2011 Juddmonte Spinster Stakes (gr. I) winner Aruna will look to secure a repeat victory in the prestigious $500,000 race when she heads to post against twelve others on Sunday at Keeneland.
Trained by Graham Motion, Aruna has had an on-and-off season this year, winning only the Sheepshead Bay Stakes (gr. II) while disappointing in races like the Jenny Wiley Stakes (gr. I) and Beverly D. Stakes (gr. I). But she has had more than her share of excuses for her poor showings, and assuming she is able to avoid traffic, a repeat victory in the Spinster is will within her capabilities.
Other contenders in this extremely deep field include grade I winners Summer Soiree and Karlovy Vary, as well as grade II and III victors Juanita, In Lingerie, Tiz Miz Sue, Upperline, Smart Sting, Starfomer, Mystical Star, and Kitty in a Tizzy.
Post Positions:
1 Disposablepleasure
2 Juanita
3 Aruna
4 Summer Soiree
5 In Lingerie
6 Tiz Miz Sue
7 Upperline
8 Nefertini
9 Smart Sting
10 Starformer
11 Mystical Star
12 Karlovy Vary
13 Kitty in a Tizzy
-Keelerman
Friday, October 05, 2012
First Lady Stakes Entries: Tapitsfly looks to rebound
Tapitsfly, who won the Longines Just a Game Stakes (gr. I) three starts back before disappointing in her next two starts, will look to rebound while shortening up to a mile in the $350,000 First Lady Stakes (gr. I) on Saturday at Keeneland.
Trained by Dale Romans, Tapitsfly has compiled an exceptional record over the years, with victories in the 2009 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and 2012 Honey Fox Stakes (gr. II) among her other major triumphs. A victory in the First Lady would bolster her chances of being named Eclipse champion turf female for the year.
However, to win the race, she will have to beat her rival Hungry Island. The two fillies have met on four straight occasions this year, with Hungry Island out-finishing Tapitsfly on two occasions, and vice versa. Determining which horse will out-perform the other on Saturday is one of the keys to handicapping the First Lady.
Daisy Devine, winner of the Jenny Wiley Stakes (gr. I) here at Keeneland during the spring meet, and Summer Soiree, winner of the 2011 Del Mar Oaks (gr. I), are also intriguing contenders.
Post Positions:
1 Snow Fall
2 Tapitsfly
3 Brilliant Future
4 Hungry Island
5 Summer Soiree
6 Daisy Devine
-Keelerman
Trained by Dale Romans, Tapitsfly has compiled an exceptional record over the years, with victories in the 2009 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and 2012 Honey Fox Stakes (gr. II) among her other major triumphs. A victory in the First Lady would bolster her chances of being named Eclipse champion turf female for the year.
However, to win the race, she will have to beat her rival Hungry Island. The two fillies have met on four straight occasions this year, with Hungry Island out-finishing Tapitsfly on two occasions, and vice versa. Determining which horse will out-perform the other on Saturday is one of the keys to handicapping the First Lady.
Daisy Devine, winner of the Jenny Wiley Stakes (gr. I) here at Keeneland during the spring meet, and Summer Soiree, winner of the 2011 Del Mar Oaks (gr. I), are also intriguing contenders.
Post Positions:
1 Snow Fall
2 Tapitsfly
3 Brilliant Future
4 Hungry Island
5 Summer Soiree
6 Daisy Devine
-Keelerman
Dixiana Breeders' Futurity Entries: 16 looking for BC berth
A total of sixteen horses have been entered in Saturday's $400,000 Dixiana Breeders' Futurity (gr. I) at Keeneland, most if not all with an eye toward the fees-paid berth to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) that a victory in the Futurity would bring.
The 1 1/16th miles Polytrack event was won last year by Dullahan, who went on to win the Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) and Pacific Classic (gr. I) this year, as well as place in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I). Time will tell if the 2012 victor goes on to reach similar heights, but given how many promising horses have been entered, it certainly wouldn't be a surprise.
Among the prominent entrants are Balance the Books, winner of the With Anticipation Stakes (gr. II); Pataky Kid, winner of the Arlington-Washington Futurity (gr. III); Java's War, winner of the Sunday Silence Stakes; Joha, winner of the Colin Stakes and runner-up in the With Anticipation; Are You Kidding Me, runner-up in the Summer Stakes (gr. II); Positively, runner-up in the Bashford Manor Stakes (gr. III) during the spring; and Tizracer, a 10 1/2-length maiden winner at Belmont earlier this month.
Post Positions:
1 Joha
2 Are You Kidding Me
3 He's So Fine
4 Java's War
5 Tizracer
6 Pataky Kid
7 Craving Carats
8 Dipsy Drew
9 Charming Kitten
10 Positively
11 Balance the Books
12 Dynamic Sky
13 He's Had Enough
14 Tree of Life
Also Eligibles:
15 High Tail
16 Zoloto
-Keelerman
The 1 1/16th miles Polytrack event was won last year by Dullahan, who went on to win the Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) and Pacific Classic (gr. I) this year, as well as place in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I). Time will tell if the 2012 victor goes on to reach similar heights, but given how many promising horses have been entered, it certainly wouldn't be a surprise.
Among the prominent entrants are Balance the Books, winner of the With Anticipation Stakes (gr. II); Pataky Kid, winner of the Arlington-Washington Futurity (gr. III); Java's War, winner of the Sunday Silence Stakes; Joha, winner of the Colin Stakes and runner-up in the With Anticipation; Are You Kidding Me, runner-up in the Summer Stakes (gr. II); Positively, runner-up in the Bashford Manor Stakes (gr. III) during the spring; and Tizracer, a 10 1/2-length maiden winner at Belmont earlier this month.
Post Positions:
1 Joha
2 Are You Kidding Me
3 He's So Fine
4 Java's War
5 Tizracer
6 Pataky Kid
7 Craving Carats
8 Dipsy Drew
9 Charming Kitten
10 Positively
11 Balance the Books
12 Dynamic Sky
13 He's Had Enough
14 Tree of Life
Also Eligibles:
15 High Tail
16 Zoloto
-Keelerman
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
Arroyo Seco Mile Entries: Obviously and Mr. Commons meet again
Obviously and Mr. Commons, separated by a nose in last month's Del Mar Mile (gr. II), will get a rematch on Saturday in the $150,000 Arroyo Seco Mile Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park.
The one-mile turf race is a local prep for the $2,000,000 Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. I), which will be held at Santa Anita on November 3rd. Both Obviously and Mr. Commons are pointing toward the Breeders' Cup, and would be legitimate contenders there so long as they perform to expectations on Saturday.
Japanese group II winner Trailblazer, prepping for a start in the Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. I), is an intriguing entrant, and will be ridden by the top Japanese jockey Yutaka Take. Graded stakes winners Kettle Corn and Midnight Interlude round out the field.
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Mr. Commons | 121 | Brice Blanc | John Shirreffs |
| 2 | Trailblazer | 121 | Yutaka Take | Y. Ikee |
| 3 | Obviously | 124 | Joe Talamo | Mike Mitchell |
| 4 | Kettle Corn | 119 | Garrett Gomez | John Sadler |
| 5 | Midnight Interlude | 119 | Martin Garcia | Bob Baffert |
-Keelerman
Santa Anita Sprint Championship Entries: Amazombie goes for repeat win
2011 Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) winner Amazombie will look to stake his claim for a second consecutive Eclipse award when he heads to post as the favorite for the $250,000 Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes (gr. I) on Saturday at Santa Anita Park.
Trained by William Spawr, Amazombie won the Santa Anita Sprint Championship last year prior to his Breeders' Cup success, back when the Sprint Championship was known as the Ancient Title Stakes. With regular rider Mike Smith aboard, Amazombie will be looking to complete the same double again this year, which would practically assure him the Eclipse award as the champion of his division.
Capital Account and Coil, who finished 1-2 in last month's Pat O'Brien Stakes (gr. II) for trainer Bob Baffert, are also expected to be in contention. Reneesgotzip, a super-talented three-year-old filly making that recently won the six-furlong C.E.R.F. Stakes at Del Mar in 1:08.23 seconds, is also an intriguing contender.
Post Positions
-Keelerman
Trained by William Spawr, Amazombie won the Santa Anita Sprint Championship last year prior to his Breeders' Cup success, back when the Sprint Championship was known as the Ancient Title Stakes. With regular rider Mike Smith aboard, Amazombie will be looking to complete the same double again this year, which would practically assure him the Eclipse award as the champion of his division.
Capital Account and Coil, who finished 1-2 in last month's Pat O'Brien Stakes (gr. II) for trainer Bob Baffert, are also expected to be in contention. Reneesgotzip, a super-talented three-year-old filly making that recently won the six-furlong C.E.R.F. Stakes at Del Mar in 1:08.23 seconds, is also an intriguing contender.
Post Positions
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Castletown | 122 | Edwin Maldonado | Tim Yakteen |
| 2 | Amazombie | 122 | Mike Smith | William Spawr |
| 3 | Coil | 122 | Martin Garcia | Bob Baffert |
| 4 | Camp Victory | 122 | Joe Talamo | Mike Mitchell |
| 5 | Capital Account | 122 | David Flores | Bob Baffert |
| 6 | Jimmy Creed | 122 | Garrett Gomez | Richard Mandella |
| 7 | Reneesgotzip | 122 | Corey Nakatani | Peter Miller |
-Keelerman
Frizette Stakes Entries: Dreaming of Julia and My Happy Face square off
Dreaming of Julia, who has won her first two starts by a combined 26 3/4 lengths, and My Happy Face, who broke her maiden second time out by 21 1/4 lengths, are expected to be the favorites in the $400,000 Frizette Stakes (gr. I), to be held on Saturday at Belmont Park.
The one-mile race was won last year by My Miss Aurelia, who went on the claim the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) and the Eclipse award as the champion of her division. Coincidentally, My Miss Aurelia is owned by Stonestreet Stables, which also owns Dreaming of Julia.
Sweet Shirley Mae and Nancy O, a pair of graded stakes-placed fillies, are other logical contenders.
-Keelerman
The one-mile race was won last year by My Miss Aurelia, who went on the claim the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) and the Eclipse award as the champion of her division. Coincidentally, My Miss Aurelia is owned by Stonestreet Stables, which also owns Dreaming of Julia.
Sweet Shirley Mae and Nancy O, a pair of graded stakes-placed fillies, are other logical contenders.
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Toasting | 120 | Eddie Castro | Thomas Albertrani |
| 2 | My Happy Face | 120 | Ramon Dominguez | Rudy Rodriguez |
| 3 | Roveing Patrol | 120 | Frankie Dettori | Ben Cecil |
| 4 | Carameaway | 120 | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | Mitchell Friedman |
| 5 | Sweet Shirley Mae | 120 | Joel Rosario | Wesley Ward |
| 6 | Nancy O | 120 | David Moran | Carolyn Costigan |
| 7 | Dreaming of Julia | 120 | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher |
-Keelerman
Champagne Stakes Entries: Seven promising colts battle for grade I win
Hopeful Stakes (gr. II) winner Shanghai Bobby and Sanford Stakes (gr. II) winner Bern Identity are among a terrific field of seven two-year-old colts entered in the $400,000 Foxwoods Champagne Stakes (gr. I), to be held on Saturday at Belmont Park.
The prestigious one-mile race has been won in recent years by Eclipse champions Uncle Mo (2010) and War Pass (2007), as well as Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Union Rags (2011). It is easily one of the most prestigious races for two-year-olds in the country, with the winner routinely becoming one of the early favorites for the following year's Kentucky Derby (gr. I).
Other logical contenders in this deep field include the highly-regarded debut winners Archwarrior, Micromanage, and Goldecents. Hopeful Stakes runner-up Fortify and European shipper Chief Havoc complete the lineup.
Post Positions
-Keelerman
The prestigious one-mile race has been won in recent years by Eclipse champions Uncle Mo (2010) and War Pass (2007), as well as Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Union Rags (2011). It is easily one of the most prestigious races for two-year-olds in the country, with the winner routinely becoming one of the early favorites for the following year's Kentucky Derby (gr. I).
Other logical contenders in this deep field include the highly-regarded debut winners Archwarrior, Micromanage, and Goldecents. Hopeful Stakes runner-up Fortify and European shipper Chief Havoc complete the lineup.
Post Positions
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Goldencents | 122 | Kevin Krigger | Doug O'Neill |
| 2 | Shanghai Bobby | 122 | Rosie Napravnik | Todd Pletcher |
| 3 | Chief Havoc | 122 | Cornelio Velasquez | Jeremy Noseda |
| 4 | Archwarrior | 122 | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher |
| 5 | Fortify | 122 | Ramon Dominguez | Kiaran McLaughlin |
| 6 | Bern Identity | 122 | Edgar Prado | Kelly Breen |
| 7 | Micromanage | 122 | Joel Rosario | Todd Pletcher |
-Keelerman
Jamaica Handicap Entries: Dullahan preps for BC
Dullahan, winner of the $1,000,000 Pacific Classic (gr. I) last month, is among the eight horses entered in the $400,000 Jamaica Handicap (gr. I), to be held on Saturday at Belmont Park.
The son of Even the Score is using the nine-furlong turf race as a prep for one of three Breeders' Cup races -- the $5,000,000 Classic (gr. I), the $3,000,000 Turf (gr. I), and the $2,000,000 Mile (gr. I). Trained by Dale Romans and owned by Donegal Racing, Dullahan is considered to be one of the finest colts of his generation, and a victory in the Jamaica would give him an opportunity to steal leadership of the division from Kentucky Derby winner I'll Have Another, who was retired in June with a tendon injury.
His primary opposition may come from Summer Front, who most recently finished a decent third in the Secretariat Stakes (gr. I) at Arlington Park. However, the Christophe Clement-trainee is expected to scratch from the race should the turf turn up less than firm.
Other contenders include Cogito, a European shipper that is group II placed in Europe; Unbridled Command, winner of the Saranac Stakes (gr. III); and Howe Great, who defeated Dullahan earlier this year in the Palm Beach Stakes (gr. III).
Post Positions:
The son of Even the Score is using the nine-furlong turf race as a prep for one of three Breeders' Cup races -- the $5,000,000 Classic (gr. I), the $3,000,000 Turf (gr. I), and the $2,000,000 Mile (gr. I). Trained by Dale Romans and owned by Donegal Racing, Dullahan is considered to be one of the finest colts of his generation, and a victory in the Jamaica would give him an opportunity to steal leadership of the division from Kentucky Derby winner I'll Have Another, who was retired in June with a tendon injury.
His primary opposition may come from Summer Front, who most recently finished a decent third in the Secretariat Stakes (gr. I) at Arlington Park. However, the Christophe Clement-trainee is expected to scratch from the race should the turf turn up less than firm.
Other contenders include Cogito, a European shipper that is group II placed in Europe; Unbridled Command, winner of the Saranac Stakes (gr. III); and Howe Great, who defeated Dullahan earlier this year in the Palm Beach Stakes (gr. III).
Post Positions:
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Unbridled Command | 117 | Cornelio Velasquez | Thomas Bush |
| 2 | King David | 112 | Rosie Napravnik | Mike Maker |
| 3 | Dullahan | 123 | Joel Rosario | Dale Romans |
| 4 | Cogito | 118 | Frankie Dettori | Brian Meehan |
| 5 | Summer Front | 121 | Ramon Dominguez | Christophe Clement |
| 6 | Shkspeare Shaliyah | 114 | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | Doodnauth Shivmangal |
| 7 | Howe Great | 121 | John Velazquez | Graham Motion |
| 8 | King Kreesa | 116 | Eddie Castro | Jeremiah Englehart |
-Keelerman
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Hawthorne Gold Cup Entries: Seven entered in deep, competitive race
Alternation, 5-for-6 this year with victories in the Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II) and Pimlico Special Stakes (gr. III), is the morning line favorite for the $500,000 Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap (gr. II), to be run on Saturday at Hawthorne Park.
Trained by Donnie Von Hemel, the four-year-old son of Distorted Humor has been competing against -- and beating -- some of the finest horses in the country, including Ron the Greek, Fort Larned, Hymn Book, and Nehro. He will be ridden on Saturday by regular rider Luis Quinonez.
Other contenders include three time graded stakes winner Nates Mineshaft, Woodward Stakes (gr. I) third-place finisher Cease, and 2011 Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) winner Pool Play.
Post Positions
-Keelerman
Trained by Donnie Von Hemel, the four-year-old son of Distorted Humor has been competing against -- and beating -- some of the finest horses in the country, including Ron the Greek, Fort Larned, Hymn Book, and Nehro. He will be ridden on Saturday by regular rider Luis Quinonez.
Other contenders include three time graded stakes winner Nates Mineshaft, Woodward Stakes (gr. I) third-place finisher Cease, and 2011 Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) winner Pool Play.
Post Positions
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer | M. L. Odds |
| 1 | Alternation | 121 | Luis Quinonez | Donnie Von Hemel | 5-2 |
| 2 | Eldaafer | 114 | Ricardo Santana, Jr. | Diane Alvarado | 6-1 |
| 3 | Mister Marti Gras | 115 | Eduardo E. Perez | Chris Block | 5-1 |
| 4 | Pool Play | 114 | Miguel Mena | Mark Casse | 6-1 |
| 5 | Cease | 116 | Jesse Campbell | Al Stall, Jr. | 7-2 |
| 6 | Fly Lexis Fly | 112 | Francisco Torres | Neil Drysdale | 8-1 |
| 7 | Nates Mineshaft | 117 | E. T. Baird | Austin Smith | 4-1 |
-Keelerman
Indiana Oaks Entries: Grace Hall looks to rebound
Grade I winners Grace Hall and Eden's Moon are among the nine fillies entered in an exceptional edition of the $200,000 Indiana Oaks (gr. II), which will be held on Saturday at Hoosier Park.
Grace Hall will likely be favored thanks to overall record, which includes victories in the Spinaway Stakes (gr. II) and Delaware Oaks (gr. II), but she is coming off of a dismal showing in the Alabama Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga and must rebound. Eden's Moon is in a similar boat, having won the Las Virgenes Stakes (gr. I) and San Clemente Handicap (gr. II) earlier this year before finishing a poor fifth in the Del Mar Oaks (gr. I) last time out.
Other prominent entries in the 1 1/16th miles race include Monmouth Oaks (gr. III) winner Wine Princess, Iowa Oaks (gr. III) winner Uptown Bertie, and the multiple graded stakes-placed Amie's Dini.
-Keelerman
Grace Hall will likely be favored thanks to overall record, which includes victories in the Spinaway Stakes (gr. II) and Delaware Oaks (gr. II), but she is coming off of a dismal showing in the Alabama Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga and must rebound. Eden's Moon is in a similar boat, having won the Las Virgenes Stakes (gr. I) and San Clemente Handicap (gr. II) earlier this year before finishing a poor fifth in the Del Mar Oaks (gr. I) last time out.
Other prominent entries in the 1 1/16th miles race include Monmouth Oaks (gr. III) winner Wine Princess, Iowa Oaks (gr. III) winner Uptown Bertie, and the multiple graded stakes-placed Amie's Dini.
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Confession | 115 | Orlando Mojica | Victoria Oliver |
| 2 | Wine Princess | 121 | Shaun Bridgmohan | Steve Margolis |
| 3 | Eden's Moon | 121 | Rafael Bejarano | Bob Baffert |
| 4 | Uptown Bertie | 121 | Corey Lanerie | Steve Margolis |
| 5 | Amie's Dini | 119 | Leandro Goncalves | Ron Moquett |
| 6 | Grace Hall | 121 | Ramon Dominguez | Anthony Dutrow |
| 7 | Holiday Soiree | 117 | Terry Thompson | D. Michael Smithwick, Jr. |
| 8 | Grace for Grace | 115 | Victor Lebron | Tevis McCauley |
| 9 | Chernomorochka | 117 | Federico Mata | Robert Fiesman |
-Keelerman
Indiana Derby Entries: Fed Biz, Bourbon Courage top field of 12
El Cajon Stakes winner Fed Biz and Super Derby (gr. II) winner Bourbon Courage are among the prominent entrants in the $500,000 Indiana Derby (gr. II), to be run on Saturday at Hoosier Park.
The highlight of a spectacular card that includes nine other stakes races, the Indiana Derby has also drawn such promising colts as Matt Winn Stakes (gr. III) winner Neck 'n Neck, Remsen Stakes (gr. II) winner O'Prado Again, and Ontario Derby (gr. III) winner Stealcase.
Post Positions
-Keelerman
The highlight of a spectacular card that includes nine other stakes races, the Indiana Derby has also drawn such promising colts as Matt Winn Stakes (gr. III) winner Neck 'n Neck, Remsen Stakes (gr. II) winner O'Prado Again, and Ontario Derby (gr. III) winner Stealcase.
Post Positions
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Easter Gift | 124 | Kendrick Carmouche | Nick Zito |
| 2 | Morgan's Guerrilla | 121 | Victor Lebron | Mike Maker |
| 3 | Junebugred | 124 | Terry Thompson | Steve Hobby |
| 4 | Fed Biz | 124 | Rafael Bejarano | Bob Baffert |
| 5 | O'Prado Again | 124 | Corey Lanerie | Dale Romans |
| 6 | Tritap | 117 | Shaun Bridgmohan | Steve Asmussen |
| 7 | Afford | 121 | Florent Geroux | Greg Geier |
| 8 | Bourbon Courage | 124 | Leandro Goncalves | Kellyn Gorder |
| 9 | Stealcase | 124 | Jermaine Bridgmohan | Mark Casse |
| 10 | Second City | 124 | Mario Gutierrez | Ben Cecil |
| 11 | Neck 'n Neck | 124 | Brian Hernandez, Jr. | Ian Wilkes |
| 12 | Adirondack King | 117 | Stewart Elliot | John Servis |
-Keelerman
Breeders' Cup Countdown -- October 3rd, 2012
With so many grade I races being run last weekend, it's not surprising that the grade II and III events across the country got a bit overlooked. But given how these races may still have a serious impact on the Breeders' Cup, despite their lesser grades, I thought I ought to type up a quick recap of a few races that I didn't cover sufficiently at the time. Thus, the following post!
Eddie D Stakes (gr. III)
The three-year-old colt Unbridled's Note, coming off of a third-place effort on dirt in the King's Bishop Stakes (gr. I), was the mild favorite at 3-1 while facing eleven rivals. With Corey Nakatani aboard, the son of Unbridled's Song settled into the fourth position early on as Chosen Miracle led the way through fractions of :22.30 and :44.28. He then turned in a strong rally inside the final quarter mile to get up and win by 1 1/4 lengths, stopping the clock for 6-1/2 furlongs on the downhill turf in 1:12.45 seconds. Chosen Miracle stayed on well in the stretch to finish second, a neck in front of the late-running Mensa Heat. Comma to the Top finished fourth in an even effort, while the well-regarded pair of Red Sun and Calimonco failed to fired and finished ninth and eleventh, respectively.
Matron Stakes (gr. II)
Kauai Katie was favorite at 1-5, and the undefeated filly ran to her odds while bringing her record to 3-for-3. After tracking Baby J through a :22.88-second opening quarter mile, Kauai Katie moved up to take the lead prior to the quarter pole and finished up under a hand ride to win by 7 1/2 lengths in 1:11.26 seconds, slightly faster than Overanalyze would run two races later. Baby J held on well to finish second, while Seasoned Warrior raced evenly for third. Unabashed and Doubled trailed the field in that order for much of the race.
Futurity Stakes (gr. II)
Seven two-year-old colts went to post in this historic six-furlong test, with Weekend Hideaway the favorite at 1.85-1. But the winner turned out to be Overanalyze, an overlooked contender from the barn of Todd Pletcher. Ridden to victory by John Velazquez, Overanalyze was bumped at the start and soon found himself in last place as Handsome Jack and Carried Interest dueled through fractions of :22.80 and :46.43. Passing the eighth pole, those two were still in front, but Overanalyze was rallying powerfully down the center of the racetrack, and the colt cruised past the leaders at the sixteenth pole en route to a convincing 3 1/4-length triumph. The final time was 1:11.46. Carried Interest outfinished Weekend Hideaway by three-quarters of a length for second, while Handsome Jack finished another two lengths back in fourth. Gulfport, a maiden facing winners, got off to a poor start and raced wide throughout before tiring to finish fifth. Drum Roll and Special Jo never contended while completing the order of finish.
John Henry Turf Championship Stakes (gr. II)
Slim Shadey turned this ten-furlong turf race into a showcase of speed, dominating the race in a fashion reminiscent of the remarkable Presious Passion. With Garrett Gomez aboard, Slim Shadey went straight to the lead and set fractions of :24.02, :46.92, and 1:10.53, which garnered him an eight-length lead. Favored Turbo Compressor attempted to close the gap in the homestretch, but after drawing to within 2 1/2 lengths of the leader at the eighth pole, he was unable to really get any closer. Slim Shadey stayed on strongly to win by 2 1/4 lengths in the exceptional time of 1:59.17 seconds. Interaction finished up well to secure third in a very tight finish that saw six horses separated by just 1 1/4 lengths. Bourbon Bay, who finished eighth, actually ran quite well in his first start since April and figures to continue onward to the Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. I), where the fitness garnered from this race should greatly improve his chances.
Oklahoma Derby
Politicallycorrect stamped himself a ticket to Santa Anita for the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (gr. I) with an impressive victory in the $400,000 race. Sent off at 10-1 under Kent Desormeaux, the son of Kitten's Joy settled off the pace in fifth place, and actually dropped back to seventh with just three-eighths of a mile remaining, but finished up strongly on the far outside while drifting outward to get up for a three-quarter length victory, stopping the clock for nine furlongs in 1:50.23 seconds. Willy Beamin, coming off of a victory in the King's Bishop Stakes (gr. I), tracked a moderate pace for six furlongs before taking over the lead in the stretch and giving way late to finish second. He ran well in defeat, but nine furlongs is probably stretching his limits. Called to Serve and Suns Out Guns Out turned in decent efforts to complete the superfecta, but both seemed to flatten out a bit after making menacing moves at the top of the stretch.
-Keelerman
Eddie D Stakes (gr. III)
The three-year-old colt Unbridled's Note, coming off of a third-place effort on dirt in the King's Bishop Stakes (gr. I), was the mild favorite at 3-1 while facing eleven rivals. With Corey Nakatani aboard, the son of Unbridled's Song settled into the fourth position early on as Chosen Miracle led the way through fractions of :22.30 and :44.28. He then turned in a strong rally inside the final quarter mile to get up and win by 1 1/4 lengths, stopping the clock for 6-1/2 furlongs on the downhill turf in 1:12.45 seconds. Chosen Miracle stayed on well in the stretch to finish second, a neck in front of the late-running Mensa Heat. Comma to the Top finished fourth in an even effort, while the well-regarded pair of Red Sun and Calimonco failed to fired and finished ninth and eleventh, respectively.
Matron Stakes (gr. II)
Kauai Katie was favorite at 1-5, and the undefeated filly ran to her odds while bringing her record to 3-for-3. After tracking Baby J through a :22.88-second opening quarter mile, Kauai Katie moved up to take the lead prior to the quarter pole and finished up under a hand ride to win by 7 1/2 lengths in 1:11.26 seconds, slightly faster than Overanalyze would run two races later. Baby J held on well to finish second, while Seasoned Warrior raced evenly for third. Unabashed and Doubled trailed the field in that order for much of the race.
Futurity Stakes (gr. II)
Seven two-year-old colts went to post in this historic six-furlong test, with Weekend Hideaway the favorite at 1.85-1. But the winner turned out to be Overanalyze, an overlooked contender from the barn of Todd Pletcher. Ridden to victory by John Velazquez, Overanalyze was bumped at the start and soon found himself in last place as Handsome Jack and Carried Interest dueled through fractions of :22.80 and :46.43. Passing the eighth pole, those two were still in front, but Overanalyze was rallying powerfully down the center of the racetrack, and the colt cruised past the leaders at the sixteenth pole en route to a convincing 3 1/4-length triumph. The final time was 1:11.46. Carried Interest outfinished Weekend Hideaway by three-quarters of a length for second, while Handsome Jack finished another two lengths back in fourth. Gulfport, a maiden facing winners, got off to a poor start and raced wide throughout before tiring to finish fifth. Drum Roll and Special Jo never contended while completing the order of finish.
John Henry Turf Championship Stakes (gr. II)
Slim Shadey turned this ten-furlong turf race into a showcase of speed, dominating the race in a fashion reminiscent of the remarkable Presious Passion. With Garrett Gomez aboard, Slim Shadey went straight to the lead and set fractions of :24.02, :46.92, and 1:10.53, which garnered him an eight-length lead. Favored Turbo Compressor attempted to close the gap in the homestretch, but after drawing to within 2 1/2 lengths of the leader at the eighth pole, he was unable to really get any closer. Slim Shadey stayed on strongly to win by 2 1/4 lengths in the exceptional time of 1:59.17 seconds. Interaction finished up well to secure third in a very tight finish that saw six horses separated by just 1 1/4 lengths. Bourbon Bay, who finished eighth, actually ran quite well in his first start since April and figures to continue onward to the Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. I), where the fitness garnered from this race should greatly improve his chances.
Oklahoma Derby
Politicallycorrect stamped himself a ticket to Santa Anita for the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (gr. I) with an impressive victory in the $400,000 race. Sent off at 10-1 under Kent Desormeaux, the son of Kitten's Joy settled off the pace in fifth place, and actually dropped back to seventh with just three-eighths of a mile remaining, but finished up strongly on the far outside while drifting outward to get up for a three-quarter length victory, stopping the clock for nine furlongs in 1:50.23 seconds. Willy Beamin, coming off of a victory in the King's Bishop Stakes (gr. I), tracked a moderate pace for six furlongs before taking over the lead in the stretch and giving way late to finish second. He ran well in defeat, but nine furlongs is probably stretching his limits. Called to Serve and Suns Out Guns Out turned in decent efforts to complete the superfecta, but both seemed to flatten out a bit after making menacing moves at the top of the stretch.
-Keelerman
Tuesday, October 02, 2012
Darley Aclibiades Stakes Entries: Gold Edge goes for 4th straight win
The undefeated two-year-old filly Gold Edge is expected to go for her fourth straight victory in the $400,000 Darley Alcibiades Stakes (gr. I) on Friday at Keeneland, the opening day of the track's fall meet.
The daughter of Eddington has won her previous three starts in impressive fashion, including a gritty neck victory in the $150,000 Arlington-Washington Lassie Stakes (gr. III) last time out. Trained by Lon Wiggins, she is expected to be among the favorites in this 1 1/16th miles race.
Other logical contenders include Rose to Gold, who won a pair of stakes at Calder by a combined 26 1/2 lengths; Spring in the Air, runner-up in the Natalma Stakes (gr. III) at Woodbine; and the consistent California-based filly Speedinthruthecity.
1 Pure Indy
2 Kitten's Dumplings
3 Rose to Gold
4 Almost an Angel
5 Fully Living
6 Broken Spell
7 Gold Edge
8 La Song
9 Spring in the Air
10 Tara From the Cape
11 Skyfall
12 Speedinthruthecity
13 Magical Moon
14 Dancinginthecircle
Also Eligibles:
15 Daar Zayad
16 Cloudy Vow
-Keelerman
The daughter of Eddington has won her previous three starts in impressive fashion, including a gritty neck victory in the $150,000 Arlington-Washington Lassie Stakes (gr. III) last time out. Trained by Lon Wiggins, she is expected to be among the favorites in this 1 1/16th miles race.
Other logical contenders include Rose to Gold, who won a pair of stakes at Calder by a combined 26 1/2 lengths; Spring in the Air, runner-up in the Natalma Stakes (gr. III) at Woodbine; and the consistent California-based filly Speedinthruthecity.
1 Pure Indy
2 Kitten's Dumplings
3 Rose to Gold
4 Almost an Angel
5 Fully Living
6 Broken Spell
7 Gold Edge
8 La Song
9 Spring in the Air
10 Tara From the Cape
11 Skyfall
12 Speedinthruthecity
13 Magical Moon
14 Dancinginthecircle
Also Eligibles:
15 Daar Zayad
16 Cloudy Vow
-Keelerman
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
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