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Blog: Breeders' Cup Takes Place This Weekend
Shaw, assistant to NewsChannel5's general manager and avid horse racing fan, will be providing information this week about the Breeders' Cup.She has an interesting background involving horses. Her mother's family used to own a Riding Academy in Gates Mills, Ohio, and her paternal grandfather was a horse owner.Be sure to check out her blog.
Nov. 9, 2009Undefeated super mare, Zenyatta, took the $5 Million Breeder's Cup Classic this past weekend putting her in contention to be named as horse of the year. The five year old is the only mare to ever win this race. She has now won 14 in all of her career starts, including the Ladies Classic last year at Santa Anita. The closest a filly has ever come to taking this race was Jolypha in 1992 who took third. The field in Classic was one of the most competitive with the European's trying to make a repeat performance as they won with Raven's Pass last year. The match up proved daunting as they were not for the task against the only female entered in the competition. Zenyatta's run from behind style caught Gio Ponti by one length before a record crowd. Zenyatta, the track favorite 5-2, paid $7.60, $5.60, and $3.80. European's Twice Over took third, behind Gio Ponti. For now people will have a tough decision to make before casting their vote for horse of the year between Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra. What will weight the decision making process? Rachel Alexandra in undefeated after racing on several different surfaces, but held back from this race due to the Santa Anita surface. She has eight wins against difficult challenges racing from New Jersey to Arkansas. Zenyatta took all of her starts in California this year, and has only raced once on dirt in 2008 in at Arkansas Oaklawn Park. Either way, it will be a debate that will be remembered in racing history.
Nov. 6, 2009Today is Ladies Day at Santa Anita and the first race is set to go with eight races on the card today. The Ladies Classic 1 1/8 is scheduled for 3:45pm (pt) and holds a purse of $2 Million dollars with $1 Million going to the winner. Zenyatta would have been the sure bet in the race, has opted out to take on the boys in Saturday's Classic. Owners of Zenyatta will instead run Life is Sweet, but this race is more likely to go to Careless Jewel or Music Note. Another race I like today is the Juvenile Fillies 1 1/16 for 2 year olds. The morning-line favorite is Blind Luck, and is coming off a recent victory at this very track. However, you can not discount Devils May Care who took New Yorks Major Prep, and Negligee should not be overlooked along with She Be Wild. Now, on the the Breeder's Cup Classic. This race will be the most competitive on the cards for Saturday, with the European's looking for a repeat performance this year with Rip Van Winkle, Girolamo, and Twice Over entered. The catch here is that the Europeans are extremely familiar with the Santa Anita ProRide surface, as they train their horses on synthetics. These entries will be as strong as the ones from last year. Zenyatta has the 4th post and is 4 out of 4 on the Santa Anita track. She has 13 wins total on the synthetics. There are several factors that go into picking a winner in The Classic, but trying to determine who will unfold in the stretch is a puzzle. Zenyatta has a come from behind style, she likes the surface, but will need to exude tactical speed to pass Summer Bird and Rip Van Winkle in the stretch. The more than likely pace setters tomorrow will be Regal Ransom and Girolamo. The degree of difficulty in handicapping The Classic may allow you to walk the wire on a "green light" horse who is other than the favorite, but who's numbers have been steadily increasing. Curlin the morning favorite last year, came in 4th behind European Raven's Pass and paid $29 for a $2 bet. If Zenyatta can not do it tomorrow there are plenty of others to choose from in the line-up. My longshot Derby pick was Summer Bird and some discounted him in the Belmont, but I did not. I believe this horse will be in the money tomorrow, plus his speed has been consistently building and he does look good. Einstein is 12-1 and has a career Beyer Figure best after running in the Pacific Classic. Girolamo and Regal Ransom are going off at 20-1, are owned by Godolphin, and both are just coming off stakes victories. European's Twice Over (20-1) is coming off his 3rd straight win. Post 1 Mine That Bird Jockey Calvin Borel 2 Colonel John Garret Gomez 3 Summer Bird K. Desormeaux 4 Zenyatta M. Smith 5 Twice Over T. Queally 6 Richard's Kid A. Solis 7 Gio Ponti R. Dominguez 8 Einstein J. Leparoux 9 Girolamo A. garcia 10 Rip Van Winkle J. Murtagh 11 Regal Ransom R. Migliore 12 Quality Road J. Velazquez 13 Awesome Gem D. Flores Some things to keep in mind when betting this race the most winning post position is the 2, followed by 1, 5, 4, 3. Some feel that the switch from dirt to synthetic surface is not so much of an adjustment to warrant going against any of your choices as if the race was being held on dirt. Hopefully, we'll see that with Summer Bird tomorrow. Statistically speaking the synthetic is slower that the dirt. Summer Bird positives.....post=3, 9-2 odds, son of Birdstone one of 3 horses with 4 wins in 2009. Zenyatta positives....post=4, 5-2 odds, 4 wins and undefeated, negative, all races against females Rip Van Winkle positives....post 10, 7-2 odds, fast European horse, negative, foot injury. Gio Ponti positives....post 7, 4 wins in 2009 negatives, turf horse. Mine That Bird positives....post 1, won Kentucky Derby, negatives, has not won since. Einstein positives....Stronbach Stables in the money 5 of 6 times in 2009, post 8 questionable.Also watch Mastercraftsman in Dirt Mile, the positives are 6-5 odds best in Breed's Cup post 1, negative is a slow starter and might find is hard to overcome Midshipman if he leads the way.It has been an incredible race season, and I want to thank Statistics Professor Dr. Clarence Johnson for his insight, and the people that have helped me at ESPN, and Alaska friends of Mine That Bird for making this season memorable. Races will be shown on ESPN and ABC. Good Luck!
Nov. 5, 2009On Tuesday afternoon post positions were drawn for 155 horses scheduled to run in this weekend's Breeder's Cup to be held at historic Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, California. This race attracts racing fans from across the globe, and will be televised in more than 130 countries. Last year the European's took 5 races including the Classic. This meet 37 horses from Europe are entered.The biggest race in question this weekend will be the 1 1/4 Breeder's Cup Classic with a purse of $5 Million dollars. Zenyatta, an undeafted filley drew post 4 and will have jockey Mike Smith on board and is the odds on favorite at 5-2. Zenyatta, a 5-year old mare has won all 4 of her races this year, with a total of 13 wins overall. She's familiar with the Pro-Ride track at Santa Anita, and if she can pull off the Classic on Saturday she will set a new record of 14 wins in major races. Although, this is the first time she is taking on the boys, there were a lot of race fans talking her up today. Saturday's competition will be wide spread in this race though with Belmont winner Summer Bird at 9-2 drew post 3, and European entry Rip Van Winkle who is the second favorite at 7-2 and will break from post 10. Summer Bird has been improving as of late with a win in the Belmont Stakes in June, the Travers, and Jockey Club Gold Cup. I had an opportunity to talk with Trainer Tim Ice today, and he said he is very happy with the way his horse has been running, and that he was in good form. Actually, Summer Bird took to a bit of a playful mood the moment that Tim Ice entered the stall, the relationship that exists is obvious. Rip Van Winkle is also a heavy contender having put the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, and the Queen Elizabeth II to her resume.The races will be shown this weekend on ABC and ESPN.
Sept. 18, 2009 The race card will be the highlight in Louisiana Saturday as the Grade 2 Super Derby hosts Soul Warrior as the favorite at 2-1.Soul Warrior came into his own last month by beating Kentucky Derby winner Mine that Bird, and speed horse Big Drama in the West Virginia Derby.John Velazquez we be on board and the horse is trained by Asmussen. Other contenders arrived outside Shreveport earlier this week including Regal Ransom, Uno Mas, Massone, and Blame who is getting a lot of buzz around the track after winning the Curlin at Saratoga in early August.There are five other races scheduled for the meet at Louisiana Downs, but I'll be wainting Soul Warrior to take the 1 1/8 mile Super Derby. Good luck race fans.In other racing news, Harrah's Entertainment won the rights to purchase Thistledown racetrack outside of Cleveland. Like other tracks struggling in this ecocomy, Thistledown was threatening to have to close it's doors earlier this year when Magna filed for bankruptcy in March.With the addition of slot machines to the racetrack, the additional revenue will be a 50-50 split between the track and the state. There are currently a few organizations in disagreement about how this new revenue is dispursed, and outcomes will be decided over the next couple of months in court.
Aug. 5, 2009West Virginia Derby Wrap Up August 5, 2009This past weekend in horse racing belonged to Steve Asmussen as Soul Warrior and local Jockey Dale Beckner upset Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird in the 40th running of the West Virginia Derby (G2).Earlier that day jockey Miguel Mena missed his flight out of New York, and Steve Asmussen made the decision from New York to mount Dale Beckner on Soul Warrior, and the combination proved winning. Afterwards Assistant Trainer Darryl Fleming announced that Asmussen had just won the Jim Dandy at Saratoga with Kensei.Images: West Virginia Derby Big Drama broke well in the Derby and almost made a wire to wire trip, until the last turn Soul Warrior and Mine That Bird challenged. In the final stretch Soul Warrior moved ahead by a neck and his efforts granted him the victory over Big Drama the 4-5 favorite.On Sunday, August 2nd Rachel Alexandra trained by Steve Asmussen took the Haskell at Monmouth Park by an easy six lengths. Birdstone offspring, Summer Bird, had early pace and finished 2nd to Munnings who placed 3rd.Will Big Drama and Mine That Bird square off again? They are suspected to meet up with Belmont winner Summer Bird, Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra and Florida Derby winner Quality Road later this month in Saratoga. Stay tuned race fans.
July 31Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird is the odds on favorite for tomorrows West Virginia Derby with odds currently at 3/5, and will break from the second post. Soul Warrior and Sunday Sunrise will share the 1 – 1A. West Virginia racing rules indicate horses sharing the same trainer to be coupled in the betting. Soul Warrior will break from the first post and is at 15-1 odds. Mine That Bird, trained by Wooley, is in the 2nd post and is at 3/5 odds. Awesome Again will take post 3, is trained by John Ross and is at 12/1. Sunday Sunrise, currently at 15/1, trained by Asmussen will break from the 4th post, but will be numbered 1A. Big Drama the co-favorite will break from post 5 and is at 8/5. Monty’s Best is in the 6th post is out of Florida, and is at 10/1.Mine That Bird will be carrying an extra 11 lbs. Over Big Drama, and some feel this will give Big Drama the edge. Mine That Bird finished this years Triple Crown races respectfully in the money. Lately, he’s been working out at Churchill and was shipped by van to Mountaineer on July 24th. Big Drama has a lot of speed with 7 wins out of 9 starts. One was taken away from him in Swale (G2) at Gulfstream as he bumped traffic twice in the stretch.The half brother of Mine That Bird will take to the track this weekend in the 1 1/8 mile Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park. Summerbird, winner of this years Belmont, is also out of Birdstone who stands at Gainesway. Summerbird is trained by Tim Ice, will also break from post 2 and current odds are at 7-2. Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra will take on the boys again breaking from the 6th post, and is currently listed at 4-5. Also entered is Atomic Rain at 10-1 breaking from post 5. Papa Clem takes post 3 and is at 12-1, Duke of Mischief takes the inside and is at 15-1, and Bunker Hill will take post 7 with 30-1 odds.First post time at Mountaineer is at 2pm, and the West Virginia Derby post time is at 5:43pm. (ET) Saturday’s West Virginia Derby and the Haskell Invitational, scheduled for Sunday, can be seen on HRTV. Good Luck!
I have had people inquiring all week."Is this year's Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird really going to run in the West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer?"The answer is yes!!Owners Mark Allen and Dr. Leonard Blach will ship Mine that Bird for arrival at the race track July 24th.He's expected to have his first workout there on Monday morning.With the mount being given to jockey Mike Smith, attendance is supposed to be record breaking.Other contenders entered to rival for the $750,000 purse are Awesome Rhythm, Monty’s Best, Big Drama, Kensei, Soul Warrior and Miner's Escape. Again, people have been asking, "Can a horse who runs behind the pace win this race?"The answer again is yes.Check out "Real Dandy’s" run in the 2005 W. V. Derby as he trailed through most of the distance, but at the final turn went six wide to challenge the field and cover the 1 1/8mile race in 1:50.This will be the first time a Kentucky Derby winner will be Mountaineer bound, competing in the Grade 2 West Virginia Derby on Aug. 1. The first post time is set for 2pm, and the Derby will go off at 5:45 p.m.
May 15, 2009It was an exciting Kentucky Derby with 50-1 long shot Mine That Bird winning the Run For The Roses.Tomorrow he will continue his quest for The Triple Crown. This week the Preakness became even more interesting when filly Rachel Alexandra entered the lineup, after winning the Kentucky Oaks by a large margin. That’s right; we now are faced with a match up between the Kentucky Oaks winner and the Kentucky Derby winner!!Rachel Alexandra is the morning line favorite after other competition tried to keep her from entering. This could have been a strong possibility because Rachel Alexandra did not have a Triple Crown nomination, and ruling dictates that those nominated receive preference.Therefore, Rachel’s owner will now pay a supplemental entry fee. Calvin Borel is contracted to ride Rachel Alexandra, so Mike Smith will take the mount on Mine That Bird. I like Mike Smith, and I do believe his Derby win was a gift for those that bet him, but not happenstance.Saturday all eyes will be on Baltimore with a field of 13 making The Run For The Black-Eyed Susans, which is 1 3/16 mile or 9 ½ furlongs. Pioneer of the Nile is in good form and has had a speedy workout at 4 furlongs in :47.6 he took second in the Derby, and I’ve been behind this horse all year.Big Drama is another one to look at Saturday. I saw him run at Gulfstream in March and despite running into some problems in the stretch he could have a nice run tomorrow with John Velazquez on board. He’s currently at 10-1. Flying Private a Lukas horse is my long shot at 50-1 and had a good workout earlier this week at :48.2 4 furlongs. Friesan Fire will be getting some of my father’s money again this week running 5 furlongs in :58.2 in Baltimore. He’s seemed to have healed well after suffering a foot injury during the derby.Pap Clem is said to race better than he works out, and he certainly made an effort to be in striking position during the derby. Musket Man has had one of the fastest workouts this week at 4 furlongs in :46. 3/5. Mine That Bird worked out with Borel and had 4 furlongs in 49.2 and I am thinking that he will be passed by in the betting Saturday.This will be an especially exciting race tomorrow as the Oaks winner will try to oust the Derby winner from the second leg of the Triple Crown. The horse will post about 6:05pm (ET) and you can watch the race on ESPN.
May, 2, 2009The Road To The Triple CrownOddsmakers had made I Want Revenge the early morning line favorite, but now the horse has been scratched due to a hot spot on the horses ankle. There is nothing threatening about the injury, but they are taking all precautions for the horse's safety. Dunkirk and Pioneer of the Nile will be the likely favorites in this race today, both posted at 4-1. Pioneer of the Nile has been running on the California surfaces, and this will be his first race away from those synthetic surfaces. Sentimental fan favorite General Quarters is in the 12 post and is currently at 20-1. I saw him run in the Blue Grass Stakes and he will be getting some of my money today.Fresian Fire will be coming from the 6th position and is at 5-1, along with Flying Private, who took the 20th post will have a lot of traffic to move through, and will need to break well. These two horses are making my father open his wallet before post time.With a field of 19 horses you will need a horse who is a strong closer down the stretch, and whose hoofs will be capable of cupping the dirt on this traditional track. Summer Bird a 50-1 longshot maybe worth taking a look at, he stalked the traffic in the Arkansas Derby and closed well. Advice, who is trained by Pletcher, along with West Side Bernie should not be discounted.With I Want Revenge out of today's race, this field is wide open. Derby fans will likely be getting an afternoon spring shower making the track sloppy. The Derby is the 11th race on the card today and post time will be at 6:24 ET on ESPN.
May 1, 2009Hello Race Fans!It's hard to believe another Kentucky Derby is upon us, and Derby fever is in full swing in Louisville.While many have been focusing on the excitement that the first Saturday of May brings, it has been a difficult week for some. One of the top contenders for Saturday's race, Quality Road, is out of the race after a second quarter crack was discovered.I watched this pace setter at the Florida Derby run against Dunkirk and I expect the pace for Saturday's race to be different with the omission of this horse. Also on the injury list is Square Eddie and Winn Willy. TAKE THE POINTS, who is trained by Todd Pletcher, will sit out the derby but will have an entry in the Preakness in two weeks.With 20 horses taking the field tomorrow I've narrowed down some of the more capable contenders. I Want Revenge in post 13, has a solid record and took The Wood Memorial and had a bullet workout this week. Atomic Rain takes post 14 this Jersey runner also had a speed workout and this horse will be getting my boss's money for a show bet.Advice will break from post 4 with an incredible run two weeks ago in Lexington and a good workout this week he could be one to watch hopefully this will be Pletcher's year.Coming from post 17 is Summer Bird he is a closer and just missed Arkansas Derby to Papa Clem and his odds are at 50 to 1. Some other notable horses to look at is post 19 Desert Party, post 20 Flying Private is trained by Lukas and looks good, and Pioneer of the Nile who is taking well to the dirt track. West Side Bernie will break from the inside post and may have a strong finish. General Quarters won the Blue Grass Stakes and is a solid runner.This year's race is wide open and with rain expected all weekend it will be one of the most exciting races as there is no clear favorite. Coverage will be all day on ESPN2.
April 17, 2009 With just a few weeks until the Kentucky Derby, we are winding down this weekend to watch one of the last Kentucky Derby prep races at 1 1/16 mile; the Coolmore Lexington G2. This derby prep race started in 1984 and has hosted derby winners such as Swale, and my all time favorite Charismatic. Favorite Square Eddie, took the Breeder’s Futurity last October at Keeneland, and was sidelined for the last few months with a shin injury. Despite that set back, he has claimed his spot in the Kentucky Derby with earnings at $774,981. Tomorrow he takes to post position 8, with 10 other horses. Jeronimo is in post 1 and took third in The San Felipe G2, he’s been in the money all of his career starts, and has been known to stalk. I like him along with Pitched Perfectly in post 3. He has not run since January, but packs a lot of speed along with Parade Clown breaking from position 10. Distance could prove to be more of a challenge for Pitched Perfectly as Parade Clown has proven himself at 1 1/16. El Crespo takes to position 9 and will be transferring from grass to Keenland’s polytrack. He’s out of AP Indy, and claims the second highest earnings in the group, although his speed ratings rank low. Omniscient could have a decent run with Robby Albarado on board, and hopefully can clear the distance. Hull has been scratched from the race card but will enter the Derby Trial on April 25 at Churchill. In other derby news first-ever “win and your in” Kentucky Derby Challenge winner at Kempton Mafaaz will sit out the derby after a disappointing run at Keeneland last week, coming in eighth behind General Quarters. The Coolmore Lexington Stakes can be seen on ESPN2 at 5pm (ET).April 11, 2009Today at Keeneland a field of 11 year olds will square off in one of the final races before the Kentucky Derby, which is just a few weeks away. The Blue Grass Stakes is a major race in Kentucky G1, 1-1/8 mile and is hosting Lane's End Stakes victor Hold Me Back. His morning line numbers are at 3-1.Two years ago Street Sense finished in the money in this race, but went on to take the Kentucky Derby. Prior to that, we haven't had a winner in this race who went on to the Kentucky Derby since Strike the Gold in 1991.Hold Me Back is in the 10th post position, and has won three out of his four starts. The main objective was to go from the Lane's End to the Blue Grass Stakes. He ran a nice race with a 112 speed rating on March 21st, and has taken to the synthetic surface well. He will have Kent Desormeaux on board. TheregoesJoJo has taken the third post position with Calvin Borel riding. I saw him run at the Florida Derby a few weeks ago and he finished third behind two very good horses Quality Road and Dunkirk. Charitable Man is coming off as the third choice today with 4-1 odds. He has been sidelined with a fracture for seven months, and will make his 2009 debut after having some solid workouts. He is the son of Lemon Drop Kid, and enters the race with two wins behind him in '08. He'll have to close it for a trip to Louisville in a few weeks. Mafaaz, is at 12-1 and is in the 5 post position already has his spot in this years Kentucky Derby after winning the Challenge Stakes at Kempton in England. General Quarters is in the 8th post and is at 15-1 today. He's been in the money 4 times since his last 5 starts has the highest speed ratings of today's contenders. He has not run the 1 1/8 mile, but cleared a 1 1/16 mile in February SF Davis Grade 3. Hopefully, he'll take to the track today, as I think he may be worth looking at.The post time for the Blue Grass Stakes is at 5:15pm and will be televised live on TVG. A tape delay broadcast of the event will be on ESPN2 from 6-7pm ET.April 3, 2009It's a big weekend as far as derby prep races are concerned and this weekend’s lineup includes two Grade 1 races the Santa Anita Derby and the Wood Memorial, along with two Grade 2 races the Illinois Derby and Bay Shore at Aqueduct.The Santa Anita Derby is one of the most highly touted derby prep races as the weekend Pioneer of the Nile and The Pamplemousse will battle it out in tomorrow’s 1 1/8 race on the Pro-Ride surface. The Pamplemousse will break from post 10 with a 97 speed rating. He has been in the money his last four races and has finished first his last three. He has been steadily increasing his speed from his first run as a two year old last October, and is the favorite at 9-5.Pioneer of the Nile has also won these last three races, will break from the 4th post, his trained by Bob Baffert and has the largest earnings of today’s field. He had a nice finish in the San Felipe (G2) on March 14, and will retain Garrett Gomez as his jockey.ZDay will break from post 2 and comes from the same stable as Pioneer of the Nile. ZDay is trained by Rick Dutrow, and likes the early pace. He’ll be right up there with The Pamplemousse.Take the Points trained by Todd Pletcher finished second to The Pamplemousse at 1 1/8 his last time out, and was able to hold his pace all the way through. He’s coming off a recent layoff, and will take the 7th post. Chocolate Candy, the winner of Northern California’s top two races, will be well rested having not raced the last 49 days. He’ll take the inside track with two wins behind him tomorrow.The Grade I Wood Memorial at Aqueduct will host an eight horse field in the mile 1/8 race. The clear favorite, I Want Revenge, will take the inside post and had a fast speed rating of 113, winning the Gotham on March 7th.Imperial Council comes off in post 6, with the second fast speed rating from the group, and had a decent work out on March 29th. Edgar Prado will take the mount, as he rode him at Gulfstream for a two length victory in an allowance.West Side Bernie will hit the track tomorrow after resting for two weeks. He finished 6th at Turfway’s Lane’s End (G2). After that disappointing run, he needs to win the Wood Memorial to have enough earnings for a trip to the Kentucky Derby.March 27, 2009The 50 year old Florida Derby to be held at Gulfstream Racetrack will host a 9 horse field in the 1 1/8 race. The morning line favorite is Dunkirk who is currently at 9-5 odds, is trained by Todd Pletcher and will have Garrett Gomez on board. It will seem like Big Brown deja vous as undefeated Dunkirk takes the field with no graded stakes earnings behind him. Tomorrow he must be "in it, to win it" for a shot at an entry card in the Kentucky Derby. Dunkirk is one of the only 3-year olds on the fast track Derby trail who has not raced as a 2-year old. No horse with these stats has won the Kentucky Derby since Apollo in 1882.Dunkirk will be the odds on favorite with two race wins behind him. His resume includes a win at Gulfstream on January 24, where he had a shaky beginning, but challenged at the turn for a 5 3/4 length win! Then the son of Unbridled Song, ran a 1 1/8 on February 19 and won by 43/4 lengths.Quality Road will be a notable contender who took the Fountain of Youth on February 28th. He's in the 2nd post position and has the highest speed rating of the group at 110. His odds are currently at 2-1. The only issue is that he has yet to go the distance, the Florida Derby will be his longest race to date.Danger to Society is now in Dutrow's camp, is in post 7, with a speed rating of 95, his bloodline includes Harlan's Holiday. Theregoesjojo will be post position 6 and is at 5-1 odds. He has a strong speed rating at 104 with a Seattle Slew bloodline. He came in second in the Fountain of Youth behind Quality Road.The Florida Derby can be seen on ESPN tomorrow beginning at 5pm (ET). The first race goes off at 1:15pm.March 20, 2009To recap last weekends race card in the Rebel Stakes “Win Willy” a 56-1 long-shot upset 2-5 undefeated favorite “Old Fashioned” with “Poltergeist” taking a third place finish at Oaklawn.Late runner “Win Willy” has impressive breeding and is sired by 2001 Kentucky Derby winner “Monarchos.”“Silver City” was the pace-setter, and Old Fashioned took over at the last turn coming into the stretch, but came up short.Is “Win Willy” one to watch after coming into his own and finding his pace last weekend? Of course he is, and we’ll keep you posted when he’s scheduled for his next race.The San Felipe Stakes 1 1/16 (G2) at Santa Anita produced another solid win for “Pioneer of the Nile” trained by Bob Baffert making him the top three-year old in So-Cal. The only question leading into the derby is that this colt has yet to race on a traditional dirt surface that is home to Churchill.Keep in mind that “Pioneer of the Nile” is a very young horse, which may explain for his less-than pace on the track, but he closes well. “Feisty Sauces”, took second with odds of 11-1. With only a maiden race on his resume “Jeronimo” had trouble in the backstretch but managed to take third.After a harsh winter, the second day of spring will remind us that despite how inclement the weather has been, the horses have been on the pace since January. Turfway Racetrack in, Florence, Kentucky just south of Cincinnati, will host the Lane’s End (G2) tomorrow, and the weather is expected to be clear.“Bittle Road” trained by Todd Pletcher, will have Garret Gomez on board, and will break from post 2. He will be challenged in the wagering by “West Side Bernie” who has raced on synthetic and dirt surfaces, and has impressive results with five starts under his belt. He also won the Kentucky Juvenile last year at Turfway. Other notable contenders are “Hold Me Back,” “Jack Spratt” and “A.P. Cardinal,” who is partially owned by University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino.
The chase is on for the 2009 Triple Crown, and since January of this year there have been some impressive derby prep races. This weekend’s race schedule will be equally as intriguing. Saturday the Louisiana Derby (G2) 1 1/16th will determine if Friesan Fire the prior winner of this year’s Lecomte (G3) and Risen Star (G3) will once again finish victoriously. Friesan Fire (from A.P. Indy) breaks from post 9 in a 10 horse field and claims the highest speed rating in this race. Patena will make his first start tomorrow since Rick Dutrow implemented some different options in training the colt. Other competitive contender’s in this race are Flying Pegasus pp5, Giant Oak pp6 and Uno Mas who will break from the 7th post position. Saturday’s final prep fro the Santa Anita Derby the San Filepe (G2) race is no stranger to producing quality Kentucky Derby winners. Prince Of The Nile will break from the 2nd post position with Garret Gomez on board and is the clear favorite for this race. A win here on Saturday will send him to Santa Anita on April 4th. Kelly Leak and New Bay are notable contenders on this race card. Over the years the Rebel or Arkansas Derby, has had quality horses competing in this race such as Lawyer Ron, Smarty Jones and Curlin. Old Fashion, and an early Derby favorite, will make his second start of the year in Saturday’s Rebel Stakes (G2) He cleared the finish line at 3 ¼ lengths ahead of Silver City in his last race, and will break from the inside post tomorrow. Look for him to take over in the stretch. Wayne Lukas is training Hamazing Destiny who will break from the second post, and Silver City will take post 8.
20082007 Horse of the Year Curlin is today's favorite for the Breeder's Cup Classic with a money line of 7/5.He possess one loss since August of 2007 after he switched surfaces. Despite today's race will break from it's traditional surface, there appears no indifference with spectators in attendance that Curlin will take the classic.Curlin has had solid workouts at Santa Anita and appears comfortable on the track. Other top contenders being heavily touted at the track today is "Go Between" in (PP1) at 8/1, "Casino Drive" in (PP2) ridden by Victor Espinoza is at 10/1.Sitting trackside at an invitation only party, i've stumbled across some expert handicappers. Mike T. and Philip T. from Southern California, are awaiting Raven's Pass to cross the finish first in the Classic.Then they'll cash in their Pick 4 for the day. They've thrown their money on the 8 horse, even though Curlin has the highest earnings and has won his last two races. Curlin took second in the Man O War Grade 1 race after he broke slow and hit the gate.PP 10 horse "Fairbanks" is at 10/1 and is trained by Todd Pletcher, "Colonel John" (PP11) is at 20/1, "Champs Elysess" at 15/1 looks doubtful, "Tiago" (PP3) has Victor Espinoza on board at 15/1, "Duke of Marmalade" (PP4) 10/1, "Henrythenavigator" at 10/1 (PP5), (PP6) "Smooth Air" drew away in his last race the "Needles", and "Student Council" (PP7) trained by Steve Asmussen, at 20/1, not today.
The 25th running of the Breeders' Cup World Championship Classic Race, held for the first time on a Pro Ride surface, had a record number of entries from overseas. The Europeans had a record day taking five different races on the Santa Anita's synthetic racing surface.It was the first time an import took the Classic trophy, as Raven's Pass upset 2007 Horse of the Year, Curlin. Raven's Pass had a 1 3/4 length win over Henrythenavigator, as Curlin came in behind Tiago in a forth place disappointing finish. Raven's Pass broke well and was in contention with Curlin a few times before hitting the stretch.However, jockey Frankie Dettori on board Raven's Pass was confident coming into the stretch, and it became clear that it wasn't going to be Curlin's day. Trainer Steve Asmussen claims it was absolutely the surface that hindered Curlin, but Henrythenavigator who was also testing the surface took second, in front of Tiago. Trainer John Gosden believes his colt, Tiago, has been slowly improving and maturing, and felt solid that his horse would finish in the money.Trainer Steve Asmussen knows that Curlin gave it his all, claiming his horse is still a great horse, with over $10 million in record earnings.Since Curlin's 4th place finish on Saturday, and the favorites came up short at Santa Anita, we are left to answer the question, "Who will be horse of the year?"Three horses on the list are Big Brown, unbeaten filly Zenyatta, and Curlin. Curlin's owner feels that his horse is a solid champion, and doesn't believe Saturday's loss will hurt his chances for the nod. Big Brown who showed up at every race should take top 3 year old, and filly Zenyatta has been improving, and has nine unbeaten starts with eight of those wins on synthetic surfaces.She had 3/5 odds on Friday's Lady's Day at Santa Anita, taking first in the Ladies Classic, and has proven herself in three Grade 1's.
We are days away from the 2008 Breeder's Cup World Championship to be held at Santa Anita Park in California. The park has not hosted this race since 2003, and this year there are a few changes to the venue.On Friday, the park will host "Ladies Day," with 5 races scheduled.The headliner is the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic Grade 1 race; formerly known as the Cup Distaff. There are nine races on the card for Saturday, with the new 1-½ mile Breeders Cup Marathon, and the featured race $5 million Breeder's Cup Classic (G1).With "Big Brown" out of contention, Saturday's Classic is wide open with three of Europe's top competitors looking to take home the purse.Extra races have been added to the schedule this year, and Curlin 2007 Horse of the Year, as the current favorite for the Breeder's Cup Classic on Saturday.Other contenders for this race are undefeated Japanese import "Casino Drive," "Champs Elysees," Santa Anita Derby winner "Colonel John," Irish native "Duke of Marmalade," " Fairbanks," Pacific Classic winner "Go Between," "Henrythenavigator," "Pyro," "Raven’s Pass," "Smooth Air," "Student Council," "Tiago," and "Well Armed."The weather has been sunny and in the mid-80's in the Los Angeles area, with more of the same currently predicted for Saturday. As the park does not have a traditional dirt track, Santa Anita's cushion surface has been reconstituted with more fibers and polymeric binders due to previous drainage issues.The Breeder's Cup will be televised on ABC on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 7 p.m. on ESPN. Friday, Oct. 24, the races can be seen from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
Nov. 9, 2009Undefeated super mare, Zenyatta, took the $5 Million Breeder's Cup Classic this past weekend putting her in contention to be named as horse of the year. The five year old is the only mare to ever win this race. She has now won 14 in all of her career starts, including the Ladies Classic last year at Santa Anita. The closest a filly has ever come to taking this race was Jolypha in 1992 who took third. The field in Classic was one of the most competitive with the European's trying to make a repeat performance as they won with Raven's Pass last year. The match up proved daunting as they were not for the task against the only female entered in the competition. Zenyatta's run from behind style caught Gio Ponti by one length before a record crowd. Zenyatta, the track favorite 5-2, paid $7.60, $5.60, and $3.80. European's Twice Over took third, behind Gio Ponti. For now people will have a tough decision to make before casting their vote for horse of the year between Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra. What will weight the decision making process? Rachel Alexandra in undefeated after racing on several different surfaces, but held back from this race due to the Santa Anita surface. She has eight wins against difficult challenges racing from New Jersey to Arkansas. Zenyatta took all of her starts in California this year, and has only raced once on dirt in 2008 in at Arkansas Oaklawn Park. Either way, it will be a debate that will be remembered in racing history.
Nov. 6, 2009Today is Ladies Day at Santa Anita and the first race is set to go with eight races on the card today. The Ladies Classic 1 1/8 is scheduled for 3:45pm (pt) and holds a purse of $2 Million dollars with $1 Million going to the winner. Zenyatta would have been the sure bet in the race, has opted out to take on the boys in Saturday's Classic. Owners of Zenyatta will instead run Life is Sweet, but this race is more likely to go to Careless Jewel or Music Note. Another race I like today is the Juvenile Fillies 1 1/16 for 2 year olds. The morning-line favorite is Blind Luck, and is coming off a recent victory at this very track. However, you can not discount Devils May Care who took New Yorks Major Prep, and Negligee should not be overlooked along with She Be Wild. Now, on the the Breeder's Cup Classic. This race will be the most competitive on the cards for Saturday, with the European's looking for a repeat performance this year with Rip Van Winkle, Girolamo, and Twice Over entered. The catch here is that the Europeans are extremely familiar with the Santa Anita ProRide surface, as they train their horses on synthetics. These entries will be as strong as the ones from last year. Zenyatta has the 4th post and is 4 out of 4 on the Santa Anita track. She has 13 wins total on the synthetics. There are several factors that go into picking a winner in The Classic, but trying to determine who will unfold in the stretch is a puzzle. Zenyatta has a come from behind style, she likes the surface, but will need to exude tactical speed to pass Summer Bird and Rip Van Winkle in the stretch. The more than likely pace setters tomorrow will be Regal Ransom and Girolamo. The degree of difficulty in handicapping The Classic may allow you to walk the wire on a "green light" horse who is other than the favorite, but who's numbers have been steadily increasing. Curlin the morning favorite last year, came in 4th behind European Raven's Pass and paid $29 for a $2 bet. If Zenyatta can not do it tomorrow there are plenty of others to choose from in the line-up. My longshot Derby pick was Summer Bird and some discounted him in the Belmont, but I did not. I believe this horse will be in the money tomorrow, plus his speed has been consistently building and he does look good. Einstein is 12-1 and has a career Beyer Figure best after running in the Pacific Classic. Girolamo and Regal Ransom are going off at 20-1, are owned by Godolphin, and both are just coming off stakes victories. European's Twice Over (20-1) is coming off his 3rd straight win. Post 1 Mine That Bird Jockey Calvin Borel 2 Colonel John Garret Gomez 3 Summer Bird K. Desormeaux 4 Zenyatta M. Smith 5 Twice Over T. Queally 6 Richard's Kid A. Solis 7 Gio Ponti R. Dominguez 8 Einstein J. Leparoux 9 Girolamo A. garcia 10 Rip Van Winkle J. Murtagh 11 Regal Ransom R. Migliore 12 Quality Road J. Velazquez 13 Awesome Gem D. Flores Some things to keep in mind when betting this race the most winning post position is the 2, followed by 1, 5, 4, 3. Some feel that the switch from dirt to synthetic surface is not so much of an adjustment to warrant going against any of your choices as if the race was being held on dirt. Hopefully, we'll see that with Summer Bird tomorrow. Statistically speaking the synthetic is slower that the dirt. Summer Bird positives.....post=3, 9-2 odds, son of Birdstone one of 3 horses with 4 wins in 2009. Zenyatta positives....post=4, 5-2 odds, 4 wins and undefeated, negative, all races against females Rip Van Winkle positives....post 10, 7-2 odds, fast European horse, negative, foot injury. Gio Ponti positives....post 7, 4 wins in 2009 negatives, turf horse. Mine That Bird positives....post 1, won Kentucky Derby, negatives, has not won since. Einstein positives....Stronbach Stables in the money 5 of 6 times in 2009, post 8 questionable.Also watch Mastercraftsman in Dirt Mile, the positives are 6-5 odds best in Breed's Cup post 1, negative is a slow starter and might find is hard to overcome Midshipman if he leads the way.It has been an incredible race season, and I want to thank Statistics Professor Dr. Clarence Johnson for his insight, and the people that have helped me at ESPN, and Alaska friends of Mine That Bird for making this season memorable. Races will be shown on ESPN and ABC. Good Luck!
Nov. 5, 2009On Tuesday afternoon post positions were drawn for 155 horses scheduled to run in this weekend's Breeder's Cup to be held at historic Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, California. This race attracts racing fans from across the globe, and will be televised in more than 130 countries. Last year the European's took 5 races including the Classic. This meet 37 horses from Europe are entered.The biggest race in question this weekend will be the 1 1/4 Breeder's Cup Classic with a purse of $5 Million dollars. Zenyatta, an undeafted filley drew post 4 and will have jockey Mike Smith on board and is the odds on favorite at 5-2. Zenyatta, a 5-year old mare has won all 4 of her races this year, with a total of 13 wins overall. She's familiar with the Pro-Ride track at Santa Anita, and if she can pull off the Classic on Saturday she will set a new record of 14 wins in major races. Although, this is the first time she is taking on the boys, there were a lot of race fans talking her up today. Saturday's competition will be wide spread in this race though with Belmont winner Summer Bird at 9-2 drew post 3, and European entry Rip Van Winkle who is the second favorite at 7-2 and will break from post 10. Summer Bird has been improving as of late with a win in the Belmont Stakes in June, the Travers, and Jockey Club Gold Cup. I had an opportunity to talk with Trainer Tim Ice today, and he said he is very happy with the way his horse has been running, and that he was in good form. Actually, Summer Bird took to a bit of a playful mood the moment that Tim Ice entered the stall, the relationship that exists is obvious. Rip Van Winkle is also a heavy contender having put the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, and the Queen Elizabeth II to her resume.The races will be shown this weekend on ABC and ESPN.
Sept. 18, 2009 The race card will be the highlight in Louisiana Saturday as the Grade 2 Super Derby hosts Soul Warrior as the favorite at 2-1.Soul Warrior came into his own last month by beating Kentucky Derby winner Mine that Bird, and speed horse Big Drama in the West Virginia Derby.John Velazquez we be on board and the horse is trained by Asmussen. Other contenders arrived outside Shreveport earlier this week including Regal Ransom, Uno Mas, Massone, and Blame who is getting a lot of buzz around the track after winning the Curlin at Saratoga in early August.There are five other races scheduled for the meet at Louisiana Downs, but I'll be wainting Soul Warrior to take the 1 1/8 mile Super Derby. Good luck race fans.In other racing news, Harrah's Entertainment won the rights to purchase Thistledown racetrack outside of Cleveland. Like other tracks struggling in this ecocomy, Thistledown was threatening to have to close it's doors earlier this year when Magna filed for bankruptcy in March.With the addition of slot machines to the racetrack, the additional revenue will be a 50-50 split between the track and the state. There are currently a few organizations in disagreement about how this new revenue is dispursed, and outcomes will be decided over the next couple of months in court.
Aug. 5, 2009West Virginia Derby Wrap Up August 5, 2009This past weekend in horse racing belonged to Steve Asmussen as Soul Warrior and local Jockey Dale Beckner upset Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird in the 40th running of the West Virginia Derby (G2).Earlier that day jockey Miguel Mena missed his flight out of New York, and Steve Asmussen made the decision from New York to mount Dale Beckner on Soul Warrior, and the combination proved winning. Afterwards Assistant Trainer Darryl Fleming announced that Asmussen had just won the Jim Dandy at Saratoga with Kensei.
July 31Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird is the odds on favorite for tomorrows West Virginia Derby with odds currently at 3/5, and will break from the second post. Soul Warrior and Sunday Sunrise will share the 1 – 1A. West Virginia racing rules indicate horses sharing the same trainer to be coupled in the betting. Soul Warrior will break from the first post and is at 15-1 odds. Mine That Bird, trained by Wooley, is in the 2nd post and is at 3/5 odds. Awesome Again will take post 3, is trained by John Ross and is at 12/1. Sunday Sunrise, currently at 15/1, trained by Asmussen will break from the 4th post, but will be numbered 1A. Big Drama the co-favorite will break from post 5 and is at 8/5. Monty’s Best is in the 6th post is out of Florida, and is at 10/1.Mine That Bird will be carrying an extra 11 lbs. Over Big Drama, and some feel this will give Big Drama the edge. Mine That Bird finished this years Triple Crown races respectfully in the money. Lately, he’s been working out at Churchill and was shipped by van to Mountaineer on July 24th. Big Drama has a lot of speed with 7 wins out of 9 starts. One was taken away from him in Swale (G2) at Gulfstream as he bumped traffic twice in the stretch.The half brother of Mine That Bird will take to the track this weekend in the 1 1/8 mile Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park. Summerbird, winner of this years Belmont, is also out of Birdstone who stands at Gainesway. Summerbird is trained by Tim Ice, will also break from post 2 and current odds are at 7-2. Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra will take on the boys again breaking from the 6th post, and is currently listed at 4-5. Also entered is Atomic Rain at 10-1 breaking from post 5. Papa Clem takes post 3 and is at 12-1, Duke of Mischief takes the inside and is at 15-1, and Bunker Hill will take post 7 with 30-1 odds.First post time at Mountaineer is at 2pm, and the West Virginia Derby post time is at 5:43pm. (ET) Saturday’s West Virginia Derby and the Haskell Invitational, scheduled for Sunday, can be seen on HRTV. Good Luck!
I have had people inquiring all week."Is this year's Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird really going to run in the West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer?"The answer is yes!!Owners Mark Allen and Dr. Leonard Blach will ship Mine that Bird for arrival at the race track July 24th.He's expected to have his first workout there on Monday morning.With the mount being given to jockey Mike Smith, attendance is supposed to be record breaking.Other contenders entered to rival for the $750,000 purse are Awesome Rhythm, Monty’s Best, Big Drama, Kensei, Soul Warrior and Miner's Escape. Again, people have been asking, "Can a horse who runs behind the pace win this race?"The answer again is yes.Check out "Real Dandy’s" run in the 2005 W. V. Derby as he trailed through most of the distance, but at the final turn went six wide to challenge the field and cover the 1 1/8mile race in 1:50.This will be the first time a Kentucky Derby winner will be Mountaineer bound, competing in the Grade 2 West Virginia Derby on Aug. 1. The first post time is set for 2pm, and the Derby will go off at 5:45 p.m.
May 15, 2009It was an exciting Kentucky Derby with 50-1 long shot Mine That Bird winning the Run For The Roses.Tomorrow he will continue his quest for The Triple Crown. This week the Preakness became even more interesting when filly Rachel Alexandra entered the lineup, after winning the Kentucky Oaks by a large margin. That’s right; we now are faced with a match up between the Kentucky Oaks winner and the Kentucky Derby winner!!Rachel Alexandra is the morning line favorite after other competition tried to keep her from entering. This could have been a strong possibility because Rachel Alexandra did not have a Triple Crown nomination, and ruling dictates that those nominated receive preference.Therefore, Rachel’s owner will now pay a supplemental entry fee. Calvin Borel is contracted to ride Rachel Alexandra, so Mike Smith will take the mount on Mine That Bird. I like Mike Smith, and I do believe his Derby win was a gift for those that bet him, but not happenstance.Saturday all eyes will be on Baltimore with a field of 13 making The Run For The Black-Eyed Susans, which is 1 3/16 mile or 9 ½ furlongs. Pioneer of the Nile is in good form and has had a speedy workout at 4 furlongs in :47.6 he took second in the Derby, and I’ve been behind this horse all year.Big Drama is another one to look at Saturday. I saw him run at Gulfstream in March and despite running into some problems in the stretch he could have a nice run tomorrow with John Velazquez on board. He’s currently at 10-1. Flying Private a Lukas horse is my long shot at 50-1 and had a good workout earlier this week at :48.2 4 furlongs. Friesan Fire will be getting some of my father’s money again this week running 5 furlongs in :58.2 in Baltimore. He’s seemed to have healed well after suffering a foot injury during the derby.Pap Clem is said to race better than he works out, and he certainly made an effort to be in striking position during the derby. Musket Man has had one of the fastest workouts this week at 4 furlongs in :46. 3/5. Mine That Bird worked out with Borel and had 4 furlongs in 49.2 and I am thinking that he will be passed by in the betting Saturday.This will be an especially exciting race tomorrow as the Oaks winner will try to oust the Derby winner from the second leg of the Triple Crown. The horse will post about 6:05pm (ET) and you can watch the race on ESPN.
May, 2, 2009The Road To The Triple CrownOddsmakers had made I Want Revenge the early morning line favorite, but now the horse has been scratched due to a hot spot on the horses ankle. There is nothing threatening about the injury, but they are taking all precautions for the horse's safety. Dunkirk and Pioneer of the Nile will be the likely favorites in this race today, both posted at 4-1. Pioneer of the Nile has been running on the California surfaces, and this will be his first race away from those synthetic surfaces. Sentimental fan favorite General Quarters is in the 12 post and is currently at 20-1. I saw him run in the Blue Grass Stakes and he will be getting some of my money today.Fresian Fire will be coming from the 6th position and is at 5-1, along with Flying Private, who took the 20th post will have a lot of traffic to move through, and will need to break well. These two horses are making my father open his wallet before post time.With a field of 19 horses you will need a horse who is a strong closer down the stretch, and whose hoofs will be capable of cupping the dirt on this traditional track. Summer Bird a 50-1 longshot maybe worth taking a look at, he stalked the traffic in the Arkansas Derby and closed well. Advice, who is trained by Pletcher, along with West Side Bernie should not be discounted.With I Want Revenge out of today's race, this field is wide open. Derby fans will likely be getting an afternoon spring shower making the track sloppy. The Derby is the 11th race on the card today and post time will be at 6:24 ET on ESPN.
May 1, 2009Hello Race Fans!It's hard to believe another Kentucky Derby is upon us, and Derby fever is in full swing in Louisville.While many have been focusing on the excitement that the first Saturday of May brings, it has been a difficult week for some. One of the top contenders for Saturday's race, Quality Road, is out of the race after a second quarter crack was discovered.I watched this pace setter at the Florida Derby run against Dunkirk and I expect the pace for Saturday's race to be different with the omission of this horse. Also on the injury list is Square Eddie and Winn Willy. TAKE THE POINTS, who is trained by Todd Pletcher, will sit out the derby but will have an entry in the Preakness in two weeks.With 20 horses taking the field tomorrow I've narrowed down some of the more capable contenders. I Want Revenge in post 13, has a solid record and took The Wood Memorial and had a bullet workout this week. Atomic Rain takes post 14 this Jersey runner also had a speed workout and this horse will be getting my boss's money for a show bet.Advice will break from post 4 with an incredible run two weeks ago in Lexington and a good workout this week he could be one to watch hopefully this will be Pletcher's year.Coming from post 17 is Summer Bird he is a closer and just missed Arkansas Derby to Papa Clem and his odds are at 50 to 1. Some other notable horses to look at is post 19 Desert Party, post 20 Flying Private is trained by Lukas and looks good, and Pioneer of the Nile who is taking well to the dirt track. West Side Bernie will break from the inside post and may have a strong finish. General Quarters won the Blue Grass Stakes and is a solid runner.This year's race is wide open and with rain expected all weekend it will be one of the most exciting races as there is no clear favorite. Coverage will be all day on ESPN2.
April 17, 2009 With just a few weeks until the Kentucky Derby, we are winding down this weekend to watch one of the last Kentucky Derby prep races at 1 1/16 mile; the Coolmore Lexington G2. This derby prep race started in 1984 and has hosted derby winners such as Swale, and my all time favorite Charismatic. Favorite Square Eddie, took the Breeder’s Futurity last October at Keeneland, and was sidelined for the last few months with a shin injury. Despite that set back, he has claimed his spot in the Kentucky Derby with earnings at $774,981. Tomorrow he takes to post position 8, with 10 other horses. Jeronimo is in post 1 and took third in The San Felipe G2, he’s been in the money all of his career starts, and has been known to stalk. I like him along with Pitched Perfectly in post 3. He has not run since January, but packs a lot of speed along with Parade Clown breaking from position 10. Distance could prove to be more of a challenge for Pitched Perfectly as Parade Clown has proven himself at 1 1/16. El Crespo takes to position 9 and will be transferring from grass to Keenland’s polytrack. He’s out of AP Indy, and claims the second highest earnings in the group, although his speed ratings rank low. Omniscient could have a decent run with Robby Albarado on board, and hopefully can clear the distance. Hull has been scratched from the race card but will enter the Derby Trial on April 25 at Churchill. In other derby news first-ever “win and your in” Kentucky Derby Challenge winner at Kempton Mafaaz will sit out the derby after a disappointing run at Keeneland last week, coming in eighth behind General Quarters. The Coolmore Lexington Stakes can be seen on ESPN2 at 5pm (ET).April 11, 2009Today at Keeneland a field of 11 year olds will square off in one of the final races before the Kentucky Derby, which is just a few weeks away. The Blue Grass Stakes is a major race in Kentucky G1, 1-1/8 mile and is hosting Lane's End Stakes victor Hold Me Back. His morning line numbers are at 3-1.Two years ago Street Sense finished in the money in this race, but went on to take the Kentucky Derby. Prior to that, we haven't had a winner in this race who went on to the Kentucky Derby since Strike the Gold in 1991.Hold Me Back is in the 10th post position, and has won three out of his four starts. The main objective was to go from the Lane's End to the Blue Grass Stakes. He ran a nice race with a 112 speed rating on March 21st, and has taken to the synthetic surface well. He will have Kent Desormeaux on board. TheregoesJoJo has taken the third post position with Calvin Borel riding. I saw him run at the Florida Derby a few weeks ago and he finished third behind two very good horses Quality Road and Dunkirk. Charitable Man is coming off as the third choice today with 4-1 odds. He has been sidelined with a fracture for seven months, and will make his 2009 debut after having some solid workouts. He is the son of Lemon Drop Kid, and enters the race with two wins behind him in '08. He'll have to close it for a trip to Louisville in a few weeks. Mafaaz, is at 12-1 and is in the 5 post position already has his spot in this years Kentucky Derby after winning the Challenge Stakes at Kempton in England. General Quarters is in the 8th post and is at 15-1 today. He's been in the money 4 times since his last 5 starts has the highest speed ratings of today's contenders. He has not run the 1 1/8 mile, but cleared a 1 1/16 mile in February SF Davis Grade 3. Hopefully, he'll take to the track today, as I think he may be worth looking at.The post time for the Blue Grass Stakes is at 5:15pm and will be televised live on TVG. A tape delay broadcast of the event will be on ESPN2 from 6-7pm ET.April 3, 2009It's a big weekend as far as derby prep races are concerned and this weekend’s lineup includes two Grade 1 races the Santa Anita Derby and the Wood Memorial, along with two Grade 2 races the Illinois Derby and Bay Shore at Aqueduct.The Santa Anita Derby is one of the most highly touted derby prep races as the weekend Pioneer of the Nile and The Pamplemousse will battle it out in tomorrow’s 1 1/8 race on the Pro-Ride surface. The Pamplemousse will break from post 10 with a 97 speed rating. He has been in the money his last four races and has finished first his last three. He has been steadily increasing his speed from his first run as a two year old last October, and is the favorite at 9-5.Pioneer of the Nile has also won these last three races, will break from the 4th post, his trained by Bob Baffert and has the largest earnings of today’s field. He had a nice finish in the San Felipe (G2) on March 14, and will retain Garrett Gomez as his jockey.ZDay will break from post 2 and comes from the same stable as Pioneer of the Nile. ZDay is trained by Rick Dutrow, and likes the early pace. He’ll be right up there with The Pamplemousse.Take the Points trained by Todd Pletcher finished second to The Pamplemousse at 1 1/8 his last time out, and was able to hold his pace all the way through. He’s coming off a recent layoff, and will take the 7th post. Chocolate Candy, the winner of Northern California’s top two races, will be well rested having not raced the last 49 days. He’ll take the inside track with two wins behind him tomorrow.The Grade I Wood Memorial at Aqueduct will host an eight horse field in the mile 1/8 race. The clear favorite, I Want Revenge, will take the inside post and had a fast speed rating of 113, winning the Gotham on March 7th.Imperial Council comes off in post 6, with the second fast speed rating from the group, and had a decent work out on March 29th. Edgar Prado will take the mount, as he rode him at Gulfstream for a two length victory in an allowance.West Side Bernie will hit the track tomorrow after resting for two weeks. He finished 6th at Turfway’s Lane’s End (G2). After that disappointing run, he needs to win the Wood Memorial to have enough earnings for a trip to the Kentucky Derby.March 27, 2009The 50 year old Florida Derby to be held at Gulfstream Racetrack will host a 9 horse field in the 1 1/8 race. The morning line favorite is Dunkirk who is currently at 9-5 odds, is trained by Todd Pletcher and will have Garrett Gomez on board. It will seem like Big Brown deja vous as undefeated Dunkirk takes the field with no graded stakes earnings behind him. Tomorrow he must be "in it, to win it" for a shot at an entry card in the Kentucky Derby. Dunkirk is one of the only 3-year olds on the fast track Derby trail who has not raced as a 2-year old. No horse with these stats has won the Kentucky Derby since Apollo in 1882.Dunkirk will be the odds on favorite with two race wins behind him. His resume includes a win at Gulfstream on January 24, where he had a shaky beginning, but challenged at the turn for a 5 3/4 length win! Then the son of Unbridled Song, ran a 1 1/8 on February 19 and won by 43/4 lengths.Quality Road will be a notable contender who took the Fountain of Youth on February 28th. He's in the 2nd post position and has the highest speed rating of the group at 110. His odds are currently at 2-1. The only issue is that he has yet to go the distance, the Florida Derby will be his longest race to date.Danger to Society is now in Dutrow's camp, is in post 7, with a speed rating of 95, his bloodline includes Harlan's Holiday. Theregoesjojo will be post position 6 and is at 5-1 odds. He has a strong speed rating at 104 with a Seattle Slew bloodline. He came in second in the Fountain of Youth behind Quality Road.The Florida Derby can be seen on ESPN tomorrow beginning at 5pm (ET). The first race goes off at 1:15pm.March 20, 2009To recap last weekends race card in the Rebel Stakes “Win Willy” a 56-1 long-shot upset 2-5 undefeated favorite “Old Fashioned” with “Poltergeist” taking a third place finish at Oaklawn.Late runner “Win Willy” has impressive breeding and is sired by 2001 Kentucky Derby winner “Monarchos.”“Silver City” was the pace-setter, and Old Fashioned took over at the last turn coming into the stretch, but came up short.Is “Win Willy” one to watch after coming into his own and finding his pace last weekend? Of course he is, and we’ll keep you posted when he’s scheduled for his next race.The San Felipe Stakes 1 1/16 (G2) at Santa Anita produced another solid win for “Pioneer of the Nile” trained by Bob Baffert making him the top three-year old in So-Cal. The only question leading into the derby is that this colt has yet to race on a traditional dirt surface that is home to Churchill.Keep in mind that “Pioneer of the Nile” is a very young horse, which may explain for his less-than pace on the track, but he closes well. “Feisty Sauces”, took second with odds of 11-1. With only a maiden race on his resume “Jeronimo” had trouble in the backstretch but managed to take third.After a harsh winter, the second day of spring will remind us that despite how inclement the weather has been, the horses have been on the pace since January. Turfway Racetrack in, Florence, Kentucky just south of Cincinnati, will host the Lane’s End (G2) tomorrow, and the weather is expected to be clear.“Bittle Road” trained by Todd Pletcher, will have Garret Gomez on board, and will break from post 2. He will be challenged in the wagering by “West Side Bernie” who has raced on synthetic and dirt surfaces, and has impressive results with five starts under his belt. He also won the Kentucky Juvenile last year at Turfway. Other notable contenders are “Hold Me Back,” “Jack Spratt” and “A.P. Cardinal,” who is partially owned by University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino.
The chase is on for the 2009 Triple Crown, and since January of this year there have been some impressive derby prep races. This weekend’s race schedule will be equally as intriguing. Saturday the Louisiana Derby (G2) 1 1/16th will determine if Friesan Fire the prior winner of this year’s Lecomte (G3) and Risen Star (G3) will once again finish victoriously. Friesan Fire (from A.P. Indy) breaks from post 9 in a 10 horse field and claims the highest speed rating in this race. Patena will make his first start tomorrow since Rick Dutrow implemented some different options in training the colt. Other competitive contender’s in this race are Flying Pegasus pp5, Giant Oak pp6 and Uno Mas who will break from the 7th post position. Saturday’s final prep fro the Santa Anita Derby the San Filepe (G2) race is no stranger to producing quality Kentucky Derby winners. Prince Of The Nile will break from the 2nd post position with Garret Gomez on board and is the clear favorite for this race. A win here on Saturday will send him to Santa Anita on April 4th. Kelly Leak and New Bay are notable contenders on this race card. Over the years the Rebel or Arkansas Derby, has had quality horses competing in this race such as Lawyer Ron, Smarty Jones and Curlin. Old Fashion, and an early Derby favorite, will make his second start of the year in Saturday’s Rebel Stakes (G2) He cleared the finish line at 3 ¼ lengths ahead of Silver City in his last race, and will break from the inside post tomorrow. Look for him to take over in the stretch. Wayne Lukas is training Hamazing Destiny who will break from the second post, and Silver City will take post 8.
20082007 Horse of the Year Curlin is today's favorite for the Breeder's Cup Classic with a money line of 7/5.He possess one loss since August of 2007 after he switched surfaces. Despite today's race will break from it's traditional surface, there appears no indifference with spectators in attendance that Curlin will take the classic.Curlin has had solid workouts at Santa Anita and appears comfortable on the track. Other top contenders being heavily touted at the track today is "Go Between" in (PP1) at 8/1, "Casino Drive" in (PP2) ridden by Victor Espinoza is at 10/1.Sitting trackside at an invitation only party, i've stumbled across some expert handicappers. Mike T. and Philip T. from Southern California, are awaiting Raven's Pass to cross the finish first in the Classic.Then they'll cash in their Pick 4 for the day. They've thrown their money on the 8 horse, even though Curlin has the highest earnings and has won his last two races. Curlin took second in the Man O War Grade 1 race after he broke slow and hit the gate.PP 10 horse "Fairbanks" is at 10/1 and is trained by Todd Pletcher, "Colonel John" (PP11) is at 20/1, "Champs Elysess" at 15/1 looks doubtful, "Tiago" (PP3) has Victor Espinoza on board at 15/1, "Duke of Marmalade" (PP4) 10/1, "Henrythenavigator" at 10/1 (PP5), (PP6) "Smooth Air" drew away in his last race the "Needles", and "Student Council" (PP7) trained by Steve Asmussen, at 20/1, not today.
The 25th running of the Breeders' Cup World Championship Classic Race, held for the first time on a Pro Ride surface, had a record number of entries from overseas. The Europeans had a record day taking five different races on the Santa Anita's synthetic racing surface.It was the first time an import took the Classic trophy, as Raven's Pass upset 2007 Horse of the Year, Curlin. Raven's Pass had a 1 3/4 length win over Henrythenavigator, as Curlin came in behind Tiago in a forth place disappointing finish. Raven's Pass broke well and was in contention with Curlin a few times before hitting the stretch.However, jockey Frankie Dettori on board Raven's Pass was confident coming into the stretch, and it became clear that it wasn't going to be Curlin's day. Trainer Steve Asmussen claims it was absolutely the surface that hindered Curlin, but Henrythenavigator who was also testing the surface took second, in front of Tiago. Trainer John Gosden believes his colt, Tiago, has been slowly improving and maturing, and felt solid that his horse would finish in the money.Trainer Steve Asmussen knows that Curlin gave it his all, claiming his horse is still a great horse, with over $10 million in record earnings.Since Curlin's 4th place finish on Saturday, and the favorites came up short at Santa Anita, we are left to answer the question, "Who will be horse of the year?"Three horses on the list are Big Brown, unbeaten filly Zenyatta, and Curlin. Curlin's owner feels that his horse is a solid champion, and doesn't believe Saturday's loss will hurt his chances for the nod. Big Brown who showed up at every race should take top 3 year old, and filly Zenyatta has been improving, and has nine unbeaten starts with eight of those wins on synthetic surfaces.She had 3/5 odds on Friday's Lady's Day at Santa Anita, taking first in the Ladies Classic, and has proven herself in three Grade 1's.
We are days away from the 2008 Breeder's Cup World Championship to be held at Santa Anita Park in California. The park has not hosted this race since 2003, and this year there are a few changes to the venue.On Friday, the park will host "Ladies Day," with 5 races scheduled.The headliner is the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic Grade 1 race; formerly known as the Cup Distaff. There are nine races on the card for Saturday, with the new 1-½ mile Breeders Cup Marathon, and the featured race $5 million Breeder's Cup Classic (G1).With "Big Brown" out of contention, Saturday's Classic is wide open with three of Europe's top competitors looking to take home the purse.Extra races have been added to the schedule this year, and Curlin 2007 Horse of the Year, as the current favorite for the Breeder's Cup Classic on Saturday.Other contenders for this race are undefeated Japanese import "Casino Drive," "Champs Elysees," Santa Anita Derby winner "Colonel John," Irish native "Duke of Marmalade," " Fairbanks," Pacific Classic winner "Go Between," "Henrythenavigator," "Pyro," "Raven’s Pass," "Smooth Air," "Student Council," "Tiago," and "Well Armed."The weather has been sunny and in the mid-80's in the Los Angeles area, with more of the same currently predicted for Saturday. As the park does not have a traditional dirt track, Santa Anita's cushion surface has been reconstituted with more fibers and polymeric binders due to previous drainage issues.The Breeder's Cup will be televised on ABC on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 7 p.m. on ESPN. Friday, Oct. 24, the races can be seen from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
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