With a tremendous late run, Dialed In weaved his way through traffic to score a convincing victory in the $400,000 Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III).
Favored Mucho Macho Man, Black N Beauty, and Ribo Bobo raced away to set the early pace, running the opening quarter mile in :23.96 as they dueled for the lead. In the meantime, Dialed In, under Julien Leparoux, dropped back to last. At one point he was as many as fifteen lengths off the pace. But he gradually edged closer, sneaking through along the rail to reach contention as the field turned for home. He then moved to the outside and turned on the afterburners, blasting past longshot Sweet Ducky to win going away.
Sweet Ducky, who looked like a winner in the stretch, wound up second at 14-1. Gourmet Dinner rallied to finish third, while Mucho Macho Man, who held the narrowest of leads as the field entered the homestretch, ended up fourth.
The final time was 1:35.19. It was a truly remarkable performance. Dialed In looks like a colt with a future!
-Keelerman
Sunday, January 30, 2011
A THREE-YEAR-OLD TO WATCH: MACHEN
Here is yet another three-year-old who merits watching ---- Machen. A son of Distorted Humor out of Ready's Gal, the chestnut colt was sent off as the 1-9 favorite in the fifth race today at Fair Grounds. A one-mile and seventy yards allowance race, four were set to run against him.
He defeated them easily.
Despite racing somewhat greenly and being rank in the early going, Machen settled off the pace under J. Theriot and split horses like a pro entering the homestretch. He shied from the whip and drifted out for a moment, but quickly straightened out and powered away to an easy victory, stopping the clock in 1:44 3/5 under no urging from his rider.
Trained by Neil Howard, the colt looks like a very promising youngster indeed. He should have his say in many stakes races in the future.
-Keelerman
He defeated them easily.
Despite racing somewhat greenly and being rank in the early going, Machen settled off the pace under J. Theriot and split horses like a pro entering the homestretch. He shied from the whip and drifted out for a moment, but quickly straightened out and powered away to an easy victory, stopping the clock in 1:44 3/5 under no urging from his rider.
Trained by Neil Howard, the colt looks like a very promising youngster indeed. He should have his say in many stakes races in the future.
-Keelerman
Saturday, January 29, 2011
TRIPLE CROWN COUNTDOWN ---- January 29th, 2011
This post was supposed to be up earlier today--my apologies for the delay in posting! -Keelerman
The biggest Triple Crown prep race of the year so far is scheduled to be run tomorrow. The $400,000 Holy Bull Stakes, a grade III one-turn mile at Gulfstream Park, has drawn an impressive field of nine promising sophomores. Although the race did lose the expected favorite when it was announced that Boys at Tosconova would not run, there is still plenty of talent in the field and one or more will without a doubt make it to the Kentucky Derby. That's why the Holy Bull is this week's feature race.
FEATURE RACE ---- HOLY BULL STAKES (gr. III)
Gulfstream Park, One Mile on dirt.
Here are the entries. . .
Post Position/Horse/Morning Line Odds
1 Gourmet Dinner 3-1
2 Major Gain 8-1
3 Printing Press 12-1
4 Black N Beauty 6-1
5 Ribo Bobo 15-1
6 Leave of Absence 10-1
7 Mucho Macho Man 5-2
8 Sweet Ducky 8-1
9 Dialed In 6-1
Now let me give you a sampling of what these horses have done in the past.
* Gourmet Dinner rallied at odds of 20-1 to upset the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes (gr. III).
* Major Gain won the Arlington-Washington Futurity (gr. III).
* Mucho Macho Man has twice run second behind To Honor and Serve, in the Nashua Stakes (gr. II) and Remsen Stakes (gr. II).
* Sweet Ducky proved victorious in a pair of stakes race at Monmouth Park last fall.
* Ribo Bobo won the Foolish Pleasure Stakes at Calder.
As if that isn't enough, impressive maiden and allowance winners Dialed In and Black N Beauty have also been entered. What a field!
This race also holds special meaning to me, for it was the first race that I handicapped on this blog over a year ago.
Anyway, the favorite here is Mucho Macho Man. As I mentioned above, the son of Macho Uno finished second in both the Nashua and the Remsen. Although he has never won a stakes race, he has been improving with every race and his workouts have been brilliant. He has recorded three consecutive five furlong breezes in less than a minute at Gulfstream Park. I expect a sharp performance from this very large colt. Trained by Katherine Ritvo, he will carry 116 pounds and will be ridden by Eibar Coa.
The second choice is Gourmet Dinner, a fine, stakes-proven colt who pulled off a stunning upset in the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes. He won his first three starts, all at Calder, before losing the In Reality Stakes to a 46-1 shot in Reprized Halo. That set him up for the Delta Jackpot, which he won with a sharp rally from sixth. A cross-country trip to Hollywood Park yielded a fourth-place finish, but that was actually pretty good considering that it was his first start over a synthetic track. Tomorrow's race will mark his 2011 debut. Trained by Steven Standbridge, the son of Trippi will carry 120 pounds and will be ridden by Sebastian Madrid.
Major Gain, a son of More Than Ready, could run well at a price. He has only won a single race during his four-start career, but it was a big one. After finishing second in a maiden special weight to future stakes winner Caleb's Posse, Major Gain turned the tables in the Arlington-Washington Futurity (gr. III), rallying strongly in the stretch to defeat Rough Sailing and Caleb's Posse, among others.
Favored in the grade I Dixiana Breeders' Futurity, he failed to rally whatsoever, finishing slightly more than ten lengths behind victorious J B's Thunder in fifth.
His final start of 2010 resulted in a better performance. Sent off as the second choice in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II), he battled through the stretch with Santiva and Astrology, finishing third while beaten just a half-length. It was a game performance and I greatly anticipate watching him tomorrow. He is trained by Wayne Catalano and will be ridden by Javier Castellano. He will carry 120 pounds.
Black N Beauty and Dialed In, two lightly-raced colts, will be scrutinized closely tomorrow as they take on their stakes-winning counterparts. The latter has only made one start, but it was impressive. The son of Mineshaft rallied like a rocket in a 6-1/2 furlong maiden special weight at Churchill Downs, coming from 11 1/2 lengths back at the five-sixteenths pole to win by a half-length. Trained by Nick Zito, if he produces a similar rally tomorrow it should carry him to victory. He will carry 116 pounds and will be ridden by Julien Leparoux.
Black N Beauty also brings promising credentials into the Holy Bull. Although his first start yielded an unimpressive fourth-place finish, his second start got him noticed. Sent off as the third choice in a six-furlong maiden special weight race at Belmont Park, he rallied gamely through the stretch to finish second to the highly-regarded Brethren, beaten just a half-length. The final time was a spectacular 1:08 4/5.
He finally left the maiden ranks in his third start, rallying from just off the pace to score by almost three lengths in a 6-1/2 furlong maiden race at Churchill Downs. That set him up for an allowance race on January 7th at Gulfstream Park. The third choice, he broke slowly but was sent straight to the lead where he led all the way to the wire, proving best by 2 1/2 lengths over Printing Press. Trained by Dale Romans, the son of Devil His Due was purchased for just $2,500 as a yearling. Tomorrow, he will carry 116 pounds and will be ridden by Kent Desormeaux. He will likely set the pace.
Sweet Ducky, a son of Pulpit, has had a very good career thus far. He raced five times last year and won three races. In his first start, he won a five furlong maiden special weight at Monmouth Park by five lengths. A less-than-ideal trip in the 5-1/2 furlong Tyro Stakes saw him finish a well-beaten fourth. However, he reaffirmed his status as a stakes-caliber colt by decisively defeating Curlinello in both the Garden State Stakes and the Seton Hall University Stakes. He then took a step up in class.
Sent off as the second choice in the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes, he stayed close to a fast pace before weakening to finish fourth, about ten lengths behind the winner. He has not raced since then. However, he has been firing off some excellent workouts at Palm Meadows Training Center. Trained by Kelly Breen, he will carry 120 pounds and will be ridden by Joe Bravo.
Leave of Absence, Printing Press, and Ribo Bobo complete the field. Leave of Absence has recorded a win, a second, and a third from three starts. The son of Harlan’s Holiday broke his maiden second time out going six furlongs at Aqueduct, stopping the clock in 1:09 2/5 under a hand ride. The colt then finished a fast-closing second in the Spectacular Bid Stakes at Gulfstream Park on January 8th. He seems like a colt that would benefit from stretching out to a longer distance, which he will be doing here. Trained by Richard Violette Jr., he will carry 116 pounds and will be ridden by Rajiv Maragh.
Printing Press, as I briefly mentioned above, finished second to Black N Beauty in an allowance race. Prior to that effort, he had won a maiden special weight at Monmouth Park; finished a dismal seventh in the grade III Sapling Stakes; and twice ran third in minor stakes races. He would need to show some serious improvement to contend here. On the other hand, the son of Tapit has at times shown a potent late kick and could be coming fast in the end if the pace is quick enough. Trained by Teresa Pompay, he will be ridden by Elvis Trujillo and will carry 116 pounds.
Finally, we come to Ribo Bobo, the longest shot in the field. The stakes-winning son of Louis Quatorze has made seven starts, with his biggest win coming in the Foolish Pleasure Stakes at Calder Race Course. He also ran second in the Jack Price Juvenile Stakes to Manicero and second in the Iroquois Stakes (gr. III) to Astrology. However, his most recent start was far from impressive. In the seven-furlong Pasco Stakes at Calder, he ran a distant sixth behind Manicero. If he runs his best race, he could contend here. Trained by Manuel Azpurua, he will be ridden by Edgar Prado and will carry 120 pounds.
It’s without a doubt an amazing field of runners, but I know who I’m going to pick.
Here are my selections. . .
1 Mucho Macho Man
2 Dialed In
3 Gourmet Dinner
4 Leave of Absence
5 Major Gain
6 Black N Beauty
7 Printing Press
8 Sweet Ducky
9 Ribo Bobo
As I said before, Mucho Macho Man has been turning in some incredible workouts and just keeps getting better. A versatile colt, I expect him to get a perfect trip and win with authority. Dialed In is a very nice colt, but may be better over a less speed-favoring track and at two-turns.
OTHER RACES TO WATCH
Two races prior to the Holy Bull, there is the grade II Forward Gal Stakes, a seven-furlong race for three-year-old fillies. Like the Holy Bull, it has drawn a spectacular field of runners.
The morning line favorite in Dancinginherdreams, who is undefeated in two starts. She broke her maiden by five lengths on October 10th going six furlongs at Keeneland. This earned her the status as the even-money favorite in the one-mile Pocahontas Stakes at Churchill Downs, which she won by slightly more than five lengths. She seems to be a potential superstar; a filly who has an extremely bright future.
However, there are a couple of other potential superstars lined up to face her. R Heat Lightning is one of them. Winner of the grade I Spinaway Stakes, she finished a courageous second to Awesome Feather in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies last time out. This will be her 2011 debut.
Another really nice filly in this race is Devilish Lady. She has won six of her ten starts, including her last four. As if that isn’t enough, she has won her last four starts by a combined 27 ½ lengths. As if that wasn’t enough, three of those four races were stakes races! She has shown a sharp turn of foot and the ability to simply crush her rivals with Rachel Alexandra-like pounces. I can’t wait to see how she does.
Another notable race is the fifth at Gulfstream on Saturday, a seven-furlong allowance race for three-year-old colts. The morning line favorite is Sovereign Default, who has won his only race. Way back on July 15th, he defeated the very nice colt Stay Thirsty in a 5-1/2 furlong maiden special weight. A setback apparently occurred after that, for he has not started since then.
Crossbow is a colt who could take advantage of Sovereign Default’s likely rustiness. He broke his maiden going six furlongs at Aqueduct on January 2nd by two lengths. He has shown great speed in his two starts and may prove impossible to catch here.
In the fifth race at Gulfstream on Sunday, a one-mile maiden special weight race, the colt I am watching is Sinorice. He has lost all of his four starts so far but has never yet finished worse than third. In his most recent start, on January 8th going one-mile at Gulfstream, he rallied to finish a strong third despite being bumped hard at the start. With a clearer trip, he should run well tomorrow.
Then there is the fifth race at Fair Grounds on Sunday, an allowance optional claiming event at one-mile and seventy yards. It has drawn five horses, led by the 3-5 favorite Machen. The son of Distorted Humor broke his maiden going six furlongs at Fair Grounds, winning by 5 ½ lengths in 1:10 2/5. I can’t see him losing tomorrow.
Finally, there is the seventh race at Oaklawn Park on Saturday. A mile and a sixteenth allowance race, the 9-5 morning line favorite is Commander, who finished a close third behind Alternation and Elite Alex in an allowance optional claiming race just two weeks ago.
On a side note, Sunshine Millions day is today! An exciting set of six races are to be run this afternoon at Gulfstream and Santa Anita. I will be posting the results as the races are run later this afternoon. Two of my favorite horses, the eight-year-olds Cost of Freedom and Presious Passion, will be running.
Enjoy the races!
-Keelerman
The biggest Triple Crown prep race of the year so far is scheduled to be run tomorrow. The $400,000 Holy Bull Stakes, a grade III one-turn mile at Gulfstream Park, has drawn an impressive field of nine promising sophomores. Although the race did lose the expected favorite when it was announced that Boys at Tosconova would not run, there is still plenty of talent in the field and one or more will without a doubt make it to the Kentucky Derby. That's why the Holy Bull is this week's feature race.
FEATURE RACE ---- HOLY BULL STAKES (gr. III)
Gulfstream Park, One Mile on dirt.
Here are the entries. . .
Post Position/Horse/Morning Line Odds
1 Gourmet Dinner 3-1
2 Major Gain 8-1
3 Printing Press 12-1
4 Black N Beauty 6-1
5 Ribo Bobo 15-1
6 Leave of Absence 10-1
7 Mucho Macho Man 5-2
8 Sweet Ducky 8-1
9 Dialed In 6-1
Now let me give you a sampling of what these horses have done in the past.
* Gourmet Dinner rallied at odds of 20-1 to upset the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes (gr. III).
* Major Gain won the Arlington-Washington Futurity (gr. III).
* Mucho Macho Man has twice run second behind To Honor and Serve, in the Nashua Stakes (gr. II) and Remsen Stakes (gr. II).
* Sweet Ducky proved victorious in a pair of stakes race at Monmouth Park last fall.
* Ribo Bobo won the Foolish Pleasure Stakes at Calder.
As if that isn't enough, impressive maiden and allowance winners Dialed In and Black N Beauty have also been entered. What a field!
This race also holds special meaning to me, for it was the first race that I handicapped on this blog over a year ago.
Anyway, the favorite here is Mucho Macho Man. As I mentioned above, the son of Macho Uno finished second in both the Nashua and the Remsen. Although he has never won a stakes race, he has been improving with every race and his workouts have been brilliant. He has recorded three consecutive five furlong breezes in less than a minute at Gulfstream Park. I expect a sharp performance from this very large colt. Trained by Katherine Ritvo, he will carry 116 pounds and will be ridden by Eibar Coa.
The second choice is Gourmet Dinner, a fine, stakes-proven colt who pulled off a stunning upset in the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes. He won his first three starts, all at Calder, before losing the In Reality Stakes to a 46-1 shot in Reprized Halo. That set him up for the Delta Jackpot, which he won with a sharp rally from sixth. A cross-country trip to Hollywood Park yielded a fourth-place finish, but that was actually pretty good considering that it was his first start over a synthetic track. Tomorrow's race will mark his 2011 debut. Trained by Steven Standbridge, the son of Trippi will carry 120 pounds and will be ridden by Sebastian Madrid.
Major Gain, a son of More Than Ready, could run well at a price. He has only won a single race during his four-start career, but it was a big one. After finishing second in a maiden special weight to future stakes winner Caleb's Posse, Major Gain turned the tables in the Arlington-Washington Futurity (gr. III), rallying strongly in the stretch to defeat Rough Sailing and Caleb's Posse, among others.
Favored in the grade I Dixiana Breeders' Futurity, he failed to rally whatsoever, finishing slightly more than ten lengths behind victorious J B's Thunder in fifth.
His final start of 2010 resulted in a better performance. Sent off as the second choice in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II), he battled through the stretch with Santiva and Astrology, finishing third while beaten just a half-length. It was a game performance and I greatly anticipate watching him tomorrow. He is trained by Wayne Catalano and will be ridden by Javier Castellano. He will carry 120 pounds.
Black N Beauty and Dialed In, two lightly-raced colts, will be scrutinized closely tomorrow as they take on their stakes-winning counterparts. The latter has only made one start, but it was impressive. The son of Mineshaft rallied like a rocket in a 6-1/2 furlong maiden special weight at Churchill Downs, coming from 11 1/2 lengths back at the five-sixteenths pole to win by a half-length. Trained by Nick Zito, if he produces a similar rally tomorrow it should carry him to victory. He will carry 116 pounds and will be ridden by Julien Leparoux.
Black N Beauty also brings promising credentials into the Holy Bull. Although his first start yielded an unimpressive fourth-place finish, his second start got him noticed. Sent off as the third choice in a six-furlong maiden special weight race at Belmont Park, he rallied gamely through the stretch to finish second to the highly-regarded Brethren, beaten just a half-length. The final time was a spectacular 1:08 4/5.
He finally left the maiden ranks in his third start, rallying from just off the pace to score by almost three lengths in a 6-1/2 furlong maiden race at Churchill Downs. That set him up for an allowance race on January 7th at Gulfstream Park. The third choice, he broke slowly but was sent straight to the lead where he led all the way to the wire, proving best by 2 1/2 lengths over Printing Press. Trained by Dale Romans, the son of Devil His Due was purchased for just $2,500 as a yearling. Tomorrow, he will carry 116 pounds and will be ridden by Kent Desormeaux. He will likely set the pace.
Sweet Ducky, a son of Pulpit, has had a very good career thus far. He raced five times last year and won three races. In his first start, he won a five furlong maiden special weight at Monmouth Park by five lengths. A less-than-ideal trip in the 5-1/2 furlong Tyro Stakes saw him finish a well-beaten fourth. However, he reaffirmed his status as a stakes-caliber colt by decisively defeating Curlinello in both the Garden State Stakes and the Seton Hall University Stakes. He then took a step up in class.
Sent off as the second choice in the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes, he stayed close to a fast pace before weakening to finish fourth, about ten lengths behind the winner. He has not raced since then. However, he has been firing off some excellent workouts at Palm Meadows Training Center. Trained by Kelly Breen, he will carry 120 pounds and will be ridden by Joe Bravo.
Leave of Absence, Printing Press, and Ribo Bobo complete the field. Leave of Absence has recorded a win, a second, and a third from three starts. The son of Harlan’s Holiday broke his maiden second time out going six furlongs at Aqueduct, stopping the clock in 1:09 2/5 under a hand ride. The colt then finished a fast-closing second in the Spectacular Bid Stakes at Gulfstream Park on January 8th. He seems like a colt that would benefit from stretching out to a longer distance, which he will be doing here. Trained by Richard Violette Jr., he will carry 116 pounds and will be ridden by Rajiv Maragh.
Printing Press, as I briefly mentioned above, finished second to Black N Beauty in an allowance race. Prior to that effort, he had won a maiden special weight at Monmouth Park; finished a dismal seventh in the grade III Sapling Stakes; and twice ran third in minor stakes races. He would need to show some serious improvement to contend here. On the other hand, the son of Tapit has at times shown a potent late kick and could be coming fast in the end if the pace is quick enough. Trained by Teresa Pompay, he will be ridden by Elvis Trujillo and will carry 116 pounds.
Finally, we come to Ribo Bobo, the longest shot in the field. The stakes-winning son of Louis Quatorze has made seven starts, with his biggest win coming in the Foolish Pleasure Stakes at Calder Race Course. He also ran second in the Jack Price Juvenile Stakes to Manicero and second in the Iroquois Stakes (gr. III) to Astrology. However, his most recent start was far from impressive. In the seven-furlong Pasco Stakes at Calder, he ran a distant sixth behind Manicero. If he runs his best race, he could contend here. Trained by Manuel Azpurua, he will be ridden by Edgar Prado and will carry 120 pounds.
It’s without a doubt an amazing field of runners, but I know who I’m going to pick.
Here are my selections. . .
1 Mucho Macho Man
2 Dialed In
3 Gourmet Dinner
4 Leave of Absence
5 Major Gain
6 Black N Beauty
7 Printing Press
8 Sweet Ducky
9 Ribo Bobo
As I said before, Mucho Macho Man has been turning in some incredible workouts and just keeps getting better. A versatile colt, I expect him to get a perfect trip and win with authority. Dialed In is a very nice colt, but may be better over a less speed-favoring track and at two-turns.
OTHER RACES TO WATCH
Two races prior to the Holy Bull, there is the grade II Forward Gal Stakes, a seven-furlong race for three-year-old fillies. Like the Holy Bull, it has drawn a spectacular field of runners.
The morning line favorite in Dancinginherdreams, who is undefeated in two starts. She broke her maiden by five lengths on October 10th going six furlongs at Keeneland. This earned her the status as the even-money favorite in the one-mile Pocahontas Stakes at Churchill Downs, which she won by slightly more than five lengths. She seems to be a potential superstar; a filly who has an extremely bright future.
However, there are a couple of other potential superstars lined up to face her. R Heat Lightning is one of them. Winner of the grade I Spinaway Stakes, she finished a courageous second to Awesome Feather in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies last time out. This will be her 2011 debut.
Another really nice filly in this race is Devilish Lady. She has won six of her ten starts, including her last four. As if that isn’t enough, she has won her last four starts by a combined 27 ½ lengths. As if that wasn’t enough, three of those four races were stakes races! She has shown a sharp turn of foot and the ability to simply crush her rivals with Rachel Alexandra-like pounces. I can’t wait to see how she does.
Another notable race is the fifth at Gulfstream on Saturday, a seven-furlong allowance race for three-year-old colts. The morning line favorite is Sovereign Default, who has won his only race. Way back on July 15th, he defeated the very nice colt Stay Thirsty in a 5-1/2 furlong maiden special weight. A setback apparently occurred after that, for he has not started since then.
Crossbow is a colt who could take advantage of Sovereign Default’s likely rustiness. He broke his maiden going six furlongs at Aqueduct on January 2nd by two lengths. He has shown great speed in his two starts and may prove impossible to catch here.
In the fifth race at Gulfstream on Sunday, a one-mile maiden special weight race, the colt I am watching is Sinorice. He has lost all of his four starts so far but has never yet finished worse than third. In his most recent start, on January 8th going one-mile at Gulfstream, he rallied to finish a strong third despite being bumped hard at the start. With a clearer trip, he should run well tomorrow.
Then there is the fifth race at Fair Grounds on Sunday, an allowance optional claiming event at one-mile and seventy yards. It has drawn five horses, led by the 3-5 favorite Machen. The son of Distorted Humor broke his maiden going six furlongs at Fair Grounds, winning by 5 ½ lengths in 1:10 2/5. I can’t see him losing tomorrow.
Finally, there is the seventh race at Oaklawn Park on Saturday. A mile and a sixteenth allowance race, the 9-5 morning line favorite is Commander, who finished a close third behind Alternation and Elite Alex in an allowance optional claiming race just two weeks ago.
On a side note, Sunshine Millions day is today! An exciting set of six races are to be run this afternoon at Gulfstream and Santa Anita. I will be posting the results as the races are run later this afternoon. Two of my favorite horses, the eight-year-olds Cost of Freedom and Presious Passion, will be running.
Enjoy the races!
-Keelerman
EVENING JEWEL WINS THE SUNSHINE MILLIONS DISTAFF!
Evening Jewel rallied from well off the pace to score a dramatic victory in the Sunshine Millions Distaff this afternoon at Santa Anita Park.
Ridden by Victor Espinoza, the 2-1 favorite dropped back to next-to-last in the early going. In the meantime, Briecat was setting a good pace, running the first quarter in :23 1/5 and :47 2/5.
Evening Jewel appeared to have too much to do as the field turned for home, but she rallied strongly down the stretch and got up with time to spare, hitting the wire a half-length in front of Amazing, who had taken the lead at the top of the stretch. Ultra Blend turned in a huge rally to finish third. Had the race been much longer, she would have won.
The final time was 1:42 1/5.
-Keelerman
Ridden by Victor Espinoza, the 2-1 favorite dropped back to next-to-last in the early going. In the meantime, Briecat was setting a good pace, running the first quarter in :23 1/5 and :47 2/5.
Evening Jewel appeared to have too much to do as the field turned for home, but she rallied strongly down the stretch and got up with time to spare, hitting the wire a half-length in front of Amazing, who had taken the lead at the top of the stretch. Ultra Blend turned in a huge rally to finish third. Had the race been much longer, she would have won.
The final time was 1:42 1/5.
-Keelerman
CARACORTADO WINS THE SUNSHINE MILLIONS TURF!
Caracortado got his year off to a good beginning, grinding past The Usual Q. T. in the stretch to win the Sunshines Millions Turf by three quarters of a length.
Under Joe Talamo, Caracortado sat off the pace in the early going. As expected, 10-1 shot Presious Passion shot straight to the lead and opened up on the field, rattling off rapid fractions. However, as the field turned into the homestretch, he gave in quickly, letting the Usual Q. T. and Caracortado past him. Those two dueled to the finish, with the results never really in doubt. Caracortado stopped the clock in a sharp 1:46 3/5 for the nine furlongs.
Soul Candy rallied for third, although he never threatened the top two. Heavily favored Jeranimo finished fourth.
-Keelerman
Under Joe Talamo, Caracortado sat off the pace in the early going. As expected, 10-1 shot Presious Passion shot straight to the lead and opened up on the field, rattling off rapid fractions. However, as the field turned into the homestretch, he gave in quickly, letting the Usual Q. T. and Caracortado past him. Those two dueled to the finish, with the results never really in doubt. Caracortado stopped the clock in a sharp 1:46 3/5 for the nine furlongs.
Soul Candy rallied for third, although he never threatened the top two. Heavily favored Jeranimo finished fourth.
-Keelerman
TACKLEBERRY WINS THE SUNSHINE MILLIONS CLASSIC!
Tackleberry, a 25-1 shot, went straight to the lead and turned back the challenge of Duke of Mischief in the stretch to win the Sunshine Millions Classic in a shocking upset.
Ridden by Javier Santiago, Tackleberry took advantage of a slow pace and was able to win in wire-to-wire fashion.
The 4-5 favorite, First Dude, encountered a bit of traffic entering the first turn and found himself in fourth early on, unable to get to the lead as he usually does. He seemed ready to make a bid for the lead on the far turn but flattened out and finished fourth.
In the end, Duke of Mischief was the only one who could get anywhere near Tackleberry. After chasing the latter through out the race, he made a two-wide bid for the lead but was unable to catch the winner.
50-1 shot Dream Maestro rallied along the rail to finish a nose ahead of First Dude for fourth. The final time was 1:48 2/5.
-Keelerman
Ridden by Javier Santiago, Tackleberry took advantage of a slow pace and was able to win in wire-to-wire fashion.
The 4-5 favorite, First Dude, encountered a bit of traffic entering the first turn and found himself in fourth early on, unable to get to the lead as he usually does. He seemed ready to make a bid for the lead on the far turn but flattened out and finished fourth.
In the end, Duke of Mischief was the only one who could get anywhere near Tackleberry. After chasing the latter through out the race, he made a two-wide bid for the lead but was unable to catch the winner.
50-1 shot Dream Maestro rallied along the rail to finish a nose ahead of First Dude for fourth. The final time was 1:48 2/5.
-Keelerman
AMAZOMBIE WINS THE SUNSHINE MILLIONS' SPRINT!
Amazombie, sent off at 11-1, rallied strongly in the stretch to win the Sunshine Millions Sprint in a three-horse photo.
The early pace was set by the 3-5 favorite Cost of Freedom, who rattled off simply unbelievable, furious fractions. The first quarter mile was run in :20 4/5. He was being pressed by Excessive Passion.
Cost of Freedom continued to lead the way through a half-mile in an unbelievable :42 3/5. He entered the homestretch with the lead, but Amazombie, benefiting from the fast pace, was rallying on the outside.
Despite the blazing pace he had set, Cost of Freedom was courageous. He passed the eighth pole with the lead, running five furlongs in :54 3/5. In the final strides, he relented to Amazombie, who won by a nose over Apriority. Cost of Freedom finish third, beaten just a head.
The final time was 1:07 1/5. I must say that I have never seen a better performance by a sprinter. Never.
-Keelerman
The early pace was set by the 3-5 favorite Cost of Freedom, who rattled off simply unbelievable, furious fractions. The first quarter mile was run in :20 4/5. He was being pressed by Excessive Passion.
Cost of Freedom continued to lead the way through a half-mile in an unbelievable :42 3/5. He entered the homestretch with the lead, but Amazombie, benefiting from the fast pace, was rallying on the outside.
Despite the blazing pace he had set, Cost of Freedom was courageous. He passed the eighth pole with the lead, running five furlongs in :54 3/5. In the final strides, he relented to Amazombie, who won by a nose over Apriority. Cost of Freedom finish third, beaten just a head.
The final time was 1:07 1/5. I must say that I have never seen a better performance by a sprinter. Never.
-Keelerman
TRIP FOR A.J. WINS THE SUNSHINE MILLIONS FILLY & MARE TURF!
Under John Velazquez, Trip For A.J. took the lead at the top of the stretch and held off all challengers to win the Sunshine Millions' Filly & Mare Turf.
The early pace was set by 99-1 shot Becky's Exchange and Speak Easy Gal. Favored Dynaslew was sitting in third, with Trip For A.J. not far behind her.
Dynaslew faded as the field turned for home. Trip For A.J. then took the lead and held off Askbut I Won'ttell in a dramatic finish. Askbut I Won'ttell, the second choice, rallied on the far outside while drifting through the stretch but just missed catching the winner.
Scolera finished third, followed by Romin Robin.
-Keelerman
The early pace was set by 99-1 shot Becky's Exchange and Speak Easy Gal. Favored Dynaslew was sitting in third, with Trip For A.J. not far behind her.
Dynaslew faded as the field turned for home. Trip For A.J. then took the lead and held off Askbut I Won'ttell in a dramatic finish. Askbut I Won'ttell, the second choice, rallied on the far outside while drifting through the stretch but just missed catching the winner.
Scolera finished third, followed by Romin Robin.
-Keelerman
AEGEAN WINS THE SUNSHINE MILLIONS FILLY & MARE SPRINT!
Aegean, sent off at 9-1, rallied strongly on the outside and held off Jessica is Back in a photo finish to win the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint by a nose.
Ridden by Jeffrey Sanchez, Aegan sat just behind the early pace set by Wildcat Heiress, Feel That Fire, and North Rodeo. 6-5 favorite Amen Hallelujah was well off the pace in the early going.
The opening quarter mile was run in :22 1/5; the half in :45 flat. Then Aegean raced up on the outside to take the lead.
However, she wasn't able to kick clear from the rest of the field. Jessica is Back was rallying strongly along the rail. In a head-bobbing photo finish, Aegean narrowly held off Jessica is Back for a dramatic upset victory.
Feel That Fire finished third, with a 60-1 shot Musical Romance finished fourth. Amen Hallelujah finished off-the-board.
-Keelerman
Ridden by Jeffrey Sanchez, Aegan sat just behind the early pace set by Wildcat Heiress, Feel That Fire, and North Rodeo. 6-5 favorite Amen Hallelujah was well off the pace in the early going.
The opening quarter mile was run in :22 1/5; the half in :45 flat. Then Aegean raced up on the outside to take the lead.
However, she wasn't able to kick clear from the rest of the field. Jessica is Back was rallying strongly along the rail. In a head-bobbing photo finish, Aegean narrowly held off Jessica is Back for a dramatic upset victory.
Feel That Fire finished third, with a 60-1 shot Musical Romance finished fourth. Amen Hallelujah finished off-the-board.
-Keelerman
A THREE-YEAR-OLD TO WATCH: RUNFLATOUT
In the second race at Santa Anita Park, a six-furlong maiden special weight on the main track, I saw a very promising performance by young colt named Runflatout.
Owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, Runflatout broke quickly and raced up to duel for the lead with favored Tokubetsu. The pair sprinted away from the remainder of the field, running the opening quarter mile in :22.19 seconds. Those two continued to fight for the lead through a half-mile in :44.53. Tokubetsu was still holding on to the lead, but Runflatout took the lead as they turned for home and drew off impressively through the stretch, hitting the wire about three lengths in front. He stopped the clock in a spectacular 1:07.70.
Ridden by Garrett Gomez and trained by John Sadler, it was Runflatout's first start. A son of Flatter out of Slammin' Lil, I believe that Runflatout has a very bright future and will have his say in many stakes races later this year. Perhaps the Santa Anita Derby is in his future.
-Keelerman
Owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, Runflatout broke quickly and raced up to duel for the lead with favored Tokubetsu. The pair sprinted away from the remainder of the field, running the opening quarter mile in :22.19 seconds. Those two continued to fight for the lead through a half-mile in :44.53. Tokubetsu was still holding on to the lead, but Runflatout took the lead as they turned for home and drew off impressively through the stretch, hitting the wire about three lengths in front. He stopped the clock in a spectacular 1:07.70.
Ridden by Garrett Gomez and trained by John Sadler, it was Runflatout's first start. A son of Flatter out of Slammin' Lil, I believe that Runflatout has a very bright future and will have his say in many stakes races later this year. Perhaps the Santa Anita Derby is in his future.
-Keelerman
A THREE-YEAR-OLD TO WATCH: CROSSBOW
Crossbow, the even-money favorite in the fifth race at Gulfstream Park today, engaged in a battle with Sovereign Default from the start and proved victorious despite racing wide.
Ridden by John Velazquez, the promising sophomore won the seven-furlong event in a sharp 1:22 4/5.
Sovereign Default, the second choice, broke quickly along the railed and raced straight to the lead. However, he was unable to match strides with Crossbow, who took the lead entering the stretch and held it to the wire, winning the race by three quarters of a length.
Chateau D'Kim finished third after attempting to stay with the frontrunners. Motin finished fourth, and Gold For Cash trailed the field.
-Keelerman
Ridden by John Velazquez, the promising sophomore won the seven-furlong event in a sharp 1:22 4/5.
Sovereign Default, the second choice, broke quickly along the railed and raced straight to the lead. However, he was unable to match strides with Crossbow, who took the lead entering the stretch and held it to the wire, winning the race by three quarters of a length.
Chateau D'Kim finished third after attempting to stay with the frontrunners. Motin finished fourth, and Gold For Cash trailed the field.
-Keelerman
Friday, January 28, 2011
TRIPLE CROWN COUNTDOWN ---- January 27th, 2011 -- LeComte recap
Last Friday and Saturday, several races of importance to the 2011 Triple Crown Trail were run. Last week's feature race was the LeComte Stakes at Fair Grounds, but the most promising race run was an allowance race at Gulfstream Park on Friday. The heavy favorite was Soldat, and he ran like a heavy favorite should. But before I discuss his race, I must recap the LeComte.
FEATURE RACE RECAP: The LeComte Stakes (gr. III)
This was to be the Justin Philip show. The even-money favorite was fully expected to run his four inferior foes into the ground. He was supposed to draw away to an easy victory.
Instead, his four rivals made him look inferior.
Fastest out of the gate was Pants On Fire, who raced away to set the pace by a length over Justin Philip. The latter had broken poorly but was a bit rank, racing up on the outside to contend with Pants On Fire. Following him closely was Action Ready, with Wilkinson biding his time in fourth and longshot Mobeetie trailing the field.
The opening quarter mile was run in a reasonable :24 4/5, during which Justin Philip took the first turn four wide. Pants On Fire was getting a perfect trip and would have every chance in the stretch. He continued to lead the field through slow fractions of :48 4/5 and 1:13 3/5. However, approaching the quarter pole, things were changing rapidly. Wilkinson had been moving up gradually and was now second. Action Ready had moved up to third, while Justin Philip was going in reverse and was fourth, with only Mobeetie beaten.
Pants On Fire turned for home with the lead and appeared to be on his way to victory. But Wilkinson stayed with him stubbornly through the stretch. Under urging from jockey Garrett Gomez, Wilkinson began to close the gap inside the eighth pole. On the inside of Pants On Fire they edged closer and closer. Pants On Fire was game to the wire, but Wilkinson got up just in time to win by a head.
Pants On Fire finished five lengths clear of third-place finisher Action Ready, who finished another 6 1/4 lengths in front of Mobeetie. Justin Philip finished a well-beaten last, 14 1/4 lengths behind the winner.
The complete results. . .
1 Wilkinson
2 Pants On Fire
3 Action Ready
4 Mobeetie
5 Justin Philip
. . . versus my selections.
1 Justin Philip
2 Pants On Fire
3 Wilkison
4 Mobeetie
5 Action Ready
I was extremely disappointed by Justin Philip's performance. But credit must be given to Wilkinson and Pants On Fire, both of whom ran exceptional races.
OTHER RACE RESULTS
As I mentioned above, the most impressive performance by a three-year-old last week did not come in the LeComte. Rather, it came in a nine-furlong allowance race at Gulfstream Park.
The heavy favorite was Soldat. He broke well. He went to the lead. He kicked clear and won by 10 3/4 lengths.
That was all there was to it.
Cool Blue Red Hot tried to run with him. He gamely tracked Soldat in second through the entire race, biding his time as the favorite rattled off testing fractions of :24 1/5, :48 1/5, and 1:12 flat over the sloppy track. For a moment they were heads apart, three eighths of a mile from home. Then Soldat, who had not raced since finishing second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (gr. II), turned back Cool Blue Red Hot. With immense power he drew off, winning by nearly eleven lengths in 1:49 1/5.
Cool Blue Red Hot, eight lengths clear of the remainder of the field passing the eighth pole, tired late in the stretch but still finished 1 3/4 lengths clear of third-place finisher Beamer. Mas Trueno, Lauburu, Financial Empire, and Halo's Thunder trailed the field. It is obvious that Soldat is a serious Triple Crown countender. The only question that remains is if he can run on a fast dirt track. I feel he can.
In the Groovy Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park, the odds-one favorite was Aces N Kings. The gelding was making his three-year-old debut. As a two-year-old, he had won his first five starts before losing three in a row due to variety of circumstances. A fine sprinter, he was fully expected to defeat his eleven rivals in the seven-furlong stakes event. The only horse who could remotely come close to defeating him was the second choice, Tamtastic, at 1.70-1.
The third choice was 13.30-1. That's how heavily favored the two favorites were.
As expected, it came down to Aces N Kings and Tamtastic in a thrilling finish. Aces N Kings broke well and raced away to set the pace. He was followed by Sand Dusty and Tamtastic, who were just heads apart in second. Powerfully was racing in fourth, followed by Bella's Quest, Hidden Recipe, Grand Move, and Ali's Legend, who were just heads apart. Secret Admiral was ninth, Road Hawk tenth, Pacheco eleventh, and Mr. Woodrow trailed the field.
The opening quarter mile was run in a strong :22 4/5. Aces N Kings was setting a legitimate pace. He continued to run strongly through a :46 1/5 half-mile. But Tamtastic had moved to within a half-length of him and the battle was on with only three-eighths of a mile remaining.
Aces N Kings was asked for more run and he responded. He began to draw clear of Tamtastic, increasing his lead through the early part of the stretch. Passing the eighth pole, he held a two-length lead and appeared to be on his way to an easy victory.
But Tamtastic had another run left in him. He began to eat up the ground between himself and the favorite, cutting into the favorite's lead with every stride.
Aces N Kings was tiring, as witnessed by his slow :13 3/5 final eighth of a mile. But he was courageous to the end and held off Tamtastic for a half-length victory, completing the seven furlongs in 1:25 flat.
Mr. Woodrow, who was running last with three-eighths of a mile to run, rallied impressively through the stretch to finish third, just a half-length behind Tamtastic. Hidden Recipe rallied for fourth.
The complete results were. . .
1 Aces N Kings
2 Tamtastic
3 Mr. Woodrow
4 Hidden Recipe
5 Alli's Legend
6 Pacheco
7 Sand Dusty
8 Bella's Quest
9 Secret Admiral
10 Powerfully
11 Road Hawk
12 Grand Move
It wasn't an Eclipse-champion performance, but it underlined the fact that Aces N Kings is an exceptional three-year-old capable of winning many stakes races. As he is a gelding, we will hopefully be able to follow his career for many more years.
In the Sweetest Chant Stakes at Gulfstream Park, which I already briefly discussed in a previous post, odds-on favorite Kathmanblu, winner of the Golden Rod Stakes (gr. II), rallied strongly to win the one-mile turf event by a 1 1/4 lengths.
Longshot War Prospector broke well and raced away to a decisive early lead, running the first quarter of a mile in :23 1/5 while clear by three lengths. Nina Fever, who usually races on the lead, was content to sit back in second. She was followed by Tiger Girl in third, with Excited racing in a good spot fourth. Kathmanblu was fifth, with Holidaysatthefarm, Bellaridge, and Michelle's Trip trailing the field.
Now, it isn't common for a horse to open up a three length lead so early in a race. It is even more uncommon for a horse to extend that lead as the race goes on. But War Prospector broke those rules as she continued to extend her lead. After passing the half-mile pole in :47 2/5, she led the field by eight lengths. Behind her, the positions remained relatively unchanged.
War Prospector was beginning to show signs of tiring after running three quarters of a mile in 1:13 flat. Her third quarter was run in a slow :25 3/5. But she still had a seven length lead with only a quarter mile left to run.
However, that seven length lead evaporated quickly. Kathmanblu turned on the afterburners and went from nine lengths behind to a head in front in just an eighth of a mile. Excited was gamely staying with her, but was unable to match strides. Kathmanblu gradually extended her lead during the final eighth, hitting the wire 1 1/4 lengths in front of Excited, completing the race in 1:39 flat. It was another 10 3/4 lengths further back to Nina Fever, who finished in a dead-heat for third with Holidaysathefarm. Bellaridge came home fifth, with War Prospector dead-heating for sixth with Michelle's Trip. Tiger Girl ran last.
Finally, it's worth noting that in a maiden claiming race at Santa Anita Park on January 22nd, Minutesandtouches finally broke his maiden. The heavy favorite, he had lost every one of his eight starts but had finished third in the grade III Hollywood Juvenile Champion Stakes in July last year. In a wire-to-wire performance, he won by 2 ¼ lengths in 1:37 2/5 after setting quick fractions. He’s definitely one to keep an eye on.
Tomorrow, I shall post my thoughts on the Holy Bull Stakes, as well as discuss many of the other fabulous races to be run this weekend. I’ll even briefly discuss the Sunshine Millions races, even though they aren’t Triple Crown prep races.
It’s going to be a fun weekend! Enjoy the races!
-Keelerman
FEATURE RACE RECAP: The LeComte Stakes (gr. III)
This was to be the Justin Philip show. The even-money favorite was fully expected to run his four inferior foes into the ground. He was supposed to draw away to an easy victory.
Instead, his four rivals made him look inferior.
Fastest out of the gate was Pants On Fire, who raced away to set the pace by a length over Justin Philip. The latter had broken poorly but was a bit rank, racing up on the outside to contend with Pants On Fire. Following him closely was Action Ready, with Wilkinson biding his time in fourth and longshot Mobeetie trailing the field.
The opening quarter mile was run in a reasonable :24 4/5, during which Justin Philip took the first turn four wide. Pants On Fire was getting a perfect trip and would have every chance in the stretch. He continued to lead the field through slow fractions of :48 4/5 and 1:13 3/5. However, approaching the quarter pole, things were changing rapidly. Wilkinson had been moving up gradually and was now second. Action Ready had moved up to third, while Justin Philip was going in reverse and was fourth, with only Mobeetie beaten.
Pants On Fire turned for home with the lead and appeared to be on his way to victory. But Wilkinson stayed with him stubbornly through the stretch. Under urging from jockey Garrett Gomez, Wilkinson began to close the gap inside the eighth pole. On the inside of Pants On Fire they edged closer and closer. Pants On Fire was game to the wire, but Wilkinson got up just in time to win by a head.
Pants On Fire finished five lengths clear of third-place finisher Action Ready, who finished another 6 1/4 lengths in front of Mobeetie. Justin Philip finished a well-beaten last, 14 1/4 lengths behind the winner.
The complete results. . .
1 Wilkinson
2 Pants On Fire
3 Action Ready
4 Mobeetie
5 Justin Philip
. . . versus my selections.
1 Justin Philip
2 Pants On Fire
3 Wilkison
4 Mobeetie
5 Action Ready
I was extremely disappointed by Justin Philip's performance. But credit must be given to Wilkinson and Pants On Fire, both of whom ran exceptional races.
OTHER RACE RESULTS
As I mentioned above, the most impressive performance by a three-year-old last week did not come in the LeComte. Rather, it came in a nine-furlong allowance race at Gulfstream Park.
The heavy favorite was Soldat. He broke well. He went to the lead. He kicked clear and won by 10 3/4 lengths.
That was all there was to it.
Cool Blue Red Hot tried to run with him. He gamely tracked Soldat in second through the entire race, biding his time as the favorite rattled off testing fractions of :24 1/5, :48 1/5, and 1:12 flat over the sloppy track. For a moment they were heads apart, three eighths of a mile from home. Then Soldat, who had not raced since finishing second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (gr. II), turned back Cool Blue Red Hot. With immense power he drew off, winning by nearly eleven lengths in 1:49 1/5.
Cool Blue Red Hot, eight lengths clear of the remainder of the field passing the eighth pole, tired late in the stretch but still finished 1 3/4 lengths clear of third-place finisher Beamer. Mas Trueno, Lauburu, Financial Empire, and Halo's Thunder trailed the field. It is obvious that Soldat is a serious Triple Crown countender. The only question that remains is if he can run on a fast dirt track. I feel he can.
In the Groovy Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park, the odds-one favorite was Aces N Kings. The gelding was making his three-year-old debut. As a two-year-old, he had won his first five starts before losing three in a row due to variety of circumstances. A fine sprinter, he was fully expected to defeat his eleven rivals in the seven-furlong stakes event. The only horse who could remotely come close to defeating him was the second choice, Tamtastic, at 1.70-1.
The third choice was 13.30-1. That's how heavily favored the two favorites were.
As expected, it came down to Aces N Kings and Tamtastic in a thrilling finish. Aces N Kings broke well and raced away to set the pace. He was followed by Sand Dusty and Tamtastic, who were just heads apart in second. Powerfully was racing in fourth, followed by Bella's Quest, Hidden Recipe, Grand Move, and Ali's Legend, who were just heads apart. Secret Admiral was ninth, Road Hawk tenth, Pacheco eleventh, and Mr. Woodrow trailed the field.
The opening quarter mile was run in a strong :22 4/5. Aces N Kings was setting a legitimate pace. He continued to run strongly through a :46 1/5 half-mile. But Tamtastic had moved to within a half-length of him and the battle was on with only three-eighths of a mile remaining.
Aces N Kings was asked for more run and he responded. He began to draw clear of Tamtastic, increasing his lead through the early part of the stretch. Passing the eighth pole, he held a two-length lead and appeared to be on his way to an easy victory.
But Tamtastic had another run left in him. He began to eat up the ground between himself and the favorite, cutting into the favorite's lead with every stride.
Aces N Kings was tiring, as witnessed by his slow :13 3/5 final eighth of a mile. But he was courageous to the end and held off Tamtastic for a half-length victory, completing the seven furlongs in 1:25 flat.
Mr. Woodrow, who was running last with three-eighths of a mile to run, rallied impressively through the stretch to finish third, just a half-length behind Tamtastic. Hidden Recipe rallied for fourth.
The complete results were. . .
1 Aces N Kings
2 Tamtastic
3 Mr. Woodrow
4 Hidden Recipe
5 Alli's Legend
6 Pacheco
7 Sand Dusty
8 Bella's Quest
9 Secret Admiral
10 Powerfully
11 Road Hawk
12 Grand Move
It wasn't an Eclipse-champion performance, but it underlined the fact that Aces N Kings is an exceptional three-year-old capable of winning many stakes races. As he is a gelding, we will hopefully be able to follow his career for many more years.
In the Sweetest Chant Stakes at Gulfstream Park, which I already briefly discussed in a previous post, odds-on favorite Kathmanblu, winner of the Golden Rod Stakes (gr. II), rallied strongly to win the one-mile turf event by a 1 1/4 lengths.
Longshot War Prospector broke well and raced away to a decisive early lead, running the first quarter of a mile in :23 1/5 while clear by three lengths. Nina Fever, who usually races on the lead, was content to sit back in second. She was followed by Tiger Girl in third, with Excited racing in a good spot fourth. Kathmanblu was fifth, with Holidaysatthefarm, Bellaridge, and Michelle's Trip trailing the field.
Now, it isn't common for a horse to open up a three length lead so early in a race. It is even more uncommon for a horse to extend that lead as the race goes on. But War Prospector broke those rules as she continued to extend her lead. After passing the half-mile pole in :47 2/5, she led the field by eight lengths. Behind her, the positions remained relatively unchanged.
War Prospector was beginning to show signs of tiring after running three quarters of a mile in 1:13 flat. Her third quarter was run in a slow :25 3/5. But she still had a seven length lead with only a quarter mile left to run.
However, that seven length lead evaporated quickly. Kathmanblu turned on the afterburners and went from nine lengths behind to a head in front in just an eighth of a mile. Excited was gamely staying with her, but was unable to match strides. Kathmanblu gradually extended her lead during the final eighth, hitting the wire 1 1/4 lengths in front of Excited, completing the race in 1:39 flat. It was another 10 3/4 lengths further back to Nina Fever, who finished in a dead-heat for third with Holidaysathefarm. Bellaridge came home fifth, with War Prospector dead-heating for sixth with Michelle's Trip. Tiger Girl ran last.
Finally, it's worth noting that in a maiden claiming race at Santa Anita Park on January 22nd, Minutesandtouches finally broke his maiden. The heavy favorite, he had lost every one of his eight starts but had finished third in the grade III Hollywood Juvenile Champion Stakes in July last year. In a wire-to-wire performance, he won by 2 ¼ lengths in 1:37 2/5 after setting quick fractions. He’s definitely one to keep an eye on.
Tomorrow, I shall post my thoughts on the Holy Bull Stakes, as well as discuss many of the other fabulous races to be run this weekend. I’ll even briefly discuss the Sunshine Millions races, even though they aren’t Triple Crown prep races.
It’s going to be a fun weekend! Enjoy the races!
-Keelerman
Thursday, January 27, 2011
KEELERMAN'S TOP TWENTY ---- January 26th, 2011
1. To Honor and Serve - Trained by William Mott Breezed a half-mile in :51 flat on January 24th at Payson Park. It will be close, but I do believe that he will be able to make the Fountain of Youth Stakes.
2. Uncle Mo - Trained by Todd Pletcher
His first workout since the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile should come any day now. Still wondering how far he has progressed since the Breeders’ Cup.
3. Comma to the Top - Trained by Peter Miller
Worked six furlongs in 1:10 2/5 handily at Hollywood Park yesterday. I’m worried that his pedigree won’t carry him a mile and a quarter, but I shall wait until he runs on dirt before judging his stamina.
4. Santiva - Trained by Eddie Kennealy
Breezed an easy half-mile in :49 3/5 at Palm Meadows Training Center on the 20th. I still can’t get over the way that he held off both Astrology and Major Gain while racing between them in the stretch of the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. It was brilliant.
5. Brethren - Trained by Todd Pletcher
His workouts have been steadily improving, although his most recent breeze, five furlongs in 1:03 3/5 at Palm Meadows, shows that he is not yet ready for a race. I expect to see him run again in early February.
6. Mucho Macho Man - Trained by Katherine Ritvo
I am a bit confused. This colt has been breezing once every seven or eight days since December. On January 23rd, he breezed five furlongs in :59 flat at Gulfstream Park. Then he breezed a half-mile this morning in :49 flat at. . . Parx Racing? I simply cannot figure out what is going on.
7. Tapizar - Trained by Steve Asmussen
Got right back on the work tab, breezing a half-mile in :50 2/5 at Santa Anita Park just nine days after his brilliant Sham victory. It’s nice to see Steve Amsussen with a Santa Anita Derby contender.
8. Jaycito - Trained by Bob Baffert
Turned in a very sharp five-furlong drill on January 24th at Santa Anita, getting the distance in :59 2/5. It is apparent that he will be ready for the Robert B. Lewis in February.
9. Clubhouse Ride - Trained by Craig Lewis
Worked a brilliant five furlongs this morning, blazing the distance in a sharp :58 4/5.
10. Boys at Tosconova - Trained by Rick Dutrow
I am nearly as confused over this colt as I am over Mucho Macho Man. He has not recorded a workout since January 13th. I can’t see how this is going to get him ready for the Holy Bull in just four days.
Note: After writing this, it was announced that Boys at Tosconova will miss the Holy Bull Stakes. http://www.drf.com/news/boys-tosconova-miss-holy-bull
11. Rogue Romance - Trained by Kenneth McPeek
The Risen Star Stakes (gr. II) at Fair Grounds in February has been mentioned as this colt’s next start. He will likely be favored there, considering that in his last race he finished third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
12. Turbulent Descent - Trained by Mike Puype
The Las Virgenes Stakes is now less than two weeks away. Accordingly, this fine filly breezed seven furlongs in a brilliant 1:23 2/5 at Hollywood Park on January 24th. That workout is part of the reason why she has moved up to the 12th spot on this list.
13. Stay Thirsty - Trained by Todd Pletcher
Everything I said about Uncle Mo goes for Stay Thirsty too. Although he wasn’t nearly as good as his stable mate last year, Stay Thirsty is a colt who should improve with distance.
14. Premier Pegasus - Trained by Myung Cho
Still hasn’t recorded a workout since his Hollywood Prevue score. I’m still wondering whether or not he can carry his speed, but I will admit that his pedigree says that he should be able to.
15. Astrology - Trained by Steven Asmussen
I really like this colt’s pedigree. It is a pedigree which should carry this colt all distances.
16. Soldat - Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin
This colt was off my radar—that is, until January 21st, when he destroyed a fine field of horses in an allowance optional claiming race which included Cool Blue Red Hot and Beamer. His ten-length victory did come over a sloppy track, so we still don't know how well he can run on dirt, but he looks like a legitimate Triple Crown Colt.
17. Gourmet Dinner - Trained by Steven Standridge
Scheduled to run in the Holy Bull Stakes on Sunday. He worked five furlongs in :58 2/5 on January 20th.
18. Dialed In - Trained by Nick Zito
Was entered in an allowance optional claiming race on January 21st, but scratched due to a sloppy track. He will instead run in the Holy Bull Stakes on Sunday.
19. Black N Beauty - Trained by Dale Romans
Scheduled to run in the Holy Bull against Mucho Macho Man, Gourmet Dinner, and Dialed In. He will likely set the pace. Time will tell if he can win against such a quality field, but if he does he will certainly be moving up my list.
20. J P's Gusto - Trained by David Hofmans
There are two major questions remaining with this colt. He has shown that he is classy. He has shown he is game. But he still has to show that he can run successfully going a mile and a quarter on dirt.
OTHER NOTABLE HORSES
Top Notables:
Alternation - The Southwest Stakes could be his next start.
Awesome Patriot - Perhaps the Robert B. Lewis is next.
Beamer - Finished third behind Soldat and Cool Blue Red Hot in an allowance optional claiming race.
Bert B Don - The Fountain of Youth would be a major step up in class, but it seems like a good place for his next start.
Cool Blue Red Hot - Finished a distant second to Soldat in an allowance optional claiming race.
Crossbow - Can he carry he speed?
Decisive Moment - The Risen Star seems like a logical next start.
Elite Alex - He'd be 21st on my list if I included more the 20.
Justin Phillip - Extremely disappointing in the LeComte Stakes.
Kathmanblu - Strong victory in the Sweetest Chant Stakes shows that she is back and ready to advance toward the Kentucky Oaks.
Major Gain - Not sure where this colt will turn up next.
Monzon - The Whirlaway Stakes seems like the most logical goal.
Mountain Town - Just wondering where he will show up next.
Positive Response - El Camino Real Derby is next.
R Heat Lightning - The Forward Gal Stakes should be next.
Sway Away - Where will he start next?
The Factor - How far can he run?
Travelin Man - Impressive maiden winner.
Wine Police - Where will he start next?
Secondary Notables:
Anthony’s Cross - Disappointing in the Sham Stakes.
Bandbox - Still wondering where his next start will be.
Buffum - Has not worked out since the Remsen. Is there something wrong with him?
Commander - Finished third behind Alternation and Elite Alex in an allowance race.
Grant Jack - Very disappointing in the Smarty Jones Stakes.
Manicero - Victory in Pasco Stakes was nice, but he showed serious stamina limitations.
Read the Contract - Disappointing in the Pasco Stakes.
Riveting Reason - Does not seem to be Triple Crown caliber.
Sweet Ducky - The Holy Bull may be his next start.
Uncle Sam - Disappointing in the Sham Stakes.
Zayda - Very disappointing in the California Derby.
-Keelerman
2. Uncle Mo - Trained by Todd Pletcher
His first workout since the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile should come any day now. Still wondering how far he has progressed since the Breeders’ Cup.
3. Comma to the Top - Trained by Peter Miller
Worked six furlongs in 1:10 2/5 handily at Hollywood Park yesterday. I’m worried that his pedigree won’t carry him a mile and a quarter, but I shall wait until he runs on dirt before judging his stamina.
4. Santiva - Trained by Eddie Kennealy
Breezed an easy half-mile in :49 3/5 at Palm Meadows Training Center on the 20th. I still can’t get over the way that he held off both Astrology and Major Gain while racing between them in the stretch of the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. It was brilliant.
5. Brethren - Trained by Todd Pletcher
His workouts have been steadily improving, although his most recent breeze, five furlongs in 1:03 3/5 at Palm Meadows, shows that he is not yet ready for a race. I expect to see him run again in early February.
6. Mucho Macho Man - Trained by Katherine Ritvo
I am a bit confused. This colt has been breezing once every seven or eight days since December. On January 23rd, he breezed five furlongs in :59 flat at Gulfstream Park. Then he breezed a half-mile this morning in :49 flat at. . . Parx Racing? I simply cannot figure out what is going on.
7. Tapizar - Trained by Steve Asmussen
Got right back on the work tab, breezing a half-mile in :50 2/5 at Santa Anita Park just nine days after his brilliant Sham victory. It’s nice to see Steve Amsussen with a Santa Anita Derby contender.
8. Jaycito - Trained by Bob Baffert
Turned in a very sharp five-furlong drill on January 24th at Santa Anita, getting the distance in :59 2/5. It is apparent that he will be ready for the Robert B. Lewis in February.
9. Clubhouse Ride - Trained by Craig Lewis
Worked a brilliant five furlongs this morning, blazing the distance in a sharp :58 4/5.
10. Boys at Tosconova - Trained by Rick Dutrow
I am nearly as confused over this colt as I am over Mucho Macho Man. He has not recorded a workout since January 13th. I can’t see how this is going to get him ready for the Holy Bull in just four days.
Note: After writing this, it was announced that Boys at Tosconova will miss the Holy Bull Stakes. http://www.drf.com/news/boys-tosconova-miss-holy-bull
11. Rogue Romance - Trained by Kenneth McPeek
The Risen Star Stakes (gr. II) at Fair Grounds in February has been mentioned as this colt’s next start. He will likely be favored there, considering that in his last race he finished third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
12. Turbulent Descent - Trained by Mike Puype
The Las Virgenes Stakes is now less than two weeks away. Accordingly, this fine filly breezed seven furlongs in a brilliant 1:23 2/5 at Hollywood Park on January 24th. That workout is part of the reason why she has moved up to the 12th spot on this list.
13. Stay Thirsty - Trained by Todd Pletcher
Everything I said about Uncle Mo goes for Stay Thirsty too. Although he wasn’t nearly as good as his stable mate last year, Stay Thirsty is a colt who should improve with distance.
14. Premier Pegasus - Trained by Myung Cho
Still hasn’t recorded a workout since his Hollywood Prevue score. I’m still wondering whether or not he can carry his speed, but I will admit that his pedigree says that he should be able to.
15. Astrology - Trained by Steven Asmussen
I really like this colt’s pedigree. It is a pedigree which should carry this colt all distances.
16. Soldat - Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin
This colt was off my radar—that is, until January 21st, when he destroyed a fine field of horses in an allowance optional claiming race which included Cool Blue Red Hot and Beamer. His ten-length victory did come over a sloppy track, so we still don't know how well he can run on dirt, but he looks like a legitimate Triple Crown Colt.
17. Gourmet Dinner - Trained by Steven Standridge
Scheduled to run in the Holy Bull Stakes on Sunday. He worked five furlongs in :58 2/5 on January 20th.
18. Dialed In - Trained by Nick Zito
Was entered in an allowance optional claiming race on January 21st, but scratched due to a sloppy track. He will instead run in the Holy Bull Stakes on Sunday.
19. Black N Beauty - Trained by Dale Romans
Scheduled to run in the Holy Bull against Mucho Macho Man, Gourmet Dinner, and Dialed In. He will likely set the pace. Time will tell if he can win against such a quality field, but if he does he will certainly be moving up my list.
20. J P's Gusto - Trained by David Hofmans
There are two major questions remaining with this colt. He has shown that he is classy. He has shown he is game. But he still has to show that he can run successfully going a mile and a quarter on dirt.
OTHER NOTABLE HORSES
Top Notables:
Alternation - The Southwest Stakes could be his next start.
Awesome Patriot - Perhaps the Robert B. Lewis is next.
Beamer - Finished third behind Soldat and Cool Blue Red Hot in an allowance optional claiming race.
Bert B Don - The Fountain of Youth would be a major step up in class, but it seems like a good place for his next start.
Cool Blue Red Hot - Finished a distant second to Soldat in an allowance optional claiming race.
Crossbow - Can he carry he speed?
Decisive Moment - The Risen Star seems like a logical next start.
Elite Alex - He'd be 21st on my list if I included more the 20.
Justin Phillip - Extremely disappointing in the LeComte Stakes.
Kathmanblu - Strong victory in the Sweetest Chant Stakes shows that she is back and ready to advance toward the Kentucky Oaks.
Major Gain - Not sure where this colt will turn up next.
Monzon - The Whirlaway Stakes seems like the most logical goal.
Mountain Town - Just wondering where he will show up next.
Positive Response - El Camino Real Derby is next.
R Heat Lightning - The Forward Gal Stakes should be next.
Sway Away - Where will he start next?
The Factor - How far can he run?
Travelin Man - Impressive maiden winner.
Wine Police - Where will he start next?
Secondary Notables:
Anthony’s Cross - Disappointing in the Sham Stakes.
Bandbox - Still wondering where his next start will be.
Buffum - Has not worked out since the Remsen. Is there something wrong with him?
Commander - Finished third behind Alternation and Elite Alex in an allowance race.
Grant Jack - Very disappointing in the Smarty Jones Stakes.
Manicero - Victory in Pasco Stakes was nice, but he showed serious stamina limitations.
Read the Contract - Disappointing in the Pasco Stakes.
Riveting Reason - Does not seem to be Triple Crown caliber.
Sweet Ducky - The Holy Bull may be his next start.
Uncle Sam - Disappointing in the Sham Stakes.
Zayda - Very disappointing in the California Derby.
-Keelerman
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Sweetest Chant Stakes - *Two* Dead-Heats
It is fairly uncommon to see a tie in a horse race.
Known as "dead-heats", ties simply doesn't happen all that often. Think about it for a minute. Imagine eight horses running in a one-mile race. What are the odds that, after running a mile, two of the horses are going to hit the finish line at the exact same instant?
Yet, despite the incomprehensibility of a dead-heat in a horse race, they happen more often than you would think. I have witnessed many dead-heats since I began following horse racing, some more dramatic than others. Obviously, when two horses dead-heat for the win it is most exciting. I remember watching a dead-heat for the win in a race at Lone Star Park many months ago. I can't remember the details, but if memory serves me, I believe it was in May and on a day with several stakes races carded. Perhaps a filly named Mother Ruth won a race that day, but I don't remember for sure.
Getting back to the purpose of this post, it so happens that I saw something even more unusual than a dead-heat occur during the running of a horse race the other day. It was more unfathomable than just about anything one can imagine. It was so unusual I couldn't believe my eyes.
In the Sweetest Chant Stakes on January 22nd, there were two dead-heats.
Two dead-heats.
Two.
Yes.
Two.
There are not enough superlatives to describe an event like this ---- unbelievable, incomprehensible, implausible, inconcievable ---- the list goes on and on.
The race was one-mile in distance. Kathmanblue, the heavy favorite, finished first by slightly more than a length. Excited finished second, 10 3/4 lengths clear of Nina Fever and Holidaysatthefarm ---- who finished in a dead-heat for third. A length behind them was Bellaridge, who finished a half-length clear of War Prospector and Michelle's Trip ---- who finished in a dead-heat for sixth. Tiger Girl finished eighth and last.
A one-mile race, with eight runners. Four horses were involved in two-dead heats. I don't know when the last time this happened was, but you can bet that it is extremely rare.
Have you ever seen anything like it?
-Keelerman
Known as "dead-heats", ties simply doesn't happen all that often. Think about it for a minute. Imagine eight horses running in a one-mile race. What are the odds that, after running a mile, two of the horses are going to hit the finish line at the exact same instant?
Yet, despite the incomprehensibility of a dead-heat in a horse race, they happen more often than you would think. I have witnessed many dead-heats since I began following horse racing, some more dramatic than others. Obviously, when two horses dead-heat for the win it is most exciting. I remember watching a dead-heat for the win in a race at Lone Star Park many months ago. I can't remember the details, but if memory serves me, I believe it was in May and on a day with several stakes races carded. Perhaps a filly named Mother Ruth won a race that day, but I don't remember for sure.
Getting back to the purpose of this post, it so happens that I saw something even more unusual than a dead-heat occur during the running of a horse race the other day. It was more unfathomable than just about anything one can imagine. It was so unusual I couldn't believe my eyes.
In the Sweetest Chant Stakes on January 22nd, there were two dead-heats.
Two dead-heats.
Two.
Yes.
Two.
There are not enough superlatives to describe an event like this ---- unbelievable, incomprehensible, implausible, inconcievable ---- the list goes on and on.
The race was one-mile in distance. Kathmanblue, the heavy favorite, finished first by slightly more than a length. Excited finished second, 10 3/4 lengths clear of Nina Fever and Holidaysatthefarm ---- who finished in a dead-heat for third. A length behind them was Bellaridge, who finished a half-length clear of War Prospector and Michelle's Trip ---- who finished in a dead-heat for sixth. Tiger Girl finished eighth and last.
A one-mile race, with eight runners. Four horses were involved in two-dead heats. I don't know when the last time this happened was, but you can bet that it is extremely rare.
Have you ever seen anything like it?
-Keelerman
Saturday, January 22, 2011
THE RETURN OF RON THE GREEK
The eighth race at Gulfstream Park today yielded notable results. A one-mile allowance optional claiming race, the 8-5 favorite was Our Dark Knight, a Nick Zito-trained colt ridden by Jose Lezcano. The horse I was watching was Ron the Greek, a stretch-running colt who won the 2010 LeComte before finishing off the board in the Risen Star Stakes and Louisiana Derby last year. I have always been fond of him and was curious as to how well he would run today.
He ran very well.
As usual, Ron the Greek dropped back to last at the start under J. Castellano. As many as fifteen lengths behind at one point, he was showing no early speed at all. This was not a good thing, for the early pace was not very fast and Gulfstream Park's main track is not kind to closers. The task Ron the Greek faced seemed next to impossible to accomplish, especially when one considers that Our Dark Knight was sitting in third, just off of the lead.
On the far turn, Our Dark Knight made his bid for the lead, moving up to tackle leaders Sumo and Hear Ye Hear Ye. He struck the front as the field turned for home and opened up a decisive lead.
But Ron the Greek was beginning to unravel. His strides increasing in length, he blew past several horses while entering the stretch six wide. But it was much too late. Our Dark Knight had opened up a three-length lead and was still going strong.
Ron the Greek closed well, but it was obvious that he would not get up in time. Still, he never stopped trying, cutting Our Dark Knight's winning margin to about two lengths at the wire. It was a strong effort considering it was his first start since March 2010.
Was Ron the Greek's performance the beginning of a championship campaign? It's impossible to say this early. But his effort today certainly inspires confidence!
-Keelerman
He ran very well.
As usual, Ron the Greek dropped back to last at the start under J. Castellano. As many as fifteen lengths behind at one point, he was showing no early speed at all. This was not a good thing, for the early pace was not very fast and Gulfstream Park's main track is not kind to closers. The task Ron the Greek faced seemed next to impossible to accomplish, especially when one considers that Our Dark Knight was sitting in third, just off of the lead.
On the far turn, Our Dark Knight made his bid for the lead, moving up to tackle leaders Sumo and Hear Ye Hear Ye. He struck the front as the field turned for home and opened up a decisive lead.
But Ron the Greek was beginning to unravel. His strides increasing in length, he blew past several horses while entering the stretch six wide. But it was much too late. Our Dark Knight had opened up a three-length lead and was still going strong.
Ron the Greek closed well, but it was obvious that he would not get up in time. Still, he never stopped trying, cutting Our Dark Knight's winning margin to about two lengths at the wire. It was a strong effort considering it was his first start since March 2010.
Was Ron the Greek's performance the beginning of a championship campaign? It's impossible to say this early. But his effort today certainly inspires confidence!
-Keelerman
TRIPLE CROWN COUNTDOWN ---- January 21st, 2011
This is one of those weekends where you just know that one or more of the races will have a major impact on the Triple Crown Trail. One of the reasons that this weekend could be influential is because on Saturday at Fair Grounds, the grade III LeComte Stakes is being run. The first in a series of three major prep races for the Kentucky Derby being held at this track, it is highly possible that one or more of these horses will end up in the Risen Star Stakes (gr. II) in February and the Louisiana Derby (gr. II) in March. And everyone knows that the winner of the Louisiana Derby is, barring injury, guaranteed a start in the Kentucky Derby.
Although the field for this year's edition of the LeComte has turned up a bit light, it should still have some considerable influence on the remainder of the Louisiana prep race series. That is why the LeComte is this week's feature race.
FEATURE RACE ---- The LeComte Stakes (gr. III)
Fair Grounds, 1 mile and 40 yards. For three-year-olds.
Run at the unusual distance of one mile and forty yards, the 2011 LeComte Stakes has only drawn five horses. Only one of them has ever started in a stakes race. But they are a promising group of sophomores and I highly anticipate the results.
Here are the entries. . .
Post Position/Horse/Morning Line Odds
1 Wilkinson - 7-2
2 Action Ready - 9-2
3 Mobeetie - 20-1
4 Justin Philip - 7-5
5 Pants On Fire - 9-5
The morning line favorite is Justin Philip, a son of First Samurai out of the Cryptoclearance mare Ava Knowsthecode. Purchased for $400,000 as a yearling, he finished second in his first start, a maiden race at Saratoga. He then won a similar event one month later at Belmont Park, coasting home three lengths in front under minimal urging. An allowance race at Churchill Downs was next. Sent off as the favorite in the 6-1/2 furlong event, he closed well but finished third, beaten just three quarters of a length. He was then entered in a one-mile allowance race, also at Churchill Downs, where he ran third behind Brethren and El Grayling. The performance was strong, making him the odds-on favorite in his most recent start, an allowance optional claiming race on January 1st at Fair Grounds. Sent straight to the lead, he rattled off fairly slow fractions en route to a 3 1/4 length victory. He should have every opportunity to win tomorrow, where he will be wearing blinkers for the first time. He will carry 118 pounds and will be ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan. He is trained by Steve Asmussen.
Pants On Fire is the second choice at 9-5. A son of Jump Start out of the Cape Town mare Cabo De Noche, he is the only colt to have previously run in a stakes race; finishing third in the Count Fleet Stakes behind Monzon and J J's Lucky Train. Trained by Kelly Breen, he broke his maiden third time out after running second and fourth in his first two attempts. In his third start, a one-mile race over a sloppy track at Delaware Park, he broke well and raced away to win by seven lengths in a wire-to-wire performance. He then was entered in a one mile and seventy yards allowance optional claiming race at Aqueduct. Despite stumbling at the start, he was able to get to the lead and nearly won the race, being passed late in the race to lose by a neck. Then came the Count Fleet Stakes, where he set testing fractions before weakening to finish 4 1/4 lengths behind the winner. I like his chances here tomorrow, although I do wonder how he will fare down the long Fair Grounds homestretch. He will carry 116 pounds and will be ridden by Joe Bravo.
Wilkinson is an interesting colt. A son of Lemon Drop Kid out of the Afternoon Deelites mare Tasha's Delight, his first race was extremely impressive. In a seven-furlong maiden race at Keeneland, he managed to rally from six lengths back at the eighth pole to finish second, missing only be a head. As if that wasn't enough, he didn't even get a clean trip!
His second race should have yielded a win, but it did not. In a mile and a sixteenth maiden race at Churchill Downs, he sat close to the pace before finishing second, beaten nearly three lengths. Perhaps he lost because it was his first start on dirt. Perhaps he lost because he was too close to the pace. Perhaps he just wasn't the best horse. But he finally broke through with a victory in his third start.
Sent off as the favorite in a one mile and forty yards maiden race at Fair Grounds, he patiently waited off the pace before closing well to win by a length. The performance was nothing extraordinary, but a fine effort nonetheless.
In his most recent start, Wilkinson ran third behind Justin Philip in an allowance optional claiming race at Fair Grounds, missing second by only a nose. Overall, this colt has done nothing wrong, but simply doesn't appear to be good enough. Trained by Neil Howard, he will be ridden by Garrett Gomez and will carry 116 pounds.
This brings us to Action Ready, a son of More Than Ready out of the Wild Again mare You Again. Trained by William Calhoun, he finished fifth in his first start, a six-furlong maiden race at Remington Park. Stretched out to a mile and seventy yards at that same track, he proved victorious in a dramatic stretch duel, winning by a neck. He then ran second in a one mile and seventy yards allowance optional claiming race behind Dreaminofthewin, who just the other day ran second in the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park, which bodes well for Action Ready's chances tomorrow.
Tried for the first time on turf in his most recent race, Action Ready went straight to the lead and held off all challenges, winning by a hard-fought half-length going a mile over a yielding course. Although he certainly seems like a capable colt, I don't believe that he is quite good enough to win here. He will be ridden by Anna Narpravnik and will carry 118 pounds.
Finally, we come to the longshot, Mobeetie. A son of Sky Mesa out of the Danzig mare Ashley's Crown, he has only raced once, winning a maiden claiming race at Fair Grounds on January 1st. It was an excellent performance. Going six furlongs, he rated just off the pace despite being bumped at the start and drew off to a 2 1/4 length victory. Although this will be his first race at a route distance, he is eligible to improve second time out and could run much better than expected. He was purchased for only $4,000 as a yearling. Trained by Eric Heitzman, he will be ridden by J. Campbell and will carry 116 pounds.
Here are my selections. . .
1 Justin Philip
2 Pants On Fire
3 Wilkinson
4 Mobeetie
5 Action Ready
It's a fascinating race to handicap. I found it very hard to decide between between Pants On Fire and Justin Philip. The latter has an obvious "home court advantage", as he has raced over the Fair Grounds main track and has been training there since early December. On the other hand, Pants On Fire has shown himself to be a very fine colt with some good natural speed. In the end, I decided to go with Justin Philip, due to his experience over the track and the addition of blinkers.
OTHER RACES OF NOTE
There isn't a whole lot of top three-year-old action going on this weekend, but there are several quality horses running in a variety of stakes races across the country.
One race which may yield a major impact is the Sweetest Chant Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. The ninth race on the card, the one-mile turf event for three-year-old fillies has drawn Kathmanblu, impressive winner of the Golden Rod Stakes in November at Churchill Downs. That race was on dirt, but Kathmanblu has also shown great talent on turf, winning the JPMorgan Chase Jessamine Stakes and finishing third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (gr. II). Nina Fever may prove to be her toughest competition. Although she is coming off of a poor performance in the grade I Hollywood Starlet Stakes, she has shown good speed in the past on a variety of surfaces and should be right in the mix here tomorrow. She is also coming off of a pair of good workouts.
Then there is the Silverbulletday Stakes at Fair Grounds. The fillies’ equivalent of the LeComte, it has drawn a field of eight evenly-match fillies, led by Aide. She hasn't raced since finishing fourth in the Golden Rod Stakes behind Kathmanblu. It wasn't a fabulous performance, but prior to that race she had won a mile and a sixteenth allowance race at Churchill Downs by nearly 19 3/4 lengths. If she runs that well tomorrow, she should win the Silverbulletday.
Of course, if Aide doesn't run back to that effort, then Bouquet Booth will be right there in the stretch to take over. She has raced four times, winning her last two and never finishing worse than third. In her most recent race, she won the $500,000 Delta Downs Princess Stakes (gr. III) with a strong late run. I feel that she is just as good as Aide and is more than capable of winning this race.
This brings us to the Groovy Stakes at Sam Houston, a seven-furlong event for three-year-old Texas-breds. The morning line favorite in the field of twelve is Aces N Kings, a fine gelding who won his first five races, including a trio of stakes races. However, he has not had good luck lately, finishing second in the Sunday Silence Stakes; failing to finish the Delte Downs Jackpot Stakes, and coming home third in the Springboard Mile. On the other hand, he is taking a step down in class and should have every opportunity to win the race.
On a side note, Ron the Greek, winner of the 2010 LeComte Stakes, is in the eighth race at Gulfstream Park. He is the morning line second choice in a one-mile allowance optional claiming race. It will be his first start since the Louisiana Derby last year. Be sure to watch!
Enjoy the races!
-Keelerman
Although the field for this year's edition of the LeComte has turned up a bit light, it should still have some considerable influence on the remainder of the Louisiana prep race series. That is why the LeComte is this week's feature race.
FEATURE RACE ---- The LeComte Stakes (gr. III)
Fair Grounds, 1 mile and 40 yards. For three-year-olds.
Run at the unusual distance of one mile and forty yards, the 2011 LeComte Stakes has only drawn five horses. Only one of them has ever started in a stakes race. But they are a promising group of sophomores and I highly anticipate the results.
Here are the entries. . .
Post Position/Horse/Morning Line Odds
1 Wilkinson - 7-2
2 Action Ready - 9-2
3 Mobeetie - 20-1
4 Justin Philip - 7-5
5 Pants On Fire - 9-5
The morning line favorite is Justin Philip, a son of First Samurai out of the Cryptoclearance mare Ava Knowsthecode. Purchased for $400,000 as a yearling, he finished second in his first start, a maiden race at Saratoga. He then won a similar event one month later at Belmont Park, coasting home three lengths in front under minimal urging. An allowance race at Churchill Downs was next. Sent off as the favorite in the 6-1/2 furlong event, he closed well but finished third, beaten just three quarters of a length. He was then entered in a one-mile allowance race, also at Churchill Downs, where he ran third behind Brethren and El Grayling. The performance was strong, making him the odds-on favorite in his most recent start, an allowance optional claiming race on January 1st at Fair Grounds. Sent straight to the lead, he rattled off fairly slow fractions en route to a 3 1/4 length victory. He should have every opportunity to win tomorrow, where he will be wearing blinkers for the first time. He will carry 118 pounds and will be ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan. He is trained by Steve Asmussen.
Pants On Fire is the second choice at 9-5. A son of Jump Start out of the Cape Town mare Cabo De Noche, he is the only colt to have previously run in a stakes race; finishing third in the Count Fleet Stakes behind Monzon and J J's Lucky Train. Trained by Kelly Breen, he broke his maiden third time out after running second and fourth in his first two attempts. In his third start, a one-mile race over a sloppy track at Delaware Park, he broke well and raced away to win by seven lengths in a wire-to-wire performance. He then was entered in a one mile and seventy yards allowance optional claiming race at Aqueduct. Despite stumbling at the start, he was able to get to the lead and nearly won the race, being passed late in the race to lose by a neck. Then came the Count Fleet Stakes, where he set testing fractions before weakening to finish 4 1/4 lengths behind the winner. I like his chances here tomorrow, although I do wonder how he will fare down the long Fair Grounds homestretch. He will carry 116 pounds and will be ridden by Joe Bravo.
Wilkinson is an interesting colt. A son of Lemon Drop Kid out of the Afternoon Deelites mare Tasha's Delight, his first race was extremely impressive. In a seven-furlong maiden race at Keeneland, he managed to rally from six lengths back at the eighth pole to finish second, missing only be a head. As if that wasn't enough, he didn't even get a clean trip!
His second race should have yielded a win, but it did not. In a mile and a sixteenth maiden race at Churchill Downs, he sat close to the pace before finishing second, beaten nearly three lengths. Perhaps he lost because it was his first start on dirt. Perhaps he lost because he was too close to the pace. Perhaps he just wasn't the best horse. But he finally broke through with a victory in his third start.
Sent off as the favorite in a one mile and forty yards maiden race at Fair Grounds, he patiently waited off the pace before closing well to win by a length. The performance was nothing extraordinary, but a fine effort nonetheless.
In his most recent start, Wilkinson ran third behind Justin Philip in an allowance optional claiming race at Fair Grounds, missing second by only a nose. Overall, this colt has done nothing wrong, but simply doesn't appear to be good enough. Trained by Neil Howard, he will be ridden by Garrett Gomez and will carry 116 pounds.
This brings us to Action Ready, a son of More Than Ready out of the Wild Again mare You Again. Trained by William Calhoun, he finished fifth in his first start, a six-furlong maiden race at Remington Park. Stretched out to a mile and seventy yards at that same track, he proved victorious in a dramatic stretch duel, winning by a neck. He then ran second in a one mile and seventy yards allowance optional claiming race behind Dreaminofthewin, who just the other day ran second in the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park, which bodes well for Action Ready's chances tomorrow.
Tried for the first time on turf in his most recent race, Action Ready went straight to the lead and held off all challenges, winning by a hard-fought half-length going a mile over a yielding course. Although he certainly seems like a capable colt, I don't believe that he is quite good enough to win here. He will be ridden by Anna Narpravnik and will carry 118 pounds.
Finally, we come to the longshot, Mobeetie. A son of Sky Mesa out of the Danzig mare Ashley's Crown, he has only raced once, winning a maiden claiming race at Fair Grounds on January 1st. It was an excellent performance. Going six furlongs, he rated just off the pace despite being bumped at the start and drew off to a 2 1/4 length victory. Although this will be his first race at a route distance, he is eligible to improve second time out and could run much better than expected. He was purchased for only $4,000 as a yearling. Trained by Eric Heitzman, he will be ridden by J. Campbell and will carry 116 pounds.
Here are my selections. . .
1 Justin Philip
2 Pants On Fire
3 Wilkinson
4 Mobeetie
5 Action Ready
It's a fascinating race to handicap. I found it very hard to decide between between Pants On Fire and Justin Philip. The latter has an obvious "home court advantage", as he has raced over the Fair Grounds main track and has been training there since early December. On the other hand, Pants On Fire has shown himself to be a very fine colt with some good natural speed. In the end, I decided to go with Justin Philip, due to his experience over the track and the addition of blinkers.
OTHER RACES OF NOTE
There isn't a whole lot of top three-year-old action going on this weekend, but there are several quality horses running in a variety of stakes races across the country.
One race which may yield a major impact is the Sweetest Chant Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. The ninth race on the card, the one-mile turf event for three-year-old fillies has drawn Kathmanblu, impressive winner of the Golden Rod Stakes in November at Churchill Downs. That race was on dirt, but Kathmanblu has also shown great talent on turf, winning the JPMorgan Chase Jessamine Stakes and finishing third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (gr. II). Nina Fever may prove to be her toughest competition. Although she is coming off of a poor performance in the grade I Hollywood Starlet Stakes, she has shown good speed in the past on a variety of surfaces and should be right in the mix here tomorrow. She is also coming off of a pair of good workouts.
Then there is the Silverbulletday Stakes at Fair Grounds. The fillies’ equivalent of the LeComte, it has drawn a field of eight evenly-match fillies, led by Aide. She hasn't raced since finishing fourth in the Golden Rod Stakes behind Kathmanblu. It wasn't a fabulous performance, but prior to that race she had won a mile and a sixteenth allowance race at Churchill Downs by nearly 19 3/4 lengths. If she runs that well tomorrow, she should win the Silverbulletday.
Of course, if Aide doesn't run back to that effort, then Bouquet Booth will be right there in the stretch to take over. She has raced four times, winning her last two and never finishing worse than third. In her most recent race, she won the $500,000 Delta Downs Princess Stakes (gr. III) with a strong late run. I feel that she is just as good as Aide and is more than capable of winning this race.
This brings us to the Groovy Stakes at Sam Houston, a seven-furlong event for three-year-old Texas-breds. The morning line favorite in the field of twelve is Aces N Kings, a fine gelding who won his first five races, including a trio of stakes races. However, he has not had good luck lately, finishing second in the Sunday Silence Stakes; failing to finish the Delte Downs Jackpot Stakes, and coming home third in the Springboard Mile. On the other hand, he is taking a step down in class and should have every opportunity to win the race.
On a side note, Ron the Greek, winner of the 2010 LeComte Stakes, is in the eighth race at Gulfstream Park. He is the morning line second choice in a one-mile allowance optional claiming race. It will be his first start since the Louisiana Derby last year. Be sure to watch!
Enjoy the races!
-Keelerman
Friday, January 21, 2011
BACK ON TRACK: WILLIAM’S KITTEN
Does anyone remember William’s Kitten?
Don’t feel bad if you don’t recognize his name---after all, he hasn’t raced since January 2010, when he ran third behind Winslow Homer and Jackson Bend in the Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III).
I have always been fond of the fine colt, partly because he ran in the first race that I covered on this blog, and partly because during his short career he proved to be a colt who always tried. He is a stakes winner, having won the off-the-turf Sunday Silence Stakes at Louisiana Downs. But perhaps his best performance came during a losing effort. In November of 2009, he ran second to future Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes.
It was at this time that I realized William’s Kitten could be something special, and so I decided to keep close tabs on his career. Unfortunately, he has only made one start since the Kentucky Jockey Club, that coming in the aforementioned Holy Bull Stakes. However, those two performances were enough to give me the impression that William’s Kitten was a colt who would excel at longer distances--a Belmont Stakes type colt; a horse capable of thwarting the Triple Crown. A Birdstone/Empire Maker/Victory Gallop type colt. Therefore, I placed him seventh on my “Keelerman’s Top Twenty” for several weeks in February.
Things seemed to be going fine when he worked four furlongs on February 6th at Gulfstream Park, breezing the distance in :48.15.
Unfortunately, it would be his last workout for many months. I realized that a setback of unknown type had occurred, and I reluctantly removed him from my Top Twenty. Still, I kept him in the back of my mind, hoping that he would be able to return to the races someday in the future.
Finally, on October 4th, the news came. William’s Kitten had at last returned to the work tab. That day, he breezed three furlongs in :35 3/5 over the Churchill Training track. He was on his way back at last!
The workouts continued steadily, typically coming once a week. Slowly, furlong by furlong, they in increased in distance. In December, he moved from the Churchill Training track to Gulfstream Park, where the workouts resumed. On January 20th, he breezed a half-mile in :48.50.
Now, at long last, months of breezing, months of hard work, and months of waiting are about to pay off. William’s Kitten is entered to run in the ninth race on January 23rd at Gulfstream Park, a one-mile allowance optional claiming race. It won’t be the easiest race to win, for the race has drawn a solid field. In gate two is Homeboykris, winner of the 2009 Champagne Stakes (gr. I). In gate seven is Mission Impazible, winner of the 2010 Louisiana Derby. To win, William’s Kitten will not only have to beat these horses, but his own style of running. In my opinion, he is a true two-turn colt who is unable to run his best race around just one. Also, he is a closer--and closing isn’t the easiest thing to do over Gulfstream Park’s speed-favoring track.
But the point is that William’s Kitten is back. He will have plenty of chances throughout 2011 to try his hand at races which suit him better. Perhaps he will even put together a championship campaign!
Welcome back, William’s Kitten!
-Keelerman
Don’t feel bad if you don’t recognize his name---after all, he hasn’t raced since January 2010, when he ran third behind Winslow Homer and Jackson Bend in the Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III).
I have always been fond of the fine colt, partly because he ran in the first race that I covered on this blog, and partly because during his short career he proved to be a colt who always tried. He is a stakes winner, having won the off-the-turf Sunday Silence Stakes at Louisiana Downs. But perhaps his best performance came during a losing effort. In November of 2009, he ran second to future Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes.
It was at this time that I realized William’s Kitten could be something special, and so I decided to keep close tabs on his career. Unfortunately, he has only made one start since the Kentucky Jockey Club, that coming in the aforementioned Holy Bull Stakes. However, those two performances were enough to give me the impression that William’s Kitten was a colt who would excel at longer distances--a Belmont Stakes type colt; a horse capable of thwarting the Triple Crown. A Birdstone/Empire Maker/Victory Gallop type colt. Therefore, I placed him seventh on my “Keelerman’s Top Twenty” for several weeks in February.
Things seemed to be going fine when he worked four furlongs on February 6th at Gulfstream Park, breezing the distance in :48.15.
Unfortunately, it would be his last workout for many months. I realized that a setback of unknown type had occurred, and I reluctantly removed him from my Top Twenty. Still, I kept him in the back of my mind, hoping that he would be able to return to the races someday in the future.
Finally, on October 4th, the news came. William’s Kitten had at last returned to the work tab. That day, he breezed three furlongs in :35 3/5 over the Churchill Training track. He was on his way back at last!
The workouts continued steadily, typically coming once a week. Slowly, furlong by furlong, they in increased in distance. In December, he moved from the Churchill Training track to Gulfstream Park, where the workouts resumed. On January 20th, he breezed a half-mile in :48.50.
Now, at long last, months of breezing, months of hard work, and months of waiting are about to pay off. William’s Kitten is entered to run in the ninth race on January 23rd at Gulfstream Park, a one-mile allowance optional claiming race. It won’t be the easiest race to win, for the race has drawn a solid field. In gate two is Homeboykris, winner of the 2009 Champagne Stakes (gr. I). In gate seven is Mission Impazible, winner of the 2010 Louisiana Derby. To win, William’s Kitten will not only have to beat these horses, but his own style of running. In my opinion, he is a true two-turn colt who is unable to run his best race around just one. Also, he is a closer--and closing isn’t the easiest thing to do over Gulfstream Park’s speed-favoring track.
But the point is that William’s Kitten is back. He will have plenty of chances throughout 2011 to try his hand at races which suit him better. Perhaps he will even put together a championship campaign!
Welcome back, William’s Kitten!
-Keelerman
Thursday, January 20, 2011
TRIPLE CROWN COUNTDOWN ---- January 20th, 2011
As promising as last weekend's races looked on paper, they became even more promising after they were run. Many horses turned in terrific performances which definitely helped make the Triple Crown Trail just a little bit clearer.
Last week's feature race, the Sham Stakes (gr. III) at Santa Anita, was one of the races in which a truly remarkable effort was turned in. I shall recap that race first.
FEATURE RACE RECAP ---- The Sham Stakes (gr. III)
The favorite in this mile and a sixteenth event was Tapizar, who had broken his maiden by over ten lengths in November. He was making his first start since then and was sent off at 1.10-1.
Uncle Sam was the second choice, based off of sharp maiden victory on December 27th at Santa Anita. Clubhouse Ride and Anthony's Cross were also well bet, with Pride of Silver the longshot at 15.30-1.
As expected, Tapizar and Uncle Sam broke well and both raced to the front, opening up a 3 1/2 length lead on the remainder of the field through a quick opening quarter mile in :22 3/5 over the speed-favoring Santa Anita main track. Anthony's Cross was racing in third, followed by Clubhouse Ride and Pride of Silver.
They continued in that order through a half mile in :45 1/5. However, Uncle Sam was no longer near the front, having backed off and allowed Tapizar to claim an unchallenged two-length lead. On the other hand, Uncle Sam was still 3 1/2 lengths ahead of Anthony's Cross, who had moved to two lengths clear of Clubhouse Ride.
It quickly became obvious that Tapizar was not going to stop any time soon. He ran three quarters of a mile in 1:08 4/5 while still maintaining a two-length advantage. However, Clubhouse Ride was rallying strongly along the rail and had taken over second place. It looked like a duel for the lead was in the mix as Clubhouse Ride swung to the outside and set his sights on the runaway leader.
But Tapizar still had more run. He quickly dismissed the challenge from Clubhouse Ride and drew away once more, passing the eighth pole in 1:33 3/5 while two lengths in front, before hitting the finish line 4 1/4 lengths in front of his game rival in 1:40 1/5. Clubhouse Ride was much the best of the rest, finishing five lengths in front of Anthony's Cross, who finished third by a half-length over Uncle Sam. Pride of Silver trailed the field, beaten slightly more than twelve lengths by the winner.
Although the impressive final time and fractions must be taken with a grain of salt due to the extremely fast nature of the Santa Anita main track, it must also be noted that Tapizar ran a faster mile and a sixteenth than the older Indian Firewater did in the San Fernando Stakes (gr. II) later that afternoon. It was also faster than Always a Princess ran when defeating Blind Luck in the El Encino Stakes the following day.
So here are the results. . .
1 Tapizar
2 Clubhouse Ride
3 Anthony's Cross
4 Uncle Sam
5 Pride of Silver
. . . and here were my picks.
1 Tapizar
2 Uncle Sam
3 Anthony's Cross
4 Clubhouse Ride
5 Pride of Silver
As you may have noticed, Tapizar has moved up to seventh on my latest Keelerman's Top Twenty. I am really excited about this colt's future and believe he is a very high-class horse. At this point, he should be the favorite for the Santa Anita Derby in April.
OTHER RACE RESULTS
One race which I shall not be discussing during this post is the allowance optional claiming race in which Alternation defeated Elite Alex. I shall not discuss it because I have already thoroughly recapped it during a previous post. However, I shall list the complete order of finish here. . .
1 Alternation
2 Elite Alex
3 Commander
4 Casperzapper
5 Destinare
6 Great Exhuma
7 Night Hunt
Now I shall recap the remainder of last week's races, in no particular order.
The Jean Lafitte Stakes at Delta Downs turned in the expected exacta. The two favorites were Decisive Moment and Su Casa G Casa. The former had finished second in the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes, while the latter had previously won the Kip Deville Stakes at Remington Park. Both had shown an interest in the lead in the past and they would be the pacesetters once again.
Decisive Moment broke quickest and was rushed to an early one-length lead of Su Casa G Casa. The opening quarter mile was run in a sharp :22 2/5. Trubs and Expecting Cash, the third and fourth choices respectively, were racing in third and fourth. The longshots---One Star Freedom, and Artic Sea, and Would You---were racing in that order at the back of the pack.
Despite the quick opening quarter mile, the half-mile was run in only :47 2/5. The jockeys aboard Decisive Moment and Su Casa G Casa were doing an excellent job of slowing the pace down.
The Su Casa G Casa made his run for the lead. During the next quarter of a mile he drew to within a head of Decisive Moment. They ran three quarters of 1:12 3/5, entering the stretch together while closely followed by Expecting Cash and Trubs. The four of them were separated by only a length and were six lengths clear of the longshots. The battle to the wire had begun.
However, it didn’t turn out to be much of a battle. Decisive Moment pulled away from Su Casa G Casa inside the eighth pole and drew off to a 3 1/2 length victory. Su Casa G Casa finished second, outgaming Expecting Cash by a neck with Trubs close behind. Would You rallied from far back to finish fifth, beaten only 1 1/2 lengths for second. The final time was 1:38 4/5.
Here is the complete order of finish. . .
1 Decisive Moment
2 Su Casa G Casa
3 Expecting Cash
4 Trubs
5 Would You
6 One Star Freedom
7 Artic Sea
It will be interesting to see where Decisive Moment turns up next. I would not be surprised if the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds in February is to be his next race. But no matter where he runs, it is obvious that he is a very classy colt who will likely make an impact on the Triple Crown Trail.
The California Derby also went to the favorite, albeit in a more dramatic fashion. The favorite was Positive Response, winner of the Gold Rush Stakes in a wire-to-wire performance. He was fully expected to win again despite drawing gate eleven of twelve.
As the gates opened, Positive Response broke one top. However, he did not go to the lead. Instead, he sat back in fifth, rating three lengths off the pace set by Northern Indy, Jakesam, and Dancing at Dark. The trio ran the opening quarter mile in a quick :22 4/5.
Positive Response then began to inch closer. By the time Jakesam led the field through a half-mile in :46 4/5, he was only a length and a half from the front. Despite being wide and changing his running style, Positive Response was going to give it everything he had.
Passing the three-eighths pole he made a sharp bid for the lead. He powered past the leaders and began to open up on them. Jakesam, despite setting a rapid pace, was staying on well, but was no match for the brilliant favorite. With every stride, Positive Response drew away and hit the wire nearly three lengths in front of Jakesam. Bluegrass Reward, at 30.70-1, rallied from seventh to finish third. Grand Maneuver finished fourth at 21.60-1, completing a superfecta which paid $814.50 for every dollar bet. The final time was 1:44 2/5.
The complete order of finish was as follows. . .
1 Positive Response
2 Jakesam
3 Bluegrass Reward
4 Grand Maneuver
5 Mr. Candy Bar
6 Mazarron
7 Northern Indy
8 Zayda
9 Cut Fastball
10 The Great Caper
11 Rule He Must
12 Dancing at Dark
The El Camino Real Derby (gr. III) is next for the winner. In that race, he will likely have to run against the promising Comma to the Top, wire-to-wire winner of the CashCall Futurity. It will be interesting to see who wins.
The Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park, a local prep race for next month's Southwest Stakes, turned in interesting results. Run in terribly foggy weather, the horses were invisible from the stands as they raced on the backstretch and the race caller was faced with the difficult task of calling a race he couldn't see. However, he did an excellent job.
A side effect of the terrible fog is that no one knows for sure where all of the horses were at certain points in the race. However, what was visible was very impressive.
The even-money favorite was Archarcharch, winner of the Sugar Bowl Stakes. Grant Jack, upset winner of the Springboard Mile, was the second choice. Caleb's Posse was the third choice. Although he had run poorly without any excuse in the Springboard Mile, he had previously won the Clever Trevor Stakes in impressive fashion.
Fastest out of the gate was the longshot, Bluegrass Bull. However, it was the front-running Grant Jack who went straight to the lead. Archarcharch, Bonaroo, and Bluegrass Bull quickly took up pursuit, and after running the opening quarter mile in :23 3/5 they were only heads apart, a length and a half clear of Caleb's Posse. Make It Roses was sixth, with Dreaminofthewin running last.
Fog quickly enveloped them. It is impossible to say what happened down the backstretch, but they ran a half-mile in :47 4/5. When the horses reappeared they were approaching the three quarter pole. Grant Jack led the way through three quarters in 1:15 1/5 but Archarcharch was still right at his throat. Bluegrass Bull was racing along in third, followed by Caleb's Posse. Bonaroo had dropped back to fifth, while Make It Roses and Dreaminofthewin were still last.
Turning for home, Grant Jack started to tire. Archarcharch, despite being the heavy favorite, also began to back up. This allowed Bluegrass Bull and Caleb's Posse to advance. Dreaminofthewin was also rallying strongly from the back of the pack, flying through the fog in a desperate attempt to catch the leaders.
However, Caleb's Posse had opened up too much of a lead. Dreaminofthewin closed fast, but Caleb's Posse hit the wire 2 3/4 lengths in front, stopping the clock in 1:43 flat. Bluegrass Bull finished five lengths behind Dreaminofthewin in third. Archarcharch was another five lengths back, coming home a very disappointing fourth.
The complete order of finish was. . .
1 Caleb's Posse
2 Dreaminofthewin
3 Bluegrass Bull
4 Archarcharch
5 Bonaroo
6 Make It Roses
7 Grant Jack
Caleb's Posse redeemed himself with a strong performance, marking himself as a Southwest Stakes contender. Dreaminofthewin could also be a potential Southwest runner. Archarcharch was seriously disappointing. I'm not sure what to think of him anymore.
The next race to recap is the Jimmy Winkfield Stakes, run at Aqueduct on January 17th. The favorite was Fort Hughes, who was coming off of a second to Royal Currier in the Southhampton Stakes. Rift, a recent winner of a maiden special weight, was the second choice. Royal Currier was the third choice despite beaten Fort Hughes in the Southhampton.
Quickest out of the gate was longshot Bravo Romeo. However, he quickly dropped back to last as Fort Hughes raced up to take the early lead. He was followed closely by Royal Currier, with Rift sitting just behind them in third. Bambi Bound was fourth, followed by Running Tap and Bravo Romeo.
The pace was intense, with Fort Hughes easily rattling off an opening quarter in :22 1/5 and a half in :44 3/5. With a quarter mile to go, he was showing no signs of stopping. Royal Currier was trying to stay with him, but was unable. Rift was also making no headway.
Down the stretch Fort Hughes ran, pulling away from Royal Currier with every stride. He ran five furlongs in :56 1/5 and continued to rocket home, hitting the wire nearly five lengths in front of Royal Currier while stopping the clock in 1:08.33. It was just .40 seconds off of the track record set by Captain Red in 2003. It was an impressive performance, although it is apparent that Fort Hughes is a sprinter and probably won't run in any Triple Crown races.
Here is the order of finish. . .
1 Fort Hughes
2 Royal Currier
3 Rift
4 Bravo Romeo
5 Running Tap
6 Bambi Bound
In the San Pedro Stakes at Santa Anita, a major upset occurred. The favorite was Arcadian, with City Cool and Sinai also well bet. The longest shot in the field was Indian Winter at 10-1, a colt who had not raced since September.
City Cool broke on top, with Acradian also coming out of the gate quickly. Those two raced away to set the pace, with Sinai racing just off of them in third. Mr Artistic M D was fourth, followed by Indian Winter, Industry Leader, and Classic Legacy.
The first quarter mile was running in a blazing :21 1/5, which is about as fast as sprinters can run. It was obvious right then that the winner would be coming from off the pace.
City Cool and Arcadian continued their duel, with the former opening up a 1 1/2 length lead as they approached the five-sixteenths pole. The timer showed that City Cool had blazed a half-mile in :43 3/5. The pace was unbelievable, yet City Cool wasn't stopping.
Down the homestretch he ran, taking a two-length lead past the eighth pole. He ran three quarters of a mile in 1:08 2/5. But in the final strides, the pace he had set began to tell on him. Indian Winter was closing rapidly on the outside. Under Martin Pedroza, Indian Winter got up in time to win the race by a half-length in 1:15 1/5.
City Cool proved that he is a very fine colt by finishing second. After seeing his performance, I am ready to believe that he is one of the quickest sprinters in the country. Sinai finished third after steadying at the three eighths pole and lacking room in the stretch. I thought it was a fine performance on his part and will be giving him a chance to redeem himself next time out.
Here are the complete results. . .
1 Indian Winter
2 City Cool
3 Sinai
4 Mr Artistic M D
5 Classic Legacy
6 Arcadian
7 Industry Leader
Seeing that Arcadian finished sixth after sitting off of City Cool's pace further proves what a good performance City Cool turned in. As for Industry Leader, I was very disappointed by his performance. I expected much better.
In the six-furlong Dixie Belle Stakes at Oaklawn Park, the narrowest of favorites was Lady Giacamo, with All About Allie the second choice. The two of them finished only a neck apart. . . in fourth and fifth place.
Quickest out of the gate was Roma Jean, a 16-1 shot, but it was Lady Giacamo who raced to the lead. She was followed by Put and Take, who was a head in front of Roma Jean after an opening quarter mile in :22 flat. It was four lengths further back to All About Allie and Mazucambera, who were racing together in fourth. Tristanme was sixth, while Screen Siren was far back in last.
They continued in virtually the same order through a half in :46 1/5, with the difference in order being that Mazucambera had passed All About Allie to move into fourth.
However, major changes commenced at this point. They were only a quarter mile from home, and everyone was starting their final bids. Lady Giacamo was confronted by Put and Take. Roma Jean was right behind them, with Mazucambera racing further back in fourth. During the next eighth of a mile Put and Take struck the front as Lady Giacamo faltered. Roma Jean was closing, but it was Mazucambera who was coming strongest. At 16-1, she wasn't supposed to win, but she was charging like an odds-on favorite.
Put and Take passed the eighth pole in :59 3/5 seconds, but was weakening. Roma Jean battled valiently, but was unable to hold off Mazucambera, who passed her late in the race to win by three quarters of a length. It was a pair of 16-1 shots across the wire first, triggering a trifecta which paid $716.70 for every dollar. Put and Take finished third, well clear of All About Allie and Lady Giacamo. The final time was an unimpressive 1:13 3/5.
Here are the complete results. . .
1 Mazucambera
2 Roma Jean
3 Put and Take
4 All About Allie
5 Lady Giacamo
6 Tristanme
7 Screen Siren
This brings us to the Pasco Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. The favorite was Read the Contract, an impressive maiden winner. The second choice was Maincero, who was coming off of a solid victory in the Inaugural Stakes. Bert B Don and Depeche Chat were also well bet.
First out of the gate was Brock N Rock, an 84.90-1 shot who went straight to the lead. He was followed closely by Manicero, with Read the Contract and Bert B Don racing in third and fourth. The opening quarter mile went in a reasonable :23 flat. Porcini Prince was racing in fifth, followed by Ribo Bobo, Depeche Chat, and Imperial Czar, a 95.90-1.
Approaching the three-eighths pole, Manicero took the lead from the tiring Brock N Rock. Bert B Don was close behind in third, with Read the Contract just behind them, poised to make his bid for the lead. However, Manicero quickly put some distance between himself and the remainder of the field. He passed the eighth pole with a two length lead, completing six furlongs in 1:11 2/5. Bert B Don had moved up to second but was losing ground. Read the Contract was third, but unable to close any ground.
Suddenly, Bert B Don began to re-rally. Inch by inch he drew closer to Manicero, he was beginning to show signs of tiring. However, as fast as Bert B Don closed, he was unable to catch the leader. Manicero lasted by a half-length, completing the seven-furlong race in 1:24 2/5. Depeche Chat came on late for third, with Read the Contract finishing fourth. Amazingly, Imperial Czar rallied to finish fifth, earning himself $2,250. Not bad for a 96-1 shot!
The complete order of finish was. . .
1 Manicero
2 Bert B Don
3 Depeche Chat
4 Read the Contract
5 Imperial Czar
6 Ribo Bobo
7 Porcini Prince
8 Brock N Rock
It is now quite apparent that Manicero is a sprinter, for he was tiring in the stretch despite sitting off of a fairly slow pace. However, I do believe that Bert B Don could be something special around two turns and anticipate his next start.
A pair of allowance optional claiming races at Fair Grounds on Saturday and Sunday could potentially yield a Triple Crown contender or two. The first one, a six-furlong event on the dirt on Saturday, drew a field of six runners. The favorite was Changing the Rules, with Moonbie, Prime Cut, and Appealing Image also well bet.
However, those four runners ended up being the last four finishers.
Hydro Power, the longshot at 25.40-1, broke running and charged to an early advantage. Moonbie was a length behind in second, with Divine Music and Appealing Image sitting together in third. Changing the Rules and Prime Cut trailed the field.
The opening quarter mile went in a respectable :22 1/5. Divine Music then began to make a bid for the lead, passing a tiring Moonbie and moving to within a head of Hydro Power as they passed a half-mile in :45 3/5. Changing the Rules had moved up to be third, just a length off of the lead, and Appealing Imagine was glued to his side.
Divine Music continued his bold run, putting away Hydro Power to lead by two lengths passing the eighth pole. Hydro Power was another three lengths in front of Changing the Rules. Prime Cut was closing, but not fast enough.
Hydro Power came back at Divine Music late in the stretch, but the latter held him safe by 1 1/4 lengths, completing the six furlongs in 1:10 3/5. Prime Cut finished third, not badly beaten at all. I believe that he will get better at longer distances. Changing the Rules, Moonbie, and Appealing Image finished just heads apart at the back of the field.
So the complete order of finish was. . .
1 Divine Music
2 Hydro Power
3 Prime Cut
4 Changing the Rules
5 Moonbie
6 Appealing Image
The Sunday allowance race was similar to the Saturday race except that it was for fillies. It also drew a six horse field, led by the even-money favorite Wicked Deed. She had shown a tremendous turn of foot when breaking her maiden and was expected to turn in a similar performance here. Sam's Bliss was the second choice. In the end, those two would lead the way across the finish line.
The early pace was set by Sotogenic, who ran the opening quarter in :22 flat while leading Sam's Bliss by a half-length. Ellusive Wildcat, Sweet Tia, and Wicked Deed were all head apart in third, fourth, and fifth, while Lovenotlost trailed the field.
Sam's Bliss took the lead from Sotogenic approaching the quarter pole and led by a half-length after running a half-mile in :45 4/5. Lovenotlost had closed considerable ground and was sitting third. But it was Wicked Deed who was coming strongest.
Into the homestretch the six fillies charged, with Wicked Deed and Sam's Bliss separated by only a head passing the eighth pole. But ever so slowly, Wicked Deed began to draw away, eventually hitting the finish line a half-length in front while completing the six furlongs in 1:11 flat. Sam's Bliss was game to the finish, never giving up while finishing 1 1/4 lengths clear of the third place finisher, Lovenotlost.
Here are the full results. . .
1 Wicked Deed
2 Sam's Bliss
3 Lovenotlost
4 Sotogenic
5 Sweet Tia
6 Ellusive Wildcat
This brings us to a notable seven-furlong maiden special weight race at Gulfstream Park on January 15th. The odds-on favorite was Arch Traveler, but I was watching the second choice, Break Up the Game. The latter was coming off of a second place finish at Aqueduct in November and I expected a strong performance.
Arch Traveler broke sharply and took up dueling with Heron Lake for the lead. Katz My Song, Hammersmith, and Kentucky Reign were heads apart in third, with Break Up the Game just three lengths off the lead in sixth.
Arch Traveler and Heron Lake continued their personal duel, seemingly involved in a match race. They ran the opening quarter mile in :22 2/5 and the half in :45 3/5. Neither was giving an inch, both battling gamely; both colts oblivious to the remainder of the race being run behind them.
They turned for home locked together, but Heron Lake was beginning to get the better of his rival. Hammersmith had his sights set on both of them, ranging up on the outside to join the battle. Break Up the Game had moved up to fourth, but was beginning to flatten out.
Past the eighth pole the front-runners dueled, with Heron Lake sticking his head in front of his courageous rival. But Hammersmith was drawing ever closer, bravely inching closer with every stride. Break Up the Game was also coming on, apparently unflattening himself in deep stretch.
Hammersmith was game, but Heron Lake was gamer still. As they flashed under the finish line, Heron Lake still had his head in front. Hammersmith finished second, with Arch Traveler just three quarters of a length behind the leading pair in third. Break Up the Game was another head behind him, beaten about a length for everything. It was an impressive performance by all of them, especially after one notes that they stopped the clock in a sharp 1:23 2/5, just 3/5 of a second off the track record.
The complete order of finish was. . .
1 Heron Lake
2 Hammersmith
3 Arch Traveler
4 Break Up the Game
5 Vee's Accolade
6 King Alpha
7 Katz My Song
8 Kentucky Reign
In the seven-furlong My Trusty Cat Stakes at Delta Downs, the odds-on favorite was Flash Mash, an undefeated filly who was coming off of a ten-length victory in a six-furlong allowance race at Fair Grounds. However, she turned in a very disappointing effort.
Gran Lioness broke on top and was sent straight to the lead. Flash Mash broke well also and moved into second. Grandacious, the third choice, was sitting in third. She was followed by Dixieland Band, with Tensas Punch racing in fifth. Street Storm, Holy Heavens, Forest Sky, and Little Widow Maker were trailing the field.
The opening quarter mile was run in :23 4/5, with Gran Lioness on top by 1 ½ lengths. She continued to show the way through a half-mile in :48 1/5. Flash Mash was still sitting second, but with sudden speed she began to retreat, allowing Grandacious to move into second. Holy Heavens was beginning to make a bit of a rally as well.
As Flash Mash retreated, Gran Lioness suddenly turned on the afterburners. She burst clear in as the field turned for home and quickly opened up sizeable advantage. Past the eighth pole she led by three lengths. Grandacious was giving chase, but in vain. Gran Lioness ran her final eighth of a mile in :11 4/5 seconds, coming home 3 1/4 lengths in front. Grandacious finished 5 1/2 lengths clear of Holy Heaven, who rallied mildly to finish third. The final time was 1:25 3/5.
The complete order of finish was. . .
1 Gran Lioness
2 Grandacious
3 Holy Heavens
4 Tensas Punch
5 Forest Sky
6 Flash Mash
7 Street Storm
8 Little Widow Maker
9 Dixieland Bull
I was extremely disappointed by Flash Mash's poor showing. But one must give credit to Gran Lioness, who ran an exceptional race.
Now we come to the Santa Ynez Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park. A seven-furlong race for fillies, the heavy favorite was Zazu, who had run fifth in the Hollywood Starlet Stakes in her last start but had proven herself to be a potentially brilliant sprinter. Her main opposition was expected to be California Nectar and Plum Pretty.
In the end, those three occupied the top three spots, but not in the expected order.
California Nectar broke well and raced away to set the pace. She was followed closely by Plum Pretty, with Warren's Flyer right behind them in third. Zazu broke last, coming out of the gate just a bit slowly under new rider Joel Rosario.
The pace was a rapid one. California Nectar ran the opening quarter in :22 flat, with Plum Pretty giving chase. Those two continued to lead the way through a half mile in a scorching :44 1/5. They were only three eighths of a mile from home and Zazu was still last.
However, as the field turned into the homestretch, Zazu began to inch closer. California Nectar had kicked clear from Plum Pretty and led by 1 1/2 lengths passing the eighth pole, but Zazu was closely rapidly. With powerful strides she drew ever closer to the frontrunner, but just failed to catch her by a neck. California Nectar won the race, completing the seven furlongs in 1:21 1/5. Plum Pretty finished third, 3 1/4 lengths behind Zazu.
The complete order of finish was. . .
1 California Nectar
2 Zazu
3 Plum Pretty
4 Star of Presence
5 Teroda
6 Warren's Flyer
7 Alec's Moon
Perhaps one of the finest performances of the long weekend was turned in by Devilish Lady in the Gasparilla Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. Sent off as the odds-on favorite in the seven-furlong event, she rated just off the lead in fifth through an opening quarter mile in :23 flat, set by Royale Harbor and Miss Fifty, who were dueling just heads apart for the lead.
However, none of the seven fillies running against Devilish Lady would matter. With stunning speed Devilish Lady overtook the leaders while racing very wide. She quickly widened her advantage, leading by 3 1/2 lengths at the eighth pole. She nearly doubled that margin inside the final furlong, drawing off to a 6 3/4 length triumph in 1:25 1/5. It was a truly dominating performance, one which left me awed at her obviously immense talent. This is a filly that has a grand future ahead of her.
My Pal Chrisy ran a respectable race, closing from seventh to finish second, although soundly beaten. Fashionable Elsa also closed some ground to finish third, but was beaten twelve lengths by the winner.
The complete order of finish was. . .
1 Devilish Lady
2 My Pal Chrisy
3 Fashionable Elsa
4 Holy Royal
5 Ravionetta
6 Royale Harbor
7 Itcouldbesunshine
8 Miss Fifty
Now we come to the Dania Beach Stakes at Gulfstream Park. The heavy favorite was Lil Bit O'Fun, with Swift Warrior and Adirondack Summer the second and third choices, respectively. The latter was coming off of a trouble-filled trip in a one-mile allowance race at Aqueduct and I suspected that he was ready to turn in a winning performance. He did.
The Best Glacier, a 27.90-1 shot, raced away to take the early lead. He was followed by a rank Lil Bit O'Fun, who was not liking his rider’s attempts to rate him. Those two set the pace for the majority of the race. In the meantime, Adirondack Summer was sitting last, far off of the pace.
Through fractions of :23 2/5 and :46 3/5 The Best Glacier and Lil Bit O'Fun led the way. Twinspired was sitting third, with Swift Warrior and Megalith together in fourth. Brilliant Speed was sixth, followed by Racing Aptitude, Master Dunker, and Adirondack Summer.
Three quarters of a mile went in 1:10 1/5. The pace was swift. The Best Glacier and Lil Bit O' Fun could not keep dueling forever. One or the other, perhaps both, would have to crack.
They both did.
The Best Glacier held on the longest, leading into the stretch. Then a game of "Pass the Lead!" began.
Megalith struck the lead first, taking a half-length advantage past the eighth pole. Then Twinspired passed him. Then Swift Warrior passed them both. Then Swift Warrior was swallowed up by Brilliant Speed and Master Dunker. Then Adirondack Warrior topped everyone by rallying from eighth at the eighth pole to win the race by a nose. The final time was 1:34 2/5.
The race was, in ways, amusing to watch. Just when you thought that one horse had the race sewn up, he would relent the lead to someone else. I felt positive that Swift Warrior had the race won in deep stretch. He ended up finishing fourth!
However, there was one disqualification. Swift Warrior had drifted in during deep stretch, causing some crowding. The Best Glacier clippef heels as a result of this, hastening his retreat to the rear of the field. Seeing that Swift Warrior caused the incident, the stewards were left with no choice but to disqualify him to eighth.
The final results were. . .
1 Adirondack Summer
2 Brilliant Speed
3 Master Dunker
4 Swift Warrior
5 Megalith
6 Twinspired
7 Racing Aptitude
8 The Best Glacier
9 Lil Bit O'Fun
It is apparent that Adirondack Summer packs a mean late kick. My calculations show that he closed his final quarter in a little less than :23 seconds, and his final eighth in something like eleven seconds or so, perhaps less. This despite the fact that he was forced to alter his course at the top of the stretch!
This brings us to the final race of note; the conclusion to this extremely lengthy post. It was a six-furlong allowance optional claiming race at Santa Anita Park. The favorite was Chiloquin, and he ran like a favorite should.
The early pace was set by Tonzatrouble, who rattled off testing fractions of :21 4/5 and :44 1/5 while maintaining a one-length advantage over Chiloquin. Luckarack was racing in third, followed by Drink At Buster's and Kalyra Cat.
Turning for home, Tonzatrouble's lead evaporated. He was passed by Chiloquin approaching the eighth pole and back up to finish fourth. In the meantime, Drink At Buster's was making a run at Chiloquin. Although he closed strongly, Chiloquin's final eighth in :12 1/5 was enough to carry him to a 3/4 length victory. Drink At Buster's outgamed Luckarack for second by a neck. The final time was 1:08 2/5.
The final results were. . .
1 Chiloquin
2 Drink At Buster's
3 Luckarack
4 Tonzatrouble
5 Kalyra Cat
I must admit that this post turned out to be considerably longer then I had intended, and in retrospect I should have split it into two parts. But I did not, and so congratulations if you have made it to the bottom of this unusually lengthy post. I will try to keep them shorter in the future!
In conclusion, it was a tremendous weekend of racing. I hope you enjoyed it!
-Keelerman
Last week's feature race, the Sham Stakes (gr. III) at Santa Anita, was one of the races in which a truly remarkable effort was turned in. I shall recap that race first.
FEATURE RACE RECAP ---- The Sham Stakes (gr. III)
The favorite in this mile and a sixteenth event was Tapizar, who had broken his maiden by over ten lengths in November. He was making his first start since then and was sent off at 1.10-1.
Uncle Sam was the second choice, based off of sharp maiden victory on December 27th at Santa Anita. Clubhouse Ride and Anthony's Cross were also well bet, with Pride of Silver the longshot at 15.30-1.
As expected, Tapizar and Uncle Sam broke well and both raced to the front, opening up a 3 1/2 length lead on the remainder of the field through a quick opening quarter mile in :22 3/5 over the speed-favoring Santa Anita main track. Anthony's Cross was racing in third, followed by Clubhouse Ride and Pride of Silver.
They continued in that order through a half mile in :45 1/5. However, Uncle Sam was no longer near the front, having backed off and allowed Tapizar to claim an unchallenged two-length lead. On the other hand, Uncle Sam was still 3 1/2 lengths ahead of Anthony's Cross, who had moved to two lengths clear of Clubhouse Ride.
It quickly became obvious that Tapizar was not going to stop any time soon. He ran three quarters of a mile in 1:08 4/5 while still maintaining a two-length advantage. However, Clubhouse Ride was rallying strongly along the rail and had taken over second place. It looked like a duel for the lead was in the mix as Clubhouse Ride swung to the outside and set his sights on the runaway leader.
But Tapizar still had more run. He quickly dismissed the challenge from Clubhouse Ride and drew away once more, passing the eighth pole in 1:33 3/5 while two lengths in front, before hitting the finish line 4 1/4 lengths in front of his game rival in 1:40 1/5. Clubhouse Ride was much the best of the rest, finishing five lengths in front of Anthony's Cross, who finished third by a half-length over Uncle Sam. Pride of Silver trailed the field, beaten slightly more than twelve lengths by the winner.
Although the impressive final time and fractions must be taken with a grain of salt due to the extremely fast nature of the Santa Anita main track, it must also be noted that Tapizar ran a faster mile and a sixteenth than the older Indian Firewater did in the San Fernando Stakes (gr. II) later that afternoon. It was also faster than Always a Princess ran when defeating Blind Luck in the El Encino Stakes the following day.
So here are the results. . .
1 Tapizar
2 Clubhouse Ride
3 Anthony's Cross
4 Uncle Sam
5 Pride of Silver
. . . and here were my picks.
1 Tapizar
2 Uncle Sam
3 Anthony's Cross
4 Clubhouse Ride
5 Pride of Silver
As you may have noticed, Tapizar has moved up to seventh on my latest Keelerman's Top Twenty. I am really excited about this colt's future and believe he is a very high-class horse. At this point, he should be the favorite for the Santa Anita Derby in April.
OTHER RACE RESULTS
One race which I shall not be discussing during this post is the allowance optional claiming race in which Alternation defeated Elite Alex. I shall not discuss it because I have already thoroughly recapped it during a previous post. However, I shall list the complete order of finish here. . .
1 Alternation
2 Elite Alex
3 Commander
4 Casperzapper
5 Destinare
6 Great Exhuma
7 Night Hunt
Now I shall recap the remainder of last week's races, in no particular order.
The Jean Lafitte Stakes at Delta Downs turned in the expected exacta. The two favorites were Decisive Moment and Su Casa G Casa. The former had finished second in the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes, while the latter had previously won the Kip Deville Stakes at Remington Park. Both had shown an interest in the lead in the past and they would be the pacesetters once again.
Decisive Moment broke quickest and was rushed to an early one-length lead of Su Casa G Casa. The opening quarter mile was run in a sharp :22 2/5. Trubs and Expecting Cash, the third and fourth choices respectively, were racing in third and fourth. The longshots---One Star Freedom, and Artic Sea, and Would You---were racing in that order at the back of the pack.
Despite the quick opening quarter mile, the half-mile was run in only :47 2/5. The jockeys aboard Decisive Moment and Su Casa G Casa were doing an excellent job of slowing the pace down.
The Su Casa G Casa made his run for the lead. During the next quarter of a mile he drew to within a head of Decisive Moment. They ran three quarters of 1:12 3/5, entering the stretch together while closely followed by Expecting Cash and Trubs. The four of them were separated by only a length and were six lengths clear of the longshots. The battle to the wire had begun.
However, it didn’t turn out to be much of a battle. Decisive Moment pulled away from Su Casa G Casa inside the eighth pole and drew off to a 3 1/2 length victory. Su Casa G Casa finished second, outgaming Expecting Cash by a neck with Trubs close behind. Would You rallied from far back to finish fifth, beaten only 1 1/2 lengths for second. The final time was 1:38 4/5.
Here is the complete order of finish. . .
1 Decisive Moment
2 Su Casa G Casa
3 Expecting Cash
4 Trubs
5 Would You
6 One Star Freedom
7 Artic Sea
It will be interesting to see where Decisive Moment turns up next. I would not be surprised if the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds in February is to be his next race. But no matter where he runs, it is obvious that he is a very classy colt who will likely make an impact on the Triple Crown Trail.
The California Derby also went to the favorite, albeit in a more dramatic fashion. The favorite was Positive Response, winner of the Gold Rush Stakes in a wire-to-wire performance. He was fully expected to win again despite drawing gate eleven of twelve.
As the gates opened, Positive Response broke one top. However, he did not go to the lead. Instead, he sat back in fifth, rating three lengths off the pace set by Northern Indy, Jakesam, and Dancing at Dark. The trio ran the opening quarter mile in a quick :22 4/5.
Positive Response then began to inch closer. By the time Jakesam led the field through a half-mile in :46 4/5, he was only a length and a half from the front. Despite being wide and changing his running style, Positive Response was going to give it everything he had.
Passing the three-eighths pole he made a sharp bid for the lead. He powered past the leaders and began to open up on them. Jakesam, despite setting a rapid pace, was staying on well, but was no match for the brilliant favorite. With every stride, Positive Response drew away and hit the wire nearly three lengths in front of Jakesam. Bluegrass Reward, at 30.70-1, rallied from seventh to finish third. Grand Maneuver finished fourth at 21.60-1, completing a superfecta which paid $814.50 for every dollar bet. The final time was 1:44 2/5.
The complete order of finish was as follows. . .
1 Positive Response
2 Jakesam
3 Bluegrass Reward
4 Grand Maneuver
5 Mr. Candy Bar
6 Mazarron
7 Northern Indy
8 Zayda
9 Cut Fastball
10 The Great Caper
11 Rule He Must
12 Dancing at Dark
The El Camino Real Derby (gr. III) is next for the winner. In that race, he will likely have to run against the promising Comma to the Top, wire-to-wire winner of the CashCall Futurity. It will be interesting to see who wins.
The Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park, a local prep race for next month's Southwest Stakes, turned in interesting results. Run in terribly foggy weather, the horses were invisible from the stands as they raced on the backstretch and the race caller was faced with the difficult task of calling a race he couldn't see. However, he did an excellent job.
A side effect of the terrible fog is that no one knows for sure where all of the horses were at certain points in the race. However, what was visible was very impressive.
The even-money favorite was Archarcharch, winner of the Sugar Bowl Stakes. Grant Jack, upset winner of the Springboard Mile, was the second choice. Caleb's Posse was the third choice. Although he had run poorly without any excuse in the Springboard Mile, he had previously won the Clever Trevor Stakes in impressive fashion.
Fastest out of the gate was the longshot, Bluegrass Bull. However, it was the front-running Grant Jack who went straight to the lead. Archarcharch, Bonaroo, and Bluegrass Bull quickly took up pursuit, and after running the opening quarter mile in :23 3/5 they were only heads apart, a length and a half clear of Caleb's Posse. Make It Roses was sixth, with Dreaminofthewin running last.
Fog quickly enveloped them. It is impossible to say what happened down the backstretch, but they ran a half-mile in :47 4/5. When the horses reappeared they were approaching the three quarter pole. Grant Jack led the way through three quarters in 1:15 1/5 but Archarcharch was still right at his throat. Bluegrass Bull was racing along in third, followed by Caleb's Posse. Bonaroo had dropped back to fifth, while Make It Roses and Dreaminofthewin were still last.
Turning for home, Grant Jack started to tire. Archarcharch, despite being the heavy favorite, also began to back up. This allowed Bluegrass Bull and Caleb's Posse to advance. Dreaminofthewin was also rallying strongly from the back of the pack, flying through the fog in a desperate attempt to catch the leaders.
However, Caleb's Posse had opened up too much of a lead. Dreaminofthewin closed fast, but Caleb's Posse hit the wire 2 3/4 lengths in front, stopping the clock in 1:43 flat. Bluegrass Bull finished five lengths behind Dreaminofthewin in third. Archarcharch was another five lengths back, coming home a very disappointing fourth.
The complete order of finish was. . .
1 Caleb's Posse
2 Dreaminofthewin
3 Bluegrass Bull
4 Archarcharch
5 Bonaroo
6 Make It Roses
7 Grant Jack
Caleb's Posse redeemed himself with a strong performance, marking himself as a Southwest Stakes contender. Dreaminofthewin could also be a potential Southwest runner. Archarcharch was seriously disappointing. I'm not sure what to think of him anymore.
The next race to recap is the Jimmy Winkfield Stakes, run at Aqueduct on January 17th. The favorite was Fort Hughes, who was coming off of a second to Royal Currier in the Southhampton Stakes. Rift, a recent winner of a maiden special weight, was the second choice. Royal Currier was the third choice despite beaten Fort Hughes in the Southhampton.
Quickest out of the gate was longshot Bravo Romeo. However, he quickly dropped back to last as Fort Hughes raced up to take the early lead. He was followed closely by Royal Currier, with Rift sitting just behind them in third. Bambi Bound was fourth, followed by Running Tap and Bravo Romeo.
The pace was intense, with Fort Hughes easily rattling off an opening quarter in :22 1/5 and a half in :44 3/5. With a quarter mile to go, he was showing no signs of stopping. Royal Currier was trying to stay with him, but was unable. Rift was also making no headway.
Down the stretch Fort Hughes ran, pulling away from Royal Currier with every stride. He ran five furlongs in :56 1/5 and continued to rocket home, hitting the wire nearly five lengths in front of Royal Currier while stopping the clock in 1:08.33. It was just .40 seconds off of the track record set by Captain Red in 2003. It was an impressive performance, although it is apparent that Fort Hughes is a sprinter and probably won't run in any Triple Crown races.
Here is the order of finish. . .
1 Fort Hughes
2 Royal Currier
3 Rift
4 Bravo Romeo
5 Running Tap
6 Bambi Bound
In the San Pedro Stakes at Santa Anita, a major upset occurred. The favorite was Arcadian, with City Cool and Sinai also well bet. The longest shot in the field was Indian Winter at 10-1, a colt who had not raced since September.
City Cool broke on top, with Acradian also coming out of the gate quickly. Those two raced away to set the pace, with Sinai racing just off of them in third. Mr Artistic M D was fourth, followed by Indian Winter, Industry Leader, and Classic Legacy.
The first quarter mile was running in a blazing :21 1/5, which is about as fast as sprinters can run. It was obvious right then that the winner would be coming from off the pace.
City Cool and Arcadian continued their duel, with the former opening up a 1 1/2 length lead as they approached the five-sixteenths pole. The timer showed that City Cool had blazed a half-mile in :43 3/5. The pace was unbelievable, yet City Cool wasn't stopping.
Down the homestretch he ran, taking a two-length lead past the eighth pole. He ran three quarters of a mile in 1:08 2/5. But in the final strides, the pace he had set began to tell on him. Indian Winter was closing rapidly on the outside. Under Martin Pedroza, Indian Winter got up in time to win the race by a half-length in 1:15 1/5.
City Cool proved that he is a very fine colt by finishing second. After seeing his performance, I am ready to believe that he is one of the quickest sprinters in the country. Sinai finished third after steadying at the three eighths pole and lacking room in the stretch. I thought it was a fine performance on his part and will be giving him a chance to redeem himself next time out.
Here are the complete results. . .
1 Indian Winter
2 City Cool
3 Sinai
4 Mr Artistic M D
5 Classic Legacy
6 Arcadian
7 Industry Leader
Seeing that Arcadian finished sixth after sitting off of City Cool's pace further proves what a good performance City Cool turned in. As for Industry Leader, I was very disappointed by his performance. I expected much better.
In the six-furlong Dixie Belle Stakes at Oaklawn Park, the narrowest of favorites was Lady Giacamo, with All About Allie the second choice. The two of them finished only a neck apart. . . in fourth and fifth place.
Quickest out of the gate was Roma Jean, a 16-1 shot, but it was Lady Giacamo who raced to the lead. She was followed by Put and Take, who was a head in front of Roma Jean after an opening quarter mile in :22 flat. It was four lengths further back to All About Allie and Mazucambera, who were racing together in fourth. Tristanme was sixth, while Screen Siren was far back in last.
They continued in virtually the same order through a half in :46 1/5, with the difference in order being that Mazucambera had passed All About Allie to move into fourth.
However, major changes commenced at this point. They were only a quarter mile from home, and everyone was starting their final bids. Lady Giacamo was confronted by Put and Take. Roma Jean was right behind them, with Mazucambera racing further back in fourth. During the next eighth of a mile Put and Take struck the front as Lady Giacamo faltered. Roma Jean was closing, but it was Mazucambera who was coming strongest. At 16-1, she wasn't supposed to win, but she was charging like an odds-on favorite.
Put and Take passed the eighth pole in :59 3/5 seconds, but was weakening. Roma Jean battled valiently, but was unable to hold off Mazucambera, who passed her late in the race to win by three quarters of a length. It was a pair of 16-1 shots across the wire first, triggering a trifecta which paid $716.70 for every dollar. Put and Take finished third, well clear of All About Allie and Lady Giacamo. The final time was an unimpressive 1:13 3/5.
Here are the complete results. . .
1 Mazucambera
2 Roma Jean
3 Put and Take
4 All About Allie
5 Lady Giacamo
6 Tristanme
7 Screen Siren
This brings us to the Pasco Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. The favorite was Read the Contract, an impressive maiden winner. The second choice was Maincero, who was coming off of a solid victory in the Inaugural Stakes. Bert B Don and Depeche Chat were also well bet.
First out of the gate was Brock N Rock, an 84.90-1 shot who went straight to the lead. He was followed closely by Manicero, with Read the Contract and Bert B Don racing in third and fourth. The opening quarter mile went in a reasonable :23 flat. Porcini Prince was racing in fifth, followed by Ribo Bobo, Depeche Chat, and Imperial Czar, a 95.90-1.
Approaching the three-eighths pole, Manicero took the lead from the tiring Brock N Rock. Bert B Don was close behind in third, with Read the Contract just behind them, poised to make his bid for the lead. However, Manicero quickly put some distance between himself and the remainder of the field. He passed the eighth pole with a two length lead, completing six furlongs in 1:11 2/5. Bert B Don had moved up to second but was losing ground. Read the Contract was third, but unable to close any ground.
Suddenly, Bert B Don began to re-rally. Inch by inch he drew closer to Manicero, he was beginning to show signs of tiring. However, as fast as Bert B Don closed, he was unable to catch the leader. Manicero lasted by a half-length, completing the seven-furlong race in 1:24 2/5. Depeche Chat came on late for third, with Read the Contract finishing fourth. Amazingly, Imperial Czar rallied to finish fifth, earning himself $2,250. Not bad for a 96-1 shot!
The complete order of finish was. . .
1 Manicero
2 Bert B Don
3 Depeche Chat
4 Read the Contract
5 Imperial Czar
6 Ribo Bobo
7 Porcini Prince
8 Brock N Rock
It is now quite apparent that Manicero is a sprinter, for he was tiring in the stretch despite sitting off of a fairly slow pace. However, I do believe that Bert B Don could be something special around two turns and anticipate his next start.
A pair of allowance optional claiming races at Fair Grounds on Saturday and Sunday could potentially yield a Triple Crown contender or two. The first one, a six-furlong event on the dirt on Saturday, drew a field of six runners. The favorite was Changing the Rules, with Moonbie, Prime Cut, and Appealing Image also well bet.
However, those four runners ended up being the last four finishers.
Hydro Power, the longshot at 25.40-1, broke running and charged to an early advantage. Moonbie was a length behind in second, with Divine Music and Appealing Image sitting together in third. Changing the Rules and Prime Cut trailed the field.
The opening quarter mile went in a respectable :22 1/5. Divine Music then began to make a bid for the lead, passing a tiring Moonbie and moving to within a head of Hydro Power as they passed a half-mile in :45 3/5. Changing the Rules had moved up to be third, just a length off of the lead, and Appealing Imagine was glued to his side.
Divine Music continued his bold run, putting away Hydro Power to lead by two lengths passing the eighth pole. Hydro Power was another three lengths in front of Changing the Rules. Prime Cut was closing, but not fast enough.
Hydro Power came back at Divine Music late in the stretch, but the latter held him safe by 1 1/4 lengths, completing the six furlongs in 1:10 3/5. Prime Cut finished third, not badly beaten at all. I believe that he will get better at longer distances. Changing the Rules, Moonbie, and Appealing Image finished just heads apart at the back of the field.
So the complete order of finish was. . .
1 Divine Music
2 Hydro Power
3 Prime Cut
4 Changing the Rules
5 Moonbie
6 Appealing Image
The Sunday allowance race was similar to the Saturday race except that it was for fillies. It also drew a six horse field, led by the even-money favorite Wicked Deed. She had shown a tremendous turn of foot when breaking her maiden and was expected to turn in a similar performance here. Sam's Bliss was the second choice. In the end, those two would lead the way across the finish line.
The early pace was set by Sotogenic, who ran the opening quarter in :22 flat while leading Sam's Bliss by a half-length. Ellusive Wildcat, Sweet Tia, and Wicked Deed were all head apart in third, fourth, and fifth, while Lovenotlost trailed the field.
Sam's Bliss took the lead from Sotogenic approaching the quarter pole and led by a half-length after running a half-mile in :45 4/5. Lovenotlost had closed considerable ground and was sitting third. But it was Wicked Deed who was coming strongest.
Into the homestretch the six fillies charged, with Wicked Deed and Sam's Bliss separated by only a head passing the eighth pole. But ever so slowly, Wicked Deed began to draw away, eventually hitting the finish line a half-length in front while completing the six furlongs in 1:11 flat. Sam's Bliss was game to the finish, never giving up while finishing 1 1/4 lengths clear of the third place finisher, Lovenotlost.
Here are the full results. . .
1 Wicked Deed
2 Sam's Bliss
3 Lovenotlost
4 Sotogenic
5 Sweet Tia
6 Ellusive Wildcat
This brings us to a notable seven-furlong maiden special weight race at Gulfstream Park on January 15th. The odds-on favorite was Arch Traveler, but I was watching the second choice, Break Up the Game. The latter was coming off of a second place finish at Aqueduct in November and I expected a strong performance.
Arch Traveler broke sharply and took up dueling with Heron Lake for the lead. Katz My Song, Hammersmith, and Kentucky Reign were heads apart in third, with Break Up the Game just three lengths off the lead in sixth.
Arch Traveler and Heron Lake continued their personal duel, seemingly involved in a match race. They ran the opening quarter mile in :22 2/5 and the half in :45 3/5. Neither was giving an inch, both battling gamely; both colts oblivious to the remainder of the race being run behind them.
They turned for home locked together, but Heron Lake was beginning to get the better of his rival. Hammersmith had his sights set on both of them, ranging up on the outside to join the battle. Break Up the Game had moved up to fourth, but was beginning to flatten out.
Past the eighth pole the front-runners dueled, with Heron Lake sticking his head in front of his courageous rival. But Hammersmith was drawing ever closer, bravely inching closer with every stride. Break Up the Game was also coming on, apparently unflattening himself in deep stretch.
Hammersmith was game, but Heron Lake was gamer still. As they flashed under the finish line, Heron Lake still had his head in front. Hammersmith finished second, with Arch Traveler just three quarters of a length behind the leading pair in third. Break Up the Game was another head behind him, beaten about a length for everything. It was an impressive performance by all of them, especially after one notes that they stopped the clock in a sharp 1:23 2/5, just 3/5 of a second off the track record.
The complete order of finish was. . .
1 Heron Lake
2 Hammersmith
3 Arch Traveler
4 Break Up the Game
5 Vee's Accolade
6 King Alpha
7 Katz My Song
8 Kentucky Reign
In the seven-furlong My Trusty Cat Stakes at Delta Downs, the odds-on favorite was Flash Mash, an undefeated filly who was coming off of a ten-length victory in a six-furlong allowance race at Fair Grounds. However, she turned in a very disappointing effort.
Gran Lioness broke on top and was sent straight to the lead. Flash Mash broke well also and moved into second. Grandacious, the third choice, was sitting in third. She was followed by Dixieland Band, with Tensas Punch racing in fifth. Street Storm, Holy Heavens, Forest Sky, and Little Widow Maker were trailing the field.
The opening quarter mile was run in :23 4/5, with Gran Lioness on top by 1 ½ lengths. She continued to show the way through a half-mile in :48 1/5. Flash Mash was still sitting second, but with sudden speed she began to retreat, allowing Grandacious to move into second. Holy Heavens was beginning to make a bit of a rally as well.
As Flash Mash retreated, Gran Lioness suddenly turned on the afterburners. She burst clear in as the field turned for home and quickly opened up sizeable advantage. Past the eighth pole she led by three lengths. Grandacious was giving chase, but in vain. Gran Lioness ran her final eighth of a mile in :11 4/5 seconds, coming home 3 1/4 lengths in front. Grandacious finished 5 1/2 lengths clear of Holy Heaven, who rallied mildly to finish third. The final time was 1:25 3/5.
The complete order of finish was. . .
1 Gran Lioness
2 Grandacious
3 Holy Heavens
4 Tensas Punch
5 Forest Sky
6 Flash Mash
7 Street Storm
8 Little Widow Maker
9 Dixieland Bull
I was extremely disappointed by Flash Mash's poor showing. But one must give credit to Gran Lioness, who ran an exceptional race.
Now we come to the Santa Ynez Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park. A seven-furlong race for fillies, the heavy favorite was Zazu, who had run fifth in the Hollywood Starlet Stakes in her last start but had proven herself to be a potentially brilliant sprinter. Her main opposition was expected to be California Nectar and Plum Pretty.
In the end, those three occupied the top three spots, but not in the expected order.
California Nectar broke well and raced away to set the pace. She was followed closely by Plum Pretty, with Warren's Flyer right behind them in third. Zazu broke last, coming out of the gate just a bit slowly under new rider Joel Rosario.
The pace was a rapid one. California Nectar ran the opening quarter in :22 flat, with Plum Pretty giving chase. Those two continued to lead the way through a half mile in a scorching :44 1/5. They were only three eighths of a mile from home and Zazu was still last.
However, as the field turned into the homestretch, Zazu began to inch closer. California Nectar had kicked clear from Plum Pretty and led by 1 1/2 lengths passing the eighth pole, but Zazu was closely rapidly. With powerful strides she drew ever closer to the frontrunner, but just failed to catch her by a neck. California Nectar won the race, completing the seven furlongs in 1:21 1/5. Plum Pretty finished third, 3 1/4 lengths behind Zazu.
The complete order of finish was. . .
1 California Nectar
2 Zazu
3 Plum Pretty
4 Star of Presence
5 Teroda
6 Warren's Flyer
7 Alec's Moon
Perhaps one of the finest performances of the long weekend was turned in by Devilish Lady in the Gasparilla Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. Sent off as the odds-on favorite in the seven-furlong event, she rated just off the lead in fifth through an opening quarter mile in :23 flat, set by Royale Harbor and Miss Fifty, who were dueling just heads apart for the lead.
However, none of the seven fillies running against Devilish Lady would matter. With stunning speed Devilish Lady overtook the leaders while racing very wide. She quickly widened her advantage, leading by 3 1/2 lengths at the eighth pole. She nearly doubled that margin inside the final furlong, drawing off to a 6 3/4 length triumph in 1:25 1/5. It was a truly dominating performance, one which left me awed at her obviously immense talent. This is a filly that has a grand future ahead of her.
My Pal Chrisy ran a respectable race, closing from seventh to finish second, although soundly beaten. Fashionable Elsa also closed some ground to finish third, but was beaten twelve lengths by the winner.
The complete order of finish was. . .
1 Devilish Lady
2 My Pal Chrisy
3 Fashionable Elsa
4 Holy Royal
5 Ravionetta
6 Royale Harbor
7 Itcouldbesunshine
8 Miss Fifty
Now we come to the Dania Beach Stakes at Gulfstream Park. The heavy favorite was Lil Bit O'Fun, with Swift Warrior and Adirondack Summer the second and third choices, respectively. The latter was coming off of a trouble-filled trip in a one-mile allowance race at Aqueduct and I suspected that he was ready to turn in a winning performance. He did.
The Best Glacier, a 27.90-1 shot, raced away to take the early lead. He was followed by a rank Lil Bit O'Fun, who was not liking his rider’s attempts to rate him. Those two set the pace for the majority of the race. In the meantime, Adirondack Summer was sitting last, far off of the pace.
Through fractions of :23 2/5 and :46 3/5 The Best Glacier and Lil Bit O'Fun led the way. Twinspired was sitting third, with Swift Warrior and Megalith together in fourth. Brilliant Speed was sixth, followed by Racing Aptitude, Master Dunker, and Adirondack Summer.
Three quarters of a mile went in 1:10 1/5. The pace was swift. The Best Glacier and Lil Bit O' Fun could not keep dueling forever. One or the other, perhaps both, would have to crack.
They both did.
The Best Glacier held on the longest, leading into the stretch. Then a game of "Pass the Lead!" began.
Megalith struck the lead first, taking a half-length advantage past the eighth pole. Then Twinspired passed him. Then Swift Warrior passed them both. Then Swift Warrior was swallowed up by Brilliant Speed and Master Dunker. Then Adirondack Warrior topped everyone by rallying from eighth at the eighth pole to win the race by a nose. The final time was 1:34 2/5.
The race was, in ways, amusing to watch. Just when you thought that one horse had the race sewn up, he would relent the lead to someone else. I felt positive that Swift Warrior had the race won in deep stretch. He ended up finishing fourth!
However, there was one disqualification. Swift Warrior had drifted in during deep stretch, causing some crowding. The Best Glacier clippef heels as a result of this, hastening his retreat to the rear of the field. Seeing that Swift Warrior caused the incident, the stewards were left with no choice but to disqualify him to eighth.
The final results were. . .
1 Adirondack Summer
2 Brilliant Speed
3 Master Dunker
4 Swift Warrior
5 Megalith
6 Twinspired
7 Racing Aptitude
8 The Best Glacier
9 Lil Bit O'Fun
It is apparent that Adirondack Summer packs a mean late kick. My calculations show that he closed his final quarter in a little less than :23 seconds, and his final eighth in something like eleven seconds or so, perhaps less. This despite the fact that he was forced to alter his course at the top of the stretch!
This brings us to the final race of note; the conclusion to this extremely lengthy post. It was a six-furlong allowance optional claiming race at Santa Anita Park. The favorite was Chiloquin, and he ran like a favorite should.
The early pace was set by Tonzatrouble, who rattled off testing fractions of :21 4/5 and :44 1/5 while maintaining a one-length advantage over Chiloquin. Luckarack was racing in third, followed by Drink At Buster's and Kalyra Cat.
Turning for home, Tonzatrouble's lead evaporated. He was passed by Chiloquin approaching the eighth pole and back up to finish fourth. In the meantime, Drink At Buster's was making a run at Chiloquin. Although he closed strongly, Chiloquin's final eighth in :12 1/5 was enough to carry him to a 3/4 length victory. Drink At Buster's outgamed Luckarack for second by a neck. The final time was 1:08 2/5.
The final results were. . .
1 Chiloquin
2 Drink At Buster's
3 Luckarack
4 Tonzatrouble
5 Kalyra Cat
I must admit that this post turned out to be considerably longer then I had intended, and in retrospect I should have split it into two parts. But I did not, and so congratulations if you have made it to the bottom of this unusually lengthy post. I will try to keep them shorter in the future!
In conclusion, it was a tremendous weekend of racing. I hope you enjoyed it!
-Keelerman
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
KEELERMAN'S TOP TWENTY ---- January 19th, 2011
1. To Honor and Serve - Trained by William Mott
Recorded his first workout since the Remsen on the 16th, when he breezed three furlongs in :39 4/5 at Payson Park Training Center.
2. Uncle Mo - Trained by Todd Pletcher
The Tampa Bay Derby in March has been announced as the tentative goal for the newly-crowned Champion 2yo Male. He will also be returning to the work tab shortly.
3. Comma to the Top - Trained by Peter Miller
Worked six furlongs in 1:14 4/5 at Hollywood Park this morning in preparation for an expected start in the El Camino Real Derby against Positive Response.
4. Santiva - Trained by Eddie Kennealy
Breezed for the first time since the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes when he worked a half-mile in :50 2/5 on January 13th at Palm Meadows Training Center.
5. Brethren - Trained by Todd Pletcher
The undefeated colt breezed five furlongs in 1:03 1/5 at Palm Meadows on the 17th. The Sam F. Davis Stakes in February could be his next race.
6. Mucho Macho Man - Trained by Katherine Ritvo
This extremely large sophomore worked another brilliant five furlongs on January 15th, getting the distance in :59 1/5 handily at Gulfstream Park. I am highly anticipating his start in the Holy Bull on January 30th.
7. Tapizar - Trained by Steve Asmussen
His decisive victory in the Sham Stakes was obviously helped by the speed-biased Santa Anita main track, but I must admit that his performance was exceptional and it showed that he has a ton of talent. If he keeps improving, he could be one of the favorites at Churchill Downs.
8. Boys at Tosconova - Trained by Rick Dutrow
The one-turn mile of the Holy Bull Stakes seems made to order for this fine colt, which I'm sure is part of the reason why he is running there. He should have every chance at winning, but will have to defeat Mucho Macho Man to do so.
9. Jaycito - Trained by Bob Baffert
Worked a half-mile yesterday at Santa Anita Park, getting the distance in :49 2/5. The Robert B. Lewis Stakes in February is his current goal.
10. Clubhouse Ride - Trained by Craig Lewis
Finished a strong, closing second in the Sham Stakes despite racing on a speed-favoring track. This is a colt who may end up being overlooked leading up to the Kentucky Derby despite the fact that he has shown a lot of potential.
11. Rogue Romance - Trained by Kenneth McPeek
On February 15th, he breezed an easy three furlongs in :38 seconds at Gulfstream Park. He obviously is nowhere near his next start, so I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't race again until late February or March.
12. Stay Thirsty - Trained by Todd Pletcher
He still hasn't worked out since the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. At this point I can't see him racing until March. Perhaps the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park will be his next start.
13. Premier Pegasus - Trained by Myung Cho
I must admit that this colt has me intrigued. He hasn't worked out since winning the Hollywood Prevue Stakes in November. Therefore, he probably won't start again until March.
14. Turbulent Descent - Trained by Mike Puype
Worked a solid six furlongs in 1:13 flat at Hollywood Park. She is expected to make her 2011 debut in the Las Virgenes Stakes (gr. I) on February 5th.
15. Astrology - Trained by Steven Asmussen
Seeing that he hasn't worked out since the Kentucky Jockey Club, he must be nowhere near his next race. Perhaps the San Felipe Stakes (gr. II) in March will be his next start.
16. Gourmet Dinner - Trained by Steven Standridge
Worked out for the first time since the CashCall Futurity by breezing a half-mile in :48 1/5 at Gulfstream Park. The Holy Bull Stakes is coming up too soon, so I suppose that the Sam F. Davis Stakes could be his next start.
17. Dialed In - Trained by Nick Zito
He has been entered in a nine-furlong allowance race at Gulfstream Park on the 21st. He doesn't necessarily have to win, just so long as he shows a nice kick in the stretch. There is plenty of time for him to mature and master his talent later.
18. Black N Beauty - Trained by Dale Romans
I would love to see this colt in the Holy Bull Stakes on January 30th. I have the suspicion that he can hold his own against Boys at Tosconova and Mucho Macho Man.
19. J P's Gusto - Trained by David Hofmans
Worked a terrific six furlongs yesterday at Santa Anita, getting the distance in 1:11 4/5, the fastest of the day. The Robert B. Lewis Stakes is his current goal.
20. Elite Alex - Trained by Timothy Ritchey
His second-place finish in an allowance optional claiming race last Saturday was truly remarkable. He overcame a bad start, a slow pace, and racing wide to just miss by a head. I have a feeling that this colt is something unusually special.
OTHER NOTABLE HORSES
Top Notables:Alternation - Won the allowance race in which Elite Alex ran second, albeit a better trip.
Awesome Patriot - Worked a half-mile in :48 flat yesterday at Santa Anita.
Bert B Don - Showed talent when finishing a late-running second in the Pasco Stakes.
Cool Blue Red Hot - Entered in a nine-furlong allowance race at Gulfstream Park on Friday.
Crossbow - The Whirlaway Stakes seems like a logical place to make his two-turn debut.
Decisive Moment - Easy win in Jean Lafitte proves that he merits respect.
Justin Phillip - Will likely be the favorite in Saturday's LeComte Stakes.
Kathmanblu - Entered in the Sweetest Chant Stakes on the turf at Gulfstream on Saturday.
Major Gain - The Holy Bull seems like a logical start.
Monzon - Would love to seem in run against Crossbow in the Whirlaway.
Mountain Town - Has not worked out in two weeks, which makes me wonder if a setback has occurred.
Positive Response - Showed a new dimension in the California Derby, rating off the pace before winning easily.
R Heat Lightning - The Forward Gal Stakes should be next.
Sway Away - The Holy Bull could be next.
The Factor - Worked five furlongs in :58 flat on January 9th.
Travelin Man - Impressive maiden winner.
Wine Police - Breezed five furlongs in 1:06 2/5 at Fair Grounds on the 17th.
Secondary Notables:Anthony’s Cross - Disappointing in the Sham Stakes.
Bandbox - Worked a half-mile in: 46 4/5 on the 14th at Laurel Park.
Buffum - No workouts since the Remsen.
Commander - Finished third behind Alternation and Elite Alex in an allowance race.
Grant Jack - Very disappointing in the Smarty Jones Stakes.
Manicero - Victory in Pasco Stakes was nice, but he showed serious stamina limitations.
Read the Contract - Disappointing in the Pasco Stakes.
Riveting Reason - Seems to have taken a step back since finishing third in the Norfolk.
Sweet Ducky - The Holy Bull may be his next start.
Uncle Sam - Disappointing in the Sham Stakes.
Zayda - Very disappointing in the California Derby.
-Keelerman
Recorded his first workout since the Remsen on the 16th, when he breezed three furlongs in :39 4/5 at Payson Park Training Center.
2. Uncle Mo - Trained by Todd Pletcher
The Tampa Bay Derby in March has been announced as the tentative goal for the newly-crowned Champion 2yo Male. He will also be returning to the work tab shortly.
3. Comma to the Top - Trained by Peter Miller
Worked six furlongs in 1:14 4/5 at Hollywood Park this morning in preparation for an expected start in the El Camino Real Derby against Positive Response.
4. Santiva - Trained by Eddie Kennealy
Breezed for the first time since the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes when he worked a half-mile in :50 2/5 on January 13th at Palm Meadows Training Center.
5. Brethren - Trained by Todd Pletcher
The undefeated colt breezed five furlongs in 1:03 1/5 at Palm Meadows on the 17th. The Sam F. Davis Stakes in February could be his next race.
6. Mucho Macho Man - Trained by Katherine Ritvo
This extremely large sophomore worked another brilliant five furlongs on January 15th, getting the distance in :59 1/5 handily at Gulfstream Park. I am highly anticipating his start in the Holy Bull on January 30th.
7. Tapizar - Trained by Steve Asmussen
His decisive victory in the Sham Stakes was obviously helped by the speed-biased Santa Anita main track, but I must admit that his performance was exceptional and it showed that he has a ton of talent. If he keeps improving, he could be one of the favorites at Churchill Downs.
8. Boys at Tosconova - Trained by Rick Dutrow
The one-turn mile of the Holy Bull Stakes seems made to order for this fine colt, which I'm sure is part of the reason why he is running there. He should have every chance at winning, but will have to defeat Mucho Macho Man to do so.
9. Jaycito - Trained by Bob Baffert
Worked a half-mile yesterday at Santa Anita Park, getting the distance in :49 2/5. The Robert B. Lewis Stakes in February is his current goal.
10. Clubhouse Ride - Trained by Craig Lewis
Finished a strong, closing second in the Sham Stakes despite racing on a speed-favoring track. This is a colt who may end up being overlooked leading up to the Kentucky Derby despite the fact that he has shown a lot of potential.
11. Rogue Romance - Trained by Kenneth McPeek
On February 15th, he breezed an easy three furlongs in :38 seconds at Gulfstream Park. He obviously is nowhere near his next start, so I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't race again until late February or March.
12. Stay Thirsty - Trained by Todd Pletcher
He still hasn't worked out since the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. At this point I can't see him racing until March. Perhaps the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park will be his next start.
13. Premier Pegasus - Trained by Myung Cho
I must admit that this colt has me intrigued. He hasn't worked out since winning the Hollywood Prevue Stakes in November. Therefore, he probably won't start again until March.
14. Turbulent Descent - Trained by Mike Puype
Worked a solid six furlongs in 1:13 flat at Hollywood Park. She is expected to make her 2011 debut in the Las Virgenes Stakes (gr. I) on February 5th.
15. Astrology - Trained by Steven Asmussen
Seeing that he hasn't worked out since the Kentucky Jockey Club, he must be nowhere near his next race. Perhaps the San Felipe Stakes (gr. II) in March will be his next start.
16. Gourmet Dinner - Trained by Steven Standridge
Worked out for the first time since the CashCall Futurity by breezing a half-mile in :48 1/5 at Gulfstream Park. The Holy Bull Stakes is coming up too soon, so I suppose that the Sam F. Davis Stakes could be his next start.
17. Dialed In - Trained by Nick Zito
He has been entered in a nine-furlong allowance race at Gulfstream Park on the 21st. He doesn't necessarily have to win, just so long as he shows a nice kick in the stretch. There is plenty of time for him to mature and master his talent later.
18. Black N Beauty - Trained by Dale Romans
I would love to see this colt in the Holy Bull Stakes on January 30th. I have the suspicion that he can hold his own against Boys at Tosconova and Mucho Macho Man.
19. J P's Gusto - Trained by David Hofmans
Worked a terrific six furlongs yesterday at Santa Anita, getting the distance in 1:11 4/5, the fastest of the day. The Robert B. Lewis Stakes is his current goal.
20. Elite Alex - Trained by Timothy Ritchey
His second-place finish in an allowance optional claiming race last Saturday was truly remarkable. He overcame a bad start, a slow pace, and racing wide to just miss by a head. I have a feeling that this colt is something unusually special.
OTHER NOTABLE HORSES
Top Notables:Alternation - Won the allowance race in which Elite Alex ran second, albeit a better trip.
Awesome Patriot - Worked a half-mile in :48 flat yesterday at Santa Anita.
Bert B Don - Showed talent when finishing a late-running second in the Pasco Stakes.
Cool Blue Red Hot - Entered in a nine-furlong allowance race at Gulfstream Park on Friday.
Crossbow - The Whirlaway Stakes seems like a logical place to make his two-turn debut.
Decisive Moment - Easy win in Jean Lafitte proves that he merits respect.
Justin Phillip - Will likely be the favorite in Saturday's LeComte Stakes.
Kathmanblu - Entered in the Sweetest Chant Stakes on the turf at Gulfstream on Saturday.
Major Gain - The Holy Bull seems like a logical start.
Monzon - Would love to seem in run against Crossbow in the Whirlaway.
Mountain Town - Has not worked out in two weeks, which makes me wonder if a setback has occurred.
Positive Response - Showed a new dimension in the California Derby, rating off the pace before winning easily.
R Heat Lightning - The Forward Gal Stakes should be next.
Sway Away - The Holy Bull could be next.
The Factor - Worked five furlongs in :58 flat on January 9th.
Travelin Man - Impressive maiden winner.
Wine Police - Breezed five furlongs in 1:06 2/5 at Fair Grounds on the 17th.
Secondary Notables:Anthony’s Cross - Disappointing in the Sham Stakes.
Bandbox - Worked a half-mile in: 46 4/5 on the 14th at Laurel Park.
Buffum - No workouts since the Remsen.
Commander - Finished third behind Alternation and Elite Alex in an allowance race.
Grant Jack - Very disappointing in the Smarty Jones Stakes.
Manicero - Victory in Pasco Stakes was nice, but he showed serious stamina limitations.
Read the Contract - Disappointing in the Pasco Stakes.
Riveting Reason - Seems to have taken a step back since finishing third in the Norfolk.
Sweet Ducky - The Holy Bull may be his next start.
Uncle Sam - Disappointing in the Sham Stakes.
Zayda - Very disappointing in the California Derby.
-Keelerman
Monday, January 17, 2011
OMAR MORENO: CHAMPION APPRENTICE JOCKEY
Omar Moreno, a Canadian-based jockey who won 114 races and whose mounts won over $5,000,000 in 2010, was declared the Champion Apprentice Jockey at the Eclipse awards ceremony tonight.
Moreno finished well ahead of all other apprentices in earnings, with his mounts earning more than twice as much money as the mounts of the second leading apprentic jockey, Angel Serpa.
-Keelerman
Moreno finished well ahead of all other apprentices in earnings, with his mounts earning more than twice as much money as the mounts of the second leading apprentic jockey, Angel Serpa.
-Keelerman
RAMON DOMINGUEZ: CHAMPION JOCKEY
Ramon Dominguez, who led all jockeys in North America by purse money, received his first Eclipse award tonight at the Eclipse awards ceremony in Florida.
Dominguez, whose top mounts included Boys at Tosconova, First Dude, and Check the Label, has been a finalist in the past, but had never won the Eclipse award before.
He won the award in decisive fashion, receiving more than twice as many votes as runner-up Garrett Gomez did.
-Keelerman
Dominguez, whose top mounts included Boys at Tosconova, First Dude, and Check the Label, has been a finalist in the past, but had never won the Eclipse award before.
He won the award in decisive fashion, receiving more than twice as many votes as runner-up Garrett Gomez did.
-Keelerman
ZENYATTA: HORSE OF THE YEAR
In the twilight of her racing career, Zenyatta lost her first and only race, just failing to catch Blame by a heart-breaking head at the wire of the 2010 Breeders' Cup Classic. It would be her final start on the racetrack; the conclusion to a career during which she won nineteen consecutive victories, a historic streak which may stand for well over a hundred years; perhaps forever.
But Zenyatta had one last race to win.
Immediately following the 2010 Breeders' Cup Classic, every horse racing fan began to ask themselves who the 2010 Horse of the Year would be. Would the voters reward Blame for his solid campaign that ended with him becoming the only horse to defeat Zenyatta? Or would the great mare's loss be forgiven, allowing her to finally receive the award that had eluded her for so long?
In 2008, Zenyatta finished second in the Horse of the Year voting to Curlin.
In 2009, Zenyatta finished second in the Horse of the Year voting to Rachel Alexandra.
And then, at long last, Zenyatta earned herself the highest honor given to a horse in American racing: the coveted Horse of the Year award.
In 2010, Zenyatta finished first in the Horse of the Year voting, earning herself the one award which was missing from her stellar resume.
She began her 2010 season with a brilliant victory in the Santa Margarita Handicap (gr. I) despite being in a box with nowhere to run in the stretch. She then shipped to Oaklawn Park and won the Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I) by over four lengths. A thrilling late run in the Vanity Handicap (gr. I) enabled her to catch the tough mare St. Trinians despite spotting her nine pounds; a task that looked nearly impossible. But as usual, Zenyatta overcame the impossible and won her third grade I race on the year.
Sent to Del Mar for the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (gr. I), Zenyatta rallied a bit early than usual, caught Rinterval early in the stretch, and played with her rival for the remainder of the drive.
Her prep for the Breeders' Cup Classic came in the Lady's Secret Stakes (gr. I), where she once again rallied from an impossible position in the stretch to catch Switch on the wire.
Entered in the Breeders' Cup Classic against males with a chance to retire undefeated; a perfect 20-for-20, Zenyatta dropped back to last as usual. But what was unusual was just how far back she was. She was nearly twenty lengths behind the leaders in the early stages of the race, seemingly without a chance.
But Zenyatta, like a true champion, rallied through the middle of the pack, undoubtedly getting a face full of dirt in the process. It was an experience that she had never felt before. But despite the unfamiliar circumstance she valiantly burst to the outside and set her sights on Blame, far ahead.
Down the stretch the brilliant mare charged, her giant strides drawing her ever nearer to Blame. But just as she was about to catch him, with a chance at unimaginable glory just strides away, they passed the finish line. Blame had denied Zenyatta the 2010 Breeders' Cup Classic.
But deny her Horse of the Year he could not. Zenyatta prevailed in the final race of her career, the race for Horse of the Year.
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Moss, John Shirreffs, Mike Smith, and most of all, Zenyatta.
But Zenyatta had one last race to win.
Immediately following the 2010 Breeders' Cup Classic, every horse racing fan began to ask themselves who the 2010 Horse of the Year would be. Would the voters reward Blame for his solid campaign that ended with him becoming the only horse to defeat Zenyatta? Or would the great mare's loss be forgiven, allowing her to finally receive the award that had eluded her for so long?
In 2008, Zenyatta finished second in the Horse of the Year voting to Curlin.
In 2009, Zenyatta finished second in the Horse of the Year voting to Rachel Alexandra.
And then, at long last, Zenyatta earned herself the highest honor given to a horse in American racing: the coveted Horse of the Year award.
In 2010, Zenyatta finished first in the Horse of the Year voting, earning herself the one award which was missing from her stellar resume.
She began her 2010 season with a brilliant victory in the Santa Margarita Handicap (gr. I) despite being in a box with nowhere to run in the stretch. She then shipped to Oaklawn Park and won the Apple Blossom Handicap (gr. I) by over four lengths. A thrilling late run in the Vanity Handicap (gr. I) enabled her to catch the tough mare St. Trinians despite spotting her nine pounds; a task that looked nearly impossible. But as usual, Zenyatta overcame the impossible and won her third grade I race on the year.
Sent to Del Mar for the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (gr. I), Zenyatta rallied a bit early than usual, caught Rinterval early in the stretch, and played with her rival for the remainder of the drive.
Her prep for the Breeders' Cup Classic came in the Lady's Secret Stakes (gr. I), where she once again rallied from an impossible position in the stretch to catch Switch on the wire.
Entered in the Breeders' Cup Classic against males with a chance to retire undefeated; a perfect 20-for-20, Zenyatta dropped back to last as usual. But what was unusual was just how far back she was. She was nearly twenty lengths behind the leaders in the early stages of the race, seemingly without a chance.
But Zenyatta, like a true champion, rallied through the middle of the pack, undoubtedly getting a face full of dirt in the process. It was an experience that she had never felt before. But despite the unfamiliar circumstance she valiantly burst to the outside and set her sights on Blame, far ahead.
Down the stretch the brilliant mare charged, her giant strides drawing her ever nearer to Blame. But just as she was about to catch him, with a chance at unimaginable glory just strides away, they passed the finish line. Blame had denied Zenyatta the 2010 Breeders' Cup Classic.
But deny her Horse of the Year he could not. Zenyatta prevailed in the final race of her career, the race for Horse of the Year.
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Moss, John Shirreffs, Mike Smith, and most of all, Zenyatta.
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