Good and Bad news

Due to a sudden family emergency which forced me to rush from CT to NC within a few minutes notice, I will probably not be able to post on this weekend’s races. I will do my best to keep up with the racing updates, comment on everyone else’s posts and try to write a new entry by the beginning of next week.

In much better news, I am very pleased and excited to announce that I have been accepted into the Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance (TBA)!

Enjoy the wonderful line-up of races this weekend!

Out of the "Box"

The Florida Derby was a no doubt about it show-stopper this past Saturday, but I don’t think it was the most

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impressive performance of the day. That honor goes to a speedy 3-year-old filly, owner of the best Beyer speed figure of all juveniles regardless of sex last year and coming off a more than six month layoff. Hot Dixie Chick made a resounding return to the races at Oaklawn Park when she took down the six furlong  Prima Donna Stakes in her 3-year-old debut. Breaking a bit slow from the gate for jockey Robby Albarado, Hot Dixie Chick quickly pulled herself together and shot up to the take the lead away from Cosmo Girl before they had completed the first quarter which went in a blistering 21.47 seconds. It was easy to see that the race was pretty much over when the field made their way into the turn as Hot Dixie Chick kept pouring it on entering the stretch. With Albarado sitting still as a statue in the irons she began extending her lead with supreme ease, doing it all by herself. By the time she crossed the wire she was coasting an intimidating 5 ¾ lengths ahead of the field and it appeared the margin could just have easily been double the amount if the gifted filly had been asked for any run at all by Albarado. She completed the race in 1:10.82 for the six furlongs and absolutely blew a hole in the wind with a half in 44.90. Her half mile alone was almost 2 full seconds faster than the internal half for the Florida Derby. When you consider that the first two finishers from the Florida Derby ran approximately 2 seconds faster than they did in the Fountain Of Youth, it makes her performance all the more impressive.  I can’t wait to see where this filly is headed next. Wherever she goes, her competition better watch out.

The Florida Derby results produced an extremely entertaining renewal this year and I’m sure made many lucky bettors very happy. Heavy race favorite Rule fell victim to pace pressure as many suspected he would but held on in

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the final run to the wire to finish a credible third. Coming straight out of the gate, Rule seized the lead and was hard pressed to hold possession over a stubborn Pulsion who most had figured to take off the pace. Eventual winner Ice Box pulled a Silky Sullivan coming out of the gate and dropped well back of the field in last, awaiting the stretch to do his true running. Up front Rule was setting decent fractions of 23.54 for the quarter and a slightly faster 46.46 for the half. Coming into the turn Rule began to extend his advantage and by the time he entered the stretch he had opened up by almost 2 lengths. Meanwhile Pleasant Prince, who had been keeping just off the pace in a perfect traveling spot, shot off the turn five wide under a full head of stream and flew by Rule to attain the lead. From far back Ice Box fired his best shot going six wide into the stretch and began to gobble up the ground with tremendous strides. Flying down the grandstand side Ice Box continued to gain ground on the speeding Pleasant Prince despite not switching his leads. At the wire he lunged past Pleasant Prince to the thrill of the crowd, registering a terrific nose victory.  Ice Box and Pleasant Prince have developed an interesting rivalry this year beginning with a one-two finish in an allowance race. After that Ice Box and Pleasant Prince both finished unplaced in the Fountain Of Youth behind Eskendereya with Ice Box finishing ahead of Pleasant Prince once again. A horse like Ice Box could prove to be devastating in the Kentucky Derby this year with his fast closing late kick. With so many high-class speed horses heading for the Kentucky Derby this year, the race will no doubt have an excellent pace for runners like Ice Box to close into, complementing his already deadly late move. Plus, who knows what he’ll look like if he actually changes leads in his next start. Barbaro’s 3-year-old brother Lentenor disappointed somewhat in his first graded stakes start, finishing fourth. He appeared to be making a good closing move into the stretch but then bobbled, darted inside of horses and seemed to flatten out. It is unclear whether or not he will be pointed for another Derby prep.

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D’Funnybone continued his unstoppable march to sprinter greatness Saturday as he humiliated the Swale Stakes (gr.2) field, winning by 1 ¼ lengths while well in hand. Breaking from the gate it looked like a mad scramble for the lead, but D’Funnybone was bound and determined to have that advantage. Hear Ye Hear Ye rushed up to grab the lead from the favorite but before you could blink an eye D’Funnybone had quickly re-seized the lead. All down the back stretch it looked like D’Funnybone, Silver Craft, Hear Ye Hear Ye and Privilaged were trading turns fighting for the lead. Entering the turn D’Funnybone put an end to the games and drew away from the struggling trio. Down the homestretch he opened up by more than two lengths and crossed the wire in a hand ride. Ibboyee made a strong move from far back to close the gap to 1 ¼ lengths at the end for second place. After the race D’Funnybone’s owner Paul Pompa Jr. made it clear that the goal for the talented chestnut is not the Kentucky Derby as many would think. He will instead be pointed for the nation’s premier sprints and possibly the Preakness Stakes. Even though his connections have all but eliminated D’Funnybone’s chances of appearing in the Derby starting gate I hope they change their minds and give him a chance.

Devil May Care is back and better than she was last year it appears. In the Bonnie Miss Stakes (gr.2) at Gulfstream last

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Saturday Devil May Care made an emphatic move in the stretch to steal the race away from the favorite Amen Hallelujah and win going away by 2 ¾ lengths in spite of swerving badly after gaining the lead. Chritine Daae who generated a huge amount of buzz before the race faded badly after pressing the pace to finish far up the track. Devil May Care and Amen Hellelujah are both headed for the Kentucky Oaks next and both figure to be well favored.

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Unrivaled Belle put on a good show before the Rampart Stakes (gr.3) Saturday when she forced jockey Kent Desormeaux to jump ship in order to get the big strapping filly to load in the gate. As soon as the gates sprung Unrivaled Belle took complete control of the race and never looked back, winning with ease by a front-running 1 ¾ lengths over Champagne Eyes. Venezuelan champion Bambera stumbled badly coming out of the gate at the break and then injured a tendon during the running. She came into the Rampart much like Christine Daae came into the Bonnie Miss, with very high expectations and seemingly talented enough to win easily. Word is still not out on what the plans are for the sensational race mare. As for Unrivaled Belle, she certainly lived up to her name while winning her first graded stakes race. Possible next starts for the quick-footed filly include the Apple Blossom Handicap and the La Troienne.

Overall I think the Kentucky Derby picture is becoming much clearer, and if it isn’t now, it hopefully will be after this coming weekend of preps.

Gulfstream Weekend: Florida Derby and Everything Else

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The winner of the $750,000 Florida Derby (gr.1) this Saturday should be easy to choose if you rely on past performances. But sometimes things aren’t as clear cut in reality as they seem spelled out in black and white. With the defection of leading Kentucky Derby candidate and Fountain of Youth victor Eskendereya, Rule has inherited the status of favorite and has been installed as the 7-5 favorite. He will most likely be the heavy betting favorite as well in the Florida Derby as he enters off 4 consecutive victories. His latest victory came in the Sam F. Davis Stakes (gr.3) in front-running fashion by 3 lengths. He has a huge class edge over the rest of the field and is the sole graded stakes winner entered. The big issue for him here is whether or not he can give up the lead and instead use tactical speed and rate off the front-runners. Most of his wins have come going gate to wire but he has rated as a 2-year-old last year. Jockey John Velazquez will ride the Roman Ruler colt once again from the #7 post.  Radiohead, Lentenor, Miner’s Reserve, Ice Box, Pleasant Prince, First Dude, Soaring Empire, Game On Dude, Best Actor and Pulsion complete the field.

Radiohead is one of the more intriguing entries in the Florida Derby. He enters off a good allowance victory going 7 furlongs at Gulfstream last month. Although he won the race by 3 ¼ lengths I haven’t been overly impressed with this son of Johannesburg. As a juvenile he won 2 of his 6 starts and finished 7^th in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on synthetics.

The most intriguing entry in the Florida Derby is Lentenor, the 3-year-old full brother to 2006 ill-fated Kentucky

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Derby and Florida Derby winner Barbaro. Lentenor takes to the dirt for the first time in the Florida Derby after showing an affinity for grass. He finished 3^rd first out in his 2-year-old debut in October then finished second in late November. On January 20^th he broke through with his maiden victory in impressive style at Gulfstream, winning by open lengths. In his most recent start he finished a strong second on the turf as the favorite February 17^th. If he wins the Florida Derby he will create one of the most spell-binding feel-good stories the sport has ever encountered by emulating his famous and much-loved brother Barbaro. Personally I am in his corner on this one. According to trainer Michael Matz the decision to enter Lentenor came after the colt posted a very good work and came out of the work in equally good condition. I don’t know if he can pull it off or not, but the family is certainly not short on talent.

Miner’s Reserve is listed at the same odds as Lentenor at 6-1. In his last effort he won his maiden in his second start by more than 5 lengths at Gulfstream. He has since been creeping his way onto the radar screen of many people.

The field here seems to have limitless possibilities and plenty of talent. Almost any one of the contenders entered would not surprise most fans by winning.

The Swale Stakes (gr.2) at Gulfstream looks to be D’Funnybone’s race to lose. Last out the chestnut colt easily defeated

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the field assembled for the Hutcheson Stakes (gr.2) also at Gulfstream when winning in hand by 1 length. His only career loss came when his finished last in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last year, apparently not caring for the synthetic surface.  His biggest threat in the Swale appears to be the gelding Dixie Band. Dixie Band won his first 3 starts in 2009 before finishing 10^th in the Breeders’ Futurity and being put away for the rest of the year. This will be his 3-year-old debut and he gets an added bonus with red-hot jockey Julien Leparoux jumping on board as his rider. Another contender with a good chance is Gary D. This colt’s last start resulted in a nearly 4 length win in the OBS Sprint after winning his maiden at Tampa Bay Downs in January by 6 ½ lengths.

The Bonnie Miss Stakes (gr.2) at Gulfstream looks to be a two horse race. Amen Hallelujah enters in excellent form after winning the Santa Ynez Stakes (gr.2) at Santa Anita and then taking the Davona Dale at Gulfstream by more than 6 lengths on February 27^th. In the later she earned a remarkable 100 Beyer Speed Figure.

Christine Daae is the buzz horse here and has been ever since her dazzling maiden win by more than 8 lengths in January at Gulfstream. She followed that up with another impressive victory against an allowance field when winning by 2 ¾ lengths.

Amen Hallelujah has the experience edge and is on a roll since the beginning of the year as is Christine Daae. Both

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fillies are looking to secure favoritism for the upcoming Kentucky Oaks and prove they can lead the 3-year-old filly division. Their biggest threat could come from a filly that has lacked spark of late. Devil May Care is the only grade 1 winner in the field but has turned in very poor efforts in her last two starts, finishing 11^th in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies and then 5^th as the favorite in the Silverbulletday (gr.3) at Fair Grounds in her 2010 debut.

Also racing this weekend will be the sensational Venezuelan 4-year-old filly Bambera. She has only lost 2 of her 18 lifetime starts in her native Venezuela and takes on American runners Don’t Forget Gil, Aurora Lights and Champagne Eyes in Gulfstream’s Rampart Stakes (gr.3). If she wins this one watch out, she could prove to one of the better fillies ever to invade American soil.

Before I finish I just need to make mention of the Appleton Stakes (gr.3) at Gulfstream Park. Since my last name just happens to be Appleton I naturally follow this race every year with a great amount of amusement and enthusiasm. This year 2009 Appleton winner Kiss the Kid returns to try and hold onto his crown against the likes the of often brilliant Rahy’s Attorney. Someday I’ll have to find a way to win the race with a horse of my own.

Enjoy the weekend everyone and hopefully you’ll all find some live picks during the races! Go Lentenor, Amen Hallelujah, D’Funnybone, Kiss the Kid and Bambera!

The Highs and Lows: Racing’s Big Weekend

[caption id="attachment_509" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Zardana Upsets Rachel Alexandra"][/caption]

For any other horse, passing the finish line only ¾ of a length behind the winner after a sustained stretch duel and finishing more than 11 lengths ahead of the 3rd place finisher in the New Orleans Ladies Stakes would warrant rave comments about the talent and potential of the contestant. Unfortunately for Rachel Alexandra, she isn’t any other horse and to millions of racing fans across the nation nothing short of perfection is expected. In her 2010 four-year-old debut dual-champion filly Rachel Alexandra threw her heart on the line and regrettably she came up short in the end. Days prior to the New Orleans Ladies trainer Steve Asmussen made a point of saying that Rachel was not yet 100% fit for her return to the races and it turns out he was right.

After breaking cleanly from the gate, jockey Calvin Borel kept Rachel Alexandra running in second place, right off pacesetting Fighter Wing. Down the backstretch it was clear to see that Borel had his hands full trying to get Rachel to settle down and relax. Approaching the far turn Borel let her loose and she eagerly took the lead. Meanwhile jockey David Flores roused John Shirreffs trained Zardana who responded by shooting up into contention at the top of the stretch. Drawing even with Rachel Alexandra coming off the turn, the two fillies fought tooth and nail the length of the stretch. On the inside Rachel Alexandra slowly began to lose ground, appearing tired and quite unlike her old self. At the wire it was Zardana in front by ¾ of a length. It was certainly not the race Rachel’s connections were hoping for and as most everyone expected majority owner Jess Jackson made the dreaded announcement on March 14th. Rachel Alexandra will not be taking on Zenyatta in the April 9th Apple Blossom Handicap. “She will tell us when her next race will be.” Jackson said in his statement.

One good thing that most likely came from her New Orleans Ladies performance, in fighting for all she was worth Rachel Alexandra has probably gained a much needed tightening for her next race. With so much effort put out this time she should be a great deal sharper next out. Up to this time the reigning Horse of the Year has presented an image made of titanium-enforced-steel, unmovable, unshakable and unbeatable. Now she has to show she can bounce right back from the defeat and progress to bigger and better things. It’s anybody’s guess when the super-star filly will return the races next.

[caption id="attachment_510" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="Zenyatta remains undefeated with win #15"][/caption]

Amazing is a word used much too lightly in horse racing but in some cases we can unquestionably say it fits the case perfectly. Zenyatta is amazing. In one of the most impressive, intelligent and athletic displays in decades of racing history Zenyatta subdued a field of 8 other competitors and practically laughed at the history books. The fans turned out in droves at Santa Anita Park Saturday to see one thing; perfection, otherwise known as Zenyatta. Emerging from the paddock Zenyatta elicited cheers of wild enthusiasm from her fans and roars of praise as she danced her way onto the track.

Breaking from the gate slowest of all Zenyatta took her customary position at the rear of field. Entering the final turn the big mare held the same position before turning up the heat. With giant bounding strides she swept into the stretch to find herself stuck behind a wall of horses, all paths seemingly closed. Watching the race over and over I still couldn’t believe what I saw next. Without the slightest hint of hesitation Zenyatta began to swing her head from side to side looking for an opening. By now the field was well on their way to the wire and it appeared the perfect mare might be heading for the first defeat of her career, but jockey Mike Smith hung on for the ride as with lightning fast reflexes Zenyatta darted to the inside rail the instant an opening presented itself. Surging through the gap the super-star was once again blocked from a straight run by the form of front-running Dance to My Tune, in the blink of an eye Zenyatta took back to the outside, ears pricked and seized the lead in a matter of seconds. Crossing the wire 1 ¼ lengths the best Zenyatta cantered into the backstretch to cheers of ecstasy. What makes her win all the more impressive is that jockey Mike Smith never went to the whip, instead mildly urging her along with the reins. After it was all over, not a drop of sweat on her perfectly dappled coat, Zenyatta returned to the winners circle to a hero’s welcome. This race sets her up perfectly for the Apple Blossom Handicap on April 9th, a race which now will be her stepping stone immortality and 16 straight races without the entry of Rachel Alexandra. The incredible 6-year-old mare is now 15-for-15 in her perfect career and only one race away from tying the great Citation’s streak of 16 consecutive races.

[caption id="attachment_511" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Lookin At Lucky wins the Rebel Stakes"][/caption]

It seems this weekend just wouldn’t quit when it came to producing statistically defying performances. But for the loss of Rachel Alexandra this would have been one of the greatest weekends I have ever witnessed in racing. 2009 Champion Two Year Male Lookin At Lucky returned to the races for his 2010 3-year-old debut in a performance that showcased the kind of talent and heart that only comes around once in a lifetime. The Rebel Stakes presented one of the most talent-packed Kentucky Derby preps so far this year. Three Grade 1 winners entered the race as the top three choices and emerged the same. The race unfolded with favorite Lookin At Lucky taking up a comfortable running position in mid-pack with late running Dublin farther back and Noble’ Promise securing a good spot to the outside. Approaching the far turn Lookin At Lucky began to visibly pick up his pace and close in on the frontrunners when he suddenly got cut off and squeezed back. Taking up quickly, it looked like jockey Garrett Gomez might lose his seat as Lookin At Lucky jumped the heels of Noble’s Promise, destroying all momentum he had begun to build. As the field came out of the turn, Dublin shot up from the back, Noble’s Promise seized the lead and Lookin At Lucky came on again. Taking the turn six-wide, Lookin At Lucky dug-in, running for all he was worth and flattening out to the ground until he looked like a speeding arrow, aiming straight and true for Noble’s Promise. As he came flying down the grandstand side the more than 36,000 fans in attendance caught the move and the audience came alive with pleas and screams of encouragement. Out front Noble’s Promise opened up and looked homeward bound, his long-awaited vengeance toward Lookin At Lucky rectified it seemed. At the shadow of the wire Lookin At Lucky’s tremendous run got the job done and the best horse won.

For a horse recently turned 3 Lookin At Lucky has been through just about every racing experience and scenario you can think of and comes through smelling like a rose every time. This time he was making his first start of the year, first start with blinkers and first start on dirt yet none of those factors seemed to faze him at all. You can’t even put into words how talented this son of Smart Strike is. He has now won 6 of his 7 lifetime races with his only loss coming in one of the greatest losing efforts in Breeders’ Cup history when finishing second by a head in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile after running extremely wide and breaking from the far outside. It is on to either the Wood Memorial (gr.1) on April 3rd or the Arkansas Derby (gr.1) on April 10th for the undisputed king of the 3-year-olds now.

[caption id="attachment_513" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="Sidney's Candy wins the San Felipe"][/caption]

The San Felipe was all about Sidney’s Candy. From gate to wire the gorgeous chestnut son of Candy Ride led a deep, talented field of 3-year-old Kentucky Derby hopefuls on a wild goose chase. Undefeated Caracortado disappointed somewhat with a dull 3rd place showing, snapping his unbeaten skein of races in the process and seeming to lack his usual closing punch. Taking second was the ever-consistent Interactif from the stable of Todd Pletcher. He was closing well towards the end, but it was always Sidney’s Candy’s race the entire trip around. I’m still not sure what to make of this colt yet. His last two wins have looked super easy and smooth but front-runners always make me cautious. Against colts like Lookin At Lucky, Odysseus, Noble’s Promise or Eskendereya I’m not sure his front-running tactics would hold up.

[caption id="attachment_515" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="Odysseus takes the Tampa Bay Derby"][/caption]

Now, what to say about Odysseus? Well, the list of things to say about this horse is much longer than the list of things not to say. What he has accomplished in an extremely short time is unbelievable. In the Tampa Bay Derby Odysseus took on much more experienced and very talented runners such as Super Saver, Schoolyard Dreams and Uptowncharlybrown and came out on top in sensational form. He had me jumping out of my skin watching him run. Super Saver took the lead breaking from the gate and led all the way into the backstretch when Odysseus and Schoolyard Dreams began to kick it into high gear. Schoolyard Dreams, under a full head of stream, shot by Odysseus and locked into a furious duel with Super Saver over the lead. Odysseus balked after getting almost cut off at the top of the stretch by the fast moving Schoolyard Dream when under a full head of steam and I thought it was all over, but he showed he is no ordinary talent by pulling himself together like a true professional and launching another furious drive to the wire. Kevin over on The Aspiring Horseplayer first brought this phenomenal colt to my attention, before I even heard outlets such as The Blood Horse, Daily Racing Form or Thoroughbred Times mention his name. Kudos to you Kevin and nice call on making him your early Derby pick way back when, looks like you’ve got a live one!

Super Lookin Scar Face: The Rebel, San Felipe & Tampa Bay Derby

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Last year one colt held the uncontested lead in the juvenile male division. After posting a record of 5 wins in 6 starts with his only loss coming by a mere head in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, this colt literally ran away with the divisional championship and took a solid lead as the favorite for the 2010 Kentucky Derby. Lookin At Lucky has slowly been losing some esteem it seems since his victory in the CashCall Futurity and subsequent long rest before returning to the work tab. It is as if people think his time away from the races has somehow allowed a little rust to spread on his shiny coat. Some of it could be the fact that he enters into his 2010 debut in about as difficult a prep race as is possible. Or it could be the fact that super-charged Kentucky Derby contenders have quickly been cropping up left and right throwing talent around more loosely than a ping-pong ball in a tournament and taking some of the attention away from the reigning champ.
The Rebel Stakes (gr.2) at Oaklawn Park is loaded with talent this year and leading the field is 2 Year Old Champion Lookin At Lucky. But for a troubled trip, an unlucky post and the distance of a nose this brilliant son of Smart Strike would be undefeated. Trainer Bob Baffert may know how to train a horse for the Kentucky Derby better than any other man alive and he has handled Lookin At Lucky’s career flawlessly so far. The 3-year-old colt faces a few new challenges this time around. The Rebel will be his first start on dirt, first time shipping and first time wearing blinkers. This is his race to lose but it will be no cakewalk. Entered against him are grade 1 winners Noble’s Promise and Dublin.
Noble’s Promise will be hoping for a different view than his last few races this

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time around. In his last two starts there have only been two different horses between him and victory. In the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile he was nosed out of second place money by Lookin At Lucky and then was defeated by ¾ of a length by that one in the CashCall Futurity last out. This will also be his first start on dirt but his breeding suggests that it should not be a problem. He has been working his shoes off at Gulfstream Park and appears primed for a big effort.
Dublin carries the hopes of trainer D. Wayne Lukas into the Rebel as his best Kentucky Derby prospect in years. The venerable trainer, who trained such greats as Winning Colors to victory in the Kentucky Derby 1988, trained

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Dublin to a Grade 1 victory last year before two consecutive unplaced efforts to close out his juvenile season. After having surgery to correct an entrapped epiglottis Dublin came back on February 20th to finish a strong closing second in the Southwest Stakes behind undefeated Conveyance. Lukas believes he will run a much improved race in the Rebel off his Southwest performance.
Uh Oh Bango and Cardiff Giant help complete the field. Cardiff Giant finished 3rd in the Southwest to Conveyance and Dublin last out, while Uh Oh Bango finished runner-up to Rule in the Delta Jackpot (gr.3).

 

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The San Felipe Stakes

(gr.2) is even more full of talent than the Rebel Stakes which is hard to believe considering the Rebel line-up. Undefeated Caracortado, who’s name in Spanish means Scar Face, heads the field as the favorite off his impressive victory in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr.2). The California-bred gelding burst onto the scene by defeating highly-touted American Lion and Tiz Chrome in a ridiculously easy performance during the Lewis. A big strapping 3-year-old trained by little-known Michael Machowsky and ridden by small time jockey Paul Atkinson, Caracortado has won all five of his lifetime races with ease and authority that demand respect. He is the big cheese this time around and looks like he deserves the favoritism awarded him.
American Lion returns for a second crack at Caracortado after his

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seemingly dull 3rd place effort in the Lewis. Winner of the Hollywood Prevue Stakes last year, American Lion must improve off his last effort in order to prove he belongs in the Kentucky Derby gate.
Robert B. Lewis Stakes second place finisher Dave in Dixie also returns for another try against Caracortado here. In the Lewis Stakes his delayed late closing kick caught the eye of more than a few people and many more will be watching him this time around. If he can improve off his last effort, this race could very well end up being his party. There will be plenty of pace for him to close into with the entry of front-running Sidney’s Candy, so his running style will be perfectly suited here.
San Vicente victor Sidney’s Candy takes a major step-up in class in the San Felipe. He won the San Vicente by more than 4 lengths after leading gate-to-wire in his last start. Jockey Joe Talamo retains the mount.
From the ultra-talented stable of trainer Todd Pletcher comes the turf running Interactif. The two time grade 3 winner makes his first start on

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synthetics in the San Felipe. He enters off a second place finish as the favorite in the Hallandale Beach Stakes at Gulfstream Park after being out-finished to the line by a nose. Grass form translates well in many instances to synthetics so if Interactif can reproduce his winning grass form in the Sal Felipe he stands a good chance.
Caracortado, Dave in Dixie, American Lion, Sidney’s Candy and Interactif all entering the gate together, this is no doubt one of the deepest Derby preps in recent memory.

The Tampa Bay Derby (gr.3) is yet another seemingly talented field.

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Super Saver makes his highly-anticipated 3-year-old debut for Todd Pletcher and WinStar Farms. After his impressive five length wire-to-wire Kentucky Jockey Club victory last year, he has retained a good position on most Derby watch lists. His works leading up to the Tampa Bay Derby have been exceptional and trainer Todd Pletcher thinks he is ready to run a big effort here without peaking.
Uptowncharlybrown finished 3rd in the Sam Davis Stakes behind 2nd place finisher Schoolyard Dreams. Both look to improve their game this time around and need to if they hope to progress on toward the Kentucky Derby.
The horse many people will have their eyes on Saturday will be once-defeated Odysseus, the incredibly talented allowance winner who blew his last race open by 15 lengths. This will be his stakes debut and judging by the way he handily defeated his competitors last out, a stakes race is right up his alley. I think he could be the wild card here and might very well take the field.

This weekend is the kind of weekend most of us racing enthusiasts sit around dreaming about for half the year. Aside from the unbelievable line-up of races like the Rebel, San Felipe, Tampa Bay Derby, New Orleans Ladies Stakes and Santa Margarita, the Gulfstream Park Handicap with Cool Coal Man, Harlem Rocker and Grasshopper is also slated to be run. On top of that, 3-year-old filly Bickerson’s is running in the Cicada Stakes at Aqueduct and Champion Two Year Old Filly She Be Wild attempts to return to her winning ways in Florida. Enjoy watching the races and good luck to everyone with all your picks and favorites.

Rachel and Zenyatta: Racing Against Themselves

So many things in horse racing seem unsure and fragile. The economy, auctions, purses, revenue, race dates, attendance, weather and race outcome are all inhabited by the fact that nothing in this sport is a sure thing. At least, that’s what everyone thought until 2009 came along, until Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra. Until nothing seemed to matter or make a difference except winning and winning big. If racing achievements were measured by feet and inches, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta would be about 2,000 ft. above the Empire State Building. Everyone knows what these two phenomenal females have accomplished in their careers and especially in 2009. What now begins is a new chapter, one that starts, and hopefully ends, in triumph and satisfaction.

[caption id="attachment_487" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="Zenyatta winning the 2008 Apple Blossom"][/caption]

Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta are both slated to run their 2010 debut races this Saturday and though they enter the gate thousands of miles apart, they will ultimately be facing each other. Everything these two great athletes do from now on will forever be linked with the other. From the moment they step into the walking ring on Saturday, to the very second they arrive at Oaklawn Park to contest the April 9^th Apple Blossom Handicap all eyes will be trained on Rachel and Zenyatta. The Apple Blossom Handicap has been accepted, though not formally, by both parties as the race in which the two super-stars will finally meet in what promises to be one of the most epic battles in history.

Rachel Alexandra, 2009 Horse of the Year and Champion Three Year Old Filly, makes her 2010 debut at Fair Grounds in the

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$200,000 New Orleans ladies Stakes, a race pretty much tailor-made for her by the track in the hopes of luring her to stay at Fair Grounds for her debut. Having last raced six months ago when becoming the first filly in history to win the historic Woodward Stakes (gr.1), Rachel Alexandra has been cramming in the works in order to be fit for her first race of the season. Since the announcement that she would start in the Apple Blossom, Rachel has been systematically cranking up her exercise routine in order to reach her peak fitness level in time for the race. Trainer Steve Asmussen admitted that the filly is not yet 100% fit but that he is happy with where she is right now in her training. Let’s see, not 100% yet, but the way she made mincemeat of the fillies last year, this should be nothing more than a walk in the park if she is just 70%. Most people will not be concerned with her fitness level. She will no doubt be the overwhelming favorite, and not just at the betting windows. Rachel drew post position number 2, right between the two speed horses in the race, a scenario that suits trainer Steve Asmussen just fine.

Zenyatta enters the Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap (gr.1) looking better than ever before. The gargantuan

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mare has been posting some of the best works of her life since December and is as razor-sharp for her 2010 debut as she’s ever been. She has been assigned a 127 pound impost for the Santa Margarita which is substantially higher than the other fillies/mares in the field, but she won with 129 pounds in the Vanity last year, so weight should not be a problem. She will be spotting her possible rivals 8 to 19 pounds which is significant, but nothing seems to have fazed her so far and I doubt this will make a difference.

Both Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta will be facing somewhat small fields it appears. Rachel is slated to take on just 4 others in

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the New Orleans Ladies Stakes, while the final entries for the Santa Margarita have not yet been finalized. However the fields appear on race day one thing is sure; Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta will make headlines, win or lose. I think the general sentiment is that both will win and continue down the war path that eventually ends at Oaklawn Park.

Three major Kentucky Derby preps, the Rebel Stakes, San Felipe Stakes and Tampa Bay Derby, are also going to be run on Saturday. I will post on them in a separate entry later.[polldaddy poll=2824426]

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Blind Luck and the Big Cap

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The Santa Anita Oaks headlines the most talented 3-year-old filly in the country this year just like it did in 2009. Last year it was Stardom Bound on a tremendous Grade-1 winning streak entered as the overwhelming favorite, this year Blind Luck steps into that role and looks to prove she can continue her winning ways by dominating the West Coast filly division. Speculation has already been raised as to whether or not the dynamics of the race will get the star filly beat. As a come-from-behind runner Blind Luck depends on a front-running horse to set a good pace for her to run into and so far the Santa Anita Oaks looks like a race deprived of known frontrunners.  A lack of pace in her last start forced Blind Luck to rundown the leader in the homestretch while still winning the Las Virgenes Stakes (gr.1) by a thrilling nose. The feeling here is that she will handle the pace, lack-of or other, just fine and continue her winning streak. The Las Virgenes was her 2010 debut and with that gut-wrencher under her belt she will most likely be sharper in her second outing.

Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta should be proud of what they have been able to accomplish in handing out their multiple thrashings of the boys. Walls are coming down everywhere it seems and the fillies are charging through, unafraid and unconcerned of their male counterparts.

St Trinians leads the latest charge as she attempts to become the first filly history to win the Big Cap. The Santa Anita

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Handicap sounds like a tough spot to place a filly but when you consider the alternative, running against Zenyatta one week later, the choice looks much easier. St Trinians last out defeated 2009 Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic victor Life Is Sweet in the Santa Maria. She has won all four of her starts in California since shipping over from Europe by more than 16 combined lengths. Set to load in the gate opposite the brilliant filly is a talented line-up of males.

Bob Baffert trainee Misremembered has finished second in the his last three starts. He has been working well up to the race and is improving with time according to jockey Joe Steiner.

Other entries include Grade-1 winner Mast Track plus Jeranimo, Neko Bay, Loup Breton, Marsh Side, Delightful Kiss and Dakota Phone.

The filly gets a significant weight break here because of the sex allowance. St Trinians carries 113 pounds compared to the high-weights Mast Track, Neko Bay, Loup Breton and Marsh Side all weighing in at 117 pounds.

The Gotham Stakes is a handicap chore at its best. The contenders are about as close to inseperable as is possible. The main ingredient is potential here not experience. At first glance Whirlaway Stakes winner Peppi Knows would seem to have the experience edge. The one question here is his ability to rate off the pace, unlike he did in the Whirlaway when going gate-to-wire against a less than stellar field.

Three Day Rush, defeated by 1 ½ lengths in the Whirlaway after being carried wide on the turn by Eightfiveinafifty, returns here for trainer Todd Pletcher to prove he is better than his Whirlaway showing. The fact that he has Pletcher as a trainer makes him “the one” to watch here as Pletcher’s runners have been snatching up practically every Derby prep in sight.

Afleet Again, Wow Wow Wow, Awesome Act and Turf Melody finish out the top choices. Turf Melody was on most Derby watch-lists before his 6^th place finish in the Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds in January.

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Tuscan Evening joins the roster of superior fillies willing to put it on-the-line against the boys this weekend when she starts in the Frank E. Kilroe Mile Handicap (gr.1) at Santa Anita. She faces a good cast of athletes on the turf here that includes multiple graded stakes winner Battle of Hastings, the unstoppable warrior Awesome Gem, Ever a Friend who won the Kilroe two years back, Fluke who last out took the Citation Handicap (gr.1) and fellow filly Proviso who last out finished second in the Grade-1 Santa Monica Handicap.  Tuscan Evening sports a glittering record of 8 wins from 12 starts for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and looks primed and ready to make that 9 for 13.

Good Luck to all, keep your fingers crossed that the rain avoids Santa Anita and enjoy the racing spectacle this weekend.