to, was Ramon Dominguez, who was riding Haynesfield, the same horse that broke through the gate prior to the start of the race. Did Ryan forget how much energy and power it takes to break through those things? Dominguez was probably more worried about getting his horse around the track safely by that point than trying to run with Quality Road.

Ryan didn't stop there, but kept on going, next taking aim at Quality Road. He called the brilliant colt out on "quitting" when looked in the eye after having everything his own way. He then went onto say "Don't get me wrong. He's a good horse, but he's not as great as we are making him out to be." Well, Ryan seems to forget that in the Met Mile Quality Road had anything but a smooth trip up front, setting some lightning quick fractions and still had enough to hold off a late charge by none other than Musket Man.

What was Musket Man's excuse in that race? He had the pace, was the distance too short? How could that be when Musket Man has run some bang up races not just at longer distances, but shorter too? Don't get me wrong, Musket Man is a good horse, but Ryan needs to learn that great horses don't need perfect trips to win.

I can understand Ryan's frustration. He has one of the best, most consistent, and most honest horses in racing, yet he just seems to keep running into buzz saws. What I can't understand, and what I will not defend is when one accuses other trainers and jockeys of sucking up to other trainer, a nice way of saying they fixed the race, to make sure they will still get rides. Then going further by taking shots at one of the nations leading older males. Racing needs more class acts, not more sore losers coming up with crazy conspiracy theories.

Mouthwatering Matches.

2010-08-07T13:37:00.003-04:00

In racing, we as fans are rarely treated to races where the best clash head on with the best. We are not often treated to Grade one races that have more than one standout lining up in the gate. However, this weekend we will be treated to some of the best racing we have seen in a long, long time.

The Test Stakes may have lost it's main attraction when Fanny Freud was scratched and retired, but still sports an impressive and extremely competitive field. Bonnie Blue Flag and Champagne D'Oro will more than likely take most of the betting attention and deservedly so. The former was on a three race winning streak until halted by none other than Franny Freud. Champagne D'Oro may not be at her preferred distance here, but only in one start this year has she misfired and that was in the highly contentious Kentucky Oaks. Other than that she has been very competitive, coming in first or second her other four starts.

Some new shooters coming into the Test are Ash Zee, who has never been worse than third in three starts and has won her last two. Belle of the Hall, coming in to this race three for three, and the brilliant but lightly raced Love Lil. Of the three, I'm liking Love Lil. She has only raced twice in her career, once as a juvenile and once this year and has been one impressive filly each time she stepped onto the track. She has yet to be challenged, winning by a combined margin of 15 lengths. The only negative I can see is that she is taking a huge class hike and will be running against some battle tested opponents, who will not go down when eye to eye.

The Whitney Handicap is already being billed a the race of the year, and who can argue when you have a field where 50% of the starters are Grade one winners and 50% of the starters are coming into the race off a win in their last start. This bang up field is led by Quality Road and to be honest, unless Quality Road spikes a fever or freaks at the gate and has to be scratch, he will come away the victor.

If an upset were to happen the two best horses for the job are Blame and Musket Man. The latter has never run a bad race in his life. This year, Musket Man is only one for four, however he has run some huge races, running second to none other than Quality Road, last out and, Warriors Reward, who stole his glory only by a scant nose. Blame was good as a sophomore, but has returned as a monster in 2010. He has won both his starts this year and both impressively. Last out he demonstrated a devastating turn of foot that made up over four lengths in the final eighth of the Stephen Foster.

After today, the fun does not stops, but only continues in the Honorable Miss and Vanderbilt. The latter includes Big Drama vs Gayego vs Majesticperfection. If a weekend including as this much star power does not get your blood boiling, then I don't know what will. I wish you all lots of luck with all your bets, and please enjoy sit back and enjoy the show.

Classic Drama

2010-08-03T18:04:00.002-04:00

After a disappointing second in the Hollywood Gold Cup it didn't take Mace Seigel, the owner of Rail Trip, long to make up his mind to ship the gelding east, transferring him from the barn of Ron Ellis to Rick Dutrow.

The drama unfolding is already clearly visible. Samantha Siegel, who felt no need in moving the colt from the cozy confines of California, was as taken aback by the sudden decision as trainer Ron Ellis. No other horses have been removed from the Ellis, but the loss of Rail Trip is a hard blow to the stable.

It seems almost customary that the top horses be shuffled from trainer to trainer theses days. Just last year we saw Rachel Alexandra bought up by Jess Jackson off her 20 length tour de force in the Kentucky Oaks, then transferred from Hal Wiggins to Steve Asmussen. The brilliant Quality Road was moved Jimmy Jerkens to Todd Pletcher. Summer Bird, last year’s Champion three year old, was abruptly moved away from Tim Ice to Tim Ritchey.

Jess Jackson may be the only owner within the bunch mentioned above to have a valid excuse to moving Rachel Alexandra. He already had his number one trainer and for him to buy a horse like Rachel Alexandra and to not turn her over to Steve would’ve been one big slap in the face. The owners of Quality Road and Summer Bird, on the other hand have no good, legitimate reason that they have made know for the transfers. Now that Siegel joins the list of high profile trainer shifts, one has to ask, does he have a valid excuse?

The answer to that question is yes he does. Siegel obviously wants to get the horse a start over dirt against the best dirt horses currently training. He cannot do that sitting in California, since all of the major Californian tracks are some type of synthetic where the majority of eastern tracks are still good old, conventional dirt.

Another thing Rail Trip will get in the east is a taste of just how good the best dirt horses, currently training really are. If Rail Trip is placed in the Woodward for his first start on dirt he will meet up with the Blame and Quality Road, the top two older males of the east. Some other horses he will probably get to meet are I want Revenge and Mine That Bird. Both horses disappointed in their debuts this year, however, both had valid excuses in each start.

Now onto the final element of this interesting new drama, the Dutrow element. Man fans still question why didn’t Siegel allow Ellis to come east with Rail Trip? Why, if there needed to be a transfer, did he transfer to Rick Dutrow of all people?

The answer to question one is simply that the Siegel’s still have around 15 other horses in the Ellis barn and probably do not want him leave those horses for just one horse. They also have used Dutrow as their east coast trainer for years, with a number of horses. They trust in his ability as a horseman and even Samantha admits that Dutrow has a knack for noticing when something is wrong, way before many other trainers.

The answer to question two was already answered in question one. Dutrow, despite his lengthy rap sheet of drug violations, is a good horseman. He can detect things quicker than other trainers and refuses to run his horses unless they are in tip top shape. Is the man an angel, no, but the owners trust him and that is what matters.

So, is Mace Siegel the bad guy in this? My answer is no, but many may think otherwise, believing he hurt his previous trainer and turned his back on his daughter. To this writer, he did what was best for the horse and what was needed. Sometimes people may need to step on some toes and go against the beliefs of others to do what needs to be done. That is all that happened here and in due time his Samantha and Ellis will probably see the reasoning behind this move. Mace Siegel is not the bad guy, just a guy trying to do right by his horse.

Remembering Big Red

2010-08-01T10:20:00.005-04:00

Throughout our sport we have had the pleasure of viewing many "Big Reds." First was the mighty Man o War, whose coat was so deep, yet so vivid in its color it looked as though the big colt had been born of fire. Second was Secretariat. Not as heavy as the Man o War, but he was swift and seemed to bear wings on his feet. Next came Curlin, heavy with muscle like Man o War, but his coat the more golden red of Secretariat's. All were superstars, all greats in the sport of racing, but this story will not be about all their great accomplishments nor will it even include them. Here I share a bit about my own "Big Red."

I first met him along with two others. He was not in the worst shape, but far from the best. His feet were well overgrown, splayed towards the ends. His coat was far from red at that point. Half shedded out, encrusted with mud and sweat. His hips and withers jutted out from under his coat. Despite all this and the obvious neglect he had suffered along with his two companions, he walked slowly to the gate of the paddock where my sister, my trainer, my mother and I stood. One would think a horse that had endured this type of neglect would do anything but lower his head, trustingly, into one's hands. That, however, is exactly what he did, looking at me with his gentle, deep, dark brown eyes.

Out of the three I chose him to become mine. We had the farrier work diligently on his feet, which took nearly two years to completely fix. In the following months he put on weight and his coat shed out, losing that dingy half burnt color, and he began to blossom. To the naked eye he was not the most impressive specimen of a horse. When calm he looked like a sweet, adoring horse, but relatively plain in appearance. However, give him some sun, and watch him when he got fired up and he could rival Flame, the Island Stallion.

He was one of the most talented jumpers I have ever sat on, but also one of the scariest. He had a habit of stopping at funny looking jumps, then taking off when he decided they were nothing to fear. He did this once at an oxer set at two and a half feet high, and how he managed to clear it I still don't know.

He could be on or off. When he was on he could easily perform better than any other horse that shared the ring, but when set off it was my job to see how long I could stay on to keep him calm. We found out that he liked routine and seemed most comfortable when he could have me standing at his head.

Trading Places was without a doubt one quirky horse, but he was my horse and my friend. My Big Red.

The Heat is On

2010-07-31T07:07:00.006-04:00

Bring your Kool-Aid, bring your Gatorade, Propelle, Powerade, what ever drink floats your boat because this summer is going to get hot. It has been a long time that racing has seen the likes of the best horses in the sport face off against one another before the Breeders Cup. The key word here is before. This year horse racing fans are in for a little change and the fun all starts this weekend.

Things will start to heat up today Diana Handicapp and Jim Dandy Stakes. The Diana feature a strong cast led by Forever Together and Proviso. The former is a Breeders Cup champion, and though she has yet to approach the for she showed that year her closing kick always makes her a danger in the final yards before the wire. Proviso is the upstart in this spot. The filly is two for three this year, including a win over males two starts back.

If the Diana was enough to produce some sparks up, the Jim Dandy will set the sky ablaze. Four horses all with the potential to make the Jim Dandy their coming out party will line the gate. Afleet Express, son of duel Classic winner Afleet Alex, has shown promise right from the beginning and solidified his status as an up and comer with an easy score in the Pegasus Stakes. A Little Warm may not strike fear in the hearts of his competition, but the colt is sneaky good. Fly Down come into this race of a runner up effort in the Test of the Champions, the Belmont Stakes. Before that he scored in the Dwyer, running a solid field right off their feet. Last but not least is Winslow Homer. The handsome grey backed up his juvenile hype with an impressive win in the Holly Bull Stakes. He was sidelined after that, but came back with a third place finish to Concord Point in the Iowa Derby.

As if these two races weren't good enough, the weekend of match ups continues into Sunday, with the Haskell Invitational. Monmouth's premiere race drew a star studded field that includes the two actively racing Classic winner and their runner ups. The race could be looked upon as a rubber match between Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver and Preakness winner Lookin at Lucky. However that billing would be somewhat inaccurate with the promising Trappe Shot, Derby runner up Ice Box, and Preakness place finisher First Dude also vying for top spot.

Some other races to watch this weekend are the Ruffian and Amsterdam. Do the names Unrivalled Belle and Discreetly Mine ring any bells? The former out duel her highness, Rachel Alexandra, earlier in the year and will be looking for her first Grade one win. Discreetly Mine, who ran an uninspiring race in the Kentucky Derby this year, has found a calling as a sprinter. In the Amsterdam the budding star will try to make it two in a row.

This may be all for this weekend, things will only get hotter as the year progresses. Look for a match up between Life At Ten and Rachel Alexandra in the Personal Ensign, Blame and Quality Road in the Whitney, Those two plus California's leading older male, Rail Trip, in the Woodward. Yes, we may have been deprived of our Rachel Alexandra vs Zenyatta, but all of this is almost enough to make up for it.

Home Field Handicapping

2010-07-17T14:24:00.002-04:00

Brian Zipse author of Zipse at the Track has Arlington Park and I have Delaware Park, both of which are hosting a card full of some big, juicy stakes races. It seems Brian has gotten all the Arlington races sorted, leaving me to the task of picking apart the trio of stakes at Delaware.

The R.R. Carpenter Jr Memorial Stakes kicks things off and features the Delaware monster Our Edge. Unbeaten in two starts at DE, both coming at a mile and one sixteenth, he looks to extend that streak to three in a row. He also owns the fastest final clocking over the Delaware Park strip in the field, when comparing times for 8.5 furlongs at Delaware Park. Alama d'Oro will be the horse to keep the Delaware Dominater honest early. He has a dominating win and a place in two starts over the surface and is unbeaten at 8.5 furlongs. Edgewater, will complete my top three. He will likely get first jump at the two leaders and possibly wrest the lead away if both run each other into the ground early.

Second on the list of stakes is the Robert G. Dick Memorial featuring the talented, but unlucky and complicated Gozzip Girl, however this is a prime spot for an upset and I'm picking Rcuandry to do it. With a win and a second going 12 furlongs, distance should not be a problem in this start. She has been second in her last two starts and may just get the chance to leap into the winner's circle. Gozzip Girl does bring her backclass to this race and who knows what would've happened had she not lost the rider last out. She does own a dominant win at 10 furlongs, suggesting one more eighth should not be a problem. My final pick is Tresna, the only horse with a win at Delaware Park and an on the board finish at 11 furlongs. In that race she was gaining and lost only by a neck.

Lastly is Delaware Park's feature, the Delaware Handicap where the New York stars Life at Ten and Funny Moon square off with Obeah Stakes winner Miss Singsix and the gritty Milwaukee Appeal. Though she has yet to be tested at the distance I'm going to start off by eating chalk with Life at Ten. Her breeding suggests that the distance should not be a problem and she has already beaten many of these fillies before. Next, if there is a horse who can pull an upset, I like Milwaukee Appeal. She was good enough to run against the colts as a 3yr old and light up the board each time. She owns a third to Eye of the Leapord and a second to Careless Jewel when running at 10 pannels, so distance is a non issue. To round out my final top three is Miss Singsix. I'll never leave a horse with a home field advantage out of my top three, not at Delaware Park. She's never raced at 10 furlongs, but is always making up ground when running at 9.

So, here are my top three for Delaware Park's terrific trio, now who do you like?

Vanquished Foes Return Victorious

2010-07-11T09:58:00.002-04:00

Awesome Gem, Jessica is Back, Big Drama, and Gio Ponti. What do these four horses have in common? They were all beaten by either Zenyatta or Rachel Alexandra at some point in their career then came back to score in a Grade one event.

Awesome Gem has been a gem of consistency throughout his entire career. He can race on any surface at any distance and do it effectively. Before yesterday the chestnut gelding owned two Grade two wins over conventional dirt, one of them coming over a sloppy track. He has showed his versatility by racing over both Cushion Track Polytrack, forms of synthetic, and Turf placing second in the Grade on Goodwood, Pacific Classic and Sir Beaufort Stakes.

It took him a few years to accomplish, but yesterday Awesome Gem finally got that elusive Grade one win in the Hollywood Gold Cup, besting the California sensation Rail Trip in the process. After years of knocking on the door, it was good to see the old warrior finally get his day in the spotlight.

Gio Ponti, King of the American turf, came into the Man o' War Stakes riding, not a four race winning streak, but a four race losing streak. He snapped that streak with a decisive and measured decision over 53-1 longshot Mission Approved. The dual 2009 champion raced last of eight through nearly the entire race. With early fractions of 26.13, 52.27, and 1.18.07 for the first six furlongs the race was completely paceless and not setting up well for Gio Ponti. That mattered little as the field entered the stretch and Gio Ponti turned on the afterburners, getting up by a long neck at the line. The Champion is back and ready to rock and roll.

Across the country, at Calder racecourse, the Summit of speed was taking place and their two of Rachel Alexandra's fallen foes showed what they could do when outside the brilliant filly's shadow. The little mare has proven a solid performer over her six year career, racing 42 times and finishing in the top three 28 times. It was Saturday, where Jessica is Back would stop her competitors into the ground in the Grade one Princess Rooney.

Big Drama, fifth in the 2009 Preakness, a race where he attempted to run head to head with Rachel Alexandra, came back to earn his second victory of 2010 with an easy victory in the Smile Sprint. Big Drama rated third before advancing menacingly, three wide. At the top of the stretch Big Drama opened up nearly six lengths on the field, an advantage that cut to 3 1/4 by Mambo Meister, who rallied on for second, but was no match for Big Drama, who was still on cruise control.

I understand that many may feel that the Grade one wins by Jessica is Back and Big Drama do nothing to enhance the image of Rachel Alexandra because they were only sprints. I understand that Gio Ponti was racing on his proffered surface when he earned his first Grade one of the season and that Awesome Gem had the perfect trip while giving Rail Trip seven pounds. However, no matter what way you twist it, once these four got out from the shadows of Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, they went from zero to Grade one hero.

2009 is Over, It's 2010 Now

2010-07-10T16:11:00.002-04:00

"I'll bet Eclipse voters are really regretting their decision now." "Now what do the voters think of Horse of the Year." "Bet voters wish they could change their minds." This is not even a tenth of what is being said or what has been said, seven months after the Eclipse Awards were announced. Did you get that last bit SEVEN MONTHS.

Yet again, in 2010, we have not one, but two mega mares and all people can do is bash one or the other. Every single blog that mentions the name Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta deteriorates into a bunch of name calling and insult slinging. Steve Haskin, has now announced he will not be opening any of the pieces he writes on Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta to comments. Yeah, that is how bad it's gotten.

The constant bashing of these two magnificent mares has got to end. How can anyone with half a brain insult a filly who has run eight straight 100 plus Beyer speed figures in a row? How do you slam a filly who ran against males not once, not twice, but thrice in one year and never once tasted defeat? How do insult a filly who was so quick that she owns three stakes records and comes within fifths of setting track records?

By the same token how does anyone with half a brain insult a mare who is unbeaten lifetime? How do you slam her when she runs down every single horse in front of her, including those in the Breeders Cup Classic? How do call Zenyatta names like polyzen and Rachel Alexandra a miler when both have proven otherwise?

I know what each side wanted last year. I know the arguments and rebuttals for each side so well I could probably argue with myself which horse is better. I understand that Zenyatta's side was let down for a second year in a row and I understand that Rachel fans were shell shocked to see their champion lose her first two races back. What I don't understand is the need revert back to the past and slam Rachel for losing or rub in the fact that Zenyatta did not get Horse of the Year.I understand the questioning of connections, the defending of your favorite, pointing out flaws because that is what debating is about. It is not about who can come up with the most wildly, ridiculous insult.

As of 2010 we have both Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra back. One continues to keep on trucking along, while the other is just starting to regain her form. So far both are taking rather bizarre paths toward their ultimate goal, the Breeders Cup Classic, but you can rest assured that both connections will have their mares at their peak to give us a show that will never be forgotten.

We need to forget the bitterness of 2009 and look at what we have now and what the future holds. Right now we have two superstars that are on a collision course to Churchill Downs. There they will meet the likes of Quality Road, Rail Trip, and Blame in one final race where winner takes all. People, 2009 ended seven months ago, it's time to move into 2010.

Curlin 2

2010-07-05T21:00:00.003-04:00

Is there any other owner who is having the superstar roll Jess Jackson is currently on? He buys Curlin, after the flashy son of Smart Strike romps in a maiden win. After, reaping the rewards of Curin's time on the track, Jackson quick grabs the spotlight again when buying the super filly, Rachel Alexandra. The striking filly has already given Jess Jackson his third Horse of the Year, and even though she got off to a slow start, by her standards, she is looking more and more like her old self each race.

You would think Jackson got lucky with Curlin, after all how many times does an impressive maiden winner go on to become the top rated horse of his decade? You may think Rachel Alexandra's brilliance was obvious to spot, and that by now Jess Jackson can only spot the talent of a horse after it has been displayed in a race. Kantharos, might just make anyone who believes that, eat their words.

Jess Jackson bought this colt before anyone ever thought of the colt as potential star. Kantharos, by the speedy Lion Heart, won his first start by a dazzling 11 3/4 lengths. However, even though that win would earn him favoritism in the Bashford Manor, that he would not truly begin to turn heads until that very race.

Stumbling out of the gate is not something one wants to see happen in a 6 furlong sprint race, but when it happen to Kantharos, the athletic colt easily righted himself and was soon in the thick of things. After a snappy opening quarter 21.81, it did not take long for Kantharos to loom up on the outside, before easily assuming command around the turn. At no point in the stretch was the colt in danger of being pressed, in fact, he continued to draw off with only the slightest of urgings, to win by 9 1/2 lengths.

The final time was 1.09.89, with the quarter mile ran in 24.27. From the half mile marker to the eighth mile pole, the Kantharos let loose, running that furlong in 11.85 seconds, not even being touched by the whip. After that he cruised to the finish line, his final furlong clocked in 12.42 seconds.

It remains to be seen if Kantharos can stretch his brilliance out to 1 1/16 for this year's Breeders Cup Juvenile, then once again for next years Triple Crown. With Lion Heart as a sire, some may be skeptical, even though he ran considerably well in the Kentucky Derby and was very effective at the middle distances. After the way he came out the Bashford Manor, ears pricked and eyes bright and alert, I do not an extra quarter of a mile will make much a difference.

The Classic Key

2010-07-03T07:37:00.005-04:00

This racing season has been nothing short of bizarre. No real three year old star emerged during the drama of Triple Crown season, leaving many wondering just how strong this crop really is. The sprint division is also a muddle picture as the second half of the year progresses, with several with the talent to take the lead, but have yet to step up and actually do something.

The other side of the coin presents the public with the promise of some of the best to be seen in quite some time. The male turf division has a promising contender in Get Serious, while the fillies and mares have Tuscan Evening, Proviso, and Forever Together. Quality Road, Blame and Rail Trip have already given fans something to get excited about this year, displaying limitless talent.

The Older Filly and Mare division is as strong as ever, presenting us with exciting new talents like Unrivaled Belle, Life at Ten, and Funny Moon. These three, however exciting they may be, look they they will be playing second fiddle to Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. This is where the bizarre comes into play.

Two time Older Female Champion, Zenyatta seems to be following the same conservative path that she has taken the last two years, leading up to the Classic. Though her owners promised a much more challenging campaign when they brought her back, not many were surprised to see their owners go back on their word. While Zenyatta is not welcoming bigger and better challenges is a disappointment, the bazaar award goes to the reigning Horse of the Year, Rachel Alexandra.

There is no denying that everyone expected her to decimate the field in her first start back. When she was upset by Zardana, surprising as it was, people pointed towards the fact she had been out of training for 5 months and was rushed to get back into shape. This led us to the conclusion that she would come back in her next start as the Rachel of Old. Once again, Rachel Alexandra let down the expectations of her fan, finishing second by a head to Unrivalled Belle.

After two disappointments it was easy to understand why Jess Jackson sought out a weaker field in the Fleur de Lis. The race serve it's purpose perhaps boosting the confidence of not only Rachel and her fans, but her owner as well. After her dominating win, we all expected the superstar to return to Saratoga in the Ruffian, or at the very least come to Delaware Park for the Delaware Handicap. Those predictions couldn't have been further from the truth, when Jess Jackson announced that Rachel Alexandra would contest at Monmouth Park in the Lady's Secret Stakes.

As it stands, Rachel has three starts with two seconds and one win. She has but one graded stakes win and if she were to win the Lady's Secret she would still have only one graded stakes win. Likely targets after the Lady's Secret could be the Personal Ensign and Beldame. This kind of schedule tells me one thing, Jess Jackson is not worried about anything other than the Breeders Cup this year.

Last year the only other horse with a shot at Horse of the Year was Zenyatta, who only had one big moment. This year is quite different. This year Quality Road, Blame, Rail Trip, and Zenyatta all have shots at Horse of the Year, which means if all continue their winning ways there will be only one race that decides the ultimate, end of the year award. The Breeders Cup Classic.

If Rachel were to win he next three races, especially the Personal Ensign and Beldame convincingly, she would put herself in position to take it all in the Classic. Of course she will have to get past the top older males, Zenyatta and maybe even some of the late blooming three year olds, but that is exactly why Jackson is choosing to slowly build Rachel Alexandra up, instead of running a re-run of 2009. The Classic is the key this year, and Jackson knows it.

Understanding Jacksonian

2010-07-02T17:59:00.003-04:00

What was the first emotion that set in when I saw Rachel Alexandra was pointing towards the Lady's Secret, an ungraded stakes at Monmouth Park. Like many from http://www.tbablogs.com/ I experienced a wave of disappointment. She had just ran lights out in the Fleur de Lis, her last start, showing signs of returning to her old form. Both Jess Jackson and Steve Assmusen seemed pleased with the start and ready to take on bigger, bolder challenges. So, why on earth would you skip a grade one race at the mecca of American racing, Saratoga, for an ungraded race at Monmouth?

This decision baffled me to no end for the rest of last night and even into today. However, thinking on the subject, trying to look deeper than just the face value of the decision, I began to understand, the possible reasoning behind pointing towards the Ladies Secret.

With the addition of the Million Dollar Day format, Monmouth has thrived. Races are filling and drawing respectable fields, attendance has been good, everything is working out for Monmouth. Racetracks in New York are quite a different story, and while Saratoga always attracts a good crowd, Monmouth would seem a prime place to show the Rachel Alexandra of old off to her fans.

Many argue that Jackson's decision is about the money and what may be a lack of quality competition. My response is if the decision is based on greed and money, then why would Jackson not head to DE Park for the DE Handicap. It is a prestigious Grade 2 that dangles a purse of 750K. No, I think the decision has to do with much more than money. Monmouth is the home of one of Rachel's most impressive wins. It also was the site of Curlin's Breeders Cup victory and even has a race named after the mighty Curlin. The relationship between Jess Jackson and Monmouth Park is a very strong one, strong enough to steal him and his superstar away from grand old Saratoga.

Besides good relations, the Lady's Secret is actually a smart move. The race is likely to attract just as good a field as the Ruffian would, since two out of the top three Phipps finishers are already confirmed for a trip to DE. The only one remaining, Unrivaled Belle, now has some options, and seeing that Monmouth hosts the richer race, over a track that is conductive to her style may be enough to draw the strapping filly to a potential rematch with Rachel Alexandra.

All in all, the Ladies Secret is a smart move by Jackson. The man wants his superstar to be at her best by Breeders Cup, and is a master strategist. He will likely use this as a prep for the Personal Ensign, at Saratoga before setting his sites on the Beldame or Jockey Club Gold Cup. I may not like the decision, mainly because it means I will not get to have the chance to see Rachel Alexandra live, but that does not mean Jess Jackson did not make the right move.

A Taste of Paradise

2010-06-22T18:07:00.004-04:00

The setting sun painted the sky with an array of colors only making the night seem more perfect. As a light breeze began to blow a horse and rider stepped gently onto the stone dust track. The little Morgan, bowed her neck and set off at a lively trot, swishing her flaxen tail just to show her annoyance at being kept to such a slow gait.

After a few laps, the rider gave a cluck and touched her heels lightly to the mare's sides. Needing no more encouragement the mare jumped into a canter. Her head still arched, back rounded, she was a sight to see. The sun lit up her golden chestnut coat as she floated around the small, half-mile, track. Her delicate ears flicked back only a couple time, seeming to ask when the real fun would begin, before perking them up. To anyone who may be watching her and the rider the joy between them was obvious.

Finally, the rider brought the little mare to a stop. What the rider did next was quite unusual for any firm English rider, who lives by the rules of riding long and tall. The girl shortened her stirrups a couple holes, before leaning over her mount's glistening, golden neck, hands entwined in the mane.

Without any perceptible signal the mare leaped from her standstill position, and set off at a brisk gallop. Still under a hold, it was apparent the lively mare wanted to do more, but was only held back through the light touch of the rider's hands. It didn't take long to complete the first lap, and when the team passed the marker, the rider crouched closer to the pony's neck and breathed a whisper into the mare's small ears.

Lengthening her stride and quickening the beat of her already rapid hoof beats the mare took flight. One would never see a horse and rider team so in sync. It was as if every movement the pair made was only an extension of the other. They seemed to read one another like a book, and for that brief moment, they seemed to be one creature. They were in total bliss, complete paradise.

The rider in this instance is myself, the Morgan pony, my own. Her stable name was Pixie, and indeed she did behave as such, with the attitude of a queen. Her registered name, coincidentally, was Radiance Paradise. She was no Thoroughbred, far from one with her small size and delicate build. But, in that small delicate frame she imagined herself unbeatable and undeniable.

Together we had many such moments, moments that took my breath away. During these moments it was as if the world would stand still and it was just Pixie and I. It was as if we would melt together and nothing in the world could break us apart. She was perfect in almost every single way. She was my paradise.

What May Come

2010-06-18T20:27:00.003-04:00

As the days pass, becoming weeks, that slowly blend into the months leading into the summer meets of Monmouth, Saratoga, Delaware, and Delmar division leaders start to emerge. On the left coast there is Rail Trip, Zenyatta, Lookin at Lucky, and Blind Luck. Rail Trip is being pointed towards defending his title in the Hollywood Gold Cup. Zenyatta will likely wait until the Del Mar meet before attempting another three-peat in the Clement Hirsch Stake. Lookin At Lucky is currently being freshened with the main summer goals the Haskell Invitational and Travers Stakes, while Blind Luck sets her sites upon the Delaware Oaks.

In the east come Blame and Quality Road, who will vie for divisional leadership in the highly anticipated Whitney Handicap. While not clear leader for the 3 year old division has stepped out in the east, there is no shortage of talent on display. In the immediate future, we will see the return of Jackson Bend and Schoolyard Dreams vs the ultra talented Afleet Express in the Pegasus Stakes. Overall, it seems that all the major horses in racing have some sort of plan, a goal in the near future. The only remaining horse, whose connections have not made their intentions clear, are those of the reigning Horse of the Year, Rachel Alexandra.

Last year, owner Jess Jackson, seemed to almost enjoy the wait and see game he played with the fans of racing. He would start with putting out a list of three or four racing's that were "under consideration." Then only days before entries were drawn would he release the star filly's next appearance. He did this yet again this year, waiting until the day entries were taken, before announcing that Rachel Alexandra would run in the Flure de Lis Stakes.

This process is not likely to change any time soon, but it is always fun to guess what Jackson will do next. What I expect we will see this year, will be far from the ambitiously planned campaign that was set before Rachel Alexandra last year. I foresee one start against males, at most for the champion filly, before her run at the Breeders Cup Classic.

Last year Jess Jackson made it well known, that after he acquired Rachel Alexandra, she would not be running in any race during the Breeders Cup, since the event was to be contested over an artificial surface. This year it is much different, with the main goal the Breeders Cup, which means they must keep Rachel Alexandra fresh, while also planning a campaign worthy of defending her Horse of the Year title.

I foresee a potential start in the Grade 2 Delaware Handicap. At 10 furlongs it would give the striking filly a chance to contest at the knew distance and against some very formidable competition in Life at Ten. If she were to win in good fashion it would take care of the distance question mark that hangs over her head and be a nice little pay day.

For her next start, I definitely see Rachel shipping to the site of, arguably, her most spectacular and heart wrenching victory, Saratoga. Here I can see either a start in the Whitney or Ruffian, but definitely would see why her connections would lean towards the Ruffian. It is the same distance and grade as the Whitney and she would not have to take on the likes of Quality Road and Blame in one race so early in the year.

Next I would expect Jess Jackson to send her to the 10 furlong Personal Ensign, where she might have to run against Life at Ten and Unrivalled Belle, both quality horses. For her final prep, I envision a toss up between the Beldame and Gold Cup. Quality Road could be on a short vacation, wishing to enter the Classic fresh. The connections of Blame, on the other hand may show up, and maybe even the West Coast beast, Rail Trip.

The Beldame, would certainly be the wiser choice if the objective is to enter the race as fresh as possible. After two races contested at 10 furlongs already, this drop back would serve as a nice prep at a distance that everyone knows Rachel Alexandra loves.

Sure, it is a far cry from the all time season we saw last year, but, providing she wins these races then wins the Classic, Rachel Alexandra will end her four year old season with six wins from eight starts and two seconds. She will have amassed a total of four grade one wins along with victories in two grade two stakes. Not a bad season by any means, not even for Rachel Alexandra.

Can She Do It?

2010-06-11T21:31:00.002-04:00

Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, racing's leading ladies take center stage yet again during Stephen Foster weekend. Though each is not the highlight of their particular card, they may just end up once again stealing the show from their male counterparts. As they each enter their respective race each will load into the starting gate with the same question. Can she do it?

Rachel Alexandra is winless in two starts this season. Both have been very close, so close that the margins by which she was beaten do not even add up to a full length. First she fell to the little Z of California, Zardana. The loss ended dreams of a potential meeting between the reigning Horse of the Year and California's Queen Z, Zenyatta.

In her next start, where she was expected to once again canter to an easy victory, Rachel Alexandra ran all out to lose by a head to the talented Unrivaled Belle. In both races the champion filly raced admirably. Each of these races would be considered spectacular performances by any other horse coming off a six month layoff. The problem is Rachel is not just any other horse, she is reigning Horse of the Year, 2009's Iron Filly. For such a champion, her last two performances have left many wanting.

Zenyatta. Queen Z. Zenyatta Mondatta. She is an amazon, powerful yet still beautiful, strong but still quick and agile. She is perfect, every move she makes captivate her audience as she dances lightly on her toes. She is perfect in every single way, unbeaten and unchallenged.

In 2007 Zenyatta began as an impressive maiden winner, before ending her season with her second win in a row in a allowance. In 2008 she took on the likes of Ginger Punch, Music Note, and Cocoa Beach, winning seven more races, extending her unbeaten streak to 9 for 9. In 2009 Zenyatta would race but five times, each time wowing us with her every performance, thundering down the Santa Anita stretch to become the first female ever to win the Breeders Cup Classic.

The two time champion Older Female didn't miss a beat coming into 2010. With wins in the Santa Margarita and Apple Blossom Invitational, the unbeatable mare will try to extend her streak one race farther, trying to surpass the mighty Citation and Cigar, with another win in the Vanity Handicap.

One mare looks through the door to immorality, while the other tries valiantly to regain her former glory. Will the great Zenyatta answer that question with an affirmative, will she indeed get number 17? Can Rachel return to the form that brought her racing's ultimate honor, and had her name mentioned alongside of the great Ruffian? We can only wait and see. Wait and see if they can indeed do it.

2010-06-05T07:28:00.001-04:00

Hey Everyone! I konw most of you had trouble attending my last live blog, due to the time, hopefully this time, with it being set for 3pm on June 12, you can all make it to the party! Thanks!

2010-05-31T12:12:00.001-04:00

We are live for our first Live Blog. Thank you so much for joining I hope you enjoy yourselves.

Met Mile Day

Live Blog Coming Soon!!!

2010-05-29T20:08:00.003-04:00

My fellow bloggers, I am pleased to annouce that my first live blog will be hosted on May 31, 2010. Please come down and enjoy the fun as we discuss the Met Mile and all the other graded stakes action!

Change Needs to Happen: Part 2

2010-05-29T13:15:00.004-04:00

Well, last blog certainly drew a crowd; let's see what kind of reviews I get for this one.

For this blog I have several things I would like to discuss, so sit back and please try and keep awake. First on the list is the creation of teams. This will topic will tie into the rest as the post continues. By teams I mean let's take the owners of horse racing and let's make their barns into "Teams." Every sport almost, has some sort of team, track, football, baseball, basketball; even bigger eventing shows equestrian riding has team events as well as individual. Owners would obviously take the roll as team owner, trainers as coaches, and horses as the players. Simple.

The reason I say we should try this style of format is because one of the main reason fans come to games or events is to watch their favorite team, while also watching any great players that play for them. The great players are still remembered for the records the broke and the feats they accomplished, but once they retire, people still have their favorite team to watch instead of trying to search for another player, like we continuously do in horse racing. This would help keep the long term attention of fans today and possibly even gain new ones for the sport.

Because of the new formation of teams, there should be a point system, that determines any championship or who enters any championship event. For end of the year championships the team/stable with the most points is that year's champion owner. The trainer who gains the most points is the champion trainer. Each stable can have a MVP horse, the horse that gained the most points for their stable and then the ultimate MVP, Horse of the Year, is the horse who gained the most points throughout the year. This also would apply to divisional championships too, like champion sprinter, champion older male and three year old. This way, any bias could be removed from the championships.

In terms of the points applying to entering the championship events, let use the Triple Crown and Breeders Cup for examples. In my last blog I mentioned the Derby field being reduced to 14 horses. The 14 horse eligible to enter the Derby would be chosen by the number of points the accumulated through the prep races that the horse had performed in as a 3 year old. Of course the amount of point a horse would amass would be determined by the grade of the race and what place the horse came in.

For the Breeders Cup, the point system may differ per race. The Classic, being open to all horse, could be determine by the top seven older horses, male or female, and the top seven 3 year olds. This format could go for any other race that is open to all horses. For juveniles you use the same criteria we used with the Derby, by selecting the top 14 horses in terms of points. For races like the Ladies Classic, the format would be the same as the Classic, except you would only choose the top seven older fillies and the top seven 3 year old fillies.

The points could also be used to help horses in drawing post positions for big events, such as the Triple Crown or the Kentucky Derby. The horse with the highest amount of points would have first dibs on whatever post position they choose. The horse second highest in points would choose second, and down the list they would go.

The point system and teams would go a long way in terms of drawing fans to the sport. It would make it much easier for general fans to understand the selection process and determine what horses will be in what event. It will make it much easier for them to stick with the sport when they have a favorite team, instead of being left stranded with no favorite, once the horse they supported is retired. These changes to racing may seem rather unconventional now, but they could be what make the sport competitive with the likes of baseball and football, and possibly even surpass them. Sometimes an unconventional touch is all something needs to attract some attention.

Change Needs to Happen

2010-05-23T09:15:00.003-04:00

I believe in tradition, despite my young age. I've always believe that dirt and turf should be the only two surfaces in racing. I believe that a great horse should push the envelope and take risks before they can be called great. However, there not everything can stay the same, all industries, all sports must learn to accept change and to adapt in order to survive.

The Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont is the focus point of the media for racing a Triple Crown winner is just what this sport needs to put itself back into the public spotlight. That cannot happen with the way the Triple Crown is currently arranged and the horses, which have disappointed us for 32 years have made it abundantly clear The Crown needs to change.

Our horses are not built like they used to be, that much is true. Even throw backs like Curlin and Hard Spun fell due to distance, inexperience, or the overall rigors of the Triple Crown. Big Brown a phenom of a horse could not achieve racing's highest honor. Point Given, a monster of a horse also fell in the Derby, as did the plucky Afleet Alex. If these horses could not get it done, I ask of you who do you think will? As of now we would need to resurrect Secretariat in order to get what racing so desperately needs.

The Kentucky Derby is currently a rodeo show. It is often that not the best horse will win, but the horse with the best trip will reap the glory. I would like to ask you, what Triple Crown winner had to overcome a field of 19 other rivals to win the Derby. Not Secretariat, not Affirmed, not Seattle Slew. Sir Barton led a field of 12 horses when he won his Derby en rout to the Triple Crown. A field size reduced to 14 horses would take away the rodeo style and allow the best horse to shine through.

The spacing between the three races also poses a problem. Many horses coming form the Derby do typically do well in the Preakness. In my opinion this is due from the excitement and overall adrenaline high the horses have after the Kentucky Derby. The Belmont is where the horse starts to feel the fatigue set in and will normally start to buckle.

My next suggestion would be to shake up the order of the Triple Crown, starting with the Preakness then adding the Derby and Belmont. Who thinks that Sam Riddle would've been more likely to enter Man O War in the Preakness then come back for the Derby? His main problem with the Derby was the fact that he'd be asking his horse to run 10 furlongs so early in his career. I'm sure many trainers would be thankful to have the chance to test their horses at the 9.5 furlongs first instead of trying to make the jump from 9 to 1o furlongs.

I say why not add a week in between each race, making the Preakness and Derby three weeks apart and the Derby and Belmont 4 weeks apart. This could attract a solid field for all three jewels. Preakness starters would be more incline to run in the Derby due to more time and less hoopla to deal with in the first jewel and those coming from the Derby would get a months rest before the daunting 12 furlongs of the test of the champions.

I know how many people want to stick with tradition, but even in that area, their argument still has some holes. The Triple Crown has not always been Derby, Preakness Belmont. The Belmont has not always been 12 furlongs nor has it always been run at Belmont Park. Up until the 70's the Triple Crown was a chameleon. Our first Triple Crown winner does not have an asterisk next to his name, just because he ran against 11 rivals and won the Belmont at 11 furlongs, which no doubt made his task easier.

I am generally not a fan of change, I am a fan of tradition, but I know what racing needs right now is to be put back into the spotlight. A Triple Crown is the biggest media series racing has, not even the Breeders Cup can match it. Other sports have undergone changes, Football and Baseball have by adding games to their seasons, making it easier for records to be broken, making it easier for people to achieve new heights.

Changing and adapting is how every sport, how every business survives. Horse racing is not different. The general public has no qualms with us changing the Triple Crown. Those who watch the Triple Crown for fun do not know the difference. All they will know is that racing has a Triple Crown winner. All they will know is that there is a horse for them to become excited about. The only thing holing us back, the only thing ever holding us back has been ourselves. Something needs to give, something needs to change, or this sport we all love so much, will be no more than a distant memory.

Super Superstitions

2010-05-14T09:29:00.002-04:00

"Very superstitious, Writing's on the wall, Very superstitious, Ladders bout' to fall, Thirteen month old baby, Broke the lookin' glass Seven years of bad luck, The good things in your past." Who doesn't love Stevie Wonder, who doesn't love his song Superstitions? Heck, I love the song, even have it on my Ipod. This year the song seems strangely appropriate for the 135th Preakness Stakes.

In the Kentucky Derby, Super Saver, drew the number four post, one post outside of where his great grandsire, Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, broke before he won his Kentucky Derby. In the Preakness, Super Saver draws post position number eight. The exact same post as Seattle Slew had before stole away in the Preakness Stakes, setting him one step away from Triple Crown glory.

Lookin at Lucky, who has been anything but lucky in his first three starts in 2010, may just have a change of luck as he takes as second crack as Super Saver. In the Kentucky Derby, Lookin at Lucky drew post number one, arguably the worst in the field. For the Preakness the son of Smart Strike struck gold when drawing the lucky number seven. With a new jockey to shake things up, will Lookin at Lucky finally be able to turn his luck around

Another thing to consider about these two post position is that over the last decade horses like Bernardini, Big Brown, Smarty Jones, and War Emblem have broken from post seven or eight before striding away to victory. Fusaichi Pegasus and Street Sense both ran second after breaking from the seven and eight posts.

Normally, I am not one for hunches or superstitions, but with so many "good omens" in one race, how can one not think that maybe just one of those signs means something? So will Lucky finally hit a break through in the Preakness or will it be Super Saver who follows in his great grandsire's footsteps?

Can Super Sweep the Triple Crown?

2010-05-03T12:58:00.003-04:00

After a final time in 2.04 and two fifths of a second not many people are buzzing about the possibility of this year's Kentucky Derby winner sweeping American thoroughbred racing's most coveted prize, the Triple Crown. The statement by Calvin Borel, saying that he would go all the way on Super Saver probably made more people snicker than gasp in awe.

Why should we expect a Triple Crown this year? We have absolutely no incentive to. Super Saver ran one of the slowest Kentucky Derbies in the history of the race and wants us to believe that this colt can not only withstand the rigors of the Triple Crown, but rise above them? It is hard to imagine, especially after 31 years, but it is not impossible.

Super Saver has been a colt on the improve all year long. He ran two game efforts in defeat before having his breakout performance in the Kentucky Derby. Being fairly fresh, after only three starts this season Super Saver might just have the energy to get him through the the rigors of the Triple Crown. The fact that Calvin Borel also rode a conservative race, avoiding all the bumping and grinding, and saving ground with a rail trip will also go a long way in terms of how Super Saver will handle the three races in five weeks.

His chances at taking the second jewel of the Triple Crown are also high, as are his chances for another easy trip. Pimlico is a speed favoring track which fits Super Savers stalking style to a T. He is not a big lumbering colt which bodes well for his ability to handle the tighter turns of the Pimlico Racecourse. He has the explosiveness and the agility to open up on his opponents around the far turn, then staying power to hold them off in the stretch.

Pimlico, however, is not where people begin to doubt the colt, it is the Belmont, the test of the Champions. Super Saver must be trained to perfection. He cannot be too sharp, as we saw with Big Brown in 2008, and he cannot be over trained, Smarty Jones in 2004. Again, Super Saver has show that he has the exact style needed to win this race. Dunkirk nearly stole the race last year by going to the lead and slowing the pace. He finished second to Summer Bird.

I know there are plenty of reasons as to why Super Saver cannot win. I know many think he is too slow, based on his time. I know many, including myself, thought the best horses in the race didn't get to show their best due to horrible trips. I know he doesn't look like a 12 furlong horse, and a thousand other reasons Super Saver cannot possibly win the Triple Crown. But I also know a thousand others reasons why he can.

Missing Rachel

2010-04-30T18:20:00.002-04:00

When I first saw Curlin, my number one favorite horse, on a replay, romping in home to win the Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby, I knew he would end up being on of the greats. That same intuition was not there with Rachel Alexandra. I saw her wins on replays as well, but even as I watched her continuously canter home, easily the best, I only thought of her as a "very good" filly.

I contributed her wins to a very weak three year old filly division, even though her times were beating those of her male peers. I watched the Martha Washington, won in a stakes record, and the Fair Grounds Oaks, where she was geared down, and even the Fantasy another romp.

I expected her to win the Kentucky Oaks, especially when I saw the field that stood against her. I expected a big win, one similar to her last three starts, but what I did not expect was to see was the complete and utter domination she displayed, winning the race by over 20 lengths. She won it without urging, stealing away with it as soon as she hit the far turn. That day, she also stole my heart.

I watched as she was acquired by Jess Jackson and Harold McCormick shortly after her rousing victory in the Oaks. I stood firmly behind her when they entered her in the Preakness and yelled at the top of my lounges as she held off the furious rally by Mine That Bird to become the first filly to ever take the Oaks and Preakness. I watched her 19 length tune up victory in the Mother Goose, a race that nearly became a walkover.

Her last two races in 2009 were my favorites, her Haskell Invitational and the Woodward Stakes. The former took my breath away. She had been on the pace, three wide, the entire trip, sitting just off of scorching splits, but all that didn't matter. With only a few yards left on the far turn she put a field that included that year's Belmont winner away like they were claimers. She strided away to yet again another huge victory, winning by over six lengths.

The Woodward Stakes, her last race of the year made my heart twist and wrench inside my chest from the very moment the gates broke open. I watched her shoot to the lead and set a blistering first quarter, following it up with a scorching half and three quarters. Through all this she dueled with last year's Belmont winner Da Tara, and when he threw in the towel she dueled with Past the Point.

As she turned for home my heart was in my throat. I watched as she repelled a bid by the Whitney winner Bullsbay only to dig down deeper as she braced for one last run by Macho Again. I screamed for her and as she crossed the wire, the victor yet again I cried. How could I not, she had just laid her heart out on the track for us, and perhaps never took it back.

Her first loss this year was tough to swallow. She was coming off an extremely long layoff and had been rushed into the race in an attempt to have her ready for the Apple Blossom, so the loss was understandable. In the La Troienne, however, she had me crying again, but for a whole different reason. I fear the horse that stole my heart in 2009 is not the same horse that is racing in 2010. I desperately hope I am wrong, because my heart broke when I saw her lose. I miss her, I miss Rachel.

Dang That Darn Derby Draw!

2010-04-28T16:31:00.004-04:00

The two favorites of the Kentucky Derby, both standing at opposite ends of the field with eighteen other horses sandwiched in between them. How fitting is that? Sidney's Candy, the California speedster draws post twenty, in a field top heavy with quality frontrunners and stalkers. Lookin at Lucky, the horse who just can't stay out of trouble picks up the one post most likely to get him into buckets of trouble.

After today, Lookin at Lucky seems to be in serious need of a name change. First he clips heels with Dublin in the Rebel Stakes, his first start of the year. Then, he heads back to California, seeking an easier prep and winds up getting squeezed into the rail, nearly coming to a dead halt at the 5/16th pole! Now, in the most important race of his life, he draws post position number one, how ironic.

At first glance, I was horrified that Lookin at Lucky had drawn rail position, but after looking at some of the horses in the gates next immediately next to him, I thought maybe this draw was just a blessing in disguise. Ice Box, the Florida Derby winner, and a confirmed closer occupies gate number two, meaning he'll break and drop right to the tail of the field. Then, loading in the next three gates are Noble's Promise, Super Saver and Line of David, all stalkers or pace makers that will gun for the lead.

What does all this mean? It means that there will be no horses to Lucky's immediate outside, leaving him plenty of room for maneuvering. I figure that Lookin at Lucky will be running about mid-pack, leading the closers. Once into the clubhouse turn Lookin at Lucky can almost choose how far off the rail he wants to be since everyone is running like mad men in front of him or loping along behind him. Even if only half the things go right, Lookin at Lucky may just be sitting in a garden spot for most of the Kentucky Derby.

However, on the other end of the field, leaving from gate twenty may just leave Sidney's Candy to much to do. The son of speedy colt seems very rateable, but even if he does manage to rate behind Conveyance and Line of David, I still see him sitting very close to a sure to be blistering pace. The son of Candy Ride will also, most likely get hung very wide going into the first turn, being that there is not only speed to his inside, but an abundance of stalkers, all vying for position.

Another thing to heap onto the pile of obstacles the colt will be facing is a very legitimate pace. He has never seen a quarter mile that could go in 23 flat or a half that could go below 47 seconds in a route race. Can he gun it from the twenty post, get hung wide, stalk a hot pace and still have that same late spurt? I think not.

So will Lookin at Lucky's post actually bring him some good luck for the first time this year or will it prove more trouble than he can handle? Will Sidney's Candy prove he's good enough to overcome the adversity set against or is he only brilliant with a perfect trip? We won't know for sure, until the field turns for home and that one special horse come charging under the wire to take this year's Run for the Roses!

Short Term Memory: Part One

2010-04-27T09:49:00.008-04:00

Ever since a loss to the very underrated Zardana, Rachel Alexandra went one of the most celebrated horses in racing to obscurity. After a six week vacation, people seem to have forgotten the ease of Devil May Care's romp in the Bonnie Miss, over the likes of Amen Hallelujah and Christine Daae.

Rachel Alexandra needed the New Orleans Ladies to get her to where she is now. She did have to lose to do it, but I would like to know how many think the immortal greats like Secretariat, Spectacular Bid, and even Man o War went undefeated. After her loss it was like she didn't exist. After a short period of ridiculous statements like, "she's not the same horse, they should just retire her," she dropped off the face of the planet.

Now she is back, in the La Troienne, and ready to roll. She has been working like a monster since she was moved to Churchill, firing three bullet works in a row, before a nice and easy half mile move. Trainer Steve Assmusen has been very impressed with the Horse of the Year's progress, and he has not been the only one who thinks the filly is back to her old self. Rachel Alexandra is giving every indication she is ready for the La Troienne. Those still in doubt are going to be in for a rude awakening on Friday.

Another filly it seems many can't seem to bring themselves to respect is Devil May Care. She has had two races this year, the Silverbulletday and the Bonnie Miss. Like Rachel Alexandra, she need that first start back, finishing a dull fifth in the Silverbulletday. Returning back to her brilliant two year old form Devil May Care easily handled a solid field of fillies in the Bonnie Miss, winning by over four lengths.

This raw talent and Todd Pletcher's reassuring that the filly would relish the ten furlong distance of the Kentucky Derby had her connections strongly considering entering the filly against the boys. After Derby favorite Eskendereya scratched out, leaving Devil May Care's jockey free there was little left holding the connections back. Only a couple days later Devil May Care was confirmed for the Kentucky Derby.

Despite her raw brilliance, her connections confidence, the way she has been flourishing over at Churchill Downs, some people still refuse to give this filly a chance. I understand she has been out of the public eye and wouldn't have even gone into the Oaks as the favorite, even though she had by far the most dominant prep by a filly.

These two are brilliant fillies that the public seems to have forgotten. It is a shame we humans have such short term memory, and only go by the "what have you done for me lately" clause. I will not be going by that, Rachel Alexandra will return to form in the La Troienne and Devil May Care has as good as shot as any to win the Derby. It is time to pull our heads out of the sand so we can see the brilliance shining in front of us.

When One Door Closes, Two More Open

2010-04-25T10:24:00.004-04:00

How ironic is it, that two days after my latest post on the possible starts for Rachel Alexandra, majority owner Jess Jackson decided to come out from the shadows and announce that he will be pointing the superstar filly toward a start in the La Troienne? This has probably been racing's most anticipated news, especially after the Horse of the Year lost her 2o10 debut. Her presence on the Oaks undercard and only a day before the Kentucky Derby itself, figured to add even more spice to an already exciting weekend of racing.

Only days before the announcement, it was also announced that the Bonnie Miss winner, Devil May Care, may just pass up a potential match with Juvenile Filly Champion Blind Luck, for the even more prestigious and lucrative Kentucky Derby, against her male peers. With the recent success of Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra, and Rags to Riches, and her own easy win in the Bonnie Miss, one can understand, why the connections of Devil May Care would like to take a shot at the boys in America's most prestigious race.

After days of sizzling works, Devil May Care's Derby possibility, and Rachel Alexandra's presence on the Oaks undercard, everything seemed like it was going to set up perfectly for a huge climax May 1st. The good news was not meant to last, only one day after Jess Jackson announced Rachel Alexandra would race on the Oaks undercard, the Derby favorite, Eskendereya, scratched from the Kentucky Derby.

Every year racing has seen horses drop off the Derby trail, last year even saw the fall of two Kentucky Derby favorites, first when Florida Derby winner Quality Road developed a quarter crack, and then when I Want Revenge, the Wood Memorial winner, scratched the day of the race. Is it me or do we have a theme with the Wood winners getting injured the last two years?

Despite the fact that the Derby lost the favorite, racing must keep it's head up, and remember that we still have had a fairly good year, in terms of losing potential Derby horses. We still have Sidney's Candy and Lookin At Lucky. Devil May Care, now looks like entering the run for the roses, will more than likely happen, too. Then on Oaks day we see Amen Hallelujah and Blind Luck face off, which Rachel Alexandra returning to the sight where she began her journey on a unprecedented 3yr old campaign.

We may have lost one star, but we still have several more that deserve just as much attention as Eskendereya received. Overall, 2010, has given this decade one heck of a good start. Lets not let one small thing, in the whole scheme of things, ruin what could not only be a great weekend but a great year.

When and Where for Rachel Alexandra

2010-04-22T09:44:00.002-04:00

After sizzling six furlongs in 1.11.4 the speculation and suspense has grown to a nearly unbearable level. Fans of the reigning Horse of the Year want to know, where will Rachel Alexandra run next?

After running second by half a length to Zardana, Zenyatta's very own stablemate, in the New Orleans Ladies, and moving to Churchill Downs, Rachel has been working lights out. She first worked a brisk five furlongs in 1.00.2 on April 5th, then returned the next Monday to run run six furlongs in 1.12 flat. It seems that the Rachel of old is back and her fans want to see her back racing as soon as possible, to avenger her loss and silence her doubters.

The race most widely speculated for the filly's return is the La Troienne. In this spot the champion would sparing with last year's second best three year old filly of 2009, Careless Jewel, and none other than Zardana. If Rachel Alexandra does return at 100% there is no doubt in my mind that she will make easy work of both Careless Jewel and Zardana.

Another races that some have speculated Rachel Alexandra may start in is the Humana Distaff, at seven furlongs against last year's Champion Female Sprinter, Informed Decision, who also lost her 2010 debut. Seven furlongs is Informed Decision's best distance, it will take a fully loaded Rachel to beat the fleet footed grey at her own game, but the greats can run and run well at any distance.

Another race, I feel the connections of Rachel Alexandra could choose is the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile. Yes, it is on turf, and that is a surface that Rachel Alexandra has never touched, but I feel that the daughter of Medaglia D'Oro will flourish on turf, and may even find it more to her liking than dirt.

So, where will Rachel Alexandra race next, well we most likely will not find out until the day post positions are drawn, but a race on either Oaks or Derby day would seem the perfect spot for the forgotten super filly to make her presence felt once again. Lets hope Jess Jackson brings his Rachel back out of the shadows and that she comes back with a bang.

America's Horse

2010-04-16T09:32:00.003-04:00

After two scintillating performances in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, the speedy chestnut, headed into the Belmont Stakes as an overwhelming favorite. He seemed to have the best chance of any horse end the Triple Crown drought that had lasted for 26 years. With an entire nation behind him, cheering as he entered the top of the Belmont stretch, he looked a sure winner, only a furlong away from becoming racing's second undefeated Triple Crown winner.

Smarty Jones would not go on to win the Belmont Stakes. A blistering pace and two huge efforts in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, both in a five week span would prove to much for the colt to overcome. But even as he crossed the wire, a beaten second, the crowd still loved him. Lets rewind a bit to see, just how exactly, Smarty Jones galloped straight into the heart of the nation.

Two of the biggest reasons the nation so readily embraced the colt were because of his history and his connections. America is always ready for a feel good story, an underdog story, and Smarty Jones's story was nothing short of either. Smarty Jones' Owners, the Chapman's had just survived the tragedy of a murder, and that along with Roy Chapman's failing heath caused them to sell of most of their stock, until only a few horses remained, one was Smarty Jones.

Smarty Jones, himself also had survived a horrible ordeal. While gate training, the young colt spooked in the gate. Rearing to the sky, the colt smashed his head into the top of the gate. He was thought to be dead, but somehow the colt managed to not only survive, but recover fully to begin his racing career with a 7 3/4 length romp, following that up with a 15 length thrashing in the Pennsylvania Nursery. Smarty Jones, to put it simply, was a miracle.

He started his three year old season, right where he had left of as a two year old, winning in dominating fashion. He won his three year old debut, the Count Fleet by five lengths. He rolled into Arkansas to sweep Oaklawn's Kentucky Derby prep series, the Southwest, Rebel, and Arkansas Derby. He was unbeaten and untested, and even though some still doubted his ability to get the 10 furlongs, he entered the Derby as the post time favorite.

I do not remember all the details, but I remember seeing Lion Heart, my first ever Derby pick, jump out of the gate, gunning right to the lead, with Smarty Jones not far behind, rating back in third. The two of them remained the same way throughout the majority of the trip, until they reached the far turn. Smarty began to move for the lead and by the time the two horses hit the top of the stretch they were neck and neck.

I will never forget the call as the two horses began to separate themselves for the rest of the pack. "Lion Heart is all heart, Smarty Jones is all out!" Lion Heart manage to stay with Smarty Jones, but only briefly, before Smarty Jones slowly began to edge away, leaving Lion Heart 2 3/4 lengths behind as they crossed the wire.

Smarty Jones had just become the first unbeaten Kentucky Derby winner since the great Seattle Slew. He had just shoved aside all the doubts about his ability to get the distance, he had just won over the heart of America. After that race Smarty Jones became America's Horse.

As you all know Smarty Jones would go on to win the Preakness by a record setting margin setting the stage for another Triple Crown attempt. Unfortunately, he would fail in his bid for the Triple Crown. It was a heartbreaking defeat for not only the Smarty Jones camp, but for all of America. However, America would not abandon the colt they had fell in love with. Smart Jones may have crossed the wire second, but he would forever remain number one in the hearts of those who had the pleasure to witness him.

Derby Dark Horses

2010-04-15T09:28:00.004-04:00

Seems Brian Zipse and I were on the same wavelength when think about what we would write for our next post, but apparently he beat me too it. The Derby is rarely won by a favorite, even if that favorite is the proven class of the field. Point Given, Curlin, Sweetnorthernsaint, Afleet Alex, and Frisian Fire all failed to win as favorites, last decade. Given this fact it is wise for any horse player to include some dark horses on their ticket.

Heading my top five list for Derby Dark Horses is Endorsement. He is a talented colt who seems to be getting good at the right time. In the Sunland Derby, he showed the ability to sit off fast fractions and still fire. He easily collared Conveyance, in the stretch, before drawing away with authority. His win suggests the further the better, with the way he galloped under the wire with strong, steady, powerful strides. My only concern with this colt is that the Derby may be asking too much too soon from the talented, yet lightly race colt.

Dublin may or may not be a dark horse, but due to his lack of wins coming into the Derby, I feel he will be somewhat ignored by the public. The reason I have him on this Derby Dark Horse list is because of his consistency. He may not have any wins, but you may have a hard time finding any horse that has placed top three in three Derby preps. Another thing about him is that not only is he constantly hitting the board, but in his last three races he has lost by a total of 4 lengths. To some he seems to be a miler, but I feel this colt will be able to get the distance. If he doesn't hang in the Derby, then he should be a huge threat to any of the front runner as they turn for home.

Rule is also a horse I like a lot. He didn't rate in the Florida Derby, but then again I don't think Johnny V was all too concerned with rating, seeing as he made no attempt to back Rule off the pace when Pulsion came up and applied some early pace pressure. Pletcher has gone on record before stating that he feels that Rule would be more ratable than his stablemate Super Saver, who we all saw, rating quite comfortably, in the Arkansas Derby. If this is true, and Rule rates off the pace in the Derby, he is classy and talented enough to remain a strong presence in the stretch.

Setsuko comes next, and is only this low on my Derby Dark Horse list, because I'm wondering if he'll have enough earnings to make the field. If he does everyone better beware of this consistent stretch runner. He was second in the Sham, then second again in the Santa Anita Derby. It should also be noted, that in the Santa Anita Derby he came on late to actually pass, the tough luck, Lookin At Lucky for second. With the current trend of synthetic horses improving as they switch to dirt and the very likely possibility of a blistering pace, everyone should be watching for Setsuko to come flying home once more.

Lastly comes American Lion. He showed us he is a completely different horse on dirt than he is on synthetics. He was relaxed on the lead, galloping with his ears pricked, and fought back when Yawanna Twist eye balled him for the majority of the stretch. He should be close to, but not on the pace, seeing as how he has proven his ability to rate already. With Tiznow as his sire, I have no doubts about his ability to get the distance. My doubts lie with his ability to run with the likes of the four above him and the big three, Eskendereya, Lookin at Lucky, and Sidney's Candy.

There you have it, my Top five Derby Dark Horses. What long shot are you planning to pick in the Run for the Roses?

Weekend Review

2010-04-13T08:50:00.004-04:00

With just one Derby prep remaining, the field for the Derby looks set, but who will win looks more muddled than ever. Last weekend the only favorite that seemed to not disappoint was the unbeaten mare Zenyatta, who seems more and more incapable of losing. Dublin, Super Saver, Nobles Promise, Odysseus and Interactif all disappointed in their respective preps.

The Arkansas Derby was probably the biggest disappointment for me as a I watched Dublin swing into the stretch under a full head of steam then hang in the stretch like wet sheet hung out to dry. My initial reaction, was how could he lose? He had every possible chance to get by, yet failed to push through. After a closer look at things, I thought, that maybe this wasn't such a disappointing effort.

In the Arkansas Derby, Dublin was forwardly placed as opposed to his last two starts, where he closed with a furious rally, coming off the pace. Could it be that being closer to compromised his late kick, which caused him to hang? Also, consider the fact that Dublin was not in dire need of graded earnings, which means, D. Wayne did not have to have him at his best for the Arkansas Derby. Dublin had had two stiff tests when second and third in the Southwest and Rebel, why stretch him for a win in this spot, when the real prize is still three weeks away?

Overall, I think this race was used exactly how it should have been, a prep. With the strong possibility of a very fast pace, Dublin could sit mid pack, while the leaders and stalkers sitting to close, wear themselves out. Then he could come sweeping around the turn, with that incredible closing kick we saw in the Southwest.

To be honest, I am not sure what to make of the Blue Grass. Interactif was nowhere to be found and Odysseus emerged from the race with a bone chip. The winner Stately Victor, looked impressive pulling away in the stretch, winning with total authority, but could he be just another turf horse that excelled when placed on the Keeneland synthetics? I have a feeling that it's a little bit more than that. Stately Victor has show talent in flashes, once in the Blue Grass and once in his turf debut as a maiden. Yes, I know he has only won one synthetics and turf, but he ran second to Winslow Homer in his two year old debut, over the main track. If Stately Victor has finally figured out what his job is and consistently display that talent that we saw in the Blue Grass, I feel he has a good outsider's shot at pulling an upset.

Overall, I am disappointed in the weekend, but as we all know, it's not who wins on the Weekend before the Derby, it's who comes out on top on the First Saturday in May that really counts.

You Can't Have One Without the Other

2010-04-11T19:03:00.003-04:00

Zenyatta, no, doesn't sound right. Rachel Alexandra, still doesn't sound right. Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta? That sounds wonderful.

Over the years racing has seen some outstanding rivalries. Sunday Silence and Easy Goer, Nashua and Swaps, Bold Ruler and Round Table, Secretariat and Sham, then the greatest of all Affirmed and Alydar. Racing remembers both of the horses. Fans cannot say Sunday Silence without mentioning easy Goer, they cannot bring themselves not to think of Sham whenever Secretariat is brought up, and nobody can talk about Affirmed without bringing up Alydar. Why is this? Why does history remember both the victor and the unlucky loser? History remembers both because, even though Alydar played second fiddle to Affirmed, he was the horse who pushed Affirmed to become the Affirmed.

It has been a long time since racing has seen the likes of such a rivalry, and now we may just have found another in Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. The two have yet to meet on the track, but it seems that one influences the other, even though they have not yet set foot on the same track together.

Can one imagine 2009 without Rachel Alexandra? Zenyatta would have continued her march towards fifteen consecutive races, still surpassing the great Personal Ensign, but one has to wonder, would she have been entered in the Classic? One can argue that it was the unprecedented campaign by Rachel Alexandra that pushed the Moss's to enter their undefeated mare into the Classic in a last ditch attempt to win Horse of the Year. Would Zenyatta still be racing in 2010, if she had received Horse of the Year and not Rachel Alexandra? One can only guess, but I have a feeling that if Rachel Alexandra had not been Rachel Alexandra in 2009 we would not see Zenyatta in 2010.

On the flip side, can anyone imagine racing without Zenyatta? What need would there have been for Rachel Alexandra to take on the boys after the Preakness? A win there, over her three year old male peers would've been enough to earn her Horse of the Year. There would've been no need to run in the Haskell or the Woodward, the flashy filly would have easily been able to sit on her laurels and race against her female peers and elders, later in the year.

Just a few days ago turf writer, Steve Haskin wrote the article "A World of Their Own." A piece that reminds people, that it is not impossible to love just one filly. It recognizes Zenyatta, capturing the essence that Zenyatta gives off to all of her adoring fans, when she wows them with her sheer size and charisma, then further wows them with her ability to always run that same heart stopping, but winning race. It also reminds people that even though Zenyatta is Queen of the world right now, to not forget about Rachel Alexandra, who is great in her own right.

Some people understand this, but others still feel that the spotlight should be on Zenyatta and only Zenyatta. They fail to see that you can pick a favorite, but still love the other one, still be excited to see the other run. These people also fail to realize, that just with Sham and Secretariat, and Affirmed and Alydar, you cannot have Zenyatta without Rachel Alexandra. It's like black and white, yin and yang, one completes the other. They maybe totally different in looks, in running style and personality, but that is what makes them fit togeather so well. It is why you cannot have just Zenyatta or just Rachel Alexandra. From now until the end of time, history will remember not just one, but both Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra.

Derby Dark Horses

2010-04-07T11:25:00.027-04:00

Eskendereya, Lookin at Lucky, and Sidney's Candy. Those are your three favorites for the Kentucky Derby as of now. Eskendereya, big, beautiful, and brilliant, dominates every time he steps out onto a track. Sidney's Candy, the speedy, chestnut fire ball, does he ever stop running, or will he continue smashing through obstacles, including the Kentucky Derby. Lookin at Lucky, the reigning two year old champ, scrappy, the word quit just doesn't exist with him. Will his luck change or will he have to overcome more come Derby Day?

These three horses have earned their respect, they have earned their way to the top, but just because they are on top of a bunch of lists does not make them a lock. Everyone knows that there is no such thing as a lock in racing, unless your watching Zenyatta. Everyone also knows that there is one race, where the word, lock shouldn't even be brought up, and that would be the ever so daunting Kentucky Derby.

No matter how talented, no matter how powerful, to win against a field of twenty of America's finest three year olds, one has to not only be talented, but lucky as well. Because of this, the Derby is a prime opportunity, to beat the favorites. That is where the Derby Dark Horses come to play. Now you are asking yourself, what the heck is a "Derby Dark Horse?" Well, they are those horses that have the talent, but maybe do not shine as brightly as the stars whose light shines so brightly, it blinds fans to their presence. This year, I have two Derby Dark Horses, the little engine that could, Jackson Bend, and Illinois Derby winner American Lion.

I know American Lion just won his last race, a race which dispelled any notion that he may be a lesser horse over dirt, but, there are those who still have their doubts. I personally think the Derby is a perfect race for him to strut his stuff. His pedigree screams CLASSIC and it screams DIRT, so it is no surprise to me, why he gave less than his best when running over the brown turf, Pro-Ride, at Santa Anita. When switched to the Hawthorn dirt, American Lion proved exactly why he was so highly regarded at the beginning of the season. He battled back with Gotham runner up, Yawanna Twist, then seemed to get a second wind in the final seconds of the race.In the Derby, he will be one of the pace pressers. He possesses an abundance of speed, but unlike some in the Derby, he has proven that he will rate. This allows him to be within striking distance of the leaders, but not to close to a, likely, very quick pace. American Lion has also shown that he is not one that likes to be passed once he makes the lead. He and Yawanna Twist were eye to eye for most of the Hawthorn stretch, before American Lion found that other gear that allowed him to shake loose of Yawanna Twist. Add all this together and you have a horse that has a very good shot of upsetting the big three.

In previous posts I have discussed, why exactly I feel Jackson Bend would be capable of pulling an upset. To keep it short, I will summarize what I have said previously. For one, his trainer is know as the Giant Killer. Nick Zito has taken down the likes of Big Brown and Smarty Jones, both times, ending dreams of a Triple Crown. Calvin Borel, could also end up being the jockey for Jackson Bend, should he choose him over the highly touted Super Saver. If Borel should choose Jackson Bend, the gutsy little colt would have the master of Churchill Downs and Nick Zito, in his corner. Remember, it was just last year when Calvin rode the little plain brown gelding, Mine That Bird to a 50-1 upset in the Derby.

Jackson Bend himself, is not half bad. In eight starts he has four wins and four seconds. This year he has played the bridesmaid in all three of his starts, being beaten by the brilliant Winslow Homer and the powerful Eskendereya. If there is a horse that deserves to win the Kentucky Derby it is him. He goes out on the track and give 110% every single time. If there is a horse capable of grinding it out against the big boys and taking advantage of others bad luck, it is Jackson Bend.

So there you go, my Derby Dark horses. Those with all the talent in the world, but who garner no respect. That lack of respect could prove costly to those who doubt these two talented colt come Derby Day.

I Believe!

2010-04-04T16:13:00.008-04:00

As we all know, before the Wood Memorial, I was not one of Eskendereya's biggest follower. In fact, I thought he and his romp in the Fountain of Youth was overrated. He had everything his way, going a moderate six furlongs in 1.12 and change. On top of that he had the Gulfstream speed bias on his side, that made it nearly impossible for horses to close ground on any of the leaders. Well after yesterday's Wood Memorial, I believe. I believe he is probably the best three year old pointing towards Louisville right now.

In this race, he did have, yet again, another garden spot, but here he showed how easily he can rate. Eskendereya, could've easily taken the lead and gone on a merry go round show with the sloth-like pace the two leaders were setting. He could've faught for his head, when asked to go so rediculously slow, but no, he settled behind the pace, dropping his head and going into that big powerful stride of his.

Around the far turn Eskendereya remained the same way, not try to rush, or pull his jockey, unlike Awesome Act who was drafting in right behind Eskendereya and was under a strangle hold. When asked for run Eskendereya took the lead with ease, seeming to canter by his fully extended foes. Yet again, he effortlessly opened up an ever widening gap of daylight, even though he was being held in, and asked for nothing. This was a perfect prep for Eskendereya, not to taxing in the least, and will set him up well for his date with the Derby on May 1st.

On an ending note, I would like to say I hope people will stop dismissing Jackson Bend. He is still no worse than second, and has spent his last three starts playing bridesmaid to Eskendereya and Winslow Homer, both brilliant, and one a potential monster. Jackson Bend out gamed Awesome Act in the stretch, and would've been the winner of both the Fountain of Youth and Wood Memorial had Eskendereya not been Eskendereya. Do I think he can get another furlong against 20 other horses, no. Do I think he can get another half a furlong at Pimlico, with more like 10 other horses, yes. He is not "second tier, " and deserves more respect than that.

So, Who Do You Pick

2010-04-03T06:39:00.004-04:00

Three big races, all packed and loaded with talent that reaches the sky. They question, however is, which one of these races hold our next Kentucky Derby winner? Will it be the Wood Memorial, the Illinois Derby, or the Santa Anita Derby? Well, thank the good lord, we do not have to make that decision final yet! All we have to do this week is figure out who our picks our in the Wood Memorial, Illinois Derby, and the Santa Anita Derby. Did I just say that's all we had to do?

Well, anyhow, lets start off by picking apart the Illinois Derby. Obviously the top two horses in this race are Backtalk and American Lion. Both of these colts were talented and well thought of two year olds, but when Backtalk bombed two races in a row that shiny tint to his fiery red coat lost some of it's luster. He did however manage to win the Sportman's Paradise Stakes, in his first race this year, and has been working far superior than any other horses stabled at the Fair Grounds. American Lion has now disappointed in his last two races, as well, but some of the luster he has last this year is replaced by the mystery of if he is a better horse on dirt than he is over the Pro-Ride.

Other than the top two, we have Dave in Dixie and Stephen's Got Hope shipping in from California to try the dirt for the first time, which bodes well for them, if they are going with the current trend of moving off synthetics to try the dirt. Yawanna Twist, second to Awesome Act in the Gotham, is also capable of pulling an upset here. However, since I'm not particularly high on Dave in Dixie or Yawanna Twist, I will choose Stephen's Got Hope, to complete my top three.

Selections: American Lion, Backtalk, Stephen's Got Hope

The Santa Anita Derby should be and interesting race, since Baffert may not have Lookin At Lucky fully cranked, since his colt is far from in need for graded earnings for the Derby, and can rest on his laurels, making due with a good second or third in this race. If you are using that as an angle, I do not blame you, but I personally think Lookin at Lucky is too good right now to get beat.

Besides Lucky, you have an array of other horses to choose from. Caracortado is a nice horse, who was beaten by the pace in his last start. This start he may get a stronger pace to run into, so beware. Sidney's Candy is a talented front running speed ball, who may not be that need the lead type. If he can rate of the lead here, he has the talent to be right in the thick of things as they near the wire. Alphie's Bet is not a horse I am particularly impressed with, even though he won with some flare last out. If he runs the same race he did in the Sham he might just get up to snatch third of fourth. However, I like Setsuko more for that. He was runner up in the Sham and is bred to just keep, coming and coming and coming.

Selections: Lookin At Lucky, Caracortado, Setsuko

Here comes the Wood Memorial analysis. Eskendereya and Awesome Act are the clear stars of this field, but after an 8 1/2 length romp in the Fountain of Youth. Though his was not by nearly as much, Awesome Act made easy work of his foes in the Gotham. In my opinion, I think Eskendereya's win in the Fountain of Youth was a bit overrated. He is a talented horse that is dangerous when everything goes his way, which is exactly what happened at Gulfstream. Here, he may get that same pace scenario, but he does not get that Gulfstream speed bias, and has quite a few formidable foes here.

Schoolyard Dreams is another that I like along with the ever so consistent Jackson Bend, who now gets the fearless, rail-riding, Calvin Bo-rail as his rider. I like Schoolyard so much because in his last two he has finished second to some of the top rated horses on the trail this year in Rule and Odysseus. I don't really give a darn about the closing times at Tampa Bay, since it has a reputation for being a quirky track. He has an explosive turn of foot and tactical speed, which allows him to stay in touch early with his opponents, then pounce on them when they least expect it. Now armed with Nick Zito aka The Giant Killer and Calvin Borel, no one can fully toss out the ultra consistent Jackson Bend.

Selections: Schoolyard Dreams, Awesome Act, Jackson Bend

So, who are your picks?

The Lion King of the Illinois Derby

2010-04-02T19:01:00.011-04:00

Well everyone I finally got my wish. Tomorrow, we will get to see American Lion on dirt, and all I could say was thank GOD, when I found out. Then, I looked at the entries and said, why oh why. I said this because I am a huge fan of American Lion, but at the same time I am a huge fan of Backtalk, who just won his three year old debut in the Sportsman Paradise Stakes.

I first saw Backtalk in the Bashford Manor and it was love at first sight. I loved him even more when I saw him display some grit, when he dug deep down, to win in a dog fight, in the Sanford. That year would be his last win. He would lose in the Hopeful Stakes, to Dublin, the horse he had left reeling back in fourth, in his debut. In the Hopeful, it was he who finished fourth. His next race would be an off the board performance on the synthetic Polytrack at Keeneland. From that point he dropped off the radar.

When I heard Backtalk would be making his 3yr old debut, after an unspectacular ending to his juvenile year, I planted myself in front of my TV, refusing to give up on him. It was not a pretty race, by any means, in fact it was the complete opposite of the word, as Backtalk ran as greenly as a maiden two year old, with absolutely no focus whatsoever, but he still won. Based on his talent, he won. Since then he worked a bullet six furlongs in 1.09.6 at the Fair Grounds, nearly as fast as the meets best, at the distance this year.

He wins his first race back. He works like a champion, and is bred with two Classic winners, one of which was a Triple Crown winner, in his lineage, and despite these facts I still think he may end up second best to American Lion. Now all of you go "American Lion? Hasn't he lost his last two starts?" The answer is yes, yes he has, but that was over Pro-Ride, a very biased surface, that tends to work against speed horses. Dirt on the other hand seems to be very conductive to a horse with American Lion's running style.

The grand bay proved he was able to handle two types of synthetic, before he floundered over Santa Anita's Pro-Ride. In fact he even won a grade three stakes, that has earned him the respect he has now. In the Illinois Derby, American Lion, a horse that does not need the lead, but loves to be in the thick of things early, and is quite capable of taking the lead, is extremely dangerous. He is, on paper the only horse, really capable of flashing any early speed. If left alone, which is a very real possibility, he could prove tough to catch. Plus, it seems every synthetic horse transferring to dirt blows a race wide open, in their initial start over the main track.

Both are trying to rebuild the reputation they had as two year olds. Both are capable of doing so. It just so happens, one, in this particular instance may have all the advantages, which is why, I think American Lion will be King of the Illinois Derby by the end of this weekend.

Taking a Que from ZATT " The Fantastic Four"

2010-03-31T08:58:00.006-04:00

Before this coming weekend, Saturday March 13, provided use with, arguably the most action packed Derby prep weekend this year. However, with Lookin at Lucky, Caracortado, and Sidney's Candy in the Santa Anita Derby, Dublin, Super Saver, Noble's Promise in the Arkansas Derby, American Lion and Backtalk in the Illinois Derby, and Eskendereya, Schoolyard Dreams, Awesome Act, and Jackson Bend in the Wood Memorial, these next two weekends could, just possibly, rival March 13th.

The Illinois presents a very interesting race, but even with it's high intrigue, it is still probably the least anticipated race of the weekend. Here, Backtalk, who last worked a sizzling six furlongs in 1.09 and change, will try and prove that he can go the distance. He has a Classic winning sire, and has Affirmed on his dam's side, so distance is quite possible, but you never know until they run. However, California shipper, American Lion may just make the Amoss trainee work for this win. American Lion is finally being given a chance to strut his stuff over dirt, after two disappointing efforts over Santa Anita's Pro-Ride. If American Lion is like all the other Cali shippers this year, he will present a very formidable challenge this Saturday.

Speaking of California, their star 3yr old, Lookin at Lucky, returns to take on Caracortado and Sidney's Candy. Santa Anita is the site of Lookin at Lucky's only loss, but it is well know what a horrible trip it took for the talented colt to be beaten. So far this year he won the Rebel in Arkansas in spectacular, heart pounding fashion, after having yet another horrendous trip. Sidney's Candy, was able to get away with soft fractions last out in the San Felipe, and may not get the same here. If he is in fact pushed, it could set the race up for Lookin at Lucky, or Robert B. Lewis winner Caracortado, who finished third in the San Felipe.

The Rebel, on March 13, was most likely the most anticipated prep of the weekend and it might just get that billing next weekend as well. After a very productive debut in the Tampa Bay Derby, Super Saver returns for his second and last Kentucky Derby prep in the Arkansas Derby. He finished a close third in his three year old bow, which figures to set him up for bigger and better things. One of those things could be a win in the Arkansas Derby, but with both Dublin and the classy Noble's Promise standing in the gate he has his work cut out for him.

Noble's Promise, has had the misfortune of running into Juvenile champion, Lookin at Lucky in his last three starts, each time, just barely getting nipped. With Lucky staying home this weekend for the Santa Anita Derby, Noble's Promise might just get the win he has been looking for. Dublin, second to Conveyance, in the Southwest, disappointed slightly, when third in the Rebel, but the gargantuan colt, gets back Terry Thompson, who rode the colt within a half length of the victory in the Southwest. Maybe, he can ride him to a win in his final prep for th Arkansas Derby.

Finally comes the power packed Wood Memorial, featuring the daunting presence of, Florida Derby winner Eskendereya. If he can duplicate his win from Gulfstream, there is a good shot he will stomp this field the same way he did to the Florida Derby field. Jackson Bend, probably the most honest colt of his class, will try to prove one more time that he can stretch his game out beyond a mile. So far he has played a bridesmaid this year, a win over this field could catapult him to the top of the Derby standings. Awesome Act, was nothing short of awesome when winning the Gotham Stakes. He probably stands the best chance on paper of upsetting Eskendereya. Last, comes Schoolyard Dreams, one of this year's forgotten horses. He was a strong second to Rule in the Sam F. Davis, and got nipped by Odysseus in the Tampa Bay Derby. If he can step his game up to the next level, there is no reason to think this colt won't make it to the big times.

So, here is your weekend folks, an action packed weekend, showcasing seven horses out of my Derby Top Ten. We are now in the final leg of the Derby prep races, whoever comes out on top here, will vault themselves into Kentucky Derby favoritism, so good luck to you and all your favorites. Enjoy the weekend of the "Fantastic Four!"

How About the Belmont for Endorsement?

2010-03-29T09:51:00.005-04:00

It was supposed to be an easy race for Conveyance, he was supposed to win by open lengths in his final prep, but as the sun began to set in Texas, the spotlight shifted to the rising star Endorsement. It took three trys for the classicly bred colt to break his maiden, but as the distance increased so did his talent. He finally got the nod in the eighth race at Oaklawn Park, and from there would meet the unbeaten Conveyace in the Sunland Derby.

As usual, Conveyance bounce right out to take the lead, and looked relitively unpressured as he went through splits of 23.71, 48.04. However, Endorsement had settled in right behind the Southwest winner, and was biding his time waiting to pounce. As they rounded the far turn it was evident that Endorsement was going to get the better of Conveyance, who was visibly being pushed, as Endorsement move up with minimal urging.

Down the stretch the two came, with Endorsement in the lead. Conveyance fought back gamely, but his opponent was just too much and began to pull away inside the eight pole to register a two and a half length victory, in stakes record time. It was impressive win, for such a lightly raced colt.

Endorsement is a royally bred colt, who's breeding, I personally am in love with. Distorted Humor, his sire, would normally put me off, but Distorted Humor has proven to be fairly versitle as a sire, siring Derby/Preakness winner Funny Cide and Dwyer/Haskell winner Any Given Saturday. Also, since, Distorted Humor's best distance was sprinting, he gives some good speed influence. On the bottom half of the pedigree we have, of course AP Indy, one of the best distance influences in the breed. With a sire that has proven to sire a variety of horses and AP Indy as a distance influence on the bottom, I think this colt will a very formidable challenger to any three year old at the Classic distances.

His ability to get distances is also displayed in his PP's. In his four starts it would seem the longer they stretched this colt out the better he ran. Plus, in the 9 furlong Sunland Derby, he showed absolutely no signs of slowing down, powering past the finish, with plenty left in the tank.

With all this said, however, I would not like to see this talented fire ball run in the Kentucky Derby. In my opinion, it would be too much too soon, even for one with his kind of potential. I would much preffer to see his owners wait until the Belmont, and let him run in perhaps the Peter Pan as a prep. The Belmont would allow him the oppurtuity to show what he is made of, without pushing him too soon, while the Derby would thrust him into a whole different type of race that he has never seen before, and will never likely see again. A start in the Derby could wipe him out, like it has done to many other talented colts who were not yet ready.

So, all in all, I really like Endorsement, and would caution anybody to keep an eye on him throughout the year. He has some real promise, and I'm sure, if he is managed correctly, will be making noise latter this summer.

Cry Me a River

2010-03-28T10:16:00.006-04:00

Last year, when I learned Dubai was uprooting it's premiere track, Nad Al Sheba, and "remodeling" it into the dream track of Medayen, I was among those who was not so enthusiastic. Why was I so unenthusiastic by this transformation? Because they took out conventional dirt and replace it with synthetics. You do not simply change what has worked just because you had an impulse. Dubai has been the site of elite racing, the World Cup has drawn the likes of Curlin, Cigar, Roses in May, Silver Charm, Dubai Millennium, Invasor, Electrocutionist, Street Cry, and so many more. It was a showcase for the most talented dirt horses in the world!

Compare the field of the 2010 Dubai world Cup to the previous fields that ran at Nad Al Sheba, and you will find this year's field lacking. The winner Gloria de Campeao, was a good horse, but had no business winning a race as prestigious as the World Cup. In fact in 08' Gloria de Campeao did not even hit the board, beaten over 17 lengths. The next year he was beaten by 14 lengths to Well Armed, who ran third the previous year. Gloria de Campeao is a good horse, but world class, he is not.

Some may say that the reason Nad Al Sheba was replaced with Medayen was because the ruler of Dubai felt that the synthetic surface would make an equal playing ground for both turf and dirt horses alike. I say, if that is true, if he installed the Tapeata in order to draw a field where both turf and dirt specialists could compete on a level playing field, then, why install another turf track? What need would there be for it if the synthetic was to bring the world of turf and dirt together? The answer is that there is no reason. The real reason, in my opinion, the surfaces were switched was to prevent Americans from further dominating on dirt.

Out of the fourteen World Cups run on dirt American bred/owned/trained horses won exactly half of the runnings, and eight American bred horses came out on top, the eighth horse being Electrocutionist. The other half, which would seem to even the score was won by UAE owned horses, however from 2004 to 2009 Americans won four of the runnings, while the UAE recorded only two. It should also be noted that the ruler of Dubai has yet to produce a true UAE winner of the World Cup. By that I mean he has never actually bred a winner himself.

This was the true reason behind the switch in my opinion. The sheik already knew that Americans were not fans of synthetics. He knew that we dominated in dirt, but not on synthetics, and much less on turf, so he picked a surface that he knew would reduce the Americans chances of winning his race. Though his plan seemed to backfire somewhat, when the Godolphin owned Allybar ran second to the Brazil bred and owned Gloria de Campeao. And to make the loss seem to sting a little more, it was by the length of a nose. To bad, so sad for Dubai.

To me, this was a cowardly, envious act that basically admits that the UAE has inferior horses to the USA. The ruler, now cowardly hides behind synthetics, and a fake excuse that synthetic will bring turf and dirt horses equally together. I say, you want to shut America out, fine, let us shut you out by never again sending out most prized dirt or turf horses out to the Mid West. We risk enough, just by trying to make the trip. We risk never seeing the same star we sent out, return to the championship form they once had. Now they go and add synthetics! Personally, I would tell the sheik he can keep his fake surface and monopoly money, I'll earn prestige elsewhere.

California, Arkansas...Dirt, Synthetics...What To Do What To Do

2010-03-25T09:24:00.002-04:00

Lookin at Lucky, last year's Juvenile champion, stood at a crossroads before making his 3yr old debut in the Rebel. Baffert could not decide which path he wanted his star colt to take, the Rebel, which would be run in Arkansas on conventional dirt, or the San Felipe, in California over synthetic. Baffert flipped back and forth several times before making the decision to ship Lucky to Arkansas. Taking his time to decide seemed to work, seeing as how, Lookin at Lucky prevailed even though having a horrendous trip.

Now Baffert and his talented pupil stand at the very same crossroads yet again, this time deciding weather to stay home and run in the Santa Anita Derby, or to ship out for the Arkansas Derby. As of now Baffert is leaning towards staying home for the Santa Anita Derby. Is this the right choice? Let's compare the two races and find out.

If Lucky were to stay home, he would run over a synthetic track, Pro-Ride to be exact. Lookin at Lucky has already raced once over the Pro-Ride, when second by a head in the Breeders Cup Juvenile, so the surface should not be a problem. Another plus is that Lucky would not have to ship out to Arkansas again, before shipping to Kentucky. He could race right out of the barn in California, then ship straight to Kentucky. Also, Baffert, now has no reason to ship out. He knows his colt can handle dirt, so why ship out again. Lastly, running on synthetics, for his final prep, may just give Lookin at Lucky an advantage, if the trend of synthetic horses moving way up in their first start on dirt, after racing on synthetics.

For this race there are not many minuses. One may be that he will run into a very tough field that could include Caracortado, Interactif, and Sidney's Candy, the top three finishers of the San Felipe. But of course on the flip side, the Arkansas Derby could draw a field just as formidable.

The Arkansas Derby for Lookin at Lucky would mean more shipping, which could take it's toll on the colt, especially if he were to end up shooting for a Triple Crown. Though, Lucky may just be facing many of the horses he already beat in the Rebel, which would be a plus, since he has proven that he is already capable of beating them. This could also further acclimate him to dirt, but just because of his proven ability to run over anything, no matter if it is plastic, dirt, or broken bottles, it may not matter much. Also the recent history of that race, in producing horses that go on to do well in the Triple Crown, might be enticing. Some horses to validate that statement are Afleet Alex, Smarty Jones, and Curlin. All three finished no worse than third in the Triple Crown races.

Either way Baffert decides to go looks like it would work in the long run. I do think, though, that the way he is currently leaning is the best way. A horse needs to be fresh if they are going to win the Derby and then compete in the entire Triple Crown series. Staying home, would mean less traveling overall, which could really affect his chances. But as we all know Baffert is quite capable of changing his mind, and until Lookin at Lucky is actually in the gate for either race, we won't know for sure what way Baffert is truly leaning.

Ha! That's Funny

2010-03-22T09:58:00.004-04:00

It has become apparent, the fleetest juvenile of 09', D'Funnybone, is back and is ready for some action. Last year the fleet footed colt blaze his way to wins in the Saratoga Special and the Belmont Futurity. However, the colt disappointed badly his first try over synthetics, going two turns in the Breeders Cup Juvenile.

Nearly three months after his Breeders Cup debacle the speed chestnut returned in the Hutcheson Stakes, where he made a mockery out of his six over matched opponents. Among those that were left in D'Funnybone's wake was Spectacular Bid winner, A Little Warm. After such a strong performance, it seemed that the connections of the colt would give the green light, to a start in the Kentucky Derby. However, after entering their colt in the Swale, owner Paul Pompa announced that instead of entering their colt in the contentious Derby fray, they would wait two weeks for the 9.5 furlong Preakness Stakes.

Soon after that decision, D'Funnybone, yet again, wow racing fans as he toyed with the Swale field. He sat just off of blistering fractions that saw a first quarter fly by in 22.24, and a half in 44.5 seconds! The final time was 1.21.98, putting even more of an exclamation point on the performance. Though, as I said when I first saw this colt win the Saratoga Special, he is brilliant sprinter/miler, maybe even middle distance horse, but not Derby horse.

In my opinion, D'Funnybone could probably get up to 9 furlongs, maybe even the squeak out the 9.5 furlongs of the Preakness, but ten furlongs, in one of the most demanding races in a horse's career, heck no. Looking back at the Swale, one would initially be wowed by his first quarter to his three quarters, but yet again, I say look deeper. D'Funnybone's final furlong went in 13 seconds, not impressive at any distance. Was it because he was cruising home, relatively under no pressure, or was he a little worn out from the scorching pace he was involved in. I would say a little bit of both, since nobody was really coming on strong enough to pass him in the stretch.

That said, D'Funnybone would not be running that fast in races longer. I would envision a pace scenario where he was pushed to go 46 seconds, at the quickest, which would probably leave a lot more in the tank. However I question his ability to relax and rate off the pace. Will he submit to his rider's commands and settle off the lead, or will he stretch himself beyond his limit by going full throttle all the way. Personally, I think he is one of those horses who likes to be in the thick of things, or just off the lead. He is used to running his first quarters around 22 and change and half miles in 45 and change.

What will he do when he is forced to run five, ten, possibly even fifteen lengths slower? If he were to relax off the pace or even run on the lead without feeling pressured, he could be a forced of nature. If not, he will likely fade, after running beyond his limits. He is probably the most talented 3yr old and he is most definitely the fleetest of the bunch. But D'Funnybone a router? That's funny.

Heating Things Up

2010-03-19T09:48:00.004-04:00

More things than just the weather are beginning to heat up. In the Sunshine State its a hodgepodge of stakes. On the three year old front we have the Swale, Florida Derby, Bonnie Miss. All three piled miles high with exciting talent. Then the Rampart will be the center piece of the Distaff division, featuring the Queen of Venezuela in the flesh, as Bambera makes her American debut!

The Swale is not a traditional spot for prepping a potential Derby contender, but in D'Funnybone's case, it just might be. D'Funnybone is widely know as a sprinter, his only effort around two turns being a disaster. However that start was over synthetics, which also could've been the reason for his poor showing. The speedy colt, will likely be a huge favorite, and I personally do not think there is a three year old sprinter capable of catching him. However Pletcher trainee Ibboyee and Dixie Band could rise for the upset if D'Funnybone does not run his usual race.

The Bonnie Miss will be the stakes debut of the red hot Christine Daae. She exploded to the forefront of racing with a nine length romp and a sizzling final time in her maiden. She followed that effort up with an easy three length victory over an allowance group, going 9 furlongs. In the Bonnie Miss, the talented sophomore will face a stiff test in her first graded stakes as she runs into Amen Hallelujah, the romping winner of the Davona Dale. In the Davona Dale, Amen Hallelujah pummeled graded stakes winners Sassy Image and Forward Gal winner, Bickersons. A win here would prove that either should belong at the top of any Kentucky Oaks list.

Bambera, winner of 16 0f her 18 starts will make her four year old and American debut in the Rampart. Bambera figures to use this race as a launching pad to the Apple Blossom Handicap, where she will likely meet the unbeaten California star Zenyatta. Zardana already demonstrated this year how deadly horses from South America can be, when she unseated the reigning Horse of the Year, Rachel Alexandra. If Zardana, a horse not even considered in Bambera's league, could run like that, what will Bambera do?

Finally comes the main event, the Florida Derby. Unfortunately, the star attraction, Eskendereya, was withdrawn from the race and opted for the Wood Memorial. However, trainer Todd Pletcher, will substitute him for the highly regarded son of Roman Ruler, Rule. Rule is coming off a very impressive and easy score in the Sam F. Davis. He is the morning line favorite, though he won't exactly have an easy task. Lentenor, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro's, little brother, will be making his dirt debut in this race. He has show flashes of talent, but still has been displaying signs of greenness.

Four exciting races, loads of talent? What will this weekend bring? One can only guess, but one thing we do know is that things are definitely starting to heat up.

Derby Top Ten

2010-03-18T09:29:00.003-04:00

1.) Lookin at Lucky- Displayed all the traits of a champion in the Rebel. He has the breeding, the foundation, the ability, and the grit. He has shown he can go two turns and now he shows that he can run over dirt. He is the only horse with no more questions to answer.

2.) Rule- What has this colt done wrong? Every time they ask him to step up his game he does, and he does it with ease. The only question is will he rate?

3.) Conveyance- Can he get the distance? Smarty Jones was a speed ball in 2004 and he won the Derby. This colt has the great Holly Bull in his family, who was also a big time speedster. Common Sense tells me to not trust this colt, but intuition says go for it.

4.) Eskendereya- He is not my favorite colt on the trail, but I cannot ignore his dominating performance in the Fountain of Youth. The reason he is not ranked higher is because I am waiting for him to come back and duplicate that performance.

5.) Dublin- Drops a few places after last weekend's loss. He could've bounced a bit, but after a questionable ride, he looked like he tired a bit in the stretch. A good run in the Arkansas Derby would redeem him.

6.) Caracortado- To dismiss this gelding would be a mistake. He ran extremely well in his last, considering he was trying to run down a loose on the lead speed horse, that ran a sloth-like three quarters. His record is still impressive, when considering his worst placing is a third and the rest are wins.

7.) Odyseuss- Passed his first stakes test, but one has to wonder if he's the quality of those above him, after Rule beat the same bunch easily. However Tampa Bay is a quirky track, and he displayed a lot of heart, despite it only being his fourth start.

8.) Super Saver-He didn't really wow me in his Kentucky Jockey Club win, but he has a win over Churchill, and a dominant one at that. His last was a very useful race off a layoff and should set him up well for races down the line.

9.) Schoolyard Dreams- An improving colt who captures my interest. He has finished second twice in a row now, but those losses came at the hooves of some nice colts, both of whom have made my top ten.

10.) Jackson Bend- I refuse to give up on this colt. He is as honest as they come and he has never finished out of the money. His last two races came to two brilliant colts. I think I will give him another chance, but he'll have to prove his quality over a distance of ground to improve.

Luck of the Irish

2010-03-17T09:39:00.003-04:00

I swear I did not plan things this way, but now that I look at things, I find it neat that the day I decide to write about Lookin at Lucky it happens to be St. Patricks Day, which of course has to do with the Irish, which are considered, "lucky." Anyhow, lets get to the topic at hand.

After being shuffled to the bottom of the deck, all but forgotten, Lookin at Lucky returned, giving a powerful reminder to the racing nation as to why he is the number one colt in America. The champion colt was last seen starting in the Cash Call Futurity, where he won his fifth race of six. That race capped a stellar season that led to his crowning of 2yr old Champion Colt.

Normally champions don't make a whole lot of changes to their game, but in this case, the connections decided the colt would sport blinkers in his 2010 season. The connections felt Looking at Lucky lacked that "killer instinct" and would begin to gear himself down after he made the lead. The decision to use blinkers was made in an attempt to keep Lucky focused down the stretch, that way he would keep running instead of gearing down.

Another significant decision was made when the connections of Lookin at Luck decided to take a road trip to Arkansas, to run in the Rebel Stakes, which is run over conventional dirt and not synthetics. This would be Lookin at Lucky's first ever race away from California, his first race over dirt, his first start in blinkers, and his first start as a 3yr old. If all the "firsts" about Lookin at Lucky didn't make you skeptical, the fact that he would be facing a stellar field, that included local star Dublin, and Lucky's very own rival, Noble's Promise might just make one think that this was too much to soon for the champion.

During the race, Lookin at Lucky's chances at winning seemed to wane by the second. After a chain reaction, caused by Cardiff Giant, Lookin at Lucky had a slow beginning. However the colt found his stride fairly quickly and settled on the rail about seven lengths from the leaders. Corey Nakatani, aboard Dublin, seemed to notice this and began to urge Dublin to pick up the pace, in an attempt to box Garret Gomez and his champion colt in. Gomez, realizing Nakatani's plan asked Lucky to keep pace with Dublin, but he had realized the plan too late, and Dublin quickly slid in front of Lucky.

Lookin at Lucky was unprepared for Dublin to move in front and didn't stop his momentum once the Lukas trainee slid over, causing them to clip heels. Lookin at Lucky responed by jumping straight up in the air. Somehow the colt managed to get back into stride, and after a few cautionary moments, Gomez and his mount continued their advance.

By this time the field was rounding the far turn, and Lucky was behind a wall of horse. Gomez swung his colt wide, while both Dublin and Noble's Promise began to separate themselves from the field. With a furlong left to go Noble's Promise had gained the lead, and looked like he was going on to an easy victory, but Lookin at Lucky was still charging hard in the center of the track. As they neared the wire, Lookin at Lucky proved exactly why he was a champion, wearing down Noble's Promise in the shadow of the wire. Lookin at Lucky had won.

Because of this performance Lookin at Lucky regained his spot atop my Derby list. He overcame much adversity and now has no questions leading up to the Kentucky Derby. His only loss was by the slim margin of a head. Both before and after that performance he has done nothing wrong. He deserves to be number one, he deserves to be back on top.

Q & A with Eoin Hearty

2010-03-16T15:31:00.003-04:00

HA: Over the last couple of years, you have had the pleasure of training some very high quality horses. Did any of those horses just seem to pop out when they first came to you? What traits did they seem to possess that made them stand above the rest?

EH: Colonel John, Well Armed, and Dubai Escapade all stood out right away. They showed professionalism and had the ability to work well right from the get-go. They showed the talent was there from the start.

HA: As a trainer, what traits do you look for in a younger horse when trying to gauge their ability and potential?

EH: Very good ones show their ability and potential from the first time you work them. There’s no one trait. If the talent is there, you are going to see it.

HA: Speaking of horses that had a lot of ability, you have had quite a few very nice colts since moving to WinStar, most by Tiznow. Do you notice any similarities between his offspring?

EH: Most Tiznows are bigger horses. They have very good minds and are very sensible. Most of them seem to be willing to please and are easy to train.

HA: Would you say that most of Tiznow's offspring are fairly versatile runners, or do you think they prefer one surface over another?

EH: Truly good horses will run on anything. I think most Tiznows will run on anything.

HA:Colonel John and Well Armed both showed great versatility. Colonel John had stakes wins on all three surfaces and Grade one wins on dirt and synthetic, while Well Armed was a very good horse over synthetics but blew horses out of the water on dirt. How do you feel your latest son of Tiznow, American Lion will fair on dirt?

EH: I think American Lion will be better on dirt. He’s an aggressive horse who likes to be in the fray right off the bat and I think that style is better suited for dirt than anything else.

HA: Many would say that American Lion disappointed in his last start, what was your take on the Robert B. Lewis?

EH: As in both the Lewis and the San Felipe, he was too aggressive early on and I think that on the synthetic, if you don’t relax you don’t have a shot. Ultimately he might not be good enough, but we will know more after we try him on dirt.

HA: Lastly, what do you make of your chances this year vs your previous tries with Colonel John and Mr. Hot Stuff? Do you think you could get your Derby win this year?

EH: As of right now, American Lion is going to have to really improve. My best shot was with Colonel John.

I would just like to say thank you to Eoin Harty. I know you were busy and I really appreciate you taking the time to answer these questions. Good luck to you, I hope you get your Derby win this year.

What the Heck: Part 2

2010-03-15T13:43:00.002-04:00

I'm so sorry I got to this later than I anticipated, but as we all know things seem to always pop up and create a mess of any future plans we may have. As of now, I'm sure nobody knows that better than the connections of Rachel Alexandra.

The Horse of the Year and champion Three Year Old Filly was slated to return in the New Orleans Ladies. It was supposed to be an ease prep, a tightener, that many thought the great filly could win blind folded, instead she was blind sided by the John Sherriffs trainee Zardana.

After tracking, what were considered, brisk fractions that day, Rachel Alexandra loomed outside of Fighter Wing, easily taking over the lead on the far turn, and looking like she would go on to win as she pleased. Zardana, however, had other plans, and came flying up on the outside, snatching the lead away in the blink of an eye. Rachel fought back valiantly down the stretch, but the six month layoff left her short, and it showed, when Zardana crossed the line 3/4 of a length in front.

Half an hour later another Z and Sherriffs trainee was loading in the gate preparing to win her fifteenth consecutive race. Zenyatta, would have to overcome a troubled trip, but the amazonian mare kept her perfect record in tact.

So, what do I make of these events? Well after taking some time to absorb Rachel's loss, I came to the conclussion she ran as well as to be expected. Sherriffs had Zardana primed and ready for a big effort, and it is well know that synthetic runners will normally move up several lengths in their first start on dirt. However, because it was Rachel Alexandra, many people overlooked these facts about Zardana.

Rachel Alexandra ended up earning a 100 BSF for her race, which was probably clocked in about 1.43.7. That is precisely how Rachel started her year last year. She ran Beyers in the mid to high 90's with final clockings always 1.43 and change for 8.5 furlongs. Yesterday was Rachel Alexandra last year, before the Oaks. This probably means that Rachel probably needs a couple more races to reach her super filly form of last year.

I keep hearing some people say that she was disinterested, she is not the same filly, though I have trouble understanding how a filly who showed fight all the way down the long Fair Grounds stretch could be described as disinterested. Rachel is fine, she was just caught below her peak, by a solid mare primed for a big effort.

Switching gears to Zenyatta, I really am at a loss of words. I have run out of adjectives to describe this mare, since the only one good enough for her is perfect. I would however caution her connections not to be overly cautious or get over confident. Smith rode a very cocky race, and it nearly cost Zenyatta her unbeaten status.

Had Pretty Unusual not drifted out, opening a hole just wide enough for Zenyatta to squeeze through, Zenyatta would've been force to go wide, and at that point in the race not even Forego could've closed to win. Zenyatta is a perfect mare, but that perfection can be ruined by human error. It happened to Native Dancer, Secretariat, Spectacular Bid, and even Man o War.

Here's a perspective on how much had to go wrong for Man o War to lose. At the time of the break he was facing backwards, so he immediately had to play catch up. Then, when taken to the inside, after making up ground on the entire field he was boxed in. By the time he finally got loose, he came on like freight train, but as we all know, it was too late.

Man o War was arguable the best thoroughbred racehorse to ever set foot on a track, and he lost. It took a whole ton of unforeseen events for it to happen, but as that day showed it can happen. Zenyatta is a great horse, a perfect horse, but as seen with Man o War, that perfection can be wiped away in an instant.

I wish the best to our awesome ladies, and though we won't see them meet in the Apple Blossom, I am still very eager to see them meet later in the year.

What the Heck?

2010-03-14T12:04:00.003-04:00

This was the question I was asking myself after all the races on Saturday. Lookin at Lucky gets bounced around, pushed wide, clipped heals, then somehow found a way to close, like a bat out of hell, to once again beat his talented rival Nobel's Promise. Odysseus, in his fourth, his FOURTH career start, manged to re-rally, after being dismissed by the announcer, to win the Tampa Bay Derby. Sidney's Candy, no more that a sprinter before the San Felipe, was allowed to get away with a easy lead, which lead to a his second grade stakes win in a row.

All that craziness was just the Triple Crown mania, what stunned people even more was the upset of, Horse of the Year, Rachel Alexandra. Her connections said she was not at her best, and the connections of Zaranda said they were hoping to catch the champion off of her game and they did. Zaranda put in a monster move around the turn, snatching the lead away from Rachel Alexandra, and held the great filly at bay. Then, half an hour later, I watch as my Zeyatta dream unfolded before my very eyes. The only difference being Pretty Unusual drifting out, and opening a hole just wide enough for, two time champion older female, Zenyatta to burst through and take the lead. So, what do I make of all of these crazy events? Well, you might want to hold on tight, because this going to be one wild ride.

The San Felipe was probably the least exciting race when all was said and done. Sidney's Candy, was allowed to call the shots on the lead, and anybody knows that when you let even a halfway decent speed horse an easy lead they get brave and are extremely hard to pass. Sidney's Candy is much better than just halfway decent and showed just how dangerous he could be if left alone. The best horse in the race was probably Caracortado, who made multiple moves, and still closed very gamely. Interactif, yet again, prove how well a turf horse can take to the synthetic Pro-Ride. American Lion was a disappointing fourth. I will say this again, put this colt on dirt. His last two races, his worst race, were run over Pro-Ride, a track that resembles turf racing the most. Please Mr. Hearty, give this colt some good old fashioned dirt.

The Tampa Bay Derby was about as eventful and as thrilling as you could get, that is until you watched the Rebel. Super Saver performed like a champ in his 3yr old debut, but Schoolyard Dreams is an improving colt and he and Odysseus both had a conditioning edge. Odysseus, along with having already started this year, was already ahead from a conditioning standpoint, plus, as he proved yesterday, he is ultra talented. His ability to come back on after looking hopelessly beaten, while splitting horses are blatant signs of greater things to come.

The Rebel was billed as the most exciting race, of the three Derby preps, and it certainly lived up to its billing. Noble's Promise had a perfect stalking trip, and looked like a winner at the top of the lane, but was nipped by Lookin at Lucky on the wire. Dublin ran as good as can be expected after being parked very wide on both turns and making an early move on the backstretch. Personally, if I were D. Wayne I would chew Corey Nakatani up then spit him back out after that ride. However, without a doubt, Lookin at Lucky was, by far, the very best horse in that race. Thanks to the domino affect Cardiff Giant caused, Lookin at Lucky had a less than stellar start. He then clips heals with Dublin on the backstretch, gets parked very wide around the final turn, then still finds a way to make his nose cross the wire first. He is only a head a way from being undefeated, with a record of 6 for 7. He has the foundation, he has the guts and experience, he is your Derby favorite.

Since this has gotten to be a marathon post, I will go ahead and take a breath. I will share what I make of Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra's debuts later today. Until then, I leave you to wrestle with your own thoughts on Saturday's madness.

Picking and Choosing

2010-03-13T09:39:00.002-05:00

To be honest, I really don't think there will be a weekend, other than the Breeders Cup, Apple Blossom, or Kentucky Derby, that will outshine what we are preparing to see today. To a die hard fan like me this is like Thanksgiving, with that giant, succulent turkey as the center piece surrounded by an array of delicious appetizers, for you to choose from. In this case, the debuts of Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta are the center piece of this weekend, and we all know who we are rooting for in each, they are the turkey. The side dishes would be the talent packed Derby preps, the San Felipe, the Rebel, and the Tampa Bay Derby. All filled with such tasty looking prospects you don't know who to choose from.

The Tampa Bay Derby doesn't have a whole lot big names heading the program, but it is stacked a mile high with potential. Schoolyard Dreams was an impressive second in the Sam F. Davis and will be looking to improve on placing today. Uptowncharlybrown came into the same race with a three race winning streak, which was snapped, thanks to the Pletcher trained Rule. He did, however, finish with a late rush that propelled him to third on the wire.

Without Rule to contend with, one might think the race would belong to the second and third place finishers of the Sam F. Davis, but with the return of grade two winner Super Saver, and the impressive allowance winner Odysseus, things figure to be a little tougher. Super Saver last raced in November, winning the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes impressively. He is the proven class of the field, yet may not be the betting favorite at the windows. That title may go to the now horse, Odysseus, who won his last by an incredibly easy 15 lengths.

This race, like the ones to come, was a tough decision, but my top three pick would be the talented Odysseus, Super Saver, and Schoolyard Dreams.

The San Felipe over on the west coast came up with an even stronger field than anticipated. Caracortado, unbeaten in five starts will try to make it 6 for 6. He last win came in the Robert B. Lewis, where he beat American Lion and Dave in Dixie. Normally that would mean to throw out the two second and third place finishers, but, each ran well enough to merit a second chance. Dave in Dixie was flying late, but ran out of ground. American Lion was making his 3 yr old debut and was pressuring solid fractions the whole way. The facts that he was not pushed in the stretch and that he will be racing with the addition of blinkers today, gives me the confidence that he will rebound.

Horses, still very talented, but less likely to draw as much attention are Sidney's Candy and Interactif. Sidney's Candy won his last stakes, but it was only seven furlongs, meaning that this will be his first try around two turns. Interactif is a proven commodity on turf, winning two stakes on it last year. His ability over synthetics, however, remains a question.

My picks hear would be American Lion, Caracortado, and Interactif.

The Rebel, in my opinion is the toughest Derby prep this weekend. It features the return of juvenile champion Lookin at Lucky and his nemesis Nobles Promise. These two will be making their dirt debut, while Lookin at Lucky will be sporting a new pair of blinkers. Noble's Promise has proven to be one very honest and talented horse, his only questions are distance and dirt. Should he answer those questions positively he would have to be near the top of anyone's Derby list. Lookin at Lucky was five for six last year, his only loss coming in the Breeders Cup Juvenile by a head. In this race, Noble's Promise was third. The two met up again in the Cash Call Futurity, where Lookin at Lucky was, again, the winner and Noble's Promise came in second.

However great these two may be, the Southwest runner-up, may prove to be even greater. Dublin was an impressive maiden winner, following that up with an easy score in the Hopeful. After that he ran two dull races, caused by an entrapped epiglottis. After surgery to repair the problem the monstrous colt came back with eye catching performance in the Southwest. His effort stood out so much, that many said that they though he ran a better race than the winner Conveyance. Here he gets an extra sixteenth to close in on his foes and jockey Corey Nakatani.

For this race, I'm picking chalk, with Dublin, Lookin at Lucky, and Noble's Promise.

Who do you like?

I've Got the Fever!

2010-03-09T08:47:00.004-05:00

This weekend presents racing with one of the hottest, most contentious day in racing since January. The question is not how many are looking forward to Saturday, it's who isn't. The Tampa Bay Derby, the San Felipe and Rebel all being on the same day would've been enough, especially when you consider that we will be seeing the return of last year's Juvenile champion Lookin at Lucky, Grade one winners Noble's Promise and Dublin all set to lock horns in the Rebel. Then on the left coast you have the highly anticipated rematch between the ultra-talented American Lion against the undefeated Caracortado. However, no matter how great these races look on paper, they don't even hold a candle to the return of Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra.

Rachel Alexandra will face just four rivals in her comeback, the New Orleans Ladies, carrying 123 lbs. Her connections say that she is not cranked up for her best effort, but even when taking that into account one must remember Rachel is Rachel. In her early three year old races, I doubt Rachel was trained for her best effort, yet she won all while being hand ridden to a trio of ridiculously easy victories. In my opinion this race will be no different.

Zenyatta enters the Santa Margarita after a bullet 1.11.8 work for six furlongs. The big mare seems to be on top of her game. Zenyatta will shoulder 127lbs to post, conceding up to sixteen pounds. Despite the heavy impost, I am not at all worried, since Zenyatta carried two pounds more in the Vanity, last year, while facing a group of similar stature. In short I expect both of the champions to come back and win easily.

Now we move onto the Derby preps, starting with the San Felipe. As mentioned above the top two picks for the race will probably end up being Caracortado, as the favorite, and American Lion as your second choice. These two met for the first time in the Robert B. Lewis, where Caracortado pulled the upset, leaving American Lion eating rubber. One could easily throw out the talented son of Tiznow after disappointing that weekend, but others like me would like to give the colt one more chance. The Robert B. Lewis was his first try at two turns and during the race he was normally only half a length off some solid fractions. Again, many would look at his race and frown, but anyone who knows anything about synthetics know that the lead or close to it, is not the place you want to be. You will also notice that American Lion was not pushed extremely hard to run down Caracortado, implying that the race may have merely been a tightener.

The Rebel is easily the most contentious Derby prep this year, and features the dirt debut and return of Lookin at Lucky. Also trying dirt for the first time and returning is Lookin at Lucky's pesky little rival Noble's Promise. On synthetics he is always right behind the Baffert trainee, could the dirt give him that extra little push he needs to fly past his rival? Speaking of flying, don't forget about Dublin, who was soaring in the Southwest, and nearly caught Conveyance, another Baffert colt. He gets another sixteenth to run down his opponents and this time around the grey speedster is AWOL. The son of Afleet Alex may just return to the winners circle in this race, that is if he can get past the synthetic pair first.

So, is that blood boiling yet? If it's not, you might want to see a doctor, because this here, is the hottest weekend in racing.

Living in a Dream

2010-03-05T17:54:00.002-05:00

Dreams are funny little things. The can be overly erratic or unbelievably precise. The can be blurry half images or crystal clear. It all depends on the person. For me, dreams are normally messy and erratic, if I dream at all, but there are rare occurrences that the images playing in my head are so clear and seem so real that it seems like I can hear ever sound, fell every fiber, and smell every scent that permeates the air. These dreams come without warning, and when they do they almost always come true.

For days I have debated on whether to share my latest possible glimpse into the future, because, though it is an interesting dream, some may view it as provocative. But, isn't that my job as a writer? To share something that may possible spark a fire? That is why I feel the need to share this dream.

I do not know the names of the horses competing in the race, other than Zenyatta, nor do I recall the track where the race took place, but I do remember the complete astonishment I felt. The dream began at the top of the stretch, a place Mike Smith would've normally swung Zenyatta out wide to circle the field. However this time, the Hall of Famer, would keep towards the inside, weaving the big mare through the field.

Spotting an opening between two horses, Smith merely needed to shake the reigns. At his cue, Zenyatta began to roll towards the gap, looking like she would make easy work of her over matched opponents. But, right as she was about to shoot through, the gap vanished, forcing the champion to check hard.

Smith began to frantically look for another opening, for the distance between them and the wire was quickly diminishing. To his right another horse had ranged up alongside and was now half a length in front. Smith knew that in order to get out of the box he would need to take Zenyatta back before swinging her into the clear.

By now I can remember the announcer screaming in the background, as Smith sat back asking Zenyatta to drop off the bit, the began to swing her around the cluster of horses.

"Zenyatta is now in the clear and is moving like a freight train on the outside! Smith is asking the big mare for all she has as the field closes in on the wire. Only a few more yards left to run, and Zenyatta........."

The announcer's last words would've undoubtedly been, "And Zenyatta sweeps under the wire, with another magnificent win!" A cheer would've erupted for the stands, as Zenyatta would have proven herself, yet again, unconquerable. However, as the field crossed the wire, only the sound of the rapidly beating hooves could be heard. Everything else had been filled with an unearthly silence. The silence was of complete disbelief. Zenyatta had fallen less than one length short. Zenyatta had lost.......

My Big Red

2010-03-04T09:35:00.002-05:00

On that sunny April day when you and I first met, I was a broken girl. In less than a year I had gone from one of the leading riders on the CBHSA circuit to a nobody. After my latest debacle with Tank, the same day I found out my uncle had died, I was a human traffic accident and all anyone could do was stop and look, not knowing what to say or how to help. I trusted no one, refusing to let myself fall in love with another horse ever again.

I remember the day we met so well. My trainer, had brought in you and two other thoroughbreds in an effort to find me a horse I could trust. She had said that the three of you were in bad shape, neglected and abandoned by your previous owners, and bought by your current owners at a sheriffs sale. However, she said that despite your mistreatment all of you were loving, trusting horses.

Seeing the three of you made my heart ache. Ben, a bay ex-racer was the thinnest to the eye. His hips and withers jutted out and his ribs, every single one, could easily be seen. It was a if his dull brown coat had simply been draped over a few coat hangers. Harvey, the other ex-racehorse, and a golden chestnut was the best looking of all of you. He was thin in build, but his head was held higher and he seemed to carry the most weight of any of you three.

Your attitude made you blend into the background, and your then dull, dirty, rusty brown looking coat did not help matters. You clearly had the bigger frame, but like Ben you to were merely a ghost of you are now. You were loving and you were kind, but somehow I looked right past you.

I remember grooming and riding all three of you. Ben...Sweet, old Ben was as honest and as kind as they come, but I needed a horse who could take me to the next level, and unfortunately a stifle injury limited his ability to jump a fence higher than 2 feet tall. Harvey was the flashy one. He possessed the natural chrome and flash that made a show horse stand out in an arena. You, in contrast were, at the time, rather plain, but like Ben you were kind and you were willing.Your kindness is what made my decision. You were not flashy like Harvey, but you were willing, and somehow you found it within yourself to trust me.

After a few months you began to blossom. Your dull, rusty brown coat transformed into a beautiful, vibrant copper. To this day you remain the reddest chestnut I have ever seen. You also began to fill out, not only putting on weight, but muscle. In fact, after a couple more months, you were so muscled up that many people thought that you were part Quarter Horse, instead of a full Thoroughbred. You began to learn to show and jump and move like a show horse. After your transformation had been completed, you were one of the most impressive horses I had ever seen.

I remember our highs, and I remember our lows. It took us a while to figure out that instead of a show horse, you were an even superior trail horse. I remember, a couple of months ago, at Dills Auction Trail Ride, our little ditch experience. It was one heck of a steep ditch, but all you did was eye it for a couple seconds before beginning to march down to the center. On the way up you climbed steadily, but half way up you surprised me, and several others to be sure, when you decided to leap the rest of the distance to the top.

Despite our bad moments, I have so many other fond memories of my Big Baby Bear. So, tell me why when it came to choose you or Majec I chose you to put up for sale? Somewhere along the way, you swept me off my feet. You made me love you more than I have loved any other horse. But, as I said earlier, I need a show horse, and a show horse you are not. I wish I could keep you, I really do, because to see you go this weekend will rip my heart even more. I love you more than anything. Tray, you will forever remain, My Big Red.

Acid Test for Christine Daae

2010-02-23T09:37:00.004-05:00

Bigger than your average filly, with a coat that reminds one of fire, and lightning fast speed, Christine Daae is hard to miss. After a dazzling performance in a maiden special weight, at Gulfstream Park, where she stalked a blistering pace before easily putting away her rivals, she began to spark talk about, possibly, becoming this years version of Rachel Alexandra.

Speed is a golden attribute to possess if one is to run at Gulfstream Park, and Christine Daae has that in abundance. She stalked a very hot pace that saw six furlong split of 1.09 and change before advancing three wide to take over the lead and draw away to an impressive 1.21.67, for the seven furlong test. Her fast time and ability to keep going after such a hot pace could be contributed to the fact that Gulfstream is a very speed bias track, that normally produces quick times. However, it is my belief that when a horse is able to not only sustain that speed, but increase it to the point of drawing away from the competition without even breaking a sweat, that they are something special. That belief will be put to the test this Saturday in the Davona Dale.

In the Davona Dale, Christine Daae, will face a serious acid test. Forward Gal winner Bickersons, Sassy Image, and Amen Hallelujah. Before the Forward Gal Bickersons was just an OK filly on synthetics, but in the Forward Gal, her return to a dirt track, Bickersons ran away from the field in a scintillating performance, that displayed her affinity for not only dirt, but sprints as well. The mile distance is one furlong longer than the Forward Gal, but the sprinting of Silver Deputy should be fine with anything that is a mile or under. In the Forward Gal, the fractions that were posted, all strongly resemble what was run in Christine Daae's maiden. However the final time, was 1.22.35, .32 seconds slower than the time that Christine Daae set.

Amen Hallelujah has proven her class by never running an out of the money performance, except for when she ran fifth in her first maiden try. Ever since then she has hit the board every time. Her latest win, and her first stakes victory, came in the Santa Ynez, when digging in gamely to hold off Franny Freud. Her final time went in 1.21.39. The main knock against this filly is that she will be making her dirt debut in the Davona Dale, with her last win coming over Pro-Ride, the synthetic that most resembles turf. If Amen Hallelujah can transfer her synthetic form to the dirt, like Southwest winner Conveyance did last weekend, then she should definitely be one to watch.

Sassy Image, however, will probably lead the cast going into the race. Sassy Image comes into this race riding a three race winning streak, all three races stakes, two graded stakes. Sassy Image has already proven her ability at two turns, when she won the Golden Rod at 8.5 furlongs. The ever so consistent filly also owns a win at mile distance, that win coming in the Pocahontas. Her last win was a run away victory in the off the turf, Sweetest Chant Stakes. Her final times may not be all that hot, but she was not running over the Gulfstream freeway either. If she brings the same class she has displayed in all three of her latest wins, she will be tough to deny.

So, it looks like our impressive maiden winner has her work cut out for her this coming weekend. The question is if she is truly talented enough to take down these other classy fillies with the same easy she disposed of her maiden rivals. So, can she do it? Or is she just another nice looking maiden? I'll leave that answer up to Christine Daae.

What's Next for Buddy's Saint?

2010-02-22T17:48:00.002-05:00

Last weekend we saw so much. We saw sweet redemption, we saw explosive upstarts, and unfortunately we saw surprising upsets. Among the upsets we saw Ron the Greek, winner of the LeComte, fall victim to a dawdling pace, that negated his late rush. Others that were promising, heading into the Risen Star, yet were dismantled were Dosselmeyer and Stay Put. The biggest shock of the weekend, however, came in the Fountain of Youth. Buddy's Saint, who had previously headed many Derby lists, finished a tired and defeated ninth.

In case anyone didn't hear about the race, I will get you up to speed. Breaking from the gate, Buddy's Saint got away in good order, and seemed content to let the frontrunning speedsters do battle. All seemed to be going well, until Buddy's Saint was moved inside and was sent through a hole near the rail. Lengthening his stride, Buddy's Saint moved forward without hesitation, but upon entering the turn, the colt drifted out ever so slightly and collided hard with Aikenite. From there it was a game of pin ball, as Buddy's Saint bounced back over into the rail, back into Aikenite, then back into the rail again. After that ordeal, the winner of the Remsen Stakes had little left to offer, never ever mounting any sort of rally.

This, as most of you know, was Buddy's Saint's debut. It was suppose to be an easy race, just to help tighten the screws a bit. The race did anything but help the colt get ready and probably set him back even more. It was the definition of a horrible debut, because not only did he get nothing positive out of the race, but he probably loss a lot of confidence in the process. He went from being unbeaten, to being kicked around like a rag doll, and that is anything good for a young horse's confidence. The question now is, what happens next?

Personally, I would have the colt run in easy allowance or an overnight stakes. An easy race would help boost his confidence back up and give him at least some of the tightening he was suppose to get out of the Fountain of Youth. Without a race, even if he did, somehow, manage to not be mentally affected, he would probably be a short horse come Derby day, since he would virtually be running on one prep race. He is a lightly raced colt, so I doubt one allowance or overnight stakes would take too much out of him, before his final prep, likely to be the Wood Memorial.

Buddy's Saint is without a doubt one of the most talented three year olds this year. He has the build, the raw ability, the pedigree, and may still have the mind of a Derby winner. Giving him a quick confidence boost in an allowance is a very easy fix. As mentioned, it shows him that he still can win and it will keep him from being too short in the Wood Memorial or the Derby. Either way his connections choose to go, I will trust, but this would seem, to me, the best way to fix the mess the nightmare Fountain of Youth created.

Derby Top Ten

2010-02-21T12:15:00.006-05:00

As I predicted, yesterday's three year old preps were very telling. The Risen Star saw Discreetly Mine, a colt who had a bad case of seconditis, smash that streak with a nice win. In the process of winning, Discreetly Mine might have just revealed a weakness of LeComte winner, Ron the Greek. In the LeComte, Ron the Greek won going away, after taking advantage of a smoking pace. In the Risen Star, the race was completely void of pace, which meant the speed kept going. Try as he might he could not run down Discreetly Mine, who had plenty left in the tank.

The Fountain of Youth could easily be viewed as the crowing of a new Derby favorite, or a nightmarish debut, that crashed the highly regarded Buddy's Saint's coming out party. Bounce around like a ping pong ball, after entering the first turn, the son of Saint Liam lost any real hope at running down the winner Eskendereya, who won in a romp. Jackson Bend, again was as gutty and as gritty as can be. He is as honest as can come and is consistently in the thick of things, but doubts about his distance abilities will probably scare many away.

The Southwest, in my opinion was the best race yesterday, and unfortunately the best horse on the track ended up second. Dublin began his rally at the half mile pole and began to steadily gain speed around the far turn. Normally, the move Dublin made would knock any horse out by the time they hit the stretch, but Dublin proved that he was no normal horse. He slowed down slightly after coming out of the turn, but then began to speed up yet again to miss by a diminishing neck. That performance move him to the head of my Derby Top Ten, which I will now present.

1.) Dublin: His sustained rally was nothing short of amazing. He came with in a neck of the win, overcoming a speed bias track.

2.) Lookin At Lucky: As of now he still retains his champion status, but due to the fact that he has not race in 2010, or has had any prior dirt experience, he gets bumped down a spot. A win in his next start could potentially bump him back up to number one.

3.) Rule: Has he won at the best of tracks yet, no, but each time he moves up he responds the right way. His last prep was extremely impressive and was done very easily. I like this colt and have a feeling he'll just keep improving.

4.) Caracortado: His win last weekend was very impressive, and if it had been on the dirt he would be the one holding the third spot.

5.) Eskendereya: Was a romping winner in the Fountain of Youth, but his problem may be that he peaked in this spot, rather than the Derby.

6.) Super Saver: He needs to race soon, before he is out shined by others. He is talented and with a good race he can move up the list again.

7.) Jackson Bend: I would love to put this colt higher, seeing as how he is a big favorite of mine, but distance is a big question with him. I believe he can get 10 furlongs, and I believe he is consistent and experienced enough to run huge Derby day, but he has to prove he can go the distance.

8.) Conveyance: Ran a beautiful race in his debut on dirt. He settled nicely on the lead and looked absolutely beautiful galloping along on the Oaklawn dirt. However, he, like Jackson Bend had that distance question hanging over his head.

9.) Discreetly Mine: The talented son of Mineshaft finally got his stakes win after just missing in a pair as a juvenile. Yes, I know he had an easy lead and no pase pressure, but the fact remains he stayed on top all the way down that Fair Grounds stretch, which is something Quiet Temper and Friesan Fire could not do.

10.) Ron the Greek: He is already reminding me of Mine That Bird. He can close like a freight train if the race sets up to his liking, but if he does not get the pace he needs or has a troubled trip he can't get up in time. However he is talented and will likely get that hot pace in the Derby.

Saturday Stakes Will be More Telling in More Ways Than One

2010-02-19T09:26:00.006-05:00

This weekend looked to be stacked with some serious talent anyways, when some solid fields for the Hutchenson, Fountain of Youth, and the Risen Star were drawn, but when the Southwest Stakes was rescheduled from Monday, February 15 to the 20th, it added another diamond to the already sparkling line up.

The Hutcheson, a seven furlong sprint, would not normally be on anybody's early Derby radar, but with the return of Grade two winner D'Funnybone, Spectacular Bid Stakes winner, A Little Warm. D'Funnybone's last race was a gigantic flop in the Breeders Cup Juvenile. His loss could be contributed to being a below average two turn horse, or just not adjusting well to the Pro-Ride surface. The latter option would be the one I would be most incline to believe, since he reeled off two impressive wins in the Saratoga Special and Futurity Stakes. D'Funnybone will be the probable favorite, despite the recent form of A Little Warm.

The Risen Star Stakes will probably be one of those preps that will become overshadowed by the star power presented in the Southwest and Fountain of Youth. Nevertheless, with the likes of the talented but unlucky Discreetly Mine, upset Lecomte winner Ron the Greek, and impressive newcomers like Hotep, Tempted to Tapit, Drossemeyer, and Stay Put, it is a very solid and intriguing field. This race will be a proving ground for many of these horses. Ron the Greek will being using this race to prove that his LeComte was not a fluke, Discreetly Mine will try and rebound off a disappointing loss in the Spectacular Bid, and the four newcomers will trying to prove that they deserve a chance to take a shot at the Run for the Roses.

The Southwest is a very interesting race to look at. It's main contenders all have shown the potential to make an impact on the Derby Trail, but each has significant knocks against them. Dublin, a monstrous son of Afleet Alex, marked himself as a serious colt when easily defeating a star studded field in the Hopeful Stake. However he turned in two dismal performances in his next two starts, which his trainer, D. Wayne Lukas attributes to an entrapped epiglottis, which hampered his breathing. Dublin has since had surgery to correct the problem and has been working like a champion over the Oaklawn surface. Conveyance heads the California shippers, which includes Cardiff Giant and Domination. All three are very consistent, and Conveyance has even been compared to Holly Bull, but the knock against them is will they be able to handle the dirt? If all horses show the form they have in previous races the Southwest might just be the race to produce this years Derby winner.

Maybe I spoke a bit too soon, because back on the east coast a star studded cast of three year olds lines up for the 9 furlong Fountain of Youth. Buddy's Saint heads the field, coming into the race off of a nearly five length victory. The impressive looking son of Saint Liam has finished first in all three of his starts, though he was DQ after bumping in his maiden. Since then, however, he has been as good as gold, winning his last two starts with ease. Another notable colt is Jackson Bend, who came into his last start, the Holly Bull, with a five race win streak. He finished second in that spot, but was never really first. This race it figures that he would be a little tighter and ready for some action. Besides the top two you have the impressive Eskendereya, hard knocking Aikenite. The horses that figure to have the best chances at upsetting the top two at a price would probably Positive Split, Ice Box, and Pulsion.

Besides the three year old colts you have stakes like the Mineshaft which features Frisian Fire and General Quarters once again. Then you have the Tampa Bay Stakes, which will mark the return of Champion Male Older and Turf horse Gio Ponti, as he preps for his date in Dubai. Last but not least of the races featuring some of this year's talent is the Silverbulletday, where we will see the talented 3yr old filly Devil May Care, back in action. So sit back and buckle that seat belt, we are in for one wild ride!

Horse Racing Medley

2010-02-14T12:41:00.003-05:00

In the world of racing, today there are so many interesting things to talk about. You have the controversial subject of the Santa Margarita Handicap going from a handicap to a stakes, to make sure Zenyatta does not have to much weight to carry, you have some thriller races yesterday that need recapping, Dublin's chances in the Southwest, and a Cuvee Uncorked update. All of these topics seem like excellent potential blogs, so instead of just choosing one I decided to dabble in them all.

The first thing I would like to touch on is the Santa Margarita potentially changing to a stakes. I'm sorry to be so blunt, but really Santa Anita? First you toss away Lady's Secret like she's some dirty dish towel to make a race for Zenyatta, and now you want to do this? C'mon! Great horses of the past like Man o War, Damascus, Dr. Fager, Ta Wee, Forego, and even the Iron Lady herself became great, not only because of their wins, but because of the imposts the toted to victory on a regular basis! Zenyatta is 17.2 hands tall and weighs over 1250lbs, she does not need to be babied. Let her further extend her legacy and greatness by allowing her blow away her opponents while giving away weight.

Ok, now that I've gotten my daily rant out of the way, lets switch gears from future to past, and look over some of yesterdays Derby preps. Let us start off with Rule, who absolutely blew away his opponents yesterday, with an ultra impressive run in the Sam F. Davis. He made every pole a winning one, repelling Schoolyard Dreams in the stretch to draw off to score by three lengths. He is not the flashiest colt on the trail, but he is consistent and just keeps on winning.

Now lets head across the country for the Robert Lewis. Caracortado was very impressive, extending his unbeaten streak to 5-5. The win and the manner in which he won will likely sky rocket him to the top of many Derby Top Ten lists. This was an interesting race because the two heavy favorites, American Lion and Tiz Chrome were both well beaten, with American Lion finishing third and Tiz Chrome fourth. It is true, their performances were disappointing, but there are quite a few things that could've contributed to their loss. One, a long 2 month layoff could've left them a little short for their first time around two turns. Second, the track bias, which works against front runners. All day long you saw horses on the pace tire, while closers ruled the day. The third and final thing, is that they just didn't take to the surface. Pro-Ride plays like turf, and both horses last raced and won over the Hollywood Park strip, which plays like dirt. Any of these factors or combination of them, could've caused the poor showings, which is why I am willing to give these colts a second chance.

Switching gears again, we look ahead to a couple of stakes on Monday, which include the Southwest and the Barbara Fritchie. Dublin is the headliner in the Southwest, even though he threw in two clunkers in the Champagne and Iroquois Stakes. He did have an excuse, when it was found that he had been running with an entrapped epiglottis. After having a surgery to repair the problem, the colt has been working up a storm in preparation for his return in the Southwest. His task will not be easy, for he has nine opponents to dispose of, three coming off top performances in California. Conveyance, Domination, and Cardiff Giant are using this race to test their affinity for a conventional dirt surface, so it should be interesting race, that could very well change the whole Derby picture.

Now onto our last subject, a little Cuvee Uncorked update. In her last start she finished a dull third in the What A Summer Stakes, which was to be used as a prep for Monday's Barbara Fritchie. Cuvee Uncorked has her work cut out for her, as she will be facing the two horses that beat her in her last, Royal Michele and Sweet Goodbye. Cuvee Uncorked seems to be better prepared for this start, firing two bullet works in preparation for this start. However this is a solid field and will test the gritty filly to the limit. It should be interesting to see how much she has improved off her last start.

The Dream Distaff

2010-02-13T09:36:00.004-05:00

Good morning ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the Dream Distaff, featuring Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra and Breeders Cup Classic winner, the mighty Zenyatta! What a beautiful day it is at Belmont Park, and it seems like the horses are enjoying themselves too. It is a perfect day for racing with the temperatures reaching an unseasonable warm 55 degrees. The sun is out, the track is fast, prime conditions for the first meeting of the two mighty champions.

Here they come out of the tunnel and onto the track, led by the last filly, or horse for that matter, to beat the great Rachel Alexandra. After her, comes the champion filly, and the crowd erupts, as Rachel Alexandra is led out onto the track. She is looking good and seems to have her game face on. The runaway winner of the Personal Ensign, Icon Project, comes next, followed by Bambera. The super filly from Venezuela figures to have the best chance at upsetting the two titains, and she strides confidently onto the track. Next comes the classy Justwhistledixie, and Ohhhh, listen to that crowd roar and Zenyatta is led, dancing her way, out onto the track. This is the chance for the amazon mare to prove to the world that she is the best, and she looks ready to put forth a career best effort. Soon after her comes the big mare's stable mate Life is Sweet and then rounding out the field are the two greys, the speedy Careless Jewel and the Stardom Bound.

They are at the gate, nobody seems to want to put up any antics today, and the gate crew quickly has the field loaded and set for the start. Annnnddd, They're OFF! Most of the field is away beautifully, but Zenyatta, Life is Sweet and Stardom Bound all come out of the gate a couple beats slow. Calvin Borel, looks like he's going to try and harness some of that early speed as Bambera makes her way to the lead, with Careless Jewel crossing the field, right on her heels. As they enter the first turn it's Bambera with the lead, with Careless Jewel only a neck off her. Then comes Icon Project slightly ahead of, Horse of the Year, Rachel Alexandra in fourth. Flashing isn't far back, but is rating kindly in fifth followed by Swift Temper, Music Note, and Seventh Street.

The field blows through the first quarter in a quick 23 seconds flat. Rachel Alexandra is still rating fourth down on the inside, with Bambera and Careless Jewel still going at it on the lead. At the back of the back Zenyatta is remaining surprisingly close to pack while Life is Sweet drafts in behind her and Stardom Bound trails the field. The half goes in a blistering 45 and 3/5 seconds, and now Careless Jewel is starting wilt on the lead. Six furlongs in a punishing 1.09 flat.

Three furlongs to go in the Dream Distaff and Careless Jewel throws in the towel, and now Icon Project is coming up to challenge. Rachel Alexandra is still waiting patiently down at the rail, and he come the Californian trio led by the amazon Zenyatta! Into the stretch they come, Rachel Alexandra is being asked for run, but is looking for room, and there she goes on the rail! Borel and his filly squeeze though the gap and now it's Rachel Alexandra and Bambera, as the field turns for home. Life is Sweet and Stardom Bound are still closing, but the mighty Zenyatta has left them behind, and is closing like a freight train on the outside!

Bambera has the slight advantage with one furlong to go, but now Rachel Alexandra digs in deep, surging up to put her neck in front! Zenyatta is bearing down on the leaders, but they both have something left. Rachel Alexandra is inching ahead of the Venezuelan filly. Zenyatta is now being asked for everything she has, but as they cross the wire it's Rachel Alexandra THE GREAT! The final time is 1.45 and 4/5 seconds! Only two fifths of a second off of Secretariat's track record! Zenyatta looks like she might have just nipped Bambera for the place. Icon Project is fourth, Life is Sweet was fifth, with Music Note sixth. What and unbelievable finish to the Dream Distaff!

There Once was a Fox, Is a Lion Next?

2010-02-12T15:11:00.003-05:00

As you all know the east coast got absolutely hammered with snow last weekend and later in the week. Because of this many people, including myself, ended up being snowed in, which means I had nothing to do but sit at the computer and research random horse racing facts on the Internet. Well while I was researching some of my random horse racing facts, I stumbled onto some very interesting facts that led me to believe that this year we will have a Triple Crown winner and the two best candidates are American Lion and Interactif.

Yes, I know how bazaar I sound, yammering about having a Triple Crown winner when we have spent over three decades trying to find one. Well, believe it or not, I actually have some very neat and valid facts to back up my crazy claim.

First why don't I start off by showing you the importance of the human side in a potential Triple Crown winner. Trainer wise, the trainer must have very little to no experience in winning any jewel of the Triple Crown, which is why Eoin Harty and Todd Pletcher are prime candidates. Harty has no Triple Crown wins, even though he has sent out Colonel John and his sibling Mr. Hot Stuff in the 07 Derby and 08 Derby and Belmont. Pletcher has been trying for years to burst onto the Triple Crown scene, and he did manage to once in the 07 Belmont with his star filly Rags to Riches. When looking at the owners, more often then not, and to be more exact, 9 out of 11 Triple Crown winners were bred and owned by the same people. American Lion was bred by WinStar Farms and is owned by WinStar Farms and Interactif was bred by Wertheimer and Frere and is currently owned by Wertheimer and Frere.

Now here is where things get a little crazy, because now we are dealing with colors and names. The way I was able to narrow things down with when looking for equine trends was color. While looking at the list of Triple Crown winners I saw that there was a rotation based on color. The pattern is fairly simple, since all it only includes two colors, chestnut and bay/brown. If you look at the list of Triple Crown winners you will see that the pattern is chestnut, bay, chestnut, bay all the way down to Affirmed, a chestnut. According to the pattern our next Triple Crown winner will be a bay or a brown horse. So far, as you can see both Interactif and American Lion fit the criteria of Triple crown winner.

Name wise is where things go a little off for both the colts, since based on this area both are different in how they fit into being a Triple Crown winner. Interactif fits the bill because his sire's name Broken Vow, starts with a B. Five of the 11 Triple Crown winners also had sires whose names began with a B, and three out of the five sires' names had the first part of their name as Bold. Now, American Lion clearly does not fit that criteria, but how his name, like many of the Triple Crown winners, is a very interesting, powerful, and regal name. Another little tid bit I looked up was that after Sir Barton, the first Triple Crown winner, it was another 11 years until the next Triple Crown winner, Gallant Fox, won the Triple Crown. Now you may or may not see it right away, but the similarity between the two is both of their names end with an animal. Also, if you look a little deeper, you will see that the 11 year wait was the first time it took over a decade to find a Triple Crown winner. Here we are, in yet again another drought, and along comes this strapping bay, the color Gallant Fox was, whose name also ends with an animal.

Now I realize how weird all this sounds but all these facts and similarities that line up for these two colts is unbelievable. Personally, of the two I like American Lion's chances of winning the Crown the best. He has the look of the Triple Crown winner, he was one of the top two year olds, like most of the Triple Crown winners, and so many historical facts are falling into place with this colt it's hard not to wonder, "could he be it?" I think he can be, and hopefully I'm right.

The Ladies Classic We Never Saw

2010-02-10T14:21:00.006-05:00

Wouldn't it have been so wonderful if the $5,000,000 Apple Blossom Invitational actually panned out? It would have been, without a doubt, a race for the ages. However as of yesterday the race of the ages was scrapped, when Jess Jackson, owner of Rachel Alexandra, announced that his champion filly would not be ready in time for the Apple Blossom. Of course, for many this is a big let down, almost every single racing fan wanted to see the match up happen. That is why I decided to let my mind wander back to what could have been, what could've happened last year, had the Breeders Cup returned to dirt and both distaffers clashed in the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic.

As I sit inside, sipping my hot chocolate and watching the snow swirl around furiously outside my window, I wonder what could've been if such horses like Icon Project and Swift Temper had not been injured before the Cup. How would the picture change if the race was held on dirt? would the speedy Flashing shown or would Music Note given Zenyatta her stiffest challenge yet? So after sitting in my computer chair, listening to the wind howling in the background, I decided to give us all something interesting to think about.

I'm going to take a page out of my good friend, Brian Zipse's book, author of Zipse At The Track, and give you all a dream field of some of racing's most elite fillies. This race will not take into account any injuries that occurred before the Ladies Classic, and since we are playing make believe, the race will take place at Belmont Park, on a conventional dirt track. It will be a dream race, the race we should've seen line up in the gates of last years Ladies Classic. Oh, and a little spin, I'm going to throw in, this lovely field will include the super filly from Venezuela, Bambera!

Entries for the Dream Distaff

1.) Sara Louise and Edgar Prado
2.) Rachel Alexandra and Calvin Borel
3.) Icon Project and Julien Leparoux
4.) Bambera and John Velazquez
5.) Justwhistledixie and Alan Garcia
6.) Zenyatta and Mike Smith
7.) Music Note and Rajiv Maragh
8.) Swift Temper and Kent Desormeaux
9.) Life is Sweet and Garret Gomez
10.) Flashing and Richard Migliore
11.) Seventh Street and Ramon Dominguez
12.) Stardom Bound and Rafael Bejarano
13.) Careless Jewel and Robert Landry

Yes, I know synthetic and dirt form don't always translate, but for this, we are making all horses in the best form of their lives and all horses that are know as synthetic specialists will transfer their synthetic for to the dirt. If you want to see the outcome, the race will take place on February 13. All horses will carry 126lbs and so far the forecast is showing a clear, sunny day with temps in the low sixties.

A Plea to Pletcher, Let Him Run!

2010-02-08T15:43:00.001-05:00

Dear Mr. Todd Pletcher,

First off, let me say what a fantastic race Quality Road ran in the Donn. I felt it was the right move for you and the connections of Quality Road to take a pass on the Cigar Mile, and let him completely get over his fear of the gate. In the Hal's Hope, I was very impressed with how professional the colt acted. I loved how good he was in the gate, how professionally he rated, and how he never was ever asked for his best. The job that you did with him, waiting patiently, schooling him in the gate, payed off, and I commend you for that.

In the Donn Quality Road looked every bit the part of a super horse. He stalked very solid fractions while sitting off of a tough sprinter in Past the Point. At the top of the stretch, when he took the lead, I knew it was over, I knew he was going to win for fun. However, he did more than just win for fun. He completely wowed me and countless others by drawing away at will, shattering the margin of victory record and eclipsing his own track record. He is a rising star Mr. Pletcher, which is why he needs to continue to race through the winter and the spring, instead of being put away for five months.

I can think of so many reasons as to why you and the connections of this talented colt would want to put him away until the Met Mile. I'm guessing that you want to take it slow with him, and not risk a reoccurrence of the quarter cracks that appeared last year. You also probably do not want to push him to quickly, in case he runs into some more mental issues, like he did with the gate. From what I saw on Saturday, though, this horse looks like a monster hungry for some more action. I am not proposing you race him four of five times before the Met Mile, that would be insane of me, but one or two preps, to keep him on his toes would probably do the trick.

If you were to choose the route of running in only one prep before the Met I would go with the Carter Handicap. It's seven furlongs, it's a grade one, and would sharpen and hone Quality Roads speed. Some big pluses are that it's on 4/3, so you would have plenty of rest before and after the race. The other plus is that it is in New York, so you wouldn't have to travel to much since, the Met Mile is hosted at Belmont.

If you chose to go the path of two preps I personally would choose to go with the Gulfstream Handicap as my first race. My main reasons why is because it's at Gulfsteam, so you could race out of the barn, and it's at the Met Mile distance. My second, despite the three week turn around would remain the Carter. It's still on the East coast, so it is not like you would have to go cross country with Quality Road in order to get there, and as I said earlier the shorter distance will sharpen his speed, giving him a solid prep before the Met Mile. Another plus, again is the nice break Quality Road would get before the Met Mile. The Carter would give Quality Road a nice two month rest, most likely balancing out the quick three week turn around.

Please do not read this and think that I am trying to tell you how to do you job, because that is far from what I am trying to do, which is just present you with some more options other than an extended freshening. Quality Road is a very talent horse, I believe with all my heart that he is even a great horse, but even a great horses need to be prepared, and from my point of view, it is incredibly hard to properly prepare a horse, no matter how great, for a race like the Met Mile off an extended series of works. Two, or even on race could make the difference for this colt, and I like you and millions of other, only want to see him succeed.

Thank you for listening,
Horsin Around

Quality Road Dazzles in the Donn

2010-02-07T10:08:00.004-05:00

Not many horses are quick enough to set a track record, and when they do it isn't often they duplicate that performance. It is even rarer to see a horse set a eclipse his own record while receiving no pressure or encouragement whatsoever. Last year I saw only one horse do just that, and her name was Rachel Alexandra, the reigning Horse of the Year. Yesterday, I saw it again, could it be possible the Queen of thoroughbred racing has some competition in the older male division? I think so, and his name is Quality Road.

The monstrous colt stands over 17 hands high and has the look of a heavy-weight boxer. Despite his size, the colt is a sight to see. He is well proportioned, with a handsome head sits well on his muscular neck, that molds perfectly into a pair of massive shoulders. To match his front end, the colt is armed with a set of large, powerful hind quarters that form his enormous engine that has motored him to victory twice this year and a total of six times in his nine career starts. The giant bay has not one white spot on his body, which may lead many to think he is rather plain looking, but that is far from the case. When the sun shines upon him it lights up his magnificent coat, giving it an orangey gold hue.

Quality Road had always been on the radar as, potentially a very good horse. However, after a pair of eye popping wins in the Fountain of Youth and the Florida Derby, a race he set a track record in, it became clear that the talented son of Elusive Quality could become much more than good, he had the potential to be great. After his impressive record setting win in the Florida Derby, the talented bay, vaulted to the top of everyone's Kentucky Derby lists.

The fame he received, though was short lived, as a pair of quarter cracks plagued him, knocking him out of any possible start in the Kentucky Derby, and out of the public eye. Nearly five months later, however, the colt returned to racing, flashing that very brilliance that earned him early Kentucky Derby favoritism. At the historic track of Saratoga, the big colt dished out a spine chilling, track record setting performance in the 6.5 furlong Amsterdam Stakes.

That race would be the last time any good befell the talented colt that year. In the Travers, he was pitted against the eventual three year old champion colt, over his favorite surface at his preferred distance. Quality Road would go on to finish a well beaten and tired third. Next came the Jockey Club Gold Cup, where he would again run into Summer Bird on a wet track. Quality Road was a much improved horse, but the slop proved to much of an advantage for Summer Bird as he went on to beat Quality Road by a hard fought length. The worst of all the problems came to a climax on Breeders Cup Day, where Quality Road, frightened by all the noise of the crowd and a imposing looking helicopter hovering high above the gate, refused to load, eventually having a full blown fit in the starting gate. After it all was over Quality Road was a late scratch in the race that could've been his crowning moment.

Two months after the incident at Santa Anita, Quality returned to the sight of his greatest win, Gulfstream Park, to run in the Hals Hop, going the distance of one mile. The colt easily strutted his way to victory, never really being asked to run. To a person viewing the race, it looked as though the colt was literally "sleep-running." To some, however the easy performance looked too workman like, and they questioned whether Quality Road was the same horse he was when winning the Amsterdam and Florida Derby. In the Grade one Donn Handicap, Quality Road proved that he wasn't the same horse he was last year, he was even better.

Quality Road would go on to romp to victory by a widening 12 3/4 length margin, that broke the previous margin record of nine lengths. With a final time of 1.47.49, Quality Road eclipsed his own stakes record, that he set in last year's Florida Derby, by .23 seconds. Three times this talented colt has show the potential to be one of the greatest the sport has ever seen. Many believe he may be the most talented horse since the great Spectacular Bid. However, Quality Road must first fulfill the lofty expectations that are set for him to validate that status, and in order to do that he must first of all stay sound throughout the season. If he is able to do that then he must show that he can consistently duplicate his Donn performance at different tracks and over the Classic distance. If he can do that he will have stamped himself a truly great horse. And for the record, I fully expect him to do just that.

American Lion Will Strut His Stuff

2010-02-05T21:14:00.004-05:00

As I have mentioned in my last blog post, this weekend is pretty much stacked with stakes from coast to coast. In the sunny state of California Misremembered heads the San Antonio field, however the real spotlight will be on the Robert B. Lewis Stakes. With two potential superstars heading the field, this derby prep could just give us this year's Kentucky Derby winner. Going cross country, zooming all the way to the Sunshine State itself. Florida will be hosting the Hallandale Stakes, where promising turf juvenile will make his three year old debut. On this side of the states, however, the scenario has flip flopped, with the older males in the Donn stealing most of the publicity. All in all a very exciting weekend is ahead of us and all races are packed with potential star power. However, while most of you eagerly anticipate the demolition that Quality Road will produce in the Donn, I will be waiting for the Robert B. Lewis.

The race is now officially the battle of the Tiznows, with it's top two contenders both by the Dual Classic winner Tiznow. Tiz Chrome is an aptly named colt seeing as how he easily stand out from his peers, not only in stature, but in coloring. The blood bay colt is one of the most beautiful specimens on the Derby Trail. Normally the sheer size and red hue of his coat would be enough to draw spectators in, but the impressive colt garners even more flash through the generous amount of chrome (white) that he sports on all four feet and his face. The colt is so highly decorated that his trainer Bob Baffert described him as looking like a "Budweiser Horse."

Though not as highly decorated as his sibling, American Lion is just as grand looking. American Lion is a dark and handsome beauty however. Tall, leggy, muscular, he like Tiz Chrome towers over those his own age. Like Tiz Chrome, American Lion is also a bay, and like Tiz Chrome, American Lion sports some chrome of own as well. The differences are that American Lion is a much darker bay and is more brown than he is red. He also has less of that flashy white, with only three socks and a star. Though, in this case, I'm hoping the saying less is more proves true with the proud looking colt.

Both colts have stakes wins, but only one has a grade one win, and only one is unbeaten. Tiz Chrome is the unbeaten one of the two having won his maiden at first asking over the Churchill Downs strip. After his win he was transferred to Baffert in California, before running and winning the Stuka Stake, by a very easy four lengths. He is the 2/1 morning line favorite entering the Robert B. Lewis, despite being tied for the least experience horse in the field.

The horse I believe should be the favorite of the field, and who I believe will win this race is American Lion. With morning line odds of 5/2 he is handicapper's second favorite in the field, despite prevailing in a grade one, already. The reason for most not siding with the tall, dark, and handsome colt is because they feel his victory in the Hollywood Prevue was not so impressive. Detractors will tell you he worked hard to beat a very average field, when in fact the horse's very body language tells you a different story.

In both pictures the colt looks happy as can be. In the bottom picture his ear are pricked forward, a sign that he was on cruise control. In the first picture he is standing proud and tall, not looking the slightest bit tired. If anything it looks like he was ready to go another round.

What people are mistaking for vulnerability and running all out is greenness. American Lion showed his green side as soon as Gomez started to really ask the colt for run. Around the turn American Lion made up absolutely no ground, but shortly after they straightened out the after burners kicked in and he easily marched to the lead. After making the lead the colt again showed his inexperience by not proceeding to finish the competition. He could've easily won by daylight, yet shut down and was to playing around to really notice the fast closing Get My Fix.

Eoin Hearty, the colt's trainer, has since then given the colt time to rest and mature, both physically and mentally. The colt is both classy and talented, all he needed was a litte bit of time to mature. If he shows that he has mature and has the ability to keep going, even after he has made the lead, I have a hard time believing that there is another colt in the race who can keep up with him.

A Quality Weekend

2010-01-30T09:45:00.002-05:00

Normally, with a title like this one, I would be talking about the races taking place this weekend, but no, I will be jumping ahead one week to look at the races taking place on Feb 6 and 7. Of course Saturday looks to be the more enticing at first glance, but Sunday's Hallandale Beach Stakes marks the return of Interactif, the most promising juvenile on turf, last year. Interactif is a monster on turf and will likely be the favorite. However, Interactif will not be the only horse to get some attention, in fact the spotlight might be stolen, with the robber being Barbaro's little brother Lentenor. Should Lentenor start he will have to overcome being wheeled back in less than three weeks. On Saturday, the spotlight will be on the Donn, the race where Quality Road will get the chance to show that he really is back and ready to rock and roll. Another race to watch will be the Whirlaway stakes, where the flashy Eightyfiveinafifty will attempt to stretch his speed going two turns.

The Donn of course will take up all the media on the east coast, but out west the eagerly anticipated return of American Lion will final arrive in the Robert B Lewis. The colt has been off for a couple of months and it will be interesting to see how he handles the layoff. The Strub and San Antonio probable fields also seem to present some interesting betting opportunities. Both are wide open fields with favoritism falling upon Misremembered in the Strub and most likely Richards Kid or Mast Track in the San Antonio.

Though I will probably be watching all of these races, the ones I look forward to most are the Donn, Whirlaway, Hallandale (shall Lentenor be included in the field), and the Robert B. Lewis. To start off racing Line up I will refresh your minds on the potential top two in the Hallandale Stakes. Interactif will most likely be the betting favorite, and rightfully so.

As a juvenile, Interactif won his first race over the main track, but when things went south in the Sanford, where he was cooked by a fast pace and faded to a well beaten eighth, he was switched to the lawn, where he dominated. In his first start on the green, in the With Anticipation, Interactif exploded coming off the turn, opening up daylight and won with authority. His next start, the Bourbon was also extremely impressive. The talented colt raced wide throughout the entire race and still showed the same explosive turn of foot that he displayed in the With Anticipation. He ended his year with a third in the BCJ Turf to Bridgetown and the very talented Pounced.

Lentenor had been showing raw ability from his very first race, but in his first start he got blocked up in the stretch and in his second he just couldn't get by his opponent. This year, however, the colt busted the race wide open, winning impressively, drawing off to win by three and a half lengths. The handsome colt could be the sentimental favorite, should he be entered.

In the Donn, Quality Road needs to win and win with some flash in order to silence some of his detractors, who will tell you the colt is not the same horse that he was as a three year old. This line of thinking comes from his less than flashing Hal's Hope win. From my perspective, I see a horse who pretty much won in his sleep, which would explain for the lack of flash. Yes, he did now wow us with blistering fractions or a track record, but why would he when the major goal was is the Donn? In my opinion he won with ease, never really was tested and should be ready to blow the field wide open, in the Donn.

In the Whirlaway, I will be watching intently to see if Eightyfiveinafifty is for real. In his last race, a maiden, he literally blew the field away, running away to ultra impressive 17 length score. Of course, that race was a the sprinting distance of six furlongs and the Whirlaway is 8.5 furlongs, meaning he will have to stretch his speed out for more than a quarter mile longer. However if his works are any indication of how he will perform, he should be up to the task.

My most anticipated race is the Robert B. Lewis, and it's not just because of American Lion, it's who he may be facing. With the possible addition of Tiz Chrome, this race will be any Tiznow fan's dream race. Both colts have won impressively, both are impressive in stature and looks, and both are immensely talented. Tiz Chrome is trained by Bob Baffert, who fired two shots at American Lion in the Hollywood Prevue and missed. Now he sends out his promising, and flashy Tiz Chrome. It is a battle of the Tiznows, and I for one am eagerly anticipating the match up.

Will QT Deliver the Usual?

2010-01-29T14:31:00.003-05:00

The first big event of the year, the Sunshine Millions, has finally arrived. Horses like Soldier's Dancer, Pretty Unusual, Dubai Majesty, and This One's For Phil will be attending the event, but all eyes will be fixed on the turf sensation The Usual QT, as he attempts to extend his winning streak, yet again. However this time there's a little twist to the plot, normally there would be little to no question that The Usual QT had his race in the bag, but this time he will not be racing on turf, but staying out west to tackle Santa Anita's Pro-Ride synthetic course.

The winner of four stakes over the green in the closing months of 2009 has demonstrated such an ease when winning, that it's hard to question his status as possible one of the best turf stars in the nation. His synthetic form, however is a completely different story. For nearly half of his career, The Usual QT went win less in five start over synthetics. It was only when the switch to turf was made, that he became the hot shot star of California.

However, I would actually not let the fact that he remains win less on synthetics deter me from thinking the gelding can still deliver. If you take a closer look at his synthetic from you will find that he was second four of those five synthetic tries. Only once did he finish out of the money and that was a fifth place at Hollywood Park, which plays more like dirt than any of the other synthetic tracks in California. Another reason not to be put off by the surface switch is because the Sunshine Millions Classic is held at Santa Anita, whose synthetic track play more like turf than any other in the state. If you want proof all you have to do is look at what horses made the top three in the Breeders Cup Classic over the last two years. In 2008 you had brilliant Euro milers Ravens Pass and Henrythenavigator go come in one two, and last year America's Champion Turf Male, Gio Ponti ran second with Euro, Twice Over third.

One last factor to take into consideration is that some horses take some time to mature, to find their best stride, and when they do it's game over for everyone else. Maturity could have played a big factor in The Usual QT's first win, it could be that in that race everything just clicked, and that is all it takes for a horse to make the jump from good to down right spectacular. Of course it could be that he likes the lawn that much better, but at the same time it could maturity, or even both. Just remember that The Usual QT is a much better horse than he was July 5 of last year. He is now an older male, and in becoming that he might just be good enough to strut his stuff, yet again, even if it's not on his preferred surface.

Who Will be the Best in 2010?

2010-01-28T14:39:00.002-05:00

Who will be the best three year old in 2010? That is a tough question to answer right now, seeing as how the potential of this crop is off the charts. You have those colts who have already established themselves as legitimate contenders, like the Champ Lookin at Lucky, who seems to just get better and better. Noble's Promise is another classy colt and so are Buddy's Saint, Jackson Bend, Winslow Homer, and Super Saver. You have horses that have so much potential talent, but haven't quite proven themselves, like the grand looking son of Tiznow, American Lion, and Tiznow's other flashy looking son Tiz Chrome, the speedy Eightyfiveinafifty, and the freight train Lecomte winner, Ron the Greek. With so many options and so much talent, how can you predict who will be the top 3yr old?

Well, I will try to narrow it down for you a bit. First I'll give you my favorite established colt, then the colt who I think has the talent and potential to make an impact, and then give you my final colt who is, as of now off the radar. For my first category I have so many to choose from, my two favorites being Lookin at Lucky and Buddy's Saint.

Lookin At Lucky has been the dominant force out in the west, chewing up his competition then spitting them out. Winner of five out of his six races, the Smart Strike colt demonstrated such ease, when coasting to the wire in his first four starts. In his fifth, his only loss, he seemed to gain stature instead of loosing it, after coming within a head of an unbeaten season after suffering a horrendous trip. Lookin At Lucky vindicated his loss with an easy win in the Cash Call Futurity. After all his stunning victories and his one loss where he was still brave, even in defeat, he was crowned the Juvenile Champion.

Buddy's Saint captured my horse, not by his talent, at first, but the heart wrenching story of his sire, Saint Liam. Winner of the Breeders Cup Classic, Saint Liam retired to stud duty. His future as a star sire was looking bright, until one morning he was injured playing in his paddock and was euthanized. Saint Liam only had the chance to sire one crop of foals, and from that crop is Buddy's Saint. The impressive looking colt has never had another horse cross the wire in front of him. His first win, he was disqualified, but in his next two starts the colt blew his competition away, winning with condescending ease.

Both colts hold such talent, such promise, alas, I can only choose one, and that one would be Lookin At Lucky. I know he has yet to run over conventional dirt, but his sire is know for siring all types of horses, two of which are successful over the main track. One would be the sensational sprinter Fabulous Strike and the other is the two time Horse of the Year, the mighty Curlin. I believe this colt will take very well to dirt, and with the addition of blinkers, to keep his mind on business, Lookin At Lucky could very well go on to win a second Eclipse Award.

For the colt I believe has the most potential, but has yet to prove themselves against top quality colts, I will choose American Lion. No, his last win was not all to impressive at first glance, especially when you notice Get My Fix closing fast on the outside. Another look will show you that the grand looking so of Tiznow was merely galloping after he made the lead. If you'll look close to the wire you see American Lion has his ears forward, indicating that he was going easily. A little more experience and focus and this colt will definitely be making some noise this year.

Lastly, my off the radar pick. The horse who gets this position was once considered a top pick for almost anyone's early Derby list. But when threw in two big flops in the Champagne and Iroquois Stakes he immediately dropped off the radar. Dublin, the massive son of Afleet Alex flashed his brilliance with a decisive maiden win and a victory in the Hopeful Stakes, where he beat Backtalk. After his two puzzling losses he was found to have an entrapped epiglottis. Since then he has had surgery to repair the problem and has been working like a maniac at Oaklawn. One win could restore his tarnished image, and I, for one, believe we'll be seeing the old Dublin again.

So there you have it, three of the top juveniles I believe can easily rise to the top of the division. What is your take on all of this? Do you have any favorites?

Weekend Recap and Revised Derby Top Ten

2010-01-24T12:17:00.005-05:00

What a fantastic way to kick off the three year old prep season. This weekend we saw spectacular and gritty performances by Winslow Homer and Jackson Bend in the Holly Bull. These two colts entered the Holly Bull with similar questions. Jackson Bend had been the King of Calder as a two year old, but Calder is not know for producing many champion style horses. Winslow Homer was an easy winner while breaking his maiden in his second start and a flashy 12 lengths allowance victory, but, the Holly Bull was to be his stake debut, where he would face a solid field of proven stakes performers and winners.

Both put away any questions about their ability to handle top tier competition as they finished nearly four lengths ahead of the show horse, William's Kitten. Winslow Homer, owned by Rick Porter, who was also the owner of the ill fated Eight Belles, broke a bit slowly, but didn't take long to find his rhythm. Taking back behind a four way speed duel, he rated professionally, waiting patently for his rider to tell him when to pounce. Around the turn the field came, and Winslow Homer inched closer to the lead. Staying inside, the grey waited patiently for an opening and when one appeared the flashy colt darted on through. Had it not been for a gritty and determined Jackson Bend, doggedly chasing after him, Winslow Homer would've gone on to win by an easy four lengths.

Winslow Homer may have been the winner, but his pesky rival Jackson Bend represented himself well in defeat. Breaking from post nine, Jackson Bend had the luck to be forced 3-5 wide throughout the entire race. Coming off the turn, after trailing a blistering pace, Jackson Bend floated at least five wide, while his rival split horses, taking a much shorter path. Jackson Bend, however, refused to give up. The final time was a solid 1.35.97.

In the Lecomte, Ron the Greek came soaring from out of the clouds, to snatch the win from a determined Maximus Ruler. After throwing down the gauntlet the first half mile, Maximus Ruler looked like horse ready to throw in the towel at the head of the stretch. But the gritty colt showed his class, repelling two bid bids one from Cool Bullet and one from Letsgetitonmon. By the time Ron the Greek began to roll Maximus Ruler was done. It was a good race by both colts, but the one who impressed me most was Maximus Ruler, who did all the dirty work up front and had nothing left to give after Ron the Greek started to roll from the back of the back.

Now for the moment of truth, who made it onto the Derby Top Ten.

1.) Lookin At Lucky-He is the reigning champ as of now, and until somebody really does something spectacular, or knocks the crown off his head in a head to head match, he will retain his top spot.
2.) Buddy's Saint- Still is the best in the east. No other horse has defeated top class fields with the consistent ease that he has.
3.)Winslow Homer-His big win in the Holly Bull proved he's for real, which is why he's jumped from ninth to third. If he can stay sound there is no doubt in my mind he will enter the Derby as one of the favorites.
4.) Jackson Bend- He proved himself to be the top class horse I thought he was all along, which is why he retained his spot in the top five. Unfortunately, he did not do enough to convince me he is better than second place Buddy's Saint or our number one Lookin At Lucky.
5.) Super Saver- Was bumped down only due to the spectacular performances by others. He can easily move back up with another dominant win in his next start.
6.) American Lion- I cannot seem to shake the though of his last win. With another win in the Robert B. Lewis he might just be able to crack the top five.
7.) Tiz Chrome- What is with all the Tiznows! The two time Classic winner has been on fire in the breeding shed these last few years and doesn't seem to be slowing down. The only question this big boy must answer is can he handle the distance, and with his breeding, distance should not be an issue.
8.)William's Kitten- This kitten is more like a tiger if you ask me. Give this colt more distance and he might go from knocking on the door, to busting a race wide open.
9.) Noble's Promise- He is still in the top ten due to his class, but he still has the dirt and distance questions to answer.
10.) Maximus Ruler- He has guts and seems to be for real. When on the lead in the Lecomte, he didn't give the impression he would like to go long, but maybe if he is able to rate he'll have a better closing punch.

Hot Florida Hopefuls

2010-01-21T09:24:00.003-05:00

Last weekend, at Oaklawn, Dry fly kicked off the track's 3yr Triple Crown preps, gliding to an easy win in the Smarty Jones Stakes. Gulfstream's prep schedule was kicked off in the Spectacular Bid Stakes, won by A Little Warm, January ninth. However, this weekend the spotlight will be on Gulfstream's first graded prep race, the Holly Bull.

This race is literally loaded with talent. The Calder Champ, Jackson Bend, will be looking to continue his winning ways as a three year old, after going five for six as a juvenile. Piscitelli may not have the most impressive resume, with only a maiden win to his credit, but as a three year old he will be attempting to prove himself as more than just a runner-up. Homeboykris, the Champagne winner, will be looking to rebound off a lackluster effort in his first attempt at two turns, in the Remsen. Winslow Homer, the Philadelphia Park sensation, will try stakes competition for the first time, but if his maiden and allowance win are any indication of his potential, he may very well just runaway with the field. Other than the fantastic four the field includes grade one placed Aikenite, Sunday Silence winner William's Kitten, Thank U Philippe, Litigation Risk, and Wine Lime.

If you noticed many the starter in the Holly Bull are also already on my Derby Top Ten list. Of all of these, I would say my favorite three are Winslow Homer, Jackson Bend, and Aikenite. Winslow Homer has show unbelievable talent in his last two starts. Granted they were against maiden and allowance company, and this field is much deeper than those he has already beaten. However this silver streak has demonstrated such easy in his runaway victories, that it would seem he would have plenty more to give when challenged.

Jackson Bend is also one of my very favorite colts on the Triple Crown Trail. Many detractors will point out that all of his wins come over the Calder strip, which is not know for producing a lot of talented Triple Crown horses. However, if anybody has a long enough memory, another speedy, classy colt came from Calder before blowing away his rivals in the Saratoga Special and Futurity Stakes. His name would be D'Funnybone, a colt that was also one of the many that Jackson Bend conquered. Jackson Bend owns the only triple digit BFS for a juvenile and already had proven the ability to go around two turns.

Aikenite has been as consistent as they come, and even though he may only have a maiden win to his credit, his performances in stakes company prove time and time again that he does belong with top competition. Also, what I have noticed, is that, Aikenite's one win came while running over a conventional dirt track, two of his losses after that win were came over synthetics. For the Holly Bull, Aikenite will return to dirt again, where his record stands as two starts, one win and one third. If Aikenite should improve any as three year old he should be a big threat coming into this year's Kentucky Derby.

Basically an win for an of these colts could move them way up my list, potentially to the top. Also coming up this weekend is the Lecomte Stakes at the Fair Grounds. Last year's winner, Frisian Fire, went on to sweep the Fair Grounds three major preps for three year olds, which earned him favoritism in the Kentucky Derby. So, reset your brains, it's time to get ready for the Kentucky Derby!

Eclipse Awards Review

2010-01-19T16:32:00.002-05:00

What a fabulous night for racing is all I can say when looking back on the overall outcome of the awards, receptions, and speeches made last night. Mostly everyone that received an award walked up onto that stage and was as polite and as gracious as could be. Overall I believed most of the awards were given to the correct horses, but you'll notice that I said most not all, which is, of course the reason I am writing.

Why don't we start off with the two year old divisions? Lookin at Lucky was an extremely deserving winner of his eclipse award. I was pretty happy that most had the sense to either over look his Breeders Cup loss or use it as a plus when voting for the colt. She Be Wild was my expected winner of the Juvenile Filly Award. She went unbeaten in all her starts except for one, then after her only defeat she comes back and wins the Breeders Cup Juvenile Filly. When the credential of two horses are matched as closely as She Be Wild's and Blind Luck's the determining factor is normally not talent, it is the Breeders Cup, which is why I have no doubt that She Be Wild was named the champion over, my personal favorite, Blind Luck.

The three year old divisions were not even close. Summer Bird sealed the deal when winning the Belmont, Travers, and Jockey Club Gold Cup. In each of his major wins he defeated the other two nominees for the award, beating Mine That Bird in the Belmont, and Quality Road in the Travers and Gold Cup. If anyone had the idiocy to choose another horse over Rachel Alexandra, as Champion Three Year Old Female they would've deserved to be chased from the room with torches and pitchforks. I guess it's a good thing nobody did, seeing how Rachel was the unanimous choice for the award.

The Sprint divisions were also easy. Had I gone with my head and logic I would've arrived at the same conclusion as many others did for the Male Sprinting Champion. Kodiak Kowboy the winner in the category by a landslide vote, as well as Informed Decision was as the Female Sprinter. With a decisive win against her rival, Ventura, for the second time, in the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, Informed Decision dispelled any thoughts against her as the Female Sprinting Champ.

The Turf Championships is when I started to have a problem. Gio Ponti deserved to sit atop the throne as the Champion Male Turf Horse. He had won four consecutive Grade ones this season, winning at distances from one mile to 11 furlongs. He never finished worse than second while running on the turf, with that performance coming as his first attempt at 12 furlongs over a very very heavy and tiring track. What I did not agree with was Goldikova as the female recipient of the Turf award. I am not denying her awesome ability or her greatness, but one race, no matte what the race is should not trump a years worth of amazing performances, given to us by Ventura. She beat the boys in the Woodbine Mile, came with in a nose of beating Gio Ponti, then after the Breeders Cup she wins the Matriarch. In victory or defeat, Ventura was absolutely stunning. She should've been named our Female Turf Champion.

The Older Male and Female Awards were spot on. Gio Ponti was the most dominant older male this year, even if all of his wins came over turf. For my explanation on Zenyatta's award, go back and look at what I said for Rachel Alexandra. That is why the one idiot, yes, I said idiot, who voted for Icon Project and NOT Zenyatta should pray to God that the fans of Zenyatta don't hunt him down and chase him from the country.

Now for the the most important one of all Horse of the Year. You all know where I stand, but just incase you forgot, I was a huge, huge, huge Rachel supporter, so it is needless to say how happy I am at the way this award turned out. Personally, I would not have minded if Zenyatta had been named. She is an awesome mare and deserves every accolade thrown her way. What I disliked was her owner's response at losing the award, stating Rachel won by a "proxy" and looking like he would like nothing better than to get up from the room and leave. That is not sportsmanship, and was downright rude.

Another thing circulating the Internet is the lack of thanks express by the connections of Rachel's team to Hal Wiggins, Rachel's previous trainer. This is such a stupid thing to pick at. Hal did a wonderful job with Rachel, but had she not been bought by Jackson, Rachel would've never raced against male, at all. Also, I would feel incline to give the connections the benefit of the doubt. It was a very emotional moment for both Steve and Jess Jackson, and as Steve said when he won his Eclipse "you don't want to go naming names and end up forgetting someone." Perhaps that is why names were not mentioned, unless they were directly associated with Rachel at that point in time. Wiggins had been given thanks before and after the Preakness, if some of you don't remember, so he did get his due there.

Other than those few little annoy digs, I thought it was a fabulous night. I will look back on my memories of 2010 fondly, never forgetting that I was alive to witness the greatness of so many fantastic horses, led by Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. For now, though, I will be looking ahead into 2010, for an even more exciting and dramatic year.

Zen back in 2010!

2010-01-17T09:14:00.002-05:00

Ever since her last "farewell" ceremony, at Santa Anita, Zenyatta has had three published works at her home base, Hollywood Park. Each work has been the same distance, four furlongs, but each had gotten progressively quicker each time the six year old amazon stepped onto the track. John Shirreffs and Jerry Moss both remained adamant that there was no change in the mare's status, which was believe to be retired. However when Moss never was quoted saying Zenyatta was retired, Zenyatta still in California and not in Kentucky, no stallion picked out, and Zenyatta still working like a machine rumors began to circulate that maybe, just maybe the Queen of California was going to continue to race.

The nation watch and waited, expecting to see Moss announce that his champion would race at the Eclipse Awards Banquet. Well, it wasn't at the Eclipse Awards, but two days prior to the banquet it was announced that Zenyatta would stay in training in 2010. Not a fan in racing wasn't ecstatic to hear the news, Zenyatta fans would get to keep their hero for one more year, and those that clamored for a Rachel Alexandra vs Zenyatta were just as happy that for once, the best horse would not have to be settled on paper and opinions.

Now the world of racing is filled with speculation. "Where would she race next," "Would she run on dirt," "Would she run on the east coast"? I have heard some bounce around the idea that maybe the Mosses would take their unbeaten champion to Dubai, to take on the worlds best in the Dubai World Cup. To take a shot at a race that big would a tall task no doubt, but when the track is made of the synthetics that Zenyatta is so fond of, the distance is a perfect 10 furlongs, and the is configured with such wide sweeping turns and a never ending stretch, you can't help but think that winner would be Zenyatta. If she were to win she would eclipse the North American Earnings record, set by Curlin in 2008 and she would be come the first female in the history to win the race. There is just one problem, when we send our champions overseas, they almost never come back the same. Curlin is the most recent example, he ran twice in Dubai, demolishing the World Cup field. In his first race back in America the big horse showed no signs of regression, but as the year wore on Curlin began to tire, and by the time November came around he just wasn't the same horse.

Personally, my guess would be that Zenyatta stays within the limits of her own country, but comes east, to prove that she can indeed run in the East. I am hoping her first race back will be the Donn Handicap on February 6, which is just about three weeks off. Zenyatta is fit as a fiddle, shipping her to Gulfstream and giving her time to adjust to the track should not be a problem. The Donn would be a fantastic way to start the year off, she would show that she could handle the trip to the East and our competition.

There is another reason, however, that I am keen on the idea of Zenyatta starting in the Donn. At Gulfstream, Zenyatta will run into the speed ball Quality Road. Gulfstream is his track and the Donn is his distance. His victories over the Gulfstream strip include the Fountain of Youth, the Florida Derby, and most recently the Hal's Hope. His Florida Derby was his most impressive run. Here he beat the eventual Belmont runner-up, Dunkirk, while setting a new track record. By many he is considered the most talented of last year's three year olds and could have been the best had quarter cracks and gate issues not gotten in his way.

A race against Quality Road would reveal to the nation just how good Zenyatta really is against top quality east coast males, on the dirt. The race would be a fantastic way to get the year started. Either way she goes, whatever road she takes, this year will most certainly be a year to remember. It has been a very long time since America saw so many brilliant horses come back in the same year. It is a great way to end the old decade and welcome the new. I have no doubt that 2010 will be one of the best years racing has ever seen.