Fans are understandably somewhat frustrated at some of the field sizes that NYRA attracted for its "Super Saturday" card, but the blame settles far from the hard-working folks in New York. Can you begin to imagine that frustration that ensued when Andrew Rosen broke the news to them that Icon Project, quite possibly the best Distaffer in the East, was going to pass on the Beldame (Gr I) for the opportunity to particpate in the Spinster (Gr I) at Keeneland, instead? Entries for this race were taken on October 1, and until the day prior, Icon Project was considered to be a lock to run at Belmont. I can't blame other owners/trainers for not wanting to run their Distaff contenders against the powerful duo of Icon Project and Music Note, and once Icon Project opted out, it was really far too late to reroute horses to the Belmont.
I've heard some complaints about the field size as well, but again I sympathize with the folks at NYRA on that one. If I was forced to rank the Top 5 North American-based sprinters right now, I'd name for you Zensational, Fabulous Strike, Munnings, Fatal Bullet, and Kodiak Kowboy, in no particular order. So I guess I can just see that it's pretty tough to attract horses to run against 3 of the top 5.
But anyway, enough of that, let's move on to the handicapping -
Beldame
1. Captain's Lover (SaF) [2/1] - First half of the Team Valor entry is a Gr I winner in her native South Africa and was a Gr III winner in France before coming to the States. Primarily a turf specialist, her 1-for-1 record on the dirt comes with a bold asterisk - she won the 200k Matchmaker at Monmouth back on Haskell Day when that race came off-the-turf and she outclassed a field of fellow turf specialists. Beyer came back quite pedestrian, only a 76, and the final time was more than 4 seconds slower than it took Rachel Alexandra to take care of things in the Haskell. Retains the services of Velazquez, but she'd be a surprise.
1a. Unbridled Belle [2/1] - Six year old mare seems to move backward each time she sets foot on the track, and it's becoming almost difficult to watch. Beat Indian Vale and Ginger Punch in this race back in 2007, but we've slowly watched her form unravel since. Added a Gr III score to her credit back in June after she failed to get in foal to A.P. Indy, but was last seen bringing up the rear in the Personal Ensign (Gr I), beaten 42-lengths by Icon Project. I feel as if she's achieved that rare status where just about everyone not named Suroor and Mohammed would be thrilled to see her win (joining horses like Better Talk Now, Perfect Drift, and The Tin Man at that level), but it's just not going to happen.
2. Music Note [2/5] - Spent the last 10 minutes trying to build a case against her, and I just can't see it. 4-for-6 at Belmont, 2-for-3 at the distance, 2-for-3 over off going, and keep in mind that she fired off a 107 Beyer last out indicating that she's back. Problem for her foes here is that the 'B game' of this 4-time Grade I winner probably gets the job done by open lengths. Won the Gr I Gazelle last year at this distance over a wet track by 8 1/2-lengths. Be thankful if you can get 2/5, but she has 1/9 written all over her, and for good reason.
3. Copper State [8/1] - Sneaky Asmussen runner is twice Grade I placed and I'd have never guessed that before seeing her past performances. Granted those races came last summer, but the back class is certainly here. Fell out of form last fall and it's taken Asmussen a while to get her back to her peak level, but I think she's sitting on a strong effort. Took a deep strong in class last out to win the Central Iowa Stakes at Prairie Meadows, but was rewarded with a 92 Beyer and I like the confidence boost, being that was her first win since late 2007. Doesn't seem to be near the class of Music Note, but looks to be runner-up material.
4. With Flying Colors [20/1] - Last minute entrant from the Pletcher barn is really up against it in this spot. Daughter of A.P. Indy is just 2-for-10 lifetime and made her graded debut last time when 6th in the Personal Ensign (Gr I) at 19/1. Career high Beyer is only 80, and while she has won over an off-track at Belmont, I can't see her getting the pace to run at here.
***
1. Music Note
2. Copper State
3. Captain's Lover
***
Vosburgh
1. Go Go Shoot [6/1] - Bruce Levine-trained son of Songandaprayer has been a bit two-faced in 2009. Gives the impression that he's really ready to break out and make a name for himself in this division, but other times looks more suited for ungraded stakes at Delaware and Monmouth. Blazed to 109 BSF's at Saratoga and Delaware earlier this year when he ran 2nd to Fabulous Strike in the Vanderbilt (Gr II) and won the Longfellow Stakes by 9 1/2-length, but regressed off the latter effort to be all out to win the Mr Prospector at Monmouth by only 1/2-length. Has extremely quick gate speed, but it's tough to ask for him to run better than he did in the Vanderbilt when he still wasn't good enough to knock off Fabulous Strike.
2. Peace Chant [15/1] - Probably the odd-man out in this group, he lacks the credentials of his competitors and could do no better than 10th last out in the Forego (Gr I) at Saratoga.
3. Munnings [7/2] - Intriguing entrant from the Pletcher barn in that the you can make a case for quite a few of his races in 2009 to be toss-outs. Throwing out his Haskell due to the distance and probably drawing a line through his King's Bishop because I hate the trip he got. Not at all convinced this son of Speightstown likes a wet track, but I think he gets the perfect set-up in here if Go Go Shoot and Fabulous Strike decide to go at it early. He's been great at Belmont and some consider him a 7f race, but I don't think that's fair as he hasn't raced at 6f but once in his career, and it resulted in a maiden win. At this point I'm completely torn on him - on a fast track he'd be my pick, but not as certain if it comes up sloppy.
4. Kodiak Kowboy [3/1] - Returns to the care of Asmussen as Larry Jones slowly weans his stable, but doubt the trainer change has a huge effect on his form. While I really consider him to be more of a 7f/8f type, he's never missed the board going 6 furlongs (5 tries) and while he's the type of horse that is more consistent than flashy, he does show his share of large Beyer figures (108, 106 x3, 104, 102 x2). He closed well to finish 3rd in this race last year, beaten just 3/4-length by Black Seventeen and Fabulous Strike, and enters off a solid 2nd place finish to Pyro in the Forego (Gr I). Nearly certain he'll be coming from far back, but consider he's 0-for-4 on a wet track, however he's run a 106 Beyer on a wet track, so I wouldn't be too quick to say he hates it. Problem I see is that there are about 3 horses in this race capable of running a 110+ Beyer and he's stuck in the 104-106 range.
5. Fabulous Strike [Even] - One of the fastest horses of his generation, Fabulous Strike has won 14-of-23 races in his lifetime, including 11-or-16 at this distance and 4-of-6 at Belmont. Toss out his 5th place finish over the synthetic in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (Gr I) last year, and he's hit the exacta in 9 straight races. Race record is spattered with gaudy Beyer figures - 119, 118, 115, 114, 113, 112, and 111 - and even at 6, he's still showing capable of putting up a solid number. Earned a 112 last time when he won the Gr II Vanderbilt, and a 111 prior to that when he took the Gr II True North. Having a hard time finding a scenario that keeps him out of the exacta.
***
1. Kodiak Kowboy
2. Fabulous Strike
3. Munnings
***
Flower Bowl
1. Carribean Sunset (Ire) [5/2] - Entry comes in a bit lower on the morning-line that I'd have hoped, but me thinks you're getting a nice 1-2 punch with this duo. European Group III winner has yet to get things done at the graded level in the States, but she gives the impression that she'll get things done anytime now. Nearly knocked off defending champ Forever Together two back in the Diana (Gr I), and just missed by a length last out in the Palomar 'Cap (Gr II) at DelMar. Lone win Stateside came in a 200k ungraded stakes at Philly Park going 8.5f. Beyers aren't bad, but distance is an unknown, but it's tough to turn your back on Dominguez in here.
1a. Beauty O' Gwaun (Ire) [5/2] - 3yo daughter of Rainbow Quest looked to be on the fast track to something special earlier this year when she took the Group III Blue Wind Stakes in Ireland at second asking, but a 10th place finish in the Irish Oaks (Gr I) and a 3rd in the Give Thanks Stakes (Gr III) have curtailed her improvement. Clement does well with those he gets for the first time from Europe, and she adds blinkers and Lasix, but needed to show me something more before backing her in this spot. With Dominguez named on both, I'm thinking that Carribean Sunset might be their top pick to run, and Beauty O'Gwaun their backup if it comes up soft.
2. Leamington [10/1] - Probable frontrunner made her stakes debut a winning one last out when she took the restricted Voodoo Dancer at Saratoga by 1 1/4-lengths for Graham Motion. Earned a 96 Beyer for that effort, which was her second straight victory, and gives her connections the opportunity to try a race like this. Daughter of Pleasant Tap is out of a Storm Cat mare, so I like her to get the distance, but just not sure she wants the soft turf. Failed miserably on the turf over in Europe and was limited to running over the polytrack there, and has yet to meet a wet turf course here. If it comes up firm, she could be an outside consideration, but I toss her if it rains, as expected to.
3. Pure Clan [3/1] - Alright, not taking my chance with her this time. Thought she was bound for improvement as a 4yo, but hasn't really stepped up her game at all from her 3yo form. Boasts just a Gr III score this year, and finished 3rd last time as the 3/2 fave in the Beverly D (Gr I) at Arlington. Does her running from way back, and isn't a half bad running over this distance, but having difficulty backing a filly that's just 1 for her last 5. She'll get herself involved late - that's nearly certain - but just not sure she has it in her to get this thing done. Career high turf Beyer of 96 in 9 tries probably isn't good enough.
4. Dynaforce [7/2] - Most auspicious morning-line 3rd choice as she won this race last year by 4-lengths, won the Gr I Beverly D last out, and is 3-2-1-0 over wet turf courses in the United States. It was a long road back to top form for this 6yo daughter of Dynaformer - she lost two straight to start the year before her Bev D score, and still doesn't appear to be at the level she was last year. Expecting her to go off favored in this spot, but I'm hesitant to single her in any multi-race wager.
5. Criticism (GB) [8/1] - Speedy Darley-bred daughter of Machiavellian won 4-of-5 at one point in the States, but has lost two straight and quickly become forgotten in this division. Won two Gr II races and two Gr III's between the end of last year and the beginning of 2009 for Albertrani, but failed in her lone Gr I try, which came last out in the Diana at Saratoga. Doesn't seem to fancy a wet turf course, and thinking she's in over her head in this spot.
6. Queen of Hearts [15/1] - Longest shot on the board for a reason, her graded debut last out in the Glens Falls (Gr III) resulted in a 3rd place finish behind the lightly regarded Mushka, and while beaten just 1 1/4-lengths, there's not a ton to love. Daughter of Thunder Gulch didn't seem to fancy a soft track last year, but she's a different filly these days, even if just slightly. Add a low-percentage jockey in Jose Espinoza, and it's hard to make a case for her.
7. Moneycantbuymelove (Ire) [4/1] - 3yo daughter of Pivotal ships in from Great Britain after a strong performance in the Gr I Nassau at Goodwood, and that makes her my choice in here. A listed stakes winner at the distance, she came in 3rd behind potential Breeders' Cup runners Midday and Rainbow View in the Nassau, and earned a Racing Post speed rating of 115 for that effort. Regular rider Jamie Spencer makes the trip over to ride, and she adds Lasix for the first time in her career. Also have to give her credit for passing the vast majority of her 18 rivals two back in a stakes at Ascot as she rallied from far back to take that one by 2-lengths.
***
1. Moneycantbuymelove (Ire)
2. Pure Clan
3. Dynaforce
***
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational
1. Gio Ponti [6/5] - Son of Tale of the Cat has gone from a simple Gr II winner in 2008 to one of the world's top performers in 2009. A winner of four straight Grade I races, Gio Ponti is without question, the best turf horse in the United States. He handled the dominant mare Ventura in the Frank Kilroe (Gr I), he handled a 12 horse field in the Manhattan (Gr I), he dominated going 11f in the Man O War (Gr I), and he took on some solid Europeans when winning the Arlington Million (Gr I). 12 furlongs is an unknown, but this is a horse that earned a 105 Beyer going 11f and given his tactical speed and turn of foot, I don't see it being a problem. Arguably his top two performances of the year came over wet ground, and he's a most deserving favorite. Play against him at your own peril.
1a. Winchester [6/5] - A lot of work has gone into Winchester, and it's almost hard to believe this is the same horse that won the Secretariat Stakes (Gr I) last year for Dermot Weld, and earned a 106 Beyer for that race. He's lost 4 straight races, but finally showed a bit of interest last out when 2nd to Grand Couturier in the Bowling Green (Gr II). I still think he's got room for improvement, but not sure if it'll come in this race. He's only entered in the instance if the turf comes up too bad, and will likely scratch on behalf of his stablemate.
2. Interpatation [30/1] - Discussing the chances of this 7yo gelding is getting a bit monotonous, as he really has no chance. Picked up the pieces to nab 2nd in this race last year, but has missed the board in 6 tries since and although he adds Robby Albarado, he'd be nothing short of a shock.
3. Al Khali [12/1] - Wasn't shocked to see him get the job done last out against 3yos in the Gr III Saranac at Saratoga, and it's very obvious he's found a home on the turf under Bill Mott's care. Sputtered a bit trying to find his way with Pletcher, but now that Mott is pushing the buttons, he seems to be headed in the right direction. This is an extremely tough task for the 3yo son of Medaglia d'Oro, and expecting him to be better next year than he is now. Wouldn't mind getting a play on him for the 2010 future bet of this race, but not very enticing this year.
4. Telling [10/1] - Shocked the Saratoga faithful at 33/1 when he scored the upset over Better Talk Now and Brass Hat in the Gr I Sword Dancer on August 15, and trainer Steve Hobby is expecting more of the same from this son of A.P. Indy on Saturday. Knows this horse loves the 12f distance and has handled a wet turf going before. Can't fault the bettors for looking elsewhere, he's not exactly a household name, but at 10/1 he looks like a solid value play.
5. Musketier (Ger) [12/1] - Connections of this frontrunner will be begging Mother Nature to unleash her wrath in order to cause Presious Passion to scratch and give this one a pretty easy lead. This Roger Attfield trainee has turned into a different horse ever since they started putting him on the lead, and even scored a Gr III score at this distance three back at Woodbine in the Singspiel on June 21. Held off all but Gio Ponti two back in the Gr I Man O War, but failed miserably last out going this distance in the Gr I Sword Dancer. Having a tough time backing him off that effort.
6. Ready's Echo [12/1] - Placement in here indicates that Pletcher still isn't just quite sure what to do with this one. This son of More Than Ready is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, having run 3rd in the 2008 Belmont Stakes (Gr I), 3rd in the 2009 Forego (Gr I), 3rd in the 2008 Jamaica 'Cap (Gr II) on the turf, and is a two-time winner on synthetic surfaces. This will be his first time trying 12f, which seems a bit further than he wants to go, and even with Velazquez up, he's way up against it in this spot.
7. Presious Passion [6/1] - Incredibly speedy son of Royal Anthem has won 3 graded stakes in 2009, including the United Nations (Gr I) two back at Monmouth. Famously known for his ability to open up on the field by open lengths early, but also has the fortitude to hold them off late. Forecast doesn't seem to agree with this one, however, and the trainer indicates that he'll scratch if the course comes up wet.
8. Grand Couturier (GB) [5/2] - Took trainer Rob Ribaudo a long time to get this one back into top form, in fact he ran 5th in 3 straight to start his 2009 campaign, but got the job done last out in the Gr II Bowling Green over this course on September 13. This is a horse that absolutely loves an off going, having won 3 of his last 4 over turf courses listed less than firm. Won this race last year by 10 1/4-lengths, earning a 112 Beyer figure, and has won 5-of-10 going the distance. Gio Ponti seems formidable, but the pieces may be in order for this one to run huge.
***
1. Gio Ponti
2. Telling
3. Grand Couturier (GB)
***
Jockey Club Gold Cup
1. Sette E Mezzo [12/1] - Son of Dynaformer has done well to carve a niche for himself on the turf, earning a Gr II placing last out, but wheels back onto the dirt for the first time since his debut at Gulfstream Park in March 2008 (he ran 3rd that day, beaten nearly 7 lengths). This one gets a big boost in picking up Ramon Dominguez, but having a tough time seeing him as anything but illogical in this spot. Has never broken the 100 Beyer plateau and will need to run the race of his life to even matter.
2. Macho Again [7/2] - The thinking of this handicapper is that if you can get this horse at this price, run to the windows. Once a perfect picture of inconsistency, Macho Again has put together three straight top performances at this level, and gives the indication that Dallas Stewart has worked him past his Jekyll and Hyde moments. Nearly ran down Rachel Alexandra in the Gr I Woodward last out, and prior to that just missed to Bullsbay in the Gr I Whitney. His 2009 resume includes scores in the Gr I Stephen Foster and the Gr II New Orleans 'Cap, and shows Beyers of 109, 105, and 100 in his last 3. Robby Albarado has built a strong rapport with this one, and Macho Again is 2-for-2 on wet tracks. Hasn't tried this distance since last year's Travers, but gives every indication that 10f is very doable. The pick.
3. Summer Bird [2/1] - Getting the feeling that he's becoming a bit overrated, and his 2/1 favoritism here seems to evidence that. Hard to deny his credentials, but still have some concerns with him. Has run 7 times since March 1 and the competition keeps getting tougher and tougher. Don't want to come off as too pessimistic, but have to wonder how much he's got left in the tank. If he doesn't falter here, he'll be quickly ascending to Curlin-level, which is probably tougher than it appears to do. Doesn't mind a sloppy track and retains Desormeaux, but trying older for the first time is no cakewalk. He'll be tested in this spot more than he's ever tested before, and I'm looking elsewhere for my top choice.
4. Tizway [15/1] - H. James Bond trained son of Tiznow could find himself alone on a pretty easy lead, but either way, he'll have some very talented horses breathing down his neck. Has never gone this far, and ran 4th in the Whitney (Gr I) in his lone graded try. Has been regularly drilling 6f over the Saratoga training track, and his performance will depend on how much Maragh can slow things down early. Tough to be overly optimistic, but the barn is pretty hot and the trainer/jockey combo fire at a huge clip. Wouldn't hurt to have him in your exotics.
5. Asiatic Boy (Arg) [8/1] - Solid son of Argentinian sire Not for Sale adds blinkers after a tough 4th place finish to Rachel Alexandra in the Gr I Woodward at Saratoga. Didn't exactly have the easiest trip that day, and his back class shows a pair of runner-up performances in graded stakes in this country - the Gr I Stephen Foster and the Gr II Suburban. Also won the Gr II Maktoum Challenge Round III earlier this year. Has hit the exacta in 3-of-4 tries going this distance, but I'm having a hard time loving this one in this spot.
6. Dry Martini [8/1] - Connections are incredibly high on this son of Slew Gin Fizz, even with his 5th place finish in the Gr I Whitney last out in mind. Retains the services of Prado, but not sure that's a great thing at the moment - Edgar is just 2-for-51 (4%) at the current Belmont meet, and is winning with just 12% on the year. This one won the Suburban (Gr II) two back, but I guess I'm missing the smoking gun that the connections are leaning on.
7. Quality Road [5/2] - Speedy son of Elusive Quality ran an absolute clunker last out in the Travers (Gr I) yet still managed 3rd in a race that was probably way too much, way too soon for him. Even tough sons of Elusive Quality have scored going 10f, I still don't think it's false to say that might not be their ideal distance. It's actually quite farfetched to say that since Smarty Jones and Raven's Pass were able to run a distance, that any other son of Elusive Quality should be able to do the same. Tough to deny his raw speed, but leaning toward 10f being a bit much for him. Either way, he should get a better trip in here than he did in the Travers and is still extremely dangerous.
***
1. Macho Again
2. Asiatic Boy
3. Summer Bird
Friday, October 2, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
I'll Trade You My Funny Cide for Your Jean Cruguet
Trading cards and sports. An age-old tradition that has captivated the minds and wallets of collectors since the late 1880's, when small images of baseball players were placed in packs of cigarettes to boost sales. Most are probably familiar with these type of cards, most notably the 1909 T-206 Honus Waner. The T-206 Wagner is regarded as the most expensive and well-known trading card of all-time, and authentic versions of this incredibly rare card (only between 50-200 ever distributed to the public) routinely sell at auction for upwards of $750,000. But what you probably didn't know is that cards depicting your favorite horses and jockeys have been around for just as long.
While baseball cards were growing in popularity in the United States, cards commemorating top riders and owners were taking off across the Atlantic in Great Britain. This set, produced in 1906 by Ogdens, feature a relatively inexpensive market value - £2.70 (approx. $4.80US) a piece - and can generally be found on eBay and other popular collectible/auction websites. A subsequent set, produced in 1907 by the same company, was the first to portray thoroughbred legends, and included Europe's great horses from the turn-of-the-century including Cicero, Galopin, Diamond Jubilee, and Pretty Polly, amongst others. Similar cards were produced in Australia around the same time. Over the next few decades, Odgens produced similar cards in Europe, 25 and 50 card sets showcasing the winners of certain races and 'prominent racehorses of the present day.' An excellent 'Guide' (complete with pictures) to racing trading cards (1888-1933) has been created by eBay user creamofcards and can be found here.
As the popularity of cigarette-type cards dwindled, as did the number of horse racing-related cards. Several small sets of cards were produced over the next couple of decades, with nothing really achieving much collectability in the market.
Sportscaster, a mail-order-only sports card company produced a 48-card set of horse racing cards that encompassed all facets of horse racing, from racetracks to jockeys to famous horses. The full 48 card checklist and pictures of each card can be found here. The cards, produced from 1977-1979 feature thoroughbred staples such as Secretariat, Churchill Downs, Willie Shoemaker, the All-American Futurity, the Hambleton, and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. These cards were part of a larger set of 2,184 cards that covered every sport from baseball and football to bowling and sand yachting.
In 1991, the Jockey Guild produced a set of 220 cards called 'Jockey Star Cards.' The cards featured cards of many top riders, including Jerry Bailey, Ron Turcotte, Eddie Arcaro, Pat Day, Laffit Pincay, and Julie Krone, as well as your favorite local riders, such as Francisco Torres, Paul Toscano, Randy Meier, Tim Doocy, and Joe Judice. These cards were the closest in similarity to date of mainstream baseball, football, hockey, and basketball cards produced by industry megapowers like Topps, Bowman, and Upper Deck. These cards were marketed as being great for autographs and to get to know the riders better, but only managed minimal retail success. Complete 220-card sets are readily available on eBay for under $10. A full checklist can be found here and an image here. Jockey Star Cards were produced anually through 1998 with minimal success, but they did gain a small niche of the trading card market and offered racing fans a rare collectable.
As the trading card industry has constantly evolved, companies are constantly looking for ways to revamp and further differentiate their products. By the mid/late-1990s, companies were introducing 'autograph cards' and 'jersey cards' to the market. Autograph cards were randomly inserted into packs of cards at an extremely rare rate (perhaps 1 card per every 250+ packs) and featured cards hand-signed by the player depicted. Jersey cards featured swatches of actual game-worn jerseys. Next to come where cards that featured pieces of game-used baseballs/footballs, pads, and anything else conceivable. Heck, in 2001 Topps created a John F. Kennedy card with an actual piece of the Berlin Wall in it (photo here)!
What does this all have to do with horse racing? Well, with the increased amount of differentiation sought by manufacturers, some have began to create 'Sports Legends' sets, and in 2008 the Donruss company introduced its Sports Legends series. Amongst the set were cards featuring the jockeys of the last three Triple Crown winners - Steve Cauthen, Jean Cruguet, and Ron Turcotte. The set, which prides itself on bringing collectors autograph and jersey cards, featured hand-signed cards of that trio (available on ebay for no more than $5 each before shipping), as well as a Cauthen card that features an authentic piece of race-worn silks, and a rarer card that features the signatures of all 3 riders.
Images can be found here -
Steve Cauthen Autograph Card (individually numbered out of 1,236)
Jean Cruguet Autograph Card (individually numbered out of 1,103)
Ron Turcotte Autograph Card (individually numbered out of 1,370)
Steve Cauthen Race-Worn Silks Card (individually numbered out of 500)
So how does a company one-up that for racing fans? The Upper Deck Card Company figured it out. As part of its recently introduced 'Goodwin Champions' set, the company has inserted a subset of three very rare cards that should be well received by racing fans. The subset, 'Thoroughbred Hair Cuts' features an actual lock of hair of 3 recent American thoroughbred superstars - Afleet Alex, Funny Cide, and Smarty Jones. The cards, which are inserted at a rate of approximately one per case (a case being 12 hobby boxes, approx. retail price for a case is $899.99). Redemption cards are available on eBay for upwards of $50.
Afleet Alex Hair Card
Smarty Jones Hair Card
So where does the industry go from here? Personally, I'm not sure, but it's extremely exciting to see horse racing featured by national companies and in collectible formats.
While baseball cards were growing in popularity in the United States, cards commemorating top riders and owners were taking off across the Atlantic in Great Britain. This set, produced in 1906 by Ogdens, feature a relatively inexpensive market value - £2.70 (approx. $4.80US) a piece - and can generally be found on eBay and other popular collectible/auction websites. A subsequent set, produced in 1907 by the same company, was the first to portray thoroughbred legends, and included Europe's great horses from the turn-of-the-century including Cicero, Galopin, Diamond Jubilee, and Pretty Polly, amongst others. Similar cards were produced in Australia around the same time. Over the next few decades, Odgens produced similar cards in Europe, 25 and 50 card sets showcasing the winners of certain races and 'prominent racehorses of the present day.' An excellent 'Guide' (complete with pictures) to racing trading cards (1888-1933) has been created by eBay user creamofcards and can be found here.
As the popularity of cigarette-type cards dwindled, as did the number of horse racing-related cards. Several small sets of cards were produced over the next couple of decades, with nothing really achieving much collectability in the market.
Sportscaster, a mail-order-only sports card company produced a 48-card set of horse racing cards that encompassed all facets of horse racing, from racetracks to jockeys to famous horses. The full 48 card checklist and pictures of each card can be found here. The cards, produced from 1977-1979 feature thoroughbred staples such as Secretariat, Churchill Downs, Willie Shoemaker, the All-American Futurity, the Hambleton, and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. These cards were part of a larger set of 2,184 cards that covered every sport from baseball and football to bowling and sand yachting.
In 1991, the Jockey Guild produced a set of 220 cards called 'Jockey Star Cards.' The cards featured cards of many top riders, including Jerry Bailey, Ron Turcotte, Eddie Arcaro, Pat Day, Laffit Pincay, and Julie Krone, as well as your favorite local riders, such as Francisco Torres, Paul Toscano, Randy Meier, Tim Doocy, and Joe Judice. These cards were the closest in similarity to date of mainstream baseball, football, hockey, and basketball cards produced by industry megapowers like Topps, Bowman, and Upper Deck. These cards were marketed as being great for autographs and to get to know the riders better, but only managed minimal retail success. Complete 220-card sets are readily available on eBay for under $10. A full checklist can be found here and an image here. Jockey Star Cards were produced anually through 1998 with minimal success, but they did gain a small niche of the trading card market and offered racing fans a rare collectable.
As the trading card industry has constantly evolved, companies are constantly looking for ways to revamp and further differentiate their products. By the mid/late-1990s, companies were introducing 'autograph cards' and 'jersey cards' to the market. Autograph cards were randomly inserted into packs of cards at an extremely rare rate (perhaps 1 card per every 250+ packs) and featured cards hand-signed by the player depicted. Jersey cards featured swatches of actual game-worn jerseys. Next to come where cards that featured pieces of game-used baseballs/footballs, pads, and anything else conceivable. Heck, in 2001 Topps created a John F. Kennedy card with an actual piece of the Berlin Wall in it (photo here)!
What does this all have to do with horse racing? Well, with the increased amount of differentiation sought by manufacturers, some have began to create 'Sports Legends' sets, and in 2008 the Donruss company introduced its Sports Legends series. Amongst the set were cards featuring the jockeys of the last three Triple Crown winners - Steve Cauthen, Jean Cruguet, and Ron Turcotte. The set, which prides itself on bringing collectors autograph and jersey cards, featured hand-signed cards of that trio (available on ebay for no more than $5 each before shipping), as well as a Cauthen card that features an authentic piece of race-worn silks, and a rarer card that features the signatures of all 3 riders.
Images can be found here -
Steve Cauthen Autograph Card (individually numbered out of 1,236)
Jean Cruguet Autograph Card (individually numbered out of 1,103)
Ron Turcotte Autograph Card (individually numbered out of 1,370)
Steve Cauthen Race-Worn Silks Card (individually numbered out of 500)
So how does a company one-up that for racing fans? The Upper Deck Card Company figured it out. As part of its recently introduced 'Goodwin Champions' set, the company has inserted a subset of three very rare cards that should be well received by racing fans. The subset, 'Thoroughbred Hair Cuts' features an actual lock of hair of 3 recent American thoroughbred superstars - Afleet Alex, Funny Cide, and Smarty Jones. The cards, which are inserted at a rate of approximately one per case (a case being 12 hobby boxes, approx. retail price for a case is $899.99). Redemption cards are available on eBay for upwards of $50.
Afleet Alex Hair Card
Smarty Jones Hair Card
So where does the industry go from here? Personally, I'm not sure, but it's extremely exciting to see horse racing featured by national companies and in collectible formats.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Hats off to Bernardini
It's tough to feel bad for a horse that earned more than $3,000,000 in his career, won some of the most elite races in the country, and comes from a family of some of the most elite thoroughbreds that the world has ever seen. Yet a lof of the time, I do find myself feeling bad for Bernardini.
Bred to be a superstar, Bernardini's sire is A.P. Indy, a dominating force in the breeding industry. His progeny has earned more than $100,000,000 on the racetrack, and is littered with champions and Grade 1 winners. Bernardini's dam, Cara Rafaela, competed in my of the most sought after races for fillies and mares, including the Kentucky Oaks, Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, Ashland Stakes, Santa Anita Oaks, Hollywood Starlet, Mother Goose Stakes, and the Alcibiades Stakes. While she only won 4 of 24 lifetimes starts, she ran 2nd or 3rd in each of the prestigious races listed above.
On the racetrack, Bernardini was an absolute monster. Between March and October of 2006, Bernardini didn't lose. He competed in races like the Preakness, Jockey Club Gold Cup, Travers, and Jim Dandy, and he won them all in the eastiest of fashion. The prohibitive favorite (as well as the centerpiece of the event's marketing campaign) for the end-of-the-year championship Breeders' Cup Classic, Bernardini did what many thought was unthinkable for the spectacular colt - he lost. He opened up a clear lead at the top of the stretch, but was caught and passed by a colt named Invasor.
Bernardini was retired after the race. Unfortunately for his legacy, it doesn't seem that he'll ever live down losing the Classic to Invasor. One of the most talented horses that this blogger has ever seen, Bernardini has instead become the butt of some jokes and the poster-child of what happens when a talented 3yo faces older horses. Fair? Who knows. I definitely think that he had all the potential in the world and for whatever reason just didn't show it that day.
This Monday and Tuesday, Fasig-Tipton hosted its Saratoga Select Yearlings sale in Saratoga Springs, NY, and Bernardini couldn't be off to a better start as a stallion. Over those two days alone, Bernardini had yearlings sell for $1,300,000, $1,200,000, $1,000,000, $750,000, $700,000, $320,000, $300,000, $250,000, and $230,000. Well done, 'Dini!
Bred to be a superstar, Bernardini's sire is A.P. Indy, a dominating force in the breeding industry. His progeny has earned more than $100,000,000 on the racetrack, and is littered with champions and Grade 1 winners. Bernardini's dam, Cara Rafaela, competed in my of the most sought after races for fillies and mares, including the Kentucky Oaks, Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, Ashland Stakes, Santa Anita Oaks, Hollywood Starlet, Mother Goose Stakes, and the Alcibiades Stakes. While she only won 4 of 24 lifetimes starts, she ran 2nd or 3rd in each of the prestigious races listed above.
On the racetrack, Bernardini was an absolute monster. Between March and October of 2006, Bernardini didn't lose. He competed in races like the Preakness, Jockey Club Gold Cup, Travers, and Jim Dandy, and he won them all in the eastiest of fashion. The prohibitive favorite (as well as the centerpiece of the event's marketing campaign) for the end-of-the-year championship Breeders' Cup Classic, Bernardini did what many thought was unthinkable for the spectacular colt - he lost. He opened up a clear lead at the top of the stretch, but was caught and passed by a colt named Invasor.
Bernardini was retired after the race. Unfortunately for his legacy, it doesn't seem that he'll ever live down losing the Classic to Invasor. One of the most talented horses that this blogger has ever seen, Bernardini has instead become the butt of some jokes and the poster-child of what happens when a talented 3yo faces older horses. Fair? Who knows. I definitely think that he had all the potential in the world and for whatever reason just didn't show it that day.
This Monday and Tuesday, Fasig-Tipton hosted its Saratoga Select Yearlings sale in Saratoga Springs, NY, and Bernardini couldn't be off to a better start as a stallion. Over those two days alone, Bernardini had yearlings sell for $1,300,000, $1,200,000, $1,000,000, $750,000, $700,000, $320,000, $300,000, $250,000, and $230,000. Well done, 'Dini!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
My Plea to Pittsburghers
First, I'd like to apologize to my reader (if I've even got one left at this point) for being away from this blog for so long. I'm still passionately following the 'Sport of Kings' as if it were my first born's Little League team - I just don't haven't had the urge to share my opinions with the world. Since we last communicated, I've jumped into the worlds of post-graduate life, online wagering, and Twitter, however more on those at a later date.
My reason for writing today is to ask something of you. Now, I'd like to start off by saying I hate asking anything of anybody - be it a ride somewhere, a day off work, or even just an extra side of ranch dressing with my french fries - you get the picture. I hate putting others out. But I feel my plea to you today is different. This is something that I feel so passionate about, and something that I KNOW you'll have a good time doing, that I guarantee it'll be worth your time. Next Saturday, August 1, an athlete at the pinnacle of his sport will be competing against his peers at a venue less than an hour outside of downtown Pittsburgh...and I'm guessing you know nothing about it.
Mine That Bird is his name, and he's obviously not a human being, but an animal. A thoroughbred racehorse, to be exact. But before you click away from this page, just hear me out for a few moments. If what I'm asking doesn't sound like your cup of tea, what exactly have you lost by reading? Exactly - nothing. I'm confident in saying that you've heard of the Kentucky Derby - "The Run for the Roses," "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports" - and are aware of all the glitz and glamour that goes along with it. Held anually on the First Saturday in May for well over a century, the Kentucky Derby brings together the best 20 three-year-old thoroughbreds in the country to compete for a $2,000,000 prize, a blanket of roses, and instant notoriety. It's the Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup Finals, Daytona 500, and Masters of horse racing, all wrapped up in one 2-minute race. This year, the winner of the Kentucky Derby was a diminutive gelding named Mine That Bird, and next Saturday Mine That Bird will become the first Kentucky Derby winner to compete in the state of West Virginia.
Now I know what you're thinking, 'I'm not driving to West Virginia to watch some silly horse run.' But I can assure you, it's more than that. The race will be held at the Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Resort, which according to Google Maps, is just 54 minutes from downtown. So distance shouldn't be too big of a concern. But what about costs? Well, you've got parking. That's free. And admission. Also free. Concessions must be through the roof, right? It's cheaper than going to a Pirates game. How about betting? There's absolutely no obligation to bet one horse race, pull one slot, or play one hand of blackjack. So essentially what I'm saying is that this can cost you a little as a few gallons of gasoline. And the day isn't just limited to one horse race. Starting at 2:00 in the afternoon, horses will race about every half hour through the evening. The 'big' race itself, the West Virginia Derby which features Mine That Bird, as well as some of his most talented peers, will be run just after 5:00. If you can't attend, it will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Net Pittsburgh from 5-6pm.
I really want to stress that this is an event that ALL ages can enjoy. Kids will love that you can get so close to the action - it's literally only a couple of feet away. And if they're really lucky they'll have the opportunity to pet one of the thoroughbreds that 'pony' on the track (essentially their riders are there to escort the racehorses to the starting gate and react in the rare case that something goes amiss on the track) before and during the races. Parents will love that it's such a low-cost form of entertainment. Some will love the fast-paced world of horse racing, and others will love the thrill of the risk in putting a couple bucks on a horse or two, looking to make a bit of a profit. You'll love the opportunity to see the majesty of the thoroughbred, and the history that goes along with Saturday's West Virginia Derby.
My advice to you - show up early with your foldable chair, pick a great spot next to the rail, have lunch or an early dinner, maybe a beer or two, and enjoy an exciting and memorable day of horse racing. You'll enjoy it - I promise.
For more information, please visit the official website of the Mountaineer Racetrack & Gaming Resort (http://www.mtrgaming.com/). For a video of Mine That Bird's Kentucky Derby win, please follow this link, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv8x9x5A49s, but don't blink or you'll miss him!
So why not come out and give Mine That Bird a good ole Pittsburgh welcome? I hope to see you at the track!
My reason for writing today is to ask something of you. Now, I'd like to start off by saying I hate asking anything of anybody - be it a ride somewhere, a day off work, or even just an extra side of ranch dressing with my french fries - you get the picture. I hate putting others out. But I feel my plea to you today is different. This is something that I feel so passionate about, and something that I KNOW you'll have a good time doing, that I guarantee it'll be worth your time. Next Saturday, August 1, an athlete at the pinnacle of his sport will be competing against his peers at a venue less than an hour outside of downtown Pittsburgh...and I'm guessing you know nothing about it.
Mine That Bird is his name, and he's obviously not a human being, but an animal. A thoroughbred racehorse, to be exact. But before you click away from this page, just hear me out for a few moments. If what I'm asking doesn't sound like your cup of tea, what exactly have you lost by reading? Exactly - nothing. I'm confident in saying that you've heard of the Kentucky Derby - "The Run for the Roses," "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports" - and are aware of all the glitz and glamour that goes along with it. Held anually on the First Saturday in May for well over a century, the Kentucky Derby brings together the best 20 three-year-old thoroughbreds in the country to compete for a $2,000,000 prize, a blanket of roses, and instant notoriety. It's the Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup Finals, Daytona 500, and Masters of horse racing, all wrapped up in one 2-minute race. This year, the winner of the Kentucky Derby was a diminutive gelding named Mine That Bird, and next Saturday Mine That Bird will become the first Kentucky Derby winner to compete in the state of West Virginia.
Now I know what you're thinking, 'I'm not driving to West Virginia to watch some silly horse run.' But I can assure you, it's more than that. The race will be held at the Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Resort, which according to Google Maps, is just 54 minutes from downtown. So distance shouldn't be too big of a concern. But what about costs? Well, you've got parking. That's free. And admission. Also free. Concessions must be through the roof, right? It's cheaper than going to a Pirates game. How about betting? There's absolutely no obligation to bet one horse race, pull one slot, or play one hand of blackjack. So essentially what I'm saying is that this can cost you a little as a few gallons of gasoline. And the day isn't just limited to one horse race. Starting at 2:00 in the afternoon, horses will race about every half hour through the evening. The 'big' race itself, the West Virginia Derby which features Mine That Bird, as well as some of his most talented peers, will be run just after 5:00. If you can't attend, it will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Net Pittsburgh from 5-6pm.
I really want to stress that this is an event that ALL ages can enjoy. Kids will love that you can get so close to the action - it's literally only a couple of feet away. And if they're really lucky they'll have the opportunity to pet one of the thoroughbreds that 'pony' on the track (essentially their riders are there to escort the racehorses to the starting gate and react in the rare case that something goes amiss on the track) before and during the races. Parents will love that it's such a low-cost form of entertainment. Some will love the fast-paced world of horse racing, and others will love the thrill of the risk in putting a couple bucks on a horse or two, looking to make a bit of a profit. You'll love the opportunity to see the majesty of the thoroughbred, and the history that goes along with Saturday's West Virginia Derby.
My advice to you - show up early with your foldable chair, pick a great spot next to the rail, have lunch or an early dinner, maybe a beer or two, and enjoy an exciting and memorable day of horse racing. You'll enjoy it - I promise.
For more information, please visit the official website of the Mountaineer Racetrack & Gaming Resort (http://www.mtrgaming.com/). For a video of Mine That Bird's Kentucky Derby win, please follow this link, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv8x9x5A49s, but don't blink or you'll miss him!
So why not come out and give Mine That Bird a good ole Pittsburgh welcome? I hope to see you at the track!
Friday, April 3, 2009
On Tap - April 4, 2009
More stakes races than anybody has time to really look at, so no time for small talk and lets get to 'cappin!
Aqueduct (7th) Bay Shore Stakes (Gr. III) $200,000
All things considered, I'm pretty impressed with the field assembled here. #4 Capt. Candyman Can (5/2) was one of the most highly regarded sophomores over the winter, but the Ian Wilkes-charge ultimately found races beyond a mile to be beyond his scope. The same goes for #10 Taqarub (4/1). The Kiaran McLaughlin trained son of Aldebaran briefly appeared on the Derby Trail last out in the Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes, but was unable to replicate his earlier victories, including the Jimmy Winkfield Stakes, and could do no better than 9th that day. Santa Anita shipper, #8 Gato Go Win (5/1), will make his first start off the synthetics here, and seems like a logical play against. His only previous stakes competition came when third to filly Evita Argentina in the Grade II San Vicente Stakes. There's plenty of speed in this 7 furlong dash, and I don't expect the victor to be on or right off the lead. I think Taqarub became overrated due to his races over the Aqueduct inner-track, and I think the outside post plays against his running style. He also loses regular rider Alan Garcia and McLaughlin replaces him with Richard Migliore. The presence of Taqarub in this field will ensure that my pick, Capt. Candyman Can, bettable. Regular rider Julien Leparoux opts to ride at Oaklawn, but Wilkes secured Javy Castellano to ride, and he's more than capable. Capt. Candyman Can is comfortable rating off the pace, and seems to excel going 7f-8f. #3 Lyin' Heart (10/1) may be one to watch. The Asmussen-trained son of Lion Heart ran 2nd in the Bashford Manor Stakes (Gr. III) last summer and returned from a long layoff to nab third in the Mountain Valley Stakes last out. I'm also looking for a nice run out of #6 Not For Silver (5/1). The Laurel based runner shipped to Aqueduct and won the Capossela Stakes here over the winter and is reunited with Ramon Dominguez. He shortens back to a sprint distance for this event.
1. Capt. Candyman Can
2. Not For Silver
3. Lyin' Heart
Aqueduct (8th) Excelsior Handicap (Gr. III) $200,000
A pretty lackluster rendition of this Gr. III event for older horses. The majority of the runners wintered at Aqueduct and are familiar faces amongst the regular track visitors. #1 Barrier Reef (5/2) is the slight morning-line favorite, but he's as shaky a favorite as you'll find. The Darley charge has won three straight over the inner-track at Aqueduct for Tom Albertrani, and 5 of his last 6 over the inner, but is 6-0-0-2 on other surfaces. I'll take a stand against him here, but will use underneath. Bettors will have tough decisions to make in regard to both #6 Cool Coal Man (7/2) and #7 Atoned (6/1). Cool Coal Man, a 4-year-old son of Mineshaft, is a multiple stakes winner whose resume includes a victory in the 9f Fountain of Youth Stakes (Gr. II) last winter, and earned a 106 Beyer Speed Figure (BSF) in a 6.5f allowance over that course this past January. The problem for bettors is that his record at Gulfstream is a respectable 4-3-0-0, but everywhere else he is only 11-3-1-1. Last out he failed as the slight favorite in the Gulfstream Park Handicap (Gr. II) and while he's performed admirably at this distance, I don't think 9f is his ideal going. Atoned offers similar issues. The Pletcher-trainee is just 1 for 6 at the distance, but his resume includes a victory in the Pegasus Stakes (Gr. III) and runner-up performances in the Tampa Bay Derby (Gr. III), Long Branch Stakes, and the Spend a Buck Stakes. He picks up Velazquez after being ridden previously by Pletcher's backup rider Chris DeCarlo. I'll take a flier and hope he's up for this race, and if nothing else I expect him to make things interesting.
1. Atoned
2. Barrier Reef
3. Cool Coal Man
Aqueduct (9th) Wood Memorial (Gr. I) $750,000
Essentially we've got a rematch of the Grade III Gotham Stakes. #2 I Want Revenge (4/5) was the runaway 8 1/2-length winner that day, and in just 1:42 3/5 the Jeff Mullins trained son of Stephen Got Even catapulted himself from being a fringe Derby contender to a lead contender for the race. Andy Beyer hooked him up with a flashy 113 speed figure, and last year's Derby winning owner IEAH Stables moved in and purchased a 50% share of the colt. The runner-up that day was #5 Imperial Council (2/1), and while he was beaten by a huge margin, he's my play here. Rajiv Maragh gave Imperial Council a horrendous ride that day, allowing the son of Empire Maker to drop near the rear of the field, 8 to 9 lengths behind the pacesetter. He was able to clear the rest of the field that day, but was never a threat to the winner. Regular rider Edgar Prado gets back on, and I expect him to be much closer to the early fractions, and while I expect I Want Revenge to regress off his huge effort last time, I look for Imperial Council to improve and get the job done. The coupled Kelly Breen entry (6/1) of #1 Atomic Rain and #1a West Side Bernie each have stakes experience, the former being Gr. II placed and the latter being a Gr. III winner. West Side Bernie failed last out as the 2/1 favorite in the Lane's End Stakes (Gr. II) and is winless since September. He's the more attractive member of the entry. One longshot I'm keeping my eye on is Frank Alexander's Lime Rickey (20/1). The Dogwood-owned colt has made each of his 9 prior starts on the turf, but is bred to be competitive on the dirt as well. He just missed as the favorite last out in the Palm Beach Stakes (Gr. III).
1. Imperial Council
2. I Want Revenge
3. West Side Bernie
Aqueduct (10th) Carter Handicap (Gr. I) $300,000
What a deep and competitive race. Of the 8 entrants, I think a logical case can be made for 5 of these, but I'm going to go with the Larry Jones coupled entry of #1 Biker Boy and #1a Kodiak Kowboy (5/1). I prefer Kodiak Kowboy, a Grade II winner last summer who also placed in the Grade I Vosburgh. He got a prep for this in the Duncan Kenner Stakes at the Fair Grounds, and is ready to roll here! Speed comes from all angles in #3 True Quality (7/2), #4 Fabulous Strike (2/1), #5 Driven To Success (10/1), and perhaps #6 Understatement (15/1). Fabulous Strike can be one of the premier sprinters in the nation, but I think the 7f distance plays against him here. #7 Tale of Ekati (3/1) is a dual Grade I winner that I just don't think highly of at all. He ran a dull 4th last out in the Richter Scale Stakes (Gr. II) at Gulfstream.
1. Kodiak Kowboy
2. True Quality
3. Fabulous Strike
Hawthorne (7th) Illinois Derby (Gr. II) $500,000
Another final stepping-stone to the Kentucky Derby, the Illinois Derby has brought together a cast of misfits and also-rans who really don't have much reason to be in the gate at Churchill come May 2nd. The favorites are #8 Musket Man (7/2) and #2 Giant Oak (9/2). I really don't like either. I think Giant Oak has all the makings of a Blackberry Road who does nothing more than pick up the pieces, and I think Musket Man is bred to sprint. #1 Nowhere to Hide (5/1) isn't that good either. #6 Perfect Song (6/1) who's receiving a ton of support among fans, and he's my pick as well. I think he's the most likely to improve. #9 Al Khali, a Pletcher trained son of Medaglia d'Oro might have a shot for minor pieces.
1. Perfect Song
2. Giant Oak
3. Al Khali
Santa Anita Park (6th) Santa Anita Derby (Gr. I) $750,000
Pamplemousse! Yay Pamplemousse! #10 The Pamplemousse (2/1) is my pick. I don't see the post as a deterrent, and I love his raw speed and talent. I think he's the best horse on the West Coast, adn the premier talent. Pioneerof the Nile, I think, is a horse who's benefitted from weak fields in his most recent starts, and I think that Chocolate Candy is just completely overrated.
1. The Pamplemousse
2. Pioneerof the Nile
3. Mr. Hot Stuff
Aqueduct (7th) Bay Shore Stakes (Gr. III) $200,000
All things considered, I'm pretty impressed with the field assembled here. #4 Capt. Candyman Can (5/2) was one of the most highly regarded sophomores over the winter, but the Ian Wilkes-charge ultimately found races beyond a mile to be beyond his scope. The same goes for #10 Taqarub (4/1). The Kiaran McLaughlin trained son of Aldebaran briefly appeared on the Derby Trail last out in the Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes, but was unable to replicate his earlier victories, including the Jimmy Winkfield Stakes, and could do no better than 9th that day. Santa Anita shipper, #8 Gato Go Win (5/1), will make his first start off the synthetics here, and seems like a logical play against. His only previous stakes competition came when third to filly Evita Argentina in the Grade II San Vicente Stakes. There's plenty of speed in this 7 furlong dash, and I don't expect the victor to be on or right off the lead. I think Taqarub became overrated due to his races over the Aqueduct inner-track, and I think the outside post plays against his running style. He also loses regular rider Alan Garcia and McLaughlin replaces him with Richard Migliore. The presence of Taqarub in this field will ensure that my pick, Capt. Candyman Can, bettable. Regular rider Julien Leparoux opts to ride at Oaklawn, but Wilkes secured Javy Castellano to ride, and he's more than capable. Capt. Candyman Can is comfortable rating off the pace, and seems to excel going 7f-8f. #3 Lyin' Heart (10/1) may be one to watch. The Asmussen-trained son of Lion Heart ran 2nd in the Bashford Manor Stakes (Gr. III) last summer and returned from a long layoff to nab third in the Mountain Valley Stakes last out. I'm also looking for a nice run out of #6 Not For Silver (5/1). The Laurel based runner shipped to Aqueduct and won the Capossela Stakes here over the winter and is reunited with Ramon Dominguez. He shortens back to a sprint distance for this event.
1. Capt. Candyman Can
2. Not For Silver
3. Lyin' Heart
Aqueduct (8th) Excelsior Handicap (Gr. III) $200,000
A pretty lackluster rendition of this Gr. III event for older horses. The majority of the runners wintered at Aqueduct and are familiar faces amongst the regular track visitors. #1 Barrier Reef (5/2) is the slight morning-line favorite, but he's as shaky a favorite as you'll find. The Darley charge has won three straight over the inner-track at Aqueduct for Tom Albertrani, and 5 of his last 6 over the inner, but is 6-0-0-2 on other surfaces. I'll take a stand against him here, but will use underneath. Bettors will have tough decisions to make in regard to both #6 Cool Coal Man (7/2) and #7 Atoned (6/1). Cool Coal Man, a 4-year-old son of Mineshaft, is a multiple stakes winner whose resume includes a victory in the 9f Fountain of Youth Stakes (Gr. II) last winter, and earned a 106 Beyer Speed Figure (BSF) in a 6.5f allowance over that course this past January. The problem for bettors is that his record at Gulfstream is a respectable 4-3-0-0, but everywhere else he is only 11-3-1-1. Last out he failed as the slight favorite in the Gulfstream Park Handicap (Gr. II) and while he's performed admirably at this distance, I don't think 9f is his ideal going. Atoned offers similar issues. The Pletcher-trainee is just 1 for 6 at the distance, but his resume includes a victory in the Pegasus Stakes (Gr. III) and runner-up performances in the Tampa Bay Derby (Gr. III), Long Branch Stakes, and the Spend a Buck Stakes. He picks up Velazquez after being ridden previously by Pletcher's backup rider Chris DeCarlo. I'll take a flier and hope he's up for this race, and if nothing else I expect him to make things interesting.
1. Atoned
2. Barrier Reef
3. Cool Coal Man
Aqueduct (9th) Wood Memorial (Gr. I) $750,000
Essentially we've got a rematch of the Grade III Gotham Stakes. #2 I Want Revenge (4/5) was the runaway 8 1/2-length winner that day, and in just 1:42 3/5 the Jeff Mullins trained son of Stephen Got Even catapulted himself from being a fringe Derby contender to a lead contender for the race. Andy Beyer hooked him up with a flashy 113 speed figure, and last year's Derby winning owner IEAH Stables moved in and purchased a 50% share of the colt. The runner-up that day was #5 Imperial Council (2/1), and while he was beaten by a huge margin, he's my play here. Rajiv Maragh gave Imperial Council a horrendous ride that day, allowing the son of Empire Maker to drop near the rear of the field, 8 to 9 lengths behind the pacesetter. He was able to clear the rest of the field that day, but was never a threat to the winner. Regular rider Edgar Prado gets back on, and I expect him to be much closer to the early fractions, and while I expect I Want Revenge to regress off his huge effort last time, I look for Imperial Council to improve and get the job done. The coupled Kelly Breen entry (6/1) of #1 Atomic Rain and #1a West Side Bernie each have stakes experience, the former being Gr. II placed and the latter being a Gr. III winner. West Side Bernie failed last out as the 2/1 favorite in the Lane's End Stakes (Gr. II) and is winless since September. He's the more attractive member of the entry. One longshot I'm keeping my eye on is Frank Alexander's Lime Rickey (20/1). The Dogwood-owned colt has made each of his 9 prior starts on the turf, but is bred to be competitive on the dirt as well. He just missed as the favorite last out in the Palm Beach Stakes (Gr. III).
1. Imperial Council
2. I Want Revenge
3. West Side Bernie
Aqueduct (10th) Carter Handicap (Gr. I) $300,000
What a deep and competitive race. Of the 8 entrants, I think a logical case can be made for 5 of these, but I'm going to go with the Larry Jones coupled entry of #1 Biker Boy and #1a Kodiak Kowboy (5/1). I prefer Kodiak Kowboy, a Grade II winner last summer who also placed in the Grade I Vosburgh. He got a prep for this in the Duncan Kenner Stakes at the Fair Grounds, and is ready to roll here! Speed comes from all angles in #3 True Quality (7/2), #4 Fabulous Strike (2/1), #5 Driven To Success (10/1), and perhaps #6 Understatement (15/1). Fabulous Strike can be one of the premier sprinters in the nation, but I think the 7f distance plays against him here. #7 Tale of Ekati (3/1) is a dual Grade I winner that I just don't think highly of at all. He ran a dull 4th last out in the Richter Scale Stakes (Gr. II) at Gulfstream.
1. Kodiak Kowboy
2. True Quality
3. Fabulous Strike
Hawthorne (7th) Illinois Derby (Gr. II) $500,000
Another final stepping-stone to the Kentucky Derby, the Illinois Derby has brought together a cast of misfits and also-rans who really don't have much reason to be in the gate at Churchill come May 2nd. The favorites are #8 Musket Man (7/2) and #2 Giant Oak (9/2). I really don't like either. I think Giant Oak has all the makings of a Blackberry Road who does nothing more than pick up the pieces, and I think Musket Man is bred to sprint. #1 Nowhere to Hide (5/1) isn't that good either. #6 Perfect Song (6/1) who's receiving a ton of support among fans, and he's my pick as well. I think he's the most likely to improve. #9 Al Khali, a Pletcher trained son of Medaglia d'Oro might have a shot for minor pieces.
1. Perfect Song
2. Giant Oak
3. Al Khali
Santa Anita Park (6th) Santa Anita Derby (Gr. I) $750,000
Pamplemousse! Yay Pamplemousse! #10 The Pamplemousse (2/1) is my pick. I don't see the post as a deterrent, and I love his raw speed and talent. I think he's the best horse on the West Coast, adn the premier talent. Pioneerof the Nile, I think, is a horse who's benefitted from weak fields in his most recent starts, and I think that Chocolate Candy is just completely overrated.
1. The Pamplemousse
2. Pioneerof the Nile
3. Mr. Hot Stuff
Friday, March 6, 2009
The Big Cap!
As a race whose storied past includes victories by racing legends including Affirmed, Seabiscuit, Spectacular Bid, Round Table, Ack Ack, Lava Man, Tiznow, John Henry, and Alysheba, the 'Big Cap seems to be one racing spectacle that refuses to lose its spectacle as a true gem in the racing atmosphere. While the caliber of handicap fields across the country have ebbed and flowed due to the early retirements and untimely injuries of top horses, the Santa Anita Handicap seems to be one of the few races that annually draws large, talented, and competitive fields. The 2009 rendition of this race is no exception.
Seven Grade/Group 1 winners will be complemented by a pair of Grade 2 victors and another Grade 3 winner among the races 14 entrants. With a fair number of speed horses, stalkers, mid-pack runners, and closers, the winner of this race is liable to come from anywhere in the pack. 10 of these entrants have experience going the distance (or further), and all of these but three have crossed the line first in a race on a synthetic surface. All of that should make for an excellent race, from both wagering and enjoyment perspectives.
1. Matto Mondo (Chi) (Mandella/Bejarano) - 6/1
Rapidly developing Richard Mandella-trainee launched his career in his native Chile and was a 16-length Group I winner by his fourth career start. He racked up another Group I win prior to shipping to the United States, and the son of Sir Cat has won two in a row after getting off to a rocky start here. After beginning his career in 10 straight turf races, Matto Mondo excelled in the Grade III Thunder Road Handicap when it came off-the-turf, and that race opened up the 5-year-old horse to a myriad of opportunities. Mandella picked what is likely the most difficult. Matto Mondo has covered the 10f distance just once in his career, and that was when he ran 7th in a Group I turf race in Chile. His longest victory is just 8.5f, and I'm not sure I can see a son of Sir Cat excelling at a mile and a quarter. Drawing the rail will likely force Bejarano to push his hand a bit early, and I expect him to be right up on the pace. That looks to be his ultimate undoing.
2. Cowboy Cal (Pletcher/Velazquez) - 5/1
One of my favorite horses in training, there is absolutely no doubting the fact that Cowboy Cal has guts and is willing to fight for a victory. The son of Giant's Causeway has run in the exacta in 9 of his past 10 races, with the lone off-the-board performance coming when he ran 9th of 20 in last spring's Kentucky Derby. After receiving an extended break after the race, Cowboy Cal returned to the races with a vengeance, earning a victory (via disqualification) in the ungraded Bryan Station Stakes. He followed that up with a narrow loss to Court Vision in the Grade I Hollywood Derby on the turf, but he's reeled off two straight Grade II victories on the synthetic main track at Santa Anita in the San Pasqual Handicap and the Strub Stakes. While his pedigree indicates that 10f should not be a problem, I'm a bit wary of him going 10f. I think his grit and determination make him a serious contender, but I think he may have a bit too much trouble hanging on in the final eighth. He's a must have on all exotic tickets.
3. Heroi Do Bafra (Brz) (Miller/M. Baze) - 30/1
At the end of 2008, anybody could have claimed this 7-year-old son of Royal Academy for $40,000. Peter Miller claimed Heroi Do Bafra on behalf of his clients Barber & Barber, and in his first start for his new connections the horse rewarded his them with a 3/4-length victory in a $50,000 claiming race at Santa Anita. Those credentials would make him a logical choice in an allowance race, but likely not a $1,000,000 Grade I. He'll need to run the race of his life to even crack the top five, and I find that highly unlikely.
4. Monba (Pletcher/Prado) - 15/1
Last year's Blue Grass Stakes (Gr. I) champion (over stablemate Cowboy Cal), Monba has only been seen twice on the track since that race. He ran 20th in the Kentucky Derby, but missed more than 9 months after that race due to injury. He returned last month at Santa Anita in the Grade III Thunder Road Handicap, and closed aggressively from 6th at the top of the lane to finish 3rd. The son of Maria's Mon owns a victory at 9f, and his pedigree indicates that he should revel the extra distance. Monba has had excuses for the majority of his losses - injuries hampered him in both the Derby and Fountain of Youth Stakes last year, and he wasn't likely near fully cranked last out in the Thunder Road. At 15/1 he looks to be worth a chance, and the fact that Edgar Prado gives up a mount on Imperial Council in the Gotham Stakes to ride here should instill some confidence.
5. Colonel John (Harty/Gomez) - 9/2
If Colonel John is victorious in this race, he'll be doing it at my expense. I feel that this son of Tiznow has a ton of talent, but I'm not sure he's been campaigned to really exploit that talent. It's my personal belief that Colonel John is the type of horse who perfroms better the more races that he's run consecutively. Eoin Harty seems to believe that he's the type of horse who does his best running off extended layoffs and when fresh. Three times in his career, Colonel John has had the opportunity to make his second start after a layoff line in his past performances. He's 3 for 3 in those races, and those victories include the Travers Stakes (Gr. I), the Santa Anita Derby (Gr. I), and the Real Quiet Stakes. In races directly after the layoff, Colonel John is only 2 for 5. He hasn't started since the Malibu Stakes (Gr. I) on December 26, so that means another layoff line in his past performances. I'm taking a stand against him here, especially as the morning line favorite, but keep an eye on him next out...unless that start is 3 months away. I also feel his Travers victory is quite overrated, as Mambo in Seattle, Pyro, and Macho Again, among others, have done little to flatter the Colonel's victory.
6. Magnum (Arg) (Vienna/Rosario) - 12/1
While looking at the past performances of this entrant, I have to first tip my cap to trainer Darrell Vienna. Magnum, if you remember, ran in this race three years ago - and he nearly upset Lava Man as a 17/1 longshot in the race. You wont find many currently in training who squared off against the likes of High Limit, Wilko, or Giacomo, and it's nearly unheard of for that horse to be running at the same level that he was three years earlier. But Magnum is. Last out, Magnum broke a 8 race losing streak, and that streak included 7 races where he ran off the board. But his last two races have been extremely promising - he ran 3rd, beaten only 1 3/4-lengths in the San Pasqual Handicap, and defeated Well Armed and Tiago last out in the Grade II San Antonio Handicap. He's in peak form and while it seems unlikely that the 8-year-old gelding could get his picture taken, stranger things have happened in racing. No Lava Man this time around.
7. Blue Exit (Hollendorfer/Albarado) - 12/1
A horse who may just be a steal at his morning-line price. Blue Exit, a son of Pulpit who began his career in France, has taken his time to come around stateside for Jerry Hollendorfer, but couldn't be in better form right now. The bay colt came flying at the end of the Strub Stakes (Gr. II) to just miss Cowboy Cal, but he passed 7 rivals down the lane and made up a half-dozen lengths on Cowboy Cal. I look for a similar, if not faster, pace in the Strub and if Robby Albarado can maneuver a clean trip for Blue Exit here, he's my pick to stand in the winner's circle after the race.
8. Einstein (Brz) (Pitts/Leparoux) - 6/1
One of the most accomplished horses in training in the United States, the Brazilian-bred Einstein has won a trio of Grade I races in his career, all on the turf, and he's also placed in four more Grade I events. He's also a Grade II winner on the dirt, and the son of Spend a Buck has earned nearly $1.7 million in his 23 race career. He never really fails to show up, and has performed well all over the East Coast and the Midwest. Distance should be a non-factor as he won the 11f Gulfstream Park Turf Stakes last February, and also won the same race in 2006. This will mark his first start over a synthetic surface, but trainer Pitts is confident he can handle them, and for good reason given his versatility on the turf and dirt. I'm not really sure what to make of him as an entrant, but my gut tells me tossing him would be a mistake. He's a definite contender.
9. Dansant (GB) (Butler/T. Baze) - 20/1
The European shipper amongst this cast of 14, Dansant isn't necessarily your typical European shipper for a main-track race. Dansant has become one of the premier synthetic track horses in Europe for trainer Gerard Butler, having won 5 of 8 races on the all-weather surfaces at Lingfield and Kempton Park in Great Britain. Furthermore, 2 of those 3 victories came at the 10f distance, and his lone 10f loss came last out by 1/2-length when he fell just short of running down a loose-on-the-lead frontrunner in a 3 horse field. Generally Europeans are incapable of running a winning race in a race like this so early in the season, however Dansant's synthetic track prowess opens up opportunities for him in Europe throughout the winter. I don't view him as a huge threat to the premier Americans, but he's definitely worth a second or a third look, especially near 20/1 on the tote. Breeders' Cup Marathon winner Muhannak came out of similar all-weather races in Europe, so a translation of form is not unheard of.
10. Cause (Cho/Court) - 30/1
Another longshot on the board, and deservedly so. The son of Giant's Causeway, a $120,000 yearling purchase at Keeneland in September 2006, Cause was claimed by Myung Kwon Cho last November for $25,000 at Hollywood Park. His form has improved significantly under the watchful eye of Cho, but he's still far off from being competitive in a race like this. He rallied belatedly to grab a close-up 6th in the Strub Stakes (Gr. II) last out at 120/1, and it'd take odds like that again to make me even consider a second look at him in here...and that would just be for a $2 pity wager.
11. Court Vision (Mott/Dominguez) - 6/1
Another one of last year's three-year-old divisional standouts looking to make a name for himself in 2009. Court Vision won the Grade II Remsen Stakes as a juvenile in 2007, but endured a 6 race losing streak following that score that put him on the cusp falling into oblivion. Trainer Bill Mott gave the colt a 180, though, and repositioned Court Vision for a turf campaign, and the son of Gulch responded very well to the change of surface. He was victorious in back-to-back starts in the Grade II Jamaica Handicap and the Grade I Hollywood Derby, and just missed last out to Kip Deville in the Grade I Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap. The victor drilled 9f in 1:45 3/5 that day, and Court Vision was just 3/4 of a length in tow. Ramon Dominguez has been aboard for his past three starts, and passes up a ride aboard Haynesfield in the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct to ride here. He'll be coming from well off the pace, and he'll need a bit of racing luck to carve a winning trip for himself. Court Vision broke his maiden at Keeneland, so the synthetic tracks should be within his reach.
12. Zambezi Sun (GB) (Frankel/Espinoza) - 12/1
The first of the Frankel-trained duo, Zambezi Sun is a Juddmonte homebred and a European Group I winner. After battling the likes of Dylan Thomas, Soldier of Fortune, Youmzain, Doctor Dino, and Sagara over the past few summers in Europe, Zambezi Sun may actually find fields like this to be a drop in class. Frankel started him in the Grade II San Luis Obispo Handicap over the Santa Anita turf course on February 22, and he believes that effort may have done the trick in giving his entrant the edge that he needs to be competitive in here. Zambezi Sun pulled jockey Garrett Gomez throughout the Obispo, and came up empty when the real running started en route to a 6th place finish. Can he turn his luck around here? It looks to be a possibility, but I'm not banking on it.
13. Champs Elysees (GB) (Frankel/Valdivia) - 12/1
A two-time Grade I winner in North America, the British-bred Champs Elysees offers his backers quite a few advantages as this race will unfold. Another Juddmonte homebred, Champs Elysees ran third in this race last year, beaten only 3 1/2-lengths by victor Heatseeker. He's also unleashed a few stretch rallies in races completely lacking in place to take the Grade I Hollywood Turf Cup last November, as well as last September's Northern Dancer Stakes (Can-Gr. I) at Woodbine. He'll go off as a longshot in this field, and I expect him to slide up from his 12/1 morning line odds. He's got his share of negatives, though, as well. He's never won on a synthetic surface, and besides his 3rd in last year's 'Big Cap, his synthetic performances include an 8th in last year's Breeders' Cup Classic (Gr. I) and a 7th last out in the San Antonio Handicap (Gr. II). His form is difficult to gauge as he regularly follows uncharacteristically poor efforts with strong ones, and vice versa. Valdivia guided him to the victory two back at Hollywood, but I'm siding with others here.
14. Stream Cat (Biancone/Solis) - 20/1
Biancone wheels back with another, and made a last minute decision to replace Nownownow with Stream Cat in this field. Stream Cat, a gelding trained by Biancone prior to his year-long suspension, is a winner of 6 of 20 lifetime, including a trio of Grade III races throughout his career. He will have no issues navigating the distance effectively, and he's hit the board in 5 of 7 tries on all-weather surfaces. Last out, in his first start back with Biancone, he ran 6th in the San Marcos Stakes (Gr. II) over the Santa Anita turf course, but he was beaten only 2 1/2-lengths that day. The 6-year-old son of Black Minnaloushe has never been the type, however, who's shown the talent to win a race like this, and he's consistently failed at the Grade I and Grade II levels. Biancone is off to a very slow start at the meet, 1 for 39 and counting, and I expect that to continue in this race.
With such an evenly matched field, I'm looking forward to a very close finish. I think Cowboy Cal is the most likely speed horse to hang around, and while the fractions will be fast, they will be bearable and not a huge deterrent to any particular running style. I look forward to a big rallies from Court Vision, Blue Exit, and Monba, and trip is going to play a huge role in how that plays out, especially with a full field of 14 entered. One mistake could cost a horse several lengths, as could being forced too wide, or lacking running room. Magnum and Einstein will have first run at the pacesetters, and either of them is capable of grabbing the lead and going on with it. And even look out for European shipper Dansant, who's conditioner has been very confident about his chances all week. Frankel has been high on Zambezi Sun since he arrived in his stable, and that's worth noting again. Oh, and I haven't even mentioned the favorite Colonel John, yet...
14 entrants, and I feel I can make a very logical and legitimate case for 9 of them - should be one heck of a race!
1. Blue Exit
2.Court Vision
3. Cowboy Cal
4. Einstein (Brz)
Seven Grade/Group 1 winners will be complemented by a pair of Grade 2 victors and another Grade 3 winner among the races 14 entrants. With a fair number of speed horses, stalkers, mid-pack runners, and closers, the winner of this race is liable to come from anywhere in the pack. 10 of these entrants have experience going the distance (or further), and all of these but three have crossed the line first in a race on a synthetic surface. All of that should make for an excellent race, from both wagering and enjoyment perspectives.
1. Matto Mondo (Chi) (Mandella/Bejarano) - 6/1
Rapidly developing Richard Mandella-trainee launched his career in his native Chile and was a 16-length Group I winner by his fourth career start. He racked up another Group I win prior to shipping to the United States, and the son of Sir Cat has won two in a row after getting off to a rocky start here. After beginning his career in 10 straight turf races, Matto Mondo excelled in the Grade III Thunder Road Handicap when it came off-the-turf, and that race opened up the 5-year-old horse to a myriad of opportunities. Mandella picked what is likely the most difficult. Matto Mondo has covered the 10f distance just once in his career, and that was when he ran 7th in a Group I turf race in Chile. His longest victory is just 8.5f, and I'm not sure I can see a son of Sir Cat excelling at a mile and a quarter. Drawing the rail will likely force Bejarano to push his hand a bit early, and I expect him to be right up on the pace. That looks to be his ultimate undoing.
2. Cowboy Cal (Pletcher/Velazquez) - 5/1
One of my favorite horses in training, there is absolutely no doubting the fact that Cowboy Cal has guts and is willing to fight for a victory. The son of Giant's Causeway has run in the exacta in 9 of his past 10 races, with the lone off-the-board performance coming when he ran 9th of 20 in last spring's Kentucky Derby. After receiving an extended break after the race, Cowboy Cal returned to the races with a vengeance, earning a victory (via disqualification) in the ungraded Bryan Station Stakes. He followed that up with a narrow loss to Court Vision in the Grade I Hollywood Derby on the turf, but he's reeled off two straight Grade II victories on the synthetic main track at Santa Anita in the San Pasqual Handicap and the Strub Stakes. While his pedigree indicates that 10f should not be a problem, I'm a bit wary of him going 10f. I think his grit and determination make him a serious contender, but I think he may have a bit too much trouble hanging on in the final eighth. He's a must have on all exotic tickets.
3. Heroi Do Bafra (Brz) (Miller/M. Baze) - 30/1
At the end of 2008, anybody could have claimed this 7-year-old son of Royal Academy for $40,000. Peter Miller claimed Heroi Do Bafra on behalf of his clients Barber & Barber, and in his first start for his new connections the horse rewarded his them with a 3/4-length victory in a $50,000 claiming race at Santa Anita. Those credentials would make him a logical choice in an allowance race, but likely not a $1,000,000 Grade I. He'll need to run the race of his life to even crack the top five, and I find that highly unlikely.
4. Monba (Pletcher/Prado) - 15/1
Last year's Blue Grass Stakes (Gr. I) champion (over stablemate Cowboy Cal), Monba has only been seen twice on the track since that race. He ran 20th in the Kentucky Derby, but missed more than 9 months after that race due to injury. He returned last month at Santa Anita in the Grade III Thunder Road Handicap, and closed aggressively from 6th at the top of the lane to finish 3rd. The son of Maria's Mon owns a victory at 9f, and his pedigree indicates that he should revel the extra distance. Monba has had excuses for the majority of his losses - injuries hampered him in both the Derby and Fountain of Youth Stakes last year, and he wasn't likely near fully cranked last out in the Thunder Road. At 15/1 he looks to be worth a chance, and the fact that Edgar Prado gives up a mount on Imperial Council in the Gotham Stakes to ride here should instill some confidence.
5. Colonel John (Harty/Gomez) - 9/2
If Colonel John is victorious in this race, he'll be doing it at my expense. I feel that this son of Tiznow has a ton of talent, but I'm not sure he's been campaigned to really exploit that talent. It's my personal belief that Colonel John is the type of horse who perfroms better the more races that he's run consecutively. Eoin Harty seems to believe that he's the type of horse who does his best running off extended layoffs and when fresh. Three times in his career, Colonel John has had the opportunity to make his second start after a layoff line in his past performances. He's 3 for 3 in those races, and those victories include the Travers Stakes (Gr. I), the Santa Anita Derby (Gr. I), and the Real Quiet Stakes. In races directly after the layoff, Colonel John is only 2 for 5. He hasn't started since the Malibu Stakes (Gr. I) on December 26, so that means another layoff line in his past performances. I'm taking a stand against him here, especially as the morning line favorite, but keep an eye on him next out...unless that start is 3 months away. I also feel his Travers victory is quite overrated, as Mambo in Seattle, Pyro, and Macho Again, among others, have done little to flatter the Colonel's victory.
6. Magnum (Arg) (Vienna/Rosario) - 12/1
While looking at the past performances of this entrant, I have to first tip my cap to trainer Darrell Vienna. Magnum, if you remember, ran in this race three years ago - and he nearly upset Lava Man as a 17/1 longshot in the race. You wont find many currently in training who squared off against the likes of High Limit, Wilko, or Giacomo, and it's nearly unheard of for that horse to be running at the same level that he was three years earlier. But Magnum is. Last out, Magnum broke a 8 race losing streak, and that streak included 7 races where he ran off the board. But his last two races have been extremely promising - he ran 3rd, beaten only 1 3/4-lengths in the San Pasqual Handicap, and defeated Well Armed and Tiago last out in the Grade II San Antonio Handicap. He's in peak form and while it seems unlikely that the 8-year-old gelding could get his picture taken, stranger things have happened in racing. No Lava Man this time around.
7. Blue Exit (Hollendorfer/Albarado) - 12/1
A horse who may just be a steal at his morning-line price. Blue Exit, a son of Pulpit who began his career in France, has taken his time to come around stateside for Jerry Hollendorfer, but couldn't be in better form right now. The bay colt came flying at the end of the Strub Stakes (Gr. II) to just miss Cowboy Cal, but he passed 7 rivals down the lane and made up a half-dozen lengths on Cowboy Cal. I look for a similar, if not faster, pace in the Strub and if Robby Albarado can maneuver a clean trip for Blue Exit here, he's my pick to stand in the winner's circle after the race.
8. Einstein (Brz) (Pitts/Leparoux) - 6/1
One of the most accomplished horses in training in the United States, the Brazilian-bred Einstein has won a trio of Grade I races in his career, all on the turf, and he's also placed in four more Grade I events. He's also a Grade II winner on the dirt, and the son of Spend a Buck has earned nearly $1.7 million in his 23 race career. He never really fails to show up, and has performed well all over the East Coast and the Midwest. Distance should be a non-factor as he won the 11f Gulfstream Park Turf Stakes last February, and also won the same race in 2006. This will mark his first start over a synthetic surface, but trainer Pitts is confident he can handle them, and for good reason given his versatility on the turf and dirt. I'm not really sure what to make of him as an entrant, but my gut tells me tossing him would be a mistake. He's a definite contender.
9. Dansant (GB) (Butler/T. Baze) - 20/1
The European shipper amongst this cast of 14, Dansant isn't necessarily your typical European shipper for a main-track race. Dansant has become one of the premier synthetic track horses in Europe for trainer Gerard Butler, having won 5 of 8 races on the all-weather surfaces at Lingfield and Kempton Park in Great Britain. Furthermore, 2 of those 3 victories came at the 10f distance, and his lone 10f loss came last out by 1/2-length when he fell just short of running down a loose-on-the-lead frontrunner in a 3 horse field. Generally Europeans are incapable of running a winning race in a race like this so early in the season, however Dansant's synthetic track prowess opens up opportunities for him in Europe throughout the winter. I don't view him as a huge threat to the premier Americans, but he's definitely worth a second or a third look, especially near 20/1 on the tote. Breeders' Cup Marathon winner Muhannak came out of similar all-weather races in Europe, so a translation of form is not unheard of.
10. Cause (Cho/Court) - 30/1
Another longshot on the board, and deservedly so. The son of Giant's Causeway, a $120,000 yearling purchase at Keeneland in September 2006, Cause was claimed by Myung Kwon Cho last November for $25,000 at Hollywood Park. His form has improved significantly under the watchful eye of Cho, but he's still far off from being competitive in a race like this. He rallied belatedly to grab a close-up 6th in the Strub Stakes (Gr. II) last out at 120/1, and it'd take odds like that again to make me even consider a second look at him in here...and that would just be for a $2 pity wager.
11. Court Vision (Mott/Dominguez) - 6/1
Another one of last year's three-year-old divisional standouts looking to make a name for himself in 2009. Court Vision won the Grade II Remsen Stakes as a juvenile in 2007, but endured a 6 race losing streak following that score that put him on the cusp falling into oblivion. Trainer Bill Mott gave the colt a 180, though, and repositioned Court Vision for a turf campaign, and the son of Gulch responded very well to the change of surface. He was victorious in back-to-back starts in the Grade II Jamaica Handicap and the Grade I Hollywood Derby, and just missed last out to Kip Deville in the Grade I Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap. The victor drilled 9f in 1:45 3/5 that day, and Court Vision was just 3/4 of a length in tow. Ramon Dominguez has been aboard for his past three starts, and passes up a ride aboard Haynesfield in the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct to ride here. He'll be coming from well off the pace, and he'll need a bit of racing luck to carve a winning trip for himself. Court Vision broke his maiden at Keeneland, so the synthetic tracks should be within his reach.
12. Zambezi Sun (GB) (Frankel/Espinoza) - 12/1
The first of the Frankel-trained duo, Zambezi Sun is a Juddmonte homebred and a European Group I winner. After battling the likes of Dylan Thomas, Soldier of Fortune, Youmzain, Doctor Dino, and Sagara over the past few summers in Europe, Zambezi Sun may actually find fields like this to be a drop in class. Frankel started him in the Grade II San Luis Obispo Handicap over the Santa Anita turf course on February 22, and he believes that effort may have done the trick in giving his entrant the edge that he needs to be competitive in here. Zambezi Sun pulled jockey Garrett Gomez throughout the Obispo, and came up empty when the real running started en route to a 6th place finish. Can he turn his luck around here? It looks to be a possibility, but I'm not banking on it.
13. Champs Elysees (GB) (Frankel/Valdivia) - 12/1
A two-time Grade I winner in North America, the British-bred Champs Elysees offers his backers quite a few advantages as this race will unfold. Another Juddmonte homebred, Champs Elysees ran third in this race last year, beaten only 3 1/2-lengths by victor Heatseeker. He's also unleashed a few stretch rallies in races completely lacking in place to take the Grade I Hollywood Turf Cup last November, as well as last September's Northern Dancer Stakes (Can-Gr. I) at Woodbine. He'll go off as a longshot in this field, and I expect him to slide up from his 12/1 morning line odds. He's got his share of negatives, though, as well. He's never won on a synthetic surface, and besides his 3rd in last year's 'Big Cap, his synthetic performances include an 8th in last year's Breeders' Cup Classic (Gr. I) and a 7th last out in the San Antonio Handicap (Gr. II). His form is difficult to gauge as he regularly follows uncharacteristically poor efforts with strong ones, and vice versa. Valdivia guided him to the victory two back at Hollywood, but I'm siding with others here.
14. Stream Cat (Biancone/Solis) - 20/1
Biancone wheels back with another, and made a last minute decision to replace Nownownow with Stream Cat in this field. Stream Cat, a gelding trained by Biancone prior to his year-long suspension, is a winner of 6 of 20 lifetime, including a trio of Grade III races throughout his career. He will have no issues navigating the distance effectively, and he's hit the board in 5 of 7 tries on all-weather surfaces. Last out, in his first start back with Biancone, he ran 6th in the San Marcos Stakes (Gr. II) over the Santa Anita turf course, but he was beaten only 2 1/2-lengths that day. The 6-year-old son of Black Minnaloushe has never been the type, however, who's shown the talent to win a race like this, and he's consistently failed at the Grade I and Grade II levels. Biancone is off to a very slow start at the meet, 1 for 39 and counting, and I expect that to continue in this race.
With such an evenly matched field, I'm looking forward to a very close finish. I think Cowboy Cal is the most likely speed horse to hang around, and while the fractions will be fast, they will be bearable and not a huge deterrent to any particular running style. I look forward to a big rallies from Court Vision, Blue Exit, and Monba, and trip is going to play a huge role in how that plays out, especially with a full field of 14 entered. One mistake could cost a horse several lengths, as could being forced too wide, or lacking running room. Magnum and Einstein will have first run at the pacesetters, and either of them is capable of grabbing the lead and going on with it. And even look out for European shipper Dansant, who's conditioner has been very confident about his chances all week. Frankel has been high on Zambezi Sun since he arrived in his stable, and that's worth noting again. Oh, and I haven't even mentioned the favorite Colonel John, yet...
14 entrants, and I feel I can make a very logical and legitimate case for 9 of them - should be one heck of a race!
1. Blue Exit
2.Court Vision
3. Cowboy Cal
4. Einstein (Brz)
Friday, January 30, 2009
Gulfstream Park 1.31.09
So, I guess I've found myself in a bit of a handicapping rut. I haven't bet a race since my Saturday Breeders' Cup debacle, but I think I'm ready to get back into the action. I've been waiting for Nicanor's debut ever since I heard that they were indeed going to move forward with his racing career, mainly because I'm dying to bet against such a short-priced and vulnerable debut favorite. The card also features the Grade I Donn, the Grade III Holy Bull, and the seasonal debut of the highly regarded Well Positioned.
Race 1
The connections who delivered Big Brown to the world before selling him to IEAH Stable's paid $340,000 for #4 Well Positioned, a nicely bred son of Awesome Again, out of a Holy Bull mare. After running somewhat poorly in his career debut, he woke up at Aqueduct on November 22 with an overpowering 11 1/4 length win. He's worked 5 times for Patrick Reynolds since, including a 6f move in 1:13 4/5 on 1/25. Aqueduct form has been a cause for concern at Gulfstream thus far, but I'm not sure that makes him a bet against, even at likely low odds. Top-trainer Todd Pletcher has a pretty talented duo making their seasonal debuts. #7 Take the Points (3/1) breaks from the outside post and looks to be a very viable alternative. The son of Even the Score broke his maiden at Gulfstream against the talented Nowhere to Hide (who goes later in the Holy Bull) last out, and keeps Prado aboard to ride. #6 Masala (4/1) from the Pletcher barn broke his maiden at Aqueduct at second asking in the mud, and like his stablemate he shows 6 works at Palm Meadows. Either could spring the minor upset at a better price. #3 Cinnamon Road (4/1) is intriguing if nothing else. The Calder based son of Delaware Township freaked out last time with a 14 1/4 length win against 35k claimers, and earned a 95 Beyer for his troubles. His Beyer progression heading into that one was 65, 77, 72, but in October '08 he threw up an 89 Beyer in a starter allowance. He keeps Velazquez, but going wire-to-wire against these will be no easy task. I wouldn't mind seeing him soften up Well Positioned, though.
#7 Take the Points
#6 Masala
#4 Well Positioned
Race 2
Deep 8.5f 35K claiming race on the grass drew 12 entrants. Quite a few are capable. The first one that stands out is #7 Bang Bang Bang. He's been a part of the exacta in all 3 of his turf starts, and owns Beyers of 88, 86, 86 on the surface. He picks up the services of Alan Garcia, and has been working forwardly at Palm Meadows for his 09 bow. Will benefit from a possible relaxed pace scenario. A deep closer who has all the tools to take this is #11 Don'twait Toolong (6/1). The Nafzger/Borel combo teams up here with this gelded son of War Chant. He drops in for the lowest price of a career where he's hit the board in 15 of 21, including 9 of 15 on the green and 4 of 5 at the distance. Borel knows the horse, has ridden him 8 times but has never won with him - that's alright though, not many jocks have - he's 2 for 21 lifetime. He'll be flying late, though. Tough to love up top given his record, though.
#7 Bang Bang Bang
#11 Don'twait Toolong
Race 3
Maidens, maidens, maidens...but it looks as if there are prices to be had. The favorite is likely to be Zito's #4 Just a Coincidence (3/1), by Forestry. He tired badly last time routing at Churchill, and cuts back to sprint distances where he's 3-0-2-1 lifetime. Problem is, he's 0 for 4 now and it's quickly becoming that time to question his ability to get the job done at all. I'll play him underneath, because he looks too strong to run off the board. Romans' #2 Bobby B. Goode (6/1) intrigues a bit. He picks up Albarado and seems to have solid gate speed. He could very well be one to catch if none of the firsters come out flying. Kelly Breen's #9 Mighty Score (6/1) could play a role. Ran 4th in his debut to Checklist, but his 3f in 33 3/5 work on 1/25 says he's ready to run a big one. #8 Tapis Magnique (8/1) is a firster from the Mott barn. His sire, Speightstown, does well with firsters and he's got Velazquez aboard.
#6 Mighty Score
#8 Tapis Magnique
#4 Just a Coincidence
Race 4
No real feelings on this race, but will go with #8 Yippety Yip (5/1) who's dropping in class.
Race 5
No thanks
Race 6
#4 Fullofsong
Race 7
Can't say I have much of an opinion in this race. The logical selections here, #11 Beethoven (4/1) and #10 West Side Bernie (3/1) drew poorly on the outside, and will be hindered with lost ground with such a short run into the first turn. I honestly think the most talented one in here could be Pletcher's #8 Idol Maker (6/1), and I'm slowly selling myself on him. He debuted brilliantly at Belmont, earned an 87 Beyer going 8f and beat Nowhere to Hide convincingly. Was tossed into the deep end and sank against Old Fashioned in the Gr. II Remsen, and then was sent to the lead and faded last out in an allowance. Toss the last because of the ride, and he's still got a lot to prove especially with that 13 length Remsen loss on his resume. #2 Danger to Society (5/1) is my tentative pick. The son of Harlan's Holiday is 2 for 2 lifetime, including an impressive 9f allowance win last time out in which he put up an 86 Beyer. I just don't like him all that much, though, especially down the line. But his best may be enough to win here. #9 Nowhere to Hide (8/1) is a Zito-trainee who finally got the job done last out, but it difficult to love. 9f may be stretching it for the son of Vindication, who's never run beyond 8f and needed a weaker Calder field to break his maiden after going 0 for 4 on the NYRA circuit. West Side Bernie (3/1) is good, but probably not good enough from the post. He ran 6th in the BC Juvenile and backed that up with a 2nd in the Grade III Delta Jackpot and continues to work lights out for Kelly Breen. Look out for #5 El Crespo (12/1). The son of A.P. Indy has yet to try the dirt, but showed talent on the grass. A half to a pair of turf stakes winners including Rey de Cafe. A.P. Indy suggests dirt wont be an issue for the George Arnold-trainee, but that's easier said than done.
#2 Danger to Society
#10 West Side Bernie
#8 Idol Maker
#5 El Crespo
Race 8
So let me ask you a question - you're handicapping a maiden race full of first time starters. One is trained by a guy who wins with 2% of his debut starters, is by a stallion who isn't known for quick horses, and has been working well, but not overly well - does he really deserve to be the likely favorite? When he's Barbaro's little brother, though, sometime stats go out the window. I've been looking forward to betting against, and I still think that's the best bet here. #10 Dubinsky (7/2) is a good looking son of Toccet who would be around 2/1 without Nicanor in the field. #3 Andiron (6/1) absolutely loathed the synthetic track in his debut, but the half to The Cliff's Edge (by A.P. Indy) is still highly regarded with his trainer, the legendary Bobby Frankel. I'm looking for a reversal. #1 Unbridled Cardinal (20/1) is a 3/4 to Rockport Harbor and lost all hope in his debut by blowing the break. He's in Zito's hands, ridden by Leparoux, and at 20/1, why not?
#10 Dubinsky
#1 Unbridled Cardinal
#3 Andiron
Race 9
A rousing rendition of the prestigious Donn Handicap (Gr. I). At first glance, a case can be made for many of these. The first horse who jumped out at me is one that I'm actually discounting now, that being #2 Albertus Maximus (4/1). The recent Shadwell purchase came into his own in the fall, winning a pair of races including the $1,000,000 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, and he was moving late against Tiago and Well Armed in the Grade I Goodwood. Furthermore, a look back in his PPs shows a nice maiden score, complete with a 92 Beyer, on the traditional dirt. My concerns come from his 0 for 3 record at the distance, as well as the significant turn around he saw in the care of Vladimir Cerin. Red flags go up for me there...Cerin has a bit of a reputation, and anytime a horse jumps up that much, I get a little sketpical. Now that he's in McLaughlin's hands, I'm expecting a bit of a regression - plus it must be noted that this race is being used as a prep for Dubai and he's not likely 100%. He also loses Gomez for Alan Garcia. I keep coming back to #7 Arson Squad (3/1). He's 3 for 3 on the dirt at 9f, has been a new horse for Dutrow on the conventional dirt, and is the best form he's been in for years. He blewout 3f on 1/29 and I can't wait to see him run. The likely favorite is #10 Einstein, but I still feel he's overrated on the dirt. He wouldn't have won the Grade II Clark last out if Commentator had run a race remniscent to what he'd done in the Mass Cap or Whitney. The problem is, none of these are spectacular enough to really see knocking him off even if he can replicate his Clark win or Foster loss to Curlin. I just cant find myself having enough faith in him to use him up top, and I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't fire at all. Call me crazy, but I've yet to give up on #3 Anak Nakal (10/1). He is the same horse who finally seemed to have things figured out when he won the PA Derby (Gr. II) and placed to Arson Squad in the Meadowlands Cup (Gr. II). Toss the Clark, and accept that the Hals Hope (Gr. III) was too short for him, and he might have a fighting chance at a lower prize. Tough call on him. #6 On Board Again offers price at 20/1, and just might be dangerous. He missed all of 2007 and half of 2008, but is back in good form and Frankel wouldn't put him here if he didn't think he was ready.
#7 Arson Sqaud
#4 Bullsbay
#3 Anak Nakal
Race 10
If you're not out of money yet, look to #6 Whitty Woman to salvage your day!
Race 1
The connections who delivered Big Brown to the world before selling him to IEAH Stable's paid $340,000 for #4 Well Positioned, a nicely bred son of Awesome Again, out of a Holy Bull mare. After running somewhat poorly in his career debut, he woke up at Aqueduct on November 22 with an overpowering 11 1/4 length win. He's worked 5 times for Patrick Reynolds since, including a 6f move in 1:13 4/5 on 1/25. Aqueduct form has been a cause for concern at Gulfstream thus far, but I'm not sure that makes him a bet against, even at likely low odds. Top-trainer Todd Pletcher has a pretty talented duo making their seasonal debuts. #7 Take the Points (3/1) breaks from the outside post and looks to be a very viable alternative. The son of Even the Score broke his maiden at Gulfstream against the talented Nowhere to Hide (who goes later in the Holy Bull) last out, and keeps Prado aboard to ride. #6 Masala (4/1) from the Pletcher barn broke his maiden at Aqueduct at second asking in the mud, and like his stablemate he shows 6 works at Palm Meadows. Either could spring the minor upset at a better price. #3 Cinnamon Road (4/1) is intriguing if nothing else. The Calder based son of Delaware Township freaked out last time with a 14 1/4 length win against 35k claimers, and earned a 95 Beyer for his troubles. His Beyer progression heading into that one was 65, 77, 72, but in October '08 he threw up an 89 Beyer in a starter allowance. He keeps Velazquez, but going wire-to-wire against these will be no easy task. I wouldn't mind seeing him soften up Well Positioned, though.
#7 Take the Points
#6 Masala
#4 Well Positioned
Race 2
Deep 8.5f 35K claiming race on the grass drew 12 entrants. Quite a few are capable. The first one that stands out is #7 Bang Bang Bang. He's been a part of the exacta in all 3 of his turf starts, and owns Beyers of 88, 86, 86 on the surface. He picks up the services of Alan Garcia, and has been working forwardly at Palm Meadows for his 09 bow. Will benefit from a possible relaxed pace scenario. A deep closer who has all the tools to take this is #11 Don'twait Toolong (6/1). The Nafzger/Borel combo teams up here with this gelded son of War Chant. He drops in for the lowest price of a career where he's hit the board in 15 of 21, including 9 of 15 on the green and 4 of 5 at the distance. Borel knows the horse, has ridden him 8 times but has never won with him - that's alright though, not many jocks have - he's 2 for 21 lifetime. He'll be flying late, though. Tough to love up top given his record, though.
#7 Bang Bang Bang
#11 Don'twait Toolong
Race 3
Maidens, maidens, maidens...but it looks as if there are prices to be had. The favorite is likely to be Zito's #4 Just a Coincidence (3/1), by Forestry. He tired badly last time routing at Churchill, and cuts back to sprint distances where he's 3-0-2-1 lifetime. Problem is, he's 0 for 4 now and it's quickly becoming that time to question his ability to get the job done at all. I'll play him underneath, because he looks too strong to run off the board. Romans' #2 Bobby B. Goode (6/1) intrigues a bit. He picks up Albarado and seems to have solid gate speed. He could very well be one to catch if none of the firsters come out flying. Kelly Breen's #9 Mighty Score (6/1) could play a role. Ran 4th in his debut to Checklist, but his 3f in 33 3/5 work on 1/25 says he's ready to run a big one. #8 Tapis Magnique (8/1) is a firster from the Mott barn. His sire, Speightstown, does well with firsters and he's got Velazquez aboard.
#6 Mighty Score
#8 Tapis Magnique
#4 Just a Coincidence
Race 4
No real feelings on this race, but will go with #8 Yippety Yip (5/1) who's dropping in class.
Race 5
No thanks
Race 6
#4 Fullofsong
Race 7
Can't say I have much of an opinion in this race. The logical selections here, #11 Beethoven (4/1) and #10 West Side Bernie (3/1) drew poorly on the outside, and will be hindered with lost ground with such a short run into the first turn. I honestly think the most talented one in here could be Pletcher's #8 Idol Maker (6/1), and I'm slowly selling myself on him. He debuted brilliantly at Belmont, earned an 87 Beyer going 8f and beat Nowhere to Hide convincingly. Was tossed into the deep end and sank against Old Fashioned in the Gr. II Remsen, and then was sent to the lead and faded last out in an allowance. Toss the last because of the ride, and he's still got a lot to prove especially with that 13 length Remsen loss on his resume. #2 Danger to Society (5/1) is my tentative pick. The son of Harlan's Holiday is 2 for 2 lifetime, including an impressive 9f allowance win last time out in which he put up an 86 Beyer. I just don't like him all that much, though, especially down the line. But his best may be enough to win here. #9 Nowhere to Hide (8/1) is a Zito-trainee who finally got the job done last out, but it difficult to love. 9f may be stretching it for the son of Vindication, who's never run beyond 8f and needed a weaker Calder field to break his maiden after going 0 for 4 on the NYRA circuit. West Side Bernie (3/1) is good, but probably not good enough from the post. He ran 6th in the BC Juvenile and backed that up with a 2nd in the Grade III Delta Jackpot and continues to work lights out for Kelly Breen. Look out for #5 El Crespo (12/1). The son of A.P. Indy has yet to try the dirt, but showed talent on the grass. A half to a pair of turf stakes winners including Rey de Cafe. A.P. Indy suggests dirt wont be an issue for the George Arnold-trainee, but that's easier said than done.
#2 Danger to Society
#10 West Side Bernie
#8 Idol Maker
#5 El Crespo
Race 8
So let me ask you a question - you're handicapping a maiden race full of first time starters. One is trained by a guy who wins with 2% of his debut starters, is by a stallion who isn't known for quick horses, and has been working well, but not overly well - does he really deserve to be the likely favorite? When he's Barbaro's little brother, though, sometime stats go out the window. I've been looking forward to betting against, and I still think that's the best bet here. #10 Dubinsky (7/2) is a good looking son of Toccet who would be around 2/1 without Nicanor in the field. #3 Andiron (6/1) absolutely loathed the synthetic track in his debut, but the half to The Cliff's Edge (by A.P. Indy) is still highly regarded with his trainer, the legendary Bobby Frankel. I'm looking for a reversal. #1 Unbridled Cardinal (20/1) is a 3/4 to Rockport Harbor and lost all hope in his debut by blowing the break. He's in Zito's hands, ridden by Leparoux, and at 20/1, why not?
#10 Dubinsky
#1 Unbridled Cardinal
#3 Andiron
Race 9
A rousing rendition of the prestigious Donn Handicap (Gr. I). At first glance, a case can be made for many of these. The first horse who jumped out at me is one that I'm actually discounting now, that being #2 Albertus Maximus (4/1). The recent Shadwell purchase came into his own in the fall, winning a pair of races including the $1,000,000 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, and he was moving late against Tiago and Well Armed in the Grade I Goodwood. Furthermore, a look back in his PPs shows a nice maiden score, complete with a 92 Beyer, on the traditional dirt. My concerns come from his 0 for 3 record at the distance, as well as the significant turn around he saw in the care of Vladimir Cerin. Red flags go up for me there...Cerin has a bit of a reputation, and anytime a horse jumps up that much, I get a little sketpical. Now that he's in McLaughlin's hands, I'm expecting a bit of a regression - plus it must be noted that this race is being used as a prep for Dubai and he's not likely 100%. He also loses Gomez for Alan Garcia. I keep coming back to #7 Arson Squad (3/1). He's 3 for 3 on the dirt at 9f, has been a new horse for Dutrow on the conventional dirt, and is the best form he's been in for years. He blewout 3f on 1/29 and I can't wait to see him run. The likely favorite is #10 Einstein, but I still feel he's overrated on the dirt. He wouldn't have won the Grade II Clark last out if Commentator had run a race remniscent to what he'd done in the Mass Cap or Whitney. The problem is, none of these are spectacular enough to really see knocking him off even if he can replicate his Clark win or Foster loss to Curlin. I just cant find myself having enough faith in him to use him up top, and I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't fire at all. Call me crazy, but I've yet to give up on #3 Anak Nakal (10/1). He is the same horse who finally seemed to have things figured out when he won the PA Derby (Gr. II) and placed to Arson Squad in the Meadowlands Cup (Gr. II). Toss the Clark, and accept that the Hals Hope (Gr. III) was too short for him, and he might have a fighting chance at a lower prize. Tough call on him. #6 On Board Again offers price at 20/1, and just might be dangerous. He missed all of 2007 and half of 2008, but is back in good form and Frankel wouldn't put him here if he didn't think he was ready.
#7 Arson Sqaud
#4 Bullsbay
#3 Anak Nakal
Race 10
If you're not out of money yet, look to #6 Whitty Woman to salvage your day!
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