Cloud Nine

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and is looking forward to the New Year. I fully intended to get on her before the Christmas weekend and write a post about the up-coming races but got lost in the Christmas rush I guess, so here’s my overdue “post-Christmas” post.

We had a great weekend of racing this Christmas with a bevy of good races all loaded with high quality runners. The

[caption id="attachment_341" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Cloudy's Knight"][/caption]

most anticipated race was probably the W. L. McKnight Handicap and a showdown between Presious Passion and Cloudy’s Knight. Presious Passion had finished second in the Breeders’ Cup Turf on November 7 after one of the most determined and courageous performances in the races history. Cloudy’s Knight was defeated a scant nose in the Breeders’ Cup Marathon after a furious stretch battle with three year old Man of Iron. Two long distance specialists quickly padding their fan bases after terrific ’09 campaigns. I was surprised to see Winchester go off as the second favorite over 9 year-old Cloudy’s Knight. He did end up finishing second, albeit to Cloudy’s Knight in a terrific show of veteran racing. Cloudy’s Knight is on a roll this year, with the McKnight win his 2009 record stands at four wins from five starts. Presious Passion lacked his Breeders’ Cup Turf driving punch in the homestretch, finishing fourth after setting the pace. Cloudy’s Knight swept to the front coming off the turn, passing both Spice Route and Presious Passion on his way to a 1 ¼ length victory. After his ultra-successful campaign this year, he will be given a break from racing in hopes of returning to the track by the spring of next year.

                2008 was the first year I watched the La Brea Stakes, my personal favorite Indian Blessing won that year en

[caption id="attachment_342" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Evita Argentina"][/caption]

route to female sprint championship honors. This year another of my favorites, Evita Argentina was returning from a seventh place showing in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint to take on grade 1 winning favorite Gabby’s Golden Gal. Earlier in the year the 3 year-old Evita Argentina defeated the boys in California but had not shown quite the same amount of pizzazz since then. She has one of the most striking chestnut coats I have ever seen, kind of a cross between chestnut and soft honey colored. Wide at the top of the stretch, Evita charged to a two length victory in the La Brea. Fast charging Starlarks snagged second by a head over the beautifully named Amazed by Grace. This was Evita Argentina’s fourth win at the seven furlong distance in eight lifetime attempts. Many will be looking forward to seeing how she progresses off this win into her 4 year-old campaign.

                The race that took just as much attention as the McKnight this weekend was Santa Anita’s San Gabriel

[caption id="attachment_343" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Proudinsky"][/caption]

Handicap and the return of the richest gelding in racing history, Lava Man. Lava Man was returning to the races after a 17 month layoff initially intended as a permanent retirement. Stem cell research was successful in restoring Lava Man’s damaged ankles to splendid form and so the decision was made to try running the old boy once more. He came into the San Gabriel off several promising works that seemed to herald his return to top form. 2008 San Gabriel champ Proudinsky was returning for a try at back–to-back wins. In the end Proudinsky prevailed by a neck over favored Loup Breton in the $150,000 turf event while Lava Man finished a troubling last. The race was won in a time almost two seconds faster than the 2008 running. Lava Man’s future plans have obviously had a wrench thrown into them with his last place finish, the connections will be mulling over his options for awhile before deciding on a course of action. Apparently he cut his legs leaving the gate at the start and there was some blood on both hind legs when he was examined after the race.

                I thought the Malibu Stakes was going to be a open and close case with Misremembered easily winning. It was just another instance in which my “racing expertise” was turning inside out and upside down. I love that nothing is sure in this sport, as in any other sport I suppose, but sometimes it seems less sure in racing somehow. M One Rifle, a horse I am ashamed to admit I didn’t even know was running, ran off with the win by more than two lengths over favored Misremembered with Papa Clem third. Square Eddie finished sixth here, once again lacking the brilliance he showed early this year and late last year. It is puzzling to me how a horse that was so good can be running so poorly so often. Perhaps he was just early to mature and then the crowd caught up with him this year.

                This weekend also produced the last public appearance of one of our favorite American champions, Zenyatta. She was paraded in front of more than 32,000 adoring fans at Santa Anita, there to enjoy a great day of racing, and say farewell to one of the greatest mares ever to grace the track. I look forward to seeing what the new year holds in store with the returns of Rachel Alexandra, Summer Bird, Quality Road, Mine That Bired, I Want Revenge and maybe The Pamplemouss. That is a great roster of fantastic 2009 3 year-olds, I drool at the thought of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup and the possible line-up for the Classic. Sure it’s a long way off and anything can happen, but I like to dream.

                One more thing I wanted to say: being a blog author and having several friends that author blogs I can tell you that the one thing we love above everything else for our blogs are comments. So even if you don’t have anything to say, just stop by and comment, you can even tell me: “I have nothing to say” and I’ll be happy!  You don’t even have to comment on the content of the post, just anything that comes to mind on Horse Racing. Come on, give it a try, you might even find that you like it and end up writing till you get “writer’s cramp”. (:

Reflections of 2009: Part 3 and Miscellaneous Racing Updates

[caption id="attachment_323" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Rachel Alexandra winning the Woodward Stakes"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_324" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Zenyatta winning the Classic"][/caption]

We begin with August continued because I realize I left-out/forgot a whole bunch of really good races with key players. August 1st, a day before Rachel Alexandra’s tour-de-force in the Haskell against the boys, Mine that Bird was soundly defeated in his return to the races by 23-1 long-shot Soul Warrior and runner-up Big Drama in the West Virginia Derby. Forever Together was able to enhance her illustrious standings in the filly and mare turf division with a strong repeat win in the Diana Stakes at Saratoga the same day, solidifying her shot at a second running in the Breeders’ Cup. Magical Fantasy roared to her third consecutive score in the John C. Mabee on the 16th, also making a strong case for her participation in the Breeders’ Cup. Six days later it was back to the flashy three year old filly Careless Jewel in the Alabama, a race she won by 11 lengths in true super-star form. Some began to question whether or not Careless Jewel might just be able to give Rachel Alexandra a run for her money after the Alabama win, a race in which she extended her winning streak to four. One week later Indian Blessing was back as the slight favorite against Informed Decision with Music Note the third choice in the Ballerina. But in the end it was Music Note who ran away from Indian Blessing at the top of the stretch, winning by more than 5 lengths with Informed Decision running third. That same day Sara Louise, famous for being the last horse to defeat Rachel Alexandra, returned from a nine-month layoff to win the Victory Ride Stakes at Saratoga by more than 3 lengths, signaling that she would be a major contender in the filly and mare sprint division.

September brought the undisputed queen of east coast racing back into the limelight. On the 5th, Rachel Alexandra attempted to accomplish what no filly or mare in history had been able to do before, win the prestigious Woodward Stakes. After leading the field through suicidal opening fractions and being tested constantly down the backstretch, Rachel Alexandra opened up slightly coming into the stretch, then repelled the bid of Bullsbay and held on to defeat Macho Again who came flying at the end, by a head. It was one of the most courageous, determined and miraculous performances ever witnessed in the historic race. The next day Zensational extended his grade 1 winning streak to 3 in a row when taking the Pat O’Brien Breeders’ Cup Stakes, thus assuring himself solid favoritism in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. The same day 24-1 long shot Richard’s Kid just got up in time to win the Pacific Classic over hard-knocking Einstein in front of a crowd of more than 42,000 spectators. Lookin At Lucky seized the lead in the race for leading two year old male the next day, taking down the Del Mar Futurity to remain undefeated in four races, adding a second grade 1 win onto his resume. On September 12th Informed Decision returned to her winning ways after finishing third behind Music Note and Indian Blessing at Saratoga in the Ballerina, adding the Presque Isle Downs Masters to her list of wins. With only one loss in the year, and her sights set squarely on the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, she

[caption id="attachment_328" align="alignleft" width="275" caption="Indian Blessing & Sara Louise"][/caption]

was quickly becoming a heavily backed choice to win. On the 26th Indian Blessing also returned to her winning ways in one of the most terrific stretch battles of the decade. In the Gallant Bloom Handicap three year old Sara Louise and defending 2008 Gallant Bloom winner Indian Blessing hooked up at the top of the turn and battled the length of the stretch with Indian Blessing maintaining a slight advantage. The two fillies fought tooth and nail, neither willing to give an inch. In the end Indian Blessing emerged the victor and showed that despite having lost all her previous three races in 2009, she was back and better than ever. Sara Louise was courageous in defeat and gained far more respect for her effort than she lost.

Into October and Interpatation kicked things off with one of the most surprising upsets of the year. At odds of 43-1, after being passed at the top of the stretch by heavily favored Gio Ponti who was gunning for his 5th consecutive grade 1 win, Interpatation ran the race of his life. Gathering himself for one final surge, he burst past Gio Ponti and went on to win the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational. Despite Gio Ponti’s incredible streak of grade 1’s being snapped in two, the fighter lost little admiration from his public in crossing the line second, apparently not caring for the wet conditions. Music Note fulfilled the role of the favorite that day by winning the Beldame Stakes

[caption id="attachment_330" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Music Note"][/caption]

with complete ease and positioned herself nicely for a second run at the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic. The next day it was back to California and Lookin At Lucky easily winning the Norfolk Stakes in his first try around two turns, further solidifying his position as leading two year old male. On the 10th undefeated champion Zenyatta wowed the crowd with her 13th consecutive win, equaling the renowned Personal Ensign’s record and repeating in the Lady’s Secret Stakes. Informed Decision continued to roll the same day, winning the Thoroughbred Club of America over Carlsbad. Magical Fantasy also chimed

[caption id="attachment_332" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Magical Fantasy"][/caption]

in the same day with her third consecutive grade 1 victory in the Yellow Ribbon Stakes while the Goodwood Stakes, with Colonel John and Mine that Bird, was upset by European invader Gitano Hernando.

November this year meant one thing: the Breeders’ Cup is less than one week away…and my family was sick to death of hearing about it! On Breeders’ Cup day #1, Informed Decision slammed the door on any hopes contenders might have had of winning the Eclipse award for Champion Female Sprinter. Gunning for the wire off the turn, Informed Decision turned the tables on defending Champ Ventura and ran her record over synthetics to 7 for 7, securely sewing up the female sprint championship for herself. After having hidden behind Zenyatta for most of the year, Life is Sweet emerged in dramatic last-to-first fashion to dismantle the field in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic. Careless Jewel led until the final turn and was swallowed up by the field, eventually finishing last. Music Note finished third for the second consecutive year while Life is Sweet rolled to an easy 2 ½ length victory. The next day Goldikova returned to duplicate her win of 2008 in the Breeders’ Cup Mile against males, but this time in

[caption id="attachment_334" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Miesque"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_335" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Goldikova"][/caption]

much more spectacular fashion. Trainer Freddy Head became the first person to train and ride two time winners of a Breeders’ Cup race. In 1987-88 he rode super-filly Miesque to back-to-back wins in the Mile and in 2008-09 he trained Goldikova through her Mile victories. Later that day Zenyatta became the apple of the industry’s eye with one of the most breath-taking performances in horse racing history. Second to last coming off the final turn, she confidently threaded her way through the crowd, worked her way into the clear on the outside, extended her stride and in a matter of jumps she had overtaken leader Gio Ponti and surged to victory, becoming the first filly or mare in history to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Gio Ponti made a strong statement for champion older male in running second while Summer Bird ran well for third. Twenty days later, Sara Louise returned off only 21 days rest from running 4th in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, to win the Top Flight Handicap over Justwhistledixie. Two days later Kodiak Kowboy defeated Vineyard Haven, Pyro and Bribon in the Hill ’n’ Dale Cigar Mile Handicap in what was to be the last race of his career.

December isn’t quite over yet, we still have some racing to go and then it’s on to 2010 and the Derby trail. A couple of prominent things that I wanted to bring up before I sign off here; First is that Einstein will race one more time in 2010 and if he runs well we may see him through yet another full campaign next year. I was more than excited when I heard this news. If he doesn’t run well I’ll probably drop-dead, when doesn’t he run well? Gio Ponti is heading for the Dubai World Cup in March after his incredible 2009 campaign and however he runs in Dubai will dictate where and when he’ll run back in the States. Presious Passion is running the day after Christmas in the 1 ½ mile W. L. McKnight at Calder. I’ve loved this guy since the very beginning; his name alone makes you want to pay attention. After his words-cannot-do-justice runner-up effort in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, he seems to have ascended to a

[caption id="attachment_337" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Presious Passion"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_338" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Cloudy's Knight"][/caption]

whole new level of competing. It will be fun to see what he can do again after having won the last two editions of the McKnight. To add to the excitement, Cloudy’s Knight, the incredibly tenacious 9 year old who just missed winning the Breeders’ Cup Marathon, is also slated to run in the McKnight. It’s rare to see a duo of horses more than four years old favored in such a big race, but in this case it’s the older, the better. Also of interest, I noticed that Harlem Rocker (prominent on the 2008 Triple Crown Trail) and This Ones for Phil are returning to action in the Kenny Noe Jr. also at Calder on the 26th. This Ones for Phil still holds the highest Beyer speed figure (a 115) for races up to one mile in distance this year.

Saturday I am looking forward to seeing Lookin At Lucky and Noble's Promise clash yet again in the CashCall Futurity. I think it's Lookin At Lucky's race to lose.

Reflections of 2009: Part Two

[caption id="attachment_298" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Rachel Alexandra winning the Haskell"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_301" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="Zenyatta wins the Clement L. Hirsch"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_319" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Summer Bird winning the Belmont Stakes"][/caption]

June heralds the Belmont Stakes, the last leg of the Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes & Belmont Stakes) and the only race of the three not run during May. After Rachel Alexandra’s magnificent Preakness Stakes win the first question everyone wanted answered was whether or not she would return to contest the Belmont Stakes. Her connections opted out of the Belmont, leaving Derby winner Mine that Bird as the main contender. Charitable Man was returning to action in the Belmont after having won the Peter Pan Stakes earlier in the year. Undefeated as a two year old, he was largely unproven against the best three year old colts in the nation and his connections believed he was good enough to run with the best in the Belmont. Dunkirk, the Florida Derby favorite defeated by Quality Road was also returning to action in the Belmont. On June 6, the “other bird” emerged from the shadows and pulled the upset at Belmont in electrifying style. Coming from far off the pace, Summer Bird sloshed through the mud, passing Mine that Bird and Dunkirk to win going away.  Summer Bird and Mine that Bird share the same sire in Birdstone, the horse who upset Smarty Jones in the 2004 Belmont Stakes. Earlier in the day Gio Ponti dashed his way into major prominence by winning the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap at Belmont for his second consecutive grade 1 score. June 27 was a ladies’ day extravaganza. Arguably the two best female horses in thoroughbred racing squared off against hopelessly overmatched fields on separate coasts. In New York Rachel Alexandra destroyed the

[caption id="attachment_315" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Rachel Alexandra"][/caption]

Mother Goose field in stakes record time by 19 ¾ lengths, the largest margin in history. Less than half an hour later in California, Zenyatta carried 129 pounds to yet another easy repeat victory in the Vanity Handicap. Before we leave the month of June I also need to mention that my brother got married on June 6, Belmont Stakes day. I asked him to change the date the week before the wedding so that I could at least watch the race live, but to no avail. (:

[caption id="attachment_308" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Informed Decision"][/caption]

July, the independence month, and Informed Decision kept the ball rolling with her fifth consecutive victory in the Chicago Handicap. After her third consecutive victory people began watching, after the fourth everyone was watching, after the fifth she cemented her position as frontrunner for champion female sprinter. Zensational took center stage the next day in his stakes debut, leading gate to wire to win the Grade 1 Triple Bend Handicap at Hollywood Park, and making a bold statement in the California sprint division stakes. Bob Baffert found himself with yet another promising sprinter less than one year after saying goodbye to 2007 champion sprinter and two time winner of the Breeders Cup Sprint, Midnight Lute. July 11 and it was back to Gio Ponti and a star-studded field of runners in the Man O’ War Stakes.  Making a strong case for older male championship and entering the horse of the year picture, Gio Ponti stormed to victory, winning his third consecutive grade one race of the year. The same day trainer Bob Baffert sent out promising two year old colt

[caption id="attachment_316" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Lookin at Lucky"][/caption]

Lookin At Lucky to an impressive debut maiden victory at Hollywood Park. On July 18 a gorgeous gray filly by the name of Careless Jewel came flying onto the national racing scene, winning the Delaware Oaks by more than 7 lengths at odds of 10-1 in her stakes race debut. The very next day on July 19 one of the greatest moments in horse racing history occurred, I turned 21. Alright, maybe not one of the greatest, but I was thrilled nonetheless. In case anyone is interested, I asked for Curlin for my birthday.

August, the month when racing turns up the heat. Only two days into the month Rachel Alexandra, Summer Bird and newly returned Quality Road faced off against each other in the Haskell Invitational at Monouth Park. Quality Road was coming off a victory in the Amsterdam Stakes, a race which he won in record time after being on the sidelines since before May. Rachel Alexandra continued her path of unequaled brilliance, winning by more than 6 lengths on a

[caption id="attachment_305" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Gio Ponti"][/caption]

sloppy track over Summer Bird in second, becoming just the second filly in more than 40 years to win the prestigious race. August 8 Gio Ponti extended his incredible grade one winning streak to four in the Arlington Million. Back in California Zensational

[caption id="attachment_311" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Zensational"][/caption]

defeated older horses in his first try and sprinted to victory in the Bing Crosby Stakes. Zenyatta picked things up the following day with a heart-pounding repeat victory in the Clement L. Hirsch, just squeaking into the winners circle by a mere nose, the smallest margin of victory in the undefeated mares career. Bob Baffert unleashed maiden winner Lookin At Lucky to lay waste to the Best Pal Stakes earlier the same day. On the 22^nd, Careless Jewel returned to the racing scene with an eye-opening 11 length romp in the Alabama Stakes. It was her fourth consecutive win, and were it not for Rachel Alexandra, she would

[caption id="attachment_312" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Careless Jewel"][/caption]

certainly have made a strong case for 3 year old filly honors. The August 29th Travers Stakes headlined the continued ascendency of Summer Bird as the leading 3 year old colt in the nation. Fighting back a stubborn Quality Road the length of the Saratoga stretch, Summer Bird splashed to victory with jockey Kent Desormeaux aboard.

[caption id="attachment_313" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Summer Bird"][/caption]

As I was writing this second part, I kept finding more and more major horses I’d left out so guess what? It’s going to be a three-parter now! Please bear with me, and if I’ve forgotten any of your favorites please share anything that comes to mind.

Reflections Of 2009: Part 1

[caption id="attachment_291" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="Rachel Alexandra wins the 2009 Preakness Stakes"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_292" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Gio Ponti wins the Frank E. Kilroe Mile over Ventura"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_294" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="Mine that Bird wins the 2009 Kentucky Derby at odds of 50-1"][/caption]

Recently I’ve been wrapped up in a web of negative thoughts regarding horse racing, especially toward the end of this year. Whenever the end of the year rolls by, it seems that all I see are retirement announcements left and right. It really isn’t fair to focus on the negative when this year became one of the greatest, record breaking seasons in history. So I’ve decided it’s time I grow up and stop whining about everything that doesn’t go my way. This doesn’t mean that I’m happy about groups of good horses being retired, I’ve just come to accept that this is the way it is, so I’d better make the best of it for now. This year started with a very dynamic group of young three year olds all stomping down the Triple Crown trail. Then came a certain three year old filly sensation that tore down all previously set boundaries and waltzed into the history books and hearts of people all across the nation. Next came one of the most intriguing Triple Crown runs fans have witnessed in many years resulting in three separate and unique winners garnering one jewel each. Lastly the 2008 undefeated Champion Older Female returned to produce a stunning finale to her career in a history-defying Breeders’ Cup. I’m going to go over as many performances from earlier in the year as I can possibly remember and hopefully spark some life into the corners of our musings. Let’s revive the best moments of this year and relive the glory from some of the most incredible performances racing fans have had the honor to witness in decades.

January represents the chance for all things to start anew with fresh beginnings. It’s also the month that lights the fuse that leads to the explosion known as; the Triple Crown and namely the Kentucky Derby. On January 10 Larry Jones sent out Friesan Fire to an impressive victory in the Lecomte Stakes in Louisiana.  This was the first step in a journey that culminated in a clean sweep of the Louisiana 3-year-old series and favoritism in the most illustrious race in

[caption id="attachment_278" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="The Pamplemousse"][/caption]

history. On January 17 a gorgeous three year old colt with the strangest name, and visually awkward running style captured the San Rafael Stakes in California. The Pamplemousse was his name and he was commencing a terrific west coast campaign. One that would ultimately end in tremendous disappointment for all his fans and the connections. On January 18 Life is Sweet stormed to victory in the El Encino Stakes for trainer John Shirreffs. With the win in the El Encino Stakes Life is Sweet brought to light the fact that John Shirreffs now had one of the most powerful older female duo’s in history. The undefeated 2008 Champion Older Female Zenyatta and Life is Sweet in one barn.

Come February the trail to the Triple Crown becomes peppered  with eager young horses, each being guided by enthusiastic trainers, jockeys and owners, all hoping for their shot at racing immortality. Bob Baffert has become a racing legend, his Triple Crown crusades are among the most exciting and entertaining in this history of the great event. On February 7 Pioneerof The Nile won the Robert B. Lewis Stakes en rout to becoming Baffert’s newest star Triple Crown performer. Eight days later, Friesan Fire was back to win the Risen Star Stakes in Louisiana. With the win he launched himself to the top of many Derby watch lists and proved himself a serious threat. Another star was born that day, this one would go super-nova and beyond. We all know and love her, oh boy do we love her! Rachel

[caption id="attachment_279" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Rachel Alexandra"][/caption]

Alexandra didn’t just explode onto the racing scene in 2009, she won the Martha Washington stakes by 8 effortless lengths and propelled herself to the top of the 3 year old filly ranks and stayed there.  The very next day the undefeated 2008 two year old male Eclipe Award finalist Old Fashioned, made his three year old debut in spectacular

[caption id="attachment_280" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Old Fashioned"][/caption]

fashion. Running away with the Southwest Stakes, he immediately joined Friesan Fire at the top of the Derby watch lists. Many fans, including myself had him as their early pick to win the Kentucky Derby. It’s always hard to find a reason not to like an undefeated runner, and Old Fashioned was particularly enthralling, being a striking gray colt with a streamlined tail that flew free in his wake. On the 28 The Pamplemousse continued his ascent in the California ranks with a dominant win in the Sham Stakes. At the same time a stunning bay on the east coast exploded onto the Kentucky Derby scene with a powerful performance in the Fountain of Youth Stakes. When I viewed Quality Road for the first time I was struck by the depth of his chest. He looked like a three year old firecracker in a four year olds mature body. Watching him run was pure heaven, flawless strides, tactical speed and heart to spare. Add another one to the top three of most all lists.

One of the most impressive Two Year Old Champion Females of the decade made her much anticipated seasonal debut

[caption id="attachment_281" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Stardom Bound"][/caption]

on March 7. Whoever named Stardom Bound should win an award for the most prophetic naming of an athlete. She stormed to victory that day in the Santa Anita Oaks

[caption id="attachment_282" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="I Want Revenge"][/caption]

and posted her 5th consecutive grade 1 score. Astonishing for such a young filly. Later that same day another new star emerged in the form of I Want Revenge winning the Gotham Stakes. He had previously finished behind Pioneerof The Nile on two occasions but emerged as a force to be reckoned with after his first victory on traditional dirt. Gio Ponti won the Grade 1 Frank E. Kilroe Mile Handicap over 2008 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint champion Ventura also on the same day, and began one of the most impressive grade 1 winning streaks in recent history. On March 9, Einstein proved to be one of the most versatile older horses in thoroughbred horse racing history by winning the Santa Anita Handicap on Santa Anita’s Pro Ride synthetic track. With the win, he became only the second horse in history to win graded stakes on dirt, turf and synthetic tracks. Pioneerof The Nile returned on the 14th to capture the San Felipe Stakes while Freisan Fire burned up the track by winning his third graded stakes score in a row, the Louisiana Derby. Rachel Alexandra captured the Fair Ground Oaks the same day and cemented her role as leading 3 year old filly. Life is Sweet also extended her repertoire that day by making it two graded stakes in a row in winning the Santa Margarita Intitational, capturing her first grade 1 race in the process. On the 27 Justwhistledixie stormed onto

[caption id="attachment_283" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Justwhistledixie"][/caption]

the three year old filly scene by trumping the field in the Bonnie Miss Stakes, bringing her winning streak to five consecutive. The next day Quality Road out-fought undefeated and favored Dunkirk in the Florida Derby and flew to victory, looking very much the

[caption id="attachment_284" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Quality Road"][/caption]

part of a Kentucky Derby favorite. The same day American dual-champion Indian Blessing took on the boys in the Dubai Golden Shaheen and finished a fast closing 2^nd to Big City Man.

On April 4^th the ball was back in the court of I Want Revenge, he scored a slam dunk and then some. In the most difficult trip of the entire Triple Crown trail of 2009, I Want Revenge overcame all adversity and streaked to an impressive victory in the Wood Memorial. Say hello to another strongly supported Kentucky Derby favorite. On the 9^th older filly Informed Decision faced off against Ventura in the Vinery Madison and prevailed by a head. On the 15^th Rachel Alexandra once again showed an unearthly dominance while running away to a more than 8 length victory in the Fantasy Stakes, the largest margin of victory in history.

May is the month we all wait for. The “First Saturday In May”, it heralds one of the biggest days of the year in sports. This year I was anticipating the Kentucky Oaks almost as much as the Kentucky Derby itself. Rachel Alexandra and Justwhistledixe were the two heavy favorites, with Rachel Alexandra getting the most support. Unfortunately

[caption id="attachment_287" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Rachel Alexandra"][/caption]

Justwhistledixe had to be scratched from the Kentucky Oaks the morning of the race, leaving Rachel Alexandra the overwhelming favorite. Never has a favorite justified the support of their fans and bettors so adamantly and with such overwhelming confidence as Rachel Alexandra did that day. She ran away from the best fillies in the country while being stoutly restrained the entire length of the stretch, passing under the wire 20 lengths ahead of the pack. Earlier in the day the expected return of Zenyatta was cut short when her connections decided to withdraw the great mare from the Louisville Distaff due to wet conditions. Informed Decision started things out on Derby day by winning the Humana Distaff for her fourth consecutive win. Einstein followed that up by becoming the first horse in history to win two running’s of the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic and also stamped himself as the front-runner for the Eclipse award as champion

[caption id="attachment_288" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Mine That Bird"][/caption]

older male. The Kentucky Derby lived up to its billing as the greatest horse race in the world when the longest shot in the field, and the second longest shot in history won at odds 50-1 from dead last. Mine That Bird, the forgotten little gelding flew up the rail, splashing through the mud to win going away by more than 6 lengths, the largest margin in over 60 years of Kentucky Derby history. Two weeks later Rachel Alexandra cranked up the excitement in a dramatic renewal of the Preakness Stakes. Under the new ownership of Jess Jackson and Harold T. McCormick, Rachel Alexandra became the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness Stakes and the first horse ever to win from the 13 hole. A speeding Mine That Bird came from far back to finish second by 1 length. Exactly one week later Zenyatta made her triumphant return to the races with a repeat win in the Milady Hadicap.

[caption id="attachment_289" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Zenyatta"][/caption]

It’s taken me much longer to compile a list of the moments and races I enjoyed the most this year so I’m going to have to make this a two-parter. I even discovered some stories I’d forgotten from earlier this year and “reconnected” with some of my favorite horses like Old Fashioned who completely left the limelight along with The Pamlemousse, Quality Road and I Want Revenge due to injuries.

What were your favorite memories, races, horses or stories from January thru May this year? Please share any and all you may have, and they don’t have to be from this year.[polldaddy poll=2341831]

Born To Run, Denied The Fun

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   2007 produced one of the most stellar crops of

[caption id="attachment_261" align="alignright" width="104" caption="Rags To Riches"][/caption]

three year olds ever to grace the track, the lineup of talent included Curlin, Street Sense, Hard Spun, Any Given Saturday, Rags To Riches, Tiago and Nobiz Like Shobiz. All seven of these runners participated in at least one Triple Crown race and, as a result, the 2007 Triple Crown produced historic and exciting renewals. Street Sense became the only Breeders’ Cup Juvenile victor in history to win the Kentucky Derby

the following year. Curlin began his career in February and three months later won the Preakness in record equaling time by a head over Street Sense. Kentucky Oaks winner Rags To Riches became the first filly in over 100 years to win the Belmont Stakes,

[caption id="attachment_271" align="alignleft" width="91" caption="Street Sense"][/caption]

beating Curlin in a stretch battle for the ages by a neck. Hard Spun placed second to Street Sense in the Derby, ran third to Curlin and Street Sense in the Preakness, and fourth to Rags To Riches and Curlin in

[caption id="attachment_263" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Hard Spun"][/caption]

the Belmont.  Any Given Saturday defeated Hard Spun and Curlin in the Haskell Invitational later in the year. Hard Spun won the King’s Bishop Stakes, then defeated Street Sense in Kentucky. Street Sense won the Jim Dany and Travers Stakes before running second to Hard Spun. Curlin ran down the

exceptional older horse, Lawyer Ron, in the Jockey Club Gold Cup and then defeated Hard Spun, Street Sense, Lawyer Ron and Any Given Saturday in the Breeders’ Cup

[caption id="attachment_275" align="alignleft" width="117" caption="Any Given Saturday"][/caption]

Classic. Unfortunately Rags To Riches suffered a fracture while running in the Gazelle and never raced again.

   From this exceptional group of runners, only one was withheld from the breeding barns and returned to racing in 2008, Curlin. All others were retired. This year I have noticed an alarming acceleration in this pattern in  the racing industry. Out of curiosity, I decided to compile a “short” list of the runners retired, or being retired, this year.

1. Zenyatta


2. Zensational


3. Indian Blessing


4. Music Note


5. Seventh Street


6. Einstein


7. Ventura


8. Cocoa Beach


9. Kip Deville


10. Colonel John


11. My Pal Charlie


12. Unbridled Belle


13. Cowboy Cal


14. Mint Lane


15. Cosmonaut


16. Commentator


17. Idiot Proof


18. Pioneerofthe Nile


19. Champs Elysses


20. Icon Project


21. Forever Together


22. Old Fashioned


23. Sea the Stars


24. Conduit


25. Mastercraftsman

   The last three mentioned are European. Did I miss any? Yes, many, many in fact. While creating this list, I discovered that I was barely scratching the surface and therefore chose only the names that were most recognized this year.

[caption id="attachment_265" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Sea The Stars"][/caption]

   When it was announced that Sea The Stars would be retired after his unmatched 2009 campaign, the general reaction was disappointment from thousands of star-struck fans. Disappointment, but not surprise. We fans have become used to the concept that the most talented, standout horses of the year will be retired to stud after a good three year old campaign, regardless of how badly we, and the industry, want them back for one more year. If they aren’t a filly or a gelding, it’s adios amigo! This year, Sea The Star’s connections said that he was in his element when running and in tip-top shape when they announced his retirement. In the same breath they said that it would be unfair to the horse to continue running him. To think that the fans are stupid enough to buy into that weak excuse is insulting to say the least. If they want to retire the horse fine, but be honest to the public and admit the real reason: money.

   Horses like Zensational barely got a chance to prove their talent, and with

[caption id="attachment_266" align="alignright" width="107" caption="Einstein"][/caption]

the time he was given he showed outstanding skill. If he was allowed to run again next year we could have witnessed a very special older sprinter.  Zenyatta and Einstein are the only two that I’m not averse to seeing retired. Both apparently love running, both are older and in terrific shape, and both have nothing left to prove. Although it would be amazing to see Zenyatta race Rachel Alexandra and face the boys more often, she has had a great career. Einstein will probably be a hot ticket at stud due to his remarkable versatility. He will attempt to go out on a high note in the Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs this Friday against Macho Again and possibly Bullsbay. He has been one of the most consistent long-term, top-tier runners in recent history. Ventura will also try to end her brilliant career Saturday with a win in the Matriarch Stakes against Diamondrella and Rutherienne.

[caption id="attachment_269" align="alignleft" width="138" caption="Jess Jackson"][/caption]

   People like Jess Jackson get a lot of flak from fans and media alike for their methods in racing. When Jackson bought Rachel Alexandra after her record setting Kentucky Oaks win, many considered it a “shortcut” to being a winner in the top echelons of the sport. Regardless of how you feel about his tactics, you must appreciate the fact that he returned Curlin, one of the best horses of the last 25 years, for a second campaign in 2008. He plans on doing the same thing with Rachel Alexandra for next year; she is already beginning her training in New Orleans. If Rachel Alexandra wins Horse of the Year, that will be two very special, not to mention much-loved, Horse of the Year champions that Jess Jackson has kept in training two consecutive years despite lucrative breeding offers. We need many more Jess Jacksons in this sport.

   People in racing, mainly owners, are in a huge hurry to rush their horses off to stud. They state the reasons that they believe their horse(s) will greatly contribute their stamina, strength, and speed to the gene pool. If the only reason they breed is to find another horse to breed, then what’s the point? Are they born to run, or breed? The real race nowadays is done in the breeding shed, not on the track. It needs to be brought back to the track.[polldaddy poll=2294919]

Bobby Frankel: Passing of a Master (7/9/41-11/16/09)

[caption id="attachment_252" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="Bobby Frankel"][/caption]

When talking about by Bobby Frankel and all the incredible things he accomplished in his illustrious training career, the only question that comes to mind is: “What didn’t he win?”

One of the most well know, respected and successful trainers of all time in Thoroughbred Horse Racing, Bobby Frankel passed away early Monday morning at the age of 68 after fighting a recurrence of lymphoma. He was known as being very opinionated when it came to his horses or anything to do with racing, but could also be the most heartwarming person you had ever met. I remember when I was attending the 2007 Breeders’ Cup at Monmouth Park, one of the things I was looking forward to seeing was Ginger Punch running in the Distaff and her trainer Bobby Frankel. Ginger

[caption id="attachment_250" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Ginger Punch"][/caption]

Punch won the Distaff in thrilling style, but Frankel was not there. He had stayed at home to be with his beloved Australian Shepherd, Happy who was near death. That was one of the most touching stories I had ever heard regarding someone so huge in the racing industry. Sacrificing one of the biggest days in his career to be with his dying dog, you can’t get much more devoted or tender than that.

When I began to research Bobby Frankel’s life and career, I was astonished at the magnitude of his accomplishments. Starting in 1970, Frankel won 30 training titles at Saratoga, 13 at Hollywood Park, 11 at Santa Anita (including the Oak Tree Meet) and 5 at Del Mar. 2008 was his last full year of training, a year in which his stable ranked fourth in the nation’s standing with $11.7 million. He also won 11 Grade 1 races, the most of any other trainer. He trained 11 horses to championship

[caption id="attachment_251" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Ghostzapper"][/caption]

titles, including Gostzapper, Ginger Punch and Bertrando. He won races like the Gamely and Matriarch 8 times each, the Eddie Read 7 times, Charles Whittingham Memorail 6 times and set a record for the same number in the Pacific Classic. He also won the Woodward, Forego and Met Mile each 4 times. On final tally, he won 3,654 races in his career, and is second only to D. Wayne Lucas in earnings with $227, 947,775. The list goes on and on, I’ve barely begun to scratched the surface.

In 1968, Frankel relocated to California and in 1972 he set a single season record of 60 wins at the Hollywood Park spring meet. This was accomplished almost entirely with claimers. Two years earlier he had the biggest win of his career in the Suburban Handicap with a horse he had claimed for $15,000, named Barometer.

The void left by his passing will eventually be filled, but the man and his achievements will never be forgotten or equaled.

 Rest in peace Mr. Frankel.

Rachel Alexandra Vs. Zenyatta: Battle for Horse of the Year

[caption id="attachment_210" align="alignleft" width="218" caption="Zenyatta"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_211" align="alignright" width="237" caption="Rachel Alexandra"][/caption]

          It has now been one week since Zenyatta’s historic Breeders’ Cup Classic victory and the euphoria is still running strong. Aside from being the most impressive Classic win in the 26 year history of the Breeders’ Cup, it was won by a gargantuan undefeated mare on her home track in front of a very enthusiastic crowd. Who doesn’t like it when the girls can beat the boys? When they defy the odds and throw out the rule book. This year has had its fair share on both accounts.

   The emotion and excitement introduced into thoroughbred horse racing this year has two incredible individuals to thank on that count. Three year old Super filly Rachel Alexandra and the undefeated five year old mare Zenyatta. Both considered by many to be possibly the best of all time depending on who you ask. In any other year these amazing two would each win the championship title of Horse of the Year by a tremendous landslide. Unfortunately for one of them, they just happen to be racing in the same year. To solve this problem I’ve come up with a fool-proof plan for Horse of the Year award: since no one seems able to choose between Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, make Curlin Horse of the Year again! (:

[caption id="attachment_215" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Zenyatta"][/caption]

   As soon as Zenyatta crossed the finish line for the Classic, my mind, just like thousands of others, raced immediately to who would win Horse of the Year. In conquering the prestigious race, Zenyatta completed one of the most amazing careers in history by making the Classic a perfect number fourteen in fourteen lifetime races. She capped off a five-for-five 2009 season which included repeat a win in the Milady Handicap (gr.2) in which she defeated the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic winner, Life Is Sweet. Next she won the Vanity Handicap (gr.1) while carrying 129 pounds, 13 to 18 pounds more than her opponents, becoming the first horse since 1977 to win while carrying 129 pounds or more. The Clement L. Hirsch Handicap (gr.1) gave her the third repeat win in a row, and resulted in her closest margin of victory, a nose. In October she scored yet another

[caption id="attachment_218" align="alignright" width="128" caption="Zenyatta"][/caption]

repeat in the Lady’s Secret Stakes (gr.1) and tied Personal Ensign’s record of winning 13 races while remaining undefeated. The Breeders’ Cup Classic came next, where she trounced one of the strongest fields in recent years, while at the same time bringing her undefeated record to 14 and making it four consecutive grade 1 wins. She raced only in Southern California at Del Mar, Hollywood Park and Santa Anita/Oak Tree. All her victories this year have come over fast/good surfaces, and all over synthetic tracks.

[caption id="attachment_221" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Rachel Alexandra"][/caption]

   Rachel Alexandra completed one of the most incredible racing campaigns ever in 2009, regardless of age or sex. She competed at the highest level of racing competition and stepped up the game in every single start. She made it into Vogue magazine, sent ratings for the Preakness Stakes through the roof and created legions of fans in a time when horse racing desperately needed an exciting performer. She set two margin of victory records in two of the most prestigious three year old filly races in the country, set a new stakes record in one and defeated males two consecutive time, the last being against older horses. She started the year out by winning the Martha Washington Stakes and Fair Grounds Oaks against her own sex, then romped by more than 8 lengths in the Fantasy Stakes (gr2). Sent to the Kentucky Oaks to try and make history, Rachel Alexandra proved an over-achiever, winning by 20 ¼ lengths while being held back by jockey Calvin Borel the entire length of the stretch and just missing the stakes record. After being purchased by Jess Jackson and Harold T. McCormick ,Rachel Alexandra was entered in the Preakness Stakes (gr.1) and installed as the favorite. In front of a boisterous, enthusiastic crowd, she held off Kentucky Derby winner, Mine That Bird, to win by one length, becoming the only horse in history to win the coveted classic from the #13 post, and the first filly in 85 years to win. Next up, the Mother Goose Stakes (gr.1) against two over matched rivals. Crossing the line

[caption id="attachment_222" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Rachel Alexandra"][/caption]

19 ¾ lengths clear of the second runner, Rachel Alexandra set a new stakes record and was just off the Belmont track record set by Secretariat in 1973. She then defeated the boys again in the Haskell Invitational (gr.1) by 6 widening lengths, while again just missing the track and stakes records. She defeated Belmont Stakes (gr.1) winner Summer Bird and multiple stakes winner Munnings in the Haskell and was also only the second filly to win in the last 42 years. Next out she defeated older males in Saratoga’s Woodward Stakes (gr.1) after setting suicidal

[caption id="attachment_231" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Rachel Alexandra"][/caption]

fractions on the lead and holding off a fast closing Macho Again by a head. She is now the only filly/mare to ever win the prestigious Woodward Stakes. From May to September she won five consecutive grade 1’s. She raced in Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Maryland and New York while running at different tracks almost every time. She ran on sloppy and fast surfaces and finished her astounding year undefeated in 8 races.

   However you look at Horse of the Year debate, a very compelling case can be made for both candidates. They have both accomplished feats that will probably never be equaled in our lifetimes, and will never be forgotten. People will be discussing this year and these amazing athletes long after we are dead and gone. What they have done this year, no male counterpart was able to do in decades of racing history. They have transcended the base meaning of courage, heart and winning, showing fans what real horse racing is. It’s that feeling you can’t describe when you see your horse come charging down the stretch, heart pounding in your chest. It’s when you know you are witnessing history and it’s all on the line. When you don’t care how loud you yell, or what people think when you jump up and down, looking for all the world like an enraged maniac, gaze fiercely fixed to your television screen. The roars from thousands of fans as Rachel Alexandra crushed the Haskell field and Zenyatta devastated a word-class field in the Classic brings shivers to your spine. These are the moments created by only the greatest athletes in history, moments created from pure love of the sport.

[caption id="attachment_236" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Zenyatta"][/caption]

   If Zenyatta had won the Breeders’ Cup ladies Classic instead of running in the Classic

[caption id="attachment_237" align="alignright" width="115" caption="Rachel Alexandra"][/caption]

itself, Rachel Alexandra would still be sitting squarely atop the NTRA polls for Horse of the Year. As it is, Zenyatta could now steal away that once undisputed crown that Rachel has worn and seize the prize herself. You can bet Jess Jackson is kicking himself right about now, I don’t think he really believed the Moss’s would enter Zenyatta against the boys in the Classic.

Who should be Horse of the Year and why?

Rachel Alexandra deserves Horse of the Year.

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