At Aqueduct, race 2 is a maiden special weight for 3-year-old fillies going 6 furlongs. Mike Hushion sends out first-time starter Roman Treasure, a $200k yearling purchase by Roman Ruler, out of G1 Kentucky Oaks/Santa Anita Oaks runner-up Jeanne Jones—a precocious filly who won first-out (in addition to winning the G1 Hollywood Starlet before finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. That said, her full-brother Roman Racecar was a flop, never a factor in 6 starts. Portside and Satilla Shores beat Espresso Martini last out, but it’s entirely likely that Pletcher’s filly will go off favored, with Ramon Dominguez aboard. I hope so, as she’s a good bet-against. For some intangible reasons, I really like the Dixie Union filly Rose’s Turn.
UPDATE: Well, at least I was right about betting against Espresso Martini—as the even money favorite, she finished fifth, out of the money. Huge payoffs, with 6-1 Portside ($13.80) winning by 1-1/4 lengths, and 61-1 Good Habits ($45.20 place) nosing out 15-1 Rose’s Turn ($9.00 show) for second; 4-1 Roman Treasure was a neck back in fourth. The $2 exacta paid $486.50, trifecta $3,601 and superfecta $32,757. Watching the replay, Rose’s Turn and Roman Treasure impressed me most with their late bursts of speed, so put them on your watch lists next time out!
The real action, though, will be at Gulfstream, being with race 2, an allowance race for 3-year-old fillies going 6.5 furlongs. Tap for Luck has yet to match her smashing maiden effort, and especially first-up here, a likely-bet against. Off her strong form against juvenile filly champion Awesome Feather, Because I Like It looks to be a better bet, but the extra 1/2 furlong may be a question. I’m all in on Oh Carole, trying dirt after breaking her maiden over Keeneland’s Polytrack last October. Her unraced dam is a half-sister to Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner Escena, so there’s a lot to like in addition to her strong workouts.
UPDATE: Feeling good about perceiving Tap For Luck’s weakness, as she finished dead-last. Because I Like It was on the lead most of the way, but the distance found her out, and she finished fourth. Unfortunately for my pocketbook, nearly everyone jumped on the Oh Carole bandwagon, as she went off the 1.90-1 favorite and won by nearly two lengths, paying $5.80 win.
Race 5—a maiden special weight for 3-year-olds going 8 furlongs—features an exciting first-time starter. Achaemenes is a 3/4 brother to Breeders’ Cup Distaff (“Ladies’ Classic”) victress Unrivaled Belle, and that filly narrowly missed winning her maiden effort after a troubled run. She didn’t repeat that mistake, winning handily next out. He’s posted sharp works for trainer Todd Pletcher and rates a big chance. Pletcher also sends out Redwood Falls, an Indian Charlie colt whose stakes-winning dam took six efforts to break her maiden—and none of her progeny displayed precocious tendencies—so I’m definitely not sold on his chances first-up. Rahy doesn’t usually hit with first-time starters so Nacho Business is a bit of a question mark; his dam Palaestra failed to stay 9 furlongs first-out but that was on turf, and next out on dirt going 8.5 furlongs she won by four lengths. Of those with race experience, Sinorice has some good past form, finishing third (admittedly, 18 lengths back) to Uncle Mo in his maiden effort. Next out he finished second in the slop to Pants On Fire, recent runner-up in the G3 LeComte. There’s also a lot to like about Bowman’s Causeway, who gains blinkers for Patrick Biancone and the services of 7 lb. bug boy Ryan Curatolo. He closed well to finish third against Holy Bull starter Mucho Macho Man in his only previous start, and that one was twice runner-up to To Honor and Serve.
UPDATE: Go Rahy! 7-1 Nacho Business got up for the win ($16.80) over 8-5 Bowman’s Causeway ($3.40 place), followed by 6-1 Redwood Falls ($5.00) and 3-1 Sinorice, both of whom were well-ahead of the rest of the field, including 5-1 Achaemenes. A 10-cent super paid $41.70.
I highlighted the G2 Forward Gal in this week’s Hello Race Fans! Derby Alert, so if you aren’t already signed up for it, do it! R Heat Lightning and Dancinginherdreams have garnered the most attention, and could very well fire first up, but I think all the other contestants—except Evil Queen—have a chance. I’m going to be a homer and root for PA-bred Alexandra Rylee who broke her maiden at Saratoga in impressive fashion against some good fillies and ships in from Philadelphia (I adamantly refuse to call it Parx) where she won the Brandywine last out. She’s got some quality on her damside, and if the track turns up sloppy, this daughter of Afleet Alex should plow through it.
UPDATE: Being a homer sucks! Alexandra Rylee finished last, and my no-shot Evil Queen (at 82-1) actually stayed on for third, upsetting R Heat Lightning! It was Pomeroys Pistol for the win over Dancinginherdreams, and looking quite good in the process.
The G3 Holy Bull winner receives $240k, likely enough to earn a spot in the Derby field come the first Saturday in May. Thus, a relatively large field of nine goes here, including Black N Beauty who has good form against the much-heralded Brethren, and looked good first-out this year in an allowance race here. Another one with lots of chatter is Mucho Macho Man, twice runner-up to To Honor and Serve in G2 events, while the Mineshaft colt Dialed In has posted some smokin’ workouts in advance of this start for Nick Zito. And talk about regal breeding—his second dam is champion juvenile filly Eliza, who also won the G1 Santa Anita Oaks and was runner-up in the G1 Kentucky Oaks. No question he could be a serious Derby contender with that stamina pedigree. The Harlan’s Holiday colt Leave of Absence also has much to recommend him, including his dam being a half-sister to G2 Silverbulletday victress Belle of Perintown, and his third dam Jeanne Jones being a runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly (to Epitome), the Santa Anita Oaks (to Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors) and the Kentucky Oaks (to Goodbye Halo). The only one in here who does not need graded stakes earnings is G3 Delta Jackpot winner Gourmet Dinner whose fourth-place finish in the G1 Cash Call Futurity can either be excused as his first effort on synthetics (since he’s posted excellent dirt works since returning to Gulfstream), or be viewed as a sign that he can’t route against higher caliber competition. I’m inclined to believe the latter.
UPDATE: Dialed In ($7.40 win) roared from last place to win the Holy Bull, while Sweet Ducky ($13.00 place) held off 7-2 Gourmet Dinner for second, and 2-1 Mucho Macho Man rounded out the superfecta. The early fractions were slower than the Forward Gal, but they finished stronger—especially Dialed In. He definitely earned a place on my early Top Ten Derby list with that performance.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
O Stamina, Where Art Thou?
Over the next several months, one issue—and one issue alone—will dominate horse racing blogs, chat boards and industry publications: debate as to whether or not certain 3-year-olds have the ability to “get” the classic distances. Endurance. Stamina.
And yet, ironically, because true stamina is so rarely tested in American horse racing, it seems almost anachronistic. Only one graded-stakes race for 3-year-olds is contested over 10 furlongs—the 12 furlong G1 Belmont Stakes. After that, unless they race on turf, the only graded-stakes for true routers are the G2 Brooklyn Handicap, G3 Cougar II, G3 Tokyo City Cup, and G3 Turfway Park Fall Championship, all at 12 furlongs, while (finally) for the first time, the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Marathon was contested at 14 furlongs.
It’s even worse for fillies and mares. Unless they run in open company or on turf, there are no graded-stakes races over 10 furlongs—and only three at that distance: the G1 Alabama (for 3-year-olds only), G1 Personal Ensign and G2 Delaware Handicap. The G1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (pitifully named the Ladies Classic) is a paltry 9 furlongs.
For whatever reason, racetracks have shortened the distances of some great American classic races in recent decades. For instance, the G1 Coaching Club American Oaks is now run at 9 furlongs, but from 1971 to 1989, and again from 1998 to 2000, it was a 12 furlong race. Ditto the now-10 furlong G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup which, from 1976 to 1989, was run at 12 furlongs—and before that, from 1921 until 1975, was a whopping 16 furlongs (2 miles). The list of horses victorious at that prodigious distance is truly impressive, a virtual “who’s who” of horse racing legends—Gallant Fox, War Admiral, Whirlaway, Citation, Nashua, Forego, Shuvee and five-time winner Kelso. Winners also included some of the greatest broodmare sires of the 20th century—Princequillo, Gallant Man, Buckpasser, and Damascus. Truly, tests of stamina not only proved mettle and ability on the track, but enriched the breed in the shed as well.
Why did that change? Seriously, I want to understand the motivation behind shortening these races because in no way has it improved the breed. And I don’t buy the excuse that horses today are physically unable to route. Maybe they aren’t being bred for it only because certain fashionable speed (read: precocious) sires disproportionately dominate breeding—that’s the fault of breeders and owners, not fans who have little to no say about the product put on the racetrack.
Now is the time to click away to another website if you don’t want to read yet another defense of Foolish Pleasure’s stamina breeding importance, specifically as a broodmare sire and through dam-lines, but I feel compelled to plead his case since his breeding career was so underappreciated (and mishandled) when he was alive.
I’ve discussed at length his daughter Idyllic’s son Scenic (by Sadler’s Wells), who enjoyed a banner year in 2008-09, with Scenic Blast winning the 5 furlong G1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, and Viewed capturing the 16 furlong G1 Melbourne Cup. Add in Australian champion 2-year-old Phelan Ready, and a host of others, and there’s no doubt Foolish Pleasure contributed to turfsters Down Under.
Recently I stumbled across a history of the Cesarewitch, the great autumn handicap at Newmarket first contested in 1839. Still run at 18 furlongs (2 1/4 miles), it’s one of those races that smash the fiction about fillies and mares not being able to defeat males. From Cruiskeen who won the inaugural running, to 2002 winner Miss Fara, a total of 39 fillies and mares have won this race, with numerous other placings, including the Mull of Kintyre mare La Vecchia Scuola who ran second in 2010. Curious, I delved into the pedigrees of Cesarewitch winners, hoping to gain some insight on stamina breeding, and the usual suspects were there—Kingmambo, Sadler’s Wells, Rainbow Quest, Sir Gaylord, Roberto.
And then, much to my surprise, two horses leapt out off the screen:
1998 winner Spirit of Love, a son of Arc winner Trempolino, out of G3 Arlington Oaks runner-up Dream Mary, daughter of Marfa, son of Foolish Pleasure.
1994 winner Captain’s Guest, by Be My Guest, who also sired Belmont winner Go and Go, as well as Pentire, and was the damsire of Rock of Gibraltar and Manduro. His dam? The unplaced Foolish Pleasure mare Watership.
Go figure.
Even better, someone posted Spirit of Love's Cesarewitch victory on YouTube, and what an impressive performance it was!
And yet, ironically, because true stamina is so rarely tested in American horse racing, it seems almost anachronistic. Only one graded-stakes race for 3-year-olds is contested over 10 furlongs—the 12 furlong G1 Belmont Stakes. After that, unless they race on turf, the only graded-stakes for true routers are the G2 Brooklyn Handicap, G3 Cougar II, G3 Tokyo City Cup, and G3 Turfway Park Fall Championship, all at 12 furlongs, while (finally) for the first time, the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Marathon was contested at 14 furlongs.
It’s even worse for fillies and mares. Unless they run in open company or on turf, there are no graded-stakes races over 10 furlongs—and only three at that distance: the G1 Alabama (for 3-year-olds only), G1 Personal Ensign and G2 Delaware Handicap. The G1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (pitifully named the Ladies Classic) is a paltry 9 furlongs.
For whatever reason, racetracks have shortened the distances of some great American classic races in recent decades. For instance, the G1 Coaching Club American Oaks is now run at 9 furlongs, but from 1971 to 1989, and again from 1998 to 2000, it was a 12 furlong race. Ditto the now-10 furlong G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup which, from 1976 to 1989, was run at 12 furlongs—and before that, from 1921 until 1975, was a whopping 16 furlongs (2 miles). The list of horses victorious at that prodigious distance is truly impressive, a virtual “who’s who” of horse racing legends—Gallant Fox, War Admiral, Whirlaway, Citation, Nashua, Forego, Shuvee and five-time winner Kelso. Winners also included some of the greatest broodmare sires of the 20th century—Princequillo, Gallant Man, Buckpasser, and Damascus. Truly, tests of stamina not only proved mettle and ability on the track, but enriched the breed in the shed as well.
Why did that change? Seriously, I want to understand the motivation behind shortening these races because in no way has it improved the breed. And I don’t buy the excuse that horses today are physically unable to route. Maybe they aren’t being bred for it only because certain fashionable speed (read: precocious) sires disproportionately dominate breeding—that’s the fault of breeders and owners, not fans who have little to no say about the product put on the racetrack.
Now is the time to click away to another website if you don’t want to read yet another defense of Foolish Pleasure’s stamina breeding importance, specifically as a broodmare sire and through dam-lines, but I feel compelled to plead his case since his breeding career was so underappreciated (and mishandled) when he was alive.
I’ve discussed at length his daughter Idyllic’s son Scenic (by Sadler’s Wells), who enjoyed a banner year in 2008-09, with Scenic Blast winning the 5 furlong G1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, and Viewed capturing the 16 furlong G1 Melbourne Cup. Add in Australian champion 2-year-old Phelan Ready, and a host of others, and there’s no doubt Foolish Pleasure contributed to turfsters Down Under.
Recently I stumbled across a history of the Cesarewitch, the great autumn handicap at Newmarket first contested in 1839. Still run at 18 furlongs (2 1/4 miles), it’s one of those races that smash the fiction about fillies and mares not being able to defeat males. From Cruiskeen who won the inaugural running, to 2002 winner Miss Fara, a total of 39 fillies and mares have won this race, with numerous other placings, including the Mull of Kintyre mare La Vecchia Scuola who ran second in 2010. Curious, I delved into the pedigrees of Cesarewitch winners, hoping to gain some insight on stamina breeding, and the usual suspects were there—Kingmambo, Sadler’s Wells, Rainbow Quest, Sir Gaylord, Roberto.
And then, much to my surprise, two horses leapt out off the screen:
1998 winner Spirit of Love, a son of Arc winner Trempolino, out of G3 Arlington Oaks runner-up Dream Mary, daughter of Marfa, son of Foolish Pleasure.
1994 winner Captain’s Guest, by Be My Guest, who also sired Belmont winner Go and Go, as well as Pentire, and was the damsire of Rock of Gibraltar and Manduro. His dam? The unplaced Foolish Pleasure mare Watership.
Go figure.
Even better, someone posted Spirit of Love's Cesarewitch victory on YouTube, and what an impressive performance it was!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Baby Names for 2011
Once again, it’s the birthing season for a new crop of thoroughbreds—which means it's time to play the new foal naming game! Considering some of the god-awful names that owners come up with, how could we possibly do worse? Consult The Jockey Club database to see if a name is taken already if you are really serious. Otherwise, let’s have some fun!
Filly, by Cowboy Cal out of Do Nice, by Unbridled (January 2)
Filly, by Zensational out of Queenie Cat, by Storm Cat (January 4)
Filly, by Exchange Rate out of Royal Card, by Chapel Royal (January 6)
Colt, by Yeats out of Suma Flamenca, by Rock of Gibraltar (January 8)
Filly, by Dunkirk out of Sculpture, by Deputy Minister (January 10)
Colt, by My Pal Charlie out of Pegasus Rose, by Fusaichi Pegasus (January 11)
Colt, by Two Step Salsa out of Blindfold, by Metfield (January 12)
Colt, by Birdstone out of Upscale Storm, by Storm Cat (January 15)
Colt, by Old Fashioned out of Destiny’s Yield, by High Yield (January 15)
Filly, by Champs Elysees out of Shuttle Mission, by Sadler’s Wells (January 17)
Filly, by Doctor Dino out of Angelina, by Kaldounevees (January 17)
Colt, by Sea the Stars out of Centreofattention, by Danehill (January 21)
Colt, by Papa Clem out of Candi Capri, by Slewdledo (January 25)
Not terribly creative, but how about Nice Cowgirl, Zensational Queen and Blind Step Salsa? Unfortunately, Royal Exchange is taken, so maybe Royal Kate (in honor of the upcoming wedding)? For the Sculpture filly, how about Camille Claudel? Sticking with my geeky art historian tendencies, how about the Candi Capri colt named after Palladio’s Villa Capri? The Champs Elysees filly—Parisian Mission?
Filly, by Cowboy Cal out of Do Nice, by Unbridled (January 2)
Filly, by Zensational out of Queenie Cat, by Storm Cat (January 4)
Filly, by Exchange Rate out of Royal Card, by Chapel Royal (January 6)
Colt, by Yeats out of Suma Flamenca, by Rock of Gibraltar (January 8)
Filly, by Dunkirk out of Sculpture, by Deputy Minister (January 10)
Colt, by My Pal Charlie out of Pegasus Rose, by Fusaichi Pegasus (January 11)
Colt, by Two Step Salsa out of Blindfold, by Metfield (January 12)
Colt, by Birdstone out of Upscale Storm, by Storm Cat (January 15)
Colt, by Old Fashioned out of Destiny’s Yield, by High Yield (January 15)
Filly, by Champs Elysees out of Shuttle Mission, by Sadler’s Wells (January 17)
Filly, by Doctor Dino out of Angelina, by Kaldounevees (January 17)
Colt, by Sea the Stars out of Centreofattention, by Danehill (January 21)
Colt, by Papa Clem out of Candi Capri, by Slewdledo (January 25)
Not terribly creative, but how about Nice Cowgirl, Zensational Queen and Blind Step Salsa? Unfortunately, Royal Exchange is taken, so maybe Royal Kate (in honor of the upcoming wedding)? For the Sculpture filly, how about Camille Claudel? Sticking with my geeky art historian tendencies, how about the Candi Capri colt named after Palladio’s Villa Capri? The Champs Elysees filly—Parisian Mission?
Monday, January 24, 2011
Guilty as Charged
I admit I’m as guilty as the next person of focusing on 3-year-old races this time of year. Perhaps it’s the thrill of the unknown, of discovering the “next big thing”—and being able to brag about it after-the-fact. That’s why I also love when the juvenile races begin. It’s all about reading pedigrees, connections, workouts, visual impressions and so on. An intellectual game.
With that in mind, a couple upcoming races of interest, beginning on Wednesday with race 7 at Gulfstream. In this maiden special weight for 3yo fillies going 6 furlongs, Mark Casse sends out first-time starter Vuemont, a daughter of A.P. Indy out of G1-placed Pico Teneriffe, which makes her a full-sister to two-time Sovereign award winner Marchfield—a pedigree that suggests she wants much more than six furlongs, and maybe even turf. I’ll be curious as to how much money she takes pre-race. Perhaps more suited for sprinting is Veloce Canzone, full-sister to G2 Woody Stephens winner Songster; interestingly, he won his maiden effort at Gulfstream, in late January of his 3-year-old year, going seven furlongs. With a seven-pound bug boy up for Patrick Biancone, I’ll give her a big chance. Jason Servis teams up with Jose Lezcano on Bay Head Beauty, a daughter of Johannesburg whose unraced dam is a half-sister to G1-placed sprinter Diabolical. Bay Head Beauty’s half-sister Chagall not only won her maiden effort sprinting, but just missed winning the G3 Debutante next out. Dale Romans’ first-time starter Claire’s Song (out of G1-placed Chimichurri) is a full-sister to stakes-placed Christina’s World and half-sister to Loving Vindication, both of whom won second-up.
UPDATE: Hope you got a piece of Veloce Canzone in the 7th at Gulfstream—at 10-1, her win in the slop over even money favorite Priceless Design paid $22.60! Bay City Beauty was fourth, while Claire’s Song scratched. Vuemont was never involved.
Wednesday’s Race 3 at Aqueduct is an allowance optional claimer for 3yo fillies going 1 mile, 70 yards. Poor Le Mi Geaux! Last year’s G3 Schuylerville winner is in for a $75k tag here for Rick Dutrow Jr., who also sends out Ruthless runner-up Status Pending, with Eclipse award-winning jockey Ramon Dominguez aboard. The latter will likely battle for favoritism with Moonlit Malibu if that one can improve upon her runner-up finish behind Dance Quietly in the Busanda. The one that interests me most, though, is Darley’s It’s Tricky, a Mineshaft filly who broke her maiden at first-asking going 6 furlongs. The extra distance should not be an issue, as her dam Catboat was a G3 winner going 9 furlongs.
UPDATE: Lots of folks got aboard with It’s Tricky in race 3 at Aqueduct, which she rewarded with a facile win ($3.40). Buster’s Ready was second followed by Le Mi Geaux. The others finished well back.
On Thursday at the Fair Grounds, race 8 is a maiden special weight for 3-year-olds going 6 furlongs. Trainer Neil Howard sends out first-time starter Sports Day who, at $320k, is the second-priciest colt in this field. This son of Tiznow must have impressed with his physical appearance because there’s not that much in his pedigree to warrant such a price. However, at $400k, one can readily see why Ghost Is Clear brought his price; by Ghostzapper, this colt is out of Tamweel, runner-up to Azeri in the G1 Spinster before finishing fourth in the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Last out he finished behind recent LeComte winner Wilkinson; before that, he finished second behind Black N Beauty who impressively won a Gulfstream allowance race next out. Nice form. That said, I like Rescue Financing here, making the switch from synthetic to dirt. Last raced in September, he’s put in some outstanding works at Fair Grounds since December for trainer Tom Amoss; his unraced dam Lullaby is a full-sister to G2 Lexington runner-up Griffinite. Also of interest is The Freak who didn’t take to the soft turf last out, so returns to dirt here. At least he’s already made back his $2k price at the 2009 September Keeneland Yearling sale! His fourth dam is the great champion Chris Evert, and close-up his family include G1 Blue Grass winner Dominican, so I can’t imagine why he went so cheap. In his first effort last July he finished second to Maybesomaybenot who next out won the G2 Sanford at Saratoga, so it would be nice for him to get back on track here. At this distance, Quarry of Gold might also be worthy of a win first-out, being by Seeking The Gold, out of the G1-placed sprinter Spring Meadow (she’s produced all winners thus far, and each of them just missed winning first-out).
UPDATE: That Wilkinson win in the LeComte just got stronger, as Ghost Is Clear ($5.80 win) and Rescue Financing ($6.20 place) fleshed out a decent $34.60 exacta. The Freak finished fourth, behind the favorite Saracen (who I totally missed looking at).
Given the multi-surface talents of Kathmanblu, I’m not ignoring turf routes for 3-year-olds this time of the year, so Race 6 at Gulfstream on Thursday looks intriguing, with 12 maiden fillies going 9 furlongs for the first time. Gem Mint (Johar) is well-bred for turf; her Theatrical dam has also produced G1 turf winner Karelian, as well as G2-placed turfster Colgan’s Chip. However, both of those found their greatest success at a mile, so the distance is a bit of a concern. Ms Silver Oak has strong late pace numbers, and just missed in both her previous two efforts, both on turf. Todd Pletcher sends out 2 entrants: Wertheimer and Frere’s first-time starter Skating (whose damside features the mare Cosmah 4 x 4—her son Halo with her Round Table daughter La Dame du Lac present), and the Aragon filly High Strider, a half-sister to 2 winners including French G3-placed Silver Black. Still, my guts says there’s some distance limitations with both of them. Flying Vision has good form against winners, including Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Filly runner-up Winter Memories; she also a half-sister to 2009 BC Juvenile Turf Filly winner Tapitsfly. Kent Desormeaux climbs aboard for Dale Romans. The first-time starter that really excites me is Lemon Drop On Top, as she is closely related to the great Citronnade, her dam’s half-sister; both are (obviously) by Lemon Drop Kid. This is also the family of turfster Twilight Meteor who recently returned from retirement with a convincing victory in the G3 Tropical Turf Handicap. It’s also hard to discount Christophe Clement’s firster Mystical Star, as Ghostzapper do well first-up on turf. She also has a helluva distance pedigree, with her second dam being G2 Apple Blossom winner Degenerate Gal. If this race is taken off the turf, MTO entry Nicky’s Way looks likely, having run in the money in all three of her previous route races, including just missing by a neck to next-out Busanda victress Dance Quietly.
UPDATE: Not many went with first-timer 15-1 Mystical Star, who paid a whopping $32.80 win. 6-5 Ms Silver Oak fleshed out a $2 exacta that paid $93.20. Late-running High on Kitten ($5.60 show) just beat out Gem Mint, while Lemon Drop On Top was a HUGE disappointment, never in contention and finishing dead-last. Both Pletcher runners were scratched due to quarantine issues at Palm Meadows.
With that in mind, a couple upcoming races of interest, beginning on Wednesday with race 7 at Gulfstream. In this maiden special weight for 3yo fillies going 6 furlongs, Mark Casse sends out first-time starter Vuemont, a daughter of A.P. Indy out of G1-placed Pico Teneriffe, which makes her a full-sister to two-time Sovereign award winner Marchfield—a pedigree that suggests she wants much more than six furlongs, and maybe even turf. I’ll be curious as to how much money she takes pre-race. Perhaps more suited for sprinting is Veloce Canzone, full-sister to G2 Woody Stephens winner Songster; interestingly, he won his maiden effort at Gulfstream, in late January of his 3-year-old year, going seven furlongs. With a seven-pound bug boy up for Patrick Biancone, I’ll give her a big chance. Jason Servis teams up with Jose Lezcano on Bay Head Beauty, a daughter of Johannesburg whose unraced dam is a half-sister to G1-placed sprinter Diabolical. Bay Head Beauty’s half-sister Chagall not only won her maiden effort sprinting, but just missed winning the G3 Debutante next out. Dale Romans’ first-time starter Claire’s Song (out of G1-placed Chimichurri) is a full-sister to stakes-placed Christina’s World and half-sister to Loving Vindication, both of whom won second-up.
UPDATE: Hope you got a piece of Veloce Canzone in the 7th at Gulfstream—at 10-1, her win in the slop over even money favorite Priceless Design paid $22.60! Bay City Beauty was fourth, while Claire’s Song scratched. Vuemont was never involved.
Wednesday’s Race 3 at Aqueduct is an allowance optional claimer for 3yo fillies going 1 mile, 70 yards. Poor Le Mi Geaux! Last year’s G3 Schuylerville winner is in for a $75k tag here for Rick Dutrow Jr., who also sends out Ruthless runner-up Status Pending, with Eclipse award-winning jockey Ramon Dominguez aboard. The latter will likely battle for favoritism with Moonlit Malibu if that one can improve upon her runner-up finish behind Dance Quietly in the Busanda. The one that interests me most, though, is Darley’s It’s Tricky, a Mineshaft filly who broke her maiden at first-asking going 6 furlongs. The extra distance should not be an issue, as her dam Catboat was a G3 winner going 9 furlongs.
UPDATE: Lots of folks got aboard with It’s Tricky in race 3 at Aqueduct, which she rewarded with a facile win ($3.40). Buster’s Ready was second followed by Le Mi Geaux. The others finished well back.
On Thursday at the Fair Grounds, race 8 is a maiden special weight for 3-year-olds going 6 furlongs. Trainer Neil Howard sends out first-time starter Sports Day who, at $320k, is the second-priciest colt in this field. This son of Tiznow must have impressed with his physical appearance because there’s not that much in his pedigree to warrant such a price. However, at $400k, one can readily see why Ghost Is Clear brought his price; by Ghostzapper, this colt is out of Tamweel, runner-up to Azeri in the G1 Spinster before finishing fourth in the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Last out he finished behind recent LeComte winner Wilkinson; before that, he finished second behind Black N Beauty who impressively won a Gulfstream allowance race next out. Nice form. That said, I like Rescue Financing here, making the switch from synthetic to dirt. Last raced in September, he’s put in some outstanding works at Fair Grounds since December for trainer Tom Amoss; his unraced dam Lullaby is a full-sister to G2 Lexington runner-up Griffinite. Also of interest is The Freak who didn’t take to the soft turf last out, so returns to dirt here. At least he’s already made back his $2k price at the 2009 September Keeneland Yearling sale! His fourth dam is the great champion Chris Evert, and close-up his family include G1 Blue Grass winner Dominican, so I can’t imagine why he went so cheap. In his first effort last July he finished second to Maybesomaybenot who next out won the G2 Sanford at Saratoga, so it would be nice for him to get back on track here. At this distance, Quarry of Gold might also be worthy of a win first-out, being by Seeking The Gold, out of the G1-placed sprinter Spring Meadow (she’s produced all winners thus far, and each of them just missed winning first-out).
UPDATE: That Wilkinson win in the LeComte just got stronger, as Ghost Is Clear ($5.80 win) and Rescue Financing ($6.20 place) fleshed out a decent $34.60 exacta. The Freak finished fourth, behind the favorite Saracen (who I totally missed looking at).
Given the multi-surface talents of Kathmanblu, I’m not ignoring turf routes for 3-year-olds this time of the year, so Race 6 at Gulfstream on Thursday looks intriguing, with 12 maiden fillies going 9 furlongs for the first time. Gem Mint (Johar) is well-bred for turf; her Theatrical dam has also produced G1 turf winner Karelian, as well as G2-placed turfster Colgan’s Chip. However, both of those found their greatest success at a mile, so the distance is a bit of a concern. Ms Silver Oak has strong late pace numbers, and just missed in both her previous two efforts, both on turf. Todd Pletcher sends out 2 entrants: Wertheimer and Frere’s first-time starter Skating (whose damside features the mare Cosmah 4 x 4—her son Halo with her Round Table daughter La Dame du Lac present), and the Aragon filly High Strider, a half-sister to 2 winners including French G3-placed Silver Black. Still, my guts says there’s some distance limitations with both of them. Flying Vision has good form against winners, including Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Filly runner-up Winter Memories; she also a half-sister to 2009 BC Juvenile Turf Filly winner Tapitsfly. Kent Desormeaux climbs aboard for Dale Romans. The first-time starter that really excites me is Lemon Drop On Top, as she is closely related to the great Citronnade, her dam’s half-sister; both are (obviously) by Lemon Drop Kid. This is also the family of turfster Twilight Meteor who recently returned from retirement with a convincing victory in the G3 Tropical Turf Handicap. It’s also hard to discount Christophe Clement’s firster Mystical Star, as Ghostzapper do well first-up on turf. She also has a helluva distance pedigree, with her second dam being G2 Apple Blossom winner Degenerate Gal. If this race is taken off the turf, MTO entry Nicky’s Way looks likely, having run in the money in all three of her previous route races, including just missing by a neck to next-out Busanda victress Dance Quietly.
UPDATE: Not many went with first-timer 15-1 Mystical Star, who paid a whopping $32.80 win. 6-5 Ms Silver Oak fleshed out a $2 exacta that paid $93.20. Late-running High on Kitten ($5.60 show) just beat out Gem Mint, while Lemon Drop On Top was a HUGE disappointment, never in contention and finishing dead-last. Both Pletcher runners were scratched due to quarantine issues at Palm Meadows.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Interesting 3yo Runners for Saturday, January 22
One of Saturday’s racing highlights should be the Sweetest Chant at Gulfstream, with recent G2 Golden Rod victress Kathmanblu returning to turf; she was a game third to More Than Real and Winter Memories in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly Turf. Nina Fever won her only turf start, but failed to impress in the G1 Hollywood Starlet last out. She has fired off three impressive works since shipping to Florida, as has Todd Pletcher’s Excited—both could very well flesh out a chalky trifecta behind Kathmanblu. However, in looking for a little value, I’ve landed on two others. One is the Smarty Jones filly Holidaysatthefarm; her half-sister Rich In Spirit was a G3 turf winner, and she’s run some nice races for Tom Proctor. The Cactus Ridge filly Bellaridge also looks a strong chance off a nice juvenile campaign and a sharp bullet work. That said, I’ll probably toss another into the mix just to be safe. Moved to the stable of Bill Mott, turf stakes winner Tiger Girl returns to her preferred surface, but off her most recent LA-bred stakes races, I’m not particularly hopeful of her chances—although her jockey Kent Desormeaux lives to thwart me (even though he doesn’t know it).
Race 6 at Tampa Bay is a one-turn 6.5 furlong event for maiden 3-year-old fillies, and I had to chuckle at the cleverly-named A.P. Indy filly Marion Ravenwood, daughter of the G1-placed Andujar. She was narrowly beaten first up by Moonlit Malibu who next out ran second to Dance Quietly in the Busanda Stakes. That’s a good form line, plus she’s put in two strong works since shipping to Florida for Graham Motion. Top Tampa jock Daniel Centeno takes the reins. For a big price, Giverny Girl also looks intriguing off two races last June at Arlington; the winners of both those races became stakes winners, including G3 Arlington-Washington Lassie victress Wonderlandbynight. She’s been training at Tampa Bay since December, posting five nice works, and she’ll run here for the first time with Lasix—usually a positive angle. The other one in this race of interest is first-time starter Bid a Moon, a daughter of Malibu Moon (whose progeny often fire first up); the combination of Christophe Clement and Frederic Lenclud is hot, so I’m hoping for good things from this filly.
Whether it stays on the turf or not, race 9 at Tampa Bay looks like a good spot for 3-year-old Admiral Perry. After finishing second in his maiden effort at Saratoga (14 ½ lengths behind Uncle Mo) and then a distant fifth behind To Honor and Serve next out, this First Samurai colt looks stronger with age, having posted a sharp workout leading up to this; his unraced dam is a three-quarter sister to G1 Haskell and Travers victor Coronado’s Quest, as well as a half to G3 turf winner Warning Glance. Likely to vie for favoritism, though, are Live In Joy who finished third at this distance here on December 30, behind Summer In Giza—both are in for a $75k tag. Last-out turf winner Rafe actually cuts back in distance; the horse he defeated won next out. Ah, I just love his sire Anabaa and his damsire Candy Stripes!
UPDATE:
The Sweetest Chant stayed on the yielding turf, and 1-2 Kathmanblu ($3.00 win) continues to impress on all surfaces. 5-1 Excited ($3.80 place) finished second, while the photo showed a dead-head for third between 7-1 Nina Fever and 8-1 Holidaysatthefarm. Pretty chalky results, as the 10 cent superfecta paid a paltry $3.23.
Short-priced favorite Marion Ravenwood ($2.60 win) held on to beat first-time starter Bid a Moon ($5.00 place); it was a chalky $12.40 exacta for $2. Giverny Girl scratched.
Admiral Perry ($8.20 win) defeated Live in Joy ($3.60 place), with a $2 exacta that paid a more generous $31.80. After leading much of the way, Summer in Giza could only hold on for fourth, while 8-5 favorite Rafe trailed throughout, a complete non-factor.
Race 6 at Tampa Bay is a one-turn 6.5 furlong event for maiden 3-year-old fillies, and I had to chuckle at the cleverly-named A.P. Indy filly Marion Ravenwood, daughter of the G1-placed Andujar. She was narrowly beaten first up by Moonlit Malibu who next out ran second to Dance Quietly in the Busanda Stakes. That’s a good form line, plus she’s put in two strong works since shipping to Florida for Graham Motion. Top Tampa jock Daniel Centeno takes the reins. For a big price, Giverny Girl also looks intriguing off two races last June at Arlington; the winners of both those races became stakes winners, including G3 Arlington-Washington Lassie victress Wonderlandbynight. She’s been training at Tampa Bay since December, posting five nice works, and she’ll run here for the first time with Lasix—usually a positive angle. The other one in this race of interest is first-time starter Bid a Moon, a daughter of Malibu Moon (whose progeny often fire first up); the combination of Christophe Clement and Frederic Lenclud is hot, so I’m hoping for good things from this filly.
Whether it stays on the turf or not, race 9 at Tampa Bay looks like a good spot for 3-year-old Admiral Perry. After finishing second in his maiden effort at Saratoga (14 ½ lengths behind Uncle Mo) and then a distant fifth behind To Honor and Serve next out, this First Samurai colt looks stronger with age, having posted a sharp workout leading up to this; his unraced dam is a three-quarter sister to G1 Haskell and Travers victor Coronado’s Quest, as well as a half to G3 turf winner Warning Glance. Likely to vie for favoritism, though, are Live In Joy who finished third at this distance here on December 30, behind Summer In Giza—both are in for a $75k tag. Last-out turf winner Rafe actually cuts back in distance; the horse he defeated won next out. Ah, I just love his sire Anabaa and his damsire Candy Stripes!
UPDATE:
The Sweetest Chant stayed on the yielding turf, and 1-2 Kathmanblu ($3.00 win) continues to impress on all surfaces. 5-1 Excited ($3.80 place) finished second, while the photo showed a dead-head for third between 7-1 Nina Fever and 8-1 Holidaysatthefarm. Pretty chalky results, as the 10 cent superfecta paid a paltry $3.23.
Short-priced favorite Marion Ravenwood ($2.60 win) held on to beat first-time starter Bid a Moon ($5.00 place); it was a chalky $12.40 exacta for $2. Giverny Girl scratched.
Admiral Perry ($8.20 win) defeated Live in Joy ($3.60 place), with a $2 exacta that paid a more generous $31.80. After leading much of the way, Summer in Giza could only hold on for fourth, while 8-5 favorite Rafe trailed throughout, a complete non-factor.
Putting on the Cranky Pants
Sometimes you just have to let it out. Fellow blogger Teresa Genaro (Brooklyn Backstretch) expressed her cranky side in a post yesterday, primarily about the boorish behavior of Eclipse awards host Kenny Rice (right on!) and the huge turnoff fanatical Zenyatta supporters have become (amen!). So today’s my turn.
What chafes my hide about the Eclipse Awards isn’t necessarily how they are presented, although a free live streaming broadcast online (via NTRA perhaps) and more consideration given to having a quality host (Jeannine Edwards comes to mind) would be nice. It’s not even the diverse methods of evaluation that industry voters apply in making their decisions without set criteria or the lack of fan participation in the process—a little healthy controversy keeps things interesting. What does tick me off is when voters blindly cast ballots for Breeders’ Cup winners without considering the body of work that animal produced during the entire year. I didn’t harp on it in advance of the show, but it is completely unfathomable to me why any horse racing expert (let alone poseur) thinks Dangerous Midge was one of the best turf horses to race in America in 2010. This is a horse that, before his Breeders’ Cup Turf victory over one of the weakest turf fields ever assembled, had only managed a Group 3 victory in Europe and finished in the money in only half his races last year, all but one without black-type status. Seemingly left out of the Eclipse voting equation are turf sprinters. Are they turf horses or sprinters? From the votes, it looks like neither, simply ignored. Thus, turf sprinter Chamberlain Bridge who won five of eight races in America last year, including the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, merited only 1 person’s first-place vote as top sprinter, but no consideration as male turf champion? Don’t get me wrong: I believe, as weak as American turf racing is, the right horse (Gio Ponti) won the award, but why if you consider the totality of his 2010 campaign would anyone—let alone 22 supposedly-educated voters—give Dangerous Midge the nod as American champion male turf horse? Mind-blowing.
This past Monday, dense fog completely enveloped Oaklawn, making it impossible for veteran track announcer Terry Wallace to call races (although he certainly gave it the old college try). Today, with the temperatures here hovering in the single digits and a fresh coating of six inches of snow on the ground, I sat down to enjoy some Florida racing at Gulfstream—and dream of warmer climes. Unfortunately, an intense rain storm hit just as the horses were loading into the gate for race 1—and for nearly the entire one-mile event nary a horse could be seen, leaving track announcer Larry Collmus at a loss for words. With today’s available technology, there’s no excuse for this. How many times must fans struggle to see how their horse is doing, or do without fundamental information about pace and speed collected via Trakus? As part of the overhaul so desperately needed in horse racing, put installing Trakus or similar technology on every race horse on the list.
Why in the world is serious consideration being given by the Mahoning Valley Development Group into building a thoroughbred race track near Youngstown, Ohio—just 30 miles away from Mountaineer and less than an hour from Presque Downs? Isn’t it bad enough that there already is a glut of tracks and races in this country that perpetuates poor quality racing with small fields, turning off bettors and fans alike? Why must the sport be exploited merely as a tool by gaming entities to acquire casino licenses? Isn’t it time for someone—anyone—with their sole motivation being improving the racing experience for fans to take the lead? Enough is enough, people! If the industry continues to put self-interests ahead of what’s good for the sport, it’s doomed.
What chafes my hide about the Eclipse Awards isn’t necessarily how they are presented, although a free live streaming broadcast online (via NTRA perhaps) and more consideration given to having a quality host (Jeannine Edwards comes to mind) would be nice. It’s not even the diverse methods of evaluation that industry voters apply in making their decisions without set criteria or the lack of fan participation in the process—a little healthy controversy keeps things interesting. What does tick me off is when voters blindly cast ballots for Breeders’ Cup winners without considering the body of work that animal produced during the entire year. I didn’t harp on it in advance of the show, but it is completely unfathomable to me why any horse racing expert (let alone poseur) thinks Dangerous Midge was one of the best turf horses to race in America in 2010. This is a horse that, before his Breeders’ Cup Turf victory over one of the weakest turf fields ever assembled, had only managed a Group 3 victory in Europe and finished in the money in only half his races last year, all but one without black-type status. Seemingly left out of the Eclipse voting equation are turf sprinters. Are they turf horses or sprinters? From the votes, it looks like neither, simply ignored. Thus, turf sprinter Chamberlain Bridge who won five of eight races in America last year, including the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, merited only 1 person’s first-place vote as top sprinter, but no consideration as male turf champion? Don’t get me wrong: I believe, as weak as American turf racing is, the right horse (Gio Ponti) won the award, but why if you consider the totality of his 2010 campaign would anyone—let alone 22 supposedly-educated voters—give Dangerous Midge the nod as American champion male turf horse? Mind-blowing.
This past Monday, dense fog completely enveloped Oaklawn, making it impossible for veteran track announcer Terry Wallace to call races (although he certainly gave it the old college try). Today, with the temperatures here hovering in the single digits and a fresh coating of six inches of snow on the ground, I sat down to enjoy some Florida racing at Gulfstream—and dream of warmer climes. Unfortunately, an intense rain storm hit just as the horses were loading into the gate for race 1—and for nearly the entire one-mile event nary a horse could be seen, leaving track announcer Larry Collmus at a loss for words. With today’s available technology, there’s no excuse for this. How many times must fans struggle to see how their horse is doing, or do without fundamental information about pace and speed collected via Trakus? As part of the overhaul so desperately needed in horse racing, put installing Trakus or similar technology on every race horse on the list.
Why in the world is serious consideration being given by the Mahoning Valley Development Group into building a thoroughbred race track near Youngstown, Ohio—just 30 miles away from Mountaineer and less than an hour from Presque Downs? Isn’t it bad enough that there already is a glut of tracks and races in this country that perpetuates poor quality racing with small fields, turning off bettors and fans alike? Why must the sport be exploited merely as a tool by gaming entities to acquire casino licenses? Isn’t it time for someone—anyone—with their sole motivation being improving the racing experience for fans to take the lead? Enough is enough, people! If the industry continues to put self-interests ahead of what’s good for the sport, it’s doomed.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Derby Horse Hunt: Friday at Gulfstream
Yes, it’s only mid-January, but I already feel like I’m behind in considering legitimate Kentucky Derby contenders—that is, beyond Uncle Mo. Is it just my imagination, or was last year’s juvenile crop weak? When I sat down to consider who I would nominate for the Eclipse, beyond the BC Juvenile champ, the best I could come up with is the now-retired-to-stud Kantharos and a turf horse, Pluck. However, To Honor and Serve and Boys at Tosconova made it to the top three, the former based solely on two G2 wins and the latter after being solidly beaten by Uncle Mo. Admittedly, To Honor and Serve could very well be a late bloomer, and he appears to have the proper distance pedigree so I’ll consider him carefully moving forward—but I’m not yet a fan, despite my sincere respect for trainer Bill Mott.
So, I’m on the prowl for a Derby horse. Gulfstream race 7 on Friday looks as good a place as any for potential contenders, being a 9-furlong dirt contest for 3-year-old maidens. On breeding, there are a few interesting entries. In his first effort, Pleasant Run showed nothing, but he threw down a bullet 5-furlong work immediately following that race, gains the services of Julien Leparoux here, and goes with blinkers on. The winner of that maiden effort, Private Prize, went on to finish second in Tropical Park Derby, while runner-up Wilkinson won next out at Fair Grounds and is entered in this Saturday’s G3 LeComte. In breeding, he’s closely related to G2-placed Lager who finished second behind Lemon Drop Kid in the 2000 Brooklyn Handicap, and third by the same and Behrens in that year’s Suburban going 10-furlongs. I also love Gallant Man as his third damsire.
Todd Pletcher sends out Dance City who just doesn’t strike me as a strong Derby candidate, although his dam’s full-siblings include G1 winner No Review (who won at 10-furlongs) and G1 Gazelle runner-up Dance Colony. As a son of City Zip, he’s closely related to Carson City mare Promenade Girl (daughter of another full-sister), who finished third behind Unbridled Belle in the 2007 G2 Delaware Handicap, as well as third in both the G1 Spinster and Odgen Phipps.
Perhaps the most impressive pedigree is that of first-time starter Niederzel, by Rock Hard Ten out of the Seattle Slew mare Quiet Dream; his second dam is the Secretariat mare Partygoer whose progeny included multi-G1 winner Dare and Go (conqueror of the great Cigar, ending his 16-race win streak) and G1 Sword Dancer (at 12-furlongs) victor Go Deputy.
Two races later, there’s a 3-year-old allowance going the same distance, and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf runner-up Soldat is entered for Kiaran McLaughlin, intent on testing him one more time on dirt. Todd Pletcher sends out $1.725 million in horseflesh, with the Empire Maker colt Financial Empire (whose dam Bank Audit was strictly a sprinter) and the Unbridled’s Song colt Lauburu (who’s a half-brother to champion Ashado, as well as G1 Belmont third-place finisher Sunriver). Another blueblood entered here is the Mineshaft colt Dialed In, whose second dam is BC Juvenile Fillies champion and G1 Kentucky Oaks runner-up Eliza. I like his works.
Another interesting entry here in race 9 is Cold Blue Red Hot, a Harlan’s Holiday colt who’s half-sister sister Decelerator was G2-placed last year in the Raven Run. Theoretically, he should get the classic distances, so we’ll have to see how he’s developed since his last start. Carl Nafzger and Jim Tafel team up with Beamer, a Vindication colt whose dam is a full-sister to champion Banshee Breeze, victress in the G1 Coaching Club American Oaks at 12-furlongs.
So, I’m on the prowl for a Derby horse. Gulfstream race 7 on Friday looks as good a place as any for potential contenders, being a 9-furlong dirt contest for 3-year-old maidens. On breeding, there are a few interesting entries. In his first effort, Pleasant Run showed nothing, but he threw down a bullet 5-furlong work immediately following that race, gains the services of Julien Leparoux here, and goes with blinkers on. The winner of that maiden effort, Private Prize, went on to finish second in Tropical Park Derby, while runner-up Wilkinson won next out at Fair Grounds and is entered in this Saturday’s G3 LeComte. In breeding, he’s closely related to G2-placed Lager who finished second behind Lemon Drop Kid in the 2000 Brooklyn Handicap, and third by the same and Behrens in that year’s Suburban going 10-furlongs. I also love Gallant Man as his third damsire.
Todd Pletcher sends out Dance City who just doesn’t strike me as a strong Derby candidate, although his dam’s full-siblings include G1 winner No Review (who won at 10-furlongs) and G1 Gazelle runner-up Dance Colony. As a son of City Zip, he’s closely related to Carson City mare Promenade Girl (daughter of another full-sister), who finished third behind Unbridled Belle in the 2007 G2 Delaware Handicap, as well as third in both the G1 Spinster and Odgen Phipps.
Perhaps the most impressive pedigree is that of first-time starter Niederzel, by Rock Hard Ten out of the Seattle Slew mare Quiet Dream; his second dam is the Secretariat mare Partygoer whose progeny included multi-G1 winner Dare and Go (conqueror of the great Cigar, ending his 16-race win streak) and G1 Sword Dancer (at 12-furlongs) victor Go Deputy.
Two races later, there’s a 3-year-old allowance going the same distance, and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf runner-up Soldat is entered for Kiaran McLaughlin, intent on testing him one more time on dirt. Todd Pletcher sends out $1.725 million in horseflesh, with the Empire Maker colt Financial Empire (whose dam Bank Audit was strictly a sprinter) and the Unbridled’s Song colt Lauburu (who’s a half-brother to champion Ashado, as well as G1 Belmont third-place finisher Sunriver). Another blueblood entered here is the Mineshaft colt Dialed In, whose second dam is BC Juvenile Fillies champion and G1 Kentucky Oaks runner-up Eliza. I like his works.
Another interesting entry here in race 9 is Cold Blue Red Hot, a Harlan’s Holiday colt who’s half-sister sister Decelerator was G2-placed last year in the Raven Run. Theoretically, he should get the classic distances, so we’ll have to see how he’s developed since his last start. Carl Nafzger and Jim Tafel team up with Beamer, a Vindication colt whose dam is a full-sister to champion Banshee Breeze, victress in the G1 Coaching Club American Oaks at 12-furlongs.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Just Sayin'...Chicks Rule
Need any further evidence that currently fillies and mares rule the horse racing world? The proof is in the awards:
2009-10 Mercedes Award for New Zealand Champion 2-year-old: filly Banchee
2009-10 Mercedes Award for New Zealand Champion 3-year-old: filly Katie Lee
2010 Australian Racehorse of the Year: 5-year-old mare Typhoon Tracy
2010 Australian Champion 2-year-old: filly Crystal Lily
2010 World Thoroughbred Rankings Champion Sprinter of the World: 4-year-old mare Black Caviar
2010 Cartier Award for European Horse of the Year: 5-year-old mare Goldikova
2010 Japanese Horse of the Year: 5-year-old mare Buena Vista
2010 Eclipse Award for American Horse of the Year: 6-year-old mare Zenyatta
[Edited to add two Quarter Horse champions, as noted by an anonymous poster...thanks! Keep 'em coming, folks!]
2010 AQHA Champion Aged Horse: 4 year-old mare Spit Curl Diva
2010 Mexican Champion: 2-year-old filly Corona Lady
[Edited to add: How could I forget these two??]
2009-10 Chilean Champion Horse of the Year: 4-year-old filly Belle Watling
2009-10 Chilean Champion Stayer: 4-year-old filly Casablanca Smile
2009-10 Mercedes Award for New Zealand Champion 2-year-old: filly Banchee
2009-10 Mercedes Award for New Zealand Champion 3-year-old: filly Katie Lee
2010 Australian Racehorse of the Year: 5-year-old mare Typhoon Tracy
2010 Australian Champion 2-year-old: filly Crystal Lily
2010 World Thoroughbred Rankings Champion Sprinter of the World: 4-year-old mare Black Caviar
2010 Cartier Award for European Horse of the Year: 5-year-old mare Goldikova
2010 Japanese Horse of the Year: 5-year-old mare Buena Vista
2010 Eclipse Award for American Horse of the Year: 6-year-old mare Zenyatta
[Edited to add two Quarter Horse champions, as noted by an anonymous poster...thanks! Keep 'em coming, folks!]
2010 AQHA Champion Aged Horse: 4 year-old mare Spit Curl Diva
2010 Mexican Champion: 2-year-old filly Corona Lady
[Edited to add: How could I forget these two??]
2009-10 Chilean Champion Horse of the Year: 4-year-old filly Belle Watling
2009-10 Chilean Champion Stayer: 4-year-old filly Casablanca Smile
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Curiosities of Winter and Night Racing
While recently researching an entirely different issue in a database of 19th century newspapers, I was sidetracked by several curious horse racing-related accounts that I thought I’d share, either out of their relevance to current issues or for their mere peculiarity.
I’m as guilty as others of scoffing at racing conducted in wintery climes, but an 1891 article originally published in the New York Journal and subsequently reprinted in the March 21 Atchison (Kansas) Champion, David W. Higgins boldly claimed:
“It has been argued that racing horses in cold and snow and rain is cruelty to animals; that racing during winter months is not sport; that the worst elements of humanity are attracted. None of the foregoing claims will bear scrutiny. When snow and sleet abound does commerce stand still? Does the merchant notify his stableman to keep the draught horses in their stalls and deliver no goods until the weather improves? Winter racing is the truest, most successful and prosperous kind of sport. It is business and pleasure happily and successfully commingled.”
Much like the NHL’s Winter Classic, it can also be a curiosity, as visible in this notice in the January 18, 1864 Daily Cleveland Herald which notes: “The Detroit sporting men have been making the most of the cold weather. Horse racing on the ice attracted crowds of people for a couple of days, and more races are promised.”
As if racing on ice weren’t challenging enough, how about horses that, in addition to running, have to swim for part of the race, as this 1890 Atchison Champion article relates happened in New Zealand:
“At a horse race the course lay across the sands at Okaroa Bay, and, through delay, the tide rose so high that the horses had to swim some distance before the winning post was reached. The result was that one of the animals, which would otherwise have been beaten, came off victorious, on account of superior natatorial powers.”
Certainly gives new meaning to the term “wet tracker” doesn’t it?
And for those who bemoan racing juveniles, how about this tidbit from the December 11, 1890 Milwaukee Sentinel:
“The Minnesota Horse Breeders’ Association, in session here to-day, made some important changes in its rules. The old rule forbidding the racing of yearlings was stricken out, and hereafter there will be regular races between colts.”
Considering their level of maturity, a yearling racing sounds quite dangerous, but it wasn’t much safer for their human counterparts either, judging from this 1866 Wisconsin State Register article:
“An atrocious murder was committed on the track of the Chicago Driving Park, on Saturday, during the fifth heat of an exciting trot between the celebrated horses Cooley and General Butler. ...The sun had gone down, and it was so dark that the horses could not be seen more than half a dozen lengths from the judges’ stand. The two horses and two drivers started off in the darkness. Two minutes later the horse General Butler came around the track without his driver, running at the top of his speed, and continued running until tired out. His driver, McKeaver, was found lying on the track, bleeding and insensible, with his skull fractured. He died on Sunday afternoon. The wound which he received was inflicted with a piece of board, which was found near him fringed with his blood and hair. Evidently a blow had been dealt him as he passed, or the board had been thrust in his way so that he should dash his brains out against it, by some persons as yet unknown.”
Whether his competitor or a race observer, his murderer was undoubtedly aided by the track darkness. Twenty-eight years later, it wouldn’t have been an issue if the race had occurred at Mazpeth Park in Newton, New Jersey, as they were experimenting with night racing with electric lights. Surprised? So was I. The August 21, 1894 issue of the Milwaukee Sentinel noted: “Horse racing by electric light is to be inaugurated in about two weeks by the Newton Jockey Club at Mazpeth Park, with a thirty-day meeting. The track has been fitted with 880 incandescent lights and 22 arc lamps.”
Around the same time, similar plans were underway for Portland (Oregon), as explained in this article from the 1894 Morning Oregonian:
“If certain well-developed plans do not miscarry, Portland will soon have a racetrack whose like is not now on earth. It is proposed to construct contiguous to the White House road, and within half a block of a street railway, a half-mile track with a roof and an outer wall, and enough electric lights inside the structure to make racing at midnight as practicable as it now is at noon.”
In 1896, it was reported in the Atchison (Kansas) Daily Globe that Maryland had also jumped into the night racing fad:
“The Arlington Jockey Club of Baltimore has inaugurated a racing scheme which has never had a parallel in the whole history of the turf. As is well known among horsemen, the laws of Maryland limit the session of a race meeting to 30 days. The Arlington association opened its track on April 25, and in order to get all possible use of the time allowed by law runs 11 races every day, 6 in the afternoon and 5 at night. It is this night racing that is attracting the attention of the public.”
“A most elaborate electric light plant has been placed in operation, and the grounds are brilliantly lighted. The old grandstand at Arlington has been torn down, there being no use for it. To take its place an immense casino has been erected in the field, almost entirely covering the space within the half mile track. Revolving chairs are used, so that spectators can see most of the races without leaving their seats.”
According to an 1897 article in the Denver (Colorado) Evening Post, electric lights were in use at horse racing tracks in St. Louis and Cincinnati, as well as Baltimore and New York, and Denver was shortly to enjoy such “wholesome” entertainment:
“The track is lighted with clusters of incandescent lights arranged with mathematical precision and in such way as to cast absolutely no shadow on the track. Every movement of the jockies [sic] and horses can be seen as plainly as in the sunlight. ...The meeting promises to bring a large number of horses and race track people to Denver, and will also give all lovers of sport an opportunity of witnessing a clean, well-conducted entertainment in the evening when business people employed during the day can get away and enjoy it.”
And there you have it, the predecessors of Penn National, Mountaineer, Delta Downs, and Los Alamitos—under incandescent light.
SOURCES CONSULTED:
“Winter Horse-Racing” The Atchison Champion (Atchison, KS) Tuesday, March 24, 1891; pg. 6; Issue 43; col B.
“Horse Racing on Ice” The Daily Cleveland Herald (Cleveland, OH) Monday, January 18, 1864; Issue 14; col B.
“Horse Racing in New Zealand” The Atchison Champion (Atchison, KS) Friday, April 25, 1890; Issue 21; col B.
“Minnesota Horse Breeders Extend Limits, Racing of Yearlings to Be Permitted” The Milwaukee Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI) Thursday, December 11, 1890; pg. 7; col B.
“Horse Racing and Homicide” The Wisconsin State Register (Portage, WI) Saturday, October 06, 1866; Issue 30; col D.
“Horse Racing by Electric Light” The Milwaukee Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI) Tuesday, August 21, 1894; pg. 2; col E.
“Horse Racing at Night A Novel Project Being Pushed by Some Portland Men” Morning Oregonian (Portland, OR) Thursday, August 16, 1894; pg. 8; Issue 10,959; col A.
“Horse Racing at Night” The Atchison Daily Globe (Atchison, KS) Friday, May 01, 1896; pg. 3; Issue 5,749; col D.
“Horse Racing by Electric Light to Be Inaugurated in Denver” The Denver Evening Post (Denver, CO) Friday, July 09, 1897; pg. 7; col C.
I’m as guilty as others of scoffing at racing conducted in wintery climes, but an 1891 article originally published in the New York Journal and subsequently reprinted in the March 21 Atchison (Kansas) Champion, David W. Higgins boldly claimed:
“It has been argued that racing horses in cold and snow and rain is cruelty to animals; that racing during winter months is not sport; that the worst elements of humanity are attracted. None of the foregoing claims will bear scrutiny. When snow and sleet abound does commerce stand still? Does the merchant notify his stableman to keep the draught horses in their stalls and deliver no goods until the weather improves? Winter racing is the truest, most successful and prosperous kind of sport. It is business and pleasure happily and successfully commingled.”
Much like the NHL’s Winter Classic, it can also be a curiosity, as visible in this notice in the January 18, 1864 Daily Cleveland Herald which notes: “The Detroit sporting men have been making the most of the cold weather. Horse racing on the ice attracted crowds of people for a couple of days, and more races are promised.”
As if racing on ice weren’t challenging enough, how about horses that, in addition to running, have to swim for part of the race, as this 1890 Atchison Champion article relates happened in New Zealand:
“At a horse race the course lay across the sands at Okaroa Bay, and, through delay, the tide rose so high that the horses had to swim some distance before the winning post was reached. The result was that one of the animals, which would otherwise have been beaten, came off victorious, on account of superior natatorial powers.”
Certainly gives new meaning to the term “wet tracker” doesn’t it?
And for those who bemoan racing juveniles, how about this tidbit from the December 11, 1890 Milwaukee Sentinel:
“The Minnesota Horse Breeders’ Association, in session here to-day, made some important changes in its rules. The old rule forbidding the racing of yearlings was stricken out, and hereafter there will be regular races between colts.”
Considering their level of maturity, a yearling racing sounds quite dangerous, but it wasn’t much safer for their human counterparts either, judging from this 1866 Wisconsin State Register article:
“An atrocious murder was committed on the track of the Chicago Driving Park, on Saturday, during the fifth heat of an exciting trot between the celebrated horses Cooley and General Butler. ...The sun had gone down, and it was so dark that the horses could not be seen more than half a dozen lengths from the judges’ stand. The two horses and two drivers started off in the darkness. Two minutes later the horse General Butler came around the track without his driver, running at the top of his speed, and continued running until tired out. His driver, McKeaver, was found lying on the track, bleeding and insensible, with his skull fractured. He died on Sunday afternoon. The wound which he received was inflicted with a piece of board, which was found near him fringed with his blood and hair. Evidently a blow had been dealt him as he passed, or the board had been thrust in his way so that he should dash his brains out against it, by some persons as yet unknown.”
Whether his competitor or a race observer, his murderer was undoubtedly aided by the track darkness. Twenty-eight years later, it wouldn’t have been an issue if the race had occurred at Mazpeth Park in Newton, New Jersey, as they were experimenting with night racing with electric lights. Surprised? So was I. The August 21, 1894 issue of the Milwaukee Sentinel noted: “Horse racing by electric light is to be inaugurated in about two weeks by the Newton Jockey Club at Mazpeth Park, with a thirty-day meeting. The track has been fitted with 880 incandescent lights and 22 arc lamps.”
Around the same time, similar plans were underway for Portland (Oregon), as explained in this article from the 1894 Morning Oregonian:
“If certain well-developed plans do not miscarry, Portland will soon have a racetrack whose like is not now on earth. It is proposed to construct contiguous to the White House road, and within half a block of a street railway, a half-mile track with a roof and an outer wall, and enough electric lights inside the structure to make racing at midnight as practicable as it now is at noon.”
In 1896, it was reported in the Atchison (Kansas) Daily Globe that Maryland had also jumped into the night racing fad:
“The Arlington Jockey Club of Baltimore has inaugurated a racing scheme which has never had a parallel in the whole history of the turf. As is well known among horsemen, the laws of Maryland limit the session of a race meeting to 30 days. The Arlington association opened its track on April 25, and in order to get all possible use of the time allowed by law runs 11 races every day, 6 in the afternoon and 5 at night. It is this night racing that is attracting the attention of the public.”
“A most elaborate electric light plant has been placed in operation, and the grounds are brilliantly lighted. The old grandstand at Arlington has been torn down, there being no use for it. To take its place an immense casino has been erected in the field, almost entirely covering the space within the half mile track. Revolving chairs are used, so that spectators can see most of the races without leaving their seats.”
According to an 1897 article in the Denver (Colorado) Evening Post, electric lights were in use at horse racing tracks in St. Louis and Cincinnati, as well as Baltimore and New York, and Denver was shortly to enjoy such “wholesome” entertainment:
“The track is lighted with clusters of incandescent lights arranged with mathematical precision and in such way as to cast absolutely no shadow on the track. Every movement of the jockies [sic] and horses can be seen as plainly as in the sunlight. ...The meeting promises to bring a large number of horses and race track people to Denver, and will also give all lovers of sport an opportunity of witnessing a clean, well-conducted entertainment in the evening when business people employed during the day can get away and enjoy it.”
And there you have it, the predecessors of Penn National, Mountaineer, Delta Downs, and Los Alamitos—under incandescent light.
SOURCES CONSULTED:
“Winter Horse-Racing” The Atchison Champion (Atchison, KS) Tuesday, March 24, 1891; pg. 6; Issue 43; col B.
“Horse Racing on Ice” The Daily Cleveland Herald (Cleveland, OH) Monday, January 18, 1864; Issue 14; col B.
“Horse Racing in New Zealand” The Atchison Champion (Atchison, KS) Friday, April 25, 1890; Issue 21; col B.
“Minnesota Horse Breeders Extend Limits, Racing of Yearlings to Be Permitted” The Milwaukee Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI) Thursday, December 11, 1890; pg. 7; col B.
“Horse Racing and Homicide” The Wisconsin State Register (Portage, WI) Saturday, October 06, 1866; Issue 30; col D.
“Horse Racing by Electric Light” The Milwaukee Sentinel (Milwaukee, WI) Tuesday, August 21, 1894; pg. 2; col E.
“Horse Racing at Night A Novel Project Being Pushed by Some Portland Men” Morning Oregonian (Portland, OR) Thursday, August 16, 1894; pg. 8; Issue 10,959; col A.
“Horse Racing at Night” The Atchison Daily Globe (Atchison, KS) Friday, May 01, 1896; pg. 3; Issue 5,749; col D.
“Horse Racing by Electric Light to Be Inaugurated in Denver” The Denver Evening Post (Denver, CO) Friday, July 09, 1897; pg. 7; col C.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Excuses, Excuses
Can anyone explain exactly what is the real story behind California’s so-called “horse shortage”? Reading Steve Andersen’s piece in the DRF this morning it struck me once again that all we ever hear out of that state in recent years is excuses why they can’t fill cards. For awhile it was some trainers hated synthetics, so an exodus occurred of dirt horses. With Santa Anita’s return to dirt, that shouldn’t be an issue any longer, right?
Now it’s the weather’s fault, with “near-constant rain in late December.” Excuse me, but what poppycock! Other tracks across the nation continue to race in less than ideal conditions; Penn National, for example, keeps right on racing through freezing temperatures and copious precipitation, as does Laurel, Beulah, and Charles Town (and even Aqueduct and Philly barring a blizzard). So, to claim that the weather is a factor as to why Santa Anita can’t fill cards is pretty lame.
Seriously, how is it possible that there is such a low inventory of racehorses there? We’re talking about one of the largest and most populated states in the union, with nearly a complete dominance of horse racing on the West Coast right now, barring Portland Meadows to the north, and Turf Paradise and Sunland further to the east. Three tracks in California are currently holding meets: Golden Gate, Los Alamitos and Santa Anita. In virtually the same amount of geographical territory—and with much worse weather—tracks at Aqueduct, Charles Town, Laurel, Philly (Parx) and Penn National are thriving or at least appear to be doing better than their Golden State cohorts.
As an example, take a look at the number of entries for a weekday Friday, January 14 (with number of races to be contested), minus the quarter horse races at Los Alamitos:
AQU: 73 (9)
CT: 95 (9)
GG: 49 (8)
LRL: 67 (9)
LA: 45 (5)
PHA: dark
PEN: 90 (9)
SA: 57 (9)
For the central northeast, that’s 325 entrants for 36 races, or just over 9 entrants per race. In California, it’s 151 entrants in 22 races, or just fewer than 7 entrants per race. What makes it worse is when you consider that many top stables ship south for the winter, so the northeastern tracks have a tailor-made excuse why their cards can’t fill—but they don’t need it. Here’s how the Florida/Louisiana/Arkansas tracks look for the same day:
DD: 100 (10)
FG: 95 (10)
GP: 134 (10)
OP: 98 (9)
TAM: 97 (10)
That’s 524 entrants for 49 races, or nearly 11 entrants per race (10.69, to be exact). Wow!
Hollywood recently had the same problem as Santa Anita does now, so it’s really not about synthetic versus dirt surfaces, is it? So, what’s the real reason behind California’s inability to card larger fields? Is it purse money? Poor condition book writing? Lack of quality breeding programs? Inadequate development of horse racing partnerships, or ways of attracting owners? Sure, the state has pissed off bettors with its high takeout, but that doesn’t directly affect the number of horses racing in the state, does it?
I don’t know. I do know that I’m tired of excuses, though. However, I’m even more afraid that the truth is that California is undergoing what the rest of the country would be experiencing if slots weren’t propping up it up—a dying sport.
Now it’s the weather’s fault, with “near-constant rain in late December.” Excuse me, but what poppycock! Other tracks across the nation continue to race in less than ideal conditions; Penn National, for example, keeps right on racing through freezing temperatures and copious precipitation, as does Laurel, Beulah, and Charles Town (and even Aqueduct and Philly barring a blizzard). So, to claim that the weather is a factor as to why Santa Anita can’t fill cards is pretty lame.
Seriously, how is it possible that there is such a low inventory of racehorses there? We’re talking about one of the largest and most populated states in the union, with nearly a complete dominance of horse racing on the West Coast right now, barring Portland Meadows to the north, and Turf Paradise and Sunland further to the east. Three tracks in California are currently holding meets: Golden Gate, Los Alamitos and Santa Anita. In virtually the same amount of geographical territory—and with much worse weather—tracks at Aqueduct, Charles Town, Laurel, Philly (Parx) and Penn National are thriving or at least appear to be doing better than their Golden State cohorts.
As an example, take a look at the number of entries for a weekday Friday, January 14 (with number of races to be contested), minus the quarter horse races at Los Alamitos:
AQU: 73 (9)
CT: 95 (9)
GG: 49 (8)
LRL: 67 (9)
LA: 45 (5)
PHA: dark
PEN: 90 (9)
SA: 57 (9)
For the central northeast, that’s 325 entrants for 36 races, or just over 9 entrants per race. In California, it’s 151 entrants in 22 races, or just fewer than 7 entrants per race. What makes it worse is when you consider that many top stables ship south for the winter, so the northeastern tracks have a tailor-made excuse why their cards can’t fill—but they don’t need it. Here’s how the Florida/Louisiana/Arkansas tracks look for the same day:
DD: 100 (10)
FG: 95 (10)
GP: 134 (10)
OP: 98 (9)
TAM: 97 (10)
That’s 524 entrants for 49 races, or nearly 11 entrants per race (10.69, to be exact). Wow!
Hollywood recently had the same problem as Santa Anita does now, so it’s really not about synthetic versus dirt surfaces, is it? So, what’s the real reason behind California’s inability to card larger fields? Is it purse money? Poor condition book writing? Lack of quality breeding programs? Inadequate development of horse racing partnerships, or ways of attracting owners? Sure, the state has pissed off bettors with its high takeout, but that doesn’t directly affect the number of horses racing in the state, does it?
I don’t know. I do know that I’m tired of excuses, though. However, I’m even more afraid that the truth is that California is undergoing what the rest of the country would be experiencing if slots weren’t propping up it up—a dying sport.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Kids, Karma and Horse Names
Bertram and Diana Firestone’s 1978 yearling purchase of a chestnut Exclusive Native filly upon the recommendation of their young son Matthew was an aptly-named Genuine Risk, one that paid off in spades as racing fans well know. Having re-read that story recently while researching a piece on 1940s-era filly Carolyn A., I began to wonder about the role children and adolescents have had on not just the selection, but also naming of racing horses over the years.
Honoring the children of jockeys and trainers by naming horses after them could certainly be a risking proposition, not only because the horse could end up a total flop, but also what happens when owners decide to change trainers or jocks? Or if the jock himself decides the namesake isn’t the right mount? It happened with the aforementioned Carolyn A., named for jockey Eddie Arcaro’s young daughter. As a juvenile, Arcaro guided her to victory in the Demoiselle, but at three, even after jockey Ronnie Nash rode her to victory in the Louisiana Derby, Arcaro skipped the opportunity to ride his daughter’s namesake in the Wood Memorial—and defeated her with his mount Phalanx. Arcaro also didn’t ride her (by choice) in some of her best performances—include a win over Gallorette in the Firenze—but he was aboard when she defeated Miss Grillo in the Diana, the final victory of her career.
Who can forget on the Animal Planet series “Jockeys” when Joe Talamo teased Aaron Gryder about winning aboard owner-trainer Roger Stein’s filly Grace Gryder, named for Aaron’s daughter? As a commenter noted on Turf Luck’s blog two years ago, it was actually Gryder who refused to ride his daughter’s namesake after finding her “slow” in morning workouts. He never rode her in 24 lifetime starts (mostly in the claiming ranks), and she only won that one time.
Veering from his typical “Z” naming practice, owner Ahmed Zayat christened his Harlan’s Holiday colt Riley Tucker after trainer Bill Mott’s son, and the horse not only was G2-placed as a juvenile, but a G1 runner-up at age 5. He never raced in the Kentucky Derby, but that race actually has a bit of history with victors named for trainers (such as 1929 winner Clyde Van Dusen) and the children of owners, such as 1945 winner Hoop Jr., who was christened by owner Fred W. Hooper after his youngest son Fred Jr. How extraordinary to win the Derby with the very first race horse you purchase as Hooper did—and one named after a child! Likewise, Robert F. Roberts named his 1966 Traffic Judge colt after his son—and Traffic Mark not only won the Arkansas Derby and finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby, but his son Honey Mark (also named for the same Roberts child) captured the 1975 American Derby and finished second behind Master Derby in the Blue Grass Stakes.
It begs the question: is it good karma to name a horse after a child? As a point of interest, the only two filly winners of the Haskell share a “child” connection, with Rachel Alexandra named for breeder-owner Dolphus Morrison’s granddaughter, while 1995 winner Serena’s Song only coincidentally shared a bond with Serena Waldman, a young cerebral palsy-stricken girl whose parents created a wheelchair accessible hot air balloon called “Serena’s Song” (Robert and Beverly Lewis sponsored the Waldmans’ balloon during their filly’s championship campaign, including at Monmouth before the running of the Haskell). Similarly, Afleet Alex—named for several children among his owners named Alex—became associated with Alex Scott, a pediatric cancer victim whose lemonade stand charity became synonymous with the Preakness and Belmont winner.
Think I’m kidding about this theory? How about the example of Miss Laurie Bale, a 1975 Great Sun-Vicki’s Choice filly named for a young Omaha girl with muscular dystrophy, who won four of nine career starts including the open company Ak-Sar-Ben Breeders Sprint by 7-1/2 lengths?
Sometimes the naming practice works in reverse. In 2010, a few days before he won the Indian Derby aboard the filly Jacqueline, jockey Richard Hughes and his wife named their new daughter Phoebe Jacqueline. Any one want to wager what name Calvin Borel and his wife Lisa must bestow upon any girl child they bear?
So, I'm curious. What other noteworthy examples exist out there of horses named for children or vice versa? Let’s hear from you.
Honoring the children of jockeys and trainers by naming horses after them could certainly be a risking proposition, not only because the horse could end up a total flop, but also what happens when owners decide to change trainers or jocks? Or if the jock himself decides the namesake isn’t the right mount? It happened with the aforementioned Carolyn A., named for jockey Eddie Arcaro’s young daughter. As a juvenile, Arcaro guided her to victory in the Demoiselle, but at three, even after jockey Ronnie Nash rode her to victory in the Louisiana Derby, Arcaro skipped the opportunity to ride his daughter’s namesake in the Wood Memorial—and defeated her with his mount Phalanx. Arcaro also didn’t ride her (by choice) in some of her best performances—include a win over Gallorette in the Firenze—but he was aboard when she defeated Miss Grillo in the Diana, the final victory of her career.
Who can forget on the Animal Planet series “Jockeys” when Joe Talamo teased Aaron Gryder about winning aboard owner-trainer Roger Stein’s filly Grace Gryder, named for Aaron’s daughter? As a commenter noted on Turf Luck’s blog two years ago, it was actually Gryder who refused to ride his daughter’s namesake after finding her “slow” in morning workouts. He never rode her in 24 lifetime starts (mostly in the claiming ranks), and she only won that one time.
Veering from his typical “Z” naming practice, owner Ahmed Zayat christened his Harlan’s Holiday colt Riley Tucker after trainer Bill Mott’s son, and the horse not only was G2-placed as a juvenile, but a G1 runner-up at age 5. He never raced in the Kentucky Derby, but that race actually has a bit of history with victors named for trainers (such as 1929 winner Clyde Van Dusen) and the children of owners, such as 1945 winner Hoop Jr., who was christened by owner Fred W. Hooper after his youngest son Fred Jr. How extraordinary to win the Derby with the very first race horse you purchase as Hooper did—and one named after a child! Likewise, Robert F. Roberts named his 1966 Traffic Judge colt after his son—and Traffic Mark not only won the Arkansas Derby and finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby, but his son Honey Mark (also named for the same Roberts child) captured the 1975 American Derby and finished second behind Master Derby in the Blue Grass Stakes.
It begs the question: is it good karma to name a horse after a child? As a point of interest, the only two filly winners of the Haskell share a “child” connection, with Rachel Alexandra named for breeder-owner Dolphus Morrison’s granddaughter, while 1995 winner Serena’s Song only coincidentally shared a bond with Serena Waldman, a young cerebral palsy-stricken girl whose parents created a wheelchair accessible hot air balloon called “Serena’s Song” (Robert and Beverly Lewis sponsored the Waldmans’ balloon during their filly’s championship campaign, including at Monmouth before the running of the Haskell). Similarly, Afleet Alex—named for several children among his owners named Alex—became associated with Alex Scott, a pediatric cancer victim whose lemonade stand charity became synonymous with the Preakness and Belmont winner.
Think I’m kidding about this theory? How about the example of Miss Laurie Bale, a 1975 Great Sun-Vicki’s Choice filly named for a young Omaha girl with muscular dystrophy, who won four of nine career starts including the open company Ak-Sar-Ben Breeders Sprint by 7-1/2 lengths?
Sometimes the naming practice works in reverse. In 2010, a few days before he won the Indian Derby aboard the filly Jacqueline, jockey Richard Hughes and his wife named their new daughter Phoebe Jacqueline. Any one want to wager what name Calvin Borel and his wife Lisa must bestow upon any girl child they bear?
So, I'm curious. What other noteworthy examples exist out there of horses named for children or vice versa? Let’s hear from you.
Monday, January 3, 2011
A Fan’s Eclipse Ballot
Last weekend, blog friend and Hello Race Fans colleague Teresa Genaro wrote a superb piece for the Thoroughbred Times about her trepidations regarding her first time voting for the Eclipse Awards, namely the lack of any written criteria in making selections. As always, it's a witty, thought-provoking read.
As a mere fan, I am not bound by any guidelines—either explicit or implicit—in selecting my three finalists in each category, nor do I have to justify my choices, validating to professional colleagues my (relative) sanity. Yet, here I am, giving my opinion for what it’s worth:
Two-year-old Male:
1. Uncle Mo
2. Kantharos
3. Pluck
As a dominating Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner, Uncle Mo is the obvious and correct choice. Many may be surprised with my second choice, but Kantharos’ short career included two graded stakes (G3 Bashford Manor and G2 Saratoga Special) and he complete destroyed his competition, winning his three starts by a combined 28 ½ lengths. Pluck was an impressive Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner. I considered Rogue Romance, winner of the G3 Bourbon and third-place finisher in the BC Juvenile, and Boys at Tosconova who never finished worse than second in four starts, but ultimately went with the turfster Pluck.
Two-year-old Female:
1. Awesome Feather
2. Kathmanblu
3. Twelve Pack Shelly
I admit, before the Breeders’ Cup, I wasn’t an Awesome Feather believer, but no more! That’s not to say I believe she’ll continue that form at three, but she is the worthy Eclipse winner. Kathmanblu redeemed herself after her troubled third-place finish in the BC Juvenile Filly Turf by winning the G2 Golden Rod. Pure sprinters are rarely rewarded with accolades as juveniles, but Twelve Pack Shelly is an exceptional filly. Her only time out of the money in seven starts is excusable (having never recovered after going to her knees at the start), and all the way back in April, in her second start, she finished a mere neck behind the subsequent BC Juvenile runner-up Boys at Tosconova in the G3 Kentucky Juvenile.
Three-year-old Male:
1. Lookin At Lucky
2. Fly Down
3. Eskendereya
While I’m fairly certain most turf writers will agree with me about Lookin At Lucky, I’m not sure it was as tough a choice for them. Ultimately, it was his Haskell performance that put Lookin At Lucky on top of this category for me, but, despite “only” runner-up performances in the Belmont and Travers, I truly believe Fly Down is the better horse, peaking as the year ended. He clearly beat Lookin At Lucky when it most counted—in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Eskendereya is a debatable inclusion, given he only raced three times this year, but this was a weak 3-year-old crop overall, and some of the best (Endorsement, Odysseus) fell by the wayside too soon.
Three-year-old Female:
1. Blind Luck
2. Havre de Grace
3. No Such Word
Blind Luck and Havre de Grace thrilled with their duels, and only because she came out in front of Havre de Grace in the BC Distaff (“Ladies Classic” if you must) does Blind Luck get the nod. I’m sure Evening Jewel will be a finalist, but frankly I loved No Such Word. She wasn’t that far back from the top two in the G2 Delaware Oaks and got stronger as the year went on, winning the G1 Gazelle. And she beat Havre de Grace in the Go For Wand back in June. I think she’s a natural (and sentimental) inclusion for end-of-year honors.
Older Male:
1. Blame
2. Quality Road
3. Haynesfield
Despite popular opinion, I found this category weak in 2010. Quality Road beat absolutely nothing in the Woodward, and lost to Blame in the Whitney...while Haynesfield absolutely dominated Blame (as well as Fly Down, among others) in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Yet, when it came to the BC Classic, where did Haynesfield and Quality Road finish? At the very end of the pack, in 11th and 12th respectively. I suppose I could have included Richard’s Kid...nah.
Older Female:
1. Zenyatta
2. Unrivaled Belle
3. Life at Ten
No question about Zenyatta here. BC winner Unrivaled Belle is a worthy runner-up, though. The real question: who to place third? Sorry, but no way is it Rachel Alexandra. Acoma is my sentimental pick, but, overall, Life at Ten is the worthier selection (despite her trainer’s failing to scratch her in the BC).
Sprinter:
1. Big Drama
2. Majesticperfection
3. Discreetly Mine
By default, the Breeders’ Cup Sprint champ wins this category, but I suspect both Majesticperfection and Discreetly Mine were better. We know Majesticperfection was, as he easily defeated Big Drama in the G1 Vanderbilt. D’Funnybone also warranted consideration, but no one in this category absolutely knocked my socks off.
Female Sprinter:
1. Dubai Majesty
2. Switch
3. Rightly So
Since she won the BC Filly and Mare Sprint, Dubai Majesty wins this category, but I honestly don’t think there are any worthy candidates this year. Rightly So looked terrific in the G1 Ballerina, but scratched out of the Breeders’ Cup. The two that finished behind Dubai Majesty in that race—Switch and Evening Jewel—are routers who happen to go fast early, not pure sprinters (although Switch did subsequently win the G1 La Brea in near track record time). Champagne d'Oro looked promising after her victory in the G1 Test, but disappointed in three subsequent starts. Weak category. Can I vote for the juvenile Twelve Pack Shelly here?
Turf male:
1. Gio Ponti
2. Paddy O’Prado
3. Chamberlain Bridge
Never out of the money this year on turf, Gio Ponti was a credible runner-up to Goldikova, although his narrow loss in the G1 Arlington Million was what really sold me on him. Paddy O’Prado should have stuck to the BC Turf rather than the Classic, and he may have won this category. I love Prince Will I Am, but one turf race doesn’t merit serious consideration, so he’s out. Winchester looked good at times, but didn’t exactly overwhelm me. Get Stormy merited serious consideration...until he bombed in the BC Mile. Almost by default, Chamberlain Bridge makes the top three, by winning the BC Turf Sprint.
Turf female:
1. Tuscan Evening
2. Proviso
3. Unzip Me
I’m one of those people who believe that, in order to earn an American Eclipse award, a horse should race more than once in North America. Thus, no Goldikova for me in this category—though I have no doubt of her superior class and ability. Before her untimely death, Tuscan Evening rattled off six victories this year (all graded stakes, including the G1 Gamely); she was the best turf horse (male or female) to race in North America this year. Proviso beat the boys in the G1 Kilroe Mile, but also top females in the G1 Just a Game, Diana and First Lady. Unzip Me’s third-place finish against males in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint capped a 2010 campaign that included five wins in California and one at Woodbine. Why can’t a turf sprinter be considered for this award?
Horse of the Year:
1. Zenyatta
2. Blame
3. Uncle Mo
Honestly, purely based on the campaigns they undertook and the competition they raced against, neither Zenyatta nor Blame come out on top for me. As lightly-raced as he was, Uncle Mo demonstrated far more panache in dominating his competition, winning his maiden at Saratoga by over 14 lengths, drawing away to win the G1 Champagne by nearly five lengths, and finally leaving no doubt he was the best by taking the BC Juvenile with ease. Had she won the BC Distaff, Blind Luck would have merited consideration, as would Tuscan Evening had she not passed away too soon. However, I did finally settle upon Zenyatta—and, yes, not just because of what she did on the racetrack, but HOW she did it, and the excitement she generated for the sport. To me, the "Horse of the Year" title is reserved for that animal whose name and persona dominated the sport, and in 2010, no one did that more than Zenyatta, regardless of the result of one race.
As a mere fan, I am not bound by any guidelines—either explicit or implicit—in selecting my three finalists in each category, nor do I have to justify my choices, validating to professional colleagues my (relative) sanity. Yet, here I am, giving my opinion for what it’s worth:
Two-year-old Male:
1. Uncle Mo
2. Kantharos
3. Pluck
As a dominating Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner, Uncle Mo is the obvious and correct choice. Many may be surprised with my second choice, but Kantharos’ short career included two graded stakes (G3 Bashford Manor and G2 Saratoga Special) and he complete destroyed his competition, winning his three starts by a combined 28 ½ lengths. Pluck was an impressive Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner. I considered Rogue Romance, winner of the G3 Bourbon and third-place finisher in the BC Juvenile, and Boys at Tosconova who never finished worse than second in four starts, but ultimately went with the turfster Pluck.
Two-year-old Female:
1. Awesome Feather
2. Kathmanblu
3. Twelve Pack Shelly
I admit, before the Breeders’ Cup, I wasn’t an Awesome Feather believer, but no more! That’s not to say I believe she’ll continue that form at three, but she is the worthy Eclipse winner. Kathmanblu redeemed herself after her troubled third-place finish in the BC Juvenile Filly Turf by winning the G2 Golden Rod. Pure sprinters are rarely rewarded with accolades as juveniles, but Twelve Pack Shelly is an exceptional filly. Her only time out of the money in seven starts is excusable (having never recovered after going to her knees at the start), and all the way back in April, in her second start, she finished a mere neck behind the subsequent BC Juvenile runner-up Boys at Tosconova in the G3 Kentucky Juvenile.
Three-year-old Male:
1. Lookin At Lucky
2. Fly Down
3. Eskendereya
While I’m fairly certain most turf writers will agree with me about Lookin At Lucky, I’m not sure it was as tough a choice for them. Ultimately, it was his Haskell performance that put Lookin At Lucky on top of this category for me, but, despite “only” runner-up performances in the Belmont and Travers, I truly believe Fly Down is the better horse, peaking as the year ended. He clearly beat Lookin At Lucky when it most counted—in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Eskendereya is a debatable inclusion, given he only raced three times this year, but this was a weak 3-year-old crop overall, and some of the best (Endorsement, Odysseus) fell by the wayside too soon.
Three-year-old Female:
1. Blind Luck
2. Havre de Grace
3. No Such Word
Blind Luck and Havre de Grace thrilled with their duels, and only because she came out in front of Havre de Grace in the BC Distaff (“Ladies Classic” if you must) does Blind Luck get the nod. I’m sure Evening Jewel will be a finalist, but frankly I loved No Such Word. She wasn’t that far back from the top two in the G2 Delaware Oaks and got stronger as the year went on, winning the G1 Gazelle. And she beat Havre de Grace in the Go For Wand back in June. I think she’s a natural (and sentimental) inclusion for end-of-year honors.
Older Male:
1. Blame
2. Quality Road
3. Haynesfield
Despite popular opinion, I found this category weak in 2010. Quality Road beat absolutely nothing in the Woodward, and lost to Blame in the Whitney...while Haynesfield absolutely dominated Blame (as well as Fly Down, among others) in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Yet, when it came to the BC Classic, where did Haynesfield and Quality Road finish? At the very end of the pack, in 11th and 12th respectively. I suppose I could have included Richard’s Kid...nah.
Older Female:
1. Zenyatta
2. Unrivaled Belle
3. Life at Ten
No question about Zenyatta here. BC winner Unrivaled Belle is a worthy runner-up, though. The real question: who to place third? Sorry, but no way is it Rachel Alexandra. Acoma is my sentimental pick, but, overall, Life at Ten is the worthier selection (despite her trainer’s failing to scratch her in the BC).
Sprinter:
1. Big Drama
2. Majesticperfection
3. Discreetly Mine
By default, the Breeders’ Cup Sprint champ wins this category, but I suspect both Majesticperfection and Discreetly Mine were better. We know Majesticperfection was, as he easily defeated Big Drama in the G1 Vanderbilt. D’Funnybone also warranted consideration, but no one in this category absolutely knocked my socks off.
Female Sprinter:
1. Dubai Majesty
2. Switch
3. Rightly So
Since she won the BC Filly and Mare Sprint, Dubai Majesty wins this category, but I honestly don’t think there are any worthy candidates this year. Rightly So looked terrific in the G1 Ballerina, but scratched out of the Breeders’ Cup. The two that finished behind Dubai Majesty in that race—Switch and Evening Jewel—are routers who happen to go fast early, not pure sprinters (although Switch did subsequently win the G1 La Brea in near track record time). Champagne d'Oro looked promising after her victory in the G1 Test, but disappointed in three subsequent starts. Weak category. Can I vote for the juvenile Twelve Pack Shelly here?
Turf male:
1. Gio Ponti
2. Paddy O’Prado
3. Chamberlain Bridge
Never out of the money this year on turf, Gio Ponti was a credible runner-up to Goldikova, although his narrow loss in the G1 Arlington Million was what really sold me on him. Paddy O’Prado should have stuck to the BC Turf rather than the Classic, and he may have won this category. I love Prince Will I Am, but one turf race doesn’t merit serious consideration, so he’s out. Winchester looked good at times, but didn’t exactly overwhelm me. Get Stormy merited serious consideration...until he bombed in the BC Mile. Almost by default, Chamberlain Bridge makes the top three, by winning the BC Turf Sprint.
Turf female:
1. Tuscan Evening
2. Proviso
3. Unzip Me
I’m one of those people who believe that, in order to earn an American Eclipse award, a horse should race more than once in North America. Thus, no Goldikova for me in this category—though I have no doubt of her superior class and ability. Before her untimely death, Tuscan Evening rattled off six victories this year (all graded stakes, including the G1 Gamely); she was the best turf horse (male or female) to race in North America this year. Proviso beat the boys in the G1 Kilroe Mile, but also top females in the G1 Just a Game, Diana and First Lady. Unzip Me’s third-place finish against males in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint capped a 2010 campaign that included five wins in California and one at Woodbine. Why can’t a turf sprinter be considered for this award?
Horse of the Year:
1. Zenyatta
2. Blame
3. Uncle Mo
Honestly, purely based on the campaigns they undertook and the competition they raced against, neither Zenyatta nor Blame come out on top for me. As lightly-raced as he was, Uncle Mo demonstrated far more panache in dominating his competition, winning his maiden at Saratoga by over 14 lengths, drawing away to win the G1 Champagne by nearly five lengths, and finally leaving no doubt he was the best by taking the BC Juvenile with ease. Had she won the BC Distaff, Blind Luck would have merited consideration, as would Tuscan Evening had she not passed away too soon. However, I did finally settle upon Zenyatta—and, yes, not just because of what she did on the racetrack, but HOW she did it, and the excitement she generated for the sport. To me, the "Horse of the Year" title is reserved for that animal whose name and persona dominated the sport, and in 2010, no one did that more than Zenyatta, regardless of the result of one race.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Turning Over a New Leaf
For me, 2010 will always be a year of missed opportunities, tinged with a sense of unease. It didn’t help my mood when I saw that—once again—a Rick Dutrow horse has tested positive for a banned substance in New York. I thought, here we go again, folks! And then I read Ryan Goldberg’s DRF piece on trainer Graham Motion, and the scales tipped back into balance, with rationality and a sense of hope restored.
In the real world, truly, I’m notoriously optimistic and jovial, so I feel like a piece of my soul is eaten each time I sit down and spew negativity and pessimism. And, boy, looking back, it seems like I did my fair share of that this year. Plus, dear readers, I’m sure you are sick of hearing perpetual bitching and moaning emanating from these quarters as well, so let me start 2011 with a promise to you: a more positive attitude in general, and only one (or two) bitchy posts per month. I’m not going to back down from criticism when and where it’s needed, but I promise to express the love I feel for the sport and its participants in a more overt manner as well.
With that in mind, I want to make special note of the good things that did happen this year, beginning with Zenyatta. Surprised that in spite of my clear East Coast bias and on-the-record displeasure with her campaign this year that she merits mention by me? Don’t be. Her charisma and fan appeal was just about the only good thing to come out of racing this year. It wasn’t the movie “Secretariat” that saved racing from falling into utter irrelevancy—it was a dark brown 6-year-old mare that pranced her way into the mainstream media spotlight, from Oprah to “60 Minutes.”
Too many personal favorites didn’t race in 2010, raced for far too short a period, or (most frustrating of all) didn’t quite live up to their potential. Of those, I most miss Odysseus, who died in August from complications from laminitis. Scenic Blast was G1-placed (Bing Crosby), but didn’t win in five American starts, and is now on his way back to Australia. Fabulous Strike hasn’t been seen on the track since his narrow second-place finish to Kodiak Kowboy in the G1 Vosburgh back in October 2009, but after stem cell therapy this past year, he’s back in training for 2011, having posted a series of works at Penn National over the past several months. Boy, wouldn’t it be a great story to see him back in G1 form, at the ripe old age of eight?
Reportedly, Shannon Ritter-trained Endorsement will be back in 2011 too. This is a colt I really liked and hit for a nice price ($25.40) in the Sunland Derby, but I’m even more excited to see what Ms. Ritter has in store for us this year. Dare we hope another Derby contender?
I’m also looking forward to Oaklawn opening in January, as Larry Jones is returning to training there. Here’s another good guy who’s got a particular knack with fillies, and while his wife Cindy did an outstanding job with No Such Word, it’s going to be fun watching him campaign Havre de Grace and whatever 3-year-olds he has yet to reveal. Good luck, Mr. Jones!
I’m also looking forward to seeing Twelve Pack Shelly rise to the top of the sprinting ranks in 2011. She may not be another Xtra Heat, but she’s damn close.
Best wishes to Foolish Pleasure descendent Grand Couturier as he stands his first season at stud in 2011, at Haras de la Croix Sonnet near Deauville, France.
If ever a story touched the heart, it was that of owner/trainer Tim Snyder and Lisa’s Booby Trap. Unbeaten in three starts at Finger Lakes—and miles better than her competition there—she comes to Saratoga and wins the Loudonville Stakes by six lengths. Unfortunately, the fairy tale story didn’t end with a run in the Breeders’ Cup or even a graded stakes race, but the blind-in-one-eye, clubfoot filly looks to return in 2011. We need to tell more stories like Lisa’s Booby Trap—they are the heart and soul of what makes horse racing so thrilling and human.
Good luck to all the fillies and mares—underappreciated in American racing, but continuing to prove themselves worthy against open company wherever they race. In fact, a big shout-out to Miss Raggedy Ann, a 5-year-old mare who became the first G1 winning female in open company in 2011, when she upset the Railway Stakes in New Zealand today. As always, you can follow the progress of such talented females via the spreadsheet I maintain over at Fillies First.
As the New Year rings in, I also want to thank a few folks in particular:
Ray Paulick, for including me as one of a select few who weekly chart the Derby Index, and for linking to a number of my posts (and thus explaining any significant upticks in visitors to this site).
My esteemed colleagues over at Hello Race Fans (HRF), for including me in such a worthy endeavor, and for indulging my sometimes over-the-top fascination with pedigree analysis. The Derby Prep Alert will be starting soon (!) so if you haven’t done so already, sign up now. Also, looking forward to many exciting projects this year, there and for Raceday360.
Peter Rotondo at the Breeders’ Cup, for giving me the opportunity to be involved with the “Win and You’re In” (WAYI) campaign, by tweeting and maintaining the Facebook page in regards to those races (and, of course, for the BC tickets!).
Here's hoping 2011 brings each of you, dear readers, good health, good fortune and peace.
In the real world, truly, I’m notoriously optimistic and jovial, so I feel like a piece of my soul is eaten each time I sit down and spew negativity and pessimism. And, boy, looking back, it seems like I did my fair share of that this year. Plus, dear readers, I’m sure you are sick of hearing perpetual bitching and moaning emanating from these quarters as well, so let me start 2011 with a promise to you: a more positive attitude in general, and only one (or two) bitchy posts per month. I’m not going to back down from criticism when and where it’s needed, but I promise to express the love I feel for the sport and its participants in a more overt manner as well.
With that in mind, I want to make special note of the good things that did happen this year, beginning with Zenyatta. Surprised that in spite of my clear East Coast bias and on-the-record displeasure with her campaign this year that she merits mention by me? Don’t be. Her charisma and fan appeal was just about the only good thing to come out of racing this year. It wasn’t the movie “Secretariat” that saved racing from falling into utter irrelevancy—it was a dark brown 6-year-old mare that pranced her way into the mainstream media spotlight, from Oprah to “60 Minutes.”
Too many personal favorites didn’t race in 2010, raced for far too short a period, or (most frustrating of all) didn’t quite live up to their potential. Of those, I most miss Odysseus, who died in August from complications from laminitis. Scenic Blast was G1-placed (Bing Crosby), but didn’t win in five American starts, and is now on his way back to Australia. Fabulous Strike hasn’t been seen on the track since his narrow second-place finish to Kodiak Kowboy in the G1 Vosburgh back in October 2009, but after stem cell therapy this past year, he’s back in training for 2011, having posted a series of works at Penn National over the past several months. Boy, wouldn’t it be a great story to see him back in G1 form, at the ripe old age of eight?
Reportedly, Shannon Ritter-trained Endorsement will be back in 2011 too. This is a colt I really liked and hit for a nice price ($25.40) in the Sunland Derby, but I’m even more excited to see what Ms. Ritter has in store for us this year. Dare we hope another Derby contender?
I’m also looking forward to Oaklawn opening in January, as Larry Jones is returning to training there. Here’s another good guy who’s got a particular knack with fillies, and while his wife Cindy did an outstanding job with No Such Word, it’s going to be fun watching him campaign Havre de Grace and whatever 3-year-olds he has yet to reveal. Good luck, Mr. Jones!
I’m also looking forward to seeing Twelve Pack Shelly rise to the top of the sprinting ranks in 2011. She may not be another Xtra Heat, but she’s damn close.
Best wishes to Foolish Pleasure descendent Grand Couturier as he stands his first season at stud in 2011, at Haras de la Croix Sonnet near Deauville, France.
If ever a story touched the heart, it was that of owner/trainer Tim Snyder and Lisa’s Booby Trap. Unbeaten in three starts at Finger Lakes—and miles better than her competition there—she comes to Saratoga and wins the Loudonville Stakes by six lengths. Unfortunately, the fairy tale story didn’t end with a run in the Breeders’ Cup or even a graded stakes race, but the blind-in-one-eye, clubfoot filly looks to return in 2011. We need to tell more stories like Lisa’s Booby Trap—they are the heart and soul of what makes horse racing so thrilling and human.
Good luck to all the fillies and mares—underappreciated in American racing, but continuing to prove themselves worthy against open company wherever they race. In fact, a big shout-out to Miss Raggedy Ann, a 5-year-old mare who became the first G1 winning female in open company in 2011, when she upset the Railway Stakes in New Zealand today. As always, you can follow the progress of such talented females via the spreadsheet I maintain over at Fillies First.
As the New Year rings in, I also want to thank a few folks in particular:
Ray Paulick, for including me as one of a select few who weekly chart the Derby Index, and for linking to a number of my posts (and thus explaining any significant upticks in visitors to this site).
My esteemed colleagues over at Hello Race Fans (HRF), for including me in such a worthy endeavor, and for indulging my sometimes over-the-top fascination with pedigree analysis. The Derby Prep Alert will be starting soon (!) so if you haven’t done so already, sign up now. Also, looking forward to many exciting projects this year, there and for Raceday360.
Peter Rotondo at the Breeders’ Cup, for giving me the opportunity to be involved with the “Win and You’re In” (WAYI) campaign, by tweeting and maintaining the Facebook page in regards to those races (and, of course, for the BC tickets!).
Here's hoping 2011 brings each of you, dear readers, good health, good fortune and peace.
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