2009 KY Derby 135th edition; final post-position/odds p28 [Archive]

Glimmerglass

Oct. 30, 2008, 10:38 PM

Now that the Breeders' Cup JV races have been held we have a few upcoming early winter prep races that test the mettle of would-be spring Derby candidates.

The key of course being graded stakes races in order to get into the Derby

This weekend is the Grade 3 Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct ($100k) on Sun Nov 2nd; then will be the $200k Remsen Stakes (Grade 2) Nov 29th also at Aqueduct and the (Grade 2) $250k Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes also Nov 29th at Churchill Downs.

One of the well known names entered into the Nashua Stakes - and working exceptionally well - is half-brother to Nobiz Like Shobiz, Hello Broadway with the same trainer and owner as Nobiz.

10-30-08 "Tagg says Hello Broadway training big" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/99570.html)

Hello Broadway was a gritty neck winner of a seven-furlong maiden race at Saratoga, beating next-out winner Imperial Council. Hello Broadway jumped right into the Champagne, where he finished fifth, 9 1/2 lengths behind Vineyard Haven.

Trainer Barclay Tagg said there may have been a warning sign that Hello Broadway wasn't going to fire his best effort when he did not train strongly the day before the race under exercise rider Simon Harris.

"Simon had gotten on him the day before and said he was very quiet," Tagg said. "We took his temperature and he had no temperature, he ate up his dinner and all that kind of stuff. We saw no reason not to run him. We ran him and he just didn't run his race."

Tagg said that since the Champagne, Hello Broadway "has been a bear."

Another solid and successful runner expected in the Nashua will be Break Water Edison who finished 2nd in a very solid effort in the Saratoga Special (G2) (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/46593.htm) to Run Away and Hide.

Glimmerglass

Nov. 1, 2008, 03:49 PM

The field for the Grade 3 Nashua Stakes on Sunday at the Big A:

$150,000 Nashua Stakes (Grade 3, Race 8, 3:44 p.m. ET)
2-Year-Olds, 1 Mile (Dirt)

PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Prince Charming (KY), 118, Jose Lezcano
2. Hello Broadway (KY), 118, Eibar Coa
3. Tire Kicker (KY), 118, Ramon A. Dominguez
4. Royal Vindication (KY), 118, Javier Castellano
5. Friesan Fire (KY), 118, John R. Velazquez
6. Break Water Edison (KY), 118, Alan Garcia
7. Forty Thieves (FL), 122, Cornelio H. Velasquez

Maybe Larry Jones will have one more Derby runner in his "last" year (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/47845.htm):

But when Jones received his new shipment of horses, Kodiak Kowboy wasn’t necessarily the one he was most excited about. It was 2-year-old colt Friesan Fire.

“We pretty much knew right away that he was special,” Jones admitted. “It’s easy to pick up on ones like that. He’s a very talented colt, the kind that could be talked about in early May (for the Kentucky Derby). And it seems like he’ll enjoy more ground.

“He might be as good as we’ve had in our barn.”

LaurieB

Nov. 1, 2008, 06:12 PM

Glimmer, are you over here talking to yourself? :lol:

I'm really looking forward to seeing Hello Broadway run again. I'm a big fan of Broken Vow (we have two this year). They tend to be strong and athletic and I'd love it if Hello Broadway had as much talent as his half-brother.

jennywho

Nov. 1, 2008, 11:05 PM

I would love to see Larry Jones win the derby, no matter how bittersweet.

I am looking forward to seeing what Imperial Council does in his next start.

Linny

Nov. 1, 2008, 11:06 PM

Hello Broadway was ahuge disappointment to me last time. I hope he rebounds.

It was announced today that the best 2yo in the east is going a bit farther east. Vineyard Haven has been sold to Godolphin and is expected to head to Dubai. Godolphin also bought 2yo Jose Adan.

Linny

Nov. 1, 2008, 11:09 PM

Larry Jones fans might want to add the name "Just Jenda" to their stale mail. She's 2 for 2 with a win last Tuesday in the Brandywine S for 2yo fillies at Philly. She's by Derby runner-up Menifee and is owned by Larry's wife, Cindy.

Chart is here:
http://www.drf.com/drfPDFChartRacesIndexAction.do?TRK=PHA&CTY=USA&DATE=20081028&RN=9

Glimmerglass

Nov. 2, 2008, 04:13 PM

Adding onto what Linny said first about the big Godolphin news ...

After all these years of craving a Kentucky Derby runner let alone winner Godolphin stables now have two big promising runners who might pull it off.

First there was the purchase of all of Stonerside Stables which brought to them Midshipman who shortly thereafter won the 2009 BC JV at Oak Tree.

And now Bobby Frankel and partners - LA Dodgers manager Joe Torre and Louis Lazzinnaro have sold their very, very promising Vinyard Haven to Godolphin (http://drf.com/news/article/99636.html). He'll be shipped ot Dubai rather then stay in Soith Florida for the winter. Sadly I've seen this before - a very talented horse, ships over to Duabi and never is the same. Recall Henny Hughes?

“I had an offer I couldn't refuse,” Frankel said. “That's why I sold."

Vineyard Haven is currently with Frankel's stable at Belmont Park and is scheduled to be shipped to Dubai in coming weeks.

Today's Grade 3 Nashua Stakes was won by Breakwater Edison over second place Hello Broadway, the Larry Jones trainee Friesan Fire took 4th. A link to the replay will be available shortly.

Glimmerglass

Nov. 2, 2008, 04:54 PM

The 2009 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks logos (http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/news/article.cgi?id=13316) for the 135th edition of each has been unveiled. Luckily they've gone away from trying to put a horse in the logo as it's been rather unsuccessful recently in their attempts.

The new Kentucky Derby 135 mark features two sides of a sleek, golden horseshoe joined at the bottom by a stylized red rose. In the center of the horseshoe are the words "Kentucky Derby" in gold and black font and the number "135" to designate the event's 135th renewal. The words "Churchill Downs" and the date "May 2, 2009," appear beneath the horseshoe.

A slender golden horseshoe also tops the official Kentucky Oaks 135 logo, while a vibrant pink stargazer lily pops out from the horseshoe's center. Emblazoned in bright pink and gold text beneath the primary artwork are the words "Kentucky Oaks 135" and "Churchill Downs - May 1, 2009." The Kentucky Oaks is traditionally held one day before the Kentucky Derby.

GreenMachine

Nov. 2, 2008, 08:07 PM

This is probably more relevant to the Kentucky Oaks (though you never know): IEAH has purchased Stardom Bound (http://auctions.bloodhorse.com/article/47873.htm) for $5.7 million.

“Hip and shoulder,” said Iavarone, when asked what impressed him and Dutrow the most about Stardom Bound. “She’s a big beautiful filly, and we know she can run. I think Rick is going to help her out. Hopefully, we can have a really big campaign (next year).”

The saga will continue! ;)

Linny

Nov. 2, 2008, 08:38 PM

The champion of the 2yo filly division needs Rick Dutrow to "help her out." Sometimes I wonder...

Toadie's mom

Nov. 3, 2008, 12:05 AM

Sorry to hear that Vineyard Haven news (he was my WAYYYYY early Derby favorite), but he isn't on a plane yet, right?! I really liked the colt Mr. Rod (same connections as Brother Derek), but seems he may be better as a grass horse.

Glimmerglass

Nov. 3, 2008, 05:54 PM

Big plans for Break Water Edison (http://drf.com/news/article/99655.html)

Kimmel confirmed Monday that Break Water Edison would skip the Remsen on Nov. 29 to get a freshening for his 3-year-old season, which Kimmel and owner Eli Gindi hope includes a start in the Kentucky Derby next May. Kimmel plans to ship Break Water Edison to south Florida next week and the colt will likely begin his 3-year-old campaign at Gulfstream Park in either the Hutcheson on Jan. 30 or the Fountain of Youth on Feb. 20.

Replay of the Nashua Stakes here (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/47871.htm)

Glimmerglass

Nov. 12, 2008, 06:34 PM

A list of top earning 2-yr olds this year from Michael Veitch - Saratogian 11-12-08 "Making sense of different surfaces" (http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2008/11/12/sports/doc491a4bd945d63715033248.txt)

Dirt

The leader here is Vineyard Haven, who won the Hopeful and Champagne stakes.

While he could get some votes for the championship, he did not participate on Breeders’ Cup weekend.

Vineyard Haven has been purchased by Godolphin Stable, and is will winter in Dubai along with Midshipman.

Another Saratoga star, Charitable Man, is high on this list.

He broke his maiden by more than 11 lengths on Aug. 10 and followed with a strong win in the Belmont Futurity on Sept. 13.

Cribnote was an impressive maiden winner at Saratoga, and might have won the Hopeful Stakes had he not bolted on the stretch turn.

He was second to Vineyard Haven in the Hopeful and third in the Champagne.

Break Water Edison belongs on this list after his impressive win in the Nashua Stakes on Nov. 2.

That came after failed efforts in the Hopeful and Champagne.

Calico

Nov. 13, 2008, 04:01 PM

Nothinsweetr

Nov. 13, 2008, 05:11 PM

Well, I have one I'm rooting for because the farm I work for owns him! But I guess I'm a bit biased! LOL

Glimmerglass

Nov. 14, 2008, 12:25 PM

Larry Jones has a great looking colt that is not getting much buzz (yet) called Old Fashioned. His first two starts were very impressive, he looks like he could be the real deal. Really nice pedigree, too.

Yep - per the DRF (http://drf.com/news/article/99894.html)

On Nov. 29, Jones will ship ... Old Fashioned for the Grade 2 Remsen.

Old Fashioned is a 2-year-old son of Unbridled's Song out of the Grade 3-winning mare Collect Call. Owner Richard Porter shelled out $800,000 for Old Fashioned as a yearling. After winning a six-furlong maiden race at Delaware by a nose on Oct. 6 - from which the second- and third-place finishers came back to win - Old Fashioned came back to take a first-level allowance race going a two-turn mile by 15 1/2 lengths.

"This horse is serious," Jones said. "He's a good-quality horse, we've got a lot of high hopes for him. He'll be heading to Fair Grounds to start trying to get on the Derby trail."

As an aside Larry Jones will be honored (http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20081114/SPORTS08/811140545/1002/SPORTS) Dec 9th in Tuscon, AZ at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program Symposium:

Trainer Larry Jones, a Hopkinsville native, was voted the Turf Publicists of America's Big Sport of Turfdom Award, presented annually since 1966 to a person or group who enhances coverage of thoroughbred racing through cooperation with the media and racing publicists.

In a 24-hour span, Jones went from the thrill of Proud Spell winning the Oaks, to the next day being ecstatic how well Eight Belles ran in finishing second in the Kentucky Derby to the horror of her death minutes later.

"Larry has always been generous and gracious with publicists and reporters, but never was this clearer than in the aftermath of the tragic accident involving Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby," TPA president Eric Wing said in a release.

Here, here! A well deserved award.

Glimmerglass

Nov. 22, 2008, 12:05 PM

Interestingly although with no evidence it is anything more then one of many topics kicked about, but Ray Paulick suggested Friday 11/20 that Churchill 'could' (http://www.paulickreport.com/blog/will-derby-field-size-be-reduced/) reduce the field size for the Derby down from 20 to just 14 starters.

A lot of the claims of 'reducing injury' I think are utter bunk supported by gut feelings at best and with no historical support whatsoever. Sadly if it did become so small it would almost certainly ensure that some of the longer shot winners that have made that race and the sport all the more colorful wouldn't even get a gate.

With that said you can see that entries are already flowing steadily one big ticket graded race: Delta Jackpot (Grade 3 - $750k) has 17 horses pre-entered (http://drf.com/news/article/100099.html) but the field is limited to just 10.

That 1 1/16-mile race for 2-year-olds will be limited to a field of 10 when it is run on Delta's six-furlong track Dec. 5. Final entries for the race will be held Dec. 2. Having won the local prep race gets auto entry, from there the criteria is "for horses who have finished first, second, or third in graded stakes, while the third preference is earnings."

Glimmerglass

Nov. 22, 2008, 03:57 PM

Could one of the more impressive horses come from Texas?

Video replay: Churchill Downs 11-19-08 Race 10 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BGvYq5DTiE)

Dallas Ft-Worth Star Telegram 11-21-08 "Indygo Mountain is a promising horse" (http://www.star-telegram.com/808/story/1051463.html)

Wednesday, when Indygo Mountain felt the whip for the first time in his life, received that first message regarding the meaning of all this running in circles, he sprinted away from his rivals, through the final quarter-mile in 24.64 seconds — something few 2-year-olds could do — on his way to completing the mile in 1:35.54.

It was a solid clocking, just two ticks slower than the winning time turned in by a good group of older horses in the day’s featured race.

DRF 11-20-08 "Indygo Mountain flashes potential" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/100042.html)

It has been 20 years since Alysheba, owned by the family of Clarence Scharbauer Jr., capped his sensational racing career by winning the Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs.

"I guess you could say Mr. Scharbauer is looking for the next Alysheba," said Calhoun.

Indygo Mountain, ridden by Jamie Theriot, earned an 85 Beyer Speed Figure in finishing the one-mile maiden race in 1:35.54. The race was just the second of his career.

justalittlex

Nov. 24, 2008, 11:12 AM

caffeinated

Nov. 24, 2008, 11:25 AM

Glimmerglass

Nov. 24, 2008, 11:32 AM

It was fun to watch Jack O Lantern win (http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=36606) at Hollywood yesterday in the Prevue Stakes. When I looked over the entries and odds, I thought, "hmm, winner?- cool name." Did I bet him? NO!

Yep it was a very nice effort by hugging the rail and making full use of covering as little amount of ground as possible!

What is very impressive is that this $10,500 horse (bought as a yearling at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October sale) was making such a big jump up from the claiming ranks. His last effort: 3 1/2-length winner in $75,000 maiden claiming company. Both successes may be attributed to an equipment change with blinkers added ;)

Jack looked very good unlike the Baffert trainee Ventana - who clearly likes dirt and not synthetics - or even the wagering favorite of Backbackbackgone trained under Peter Miller.

Jack O'Lantern now has $63,700 in graded stakes earnings (this was a Grade 3) towards the Kentucky Derby.

Video replay inside the BloodHorse article (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/48178/jack-o-lantern-lights-board-in-prevue)

Glimmerglass

Nov. 24, 2008, 08:23 PM

BloodHorse 11-24-08 "Ky. Derby Trail: The Future is Now" (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/48179.htm)

A few of the names cited in the Haskin's article relative to the Wynn Sports Book future wager for the Derby:

I'm shocked that Break Water Edison is said to be listed at 60-1 in that future wager! He is a very, very legit contender! Add to that Old Fashioned (trained by Larry Jones) is listed at 40-1 although after this weekend's Remsen (G2) he like 'Edison above will shift in odds.

Diet maven Jenny Craig's Chocolate Candy – Although he lost Gomez, this is still a horse to be reckoned with. The son of Candy Ride has won his last two for Jerry Hollendorfer and should only improve. If you like the Rasmussen Factor (inbred to top-class mares), he is inbred to Alanesian through Boldnesian and Herbalesian, the dam of Candy Ride’s sire Ride the Rails. Alanesian also is the dam of Princessnesian, who beat the boys in the Hollywood Gold Cup. He looks pretty attractive at 100-1.

Friesan Fire – This son of A.P. Indy was tabbed as something special by Larry Jones after he broke his maiden at Delaware Park. Jones and his wife Cindy felt he was as good a young prospect as they’ve ever had.

And already mentioned in this thread:

Indygo Mountain – Have no idea what you can get him at, as he wasn’t listed last week, but his one-mile maiden score at Churchill Downs was as good as it gets, and he’ll surely open at a low price. Bret Calhoun has him down at Fair Grounds and you can expect fireworks from this son of A.P. Indy. His female family is awesome, as his dam traces to Ribot twice through the legendary stallion’s two most potent sons, full brothers Graustark and His Majesty. He looks to have it all.

Jazzandthemagician – Son of Birdstone, out of a Cape town mare, he made an auspicious debut at Churchill Downs, winning by 3 1/4 lengths in a sharp 1:10 2/5. Trained by Dale Romans, he’s been available at 100-1. Tail-female line traces to greats Dr. Fager and Susan’s Girl.

Glimmerglass

Nov. 24, 2008, 11:13 PM

Wynn Las Vegas "future wager" odds as of 11-17-08 PDF file - best printed out to read (http://www.horseplayerdaily.com/DERBY.PDF)

Not listed is one filly - Ocean Colors ('88 Derby winner Winning Colors last foal) who looked very promising until she tied up in his last effort in August. I haven't seen her return to racing since :(

A few names - from the couple hundred listed - I'll cite at longer odds:

Cribnote is listed at 75/1 which is a very nice return for a graded stakes runner
Dagnabit at 200/1
Friesan Fire 125/1
Backbackbackgone 200/1
Nicanor at 100/1
Munnings 100/1
Viscount 175/1

Calico

Nov. 25, 2008, 12:18 PM

Ocean Colors ('88 Derby winner Winning Colors last foal)

Winning Colors' last foal is a grey or roan 2007 filly by Mr. Greeley. Ocean Colors is her second to last foal.

Calico

Nov. 25, 2008, 02:04 PM

Saturday is stacked with 2 yo races. The Remsen has a really good field with best 2-turn Beyer horses, Old Fashioned and Hello Broadway (1/2 to Nobizlikeshowbiz).

KatherineC

Nov. 25, 2008, 02:36 PM

The large Derby field makes me nervous as well. I always felt that Afleet Alex was seriously hampered in his attempt to win by the size of the field. He came up just a bit short. We would have had our triple crown winner finally as he did go on to win the Preakness and the Belmont.

What about Well Positioned as a prospect? Owned by Paul Pompa (owner of Big Brown as a 2 yo).

Calico

Nov. 26, 2008, 04:27 PM

Jack O'Lantern now has $63,700 in graded stakes earnings (this was a Grade 3) towards the Kentucky Derby.

Video replay inside the BloodHorse article (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/48178/jack-o-lantern-lights-board-in-prevue)

According to Richard Matlow (quoted in the DRF) Jack O Lantern came out of the Prevue with a condylar fracture and will be out for at least 6 months, if he ever comes back.

justalittlex

Nov. 26, 2008, 05:23 PM

oh that's so sad about Jack O Lantern.

Glimmerglass

Nov. 26, 2008, 05:38 PM

Thanks Calico for the update although I agree it bites :(

Hopefully he'll return in the future just fine. They never do tend to as well however. Example, another surprising horse on last year's chase injured early was Autism Awareness and he only just made his return on the 15th of Nov - finishing dead last sadly $50k optional claiming at GGF.

Glimmerglass

Nov. 30, 2008, 11:05 PM

To say that the Larry Jones trained colt Old Fashioned looked sensational in the Remsen is an understatement. That was a wicked solid victory!

The Rick Porter owned and Ramon Dominguez ridden colt looks like yet another excellent Derby candidate.

Replay of the race within the BloodHorse article (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=48246)

(As an aside, very sad to hear about the filly Springside who dazelled in her effort winning the $200,000 Demoiselle Stakes - Grade 2 - only to suffer multiple fractures in the pastern after galloping out afterwards. Not euthanized luckily but likely done with racing)

Originally Posted by Calico
Larry Jones has a great looking colt that is not getting much buzz (yet) called Old Fashioned. His first two starts were very impressive, he looks like he could be the real deal. Really nice pedigree, too.

Yep - per the DRF (http://drf.com/news/article/99894.html)

On Nov. 29, Jones will ship ... Old Fashioned for the Grade 2 Remsen.

Old Fashioned is a 2-year-old son of Unbridled's Song out of the Grade 3-winning mare Collect Call. Owner Richard Porter shelled out $800,000 for Old Fashioned as a yearling. After winning a six-furlong maiden race at Delaware by a nose on Oct. 6 - from which the second- and third-place finishers came back to win - Old Fashioned came back to take a first-level allowance race going a two-turn mile by 15 1/2 lengths.

"This horse is serious," Jones said. "He's a good-quality horse, we've got a lot of high hopes for him. He'll be heading to Fair Grounds to start trying to get on the Derby trail."

Calico

Dec. 1, 2008, 10:37 AM

Just a timely anecdote - last year's Remsen winner, Court Vision, became a millionaire by winning the Hollywood Derby on turf last weekend.

:)

Glimmerglass

Dec. 1, 2008, 02:35 PM

This was Old Fashioned's second career start before the win in the Remsen

Video: Delaware Park Nov 3, 2008 - 1st level allowance race, #7 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bo-ujiMqCU) ;)

VirginiaBred

Dec. 1, 2008, 02:52 PM

This was Old Fashioned's second career start before the win in the Remsen

Video: Delaware Park Nov 3, 2008 - 1st level allowance race, #7 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bo-ujiMqCU) ;)

Impressive!

Glimmerglass

Dec. 1, 2008, 03:06 PM

youtube.com 2008 Remsen Stakes (G2) Nov 29, 2008 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmIqmMRtI-U) - a better copy of the race.

Glimmerglass

Dec. 2, 2008, 10:14 AM

The first list of would-be Derby candidates from Gary West of the Dallas/Ft Worth Star Telegram - Dec 1, 2008 (http://startelegramsports.typepad.com/west_points/2008/12/the-triple-crowns-in-the-bag-with-the-cats.html)

1. Old Fashioned
2. Break Water Edison
3. Hello Broadway
4. Indygo Mountain
5. Pioneer Of The Nile
6. Quality Road
7. Well Positioned
8. Giant Oak
9. Trinity Magic
10. Silver City

The featured race at Churchill was, of course, the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, where Beethoven won. But, frankly, I was much more impressed with Giant Oak, who rallied five-wide and finished second, only a neck behind the winner, who had a perfect rail trip.

And so while faithful to the position that cats are best viewed in a bag, I’ll offer these Ten for the Triple Crown. It’s a highly personal list, and I’m not suggesting these are the top ten prospects – I intentionally exclude those such as Midshipman and Vineyard Haven who will take the Dubai road to the Triple Crown.

justalittlex

Dec. 2, 2008, 11:30 AM

Have any of those horses raced or trained in California?

Glimmerglass

Dec. 2, 2008, 11:46 AM

Have any of those horses raced or trained in California?

Off the top of my head I know that Pioneer of the Nile (by Empire Maker) owned by Zayat is California based. He raced in the Breeders Cup although not terribly successful and I think has just one victory to his credit ...

justalittlex

Dec. 2, 2008, 03:55 PM

Thanks for the info, glimmerglass. I saw Court Vision win this weekend (while betting on Cowboy Cal and Albahri.) In the paddock neither of the latter looked outstanding, purely subjective. I noticed Court Vision's odds going lower and lower right before the race and wondered how some folks got that figured! Dominguez was winning jockey on both Grade 1's that day.

mroades

Dec. 2, 2008, 07:23 PM

Court Vision was very game...he looks little, is he?

justalittlex

Dec. 2, 2008, 08:31 PM

To tell you the truth, I didn't notice Court Vision so much, as I was worrying over my own two choices with money already down. But I did get to see Zenyatta in the paddock, pictures here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/funonmars/sets/72157610660470352/), and she was huge and beautiful with wonderful dapples on her dark bay coat.

Linny

Dec. 2, 2008, 09:11 PM

CV was small when I saw him last year at AQU. It doesn't look like he got very big, which isn't shocking. he's a nice looking colt though.

Glimmerglass

Dec. 2, 2008, 09:18 PM

This Friday eveing (Dec 5th) could easily be the ticket for one horse to secure a starting gate at the Kentucky Debry with graded earnings. With over $400k going to the winner that is almost a certainty to land in the top 10 of starters.

Postpositions, weight assignments, etc

Delta Downs Racetrack (LA) Boyd Gaming’s Delta Jackpot Stakes (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/48275.htm") - Grade 3 - $750,000 purse

Race 8 Time 9:17 p.m.
Post Horse Weight Jockey
1) Kick On 119 Ken Tohill [ML odds 12-1]
2) Terrain 122 Jamie Theriot [ML favorite at 5/2]
3) Trinity Magic 119 Calvin Borel
4) Three Part Harmony 117 Robby Albarado
5) Retap 117 Shaun Bridgmohan
6) West Side Bernie 122 Elvis Trujillo [ML 3-1]
7) Big Drama 119 Eibar Coa
8) Skipadate 117 Gerard Melancon
9) Stimulus Plan 117 Kent Desormeaux
10) Valid Message 119 Curt Bourque

Glimmerglass

Dec. 8, 2008, 10:30 AM

The wagering favorite Terrain in the Delta Downs Jackpot (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/48334.htm) was involved in a suicide pace up front and simply was burned out before they hit the stretch. Rate? What is what? :) His odds as of 12-2-08 (see below) were at 60/1 to win the KY Derby but I suspect it will float up higher.

Conversly the winner the $750k Jackpot Derby (G3) Big Drama was still being listed at 150/1 as was West Side Bernie, who finished 2nd. Both are good values at those still high odds!

Wynn-Encore Vegas Odds as of 12-2-08 (http://www.horseplayerdaily.com/DERBY.PDF) which is the most current published odds list but is a bit dated:

The first odds value is when Wynn started taking the future wager on the horse to win the Kentucky Derby in 2009

#7324 Hello Broadway: from 125/1 to 40/1 now
#7534 Indygo Mountain: from 1501/1 to 25/1 now
#7334 Midshipman: from 75/1 to 20/1 now
#7335 Munnings: from 150/1 to 100/1 now
#7424 Nicanor: from 150/1 to 100/1
#7483 Old Fashioned: from 150/1 to 15/1 now

Additional press on Old Fashioned Delaware News Journal 12-6-08 "Derby dreams return for Porter" (http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20081206/SPORTS09/812060329/1002/SPORTS)

Glimmerglass

Dec. 8, 2008, 07:24 PM

Old Fashioned will be based at the Fair Grounds this winter along with Jones' other promising 2-yr old - Friesan Fire who may next race January 10 (http://drf.com/news/article/100387.html):

Friesan Fire, who has been training steadily over the Fair Grounds track. He last worked on Nov. 29, going five furlongs over a sloppy track in 1:01.20. In his last two starts, Friesan Fire has finished fourth in the Grade 3 Nashua at Aqueduct and third in the Grade 2 Futurity at Belmont.

Though his works appear to have him ready for a race, Jones hasn't chosen a prep for Freisan Fire's goal, the Grade 3 Lecomte on Jan. 10, and may choose not to race him until that race.

"Right now his main objective is the Lecomte," said Jones. "We wouldn't hesitate to train him right up to that race."

With two rising stars in his barn, Jones is in a similar position to last season when he had both Proud Spell and Eight Belles. Jones worked to find races for each, and kept them from competing against each other.

Glimmerglass

Dec. 10, 2008, 03:48 PM

This race tomorrow clearly negates the prior posting with Larry Jones uncertain if Fresian Fire will have a prep before the Graded Lecomte Stakes in Jan ;)

Tomorrow (Thu 12-11-08) will be an interesting 1-mile sprint at the Fair Grounds: (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/48363/derby-hopefuls-clash-at-fair-grounds) just an allowance race for a relatively small purse it includes 3 names already in this thread as "ones to watch" for the First Saturday in May: Indygo Mountain, Friesan Fire, and Escalon. The latter:

[Escalon] is trained by Doug O’Neill, who finished third in the Cal Cup Juvenile and was beaten less than five lengths in both the Del Mar Futurity (gr. I) and Real Quiet Stakes.

Race 6 @ 2:54 pm local 2 Year Olds Allowance, Purse $44,000 (http://drf.com/entries/11/eFG11.html?rn=910537#6)

Patrick Valenzuela will be riding Escalon.

Glimmerglass

Dec. 11, 2008, 11:40 AM

The quip my horse owner and MLB manager Joe Torre regarding the sale price of Vineyard Haven to Godolphin (Vineyard Haven Sold to Godolphin | bloodhorse.com) if correct is just insane: $12M. At the time this remark was made by part owner Bobby Frankel (who along with Torre and Louis Lazzinnaro)

"I had an offer I couldn't refuse," Frankel said. "That's why I sold."

Indeed.

Added: the 1-mile showdown expected at the Fair Grounds today with the three would-be Derby starters has been nixed: a rare New Orleans snowstorm has forced the track to cancell all live racing 12-11-08 (http://drf.com/news/article/100478.html)

I'm sure the folks at Finger Lakes and Hawthorne are laughing about that one. Yesterday there was 20-degree temps - pre windchill - and a light snowfall in Chicago and yet racing continued at Hawthorne.

justalittlex

Dec. 11, 2008, 02:30 PM

These fillies are running in the Hollywood Starlet on Saturday. Have any of them been mentioned as Derby potential?

Toro Bonito Flores D R
Laragh Prado E S
Alpha Kitten Smith M E 120
Wynning Ride Talamo J 120
Dave's Revenge Desormeaux K J 120
Pamona Ball Bejarano R 120
Black Magic Mama with Corey Nakatani, back in the saddle again!

Glimmerglass

Dec. 11, 2008, 06:21 PM

These fillies are running in the Hollywood Starlet on Saturday. Have any of them been mentioned as Derby potential?

No but only in so far as they aren't listed in the Las Vegas Derby futures. At this time last year a couple of fillies were listed with the boys. I only see listed IEAH-acquired Stardom Bound (http://www.ntra.com/stats_bios.aspx?id=34652) (f), who is listed as 60/1 was the BC JV fillies winner as a futures wagering contender for the KY Derby.

However her connections are pointing long term to the Mar 9 Grade 1, $300k Santa Anita Oaks - not the Santa Anita Derby - which is logically a prelude to the Kentucky Oaks.

Frankly what is underappreciated by many is just how unique Eight Belles was in terms of her domination against her own sex let alone taking on the boys. Her physical size was imposing and I don't see any fillies of that build - mixed with talent - in the pool this year.

justalittlex

Dec. 11, 2008, 06:48 PM

Thanks glimmerglass. Zenyatta's a big girl too. I was debating going for that race but we've got rain coming Saturday which makes it all less fun.

Glimmerglass

Dec. 15, 2008, 09:37 PM

Some other names as cited by Michael Veitch in the Saratogian (12-13-08) to watch (http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2008/12/13/sports/doc494477f6466b1469935899.txt1)

excerpt list - see article for details

Quality Road

Toulouse Lautrec

Into My Soul

Haynesfield

Well Positioned

Masala

Atomic Rail

DMK

Dec. 16, 2008, 03:27 PM

the sale price of Vineyard Haven to Godolphin (http://Vineyard%20Haven%20Sold%20to%20Godolphin%20%7C%20b loodhorse.com) if correct is just insane: $12M.

Maybe they were still raking in that July 11 all time peak in oil?

I'm definitely in VH's camp. He's got a great sire who won 2.7M the good old fashioned way: by running and winning a lot of races. Also the group at Lambholm is a top notch group of managers, from yearling to broodmare to stallion handlers. Add to that, they have preserved the beautiful Ocala landmark, Hobeau Farms, which is truly a part of Florida racing history (Elmer Heubeck was Carl Rose's trainer/manager - Rose's "Rosemere" was the farm that started it all, and after Rose died, Elmer set up his own shop at Hobeau - as far as I know, Kerry Heubeck is still involved in FL racing).

Oh yeah, and they keep their old barren broodmares. In short, they appear to be a class act.

So it's kind of nice to see them do well with Lido Palace's 2nd racing crop, especially since I have a 3rd crop baby (but he's headed for an entirely different career!), but mostly because nice guys should finish ahead.

Glimmerglass

Dec. 20, 2008, 02:17 AM

Indygo Mountain scratched from the rescheduled allowance race at the Fair Grounds held Dec 18th. Per the BloodHorse 12-19-08: (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/48509.htm)

"We’ll keep our eye on [Indygo] for a couple of days, and if he seems okay we’ll put the shoes back on and see how he’s doing,” the trainer added. “In a best case scenario, he’ll only miss a few days of training. These kinds of things happen, but unfortunately they always seem to happen to the good ones.”

Scharbauer, whose family won the 1987 Kentucky Derby and Preakness with Alysheba, spent $600,000 to acquire Indygo Mountain at the 2007 Keeneland September sale. The colt broke his maiden in his most recent start at Churchill with an impressive 6 1/4-length tally Nov. 19.

The race did go on with the results as:

1 - Uno Mas
2 - Friesan Fire
3 - Escalon (with P Val up)

n that much-anticipated first-level allowance race in which Indygo Mountain was scratched, Mark Wagner’s Uno Mas overtook the highly-touted Friesan Fire to win by more than two lengths. The son of Macho Uno had broken his maiden at Fair Grounds on opening weekend.

Asmussen said he will point Uno Mas, one of 93 early-bird nominations for the Louisiana Derby (gr. I) released this week, toward the $100,000 Lecomte Stakes (gr. III) Jan. 10. Early-bird nominees are automatically nominated to both the Lecomte and Risen Star Stakes (gr. III) on Feb. 7.

CrzyCorgi

Dec. 24, 2008, 07:33 PM

Quite the impressive race from Old Fashioned!!! It sure would be nice to see Larry Jones win the Derby..... He seems like a real down-to-earth guy.

Glimmerglass

Dec. 28, 2008, 10:41 AM

Just getting caught up with racing news ... watching the replay (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/48518.htm) of the $750,000 CashCall Futurity from Hollywood Park (Dec 20) was damn impressive with Bob Baffert trained Pioneer of the Nile in a stretch run duel with I Want Revenge! Already rumoured to be one exceptionally nice runner 'Nile' looks like a gutsy player on the way to the Derby.

Jenny Craig's Chocolate Candy also in the race with some hype never materialized finishing a very distant 3rd.

I assume with Baffert training the Zayat horse that they've since settled their differences.

Glimmerglass

Dec. 28, 2008, 10:45 AM

The abriged 'Top 10' possible Kentucky Derby runners by Bill Finley Dec 26, 2008 (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/columns/story?columnist=finley_bill&id=3794362) - including a filly ....
1. Old Fashioned
2. Square Eddie
3. Haynesfield
4. Vineyard Haven
5. Big Drama
6. Midshipman
7. Stardom Bound (f)
8. Pioneerof the Nile
9. Cribnote
10. Silver City

CrzyCorgi

Dec. 28, 2008, 01:00 PM

My favs so far:

Pioneer of the Nile -- great race in CashCall Futurity!
Old Fashioned -- see above post ;)

Glimmerglass

Jan. 2, 2009, 11:33 AM

Two more Top 10 lists for the 2009 Derby:

Jon White/XpressBet/HRTV Jan 1, 2009 (http://www.xpressbet.com/columns.aspx?view=1159&author=JonWhite)

(abridged)

10. HAYNESFIELD.
9. HELLO BROADWAY.
8. WELL POSITIONED.
7. SQUARE EDDIE.
6. INDYGO MOUNTAIN.
5. STARDOM BOUND (f).
4. CHOCOLATE CANDY.
3. I WANT REVENGE.
2. OLD FASHIONED.
1. PIONEEROF THE NILE

Gary West Star-Telegram (TX) 12-30-08 'Point Encounter joins the club' (http://startelegramsports.typepad.com/west_points/2008/12/point-encounter-joins-the-club.html)

(abridged)

1. Old Fashioned
2. Break Water Edison
3. Hello Broadway
4. Quality Road
5. Point Encounter
6. Giant Oak
7. Well Positioned
8. Pioneerof The Nile
9. Imperial Council
10. Indygo Mountain

Uncited, yet, is another explosive runner: Mr. Fantasy (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/28435894/), who won his maiden Sun Dec 28th at Aqueduct. He won the six-furlong maiden race by 10 1/2 lengths. "After dueling with another rival through fractions of 21.77 seconds and 45.19, Mr. Fantasy drew off to a dominant score while simply under a hand ride from Alan Garcia."

For that Mr. Fantasty's effort was pegged with a 97 Beyer Speed Figure, which is the among the highest of any 2-yr old in 2008. Mr. Fantasy was purchased for $230,000 by a partnership led by West Point Thoroughbreds (http://www.westpointtb.com/news/article.jsp?id=14232) at the Fasig-Tipton Timonium sale in May.

Of interesting connections: Mr. Fantasy is a half-brother to the graded-stakes-winning NY statebred (and very well liked on these boards!) Tin Cup Chalice

Glimmerglass

Jan. 2, 2009, 03:42 PM

Interesting - and I just don't get it myself - but these two Eclipse voters have both put Old Fashioned as their 3rd pick for 2-yr old Colt/Gelding:

Paul Daley (Lowell Sun - MA) (http://www.lowellsun.com/sports/ci_11354358)
1. Midshipman. 2. Vineyard Haven. 3. Old Fashioned.

Jennie Rees (Courier-Journal KY) (http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/trackside/2009/01/jennie-rees-eclipse-award-ballot.html)
1, Midshipman, 2. Vineyard Haven, 3., Old Fashioned

Does anyone think at the end of 2008 either Midshipman or Vineyard Haven were the top 2-yr old males of the year? If so why aren't either cited in the Top 10 lists? Sure I can see where they did have good races to merit the Dubai folks snatching them up but if I could have one of those three in my stable going into 2009 it would be Old Fashioned.

Prediction: I doubt we'll hear nearly as much about the two others in the victory circle in 2009 as OF.

Calico

Jan. 2, 2009, 04:23 PM

Both Midshipman and Vineyard Haven have two GIs, and Midshipman also placed in a GI. Old Fashioned has one GII. Also, most would agree that the fields Midshipmand and Vineyard Haven defeated were more accomplished than the fields Old Fashioned defeated.

Since Eclipse Awards are for a body of work over 2008 (and not as a predictor of 2009's performances), it makes sense to me that Midshipman and Vineyard Haven would be voted over Old Fashioned for 2008 Eclipse Awards.

Lori T

Jan. 5, 2009, 05:48 AM

Delightful Kiss under Calvin Borel ran an incredible last to first place this past weekend in the Hal's Hope Handicap at Gulfstream. They will be back the 24th for a million dollar race. Calvin was beaming all day long yesterday, he really likes this horse!

Glimmerglass

Jan. 5, 2009, 08:36 AM

Isn't Delightful Kiss while a lovely big gray also five-year-old gelding? I don't think we'll see DK in the 2009 Kentucky Derby :D

I haven't seen Calvin on any mounts - as of yet - who have been earmarked to possibly start this year's Derby. Lastyear it was Blackberry Road in Feb being aimed to the Derby with Calvin aboard.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 5, 2009, 10:49 AM

Lori T

Jan. 5, 2009, 11:52 AM

WhiteCamry

Jan. 5, 2009, 01:55 PM

Notonthesamepage who just won easily the ungraded Spectacular Bid Stakes at Gulfstream will go into the $250,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) on February 28.

While not a terribly significant field of runners in the 'Bid' Stakes the effort - taking it by over 8-lengths - is notable for the final time. He completed the six-furlong distance on a fast track in 1:08.48, just off the track record of 1:08.46 set by Tiger on February 16, 2006.

He is a homebred by Ken and Sarah Ramsey and has won two of six starts and earned $109,078.

I like his coloring (http://thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2009/January/03/Notonthesamepage-dominating-winner-of-Spectacular-Bid.aspx) - chestnut with three white socks, just like his grandsire's damsire (http://www.pedigreequery.com/notonthesamepage).

Glimmerglass

Jan. 5, 2009, 05:48 PM

Notonthesamepage

I like his coloring (http://thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2009/January/03/Notonthesamepage-dominating-winner-of-Spectacular-Bid.aspx) - chestnut with three white socks, just like his grandsire's damsire (http://www.pedigreequery.com/notonthesamepage).

I suspect the odds Wynne/Encore 'Racing & Sports Book' for the 135th KY Derby have dropped big time since his :D As of the last public publishing of those odds (Dec 29, 2008) Notonthesamepage was at 175-1 while Old Fashioned is at a very stingey (and unattractive) 15-1.

A few others (12-29-08):
Indygo Mountain: 40-1
I Want Revenge: 50-1
Friesian Fire: 100-1
Square Eddie: 30-1
West Side Bernie: 75-1

One huge opportunity that came and I can guarantee has now left is Backbackbackgone who flopped in his effort in the Grade 3 Hollywood Prevue in October (5th place) but this past weekend trounced in the (ungraded) $75k Golden Bear Stakes at GGF. His last listed odds for the Derby: 250-1.

It is unclear if he's now off the Derby trail as his next start is at Gulfstream Park in the (ungraded) $250k Sunshine Millions Dash at the end of January. His trainer may just be focused on making good money all year vs. just focus on the Kentucky Derby trail.

Hype, a Todd Pletcher trainee who has run only on grass, is not living up to his namesake, remains at 300-1

Glimmerglass

Jan. 6, 2009, 09:41 AM

Saratogian 1-5-08 "Michael Veitch: Top 10 Derby 135 hopefuls as of Jan. 4" (http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/01/05/sports/doc49621ea427416652308286.txt)

Those not otherwise cited on other lists

5. Charitable Man

Only saw him twice, and he won both impressively.

Winner of the Belmont Futurity is by Lemon Drop Kid, a richly-bred son of Kingmambo who was a Grade I winner at ages 2, 3, and 4, a list that included the Belmont, Travers and Whitney.

10. Beethoven

Winner of the Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs.

The son of Hopeful Stakes winner Sky Mesa overcame a stumble on the stretch turn and prevailed in a furious three-horse fight to the wire.

Will Bob be back to the Derby with a serious runner to win it? (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/48642/ky-derby-trail-thursday-thrills) He seems to think so.

Zayat’s big horse, Pioneerof the Nile, got a good taste of life in Bob Baffert’s barn, working five furlongs in :58 2/5 Jan. 4, the fastest of 80 works at the distance. Baffert feels strongly this is his ticket to the Derby.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 6, 2009, 02:38 PM

That scratch last month of Indygo Mountain at the Fair Ground will be made up this Saturday (1-10) in the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes although he's reportedly not at full strength: (http://startelegramsports.typepad.com/west_points/2009/01/indygo-mountain-time.html)

“The bad thing is we missed a race and a work with him,” said his trainer, Bret Calhoun, referring to the foot abscess that cost the big colt some training time. “But he’s doing real well now.”

Calhoun said Indygo Mountain won’t be 100 percent for Saturday’s race. Indygo Mountain, in other words, won’t be as good as he should be in the coming months. But that’s why he’s running, to move in that direction.

Another comment from his trainer (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/48663.htm), Bret Calhoun:

I was a little surprised when they told me we were the favorite [at 3-1]. He’s only had two starts and isn’t as seasoned as some of these. We drew the nine-post too, so we’d have to get pretty lucky on the first turn. I don’t want to have to use him hard after what we’ve been through. I wish he were a little more sound, but if this is the worst of his problems, it’s better to have them out of the way early.”

$100,000 Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes (at 1-mi distance)

PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Friesan Fire (KY), 116, Gabriel Saez
2. Au Moon (KY), 116, Julien R. Leparoux
3. Citizen (KY), 120, Francisco C. Torres
4. Patena (KY), 122, Robby Albarado
5. Big Push (FL), 120, Miguel Mena
6. Dynamic Force (FL), 120, Jesse M. Campbell
7. Professor Z (KY), 120, Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
8. Uno Mas (KY), 120, Shaun Bridgmohan
9. Indygo Mountain (KY), 116, Jamie Theriot

The Lecomte is considered a prep race for the Risen Star Stakes on February 7 and the Louisiana Derby on March 14.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 8, 2009, 10:11 AM

Larry Jones may ship Old Fashioned from Louisiana to Oaklawn for the $250,000 Southwest Stakes (Grade 3) Feb 16th as his first start in 2009. However if It Happened Again or Friesan Fire flops in their next effort then he'll stay at the Fair Grounds for the $200,000 Risen Star Stakes (Grade 3). Old Fashioned worked out Wednesday (Jan 7) at 5:30 am (http://drf.com/news/article/100919.html):

But Old Fashioned is a horse worth getting up for, and it was but moments after the start of training that Larry Jones gave his 3-year-old Kentucky Derby hopeful Old Fashioned his first work of 2008, a half-mile breeze that was timed in 48.20 seconds.

"He just stretched his legs," Jones said during Wednesday's track renovation break. "He went really nice."

At the break, Jones didn't even know how fast Old Fashioned had worked. A fast time was nothing close to the point of this exercise, yet Old Fashioned's was the second-fastest of 27 half-miles on Wednesday.

(Hopefully we'll see Old Fashioned working with Proud Spell(f) who has officially returned to racing. The gal was not adapting to life away from the racetrack. So she's at Fair Grounds too and will aim for the April 4 Apple Blossom at Oaklawn as her first start.)

Just to revisit why Old Fashioned should get folks excited: the Grade 2 Remsen Stakes Nov 29, 2008 video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmIqmMRtI-U)

jennywho

Jan. 8, 2009, 10:06 PM

My sentimental longshot is running Sat at SA, Turk in a MSW.

Also can't remember if it was this board or another that someone was high on Imperial Council, but he has had 2 or 3 consecutive works including a 1/2 today.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 9, 2009, 06:45 PM

Jennie Rees at the Courier-Journal (KY) cites a possible Tomcito (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/columns/story?id=3230176) (remember him?) part deux for 2009: WinStar farm owned, Todd Pletcher trained, and Peru-imported runner (http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/trackside/2009/01/derby-watch-look-out-for-al-khali.html) Al Khali. I still don't know what ever became of Tomcito after the TC chase.

As for Al Khali up next is a race at Gulfstream:

Look for him next month at Gulfstream, where he's eligible for a first-level allowance race because new Gulfstream racing secretary Doug Bredar adds a money-won condition along with the basic "non-winners of a race other than" qualification. Al Khali has earned only $10,520 in his three starts.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 10, 2009, 05:38 PM

Linny

Jan. 10, 2009, 06:34 PM

Ken McPeek seems loaded for bear as he won ALL THREE of the 3yo nw1x allowances at Gulfstream this week!!

Free Country and Danger To Society split divisions on Thursday and today Theregoesjojo beat the highly regarded Quality Road in the 10th. Of the three, I tend to favor Danger To Society most. He looked very good. He's by Harlan's Holiday out of a mare named Elrose who is a sister to Silver Charm.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 11, 2009, 06:44 PM

A fascinating 'List of 100' possibles for the Kentucky Derby: Gary West (Ft Worth Star-Telegram) 1-10-09 "Potential Triple Crown noisemakers" (http://startelegramsports.typepad.com/west_points/2009/01/potential-triple-crown-noisemakers.html)

Listed at #30: Friesan Fire, before his victory Saturday in the G3 Lecomte Stakes

Interesting entry listed outside of the top 50: (@ #73): Majormotionpicture

Listed at #89: Nicanor, 0-0-0-0, $0, Dynaformer, Michael Matz, Barbaro’s brother is preparing for a Florida debut.

justalittlex

Jan. 11, 2009, 08:30 PM

Majormotionpicture just crossed my radar today too. Where can I learn more?

Glimmerglass

Jan. 14, 2009, 10:11 AM

Ok, I was impressed by Friesan Fire's effort in the G3 Lecomte Stakes but Don Agriss of The Sports Network says he's making (http://www.kentucky.com/550/story/655432.html) making FF his Derby pick ;)

True that it was a good victory - just his 2nd in 5 starts - and the wins in 2009 are more important then anything in late summer of 2008. However I'd be a bit more cautious. From owner Cindy Jones.

"When we watched the replay we realized that he absolutely dragged Gabe (jockey Saez) to the lead," noted Jones' wife Cindy.

A few next starts for the those 'on the road' to Louisville:

Friesan Fire: Risen Star S. (G3) - 1 1/16 miles - Feb 7
Old Fashioned: Southwest Stakes (G3) - 1 mile - Feb 16
Pioneerof the Nile: Robert B. Lewis S. (G2) - 1 1/16 miles - Feb 7
Chocolate Candy: ungraded California Derby - 1 1/16 miles - Jan 17
Haynesfield: ungraded Whirlaway Stakes - 1 1/16 miles - Feb. 7
Majormotionpicture & Square Eddie: (likely) San Rafael Stakes (G3) - 1 mile - Jan 17
Believe in Hope: San Vicente Stakes (G2) - seven furlongs - Feb. 16

Off the Derby Trail: Point Encounter (trained by Carla Gaines) (http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=37265) who earned a 94 Beyer Speed Fig in his Dec 26th maiden effort. Gary West in his top 100 prospects (see the link in the prior posting) pegged Point Encounter at a lofty #4!

Point Encounter is owned and bred by the Kentucky West Racing stable of Patrick O'Keefe, and was listed as 15-1 co-favorite in the Wynn future book Derby odds in Las Vegas.

Gaines said Point Encounter suffered a soft tissue injury and that "it could take a while" for him to return. Gaines declined to be specific regarding the exact nature of the injury, and did not say if the colt hurt himself in the race or while training.

justalittlex

Jan. 14, 2009, 11:13 AM

Majormotionpicture & Square Eddie: (likely) San Rafael Stakes (G3) - 1 mile - Jan 17

Hey I was going to SA Friday for the dollar hot dogs and beer. Looks as if I may be heading there Saturday too!

Glimmerglass

Jan. 14, 2009, 02:17 PM

The BloodHorse is just now embarking on the Road to the Derby :D

Haskin 1/14/09 "Ky. Derby Trail: Let the Lists Begin" (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/48780/ky-derby-trail-let-the-lists-begin)

An interesting bit as Steve won't release a top 10 until Feb ....

One horse I can all but guarantee will be in the top 5 on the official Derby Dozen is LeComte runner-up Patena.

Perhaps more interesting is that he offers up a 'top 10' of horses who have not yet won a stakes race ... (abridged)

1—Imperial Council
2—Checklist
3—Shafted
4 / 5 / 6 – Haskin "can’t separate" McPeek’s trio of Danger to Society, Free Country, and Theregoesjojo just yet.
7—Professor Z
8—Majormotionpicture: This highly touted son of Action This Day had been working well for his 3-year-old debut, but hasn’t worked in 11 days and hasn’t run since breaking his maiden in August. So, we’ll have to watch him closely. He needs to start stepping up. Fantastic pedigree on both sides.
9—Well Positioned
10—Brother Keith

Barnfairy

Jan. 14, 2009, 02:22 PM

The BloodHorse is just now embarking on the Road to the DerbySlackers.

:winkgrin:

justalittlex

Jan. 14, 2009, 07:43 PM

I don't see majormotionpicture as an entry in Saturday's San Rafael Stakes, but I see the Pamplemousse (I think that means grapefruit?) and Square Eddie are in , as well as Brother Keith with Gomez on board.

Just as an aside, why would Baffert race, and Gomez choose to ride, a 5 year old gelding that hasn't raced in two years? Friday, race 7, "St. Paul"

Glimmerglass

Jan. 14, 2009, 08:12 PM

I don't see majormotionpicture as an entry in Saturday's San Rafael Stakes, but I see the Pamplemousse (I think that means grapefruit?) and Square Eddie are in , as well as Brother Keith with Gomez on board.

Majormotionpicture was cited as possible but per yesterday's DRF (http://www.drf.com/news/article/101010.html):

Majormotionpicture, the winner of a maiden race at Del Mar in August, will not start, trainer Mike Machowsky said. "He's gotten a little jarred up behind," he said.

Another raced cited last month for 'Major' was the $70,000 San Pedro Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on Jan. 19 however I don't see how he'd be any more ready for that.

I should ask a friend if 'Pamplemousse' is named for the San Diego grill (http://pgrille.com/) of the same name ;) If so then I'd have an in or sorts.

Square Eddie certainly has an interesting passport: Canadian born, raced in England twice (Kempton & Salisbury), then Keeneland, and the Breeders' Cup!

Glimmerglass

Jan. 16, 2009, 10:54 AM

Our own Linny has her top 12: via NY OTB - as of January 14 (http://www.capitalotb.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=156&Itemid=205) before Point Encounter was injured and off the Derby trail.

A few interesting names, cited, but otherwise not on man other's lists: Giant Oak (#5), Patena (#10) - although Steve Haskin gave huge props to him too, and Atomic Rain (#11)

Glimmerglass

Jan. 17, 2009, 06:46 PM

I should ask a friend if 'Pamplemousse' is named for the Del Mar eatery (http://pgrille.com/) of the same name ;) If so then I'd have an in or sorts.

Square Eddie certainly has an interesting passport: Canadian born, raced in England twice (Kempton & Salisbury), then Keeneland, and the Breeders' Cup!

The Pamplemousse won the San Rafael Stakes - albeit a small field of 5 due to scratches - and Square Eddie never seemed to fire to close it out. The horses indeed is named for the Del Mar restaurant and a close friend's brother is best friends with the owner of that place. No idea of the connection between the horse owner and the eastery though. While all that a $2 will get me a copy of The Wall Street Journal I still will see if I can get more info on the horse :)

justalittlex

Jan. 17, 2009, 08:29 PM

I just got back from that race and The Pamplemousse is an exquisite looking horse, a sort of silvery maroon roan. I bet him across the board, so was happy with the outcome though it didn't pay as much as you'd think, considering Square Eddie went off at 1/5 odds! I took a number of pictures, including a nice one at the gate. In the 8th race a horse broke down on the far side, I think it was Muni, who looked a little subdued in the paddock compared to others.

The Pamplemousse is a beauty to behold.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 19, 2009, 12:34 PM

I just got back from that race and The Pamplemousse is an exquisite looking horse, a sort of silvery maroon roan.

Further on his ownership: LA Times 1-18-09 (http://www.latimes.com/sports/printedition/la-sp-dwyre18-2009jan18,0,4744087.column)

The Pamplemousse is owned in part by Ann Winner and Carol Bienstock of Encino; Solis II, of Pasadena, and brothers Bill and Jeff Strauss of Del Mar. The Strauss brothers also own a restaurant near the race track in Del Mar, named The Pamplemousse.

Jeff Strauss told the story.

"I was working in France in a restaurant," he said, "and the chef asked me to bring him a pamplemousse. I had no idea what that was, and finally, another guy handed me a grapefruit and told me to give him that. It became my favorite French word."

It could also become a favorite word of horse players on the first Saturday of May.

"It's almost like the biggest jinx, just to think that," Bill Strauss said. "But in the back of your mind, there's now that little kernel of thought . . . "

Glimmerglass

Jan. 19, 2009, 01:15 PM

Jenny Craig's Chocolate Candy won the ungraded California Derby (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/17/SPOR15CCTI.DTL) at Golden Gate Fields but not - IMHO - that terribly commanding over Axel Foley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dq7OPX1HGo). Will he be that much of a contender in Kentucky? Well he likes synthetics ...

He might run next in the Grade 3, $200,000 El Camino Real Derby on Feb. 14, then Grade 1, $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on April 4.

An interesting prediction from Star-Telegram (TX) racing columnist Gary West (http://startelegramsports.typepad.com/west_points/2009/01/a-gray-a-grapefruit-some-chocolate-and-a-zoom-.html) regarding Silver City:

(Purchased for $700,000 as a yearling by Clarence Scharbauer Jr. of Midland, TX)

In the Dixieland, the gray colt was more receptive to rating than he had been, even in workouts, suggesting that even though he remains a free-running sort two turns could be within his reach. I will not be surprised if he beats Old Fashioned in the Southwest Stakes.

Still Gary lists Old Fashioned at the top of his Top 10 list for the Derby and Silver City at #17. Freisan Fire moved up to #11.

Still one of the more interesting runners (and cited before) that will either be 'the real deal' or just a vapor is Mr. Fantasy. His maiden on Dec 28th was impressive, but that was over a horse like Katskill Bay who ran today and was struggling against another nice but not Derby material runner in Anger Management.

justalittlex

Jan. 19, 2009, 05:28 PM

Here is a link (http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn228/funonmars/The%20Pamplemousse%201/?action=view&current=1e315ee3.pbw&t=1232403809) to a small Pamplemousse slide show of my snaps from Saturday at Santa Anita.

Filly85'

Jan. 20, 2009, 06:36 PM

I haven't seen his legs, but from what I can tell, as far as conformation goes, this horse has the goods looks wise. And he has all the help in the world from Julio Canani who is an extremely capable trainer. He won't mess this horse up like so many others would, that is for sure.

He was such an awkward horse as far as looks and movement went as a two year old. You never really know if they will grow into themselves. It looks like he sure is and he is improving all time and don't be mistaken...it was a fantastic performance. He set extremely fast fractions early on, and still spurted away from them at the end. This is the type of horse that will keep improving at this time. I think that he may be the real deal.

If anyone wants to see his workout as a two year old from the OBS March Sale 2007, he was Hip #254. You can view it on their website.

And word on the grapevine is that Square Eddie might not be the same horse, but we shall see if that rumor proves to be true.

Anyway, the Pamplemousse is a really exciting horse. Although I wonder if he will be able to run on the dirt. He has quite a lot of turf breeding on his dam's side, and he moves a bit like a turf horse.

Also, here are some videos of him on the backside at SA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BD0BPwIHWHA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wb9f23wjQug&feature=related

Here is his pedigree

http://www.pedigreequery.com/pamplemousse

I do not think that he will have a problem going 1 1/8, but a mile and a quarter may be questionable with his breeding. His dosage is low though, which suggests that he should get the mile and a quarter. Still, that Cherokee Run on the sire's side and the dam sire Rubiano have me wondering if he will be able to get a true route of ground.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 20, 2009, 06:36 PM

Regarding next steps for "the grapefruit" (http://drf.com/news/article/101167.html) ;)

.. is likely to have only one race before the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on April 4.

Trainer Julio Canani is taking a cautious approach to The Pamplemousse's campaign, citing the need to give a growing colt time to develop.

"I don't want to run him too much," Canani said. "He's developing mentally and physically. He's awkward because he's growing and growing."

Canani said The Pamplemousse is unlikely to start in the $200,000 Robert Lewis Stakes on Feb. 7, leaving the $200,000 Sham Stakes over 1 1/8 miles on Feb. 28 and the $200,000 San Felipe Stakes over 1 1/16 miles on March 14 as likely preps for the Santa Anita Derby.

Asked about the Lewis, Canani said, "It's too soon."

Tryin2Event

Jan. 21, 2009, 06:36 PM

I'm putting my hand in early. I like Flat Out for the '09 Derby.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 21, 2009, 07:54 PM

I'm putting my hand in early. I like Flat Out for the '09 Derby.

He won the Smarty Jones - The BloodHorse remarked this on 1-21-09 (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/48864.htm) on him and the oooooold school connections of time

Flat Out, winner of the Smarty Jones, is an intriguing horse. Racing wide on both turns, the son of Flatter just loped on by his opponents in the stretch, despite not changing leads and drifting in just a bit. He finally switched to his right lead inside the sixteenth pole and continued to draw clear, winning by 3 1/2 lengths with a final eighth in :12 3/5 over a dead racetrack.

What makes him intriguing is that he comes a very old female family. Because his dam foaled him at age 23 and her dam foaled her at age 19 it means that Flat Out has Double Jay, a foal of 1944 in his third generation and Sailor, a foal of 1952, in his fourth generation. You never see either of those two stallions that close up anymore, especially Double Jay, one of the great broodmares of all time. This horse is still a bit immature, but he certainly has ability.

Square Eddie who didn't squeeze 'Le Grapefruit' is looking to take on Old Fashioned at Oaklawn - and I don't think he'll fare too well. Per the DRF (http://drf.com/news/article/101190.html)

Square Eddie, second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile in October and the San Rafael Stakes at Santa Anita last Saturday, will make his first start on a conventional dirt track in the Grade 3, $250,000 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 16.

Square Eddie finished two lengths behind The Pamplemousse in the San Rafael Stakes over a mile.

"He was tired after that race," Reddam said. "We're anxious to try him on the dirt."

grits

Jan. 21, 2009, 09:51 PM

I wonder what the intent of this sentence was:

"You never see either of those two stallions that close up anymore, especially Double Jay, one of the great broodmares of all time."

I expect it omitted "sires" and was meant to praise Once Double (among others), rather than to feminize DJ?

I recently lost a mare to colic whose third sire was Double Jay. Even stranger, I owned a horse who showed under the name Pamplemousse - at least until an announcer introduced him as Pimple Mouse - until his death 10 years ago.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 22, 2009, 02:43 PM

The seven furlong $150,000 Hutcheson Stakes (Grade 2) on Jan. 30 at Gulfstream will have Hello Broadway and most likely Break Water Edison.

BWE trained by John Kimmel was a possible for racing the next day - Jan 31 - in the two-turn $150,000 Holy Bull Stakes (Grade 3) at 1 1/8 miles instead.

Hello Broadway has under Barclay Tagg the following plans: Hutcheson, then one-mile $250,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) February 28th, then 1 1/8 miles, $750,000 Florida Derby (G1) March 28. If all is good then the Kentucky Derby ...

Trainer Kenny McPeek, who is perhaps as loaded with talent as Larry Jones, has made the following plans for now: (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/48901.htm)

“Right now we’re looking to run Danger to Society in the Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III) here (on Jan. 31), Theregoesjojo in the race at Fair Grounds (Risen Star Stakes, gr. III on Feb. 7) and Free Country in the race at Tampa Bay Downs (Sam Davis Stakes, gr. III on Feb. 14).”

Glimmerglass

Jan. 23, 2009, 11:21 PM

IEAH makes a move to buy up a possible future Derby contender:

flashback to a week ago with the the Jan 14th remarks by Steve Haskin at The BloodHorse (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/48780.htm)

One horse I can all but guarantee will be in the top 5 on the official Derby Dozen is LeComte runner-up Patena. This race answered a great many questions about the son of Seeking the Gold – he can handle dirt, he can come home in fast time, and he reminds me of his second dam’s full-brother Touch Gold. So, if you’re looking for class and stamina ....

And viola: Jan 23rd - LeComte Runner-up Patena Sold to IEAH (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/48918.htm) - as to how much $$, it wasn't reported.

"IEAH has an uncanny ability to to identify classic horses early in their careers," said John Sikura, owner of Hill 'n' Dale Farms near Lexington. "We have retained an interest in the horse and hope he's the next success story. It was a difficult decision to sell, but IEAH put a substantial value on him."

Glimmerglass

Jan. 25, 2009, 11:21 AM

Two years when Larry Jones was senting Hard Spun into the Triple Crown chase they had him contribute columns to the New York Post. Hopefully they'll get him to do the same with Old Fashioned ...

NY Post Jan 24, 2009 "Jones Gunning for Old Fashioned win in '09 Derby" (http://www.nypost.com/seven/01242009/sports/horseracing/jones_gunning_for_old_fashioned_win_in_0_151659.ht m)

Anyway you slice it, Jones had the year of his life, with maybe an even bigger one coming up.

He just might be destiny's child. If any trainer is due to win the Kentucky Derby, it's Larry Jones.

He burst into the public spotlight two years ago with a blazing, hard-running colt named Hard Spun, who ran up a storm through the Triple Crown before running second to Curlin in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Last year, Jones soared to the heights and crashed to the depths. Proud Spell won the Kentucky Oaks, and the next day his gallant filly Eight Belles ran a mighty second to Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby, only to suffer a fatal breakdown soon after the finish line.

Her death was tragic, but Jones was pilloried by animal activists, deluged with hate mail, suspected (without foundation) of using drugs, all of it leading to a congressional hearing.

The personal assault on him was a travesty, but he bore it with stoic grace, the pain eased by Proud Spell's memorable wins in the Delaware Oaks and the Alabama Stakes at Saratoga.

Now, after two straight seconds in the Derby, Jones is set to embark on another cross-country odyssey, a magic carpet ride heading for Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 26, 2009, 10:09 AM

The last odds book update from Wynn/Encore's "Race & Sports Book" (http://www.horseplayerdaily.com/DERBY.PDF) is Jan 12, 2009.

Some of the movers reflected then in the Derby odds:

Old Fashioned: 15/1
Friesan Fire: 35/1
Jose Adan: 60/1 (down from 150/1) JA had been sold to Godolphin along with Vinyard Haven in Oct (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2008/November/02/Vineyard-Haven-sold-to-Godolphin-Racing.aspx)
Square Eddie: 30/1
Beethoven: 20/1
Capt Candyman Can: 35/1
Charitable Man: 40/1
Hello Broadway: 40/1

Glimmerglass

Jan. 26, 2009, 11:30 AM

More on a likely Bob Baffert return to Lousiville with some real firepower:

Courier-Journal 1-25-09 "Pioneerof the Nile starts to 'blossom'" (http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090125/SPORTS08/901250555/1002/SPORTS)

"He's a May foal, and he's starting to blossom," Baffert said. "He's changed the last couple of months. If you're going to have a Derby horse, he looks the part."

Baffert called the CashCall "a stop-and-go type of race for him."

"The horse is learning as he goes along," he said. "With more racing he'll figure it out, and we're figuring out his style. He's just a big, long-striding horse. He sits back there, and if you ask him to go, he gets to the leaders really quick. … And he doesn't get tired. I thought the horse that ran second was going to blow by us. But (Pioneerof the Nile) dug in again and wouldn't let the horse by."

But Jeff Mullins says he has right now the best horse he's had with I Want Revenge:

Trainer Jeff Mullins calls I Want Revenge his best Kentucky Derby prospect yet -- and he's a three-time Santa Anita Derby winner. The son of Stephen Got Even started off with three thirds at sprint distances before winning at 1 1/16miles and falling inches shy in the CashCall.

"He's the best one I've ever had," Mullins said

Glimmerglass

Jan. 26, 2009, 11:36 AM

We saw (although it was with a ranking!) the Top 100 Derby prospects from Gary West of the Star-Telegram a couple weeks ago, now the Louisville Courier Journal has their Top 100 prospects to watch:

Jan 25, 2009 Courier-Journal/Jennie Rees "100 3-year-olds to watch on the march to the Derby" (http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090125/EXTRAS99/901250632)

In alpha order

Also included in the dosage # although IMHO that has added value in predicting winners as much as knowing the shoe size of the runners too ;)

The Dosage Index is a numerical system that rates horses based on breeding; since 1929, only four Derby winners (Strike the Gold in 1991, Real Quiet in '98, Charismatic in '99 and Giacomo in 2005) had Dosage Index ratings above 4.00. Because of a change in the classification of his sire, Alydar, Strike the Gold would now qualify.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 26, 2009, 08:28 PM

He was expensive, had some noted connections and just won his first start by a decent margin but I'm shocked he's already on Top 10 lists!

BH 1-25-09 "Dunkirk, $3.7 million Yearling, Romps" (http://racing.bloodhorse.com/article/48930.htm)

Dunkirk, a $3.7 million yearling purchase owned by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, made that price look like a potential bargain when he overcame traffic problems, swung six wide and blew his opposition away in his career debut at Gulfstream Park.

Courier-Journal "Top 10 lists Jan 25 2009" (http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090125/SPORTS08/90125003)

Jennie Rees
Courier-Journal
1. Old Fashioned
2. Pioneerof the Nile
3. Midshipman
4. Vineyard Haven
5. Danger to Society
6. Break Water Edison
7. Square Eddie
8. Stardom Bound
9. Dunkirk
10. Giant Oak

Eric Crawford
Courier-Journal
1. Old Fashioned
2. Giant Oak
3. Pioneerof the Nile
4. Vineyard Haven
5. Midshipman
6. Quality Road
7. Imperial Council
8. Square Eddie
9. Danger to Society
10. Dunkirk

Glimmerglass

Jan. 26, 2009, 10:49 PM

Let's see if he's the real deal ... Mr. Fantasty (half-brother to Tin Cup Chalice no less) who smoked 'em like a cheap cigar in his debut [try 10 1/2-length victory; 6F in 1:10.51 and earning a 97 Beyer Speed Figure] will race Wednesday (Jan 28) at the Big A

This will be a first-level allowance race restricted to New York-bred 3-year-olds.

Then again that is if the race is run - NY is projected to get some wicked bad weather in the next couple of days so we'll see

The goal is to run him in the 57th running of the $250,000 Gotham Stakes (grade 3) at 1 1/16

jennywho

Jan. 26, 2009, 11:32 PM

I was super impressed with Dunkirk's race, not too surprised that he made a list.

Does anyone have a link to the nominations for the Bob Lewis stakes?

Glimmerglass

Jan. 27, 2009, 08:35 AM

Does anyone have a link to the nominations for the Bob Lewis stakes?

Santa Anita hasn't posted it yet - when they do it will be available here in pdf (http://www.santaanita.com/horsemen/stakes.php). It looks like nominations go up to an include Feb 1st La Habra Stakes (Grade III) and the Bob Lewis is Feb 7th.

One dark horse that could be in it will be the $2,700 purchase of All Staint who won opening day Dec 26th (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2008/December/26/All-Saint-scores-milestone-win-on-opening-day-at-Santa-Anita.aspx)

Regarding All Saint (http://www.ctba.com/drfinx.htm)

He had paid a grand total of $2,700 for All Saint at the 2007 Barretts October mixed sale and had watched the colt produce his biggest moment as an owner.

All Saint gave Gamez and trainer Triphon Dahl their first stakes win in the Champion Stakes, for California-breds. The colt will appear in a graded stakes at Santa Anita in coming weeks - the $100,000 San Rafael Stakes over a mile for 3-year-olds on Jan. 17, or the $200,000 Robert Lewis Stakes over 1 1/16 miles on Feb. 7.

While Gamez, 31, and Dahl, 44, are virtually unknown in Southern California racing circles, Gamez said his colt has been the source of attention from other horsemen in the last year. He said he turned down offers of $100,000 before All Saint's debut and $300,000 in the fall.

"When he first started working we got offers like $100,000," Gamez said. "When we didn't sell people said, 'You guys are crazy.' We knew he was special.

"After he ran on the turf at Hollywood Park, I got another call offering $300,000. We turned that down. We've never had anything like that and we didn't want to give him away."

I wouldn't say buying a horse for $2,700 and getting an offer for $300k is "giving him away" :D

Glimmerglass

Jan. 27, 2009, 09:14 AM

One of the important graded stakes prep races is this Friday (a rarity) at Gulfstream: $150,000 Hutcheson Stakes (G2) with a lot of firepower for a relatively small field of 7.

Iroquois Stakes (G3) winner Capt. Candyman Can, the top two finishers of the Nashua Stakes (G3) - Break Water Edison and Hello Broadway - plus stakes winners Bee Cee Cee and Salo Jak, allowance winner Rocketing Returns, and maiden winner Z Day.

Nick Zito trains Rocketing Returns (http://drf.com/news/article/101294.html):

"I think this is the way to go with him, running in the Hutcheson instead of the Holy Bull on Saturday," said Zito, who trains Rocketing Returns for Charlotte Weber's Live Oak Planation. "I love the fact he had that last race at Calder. It does horses really good to have a start over that track, and I really think he has a chance to improve and be a nice horse. And hopefully he'll prove down the road that he's going to be more than just a sprinter."

Glimmerglass

Jan. 27, 2009, 11:44 AM

Next step for maiden victor (Gulfstream Park Race 5, Jan 24 (http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=37423)) Dunkirk won't be in a graded stakes race (http://drf.com/news/article/101294.html):

Trainer Todd Pletcher said he is inclined to come back in an allowance race with Dunkirk, the expensive auction purchase who defeated maidens in his debut on Saturday.

Dunkirk, 3, a colt by Unbridled's Song who cost $3.7 million, rallied from off the pace to win sprinting. Pletcher said Dunkirk would be pointed to a two-turn race for his next start. He got a Beyer Speed Figure of 77 on Saturday.

"He gives me the impression that the farther he goes, the better he'll be, considering the way he finishes his works and the way he gallops out after his works," Pletcher said.

No Green Monkey but then again anyone forget about Pletcher trained Tabor-owned $3.2M filly Charming (http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=149102) from last spring? Eh, nothing to write home about ;)

Glimmerglass

Jan. 28, 2009, 09:21 AM

No Mr Fantasy in the 8th today ... All Live Racing Cancelled on Wednesday January 28, 2009

Due to inclement weather there will be no live racing at Aqueduct today.

The field isn't announced yet for the 20th running of the Holy Bull Stakes (grade 3) on Saturday but the nominations are here (http://www.gulfstreampark.com/NR/rdonlyres/0048D737-6DBE-475D-A90E-64451B488A91/21369/SNLTheHolyBull.pdf)

The field will likely include two top Derby trail contenders: Beethoven and West Side Bernie as well as Bear's Rocket, Bruce N Autumn, Danger to Society, Idol Maker, Nowhere to Hide, Rockland, and Stately Character.

Nowhere to Hide, trained by Zito is coming off a one-mile maiden win at Calder. So this is a huge step up but Nick has confidence he can run at this level.

Rockland is trained by Michael Matz (who will likely run Nicanor the same day) to which quipped this about the Holy Bull runner (http://www.drf.com/news/article/101317.html)

"I had planned on running him on dirt last time, but the race didn't go, so I ran him on turf," Matz said. "I'm not too worried about the distance. I don't think it will be a problem with the horse."

The only problem Matz has with Rockland is getting near him.

"He'll bite you in a second," Matz said.

Let's hope we don't see a reprise of this 'The Savage' 1980 running of the (http://www.championsgallery.com/Savage.jpg) the Tremont Stakes which was dropped last year by NYRA!

Glimmerglass

Jan. 28, 2009, 10:40 AM

Columnist John Pricci advocates that IEAH's filly 'Stardom Bound' should be pointed to the Kentucky Derby (http://www.horseraceinsider.com/blog.php/John-Pricci/01282009-stardom-bound-deserving-and-worthy-of-derby-run/).

I rooted for Eight Belles last year to be pointed to the Derby, with no regrets, due to her size and control of prior competitors. A few years before that it was Halfbridled but as for jumping on the lets-get-another-filly-in-the-Derby bandwagon I'm not there. Unless IEAH runs SB in a match up against the boys I think it would be unwise.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 29, 2009, 12:02 PM

The two big graded-stakes prep races on tap - both are on HRTV but if you're near a computer you can listen via Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN) on the web at http://www.horseracingradio.net/ (http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/48993.htm?id=48993)

Friday Jan 30th at Gulfstream Park:

$150,000 Hutcheson Stakes - Grade 2
Race 8 off at 4:43 p.m. EST
Distance: 7 Furlongs

PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, ML Odds
1. Break Water Edison (KY), Alan Garcia, 120, 3/1
2. Bee Cee Cee (FL), Cornelio H. Velasquez, 120, 15/1
3. Capt. Candyman Can (KY), Julien R. Leparoux, 120, 3/1
4. Hello Broadway (KY), Edgar S. Prado, 114, 5/2
5. Salo Jak (FL), Javier Santiago, 120, 8/1
6. Rocketing Returns (FL), Eibar Coa, 116, 5/1
7. Z Day (KY), John R. Velazquez, 114, 6/1

Saturday Jan 31st at Gulfstream Park:

$150,000 Holy Bull Stakes - Grade 3
Race 7 off at 4:12 p.m. EST
Distance: 1 1/8 Miles

PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Bruce N Autumn (KY), 114, Edgar S. Prado
2. Danger to Society (KY), 114, Robby Albarado
3. Bear's Rocket (KY), 114, Kent J. Desormeaux
4. Saratoga Sinner (KY), 114, Julien R. Leparoux
5. El Crespo (KY), 114, Javier Castellano
6. Rockland (KY), 114, Jose Lezcano
7. Stately Character (KY), 120, Herb McCauley
8. Idol Maker (KY), 114, John R. Velazquez
9. Nowhere to Hide (KY), 114, Alan Garcia
10. West Side Bernie (KY), 122, Elvis Trujillo
11. Beethoven (KY), 122, Calvin H. Borel

Glimmerglass

Jan. 29, 2009, 11:05 PM

Mr Fantasy, unable to race in that allowance Wed (1-28) with all racing cancelled, will run Sunday Feb 1st in the 7th race (http://drf.com/entries/01/eAQU01.html?rn=879587#7) at 1 1/16 mi in a $44k allowance against 9 others.

Old Fashioned showed in his workout Thursday (at Fair Grounds) why he is one of the top 3-yr old horses around: out of the gate he did 5-furlongs in a smoking 58.80 (http://drf.com/news/article/101357.html) and galloping out six furlongs in just more than 1:11 seconds!

By comparison working out also was Indygo Mountain who was 1.20 seconds SLOWER at the same 5-furlong distance on the same track at roughly the same time.

For those looking at the Old School insights into power comparisons there is the just release 2008 Experimental Free Handicap (http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/676308.html) from The Jockey Club. It doesn't do much for me but oh well ....

The Experimental Free Handicap, published annually by The Jockey Club since 1935, is a weight-based assessment of the previous year's leading 2-year-olds, with the weights compiled for a hypothetical race at 11⁄16 miles on dirt.

A sampling:

Colts and geldings

126 — Midshipman; 124 — Vineyard Haven; 123 — Square Eddie; 122 — Street Hero; 121 — Old Fashioned; 120 — Donativum, Pioneerof the Nile; 119 — Westphalia; 118 — Coronet of a Baron, I Want Revenge, Terrain; 117 — Big Drama, Charitable Man; 116 — Beethoven, Believe in Hope, Chocolate Candy, Del Conte, Run Away and Hide, Southern Exchange, West Side Bernie; continued

FILLIES

124 — Stardom Bound; 120 — Dream Empress; 117 — Laragh, Sky Diva, Springside; 116 — Doremifasollatido, Mani Bhavan, Maram, Rachel Alexandra; 115 — Heart Shaped, Wynning Ride; 114 — Dave's Revenge; 113 — C. S. Silk, Evita Argentina, Four Gifts, Jardin, Palacio de Amor, Persistently; continued

With Stardom Bound at 124 she has a higher Experimental Free Handicap then last year's highest filly, Indian Blessing, who was assigned 123.

In case you're wondering last year's list (2007)did NOT have Eight Belles in their calculations (http://www.bloodhorse.com/pdf/ExperimentalHandicapFillies.pdf), but her stablemate Proud Spell was tagged a 119.

The BloodHorse's Steve Haskin has produced for Jan 29, 2009 his "Top 70" list for right now:

His listing of 70 are here with comments (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/48994/ky-derby-trail-sneak-preview) - a quick summary of the top 12

1--Hello Broadway
2--Giant Oak
3--Break Water Edison
4--Old Fashioned
5—Patena
6--Square Eddie
7--Pioneerof the Nile
8--Friesan Fire
9—Terrain
10--Capt. Candyman Can
11--Imperial Council
12--Shafted

Some of the other highly thought of horses on other's lists are ranked as follows:

23-The Pamplemousse
48- Nowhere to Hide
49 -This Ones for Phil ;)
68 - Mr Fantasy
69 - Dunkirk
70 - Haynesfield

Unranked: Nicanor – Barbaro’s brother has had more publicity than any maiden other than perhaps The Green Monkey. Makes his debut in same maiden race as Dubinsky.

Glimmerglass

Jan. 30, 2009, 04:53 PM

$150,000 Hutcheson Stakes - Grade 2 - results

1st - Capt. Candyman Can (KY), Julien R. Leparoux
2nd - Hello Broadway (KY), Edgar S. Prado
3rd - Bee Cee Cee (FL), Cornelio H. Velasquez
4th - Salo Jak (FL), Javier Santiago

'Break Water Edison' long thought to be an impressive horse going into the Derby trail was never a player and was a big flop.

'Capt.' was the clear victor with 'Broadway' close and then the rest

Glimmerglass

Jan. 31, 2009, 04:26 PM

Whoa and the upsets continue on the Road to the Kentucky Derby ....

$150,000 Holy Bull Stakes - Grade 3
(Nowhere to Hide scratched)

1st - Sartoga Sinner with Julien "White Hot" Leparoux up
2nd - Bear's Rocket
3rd - West Side Bernie
4th - Beethoven with Calvin Borrel and a bad post-position

Saratoga Sinner paid $26.80 to win .... and Bear's Rocket paid $27.50 for place

Glimmerglass

Feb. 1, 2009, 04:19 PM

Following Friday's running of the Hutcheson and Saturday's Holy Bull a few re-adjusted Top lists - example:

Gary West (Star-Telegram - TX) 1-31-09 "The Sinner and the Holy Bull shake things up" (http://startelegramsports.typepad.com/west_points/2009/01/the-sinner-and-the-holy-bull-shake-things-up.html)

abridged top 20 list following tihs weekend's actions

(Not: I retained West's remarks tied to Break Water Edison who bomed)

1. Old Fashioned
2. Giant Oak
3. Hello Broadway
4. Capt. Candyman Can
5. Imperial Council
6. Vineyard Haven
7. Pioneerof The Nile
8. Friesan Fire
9. It Happened Again
10. Patena
11. Break Water Edison – His inconsistency is alarming; he’s obviously better than that Hutcheson effort.
12. Quality Road
13. Midshipman
14. Indygo Mountain
15. Silver City
16. Poltergeist
17. Notonthesamepage
18. Haynesfield
19. West Side Bernie
20. Beethoven

Glimmerglass

Feb. 1, 2009, 06:22 PM

Glimmerglass

Feb. 2, 2009, 11:57 AM

Worth noting that Mr. Fantasy easily crushed his rivals today without having been asked for anything in Race 7 at the Big A (http://www.drf.com/drfPDFChartRacesIndexAction.do?TRK=AQU&CTY=USA&DATE=20090201&RN=7) by 8 1/2 lengths over a firmly encouraged 'Legal Consent'. "The Mig" looks like he's sitting on his Derby horse ;)

What Steve Haskin said today (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/49048.htm) about Mr Fantasy

We have an exciting New York-bred to watch in Mr. Fantasy, who certainly looks like he’ll be just as formidable against open company. Coming off a 10 1/4-length maiden score going six furlongs against state-breds, he stretched out to 1 1/16 miles and overcame post 10 to romp again, this time by 8 1/2 lengths. The son of E Dubai has a smooth, efficient stride and just gallops his opponents into the ground without raising a sweat, winning with his ears pricked. This colt can flat-out run.

Oh and regarding the once-written up saga of Paul Pompa having lightening strike twice with Big Brown last year and then 'Well Positioned' who had a 14 1/2 maiden victory .. errr no.

Well Positioned proved that a maiden victory, no matter how impressive, is no guarantee a horse will come even close to duplicating it against winners. .. In Saturday’s one-mile allowance race, he never ran a lick and quickly dropped right out of the race and likely off the Derby trail.

el camino

Feb. 2, 2009, 03:31 PM

The connections still want Alan Garcia as his regular rider. Garcia flew up to ride Wed before the card was cancelled but had conflicts in FLA for Sunday so the mig got the call.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 2, 2009, 04:11 PM

The connections still want Alan Garcia as his regular rider. Garcia flew up to ride Wed before the card was cancelled but had conflicts in FLA for Sunday so the mig got the call.

Interesting.

Sounds like Richard Migliore (http://www.wptb.com/news/article.jsp?id=14644) did everything right though to make this not only a win but build further confident and let him mature some more.

Migliore continued with his praise of Mr. Fantasy after the race. "He has a great mind about him. Turning for home, he knew he was in control so he sort of eased up a bit; I just squeezed my legs on him a little bit and he took off. He's a really special horse." Certainly, high praise from a man who's won more than four thousand races during his career.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 3, 2009, 09:17 AM

Next race (ungraded) to watch Saturday's $100,000 Whirlaway Stakes at the Big A. The final entries will be determined Wed but anticipated: Haynesfield, Hehasnosay, Peace Town, Mike from Queens, and Cellar Dweller.

Mr. Fantasy, who earned a 93 Beyer for his 2nd start/victory on Sunday, will start next in the Grade 3 $250,000 Gotham Stakes March 7th

At the Fair Grounds on Saturday (Feb 7) will be the Grade 3 Risen Star Stakes on Saturday. In that field will be Giant Oak who is ranked in the top 10 for many, and Larry Jones' proven Friesan Fire

NOLA Feb 2, 2009 - a field of 13 for the Risen Star (http://www.nola.com/horseracing/index.ssf/2009/02/giant_oak_friesan_fire_are_ear.html)

Here's the field, in post-position order:
1 - Map of the World
2 - Indygo Mountain
3 - Nowhere to Hide
4 - It Happened Again,
5 - Uno Mas
6 - Friesan Fire
7 - Giant Oak
8 - Dumar
9 - Code of Honour
10 - Soul Warrior
11 - Summer's Empire
12 - Flying Pegasus
13 - Au Moon

Glimmerglass

Feb. 3, 2009, 04:28 PM

Off the Kentucky Derby trail: Saratoga Sinner (http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090203/SPORTS08/90203026/1002/SPORTS) who just won the Grade III Holy Bull Stakes.

Trainer Eddie Kenneally of Louisville termed the chip a small one and said the Harlan's Holiday colt could resume racing as early as July or August, with Saratoga's Travers Stakes a potential goal.

Filly85'

Feb. 3, 2009, 08:00 PM

Glimmerglass, I just wanted to say thank you for keeping all of us updated on what is going on!

justalittlex

Feb. 4, 2009, 12:53 AM

Thanks from me, too. You do a great job of sharing information.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 4, 2009, 09:50 AM

No thanks needed - it is just interesting to see how folks (me included) try to read the tea leaves to see who will still be standing when the big showdown occurs in May.

Another West Coast contender: Mr. Hot Stuff who is a full brother to (http://www.drf.com/news/article/101443.html) Colonial John, something that shouldn't be held against him ;)

He's still not yet nominated to the Kentucky Derby and was 0-4 in his first 4 starts but on Sunday broke his maiden at Santa Anita race 5 (Feb 1st) (http://www.drf.com/results/01/rSA01.html?rn=039499#5) at 1 mi and earned a 95 BSF for the effort.

A strategy shift led to the turnaround by Mr. Hot Stuff. "The difference was in the race before when Corey [Nakatani] took him back and let him finish," Harty said, adding that the Jan. 17 third-place finish changed him. "You could see the difference at the barn."

A moody colt usually found hiding at the back of his stall, Mr. Hot Stuff underwent a personality shift.

"He became confident, and would stand at the front of the stall," Harty said.

It appeared he wanted to run again, and Harty wheeled him back just two weeks later. A former run-off, Mr. Hot Stuff performed Sunday like a seasoned pro.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 4, 2009, 09:54 AM

Just a curious question - do trainers often do the driving of horses between tracks? Forget Brook Ledge or Sally Vans, we're talking DIY

Once again Larry Jones seems to do it all. From being the trainer to also an exercise rider to now hauler: with his move of Old Fashioned from Fair Grounds to Oaklawn (http://drf.com/news/article/101442.html)

Old Fashioned vanned up from New Orleans, with his trainer, Larry Jones, at the wheel. The horse's arrival was delayed a day, mostly because of some wet roads in Louisiana on Monday.

"He's precious cargo," said Jones, who wanted the best travel conditions possible for the nine-hour haul to Hot Springs.

Rick Porter, who owns the undefeated horse, said that Ramon Dominguez has the mount for the Southwest. Dominguez rode Old Fashioned to victory in the Grade 2 Remsen at Aqueduct in his last start Nov. 29.

Off-topic but an interesting read from loooooong ago regarding horses and transport. New York Times July 28, 1901 "Race Horse Transportation" (pdf file) (http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=940CE7DF1130E132A2575BC2A9619C946097D6CF) an excerpt

In olden days, not long before Teddington won, the task of getting horses from their training grounds to Epsom was a very serious business. Before Lord George Bentinck had his horse van constructed, all race horses -- to be strictly correct, nearly all -- had to go by road, and were walked from place to place at the rate of about twenty miles a day.

Note: Teddington won the Ascot Gold Cup in 1853

Barnfairy

Feb. 4, 2009, 11:04 AM

[Mr. Hot Stuff]'s still not yet nominated to the Kentucky Derby and was 0-4 in his first 4 starts but on Sunday broke his maiden at Santa Anita race 5 (Feb 1st) (http://www.drf.com/results/01/rSA01.html?rn=039499#5) at 1 mi and earned a 95 BSF for the effort.Such improvement practically overnight....quick! Somebody tell Andy Beyer! ;) :lol:

'Love me some Colonel John, so I'll keep an eye on Mr. Hot Stuff...but I won't be holding my breath for G1 greatness I don't think.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 4, 2009, 01:48 PM

Following the poor effort of Danger to Society in the Holy Bull stakes trainer Kenny McPeek losses him to trainer Rick Dutrow (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/49073.htm) under order by owner Lansdon Robbins.

McPeek said he is “clueless” why the horse ran so poorly. And he is equally as clueless why the horse was taken from him off the one bad race following two victories in as many starts.

“Dutrow has been (Robbins’) go-to guy for a long time,” McPeek said. “We will be fine. I’m more motivated than ever.”

Glimmerglass

Feb. 4, 2009, 05:52 PM

This Saturday (2/7) will be a key graded-stakes West Coast prep race too with the Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita .... the field, post-positions, etc

$200,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes - Grade 2
Feb 7, 2009 at Santa Anita
Race 8 scheduled at 4:07 p.m.
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles
Surface: Pro-Ride/Synthetic

PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Bittel Road (KY), 122, John R. Velazquez
2. Pioneerof the Nile (KY), 122, Garrett K. Gomez
3. Papa Clem (KY), 115, Rafael Bejarano
4. I Want Revenge (KY), 115, Joseph Talamo
5. Mark S the Cooler (KY), 115, Corey S. Nakatani
6. Oil Man (IRE), 115, Mike E. Smith
7. Brother Keith (KY), 115, Tyler Baze
8. Shafted (KY), 117, Joel Rosario
9. Charlie's Moment (FL), 117, Jose Valdivia, Jr.

I Want Revenge, 'Pioneer', and Brother Keith are going to be tough.

Previously mentioned as a possible starter was 'All Saint' the $3,000 purchase who won the California Breeders Championship the day after Christmas. Well I missed it but he actually raced on Jan 24th in the Sunshine Millions Dash Stakes. He finished 6th. (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/all-saint/2006/)

justalittlex

Feb. 4, 2009, 06:45 PM

Not Bittel Road? We're about to get a heavy rain Thursday and Friday, so mud will be a factor.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 5, 2009, 12:44 PM

Not Bittel Road? We're about to get a heavy rain Thursday and Friday, so mud will be a factor.

'Mud' at Santa Anita for the Robert Lewis Stakes? Or do you mean a sloppy mix of wet Pro-Ride? I thought that the manufacturers (and the CHRB) were singing the praises of synthetics being great with water ;)

Across the nation to the East Coast will be the ungraded prep, the Whirlaway, which will give an indication of who will next enter into the Grade 3 Gotham on March 7

$100,000 Whirlaway Stakes (ungraded)
Feb. 7 at Aqueduct.
Race 8 off at 3:49 p.m. EST
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)

PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Haynesfield (NY), 122, Ramon A. Dominguez
2. Hehasnosay (KY), 118, Eddie Castro
3. Peace Town (MD), 120, Julian Pimentel
4. Mike From Queens (KY), 118, Rajiv Maragh
5. Zooger (KY), 118, Channing Hill
6. Cellar Dweller (KY), 118, A. R. Napravnik

Also worth noting if indeed a filly will be entered into the Kentucky Derby this year ...Stardom Bound races Saturday too (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2009/February/04/Stardom-Bound-takes-center-stage-in-Las-Virgenes.aspx) still under her trainer - Bobby Frankel - for new owners IEAH but will transfer to Rick Dutrow at some point.

$300,000 Las Virgenes Stakes - Grade 1
Santa Anita on the synthetic surface
Race 6 - off at 3:05 p.m. PST
For 3-Year-Old Fillies
Distance: 1 Mile

PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Navigator (KY), 116, Victor Espinoza
2. African Skies (GB), 116, Joseph Talamo
3. Century Park (FL), 118, Tyler Baze
4. Nan (KY), 116, Corey S. Nakatani
5. Stardom Bound (KY), 122, Mike E. Smith
6. Haka (KY), 116, Rafael Bejarano
7. Saucey Evening (CA), 118, Garrett K. Gomez
8. Toro Bonito (KY), 116, John R. Velazquez
9. Pinkarella (KY), 116, Joel Rosario

Another highly touted runner - Patena - who was the runner up to 'Fire' in the LeComte Stakes (Grade 3) and a majority stake was sold to IEAH is going to start next in the Louisiana Derby (Grade 2) March 14 .

Old Fashioned having just arrived at Oaklawn Park from the Fair Grounds put in his first workout there this morning (Thur Feb 5) and showed why he's one horse to be down right scared of - in a good way!

DRF 2-5-09 "Old Fashioned has sharp Oaklawn work" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/101470.html)

Old Fashioned skipped over Oaklawn's main track in his first local work on Thursday morning, when he breezed a half-mile in 48.40 seconds and galloped out five furlongs in 1:00.80.

"Apparently, he's getting over the track very well," said Larry Jones, who trains Old Fashioned for Rick Porter. "This was good. He's dead-fit. He's ready."

Just his gallop time at 5F would've ranked him 1st of 8 horses (http://www.drf.com/workouts/05/wOP05.html) at Oaklawn!

He should rock the house when he starts Feb 16th in the $250,000 Southwest Stakes (Grade 3) and put the rest of this Derby class on notice.

grits

Feb. 5, 2009, 12:48 PM

The Malibu Moon babies (Pinkarella, Au Moon) are all drawing outside this weekend. Is this some kind of lunar event?

(I need to check on Babamoon's post position in the WEBN S.)

Glimmerglass

Feb. 5, 2009, 01:01 PM

Ouch is Square Eddie off the Derby trail?

"]He'll be sidelined for at least month (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/49090.htm) but its a very crucial month with development and prep races.

Paul Reddam’s Square Eddie, winner of the Lane’s End Breeders’ Futurity (gr. I) and runner-up in the Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (gr. I), will be sidelined for about 30 days with a sore left shin, Reddam said Thursday.

Square Eddie was scheduled to make his dirt debut in the Feb. 16 Southwest Stakes (gr. III) at Oaklawn Park.

[Reddam]: "“This horse was training like no horse we’ve ever had. Doug said we can still try and make the Derby if we can get a prep in him. We were talking about giving him about 30 days, which makes it very tough. We just don’t know at this point. "

Glimmerglass

Feb. 6, 2009, 01:15 PM

Highly thought of Dunkirk is not likely to burst into the Derby picture with a high profile start like the Florida Derby next time (http://drf.com/news/article/101495.html) out:

Trainer Todd Pletcher said he was planning on taking the conservative route with Dunkirk and will look for an allowance race for his next start rather than thrusting the promising colt immediately into stakes company.

"I just don't think it would be fair to toss him right in with horses who have already run five or six times off just his maiden win," said Pletcher who will be at Santa Anita to saddle horses in three stakes on Saturday.

Here, here for Todd's remarks!

Glimmerglass

Feb. 6, 2009, 01:28 PM

Interesting insight from Larry Jones in regards to his horses who are early leaders for the Kentucky Derby: NOLA Feb 6, 2009 "Down to the Wire (http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/horseracing/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/123390132070890.xml&coll=1&thispage=2)

But Jones still has two promising 3-year-olds -- Lecomte winner Friesan Fire and It Happened Again -- to run in the Grade III Risen Star on Saturday at the Fair Grounds

"I think Friesan Fire and It Happened Again are as good at this stage of the year as the other (Kentucky) Derby horses that I've had," Jones said. "Old Fashioned is ahead of the curve. . . . I do rate Old Fashioned ahead of them a little bit -- three or four lengths -- but at this time of the year, three or four lengths can be made up by maturing. Friesan Fire and It Happened Again are very equal."

I wonder if Larry thinks that Old Fashioned has developed as much as he can for now with only a next step being taken with time - i.e., mid-summer

Glimmerglass

Feb. 7, 2009, 05:53 PM

In the Whirlaway Stakes at the Big A it was yet another victory - with strong confidence - by Haynesfield. He did it with a 6 1/4-length victory over 'Cellar Dweller' then 'Mike From Queens'. This was his 4th victory in a row and he looks strong for the March 7th Grade 3 Gotham.

Edited - correction with the finish

justalittlex

Feb. 7, 2009, 09:13 PM

I didn't think Stardom Bound or Pioneerofthe Nile looked astounding in their wins today, but I'm a novice. I'm watching the Pamplemousse.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 7, 2009, 10:13 PM

I didn't think Stardom Bound or Pioneerofthe Nile looked astounding in their wins today, but I'm a novice. I'm watching the Pamplemousse.

Stardom Bound was jammed up with traffic so some excuses yet I think the 2nd filly, Haka in that race - whose effort received little commentary - was more impressive with the late rally and just losing by 1 1/2 lengths. IMHO Mike Smith was celebrating the win way too early at the wire. Rewatch the replay and he's ready to high-five anyone just prior to the wire. I bet he never saw Haka flying like an F-16 upon them .... had that been at 1 1/4 in distance Stardom would've been overtaken by Haka.

Looking back I recall Sweet Catomine as being vastly more impressive against other females and despite all the drama and backstory to her ills before the Santa Anita Derby, was a better candidate for taking on the boys.

I was a little shocked when Bob Baffert was asked about trying Pioneerof the Nile on dirt before the Kentucky Derby and he said "no". Sorry West Coast folks but synthetics and dirt are not the same and more horses sink then swim when faced with dealing with kickback of dirt from other horses for the first time. Pioneerof is not a front running horse so he'll be taking a fair amount of dirt for the first time.

Same issue with no dirt exposure will dog The Pamplemousse.

Filly85'

Feb. 7, 2009, 10:59 PM

Pioneerof the Nile is the best 3 yo in this country IMO.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 8, 2009, 09:32 PM

401 3-yr old Early Triple Crown nominations for 2009 (vs. 449 last year) which just means the $600 fee was submitted ;) There is a second late deadline on March 28, but the fee goes up to $6,000 then.

(Each year, there are usually about a dozen late nominees.)

Complete listing here from the Daily Racing Form: PDF file - 2009 Triple Crown Nominations with best Beyer Speed Figs listed (http://drf.com/newsletter/tcnoms09.pdf)

Stardom Bound is one of four fillies nominated to this year's Triple Crown, along with Abound, Laragh, and Sky Diva.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 8, 2009, 10:34 PM

Worth pointing out - as the NY Daily News cited - is that the easy winner of Saturday's $107,600 Whirlaway Stakes at the Big A was misspelled in the early TC nominations ;)

Earlier in the afternoon, the 2009 Triple Crown nominations were released, (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2009/02/07/2009-02-07_the_day_at_the_races.html) with Haynesfield spelled incorrectly as H-E-Y-N-E-S-F-I-E-L-D.

Haynesfield may start next in the Grade III Gotham Stakes, run at the identical mile-and-a-sixteenth distance as the Whirlaway, on March 7 over the inner-dirt strip where he is now 3-for-3.

"He does everything right," Sheets said. "He's very easy to deal with. He does the right thing. He's very determined. When horses get away from him, his ears come right up.

"We'll see how it comes out of it. (The Gotham) is a likely distance, likely race, but we'll see how he's doing over the next few days and weeks."

In the Gotham, Haynesfield may face his biggest task yet, as he'll likely meet the undefeated Mr. Fantasy.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 9, 2009, 12:04 PM

Sorry folks but no repeat of Clarence Scharbauer Jr.'s Alysheba in 2009 with his Indygo Mountain being pulled off the Derby trail following his Risen Star Stakes run. From Bistnet 2-8-09 (http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/news/article.cgi?id=14002)

One Risen Star alumnus definitely not going on to the Louisiana Derby is seventh-place finisher Indygo Mountain (A.P. Indy), who has been declared off the Triple Crown Trail. The Clarence Scharbauer Jr. colorbearer came out of the race well, but trainer Bret Calhoun has concluded that the colt needs more time to develop.

"We have no excuses," Calhoun said Sunday morning. "We had a good trip yesterday. We just need to regroup with this horse. He had some problems earlier this winter and we need to take some time with him now. It doesn't look like he'll be ready for the big dance. He needs to freshen up a little bit. Luckily, Mr. Scharbauer has the other horse to keep his hopes alive this spring."

As an aside those who were looking closely would note that Risen Star winner Friesan Fire wore red and white colors of Fox Hill Farm as he did in the Lecomte Stakes as well. However the co-owned horse with Vinery Stud wore Vinery's colors in his allowance victory in December. He'll wear Fox Hill's colors in his next start March 14th: the Grade 2 $600,000 Louisiana Derby.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 9, 2009, 12:10 PM

Props to the Louisville Courier-Journal's Camille Weber with her creative and cute illustrations that go with this week's Top 12: PDF format Courier-Journal 'The Derby Dozen' for Feb 8, 2009" (http://media.kentucky.com/smedia/2009/02/08/07/081DS1C08.source.prod_affiliate.79.pdf)

It includes a 'Just the Facts' box for each

justalittlex

Feb. 9, 2009, 12:24 PM

Love the illustrations by Camille Weber.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 10, 2009, 08:50 AM

Oddly some folks are suggesting the most impressive race this past weekend was Stardom Bound in the Grade 1 Las Virgenes - maybe they were watching another race? ;)

There seems to be a tremendous amount of urging to get her to the Kentucky Derby but I don't see it myself. How lackluster statistically was that victory in the Las Virgenes: try just a Beyer Speed Fig of 84 (http://drf.com/news/article/101566.html) and that was after she worked for it with the win.

By comparison Haynesfield was credited with a 90 BSF in the (ungraded) Whirlaway Stakes.

Bobby Frankel who still trains Stardom for IEAH said next she was going into the Grade 1, $300,000 Santa Anita Oaks on March 7. Other connections have suggested then possibly the Grade 1, $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on April 4. So plenty of chance to see if she really has the grit to make a KY Derby effort worth it.

justalittlex

Feb. 10, 2009, 09:24 AM

I hear you, Glimmerglass. She's a very pretty horse, and with the straight wins and Mike Smith, you think Zenyatta 2. But Zenyatta is a huge horse, and Stardom Bound didn't look that big or determined to me, just based on standing there and looking...

VirginiaBred

Feb. 10, 2009, 09:59 AM

I'm looking forward to the Southwest (Grade 3) to see Old Fashioned and Silver City run. I like them both, but am giving the nod to Old Fashioned. :)

VirginiaBred

Feb. 10, 2009, 10:47 AM

Well crap. Maybe Old Fashioned isn't pointed to the Southwest after all.........

http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/news/article.cgi?id=13922

Glimmerglass

Feb. 10, 2009, 11:29 AM

Old Fashioned is at Oaklawn already, has been putting in some great works there - tomorrow will be his last, and is fully on schedule to start in the 1-mile Grade 3, $250,000 Southwest on MONDAY Feb. 16.

It's projected to be a field of maybe 9 (the max would be 10) including stakes winners Old Fashioned, Silver City, Flat Out and Loch Dubh.

NTRA/DRF Feb 6 2009 "Old Fashioned's Southwest foes taking shape" (http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?id=37675&type=news)

Per the NTRA website they list this as being aired on ESPN @ 5:00 PM ET (http://www.ntra.com/races.aspx?id=36927&section=races) - however a quick check of the ESPN Guide with TV (http://sports.espn.go.com/espntv/espnGuide) suggests otherwise with Pitt vs. UCONN for Big East basketball ;)

Glimmerglass

Feb. 10, 2009, 11:42 AM

In regards to TV coverage of the Road to the Kentucky Derby it's thin, sadly, despite some really good races on the horizon ....

NBC Sports via USA Network: Santa Anita Derby (G1) April 4 at 5:00 PM (ET)

As an aside NBC Sports also has the TV rights to the Louisiana Derby (G2) for March 14 but has already indicated it will not exercise those right to air it

ABC Sports: none prior to the airing of the Belmont Stakes (G1)

CBS Sports: none

ESPN/ESPN2: as follows

3/21/2009
Turfway Park:
Lane's End S. (G2)
Rushaway S.
ESPN 5:00 PM (ET)

3/28/2009
Gulfstream:
Florida Derby S. (G1)
Swale S. (G2)
ESPN 5:00 PM (ET)

Oaklawn:
Arkansas Derby (G2)
ESPN 6:00 (ET)

4/18/2009
Pimlico:
Federico Tesio S.
ESPN2 5:00 (ET)

TVG Network: the most noted prep race they have exclusive coverage for is the April 11th Blue Grass Stakes (Grade 1) to be aired on TVG at 5:00 (ET)

VirginiaBred

Feb. 10, 2009, 11:53 AM

Wow, that's crappy coverage.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 10, 2009, 12:08 PM

Sheikh Mo's Vineyard Haven will make his first start in 2009 on Thursday (2/12) .... Vineyard Haven entered in UAE Guineas (http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/news/article.cgi?id=14006):

Thursday's $250,000 U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas (UAE-G3) at Nad al Sheba. The final field, along with riding assignments, for the about one-mile event will be announced on Tuesday. Twelve horses hold early entries for the U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas.

TVG Network has been airing racing from Nad al Sheba and this will be too . Their live coverage starts at 10:30 EST on Thursday.

The Dubai Racing Club does a very good job (http://www.dubairacingclub.com/?cat=62) of showing race replays on their website.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 10, 2009, 12:27 PM

Steve Haskin, The Blood-Horse for Feb 9th gives his latest Top 15 List (http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=37740)

(abridged)

Top 15 - (Horse/Trainer)

1. Old Fashioned/Larry Jones
2. Pioneerof the Nile/Bob Baffert
3. Patena/Rick Dutrow
4. Giant Oak/Chris Block
5. Hello Broadway/Barclay Tagg
6. Friesan Fire/Larry Jones
7. Capt. Candyman Can/Ian Wilkes
8. Flying Pegasus/Ralph Nicks
9. Poltergeist/Donnie Von Hemel
10. Stardom Bound(f)/Bobby Frankel
11. Vineyard Haven/Saeed bin Suroor
12. I Want Revenge/Jeff Mullins
13. Chocolate Candy/Jerry Hollendorfer
14. Silver City/Bret Calhoun
15. Haynesfield/Steve Asmussen

Glimmerglass

Feb. 10, 2009, 05:08 PM

Thursday (2-12-09) will mark the opening of the first Future Wager Pool setup by Churchill Downs. The biggest payoff was those who backed Funny Cide in 2003's Pool 1 (http://drf.com/news/article/101574.html) and were returned for their $2 win wager (only) a sweet $188 ;)

Wagering on Pool 1 starts Thursday at noon Eastern and ends Sunday at 6 p.m.

Pool 2 in the 2009 Future Wager is set for March 12-15, with Pool 3 set for April 2-5.

The morning line odds - which shift until the close - are determined by Churchill linemaker Mike Battaglia. The horses in this pool and ML at opening are as follows in alpha order:

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1
Program No., Horse, M/L

1. Beethoven 15-1
2. Big Drama 30-1
3. Capt. Candyman Can 10-1
4. Chocolate Candy 50-1
5. Flying Pegasus 30-1
6. Friesan Fire 12-1
7. Giant Oak 15-1
8. Haynesfield 50-1
9. Hello Broadway 50-1
10. I Want Revenge 50-1
11. Midshipman 12-1
12. Notonthesamepage 30-1
13. Old Fashioned 10-1
14. Papa Clem 20-1
15. Patena 20-1
16. Pioneerof the Nile 12-1
17. Silver City 50-1
18. Stardom Bound 12-1
19. Taqarub 30-1
20. The Pamplemousse 30-1
21. This Ones for Phil 12-1
22. Vineyard Haven 12-1
23. West Side Bernie 50-1
24. Mutuel field (all other 3-year-olds) 5-2

Glimmerglass

Feb. 10, 2009, 09:52 PM

Oh now this will get interesting! Just approved by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission:

Feb 10, 2009 'Churchill Downs to offer exacta wagering in Kentucky Derby Future Wager' (http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/49162.htm)

Churchill will not offer exacta betting in Pool 1 of the 2009 Derby Future bet, which opens its four-day run Feb. 12, but Derby Futures Exacta betting will be available in the two remaining pools scheduled to run March 12-15 and April 2-5.

The mutuel field (#24) can be used in only one position in the exacta. A bettor cannot place a wager on 24-24, or all/all.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 11, 2009, 12:22 PM

More on one of the Derby hopefuls whose owner is well-known in racing and in business ;)

SF Chronicle Feb 11, 2009 "Jenny Craig strategy based on sweet-sounding horse" (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/11/SPJB15R7CJ.DTL)

(excerpts)

One thing continues to be missing, however.

"Sid's dream was to win the Kentucky Derby," she said.

Sid Craig died July 21 - five days before Chocolate Candy, a horse he and Jenny bred and own, made the second start of a career in which he has blossomed into a legitimate Kentucky Derby candidate.

Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, Chocolate Candy can take another step toward Louisville when he runs in the Grade 3, $200,000 El Camino Real Derby on Saturday at Golden Gate Fields.

Chocolate Candy represents a strategic switch in the Craig operation, focusing on breeding instead of buying to acquire a top thoroughbred.

Jenny Craig grew up in New Orleans, and her brother, Edwin Guidroz, trained horses at the Fair Grounds there.

"We used to go to the track frequently," she said. "I always loved horses."

She met Sid Craig in 1970 after he had formed a chain of women's salons named Body Contour. They married in 1979, sold his company, moved to Melbourne, Australia, and developed Jenny Craig, Inc. That company grew into a multinational business with more than 600 centers in four countries and was purchased by Nestle SA in 2006 for $600 million.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 11, 2009, 12:28 PM

Mike Watchmaker (like him or hate him) from the Daily Racing Form has a solid rundown of the questions with the horses listed in the Future Derby Pool. It's worth a look at no horse without some reservations - including my favorite ;)

DRF 2-11-09 "Questions seem to loom larger this year" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/101591.html)

example - note the number represents the alpha order

13. Old Fashioned - He's undefeated, and no matter what future book vehicle you look at, he is currently the favorite for this Derby. And barring the bizarre, he'll be the favorite among the individual betting interests in this pool, too, although it's very hard to understand why anyone would really want to take a meager price on anyone in a wager like this. While he is one of the few of his generation who seems to have the potential to supersede the mundane, his reputation was really built on only one race, his romp in last fall's Remsen. Sure, he won that race easily, and the fact that he was still able to earn a 100 Beyer going 1 1/8 miles at that time bodes well for what he might be capable of when more physically mature. But the field behind him in the Remsen was weak, and he walked on an easy lead through slow fractions. In fact, he has never faced adversity or a quality opponent, so there are big question marks here to go along with all the potential.

16. Pioneerof the Nile - Earned an important two-turn stakes win at 2 when he got up to win the CashCall Futurity, often an attractive point on the resume of any Derby hopeful. In this case, his CashCall was not respected because it was so slowly run and visually weak. If you're a fan, hope that the betting public remains fixated on that race or gets hung up on the fact that the Derby might be his first start on dirt, because his comeback win in last week's Robert Lewis Stakes was a strong effort accomplished with a powerful finish. It's another plus for him that only Armageddon could stop his owner and trainer from running him in the Derby.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 11, 2009, 12:51 PM

As assumed the horse Mr. Fantasy (owned by West Point Thoroughbreds) is named for the 1967 album by Traffic. What's spooky is that per West Point "Originally we were going to go with Sultan of Dubai, but one of the partners liked Mr. Fantasy better."

For those too young to recall: this is 'Traffic' and the famed song 'Dear Mr Fanasty' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_nwbTeIN4Y&feature=related) with Steve Winwood on lead vocals who would leave Traffic to join Blind Faith with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker.

Winwood, with gobs of talent, would in addtion to Traffic, Blind Faith, Spencer Davis Group, and the band Go also have several solo hits in the 1980s (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS513FRfbwE).

VirginiaBred

Feb. 11, 2009, 12:57 PM

GREAT album. Should be in every serious collector's collection!

More on Winwood:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Winwood

Glimmerglass

Feb. 11, 2009, 01:31 PM

Old Fashioned put in his last workout this morning before Monday's Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn.

Oaklawn Workouts Feb 11 (http://drf.com/static/workouts/11/wOP11.html)

His was the fastest at five lurlongs of 9 going that distance: 1:00.40 vs. the 2nd fastest being Sky Blue Sky @ 1:02.40

Full description of his work: (http://drf.com/news/article/101594.html)

Old Fashioned came onto the track shortly after it opened for training at 6:45 a.m., and loosened up by backtracking to the wire while accompanied by a pony ridden by his trainer, Larry Jones.

He eagerly went into his work at the five-furlong pole and was even-paced around the turn with clockers following him through fractions of 23.80 seconds for the opening quarter, 36.40 for three furlongs, and 48.40 for the half-mile. Jockey Terry Thompson sat chilly throughout the move. Old Fashioned galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.40.

The Southwest looks to be his to win - with ease.

VirginiaBred

Feb. 11, 2009, 04:36 PM

Excellent update! Thanks Glimmerglass!!!

DMK

Feb. 11, 2009, 09:56 PM

For those too young to recall: this is 'Traffic' and the famed song 'Dear Mr Fanasty' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_nwbTeIN4Y&feature=related) with Steve Winwood on lead vocals who would leave Traffic to join Blind Faith with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker.

Sorry, I was blinded by the low spark of high heeled boys... ;)

vineyridge

Feb. 11, 2009, 10:47 PM

Is Big Drama even racing now?

He certainly piques my interest. I'd like to see how he does against some of the "big" time opposition.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 12, 2009, 08:30 AM

Is Big Drama even racing now?

Not at the moment however he's (almost) guaranteed a starting gate at Churchill based upon earnings. No 3-yr old debut yet as he kicked himself in the shin thus nixing him from starting in the Holy Bull. He'll have to do a prep somewhat sooner but I wouldn't be shocked if its a non-graded race.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 12, 2009, 10:27 AM

Valentine's Day at Golden Gate Field's ...

$200,000 El Camino Real Derby - Grade 3
Race 8 - off at 4:15 p.m PST
Disatance: 1 1/8 Miles
Surface: All Weather/Tapeta

PP. Horse, Jockey
1. Aquicksting (CA), Michael Martinez
2. Raising Memo (CA), Saul Arias
3. Axel Foley (KY), Michael C. Baze
4. Massone (KY), Frank T. Alvarado
5. Merus Miami (KY), Corey S. Nakatani
6. Rendezvous (KY), Roberto M. Gonzalez
7. Chocolate Candy (KY), Russell A. Baze
Each assigned 121 pounds

Glimmerglass

Feb. 12, 2009, 10:42 AM

Sheikh Mo's Vineyard Haven will make his first start in 2009 on Thursday (2/12) .... Vineyard Haven entered in UAE Guineas (http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/news/article.cgi?id=14006)

The UAE 2000 Guineas is contested over 1,600 meters (about one mile) on the dirt and will be the sixth race of seven on the card.

The race will be shown live on TVG at 1:05 p.m. EST today (Feb 12)

Glimmerglass

Feb. 12, 2009, 01:18 PM

Oh not so much ... Vineyard Haven was a very well beat 4th place (and backing up) in the 1 mi race and looking not just rusty but down right unimpressive.

That said the winner was Desert Party (KY), as son of Desert Cry, with Frankie D. up and they have been doing very well in Dubai (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2009/news/2009/01/22/desert-party-posts-smooth-success-dubai) since shipping from the US. Since the loss in the Hopeful Stakes, shipping to Dubai, he's won at Nad al Sheba on Jan 22nd and now this big win also at Nad al Sheba.

Desert Party last year won the Sanford Stakes (G2) at Saratoga. He was purchased for $2.1 Mas a 2-yr old in Training at Fasig-Tipton Calder

He originally sported the Darley Stable silks and began his career with trainer Eoin Harty at Arlington Park, taking a 4 1/2-furlong maiden special weight by 3 3/4 lengths on June 22. The bay colt was immediately stepped up in class for his next race and responded with a 3 1/4-length decision in the six-furlong Sanford. Desert Party suffered his first loss when sixth in the Hopeful S. (G1) in his juvenile finale.

TVG remarked that reports have been that Midshipman's 'doing as well as Vineyard Haven in Dubai' so if that was VH's effort here in Feb I don't forsee either in the KY Derby as a serious contender.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 12, 2009, 03:17 PM

Video replays:

NYRA: Feb 7, 2009 2009 Whirlaway Stakes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl3-XC2E96Y) as won by Haynesfield

The UAE 2000 Guineas from today was on youtube.com 20 minutes ago but has been pulled down ;) Another user I'm sure will be post it

Glimmerglass

Feb. 12, 2009, 03:52 PM

And the odds explode .... Derby Future Wager odds (live) Pool 1 (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2009/future-wager/odds)

Vineyard Haven was pegged with a M/L of 12-1 and (after that loss in the UAE) he's at 88-1

Interestingly Old Fashioned was at 10-1 initially but as of this afternoon it's moved out to 26-1

Drvmb1ggl3

Feb. 12, 2009, 04:13 PM

Replay of the UAE Guineas (http://www.drcnewswire.com/videos/2009_02_12/index.php). The fact that Dettori picked the ride on Desert Party over Vineyard Haven was pretty telling.
Definitely a horse to keep an eye on.

justalittlex

Feb. 12, 2009, 05:57 PM

Looking at the odds you mentioned, Glimmerglass, my favorite horse The Pamplemouss has (perhaps just for a minute) the lowest odds! at 13.

DMK

Feb. 13, 2009, 08:31 AM

My Derby updates seem to be different from yours Glimmer...

BloodHorse.com Breaking News

The Godolphin Racing duo of Desert Party and Vineyard Haven finished first and second Feb. 12 in the Two Thousand Guineas (UAE-III) at Nad al Sheba in Dubai as both colts continued on the road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).

and after watching the race, I guess we should trust you! :D

Glimmerglass

Feb. 13, 2009, 09:38 AM

So he was wasn't doing well in the morning, Frankie skipped on riding him well before that morning, and they ran him anyhow ... interesting.

Associated Press 2-13-09 "Derby hopeful Vineyard Haven loses 2009 debut" (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jnTkz6mrIhGW6kjJJSa3_tEzyBVQD96A889G0)

Vineyard Haven, a top 2-year-old who won the Hopeful Stakes and the Champagne Stakes, was purchased for a reported $12 million in November and sent to Dubai to train for the Derby in Louisville, Ky., on May 2.

"I am disappointed with Vineyard Haven," trainer Saeed bin Suroor said. "He did not show up well this morning, and we were hoping he will be better this evening. That was not the case."

From the Daily Racing Form (http://drf.com/news/article/101617.html) this additional bit on the Dubai contingent of horses:

A son of Street Cry, Desert Party will go next in the 1 1/8-mile UAE Derby on Dubai World Cup night, March 28, according to Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford.

"We're really pleased with the way Desert Party ran tonight," Crisford said, "but we're not so pleased about Vineyard Haven. Truth to tell, Vineyard Haven has had a rough time of it here this winter. We knew he was going to need the race."

Crisford also said that one or another of Godolphin's seven Triple Crown nominees might run in a Kentucky Derby prep in the United States.

"They will be nominated for the big Derby trials in the States," he said. "Midshipman, who will run in the Al Bastakiya, a 1 1/8-mile listed race here on March 5, could also run in something like the Blue Grass Stakes, but no decision will be made until much later."

Further details on Indygo Mountain being off the trail (already cited) Star-Telegram 2-13-09 (http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/columnists/gary_west/story/1202453.html)

Indygo Mountain injured

Indygo Mountain chipped a knee while finishing seventh in Saturday’s Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds. He’ll have surgery today, said his trainer, Bret Calhoun.

"He should make a complete recovery," Calhoun said. "And hopefully in the fall we’ll see him become the kind of horse we think he can be."

Glimmerglass

Feb. 13, 2009, 09:46 AM

Pretty neat to have: Churchill Downs provided free Lifetime Past performancess for '09 KY Derby nominees (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2009/sites/kentuckyderby.com/files/derbypps2-10.pdf) (they go up to Feb 10, 2009)

Old Fashioned had odds (in the future wager pool #1) swing from 10-1 at opening to 24-1 in mid afternoon to now 12-1 this morning

Brisnet offered some (http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/news/article.cgi?id=14034) interesting bits on Old Fashioned's personality from Larry Jones

"When it is work time, he's ready, but after that it's naptime," the horseman said. "Naptime is leave me alone time for Old Fashioned.

"Old Fashioned is a neat horse. It's hard not to love him. Bringing him up here from Fair Grounds it was just me and him, it was bonding time. It was like I will focus on you, and you will focus on me."

Wednesday's bullet workout was his last before Monday's Southwest Stakes (Grade 3) and it didn't take anything out of him. They'll just keep him occupied and stretched out between now and then:

"He's ready to go," Jones reported. "He acted like there was nothing to it. He came back to the barn and barely was blowing and didn't drink but a gallon of water.

"We will gallop a mile or mile and a half on Friday, and then Saturday and Sunday give him an easy five-eighths gallop," he added. "We are excited and ready."

VirginiaBred

Feb. 13, 2009, 10:09 AM

That's so nice about Old Fashioned. :)

DMK

Feb. 13, 2009, 10:56 AM

Glimmerglass

Feb. 13, 2009, 11:10 AM

interesting - as a FL bred I wouldn't think the Dubai heat would get to Vineyard Haven, especially as he broke his maiden at Calder. I wonder if he is a poor air traveler? If so, maybe they should get him back to the US and training with Bobby Frankel? :D

Well VH better start singing for his supper or else that $12M debt will land him in jail before he gets to leave the country :D At least according to the New York Times yesterday (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/world/middleeast/12dubai.html?em):

With Dubai’s economy in free fall, newspapers have reported that more than 3,000 cars sit abandoned in the parking lot at the Dubai Airport, left by fleeing, debt-ridden foreigners (who could in fact be imprisoned if they failed to pay their bills). Some are said to have maxed-out credit cards inside and notes of apology taped to the windshield.

Maybe Desert Party will lend him a few bucks ;)

War Admiral

Feb. 13, 2009, 11:31 AM

As assumed the horse Mr. Fantasy (owned by West Point Thoroughbreds) is named for the 1967 album by Traffic.

...which was produced by my dear friend the late great Jimmy Miller. So I guess that'll be MY sentimental pick this year... :sadsmile:

Glimmerglass

Feb. 13, 2009, 12:53 PM

Looking at the odds you mentioned, Glimmerglass, my favorite horse The Pamplemouss has (perhaps just for a minute) the lowest odds! at 13.

The Pamplemousse is being pointed for the Grade 3 $200,000 Sham Stakes over 1 1/8 miles at Santa Anita on Feb. 28.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 13, 2009, 05:11 PM

Valentine's Day at Golden Gate Field's ...

$200,000 El Camino Real Derby - Grade 3 - Saturday

PP 5: Merus Miami (KY) (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/12/20/SPBJ14RV3I.DTL) was scratched today from racing in the El Camino. The West Point TB owned colt previously won the $75,000 Gold Rush Stakes (ungraded) Dec 20, 2008.

A small abscess in his left front foot is the culprit. His connections said they would likely point the colt to the Grade 3, $200,000 Sham Stakes at Santa Anita on Feb. 28.

PP 3: Axel Foley (KY), with Michael C. Baze has been privately sold today to Jeff Singer (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/49209.htm) but will remain with trainer Doug O'Neill. Axel will have blinkers on tomorrow for the first time which could seriously improve his effort.

He's only been off the board once in his life (a Grade 1 race) just after he was shipped back to the US from England. So look for a possible wicked good effort ;)

jennywho

Feb. 14, 2009, 05:50 PM

I was happy to see Imperial Council return victorious in an allowance at Gulfstream today. I'm not sure I'll really be on his bandwagon until he proves that he can stretch out. Looks like he'll be a pretty nice colt regardless.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 14, 2009, 06:08 PM

A very nice effort and 3 1/2 length win by an otherwise off the Derby radar General Quarters who is a Tampa Bay Downs based horse. With that upset in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (Grade 3) today it should almost ensure him enough graded money ($120,000) to get a starting gate at Churchill - but there are no guarantees.

The final time for 1 1/16 miles on the main track was 1:43.54.

General Quarters - owned by Thomas McCarthy and trained by Mark Miller

Glimmerglass

Feb. 14, 2009, 06:15 PM

The field and post positions for Monday's Southwest Stakes (Grade 3)

$250,000 Southwest Stakes - Grade 3
Oaklawn Park - Race 9 @ 5:02 p.m. CST
Diatnce: 1 Mile on dirt

PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Retap (KY), 117, Luis S. Quinonez
2. Loch Dubh (KY), 117, Jon K. Court
3. Silver City (KY), 117, Miguel Mena
4. Gresham (KY), 117, Calvin H. Borel
5. Old Fashioned (KY), 119, Ramon A. Dominguez
6. Buzzin and Dreamin (FL), 115, Israel Ocampo
7. Flat Out (FL), 119, Julio A. Garcia
8. Professor Z (KY), 117, Christopher A. Emigh
9. Poltergeist (TX), 117, Quincy Hamilton
10. Silver Bayer (KY), 115, Terry J. Thompson
11. Kick On (FL), 119, Ken S. Tohill

fyi - Old Fashioned in Pool 1 for the CDI's run KY Derby Future is now (2/14 6pm CST) at an astoundingly low 6-1

DE News Journal Feb 14, 2009 "Old Fashioned has Jones, Dominguez feeling good" (http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20090214/SPORTS09/902140343/1002/SPORTS)

"He is so fast out of the gate," said Dominguez. "He's a very fast horse, period, and we should be able to fill into a good position early and stay out of trouble. In the Remsen, when I asked him, he just left the competition behind late in the race. The size of a field can cause problems, but I'm confident and believe we will have a good trip."

VirginiaBred

Feb. 15, 2009, 01:21 AM

Right smack in the middle.

Silver City is in the three slot..............I think he'll have to run well to beat Old Fashioned............

jennywho

Feb. 15, 2009, 03:08 PM

I just read that former $20K claimer General Quarters is owned by his groom. How cool is that?

Glimmerglass

Feb. 15, 2009, 04:29 PM

It was a win by Chocolate Candy at Golden Gate Fields yesterday - but not by much. I'm not sure if that was worthy of praise as he dug in to take the victory or a sign he's not on peer with the East Coast runners who are more dominant over luke-warm fields. Axel Foley was a contender in lock step with 'Candy until the pace killed his run and he was out of it by the last turn.

Next step: Chocolate Candy to be pointed to the April 4 Santa Anita Derby, but also maybe try the March 14 San Felipe at Santa Anita as well.

Chocolate Candy the son of Candy Ride out of the Seattle Slew mare Crownette earned $120,000 to lift his career earnings to $382,500. He now has $220,000 in graded stakes earnings, the determining factor if the Kentucky Derby overfills.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 15, 2009, 04:39 PM

I just read that former $20K claimer General Quarters is owned by his groom. How cool is that?

Kinda, sorta the story but it's a little more that his owner (who was also his prior trainer) has done the care / work for him

Courier-Journla Feb 15, 2009 "Retired principal's colt schools 'em in Sam F. Davis" (http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090215/SPORTS08/902150583/1037)

General Quarters -- a 3-year-old gray colt claimed for $20,000 in his first race -- gave owner Tom McCarthy, a retired Louisville high school principal, his biggest triumph in racing.

[Jockey Lopex to owner McCarthy] said, 'We're going to the (Kentucky) Derby, aren't we? I said, 'We'll see.' That was very emotional, very exciting. I left my family and wife up there for six weeks to come down and take care of him and get to be with him. My wife (Patricia) just called me and said, 'You've got to get me a plane ticket for the next race.' "

The March 14 Tampa Bay Derby and Keeneland's April 11 Toyota Blue Grass are the next targets, he said.

McCarthy long has had a tiny stable at Churchill Downs' Trackside Training Center, but General Quarters is his only horse currently racing. He purchased the son of Sky Mesa last May 30 out of a $20,000 maiden-claiming race, then trained General Quarters for his next five races in Kentucky -- including a second-place finish at Keeneland and a third at Churchill -- before sending him to trainer Mark Miller at Tampa.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 16, 2009, 12:20 PM

Interesting final odds and historical detail with regards to the Futures Pool 1 :pool closed Feb 15, 2009 with "all others" favorite (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2009/news/2009/02/15/all-others-favored-unbeaten-old-fashioned-tops-individual-horses-first-09-derby-futu)

Example with how the odds flux if you wagered on the following horses in each respective pool plus the day of the Derby:

Funny Cide (2003):
pool 1 payout: $188
pool 2 payout: $120.80
Pool 3 payout: $23.60
Derby day: $10.20

Giacamo (2005):
pool 1 payout: $52
pool 2 payout: $54.20
Pool 3 payout: $103.60
Derby day: $102.60

Barbaro (2006):
pool 1 payout: $40.20
pool 2 payout: $32.20
Pool 3 payout: $20.80
Derby day: $14.20

So for 2009 - final pool 1 payouts, if the respective horse wins:
Old Fashioned: $16.40
I Want Revenge: $111.80
The Pamplemousse: $60.40
Silver City: $72.80
Haynesfield: $66.80

As for Midshipman he won't start his 2009 season (http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/news/article.cgi?id=14085) until March:

Midshipman will race for Saeed bin Suroor for the first time in the $250,000 Al Bastakiya, an about 1 1/8-mile stakes on the March 5 "Super Thursday" card at Nad al Sheba.

Hmmmm ....

Glimmerglass

Feb. 16, 2009, 06:02 PM

20 minutes to post for the Southwest Stakes .... Old Fashioned listed now at 1 to 9

I sense that 'the dispatcher' is heading off to the gallows with Old Fashioned ready to crush this field :D

Glimmerglass

Feb. 16, 2009, 06:27 PM

Old Fashioned wins by about 3 1/2 over Silver City and then a big gap back to the rest. Very fast fractions and Ramon did have to ask Old Fashioned to get going and out of the match racing that was brewing. While much further back the D. Wayne Lukas's part-owned and trained "Buzzin and Dreaming" finished an impressive 3rd over the rest of the field

Next to watch is the 3-yr old filly Evita Argentina take on the boys at Santa Anita in the Grade 2 $150,000 San Vicente Stakes. Purportedly John Sadler is doing this to keep Evita away from tangling with Stardom Bound.

Linny

Feb. 16, 2009, 06:31 PM

Praise Heaven!!! At least one of these horses did what it was supposed to do. He showed an ability to rate that he's never been asked to do. Ramon took him on a long hold and he eased off of stretchout sprinter Silver City, who stuck around for 2nd. Unbridled's Song colts run 1-2.

VirginiaBred

Feb. 16, 2009, 06:33 PM

Glimmerglass

Feb. 16, 2009, 07:21 PM

Next to watch is the 3-yr old filly Evita Argentina take on the boys at Santa Anita in the Grade 2 $150,000 San Vicente Stakes. Purportedly John Sadler is doing this to keep Evita away from tangling with Stardom Bound.

Holy Smokes

While she isn't Kentucky Oaks let alone Derby bound (she's more of a sprinter) that was sweet!! Evita Argentina (f) didn't want anything whatsoever to do with the boys and sat far behind everyone and then boom - from utterly dead-last to sprint past the entire field with Garrett "Go Go" Gomez as the pilot. Roaring down the middle of the track to fly past the entire field!

My hat is taken off to Evita Argentina for defeating the field of the boys. Not only that but she's the first filly since 1947 to win the $150,000 San Vicente Stakes.

They be crying Evita, Evita! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-XrAyCuXGs) again ...

Glimmerglass

Feb. 16, 2009, 08:32 PM

Video replay of Evita Argentina in the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes today (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/article/49257.htm) - worth a look

justalittlex

Feb. 16, 2009, 08:59 PM

I was blown away by Evita Argentina today, what a great gal, and what a great rider too. Kept her in back until it seemed impossible, then explosive run to the wire. go Gogo!

Glimmerglass

Feb. 16, 2009, 10:10 PM

Next for Evita Argentina: $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) on March 14

If you listen to the replay you'll note that up the backstretch Trevor calls out all the positions and horses but leavs out Evita as she's so far behind that he actually calls the 2nd to last horse as last ;)

With Old Fashioned: (http://drf.com/news/article/101728.html) some very good signs

"Down the backside I knew we were going fast, but it didn't feel like he was rushing to keep up with the leader," said Ramon Dominguez, who rode Old Fashioned for trainer Larry Jones."I hope that stretch run did him some good. I didn't hear him blowing after the race like I might have expected after those fractions and a hard first effort of the year."

Jones said plans are to leave Old Fashioned at Oaklawn for the Grade 2, $300,000 Rebel on March 14. The horse had done most of his training up to the Southwest at Fair Grounds. The Rebel is the final local prep for the Grade 2, $1 million Arkansas Derby on April 11.

Even nicer is how well Oaklawn did with numbers: attendance Monday was 31,074.

DLee

Feb. 16, 2009, 11:36 PM

That was stupendous to watch!!

Glimmerglass

Feb. 17, 2009, 08:53 AM

About 1 month away and finally a little bit of press on the automatic qualifier for the Kentucky Derby - regardless of earnings, graded wins, nomination, et al ...

Feb 17, 2009 Wimbledon Guardin (UK) "The magic of Kentucky at Kempton" (http://www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/sport/4131934.The_magic_of_Kentucky_at_Kempton/)

In addition to earning a guaranteed spot in the starting gate for the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, 2nd May, 2009, the KDCS winner will also receive a $100,000 bonus if the horse competes in the Kentucky Derby.

The Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes is an enhancement of a Conditions race that was held in March of last year, a race which was won by Campanologist, who went on to win the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. Amy Starkey, Managing Director of Kempton Park Racecourse said:, “Kempton Park is delighted to be in partnership with Churchill Downs. The establishment of the Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes represents a fantastic opportunity to increase the international profile of Kempton as well as promoting the Kentucky Derby to European based owners and trainers.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 17, 2009, 11:59 AM

youtube/NTRA Video replay: Grade 3 Southwest Stakes Feb 16, 2009 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc1BSAOnPYA) @ Oaklawn Park

youtube/NTRA Video replay: Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes Feb 16, 2009 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6Isf75EOK4) @ Santa Anita

Note in the San Vincente at about the 0:39 time mark Trevor says "and Gallant Son is last" while actually #4 Evita Argentina (f) is about 6-lengths furthe back from Gallant Son! She only comes into the top panoramic frame shot at the 1:08 mark trailing the field ;) 62-years since the last gal to do it 'Evita' wins the San Vincente

Glimmerglass

Feb. 17, 2009, 04:15 PM

Good to see ... the European auto-entry into the Kentucky Derby is getting a rousing amount of interest and all 14 slots will most assuredly be taken. There is even a chance for a potential filly:

SportingLife (UK) Feb 17, 2009: "Thumbs-up For Kentucky Challenge" (http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=racing/09/02/17/RACING_Kentucky.html)

Kempton report so much interest from leading trainers in the inaugural Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes that they may have to ballot horses out of the race on March 18.

The likes of John Gosden and Aidan O'Brien have already expressed a desire to take part.

"We had been thinking about November for the race but Aidan, John and others said if we make it in March they will be able to get their better horses ready.

"John Gosden has four possibilities and hopes to run two, Paul Cole could run two, we hope Aidan may send us two across from Ireland and Richard Hannon is interested.

"We may not even have the space for all of them in the field of 14.

"I wouldn't rule (balloting) out. The dream is to go from here to the Kentucky Derby and run a good race there."

O'Brien was the last European trainer to have a Kentucky Derby runner when Johannesburg and Castle Gandolfo lined up to little effect in 2002.

He said: "We have three possibilities for at this stage - Born To Be King, Chief Lone Eagle and Great Wisdom.

Gosden added: "We have four horses entered in the Triple Crown (Nawaadi, Close Alliance, Mafaaz and Red Spider) and the introduction of this race is a very far-sighted innovation because the closer we bring our racing together with the US, the healthier it will be for the UK racing industry.

... and the possible filly starter:

Butler has Goodwood maiden winner Pachattack (http://gerardbutler.ne-web.org.uk/race-horse-information-news/pachattack-delights-at-glorious-goodwood) in mind for the Challenge.

He reported: "The filly is by Pulpit, quite a good sire on the dirt.

"I worked for Wayne Lukas, who trained the last filly to win the Kentucky Derby (Winning Colors in 1988) and I think this is a perfect prelude to the race.

"We will take her to Kempton at some point for a look around. I have one or two colts in mind for the race, but she'll be at the head of the pack."

Interesting as Frankie Dettori rode Pachattack at Goodwood ;)

Glimmerglass

Feb. 18, 2009, 02:53 PM

The Louisville KY resident and former High School principal is not interested in hearing offers for Sam F. Davis Stakes winner General Quarters (http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/trackside/2009/02/general-quarters-gets-100-beyer-bris.html)

... the horse came out of the Grade III race in good order - and the phone has been ringing off the hook from those looking to buy the son of Sky Mesa, whom McCarthy claimed for $20,000.

General Quarters earned both a 100 Beyer speed figure and 100 BRIS fig. The Beyer fig is the highest for a 3-year-old at 1 1/16 miles this year. (The full BSF list here (http://drf.com/drfLeaderBoard.do?category=beyer) )

As far as a sale, McCarthy said, "I've waited too long for this. It's a dream of every trainer who ever puts a bridle on a horse that they hopefully can get one to win the Derby. I'm kind of hoping this might turn into something like that."

McCarthy is not committing to anything as far as selling, instead just writing down the offers and phone numbers and telling people he'll call them back if he decides to sell. He said some stud farms in Ocala inquired about standing the colt as a stallion some day.

"I don't want to lead anybody on," he said, adding of a sale, "It would have to be something astronomical. It's just like anything else. What's a dream worth?"

Old Fashioned received a 93 Beyer for the Southwest Stakes victory

Barnfairy

Feb. 18, 2009, 11:10 PM

A little more on General Quarters and owner/trainer Tom McCarthy in the DRF today: At 75, a shot at the Derby (http://www.drf.com/news/article/101757.html)

excerpted from article linked above:

...McCarthy has hit the jackpot with General Quarters, who scored an upset win last week in the Sam Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. On a Derby Watch list that includes such prominent names as Bob Baffert and Bobby Frankel, Larry Jones and John Ward, Rick Dutrow, Barclay Tagg, and Steve Asmussen, McCarthy finds himself right there with his horse.

His one and only horse...

Not until Saturday - not when he was training full time or dabbling part time - had he ever won a stakes race.

"I only take on what I can do myself," McCarthy said in a telephone interview from Florida. "I've kept my hand in it all the time. I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I didn't have a horse. I'm a young 75. I keep active. I spend a lot of time with him."...

McCarthy's association with General Quarters began at the 2007 Keeneland September yearling sale. There were two colts he liked at the sale that he thought he could afford, both by the sire Sky Mesa. The first one into the ring, out of an Unbridled's Song mare, "had a funny way of going in his right front," McCarthy said. He decided to pass on the first colt, who sold for $20,000, and await the second colt.
But the second colt "went out of my price range," McCarthy said. He left empty-handed.

Last May at Churchill Downs, McCarthy noticed in the entries a pedigree that looked familiar, that of the first colt.

"I knew right away it was him," McCarthy said.

Now named General Quarters, the gray colt was entered in a $20,000 maiden-claiming race for 2-year-olds.

"He had a couple of nice breezes at Keeneland showing in his past performances," McCarthy said.

Having saved months of training bills and able to get him for the same price for which he sold as a yearling, McCarthy decided to try and claim General Quarters.

So did three others. But McCarthy won the shake, taking home a colt who won that debut race by a neck for trainer Wesley Ward.

I just love stories like that one. :)

eta: the picture (http://www.drf.com/images/mccarthy_250x200_022009.jpg) that accompanies the article, for those who aren't DRF members

justalittlex

Feb. 19, 2009, 09:03 AM

This story made my day-- and that wonderful picture!

Glimmerglass

Feb. 19, 2009, 09:38 AM

Tom McCarthy and General Quarters are a perfect example of those combinations which make the Derby mix interesting, if he indeed starts on the First Saturday ;)

Frankly if the lineup was strictly the same-old insiders and names who always are cited in one issue of the BloodHorse or TB Times every few weeks year round it gets stale.

The interesting folks who bubble up on 'the trail' to Churchill are what makes this fun.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 19, 2009, 11:20 AM

The Pamplemousse had a great work Wed (http://www.drf.com/news/article/101758.html):

With his regular jockey, Alex Solis, aboard, The Pamplemousse effortlessly cruised through six furlongs on a gorgeous morning here. His official final time was 1:12.40 - Canani had him slightly faster - but the time was not nearly as important as the way in which The Pamplemousse did it. Canani, excitable when he wakes up, was dazzled, so much so that as soon as the work ended, he started spewing off a series of unprintable expletives, not in disgust, but in admiration.

"Did you see that?" is the G-rated version of what Canani said. "Look at him. He was just galloping. Thank God I don't got the fever."

:D

Drvmb1ggl3

Feb. 19, 2009, 07:27 PM

Dunkirk looks interesting.
Is the Derby too soon for him?
He's bred in the blue for sure.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 19, 2009, 08:25 PM

Dunkirk looks interesting.

Per Pletcher he's going to race next (after today's allowance win (http://drf.com/drfPDFChartRacesIndexAction.do?TRK=GP&CTY=USA&DATE=20090219&RN=8) by 4 3/4 lenghths) in the Grade 1 Florida Derby March 28th.

"That was a beautiful performance. I couldn't be more pleased," Pletcher said in the winner's circle after the race. "It was asking an awful lot of this horse to stretch out to a mile and one-eighth off a seven-furlong maiden win against a stakes-quality field like this. And the way he overcame all that adversity on the first turn with no problem proved he is a special horse."

Nikki^

Feb. 19, 2009, 08:38 PM

I've been watching Stardom Bound with great interest. I love how she closes like a freight train in the stretch. She's such a gorgeous filly.

I also like Pioneer of the Nile too.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 20, 2009, 08:43 AM

Glimmerglass

Feb. 20, 2009, 10:58 AM

Video replay of Evita Argentina in the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes Feb 16, 2009 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6Isf75EOK4) - worth a look

Deja vu from March 2008?

Video: Turfway Park Race 11, 3-1-08, $100k John Battaglia Memorial Stakes (http://www.kentuckyoaks.com/2008/videos/783)

What do you think?

NMK

Feb. 20, 2009, 11:00 AM

I think Dunkirk is the real deal, OMG.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 20, 2009, 11:19 AM

I think Dunkirk is the real deal, OMG.

Talented indeed but then again they didn't pay $3.7M for him for nothing ;)

As will be cited by many others with the 'knocks' as to why he can't win the Kentucky Derby: he has no graded earnings as of now, he was unraced at 2, he's only defeated allowance company, he's only run at Gulfstream and appears will only venture off it for the KY Derby if he gets in, and he'll only have 3 races under his belt before the Derby.

The pros of course being that the race yesterday was more akin to a stakes race with the company in it, he's already done two turns and raced over 1 mi, he's dealt with traffic and more thick field size nicely, plus he'll rate and has a very nice kick.

NMK

Feb. 20, 2009, 01:25 PM

Glimmer--any news on Crowded House from across the pond? Liked him much as a juvie.

Nancy

Barnfairy

Feb. 20, 2009, 01:46 PM

Youtube: Video - Feb 19, 2009 Dunkirk at Gulfstream - Race 8 - allowance (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QdCb7C5JTU)

Note: Either Larry C. was making a terrible call or the above audio/video is not in synch
The audio/video are grossly out of synch --the chart (http://equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/GP021909USA8.pdf) has the race won in 1:50.15, the youtube video is only 1:31-- so don't be dissin' Larry C. :winkgrin:

Glimmerglass

Feb. 20, 2009, 02:00 PM

The audio/video are grossly out of synch --the chart (http://equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/GP021909USA8.pdf) has the race won in 1:50.15, the youtube video is only 1:31-- so don't be dissin' Larry C. :winkgrin:

Yea - I got smacked down on asking the same elsewhere ;)

It appears that Gulfstream won't allow their vids to appear on Calracing's replays and like. JHC! The MEC owned tracks seem to treat replays like they're a map to the Crown Jewels. As such someone had to make that bootleg version ... well when they file for Chapter 11 (http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-bz.magna20feb20,0,3519391.story) hopefully things will change.

Per the TB Times Crowded House will be running overseas and not pointed (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/international-news/2009/February/12/Crowded-House-pointing-to-English-classics.aspx) to the Kentucky Derby at all:

“I was pretty surprised to see he was nominated,” [co-owner Paul Reddam] said with a laugh on Wednesday. “There hasn’t been any serious thought to doing that [running him in the American Triple Crown]. His plan would tentatively be the Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) and then the Epsom Derby (Eng-G1).”

Filly85'

Feb. 20, 2009, 03:39 PM

Pioneerof the Nile is still my favorite after seeing the horses this weekend. He is improving.

Another horse that is improving that is getting no mention at all is a horse called Massone. I don't know how good Massone is, but I've been watching him for awhile, and he may make some noise later on. His dam did not get good until she was a 4 yo, so he is most likely a late bloomer. He also is a bit immature looking and is still built downhill. Definitely one to watch.

Dunkirk is getting a lot of hype, but he is a bit slower than Curlin and Big Brown were at this point in their careers. I don't get the 'wow' factor when watching him that I did when horses like Rags to Riches, Curlin, and Big Brown broke their maidens.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 21, 2009, 12:59 PM

Glimmerglass

Feb. 23, 2009, 10:41 PM

Unlike Bob Baffert and waiting until the Kentucky Derby to test his synthetic-only horse Pioneerof the Nile one of his West Coast counterpoints is shiping off Santa Anita 'soil' and testing the real stuff next month: I Want Revenge (traine by Jeff Mullins) and (http://drf.com/news/article/101854.html) and ridden by Joe Talamo will move their show in New York.

I Want Revenge will ship cross-country later this week to prepare for a start in the Grade 3, $250,000 Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct on March 7.

"He didn't act like he handled Santa Anita that well, not as well as he did Hollywood Park,'' Mullins said. "Hollywood Park has basically transformed into a dirt track anyway. If we got Triple Crown dreams, we want to see if he can handle the dirt or not before we get too far.''

Mullins said he is hoping to line up transportation later this week to fly I Want Revenge to New York so that he could get one workout over the inner track before the Gotham. Mullins said if I Want Revenge were to run well in the Gotham - run at 1 1/16 miles - he may stay in New York and run in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial over Aqueduct's main track on April 4.

Looks like Ramon Dominguez is off Haynesfield although that's simply out of circumstances for now although in the Kentucky Derby Ramon would be up on Old Fashioned anyhow.

Carol Seaver, the racing manager for Harvey Weinstein's Turtle Bird Stable, said Monday afternoon that Weinstein has chosen C.C. Lopez to ride Haynesfield in the Gotham. Ramon Dominguez, who had ridden Haynesfield to three consecutive stakes wins, is committed to ride Court Vision that day in the $1 million Santa Anita Handicap.

Some other Gotham runners in addition to Masala, Naos and Imperial Council include:

Mr. Fantasy, unbeaten in two starts; Russell Road, a winner of six straight at Charles Town and Laurel; and possibly Wildcat Brief, second in the Fred "Cappy" Capossela Stakes.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 24, 2009, 02:06 PM

Official Kentucky Derby soundtrack? Business Journal of Milwaukee Feb 16, 2009 (http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/02/16/daily60.html)

Banshee Music (http://www.bansheemusic.com/Services/SportsMusic.aspx) of New Berlin (WI) has formed a strategic partnership with horse track operator Churchill Downs Inc. to formulate an official soundtrack for the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Banshee said Thursday its contributors have composed 15 songs in a multitude of musical styles for the thoroughbred racing event to be held at Churchill Downs May 2. The selections include the official infield party anthem and the theme for the Derby’s companion event, the Kentucky Oaks 135 on May 1.

The complete Kentucky Derby 135 playlist will be available in March at http://www.KentuckyDerbyParty.com

Derby sponsor Mountain Dew has announced plans to give away free downloads of the official infield party anthem on 12 million regionally distributed cans in the weeks leading up to Derby weekend.

Interesting marketing strategy.

Barnfairy

Feb. 24, 2009, 05:23 PM

Dunkirk fans take note: some very serious scientific backing to help you make your 09 Derby pick (http://www.thedowneyprofile.com/Bloodhorse.com_Content).

Glimmerglass

Feb. 25, 2009, 10:10 AM

Eh, does everything have to tie back to Barbaro (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/29357444/) - instead of just admiring an effort for being worthy on its own?

Garrett Gomez’s cross-country trip on Thursday may prove to be one of the most profitable jaunts of his career if Dunkirk continues to act like the second coming of Barbaro.

Or there is this variation of who Dunkirk is: Dunkirk - Big Brown reincarnated? (http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports/horse_racing/story/627983.html) ;)

I said the same on the Paulick Derby Index: Dunkirk while interesting is facing tough odds just to get to the starting gate of the Kentucky Derby.

His next effort is the Grade 1 $750k Florida Derby to be held March 28th and ironically for which Dunkirk was not nominated (http://www.gulfstreampark.com/NR/rdonlyres/A346B1D6-7D2C-4B6A-94F0-9A693C106C31/21355/SNLTheFloridaDerby.pdf). It will be his 1st graded stakes run - not a Grade 3 race with a small field but rather an almost guaranteed full house with multiple prior graded stakes runners in there.

Pletcher has said that from the FL Derby they'd go to the Kentucky, presumably with no races in between so 30-days off, yet Dunkirk has to either win the FL Derby (and the $450k graded check) or take 2nd (with a $150k check) to stand a fair chance at securing a slot for Churchill. 3rd place is only $75k in graded money and I don't see that cutting it to get into the KY Derby this year. In fact the $150k 2nd place might come up shy.

My point? If he doesn't win the Florida Derby which would be extraordinarily impressive he might not have the chance to show what he can do in the Kentucky Derby. Which is a shame as finishing 3rd with an excuse or two in the FL Derby shouldn't diminish him being an impressive horse.

So sadly by not doing at least a couple of graded stakes races before the Derby this chance of missing going to the big dance by putting all the eggs in one basket is the risk.

Drvmb1ggl3

Feb. 25, 2009, 11:00 AM

My point? If he doesn't win the Florida Derby which would be extraordinarily impressive he might not have the chance to show what he can do in the Kentucky Derby. Which is a shame as finishing 3rd with an excuse or two in the FL Derby shouldn't diminish him being an impressive horse.

So sadly by not doing at least a couple of graded stakes races before the Derby this chance of missing going to the big dance by putting all the eggs in one basket is the risk.

So they should have railroaded him into a Derby prep shoe horn? If he wasn't ready he wasn't ready. I'm sure Msser's Plecther, Magnier, Tabor et al know a thing or two about when a horse is ready to race.

The Kentucky Derby isn't the be all and end all. He could be a nice late developing 3yo, no harm in that. I'll take Bernardini and Tiznow over some of the forgotten Derby winners of recent times.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 25, 2009, 01:30 PM

So they should have railroaded him into a Derby prep shoe horn? If he wasn't ready he wasn't ready. I'm sure Msser's Plecther, Magnier, Tabor et al know a thing or two about when a horse is ready to race.

The Kentucky Derby isn't the be all and end all. He could be a nice late developing 3yo, no harm in that. I'll take Bernardini and Tiznow over some of the forgotten Derby winners of recent times.

We're not in disagreement on this as indeed the KY Derby is not (nor should it be) the be-all focus for Dunkirk's career. That said if they are fixed on him going there I feel for the guy being given just one shot at making it. As cited by the BloodHorse's Steve Haskin and his 'Dozen' (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/derby_dozen.asp) and perhaps reflects my comment more concisely:

Why can't we get freaky horses like this who don't have to go into the Derby off only three career starts? This horse finally provided the "Wow" factor that's been missing this year, but he's way behind the eight ball time-wise.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 26, 2009, 10:48 AM

Saturday's $250,000 Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (Grade 2) at Gulfstream Park will be a damn fine race to watch at least on paper ;) The shortened distance may have added to the full field - 12 horses - with one likely to drop out but still the speed potential is wicked for a 1-mi race

How much speed is there? Try the Beyer Figs for 2 of the entries
This Ones for Phil, has earned a 116
Notonthesamepage, has earned a 114

Interestingly per the DRF the entry "Take The Points" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/101904.html) is supposed to be in the Sham Stakes at Santa Anita and will scratch if they fix da plane ... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFK1rvL2NoQ)

But when the colt's flight to Southern California had mechanical problems and did not leave as scheduled on Wednesday, Pletcher decided to keep his options open and enter Take the Points in both races.

"I've been told the mechanical issues have been taken care of and the flight will leave at 6 a.m. on Thursday," Pletcher said Wednesday. "And if that's the case, we'll be on it, because I think the Sham is a better spot for us than the Fountain of Youth for a number of reasons.

$250,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes (Grade 2)
Saturday Feb 28, 2009
Race 9 at Gulfstream Park @ 5:14 pm EST
TV coverage: HRTV
Distance/surface: 1 mile/dirt

PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Bee Cee Cee (FL), 120, Cornelio H. Velasquez
2. Theregoesjojo (KY), 116, Kent J. Desormeaux
3. Notonthesamepage (KY), 120, Elvis Trujillo
4. Take the Points (KY), 116, Christopher P. DeCarlo
5. Jack Spratt (KY), 120, Rene R. Douglas
6. Rocketing Returns (FL), 116, Jose Lezcano
7. Beethoven (KY), 122, Calvin H. Borel
8. Break Water Edison (KY), 122, Eibar Coa
9. Capt. Candyman Can (KY), 122, Julien R. Leparoux
10. Taqarub (KY), 120, Alan Garcia
11. Quality Road (VA), 114, John R. Velazquez
12. This Ones for Phil (FL), 120, Edgar S. Prado

Glimmerglass

Feb. 26, 2009, 10:54 AM

As cited the other big prep race this weekend will be on the left coast and Santa Anita featuring the well liked Grapefruit and an interesting dark horse yet to be tested with Mr. Hot Stuff

$200,000 Sham Stakes (Grade 3)
Saturday Feb 28, 2009
Santa Anita Race Course
Race 9 at 4:38 p.m. PST
Distance/surface: 1 1/8 Miles / All Weather (Pro-Ride)

PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Hi Flyin Indy (KY), 116, Alonso Quinonez
2. Smart Bid (PA), 118, Rafael Bejarano
3. Tiz True (KY), 116, Aaron T. Gryder
4. Lifeline (KY), 116, Tyler Baze
5. The Pamplemousse (KY), 118, Alex O. Solis
6. Balfour Park (KY), 116, Brice Blanc
7. Mr. Hot Stuff (KY), 116, Corey S. Nakatani
8. Bourbon Bay (KY), 116, Joel Rosario
9. Ventana (KY), 116, Jesus M. Rios
10. Mark S the Cooler (KY), 116, Joseph Talamo
11. Unbridled Roman (CA), 116, Mike E. Smith
12. Take the Points (KY), 118, Garrett K. Gomez

Glimmerglass

Feb. 26, 2009, 02:17 PM

The sole horse to win off a career started at 3-yrs old: 1882's winner Apollo. From HRTV/Jon White 2/26/09 (http://www.xpressbet.com/columns.aspx?view=1231&author=JonWhite)

Since 1955, Kentucky Derby starters who did not race at 2 are 0 for 44. Here’s the list:

No Regrets (finished 7th in 1956)
Gone Fishin’ (8th in 1958)
Our Dad (15th in 1959)
Gleaming Sword (14th in 1968)
Fourulla (19th in 1971)
Big Spruce (7th in 1972)
Kentuckian (10th in 1972)
Dr. Neale (15th in 1972)
Forego (4th in 1973)
Twice a Prince (12th in 1973)
Agitate (3rd in 1974)
Confederate Yankee (12th in 1974)
Media (5th in 1975)
Bold Chapeau (8th in 1975)
Amano (4th in 1976)
On the Sly (5th in 1976)
Affiliate (9th in 1977)
Best Person (15th in 1977)
Chief of Dixieland (9th in 1978)
Great Redeemer (10th in 1979)
Flying Nashua (8th in 1981)
Air Forbes One (7th in 1982)
Wavering Monarch (12th in 1982)
Majestic Shore (eased in 1984)
Irish Fighter (11th in 1985)
Wheatley Hall (6th in 1986)
Zabaleta (12th in 1986)
Pendleton Ridge (13th in 1990)
Corporate Report (9th in 1991)
Alydavid (14th in 1991)
Devil His Due (12th in 1992)
Disposal (18th in 1992)
Strodes Creek (2nd in 1994)
Pulpit (4th in 1997)
Desert Hero (13th in 1999)
Valhol (15th in 1999)
Wheelaway (5th in 2000)
Curule (7th in 2000)
Trippi (11th in 2000)
Atswhatimtalknabout (4th in 2003)
Song of the Sword (11th in 2004)
Greeley’s Galaxy (11th in 2005)
Showing Up (6th in 2006)
Curlin (3rd in 2007)

VirginiaBred

Feb. 26, 2009, 02:40 PM

Really interesting Glimmerglass.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 27, 2009, 12:45 PM

Interesting - and well founded - is this bash on Magna (yet again) for their negative impact with Gulfstream Park and its usefulness on the road to the Kentucky Derby.

Gary West Ft-Worth Star Telegram Feb 27, 2009 "Magna created a roadblock, not a path, to the Kentucky Derby" (http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/columnists/gary_west/story/1228396.html)

In 2004, Stronach’s Magna Entertainment razed Gulfstream Park’s perfectly good grandstand and enlarged the oval from a mile to 1 1/8 miles. That’s typical of the sort of "vision" that has Magna where it is today, in dire financial circumstances.

By enlarging the oval, Gulfstream in effect eliminated 1 1/16 -mile races from its program. And that disrupted the natural progression in distance in its series of stakes for 3-year-olds preparing for the Triple Crown. As trainer Todd Pletcher said, 1 1/8 miles was the worst possible distance for the track.

For 51 years, the Fountain of Youth was run at 1 1/16 miles. It was the natural bridge from the Hutcheson, which was run at 7 furlongs, to the Florida Derby, at 1 1/8 miles. The Fountain of Youth often provided an early intimation of classic talent, and it produced 12 Kentucky Derby winners, including Tim Tam, Spectacular Bid and Thunder Gulch.

But in 2005, the Fountain of Youth added a sixteenth of a mile, a significant alteration for young developing horses whose connections have rosy aspirations. Few 3-year-olds are ready for 1 1/8 miles this early in the year, and the change persuaded many trainers to send their horses elsewhere.

This year's Fountain of Youth does look quite good but it's seemingly more of a showcase of sprinting ability vs. what previously gradutated from its ranks.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 27, 2009, 10:37 PM

One of the runners in Saturday's Fountain of Youth Stakes is an interesting claimer off-spring who seems to be lost in the shuffle of talent. Notonthesamepage (4-1) from PP 3 (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090227/SPORTS08/90227030&template=printart) is a fast colt and owned by Ken & Sara Ramsey. The winner of six-furlong Spectacular Bid by an eye opening 8-1/4 lengths (earning a 114 Beyer) is actually the son of claimers:

Notonthesamepage is a product of two horses that New York trainer Rick Schosberg claimed for Ramsey: His stallion Catienus (claimed for $50,000 off Sheik Mohammed) and Blue Holiday (a $16,000 acquisition off Maggi Moss).

"A total of $66,000 and produced a possible Derby horse," Ramsey said. ".. This could be my moment; I've got sweaty palms already … I think we're going to sprint up the stretch and win it myself."

Ramsey was talking about winning Saratoga's Hopeful as soon as Notonethesamepage impressively won a Churchill Downs maiden race April 3. But a temperature kept the colt out of Saratoga's first 2-year-old stakes.

As typical for Ken Ramsey he's going to have some fun (possibly) defying the naysayers

"Everybody is saying he's just a sprinter. Well he has Lear Fan as his second dam's sire. Lear Fan is by Robert; that's going to put some stamina in there. So it's very possible this horse can sprint a mile and a quarter. And if he does, of course we're going to try to stretch him a little farther and see if he can sprint a mile and a half."

Filly85'

Feb. 28, 2009, 03:46 AM

The Dunkirk hype is amazing then again each weekend another horse wins and the flavor of the week rises to the top. I was shocked when HRTV's snapshop of the Derby field for this week made remarks that "Dunkirk goes to the top" of the Derby list. Are you kidding me?

Video 2-20-09 HRTV's 'Pursuit of the Crown' (26 min 20 sec) (http://www.bloodhorse.com/videos/Default.aspx?vsid=C41F3DA5-7B49-4E6A-94F8-4A2635A05ABE)

How about others who once were "hot" but just because they're not front an center the memory fades - example Beethoven. From the DRF he had a lovely work Fri morning (http://drf.com/news/article/101819.html)

Calvin was on Warrior's Reward [previously unbeaten] in the race against Dunkirk Thursday 2/19 and remarked this about Dunkirk:

Dunkirk may prove me wrong, but I think that the comparisions to Big Brown are premature because Big Brown was a slam dunk to be a serious, serious TC horse when he won the allowance at this time last year.

I think Dunkirk is a nice colt though, and he definitely has room to improve, but I will look elsewhere for now for the star three year old of the year.

I still like Pioneerof the Nile the most, but his turf/synthetic type pedigree and an article by Mott about his preferred surface worries me a bit.

A horse may pop up in the Foutain of Youth tomorrow or, shall I say, today. I think that race is really intriguing. I have liked Capt. Candyman Can for awhile now, but I certainly don't like his front wraps or the fact that he doesn't move like a very sound horse. That horse has a lot of heart, but his pedigree doesn't exactly scream mile and a quarter either.

The Pamplemousse is working like an absolute monster. That horse looks like a million bucks, and I absolutely love his conformation. I didn't like him very much as two year old because he was a very, very awkward moving and awkward looking colt. He still moves awkward...lol, but he has come into himself nicely and that stride and motor of his certainly make up for that high knee action. I'm actually a big believer in Kafwains on the turf and synthetic. I have a Kafwain filly too, so I'm a little biased as well when it comes to The Pamplemousse;) I will sit out the Sham because I think the favorite wins in this case.

Anyway, it looks to be a good day of racing:).

WinterTriangle

Feb. 28, 2009, 04:57 AM

HI all, just my 2 cents. I agree about papplemouse. A shoe in for this one. :)

NOTSP will never make the Derby, IMHO. Look at Ward's record on stakes on the PPs. It is........0%. That's a *very* odd statistic to see on PPs for a horse headed to the KY Derby. :) It would be...........a historical anomaly.

So, even if NOTSP wins this one, and he could, he doesn't have a trainer to take him to the Derby. Ward is great with babies, in regular races, though, not knocking him.

Filly85'

Feb. 28, 2009, 05:27 PM

Dang, Quality Road just jumped onto the Derby scene in a big way...fast, fast, fast. I couldn't see the video stream too well on youbet.net (very blurry) and want to see it on a different quality of video before I make a decision, but this may just be that star three year old that I was talking about;)

He's a son of Elusive quality as well, and we all know what he can do! Finished the mile in 1:35.01:eek:. That is really fast for how slow GP has been playing lately.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 28, 2009, 05:40 PM

Final results for the Fountain of Youth - Grade 2

W: Quality Road
P: Theregoesjojo
S: Beethoven

With "just" a $200k total purse the winner is still possibly on the bubble with enough graded money .... the speed of Notonthesamepage wasn't there and This Ones For Phil couldn't hold on. Beethoven came from last most of the race to close.

Linny

Feb. 28, 2009, 06:52 PM

I'd presume that the Florida Derby is next. The puse there is at least $500k so a first or second there puts him in.

Remember, alot of the horses on the list probably will drop off for different reasons. I think it's fair to say that Phil and NOTSP showed themselves to be sprinters today. Very nice colts, but sprinters...

Filly85'

Feb. 28, 2009, 07:48 PM

Whooo...whoo....Cali's got some runners this year! That horse is a freak on the synthetic. The Pamplemousse in a runaway! (Yes, I am excited about this horse).

justalittlex

Feb. 28, 2009, 08:00 PM

HOORAY FOR THE PAMPLEMOUSSE! I LOVE THIS HORSE!

Drvmb1ggl3

Feb. 28, 2009, 08:12 PM

Damn but that was impressive, The Pamplemouse is a whole lot of horse. What a lovely way of going he has too, I could watch him gallop all day, and a handsome devil to boot.
His pedigree up close would make you question his ability to go middle distance, but on today's performance he looked like he has another furlong in him at least.

Root Beer

Feb. 28, 2009, 08:15 PM

I lurve the Pamplemousse too. He made it look so easy. He's built like a tank, runs like a locomotive.

I still love me some Friesan Fire, can't wait to see his next race. And don't get me started on next week's Oaks at Santa Anita. Stardom Bound has captured my heart as well. No way of knowing if they'll run her against the boys at this time, but her last-to-first races give me the chills.

justalittlex

Feb. 28, 2009, 09:10 PM

The Pamplemousse is an exquisite color, almost lavender, not that it has anything to do with how he runs. But a treat to see him.

pAin't_Misbehavin'

Feb. 28, 2009, 09:45 PM

Barnfairy

Feb. 28, 2009, 09:49 PM

Yay - I've been checking back here to see who won the Sham Stakes and hoping for the Pamplemousse. A cute horse named for a breakfast fruit - how can one not love it?

Is the race on the net yet? If so can anyone post a link?This Blood Horse article has a link to the Sham Stakes replay (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/49419/the-pamplemousse-gets-loose-in-sham-win).

Filly85'

Feb. 28, 2009, 09:52 PM

Julio Canani said my favorite line of the whole year so far.

A reporter went up to Julio in the winner's circle and asked him if he thought The Pamplemousse could rate. Julio paused for a moment, and then said enthusiastically, "Who cares?" Haha.

Glimmerglass

Feb. 28, 2009, 11:01 PM

Julio paused for a moment, and then said enthusiastically, "Who cares?" Haha.

Wait, Julio didn't swear in his response? :D

That win by The Pamplemouse in the Sham Stakes was effortless and he routed that field as expected and frankly required. Had he lost his chances of moving forward would've been seriously questioned. Is he better on synthetic then Pioneerof The Nile? We will see in the very near future. Going from synthetic to dirt typically isn't that difficult but nothing is a guarantee.

I dropped my friend who is good friends with the chef behind the eatery for whom the horse is named and wished them well. I suspect tonight they are having a blast!

pAin't_Misbehavin'

Mar. 1, 2009, 07:46 AM

I dropped my friend who is good friends with the chef behind the eatery for whom the horse is named and wished them well. I suspect tonight they are having a blast!

Thank you, Glimmerglass. I've been wondering how the horse got a name like grapefruit. Picturing all sorts of unlikely scenarios.:)

And thanks, Barnfairy for the link - off to watch it now.

justalittlex

Mar. 1, 2009, 11:40 AM

Delightful Pamplemousse story (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dwyre1-2009mar01,0,7034081.column) in today's L.A. Times.

Glimmerglass

Mar. 1, 2009, 04:26 PM

Actually not much of a shock ...

Midshipman to miss Kentucky Derby (http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=racing/09/03/01/RACING_Midshipman.html) - SportingLife (UK) March 1, 2009

... Saeed bin Suroor in Dubai and Godolphin have confirmed he suffered a minor soft tissue injury to his left fore leg during routine exercise at their Al Quoz Stables.

Racing manager Simon Crisford told www.godolphin.com: "Unfortunately Midshipman has knocked himself and inevitably this injury will rule him out of the Triple Crown races.

"It is a huge shame as he had been pleasing us enormously and was ready to make his reappearance next Thursday.

"He is scheduled to return to America in early April and hopefully he will be back on the track later in the season."

Glimmerglass

Mar. 1, 2009, 04:34 PM

Quality Road (as is in vogue these days with ranksing) surges into the Top 10 on many lists as the typical "flavor of the week" comes into play.

Then again let it be noted he is not nominated to the Triple Crown ;) Although a relatively small check can and will be made out to rectify that.

Louisville Courier-Journal Top 10 for March 1, 2009 (http://www.courier-journal.com/article/99999999/SPORTS08/399990064)

Horse: Owner, Trainer, Last Week's Rank
1. Old Fashioned: Fox Hill Farms, Inc., Larry Jones, 1
2. Pioneerof the Nile: Zayat Stables, Bob Baffert, 2
3. Friesan: Fire Vinery Stables Larry Jones, 3
4. Dunkirk: Magnier, Tabor and Smith, Todd Pletcher, 6
5. Quality Road: Edward Evans, Jimmy Jerkens --
6. Hello Broadway: Elizabeth Valando, Barclay Tagg, 5
7. Patena: IEAH Stables, Richard Dutrow, 7
8. Midshipman: Godolphin Racing LLC, Saeed bin Suroor, 9
9. Stardom Bound: IEAH Stables, Bobby Frankel, 8
10. Flying Pegasus: James Spence, Ralph Nicks --

Others (in order of votes received): The Pamplemousse, Desert Party, Capt. Candyman Can, Beethoven, Theregoesjojo, Giant Oak, Papa Clem, Warrior’s Reward, West Side Bernie, Imperial Council, I Want Revenge, Chocolate Candy, General Quarters, Danger To Society, Silver City, Take The Points, Vineyard Haven, Haynesfield, Mr. Fantasy, Soul Warrior, Mr. Hott Stuff, Captain Cherokee, Brave Victory, Uno Mas.

(Obviously the poll, done for the Sunday print edition of the Louisville Courier-Journal, was done before the news of Midshipman's injury and being off the Debry trail)

Glimmerglass

Mar. 1, 2009, 04:47 PM

A youtube.com posted version of the 2009 Sham Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Feb 28, 2009 (4 min 15 sec) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RjzNixub5g)

Final field order

1 - The Pamplemousse
2 - Take the Points
3- Mr. Hot Stuff

Also ran (in order of finish): Bourbon Bay, Unbridled Roman, Smart Bid, Mark S the Cooler, Hi Flyin Indy, Tiz True and Balfour Park

Disappointing is the low number of people in person to see a very good day of racing in the sun: final Santa Anita Park Attendance was 11,770

Filly85'

Mar. 1, 2009, 05:23 PM

Glimmerglass

Mar. 2, 2009, 10:52 AM

Off the Dery trail: Notonthesamepage due to bleeding (http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/news/article.cgi?id=14197) - when he recovers he'll be doing well under 1 1/4 mi races.

As noted by the Paulick Report, Churchill Downs reiterated the field for this years running of the Derby - the 135th edition - will be a maximum of 20 starters.

CDI press release here - March 2, 2009 - 'Safety Measures in Effect for Kentucky Derby 135' (http://www.paulickreport.com/wp-content/uploads/image/pdfs/CDI%20Announces%20Safety%20Measures%20in%20Effect% 20for%20Kentucky%20Derby%20135.pdf)

Last year's catastrophic breakdown of Eight Belles was the first of 1,710 horses to run in the Kentucky Derby.

Additionally Churchill appears to be now mandating across all their tracks - and this is unrelated to the Derby - that no horse can race on their courses who is based on calandar birth under 24-months. Previously the rule went by the "official racing age of 2". That is a very good start ...

The BloodHorse's Steve Haskin rates the Kentucky Derby preps (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/49432/ky-derby-trail-road-to-the-roses) at the bottom of the link and its interesting stuff; example

Lane’s End Stakes: Proves little -- Yes, Derby runner-up Hard Spun won it and Derby fifth Sedgefield was second in 2007, but last year’s winner, Adriano, looks to be more the type of winner this race will produce. The winner still needs to come back in a dirt race to shows if he’s a legitimate Derby horse.

Illinois Derby: Good – This race has a tendency to produce impressive winners and high Beyer numbers. But, with the exception of War Emblem when it was held at Sportsman’s Park, those big performances haven’t carried over into the Kentucky Derby. Ten Most Wanted, Pollard’s Vision, Greeley’s Galaxy, Sweetnorthernsaint, Cowtown Cat, and Recapturetheglory all were disappointments in the Derby after rousing victories at Hawthorne. But you have to think that could change with the right horse.

Blue Grass Stakes: Proves little -- This race is OK as a Derby prep for proven dirt horses like Street Sense who have already shown they can at least handle Polytrack. Street Sense used defeats at Keeneland to prep for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and Kentucky Derby. He was a shell of himself on Polytrack, but good enough to get something out of the race. But for Derby starters Pyro, Cool Coal Man, Visionaire, and Big Truck last year, this race proved a disaster and did nothing to help get them to the Derby – none of them finished better than eighth. And the one-two finishers in last year’s Blue Grass both were up the track in the Derby. Unless you have a horse who has run well on Polytrack and dirt this race is a crap shoot as a Derby prep.

Glimmerglass

Mar. 2, 2009, 05:10 PM

Delightful Pamplemousse story (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dwyre1-2009mar01,0,7034081.column) in today's L.A. Times.

It's a shame Julio Canani *perhaps/may have* took the celebrations (http://www.drf.com/news/article/101987.html) a day later a bit too far ....

Sierra Madre police pulled over Canani for an unspecified driving infraction. They asked Canani if he had been drinking; he subsequently failed a field sobriety test and was arrested.

Canani admitted he consumed alcohol during the races Sunday at Santa Anita, but disputes that his driving ability was impaired.

Glimmerglass

Mar. 2, 2009, 06:49 PM

Another West Coast horse who did poorly on the synthetic surface is being shipped to NY for the Gotham in hopes to turn it around: Axel Foley who just was tranferred (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=3940955) from trainer Doug O'Neill to Kiaran McLaughlin is going to try the dirt.

At 3, Axel Foley has run twice in Northern California, finishing second to Chocolate Candy in the California Derby and fourth to that same horse in the El Camino Real Derby. Axel Foley raced in blinkers in the El Camino Real but will likely have them removed for the Gotham, McLaughlin said.

McLaughlin was sent the horse by Singer, who has taken over ownership of the colt.

A field of eight is shaping up for the Gotham. In addition to Axel Foley and Mr. Fantasy, likely starters include Haynesfield, I Want Revenge, Imperial Council, Masala, Naos, and Russell Road.

At 1 1/16 miles the Gotham (Grade 3) will be the first graded test of Mr Fantasy who has won at that distance before. On Feb 1st he won an allowance at 1 1/16-mile on that same track breaking from post-position 10 and winning by 8 1/2 lengths and earning a 97 Beyer. That's a lot of talent!

Glimmerglass

Mar. 2, 2009, 07:29 PM

The Pamplemousse for his win in the Sham Stakes earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 103. While Quality Road earned in the Fountain of Youth Stakes a Beyer Speed Figure of 113

Next steps for this past weekend's runners: per the Daily Racing Form Mar 2, 2009 (http://www.drf.com/news/article/101998.html)

Canani said The Pamplemousse would make his next start in the Grade 1, $750,000 Santa Anita Derby on April 4.

Take the Points, who finished second, and Mr. Hot Stuff, who was third, both have the Santa Anita Derby as their next likely spot, though Take the Points could ship elsewhere.

Trainer, Jimmy Jerkens, on Monday said Quality Road would either come back in the Grade 1 Florida Derby at Gulfstream on March 28 or await the Grade 1 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 4.

Theregoesjojo, second in the Fountain of Youth, will come back in either the Florida Derby or await the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 11, trainer Ken McPeek said.

Beethoven, third in the Fountain of Youth, will run next in the Florida Derby, trainer John T. Ward Jr. said.

Joining Notonthesamepage off the Debry trail could be ...

Capt. Candyman Can (fourth) and This Ones For Phil (fifth) both disappointed in the race and may not continue down the Derby trail, said their respective trainers, Ian Wilkes and Richard Dutrow Jr.

Linny

Mar. 2, 2009, 07:59 PM

Imperial Council will be ridden in the Gotham by Rajiv Maragh as Edgar Prado will be in Cali to ride Monba in the Big Cap.

Giant Oak had a mild mouth injury last week. He was listless and not eating and they found a fever. After he started to drool they looked in his mouth and found some sort of sliver and once it was removed he improved quickly. He'll have strong gallops up to Saturday when he'll train for the following Saturday's Louisiana Derby. Prado (who didn't drape himself in glory on this colt last time) won't be named to ride. A new rider has not been named.

Glimmerglass

Mar. 3, 2009, 04:30 PM

Giant Oak had a mild mouth injury last week. He was listless and not eating and they found a fever. After he started to drool they looked in his mouth and found some sort of sliver and once it was removed he improved quickly.

Wow - spooky stuff Linny!

Friesan Fire continues to look great (http://www.nola.com/horseracing/index.ssf/2009/03/friesan_fire_gears_up_for_loui.html) and remains somewhat overlooked in the frenzy for getting to the Kentucky Derby.

Preparing for the Louisiana Derby, Friesan Fire, with jockey Gabriel Saez aboard, worked [Monday Mar 2nd] five furlongs in 1:01 2-5. The time was what Jones wanted, though to him, Friesan Fire appeared to be running slower than that.

"It surprised me Friesan Fire worked that fast,'' Jones said. He said that before he heard the time, he was ready to get mad at either Saez or the colt. After hearing the time, Jones was happy with both of them.

Others being pointed to the Louisiana Derby:

Risen Star runner-up Flying Pegasus; Lecomte runner-up Patena; Giant Oak, who had a troubled trip and finished fifth as the favorite in the Risen Star; Uno Mas, the third-place finisher in the Risen Star; Nowhere to Hide, who was fourth in that race; graded-stakes winner Terrain, who'll be racing for the first time as a 3-year-old; Papa Clem, runner-up in the Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita; Free Country, coming off a fourth-place finish in the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs; and Soul Warrior, who finished sixth in the Risen Star.

Silver City is a possibility for either the Louisiana Derby or the Rebel at Oaklawn Park.

Here is one of the key lists to watch - Graded Earnings as of Mar 2, 2009 (http://www.thedowneyprofile.com/Derby_Contender_Graded_Earnings)

The dollar amounts are much higher then they have been in recent recent years - so for example having $130k in graded money in mid April was pretty much a solid chance to get in. As of right now - before the Gotham, Fl Derby, Santa Anita, Akansas Derby, Illinois, Louisiana, etc which all have big purses - $120k gets you at 21st and looking in!

Again - one horse to win the Kempton kentucky race will get an auto bid so everyone else on that list is fighting for 19 slots ;)

Linny

Mar. 3, 2009, 09:34 PM

Several of the higher earners (like Midshipman) are out or have not yet raced and are questionable to get there. Square Eddie is not officially of the trail but is sidelined right now. Big Drama had a setback and missed about a month, and he may be better going short anyhow. Vineyard haven was dreadful in his 3yo debut and I am not convinced a horse can come from Dubai and contend in the Derby. Terrain has yet to race at 3. Capt. Candyman Can is doubtful to continue as the distances stretch out. That opens things up at the top, OTOH, there may be some fillies looking for spots as well.