I wanted to start this semi-regular post as "Tip o' the Cap to...," however my pal and fellow horse racing blogger Jared Kennedy (http://kennedyscorridor.blogspot.com/) has been using that tagline for months as part of his "Weekend Review" segment, and it would be quite unprofessional of me to steal his tagline - so, "Hats off to..." must do. Essentially what these posts are intended to do is share memories/stories/performances/etc. of horses/trainers/jockeys/owners that rarely or never receive much attention nationally. It'll take a lot for me to ever do a "Hats off to..." blog for Todd Pletcher, Garrett Gomez, Zenyatta, or Sheikh Mohammed.
I'd like to dedicate this inaugural blog to one of my favorite horses, if not my favorite horse, Caiman.
Every year it seems as if one or two completely over matched and untalented horses stumble into the starting gate of the Belmont Stakes, their connections holding unrealistic visions of grandeur and the belief that their colt or gelding has the ability to outpace proven Grade 1 winners at the unique 12f distance. I'm not even talking proven stakes performers like Da' Tara and Sarava here, I'm talking maidens, claimers, and allowance runners who slink back into obscurity about 2:35 after they emerge from it. You may not recognize the names of many of these also-rans, but I'll run through them anyway. In 2002, it was Artax Too (11th), and 2003's version was a colt named Supervisor (5th of 6). The 2005 running featured the likes of Indy Storm (4th) and Watchmon (9th), and in 2006 Double Galore (DNF) and Oh So Awesome (5th) had their 2:30 in the sun. Most recently it was Guadalcanal (7th) in 2008, although I do give that one some credit - he's at least staying afloat against allowance runners in turf marathon races.
2004 was no different than any of these other fields. In and amongst the proven Grade 1 winners in the field was a little known colt named Caiman, who shipped in from trainer Angel Medina's Hawthorne base for the 136th rendition of the Belmont Stakes.
The story of Caiman begins like does the story of most other thoroughbred racehorses - stallion sees mare and animal instincts take over. Not really the most romantic way of putting it, but that's just the way it is. In the spring of 2000, John T.L. Jones Jr. of Walmac International Stud fame decided to breed his mare Storming Up, a winning daugher of European champion Storm Bird, to brand new Maryland stallion Malibu Moon, an unproven son of A.P. Indy who was forced into retirement with just a maiden win to his credit in two career starts. Call the $3,000 advertised stud fee of Malibu Moon in 2000 a deal compared to the $40,000 he demands in Kentucky for the 2009 season. Out of that mating, one that was sure to receive no headlines around the horse racing world, a bay colt was born. Jones, seemingly unimpressed with what he saw, entered the colt in the 2001 Keeneleand November Breeding Stock Sale as a weanling.
As top-caliber racemares and producers like Twenty Eight Carat, Cee's Song, Jostle, and Phone Chatter, as well as well-bred and gorgeous weanings and yearlings such as a colt who'd later be known as Tizdubai (full brother to Tiznow & Budroyale) and a filly who'd later go by Teeming (half sister to Rags to Riches, Jazil, and Casino Drive) sold for six and seven figures, hip number 3697 went through the ring, receiving a rock bottom bid of $3,000 by purchaser Victor Achar, an owner/breeder from Mexico. This weanling was one of Achar's 18 purchases at the sale, none of which cost more than $10,000.
Achar would later name his Malibu Moon weanling "Caiman," which is Spanish for alligator. Caiman would begin his career at the historic Hipodromo de las Americas racetrack in Mexico City - hardly the starting point for a horse hoping to someday compete in American Grade 1 races. Caiman would win 2 of 3 races at the track, including an 8-length romp in a $3,200 allowance race. Even though Caiman was only able to earn $4,032 in those three starts, Achar shot for the moon with the unproven colt, and made the decision to ship the horse to the United States, where he'd be trained by Angel Medina, a staple in the South Florida racing circuit. Achar also nominated the colt to the American Triple Crown.
Continuing with the "shoot for the moon" theme, Achar and Medina couldn't have picked a more difficult race for Caiman to make his United States-debut in - the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes, against a field of 9 Kentucky Derby hopefuls, including Second of June, Friends Lake, Silver Wagon, and El Prado Rob. Caiman was dismissed in the wagering at 75/1, and he ran like a 75/1 shot should - 8th of 9, beaten 22 3/4 lengths. Medina regrouped with the colt, and placed him in an easier spot - a Gulstream Park allowance, where Caiman was unlucky to run into Grade 1 winner Birdstone, who was making his seasonal debut. His connections had to have been pleased with his effort, though, as he ran 3rd at 45/1, beaten only 3 lengths by Birdstone. Achar and Medina again placed the horse in a tough spot, the Grade 3 Swale Stakes. The betting public again dismissed Caiman, this time at 51/1, and the colt again failed to live up to expectations, running 5th of 5, beaten nearly 10 lengths. With the Gulfstream Park meet soon coming to a close, Medina switched his focus to Illinois' Hawthorne Race Course and sent much of his stock, Caiman included, to the Cicero-area track. And while at Hawthorne, Caiman awoke, winning a pair of allowance races, one each on the turf and dirt, showing his versatility. Caiman's performances, once again, persuaded Achar to shoot for the moon with his colt, and Achar put up the $20,000 required to run in the third leg of the Triple Crown - the $1,000,000 Belmont Stakes.
As Caiman's Belmont jockey Ramon Dominguez glanced around the starting gate for the race, he had to have taken a moment to consider the historical impact of the race and the talent assembled in the gates around him. Six gates to his right was journeyman Stewart Elliot, seated aboard a chestnut colt and donning the blue and white silks of the little-known Someday Farm. The colt his was sitting on, Smarty Jones, had just won the Kentucky Derby by 2 3/4 lengths and the Preakness Stakes by 11 1/2 lengths, and was looking to become the 12th winner, and the first since 1978, of the elusive Triple Crown. Right next to Caiman was his adversary from the Gulfstream Park allowance race, Birdstone. Two gates to Dominguez's right was the tall and physical presence known as Rock Hard Ten, and directly to the left of Caiman was future Grade 1 winner Purge. Just inside of Smarty Jones was the versitile Eddington. I can only wonder if Caiman knew the challenge he was up against - 5 current or future Grade 1 winners were in the starting gate, and a sixth, Master David, was already Grade 1 placed. It took just 2:27 2/5 seconds for Birdstone to crush the dreams of a nation and upset Smarty Jones, and several seconds later Caiman crossed the finish line behind 7 of his 8 rivals. The final margin of Caiman's defeat was 31 1/4 lengths. During the call of the race, legendary caller Tom Durkin only managed to announce Caiman's name once - I guess that's almost fitting in a way, though. He was the obscure horse going into the race, and Durkin did nothing to change that billing.
To date, Caiman has started 66 times since that day at Belmont. The other 8 horses in that field would make only a combined 63 starts after the Belmont. Smarty Jones would never race again. Birdstone would only race twice morre, and Rock Hard Ten only 6 more times over 2 years. Caiman, stll in the care of Achar and Medina, would start in 9 more stakes races, 4 of them graded, over the next 7 months. He would hit the board just once, that being in the 7f Forward Pass Stakes (50k) at Arlington Park, where he was beaten only a neck by Nebraska Moon. On March 11, 2005, Medina dropped Caiman into a claiming race for the first time in his career. He'd lost 14 straight races dating to those Hawthorne allowances, and it was quickly becoming time for Achar to receive some compensation for the colt. Caiman had taken the connections to places that they'd only dreampt of going to, but at teh end of the day, horse racing is a business and Achar had a business decision to make - he offered Caiman to anyone willing to pay $50,000 for him.
Scott Lake liked what he saw from the colt, and on behalf of the Winning Move Stable, claimed the colt from Achar. He'd ship Caiman from Gulfstream to his base at Belmont, where Caiman would become a favorite amongst the fans and a nuisance among the handicappers. It was under Lake that Caiman and a myriad of jockeys, including Aaron Gryder, Jorge Chavez, and Jose Santos would develop quite a reputation for consistency. In 7 starts with Lake, Caiman would never miss the board, running either second or third each time out. He ran into top quality horses like Commentator, Unforgettable Max, Love of Money, Kennel Up, and Bailero, but consistently found himself incapable of winning. He was a lovable loser indeed. After switching to the barn of Gary Contessa, it was much of the same for Caiman - no wins - and it was becoming evident that Caiman was losing a step or two. In 2005, Caiman raced 15 times, and by that December he was claimed by Rene Araya, on behalf of Raymond Vitolo, for $17,500.
Under Araya's tutledge, Caiman would finally work his way back into the winner's circle - in fact, he won 3 of 12 starts with Araya, and hit the board 8 times. September 1, 2006 would mark his final start on the New York circuit, a circuit where he gained popularity among fans and hit the board in a remarkable 16 of 22 starts (72.7%). Nearly each of his races followed the same story - drop way back early, and mow them down late.
Since that claim in September 2006, Caiman has become quite the traveler. He's started at 11 different tracks and has been claimed 8 times. He's been trained by 7 different men and women. He left (via claim) and returned (via claim) to the barn of Larry Rivelli 3 times. He's run at everything from 7 furlongs to 2 miles. He's won at least twice in every calendar year, and won 5 times in 18 starts in 2006. He ran most recently at Tampa Bay Downs on December 13, where he finished 6th of 12 against $5,000 claimers. Under jockey Huber Villa-Gomez, he took his usual position toward the rear of the field, but age is catching up with the 7 year old horse more than ever, and his usual furious closing kick has lost most of its punch. He's currently owned by Neal M. Allread, the CEO of Kurz-Kasch Incorporated, a manufacturing company based in Dayton, Ohio. His trainer is Barbara I. McBride.
I first saw Caiman race in that Belmont Stakes, but didn't really notice him until a brisk fall evening in 2006. The Michael Lauer-trainee was running in the 9th race at the track most local to me, Mountaineer Park. I saw that the colt had the class to be competitive at this starter allowance level, and that he'd just missed by less than a length last out at Mountaineer in a similar race. Despite his being hammered to 7/10 at the windows, I put some money on him. And sure enough, as always seemed to happen, he just wasn't quite good enough. Rex Stokes put him on the lead in the 10f race, and he and a Prairie Meadows shipper named Canela battled back and forth throughout the race. It was an outstanding duel, with neither horse willing to give an inch - Caiman asserted himself with a lead at the mile point, but Canela had pulled even by the top of the lane. Caiman dug in to give his all, and so did Canela. Canela gained a clear upper edge within the sixteenth pole, and one final push from Caiman wasn't enough to get the job done - Canela was the winner by 1/2 length and my win ticket on Caiman was worthless. I was still impressed. The duo stopped the timer in 2:03.81, a very respectable time at Mountaineer, and only 1/5 of a second off the track record. Ever since then, I've followed Caiman's career closely, although I'd never bet on him again. He brielfy returned to Mountaineer for several months earlier this year, and he hit the board in 4 of 5 starts against $5,000 claimers. I went to see him in one of the starts, didn't bet him, but still cheered proudly for the bay horse. Seeing him put a smile on my face - not many horses can do that.
If anyone knows Allread or McBride, can they do me a favor and pass along a message? I'm not asking for a shoe or a halter, nor do I have the means or resources to offer Caiman a home for when he's done racing. I'm not looking to claim or purchase the horse, but I would love for them to know one thing - that their horse has at least one fan. Everytime I see his name amongst my stable mail, I excitedly check to see if he was able to win or not. The majority of the time he comes up short, but it's been a fun ride just sitting back and watching Caiman do his thing.
Thanks for taking me along for the ride, Caiman. While most popular and talented thoroughbreds come and go, Caiman has always been around to enjoy. Here's to nothing but success in 2009, and as always stay safe buddy!
Readers, I edited the name of Dr. Greenfield from my post - I showed very poor discretion in mentioning his name amongst the other Belmont Stakes losers, as it has been brought to my attention that the circumstances surrounding his defeat are far more complicated than the fact that he just wasn't good enough. I regret tarnishing his name, and apologize to the Team Valor Stables and anyone else I may have upset. My apologies.
Dustin
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Eclipse Balloting
So another year goes by, and yet again the fine folks who tally the votes and hand out the awards forgot to send me a ballot. What an unfortunate oversight - I really thought this was my year to earn some recognition in the industry. Perhaps 2009 will mark the arrival of my first ballot. In all seriousness, though, here is how I would vote for the awards -
Female Sprinter
Legitimately, this award comes down to two contestants - Patti and Hal Earnhardt's Indian Blessing (trained by B. Baffert) and Juddmonte Farm's Ventura (R. Frankel). A very strong case can be made for either, but I think a stronger case can be made for the Baffert-trainee. Indian Blessing won 5 of 8 starts, including 4 of 5 starts in races less than one mile. Those victories included the Grade 1 Test Stakes, the Grade 1 Prioress Stakes, the Grade 2 Gallant Bloom (against older competition), and hte Grade 2 Santa Ynez. Her only defeat in those 5 races was at the hands of Ventura in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, but Indian Blessing did manage to outrun the rest of her competitors that day to get 2nd. The case for Ventura hinges on ignoring her full campaign, and focusing on two races. Prior to the Breeders' Cup, Ventura would have been a logical contender for the 'Turf Female' award, as 5 of her 7 starts in 2008 were on the grass. She did win twice on the main track in sprints, those being the aformentioned Breeders' Cup and the Grade 2 Madison Stakes at Keeneland, but I just don't think those two races make her resume stronger than Indian Blessing's for this particular award. For third, I'm the nod to Intangaroo (G. Sherlock), who very quietly won 3 Grade 1 races in 2008, including the Santa Monica Handicap, the Humana Distaff, and the Ballerina Stakes at Saratoga. Her distant finish in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (6th) ultimately kept her from meriting more consideration.
1. Indian Blessing
2. Ventura
3. Intangaroo
Male Sprinter
This is yet another wide open division, and a handful at least merit serious consideration. The most talented sprinter to set foot on any track in 2008 was Midnight Lute (B. Baffert), however I have to go against the Breeders' Cup Sprint champion here. IEAH Stable's Benny the Bull (R. Dutrow) put together a great campaign, in which he won all 4 of his races. The campaign of Street Boss (B. Headley) also should not be forgotten. He won a pair of Grade 1 races, placed in two others, and also won a Grade 3 event. At the end of the day, however, I think Benny the Bull is the most deserving here. I'm not the type of person who would refuse to vote for a nominee after one big performance, but I simply feel that Benny the Bull was good enough in 2009 to overcome Midnight Lute's one big run. Plus it's important to not overlook the fact that Midnight Lute also bombed in the Grade 2 Pat O'Brien in his only other start of 2008. Benny the Bull won sprint stakes races at 4 different tracks - Gulfstream, Calder, Belmont, and Nad al Sheba, and was the Breeders' Cup Sprint favorite before his retirement due to injury. Midnight Lute was probably the best to set foot on a track in 2008, but didn't show it enough to merit the top billing here. Would also like to give a mention to Bear Stables' Fatal Bullet (R. Baker), Canada's Horse of the Year, who ran 2nd in the Breeders' Cup Sprint.
1. Benny the Bull
2. Midnight Lute
3. Street Boss
Juvenile Female
This one is definitely one of the awards that is an open and shut case. Stardom Bound, campaigned through her juvenile season in the silks of Charles Cono by Chris Paasch prior to being sold at Keeneland, won a trio of Grade 1 races including the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, the Oak Leaf Stakes, and the DelMar Debutante. She should be a most unanimous winner. Behind her, it gets a bit tricky - the form of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies hasn't held up well, and both Sky Diva (S. Klesaris) and Dream Express (K. McPeek) struggled in their post-Breeders' Cup races. I also think Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf victor Maram (C. Brown) deserves some attention after putting together a 3 for 3 campaign that ended with wins in a Grade 3 race and a Breeders' Cup race.
1. Stardom Bound
2. Dream Express
3. Maram
Juvenile Male
I'm really not sure this one is as close as some are making it out to be. There are a myriad of top competitors, including Midshipman, campaigned in 2008 by Bob Baffert, Vineyard Haven, who was campaigned by Robert Frankel, as well as Grade 1 winners Square Eddie (D. O'Neill) and Street Hero (M. Cho). The top two are pretty much set to be Midshipman and Vineyard Haven, who combined to win 4 Grade 1 races, two each. I guess it comes down to the caliber of the victories. Midshipman won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and the DelMar Futurity, and in the process he defeated the likes of Square Eddie, Street Hero (twice), Coronet of a Baron, Munnings, and Terrain. He also lost a close decision to Street Hero in the Grade 1 Norfolk. Vineyard Haven won the Hopeful and Champagne Stakes, and in the process defeated Desert Party, Munnings (twice), Cribnote (twice), Hello Broadway, and Break Water Edison. In total, Midshipman defeated 3 Group/Grade 1 winners, while Vineyard Haven defeated none. That's the difference for me, right there. Midshipman beat better horses and showed up for the Breeders' Cup. I give Square Eddie the nod over Street Hero for 3rd.
1. Midshipman
2. Vineyard Haven
3. Square Eddie
Three-Year-Old Male
Big Brown. Not even close.
1. Big Brown
2. Colonel John
3. Raven's Pass
Three-Year-Old Female
Probably will end up being the closest vote of them all - it comes down to Brerton Jones' Proud Spell (L. Jones) and Godolphin's Music Note (S. Suroor). Each boast an incredible record that would be more than enough to win in most years. Proud Spell won a pair of Grade 1 races, the Kentucky Oaks and the Alabama Stakes (over Music Note), as well as a pair of Grade 2 races, the Fair Grounds Oaks and the Delaware Oaks. She ran third in both the Grade 1 Mother Goose (to Music Note; after being dq'd from 2nd) and the Grade 1 Ashland, and placed in both the Grade 2 Cotillion and the Grade 3 Silverbulletday. She hit the board in each of her 8 starts, all against graded competition, and took on the best fillies of her generation. Music Note, not to be outdone, won the Grade 1 Gazelle and the Grade 1 Mother Goose (against Proud Spell), as well as the Grade 1 CCA Oaks. She placed in the Grade 1 Alabama (to Proud Spell), and the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic. Differenting between the two is difficult. Music Note won more Grade 1 races (3 to 2), but Proud Spell won the biggest race for 3yo fillies, the Kentucky Oaks. Each defeated the other once. Music Note showed up in the Breeders' Cup, but didn't burst onto the graded stakes scene until June. Proud Spell skipped the Breeders' Cup, but ran each of her 8 starts against graded competition, starting in February. Neither has a true blemish or bad loss, however Proud Spell's loss to Seattle Smooth in the Cotillion hurts much more than Music Note's loss to Zenyatta and Cocoa Beach in the Breeders' Cup. In a toss-up this close, I'm inclined to go with Proud Spell because she danced more dances, but I won't be disappointed no matter who wins. It's impossible not to mention Kentucky Derby runner-up Eight Belles (L. Jones) here, as she may have been the best of them all.
1. Proud Spell
2. Music Note
3. Eight Belles
Turf Female
Not a very difficult one - Augustin Stable's Forever Together (J. Sheppard) won 3 Grade 1 races, including the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, the First Lady Stakes, and the Diana Stakes. She also placed in the Grade 1 Just a Game at Belmont. She earned $1.8 million during her 7 race campaign. The pool behind her is quite jumbled. All of the following won one Grade 1 race and could merit the second spot - Cocoa Beach (S. Suroor), Dynaforce (W. Mott), Goldikova (F. Head), Mauralakana (C. Clement), and Wait a While (T. Pletcher). I'm tossing Cocoa Beach from consideration as she only ran once on the surface worldwide in 2008. I'm tossing Dynaforce for her 1 for 5 overall record. Mauralakana flatted out after winning a Grade 1, two Grade 2's, and a Grade 3 earlier in the year. She also placed in a Grade 1. Goldikova would be the runner-up to Zarkava in a "Worldwide Turf Female" contest, but her one race in the States wasn't enough to sway me.
1. Forever Together
2. Mauralakana (Fr)
3. Wait a While
Turf Male
I move to give this award to nobody. Please? If nobody deserves it, why hand it out for the sake of it. It's pretty bad when the leading contender is probably a European who made one start in the States, that being Ballymacoll Farm's Conduit (M. Stoute). The Breeders' Cup Turf winner was a Group 1 victor in Europe, but in most circumstances it's difficult to merit handing out an award to a European who made just one start here. This year may be the exception. I'm convinced that the most talented turf male in the United States is IEAH Stable's Kip Deville (R. Dutrow). Buuuut...he didn't show it too well in 2008. A one-time Grade 1 winner, Kip took the Makers Mark Mile in April, as well as the Grade 3 Poker Handicap in July, but ran 5th in the Woodbine Mile (CAN-Gr. I) before placing in the Breeders' Cup Mile. Nothing that he did in Hong Kong would make me any more inclined to vote for him, but it doesn't make me less inclined either. Marc Keller's Grand Couturier (R. Ribaudo) won a pair of Grade 1 races, including the Turf Classic at Belmont and Sword Dancer, but ran very poorly in the Grade 1 Man O War and Breeders' Cup Turf, where he was last of 11. But those 2 Grade 1 wins loom very, very large on his resume. Einstein (H. Pitts) is another with a resume deserving of consideration for this award. He went 6-3-2-0 on the turf in 2008, and those victories included scores in the Grade 1 Turf Classic at Churchill Downs and the Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf Stakes. He placed in the Grade 1 Makers Mark Mile, and the Grade 2 Firecracker Stakes, but more importantly doesn't have the poor losses that blemish Grand Couturier's resume. At the end of the day, I begrudgingly give him the nod in this category, with the European second. Grand Couturier needed to do better more than twice.
1. Einstein (Brz)
2. Conduit (Ire)
3. Kip Deville
Older Female
This is probably the division where 1-3 are easiest to figure. Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Moss' Zenyatta (J. Shirreffs) danced every dance, won 4 Grade 1 races and 3 Grade 2 races, and beat all of her challengers for the award. Second comes down to Stronach Stable's Ginger Punch (R. Frankel) and Godolphin's Cocoa Beach (S. Suroor), but (and I may be choosing sentimentally here), I'm going with Ginger Punch for second and Cocoa Beach for third. Ginger Punch won 3 Grade 1 races, a Grade 2, placed in two more Grade 1 events, and also won the Sunshine Millions Distaff. She hit a wall at the end of the year, but her overall resume is quite outstanding. I also want to mention Hystericalady (J. Hollendorfer) in this post, even if there's nothing to say about her except she had a hell of a career.
1. Zenyatta
2. Ginger Punch
3. Cocoa Beach (Chi)
Older Male
No way Stonestreet's Curlin (S. Asmussen) doesn't merit top billing. He won 4 Grade 1 races, went undefeated on the dirt, and earned just south of $5.4 million in 7 starts. His choke-job in the Breeders' Cup can be forgiven due to the surface. Tracy Farmer's Commentator (N. Zito) deserves to be mentioned, as does Peter Vegso's Go Between (W. Mott), and William Deburgh's Heatseeker (J. Hollendorfer), who was Curlin's biggest threat prior to his retirement.
1. Curlin
2. Heatseeker (Ire)
3. Go Between
Apprentice Jockey
No real standouts in this category this year, but in 2008 we saw several apprentices who seem to have very bright futures. Pascacio "Paco" Lopez, a regular rider at Calder, led apprentices with 222 victories, and won the riding title for Calder's meet that ended October 19. Abel Mariano led all apprentices in earnings, and is second in victories with 189. Inez Karlsson ranks third in both categories.
1. Pascacio Lopez
2. Abel Mariano
3. Inez Karlsson
Breeder
And all of the usual suspects are back for another run at the Eclipse Award for top breeder. Stronach's Adena Springs leads the nation in categories of starters, winners, seconds, thirds, and earnings, with nearly $19 million. Top Adena-bred runners in 2008 included Ginger Punch, Fatal Bullet, and Sugar Swirl. It's tough to overcome a stable with such outstanding statistics, but Stonerside just may have the caliber of runners to do just that. Bob McNair's former operation ranks second in earnings and is well behind others in starters and winners, but bred Breeders' Cup Classic champion Raven's Pass and Breeders' Cup Juvenile champion Midshipman. They also won Grade 1 placed colt Cowboy Cal. I'll vote for Juddmonte Farms to be third, as their worldwide operation bred such top runners as Champs Elysees, Ventura, Monzante, and First Defence.
1. Stonerside Stable
2. Adena Springs
3. Juddmonte Farms
Owner
Gotta go with Mike Iavaronne and Richard Schiavo's International Equine Acquisitions Holdings, Inc. (IEAH) as number one. Their stable included the caliber of runners like Big Brown, Benny the Bull, Kip Deville, Pure Clan, Court Vision, Frost Giant, Laragh, Ariege, and Acai. They're in a position to win as many as 3 or 4 Eclipse Awards, and have to be considered favorites in the Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding category, the Sprinter category, and also have an outside shot at Turf Male and perhaps even Horse of the Year with Big Brown. Frank Stronach's Stronach Stables had another excellent year, and currently leads the nation in winners and earnings, with Ahmed Zayat's Zayat Stables. Zayat was represented in the Kentucky Derby by Z Humor and Z Fortune. Might as well give Jess Jackson a shoutout here too, with his campaign of Curlin.
1. IEAH Stables
2. Stronach Stables
3. Stonestreet Stables, LLC
Trainer
What does one go with here? The best numbers or the best training job(s)? Rick Dutrow Jr. won less than a third of the races that Steve Asmussen did, and at the same time he pissed off the majority of racing fans through his brash and sometimes insulting statements. He did, however, do a heck of a job keeping Big Brown's feet together, and soliciting 5 spectacular victories out of the colt. He also campaigned Kip Deville, Frost Giant, and Benny the Bull. His win percentage is higher than Asmussens or Todd Pletcher's. Asmussen had a spectacular season, winning 601 races (and counting), has earned over $23 million this year, and has been represented by such runners as Curlin, Pyro, Zanjero, Z Fortune, and many other stakes horses. Pletcher, who had a down year in 2008, still deserves a mention. I'd be much more inclined to overlook Asmussen's sheer statistics, but I have trouble overlooking every time where Dutrow ran his mouth and embarrassed himself, his clients, and the sport of horse racing. Bob Baffert did an excellent job readying Midnight Lute for the Breeders' Cup, and also did a great job with Tough Tiz's Sis and Indian Blessing, among others.
1. Steve Asmussen
2. Rick Dutrow Jr.
3. Bob Baffert
Jockey
Velazquez. Gomez. Bejarano. Prado. Dominguez. Albarado...heck, it's difficult to even pick a handful of finalists for this category. Garrett Gomez leads the nation in earnings by about $7 million. Ramon Dominguez is the only mainstream rider with more than 300 victories. Rafael Bejarano is riding 21% winners. Gomez won 4 Breeders' Cup races, and at the end of the day, he's still the guy I'd want on a horse if I owned one, but Raffy Bejarano is getting close to that level. He's already elite, but he's poised to take the top spot from GoGo very soon. Edgar Prado has once agan put together a very nice year.
1. Garrett Gomez
2. Rafael Bejarano
3. Edgar Prado
Horse of the Year
Last but not least is the Horse of the Year category. And while I guess a case can be made for several of them, it definitely comes down to two. Those two being probably Older Female champion Zenyatta and probable Older Male champion and reigning Horse of the Year, Curlin. Each won 4 Grade 1 races, Zenyatta's being the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic, the Apple Blossom Handicap, the Vanity, and the Lady's Secret Stakes. She also won 3 Grade 2 races. Curlin's Grade 1 scores included the Dubai World Cup, the Stephen Foster, the Woodward, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup. At times, Curlin was probably the most talented horse in the world, but I don't think that is the only basis of which this award should be given. Zenyatta towered over her competitors and showed up each and every start, against the best in her division - she beat Cocoa Beach, Tough Tiz's Sis, Ginger Punch, Music Note, and Hystericalady. She won on both the conventional dirt, and the synthetic tracks at Santa Anita, Hollywood, and DelMar. She refused to lose, and beat what is most likely one of the deepest fields we've ever seen in the Breeders' Cup Distaff/Ladies Classic. She never took on the males. Curlin, on the other hand, struggled a bit in the transition from the dirt to the turf and synthetics. He failed in the Breeders' Cup, and he struggled a bit after returning from Dubai. While the Distaff division in 2008 deep and talented, the older male division in 2008 was poor and subpar at best. It's easiest to give the award to the horse who surpassed $10,000,000 in career earnings in 2008, but the true Horse of the Year in 2008, the one that refused to lose, the one that showed adversity and handled multiple surfaces, the one that dominated her division and culminated it with a huge Breeders' Cup score, in my eyes, is Zenyatta.
1. Zenyatta
2. Curlin
3. Big Brown
Female Sprinter
Legitimately, this award comes down to two contestants - Patti and Hal Earnhardt's Indian Blessing (trained by B. Baffert) and Juddmonte Farm's Ventura (R. Frankel). A very strong case can be made for either, but I think a stronger case can be made for the Baffert-trainee. Indian Blessing won 5 of 8 starts, including 4 of 5 starts in races less than one mile. Those victories included the Grade 1 Test Stakes, the Grade 1 Prioress Stakes, the Grade 2 Gallant Bloom (against older competition), and hte Grade 2 Santa Ynez. Her only defeat in those 5 races was at the hands of Ventura in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, but Indian Blessing did manage to outrun the rest of her competitors that day to get 2nd. The case for Ventura hinges on ignoring her full campaign, and focusing on two races. Prior to the Breeders' Cup, Ventura would have been a logical contender for the 'Turf Female' award, as 5 of her 7 starts in 2008 were on the grass. She did win twice on the main track in sprints, those being the aformentioned Breeders' Cup and the Grade 2 Madison Stakes at Keeneland, but I just don't think those two races make her resume stronger than Indian Blessing's for this particular award. For third, I'm the nod to Intangaroo (G. Sherlock), who very quietly won 3 Grade 1 races in 2008, including the Santa Monica Handicap, the Humana Distaff, and the Ballerina Stakes at Saratoga. Her distant finish in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (6th) ultimately kept her from meriting more consideration.
1. Indian Blessing
2. Ventura
3. Intangaroo
Male Sprinter
This is yet another wide open division, and a handful at least merit serious consideration. The most talented sprinter to set foot on any track in 2008 was Midnight Lute (B. Baffert), however I have to go against the Breeders' Cup Sprint champion here. IEAH Stable's Benny the Bull (R. Dutrow) put together a great campaign, in which he won all 4 of his races. The campaign of Street Boss (B. Headley) also should not be forgotten. He won a pair of Grade 1 races, placed in two others, and also won a Grade 3 event. At the end of the day, however, I think Benny the Bull is the most deserving here. I'm not the type of person who would refuse to vote for a nominee after one big performance, but I simply feel that Benny the Bull was good enough in 2009 to overcome Midnight Lute's one big run. Plus it's important to not overlook the fact that Midnight Lute also bombed in the Grade 2 Pat O'Brien in his only other start of 2008. Benny the Bull won sprint stakes races at 4 different tracks - Gulfstream, Calder, Belmont, and Nad al Sheba, and was the Breeders' Cup Sprint favorite before his retirement due to injury. Midnight Lute was probably the best to set foot on a track in 2008, but didn't show it enough to merit the top billing here. Would also like to give a mention to Bear Stables' Fatal Bullet (R. Baker), Canada's Horse of the Year, who ran 2nd in the Breeders' Cup Sprint.
1. Benny the Bull
2. Midnight Lute
3. Street Boss
Juvenile Female
This one is definitely one of the awards that is an open and shut case. Stardom Bound, campaigned through her juvenile season in the silks of Charles Cono by Chris Paasch prior to being sold at Keeneland, won a trio of Grade 1 races including the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, the Oak Leaf Stakes, and the DelMar Debutante. She should be a most unanimous winner. Behind her, it gets a bit tricky - the form of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies hasn't held up well, and both Sky Diva (S. Klesaris) and Dream Express (K. McPeek) struggled in their post-Breeders' Cup races. I also think Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf victor Maram (C. Brown) deserves some attention after putting together a 3 for 3 campaign that ended with wins in a Grade 3 race and a Breeders' Cup race.
1. Stardom Bound
2. Dream Express
3. Maram
Juvenile Male
I'm really not sure this one is as close as some are making it out to be. There are a myriad of top competitors, including Midshipman, campaigned in 2008 by Bob Baffert, Vineyard Haven, who was campaigned by Robert Frankel, as well as Grade 1 winners Square Eddie (D. O'Neill) and Street Hero (M. Cho). The top two are pretty much set to be Midshipman and Vineyard Haven, who combined to win 4 Grade 1 races, two each. I guess it comes down to the caliber of the victories. Midshipman won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and the DelMar Futurity, and in the process he defeated the likes of Square Eddie, Street Hero (twice), Coronet of a Baron, Munnings, and Terrain. He also lost a close decision to Street Hero in the Grade 1 Norfolk. Vineyard Haven won the Hopeful and Champagne Stakes, and in the process defeated Desert Party, Munnings (twice), Cribnote (twice), Hello Broadway, and Break Water Edison. In total, Midshipman defeated 3 Group/Grade 1 winners, while Vineyard Haven defeated none. That's the difference for me, right there. Midshipman beat better horses and showed up for the Breeders' Cup. I give Square Eddie the nod over Street Hero for 3rd.
1. Midshipman
2. Vineyard Haven
3. Square Eddie
Three-Year-Old Male
Big Brown. Not even close.
1. Big Brown
2. Colonel John
3. Raven's Pass
Three-Year-Old Female
Probably will end up being the closest vote of them all - it comes down to Brerton Jones' Proud Spell (L. Jones) and Godolphin's Music Note (S. Suroor). Each boast an incredible record that would be more than enough to win in most years. Proud Spell won a pair of Grade 1 races, the Kentucky Oaks and the Alabama Stakes (over Music Note), as well as a pair of Grade 2 races, the Fair Grounds Oaks and the Delaware Oaks. She ran third in both the Grade 1 Mother Goose (to Music Note; after being dq'd from 2nd) and the Grade 1 Ashland, and placed in both the Grade 2 Cotillion and the Grade 3 Silverbulletday. She hit the board in each of her 8 starts, all against graded competition, and took on the best fillies of her generation. Music Note, not to be outdone, won the Grade 1 Gazelle and the Grade 1 Mother Goose (against Proud Spell), as well as the Grade 1 CCA Oaks. She placed in the Grade 1 Alabama (to Proud Spell), and the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic. Differenting between the two is difficult. Music Note won more Grade 1 races (3 to 2), but Proud Spell won the biggest race for 3yo fillies, the Kentucky Oaks. Each defeated the other once. Music Note showed up in the Breeders' Cup, but didn't burst onto the graded stakes scene until June. Proud Spell skipped the Breeders' Cup, but ran each of her 8 starts against graded competition, starting in February. Neither has a true blemish or bad loss, however Proud Spell's loss to Seattle Smooth in the Cotillion hurts much more than Music Note's loss to Zenyatta and Cocoa Beach in the Breeders' Cup. In a toss-up this close, I'm inclined to go with Proud Spell because she danced more dances, but I won't be disappointed no matter who wins. It's impossible not to mention Kentucky Derby runner-up Eight Belles (L. Jones) here, as she may have been the best of them all.
1. Proud Spell
2. Music Note
3. Eight Belles
Turf Female
Not a very difficult one - Augustin Stable's Forever Together (J. Sheppard) won 3 Grade 1 races, including the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, the First Lady Stakes, and the Diana Stakes. She also placed in the Grade 1 Just a Game at Belmont. She earned $1.8 million during her 7 race campaign. The pool behind her is quite jumbled. All of the following won one Grade 1 race and could merit the second spot - Cocoa Beach (S. Suroor), Dynaforce (W. Mott), Goldikova (F. Head), Mauralakana (C. Clement), and Wait a While (T. Pletcher). I'm tossing Cocoa Beach from consideration as she only ran once on the surface worldwide in 2008. I'm tossing Dynaforce for her 1 for 5 overall record. Mauralakana flatted out after winning a Grade 1, two Grade 2's, and a Grade 3 earlier in the year. She also placed in a Grade 1. Goldikova would be the runner-up to Zarkava in a "Worldwide Turf Female" contest, but her one race in the States wasn't enough to sway me.
1. Forever Together
2. Mauralakana (Fr)
3. Wait a While
Turf Male
I move to give this award to nobody. Please? If nobody deserves it, why hand it out for the sake of it. It's pretty bad when the leading contender is probably a European who made one start in the States, that being Ballymacoll Farm's Conduit (M. Stoute). The Breeders' Cup Turf winner was a Group 1 victor in Europe, but in most circumstances it's difficult to merit handing out an award to a European who made just one start here. This year may be the exception. I'm convinced that the most talented turf male in the United States is IEAH Stable's Kip Deville (R. Dutrow). Buuuut...he didn't show it too well in 2008. A one-time Grade 1 winner, Kip took the Makers Mark Mile in April, as well as the Grade 3 Poker Handicap in July, but ran 5th in the Woodbine Mile (CAN-Gr. I) before placing in the Breeders' Cup Mile. Nothing that he did in Hong Kong would make me any more inclined to vote for him, but it doesn't make me less inclined either. Marc Keller's Grand Couturier (R. Ribaudo) won a pair of Grade 1 races, including the Turf Classic at Belmont and Sword Dancer, but ran very poorly in the Grade 1 Man O War and Breeders' Cup Turf, where he was last of 11. But those 2 Grade 1 wins loom very, very large on his resume. Einstein (H. Pitts) is another with a resume deserving of consideration for this award. He went 6-3-2-0 on the turf in 2008, and those victories included scores in the Grade 1 Turf Classic at Churchill Downs and the Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf Stakes. He placed in the Grade 1 Makers Mark Mile, and the Grade 2 Firecracker Stakes, but more importantly doesn't have the poor losses that blemish Grand Couturier's resume. At the end of the day, I begrudgingly give him the nod in this category, with the European second. Grand Couturier needed to do better more than twice.
1. Einstein (Brz)
2. Conduit (Ire)
3. Kip Deville
Older Female
This is probably the division where 1-3 are easiest to figure. Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Moss' Zenyatta (J. Shirreffs) danced every dance, won 4 Grade 1 races and 3 Grade 2 races, and beat all of her challengers for the award. Second comes down to Stronach Stable's Ginger Punch (R. Frankel) and Godolphin's Cocoa Beach (S. Suroor), but (and I may be choosing sentimentally here), I'm going with Ginger Punch for second and Cocoa Beach for third. Ginger Punch won 3 Grade 1 races, a Grade 2, placed in two more Grade 1 events, and also won the Sunshine Millions Distaff. She hit a wall at the end of the year, but her overall resume is quite outstanding. I also want to mention Hystericalady (J. Hollendorfer) in this post, even if there's nothing to say about her except she had a hell of a career.
1. Zenyatta
2. Ginger Punch
3. Cocoa Beach (Chi)
Older Male
No way Stonestreet's Curlin (S. Asmussen) doesn't merit top billing. He won 4 Grade 1 races, went undefeated on the dirt, and earned just south of $5.4 million in 7 starts. His choke-job in the Breeders' Cup can be forgiven due to the surface. Tracy Farmer's Commentator (N. Zito) deserves to be mentioned, as does Peter Vegso's Go Between (W. Mott), and William Deburgh's Heatseeker (J. Hollendorfer), who was Curlin's biggest threat prior to his retirement.
1. Curlin
2. Heatseeker (Ire)
3. Go Between
Apprentice Jockey
No real standouts in this category this year, but in 2008 we saw several apprentices who seem to have very bright futures. Pascacio "Paco" Lopez, a regular rider at Calder, led apprentices with 222 victories, and won the riding title for Calder's meet that ended October 19. Abel Mariano led all apprentices in earnings, and is second in victories with 189. Inez Karlsson ranks third in both categories.
1. Pascacio Lopez
2. Abel Mariano
3. Inez Karlsson
Breeder
And all of the usual suspects are back for another run at the Eclipse Award for top breeder. Stronach's Adena Springs leads the nation in categories of starters, winners, seconds, thirds, and earnings, with nearly $19 million. Top Adena-bred runners in 2008 included Ginger Punch, Fatal Bullet, and Sugar Swirl. It's tough to overcome a stable with such outstanding statistics, but Stonerside just may have the caliber of runners to do just that. Bob McNair's former operation ranks second in earnings and is well behind others in starters and winners, but bred Breeders' Cup Classic champion Raven's Pass and Breeders' Cup Juvenile champion Midshipman. They also won Grade 1 placed colt Cowboy Cal. I'll vote for Juddmonte Farms to be third, as their worldwide operation bred such top runners as Champs Elysees, Ventura, Monzante, and First Defence.
1. Stonerside Stable
2. Adena Springs
3. Juddmonte Farms
Owner
Gotta go with Mike Iavaronne and Richard Schiavo's International Equine Acquisitions Holdings, Inc. (IEAH) as number one. Their stable included the caliber of runners like Big Brown, Benny the Bull, Kip Deville, Pure Clan, Court Vision, Frost Giant, Laragh, Ariege, and Acai. They're in a position to win as many as 3 or 4 Eclipse Awards, and have to be considered favorites in the Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding category, the Sprinter category, and also have an outside shot at Turf Male and perhaps even Horse of the Year with Big Brown. Frank Stronach's Stronach Stables had another excellent year, and currently leads the nation in winners and earnings, with Ahmed Zayat's Zayat Stables. Zayat was represented in the Kentucky Derby by Z Humor and Z Fortune. Might as well give Jess Jackson a shoutout here too, with his campaign of Curlin.
1. IEAH Stables
2. Stronach Stables
3. Stonestreet Stables, LLC
Trainer
What does one go with here? The best numbers or the best training job(s)? Rick Dutrow Jr. won less than a third of the races that Steve Asmussen did, and at the same time he pissed off the majority of racing fans through his brash and sometimes insulting statements. He did, however, do a heck of a job keeping Big Brown's feet together, and soliciting 5 spectacular victories out of the colt. He also campaigned Kip Deville, Frost Giant, and Benny the Bull. His win percentage is higher than Asmussens or Todd Pletcher's. Asmussen had a spectacular season, winning 601 races (and counting), has earned over $23 million this year, and has been represented by such runners as Curlin, Pyro, Zanjero, Z Fortune, and many other stakes horses. Pletcher, who had a down year in 2008, still deserves a mention. I'd be much more inclined to overlook Asmussen's sheer statistics, but I have trouble overlooking every time where Dutrow ran his mouth and embarrassed himself, his clients, and the sport of horse racing. Bob Baffert did an excellent job readying Midnight Lute for the Breeders' Cup, and also did a great job with Tough Tiz's Sis and Indian Blessing, among others.
1. Steve Asmussen
2. Rick Dutrow Jr.
3. Bob Baffert
Jockey
Velazquez. Gomez. Bejarano. Prado. Dominguez. Albarado...heck, it's difficult to even pick a handful of finalists for this category. Garrett Gomez leads the nation in earnings by about $7 million. Ramon Dominguez is the only mainstream rider with more than 300 victories. Rafael Bejarano is riding 21% winners. Gomez won 4 Breeders' Cup races, and at the end of the day, he's still the guy I'd want on a horse if I owned one, but Raffy Bejarano is getting close to that level. He's already elite, but he's poised to take the top spot from GoGo very soon. Edgar Prado has once agan put together a very nice year.
1. Garrett Gomez
2. Rafael Bejarano
3. Edgar Prado
Horse of the Year
Last but not least is the Horse of the Year category. And while I guess a case can be made for several of them, it definitely comes down to two. Those two being probably Older Female champion Zenyatta and probable Older Male champion and reigning Horse of the Year, Curlin. Each won 4 Grade 1 races, Zenyatta's being the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic, the Apple Blossom Handicap, the Vanity, and the Lady's Secret Stakes. She also won 3 Grade 2 races. Curlin's Grade 1 scores included the Dubai World Cup, the Stephen Foster, the Woodward, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup. At times, Curlin was probably the most talented horse in the world, but I don't think that is the only basis of which this award should be given. Zenyatta towered over her competitors and showed up each and every start, against the best in her division - she beat Cocoa Beach, Tough Tiz's Sis, Ginger Punch, Music Note, and Hystericalady. She won on both the conventional dirt, and the synthetic tracks at Santa Anita, Hollywood, and DelMar. She refused to lose, and beat what is most likely one of the deepest fields we've ever seen in the Breeders' Cup Distaff/Ladies Classic. She never took on the males. Curlin, on the other hand, struggled a bit in the transition from the dirt to the turf and synthetics. He failed in the Breeders' Cup, and he struggled a bit after returning from Dubai. While the Distaff division in 2008 deep and talented, the older male division in 2008 was poor and subpar at best. It's easiest to give the award to the horse who surpassed $10,000,000 in career earnings in 2008, but the true Horse of the Year in 2008, the one that refused to lose, the one that showed adversity and handled multiple surfaces, the one that dominated her division and culminated it with a huge Breeders' Cup score, in my eyes, is Zenyatta.
1. Zenyatta
2. Curlin
3. Big Brown
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Graded Stakes Earnings & Saturday Recap
About this time every year, there's always one whack-job (or as I prefer, dedicated horse racing fan) who goes through each of the graded stakes races for juveniles and compiles a list of Graded Stakes Earnings (GSE) in anticipation for next May's Kentucky Derby. And then all hell breaks loose and every amateur handicapper, fan, and pundit releases their official "Top 10" list. Or maybe its a "Derby Dozen." Or a "Bakers Dozen." Rarely you'll find one or two who rank 1-20. This year I'll be the guy who compiles the list...
However, before I present that, I'd like to take a quick look at Saturday's races -
Saturday, December 6
With most of 2008's finest horses having already been retired or shelved until next spring, the pickings have been slim in trying to find top fields.
Hollywood Park did an admirable job of compiling pretty nice fields for the Grade 1 Hollywood Turf Cup and the Grade 3 Native Diver Handicap. In the Turf Cup, favorite Champs Elysees closed quickly and decisively to beat a pretty bland field of turf marathoners. Actually, this field was marred by mediocrity and only one of the eight entrants had won their previous start. While Champs Elysees comes from a spectacular family (full brother to Banks Hill, Cacique, Intercontinental, & Dansili, as well as a half to Heat Haze), I've just never found myself to be impressed with him. It does look as if he's turned a corner on the turf, and if he stays in training next year the sky may be the limit against a pretty depleted division. How long until the sons of English Channel hit the track? In the Native Diver, I was very impressed with Slew's Tizzy. An absolute enigma of late, I'm really hoping that he's finally turned that corner and is poised for a huge 2009. He broke a 9 race losing streak in September, and looked very strong down the lane in this race. Also have to be impressed with Coolmore's Ball Four. He missed 18 months, and now he's back to the graded level at 7 years old - you don't see that too often.
But without further adieu, here are those GSEs. Note that only American races for males (25 total) were included...
1. Midshipman (Suroor/-)...$1,350,200
2. Square Eddie (O'Neill/Bejarano)...$736,000
3. Big Drama (Fawkes/Coa)...$450,000
4. Vineyard Haven (Suroor/-)...$405,000
5. Street Hero (Cho/Solis)...$393,000 ***OFF DERBY TRAIL - RETIRED***
6. Terrain (Stall/Theriot)...$344,830
7. West Side Bernie (Breen/Trujillo)...$210,760
8. Run Away and Hide (Werner/Albarado)...$193,429 ***OFF DERBY TRAIL - RETIRED***
9. Azul Leon (O'Neill/Bejarano)...$173,600
10. Charitable Man (McLaughlin/Garcia)...$150,000
11. Bittel Road (T) (Pletcher/M. Smith)...$144,000
12. Old Fashioned (Jones/Dominguez)...$120,000
13. Break Water Edison (Kimmel/Garcia)...$115,200
14. Munnings (Pletcher/Velazquez)...$105,000
15. Pioneerof the Nile (Mott/Desormeaux)...$103,250
16. Beethoven (Ward/Borel)...$99,994
17. Screen Your Friend (Flint/Borel)...$99,981
18. Elusive Bluff (T) (Guillot/M. Baze)...$95,580
19. Silent Valor (Pletcher/Velazquez)...$95,000
20. Desert Party (Harty/Prado)...$91,667
21. Cribnote (Violette/Maragh)...$90,000
22. Capt. Candyman Can (Wilkes/Leparoux)...$84,445
23. Stimulus Plan (Casse/Desormeaux)...$82,500
24. Coronet of a Baron (Harty/Nakatani)...$80,000
25. Mr. Rod (T) (Hendricks/Sutherland)...$69,300
26. Retap (Asmussen/Bridgmohan)...$64,600
27. Jack o' Lantern (Matlow/Enriquez)...$63,700 ***OFF DERBY TRAIL - INJURED***
28. Officer Ipod (A. Dutrow/Bravo)...$60,000
29. Flying Pegasus (Nicks/Velasquez)...$50,000
30. Driving Snow (GB) (T) (Miller/Albarado)...$40,000
30. Atomic Rain (Breen/Prado)...$40,000
32. Jose Adan (Suroor/-)...$37,900
33. Hello Broadway (Tagg/Coa)...$35,700
34. Believe in Hope (Ellis/Talamo)...$35,000
35. Garden District (f) (Pletcher/Velazquez)...$33,364
36. Lyin' Heart (Asmussen/Bridgmohan)...$33,002
37. Giant Oak (Block/Razo)...$32,256
38. Show Me the Cash (B. Brown/Castellano)...$31,860
39. Friesan Fire (Jones/Thompson)...$30,925
40. Gone Astray (McGaughey/Gomez)...$27,500
41. Deposer (Ire) (Best/Velasquez)...$25,000
42. Monty's Best (Baker/Albarado)...$21,553
43. Making Dreams (W. Solis/Valdivia)...$21,200
44. Advice (Pletcher/Douglas)...$20,845
45. Ninth Client (T) (Lukas/Leparoux)...$20,000
45. American Dance (Pletcher/Gomez)...$20,000
47. Zion (Asmussen/Bridgmohan)...$19,434
48. Gresham (J. Baker/Lanerie)...$18,188
49. Charlie's Moment (W. Solis/Court)...$18,000
50. Rereadthefootnotes (McLaughlin/Trujillo)...$16,500
51. Segal (Asmussen/Bridgmohan)...$16,126
52. Relatively Randy (T) (Donk/Velasquez)...$15,930
53. Reynaldothewizard (Harty/Leparoux)...$15,000
53. Southern Exchange (De Gannes/Gomez)...$15,000
53. Del Conte (Baffert/Espinoza)...$15,000
53. Majestic Blue (McLaughlin/Albarado)...$15,000
57. Girolamo (McLaughlin/Garcia)...$14,100
58. Fassnacht (Harrington/Rosario)...$12,720
59. Star of David (Asmussen/Bridgmohan)...$12,456
60. Royal Vindication (Hough/Castellano)...$11,850
61. Dream of Kaylee (Hess/Desormeaux)...$11,682
62. Just Like Biscuit (Moore/Borel)...$11,011
63. Ventana (Baffert/Smith)...$10,600
64. Vaquero (T) (Leahy/Hernandez Jr.)...$10,000
64. Idol Maker (Pletcher/Coa)...$10,000
66. Dueling Alex (Gambolatti/Marquez)...$9,750
67. Kelly Leak (Machowsky/Espinoza)...$9,000
67. Arashi Cat (Mullins/Potts)...$9,000
67. Bourbon Bay (T) (Drysdale/Bejarano)...$9,000
67. Hype (T) (Pletcher/M. Baze)...$9,000
71. Merkel (Asmussen/Bridgmohan)...$8,341
72. Theregoesjojo (McPeek/Albarado)...$8,063
73. Phosphorescent (Romans/Albarado)...$7,500
73. Join in the Dance (Pletcher/Velazquez)...$7,500
73. Notonthesamepage (Ward/Trujillo)...$7,500
76. Medaglia d'Onore (Sanders/Hill)...$7,255
77. Seismometer (Yakteen/Talamo)...$6,360
78. Hold Me Back (Mott/Velazquez)...$6,000
79. My Dominick James (Rivelli/Thornton)...$5,685
80. Proud Jefe (Amoss/Prado)...$5,500
81. Duke of Homberg (GB) (T) (Pelletan/Prado)...$5,465
82. Essenceofthemoon (Salzman/Camacho)...$5,004
83. Stormalory (Mott/Desoreamux)...$4,838
84. Brave Victory (Zito/Desormeaux)...$4,833
85. Pynaformer (T) (Kelly/Samyn)...$4,779
86. Wild Proof (Perkins/Lezcano)...$4,500
87. Tire Kicker (Hennig/Dominguez)...$3,555
88. Herr Mozart (T) (Mott/Maragh)...$3,186
89. Fu Peg He Rat (Sise/T. Baze)...$3,000
90. Tar Beach (McPeek/Mena)...$2,940
91. Kensei (Asmussen/Bridgmohan)...$2,500
91. High Mesa (Jones/Saez)...$2,500
93. Turbo Call (W. Solis/J. Garcia)...$2,120
94. Backbackbackgone (Miller/Bejarano)...$2,000
94. Rip Rap (Levine/Lezcano)...$2,000
94. Awesome Mich (Hennig/Castro)...$2,000
94. Insurgence (T) (Casse/Rosario)...$2,000
98. Jazzandthemagician (Romans/Mena)...$1,680
98. Coal Baron (Carroll/Albarado)...$1,680
98. Big Surf (Pletcher/Castanon)...$1,680
101. Cognito (Asmussen/Bridgmohan)...$1,666
102. General Quarters (McCarthy/Troilo)...$1,645
102. Silver Bayer (Ward/Castanon)...$1,645
104. A.P. Cardinal (Gambolati/Hill)...$1,600
105. His Greatness (Salazar/Solis)...$1,500
105. Ready Racer (Flint/Borel)...$1,500
105. Schleprock (Gulick/Karlsson)...$1,500
105. Investor (Byrne/Emigh)...$1,500
105. Malibu Maverick (Werner/Ferrer)...$1,500
105. My Man Moran (Quinn/Graham)...$1,500
111. Prince Charming (J. Jerkens/Lezcano)...$1,185
111. Forty Thieves (Klesaris/Velasquez)...$1,185
113. Mine All Mine (f) (Ward/Castanon)...$1,180
114. Sir Bubba (Napier/Thorwarth)...$1,000
115. Unsung Song (Hamm/Velasquez)...$750
116. Casey's On Call (Catalano/Baird)...$111
116. Chilliness (Tomlinson/Theriot)...$111
(T) = majority of GSEs earned on turf
(f) = filly
Well that's it - all 117 of them. Oh, and for those interested, they've combined to earn $7,094,530 in GSEs...
Now, GSE earners by trainer (those with more than 1) -
Todd Pletcher (10)
Steve Asmussen (8)
Kiaran McLaughlin (4)
William Mott (4)
Eoin Harty (3)
Saeed bin Suroor (3)
Larry Jones (3)
Walther Solis (3)
Wesley Ward (3)
Bob Baffert (2)
Kelly Breen (2)
Mark Casse (2)
Bernie Flint (2)
Cam Gambolati (2)
Mark Hennig (2)
Ken McPeek (2)
Doug O'Neill (2)
Dale Romans (2)
Ronny Werner (2)
And By Sire
Sky Mesa (6)
A.P. Indy (4)
Lion Heart (4)
More Than Ready (4)
Fusaichi Pegasus (3)
Read the Footnotes (3)
Unbridled's Song (3)
Vindication (3)
Bernstein (2)
Dixie Union (2)
Dynaformer (2)
Empire Maker (2)
Five Star Day (2)
Giant's Causeway (2)
Harlan's Holiday (2)
Lemon Drop Kid (2)
Malibu Moon (2)
Medaglia d'Oro (2)
Montbrook (2)
Mr. Greeley (2)
Sligo Bay (Ire) (2)
Smart Strike (2)
Speightstown (2)
Storm Cat (2)
Street Cry (Ire) (2)
Thunder Gulch (2)
However, before I present that, I'd like to take a quick look at Saturday's races -
Saturday, December 6
With most of 2008's finest horses having already been retired or shelved until next spring, the pickings have been slim in trying to find top fields.
Hollywood Park did an admirable job of compiling pretty nice fields for the Grade 1 Hollywood Turf Cup and the Grade 3 Native Diver Handicap. In the Turf Cup, favorite Champs Elysees closed quickly and decisively to beat a pretty bland field of turf marathoners. Actually, this field was marred by mediocrity and only one of the eight entrants had won their previous start. While Champs Elysees comes from a spectacular family (full brother to Banks Hill, Cacique, Intercontinental, & Dansili, as well as a half to Heat Haze), I've just never found myself to be impressed with him. It does look as if he's turned a corner on the turf, and if he stays in training next year the sky may be the limit against a pretty depleted division. How long until the sons of English Channel hit the track? In the Native Diver, I was very impressed with Slew's Tizzy. An absolute enigma of late, I'm really hoping that he's finally turned that corner and is poised for a huge 2009. He broke a 9 race losing streak in September, and looked very strong down the lane in this race. Also have to be impressed with Coolmore's Ball Four. He missed 18 months, and now he's back to the graded level at 7 years old - you don't see that too often.
But without further adieu, here are those GSEs. Note that only American races for males (25 total) were included...
1. Midshipman (Suroor/-)...$1,350,200
2. Square Eddie (O'Neill/Bejarano)...$736,000
3. Big Drama (Fawkes/Coa)...$450,000
4. Vineyard Haven (Suroor/-)...$405,000
5. Street Hero (Cho/Solis)...$393,000 ***OFF DERBY TRAIL - RETIRED***
6. Terrain (Stall/Theriot)...$344,830
7. West Side Bernie (Breen/Trujillo)...$210,760
8. Run Away and Hide (Werner/Albarado)...$193,429 ***OFF DERBY TRAIL - RETIRED***
9. Azul Leon (O'Neill/Bejarano)...$173,600
10. Charitable Man (McLaughlin/Garcia)...$150,000
11. Bittel Road (T) (Pletcher/M. Smith)...$144,000
12. Old Fashioned (Jones/Dominguez)...$120,000
13. Break Water Edison (Kimmel/Garcia)...$115,200
14. Munnings (Pletcher/Velazquez)...$105,000
15. Pioneerof the Nile (Mott/Desormeaux)...$103,250
16. Beethoven (Ward/Borel)...$99,994
17. Screen Your Friend (Flint/Borel)...$99,981
18. Elusive Bluff (T) (Guillot/M. Baze)...$95,580
19. Silent Valor (Pletcher/Velazquez)...$95,000
20. Desert Party (Harty/Prado)...$91,667
21. Cribnote (Violette/Maragh)...$90,000
22. Capt. Candyman Can (Wilkes/Leparoux)...$84,445
23. Stimulus Plan (Casse/Desormeaux)...$82,500
24. Coronet of a Baron (Harty/Nakatani)...$80,000
25. Mr. Rod (T) (Hendricks/Sutherland)...$69,300
26. Retap (Asmussen/Bridgmohan)...$64,600
27. Jack o' Lantern (Matlow/Enriquez)...$63,700 ***OFF DERBY TRAIL - INJURED***
28. Officer Ipod (A. Dutrow/Bravo)...$60,000
29. Flying Pegasus (Nicks/Velasquez)...$50,000
30. Driving Snow (GB) (T) (Miller/Albarado)...$40,000
30. Atomic Rain (Breen/Prado)...$40,000
32. Jose Adan (Suroor/-)...$37,900
33. Hello Broadway (Tagg/Coa)...$35,700
34. Believe in Hope (Ellis/Talamo)...$35,000
35. Garden District (f) (Pletcher/Velazquez)...$33,364
36. Lyin' Heart (Asmussen/Bridgmohan)...$33,002
37. Giant Oak (Block/Razo)...$32,256
38. Show Me the Cash (B. Brown/Castellano)...$31,860
39. Friesan Fire (Jones/Thompson)...$30,925
40. Gone Astray (McGaughey/Gomez)...$27,500
41. Deposer (Ire) (Best/Velasquez)...$25,000
42. Monty's Best (Baker/Albarado)...$21,553
43. Making Dreams (W. Solis/Valdivia)...$21,200
44. Advice (Pletcher/Douglas)...$20,845
45. Ninth Client (T) (Lukas/Leparoux)...$20,000
45. American Dance (Pletcher/Gomez)...$20,000
47. Zion (Asmussen/Bridgmohan)...$19,434
48. Gresham (J. Baker/Lanerie)...$18,188
49. Charlie's Moment (W. Solis/Court)...$18,000
50. Rereadthefootnotes (McLaughlin/Trujillo)...$16,500
51. Segal (Asmussen/Bridgmohan)...$16,126
52. Relatively Randy (T) (Donk/Velasquez)...$15,930
53. Reynaldothewizard (Harty/Leparoux)...$15,000
53. Southern Exchange (De Gannes/Gomez)...$15,000
53. Del Conte (Baffert/Espinoza)...$15,000
53. Majestic Blue (McLaughlin/Albarado)...$15,000
57. Girolamo (McLaughlin/Garcia)...$14,100
58. Fassnacht (Harrington/Rosario)...$12,720
59. Star of David (Asmussen/Bridgmohan)...$12,456
60. Royal Vindication (Hough/Castellano)...$11,850
61. Dream of Kaylee (Hess/Desormeaux)...$11,682
62. Just Like Biscuit (Moore/Borel)...$11,011
63. Ventana (Baffert/Smith)...$10,600
64. Vaquero (T) (Leahy/Hernandez Jr.)...$10,000
64. Idol Maker (Pletcher/Coa)...$10,000
66. Dueling Alex (Gambolatti/Marquez)...$9,750
67. Kelly Leak (Machowsky/Espinoza)...$9,000
67. Arashi Cat (Mullins/Potts)...$9,000
67. Bourbon Bay (T) (Drysdale/Bejarano)...$9,000
67. Hype (T) (Pletcher/M. Baze)...$9,000
71. Merkel (Asmussen/Bridgmohan)...$8,341
72. Theregoesjojo (McPeek/Albarado)...$8,063
73. Phosphorescent (Romans/Albarado)...$7,500
73. Join in the Dance (Pletcher/Velazquez)...$7,500
73. Notonthesamepage (Ward/Trujillo)...$7,500
76. Medaglia d'Onore (Sanders/Hill)...$7,255
77. Seismometer (Yakteen/Talamo)...$6,360
78. Hold Me Back (Mott/Velazquez)...$6,000
79. My Dominick James (Rivelli/Thornton)...$5,685
80. Proud Jefe (Amoss/Prado)...$5,500
81. Duke of Homberg (GB) (T) (Pelletan/Prado)...$5,465
82. Essenceofthemoon (Salzman/Camacho)...$5,004
83. Stormalory (Mott/Desoreamux)...$4,838
84. Brave Victory (Zito/Desormeaux)...$4,833
85. Pynaformer (T) (Kelly/Samyn)...$4,779
86. Wild Proof (Perkins/Lezcano)...$4,500
87. Tire Kicker (Hennig/Dominguez)...$3,555
88. Herr Mozart (T) (Mott/Maragh)...$3,186
89. Fu Peg He Rat (Sise/T. Baze)...$3,000
90. Tar Beach (McPeek/Mena)...$2,940
91. Kensei (Asmussen/Bridgmohan)...$2,500
91. High Mesa (Jones/Saez)...$2,500
93. Turbo Call (W. Solis/J. Garcia)...$2,120
94. Backbackbackgone (Miller/Bejarano)...$2,000
94. Rip Rap (Levine/Lezcano)...$2,000
94. Awesome Mich (Hennig/Castro)...$2,000
94. Insurgence (T) (Casse/Rosario)...$2,000
98. Jazzandthemagician (Romans/Mena)...$1,680
98. Coal Baron (Carroll/Albarado)...$1,680
98. Big Surf (Pletcher/Castanon)...$1,680
101. Cognito (Asmussen/Bridgmohan)...$1,666
102. General Quarters (McCarthy/Troilo)...$1,645
102. Silver Bayer (Ward/Castanon)...$1,645
104. A.P. Cardinal (Gambolati/Hill)...$1,600
105. His Greatness (Salazar/Solis)...$1,500
105. Ready Racer (Flint/Borel)...$1,500
105. Schleprock (Gulick/Karlsson)...$1,500
105. Investor (Byrne/Emigh)...$1,500
105. Malibu Maverick (Werner/Ferrer)...$1,500
105. My Man Moran (Quinn/Graham)...$1,500
111. Prince Charming (J. Jerkens/Lezcano)...$1,185
111. Forty Thieves (Klesaris/Velasquez)...$1,185
113. Mine All Mine (f) (Ward/Castanon)...$1,180
114. Sir Bubba (Napier/Thorwarth)...$1,000
115. Unsung Song (Hamm/Velasquez)...$750
116. Casey's On Call (Catalano/Baird)...$111
116. Chilliness (Tomlinson/Theriot)...$111
(T) = majority of GSEs earned on turf
(f) = filly
Well that's it - all 117 of them. Oh, and for those interested, they've combined to earn $7,094,530 in GSEs...
Now, GSE earners by trainer (those with more than 1) -
Todd Pletcher (10)
Steve Asmussen (8)
Kiaran McLaughlin (4)
William Mott (4)
Eoin Harty (3)
Saeed bin Suroor (3)
Larry Jones (3)
Walther Solis (3)
Wesley Ward (3)
Bob Baffert (2)
Kelly Breen (2)
Mark Casse (2)
Bernie Flint (2)
Cam Gambolati (2)
Mark Hennig (2)
Ken McPeek (2)
Doug O'Neill (2)
Dale Romans (2)
Ronny Werner (2)
And By Sire
Sky Mesa (6)
A.P. Indy (4)
Lion Heart (4)
More Than Ready (4)
Fusaichi Pegasus (3)
Read the Footnotes (3)
Unbridled's Song (3)
Vindication (3)
Bernstein (2)
Dixie Union (2)
Dynaformer (2)
Empire Maker (2)
Five Star Day (2)
Giant's Causeway (2)
Harlan's Holiday (2)
Lemon Drop Kid (2)
Malibu Moon (2)
Medaglia d'Oro (2)
Montbrook (2)
Mr. Greeley (2)
Sligo Bay (Ire) (2)
Smart Strike (2)
Speightstown (2)
Storm Cat (2)
Street Cry (Ire) (2)
Thunder Gulch (2)
Saturday, November 22, 2008
NFL Plays - Week 12 & the Hollywood Prevue
I do apologize for the lack of horse racing picks lately. Times have been crazy, but I really do hope to get some full card (or at least comprehensive weekend stakes) plays out there before long. I will offer one play for Sunday, as well as a few picks for NFL games....
Hollywood Prevue Stakes (Gr. III)
All things considered, this race has made a considerable niche for itself in the Southern California juvenile schedule. Since 2000, victors of this 7f event have included multiple Grade 1 victor Lion Heart, champion Declan's Moon, Your Tent or Mine, and the talented, yet mismanaged, Massive Drama. The 2008 cast of contenders features a solid mix of known and unknown commodities. Azul Leon heads the list of the known. The deep closing son of Lion Heart will be looking to join his pops as a winner of this race, and he's got the talent to do so. The Doug O'Neill charge has won 2 of 3 his starts short of 8f, and just missed by a nose in the Best Pal Stakes (Gr. II). He's 2 for 2 at Hollywood Park, but this race won't be a cakewalk for him. I don't blame bettors if they look elsewhere. For me, elsewhere does not include 2/1 second choice Backbackbackgone. A name reminiscent of numerous Chris Berman highlights and Home Run Derby calls, I think the streak has to end here for him. He's 3 for 3 in his career, but the competition keeps getting closer at the wire. This is his longest race yet, and if that trend holds, they'll get by this time. One thing working in his favor is the lack of early speed in this race. Mark Casse trainee Congor Bay will stalk closely, but the others may be content to just allow those two to go along at a comfortable clip. Arashi Cat, by Fusaichi Pegasus, will surely appreciate the added distance and will be flying late - he's 5/1 on the morning line...give him a long look. I'm trying to make a case for Baffert's Ventana, a flashy maiden winner at Belmont who flopped in the Champagne Stakes (Gr. I) and did little to impress when 4th in the Goodman Stakes at Santa Anita. At 4/1, he's got the makings of an expensive colt who will be overbet due to his trainer and will need to improve significantly to matter here.
1. Azul Leon
2. Arashi Cat
3. Backbackbackgone
NFL Plays
Indianapolis (+2.5) at San Diego
I feel pretty good about this one. I figured Indy would be GIVING points against the Chargers, and I was very pleased to see that wasn't the case. San Diego's defense has struggled all season, but more importantly the Colts offense has hit its best stride, winning 3 straight. Have to be a bit concerned about the number of close games both teams have been playing this year, with the teams combined having 12 games separated by a touchdown or less. This is one of those games where I trust Peyton Manning, and assume that he will get it done in the final minutes. He comes through much more often than not.
Quite a few other plays look pretty enticing -
Washington (- 3 1/2) should have no problems covering on the road against the hapless Seahawks. The 'Hawks are 1-4 at home this season, and even if they get Hasselbeck back, he'll be rusty and in for a long day against the tough 'Skins D. Also give solid consideration to Carolina (+1) at Atlanta, and Tennessee (-5) at home against the Jets. I haven't been able to figure out how the Titans are 10-0, but they keep getting the job done. I'd air on the side of caution with this game, though - the Jets are very confident off a win at rival New England and they bring a 4 game winning streak into Tennessee.
Until next time, good luck betting!
Hollywood Prevue Stakes (Gr. III)
All things considered, this race has made a considerable niche for itself in the Southern California juvenile schedule. Since 2000, victors of this 7f event have included multiple Grade 1 victor Lion Heart, champion Declan's Moon, Your Tent or Mine, and the talented, yet mismanaged, Massive Drama. The 2008 cast of contenders features a solid mix of known and unknown commodities. Azul Leon heads the list of the known. The deep closing son of Lion Heart will be looking to join his pops as a winner of this race, and he's got the talent to do so. The Doug O'Neill charge has won 2 of 3 his starts short of 8f, and just missed by a nose in the Best Pal Stakes (Gr. II). He's 2 for 2 at Hollywood Park, but this race won't be a cakewalk for him. I don't blame bettors if they look elsewhere. For me, elsewhere does not include 2/1 second choice Backbackbackgone. A name reminiscent of numerous Chris Berman highlights and Home Run Derby calls, I think the streak has to end here for him. He's 3 for 3 in his career, but the competition keeps getting closer at the wire. This is his longest race yet, and if that trend holds, they'll get by this time. One thing working in his favor is the lack of early speed in this race. Mark Casse trainee Congor Bay will stalk closely, but the others may be content to just allow those two to go along at a comfortable clip. Arashi Cat, by Fusaichi Pegasus, will surely appreciate the added distance and will be flying late - he's 5/1 on the morning line...give him a long look. I'm trying to make a case for Baffert's Ventana, a flashy maiden winner at Belmont who flopped in the Champagne Stakes (Gr. I) and did little to impress when 4th in the Goodman Stakes at Santa Anita. At 4/1, he's got the makings of an expensive colt who will be overbet due to his trainer and will need to improve significantly to matter here.
1. Azul Leon
2. Arashi Cat
3. Backbackbackgone
NFL Plays
Indianapolis (+2.5) at San Diego
I feel pretty good about this one. I figured Indy would be GIVING points against the Chargers, and I was very pleased to see that wasn't the case. San Diego's defense has struggled all season, but more importantly the Colts offense has hit its best stride, winning 3 straight. Have to be a bit concerned about the number of close games both teams have been playing this year, with the teams combined having 12 games separated by a touchdown or less. This is one of those games where I trust Peyton Manning, and assume that he will get it done in the final minutes. He comes through much more often than not.
Quite a few other plays look pretty enticing -
Washington (- 3 1/2) should have no problems covering on the road against the hapless Seahawks. The 'Hawks are 1-4 at home this season, and even if they get Hasselbeck back, he'll be rusty and in for a long day against the tough 'Skins D. Also give solid consideration to Carolina (+1) at Atlanta, and Tennessee (-5) at home against the Jets. I haven't been able to figure out how the Titans are 10-0, but they keep getting the job done. I'd air on the side of caution with this game, though - the Jets are very confident off a win at rival New England and they bring a 4 game winning streak into Tennessee.
Until next time, good luck betting!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Breeders Cup Saturday Analysis
Well, I would like to personally take this time to congratulate myself for absolutely getting killed at the windows. The only bet I cashed on all day was a $10 win play on a 2/1 shot in the 9th at Calder. So, I would like to give a shout-out to Hopeful Image (trainer Gerald Procino; jockey Herb McCauley) for getting up late to win that thrilling allowance. However, the rest of the day - nothin' doin for me. I was close on a few tris, but just couldn't get the job done. I'll do the trendy thing and blame the track - damn synthetics.
Marathon
I did comment that Mike Mitchell is uber dangerous off the layoff, right? Both Church Service AND Big Booster hit the board, at odds of 10/1 each. The problem? I talked myself out of Church Service completely, thinking that Big Booster was the superior of the two. The bigger problem? I gave European allowance/handicap winner Muhannak absolutely no chance. I should have considered him, given the fact that he'd won on synthetics in Europe, but hindsight is always 20/20. Sixties Icon failed to run a step, and so did Delightful Kiss. Their inability to fire led to my ability to throw a bunch of tickets in the air. The tri in this one payed $987.10 for $1. Kudos to anyone that had it (bonus points if you admit to taking my advice on the Mitchell horses).
Turf Sprint
Did Jamie Theriot and Joe Talamo really cover that first quarter in 20.73? Did they really cover the second quarter in 21.08? I mean, I understand that Mr. Nightlinger and California Flag are amazingly fast, but that's ridiculous. Need less to say, they dropped like anchors when the field came running and finished 11th and 10th, respectively. I was so far off in this race, it's not even funny. My top 3 were Rouse the Cat, True to Tradition, and Salute the Count. They ran 12th, 7th, and 6th. I do have to give a ton of credit to Dave Hofmans and Richard Migliore for their efforts with the longshot winner Desert Code, who paid $75.00 to win. I gave him absolutely no shot, and if I had to handicap the race again, I'd still give him no shot. Kudos to two horses I've followed for some time, Diaboical and Storm Treasure for getting 2nd and 3rd, and filling out a $6,184 trifecta.
Dirt Mile
20 seconds into the race, I knew I was cooked. First of all, why was Eibar Coa on Lewis Michael instead of Rene Douglas? I need an answer to that. I feel like this is one of the races that I had absolutely nailed, but I still couldn't get the job done. I had a feeling Well Armed was sitting on a bad one, and I had taken a stand against Surf Cat as well. I boxed Lewis Michael, Albertus Maximus, and Rebellion in a $1 tri. First of all, what was Lewis Michael doing that close to the pace? Did Coa even see his Pat O'Brien? Did Coa understand that the track was most likely favoring closers? Why was he pressing the pace with Lewis Michael? They covered 6f in 1:08 3/5! If he gets the same trip that he did in the O'Brien, he hits the exacta easily. Rebellion really spiced up the tri at 18/1, and this would have been a nice one to have. I'll forever be bitter at Eibar Coa - mark my words.
Mile
All I can really say is wow. Goldikova is an absolute monster. For her to wait, slide through a tiny hole, and accelerate like she did...she's becoming something special. And let's consider that Zarkava beat her this year...twice. Don't think Zarkava was one of the best we've seen for a long time? Think again. Gotta give credit to Kip, and wasn't surprised to see Whatsthescript and US Ranger closing well. I made some cardinal mistakes when handicapping this one. Number one was that I gave Bold Chieftain a shot. I hate on Russell Baze 365 days a year, and yet this is the second time I've given him a shot on a big racing day (the other being either this year or last in the SA Derby) - he's screwed me both times. The only other mistake I made - I didn't key Kip and Goldikova up top over Whatsthescript in 3rd. I played it straight: Kip - Goldikova - Whatsthescript. Moving on...
Juvenile
Class held and speed held for once. This was the only race of the two days on the main track won by ANY horse who led or stalked the early pace. So if Midshipman stays in America, he just might turn into something pretty damn good. I wont go and jinx him by saying the words Triple Crown, thou...wait, I just did. Sorry Baffy! Terrain put in a good run too in getting 4th. I had keyed Street Hery & Midshipman over him in the tri, assuming Square Eddie would bounce like none other. This is about the time I should have realized it just wasn't my day.
Juvenile Turf
Also know as the dartboard race. Isn't it always a kick in the pants to have picked out a few nice midpack horses/closers, only to see 2nd, 3rd, and 5th early? Europe ran 1-2 in this one, and Coronet of a Baron got 3rd. The only enjoyment that I got from the race was seeing my mother's face light up for about .04 seconds when the longshot I gave her, City Style (29/1), came flying into the screen toward the end of the race. He got 4th.
Sprint
Midnight Lute should be revered as a legend. So should Bob Baffert. Horses aren't made to do what that duo did on Saturday. That horse was essentially unraced since last November. His start in the O'Brien was an absolute debacle, and the horse failed to run at all. I've been confident in my pal Fatal Bullet for weeks, and I'm proud as hell with how he ran. The public latched on, making him 5/1, but that horse ran lights out. I played a $2 straight tri in this one - Fatal Bullet - Midnight Lute - Street Boss. That didn't go over well.
Turf
Will be one of those races that I never forget. Coolmore enters rabbit to ensure honest pace. Rabbit takes off like his tail is on fire (fractions of 24.28, 47.06, 1:10.20). So, in theory, the horse he's trying to set things up for would be well behind him, waiting for the speed horse(s) and stalkers to wilt. But no, Soldier of Fortune is sitting right there, in 3rd, right off his rabbit. He ended up finishing 4th, and in some ways I'd consdier that to be a hell of a run. The winner, Conduit, is one of those horses that my gut kept telling me to bet, but I ignored it. Eagle Mountain, who ran 2nd, is the exact same situation. I'll give myself a light pat on the back because I nailed Dancing Forever for 3rd at 26/1. It sucked to see Better Talk Now (8th), Red Rocks (10th), and Grand Couturier (11th).
Classic
Sooooo....how about that Curlin! I'll be the first to admit I was pleased seeing him go down. Screw that, I was ecstatic! I actually thought for sure he was making a winning move around the turn, too. But my hat's off to Raven's Pass, Henrythenavigator, AND Tiago for running by him. Oh, and for what it's worth, I didn't have any of those 3 in any tri that I played. I dabbled in the Duke, Champs Elysees, Curlin, Colonel John, and Go Between, but I didn't tread on anything too heavily. The tri payed $2,395 for a buck...just wish I'd have used the Euros a lot heavier! Who'd have thought a pair of turf milers would end up running 1-2 in America's biggest main track handicap race?
Marathon
I did comment that Mike Mitchell is uber dangerous off the layoff, right? Both Church Service AND Big Booster hit the board, at odds of 10/1 each. The problem? I talked myself out of Church Service completely, thinking that Big Booster was the superior of the two. The bigger problem? I gave European allowance/handicap winner Muhannak absolutely no chance. I should have considered him, given the fact that he'd won on synthetics in Europe, but hindsight is always 20/20. Sixties Icon failed to run a step, and so did Delightful Kiss. Their inability to fire led to my ability to throw a bunch of tickets in the air. The tri in this one payed $987.10 for $1. Kudos to anyone that had it (bonus points if you admit to taking my advice on the Mitchell horses).
Turf Sprint
Did Jamie Theriot and Joe Talamo really cover that first quarter in 20.73? Did they really cover the second quarter in 21.08? I mean, I understand that Mr. Nightlinger and California Flag are amazingly fast, but that's ridiculous. Need less to say, they dropped like anchors when the field came running and finished 11th and 10th, respectively. I was so far off in this race, it's not even funny. My top 3 were Rouse the Cat, True to Tradition, and Salute the Count. They ran 12th, 7th, and 6th. I do have to give a ton of credit to Dave Hofmans and Richard Migliore for their efforts with the longshot winner Desert Code, who paid $75.00 to win. I gave him absolutely no shot, and if I had to handicap the race again, I'd still give him no shot. Kudos to two horses I've followed for some time, Diaboical and Storm Treasure for getting 2nd and 3rd, and filling out a $6,184 trifecta.
Dirt Mile
20 seconds into the race, I knew I was cooked. First of all, why was Eibar Coa on Lewis Michael instead of Rene Douglas? I need an answer to that. I feel like this is one of the races that I had absolutely nailed, but I still couldn't get the job done. I had a feeling Well Armed was sitting on a bad one, and I had taken a stand against Surf Cat as well. I boxed Lewis Michael, Albertus Maximus, and Rebellion in a $1 tri. First of all, what was Lewis Michael doing that close to the pace? Did Coa even see his Pat O'Brien? Did Coa understand that the track was most likely favoring closers? Why was he pressing the pace with Lewis Michael? They covered 6f in 1:08 3/5! If he gets the same trip that he did in the O'Brien, he hits the exacta easily. Rebellion really spiced up the tri at 18/1, and this would have been a nice one to have. I'll forever be bitter at Eibar Coa - mark my words.
Mile
All I can really say is wow. Goldikova is an absolute monster. For her to wait, slide through a tiny hole, and accelerate like she did...she's becoming something special. And let's consider that Zarkava beat her this year...twice. Don't think Zarkava was one of the best we've seen for a long time? Think again. Gotta give credit to Kip, and wasn't surprised to see Whatsthescript and US Ranger closing well. I made some cardinal mistakes when handicapping this one. Number one was that I gave Bold Chieftain a shot. I hate on Russell Baze 365 days a year, and yet this is the second time I've given him a shot on a big racing day (the other being either this year or last in the SA Derby) - he's screwed me both times. The only other mistake I made - I didn't key Kip and Goldikova up top over Whatsthescript in 3rd. I played it straight: Kip - Goldikova - Whatsthescript. Moving on...
Juvenile
Class held and speed held for once. This was the only race of the two days on the main track won by ANY horse who led or stalked the early pace. So if Midshipman stays in America, he just might turn into something pretty damn good. I wont go and jinx him by saying the words Triple Crown, thou...wait, I just did. Sorry Baffy! Terrain put in a good run too in getting 4th. I had keyed Street Hery & Midshipman over him in the tri, assuming Square Eddie would bounce like none other. This is about the time I should have realized it just wasn't my day.
Juvenile Turf
Also know as the dartboard race. Isn't it always a kick in the pants to have picked out a few nice midpack horses/closers, only to see 2nd, 3rd, and 5th early? Europe ran 1-2 in this one, and Coronet of a Baron got 3rd. The only enjoyment that I got from the race was seeing my mother's face light up for about .04 seconds when the longshot I gave her, City Style (29/1), came flying into the screen toward the end of the race. He got 4th.
Sprint
Midnight Lute should be revered as a legend. So should Bob Baffert. Horses aren't made to do what that duo did on Saturday. That horse was essentially unraced since last November. His start in the O'Brien was an absolute debacle, and the horse failed to run at all. I've been confident in my pal Fatal Bullet for weeks, and I'm proud as hell with how he ran. The public latched on, making him 5/1, but that horse ran lights out. I played a $2 straight tri in this one - Fatal Bullet - Midnight Lute - Street Boss. That didn't go over well.
Turf
Will be one of those races that I never forget. Coolmore enters rabbit to ensure honest pace. Rabbit takes off like his tail is on fire (fractions of 24.28, 47.06, 1:10.20). So, in theory, the horse he's trying to set things up for would be well behind him, waiting for the speed horse(s) and stalkers to wilt. But no, Soldier of Fortune is sitting right there, in 3rd, right off his rabbit. He ended up finishing 4th, and in some ways I'd consdier that to be a hell of a run. The winner, Conduit, is one of those horses that my gut kept telling me to bet, but I ignored it. Eagle Mountain, who ran 2nd, is the exact same situation. I'll give myself a light pat on the back because I nailed Dancing Forever for 3rd at 26/1. It sucked to see Better Talk Now (8th), Red Rocks (10th), and Grand Couturier (11th).
Classic
Sooooo....how about that Curlin! I'll be the first to admit I was pleased seeing him go down. Screw that, I was ecstatic! I actually thought for sure he was making a winning move around the turn, too. But my hat's off to Raven's Pass, Henrythenavigator, AND Tiago for running by him. Oh, and for what it's worth, I didn't have any of those 3 in any tri that I played. I dabbled in the Duke, Champs Elysees, Curlin, Colonel John, and Go Between, but I didn't tread on anything too heavily. The tri payed $2,395 for a buck...just wish I'd have used the Euros a lot heavier! Who'd have thought a pair of turf milers would end up running 1-2 in America's biggest main track handicap race?
Friday, October 24, 2008
Breeders' Cup Saturday Analysis P2
Breeders' Cup Mile
This one looks to be a top class field. Even though Friday was dubbed 'Ladies Day,' at least two fell through the cracks, those being Fred Head's Irish-bred Goldikova and Bobby Frankel's Precious Kitten.
The pace in here looks to be pretty swift - Daytona (6/1) will be up there, as will Thorn Song (12/1) and probably Precious Kitten (8/1). Expect defending champion Kip Deville (5/1) to sit just in behind them, as well as Bold Chieftain (15/1), and perhaps even Goldikova (3/1). I'd look to the closers, but I'm not too high on any of them. Shakis (10/1) is past his prime and needs a longer distance. War Monger (12/1) has disappointed all season, and Whatsthescript (4/1) faces a huge class test here. Coolmore's hope, U S Ranger (15/1) should not be dismissed at those odds. The two turn mile will be right up his alley, and he should appreciate the added distance.
At this point, I'm just wishing Kip Deville would have shown something in his last. The race sets up beautifully for him, and he loves Santa Anita and the distance. His best is probably better than anyone else's.
My first inclination is to go with Goldikova, but I'm always leary of Europeans at short prices in these things. But she's won 3 straight and ran a lot of good races to Zarkava in the spring.
The Play: I think the top three in here are Goldikova, Whatsthescript, and Kip Deville. Box those three in the exacta, and then play them over 'all' in the trifecta, if you have the guts!
1. Goldikova
2. Whatsthescript
3. U S Ranger
Breeders' Cup Juvenile
Finally a race that I have an opinion on. With the top East Coast juvenile, Vineyard Haven, staying home, I think this race comes down to two entrants - Midshipman (5/1) from Bob Baffert's barn, and Street Hero (6/1) from the barn of Myung Kwon Cho. They ran 1-2 in the local prep for this, the Grade 1 Norfolk Stakes, with Street Hero getting the nod that day. The morning lines on each of those are very generous.
Worst Bet : I hate Munnings (7/2) in here, and I cringe at the fact that he's the ML favorite. By Speightstown, he's tough to love around two turns, even though Holy Bull is his damsire. He's been soundly defeated twice in the Hopeful and Champagne in New York, and faces the possibility of being boxed in on the rail or being forced to go too soon. I think he may be the most vulnerable favorite of the entire group.
Sleeper : Terrain (20/1) is quickly becoming the type of horse that I love to follow. He's not fast, nor is he flashy, but he always seems to put in an honest effort. He ran 2nd in the wake of Square Eddie in the Breeders' Futurity (Gr. I) at Keeneland, and likes the synthetics. The stewards handed him a victory in the Arlington-Washington Futurity (Gr. III), and Theriot is a good rider who will sneak him up get a piece.
1. Street Hero
2. Midshipman
3. Terrain
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf
Roll of the dice - going with the best American closers and the top Euro....
1. Westphalia
2. Grand Adventure
3. Skipadate
Breeders' Cup Sprint
One of those races where I think the speed bias will come into effect. First Defence (12/1) is the epitome of cheap speed in here, Fabulous Strike (4/1) is fast and consistent, Black Seventeen (15/1) will be involved, and look for Fatal Bullet (6/1) to be around. I look for Fabulous Strike to drop out of it at the top of the lane, and open things up for the closers.
Street Boss (3/1) has been a force in California all year, but he might come from too far back. I just don't trust him fully. Nor do I really trust Cost of Freedom (4/1). Midnight Lute (7/2) is hard to love off the layoff. I'm going with a lesser known horse here -
1. Fatal Bullet
2. Cost of Freedom
3. Street Boss
Breeders' Cup Turf
In what always figures to a spirited race, a solid cast of 11 line up for this 12f event. Coolmore's Soldier of Fortune (7/2) has been named the ML favorite, and for good reason. He won the Group 1 Coronation Cup over Youmzain in June, but more importantly comes into this race fresh. He's only started 3 times in 2008, and ran 3rd in the Arc last out. Look for a big rally from him.
1. Soldier of Fortune
2. Eagle Mountain
3. Dancing Forever
Breeders' Cup Classic
As you all will shortly learn, I really can't stand Curlin. He bugs me. But he should win this race pretty easily. The speed won't hold, so Fairbanks and Smooth Air are out. Champs Elysees is sitting on a big one I think. Same with Go Between.
Curlin is in a class of his own, and I can't try to beat him. Simple as that. Put as much as you can on him!
1. Curlin
2. Go Between
3. Champs Elysees
Breeders' Cup - Friday roundup and Saturday Analysis P1
Wow, what can one say after Friday's races? All things considered, the results were very, very chalky. 4 of the 5 winners were under 5/1, but I still was able to turn a bit of a profit at the windows. I ended up wagering $112, and I returned $175.70. The trifecta in the F&M Sprint helped a lot, although I was disappointed that Miraculous Miss was unable to get up for 3rd at 38/1. I didn't do anything in the F&M Turf, but I didn't expect to. I was very disappointed to see Consequence slide to 7/2, as I bet her well before the races even began. Stardom Bound did very well for me, however I missed the tri in there as well when Dream Express got 2nd over Sky Diva. Sealy Hill ruined most of what I had going in the F&M Turf (although I'm pleased to see her finally run well), but I did make a little with a saver win bet on Forever Together. Can't believe they let her go off at 5/1! The Zenyatta/Cocoa Beach exacta only paid $6.70 for $1, but I expected it to be that low. I had boxed them with the hope that Cocoa Beach might knock off the champ, but that wasn't in the cards.
So, what did we learn today? I think we learned this:
* Speed didn't hold on the main track. As much as we've heard about the track playing fairly to all running styles, it didn't. Granted the speed horses weren't the stars in the races, however the majority flopped very badly. Indian Blessing held 2nd, but she's probably the most talented filly sprinter in the country. Dearest Trickski tanked and finished 11th in that race, C.S. Silk ran 7th in the Juvenile Fillies with Be Smart 13th and Palacio de Amor 14th. In the Ladies Classic, Bear Now ended up last, Santa Teresita second to last, and Hystericalady was 5th.
* There was no real location preference. Horses stabled predominantly on the East Coast, and those who made their final preps on the East Coast won the Filly & Mare Sprint (Ventura), the Juvenile Fillies Turf (Maram), and the F&M Turf (Forever Together). The West Coasters won the Juvenile Fillies (Stardom Bound) and Ladies Classic (Zenyatta).
* Of the 15 horses who hit the board, 8 made their final BC start in the East (Woodbine, Belmont), 3 in the Midwest (Keeneland), 3 in the West (Santa Anita), and 1 from Europe.
* No real comments on European form. Heart Shaped outran her odds in the Juvenile Fillies Turf to just miss at 11/1, but April Pride and Beyond Our Reach, both from Europe, ran 11th and 12th in that race. Pursuit of Glory ran 11th in the Juvenile Fillies, and Halfway to Heaven disappointed as the favorite in the F&M Turf to run 7th. Visit ran well to get 4th in that race. Honestly that tells me nothing. It continues to be a pure preference thing (of the horse), as it's always been. It's also somewhat ironic how American bettors completely ignored the Europeans in the Juvenile Fillies Turf, sending them off at 11/1, 13/1, and 28/1, and then dismissed Visit at 17/1, but then they fell in love with Halfway to Heaven (5/2) in a very deep race, and Pursuit of Glory (8/1)
With that pittance of information kept in mind, let's move on to Saturday -
Breeders' Cup Marathon
Honestly, I'm pretty surprised the Breeders' Cup even created this race. There's no 12f main track division anywhere in the world really, and the entrants resemble that. Of the American entrants, 5 of the 6 could have been had for any interested buyer at some point in their career by simply dropping a claim in the box. Only one of the Europeans has any real class, that being Jeremy Noseda's Sixties Icon, a winner of 3 straight Group 3 races who has never run on the main track.
The race seems to be completely void of speed, with the most likely scenario seeing Joe Talamo husting longshot Booyah (30/1) to the front with Zappa (5/2) in some sort of pursuit. Zappa was going to be my pick in this race, but he figures to be hit heavily at the windows and he just doesn't offer the value I'm looking for.
Over the years, Mike Mitchell has become one of my favorite trainers in California, and he sends out two here - Church Service (10/1) and Big Booster (9/2). He's named top riders on each - Edgar Prado and Rafael Bejarano - and I give each a big shot, but I'm having trouble differentiating between those two. Both are deep closers who are going to need some sort of pace to shoot at.
Best Bet: Have to go with Sixties Icon here. He's got class and wants the distance. If he takes to the surface, he just may be the easiest winner of the day.
Worst Bet: Wow, they all seem equally opportunistic here. I can make cases against the majority of the Americans, which isn't a good sign.
Sleeper: I'm looking to Delightful Kiss to be my sleeper. At 8/1 on the ML he's got a chance to go off at a price, and he's fallen in love with the synthetics at Turfway Park and Golden Gate in his last two starts. Calvin Borel is named to ride, and he's won a pair of Grade 3 stakes with this colt. He'll spot the field early, but look for this gray gelding to be flying late!
1. Sixties Icon (GB)
2. Delightful Kiss
3. Big Booster
Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint
My handicapping nemesis has always been turf sprint races, and the Breeders' Cup was kind enough to schedule one of those for me. Gotta love the use of polar opposites, though - going from slow horses loping along to a 2:26 final time in the first race on the card to the quickest horses in the country flying out to a 1:11 in change on the turf in the second.
Mr. Nightlinger (6/1) would be favored in this race, except he drew so poorly that he's nearly guaranteed to be wide throughout. The speedster has won 5 straight on the turf, all in wire-to-wire fashion, but that probably will not be the case here. Idiot Proof (8/1) loves to be close up, as does California Flag (15/1). That one just put on a scintillating show at Santa Anita on 9/24, getting 6.5f in 1:11 in the Morvich Handicap. A replication of that effort should get the job done. This race literally has the potential to go sub-:21 for the first quarter.
Best Bet: Scott Lake's True to Tradition (15/1) stands a big shot in here. He's a winner of two straight, including the Nearctic Stakes (Gr. II) at Woodbine last out. He's also beaten Heros Reward and Rouse the Cat in his last two. Rouse the Cat (20/1) is also an interesting candidate. He picks up rider Edgar Prado after a near miss in the Nearctic Stakes. They'll both find their trips from behind the pacesetters.
Worst Bet: Anyone of the speedballs or deep closers. Also expect Diabolical's odds to be too low based on name recognition.
1. Rouse the Cat
2. True to Tradition
3. Salute the Count
In honesty I could the majority of these coming through, though, and I'll be treading very lightly in this race.
Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile
Now we at least get to some horses that the majority of fans have heard of. And hey, nothing like having a rare occurance in the race - how often do full brothers race against one another? That'll be the case when Doug O'Neill's duo of Slew's Tiznow (15/1) and Slew's Tizzy (20/1) enter the starting gate. Best of luck to Trevor Denman with that one.
The favorite here will most likely be the classy Well Armed (3/1), and I think he'll come down off his ML odds a bit. Cases can be made for or against him. He's got the best credentials of anyone in this race, having won a Grade 1 last time out as well as a pair of Grade 2 races earlier this year. He won the Goodwood over this surface last out, and just missed in the Pacific Classic. The real question is whether or not he can cut back to 8f. I'm not overly worried, given that the race is run around two turns. The sailing will not be clear up front, however. Mast Track (6/1) will run even though he faced a quarter crack issue earlier this week, Slew's Tizzy might go to the front, and Two Step Salsa (15/1) is all speed. My Pal Charlie (20/1) also prefers to be close to the pace. That scenario could spell doom for Well Armed, or could at least soften him up for the deep closers in here.
Best Bet(s) : I really like two horses in this race - Lewis Michael (5/1) and Albertus Maximus (4/1). I think the former will slide down from those odds, while the latter will head upward. Lewis Michael won the Pat O'Brien (Gr. II) at DelMar in August, and Catalano brings them back off the layoff at a huge percentage. He loves synthetics (7-3-3-0) and the distance (4-2-2-0). Look for him to come flying late. Albertus Maximus is a horse I'm not as high on, but he's got upside and is really coming into his own. He was flying late to get 3rd in the Goodwood, and his best is good enough to get a big piece.
Worst Bet : Yes, you've heard of Pyro. Maybe you even saw him race. He's not good enough to win this, nor does he want this distance. Nor does he want this surface. Tout him to all of your friends, and then run to the teller and bet on somebody else. I also think Surf Cat (6/1) is a difficult horse to back. I'm a huge fan of the 6yo horse, but enough is enough for me backing him. He's won 2 of 11, yet continues to be backed heavily at the windows. The distance might just be ideal for him, but he's not a horse I'm going to go down backing.
1. Lewis Michael
2. Well Armed
3. Albertus Maximus
So, what did we learn today? I think we learned this:
* Speed didn't hold on the main track. As much as we've heard about the track playing fairly to all running styles, it didn't. Granted the speed horses weren't the stars in the races, however the majority flopped very badly. Indian Blessing held 2nd, but she's probably the most talented filly sprinter in the country. Dearest Trickski tanked and finished 11th in that race, C.S. Silk ran 7th in the Juvenile Fillies with Be Smart 13th and Palacio de Amor 14th. In the Ladies Classic, Bear Now ended up last, Santa Teresita second to last, and Hystericalady was 5th.
* There was no real location preference. Horses stabled predominantly on the East Coast, and those who made their final preps on the East Coast won the Filly & Mare Sprint (Ventura), the Juvenile Fillies Turf (Maram), and the F&M Turf (Forever Together). The West Coasters won the Juvenile Fillies (Stardom Bound) and Ladies Classic (Zenyatta).
* Of the 15 horses who hit the board, 8 made their final BC start in the East (Woodbine, Belmont), 3 in the Midwest (Keeneland), 3 in the West (Santa Anita), and 1 from Europe.
* No real comments on European form. Heart Shaped outran her odds in the Juvenile Fillies Turf to just miss at 11/1, but April Pride and Beyond Our Reach, both from Europe, ran 11th and 12th in that race. Pursuit of Glory ran 11th in the Juvenile Fillies, and Halfway to Heaven disappointed as the favorite in the F&M Turf to run 7th. Visit ran well to get 4th in that race. Honestly that tells me nothing. It continues to be a pure preference thing (of the horse), as it's always been. It's also somewhat ironic how American bettors completely ignored the Europeans in the Juvenile Fillies Turf, sending them off at 11/1, 13/1, and 28/1, and then dismissed Visit at 17/1, but then they fell in love with Halfway to Heaven (5/2) in a very deep race, and Pursuit of Glory (8/1)
With that pittance of information kept in mind, let's move on to Saturday -
Breeders' Cup Marathon
Honestly, I'm pretty surprised the Breeders' Cup even created this race. There's no 12f main track division anywhere in the world really, and the entrants resemble that. Of the American entrants, 5 of the 6 could have been had for any interested buyer at some point in their career by simply dropping a claim in the box. Only one of the Europeans has any real class, that being Jeremy Noseda's Sixties Icon, a winner of 3 straight Group 3 races who has never run on the main track.
The race seems to be completely void of speed, with the most likely scenario seeing Joe Talamo husting longshot Booyah (30/1) to the front with Zappa (5/2) in some sort of pursuit. Zappa was going to be my pick in this race, but he figures to be hit heavily at the windows and he just doesn't offer the value I'm looking for.
Over the years, Mike Mitchell has become one of my favorite trainers in California, and he sends out two here - Church Service (10/1) and Big Booster (9/2). He's named top riders on each - Edgar Prado and Rafael Bejarano - and I give each a big shot, but I'm having trouble differentiating between those two. Both are deep closers who are going to need some sort of pace to shoot at.
Best Bet: Have to go with Sixties Icon here. He's got class and wants the distance. If he takes to the surface, he just may be the easiest winner of the day.
Worst Bet: Wow, they all seem equally opportunistic here. I can make cases against the majority of the Americans, which isn't a good sign.
Sleeper: I'm looking to Delightful Kiss to be my sleeper. At 8/1 on the ML he's got a chance to go off at a price, and he's fallen in love with the synthetics at Turfway Park and Golden Gate in his last two starts. Calvin Borel is named to ride, and he's won a pair of Grade 3 stakes with this colt. He'll spot the field early, but look for this gray gelding to be flying late!
1. Sixties Icon (GB)
2. Delightful Kiss
3. Big Booster
Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint
My handicapping nemesis has always been turf sprint races, and the Breeders' Cup was kind enough to schedule one of those for me. Gotta love the use of polar opposites, though - going from slow horses loping along to a 2:26 final time in the first race on the card to the quickest horses in the country flying out to a 1:11 in change on the turf in the second.
Mr. Nightlinger (6/1) would be favored in this race, except he drew so poorly that he's nearly guaranteed to be wide throughout. The speedster has won 5 straight on the turf, all in wire-to-wire fashion, but that probably will not be the case here. Idiot Proof (8/1) loves to be close up, as does California Flag (15/1). That one just put on a scintillating show at Santa Anita on 9/24, getting 6.5f in 1:11 in the Morvich Handicap. A replication of that effort should get the job done. This race literally has the potential to go sub-:21 for the first quarter.
Best Bet: Scott Lake's True to Tradition (15/1) stands a big shot in here. He's a winner of two straight, including the Nearctic Stakes (Gr. II) at Woodbine last out. He's also beaten Heros Reward and Rouse the Cat in his last two. Rouse the Cat (20/1) is also an interesting candidate. He picks up rider Edgar Prado after a near miss in the Nearctic Stakes. They'll both find their trips from behind the pacesetters.
Worst Bet: Anyone of the speedballs or deep closers. Also expect Diabolical's odds to be too low based on name recognition.
1. Rouse the Cat
2. True to Tradition
3. Salute the Count
In honesty I could the majority of these coming through, though, and I'll be treading very lightly in this race.
Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile
Now we at least get to some horses that the majority of fans have heard of. And hey, nothing like having a rare occurance in the race - how often do full brothers race against one another? That'll be the case when Doug O'Neill's duo of Slew's Tiznow (15/1) and Slew's Tizzy (20/1) enter the starting gate. Best of luck to Trevor Denman with that one.
The favorite here will most likely be the classy Well Armed (3/1), and I think he'll come down off his ML odds a bit. Cases can be made for or against him. He's got the best credentials of anyone in this race, having won a Grade 1 last time out as well as a pair of Grade 2 races earlier this year. He won the Goodwood over this surface last out, and just missed in the Pacific Classic. The real question is whether or not he can cut back to 8f. I'm not overly worried, given that the race is run around two turns. The sailing will not be clear up front, however. Mast Track (6/1) will run even though he faced a quarter crack issue earlier this week, Slew's Tizzy might go to the front, and Two Step Salsa (15/1) is all speed. My Pal Charlie (20/1) also prefers to be close to the pace. That scenario could spell doom for Well Armed, or could at least soften him up for the deep closers in here.
Best Bet(s) : I really like two horses in this race - Lewis Michael (5/1) and Albertus Maximus (4/1). I think the former will slide down from those odds, while the latter will head upward. Lewis Michael won the Pat O'Brien (Gr. II) at DelMar in August, and Catalano brings them back off the layoff at a huge percentage. He loves synthetics (7-3-3-0) and the distance (4-2-2-0). Look for him to come flying late. Albertus Maximus is a horse I'm not as high on, but he's got upside and is really coming into his own. He was flying late to get 3rd in the Goodwood, and his best is good enough to get a big piece.
Worst Bet : Yes, you've heard of Pyro. Maybe you even saw him race. He's not good enough to win this, nor does he want this distance. Nor does he want this surface. Tout him to all of your friends, and then run to the teller and bet on somebody else. I also think Surf Cat (6/1) is a difficult horse to back. I'm a huge fan of the 6yo horse, but enough is enough for me backing him. He's won 2 of 11, yet continues to be backed heavily at the windows. The distance might just be ideal for him, but he's not a horse I'm going to go down backing.
1. Lewis Michael
2. Well Armed
3. Albertus Maximus
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Breeders' Cup Ladies Day (10/24/08)
I had originally itended to start this entry with a brief commentary regarding my thoughts on the whole "Ladies Day" format, but on second thought decided it was best to hold off formulating a true opinion until I see the attendance, handle, television ratings, etc. for the two days. So, without further adieu (who had a filly by Giant's Causeway this year), here are my selections -
Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint
Honestly, I'm not sure that they could have started off the day with a better race. This is a race that seems to have everything that a marquee race should have - quality speed, quality closers, fan favorites, and several possible winners. At first glance, it's very difficult to make a case against Bob Baffert's superstar filly Indian Blessing, who sits as the 2/1 morning line favorite. In races run at less than 8f, she's an undefeated 5 for 5. She's run four consecutive 100+ Beyer figures, but more importantly she's added another dimension to her running style - she now gives jockey Johhny Velazquez the option of rating behind other horses, whereas in the past she was hellbent on going to the lead. She's run over a synthetic just once, and it did result in a victory in the Santa Ynez Stakes (Gr. II), however that win was only by a nose.
The pace in this race looks as if it will be quite quick - even with the defection of Indyanne (12/1), who was forced to scratch due to a minor illness. Longshot Dream Rush (20/1) has failed to progress from age 3 to age 4, yet she still is a classy filly with a ton of early speed. In this race last year, she blazed through fractions of :21 1/5 and :44 before finishing 5th. Unfortunately she has not been the same horse in 2008, and a win here by her would be a shock. Dearest Trickski (12/1), a winner of 4 of 5, will also be near the pace, however she'll need a career best to be competitive here. Don't count her out, though. She seems to be the forgotten horse in this race, and she's 6 for 8 on synthetic surfaces. La Tee (30/1) also prefers to be near the lead, as does Lady Sprinter (15/1), a multiple Group 1 winner in Argentina.
Most Likely: While Indian Blessing looms very large, I think the best bet in this race might just be Bobby Frankel's Ventura (5/1). She's run first or second in 5 of 6 starts stateside, and is a Grade 2 winner on a synthetic at this distance. She prepped for this race by taking on the males in the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile, and she did a fine job of it by finishing 2nd. Her running style will suit her well on the surface, and at anything around the 5/1 she's worth a second glance.
Worst Bet: I really cant sit behind Intangaroo (9/2) in here, especially for one of the top prizes. She's definitely a talented filly, but I think she'll ultimately do her best running on conventional dirt surfaces. Her two biggest victories of the year - the Grade 1 Humana Distaff and Grade 1 Ballerina Stakes - came over the courses at Churchill Downs and Saratoga. She's only 3 for 11 lifetime on the synthetics, and her career high Beyer on the surface is a 93. She earned a 99 in both of her conventional dirt victories.
Sleeper: I think there are quite a few sleepers in this field. I've already discussed Dearest Trickski, but I think Tiz Elemental (20/1) is set to run a big one, as well as Lady Sprinter.
1. Ventura
2. Indian Blessing
3. Dearest Trickski
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf
In what figures to be one of the least exciting races of the event, the Breeders' Cup has at least done well to entice a full field of fillies for this one. Unfortunately, most aren't that good.
Most Likely: You know, Laragh (7/2) ran such a powerful race last time out in the Jessamine at Keeneland that I just can't go against her here. Previously trained by Mark Casse, she ran an uninspired 5th in the Natalma Stakes (Gr. III) at Woodbine, but for some reason she's a different filly now. Plus there isn't much pace in here besides the Calder-shipper Renda (10/1), who looks in deep in her turf debut. C Karma (8/1) looms large as well.
Worst Bet: This looks to be one of those races where a bet for anyone other than Laragh, C Karma, Saucey Evening, or Heart Shaped is a bad bet.
Sleeper: In the event that the pace does heat up, I look for Consequence (8/1) to run a big one. She moved too wide to get the job done in the Ms Grillo (Gr. III) at Belmont but still contributed to a blanket finish in that race. She unleashed a strong 4f workout in :46 over the Santa Anita main track, and Saturday will be her first chance to run over a firm turf course. Her connections will ensure that her odds don't drift too high, and she should be considered strongly for a minor piece.
1. Laragh
2. Consequence
3. Heart Shaped
It's also very unfortunate that Russell Baze's mount, Atka (30/1), is on the outside looking in. It's always a pleasure to watch Russy tank at the highest level of racing and then run back to Northern California with his tail between his legs.
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies
In a race that historically goes to the premier horse in the crop, 12 of the 13 entrants will be looking to buck a significant trend among winners in this race. The favorite has won the last 6 runnings of this race, and 14 of 24 times overall. Overall, favorites are 24-14-1-4 (ITM 79.2%). On the other hand, second choices in the betting are 24-2-7-3 (ITM 50%, but only 25% since 2000). That means good things for Chris Paasch and his entrant Stardom Bound, who opens at 2/1 on the ML. She's won two straight, and her victories have been nothing short of exceptional. She should get some sort of pace to shoot at, with C.S. Silk (15/1), Be Smart (15/1), and Palacio de Amor (12/1) in the field. Outside of Stardom Bound, the wagering looks to be absolutely wide open.
Doremifasollatido (15/1) won the Gr. II Matron Stakes, but draws a difficult post position outside of her 12 competitors. Similarly, Alcibiades Stakes (Gr. I) winner Dream Express (6/1) drew the 12 hole. Those posts may prove to be quite detrimental, especially for Doremifasollatido, who I'd prefer not to win anyway - unless Denman plans on singing her name down the lane, that is. Eh, on second thought, I just prathat he doesn't miss a horse making a huge run up the rail en route to a 10 length victory...again. Sky Diva (7/2) looks to be a notable adversary, but it's difficult to be positive about her chances given the way that 2nd choices in this race have run, as well as the fact that she's never run on a synthetic.
Worst Bet: It's got to be Doremifasollatido. The post is very bad, and she's either going to be further behind than she wants to be, or wider than she should be.
Sleeper: With a perceived short priced favorite, there should be many possible winners with enticing odds. The Lukas barn is very high on Be Smart (15/1), and I've read several respected handicappers throwing their support behind Van Lear Rose (30/1). For my sleeper, I'll go with Dale Romans' C.S. Silk (15/1). She won the Arlington-Washington Lassie (Gr. III) over the synthetic at Arlington Park, and comes into this with a ton of confidence, having won her last two by a combined 12 1/4 lengths. She should be able to work out a nice stalking trip, and will be the one that the winner has to catch.
1. Stardom Bound
2. C.S. Silk
3. Van Lear Rose
Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
In what figures to be an outstanding race, there are two that simply stand above the rest in my eyes. I would absolutely love to see Wait a While (3/1) take this race, yet I'm just not sure that she's capable. The pros with this one are many - she loves the Santa Anita turf (3 for 3 lifetime, including 2 Grade 1 wins), she loves firm going (8 for 12 lifetime), and she loves the distance (3 for 4 lifetime). She should work out the perfect trip, tucked in behind the frontrunners. She'll need her best, though, with classy fillies like Mauralakana (5/1), Forever Together (6/1), Halfway to Heaven (4/1), and Pure Clan (15/1) flying at her late.
Best Bet: So, with that said, I think the best bet in here is the aformentioned Forever Together. Her running style suits in this race, and she has never failed to fire since trainer Jonathan Sheppard put her on the turf in May. She won the First Lady Stakes (Gr. I) at Keeneland last out, and ran down the talented Precious Kitten in the process. She also came flying late to take the Diana (Gr. I) at Saratoga. She's untried at the distance, but her running style makes me think she is capable of winning at 10f. Leparoux chooses her over Pure Clan.
I'm also looking for a big run out of Mauralakana, who lost all chance in her last when forced to rally prematurely to try and lasso a loose on the lead frontrunner. Britain's Halfway to Heaven will be dangerous as well.
I honestly don't see a "worst bet" in this race. I don't think Vacare (10/1) will appreciate the distance, but her odds reflect that. Juddmonte's Visit (15/1) has never run this long, but again her odds reflect that. Sealy Hill (15/1) is simply outclassed.
Sleeper: If you ignore her 5th place finish in the Glen Falls (Gr. III), Dynaforce (6/1) is 3-1-2-0 in her starts on this side of the pond. She ran a great race in the Diana (Gr. I) only to be nipped by Forever Together late, and she ran exceptionally well in the New York Handicap (Gr. II), only to be nipped by Mauralakana at the wire. She'll drift up from 6/1 on the ML with some of the others taking money.
1. Forever Together
2. Wait a While
3. Mauralakana
Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic
In what figures to be the highlight of a great day of racing, the undefeated and untested Zenyatta (3/5) will look to stretch her winning streak to 9. She's already defeated the many of her biggest challengers, including Hystericalady (15/1) and Ginger Punch (9/2).
Best Bet/Sleeper: If Zenyatta loses, I think it'll be to one of the Godolphin fillies - Cocoa Beach (8/1) or Music Note (6/1). Of the two, I prefer Cocoa Beach. By all accounts, she's working very well for this race, and is finally coming into her own. She defeated a very game Ginger Punch last out in the Beldame (Gr. I), and should be ready to fire a huge effort here. Hystericalady offers a ton of value if you can get her anywhere near 15/1.
1. Zenyatta
2. Cocoa Beach
3. Ginger Punch
Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint
Honestly, I'm not sure that they could have started off the day with a better race. This is a race that seems to have everything that a marquee race should have - quality speed, quality closers, fan favorites, and several possible winners. At first glance, it's very difficult to make a case against Bob Baffert's superstar filly Indian Blessing, who sits as the 2/1 morning line favorite. In races run at less than 8f, she's an undefeated 5 for 5. She's run four consecutive 100+ Beyer figures, but more importantly she's added another dimension to her running style - she now gives jockey Johhny Velazquez the option of rating behind other horses, whereas in the past she was hellbent on going to the lead. She's run over a synthetic just once, and it did result in a victory in the Santa Ynez Stakes (Gr. II), however that win was only by a nose.
The pace in this race looks as if it will be quite quick - even with the defection of Indyanne (12/1), who was forced to scratch due to a minor illness. Longshot Dream Rush (20/1) has failed to progress from age 3 to age 4, yet she still is a classy filly with a ton of early speed. In this race last year, she blazed through fractions of :21 1/5 and :44 before finishing 5th. Unfortunately she has not been the same horse in 2008, and a win here by her would be a shock. Dearest Trickski (12/1), a winner of 4 of 5, will also be near the pace, however she'll need a career best to be competitive here. Don't count her out, though. She seems to be the forgotten horse in this race, and she's 6 for 8 on synthetic surfaces. La Tee (30/1) also prefers to be near the lead, as does Lady Sprinter (15/1), a multiple Group 1 winner in Argentina.
Most Likely: While Indian Blessing looms very large, I think the best bet in this race might just be Bobby Frankel's Ventura (5/1). She's run first or second in 5 of 6 starts stateside, and is a Grade 2 winner on a synthetic at this distance. She prepped for this race by taking on the males in the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile, and she did a fine job of it by finishing 2nd. Her running style will suit her well on the surface, and at anything around the 5/1 she's worth a second glance.
Worst Bet: I really cant sit behind Intangaroo (9/2) in here, especially for one of the top prizes. She's definitely a talented filly, but I think she'll ultimately do her best running on conventional dirt surfaces. Her two biggest victories of the year - the Grade 1 Humana Distaff and Grade 1 Ballerina Stakes - came over the courses at Churchill Downs and Saratoga. She's only 3 for 11 lifetime on the synthetics, and her career high Beyer on the surface is a 93. She earned a 99 in both of her conventional dirt victories.
Sleeper: I think there are quite a few sleepers in this field. I've already discussed Dearest Trickski, but I think Tiz Elemental (20/1) is set to run a big one, as well as Lady Sprinter.
1. Ventura
2. Indian Blessing
3. Dearest Trickski
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf
In what figures to be one of the least exciting races of the event, the Breeders' Cup has at least done well to entice a full field of fillies for this one. Unfortunately, most aren't that good.
Most Likely: You know, Laragh (7/2) ran such a powerful race last time out in the Jessamine at Keeneland that I just can't go against her here. Previously trained by Mark Casse, she ran an uninspired 5th in the Natalma Stakes (Gr. III) at Woodbine, but for some reason she's a different filly now. Plus there isn't much pace in here besides the Calder-shipper Renda (10/1), who looks in deep in her turf debut. C Karma (8/1) looms large as well.
Worst Bet: This looks to be one of those races where a bet for anyone other than Laragh, C Karma, Saucey Evening, or Heart Shaped is a bad bet.
Sleeper: In the event that the pace does heat up, I look for Consequence (8/1) to run a big one. She moved too wide to get the job done in the Ms Grillo (Gr. III) at Belmont but still contributed to a blanket finish in that race. She unleashed a strong 4f workout in :46 over the Santa Anita main track, and Saturday will be her first chance to run over a firm turf course. Her connections will ensure that her odds don't drift too high, and she should be considered strongly for a minor piece.
1. Laragh
2. Consequence
3. Heart Shaped
It's also very unfortunate that Russell Baze's mount, Atka (30/1), is on the outside looking in. It's always a pleasure to watch Russy tank at the highest level of racing and then run back to Northern California with his tail between his legs.
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies
In a race that historically goes to the premier horse in the crop, 12 of the 13 entrants will be looking to buck a significant trend among winners in this race. The favorite has won the last 6 runnings of this race, and 14 of 24 times overall. Overall, favorites are 24-14-1-4 (ITM 79.2%). On the other hand, second choices in the betting are 24-2-7-3 (ITM 50%, but only 25% since 2000). That means good things for Chris Paasch and his entrant Stardom Bound, who opens at 2/1 on the ML. She's won two straight, and her victories have been nothing short of exceptional. She should get some sort of pace to shoot at, with C.S. Silk (15/1), Be Smart (15/1), and Palacio de Amor (12/1) in the field. Outside of Stardom Bound, the wagering looks to be absolutely wide open.
Doremifasollatido (15/1) won the Gr. II Matron Stakes, but draws a difficult post position outside of her 12 competitors. Similarly, Alcibiades Stakes (Gr. I) winner Dream Express (6/1) drew the 12 hole. Those posts may prove to be quite detrimental, especially for Doremifasollatido, who I'd prefer not to win anyway - unless Denman plans on singing her name down the lane, that is. Eh, on second thought, I just prathat he doesn't miss a horse making a huge run up the rail en route to a 10 length victory...again. Sky Diva (7/2) looks to be a notable adversary, but it's difficult to be positive about her chances given the way that 2nd choices in this race have run, as well as the fact that she's never run on a synthetic.
Worst Bet: It's got to be Doremifasollatido. The post is very bad, and she's either going to be further behind than she wants to be, or wider than she should be.
Sleeper: With a perceived short priced favorite, there should be many possible winners with enticing odds. The Lukas barn is very high on Be Smart (15/1), and I've read several respected handicappers throwing their support behind Van Lear Rose (30/1). For my sleeper, I'll go with Dale Romans' C.S. Silk (15/1). She won the Arlington-Washington Lassie (Gr. III) over the synthetic at Arlington Park, and comes into this with a ton of confidence, having won her last two by a combined 12 1/4 lengths. She should be able to work out a nice stalking trip, and will be the one that the winner has to catch.
1. Stardom Bound
2. C.S. Silk
3. Van Lear Rose
Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
In what figures to be an outstanding race, there are two that simply stand above the rest in my eyes. I would absolutely love to see Wait a While (3/1) take this race, yet I'm just not sure that she's capable. The pros with this one are many - she loves the Santa Anita turf (3 for 3 lifetime, including 2 Grade 1 wins), she loves firm going (8 for 12 lifetime), and she loves the distance (3 for 4 lifetime). She should work out the perfect trip, tucked in behind the frontrunners. She'll need her best, though, with classy fillies like Mauralakana (5/1), Forever Together (6/1), Halfway to Heaven (4/1), and Pure Clan (15/1) flying at her late.
Best Bet: So, with that said, I think the best bet in here is the aformentioned Forever Together. Her running style suits in this race, and she has never failed to fire since trainer Jonathan Sheppard put her on the turf in May. She won the First Lady Stakes (Gr. I) at Keeneland last out, and ran down the talented Precious Kitten in the process. She also came flying late to take the Diana (Gr. I) at Saratoga. She's untried at the distance, but her running style makes me think she is capable of winning at 10f. Leparoux chooses her over Pure Clan.
I'm also looking for a big run out of Mauralakana, who lost all chance in her last when forced to rally prematurely to try and lasso a loose on the lead frontrunner. Britain's Halfway to Heaven will be dangerous as well.
I honestly don't see a "worst bet" in this race. I don't think Vacare (10/1) will appreciate the distance, but her odds reflect that. Juddmonte's Visit (15/1) has never run this long, but again her odds reflect that. Sealy Hill (15/1) is simply outclassed.
Sleeper: If you ignore her 5th place finish in the Glen Falls (Gr. III), Dynaforce (6/1) is 3-1-2-0 in her starts on this side of the pond. She ran a great race in the Diana (Gr. I) only to be nipped by Forever Together late, and she ran exceptionally well in the New York Handicap (Gr. II), only to be nipped by Mauralakana at the wire. She'll drift up from 6/1 on the ML with some of the others taking money.
1. Forever Together
2. Wait a While
3. Mauralakana
Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic
In what figures to be the highlight of a great day of racing, the undefeated and untested Zenyatta (3/5) will look to stretch her winning streak to 9. She's already defeated the many of her biggest challengers, including Hystericalady (15/1) and Ginger Punch (9/2).
Best Bet/Sleeper: If Zenyatta loses, I think it'll be to one of the Godolphin fillies - Cocoa Beach (8/1) or Music Note (6/1). Of the two, I prefer Cocoa Beach. By all accounts, she's working very well for this race, and is finally coming into her own. She defeated a very game Ginger Punch last out in the Beldame (Gr. I), and should be ready to fire a huge effort here. Hystericalady offers a ton of value if you can get her anywhere near 15/1.
1. Zenyatta
2. Cocoa Beach
3. Ginger Punch
Me....who else?
Well, I guess the most logical place to start my initial foray into the worldwide blogosphere is a brief intoduction of myself - namely why the heck you should take the time to read what I have to say. I'm a 21 year old college senior pursuing a degree in Marketing. I've lived my entire life in dreary Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but I do have to admit - the city has grown on me. I love it here. My passions in life are the same as others my age - family, friends, and sports, usually in that order. However, as former San Francisco Giants utility infielder Al Gallagher once said, "There are three things in my life which I really love: God, my family, and baseball. The only problem - once baseball season starts, I change the order around a bit." I guess I follow that philosophy a bit. If it comes down to a night of drinking with friends, or staying in to watch Game 6 of the Red Sox/Rays ALCS, I can be found on my couch. Oh, and don't even bother trying to get ahold of me during Saturday (or Friday) during the Breeders' Cup. In 2003, I discovered and truly fell in love with horse racing. I could sidetrack here and go on about stories involving Kentucky Derby trips, Preakness trips, internet forums, new friends, and a myriad of stories ranging from hilarious to heartbreaking, but that's not really the point of this.
I've been meaning to start a blog for years, and I guess I finally just decided that now was the right time to get around to writing it. I highly doubt that I'll be breaking any news here - I have no real sources in the industry, and in the event that I do hear something, I'm generally not at liberty to discuss it publically out of respect to the connections of the horse. However, I will do my best to fill that void with interesting commentaries and opinions, as well as handicapping advice and maybe even some new ideas for those in the industry. Plus, this blog will not be limited to horse racing - I plan on typing about whatever is on my mind - football, baseball, hockey, basketball, life, Lacey Chabert, and anything else that seems worthy of an opinion. So at this point, my own mother has probably stopped reading, so I'll cut this one short and work on my selections for Ladies' Day at the Breeders' Cup!
I've been meaning to start a blog for years, and I guess I finally just decided that now was the right time to get around to writing it. I highly doubt that I'll be breaking any news here - I have no real sources in the industry, and in the event that I do hear something, I'm generally not at liberty to discuss it publically out of respect to the connections of the horse. However, I will do my best to fill that void with interesting commentaries and opinions, as well as handicapping advice and maybe even some new ideas for those in the industry. Plus, this blog will not be limited to horse racing - I plan on typing about whatever is on my mind - football, baseball, hockey, basketball, life, Lacey Chabert, and anything else that seems worthy of an opinion. So at this point, my own mother has probably stopped reading, so I'll cut this one short and work on my selections for Ladies' Day at the Breeders' Cup!
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