Here are my picks for the Jim Dandy. . .
1 Afleet Express
2 Fly Down
3 A Little Warm
4 Steinbeck
5 Friend or Foe
6 Aikenite
7 Miner's Reserve
8 Stormy's Majesty
Whoever wins this race will be a huge contender for the Travers a month from now.
-Keelerman
Saturday, July 31, 2010
DIANA HANDICAP ANALYSIS
Today, one of my favorite mares tries to win a prestigous race for the third straight year.
No, I'm not talking about Zenyatta. I am talking about Forever Together.
In the ninth race at Saratoga, the grade I Diana Handicap, the 2008 Champion turf female Forever Together takes on a solid field of turf fillies that includes Proviso, who beat males in the Frank E. Kilroe Mile earlier this year.
However, Shared Account, at 8-1 on the morning line, can pull off the upset. She comes off of a sharp win over Dynaslew in the All Along, and finished a fast closing fourth to Rainbow View in the Gallorette Handicap two starts back. She is grade I placed and should come flying late.
That said, here are my picks. . .
1 Shared Account
2 Forever Together
3 Proviso
4 Phola
5 Maram
6 My Princess Jess
7 Dynaslew
I believe that Shared Account is sitting on a huge race and will be right there in the stretch. Forever Together should close well, but I just can't see her getting up in time. I'm a little worried about Proviso getting the distance, but we'll see what happens.
It's going to be a great race!
-Keelerman
No, I'm not talking about Zenyatta. I am talking about Forever Together.
In the ninth race at Saratoga, the grade I Diana Handicap, the 2008 Champion turf female Forever Together takes on a solid field of turf fillies that includes Proviso, who beat males in the Frank E. Kilroe Mile earlier this year.
However, Shared Account, at 8-1 on the morning line, can pull off the upset. She comes off of a sharp win over Dynaslew in the All Along, and finished a fast closing fourth to Rainbow View in the Gallorette Handicap two starts back. She is grade I placed and should come flying late.
That said, here are my picks. . .
1 Shared Account
2 Forever Together
3 Proviso
4 Phola
5 Maram
6 My Princess Jess
7 Dynaslew
I believe that Shared Account is sitting on a huge race and will be right there in the stretch. Forever Together should close well, but I just can't see her getting up in time. I'm a little worried about Proviso getting the distance, but we'll see what happens.
It's going to be a great race!
-Keelerman
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
HANDICAP TRIPLE CROWN
What do the names Whisk Broom II, Tom Fool, Kelso, and Fit to Fight have in common?
If you answered "They are all Triple Crown winners" then you are correct.
What's that? They aren't Triple Crown winners? Oh excuse me, I should have said Handicap Triple Crown winners.
I apologize if you are confused, I will explain.
The Handicap Triple Crown was a series of three races that had become connected as a series, just like the current Triple Crown. The biggest difference was the fact that the series was for older horses.
The Metropolitan, Suburban, and Brooklyn Handicaps were once the cream of the top older horse races in the country. Win one and you were respected. Win two and you were considered a very good horse. Win all three and you would most likely go down in history.
Although the three races still exist, they are not what they once were. The Metropolitan Handicap has remained unchanged over the years, even retaining its grade I status, but the Suburban and the Brooklyn have undergone major changes. Both of them have gone from grade I to grade II, and neither of them draw the best older males any more. The Suburban Handicap, which had long been a mile and a quarter in distance, was shortened to nine furlongs this year. And it's safe to say that the series will never be won again, due to the fact that the races are too close together nowadays. To win the three races, you must run in the Met Mile about a week before the Belmont Stakes, and then come back on Belmont Day to run in the Brooklyn. It just doesn't work.
And the worst thing is that it was a good series. Wouldn't you like to see horses like Curlin, Quality Road, Invasor, and others pursue a Triple Crown as four, five, and six year olds?
I think that it is time to invent a new series for older horses.
You see, the Triple Crown for three year olds wasn't anybody's idea. The Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont were individual races that all the best three year olds happened to run in every year. Eventually, a writer came up with the phrase "Triple Crown" to mean all three of the classic races and the phrase stuck.
Why can't we do the same thing for other races?
Take the Whitney, Woodward, and Jockey Club Gold Cup. Three of the most prestigious races for older horses, they routinely draw top-quality horses, and they are spaced so that the same horse can run in all three. Last year, Macho Again competed in all three. Bullsbay competed in two of them. In 2008, Curlin competed in the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup and won them both. In 2007, Lawyer Ron won the Whitney and the Woodward but lost the Jockey Club Gold Cup by a head. And this year, Quality Road is definite for both the Whitney and the Woodward, with the Jockey Club Gold Cup a possibility, and Blame's schedule includes all three races.
I would love to see the three races recognized as a series. So let’s have some fun. From now on, I will consider the three races connected and will refer to them as the "Handicap Triple Crown,” even though only one of the races is a handicap.
Now, here are the past winners of the series. . .
1961: Kelso
1963: Kelso
1984: Slew o' Gold
1989: Easy Goer
And here are the "Near Misses", horses who won two of the three races but either failed to win or did not run in one of the races. . .
2008: Curlin (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
2000: Lemon Drop Kid (Won the Whitney and the Woodward)
1999: River Keen (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1995: Cigar (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1994: Colonial Affair (Won the Whitney and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1992: Sultry Song (Won the Whitney and the Woodward)
1991: In Excess (Won the Whitney and the Woodward)
1985: Track Barron (Won the Whitney and the Woodward)
1983: Slew o' Gold (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1979: Affirmed (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1974: Forego (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1973: Prove Out (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1972: Key to the Mint (Won the Whitney and the Woodward, the latter via disqualification of Cougar II, who finished first)
1969: Arts and Letters (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1967: Damascus (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1966: Buckpasser (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1965: Roman Brother (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1964: Gun Bow (Won the Whitney and the Woodward)
1962: Kelso (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1959: Sword Dancer (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
As you can see, there have been plenty of near-misses, but only three horses have won the series. Amazingly, Kelso swept the three races twice and had a near-miss in between!
Please note that although War Admiral won the Whitney and the Jockey Club Gold Cup in 1938, the Woodward had not yet been created.
So the excitement builds! Quality Road and Blame will dual it out two weeks from now in the Whitney Handicap, with Mine That Bird an upset threat if there is any speed at all.
Here are my Top Five picks as of now for the "Handicap Triple Crown". . .
1: QUALITY ROAD
Hard not to like him, but I do question his ability to get a mile and a quarter against the very best. But he has been impressive all year and should be able to claim at least one of the three races.
2: BLAME
He was very impressive in the Stephen Foster and will likely give Quality Road as much as he can handle. He just keeps getting better and we may not have seen the best of him yet.
3: HAYNESFIELD
Very sharp while winning the Suburban Handicap and looks to keep improving. He should be able to hold his own against the best, and I would not be surprised to see him dominating the older male division by the end of the year.
4: MINE THAT BIRD
The Whitney has been his goal for a while now, and there's no reason to think he won't run well. Yes, he run in the Firecracker Handicap was uninspiring, but he should be a different horse on dirt.
5: ZENYATTA
She would be at the top of this list if she was guaranteed to come, but since she isn't, here she sits. If John Shirreffs doesn't like how Del Mar's Polytrack is shaping up, the Whitney remains a possibility.
6: RAIL TRIP
Now that he is out east with Rick Dutrow, we'll probably see him in one of these races. Very disappointing in the Hollywood Gold Cup, but he should rebound nicely.
7: AWESOME GEM
Obviously, his win in the Hollywood Gold Cup puts him near the top of the older males division, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup could be in his future. I honestly feel that dirt is his best surface.
8: RACHEL ALEXANDRA
Is defending her Woodward win in the future for the 2009 Horse of the Year?
9: AFLEET EXPRESS
The Whitney and Woodward are not in the plans right now, but I like his chances for the Jockey Club Gold Cup. This colt has impressed me since January and he just keeps getting better.
10: CONCORD POINT
Super Saver and Lookin at Lucky just don't seem like Jockey Club Gold Cup winners to me, and since the Whitney and the Woodward are not on their agendas, I shall include Concord Point. He got his break through win in the Iowa Derby and looks ready to manhandle anyone who challenges him if he continues to run like he can.
HORSES TO WATCH
Afleet Again - Needs to stop drifting in the stretch.
First Dude - Nice runs in both the Preakness and the Belmont.
Fly Down - He could be a true mile and a quarter horse.
Ice Box - Disappointing in the Belmont, needs to rebound in the Haskell.
Lookin at Lucky - The Preakness winner may be best at a mile and an eighth.
Musket Man - He's been running in sprints for a while, but may be better with more distance.
Pool Play - Third in the Dominion Day, he is scheduled to run in the Whitney.
Redding Colliery - Impressive win over Awesome Gem in the Lone Star Handicap.
Super Saver - Kentucky Derby winner intends to get back in track in the Haskell.
Trappe Shot - Nice win in the Long Branch, gets his big test in the Haskell.
In conclusion, I’d love to see the Handicap Triple Crown make a comeback. Maybe in ten years the "Handicap Triple Crown" will be all over TV!
. . . okay. That's stretching it. But it's fun to think about.
-Keelerman
If you answered "They are all Triple Crown winners" then you are correct.
What's that? They aren't Triple Crown winners? Oh excuse me, I should have said Handicap Triple Crown winners.
I apologize if you are confused, I will explain.
The Handicap Triple Crown was a series of three races that had become connected as a series, just like the current Triple Crown. The biggest difference was the fact that the series was for older horses.
The Metropolitan, Suburban, and Brooklyn Handicaps were once the cream of the top older horse races in the country. Win one and you were respected. Win two and you were considered a very good horse. Win all three and you would most likely go down in history.
Although the three races still exist, they are not what they once were. The Metropolitan Handicap has remained unchanged over the years, even retaining its grade I status, but the Suburban and the Brooklyn have undergone major changes. Both of them have gone from grade I to grade II, and neither of them draw the best older males any more. The Suburban Handicap, which had long been a mile and a quarter in distance, was shortened to nine furlongs this year. And it's safe to say that the series will never be won again, due to the fact that the races are too close together nowadays. To win the three races, you must run in the Met Mile about a week before the Belmont Stakes, and then come back on Belmont Day to run in the Brooklyn. It just doesn't work.
And the worst thing is that it was a good series. Wouldn't you like to see horses like Curlin, Quality Road, Invasor, and others pursue a Triple Crown as four, five, and six year olds?
I think that it is time to invent a new series for older horses.
You see, the Triple Crown for three year olds wasn't anybody's idea. The Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont were individual races that all the best three year olds happened to run in every year. Eventually, a writer came up with the phrase "Triple Crown" to mean all three of the classic races and the phrase stuck.
Why can't we do the same thing for other races?
Take the Whitney, Woodward, and Jockey Club Gold Cup. Three of the most prestigious races for older horses, they routinely draw top-quality horses, and they are spaced so that the same horse can run in all three. Last year, Macho Again competed in all three. Bullsbay competed in two of them. In 2008, Curlin competed in the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup and won them both. In 2007, Lawyer Ron won the Whitney and the Woodward but lost the Jockey Club Gold Cup by a head. And this year, Quality Road is definite for both the Whitney and the Woodward, with the Jockey Club Gold Cup a possibility, and Blame's schedule includes all three races.
I would love to see the three races recognized as a series. So let’s have some fun. From now on, I will consider the three races connected and will refer to them as the "Handicap Triple Crown,” even though only one of the races is a handicap.
Now, here are the past winners of the series. . .
1961: Kelso
1963: Kelso
1984: Slew o' Gold
1989: Easy Goer
And here are the "Near Misses", horses who won two of the three races but either failed to win or did not run in one of the races. . .
2008: Curlin (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
2000: Lemon Drop Kid (Won the Whitney and the Woodward)
1999: River Keen (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1995: Cigar (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1994: Colonial Affair (Won the Whitney and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1992: Sultry Song (Won the Whitney and the Woodward)
1991: In Excess (Won the Whitney and the Woodward)
1985: Track Barron (Won the Whitney and the Woodward)
1983: Slew o' Gold (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1979: Affirmed (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1974: Forego (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1973: Prove Out (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1972: Key to the Mint (Won the Whitney and the Woodward, the latter via disqualification of Cougar II, who finished first)
1969: Arts and Letters (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1967: Damascus (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1966: Buckpasser (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1965: Roman Brother (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1964: Gun Bow (Won the Whitney and the Woodward)
1962: Kelso (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
1959: Sword Dancer (Won the Woodward and the Jockey Club Gold Cup)
As you can see, there have been plenty of near-misses, but only three horses have won the series. Amazingly, Kelso swept the three races twice and had a near-miss in between!
Please note that although War Admiral won the Whitney and the Jockey Club Gold Cup in 1938, the Woodward had not yet been created.
So the excitement builds! Quality Road and Blame will dual it out two weeks from now in the Whitney Handicap, with Mine That Bird an upset threat if there is any speed at all.
Here are my Top Five picks as of now for the "Handicap Triple Crown". . .
1: QUALITY ROAD
Hard not to like him, but I do question his ability to get a mile and a quarter against the very best. But he has been impressive all year and should be able to claim at least one of the three races.
2: BLAME
He was very impressive in the Stephen Foster and will likely give Quality Road as much as he can handle. He just keeps getting better and we may not have seen the best of him yet.
3: HAYNESFIELD
Very sharp while winning the Suburban Handicap and looks to keep improving. He should be able to hold his own against the best, and I would not be surprised to see him dominating the older male division by the end of the year.
4: MINE THAT BIRD
The Whitney has been his goal for a while now, and there's no reason to think he won't run well. Yes, he run in the Firecracker Handicap was uninspiring, but he should be a different horse on dirt.
5: ZENYATTA
She would be at the top of this list if she was guaranteed to come, but since she isn't, here she sits. If John Shirreffs doesn't like how Del Mar's Polytrack is shaping up, the Whitney remains a possibility.
6: RAIL TRIP
Now that he is out east with Rick Dutrow, we'll probably see him in one of these races. Very disappointing in the Hollywood Gold Cup, but he should rebound nicely.
7: AWESOME GEM
Obviously, his win in the Hollywood Gold Cup puts him near the top of the older males division, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup could be in his future. I honestly feel that dirt is his best surface.
8: RACHEL ALEXANDRA
Is defending her Woodward win in the future for the 2009 Horse of the Year?
9: AFLEET EXPRESS
The Whitney and Woodward are not in the plans right now, but I like his chances for the Jockey Club Gold Cup. This colt has impressed me since January and he just keeps getting better.
10: CONCORD POINT
Super Saver and Lookin at Lucky just don't seem like Jockey Club Gold Cup winners to me, and since the Whitney and the Woodward are not on their agendas, I shall include Concord Point. He got his break through win in the Iowa Derby and looks ready to manhandle anyone who challenges him if he continues to run like he can.
HORSES TO WATCH
Afleet Again - Needs to stop drifting in the stretch.
First Dude - Nice runs in both the Preakness and the Belmont.
Fly Down - He could be a true mile and a quarter horse.
Ice Box - Disappointing in the Belmont, needs to rebound in the Haskell.
Lookin at Lucky - The Preakness winner may be best at a mile and an eighth.
Musket Man - He's been running in sprints for a while, but may be better with more distance.
Pool Play - Third in the Dominion Day, he is scheduled to run in the Whitney.
Redding Colliery - Impressive win over Awesome Gem in the Lone Star Handicap.
Super Saver - Kentucky Derby winner intends to get back in track in the Haskell.
Trappe Shot - Nice win in the Long Branch, gets his big test in the Haskell.
In conclusion, I’d love to see the Handicap Triple Crown make a comeback. Maybe in ten years the "Handicap Triple Crown" will be all over TV!
. . . okay. That's stretching it. But it's fun to think about.
-Keelerman
Saturday, July 17, 2010
LIFE AT TEN WINS THE DELAWARE HANDICAP!
Life at Ten proved she can win at ten furlongs by easily winning the grade II Delaware Handicap at Delaware Park.
Quickly sent to the lead by jockey John Velazquez, Life at Ten cruised along through easy fractions and held off the late run of Miss Singhsix to win the $750,000 event by daylight.
The win was Life at Ten's sixth in a row, and she is rapidly becoming one of the top older mares in the country.
Miss Singhsix came strongly to finish second, but never really threatened the winner. Funny Moon finished third, with Milwaukee Appeal, Miss Match, and Million Seller.
Life at Ten, the 3-5 favorite, paid 3.20, 2.40, and 2.10. The final time was 2:02 1/5.
So here are the results. . .
1 Life at Ten
2 Miss Singhsix
3 Funny Moon
4 Milwaukee Appeal
5 Miss Match
6 Million Seller
. . . and here were my picks.
1 Life at Ten
2 Funny Moon
3 Milwaukee Appeal
4 Miss Singhsix
5 Miss Match
6 Million Seller
Not too bad!
-Keelerman
Quickly sent to the lead by jockey John Velazquez, Life at Ten cruised along through easy fractions and held off the late run of Miss Singhsix to win the $750,000 event by daylight.
The win was Life at Ten's sixth in a row, and she is rapidly becoming one of the top older mares in the country.
Miss Singhsix came strongly to finish second, but never really threatened the winner. Funny Moon finished third, with Milwaukee Appeal, Miss Match, and Million Seller.
Life at Ten, the 3-5 favorite, paid 3.20, 2.40, and 2.10. The final time was 2:02 1/5.
So here are the results. . .
1 Life at Ten
2 Miss Singhsix
3 Funny Moon
4 Milwaukee Appeal
5 Miss Match
6 Million Seller
. . . and here were my picks.
1 Life at Ten
2 Funny Moon
3 Milwaukee Appeal
4 Miss Singhsix
5 Miss Match
6 Million Seller
Not too bad!
-Keelerman
QUICK PICKS FOR THE DELAWARE HANDICAP
As it is post time for the Delaware Handicap, I won't get into a deep analysis, but here are my picks. . .
1 Life at Ten
2 Funny Moon
3 Milwaukee Appeal
4 Miss Singhsix
5 Miss Match
6 Million Seller
-Keelerman
1 Life at Ten
2 Funny Moon
3 Milwaukee Appeal
4 Miss Singhsix
5 Miss Match
6 Million Seller
-Keelerman
PADDY O'PRADO WINS THE VIRGINIA DERBY!
Paddy O'Prado came through with another dominant win in the Virginia Derby, bursting past Two Notch Road and holding Interactif safe to win by just under two lengths.
Held as many as twelve lengths off the lead by jockey Kent Desormeaux, the gray colt skirted through on the rail to win his third graded stakes victory.
Interactif ran extremely well to finish second in his first turf start since last February, with the promising Krypton coming home third. Two Notch Road finished fourth.
I am not positive who finished fifth, sixth, and seventh, but I believe that Stately Victor finished sixth.
I am very excited right now, as Paddy O'Prado's win means that I picked the winners of the five stakes races at Colonial Downs today, including 19-1 Winslet!
-Keelerman
Held as many as twelve lengths off the lead by jockey Kent Desormeaux, the gray colt skirted through on the rail to win his third graded stakes victory.
Interactif ran extremely well to finish second in his first turf start since last February, with the promising Krypton coming home third. Two Notch Road finished fourth.
I am not positive who finished fifth, sixth, and seventh, but I believe that Stately Victor finished sixth.
I am very excited right now, as Paddy O'Prado's win means that I picked the winners of the five stakes races at Colonial Downs today, including 19-1 Winslet!
-Keelerman
RAHYSTRADA UPSETS THE ARLINGTON HANDICAP!
Rahystrada pulled off a mild upset in the grade III Arlington Handicap, holding off favored Just as Well to win by a half length.
It was a difficult race to follow, so I can't tell you where Rahystrada sat early, but he came very strongly on the outside. Just as Well came late from in between horses, with Tajaaweed finishing third. Marsh Side finished fourth after helping set the pace.
General Quarters, the second choice, failed to seriously menace.
-Keelerman
It was a difficult race to follow, so I can't tell you where Rahystrada sat early, but he came very strongly on the outside. Just as Well came late from in between horses, with Tajaaweed finishing third. Marsh Side finished fourth after helping set the pace.
General Quarters, the second choice, failed to seriously menace.
-Keelerman
ARLINGTON HANDICAP ANALYSIS ---- Repeat Time
The grade III Arlington Handicap, a mile and a quarter prep race for the Arlington Million next month, has drawn a spectacular field of eleven older turf males.
The morning line favorite is last year's winner Just as Well, who used the race as his prep for the Arlington Million. In the Million, he finished second to Gio Ponti, and rarely runs a bad race. I think that he can repeat here.
General Quarters, the second choice on the morning line and the current betting favorite, won the grade I Turf Classic Stakes on the turf in early May and came back to finish second in the grade I Stephen Foster Handicap on dirt, so he is very versatile and should be a contender here. However, the temperature at Arlington is 93 degrees, and General Quarters does not run well on hot days.
Marsh Side is a grade I winner as well, having won the 2009 Northern Dancer Stakes and 2008 Canadian International, and should be in the mix.
Rahystrada comes into the race off of a third in the grade II Dixie Stakes behind Strike a Deal and Just as Well.
Free Fighter won the mile and a half grade III Louisville Handicap, but comes into today's race off of a six place finish in the Black Tie Affair Handicap at a mile and a sixteenth. However, he was only beaten three and a quarter lengths. He could be a major contender here if things set up right.
Giant Oak could also fire a big one, coming into the race off of a sharp fourth in the Stephen Foster Handicap, and has shown good form before. However, he is very inconsistent, and you never know when he is going to run well. But he does have a win over this track, having won the Arlington Classic Stakes last year.
Imponente Purse, Cross Village, Rumor Has It, Princeville Condo, and Tajaaweed complete the field.
Here are my picks. . .
1 Just as Well
2 Marsh Side
3 Rahystrada
4 Tajaaweed
5 Giant Oak
6 General Quarters
7 Free Fighter
8 Cross Village
9 Rumor Has It
10 Princeville Condo
11 Imponente Purse
-Keelerman
The morning line favorite is last year's winner Just as Well, who used the race as his prep for the Arlington Million. In the Million, he finished second to Gio Ponti, and rarely runs a bad race. I think that he can repeat here.
General Quarters, the second choice on the morning line and the current betting favorite, won the grade I Turf Classic Stakes on the turf in early May and came back to finish second in the grade I Stephen Foster Handicap on dirt, so he is very versatile and should be a contender here. However, the temperature at Arlington is 93 degrees, and General Quarters does not run well on hot days.
Marsh Side is a grade I winner as well, having won the 2009 Northern Dancer Stakes and 2008 Canadian International, and should be in the mix.
Rahystrada comes into the race off of a third in the grade II Dixie Stakes behind Strike a Deal and Just as Well.
Free Fighter won the mile and a half grade III Louisville Handicap, but comes into today's race off of a six place finish in the Black Tie Affair Handicap at a mile and a sixteenth. However, he was only beaten three and a quarter lengths. He could be a major contender here if things set up right.
Giant Oak could also fire a big one, coming into the race off of a sharp fourth in the Stephen Foster Handicap, and has shown good form before. However, he is very inconsistent, and you never know when he is going to run well. But he does have a win over this track, having won the Arlington Classic Stakes last year.
Imponente Purse, Cross Village, Rumor Has It, Princeville Condo, and Tajaaweed complete the field.
Here are my picks. . .
1 Just as Well
2 Marsh Side
3 Rahystrada
4 Tajaaweed
5 Giant Oak
6 General Quarters
7 Free Fighter
8 Cross Village
9 Rumor Has It
10 Princeville Condo
11 Imponente Purse
-Keelerman
WORKIN FOR HOPS BLOWS THEM AWAY IN THE AMERICAN DERBY!
3-2 favorite Workin for Hops just keeps getting better. He proved today that he is a major turf star when he won the American Derby by daylight.
The son of City Zip set the pace and was never really challenged, with his rider looking back to see if anyone was coming. No one was.
The final time was 1:55.47. Mister Marti Gras flew home to grab second, with Dean's Kitten finishing third. Gleam of Hope came home fourth after briefly gaining second place.
More updates to come!
-Keelerman
The son of City Zip set the pace and was never really challenged, with his rider looking back to see if anyone was coming. No one was.
The final time was 1:55.47. Mister Marti Gras flew home to grab second, with Dean's Kitten finishing third. Gleam of Hope came home fourth after briefly gaining second place.
More updates to come!
-Keelerman
AMERICAN DERBY ANALYSIS ---- A Race to Watch
The American Derby, for years a respected three year old race, is a race that you won't want to miss this year. Nine evenly matched three year olds are set to go to post and I honestly can't seperate them.
The current betting favorite is Workin for Hops, who comes into the race off of a strong second to Paddy O'Prado in the Colonial Turf Cup Stakes. He should be able to handle the distance, although he may have just a bit of stamina limitations, seeing that his sire is City Zip. But he will make his presence felt and should finish in the top three.
The current second choice is Asphalt. The War Chant colt has yet to win a stakes race but has more than proven himself against stakes horses, most recently finishing third to Gleam of Hope and Phychic Income in the grade III Jefforson Cup Stakes. He also finished second to Doubles Partner in the grade II American Turf Stakes, so he could very well come through with a win today.
The third choice is Dean's Kitten, who won the Lane's End Stakes on the synthetic track at Turfway Park before poor showings in the Kentucky Derby and the Colonial Turf Cup Stakes. But he looks ready to get back on track today.
Gleam of Hope is the fourth choice. The colt won the Jefferson Cup Stakes in his last start and has been running quite well lately, and I think that he can win this.
Marcello, Mint Chip, and Mister Marti Gras could also threaten for a piece of the money. Formulaforsuccess and Dream Nettie complete the field.
So here are my picks. . .
1 Workin for Hops
2 Gleam of Hope
3 Mister Marti Gras
4 Dean's Kitten
5 Asphalt
6 Formulaforsuccess
7 Mint Chip
8 Marcello
9 Dream Nettie
They're in the gate!
-Keelerman
The current betting favorite is Workin for Hops, who comes into the race off of a strong second to Paddy O'Prado in the Colonial Turf Cup Stakes. He should be able to handle the distance, although he may have just a bit of stamina limitations, seeing that his sire is City Zip. But he will make his presence felt and should finish in the top three.
The current second choice is Asphalt. The War Chant colt has yet to win a stakes race but has more than proven himself against stakes horses, most recently finishing third to Gleam of Hope and Phychic Income in the grade III Jefforson Cup Stakes. He also finished second to Doubles Partner in the grade II American Turf Stakes, so he could very well come through with a win today.
The third choice is Dean's Kitten, who won the Lane's End Stakes on the synthetic track at Turfway Park before poor showings in the Kentucky Derby and the Colonial Turf Cup Stakes. But he looks ready to get back on track today.
Gleam of Hope is the fourth choice. The colt won the Jefferson Cup Stakes in his last start and has been running quite well lately, and I think that he can win this.
Marcello, Mint Chip, and Mister Marti Gras could also threaten for a piece of the money. Formulaforsuccess and Dream Nettie complete the field.
So here are my picks. . .
1 Workin for Hops
2 Gleam of Hope
3 Mister Marti Gras
4 Dean's Kitten
5 Asphalt
6 Formulaforsuccess
7 Mint Chip
8 Marcello
9 Dream Nettie
They're in the gate!
-Keelerman
TUSCAN EVENING GOES 6-FOR-6!!
Tuscan Evening continued her 2010 undefeated streak by winning the 54th running of the grade III Modesty Handicap at Arlington Park in wire-to-wire fashion.
Setting slow fractions under Rafael Bejarano, the five year old mare held off 16-1 shot Eclair de Lune through the stretch to win by a length.
The final time 1:55 flat. Hot Cha Cha finished third after tracking the pace, a nose in front of second choice Rainbow View, who was rank at the back of the pack for much of the race before rallying mildly to just miss fourth.
Askbut I won'ttell finished fifth, with Single Solution trailing the field.
So here are the results. . .
1 Tuscan Evening
2 Eclair de Lune
3 Hot Cha Cha
4 Rainbow View
5 Askbut I won'ttell
6 Single Solution
. . . and here were my picks.
1 Tuscan Evening
2 Rainbow View
3 Eclair de Lune
4 Hot Cha Cha
5 Askbut I Won'ttell
6 Single Solution
What an exciting race!
-Keelerman
Setting slow fractions under Rafael Bejarano, the five year old mare held off 16-1 shot Eclair de Lune through the stretch to win by a length.
The final time 1:55 flat. Hot Cha Cha finished third after tracking the pace, a nose in front of second choice Rainbow View, who was rank at the back of the pack for much of the race before rallying mildly to just miss fourth.
Askbut I won'ttell finished fifth, with Single Solution trailing the field.
So here are the results. . .
1 Tuscan Evening
2 Eclair de Lune
3 Hot Cha Cha
4 Rainbow View
5 Askbut I won'ttell
6 Single Solution
. . . and here were my picks.
1 Tuscan Evening
2 Rainbow View
3 Eclair de Lune
4 Hot Cha Cha
5 Askbut I Won'ttell
6 Single Solution
What an exciting race!
-Keelerman
MODESTY HANDICAP ANALYSIS: Can Tuscan Evening continue her dominance?
The grade III Modesty Handicap has a little added flair this year. The current leader of the Turf Females division, Tuscan Evening, will be using the race as a prep for the grade I Beverly D Stakes next month.
The mile and three sixteenths event will be Tuscan Evening's first start outside of California since October 2008. The Irish-bred filly raced in her native Ireland for a year and a half before coming to the United States. She is the 7-5 morning line favorite, having won all five of her races this year, including the grade I Gamely Stakes. She will carry the highweight of 124 pounds and will be ridden by regular rider Rafael Bejarano.
Her main competition will probably come from Rainbow View. The four year old Dynaformer filly comes into the race off of a disappointing third in the grade II Nassau Stakes at Woodbine as the favorite, but won two races before that, including the grade III Gallorette Stakes. She is a major contender here, especially with regular rider Julien Leparoux back in the saddle. She will carry 122 pounds.
Hot Cha Cha is another logical threat for the win. The four year old daugher of Cactus Ridge is a grade I winner, having won the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes at Keeneland last October, and comes into the Modesty off of a win in the grade III Early Times Mint Julep Handicap. She will carry 121 pounds and will be ridden by James Graham.
Single Solution, Askbut I won'ttell, and Eclair de Lune complete the field.
It's post time! Here are my picks. . .
1 Tuscan Evening
2 Rainbow View
3 Eclair de Lune
4 Hot Cha Cha
5 Askbut I Won'ttell
6 Single Solution
-Keelerman
The mile and three sixteenths event will be Tuscan Evening's first start outside of California since October 2008. The Irish-bred filly raced in her native Ireland for a year and a half before coming to the United States. She is the 7-5 morning line favorite, having won all five of her races this year, including the grade I Gamely Stakes. She will carry the highweight of 124 pounds and will be ridden by regular rider Rafael Bejarano.
Her main competition will probably come from Rainbow View. The four year old Dynaformer filly comes into the race off of a disappointing third in the grade II Nassau Stakes at Woodbine as the favorite, but won two races before that, including the grade III Gallorette Stakes. She is a major contender here, especially with regular rider Julien Leparoux back in the saddle. She will carry 122 pounds.
Hot Cha Cha is another logical threat for the win. The four year old daugher of Cactus Ridge is a grade I winner, having won the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes at Keeneland last October, and comes into the Modesty off of a win in the grade III Early Times Mint Julep Handicap. She will carry 121 pounds and will be ridden by James Graham.
Single Solution, Askbut I won'ttell, and Eclair de Lune complete the field.
It's post time! Here are my picks. . .
1 Tuscan Evening
2 Rainbow View
3 Eclair de Lune
4 Hot Cha Cha
5 Askbut I Won'ttell
6 Single Solution
-Keelerman
Saturday, July 10, 2010
AWESOME GEM WON THE HOLLYWOOD GOLD CUP!!!
The seven year old veteran gelding Awesome Gem finally got his grade I win by upsetting Rail Trip in the Hollywood Gold Cup.
Sent off as the 8-1 fourth choice, Awesome Gem raced close to the pace but began to drop back as they rounded the final turn. But then he made a bold rail move under David Flores and got up to score by a half length.
Rail Trip, the 2-5 favorite, raced four wide on both turns and looked good as they turned for home, but just didn't have enough to hold off Awesome Gem.
Richard's Kid rallied well to finish third, with Tres Borrachos nosing out Compari for fourth. Cigar Man finished last.
Awesome Gem paid $18.00 to win.
Good for Awesome Gem! He has been long overdue for a grade I win and finally came through!
-Keelerman
Sent off as the 8-1 fourth choice, Awesome Gem raced close to the pace but began to drop back as they rounded the final turn. But then he made a bold rail move under David Flores and got up to score by a half length.
Rail Trip, the 2-5 favorite, raced four wide on both turns and looked good as they turned for home, but just didn't have enough to hold off Awesome Gem.
Richard's Kid rallied well to finish third, with Tres Borrachos nosing out Compari for fourth. Cigar Man finished last.
Awesome Gem paid $18.00 to win.
Good for Awesome Gem! He has been long overdue for a grade I win and finally came through!
-Keelerman
TRAPPE SHOT WINS THE LONG BRANCH
Despite steadying down around the turn and sitting last for a while, Trappe Shot proved that he can go two turns by winning the grade III Long Branch Stakes at Monmouth Park.
Ridden patiently by Alan Garcia, Trappe Shot steadied on the first turn when Southern Ridge drifted out a bit. However, it did not affect the outcome of the race, as Trappe Shot squeezed through on the rail and then turned back the bid of longshot Nacho Friend to win the race.
The final time was 1:43 2/5. Southern Ridge finished third, while Latigo Shore finished last.
The Haskell is a possibility for the winner.
-Keelerman
Ridden patiently by Alan Garcia, Trappe Shot steadied on the first turn when Southern Ridge drifted out a bit. However, it did not affect the outcome of the race, as Trappe Shot squeezed through on the rail and then turned back the bid of longshot Nacho Friend to win the race.
The final time was 1:43 2/5. Southern Ridge finished third, while Latigo Shore finished last.
The Haskell is a possibility for the winner.
-Keelerman
JESSICA IS BACK UPSETS THE PRINCESS ROONEY!
Coming from just off the pace under Elvus Trujillo, Jessica is Back posted an 8-1 upset in the grade I Princess Rooney Handicap.
Favored Warbling appeared to have the race won in the homestretch, having dualed with Dr. Zic for much of the race, but Jessica is Back came flying late to score.
Dubai Majesty rallied well for third, with 69-1 shot Don'ttalktome finishing fourth.
-Keelerman
Favored Warbling appeared to have the race won in the homestretch, having dualed with Dr. Zic for much of the race, but Jessica is Back came flying late to score.
Dubai Majesty rallied well for third, with 69-1 shot Don'ttalktome finishing fourth.
-Keelerman
COFFEE BOY HAS THE LAST LAUGH IN CARRY BACK!
4-1 shot Coffee Boy pulled off the upset, squeezing through on the rail to defeat D' Funnybone in the grade III Carry Back Stakes.
One of the Summit of Speed races at Calder Race Course, Coffee Boy sat last for much of the race before tackling D' Funnybone in the final sixteenth of a mile. The latter set the pace with Dream of Atlantis, took the lead following a quarter in :22 flat, but could not hold off the winner.
Peace at Dawn finished third, with Dream of Atlantis finishing last.
One race later, in the Smile Sprint Handicap, the favorite came through. Big Drama joined the leaders on the far turn and blew past them to win by just over a length. Mambo Meister came from way back to finish second, with 73-1 shot How's Your Halo finishing third. Taqarub finished fourth.
More updates soon!
-Keelerman
One of the Summit of Speed races at Calder Race Course, Coffee Boy sat last for much of the race before tackling D' Funnybone in the final sixteenth of a mile. The latter set the pace with Dream of Atlantis, took the lead following a quarter in :22 flat, but could not hold off the winner.
Peace at Dawn finished third, with Dream of Atlantis finishing last.
One race later, in the Smile Sprint Handicap, the favorite came through. Big Drama joined the leaders on the far turn and blew past them to win by just over a length. Mambo Meister came from way back to finish second, with 73-1 shot How's Your Halo finishing third. Taqarub finished fourth.
More updates soon!
-Keelerman
GIO PONTI WINS THE MAN O' WAR!
With Ramon Dominguez in the saddle, Gio Ponti put in a tremendous late rally to win the grade I Man o' War Stakes by a half length.
The son of Tale of the Cat scored his first win since the Arlington Million last August and ended a five race losing streak.
53-1 Mission Approved led in the early going, with Strike a Deal, Expansion, and Interpatation following him through fractions of :26 flat, :52 1/5, and 1:18 and change. Meanwhile, Gio Ponti was sitting last, going nowhere.
Around the final turn Gio Ponti made his bid, but was all out at the finish to catch Mission Approved, who proved very game right down to the wire.
Expansion finished third, with Bear Path fourth. The final time was 2:16 1/5.
Defense of his Arlington Million title is probably next for the winner.
-Keelerman
The son of Tale of the Cat scored his first win since the Arlington Million last August and ended a five race losing streak.
53-1 Mission Approved led in the early going, with Strike a Deal, Expansion, and Interpatation following him through fractions of :26 flat, :52 1/5, and 1:18 and change. Meanwhile, Gio Ponti was sitting last, going nowhere.
Around the final turn Gio Ponti made his bid, but was all out at the finish to catch Mission Approved, who proved very game right down to the wire.
Expansion finished third, with Bear Path fourth. The final time was 2:16 1/5.
Defense of his Arlington Million title is probably next for the winner.
-Keelerman
BREEDERS' CUP COUNTDOWN ---- JULY 10th
There is a lot of great racing going on this weekend, capped by the grade I Hollywood Gold Cup, and I'm very excited about seeing those running take their next step towards the Breeders' Cup this November. There are a lot of races I would like to discuss, and I shall begin with the Hollywood Gold Cup.
HOLLYWOOD GOLD CUP ---- A Gem for Awesome Gem
The $500,000 Hollywood Gold Cup has been contested by a good many great horses. Native Diver and Lava Man won it three times each. Citation, John Henry, Alysheba, Swaps, Sunday Silence, Cigar, Skip Away, Affirmed, Round Table, Seabiscuit, Assault, Gallant Man, Ack Ack, Dahlia, Noor, Hill Prince, Exceller, and Cougar II are among the many horses to run in the famous race. That list includes three Triple Crown winners and countless Horse of the Year winners. Will the 2010 winner add his name to this illustrious list? We will see. Let's take a look at who's running.
First off, there is Rail Trip. The 123 pound highweight has won his last two and has never finished worse than third in eleven starts, his one third place finish coming in the 2009 Pacific Classic, where he was beaten one length. He came out of the race with a slight injury and was given a long break, but the son of Jump Start returned with dominant performances in both the Mervin Leroy and the California Stakes. He will be the heavy favorite here, and he deserves to be, but I think that he is not unstoppable. He will be ridden by regular rider Rafael Bejarano and is trained by Ronald Ellis.
Then there is Awesome Gem, who gets into the race with only 116 pounds. The son of Awesome Again has turned in some very solid efforts in his last four races, beginning with an eighth place finish in the grade I Frank E. Kilroe Mile while being beaten by only three and a half lengths. He then ran third in the New Orleans Handicap, beaten four lengths, second in the $1,000,000 Charles Town Classic beaten a length and three quarters, and second again in the Lone Star Park Handicap, beaten just under seven lengths by a horse he beat in the Charles Town Classic. With the race a mile and a quarter in distance, he should be a serious contender. He will be ridden by David Flores and is trained by Craig Dollase.
This brings us to Richard's Kid, winner of the 2009 Pacific Classic. The son of Lemon Drop Kid has not turned in a really poor effort since March 28th, 2009, and comes off of a solid seventh place finish in the Dubai World Cup, where he was beaten only two and a half lengths. If he will suffer from the "Dubai Bounce" is unknown, but he should finish in the top three on class alone. He will be ridden by Martin Garcia and is trained by Bob Baffert. He will carry 121 pounds.
Compari is another interesting horse. The son of Redattore won six straight races in wire-to-wire fashion, including the grade II Arcadia Handicap, before fading to finish seventh of nine in the grade I Shoemaker Mile when he was unable to get to the lead at any point. He could be dangerous if he is left alone on the lead. He will be ridden for the first time by Mike Smith and is trained by Martin Jones. He will carry 117 pounds.
Cigar Man, Tres Borrachos, and Tap It Light complete the field. Cigar Man finished third in the Mervin Leroy and fifth in the Californian, both to Rail Trip. With a little pace to run at, the son of Drewman could come flying late. He has the potential to win it all, especially with a feathery 113 pounds on his back. He will be ridden by Joseph Talamo and is trained by Vladimir Cerin.
Tres Borrachos finished second to Rail Trip in last year's Hollywood Gold Cup, but really hasn't done anything since. The son of Ecton Park comes into the race off of a seventh place finish, beaten ten lengths, in the Californian. If he were to get loose on the lead, he might be able to hang on for a piece of it, but with Compari and Rail Trip both interested in the lead as well, he will likely tire on the far turn. He will be ridden by Victor Espinoza and will carry 113 pounds. He is trained C. Beau Greely.
And finally, Tap It Light could be a potential contender based off of his recent form in lower level races at Santa Anita. The son of General Meeting has not raced since finishing sixth of ten, beaten four lengths, in the San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap at a mile and three quarters on turf in April, but I think it was just too far for him. Toss that race out and he hasn’t been beaten by more than a length and a half since June 2008! He could be a contender here if everything sets up right for him. He will carry 114 pounds and will be ridden by Tyler Baze. He is trained by Mike Mitchell.
So here are my picks. . .
1 Awesome Gem
2 Rail Trip
3 Richard's Kid
4 Tap It Light
5 Compari
6 Cigar Man
7 Tres Borrachos
I'm going to take a shot with Awesome Gem and hope that he finally gets a grade I win. I feel that he is coming into the race in good form and should finally get some pace to close in on. Rail Trip is a very good horse, but I do think he can be beaten, especially if he is the least bit rank today. Richard's Kid is a very good horse and should come flying late, but how will he run off the long layoff and coming back from Dubai?
It should be a great race. I'll be watching.
OTHER RACES TO WATCH
I'm afraid I can't discuss any more races in great detail right now, but I will list my picks for the biggest races around the country.
Princess Rooney Handicap (gr. I)
1 Dubai Majesty
2 Mother Ruth
3 Hour Glass
4 Warbling
5 Dr. Zic
6 Saratoga Tango
7 Jessica is Back
8 First Passage
9 Don'ttalktome
10 Reachforthecastle
11 Golden Mystery
12 Saintly Rose
13 Nicky Boy
Dubai Majesty in a mild upset.
Carry Back Stakes (gr. III)
1 D' Funnybone
2 Peace at Dawn
3 Coffee Boy
4 Dream of Atlantis
5 Bernie the Maestro
D' Funnybone goes wire-to-wire.
Azalea Stakes (gr. III)
1 Buckleupbuttercup
2 Joanie's Catch
3 Pica Slew
4 Rapport
5 Hot Hot Mama
6 Bronx City Girl
7 Yournotthebossofme
8 Nicky Boy
Buckleupbuttercup holds off Joanie's Catch.
Delaware Oaks (gr. II)
1 Blind Luck
2 No Such Word
3 Havre de Grace
4 Calypso Queen
5 Worship the Moon
6 Derwin's Star
7 Listen In
Blind Luck shall remain undefeated on dirt.
Man o' War Stakes (gr. I)
1 Gio Ponti
2 Expansion
3 Interpatation
4 Grand Couturier
5 Bearpath
6 Strike a Deal
7 Mission Approved
8 Midnite Silver
Time for Gio Ponti to win again!
Triple Bend Handicap (gr. I)
1 Gayego
2 E Z' Gentleman
3 Sangaree
4 My Summer Slew
5 M One Rifle
6 New Bay
7 Fantasy Free
8 Bestdressed
I feel that Gayego is the best horse in the race, but that he can be beaten by both E Z's Gentleman and Sangaree. It's going to be fun to watch.
What an incredible day of racing!
RACE RECAPS
Due to the fact that I haven't posted results in a couple of weeks, I'm going all out this time. The following is about six thousand words discussing every major race run over the last two weeks. Enjoy!
First off, there was the Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park. A grade I race for three year old fillies, the mile and a sixteenth event drew Devil May Care, who was coming off of a tenth place finish against colts in the Kentucky Derby.
Sent off as the heavy favorite, she proved that she is a grade I caliber filly by winning impressively.
In the field of five, Katy Now, the third choice at 5-1, rushed away to take the early lead. She was followed by Connie and Michael, with Devil May Care biding her time while four wide in third position. It was another three lengths back to Ailalea, with second choice Biofuel running last, but less than six lengths off the lead.
After fractions of :22 4/5 and :45 2/5, the order was unchanged. Ailalea and Biofuel has inched closer to the leaders, but Katy Now and Connie and Michael continued to lead the way.
Then Devil May Care began to make her move.
After three quarters of a mile in a good 1:09 4/5, Devil May Care was second, one length behind Katy Now. Connie and Michael had dropped back just a bit, and Ailalea and Biofuel were beginning to come on as well. The field was separated by only three lengths.
Turning into the homestretch it was fairly obvious that Devil May Care would be the winner. Coasting by Katy Now, her rider looked back to see if anyone was coming, and then merely hand urged his filly to the wire. She finished a length and a quarter in front of Connie and Michael, with Biofuel rallying for third. Katy Now and Ailalea trailed the field.
Despite the fact that Devil May Care was very impressive, things were even wilder at Prairie Meadows.
We will begin the tale of insane speed with the seventh race of the night on the 26th of June, the Iowa Derby. The grade III event was supposed to be the coronation of Winslow Homer, who was supposed to win impressively after being off since late January. The three year old colt had been an early favorite for the Triple Crown after beating Jackson Bend in the Holy Bull Stakes, but hurt his leg and had not raced since.
The logical second choice was Concord Point, a fine colt who was trying to win his first stakes race. I have liked him for a while and felt that he was ready to run huge race, so I picked him to win. The third choice was Thiskyhasnolimit, another colt I have liked for a while. Vow to Wager, Down With Dixie, and Forestry Type were the longshots.
I don't think anybody saw what was coming.
As expected, Forestry Type rushed away to take the lead in the early going, followed closely by Concord Point. Winslow Homer broke a step slowly, but was sitting comfortably in third through an opening quarter mile in :23 1/5. Nothing unusual about that.
Then the pace began to heat up.
With Concord Point pushing on the outside, Forestry Type carved out a second quarter mile in :22 2/5, to run a half mile in :45 3/5. Winslow Homer was running well in third, but was six and a half lengths off of the lead. Vow to Wager was sitting in fourth, followed by Thiskyhasnolimit and Down With Dixie.
After three quarters in a stiff 1:09 3/5, it was Concord Point who led the way. Forestry Type had begun to drop back, and Winslow Homer had moved to within three lengths of the lead. It looked as though Winslow Homer was going to make it a race.
However, Concord Point had other ideas.
After running a mile in 1:34 flat, he had a five length lead over Thiskyhasnolimit. He continued to extend his lead to the wire, eventual winning by eight and a half lengths while never really being urged by his jockey, Martin Garcia. Thiskyhasnolimit held second over Winslow Homer, with Down With Dixie, Vow to Wager, and Forestry Type completing the field. But winning by eight and a half lengths wasn't the only impressive thing about the Concord Point. He ran the mile and a sixteenth in 1:40 1/5, breaking the track record.
But that was only the beginning.
Now I shall take you back to Friday the 25th to complete the tale of unusual speed.
It was the Iowa Sprint Handicap, a six furlong race for three year olds and upward. The favorite was Atta Boy Roy at about even money, with Cash Refund the second choice at about 5-2 and Majesticperfection the third choice at 3-1. None of the other runners were under 12-1. None of the other runners would threaten. It would be the big three all the way to the finish. Or should I say the big one.
Majesticperfection broke fastest and was sent right to the lead, dueling with Cash Refund. Atta Boy Roy was right behind them in third, with American Classic, Peaceful Reign, Humble Destin, and Ez Dreamer trailing the field.
The opening quarter mile was run in :21 2/5. The half mile was run in :43 2/5. Still Majesticperfection and Cash Refund dueled for the lead. And then it was over.
During the next eighth of a mile, Majesticperfection exploded away to lead by four lengths. Atta Boy Roy passed Cash Refund to take second, but the race was over. Majesticperfection ran five furlongs in :55 flat on his way to breaking the track record, getting the six furlongs in 1:07 1/5 while never roused. Yes, he was carrying eight pounds less than Atta Boy Roy, but it is obvious that Majesticperfection is a very special colt and will be a contender for the Breeders' Cup Sprint.
Atta Boy Roy finished second, six and a half lengths clear of Cash Refund. Peaceful Reign and Humble Destin finished in a dead-heat for fourth, with Ez Dreamer and American Classic completing the order of finish.
And to complete the story, I take you to Churchill Downs for the Kelly's Landing Stakes, an ungraded stakes race that will likely turn out a graded stakes winner.
The favorite was Here Comes Ben, and he was also my pick. I had seen him win an allowance optional claiming race at this track and felt right then that he was a grade I caliber horse. He showed me once again that he is a quality horse by just getting up to win in the final strides, despite chasing a fairly slow pace and being force five wide.
In the early stages of the seven furlong race, it was Agastache who led the way, with Hamazing Destiny right behind him. Booted was sitting on the outside third, with Here Comes Ben two lengths off the lead.
Following fractions of :23 flat and :45 2/5, it was still Agastache and Hamazing Destiny. Here Comes Ben had dropped back to fifth, four lengths off the lead, and had some running to do with only three eighths of a mile remaining.
Into the homestretch the came and Hamazing Destiny took over the lead. Here Comes Ben was flying on the outside but it was going to be close. Just when it looked like Hamazing Destiny was going to pull off the upset, Here Comes Ben tackled him to win by a neck. Caiza Eletronica finished third, with Booted, Agastache, Eye of the Leopard, and Posse Cat trailing the field.
The grade I Forego Stakes is on the agenda for the winner. I think that he is going to be a legitimate threat in the Breeders' Cup, be it the Sprint or the Dirt Mile.
This concludes the Tale of Insane Speed. I hoped you enjoyed it.
Moving back to Saturday the 26th, there was the Iowa Oaks, the filly equivalent of the Iowa Derby. A grade III event, Quiet Temper was the favorite, with All Due Respect and Harissa well liked too. Seeking the Title wasn't friendless at 8-1, but wasn't really supposed to threaten.
But she did.
As expected, All Due Respect was rushed away to take the early lead, followed by Harissa and Seeking the Title. Quiet Temper was fourth through an opening quarter mile in :23 2/5, with Remit and Shotgun Gulch trailing the field.
After a half in :46 4/5, it was still All Due Respect leading by two lengths, with Harissa second, two lengths clear of Quiet Temper. Seeking the Title had dropped back to fourth, about five lengths from the front, but her jockey, Calvin Borel, knew what he was doing.
Following three quarters of a mile in 1:10 4/5, Seeking the Title began to move in. All Due Respect and Harissa continued to lead the way, and Quiet Temper was going nowhere fast.
Past the eighth pole, three fillies were across the track only heads apart, but Quiet Temper was not one of them. Instead, it was Seeking the Title who came running late to win by a half-length. Harissa finished second, five lengths clear of All Due Respect, who tired late. Quiet Temper finished fourth, beaten seven lengths, followed by Remit and Shotgun Gulch. The final time was a good 1:41 4/5.
Two races later, in the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap, things were even more surprising. Mythical Power was the favorite; despite coming off of a last place finish in the Lone Star Handicap, with Red Lead and Brass Hat the co-second choices at 4-1. Brass Hat, a nine year old mile and a half turf runner, would be attempting to win at a mile and a eighth on the dirt, which would not be easy.
Racing Bran, an 8-1 longshot, was fastest out of the gate, followed closely by King Dan. Those two raced away to set the early pace, followed by Slew's Tizzy, who was making his first start since late 2008, and 10-1 Shadowbdancing. Those four continued to lead the way through fractions of :23 3/5 and :47 3/5. Meanwhile, Mythical Power was racing in sixth, three lengths off the lead, with Brass Hat struggling in last, nearly fourteen lengths off the lead.
Following three quarters of a mile in 1:11 3/5, it was still Racing Bran and Kind Dan who led the way, but Slew's Tizzy was dropping out of it rapidly on his way to a last place finish. Shadowbdancing was only a length off of the lead, and Mythical Power was still right in striking position three lengths off the pace.
Into the homestretch they came, and much to everyone's surprise, Shadowbdancing took over the lead. Racing Bran was game to the finish, but Shadowbdancing inched clear to win by a length. Racing Bran finished second, three quarters of a length in front of Golden Yank, who rallied late at 23-1 for third. Mythical Power finished fourth, followed by King Dan, Red Lead, Going Ballistic, Brass Hat, and Slew's Tizzy. The final time was 1:48 1/5.
Up at Woodbine, the track was a bit slower. In the Victoria Park Stakes, a nine furlong event for three year olds, Exhi was the heavy favorite at 1-4. Only three dared challenge him. Bear's Hard Ten was the second choice at 4-1, with Gold Medallion at 6-1 and Village Drive 13-1. Not that the odds mattered.
I can describe this race easily. Exhi broke fastest of all, led through fractions of :24 flat, :47 4/5, 1:12 1/5, and 1:37 2/5, completing the mile and an eighth in 1:50 3/5 while winning under a hand ride by eight lengths. Gold Medallion ran third for just over three quarters of a mile before finishing second, five lengths clear of Bear's Hard Ten. The latter ran second for just over three quarters of a mile before relenting to Gold Medallion. Village Drive trailed throughout.
Very, very, simple. Exhi is a colt to watch, as I feel certain he will secure a grade I win someday, somewhere.
Then there was the Oliver Stakes at Indiana Downs. The favorite was Our Douglas, with Guys Reward and Lost Aptitude the coupled second choice. Bim Bam, Lonesome Street, and Alfarabi were also well liked. But in the end, it was 20-1 shot Mister Marti Gras who flew under the wire first.
In the early going, Lost Aptitude raced away to set the pace, followed closely by 87-1 shot Cherokee Lord. Lonesome Street and King Ledley were also up close, while Mister Marti Gras was biding his time in eighth, about five lengths off the lead, with Our Douglas ninth.
Following fractions of :22 4/5 and :46 4/5, Lost Aptitude still held the lead, but was beginning to fold. Cherokee Lord moved up to take over the lead, with Ling Ledley right behind him. And Mister Marti Gras was still eighth, a head in front of Our Douglas.
Coming into the stretch, Cherokee Lord still has the lead and was looking to pull a tremendous upset. But a wall of horses were coming to challenge, and Mister Marti Gras was coming strongest. Our Douglas took the lead very late in the race but was tackled by a flying Mister Marti Gras, who drove past to win by a half-length, completing the mile in 1:34.75, only a fifth of a second off of the track record.
Our Douglas finished second, but due to some interference he caused in the stretch, he was disqualified and placed sixth. Hudson Steele came home third after never being more than about three lengths off the lead, with Cherokee Lord finishing a close fourth. Lonesome Street, Alfarabi, Bim Bam, Formaggio, King Ledly, Rockin' Rockstar, Guys Reward, and Lonesome Street completed the order of finish.
This brings us to a fascinating allowance optional claiming race at Delaware Park. Normally, Travers caliber horses don't come from races like these, but this particular race had the potential to turn out two very good horses.
Ten horses were entered in the mile and a sixteenth event, but six scratches reduced the field to four. A Little Warm, the Louisiana Derby runner up, was the mild favorite over the stakes quality Miner's Reserve, with Strikewhileitshot and Bear's Rocket not even given a second thought. It was supposed to come down to the big two, and it did.
Miner's Reserve broke fastest and was sent right to the lead, with A Little Warm breaking well to take up the chase. Bear's Rocket raced in third, with Strikewhileitshot trailing.
Through fractions of :23 4/5, :46 3/5, and 1:10 flat, Miner's Reserve continued to lead the way. But A Little Warm was moving on the outside and looked ready to pounce as they turned into the stretch, ten lengths clear of the other two runners.
But Miner's Reserve proved to be a tough foe, and still held a half-length lead as they came down to the finish. But then A Little Warm found something extra and pulled away to a two and a quarter length score. Miner's Reserve was a very game second, fourteen and a half lengths clear of Strikewhileitshot, who was another thirty-two lengths clear of Bear's Rocket.
We will hear more from the top two finishers. That is without a doubt.
Now we come to last Saturday's races, and I shall begin with a recap of the grade III Bashford Manor Stakes.
The six furlong race for two year olds, one of the first important preps for them, drew a field of six, led by impressive maiden winner Kantharos. Owned by Stonestreet Stables, trained by Steve Asmussen, and ridden by Robby Albarado, the colt has the same connections as two time Horse of the Year Curlin did.
The second choice was Lou Brissie, who already had a stakes win under his belt, having won the grade III Kentucky Juvenile Stakes on the undercard of the Kentucky Oaks. Speed Demon was the third choice at 9-1.
Away from the gate first was Gold for Cash, with Saturday Dance also breaking sharply, but Kantharos stumbled at the start and ducked in, bumping Speed Demon while attempting to straighten out. But despite this poor beginning, he was third in the early going, tracking the pace set by Thewayitusedtobe and Gold for Cash. Speed Demon was right behind him, with Lou Brissie and Saturday Dance trailing the field.
After a quarter of a mile in a blazing :21 4/5, it was Thewayitusedtobe and Gold for Cash, but Kantharos was making his move. After a half in :45 3/5, he had a half-length lead over Thewayitusedtobe and Gold for Cash. Lou Brissie was still running fifth, but he was only a length and a half off of the lead.
Passing the eighth pole it was obvious who the winner would be. Kantharos was pulling away easily and had a six length lead. Lou Brissie and Speed Demon were battling for second, but they were no match for the winner. Kantharos won by nine and a half lengths, with Lou Brissie second and Speed Demon third.
Here is the complete order of finish. . .
1 Kantharos
2 Lou Brissie
3 Speed Demon
4 Saturday Dance
5 Gold for Cash
6 Thewayitusedtobe
. . . and here were my picks.
1 Lou Brissie
2 Speed Demon
3 Kantharos
4 Gold for Cash
5 Saturday Dance
6 Theywayitusedtobe
I was close.
Then there was the Arlington Oaks. A grade III nine furlong turf race for three year old fillies, the favorite was Snow Top Mountain, with Upperline and Chantilly Nayla the co-second choices. My pick was Upperline. And sure enough, Upperline won by just under five lengths.
After a first quarter in :23 4/5, it was Chantilly Nayla who led the way by a head over Upperline. Age of Humor was racing well in third, followed by Snow Top Mountain, Dundalk Dust, and Laura Babe. The horses continued in about the same positions through a half in :48 flat, but after running three quarters in 1:13 2/5, things began to change.
First off, Upperline moved up to challenge for the lead. Snow Top Mountain began to move closer. Age of Humor dropped back a bit, and Dundalk Dust moved much closer to the pace.
Into the homestretch it was Upperline who led the way. Snow Top Mountain tried to challenge, but Upperline put her away and drew off to win by four and three quarters of a length. Snow Top Mountain finished second, six and a half lengths clear of Dundalk Dust, who put in a mild rally to finish third, another five and three quarter lengths in front of Chantilly Nayla. She was followed by Age of Humor and Laura Babe. The latter trailed throughout and was beaten by about thirty-one lengths. The final time was 1:52 flat.
This brings us to the United Nations, which I already briefly recapped while I was updating my blog live last weekend. So I won't go into extreme detail on this one, rather, I will just list the complete order of finish and my picks.
RESULTS
1 Chinchon
2 Take the Points
3 Winchester
4 Straight Story
5 Get Serious
6 Telling
7 Laureate Conductor
8 Jeune-Turc
9 Acclamation
MY PICKS
1 Acclamation
2 Take the Points
3 Winchester
4 Telling
5 Jeune-Turc
6 Chinchon
7 Get Serious
8 Laureate Conductor
9 Straight Story
I was right about Take the Points and Winchester, but not much else. My pick ran last! But I'm sure he will return to form soon. In the meantime, Chinchon is a horse to watch and should be a major contender come the Breeders' Cup.
Then there was the Suburban Handicap out at Belmont. The grade II mile and an eighth race marked the return of Gotham/Wood Memorial winner I Want Revenge, the morning line favorite for the 2009 Kentucky Derby before an injury knocked him out of the race. He, along with his stablemate Pictural, were favored to win. It was Pictural's job to make sure the pace was an honest one, and unfortunately, he stumbled out of the gate and was last throughout.
This left Regal Ransom and Haynesfield loose on the lead. The second and third choices, they ran the first quarter in :24 flat and the half in :46 4/5. Regal Ransom, having not raced since the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic, began to tire after running three quarters of a mile in 1:11 flat, and left Haynesfield with the lead.
And then I Want Revenge made his move. He looked ready to blow past everyone, but then he stalled. And so Haynesfield coasted home the winner by just under three lengths while never being fully extended. The final time was 1:48 2/5. Convocation made a bold late run to grab second, a length and a quarter in front of I Want Revenge, who looked as though he needed the race. Regal Ransom, Eldaafer, Unbridled Danger, and Pictural trailed the field.
So here is the complete order of finish. . .
1 Haynesfield
2 Convocation
3 I Want Revenge
4 Regal Ransom
5 Eldaafer
6 Unbridled Danger
7 Pictural
. . . and here were my picks.
1 I Want Revenge
2 Regal Ransom
3 Haynesfield
4 Eldaafer
5 Convocation
6 Unbridled Danger
7 Pictural
I honestly felt that I Want Revenge and Regal Ransom were much the best horses in the race and would finish one-two despite their long layoffs. However, it was painfully obvious after the fact that Haynesfield was much the best horse and is a serious contender for the Breeders' Cup Classic.
I did better (in fact, much better) in the Salvator Mile Stakes. Like the United Nations, I recapped it right after it was run, so I won't repeat myself here, I'll just list the results and my picks. . .!
RESULTS
1 Gone Astray
2 Duke of Mischief
3 You and I Forever
4 Le Grand Cru
5 Munnings
MY PICKS
1 Gone Astray
2 Duke of Mischief
3 You and I Forever
4 Le Grand Cru
5 Munnings
Not too bad! As I said last week, I had orginally picked Munnings to win, and Gone Astray to finish last, but as post time drew nearer I got this funny feeling that Munnings was going to run last, and that Gone Astray was sitting on a huge race. So I reposted my new picks a few minutes before the race was run, and they turned out to be correct. Despite helping set pedestrian fractions of :25 and :50 flat, Munnings faded after that and was beaten by just over twenty lengths. I would say that Gone Astray is a serious threat for the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile later this year, even though his final time was a not very good 1:38 flat. With a little more pace to close off of, who knows what he can do?
This brings us to the Jersey Shore Stakes, a grade III race for three year olds. The mild favorite in the six furlong event was Discreetly Mine, with Safe Trip the second choice. The filly Christine Daae was the third choice in the field of six.
In the early going, it was longshot Out of Respect who set the pace, followed by an even longer shot Partyallnightlong. Safe Trip was rating well in third, followed by Discreetly Mine, Cool Bullet, and Christine Daae.
Through fractions of :22 flat and :44 4/5, it was still Out of Respect and Partyallnightlong leading the way, but Safe Trip was coming with a three wide bid and Discreetly Mine was still right there. Christine Daae and Cool Bullet were going nowhere.
After five furlongs in :56 4/5, it was still Out of Respect who led, but only by a head. Safe Trip was in with a chance, but it was Discreetly Mine who came running strongest of all. At the finish, it was Discreetly Mine by a length and a quarter, getting the six furlongs in 1:09 3/5. Out of Respect held second by a length over Safe Trip, who gave everything he had but just wasn't good enough. Partyallnightlong ran well to finish fourth, beaten only three lengths, while Christine Daae and Cool Bullet never threatened.
So here are the results. . .
1 Discreetly Mine
2 Out of Respect
3 Safe Trip
4 Partyallnightlong
5 Christine Daae
6 Cool Bullet
. . . and here were my picks.
1 Safe Trip
2 Discreetly Mine
3 Cool Bullet
4 Christine Daae
5 Out of Respect
6 Partyallnightlong
I'm afraid that I was wrong on everything. But congratulations to Discreetly Mine, who should be able to win his fair share of sprints over the next couple years.
Then there was the grade I Prioress Stakes. The six furlong race for three year old fillies had drawn a short but solid field, and I, like just about everybody else, felt that the one New York-bred in the field was the best horse in the race. That New York-bred was Franny Freud, and she came through with a length and three quarter score, although she did have to fight for it.
Bonnie Blue Flag broke fastest of all, but it was Stormandaprayer who raced away to set the pace, followed closely by Acorn Stakes winner Champagne d'Oro. Bonnie Blue Flag raced along in third, with Franny Freud and Funny Feeling trailing the field.
Through very solid fractions of :21 4/5 and :44 4/5, it was still Stormandaprayer who led the way, but Franny Freud had moved into second and had her sights set on the lead. Bonnie Blue Flag and Champagne d'Oro raced together in third, but Champagne d'Oro was boxed in with nowhere to go. When she finally did get running room, Franny Freud was on the lead and not stopping. Try as she might, Champagn d'Oro could not close ground fast enough and had to settle for second. Franny Freud won by a length and three quarters, getting the distance in 1:10 flat. Champagne d'Oro finished a half-length in front of Bonnie Blue Flag, while Stormandaprayer faded to fourth. Funny Feeling trailed throughout and never threatened.
So here are the results. . .
1 Franny Freud
2 Champagne d'Oro
3 Bonnie Blue Flag
4 Stormandaprayer
5 Funny Feeling
. . . and here were my picks.
1 Franny Freud
2 Bonnie Blue Flag
3 Champagne d'Oro
4 Funny Feeling
5 Stormandaprayer
I was very close on everything, and I did pick the winner, so that felt good. It was an exciting race to watch, and I'm glad to see Franny Freud get a grade I. She should be a contender for all the best filly races later this year.
One race that did not go according to plan was the grade II Firecracker Handicap at Churchill Downs. The one mile turf event drew the 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, who was sent off as the favorite at about 3-1. Tizdejavu was the second choice at 4-1, with Public Speaker also at 4-1. I didn't think Mine That Bird was going to win under these conditions, and although I cheered him on, he did not.
My picks were Tizdejavu, Public Speaker, and Inca King, in that order. And much to my surprise, those three led the way across the wire, and even more surprising, in that order.
Tizdejavu ran a huge race. Breaking fastest of all, he set decent fractions of :23 1/5, :45 4/5, and 1:09 3/5 and just kept on going. Public Speaker and Inca King came running late, but he held them both off by a length and a half, completing the mile in 1:35 4/5. Public Speaker just nosed out Inca King for second, but the jockey of the latter lost his whip, possibly costing Inca King second place. Veiled Prophet, Unbridled's Dream, Skipadate, Wise River, Mine That Bird, Pop Tarrt, Attempted Humor, Driving Snow, Baryshnikov, Euroears, and Orthodox completed the order of finish. It was a very exciting race.
Mine That Bird actually didn't run too badly. Taken back to last by Calvin Borel, he was twenty-two lengths off the lead halfway through the race, and did manage to cut that to only seven and three quarters lengths at the finish, making up six and a quarter lengths in the final eighth. The Whitney Handicap will be his next race, and I believe that he is capable of upsetting Quality Road and Blame there if he gets the right trip. We'll see what happens.
In the grade III Chicago Handicap for fillies and mares, things were even more exciting. The 1-5 favorite was Informed Decision, the defending winner of the race and the 2009 Eclipse champion female sprinter. She was fully expected to win the seven furlong race easily, and although she did win it, it was by no means easy.
The longest shot in the field, Rinterval, broke fastest and raced away to set the pace. She was followed by Diamond Song and Informed Decision, the latter whom was sitting comfortably five lengths off the pace. Secret Kin was right with her in fourth, followed by Minewander, Lookalike, and Never Retreat.
Through fractions of :22 2/5 and :46 2/5, the positions remained pretty much unchanged. Lookalike and moved up a bit, and Secret Kin had dropped back a bit, but it was still Rinterval who led the way.
Into the stretch they came and Informed Decision made her move, but Rinterval fought on. They were heads apart following cut three quarters of a mile in 1:11 flat, and Informed Decision took the lead. Rinterval battled on, and was coming back at the finish, but Informed Decision held her safe to win by a head in 1:24 1/5. Rinterval was three and a half lengths clear of Secret Kin, who just got up for third over Never Retreat. Minewander, Diamond Song, and Lookalike trailed the field.
This brings us to the grade III Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes. A six furlong race for two year olds, stakes winning J P's Gusto was the favorite over Western Mood, and in the end, it would come down to those two.
River's Chapel broke a step slowly, but quickly raced away to a commanding four length lead following a first quarter in :22 seconds flat. J P's Gusto bided his time in second, with Leon Ayala and Western Mood close behind him. Edgewick Road was racing in fifth, followed by Tappin Tough, Minutesandtouches, and Marvin's Magic.
Following a half in :45 2/5, with only a quarter of a mile left to run, River's Chapel had a three and a half lengths lead and looked ready to pull a 23-1 upset, but J P's Gusto and Western Mood were reeling him in. At the eighth pole, it was J P's Gusto by a head, battling down the stretch with Western Mood. At the finish, it was J P's Gusto who won by a neck, with Western Mood nearly six lengths clear of Minutesandtouches, who running for third, four lengths clear of Edgewick Road. Leon Ayala, River's Chapel, Tappin Tough, and Marvin's Magic completed the order of finish.
In the Queen's Plate Stakes, things were just as exciting but for a different reason. It wasn't one of those race where you can't separate the top two finishers, rather, it was one of the races were you're screaming "Hang on!"
I was cheering for Big Red Mike and Roan Inish. I've always liked Big Red Mike and thought he had a chance here. So when I saw the fractions of :24 2/5 and :49 1/5, I knew he had a chance.
Turning into the homestretch, Big Red Mike has a one lengths lead over Hotep, who had tracked him in second for the entire race. Roan Inish was swinging into contention, but favored Mobilizer was fading rapidly.
Down the stretch they came, Big Red Mike, Hotep, and Roan Inish. But no one could get to Big Red Mike, who posted a 5-1 upset, winning the most prestigous race in Canada by a length and a half. Hotep finished a game second, with Roan Inish third. They were followed by Giant's Tomb, Mobthewarrior, Dark Cloud Dancer, Smart Sky, Moment of Majesty, Who We Gunna Call, Mobilizer, Ghost Fleet, Vicar Street, and D's Wando. The final time was 2:04 4/5.
And finally, here are a few other results. . .
AMERICAN OAKS (gr. I)
RESULTS
1 Harmonious
2 Antares World
3 Weekend Magic
4 Andina
5 City to City
6 Conniption
7 Riviera Chic
MY PICKS
1 Andina
2 City to City
3 Harmonious
4 Antares World
5 Conniption
6 Riviera Chic
7 Weekend Magic
In her stakes debut, Harmonious won a grade I by a length and a quarter under Martin Garcia. Morning line favorite Cozi Rosie was scratched. The final time was 2:01 3/5.
AMERICAN HANDICAP (gr. II)
RESULTS
1 Global Hunter
2 Temple City
3 Hyades
4 Glowing Praise
5 Red Door Drive
6 Meteore
7 Guindici Man
8 Oil Man
MY PICKS
1 Global Hunter
2 Meteore
3 Temple City
4 Hyades
5 Red Door Drive
6 Glowing Praise
7 Oil Man
8 Quindici Man
I was very excited that Global Hunter won, but unfortunately, it will likely be the last race he ever runs in. The seven year old broke down just past the finish and was vanned off. Fortunately, he is doing well after his operation and has a good chance of recovering. The final time was 1:48 flat.
BED O' ROSES HANDICAP (gr. III)
RESULTS
1 Rightly So
2 Qualia
3 McVictory
4 Lady Alexander
5 My Dinah
6 Amazing
7 Devil by Design
8 Nicksappealinglady (pulled up, vanned off)
MY PICKS
1 Rightly So
2 Qualia
3 McVictory
4 Lady Alexander
5 Devil by Design
6 Amazing
7 My Dinah
8 Nicksappealinglady
Under C. Velasquez, Rightly So proved tough and held off favored Qualia to win the Bed o' Roses by a head. Unfortunately, Nicksappealinglady was pulled up and vanned off. I have not heard any more news about her.
And now, to conclude this post, here is a list of notable other winners over the past couple of weeks.
SHELBY COUNT ARTS HANDICAP: Won by Ravi's Song
MR. PROSPECTOR STAKES: Won by Roaring Lion
CHOICE STAKES: Won by Fantastico Roberto
HIGHLANDER STAKES (gr. II): Won by Signature Red
SINGSPIEL STAKES (gr. III): Won by Spice Route
MISS LIBERT STAKES: Won by Maram
CLARENDON STAKES: Won by Sensational Slam
ACHIEVMENT STAKES: Won by Essence Hit Man
ROYAL HEROINE MILE STAKES (gr. II): Won by Gotta Have Her
LOCUST GROVE HANDICAP (gr. III): Won by Danzon
MINSTREL STAKES: Won by Aces N Kings
CTBA DERBY: Won by Danzip
DOMINION DAY HANDICAP (gr. III): Won by Hold Me Back
LE CLE STAKES: Won by It Tiz
DONALD LEVINE MEMORIAL HANDICAP: Won by Desert Party
ARLINGTON SPRINT HANDICAP: Won by Chamberlain Bridge
DEBUTANTE STAKES (gr. III): Won by Just Louise
SAYLORVILLE STAKES: Won by Secret Gypsy
WILL ROGERS STAKES (gr. III): Won by Leroy's Dynameaux
MIKE LEE STAKES: Won by Friend or Foe
Now, I wish I could go on and discuss every other stakes race that has been run over the past fourteen days, but unfortunately, I cannot. That would take another five thousand words or so and I just can't do it. But I think I discussed all of the biggest races thoroughly, and I hope you enjoyed. Now, go out and enjoy the Hollywood Gold Cup, Triple Bend, Princess Rooney, and all the other great races being run today. And during the next week, I will put up several special blog posts which I have been mulling over for a while. How does a Triple Crown for older horses sound? I will post the details within the week, so check back soon!
-Keelerman
HOLLYWOOD GOLD CUP ---- A Gem for Awesome Gem
The $500,000 Hollywood Gold Cup has been contested by a good many great horses. Native Diver and Lava Man won it three times each. Citation, John Henry, Alysheba, Swaps, Sunday Silence, Cigar, Skip Away, Affirmed, Round Table, Seabiscuit, Assault, Gallant Man, Ack Ack, Dahlia, Noor, Hill Prince, Exceller, and Cougar II are among the many horses to run in the famous race. That list includes three Triple Crown winners and countless Horse of the Year winners. Will the 2010 winner add his name to this illustrious list? We will see. Let's take a look at who's running.
First off, there is Rail Trip. The 123 pound highweight has won his last two and has never finished worse than third in eleven starts, his one third place finish coming in the 2009 Pacific Classic, where he was beaten one length. He came out of the race with a slight injury and was given a long break, but the son of Jump Start returned with dominant performances in both the Mervin Leroy and the California Stakes. He will be the heavy favorite here, and he deserves to be, but I think that he is not unstoppable. He will be ridden by regular rider Rafael Bejarano and is trained by Ronald Ellis.
Then there is Awesome Gem, who gets into the race with only 116 pounds. The son of Awesome Again has turned in some very solid efforts in his last four races, beginning with an eighth place finish in the grade I Frank E. Kilroe Mile while being beaten by only three and a half lengths. He then ran third in the New Orleans Handicap, beaten four lengths, second in the $1,000,000 Charles Town Classic beaten a length and three quarters, and second again in the Lone Star Park Handicap, beaten just under seven lengths by a horse he beat in the Charles Town Classic. With the race a mile and a quarter in distance, he should be a serious contender. He will be ridden by David Flores and is trained by Craig Dollase.
This brings us to Richard's Kid, winner of the 2009 Pacific Classic. The son of Lemon Drop Kid has not turned in a really poor effort since March 28th, 2009, and comes off of a solid seventh place finish in the Dubai World Cup, where he was beaten only two and a half lengths. If he will suffer from the "Dubai Bounce" is unknown, but he should finish in the top three on class alone. He will be ridden by Martin Garcia and is trained by Bob Baffert. He will carry 121 pounds.
Compari is another interesting horse. The son of Redattore won six straight races in wire-to-wire fashion, including the grade II Arcadia Handicap, before fading to finish seventh of nine in the grade I Shoemaker Mile when he was unable to get to the lead at any point. He could be dangerous if he is left alone on the lead. He will be ridden for the first time by Mike Smith and is trained by Martin Jones. He will carry 117 pounds.
Cigar Man, Tres Borrachos, and Tap It Light complete the field. Cigar Man finished third in the Mervin Leroy and fifth in the Californian, both to Rail Trip. With a little pace to run at, the son of Drewman could come flying late. He has the potential to win it all, especially with a feathery 113 pounds on his back. He will be ridden by Joseph Talamo and is trained by Vladimir Cerin.
Tres Borrachos finished second to Rail Trip in last year's Hollywood Gold Cup, but really hasn't done anything since. The son of Ecton Park comes into the race off of a seventh place finish, beaten ten lengths, in the Californian. If he were to get loose on the lead, he might be able to hang on for a piece of it, but with Compari and Rail Trip both interested in the lead as well, he will likely tire on the far turn. He will be ridden by Victor Espinoza and will carry 113 pounds. He is trained C. Beau Greely.
And finally, Tap It Light could be a potential contender based off of his recent form in lower level races at Santa Anita. The son of General Meeting has not raced since finishing sixth of ten, beaten four lengths, in the San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap at a mile and three quarters on turf in April, but I think it was just too far for him. Toss that race out and he hasn’t been beaten by more than a length and a half since June 2008! He could be a contender here if everything sets up right for him. He will carry 114 pounds and will be ridden by Tyler Baze. He is trained by Mike Mitchell.
So here are my picks. . .
1 Awesome Gem
2 Rail Trip
3 Richard's Kid
4 Tap It Light
5 Compari
6 Cigar Man
7 Tres Borrachos
I'm going to take a shot with Awesome Gem and hope that he finally gets a grade I win. I feel that he is coming into the race in good form and should finally get some pace to close in on. Rail Trip is a very good horse, but I do think he can be beaten, especially if he is the least bit rank today. Richard's Kid is a very good horse and should come flying late, but how will he run off the long layoff and coming back from Dubai?
It should be a great race. I'll be watching.
OTHER RACES TO WATCH
I'm afraid I can't discuss any more races in great detail right now, but I will list my picks for the biggest races around the country.
Princess Rooney Handicap (gr. I)
1 Dubai Majesty
2 Mother Ruth
3 Hour Glass
4 Warbling
5 Dr. Zic
6 Saratoga Tango
7 Jessica is Back
8 First Passage
9 Don'ttalktome
10 Reachforthecastle
11 Golden Mystery
12 Saintly Rose
13 Nicky Boy
Dubai Majesty in a mild upset.
Carry Back Stakes (gr. III)
1 D' Funnybone
2 Peace at Dawn
3 Coffee Boy
4 Dream of Atlantis
5 Bernie the Maestro
D' Funnybone goes wire-to-wire.
Azalea Stakes (gr. III)
1 Buckleupbuttercup
2 Joanie's Catch
3 Pica Slew
4 Rapport
5 Hot Hot Mama
6 Bronx City Girl
7 Yournotthebossofme
8 Nicky Boy
Buckleupbuttercup holds off Joanie's Catch.
Delaware Oaks (gr. II)
1 Blind Luck
2 No Such Word
3 Havre de Grace
4 Calypso Queen
5 Worship the Moon
6 Derwin's Star
7 Listen In
Blind Luck shall remain undefeated on dirt.
Man o' War Stakes (gr. I)
1 Gio Ponti
2 Expansion
3 Interpatation
4 Grand Couturier
5 Bearpath
6 Strike a Deal
7 Mission Approved
8 Midnite Silver
Time for Gio Ponti to win again!
Triple Bend Handicap (gr. I)
1 Gayego
2 E Z' Gentleman
3 Sangaree
4 My Summer Slew
5 M One Rifle
6 New Bay
7 Fantasy Free
8 Bestdressed
I feel that Gayego is the best horse in the race, but that he can be beaten by both E Z's Gentleman and Sangaree. It's going to be fun to watch.
What an incredible day of racing!
RACE RECAPS
Due to the fact that I haven't posted results in a couple of weeks, I'm going all out this time. The following is about six thousand words discussing every major race run over the last two weeks. Enjoy!
First off, there was the Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park. A grade I race for three year old fillies, the mile and a sixteenth event drew Devil May Care, who was coming off of a tenth place finish against colts in the Kentucky Derby.
Sent off as the heavy favorite, she proved that she is a grade I caliber filly by winning impressively.
In the field of five, Katy Now, the third choice at 5-1, rushed away to take the early lead. She was followed by Connie and Michael, with Devil May Care biding her time while four wide in third position. It was another three lengths back to Ailalea, with second choice Biofuel running last, but less than six lengths off the lead.
After fractions of :22 4/5 and :45 2/5, the order was unchanged. Ailalea and Biofuel has inched closer to the leaders, but Katy Now and Connie and Michael continued to lead the way.
Then Devil May Care began to make her move.
After three quarters of a mile in a good 1:09 4/5, Devil May Care was second, one length behind Katy Now. Connie and Michael had dropped back just a bit, and Ailalea and Biofuel were beginning to come on as well. The field was separated by only three lengths.
Turning into the homestretch it was fairly obvious that Devil May Care would be the winner. Coasting by Katy Now, her rider looked back to see if anyone was coming, and then merely hand urged his filly to the wire. She finished a length and a quarter in front of Connie and Michael, with Biofuel rallying for third. Katy Now and Ailalea trailed the field.
Despite the fact that Devil May Care was very impressive, things were even wilder at Prairie Meadows.
We will begin the tale of insane speed with the seventh race of the night on the 26th of June, the Iowa Derby. The grade III event was supposed to be the coronation of Winslow Homer, who was supposed to win impressively after being off since late January. The three year old colt had been an early favorite for the Triple Crown after beating Jackson Bend in the Holy Bull Stakes, but hurt his leg and had not raced since.
The logical second choice was Concord Point, a fine colt who was trying to win his first stakes race. I have liked him for a while and felt that he was ready to run huge race, so I picked him to win. The third choice was Thiskyhasnolimit, another colt I have liked for a while. Vow to Wager, Down With Dixie, and Forestry Type were the longshots.
I don't think anybody saw what was coming.
As expected, Forestry Type rushed away to take the lead in the early going, followed closely by Concord Point. Winslow Homer broke a step slowly, but was sitting comfortably in third through an opening quarter mile in :23 1/5. Nothing unusual about that.
Then the pace began to heat up.
With Concord Point pushing on the outside, Forestry Type carved out a second quarter mile in :22 2/5, to run a half mile in :45 3/5. Winslow Homer was running well in third, but was six and a half lengths off of the lead. Vow to Wager was sitting in fourth, followed by Thiskyhasnolimit and Down With Dixie.
After three quarters in a stiff 1:09 3/5, it was Concord Point who led the way. Forestry Type had begun to drop back, and Winslow Homer had moved to within three lengths of the lead. It looked as though Winslow Homer was going to make it a race.
However, Concord Point had other ideas.
After running a mile in 1:34 flat, he had a five length lead over Thiskyhasnolimit. He continued to extend his lead to the wire, eventual winning by eight and a half lengths while never really being urged by his jockey, Martin Garcia. Thiskyhasnolimit held second over Winslow Homer, with Down With Dixie, Vow to Wager, and Forestry Type completing the field. But winning by eight and a half lengths wasn't the only impressive thing about the Concord Point. He ran the mile and a sixteenth in 1:40 1/5, breaking the track record.
But that was only the beginning.
Now I shall take you back to Friday the 25th to complete the tale of unusual speed.
It was the Iowa Sprint Handicap, a six furlong race for three year olds and upward. The favorite was Atta Boy Roy at about even money, with Cash Refund the second choice at about 5-2 and Majesticperfection the third choice at 3-1. None of the other runners were under 12-1. None of the other runners would threaten. It would be the big three all the way to the finish. Or should I say the big one.
Majesticperfection broke fastest and was sent right to the lead, dueling with Cash Refund. Atta Boy Roy was right behind them in third, with American Classic, Peaceful Reign, Humble Destin, and Ez Dreamer trailing the field.
The opening quarter mile was run in :21 2/5. The half mile was run in :43 2/5. Still Majesticperfection and Cash Refund dueled for the lead. And then it was over.
During the next eighth of a mile, Majesticperfection exploded away to lead by four lengths. Atta Boy Roy passed Cash Refund to take second, but the race was over. Majesticperfection ran five furlongs in :55 flat on his way to breaking the track record, getting the six furlongs in 1:07 1/5 while never roused. Yes, he was carrying eight pounds less than Atta Boy Roy, but it is obvious that Majesticperfection is a very special colt and will be a contender for the Breeders' Cup Sprint.
Atta Boy Roy finished second, six and a half lengths clear of Cash Refund. Peaceful Reign and Humble Destin finished in a dead-heat for fourth, with Ez Dreamer and American Classic completing the order of finish.
And to complete the story, I take you to Churchill Downs for the Kelly's Landing Stakes, an ungraded stakes race that will likely turn out a graded stakes winner.
The favorite was Here Comes Ben, and he was also my pick. I had seen him win an allowance optional claiming race at this track and felt right then that he was a grade I caliber horse. He showed me once again that he is a quality horse by just getting up to win in the final strides, despite chasing a fairly slow pace and being force five wide.
In the early stages of the seven furlong race, it was Agastache who led the way, with Hamazing Destiny right behind him. Booted was sitting on the outside third, with Here Comes Ben two lengths off the lead.
Following fractions of :23 flat and :45 2/5, it was still Agastache and Hamazing Destiny. Here Comes Ben had dropped back to fifth, four lengths off the lead, and had some running to do with only three eighths of a mile remaining.
Into the homestretch the came and Hamazing Destiny took over the lead. Here Comes Ben was flying on the outside but it was going to be close. Just when it looked like Hamazing Destiny was going to pull off the upset, Here Comes Ben tackled him to win by a neck. Caiza Eletronica finished third, with Booted, Agastache, Eye of the Leopard, and Posse Cat trailing the field.
The grade I Forego Stakes is on the agenda for the winner. I think that he is going to be a legitimate threat in the Breeders' Cup, be it the Sprint or the Dirt Mile.
This concludes the Tale of Insane Speed. I hoped you enjoyed it.
Moving back to Saturday the 26th, there was the Iowa Oaks, the filly equivalent of the Iowa Derby. A grade III event, Quiet Temper was the favorite, with All Due Respect and Harissa well liked too. Seeking the Title wasn't friendless at 8-1, but wasn't really supposed to threaten.
But she did.
As expected, All Due Respect was rushed away to take the early lead, followed by Harissa and Seeking the Title. Quiet Temper was fourth through an opening quarter mile in :23 2/5, with Remit and Shotgun Gulch trailing the field.
After a half in :46 4/5, it was still All Due Respect leading by two lengths, with Harissa second, two lengths clear of Quiet Temper. Seeking the Title had dropped back to fourth, about five lengths from the front, but her jockey, Calvin Borel, knew what he was doing.
Following three quarters of a mile in 1:10 4/5, Seeking the Title began to move in. All Due Respect and Harissa continued to lead the way, and Quiet Temper was going nowhere fast.
Past the eighth pole, three fillies were across the track only heads apart, but Quiet Temper was not one of them. Instead, it was Seeking the Title who came running late to win by a half-length. Harissa finished second, five lengths clear of All Due Respect, who tired late. Quiet Temper finished fourth, beaten seven lengths, followed by Remit and Shotgun Gulch. The final time was a good 1:41 4/5.
Two races later, in the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap, things were even more surprising. Mythical Power was the favorite; despite coming off of a last place finish in the Lone Star Handicap, with Red Lead and Brass Hat the co-second choices at 4-1. Brass Hat, a nine year old mile and a half turf runner, would be attempting to win at a mile and a eighth on the dirt, which would not be easy.
Racing Bran, an 8-1 longshot, was fastest out of the gate, followed closely by King Dan. Those two raced away to set the early pace, followed by Slew's Tizzy, who was making his first start since late 2008, and 10-1 Shadowbdancing. Those four continued to lead the way through fractions of :23 3/5 and :47 3/5. Meanwhile, Mythical Power was racing in sixth, three lengths off the lead, with Brass Hat struggling in last, nearly fourteen lengths off the lead.
Following three quarters of a mile in 1:11 3/5, it was still Racing Bran and Kind Dan who led the way, but Slew's Tizzy was dropping out of it rapidly on his way to a last place finish. Shadowbdancing was only a length off of the lead, and Mythical Power was still right in striking position three lengths off the pace.
Into the homestretch they came, and much to everyone's surprise, Shadowbdancing took over the lead. Racing Bran was game to the finish, but Shadowbdancing inched clear to win by a length. Racing Bran finished second, three quarters of a length in front of Golden Yank, who rallied late at 23-1 for third. Mythical Power finished fourth, followed by King Dan, Red Lead, Going Ballistic, Brass Hat, and Slew's Tizzy. The final time was 1:48 1/5.
Up at Woodbine, the track was a bit slower. In the Victoria Park Stakes, a nine furlong event for three year olds, Exhi was the heavy favorite at 1-4. Only three dared challenge him. Bear's Hard Ten was the second choice at 4-1, with Gold Medallion at 6-1 and Village Drive 13-1. Not that the odds mattered.
I can describe this race easily. Exhi broke fastest of all, led through fractions of :24 flat, :47 4/5, 1:12 1/5, and 1:37 2/5, completing the mile and an eighth in 1:50 3/5 while winning under a hand ride by eight lengths. Gold Medallion ran third for just over three quarters of a mile before finishing second, five lengths clear of Bear's Hard Ten. The latter ran second for just over three quarters of a mile before relenting to Gold Medallion. Village Drive trailed throughout.
Very, very, simple. Exhi is a colt to watch, as I feel certain he will secure a grade I win someday, somewhere.
Then there was the Oliver Stakes at Indiana Downs. The favorite was Our Douglas, with Guys Reward and Lost Aptitude the coupled second choice. Bim Bam, Lonesome Street, and Alfarabi were also well liked. But in the end, it was 20-1 shot Mister Marti Gras who flew under the wire first.
In the early going, Lost Aptitude raced away to set the pace, followed closely by 87-1 shot Cherokee Lord. Lonesome Street and King Ledley were also up close, while Mister Marti Gras was biding his time in eighth, about five lengths off the lead, with Our Douglas ninth.
Following fractions of :22 4/5 and :46 4/5, Lost Aptitude still held the lead, but was beginning to fold. Cherokee Lord moved up to take over the lead, with Ling Ledley right behind him. And Mister Marti Gras was still eighth, a head in front of Our Douglas.
Coming into the stretch, Cherokee Lord still has the lead and was looking to pull a tremendous upset. But a wall of horses were coming to challenge, and Mister Marti Gras was coming strongest. Our Douglas took the lead very late in the race but was tackled by a flying Mister Marti Gras, who drove past to win by a half-length, completing the mile in 1:34.75, only a fifth of a second off of the track record.
Our Douglas finished second, but due to some interference he caused in the stretch, he was disqualified and placed sixth. Hudson Steele came home third after never being more than about three lengths off the lead, with Cherokee Lord finishing a close fourth. Lonesome Street, Alfarabi, Bim Bam, Formaggio, King Ledly, Rockin' Rockstar, Guys Reward, and Lonesome Street completed the order of finish.
This brings us to a fascinating allowance optional claiming race at Delaware Park. Normally, Travers caliber horses don't come from races like these, but this particular race had the potential to turn out two very good horses.
Ten horses were entered in the mile and a sixteenth event, but six scratches reduced the field to four. A Little Warm, the Louisiana Derby runner up, was the mild favorite over the stakes quality Miner's Reserve, with Strikewhileitshot and Bear's Rocket not even given a second thought. It was supposed to come down to the big two, and it did.
Miner's Reserve broke fastest and was sent right to the lead, with A Little Warm breaking well to take up the chase. Bear's Rocket raced in third, with Strikewhileitshot trailing.
Through fractions of :23 4/5, :46 3/5, and 1:10 flat, Miner's Reserve continued to lead the way. But A Little Warm was moving on the outside and looked ready to pounce as they turned into the stretch, ten lengths clear of the other two runners.
But Miner's Reserve proved to be a tough foe, and still held a half-length lead as they came down to the finish. But then A Little Warm found something extra and pulled away to a two and a quarter length score. Miner's Reserve was a very game second, fourteen and a half lengths clear of Strikewhileitshot, who was another thirty-two lengths clear of Bear's Rocket.
We will hear more from the top two finishers. That is without a doubt.
Now we come to last Saturday's races, and I shall begin with a recap of the grade III Bashford Manor Stakes.
The six furlong race for two year olds, one of the first important preps for them, drew a field of six, led by impressive maiden winner Kantharos. Owned by Stonestreet Stables, trained by Steve Asmussen, and ridden by Robby Albarado, the colt has the same connections as two time Horse of the Year Curlin did.
The second choice was Lou Brissie, who already had a stakes win under his belt, having won the grade III Kentucky Juvenile Stakes on the undercard of the Kentucky Oaks. Speed Demon was the third choice at 9-1.
Away from the gate first was Gold for Cash, with Saturday Dance also breaking sharply, but Kantharos stumbled at the start and ducked in, bumping Speed Demon while attempting to straighten out. But despite this poor beginning, he was third in the early going, tracking the pace set by Thewayitusedtobe and Gold for Cash. Speed Demon was right behind him, with Lou Brissie and Saturday Dance trailing the field.
After a quarter of a mile in a blazing :21 4/5, it was Thewayitusedtobe and Gold for Cash, but Kantharos was making his move. After a half in :45 3/5, he had a half-length lead over Thewayitusedtobe and Gold for Cash. Lou Brissie was still running fifth, but he was only a length and a half off of the lead.
Passing the eighth pole it was obvious who the winner would be. Kantharos was pulling away easily and had a six length lead. Lou Brissie and Speed Demon were battling for second, but they were no match for the winner. Kantharos won by nine and a half lengths, with Lou Brissie second and Speed Demon third.
Here is the complete order of finish. . .
1 Kantharos
2 Lou Brissie
3 Speed Demon
4 Saturday Dance
5 Gold for Cash
6 Thewayitusedtobe
. . . and here were my picks.
1 Lou Brissie
2 Speed Demon
3 Kantharos
4 Gold for Cash
5 Saturday Dance
6 Theywayitusedtobe
I was close.
Then there was the Arlington Oaks. A grade III nine furlong turf race for three year old fillies, the favorite was Snow Top Mountain, with Upperline and Chantilly Nayla the co-second choices. My pick was Upperline. And sure enough, Upperline won by just under five lengths.
After a first quarter in :23 4/5, it was Chantilly Nayla who led the way by a head over Upperline. Age of Humor was racing well in third, followed by Snow Top Mountain, Dundalk Dust, and Laura Babe. The horses continued in about the same positions through a half in :48 flat, but after running three quarters in 1:13 2/5, things began to change.
First off, Upperline moved up to challenge for the lead. Snow Top Mountain began to move closer. Age of Humor dropped back a bit, and Dundalk Dust moved much closer to the pace.
Into the homestretch it was Upperline who led the way. Snow Top Mountain tried to challenge, but Upperline put her away and drew off to win by four and three quarters of a length. Snow Top Mountain finished second, six and a half lengths clear of Dundalk Dust, who put in a mild rally to finish third, another five and three quarter lengths in front of Chantilly Nayla. She was followed by Age of Humor and Laura Babe. The latter trailed throughout and was beaten by about thirty-one lengths. The final time was 1:52 flat.
This brings us to the United Nations, which I already briefly recapped while I was updating my blog live last weekend. So I won't go into extreme detail on this one, rather, I will just list the complete order of finish and my picks.
RESULTS
1 Chinchon
2 Take the Points
3 Winchester
4 Straight Story
5 Get Serious
6 Telling
7 Laureate Conductor
8 Jeune-Turc
9 Acclamation
MY PICKS
1 Acclamation
2 Take the Points
3 Winchester
4 Telling
5 Jeune-Turc
6 Chinchon
7 Get Serious
8 Laureate Conductor
9 Straight Story
I was right about Take the Points and Winchester, but not much else. My pick ran last! But I'm sure he will return to form soon. In the meantime, Chinchon is a horse to watch and should be a major contender come the Breeders' Cup.
Then there was the Suburban Handicap out at Belmont. The grade II mile and an eighth race marked the return of Gotham/Wood Memorial winner I Want Revenge, the morning line favorite for the 2009 Kentucky Derby before an injury knocked him out of the race. He, along with his stablemate Pictural, were favored to win. It was Pictural's job to make sure the pace was an honest one, and unfortunately, he stumbled out of the gate and was last throughout.
This left Regal Ransom and Haynesfield loose on the lead. The second and third choices, they ran the first quarter in :24 flat and the half in :46 4/5. Regal Ransom, having not raced since the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic, began to tire after running three quarters of a mile in 1:11 flat, and left Haynesfield with the lead.
And then I Want Revenge made his move. He looked ready to blow past everyone, but then he stalled. And so Haynesfield coasted home the winner by just under three lengths while never being fully extended. The final time was 1:48 2/5. Convocation made a bold late run to grab second, a length and a quarter in front of I Want Revenge, who looked as though he needed the race. Regal Ransom, Eldaafer, Unbridled Danger, and Pictural trailed the field.
So here is the complete order of finish. . .
1 Haynesfield
2 Convocation
3 I Want Revenge
4 Regal Ransom
5 Eldaafer
6 Unbridled Danger
7 Pictural
. . . and here were my picks.
1 I Want Revenge
2 Regal Ransom
3 Haynesfield
4 Eldaafer
5 Convocation
6 Unbridled Danger
7 Pictural
I honestly felt that I Want Revenge and Regal Ransom were much the best horses in the race and would finish one-two despite their long layoffs. However, it was painfully obvious after the fact that Haynesfield was much the best horse and is a serious contender for the Breeders' Cup Classic.
I did better (in fact, much better) in the Salvator Mile Stakes. Like the United Nations, I recapped it right after it was run, so I won't repeat myself here, I'll just list the results and my picks. . .!
RESULTS
1 Gone Astray
2 Duke of Mischief
3 You and I Forever
4 Le Grand Cru
5 Munnings
MY PICKS
1 Gone Astray
2 Duke of Mischief
3 You and I Forever
4 Le Grand Cru
5 Munnings
Not too bad! As I said last week, I had orginally picked Munnings to win, and Gone Astray to finish last, but as post time drew nearer I got this funny feeling that Munnings was going to run last, and that Gone Astray was sitting on a huge race. So I reposted my new picks a few minutes before the race was run, and they turned out to be correct. Despite helping set pedestrian fractions of :25 and :50 flat, Munnings faded after that and was beaten by just over twenty lengths. I would say that Gone Astray is a serious threat for the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile later this year, even though his final time was a not very good 1:38 flat. With a little more pace to close off of, who knows what he can do?
This brings us to the Jersey Shore Stakes, a grade III race for three year olds. The mild favorite in the six furlong event was Discreetly Mine, with Safe Trip the second choice. The filly Christine Daae was the third choice in the field of six.
In the early going, it was longshot Out of Respect who set the pace, followed by an even longer shot Partyallnightlong. Safe Trip was rating well in third, followed by Discreetly Mine, Cool Bullet, and Christine Daae.
Through fractions of :22 flat and :44 4/5, it was still Out of Respect and Partyallnightlong leading the way, but Safe Trip was coming with a three wide bid and Discreetly Mine was still right there. Christine Daae and Cool Bullet were going nowhere.
After five furlongs in :56 4/5, it was still Out of Respect who led, but only by a head. Safe Trip was in with a chance, but it was Discreetly Mine who came running strongest of all. At the finish, it was Discreetly Mine by a length and a quarter, getting the six furlongs in 1:09 3/5. Out of Respect held second by a length over Safe Trip, who gave everything he had but just wasn't good enough. Partyallnightlong ran well to finish fourth, beaten only three lengths, while Christine Daae and Cool Bullet never threatened.
So here are the results. . .
1 Discreetly Mine
2 Out of Respect
3 Safe Trip
4 Partyallnightlong
5 Christine Daae
6 Cool Bullet
. . . and here were my picks.
1 Safe Trip
2 Discreetly Mine
3 Cool Bullet
4 Christine Daae
5 Out of Respect
6 Partyallnightlong
I'm afraid that I was wrong on everything. But congratulations to Discreetly Mine, who should be able to win his fair share of sprints over the next couple years.
Then there was the grade I Prioress Stakes. The six furlong race for three year old fillies had drawn a short but solid field, and I, like just about everybody else, felt that the one New York-bred in the field was the best horse in the race. That New York-bred was Franny Freud, and she came through with a length and three quarter score, although she did have to fight for it.
Bonnie Blue Flag broke fastest of all, but it was Stormandaprayer who raced away to set the pace, followed closely by Acorn Stakes winner Champagne d'Oro. Bonnie Blue Flag raced along in third, with Franny Freud and Funny Feeling trailing the field.
Through very solid fractions of :21 4/5 and :44 4/5, it was still Stormandaprayer who led the way, but Franny Freud had moved into second and had her sights set on the lead. Bonnie Blue Flag and Champagne d'Oro raced together in third, but Champagne d'Oro was boxed in with nowhere to go. When she finally did get running room, Franny Freud was on the lead and not stopping. Try as she might, Champagn d'Oro could not close ground fast enough and had to settle for second. Franny Freud won by a length and three quarters, getting the distance in 1:10 flat. Champagne d'Oro finished a half-length in front of Bonnie Blue Flag, while Stormandaprayer faded to fourth. Funny Feeling trailed throughout and never threatened.
So here are the results. . .
1 Franny Freud
2 Champagne d'Oro
3 Bonnie Blue Flag
4 Stormandaprayer
5 Funny Feeling
. . . and here were my picks.
1 Franny Freud
2 Bonnie Blue Flag
3 Champagne d'Oro
4 Funny Feeling
5 Stormandaprayer
I was very close on everything, and I did pick the winner, so that felt good. It was an exciting race to watch, and I'm glad to see Franny Freud get a grade I. She should be a contender for all the best filly races later this year.
One race that did not go according to plan was the grade II Firecracker Handicap at Churchill Downs. The one mile turf event drew the 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, who was sent off as the favorite at about 3-1. Tizdejavu was the second choice at 4-1, with Public Speaker also at 4-1. I didn't think Mine That Bird was going to win under these conditions, and although I cheered him on, he did not.
My picks were Tizdejavu, Public Speaker, and Inca King, in that order. And much to my surprise, those three led the way across the wire, and even more surprising, in that order.
Tizdejavu ran a huge race. Breaking fastest of all, he set decent fractions of :23 1/5, :45 4/5, and 1:09 3/5 and just kept on going. Public Speaker and Inca King came running late, but he held them both off by a length and a half, completing the mile in 1:35 4/5. Public Speaker just nosed out Inca King for second, but the jockey of the latter lost his whip, possibly costing Inca King second place. Veiled Prophet, Unbridled's Dream, Skipadate, Wise River, Mine That Bird, Pop Tarrt, Attempted Humor, Driving Snow, Baryshnikov, Euroears, and Orthodox completed the order of finish. It was a very exciting race.
Mine That Bird actually didn't run too badly. Taken back to last by Calvin Borel, he was twenty-two lengths off the lead halfway through the race, and did manage to cut that to only seven and three quarters lengths at the finish, making up six and a quarter lengths in the final eighth. The Whitney Handicap will be his next race, and I believe that he is capable of upsetting Quality Road and Blame there if he gets the right trip. We'll see what happens.
In the grade III Chicago Handicap for fillies and mares, things were even more exciting. The 1-5 favorite was Informed Decision, the defending winner of the race and the 2009 Eclipse champion female sprinter. She was fully expected to win the seven furlong race easily, and although she did win it, it was by no means easy.
The longest shot in the field, Rinterval, broke fastest and raced away to set the pace. She was followed by Diamond Song and Informed Decision, the latter whom was sitting comfortably five lengths off the pace. Secret Kin was right with her in fourth, followed by Minewander, Lookalike, and Never Retreat.
Through fractions of :22 2/5 and :46 2/5, the positions remained pretty much unchanged. Lookalike and moved up a bit, and Secret Kin had dropped back a bit, but it was still Rinterval who led the way.
Into the stretch they came and Informed Decision made her move, but Rinterval fought on. They were heads apart following cut three quarters of a mile in 1:11 flat, and Informed Decision took the lead. Rinterval battled on, and was coming back at the finish, but Informed Decision held her safe to win by a head in 1:24 1/5. Rinterval was three and a half lengths clear of Secret Kin, who just got up for third over Never Retreat. Minewander, Diamond Song, and Lookalike trailed the field.
This brings us to the grade III Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes. A six furlong race for two year olds, stakes winning J P's Gusto was the favorite over Western Mood, and in the end, it would come down to those two.
River's Chapel broke a step slowly, but quickly raced away to a commanding four length lead following a first quarter in :22 seconds flat. J P's Gusto bided his time in second, with Leon Ayala and Western Mood close behind him. Edgewick Road was racing in fifth, followed by Tappin Tough, Minutesandtouches, and Marvin's Magic.
Following a half in :45 2/5, with only a quarter of a mile left to run, River's Chapel had a three and a half lengths lead and looked ready to pull a 23-1 upset, but J P's Gusto and Western Mood were reeling him in. At the eighth pole, it was J P's Gusto by a head, battling down the stretch with Western Mood. At the finish, it was J P's Gusto who won by a neck, with Western Mood nearly six lengths clear of Minutesandtouches, who running for third, four lengths clear of Edgewick Road. Leon Ayala, River's Chapel, Tappin Tough, and Marvin's Magic completed the order of finish.
In the Queen's Plate Stakes, things were just as exciting but for a different reason. It wasn't one of those race where you can't separate the top two finishers, rather, it was one of the races were you're screaming "Hang on!"
I was cheering for Big Red Mike and Roan Inish. I've always liked Big Red Mike and thought he had a chance here. So when I saw the fractions of :24 2/5 and :49 1/5, I knew he had a chance.
Turning into the homestretch, Big Red Mike has a one lengths lead over Hotep, who had tracked him in second for the entire race. Roan Inish was swinging into contention, but favored Mobilizer was fading rapidly.
Down the stretch they came, Big Red Mike, Hotep, and Roan Inish. But no one could get to Big Red Mike, who posted a 5-1 upset, winning the most prestigous race in Canada by a length and a half. Hotep finished a game second, with Roan Inish third. They were followed by Giant's Tomb, Mobthewarrior, Dark Cloud Dancer, Smart Sky, Moment of Majesty, Who We Gunna Call, Mobilizer, Ghost Fleet, Vicar Street, and D's Wando. The final time was 2:04 4/5.
And finally, here are a few other results. . .
AMERICAN OAKS (gr. I)
RESULTS
1 Harmonious
2 Antares World
3 Weekend Magic
4 Andina
5 City to City
6 Conniption
7 Riviera Chic
MY PICKS
1 Andina
2 City to City
3 Harmonious
4 Antares World
5 Conniption
6 Riviera Chic
7 Weekend Magic
In her stakes debut, Harmonious won a grade I by a length and a quarter under Martin Garcia. Morning line favorite Cozi Rosie was scratched. The final time was 2:01 3/5.
AMERICAN HANDICAP (gr. II)
RESULTS
1 Global Hunter
2 Temple City
3 Hyades
4 Glowing Praise
5 Red Door Drive
6 Meteore
7 Guindici Man
8 Oil Man
MY PICKS
1 Global Hunter
2 Meteore
3 Temple City
4 Hyades
5 Red Door Drive
6 Glowing Praise
7 Oil Man
8 Quindici Man
I was very excited that Global Hunter won, but unfortunately, it will likely be the last race he ever runs in. The seven year old broke down just past the finish and was vanned off. Fortunately, he is doing well after his operation and has a good chance of recovering. The final time was 1:48 flat.
BED O' ROSES HANDICAP (gr. III)
RESULTS
1 Rightly So
2 Qualia
3 McVictory
4 Lady Alexander
5 My Dinah
6 Amazing
7 Devil by Design
8 Nicksappealinglady (pulled up, vanned off)
MY PICKS
1 Rightly So
2 Qualia
3 McVictory
4 Lady Alexander
5 Devil by Design
6 Amazing
7 My Dinah
8 Nicksappealinglady
Under C. Velasquez, Rightly So proved tough and held off favored Qualia to win the Bed o' Roses by a head. Unfortunately, Nicksappealinglady was pulled up and vanned off. I have not heard any more news about her.
And now, to conclude this post, here is a list of notable other winners over the past couple of weeks.
SHELBY COUNT ARTS HANDICAP: Won by Ravi's Song
MR. PROSPECTOR STAKES: Won by Roaring Lion
CHOICE STAKES: Won by Fantastico Roberto
HIGHLANDER STAKES (gr. II): Won by Signature Red
SINGSPIEL STAKES (gr. III): Won by Spice Route
MISS LIBERT STAKES: Won by Maram
CLARENDON STAKES: Won by Sensational Slam
ACHIEVMENT STAKES: Won by Essence Hit Man
ROYAL HEROINE MILE STAKES (gr. II): Won by Gotta Have Her
LOCUST GROVE HANDICAP (gr. III): Won by Danzon
MINSTREL STAKES: Won by Aces N Kings
CTBA DERBY: Won by Danzip
DOMINION DAY HANDICAP (gr. III): Won by Hold Me Back
LE CLE STAKES: Won by It Tiz
DONALD LEVINE MEMORIAL HANDICAP: Won by Desert Party
ARLINGTON SPRINT HANDICAP: Won by Chamberlain Bridge
DEBUTANTE STAKES (gr. III): Won by Just Louise
SAYLORVILLE STAKES: Won by Secret Gypsy
WILL ROGERS STAKES (gr. III): Won by Leroy's Dynameaux
MIKE LEE STAKES: Won by Friend or Foe
Now, I wish I could go on and discuss every other stakes race that has been run over the past fourteen days, but unfortunately, I cannot. That would take another five thousand words or so and I just can't do it. But I think I discussed all of the biggest races thoroughly, and I hope you enjoyed. Now, go out and enjoy the Hollywood Gold Cup, Triple Bend, Princess Rooney, and all the other great races being run today. And during the next week, I will put up several special blog posts which I have been mulling over for a while. How does a Triple Crown for older horses sound? I will post the details within the week, so check back soon!
-Keelerman
Saturday, July 03, 2010
GONE ASTRAY WON!!!
With a powerful run from last, Gone Astray collared Duke of Mischief and You and I Forever to win the Salvator Mile by daylight.
The win guarantees him a spot in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile later this year.
Duke of Mischief held second over You and I Forever, with Le Grand Cru finishing fourth. Favored Munnings faded to finish last.
So here were my picks!
1 Gone Astray
2 Duke of Mischief
3 You and I Forever
4 Le Grand Cru
5 Munnings
And here are the results!
1 Gone Astray
2 Duke of Mischief
3 You and I Forever
4 Le Grand Cru
5 Munnings
Not too bad!
-Keelerman
The win guarantees him a spot in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile later this year.
Duke of Mischief held second over You and I Forever, with Le Grand Cru finishing fourth. Favored Munnings faded to finish last.
So here were my picks!
1 Gone Astray
2 Duke of Mischief
3 You and I Forever
4 Le Grand Cru
5 Munnings
And here are the results!
1 Gone Astray
2 Duke of Mischief
3 You and I Forever
4 Le Grand Cru
5 Munnings
Not too bad!
-Keelerman
SALVATOR MILE UPDATE
Having just watched the United Nations, I now turn to the supporting stakes race on the card, the Salvator Mile.
The race is one mile in distance (as the name implies) and has drawn a field of only five horses, but they are five good horses.
Here are the current odds. . .
1 Munnings 9-5
2 Le Grand Cru 2-1
3 You and I Forever 5-1
4 Duke of Mischief 9-5
5 Gone Astray 5-1
It's a very evenly matched field. Munnings was a very fine three year old sprinter but hasn't been quite as good this year. Le Grand Cru won at this distance in the Westchester Handicap two starts back, most recently finishing fifth to Quality Road in the Met Mile. You and I Forever won a one turn mile stakes race at Gulfstream Park (I don't remember the name right off the top of my head) but was a disappointing last in the Met Mile. Duke of Mischief has shown fine form in the past (he won the Oaklawn Handicap earlier this year) but comes off of a poor showing in the Stephen Foster. And finally, Gone Astray has been running very well lately, but hasn't won since the grade II Ohio Derby in October last year.
So it's a race for redemption.
On my last post, I listed these horses as my picks. . .
1 Munnings
2 You and I Forever
3 Duke of Mischief
4 Le Grand Cru
5 Gone Astray
But I have since updated my picks to these. . .
1 Gone Astray
2 Duke of Mischief
3 You and I Foreve
4 Le Grand Cru
5 Munnings
I just have this feeling that Gone Astray is sitting on a huge race, and that Munnings is not.
It's now only one minute to post time! Here are the updated odds. . .
1 Munnings 6-5
2 Le Grand Cru 3-1
3 You and I Forever 9-1
4 Duke of Mischief 2-1
5 Gone Astray 5-1
It's post time! The horses are loading into the starting gate! Munnings is now 4-5!
Who will win. . .?
The race is one mile in distance (as the name implies) and has drawn a field of only five horses, but they are five good horses.
Here are the current odds. . .
1 Munnings 9-5
2 Le Grand Cru 2-1
3 You and I Forever 5-1
4 Duke of Mischief 9-5
5 Gone Astray 5-1
It's a very evenly matched field. Munnings was a very fine three year old sprinter but hasn't been quite as good this year. Le Grand Cru won at this distance in the Westchester Handicap two starts back, most recently finishing fifth to Quality Road in the Met Mile. You and I Forever won a one turn mile stakes race at Gulfstream Park (I don't remember the name right off the top of my head) but was a disappointing last in the Met Mile. Duke of Mischief has shown fine form in the past (he won the Oaklawn Handicap earlier this year) but comes off of a poor showing in the Stephen Foster. And finally, Gone Astray has been running very well lately, but hasn't won since the grade II Ohio Derby in October last year.
So it's a race for redemption.
On my last post, I listed these horses as my picks. . .
1 Munnings
2 You and I Forever
3 Duke of Mischief
4 Le Grand Cru
5 Gone Astray
But I have since updated my picks to these. . .
1 Gone Astray
2 Duke of Mischief
3 You and I Foreve
4 Le Grand Cru
5 Munnings
I just have this feeling that Gone Astray is sitting on a huge race, and that Munnings is not.
It's now only one minute to post time! Here are the updated odds. . .
1 Munnings 6-5
2 Le Grand Cru 3-1
3 You and I Forever 9-1
4 Duke of Mischief 2-1
5 Gone Astray 5-1
It's post time! The horses are loading into the starting gate! Munnings is now 4-5!
Who will win. . .?
CHINCHON WON!!!
With a dramatic late rally, French invader Chinchon blew past the entire field to win the fifty-seventh running of the grade I $750,000 United Nations Handicap.
Under Garret Gomez, Chinchon sat last early on as Get Serious, Acclamation, and Straight Story set a solid pace. Acclamation folded as they turned for home, and Take the Points moved up to take the lead. But he was no match for Chinchon, who scored his first grade I victory.
The final time was 2:11 1/5. The win guarantees Chinchon a spot in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Churchill Downs later this year.
Take the Points finished second, just in front of Winchester, who also came with a late rally. Straight Story held fourth.
Acclamation tired badly to finish eighth, I believe.
Under Garret Gomez, Chinchon sat last early on as Get Serious, Acclamation, and Straight Story set a solid pace. Acclamation folded as they turned for home, and Take the Points moved up to take the lead. But he was no match for Chinchon, who scored his first grade I victory.
The final time was 2:11 1/5. The win guarantees Chinchon a spot in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Churchill Downs later this year.
Take the Points finished second, just in front of Winchester, who also came with a late rally. Straight Story held fourth.
Acclamation tired badly to finish eighth, I believe.
UNITED NATIONS UPDATE 1
It is currently 1 minute to post for the United Nations Handicap! Here are the odds. . .
1 Telling 12-1
2 Get Serious 6-1
3 Acclamation 6-1
4 Straight Story 7-1
5 Winchester 5-2
6 Jeune-Turc 12-1
7 Take the Points 2-1
8 Chinchon 3-1
9 Laureate Conductor 20-1
J. R. says that Jeune-Turc is going to pull the upset. We'll see. I still like Acclamation.
J.R. can't believe that Jeune-Turc is 12-1.
"He should be a lot lower than that. He has been carrying 130+ pounds down in Brazil and closing fast. He'll be flying late."
It's post time now! The horses are approaching the starting gate!
J. R. also likes Chinchon and Straight Story.
They're in the gate. . .
1 Telling 12-1
2 Get Serious 6-1
3 Acclamation 6-1
4 Straight Story 7-1
5 Winchester 5-2
6 Jeune-Turc 12-1
7 Take the Points 2-1
8 Chinchon 3-1
9 Laureate Conductor 20-1
J. R. says that Jeune-Turc is going to pull the upset. We'll see. I still like Acclamation.
J.R. can't believe that Jeune-Turc is 12-1.
"He should be a lot lower than that. He has been carrying 130+ pounds down in Brazil and closing fast. He'll be flying late."
It's post time now! The horses are approaching the starting gate!
J. R. also likes Chinchon and Straight Story.
They're in the gate. . .
BREEDERS' CUP COUNTDOWN ---- July 3rd
Before I begin this post, let me apologize for not updating my blog to any great degree over the past two weeks. I have been extremely busy and was also out of town.
That said, let's take a look at all the terrific races being run this weekend. It's pretty safe to say that a major Breeders' Cup contender will come from one of these races. I'll begin by looking at the United Nations.
UNITED NATIONS ---- The horse to beat is. . .?
Has there ever been a tougher renewal of this race?
Okay, they don't exactly have Dr. Fager running like they did in 1968, but the 57th running of the United Nations has drawn a solid field of nine, headlined by grade I winners Telling, Acclamation, Winchester, Jeune-Turc, and Take the Points. Add the solid French runner Chinchon, classy stakes winner Laureate Conductor, grade I stakes-placed Straight Story, and the Monmouth loving Get Serious and you have a truly solid grade I race. And every horse has a shot, meaning there is no one horse to beat.
However, the excitement surrounding the race was greatly lessened when the name Presious Passion failed to show up in the entries. The seven year old gelding won the United Nations in 2009 and 2008, but is being given some time off after disappointing efforts in his last two starts.
But the nine runners who have been entered will do their best to fill in for him while he is away. Not only are they good horses, but they have swarmed from all over the world to run in the biggest race New Jersey has to offer, bar the Haskell. Telling has raced all over the United States, at Kentucky, New York, Illinois, Arkansas, and elsewhere. Get Serious has raced here in New Jersey before. Winchester has been to Florida. Jeune-Turc comes up from Brazil. Take the Points has been to Florida, Maryland, California, New York, Illinois, Virginia, and across the planet to Dubai. Chinchon, although an Ireland bred, has been racing mainly in France, while Laureate Conductor has been everywhere from Florida to Kentucky to New Jersey to Delaware. Together, they have made 162 starts, winning 42 times, finishing second 29 times, and third 22 times, for a grand total of 93 on the board finishes. This is going to be fun to watch.
Let's take a look at who is running now, beginning with the number one horse Telling.
Telling, a son of A.P. Indy, comes into the race off of a fifth place finish as the favorite in the grade III Louisville Handicap. In that race, he helped set a slow pace before tiring to be beaten six lengths by the winner, Free Fighter. However, his poor showing could be due to the fact that the turf was yielding, and it could be because the confirmed closer was changing his running style. He has not won since upsetting the grade I Sword Dancer at Saratoga last August, but just hasn't had the pace he needs to close. Perhaps he will get it today, as there is plenty of speed in this race. He will be ridden by E. Coa, whom I don't believe has ever ridden him before. He will be carrying 118 pounds, and is trained by Steve Hobby.
Then there is Get Serious, who has had by far the best success at this track. The son of City Zip has won eight of his ten starts here at Monmouth Park, most recently upsetting the nine furlong grade III Monmouth Stakes after leading most of the way. His pedigree suggests stamina limitations, and his trainer, John Forbes, is concerned about the distance, but perhaps he can take the lead and hang on. He will be ridden by P. Fragosa and will carry 118 pounds.
Acclamation is a colt that I really like and I feel he has a big chance here. The son of Unusual Heat has really blossomed in his last two races, winning both the grade I Charles Whittingham Handicap and the grade II Jim Murray in wire-to-wire fashion. In the latter, he was ten lengths in front after a half mile in :49 2/5 and ended up winning by seven and a half lengths, completing a mile and a half in 2:26 2/5 while running his final quarter mile in :23 2/5. In the Charles Whittingham, he set a faster pace before winning by a length and a half, getting the mile and a quarter in 1:59 2/5 while closing in :23 4/5. This horse is special, and if he can repeat those efforts today, I feel certain that he will win. He will be ridden by C. Santiago Reyes and will carry 123 pounds. He is trained by Donald Warren.
Straight Story is perhaps the unluckiest horse in the race. He has yet to win a stakes race, with his biggest win to date coming in a $78,000 allowance race, but the son of Giant's Causeway has finished second in four stakes races, including two grade II and one grade I. All of those losses have come by three quarters of a length or less, having lost both the Virginia Derby and Colonial Turf Cup by a head to Battle of Hastings, and the grade I Jamaica Handicap by a head to Take the Points. He has shown some good early speed, and comes off of a win at this track, so he could very well run huge today. He will carry 118 pounds and will be ridden by C. H. Marquez Jr. He is trained by Alan Goldberg.
This brings us to Winchester. The son of Theatrical has turned in some solid efforts in his sixteen race career, winning the grade I Secretariat Stakes in 2008 over fellow three year olds and finishing second in several graded stakes race, but he is best known right now for upsetting his champion stablemate Gio Ponti in the grade I Manhattan Handicap last time out. Arguably his best performance to date, he came home in under twenty-three seconds and will be dangerous if he repeats that performance. He will be ridden by C. Velasquez and will carry 123 pounds. He is trained by Christopher Clement.
And then there is Jeune-Turc, one of the more interesting horses in the field. The Brazilian-bred son of Know Heights has been racing in Brazil, where he is a multiple group I winner. In his last two starts, both in grade I company, he has finished fast closing seconds, and could benefit from the likely strong pace here today. He will carry 118 pounds and will be ridden by Jose Lezcano. He is trained by Paule Lobe.
Take the Points is another fascinating horse. The morning line favorite at 3-1, he is a multiple grade I winner, having won both the Secretariat Stakes and the Jamaica Handicap. The son of Even the Score also finished first in the grade I Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap back in February, but was placed fifth after interfering with another horse in the stretch. He then shipped to Dubai and finished a respectable fifth, beaten just over five and a quarter lengths, in the group I Dubai Duty Free. After a bit of a break, he returned to finish fourth in the grade I Manhattan Handicap, beaten just a length and a half by Winchester after having the lead at the eighth pole. He is without a doubt a major contender here and will carry 118 pounds. He will be ridden by Edgar Prado and is trained by Todd Pletcher.
Chinchon is the other foreign horse running here today. The son of Marju has run mostly in France, winning a couple grade IIIs and running respectably well in higher quality races. In his lone U.S. start, he finished fourth, beaten three lengths, in the grade I Man o' War to Gio Ponti after having a slightly rough trip. He has shown the ability to race close to the pace as well as come from behind, so he should be able to adapt to whatever pace scenario is thrown at him today. He will carry 118 pounds and will be ridden by Garret Gomez. He is trained by Carlos Laffon-Parias.
Finally, there is the longshot Laureate Conductor. The son of Bernstein has run well in allowance company and is a stakes winner, his only really bad performance coming in last year's Kent Stakes, where he finished fifth, beaten eight and a quarter lengths. In his four starts since then, he has been beaten by no more than three and three quarters lengths, coming into the race off of a late closing second in an $81,000 allowance race at this track. Although he does seem to be a step below the rest of these horses, I would not be surprised if he ran huge today. He will carry 118 pounds and will be ridden by J. Bravo. He is trained by Christopher Clement, who also has Winchester here today.
So, who are my picks? Well, it's a tough race to figure out, but here they are. . .
1 Acclamation
2 Take the Points
3 Winchester
4 Telling
5 Jeune-Turc
6 Chinchon
7 Get Serious
8 Laureate Conductor
9 Straight Story
The sad part is, I like every horse here and don't want to have to put anyone in that ninth position. Straight Story could run huge, but I feel he has just a touch of stamina limitation that may show up here. As for Winchester, he could be sitting on a big one, but his performance in the Manhattan was slightly flattered by the fact that Gio Ponti ran into traffic and Winchester did not. As for Take the Points, I think he has a bit of stamina limitation too, and that a mile and three eighths may be just too far for him. This goes the same for Get Serious, only more so. Telling should finally get a decent pace to run down, and should come flying late, along with Jeune-Turc and possibly Chinchon. Laureate Conductor has a chance at hitting the board, but I don't think that he can win.
So this leaves me with Acclamation. I honestly feel this colt is something special and is on his way to an Eclipse Award winning campaign. I do believe that this is the next step.
Who do you like?
PRIORESS STAKES ---- New York against Kentucky
The grade I Prioress Stakes, a six furlong sprint race for three year old fillies, has drawn a nice field of five runners. Four of them are Kentucky-breds, and one of them is a New York-bred. Obviously, with the race being held at Belmont Park, the New York-bred has the "Home State Advantage" and is the favorite. She is the favorite despite the fact that the Kentucky invaders out number her four to one.
She is the favorite because she is Franny Freud.
The dominating filly has beaten colts twice, won on dirt, synthetic, and turf, and is riding a three race win streak. She is undefeated at this distance, and has won two out of three at this track. The daughter of Freud is the deserving favorite and will likely be sent off at around 3-5. She will be ridden by regular rider Garret Gomez and will carry top weight of 122 pounds.
Her toughest competition will probably come from Champagne d'Oro, last seen upsetting the grade I Acorn Stakes in early June at odds of 39-1. The daughter of Medaglia d'Oro cuts back to six furlongs (the Acorn was a mile) and has the speed to get the job done. She will carry 120 pounds and will be ridden by Miguel Mena.
Bonnie Blue Flag is another interesting runner. Trained by Bob Baffert, the daughter of Mineshaft won the Cinemine Stakes at the end of May and could have a huge chance at pulling the upset. She will be ridden by hot jockey Martin Garcia and will carry 120 pounds. Watch her carefully!
Funny Feeling, a daughter of Distorted Humor, is a major contender as well. She has won her last two starts, an allowance optional claiming race at the end of April and the Just Smashing Stakes at the end of May. Six furlongs seems to be her best distance, and if the pace is fast enough tomorrow, she could come running late.
Stormandaprayer completes the field. The daughter of Songandaprayer broke her maiden in impressive fashion last time out in a maiden special weight race at Belmont Park. It took her a while to win, but she looks ready to take a piece of it tomorrow.
So here are my picks. . .
1 Franny Freud
2 Bonnie Blue Flag
3 Champagne d'Oro
4 Funny Feeling
5 Stormandaprayer
I do believe that Franny Freud is the best horse in the race and will come through with a win. Bonnie Blue Flag looks ready to run huge, but I think Champagne d'Oro is going to regress off of her Acorn win. Funny Feeling should be running late, and although I do like Stormandaprayer, I just don't think that she is ready. And yet, I can see her winning.
It's going to be a fun race to watch.
JERSEY SHORE STAKES ---- Have a Safe Trip
In horse racing, having a good trip is very important. Ice Box probably would have won the Kentucky Derby if he had gotten a clear trip. Being forced to come seven wide can cost you a race you surely would have won if you had gotten clear on the rail.
Considering that only six horses have been entered, the inexperienced Safe Trip should be able to get the trip he needs to win.
The six furlong Jersey Shore Stakes, held at Monmouth Park on the 4th, drew a fine field of three year old sprinters, any of which could become the most dominate three year old sprinter by the end of the year.
Despite its grade III status, this could be a very influential race.
To begin, there is the number one horse, Out of Respect. The son of Read the Footnotes has never finished worse than second, winning three of his five races. He comes into the race off of a win in a six furlong allowance race at this track. He should be in the mix early, but I'm afraid that I can't see him winning. He will carry 119 pounds, and will be ridden by P. Lopez.
Then there is the morning line favorite at 5-2, Discreetly Mine. The son of Mineshaft comes off of a second place finish to the top three year old sprinter D' Funnybone in the seven furlong Woody Stephens Stakes. In that race, he dualed with Eightyfiveinafifty for the first half mile before putting that one away. He is a major contender here, although he will be carrying top weight of 123 pounds. He will be ridden by John Velazquez and is trained by Todd Pletcher.
Partyallnightlong is the morning line longshot at 8-1. The son of Put It Back into this race having won two of his three starts, with his only loss coming in his first race. In his last race, an allowance race at this track, he won in wire-to-wire fashion, drawing away to a six and a quarter length score. He doesn't seem to have the speed that some of the others do, but he could get a piece of it. He will carry 119 pounds and will be ridden by C. Marquez. He is trained by E. Broome.
This brings us to the filly, Christine Daae. The daughter of Giant's Causeway seemed to have an unlimited future after winning a maiden race by nine lengths and an allowance race by three, but then finished fifth of sixth in the grade II Bonnie Miss Stakes, beaten by fourteen lengths. She was then given a bit of a rest and came back to finish a fast closing second, beaten a nose, in the six furlong Red Cross Stakes at this track. If she runs like she did in her maiden race, she will be in the mix. She will carry 117 pounds and will be ridden by J. Bravo. She is trained by Patrick Biancone.
Then there is Cool Bullet, the co-second choice at 3-1. The son of Preakness winner Red Bullet has won a trio of stakes races, all of them at six furlongs. He comes into the race off of a win in the Rumson Stakes at this track. He has shown ability, but is he good enough for this group? We will find out today. He will be ridden by J. Hernandez and will carry 119 pounds. He is trained by S. Margolis.
And finally, there is Safe Trip, the other 3-1 shot. The son of Tale of the Cat has won two of his three races, his last race being an allowance race which he won impressively. He has shown some excellent speed and I feel that he is sitting on a huge race. He will carry 117 pounds and will be ridden by Jose Lezcano. He is trained by E. Kenneally.
So here are my picks for this race. . .
1 Safe Trip
2 Discreetly Mine
3 Cool Bullet
4 Christine Daae
5 Out of Respect
6 Partyallnightlong
I just have a feeling that Safe Trip is sitting on a huge race and will win impressively. Discreetly Mine was very sharp in his last race, but can he repeat that effort? We will know this afternoon.
SUBURBAN HANDICAP ---- Time for Revenge
The last fifteen months have been very discouraging for the connections of I Want Revenge. The son of Stephen Got Even was the morning line favorite for the 2009 Kentucky Derby, based off of his impressive wins in both the Gotham and the Wood Memorial. But then he was injured, and many wondered if he would ever race again.
But after many long months of recovery, and many more months of training, I Want Revenge is back in the grade II nine furlong Suburban Handicap. Will he be as good as he was last year? I don't know. He has to carry top weight of 119 pounds, giving away as many as eleven, but he should be able to handle it. He will be ridden by Joe Talamo and is trained by Rick Dutrow.
Regal Ransom is another top contender. The classy front runner has not raced since finishing eighth to Zenyatta in last year's Breeders' Cup Classic, but prior to that, won the Super Derby over Blame and the UAE Derby over Desert Party. He is very much in the mix here. He will carry 118 pounds and will be ridden by Alan Garcia. He is trained by S. bin Suroor.
Then there is Eldaafer. The five year old gelding has won six of his twenty starts, with his biggest win coming in last year's Brooklyn Handicap. This will be his seventh start of the year. He comes into the race off of a third place finish in the Brooklyn Handicap, beaten two lengths by Alcomo and Gabriel's Hill. Nine furlongs may be a bit short for him, but with only 114 pounds on his back, he should be a contender. He will be ridden by J. Valdivia Jr. and is trained by D. Alvarado.
Convocation could be a threat as well. The four year old Pulpit colt has only won twice from nine starts, but did finish fourth in the Met Mile earlier this year, beaten seven lengths by top older male Quality Road. He gets into the race with 115 pounds and could come running late. He will be ridden by M. Luzzi and is trained by Jimmy Jerkens.
Pictural (110), Unbridled Danger (108), and Haynesfield (115) complete the field. Pictural is I Want Revenge's stablemate and could act as a rabbit for the favorite. In his last race, he finished sixth in a claiming race at Churchill Downs.
You can't help but pull for Unbridled Danger, a veteran campaigner who has raced 82 times, winning five of them. This will be the second stakes race of his career. He comes into the race off of a fourth place finish, beaten two and three quarter lengths, in a starter allowance race last Saturday. Incredibly, this will be his fourteenth race of the year. Last year, he made twenty-four starts! In 2008, he made twenty-one! What a horse!
As for Haynesfield, he could get a piece of it. The colt has won seven of his ten races, and brings a three race win streak into the Suburban. Last November, he won the grade III Discovery Handicap, and he has been proven here at Belmont Park. He should be in the mix.
So here are my picks. . .
1 I Want Revenge
2 Regal Ransom
3 Haynesfield
4 Eldaafer
5 Convocation
6 Unbridled Danger
7 Pictural
I feel confident that I Want Revenge is the best horse in the race and will win despite the long layoff. Regal Ransom should run a great race too, and Haynesfield has been running quite well as of late. But I will be cheering for Unbridled Danger, even though I don't think he will win. I can't wait!
OTHER RACE NEWS
Mine That Bird, upset winner of last year's Kentucky Derby, will make his first start since finishing ninth in the Breeders' Cup Classic tomorrow in the grade II Firecracker Handicap.
I won't get into a detailed description of the race, but it will be the son of Birdstone's first start on turf, although he did run well over the synthetic track at Woodbine. He had originally been entered in an allowance race scheduled for Saturday, but the race failed to fill.
His main competition will likely come from Attempted Humor, Tizdejavu, Inca King, Pop Tarrt, and Skipadate. Tizdejavu is a grade II stakes winner, and Skipadate comes off of a fine allowance victory. It will be interesting to see if they can beat Mine That Bird.
Up in Canada, there is the Queen's Plate Stakes. The $1,000,000 event is the Canadian equivalent of the Kentucky Derby, and has drawn a field of thirteen, of which two are fillies.
The morning line favorite is Hotep, a colt I liked along the Triple Crown trail until he finished tenth in the Risen Star Stakes. However, upon shipping to Woodbine, he has become a different horse, winning the Wando Stakes and finishing second to Exhi in the Marine Stakes.
Mobilizer is the second choice. The colt has never finished worse than third in four starts, and comes into the race off of a second place finish to Big Red Mike in the Plate Trial Stakes after taking the lead in the stretch.
Then there are the two fillies, Roan Inish and Moment of Majesty. Roan Inish comes into the race off of a head victory in the Woodbine Oaks. Moment of Majesty was the unfortunate filly who was a head behind Roan Inish in the Oaks. Roan Inish will attempt to become the fifth filly to sweep the Woodbine Oaks/Queen's Plate double. I will be cheering for her.
In Illinois, 2009 Eclipse champion female sprinter Informed Decision will see if third time really is the charm in the grade III seven furlong Chicago Handicap, a race she won last year en route to winning the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Since the Breeders' Cup, she has raced twice, finishing third both times. She faces an easier field in this race, but will have to give away six to eleven pounds to her seven rivals. Hooh Why could prove to be the biggest threat to her. She has shown some class in the past and could pull the upset if the conditions are right.
Also in Illinois is the Arlington Oaks, a grade III nine furlong race for three year old fillies. The morning line favorite is Chantilly Nayla, who comes into the race off of a fifth place finish in the American 1,000 Guineas. Snow Top Mountain, Upperline, and Age of Humor are her main competitors, with longshots Dundalk Dust and Laura Babe completing the field. Personally, I like Upperline.
OTHER PICKS
BASHFORD MANOR STAKES (gr. III)
1 Lou Brissie
2 Speed Demon
3 Kantharos
4 Gold for Cash
5 Saturday Dance
6 Thewayitusedtobe
SALVATOR MILE (gr. III)
1 Munnings
2 You and I Forever
3 Duke of Mischief
4 Le Grand Cru
5 Gone Astray
AMERICAN OAKS (gr. I)
1 Andina
2 City to City
3 Harmonious
4 Antares World
5 Conniption
6 Riviera Chic
7 Weekend Magic
I would do a major race results update, but I am out of time. But I promise that I will recap everything that has happened since last Saturday very soon.
Enjoy the races!
-Keelerman
That said, let's take a look at all the terrific races being run this weekend. It's pretty safe to say that a major Breeders' Cup contender will come from one of these races. I'll begin by looking at the United Nations.
UNITED NATIONS ---- The horse to beat is. . .?
Has there ever been a tougher renewal of this race?
Okay, they don't exactly have Dr. Fager running like they did in 1968, but the 57th running of the United Nations has drawn a solid field of nine, headlined by grade I winners Telling, Acclamation, Winchester, Jeune-Turc, and Take the Points. Add the solid French runner Chinchon, classy stakes winner Laureate Conductor, grade I stakes-placed Straight Story, and the Monmouth loving Get Serious and you have a truly solid grade I race. And every horse has a shot, meaning there is no one horse to beat.
However, the excitement surrounding the race was greatly lessened when the name Presious Passion failed to show up in the entries. The seven year old gelding won the United Nations in 2009 and 2008, but is being given some time off after disappointing efforts in his last two starts.
But the nine runners who have been entered will do their best to fill in for him while he is away. Not only are they good horses, but they have swarmed from all over the world to run in the biggest race New Jersey has to offer, bar the Haskell. Telling has raced all over the United States, at Kentucky, New York, Illinois, Arkansas, and elsewhere. Get Serious has raced here in New Jersey before. Winchester has been to Florida. Jeune-Turc comes up from Brazil. Take the Points has been to Florida, Maryland, California, New York, Illinois, Virginia, and across the planet to Dubai. Chinchon, although an Ireland bred, has been racing mainly in France, while Laureate Conductor has been everywhere from Florida to Kentucky to New Jersey to Delaware. Together, they have made 162 starts, winning 42 times, finishing second 29 times, and third 22 times, for a grand total of 93 on the board finishes. This is going to be fun to watch.
Let's take a look at who is running now, beginning with the number one horse Telling.
Telling, a son of A.P. Indy, comes into the race off of a fifth place finish as the favorite in the grade III Louisville Handicap. In that race, he helped set a slow pace before tiring to be beaten six lengths by the winner, Free Fighter. However, his poor showing could be due to the fact that the turf was yielding, and it could be because the confirmed closer was changing his running style. He has not won since upsetting the grade I Sword Dancer at Saratoga last August, but just hasn't had the pace he needs to close. Perhaps he will get it today, as there is plenty of speed in this race. He will be ridden by E. Coa, whom I don't believe has ever ridden him before. He will be carrying 118 pounds, and is trained by Steve Hobby.
Then there is Get Serious, who has had by far the best success at this track. The son of City Zip has won eight of his ten starts here at Monmouth Park, most recently upsetting the nine furlong grade III Monmouth Stakes after leading most of the way. His pedigree suggests stamina limitations, and his trainer, John Forbes, is concerned about the distance, but perhaps he can take the lead and hang on. He will be ridden by P. Fragosa and will carry 118 pounds.
Acclamation is a colt that I really like and I feel he has a big chance here. The son of Unusual Heat has really blossomed in his last two races, winning both the grade I Charles Whittingham Handicap and the grade II Jim Murray in wire-to-wire fashion. In the latter, he was ten lengths in front after a half mile in :49 2/5 and ended up winning by seven and a half lengths, completing a mile and a half in 2:26 2/5 while running his final quarter mile in :23 2/5. In the Charles Whittingham, he set a faster pace before winning by a length and a half, getting the mile and a quarter in 1:59 2/5 while closing in :23 4/5. This horse is special, and if he can repeat those efforts today, I feel certain that he will win. He will be ridden by C. Santiago Reyes and will carry 123 pounds. He is trained by Donald Warren.
Straight Story is perhaps the unluckiest horse in the race. He has yet to win a stakes race, with his biggest win to date coming in a $78,000 allowance race, but the son of Giant's Causeway has finished second in four stakes races, including two grade II and one grade I. All of those losses have come by three quarters of a length or less, having lost both the Virginia Derby and Colonial Turf Cup by a head to Battle of Hastings, and the grade I Jamaica Handicap by a head to Take the Points. He has shown some good early speed, and comes off of a win at this track, so he could very well run huge today. He will carry 118 pounds and will be ridden by C. H. Marquez Jr. He is trained by Alan Goldberg.
This brings us to Winchester. The son of Theatrical has turned in some solid efforts in his sixteen race career, winning the grade I Secretariat Stakes in 2008 over fellow three year olds and finishing second in several graded stakes race, but he is best known right now for upsetting his champion stablemate Gio Ponti in the grade I Manhattan Handicap last time out. Arguably his best performance to date, he came home in under twenty-three seconds and will be dangerous if he repeats that performance. He will be ridden by C. Velasquez and will carry 123 pounds. He is trained by Christopher Clement.
And then there is Jeune-Turc, one of the more interesting horses in the field. The Brazilian-bred son of Know Heights has been racing in Brazil, where he is a multiple group I winner. In his last two starts, both in grade I company, he has finished fast closing seconds, and could benefit from the likely strong pace here today. He will carry 118 pounds and will be ridden by Jose Lezcano. He is trained by Paule Lobe.
Take the Points is another fascinating horse. The morning line favorite at 3-1, he is a multiple grade I winner, having won both the Secretariat Stakes and the Jamaica Handicap. The son of Even the Score also finished first in the grade I Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap back in February, but was placed fifth after interfering with another horse in the stretch. He then shipped to Dubai and finished a respectable fifth, beaten just over five and a quarter lengths, in the group I Dubai Duty Free. After a bit of a break, he returned to finish fourth in the grade I Manhattan Handicap, beaten just a length and a half by Winchester after having the lead at the eighth pole. He is without a doubt a major contender here and will carry 118 pounds. He will be ridden by Edgar Prado and is trained by Todd Pletcher.
Chinchon is the other foreign horse running here today. The son of Marju has run mostly in France, winning a couple grade IIIs and running respectably well in higher quality races. In his lone U.S. start, he finished fourth, beaten three lengths, in the grade I Man o' War to Gio Ponti after having a slightly rough trip. He has shown the ability to race close to the pace as well as come from behind, so he should be able to adapt to whatever pace scenario is thrown at him today. He will carry 118 pounds and will be ridden by Garret Gomez. He is trained by Carlos Laffon-Parias.
Finally, there is the longshot Laureate Conductor. The son of Bernstein has run well in allowance company and is a stakes winner, his only really bad performance coming in last year's Kent Stakes, where he finished fifth, beaten eight and a quarter lengths. In his four starts since then, he has been beaten by no more than three and three quarters lengths, coming into the race off of a late closing second in an $81,000 allowance race at this track. Although he does seem to be a step below the rest of these horses, I would not be surprised if he ran huge today. He will carry 118 pounds and will be ridden by J. Bravo. He is trained by Christopher Clement, who also has Winchester here today.
So, who are my picks? Well, it's a tough race to figure out, but here they are. . .
1 Acclamation
2 Take the Points
3 Winchester
4 Telling
5 Jeune-Turc
6 Chinchon
7 Get Serious
8 Laureate Conductor
9 Straight Story
The sad part is, I like every horse here and don't want to have to put anyone in that ninth position. Straight Story could run huge, but I feel he has just a touch of stamina limitation that may show up here. As for Winchester, he could be sitting on a big one, but his performance in the Manhattan was slightly flattered by the fact that Gio Ponti ran into traffic and Winchester did not. As for Take the Points, I think he has a bit of stamina limitation too, and that a mile and three eighths may be just too far for him. This goes the same for Get Serious, only more so. Telling should finally get a decent pace to run down, and should come flying late, along with Jeune-Turc and possibly Chinchon. Laureate Conductor has a chance at hitting the board, but I don't think that he can win.
So this leaves me with Acclamation. I honestly feel this colt is something special and is on his way to an Eclipse Award winning campaign. I do believe that this is the next step.
Who do you like?
PRIORESS STAKES ---- New York against Kentucky
The grade I Prioress Stakes, a six furlong sprint race for three year old fillies, has drawn a nice field of five runners. Four of them are Kentucky-breds, and one of them is a New York-bred. Obviously, with the race being held at Belmont Park, the New York-bred has the "Home State Advantage" and is the favorite. She is the favorite despite the fact that the Kentucky invaders out number her four to one.
She is the favorite because she is Franny Freud.
The dominating filly has beaten colts twice, won on dirt, synthetic, and turf, and is riding a three race win streak. She is undefeated at this distance, and has won two out of three at this track. The daughter of Freud is the deserving favorite and will likely be sent off at around 3-5. She will be ridden by regular rider Garret Gomez and will carry top weight of 122 pounds.
Her toughest competition will probably come from Champagne d'Oro, last seen upsetting the grade I Acorn Stakes in early June at odds of 39-1. The daughter of Medaglia d'Oro cuts back to six furlongs (the Acorn was a mile) and has the speed to get the job done. She will carry 120 pounds and will be ridden by Miguel Mena.
Bonnie Blue Flag is another interesting runner. Trained by Bob Baffert, the daughter of Mineshaft won the Cinemine Stakes at the end of May and could have a huge chance at pulling the upset. She will be ridden by hot jockey Martin Garcia and will carry 120 pounds. Watch her carefully!
Funny Feeling, a daughter of Distorted Humor, is a major contender as well. She has won her last two starts, an allowance optional claiming race at the end of April and the Just Smashing Stakes at the end of May. Six furlongs seems to be her best distance, and if the pace is fast enough tomorrow, she could come running late.
Stormandaprayer completes the field. The daughter of Songandaprayer broke her maiden in impressive fashion last time out in a maiden special weight race at Belmont Park. It took her a while to win, but she looks ready to take a piece of it tomorrow.
So here are my picks. . .
1 Franny Freud
2 Bonnie Blue Flag
3 Champagne d'Oro
4 Funny Feeling
5 Stormandaprayer
I do believe that Franny Freud is the best horse in the race and will come through with a win. Bonnie Blue Flag looks ready to run huge, but I think Champagne d'Oro is going to regress off of her Acorn win. Funny Feeling should be running late, and although I do like Stormandaprayer, I just don't think that she is ready. And yet, I can see her winning.
It's going to be a fun race to watch.
JERSEY SHORE STAKES ---- Have a Safe Trip
In horse racing, having a good trip is very important. Ice Box probably would have won the Kentucky Derby if he had gotten a clear trip. Being forced to come seven wide can cost you a race you surely would have won if you had gotten clear on the rail.
Considering that only six horses have been entered, the inexperienced Safe Trip should be able to get the trip he needs to win.
The six furlong Jersey Shore Stakes, held at Monmouth Park on the 4th, drew a fine field of three year old sprinters, any of which could become the most dominate three year old sprinter by the end of the year.
Despite its grade III status, this could be a very influential race.
To begin, there is the number one horse, Out of Respect. The son of Read the Footnotes has never finished worse than second, winning three of his five races. He comes into the race off of a win in a six furlong allowance race at this track. He should be in the mix early, but I'm afraid that I can't see him winning. He will carry 119 pounds, and will be ridden by P. Lopez.
Then there is the morning line favorite at 5-2, Discreetly Mine. The son of Mineshaft comes off of a second place finish to the top three year old sprinter D' Funnybone in the seven furlong Woody Stephens Stakes. In that race, he dualed with Eightyfiveinafifty for the first half mile before putting that one away. He is a major contender here, although he will be carrying top weight of 123 pounds. He will be ridden by John Velazquez and is trained by Todd Pletcher.
Partyallnightlong is the morning line longshot at 8-1. The son of Put It Back into this race having won two of his three starts, with his only loss coming in his first race. In his last race, an allowance race at this track, he won in wire-to-wire fashion, drawing away to a six and a quarter length score. He doesn't seem to have the speed that some of the others do, but he could get a piece of it. He will carry 119 pounds and will be ridden by C. Marquez. He is trained by E. Broome.
This brings us to the filly, Christine Daae. The daughter of Giant's Causeway seemed to have an unlimited future after winning a maiden race by nine lengths and an allowance race by three, but then finished fifth of sixth in the grade II Bonnie Miss Stakes, beaten by fourteen lengths. She was then given a bit of a rest and came back to finish a fast closing second, beaten a nose, in the six furlong Red Cross Stakes at this track. If she runs like she did in her maiden race, she will be in the mix. She will carry 117 pounds and will be ridden by J. Bravo. She is trained by Patrick Biancone.
Then there is Cool Bullet, the co-second choice at 3-1. The son of Preakness winner Red Bullet has won a trio of stakes races, all of them at six furlongs. He comes into the race off of a win in the Rumson Stakes at this track. He has shown ability, but is he good enough for this group? We will find out today. He will be ridden by J. Hernandez and will carry 119 pounds. He is trained by S. Margolis.
And finally, there is Safe Trip, the other 3-1 shot. The son of Tale of the Cat has won two of his three races, his last race being an allowance race which he won impressively. He has shown some excellent speed and I feel that he is sitting on a huge race. He will carry 117 pounds and will be ridden by Jose Lezcano. He is trained by E. Kenneally.
So here are my picks for this race. . .
1 Safe Trip
2 Discreetly Mine
3 Cool Bullet
4 Christine Daae
5 Out of Respect
6 Partyallnightlong
I just have a feeling that Safe Trip is sitting on a huge race and will win impressively. Discreetly Mine was very sharp in his last race, but can he repeat that effort? We will know this afternoon.
SUBURBAN HANDICAP ---- Time for Revenge
The last fifteen months have been very discouraging for the connections of I Want Revenge. The son of Stephen Got Even was the morning line favorite for the 2009 Kentucky Derby, based off of his impressive wins in both the Gotham and the Wood Memorial. But then he was injured, and many wondered if he would ever race again.
But after many long months of recovery, and many more months of training, I Want Revenge is back in the grade II nine furlong Suburban Handicap. Will he be as good as he was last year? I don't know. He has to carry top weight of 119 pounds, giving away as many as eleven, but he should be able to handle it. He will be ridden by Joe Talamo and is trained by Rick Dutrow.
Regal Ransom is another top contender. The classy front runner has not raced since finishing eighth to Zenyatta in last year's Breeders' Cup Classic, but prior to that, won the Super Derby over Blame and the UAE Derby over Desert Party. He is very much in the mix here. He will carry 118 pounds and will be ridden by Alan Garcia. He is trained by S. bin Suroor.
Then there is Eldaafer. The five year old gelding has won six of his twenty starts, with his biggest win coming in last year's Brooklyn Handicap. This will be his seventh start of the year. He comes into the race off of a third place finish in the Brooklyn Handicap, beaten two lengths by Alcomo and Gabriel's Hill. Nine furlongs may be a bit short for him, but with only 114 pounds on his back, he should be a contender. He will be ridden by J. Valdivia Jr. and is trained by D. Alvarado.
Convocation could be a threat as well. The four year old Pulpit colt has only won twice from nine starts, but did finish fourth in the Met Mile earlier this year, beaten seven lengths by top older male Quality Road. He gets into the race with 115 pounds and could come running late. He will be ridden by M. Luzzi and is trained by Jimmy Jerkens.
Pictural (110), Unbridled Danger (108), and Haynesfield (115) complete the field. Pictural is I Want Revenge's stablemate and could act as a rabbit for the favorite. In his last race, he finished sixth in a claiming race at Churchill Downs.
You can't help but pull for Unbridled Danger, a veteran campaigner who has raced 82 times, winning five of them. This will be the second stakes race of his career. He comes into the race off of a fourth place finish, beaten two and three quarter lengths, in a starter allowance race last Saturday. Incredibly, this will be his fourteenth race of the year. Last year, he made twenty-four starts! In 2008, he made twenty-one! What a horse!
As for Haynesfield, he could get a piece of it. The colt has won seven of his ten races, and brings a three race win streak into the Suburban. Last November, he won the grade III Discovery Handicap, and he has been proven here at Belmont Park. He should be in the mix.
So here are my picks. . .
1 I Want Revenge
2 Regal Ransom
3 Haynesfield
4 Eldaafer
5 Convocation
6 Unbridled Danger
7 Pictural
I feel confident that I Want Revenge is the best horse in the race and will win despite the long layoff. Regal Ransom should run a great race too, and Haynesfield has been running quite well as of late. But I will be cheering for Unbridled Danger, even though I don't think he will win. I can't wait!
OTHER RACE NEWS
Mine That Bird, upset winner of last year's Kentucky Derby, will make his first start since finishing ninth in the Breeders' Cup Classic tomorrow in the grade II Firecracker Handicap.
I won't get into a detailed description of the race, but it will be the son of Birdstone's first start on turf, although he did run well over the synthetic track at Woodbine. He had originally been entered in an allowance race scheduled for Saturday, but the race failed to fill.
His main competition will likely come from Attempted Humor, Tizdejavu, Inca King, Pop Tarrt, and Skipadate. Tizdejavu is a grade II stakes winner, and Skipadate comes off of a fine allowance victory. It will be interesting to see if they can beat Mine That Bird.
Up in Canada, there is the Queen's Plate Stakes. The $1,000,000 event is the Canadian equivalent of the Kentucky Derby, and has drawn a field of thirteen, of which two are fillies.
The morning line favorite is Hotep, a colt I liked along the Triple Crown trail until he finished tenth in the Risen Star Stakes. However, upon shipping to Woodbine, he has become a different horse, winning the Wando Stakes and finishing second to Exhi in the Marine Stakes.
Mobilizer is the second choice. The colt has never finished worse than third in four starts, and comes into the race off of a second place finish to Big Red Mike in the Plate Trial Stakes after taking the lead in the stretch.
Then there are the two fillies, Roan Inish and Moment of Majesty. Roan Inish comes into the race off of a head victory in the Woodbine Oaks. Moment of Majesty was the unfortunate filly who was a head behind Roan Inish in the Oaks. Roan Inish will attempt to become the fifth filly to sweep the Woodbine Oaks/Queen's Plate double. I will be cheering for her.
In Illinois, 2009 Eclipse champion female sprinter Informed Decision will see if third time really is the charm in the grade III seven furlong Chicago Handicap, a race she won last year en route to winning the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Since the Breeders' Cup, she has raced twice, finishing third both times. She faces an easier field in this race, but will have to give away six to eleven pounds to her seven rivals. Hooh Why could prove to be the biggest threat to her. She has shown some class in the past and could pull the upset if the conditions are right.
Also in Illinois is the Arlington Oaks, a grade III nine furlong race for three year old fillies. The morning line favorite is Chantilly Nayla, who comes into the race off of a fifth place finish in the American 1,000 Guineas. Snow Top Mountain, Upperline, and Age of Humor are her main competitors, with longshots Dundalk Dust and Laura Babe completing the field. Personally, I like Upperline.
OTHER PICKS
BASHFORD MANOR STAKES (gr. III)
1 Lou Brissie
2 Speed Demon
3 Kantharos
4 Gold for Cash
5 Saturday Dance
6 Thewayitusedtobe
SALVATOR MILE (gr. III)
1 Munnings
2 You and I Forever
3 Duke of Mischief
4 Le Grand Cru
5 Gone Astray
AMERICAN OAKS (gr. I)
1 Andina
2 City to City
3 Harmonious
4 Antares World
5 Conniption
6 Riviera Chic
7 Weekend Magic
I would do a major race results update, but I am out of time. But I promise that I will recap everything that has happened since last Saturday very soon.
Enjoy the races!
-Keelerman
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