Beware the Ides of March, indeed! Shakespeare's famous line from Julius Caesar unfortunately turned out to be a harbinger of tragic events with past Kentucky Derby champions. The news of Alysheba's death last Friday due to a stall injury from a degenerative spinal condition has slowly reverberated throughout the equine world, just as racing fanatics were digesting the news of Lil E. Tee's passing nine days previous.
Alysheba (conditioned by savvy horseman Jack Van Berg and piloted by Chris McCarron) is universally regarded as the greatest racing progeny of the great sire, Alydar. Speaking of Alydar (and his epic rivalry with Affirmed), his son had a penchant for rivalries as well in both his 3 and 4 year-old seasons. The first rivalry started with Alysheba's 1987 Kentucky Derby triumph over Bet Twice, in which he avoided near catastrophe after clipping heels with Bet Twice in the stretch (ala Afleet Alex and Scrappy T. in the 2005 Preakness). These two finished in the same order at Pimlico two weeks later, while the speedy Bet Twice cantered through soft fractions in the "test of champions" (a.k.a. Belmont Stakes) to win easily while Alysheba lacked his customary finishing kick and finished fourth. It is important to note, however, that Alysheba was a bleeder and had to run without the diuretic Lasix according to New York medication laws at that time. For good measure, Bet Twice squeezed out a neck victory from Alysheba in the Haskell Invitational to split their head to head campaign at two wins each. And this was amongst strong competition with the likes of Gulch, Cryptoclearance and Demons Begone in their crop.
Alysheba's second "mini-rivalry" began with a painful loss to 1986 Derby winner Ferdinand by a diminishing nose in that fall's Breeders' Cup Classic. Although that defeat stirred up Alysheba, who came back for his four year-old season pissed off with a vengeance! In nine starts, he had seven wins - six Grade I's - and all but one victory was by the slim margin of under a half length... essentially taunting his peers until the finish line. Three of these victories were at the expense of Ferdinand, who fell "off form" in his six winless starts as a five year-old. Alysheba's final career victory under the lights of Churchill Downs in the Breeders' Cup Classic sealed his Horse of the Year honors. He was soon thereafter an inductee into the National Horse Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, NY.
It is both tragic and fitting that Alysheba made it back to Kentucky just months before his death after returning to the rolling hills of bluegrass from a Saudi Arabia stud farm in late October... a much better fate than previous racing foe, Ferdinand, who's life ended in a Japanese slaughter house (www.friendsofferdinand.org). He briefly called the Kentucky Horse Park Hall of Champions home, occupying the very stall that housed John Henry for decades. Alysheba retired with over $6.6 million in lifetime earnings, also supplanting John Henry's earnings record by a slim margin. That leaves another one-time earnings leader in Cigar (until Curlin recently surpassed the $10 million mark) across from the again unoccupied stall wondering who his new neighbor will be. Whichever new horse the Horse Park staff is able to woo to the Hall of Champions, it's doubtful that one will be able to fill the bridle left by "America's Horse" - Alysheba.
March 24, 2009
Lil E. Tee and the magical 1992 Kentucky Derby
Lil E. Tee is one of the major reasons that I am so passionate about thoroughbred racing, particularly The Kentucky Derby. 1992 was one of the most exciting springs in Arkansas horse racing history, with top Derby candidates Lil E. Tee and Pine Bluff establishing an epic rivalry. It started in the Southwest Stakes, when long-shot Big Sur surprised the racing world when he bested both Pine Bluff (who finished second) and Lil E. Tee (show spot). The connections of Lil E. Tee (owner W. Cal Partee and trainer Lynn Whiting) then shipped their Pennsylvania bred to Turfway Park where he re-established his winning ways in the Jim Beam Stakes, setting up the greatest Arkansas Derby ever run. After matching strides from the clubhouse turn to the finish line, Pine Bluff hit the wire half of a head sooner than Lil E. Tee. Although Pine Bluff won the battle that day, the war ultimately went to Lil E. Tee three weeks later in Louisville.
Fast forward to Kentucky Derby week in 1992 and the media frenzy over the previous Juvenile Breeders’ Cup Champion ARAZI (the name still harkens memories of the Darth Vader-esque villain). Arazi had made a never-before-seen SWOOOSH move around the turn at Churchill Downs the previous November en route to his Juvenile triumph. If there was any possible chance of an American horse denying the French based Arazi the roses, that hope rested on the stern withers of Santa Anita Derby winner and possibly the greatest breeding specimen in U.S. thoroughbred history, A.P. Indy. The $2.9 million sale topping yearling purchase was sired by Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew out of Secretariat’s greatest daughter, Weekend Surprise. A.P. Indy would go on to claim the Eclipse Award for Champion male horse after his smashing Belmont Stakes score and Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Fast forward to Derby dawn, circa 1992… there is commotion on the backstretch where an exasperated Neil Drysdale is addressing the media. The shocking news of A.P. Indy’s scratch from the race due to a lame hoof sends panic through the Louisville track’s stable area and fuels several dozen hits on a recent web invention by Al Gore known as the “internet.” (Fyi… this event led to the creation of ESPN’s “Breakfast at Churchill” coverage that’s now commonplace every year come Derby morning – the beginning of my daily ritual).
Fast forward to ABC’s Wide World of Sports reporter and horse owner Jim McKay’s pre-Derby coverage debating the odds of Shelley Riley’s chance to claim the roses as a female trainer with hard-knocking Casual Lies. Then the cameras pan right to a parachute pant entourage led by wrapper M.C. Hammer (via Oaktown Stable), who owns the talented colt, Dance Floor. D. Wayne Lukas customarily gets his fair share of camera action bringing over his two Derby entries, whilst the soft-spoken Lynn Whiting leads the bridle of the “second best” horse in Arkansas, Lil E. Tee, towards the paddock where he would soon give Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day a leg up. Like his trainer and owner, Pat Day had never won the big one, even though his recent Derby mounts included standouts Summer Squall, Easy Goer and Forty Niner. All of that would change on this fateful day with the unlikeliest of candidates.
The grueling stretch drive in the Arkansas Derby against Pine Bluff must have given Lil E. Tee just the conditioning necessary to produce the winning move Pat Day needed when tracking jockey Pat Valenzuela on Arazi as he began to make his move. “And Arazi is flying!” proclaimed track announcer Dave Johnson as both colts loomed wide on the final turn for home. But as quickly as you can say, “Wooooo Pig Soooiiieee” the hype began to fade for Arazi… he was a beaten horse. It was now clear that not only would Lil E. Tee pull away from Arazi, but that this hulking bay colt in polka dot orange silks (which seemed to blend magnificently with his iridescent bay coat) was en route to passing Casual Lies to capture “the greatest two minutes in sports!” I was so ecstatic and proud at that very moment that our humbly bred, Arkansas owned horse accomplished the unthinkable.
The rivalry with Pine Bluff continued on the national stage in the Preakness Stakes, with a flip-flop finish for the two… Pine Bluff ultimately got his garland of flowers, but had to settle for the Black Eyed Susans instead of roses, while Lil E. Tee finished 5th at Pimlico, a very tired horse at that point. When Magnolia, Arkansas land man and banker W. Cal Partee won The Derby with Lil E. Tee as his fourth starter, he was a youthful 82 years young (coincidentally the age my father Herb turns today - March 24th). What made the victory so special for Mr. Partee was the fact Lil E. Tee’s sire, At The Threshold, was also campaigned by the Partee family, finishing third in the 1984 Derby won by Swale.
What some people may not know is that Lil E. Tee’s racing career was almost an afterthought when as a yearling he underwent critical stomach surgery, dimming his racing prospects. But after fully recovering and then showing promise in his first two career starts, Mr. Partee purchased the horse privately in Florida. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Here lies Lil E. Tee… winner of seven races from 13 starts, $1.4 million in purse money and winner of the 1992 Kentucky Derby, R.I.P.
Fast forward to Kentucky Derby week in 1992 and the media frenzy over the previous Juvenile Breeders’ Cup Champion ARAZI (the name still harkens memories of the Darth Vader-esque villain). Arazi had made a never-before-seen SWOOOSH move around the turn at Churchill Downs the previous November en route to his Juvenile triumph. If there was any possible chance of an American horse denying the French based Arazi the roses, that hope rested on the stern withers of Santa Anita Derby winner and possibly the greatest breeding specimen in U.S. thoroughbred history, A.P. Indy. The $2.9 million sale topping yearling purchase was sired by Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew out of Secretariat’s greatest daughter, Weekend Surprise. A.P. Indy would go on to claim the Eclipse Award for Champion male horse after his smashing Belmont Stakes score and Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Fast forward to Derby dawn, circa 1992… there is commotion on the backstretch where an exasperated Neil Drysdale is addressing the media. The shocking news of A.P. Indy’s scratch from the race due to a lame hoof sends panic through the Louisville track’s stable area and fuels several dozen hits on a recent web invention by Al Gore known as the “internet.” (Fyi… this event led to the creation of ESPN’s “Breakfast at Churchill” coverage that’s now commonplace every year come Derby morning – the beginning of my daily ritual).
Fast forward to ABC’s Wide World of Sports reporter and horse owner Jim McKay’s pre-Derby coverage debating the odds of Shelley Riley’s chance to claim the roses as a female trainer with hard-knocking Casual Lies. Then the cameras pan right to a parachute pant entourage led by wrapper M.C. Hammer (via Oaktown Stable), who owns the talented colt, Dance Floor. D. Wayne Lukas customarily gets his fair share of camera action bringing over his two Derby entries, whilst the soft-spoken Lynn Whiting leads the bridle of the “second best” horse in Arkansas, Lil E. Tee, towards the paddock where he would soon give Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day a leg up. Like his trainer and owner, Pat Day had never won the big one, even though his recent Derby mounts included standouts Summer Squall, Easy Goer and Forty Niner. All of that would change on this fateful day with the unlikeliest of candidates.
The grueling stretch drive in the Arkansas Derby against Pine Bluff must have given Lil E. Tee just the conditioning necessary to produce the winning move Pat Day needed when tracking jockey Pat Valenzuela on Arazi as he began to make his move. “And Arazi is flying!” proclaimed track announcer Dave Johnson as both colts loomed wide on the final turn for home. But as quickly as you can say, “Wooooo Pig Soooiiieee” the hype began to fade for Arazi… he was a beaten horse. It was now clear that not only would Lil E. Tee pull away from Arazi, but that this hulking bay colt in polka dot orange silks (which seemed to blend magnificently with his iridescent bay coat) was en route to passing Casual Lies to capture “the greatest two minutes in sports!” I was so ecstatic and proud at that very moment that our humbly bred, Arkansas owned horse accomplished the unthinkable.
The rivalry with Pine Bluff continued on the national stage in the Preakness Stakes, with a flip-flop finish for the two… Pine Bluff ultimately got his garland of flowers, but had to settle for the Black Eyed Susans instead of roses, while Lil E. Tee finished 5th at Pimlico, a very tired horse at that point. When Magnolia, Arkansas land man and banker W. Cal Partee won The Derby with Lil E. Tee as his fourth starter, he was a youthful 82 years young (coincidentally the age my father Herb turns today - March 24th). What made the victory so special for Mr. Partee was the fact Lil E. Tee’s sire, At The Threshold, was also campaigned by the Partee family, finishing third in the 1984 Derby won by Swale.
What some people may not know is that Lil E. Tee’s racing career was almost an afterthought when as a yearling he underwent critical stomach surgery, dimming his racing prospects. But after fully recovering and then showing promise in his first two career starts, Mr. Partee purchased the horse privately in Florida. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Here lies Lil E. Tee… winner of seven races from 13 starts, $1.4 million in purse money and winner of the 1992 Kentucky Derby, R.I.P.
March 19, 2009
Rachel Alexandra creates more buzz
Although my new favorite filly of all time, Rachel Alexandra, easily won her third Stakes race in a row in last Saturday's $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks, her time was finally eclipsed by her male counterparts as Friesan Fire stopped the clock 10/100ths of a second faster a few races later. However, an asterisk could be placed next to her finishing time since jockey Calvin Borel was more interested pointing to his homies in the grandstand in the last furlong than guiding Rachel to the wire. It nearly cost him as longshot Flying Spur and Patrick Valenzuela stormed through the stretch to get within 2 lengths of "throttled down" Rachel at the finish line. Not only do I admire Rachel for her take no prisoners running style after seeing her twice, but she also sparked a decent trifecta ticket (for a chalk favorite, anyway) for me with the long-shot running second, so now I'm a resolute fan. By the way, thanks also to Macho Again in the New Orleans Handicap I've hit exotics paying over $100 on my last two track visits in 2009, so this may FINALLY be my year!
Co-owner and breeder Dolphus Morrison then added more rain on the New Orleans parade of those hoping for Rachel to jump on the Triple Crown trail. "No, no, no, no," he said, as he labeled the performance "awesome." "We have too good a filly to risk her future in a 20-horse field of brutal, man-macho colts," said Morrison. "It's not where she needs to be. If we could win the Kentucky Oaks, it would be a wonderful thing." You have to admire the humility and sensible nature of Morrison, who clearly wants to do right by his pride and joy. Not to mention the East vs. West showdown the Kentucky Oaks would create against Juvenile Fillies champion and IEAH Stables "star" purchase, Stardom Bound. By the way, if you're curious about Rachel Alexandra's name, it comes form Morrison's eldest grand-daughter, who is probably the most famous kid in pre-school these days.
Happy Racing!
Co-owner and breeder Dolphus Morrison then added more rain on the New Orleans parade of those hoping for Rachel to jump on the Triple Crown trail. "No, no, no, no," he said, as he labeled the performance "awesome." "We have too good a filly to risk her future in a 20-horse field of brutal, man-macho colts," said Morrison. "It's not where she needs to be. If we could win the Kentucky Oaks, it would be a wonderful thing." You have to admire the humility and sensible nature of Morrison, who clearly wants to do right by his pride and joy. Not to mention the East vs. West showdown the Kentucky Oaks would create against Juvenile Fillies champion and IEAH Stables "star" purchase, Stardom Bound. By the way, if you're curious about Rachel Alexandra's name, it comes form Morrison's eldest grand-daughter, who is probably the most famous kid in pre-school these days.
Happy Racing!
March 16, 2009
Friesan Fire scorches wet Louisiana Derby track
It's time to add another star to Larry Jones' impressive training resume... Friesan Fire. This racehorse was absolutely professional in drawing away from a deeply talented Louisiana Derby field of nine entrants including Papa Clem (who previously bested I Want Revenge in California before that one took the Gotham Stakes), Terrain (my longshot choice who finished 4th in last fall's Breeders' Cup Juvenile and put in a decent bid to be nipped for 2nd) and a host of local foes. Yes, the racing Gods seem to be approving of Larry Jones, who took some criticism following Eight Belles' break-down after finishing second in last year's Kentucky Derby. He was the consumate professional in all media requests and panel interviews on safety initiatives following that tragic event but ultimately admitted that the year had taken a toll on his personal life and may be ending his status as trainer at the end of this year. In addition to Friesan Fire, he trains the more heralded son of Unbridled's Song, Old Fashioned, who was a beaten favorite by the 56-1 longshot Win Willy in The Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Saturday. Still a pretty nice one-two punch as we near The Derby!
Friesan Fire's sweep of the Fair Grounds stakes circuit for three year-olds reminds me of Smarty Jones in a number of ways. First, Smarty Jones won the Arkansas Derby from the outside post by laying just off another front runner for 6 furlongs before drawing away on the turn when he left Purge and others behind in the 2004 Arkansas Derby. That race led to the Oaklawn Challenge $5 million bonus for sweeping all three Oaklawn preps and winning the Kentucky Derby. Too bad for Friesan Fire's connections he' running in the year of massive economic woes (Frank Stronach's MEC tracks, including Pimlico Race Course in Maryland - site of The Preakness - just filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection). But I'm sure they were more than pleased with the 60% winners share of the $600,000 purse from the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby.
And while Smarty Jones was undefeated through the Preakness Stakes, he wasn't considered a top-tier horse (won only a couple minor races at Philadelphia Park and Aqueduct) until his Oaklawn run, while Friesan Fire's start began at obscure Delaware Park but then followed through New York in his late fall campaign. He has truly blossomed over the Fair Grounds oval after racing with blinkers the past several starts. New Orleanians hope he will be the first LA Derby participant to claim the Run for the Roses since Funny Cide in 2003. Based on his seven career starts without a major break in racing action, Jones is expected to train him up to The Derby. By then, many "experts" will have forgotten about this consistent colt who has a classic sire in A.P. Indy, yet plenty of speed through his damsire - Dehere - that is displayed in his stalking running style. Speed that will come in handy getting to the first turn in good position on the first Saturday in May!
Friesan Fire's sweep of the Fair Grounds stakes circuit for three year-olds reminds me of Smarty Jones in a number of ways. First, Smarty Jones won the Arkansas Derby from the outside post by laying just off another front runner for 6 furlongs before drawing away on the turn when he left Purge and others behind in the 2004 Arkansas Derby. That race led to the Oaklawn Challenge $5 million bonus for sweeping all three Oaklawn preps and winning the Kentucky Derby. Too bad for Friesan Fire's connections he' running in the year of massive economic woes (Frank Stronach's MEC tracks, including Pimlico Race Course in Maryland - site of The Preakness - just filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection). But I'm sure they were more than pleased with the 60% winners share of the $600,000 purse from the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby.
And while Smarty Jones was undefeated through the Preakness Stakes, he wasn't considered a top-tier horse (won only a couple minor races at Philadelphia Park and Aqueduct) until his Oaklawn run, while Friesan Fire's start began at obscure Delaware Park but then followed through New York in his late fall campaign. He has truly blossomed over the Fair Grounds oval after racing with blinkers the past several starts. New Orleanians hope he will be the first LA Derby participant to claim the Run for the Roses since Funny Cide in 2003. Based on his seven career starts without a major break in racing action, Jones is expected to train him up to The Derby. By then, many "experts" will have forgotten about this consistent colt who has a classic sire in A.P. Indy, yet plenty of speed through his damsire - Dehere - that is displayed in his stalking running style. Speed that will come in handy getting to the first turn in good position on the first Saturday in May!
March 12, 2009
Louisiana Day at the Track
What a race card The Fair Grounds Racecourse in New Orleans has assembled for Saturday... it's too bad mother nature may not co-operate!
In addition to the marquee Louisiana Derby, the top regional turf horses, handicap division and fillies (led by my main gal, Rachel Alexandra) will be in action on Saturday's card, with major purse money on the line. We'll see if Rachel can continue to best the speed times of her male counterparts while she tackles a small field in the Oaks race.
Other key Derby preps (Rebel Stakes, San Felipe Stakes and Tampa Bay Derby) will also be run on Saturday, but the Gentilly oval hosts the deepest and most intriguing field. The morning line favorite is a two-time winner over this course, Friesan Fire. The handsome son of A.P. Indy has had perfect stalking trips in the Le Comte and Risen Star Stakes leading up to Saturday's test, but many others are very capable of the upset at better odds. Papa Clem will be hammered at the windows after a horse he finished ahead of at Santa Anita (I Want Revenge) came back to demolish the Gotham field at Aqueduct last weekend. While I do like Papa Clem's controlling speed in the race, I'll stay away if the underlay odds situation develops as expected. A horse I am impressed with is Flying Pegasus, who ran a nice second to Friesan Fire last out while being caught wide and returning from a long layoff. The second race back angle may put this son of 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus in the thick of things. In addition, Terrain's work tab has me thinking that local trainer-extraordinaire Al Stall has the 4th place Breeders' Cup Juvenile finisher cranked up for a big showing over the long stretch of the Fair Grounds course. Whoever your choices may be, you should get some decent odds in the exotics due to the deep field.
At Oaklawn Park, Old Fashioned will try to fend off upstarts Wise Kid and Hamazing Destiny to stay at the top of most Derby watch lists. While Pioneer of the Nile has already chased away most serious competitors on the California circuit and Bob Baffert is looking for an easy win to keep his sights on Churchill Downs.
Good luck at the windows!
In addition to the marquee Louisiana Derby, the top regional turf horses, handicap division and fillies (led by my main gal, Rachel Alexandra) will be in action on Saturday's card, with major purse money on the line. We'll see if Rachel can continue to best the speed times of her male counterparts while she tackles a small field in the Oaks race.
Other key Derby preps (Rebel Stakes, San Felipe Stakes and Tampa Bay Derby) will also be run on Saturday, but the Gentilly oval hosts the deepest and most intriguing field. The morning line favorite is a two-time winner over this course, Friesan Fire. The handsome son of A.P. Indy has had perfect stalking trips in the Le Comte and Risen Star Stakes leading up to Saturday's test, but many others are very capable of the upset at better odds. Papa Clem will be hammered at the windows after a horse he finished ahead of at Santa Anita (I Want Revenge) came back to demolish the Gotham field at Aqueduct last weekend. While I do like Papa Clem's controlling speed in the race, I'll stay away if the underlay odds situation develops as expected. A horse I am impressed with is Flying Pegasus, who ran a nice second to Friesan Fire last out while being caught wide and returning from a long layoff. The second race back angle may put this son of 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus in the thick of things. In addition, Terrain's work tab has me thinking that local trainer-extraordinaire Al Stall has the 4th place Breeders' Cup Juvenile finisher cranked up for a big showing over the long stretch of the Fair Grounds course. Whoever your choices may be, you should get some decent odds in the exotics due to the deep field.
At Oaklawn Park, Old Fashioned will try to fend off upstarts Wise Kid and Hamazing Destiny to stay at the top of most Derby watch lists. While Pioneer of the Nile has already chased away most serious competitors on the California circuit and Bob Baffert is looking for an easy win to keep his sights on Churchill Downs.
Good luck at the windows!
March 2, 2009
Speed Reigns Supreme
This past Saturday two heralded sophomores reiterated their Derby hopes with convincing wins. A colt named The Pamplemousse made every post a winning one in his six-length romp at 1 1/8 miles, while a more Derby-esque sounding Quality Road blazed the shortened mile distance of this year's Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park with a Beyer rating of 113. Quality Road is likely to face the uber-impressive allowance winner, Dunkirk, on the Gulfstream grounds in the Florida Derby on March 28th. I love the way Quality Road captured the FOY... after pressing a hot pace while being flanked down the backside, he opened up at the top of the stretch and actually "outkicked" a true closer in the Ken McPeek trained Theregoesjojo, who rallied for second as the second choice in the field of ten. Quality Road also has proven Derby bloodlines via his sire, Elusive Quality -- who produced Smarty Jones (2004) -- and damsire Strawberry Road who ran long and strong. Let's hope he got enough out of the one-turn race to do him some good down the road, when it really counts!
In major news out of Dubai over the weekend, Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Midshipman injured a tendon in his final pre-race workout and is out of the Triple Crown picture. It's a good thing Street Sense bucked that "juvenile jinx" a couple of years ago or we'd be hearing all about it now.
Also noteworthy, Hall of Fame turf runner Manila passed away at the age of 26. The grandson of Northern Dancer had been serving as the Turkish Jockey Club's top sire for over a decade. Manila's signature moment came in the 1986 Breeders' Cup Turf, where he mowed down turf legend Theatrical en route to an Eclipse award in the male turf division.
In major news out of Dubai over the weekend, Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Midshipman injured a tendon in his final pre-race workout and is out of the Triple Crown picture. It's a good thing Street Sense bucked that "juvenile jinx" a couple of years ago or we'd be hearing all about it now.
Also noteworthy, Hall of Fame turf runner Manila passed away at the age of 26. The grandson of Northern Dancer had been serving as the Turkish Jockey Club's top sire for over a decade. Manila's signature moment came in the 1986 Breeders' Cup Turf, where he mowed down turf legend Theatrical en route to an Eclipse award in the male turf division.
February 16, 2009
Girls Gone Wild
Sorry for the marketing ploy, but now that I have your attention let's talk about some damn fast fillies, shall we? Historically, I seldom bet fillies or mares in "open" contests, particularly in races greater than one mile (only due to statistical analysis and not because of chauvinism). But these fillies' numbers are talking out loud! Let's start at Oaklawn Park where the veteran conditioner Hal Wiggins stables Rachel Alexandra, who dominated nine fillies in The Martha Washington Stakes while finishing a full second faster than Old Fashioned in Monday's Southwest Stakes. Even more impressive is how Rachel Alexandra's split times compared, as she was fastest at the end of the race while winning "under wraps" according to the Equibase race chart. As I watched the filly run past the grandstand it appeared that jockey Calvin Borel was flashing thumbs ups half-way down the stretch the race was that out of reach.
This may be the first time many of you have heard the name Rachel Alexandra, who has taken time off since capturing the Golden Rod Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs last November. On that day, her winning time at 1 1/16 miles was also over a second faster than Derby trail colts Beethoven and Giant Oak. On the other hand, Old Fashioned - trained by Larry Jones, who knows a thing or two about tough fillies with Eight Belles - is at the top of most Kentucky Derby future books as well as the official favorite (other than the "field" bet) in Derby Futures Pool #1 that closed even before Old Fashioned's easy score in the Southwest. But if not for the (f) designation on the program next to Rachel Alexandra, the racing media might be all over this bay daughter of a former Oaklawn great, Medaglia d'Oro.
Meanwhile on the "left" coast, Evita Argentina is already shaking her tailfeathers at the boys, swooping from last to first in the most prestigious race of her career; the $150,000 San Vicente Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita. Not to mention impressive Juvenile filly champion from last year, Stardom Bound, who last weekend kicked off her campaign with a victory in the Las Virgenes (G1) and is scheduled to tackle the boys soon to warrant her shot at The Kentucky Derby. Like Cyndi Lauper sang, Girls just wanna have fun!
This may be the first time many of you have heard the name Rachel Alexandra, who has taken time off since capturing the Golden Rod Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs last November. On that day, her winning time at 1 1/16 miles was also over a second faster than Derby trail colts Beethoven and Giant Oak. On the other hand, Old Fashioned - trained by Larry Jones, who knows a thing or two about tough fillies with Eight Belles - is at the top of most Kentucky Derby future books as well as the official favorite (other than the "field" bet) in Derby Futures Pool #1 that closed even before Old Fashioned's easy score in the Southwest. But if not for the (f) designation on the program next to Rachel Alexandra, the racing media might be all over this bay daughter of a former Oaklawn great, Medaglia d'Oro.
Meanwhile on the "left" coast, Evita Argentina is already shaking her tailfeathers at the boys, swooping from last to first in the most prestigious race of her career; the $150,000 San Vicente Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita. Not to mention impressive Juvenile filly champion from last year, Stardom Bound, who last weekend kicked off her campaign with a victory in the Las Virgenes (G1) and is scheduled to tackle the boys soon to warrant her shot at The Kentucky Derby. Like Cyndi Lauper sang, Girls just wanna have fun!
February 5, 2009
On the Derby Trail...
As February arrives so too does the concentration of major Derby preps. February 7th welcomes the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds and the Robert S. Lewis Stakes (formerly run as Santa Catalina Stakes) at Santa Anita, where highly regarded Pioneerof the Nile will be favored. Two other top 10 sophomores will square off in the Risen Star in Giant Oak and Friesan Fire. My own due diligence begins on President's Day at Oaklawn Park for the Southwest Stakes mile, where Remsen winner Old Fashioned appears to be the chalk after the defection of Breeders' Cup Juvenile runner-up Square Eddie. The Grade II San Vicente from Santa Anita will also be run on February 16th
Speaking of the Derby Trail, I have also mapped out my travel schedule which will include stops at Oaklawn Park (Southwest & AR Derby), Fair Grounds (LA Derby) and Gulfstream Park (FL Derby) in 2009. Now that we have some racing to talk about, I'll resume bi-weekly updates leading up to the week of The Kentucky Derby (May 2).
Good luck at the windows!
Eric
Speaking of the Derby Trail, I have also mapped out my travel schedule which will include stops at Oaklawn Park (Southwest & AR Derby), Fair Grounds (LA Derby) and Gulfstream Park (FL Derby) in 2009. Now that we have some racing to talk about, I'll resume bi-weekly updates leading up to the week of The Kentucky Derby (May 2).
Good luck at the windows!
Eric
October 30, 2008
EURO Rising
In light of recent events with the souring U.S. economy and overall poor reputation amongst the world community, it should come as no surprise that we've lost our dominance in international racing as well. The Euro based horses won 3 of 4 turf races and for good measure pulled off a couple upsets over the main track. And let me tell you, the Brits were on hand in numbers to revel in their success. I must have been in the Euro zone of Arcadia as the accents were thick on the bus ride back and throughout the pubs of Huntington Avenue. "We did it... we got first AND second!", proclaimed one expat. Quipped another, "Curlin who?"
To add insult to injury (to my pocket book, anyway) the next morning at breakfast the Lads next to my wife and I were calculating their U.S. witholding tax on their $6,000 profits (nearly 10,000 British pounds). Even our Sunday afternoon trip to the beach to watch the sun set into the Pacific Ocean from Duke's Bar at Malibu was crashed by a British family, fully stocked with Breeders' Cup accessories (presumably bought with 50 quid from winnings). They all bellied up to the tiki bar next to us ordering Mai Tais and toasting Raven's Pass and Henrythenavigator.
In spite of my inept handicapping, I could not have enjoyed the warm and sunny day any more at Santa Anita -- the majestic racetrack beneath the San Gabriel mountains. You could clearly tell this wasn't the track's first rodeo. The 51,000 plus horse lovers were nothing for this facility to handle. After watching the post parade for the Classic go by the grandstand, I realized that I forgot to make my mother's bets. Rather than booking them like my brother would have done, I scurried to the ticket windows and had all bets placed within two minutes! Now this wouldn't have been possible during many Saturdays at Oaklawn Park, not to mention Belmont, Saratoga or Del Mar, at least not on the "big event" days I've attended.
There have been multiple criticisms of Santa Anita's Pro-Ride synthetic surface, particularly after Curlin's out-of-the money showing. Not a single horse won on the main track without previous success on either turf or a synthetic track, making any dirt form irrelevant. My personal argument is not that the surface favors turf runners, but rather thwarts the chances of a speed horse from winning, i.e. Pace no longer makes the race! The empirical data I provide is that a truly "neutral" track surface should result in front-runners winning at approximate percentages to those of stalkers and closers at various distances. However, only one dirt race resulted in any horse close to the lead winning (Midshipman in the Juvenile) and most winners came from the clouds. This is one lesson I will remember for the future, whether it be the Santa Anita Derby or next year's Breeders' Cup card, also slated for Santa Anita.
The biggest winner of the day was Dubai's Sheik Mohammed al Maktoum and his family. His wife, Princess Haya of Jordan, owns Classic winner Raven's Pass and Juvenile Turf winner Donativum. Sheik Mohammed's Darley Stud campaigns Juvenile winner Midshipman and owns the stallion Elusive Quality, sire of Raven's Pass. After being so kind to American owners by inviting runners such as Cigar, Silver Charm and Curlin to run for the gaudy purse money offered at the Dubai World Cup, Sheik Mohammed now has returned stateside to claim our richest prize. Let's hope this trend does not continue! They certainly have a live bullet going into next year's Derby with Midshipman. Speaking of The Derby, we finally have a several month reprieve to recharge our handicapping batteries prior to the spring Derby trail in February. I know that I sure need a break!
To add insult to injury (to my pocket book, anyway) the next morning at breakfast the Lads next to my wife and I were calculating their U.S. witholding tax on their $6,000 profits (nearly 10,000 British pounds). Even our Sunday afternoon trip to the beach to watch the sun set into the Pacific Ocean from Duke's Bar at Malibu was crashed by a British family, fully stocked with Breeders' Cup accessories (presumably bought with 50 quid from winnings). They all bellied up to the tiki bar next to us ordering Mai Tais and toasting Raven's Pass and Henrythenavigator.
In spite of my inept handicapping, I could not have enjoyed the warm and sunny day any more at Santa Anita -- the majestic racetrack beneath the San Gabriel mountains. You could clearly tell this wasn't the track's first rodeo. The 51,000 plus horse lovers were nothing for this facility to handle. After watching the post parade for the Classic go by the grandstand, I realized that I forgot to make my mother's bets. Rather than booking them like my brother would have done, I scurried to the ticket windows and had all bets placed within two minutes! Now this wouldn't have been possible during many Saturdays at Oaklawn Park, not to mention Belmont, Saratoga or Del Mar, at least not on the "big event" days I've attended.
There have been multiple criticisms of Santa Anita's Pro-Ride synthetic surface, particularly after Curlin's out-of-the money showing. Not a single horse won on the main track without previous success on either turf or a synthetic track, making any dirt form irrelevant. My personal argument is not that the surface favors turf runners, but rather thwarts the chances of a speed horse from winning, i.e. Pace no longer makes the race! The empirical data I provide is that a truly "neutral" track surface should result in front-runners winning at approximate percentages to those of stalkers and closers at various distances. However, only one dirt race resulted in any horse close to the lead winning (Midshipman in the Juvenile) and most winners came from the clouds. This is one lesson I will remember for the future, whether it be the Santa Anita Derby or next year's Breeders' Cup card, also slated for Santa Anita.
The biggest winner of the day was Dubai's Sheik Mohammed al Maktoum and his family. His wife, Princess Haya of Jordan, owns Classic winner Raven's Pass and Juvenile Turf winner Donativum. Sheik Mohammed's Darley Stud campaigns Juvenile winner Midshipman and owns the stallion Elusive Quality, sire of Raven's Pass. After being so kind to American owners by inviting runners such as Cigar, Silver Charm and Curlin to run for the gaudy purse money offered at the Dubai World Cup, Sheik Mohammed now has returned stateside to claim our richest prize. Let's hope this trend does not continue! They certainly have a live bullet going into next year's Derby with Midshipman. Speaking of The Derby, we finally have a several month reprieve to recharge our handicapping batteries prior to the spring Derby trail in February. I know that I sure need a break!
October 23, 2008
Breeders' Cup Picks
After two nights of scouring the Daily Racing Form (aka,Bettor's Bible), I have been able to eliminate most of the favorites -- in my mind anyway! Those of you who have been to the track with me, or more likely who have heard one of many stories about how I lost a HUGE trifecta on a "head bob" know that I loathe the chalk. Won't touch it with a 10 foot pole, other than an occasional wheel with a long-shot choice. I obtain no excitement whatsoever by risking $5 to win $8. Now I have known some very astute handicappers who would gladly accept a 50% plus rate of return for close to a "sure thing," but those gentlemen have much more bank than me (even before the seemingly daily exhaustion of my 201k). Conversely, I delight in the notion that I can go to the track with a hundred bucks and come back with five grand and a 1099-G from Uncle Sam (hey, we've got to help "spread the wealth", right??).
So proceed with caution on the following "spot play" longshots and don't be calling next week harrassing me about my lousy handicapping skills. I already know that I hit a big trifecta about as often as the Cubs win a pennant... why do you think I have a real job?!
Here we go. It's rare that I play the first race or "daily double," since that is usually relegated to non-winners of two claiming races and I like to save my limited funds for the feature race. But on Breeders' Cup day, every race is a feature! Which reminds me, if you haven't realized it by now, all of the five filly and mare races will be run Friday and nine races will follow on Saturday. So let's try to get off to a fast start in the first Breeders' Cup race (Filly and Mare Sprint) by picking Zaftig (8-1) on top of Intangaroo and favorite Indian Blessing in an exacta part-wheel. Hopefully, you read my blog tribute to Cozzene and Princess Rooney earlier. Well, I'll be damned if the first race doesn't have a grandson of Cozzene (Zaftig) that is coming off a victory against Indian Blessing at a mile. Let's cash a nice ticket early and have some ammunition so we can really start firing at em!
The next race is the Fillies Juvenile Turf where I like Consequence (also at 8-1 odds) coming off a bullet work. She was a bit wide in her last 4th place effort but only beaten a half length. While I mentioned I don't like betting favorites, some of my best wins have been with "beaten favorites" a race or two later when the betting public have given up on them. Everybody can have a bad day at the office every now and then. Hell, it's nearly a daily occurrence with me lately. Let's hope this filly rewards our faith in her.
The Juvenile Fillies race is one that I'm most excited about. Perhaps my best long-shot pick of the weekend is C.S. Silk. Not only because of her two widening six length victories, but because jockey Robby Albarado chose to ride this one over the third choice, Dream Express. I would say this is a bit like inside information, but the kind you can't go to jail for. C.S. Silk is a whopping 15-1 on the morning line odds! I will box her with Stardom Bound and Sky Diva in exactas and trifectas.
In the Filly and Mare Turf I will take a shot with one of many European shippers, Folk Opera (10-1), who wreaks of class while being a perfect 3 for 4 at the 1 1/4 mile distance. Again, I'll box her with the favorites in the exotics. That leads us to the last race on Friday's card, the Ladies Classic. Optimistically, I'll be counting all my money at this point and can simply sit back and relish Zenyatta's quest for racing immortality.
Saturday's action is equally as appealing for my longshot hunches. I'll start in the 3rd race (Dirt Mile) by playing the speedball Two Step Salsa (15-1) across the board and boxing with deserving favorite, Well Armed. The next race is the Turf Mile, where I'll go against logic by playing an American horse, Thorn Song at 12-1. When I first saw this name, I immediately thought of Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Thors Echo from several years ago. In addition, this one has speed to burn and has only lost as of late when going longer than one mile. Whatsthescript will be tough to beat, but the far outside post may compromise his chances.
Handicapping the Juvenile really had me perplexed, but I decided to give the nod to Square Eddie (9-2) based on his dominant Keenland romp over the polytrack surface. A hunch is telling me to bet a ticket or two on Mine That Bird at 30-1, who has dominated lesser foes north of the border at Woodbine in Canada.
Skipping ahead to the Breeders' Cup Turf, I tried over and again to beat the favorite, but couldn't. Soldier of Fortune (7-2) looks much the best in this race if he runs to form after his trans-Atlantic journey. Grand Couturier is also in excellent form and may complete the exacta. That brings us to the Classic, possibly Curlin's grand farewell. He certainly will be the focus of the event and without him in the race I would have stayed and watched from home. Many have already conceded the race to Curlin, quite a change in opinion from when trainer and owner wanted no part of a synthetic surface only one month ago. While I would love to see "little big red" in the winner's circle, I have come to expect a letdown after journeying to see Cigar and Smarty Jones clinch records after similar hype. Three of Europe's leading turf horses decided to give it a go in the Classic this year, thinking this may be their best shot on the synthetic surface. I believe that Duke of Marmalade has the class to challenge Curlin. At 10-1, this five time Group I winner this year is being grossly disrespected, probably due to his flat performance in his last start. Again, looking at the entire body of work, I expect a return to form for the Aidan O'Brien trained Coolmoore Farm standout. Go Between is heralded in California, as is three year-old Colonel John, who has took his time coming back after his gut-wrenching nose victory in the Travers Stakes in August. But the wild card in this race is Casino Drive, who scratched the week of the Belmont Stakes. This Japanese based horse and trainer then played hide and seek until two weeks ago, winning a conditioned allowance race at Santa Anita as his tune-up. Many "experts" are saying that his looks alone will put him in the winners' circle, whatever that means.
Good luck to all of your picks, as long as they don't interfere with my long-shot specials!
Eric
Horse Racing
So proceed with caution on the following "spot play" longshots and don't be calling next week harrassing me about my lousy handicapping skills. I already know that I hit a big trifecta about as often as the Cubs win a pennant... why do you think I have a real job?!
Here we go. It's rare that I play the first race or "daily double," since that is usually relegated to non-winners of two claiming races and I like to save my limited funds for the feature race. But on Breeders' Cup day, every race is a feature! Which reminds me, if you haven't realized it by now, all of the five filly and mare races will be run Friday and nine races will follow on Saturday. So let's try to get off to a fast start in the first Breeders' Cup race (Filly and Mare Sprint) by picking Zaftig (8-1) on top of Intangaroo and favorite Indian Blessing in an exacta part-wheel. Hopefully, you read my blog tribute to Cozzene and Princess Rooney earlier. Well, I'll be damned if the first race doesn't have a grandson of Cozzene (Zaftig) that is coming off a victory against Indian Blessing at a mile. Let's cash a nice ticket early and have some ammunition so we can really start firing at em!
The next race is the Fillies Juvenile Turf where I like Consequence (also at 8-1 odds) coming off a bullet work. She was a bit wide in her last 4th place effort but only beaten a half length. While I mentioned I don't like betting favorites, some of my best wins have been with "beaten favorites" a race or two later when the betting public have given up on them. Everybody can have a bad day at the office every now and then. Hell, it's nearly a daily occurrence with me lately. Let's hope this filly rewards our faith in her.
The Juvenile Fillies race is one that I'm most excited about. Perhaps my best long-shot pick of the weekend is C.S. Silk. Not only because of her two widening six length victories, but because jockey Robby Albarado chose to ride this one over the third choice, Dream Express. I would say this is a bit like inside information, but the kind you can't go to jail for. C.S. Silk is a whopping 15-1 on the morning line odds! I will box her with Stardom Bound and Sky Diva in exactas and trifectas.
In the Filly and Mare Turf I will take a shot with one of many European shippers, Folk Opera (10-1), who wreaks of class while being a perfect 3 for 4 at the 1 1/4 mile distance. Again, I'll box her with the favorites in the exotics. That leads us to the last race on Friday's card, the Ladies Classic. Optimistically, I'll be counting all my money at this point and can simply sit back and relish Zenyatta's quest for racing immortality.
Saturday's action is equally as appealing for my longshot hunches. I'll start in the 3rd race (Dirt Mile) by playing the speedball Two Step Salsa (15-1) across the board and boxing with deserving favorite, Well Armed. The next race is the Turf Mile, where I'll go against logic by playing an American horse, Thorn Song at 12-1. When I first saw this name, I immediately thought of Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Thors Echo from several years ago. In addition, this one has speed to burn and has only lost as of late when going longer than one mile. Whatsthescript will be tough to beat, but the far outside post may compromise his chances.
Handicapping the Juvenile really had me perplexed, but I decided to give the nod to Square Eddie (9-2) based on his dominant Keenland romp over the polytrack surface. A hunch is telling me to bet a ticket or two on Mine That Bird at 30-1, who has dominated lesser foes north of the border at Woodbine in Canada.
Skipping ahead to the Breeders' Cup Turf, I tried over and again to beat the favorite, but couldn't. Soldier of Fortune (7-2) looks much the best in this race if he runs to form after his trans-Atlantic journey. Grand Couturier is also in excellent form and may complete the exacta. That brings us to the Classic, possibly Curlin's grand farewell. He certainly will be the focus of the event and without him in the race I would have stayed and watched from home. Many have already conceded the race to Curlin, quite a change in opinion from when trainer and owner wanted no part of a synthetic surface only one month ago. While I would love to see "little big red" in the winner's circle, I have come to expect a letdown after journeying to see Cigar and Smarty Jones clinch records after similar hype. Three of Europe's leading turf horses decided to give it a go in the Classic this year, thinking this may be their best shot on the synthetic surface. I believe that Duke of Marmalade has the class to challenge Curlin. At 10-1, this five time Group I winner this year is being grossly disrespected, probably due to his flat performance in his last start. Again, looking at the entire body of work, I expect a return to form for the Aidan O'Brien trained Coolmoore Farm standout. Go Between is heralded in California, as is three year-old Colonel John, who has took his time coming back after his gut-wrenching nose victory in the Travers Stakes in August. But the wild card in this race is Casino Drive, who scratched the week of the Belmont Stakes. This Japanese based horse and trainer then played hide and seek until two weeks ago, winning a conditioned allowance race at Santa Anita as his tune-up. Many "experts" are saying that his looks alone will put him in the winners' circle, whatever that means.
Good luck to all of your picks, as long as they don't interfere with my long-shot specials!
Eric
Horse Racing
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