Summer Campaigns Begin

                Summer is here and so is the next phase of the racing season. The sophomore class of 2013 has made their Triple Crown bids and are now targeting the country’s most prestigious stakes races for their summer campaigns. As the season stands now Oxbow and Orb should be considered the leaders of the division due to their Classic wins and consistent performances throughout the year. Contrary to what many seem to think, I believe this crop is actually pretty good and has proven to be very durable. Orb and Oxbow both ran four times in 2013 before the Derby and then competed in all three legs of the Triple Crown. Even Palace Malice, who skipped the Preakness Stakes, ran four times before the Derby including just 2 weeks between his disastrous Louisiana Derby run and his strong Toyota Blue Grass Stakes runner-up effort. Running four times before the Derby isn’t a spectacular feat, but coming through the first half of the year and the Triple Crown season without any serious injuries and always performing well is admirable.

Verrazano began the summer season for this crop with a scintillating 9 ¼ length win in the Grade 3 Pegasus Stakes that was sadly marred by the injury of Itsmyluckyday. The More Than Ready colt ran the  1 1/16 mile distance in a very solid time of 1:41.72. Visually it was a very flashy win, but with Itsmyluckyday being taken out of contention with the injury it was basically a paid workout for Verrazano, so there wasn’t really a challenge to measure his worth coming off his 14^th place finish in the Kentucky Derby. Still, there is the good running time to take into consideration and it was just a prep race for the Haskell Invitational Stakes on July 28^th so his real test will come at the end of next month. He is a dynamic runner with a large fan base so it would be nice to see him come back with a big win in the Haskell, plus it would make the battle for leadership of the division even more intriguing.  

                Three of the runners from the Belmont Stakes have returned to the worktab in the past week, including Belmont victor Palace Malice who breezed an easy :49.45 half mile for trainer Todd Pletcher on Sunday at Belmont Park. Pletcher remarked that he felt that the son of Curlin was “just telling me to give [him] a breeze,” so just two weeks after his victory in the Belmont Stakes Palace Malice has begun his preparation for the Jim Dandy Stakes (Gr.2) on July 27^th. This colt makes me like him more and more; he has Curlin for a sire, runs his heart out every time he hits the track and is apparently full of energy and raring to go just two weeks after the biggest race of his life. I can’t wait for the Jim Dandy Stakes to see what he’s capable of after garnering his first big win. 

                Dreaming of Julia failed to live up to her reputation once again on Saturday and this time there was no excuse for her distant second place finish behind the brilliant Close Hatches in the Mother Goose Stakes. The result was a huge surprise to me. Not that I doubted the talent or ability of Close Hatches, (I even remarked to a friend that if there was an upset Close Hatches was the only one I’d pick) it was just that the talent Dreaming of Julia flashed in the Gulfstream Park Oaks was so huge that my opinion of her ability was bloated beyond proportion. She ran a decent second, but Close Hatches stole the show with her powerful 7 ¼ length win. The First Defence filly proved that the undefeated record she lost in the wake of her 7^th place finish in the Kentucky Oaks, was no fluke. Her final time of 1:41.36 for the 1 1/16 mile distance was very solid and the top three fillies finished 1-2-3 so I think her win is a legitimate one based on her own ability and not a factor of Dreaming of Julia’s falling short. The 3-year-old filly division is just as dynamic and confusing as the 3-year-old male division now and is shaping up for a very exciting summer season.

Dreaming of Julia Returns

                The Mother Goose Stakes (Gr.1) features the return of Dreaming of Julia this Saturday at Belmont Park after her disappointing 4^th place finish in Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks. The daughter of A. P. Indy ran the fastest sophomore Beyer speed figure of the year when garnering a flashy 116 Beyer as a result of her 21 ¾ lengths romp in the Gulfstream Park Oaks (Gr.2). She never had a chance to show her true talent in the Kentucky Oaks this year, but still impressed with her rally to finish 4^th after a very troubled start and traffic issues on the backside. Dreaming of Julia has only raced three times this year, with the Gulfstream Oaks being her sole victory, but she still maintains faith in her supporters that she will lead her division based on her fantastic record from last year and the promise of exceptional things to come this year. I fully expect this filly to be back in the winner’s circle this weekend and better than ever.

                Close Hatches won three straight races in 2013 to begin her career, including a 3 ¼ length romp in the Gazelle Stakes (Gr.2) over future Kentucky oaks winner Princess of Sylmar. She finished a distant 7^th in the Kentucky Oaks (Gr.1) without showing much of a closing punch in the 1 1/8 mile race, but she looked much stronger when finishing 2^nd to Midnight Lucky in the Grade 1 Acorn Stakes on May 27^th. Her workouts have always been very slow but she seems to maintain good form despite slow times and she looks like a solid choice to finish second behind Dreaming of Julia.

               

               Marathon Lady is just a maiden winner, but don’t let that fool you. She is much better than just a maiden winner. After finishing second by a nose in the Grade 3 Bourbonette Oaks she came back and ran 3^rd in the Fantasy Stakes (Gr.3). Just one month later Marathon Lady ran a strong second in the Black Eyed Susan Stakes (Gr.2) at Pimlico, missing by a neck to Fiftyshadesofhay. Expect her to be running well late and pick up a piece of the prize, but probably not the top spot. 

                Taosting finished 3^rd in the Black Eyed Susan Stakes (Gr.2) and has only won a maiden and an allowance race. She seems to be a capable filly who runs well against good competition, but I think she’s just outclassed by the top three in this one. 

Sister State has raced just four times and won just once, her maiden. She most recently finished 8^th in an allowance optional claiming race at Belmont Park, she seems to be a good choice to take up the rear of the field.

The Miraculous Return of Paynter

                In horse racing as with every other sport, events come and go quickly and once some of the bigger events have passed the fans are always looking forward to the next best thing. With the 2013 Triple Crown season now behind us and three new classic winners added to the ranks, American race fans have their sights set forward to the summer campaigns of our biggest stars. A 7-Furlong Allowance race for non-winners of three races at Betfair Hollywood Park wouldn’t warrant a second glance on most days to the casual fan, but this Friday marks the miraculous return of Paynter. Last year after I’ll Have Another and Bodemeister stole most of the spotlight on the Triple Crown trail, Union Rags had to duke it out with a brilliant and lightly raced colt named Paynter in the Belmont Stakes to finally claim his classic glory. 

Right off the bat Paynter showed the racing world that he was a serious athlete by breaking his maiden at Santa Anita in mid-February by more than 4 lengths. In his very next start he finished about four lengths behind I’ll Have Another in fourth in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby and then returned 21 days later to finish a good second in the Grade 3 Cliff’s Edge Derby Trial Stakes. Returned to the track one month later, Paynter smoked an allowance field at Pimlico by almost six lengths and it was on to the Belmont Stakes. 

                The Belmont is where Paynter’s talent truly began to shine through. He seized control of the pace the second the gates sprang open and maintained a tenacious lead into the first turn and down the backstretch. When Unstoppable U attempted to move onto even terms approaching the final turn Paynter very decisively pulled a half-length ahead. Leading the field into the final turn Paynter and jockey Mike Smith looked to be in serious danger of losing the lead to My Adonis rallying on the outside and Union Rags scraping the rails on the inside. As the contenders came roaring into the homestretch the rally of my Adonis moved him onto even terms with Paynter. But Paynter refused to yield and courageously pulled ahead by a full length. It wasn’t until Union Rags snuck up on the inside and just managed to win by a head on the wire that Paynter relinquished the lead. In all but the final few strides of the 1 ½ mile event, Paynter held off every challenge and proved how courageous and determined he was. We hadn’t seen the half of it. 

                In late July Paynter returned win the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational Stakes in a romp. He was now a legitimate and highly respected colt with a bright and promising future. But the best laid plans went seriously awry. After winning the Haskell, Paynter spiked a fever that knocked him out of consideration for the Travers Stakes. He was sent to a clinic to determine the cause and was diagnosed with a serious case of Colitis. On September 4^th, 2012 the terrible news was released the Paynter had been diagnosed with a quickly advancing case of Laminitis, a deadly disease among horses and one that claimed the life of famed Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. The news took the racing world by shock and Paynter became the center of a well-spring of prayers and get well wishes. Owner Ahmed Zayat announced that three of Paynter’s four legs had been infected with Laminitis, making his “worst nightmares” come true. The next 24 hours were critical in the treatment of the disease and Paynter was monitored very closely. In addition to the Laminitis, Paynter was still battling his Colitis and as a result was suffering from clotting in his veins due to low protein. Several days passed with cautiously optimistic evaluations regarding Paynter’s condition, but nothing definitive was released. 

                On September 21, 2012 Ahmed Zayat released the heartwarming news that Paynter had beaten his Laminitis. His battle to live now appeared far more hopeful and while he was still weak and being treated for his Colitis, the fact that Paynter showed the resilience and will to live to beat Laminitis in less than a month speaks volumes for his stature and the skill and loving care he received during his recovery. Sadly Paynter’s woes did not end there. Just a few weeks later Paynter underwent surgery to remove a 15-inch growth discovered on his intestines. Once again he pulled through in good condition and remained stable throughout the healing process. By the end of the year Paynter had fully recovered from his Colitis and it was announced that he would return to training and attempt a racing comeback. 

                On December 26, 2012 Paynter was announced as the winner of the 2012 Secretariat Vox Populi Award after some serious campaigning by the fans to have his name added to the list of nominees. The same day he arrived at the barns of trainer Bob Baffert in California to begin the slow process of regaining his form. On January 17, 2013 Paynter’s recovery from Laminitis and Colitis was voted the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s “Moment of the Year” by the fans. 

Paynter’s return to the track is nothing less than miraculous and is something that strikes a chord in every horse lovers heart. This colt has the heart and spirit of a true champion to go through all the pain and suffering that he endured to arrive full circle back on the track. His resilience and determination is a precious gift to the racing world that cannot be underestimated. Whether his finishes first or last on Friday, Paynter is a winner in my book.

Palace Malice Captured the 145th Belmont Stakes

Palace Malice Wins the 145th Belmont Stakes

                “A SON OF CURLIN’S GOING TO WIN THE BELMONT! CURLIN’S SON IS GOING TO WIN THE BELMONT!” I’m sure the entire apartment building was aware of my allegiance during the stretch drive of the 145^th Belmont Stakes, but the high-pitched decibels I was giving off was just my way of expressing my joy in its rawest form. The 145^th Belmont Stakes could not have ended any better for me personally. I have made no secret of my adoration for Curlin and his offspring and watching Palace Malice capture the final jewel of the Triple Crown provided the most gratifying flow of emotions I have experienced in racing since watching Curlin and Rachel Alexandra campaigning across the nation. 

                Palace Malice has been on the brink of winning a big race all year long and today, at Belmont Park on the big sandy oval, he finally seized his moment to shine. The entire field of 14 broke cleanly from the gate as long-shot Frac Daddy jumped straight to the lead with fellow long-shot Freedom Child in close pursuit. Palace Malice with Hall of Fame Rider Mike Smith aboard worked his way up from the 12 post to rate patiently in fourth going into the first turn as Preaknes Stakes winner Oxbow and jockey Gary Stevens moved quickly past Freedom Child and into second. Kentucky Derby winner Orb raced second to last down the backside as Frac Daddy set blazing fractions of :23.11 for the opening quarter and :46.66 for the half mile. Oxbow took command shortly after the half mile marker with Freedom Child making a brief bid to move with him, but ultimately fading away. Mike Smite meanwhile allowed Palace Malice to edge up into third as the field approached the final turn with Oxbow still in the lead. From the back of the pack Orb began to unleash an impressive rally, moving into contention quickly as the homestretch loomed large. Palace Malice though continued to gain ground on Oxbow, moving with fluid, even strides on the outside to take command as the field came roaring into the stretch with the crowd on its feet. Down the long Belmont homestretch Palace Malice continued to slowly extend his lead, showing obvious signs of tiring as he approached the wire, but nevertheless holding on to win by more than three lengths over a very game Oxbow, with Orb another 1 ¾ lengths back in third. 

                So there we have it. The 145^th Belmont Stakes has been written in to the history books and a son of the great Curlin snatched the win at odds of 13-1. Palace Malice has assured his place in history and I for one am very excited at what his future might hold. He has natural speed that enables him to stay close to the pace and has proven on multiple occasions now that he can run on or close to the lead with fast fractions. The final time for the Belmont was a very slow 2:30.70, but that can’t dampen my enthusiasm for his win. For Curlin to get a Grade 1 classic winner in his very first crop of foals is a huge moment of pride for me. With the Preakness winner finishing second and the Derby winner finishing third in the Belmont, I think that the top three year olds have validated their performances in the Classics this year and have shown admirable consistency. When asked directly after the running of the Belmont what he thought helped Palace Malice finally find the winners circle, Mike Smith said it was removing the blinkers. I for one was relieved when I heard he would be running without the blinkers, as I’m sure many others were too and without the extra equipment in the way the beautiful bay colt was able to rate, relax and pounce his way to a perfect Belmont score.   

Final Belmont Stakes Thoughts

                Belmont Park is fit to serve a feast of spectacular cuisine this Saturday when the running of the 145^th Belmont Stakes is preceded by a embarrassment of racing riches. Beginning with race #6, the Easy Goer Stakes and followed by the Grade 2 True North Handicap with defending champion Caixa Electronica as well as Justin Phillip and Fast Bullet, which is then followed by the Grade 1 Just a Game Stakes, Grade 2 Woody Stevens Stakes and Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap. Finally racing fans will get to see the very talented Point of Entry return to the racetrack in the Manhattan Handicap after his disappointing defection from Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (Gr.1) at Churchill Downs on Derby day won by defending Horse of the Year Wise Dan. In addition the Just a Game Stakes features one of the best fields of the day with Hungry Island, Stephanie’s Kitten, Mizdirection and Centre Court all prepared to romp over the turf. But of course, the Belmont Stakes will take center stage as it should, and with a field of 13 colts and one filly entered there is little doubt in my mind that it will live up to its billing as the race of the day. 

                Orb has now lost his air of “invincibility” that followed him around so vigorously after the Kentucky Derby triumph and is now just one of the contestants out to prove he is the best. His record still speaks for itself, those four straight wins leading up to the Derby are just as impressive as they were before and with rain in the forecast I’m sure I’m not the only one thinking that his chances in the Belmont could be enhanced a bit, especially if there’s a solid pace up front. 

                Revolutionary is a deserving second in the morning line favoritism. You have to love the way he always handles trouble and tough spots. For a better or a fan wishing for consistency in a horse Revolutionary fits the bill, he has hit the board in every one of his 7 lifetime starts and was on a three-race winning streak before finishing a good third in the Kentucky Derby. He’s got A.P. Indy as his grandsire on his Dam’s side and traces back to Mr. Prospector on his Sire’s side so stamina won’t be a problem. He looks like he’s got a great shot to win the Belmont Stakes, I just hope his 4 furlong works will have him ready to run the 1 ½ miles.

                Freedom Child is looking a lot better in recent days to me. Apparently he’s been making quite the impression in his visits to the track at Belmont and coming off that fantastic 13 ¼ length romp in the Peter Pan Stakes (Gr.2) over a sealed sloppy track at Belmont, I’m thinking there are a lot of positives with this son of Malibu Moon. The only question he needs to answer is whether or not he can handle the step up in class, but the only time he ran against Derby caliber horses in the Wood Memorial (Gr.1) he was taken totally out of contention when the assistant starter didn’t release him as the gates opened. His :59.87 five furlong breeze at Belmont on May 27 was excellent. 

                Oxbow I’m not sure what to make of yet. I’m not sure if he’s the best fit for the 1 ½ mile distance but trainer D. Wayne Lukas is very pleased with his energy level since winning the Preakness Stakes which is always a good sign. I’m still picking against him, but I can easily see him finishing in the money.

                Vyjack traces back to Affirmed and Storm Cat on his Sire’s side and Northern Dancer on his Dam’s side so there’s plenty of blue-blooded stamina in his pedigree, but somehow he just didn’t fire at all in the Kentucky Derby, fading to finish 18^th. He was the forgotten horse heading in the Derby and it seems that once again he’s the forgotten horse, but I think it’s for good reason. I just can’t see him winning the Belmont right now unless he shows some drastic improvement. 

                Palace Malice being the son of Curlin makes him an instant favorite of mine so I really hope he can pull off a surprise and win the Belmont, but if not I hope he can produce a really good showing. It seems like he’s always running a good race and just missing out on the win. What more can I say? I’m a fan.

                Unlimited Budget is a puzzle to me. I just don’t think she can win the Belmont, but she’s a very intriguing entrant and it wouldn’t come as a shock to see her run competitively. As a daughter of Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense we at least know that she’s got stamina in her pedigree, now she’ll need to bring it to the track.

                Golden Soul; I was pretty adamantly against him a few days ago, but with Belmont most likely being run in sloppy/wet conditions I think his chances improve a lot. His work was pretty strong and maybe the time off was what he needed to run a career best race. 

                Overall I’m still thinking Orb has the best shot to win, but Revolutionary, Palace Malice and Freedom Child are all up there for me.