Last week, the NTRA won a prestigious Gold Lion award at the International Advertising Festival in Cannes, France, for a radio ad campaign entitled “And They’re Off.” However, since I don’t live near a “major media market” and thus these never aired over airwaves near me, I had to seek out (with some difficulty) the winning ad campaign online. You can access it at the Devito/Verdi website, if you click under “Work”—the NTRA Radio campaign is listed first.
Not bad, I suppose, but also not sure it’s that effective in motivating people to come out to the track. It’s more a parody of what is typically associated with racing, the cadence of the race call, rather than the real stars—the horses.
It got me thinking about how the sport sells itself, and more often than not these days it appears that humor is the modus operandi when it comes to advertising. Case in point: this 2008 ad for Sam Houston Race Park, which TBS highlighted as one of the funniest commercials of that year:
Of course, how can we forget the 2008 Shaq ad for Vitamin Water that aired during the Super Bowl, even though racing is not the primary product being sold?:
It’s not Americans alone that share this propensity for comedy; here’s the ad produced for this year’s G1 Golden Slipper in Australia:
If not outright slapstick, sometimes the comedic is expressed in the absurd, such as this 2009 ad for Swedish Horse Racing:
Oh, how far (or how low) race track advertising has fallen since the end of the “Golden Era”—remember this classic Belmont Park ad from 1986, where it’s not sexy innuendos, but actual racing that brought people in?:
Here’s a short, sweet 10-second spot for the Meadowlands from 1985:
My absolute favorite is this 1984 horse racing commercial from Australia which plays upon both the importance of the horse in Australian history, as well as patriotic feelings...“it’s in our blood”—oh, how true! You don’t need to be an Aussie for this ad to choke you up:
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Cruel Twist of Fate
Count me among those who applaud Jess Jackson’s decision to pass on this year Breeders’ Cup with Rachel Alexandra.
As easy as it may seem to do so, I don’t see this simply as a vilification of synthetic surfaces, as Jackson implies in his media comments regarding “plastics.” Nor do I totally disagree with Steven Crist’s belief that if “his [Jackson’s] decision prompts a more thoughtful debate about the place of synthetic tracks at the highest level of racing, he will have improved rather than spoiled the sport in the long run.”
What does pleases me about Jackson stating in late June that he won’t send the promising filly westward in early November is maybe, just maybe, other owners will follow suit, and the Breeders’ Cup will be put back into proper perspective—rather than the “end-all, be-all” it should be nothing more than the cherry on top of a serious campaign of races.
In recent years, horse racing has suffered from small or weak fields for graded stakes, as trainers develop conservative paths to what is touted as the “World Championships.” Some of the best horses barely run and yet, if they win one race on one day, somehow they are considered champions.
Perfect example: 2007 Female Turf Eclipse winner Lahudood. Over the course of that season Citronnade, Nashoba’s Key and Honey Ryder all put forth far more impressive campaigns, yet two wins—in the G1 Flower Bowl (where she was a huge longshot) and the G1 BC Filly & Mare Turf—somehow made Lahudood the champion? I couldn’t loath that result more.
So, even though Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra may never meet, if the latter continues a campaign which matches her up against males, such as in the G1 Travers, Rachel clearly deserves serious consideration for Horse of the Year. And I refuse to emotionally-invest myself in venting about Zenyatta’s connections opting for a conservative itinerary (particularly as I highly suspect she will be upset this weekend)—if they can live with their choice, so can I.
What does upset me is the cruel twist of fate.
On June 14, a beautiful chestnut 2-year-old colt named Olredlgetcha—a Florida-bred son of Limehouse, out of the Cobra King mare Mystical Beauty—made his racing debut, impressively winning the Victoria Stakes at Woodbine. As a damside descendent of Foolish Pleasure, I was thrilled to see yet another example of his bloodline race successfully.
Just one short week later, Olredlgetcha was euthanized due to the ravages of a staph infection in his right hock, apparently caused by a minute puncture wound he received during the race. All that promise, gone.
As easy as it may seem to do so, I don’t see this simply as a vilification of synthetic surfaces, as Jackson implies in his media comments regarding “plastics.” Nor do I totally disagree with Steven Crist’s belief that if “his [Jackson’s] decision prompts a more thoughtful debate about the place of synthetic tracks at the highest level of racing, he will have improved rather than spoiled the sport in the long run.”
What does pleases me about Jackson stating in late June that he won’t send the promising filly westward in early November is maybe, just maybe, other owners will follow suit, and the Breeders’ Cup will be put back into proper perspective—rather than the “end-all, be-all” it should be nothing more than the cherry on top of a serious campaign of races.
In recent years, horse racing has suffered from small or weak fields for graded stakes, as trainers develop conservative paths to what is touted as the “World Championships.” Some of the best horses barely run and yet, if they win one race on one day, somehow they are considered champions.
Perfect example: 2007 Female Turf Eclipse winner Lahudood. Over the course of that season Citronnade, Nashoba’s Key and Honey Ryder all put forth far more impressive campaigns, yet two wins—in the G1 Flower Bowl (where she was a huge longshot) and the G1 BC Filly & Mare Turf—somehow made Lahudood the champion? I couldn’t loath that result more.
So, even though Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra may never meet, if the latter continues a campaign which matches her up against males, such as in the G1 Travers, Rachel clearly deserves serious consideration for Horse of the Year. And I refuse to emotionally-invest myself in venting about Zenyatta’s connections opting for a conservative itinerary (particularly as I highly suspect she will be upset this weekend)—if they can live with their choice, so can I.
What does upset me is the cruel twist of fate.
On June 14, a beautiful chestnut 2-year-old colt named Olredlgetcha—a Florida-bred son of Limehouse, out of the Cobra King mare Mystical Beauty—made his racing debut, impressively winning the Victoria Stakes at Woodbine. As a damside descendent of Foolish Pleasure, I was thrilled to see yet another example of his bloodline race successfully.
Just one short week later, Olredlgetcha was euthanized due to the ravages of a staph infection in his right hock, apparently caused by a minute puncture wound he received during the race. All that promise, gone.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Waxing Nostalgic
On Monday I received a delightful gift in the mail—Keith at Triple Dead Heat sent me a copy of Sports Illustrated (May 12, 1975) featuring Foolish Pleasure’s Kentucky Derby victory on the cover. What a pleasure to sit down and flip through the magazine, reliving the glorious days of my youth when, for this sports-crazy teenager, Sports Illustrated was the only magazine I absolutely had to read (it was a couple years later that my attention was diverted by Tiger Beat, Seventeen, and others of that ilk).
What I loved about Sports Illustrated then was the way in which the articles fleshed out the back story. Not necessarily the dark side of sport, but the human aspects which newspapers didn’t have the space to fill out. It was the reason I wanted to be a sports journalist. I particularly liked the “Faces in the Crowd” feature, with all the small-time jocks, the average “Joes” (and “Janes”) who had accomplished something noteworthy.
Of all the stories SI has published over the years, the one that stands out most, the one that I still have a much-read wrinkled copy of, is the December 22, 1980 “Sportsmen of the Year” story about the U.S. Olympic Hockey Team. That gold medal-winning team was also the reason I became a hockey fan (it sure wasn’t because of the then-hapless Pittsburgh Penguins).
If you are too young to remember 1980, or just want to wax nostalgic for awhile, read the article, written by E.M. Swift, here. It perfectly contextualizes what that team meant not only to those young men and their coaches, but also to a nation in the midst of a Cold War with the Soviet Union. Kids today don’t fully appreciate the fear of nuclear war that underlied so much of daily life in the 1960s and 1970s—thank god. However, today’s enemies—real or perceived—are not nearly as black-and-white, unfortunately, as the U.S.A. vs. U.S.S.R. At least then you knew exactly who to hate.
The issue that Keith sent me also included the kinds of advertisements typical for the era—plenty of cigarette and liquor ads. One of the ads just happened to feature a horse racing theme as you can see here, which got me thinking...I’d like to gather together images like these, if for nothing more than to prove that, yes, at one time horse racing did sell. So, if you have any magazines with such ads, or know where to find scanned images, please let me know.
What I loved about Sports Illustrated then was the way in which the articles fleshed out the back story. Not necessarily the dark side of sport, but the human aspects which newspapers didn’t have the space to fill out. It was the reason I wanted to be a sports journalist. I particularly liked the “Faces in the Crowd” feature, with all the small-time jocks, the average “Joes” (and “Janes”) who had accomplished something noteworthy.
Of all the stories SI has published over the years, the one that stands out most, the one that I still have a much-read wrinkled copy of, is the December 22, 1980 “Sportsmen of the Year” story about the U.S. Olympic Hockey Team. That gold medal-winning team was also the reason I became a hockey fan (it sure wasn’t because of the then-hapless Pittsburgh Penguins). If you are too young to remember 1980, or just want to wax nostalgic for awhile, read the article, written by E.M. Swift, here. It perfectly contextualizes what that team meant not only to those young men and their coaches, but also to a nation in the midst of a Cold War with the Soviet Union. Kids today don’t fully appreciate the fear of nuclear war that underlied so much of daily life in the 1960s and 1970s—thank god. However, today’s enemies—real or perceived—are not nearly as black-and-white, unfortunately, as the U.S.A. vs. U.S.S.R. At least then you knew exactly who to hate.
The issue that Keith sent me also included the kinds of advertisements typical for the era—plenty of cigarette and liquor ads. One of the ads just happened to feature a horse racing theme as you can see here, which got me thinking...I’d like to gather together images like these, if for nothing more than to prove that, yes, at one time horse racing did sell. So, if you have any magazines with such ads, or know where to find scanned images, please let me know.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Why Pretend It Didn’t Happen?
If you read Jason Shandler’s account of Saturday’s G3 Obeah Stakes over at Bloodhorse.com, you get a good idea about the dominance of Unbridled Belle’s 11-length victory over a sealed sloppy Delaware track.
What you don’t get is any indication whatsoever that the six-year-old Awesome Again mare All Smiles broke down—very graphically—directly before the finish line, tossing jockey Justin Shepherd over her head and obviously with a severely broken right front leg. Instead, the article merely points out that All Smiles “completed the order” of finish, when, in fact, she didn’t finish at all. To be fair, Ron Parker at Thoroughbred Times didn’t even mention the mare’s name in his story, while Joseph Swavy at the Daily Racing Form only wrote “All Smiles was pulled up before the finish, unseating her rider, Justin Shepherd.”
Before I’m accused of being a bleeding heart PETA-type—which is so far from true—let me say I’m not particularly interested in propagating morbidity. Nor am I infringing on some insane belief that, as chattel, the medical condition of horses are not open to public knowledge unless the owners deem it so. Everyone who watched that race saw what happened.
I am, however, all for truth and fact which, unfortunately, appears severely-lacking in much media today, particularly when objectivity is overshadowed by being beholden to industry advertisers. When you shape the story and don’t simply factually report it, you are not truly a journalist—you are tiptoeing the line between journalism and public relations. When obvious breakdowns are not mentioned—in even briefest fashion and not in graphic detail—it implies two things: the industry has something shameful to hide, and/or they simply don’t care, that casualties are part of the price to be paid in the name of “sport” and thus not worth mentioning.
I know I’m quixotic in my thinking about journalism—and, for full disclosure, let me say I entered college intent on becoming a sports journalist and have worked professionally (i.e. got paid) as a feature writer for a small city daily while finishing my dissertation. While I chose what I thought was the lesser evil before which to prostitute myself (the throne of academia), I now realize that, unless you are self-employed, most occupations require you to sell your soul occasionally. It just appears that certain jobs require a higher price to be paid when it comes to being “fair and unbiased.” Or maybe they are just paying lip service to that old adage, and independent, accurate reporting is just a thing of the past in traditional media.
What you don’t get is any indication whatsoever that the six-year-old Awesome Again mare All Smiles broke down—very graphically—directly before the finish line, tossing jockey Justin Shepherd over her head and obviously with a severely broken right front leg. Instead, the article merely points out that All Smiles “completed the order” of finish, when, in fact, she didn’t finish at all. To be fair, Ron Parker at Thoroughbred Times didn’t even mention the mare’s name in his story, while Joseph Swavy at the Daily Racing Form only wrote “All Smiles was pulled up before the finish, unseating her rider, Justin Shepherd.”
Before I’m accused of being a bleeding heart PETA-type—which is so far from true—let me say I’m not particularly interested in propagating morbidity. Nor am I infringing on some insane belief that, as chattel, the medical condition of horses are not open to public knowledge unless the owners deem it so. Everyone who watched that race saw what happened.
I am, however, all for truth and fact which, unfortunately, appears severely-lacking in much media today, particularly when objectivity is overshadowed by being beholden to industry advertisers. When you shape the story and don’t simply factually report it, you are not truly a journalist—you are tiptoeing the line between journalism and public relations. When obvious breakdowns are not mentioned—in even briefest fashion and not in graphic detail—it implies two things: the industry has something shameful to hide, and/or they simply don’t care, that casualties are part of the price to be paid in the name of “sport” and thus not worth mentioning.
I know I’m quixotic in my thinking about journalism—and, for full disclosure, let me say I entered college intent on becoming a sports journalist and have worked professionally (i.e. got paid) as a feature writer for a small city daily while finishing my dissertation. While I chose what I thought was the lesser evil before which to prostitute myself (the throne of academia), I now realize that, unless you are self-employed, most occupations require you to sell your soul occasionally. It just appears that certain jobs require a higher price to be paid when it comes to being “fair and unbiased.” Or maybe they are just paying lip service to that old adage, and independent, accurate reporting is just a thing of the past in traditional media.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Winter's Arrival Down Under
Tonight here (Saturday in Australia) is the running of the final Group 1 stakes of the 2008-2009 racing season, the $500k G1 Winter Stakes at Eagle Farm (post time: 12:53 a.m. EDT).
Unfortunately, potential super filly Ortensia is scratched, after scans revealed she may have a slight tendon tear, and her connections have rightfully decided “better safe than sorry.” The other scratch is Kisani, which still leaves a field of 20 going postward over a “Good” surface. Talk about a quality G1 field! There are a total of 5 G1 winners in this race, including last year’s victress Absolut Glam and the very talented Forensics who retires to broodmare duty following this race. I really like the up-and-coming 3-year-old Galileo filly Saint Minerva, but this might be too short for her, so I’ll take a chance with Marveen, a recent $450k purchase at the Magic Millions National broodmare sale—she’s hardly ready to hang up the horseshoes yet. Absolut Glam hasn’t won in seven races since last year’s Winter Stakes, but to be fair all but one were G1 stakes vs. the boys and with the drier track she stands a good chance to repeat.
In the preceding races, I like Keano in the G3 W.J. Healy Stakes, and in the oddly-named Bangerang Quikpic in the Tatt's Cup.
Disappointment—and drama—as Takeover Target has scratched from Saturday’s G1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, due to a fever. It’s not the first time his trainer/owner Joe Janiak has scratched at the last minute, causing punters’ serious financial loss. Janiak has said Takeover Target will now aim for the G1 July Cup at Newmarket where he’ll likely hook up against fellow Aussie sprinter Scenic Blast.
Unfortunately, potential super filly Ortensia is scratched, after scans revealed she may have a slight tendon tear, and her connections have rightfully decided “better safe than sorry.” The other scratch is Kisani, which still leaves a field of 20 going postward over a “Good” surface. Talk about a quality G1 field! There are a total of 5 G1 winners in this race, including last year’s victress Absolut Glam and the very talented Forensics who retires to broodmare duty following this race. I really like the up-and-coming 3-year-old Galileo filly Saint Minerva, but this might be too short for her, so I’ll take a chance with Marveen, a recent $450k purchase at the Magic Millions National broodmare sale—she’s hardly ready to hang up the horseshoes yet. Absolut Glam hasn’t won in seven races since last year’s Winter Stakes, but to be fair all but one were G1 stakes vs. the boys and with the drier track she stands a good chance to repeat.
In the preceding races, I like Keano in the G3 W.J. Healy Stakes, and in the oddly-named Bangerang Quikpic in the Tatt's Cup.
Disappointment—and drama—as Takeover Target has scratched from Saturday’s G1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, due to a fever. It’s not the first time his trainer/owner Joe Janiak has scratched at the last minute, causing punters’ serious financial loss. Janiak has said Takeover Target will now aim for the G1 July Cup at Newmarket where he’ll likely hook up against fellow Aussie sprinter Scenic Blast.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
What a Blast!
White-faced Aussie sprinter Scenic Blast easily defeated a quality field to win the G1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on Monday, and, of course, this is of interest to me because he is—through his sire Scenic—a descendent of Foolish Pleasure. Impressive, to say the least, that the now deceased Scenic (who died in 2005), will finish the 2008-09 racing season in Australia among the top three stallions, along with heavyweights Encosta De Lago and Redoute’s Choice, among leading money winners. Even more notable is that his progeny represent G1 winning sprinters like Scenic Blast and the tragic G2 International Sprint victor Sunburnt Land, but also G1 winning stayers such as G1 Doomben Cup winner Scenic Shot, G1 Melbourne Cup victor Viewed and G1 New Zealand Derby winner Coniston Bluebird. Here’s video of Scenic Blast’s win:
Monday, June 15, 2009
Raiders of All Sorts
While spinning it as a “massive compliment” to the quality of Australian horses, Godolphin raided its Darley Australia stables last week, moving nine quality horses to Dubai in preparation of next spring’s Meydan World Cup meeting. Among those uprooted are promising, soon-to-be (August 1) 4-year-olds Sousa (G1 winning stayer), Aichi, Fravashi and Time Thief (G1-placed sprinters). Also included in the move are El Cambio, Imvula, Caymans, Desuetude and Marching. Interestingly, all nine are males. Small favors, to be sure, that staying home will be talented fillies Purple and Forensics.
An Aussie invasion of another sort to announce: legendary jockey Glen Boss will make his first foray into American racing when he rides New Zealand filly Puttanesca in the G1 American Oaks at Hollywood on July 5. Unlike Calvin Borel at Belmont, Boss intends to pick up rides before the big race, to get a feel for the track and for American racing style.
Speaking of Down Under, here’s the new stallion page for blog favorite (and first-born of future Hall of Fame sprinter Xtra Heat) Southwestern Heat. I can hardly wait for his first babies to run three years from now! His half-sister, 3-year-old Elusive Heat, posted her first workout in months, traveling 3f in 36:04 (3/39) at Belmont on Sunday morning. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her aiming for the G1 Ballerina, just like Indian Blessing is now.
Call me dense, but I don’t get what “experiment” Bob Baffert was attempting by running Indian Blessing at Hollywood this past weekend. It’s evident to even the least qualified fan that she performs superbly on real, honest-to-god dirt, not what they run on in California, so isn't it pointless running her on the West Coast when so many outstanding dirt races are available in the East? Now that they’ve wasted time with this run, Baffert announced she will be aimed for the G1 Ballerina at Saratoga. Well, duh! I’m still hopeful she’s healthy enough to take on the boys in the G1 Vosburgh at Belmont on October 3.
Former southwest-raced Miriam's Star made a splash in her first appearance at Philadelphia Park on Sunday, winning race 5 wire-to-wire ($32). She captured my attention back in February, and after working her way up to stakes company, she was apparently sold to Frontier Stable LLC and transferred to trainer Randy Allen.
Also at the PHA on Sunday, it was depressing as hell to see 2006 PA Horse of the Year Stringtown Wonder, now owned by creepy Michael Gill, finished last of seven $20k claimers. This 8-year-old gelding, who won 12 races in 2006, deserves better than this.
An Aussie invasion of another sort to announce: legendary jockey Glen Boss will make his first foray into American racing when he rides New Zealand filly Puttanesca in the G1 American Oaks at Hollywood on July 5. Unlike Calvin Borel at Belmont, Boss intends to pick up rides before the big race, to get a feel for the track and for American racing style.
Speaking of Down Under, here’s the new stallion page for blog favorite (and first-born of future Hall of Fame sprinter Xtra Heat) Southwestern Heat. I can hardly wait for his first babies to run three years from now! His half-sister, 3-year-old Elusive Heat, posted her first workout in months, traveling 3f in 36:04 (3/39) at Belmont on Sunday morning. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her aiming for the G1 Ballerina, just like Indian Blessing is now.
Call me dense, but I don’t get what “experiment” Bob Baffert was attempting by running Indian Blessing at Hollywood this past weekend. It’s evident to even the least qualified fan that she performs superbly on real, honest-to-god dirt, not what they run on in California, so isn't it pointless running her on the West Coast when so many outstanding dirt races are available in the East? Now that they’ve wasted time with this run, Baffert announced she will be aimed for the G1 Ballerina at Saratoga. Well, duh! I’m still hopeful she’s healthy enough to take on the boys in the G1 Vosburgh at Belmont on October 3.
Former southwest-raced Miriam's Star made a splash in her first appearance at Philadelphia Park on Sunday, winning race 5 wire-to-wire ($32). She captured my attention back in February, and after working her way up to stakes company, she was apparently sold to Frontier Stable LLC and transferred to trainer Randy Allen.
Also at the PHA on Sunday, it was depressing as hell to see 2006 PA Horse of the Year Stringtown Wonder, now owned by creepy Michael Gill, finished last of seven $20k claimers. This 8-year-old gelding, who won 12 races in 2006, deserves better than this.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The Big Perfecta
While researching a completely different topic, I happened across a neat little notice from the January 19, 1972 edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, under “Waterford to Cancel Big Perfecta”:
Waterford Park track officials have announced that Big Perfecta betting will be dropped after Friday’s racing program. The Big Perfecta, which entails picking the first and second place finishers in two consecutive races, has been known to produce inflated payoffs for a $2 bet. The record at Waterford is $44,000. General Manager Earl Straight stated the reason Waterford was dropping the Big Perfecta was that he and other officials have been receiving numerous complaints from Waterford’s regular patrons. He said they feel that picking one perfecta is tough enough and that the Big P is too severe a gamble for the average bettor. Straight also announced that there will be one more regular perfecta added to the normal program in place of the Big Perfecta.
Of course, Waterford is now Mountaineer Park. I was way too young to wager on the ponies back in 1972, but those “regular patrons” at Waterford must have been wusses because the Big Perfecta sounds positively challenging! And I checked, it’s covered under Pennsylvania’s current pari-mutuel wagering laws so how about it? It certainly sounds a lot easier than the Super High 5 bet!
Anyone with a little more "experience" want to brag about a legendary Big Perfecta payout?
Waterford Park track officials have announced that Big Perfecta betting will be dropped after Friday’s racing program. The Big Perfecta, which entails picking the first and second place finishers in two consecutive races, has been known to produce inflated payoffs for a $2 bet. The record at Waterford is $44,000. General Manager Earl Straight stated the reason Waterford was dropping the Big Perfecta was that he and other officials have been receiving numerous complaints from Waterford’s regular patrons. He said they feel that picking one perfecta is tough enough and that the Big P is too severe a gamble for the average bettor. Straight also announced that there will be one more regular perfecta added to the normal program in place of the Big Perfecta.
Of course, Waterford is now Mountaineer Park. I was way too young to wager on the ponies back in 1972, but those “regular patrons” at Waterford must have been wusses because the Big Perfecta sounds positively challenging! And I checked, it’s covered under Pennsylvania’s current pari-mutuel wagering laws so how about it? It certainly sounds a lot easier than the Super High 5 bet!
Anyone with a little more "experience" want to brag about a legendary Big Perfecta payout?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Birds and Girls
On Tuesday at Philadelphia Park, race 9—an 8.5f Alw 42000n2x—was off the turf, and it worked out extremely well for the winner Summer of Summers ($8.00 win). This former $32k claimer, picked up by the notorious Michael Gill during one of his buying sprees last October at Delaware, has now posted three nice allowance wins over fast tracks in Pennsylvania. What’s so notable about this four-year-old chestnut colt? Well, you might have recently heard of his half-brother, Summer Bird...
I like the new catch-phrase over at Gainesway: “Two Birds, One Stone.” Cute. I’m hoping both Mine That Bird and Summer Bird end up at the August 29 G1 Travers, trying to repeat Birdstone’s victory. From what trainer Tim Ice has said in the press, it sounds like Saratoga is definitely on their agenda. Here's how I'd like to see it play out: Summer Bird runs in the August 1 Jim Dandy at Saratoga, while Mine That Bird goes to the August 2 Haskell at Monmouth, and then both in the Travers, followed by the October 3 Jockey Club Gold Cup and November 7 Breeders' Cup Classic. Dream schedule, I know.
At Santa Anita on Tuesday, Indian Blessing worked a bullet 4f (:46.80)—how many does this make since she returned from Dubai? And when are we going to see her again? Honestly, I’m a little concerned something is niggling wrong. They skipped the G1 Humana Distaff because Baffert didn’t think she had the “energy.” If I were (conservatively) managing her future races, this would be my “wish list”:
• July 11—G1 Princess Rooney (6f, Calder)
• August 29—G1 Ballerina (7f, Saratoga)
• October 3—G1 Vosburgh (6f, Belmont)
• November 7—G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (6f, Santa Anita)
The Vosburgh, of course, would be a blockbuster because she would likely knock heads with Fabulous Strike and Benny the Bull. Whew, wouldn’t that be one helluva race?
As for Rachel Alexandra, if she’s ready to get back in the game, here’s my ideal (and somewhat aggressive) schedule for her:
• June 27—G1 Mother Goose (9f, Belmont)
• July 25—G1 Coaching Club American Oaks (10f, Belmont)
• August 29—G1 Travers (10f, Saratoga)
• September 12—G1 Ruffian (8.5f, Belmont)
• October 3—G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup (10f, Belmont) $750,000
• November 7—G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic (10f, Santa Anita)
If the Mosses and John Shirreffs are content to play conservative and not run Zenyatta against males, then Jess Jackson and Steve Asmussen should put Rachel Alexandra on a path that simply outdoes Zenyatta.
I like the new catch-phrase over at Gainesway: “Two Birds, One Stone.” Cute. I’m hoping both Mine That Bird and Summer Bird end up at the August 29 G1 Travers, trying to repeat Birdstone’s victory. From what trainer Tim Ice has said in the press, it sounds like Saratoga is definitely on their agenda. Here's how I'd like to see it play out: Summer Bird runs in the August 1 Jim Dandy at Saratoga, while Mine That Bird goes to the August 2 Haskell at Monmouth, and then both in the Travers, followed by the October 3 Jockey Club Gold Cup and November 7 Breeders' Cup Classic. Dream schedule, I know.
At Santa Anita on Tuesday, Indian Blessing worked a bullet 4f (:46.80)—how many does this make since she returned from Dubai? And when are we going to see her again? Honestly, I’m a little concerned something is niggling wrong. They skipped the G1 Humana Distaff because Baffert didn’t think she had the “energy.” If I were (conservatively) managing her future races, this would be my “wish list”:
• July 11—G1 Princess Rooney (6f, Calder)
• August 29—G1 Ballerina (7f, Saratoga)
• October 3—G1 Vosburgh (6f, Belmont)
• November 7—G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (6f, Santa Anita)
The Vosburgh, of course, would be a blockbuster because she would likely knock heads with Fabulous Strike and Benny the Bull. Whew, wouldn’t that be one helluva race?
As for Rachel Alexandra, if she’s ready to get back in the game, here’s my ideal (and somewhat aggressive) schedule for her:
• June 27—G1 Mother Goose (9f, Belmont)
• July 25—G1 Coaching Club American Oaks (10f, Belmont)
• August 29—G1 Travers (10f, Saratoga)
• September 12—G1 Ruffian (8.5f, Belmont)
• October 3—G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup (10f, Belmont) $750,000
• November 7—G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic (10f, Santa Anita)
If the Mosses and John Shirreffs are content to play conservative and not run Zenyatta against males, then Jess Jackson and Steve Asmussen should put Rachel Alexandra on a path that simply outdoes Zenyatta.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Young Guns
Is it my imagination or is the American cowboy making a comeback? No, not the faux, metro sexual version so popularly epitomized by Brad Pitt, Heath Ledger, and Colin Farrell, but the Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Clint Eastwood type—a salt of the earth sort, rough around the edges but nevertheless good-hearted. Over the past month we’ve enjoyed the story of little gelding Mine That Bird and his connections, particularly his trainer Chip Woolley, who continued to demonstrate his nice guy side by visiting the children at Belmont’s Anna House last Friday. Isn’t it refreshing to not have to “love the horse, but hate the trainer”? No Rick Dutrow, no Jeff Mullins to temper the pleasure of seeing good horses run well. First Woolley, and then Tim Ice who appears a nice enough guy, equally as stunned by his success so early in his training career. How nice to see true emotional reactions and realize that those who work really hard do reap the rewards of their toil.
It’s got me thinking, is this the end of the era of the “corporate” super-trainers? Oh, Steve Asmussen and Todd Pletcher will continue to win large numbers of races as long as deep-pocket owners send them quality horses, but personally I’m more excited to see what more hands-on trainers like Woolley, Ice, Helen Pitts, Jimmy Jerkins, Hal Wiggins, Derek Ryan, Carla Gaines and Chad Brown can do with fewer horses. It’s just nice to root for the “little guy” for a change, especially if they are worthy of such regard.
And speaking of the return of the cowboy, how about 23-year-old South Dakota rancher Neal Wanless who just won $232.1 million in the PowerBall lottery? You got to love a cowboy who talks to his horse, especially when she's named Eleanor.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Belmont Stakes Day
After the excitement of last night’s Stradbroke card, I awoke this morning to the absolute joy of watching See the Stars impressively capture the second jewel of the English Triple Crown, the Epsom Derby. As the progeny of the great mare (and Arc winner) Urban Sea and half-brother to the great stallion (and Epsom Derby winner) Galileo, Sea the Stars could become the first English Triple Crown winner since Nijinsky in 1970 if he wins the G1 St. Leger on September 12. Awesome!
Don’t you just hate it when you second-guess your handicapping? Big mistake. Last night I kept missing my trifecta picks—like getting Black Piranha and Ortensia in the Stradbroke, but no Bank Robber—so by the time the Brisbane Cup went off I played my three picks individually but not as a tri. What a moron! Scenic Shot, Ready to Lift and Tinseltown—in the exact order I had chosen—paid a very nice $689 and change for $1. Urgh! In the Guineas that followed, I had money on Marveen and La Etoile, but never considered the longshot filly Express Air.
For today, I haven’t changed my thinking about any of the undercard races:
True North: Fabulous Strike, Desert Key, Two Step Salsa
Just a Game: Forever Together, Carribean Sunset, My Princess Jess
Woody Stephens: Munnings, Hello Broadway, Everyday Heroes
Acorn: Funny Moon, Justwhistledixie, Dream Play
Manhattan: Cosmonaut, Wesley, Court Vision
As for the Belmont Stakes itself, I love gutsy Mine That Bird, but it’s the other Birdstone I’m going with here—Summer Bird. I’m a little concerned about ESPN reports that he is acting up in the detention barn, but on the other hand, Kent Desormeaux is having the most amazing day thus far. I was for Summer Bird in the Derby and he closed well. With today’s drier track, he should be better suited. I also look for a surprise from Miner’s Escape—I’m a big fan of Jose Lezcano, who displays great patience for such a young jock. Flying Private is an intriguing longshot, especially with Julien Leparoux who is such a great big race rider. I’d like to see Mr. Hot Stuff perform well, but not excited about Edgar Prado up, and Dunkirk is just overhyped. Chocolate Candy is another one I like, but just not sure the rail is the place to be, or that he can get 12 furlongs. I’m a bit sick of hearing the hype about Charitable Man too, but he I like, with young Alan Garcia who won last year with Da’ Tara. I’ll probably waver as the race nears, and how the jockeys are performing in the lead-up races, but for now I’ll go:
4. Summer Bird 7. Mine That Bird 9. Miner’s Escape
Don’t you just hate it when you second-guess your handicapping? Big mistake. Last night I kept missing my trifecta picks—like getting Black Piranha and Ortensia in the Stradbroke, but no Bank Robber—so by the time the Brisbane Cup went off I played my three picks individually but not as a tri. What a moron! Scenic Shot, Ready to Lift and Tinseltown—in the exact order I had chosen—paid a very nice $689 and change for $1. Urgh! In the Guineas that followed, I had money on Marveen and La Etoile, but never considered the longshot filly Express Air.
For today, I haven’t changed my thinking about any of the undercard races:
True North: Fabulous Strike, Desert Key, Two Step Salsa
Just a Game: Forever Together, Carribean Sunset, My Princess Jess
Woody Stephens: Munnings, Hello Broadway, Everyday Heroes
Acorn: Funny Moon, Justwhistledixie, Dream Play
Manhattan: Cosmonaut, Wesley, Court Vision
As for the Belmont Stakes itself, I love gutsy Mine That Bird, but it’s the other Birdstone I’m going with here—Summer Bird. I’m a little concerned about ESPN reports that he is acting up in the detention barn, but on the other hand, Kent Desormeaux is having the most amazing day thus far. I was for Summer Bird in the Derby and he closed well. With today’s drier track, he should be better suited. I also look for a surprise from Miner’s Escape—I’m a big fan of Jose Lezcano, who displays great patience for such a young jock. Flying Private is an intriguing longshot, especially with Julien Leparoux who is such a great big race rider. I’d like to see Mr. Hot Stuff perform well, but not excited about Edgar Prado up, and Dunkirk is just overhyped. Chocolate Candy is another one I like, but just not sure the rail is the place to be, or that he can get 12 furlongs. I’m a bit sick of hearing the hype about Charitable Man too, but he I like, with young Alan Garcia who won last year with Da’ Tara. I’ll probably waver as the race nears, and how the jockeys are performing in the lead-up races, but for now I’ll go:
4. Summer Bird 7. Mine That Bird 9. Miner’s Escape
Friday, June 5, 2009
Brisbane Winter Carnival
In addition to the Belmont Stakes, Epsom Derby and Prix du Jockey-Club (French Derby), there’s excellent racing Down Under this weekend, as the Brisbane Winter Carnival features three G1 and two G2 events, including the venerable Stradbroke Handicap. The turf is “Heavy” after a very rainy week, so definitely keep on eye out for those wet trackers. For those interested in watching (or betting), you can view the races either at Australianracing.com or via Twinspires beginning this evening at 10:10 p.m. Eastern. Follow me on Twitter for comments as the races unfold. Here’s my preview of the five key races:
G1 T.J. Smith Stakes (Race 4)
A relatively new race (first run in 1976), the 1600 meters (8 furlongs, or one mile) A$500,000 T. J. Smith is for two-year-old fillies, colts and geldings—and four fillies have won in the last 20 years, including Apercu in 2007. This year, only three fillies—Funtantes, Impulsive Dream, and Linky Dink—will start in the field of 14. Of those three, Impulsive Dream looks best after a second-place finish in the G2 Sires’ Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm on May 30. By Encosta de Lago, she should relish the wet going, as should Funtantes who's already won twice on Slow tracks. The Sires’ winner, the High Chaparral gelding Shoot Out (out of a Pentire mare), is undefeated in two starts for trainer John Wallace, and bred to run all day, but my choice here is Choistar who has already placed first and a close-up second on heavy tracks, and already has a win over the 1600m distance. Plus, his jockey Craig Williams is just on fire and he gets a nice barrier (4). For a longshot chance, One Lickety Split fascinates me—he’s a direct damline descendent of the great mare Shuvee, through her best daughter Shukey.
4. Choistar 13. Impulsive Dream 1. Shoot Out
G1 Stradbroke Handicap (Race 5)
Undoubtedly the highlight of the Brisbane winter carnival, the 1400 meters (7 furlongs) Stradbroke Handicap has been run since 1890, and this year’s event is worth a cool A$1 million. While mature horses often fare best in the Stradbroke, this year’s potential superstar is a three-year-old filly Ortensia, who has been the subject of much controversy over the past week. Her regular jockey Craig Williams committed to riding All Silent before it was certain Ortensia would be invited to the Stradbroke; trainer Tony Noonan ask the Queensland stewards to hold Williams to his promise of following Ortensia wherever she went, and got that ruling from them on Wednesday—before trainer Grahame Begg pulled All Silent from the race due to the heavy conditions (and All Silent’s poor workout on Tuesday over the track).
Three-year-old fillies haven’t fared too badly in the recent years, represented with winners Cele’s Image (1964), Canterbury Belle (1985), Dane Ripper (1997), Private Steer (2003) and La Montagna (2006), so Ortensia isn’t necessarily hampered by history. However, she’s a whole lot better over drier surfaces so if she wins, she will be a superstar. She did get through the slow to win the G2 QTC Cup last Saturday over last year’s Stradbroke victor Mr. Baritone. However, she’ll have to overcome the 16 post position in the field of twenty starters.
Last year’s Stradbroke winner Mr. Baritone was beaten by Ortensia last Saturday, and hasn’t run particularly well this campaign—I’ll stand against him for the win, even with Glen Boss up. Black Piranha comes in off a narrow loss to Apache Cat in the G1 Doomben 10,000 on the heavy track—and even gets 7 lbs off! He will be very difficult to beat. Usually I’m a huge Gai Waterhouse fan, but her stable’s in a funk, and Royal Discretion and Bank Robber get no favors by having to start from posts 17 and 18 respectively. Still, I think Bank Robber will be among the top three finishers. For a longshot flyer, how about Something Anything, with Jim Cassidy up for Gary Portelli? He drops 12 lbs from his recent start, and has shown affinity for wet tracks.
20. Ortensia 5. Black Piranha 6. Bank Robber
G1 Queensland Derby (Race 6)
Held since 1868 and over a distance of 2400 meters (12 furlongs, or 1-1/2 miles), the A$500,000 Queensland Derby is for three-year-olds, and since 1973 alone has been won by eight fillies, including last year’s winner Riva San. The Derby winner most American racing fans may be aware of is Strawberry Road (1983) who, as a four-year-old, ran fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, and later sired BC winners Fraise, Escena and Ajina, as well as was the damsire of champion Vindication.
This year there are four fillies in the filed of 19, and the best of them is G1 Queensland Oaks runner-up Nothin’ Leica Cat, with Corey Brown up for Anthony Cummings. She has two second-place finishes on slow tracks, and draw well out mid-field. Best among the wet trackers is Rockdale who has two wins and a placing in three tries over the heavy, but...can he get 12 furlongs? I’m more impressed by Bid Spotter who not only won on heavy last out, but set a new track race doing so. Sure, it was against lesser quality, but he could make a big step up here. While he has no slow or heavy track experience, for the win I like nicely-rested Berlioz who has yet to finish out-of-the-money in seven starts, and has already won at more than 12 furlongs.
3. Berlioz 18. Nothin’ Leica Cat 6. Bid Spotter
G2 Brisbane Cup (Race 7)
First run in 1866 over 3600 meters (18 furlongs, or nearly 2-1/4 miles), the A$300,000 Brisbane Cup was reduced to 2400 meters (12 furlongs, or 1-1/2 miles) and downgraded from G1 to G2 in 2007. Since 1972, eight fillies and mares have won, but the real angle here is the dominance of Kiwi horses, as 21 horses from New Zealand have won over the past 37 years. This year, Kiwi-bred horses represent 13 of the 19 starters. However, the high weight favorite is recent G1 Doomben Cup winner Scenic Shot who will lug 60 kg (over 132 lbs). He’s won once in three tries over the heavy, but with 132 lbs, from post 18, is asking a lot. The More Than Ready mare Ready to Lift looks impressive, undefeated in three attempts at 12 furlongs, including a victory in the heavy last out—plus she’ll carry only 119 lbs. If anyone beats Scenic Shot, it will be her. Best of the Kiwis: Tinseltown who’s won on heavy and slow, including last out, and longshot flyer Hume who gets Craig Newitt riding for the first time.
1. Scenic Shot 6. Ready to Lift 11. Tinseltown
G2 Queensland Guineas (Race 8)
Also for three-year-olds, but held over a shorter 1600 meters (8 furlongs, or one mile) distance, the A$250,000 Guineas highlights middle runners who can’t handle the staying route of the Derby. Again, this is a race in which fillies fare well against their male counterparts; since 1987, six fillies have won, including Sequential Charm in 2007. One of the favorites this year looks to be Robert Smerdon-trained Marveen who was sold at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on Thursday for A$450,000. Her new owner is Sean Buckley who also campaigned the great sprinting mare Miss Andretti. The only query for Marveen is the wet going—the worst she’s ever run on was yielding. The other filly of interest is La Etoile who led, but ultimately finished fourth behind Daffodil and Juice in last November’s G1 New Zealand 1,000 Guineas—good form line, but again the heavy condition is big question.
Youthful Jack will be likely favorite, and rightly so with four wins in four tries on slow tracks, and has won all four of his races here at Eagle Farm. The only niggling issue: he’s never won at 8 furlongs. I Robot has been running in New Zealand against better, and Leapfrog beat Youthful Jack in the G3 BTC Classic two back. For a longshot flyer special: Rollins, whose last two races have been on the heavy (conditioning), finishing third (2 lengths back) and then second most recently, when a new track record was set. Should be fitter than fit!
8. Rollins 18. La Etoile 15. Marveen
A Smorgasbord of Belmont Stakes Races
This is the kind of weekend racing we need more of—groups of graded stakes races with full and competitive fields. Later I’ll post my picks for the Brisbane Winter Carnival races at Eagle Farm, including the prestigious G1 Stradbroke Handicap. Here I have handicapped the Belmont graded stakes for Friday and Saturday, all except for the big one—the G1 Belmont Stakes—which I’ll post about on Saturday before race time.
G3 Hill Prince (Friday, Race 9)
Doubtlessly, lightly-raced Affirmatif will go off favorite, but I’m not ready to concede anything to him. I’ve had my eye on Japanese-born Florentino even before his maiden effort last August at Saratoga—he’s a three-quarter brother to Japanese G1 mare Rhein Kraft. Under the guidance of jockey Alan Garcia, Florentino has blossomed at three racing on turf, with two wins, a second and a most recent third in the G3 Transylvania Stakes. He comes in fresh off a two-month break for Kiaran McLaughlin.
Shug McGaughey-trained Conservative also looks strong here, returning to turf after finishing second to Advice in the G2 Lexington; Kent Desormeaux retains the mount. I absolutely love his damside breeding—his G1-winning dam Oh What a Windfall is a full-sister to eight-time G1 victress Heavenly Prize, both out of the unraced Oh What a Dance whose multiple-graded stakes winning dam Blitey (Maskette, Test, Ballerina) was a daughter of the great champion three-year-old filly (CCAO, Delaware Oaks, Mother Goose) Lady Pitt. Too bad “he” is not a “she.”
As a son of Lemon Drop Kid, Lime Rickey comes in with the best turf cred, going back to his second-place finish behind Pioneerof the Nile over the Saratoga turf last August. Other than his ill-advised attempt in the G1 Wood Memorial, Lime Rickey hasn’t finished out of the money in four turf tries this year, including narrow losses in the Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, and G3 Palm Beach. He could finally get a fast early pace to run into late.
For a longshot flyer, how about Mike Trombetta-trained Despite the Odds? In three lifetime starts, he’s never run beyond 6 furlongs, or on anything other than a fast dirt track, yet his dam Lady Aloma has produced three turf winners including 2002 Canadian champion turf female Chopinina. He trains over the Tapeta at Fair Hill, so maybe ready for the switch. On the other hand, Trombetta might just be hoping this race comes off the turf...
G2 Brooklyn Handicap (Friday, Race 10)
Once upon a time, there was something called the New York Handicap Triple Crown, consisting of the Metropolitan, Brooklyn and Suburban handicaps. Only four horses accomplished it: Whisk Broom II (1913), Tom Fool (1953), Kelso (1961) and Fit to Fight (1984). How tough a task was the Handicap Triple? Consider, the great Forego thrice won the Brooklyn (1974, 1975, 1976), twice won the Metropolitan (1976, 1977), and once the Suburban (1975)—and not once all three in the same year! Oh, where, oh where have the great handicap route horses like Forego gone?
This year not a single runner from the Metropolitan is entered here (no surprise in this era of barely-raced horses), but last year’s winner Delosvientos is back, and reunited with jockey Eibar Coa. His first outing this year was shockingly bad, though, so I’ll take a stand against him. Ditto Rick Dutrow-trained Rising Moon, whose fragility frankly scares me.
Either of Tom Albertrani’s horses looks good, but apparently he’s leaning towards entering Ea rather than Barrier Reef. Whichever, I’m with him, as his stakes strike rate this year has been phenomenal, and Ea has posted four strong races this year—though he’s never gone 12 furlongs, his breeding (Dynaformer, by a Seeking the Gold mare) and late running style suggests it shouldn’t be a problem. Nite Light disappointed in last year’s Brooklyn, but with a race under his belt looks good here—distance has never been a problem for him. Brazilian-born Alcomo is certainly bred to get 12 furlongs, and his two outings this year indicate he’s in for a piece here. Interesting that Cornelio Velasquez abandoned Rising Moon to ride back on Alcomo...
G2 True North Handicap (Saturday, Race 6)
After a short head loss to Kodiak Kowboy in the G1 Carter at 7 furlongs in April, this looks to be the perfect distance for six-year-old Fabulous Strike; he’s been working extremely well leading up to this, and you got to love him with Ramon Dominguez up. He does break from the far outside post, but it’s only a six-horse field.
Since leading, but ultimately finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, Two Step Salsa has impressively won both his starts in Dubai, including the G2 Godolphin Mile on Dubai World Cup day. In three May workouts at Belmont, he’s posted impressive workouts, and I love him with Garrett Gomez aboard. He may be ready to take his place among the top American sprinters.
Jimmy Jerkins-trained Desert Key is another four-year-old emerging sprint star—after nearly seven months off, he narrowly lost at Belmont first out this year, but has trained forwardly since. New rider John Velazquez will have him running on pace and among the first three at the wire.
Once injured and retired, last year’s champion sprinter (and defending True North winner) Benny the Bull has reappeared for IEAH and trainer Rick Dutrow, but I just can’t get excited about him here first back against Fabulous Strike. As the only entrant who comes well of the pace, his rail post also hampers him. A win by him would be a surprise.
G1 Just a Game (Saturday, Race 7)
Champion turf mare Forever Together looks extremely strong here, particularly as Rutherienne validated her G2 Jenny Wiley form by winning the G2 Nassau at Woodbine, and even I Lost My Choo came back to win a state-bred stakes races at Belmont. I just can’t look beyond her for an upset winner.
Last year Carribean Sunset butted heads with top European filly milers Halfway to Heaven and Lush Lashes; last out she finished second behind My Princess Jess in the G3 Beaugay from an outside post. She drew the rail, and acquires the services of Ramon Dominguez—the mile distance perfectly suits her. If the sting is out of the turf, I’ll back My Princess Jess in the exotics. However, if the grass is firm, outsider Diamondrella could stretch out and get a piece.
G2 Woody Stephens (Saturday, Race 8)
I’m just not feeling the vibe for This Ones for Phil. Instead, Munnings should improve off his initial 2009 start, and earn his first graded stakes victory. Recent Darley purchase Everyday Heroes ran terrific to win the G3 Hirsch Jacobs on Preakness Day, but drifted badly late—I would have loved to see blinkers on him, but alas, not to be. This will be his first effort beyond 6 furlongs, but he runs well late so distance shouldn’t be a problem. For a real longshot flyer, I’ll wager a little on Hello Broadway who Barclay Tagg finally returns to his best distance, and removes his blinkers (and Tagg is 45% winner with that equipment change).
G1 Acorn (Saturday, Race 9)
While Kiaran McLaughlin-trained Justwhistledixie looks tough here—and certainly among the top three if healthy—I’m taking a gamble on lightly-raced Funny Moon. She comes in off an allowance win over older mares; the second-place finisher Solo Piano came back to win wire-to-wire at Belmont on Wednesday over G3-placed Forest Trail. In addition to her sire Malibu Moon, I love her damside breeding, with her dam Fun Crowd by G1 Belmont Stakes winner Easy Goer, and her second dam Populi being a half-sister to G1 Belmont Stakes winner Temperance Hill—who loved the slop! Who better to win this three-year-old filly classic on Belmont Stakes Day?
While I love seeing the return of Doremifasollatido, I’m just not sure she wants 8 furlongs. However, she loves the Belmont surface and I never count out a Jimmy Jerkins horse. Steve Klesaris brings G3 Tempted victress Livin Lovin back after a seven-month break in a G1 race? Wow, that’s ballsy! I think I’ll stick with more current form and go with McLaughlin’s “other” trainee, Dream Play who comes in off a wire-to-wire win in the G2 Comely.
G1 Manhattan Handicap (Saturday, Race 10)
Probably the toughest race of the day, the Manhattan features no less than five G1 winners—but no Einstein. However, ten-year-old Better Talk Now makes his 50th career start—without regular rider Ramon Dominguez. This year’s race, though, belongs to the young guns.
Court Vision and Gio Ponti finished one-two in last October’s G2 Jamaica over the Belmont turf, and both look to be prime contenders here, as does Cowboy Cal. Court Vision narrowly lost G1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap to Kip Deville before unsuccessfully attempting the Pro-Ride surface in the G1 Santa Anita Handicap; last out he finished behind Einstein in the G1 Turf Classic, so his current form is impeccable. Gio Ponti nipped Ventura to win the G1 Frank Kilroe Mile last out—and won the G3 Hill Prince here last year. Cowboy Cal starts from the far outside post 13, so he’ll need to work hard early to get on pace. However, with regular rider, John Velazquez up, he should stay on for a place in the exotics, particularly after his strong second place showing against Einstein last out.
My longshot flyers here: if turf is firm, Mark Hennig-trained Wesley with Kent Desormeaux up could pull a shocker—he’s definitely coming into his own as a quality turfster. If the course is soft or yielding, I wouldn’t be the least surprised to see Cosmonaut leading across the wire.
G3 Hill Prince (Friday, Race 9)
Doubtlessly, lightly-raced Affirmatif will go off favorite, but I’m not ready to concede anything to him. I’ve had my eye on Japanese-born Florentino even before his maiden effort last August at Saratoga—he’s a three-quarter brother to Japanese G1 mare Rhein Kraft. Under the guidance of jockey Alan Garcia, Florentino has blossomed at three racing on turf, with two wins, a second and a most recent third in the G3 Transylvania Stakes. He comes in fresh off a two-month break for Kiaran McLaughlin.
Shug McGaughey-trained Conservative also looks strong here, returning to turf after finishing second to Advice in the G2 Lexington; Kent Desormeaux retains the mount. I absolutely love his damside breeding—his G1-winning dam Oh What a Windfall is a full-sister to eight-time G1 victress Heavenly Prize, both out of the unraced Oh What a Dance whose multiple-graded stakes winning dam Blitey (Maskette, Test, Ballerina) was a daughter of the great champion three-year-old filly (CCAO, Delaware Oaks, Mother Goose) Lady Pitt. Too bad “he” is not a “she.”
As a son of Lemon Drop Kid, Lime Rickey comes in with the best turf cred, going back to his second-place finish behind Pioneerof the Nile over the Saratoga turf last August. Other than his ill-advised attempt in the G1 Wood Memorial, Lime Rickey hasn’t finished out of the money in four turf tries this year, including narrow losses in the Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, and G3 Palm Beach. He could finally get a fast early pace to run into late.
For a longshot flyer, how about Mike Trombetta-trained Despite the Odds? In three lifetime starts, he’s never run beyond 6 furlongs, or on anything other than a fast dirt track, yet his dam Lady Aloma has produced three turf winners including 2002 Canadian champion turf female Chopinina. He trains over the Tapeta at Fair Hill, so maybe ready for the switch. On the other hand, Trombetta might just be hoping this race comes off the turf...
G2 Brooklyn Handicap (Friday, Race 10)
Once upon a time, there was something called the New York Handicap Triple Crown, consisting of the Metropolitan, Brooklyn and Suburban handicaps. Only four horses accomplished it: Whisk Broom II (1913), Tom Fool (1953), Kelso (1961) and Fit to Fight (1984). How tough a task was the Handicap Triple? Consider, the great Forego thrice won the Brooklyn (1974, 1975, 1976), twice won the Metropolitan (1976, 1977), and once the Suburban (1975)—and not once all three in the same year! Oh, where, oh where have the great handicap route horses like Forego gone?
This year not a single runner from the Metropolitan is entered here (no surprise in this era of barely-raced horses), but last year’s winner Delosvientos is back, and reunited with jockey Eibar Coa. His first outing this year was shockingly bad, though, so I’ll take a stand against him. Ditto Rick Dutrow-trained Rising Moon, whose fragility frankly scares me.
Either of Tom Albertrani’s horses looks good, but apparently he’s leaning towards entering Ea rather than Barrier Reef. Whichever, I’m with him, as his stakes strike rate this year has been phenomenal, and Ea has posted four strong races this year—though he’s never gone 12 furlongs, his breeding (Dynaformer, by a Seeking the Gold mare) and late running style suggests it shouldn’t be a problem. Nite Light disappointed in last year’s Brooklyn, but with a race under his belt looks good here—distance has never been a problem for him. Brazilian-born Alcomo is certainly bred to get 12 furlongs, and his two outings this year indicate he’s in for a piece here. Interesting that Cornelio Velasquez abandoned Rising Moon to ride back on Alcomo...
G2 True North Handicap (Saturday, Race 6)
After a short head loss to Kodiak Kowboy in the G1 Carter at 7 furlongs in April, this looks to be the perfect distance for six-year-old Fabulous Strike; he’s been working extremely well leading up to this, and you got to love him with Ramon Dominguez up. He does break from the far outside post, but it’s only a six-horse field.
Since leading, but ultimately finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, Two Step Salsa has impressively won both his starts in Dubai, including the G2 Godolphin Mile on Dubai World Cup day. In three May workouts at Belmont, he’s posted impressive workouts, and I love him with Garrett Gomez aboard. He may be ready to take his place among the top American sprinters.
Jimmy Jerkins-trained Desert Key is another four-year-old emerging sprint star—after nearly seven months off, he narrowly lost at Belmont first out this year, but has trained forwardly since. New rider John Velazquez will have him running on pace and among the first three at the wire.
Once injured and retired, last year’s champion sprinter (and defending True North winner) Benny the Bull has reappeared for IEAH and trainer Rick Dutrow, but I just can’t get excited about him here first back against Fabulous Strike. As the only entrant who comes well of the pace, his rail post also hampers him. A win by him would be a surprise.
G1 Just a Game (Saturday, Race 7)
Champion turf mare Forever Together looks extremely strong here, particularly as Rutherienne validated her G2 Jenny Wiley form by winning the G2 Nassau at Woodbine, and even I Lost My Choo came back to win a state-bred stakes races at Belmont. I just can’t look beyond her for an upset winner.
Last year Carribean Sunset butted heads with top European filly milers Halfway to Heaven and Lush Lashes; last out she finished second behind My Princess Jess in the G3 Beaugay from an outside post. She drew the rail, and acquires the services of Ramon Dominguez—the mile distance perfectly suits her. If the sting is out of the turf, I’ll back My Princess Jess in the exotics. However, if the grass is firm, outsider Diamondrella could stretch out and get a piece.
G2 Woody Stephens (Saturday, Race 8)
I’m just not feeling the vibe for This Ones for Phil. Instead, Munnings should improve off his initial 2009 start, and earn his first graded stakes victory. Recent Darley purchase Everyday Heroes ran terrific to win the G3 Hirsch Jacobs on Preakness Day, but drifted badly late—I would have loved to see blinkers on him, but alas, not to be. This will be his first effort beyond 6 furlongs, but he runs well late so distance shouldn’t be a problem. For a real longshot flyer, I’ll wager a little on Hello Broadway who Barclay Tagg finally returns to his best distance, and removes his blinkers (and Tagg is 45% winner with that equipment change).
G1 Acorn (Saturday, Race 9)
While Kiaran McLaughlin-trained Justwhistledixie looks tough here—and certainly among the top three if healthy—I’m taking a gamble on lightly-raced Funny Moon. She comes in off an allowance win over older mares; the second-place finisher Solo Piano came back to win wire-to-wire at Belmont on Wednesday over G3-placed Forest Trail. In addition to her sire Malibu Moon, I love her damside breeding, with her dam Fun Crowd by G1 Belmont Stakes winner Easy Goer, and her second dam Populi being a half-sister to G1 Belmont Stakes winner Temperance Hill—who loved the slop! Who better to win this three-year-old filly classic on Belmont Stakes Day?
While I love seeing the return of Doremifasollatido, I’m just not sure she wants 8 furlongs. However, she loves the Belmont surface and I never count out a Jimmy Jerkins horse. Steve Klesaris brings G3 Tempted victress Livin Lovin back after a seven-month break in a G1 race? Wow, that’s ballsy! I think I’ll stick with more current form and go with McLaughlin’s “other” trainee, Dream Play who comes in off a wire-to-wire win in the G2 Comely.
G1 Manhattan Handicap (Saturday, Race 10)
Probably the toughest race of the day, the Manhattan features no less than five G1 winners—but no Einstein. However, ten-year-old Better Talk Now makes his 50th career start—without regular rider Ramon Dominguez. This year’s race, though, belongs to the young guns.
Court Vision and Gio Ponti finished one-two in last October’s G2 Jamaica over the Belmont turf, and both look to be prime contenders here, as does Cowboy Cal. Court Vision narrowly lost G1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap to Kip Deville before unsuccessfully attempting the Pro-Ride surface in the G1 Santa Anita Handicap; last out he finished behind Einstein in the G1 Turf Classic, so his current form is impeccable. Gio Ponti nipped Ventura to win the G1 Frank Kilroe Mile last out—and won the G3 Hill Prince here last year. Cowboy Cal starts from the far outside post 13, so he’ll need to work hard early to get on pace. However, with regular rider, John Velazquez up, he should stay on for a place in the exotics, particularly after his strong second place showing against Einstein last out.
My longshot flyers here: if turf is firm, Mark Hennig-trained Wesley with Kent Desormeaux up could pull a shocker—he’s definitely coming into his own as a quality turfster. If the course is soft or yielding, I wouldn’t be the least surprised to see Cosmonaut leading across the wire.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
