Foolish Pleasure

Ghosts of Hollywood Past

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 14:00:00 +0000

We knew the day of reckoning was coming, but that didn’t make it any easier to say good-bye to legendary Hollywood Park this weekend. Strictly from a historical standpoint, its closing unequivocally marks the end of a glorious era—a time when horse racing was fashionable, when the race track was a place to be and be seen, when the “Sport of Kings” held relevance to the common man as well as the privileged. The nostalgic final hurrah of the track that once saw the likes of Seabiscuit, Citation, Swaps, Round Table, Gallant Man, Native Diver, Affirmed, John Henry and Lava Man—as well as Happy Issue, Busher, Bewitch, Royal Heroine, Megahertz, Flawlessly, Princess Rooney, Bayakoa, Paseana, Azeri, Nashoba’s Key, and Zenyatta—felt more like a dirge than a swansong. What a contrast to the absolutely electric atmosphere of Nakayama Racecourse in Japan earlier in the day, where 124,000 on-track spectators rejoiced in Orfevre’s victory in the JPN-G1 Arima Kinen!

As fans of horse racing, we continually bemoan the declining presence of our sport, in the media and in the national consciousness. Don’t get me wrong: there are all kinds of problems to be dealt with—both real and mere perceptions—but when you watch events like the Arima Kinen, the Arc or the Melbourne Cup, you realize that no matter how “modern” our machine-driven society becomes and how far we continue to move away from our agrarian past and reliance on the horse, there is something wonderful about watching these beautiful animals do what come naturally to them—run. Gathering together in large groups to observe, to celebrate, Nature’s pure gifts of speed, endurance and competitiveness is seemingly innate for human beings.

So, why can’t American race tracks get it right? Why are places like Bay Meadows and Hollywood Park closed or closing, and grand dames like Hialeah relegated to mere quarter-horse racing? I’m not the first person to say it, but I’ve been among those who have been arguing for it longest: we need LESS RACING in this country! We are diluting the “product”—racing—by overkill. Mies van der Rohe’s well-repeated adage about architecture is apt here: “less is more.” How will it ever come about? Sadly, it looks like by attrition. Only when the last track is shuttered will it be too late to change course.

As an all-too fitting footnote to Hollywood Park’s legend, did anyone happen to notice that the final Hollywood Park winner, Woodman’s Luck—a horse previously most famous for a YouTube video showing him biting Romeo Royale in a race at Del Mar—has an eerie association with Hollywood’s past? More specifically, his third dam Royal Strait Flush was a full-sister to the great undefeated filly Landaluce, a daughter of Seattle Slew who won her debut at Hollywood on July 3, 1982—and was buried in Hollywood’s infield, after her death from a viral infection, just before the Hollywood Futurity later that year. A track-record-setting (1:08), 21-length victory in the 6-furlong Hollywood Lassie brought Landaluce to the attention of Sports Illustrated; the demise of Hollywood Park will likely go unmentioned. Her grave will be relocated to her birthplace, Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky, to be replaced by a housing, retail and entertainment development. Ah, isn’t progress grand?

P.S. You may have noticed (if you were once a regular reader of this blog) that it’s been quite some time since my last posting—well over a year, in fact. My form line would read “first up off a long layoff” so be patient with me as I warm-up my blogging voice. I haven’t been entirely gone—if you are a reader of Hello Race Fans! (if you aren’t, why not?!?), you know that I have been active there all year, handicapping the Kentucky Derby/Oaks prep races in the spring, and handling the weekly round-up feature. To be honest, though, a pervasive malaise towards racing afflicted me much of 2013, with a near-constant disillusionment resulting from the Derby/Oaks fervor (and its fallout) and the general lack of great stars to root for. Oh, there were definitely some, but as quickly as they excited, they disappointed. I’m hoping 2014 will be a damn sight better, don’t you?

Prioress and the Triumph of American Racing

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 06:39:00 +0000

Only in America would they name a sprint race after a horse best known for winning what is universally recognized as “a severe stamina test.”

From Porter's Spirit of the Times, October 31, 1857

On Saturday at Saratoga, the Grade 1 Prioress will be run for 3-year-old fillies and if ever a race was misnamed it is this one. Contested at six furlongs since its inaugural offering in 1948, the Prioress Stakes was first run at Jamaica Race Course, then Aqueduct, followed by Belmont and now Saratoga. However, the 19th century mare for whom this race is named, royally-bred and part of a tremendously influential family of siblings out of the Glencoe mare Reel, will forever be remembered as the first American-bred and American-owned horse to win a race in England, the prestigious 2-1/4 mile Cesarewitch Handicap in 1857.

In 2008, Teresa Genaro over at Brooklyn Backstretch delved into the New York Times coverage of Prioress’ European campaign, particularly two letters written by a Newmarket correspondent reacting to her Cesarewitch win by concluding she “is only a very second-rate animal.” At Thoroughbred Heritage, Patricia Erigero elaborates more upon Prioress’ career, including the interesting fact that the year following her Cesarewitch win Prioress dead-heated for second in the same race, this time carrying 126 lbs., the second highest weight in the field. During her racing career, she won carrying as much as 140 lbs., although she also failed to win at that weight too, attempted at age 7—and over a distance of three miles. Yes, three miles!

During my recent stint at the National Sporting Library, I uncovered a fascinating account of Prioress’ Cesarewitch victory in Porter’s Spirit of the Times (vol. III, no. 9, October 31, 1857), the hard-to-find publication edited by William Porter after he left his position as editor (and co-founder) at the older Spirit of the Times paper; after Porter’s death in 1858, it became known as Wilkes’ Spirit of the Times. The issue in question featured the race as its cover story, with an illustration of Prioress defeating El Hakim and Queen Bess in the run-off race contested on the same day as the Cesarewitch after the big event ended in a triple dead heat.

The paper reprinted the October 14 London Times race results with a list of all 34 competitors, carrying weights ranging 129 lbs. (carried by Fisherman and Warlock, the later only because his jockey was six pounds overweight) to a mere 66 lbs (carried by the 3-year-old fillies Wild Honey and Queen Bess). Can you imagine a 66-pound jockey?!? The 3-year-old colt El Hakim carried 93 lbs, as did 4-year-old Prioress. The betting public favored 3-year-old colt M. Dobler at 4-1, with El Hakim second choice at 8-1; Queen Bess was 30-1, while the American invader Prioress went to post at 100-1.

Porter’s reporter, coyly known only as “Don John,” sets the scene thusly:

Imagine the wide expanse of that noblest race track in the world (or rather series of tracks), embracing many miles of mossy turf, with thousands of spectators from all parts of the United Kingdom, and Continental Europe, assembled to witness the great and all-engrossing struggle for the Cesarewitch; and then conceive, if you can, the feverish anxiety manifested, when no less than thirty-four thorough-bred horses appeared, saddled for the fray, their several jockeys attired in all the glory of silk and satin of the rainbow’s hues, whilst the animals they bestrode represented the flower of English racing chivalry—the large majority of them having previously won honor and renown in many a well-contested field, whilst of the small minority of candidates for Turf honors, high hopes were entertained by their friends and owners. It was an array to make the eye brighten, the pulse quicken, and the whole frame to quiver with excitement, as the gallant squadron passed in review, prior to wheeling into line for that grand charge, the result of which was awaited with so much anxiety, and which would bring joy to some, and the confusion of defeat to others; whilst, causing, perhaps, a couple of millions of dollars to change owners in a few short moments. Can you wonder that, although hastily scanning with eager eye the form and condition of each other candidate, I gave a long and lingering gaze to the gallant mare who was the sole representative of America; or that, as she passed down the track, I wished her “God speed” on the journey homewards, and then resigned myself to fate.

I love his description of the start:

The starter, flag in hand, gathered his noble field of horses together, and after one or two attempts, brought them to a stand still line. In a moment the red signal fell, and away they went, helter-skelter, like a cluster of bees, close together, for the dash of two and a quarter miles, the start being a beautiful and most effective one.

After the start, Prioress settled mid-pack with El Hakim, while Queen Bess battled for the early lead. As the correspondent notes, “at the Bushes the pace began to tell” and Queen Bess took the clear lead with Prioress and El Hakim joining her as they descended the hill and approached the cords. El Hakim was at Queen Bess’ neck, while Prioress is described as “running by herself on the far side.” As the correspondent notes:

One of the most exciting Cesarewitch finishes ever seen then ensured. Prioress, half way up the cords, seemed to be about coming in alone, but the tiny jockeys of El Hakim and Queen Bess made a determined set to, and the judge, unable to separate the first three, pronounced a dead heat.

They finished the 18-furlong event in a time of 4:09.

What happened next is an extraordinary thing—a deciding heat of another 2-1/4 miles “run after the last race in a deepening twilight, which rendered it impossible to distinguish the colors of the riders at a distance.” Our intrepid correspondent reports:

El Hakim was first off, but after going about fifty yards, Prioress, overpowering [her jockey] Fordham, rushed to the front, and carried on the running to the ditch gap, where she was pulled back, and lay about three lengths in the rear, Queen Bess going on with the lead, closely attended by El Hakim. On coming down the Bushes hill, Prioress hung to the left, and a shout was raised of “the American’s beaten!” But Fordham roused the mare with his whip, and before reaching the foot of the hill she bore her colors in advance, and quitting her opponents half-way up the cords, won cleverly by a length and a half; El Hakim beating Queen Bess by a head only for second place. A loud and prolonged cheer hailed the triumph of the American colors, and [owner] Mr. Ten Broeck was warmly congratulated upon the first victory achieved by him in England.

The “second” Cesarewitch of 1857 was concluded in 4:15, and, interestingly, the very next day Mr. Richard Ten Broeck won his second race on English soil, the Bedford Stakes with his 2-year-old filly Belle, also ridden by Fordham.

However, it was Prioress’ victory that had all of America gloating. Porter’s Spirit of the Times declared it a “Victory of America Over All England” and within its historical context, this race marked a key moment in American racing. Think of it, sending a horse—via pre-Civil War means of transportation—abroad to race in the country where the sport of thoroughbred racing first began, not to mention the country from which the United States had but relatively recently acquired its independence. Even today, other than the outstandingly-sporting Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey, it’s rare for American horses to ship abroad (other than for the lucrative Dubai World Cup races). So, Richard Ten Broeck’s English invasion marked a significant event.

As John Dizikes notes in his book Sportsmen and Gamesmen, American racing of the 1850s occurred on dirt tracks that were oval in shape and run in a counterclockwise manner, much different from the grassy, irregular meandering courses found in England where contestants ran to “the Right.” Also, as Dizikes rightly contends, “English horsemen took the traditional view that the race was against the competition and not the clock.” (p. 129). So, fundamentally, American racing had diverged from whence it first emerged, and its proponents sought to promote its legitimacy by taking on the staid English traditionalists on their own turf. For that reason alone, the Americans had reason to celebrate, and Porter’s correspondent led the cheer:

Victory! Victory! Victory! a plain, straightforward, honest victory at last; not the victory of a match race between horse and horse, but the victory of America over all England, in the greatest handicap race of the English racing year. The legitimate triumph of “Young America” over “Old England,” the defeat of the flower of English racing stock by the American mare Prioress, is the feat I have to record—a feat which obliterates the memory of previous disasters, and compensates for all the disappointments to which American sporting men—proud of their native land, and firmly convinced of the equality at least of the American with the English horse—have been subjected.

We have been accused of being a nation of boasters; our vaunted equality as breeders and trainers of race-horses has been laughed at; our debut at Goodwood, with animals out of all form and condition, enabled our victors to sneer at our puny efforts, as they described them, whilst our subsequent appearances elsewhere have been synonymous with defeat. It is now our turn to smile. We have beaten the English at their own game; and they are now content to admit that we had reasons and cogent ones, for the ground we took at starting, and that, with health and condition on our side, we were at least their equals. They expressed a desire that we should win one race, at least, in reward of the “pluck” and spirit we had displayed in sending horses across the wide Atlantic to compete with them. We have gratified that desire, and carried off the richest prize that was open to our competition; a prize far superior, in both intrinsic value and as a racing test, to the much-coveted Goodwood Cup, and a prize of which we may justly feel proud. As we bore defeat after defeat with meekness, confident in our strength, and that the time would inevitably come, when a victory worthy of us would be ours, so let us bear ourselves in the hour of legitimate triumph.

That’s why Prioress meant so much historically, regardless of her overall career, failure as a broodmare and early death—and why a mere sprint race 155 years later fittingly celebrates our racing history for a change.

Note:

John Dizikes’s chapter on “Richard Ten Broeck and the American Invasion” pp. 124-157, in his Sportsmen and Gamesmen: From the Years that Shaped American Ideas about Winning and Losing and How to Play the Game (Houghton Mifflin, 1981; reprinted University of Missouri Press, 2002) is well worth reading as an informative study of mid-19th century American horse racing—the societal context of the sport as well as the subculture formed within it. It’s available free via Google Books here.

Two Hundred Mile Mare

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:16:00 +0000

An article from the July 23, 1873 Washington (PA) Reporter recently caught my attention, as it is particularly demonstrative of the once-love of true staying contests Americans appreciated both in flat racing and in harness:

On Wednesday and Thursday, the 14th and 15th of June, the Driving Park at St. Paul, Minnesota, was the scene of an extraordinary trot, Mr. Martin Delaney matching his sorrel mare (a small, full blooded Morgan) to trot two hundred miles in forty-eight hours, for the small take of two hundred dollars. The St. Paul Press says of the first day: The trot was commenced yesterday at twenty minutes past four o’clock a.m., Mr. J. Cummings holding the ribbons. The mare started out at the rate of more than ten miles an hour, for the first two hours, and was gradually slowed to about an average of about ten miles an hour. At five minutes past ten she had completed the fifty miles, making it in some five hours and forty-five minutes. She was then given a rest of three hours and a half, and was started at a little past one on the second fifty miles. At half past seven she had completed it, having made the first hundred miles in fifteen hours, which leaves thirty-three hours for the completion of the other hundred. She made the last mile of her first hundred yesterday, the fastest of any—five and one-half minutes. Those who witnessed the feat say that the mare showed no sign of fatigue, never sweated a hair, and trotted off to the stable to feed at the end of her day’s labor as briskly as though she had just come from the barn.

Detail of St. Paul MN Driving Park location, Rice's Map of St. Paul, 1874

Just as a point of reference, the record for trotting 100 miles in harness (8 hours, 55 minutes, 53 seconds) was set by a bay gelding named Conqueror, on November 12, 1853, at Centerville, Long Island. Inbred to the imported Bellfounder (damsire of the great Hambletonian), Conqueror was by Latourette’s Bellfounder (by imp. Bellfounder’s son Tremper’s Bellfounder) and the imp. Bellfounder’s daughter Lady McClaire.

The article continues:

Wednesday the first one hundred miles was completed, and at half-past seven o’clock the mare was driven to the stable apparently in as good condition as if she had only traveled one quarter of the distance. [On Thursday] morning, when taken out of the barn at five o’clock to complete the trot, she seemed a little sore at first, but soon warmed up and commenced her day’s work with wonderful ease. At ten o’clock she had completed thirty-one miles and was withdrawn until four minutes past twelve p.m. After this rest, in which she manifested no sign of weariness, she made her next seven miles in one hour and two minutes. No pains were taken to keep an account of her rate of speed, but in general terms it averaged during the day about six minutes and five and one-half seconds per mile for the first fifty miles, and seven minutes and two and one-half seconds for the second fifty miles. After the rest given the mare—from seven until nine o’clock in the evening—all parties on the ground saw that she would make her 200 miles easily. She pursued her even gait, and a few minutes past one o’clock this morning completed the race, making her last mile in nine minutes and thirty-one seconds. Thus she won the wager, and in three hours less than the time given her. She trotted off the track seemingly unconscious of the marvel she had performed.

Bred in Vermont and brought to St. Paul via Chicago in 1873, this unnamed 15.2 hand Morgan mare was simply known as the “Two Hundred Mile Mare.” It was later said, “For endurance and determination she was a most remarkable animal, capable of taking two men in a buggy fifty miles in five hours, which feat she performed more than once.” Being so highly regarded, she was bred to a grandson of Hambletonian, Andrews Burnham (Milwaukee), and in 1875 produced The Pigeon, a brown filly that a writer to Wallace’s Monthly described as “a filly that has developed into an animal of such rare excellence, that the breeding of the dam has become an object of much interest.”

One point of interest in my own research deals with breeders and owners in western Pennsylvania—their socio-economic positions, their religion affiliations, what led them into horse ownership as well as how that ownership profited them, not necessarily financially, but socially and in their other business (or political) dealings. In other words, did the prestige of possessing a good horse aid them in getting ahead? While I haven’t researched in any further detail Martin Delaney, I did find it interesting that in 1875—two years after his mare’s legendary accomplishment—he founded the Union Stock Yards in St. Paul, to aid in transporting the meat from his butchering business. The owner of her daughter The Pigeon, steamboat captain Barton Atkins left sailing the lakes and became a railroad executive, eventually appointed by President Grover Cleveland as the United States marshal for Alaska, a position he held from 1885 to 1889.

Sources:

“Trotting Two-hundred Miles in Forty-Five Hours” Washington Reporter, July 23, 1873.
Edward Madden, The Trotters of Hamburg Place, Lexington, KY (Cleveland: Judson Printing Company, 1911) pp. 95-97.
J. Fletcher Williams, History of Ramsey County and the City of St. Paul (Minneapolis: North Star Publishing Company, 1881) pp. 255-256.
Wallace’s Monthly, vol. VII, no. 3 (April 1881) p. 212.
John Brandt Mansfield, ed. History of the Great Lakes vol. II (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Company, 1899) pp. 809-812.

How I’m Spending My Summer Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 06:52:00 +0000

Being in academia, my summers are usually pretty low-key affairs. Lots of home improvement projects mixed with sitting by the pool, playing with the dog, and watching a ton of horse racing. This summer is different. As a rather natural extension of my research on Pittsburgh industrialists and their role in the high-rise development of downtown Pittsburgh, I fell into another topic, fascinating to me and fortunately virtually untouched in academic circles: the history of horse racing in western Pennsylvania—the breeding and racing of both Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds. For that reason, I’m thrilled to have been selected for the 2012-13 John H. Daniels Fellowship at the National Sporting Library & Museum! For two weeks in late July, I’ll be immersed in their collection and loving every minute of it.

Why western Pennsylvania? In this frontier region physically and culturally isolated from Eastern cities until the mid-19th century, western Pennsylvanians enjoyed the competitive nature of horse racing, with numerous informal contests held on city streets and farm fields, as well as well-attended events at race tracks, driving parks and important agricultural meetings. Newspaper accounts of the era tell us as much, as do other tangible bits of evidence. Nearly every sizeable town in western Pennsylvania once had a race track or “driving park.” Some county fairs (such as those in Butler, Clearfield, Greene, and Indiana counties) still host harness and/or flat racing events, and, of course, we have The Meadows and Presque Isle Downs, but so many more have disappeared. I intend to not only document these long-gone race tracks (some of which had sizeable grandstands and other structures), but also examine more thoroughly how their lands were repurposed or redeveloped.

Luna Park, c. 1907

Right here in Johnstown there were once two tracks: the Tri-County Driving Park Association’s track at Luna Park (built in 1904) is now the footprint of Roxbury Park; the Johnstown Driving Park Association built its track in Westmont in 1893, and by 1905 it had closed, now forming the streets surrounding the gracious tree-lined Luzerne Street.

Waynesburg Fairgrounds

Closer to home, in Washington County, the former Millsboro Driving Park was a 60’ wide half-mile track constructed in 1875 on what is locally known as Sandy Plains. In case you’re interested in a major restoration project, it’s currently for sale, for $425,000. In my home county of Greene, the Waynesburg Fair and Agricultural Association built a track and grandstand (seating 2,500) in 1912 (the track remains, but the old wooden grandstand has been replaced); I haven’t yet been able to nail down the construction date for the Carmichaels Fairgrounds, but have found its track record was set by a pacer named Beaut Kennedy in 1911, so it’s at least that old.

Carmichaels Fairgrounds

These are but a few of the many tracks I’m currently exploring, and for that I need help. If you or anyone you know has old photographs or information about these tracks, please leave me a comment here or send me an email (see About Me information in right sidebar). I’m basically interested in all the counties west of the Allegheny Mountains: Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Lawrence, Beaver, Washington, Greene, Fayette, Westmoreland, Allegheny, Butler, Venango, Warren, McKean, Forest, Elk, Cameron, Clarion, Jefferson, Clearfield, Armstrong, Indiana, Cambria, Blair, Bedford and Somerset.

In addition to racetracks, the breeding of race horses occurred in western Pennsylvania as well. While congressman William Lawrence Scott’s late 19th century Algeria Stock Farm in Erie County is well known—counting English St. Leger winner Rayon d’Or among its important stallions—few realize that as early as 1811, the imported English race horse Honest John (by Derby winner Sir Peter Teazle) stood stud at Morganza in Washington County. In the early 1890s, in Franklin, near Oil City, Prospect Hill Stud Farm bred trotters of such quality that period writers dubbed it the “Palo Alto of the East” in reference to the great California stud farm of Governor Leland Stanford. Such information is outside the mainstream discussion of American breeding; nevertheless, it is an important part of the larger picture of breeding history, and certainly the role western Pennsylvania breeders played. It is the intent of my research to help fill in the historical gaps, and demonstrate to a contemporary audience just how important horse racing once was—and can continue to be—in this part of the Commonwealth.

I’m also fascinated by the western Pennsylvanians involved in the sport, such as Captain Samuel S. Brown, owner of Senorita Stock Farm (now part of Kentucky Horse Park), but also a farm in Bridgeport, near Monongahela, PA. He won the 1905 Kentucky Derby with Agile, the 1904 Travers with Broomstick, and the 1886 Suburban with Troubadour—and he made his money as a Pittsburgh industrialist. John W. Galbreath wasn’t a Pittsburgher, per se, but as a long-time owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates we’ll claim him as such; synonymous with Darby Dan Farm, he and fellow Pittsburgher Paul Mellon (Rokeby Stables) share the rare feat of having captured both the Kentucky Derby and the Epsom (English) Derby. How many non-racing fans realized how significant Galbreath’s champion Roberto (yes, named after the tragic Pirate great Roberto Clemente) is even in today’s bloodlines? If you haven’t done so before, read my 2009 blog post about how Art Rooney Sr.’s talent for playing the ponies helped built a legendary football team. These are but the tip of an iceberg.

There’s also so much more to explore about: jockey Donna Burnham who rode for Jim Zimmerman at several race meets at Waynesburg before moving on to the big time; Hall of Fame harness driver (and Greene County native) Dave Palone; and someone named V. J. Reynolds from Waynesburg who, according to the Daily Racing Form in 1910 arrived at Lexington with three 2-year-olds and a 3-year-old, with the intent of racing over the Kentucky circuit. Who was this guy?!? These are the kinds of things I’m fascinated with, which should make for a busy yet enjoyable summer.

Preakness Day

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Sat, 19 May 2012 04:10:00 +0000

Post time for the G 3 Gallorette is an ungodly 11:30 a.m., and the next race isn’t until over an hour later? How odd. [edited to add: ah, they ran the G1 Arabians race in between]. Zagora disappointed as the favorite last out in the G1 Jenny Wiley, and I fear she needs more early speed to close into than she’ll get today. Since Javier Castellano sticks with Zagora, Ramon Dominguez picks up the ride on Laughing who gets a nice 6-pound weight advantage off her foe. She’s a half sister to the monster Viva Pataca, and has already won going longer—in last June’s Nijinsky Stakes at Leopardstown, at 200 to 1, no less! I also like Smart Sting here, cutting back and regaining the services of John Velazquez.

Not sure I can articulate why exactly, but I love the old warrior Ravalo to pop a surprise in the G3 Maryland Sprint—it looks to be a pretty weak field overall so thus willing to take a flyer on the old boy [blah, he's scratched!]. The James W. Murphy looks evenly contested, though, with Easy Crossing shortening up and coming in off a break with Ramon Dominguez aboard for Christophe Clement, a potent combo. The other Clement entry is on the far outside, Achilles; his dam Solvig was a dual-G3 winner on turf and lots of quality turfsters in his family, so expect him to do well moving up in class. Returning to turf should help Gold Megillah, as it should Hammers Terror who finished ahead of him in the G3 Lexington last out. For a price, though, I’ll risk some bucks on Jimmy Toner trainee Two Months Rent who just missed against older horses last out. Interestingly, Illinois Derby winner Done Talking is in here, trying turf for the first time—or maybe he’ll be a scratch when the race stays on turf?

Honestly, I’m ambivalent about the G3 Allaire Dupont, as none in here particularly thrill me. Absinthe Minded is too irregular in her efforts to inspire confidence, and new shooter Awesomemundo is a bit green for my taste. Love and Pride should like shortening up, but I’ll probably risk some on Canadian Mistress off her form against Awesome Maria this year.

The G2 Dixie features Casino Host coming in off two big wins this year—and there lays the problem. Then again, there’s not much in the way of quality turf horses these days in the U.S. so maybe this is the best we get. Oh, how I long for the days of Einstein, Better Talk Now and even Paddy O’Prado! Smart Bid won the G3 Fair Grounds Handicap, and then bombed last out. Hudson Steele looks promising second-up, and for a price Humble and Hungry could be a contender.

Finally, the Preakness…I’ve already expressed my lack of passion for this field, especially the Derby winner. That said, if the track plays like it did on Friday with early speed holding, only those who run on pace will have a chance: Bodemeister and I’ll Have Another, naturally, but also based on prior form, Creative Cause and Cozzetti. Went The Day Well will have to stay closer than he did in the Derby (which he did when he broke his maiden), and even with the blinkers added Tiger Walk just has too much drama for me now with the jockey change to Ramon Dominguez. Regardless of his win last out here, I can’t take Pretension seriously based on his prior form. A longshot exotics play could be Teeth of the Dog if he too stays close early. Bottom line: I’ll be rooting for Creative Cause if Bodemeister fails to fire.

Graveyard of Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Fri, 18 May 2012 05:29:00 +0000

Admittedly due to my love of true stamina tests, the Belmont Stakes is, hands-down, my favorite of the Triple Crown races, closely followed by the Kentucky Derby with all its pageantry and then finally the Preakness. No offense to Pimlico or all my Maryland friends, but, irrationally I suppose, I always associate it with disappointment, as in all of my favorite Derby winners (and thus potential Triple Crown champions) that failed to capture the second jewel beginning with Foolish Pleasure, Genuine Risk (damn you, Angel Cordero), Winning Colors…the list goes on. I’m not a fan of I’ll Have Another, mostly due to his disgraceful excuse for a trainer (if this isn’t enough to convince you, then consider these folks with more recent concrete examples). Thus, I won’t be too disappointed when he loses on Saturday. I like Bodemeister, but actually think a new shooter will be even better, hopefully Tiger Walk or Cozzetti. I’ll have more thoughts on Saturday’s undercard later.

Today, it’s Black-Eyed Susan day, as well as the Female Jockey Challenge at Pimlico, featuring top-notch riders Rosie Napravnik, Emma-Jayne Wilson, Forest Boyce, Vicky Baze, Rosemary Homeister Jr., Tammi Piermarini and Greta Kuntzweiler. Apparently pin-up girl Chantal Sutherland is too busy riding two maiden claimers at Hollywood Park to make the trip east, but she won’t be missed. The ladies earn points for finishing in the top 4 placings; for those interested, the scoring races are the second, third, fifth and seventh races (and they will be riding against men in each race).

Race 8 is the Miss Preakness Stakes, featuring the awesome, undefeated Agave Kiss. She worked nicely over the Pimlico track this week and, with her speed, will likely be hard to beat. Cutting back in distance from her third-place finish in the Grade 3 Comely against Kentucky Oaks runner-up Broadway’s Alibi, Sagamore Farm’s Millionreasonswhy is my sentimental pick, but think Singlet could also be dangerous cutting back; she ran well early with Broadway’s Alibi. And what the hell is D. Wayne Lukas thinking putting Colonial Empress in here? Seriously, unless you’re just trying to get more black-type to retire her as early as possible, why not drop her down into maiden company and build up her confidence?

In the Jim McKay Turf Sprint, last year’s winner Maryland-bred 6-year-old Ben’s Cat returns, but he’s all the way out in post 11—ugh! Another senior citizen, Ju Jitsu Jax breaks right inside him, but appears in a bit better form. From a much-better post position, Zeb looks promising, having run third last-out in the Grade 3 Shakertown at Keeneland—he’s also won with Rosie Napravnik aboard before, so I’m hoping to get a good price on him. Cactus Son also looks suited to the distance and comes out of a strong Grade 3 Turf Sprint at Churchill.

I handicapped the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes for ThoroFan; you can check out my thoughts here. Looking for a price, I landed on Welcome Guest, but I’m afraid she’ll be the “wise guy” pick for too many and thus not be as lucrative a choice as she could be. Hoping Glinda The Good might add a little more to my exotics payout, but also think In Lingerie is good play.

In the Very One Stakes, Inspired and Well Deserved both come out of the Giant’s Causeway turf sprint at Keeneland, and will thus likely garner much favoritism. That said, I’m intrigued by the 3-year-olds, Jazzy Idea and especially Sensible Lady who failed horribly against Agave Kiss in the Trevose, but looks to like turf better.

And, boy, didn’t the Pimlico Special come up strong? Alternation is riding a three-race win streak, all at Oaklawn, but I’m thinking Yawanna Twist may run big here. Sentimentally though, I’d love to see Endorsement win—he’s been a long-time favorite ever since I cashed on his Sunland Derby win, and it’s always good to see a once-injured horse make it back to the track. Considering Martin Garcia rode him when he broke his maiden, the jockey switch doesn’t bother me, and he’s certainly bred to get the distance. Hymn Book really disappointed last out in the Oaklawn Handicap, but he should be flying late for a piece; despite his fast workouts, I’m still not sold on Mission Impazible although he does gain a nice weight advantage against the others.

While he never ran at Pimlico, well-traveled Mambo Meister will be remembered with an 8-furlong turf overnight stakes at Calder on May 26. Another gallant warrior, 9-year-old Presious Passion returns on Saturday, in the Elkwood Stakes at Monmouth—hard to believe he’s been retired now since January 2011! Here’s to a safe journey, old boy.

Den of Iniquity

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:44:00 +0000

As a word geek, there’s nothing I love more than a well-named race horse. To hardcore horseplayers that fascination may appear superficial since actual performance is seemingly unrelated to a horse’s name, but I would argue that, consciously or not, a horse’s moniker affects the expectations connections have for that animal. Taking the time to thoughtfully craft a name implies a high regard, whether realistic or not, for a horse’s abilities. Not to pick on any one horse, but that’s why a filly like Thewifedoesntknow doesn’t stand a chance beyond the claiming level. Still, I can appreciate quirky named horses like The Guru of Gloom (IRE) or Jonny Lesters Hair (IRE).

That’s why I had to smile today reading that an 11-year-old horse named Den of Iniquity won a hurdle race at Perth. His pedigree: by Supreme Leader out a Phardante mare named Divine Comedy. Poetry! Others that have tickled my fancy for the witty merging of sire and dam names include:

Sylvan Song (Street Cry-Forest Heiress, by Forest Wildcat)
Venomous (Red Ransom-Snake Dancer, by Golden Snake)
L Frank Baum (Sinndar-Rainbow City, by Rainbow Quest)
Cool Rhythm (Iceman-With Music In Mind, by Mind Games)
Perennial Song (Songandaprayer-Yearly Copy, by Souvenir Copy)
One Way Or Another (Carnegie-True Blonde, by Naturalism)
Frequency (Starcraft-Soundwave, by Prince Sabo)
Margins (Parameter-Printer’s Mistress, by Semipalatinsk) added 5/12/2012

What are your favorites?

Ill-Conceived Derby Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:43:00 +0000

With less than two weeks remaining, exactly who to bet on Kentucky Derby day is becoming, at least to my thinking, even more confusing as so many more potential entrants this year actually possess the kind of stamina breeding you want to see in a Derby candidate. Not among them, however, is Trinniberg whose connections have most unwisely chosen to pursue their Derby dreams on the back of a horse so uniquely unqualified for the distance. Consider, in seven lifetime starts, this son of Teuflesberg has never run around two turns. He’s never run beyond seven furlongs. His gutsy but incredibly hard-raced (and at times ill-placed) sire at least had some foundation before attempting the Derby, having won the 1-mile Southwest (over Hard Spun, no less) before finishing third to Curlin in the 8.5 furlong G3 Rebel Stakes and then a close-up fourth in the 9-furlong G1 Blue Grass. After contesting the Derby early, Teuflesberg’s breeding kicked in, and he faded to finish 17th out of 20 entrants. Trinniberg’s damline doesn’t possess a lick of stamina. That’s no exaggeration, either. That owner Shivananda Parbhoo based his decision to enter Trinniberg on the defection of Secret Circle is beyond naïve; does he really think he can steal the race on the front end against such seasoned horses? I could see taking a chance with a weaker field of candidates, but that’s not the case. This may ultimately be one of the more talented Derby fields in recent years, so what a shame it is to potentially ruin a nice sprinter like Trinniberg on an ill-conceived flight of fancy. Still, it’s his horse to do what he will so good luck, Mr. Parbhoo. You’ll need it.

Again this year I’ll be contributing “Going the Derby Distance 2012” to Hello Race Fans!, a feature that over the past two years has been incredibly accurate. In 2010, I nailed the exacta with Super Saver and Ice Box; ditto in 2011 with Animal Kingdom and Nehro among the top stamina-bred horses. As previously noted, it’s going to be a whole lot more difficult this year finding contenders based solely on that criterion, as both top and bottom breeding for many looks stamina-rich. We’ll see how significant a role workouts, jockeys, post positions, and track conditions play, but more than at any time in recent years I’m hopeful we may see an extremely competitive Triple Crown series.

Here Comes Malicious

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 03:39:00 +0000

On Saturday, the return of Lava Man to the race track (albeit as a mere stable pony for G1 Santa Anita Derby winner I’ll Have Another) was a treat for many folks; hard-knocking horses like him engender deep feelings of affection in fans who often fall in love with “Cinderella” stories and gritty performers. In that context, I was reminded of a film clip I ran across recently from 1939 called “Here Comes Malicious.” Narrated by Joe Hernandez—the “Voice of Santa Anita”—the 10-minute “Turf O’Gram” features marathon specialist Malicious.

A son of Kentucky Derby winner Omar Khayyam, out of the mare Ridicule whose sire was the English St. Leger winning stallion Black Jester, Malicious won only 32 races in 185 starts, and yet is spoken of as being in the revered company of “Exterminator, Phar Lap, Equipoise, Colin, Regret, Black Gold and Lexington.” It’s a fascinating film, with excellent race footage of Malicious coming from far back to not only win a 2-mile race at Tanforan, but doing so in track-record time. There’s also great footage of him in retirement, enjoying fan mail and the delivery of treats from his admirers. All retirees should be so lucky!

You can watch the full film here: http://archive.org/details/PET718_1

Golden Slipper Day

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:28:00 +0000

Fantastic all-group stakes card at Rosehill this evening (Saturday in Australia), including the first leg of Australia’s 2-year-old Triple Crown, the G1 Golden Slipper. There’s no Black Caviar, but it will be a fantastic day of racing with the track likely rated Good 3. My thoughts on the prime contenders, with some longshot hopefuls tossed in for good measure:

1A The Schweppervescence (G3, 2yo, 7f) 9:45 p.m. EDT

Her improving form makes G2-placed Flying Snitzel a logical choice; her dam Hula Flight won the G1 Metropolitan Handicap over the talented Nothin Leica Dane. Mildly concerning is her going up six pounds in weight, but she is the most proven horse in the field. Humble Power, Fiveandahalfstar, and Rise To The Top come out of the same 7f race, but don’t necessarily look too threatening here, although with blinkers added, Fiveandahalfstar should run closer to the pace. The filly Dear Demi has won over this track and looks to enjoy the extra ground.

For a longshot chance, the lightly-raced Toydini by Bernardini (out of the G1 Doncaster runner-up Johan’s Toy) should like the firmer surface and turn the tables on Smart Man who defeated him last time.

2A Sebring Stakes (G3, 3yo+, 5.5f) 10:25 p.m. EDT

He’s been away from the scene since October 2010, and it’s been even longer since Mic Mac has won a race (August 2009), but he’s put in two solid barrier trials in advance of this start, so I would not be surprised to see him win. Poor Temple of Boom has had no luck of late, clashing with likes of Black Caviar and Hay List, but those races were on the Flemington straight track. G2-placed Do You Think also comes in off two sharp barrier trials, with Blake Shinn aboard for Bart Cummings.

For a bit of a price, Zaratone is a worthy bet, with a great record at this distance and over this track.

3A Vinery Stud Stakes (G1, 3yo fillies, SW, 10f) 11:05 p.m. EDT

At set weights, Oaks winner Mosheen looks tough to beat here; she’s won two straight G1 races (Australian Guineas and Royal Randwick Guineas) and has already run farther. G1 Flight Stakes winner Streama will take a lot of play as well, but this will be her first attempt beyond one mile; a place chance. My longshot play here is New Zealand-bred Thy, an O’Reilly filly whose half brother Solid Billing finished third in the G1 Sydney Cup going two miles. With the potent combo of trainer Peter Moody and jockey Luke Nolen, she’s a big chance especially after just missing last time out going this distance. Big step up in class, though.

4A Myer Tulloch Stakes (G2, 3yo colts/geldings, 10f) 11:45 p.m. EDT

Rekindled Alliance is the likely post-time favorite and has some quality about him; his full brother Rekindled Interest ran third in the G1 Cox Plate and won the G2 AAMI Vase over 10f. He should come flying late. Undefeated Strawberry Boy takes a huge step in class and distance, but if he can carry his early speed the distance he’s a likely wire-to-wire winner. Gai’s got another top contender in Compass who’s already proven at a route; his dam is a half sister to superstar Makybe Diva. A Waterhouse trifecta? Possibly, with Satirical Boy enjoying a huge drop in weight off his last win; his unraced dam is out of 10f listed winner Sardegna, and a full sister to 12f G2 runner-up Samoa.

5A The BMW (G1, 3yo+, 12f) 12:25 a.m. EDT

What a marvelous stayers’ race, pitting in-form Americain and Manighar against one another, along with the nice mare Southern Speed. Those three recently met in the G1 Australian Cup, with Manighar eeking out the win. I’d expect those three to mix it up again today, but for a price, good ol’ Precedence is worth a flyer longshot bet.

6A Inglis Queen of the Turf (G1, 3yo+ filles/mares WFA, 7.5f) 1:05 a.m. EDT

The shocking death this week of Pinker Pinker takes some thrill out of this race. Chances are More Joyous will successfully defend her title, but last-out G1 Coolmore Classic victress Ofcourseican could give her a late run for her money; she’s got an excellent record over this course, but meeting at equal weights probably favors More Joyous. Making her third start this cycle, King’s Rose finished brilliantly in the Coolmore Classic, and actually gets some weight relief. While not likely, I would love to see hard-trying Yosei get another G1 victory.

7A AAMI Golden Slipper (G1, 2yo, 6f) 1:50 a.m. EDT

The field of 16 is evenly divided between colts and fillies, but only one stands out as the post-time favorite, the undefeated More Than Ready filly Samaready. To say her runs thus far have been impressive would be an understatement; she’s displayed a brilliant turn-of-foot, gutsy toughness and won all four of her races with ease, including the G1 Blue Diamond against males. Her dam is a half sister to multiple G1 winner County Tyrone (Queensland Derby, Metropolitan Handicap, and Sydney Cup) who won as far as two miles, so it’s exciting to think of her future career. Craig “Froggy” Newitt will be challenged breaking from the 11 barrier post, but that should be her only challenge. My top pick. Trainer Gai Waterhouse has five entries, led by the undefeated Lonho colt Pierro with Nash Rawiller up. His dam is also a half sister to a multiple G1 winner, Laverock (Prix D’Ispahan, Gran Premio del Jockey Club Italiano), so his future stretching out also looks promising. He breaks from the rail post, though, which could be a little problematic.

Of the remaining male contenders, Epaulette looks promising after his narrow defeat to Pierro last out; his three-quarter brother Helmet was a multiple G1 winning juvenile. The fillies’ contingent looks very powerful, beginning with Gai’s undefeated Fastnet Rock filly Driefontein, as well as No Looking Back and Snitzerland, both of whom have been clearly defeated by Samaready. All three are serious exotics choices.

For my longshot pick, thought, I’m rooting for the maiden Exceed and Excel colt Narcissus to break out with a placing here; his Snippets dam Hasna finished third in this race back in 2003 after being blocked for a run, and then convincingly won the next two legs of the Triple Crown for Gai Waterhouse: the G1 Sires’ Produce Stakes and G1 Champagne Stakes. Oh, and did I mention Hasna’s second damsire is Foolish Pleasure?

8A George Ryder (G1, 3yo+, WFA, 7.5f) 2:35 a.m. EDT

It could be a huge night for trainer Gai Waterhouse, and 3-year-old Niagara is her hope in this race, although he’ll have to win from the far outside 16 barrier against seasoned campaigners. Off his recent good form against Manighar, last year’s victor Rangirangdoo has a strong chance to repeat, as he loves this track and the distance. King Mufhasa defeated the late Pinker Pinker last out in the G1 Futurity Stakes, but in three previous efforts he’s never managed to finish better than third at Rosehill, including the 2010 George Ryder. The mare Secret Admirer is in sharp form and gets a good barrier. For a longshot, look no further than Monton with Craig Newitt aboard.

9A HKJC Stakes (G3, 3yo+, 10f) 3:10 a.m. EDT

Maules Creek is in excellent form, and a lightweight compared to the more experienced campaigners like Zavite who takes a real class drop here. For a big price, I’m willing to wager on Gai’s duo, Western Symbol and Charing Cross.

When the Old Ways Still Work

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 02:55:00 +0000

Something Bill Pressey pointed out over at his ThoroEdge blog this week has been rattling around my brain as sounding awfully familiar. Bill noted that, on his Louisville Courier blog, Hansen’s owner casually mentioned that the morning of the Gotham, trainer Mike Maker galloped the near-white Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion six furlongs—and how that relaxed him better. We all saw how well that strategy worked, as the colt rated just off the pace before roaring down the stretch to win by three lengths.

Being an earnest historian of the sport, I particularly enjoy learning how ideas about training and racing have evolved over the years, so in the midst of researching something entirely different this evening, I ran across this fascinating tidbit about the great Troubadour. The day before the running of the 1886 Suburban Handicap—a race he would win by four lengths after having never been headed—Troubadour’s trainer J.W. Rogers worked the dark bay horse one mile (eight furlongs) over the Sheepshead Bay course in 2:07 3/4. As Walter Vosburgh tells the story in his Racing in America, 1866-1924 (available scanned in its entirety via the Kentuckiana Digital Library), p. 134, Troubadour's trainer later said:

I know people criticized my working him the day before the race, but sometimes when a horse has had his last work several days before the race he is apt to stiffen up his muscles when it comes to the day of the race. But when he has it just before the race he comes out all unlimbered and fit to run.

I’ll definitely remember that, and Hansen’s recent experience, the next time I question a trainer “blowing out” a starter close to race time. Some times the old ways still work, don't they?

Miscellaneous Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:42:00 +0000

The Derby/Oaks future wager is exactly like buying a lottery ticket—nothing more than a wild-ass chance that you’ve gamble on the right horse—and judging by my past future wagers, it’s more like the kiss of death for a horse’s chances of even making it to the starting gate come early May. So, be forewarned if you are considering Dullahan (26-1) and Avie’s Sense (44-1), as I took a flyer on them in Pool 2 (Pool 1 for the Oaks). I’ve already penned my thoughts on Dullahan, but the filly Avie’s Sense came on my radar as an Oaks contender just before her nice runner-up performance in the G3 Rachel Alexandra. Yes, the Josie Carroll-trainee is a bit green, but this daughter of Street Sense is beautifully bred for the Oaks distance, being out of the Lord Avie mare Fly for Avie who not only won the 10-furlong G1 E. P. Taylor over the Woodbine turf, but was also a stakeswinner going 12 furlongs.

Looking at the final odds, I’m now wishing that I’d put something on Battle Hardened (59-1) and Mark Valeski (38-1), as well as gutsy filly Inny Minnie (66-1). Not part of the individual choices, Sagamore Farm’s Millionreasonswhy made a spectacular 2012 debut at Laurel on Saturday, winning the 7-furlong Wide Country Stakes. Winner of the G2 Matron, she finished just a neck back of My Miss Aurelia in last August’s G2 Adirondack—carrying four pounds more than the subsequent Eclipse winner. Her connections indicated post-race that she’s likely for the G3 Comely (April 1) and then the Kentucky Oaks (May 4). A daughter of Grand Slam, Millionreasonswhy is out of the A.P. Indy mare In Secure, but much of her damline performers were/are sprinters so it remains to be seen if she can get the Oaks’ distance.

One that undoubtedly could have is Stephanie’s Kitten, but last week it was announced that she’ll be aimed for June’s Royal Ascot meet and the G1 Coronation Stakes, with a seasonal return planned for the G1 Ashland at Keeneland on April 7. Unlike previous Ramsey horses, this one has a real chance to dominate her European competition—I’m a big fan of hers.

Another blog favorite headed to Royal Ascot (via Dubai) is Aussie mare Ortensia. Once trained by Tony Noonan, Ortensia’s new trainer Paul Messara plans to contest the Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup day, and then the G1 King’s Stand, avoiding Black Caviar who’ll run in the G1 Diamond Jubilee.

By the way, in case you haven’t been paying attention, the fillies Down Under are rocking this year. Beyond the incomparable Black Caviar, there are also 3-year-olds Mosheen and Silent Achiever, each of whom won G1 open company races this past weekend: the Australian Guineas and New Zealand Derby, respectively. One of the juvenile superstars heading towards the Australian Triple Crown is Samaready, who recently captured the G1 Blue Diamond Stakes (a race, incidentally, where the top three finishers were fillies), but Gai Waterhouse has the excellent Fastnet Rock filly Driefontein aimed that way too. It should be an excellent Sydney autumn carnival.

Speaking of great fillies, on Sunday, Eight Belles’ full-brother Unbridled’s Way made his debut for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin and owners Darley, finishing a distant (but promising) second in a 6-furlong maiden special weight at Gulfstream. He got a slow start, lollygagged at the rear of the field and then starting picking horses off coming around the final turn—when it appears he twisted himself around and gawked at the grandstand! Still, without getting whipped, he easily passed all but the winner, and should improve next out (maybe with blinkers?) especially if stretched out farther. Interestingly, he’s not gray.

Last August I wrote a piece on a real grinder, Collect Art, a damline descendent of Foolish Pleasure (through his daughter Idyllic’s son Scenic); in a 6-month period he ran 20 times, winning six and finishing out of the money only five times. Well, after being sold at Tattersalls last October, he’s re-emerged in Qatar where he won the G3 Invitation Cup last week.

And speaking of grinders, how exciting is it that 9-year-old Awesome Gem is being aimed at the $1 million Charles Town Classic on April 14? Honestly, his appearance would totally be worth the trip there. Road trip anyone?

Just What Makes a Derby Contender

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:01:00 +0000

Last week my Top 10 list of Kentucky Derby contenders over at the Paulick Report elicited a skeptical comment as to why Dullahan is my top pick when he had been sick and hadn’t posted a workout in over a month (he eventually did work five furlongs on Saturday). I didn’t bother to post a response there as rational explanations inevitably seem to turn into nasty attacks online, but it is a point worth justifying.

When putting together a list of Derby contenders, my overriding consideration is which horse can get the 10-furlong distance. Period. I don’t care if a horse wins a 7-furlong or 1-mile grade 1 event yesterday; I need to know, or at least reasonable expect, a horse can run the classic distance. Only then do I factor in a horse’s previous performances—and they don’t have to be winning ones to merit serious consideration. With that in mind, here are my thoughts on my current Top 10 list:

Dullahan (Even the Score-Mining My Own, by Smart Strike) While he may not scream 10-furlong horse, his unraced dam has already produced a Kentucky Derby winner, half brother Mine That Bird. His lightly-raced second dam Aspenelle finished second in the 9-furlong Canadian Oaks. Sure, it’s not a slam-dunk pedigree, but taking into consideration his juvenile races, I think he’s a live chance for trainer Dale Romans even with only a two-race prep. In his maiden effort last June at Churchill he finished third behind G3 Bashford Manor winner Exfactor and recent G3 El Camino Real Derby victor Daddy Nose Best, the latter who has proven to be good quality. After one more dirt race and then switching to turf for his next two outings at Saratoga (including a third-place finish in the G2 With Anticipation), Dullahan finally broke his maiden in October, with an impressive victory in the G1 Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity over Keeneland’s Polytrack. However, the pièce de résistance in my eyes was his performance in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, where closing like a freight train he got up for fourth-place behind Hansen, Union Rags and Creative Cause. To me, it was far more impressive than any other performance in the race, and an indication of great things to come from him. That his connections decided long ago to take a conservative route to the Derby doesn’t bother me any longer, given how delicately three-year-old colts and geldings are handled these days. We’ll next see him on March 11 in the grassy G3 Palm Beach over nine furlongs, and then at Keeneland for the G1 Blue Grass Stakes—not exactly a Derby winner-producing race lately, but not one to be discounted given that last year’s winner Brilliant Speed went on to finish third in the G1 Belmont Stakes, and before that runner-up Paddy O’Prado subsequently ran third in the Derby behind Super Saver and Ice Box. Hey, we no longer live in the age of Seattle Slew, Affirmed or Spectacular Bid, let alone Real Quiet, Victory Gallop or Smarty Jones. Beggars can’t be choosy, and Derby winners just aren’t that predictable to select these days. Call this a gut selection.
Algorithms (Bernardini-Ava Knowsthecode, by Cryptoclearance) Lightly-raced? Hell yes. Beat nothing in his maiden effort last June or in his final juvenile race at Gulfstream in December, but that G3 Holy Bull win over 2-year-old champion Hansen was impressive (stumble or no stumble). His G3-placed dam won at 8.5 furlongs, and has already produced G2 winner Keyed Entry (Honour and Glory) who finished third behind Bob and John and Jazil in the G1 Wood Memorial. She’s also birthed G3 miler Successful Mission (Successful Appeal) and G1-placed sprinter Justin Phillip (First Samurai), so I’m thinking Bernardini could lengthen him out. Another good sign: his warhorse second dam Ava Romance was a stakeswinner at 10-furlongs—and her sire Avatar won the 12-furlong G1 Belmont Stakes. Plus, I just love Cryptoclearance! Algorithms’ next start: Sunday’s G2 Fountain of Youth.
Battle Hardened (Giant’s Causeway-Jen’s Fashion, by Northern Fashion) Just nosed out going nine furlongs at Gulfstream on New Year' Eve, this Eddie Kenneally-trainee crushed the 8.5-furlong G3 Sam F. Davis last out, and in impressive enough fashion for me to consider him a serious Derby horse. His sire’s predilection for stamina is well-documented; his damline is equally noteworthy given that his damsire Northern Fashion was G3-placed in France going 12 furlongs. His juvenile stakes-winning dam Jen’s Fashion has also produced a half-brother Colonial Colony (Pleasant Colony) won the 9-furlong G1 Stephen Foster.
Union Rags (Dixie Union-Tempo, by Gone West) Honestly, I’m not totally sold on his Derby chances, but giving respect to his juvenile achievements he makes the list. His full brother Geefour toiled mostly in the claiming ranks as a sprinter, as did most of his siblings. Yet, his half sister Tempo West has produced 10-furlong European winners Vertiformer (Dynaformer) and War Power (Pulpit); the latter once defeated G1 Champion Stakes victor Cirrus Des Aigles. His second dam Terpsichorist won the 12-furlong G3 Long Island Handicap, so I suppose the stamina could be there…we’ll see how good he is on Sunday when Julien Leparoux climbs aboard him for the G2 Fountain of Youth Stakes.
Alpha (Bernardini-Munnaya, by Nijinsky) Runner-up behind Union Rags in the G1 Champagne last fall, he failed to impressive in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. However, he’s come back strong this year, winning the Count Fleet and the G3 Withers. His Nijinsky (!) dam won the 11.5-furlong English Oaks Trial, and she’s produced some nice stakes-quality horses—Dreamalong Lavender Sky, Mystic Melody, and Numaany—and five winners at or beyond 10 furlongs. This is also the family of champion Kamar (Key to the Mint) who produced multiple G1-winner Gorgeous, G1 Kentucky Oaks victress Seaside Attraction (dam of G1 Florida Derby winner Cape Town and champion juvenile filly Golden Attraction), and Queen’s Plate victor Key to the Moon.
Creative Cause (Giant’s Causeway-Dream of Summer, by Siberian Summer) I’m not seriously considering a California-based horse a likely Derby winner, but Creative Cause tops my list of West Coast horses that could do well, especially after his even third-place effort in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. His recent third-place finish in the 7-furlong G2 San Vicente hardly disappointed given how short it was, and disappointing with only four entrants. His G1 Apple Blossom-winning dam Dream of Summer wasn’t precocious, breaking her maiden first-out at age 4, but she proved to be one tough cookie, twice just missing in the 9-furlong G1 Santa Margarita and winning 10 of 20 starts, failing to hit the board only 3 times. Next for him: possibly March 17’s G2 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn.
Out of Bounds (Discreet Cat-Unbridled Elaine, by Unbridled’s Song) Last out, he won the 1-mile G3 Sham Stakes over Secret Circle, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint winner who this week captured the faster heat of the G3 Southwest Stakes. His damline is tremendously impressive, given his dam Unbridled Elaine not only won the G1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff over the tremendous mare Spain, but she also ran a game second to Macho Uno in the 9-furlong G3 Pennsylvania Derby. She’s already produced (by Forestry) the G2 winner Etched who won multiple times at nine furlongs so his miler sire Discreet Cat isn’t necessarily a hindrance. Unbridled Elaine’s half sister Glitter Woman, winner of the G1 Ashland, is the dam of 10-furlong G1 Suburban victor Political Force (by Unbridled’s Song), while another half sister Gwenjinsky birthed multiple G2 victress Lead Story.
Discreet Dancer (Discreet Cat-West Side Dancer, by Gone West) While he has yet to race beyond one mile, this Todd Pletcher trainee has just dominated his competition thus far. Although he missed a recent workout due to fever, he’s on schedule to start in Sunday’s G2 Fountain of Youth along with stablemate Algorithms. I’m absolutely concerned about his distance limitations; his dam’s other runner Travelin Man (Trippi) won the 7-furlong G2 Swale last year and Pletcher kept him in sprints. There’s nothing to think he’ll get the Derby distance, so I expect him to drop off my list soon, probably after this weekend.
El Padrino (Pulpit-Enchanted Rock, by Giant’s Causeway) Honestly, he should be ranked ahead of stablemate Discreet Dancer—and probably will after this weekend’s G2 Risen Star. His recent first-level allowance race win over 8.5 furlongs was beautifully done, and his breeding strong indicates he wants longer. His G1-winning second dam Chic Shirine also produced the 10-furlong G2 Ladies Handicap winner Tara Roma (dam of 9-furlong G1 Go For Wand victress Serra Lake). This is also the family of G1 Haskell runner-up Coal Play, G2 Lake Placid victress Hungry Island, 11-furlong French G1-placed Baraan, and multiple 12-furlong G1-placed Al Khali.
Russian Greek (Giant’s Causeway-Sand Dollar, by Grindstone) Seriously, look at that pedigree. It screams stamina. His dam’s half brother, Breeders’ Cup Classic victor Cat Thief, finished less than a length behind Charismatic and Menifee in the 1999 Kentucky Derby. His second dam Train Robbery ran second in the 10-furlong G2 Delaware Handicap, while his third dam Track Robbery won multiple times at nine furlongs, including the G1 Vanity, Apple Blossom and Spinster. Russian Greek broke his maiden at first-ask on dirt at Santa Rosa, but since then has only raced over the Tapeta track at Golden Gate, winning the 8.5 furlong California Derby before disappointing last weekend in the 9-furlong G3 El Camino Real Derby. Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer doesn’t have plans for his next race yet, but, boy, I’d like to see him on dirt—maybe in the $800k G3 Sunland Derby on March 25?

Derby Preps and Maiden Races on Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:38:00 +0000

As January has passed into February, it’s time to hunker down and get serious—about Kentucky Derby contenders, naturally. With three preps on Saturday (not to mention a couple interesting maiden races), I’m just about fully engaged with horse racing again. If you haven’t done so already, please sign up for Derby Prep Alert at Hello Race Fans!—not only are we previewing all the major Derby and Oaks races, but you can get FREE past performances for the races, courtesy of Brisnet.com. Here are my thoughts on Saturday’s races:

Santa Anita, Race 1:

Making his debut, Stratify (A.P. Indy) is the first foal out of G2 Honorable Miss victress Burmilla, who crushed her maiden effort going six furlongs—not to mention her multiple G1-placed dam Nannerl won first-up. As per Darley initiative, he won’t run on Lasix, and breaking from the rail doesn’t appear advantageous, so I’ll take a pass this time on him. Bob Baffert sends out Mile High Magic (Roman Ruler) who’s posted blazing works in advance of this start—his unraced dam is out of champion Hall of Fame mare Silverbulletday. Bet on him taking serious money with Martin Garcia aboard. Likely for a price consider Broker Brett (More Than Ready); as any good Distorted Humor filly should, his dam Queen of Green won at first-asking, and he comes from a strong performing family, including G2 turf winner Turnofthecentury who smashed a large field going 8.5 furlong on dirt in his maiden effort—winning by nearly 10 lengths.

Aqueduct, Race 9 (G3 Withers):

Alpha (Bernardini) is among my Top Ten Derby contenders at this point, and off his dominating Count Fleet victory last out, the Withers appears to be at his mercy. If I had to choose an upset chance, it would be Tiger Walk (Tale of the Cat), an impressive allowance winner his first time on dirt. His unraced dam’s half brother Supremo won the G2 Norfolk—not to mention his unraced second dam is a half sister to Dynaformer. From the rail, Hakama (First Samurai) should also be in the exotics; he broke his maiden in impressive style over this track, and comes from an impressive Claiborne Farms family that includes G3 Louisiana Derby runner-up Stop Watch and G3 off-turf Transylvania winner Boss Lafitte.

Gulfstream, Race 9:

If any maiden race this weekend could produce a Classic winner, this 9-furlong dirt event would be it. A likely contender is Battle Hardened (Giant’s Causeway) who just missed at this distance last out—he’s a half brother to G1 Stephen Foster winner Colonial Colony. Finishing just behind Battle Hardened in that December 31 race, Suns Out Guns Out (Empire Maker) also should be in the exotics; his dam is a full sister to G1-placed router Tenpins. Tiz Yankee (Tiznow) has the damline breeding as well—his second dam, G1 Vanity winner Private Persuasion is a full sister to Torchera, dam of G1 Belmont winner Da’Tara. Mark Casse sends out a dynamic duo that still appear distance-challenged: Wine Police’s half brother Moon Traveler (Malibu Moon) and Dynamical (Hard Spun) whose half sister is G1 Matron runner-up Featherbed. Todd Pletcher entry Dixie Dice (Dixie Union) is closely related to G1 Travers runner-up Grasshopper, which is probably why he brought $400k as a yearling. For price, Awaited (Unbridled’s Song) is a huge upset chance here. Forget that Saratoga race—this full brother to G1 Belmont runner-up Dunkirk has been working extremely well in advance of this 2012 debut, and with blinkers on looks to make his G1 Kentucky Oaks-winning dam Secret Status proud.

Tampa Bay, Race 11 (G3 Sam F. Davis):

Everywhere he runs these days, Todd Pletcher has a hot hand, but I’m not sold on Ecabroni (Smoke Glacken) here. State of Play (War Front) should make the transition from turf to dirt with ease, while Gulfstream Park Derby winner Reveron (Songandaprayer) hopes to transfer his good form to Tampa Bay. Given his previous form here, Prospective (Malibu Moon) could be an underlay, and if he runs here instead of at Gulfstream, I’m all in on Battle Hardened (Giant’s Causeway).

Santa Anita, Race 6 (G2 Robert B. Lewis):

With Liaison (Indian Charlie) and Sky Kingdom (Empire Maker), Bob Baffert is doubly-blessed in this race—the latter is just behind Alpha on my Top Ten Derby list. Rousing Sermon (Lucky Pulpit) has twice just missed against Liaison, and looks to be training well in advance of this start. That said, I’m thrilled to see Isn’t He Clever (Smarty Jones) shipping in from Sunland to take on the big boys, as he’s definitely got classy breeding—his dam is a full sister to multiple G1-placed Flag Down. For a price, Myung Kwon Cho’s Groovin’ Solo (Bob and John) could be an upset for the exotics; his half brother Street Hero won the G1 Norfolk, while another half brother Premier Pegasus won last year’s G2 San Felipe.

Baby Names 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:40:00 +0000

It’s that time again! With the arrival of 2012’s first foals—specifically those by first-year sires—comes our annual Baby Names game. No prizes, just the pure pleasure—and challenge—of devising witty, profound or just plain goofy names for the newborns. I’ve included a little more pedigree information than in years past, plus clickable links of both sire and dam in case you want to explore their progeny and/or siblings in more detail. Also, you can check The Jockey Club Registry to see if the name is available. Feel free to include your ideas in the comments’ section; I promise to post any and all suggestions.

January 7—Filly, by Desert Party out of Spikes, by Dixie Union out of the Double Zeus mare Safe at the Plate

Going along with the damline baseball theme, how about Diamondback, or Stealin’ Home?

January 9—Filly, by Concord Point out of My Brooklynne Rose, by Indian Charlie out of the Honour and Glory mare Kimberly Sue

Umm, a sire named for a lighthouse in Havre de Grace, MD…this one’s tough, with damline names all over the place. Sticking with the water theme, I’m leaning towards naming her after the Rhine siren Lorelei, a beautiful name (plus I totally love the Pogues’ song).

January 11—Filly, by The Pamplemousse out of Broke the Slump, by Slewpy out of the Falstaff mare Code It Nikki

Tenuously clinging to the baseball metaphor, I was thinking Grapefruit League, but it’s taken. But just plain Grapefruit isn’t…or maybe Sustained Pressure?

January 13—Colt, by Blame out of Promptly, by Lead on Time out of the Final Straw mare Ghariba

I suppose Promptly Blame is too damn easy…but it’s available! How about Without Reproach?

January 13—Filly, by Temple City out of Goes Around, by Wild Again out of the Nijinsky mare Lady Becker

I’m such an architecture geek; my first thought was Circumambulate. How about What Goes Around?

January 14—Filly, by Super Saver out of Yield to Faith, by High Yield out of the Sir Ivor mare Royal Solution

Faith Saver might be appropriate, but I’m thinking Extreme Couponer is timely and right on.

January 16—Filly, by Lookin At Lucky out of Awesome, by Storm Cat out of the Key to the Mint mare Pure Profit

Too easy: Lookin’ Awesome or Awesome Lucky. Nothing less is expected from a filly whose dam is a half sister to the likes of Inside Information and Educated Risk.

January 17—Colt, by Quality Road out of Dorm Fever, by Stormin Fever out of the Pleasant Colony mare Dorm

Road Trip! Damn, already taken. Colony Road? Bit of a stretch. Being from Pennsylvania, I’d go with Lincoln Highway.

January 20—Colt, by Munnings out of Heaven’s Grace, by Untuttable out of the Septieme Ciel mare Heaven’s Gate

Not in the least bit original, how about Munnings’ Grace? Not really appropriate for a colt though, I suppose. How about another equine artist name, like Sartorius (what a great sounding, strong name!), or, in honor of Peb, Bellocq?

EDITED TO ADD: Well, how could we not include a name for the new colt, born on January 22, to champion Rachel Alexandra, by Curlin? He's got his mother's look, with a beautiful star! Congratulations to her connections.

Eclipse Award Predictions and Wistful Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:27:00 +0000

After what was in many ways an unsatisfying year for American horse racing, I find myself strangely ambivalent about tonight’s Eclipse Awards show—but will certainly watch them online thanks to the Daily Racing Form beginning at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. Unlike the previous two years, there’s not the passion…nay, rabid fervor…behind who is named Horse of the Year, which definitely takes a little fun out of the whole event. That said, I’d be a little disappointed if Havre de Grace doesn’t win, making it three consecutive years when the best horse in America is of the feminine persuasion. Her competition (Caleb's Posse and Acclamation) aren't without fault, so it's a relatively safe bet that she will win. Here are some final thoughts and predictions on what we’ll see tonight:

2-year-old Male:

Not surprisingly, the first third finishers in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (Creative Cause, Union Rags, and Hansen) are the finalists, and history suggests Hansen will win. Does that mean he, or either of the other two for that matter, will win the Kentucky Derby? Doubtful. Although it seems trainer Dale Romans’ plans are for a light prep—the 9-furlong G3 Palm Beach on turf and the 9-furlong G1 Blue Grass on Polytrack—Dullahan is my early Derby pick. To my eyes, this half-brother to Mine That Bird was closing best in the BC Juvenile, and has already proven he’s a distance runner.

2-year-old Female:

Because we are a country unnaturally preoccupied with dirt racing, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner My Miss Aurelia will win this award over her BC runner-up Grace Hall, but for my money Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Stephanie’s Kitten will be the one to watch this year—her planned 2012 debut is in the Florida Oaks on February 4.

3-year-old Male:

In such an inconsistent year, it’s very difficult to find a clear winner here. The simple choice is Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, but not for me. Seriously, if you weren’t willing to consider Mine That Bird a winner after his much-better placings in the Triple Crown races, why Animal Kingdom who was done after the Belmont Stakes? Preakness winner Shackleford is a gutsy horse that never stopped trying, but he only won one race all year, defeated by the hard-charging Caleb’s Posse in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Based on that race, plus his win in the G1 King’s Bishop, Caleb’s Posse (of the three) looks to be the best choice—but he really isn’t winning in the highest level “classic distance” races. In all honesty, I’m floored that Ruler On Ice isn’t among the contenders, let alone the deserving winner! Under the most unlikely of circumstances, he captured the G1 Belmont Stakes, defeating both Shackleford and Animal Kingdom (and don’t give me that lame excuse about Animal Kingdom being impeded early—bull!). Yes, Shackleford beat him in the G1 Haskell, although Ruler On Ice was closing best of all, but the tables were reversed in the G1 Travers. Ruler On Ice put in a very credible second in the G2 Pennsylvania Derby, and then outshined all his fellow 3-year-olds in running third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. As a racehorse whose connections actually ran him (including, unsuccessfully, in the G1 Clark after the Classic), Ruler On Ice is to me the default champion 3-year-old.Too bad the voters didn't see it that way.

3-year-old Female:

This is a category that lost too many promising fillies to injury (especially St. John’s River) or just flat out poor choices, but the three finalists are top-notch. With her Breeders’ Cup victory, Royal Delta wins, but It’s Tricky and Plum Pretty did terrific jobs this year.

Older Male:

A real conundrum here, with the Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Drosselmeyer not even nominated—and I think that’s a shame. No, he wasn’t a threat to subsequent Breeders’ Cup Marathon winner Birdrun in the G2 Brooklyn Handicap—but how many of these “quality” older males even attempted 12 furlongs this year? His connections opted for turf in the G1 Sword Dancer (admittedly a mistake), but his strong closing in the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup and the BC Classic win should have put him in the running, especially in such an overall weak year. That said, the finalists are Game On Dude, Tizway and Acclamation, the latter whom is being talked about as the likely winner—although probably only as a default because he won’t win in the other category in which he is nominated, Male Turf. I’ve never been a fan of Tizway (although he won the G1 Met Mile and G1 Whitney this year), so I guess of the three I wish Game On Dude got serious consideration. All three finalists share one race—the G3 Charles Town Classic—and Game On Dude finished ahead of the other two carrying far much weight (123 lbs, to Tizway’s 117, and Acclamation’s 114). I like that Game On Dude travelled—after winning the G1 Santa Anita Handicap, he visited West Virginia and Texas, then back in Cali captured the G1 Goodwood before just missing in the Breeders’ Cup Classic back in Kentucky. That BC Classic performance is what puts him over the top in my estimation.

Older Female:

Havre de Grace, hands down. That said, if Blind Luck had stayed healthy...oh, what an autumn it would have been! The G2 Delaware Handicap was the best damn race of the year, bar none! Awesome Maria is a nice (but distant) third-place vote getter, in my estimation.

Male Turf:

Just because you run in and win only one race in America—and it happens to be the Breeders’ Cup Turf—you don’t deserve to win an Eclipse. If St. Nicholas Abbey wins, it is just one more slap in the face to logic and reason, and a crystal-clear example of why there should be exact guidelines (i.e. a set number of races) for being awarded an Eclipse—and one race isn’t it. Cape Blanco should win, having captured three G1 races in the U.S.—the Man o’War, Arlington Million, and Joe Hirsch Turf Classic. Amazing given the propensity for former Dubai World Cup competitors to flop when continuing to race in the same year. There’s going to be a lot of West Coast votes for Acclamation with his three straight G1 victories, yet if you can’t travel successfully outside the state of California, you won’t get many votes from hard-core horse people.

Female Turf:

Even before the three finalists were announced I only had one mare in mind—Stacelita. When you take on male competitors like she did in the G1 United Nations, and then come back to win the G1 Beverly D and G1 Flower Bowl—arguably the two biggest mare turf races in America—you deserve this award. Perfect Shirl’s Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf win was—I’ll say it—a fluke, and the only decent race she ran all year against the “best” female competition (and, let’s be honest, that’s not saying much). Since Stacelita easily defeated Dubawi Heights in the Beverly D, it’s a no-brainer who should win.

Male Sprinter:

As the Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion, Amazombie will be the unimaginative selection, but Caleb’s Posse should give him a run for his money. How bad is the dirt sprint division? The third finalist is Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Regally Ready who’s already been well-beaten to start this year.

Female Sprinter:

This is a wacky division because Hilda’s Passion will likely win over another lightly-race filly Sassy Image—leaving the much more heavily-raced Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint winner Musical Romance in third-place. That really sucks because, as a fan and an advocate for actually running horses instead of keeping them in the barn and parading them out only on special occasions, Musical Romance and her connections deserve this award.

Trainer:

Probably based solely on the Breeders’ Cup performances of Royal Delta and Drosselmeyer, Bill Mott should win this award, defeating the well-coiffured juggernaut that is Todd Pletcher and Bob Baffert. Still, H. Graham Motion should have gotten more consideration by voters if, for no other reason other than being one of the “good-guys” in the sport—oh, and winning the Kentucky Derby with a grass horse.

Jockey:

Ramon Dominguez, Javier Castellano and John Velazquez are three of my favorite “money” jocks, but rather unimaginatively I expect Ramon Dominguez to win, as the top earner and with the best win/WPS percentages. Still, I would have replaced Castellano with Joel Rosario in this conversation, and maybe even Rafael Bejarano instead of John Velazquez (despite his Derby win)—a serious East Coast bias exists in this category, I’m sorry to say.

Breeder:

Every time you turned around, another Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey homebred—many sired by Kitten’s Joy—triumphantly crossed the finish line in 2011. Hands-down winners to me over Brereton Jones and Frank Stronach’s Adena Springs.

Owner:

Again, to me Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey rule, although strictly based on numbers Midwest Thoroughbreds will probably win. And while Team Valor did have the Kentucky Derby winner, Maggi Moss should have been in the final three—her 495 starters won 34% of the time, and finished in the money 68%! That is a brilliant record.

Enjoy the show!

Random Thoughts on Pedigree Handicapping for Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:44:00 +0000

Slowly but surely I’m emerging from my post-holiday blahs—the ferocious return of winter on Friday made sitting in front of the computer, analyzing Saturday’s races, preferably to…well, cleaning the house. Here are a few races and horses that caught my attention, particularly due to their pedigrees:

Aqueduct 2 (3yo MSW 6f)

While Rockin Boogie is a very likely winner in his third start, a couple first-time Darley starters of interest. The Distorted Humor homebred colt Original Art is out of a champion Argentinean filly La Galerie (but she hasn’t produced much), while Le Bernardin’s dam La Rosa, winner of the G2 Demoiselle, has already produced G3 Sabin winner Taittinger Rose. Also expect more from Hard Spun gelding Hardened Wildcat—his G1 Matron runner-up dam Wild Snitch has also produced the very nice G3 Bay Shore runner-up Vengeful Wildcat.

Update: Hardened Wildcat ($9.50 win) pulled clear of Rockin Boogie for the win; the Darley duo finished fourth and fifth—without Lasix.

Gulfstream 3 (3yo MSW 7f)

Chad Brown sends out first-time starter Grouse whose dam is a half sister to promising G1-placed Stopshoppingmaria; for Kiaran McLaughlin, the Invasor colt Al Aqsa is also interesting—his G3-placed dam is a half sister to G2 Alcibiades runner-up Galloping Gal, dam of G1 Cash Call Futurity victor Liaison. Other first-time starters: Spring Hill Farm (whose G1-placed dam Colonial Minstrel is a half sister to the dam of G2 Jim Dandy winner A Little Warm) and Bird Tale, a Birdstone colt related to G2 Jefferson Cup victor Inca King. A trainer switch for The Great Gonzo—his half sister is the dam of G1 Kentucky Derby runner-up Eight Belles.

Update: Spring Hill Farm ($3.40 win) wired the field, finishing over 6 lengths ahead of Quick Wit, with first-time starter Grouse ($3.60 place) another 6 lengths back. Al Aqsa (no Lasix) had a very poor start, finishing sixth, followed by Bird Tale and The Great Gonzo.

Laurel 6 (3yo fillies MSW 8f)

Back from England where her juvenile campaign was less than stellar, Proud Pearl makes her dirt debut for Graham Motion—she’s a full sister to the terrific champion Proud Spell. Not sure cutting back will make a difference, but the thus-far-disappointing Hard Spun filly Boudicca finally gets Lasix which may make her a winner.

Update: Proud Pearl ($10.60 win) did her big sister proud, winning over Theatricality; Boudicca faded fast to finish sixth.

Aqueduct 7 (Ruthless Stakes)

While Ramon Dominguez may have chosen G3 Tempted runner-up Perennial Song as his ride, Better Lucky has the pedigree—her second dam is G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion Desert Stormer, while her dam Sahara Gold captured the G2 Beaumont. So too does Well Kept whose second dam is another Breeders’ Cup Sprint champion, Safely Kept, and Corderosa whose second dam is G1 Humana Distaff victress Celtic Melody. This looks to be a nice sprint race.

Update: Overwhelming favorite Agave Kiss ran to form, crushing runner-up Well Kept ($6.30 place) who was over a length better than Corderosa ($3.80 show). Better Lucky (again, running without Lasix) finished fifth while Perennial Song was never involved, finishing last.

Gulfstream 7 (3yo MSW 7f)

Pletcher’s Ecabroni is the likely post-time favorite, but I’m curious to see the debut of Arm Force, full brother to G1 Dubai World Cup victor Well Armed. None of his siblings have been precocious, but all five that raced are winners including G1-placed Helsinki and G3 Railbird winner Witty. Nice workouts for Eoin Harty, but probably not this time. The other first-time starter Hunter Jak is a half brother to G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Haynesfield. However, based on his name alone, I like Old Time Hockey; not only is he by Foolish Pleasure descendent Smarty Jones, but also his dam is a half sister to Scat Daddy. No, his maiden race was not a strong one, and he probably wants longer, but I’m rooting for him.

Update: Ecabroni wired the field (as expected), while Old Time Hockey ($3.40 show) managed third after a less-than-stellar start, and Hunter Jak (87-1!) got up over Arm Force for fourth.

Turfway 7 (3yo fillies MSW 6f)

First-time starter In Lingerie certainly has the pedigree, with her second dam being G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies champion Phone Chatter (this is also the family of G1 Norfolk winner Dixie Chatter); this Empire Maker filly also has a sharp workout leading into this race. Being out of the G3 winner Cat Chat, what feline lover wouldn’t play In Lingerie with Chaotic Cat and The Cat for the trifecta?

Update: The worst-kept secret, In Lingerie ($6.20) wired the field as odds-on favorite. However, Chaotic Cat only managed fourth, while The Cat was dead-last.

Fair Grounds 9 (Marie G. Krantz Memorial H.)

While Cherokee Queen, Pleasantly Blessed and A She's Adorable will likely battle it out again for the victory, I’m intrigued by the trainer switch for Countess Lemonade—and would be pleased as punch if former claimer Juanita hangs on for the win.

Update: Cherokee Queen ($6.20 win) strode past Juanita ($6.20 place) late for the win, with Pleasantly Blessed ($2.60 show) third.

Night Racing

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Last year I wrote a post called “Curiosities of Winter and Night Racing” that included information about some of the earliest instances of electric lights being used for night racing in the United States. Referencing an August 21, 1894 article in the Milwaukee Sentinel, I discovered that Mazpeth Park in Newton, New Jersey was about to open a 30-day meet “fitted with 880 incandescent lights and 22 arc lamps.” Portland, Oregon also planned for a roofed half-mile track with electric lights around the same time. By 1896, Baltimore’s Arlington Jockey Club had night racing, and soon after so too did Cincinnati, Baltimore, New York and Denver.

Well, in the midst of my current research on horse racing in western Pennsylvania, I stumbled across an August 18, 1894 article in Harper’s Weekly called “Horse-Racing By Electric Light” which makes clear that St. Louis actually had the first night-time racing. Here it is in its entirety:

“There is but one place in the world in which horse-racing may be seen at night. That is in St. Louis, Missouri. The track was built as a regulation daylight race-course, but Missouri pool laws soon after went into force and drove all the “talent” to the track across the river in East St. Louis. A stockholder in the venture suggested that the place be lighted up and run at night as a sort of curiosity, but he did not dream that horses could be run successfully in a long meeting at the full distances that are common on short courses. The venture was tried, however, and it succeeded from the start. Before the summer and fall were half gone the grand stand would not hold the people who thronged to see the races.”

“When the track was opened for business the stabling accommodations were large enough for but forty horses. Now more than seven hundred racers have their homes on the grounds, and new quarters are being built every month. All of the stables are lighted by electricity, and the stable-grounds are also well illuminated. The track is kept in good condition, and the rules that govern the National Association apply in its government. If a jockey has been ruled off the big daylight tracks he cannot ride here, and a horse that has been disqualified elsewhere, or any owner who stands in the shadow of irregularity, has no recognition. The attendance this season has averaged two thousand people a night.”

“There is a bunch of electric lamps every twenty-five feet around the track, which is five-eighths of a mile in length. Over twenty thousand candle-power is expended on the course alone, not to speak of the grand stand and those scattered about other parts of the grounds.”

“The entire atmosphere of the race-course, judged from a distance, is that of a circus. There are hackmen, tamale-venders, peanut-sellers, ticket-peddlers, and what not.”

“About the interior is evidence of everything but that which we commonly associate with horse-racing. The big plaza is brilliantly lighted by incandescent lights, and a throng of people in the cool garments of summer evening wear stroll slowly along to the entrance of the grand stand, which, in a glare of light, stands out against the dark sky in front.”

“When the track is lighted every part of it can be seen, and it shows almost which at the turns, where the force of light is doubled. Away on the back stretch a pair of horses wearily drag a scraper along near the fence. Down in front of the grand stand the clods can be as plainly seen as if it were daytime. Just across the track is the judges’ little stand, with a great dial in front of it. “Next race, 8:30,” it says. It is an odd time to see on an announcement dial at a race-course. The entire thing is strange. There is no dust, no glaring sun, no panting horses, and no perspiring jockeys.”

“Everything is managed as in the regular meeting.”

“The trumpeter calls the horses to the post exactly at 8:30. They enter the track at the gate at the first turn, and parade up past the grand stand and return to the start. This is done in order to give the audience familiarity with the numbers and colors.”

“Until this moment there is nothing in the general atmosphere or familiar sights about the place to remind one of a race-course. But the work of the starter and his marshal is at once familiar. The animals prance, break away, and are driven back time and again. Finally the flag falls.”

“They’re off!” is the shout that goes up from one end of the grand stand to the other. The audience rises. Now it is the daylight race-course over again. The scene is an exciting one. Suddenly, as the racers come into the stretch, a powerful search-light is thrown on them from one of four little elevated houses that are situated at the turns. The colors, even to those of the sashes worn by the jockeys, stand out in the perfection of clearness. The search-light follows the horses around the turn, and then another one takes its place as the animals break into the stretch down past the stand. Never was a daylight race more exciting than this. The spectators yell like mad as the animals go by the judges with a rush. As they reach the turn they go into the glare of the steel-blue search-light, and again is the beautiful color effect presented. The finishes are generally exciting, and the running fair.”

What I found most interesting (in addition to the idea of spotlights illuminating the racers) is the illustration by Max F. Klepper (after a sketch by A. Russell) that accompanies the article:

Source: “Horse-Racing By Electric Light” Harper’s Weekly, August 18, 1894, p. 788.

Looking Forward to 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 22:35:00 +0000

While perhaps not the best way to remember 2011, one of my most poignant memories will be of 9-year-old gelding Secrets Untold, a gallant one-time G3 runner-up who, making his 77th career start today in the listed Lyndhurst Handicap at Doomben, went down after clipping heels shortly after the start. Lying immobile on the turf, the dreaded green screen came out—but then, unbelievably, the old boy jumped to his feet! An unlikely miracle it seemed, but, alas, his condition (a broken shoulder) was such that he had to be euthanized on track in full view of the grandstand. Moments like this break your heart. Sadness replaced by elation, only to be smacked down by anguish. Thus is the emotional fate of any horse racing fan, and too many times in 2011 I felt the tumultuous ups-and-downs of our sport.

However, in the spirit of optimism rather than negativity and regret, here are some of the things I’m most looking forward to in 2012:

Undefeated superstar Black Caviar’s return to the track, with a campaign geared towards taking on the world. Without a doubt, her 16-for-16 streak—not to mention the way in which she dominated her competition—made this Bel Esprit mare the most exciting racehorse in the world last year, bar none. After anticipated starts in the G1 CF Orr (February 11) and G1 Futurity (February 25) both at Caulfield, Black Caviar will be aimed for Royal Ascot in June.
The continuing internationalization of horse racing and breeding, particularly the welcome influx of German strength and stamina. In 2011, the most apple-pie of American races, the G1 Kentucky Derby, was won by Animal Kingdom—a colt by Brazilian-bred Leroidesanimaux out of the German-bred mare Dalicia. He wasn’t alone in demonstrating quality race horses result from good German breeding. Graham Motion-trained German-bred Sanagas won the G1 Hollywood Turf Cup, while French-born (but entirely German-bred) Stacelita captured the G1 Beverly D and G1 Flower Bowl. And what about 3-year-old German filly Danedream—dominating winner of the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe—not to mention 4-year-old German-bred Be Fabulous, winner of the G1 Prix Royal-Oak (French St. Leger) over 15.5 furlongs? A little stout German blood may do wonders for American dirt breeding.
Celebrating the blue-collar horses who prove, day-after-day, that horse racing is ultimately about the joy of running. With so many “quality” horses lightly-raced these days, what a pleasure it is to enjoy the gallant warriors who continue to race with such enthusiasm. Rapid Redux, Awesome Gem, Ravalo, Star Guitar, The Tatling, Mustard, Catlaunch, Joey P, Russell Road—I’ll watch these horses any day of the week, and I do.
Yet another crop of promising 3-year-olds on the Derby trail. Admittedly, I can’t help myself—I love the Derby prep races. Once again this year, along with my fellow contributors at Hello Race Fans!, we’ll be picking apart key races for our Derby Prep Alert—sign up now!

Here’s hoping 2012 is prosperous and healthy for each one of you. Happy New Year!

Year of the Blue-Collar Horse

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:51:00 +0000

A post-Breeders’ Cup malaise combined with the arrival of colder weather and the end-of-semester crunch has left me uninspired. Can you say “burnout”? I’m sure I’m not alone in admitting this and yet the sport feels compelled to shove more and more racing at us. With the saturation point already reached, I suspect other fans may feel as I do: if you take a break from it, it’s easier and easier to just forget about the sport altogether.

Over the past month, I’ve watched only a handful of races (including Rapid Redux’s 21st straight winning effort)—and I don’t think I’ve missed much. Each time I looked at the Paulick Report or another industry publication all I read was negativity. Federal legislation signed that could allow horse slaughter plants to reopen in the United States. John Veitch “grossly negligent” in Life At Ten incident. One of Rapid Redux’s Charles Town races being investigated for impropriety. Jockeys injured. Promising contenders injured and out of action. Breakdowns galore. Enough! Let’s hope 2012 is a damn sight better than 2011.

Still, reflecting back, one of the most interesting developments over the past 12 months is the rise of the blue-collar horse, led by Rapid Redux. Oh, the narrow-minded have vocally proclaimed there’s no way he is worthy of an Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year, but, honestly, has there been another horse more consistent or successful at what they do this year than the Pleasantly Perfect gelding? In a year in which no horse—male or female—dominated graded stakes events over any surface or distance, why not make a statement and give the award to a horse that was not only masterfully handled in terms of race placement, but also just flat out ran, giving his best effort each and every time? Watch his races—this isn’t your typical plodder. No matter what distance, at what track, over what surface condition, and with whatever jockey aboard—Rapid Redux did what thoroughbreds are bred to do: he ran, and loved doing so!

He’s not the only claimer or former claimer to capture the imaginations of owners or potential owners everywhere. How about:

Mission Approved: Claimed in June 2010 for $35,000, this 7-year-old stepped up to finish a mere neck back to Gio Ponti in the G1 Man o’War a month later; he began this year with a victory in the G1 Manhattan. Since being claimed, he’s earned $425,000 for the Chatterpauls.

Calibrachoa: Dropped into the claiming ranks last November by owner/breeder Nelson Bunker Hunt and trainer Steve Asmussen, this 5-year-old son of Southern Image was claimed by Mike Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher for $40,000. Over the past year, he’s made $334,500 including three G3 wins and two third-place finishes in G1 events—the Vanderbilt and Cigar Mile.

Juanita: Stakes-placed as a juvenile, owner/breeder Padua Stables dropped this 3-year-old Mineshaft filly down into claiming company in Florida this past winter, where she was claimed for $25,000 in March. For her new connections she made $181,517, including a win in the G2 Indiana Oaks over G2 Fair Grounds Oaks victress Daisy Devine and G1 Frizette winner AZ Warrior.

Jimanator: Claimed in June for $25,000, this 5-year-old Broken Vow gelding has earned $123,720 for his new owners, including a victory in the G3 Fred W. Hooper Handicap at Calder.

I’m sure there are others—feel free to chime in. It’s not just former claimers stepping up in class that made news this year. How about some love for those blue-collar workhorses that just keep plugging away, like 12-year-old West Seattle Boy who won four of his 12 starts this year, including his 105th career start? Or 10-year-old Ohio legend Catlaunch who won five of eight starts, topping $1 million in 91 career races?

In an age in which far too many horses are retired prematurely and barely race, as a fan it’s hard not to love a warrior like Australian G2-placed Mustard, a 14-year-old gelding who recently made his 126th lifetime start, or 14-year-old English-raced The Tatling, a multiple G1-runnerup who capped his career recently with an improbable win in his 176th career race. In case you missed it:

If you didn’t shed a tear at that storybook finish, you haven’t a heart. These are the horses we should be talking about, not the injury-plagued flash-in-the-pan industry insiders too often focus on.

While Havre de Grace may indeed win the Eclipse for Horse of the Year—and rightly so given her performances against Blind Luck and against males in the Woodward—2011 will not be remembered in the U.S. as the “Year of the Chick”—instead, long live the Year of the Blue-Collar Horse! Happy holidays, folks!

Random Thoughts on Breeders’ Cup 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:52:00 +0000

While this Breeders’ Cup certainly provided two exciting days of racing, more than ever I’m left convinced that claiming it is both a “world championship” event and vital to determining end-of-year honors rings hollow. All that it did prove is any good horse can step up and win a big race on any given day—and it’s definitely not always the best horse. I’m only half-kidding when I suggest that Rapid Redux should win the Eclipse award for Horse of the Year. Setting aside the issue of whether or not a claiming horse could actual defeat any “top” horses on the racetrack, the fact is no other horse in America was so tested, nor rose every time to the challenge, than Rapid Redux. He’s 17 for 17 this year, racing at seven different tracks, from 5-furlongs to 9-furlongs, and with six different riders. I know I’m in the minority here, but with no other clear-cut candidate, if I had a vote, it would be for him. Let the flame fest begin!

In retrospect, other than Perfect Shirl’s whopping upset in the F&M Turf, the restricted-gender races were quite formful. Juvenile Filly Turf winner Stephanie’s Kitten hadn’t missed a placing in four starts, including a Grade 1 victory in the Alcibiades last out. F&M Sprint winner Musical Romance had placed in eight of 13 starts this year, including a narrow second-place in the Grade 1 Princess Rooney in July, a win in the Grade 2 PID Masters’ followed up by another close runner-up finish in the Grade 2 Thoroughbred Club of America at Keeneland. Juvenile Filly winner My Miss Aurelia, undefeated in three starts, had won the Grade 1 Frizette last out, while Ladies’ Classic (Distaff) winner Royal Delta had won three of six starts, including the Grade 1 Alabama before her runner-up finish behind Havre de Grace in the Grade 1 Beldame. Interestingly, none of those BC winners saw a jockey change, except Perfect Shirl. That filly had run six times this year without a victory, but was in the money four times including a narrow second-place finish in the Grade 2 Canadian most recently.

The juveniles also provided little in the way of surprises. Juvenile Sprint winner Secret Circle remained undefeated, as did Juvenile male Hansen while Juvenile Turf winner Wrote had never missed a placing, including a third in the Group 2 Royal Lodge at Newmarket. None of the juvenile winners had raced too early in the year either: Stephanie’s Kitten (four starts since July 9), My Miss Aurelia (three starts since July 22), Secret Circle (two starts since July 23), Wrote (four starts since August 15), and Hansen (two starts since September 9).

While those stats are understandable, the other results in open company races defied logic in some instances. Marathon winner Afleet Again hadn’t won in eight starts this year; his last victory was back in April 2010, in the Grade 3 Withers—14 starts ago! Mile winner Court Vision won last year’s Grade 1 Woodbine Mile, but had been unplaced in four starts this year including a seventh-place finish last out. Far more seemingly qualified and formful horses just couldn’t pull it together, perhaps just indicative of how poor in quality racing has become at the highest level in this country, regardless of surface and distance. Why? In many instances I’m convinced it’s poor or overly-ambitious placement, chasing the Derby dream or aiming for all the wrong events. Or perhaps the Breeders’ Cup races themselves have become too diluated…

Other random thoughts:

Mile winner Caleb’s Posse ran arguably the most impressive BC race, closing like a freight train to snatch victory from a game Shackleford, the latter looking amazing fresh making his 10th start of the year. If they return as 4-year-olds, I’d love to see them hook up again in the Grade 1 Met Mile and other events between 7- and 8.5-furlongs. Please, avoid the temptation to stretch them out.
Running Uncle Mo in the Classic was not brave or gutsy; it was pure selfish egotism and nothing more. Not only did he have to overcome a serious illness this year, but also take on more battle-tested older horses going a distance he had never attempted. It was a ridiculous thing to ask of him—and someone should have known better. A start in the Dirt Mile would have been far more appropriate, although I’m not sure even he could have defeated Caleb’s Posse or Shackleford.
Talk about a powerhouse prep race for the Breeders’ Cup! Since its inaugural running five years ago, the Presque Isle Masters’ Stakes has produced 3 consecutive F&M Sprint winners: Informed Decision (2009), Dubai Majesty (2010) and Musical Romance (2011). Kudos to PID’s Tapeta surface for providing just the right amount of fitness conditioning, and to the trainers wise enough to make this out-of-the-way track a key stop on the road to the Breeders’ Cup.
While at the time the Grade 1 Travers looked good, turns out the Grade 1 Haskell was even better, with runner-up Shackleford second in the Dirt Mile and Ruler On Ice third in the Classic behind older horses. Travers winner Stay Thirsty and runner-up Rattlesnake Bridge finished well-back in the Classic.
Who would have thought that another key race this year would have been the 5-horse Grade 2 Brooklyn Handicap? In addition to Marathon winner Afleet Again who finished dead-last, the winner Birdrun ran second in the Marathon, while runner-up Drosselmeyer captured the Classic.
And joke all you will about D’Tara, but the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes provides just the type of stamina test our best horses need. 2010 Belmont winner Drosselmeyer and fourth-place finisher Game on Dude fleshed out this year’s Classic exacta, while Ruler on Ice justified his Belmont win this year with his third-place showing in the Classic—not to mention Belmont third-place finisher Brilliant Speed turned in a spectacular appearance capturing third in the Turf, and fifth-place finisher Shackleford ran second in the Dirt Mile. All hail, Big Sandy!

Breeders' Cup Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 03:06:00 +0000

Other than Musical Romance ($42.40) in the F&M Sprint and Perfect Shirl ($57.60) in the F&M Turf, Breeders’ Cup Friday was fairly chalky, as favorites captured the Juvenile Sprint (Secret Circle), Juvenile Fillies (My Miss Aurelia) and Ladies’ Classic (Royal Delta).

Some thoughts on Saturday’s races—if you haven’t already, join us on Twitter as the day promises to be lively in terms of real-time handicapping and last-minute changes of heart.

Race 3—Breeders’ Cup Marathon (post 1:20 p.m.)

Never tested on dirt, the sole filly entrant Meeznah holds many charms here, having won over this distance in the G3 Lillie Langtry earlier this summer, defeating a stamina filly I admire a great deal, Motrice. By Dynaformer out of a Sadler’s Wells mare, she’ll be attempting dirt for the dirt time. Brigantin defeated Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden in FR-G2 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier in May; his German-bred dam Banyu Dewi finished third behind Honey Ryder and Film Maker in the 2005 G3 Glens Falls. With Julien Leparoux aboard, this Cozzene 4-year-old colt has a big chance if he can adapt to dirt. Last year’s winner Eldaafer has run well, but I expect A.U. Miner to return off his G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup race in better form.

Winner: Afleet Again ($85.20)

Race 4—Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (post 2:02 p.m.)

The art historian in me is rooting hard for Caspar Netscher while the sentimentalist in me likes Fantastic Song (his dam is a half-sister to Perfect Shirl who captured the F&M Turf on Friday). Finale has been quite impressive since switching to grass, but his fellow Scat Daddy-sired brethren Daddy Nose Best could outfinish him with a better post position. The Ramsey homebred Coalport could be dangerous cutting back in distance, as could first-time turfster Majestic City (City Zip).

Winner: Wrote ($25.20)

Race 5—Breeders’ Cup Sprint (post 2:37 p.m.)

Boy, I’d like to see old Euroears pop a surprise here! Runner-up in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen back in March, he failed miserably in the mud last out in the G1 Vosburgh, but has worked gangbusters since then. Breaking from the rail, he will contest the early lead with Force Freeze, with Giant Ryan close as well. Whether defending champion Big Drama is fit enough to make waves here is suspect; I do believe Jackson Bend will be moving well late for a placing.

Winner: Amazombie ($17.80)

Race 6—Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (post 3:21 p.m.)

Unfortunately, there’s no Black Caviar in here, but the Ramsey’s 3-year-old Kitten’s Joy filly Holiday for Kitten made be rounding into form at just the right time. Disappointing in the G1 King’s Stand at Ascot, her narrow win over Musical Romance last out was certainly flattered by that mare winning the F&M Sprint on Friday. The Aussie-bred Hoofit has captured both U.S. starts since arriving from New Zealand early this year—love his chances here. Last year’s Turf Sprint winner Chamberlain Bridge is getting a bit long in the tooth and drew very wide (14); perhaps youngster Regally Ready is better suited to win here, having captured the G1 Nearctic last out. Perfect Officer likely in the mix as well.

Winner: Regally Ready ($6.60) * only winning favorite

Race 7—Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (post 4:01 p.m.)

Had his connections so chosen, this race would be at the mercy of Uncle Mo. Instead, we’re left with some tired 3-year-olds cutting back, and a few sprinters stretching out. Preakness winner Shackleford and pre-Derby hype horse The Factor are the early speed, breaking from the two inside posts, but I find it difficult to believe they will have much left at the end. Wilburn who comes in with a 3-race win streak seems to be a progressive type, while Caleb’s Posse should enjoy the cutback (and, remember, he defeated Uncle Mo in the G1 King’s Bishop). Trappe Shot was disappointing in the mud last out, but should improve. For a longshot selection, I see Barclay Tagg-trained Jersey Town reversing form off his defeat at the hands of Uncle Mo in the G2 Kelso.

Winner: Caleb’s Posse ($15.60)

Race 8—Breeders’ Cup Turf (post 4:45 p.m.)

Last year’s F&M Turf runner-up Midday takes on the boys this year—but her biggest competition could be the filly Sarafina While disappointing in the Arc, Sarafina has outperformed her nemesis of late. Lightly-raced Await the Dawn gets the services of Julien Leparoux, but I can’t help but think he’d rather be on Dean’s Kitten, perhaps the best American chance.

Winner: St. Nicholas Abbey ($15.60)

Race 9—Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (post 5:25 p.m.)

Union Rags is the likely winner, but since he’s never run beyond one mile there’s still some query of his ability to stay the 8.5 furlongs. If he had been entered in the Juvenile Sprint, I’d been all over Crusade, first offspring of the talented sprinter La Traviata. Not sure I’m buying him here, nor Daddy Long Legs who looks better suited to grass. However, I do like Optimizer, an English Channel colt with lots of precocious dirt performers on his damside. He lost last out to Dullahan, a Cinderella story in the making, being a 1/2 brother to Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. Out of G1 Apple Blossom victress Dream of Summer, G1 Norfolk winner Creative Cause has the highest BRIS speed figure in the field—and a nice mid-field post draw. Farther outside, Florida-invader Fort Loudon is getting no respect, but his 1/2 sister is the dam of G1 victor Jackson Bend.

Winner: Hansen ($16.20)

Race 10—Breeders’ Cup Mile (post 6:07 p.m.)

I love Goldikova, and nothing would make me happier than to see her captured her fourth consecutive BC Mile, but…time has perhaps caught up with her? Courageous Cat finished just behind him in the 2009 edition, as did Gio Ponti last year. Toss in Get Stormy and Turallure, and the top four are in there somewhere.

Winner: Court Vision ($131.60)

Race 11—Breeders’ Cup Classic (post 7:00 p.m.)

Havre de Grace for me, with To Honor and Serve running big for Bill Mott. I find it telling that Jose Lezcano sticks with To Honor and Serve rather than Drosselmeyer, thus give the former a huge chance in here for a placing. I’ve never been a fan of Flat Out, but won’t deny he’s run big this year. I don’t believe Uncle Mo can get the distance, not to mention he’s incredibly light in race-fitness to compete with the likes of these. So You Think is a magnificent horse, but his schedule this year has been too spread out—when in Australia, he thrived on running back quickly. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was there at the end, but hard to factor him the winner over Havre de Grace. Ah, and then there’s Stay Thirsty—my Kentucky Derby pick. Hard to see him defeating Havre de Grace, but won’t discount his chances entirely.

Winner: Drosselmeyer ($31.60)

Breeders' Cup Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Some thoughts on Friday’s races—if you haven’t already, join us on Twitter as the next two days promise to be lively in terms of real-time handicapping and last-minute changes of heart.

Race 5—Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint (post 4:10 p.m.)

There’s little doubt that Secret Circle will go off a huge favorite here, but purely for sentimental reasons I love Trinniberg, being a huge fan of his hard-working sire Teuflesberg. He’s a Grade 1 runner-up with a lot of early speed, and look for him to reverse his narrow second-place finish behind Vexor. With his experience over the track and early speed, Sum of the Parts is a likely place-getter as well; his G1-placed dam Enjoy the Moment didn’t fare so well in the 1999 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, but this son of Speightstown posted a sharp 5-furlong work in advance of this race. And how could you dismiss Seeker from the rail; this Hard Spun colt would only further validate the strong start his sire has had at stud.

Winner: Secret Circle

Race 6—Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly Turf (post 4:50 p.m.)

A Group 1 winner in France, Elusive Kate is an obviously selection—her dam is 1/2 sister to BC Classic winner Pleasantly Perfect. However, fresh off his winning pick-up ride on Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden, jockey Christophe Lemaire is aboard Dear Lavinia, a Grand Slam filly purchased by Bobby Flay just for this race (he won last year’s contest with More Than Real). A direct damline descendent of the great broodmare Cosmah, Dear Lavinia probably wants farther than a mile, but could pop a surprise; her recent narrow second-place finish against French Fifteen was flattered when he captured the FR-G1 Criterium International this past weekend. Also for a price, My Gi Gi is worth a hard-look; cutting back in distance and returning to turf after a fourth-place finish in the Grade 1 Oak Leaf, she’s beautifully bred for turf—her Sadler’s Wells dam Relish The Thought was Group 1-placed over 12-furlongs in the English Oaks. This is also the family of Grade 1 American Oaks victress Gozzip Girl and BC Juvenile winner Bucco. Stephanie’s Kitten is the choice ride for John Velazquez, but I’m mildly concerned about her finding room to close late. Another Kitten’s Joy filly, Sweet Cat may be more suitably placed for a strong finish with her early speed. Off her crushing defeat of males in the Cup & Saucer last out, Hard Not To Like (Hard Spun) is also…hard not to like.

Winner: Stephanie’s Kitten

Race 7—Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly & Mare Sprint (post 5:30 p.m.)

The much-hyped Turbulent Descent hasn’t raced since early August—either she’ll be brilliantly fresh or lacking fitness in her first race against older mares. Another 3-year-old I like is Pomeroys Pistol—although her worst race of the year was here in the Grade 3 Eight Belles. Switch loves the 7-furlongs distance and has run big all year. For a price, you can’t ignore Grade 2 PID Masters winner Musical Romance who, in eight starts since April hasn’t missed a placing. She’s a hard-trying, gutsy filly—much like Shotgun Gulch who was closely nicely in the Grade 1 Humana Distaff over this track in early May. The far outside 13 post won’t bother her, as Gomez is likely to drop her back early, but she’ll need an extraordinary performance to close late against the likes of Turbulent Descent and Switch.

Winner: Musical Romance

Race 8—Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly (post 6:10 p.m.)

Undefeated My Miss Aurelia hasn’t stumbled yet, but neither has dual Grade 1 winner Weemissfrankie nor Grade 1 Spinaway victress Grace Hall. A direct damline descendent of Preakness winner Nellie Morse, Grace Hall’s third dam Life At The Top was a multiple Grade 1 route winner, and there’s tons of quality in this family—loved her last race! Northern Passion attempts dirt for the first time; her dam is a full-sister to Canadian juvenile champion filly Ginger Gold. Aidan O’Brien ships in the much-raced Homecoming Queen, a three-quarter sister to Dylan Thomas—a placing here would be surprising. Just as surprising would be Questing (Hard Spun), a direct damline descendent of the great Vagrancy.

Winner: My Miss Aurelia

Race 9—Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (post 6:50 p.m.)

I just can’t get past Stacelita who, frankly, I’d prefer to have seen in Saturday’s Turf race. However, it’s the Euros Nahrain and Announce that will probably take all the money; of the two, Announce has more upside, with strong form vs. Cirrus Des Aigles, as well as a Group 3 victory over 13-furlongs—longer than this race. Among the American contestants, it’s hard to fault the form of Dubawi Heights, but I question her stamina for this distance. For a longshot flyer, Distorted Legacy looks appealing—a half sister to Belmont Stakes runner-up Vision and Verse, she’s been training well for this start.

Winner: Perfect Shirl

Race 10—Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (post 7:30 p.m.)

I handicapped the Distaff for ThoroFan—you can find the complete analysis here. For me, it comes down to Plum Pretty outlasting Miss Match, with upset-minded Ultra Blend and/or Ask The Moon at play for the exotics. Off her crushing defeat by Havre de Grace, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see Royal Delta run big for Bill Mott either.

Winner: Royal Delta

Good luck with all your wagers! [Updated with winners at 7:57 p.m.]

Victoria Derby Day Card at Flemington

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:43:00 +0000

What I love about spring carnival time in Australia are the full race cards packed with stakes action. Last week it was Moonee Valley with the G1 Cox Plate. Tonight beginning at 8:20 p.m. Eastern in the U.S. (Saturday in Australia), it’s Flemington that hosts nine group events including four G1s. Right now, the track is rated a “Dead 4” so let’s take a look at the main contenders with that in mind—and join the usual crowd later tonight on Twitter (@FilliesFirst):

G3 Carbine Stakes—Race 1

The topweight favorite is Darley’s regally-bred Galah (Redoute’s Choice) whose Distorted Humor dam Rinky Dink captured the G1 Australasian Oaks. He’s already a listed winner, and given his breeding stretching out to a mile for the first time should not be an issue. The third and fourth-place finishers from his last race return here as well, with Highly Recommended enjoying a better weight advantage, dropping two pounds. It may not be quite enough, but this Fastnet Rock colt comes from a family of winners, including half-sisters G1 Emirates victress Sky Cuddle and G3 Tattersalls Cup winner Sky Love, as well as G2 runner-up full-brother Undeniably. Sentimentally, I’ll be rooting for another Redoute’s Choice colt, Cross of Gold; his second dam is a daughter of Foolish Pleasure, plus he is also a half-brother to champion Hasna, 2003 winner of Australia’s 2-year-old Triple Crown. The only other serious contender is the field is Meethaq who actually won at this distance last out—he’s a half-brother to the multiple G1 winner Mnemosyne.

UPDATE: Long stretch run and 1-2 favorite Galah needed every inch of it, just nipping 16-1 Highly Recommended at the wire. 18-1 Saint Etienne was also up very close for third.

G3 Lexux Stakes—Race 2

Big field, with topweight Tullamore returning a mere week after his runner-up finish to defending Melbourne Cup winner Americain in the G2 Moonee Valley Cup [oops, he’s now scratched]. Green Moon finished just ahead of him in the G1 Caulfield Cup, so it should be an interesting rematch. I’m still on board with Anudjawun who finished fourth behind Americain and Tullamore last week—now he enjoys a drop in weight, from 121 to 118, which may not sound like much, but with Tullamore still toting 126, and Green Moon going up from 117 to 123, it may just make the difference. He’s also placed in the top three (though never won) all three times he’s raced on this track. The mare Midnight Martini drew a horrible barrier position (14), but the granddaughter of G1 New Zealand Oaks winner Sawatdee has won over this track, ran very sharp fourth ahead of Anudjawun in the G2 Herbert Power before running third most recently in the G3 David Jones Cup. A win here guarantees her a start in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.

UPDATE: After leading early, Green Moon totally fell apart, and 7-1 Niwot quickly took advantage, pulling away from the field. 11-1 Macedonian second, and 18-1 Anudjawun third. At 50-1, Raffaello fleshed out a massive superfecta.

G2 Wakeful Stakes—Race 3

Undefeated Atlantic Jewel won the G1 Thousand Guineas with incredible ease last out, and has already won carrying 128 lbs. like she does here; the only query is the 9-furlong distance, but being out a Zabeel mare hints it shouldn’t be a problem. Four fillies enter off the same listed race going this distance, with the best of them the winner Gliding. Her half-brother is 5-time G1 winner Eremain, and with master Bart Cummings, you can believe she’ll be primed for this race. Sure to be running late is New Zealand-bred Dowager Queen, recently G1-placed in the Flight Stakes; she must be an iron horse, having already run 15 times since last December 28 (but did enjoy a nearly 3-month break). For a longshot chance, I like Gioe in the top-four after her bad-luck efforts most recently; her G1 runner-up dam Magical Miss also won the G2 Memsie. Hands-down, the Cinderella story here would be a win or placing by yet-unplaced La Dolce Diva, daughter of 3-time Melbourne Cup victress Makybe Diva.

UPDATE: Wow, Atlantic Jewel is a serious filly! Easy win at 2-5, with 35-1 Rahveel second, 5-1 Dowager Queen third and 7-1 Gliding fourth.

G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes—Race 4

Unusual for American fans to witness, Flemington’s sprint races are run over a straight track—and that is something even Australian horses sometimes find hard to do well. Sepoy shouldn’t have a problem here, given that he’s already won twice over this track—not to mention captured nine of his 10 lifetime starts thus far. It’s hard to look beyond him, but any rain affecting the track favors Hot Snitzel and good performances earlier in the card by Galah and/or Highly Recommended would only lead further credence to the abilities of Masthead. For longer shots, consider Unique Quality who ran a very game third to Sepoy over this track last out, and the lightly-raced Zamorar who really moves up in class for this one (he’s related to Foolish Pleasure through his damsire Scenic).

UPDATE: Sepoy just lasted over Foxwedge, with 70-1 Satin Shoes just ahead of 45-1 Zamorar.

G1 Mackinnon Stakes—Race 5

A number of likely Melbourne Cup runners in here, including recent G1 Caulfield Cup winning mare Southern Speed. The other mare Lights of Heaven has yet to live up to her huge promise this campaign, but a good barrier position and the jockey-trainer combination of Luke Nolen-Peter Moody could get it done here—top fours at the very least. Off his third-place finish behind Pinker Pinker in the G1 Cox Plate last week, Rekindled Interest is a big chance. 7-year-old Wall Street has been running well of late—could the old boy pop a big one here? Umm, not if the reports of mild colic this week are true, I’m afraid. Not beyond the realm of possibility. Irish-bred Glass Harmonium disappointed in the Cox Plate, but the track may have been his downfall—he finished a narrow second to December Draw in the G1 Turnbull recently at Flemington. Even though he’s a last-out G1 winner, The Verminator gets a HUGE weight jump, from 115 to 130 pounds—I can’t imagine him in the top four.

UPDATE: Glass Harmonium won, with 18-1 Mourayan second and post-time favorite Rekindled Interest third. Superfecta fleshed out with 5-1 mare Southern Speed.

G1 AAMI Victoria Derby—Race 6

All of the money is on Manawanui, and rightly so—however, I’m sticking with Collar as a possible upset threat. I hated the way he was taken to the lead early at Moonee Valley, but his regular jockey Nick Hall is back aboard, so I expect a more even performance out of him here. Niagara appears nicely-bred for this distance (by Encosta De Lago, out of a Fusaichi Pegasus mare), but his far-outside 18 barrier post sucks. Costly Commitment finished just behind Niagara last out, and has demonstrated improvement with each start; by Encosta De Lago out of an Octagonal mare, he should have no problem with the distance (good barrier post too!). Darley sends out listed Geelong Classic winner Induna whose full-sister Camarilla won the G1 Sires’ Produce Stakes; among her many nice performances, their dam Camarena swept both the G1 Queensland Derby (2400m) and G2 Queensland Guineas (1600m) in 1999. The softer the going, the better Induna’s chances. Last out G3 winner Sabrage breaks from a difficult post (16) and I’m concerned about his distance limitations, being by sprinter Charge Forward; his dam Galroof ran second in both the G1 Doomben Cup (2200m) and G1 Queensland Derby (2400m), so I suppose it’s possible, but his half-brother Pinnacles topped out at one mile, placing third in the G1 Doncaster (1600m). There’s definitely quality there, though.

UPDATE: Extremely roughly run race…Sangster narrowly wins over Induna, with Sabrage up for third. Longshot Zabeelionaire (35-1) fleshed out superfecta. Manawanui nowhere near the top finishers.

G1 Myer Classic—Race 7

Wow! Huge field of quality filly and mare milers here, beginning with 5-time G1 winner and top weight More Joyous; she won the G2 Tristarc last out, but niggling concern over recent comments by jock Nash Rawiller that she’s not the same powerhouse as she once was. She may be favored, but there are plenty of others here of interest, including 3-year-old G1-placed Mosheen who's getting a huge weight advantage over the older mares here, carrying only 108 pounds (17-18 lbs. less than every other entry). Personally, I'm thrilled (but surprised) to see the return of Banchee, a multiple G1 winner in New Zealand last year who last I heard was off to the breeding shed. Guess that didn’t happen, as she’s back here in a very tough spot (and bad barrier). At a price, Dysphonia could surprise, as she’s been progressing nicely this campaign, as has Response who also loves this track. I’m a huge fan of Sacred Choice, but not sure the 6-year-old isn’t a tad disappointing this spring.

UPDATE: Hurtle Myrtle wins, with Sacred Choice second, and Dysphonia a fast-closing third. More Joyous, Banchee both disappointing.

G2 Salinger Stakes—Race 8

Another straight track sprint, Stirling Grove could pull a shocker after his last out third-place performance behind Black Caviar and Karuta Queen; he’s 2 for 2 over this track, and this being his third start of the spring could be a revelation. Given her current form vs. Cox Plate winner Pinker Pinker, not to mention Sepoy and Curtana (who’s also in here), Mid Summer Music looks extremely good for a top two finish at least, as does Sister Madly. Rarefied also appears a strong top 4 chance. Loving the fillies and mares overall!

G3 Tab.Com.Au (Chatham) Stakes—Race 9

Turning back to 7-furlongs looks just the thing Toorak Toff needs, though he’s yet to place in two attempts over the Flemington straight track. Thankgodyou'rehere should likewise enjoy the cut back in distance (not to mention class). Doubtful Jack loves the track, but was so thoroughly thrashed by Black Caviar last week, it’s hard to visualize a miraculous return-to-form (it’s been awhile for this boy). On the other hand, Launay is undefeated in three starts at Flemington, and appears a real top four chance. Sentimentally, I’m on board Torio’s Quest, a damside descendent of Foolish Pleasure—a devastating G2 winner back in June, hopefully he’s back on track.

Getting the Inside Scoop

noreply@blogger.com (Valerie Grash) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:42:00 +0000

Just ask my journalism colleagues—dealing with “new media” issues in the classroom, not to mention in real life, is a bitch. With today’s students so technologically savvy, it’s actually become harder than ever to get them to understand that not all the information they encounter online is truth. Critical thinking is nearly a lost art form, as we’ve become lazy when it comes to consuming, processing and reacting to information. Still, for all its fault, the internet is truly a wondrous thing, isn’t it?

A fascinating recent development has been the online engagement of trainers with racing fans, via Twitter and personal blogs. Want to know the condition of Coolmore runners or upcoming racing plans? Trainer Aidan O’Brien relays information to his wife Annemarie who tweets @aobballydoyle. Also among trainers worldwide who regularly tweet substantive information are Peter Moody (@MoodyRacing) in Australia and Carolyn Costigan (@arravaleracing) in Canada. American trainers tweeting are rarer. While not particularly prolific, Bob Baffert occasionally tweets as @Midnightlute, but most of the big name trainers are silent, leading to sometimes sarcastic, nearly always amusing, faux-accounts for Steve Asmussen (@SteveyAsmussen) and Todd Pletcher (@NotTheToddster).

For more in-depth writing, personal blogs serve a valuable purpose, and without a doubt the queen in this regard is Australia’s renowned lady trainer Gai Waterhouse who’s been blogging on her website since 2007. A wonderful mix of updates, impressions and even controversial comments, Gai is an engaging (and dedicated) writer, posting lengthy entries nearly every day. Really, if you want to learn something about Australian racing and training practices, her blog is a must-read.

Another I highly-recommend (with obvious bias) is Gina Rarick, an American trainer based in Maisons-Laffitte, France, she’s been blogging at Gallop France since 2008 and is a member of our TURF collaborative.

While American horse racing fan bloggers are plentiful, that’s not the case among American trainers. The most revealing site is Graham Motion’s Herringswell Stables, which regularly posts stable news, although not written by the man himself. However, in his homeland of Great Britain, a plethora of trainers pen their thoughts regularly on their websites, including top trainers like Mark Johnston, who has been recording his “Bletherings” since 2009 (archives available here). Also prominent and free with stable news are Luca Cumani, although it’s not clear that the trainer himself is writing the material. Others who clearly are putting down their own very personal thoughts include:

John Berry, a Newmarket-based trainer since 1995, he took over Beverley House Stables in 1997 and has been blogging at Stable Life since 2006.
Julia Feilden, a former racing secretary and English amateur jockey, she began training in 2005 at Exning outside Newmarket and blogging in 2010.
John Best, a Kent-based trainer who posts an interesting weekly video blog update on his runners, although it’s not archived.
Amy Weaver, a former assistant trainer for Michael Bell, she’s been out on her own since 2008, and is based at Newmarket. She also regularly tweets @amyweaverracing.

I don’t have any particular insight into why British trainers feel more comfortable than American trainers in penning their thoughts, but it’s honestly quite refreshing—chiefly for fans and horseplayers always hungry for inside information.