Bickersons Looks To Enhance Her Image

The Davona Dale Stakes (gr.2) hosts a talented and seemingly deep field of three-year-old fillies, all making their early bids for the Kentucky Oaks. With the depth of runners entered, the result could be decided by experience rather than raw talent. Bickersons caught nearly every horseman’s eye last month when she won the Forward Gal Stakes (gr.1) at Gulfstream Park by a scintillating 7 lengths. In her wake she left champion 2-year-old filly and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies victor She Be Wild. The Forward Gal was Bickersons first start of 2010, previously she closed out her two-year-old year by winning the Moccasin Stakes at Hollywood Park in November, then finishing 5th in the Hollywood Starlet (gr.1).

Sassy’s Image won the two premier juvenile filly races at Churchill Downs last year when taking the Pocahantas Stakes (gr.3) and then the Golden Rod Stakes (gr.2) less than a month later in a tease. Trainer Dale Romans had the filly sharpened as tight as a loaded spring for her three-year-old debut at Gulfstream in the Sweetest Chant Stakes and the result was an easy 4 ½ victory in the slop. That makes 3 consecutive stakes Sassy’s Image has been able to string together.

Santa Ynez (gr.2) victor Amen Hallelujah will be making her first start on dirt in the Davona Dale. Trainer Rick Dutrow has had the filly working very well in preparation at Gulfstream. Last year as a juvenile Amen Hallelujah placed second in two grade 1 stakes before finally breaking through with her first stakes victory in the Santa Ynez. She has one the nicest names I’ve ever heard, but whether or not she can handle the dirt and the step up in class remain questionable. If her very consistent synthetic form translates smoothly to dirt, she could end up playing a major role.

Christine Daae rounds out the top four choices in the Davona Dale. Although this filly is lightly raced and just broke her maiden in her last start, the way in which she won has had people buzzing ever since. After stalking the pace throughout the race, the daughter of Giant’s Causeway swept clear in the stretch for an 8 ¾ length victory in a sparkling time of 1:21.67 for seven furlongs. Many people expect her to live up to her name and sing a glorious aria in the Davona Dale while at the same time proving it was no phantom anomaly she uncorked in her last start. Her training up to this race had been phenomenal and hints at a big performance in store.

I’m going to place the proverbial noose around my neck here and state that I do not think she will win here. I think she is very talented and has limitless potential but I believe the combined talent and experience of Bickersons and Sassy’s Image will most likely result in a one-two finish of those two. Bickersons in particular looks like a powerhouse. In her Forward Gal win she was coasting so easy down the stretch that Jockey Joe Bravo had the reins loose on her neck. She literally did it all on her own without breaking a sweat.

The Sham Stakes at Santa Anita has been delayed due to drainage problems yet again.

Don’t forget to watch the veteran runner Precious Passion attempt to retain his victorious crown the in the Mac Diarmida Stakes (gr.2) at Gulfstream Park. He won this event last year and looks to return to his front-running winning ways today.

In other news Backtalk made a successful return to the track in his three-year-old debut Friday at Delta Downs. The son of Smarty Jones won his first two-turn race in the one-mile allowance race. After being bumped early in the race Backtalk stalked in third, swept five wide into the stretch and drove to the wire to win by half a length over front-running Royal Express. This win puts the colt squarely back on the Derby trail after two unplaced efforts in the Hopeful Stakes (gr.1) and Breeders’ Futurity to finish out his juvenile year. Prior to his two unplaced efforts the colt went undefeated when winning the Bashford Manor Stakes (gr.3) and Sanford Stakes (gr.2) at Churchill Downs and Saratoga respectively. I was very excited to see such a sharp return from Backtalk as I’ve been saying since the beginning of the year that I felt he was the real deal and would make a successful return to the races in his 3 year old debut.

Bickersons Looks To Enhance Her Image

[caption id="attachment_470" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="Bickersons winning the Forward Gal"][/caption]

The Davona Dale Stakes (gr.2) hosts a talented and seemingly deep field of three-year-old fillies, all making their early bids for the Kentucky Oaks. With the depth of runners entered, the result could be decided by experience rather than raw talent. Bickersons caught nearly every horseman’s eye last month when she won the Forward Gal Stakes (gr.1) at Gulfstream Park by a scintillating 7 lengths. In her wake she left champion 2-year-old filly and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies victor She Be Wild. The Forward Gal was Bickersons first start of 2010, previously she closed out her two-year-old year by winning the Moccasin Stakes at Hollywood Park in November, then finishing 5^th in the Hollywood Starlet (gr.1).

Sassy’s Image won the two premier juvenile filly races at Churchill Downs last year when taking the Pocahantas Stakes (gr.3) and then the Golden Rod Stakes (gr.2) less than a month later in a tease. Trainer Dale Romans had the filly sharpened as tight as a loaded spring for her three-year-old debut at Gulfstream in the Sweetest Chant Stakes and the result was an easy 4 ½ victory in the slop. That makes 3 consecutive stakes Sassy’s Image has been able to string together.

Santa Ynez (gr.2) victor Amen Hallelujah will be making her first start on dirt in the Davona Dale. Trainer Rick Dutrow has had the filly working very well in preparation at Gulfstream. Last year as a juvenile Amen Hallelujah placed second in two grade 1 stakes before finally breaking through with her first stakes victory in the Santa Ynez. She has one the nicest names I’ve ever heard, but whether or not she can handle the dirt and the step up in class remain questionable. If her very consistent synthetic form translates smoothly to dirt, she could end up playing a major role.

Christine Daae rounds out the top four choices in the Davona Dale. Although this filly is lightly raced and just broke her maiden in her last start, the way in which she won has had people buzzing ever since. After stalking the pace throughout the race, the daughter of Giant’s Causeway swept clear in the stretch for an 8 ¾ length victory in a sparkling time of 1:21.67 for seven furlongs. Many people expect her to live up to her name and sing a glorious aria in the Davona Dale while at the same time proving it was no phantom anomaly she uncorked in her last start. Her training up to this race had been phenomenal and hints at a big performance in store.

I’m going to place the proverbial noose around my neck here and state that I do not think she will win here. I think she

[caption id="attachment_471" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Bickersons winning the Moccasin"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_472" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="Sassy Image winning the Sweetest Chant"][/caption]

is very talented and has limitless potential but I believe the combined talent and experience of Bickersons and Sassy’s Image will most likely result in a one-two finish of those two. Bickersons in particular looks like a powerhouse. In her Forward Gal win she was coasting so easy down the stretch that Jockey Joe Bravo had the reins loose on her neck. She literally did it all on her own without breaking a sweat.

The Sham Stakes at Santa Anita has been delayed due to drainage problems yet again.

Don’t forget to watch the veteran runner Precious Passion attempt to retain his victorious crown the in the Mac Diarmida Stakes (gr.2) at Gulfstream Park. He won this event last year and looks to return to his front-running winning ways today.

In other news Backtalk made a successful return to the track in his three-year-old debut Friday at Delta Downs. The son of Smarty Jones won his first two-turn race in the one-mile allowance race. After being bumped early in the race Backtalk stalked in third, swept five wide into the stretch and drove to the wire to win by half a length over front-running Royal Express. This win puts the colt squarely back on the Derby trail after two unplaced efforts in the

[caption id="attachment_474" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Backtalk"][/caption]

Hopeful Stakes (gr.1) and Breeders’ Futurity to finish out his juvenile year. Prior to his two unplaced efforts the colt went undefeated when winning the Bashford Manor Stakes (gr.3) and Sanford Stakes (gr.2) at Churchill Downs and Saratoga respectively. I was very excited to see such a sharp return from Backtalk as I’ve been saying since the beginning of the year that I felt he was the real deal and would make a successful return to the races in his 3 year old debut.

The Fountain Of Youth, Risen Star and More

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The Fountain of Youth Stakes could easily prove to be the most important and influential Kentucky Derby preps to date the way the race has taken shape. Buddy’s Saint has been vying for favoritism with Lookin At Lucky at the top of most all Derby lists and leads a fantastic field of 3 year old colts. Buddy’s Saint goes to the post as the favorite off his impressive open-length victories in the Nashua and Remsen stakes last year. He makes his highly anticipated 3 year old debut in the Fountain of Youth Stakes and I believe he will emerge as the #1 leading Kentucky Derby candidate. Jackson Bend could provide his greatest challenge, after finishing a game second in the Holy Bull Stakes, Jackson Bend has been turning in a series of good works for trainer Nick Zito, the last work coming in a 4 furlong bullet. He is sharper than ever for the Fountain of Youth and the only question that seems to be unanswered here is his ability to get the 1 1/8 miles. Eskendereya from the barn of loaded trainer Todd Pletcher comes into the Fountain of Youth off an impressive front-running victory in an allowance race at Gulfstream Park on January 7^th.  I’m a sucker for chestnuts and Eskendereya sports a stunning chestnut coat and his talent is just as stunning. He won the Pilgrim Stakes last year

[caption id="attachment_460" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Jackson Bend"][/caption]

at Belmont Park by 8 lengths before turning in a 9^th place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on synthetics. Another runner from trainer Todd Pletcher’s barn is Aikenite. Last seen finishing sixth in the Holy Bull Stakes after sitting much closer to the pace than usual Aikenite looks to return off that poor showing with more kick this time. Pulsion is also making his 3 year old debut after finishing 11^th in the Breeders’ Cup. Before that he finished behind Lookin at Lucky in the Norfolk Stakes (gr.1). He was scratched from the Holy Bull after developing mucus in his lungs earlier in the year. Three of my favorite colts on the Derby trail are all entered here, Buddy’s Saint, Jackson Bend and Eskendereya. I think Buddy’s Saint is the superior athlete, but no one will be surprised to see any of the others mentioned win this.

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The Risen Star Stakes heralds the return of surprise Lecompte victor Ron the Greek, but this time he starts as the race favorite.  His come from behind style will be the same strategy here and if he’s as good as he looked winning last out I think he’ll blow on by the field once again. Drosselmeyer won at 9 furlongs at Gulfstream in January after making several moves through the lane and splitting horses to win. He looks to improve off that effort in the Risen Star. The horse I will be watching the most closely aside from Ron the Greek will be Discreetly Mine. He was grade 2 placed last year and always seemed to display heart and determination in his runnings.

The Southwest Stakes should be Dublin’s party if you take the word of trainer D. Wayne Lukas seriously. Dublin was “the” horse at some point last year, and after two unplaced efforts in two of the premier juvenile dirt races almost everyone wrote him off as a flash-in-the-pan. I personally feel he is going to run away with the Southwest and move his way back onto the list of serious Derby contenders. Conveyance, the undefeated Bob Baffert trainee has won all three

[caption id="attachment_462" align="alignright" width="298" caption="Dublin"][/caption]

of his races to date but has never raced on traditional dirt. Bob Baffert colts should never be underestimated, he seems to know how to get a horse to the Derby better than almost anyone else. Mission Impazible and Domination are the two question marks in the Southwest, either one of them seems ready to burst through their juvenile shells at any time and become leading Derby candidates. Mission Impazible seems to be the better of the two and has the best chance to place I think.

The Hutcheson Stakes looks like a showdown between Saratoga Special and Futurity Stakes winner D’Funnybone and

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Spectacular Bid Stakes winner A Little Warm. Dual grade 2 winner D’Funnybone makes his 2010 debut in the Hutcheson for trainer Rick Dutrow. He last finished 13^th in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on the synthetic surface, a completely uncharacteristic showing for the colt and he should bounce back in a big way in the Hutcheson.  Radiohead returns from a 7^th place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in just his second start in the United States. He won 2 of his 6 starts in England as a Juvenile but has not been overly impressive with his preparation leading up to this race. A Little Warm won the Spectacular Bid Stakes last out in the mud and won an allowance race by more than 10 lengths before that. He is obviously very talented and his running style of rating just off the pace usually works very well in the Derby. D’Funnybone and A Little Warm could easily finish one-two here.

The El Camino Real Derby brings the 1-2-3 finishers from the California Derby back together. Connemara finished second to Ranger Heartley in the California Derby as the favorite and is trained by the red-hot Todd Pletcher. Ranger Heartley has won 3 of his last 4 starts and if he can win again could make his way onto some Derby watch lists. Thomas Baines finished 3^rd to Ranger Heartley and Connemara last out and has won only 1 of his 10 lifetime starts.

2009 Champion Grass Male and Older Male Gio Ponti makes his 2010 debut in the Tampa Bay Breeders’ Cup on

[caption id="attachment_466" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Gio Ponti"][/caption]

Saturday. He returns for the first time after finishing second to Zenyatta in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic. The Tampa Bay Breeders’ Cup will serve as his prep for the Dubai World Cup and everyone is anticipating his return that could herald great things to come in 2010.

Don’t forget to check out my new page on racehorse biographies!  Enjoy watching the magnificent line-up of races this weekend. I am unfortunately not going to be able to watch the races live because I am going on my first ski trip this weekend, but I will be on the computer searching for minute-to-minute updates. Good luck to all![polldaddy poll=2728822]

ATTN: New Page Added

I just wanted to let everyone know that I have started a new page devoted to thoroughbred racehorse biographies. I’ve been meaning to do this for awhile now but wanted to get all the right material together for the first horse I chose to write about. After a long time of trying to dig through sources myself I finally found some great new information which I could use and the ladies at the Library at Keenland were a tremendous help. Hopefully this will be an exciting and stimulating addition for all. Please visit the new page and let me know what you think about my fist attempt at writing a biography.

The Rule and the Cali-Bred Gelding

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The Robert B. Lewis stakes was supposed to be a two horse race between two brilliant sons of Tiznow, American Lion and Tiz Chrome. Caracortado blew that scenario out of the water. The undefeated California-bred gelding has stormed his way into the Kentucky Derby picture in spectacular fashion by defeating two very highly-regarded colts, and in the process extending his unbeaten skein of races to five. I had never seen a picture or video of Caracortado before the Lewis, but after seeing him in the Lewis I was breathless. He is a striking, tall chestnut with a smooth extended stride. After Tiz Chrome and American Lion spent the better part of the Lewis fighting it out on the front end, Caracortado swept past coming into the stretch and went on to win as he pleased by 1 ¾ lengths, ears pricked, looking as comfortable as can be. Dave in Dixie closed from far back to steal the second spot from American Lion while Tiz Chrome finished a dull fourth. I was expecting a much better effort from American Lion here, his Hollywood Prevue win was so impressive. Sitting so close to the pace set by Tiz Chrome was probably not the best strategy for him and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him come back from this with a big effort. On the other hand, I wasn’t that surprised by Caracortado’s win. When I wrote my post about the Lewis field last week before it was postponed to this weekend, I actually pegged him as the “wild-card” in the race. Looks like he was better than almost everyone thought, including myself, he went to post as only the fourth favorite in the field of five. Next up could be a showdown with Lookin at Lucky in the San Felipe on March 13, the same day super-stars Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra are due to make their 2010 debuts.

[caption id="attachment_449" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Rule"][/caption]

 Some horses just seem to be born into a name, they completely fulfill the description and meaning to the letter. Rule has definitely been breaking the rules and setting his own up to this point, not to mention ruling his fields. The Sam F. Davis was pretty much a party thrown for Rule, he took the field by the throat from the get-go, bursting to the lead going into the first turn and staying there the entire race. Crossing the wire he had his lead to a comfortable 3 lengths over closest rival Schoolyard Dreams, with previously undefeated Uptowncharlybrown a length back in third. The strapping son of Roman Ruler has now won 3 stakes in-a-row and 4 straight overall. This win will vault him much closer to the top of most Derby lists. You don’t usually want a Kentucky Derby prospect to race on the lead in a 1 ¼ mile race, but so far the strategy has worked just fine at the shorter distances for Rule. His final Derby prep could come in the Florida Derby on March 20th at Gulfstream Park. This looks like one rule that isn’t ready to be broken.

Blink Luck has succeeded where her Eclipse wining Breeders’ Cup champion rival She Be Wild failed; winning her three-year-old debut. Blind Luck racked up yet another grade 1 to her record when she got up late to nip Evening Jewel in the Las Virgenes Stakes at Santa Anita as the heavy favorite Saturday. Her only career loss to date has come in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. The next target in sight is most likely the Santa Anita Oaks according to her connections.

Life wasn’t quite as sweet as I was expecting for Life Is Sweet in the (gr.1) Santa Maria Handicap Saturday. The Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic victor was upset by talented European runner St Trinians who was recording her fourth consecutive victory in the United States. According to trainer Mike Mitchell St Trinians could be facing Zenyatta next up in the March 13th Santa Margarita Invitational (gr.1) at Santa Anita and he likes his chances.

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Munnings has finally returned to the ranks of the winners. He came charging part pacesetter Biker Boy around the far turn in the Gulfstream Park Sprint Championship Stakes (gr2) to win by 1 length over Congressional page. It’s not often that you see a horse with 3 straight losses go to post in a graded stakes race as the favorite, but such is the caliber and reputation of the competition that Munnings consistently faced last year, that he went to post as the favorite in the Sprint Championship Stakes while making his 2010 debut. We can hereby add yet another talented 3-year-old from last year to the ranks of the ever-growing older crop of very talented horses for 2010.

Monday brings the Southwest Stakes with D. Wayne Lukas trainee Dublin making his highly-anticipated return to the races after disappointing in his last two efforts in 2009. It appears the breathing problems that at least aided his two previous poor showings are behind him and he is ready to return to good form.

Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta and All the Rest

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It’s old news now,

[caption id="attachment_440" align="alignright" width="222" caption="Zenyatta"][/caption]

but still fresh and foremost in every racing fan’s mind. Two of the greatest female racers in history will meet in a battle of untold proportions in Oaklawn’s Apple Blossom Stakes on April 9th. After a Wednesday announcement by Jess Jackson in which he said that Rachel Alexandra would not be participating in the Apple Blossom, originally scheduled for April 3rd, disgust ran rampant from all corners of the internet. I didn’t get a chance to voice my disgust before things took a drastic turn on Thursday. Say hello to the highs and lows of the sport. Oaklawn Park president Charles Cella took the bull by the horns, put the sport, the fans and the athletes first when offering to push back the Apple Blossom by 6 days to the 9^th in order to give Rachel Alexandra an extra week to prepare.  This was in response to Jess Jackson’s comments that Rachel would only have three weeks after her only prep race sometime in mid-March. To exultant shock and surprise, Jess Jackson has said yes and Oaklawn is now in line to host the potentially greatest sporting contest in history. Of course we all know that nothing is sure in this sport, an injury could occur, either party could decide their horse isn’t fit enough to compete, a bevy of things could happen, but for now I am content to believe that this will indeed happen. One of the big questions now is: Who do you think is going to win the 2010 Apple Blossom Handicap? Rachel Alexandra is scheduled to return to the races on March 13 in the New Orleans Ladies Stakes at Fair Grounds, the same day Zenyatta will make her 2010 debut at Santa Anita in the Santa Margarita stakes.

[caption id="attachment_443" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Life is Sweet"][/caption]

Due to cancellations at Santa Anita last weekend a multitude of graded stakes with loaded fields will be running across the country. Life is Sweet makes her first return to the races since winning the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic in the Santa Maria Handicap at Santa Anita. She was scheduled to return last month, but was withdrawn because she was “twisted up” a couple days before the race. All lights seem to be green this time around and I fully expect to see the ultra-consistent mare win here once again. Her biggest threat could come from Mushka.

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Stardom Bound returns from a second place running in the El Encino Stakes  Bou(gr.2) on January 17^th to contest the La Canada as the favorite once again. The flashy daughter of Tapit has only been unplaced once in her career and seemed to be closer to her old self when finishing second in the El Encino. She has yet to find her spectacular form of 2008 and early 2009 that won her 5 straight grade 1’s. For the first time in her career Mike Smith will not be on board as Julien Leparoux takes the mount instead.

The Sam F. Davis Stakes is headlined by Rule, winner of three straight races

[caption id="attachment_445" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Rule"][/caption]

including the Delta Jackpot on December 4^th. He will load as the favorite here but is certainly no lock to win. His biggest threat would seem to be the undefeated Uptowncharliebrown. Although he is less experienced and has never raced against high-caliber runners, his two wins speak for themselves. His maiden win on December 26^th came in the form of a 9 length romp, from there he went on to win the seven-furlong Pasco on January 16^th as the favorite.  Tristen’s Mambo, Schoolyard Dreams and Middle of the Nite complete the field.

Rail Runner NOT moving to Blogger!

Some of you may have seen my last post stating that I was moving Rail Runner to Blogger because of persistent problems I have been having with Word Press. Well, I take it all back. I tried Blogger and I didn't like it nearly as much as Word Press, so Rail Runner will be staying right where it is! Sorry for any confusion this may have caused, I promise to be more thorough in my "investigation" next time. (:

Quality Road: Look out Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta

The weekend of racing is well over and everyone has had a chance to digest all the performances. A major Kentucky Derby prep race was cancelled along with a slew of graded stakes at Santa Anita race track due to drainage problems, delaying the highly anticipated showdown between American Lion and Tiz Chrome. The Whirlaway Stakes favorite ran amuck before the race was half over allowing another challenger to form Derby dreams. A well known four year old returned from a long injury-layoff to post an encouraging victory. Take the Points was robbed of his victory in the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap (gr.1) when he was disqualified. Plus Quality Road ran a race for the ages and showed that Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta will not be alone in vying for Horse of the Year honors this time around.

The word handicap indicates that horses in the field are given different amounts of weight in hopes of equaling the ability of all runners, making it as fair a chance for all as is humanly possible. In the Donn Handicap (gr.1) it was not possible, if Quality Road was under any kind of handicap in the Donn Handicap there was certainly no indication. After chasing front running Past the Point in a close second, Quality Road was asked by jockey John Velasquez to take the lead rounding the far turn and the talented four year old responded in rousing fashion. Flying into the homestretch Quality Road held a five length lead and kept going from there, seven lengths, then ten. In the blink of an eye he had crossed the wire 12 ¾ lengths ahead of the field, ears pricked, John Velasquez sitting cool. All it took was a few taps of the whip to keep Quality Road focused, mild urging down the stretch, and the son of Elusive Quality smashed the track record he set last year, won by the largest margin in the 52 year history of the Donn and earned an impressive 121 Beyer speed figure. The future looks brighter than ever for Quality Road. His talents seem endless; he is endowed with speed, strength and stamina. There may just be two giants for Rachel Alexandra to slay this year in order to defend her Horse of the Year title: Zenyatta and Quality Road. I think Quality Road is out to do everything he can to make 2010 the “Year of the Colt”, and anyone who saw the Donn would be hard pressed to find a chink in this knight’s armor. According to trainer Todd Pletcher the Met Mile in May at Belmont Park is the next race on Quality Road’s radar. Am I the only one that thinks this is a poor choice?

Musket Man is back and he looks as good as ever, perhaps even better. According to owner Eric Fein Musket Man was only about 70% cranked for his return to the races at Tampa Bay Downs. After watching the race I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I can’t wait to see 100%. The four year old son of Yonaguska rallied five-wide around the final turn, seized the lead in the stretch and fought tooth and nail the entire way to hold off Guam Typhoon for the Super Stakes victory. His next start will either come at Gulfstream, Fair Grounds or Oaklawn Park. It was great to see Musket Man looking so strong after being away from the races since the Preakness Stakes last year, his next start will probably put him right back in the middle of graded stakes company and he will have his chance to prove that he also has become a major player in the older horse division.



Eightyfiveinafifty created a scare for trainer Gary Contessa along with his connections and a slew of fans when he bolted on the first turn of the Whirlaway Stakes, broke through the outer railing, unseated his jockey, jumped a fence, broke his bit and was finally caught by a security guard. The reason for his actions are still unclear, but after being given stitches for a small cut on his leg the colt will be back to his normal routine within a week. No return race has yet been determined. Hopefully things will improve in his next start; I think this horse is the real deal.

The Gulfstream Park Handicap (gr.1) was billed as three horse race between Court Vision, Le Grand Cru and Take the Points. Take the Points won by 1 ½ lengths before being disqualified to fifth for veering-in during the stretch run and causing another horse to stumble. Court Vision got up for second and was awarded the win after Take the Points disqualification. In my opinion the result would have been the same had Take the Points not lugged in. He was drawing off at the wire while Court Vision seemed to lack his usual spark in his closing kick. Le Grand Cru finished fourth, a neck behind Never On Sunday who finished a neck behind Court Vision.

Overall a great weekend of racing with us fans being treated to some great performances. On a slightly more negative note, Summer Bird was removed from the care of Tim Ice who so brilliantly handled the colts career in 2009. Owners K.K. and Vilasini Jayaraman are also removing 24 other horses from Ice’s stable and transferring them to at least 5 other trainers. K.K. Jayaraman said he thinks that there has been a failing in communication between him and Ice. "I'm just another trainer in a long line he's hired and fired," Ice said.  After training Summer Bird to an historical three year old campaign that included wins in the Belmont Stakes, Travers Stakes and Jockey Club Gold Cup and being named champion three year old colt, Tim Ice is being dumped for trainer Tim Ritchey. I have nothing against Tim Ritchey who handled Afleet Alex’s campaign wonderfully, but why mess with a good thing?

Quality Road: Look out Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta

The weekend of racing is well over and everyone has had a chance to digest all the performances. A major Kentucky Derby prep race was cancelled along with a slew of graded stakes at Santa Anita race track due to drainage problems, delaying the highly anticipated showdown between American Lion and Tiz Chrome. The Whirlaway Stakes favorite ran amuck before the race was half over allowing another challenger to form Derby dreams. A well known four year old returned from a long injury-layoff to post an encouraging victory. Take the Points was robbed of his victory in the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap (gr.1) when he was disqualified. Plus Quality Road ran a race for the ages and showed that Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta will not be alone in vying for Horse of the Year honors this time around.

The word handicap indicates that horses in the field are given different amounts of weight in hopes of equaling the ability of all runners, making it as fair a chance for all as is humanly possible. In the Donn Handicap (gr.1) it was not possible, if Quality Road was under any kind of handicap in the Donn Handicap there was certainly no indication. After chasing front running Past the Point in a close second, Quality Road was asked by jockey John Velasquez to take the lead rounding the far turn and the talented four year old responded in rousing fashion. Flying into the homestretch Quality Road held a five length lead and kept going from there, seven lengths, then ten. In the blink of an eye he had crossed the wire 12 ¾ lengths ahead of the field, ears pricked, John Velasquez sitting cool. All it took was a few taps of the whip to keep Quality Road focused, mild urging down the stretch, and the son of Elusive Quality smashed the track record he set last year, won by the largest margin in the 52 year history of the Donn and earned an impressive 121 Beyer speed figure. The future looks brighter than ever for Quality Road. His talents seem endless; he is endowed with speed, strength and stamina. There may just be

[caption id="attachment_425" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="Quality Road"][/caption]

two giants for Rachel Alexandra to slay this year in order to defend her Horse of the Year title: Zenyatta and Quality Road. I think Quality Road is out to do everything he can to make 2010 the “Year of the Colt”, and anyone who saw the Donn would be hard pressed to find a chink in this knight’s armor. According to trainer Todd Pletcher the Met Mile in May at Belmont Park is the next race on Quality Road’s radar. Am I the only one that thinks this is a poor choice?

Musket Man is back and he looks as good as ever, perhaps even better. According to owner Eric Fein Musket Man was only about 70% cranked for his return to the races at Tampa Bay Downs. After watching the race I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I can’t wait to see 100%. The four year old son of Yonaguska rallied five-wide around the final turn, seized the lead in the stretch and fought tooth and nail the entire way to hold off Guam Typhoon for the Super Stakes victory. His next

[caption id="attachment_426" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Musket Man"][/caption]

start will either come at Gulfstream, Fair Grounds or Oaklawn Park. It was great to see Musket Man looking so strong after being away from the races since the Preakness Stakes last year, his next start will probably put him right back in the middle of graded stakes company and he will have his chance to prove that he also has become a major player in the older horse division.

Eightyfiveinafifty created a scare for trainer Gary Contessa along with his connections and a slew of fans when he bolted on the first turn of the Whirlaway Stakes, broke through the outer railing, unseated his jockey, jumped a fence, broke his bit and was finally caught by a security guard. The reason for his actions are still unclear, but after being given stitches for a small cut on his leg the colt will be back to his normal routine within a week. No return race has yet been determined. Hopefully things will improve in his next start; I think this horse is the real deal.

The Gulfstream Park Handicap (gr.1) was billed as three horse race between Court Vision, Le Grand Cru and Take the Points. Take the Points won by 1 ½ lengths before being disqualified to fifth for veering-in during the stretch run and

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causing another horse to stumble. Court Vision got up for second and was awarded the win after Take the Points disqualification. In my opinion the result would have been the same had Take the Points not lugged in. He was drawing off at the wire while Court Vision seemed to lack his usual spark in his closing kick. Le Grand Cru finished fourth, a neck behind Never On Sunday who finished a neck behind Court Vision.

Overall a great weekend of racing with us fans being treated to some great performances.  On a slightly more negative note, Summer Bird was removed from the care of Tim Ice who so brilliantly handled the colts career in 2009. Owners  K.K. and Vilasini Jayaraman are also removing 24 other horses from Ice’s stable and transferring them to at least 5 other trainers. K.K. Jayaraman said he thinks that there has been a failing in communication between him and Ice. "I'm just another trainer in a long line he's hired and fired," Ice said.

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After training Summer Bird to an historical three year old campaign that included wins in the Belmont Stakes, Travers Stakes and Jockey Club Gold Cup and being named champion three year old colt, Tim Ice is being dumped for trainer Tim Ritchey. I have nothing against Tim Ritchey who handled Afleet Alex’s campaign wonderfully, but why mess with a good thing?[polldaddy poll=2677608]

American Quality

This weekend is shaping up to be one of the most star-studded racing spectacles so far this year and the action takes place coast to coast. A troupe of major Kentucky Derby prospects will be grappling with one another over rights to enter the immortal gate the first Saturday in May along with 19 other special 3 year olds.

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To kick things off here I’ll start with the Whirlaway Stakes on Saturday at Aqueduct. There is a possibility that storms could force the race to be rescheduled, but I’m going to forge ahead anyway and hope for the best. I believe this race can be summed up in one word: Eightyfiveinafifty…or should I say 5 words in 1? Trainer Gary Contessa, a perennial leading trainer at the New York racing circuits, is very high on this young colt. In his last race Eightyfiveinafifty destroyed the field by more than 17 lengths while breaking his maiden and also earning the highest Beyer speed figure of any 3 year old this year, recording a 105. It will be his first time around two turns and he will be going from a six furlong race straight to the Whirlaway distance of 1 1/16 miles. Contessa was quoted as saying: “No doubt he’s the most talented horse I’ve ever trained.” An emphatic and profound statement from a trainer who has trained some of the best. The field for the Whirlaway also includes the more experienced Turf Melody. The Whirlaway will be Turf Melody’s 9^th lifetime race at his 9^th race track. He last finished 6^th in the LeComte and before that won from far back the Springboard Mile Stakes at Remington Park. Peppi Knows won the Finger Lakes Juvenile before finishing second to leading Kentucky Derby contender Buddy’s Saint in the Remsen Stakes. Afleet Again, Three Day Rush and Papa’s Nice Cat complete the field. I am inclined to think Eightyfiveinafifty will run away from this field, but I’ve been fooled before by flashy maiden winners who turn out to be nothing more than sprint or lower class runners.

The Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita has all but been labeled as a match race between two talented sons of dual

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Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Tiznow. American Lion and Tiz Chrome. For the record I’m in American Lion’s corner on this one, he looked great winning the Hollywood Prevue last out and Julien Leparoux knows how to ride this colt to perfection. Tiz Chrome has the advantage of Bob Baffert’s training services, something that seems to give every Derby contender an edge no matter the circumstances. Five other 3 year old prospects are due to line up in the Lewis against the two heavy favorites. Caracortado looks to be the biggest threat here and could even end up stealing the top prize. The undefeated gelding looks to make it 5 wins in a row with the Lewis. He enters off a win in the California Breeder’s Championship, a race which is the same distance as the 1 1/16 mile Lewis. Dave in Dixie last finished 6^th in the Norfolk Stakes on October 4^th after breaking his maiden at Del Mar in late August. Eddie Logan victor Macias is another Bob Baffert trainee entered. Tango Tango and Domination complete the field. I love American Lion and will be rooting for him to win, but I think Caracortado may just as easily prove to be top class.

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The Donn Handicap came up a little bit stronger than expected but it shouldn’t change the outcome all that much. Quality Road showed up in a big way when winning the Hal’s Hope at Gulfstream Park last month and I suspect the results will be very similar this time. If anything I think the son of Elusive Quality will improve off his impressive victory last out and demolish this field. Duke of Mischief, Kiss the Kid, Dry Martini, Mambo Meister, Delightful Kiss, Past the Point, Helsinki and Dubai Gold are all going to do their best to thwart Quality Road’s chances to become one of the best older horses of 2010 on Saturday when they line up in the gate to vie for the top spot. 2010 Iowa Derby victor Duke of Mischief has never found success at the 9 furlong distance but is still an undeniable threat. Kiss the Kid has been mainly a turf horse up to this point and a pretty good one so if he can translate his turf form to dirt he has as good a chance as any, except perhaps Quality Road. Delightful Kiss enters off a 3^rd place finish in an optional claimer at Gulfstream after a lengthy layoff. His last victory came in the 2009 Hals Hope Stakes also at Gulfstream. This talented 6 year old has set two track records during the course of his career and if he can return to good form in the Donn he just might be the biggest threat to Quality Road’s victory aspirations. Take the Points will forever be remembered as the runner-up to dual Horse of the Year Curlin in the 2008 Woodward Stakes. He has not managed to pull anything quite that significant out of his bag of tricks since then, but anything can happen twice. I think it’s all Quality Road in the Donn with Take the Points and Delightful Kiss being his biggest challenges.

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In other big new, the biggest no doubt is that Oaklawn Park has offered to raise the purse for the Apple Blossom Handicap (gr.1) to a staggering $5 million if Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta will race. Zenyatta is as close to a guarantee to run in the Apple Blossom as you can get in this sport. Trainer John Shirreffs has said that the early year goal for Zenyatta has always been the Apple Blossom, so now the ball is in Rachel’s court. Jess Jackson as usual exhibited his gift for evasive speech when stating that Rachel would enter only if she was in top condition, and they felt it was best for her. He said things would be a little tight to get her ready in time, but left the door open enough to keep many people’s hopes alive. I was inclined to believe these two mammoth athletes would not meet up until later in the year, but am now cautiously optimistic that they could meet in the Apple Blossom after all. Usually Jess Jackson will slam a door shut if he thinks the situation is not at least workable. If the race is contested, I believe it will be the most epic race in the rich annals of our sport. The $5 million purse will certainly help both parties remain open and willing to work around any problems that might come up. And with the clamor from the fans growing with every second, the excitement could prove to be too much to for either party to resist. All we can do is hope.

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I noticed this morning that the ultra-consistent Musket Man is set to return to the races this Saturday in the Super Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. Winner of the 2009 Tampa Bay and Illinois Derby, Musket Man is best known for his 3^rd place finishes in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. If he can make a successful comeback off his long recovery-layoff he will be poised to join Quality Road among the ranks of top tier older horses this year.[polldaddy poll=2651093]