Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Saturday Evening Rant: Small Fields
The current phenomenon of small fields at premier tracks on prime race days has moved beyond embarrassing to outright disgusting. What the hell is going on?
It’s bad enough that superior horses like Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta scare off competitors, resulting in small fields, but it’s ridiculous when lesser races suffer from the same fate. For example, on Memorial Day, race 8 at Churchill Downs (an upper-level AOC) went off with three starters—Old Man Buck, Real Appeal and Jamaludin—after five scratches, over a track rated “good.” Today at Belmont Park, where the track was rated “fast,” there were just three runners in the Lord of the Night Stakes—after four scratches. By the way, congratulations, Cool Coal Man, for your wire-to-wire victory over Discreet Treasure and True Resurgence—not that he needs it, but that had to be some of the easiest earned black-type ever.
I’m not complaining about races taken off the turf, but races obviously run over perfectly fine tracks—and for decent money. While it might be easy to say racing secretaries simply aren’t doing their jobs well, are there other possibilities? In both aforementioned cases, these were route races on dirt for three-year-olds and up. Is it possible that we are reaping the results of all the early retirements, either to injury or stud duty, of top young horses over recent years? Or too by breeding for speed, not stamina is there a dearth of quality route horses? And, of course, the big white elephant in the room—are there simply too damn many tracks holding too many races?
Whatever the reasons are, I’m sick of wagering (or more precisely, not wagering) on these short field events—and I’m sure others are as well. Thus, handle goes down and racing continues to teeter on the brink of financial ruin. It’s time for all involved parties to step up, and permit a racing “czar” or other central authority to establish racing circuits, lessen the number of race dates, and better co-ordinate major stakes races. Bigger and more competitive fields now!
It’s bad enough that superior horses like Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta scare off competitors, resulting in small fields, but it’s ridiculous when lesser races suffer from the same fate. For example, on Memorial Day, race 8 at Churchill Downs (an upper-level AOC) went off with three starters—Old Man Buck, Real Appeal and Jamaludin—after five scratches, over a track rated “good.” Today at Belmont Park, where the track was rated “fast,” there were just three runners in the Lord of the Night Stakes—after four scratches. By the way, congratulations, Cool Coal Man, for your wire-to-wire victory over Discreet Treasure and True Resurgence—not that he needs it, but that had to be some of the easiest earned black-type ever.
I’m not complaining about races taken off the turf, but races obviously run over perfectly fine tracks—and for decent money. While it might be easy to say racing secretaries simply aren’t doing their jobs well, are there other possibilities? In both aforementioned cases, these were route races on dirt for three-year-olds and up. Is it possible that we are reaping the results of all the early retirements, either to injury or stud duty, of top young horses over recent years? Or too by breeding for speed, not stamina is there a dearth of quality route horses? And, of course, the big white elephant in the room—are there simply too damn many tracks holding too many races?
Whatever the reasons are, I’m sick of wagering (or more precisely, not wagering) on these short field events—and I’m sure others are as well. Thus, handle goes down and racing continues to teeter on the brink of financial ruin. It’s time for all involved parties to step up, and permit a racing “czar” or other central authority to establish racing circuits, lessen the number of race dates, and better co-ordinate major stakes races. Bigger and more competitive fields now!
Friday, May 29, 2009
A Real Race Rider
"Nights, Harry would sit with Cordero in the trophy room, watching films of races, talking riding, talking horses, talking horse people, talking Anglos. Harry would listen as the old jock instructed him, encouraged him, corrected him, bringing him along, shaping a future for him. After a while, Cordero even got [his son] Tommy to take the boy's book—to be his agent. Someday, Cordero thought, Harry could be a real race rider. Harry was already a rider, but someday he could be a race rider, like Cordero, the best of that breed."
In spite of Angel Cordero Jr.’s tutoring, 43-year-old Harry Vega never quite reached that highest echelon, although he’s been among the leaders at mid-level tracks like Philadelphia and Delaware, and currently at Presque Isle where, in 34 mounts over the past three weeks, he’s won nine races, with seven seconds and nine thirds. He’s also closing in on 4,000 career victories.
Although top graded stakes horses in general eluded him, Vega will always be associated with future Hall of Fame filly Xtra Heat with whom he won seven of 11 races. Four times under Vega’s guidance the great sprinter took on the boys, finishing third in both the G1 DeFrancis Memorial Dash and G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, and winning the G3 Phoenix Breeders Cup at Keeneland before a disappointing sixth place finish in her second G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint.
Vega currently rides trainer Valora Testerman’s promising three-year-old gelding Yano, a son of Yonaguska out of the Foolish Pleasure mare Sabreen. After a nice third place behind Capt. Candyman Can and Taqarub in the G3 Bay Shore, Yano and Vega finished off the board in the G3 Hirsch Jacobs on Preakness Day. The day before, Vega piloted Blue Sailor to a surprising second-place finish behind Mr. Nightlinger in the Jim McKay Turf Sprint, and Fancy Diamond to a runner-up position to All Giving in the Skipat Stakes.
He also once rode stakes winner (and Pha phenom) Double Down Vinman who’s now winning in New York—albeit after briefly down in the claiming ranks. What a gallant horse! His dam Christmas Strike is a half-sister to Christmas Kid whose victories included the G1 Ashland—with Rene Douglas up. One of four G1 winners for Lemon Drop Kid—all daughters—Christmas Kid is now retired, I believe, although I haven’t heard to whom she was bred. Charitable Man, another Lemon Drop Kid offspring, will apparently attempt to replicate his sire’s achievement of winning the G1 Belmont and become his fifth G1 winner—unless Lemon Chiffon beats him to it, by taking this Saturday’s G1 Gamely with Mike Smith up. Interestingly, in 2007, it was another Lemon Drop Kid—Citronnade—who won the Gamely. Tragically this year, Citronnade delivered a stillborn Ghostzapper foal on March 1, and then had to be euthanized following colic surgery on April 1—and this entire story was not announced by BloodHorse.com until more than a month later. Heartbreaking, as Citronnade was one of my favorites.
Back to the earlier quote about Harry Vega...the Frank Deford Sports Illustrated article (April 23, 1984) it’s from makes for interesting reading, especially for those younger fans who never experienced Cordero’s “force of personality” while riding. I admit I wasn’t a fan of his, although I respected his success. As for whether or not he cost Spectacular Bid the Triple Crown by physically and mentally intimidating young Ronnie Franklin on and off the track, I don’t know—that’s not a story I had heard before so for those with clearer knowledge feel free to comment. I did find the story set within the story—of young Harry Vega’s brief flirtation with possible paralysis—compelling and revealing about a hard-working jockey I have admired, Vega himself. Here’s hoping that 4,000 wins goal is safely met soon—and with a few more stakes winners tossed in for good measure.
In spite of Angel Cordero Jr.’s tutoring, 43-year-old Harry Vega never quite reached that highest echelon, although he’s been among the leaders at mid-level tracks like Philadelphia and Delaware, and currently at Presque Isle where, in 34 mounts over the past three weeks, he’s won nine races, with seven seconds and nine thirds. He’s also closing in on 4,000 career victories.
Although top graded stakes horses in general eluded him, Vega will always be associated with future Hall of Fame filly Xtra Heat with whom he won seven of 11 races. Four times under Vega’s guidance the great sprinter took on the boys, finishing third in both the G1 DeFrancis Memorial Dash and G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, and winning the G3 Phoenix Breeders Cup at Keeneland before a disappointing sixth place finish in her second G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint.
Vega currently rides trainer Valora Testerman’s promising three-year-old gelding Yano, a son of Yonaguska out of the Foolish Pleasure mare Sabreen. After a nice third place behind Capt. Candyman Can and Taqarub in the G3 Bay Shore, Yano and Vega finished off the board in the G3 Hirsch Jacobs on Preakness Day. The day before, Vega piloted Blue Sailor to a surprising second-place finish behind Mr. Nightlinger in the Jim McKay Turf Sprint, and Fancy Diamond to a runner-up position to All Giving in the Skipat Stakes.
He also once rode stakes winner (and Pha phenom) Double Down Vinman who’s now winning in New York—albeit after briefly down in the claiming ranks. What a gallant horse! His dam Christmas Strike is a half-sister to Christmas Kid whose victories included the G1 Ashland—with Rene Douglas up. One of four G1 winners for Lemon Drop Kid—all daughters—Christmas Kid is now retired, I believe, although I haven’t heard to whom she was bred. Charitable Man, another Lemon Drop Kid offspring, will apparently attempt to replicate his sire’s achievement of winning the G1 Belmont and become his fifth G1 winner—unless Lemon Chiffon beats him to it, by taking this Saturday’s G1 Gamely with Mike Smith up. Interestingly, in 2007, it was another Lemon Drop Kid—Citronnade—who won the Gamely. Tragically this year, Citronnade delivered a stillborn Ghostzapper foal on March 1, and then had to be euthanized following colic surgery on April 1—and this entire story was not announced by BloodHorse.com until more than a month later. Heartbreaking, as Citronnade was one of my favorites.
Back to the earlier quote about Harry Vega...the Frank Deford Sports Illustrated article (April 23, 1984) it’s from makes for interesting reading, especially for those younger fans who never experienced Cordero’s “force of personality” while riding. I admit I wasn’t a fan of his, although I respected his success. As for whether or not he cost Spectacular Bid the Triple Crown by physically and mentally intimidating young Ronnie Franklin on and off the track, I don’t know—that’s not a story I had heard before so for those with clearer knowledge feel free to comment. I did find the story set within the story—of young Harry Vega’s brief flirtation with possible paralysis—compelling and revealing about a hard-working jockey I have admired, Vega himself. Here’s hoping that 4,000 wins goal is safely met soon—and with a few more stakes winners tossed in for good measure.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Rainy Day Dreams
With it raining off and on, and a little bit of money in my PayPal account just begging to be spent, I perused the horse racing collectibles on eBay this afternoon—and what a bunch of neat stuff! Beyond the typical ticket stubs, programs, stock photos and Derby glasses and pins, here are a few interesting items currently up for sale:
Antique Silverplate Horse Racing Box
This is pretty cool looking lock box, with sculpted details on sides and on lid. Jockey riding astride horse on top, but on sides are old-time trotters with huge buggy wheels.
Sterling Silver Trophy, 1993 G2 Gotham
Nice trophy won by later G1 (Pimlico Special) winner As Indicated, but unbelievably sad that the seller advertises it as “this would make a great wine cooler or punch bowl.”
Derby Winner Race Record Game, c. 1944
“Go to the races at home” with this old 78rpm record with race calls of Derby wins by Omaha, Whirlaway, Count Fleet, Bold Venture, War Admiral, and Pensive. As the seller states: Basically the record has a number of tracks which all start at the edge of the record. Where you "drop" the needle determines which track the needle goes into and what the outcome of the race will be along with the payoffs. When the needle drops you hear the announcer call the race as if you were listening to it on a radio. You never know what the result is until the record plays.
Belmont Park Horse Racing Game, c. 1940s
Another board game, but this one has six cast-iron horses as playing pieces, along with play coins and dice. Seller doesn’t know if all original parts of game are present, but it’s interesting how, once again, horse racing games were so prevalent in the “Golden Age.”
French Jeu de Course Game, c. 1900-1930s
This auction is over, but what a cool looking toy! As seller describes: “Place your bets in the center cup and watch your horse race! 8 horses, 4 on each track race the circular course, with two tracks. The lever on the base sets them spinning and the horse that comes closest to the flag pole without crossing it is the winner when they stop. The horses are hand painted.” Sorry I missed this one (then again, I could have never afforded it either!)
Antique Silverplate Horse Racing BoxThis is pretty cool looking lock box, with sculpted details on sides and on lid. Jockey riding astride horse on top, but on sides are old-time trotters with huge buggy wheels.
Sterling Silver Trophy, 1993 G2 GothamNice trophy won by later G1 (Pimlico Special) winner As Indicated, but unbelievably sad that the seller advertises it as “this would make a great wine cooler or punch bowl.”
Derby Winner Race Record Game, c. 1944“Go to the races at home” with this old 78rpm record with race calls of Derby wins by Omaha, Whirlaway, Count Fleet, Bold Venture, War Admiral, and Pensive. As the seller states: Basically the record has a number of tracks which all start at the edge of the record. Where you "drop" the needle determines which track the needle goes into and what the outcome of the race will be along with the payoffs. When the needle drops you hear the announcer call the race as if you were listening to it on a radio. You never know what the result is until the record plays.
Belmont Park Horse Racing Game, c. 1940sAnother board game, but this one has six cast-iron horses as playing pieces, along with play coins and dice. Seller doesn’t know if all original parts of game are present, but it’s interesting how, once again, horse racing games were so prevalent in the “Golden Age.”
French Jeu de Course Game, c. 1900-1930sThis auction is over, but what a cool looking toy! As seller describes: “Place your bets in the center cup and watch your horse race! 8 horses, 4 on each track race the circular course, with two tracks. The lever on the base sets them spinning and the horse that comes closest to the flag pole without crossing it is the winner when they stop. The horses are hand painted.” Sorry I missed this one (then again, I could have never afforded it either!)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Giveth and Taketh Away
A smorgasbord of good horse racing this past weekend topped off with great endings—as well as tragedy.
Starting with the latter, best wishes and earnest prayers to jockey Rene Douglas and his family as he remains paralyzed following a horrific fall during Saturday’s G3 Arlington Matron when his mount Born to Be clipped heels and rolled on top of him. Until the swelling subsides in a few weeks, it is unknown whether he will ever walk again. Jamie Theriot, whose race riding apparently caused the incident in question, has been suspended 30 days by Arlington stewards, yet another example of officials taking action only when tragedy ensues and then usually overreact. Ray Paulick has an excellent post regarding this issue.
And as if evidence for the adage “when it rains, it pours”, two serious incidents occurred on Monday involving Gabriel Saez and Ricardo Chiappe at Delaware, and Inez Karlsson and Uriel Lopez at Arlington. In both cases, the jockeys fortunately escaped serious injuries, but the horses involved—Chanceofshowers at Delaware, and Parade Summer Girl at Arlington—were euthanized.
On the flip side, I’d be hard-pressed to name just one best story of the weekend. Brass Hat’s turf victory in Saturday’s G3 Louisville Handicap is definitely a highlight, as is the red-hot Calvin Borel who enjoyed his second 5-win day of the long weekend on Monday. As commenter Gary noted, how about Autism Awareness and his victory in the G3 Berkeley at Golden Gate? Talk about a great story and a horse who seems to pop a big one just when you least expect it!
The G1 Met Mile played much to expectations, with young Alan Garcia guiding Bribon to yet another victory over his personal playground. After missing last month’s G3 Texas Mile due to colic, it was nice to see Smooth Air finish a game second. Afterwards, his owner transferred him from veteran Bennie Stutts to young Chad Brown, to facilitate a Northeast campaign that may include the July 4 G3 Salvator Mile at Monmouth and the August 8 G1 Whitney at Saratoga. Personally, I put my money on 12-1 longshot Driven by Success who didn’t disappoint, bravely holding on for third and a decent $9.10 show payout. He’d run big speed figures this year, but all between six and seven furlongs, so the stretch-out looked pretty tough especially with his front-running style. However, trainer Bruce Levine had changed his workouts since his last race, increasing them to six and seven furlongs, building stamina—at least that was my thinking. And, of course, Ramon Dominguez was cherry-on-top.
While Borel is the current master of Churchill, his first lieutenant Julien Leparoux nips at his heels. On Memorial Day, Leparoux won three stakes at Lone Star, beginning with Seaspeak in the G3 Dallas Turf Cup, then Pious Ashley in the Valid Expectations Stakes, and finally It’s a Bird in the G3 Lone Star Park Handicap. He was also aboard personal favorite Flibberjibit, who sadly broke down during the G3 Ouija Board Distaff Handicap and was later euthanized. The winner, Wasted Tears with Eguard Tejera aboard, set a new track record in the race—as the racing gods giveth, they taketh away. Godspeed, Flibberjibit.
Starting with the latter, best wishes and earnest prayers to jockey Rene Douglas and his family as he remains paralyzed following a horrific fall during Saturday’s G3 Arlington Matron when his mount Born to Be clipped heels and rolled on top of him. Until the swelling subsides in a few weeks, it is unknown whether he will ever walk again. Jamie Theriot, whose race riding apparently caused the incident in question, has been suspended 30 days by Arlington stewards, yet another example of officials taking action only when tragedy ensues and then usually overreact. Ray Paulick has an excellent post regarding this issue.
And as if evidence for the adage “when it rains, it pours”, two serious incidents occurred on Monday involving Gabriel Saez and Ricardo Chiappe at Delaware, and Inez Karlsson and Uriel Lopez at Arlington. In both cases, the jockeys fortunately escaped serious injuries, but the horses involved—Chanceofshowers at Delaware, and Parade Summer Girl at Arlington—were euthanized.
On the flip side, I’d be hard-pressed to name just one best story of the weekend. Brass Hat’s turf victory in Saturday’s G3 Louisville Handicap is definitely a highlight, as is the red-hot Calvin Borel who enjoyed his second 5-win day of the long weekend on Monday. As commenter Gary noted, how about Autism Awareness and his victory in the G3 Berkeley at Golden Gate? Talk about a great story and a horse who seems to pop a big one just when you least expect it!
The G1 Met Mile played much to expectations, with young Alan Garcia guiding Bribon to yet another victory over his personal playground. After missing last month’s G3 Texas Mile due to colic, it was nice to see Smooth Air finish a game second. Afterwards, his owner transferred him from veteran Bennie Stutts to young Chad Brown, to facilitate a Northeast campaign that may include the July 4 G3 Salvator Mile at Monmouth and the August 8 G1 Whitney at Saratoga. Personally, I put my money on 12-1 longshot Driven by Success who didn’t disappoint, bravely holding on for third and a decent $9.10 show payout. He’d run big speed figures this year, but all between six and seven furlongs, so the stretch-out looked pretty tough especially with his front-running style. However, trainer Bruce Levine had changed his workouts since his last race, increasing them to six and seven furlongs, building stamina—at least that was my thinking. And, of course, Ramon Dominguez was cherry-on-top.
While Borel is the current master of Churchill, his first lieutenant Julien Leparoux nips at his heels. On Memorial Day, Leparoux won three stakes at Lone Star, beginning with Seaspeak in the G3 Dallas Turf Cup, then Pious Ashley in the Valid Expectations Stakes, and finally It’s a Bird in the G3 Lone Star Park Handicap. He was also aboard personal favorite Flibberjibit, who sadly broke down during the G3 Ouija Board Distaff Handicap and was later euthanized. The winner, Wasted Tears with Eguard Tejera aboard, set a new track record in the race—as the racing gods giveth, they taketh away. Godspeed, Flibberjibit.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Questions and More Questions
Would Mike Smith have been as good natured, and John Shirreffs so forgiving, if Garrett Gomez on Life Is Sweet had cost Zenyatta victory in the G2 Milady with his “jockey games”? It didn’t look all that funny to me when Zenyatta had to check on the backstretch and—once again—go extremely wide to get it done. Seriously, is this the only way she can win? (I’m being facetious.) Saturday's facile win begs the question: does Zenyatta have anything else yet to prove racing against fillies and mares? Instead of repeating in the G1 Vanity on June 27 (which Shirreffs claims is "a possibility"), shouldn’t she go in the G1 Hollywood Gold Cup on July 11—or both? The time has come to truly test her; there simply aren't the quality distance older mares to take her on.
Does Zenyatta’s victory on Saturday elevate her over Rachel Alexandra in the IFHA (International Federation of Horseracing Authorities) World Thoroughbred Rankings? As regular commenter tvnewsbadge pointed out, the latest rankings are up for the period of 1 November 2008 to 17 May 2009—and Rachel Alexandra is tied for seventh place with Mine That Bird (as well as five others, including English 2000 Guineas winner Sea The Stars) with a 121 rating. She’s the highest ranked female, ahead of Japanese stars Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka (whose 119 rating is shared with Musket Man), as well as Cocoa Beach and Ventura. Even though the end date would suggest otherwise, there’s no indication that Rachel Alexandra’s Preakness victory over Mind That Bird factored into the ranking. The last IFHA rankings (1 October 2008-29 March 2009) had Zenyatta at number five, behind Zarkava (3) and tied with Goldikova, with a 125 rating. Silly numbers, I know. The real answer will reveal itself only on the race track.
Can life get any sweeter for Calvin Borel? Not only did he ride five winners at Churchill on Saturday, but he guided venerable old warrior Brass Hat to victory in the G3 Louisville Handicap—the 8-year-old gelding’s first turf victory and first win in nearly two years. I’m in awe of both man and beast. Borel also finished second in two other races, and third in another. There’s some indication Brass Hat may try the turf again, in the July 4 United Nations at Monmouth.
What is a day of Belmont racing without Jean-Luc Samyn winning on the turf? In race 6 on Saturday, he guided 11-1 Yield Bogey to victory over a host of shorter-priced horses. Actually, the 5-year-old son of Langfuhr shouldn’t have been such a surprise as, despite his two recent dirt races, his previous turf starts were quite good. It was a nice cash for me on a rather off day—took too many risks playing against favorites. My head's spinning with all the racing this Memorial Day weekend, and Monday looks to be best of all.
Does Zenyatta’s victory on Saturday elevate her over Rachel Alexandra in the IFHA (International Federation of Horseracing Authorities) World Thoroughbred Rankings? As regular commenter tvnewsbadge pointed out, the latest rankings are up for the period of 1 November 2008 to 17 May 2009—and Rachel Alexandra is tied for seventh place with Mine That Bird (as well as five others, including English 2000 Guineas winner Sea The Stars) with a 121 rating. She’s the highest ranked female, ahead of Japanese stars Daiwa Scarlet and Vodka (whose 119 rating is shared with Musket Man), as well as Cocoa Beach and Ventura. Even though the end date would suggest otherwise, there’s no indication that Rachel Alexandra’s Preakness victory over Mind That Bird factored into the ranking. The last IFHA rankings (1 October 2008-29 March 2009) had Zenyatta at number five, behind Zarkava (3) and tied with Goldikova, with a 125 rating. Silly numbers, I know. The real answer will reveal itself only on the race track.
Can life get any sweeter for Calvin Borel? Not only did he ride five winners at Churchill on Saturday, but he guided venerable old warrior Brass Hat to victory in the G3 Louisville Handicap—the 8-year-old gelding’s first turf victory and first win in nearly two years. I’m in awe of both man and beast. Borel also finished second in two other races, and third in another. There’s some indication Brass Hat may try the turf again, in the July 4 United Nations at Monmouth.
What is a day of Belmont racing without Jean-Luc Samyn winning on the turf? In race 6 on Saturday, he guided 11-1 Yield Bogey to victory over a host of shorter-priced horses. Actually, the 5-year-old son of Langfuhr shouldn’t have been such a surprise as, despite his two recent dirt races, his previous turf starts were quite good. It was a nice cash for me on a rather off day—took too many risks playing against favorites. My head's spinning with all the racing this Memorial Day weekend, and Monday looks to be best of all.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Rachel Alexandra Preakness Pictures
Blog friend and fellow Xtra Heat fanatic Laurie Asseo shares some of her Preakness photos of Rachel Alexandra:
Here’s the magnificently-regal daughter of Medaglia d’Oro (who also sired the Black-Eyed Susan winner Payton d’Oro) in the post parade. I believe that's the famous Pancho accompanying her, he who traveled half-way around the world with Curlin.
All four legs off the ground—floating across the Pimlico dirt.
Crossing the finish line in front.
A boy and his horse...I wonder if she’s taken by that Asmussen braided mane, or prefers the more free-flowing mane Wiggins allowed? She looks to have shaken out the neat plaits at race’s end.
Thanks, Laurie!
Here’s the magnificently-regal daughter of Medaglia d’Oro (who also sired the Black-Eyed Susan winner Payton d’Oro) in the post parade. I believe that's the famous Pancho accompanying her, he who traveled half-way around the world with Curlin.
All four legs off the ground—floating across the Pimlico dirt.
Crossing the finish line in front.
A boy and his horse...I wonder if she’s taken by that Asmussen braided mane, or prefers the more free-flowing mane Wiggins allowed? She looks to have shaken out the neat plaits at race’s end.
Thanks, Laurie!
Xtra Heat Gives Birth To A Street Cry Colt
Superstar sprinter and future Hall of Famer Xtra Heat gave birth to a Street Cry colt on Tuesday, May 12, at Woodford Thoroughbreds—thanks to Laurie Asseo for passing on this information, and Matt Lyons for giving permission to reproduce this photo. What an attentive mother!Last week it was also announced that her first-born Southwestern Heat (Gone West) will stand the 2009 season in Australia, at Willowbend Stud in Queensland, for A$4,400. As if I needed another reason to love Aussie horse racing!
The Best Possible Result for Racing
Undoubtedly, some will disagree, believing that a Triple Crown winner is the most desirable outcome, but Rachel Alexandra’s Preakness win—with Mine That Bird validating his Derby victory with an outstanding second—is really the best possible result for the sport.
Think about it: if Rachel hadn’t shown up and if Mine That Bird had won the Preakness, would Katie Couric’s CBS Evening News have had a follow-up story Monday night about a race which wasn’t even covered on their network? (Okay, no snotty comments about Katie’s low ratings—I’m just making a point about a broader mass media appeal.) Especially in the United States today, a “girl vs. boys” story has legs, and this one—if promoted correctly by horse racing’s numerous entities—can draw fans to the sport.
Some scoff at the “battle of the sexes” angle, but, come on, that’s Public Relations 101: market to the lowest common denominator by making the story as simple for them to understand as possible. Isn’t that why the Breeders’ Cup renamed the Distaff, now the Ladies’ Classic? Does that mean we have to like it? Hell no. But, let’s face it—horse racing is now less popular than ultimate fighting, poker and college lacrosse (if ESPN's priorities are any indication).
Is it mere coincidence that the Preakness television ratings were way up? 27% over last year’s heavily-hyped Big Brown, to be precise. Even admitted non-fans were impressed by the coverage and women have been particularly drawn in by Rachel Alexandra’s story. Hell, Hillary Clinton even brought up Rachel Alexandra during her commencement address at Barnard College on Monday!
A number of female bloggers—myself, Brooklyn Backstretch, Green but Game, Railbird and Superfecta—have been particularly vocal about marketing this sport to women. If, as the US census says, there are more women in the United States than men (as of October 1, 2008, it was 154.7 million to 150.6 million), then why isn’t there a stronger push to bring them into the sport?
Women don’t gamble as much as men? Excuse me?!? In my small city there is a Bingo game every single night of the week, and they don’t play for nickels and dimes anymore. I personally know older women who blow through $100+ a night playing Bingo, and then there are those who play the slots with equal vigor. If only they were introduced to fundamentals of handicapping...women live longer than men; there are twice as many women as men aged 85+. And talk about a built-in audience! More young girls than young boys are horse-crazy. Don’t believe it? Just look at toys like My Pretty Pony and books like The Saddle Club, Pony Pals and the classics such as Black Stallion, et al. Women are the future of horse racing, and now is the time a comprehensive strategy is developed to draw them in. That means real reforms too because women won't tolerate the inconsistencies, the blurred ethics, the flat-out bullshit that goes on. That's a fact.
Before I get off my soapbox, just one more bit of info to highlight here. In case you missed it, the filly Sangseung Ilro is on track to win the Korean Triple Crown after taking the second jewel, the G1 Korean Derby, over thirteen male competitors. Fellow TBA blogger Horse Racing in Korea has an excellent posting on her victory, as well as video of the race.
Back to the Preakness...poor Mine That Bird is still not getting any respect. Now Mike Smith says he won’t ride the gelding in the Belmont as he’s committed to Madeo in the G1 Whittingham at Hollywood that day. Excuse me? Rather than ride a strong contender in one of the classic American races, you’re going to ride a grade 2 Del Mar Derby winner because of a commitment to ride first call for the Mosses and John Shirreffs? They wouldn’t understand Smith attempting to win his first Belmont? Wow! Throw in some casual commitment to ride Chocolate Candy in Belmont weeks ago, and Smith's in a no-win situation.
At least Mine That Bird’s success has rubbed off on his little half-brother, who sold for $483,000 at the Fasig-Tipton two-year-olds in training sale at Timonium on Monday. A son of Yonaguska (who also sired one of my personal favorites, Musket Man, and is standing in LA this year for $4,000), he was bought by Dogwood Stables, and will shipped to Saratoga where his trainer will be...Todd Pletcher. Well, isn’t that the kiss of death for his Triple Crown possibilities next year?
Okay, if I’m going to bitchy about The Toddster, let me also point out that this was Steve Asmussen’s second Preakness win in three years. In both instances Asmussen didn’t develop these horses from two-year-olds, but had them signed, sealed and delivered to him. And the master at developing and racing young horses, particularly fillies, Larry Jones is the one retiring at year’s end? Sad.
And what about Larry Jones saying after the Preakness, “That might have been our Triple Crown winner if they had run her in the Derby.”? Indeed, what if...
Think about it: if Rachel hadn’t shown up and if Mine That Bird had won the Preakness, would Katie Couric’s CBS Evening News have had a follow-up story Monday night about a race which wasn’t even covered on their network? (Okay, no snotty comments about Katie’s low ratings—I’m just making a point about a broader mass media appeal.) Especially in the United States today, a “girl vs. boys” story has legs, and this one—if promoted correctly by horse racing’s numerous entities—can draw fans to the sport.
Some scoff at the “battle of the sexes” angle, but, come on, that’s Public Relations 101: market to the lowest common denominator by making the story as simple for them to understand as possible. Isn’t that why the Breeders’ Cup renamed the Distaff, now the Ladies’ Classic? Does that mean we have to like it? Hell no. But, let’s face it—horse racing is now less popular than ultimate fighting, poker and college lacrosse (if ESPN's priorities are any indication).
Is it mere coincidence that the Preakness television ratings were way up? 27% over last year’s heavily-hyped Big Brown, to be precise. Even admitted non-fans were impressed by the coverage and women have been particularly drawn in by Rachel Alexandra’s story. Hell, Hillary Clinton even brought up Rachel Alexandra during her commencement address at Barnard College on Monday!
A number of female bloggers—myself, Brooklyn Backstretch, Green but Game, Railbird and Superfecta—have been particularly vocal about marketing this sport to women. If, as the US census says, there are more women in the United States than men (as of October 1, 2008, it was 154.7 million to 150.6 million), then why isn’t there a stronger push to bring them into the sport?
Women don’t gamble as much as men? Excuse me?!? In my small city there is a Bingo game every single night of the week, and they don’t play for nickels and dimes anymore. I personally know older women who blow through $100+ a night playing Bingo, and then there are those who play the slots with equal vigor. If only they were introduced to fundamentals of handicapping...women live longer than men; there are twice as many women as men aged 85+. And talk about a built-in audience! More young girls than young boys are horse-crazy. Don’t believe it? Just look at toys like My Pretty Pony and books like The Saddle Club, Pony Pals and the classics such as Black Stallion, et al. Women are the future of horse racing, and now is the time a comprehensive strategy is developed to draw them in. That means real reforms too because women won't tolerate the inconsistencies, the blurred ethics, the flat-out bullshit that goes on. That's a fact.
Before I get off my soapbox, just one more bit of info to highlight here. In case you missed it, the filly Sangseung Ilro is on track to win the Korean Triple Crown after taking the second jewel, the G1 Korean Derby, over thirteen male competitors. Fellow TBA blogger Horse Racing in Korea has an excellent posting on her victory, as well as video of the race.
Back to the Preakness...poor Mine That Bird is still not getting any respect. Now Mike Smith says he won’t ride the gelding in the Belmont as he’s committed to Madeo in the G1 Whittingham at Hollywood that day. Excuse me? Rather than ride a strong contender in one of the classic American races, you’re going to ride a grade 2 Del Mar Derby winner because of a commitment to ride first call for the Mosses and John Shirreffs? They wouldn’t understand Smith attempting to win his first Belmont? Wow! Throw in some casual commitment to ride Chocolate Candy in Belmont weeks ago, and Smith's in a no-win situation.
At least Mine That Bird’s success has rubbed off on his little half-brother, who sold for $483,000 at the Fasig-Tipton two-year-olds in training sale at Timonium on Monday. A son of Yonaguska (who also sired one of my personal favorites, Musket Man, and is standing in LA this year for $4,000), he was bought by Dogwood Stables, and will shipped to Saratoga where his trainer will be...Todd Pletcher. Well, isn’t that the kiss of death for his Triple Crown possibilities next year?
Okay, if I’m going to bitchy about The Toddster, let me also point out that this was Steve Asmussen’s second Preakness win in three years. In both instances Asmussen didn’t develop these horses from two-year-olds, but had them signed, sealed and delivered to him. And the master at developing and racing young horses, particularly fillies, Larry Jones is the one retiring at year’s end? Sad.
And what about Larry Jones saying after the Preakness, “That might have been our Triple Crown winner if they had run her in the Derby.”? Indeed, what if...
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Bring on the Preakness
I realize it’s nearly sacrilegious to say so, but the Preakness is my least favorite Triple Crown race—I blame Master Derby (that bastard). I also never bet races at Pimlico—small fields and short-prices offer little interest; I much prefer Belmont. Thus, other than the Preakness, I’ll probably pass on the rest of the card, although I do like longshot Yano to get a piece in the G3 Hirsch Jacobs.
Earlier this week, well before post positions were drawn, I selected my Paulick’s Top 10 Preakness contenders (even though, I admit, it was difficult to even bother to come up with those beyond the top five). Here’s how I saw it then:
1. Musket Man
2. Rachel Alexandra
3. Friesan Fire
4. Papa Clem
5. Pioneerof the Nile
6. Take the Points
7. Big Drama
8. Mine That Bird
9. General Quarters
10. Tone It Down
After the post draw, and considering possible wet weather, I don’t think I would change any of them, especially the top five—but I’m still not completely set on exactly what order those five will cross the finish line.
I love what I’ve seen of Rachel Alexandra, and I along with others have ad nauseam argued as to why fillies can and do compete against males—save me the comments that regurgitate the same combative responses already out there. Let’s just agree to disagree and move on. That said, I’m not certain the Preakness is the best race to have placed her in, but I remain hopefully that she will, in fact, be the quality filly we believe she is. Whether you like it or not, the general public—you know, those vast millions who don’t currently have an interest in the sport of horse racing—they like the idea (as retardaire and bourgeois as it may seem) of females physically challenging males. A good showing by Rachel Alexandra would greatly benefit the sport, for even a short-term interest by the broader public would undoubtedly draw in some new fans. And let's not kid ourselves—at this point any fans, even those in passing, are a good thing.
I really like Musket Man, and why not? In seven lifetime races, he’s never finished out of the money. He’s raced in five states—winning in four (NY, PA, FL, IL). He’s outrun his pedigree, and doesn’t look to have yet reached his full potential. If Pioneerof the Nile and Rachel Alexandra hook up for a battle royal, Musket Man could be a Preakness winner.
So too could Papa Clem. I was worried about his pedestrian work earlier this week, but his Friday blowout appeared to set him right—I hope. And then there’s Friesan Fire. What to make of him? Larry Jones won the G2 Black-Eyed Susan with Payton d’Oro, and—call me superstitious—I will pay a great deal of attention to how his day is going on Saturday, starting with Tammy’s Victress in the G2 Allaire DuPont Distaff. He also has Shytoe Lafeet in the G3 Gallorette before Friesan Fire runs. More than other trainers it just appears to me (maybe without merit) that, across various races and on different tracks, his horses run well—or they don’t. I would love to see Friesan Fire redeem himself here.
What about Mine That Bird? On a dry track, another victory by him would be a shocker, but if the track is deep and sloppy, this light-framed gelding could romp again. I just don’t think Mike Smith was the right jockey choice—his better half Chantal Sutherland should have been aboard.
No Triple Crown winner again this year, I fear. Blame bad karma, or the racing gods, or whatever, but does horse racing truly deserve one at this time? Until fundamental and profound reforms are enacted in the sport—or, in vernacular, we get our shit together—the Triple Crown will remain rightly elusive, I think.
Earlier this week, well before post positions were drawn, I selected my Paulick’s Top 10 Preakness contenders (even though, I admit, it was difficult to even bother to come up with those beyond the top five). Here’s how I saw it then:
1. Musket Man
2. Rachel Alexandra
3. Friesan Fire
4. Papa Clem
5. Pioneerof the Nile
6. Take the Points
7. Big Drama
8. Mine That Bird
9. General Quarters
10. Tone It Down
After the post draw, and considering possible wet weather, I don’t think I would change any of them, especially the top five—but I’m still not completely set on exactly what order those five will cross the finish line.
I love what I’ve seen of Rachel Alexandra, and I along with others have ad nauseam argued as to why fillies can and do compete against males—save me the comments that regurgitate the same combative responses already out there. Let’s just agree to disagree and move on. That said, I’m not certain the Preakness is the best race to have placed her in, but I remain hopefully that she will, in fact, be the quality filly we believe she is. Whether you like it or not, the general public—you know, those vast millions who don’t currently have an interest in the sport of horse racing—they like the idea (as retardaire and bourgeois as it may seem) of females physically challenging males. A good showing by Rachel Alexandra would greatly benefit the sport, for even a short-term interest by the broader public would undoubtedly draw in some new fans. And let's not kid ourselves—at this point any fans, even those in passing, are a good thing.
I really like Musket Man, and why not? In seven lifetime races, he’s never finished out of the money. He’s raced in five states—winning in four (NY, PA, FL, IL). He’s outrun his pedigree, and doesn’t look to have yet reached his full potential. If Pioneerof the Nile and Rachel Alexandra hook up for a battle royal, Musket Man could be a Preakness winner.
So too could Papa Clem. I was worried about his pedestrian work earlier this week, but his Friday blowout appeared to set him right—I hope. And then there’s Friesan Fire. What to make of him? Larry Jones won the G2 Black-Eyed Susan with Payton d’Oro, and—call me superstitious—I will pay a great deal of attention to how his day is going on Saturday, starting with Tammy’s Victress in the G2 Allaire DuPont Distaff. He also has Shytoe Lafeet in the G3 Gallorette before Friesan Fire runs. More than other trainers it just appears to me (maybe without merit) that, across various races and on different tracks, his horses run well—or they don’t. I would love to see Friesan Fire redeem himself here.
What about Mine That Bird? On a dry track, another victory by him would be a shocker, but if the track is deep and sloppy, this light-framed gelding could romp again. I just don’t think Mike Smith was the right jockey choice—his better half Chantal Sutherland should have been aboard.
No Triple Crown winner again this year, I fear. Blame bad karma, or the racing gods, or whatever, but does horse racing truly deserve one at this time? Until fundamental and profound reforms are enacted in the sport—or, in vernacular, we get our shit together—the Triple Crown will remain rightly elusive, I think.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Historical Context
The most contextually-useless fact continually brought up over this past week is that no filly has won the Preakness since Nellie Morse in 1924.
During that time—the last 84 years, to be precise—only 10 fillies have run, and three finished in the money—Snowflake (third, 1930), Genuine Risk (second, 1980) and Winning Colors (third, 1988). Three of ten is 30%. That’s not bad considering how many males have run and won. Two of those—Genuine Risk and Winning Colors—ran in the 1980s, while Excellent Meeting failed to finish in 1999. However, look more closely at those fillies from the 1920s and 1930s—running against the boys didn’t harm them, and, in fact, even if they didn’t win, some of these fillies had tremendous importance as broodmares.
Maid at Arms (Man O’War-Thrasher, by Trap Rock) who finished eleventh in 1925 went on to an easy six length victory in the Alabama at Saratoga in August. In September she finished second against males in the Jerome Handicap—behind another filly, Primrose. Before the Preakness, she had raced against males and won the Pimlico Oaks against fillies. The Preakness winner that year was a total fluke—Coventry went off at the longest odds of any Preakness winner ($45.60 win) until Master Derby in 1975. Coventry ran just five times in his life, and the Preakness was his only win—he broke down in his next race and was retired to stud.
Fair Star (Wrack-Etoile Filante, by Fair Play) who finished sixth in 1927 had won the Pimlico Futurity against boys at two, in addition to winning the Selima Stakes against fillies. The champion two-year-old filly didn’t have much stakes-success at three, but then again 1927 Preakness winner Bostonian only won two (out of 12) other starts at three, and didn’t race at four. Incidentally, Fair Star’s half-brother High Quest (Sir Gallahad) won the 1934 Preakness. And Fair Star herself gave birth to 1941 Kentucky Derby runner-up Staretor, and her direct damline descendents include some familiar names to fans of the sport: Pass Catcher, Arts and Letters, Silverbulletday and Grindstone.
Bateau (Man o’War-Escuina, by Ecouen) who finished eighth in 1928 later won the Gazelle and Coaching Club American Oaks, and came back as a four-year-old to defeat males in by the Suburban and Whitney handicaps. In fact, in the Southern Maryland Handicap, she defeated her nemesis Victorian—the 1928 Preakness victor—who not only was a full-brother to 1927 Kentucky Derby winner Whiskery, but also the son of champion mare Prudery—who finished third as the co-favorite in the 1921 Kentucky Derby. Prudery also finished second in the Travers.
Snowflake (Mad Hatter-Snowdrop, by Cicero) finished third in 1930, behind subsequent Triple Crown winner Gallant Fox. One week after the Preakness, she won the Ladies’ Handicap against older mares. Less than a month later, she won Coaching Club American Oaks, and then took the Illinois Oaks—over the eventual co-champion three-year-old filly, Kentucky Oaks winner Alcibiades.
Nellie Flag (American Flag-Nellie Morse, by Luke McLuke) was the daughter of 1924 Preakness winner Nellie Morse, but she could only muster a seventh place showing behind 1935 Triple Crown winner Omaha. A juvenile champion, she had previously run fourth as post-time favorite in the Kentucky Derby, the first Derby mount for jockey Eddie Arcaro. A Calumet foundation mare, Nellie Flag produced Kentucky Oaks winner Nellie L., as well as Top Flight winners Mar-Kell and Sunshine Nell. The direct damline descendents of Nellie Flag include Belmont victor Bet Twice, dual classics winner Bold Forbes, and the great Forego.
Jewell Dorsett (Cohort-Michigan Girl, by Rire Aux Larmes) finished eighth in the 1937 Preakness—behind another Triple Crown winner, War Admiral. Stakes-placed at two, she was a sprinter who unsuccessfully stretched out in the Louisiana Derby, but did finish third in the Wood Memorial. The Preakness chart says she tired badly after having speed to the back stretch. A real oddball, she made 60 starts over 5 years, winning 12 times. Her son King Dorsett made 92 starts, winning 18 times, including the Kent Stakes at 3, and Yonkers Handicap at 4. Interesting, the champion three-year-old filly of 1937 was Coaching Club American Oaks victress Dawn Play—who in June defeated males in the American Derby. In July, Dawn Play was among several horses knocked unconscious by a lightning strike at Saratoga, and she was retired, having never mentally recovered from her ordeal.
Ciencia (Cohort-Science, by Star Master) finished sixth (and last) in the small 1939 Preakness field, as Maryland-bred Challedon shocked Derby winner Johnstown over the sloppy Pimlico track. All six horses finished within lengths of each other—and fifth-place Johnstown beat Ciencia only by a neck. Doesn’t sound quite as bad as some writers would lead you to believe, eh? Interestingly, Ciencia had defeated 13 males in winning the Santa Anita Derby, a race that later produced two other winning fillies—Silver Spoon who went on to a respectable fifth in the 1959 Kentucky Derby, and 1988 Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors. Direct damline descendants of Ciencia include, through her daughter New Weapon, a host of Australian G1 winners (including Melbourne Cup victor Subzero, Golden Slipper winner Marscay and Caulfield Guineas winner Centro), as well as Coaching Club American Oaks winner Miss Cavandish.
Strange that the conversation about Preakness fillies doesn’t consider three ran against eventual Triple Crown winners—and there have only been eleven colts who have achieved that honor. And the argument about such a race not only being physically taxing, but also adversely-affecting the quality of offspring is made moot when taking into account such important broodmares as Fair Star, Nellie Flag and Ciencia.
Disregarding Barbaro, why not discuss the number of Preakness winners since 1985 that subsequently broke down or pulled up in the Belmont Stakes? In the past 24 years, there have been four:
• Tank’s Prospect (1985) lame, never raced again
• Prairie Bayou (1993) euthanized
• Charismatic (1999) broken leg, never raced again
• Big Brown (2008) pulled up, raced (and won) twice more before retired due to injury
Running in the Preakness is no more dangerous or superfluous for fillies than colts, if they are made of the right stuff, and everything about Rachel Alexandra points to her being of that extraordinary caliber. Whether that means she will win or not is an entirely different issue, but let’s not cloud the picture with ridiculous misconceptions. She belongs. Period.
During that time—the last 84 years, to be precise—only 10 fillies have run, and three finished in the money—Snowflake (third, 1930), Genuine Risk (second, 1980) and Winning Colors (third, 1988). Three of ten is 30%. That’s not bad considering how many males have run and won. Two of those—Genuine Risk and Winning Colors—ran in the 1980s, while Excellent Meeting failed to finish in 1999. However, look more closely at those fillies from the 1920s and 1930s—running against the boys didn’t harm them, and, in fact, even if they didn’t win, some of these fillies had tremendous importance as broodmares.
Maid at Arms (Man O’War-Thrasher, by Trap Rock) who finished eleventh in 1925 went on to an easy six length victory in the Alabama at Saratoga in August. In September she finished second against males in the Jerome Handicap—behind another filly, Primrose. Before the Preakness, she had raced against males and won the Pimlico Oaks against fillies. The Preakness winner that year was a total fluke—Coventry went off at the longest odds of any Preakness winner ($45.60 win) until Master Derby in 1975. Coventry ran just five times in his life, and the Preakness was his only win—he broke down in his next race and was retired to stud.
Fair Star (Wrack-Etoile Filante, by Fair Play) who finished sixth in 1927 had won the Pimlico Futurity against boys at two, in addition to winning the Selima Stakes against fillies. The champion two-year-old filly didn’t have much stakes-success at three, but then again 1927 Preakness winner Bostonian only won two (out of 12) other starts at three, and didn’t race at four. Incidentally, Fair Star’s half-brother High Quest (Sir Gallahad) won the 1934 Preakness. And Fair Star herself gave birth to 1941 Kentucky Derby runner-up Staretor, and her direct damline descendents include some familiar names to fans of the sport: Pass Catcher, Arts and Letters, Silverbulletday and Grindstone.
Bateau (Man o’War-Escuina, by Ecouen) who finished eighth in 1928 later won the Gazelle and Coaching Club American Oaks, and came back as a four-year-old to defeat males in by the Suburban and Whitney handicaps. In fact, in the Southern Maryland Handicap, she defeated her nemesis Victorian—the 1928 Preakness victor—who not only was a full-brother to 1927 Kentucky Derby winner Whiskery, but also the son of champion mare Prudery—who finished third as the co-favorite in the 1921 Kentucky Derby. Prudery also finished second in the Travers.
Snowflake (Mad Hatter-Snowdrop, by Cicero) finished third in 1930, behind subsequent Triple Crown winner Gallant Fox. One week after the Preakness, she won the Ladies’ Handicap against older mares. Less than a month later, she won Coaching Club American Oaks, and then took the Illinois Oaks—over the eventual co-champion three-year-old filly, Kentucky Oaks winner Alcibiades.
Nellie Flag (American Flag-Nellie Morse, by Luke McLuke) was the daughter of 1924 Preakness winner Nellie Morse, but she could only muster a seventh place showing behind 1935 Triple Crown winner Omaha. A juvenile champion, she had previously run fourth as post-time favorite in the Kentucky Derby, the first Derby mount for jockey Eddie Arcaro. A Calumet foundation mare, Nellie Flag produced Kentucky Oaks winner Nellie L., as well as Top Flight winners Mar-Kell and Sunshine Nell. The direct damline descendents of Nellie Flag include Belmont victor Bet Twice, dual classics winner Bold Forbes, and the great Forego.
Jewell Dorsett (Cohort-Michigan Girl, by Rire Aux Larmes) finished eighth in the 1937 Preakness—behind another Triple Crown winner, War Admiral. Stakes-placed at two, she was a sprinter who unsuccessfully stretched out in the Louisiana Derby, but did finish third in the Wood Memorial. The Preakness chart says she tired badly after having speed to the back stretch. A real oddball, she made 60 starts over 5 years, winning 12 times. Her son King Dorsett made 92 starts, winning 18 times, including the Kent Stakes at 3, and Yonkers Handicap at 4. Interesting, the champion three-year-old filly of 1937 was Coaching Club American Oaks victress Dawn Play—who in June defeated males in the American Derby. In July, Dawn Play was among several horses knocked unconscious by a lightning strike at Saratoga, and she was retired, having never mentally recovered from her ordeal.
Ciencia (Cohort-Science, by Star Master) finished sixth (and last) in the small 1939 Preakness field, as Maryland-bred Challedon shocked Derby winner Johnstown over the sloppy Pimlico track. All six horses finished within lengths of each other—and fifth-place Johnstown beat Ciencia only by a neck. Doesn’t sound quite as bad as some writers would lead you to believe, eh? Interestingly, Ciencia had defeated 13 males in winning the Santa Anita Derby, a race that later produced two other winning fillies—Silver Spoon who went on to a respectable fifth in the 1959 Kentucky Derby, and 1988 Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors. Direct damline descendants of Ciencia include, through her daughter New Weapon, a host of Australian G1 winners (including Melbourne Cup victor Subzero, Golden Slipper winner Marscay and Caulfield Guineas winner Centro), as well as Coaching Club American Oaks winner Miss Cavandish.
Strange that the conversation about Preakness fillies doesn’t consider three ran against eventual Triple Crown winners—and there have only been eleven colts who have achieved that honor. And the argument about such a race not only being physically taxing, but also adversely-affecting the quality of offspring is made moot when taking into account such important broodmares as Fair Star, Nellie Flag and Ciencia.
Disregarding Barbaro, why not discuss the number of Preakness winners since 1985 that subsequently broke down or pulled up in the Belmont Stakes? In the past 24 years, there have been four:
• Tank’s Prospect (1985) lame, never raced again
• Prairie Bayou (1993) euthanized
• Charismatic (1999) broken leg, never raced again
• Big Brown (2008) pulled up, raced (and won) twice more before retired due to injury
Running in the Preakness is no more dangerous or superfluous for fillies than colts, if they are made of the right stuff, and everything about Rachel Alexandra points to her being of that extraordinary caliber. Whether that means she will win or not is an entirely different issue, but let’s not cloud the picture with ridiculous misconceptions. She belongs. Period.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Letting the Filly out of the Barn
“Back home we have a saying—if you want to win the Kentucky Derby, you don’t leave your best stallion in the stable.” – Leonard McCoy, after Spock ejects Kirk from the Enterprise onto planet Delta Vega (Star Trek, 2009)
Being probably the only Trekkie in a theater full of geeks to fully appreciate the Kentucky Derby reference in the new Star Trek movie, it took on a strikingly ironic tone with news that, in fact, the best filly left in the stable won’t be relegated to it for the second jewel of the Triple Crown.
Newly purchased by Jess Jackson, Rachel Alexandra will run in the G1 Preakness—if the other owners don’t collude to enter enough already-nominated horses to exclude her. Oh, what an outcry that would cause! The best course of action, boys, is take it like men—and take her on directly. It’s not exactly reassuring about the current crop of colts that they want to avoid her, though. While not certain that she will win, I do believe the only way to judge her greatness—and that of every other horse in the field—is to run her.
For those who banter about the names Ruffian and Eight Belles as reasons not to run her, how very short-sighted and historically-inaccurate.
I could present a host of examples from the 19th and early 20th centuries (Affectionately, Silver Spoon, Two Lea, Busher, Black Helen, Beldame, Lady’s Secret, Shuvee, Tosmah, Bewitch, Chris Evert, Gallorette, Maskette, and Top Flight), but you don’t have to look that far back to see extraordinary fillies and mares perform on par or surpass their male counterparts—and I’ll just stick to those racing on dirt so as not to muddle the argument.
In 1995, Serena’s Song won the Derby prep Jim Beam (now Lane’s End) Stakes, but failed to hit the board in the big race itself. Still, two weeks later she came back to win the Black-Eyed Susan in a romp. After a victory in the Mother Goose and a narrow loss in the CCA Oaks, she defeated 10 males in the Haskell Invitational. It wouldn’t be the last time she took on the boys.
In 1988, front-running Winning Colors came out of her record-setting Santa Anita Derby win to wire the Kentucky Derby, and then take third in the Preakness behind Risen Star who went on to win the Belmont. Although she finished out the money in the Belmont, the experience didn’t break her, as her Breeders’ Cup Distaff battle with Personal Ensign will go down as one of the best BC races ever. And undefeated Personal Ensign had won the Whitney Handicap over Gulch and King’s Swan that year.
How about Genuine Risk? She’s come closer than most colts and geldings to winning the Triple Crown—after her 1980 Kentucky Derby victory, she finished a heart-breaking second in both the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. That summer she lost the G2 Maskette Stakes by a nose to Kentucky Oaks victress Bold ‘n Determined, but in September, she came back to win the G1 Ruffian Handicap against two great fillies—Misty Gallore and It’s in the Air.
My point? Ruffian and Eight Belles are anomalies, not the norm, and shouldn’t be an excuse for preventing Rachel Alexandra in proving her mettle.
In another historic move, Calvin Borel becomes the first Kentucky Derby jockey to jump off the winner and onto another horse in the Preakness. Undoubtedly, it was the right decision for Borel because he’s a simple, passionate man who obviously loves Rachel Alexandra—she’s definitely not just another mount for him, and it’s a thing of beauty to watch them work in harmony together. After what can best be described as the greatest two-day orgasm a jockey ever enjoyed (in winning the Oaks and Derby), Borel chose with his heart, and I can’t fault that. Whether she really is, as he said after the Oaks, the best horse he ever rode (including Street Sense), we’ll soon find out.
Bill Christine over at Horserace Insider speculates that a possible rider for Mine That Bird is Mike Smith, although Jeremy Rose’s name is also being tossed around. Personally, I’d love to see his connections bring back Chantal Sutherland. With only two female jockeys—Patty Cooksey (Tajawa, 1985) and Andrea Seefeldt (Looming, 1994)—having rode in the entire 134 year history of the Preakness, wouldn’t that be just as great a story as Rachel herself—especially if Sutherland went on to complete Mine That Bird’s Triple Crown? Oh, I might be dreaming here, but this year has already taken on a surreal aura. Why not dream big?
Being probably the only Trekkie in a theater full of geeks to fully appreciate the Kentucky Derby reference in the new Star Trek movie, it took on a strikingly ironic tone with news that, in fact, the best filly left in the stable won’t be relegated to it for the second jewel of the Triple Crown.
Newly purchased by Jess Jackson, Rachel Alexandra will run in the G1 Preakness—if the other owners don’t collude to enter enough already-nominated horses to exclude her. Oh, what an outcry that would cause! The best course of action, boys, is take it like men—and take her on directly. It’s not exactly reassuring about the current crop of colts that they want to avoid her, though. While not certain that she will win, I do believe the only way to judge her greatness—and that of every other horse in the field—is to run her.
For those who banter about the names Ruffian and Eight Belles as reasons not to run her, how very short-sighted and historically-inaccurate.
I could present a host of examples from the 19th and early 20th centuries (Affectionately, Silver Spoon, Two Lea, Busher, Black Helen, Beldame, Lady’s Secret, Shuvee, Tosmah, Bewitch, Chris Evert, Gallorette, Maskette, and Top Flight), but you don’t have to look that far back to see extraordinary fillies and mares perform on par or surpass their male counterparts—and I’ll just stick to those racing on dirt so as not to muddle the argument.
In 1995, Serena’s Song won the Derby prep Jim Beam (now Lane’s End) Stakes, but failed to hit the board in the big race itself. Still, two weeks later she came back to win the Black-Eyed Susan in a romp. After a victory in the Mother Goose and a narrow loss in the CCA Oaks, she defeated 10 males in the Haskell Invitational. It wouldn’t be the last time she took on the boys.
In 1988, front-running Winning Colors came out of her record-setting Santa Anita Derby win to wire the Kentucky Derby, and then take third in the Preakness behind Risen Star who went on to win the Belmont. Although she finished out the money in the Belmont, the experience didn’t break her, as her Breeders’ Cup Distaff battle with Personal Ensign will go down as one of the best BC races ever. And undefeated Personal Ensign had won the Whitney Handicap over Gulch and King’s Swan that year.
How about Genuine Risk? She’s come closer than most colts and geldings to winning the Triple Crown—after her 1980 Kentucky Derby victory, she finished a heart-breaking second in both the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. That summer she lost the G2 Maskette Stakes by a nose to Kentucky Oaks victress Bold ‘n Determined, but in September, she came back to win the G1 Ruffian Handicap against two great fillies—Misty Gallore and It’s in the Air.
My point? Ruffian and Eight Belles are anomalies, not the norm, and shouldn’t be an excuse for preventing Rachel Alexandra in proving her mettle.
In another historic move, Calvin Borel becomes the first Kentucky Derby jockey to jump off the winner and onto another horse in the Preakness. Undoubtedly, it was the right decision for Borel because he’s a simple, passionate man who obviously loves Rachel Alexandra—she’s definitely not just another mount for him, and it’s a thing of beauty to watch them work in harmony together. After what can best be described as the greatest two-day orgasm a jockey ever enjoyed (in winning the Oaks and Derby), Borel chose with his heart, and I can’t fault that. Whether she really is, as he said after the Oaks, the best horse he ever rode (including Street Sense), we’ll soon find out.
Bill Christine over at Horserace Insider speculates that a possible rider for Mine That Bird is Mike Smith, although Jeremy Rose’s name is also being tossed around. Personally, I’d love to see his connections bring back Chantal Sutherland. With only two female jockeys—Patty Cooksey (Tajawa, 1985) and Andrea Seefeldt (Looming, 1994)—having rode in the entire 134 year history of the Preakness, wouldn’t that be just as great a story as Rachel herself—especially if Sutherland went on to complete Mine That Bird’s Triple Crown? Oh, I might be dreaming here, but this year has already taken on a surreal aura. Why not dream big?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Why Pittsburgh?
The Nielsen overnight ratings for the Kentucky Derby are in, and it’s no surprise that the Louisville area ranked number 1 in viewership, with 67% of televisions there tuned in to the big race. As Joe Drape noted in his post over on the NY Times' The Rail blog, the top 10 included markets in traditional horse country—Kentucky, Tennessee, Maryland, Virginia and Florida—but he couldn’t readily explain the fifth top market: Pittsburgh (15.0 rating/30%).
Being a Pittsburgher, allow me to shed a superficial light on this phenomenon—Pittsburghers are sports-crazy. Period. Believe me (and a thousand pardons to my dear Quinella Queen), just-over-the-border Mountaineer isn’t on the radar of most Pittsburghers, and neither are Presque Isle or The Meadows. However, any “big” sporting event is a must-watch in the ‘Burgh because we’re old-fashioned like that. I noted back in 2007, when the Nielsen ratings came back for the Belmont Stakes that Pittsburgh was the fifth-highest marketplace when Rags to Riches beat Curlin. Ah, classic!
As I said, that’s the superficial answer. However, I suspect there is a much deeper interest for Pittsburghers, one that doesn’t readily or openly manifest itself in this hilly, blue-collar region of Appalachia where thoroughbred horse racing farms are, well, non-existent. Still, the city and surrounding area has a long history with the sport, beginning with one of the founding fathers of horseplayers, George E. Smith, aka Pittsburg Phil who has been so wonderfully covered by fellow TBA blogger Colin’s Ghost. I’ve also previously discussed Pittsburgh Steelers’ founder Art Rooney and his prodigious handicapping abilities which helped finance his losing football team for decades.
Another Pittsburgh connection: from 1945 to 1985, the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates was John W. Galbreath, who also owned Darby Dan Farm. As a breeder, Galbreath stood such champions as Swaps, Ribot, Sea Bird II and Sword Dancer. He also raced Kentucky Derby winners Chateaugay and Proud Clarion, Preakness and Belmont winner Little Current, and Epsom Derby winner Roberto—named for the late great Pirate Roberto Clemente. Additionally, he was at one time chairman of Churchill Downs, and in the early 1950s oversaw the construction of Aqueduct and the rebuilding of Belmont Park.
It’s not just those who were long-time team sports owners, but also progeny of wealthy Pittsburgh industrialists who ended up invested in the "Sport of Kings." Pittsburgh-born Paul Mellon—son of banking scion and U.S. Treasury secretary Andrew Mellon—owned Rokeby Stables, who raced, among others, Kentucky Derby winner Sea Hero, Epsom Derby and Arc winner Mill Reef, and Belmont Stakes victor Arts and Letters. Grandson of Carnegie Steel partner (and Pittsburgh native) Henry Phipps, Ogden Phipps twice won Eclipse awards for outstanding owner (1988, 1989) as well as outstanding breeder (1988) for champion filly Personal Ensign and Belmont Stakes winner Easy Goer.
Yes, the Episcopalian Anglo-Saxon aristocracy of Pittsburgh for years retreated fifty miles east to Ligonier, and the Rolling Rock Club hunt races, until 1983, included the International Gold Cup which once automatically qualified horses for England’s Grand National Steeplechase. Now, perhaps they are more interested in golf than horses, but there’s still a great deal of “old” money in Pittsburgh, although certainly not enough alone to quantify the Nielsen numbers.
Apart from the aging bluebloods or other unknown x-factors, I think we should take it as encouraging that a non-thoroughbred-industry region like Pittsburgh still enjoys watching horse racing—and that was even before Mine That Bird’s upset. Maybe there is hope for the sport yet.
Being a Pittsburgher, allow me to shed a superficial light on this phenomenon—Pittsburghers are sports-crazy. Period. Believe me (and a thousand pardons to my dear Quinella Queen), just-over-the-border Mountaineer isn’t on the radar of most Pittsburghers, and neither are Presque Isle or The Meadows. However, any “big” sporting event is a must-watch in the ‘Burgh because we’re old-fashioned like that. I noted back in 2007, when the Nielsen ratings came back for the Belmont Stakes that Pittsburgh was the fifth-highest marketplace when Rags to Riches beat Curlin. Ah, classic!
As I said, that’s the superficial answer. However, I suspect there is a much deeper interest for Pittsburghers, one that doesn’t readily or openly manifest itself in this hilly, blue-collar region of Appalachia where thoroughbred horse racing farms are, well, non-existent. Still, the city and surrounding area has a long history with the sport, beginning with one of the founding fathers of horseplayers, George E. Smith, aka Pittsburg Phil who has been so wonderfully covered by fellow TBA blogger Colin’s Ghost. I’ve also previously discussed Pittsburgh Steelers’ founder Art Rooney and his prodigious handicapping abilities which helped finance his losing football team for decades.
Another Pittsburgh connection: from 1945 to 1985, the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates was John W. Galbreath, who also owned Darby Dan Farm. As a breeder, Galbreath stood such champions as Swaps, Ribot, Sea Bird II and Sword Dancer. He also raced Kentucky Derby winners Chateaugay and Proud Clarion, Preakness and Belmont winner Little Current, and Epsom Derby winner Roberto—named for the late great Pirate Roberto Clemente. Additionally, he was at one time chairman of Churchill Downs, and in the early 1950s oversaw the construction of Aqueduct and the rebuilding of Belmont Park.
It’s not just those who were long-time team sports owners, but also progeny of wealthy Pittsburgh industrialists who ended up invested in the "Sport of Kings." Pittsburgh-born Paul Mellon—son of banking scion and U.S. Treasury secretary Andrew Mellon—owned Rokeby Stables, who raced, among others, Kentucky Derby winner Sea Hero, Epsom Derby and Arc winner Mill Reef, and Belmont Stakes victor Arts and Letters. Grandson of Carnegie Steel partner (and Pittsburgh native) Henry Phipps, Ogden Phipps twice won Eclipse awards for outstanding owner (1988, 1989) as well as outstanding breeder (1988) for champion filly Personal Ensign and Belmont Stakes winner Easy Goer.
Yes, the Episcopalian Anglo-Saxon aristocracy of Pittsburgh for years retreated fifty miles east to Ligonier, and the Rolling Rock Club hunt races, until 1983, included the International Gold Cup which once automatically qualified horses for England’s Grand National Steeplechase. Now, perhaps they are more interested in golf than horses, but there’s still a great deal of “old” money in Pittsburgh, although certainly not enough alone to quantify the Nielsen numbers.
Apart from the aging bluebloods or other unknown x-factors, I think we should take it as encouraging that a non-thoroughbred-industry region like Pittsburgh still enjoys watching horse racing—and that was even before Mine That Bird’s upset. Maybe there is hope for the sport yet.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Saturday's Other Races Worth Noting
Mine That Bird’s Kentucky Derby upset overshadowed other great racing on Saturday, not the least of which was Einstein’s second consecutive win in G1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic. Considering how soft the turf was, he would have had every excuse to lose, but he didn’t, nosing out Cowboy Cal. For those who missed it—and that would be everyone watching NBC’s pre-Derby coverage—here it is:
With Indian Blessing absent, Informed Decision continued her four-stakes win streak, taking the G1 Humana Distaff after a nice stretch move by Julien Leparoux. How is it we aren’t talking more about Informed Decision? At three, she never matched up with the top fillies, as she was off from April until late August, but she’s really turned it on at four, defeating Ventura last out in the G1 Madison. When she finally does meet Indian Blessing, I for one am going to take a long hard look at Informed Decision. Here’s her Humana Distaff victory:
Finally, two fillies avoiding Rachel Alexandra—G1 Ashland winner Hooh Why, and G2 Fantasy runner-up Afleet Deceit—put on a battle royal in the off-turf 8.5f Double Delta Stakes at Arlington. After a moderate 24.45 opening fraction, the two fillies hooked up and kicked away from the field, blistering the second quarter in 22.24 and a 22.84 third quarter, before finishing in a more sedate 26.01. Still, at one point they were 12 lengths in front of the rest, but Afleet Deceit outlasted Hooh Why who faded to third behind a late closing Peach Brew. It’s worthy of a look:
With Indian Blessing absent, Informed Decision continued her four-stakes win streak, taking the G1 Humana Distaff after a nice stretch move by Julien Leparoux. How is it we aren’t talking more about Informed Decision? At three, she never matched up with the top fillies, as she was off from April until late August, but she’s really turned it on at four, defeating Ventura last out in the G1 Madison. When she finally does meet Indian Blessing, I for one am going to take a long hard look at Informed Decision. Here’s her Humana Distaff victory:
Finally, two fillies avoiding Rachel Alexandra—G1 Ashland winner Hooh Why, and G2 Fantasy runner-up Afleet Deceit—put on a battle royal in the off-turf 8.5f Double Delta Stakes at Arlington. After a moderate 24.45 opening fraction, the two fillies hooked up and kicked away from the field, blistering the second quarter in 22.24 and a 22.84 third quarter, before finishing in a more sedate 26.01. Still, at one point they were 12 lengths in front of the rest, but Afleet Deceit outlasted Hooh Why who faded to third behind a late closing Peach Brew. It’s worthy of a look:
Geldings Standing to Attention
It finally occurred to me exactly what about Mine That Bird and his Kentucky Derby win appealed to me—it’s very reminiscent of a similar Derby effort by another then-unheralded gelding, Exterminator in 1918.Physically, they are opposites, as the chestnut Exterminator was tall and lanky, but both were cheap yearling purchases later sold for decent sums (Exterminator for $12,000; Mine That Bird, $400,000). As a two-year-old, Exterminator won his maiden effort in Kentucky, but his next three races were in Canada, where he won one and finished fourth in the other two. He was hardly recognized as among the best of his generation—yet.
At three, he was bought to be a workhorse for the juvenile champion Sun Briar who, unfortunately, was injured shortly before the Derby. His owner Willis Sharpe Kilmer reluctantly entered him, and at 30-1 in an eight-horse field, Exterminator raced at the back of the pack over a muddy Churchill Downs track, slipping through on the inner rail as they turned for home, to win by a length over second-place Escoba and third-place finisher, the filly Viva America (who also won the Kentucky Oaks that year). It was his first race as a three-year-old, and only fifth lifetime start.
Exterminator went on to race 99 times, winning 50, with 17 seconds and 17 thirds—that’s 85% in the money! He won the Saratoga Cup four years in a row, the Brooklyn Handicap at age 7 (carrying 135 lbs), and twice won the 2-mile Autumn Gold Cup. At age 9, “Old Bones” retired after a public exhibition at Hawthorne, and his death at age 30 in 1945 was noted in a half-page obituary in his hometown Binghamton, NY newspaper.
Ironically, Exterminator was a son of McGee, who also sired Donerail, winner of the 1913 Kentucky Derby—at 91-1, paying $184.90.
I realize that aspects of the “Sport of Kings” have fundamentally changed over the past 100 years or so, and I'm not saying Mine That Bird is the second-coming of Exterminator, but is it really that inexplicable that a horse like Mine That Bird can win the Derby? I think not. It’s happened before and it will happen again, handicappers be damned. Why diminish a very impressive effort, won in an honest time (2:02.66) for a muddy track, by a previous Derby-winning jockey who made the perfect rail-skimming move? Does it mean this is the worst three-year-old crop ever? Hardly (how quickly we forget last year). Let’s just enjoy what happened, regardless of what’s next. Will he be a Triple Crown winner? Doubtful, but, who cares?
By the way, Mine That Bird isn’t the only gelding this year to crash what breeders believe to be their exclusive parties. In Australia, the big two-year-old races are viewed as showcases for potential stallions, thus they garner huge purses. Imagine their frustration when not only did the 100-1 gelding Phelan Ready win the A$2 million Magic Millions Classic in January, but also come back in April—at 24-1—to win the A$3.5 million G1 AAMI Golden Slipper Stakes.
Another gelding with a great story currently in the news is nine-year-old Aussie sensation Takeover Target who on Saturday got a rousing standing ovation after his definitive win in the G1 Goodwood at Morphettville. It was the eighth G1 win for the gelding who has now won over A$6 million and a Group race in all five mainland states (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia), as well as in England, Japan and Singapore. In 39 starts, he’s won 21 races, with 10 placings. His next target is the G1 International Sprint in Singapore, and then on to Royal Ascot before invading California in November for the Breeders’ Cup—a privilege for which his connections must pay a $275,000 entry fee, but apparently Hollywood wants the perfect ending for its planned movie about the gelding bought for A$1,250(!) by taxi driver turned owner/trainer Joe Janiak.
Here's his April 18 win in the G1 TJ Smith at Royal Randwick, going the opposite direction from his most recent victory, and with only two weeks between races:
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Once Upon a Time There was a Gelding...
For the first time ever, I can honestly say that Kentucky Derby left me totally, utterly speechless. Gasping in shock even well after Calvin Borel hooted and hollered his way around the track, I still can’t quite wrap my brain around Mine That Bird winning off of his efforts this year. But, you know what? I like him, I like Borel, I like his trainer, I like his owners—this is one result that flabbergasts the handicapper in me, but supremely pleases the horse racing fan that I am. Well done!
I’m disappointed that Larry Jones didn’t win with Friesan Fire, but glad the colt appears to be fine beyond his having part of his left front hoof ripped off. Pioneerof the Nile surprised me—I really didn’t think he could handle the dirt, and I admit I was wrong. The only ticket I did cash was on Musket Man, who got third, and was well past second-place Pioneerof the Nile shortly after the wire. The following trio—Papa Clem, Chocolate Candy and Summer Bird—were all horses I had included in my wagers.
I touted Summer Bird, who didn’t disgrace himself one bit in closing nicely to finish sixth—ahead of all three Pletcher horses, both Godolphin horses and eight others. In retrospect, I still wouldn’t have selected the “other” Birdstone offspring, even with his Smart Strike dam. Yes, he was the Canadian 2-year-old of the year, but running only on Woodbine’s polytrack—no dirt. And then he tanked in the G1 Breeders Cup Juvenile, finishing dead last under brief tutelage of Richard Mandella. Switched to Chip Woolley in New Mexico, he hardly took Sunland by storm, but, wow!
Other than Dunkirk and the two Godolphin horses, and Friesan Fire, Mine That Bird had the longest break—just a day short of five weeks—since his last race. And no graded earnings this year! In fact, as one of the last horses to make the Derby field, his only graded earnings came in his narrow (1/2 length) victory in the G3 Grey Stakes at Woodbine last October.
The more I think about it, the more I love this story. A Keeneland yearling purchased for a mere $9,500 who, after a championship 2-year-old campaign in Canada, is sold for $400,000, but fails to impress in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. A 3-year-old everyone has forgotten about, out in the wilds of New Mexico, biding his time as more heralded horses knock heads in the “big” races. A busted up trainer who drives his pickup truck with horse trailer in tow for 21 hours, arriving in the heart of blue-blooded thoroughbred horse racing country, and steals the show. Sounds like a Hallmark Channel movie.
Kudos for trainer Chip Woolley making a point in the winner’s circle interview (and on national television) of giving credit to Dave Cotey for his job training the juvenile Mine That Bird. Unlike General Quarters’ “loveable” (?) retired high school principal owner/trainer (who I was getting awful darn tired of seeing and hearing about on NBC’s telecast), Woolley gave proper credit for a job well-done, something Tom McCarthy should have done when Mark Miller took General Quarters to Florida this summer and made him into the horse he is.
And as for Rachel Alexandra’s prehistoric-thinking breeder/co-owner Dolphus Morrison, who made such a big deal in the Oaks winner’s circle about saying the Triple Crown races should be only a showcase for prospective stallions (and thus not “ruined” by a “jerk” running a filly)...don’t you find it ironic that the ONLY gelding in the field won the Kentucky Derby? Ha, ha!
Now the naysayers will come forward with how all the best horses absent due to injury could have, would have won the Derby if they had been there. How roughly run the race was, and how compromised their favorite horse was. How his low Beyer speed figures make Mine That Bird unworthy or, worse, how suspicious it is that he improved so dramatically. It must be drugs! They cheated! Bullshit.
We witnessed an honest-to-god fairy tale today, and hopefully the story’s not yet over.
2009 Kentucky Derby Pick: Friesan Fire
In February, when first asked to compile my top ten Kentucky Derby horses for Ray Paulick, my list looked like this:
1. Friesan Fire
2. Old Fashioned
3. Taqarub
4. Stardom Bound
5. Rachel Alexandra
6. Desert Party
7. Dunkirk
8. Chocolate Candy
9. Papa Clem
10.Mr. Hot Stuff
The two fillies took other paths, while Taqarub didn’t pan out and Old Fashioned recently retired after an injury. That still leaves six of my initial ten as Derby runners—not bad. My list at the beginning of this past week looked like this:
1. Friesan Fire
2. I Want Revenge
3. Regal Ransom
4. Musket Man
5. Papa Clem
6. Dunkirk
7. Mr. Hot Stuff
8. Chocolate Candy
9. General Quarters
10.Summer Bird
Notice the common denominators: Friesan Fire, on top of Chocolate Candy, Papa Clem and Mr. Hot Stuff. I’ve pretty much decided that’s my superfecta. Dunkirk, for me, is still the big question mark, while I Want Revenge is looking less likely the more I ponder it.
Oh, I may throw in a show bet on Musket Man if the odds are high enough, as I suspect this is a horse who can (as he has already proven) outrun his pedigree—although probably not this day. Also, after I made a point of highlighting Summer Bird, you better believe I’m going to put my money on him across the board—just in case.
On top, it’s Friesan Fire all the way for me. Fortunately, I have a 18-1 futures wager on him from Pool 1, because he looks to be way under that come post time.
I love everything about this colt and his connections. I’ve written before about his breeding, particularly his Australian connections. Curious, I contacted Lee Freedman who trained his second dam Bint Marscay as well as several other close relatives, namely two offspring of his dam Bollinger’s half-sister Mannington—G1 VRC Victoria Derby winner Benicio and the very gutsy G2 Classic Stakes victress Romneya. He very kindly offered the following comments, “Bint Marscay was a brilliant two-year-old with so much natural ability. She has passed this on to a lot of her descendants and I have been fortunate enough to train the two horses you mentioned [Benicio and Romneya].” He also went on to note this is a “very tough and reliable family,” and speculated that only industry insiders can appreciate just how good Friesan Fire’s breeding is. There’s already excitement Down Under regarding Vinery shuttling him when he does retire to stud, not only because of his dam side, but more particularly since the A.P. Indy bloodline hasn’t made an appearance there.
Breeding aside, I thoroughly appreciate Larry Jones as a man of honesty and a true horseman. To have finished second with Hard Spun in his very first Kentucky Derby, and then another second with the ill-fated Eight Belles—no one deserves to win a Kentucky Derby more. His young jockey Gabriel Saez also took unbelievable abuse after last year’s Derby, and owner Rick Porter is one of the most forthcoming and transparent owners when it comes to the important issues facing horse racing today. It’s time to cash in on some good karma for a change—let’s hope the racing gods shine down on Friesan Fire this day.
1. Friesan Fire
2. Old Fashioned
3. Taqarub
4. Stardom Bound
5. Rachel Alexandra
6. Desert Party
7. Dunkirk
8. Chocolate Candy
9. Papa Clem
10.Mr. Hot Stuff
The two fillies took other paths, while Taqarub didn’t pan out and Old Fashioned recently retired after an injury. That still leaves six of my initial ten as Derby runners—not bad. My list at the beginning of this past week looked like this:
1. Friesan Fire
2. I Want Revenge
3. Regal Ransom
4. Musket Man
5. Papa Clem
6. Dunkirk
7. Mr. Hot Stuff
8. Chocolate Candy
9. General Quarters
10.Summer Bird
Notice the common denominators: Friesan Fire, on top of Chocolate Candy, Papa Clem and Mr. Hot Stuff. I’ve pretty much decided that’s my superfecta. Dunkirk, for me, is still the big question mark, while I Want Revenge is looking less likely the more I ponder it.
Oh, I may throw in a show bet on Musket Man if the odds are high enough, as I suspect this is a horse who can (as he has already proven) outrun his pedigree—although probably not this day. Also, after I made a point of highlighting Summer Bird, you better believe I’m going to put my money on him across the board—just in case.
On top, it’s Friesan Fire all the way for me. Fortunately, I have a 18-1 futures wager on him from Pool 1, because he looks to be way under that come post time.
I love everything about this colt and his connections. I’ve written before about his breeding, particularly his Australian connections. Curious, I contacted Lee Freedman who trained his second dam Bint Marscay as well as several other close relatives, namely two offspring of his dam Bollinger’s half-sister Mannington—G1 VRC Victoria Derby winner Benicio and the very gutsy G2 Classic Stakes victress Romneya. He very kindly offered the following comments, “Bint Marscay was a brilliant two-year-old with so much natural ability. She has passed this on to a lot of her descendants and I have been fortunate enough to train the two horses you mentioned [Benicio and Romneya].” He also went on to note this is a “very tough and reliable family,” and speculated that only industry insiders can appreciate just how good Friesan Fire’s breeding is. There’s already excitement Down Under regarding Vinery shuttling him when he does retire to stud, not only because of his dam side, but more particularly since the A.P. Indy bloodline hasn’t made an appearance there.
Breeding aside, I thoroughly appreciate Larry Jones as a man of honesty and a true horseman. To have finished second with Hard Spun in his very first Kentucky Derby, and then another second with the ill-fated Eight Belles—no one deserves to win a Kentucky Derby more. His young jockey Gabriel Saez also took unbelievable abuse after last year’s Derby, and owner Rick Porter is one of the most forthcoming and transparent owners when it comes to the important issues facing horse racing today. It’s time to cash in on some good karma for a change—let’s hope the racing gods shine down on Friesan Fire this day.
Friday, May 1, 2009
“The Greatest Horse I’ve Ever Been On”
Wow. Wow. Wow!!!
Borel never moved an inch on her. She galloped away from the field, over 20 lengths ahead in near record time—without trying.
Seriously, how can the Derby possibly stack up against this effort?
At the last minute, I played a $2 exacta on Rachel Alexandra and Stone Legacy, the latter solely based on her Birdstone connection (a la Summer Bird). It paid a nice $45.20.
Borel never moved an inch on her. She galloped away from the field, over 20 lengths ahead in near record time—without trying.
Seriously, how can the Derby possibly stack up against this effort?
At the last minute, I played a $2 exacta on Rachel Alexandra and Stone Legacy, the latter solely based on her Birdstone connection (a la Summer Bird). It paid a nice $45.20.
A New Betting Angle?
While awaiting the huge gaps between the races at Churchill today, I stumbled across race 7 at Belmont. A pair trained by Barclay Tagg (but not particularly strong looking turf horses) is getting hammered, so my eyes are immediately drawn to Remarkable Storm—not because of his one win in 13 tries, but because turf genius Jose Lezcano is up and the words “Previously trained by Jamie Sanders” rise to the top of his past performances. Result? At 15-1, he pays $33.80 to win, recouping the $30 I lost already today at Churchill.
Disappointing that Justwhistledixie is scratched from the Oaks (pity all those folks who made her the favorite in the only Oaks Future Wager pool). Can anyone defeat Rachel Alexandra? The track has just been upgraded to FAST.
Man, could that smile get any wider on Jon Court when Orthodox (at 45-1) upset the G3 American Turf? $93.20. Good for him! His riding Orthodox was part of the "Jockeys" storyline.
Disappointing that Justwhistledixie is scratched from the Oaks (pity all those folks who made her the favorite in the only Oaks Future Wager pool). Can anyone defeat Rachel Alexandra? The track has just been upgraded to FAST.
Man, could that smile get any wider on Jon Court when Orthodox (at 45-1) upset the G3 American Turf? $93.20. Good for him! His riding Orthodox was part of the "Jockeys" storyline.
The Sun's Set Down Under
Sadly, one of the greatest race mares in history, the New Zealand galloper Sunline, lost her battle with laminitis this morning. At age 13, she was laid to rest at Ellerslie racecourse where people can freely visit and honor her. A winner of 32 of 48 races—and the equivalent of nearly $8.5 million U.S.—Sunline’s victories included 13 G1 races, including dual victories in the prestigious Cox Plate. Here’s a video of both those Cox Plate wins, and listen to those names of the stallions she beat—including Testa Rossa, Intergaze, Commands and Redoute’s Choice. That 2000 Cox Plate brings tears to my eyes. Godspeed, girl...
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