Jockey Changes

I find it interesting that jockey Rajiv Maragh has been working Mine That Bird in preparation for a run in the G1 Woodward. While D. Wayne Lukas is “noncommittal” about the issue of a jockey change, I must say at this point they need to do something to wake this gelding up—and considering how well Rajiv is going right now, it might be a good move.

While we’re on the topic, how about a jockey change for Rachel Alexandra as well? Honestly, I’m usually not a big fan of jockey changes, particularly if a horse is running well. However, I’m not convinced that errors in race timing aren’t at the root of Rachel’s rash of second-place finishes, especially when it’s a matter of getting outkicked in the final strides such as in the New Orleans Ladies by Zardana; in the G2 La Troienne by Unrivalled Belle; and in the G1 Personal Ensign by Persistently. I appreciate Calvin Borel’s love for this horse and truly this isn't meant to bash him personally, but don’t we all want what’s best for her based on the present and not the past?

As more knowledgeable pundits than I (Andy Beyer, Steven Crist) have right noted, this is not the Rachel Alexandra of 2009, although that fact certainly doesn’t negate the justly won honor of last year’s Horse of the Year. Likewise, as both Ray Paulick and Steve Haskin have noted, it’s certainly ludicrous to consider retirement for her (barring physical injury), for if she were any other racehorse, her performances this year would be more than commendable. But, she’s not just any horse, is she? She’s Rachel, the stuff of legends and with a rightly earned place ensured in history, although it appears each less-than-stellar performance this year erodes that luster. So, what to do?

Playing Monday morning quarterback, let me make the following comments and suggestions:

1. Her connections gave her too much time off when they stopped her campaign last year. I’m not suggesting they should have “sucked it up” and run her in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, but she should have been put into training much earlier than she was, unless there was a physical issue or injury that we don’t know about. That slow start has compounded itself, throwing the entire campaign (for lack of a better word) out of whack.

2. She should have been raced more often this year, and been placed in more challenging races—specifically in open company immediately. From her previous efforts it’s evident this filly thrives on hard challenges, so placing her in races like the New Orleans Ladies and other lesser races just because they “fit” some preconceived notions about favored tracks and maintained an artificial timing “pattern” that matched last year’s campaign was ridiculous. While Zenyatta’s connections have continued their egocentric, nearly California-only campaign in filly and mare races only, Rachel’s connections have likewise wimped out this year—and probably will again, by retiring her too soon or avoiding tougher races for the rest of the year.

3. In addition to a jockey change, a trainer change is long overdue. I’m not a huge fan of Steve Asmussen, but notwithstanding that, her success last year was due as much to him (or Scott Blasi) not fucking up more than anything he did as a trainer. Sheer momentum propelled her campaign last year once Jess Jackson acquired her. In succession, she conquered the Preakness, Mother Goose, Haskell, and Woodward because of her race fitness established by Hal Wiggins, and sustain by actually racing her in the toughest company. I’m certainly not suggesting she needs a trainer whose mantra is “bullet works” or run the horse into the ground, but an intuitive trainer willing to think a little more outside the box—and having the guts to stand up to any ridiculous ideas perpetuated by her owner.

4. It’s not unprecedented that outstanding 3-year-olds, regardless of sex, never match their earlier form, so that doesn’t bother me about Rachel Alexandra’s performance if she is, in fact, performing the best that she can. What does irk me is the constant comparison with Zenyatta. Apples and oranges, folks. Totally unraced at two, Zenyatta’s first race was on November 22 of her 3-year-old campaign—and she only raced once more that year. By the end of her third year of life, Rachel Alexandra had raced 14 times, which is hardly an extraordinary amount either. The simple fact is these two horses matured differently, and the fact that Zenyatta continues to mow down her competition reflects that fact, as does the lesser quality of her competition, conservative race choices (barring last year's Classic) and travel schedule over recent years. She does what she does well, but until they actually meet on the track under equally favorable circumstances, it's a moot point to debate who is "best."

Barring any report of injury—and notwithstanding an unlikely trainer and/or jockey change—what do I want to see from Rachel Alexandra for the rest of 2010?

October 2: G1 Beldame
November 6: G1 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic
November 26: G1 Clark Handicap

Why the Ladies’ Classic and not the Classic? Believe it or not, it has nothing to do with the quality of her competition, because I think, given the right ride and pace scenario, Rachel can (even now) defeat most if not all the handicap horses in the male division. The main obstacle is distance. Stick to 9 furlongs for now. There’s no shame in that, god knows! Just look at the pathetic way in which the “best” male 3-year-olds crawled home in the Travers...

Or, if they were really thinking outside the box, how about shortening up for the Breeders' Cup, and run her in the G1 Dirt Mile? She could be a serious miler, don't you think? Then, instead of the Clark, take on the G1 Cigar Mile at Aqueduct on November 27, and aim her for the G1 Met Mile next May.

Whatever happens, Rachel Alexandra is one of the most exciting horses American horse racing has enjoyed in recent decades. However, the time has come to, as they say colloquially, “shit or get off the pot” because Rachel's short-term reputation as well as historical legacy is going down the toilet.

Weekend Stakes Miscellanea

For racing fans, it doesn’t get much better than this weekend’s bi-coastal offerings. And yet, I’ll be otherwise engaged attending a family gathering, as my niece Samantha celebrates a landmark—her 18th birthday—on Saturday. It’s truly astonishing how quickly the years pass when you’re not paying attention.

The G1 Travers and G1 King’s Bishop may top the list of 3-year-olds races for most folks, but honestly I’m more excited about the return of Maximus Ruler. Before the tragic Odysseus, there was Maximus Ruler—my Derby “crush” horse since his maiden effort last November. Unfortunately, after a runner-up performance in the G3 Lecomte, he missed the next seven months due to injury. Now, he’s back after posting a series of excellent works in July and August, including a smoking sub-one minute five furlong work on August 17. He’s entered in race 1 at Saratoga on Saturday, a seven-furlong allowance race for 3yo+ that includes last year’s G1 Hopeful runner-up Aspire, Tale of Ekati’s half-brother Ya Gotta Have Soul, and Six Clicks, a three-quarter brother to Queen’s Plate victor Wild Desert.

As for the King’s Bishop, I’ve narrowed it down to four primary candidates: D’Funnybone and Discreetly Mine, as well as Hurricane Ike and Bulldogger. No brainer there, you may say, but I just can’t firmly decide on a winner. D’Funnybone is undefeated in four starts at seven furlongs—and has defeated Discreetly Mine both times they previously met. That said, since their last battle, Discreetly Mine has posted two impressive wins. Bulldogger won an allowance race at Saratoga last out, while Hurricane Ike hasn’t been on the track since his win in the G3 Derby Trial. Advantage: D’Funnybone.

Looking at the past performances for the Travers makes my head hurt. As I see it, there are two questions to ask yourself: (1) Which race—the G2 Jim Dandy or the G1 Haskell—was superior?; and (2) Can the Triple Crown heroes—Super Saver, Ice Box, Fly Down and First Dude—replicate their spring success? If the track stays dry and fast on Saturday, then my answer to question two is a qualified “no”, except for First Dude who (apart from for the Florida Derby) has been astonishingly consistent all year in hitting the board, and Fly Down who is better than his Jim Dandy performance. And, I would love to see Super Saver redeem himself; I just don’t think it will happen. As for question one, despite the Jim Dandy’s home track advantage, I suspect the Haskell was actually better, thus the decision to enter Trappe Shot here instead of the King’s Bishop was a wise one. So, that’s my trifecta box: Fly Down, First Dude and Trappe Shot (with a saver bet on Super Saver).

As for the other graded stakes at Saratoga, I like the speedy Rapport in the G3 Victory Ride, Rightly So in the G1 Ballerina, and—shoot me since I swore I won’t support her again—Maram in the G2 Ballston Spa, with Phola and Dynaslew fleshing out the trifecta.

On the West Coast, 2009 Aussie Horse of the Year (and Foolish Pleasure descendent) Scenic Blast returns to turf in the G2 Del Mar Mile after a strong second-place finish in the G1 Bing Crosby. Skipping the seven-furlong G1 Pat O’Brien in favor of stretching out may look like a risk when Scenic Blast’s greatest successes have been at six furlongs. However, he did finish second behind phenom Weekend Hussler in his only previous start at eight furlongs (or 1600 meters), the 2007 AUS-G1 Caulfield Guineas, and he’s a more mature horse now. Under John Shirreffs’ tutelage, I have no doubt he can defeat this field—as long as Mike Smith doesn’t wait too damn late to make his move.

Speaking of the Pat O’Brien, for a Grade 1 race, it’s looking pretty lame with a hand-full of graded stakes-placed horse mixed with claimers like Leaving New York, New Bay and—in yet another incredibly ridiculous placement by trainer Doug O’Neill—$25k claimer Kanan Dume. If any of the aforementioned win, it only further proves the graded stakes designation in this country is a complete and utter joke. That said, off his Bing Crosby win, 3-year-old Smiling Tiger looks like the winner, although I anxiously await seeing Crown of Thorns return here.

No Zenyatta in the G1 Pacific Classic, leaving a pretty ho-hum group led by the likes of Dakota Phone, Battle of Hastings, Richard’s Kid and The Usual Q.T. Will 7-year-old warhorse Awesome Gem put together back-to-back G1 victories? What about East Coast invader Hold me Back? For my money, I’d like to see Carla Gaines win it with Temple City.

I’m hoping to get home on Sunday in time to see Rachel Alexandra battle Life At Ten in the G1 Personal Ensign, as well as the second-stringers—Malibu Prayer, Queen Martha and Just Jenda—running in the G2 Molly Pitcher. Here's hoping for safe trips all around.

What Little Girls are Made Of

Two dynamite juvenile filly races at Saratoga on Sunday, beginning with a maiden special weight going six furlongs in race 7. Only two of the nine entrants have previous starts, and both come out of the same July 1 Belmont race where the winner, Stopspendingmaria came back to finish second in the G3 Schuylerville. Networking finished seven lengths behind Stopspendingmaria, and nine lengths ahead of Hey Valentina who has finished dead-last in both her efforts since then. Fourth in that race, Afaaf has the pedigree to run better—she’s a half-sister to juvenile stakeswinner Rule, and her dam Rockcide is a half-sister to Funnycide who won his first start at 2 by nearly 15 lengths. Of the first-time starters, several have standout pedigrees. Todd Pletcher-trained Dance Quietly is a half-sister of Saint Liam (who was unraced at 2) and a full-sister to American Dance who finished third in the G2 Remsen at 2; her dam Quiet Dance was runner-up in the G2 Demoiselle. Steve Asmussen-trained Barn Diva is a half-sister to High Cotton who was G2-placed at 2; her unraced dam Happy Tune is a half-sister to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies champion Storm Song. Both Dance Quietly and Barn Diva should take some money, but for a bigger price, I like Pampering in the exotics. Her dam Hot Attraction narrowly lost her first start at 2, then rebounded to win by over 7 lengths next out; her second dam Changing Ways won the G2 Schuylerville by 4 lengths second out, and her daughter (and Hot Attraction’s half-sister) Pumpkin Shell also won as a juvenile. Trainer James Baker sends out this daughter of Hennessy with Calvin Borel up.

Race 9 is the G2 Adirondack, which raises more questions than answers for me. We’ve got two (Miss Sarah Brown and Because I Like It) with Calder form, which doesn’t entirely instill confidence, although Garrett Gomez taking the ride aboard Miss Sarah Brown is encouraging. Two (Silvislip and Position Limit) come in with nice wins on off-tracks, with Position Limit’s being more impressive. Two (Nina Fever and Tristanme) have previous graded stakes experience, as Tristanme finished a fast-coming second in the G3 Debutante while Nina Fever ran against the boys in the G3 Kentucky Juvenile back in April—against the likes of subsequent G3 Bashford Manor runner-up Lou Brissie, next-out victor (by 12 lengths) Boys at Tosconova, Colleen Stakes victress Twelve Pack Shelly and Wetzel who’s entered in Monday’s Saratoga Special. That’s a helluva form line and, combined with her recent works, sets Nina Fever apart from the others for me. Bob Baffert sends Alienation off a maiden victory on turf at Hollywood and after a bullet work most recently, she looks ready for dirt. For a price, you could do worse than Coax Liberty who lost first-up to Surmount (subsequently a narrow runner-up to stakeswinner Fastation in the Mountaineer Juvenile Fillies), but posted a nice win from just off the pace last out. Her dam Chelsie’s House was a warhorse, racing from age 2 to 6—stakes placed as a juvenile, she also won the Decoration Day Handicap at five. Her second dam Coax Chelsie was runner-up in the 1988 G2 Schuylerville, as well as the Golden Rod, and third-place finisher in the Debutante.

So, What's Wrong with This Commercial?

Notice the differences between these two pictures?





As if one needs further proof that Penn National Gaming Inc. couldn’t give a hoot about horse racing, I noticed the other night two very different commercials that are running on our local television stations. It doesn’t take a genius to figure about which entity doesn't feel the least bit of compulsion to at least pay lip service to the fact that their Pennsylvania gaming license only exists due to (gasp!) horse racing.





Mea culpa in regards to the Hollywood Casino video: this version of the video available on YouTube is for their Bangor, Maine location, but it is identical in every way (except the closing frame with location noted) to the one running in Pennsylvania. Bangor Raceway/OTB is a harness racing track that conducted races 53 days this year, from May to July, and September to November. Not that you would know that from their commercial.

A Remarkable Ride Scheduled for Thursday

After fanatically following horse racing all through my youth (1970s), I went away to college and moved on with life—and away from the sport—for about 20 years, as regular readers already know. What great racing went on during those “lost” years for me I’ve had to catch up on in retrospect.

Thus, with news that the latest group of racing’s Hall of Fame inductees includes jockey Randy Romero, how fortunate it was that a review copy of Bill Heller’s Randy Romero’s Remarkable Ride (Pelican Publishing, 2010) arrived in the mail, as Romero’s exploits were nearly totally unknown to me.

What I learned, in a nutshell, is that Romero endured a litany of painful injuries during an astonishingly prolific career that included riding titles from Louisiana Downs to Belmont Park. He also lived a life fraught with very real human problems—an abusive controlling father, issues with controlling his weight, and meeting and marrying the love of his life only to grow apart, divorce, and come back together once more. The book provides insight into some of horse racing’s iconic personalities as well, and most gripping are the chapters that deal with Romero’s connections to the great Personal Ensign and the tragic Go For Wand.

The book’s organization is a bit distracting at times as Heller makes the mistake I’ve found many writers make when writing books on horse racing: they find it difficult to sometimes flesh out a story for those who don’t know the sport well. Yet, what is conveyed by Heller is compelling. At times it reads like Romero spent more time injured than healthy, but the minor injuries pale in comparison to the physical and emotional damage done by his horrific sweatbox accident at Oaklawn Park. Ultimately, it was kidney failure, though, that changed his life forever.

On Thursday, August 12—one day prior to his induction into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame—Randy Romeo will be the guest of honor at a full day of private racing and VIP Reception, hosted by the National Kidney Foundation of Northeast New York. What a unique opportunity for racing and Saratoga enthusiasts! The day’s activities will include a day at the track on “The Porch” reserved exclusively for NKF complete with track admission, open bar, and served lunch, followed by an evening reception and private meet and greet, as well as book signing with Randy, the evening before his induction into the Hall of Fame. Bill Heller, noted author and local handicapping favorite for the Gazette, will be with us for the day, providing handicapping for event attendees. The evening reception will be held at the beautiful Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga, and will include the book signing and meet and greet with Randy. This event is limited to only 75 guests, allowing for more one on one time with Randy.

Pricing varies from $150.00 per person for “A Day of Racing” with author Bill Heller, $175.00 per person for VIP Reception with Randy Romero and $300.00 for a full event day and will benefit The National Kidney Foundation of Northeast New York. Attendance is limited, so if you are interested you can register online here, or phone (518) 458-9697.

Breeders' Cup Dreamin'

With less than three months remaining before the Breeders’ Cup returns to Churchill Downs, it’s not too early to begin salivating over the potential fields. And yet we mourn some fantastic horses who unfortunately have fallen by the wayside. Most recently, sprinter Franny Freud was injured and retired before the G1 Test, while the sudden death of Tuscan Evening is devastating for America’s chances in the Filly & Mare Turf, as Forever Together appears to have lost a step and Proviso appears better suited for the Turf Mile, despite her victory last weekend in the G1 Diana.

How are some of the other BC races stacking up?

In the Turf, Gio Ponti and Winchester look good, but I'm certainly not alone in jumping on the Paddy O’Prado bandwagon. While I know Goldikova is perhaps a slam-dunk in the Turf Mile, I just love Get Stormy!

Majesticperfection certainly looks the real deal for the Sprint after his victory in the G1 Vanderbilt on Sunday, and Discreetly Mine apparently has found his niche after his dominating nine-length romp in the G2 Amsterdam. Big Drama has qualified for a spot, and D' Funnybone will make things interesting. If not aimed at the Turf Sprint and able to handle the dirt surface, Aussie Horse of the Year Scenic Blast might be a huge longshot worth mortgaging the house on.

After her victory this weekend in the G1 Test, Champagne d’Oro moves up significantly as a potential F&M Sprint winner. She may go again in the August 21 Ballerina, and yet again in the September 11 Presque Isle Downs Masters (the latter an occurance that just might be worth the drive to Erie). Informed Decision hasn’t looked as dominating this year as last, but I trust Jonathan Sheppard to get her in peak form when the time comes. It’s hard to judge Free Flying Soul’s fourth-place finish in the G1 Humana Distaff with its sloppy track, but it’s the seven-furlong distance that may be most problematic for her. Jessica Is Back came out of her third-place finish to Rachel Alexandra in the G2 Fleur de Lis to win the G1 Princess Rooney; we’ll see after her next race, the G1 Ballerina, if she’ll be a factor. Sara Louise was supposed to make her 2010 debut in the G2 Honorable Miss, but didn’t enter...tick tock, tick tock.

The Distaff (Ladies Classic) is shaping up as a very exciting race, and would be a significant challenge even for Zenyatta who hasn’t exactly been facing many quality seasoned runners this year (and appears to be ducking serious competition again by aiming for the G1 Zenyatta [Lady’s Secret] Stakes on October 2 at Oak Tree—gutless, I say again). For the BC Distaff, there’s Life At Ten, Malibu Prayer and Unrivaled Belle, plus in-form 3-year-olds Devil May Care and Blind Luck who will duke it out on August 21, in the G1 Alabama at Saratoga.

If she goes in the Classic, Zenyatta will finally meet a field of challengers that can cement her legacy—if she defeats them. In addition to Blame and Quality Road (who look to take differing paths coming out of the Whitney—the Jockey Club Gold Cup for Blame, the Woodward for Quality Road), there’s gutsy Musket Man and likely 3-year-old champion Lookin At Lucky. I suppose Rachel Alexandra is possible, but frankly I think we’ll be lucky to see her in the Distaff (okay, “Ladies Classic”). Rick Dutrow could hold the real wildcards: newly-acquired Rail Trip and I Want Revenge, the latter of whom is scheduled to next appear in the August 21G3 Philip Iselin at Monmouth.

Who are your favorites (or hidden gems) for the Breeders' Cup?

New Look, Same Enthusiasm

Regular readers will notice some cosmetic changes to this blog today—the first in over three years, since I first began “Foolish Pleasure.” Hopefully it’s a cleaner look with all the regular features intact, including links to free past performances, a listing of recent performances by Foolish Pleasure descendants, and, most importantly, links to other excellent horse racing blogs including terrific recent additions Pennsylvania Thoroughbred, Reaching for Roses, Turf Beat and The Unretired Racehorse. Comments and constructive criticism appreciated, as always.


After such exciting—not to mention emotionally compelling—racing over the past several days, I remain flabbergasted that the sport of horse racing is unable (or is it unwilling?) to capture a greater audience. How can folks watch all that (artificial) reality-crap television, yet show no interest in real, honest-to-goodness drama? Blame and Quality Road provided us with a spectacular ending to the G1 Whitney, while Zenyatta stayed on the West Coast (and raced against her own sex) to remain undefeated at 18-0 by winning the G1 Clement L. Hirsch at Del Mar. How about Champagne d’Oro—once again dismissed by bettors at 5-1—winning the G1 Test in convincing style? She could be a serious contender in the 7f Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Trainer Bill Mott—one of the sport’s truly “good guys”—won his 4,000 race with Mystic in race 7 at Saratoga. At Monmouth, one of my favorite 2-year-olds, Twelve Pack Shelly won the Colleen Stakes, while four races earlier a first-time starter, juvenile filly Pomeroys Pistol, put on a stellar maiden effort to win impressively.

On Friday at Saratoga, 9-year-old Always First won the John’s Call for trainer Tom Voss—who trained the stakes’ namesake John’s Call! Arguably the most poignant story is that of Lisa’s Booby Trap, a $4,500 blind-in-one-eye filly seemingly possessed with the soul of owner/trainer Tim Snyder’s dead wife and partially named after a Florida strip joint, who captured the Loudonville Stakes. If watching that race, knowing the backstory, didn’t bring tears to your eyes, you must be heartless. Folks like Tim Snyder and Bill Mott—and their horses—are what make horse racing, to me, the greatest sport on Earth.



On Sunday, in race 2 at Saratoga, Todd Pletcher sends out first-timer Hysterical Cat, by red-hot freshman sire Bluegrass Cat, out of the Distorted Humor mare Then She Laughs who trounced a field of eight others in her maiden effort at two. His second dam Dances With Quack also drew off to win her first 2-year-old start by five lengths so if history is any indicator he should be a major threat. Bustin Rocks’ undefeated half-brother Bustin Stones won his maiden effort in dominating fashion, but didn’t run as a juvenile. Not sure how much of a factor he’ll be here, but the son of Hook And Ladder has worked well in advance for Bruce Levine. The other one to consider as a longshot chance is Rudy Rodriguez-trained Rudy Rudy Rudy, a Sharp Humor colt out of the Relaunch mare Definition—a 2-year-old winner in her own right. His half-sister Dehere Miss won her juvenile debut, as did another half-sister Let’s Dance Nance.

Race 4 features some bluebloods, including a daughter of G1 heroine Flute by Maria’s Mon named Classy Touch. Second-out is Nicky’s Way, daughter of classy broodmare Bunting. However, the most highly-bet is likely to be another Pletcher trainee, Summer Laugh, a daughter of G1 Personal Ensign victress Summer Colony by Distorted Humor. However, her full-sister Summer Humor failed to win until stretching out over a mile; this may be too short. My real interest is drawn to three fillies: Time Counts, Sassy Strike and Sovereign Crisis. Time Counts is a half-sister to juvenile G3 winner Rated Fiesty and Fiesty Ex, both whom won their 2-year-old debuts, as did their dam Fiesty Countess. She should improve off her maiden effort in June. Ken McPeek-trained Sassy Strike is a first-timer with promise; she’s out of the Concerto mare Phyllis Sassy Girl who won her 2-year-old maiden start by four lengths. Sovereign Crisis is a half-sister to G2 Demoiselle runner-up Elusive Lady who lost her Saratoga debut, but came back to win at Belmont next out. By precocious first-time starter sire Congrats, Sovereign Crisis is trained by Chad Brown, who’s won with nearly half of his Saratoga starters so far.