Some nice competitive Derby preps on Saturday, including the G3 Holy Bull at Gulfstream and G3 LeComte at Fair Grounds. It could be a very big day for sire Roman Ruler, with my “colt crush” Maximus Ruler in the LeComte (who I’ve got to single), and Homeboykris in the Holy Bull. The art historian in me can’t ignore Winslow Homer in the Holy Bull, though, even though he probably wants longer than 8 furlongs. I’m not particularly enamored with Jackson Bend who looks to be overbet, and I fear Pletcher’s nice colt Aikenite might not get enough speed to run at late, but it’s good to see Johnny V back aboard.
Others to consider in the Holy Bull: Piscitelli who coming off a close-up fourth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile has posted some nice workouts in advance of this, and Florida-bred Thank U Philippe who gets blinkers added. Thank U Philippe also has an interesting pedigree angle, as his second dam She Won’t Tell is a full-sister to Triple Crown victor Affirmed.
Another usual angle to consider with Saturday’s Derby preps: the dam of William’s Kitten who runs in the Holy Bull, Blush, is a full-sister to Rock Hard who runs in the LeComte. Spooky, eh?
Considering the impact of Rags to Riches and Rachel Alexandra on the 3-year-old scene in recent years, it seems prudent to keep at least one eye on the fillies even this early in the season. This weekend it's the Tiffany Lass, the first two-turn prep for the Fair Grounds Oaks. Place-getters here who have gone on to Grade 1 success include 1994 runner-up Two Altazano (Coaching Club American Oaks winner) and 2003 winner Lady Tak (Test Stakes victress) while recent runner-ups include the very talented Dawn After Dawn (2007) and Tizaqueena (2008). However, the race’s most famous alum has got to be 2004 winner Lotta Kim, who due to injury never raced again after her victory, but did give birth to filly named Rachel Alexandra, 2009 Eclipse Award Horse of the Year.
As the sole graded stakes winner in this field of ten, Quiet Temper is a likely favorite with top jockey Robbie Albarado aboard; she crushed (by nearly eight lengths) the Grade 3 Delta Princess Stakes over a sloppy track, and followed that up with an optional claiming allowance win over this track going this distance on Jan 3. The second-place finisher in that race, Bella Medaglia has stepped up her performance each time she’s run; this is her fourth race at Fair Grounds, with a win (at this distance) and two seconds. All of Red Hot Buddha’s previous races are turf sprints—including a win in the Princess Stakes at Louisiana Downs—but her breeding suggests she can get the distance.
The key race here, though, is probably December’s Letellier at Fair Grounds, specially the runner-up Visavis, who crushed a ten-horse field in her maiden last July at Delaware Park by over eight lengths. In the Letellier, the gray Sheer Beauty ran into traffic problems when rode back in the field, but closed strongly to finish third; she had previously won the grassy Caressing Handicap while on the lead, and is bred to run all day. If she is kept closer to the front, I like her chances a lot.
Others to watch (just in case they finally live up to their breeding) include the regally-bred Giant’s Causeway filly Jackpot Joanie who is a half-sister to 2005 Kentucky Oaks winner Summerly , and Tidal Pool who is closely-related to two Breeders’ Cup champions—her second dam Pirates Revenge is a half-sister to the dam of 2004 Juvenile Fillies winner Sweet Catomine, and 2009 Ladies’ Classic winner Life Is Sweet.
I also want to mention that, along with a number of other fine bloggers, I am participating in an exciting new endeavor, Hello Race Fans. As part of our desire to draw new fans to and educate new horseplayers about the sport of horse racing, we've undertake an exciting project to better help those folks interested in the prep races leading up to both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, called Derby Prep Alert which anyone can subscribe to—and the price is right...it’s FREE!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Baby Names 2010
‘Tis the birthing season for thoroughbreds, so it’s time once again to play the new foal naming game. Let’s see how creative we are—whether serious or funny (or even naughty), it’s up to you! You can check The Jockey Club database to see if the names you select are already taken. Lots of fillies thus far which, considering how the fairer sex has dominated racing in the past few years, is probably a good thing.
Colt (Student Council, out of the Unbridled mare Unbridledobsession) born Jan 4
Colt (Indygo Shiner, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Jade Queen) born Jan 8
Filly (Zanjero, out of the Broken Vow mare Frangible) born Jan 8
Colt (Xchanger, out of High Brite mare Maiden of Honor) born Jan 8
Filly (Theatrical, out of the Geiger Counter mare Antique Auction) born Jan 11
Filly (Curlin, out of Hawkster mare Zophie) born Jan 12
Filly (Raven’s Pass, out of Danehill mare Pure Illusion) born Jan 12
Filly (The Green Monkey, out of Kayrawan mare I’m Angela) born Jan 13
Filly (Majestic Warrior, out of Hennessy mare Express Chick) born Jan 17
Filly (War Pass, out of Smoke Glacken mare Throbbin’ Heart) born Jan 19
Filly (Midnight Lute, out of Tiznow mare Tough Tiz’s Sis) born Jan 19
Filly (Spring At Last, out of Gold Fever mare Havana Gold) born Jan 19
Filly (Harlington, out of A.P. Indy mare Appleby Gardens) born Jan 20
My thoughts (albeit a little twisted, or esoteric at times) include:
If the Student Council foal had been a filly, I think Tracy Flick would have been perfect! Folks familiar with the Renee Witherspoon film “Election” will get it. However, since it’s a colt, I’m inclined to go with Class President.
Jade Emperor sounds regal for the Indygo Shiner colt, while the Xchanger colt could be Xchanging Vows.
For the Majestic Warrior filly, it would be too easy to go with Majestic Chick, wouldn’t it? Maybe something more regal, like Boudica or Valkyrie Warrior? Along those lines, how about Warrior’s Heart for the War Pass filly?
I’m a huge fan of Tough Tiz’s Sis so seeing her filly by Midnight Lute run will be a real pleasure—but, I’m completely at a loss for a name! Same is true of Curlin’s little girl—maybe Princess Zophie?
Would it be too mean to name The Green Monkey’s daughter I’m a Monkey Too?
Colt (Student Council, out of the Unbridled mare Unbridledobsession) born Jan 4
Colt (Indygo Shiner, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Jade Queen) born Jan 8
Filly (Zanjero, out of the Broken Vow mare Frangible) born Jan 8
Colt (Xchanger, out of High Brite mare Maiden of Honor) born Jan 8
Filly (Theatrical, out of the Geiger Counter mare Antique Auction) born Jan 11
Filly (Curlin, out of Hawkster mare Zophie) born Jan 12
Filly (Raven’s Pass, out of Danehill mare Pure Illusion) born Jan 12
Filly (The Green Monkey, out of Kayrawan mare I’m Angela) born Jan 13
Filly (Majestic Warrior, out of Hennessy mare Express Chick) born Jan 17
Filly (War Pass, out of Smoke Glacken mare Throbbin’ Heart) born Jan 19
Filly (Midnight Lute, out of Tiznow mare Tough Tiz’s Sis) born Jan 19
Filly (Spring At Last, out of Gold Fever mare Havana Gold) born Jan 19
Filly (Harlington, out of A.P. Indy mare Appleby Gardens) born Jan 20
My thoughts (albeit a little twisted, or esoteric at times) include:
If the Student Council foal had been a filly, I think Tracy Flick would have been perfect! Folks familiar with the Renee Witherspoon film “Election” will get it. However, since it’s a colt, I’m inclined to go with Class President.
Jade Emperor sounds regal for the Indygo Shiner colt, while the Xchanger colt could be Xchanging Vows.
For the Majestic Warrior filly, it would be too easy to go with Majestic Chick, wouldn’t it? Maybe something more regal, like Boudica or Valkyrie Warrior? Along those lines, how about Warrior’s Heart for the War Pass filly?
I’m a huge fan of Tough Tiz’s Sis so seeing her filly by Midnight Lute run will be a real pleasure—but, I’m completely at a loss for a name! Same is true of Curlin’s little girl—maybe Princess Zophie?
Would it be too mean to name The Green Monkey’s daughter I’m a Monkey Too?
Friday, January 8, 2010
Blueblood Friday
Snow, snow and more snow here in the west-central mountains of Pennsylvania—going on nine continuous days of nothing but the white stuff. Over 24 inches piled up on the back deck, so I’m glad to have Fridays off this semester. It looks to be the perfect day to play the ponies on Twinspires, in the comfort of my home library, fuzzy slippers and all. A grown-up snowday!
Looking over the past performances for Friday’s cards, a couple races stick out, beginning with an interesting first-time starter in the second at Aqueduct—Caftan, a 3-year-old filly by Awesome Again, out of G1 Coaching Club American Oaks winner Jilbab who died six months after Caftan’s birth in 2007. I find it surprising, though, that Darley and Kiaran McLaughlin could only get Pablo Fragoso to ride...both Mike Luzzi and Richard Migliore rode her dam, and the Mig is up on Conga Bella, making her first start for Rick Dutrow (usually a good angle). Leading jockey Ramon Dominguez takes the ride on Roman Ruler filly Volare Cantare for Tony Dutrow.
Race 8 at Gulfstream (a mile allowance race) is a real blueblood event, although, sadly, for seeming underachievers. Among its contestants: 4-year-old Colors Flying, first-born son of multiple-G1 and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly champion Storm Flag Flying, whose dam My Flag also won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly and whose second dam Personal Ensign won the G1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff at age 4. Wow! Talk about a legacy to live up to—unfortunately, Colors Flying doesn’t look to up to the task. Another runner here is 5-year-old Battle Plan (in only his third lifetime start), son of 1994 G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly victress Flanders, and half-brother to multiple-G1 victress Surfside. He won his last race at Gulfstream impressively, but that was nearly a year ago! Making his 4-year-old debut is Nowhere To Hide, who finished out of the money in last year’s G2 Risen Star, G3 Tampa Bay Derby and G2 Illinois Derby, not to mention the G1 Kentucky Derby. Actually, this son of Vindication has only a maiden victory in 14 starts, but he too is regally-bred: his dam Stirring is a half-sister to the recently-retired G2 winner Serenading, and his second dam Daijin is a full-sister to G1 Belmont winner Touch Gold and half-sister to Canadian Triple Crown winner With Approval.
Race 7 at Laurel—a maiden for 4-year-olds and up—features Bionic Man (Unbridled’s Song, out of the Ogygian mare Blushing Ogygian), a half-brother to multiple-G1 winning sprinter Street Boss, and full-brother to G2-placed filly Habiboo. Making his second lifetime start is Smooth Chanter, by War Chant out of the G1-placed Easy Goer mare Smooth Charmer, a full-brother to G1-placed Sea Chanter. Graham Motion sends out the Speightstown colt Sin And The City, out of G3 Delaware Oaks victress Sincerely; he’s a half-brother to G2-placed sprinter Silver Edition.
Some interesting 3-year-olds going 1 mile on turf at Tampa Bay in race 7. Christophe Clement sends out first-time starter Shekomeko Son, by Smart Strike out of the Caerleon mare Summer Solstice, a listed winner in France who is a full-sister to G1-placed Summer Symphony, and a half-sister to G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains’ third-place finisher Gharir, and multiple-G1 French turf victor Act One. Think he will love the turf? Time Trial didn’t show much in his first effort, an 8.5f race taken off the turf at Woodbine, but he is a half-brother to multiple G2-placed turfster Meribel. Michael Zwiesler-trained Hobby has a number of positive angles—getting blinkers and first on grass—but it’s his damside pedigree that interests me: his second dam, G1 Oak Leaf winner Folk Art, is a full-sister to Mashaallah, a multiple-G1 turf victor (Grosser Preis von Baden, Irish St. Leger), and Balinese, whose unraced daughter Grass Skirt produced G1 Travers runner-up Grasshopper and G3 Delta Jackpot winner Turf War. Also in his family is G1 Santa Anita Derby runner-up Easy Grades, FR-G1 Prix Jean Prat victor Local Talent, ENG-G1 Guineas and Queen Elizabeth II stakes winner Mark of Esteem, G1-placed Chimichurri, and 2002 champion Japanese 2-year-old colt Eishin Champ. What I don’t like about Hobby , though, is his losing Rosemary Homeister Jr. who jumps aboard High Aspirations (Powerscourt), a gelding with four nice races last fall, including three on turf.
Hope wherever you are, it’s warm and profitable!
Looking over the past performances for Friday’s cards, a couple races stick out, beginning with an interesting first-time starter in the second at Aqueduct—Caftan, a 3-year-old filly by Awesome Again, out of G1 Coaching Club American Oaks winner Jilbab who died six months after Caftan’s birth in 2007. I find it surprising, though, that Darley and Kiaran McLaughlin could only get Pablo Fragoso to ride...both Mike Luzzi and Richard Migliore rode her dam, and the Mig is up on Conga Bella, making her first start for Rick Dutrow (usually a good angle). Leading jockey Ramon Dominguez takes the ride on Roman Ruler filly Volare Cantare for Tony Dutrow.
Race 8 at Gulfstream (a mile allowance race) is a real blueblood event, although, sadly, for seeming underachievers. Among its contestants: 4-year-old Colors Flying, first-born son of multiple-G1 and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly champion Storm Flag Flying, whose dam My Flag also won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly and whose second dam Personal Ensign won the G1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff at age 4. Wow! Talk about a legacy to live up to—unfortunately, Colors Flying doesn’t look to up to the task. Another runner here is 5-year-old Battle Plan (in only his third lifetime start), son of 1994 G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly victress Flanders, and half-brother to multiple-G1 victress Surfside. He won his last race at Gulfstream impressively, but that was nearly a year ago! Making his 4-year-old debut is Nowhere To Hide, who finished out of the money in last year’s G2 Risen Star, G3 Tampa Bay Derby and G2 Illinois Derby, not to mention the G1 Kentucky Derby. Actually, this son of Vindication has only a maiden victory in 14 starts, but he too is regally-bred: his dam Stirring is a half-sister to the recently-retired G2 winner Serenading, and his second dam Daijin is a full-sister to G1 Belmont winner Touch Gold and half-sister to Canadian Triple Crown winner With Approval.
Race 7 at Laurel—a maiden for 4-year-olds and up—features Bionic Man (Unbridled’s Song, out of the Ogygian mare Blushing Ogygian), a half-brother to multiple-G1 winning sprinter Street Boss, and full-brother to G2-placed filly Habiboo. Making his second lifetime start is Smooth Chanter, by War Chant out of the G1-placed Easy Goer mare Smooth Charmer, a full-brother to G1-placed Sea Chanter. Graham Motion sends out the Speightstown colt Sin And The City, out of G3 Delaware Oaks victress Sincerely; he’s a half-brother to G2-placed sprinter Silver Edition.
Some interesting 3-year-olds going 1 mile on turf at Tampa Bay in race 7. Christophe Clement sends out first-time starter Shekomeko Son, by Smart Strike out of the Caerleon mare Summer Solstice, a listed winner in France who is a full-sister to G1-placed Summer Symphony, and a half-sister to G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains’ third-place finisher Gharir, and multiple-G1 French turf victor Act One. Think he will love the turf? Time Trial didn’t show much in his first effort, an 8.5f race taken off the turf at Woodbine, but he is a half-brother to multiple G2-placed turfster Meribel. Michael Zwiesler-trained Hobby has a number of positive angles—getting blinkers and first on grass—but it’s his damside pedigree that interests me: his second dam, G1 Oak Leaf winner Folk Art, is a full-sister to Mashaallah, a multiple-G1 turf victor (Grosser Preis von Baden, Irish St. Leger), and Balinese, whose unraced daughter Grass Skirt produced G1 Travers runner-up Grasshopper and G3 Delta Jackpot winner Turf War. Also in his family is G1 Santa Anita Derby runner-up Easy Grades, FR-G1 Prix Jean Prat victor Local Talent, ENG-G1 Guineas and Queen Elizabeth II stakes winner Mark of Esteem, G1-placed Chimichurri, and 2002 champion Japanese 2-year-old colt Eishin Champ. What I don’t like about Hobby , though, is his losing Rosemary Homeister Jr. who jumps aboard High Aspirations (Powerscourt), a gelding with four nice races last fall, including three on turf.
Hope wherever you are, it’s warm and profitable!
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