Juvenile Races at Saratoga on Thursday

Rather than take on the monumental (and rather futile due to the potential rain) task of handicapping the entire card, I thought I’d just take on the races that interest me most—the 2-year-old events.


Race 7—MSW (2yo fillies, 5.5f)

5 Roman Chestnut
13 The Underling
1 Salaam Alaykum

If she draws in, The Underling looks very good, considering last out she lost to Beautician who finished a distant second to Hot Dixie Chick in the G3 Schuylerville on opening day. The Underling is also a half-sister to Awesome Ashley (who finished fourth in the G1 Frizette at 2), out of the multiple-G1 winner Queen’s Court Queen (Lyphard), herself runner-up in the G2 Alcibiades at 2.

Hidden Value is the most experienced runner, with three races under her belt—including getting crushed by Hot Dixie Chick two back. She’s reunited with Jamie Theriot with whom she just missed in her first run. Freshman sire Value Plus already has six winners this year, but it’s her dam Raw Gold who’s precocious, winning the G2 Landaluce at 2, and producing Kadira, dual stakes winner at 2. Raw Gold is also a half-sister to G1 Del Mar Debutante victress and G1 Oak Leaf runner-up Point Ashley.

Kinsey ran behind Hidden Value last out for Steve Asmussen—as did Eddie Kenneally’s Go For Jan—but none of them was closing on the two in front of them, She’s a Pioneer and Yes It’s Valid, the latter who subsequently thrashed a large field of colts at Presque Isle in a maiden special weight. Kinsey’s a full-sister to G3 winning Electrify who was a stakes winner at 2. Go For Jan was favored in that race, but showed nothing in finishing seventh of ten. No jockey or equipment changes, and modest workouts—hard to back her here, especially with a bunch of fresh faces.

Bill Mott-trained Atrea enters off a Belmont race won by That’s How I Roll, who did nothing in the Schuylerville, and included Stormandaprayer who led but faded to fourth in yesterday’s stakes. She might do better here, especially with an off-track.

A $220k Keeneland yearling purchase, Celestial Sweep has been training since May at Saratoga, with a series of good works. However, her prolific G3-winning mare Gail’s Brush generally hasn’t produce 2-year-old winners—I’m on the fence about her. Another high-priced baby is Simply Spiteful, a full-sister to Hornung who broke his maiden at second-asking last year at Golden Gate—his third “real” dirt efforts were complete busts, including finishing way, way back in a $35k claimer taken off the turf at Saratoga on opening day for new trainer Michelle Nihei. A $200k Ocala two-year-old purchase, Hornung has made less than $40k in eight races—I hate to curse his sister, but even with the nice 5f gate works at Fair Hill for Mike Trombetta, I can’t recommend her here. Ditto Cape Cod Carrie ($110k OBS) and Snap Happy ($100k FTK), even though the latter’s dam Snappy Little Tune was a nice race mare, and with some experience should prove useful.

The highest priced horse in the field is $340k Keeneland purchase Ailalea, a Pulpit filly whose dam Wood Sprite has produced recent G2 First Flight runner-up Spritely, and G3-placed turfster Sea of Trees. Another half-brother Forest King went off favorite, but could only manage a very distant seventh in the same claiming race as Hornung. Good 5f gate work last time, but will let her beat me.

Kiaran McLaughlin won on opening day with Saratoga Russell, but failed with both his two-year-olds including well-regarded Trappe Shot. Here he sends out Edward Evans-homebred Salaam Alaykum (Saint Liam) who’s worked gangbusters this month. However, with a Kingmambo dam, she probably wants a lot longer than 5.5f.

One that does fascinate me is Leah Gyarmati-trained Roman Chestnut, who got no respect from the odds-maker, at 50-1—and was acquired for a measly $8k last October. She’s posted regular works since April, three straight respectable 5f works (two from the gate) in July. Everything indicates she is being brought along responsibly. Not crazy about Arroyo as jockey, but Roman Chestnut is a half-sister to this year’s G2 Carry Back winner Not For Silver, a sprinter who’s won four of seven lifetime and whose only out-of-the-money finish was in the 7f G3 Bay Shore. He won in his maiden effort—no reason why she can’t too! She's my longshot flyer pick.


Race 9—G2 Sanford Stakes (2yo, 6f)

4 Backtalk
2 Enumerate
6 Bricklayer

There’s just no way I can root for anyone other than Backtalk here—Foolish Pleasure descendent through his sire Smarty Jones, and half-brother to my favorite Bsharpsonata. He won the G3 Bashford Manor despite traffic problems, and he won his maiden effort on an off-track, so he’s ready for whatever comes.

Edgar Prado won last year’s running with Desert Party—this year, he’s on Steve Asmussen’s Enumerate whose sire Proud Accolade won the 2004 G2 Champagne at 2, and whose damsire Grand Slam won the same race in 1997. Enumerate easily won at first asking, and should do well here.

The “other” Asmussen entry is Louisvilleluminary may be even more impressive. He is a full-brother to G1 Cigar Mile and G2 Jim Dandy victor Purge, as well as G3 Virginia Oaks runner-up Namaste’s Wish. With that pedigree, you’d think turf and/or artificial surfaces are in his future, but he’s already done well enough to win here.

The Todd Pletcher-John Velazquez combo has won four Sanfords, including back-to-back efforts with Scat Daddy and Ready’s Image. This year he sends Interactif, whose third dam is the great undefeated Personal Ensign. He won at first asking at Monmouth, but wasn’t that impressive, as he barely hung on going 5f. Still, you can’t ignore that potent trainer-jockey duo.

For a bit of a price, Bricklayer intrigues—nice maiden victory back in April at Aqueduct, then tried Victoria Stakes at Woodbine where he failed as the favorite to impressive (and tragic) Olredlgetcha. His dam Miss Brickyard is a half-sister to G1 Del Mar Debutante victress Miss Houdini, dam of G2 Arkansas Derby winner Papa Clem. The only problem—this is probably way too short for him.

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Opening Day Card at Saratoga

What a tough opening day card at Saratoga, starting right off with a turf allowance route featuring a number of seemingly-equally matched horses. I’m partial to Dantastic who’s long been a personal favorite, and, with Rajiv Maragh up recently, he’s generally performed well—particularly with a little give to the turf. A little firmer turf benefits turf goddess Linda Rice’s Good Prospect with last year’s meet winning jockey Alan Garcia, and it will be interesting to see if Stepaside can repeat his winning Spa form of last summer (albeit in state-bred company then—this race isn’t). If he draws in, Bill Mott-trained Auteur could run big for Kent Desormeaux. If rain forces the race off the turf, all bets are off.

A maiden state-bred turf event, race 2 features the return of Freedom Rings, runner-up to Maram in last autumn’s G3 Miss Grillo and last seen finishing 9th in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Filly race—John Velazquez takes the ride for David Donk. She’s guaranteed to take a lot of action, so, in looking for value, I’m drawn to Julien Leparoux up on Big Brownie—she’s been close-up in both her previous races with decent speed figures, and now she gets blinkers, first try on turf and the grass master Leparoux? Lots to like, including strong works since last race. The Johannesburg filly Mythical Yarn also looks to have a good late kick for Edgar Prado. Sentimentally, I’ll be rooting for Mecke filly Out Nice Them, with Calvin Borel taking over for John Velazquez.

Race 3 is the James Marvin Stakes which, for $80k, features an impressive field—mostly notably, Pyro making his return after 9 months. I would love to see him do well, but can’t bet him off that injury break and at 7f. Bob Baffert-trained Riley Tucker comes in off a sharp second-place finish to Munnings in the G2 Tom Fool, and should be battling Finallymadeit on his outside for the early lead. The latter is cutting back in distance and could be an underlay winner overshadowed by bigger names. The lightly-raced Honour Devil could also pose a major threat under skillful handling of Rajiv Maragh. Ken McPeek’s Bold Start finished second in this race last year, but I just don’t think this is his preferred distance.

Back on turf for race 4, and I love Get Stormy (Foolish Pleasure connections, of course), but Marylou Whitney’s Ninth Client could steal this on the front end. The D. Wayne Lukas-trained son of Malibu Moon broke his maiden over the Spa turf last summer, and with Julien Leparoux up and a string of excellent works, I can’t believe he’ll go off at the 20-1 morning line. Also, don’t overlook last-out maiden winner Cairiene who ships in for Steve Asmussen, with Edgar Prado up. If the race goes off turf, I’m all over another Foolish Pleasure damline descendent, Unbridled’s Heart.

Race 5 is the first of the three 2-year-old races today—I love them! Mineswept probably wants longer than 5f, but look for him in future—his dam is a three-quarter sister to Limehouse, and a half to tragic G2 UAE Derby victor Blues and Royals. Still, he breaks from post 2 and recently posted a sharp workout so he’s not hopeless here—just unlikely. Gary Contessa sends out the Hook and Ladder colt Late Night Hookup; his unraced dam Tizalittlelater is a three-quarter sister to multiple-G1 victress Gourmet Girl. Inside post a big bonus—if he can get out of the gate fast, but no gate works to demonstrate that. One of the best recent gate works was from the Todd Pletcher-trained One Note Samba; his dam Combachera was a nice NY-bred mare out of the G1-placed In Her Glory, and his sire is the Serena’s Song son Grand Reward. Of the previous starters, City Trooper looks very strong for trainer George Weaver—watch to see if his 3-year-old sister Spilt Pot does well in race 2 as a sign (if you believe in such things). Not much to recommend him in breeding, but Magic Tiger posted a sharp bullet work from the gate recently for Steve Asmussen, who’s not known for fast works; with Edgar Prado up, this first-timer could surprise. The stupidly-named Gerard Loves Beer is the second offspring of tough Interborough Handicap winner Fit Performer, and has posted a serious of nice gate works leading to this for Bruce Levine.

Race 6 is another turf route, this time for 3yo+ $25k claimers. Races like this make me sad, specifically because they include horse that once raced at the highest level—and are now on the downward spiral. Rick Dutrow sends out Optimer, two races removed from a start in the G1 Manhattan (okay, so that was a terrible idea), while Philip Serpe-trained (and Mecke son) French Vintage hasn’t won in years, but did finish fourth behind Presious Passion in last year’s G2 Pan American. And how about 10-year-old gelding Midwatch? Does one go with former class or current form? Tough call. This race just doesn’t interest me much.

Back to the 2-year-olds in race 7 and what strikes me about this is the bevy of well-connected dams for these 2-year-olds. Todd Pletcher sends out Doubles Partner, whose dam is a full-sister to the incomparable Serena’s Song. George Weaver sends out D’bigcat, who has posted some outstanding works; his third dam is Susan’s Girl. Another well-connected colt: Wildcat Nation, half-brother to G1 King’s Bishop winner Visionaire. Personally, I’m looking most favorably at the very-promising Trappe Shot is a half-brother to G1 Personal Ensign winner Miss Shop; his dam is a half-sister to G2 Forego Handicap winner Lay Down. And, even though the works are modest, ignore V Sat at your peril—Vindication progeny win 17% as first-time starters.

An allowance sprint in race 8, featuring Brooklyn Backstretch crush Saratoga Russell, and hopefully he’ll do well. However, Jimmy Jerkens-trained Presto Change O looks awful tough, with four consecutive bullet works, and a devastating maiden win last out—by 9 lengths. Benny The Waiter returns after 9 month-layoff, and has run well at Saratoga (albeit against NY state-bred company). Along with Captain Rio and Brook Dance, there’s a lot of early speed here.

Race 9 is the G3 Schuylerville for 2-year-old fillies. With so much early speed from the likes of Hot Dixie Chick, Vivid Colors, Stormandaprayer, and So N So, it looks like someone on pace may come late—like Cowgirl Mally (whose dam is a full-sister to the precocious General Meeting) or even G3 Kentucky Juvenile winner (yes, against the boys) Aegean, if she is fully recovered from her unsuccessful jaunt across the Atlantic to try the Ascot turf. I also really like That’s How I Roll—love the Kiaran McLaughlin-Jose Lezcano combo, plus she’s demonstrated improvement in her two previous races. Her dam Chatter Chatter won at 2, including the 2003 My Dear Girl at Calder—by almost 20 lengths! No, that wasn’t a typo.

The final race is another claimer which I don’t want to put much time into, as it’s very possible rain may take it off the turf. If it stays on, I do like first-time turfer Forest King—he’s a half-brother to G3-placed turfster Sea of Trees, and G2-placed Spritely.

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Filly Time! (Again)

After celebrating Milwaukee Brew recently, note that his daughter Millennia—a half-sister to champion Canadian sprinter Fatal Bullet—won at first asking at Del Mar on Sunday. Even as a first-time starter, I can’t believe she went off at 22-1, as she’s posted strong workouts and with that breeding...

Purchased off her Calder stakes win by Jess Jackson, Medaglia d’Oro filly Dashing Debby is now under the tutelage of Steve Asmussen, who is aiming her for the August 19 G2 Adirondack at Saratoga.

While I greatly value the Daily Racing Form as a source of information, it bugs me when critical (to me) information is buried within larger stories, making it far too easy to miss. Thus, I recently discovered—two weeks after the fact—that future Hall of Famer Xtra Heat’s 3-year-old daughter Elusive Heat was transferred from Kiaran McLaughlin to Angel Penna Jr., apparently after McLaughlin “had a falling out with owner Martin Schwartz.” Juicy!

According to the DRF article, Penna is aiming Elusive Heat for the G1 Test on August 8. She worked on Sunday at Belmont—5f, 1.00:62 (2/24). On Saturday, her 2-year-old gray half-sister Don’t U Baby Me (Unbridled’s Song) recorded her second workout for Todd Pletcher, going 3f in 38:69 (14/19) at Belmont. For fans of Xtra Heat, she’s now on Facebook—become a fan here.

A French 2-year-old filly to watch—Hennessy daughter Special Duty, who on Sunday won the G2 Prix Robert Papin as a maiden, and against open company (“taking on the boys” for those needing clarification—I hate that cliché too, but newer fans and those clueless to the practice of mixed gender racing need to be reminded just what “open company” means, unfortunately, and how prevalent it is worldwide—and not just an amusing sideshow).



Her dam Quest to Peak is a full-sister to multi-G1 winner Sightseek (Ruffian, Humana Distaff and Go for Wand, as well as Beldame and Ogden Phipps—both twice), and a direct damline descendant of the great champion Chris Evert. [Full disclosure: Special Duty’s legendary trainer Criquette Head-Maarek once trained G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches victress Baiser Vole, 1985 French 2-year-old champion—and daughter of Foolish Pleasure, thus my particular interest.]

Here’s video of the race—in French—Special Duty is the chestnut with the blaze, jockey with pink helmet.



Pouring over the Saratoga opening card, so will post some thoughts on it tomorrow.

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Handicapping Overload

Feeling consumed with racing, I took the week off from posting to relax and hopefully tame the numbers bouncing around my brain from handicapping overload. Besides, little outside the norm occurred—Sheikh Mo bought another promising horse (Atomic Rain), and made a trainer switch (from Kelly Breen to newcomer Rachel Dore), while Mine That Bird hopped aboard his much-travelled van, this time headed to (in)glorious Mountaineer. The break didn't help, as I fried myself with the Bris handicapping contest, Claiming Crown races and a host of other good racing this weekend.

Ironic, isn’t it, that two prominent horses recently removed from quality trainers suffered disappointing performances on Saturday? First, Edward Evans’ Casanova Move—removed from the tutelage of Jimmy Jerkens—fails to hit the board in the G1 Coaching Club American Oaks for new trainer Todd Pletcher. Then, in probably what will go down as the greatest example of a training faux pas (or, at the very least, second-guessing the previous trainer), Zayat’s Thorn Song bolted to the outside rail in the G1 Eddie Read, after new handler Mike Mitchell changed his blinkers. Thankfully, the horse is absolutely fine, but you have to think Dale Romans got a chuckle seeing his former trainee pull off that stunt. Ah, karma...

It’s frustrating as a gambler to consistently bet a horse only for it to come up short, but when you give up on it, that’s when it gets a big win. That’s me and Global Hunter. Enough said.

Woodbine looked awful soggy this weekend, much like it’s been here most of the summer. Still, the Medaglia d’Oro filly Tasty Temptation—fourth in the Queen’s Plate—made a visually-impressive late run to win the Wonder Where Stakes. Gotta love those Medaglia girls!

On Saturday, 4-year-old filly Ballynoe earned black-type finishing third in the Gaily Gaily going 12 furlongs over the Arlington turf. On Sunday, her 3-year-old full-brother Round About made his maiden effort going 7 furlongs over the Polytrack, and I was all over him at nearly 14-1. He rallied from last to get second, so watch for him going longer—he’s by Distorted Humor out of the stakes-winning Dynaformer mare Dynasharp.

Flipping channels very early Sunday morning, I stumbled across the Disney movie “Ready to Run” (2000) which I had never seen, and following that it was the Marx Brothers’ classic “A Day at the Races” (1937) on Turner Classic Movies. Astonishing that not one, but two horse racing-themed movies were viewable this weekend—albeit in the middle of the night.

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Mr. Milwaukee Brew 2 U

Much has been written about how successful Medaglia d’Oro’s progeny have been this year—including stakes-winners Rachel Alexandra, Gabby’s Golden Gal, Tasty Temptation, Payton d’Oro, and even maiden victress (and recent Jess Jackson purchase) Dashing Debby. He stood for $60,000 this year, and even with the global recession his fee next year should rise after being purchased this past June by Darley.

As a late summer three-year-old, the Bobby Frankel-trainee thrived at Saratoga, winning both the G2 Jim Dandy and G1 Travers—a good omen for Rachel? Like father, like daughter...at least as far as the Travers is concerned.

How can we forget, though, that in the 2002 Breeders’ Cup Classic held at Arlington Park, he (along with Derby winner War Emblem and a host of others) was upset by 43-1 longshot Volponi.



Volponi’s decisive win overshadowed the fine finish by Medaglia d’Oro’s 5-year-old stablemate, G1 Santa Anita Handicap winner Milwaukee Brew, who closed strongly for third-place. The following year, that son of Wild Again repeated his victory in the ‘Cap, over a field that included eventual 2003 Breeders’ Cup Classic victor Pleasantly Perfect and the excellent Congaree.

My point? Well, it’s time to give Milwaukee Brew some love—at one-eighth the stud fee of the exalted Medaglia d’Oro ($7,500), he appears to be a real bargain, and apparently equally adept at throwing pretty strong fillies.

Last year, Ginger Brew won the Woodbine Oaks before finishing a head behind Not Bourbon in the Queen’s Plate, the first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown.



This year his Milwaukee Appeal produced a nearly identical result, winning the Woodbine Oaks, but finishing third, a neck behind Eye of the Leopard and Mr. Foricos Two U.



She came back last weekend to once again battle the boys, losing only by the tinest tip of her nose to Gallant, in the Prince of Wales Stakes—or did she? Apparently, there are still those who, even after viewing the photo, think it was a dead-heat. Keith over at Triple Dead Heat has a excellent commentary on Milwaukee Appeal here.

On Saturday, the Oklahoma-bred Peach Brew sprung a bit of a shocker, winning the G3 Arlington Oaks over short-priced favorite—and Medaglia d’Oro daughter—C. S. Silk. It was her first win in seven tries this year, but not for lack of trying; Peach Brew has knocked heads with (just to name a few) Rachel Alexandra, Just Jenda, Afleet Deceit, and Payton d’Oro—while running on dirt, synthetic and turf.

So, here's to Milwaukee Brew, currently #6 on the Leading Third-Crop Sire List.

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“The Eagle Has Landed”

As a child of the television era, so many of my memories revolve around televised broadcasts of world events, and the first that I can recall with any certainty was my family gathered around our black-and-white console television, mesmerized by images of Neil Armstrong walking on the Moon. Hard to believe that on Monday it will be 40 years (!) since that historical happening and how strikingly ironic that the incomparable Walter Cronkite passed away on Friday, as his emotional reaction to the event so palatably expressed how we all felt.

It’s not often that horses given momentous names live up to them, and, although no American-bred thoroughbred has been named Apollo Eleven, the New Zealand-bred Apollo Eleven (Cyrus-Lady Rizzio, by Treasure Hunt) turned out to be one of the best stayers of his era, winning the Tancred Cup (now BMW), Chipping Norton Stakes (twice), Sydney Cup and Queen Elizabeth Stakes—all within a three-week span in 1973—as well as the Auckland Cup. He died in April 1980 at the age of 12, without any significant offspring.

However, there is a bit of controversy that swirled around him, as his trainer Merv Ritchie was convinced Apollo Eleven had been tampered with following the 1975 Sydney Cup, won by 40-1 longshot Gay Master. Just one week prior, the champion New Zealand stayer had won the Chipping Norton Stakes at Warwick Farm; however, as the 7-4 Cup favorite, he barely managed to cross the finish line in Sydney. Immediate testing revealed nothing, but a month later Apollo Eleven’s entire coat, mane and tail fell out—all evidence, according to his trainer, that he had been poisoned.

Perusing over the entries for Monday, it’s evident that there are a plethora of hunch bets to be played, the most obvious being Astronaut at Thistledown, Race 3. Here’s the complete list along with a video of one of my absolute favorite classic songs, which also happens to be apropos:




Hunch Bets for July 20 (Anniversary of Moon Landing):

Delaware, Race 4—Beam Me Up [$8.00 win]
Finger Lakes, Race 1—Rizzi’s Rocket [$2.10 show]
Finger Lakes, Race 7—Starhumor [$5.10 show]
Finger Lakes, Race 8—Kiss and Fly [$3.60 place]; Ticket to Fly [OTM]
Fort Erie, Race 1—Guyana Moon [scratch]
Fort Erie, Race 2—Radio Relay [$5.10 place]
Fort Erie, Race 8—I See Rockets [$4.00 place]
Mountaineer, Race 5—Starship Sprinkles [scratch]
Philadelphia, Race 2—Lunar Beach [OTM]
Philadelphia, Race 10—Stars Upabove [scratch]
Pinnacle, Race 7—Stellar Star [OTM]
Suffolk, Race 4—Olivia the Rocket [$54.00 win]
Suffolk, Race 6—Chaldean’s Rocket [$10.80 win]; Pop Rocket [OTM]
Thistledown, Race 1—Boots [OTM]
Thistledown, Race 3—Astronaut [scratch]
Thistledown, Race 7—Flightwithoutwings [OTM]

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Maiden Extremes

I enjoy writing about the horses whose careers and modest achievements may never capture broader attention. Smoochie Hoochie is such an animal.

This 5-year-old mare (E Dubai-Hoochie Coochie, by His Majesty) broke her maiden at Colonial Downs on Tuesday—in her 26th attempt. Over the past year, in the six previous races that she actually completed, Smoochie Hoochie has lost by a total of 110 lengths—just over 18 lengths per race—all maiden claiming events, on turf and dirt, at various tracks, from 5.5f to 8.5f. So, why did she win now? Maybe because she was finally dropped down to $5k claimers, after running mostly for $25k—when she was a $7k FTM October 2005 purchase. Talk about an owner in denial. Smoochie Hoochie paid $68.80 for the win with Malcolm Franklin up, in a field of 14.

On the other extreme, at Belmont on Wednesday, some pricey 2-year-old filly maidens make their debuts going 5f. The combo of Kiaran McLaughlin and Alan Garcia send out Genuine Charm, a $350k Keeneland yearling purchase by Dixie Union out of the A.P. Indy mare Alluring—daughter of the great race mare Educated Risk. Mark Henning and Rajiv Maragh team up with Dattt Echo, a $360k Keeneland yearling by Stormy Atlantic out of the Coronado’s Quest mare Rehear; she’s a three-quarters sister to G1 Spinaway victress Mani Bhavan. However, the filly that’s caught my eye is Je Ne Sais Quoi, by Elusive Quality out of the Argentinean multiple G1-placed Southern Halo mare Galeta. She’s a half-sister to G1 Matron runner-up Lokoya, and has posted some extremely fine workouts for Jimmy Toner in anticipation of this start, with Edgar Prado up. With the tragic loss of Sailor’s Cap last month, the Toner stable is owed some good karma.

Finally, for hunch bets on Wednesday, how about Curie (as in dual Nobel prize winner Marie) who runs in race 2 at Charles Town, combined with Uranium (yes, I know it was radium, but...close enough) in race 7 at Arlington?

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Winning the Race Without Sacrificing the Sport

Flipping through channels late Sunday night, I stumbled across a silent film classic on TCM that struck an unsettlingly familiar chord, one worthy of further reflection.

In “The First Auto” (1927), Hank Armstrong is a livery stable and thoroughbred racehorse owner who, in 1895, is unwilling to confront the reality that the horseless carriage or automobile is supplanting his beloved horse. His own son betrays him by becoming fascinated with the new-fangled machine, and the entire film is a study in the “past” vs. the “future”— tradition vs. modernity. It’s definitely a movie for antique car buffs and those interested in early automobile racing (pioneer racer Barney Oldfield makes a cameo as himself).

While the film presents Hank Armstrong as a compassionate horseman, he is obviously the “villain” for disowning his son and angrily mocking his friends who show interest in the automobile. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel great empathy for him as his champion race mare Sloe Eyes dies giving birth to a filly; in palpable anguish, he awakens his son Bob to tell him “Sloe Eyes is dead.” His son’s apathetic response: “Gee, Dad—that’s too bad” as he rolls over to go back to sleep.

Later in the film, when provoked by Joe Saunders, Hank bets $100 that Sloe Eyes’ filly Bright Eyes can defeat an auto in a contest at the fair grounds, and folks turn out to watch the match race. As the buggy drawn by the trotting filly pulls away, Hank mockingly yells back to Joe, “Hurry up, Progress—don’t keep me waitin’!”

He feels complete vindication with the race won, but in puzzlement asks his friend as the crowd swarms past him and towards the defeated car, “What are they doin’ over there—don’t they know we won?” Prophetically, his friend says, “Sure, Hank, but it’s nothing to see a buggy go with a horse—the wonder is to see a buggy go without a horse!”

No one can argue that the horse holds the same relevance it once did. The agrarian culture of nineteenth century America is long in the past; the heyday of horse racing ended when the nostalgic memory of the horse’s fundamental, daily importance to pre-industrial humanity faded. Never again will the sport possesses the popularity it once did, with tens of thousands regularly flocking to the tracks and millions more voraciously reading turf writers’ accounts of the races and star horses.

What we are left with is a smaller core audience made up of dissimilar groups of individuals who, at times, find intersections in their interests. The secret for the powers-to-be to insure that the sport of horse racing survives the next century is to learn to properly and individually address the needs and desires of each of those groups.

There are those I’ll call the Legacies, those individuals whose heritage or family ties are bound to the sport—owners and breeders, yes, but also trainers, jockeys, grooms, veterinarians and all those associated with the care of these animals. Not being intimate with any of these groups, I dare not presume their fundamental concerns, although I suspect they would include, most basically, the viability and profitability of the industry. Insuring one can make a good living doing what one loves, and doing it safely, with concern for the overall well-being and health of the animal. And, yes, hopefully drawing in new owners and others who grow the sport, even if very marginally.

Then there are the Horseplayers whose interests in the sport chiefly lie in wagering. Since their gambling options today are more numerous—poker, slots, sports betting of all kinds, etc.—horse racing needs to draw in and maintain this group. Making wagering more economically attractive through lower takeouts, a wider variety of wagers implemented in a more uniform way from track to track, and by putting forth a stronger product with larger, more competitive fields. Also important is education and information, facilitated through better use of technology and abandoning the practice of “nickel-and-diming” customers. By no means is this list comprehensive—these are just some of the rudimentary issues that need to be addressed.

The group that horse racing most ignores is the Fan. Some may find it impossible to wrap their mind around this concept, but there are actually those who love the sport without placing wagers. Whether or not they are financially contributing to the same extent as the Horseplayers isn’t the issue, nor does it make them inferior in importance. Those who start off as just Fans often become Horseplayers (or they would if wagering were more accessible to them or less intimidating), and some even become owners.

While anyone can become a Fan, the most natural and obvious demographic is the horse lover who thrills in the excitement of competition, but is turned off by safety concerns regarding surfaces, drug use and other such issues. And while the horse lover can be male, a trip to any pony club meet, local library and bookstore, or viewing of movies and television shows demonstrates that pre-teen girls are horse-crazy.

When those little girls grow up, it’s not their interest in horses that abandons them—it is horse racing that snubs them. Ignores them, or repels them by condescension and undervaluing them as consumers of the sport.

Opportunities to appeal to women abound these days, as fillies and mares are, arguably, the best stars of the sport. When fillies like Rachel Alexandra or Zarkava take on males and defeat them, don’t for a moment think that—either vocally or silently—every woman doesn’t cheer. Rather than being a curiosity, wouldn’t it be interesting for the Fans if American horse racing were more integrated?

In the zeal to bring a sense of modern relevancy to the sport, it’s imperative that horse racing not lose its history. In fact, as an increasingly fringe spectator sport, it is more important than ever to know and honor that history through maintaining the use of champion horses’ names in races. Knowledge of, and appreciate for, history binds us together, making us invested customers in horse racing. If reverence for the past is surrendered in the clamor for ill-advised, misguided or impulsive changes, it is almost as bad as not wanting change at all. Balance is the secret. A seriously-considered plan of action, methodical in approach, based upon a clear, realistic vision of the future.

Like Hank Armstrong who wins the race yet loses the people’s interest, horse racing must adapt to the contemporary world—and look to the future with an eye to change. Or risk a slow death.

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On a Day of Stars, Recognizing the Less Heralded

Sure, I could talk about Gio Ponti’s third straight G1 victory in today’s Man O’War, or Game Face getting back on track (fortuitously, with Indian Blessing scratched) in the G1 Princess Rooney. And how about Atomic Rain powering to a five-length victory in the Long Branch, or Benny the Bull getting upset by 14-1 longshot Eaton’s Gift in the G2 Smile Sprint? And while the filly Life Is Sweet managed a third-place finish in the G1 Hollywood Gold Cup, how about the new track record set by Rail Trip who, along with second place finisher Tres Borrachos, fleshed out a $1 trifecta that paid $1,596.90 (and would have been a whole lot more if Life Is Sweet hadn't gone off as second favorite at 3-1)?

Instead, it’s the less heralded horses that interested me today.

The prodigious achievements of Medaglia D’Oro’s offspring continue to amaze me, particularly his fillies. Honestly, regardless of where they’re entered, from a handicapping point of view, they are almost a “sure thing.”

The latest: Dashing Debby, a first-time starter who thrashed a more experienced field in the J J’s Dream Stakes at Calder on Saturday—winning by over 10 lengths! Her dam Marquet Rent (Marquetry-Fantasy Cat, by Cougar) has also produced another winner, Hopeful Image (Gulch) who finished third behind Justwhistledixie in this year’s G2 Bonnie Miss, and most recently scratched from Rachel Alexandra’s G1 Mother Goose due to lingering effects from recent bout with colic. With all that going for her—a hot sire and proven stakes-quality sibling—Dashing Debby went off at 13-1, paying a very generous $28.20 win for those wise enough to back her (which, unfortunately, did not include moi).

Have I mentioned before how much I love Jose Lezcano? I’m totally serious. I love the way this guy rides. In the American Dreamer Stakes at Calder today he rode 23-1 Pound Foolish to an ever-closing second place finish behind 2-1 favorite Grand Cash. What’s amazing about this finish is, with no equipment or trainer change, just Lezcano up for the first time, Pound Foolish placed for the first time in five turf efforts; there were plenty of reasons this 3-year-old gelding went off so long in a field of eleven. By Exchange Rate, out of the Mecke mare Kobella Bean (thus a Foolish Pleasure damline connection), homebred/owned/raced Pound Foolish broke his maiden on December 29, in his tenth start at age 2.

And speaking of jockeys who never fail to impress, Julien Leparoux is a magic man on turf. At Arlington today in the G2 American Derby, he rode a gem on Reb who was stuck behind literally a wall of horses, pulled him back and around them to close and nip No Inflation on the wire by a short head. Breathtaking! It was his second stakes victory of the day, as he also powered odds-on favorite Pure Clan to win the G3 Modesty.

Also among those horses whose achievements may get overlooked today is Goosey Moose, an 8-year-old Texas-bred gelding who won the Assault Stakes at Lone Star Park for the fourth time—in six years! As a 3-year-old, he first won this 8.5f race in 2004, and repeated in 2005, before a third-place finish in 2006 and another victory in 2007. He was unplaced last year, but swept to an impressive win today. Way to go, geezer! Let's hear it for the geldings!

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Friday Miscellany

Devastating news from England—following a seventh-place finish behind the wildly-veering filly Fleeting Spirit in the G1 July Cup at Newmarket, sprint superstar Takeover Target is undergoing surgery to repair a cracked cannon bone in his left hind leg. For the soon-to-be 10-year-old gelding, this obviously appears career-ending, and certainly a Breeders’ Cup appearance at Santa Anita seems highly unlikely at this point. Hopefully, this isn’t a tragic ending to an otherwise fairy tale story. Takeover Target has won 8 G1 races on three continents, and placed in 7 others, winning over A$6 million in 41 lifetime starts.

Something you don’t see every day—half-siblings winning races on the same day at the same track. On Friday, Roberto Urrutia’s Mister Alimony (Skip Trial-War Goddess, by War) led wire-to-wire in Belmont’s race 1, while Ocean Goddess (Stormy Atlantic-War Goddess, by War) did nearly the same, winning race 3 for Thor-Bred Stable LLC.

And speaking of siblings (although not recognized in the traditional sense), what’s with owners/breeders Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey naming the progeny of their homebred stallion Kitten’s Joy the most uninspiring names? Let’s see, there’s Keith’s Kitten, William’s Kitten, Becky’s Kitten, and Dean’s Kitten (entered in race 5 at Belmont on Saturday), as well as Lisa’s Kitten and Jill’s Kitten who ran at Belmont on Friday (race 4). Even if they named them after every child and grandchild, it’s still insipid. Guess it’s all about advertising their stallion. As opposed to the unimaginative naming of their own horses, notice that one of the Kitten’s Joy fillies sold (by the Cox’s Ridge mare Elevate) was named by her owners Raise The Kitty. Now that’s finesse.

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America’s Derby

On Saturday, Arlington Park hosts its Million Preview Day, featuring the $200k Arlington Sprint (a Breeders’ Cup “Win And You’re In” Challenge race), the G3 Arlington Handicap, G3 Modesty Handicap, and G2 American Derby. The latter three are preps for Arlington’s premier turf races which will be run on August 8—the G1 Arlington Million, G1 Beverly D., and G1 Secretariat Stakes, respectively.

Yet, once upon a time, the American Derby was viewed as momentous in its own right, being from nearly its inception in the nineteenth century the richest race in the United States, and thus more prestigious than the Kentucky Derby. It also became a battleground for bragging rights between East and West:

The Southerners, the Californians, and the Easterners annually face each other there in this battle for three-year-olds, with their weights up, over a mile and a half of running; and this American Derby of ours annually presents to us one of the grandest outdoor sights to be seen in America..—Charles E. Trevathan, The American Thoroughbred (1905) p. 413

In his book, City of the Century: The Epic of Chicago and the Making of America (1997), Donald L. Miller mentions how the Washington Park Jockey Club meeting also served as an important social event for Midwesterners:

On the annual June running of the American Derby, the first call of summer to the fashionable set, they would gather with their families at the Hotel Richelieu on Michigan Avenue and form a cavalcade of shining carriages that would make its way out the boulevards to the racecourse, the walkways lined with spectators straining to catch a glimpse of a famous Chicago beauty or businessman. (p. 291)



The very first winner of the American Derby, in 1884, was a filly—Modesty, winner of the Kentucky Oaks. She was ridden by the great African-American jockey Isaac Murphy, who added three more American Derby victories to his oeuvre, one more than the number of Kentucky Derbies he won. Fascinatingly, Modesty, through her daughter Daisy F, was the grand-dam of the great Regret, the first filly to win the Kentucky Derby.

The great filly Black Helen, winner of the Coaching Club American Oaks and Florida Derby, won the 1935 American Derby, and CCAO victress Dawn Play followed up that achievement in 1937. The fourth and final filly winner was Askmenow (1943).

Over the years, several Kentucky Derby winners won the American Derby—first among them, Spokane (1889), the only Montana-bred to win the Kentucky Derby. The others include Cavalcade (1934), Whirlaway (1941), Citation (1948), Ponder (1949), Swaps (1955), and Forward Pass (1968). Among the other top 3-year-old American Derby winners were Hill Prince (1950), Native Dancer (1953), Swoon’s Son (1956), Round Table (1957), Tom Rolfe (1965), Buckpasser (1966), and Damascus (1967). The last classic winner to take the American Derby was 1985 Belmont Stakes victor Crème Fraiche.

Only since 1958 has Arlington hosted the American Derby. Originally run on dirt, the race has been run on turf since 1992 (and for a period during the 1950s and 1970s), so it’s unlikely we’ll see the same type of classic horses take on this race again, nor will it have the same importance it once did, particularly as it’s positioned as a prep for the G1 Secretariat. However, it is a race with a fascinating history.

A decade after its inaugural running in 1884, the American Derby was nearly no more, as the New York Times prominently announced on its October 15, 1894 front page: “No More American Derby. Chicago’s High-Class Jockey Club Abandons Racing.” The article elaborates upon the reasons, including “the popular clamor against poolselling and the degeneration of racing from a harmless and high-class sport to a species of gambling,” as well as uncertainty regarding the legality of operating a racetrack in the state of Illinois, as “the people who own Hawthorne are under indictment.”

After a three-year hiatus, the American Derby returned to Washington Park in 1898, as a crowd of 30,000 watched St. Louis Derby winner Pink Coat triumph. Alas, the days of Washington Park were numbered; the track closed in late 1904 due to enforcement of anti-betting laws, and the American Derby was held only once at Hawthorne in 1916, before going on another hiatus until 1926. Interestingly, that 1916 race was tightly regulated:

Strict precautions to prevent open betting at the track will be taken by promoters of the meet, with the co-operation of the Sheriff of Cook County. The latter has promised to have a force of deputies on hand to work with a squad of private detectives in enforcing the State laws [against gambling]. The meet, according to the promoters, is to be an honest attempt to restore racing here without the so-called evils. (“Derby at Chicago Today” NY Times, July 15, 1916, p. 7).

Talk about sucking the fun out of the event—still, the New York paper noted in its subsequent race summary that “betless though it may be” the event saw 20,000 people in attendance. Fourteen men were arrested by the Sheriff’s deputies and transported to the Oak Park police station on charges of gambling. Apparently, these were merely the careless as:

Despite the presence of Deputy Sheriffs in considerable numbers betting was indulged in by those who felt so inclined, and there was not a little activity in this connection. The betting was of the wink and nod variety, however. Thousands of dollars are said metaphorically to have changed hands by the mere raising of eyebrows. No money actually was passed….Officials of The Jockey Club disavowed any knowledge of betting, and no one seemed to know whence the odds emanated. (“Dodge Romps Home in American Derby” NY Times, July 16, 1916, p. 8).

Anti-gambling laws put the American Derby on hold for another 10 years, before 38,000 people welcomed the 1926 revival, and watched Boot to Boot (in his 12th start as a three-year-old) defeat Preakness victor Display over 1-1/2 miles, with Kentucky Oaks winner Black Maria in third. The $100,000 purse that day was the richest ever offered in America, although interesting the $89,000 winner’s share check bounced when Boot to Boot’s owner failed to hold it for two weeks, until the club adjusted its books (“Derby Check Returned” NY Times, August 13, 1926, p. 13).

Ever consistent with track owners who are masters of spin, it was announced the following year that since the $100,000 race “attracted only a mediocre field”, the 1927 American Derby purse would be cut to $25,000, hoping “that the glory of winning an American Derby again will overshadow its monetary value.” (NY Times, February 11, 1927, p. 26).

By 1931, the purse had risen to $50,000, when 40,000 people witnessed Preakness winner Mate nosed out Pittsburgher for the win. As the NY Times noted, amazingly considering it was the height of the Great Depression, approximately $975,000 was wagered on the race card, down from $1,123,000 in 1930. A board game for the race was also introduced that year.



Among other highlights:

• 1948 Triple Crown winner Citation went off at 1-10 odds when he won the American Derby on August 28.

• After winning the 1953 Travers on Native Dancer, his jockey Eric Guerin was suspended, so the American Derby marked the first race in which Eddie Arcaro rode the "Gray Ghost".

• Before Kentucky Derby winner Swaps met Preakness and Belmont victor Nashua in their great 1955 match race on August 31, Swaps tuned up by tying the U.S. turf record for 1-3/16 miles in winning the American Derby.

• In 1957, Round Table avenged his Kentucky Derby loss by defeating Iron Liege over the Washington Park turf.

• Out from March to June due to a quarter crack, Buckpasser came back to win the 1966 American Derby, carrying 128 lbs and conceding seven to eighteen pounds to his foes.

• Due to a temperature, Dr. Fager missed his matchup with foe Damascus who won the 1967 race with Willie Shoemaker aboard, his fifth and last American Derby victory (tied with Eddie Arcaro for most wins).

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Sunday Highlights

While Presious Passion’s dominating victory in the G1 United Nations on Saturday was ultimately the most impressive visually and in terms of setting a new course record (eclipsing the outstanding English Channel by nearly two seconds), the most surprising for me was Cat Moves winning the G1 Prioress over stablemate Light Green. As the most lightly-raced horse in the field, the Virginia-bred miss won a G1 in only her third outing, and surely would have gone off at much higher odds had she been uncoupled from the more seasoned Light Green. Looking deeper into her family though, there are plenty of quality sprinters including two-time Princess Rooney victress Gold Mover, as well as Rated Fiesty and Casanova Move. Still, I don’t think Indian Blessing has anything to worry about...yet.

On the other hand, Informed Decision recorded another facile victory, this time in the G3 Chicago Handicap, and looks a major threat for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint over the Santa Anita plastic. Thankfully, Indian Blessing is switching to dirt for her next start, next weekend’s G1 Princess Rooney at Calder.

Speaking of speedy fillies, great to hear that Stardom Bound is back in training; she’s due to ship to New York on Monday.

Last seen running dead last over a sloppy Churchill track in November (and beaten by the likes of Miss Isella, Game Face, and Awesome Ashley, now six-year-old mare Fleetheart makes her 2009 debut on Wednesday (July 8) in an allowance race at Indiana Downs (race 8).

Sunday’s marquee race appears to be the G1 American Oaks at Hollywood, with a full field of 14 expected. While Gozzip Girl is the “buzz” horse (and rightly so), I’m certainly intrigued by Dermot Weld’s Rare Ransom (interestingly, her dam Rapid Ransom is a half-sister to Warrior Queen, dam of Santa Anita Derby-placed A.P. Warrior). With the California heat, I’m also thinking a more acclimatized selection might be wise, like Third Dawn. I’d likewise be thrilled if Aussie jock Glen Boss could boot home New Zealand filly Puttanesca for a win.

The G1 Triple Bend follows about one hour later, again with a full complement. I’m a big fan of Graham Motion’s Rebellion, and would love to see a victory by him here. Considering how well lightly-raced horses did on Saturday, I might take a couple looks at Bob Baffert’s Zensational who’s thrown a string of blazing works since his last start.

In Sunday’s other major sprint race, the G2 Tom Fool, I would just love to see Fabulous Strike win again, but the 7f is a real concern—not his optimum distance. However, he gets the rail, and Ramon Dominguez pulled a nice shocker with Cat Moves...can he pull this off? Baffert sends out Riley Tucker who, along with Driven By Success, may challenge Fabulous Strike early, but, considering Kensei’s upset in the G2 Dwyer, Munnings’ win last out looks even more impressive. I suspect it will be a battle royal between Fabulous Strike and Munnings that will go all the way to the wire—can’t wait to see it!

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Celebrating the Fourth of July

Fixin’ to enjoy the holiday with hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill, some cold brews and a full slate of stakes action from coast-to-coast. What more could a horse racing fan want (besides a Zenyatta vs. Rachel Alexandra showdown)?

At Belmont, the safe thing to do would be to go with the “Medaglia D’oro Daily Double”—Warrior’s Reward in the G2 Dwyer, and Gabby’s Golden Gal in the G1 Prioress. Instead, I’m thinking “Jerkens Exacta” in the Dwyer, with daddy Allen’s Masala over son Jimmy’s Convocation.

All the Dwyer hype has been about Calvin Borel riding Warrior’s Reward, but I’m just not sold on him. Likewise, Just Ben’s 2-1 morning line surprises me, since his dam Chip was a multi-graded stakes winning sprinter, as was his sire Speightstown—8.5f just may be well out of his reach, unless Rajiv Maragh gets him loose on the lead. Ramon Dominguez is the only positive thing about longshot Sunday Sunrise, and I’ll be surprised if Kensei can handle the stretch out in distance. American Dance’s best efforts have been when on or near the lead, but with much slower fractions than Just Ben should deal out. Instead, Masala and Convocation should both get plenty to run at. Masala’s poor turf effort two back in the Lamplighter is a complete toss-out for me, as his workouts and race since transferring from Todd Pletcher to Jerkens signal to me he’s been much better placed on dirt. (Incidentally, his dam Countess Marq is a half-sister to Diamonds and Legs, dam of the wonderful sprinting mare Wild Gams, runner-up in the 2006 Prioress.) Convocation is entered here off a maiden win, which is pretty ambitious for Jimmy Jerkens, but his last race (nearly one month ago) was very impressive—Convocation (Pulpit) is closely related to 2001 G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly champion Tempera (A.P. Indy), as their dams are half-sisters.

In the Prioress, Gabby’s Golden Gal is the only G1 winner in the field, and has two bullet works leading to this. However, that was such a big effort, now she’s cutting back to 6f, and she won’t enjoy slow early fractions, particularly with Light Green and Heart Ashley in the field. Though her breeding indicates she should like more distance, Light Green has never raced beyond 6f—and never finished out of the money, including twice over this track. I give her a slight edge over Heart Ashley, both dirt speedballs. The shocker might be Larry Jones-trained On The Menu who has reeled off five consecutive blistering bullet works; she didn’t handle the off-track in last September’s G2 Matron, but she’s also grown up since then.

In the G2 Suburban, you can’t knock Asiatic Boy’s form, particularly gaining on Macho Again in the G1 Stephen Foster, and ahead of the unlucky Einstein. He should get plenty to run at with Finallymadeit on the rail—that one has put in two nice works at Belmont since the Stephen Foster, and could be dangerous here, if he doesn’t falter again. Interesting that Julien Leparoux chose not to come in and ride favorite It’s A Bird. Cool Coal Man could definitely get a piece of the exotics, but for a longshot I keep coming back to Real Merchant, if only because Rajiv Maragh rode him well two back.

In the G3 Salvator Mile at Monmouth, I love everything about Smooth Air—always have—but I wouldn’t be surprised if Coal Play pulled an upset, especially with Joe Bravo up. Two Step Salsa didn’t have an easy placement in his last race, finishing behind Fabulous Strike, Benny the Bull and Silver Edition. That form alone merits respect, as does seeing Garrett Gomez come in to ride.

With 10-year-old Better Talk Now withdrawn, that leaves 8-year-old Brass Hat as the resident geezer in the G1 United Nations, and wouldn’t it be something to see him win! However, last year’s winner Presious Passion has been in tremendous form this year, and Monmouth is his personal playground. Court Vision has run in nothing but G1 events since winning the G1 Hollywood Derby on turf last November; however, he also hasn’t won vs. older horses in four subsequent attempts. Therefore, if anyone catches Presious Passion, I’m betting it's Banrock (with his Foolish Pleasure second dam).

At Churchill, Thorn Song looks to repeat in the G2 Firecracker, coming in off that impressive victory in the G1 Shoemaker Mile, but I’m willing to take a moderate stand against him. While G1 Makers Mark Mile winner Mr. Sidney looks likely on paper, I’m much more interested in Passager and Wise River, the latter who is particularly fond of Churchill turf.

I'll probaby be Twittering while handicapping other races, so tune in for any changes of heart.

Happy Birthday, America!

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Mucking Out the Virtual Stable

It’s been awhile since I weeded out my Virtual Stable to make room for new entrants, but last night I did just that. At times depressing (due to retirements or breakdowns) and on occasion nostalgic, it was long overdue.

Several horses I haven’t heard about lately, including Zanjero’s full-sister Acacia (who last posted an allowance victory at Fair Grounds back in February), Corinthian’s full-sister Be Fruitful (who apparently retired to broodmare duty last year), and G1 Ashland victress Christmas Kid (who I believe is retired). Any information about them would be welcome.

Last year, Bsharpsonata transferred to Todd Pletcher’s barn and promptly won the Playa del Rey Stakes in California, before finishing third behind Indian Blessing in the G1 La Brea. She hasn’t been seen since finishing fifth in the April G1 Vinery Madison at Keeneland. However, her half-brother (by Smarty Jones) is the 2-year-old Tom Amoss-trained Backtalk who runs in Friday’s G3 Bashford Manor at Churchill—you better believe I’ll be rooting for him. Too bad they couldn’t, as Tom Amoss desired, name him Bsmartsonata—very cute and appropriate.

According to the Des Moines Register, one of my favorite sprinting mares Miss Macy Sue is in foal to A.P. Indy—and the foal she is carrying is a filly. I saw her win the inaugural Masters’ Stakes at Presque Isle back in 2007, and always supported her as a gritty, game mare with very nice connections. Interesting that they bred her to stamina-rich A.P. Indy, as Miss Macy Sue is abundant in speed—champion sprinting mare (and half-sister to Dr. Fager) Ta Wee is not only the dam of her damsire, but also her fourth dam, an interesting inbreeding. How refreshing that the foal will be raced by her owners, and not sold off!

Along with Sabellina (in foal to Pulpit) who Teresa at Brooklyn Backstretch recently wrote about, Iron Goddess last raced in summer 2007 in foal to El Corredor. No word, however, as to her subsequent offspring, but her 2-year-old half-sister (by Chapel Royal) failed to sell at OBS March 2009 (at $47,000).

Tough Tiz’s Sis came closer than any other filly has to defeating Zenyatta (in last year’s G1 Vanity), but was retired last fall after injured in a workout following her impressive 12-length victory in the G1 Ruffian. Apparently she has been bred to Midnight Lute.

Others in my Virtual Stable that I’m pleased are back on the workout tab include:

~ Moujane (a full-sister to hard-knocking G1 placed Leprechaun Kid) who really blossomed last year on turf in California

~ Fatal Bullet who performed so well finishing second behind Midnight Lute in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint last October. According to trainer Reade Baker’s website, he is being aimed for the July 19 Bold Venture Stakes at Woodbine, a race he won in track-record time last year.

~ Fleetheart, last seen in last year’s G1 Vanity finishing sixth behind Zenyatta, has been working out at Arlington, most recently on June 27 (1.11:60 H 6f). No word as to where or when this 6-year-old mare will make her 2009 debut.

~ Elusive Heat, explosive 3-year-old daughter of Xtra Heat, is back in training at Belmont, and, though nominated, is not entered in Saturday’s G1 Prioress. If they are planning for Saratoga, the next big races would be the G1 Test on August 8, or the G2 Honorable Miss on August 9.

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