Yesterday, the finalists for the Eclipse awards were announced to the public, spawning renewed debate on which horses should win each award. Some categories are clear-cut, such as champion three-year-old filly, in which it would be a surprise if Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) and Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) winner Untapable does not win in unanimous fashion. Other categories, such as champion older male, are more contentious -- do you reward turf star Main Sequence as the best older male in the country, or do you conclude that the honor is really supposed to honor the best older male on dirt, in which case Palace Malice is the most logical candidate for the award.
Showing posts with label Wise Dan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wise Dan. Show all posts
Thursday, January 08, 2015
Saturday, November 02, 2013
Breeders' Cup Saturday 2013
2:59 PM CT: Happy Breeders' Cup Saturday, everyone! As I sit writing this, two of the day's nine Breeders' Cup races have been run, with Ria Antonio claiming the Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) via the disqualification of She's a Tiger, and Dank proving much the best in winning the Filly and Mare Turf (gr. I).
The result of the Juvenile Fillies was marred by the death of Secret Compass, who broke down on the far turn and had to be euthanized. Her jockey, John Velazquez, has been hospitalized and is off his remaining mounts for the day, which include reigning Horse of the Year Wise Dan in the Breeders' Cup Mile and Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Palace Malice in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
On a happier note, the Filly and Mare Turf was a thrilling race, with at least five or six horses in contention turning for home. Favored Dank proved best, holding off a charge from fellow British invader Romantica to win by about a length. Alterite finished best of the American fillies, edging Emollient by a head for the third spot.
It has been reported that Jose Lezcano will replace John Velazquez on Wise Dan in the Mile.
3:54 PM: Many people doubted whether Groupie Doll was the same filly this year as she was in 2012, when she dominated the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint in stellar fashion. But with Rajiv Maragh aboard, Groupie Doll burst to the lead in the homestretch and held off determined late rallies from Judy the Beauty and Dance Card to win the Filly and Mare Sprint for the second consecutive year.
With Dance to Bristol finishing off-the-board, Groupie Doll now has a legitimate claim to a second consecutive Eclipse award title as champion female sprinter. Her other efforts this year include a win in the Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes (gr. II) and a third-place finish in the Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (gr. II).
The next race on the card is the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (gr. I), which begins the pick six. Mizdirection, winner of this race last year, is the current favorite at 5-2. I personally an intrigued by Rock Me Baby, who is 19-1 off of troubled seventh-place finish in the Eddie D Stakes. With Joe Talamo aboard, he could be a live longshot in this wide-open race.
Rajiv Maragh, fresh off his victory in the Filly and Mare Sprint, replaces John Velazquez on Spring to the Sky.
4:16 PM: If you were considering trying to beat Little Mike in the Turf, Trinniberg in the Sprint, Wise Dan in the Mile, and Fort Larned in the Classic . . . well, it might be wise to rethink your strategy! :) Mizdirection just became the third repeat winner of this year's Breeders' Cup, following Beholder and Groupie Doll, when she rallied in deep stretch to edge Reneesgotzip and Tightend Touchdown, who finished in a dead-heat for second after battling for the lead through fractions of :21.47, :43.36, and 1:06.02. The final time was 1:12.25 seconds.
Actually, the form from last year's Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint held up very well this year. Mizdirection won the race for the second consecutive year, 2012 third-place finisher Reneesgotzip moved up to second, and 2012 runner-up Unbridled's Note rallied to be fourth this year.
Coming up next is the $2,000,000 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I), where Gary Stevens will pick up the mount on morning line favorite Havana. At the present time, though, with 22 minutes to post time, it is the one-raced Tap It Rich that is favored at odds of 2-1. Havana is 4-1.
4:36 PM: It has been announced that Rafael Bejarano will ride Palace Malice in the Classic, assuming John Velazquez is not back in time to ride the end of the card.
5:08 PM: It looked like Gary Stevens was going to add another Breeders' Cup victory to his already stellar record when Havana surged to the lead turning for home in the Juvenile, but the previously unbeaten colt got a bit leg-weary late and succumbed late to New Year's Day, the more lightly regarded of the two Bob Baffert-trained colts in the race. Strong Mandate finished third in an impressive performance, dueling with Conquest Titan through very quick fractions and battling on gamely throughout the stretch to lose by only about two lengths.
Next up is the Breeders' Cup Turf, where Joel Rosario will replace John Velazquez aboard Point of Entry. With ten minutes to post time, The Fugue is favored at 3-2.
5:34 PM: The Fugue looked like a winner after making a powerful run around the far turn to take the lead at the top of the stretch, but Magician -- an Irish invader trained by Aidan O'Brien -- came flying with a spectacular late rally to edge the filly by a half-length. Indy Point ran a huge race as well to finish third, beaten little more than a length.
6:34 PM: After making a strong run along the rail to take the lead turning for home, I thought the Gentlemen's Bet had the Breeders' Cup Sprint all but sewn up. Then Secret Circle came rallying on the far outside to become the fourth repeat Breeders' Cup winner of 2013, having previously won the Juvenile Sprint in 2011. Longshot Laugh Track rallied powerfully to finish second, while Gentlemen's Bet held on to third.
Up next is the much-anticipated Breeders' Cup Mile, where last year's winner Wise Dan will attempt to stake his claim for a second consecutive Horse of the Year title.
The result of the Juvenile Fillies was marred by the death of Secret Compass, who broke down on the far turn and had to be euthanized. Her jockey, John Velazquez, has been hospitalized and is off his remaining mounts for the day, which include reigning Horse of the Year Wise Dan in the Breeders' Cup Mile and Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Palace Malice in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
On a happier note, the Filly and Mare Turf was a thrilling race, with at least five or six horses in contention turning for home. Favored Dank proved best, holding off a charge from fellow British invader Romantica to win by about a length. Alterite finished best of the American fillies, edging Emollient by a head for the third spot.
It has been reported that Jose Lezcano will replace John Velazquez on Wise Dan in the Mile.
3:54 PM: Many people doubted whether Groupie Doll was the same filly this year as she was in 2012, when she dominated the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint in stellar fashion. But with Rajiv Maragh aboard, Groupie Doll burst to the lead in the homestretch and held off determined late rallies from Judy the Beauty and Dance Card to win the Filly and Mare Sprint for the second consecutive year.
With Dance to Bristol finishing off-the-board, Groupie Doll now has a legitimate claim to a second consecutive Eclipse award title as champion female sprinter. Her other efforts this year include a win in the Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes (gr. II) and a third-place finish in the Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (gr. II).
The next race on the card is the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (gr. I), which begins the pick six. Mizdirection, winner of this race last year, is the current favorite at 5-2. I personally an intrigued by Rock Me Baby, who is 19-1 off of troubled seventh-place finish in the Eddie D Stakes. With Joe Talamo aboard, he could be a live longshot in this wide-open race.
Rajiv Maragh, fresh off his victory in the Filly and Mare Sprint, replaces John Velazquez on Spring to the Sky.
4:16 PM: If you were considering trying to beat Little Mike in the Turf, Trinniberg in the Sprint, Wise Dan in the Mile, and Fort Larned in the Classic . . . well, it might be wise to rethink your strategy! :) Mizdirection just became the third repeat winner of this year's Breeders' Cup, following Beholder and Groupie Doll, when she rallied in deep stretch to edge Reneesgotzip and Tightend Touchdown, who finished in a dead-heat for second after battling for the lead through fractions of :21.47, :43.36, and 1:06.02. The final time was 1:12.25 seconds.
Actually, the form from last year's Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint held up very well this year. Mizdirection won the race for the second consecutive year, 2012 third-place finisher Reneesgotzip moved up to second, and 2012 runner-up Unbridled's Note rallied to be fourth this year.
Coming up next is the $2,000,000 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I), where Gary Stevens will pick up the mount on morning line favorite Havana. At the present time, though, with 22 minutes to post time, it is the one-raced Tap It Rich that is favored at odds of 2-1. Havana is 4-1.
4:36 PM: It has been announced that Rafael Bejarano will ride Palace Malice in the Classic, assuming John Velazquez is not back in time to ride the end of the card.
5:08 PM: It looked like Gary Stevens was going to add another Breeders' Cup victory to his already stellar record when Havana surged to the lead turning for home in the Juvenile, but the previously unbeaten colt got a bit leg-weary late and succumbed late to New Year's Day, the more lightly regarded of the two Bob Baffert-trained colts in the race. Strong Mandate finished third in an impressive performance, dueling with Conquest Titan through very quick fractions and battling on gamely throughout the stretch to lose by only about two lengths.
Next up is the Breeders' Cup Turf, where Joel Rosario will replace John Velazquez aboard Point of Entry. With ten minutes to post time, The Fugue is favored at 3-2.
5:34 PM: The Fugue looked like a winner after making a powerful run around the far turn to take the lead at the top of the stretch, but Magician -- an Irish invader trained by Aidan O'Brien -- came flying with a spectacular late rally to edge the filly by a half-length. Indy Point ran a huge race as well to finish third, beaten little more than a length.
6:34 PM: After making a strong run along the rail to take the lead turning for home, I thought the Gentlemen's Bet had the Breeders' Cup Sprint all but sewn up. Then Secret Circle came rallying on the far outside to become the fourth repeat Breeders' Cup winner of 2013, having previously won the Juvenile Sprint in 2011. Longshot Laugh Track rallied powerfully to finish second, while Gentlemen's Bet held on to third.
Up next is the much-anticipated Breeders' Cup Mile, where last year's winner Wise Dan will attempt to stake his claim for a second consecutive Horse of the Year title.
Breeders' Cup Saturday 2013 Selections
Five Breeders' Cup races down, and nine to go! Can Wise Dan repeat in the Breeders' Cup Mile? Can Game On Dude win the Classic in his third attempt? Can She's a Tiger give Gary Stevens the second Breeders' Cup victory of his comeback? These questions and more will be answered on the second day of Breeders' Cup 2013. Let's make some selections!
Juvenile Fillies: You can make a solid case that Sweet Reason was the best filly in the Frizette, given that she was beaten little more than a length after a poor start, but after her unusual training pattern leading into this race, I'm leaning toward Frizette winner Artemis Agrotera. But at the same time, the sheer brilliance of She's a Tiger worries me, and it's possible that she could end the race on the far turn. Concave could be an interesting longshot, even though she's never run farther than seven furlongs, as her pedigree suggests that two-turns in a possibility, and she was rallying pretty well at the end of the Del Mar Debutante.SELECTIONS: She's a Tiger, Artemis Agrotera, Concave, Sweet Reason
Juvenile Fillies: You can make a solid case that Sweet Reason was the best filly in the Frizette, given that she was beaten little more than a length after a poor start, but after her unusual training pattern leading into this race, I'm leaning toward Frizette winner Artemis Agrotera. But at the same time, the sheer brilliance of She's a Tiger worries me, and it's possible that she could end the race on the far turn. Concave could be an interesting longshot, even though she's never run farther than seven furlongs, as her pedigree suggests that two-turns in a possibility, and she was rallying pretty well at the end of the Del Mar Debutante.SELECTIONS: She's a Tiger, Artemis Agrotera, Concave, Sweet Reason
Filly and Mare Turf: The European invaders Dank and Romantica look like solid favorites, but they've drawn the two innermost post positions, and I am a bit worried about traffic issues. That's why I am leaning toward Laughing, who should be able to accelerate her final quarter mile in at least :22.50 seconds over the rock-hard Santa Anita turf course. The question is, can anyone else run that last quarter faster? Tiz Flirtatious and Marketing Mix, the 1-2 finishers in the Rodeo Drive Stakes (gr. I) here at Santa Anita, should also be in the mix.
SELECTIONS: Laughing, Dank, Romantica, Marketing Mix
Filly and Mare Sprint: I believe that the surface and distance of this race are just what the doctor ordered for Groupie Doll, and I view her as a very, very solid favorite under these circumstances. Dance to Bristol and Dance Card both intrigue me off of their performances in the Gallant Bloom, but perhaps even more interesting is Summer Applause, who shortens up in distance off of twelve consecutive route races. This reminds me quite a bit of Switch, who placed in three consecutive editions of the Filly and Mare Sprint while twice prepping in route races. I also like Ismene, who was quite impressive on the dirt here at Santa Anita two years ago. She looks like the quickest filly over the first quarter mile, and she has the advantage of starting outside fellow front-runner Teddy's Promise.
SELECTIONS: Groupie Doll, Ismene, Summer Applause, Dance to Bristol
Turf Sprint: In my opinion, experience on the downhill turf course is a must, but that doesn't narrow down the field a whole lot, does it? :) Last year's 1-2-3 finishers Mizdirection, Unbridled's Note, and Reneesgotzip all look solid here once again, as do Eddie D Stakes 1-2 finishers, Chips All In and Boat Trip, but I very intrigued Rock Me Baby, who was beaten just 2 1/2 lengths when seventh in the Eddie D. He looked ready to make a bit of a run in the stretch, but got boxed in and lacked room throughout the final 150 yards or so. Overall, he has decent form on the downhill turf, and will be ridden by Joe Talamo, who won this race in 2009 aboard California Flag.
SELECTIONS: Rock Me Baby, Mizdirection, Boat Trip, Unbridled's Note
Juvenile: I was very confident in the chances of Strong Mandate up until the post position draw, but starting from gate fourteen is by no means appealing. Havana's post draw doesn't bother me nearly as much, as I feel he has the speed to clear most of the field, but in my opinion, his real problem is Diamond Bachelor. This colt is headstrong, very fast, and almost out-of-control at times -- remember, he ran the opening quarter mile of the one-mile Oak Tree Juvenile Turf Stakes in :21.97 seconds. I expect him to go to the lead on Saturday, with Havana chasing him through what may very well be a ridiculous pace. Determining who will take advantage of it is not easy, but perhaps Dance With Fate might have a shot if he takes back further than he did in the FrontRunner Stakes? Tap It Rich took advantage of a fast pace in his maiden win, perhaps he can do so again? We Miss Artie's Beyer speed figures may not be flashy, but he did finish up nicely in the Breeders' Futurity, and has a lot of experience training on dirt. Really, this race looks completely wide-open, and I can't really be confident in any selection. Havana comes into this race is much the same way that 2010 Juvenile champion Uncle Mo did, right down the almost identical Beyers. Perhaps he is just the best horse in this race. Update from Saturday: After what appeared to be a severe speed bias presented itself during Friday's Breeders' Cup card, I am beginning to like the chances of Diamond Bachelor and Havana more and more with each passing hour. Perhaps the bias can carry them 1-2 around the track . . .
SELECTIONS: Diamond Bachelor, Havana, Strong Mandate, Dance With Fate
Turf: The Fugue should have won the Filly and Mare Turf last year, and I believe she is quite a bit better this year than last, which makes her a solid favorite to win this race. The rest of the contenders look pretty evenly matched, with seemingly little separating Little Mike, Big Blue Kitten, and Real Solution. Indy Point's victory in the John Henry Turf Championship was among the most visually impressive performances I have seen all year, and the final time was spectacular. With that in mind, I'll take him as my second choice behind The Fugue, with utmost respect to the Big Blue Kitten, Real Solution, and Little Mike.
SELECTIONS: The Fugue, Indy Point, Real Solution
Sprint: Private Zone was as game as could be in winning the Vosburgh Invitational, but he may have been aided by the track, and he wasn't challenged during the early stages of the race. I was leaning toward Justin Phillip to turn the tables on Saturday, but then he had to go and draw the rail. Fast Bullet can be brilliant at times, but exactly the opposite at others. If you believe there was a speed bias at Santa Anita during last year's Breeders' Cup, it's worth noting that Fast Bullet was the only speed horse that failed to take advantage of it. So I guess my selection is Gentlemen's Bet, who I believe had legitimate excuses in his last two starts. If he can work out a stalking trip from gate three -- which could be challenging, I admit -- I believe he has what it takes to find the winner's circle at a decent price. Update from Saturday: Once again, the presence of the speed bias has caused me to re-think my selections. All of a sudden, Private Zone's chances are looking much, much better than before. However, I'll take a wild chance with Sum of the Parts, who finished fourth in last year's Breeders' Cup Sprint in a strong front-running performance.
SELECTIONS: Sum of the Parts, Private Zone, Gentlemen's Bet, Justin Phillip
Mile: After drawing post eight, Wise Dan looks almost unbeatable in this race. I envision him stalking Obviously and Silver Max in the early stages, taking over in the stretch, and breaking his own track record in the process. :) I respect the chances of Silver Max, but I don't believe he will be able to handle the pace pressure of Obviously, who I feel is ready to rebound in a big way on Saturday. Olympic Glory has great form in Europe, but I seem to remember hearing a mention of him blowing a turn in a European race this year . . . probably not a good sign, and after Excelebration's disappointment last year off a two-week rest, I guess I can't see Olympic Glory winning this race. As in interesting longshot, I like Bright Thought, who is unbeaten and virtually untested on the Santa Anita turf. Having no races since March is a concern, but perhaps he can get a piece of it from mid-pack.
SELECTIONS: Wise Dan, Obviously, Bright Though, No Jet Lag
Classic: I do believe that Game On Dude is the best he's ever been coming into this race, and assuming he gets off to a good start, I believe he can take this field all the way on the front end, no matter how fast the pace. Mucho Macho Man and Palace Malice look like the best of the mid-pack runners, and I can envision either one of them getting up to win under the right circumstances. The only other horse I really like is Paynter, who ran such an odd race in the Awesome Again Stakes. He seems to be training as well as ever, and perhaps he can end his fairytale comeback with a victory in the Classic.
SELECTIONS: Game On Dude, Mucho Macho Man, Palace Malice, Paynter
-Keelerman
Monday, October 28, 2013
2013 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile Post Positions
Here are the post positions for the $2,000,000 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (gr. I), to be run on November 2nd at Santa Anita Park:
1 No Jet Lag/Mike Smith
2 Silentio/Rafael Bejarano
3 Silver Max/Robby Albarado
4 Obviously/Joe Talamo
5 Olympic Glory/Richard Hughes
6 Bright Thought/Julien Leparoux
7 He Be Fire N Ice/Victor Espinoza
8 Wise Dan/John Velazquez
9 Cristoforo Columbo/Ryan Moore
10 Za Approval/Joel Rosario
-Keelerman
1 No Jet Lag/Mike Smith
2 Silentio/Rafael Bejarano
3 Silver Max/Robby Albarado
4 Obviously/Joe Talamo
5 Olympic Glory/Richard Hughes
6 Bright Thought/Julien Leparoux
7 He Be Fire N Ice/Victor Espinoza
8 Wise Dan/John Velazquez
9 Cristoforo Columbo/Ryan Moore
10 Za Approval/Joel Rosario
-Keelerman
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
2013 Breeders' Cup Mile Pre-Entries
Here are the pre-entries for the $2,000,000 Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. I), to be run on November 2nd at Santa Anita Park:
Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. I)
Distance: 1 mile on turf
Post Time: 4:40 PM PDT
Boat Trip
Bright Thought
Cristoforo Colombo
Flotilla
He Be Fire N Ice
Jeranimo
Magician
Mshawish
No Jet Lag
Obviously
Olympic Glory
Silentio
Silver Max
Toronado
Wise Dan
Za Approval
Notes:
Boat Trip has first preference in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.
Cristoforo Colombo has second preference in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.
Jeranimo has first preference in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.
Magician has first preference in the Breeders' Cup Turf.
Obviously has second preference in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.
Silver Max has second preference in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.
Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. I)
Distance: 1 mile on turf
Post Time: 4:40 PM PDT
Boat Trip
Bright Thought
Cristoforo Colombo
Flotilla
He Be Fire N Ice
Jeranimo
Magician
Mshawish
No Jet Lag
Obviously
Olympic Glory
Silentio
Silver Max
Toronado
Wise Dan
Za Approval
Notes:
Boat Trip has first preference in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.
Cristoforo Colombo has second preference in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.
Jeranimo has first preference in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.
Magician has first preference in the Breeders' Cup Turf.
Obviously has second preference in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.
Silver Max has second preference in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
Weekend Recap: Wise Dan was stunning
It's not often that you see a horse overcome as much trouble as Wise Dan did in the Firecracker Handicap (gr. II) last Saturday. Over a rain-soaked turf course that he didn't seem to relish, Wise Dan spent much of the race trapped in a pocket along the rail with nowhere to run. In the homestretch, he had to try a couple of times to get through on the rail before finally squeezing -- and I mean squeezing -- along the inside of Seruni to take the lead. Thereafter, the race was virtually over, but Wise Dan did cause this writer's heart to miss a beat when he stumbled briefly nearing the finish. I shouldn't have worried. Wise Dan, unaffected by his misstep, continued to draw clear and won by two lengths in what very well may have been the most defining race of his career.
I say that not only because Wise Dan overcome a very tough trip, but because he did so while carrying 128 pounds and conceding his rivals between eleven to thirteen pounds apiece. Granted, that's not the kind of weight that legends like Kelso and Forego used to carry, but in the racing of today, that's a pretty big spread. For Wise Dan to overcome it the way he did further stamps him as something more than just another good horse. Wise Dan may very well be on his way to becoming a legend. Certainly, if he can win either the Whitney Handicap (gr. I) or the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga this summer, it would cement his status as one of the finest horses to ever set foot on an American racetrack. From a versatility standpoint, there simply isn't a precedent for what Wise Dan has accomplished. On turf, he has won the Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. I), Shadwell Turf Mile (gr. I), Woodbine Mile (gr. I), Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap (gr. I), Maker's 46 Mile (gr. I), Fourstardave Handicap (gr. II), and two runnings of the Firecracker (gr. II). On synthetic tracks, he has won the Fayatte Stakes (gr. II), Ben Ali Stakes (gr. III), Phoenix Stakes (gr. III), and the Presque Isle Mile Stakes. On dirt, he has won the Clark Handicap (gr. I), finished second by a head in the Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I), and missed by just 2 1/2 lengths in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I). All told, his record on turf stands at 9-8-0-0. On dirt, it is 7-3-1-0. On synthetic, it is 7-5-0-0. Wise Dan is remarkable. As it stands now, he deserves ranking as a genuinely special horse. A few more victories, and he could legitimately be called one of the greatest horses the sport has ever seen.
Another top miler seen in action last Saturday was Obviously, who ran a very strong third to Wise Dan in last year's Breeders' Cup Mile. Sent off as the odds-on favorite in the Shoemaker Mile (gr. I) at Hollywood Park, Obviously used his trademark early speed to open up a commanding early advantage and was never challenged thereafter, cruising to an easy 3 1/4-length triumph in the blazing time of 1:32.86. This is a seriously good horse, and if he's any better this year than he was in 2012, he could make things very challenging for Wise Dan come Breeders's Cup time.
The male sprinters division had a series shakeup when Gentleman's Bet upset Delaunay in the Iowa Sprint Handicap and Centralinteligence romped in the Triple Bend Handicap (gr. I) over the likes of Comma to the Top, Drill, Rail Trip, Camp Victory, and Jimmy Creed. The victory by Gentleman's Bet wasn't a huge surprise, given that he entered the Iowa Sprint off of a sharp victory in a Churchill allowance race, but what was surprising was that Delaunay had no not response in the final furlong. Granted, the heavy favorite broke poorly and had to make a wide bid to gain the lead, but I really expected him to go right on by Gentleman's Bet and win in a romp.
As for the Triple Bend, Centralinteligence had proven himself to be a high-quality horse in the past, so his victory wasn't too surprising either. But the dull efforts from Camp Victory and Jimmy Creed -- who finished seventh and eighth, respectively -- were even more shocking than Delaunay's defeat.
On a happier note, the veteran gelding Rail Trip ran very well in his first start since his runner-up finish in last year's Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (gr. I), rallying to finish fifth after trailing for much of the race. All told, he was beaten just 2 1/2 lengths for second at a distance that's really too short for him, and I'm hopeful that he'll come back with a big effort in the San Diego Handicap (gr. II) later this month.
Starformer may not be the most consistent mare, but on her best day, the Bill Mott-trainee is among the better turf mares in this country. Her decisive victory in the New York Stakes (gr. II) was visually impressive, and her :22 4/5-second final quarter mile was very good indeed. However, the very slow early pace (:50.15 for the half-mile) put a serious damper on the chances of late-closers like Lady of Shamrock and Dream Peace, who nevertheless rallied well to finish second and third in performances that were undoubtedly better than they looked on the surface.
Adding further intrigue to the filly and mare turf division was the Eatontown Handicap (gr. III) at Monmouth Park, where the immensely talented Dayatthespa was sent off as the 2-5 favorite. Really, she ran quite well, sprinting through blazing fractions of :46 2/5 and 1:09 1/5. However, those fast fractions proved to be her undoing, as Laughing came charging on the outside to win by three-quarters of a length while stopping the clock for 1 1/16th miles in a spectacular 1:39 1/5. I have long been of the opinion that Laughing has the potential to be one of the finest turf mares in the country, and I believe that the Eatontown Handicap was the first step toward reaching that status.
Following Dreaming of Julia's upset in the Mother Goose Stakes (gr. I) on June 22nd, the three-year-old filly division continues to lack a standout leader. Bob Baffert's Fiftyshadesofhay may have taken a major step toward assuming leadership with her 3 1/2-length victory in the Iowa Oaks (gr. III). Having already won the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (gr. II) and Santa Ysabel Stakes (gr. III) earlier this year, in addition to placing in both the Las Virgenes Stakes (gr. I) and Santa Anita Oaks (gr. I). She hasn't picked up a grade I victory yet, which is something she would need to do in order to secure division leadership, but she's flashed enough talent to suggest that grade I company is well within her reach, and I look forward to seeing where she turns up next.
We'll wrap up this week's recap by briefly mentioning the Chicago Handicap (gr. III) at Arlington Park. The seven-furlong sprint for fillies and mares marked the first start for Aubby K since her game victory in the Humana Distaff (gr. I) at Churchill Downs on Derby day, and thanks to this grade I triumph, Aubby K was sent off as the heavy favorite. But as we all know, synthetic tracks like the one at Arlington are very different from dirt tracks like the one at Churchill, and Aubby K never really threatened for the win while finishing third behind Cozze Up Lady and Queen's Award. Granted, those are a couple of nice fillies, but I'm pretty certain that Aubby K will rebound upon returning to dirt. An Aubby K/Groupie Doll showdown in the Ballerina Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga could be very interesting indeed!
-Keelerman
I say that not only because Wise Dan overcome a very tough trip, but because he did so while carrying 128 pounds and conceding his rivals between eleven to thirteen pounds apiece. Granted, that's not the kind of weight that legends like Kelso and Forego used to carry, but in the racing of today, that's a pretty big spread. For Wise Dan to overcome it the way he did further stamps him as something more than just another good horse. Wise Dan may very well be on his way to becoming a legend. Certainly, if he can win either the Whitney Handicap (gr. I) or the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga this summer, it would cement his status as one of the finest horses to ever set foot on an American racetrack. From a versatility standpoint, there simply isn't a precedent for what Wise Dan has accomplished. On turf, he has won the Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. I), Shadwell Turf Mile (gr. I), Woodbine Mile (gr. I), Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap (gr. I), Maker's 46 Mile (gr. I), Fourstardave Handicap (gr. II), and two runnings of the Firecracker (gr. II). On synthetic tracks, he has won the Fayatte Stakes (gr. II), Ben Ali Stakes (gr. III), Phoenix Stakes (gr. III), and the Presque Isle Mile Stakes. On dirt, he has won the Clark Handicap (gr. I), finished second by a head in the Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I), and missed by just 2 1/2 lengths in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I). All told, his record on turf stands at 9-8-0-0. On dirt, it is 7-3-1-0. On synthetic, it is 7-5-0-0. Wise Dan is remarkable. As it stands now, he deserves ranking as a genuinely special horse. A few more victories, and he could legitimately be called one of the greatest horses the sport has ever seen.
Another top miler seen in action last Saturday was Obviously, who ran a very strong third to Wise Dan in last year's Breeders' Cup Mile. Sent off as the odds-on favorite in the Shoemaker Mile (gr. I) at Hollywood Park, Obviously used his trademark early speed to open up a commanding early advantage and was never challenged thereafter, cruising to an easy 3 1/4-length triumph in the blazing time of 1:32.86. This is a seriously good horse, and if he's any better this year than he was in 2012, he could make things very challenging for Wise Dan come Breeders's Cup time.
The male sprinters division had a series shakeup when Gentleman's Bet upset Delaunay in the Iowa Sprint Handicap and Centralinteligence romped in the Triple Bend Handicap (gr. I) over the likes of Comma to the Top, Drill, Rail Trip, Camp Victory, and Jimmy Creed. The victory by Gentleman's Bet wasn't a huge surprise, given that he entered the Iowa Sprint off of a sharp victory in a Churchill allowance race, but what was surprising was that Delaunay had no not response in the final furlong. Granted, the heavy favorite broke poorly and had to make a wide bid to gain the lead, but I really expected him to go right on by Gentleman's Bet and win in a romp.
As for the Triple Bend, Centralinteligence had proven himself to be a high-quality horse in the past, so his victory wasn't too surprising either. But the dull efforts from Camp Victory and Jimmy Creed -- who finished seventh and eighth, respectively -- were even more shocking than Delaunay's defeat.
On a happier note, the veteran gelding Rail Trip ran very well in his first start since his runner-up finish in last year's Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (gr. I), rallying to finish fifth after trailing for much of the race. All told, he was beaten just 2 1/2 lengths for second at a distance that's really too short for him, and I'm hopeful that he'll come back with a big effort in the San Diego Handicap (gr. II) later this month.
Starformer may not be the most consistent mare, but on her best day, the Bill Mott-trainee is among the better turf mares in this country. Her decisive victory in the New York Stakes (gr. II) was visually impressive, and her :22 4/5-second final quarter mile was very good indeed. However, the very slow early pace (:50.15 for the half-mile) put a serious damper on the chances of late-closers like Lady of Shamrock and Dream Peace, who nevertheless rallied well to finish second and third in performances that were undoubtedly better than they looked on the surface.
Adding further intrigue to the filly and mare turf division was the Eatontown Handicap (gr. III) at Monmouth Park, where the immensely talented Dayatthespa was sent off as the 2-5 favorite. Really, she ran quite well, sprinting through blazing fractions of :46 2/5 and 1:09 1/5. However, those fast fractions proved to be her undoing, as Laughing came charging on the outside to win by three-quarters of a length while stopping the clock for 1 1/16th miles in a spectacular 1:39 1/5. I have long been of the opinion that Laughing has the potential to be one of the finest turf mares in the country, and I believe that the Eatontown Handicap was the first step toward reaching that status.
Following Dreaming of Julia's upset in the Mother Goose Stakes (gr. I) on June 22nd, the three-year-old filly division continues to lack a standout leader. Bob Baffert's Fiftyshadesofhay may have taken a major step toward assuming leadership with her 3 1/2-length victory in the Iowa Oaks (gr. III). Having already won the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (gr. II) and Santa Ysabel Stakes (gr. III) earlier this year, in addition to placing in both the Las Virgenes Stakes (gr. I) and Santa Anita Oaks (gr. I). She hasn't picked up a grade I victory yet, which is something she would need to do in order to secure division leadership, but she's flashed enough talent to suggest that grade I company is well within her reach, and I look forward to seeing where she turns up next.
We'll wrap up this week's recap by briefly mentioning the Chicago Handicap (gr. III) at Arlington Park. The seven-furlong sprint for fillies and mares marked the first start for Aubby K since her game victory in the Humana Distaff (gr. I) at Churchill Downs on Derby day, and thanks to this grade I triumph, Aubby K was sent off as the heavy favorite. But as we all know, synthetic tracks like the one at Arlington are very different from dirt tracks like the one at Churchill, and Aubby K never really threatened for the win while finishing third behind Cozze Up Lady and Queen's Award. Granted, those are a couple of nice fillies, but I'm pretty certain that Aubby K will rebound upon returning to dirt. An Aubby K/Groupie Doll showdown in the Ballerina Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga could be very interesting indeed!
-Keelerman
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Wise Dan spectacular in Breeders' Cup Mile
Wise Dan put him self squarely in the picture for Horse of the Year when he coasted away from a top-class field in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. I), winning by 1 1/2 lengths over the late-running Animal Kingdom.
Ridden to victory by John Velazquez, Wise Dan flashed speed from the start of the one-mile turf race and soon found himself racing in third, 1 1/2 lengths behind pace-setting Obviously. Suggestive Boy was right behind in second, while Excelebration, Mr. Commons, and Willcoxx Inn comprised the group of mid-pack runners. Moonlight Cloud, Animal Kingdom, and Jeranimo were the early trailers.
Through spectacular fractions of :23.34, :46.16, and 1:08.81, Obviously continued to lead the way, but coming into the homestretch, Wise Dan shifted to the outside to challenge for the lead. The two top milers briefly engaged in a battle for command, with Wise Dan emerging the winner by 1 1/2 lengths in the spectacular time of 1:31.78.
Animal Kingdom overcame a great deal of traffic to edge out Obviously for second, while Excelebration, Mr. Commons, Jeranimo, Suggestive Boy, Moonlight Cloud, and Willcox Inn completed the order of finish.
The winner is trained by Charles Lopresti and owned by Morton Fink.
-Keelerman
Ridden to victory by John Velazquez, Wise Dan flashed speed from the start of the one-mile turf race and soon found himself racing in third, 1 1/2 lengths behind pace-setting Obviously. Suggestive Boy was right behind in second, while Excelebration, Mr. Commons, and Willcoxx Inn comprised the group of mid-pack runners. Moonlight Cloud, Animal Kingdom, and Jeranimo were the early trailers.
Through spectacular fractions of :23.34, :46.16, and 1:08.81, Obviously continued to lead the way, but coming into the homestretch, Wise Dan shifted to the outside to challenge for the lead. The two top milers briefly engaged in a battle for command, with Wise Dan emerging the winner by 1 1/2 lengths in the spectacular time of 1:31.78.
Animal Kingdom overcame a great deal of traffic to edge out Obviously for second, while Excelebration, Mr. Commons, Jeranimo, Suggestive Boy, Moonlight Cloud, and Willcox Inn completed the order of finish.
The winner is trained by Charles Lopresti and owned by Morton Fink.
-Keelerman
Friday, October 26, 2012
Breeders' Cup will clarify Horse of the Year
As has become the norm in recent years, Horse of the Year is still thoroughly unsettled heading into the Breeders' Cup. Thus, the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) will once again be taking on a level of importance beyond the obvious prestige of winning North America's richest horse race, for it will likely prove key in determining the 2012 Horse of the Year. It's fairly simple -- if you had a good enough season prior to winning the Classic, like Curlin did in 2007, you'll probably get the award. But if the rest of your season was only so-so, like Drosselmeyer last year, you will probably get shut out in favor of a Classic also-ran with better overall credentials, such as Havre de Grace.
I feel that a number of horses could sew up Horse of the Year with a victory in the Classic, the most obvious being Game On Dude. Winner of the Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), Awesome Again Stakes (gr. II), and a pair of grade IIs this year, the five-year-old gelding would be a practically unanimous choice as champion of the year if he can add the Classic to his stellar record.
Ron the Greek is in the same boat. Having won the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) and Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) this season, a victory in the Classic would almost undoubtedly earn him the year-end honor.
Even Dullahan would have a shot if makes his way to the winner's circle on Breeders' Cup day. Having previously won the Pacific Classic (gr. I) and Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I), the Classic would give him an eye-catching record that is not to be overlooked. However, his losses in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), Belmont Stakes (gr. I), Haskell Invitational (gr. I), and Jamaica Handicap (gr. I) -- the latter three being bad defeats -- could make things interesting, especially with fellow sophomore I'll Have Another having won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes (gr. I), Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), and Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) before heading to the sidelines with an injury.
To Honor and Serve, Flat Out, Fort Larned, and Mucho Macho Man could all secure the Eclipse award as champion older male with a victory in the Classic, but I'll Have Another's credentials do seem a bit flashier, and in the end, I feel the golden Eclipse award would end up being given to the sophomore.
Now suppose something really odd happens in the Classic -- suppose a huge longshot like Brilliant Speed takes home the glory, with Game On Dude and Ron the Greek finishing off-the-board. In this instance, the results of the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. I), Turf (gr. I), or Mile (gr. I) could make things very interesting.
Let's look first at the Ladies' Classic. Of the seven fillies and mares expected to contest the race, any one of them could earn the Eclipse award as champion older mare or three-year-old filly, depending upon the victor's age. But could any of them pick up Horse of the Year? Well, the 2012 records of Awesome Feather, Grace Hall, Include Me Out, Love and Pride, and My Miss Aurelia aren't really sufficient to claim racing's biggest award. But Questing and Royal Delta are possibilities. The first-mentioned filly won both the Coaching Club American Oaks (gr. I) and Alabama Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga before losing the Cotillion Stakes (gr. I) by a nose. A dominating victory in the Ladies' Classic might be enough to secure Horse of the Year.
Royal Delta has only won one grade I race this year, that being the Beldame Invitational (gr. I) at Belmont Park, but she also won the Delaware Handicap (gr. II) and Fleur de Lis Stakes (gr. II). A victory in the Ladies' Classic could put her in the conversation for Horse of the Year, but even if she did garner more votes than Game On Dude and Ron the Greek, topping I'll Have Another would be a bit of a challenge.
Of course, should the connections of Royal Delta have a change of heart and run her in the Classic, than she would be in charge of her own fate. Victory in that race would almost certainly secure Horse of the Year, and make her the fourth straight filly or mare to earn the award.
In the Breeders' Cup Mile, Wise Dan could stamp his credentials for Horse of the Year if he dominates again. Having already won the Woodbine Mile (gr. I), Shadwell Turf Mile (gr. I), Fourstardave Handicap (gr. II), and Ben Ali Stakes (gr. II) -- in addition to being beaten a head in the Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) -- a Breeders' Cup Mile would give him a very, very strong record indeed.
Also in the mix for year-end honors is Point of Entry, winner of the Man o' War Stakes (gr. I), Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (gr. I), Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (gr. I), and Elkhorn Stakes (gr. II). Should he emerge victorious from the Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. I), his record would include four grade I wins for the year, more than any other horse.
Now, having gone to all the trouble to outline all these possibly scenarios, you just watch -- Brilliant Speed will romp in the Classic while Richard's Kid and Pool Play round out the trifecta. Then, Class Included will win the Ladies' Classic in gate-to-wire fashion, and Wise Dan and Point of Entry will both run last in their respective races. Then Horse of the Year will be a great big mess once again!
If this unlikely scenario comes to fruition, we might as well give the award to Frankel. :)
-Keelerman
I feel that a number of horses could sew up Horse of the Year with a victory in the Classic, the most obvious being Game On Dude. Winner of the Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), Awesome Again Stakes (gr. II), and a pair of grade IIs this year, the five-year-old gelding would be a practically unanimous choice as champion of the year if he can add the Classic to his stellar record.
Ron the Greek is in the same boat. Having won the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) and Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) this season, a victory in the Classic would almost undoubtedly earn him the year-end honor.
Even Dullahan would have a shot if makes his way to the winner's circle on Breeders' Cup day. Having previously won the Pacific Classic (gr. I) and Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I), the Classic would give him an eye-catching record that is not to be overlooked. However, his losses in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), Belmont Stakes (gr. I), Haskell Invitational (gr. I), and Jamaica Handicap (gr. I) -- the latter three being bad defeats -- could make things interesting, especially with fellow sophomore I'll Have Another having won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes (gr. I), Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), and Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) before heading to the sidelines with an injury.
To Honor and Serve, Flat Out, Fort Larned, and Mucho Macho Man could all secure the Eclipse award as champion older male with a victory in the Classic, but I'll Have Another's credentials do seem a bit flashier, and in the end, I feel the golden Eclipse award would end up being given to the sophomore.
Now suppose something really odd happens in the Classic -- suppose a huge longshot like Brilliant Speed takes home the glory, with Game On Dude and Ron the Greek finishing off-the-board. In this instance, the results of the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. I), Turf (gr. I), or Mile (gr. I) could make things very interesting.
Let's look first at the Ladies' Classic. Of the seven fillies and mares expected to contest the race, any one of them could earn the Eclipse award as champion older mare or three-year-old filly, depending upon the victor's age. But could any of them pick up Horse of the Year? Well, the 2012 records of Awesome Feather, Grace Hall, Include Me Out, Love and Pride, and My Miss Aurelia aren't really sufficient to claim racing's biggest award. But Questing and Royal Delta are possibilities. The first-mentioned filly won both the Coaching Club American Oaks (gr. I) and Alabama Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga before losing the Cotillion Stakes (gr. I) by a nose. A dominating victory in the Ladies' Classic might be enough to secure Horse of the Year.
Royal Delta has only won one grade I race this year, that being the Beldame Invitational (gr. I) at Belmont Park, but she also won the Delaware Handicap (gr. II) and Fleur de Lis Stakes (gr. II). A victory in the Ladies' Classic could put her in the conversation for Horse of the Year, but even if she did garner more votes than Game On Dude and Ron the Greek, topping I'll Have Another would be a bit of a challenge.
Of course, should the connections of Royal Delta have a change of heart and run her in the Classic, than she would be in charge of her own fate. Victory in that race would almost certainly secure Horse of the Year, and make her the fourth straight filly or mare to earn the award.
In the Breeders' Cup Mile, Wise Dan could stamp his credentials for Horse of the Year if he dominates again. Having already won the Woodbine Mile (gr. I), Shadwell Turf Mile (gr. I), Fourstardave Handicap (gr. II), and Ben Ali Stakes (gr. II) -- in addition to being beaten a head in the Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) -- a Breeders' Cup Mile would give him a very, very strong record indeed.
Also in the mix for year-end honors is Point of Entry, winner of the Man o' War Stakes (gr. I), Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (gr. I), Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (gr. I), and Elkhorn Stakes (gr. II). Should he emerge victorious from the Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. I), his record would include four grade I wins for the year, more than any other horse.
Now, having gone to all the trouble to outline all these possibly scenarios, you just watch -- Brilliant Speed will romp in the Classic while Richard's Kid and Pool Play round out the trifecta. Then, Class Included will win the Ladies' Classic in gate-to-wire fashion, and Wise Dan and Point of Entry will both run last in their respective races. Then Horse of the Year will be a great big mess once again!
If this unlikely scenario comes to fruition, we might as well give the award to Frankel. :)
-Keelerman
Monday, October 22, 2012
BREEDERS' CUP RANKINGS -- October 22nd, 2012
CLASSIC
1 Game On Dude
2 Ron the Greek
3 Mucho Macho Man
4 Flat Out
5 Brilliant Speed
TURF
1 Sea Moon
2 St. Nicholas Abbey
3 Point of Entry
4 Trailblazer
5 Shareta
MILE
1 Wise Dan
2 Excelebration
3 Moonlight Cloud
4 Obviously
5 Mr. Commons
SPRINT
1 Amazombie
2 Coil
3 Capital Account
4 Emcee
5 Fast Bullet
LADIES' CLASSIC
1 Royal Delta
2 Awesome Feather
3 Questing
4 My Miss Aurelia
5 Love and Pride
FILLY AND MARE TURF
1 Ridasiyna
2 The Fugue
3 Marketing Mix
4 Nahrain
5 Zagora
DIRT MILE
1 Emcee
2 Shackleford
3 Jersey Town
4 Nonios
5 Fed Biz
FILLY AND MARE SPRINT
1 Groupie Doll
2 Musical Romance
3 Turbulent Descent
4 Contested
5 Dust and Diamonds
TURF SPRINT
1 California Flag
2 Unbridled's Note
3 Next Question
4 Bridgetown
5 Great Attack
MARATHON
1 Worth Repeating
2 Eldaafer
3 Atigun
3 Commander
4 Calidoscopio
JUVENILE
1 Power Broker
2 Shanghai Bobby
3 Capo Bastone
4 Know More
5 Title Contender
JUVENILE TURF
1 Artigiano
2 Noble Tune
3 Dundonnell
4 Balance the Books
5 Joha
JUVENILE FILLIES
1 Executiveprivilege
2 Beholder
3 Dreaming of Julia
4 Spring in the Air
5 Kauai Katie
JUVENILE FILLIES TURF
1 Spring Venture
2 Sky Lantern
3 Watsdachances
4 Waterway Run
5 Flashy Ways
JUVENILE SPRINT
1 Beholder
2 Merit Man
3 Kauai Katie
4 Carried Interest
5 Darwin
-Keelerman
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Breeders' Cup Workout Report: October 20th, 2012
With the Breeders' Cup now just two weeks away, the work tabs at racetracks across the country are being filled with the names of prominent Breeders' Cup contenders putting the finishing touches on their preparation. Thus, here is the first in a series of daily posts chronicling the workouts turned in by Breeders' Cup contenders, in hopes that we can get a feel for how well each horse is training in the final weeks before the Cup.
At Belmont Park . . .
Suburban Handicap (gr. II) winner Mucho Macho Man turned in his fourth consecutive bullet work since finishing second in the Woodward Stakes (gr. I), breezing five furlongs in :59.42 over a track labeled good. The time was 1.73 seconds faster than the second fastest work of the day.
At Betfair Hollywood Park . . .
On a super busy Saturday morning, Rodeo Drive Stakes (gr. I) winner and Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf contender Marketing Mix was the star, breezing five furlongs in a bullet :59.20, the best of the day by four-fifths of a second. Also quite sharp was two-time grade II stakes winner Obviously, who went the distance in 1:00.20 while preparing for a start in the Breeders' Cup Mile.
Other prominent names on the work tab included Triple Bend Handicap (gr. I) winner Camp Victory (Turf Sprint, 5f in 1:00.40), Surfer Girl Stakes winner Flashy Ways (Juvenile Fillies Turf, 4f in :48.40), John C. Mabee Stakes (gr. II) winner City to City (Filly and Mare Turf, 5f in 1:00.80), Rodeo Drive Stakes runner-up Nereid (Filly and Mare Turf, 5f in 1:01.80), Ralph M. Hinds Handicap winner Worth Repeating (Marathon, 7f in 1:28.80), and General Belgrano (Arg-II) winner Calidoscopio (Marathon, 8f in 1:43.40).
At Churchill Downs . . .
Trainer Mark Casse had a very busy morning, sending out -- by my count -- five Breeders' Cup contenders. Perhaps the most prominent was Natalma Stakes (gr. II) winner Spring Venture, one of the favorites for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (gr. I). In what was nothing more than a maintenance work, the filly breezed five furlongs in an easy 1:02.80 seconds.
Spring in the Air, winner of the Darley Alcibiades Stakes (gr. I), also breezed five furlongs, getting the distance in 1:01.80 seconds. She is scheduled to contest the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Hawthorne Gold Cup (gr. I) winner Pool Play, pointing toward a start in the Breeders' Cup Classic, recorded an identical time.
Indiano Jones (Juvenile Turf), third in the Summer Stakes (gr. II) and Grey Stakes (gr. III) at Woodbine, went five furlongs in 1:02.60. Dynamic Sky (Juvenile) went the distance in 1:01.20.
Trainer Kenny McPeek also sent out a potential Breeders' Cup candidate in Noble's Promise, who breezed a half-mile in :49.40 in his first work since a runner-up effort in the Phoenix Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland. He is being considered for a start in the Breeders' Cup Sprint.
At Churchill Training . . .
Only one major Breeders' Cup contender recorded a breeze, that being Breeders' Futurity (gr. I) winner Joha. The two-year-old colt -- a candidate for either the Breeders' Cup Juvenile or the Juvenile Turf -- breezed a half-mile in :49.60 for trainer Mike Maker.
At Keeneland . . .
Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. I) favorite Wise Dan turned in his final pre-Breeders' Cup workout, breezing five furlongs in a bullet 1:00.40 seconds. Coming off of blowout wins in the Woodbine Mile (gr. I) and Shadwell Turf Mile (gr. I), he is expected to be one of the heaviest favorites in the fifteen Breeders' Cup races.
Willcox Inn, runner-up to Wise Dan in the Shadwell Turf Mile, was also on the work tab, going a half-mile in :48.60. Dominus, who finished sixth in that race, went the distance in :48.80.
Trainer Kenny McPeek sent out a pair of three-year-olds, led by Travers Stakes (gr. I) winner Golden Ticket. The son of Speightstown breezed five furlongs in 1:02.40 in preparation for a start in the Breeders' Cup Classic. Atigun, third in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) and fourth in the Travers (gr. I) and Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I), worked five eighths in 1:01.60. He is pointing toward the Breeders' Cup Marathon (gr. III).
Also on the work tab was Bourbon Stakes (gr. III) runner-up Brown Almighty, who is prepping for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (gr. I). He went a half-mile in :49.40.
At Santa Anita . . .
The Santa Anita work tab was absolutely loaded with Breeders' Cup contenders of all kinds, breezing over both the main track and the turf course. In alphabetical order . . .
MAIN TRACK
Amazombie (Sprint, 4f in :48.00)
Capo Bastone (Juvenile, 6f in 1:13.40)
Love and Pride (Ladies' Classic, 5f in 1:00.40)
Renee's Queen (Juvenile Fillies Turf, 6f in 1:14.00)
Shackleford (Dirt Mile, 5f in :59.60)
Smiling Tiger (Sprint, 6f in 1:11.80)
Switch (Filly and Mare Sprint, 5f in :58.80)
Trinniberg (Sprint, 4f in :47.00 from the gate)
Turbo Compressor (Turf, 1:00.40)
TURF COURSE
Bourbon Bay (Turf, 6f in 1:14.40)
Bridgetown (Turf Sprint, 4f in :48.00)
California Flag (Turf Sprint, 5f in :59.60)
Chosen Miracle (Turf Sprint, 6f in 1:12.40)
Doubles Partner (Mile, 4f in :48.00)
Dry Summer (Juvenile Turf, 6f in 1:14.80)
Dullahan (Classic, Turf, or Mile, 4f in :47.80)
Gabriel Charles (Juvenile Turf, 6f in 1:14.60)
Gervinho (Juvenile Turf, 5f in 1:01.00)
In Lingerie (Ladies' Classic or Filly and Mare Turf, 4f in :48.00)
Lady of Shamrock (Filly and Mare Turf, 7f in 1:26.20)
Little Mike (Mile, 4f in :47.60)
Moonwalk (Juvenile Fillies Turf, 4f in :47.80)
Reneesgotzip (Turf Sprint or Filly and Mare Sprint, 4f in :49.60)
Sustained (Juvenile Fillies Turf, 4f in :48.20)
Tara From the Cape (Juvenile Fillies Turf, 4f in :48.60)
A very informative article covering many of these workouts can be found on Bloodhorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/73728/breeders-cup-workers-out-in-force-at-santa-anita
-Keelerman
At Belmont Park . . .
Suburban Handicap (gr. II) winner Mucho Macho Man turned in his fourth consecutive bullet work since finishing second in the Woodward Stakes (gr. I), breezing five furlongs in :59.42 over a track labeled good. The time was 1.73 seconds faster than the second fastest work of the day.
At Betfair Hollywood Park . . .
On a super busy Saturday morning, Rodeo Drive Stakes (gr. I) winner and Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf contender Marketing Mix was the star, breezing five furlongs in a bullet :59.20, the best of the day by four-fifths of a second. Also quite sharp was two-time grade II stakes winner Obviously, who went the distance in 1:00.20 while preparing for a start in the Breeders' Cup Mile.
Other prominent names on the work tab included Triple Bend Handicap (gr. I) winner Camp Victory (Turf Sprint, 5f in 1:00.40), Surfer Girl Stakes winner Flashy Ways (Juvenile Fillies Turf, 4f in :48.40), John C. Mabee Stakes (gr. II) winner City to City (Filly and Mare Turf, 5f in 1:00.80), Rodeo Drive Stakes runner-up Nereid (Filly and Mare Turf, 5f in 1:01.80), Ralph M. Hinds Handicap winner Worth Repeating (Marathon, 7f in 1:28.80), and General Belgrano (Arg-II) winner Calidoscopio (Marathon, 8f in 1:43.40).
At Churchill Downs . . .
Trainer Mark Casse had a very busy morning, sending out -- by my count -- five Breeders' Cup contenders. Perhaps the most prominent was Natalma Stakes (gr. II) winner Spring Venture, one of the favorites for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (gr. I). In what was nothing more than a maintenance work, the filly breezed five furlongs in an easy 1:02.80 seconds.
Spring in the Air, winner of the Darley Alcibiades Stakes (gr. I), also breezed five furlongs, getting the distance in 1:01.80 seconds. She is scheduled to contest the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Hawthorne Gold Cup (gr. I) winner Pool Play, pointing toward a start in the Breeders' Cup Classic, recorded an identical time.
Indiano Jones (Juvenile Turf), third in the Summer Stakes (gr. II) and Grey Stakes (gr. III) at Woodbine, went five furlongs in 1:02.60. Dynamic Sky (Juvenile) went the distance in 1:01.20.
Trainer Kenny McPeek also sent out a potential Breeders' Cup candidate in Noble's Promise, who breezed a half-mile in :49.40 in his first work since a runner-up effort in the Phoenix Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland. He is being considered for a start in the Breeders' Cup Sprint.
At Churchill Training . . .
Only one major Breeders' Cup contender recorded a breeze, that being Breeders' Futurity (gr. I) winner Joha. The two-year-old colt -- a candidate for either the Breeders' Cup Juvenile or the Juvenile Turf -- breezed a half-mile in :49.60 for trainer Mike Maker.
At Keeneland . . .
Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. I) favorite Wise Dan turned in his final pre-Breeders' Cup workout, breezing five furlongs in a bullet 1:00.40 seconds. Coming off of blowout wins in the Woodbine Mile (gr. I) and Shadwell Turf Mile (gr. I), he is expected to be one of the heaviest favorites in the fifteen Breeders' Cup races.
Willcox Inn, runner-up to Wise Dan in the Shadwell Turf Mile, was also on the work tab, going a half-mile in :48.60. Dominus, who finished sixth in that race, went the distance in :48.80.
Trainer Kenny McPeek sent out a pair of three-year-olds, led by Travers Stakes (gr. I) winner Golden Ticket. The son of Speightstown breezed five furlongs in 1:02.40 in preparation for a start in the Breeders' Cup Classic. Atigun, third in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) and fourth in the Travers (gr. I) and Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I), worked five eighths in 1:01.60. He is pointing toward the Breeders' Cup Marathon (gr. III).
Also on the work tab was Bourbon Stakes (gr. III) runner-up Brown Almighty, who is prepping for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (gr. I). He went a half-mile in :49.40.
At Santa Anita . . .
The Santa Anita work tab was absolutely loaded with Breeders' Cup contenders of all kinds, breezing over both the main track and the turf course. In alphabetical order . . .
MAIN TRACK
Amazombie (Sprint, 4f in :48.00)
Capo Bastone (Juvenile, 6f in 1:13.40)
Love and Pride (Ladies' Classic, 5f in 1:00.40)
Renee's Queen (Juvenile Fillies Turf, 6f in 1:14.00)
Shackleford (Dirt Mile, 5f in :59.60)
Smiling Tiger (Sprint, 6f in 1:11.80)
Switch (Filly and Mare Sprint, 5f in :58.80)
Trinniberg (Sprint, 4f in :47.00 from the gate)
Turbo Compressor (Turf, 1:00.40)
TURF COURSE
Bourbon Bay (Turf, 6f in 1:14.40)
Bridgetown (Turf Sprint, 4f in :48.00)
California Flag (Turf Sprint, 5f in :59.60)
Chosen Miracle (Turf Sprint, 6f in 1:12.40)
Doubles Partner (Mile, 4f in :48.00)
Dry Summer (Juvenile Turf, 6f in 1:14.80)
Dullahan (Classic, Turf, or Mile, 4f in :47.80)
Gabriel Charles (Juvenile Turf, 6f in 1:14.60)
Gervinho (Juvenile Turf, 5f in 1:01.00)
In Lingerie (Ladies' Classic or Filly and Mare Turf, 4f in :48.00)
Lady of Shamrock (Filly and Mare Turf, 7f in 1:26.20)
Little Mike (Mile, 4f in :47.60)
Moonwalk (Juvenile Fillies Turf, 4f in :47.80)
Reneesgotzip (Turf Sprint or Filly and Mare Sprint, 4f in :49.60)
Sustained (Juvenile Fillies Turf, 4f in :48.20)
Tara From the Cape (Juvenile Fillies Turf, 4f in :48.60)
A very informative article covering many of these workouts can be found on Bloodhorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/73728/breeders-cup-workers-out-in-force-at-santa-anita
-Keelerman
Thursday, October 18, 2012
BREEDERS' CUP RANKINGS -- October 18th, 2012
CLASSIC
1 Game On Dude
2 Ron the Greek
3 Mucho Macho Man
4 Flat Out
5 Brilliant Speed
TURF
1 St. Nicholas Abbey
2 Point of Entry
3 Trailblazer
4 Shareta
5 Sea Moon
MILE
1 Wise Dan
2 Moonlight Cloud
3 Excelebration
4 Obviously
5 Mr. Commons
SPRINT
1 Amazombie
2 Coil
3 Capital Account
4 Emcee
5 The Lumber Guy
LADIES' CLASSIC
1 Royal Delta
2 Awesome Feather
3 Questing
4 My Miss Aurelia
5 Love and Pride
FILLY AND MARE TURF
1 The Fugue
2 Marketing Mix
3 Nahrain
4 Zagora
5 Lady of Shamrock
DIRT MILE
1 Shackleford
2 Emcee
3 Jersey Town
4 Nonios
5 Fed Biz
FILLY AND MARE SPRINT
1 Groupie Doll
2 It's Tricky
3 Musical Romance
4 Turbulent Descent
5 Contested
TURF SPRINT
1 California Flag
2 Unbridled's Note
3 Next Question
4 Bridgetown
5 Starspangledbanner
MARATHON
1 Worth Repeating
2 Eldaafer
3 Atigun
3 Commander
4 Calidoscopio
JUVENILE
1 Power Broker
2 Shanghai Bobby
3 Capo Bastone
4 Know More
5 Title Contender
JUVENILE TURF
1 Noble Tune
2 Balance the Books
3 Dundonnell
4 Gervinho
5 Fantastic Moon
JUVENILE FILLIES
1 Executiveprivilege
2 Scarlet Strike
3 Dreaming of Julia
4 Beholder
5 My Happy Face
JUVENILE FILLIES TURF
1 Spring Venture
2 Sky Lantern
3 Watsdachances
4 Waterway Run
5 Flashy Ways
JUVENILE SPRINT
1 Beholder
2 Merit Man
3 Kauai Katie
4 Carried Interest
5 Darwin
-Keelerman
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
BREEDERS' CUP RANKINGS -- October 9th, 2012
CLASSIC
1 Game On Dude
2 Ron the Greek
3 Flat Out
4 Mucho Macho Man
5 Fort Larned
TURF
1 St. Nicholas Abbey
2 Point of Entry
3 Trailblazer
4 Sea Moon
5 Slim Shadey
MILE
1 Wise Dan
2 Moonlight Cloud
3 Obviously
4 Willcox Inn
5 Mr. Commons
SPRINT
1 Amazombie
2 Coil
3 Emcee
4 Capital Account
5 The Lumber Guy
LADIES' CLASSIC
1 Royal Delta
2 Awesome Feather
3 Questing
4 My Miss Aurelia
5 Love and Pride
FILLY AND MARE TURF
1 Nahrain
2 The Fugue
3 Marketing Mix
4 Zagora
5 Stephanie's Kitten
DIRT MILE
1 Shackleford
2 Emcee
3 Jersey Town
4 Nonios
5 John Scott
FILLY AND MARE SPRINT
1 Groupie Doll
2 It's Tricky
3 Musical Romance
4 Turbulent Descent
5 Contested
TURF SPRINT
1 California Flag
2 Bated Breath
3 Unbridled's Note
4 Bridgetown
5 Ben's Cat
MARATHON
1 Worth Repeating
2 Pool Play
3 Dynamic Host
3 Eldaafer
4 Calidoscopio
JUVENILE
1 Power Broker
2 Shanghai Bobby
3 Capo Bastone
4 Know More
5 Title Contender
JUVENILE TURF
1 First Cornerstone
2 Noble Tune
3 Balance the Books
4 Gervinho
5 Joha
JUVENILE FILLIES
1 Executiveprivilege
2 Scarlet Strike
3 Dreaming of Julia
4 Beholder
5 My Happy Face
JUVENILE FILLIES TURF
1 Spring Venture
2 Sky Lantern
3 Spring in the Air
4 Watsdachances
5 Broken Spell
JUVENILE SPRINT
1 Goldencents
2 Beholder
3 Marit Man
4 Kauai Katie
5 Carried Interest
-Keelerman
Saturday, October 06, 2012
Wise Dan dominates Shadwell Turf Mile
Wise Dan added another prestigious race to his already stellar record when he romped to an easy victory in the $750,000 Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes (gr. I) this afternoon at Keeneland, stamping himself as the solid favorite for the Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. I) on November 3rd at Santa Anita Park.
Ridden to victory by Jose Lezcano, Wise Dan was allowed to settle back into seventh place during the initial stages of the one-mile race, about five lengths behind pace-setting Silver Max. Dominus, Skyring, Swift Warrior, and Corporate Jungle were the closest pursuers, followed by Ol Army and Wise Dan. Willcox Inn, Slip and Drive, Doubles Partner, Data Link, and Worthadd were the early trailers.
Through fractions of :23.33 and :46.89 seconds, Silver Max led the way, but Dominus soon moved up to challenge and stuck his head in front following three-quarters of a mile in 1:10.87. But it would not stay there for long, because Wise Dan was in the process of making a terrific run on the far outside. With a phenomenal burst of acceleration, Wise Dan blew the race wide open, leaving Dominus far behind. He led by 3 1/2 lengths passing the eighth pole and eventually coasted home in front by 2 1/4 lengths to stop the clock for a mile in 1:34.94 seconds.
Willcox Inn turned in a sharp late rally to secure second at odds of 48-1, while 100-1 shot Slip and Drive finished third. Doubles Partner, Data Link, Dominus, Corporate Jungle, Swift Warrior, Silver Max, Skyring, Worthadd and Ol Army completed the order of finish.
The winner is trained by Charles Lopresti and owned by Morton Fink. A five-year-old gelded son of Wiseman's Ferry out of the Wolf Power mare Lisa Danielle, Wise Dan has now won three grade I races, the other two being the 2012 Woodbine Mile and the 2011 Clark Handicap. All told, he has won 12 of his 19 starts, with earnings of $2,461,638.
-Keelerman
Ridden to victory by Jose Lezcano, Wise Dan was allowed to settle back into seventh place during the initial stages of the one-mile race, about five lengths behind pace-setting Silver Max. Dominus, Skyring, Swift Warrior, and Corporate Jungle were the closest pursuers, followed by Ol Army and Wise Dan. Willcox Inn, Slip and Drive, Doubles Partner, Data Link, and Worthadd were the early trailers.
Through fractions of :23.33 and :46.89 seconds, Silver Max led the way, but Dominus soon moved up to challenge and stuck his head in front following three-quarters of a mile in 1:10.87. But it would not stay there for long, because Wise Dan was in the process of making a terrific run on the far outside. With a phenomenal burst of acceleration, Wise Dan blew the race wide open, leaving Dominus far behind. He led by 3 1/2 lengths passing the eighth pole and eventually coasted home in front by 2 1/4 lengths to stop the clock for a mile in 1:34.94 seconds.
Willcox Inn turned in a sharp late rally to secure second at odds of 48-1, while 100-1 shot Slip and Drive finished third. Doubles Partner, Data Link, Dominus, Corporate Jungle, Swift Warrior, Silver Max, Skyring, Worthadd and Ol Army completed the order of finish.
The winner is trained by Charles Lopresti and owned by Morton Fink. A five-year-old gelded son of Wiseman's Ferry out of the Wolf Power mare Lisa Danielle, Wise Dan has now won three grade I races, the other two being the 2012 Woodbine Mile and the 2011 Clark Handicap. All told, he has won 12 of his 19 starts, with earnings of $2,461,638.
-Keelerman
BREEDERS' CUP COUNTDOWN -- October 6th, 2012
Last week, we
watched a total of ten grade I races be run at Belmont Park and Santa Anita.
This Saturday, there are 'only' seven such events, but they are backed up by a
phenomenal set of four grade IIs and three grade IIIs. All told, I count eight
different racetracks with major races being run, and while we won't be able to
look at all of the great races, I shall do my best to examine as many as
possible. Let's begin!
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Shadwell Turf Mile Entries: Wise Dan faces 11
The spectacular grade I winner Wise Dan will attempt to add another prestigious race to his already stellar record when he competes in the $750,000 Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland on Saturday.
The five-year-old gelded son of Wiseman's Ferry has managed to accomplish the rare feat of winning graded stakes races on dirt, turf, and synthetic tracks, showcasing brilliant turf-of-foot and exceptional talent regardless of the conditions. Coming off of a terrific victory in the $1,000,000 Woodbine Mile (gr. I), it will be no surprise at all if Wise Dan romps to another win on Saturday.
Other contenders include Silver Max, who won six straight races prior to a loss in the Secretariat Stakes (gr. I); Dominus, who won the Bernard Baruch Handicap (gr. II) in gate-to-wire fashion; Doubles Partner, a three-time graded stakes winner, and Data Link, winner of the Maker's 46 Mile Stakes (gr. I) here at Keeneland during the spring meet.
Post Positions:
1 Skyring
2 Doubles Partner
3 Corporate Jungle
4 Willcox Inn
5 Wise Dan
6 Worthadd
7 Data Link
8 Slip and Drive
9 Ol Army
10 Silver Max
11 Dominus
12 Swift Warrior
-Keelerman
The five-year-old gelded son of Wiseman's Ferry has managed to accomplish the rare feat of winning graded stakes races on dirt, turf, and synthetic tracks, showcasing brilliant turf-of-foot and exceptional talent regardless of the conditions. Coming off of a terrific victory in the $1,000,000 Woodbine Mile (gr. I), it will be no surprise at all if Wise Dan romps to another win on Saturday.
Other contenders include Silver Max, who won six straight races prior to a loss in the Secretariat Stakes (gr. I); Dominus, who won the Bernard Baruch Handicap (gr. II) in gate-to-wire fashion; Doubles Partner, a three-time graded stakes winner, and Data Link, winner of the Maker's 46 Mile Stakes (gr. I) here at Keeneland during the spring meet.
Post Positions:
1 Skyring
2 Doubles Partner
3 Corporate Jungle
4 Willcox Inn
5 Wise Dan
6 Worthadd
7 Data Link
8 Slip and Drive
9 Ol Army
10 Silver Max
11 Dominus
12 Swift Warrior
-Keelerman
Tuesday, October 02, 2012
BREEDERS' CUP RANKINGS -- October 2nd, 2012
(Horses may appear on more than one list.)
CLASSIC
1 Game On Dude
2 Ron the Greek
3 Flat Out
4 Mucho Macho Man
5 Fort Larned
TURF
1 St. Nicholas Abbey
2 Acclamation
3 Point of Entry
4 Trailblazer
5 Bourbon Bay
MILE
1 Wise Dan
2 Moonlight Cloud
3 Excelebration
4 Obviously
5 Mr. Commons
SPRINT
1 Amazombie
2 Capital Account
3 Emcee
4 Camp Victory
5 The Lumber Guy
LADIES' CLASSIC
1 Royal Delta
2 Questing
3 My Miss Aurelia
4 Include Me Out
5 Love and Pride
FILLY AND MARE TURF
1 Nahrain
2 The Fugue
3 Marketing Mix
4 Zagora
5 Stephanie's Kitten
DIRT MILE
1 Coil
2 Shackleford
3 Jersey Town
4 To Honor and Serve
5 John Scott
FILLY AND MARE SPRINT
1 Groupie Doll
2 Winding Way
3 Reneesgotzip
4 Dust and Diamonds
5 Turbulent Descent
TURF SPRINT
1 California Flag
2 Bated Breath
3 Starspangledbanner
4 Unbridled's Note
5 Mensa Heat
MARATHON
1 Worth Repeating
2 Not Abroad
3 Dynamic Host
3 Eldaafer
4 Calidoscopio
JUVENILE
1 Power Broker
2 Capo Bastone
3 Shanghai Bobby
4 Know More
5 Fortify
JUVENILE TURF
1 First Cornerstone
2 Dry Summer
3 Balance the Books
4 I'm Boundtoscore
5 Java's War
JUVENILE FILLIES
1 Executiveprivilege
2 Scarlet Strike
3 Dreaming of Julia
4 Kauia Katie
5 Emollient
JUVENILE FILLIES TURF
1 Spring Venture
2 Sky Lantern
3 Watsdachances
4 Spring in the Air
5 Kitten's Dumplings
JUVENILE SPRINT
1 Goldencents
2 Kauai Katie
3 Carried Interest
4 Bern Identity
5 Carving
-Keelerman
Thursday, September 27, 2012
BREEDERS' CUP RANKINGS -- September 27th, 2012
(Horses may appear on more than one list.)
CLASSIC
1 Ron the Greek
2 Game On Dude
3 Fort Larned
4 To Honor and Serve
5 Mucho Macho Man
TURF
1 Snow Fairy
2 St. Nicholas Abbey
3 Acclamation
4 Point of Entry
5 Trailblazer
MILE
1 Wise Dan
2 Moonlight Cloud
3 Excelebration
4 Obviously
5 Mr. Commons
SPRINT
1 Amazombie
2 Capital Account
3 Emcee
4 Camp Victory
5 Trinniberg
LADIES' CLASSIC
1 Royal Delta
2 Questing
3 My Miss Aurelia
4 Include Me Out
5 It's Tricky
FILLY AND MARE TURF
1 Snow Fairy
2 Nahrain
3 The Fugue
4 Zagora
5 Stephanie's Kitten
DIRT MILE
1 Coil
2 Shackleford
3 Tapizar
4 Rail Trip
5 John Scott
FILLY AND MARE SPRINT
1 Groupie Doll
2 Winding Way
3 Reneesgotzip
4 Dust and Diamonds
5 Turbulent Descent
TURF SPRINT
1 Shrug
2 California Flag
3 Bated Breath
4 Starspangledbanner
5 Comma to the Top
MARATHON
1 Worth Repeating
2 Not Abroad
3 Dynamic Host
3 Eldaafer
4 Calidoscopio
JUVENILE
1 Know More
2 Shanghai Bobby
3 Fortify
4 Archwarrior
5 Den's Legacy
JUVENILE TURF
1 First Cornerstone
2 Dry Summer
3 Balance the Books
4 I'm Boundtoscore
5 Java's War
JUVENILE FILLIES
1 Executiveprivilege
2 Dreaming of Julia
3 Kauia Katie
4 Beholder
5 Mechaya
JUVENILE FILLIES TURF
1 Spring Venture
2 Sky Lantern
3 Watsdachances
4 Spring in the Air
5 Kitten's Dumplings
JUVENILE SPRINT
1 Goldencents
2 Carried Interest
3 Handsome Jack
4 Bern Identity
5 Brave Dave
-Keelerman
Monday, September 24, 2012
BREEDERS' CUP RANKINGS -- September 24th, 2012
(Horses may appear on more than one list.)
CLASSIC
1 Ron the Greek
2 Game On Dude
3 To Honor and Serve
4 Fort Larned
5 Mucho Macho Man
TURF
1 Snow Fairy
2 Acclamation
3 St. Nicholas Abbey
4 Point of Entry
5 Dullahan
MILE
1 Wise Dan
2 Moonlight Cloud
3 Obviously
4 Mr. Commons
5 Suggestive Boy
SPRINT
1 Amazombie
2 Capital Account
3 Emcee
4 Camp Victory
5 Trinniberg
LADIES' CLASSIC
1 Royal Delta
2 Questing
3 My Miss Aurelia
4 Include Me Out
5 It's Tricky
FILLY AND MARE TURF
1 Snow Fairy
2 Nahrain
3 Zagora
4 Stephanie's Kitten
5 Lady of Shamrock
DIRT MILE
1 Coil
2 Shackleford
3 John Scott
4 Tapizar
5 Jersey Town
FILLY AND MARE SPRINT
1 Groupie Doll
2 Winding Way
3 Reneesgotzip
4 Dust and Diamonds
5 Turbulent Descent
TURF SPRINT
1 Shrug
2 California Flag
3 Ben's Cat
4 Chamberlain Bridge
5 Bridgetown
MARATHON
1 Jakkalberry
2 Birdrun
3 Not Abroad
4 Dynamic Host
5 Ruler On Ice
JUVENILE
1 Know More
2 Shanghai Bobby
3 Fortify
4 Archwarrior
5 Goldencents
JUVENILE TURF
1 First Cornerstone
2 Dry Summer
3 Balance the Books
4 Sonofasamurai
5 I'm Boundtoscore
JUVENILE FILLIES
1 Executiveprivilege
2 Dreaming of Julia
3 Kauia Katie
4 So Many Ways
5 Beholder
JUVENILE FILLIES TURF
1 Spring Venture
2 Watsdachances
3 Spring in the Air
4 Broken Spell
5 Always Kitten
JUVENILE SPRINT
1 Goldencents
2 Shanghai Bobby
3 Bern Identity
4 Carried Interest
5 Jocosity
-Keelerman
Friday, September 21, 2012
BREEDERS' CUP RANKINGS -- September 21st, 2012
(Horses may appear on more than one list.)
CLASSIC
1 Ron the Greek
2 Game On Dude
3 To Honor and Serve
4 Fort Larned
5 Mucho Macho Man
TURF
1 Snow Fairy
2 Acclamation
3 St. Nicholas Abbey
4 Point of Entry
5 Dullahan
MILE
1 Wise Dan
2 Moonlight Cloud
3 Obviously
4 Mr. Commons
5 Suggestive Boy
SPRINT
1 Amazombie
2 Capital Account
3 The Factor
4 Emcee
5 Camp Victory
LADIES' CLASSIC
1 Questing
2 Royal Delta
3 Include Me Out
4 It's Tricky
5 Love and Pride
FILLY & MARE TURF
1 Snow Fairy
2 Nahrain
3 Zagora
4 Stephanie's Kitten
5 Lady of Shamrock
DIRT MILE
1 To Honor and Serve
2 Coil
3 Shackleford
4 Jersey Town
5 Willy Beamin
FILLY AND MARE SPRINT
1 Groupie Doll
2 Turbulent Descent
3 Winding Way
4 Reneesgotzip
5 Musical Romance
TURF SPRINT
1 Shrug
2 California Flag
3 Ben's Cat
4 Chamberlain Bridge
5 Bridgetown
MARATHON
1 Jakkalberry
2 Birdrun
3 Not Abroad
4 Dynamic Host
5 Ruler On Ice
JUVENILE
1 Know More
2 Shanghai Bobby
3 Fortify
4 Archwarrior
5 Goldencents
JUVENILE TURF
1 First Cornerstone
2 Dry Summer
3 Balance the Books
4 Sonofasamurai
5 I'm Boundtoscore
JUVENILE FILLIES
1 Executiveprivilege
2 Dreaming of Julia
3 Kauia Katie
4 So Many Ways
5 Beholder
JUVENILE FILLIES TURF
1 Spring Venture
2 Watsdachances
3 Spring in the Air
4 Broken Spell
5 Always Kitten
JUVENILE SPRINT
1 Goldencents
2 Shanghai Bobby
3 Bern Identity
4 Carried Interest
5 Jocosity
-Keelerman
Monday, September 17, 2012
Wise Dan Romps in Woodbine Mile
Heavily favored Wise Dan added yet another impressive victory to his record when he dominated an excellent field in the $1,000,000 Ricoh Woodbine Mile (Can-I) on Saturday afternoon at Woodbine.
A gelded son of Wiseman's Ferry out of the Wolf Power mare Lisa Danielle, Wise Dan was sent off as the 0.55-1 favorite in a field of nine thanks to a eye-catching victory in the Fourstardave Handicap (gr. II) at Saratoga. With John Velazquez aboard for trainer Charles Lopresti, Wise Dan broke just a bit slowly, but soon recovered to settle into third place along the rail as Worthadd and Artic Fern set fractions of :23.78 and :46.90 seconds. Cityscape was on the outside in fourth, while Hollinger, Big Band Sound, and Hunters Bay comprised the group of mid-pack runners. Dance And Dance and Riding the River were the early trailers.
Rounding the turn, Wise Dan made a bold and decisive bid to seize command of the lead, entering the homestretch with a commanding advantage. Cityscape briefly loomed a threat on the outside, but he failed to sustain his challenge, leaving Wise Dan to romp home uncontested by 3 1/4 lengths.
The final time over a firm turf course was 1:34.07 seconds. Hunters Bay rallied well toward the inside to secure second over Cityscape, while Riding the River, Dance And Dance, Big Band Sound, Worthadd, Hollinger, and Artic Fern completed the order of finish.
Bred and owned by Morton Fink, Wise Dan has now compiled a record of 11-1-0 from 18 starts, with earnings of $2,011,638. He is pointing toward a start in either the Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. I) or the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) in November at Santa Anita Park.
-Keelerman
A gelded son of Wiseman's Ferry out of the Wolf Power mare Lisa Danielle, Wise Dan was sent off as the 0.55-1 favorite in a field of nine thanks to a eye-catching victory in the Fourstardave Handicap (gr. II) at Saratoga. With John Velazquez aboard for trainer Charles Lopresti, Wise Dan broke just a bit slowly, but soon recovered to settle into third place along the rail as Worthadd and Artic Fern set fractions of :23.78 and :46.90 seconds. Cityscape was on the outside in fourth, while Hollinger, Big Band Sound, and Hunters Bay comprised the group of mid-pack runners. Dance And Dance and Riding the River were the early trailers.
Rounding the turn, Wise Dan made a bold and decisive bid to seize command of the lead, entering the homestretch with a commanding advantage. Cityscape briefly loomed a threat on the outside, but he failed to sustain his challenge, leaving Wise Dan to romp home uncontested by 3 1/4 lengths.
The final time over a firm turf course was 1:34.07 seconds. Hunters Bay rallied well toward the inside to secure second over Cityscape, while Riding the River, Dance And Dance, Big Band Sound, Worthadd, Hollinger, and Artic Fern completed the order of finish.
Bred and owned by Morton Fink, Wise Dan has now compiled a record of 11-1-0 from 18 starts, with earnings of $2,011,638. He is pointing toward a start in either the Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. I) or the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) in November at Santa Anita Park.
-Keelerman
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