I'm going to start off by - once again! - apologizing for the long gap between updates. I've spent most of the last week and a half on trains or in airports in transit from Rochester to Chicago to NYC for a media conference and back again. Finding time to check my e-mail - let alone write an entire blog post - was extremely limited. I'm getting back into the swing of things now, and will re-watch and recap last weekend's action, as well as preview this weekend, later this evening.
Before I get to that, though, there were two notable births last week who I just have to recognize. Isn't springtime fun? Rags To Riches (AP Indy-Better Than Honour, by Deputy Minister) produced her first foal, while La Ville Rouge (Carson City-La Reine Rouge, by Kings Bishop) produced another full brother to the late Barbaro.
Rags To Riches, winner of the 2007 Belmont Stakes and the first filly to take it in over a century, dropped her Giant's Causeway (Storm Cat-Mariah's Storm, by Rahy) filly on March 9. The Blood Horse has an awesome gallery of 'Rags' and baby up on their website. Check it out if you get a chance. It's just stunning how much this little girl looks like her mom - bright chestnut with a ton of chrome, including that big blazed face. Sounds like she's inherited a ton of personality, too. Rags To Riches is booked to Henrythenavigator.
A day later, La Ville Rouge gave birth to her fourth straight colt by Dynaformer (Roberto-Andover Way, by His Majesty). They cannot BUY a filly out of this mare! The 142-pound colt is a full brother to 2006 Derby winner Barbaro, three-year-old Nicanor (recently a solid runner-up in his second lifetime start) and two-year-old Lentenor. By all accounts, mom and baby are doing fine. La Ville Rouge is booked back to -wh0 else? - Dynaformer for 2009.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Derby Top 10
It was a telling weekend with the Gotham and Santa Anita Oaks, so here's this week's installment of the Derby Top 10. A couple of horses have dropped off the list (most notably Stardom Bound, who will stick with the girls for now). With the Rebel and San Felipe coming up this weekend, it's likely to change a lot more.
Agree with the list? Disagree? Comment or find me on Twitter and share your own picks.
2. The Pamplemousse (Kafwain-Comfort Zone, by Rubiano): Physically impressive specimen is dangerous when left alone on the lead, but proved he could re-break and win under slight pressure in the Sham. Waiting to see what happens when someone really looks him in the eye.
3. Friesan Fire (AP Indy-Bollinger, by Dehere): It says something about this year's bunch when this dual stakeswinner (LeComte and Risen Star) is second fiddle in his own barn. He's progressing steadily with each start, and the Louisiana Derby should be a good class test.
4. Pioneerof The Nile (Empire Maker-Star of goshen, by Lord At War): Moving him up because of the way he’s training, and because recent stakes results have really flattered him. Followed gutty win in the Futurity with a workmanlike effort in the Robert B. Lewis; will stretch out in the San Felipe.
5. Dunkirk (Unbridled's Song-Secret Status, by AP Indy): I can't believe I'm putting a two-start allowance winner over several multiple stakeswinners, but that's how highly I think of him. Has a wonderful turn of foot and handled adversity well in his second start. Says a lot about Todd Pletcher's confidence in him that he'll be rolling the dice earnings-wise by using a single stakes prep.
6. I Want Revenge (Stephen Got Even-Meguial, by Roy): Made an impressive turnaround in his first start over natural dirt, making a closely matched field look like easy pickings in the Gotham. Versatile sort can win from on or off the pace, and handled the slop well, too.
7. Chocolate Candy (Candy Ride-Crownette, by Seattle Slew): Good third in the Futurity then won the California Derby and El Camino while stretching out a bit more each time. Don't think he's a world beater, but he's a useful sort and bred to get even more distance.
8. Beethoven (Sky Mesa-Moonlight Sonata, by Carson City): Still think he's going to be noticed in the Triple Crown series, but just hasn't lived up to the billing yet. Did close strongly against a speed bias in the Fountain of Youth.
9. Quality Road (Elusive Quality-Kobla, by Strawberry Road): Fountain of Youth was one of the better performances we've seen so far this year. Waiting to see if he moves forward in his next or if he's just a class miler.
10. Patena (Seeking the Gold-Handpainted, by AP Indy): Second choice for Louisiana Derby is catching the eye with some solid works. Hasn’t exactly sparkled, and was defeated by Friesan Fire last out in the LeComte, but does own a win at a mile and a sixteenth (in last December’s Display Stakes).
On the radar: Mr. Hot Stuff (Tiznow-Sweet Damsel, by Turkoman), the full brother to Colonel John, closed strongly to pick up third in the Sham and appears primed to move forward. Silver City (Unbridled's Song-Proposal, by Mt Livermore) was a game second in the Southwest and will tackle Old Fashioned again in the Rebel. Imperial Council (Empire Maker-Jaramar Rain, by Thunder Gulch) made a nice late move to take third in the Gotham. Haynesfield (Speightstown-Nothing Special, by Tejabo) ran poorly in the Gotham, but planning to keep an eye on this dual stakeswinner anyway.
7. Chocolate Candy (Candy Ride-Crownette, by Seattle Slew): Good third in the Futurity then won the California Derby and El Camino while stretching out a bit more each time. Don't think he's a world beater, but he's a useful sort and bred to get even more distance.
8. Beethoven (Sky Mesa-Moonlight Sonata, by Carson City): Still think he's going to be noticed in the Triple Crown series, but just hasn't lived up to the billing yet. Did close strongly against a speed bias in the Fountain of Youth.
9. Quality Road (Elusive Quality-Kobla, by Strawberry Road): Fountain of Youth was one of the better performances we've seen so far this year. Waiting to see if he moves forward in his next or if he's just a class miler.
10. Patena (Seeking the Gold-Handpainted, by AP Indy): Second choice for Louisiana Derby is catching the eye with some solid works. Hasn’t exactly sparkled, and was defeated by Friesan Fire last out in the LeComte, but does own a win at a mile and a sixteenth (in last December’s Display Stakes).
On the radar: Mr. Hot Stuff (Tiznow-Sweet Damsel, by Turkoman), the full brother to Colonel John, closed strongly to pick up third in the Sham and appears primed to move forward. Silver City (Unbridled's Song-Proposal, by Mt Livermore) was a game second in the Southwest and will tackle Old Fashioned again in the Rebel. Imperial Council (Empire Maker-Jaramar Rain, by Thunder Gulch) made a nice late move to take third in the Gotham. Haynesfield (Speightstown-Nothing Special, by Tejabo) ran poorly in the Gotham, but planning to keep an eye on this dual stakeswinner anyway.
Proud Spell returns Thursday
Last year's champion three year old filly, Proud Spell (Proud Citizen-Pacific Spell, by Langfuhr), will make her 2009 debut in Thursday's feature at Oaklawn, a mile and a sixteenth allowance/optional claimer.
Regular rider Gabe Saez will be up as she breaks from post six in the field of seven. Proud Spell has never been worse than third in 12 career starts while racking up wins in races such as the Kentucky Oaks, Alabama and Matron.
It's good to see this girl back. She adds more flavor to an already loaded Distaff division; after this, the plan is to take on Zenyatta (Street Cry-Vertigineux, by Forli) in the Apple Blossom.
Proud Spell is clearly the class in this event; she'll be the prohibitive favorite and should win easily in this. But just to bring you up to speed on her some of her competition; Devil House (Chester House-Diablo's Bobett, by Diablo) won the Bassinet as a two year old, the Martha Washington and Dixie Belle at three, and the Happy Princess and Lighthouse and ran third in the Kentucky Cup Distaff last year. Superior Storm (Stormy Atlantic-Alittlebitsuperior, by Total Departure) has shone on the Louisiana-bred circuit, taking the Louisiana Breeders' Oaks, Louisiana Champions Ladies Day stakes, Louisiana Premiere Night Starlet, Abadie Memorial and Fantasia Stakes. She took the Premiere Night Distaff in her 2009 debut. Kathleens Reel (Lemon Drop Kid-Coral Sea, by Rubiano) won some ungraded stakes two years ago.
Stardom Bound to stick with the girls
Champion filly Stardom Bound (Tapit-My White Corvette, by Tarr Road) will likely stick with the girls and point to the Kentucky Oaks rather than launching a Derby bid.
Stardom Bound notched her fifth straight grade I victory in the Santa Anita Oaks on Saturday but worked harder than expected, rallying furiously after going wide into the stretch and just getting up by a nose over allowance and minor stakeswinners. On Monday, IEAH announced that she will likely point for Keenland's grade I Ashland followed by the Oaks, rather than taking on males in the Santa Anita Derby.
I'm slightly disappointed she won't be attacking the Derby trail; honestly think this is one of the better fillies we've seen in quite awhile. But she ran her guts out on Saturday, so sticking with her own gender is probably the safe decision for now. There's no shame in being an Oaks winner and continuing a nice little grade I streak, and there's plenty of time to tackle the boys later.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
'Pioneer, Old Fashioned in sharp works
Two of the leading candidates for this year's Kentucky Derby turned in sharp works on Sunday in preparation for the coming weekend's prep races.
At Santa Anita, Futurity and Robert Lewis winner Pioneerof The Nile (Empire Maker-Star of Goshen, by Lord At War) drilled five furlongs in :58 4/5, the fastest of 85 works at the distance. This guy was really flattered by I Want Revenge's win in the Gotham, and he's defeated that one in their last two meetings. He's expected to start in the March 14 San Felipe.
Old Fashioned (Unbridled's Song-Collect Call, by Meadowlake) also worked five furlongs at Oaklawn, going in :59 flat for the fastest of 18 at the distance. The Remsen and Southwest winner is expected to run in Saturday's Rebel.
At Santa Anita, Futurity and Robert Lewis winner Pioneerof The Nile (Empire Maker-Star of Goshen, by Lord At War) drilled five furlongs in :58 4/5, the fastest of 85 works at the distance. This guy was really flattered by I Want Revenge's win in the Gotham, and he's defeated that one in their last two meetings. He's expected to start in the March 14 San Felipe.
Old Fashioned (Unbridled's Song-Collect Call, by Meadowlake) also worked five furlongs at Oaklawn, going in :59 flat for the fastest of 18 at the distance. The Remsen and Southwest winner is expected to run in Saturday's Rebel.
Weekend stakes roundup
With so much action from coast to coast - on the Derby trail, major stakes for older horses, and then some - the only proper way to recap is a roundup like this. Videos are courtesy of the NTRA on YouTube, except for the Kilroe, which was posted by WHR Video.
Santa Anita Handicap: Is there a horse in training today who is more versatile than Einstein (Spend A Buck-Gay Charm, by Ghadeer)? The seven-year-old Brazilian-bred got a perfect trip under Julien Leparoux to score by about a length, pushing his career earnings to over $2 million. It was the first start on a synthetic surface for Einstein, who owns three grade I wins on turf and a win in the grade II Clark Handicap on dirt (he was also second behind Curlin in the grade I Stephen Foster on dirt). Trainer Helen Pitts, who became the first woman to win the Big 'Cap, noted that her charge will probably return to California for some of the major stakes in the summer and could target the Breeders' Cup Classic, also at Santa Anita this year. This horse is so exciting to watch, and this win opened up so many new doors for him. Should make a couple of divisions very interesting this year.
The race was marred by the breakdown of the promising four year old Blue Exit (Pulpit-Black Speck, by Arch), who was pulled up turning for home. He was alter euthanized at the barn due to a fracture. Our condolences to his connections and all who loved him.
Gotham: Speaking of horses who shone on new surfaces, I Want Revenge (Stephen Got Even-Meguial, by Roy) ran off with the Gotham by more than eight lengths in his first start on natural dirt. Seems the change of scenery helped, as he looked very comfortable striding out on the surface. The highly regarded allowance winner Mr. Fantasy (E Dubai-Twice Forbidden, by Spectacular Bid) led to the quarter pole, but looks like this was too far for him; wilted when I Want Revenge came to him and faded back to third behind Imperial Council (Empire Maker-Jaramar Rain, by Thunder Gulch), who closed fairly well for a piece of it. I Want Revenge will stay in New York and train up to the Wood Memorial. Look for Imperial Council to re-emerge there as well.
Santa Anita Oaks: It wasn't pretty but Stardom Bound (Tapit-My White Corvette, by Tarr Road) claimed her fifth straight grade I win in the Santa Anita Oaks. The Eclipse champion filly was seven wide at the top of the lane and rallied from second to las to get up by a nose over Third Dawn (Sky Mesa-Chalmette, by Quiet American), with pacesetter Hooh Why (Cloud Hopping-Magic Merger, by Corporate Report) hanging on bravely another nose behind in third. It sounds like IEAH may now reconsider running her back against the boys in the Santa Anita Derby. Certainly worked harder than she was "supposed" to here, but I will make note of this; good horses still find ways to win when circumstances are against them.
Kilroe Mile: Speaking of girls taking on the boys, the brilliant Juddmonte homebred Ventura (Chester House-Estala, by Be My Guest) almost pulled it off here, but lost focus in the stretch and was just nipped by the hard-charging Gio Ponti (Tale of the Cat-Chipeta Springs, by Alydar). Ventura took the lead from brave pacesetter Dixie Chatter (Dixie Union-Mini Chat, by Deputy Minister) at the sixteenth pole, but then shifted in for a few strides, which was all it took for Gio Ponti to win the photo. It was the first grade I win for Gio Ponti, who is also racing's newest millionaire.
Azeri Stakes: Rising star Acoma (Empire Maker-Aurora, by Danzig) claimed her third straight stakes, taking the lead in midstretch and drawing clear. The half-sister to Arch is a model of versatility herself, taking the Dogwood on the Churchill main track last May before winning the River Run and Mrs. Revere on turf leading up to this.
Toboggan Handicap: Ah Day (Malibu Moon-Endette, by Thirty Eight Paces) returned from a layoff of nearly seven months to rally for the win here, just nipping fellow Maryland-bred Eternal Star (Five Star Day-Retsina's Princess, by Eternal Prince) on the wire. The six year old is a neat little moneyearner. Good to see him back.
Razorback Handicap: It was a brave rally by Let It Rock (Trippi-Timeless Measure, by Timeless Native) between horses in midstretch to claim this one. Also notable was the effort by runner-up Shim's Pride (Awesome Again-Shiroyama, by Seattle Slew), who came from last at the head of the stretch.
Santa Anita Handicap: Is there a horse in training today who is more versatile than Einstein (Spend A Buck-Gay Charm, by Ghadeer)? The seven-year-old Brazilian-bred got a perfect trip under Julien Leparoux to score by about a length, pushing his career earnings to over $2 million. It was the first start on a synthetic surface for Einstein, who owns three grade I wins on turf and a win in the grade II Clark Handicap on dirt (he was also second behind Curlin in the grade I Stephen Foster on dirt). Trainer Helen Pitts, who became the first woman to win the Big 'Cap, noted that her charge will probably return to California for some of the major stakes in the summer and could target the Breeders' Cup Classic, also at Santa Anita this year. This horse is so exciting to watch, and this win opened up so many new doors for him. Should make a couple of divisions very interesting this year.
The race was marred by the breakdown of the promising four year old Blue Exit (Pulpit-Black Speck, by Arch), who was pulled up turning for home. He was alter euthanized at the barn due to a fracture. Our condolences to his connections and all who loved him.
Gotham: Speaking of horses who shone on new surfaces, I Want Revenge (Stephen Got Even-Meguial, by Roy) ran off with the Gotham by more than eight lengths in his first start on natural dirt. Seems the change of scenery helped, as he looked very comfortable striding out on the surface. The highly regarded allowance winner Mr. Fantasy (E Dubai-Twice Forbidden, by Spectacular Bid) led to the quarter pole, but looks like this was too far for him; wilted when I Want Revenge came to him and faded back to third behind Imperial Council (Empire Maker-Jaramar Rain, by Thunder Gulch), who closed fairly well for a piece of it. I Want Revenge will stay in New York and train up to the Wood Memorial. Look for Imperial Council to re-emerge there as well.
Santa Anita Oaks: It wasn't pretty but Stardom Bound (Tapit-My White Corvette, by Tarr Road) claimed her fifth straight grade I win in the Santa Anita Oaks. The Eclipse champion filly was seven wide at the top of the lane and rallied from second to las to get up by a nose over Third Dawn (Sky Mesa-Chalmette, by Quiet American), with pacesetter Hooh Why (Cloud Hopping-Magic Merger, by Corporate Report) hanging on bravely another nose behind in third. It sounds like IEAH may now reconsider running her back against the boys in the Santa Anita Derby. Certainly worked harder than she was "supposed" to here, but I will make note of this; good horses still find ways to win when circumstances are against them.
Kilroe Mile: Speaking of girls taking on the boys, the brilliant Juddmonte homebred Ventura (Chester House-Estala, by Be My Guest) almost pulled it off here, but lost focus in the stretch and was just nipped by the hard-charging Gio Ponti (Tale of the Cat-Chipeta Springs, by Alydar). Ventura took the lead from brave pacesetter Dixie Chatter (Dixie Union-Mini Chat, by Deputy Minister) at the sixteenth pole, but then shifted in for a few strides, which was all it took for Gio Ponti to win the photo. It was the first grade I win for Gio Ponti, who is also racing's newest millionaire.
Azeri Stakes: Rising star Acoma (Empire Maker-Aurora, by Danzig) claimed her third straight stakes, taking the lead in midstretch and drawing clear. The half-sister to Arch is a model of versatility herself, taking the Dogwood on the Churchill main track last May before winning the River Run and Mrs. Revere on turf leading up to this.
Toboggan Handicap: Ah Day (Malibu Moon-Endette, by Thirty Eight Paces) returned from a layoff of nearly seven months to rally for the win here, just nipping fellow Maryland-bred Eternal Star (Five Star Day-Retsina's Princess, by Eternal Prince) on the wire. The six year old is a neat little moneyearner. Good to see him back.
Razorback Handicap: It was a brave rally by Let It Rock (Trippi-Timeless Measure, by Timeless Native) between horses in midstretch to claim this one. Also notable was the effort by runner-up Shim's Pride (Awesome Again-Shiroyama, by Seattle Slew), who came from last at the head of the stretch.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Preview: Free for all in Gotham
The stakes previews continue with a look at the grade III Gotham at a mile and a sixteenth at Aqueduct tomorrow. We've got a number of minor stakeswinners trying to step up to the next level and a bunch of allowance and maiden winners with potential trying to jump into the fray. Basically, a well-matched, highly competitive race with all in desperate need of some graded earnings. I love Derby time.
1. Naos (Lion Heart-Miss Moonwaki, by Miswaki): Mike Luzzi has the mount on this Todd Pletcher trainee, who wired the field in an allowance at Philly Park Feb. 15.
2. Russell Road (Wheaton-Roberta Grump, by Verification): Has won three straight ungraded sprint stakes a bit further south of here (Maryland, West Virginia, etc).
3. Masala (Lion Heart-Countess Marq, by Marquetry): Broke his maiden in the slop at Aqueduct last fall (there’s a chance of rain Saturday), then ran second in an allowance to Take The Points, who was second in the Sham last out.
4. Axel Foley (Officer-Morganza, by Clever Trick): Richard Migliore rides for Kiaran McLaughlin. Makes his first start on conventional dirt after a poor showing in the El Camino Real, where he led into the stretch before fading.
5. Mr. Fantasy (E Dubai-Twice Forbidden, by Spectacular Bid): Alan Garcia has the mount on the half brother to New York favorite Tin Cup Chalice. Has won both of his starts by daylight for McLaughlin, but hasn’t faced anything beyond allowance level.
6. Haynesfield (Speightstown-Nothing Special, by Tejabo): The leader of the New York contingent this year has won four straight, including the Damon Runyon, Count Fleet and Whirlaway. C.C. Lopez will be up on the Steve Asmussen trainee as he gets a class test.
7. Imperial Council (Empire Maker-Jaramar Rain, by Thunder Gulch): Regally bred son of Empire Maker, out of a Thunder Gulch mare, seeks to step up a level as well. Broke his maiden at second asking, but then Shug McGaughey gave him four months off; came back to edge clear late in an allowance sprint. Rajiv Maragh has the ride, as regular rider Edgar Prado opted to ride in the Big ‘Cap instead.
8. I Want Revenge (Stephen Got Even- Meguial, by Roy): Ships in from California and Joe Talamo came all that way to keep the mount. A change of scenery might be for the best, as he’s dropped two close ones to Pioneerof The Nile. Shows some versatility, as he rallied from off the pace for second in the Futurity but closed for the place spot in the Sham; this is his first try on natural dirt.
9. Giant Ryan (Freud- Kheyrah, by Dayjur): Won the first two starts, a maiden special weight and allowance, but dropped his first stakes try, finishing fifth in the ungraded Jimmy Winkfield.
Railbird's pick: It's all about development. Haynesfield is an honest sort who has matured faster than some of these guys, and I feel he'll maintain his edge Saturday. If anyone makes him work for it, it will be Mr. Fantasy, who is improving in leaps and bounds. Imperial Council strikes me as a late bloomer, but could rally for a piece, as could I Want Revenge if he handles the new surface. Pletcher has pulled bigger upsets than this before, so don't discount Masala if the track is a mess tomorrow; he's been running against decent competition, too.
1. Naos (Lion Heart-Miss Moonwaki, by Miswaki): Mike Luzzi has the mount on this Todd Pletcher trainee, who wired the field in an allowance at Philly Park Feb. 15.
2. Russell Road (Wheaton-Roberta Grump, by Verification): Has won three straight ungraded sprint stakes a bit further south of here (Maryland, West Virginia, etc).
3. Masala (Lion Heart-Countess Marq, by Marquetry): Broke his maiden in the slop at Aqueduct last fall (there’s a chance of rain Saturday), then ran second in an allowance to Take The Points, who was second in the Sham last out.
4. Axel Foley (Officer-Morganza, by Clever Trick): Richard Migliore rides for Kiaran McLaughlin. Makes his first start on conventional dirt after a poor showing in the El Camino Real, where he led into the stretch before fading.
5. Mr. Fantasy (E Dubai-Twice Forbidden, by Spectacular Bid): Alan Garcia has the mount on the half brother to New York favorite Tin Cup Chalice. Has won both of his starts by daylight for McLaughlin, but hasn’t faced anything beyond allowance level.
6. Haynesfield (Speightstown-Nothing Special, by Tejabo): The leader of the New York contingent this year has won four straight, including the Damon Runyon, Count Fleet and Whirlaway. C.C. Lopez will be up on the Steve Asmussen trainee as he gets a class test.
7. Imperial Council (Empire Maker-Jaramar Rain, by Thunder Gulch): Regally bred son of Empire Maker, out of a Thunder Gulch mare, seeks to step up a level as well. Broke his maiden at second asking, but then Shug McGaughey gave him four months off; came back to edge clear late in an allowance sprint. Rajiv Maragh has the ride, as regular rider Edgar Prado opted to ride in the Big ‘Cap instead.
8. I Want Revenge (Stephen Got Even- Meguial, by Roy): Ships in from California and Joe Talamo came all that way to keep the mount. A change of scenery might be for the best, as he’s dropped two close ones to Pioneerof The Nile. Shows some versatility, as he rallied from off the pace for second in the Futurity but closed for the place spot in the Sham; this is his first try on natural dirt.
9. Giant Ryan (Freud- Kheyrah, by Dayjur): Won the first two starts, a maiden special weight and allowance, but dropped his first stakes try, finishing fifth in the ungraded Jimmy Winkfield.
Railbird's pick: It's all about development. Haynesfield is an honest sort who has matured faster than some of these guys, and I feel he'll maintain his edge Saturday. If anyone makes him work for it, it will be Mr. Fantasy, who is improving in leaps and bounds. Imperial Council strikes me as a late bloomer, but could rally for a piece, as could I Want Revenge if he handles the new surface. Pletcher has pulled bigger upsets than this before, so don't discount Masala if the track is a mess tomorrow; he's been running against decent competition, too.
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