2007 Triple Crown class post-Breeders' Cup [Archive] - Page 2

Glimmerglass

Mar. 26, 2007, 11:53 PM

Ok, so does this mean if Great Hunter was to somehow win the Kentucky Derby that up on the Churchill podium we'd see a Vice President of Fifth Third Bank? :D

It would be like a really bad WaMu ad as Leo Burnett (http://www.leoburnett.com/breaking/wamu/) has popularized with "the Bankers Pen" theme.

Talk about odd .. who still is able to put up a race horse for collateral or rather what bank still takes one for collateral after the Calumet debacle? Isn't that how those idiots at First City National Bank Houston got in trouble and took down Calumet in the end?

BloodHorse 3/26/07 "Reddam Seeks Court Protection for Great Hunter" (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38168)

excerpt

Fifth Third Bank apparently claims Great Hunter was included in collateral used by the colt’s former owner, Ilona Whetstone, on since-defaulted loans extended by the financial institution to her and her husband, L. Eric Whetstone. When contacted, Fifth Third Bank director of corporate communications Debra DeCourcy reiterated the company’s policy of not discussing matters involving its customers.

Equine interests are commonly used as loan collateral in Kentucky, said Sharlene Graham Lassiter, a law professor at Northern Kentucky University’s Chase School of Law.

Fifth Third Bank has filed a lawsuit in a Kentucky circuit court that claims the Whetstones defaulted on more than $3 million in loans and a credit card account. Copies of the security agreement included in the case file neither mention specific horses used as collateral by the Whetstones, nor contain language that would preclude them from buying and selling horses.

The agreement does prohibit the entry of a horse into a claming race “which is less than the value of the racing stock,” and the bank sought a temporary restraining order to stop a Whetstone horse named Hayburner from running for a tag at Oaklawn Park Feb. 10.

Glimmerglass

Mar. 27, 2007, 09:29 AM

I missed the news of Lawrence The Roman retiring last week until equidaily.com pointed it out in connection to his proposed unqiue breeding scheme.

Its a shame as while his last start was a dud and his owner nixed the IEAH purchase I didn't think he was "done" with his career. In fact I was hoping he'd return in one more prep race before the Derby to see if it was a fluke. It wasn't meant to be. Source: DRF 3/22/07 (http://www.drf.com/news/article/83429.html)

Roman said that he will pay people to breed to Lawrence the Roman, provided he approves of the mare.

"If it's a mare approved by me, I'd be willing to pay $2,500 to $10,000," said Roman, who added that he would breed a couple of his own mares to Lawrence the Roman. "If I think a mare has the right bloodlines, then it's worth it to me. Someone can make money and keep the horse. I don't think it's ever been done before."

Texarkana

Mar. 27, 2007, 09:50 AM

Nobiz Like Shobiz (remember him?) has been working out with a very astute partner - Funny Cide. Today they together put in an excellent if not bullet-like workout! [

He has to be one of the only, if not the only horse ever on the Derby trail that gets to train with a veteran winner! Hopefully Funny Cide is giving him good advice when they train... hehe.

Glimmerglass

Mar. 27, 2007, 06:41 PM

Does anyone know if FinalTurn.com has any pictures of Funny and Nobiz training together? Their site has been a total pain to search in my last attempts.

Well connections with Birdbirdistheword are flip flopping yet again. First they were all good for the Toyota Blue Grass as his last start before the Kentucky Derby. Then the disappointing effort Louisiana Derby had the connections say it was going to be the Florida Derby. Then they took pause and said, no he likes polytrack and loves Keeneland so we'll stick with the Blue Grass. Well the flamingos are a calling his name once again ...

BloodHorse 3-27-07 "McPeek to Send 'Birdbird' to Florida Derby" (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38187)

IMHO it will be a speed field so its good for Bird to go there and test his mettle again. The likely field of 11 ...

Scat Daddy, Stormello, Adore the Gold, Notional, Hal's My Hope, Boogie Boggs, Birdbirdistheword, Imawildandcrazyguy, Bold Start and Johannesburg Star.

As a reminder NBCSports.com will transmit the race on-line and not broadcast it via the tube ;)

Glimmerglass

Mar. 28, 2007, 07:35 PM

Here is a surprise: Chelokee is entered into the FL Derby

Matz said Chelokee would probably have to finish first or second on Saturday for him to even start thinking about winning the Kentucky Derby a second straight time.

"I would love to go back to the Derby and I'm really looking forward to this race, but if he doesn't make it to the Kentucky Derby there are plenty of other derbies around where we can go with him and do well," said Matz. "There's not a whole lot of pressure on us this time, although to tell the truth, even though we had the favorite last year, Barbaro was just so good he never made you feel any pressure when he ran."
Source: DRF 3/28/07 (http://drf.com/news/article/83583.html)

The Florida Derby (G1)
$1,000,000 Gulfstream Park, March 31
1 1/8 miles, approx. post 5:30 EDT

PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey, Odds
1. Notional, 122, Robbie Albarado, 4-1
2. Imawildandcrazyguy, 122, Rafael Bejarano, 15-1
3. Scat Daddy, 122, Edgar Prado, 5-2
4. Adore the Gold, 122, Cornelio Velasquez, 6-1
5. Stormello, 122, Victor Espinoza, 3-1
6. Chelokee, 122, Ramon Dominguez, 8-1
7. Boogie Boggs, 122, Joe Bravo, 8-1
8. Johannesburg Star, 122, Rajiv Maragh, 30-1
9. Birdbirdistheword, 122, Manoel Cruz, 12-1

Glimmerglass

Mar. 30, 2007, 11:33 AM

The dispute with Great Hunter and ownership is for the time being on hold - which is in the best interests of all parties. The fear had been that Fifth Third Bank would take the horse and put him up for sale which could disrupt his training and any chance for the Kentucky Derby.

It still doesn't mean "the bankers" won't potentially be accepting the trophy if he does win ;)

Bloodhorse 3/30/07 "Proposal Paves Way for Great Hunter's Blue Grass Start" (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38223)

Attorney Dan Baren said Reddam and Fifth Third Bank agreed March 29 on court-order language that would keep the Kentucky financial institution from any immediate action to take physical possession of Great Hunter. Baren also said the bank agreed to inform any buyers interested in acquiring its alleged claim that pending litigation was involved in the ownership of the horse.

Glimmerglass

Mar. 30, 2007, 03:54 PM

Interestingly - and I'm sure happy news to the legions of MM fans - prognosticators, "The Downey Profile" (http://thedowneyprofile.com/Road#FloridaDerby) have given the nod to Chelokee for an upset win in tomorrow's Florida Derby.

A good horse but clearly for this to happen it would require a major step up in class. No knocking him but to go from ungraded company to a G1 against seasoned graded stakes runners like Scat Daddy, Stormello, Adore The Gold and even to a lesser extent Birdbirdistheword will take a lot. More importantly the concern could be will it take a lot out of him ...

Not sure if he's going to be this year's Showing Up or not but we'll know in 24-hours if he's a contender or pretender for the Kentucky Derby.

Glimmerglass

Mar. 31, 2007, 10:15 AM

NBC Sports coverage of the Florida Derby - should be available off this link:

Horseracing - NBC Sports - 3/30/2007 at 5:10 pm Eastern (http://www.nbcsports.com/horseracing/index.html#)

Updated Link

Glimmerglass

Mar. 31, 2007, 04:49 PM

If you are looking at the NBCsports.com web site - they appear to be replaying the 2006 Florida Derby with Barbaro just slightly edging out Sharp Humor for the win on that fast track.

You can also watch the Florida Derby (Grade 1) via youbet.net

(I'll put my bets on Stormello to take the win with Adore the Gold in an exacta.)

Glimmerglass

Mar. 31, 2007, 05:37 PM

Florida Derby - a nifty effort by Chelokee to stay in there for a peice of the action and maybe enough graded earnings for the Kentucky Derby:

Final results - Florida Derby Grade 1
1 - Scat Daddy
2 - Notional
3 - Chelokee
4 - Stormello

FatDinah

Mar. 31, 2007, 05:47 PM

VirginiaBred

Apr. 2, 2007, 07:33 AM

From the Barbaro thread~

Chelokee on Kentucky Derby bubble after third-place finish

After a third-place finish in the Florida Derby on Saturday, the chances of Chelokee, right, making the Kentucky Derby field are in doubt.

By Tom Pedulla, USA TODAY
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. — If Thoroughbred trainer Michael Matz chose to curse his racing luck, no one would blame him. He had the misfortune to watch Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro take a horrible misstep in the early strides of last year's Preakness Stakes and suffer a catastrophic injury to his right hind leg.
Matz has the good fortune this year to work with another promising 3-year-old in Chelokee. But he had the bad luck Saturday of watching as jockey Ramon Dominguez was forced to check the son of Cherokee Run inside just as he was primed to run down eventual winner Scat Daddy in the $1 million Florida Derby.
"Things happen for a reason," the trainer said wistfully after Dominguez told Matz the best horse did not win.
He will never forget Barbaro or the fact the colt was taken away so swiftly. And he might long lament the Florida Derby outcome, for Chelokee's third-place finish accounts for all $100,000 of his graded stakes earnings. If history is an indication, that will leave him approximately $50,000 shy of qualifying for the Kentucky Derby's 20-horse field.
"I don't think third will be good enough to qualify on the graded earnings," Matz said, adding, "We know we're right on the bubble."
Another trainer would be sorely tempted to squeeze in one more start in a graded-stakes race in order to reach Churchill Downs on May 5. Not Matz.
"If we would put another start in him," he said, "what would we have left for the Derby?"
In testing stakes company for the first time after an allowance victory, Chelokee showed he has too much ability to do anything that might set him back.
"That was a big jump up, and we know he can fit with those horses," Matz said. "I'm pleased with him.
"It's a long year. He's getting better with each start

Mali

Apr. 2, 2007, 08:57 PM

I thought Scat Daddy was very impressive as was Notional.
But I think Cheoklee (sic) was strong in his first outing against the big guys, considering he had to stop coming up the rail when that hole closed and swing out and regroup.
Anybody else impress?

I too, thought Chelokee ran a very good race - just a bad trip. I was most impressed with how he handled the rail incident, and kept his head. He very easily could have just stopped running at that point, but instead made a very nice closing run. Whether or not he runs in the derby, I'll be watching to see how he further develops.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 3, 2007, 10:41 AM

I missed the news of Lawrence The Roman retiring last week until equidaily.com pointed it out in connection to his proposed unqiue breeding scheme.

Its a shame as while his last start was a dud and his owner nixed the IEAH purchase I didn't think he was "done" with his career. In fact I was hoping he'd return in one more prep race before the Derby to see if it was a fluke. It wasn't meant to be. Source: DRF 3/22/07 (http://www.drf.com/news/article/83429.html)

The above was posted 3/27/07, looks like the BloodHorse is getting a bit behind the times with news :)

BloodHorse April 2, 2007 "Stakes Winner Lawrence the Roman Retired" (http://breeding.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38272)

Breeding plans are undecided.

Interesting as the DRF cited that breeding plans were very likely going to be a set-up of paying the owners of the mares to breed with him ...

Glimmerglass

Apr. 3, 2007, 10:56 AM

The Daily Racing Form for Tue 4/3 (http://drf.com/news/article/83697.html) is reporting the obvious that with Chelokee on the bubble - and still plenty of big purse races to be had by others - that it is exceptionally unlikely he'll make it to Churchill Downs .

"I don't think that will be enough to get him in the Derby, but you'll hear from him again," Matz said after the race. "Right now we're probably on the bubble, but making another start before the Derby to get additional earnings is out of the question. If we don't get into the Derby then maybe we'll try the Preakness."

Chelokee will ship to Keeneland this week.

If folks will recall in recent years, Rock Hard Ten, for example was also denied entry by just falling short despite looking impressive in his Derby prep races.

Off the Derby trail: Imawildandcrazyguy owning to his poor performance in the FL Derby.

Frankly Birdbirdistheword would be off the trail too with his poor showings as of late but with enough money in the bank his connections will go to Churchill regardless. A bit of a waste [of an entry slot] in my view as he's just not as competitive as he should be. It does him no favors to send him up against the best of his class - but I suppose they want that on his record "Kentucky Derby runner".

Current graded stakes earnings leaders as of 4/3/07:

Horse TRAINER Earnings

1 Street Sense Carl Nafzger $1,332,000
2 Scat Daddy Todd Pletcher 1,308,500
3 Circular Quay Todd Pletcher 1,116,134
4 Great Hunter Doug O'Neill 730,000
5 Stormello William Currin 642,900
6 Birdbirdistheword Ken McPeek 637,000
7 Notional Doug O'Neill 472,000
8 Hard Spun Larry Jones 360,000
9 Nobiz Like Shobiz Barclay Tagg 328,500
10 King of the Roxy Todd Pletcher 280,000
11 Xchanger Mark Shuman 202,890
12 Curlin Steve Asmussen 180,000
13 Officer Rocket (GB) Robert Holthus 153,260
14 Cobalt Blue Doug O'Neill 150,000
15 Cowtown Cat Todd Pletcher 137,253
16 Zanjero Steve Asmussen 130,000
17 Ketchikan Albert Stall 120,000 << (Louisiana Derby winner)
18 Sedgefield Darrin Miller 120,000
19 Liquidity Doug O'Neill 116,200
20 Bwana Bull Jerry Hollendorfer 110,000
..........
21 Any Given Saturday Todd Pletcher 102,969
22 Chelokee Michael Matz 100,000
23 Teuflesberg Jamie Sanders 85,442

With #23 Teuflesberg going into April 14th's Arkansas Derby (G2), worth $1,000,000 total, and being a solid player in the money I expect him to vault into the top 15 and make the Derby.

lizathenag

Apr. 3, 2007, 11:15 AM

perhaps the rules should be changed to graded earnings as a three year old. That would allow horses to develop towards the KD rather than chasing $$ as a two year old.

just a thought.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 3, 2007, 11:44 AM

Perhaps the rules should be changed to graded earnings as a three year old. That would allow horses to develop towards the KD rather than chasing $$ as a two year old.

Frankly I think that has a lot of merit for an idea. Or at least some sort of graduated scale that only takes a % of the graded earnings achieved in the 2-yr old record. e.g., June - August start = 40%; Sep - Oct = 60%; Nov - Dec = 80%; then 100% Jan 1st onwards.

Again just an idea, too.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 4, 2007, 09:28 AM

This weekend's Wood Memorial (G1) $750k will no longer feature Nobiz Like Showbiz up against Circular Quay as the latter is now done with preps and will go straight to the Derby.

In Quay's replacement will be Pletcher's other candidate, Any Given Saturday, a bubble boy with earnings just shy of getting to the big dance. John Velazquez will be up on AGS.

What is going to be exciting (for a change) is the anticpated entries for the (G2) Illinois Derby $500k this weekend. The Hawthorne-based track has seen its share of graduates go to the Kentucky Derby - most notably of late - War Emblem. However the fields tend to be thin with horses never even discussed to be Churchill bown in May. This year will be a noted exception if the entries come through - they don't take finals until Thursday.

It is not expected be much warmer here in Chicago on Saturday so those shipping better bundle up :)

Among the anticipated entries: Cowtown Cat, Merv Griffin's Cobalt Blue, from England there is Love Dubai [per the DRF on Tuesday (http://www.drf.com/news/article/83724.html): "he has won three straight on Polytrack, but never has raced outside England"], Catman Running (who has raced successfully at Hawthorne before), then others: Bold Start, Freesgood, Quite Acceptable, Slews's Tizzy, and just possibly Summer Doldrums, and UD Ghetto.

It is more likely however that UD Ghetto (winner Kentucky Cup Juvenile S. -Grade 3) will instead try his hand at the turf. He's entered onto the card for one of Keeneland's open day races: Friday's $150,000 Transylvania S. (tG3) at 1-mile. If he does run at Keeeneland he'll be with blinkers on which should help as has speed but is distracted.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 4, 2007, 10:31 AM

It should've been pointed out when I posted it that Illinois Derby likely starters - Catman Running and UK-based Love Dubai were late nominees to the Kentucky Derby, which required a $6,000 check.

Also Northern-Cal runner, Bwana Bull and Maryland runner Etude were nominated. The latter just won a stakes race at Laurel on the 24th of March and has beaten his rivals by a combined 17 1/4 lengths.

(As an aside Etude is from the French word for study and is most often used in the context of a musican composition for one instrument, designed to develop specific skills on it.)

In all 10 more horse were nominated to the 2007 Triple Crown for the 3/31/07 cutoff (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38277)

Horses still can get into the Derby after 3/31 if not previously nominated but the cost soars up making it a gamble rarely worth taking ....

Glimmerglass

Apr. 5, 2007, 01:35 PM

... Maryland runner Etude were nominated. The latter just won a stakes race at Laurel on the 24th of March and has beaten his rivals by a combined 17 1/4 lengths.

(As an aside Etude is from the French word for study and is most often used in the context of a musican composition for one instrument, designed to develop specific skills on it.)

To be clear Etude is nominated not with the goal of the Kentucky Derby but rather to apply his Maryland roots so to speak with a run in the Preakness Stakes.

His connections are hoping to run him in the Tessio Stakes first. Per his trainer, Dickie Small, "If he does well in the Tesio [Stakes on April 21], he could go to the Preakness, but it also depends on what happens in Kentucky. Sometimes, a lot of those horses don't come to run in the Preakness."

Glimmerglass

Apr. 5, 2007, 04:23 PM

Two of this weekend's big games:

$750,000 G1 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown07/news/story?id=2826903) on Sat Apr 7th

Cowtown Cat is cross entered with the Illinois Derby, too; expected to drop from the Wood and be in Chicago instead

PP Horse (Jockey, Odds)
1 Nobiz Like Shobiz (Velasquez, 7-5) <- to wear blinkers, first time
2 Sightseeing (Javier Castellano, 6-1)
3 Flashstorm (John Jacinto, 15-1)
4 Cowtown Cat (Fernando Jara, 8-5)
5 Summer Doldrums (Mike Luzzi, 5-1)
6 Any Given Saturday (John Velazquez, 8-5)
7 Reptilian Smarts (David Flores, 15-1)

$500,000 G2 Illinois Derby at Hawthorne (http://www.hawthorneracecourse.com/hawthorne_news/index.php?article=illinoisderbyattractssolidfieldo fninefor50thrunningatha) on Sat Apr 7th

PP Horse (Jockey, Odds)
1 Sacrifice Bunt (Jesse Campbell, 12-1)
2 Bold Start (Larry Melancon, 9-2)
3 Reporting for Duty (Christopher Emigh, 15-1)
4 Cowtown Cat (Fernando Jara, 5-2)
5 Cobalt Blue (Victor Espinoza, 9-5)
6 Quite Acceptable (Ramsey Zimmerman, 20-1)
7 Catman Running (Willie Martinez, 8-1)
8 Family Talk (Terry Thompson, 20-1)
9 Love Dubai (Miguel Mena, 15-1)

Let's just hope the coyote which walked into Quiznos near my office in the Loop (http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3006417) doesn't make a visit to the Cicero-IL based track as well :)

Glimmerglass

Apr. 5, 2007, 05:26 PM

The other big race, although the field is tad weaker then in prior years ..

$750,000 G1 Santa Anita Derby (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070405/SPORTS08/704050557/1002/SPORTS) on Sat Apri 7

[all thre races will be on NBC Sports, but only this one live]

PP, Horse, (Jockey, odds)
1. Court the King, (Valdivia, 20-1 )
2. Sam P., (Dominguez, 4-1)
3. Bwana Bull. (R. Baze, 8-1)
4. Boutrous, (Desormeaux, 12-1)
5. Liquidity, (Nakatani, 5-2)
6. Black Seventeen, (Potts, 15-1)
7. Level Red, (Gryder, 5-1)
8. King of the Roxy, (Migliore, 3-1)
9. Tiago, (Smith, 20-1)
10. Medici Code, (Chavez, 30-1)

FatDinah

Apr. 7, 2007, 03:44 PM

Is anything going to televised or on streaming video?

Glimmerglass

Apr. 7, 2007, 03:53 PM

Is anything going to televised or on streaming video?

Yes.

ESPN is carrying the (G1) Wood Memorial from the Big A at 4 pm Eastern

NBC Sports is carrying the Santa Anita Derby (G1) at 5 pm Eastern

Drvmb1ggl3

Apr. 7, 2007, 03:54 PM

Is anything going to televised or on streaming video?

As always, for US racing on the net, try www.Youbet.net (http://www.Youbet.net)

Today Aqueduct, Santa Anita and Hawthorne are among their streams, so you're covered.

caffeinated

Apr. 7, 2007, 04:51 PM

phew... what a race!

Wood Memorial:

1. Nobiz Like Shobiz
2. Sightseeing
3. Any Given Saturday

Who is this horse Sightseeing? HUGE stride on that sucker, wow.

Drvmb1ggl3

Apr. 7, 2007, 04:53 PM

Nobiz wins, and he still is screwing around in the stretch.

Damn, if Tagg can get inside this horse's head and really make him get down to business, then he's sitting on an amazing horse. I don't think we've seen him perform beyond 70% of his ability yet.

FatDinah

Apr. 7, 2007, 04:57 PM

What is Sightseeing's breeding?

caffeinated

Apr. 7, 2007, 05:17 PM

By Pulpit, out of a Pleasant Colony mare named "Resort"

http://www.pedigreequery.com/sightseeing3

Drvmb1ggl3

Apr. 7, 2007, 05:51 PM

Tiago!!!!.... Giacomo MarkII

Eerily similiar running styles.

FatDinah

Apr. 7, 2007, 06:19 PM

Wow, Santa Anita was a horse race!

I liked King of the Roxy too, that was a strong run. Liquidity really faded.

And Cowtown Cat was clearly a head above the rest in the Illinois Derby.

We are heading for a fun first Saturday in May.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 7, 2007, 07:39 PM

Mike Smith really wasn't blowing smoke in the pre-race interview when he said that Tiago felt like an impressive horse with plenty of go. Admittedly the whip was used a bit liberal on him, but boy that was one heck of close!

Plenty of earnings to vault him into the Kentucky Derby.

Although there have been many a recent big win in the Santa Anita Derby only to be no where in the winner's circle come the first Saturday in May. After winning he didn't look tired one bit in fact Tiago looked like he was ready to go again.

With Cobalt Blue will be still be pointed to Churchill? He never was a factor in this cold Chicago weather and earnings or not that isn't the performance any trainer wants as your last prep before the Derby. I'm sure Merv will still say go for it.

Nobiz Like Shobiz looks good to go and he will be a leading contender without the need to oversell his credentials :)

I highly recommend folks to see the SA Derby on the replay!

Go to www.calracing.com seek "replays" plug in Tiago and enjoy

FatDinah

Apr. 7, 2007, 07:52 PM

I see where Tiago is by the same mare as Giacomo, who is Tiago's sire? Not Holy Bull, right?

Glimmerglass

Apr. 7, 2007, 07:56 PM

Wood Memorial:
1. Nobiz Like Shobiz
2. Sightseeing
3. Any Given Saturday

What of the 2nd and 3rd place finishers?

It looks like Any Given Saturday is also headed to the Derby, although Todd Pletcher, who has several other candidates, admitted his horse must show dramatic improvement to have a chance.

“We got the four weeks off we wanted and the (graded stakes) earnings, but we will have to step it up a notch to get it done.”

Shug McGaughey, trainer of Sightseeing, will talk it over with owner Dinny Phipps, but said he would be inclined to pass the Derby and point for a summer campaign.

Source: BloodHorse 4/07/2007 "Nobiz Like Shobiz Delivers Wood Blockbuster " (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38339)

ejm

Apr. 7, 2007, 10:47 PM

I see where Tiago is by the same mare as Giacomo, who is Tiago's sire? Not Holy Bull, right?

Lots of Derby connections in Tiago's sire line: he is by Pleasant Tap, a multiple G1 winner at 1 1/4 miles and third in the Ky. Derby, and sired by Derby winner Pleasant Colony out of the dam of Derby winner Go For Gin.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 8, 2007, 10:37 AM

In keeping with the naming of Giacomo (Jerry Moss, co-founder of A&M Records, named Giacomo after a son of the musician Sting) - Tiago was named after a son of the musician Sergio Mendes. Both translate as James.

LA Times 4-8-07 "Tiago wins Santa Anita Derby; Longshot earns a trip to Kentucky Derby, won in 2005 by his half brother Giacomo" (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-derby8apr08,1,1702736.story?page=1&coll=la-headlines-sports)

When Tiago crossed the finish line in the $750,000 Grade I race, it marked the first time in the career of the 3-year-old that he actually crossed the wire first: His only other victory in four starts came via disqualification in a January race at Santa Anita. And he was seventh in his most recent race, March 7 at Santa Anita.

"This was a huge step for Tiago," Shirreffs said. "I just can't imagine how a horse can go from a maiden to a Grade I."

Jerry Moss praised Smith's ride, especially his urging down the stretch.

"I think we're going to immortalize Mike's left arm, because it sure has worked awful hard for us, and we're very appreciative," Moss said.

Beezer

Apr. 8, 2007, 03:04 PM

Tiago's race is indeed well worth seeing. He's nowhere and then ... there. If you can't get the Calracing site to work (it wasn't for me), the race is already up on Youtube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=0q_ZDf8LYU4

Glimmerglass

Apr. 8, 2007, 05:43 PM

Tiago's race is indeed well worth seeing. He's nowhere and then ... there. If you can't get the Calracing site to work (it wasn't for me), the race is already up on Youtube

Cool :)

Should he win the Derby he'd be the first horse since the god-like Exterminator of 1918 to win the Derby in just his 5th lifetime start.

Like Nobiz, Tiago benefited from a change up in equipment albeit the opposite - Shirreffs also changed the bit on Tiago's bridle and took off his blinkers.

Looks at the banked funds: prior to yesterday he had $34,320 in non-graded earnings; the first place paycheck for the SA Derby was $450,000. That will squish off at least one bubble candidate unless they are planing to run in the Arkansas/Oaklawn race next week, e.g. Teuflesberg

Barnfairy

Apr. 8, 2007, 10:13 PM

Perhaps some of stablemate Funny Cide's tendency to be rank is rubbing off on No Biz. Velasquez sure looked like he had his hands full, particularly through the start. I think he deserves credit for getting the job done.

CeeDreams

Apr. 8, 2007, 10:31 PM

I was at Santa Anita on Saturday. The races were exciting. In between the Santa Anita races the major stakes races across the country were played on the big screen. Many of our CA jockeys were dispersed across the country at these races.
Unfortunately, in the 9th race a horse named Hendrix fell with Nakatani aboard. The horse broke his lower leg and was euthanized on the turf.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 9, 2007, 09:35 AM

Right back to where he should be ... Nobiz Like Shobiz vaults into number 1 on several leading polls:

Although both the NY Times and NY Post vault somewhat shockingly Tiago in the top 10. I loved the effort too but were we just seeing the Sinister Minister [Derby bound with only "one big win"] of 2007?

NY Times/Joe Drape Top 10 for April 9, 2007 (http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/04/09/sports/racing-graf-01.jpg)

(As an aisde - A nice big photo of Nobiz in the NY Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/08/sports/othersports/08racing.html?_r=1&oref=slogin) - with the mane looking like a mohawk)

Ed Fountaine/NY Post Top 12 for April 9, 2007 (http://www.nypost.com/seven/04092007/photos/sports066.jpg)

Associated Press/Rich Rosenblat 4/9/07 - Nobiz #1 (http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070409/SPT/704090311/1062)

(Worth noting the AP lists Chelokee of which his chances for going went from slim to none over the weekend with the money race)

Regarding Nobiz and the immediate declaration of speed in the Wood Memorial - from the NY Post:

Given that Nobiz Like Shobiz was fresh coming off a five-week layoff, wearing blinkers for the first time and breaking from post 1 with two other speed horses pressing him, it's no surprise he didn't relax in the early going; that surely contributed to his relatively slow finish.

To his credit, he put away Summer Doldrums, runaway winner of the Count Fleet, on the far turn; looked Any Given Saturday, one of Todd Pletcher's top classic contenders, in the eye at the top of the stretch and turned back his bid; then held off Shug McGaughey's improving, royally bred son of Pulpit, Sightseeing, through the final furlong. In his previous starts, the Biz has shown a willingness to take back off the early fray.

Regarding King of the Roxy and his 2nd place finish in the Santa Anita Derby his connections are declining aspirations to go to Churchill May 5th and shooting for Pimlico instead:

Brisnet Apr 9, 2007 (http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/news/article.cgi?id=7500)

King of the Roxy is Preakness-bound. [The] multiple Grade 2 winnerwill bypass the May 5 Kentucky Derby (G1) in favor of the Preakness S. (G1) on May 19, announced Barry Irwin, president of owner Team Valor.

InVA

Apr. 9, 2007, 11:16 AM

Glimmerglass

Apr. 9, 2007, 11:42 PM

Graphic: Graded Earnings List as of April 9, 2007 (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/images/earningsApr9.gif)

Note per the BloodHorse: Only likely Derby starters are included in the accompanying list; fillies and injured or retired horses have been omitted.

Which begs the question - is Mount Nelson (GB) and Kirklees (IRE) still legit possible starters?

Who is Jack Junior - aside from having won a big pot of cash in the UAE Derby for 2nd place? He has $401,520 in graded earnings ;) Or High Heels [a filly who last won the $250,000 Fantasy Stakes grade 2] with $175,561?

I thought Tiz Wonderful was injured and off the list? So why is he listed on it?

The next two big make or break races will be the $750,000 Grade 1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes on April 14th at Keeneland and the $1 Million Grade 2 Arkansas Derby also the 14th. However both races are coming up exceedingly light with the fields with those already "in" tending to skip.

Source: DRF 4/9/07 "Derby preps undergo shakeup" (http://drf.com/news/article/83888.html)

For the Arkansas Derby, tentatively:

Curlin, the Rebel Stakes winner, is expected to head the Arkansas Derby field. Deadly Dealer, who was under consideration for that race and the Blue Grass, is headed to Arkansas, trainer Todd Pletcher said. Others scheduled for the Arkansas Derby are Delightful Kiss, Flying First Class, For You Reppo, Officer Rocket, Storm in May, and possibly Going Ballistic.

For the Blue Grass, tentatively, the field is tiny:

In addition to Street Sense and Dominican, the field is expected to include Great Hunter, Teuflesberg, and Zanjero.

Accordingly it will afford a much better shot at Teuflesberg to finish in the money and get the graded funds to go to Kentucky.

By most account runner up for the Louisiana Derby Ketchikan, was pointed to the Arkansas Derby but is likely off the Derby trail with an injury to his leg.

Drvmb1ggl3

Apr. 10, 2007, 12:14 AM

JER

Apr. 10, 2007, 12:47 AM

Although both the NY Times and NY Post vault somewhat shockingly Tiago in the top 10. I loved the effort too but were we just seeing the Sinister Minister [Derby bound with only "one big win"] of 2007?

Tiago comes from a good family of horses. His dam, Set Them Free, has produced many winners for the Mosses (including Giacomo). It's a running style with unpredictable results, although Mike Smith's excellent ride on Saturday certainly helped. I think it was pretty clear Smith had a lot of horse left in the stretch and 1 1/4 miles is going to be ok for him. Nobiz seems particularly vulnerable in the stretch, this could be very good news for Tiago.

Monarchos did a similar thing in his Wood Memorial but finished 2nd. At the time, his trainer didn't seem bothered by the 'loss', he seemed thrilled with how much horse he had for the last furlong. And regardless of what you think of Monarchos, he ran a great Derby.

Sinister Minister was a circus act. Tiago's SA Derby made him look like a race horse. I wish him and his connections well in Kentucky.

Beezer

Apr. 10, 2007, 01:08 AM

For the Blue Grass, tentatively, the field is tiny:

In addition to Street Sense and Dominican, the field is expected to include Great Hunter, Teuflesberg, and Zanjero.

Accordingly it will afford a much better shot at Teuflesberg to finish in the money and get the graded funds to go to Kentucky.

Oh, great. My two faves (Great Hunter and Street Sense) dancing together before the BIG dance. :sigh:

Glimmerglass

Apr. 10, 2007, 09:04 AM

Oh, great. My two faves (Great Hunter and Street Sense) dancing together before the BIG dance. :sigh:

It just makes for that much better of a race ;)

As an aside ...

Comments by Steve Haskin at the BloodHorse tend to put the somewhat sad picture into perspective with trainers today and the quest for the Derby.

Its not like it used to be and with it the end result we've seen in recent years: exceedingly thin careers with a few minor 'wow' moments. The industry built around it changes gears and we are left with having to overhyped their efforts as being "brilliant" and "dazzling" in order to prop the whole convoluted system up. BloodHorse/Haskin 4-10-07 (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38360)

The reason for all this could be that these horses simply are not that fast. But it also could be that we are witnessing the beginning of a Kentucky Derby renaissance. Trainers, fearing a May meltdown, are more concerned these days with their horses peaking too soon, and then falling apart either right before or after the Derby. The days of four- and five-race pre-Derby campaigns are gone. This year, it seems as if even the three-race campaigns are approaching the endangered species list.

With Street Sense and Great Hunter, the two favorites for Saturday’s Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I), having only two preps, with Circular Quay (also having two preps), Scat Daddy, Notional, Chelokee, and possibly Hard Spun all heading into the Derby off five-to-eight-week layoffs; and Tiago and Curlin going into the Derby with only four and three lifetime starts, respectively, it is safe to say times are changing dramatically, as are the methods we’ve been using to handicap the Derby.

Trainers simply do not want their horses wound too tightly before the Derby, and are nursing them along, hoping to catch lightning in a bottle on the first Saturday in May. Because of this conservative approach, which may or may not be by necessity, we rarely see big-name Derby horses around much after the Triple Crown, because the three races take more of a physical toll on a horse who is not toughened and prepared for such an arduous ordeal.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 10, 2007, 09:30 AM

Rather interestingly the connections for Hard Spun not only have withdrawn him from the Blue Grass Stakes but have made an odd if not rather curious requirement for him:

...[skipping the Blue Grass] .. doesn’t mean he’s out of the May 5 Kentucky Derby. That hinges on a workout at Churchill Downs that will be Thursday at the earliest. Trainer Larry Jones says he wants to make sure Hard Spun handles the Louisville surface. If the colt shows the same signs of struggling that he did at Oaklawn Park, Jones said there is no point attempting the Derby.

If Hard Spun does not take to the Churchill surface, Jones plans to use Keeneland’s Grade 2 Coolmore Lexington on April 21 as a launching pad for the Preakness Stakes.

Source: Courier-Journal April 9, 2007 "Hard Spun out of the Blue Grass" (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070409/SPORTS08/70409028/1037)

Proof once again owner Rick Porter is having a tough go this season with Round Pond not making it to the Oaks and possibly skipping the Derby with Hard Spun.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 10, 2007, 11:31 AM

This comment from Larry Jones [on Hard Spun] should be framed - it is priceless:

"Hopefully, in a perfect world, we’re going to have the [Kentucky] Derby as the race prepping him for the Preakness.”

:D

I think that statement alone will make Larry the poster boy for Magna Entertainment and the Maryland Jockey Club: the Kentucky Derby is just a preprace for The Preakness

Quote source from the BloodHorse 4-10-07 (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38365)

Still at best the Toyota Blue Grass field still looks to be: Street Sense, Great Hunter, Zanjero, Dominican, and Teuflesberg. With D. Wayne Lukas' trained Starbase a maybe.

vineyridge

Apr. 10, 2007, 12:14 PM

Without Hialeah the Derby run up has changed so much.

You used to be able to almost guarantee that the BG Stakes winner wouldn't do well in the Derby--same for Oaklawn. The Wood Memorial winner had a chance. Now--who knows what the right prep race is for the First Sunday in May.

I am so confused. I like Street Sense a lot, but would rather he were running anywhere but Keeneland.

DLee

Apr. 10, 2007, 01:45 PM

So what does Curlin have to do to get in the Derby, does he have to win this weekend?

Glimmerglass

Apr. 10, 2007, 03:18 PM

So what does Curlin have to do to get in the Derby, does he have to win this weekend?

It all comes down to money and security. You never want to be on the bubble. If he was (with graded money) between #11 and #15 I'd say he could rest easy. But ....

If I read the BloodHorse list of graded earnings (and I have my doubts its 100% accurate) he flops at #19 which is not the best place. Admittedly there are always a few drop outs and he could rise closer to #15 by May 1st.

A horse like Teuflesberg isn't in the top 22 but he looks good for a graded finish in the Blue Grass and that would/could vault him in.

So to your question I'd say he has to finish in the top four [in Saturday's $1M Arkansas Derby] to hold onto being in the Kentucky Derby field. That should be do-able. Of course beyond that I'd want to see him mature and come away with added experience to toughen him up a bit. These fields of handfuls of horses afford very little experience when it then comes to the Debry and 19 other horses.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 10, 2007, 07:06 PM

Is anyone else very impressed - as I am - with trainer Shug McGaughey and Sightseeing a Phipps-owned horse?

He put up one heck of a solid effort against Nobiz Like Shobiz in the Wood Memorial and has the money to go to the Kentucky Derby but has been ruled off. Why? Because Shug thinks he needs more time and they want him around for the rest of the year. How refreshing!

Source: DRF 4-9-07 "McGaughey resists Derby fever" (http://drf.com/news/article/83870.html)

"I just don't think he's ready for it,'' McGaughey said Monday morning, echoing comments he made both before and after the Wood. "He's going to be a big price, and if I was wrong [to run] I'm going to be really out of it. I'm going to piddle around and see what happens and have the Jim Dandy [at Saratoga] and that kind of a program in mind for him.''

What about the Preakness you say? Not likely either!

The news of Sightseeing not being in the hunt for the TC was music to Barclay Tagg who has shipped Nobiz up to Belmont Park and will have three workouts before May 5th:

Tagg said he was happy to hear that Sightseeing would skip the Derby "because that horse would be tough in the Derby,'' Tagg said.

For you equipment fans a bit more detail on the change up with Nobiz Like Show Biz:

In addition to wearing blinkers for the first time and having cotton in his ears, Nobiz Like Shobiz also was fitted with a new bit. Tagg said he used a bit that "has a straight bar with a bent prong that just puts a little pressure on him. He's got a very light mouth.''

Tagg had experimented with a Houghton bit and a button bit, the latter being the one Nobiz Like Shobiz wore in the Fountain of Youth, when he lugged in a couple of times.

Good news for Tagg in that he is getting another talented 3-yr old colt added to his roster - Johannesburg Star. Once a strong contender for the Derby trail - he snagged a 102 beyer fig for his maiden win last year, he has since gone steadily down hill. Two successive last place finishes in Grade 1 prep races. Tagg may be able to work wonders into him as he has for a lot of his stable ;)

caffeinated

Apr. 11, 2007, 08:35 AM

Is anyone else very impressed - as I am - with trainer Shug McGaughey and Sightseeing a Phipps-owned horse?

In a word? Yes :)

I would love to see him in the Belmont *grin*

Glimmerglass

Apr. 11, 2007, 11:11 AM

That was a good one Caffeinated ;)

Photos: Street Sense workout Apr 10 2007 (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=B2&Dato=20070411&Kategori=SPORTS08&Lopenr=704110801&Ref=PH)

Regarding Tuesday's workout by Street Sense (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070411/SPORTS08/704111329):

We didn't want anything fast," Nafzger said. "He's fit. …

"Just like the race, we wanted the horse to relax. He relaxed good. Heck, he could have walked, done anything Calvin wanted him to. And he was happy. … If he isn't fit, it's damn sure too late to get him fit today."

A rule of thumb for evaluating workouts is that an average of 12 seconds for each eighth-mile is good. That does not factor in the weight of the rider (in this case, light), the condition of the track or what a trainer's objectives are.

Nafzger has no pattern. Most trainers work horses every six or seven days, but Street Sense had his second work as a 3-year-old three days after his first work. Nafzger sometimes uses easy half-mile workouts to set up stronger works a couple of days later.

Ian Wilkes, Nafzger's co-trainer after being the longtime assistant, cheerfully noted that the dawdling time would start the backside buzzing. Predicted Wilkes: "People will see that and say, 'One-oh-four, something must be wrong with him. He's flat. He's got front bandages.' "

Glimmerglass

Apr. 11, 2007, 02:06 PM

The line up for the Blue Grass Stakes - a big surprise is the inclusion of UK import Love Dubai. No you're not seeing things, indeed he ran just last weekend in the Illinois Derby with a dismal 9th finish some 31 lengths behind the winner. Still nothing like the Brits proving a horse can be run back to back weekends and still have eyes on the big prize just three weeks away :D

Saturday, April 14:
Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland, $750,000,
1 1/18 mile distance
Post time 5:46 p.m EST (to be aired on ESPN live)

PP – Horse – Jockey - ML
1 – Zanjero – Garrett Gomez – 8-1
2 – Dominican – Rafael Bejarano – 10-1
3 – Love Dubai – Miguel Mena – 30-1 << the UK import
4 – Street Sense – Calvin Borel – 4-5
5 – Times Squared – Julien Leparoux – 30-1
6 – Teuflesberg – Edgar Prado – 10-1
7 – Great Hunter – Corey Nakatani – 9-5

I still have a lot of faith in Teuflesberg and with Prado up he'll have perhaps just a little bit of an edge.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 11, 2007, 06:52 PM

Saturday, April 14:
Arkansas Derby (G2) at Oaklawn, $1,000,000
1 1/18 mile distance

PP – Horse, Jockey
1 - Delightful Kiss, Russell Baze
2 - Curlin, Robby Albarado
3 - Officer Rocket, Luis Quinonez
4 - Going Ballistic, Cliff Berry
5 - Flying First Class, Terry Thompson
6 - Storm In May, Juan Leyva
7 - Olympic Chief, Gen Kato *
8 - Slew By Slew, Don Pettinger
9 - For You Reppo, Kent Desormeaux
10 - Deadly Dealer, John Velazquez

* Olympic Chief is making his racing debut in this expected tough battle! I don't think I'd be trying something as idiotic myself which isn't fair to the horse but go figure.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 11, 2007, 11:16 PM

One less horse in the Derby hunt with earnings in the top 10

Birdbirdistheword is off the Derby trail after his last two poor efforts. I applaud McPeek for taking an sincere look at that horse and the Derby then making this decision. His owner was looking forward to the Derby but how much fun would it be knowing deep down he was going to (likely) finish in the bottom quartile?

McPeek told Churchill Downs officials on Wednesday that he is “regrouping” with the 3-year-old son of Pure Prize and the colt is no longer a candidate for the Kentucky Derby.

“I’m probably going to make him into a grass horse and we’re just kind of regrouping right now,” said McPeek.

Birdbirdistheword is unbeaten in a pair of races on the grass, while his lone win in five races on dirt came in the Delta Jackpot. He finished fifth and seventh, respectively, in his last two starts in the Louisiana Derby (gr. II) and Florida Derby (gr. I).

Source: BloodHorse and Churchill Downs Report 4-11-07 (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38386)

Wagering on Birdbirdistheword in the Future Pool #3 has been suspended

holmes

Apr. 12, 2007, 09:32 AM

Hard Spun liked CD and is schedule to run in the big race.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 12, 2007, 12:29 PM

Hard Spun liked CD and is schedule to run in the big race.

I haven't seen comments on the green-light yet by his connections but I assume likewise he'll be there May 5th

Horse: Hard Spun
Date: April 12, 2007
Track: CHURCHILL DOWNS
Distance: Five Furlongs
Time: 1.00:20 Breezing
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: Dirt
Rank: 1/15

Glimmerglass

Apr. 12, 2007, 11:23 PM

For the Blue Grass Stakes it was remarked that Brit-Import Love Dubai is running again, one week after being in Illinois Derby. Well he isn't alone in that feat of running in back to back weekends or thereabouts.

So is the entry Time Squared who was purchased for a sale-topping $1.05 million at the 2006 Keeneland April Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale. The colt broke his maiden at Keeneland just last Friday, opening day of the 2007 Spring Meet. It was his fourth career start, and his first outside California.

The hope is that (1) he really liked that track last week which will be the same and that (2) he's on a winning streak :)

As for the Arkansas Derby and the 1st time starter: Olympic Chief a bit more info from The Downey Report 4/12/07 (http://thedowneyprofile.com/Road#ArkansasDerby):

One Arkanas Derby starter came aboard at the last minute. Just before entries closed, the Oaklawn racing office received a call from Janet Davidson, who trains an unraced colt named Olympic Chief for her husband Fred. They're based in Kentucky.

Olympic Chief, who has yet to start, shows one published work, three furlongs in :38.80, at a Kentucky training center.

Trainer Davidson had no rider for Olympic Chief at the time of entry, but later notified the racing office that a River Downs-based jockey named Gen Kato has the mount.

“All I can say,” racing secretary Pat Pope said, "is that his people put up the $15,000 needed to run, so the colt is entitled to start.”

Steward Larry Snyder said that he will need confirmation from Kentucky officials that Olympic Chief has been OK’d from the gate. “If so,” Snyder said, “he can run. Truthfully, I’ve never seen a situation like this.”

Hey, anyone think this might really be The Green Monkey in disguise? I don't even know if he has his gate approval yet. He didn't as of last fall. That could be Pletchers big plan: dump him into a $1M race and suddenly appear on the Derby scene .. it would add a heck of a lot of drama to the Derby story on top of his own purchase price :D

Glimmerglass

Apr. 13, 2007, 10:57 AM

A nice article on Teuflesberg's trainer and part owner, Ms. Jamie Sanders an ex Nick Zito assistant. Herald-Leader 4-13-07 "A steal of a deal; $9,000 horse paying off for Kentucky trainer" (http://www.kentucky.com/303/story/41356.html)

But that's how it was, according to this gal from Brownsville, in western Kentucky. She had watched the Kentucky Derby on television in 1973. She saw Secretariat win. She decided on the spot that she wanted to be with horses as her life's work.

She told people at her high school. According to Sanders, they suggested she get back in reality. For her to want to become a race horse trainer was like wanting to become a movie star. All fantasy. Get back in the real world, girl.

As I've always said Nick Zito is a class act in how gracious he can be:

And then Zito urged her to go out on her own.

"I pushed her," Zito said. "I knew this girl had paid her dues and deserved it."

I've liked this horse a lot and hope that he upsets the apple cart significantly in the Blue Grass this weekend! He is the Lawyer Ron of 2007 in my view and if this comparative war horse (with 15 starts) gets into the Ky Derby he might just show the youngsters a thing or two.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 13, 2007, 02:34 PM

More on the legal issues surrounding Great Hunter

Courier-Journal 4/13 "Who Who owns Great Hunter? Keeneland caught in middle of dispute" (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070413/SPORTS08/704130511/1002/SPORTS)

Reddam’s attorney, Dan Baren, said Keeneland was recently sent a letter by Fifth Third Bank that asks the track to refrain from distributing any purse winnings Great Hunter might earn in the race.

Ah but Keeneland certainly doesn't want to tick off good corporate partner Fifth Third Bank

The track is caught in the middle of a dispute between a high-profile horse owner and the Cincinnati-based bank that is the sponsor of its closing-day Fifth Third Elkhorn Stakes on April 27.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 14, 2007, 09:45 AM

Apr 14 ESPN from 5-6 p.m. eastern: Grade 1 $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (Live) Keeneland also covered the $400k Commonwealth Breeders' Cup Stakes (G2) for 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes at 7 furlongs

The $1,000,000 Grade 2 Arkansas Derby is available on either HRTV or TVG; another alternative youbet.net

The Oaklawn race [11th on the card] goes off at approx 5:47 pm Central

Glimmerglass

Apr. 14, 2007, 06:06 PM

Blue Grass Stakes - close, close finish!

I really thought my horse Teuflesberg was going to hang on for the finish after leading it from the start but going wide in the final stretch didn't help him. Taking 4th added $37,500 to his graded loot and likely ensuring he'll go to the Kentucky Derby. I also bet on him for my future wager as he had been trading today as long as odds of 83-1. You can't pass him up with that kind of return if he can focus.

Final results for the Blue Grass Stakes:

1 - Dominican [by a nose]
2 - Street Sense
3 - Zanjero [lost by a head]
4 - Teuflesberg
5 - Great Hunter
6 - Time Squared
7 - Love Dubai

DLee

Apr. 14, 2007, 06:16 PM

Back from a chilly day at Keeneland, but it was still packed!!

All I have to say now is... Go Curlin Go!!!:yes:

DLee

Apr. 14, 2007, 07:16 PM

Okay.... how much fun was THAT to watch????:D :D

Glimmerglass

Apr. 14, 2007, 07:19 PM

Curlin just routs the field in the Arkansas Derby! He wins by well over 5 lengths and fattens up his bankroll such that he'll be vaulted into the top 10 for graded earnings and this being just his 3rd start.

Arkansas Derby (G2) $1,000,000
1 - Curlin
2 - Storm in May
3 - Deadly Dealer

FatDinah

Apr. 14, 2007, 07:25 PM

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Notional, the Florida Derby runner-up and one of four hopefuls for the May 5 Kentucky Derby trained by Doug O'Neill, suffered a fractured cannon bone in his front left leg during a routine gallop Saturday morning at Keeneland and is out of the Derby.

O'Neill, who had another of his Derby hopefuls, Great Hunter, finish fifth in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, confirmed the injury Saturday via phone from California.

"Son of a gun," he said. "It was just one of those things. He didn't cool out well at all after just a normal gallop. Obviously you hate whenever anything like this happens, but it's the nature of the game."

Notional was scheduled to undergo surgery to repair the injury Sunday at the Rood and Riddle equine clinic in Lexington, with Dr. Larry Bramlage performing the operation. The injury is not life-threatening, but it has not been determined whether the colt will be able to eventually return to racing.

Drvmb1ggl3

Apr. 14, 2007, 07:30 PM

Very impressive win by Curlin, I'd say the winning distance looked closer to 10 lengths.

The KD has the makings of a hell of a race. You can make a strong argument for any of 6 or 8 horses.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 14, 2007, 07:36 PM

Notional .. suffered a fractured cannon bone in his front left leg during a routine gallop Saturday morning at Keeneland and is out of the Derby.

Sad news, isn't it?

Proof again injuries aren't simply from "racing" but rather a routine gallop has resulted in many, many horse injuries. From Hoist the Flag to Wynn Dot Comma, injury and death.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 15, 2007, 04:09 PM

Frog

Apr. 15, 2007, 04:35 PM

*rips up Notional future wager ticket*

SimplySarah

Apr. 15, 2007, 06:53 PM

It goes without saying that Curlin and his effort at Oaklawn vaults him high into a lot of "Top 10" lists. His 10 1/2 length victory was largest margin ever in the 60 + years running of the Arkansas Derby surpasing the prior record of 8 lengths by Afleet Alex.

3-3 lifetime with 2 graded stakes victories (G3 and G2) and a combined 28 1/2 length victory over all opposition. Impressive. A lot of history would be changed if he won the Kentucky Derby: never raced at 2-yrs old something not seen since the 19th Century; just his 4th lifetime start a feat last shared by a winner with the filly Regret in 1915

It was an awesome race (on an ugly ugly day.. it was cold and damp and nasty)- he's a very nice horse and seemed to just breeze ahead of the rest of the field. Seeing it in person was amazing- my son kept screaming happily that the "Orange horse won! The Orange horse won!" (He's 3 1/2 and orange is his favorite color and the color of his/my horse. :) ) I can't wait to see what Curlin does at the Kentucky Derby- for sentimental reasons, he's going to be my pick. :)

Glimmerglass

Apr. 15, 2007, 08:36 PM

Well win or lose I'm thrilled that I've locked in for the Future Pool #3 with Teuflesberg odds of 96-1 meaning if he wins that is a return of $195.40 on a $2 bet ;) Unless I watched another race he lost by a nose and neck to Street Sense who is going off at 6-1 .. a neck isn't proving to me that he's some chump!

The first five finishers in yesterday’s $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass (G1) -- Dominican, Street Sense, Zanjero, Teuflesberg and Great Hunter -- are all, according to their connections, pointing toward a start in the May 5 Kentucky Derby (G1) Presented by Yum! Brands. Four of those five were separated by only a neck at the wire in yesterday’s race.

Graded Earnings as of 4/15/07 (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/images/earningsApr15.gif)

FatDinah

Apr. 15, 2007, 09:20 PM

The way so many of them are lugging in or wandering in the stretch, it's scary thinking about the Derby. MIght set it up for a big swooping drive around the outside if the leaders are playing pinball along the rail.
It might be a replay of the Alysheba win, which I just read about in a new collection called, "Bloodlines."

Glimmerglass

Apr. 15, 2007, 09:39 PM

It might be a replay of the Alysheba win, which I just read about in a new collection called, "Bloodlines."

BloodLines 'A Racing Anthology' - paperback - 2006 (http://www.amazon.com/Bloodlines-Racing-Anthology-Jason-Starr/dp/1400096952)

That is a great collection stories, fiction and non-fiction. I picked it up last fall in California for a flight home and enjoyed the material. Some new some reworked prior tales. I enjoyed Bill Nack's recollection of working at the Illinois track and Laura Hillenbrand's recounting of Canonero II in 1971. I

In particular with Canonero's tale I've always thought it would make for a brilliant movie short. If it wasn't all true no one would believe the story. From the plane breaking down twice to being without customs paperwork and written off as a joke.

There is a new detailed Derby reference book out that covers every horse that won the Derby through and including Barbaro - the entry for Canonero II (named so because there was already a Canonero, of course!) has more drama over two pages then you can shake a stick at.

Barnfairy

Apr. 15, 2007, 09:50 PM

I'm guessing Fifth Third Bank was glad they had already come to a settlement when Great Hunter nearly clipped with Teuflesberg (my heart was in my throat at that moment -- clearly GH was already stopping, good thing or it could have been ugly.)

Speaking of the Johannesburg x St. Michele (Devil's Bag) colt, whenever I hear the name "Teuflesberg", all I can think of is Goldmember and his "viered" Dutch accent from the Austin Powers film of the same name.

"Teufel meansh devil in German. Ishn't dat viered?"

Sorry.

avery

Apr. 15, 2007, 10:00 PM

I've turned into a Curlin fan. I watched the Rebel and Arkansas Derby on youtube. In both races he just stalked the leader as if he could lead from gate to finish but let the other guy spend some time out if front so that he could rub it in a little harder later when he was "See ya'll back the barn" coming off the turn..

FatDinah

Apr. 15, 2007, 10:13 PM

I've been thinking about Jerry Bailey's criticism, sort of, with Cornelio Velasquez fighting Nobiz Like Show biz.
Do you think Bailey's on track there?
For those of you who didn't hear, Bailey said Velasquez is going to have to get the colt to relax, that he can't fight him like that in the Derby or he'll have nothing left.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 15, 2007, 11:19 PM

I've been thinking about Jerry Bailey's criticism, sort of, with Cornelio Velasquez fighting Nobiz Like Show biz.
Do you think Bailey's on track there?

Actually I thought Jerry remarked that Cornelio allowed Nobiz to run if not encouraged him to run early on - a decision that he questioned the moment the race was concluded. Tagg was pleased with the ride as it was what he expected. Iinformed people will say a horse newly running with blinkers on mixed with cotton ears is going to run hard until he adjusts a bit.

I doub't it would've been in anyone's interest to fight Nobiz into the first turn and letting him find a point of relaxing pace was 'ok'. It didn't drain him, he wasn't doing some suicidal pace of 21 seconds flat for the 1st quarter.

Again Tagg wanted Nobiz to experience running with that new equipment so that the Derby was not going to be "no big deal" with it on. He won and from it he matured.

vineyridge

Apr. 15, 2007, 11:51 PM

Couple of things--
After the NTR Tampa Bay Derby between Street Sense and Any Given Saturday Jerry Bailey wondered if Street Sense could/would come back. After the Blue Grass, I'm would assume that Street Sense still wants to win. Even though he came in second in a photo, he's at the top of my list, along with Curlin.

Interesting enough, the race after the Arkansas Derby was 1 3/4 miles--for $27000, and the time was something like 3.03. Very slow time. Flat racers a chase meets go faster than that, don't they?

What a great weekend of racing!!

FatDinah

Apr. 16, 2007, 12:12 AM

I don't think any of the four top finishers in the Blue Grass is out or less formidable. That slow pace was just an anomaly, that is just not going to happen in the Derby with 20 horses.
And I think polytrak vs. dirt may affect Dominican.
I think the Derby is wide open, I don't have a clue who to favor among the top 10 or so. And I think there could be a longshot like Giacomo waiting to spring.
You know, really, after last year's Triple Crown, I just want to see good races and all the horses make it safe.

DLee

Apr. 16, 2007, 08:22 AM

Was it just me, or did I see Curlin prick his ears around the final turn, while he was passing everyone?? :yes: He (so far) has just made it look so darn easy and natural.

Dinah, I'm so with you there. I feel like I literally hold my breath til they are all home safe. But I've always done that I guess, it's just scary.:sadsmile:

DLee

Apr. 16, 2007, 09:00 AM

InVA

Apr. 16, 2007, 10:44 AM

Was it just me, or did I see Curlin prick his ears around the final turn, while he was passing everyone?? :yes: He (so far) has just made it look so darn easy and natural.

:

He DID! HA! I saw that too! VERY cute.

ravenclaw

Apr. 16, 2007, 12:16 PM

Glimmerglass

Apr. 16, 2007, 12:22 PM

Many, many pages ago Curlin was first mentioned I recall by Linny in a posting the afternoon he broke his maiden at 12-lengths in an allowance. From then on he's been on the radar. We've following that with his subsequent purchase for $3.5M by Jess Jackson, et al. Rarely do I paint a horse with the same brush as the owner but I'm not a fan of Mr. Jackson so I frankly am not rooting for a Curlin Derby victory. Although any horse that wins the Derby garners respect and all the accolades - from Spectacular Bid to Canonaro II.

He's done nothing wrong: three starts, three impressive victories and by no means squeeking out a win like a Street Sense. I suspect he will be like a Showing Up last year - damn fine horse, going in unbeaten, but still not yet mature enough to cope with all the standard factors. Plus all the unique ones for the Kentucky Derby:

Its been said before many a time: the Derby is unlikely any other race in any of these horses lives. So many factors come into play far beyond what a trainer can prepare them for.

The massive crowds and sound; the huge fields (none have faced over 12 other horses let alone 19 others) and all that comes with that - clustered groups, little passing room, checking horses, at least 1/2 a dozen closers and a few sprinters, rank horses, some over eager jockeys; and the distance of 1 1/4 mi while almost all prep races have been 1 1/8 mi. That extra distance can suck the power out any runner. A Ferrari can't go 200 mph when the fuel needle is on empty ;)

A bad trip from the gate, dead track right by the rail, pushed wide in a corner, cut-off while making a rally, you name it and the most talented of horse can find themselves out of it.

I think this will be a wonderful Derby simply because there are so many talented horses still in the hunt!

Glimmerglass

Apr. 17, 2007, 12:08 AM

Note: Churchill Downs will funnel the proceeds from the sale of the cups to the New Jersey-based Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, which helps retired horses and disabled jockeys.

I'd be happy take the Spectacular Bid and/or Exterminator one, please :)

[b]Fans of Kentucky Derby horse race can show love of past favorites with pricey cocktail
The Associated Press
April 16, 2007

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky: A premium bourbon maker is adding another measure of flair to the prestigious Kentucky Derby — a $1,000 cocktail make with exotic ingredients from around the world with which horse race fans can toast their favorite past year winners.

Hoping to best its ritzy mint julep from last year, Woodford Reserve bourbon is offering 132 of the cocktails in gold cups, of which some are to be auctioned by Christie's. Each will be engraved with the name of a Derby-winning horse.

A select batch of Labrot & Graham Distillery's premium bourbon is being mixed with mint imported from Ireland, ice from the Bavarian Alps and organic sugar shipped in from western Australia. Last year's costly batch included ingredients brought in from the Arctic, Africa and the South Pole.

"We did try to make the ultimate mint julep, and that's something that we're striving for again this year," said Wayne Rose, Woodford Reserve's brand director. "It'll be a little bit different taste, but that's because the ingredients are a little bit different."

Of the 132 gold cups, 11 will feature Triple Crown winners, and carry three rubies — one each for the Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes. Two more diamond-studded cups will be offered for Barbaro, last year's winner, and the first Derby champ, Aristides.

The jeweled cups are to be auctioned through Christies, with bidding to begin at noon (1600 GMT) on Tuesday while the others can be purchased at the company's special Derby julep Web site.

Rose said there is no limit to the price the jeweled cups can fetch in the online auction. Churchill Downs, home of the Derby, will funnel the proceeds from the sale of the cups to the New Jersey-based Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, which helps retired horses and disabled jockeys.

"What's fun about this is it's a very emotional kind of thing," said Cathy Elkies, director of special collections at Christie's in New York. "People tend to bid on their favorite horse, and the reasons that they bid are very personal. It's always fun to see what price they're willing to pay for that."

On the Net:

Woodford Reserve's Derby site: http://www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com

Beezer

Apr. 17, 2007, 12:58 AM

Because of the slow pace, should we just throw out the Blue Grass? Before the race, my Derby picks were Street Sense and Great Hunter. I didn't think either of them ran that strong of a race, but did it just turn out that way because of the extremely slow pace and they needed the race to be "set up" for them with faster fractions?

Hey, you, get off my horses! :winkgrin: :p :winkgrin: (To borrow a phrase from Mick Jagger.)

Clearly, the race did not go according to Great Hunter's plan; he's always come from much farther back. Added to that was the bumping that went on, but I doubt we'll ever know if that really had anything to do with where he finished or if he was a tired horse from being much closer to the pace -- what little there was of it ;) -- than he usually is. Still, he was only a length and a half back. I'm not ready to abandon him, dammit! :)

Street Sense also got a bit of bump-and-grind going, and still he hung tough, particularly given the slanging match he got into in the Tampa Bay Derby. Frankly, he's one of the better 2-year-old champs to train on in recent years, so here's hoping he can break the BC "curse."

Have to say, though, that that Curlin is one impressive beastie. :yes:

Glimmerglass

Apr. 17, 2007, 02:13 PM

This weekend is the last graded stakes race opportunity* for a would-be runner into the Kentucky Derby. Did you hear that Green Monkey? Oh never mind ...

Saturday’s Coolmore Lexington Stakes (Grade 2) at 8.5 furlongs at Keeneland in what most hope will be a faster pace. Offering $325,000 of graded earnings it is the last shot to get into the 20-starting gates on May 5th.

Possibles for the Lexington Stakes:
Starbase
Albertus Maximus
Belgravia <- I think this would be his first race in 2007!
Forty Grams
Joe Got Even
Slew’s Tizzy
Soaring By
Xchanger
Wafi City

* For accuracy, there is another graded race: 1-mile Graded race the weekend before the Derby at the Big A but that just seems so remote. Last year it was won by non-KY Derby starter Bernardini

Glimmerglass

Apr. 17, 2007, 05:33 PM

Not a shock but ...

Deadly Dealer, Flying First Class, and Officer Rocket are off the Derby trail, their trainers said, though trainer D. Wayne Lukas said Flying First Class could be considered for the second leg of the Triple Crown, the May 19 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico.

The first four finishers of the Blue Grass Stakes were within a half-length of one another at the wire, and the first five – Dominican, Street Sense, Zanjero, Teuflesberg, and Great Hunter – all are scheduled to come back in the Derby.

Source: DRF 4-17-07 (http://www.drf.com/news/article/84062.html)

Jockey changes ...

Garrett Gomez rode Zanjero, but has committed to ride Any Given Saturday in the Derby for trainer Todd Pletcher. Teuflesberg was ridden by Edgar Prado, who will ride Scat Daddy in the Derby. Jamie Sanders, trainer of Teuflesberg, said Stewart Elliott would regain the mount.

Corey Nakatani will stick with Great Hunter for the Derby. Doug O’Neill, who has Great Hunter and Derby prospects Cobalt Blue and Liquidity, said Monday that Victor Espinoza would ride Cobalt Blue, and David Flores would be on Liquidity.

Cobalt Blue is still on the Derby Trail after that lousy Illinois Derby effort?

Here is the all important Graded Stakes money report from the DRF (http://www.drf.com/tc/kentuckyderby/2007/stats/earnings.html) as of April 17, 2007

# Horse, Graded Earnings - Trainer
1 Street Sense $1,482,000 - Carl Nafzger
2 Scat Daddy $1,308,500 - Todd Pletcher
3 Circular Quay $1,116,134 - Todd Pletcher
4 Curlin $780,000 - Steve Asmussen
5 Nobiz Like Shobiz $778,500 - Barclay Tagg
6 Great Hunter $752,500 - Doug O'Neill
7 Stormello $642,900 - William Currin
8 Dominican $498,484 - Darrin Miller
9 Tiago $450,000 - John Shirreffs
10 Cowtown Cat $437,253 - Todd Pletcher
11 Hard Spun $360,000 - Larry Jones
12 Storm in May $227,500 - William Kaplan **
13 Zanjero $205,000 - Steve Asmussen
14 Xchanger $209,890 - Mark Shuman
15 Any Given Saturday $177,969 - Todd Pletcher
16 Liquidity $161,200 - Doug O'Neill
17 Cobalt Blue $150,000 - Doug O'Neill
18 Sam P. $146,500 - Todd Pletcher
19 Sedgefield $127,500 - Darrin Miller
20 Teuflesberg $122,942 - Jamie Sanders
.........
21 Chelokee $100,000 - Michael Matz
22 Reporting for Duty $100,000 - Steve Asmussen
23 Bold Start $85,000 - Ken McPeek
24 Delightful Kiss $83,000 - Pete Anderson
25 Freesgood $60,000 - William Currin
26 Boogie Boggs $30,000 - Nick Zito
27 For You Reppo $25,000 - Helen Pitts
28 Soaring By $6,000 Todd - Pletcher

** Storm in May still pointed the Derby despte getting a whipping by Curlin in the Arkansas Derby Saturday. Perhaps he was saving his energy for May 5th :)

Keep in mind the Lexington Coolmore Stakes will add automatically at least one more qualified horse into the mix so why Chelokee is 21st (and outside for now) he likely will drop another notch

lizathenag

Apr. 17, 2007, 07:36 PM

details are confidential

By Matt Hegarty
Daily Racing Form
LEXINGTON, Ky. - A dispute over the ownership of Kentucky Derby candidate Great Hunter was resolved just prior to the colt's fifth-place finish in the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on Saturday, the two parties in the dispute said on Monday.

As a result of the resolution, J. Paul Reddam, who purchased Great Hunter for $550,000 last year, will own the horse free and clear of any claims by Fifth Third Bank. In March, lawyers for Fifth Third had notified Reddam that the bank believed it had a claim on the horse because the prior owner had defaulted on loan agreements with the bank.

lizathenag

Apr. 17, 2007, 08:03 PM

rip up another future book ticket. . .
Associated Press Sports
Updated: 10:02 a.m. PT April 16, 2007
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) -Officer Rocket's Kentucky Derby hopes apparently ended with a disappointing showing in the Arkansas Derby.

"I think we're off the Derby trail,'' trainer Bob Holthus said Monday. "I'm going to say that we're pretty well out of the Derby.''

Officer Rocket was seventh in the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park on Saturday.

Mali

Apr. 17, 2007, 09:01 PM

Does anybody know if there is video of Curlin's maiden win?

Glimmerglass

Apr. 17, 2007, 11:02 PM

Does anybody know if there is video of Curlin's maiden win?

Yes, go to KentuckyDerby.com - then look up his entry (you'll have to register for free if you have not done so) and under it will be video of all 3 starts.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 18, 2007, 09:33 AM

Ranked 12th on the earnings list and a starter for this year's Kentucky Derby, Storm in May is like 2004 Kentucky Derby runner Pollard's Vision: blind in one eye

Kaplan said Storm in May injured his eye three days after birth, then had his eyeball punctured during the second of the two surgeries to repair the original damage.

"Because he's been blind in that eye almost since the day he was born, it just doesn't affect him," said Kaplan. "Naturally I was concerned, and had it been his left eye I wouldn't have bid. A horse needs to see out of the left eye to see the rail. But the right eye you can deal."

It didn't take long for Kaplan to realize his one-eyed horse was not going to cause him any concerns.

"Felicity has been galloping horses for over 20 years, and after getting on him for a couple of days she told me he was the most well-mannered, steadiest, and best-behaved horse she'd ever galloped," said Kaplan, who sold a half-interest in the colt to David and Teresa Palmer.

Storm in May, who does not wear blinkers or other eye protection when he runs, has earned nearly $460,000. His biggest win came in the $250,000 Sunshine Millions Dash at Gulfstream in January. He also has finished third in a pair of Grade 3 turf races, the Palm Beach at Gulfstream and the Tropical Park Derby at Calder.

Extract from CBS Sport/DRF 4-18-07 "A Derby start within sight" (http://horseracing.sportsline.com/cbs/headlines/showarticle.aspx?articleId=17880)

Glimmerglass

Apr. 18, 2007, 02:34 PM

2 1/2 hours into the on-line auction [2:30 EST] for the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup (http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070417005964&newsLang=en) charity fundraiser program and the highest bidded cups:

Tied for the highest bids:
1973 Secretariat
1937 War Admiral
2006 Barbaro

Tied for the 2nd highest:
1875 Aristides
1977 Seattle Slew

Then it is ..
1948 Citation
1978 Affirmed
1919 Sir Barton

And the balance at $1,000 each

Glimmerglass

Apr. 18, 2007, 03:43 PM

Using the graded earnings and what has been suggested in the racing press for horse assignments it looks somewhat like this:

Sources include The BloodHorse (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38473)

[# is based upon earnings rank as of April 18 2007]

# Horse: Assigned Jockey or otherwise noted
1 Street Sense: Calvin Borel
2 Scat Daddy: Edgar Prado
3 Circular Quay: John Velazquez
4 Curlin: Robby Albarado
5 Nobiz Like Shobiz: Cornelio Velasquez
6 Great Hunter: Corey Nakatani
7 Stormello: [maybe Kent Desormeaux]
8 Dominican: TBD
9 Tiago: Mike Smith
10 Cowtown Cat: Fernando Jara
11 Hard Spun: Mario Pino
12 Storm in May: TBD
13 Zanjero: TBD
14 Xchanger: TBD
15 Any Given Saturday: Garrett Gomez
16 Liquidity: David Flores
17 Cobalt Blue: TBD
18 Sam P.: Ramon Dominguez
19 Sedgefield: TBD
20 Teuflesberg: Stuart Elliott

Unassigned but well known jockeys: Rafael Bejarano, Julien Leparoux, Alex Solis, Mark Guidry, Javier Castellano, Jeremy Rose, Richard Migliore, Victor Espinosa and Shaun Bridgmohan.

FatDinah

Apr. 18, 2007, 10:38 PM

I'd assume Bejanero will ride Dominican. Is there a reason he wouldn't?

Glimmerglass

Apr. 19, 2007, 09:15 AM

I'd assume Bejanero will ride Dominican. Is there a reason he wouldn't?

He'll get to choose between Dominican or Sedgefield, both Darrin Miller trained horses. Of cours we don't know the outcome of the Coomore Lexington Stakes and what horse could be vaulted into the mix.

Speaking of which, from a report last evening Belgravia, who is part of the "French Connection" (Patrick Biaccone/Julien Leparoux), will most likely even if winning the Coolmore Lexington Stakes this weekend will skip the Derby and go to the Preakness.

ESPN2 (not ESPN as had been airing races) will feature the race with attracted 10 horses along with the ungraded $125,000 Federico Tesio Stakes from Pimlico Racecourse. 6 - 7 pm Eastern Saturday Apr 21st.

$325,000 Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G2)
Keeneland Race Course @ 1 1/16-mile

PP. Horse, Jockey
1. Forty Grams, Garrett Gomez
2. Boogiemanball, Corey Nakatani
3. Soaring By, Edgar Prado
4. Joe Got Even, Fernando Jara
5. Moyer’s Pond, Shaun Bridgmohan
6. Slew’s Tizzy, Robby Albarado
7. Trust Your Luck, Kent Desormeaux
8. Belgravia, Julien Leparoux
9. Sacrifice Bunt, Eddie Castro
10. Starbase, Corey Lanerie

$125,000 Federico Tesio Stakes
Pimlico, Baltimore MD @ 1 1/8-miles

PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Belly Rub (NY), 116, Jeremy Rose
2. Etude (MD), 120, Luis Garcia
3. Saratoga Lulaby (KY), 116, Dyn Panell
4. Pink Viper (KY), 120, (TBD)
5. Xchanger (FL), 116, Ramon A. Dominguez
6. Zephyr Cat (KY), 116, Ryan Fogelsonger

Glimmerglass

Apr. 19, 2007, 04:21 PM

ESPN's Randy Moss was this week's guest on the Q&A form Talkin Horses (APR 19) - BloodHorse (http://www.bloodhorse.com/talkinhorses/RM041907.asp)

Loved his comment here ...

Q: from Holland, MI:
I love watching you on TV because I think you know more about racing than anyone else. my questions is Who do you think is the greatest race horse you have ever seen and why do you consider him/her to be the greatest?

Moss:
The best horse I’ve seen was Spectacular Bid as a 4-year-old. As Buddy Delp said, he was the greatest horse ever to look through a bridle. I actually think he could have beaten the 3-year-old Secretariat, who I would place at No. 2.

Moss:
In my opinion, the graded-earnings rule has exhausted its usefulness and needs to be changed. If Xchanger finishes last in the Tesio, and his owners still decide to run in the Derby, he will get into the field instead of Chelokee because the $1 million Delta Jackpot was a Grade 3 race last December. Is this fair? I wrote a column a year ago specifying how I would change the Derby eligibility, and it has to do with qualifying performance similar to the Masters in golf. The top three finishers from the Blue Grass, Wood Memorial, Florida Derby and Santa Anita Derby automatically get Derby berths, as do the top two from eight or 10 other races, and the winner of a dozen more races. It works. Chelokee would already be guaranteed a spot in this method, and Rock Hard Ten, Eddington and Sunday Break would have made their fields as well.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 20, 2007, 10:16 AM

While the cast of characters for the Lexington Coolmore Stakes should as a collective group not produce a Kentucky Derby starter the fact is in each of the last six years, the winner of the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland has proceeded to run two weeks later in the Kentucky Derby. Despite going 0-6 with all said entries.

Example, if Joe Got Even (who already has graded money but is just outside of the top 20) finishes in the money as expected - he is very skilled on polytrack - he likely will go to Churchill. This despite the fact he does poorly on dirt.

Per the Daily Racing Form 4-19-07 (http://www.drf.com/news/article/84171.html):

.. with a guaranteed purse of $325,000, the winner will earn $201,500, lifting him to no worse than 15th on the graded-earnings list that determines entry into the race in case more than 20 horses are entered.

This is racing so those who say "no" to going to the Derby today likely will sing another tune on Sunday.

Regarding Curlin another interesting tid bit - despite having not changed ownership since just after his first effort his racing silks will change from his last effort and will change again after the Derby :

In the Kentucky Derby, Curlin will race under the royal blue, gold, and white silks of George Bolton, one of four partners in the colt. Curlin won the Rebel carrying the silks of Stonestreet Stables, the Arkansas Derby under the Padua Stables silks, and will race under the Midnight Cry colors wherever he runs after the Derby, according to Asmussen assistant Scott Blasi.

Laurel&HollyFarm

Apr. 20, 2007, 10:22 AM

Glimmerglass

Apr. 20, 2007, 10:31 AM

My husband and I will be in Lexington next week. We are thinking of going to Keeneland Friday morning for breakfast and to watch the horses being exercised. Is there any likelyhood that some of the Kentucky Derby contenders would be there?

I think someone else should chime in, but my guess is very unlikely.

Most starters will be shipped into Churchill next week for workouts, get a feel for the track surface, settled in their temporary digs, etc. The EPSN "Breakfast at Churchill" will be next Thurs and Fri.

If I'm not mistaken aren't the rule such today that the starters have to be on the grounds of Churchill 24-hours before the start?

jolise

Apr. 20, 2007, 06:56 PM

Does anyone know what happened to King of the Roxy? Is he off the Derby trail?

Jinx

Apr. 20, 2007, 08:00 PM

Just want to say thanks to Glimmer! I havent been posting much (new job) but have been catching up on all the news when I can...this thread makes it much easier! Thanks again:winkgrin:

Glimmerglass

Apr. 20, 2007, 09:14 PM

Jinx, it's all good - thanks!

King of the Roxy is off the Derby Trail with his last outting not being up to snuff as they would say. Maybe he'll surface for the Preakness

An interesting article equidaily.com spied: the woman who gives Hard Spun his body massage (http://local.lancasteronline.com/4/203163):

Porter thought Hard Spun might benefit from some attention to his muscles. Race horses, after all, are hard-working athletes.

It was November when McVey of East Petersburg got to work on Hard Spun, right before he won the Nursery Stakes at Philadelphia Park.

"He's very dear," McVey said of Hard Spun's personality. "He's very likable and easy to be around, affectionate, appreciative and well-mannered in the stall."

McVey begins 90-minute therapy sessions on Hard Spun with percussion strokes to warm the muscles. The massage begins at the muscle that sits behind his ears, the rectus capitus lateralis, and ends, well, at the horse's rear.

Jinx

Apr. 21, 2007, 12:29 PM

you know i might have finally gotten my derby pick (big emphsis on the word might) and its for such a random reason I thought I should share...

Scat Dadddy....because we have the same birthday!(and the same birthday as my pet parrot)

(and ive also liked Scat Daddy since winter! but yeah random reasoning I know!)

catknsn

Apr. 21, 2007, 07:01 PM

That Coolmore Lexington stakes was quite the race! I just saw it on TV and Slew's Tizzy just won it 40-1 and he really didn't look like he had to try that hard. He has a huge stride and appeared to be loping while the horses behind him fought to catch up. They never did.

However, the trainer was just interview and stated they don't usually run horses as close as 2 weeks apart. He was asked "even the Kentucky Derby" and said "Sure." I got the impression he was leaving himself a bit of an out in case they decided to do it, but my feeling is they don't want to push the horse and aren't that obsessed with the idea of the KD.

Great race to watch!

FatDinah

Apr. 21, 2007, 07:17 PM

I think that the Preakness and Belmont may see lots of non-Derby entrants this year. I expect to see Matz's horse Chelokee and now maybe Slew's Tizzy, either because the prep was too close to the Derby or because they didn't have earnings.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 22, 2007, 08:47 AM

Regarding Belgravia the 9-5 favorite and his performance (or lack there of) in the Coolmore Lexington Stakes:

“I had a good trip but when I asked him at the three-eighths, he had nothing, no juice or anything,” said jockey Julien Leparoux. “He stopped right there and I just rode him easy, no whip or anything. When he came back, we saw that he bled. I think that’s the excuse for today.”

Source: Bloodhorse/Keeneland Notes (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38550)

I wouldn't be shocked if the connections behind Slew's Tizzy get Derby fever and point him towards the Derby after all. You never say never ...

I of course would prefer they stick to their guns and pass on it thus bringing teuflesberg back into 20th place :) Slew's Tizzy [if he goes into the drawing] knocks him technically out of the running.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 23, 2007, 03:26 PM

My husband and I will be in Lexington next week. We are thinking of going to Keeneland Friday morning for breakfast and to watch the horses being exercised. Is there any likelyhood that some of the Kentucky Derby contenders would be there? If so who?

A large correction on my part as I was obviously off by a week on my remarks. I read the comment to be the Friday before the Derby (meaning May 4th) - oops!

This Friday [April 27th] which I'll be at Keeneland too for the last day of the Spring meet is going to have three Kentucky Derby starters working out:

Doug O’Neill’s three Derby hopefuls, Great Hunter, Liquidity, and Cobalt Blue are scheduled to work at Keeneland on Friday.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 23, 2007, 03:45 PM

Top 10 list from Louisville Courier-Journal April 22 (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070422/SPORTS08/304220006/1037)

1. Street Sense
2. Nobiz Like Shobiz
3. Curlin
4. Scat Daddy
5. Circular Quay
6. Hard Spun
7. Great Hunter
8. Any Given Saturday
9. Dominican
10. Chelokee

Others (in order of votes received):
Tiago, Zanjero, Cowtown Cat, Stormello, Sam P., Liquidity, Cobalt Blue, Teuflesberg, Storm in May, Reporting for Duty, Day Pass, Adore the Gold, Belgravia, Sightseeing, Sedgefield, Deadly Dealer, Officer Rocket, I'mawildandcrazyguy, Xchanger, Starbase.

Also ---

Gary West at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram

1. Curlin
2. Circular Quay
3. Scat Daddy
4. Street Sense
5. Hard Spun
6. Great Hunter
7. Dominican
8. Nobiz Like Shobiz
9. Any Given Saturday
10. Tiago
11. Zanjero
12. Chelokee
13. Cowtown Cat
14. Stormello
15. Sam P
16. Liquidity
17. Reporting For Duty
18. Teuflesberg
19. Xchanger
20. Cobalt Blue

Glimmerglass

Apr. 23, 2007, 04:44 PM

From the NY Post of Monday April 23 (Ed Fountaine) (http://www.nypost.com/seven/04232007/sports/odds_against_favored_curlin_sports_ed_fountaine.ht m) and who will be the betting favorite May 5th:

The prevailing opinion is that unbeaten Curlin, winner of his three races by 12 3/4, 5 1/4 and 10 1/2 lengths, will be the betting choice after being heavily favored at 7-2 in the final pool of the Derby Future Wager.

But by post time, the public will have had three weeks since Curlin's Arkansas Derby to absorb the facts that 1) no horse who did not race as a 2-year-old has won the Kentucky Derby since Apollo in 1882; and 2) no horse with just three lifetime starts has won the Derby since the filly Regret in 1915.

These streaks are more than just historical oddities. There are reasons why such lightly raced horses don't win the Derby. First, they lack the seasoning (and please, don't tell me that's only for steaks) to contend against a full field of top-class, battle-tested opponents going a mile-and-a-quarter for the first time. Think of a double-A minor leaguer being thrown into the World Series.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 23, 2007, 11:30 PM

And here is how Scat Daddy was so named - no he isn't named after actor Scatman Crothers (who I recall best as a kid from Chico and the Man) ...

NJ Asbury Park Press 4-22-07 "From a $3G horse to a place with the tycoons" (http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070422/SPORTS/70423001/1022/NEWS01)

.. Jim Scatuorchio hasn't changed a bit. He's still the same unpretentious, self-effacing guy he always was. As one old friend says, the only difference now is that he might order a better bottle of wine at dinner.

So Scatuorchio buys this son of the Irish champion Johannesburg as a yearling for $250,000. As soon as the gavel comes down, he turns to his trainer and his trainer's father and tells them they've each got a quarter-interest.

In time, when it becomes obvious the colt is a runner, Scatuorchio calls the trainer, Todd Pletcher, and says they'd better think of a good name for this one and get him registered right away.

"He's already named," Pletcher tells him. "I named him."

He named him Scat Daddy.

When Scatuorchio starts to lodge a mild protest, Pletcher quickly cuts him off. "Guess what?' the trainer says. 'It's too late.'

"He claims that years ago I signed off on it," Scatuorchio says, laughing.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 23, 2007, 11:35 PM

Belmont Report - NYRA: Monday April 23, 2007

Nobiz Like Shobiz got down to some serious business Monday morning, working five furlongs in :59.60 on the Belmont Park training track with jockey Cornelio Velasquez up.

“I moved the work up a day so that gives me two days to play with later on if we have bad weather,” trainer Barclay Tagg said. “I thought he did it very nicely. He galloped out seven furlongs in 1:27 and change and the mile in 1:42 and change.”

Sunday April 29th will be his final workout then shipped to Kentucky Wednesday May 2nd.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 23, 2007, 11:46 PM

If there are no injuries or defections by May 2nd its means that Teuflesberg will get shut out which just bites as there are several horses above him with the earnings but no way they are as good as he is :(

DRF 4-23-07 "Up to seven may get shut out of Derby" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/84258.html)

As of Monday, 27 3-year-olds were still under consideration for the Derby. Realistically, though, the last few have little to no chance of getting in. Attention will be placed on those at or near the bubble. Right now, Teuflesberg, who was a close fourth last time out in the Blue Grass Stakes, would be the first horse excluded if there were no defections from the top 20 by May 2.

Others currently on the outside looking in - in order of earnings - are Imawildandcrazyguy, Chelokee, Reporting for Duty, Starbase, Bold Start, and Delightful Kiss.

Chelokee and Reporting for Duty each have $100,000 in graded stakes earnings. If they end up tied for the 20th spot next week, Churchill will be faced with the prospect of having a Derby starter determined by random chance. According to the posted conditions of the race, if there is a tie, it is broken by lot. Churchill spokesman John Asher said two pills would be put in a bottle, like at a draw, and the one that comes out would correspond to the horse who gets in the race.

And what if those who are "in" but not likely to win? Here are the sad facts:

Among those residing in the top 20 are Xchanger, whose connections Monday had yet to commit to the Derby; Cobalt Blue, who raced poorly in the Illinois Derby and did not impress during or after a workout last Friday at Keeneland; and Sedgefield, who is a stablemate of Blue Grass winner Dominican and has yet to race on conventional dirt.

Xchanger's plans are "still up in the air," trainer Mark Shuman said Monday.

"It's too early to say," said Shuman, who owns a portion of Xchanger and said a tempting private offer from someone intent on running in the Derby could force him to sell. "If someone's got Derby fever, I've got the cure right here."

Sedgefield worked a half-mile at Churchill Downs on Saturday in 49 seconds. His trainer, Darrin Miller, said Monday that his intention was to run Sedgefield in the Derby. The work "wasn't bad, really," said Miller, who said Sedgefield would work again this Saturday at Churchill Downs. Miller has yet to settle on a jockey for Sedgefield. Rafael Bejarano rides Dominican.

Every year there is an entry who is just not prepared for the Derby but somehow there because the owner wanted to see them and/or boast of their horse being in it. Not sure if after said owner's horse finishes 20th out of 20 if the jubilation is still there ....

NMK

Apr. 24, 2007, 03:42 PM

Glimmer, I totally agree, that bites. Dominican is looking better every day for my $$. With so many good horses coming around for the later dates, it's not likely to be a good Triple year.

As always, wishing for safe trips to all down the lane.

Nancy

Jinx

Apr. 25, 2007, 07:53 AM

Glimmerglass

Apr. 25, 2007, 09:48 AM

Belmont Report - NYRA: Monday April 23, 2007

Nobiz Like Shobiz got down to some serious business Monday morning, working five furlongs in :59.60 on the Belmont Park training track with jockey Cornelio Velasquez up.

By comparison Curin casually moved along on Monday at Keeneland for the same distance (before shipping to Churchill that afternoon) a bit slower:

The big chestnut went five furlongs in 1:00 4/5 under exercise rider Carmen Rosas. The Keeneland clockers caught the last quarter-mile in a snappy 23 2/5 seconds and a gallop-out time in 1:14 for six furlongs over Keeneland's Polytrack. The work ranked 13th of 18 at the distance yesterday morning.

Courier Journal 4-24-07 "Keeneland work done for Curlin" (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070424/SPORTS0801/704240515/1037/SPORTS08)

Also running at five furlongs Monday: Sam P., co-owned by Louisvillian Jack Wolf, worked five furlongs in 1:00 4/5, the second of 39 works at the distance at Churchill. The first of 39 working out was ...

Street Sense who worked five furlongs in 0:59 flat (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18296284/) at Churchill with splits of 12.40, 24.40, 36.40, and 47.80 seconds before completing the work in 59.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 25, 2007, 09:55 AM

Looks like Derby fever might just be changing that comment for EPSN which made for good copy "we don't run horses two weeks back" as Slew's Tizzy looks more likely for the Derby:

ESPN 4-24-07 "Slew's Tizzy closer to Derby run" (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown07/news/story?id=2847681)

I'm so shocked :D

Glimmerglass

Apr. 25, 2007, 10:36 AM

A decision on Xchanger will not be made until Friday, so Jamie Sanders [trainer, exercise rider & co-owner of Teuflesberg] and her partners will have to sweat it out until then.

Ugh!

A photo gallery from the BloodHorse of the morning works (http://pictopia.com/perl/gal?gallery_id=14779&sequencenum=0&provider_id=368&process=gallery&page=thumbnails)

Glimmerglass

Apr. 25, 2007, 02:19 PM

April 25, 2007, 1:05 PM ET
Slew's Tizzy now doubtful for Derby
By Marty McGee
Daily Racing Form

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The connections of Lexington Stakes winner Slew's Tizzy are "very much leaning toward not running" the colt in the May 5 Kentucky Derby, said trainer Greg Fox on Wednesday.

"The horse is doing great, but unless something radically changes in the next day or two, we have pretty much decided against running," Fox, a licensed veterinarian, said from his farm adjacent to the Thoroughbred Training Center in Lexington, Ky. "We expect to make a firm decision by Friday."

Joe LaCombe owns and bred Slew's Tizzy,

Slew's Tizzy's defection would open a slot for Teuflesberg in the race. The Derby is limited to the top 20 entrants based on graded earnings. Imawildandcrazyguy is next on the list to make the field.

vineyridge

Apr. 25, 2007, 02:38 PM

I really like the idea of weighting 3 yo earnings more than two year old earnings, with the Breeder's Cup an exception.

The way things are now, the Derby doesn't always get the best horses at the time it's run. JMHO, of course, and whoever raised a change in the way the field is selected had a brilliant idea.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 25, 2007, 02:47 PM

Yikes! Forget about waiting for any last minute defections or injuries, Sanders with Teuflesberg is either getting the "ok" to go to the Derby Saturday or he'll run in the Derby Trial Stakes on Sunday and go to the Preakness.

Ouch - I have him at 96-1 to win the Derby (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2007/future-wager) a payoff of $195.40 per every $2 wagered :) Of course he needs to get into the Derby and win it ...

DRF 4-25-07 1:40 pm "Derby Trial the fallback plan for Teuflesberg" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/84293.html)

winter

Apr. 26, 2007, 01:14 PM

ravenclaw

Apr. 26, 2007, 01:40 PM

I am confused, I thought the Derby was open to colts and fillies since the filly Regret won in 1915 (?) but I don't see any mention of fillies for this year, and hear people talk of the Oaks as the filly race.
What am I missing here?

The Kentucky Derby is open to colts, gelding, and fillies but there aren't a lot of fillies who run in it. There was some talk earlier this spring about Rags to Riches (filly) running in the Derby, but now she is going to the Oaks instead. She is very talented, but the article I read said the owner and trainer didn't want to rush her in order to get her ready for the Derby.

I think it has to be a special filly to run in the Derby....one that is as fast as the boys and one that has the mental toughness to do it.

The Kentucky Oaks is for fillies only. BTW, two other fillies besides Regret have won the Derby. Genuine Risk in 1980 and Winning Colors in 1988.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 26, 2007, 01:47 PM

I am confused, I thought the Derby was open to colts and fillies since the filly Regret won in 1915 (?) but I don't see any mention of fillies for this year, and hear people talk of the Oaks as the filly race.

It is still open to fillies and they are even given a slight weight advantage.

However while some are nominated to the Triple Crown, there are no fillies pointed to starting in the Kentucky Derby. It happens. There hasn't been a filly in the Derby in several years - 2005's Sweetcatomine was the last one planned to entered but was nixed after her last prep effort.

Dreaming of Anna was mentioned early this year as going until she bombed in several efforts and isn't even a leading contender in the Kentucky Oaks.

The Kentucky Oaks - held the day before the Derby - is a major event with massive swarms of folks enjoying the Friday afternoon. That is strictly for fillies.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 26, 2007, 01:52 PM

Another jockey assignment ...

Leparoux to ride Sedgefield
By MARTY McGEE - DRF - Apr 26, 2007

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Julien Leparoux has been named to ride Sedgefield in the Kentucky Derby, trainer Darrin Miller told Churchill Downs officials Wednesday morning.

Sedgefield, one of two Derby prospects that Miller trains for Silverton Hills Farm, figures as one of the longer prices in the May 5 race, having finished fourth as the favorite in his last start, the April 6 Transylvania Stakes on the Keeneland turf course.

The naming of Leparoux, the Eclipse Award-winning apprentice of 2006, leaves only Zanjero without a rider among the 20 horses who appear likely to make the cutoff on the graded-earnings list. Steve Asmussen has declined to commit a rider to Zanjero, pending late developments before entry time Wednesday.

winter

Apr. 26, 2007, 01:52 PM

Thanks!!
I am going to the Derby for the first time and don't know that much about racing to begin with so I am trying to read up as much as I can before I go. Who do you think the best long shot is? I was reading that the favorite only wins a third of the time.
I can't wait to get down there.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 26, 2007, 01:59 PM

Who do you think the best long shot is? I was reading that the favorite only wins a third of the time.

The final field and drawing for position won't be done until next Wednesday. I wouldn't guess as per say until then. A few very long shots are eligible to run but still uncertain if they will do so. Other good horses could be further compromised depending upon which gate they break from, etc.

Indeed the morning-line betting favorite rarely does win. Plus what fun is there to betting on an even money favorite ;)

The winning formula for the Kentucky Derby victor will always have an element of luck/good fortune which no one can predict who will be blessed with it during the course of a couple of minutes the first Saturday in May ...

Alibhai's Alibar

Apr. 29, 2007, 12:50 AM

Very nice Sunday NY Times article about Nobiz, Tagg, and Valando and their road to the Derby.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/29/sports/othersports/29racing.html?hp

Includes an interesting bit about Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum's $17 million offer for him in 2006:

Last September, when Nobiz raced for the first time, he seemed to float to a 10 ¾-length victory, which brought a visit from a representative of Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. He made an offer that was hard to refuse: $17 million for Nobiz.

She <Valando> was also pleased by his <Tagg's> reaction to her refusal of the sheik’s offer for Nobiz, and a $500,000 commission for Mr. Tagg.

“I didn’t go into this business for the money,” he told her.

Nor is Mrs. Valando, who has refused to insure Nobiz because she does not want to profit from any injury.

As an aside, I took the photo that is featured in the article (but they made a mistake with the credit :mad:).

ohrebecca

Apr. 29, 2007, 12:54 AM

The winning formula for the Kentucky Derby victor will always have an element of luck/good fortune which no one can predict who will be blessed with it during the course of a couple of minutes the first Saturday in May ...

You said it!

Personally, I'm still sticking with Storm in May though he's had some bad races since the Dash. None of the racing pundits seem to like him or put much faith into him, but we'll see.

I know almost nothing about racing, but I know what I like when I see it :)

Glimmerglass

Apr. 29, 2007, 10:51 PM

Teuflesberg put in solid 5-furlong workout Sunday in 1:00.80 at Churchill Downs (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2007/April/29/Teuflesberg-works-with-Derby-participation-in-doubt.aspx) with the hopes still that someone will drop out.

Per the Thoroughbred Times:

If there is a defection from the Derby field, then Xchanger is the most likely departure. The Tesio Stakes winner remains at Fair Hill Training Center in Elkton, Maryland, while his connections attempt to sell their colt to an owner keen on running in the Derby.

Certainly a couple other contenders are just pretenders in my view who should drop out and save themselves, trainers and owners the embarassment but Derby fever will do crazy things.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 30, 2007, 01:06 PM

Not to continually beat the Teuflesberg drum but the key horse that his connections are looking to watch drop out of running appear to maybe be more firm in going although Churchill Downs isn't being told of such ....

Triple Crown | Posted 4/30/2007, 12:12 pm

Now Xchanger might run
By BYRON KING
Daily Racing Form (http://www.drf.com/news/article/84454.html)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Tesio Stakes winner Xchanger, who had been announced as an unlikely Kentucky Derby participant by trainer Mark Shuman late last week, is now considered a probable starter, co-owner Domenico Zannino said Monday.

A final decision on Xchanger's Derby status is not expected until Tuesday, he said. Discussions are under way for the colt to be sold, either in full or in partnership, with Zannino saying the prospects of a sale are "80 percent." He would not identify the potential buyer.

Zannino, who races as Circle Z Stable, owns 50 percent of Xchanger, and Joe Masone and Shuman own 25 percent apiece.

Xchanger, who has been training at Fair Hill Training Center in northern Maryland since winning the Tesio at Pimlico April 21, would be vanned to Churchill Downs either Tuesday or Wednesday if his owners decide to run the colt in the Derby, Zannino said.

A rider for the Derby had not been chosen by Monday morning. "That's what we're working on right now," he said.

Churchill Downs stall manager Mike Hargrave and senior vice president of racing Donnie Richardson both said Monday morning they had not been contacted by Xchanger's connections regarding the horse's participation in the Derby.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 30, 2007, 02:12 PM

The bad news: NBC is expanding their Kentucky Derby coverage to 2 hours

The good news: ESPN will be offering real coverage up until just before the start

NBC Sports instead of taking an extra 30 minutes to give better profiles of the starters or even doing interesting segments like "how did he get that name" will instead go E!, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood style with a "what are they wearing" b.s. red carpet feature guaranteed to be chock full of half drunken B-list stars and Rap Artists who - like year's past - often couldn't think of a single starter's name.

Give me a $%#@ break!

NBC Expands Derby Telecast to Two Hours (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38690)

The 4:30-5:00 p.m. time slot will be taken over by "Access Hollywood," an entertainment news program syndicated by NBC/Universal and shown nationwide five times a week. The 30-minute program, titled "Kentucky Derby Red Carpet Special Presented by Olay Regenerist," will feature red-carpet celebrity interviews from Churchill Downs conducted by "Access Hollywood" correspondent Shaun Robinson.

InVA

Apr. 30, 2007, 02:23 PM

maybe HRTV will have good profiles? We can only hope!

Barnfairy

Apr. 30, 2007, 02:44 PM

Oh, yuck. :dead:

'Glad I was planning on spending the day at Suffolk for the live season opener anyway.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 30, 2007, 05:02 PM

It wasn't a bird or plane but it certainly was 120% effort at Churchill this am- wow!

...[Monday morning] Hard Spun, the Lane’s End (gr. II) winner went out and worked five furlongs in :57 3/5, all but leaving sparks as his feet hit the ground.

Keep in mind his exercise rider weighs 180 lbs!

You ask for a blow out and that's what it was.

Hard Spun, still tossing his ears around, came home his final quarter in a solid :24 1/5, and even slowing down in his gallop out, he still went out in 1:12 2/5 for the six furlongs. This was a much smoother work than his mile work at Keeneland.

Porter, who had no idea how fast he had gone, asked, “It wasn’t less than :59 was it?” Uh, yeah, it was.

Source: BloodHorse 4-30-07 (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38698)

Glimmerglass

Apr. 30, 2007, 05:38 PM

Derby institutes $1M Barbaro bonus

AP Apr.30, 2007, 2:33 pm EDT (http://www.nbcsports.com/horseracing/1432736/detail.html)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- There will be a $1 million bonus at the Kentucky Derby if the first-place horse wins by more than 61/2 lengths -- the margin of Barbaro's victory last year.

The bonus would be divided Saturday among the winning trainer, jockey, owner and a charity, with each receiving 25 percent, it was announced Monday. The designated charity is the Barbaro Memorial Fund.

"It's certainly creative, it's certainly fun and it has something for the horsemen, which we always want to embrace," Churchill Downs president and chief executive Robert Evans said at a news conference. "What's really cool is it will force us to remember Barbaro."

The so-called Yumfecta will be paid by Yum! Brands, the Derby's presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year and parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Long John Silver's and A&W restaurants. To pay the bonus, the Louisville company took out an insurance policy.

"We anticipate it being a hit," said David Novak, Yum! Brands chairman and CEO.

Barbaro's winning margin was the largest since 1946 when Assault won by eight lengths. Only four other horses in the race's 132-year history have won by 6 1/2 lengths or more.

Saturday's winner need only surpass Barbaro's victory margin by a nose to collect the bonus, Novak said.

"This is all geared around the fact that he had a tremendous victory," Novak said. "We want to keep his memory alive with this."

Barbaro broke his right hind leg in the Preakness Stakes and was euthanized in January after a gallant struggle that captivated the public.

The Barbaro Memorial Fund benefits the New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pa., where the colt underwent several operations and lived out his final months.

Besides the bonus, the winner's share is $1.24 million from a total guaranteed purse of $2 million.

The bonus will be reviewed after this year, although Novak said he anticipates it would be offered again, with the Barbaro Memorial Fund continuing as the designated charity.

Glimmerglass

Apr. 30, 2007, 10:40 PM

How many starts?

Worth pointing out once again ...

Curlin, has exactly three starts in his profile. Tiago has 4.

Compare that with 20 to 30 years ago. Dust Commander won the 1970 Derby with a foundation of 22 starts. Cannonade won the centenary 1974 Derby after 21 starts. Spectacular Bid had 14, Affirmed, Sunny's Halo and Bold Forbes had 13 each, Secretariat, Riva Ridge, Gato del Sol 12 apiece, Foolish Pleasure, Swale and Spend a Buck 11.

As for the charity (For the TCA) with the Mint Julep Cup Auction (Woodford Reserve) (http://www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com/Auctions.aspx) right now (11 pm EST/4-30-07) it appears to be:

$9,000 for Barbaro
$3,500 for Secretariat
$2,100 for Aristides
$1,700 for Seattle Slew
$1,600 for War Admiral
$1,200 for Whirlaway
$1,200 for Affirmed
and the balance of the field ...

Glimmerglass

May. 1, 2007, 02:11 AM

I have to say with the lack of excuses for his poor performances as of late it would make sense for Merv Griffin to take a pass on CB and the Derby.

We'll know by 10 am EST Tuesday, May 1st if he's in or out.

“He did not work that well,” O’Neill said of the six furlong work in 1:11 4/5 over Keeneland’s Polytrack.

Considering the questions about Cobalt Blue’s readiness, O’Neill said he would send the Golden Missile colt on a “two-minute lick” (gallop around the track) at 7 a.m. (ET) Tuesday. Based on what he relays to Griffin from that exercise regimen, a decision will be made by 10 a.m. Tuesday on whether to enter the Derby.
Source: BloodHorse 4-30-07 "Cobalt Blue May Miss Derby; Would Open Door for Teuflesberg" (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38706)

I still think that the Xchanger crew could drop out too. They are peddling their horse to a would-be owner on the premise that somebody is willing to pay six-figures, maybe seven, to be part of the scene on Derby day. Although I wouldn't expect a miracle top 10 finish for the colt. My guess is that since they haven't named a jockey yet they might just be having trouble coming up with the scratch to actually race in the Derby ;)

How much does it cost to race on the first Saturday in May? [Setting training fees, et al aside] Assuming you've paid the $600 early Triple Crown nomination whih was due Jan 20th, you still have to pay $25,000 in an entry fee plus a $25,000 starting fee. [Comparatively those are $10k entry fees + $10k starting fees for Preakness and Belmont]

It's hard to convince anyone to stake $50,000 for a horse that on paper looks to be an-also-ran. Finishing 18th, for example, does zip for the breeding legacy.

(For the record: to race in all three of the Triple Crown races in 2007, assuming still the $600 early TC entry fee was paid, will costs $90,600)

Glimmerglass

May. 1, 2007, 08:35 AM

It wasn't a bird or plane but it certainly was 120% effort at Churchill this am- wow!

...[Monday morning] Hard Spun, the Lane’s End (gr. II) winner went out and worked five furlongs in :57 3/5, all but leaving sparks as his feet hit the ground.

How fast was it? Try the fastest in 34 years! (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2007/05/01/2007-05-01_hard_spun_gives_track_a_whirl.html)

According to Churchill Downs, it was the fastest pre-Derby workout since 1973 - a :57 turned in by Forego, who finished fourth to Secretariat but ended up being one of the top racehorses of all time.

Glimmerglass

May. 1, 2007, 09:49 AM

Regarding Cobalt Blue and his test for being either in or out ...

Cobalt Blue was scheduled to "open gallop" over the track on Tuesday. according to his trainer Doug O’Neill, but was full of run and was timed going seven furlongs from the three-eighths pole to the half-mile pole in 1:26.17 by Daily Racing Form.

O’Neill said afterwards that he would confer with the horse’s owner, Merv Griffin, later today before making a final decision on whether to enter Cobalt Blue in the Derby.

Source: DRF 5/1/07 (http://www.drf.com/news/article/84485.html)

Glimmerglass

May. 1, 2007, 11:17 AM

Cited before in this thread but in a less comprehensive form ...

"What's in a Name? Tradition, Humor" (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38572)

example:

6. Stormello (Stormy Atlantic–Wilshewed): Bred and owned by Al Eisman and trainer William Currin, the chestnut colt was not named for any particular rhyme or reason. “It just rolled off the tip of my tongue,” Currin said. “There’s no Mr. or Mrs. Stormello, there’s no war story over some place called Stormello, it’s just a made-up word that rolled off a crazy man’s tongue, and you can quote me on that one.”

Glimmerglass

May. 1, 2007, 01:25 PM

It took a big man, like Merv, to make that call but it was in the best interest of all considered: Source: DRF (http://www.drf.com/news/article/84487.html)

On Tuesday, O'Neill was encouraged by the way Cobalt Blue was training since he put blinkers on the colt on Sunday.

"I think it all starts with the Hawthorne race - that was so disappointing," O'Neill said Tuesday. "I think his last workout at Keeneland was very questionable. The time was fast, but [exercise rider Tony Romero] said he was just really lackadaisical.

"Merv said don't run that horse just for me. If we need to bring him back home and find a different spot let's do it.

"I put in a little bit of plea because the colt is a talented colt, but at the end of the day it's probably the right move."

Glimmerglass

May. 1, 2007, 01:34 PM

... and finally the Maryland-based contender drops out - Xchanger which irked me that they waited this long. Had Chelokee not brused his foot he'd be firmly at the door to almost starting too.

DRF 5-1-07 "Cobalt Blue, Xchanger out of Derby" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/84487.html)

According to Churchill Downs officials, Mark Shuman, the trainer of Xchanger, informed the racing office that he would not be running his horse in the Derby.

Glimmerglass

May. 1, 2007, 05:33 PM

A rarely mentioned entry that Steve Haskin today cited (http://www.bloodhorse.com/talkinhorses/SH050107.asp) during the Q&A Talkin Horses of the BloodHorse:

What about Sam P.?

Haskin:
I have a fondness for this horse. He's a difficult ride, and no one has had the patience to let the horse run the way he wants to. He needs a rider who will ride him like he's 2-1 and not 50-1. He's a one-paced grinder who will keep going at a steady pace, and he won't get tired. Garrett Gomez busted a gut pushing him down the backstretch to keep up and Ramon Dominguez whipped him four times on the turn. Just leave this horse alone. He's not going to run any faster by the rider pushing him or whipping him early. Just keep him in the race, and if it looks like he's dropping back, it's only because faster horses are passing him. But when the others start to tire he will get back in the race, which is why you have to keep riding him with confidence and not panic if you think he's losing ground. At 50-1 he is capable of hitting the board if ridden correctly. Just watch his final sixteenth in the Bob Lewis and how easy he's going passing the wire, only 1 1/4 lengths behind Great Hunter.

Haskin on the $1M "Barbaro Bonus" which is not overall being well received:

It's this kind of thinking that gives birth to a scatter-brained idea like having a bonus for any horse that wins the Derby by a bigger margin than Barbaro. That has to be as dumb an idea as I've ever heard. It's as if they're saying the hell with the horse and his chances of sweeping the Triple Crown. Just beat the tar out of him in order to win some stupid self-serving bonus.

Jinx

May. 1, 2007, 07:42 PM

A rarely mentioned entry that Steve Haskin today cited (http://www.bloodhorse.com/talkinhorses/SH050107.asp) during the Q&A Talkin Horses of the BloodHorse:

Haskin on the $1M "Barbaro Bonus" which is not overall being well received:

Aint that the truth!

Jinx

May. 1, 2007, 07:45 PM

Looks like Teuflesberg is in --- colbalt blue is out....

http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38716

Trainer Doug O’Neill confirmed Tuesday that Merv Griffin’s Cobalt Blue would not be entered in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), opening the door for Teuflesberg to get in the classic.

Citing the colt’s lackluster seventh-place in the Illinois Derby (gr. II) and his performance in a recent workout as reasons indications the colt was not ready, O’Neill said Griffin decided that it was in the horse’s best interests to return to California and regroup. Although he did not rule out the Preakness Stakes (gr. I), O’Neill said it was unlikely the son of Golden Missile would go to the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Cobalt Blue has won three of five lifetime starts, including the San Felipe Stakes (gr. II). O'Neill sent the colt out for a strong gallop Tuesday morning before calling to confer with Griffin. "He went great," O'Neill said afterwards.

The defection of Cobalt Blue opens the door for Teuflesberg, who is 21st on the graded stakes earnings list that serves as the preference list for the 20-horse starting field in the Derby, to go forward in the season’s first classic.

Trainer Jamie Sanders said she had a feeling Cobalt Blue would not run, but was glad to hear of a final decision.

"I kinda knew two days ago, but I'm relieved it's official," she said. "Doug O'Neill is a really nice person. He knew I was next in line so he called me this morning as soon as he got off the phone with his owner, which I really appreciated."

This marks the second year in a row that Griffin has had a Derby contender not run due to a setback. Last year, Griffin’s Stevie Wonderboy dropped off the Derby trail early in the season due to an injury.

Glimmerglass

May. 1, 2007, 11:33 PM

Sports Illustrated (wow they still cover horses?) gets in on the act of bashing the Barbaro Bonus, which is an ironic name and what was best intentions seems very counterproductive to his legacy ...

SI 5/1/07 (Tim Layden) "New Kentucky Derby bonus an invitation to injury" (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/tim_layden/05/01/notes/)

Carl Nafzger, the veteran trainer who conditions potential Derby favorite Street Sense, was asked yesterday morning what he would do if his jockey rolled into the stretch with a lead in the Derby and began whipping his horse to win the bonus.

Nafzger said, "I'll kill him.''

Well that pretty much says it all ;)

Regarding the charity cups ...

Barbaro gold julep cup fetches $22K
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

May 1, 2007
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A New Yorker paid $22,222 Tuesday for a gold-plated mint julep cup honoring 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro in a charity auction to benefit retired race horses and injured jockeys.

The buyer, Bonnie O'Neil, will have Barbaro owner Gretchen Jackson pick up the cup for her on Saturday at the Derby.

"I wanted to do something in my own little way to make sure Barbaro didn't die in vain," O'Neil said in a statement. "I was thrilled when Gretchen Jackson agreed to accept the cup on my behalf."

Ms. O'Neil is listed as "a horse owner from New York City" in the press release.

Another 76 cups were sold for $1,000 on a first-come, first-served basis, for total sales of $125,337 as of Tuesday, the distillery said. Another 43 cups were still available, 10 of which were being held back to sell on Derby day at the track.

ravenclaw

May. 2, 2007, 10:15 AM

When I first heard about the bonus, I thought it was a bad idea. It just encourages jockeys to use their horses more or go to the whip more so they can get the bonus.

Whoever thought this up probably had their heart in the right place. It is just more of a businessman's idea than a horseman's idea.

Glimmerglass

May. 2, 2007, 10:16 AM

This afternoon will be the live Kentucky Derby selection show:

SportsCenter at the Kentucky Derby (live)
Wednesday, May 2, 5 p.m. ET on ESPN2

The annual Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders' (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38732) trainers' dinner in Louisville was last night. Interestingly there was this bit on the rumoured $16M offered for Nobiz Like Showbiz:

Representing the absent trainer Barclay Tagg was Nobiz Like Shobiz' owner and breeder Elizabeth Valando, who put to rest the rumors that she turned down a substantial amount of money offered for the horse after his first race.

"I've never confirmed that, and I've been asked not to," said Valando, who was dressed sharply in a black dress and hat. "He was such a special horse. I think we all try to breed a horse like this, and I didn't want to part with him."

Anyone interesting in potentially owning a temporary 10% stake in a New York-bred throughbred? ESPN and West Point Thoroughbreds have a contest for just that (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/news/story?id=2854986)

The Win a Share of a Thoroughbred Sweepstakes, presented by West Point Thoroughbreds, offers a one-year ownership interest in Post Exchange, a son of popular stallion Phone Trick, out of the Rubiano mare Lightbeam.

rules, etc are here (https://r.espn.go.com/espn/contest/index?code=WPT_Promo_ESPNHorse_041907)

Phone Trick by the way was a "neighbor" to Spectacular Bid [Stall 1 vs. Phone's 5] at Milfer Farms in Unadilla, NY and died in late 2005.

Glimmerglass

May. 2, 2007, 12:59 PM

The determined order for this afternoon's live selection process:

The very nice (but long shot) half-blind, gray will get to pick first :)

1 – Storm In May
2 – Teuflesberg
3 – Hard Spun
4 – Liquidity
5 – Bwana Bull
6 – Street Sense
7 – Cowtown Cat
8 – Scat Daddy
9 – Imawildandcrazyguy
10 – Zanjero
11 – Tiago
12 – Circular Quay
13 – Sam P.
14 – Nobiz Like Shobiz
15 – Stormello
16 – Curlin
17 – Sedgefield
18 – Any Given Saturday
19 – Great Hunter
20 – Dominican

This doesn't look particularly great for Curlin who very will could be either forced to take a slot far on the end or even close to rail where early is required.

Glimmerglass

May. 2, 2007, 01:26 PM

For the record: 22 horses were entered with Reporting for Duty and Delightful Kiss excluded from the field, which is limited to 20 starters based on graded stakes earnings.

The most ever to start: 23 in 1974, won by Cannonade but perhaps had there been less of a calvary charge size field, then Little Current might have swept the Triple Crown ...

The 20-horse rule began in 1984.

How many times since then has there been a "full house" of actual starters?

Actually only twice: 2005 and 2006; There have been 19 starters five times under the linited rule, most recently in 2000.

Todd Pletcher is 0 - 14 in the Derby

Those with multiple success are shut out with no starters: three-time winning trainer Bob Baffert, who sent out three horses last year, and Hall of Fame trainers D. Wayne Lukas, a four-time winner, and Nick Zito, a two-time winner.

CBS 5-2-07 "Wayne Lukas sizes up the Kentucky Derby" (http://www.cbc.ca/cp/sports/070502/s050237A.html)

excerpts:

He thinks six or seven horses are contenders, but two stand out: Street Sense and the unbeaten Curlin.

Former assistant Todd Pletcher has five runners - Circular Quay, Sam P, Scat Daddy, Cowtown Cat and Any Given Saturday - and Lukas is not high on them.

Cheapest entries in this year's field?

1 - Teuflesburg: $9,000 yearling purchase
2 - Storm in May: $16,000 yearling purchase
3 - Imawildandcrazyguy: $17,000 yearling purchase

Glimmerglass

May. 2, 2007, 02:18 PM

25% of Teuflesberg was sold to Jeff Singer (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2007/May/02/Singer-purchases-25-percent-interest-in-Derby-entrant-Teuflesberg.aspx) in the last day or so.

Teuflesberg was purchased by his trainer (Jamie Sanders) and a few other partners for $9,000 at the 2005 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October yearling sale, and the colt has gone on to win four of 15 starts and earn $385,431.

Barnfairy

May. 2, 2007, 04:26 PM

This is shaping up to be a very exciting race. At this point I'm leaning towards Street Sense...but anything can happen in the Derby!

Glimmerglass, many thanks for your continued diligence in updating this thread with interesting tidbits. :)

Glimmerglass

May. 2, 2007, 04:35 PM

Don't expect to hang out with Elizabeth for the photo op and get her to pick up a round of julep's after the Derby is over. Her schedule is such that she'll only be in Louisville a short while:

Queen's Derby visit won't last long
May 2, 2007 Louisville Courier-Journal

The most famous guest at this year's Kentucky Derby will make her stay in Louisville a short one.

Queen Elizabeth II of England is expected to arrive at Louisville International Airport on Saturday afternoon and head to Churchill Downs, then return to the airport hours later for her departure.

Rande Swann, an airport spokeswoman, predicted there would be minimal impact on other travelers, largely because most race fans arrive earlier in the week and won't leave town until Sunday.

Swann said there won't be any public access at the airport for the visit.
Police said they will close interstate highways near the airport and the racetrack briefly during the queen's arrival and departure.

Koenig Loignon said the queen and her husband, Prince Philip, will watch the 133rd Run for the Roses from a dining room in the clubhouse. From the infield, the royal couple will be to the left of the Twin Spires, on either the fourth, fifth or sixth floors.

"She'll have a very good view," Koenig Loignon said. "Close to the finish line."

Hopefully she'll lay a few quid on Sam P, Nozbiz or Teuflesberg ;)

Xctrygirl

May. 2, 2007, 05:18 PM

Hard Spun in #8, Teuflesberg in #10, Storm in May #4, and Liquidity in #9

~Em

Xctrygirl

May. 2, 2007, 05:44 PM

2 Curlin S. Asmussen
3Zanjero S. Bridgemohan S. Asmussen
4Storm in May B. Kaplan
5I'mawildandcrazyguy M. Guidry B. Kaplan
6Cowtown Cat F. Jara T. Pletcher
7Street Sense C. Borel C. Nafzger
8Hard Spun M. Pino L. Jones
9Liquidity D. Oneil
10Teuflesberg S. Elliott J. Sanders
11Bwana Bull
12Nobizlike sho biz C. Velasquez B. Tagg
13Sam P R. Dominguez T. Pletcher
14Scat Daddy E. Prado T. Pletcher
15Tiago M. Smith J. Sheirrifs

17Stormello K. Desomeaux B. Currin

Xctrygirl

May. 2, 2007, 05:51 PM

Ok all done:

1. Sedgefield
2. Curlin
3. Zanjero
4. Storm in May
5. I'mawildandcrazyguy
6. Cowtown Cat
7. Street Sense
8. Hard Spun
9. Liquidity
10 Teuflesberg
11. Bwana Bull
12. Nobiz like Shobiz
13. Sam P
14. Scat Daddy
15. Tiago
16. Circular Quay
17. Stormello
18. Any Given Saturday
19. Dominican
20. Great Hunter

~Emily

Jinx

May. 2, 2007, 06:58 PM

humm a horse with my b day in my fav # slot...hummm might have to actually say it....

Scat Daddy is my pick!;)

Glimmerglass

May. 2, 2007, 09:55 PM

Considering Curlin isn't the "overwhelming" favorite [just a mild ML fav and that might likely change by 6 pm Saturday] I wouldn't necessarily say the bad luck of the favorite will apply. Lord knows he has already enough historical obsticles to overcome to win!

But lets just say the favorite in recent history has been doomed not to win:

Bloodhorse "A Look at Derby Favorites Throughout History" (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38589)

excerpt

Recent history reveals, however, that only two favored runners, Fusaichi Pegasus (2000) and Smarty Jones (2004), have posted victories in the Derby in the last 27 years.

The biggest gap of favorites failing to find the winner's circle began after Spectacular Bid's feat in 1979 and continued until Fusaichi Pegasus lived up to his hype in 2000 following a dry spell of 21 years.

In the last 132 runnings of the Kentucky Derby, 50 favorites, or approximately 38% of favored horses have crossed the wire first. Of the others, 28 ran second, 10 were third, and 44 unplaced.

If we recall history correctly last year's favorite for the Derby was Sweetnorthernsaint ;)

Glimmerglass

May. 2, 2007, 10:47 PM

A few comments on the selections: New York Times May 2, 2007 (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/03/sports/othersports/03derby.html)

Nafzger put little stock in Curlin’s status as the morning-line favorite.

“Like I always say, we’re all 19-1 when we go to the gate,” said Nafzger, referring to the Derby’s 20-horse field. “I just want to be No. 1 at the wire.”

Nobiz Like Shobiz and Circular Quay were installed as the co-third choices. Nobiz Like Shobiz, who will leave from the 12 post, and his trainer, Barclay Tagg, arrived here late Wednesday afternoon after training in the morning at Belmont Park.

In 2003, the Tagg-trained Funny Cide broke from the No. 5 post and went on to victory. But that post was gone when it was time to select. He also wanted to give his jockey, Cornelio Velásquez, the best chance to get Nobiz into a comfortable stalking trip.

“I’m happy,” he said. “Originally, I kind of wanted to select between 4 and 8, but I did some research and talked to some people and changed my thinking, and wanted a post between 9 and 13.”

For the late-running Circular Quay, his No. 16 hole hardly mattered.

“He’ll drop back and come running,” his trainer, Todd Pletcher, said of Circular Quay, the Louisiana Derby champion.

Glimmerglass

May. 3, 2007, 08:55 AM

Obviously HRTV and TGV both have racing and coverage of the derby, but for the rest of us in cable tv wasteland ESPN/ESPN have to fit the bill ;)

• Triple Crown Special
May 3, 3 p.m. ET on ESPN2

• Today at Churchill Downs
May 4, 3 p.m. ET on ESPN

• Kentucky Oaks
May 4, 5 p.m. ET on ESPN2

• Handicapping the Derby
May 5, 5:30 a.m. ET on ESPN2

• Ky. Derby Breakfast Show
May 5, 6 a.m. ET on ESPN2

• Today at the Ky. Derby
May 5, 12 p.m. ET on ESPN

• Kentucky Derby Special
May 5, 3 p.m. ET on ESPN

• Kentucky Derby
May 5, 4:30 p.m. ET on NBC

Glimmerglass

May. 3, 2007, 08:58 AM

Q: does anyone have the heights of the Derby field?

I cannot find how big, for example, Curlin is yet comments are always such that he is "large" (guessing maybe 16.3hh) and looks so in video next to others.

It is one of the those stats that should be part of every Derby contender's profile.

(Updated: info isn't found on his Derby page but plenty of other goodies there (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2007/derby_contenders/curlin))

Glimmerglass

May. 3, 2007, 12:21 PM

From the "perhaps we pointed him to the wrong race" folder:

"He's a freight train; he'll keep going all day long," Kaplan said. "This mile and a quarter is going to be right up his alley. And watch out for him in the Belmont (Stakes). That's what he really wants, a mile and a half."

- Quote from Bill Kaplan on runner Imawildandcrazyguy (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070503/SPORTS0801/705030552/1002/SPORTS)

And the "it is rather nice just to be racing here" folder:

"The Kentucky Derby is wonderful, and I'd like to win it, but it's not necessary to win it," he said.

"There's really nothing to prove; it's just an opportunity to make more money and have more fun."

- Quote from Bill Currin on his Stormello going off at 30-1

Glimmerglass

May. 3, 2007, 12:47 PM

The Louisville Courier-Journal has more on the partners behind Curlin.

As has been already cited before in this thread the dubious source of the money (my opinion here) for Jackson's partners has always soured me. Add to it Jass Jackson being a bull in a China shop with his actions and you have a distinctly polarizing crew.

Courier-Journal May 3, 2007 "Diet-drug lawyers own stake in Curlin" (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070503/SPORTS0801/705030444/-1/SPORTS0801)

excerpt

... more than 400 people who have won a court ruling that their former lawyers defrauded them out of as much as $64.4 million in Kentucky's fen-phen case -- money that should have gone to compensate them for injuries from the diet drug.

Two of those attorneys -- William Gallion and Shirley Cunningham Jr. -- own 20 percent of Curlin, a 7-2 favorite.

WhiteCamry

May. 3, 2007, 12:52 PM

This is shaping up to be a very exciting race. At this point I'm leaning towards Street Sense...but anything can happen in the Derby!

Just remember, no BCJ winner has yet won the KD.

Glimmerglass

May. 3, 2007, 04:17 PM

Laurel&HollyFarm

May. 3, 2007, 07:10 PM

Just placed my bet with my wonderful neighbor that gets to go to the Derby each year. I bet on NoBiz. I also bet the trifacta of Nobiz, Curlin, and Scat Daddy. I also put a small bet on the long shot Tiago. My husband bet on Scat Daddy.

Can't wait. Did I mention I got to meet NoBiz's sire last week along with Barbaro's sire and Smarty Jones :D.

Glimmerglass

May. 3, 2007, 08:53 PM

The Associate Press has a look back at the 1957 Kentucky Derby when it become a nightmare for Bill Shoemaker ...

AP 5/3/07 "Derby dream turned into nightmare in '57" (http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingsports/ci_5810992)

As the horses passed the sixteenth pole, Shoemaker inexplicably stood up in the irons on Gallant Man, misjudging the finish line. It happened so quickly, hardly anyone noticed at first. In a flash, Shoemaker bounced back into the saddle and began riding hard again.

But Gallant Man couldn't overhaul Hartack and Iron Liege, who won by a nose.

In that year's pre-Derby Wood Memorial race, [John] Choquette rode Gallant Man and lost by a nose to Bold Ruler and Eddie Arcaro. Shoemaker was in that race, too, but his horse hit the gate and was injured, leaving him without a Derby mount.

But after the Wood, Choquette was suspended for rough riding and in those days there were no appeals. So Nerud called Shoemaker and asked him to ride Gallant Man in the Derby. The jockey arrived at Churchill Downs wanting to get a feel for the track, but his agent couldn't book him a ride on the Derby Day undercard.

"The finish line at Churchill Downs was a sixteenth of a mile farther toward the first turn than it was at other tracks in the country," Shoemaker wrote. "And I hadn't had a ride over a track like that in a year. The year before, my Derby horse had been Terrang and he finished 12th.

"When your horse finishes 12th," he continued, "you hardly notice where the wire is."

Worth pointing out:

Curlin, the 7-2 favorite, is unbeaten in three starts, but with a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms forecast, things could get interesting. Street Sense finished third in his only race on a sloppy track; Curlin has never raced in mud.

Beezer

May. 4, 2007, 01:23 AM

I think this could be a really fascinating, close race ... or else Curlin will simply blow them out of the water. :p How's that for a definitive opinion?

But, seriously, I've stuck to Street Sense and Great Hunter all winter and still think they have strong, legitimate shots. There are several really intriguing horses in the race; wouldn't it be something if Liquidity picked Saturday to get his head back in the game?

Interestingly, the top five finishers in the BC Juvenile are all in the KD (as is Teuflesberg, who finished farther back in the BC Juvenile) -- although it's a certainity that Street Sense won't go off at that long a price again.

I can't help but think that those horses will have a bit of an edge in that they've been over the track before, and in a highly charged atmosphere (albeit not as highly charged as it will be Saturday). Particularly with so many preps having been on the synthetic surfaces.

Glimmerglass

May. 4, 2007, 09:17 AM

A rather informative list of all of the contenders and observations of their works over the Churchill surface: DRF 5-4-07 "Visually, Street Sense stands out" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/84595.html)

Excerpts:

Sedgefield: Was hard-pressed to keep up late with stablemate Bacetto, a turf specialist who has only cleared his first allowance condition, while under some urging in his final local prep. May need to get back on grass to be at his very best.

Tiago: Was hoping to see more from Giacomo's baby brother since he is an improving, stretch-running sort who could be up late for a share at a big price. But he just hasn't seemed comfortable over the local surface since shipping in off a fast work at Hollywood Park, where he was lugging in very badly at the end.

ravenclaw

May. 4, 2007, 09:40 AM

Here is one endorsement you don't want to have, talk about the kiss of death:

O.J. Simpson, a former Heisman Trophy winner, said he was friends with Tiago jockey Mike Smith (http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/20070503-1002-rac-kentuckyderby-ojsimpson.html) and that the horse's bloodlines make him a favorite pick for the NFL Hall of Famer.

When I saw that article somewhere else I made this face: :uhoh: Or maybe it was more like: :confused:

I usually don't make my final pick until the horses are in the post parade, but right now I'm still leaning towards Street Sense. I have been trying to decide between him, Curlin, Hard Spun, and Tiago. There are several others that I think have a good shot (Scat Daddy, Circular Quay, Nobiz, Great Hunter).

I think Hard Spun is a good deal at 15-1. IMO, he should be lower than that.

Glimmerglass

May. 4, 2007, 09:56 AM

Per the Daily Racing Form (http://www.drf.com/news/article/84580.html) all 20 horses to be drug (blood-doping) tested ...

2007 and the 133 Kentucky Derby marks the first time everyone shall be sampled vs. random selection:

According to Veitch, the blood sample from each Derby horse was divided in two, with one sample being sent to the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority's drug-testing laboratory at Iowa State University. If the tests indicate the possible presence of the drug, the other sample will be sent to the University of Pennsylvania for confirmation.

Glimmerglass

May. 4, 2007, 10:09 AM

Looking for past performances for the entire field?

DRF's 20 Derby starters PP (in PDF format) (http://www.drf.com/tc/kentuckyderby/2007/pps/ky_derby_basic.pdf)

alternatively, PP with comments:

BrisNet 20 Derby starters PP (http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/static.cgi?page=derbypps&header=no)

Both are free :)

Looks like the NY Post's Ed Fountaine is backing Nobiz Like Shobiz for the Derby (http://www.nypost.com/seven/05042007/sports/biz_is_good_at_churchill_sports_ed_fountaine.htm)

With so many players betting on these horses to do things that haven't been done in a long time, let's rescue that rulebook from the garbage can. Nobiz Like Shobiz fits these time-tested criteria:

1. Won going a mile or longer as a 2-year-old, preferably in a stakes race: He broke his maiden first time out going a mile and won the Remsen at a mile-and-an-eighth.

2. Had at least three preps this year: Nobiz ran in the Holy Bull, Fountain of Youth and Wood Memorial.

3. Finished 1-2-3-4, preferably third or better, going a mile-and-an-eighth in his final prep, within four weeks of the Derby: The Biz won the Wood on April 7.

4. Is bred to go a mile-and-a-quarter: Nobiz is from the stamina-rich Ribot line. His sire, Albert the Great, won the Jockey Club Gold Cup in 1:59.1, the fastest mile-and-a-quarter ever run by a 3-year-old in New York. His grandsire, Go for Gin, won the Derby. Great-great-grandsire His Majesty sired Derby winner Pleasant Colony.

The Biz has a very strong dosage profile of 4-3-12-2-1, giving him a dosage index of 1.44 that suggests he'll love the distance.

After Nobiz Like Shobiz, the colt that comes closest to meeting these criteria is Any Given Saturday. Others in the ballpark are Street Sense, Scat Daddy, Hard Spun, Zanjero and Liquidity. Key the Biz with those six and you could land a boxcar superfecta.

Doodle

May. 4, 2007, 10:22 AM

I
But, seriously, I've stuck to Street Sense and Great Hunter all winter and still think they have strong, legitimate shots. .

Sadly Great Hunter is in Post Position #20.. no horse has won the derby from that slot I don't think...
:no:

Glimmerglass

May. 4, 2007, 10:30 AM

Interestingly: how have the recent winner's done in their last prep race before the Derby?

History clearly shows you must have finished 4th or better!

2006 - Barbaro - Florida Derby - 1st
2005 - Giacomo - Santa Anita Derby - 4th
2004 - Smarty Jones - Arkansas Derby - 1st
2003 - Funny Cide - Wood Memorial - 2nd
2002 - War Emblem - Illinois Derby - 1st
2001 - Monarchos - Wood Memorial - 2nd
2000 - Fusaichi Pegasus - Wood Memorial - 1st
1999 - Charistmastic - Lexington Stakes - 1st
1998 - Real Quiet ("The Fish") - Santa Anita Derby - 2nd
1997 - Silver Charm - Santa Anita Derby - 2nd
1996 - Grindstone - Arkansas Derby - 2nd
1995 - Thunder Gulch - Blue Grass Stakes - 4th
1994 - Go For Gin - Wood Memorial - 2nd
1993 - Sea Hero - Blue Grass Stakes - 4th
1992 - Lil E Tee - Arkansas Derby - 2nd

So who comes into the 133 Kentucky Derby sans a top 4 finish in their last effort? Well Imawildandcrazyguy finished 6th in his last effort - the FL Derby, Bwana Bull finished 5th in his last effort - the Santa Anita Derby.

Glimmerglass

May. 4, 2007, 10:36 AM

Sadly Great Hunter is in Post Position #20 .. no horse has won the derby from that slot I don't think...

Only 1 horse has: Clyde Van Dusen (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2007/derby_history/derby_charts/years/1929.html), a gelded son of Man O'War.

It happened in 1929, when Clyde Van Dusen, the horse, won for Clyde Van Dusen, the trainer. The trainer did not name the horse in a fit of vanity. The horse, a son of Man o’ War, was named by Herbert Gardner, its breeder and owner. “Clyde is a little horse, and that is why Mr. Gardner named him after me,” said Van Dusen, a former jockey. Van Dusen ended up owning his namesake after his racing career, using the Derby winner as an exercise pony. Source: KY Derby Magazine, 2005 (http://www.courier-journal.com/html/derby2005/derbymag/oddly_enough.htm)

Glimmerglass

May. 4, 2007, 10:50 AM

Success from the positions?

Here are the post positions with the most and least wins in the Kentucky Derby:
MOST WINS
Post Wins
1* = 12
5 = 12
4 = 10
10 = 10

* Note: Post 1 has won only once since 1964.

FEWEST WINS
Post Wins
17 = 0
19 = 0
18 = 1
20 = 1

Glimmerglass

May. 4, 2007, 12:31 PM

Sloppy track? That appears to be the forecast for Churchill which is actually rather rare:

The Kentucky Derby was held on a sloppy track only four times in the previous 132 runnings. Rain is forecast for today and Saturday. Here's a list of the sloppy track winners:

1925 - Flying Ebony
1948 - Citation
1994 - Go For Gin
2004 - Smarty Jones

Who is a mudder this year?

The only Derby entrants with a victory on an off-track are Hard Spun, Teuflesburg, Bwana Bull and Scat Daddy.

Street Sense finished third on a sloppy track in his third career start. Storm in May finished in the money in two starts on the slop.

Dominican and Iamwildandcrazyguy also have run in the mud but didn't place.

Horses with a pedigree that would suggest strong mud-runners are Any Given Saturday, Cowtown Cat, Zanjero, Hard Spun, Curlin and Street Sense.

Todd Pletcher said his five horses, including Any Given Saturday, took to the mud on Thursday.

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review May 4, 2007 (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_505972.html)

findeight

May. 4, 2007, 01:17 PM

Well..thanks Glimmerglass, appreciate the stats. Didn't make me change my mind much but helped me back up my thinking.

I am going with Street Sense. That BCJ has only been running 23 years so I don't think any failure to win it and a Derby is any more of a jinx then winning as the past season's 2 year old champ used to be-rare but it happened.

Plan on betting mostly exactas though. Hard Spun is attractive but maybe a little overblown based on a morning workout but his record is decent. Will also use Nobiz and Circular Quay somehow. Speaking scientifically and after great research...I always do well betting Post Positions from about 12 to 14 in big races at Churchill. Go figure, but it seems to work with these crowded fields on a less then fast track, made some money. So Scat Daddy and Nobiz fill the bill for me being actual contenders and Circular Quay is close enough at 16. Won't go outside of that though.

I just like one that knows how to win and has been to the big leagues race wise. All these hit the board more often then not, a couple have never been out of the money and they have earnings that underline the fact they have been in good company.

Curlin? Tall order. Coming out of #2 on a narrow track with a field of 20, maybe in the mud in his 4th lifetime start? I'll pass.

Far as getting a longshot up there...well there is almost always one in the top three. Leaning towards Cowtown Cat but traffic and a slow pace plus possible off track could open the door-I just don't want to put money on any of the others.

Good luck to all and may the good Lord keep you safe.

eggbutt

May. 4, 2007, 02:47 PM

Super favorite memories of my life: When I was a very young girl, my dad and I always looked forward to watching the Triple Crown on TV because I was such a horse crazy little girl. We delighted in all the pomp even if it was in black and white at the time. I had a secret way of picking the winner and I can only recall losing one time in all those years....when they showed the post parade on TV I would silently pick the horse with the longest tail! My dad used to think I was blessed with "special powers" with a twinkle in his eye. :winkgrin: To this day I still take notice of tail length as they head for the gate :yes: and know my dad is looking down smiling all the way!

This year I THINK my favorite is Nobiz....just hope they all run safe and sound with no mishaps whatsoever all day.

Barnfairy

May. 4, 2007, 02:55 PM

Glimmerglass

May. 4, 2007, 05:01 PM

Advanced wagering on the Derby has begun and accordingly the initial morning odds from Wednesday are shifting - per The BloodHorse as of 2:30 pm FRI (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38781) these odds were to be had:

Street Sense is current betting favorite

PP HORSE, current odds - (ML Odds)
1. Sedgefield, 46-1 (50-1)
2. Curlin, 6-1 (7-2)
3. Zanjero, 34-1 (30-1)
4. Storm in May, 21-1 (30-1)
5. Imawildandcrazyguy, 18-1 (50-1)
6. Cowtown Cat, 18-1 (20-1)
7. Street Sense, 9-2 (4-1)
8. Hard Spun, 11-1 (15-1)
9. Liquidity, 45-1 (30-1)
10. Teuflesberg, 47-1 (30-1)
11. Bwana Bull, 36-1 (50-1)
12. Nobiz Like Shobiz, 13-1 (8-1)
13. Sam P., 49-1 (20-1)
14. Scat Daddy, 6-1 (10-1)
15. Tiago, 8-1 (15-1)
16. Circular Quay, 14-1 (8-1)
17. Stormello, 47-1 (30-1)
18. Any Given Saturday, 20-1 (12-1)
19. Dominican, 17-1 (20-1)
20. Great Hunter, 25-1 (15-1)

Based upon these numbers some of the early bettors must be high! Pushing Nobiz out to 13-1 is insane - but great for me as I'll take him at that! Dominican with shorter odds then Any Given Saturday???

Glimmerglass

May. 4, 2007, 05:37 PM

Sadly NBC's coverage looks to be well .. blah .. same old thing in fact they admit it:

Boston Globe 5-4-07 "NBC back in saddle for coverage of Derby" (http://www.boston.com/sports/other_sports/horse_racing/articles/2007/05/04/nbc_back_in_saddle_for_coverage_of_derby/)

The coverage will include no new bells and whistles, according to [Director David Michaels] "I'll just make the same old, same old," he said. "Until the day comes when a camera can go around the track with the pack, there's really nothing new that can capture the action. We and different networks have tried a lot of things, everything from cameras on jockeys to tracking cameras on cars. And there's really nothing that's better than the traditional.

archieflies

May. 4, 2007, 06:14 PM

Based upon these numbers some of the early bettors must be high!

Um, Yah... who's betting Imawildandcrazyguy so hard? I looked like this when I saw that: :eek: I suppose I could always eat my words, but I haven't yet figured out why he's even running tomorrow...

If I bet (and I don't like betting online, so I probably won't), my money would be on Scat Daddy... with some "I wish" bets on Cowtown Cat to place and Teuflesberg to show (because he'd make such a pretty show horse!!!). But I'm predicting Scat Daddy, Curlin, Street Sense, possibly SD, SS, C.

Beezer

May. 4, 2007, 07:07 PM

Sadly Great Hunter is in Post Position #20.. no horse has won the derby from that slot I don't think...
:no:

Yeah, I know the post position is a real hindrance. But in his favor is that his game (before the weirdness that was the Blue Grass) has always been to drop back and then come with one long run. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he'll do just that without being carried too wide on the clubhouse turn.

But once the gate opens, it's anybody's guess what'll happen.

Glimmerglass

May. 4, 2007, 11:31 PM

Not new (already cited in other articles on Teuflesberg in this thread) but new people always glance here :)

NY Times 5-4-07 "For $9,000, a Big-Race Competitor " (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/04/sports/othersports/04racing.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin)

excerpt

“He’s not a $9,000 horse,” said Sanders, who is engaged to Kelly. “He was just overlooked. He looked beautiful when we looked at him at the barn. Donnie and I thought there was no way we could get close to this horse. He was just a standout. We thought he’d go for $200,000 at least.”

Sanders believes Teuflesberg sold for so little because he was among the last of nearly 1,000 horses to go through the sale, and he sold on a day the weather was bad.

“The only reason we got him for that was because everyone had left,” Sanders said. “He was one of the last horses in the sale, and it was snowing. Everybody was tired and wanted to go home.”

Buying any unraced horse is a gamble, but people are willing to invest huge amounts of money in such horses. Sometimes the result is a spectacular failure. A horse named The Green Monkey, a 3-year-old like Teuflesberg, sold at auction for $16 million, the most paid for a horse at auction. He has yet to race and may never do so.

Bless the "cheap" horses because a cheap horse, a claimer, a runner for just $2k doesn't know that when he/she is running for the finish!

Glimmerglass

May. 5, 2007, 10:35 PM

Congratulations to Street Sense, Calvin Borel (perhap the happiest I've EVER seen a jockey win a big race), and trainer Carl Nafzger. It was a quality win based upon some excellent riding, a dash of luck, and great athlete of a horse! A Churchill expert jock with the long known nickname of "Bo-rail" for hugging the rail - this set up PERFECTLY for that style.

Like Moses parting the Red Sea that rail just opened up for them and a jock who has paid his due for a long time finally gets his moment in the sun.

May 5, 2007 Louisville Courier-Journal "Jockey Borel's new life begins at 40" (http://www.kentucky.com/601/story/62152.html)

Borel is the youngest of five children born to Clovis and Ella Borel in the Cajun country of St. Martin Parish, La. Little Calvin came along 12 years after the couple’s fourth child, Cecil.

Reflecting what might have been an accidental birth, for years, Calvin’s family nickname was “Boo-Boo.”

Working in the sugar cane fields is back-breaking work. Clovis Borel’s hobby was racing quarter horses at the bush tracks that once populated Louisiana.

Little Calvin was 8 when he first started riding at those “events.”

Other kids may have wanted to be policemen, astronauts or cowboys. “I knew when I was 8, I wanted to be a jockey,” he said.

He was in eighth grade when he fractured a knee in a riding accident. That became an excuse to drop out of school and never go back.

“It was all about horses for me,” he said. “School just wasn’t it for me.”

“My brother all but raised me,” Calvin Borel said Saturday, his eyes misting.

From the backwoods of Delta Downs, the Borel brothers eventually reached the Kentucky circuit. It has become legend that even after he became an established jockey, Calvin Borel still showed up at Cecil’s barn to help muck stalls before dawn.

For years, Borel rode in Kentucky without getting the chances on top horses that so often went to bigger names like Bailey, Day and Stevens.

He says he never got discouraged. “My dad always said that hard work is rewards,” Borel said of his father, who died three years ago. “That if you treat people nice and like you want to be treated, everything eventually comes back to you.”

Enjoy the well deserved victory!

/s/ Glimmerglass, was was burned on a lot of picks but even with some very conservative betting managed to win the exacta and double his money ;)

FatDinah

May. 5, 2007, 11:25 PM

A great win for Calvin Borel.
Also, a great ride by Mario Pino on Hard Spun, another longtime jockey who's not gotten many of the big mounts.

Beezer

May. 6, 2007, 11:16 AM

I KNOW I am not the only one who believed in Street Sense, far from it, but it is sooooooooooo nice to look like the smart person in the office. :D :D

And congrats, Glimmer, on your betting success. ;)

Glimmerglass

May. 6, 2007, 12:17 PM

Street Sense already has worked out this (Sunday) morning - a 1-mile jog and the connections provided coffee and donghnuts to these at Churchill this morning.

Bottom line is that he looks great from the Derby and there are no signs of any issues (despite taking in all that dirt) with his condition.

The Lexington Herald-Leader has some great stories on the loyalty of the connections which is something that should be rewarded.

Example: 83-yr old owner James Tafel was often questioned why was with a seemingly unflashy trainer like Carl Nafzger or sent mare, Bedazzle, to be covered by Street Cry, his response (http://www.kentucky.com/601/story/62143.html):

“I remember (Hall of Fame trainer) John Nerud said to me, ‘Tafel, the thing I respect about you is you’re not jumping around from trainer to trainer looking for some magic formula,” Tafel said. “We’ve had some lean times, but we’ve hung in there.

“Some of my friends weren’t too enthusiastic about the breeding, an unproven mare to an unproven stallion. But I guess all that nonsense produced Street Sense.”

Per the BloodHorse with input from theMD Jockey Club (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38815) what he is likely up against in the Preakness is relatively thin:

Hard Spun
Curlin
Sedgefield
Teuflesberg
King of the Roxy (sole Todd Pletcher horse)
Chelokee
Slew’s Tizzy
Xchanger
C. P. West
Starbase
Flying First Class

None of the Pletcher runners in the Derby will go to the Preakness as of now.

rcloisonne

May. 6, 2007, 01:43 PM

FatDinah

May. 6, 2007, 05:09 PM

Glimmerglass

May. 6, 2007, 06:09 PM

Larry Jones, what a goodhearted, gracious 2nd place, says that Churchill Downs is Calvin Borel's track but that Pimlico is his jockey Mario Pino's track.

"This is Calvin Borel's track and he's hard to beat here," Jones said, referring to the Derby-winning jockey. "But we are going to Pino country and hopefully the Preakness will be a different story." ASSOCIATED PRESS

It will be interesting to be sure.

Thought Pino was a Fair Hill track person not Pimlico as per say.

I think that Wayne Lukas has something to say (perhaps) about Pimlico. He's done rather well there and with Flying First Class doing weel (and fresh legs) or Lukas' Starbase he'll have some options.

Then you have Zito's possible late bloomer, CP West.

FatDinah

May. 6, 2007, 06:41 PM

Didn't Robby Albarado ride Slew's Tizzy? He's Curlin's rider, too. I wonder who he'll pick if both go to the Preakness. Or, I wonder if they'll hold one for the Belmont.

Glimmerglass

May. 6, 2007, 07:19 PM

Having Curlin run in the Preakness doesn't seem like the best move, but hey he's not my horse.

His effort for a distant 3rd was good. I view him to being quite similar to Showing Up instead of the wild Secretariat mentions. He too was a stellar horse (overshadowed by Barbaro) with just three prior lifetime starts (only 1 graded) who put in a big effort in the Derby (finished 6th) but still short.

Tagg was smart enough to say lets looks to have a fresh horse for the summer and fall races vs. chasing after the remaining Triple Crown races. Accordingly Showing Up has enjoyed a successful career to date.

From the Courier Journal on horses winning from far off the pace: (http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070506/SPORTS0801/705060686/1037)

COME FROM (WAY) BEHIND WINNERS

A look at six winning horses since 1980 that came from 15 lengths behind or more at the start to win the Derby:

2007: Street Sense, 19 lengths back at the half-mile mark before rallying to pass 1`4 horses and win by 2¼ lengths.

2005: Giacomo won by two lengths after being 18½ lengths behind at the one-fourth, half and three-fourths mile marks. He was 11 back at a mile when he made his big move.

2000: Fusaichi Pegasus won by two lengths after being 15 behind at the one-fourth mile mark. He was 11 back when he made his big move at the mile.

1996: Grindstone was 15 lengths back at the one-fourth mile mark before making a big move at the three-fourths mark to win by two lengths.

1986: Ferdinand was in last place and 16 lengths back at a half-mile before making his move at the three-fourths mile mark to win by nearly three lengths.

1982: Gato Del Sol was 18 lengths behind one-fourth mile in before making his big move at the three-fourth mile and went on to win by two lengths.

And betting favorites [not necessarily the official "morning line" ones] for the Derby:

LAST 10 WINNING FAVORITES
Year Winner Price
2007 Street Sense 4.90-1
2004 Smarty Jones 4.10-1
2000 Fusaichi Pegasus 2.30-1
1979 Spectacular Bid .60-1
1977 Seattle Slew .50-1
1975 Foolish Pleasure 1.90-1
1974 a-Cannonade 1.50-1
1973 b-Secretariat 1.50-1
1972 Riva Ridge 1.50-1
1969 Majestic Prince 1.40-1

a – coupled with Judger
b – coupled with Angle Light

Glimmerglass

May. 6, 2007, 07:29 PM

The foes of racing be damned - the Kentucky Derby equals the event's highest tv ratings in 15 years!

Ratings for Derby on NBC Up 12% From Last Year
Date Posted: May 6, 2007

NBC Sports’ coverage of the May 5 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (5-6:45 p.m. Eastern time) recorded an 8.3 overnight rating and 18 share, up 12% from last year and equal to the highest overnight rating for the broadcast since 1992 (8.3 on NBC in 2001, 2002,and 2004), according to overnight ratings released May 6 by Nielsen Media Research.

In the race portion of the broadcast, featuring Street Sense and jockey Calvin Borel’s come-from-behind victory at Churchill Downs (5:45-6:45 p.m.) earned a 9.8/21, up 10% from 2006 (8.9/20). NBC's Derby pre-race coverage (5-5:45 p.m.) notched a 6.4/15, 16% ahead of 2006 (5.5/13).

By comparison last year's Derby generated just a 7.2 overnight rating (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2007/May/06/Derby-ratings-jump-twelve-point-two-percent.aspx) making it the worst ever in NBC's tenture.

FatDinah

May. 6, 2007, 07:31 PM

I agree, I'd hold off on running Curlin in the Preakness or Belmont, maybe point him to Saratoga and a big fall campaign.
I'd hold Tiago out of the Preakness, freshen him for the Belmont, I think that would suit his big run style.

Glimmerglass

May. 6, 2007, 07:35 PM

A bonus when you win the Derby ..

Borel to Join President, Queen at White House Dinner (http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38819")

Borel’s agent, Jerry Hissam, said May 6 that White House social secretary Amy Zantzinger had invited Borel and his fiancé Lisa Funk to travel to Washington, D.C. May 7 for the dinner hosted by President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush in honor of the queen and her husband, Prince Philip.

White House Fact Sheet: Monday, May 7, 2007 (http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/05/20070504-8.html)

DLee

May. 6, 2007, 07:49 PM

I'll bet they'll run Curlin in the Belmont.
A nice big distance with many fewer horses. Hey, he does LOOK like Secretariat! :yes: He didn't get the ride, the post position, or the luck.

Elly Mae II

May. 6, 2007, 09:30 PM

I thought Curlin looked a lot like Secretariat too. Those big hindquarters. I also think Street Sense looks like Citation.

Did anyone ever say why Curlin was not run as a two year old?

Glimmerglass

May. 7, 2007, 08:37 AM

Foreshadowing as posted on April 30th ....The bad news: NBC is expanding their Kentucky Derby coverage to 2 hours

The good news: ESPN will be offering real coverage up until just before the start

NBC Sports instead of taking an extra 30 minutes to give better profiles of the starters or even doing interesting segments like "how did he get that name" will instead go E!, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood style with a "what are they wearing" b.s. red carpet feature guaranteed to be chock full of half drunken B-list stars and Rap Artists who - like year's past - often couldn't think of a single starter's name.

Give me a $%#@ break!
The 4:30-5:00 p.m. time slot will be taken over by "Access Hollywood," an entertainment news program syndicated by NBC/Universal and shown nationwide five times a week. The 30-minute program, titled "Kentucky Derby Red Carpet Special Presented by Olay Regenerist," will feature red-carpet celebrity interviews from Churchill Downs conducted by "Access Hollywood" correspondent Shaun Robinson.
NBC Expands Derby Telecast to Two Hours (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38690)

Feedback from the media scribes on May 7th:

Toronto Star May 7th "Sporting disciples in a cult of celebrity" (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/211097)

Why networks think that sports fans give one hoot about some actor's assessment of a game is a mystery on the level of crop circles. They claim it's about promoting their shows, but why anyone would watch a show starring the types of performers interviewed at sports events is an even greater mystery.

In what might be the low point since a besotted Joe Namath repeatedly asked a sideline reporter for a kiss during a football game, NBC filled Saturday's Kentucky Derby pre-race with A, B and C-list celebrities who may have single-handedly sounded horse racing's death knell.

There were Celebrity Poker ``stars" Jennifer Tilly and Phil Laak. She showed her cleavage while he told viewers, "I don't know a lot about horses. I'm not a scientist of it."

Note to NBC: no one wants to see C list actors, "muscians", has-beens, never-were, washed up athletes, bimbos, and the rest of the parade of left overs discussing the Kentucky Derby. Stick to the weepy segments like the one on the Dominican nuns [although astute viewers know NBC's been there done that when Smarty Jones was backed by a convent in Penn] or if there think there is even a drop left of the Barbaro well to draw from, then do that.

The NTRA should find some backbone and tell NBC this is not helping them or the sport.

For the record, per published reports, The Queen did NOT place any bets on the Kentucky Derby.

Glimmerglass

May. 7, 2007, 08:48 AM

I thought Curlin looked a lot like Secretariat too. Those big hindquarters. I also think Street Sense looks like Citation.

Ok, I might not be the biggest Secretariat fan compared to some (Bid was better IMHO) but I've gotta give Big Red his due. If anyone thinks Curlin looks anything like this beast simply working out before the Gotham Stakes (http://www.championsgallery.com/secretariat/fi/0000002e.htm) then you must be seeing something I can't ;)

Glimmerglass

May. 7, 2007, 09:22 AM

“There's a reason there has not been a Triple Crown winner since 1978. They don't give those things away. And if I have my say about it, there won't be a Triple Crown winner this year, either.” - Quote Larry Jones, trainer of Hard Spun, May 6th

Nafzger wouldn't make any commitment regarding the Preakness, saying that Street Sense would “probably” be there if all the physical indicators are good through the next few days.

“If Carl doesn't want to go to Pimlico, it's all right with me,” Jones said. “I'm not going to draw him a map how to get there.”

Source: Union-Tribune May 7, 2007 (http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/20070507-9999-1s7derby.html)

Glimmerglass

May. 7, 2007, 10:45 AM

Some good stuff on the friendly rivalry between Jones and Nafgzer in today's Baltimore Sun. If we are led to believe this is true they are hoping that Steet Sense and Hard Spun with bring a match race to "Old Hilltop" ;)

Baltimore Sun May 7, 2007 "'Street' and 'Spun' could reprise duel" (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/bal-sp.preakness07may07,0,3635942.story?coll=bal-sports-headlines)

Excerpt

But the veteran trainer [Nafzger] said he is fine with the two weeks between the Derby and the Preakness and that he had learned a valuable lesson 17 years ago when training his first Derby winner, Unbridled, for the race at Pimlico Race Course.

"It was the worst training job I've ever done," Nafzger said. "A horse in two weeks has recovered, if he's that kind of horse. But I listened to all the other people saying it's so hard to do and I backed off my horse. ... That doesn't mean I'll work this one hard. Maybe he'll need babying. But he doesn't look like he did anything this morning.

"I'm just going to let the horse train me."

Nafzger laughed. "That should be enough to start some arguments."

Asked if there is a rivalry budding between the two trainers and their horses, Jones smiled from under his white cowboy hat.

"If there is," he said, "I hope it's more like Sunday Silence and Easy Goer than Affirmed and Alydar.

"At least Easy Goer won one. ... We'll see who can come back in two weeks..

Acertainsmile

May. 7, 2007, 10:48 AM

Hard Spun should be really tough to catch at Pimlico!

Pino is on his home turf... He's been in Maryland forever...

Glimmerglass

May. 7, 2007, 11:04 AM

In addition to Street Sense
Hard Spun
Curlin
Sedgefield
Teuflesberg
King of the Roxy
Chelokee
Slew’s Tizzy
Xchanger
C. P. West
Starbase
Flying First Class

DRF 5-7-07 "Slew's Tizzy headed to Lone Star, not Pimlico" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/84674.html)

The convincing victory by Street Sense in the 133rd Kentucky Derby has convinced trainer Greg Fox to withdraw Slew's Tizzy from consideration for the next leg of the Triple Crown, the May 19 Preakness at Pimlico.

Fox said he was highly impressed by the Derby efforts of Street Sense and Hard Spun, the one-two finishers. He said Carl Nafzger, the trainer of Street Sense, "has put on a training clinic for the world."

Fox attended the Derby. "As much as I believe in my horse, I don’t want any part of those horses at this particular time," he said.

InVA

May. 7, 2007, 11:58 AM

What about Nobiz? Where will he go next??

Glimmerglass

May. 7, 2007, 12:15 PM

What about Nobiz? Where will he go next??

Doubtful for the Preakness, in any event he'll be be shipped up to NY today. No issues with his health or condition per an assistant (Derek Sturniolo) to Tagg.

Others post-Kentucky on next steps, condition (http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/news/article.cgi?id=7817):

* Shirreffs [said] that Tiago will skip the Preakness but he's not yet sure about the Belmont.

* Great Hunter, Liquidity, Bwana Bull and Stormello: all shipped back to California none expected back on the East Coast for the other two TC races

* Sedgefield and Dominican are both passing on the Preakness and Belmont; both are "ok"

* Imawildandcrazyguy: ships to California but will be aimed for the Belmont.

* Storm in May: cuts to his left hind leg - from the post-parade pony! He returns to the turf where he was better suited.

* Zanjero: doing ok but no committment when his next race will be; not expected to surface in the next two TC races

* Teuflesberg: doing fine, better suited to the Preakness and expected to race there next

Texarkana

May. 7, 2007, 12:22 PM

Hard Spun should be really tough to catch at Pimlico!

Pino is on his home turf... He's been in Maryland forever...

The shorter distance isn't going to hurt Hard Spun much, either. ;) Provided he came out of this weekend well.

I so, so want to see a Triple Crown, though. So much so that I'm willing to root AGAINST my derby pick, as well as couple friends and former employers horses (don't tell them that). :lol:

Glimmerglass

May. 7, 2007, 12:26 PM

youtube.com Street Sense and the 133 Kentucky Derby (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWxcUQ-JYno&mode=related&search=)

A odd choice of music but if you are looking for a summary video here it is!

WhiteCamry

May. 7, 2007, 12:48 PM

Three Preakness winners had two-part names with the initials SS. Who were they and when did they win?

InVA

May. 7, 2007, 01:05 PM

Three Preakness winners had two-part names with the initials SS. Who were they and when did they win?

Summer Squall 1990
Sunday Silence 1989
Seattle Slew 1977

Glimmerglass

May. 8, 2007, 11:53 AM

For amusement there are always those PETA-esq types on the lunatic fringe who will always suggest the conspiracy :D

BB feedback to the Rating success of NBC's coverge of the 133rd Kentucky Derby (http://entertainmentnow.wordpress.com/2007/05/07/kentucky-derby-strong-for-nbc/)

posted by: "winstolv" - May 7, 2007
Naive fans love watching steroid and blood doped ponies race loaded up with Salbutamol, Viagra, liquid amphetamines and corticosteroids.

Some freaks even wager on drugged animals.

btw: the race appeared fixed. No way a horse can move up from 19th position using an ‘open sprinters lance’. Only in a fixed race.

Barbaro was a great example of what eventually happens to all Derby equines.

:D

Yep, you heard it folks - no such thing as a closer. Nope no closers in the sport. Silky Sullivan was nothing more then a poster child for Johnson & Johnson and Abbott Labs! It must be drugs, drug, drugs, drugs. And even though they were all tested this year it was fixed and a conspiracy.

When did Ted Kaczynski (1) take an interest in horse racing and (2) get access to the internet in his padded cell?

Texarkana

May. 8, 2007, 12:28 PM

DMK

May. 8, 2007, 12:52 PM

I find the bigger conspiracy to be that "winstolv" is just one "r" away from being Winstrol-V, which begs the question as to what his REAL agenda is... :D :D

Glimmerglass

May. 9, 2007, 09:24 AM

Trainer says Teuflesberg will run in Preakness (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horseracing/preakness/bal-sp.preakness09may09,0,2282705.story?coll=bal-sports-headlines)

* Decision on Chelokee at the end of the week; maybe leaning towards the former Sir Barton Stakes (now "Barbaro Stakes")

* Flying First Class is more likely over Starbase, per Wayne Lukas

findeight

May. 9, 2007, 12:46 PM

So, Glimmer, how are you going to bet the Preakness.

Must confess, I am leaning towards the HS/SS exacta again as that was a nice payout on a $2 bet. My farrier loved it too as I used it to pay him:lol: .

But I learned long ago that DWL actually knows what he is doing in picking races for horses and not always just keeping owners thinking they have a live one. likewise Zito won't run them, or at least not often, if they are outclassed.

Glimmerglass

May. 9, 2007, 12:56 PM

O.J. Simpson, a former Heisman Trophy winner, said he was friends with Tiago jockey Mike Smith (http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/20070503-1002-rac-kentuckyderby-ojsimpson.html) and that the horse's bloodlines make him a favorite pick for the NFL Hall of Famer.

Ah yes the annual ritual of celebutants making their appearance at Churchill Downs :(

One postscript to the above:

Associated Press 5-9-07 "O.J. Tossed From Steakhouse on Derby Eve" (http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007May09/0,4670,PeopleSimpson,00.html)

Ruby _ who owns restaurants in Cincinnati, Louisville and Belterra, Ind. _ said Simpson, who was in town for the Derby on Saturday, came in with a group of about 12 Friday night and was seated at a table in the back. A customer came up to Ruby and was "giddy" about seeing Simpson, Ruby said.

"I didn't want that experience in my restaurant," Ruby said, later adding that seeing Simpson get so much attention "makes me sick to my stomach."

He said he went to Simpson's table and said, "I'm not serving you."

Ruby said after Simpson left, people in the restaurant started applauding him. He said he has received about 100 positive e-mails since the incident.

Glimmerglass

May. 9, 2007, 01:04 PM

So, Glimmer, how are you going to bet the Preakness.

TBD

Gotta see if any dark horses show up although not too many out there. I don't expect any" horses for courses", Maryland-based and unkown just to the "locals" to appear out of nowhere to spook the big runners. Xchanger have have romped in the Tesio over Etude and the like but that isn't going to mean too much next Saturday.

Also I'm interesting in seeing the last workout for the field.

I do think Hard Spun was blown out too hard days before the Derby. I really doubt they'll do that again.

flying First Class was horse Lukas has been big on, but few others have really seen that promise this spring, then again its one of his few bullets left. I wouldn't underestimate DWL's ability to put in a well prepared horse. Zito's CP West is a bit of a wild card too ...

Glimmerglass

May. 9, 2007, 01:16 PM

One less ... DRF 5-9-07 "Sedgefield out of Preakness" (http://drf.com/news/article/84734.html)

".. With the [Kentucky Derby] being first-time dirt, he really exerted himself. He’s great, though. I just wanted to give him the extra time, and obviously coming back in two weeks for the Preakness wouldn’t fit that.”

So the condtenders for now ...
1. Street Sense
2. Hard Spun
3. Curlin
4. Teuflesberg
5. King of the Roxy
6. Xchanger
7. C. P. West
8. Starbase - or - Flying First Class
(9) Chelokee (maybe)

Glimmerglass

May. 9, 2007, 05:32 PM

Som einteresting bits with the Derby:

DRF 5-9-07 "West Coast Derby quartet home safe, sound" (http://www.drf.com/news/article/84729.html)

California-based Stormello gave owner-trainer Bill Currin a scare when jockey Kent Desormeaux eased him through the stretch of the Derby. Stormello made contact with Teuflesberg, then Circular Quay, after which Currin said Desormeaux took hold.

[Paul O'Neail]"I should have schooled [Great Hunter and Liquidity] more; they both came kind of unglued in the paddock," he said.

Great Hunter and Liquidity would have benefited by being schooled on Oaks Day Friday, when there was more paddock activity, O'Neill has decided. "We schooled them early in the week, and in the morning, when there was no one around," he said.

Making only his fifth start in the Kentucky Derby, Tiago was compromised when Zanjero shut him off on the far turn, Shirreffs said.

Glimmerglass

May. 9, 2007, 10:26 PM

Gotta see if any dark horses show up although not too many out there. I don't expect any" horses for courses", Maryland-based and unkown just to the "locals" to appear out of nowhere to spook the big runners.

Robert Bailes (of "Scrappy T" fame) is maybe going to try and put one in:

Mint Slewlep, fourth in the Withers (G3) at Aqueduct in his last start, became the latest confirmed starter Wednesday.

"He has a lot of ability but we still have to find out if he is at this level," Bailes said. "We trainers can always find excuses if we look hard enough but he has had hard luck and that is why we don't know how good he really is."

Glimmerglass

May. 10, 2007, 09:59 AM

Chelokee looks far more likely to not run in the Preakness (http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20070510_Matz_might_run_Chelokee_in_Barbaro_Stakes .html) but still on May 19th at Pimlico.

There are doubts about his abilities hence maybe aiming instead for the ungraded stakes race connected to the Jacksons.

Chelokee is owned by Centennial Farms, a syndicate out of Boston. Matz also mentioned a couple of other options, the Peter Pan Stakes on May 20 at Belmont Park or the Ohio Derby on June 2 at Thistledown.

"I've got to work him again," Matz said. "I think the first three horses" - Street Sense, Hard Spun and Curlin, the first three finishers in the Kentucky Derby, all expected at the Preakness - "are pretty nice horses. I'm a little bit behind them in catching up to them.

"I think Street Sense ran a real good race. I think Hard Spun ran a huge race. Whether they can duplicate that - I think if my horse is at the right time to go, I hope he can run with those horses. He has to prove that yet."

Xctrygirl

May. 10, 2007, 01:13 PM

Robert Bailes (of "Scrappy T" fame) is maybe going to try and put one in:

Mint Slewlep, fourth in the Withers (G3) at Aqueduct in his last start, became the latest confirmed starter Wednesday.

I went up for the Gotham (G3) and saw him run 5th there.

I am little surprised by this move but I support fully my former team and wish 'em all the best.

~Emily

Glimmerglass

May. 11, 2007, 10:09 AM

This Associated Press article from Friday the 11th (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38876) confirms that Curlin is a go for the Preakness.

Todd Pletcher - who interesting has had just one prior Preakness starter - has named John Velazquez as jockey for King of the Roxy.

While Pletcher is 0-19 with Derby starters he is just 0-1 with the Preakness and 0-5 in the Belmont. His only prior Preakness starter: Impeachment who in 2000 finished 3rd and was a bit of a longshot.

findeight

May. 11, 2007, 12:56 PM

Derby festivity sidelight...

Jeff Ruby is local and has been on the AM news here. Seems he was contacted by OJs attorney regarding Ruby's refusal to serve his client claiming it was racisim. As of now they will file suit.
Really. That's why we don't love what the Derby brings to our local scene along with the good stuff.

Oddly, after OJ was escorted out the same table went to a group of basketball notables hosted by Michael Jordan.

thought you'd get a kick out of that.

Glimmerglass

May. 11, 2007, 01:04 PM

Derby festivity sidelight...

Jeff Ruby is local and has been on the AM news here. Seems he was contacted by OJs attorney regarding Ruby's refusal to serve his client claiming it was racisim. As of now they will file suit.

Yep, as cited in the article a page or so ago, OJ's lawyer - no not the dead one or the other who doesn't talk to him any more - was seeking to get Jeff's liquor license revoked.

Aside from desputes with him getting his eats, what has irked me is OJ getting a tour of the Churchill stables and in close with the trainers and horses. [He's been able to do so for a few years now] As to why anyone at CDI would allow that negative stain to cling to racing is beyond me. A free country doesn't mean you invite dubious folks into restricted areas.

DLee

May. 11, 2007, 01:25 PM

[QUOTE=findeight;2425797]Derby festivity sidelight...

Jeff Ruby is local and has been on the AM news here. Seems he was contacted by OJs attorney regarding Ruby's refusal to serve his client claiming it was racisim.

QUOTE]

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: Figures. When all else fails.

caffeinated

May. 11, 2007, 01:27 PM

"no sir, it wasn't racism. But I do have a strict anti-arsehole policy..."

With OJ spending all this time at barns, etc... does he actually own or have interests in any racehorses? This scares me deeply.

Glimmerglass

May. 11, 2007, 01:44 PM

With OJ spending all this time at barns, etc... does he actually own or have interests in any racehorses? This scares me deeply.

As taken from the article days before the Derby (see page 23):

Simpson made his fourth straight trip to Churchill Downs since being acquitted of murder charges in the June 1994 slayings of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and Ron Goldman. Simpson made several visits in the 1970s and said he used to think about owning a Derby horse.

“I used to be in the horse business a little bit with (billionaire horse owner) Wayne Hughes,” said Simpson, who chatted while he checked out Philadelphia-bred Hard Spun. “We had some horses together back in California.”

Simpson, a former Heisman Trophy winner, said he was friends with Tiago jockey Mike Smith, ...

I doubt he'll find much comfort in Louisville for rejected service.

Sports Illustrated 5-11-07 "Preakness might come down to another inside job" (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/tim_layden/05/10/street.sense.preakness/)

In the typical wishy-washy SI lack of prediction, Tim Layden, suggests that Street Sense might hug the rail again (gee - ya think with Bo-Rail aboard!) and that his chances look good for a repeat.

I'm glad the article is going out there on a limb :D

Glimmerglass

May. 12, 2007, 11:52 PM

As an aside, Joe Got even, a horse that was for this Triple Crown chase year mentioned on the edges as a contenders, was euthanized after a bout with laminitis :( DRF - Joe Got Even May 12, 2007 (http://www.drf.com/news/article/84847.html):

... winner of the WEBN Stakes at Turfway Park, was euthanized after developing laminitis, trainer Phil Sims said Friday.

Sims said Joe Got Even came out of a fifth-place finish in the April 21 Lexington Stakes at Keeneland with an infected leg and was sent to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky. There his health deteriorated when he developed colitis and later laminitis, Sims said.

Laminitis is a painful disease that occurs when the soft tissue that connects the hard outer hoof wall to the coffin bone inside the hoof loosens and allows the hoof wall to separate from the inner foot.

Joe Got Even, a 3-year-old son of Stephen Got Even, won 3 of 9 starts and $167,589 for owners Elizabeth Robin and Joe Vaudo. His most notable race came this March when he ran third behind Hard Spun in the Grade 2 Lane's End.

Glimmerglass

May. 13, 2007, 12:04 AM

Surprisingly: Teuflesberg Out of Preakness

Per Pimlico office reports and recounted by The Bloodhorse - Jamie Sanders is withdrawing (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38900): her comments -

“We need to do what is right for the horse,” said Sanders. “He has given us everything leading up to this spot, including the Derby. It was a tough decision, but it is a long campaign and we have a lot of races in store for him.”

D. Wayne Lukas has decided on Flying First Class as his Preakness starter. Starbase will not run in the Preakness but could run on the undercard - in the Sir Barton Stakes err .. I mean Barbaro Stakes.

Edgar Prado appears to be linking up with Nick Zito for riding C P West in the Preakness.

TV Coverage of Preakness Draw

SportsCenter at Preakness Draw will take place live on Wednesday at the ESPN Zone in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and will be broadcast on ESPN 2 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. ET, 30 minutes earlier than usual.

FatDinah

May. 13, 2007, 07:24 PM

Associated Press has as tory mostly about MIchael Matz repeating that he'll probably choose the Barbaro for Chelokee.
But then there's this at the end:

King of the Roxy trainer Todd Pletcher hinted Sunday he might have another horse for the 1 3-16-mile Preakness. Pletcher, who went 0-for-5 in the Derby to run his record in Triple Crown races to 0-for-26, would not say which 3-year-old he was considering.

Glimmerglass

May. 15, 2007, 01:30 PM

As suggested by FatDinah and confirmed:

BloodHorse: Preakness Report: Late Quay Decision a Smart One (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38943)

Added to the Preakness mix: Circular Quay

Nikki^

May. 15, 2007, 03:42 PM

I have looked everywhere to see how many furlongs are in the Preakness and all I get is 1 3/16 miles. How many furlongs is that?

GO STREET SENSE!!!!:D

lizathenag

May. 15, 2007, 04:19 PM

so a furlong is 1/8 miles and 0.5 furlongs is 1/16 miles so.....

9.5 furlongs according to my math.

Glimmerglass

May. 15, 2007, 11:59 PM

Hard Spun's connections, while respecting D. Wayne aren't sacred of his Flying First Class in the Preakness ...

NY Post May 15 - "No Fear of 'Flying' (http://www.nypost.com/seven/05152007/sports/no_fear_of_flying_sports_ray_kerrison.htm?page=0)

It doesn't worry Cowboy Larry one bit. "We all know Wayne is not afraid to put one on the lead," he said with a laugh. "He likes to run other horses off their feet and you can be sure he's going to let Flying First Class ramble on Saturday.

"Well, that's fine by me. We'll just sit behind him and wait. And wait. And then, hopefully, get him at the wire.

"In fact, the Preakness sets up better for my horse. I do not expect to go gate to wire in this race. Hard Spun will do what he has to do."

Jones, however, does not underestimate the Lukas threat. "He has always been my idol," he said. "We both came out of quarter horse racing. I've patterned my racing career on him, even down to where I put white bridles on my horses, just like Wayne.

"We were in Oaklawn together in the winter and I know Wayne loves Flying First Class. He has a very high opinion of him. He's dangerous.

"And I don't give a damn, if Wayne Lukas leads a donkey over to the saddling paddock on Saturday, you'd better get ready."

Nikki^

May. 16, 2007, 08:55 AM

so a furlong is 1/8 miles and 0.5 furlongs is 1/16 miles so.....

9.5 furlongs according to my math.

Thank you :D

Laurierace

May. 16, 2007, 11:52 AM

so a furlong is 1/8 miles and 0.5 furlongs is 1/16 miles so.....

9.5 furlongs according to my math.

You forgot the other two sixteenths.

Drvmb1ggl3

May. 16, 2007, 12:24 PM

You forgot the other two sixteenths.

1m 3/16 = 9.5f

Two more sixteenths would be 1m 5/16 (10.5f).

Handy conversion

US------ IRE/GB----- Rest of world

5f--------- 5f ------- 1000m
6f -------- 6f ------- 1200m
7f -------- 7f ------- 1400m
1m -------- 8f ------ 1600m
1m 1/16 --- 8.5f ---- 1700m
1m 1/8 ---- 9f ------ 1800m
1m 3/16 --- 9.5f ----- 1900m
1m 1/4 ---- 10f ------ 2000m
1m 5/16 --- 10.5f----- 2100m
1m 3/8 ---- 11f ------ 2200m
1m 1/2 ---- 12f ------ 2400m
1m 3/4 ---- 14f ------ 2800m
2m -------- 16f ------ 3200m
2m 1/4 ---- 2m2f ----- 3600m
2m 1/2 ---- 2m4f ----- 4000m
3m -------- 3m ------- 4800m

Glimmerglass

May. 16, 2007, 01:14 PM

Hard Spun at it again - fast in a prep ...

Bloodhorse 5-15-07 (http://tcm.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=38951)

Hard Spun completed his preparations for the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) with a quarter-mile blowout under jockey Mario Pino May 16 at Delaware Park.

With Pino up, the Rick Porter-owned Hard Spun went the distance in :24 2/5.

A reminder with TV coverage today:

SportsCenter at the Preakness Draw
Wednesday, May 16, 4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2

Then ...

ESPN's Today at Pimlico
Friday, May 18, 4:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2

ESPN coverage of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes
Friday, May 18, 5:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2

ESPN's "Breakfast at Pimlico"
Saturday, May 19, 6:00 a.m. ET on ESPN2

ESPN's "Today at the Preakness"
Saturday, May 19, 12:00 p.m. ET on ESPN

ESPN's "Preakness Stakes Special"
Saturday, May 19, 2:00 p.m. ET on ESPN

The Preakness Stakes
Saturday, May 19, 5:00 p.m. ET on NBC

Glimmerglass

May. 16, 2007, 11:14 PM

Not sure if anyone cares about the Preakness it seems, but here is the lineup with this afternoon's draw:

Pimlico "Old Hilltop" Race 12 Sat May 19th (http://www.drf.com/entries/19/ePIM19.html?rn=964594#12)

132nd running of the Preakness Stakes (Grade 1)

At 1 3/16 Miles
Purse: $1,000,000

All horses assigned 126 lbs

PP Horse - Jockey
1 Mint Slewlep - Garcia Alan
2 Xchanger - Dominguez R A
3 Circular Quay - Velazquez J R
4 Curlin - Albarado R J
5 King of the Roxy - Gomez G K
6 Flying First Class - Guidry M
7 Hard Spun - Pino M G
8 Street Sense - Borel C H
9 C P West - Prado E S

Jinx

May. 17, 2007, 07:47 AM

Thanks for the updates glimmer! Who is the first horse Mint Slewlep? Havent heard a thing about that one....

Glimmerglass

May. 17, 2007, 10:21 AM

Thanks for the updates glimmer! Who is the first horse Mint Slewlep? Havent heard a thing about that one....

He was mentioned before as a local Maryland horse trained by Robbie Bailes:

Washington Post May 15 - "On Heels of 'Scrappy' Run, Bailes Is Back" (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/15/AR2007051502267.html)

"I believe the top three [Street Sense, Hard Spun and Curlin] are very strong," Bailes said. "Me and the rest of them are trying to find out where we are at, whether we belong or not. If this wasn't Maryland, the home track, we wouldn't ship looking for this spot, but it's has been in the back of our minds for a long time."