Breeders' Cup - Racing's Greatest Day

Most novice fans of horse racing would scoff at the notion of a day greater than the hallowed Kentucky Derby Saturday. But insiders know that the Breeders' Cup is the day that brings together the best of the best across North America and Europe. While many are debating whether Havre de Grace can best the boys in the Classic finale on Saturday, to me this year's edition begins and ends with one name... GOLDIKOVA.

I still get goose-bumps when thinking of seeing the blue-white silks on Olivier Peslier's back flash wide on the far turn from my railbird position at last year's Turf Mile, also at Churchill Downs. She went on to win that race for the third consecutive year and was even brought back for an unfathomable "four-peat" (sorry Pat Riley but I didn't use "your" word!). In my opinion, this would be a record that will stand longer than the triple crown drought if she were to accomplish this feat. Even if not, props to the owners for allowing her to continue racing into her prime years.

My SRS partners and I will be watching this weekend with anticipation that perhaps one of our stable runners (Posse's Starlet, Herbert Hughes) can make the starting gate next year at Santa Anita. But until then, my excitement will be channeled through my good friend Clay's hope - Dayatthespa - in the Juvenile Fillies Turf. Bring her home, Clay!!

For those interested, I will be passing along a few hunch bets on Saturday through my Twitter account @DerbyTalk.

Let's get out there and cash some tickets!!!

Saturday Racing Stable - Off and Running!

It is with much enthusiasm that I share news with my racing friends that I have launched my horse syndicate that has been 15 years in the making, Saturday Racing Stable. Back in April, I purchased a two year-old filly by Posse at the Fasig-Tipton Texas sale and named her Posse's Starlet. She is a leggy chestnut filly with a nice bottom (see for yourself at left) that we hope will debut at the Fair Grounds this winter.

Then last month we bought a yearling colt by hot sire Henny Hughes out of a Maria's Mon mare to be named Herbert Hughes. He is an early foal so we hope he hits the track early summer of 2012 at either Lone Star in Dallas or a Louisiana track since he is a LA bred eligible for their huge purse incentives. Both charges are being trained at Diamond D Farm in east Texas at the moment - the same training center that broke Rachel Alexandra as a juvenile! I will occasionally be posting updates of progress, particularly closer to actual racing days, so keep tabs on this blog if at all interested.

The 2011 racing season is still looking for an icon and for the third year in a row it could be another female, but Havre de Grace or Blind Luck? Or will European mare Goldikova reign supreme for yet another Breeders' Cup turf mile? It will be settled in the next couple of months.

Happy Racing!
Eric