On Sunday Rachel Alexandra will attempt to run her winning streak to three consecutive races with her first start of the year in a Grade 1 race when she goes to post for the Personal Ensign Stakes (Gr.1) at Saratoga. After finishing second in her first two starts of 2010, the reigning Horse of the Year has since put together two easy victories in the Fluer de Lis Handicap (gr2) and the ungraded Lady’s Secret Stakes at Monmouth Park. She has been working lights out since her last win and looks primed to produce a huge effort.
Also entered in the Personal Ensign is the red-hot Grade 1 winner Life At Ten. The 5-year-old mare enters the Personal Ensign riding a six race winning streak and looks to give Rachel Alexandra a very stern test. She has won both of her last starts including the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps Handicap in gate to wire fashion and always seems to have something left in the tank to power home in the stretch.
Both athletes like to be on or near the lead which figures to make for a very interesting race as both the favorites will most likely lead the field from the start. Life At Ten has won at the 1 ¼ mile distance before whereas Rachel Alexandra has not which gives Life At Ten a distinct advantage. Rachel Alexandra has raced successfully at the 1 3/16 mile distance when taking the 2009 Preakness Stakes (gr.1) and in my opinion should have no problem with the added distance if she is allowed to relax off the pace and run her race.
Taking a look at the 2010 Travers Stakes from a handicapping angle the race appears to have come up much like last weekend’s Sword Dancer, with no clear-cut favorite that stands out above the rest. Although filled with many strong contenders and often proved runners, the absence of leading 3-year-old male Lookin At Lucky in the field has left the doors wide open for another contender to come charging through.
A little Warm, winner of the Jim Dandy Stakes (Gr.2) last month at Saratoga returns to try and complete a rare Jim Dandy-Travers double as the slight favorite. Trappe Shot takes on the Travers field after proving to his connections and fans across the nation that he does indeed belong with the best of this year’s crop when turning in a determined performance behind Lookin At Lucky in the Haskell Invitational Stakes in finishing second. First Dude returns for the fifth consecutive time to try his luck in grade 1 company after finishing second in the Preakness Stakes, third in the Belmont Stakes (gr.1) and third in the Haskell Invitational. Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver comes into the Travers with a seriously tarnished image after failing miserably in the Preakness Stakes when finishing 8th and then returning to run a lack-luster 4th in the Haskell. Ice Box enters with an even worse tarnish, after garnering praise for his incredible late-surge in the Kentucky Derby that earned him runner-up honors, the chestnut colt has since finished 8th in the Belmont and 6th in the Haskell. Fly Down turned in a surprisingly poor effort in the Jim Dandy last out after having finished a fast-closing second in the Belmont. Miners Reserve turned in a game losing effort in the Jim Dandy last out when setting all the fractions up front and then tiring to finish second behind A Little Warm.
I think First Dude is the most consistent horse in the field and certainly deserves a win after so many determined efforts this year. Ice Box is a puzzling one to figure out, after his impressive Florida Derby victory and Kentucky Derby runner-up finish he seems to have lost that devastating late drive that had earned him so much respect. The fact that trainer Nick Zito continues to enter him in such high class races tells me that there must be something left in the colt so I’m going to give him a shot for second. Trappe Shot is one of the many who could go either way, he could win it all, show up big and get second or third or finish close-up behind a strong top three. I think this guy is the real deal and will at least finish in the top three.
It’s hard to leave A Little Warm or Fly Down out of the top three but you can’t have them all.
The Kings Bishop (gr.1) at Saratoga is shaping up to be one of the best sprinting show downs of the season with leading
three-year-old sprinters D’Funnybone and Discreetly Mine set to face off for the third time.
Due to time constraints I wasn’t able to write as comprehensive a handicapping of this race as I would have liked so I’ll keep it short and sweet. D’Funnybone should bounce back here after his shocking second place finish last out in the Carry Back (Gr.2). He has easily defeated Discreetly Mine both time the two have met, but this time it appears he will be facing a much improved Discreetly Mine.
In his most recent start Discreetly Mine won the Amsterdam (gr.2) by more than 8 lengths.
D’Funnybone is undefeated in 4 starts at the Kings Bishop distance of 7 furlongs and I believe that he is the best horse in the field although he will be facing a very talented foe in Discreetly Mine.
Classy seven-year-old gelding Awesome Gem returns Saturday in the Pacific Classic (gr.1) for what will be his 4th attempt to win the 1 ¼ mile event. Suffice it to say I will be rooting for the old chap to win amongst a field of strong contenders. Enjoy the fabulous weekend of racing!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Feeling Lucky: Blind Luck, Evening Jewel and Paddy O'Prado
The three year old filly championship is pretty much a done deal after Blind Luck proved herself to be the overwhelming leader with one of her patented late runs in Saratoga’s Alabama Stakes (gr.1). In what was supposed to be one of the biggest East vs. West Coast duels of the year, New York’s odds-on favorite Devil May Care never fired a shot as Californian sensation Blind Luck rolled to her fifth Grade 1 victory of her career and third of the year after her
Kentucky Oaks and Las Virgenes Stakes wins.
At the break it was Acting Happy to the lead with Tizahit, Connie and Michael and Havre de Grace right behind with Devil May Care in fifth. It was two lengths back to Blind Luck holding her customary rear position in the field of six as Acting Happy carved out slow fractions of :24.03, :49.45 and 1:14.89, fractions that for any normal athlete with a closing style like Blink Luck’s would spell trouble.
As Acting Happy led the field into the final turn Havre de Grace surged forward as Devil May Care shot up behind the leaders, three wide coming into the homestretch. From behind Blind Luck had kicked it into high gear and was zipping into the turn widest of all. Rocketing into the stretch, she easily disposed of Devil May Care and gunned for Havre de Grace, now loose on the lead and charging hard for the wire. Running for all she was worth Blind Luck proved easily the best down the stretch as she got up before the wire to seize the win by a thrilling neck. Although the official charts say she won by a mere neck, the final margin was much more like a half length.
Havre de Grace proved herself to be one of the best fillies in the country with yet another stylish performance in the Alabama after handing Blind Luck one of the toughest wins of her career in the Delaware Oaks (gr.2) in both fillies prior starts.
In the end the Alabama was almost an exact replay of the Delaware Oaks (gr.2) when Havre de Grace was defeated a nose at the wire by Blind Luck in a thrilling stretch drive that put on full display the heart and class of two exceptional fillies. Blind Luck is quickly gaining a reputation of brilliance and incredible consistency that puts her in a league all her own this year among three year old fillies. This filly stands a strong chance to steal the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic or even be a threat in the Classic if her connections were so inclined as to run here there. She is the kind of filly that looks like she can do it all, I haven't been this excited about a filly since Indian Blessing was running.
Across the country approximately three and a half hours after Blind Luck was finished thrashing her Alabama foes her greatest rival continued to ascend the ranks of the nation’s leading three year old fillies with a decisive win in the Del Mar Oaks (Gr.1). After heartbreaking defeats to Blind Luck in both the Las Virgenes Stakes (gr.1) and Kentucky Oaks (gr.1) Evening Jewel has since gone undefeated in three consecutive graded stakes races since switching to the turf.
Darting through a hole on the rail at the top of the stretch, Evening Jewel shot to the lead and had enough to hold off a fast charging Harmonious, winning by a half length. It must be noted that past the wire Harmonious galloped out past the winner looking very strong. If she had started her rally a little sooner she might have been able to catch Evening Jewel for the win but at the end of the of the day Evening Jewel was a deserving winner.
She is one of the most versatile fillies to grace our American tracks in years, running competitively on synthetic surfaces, turf and dirt as well as handling wet conditions with no problem. In my opinion this is the second best three-year-old filly in the country right now. I would love to see a Blind Luck, Evening Jewel match happen again later in the year.
Paddy O’Prado turned in yet another sensational win on Saturday as he took down the Secretariat Stakes (gr.1) at Arlington for the first grade one win of his stellar career. After gaining national prominence when finishing second in
the Kentucky Derby behind Super Saver and finishing sixth in the Preakness Stakes, Paddy O’Prado has since gone on to win the grade 2 Colonial Turf Cup and the Virginia Derby. He is beyond a doubt the leading three-year-old turf male, but after Gio Ponti’s upset in the Arlington Million (gr.1) I’m beginning to think he is the best turf male this year, regardless of age. On an ending note, I just have to say I think Cherokee Lord turned in a very good performance in the Secretariat. He kept fighting the whole way through the stretch after leading the field throughout. Even though he finished fourth it was only two lengths to Paddy O’Prado at the wire and he looked nice galloping out.
Kentucky Oaks and Las Virgenes Stakes wins.
At the break it was Acting Happy to the lead with Tizahit, Connie and Michael and Havre de Grace right behind with Devil May Care in fifth. It was two lengths back to Blind Luck holding her customary rear position in the field of six as Acting Happy carved out slow fractions of :24.03, :49.45 and 1:14.89, fractions that for any normal athlete with a closing style like Blink Luck’s would spell trouble.
As Acting Happy led the field into the final turn Havre de Grace surged forward as Devil May Care shot up behind the leaders, three wide coming into the homestretch. From behind Blind Luck had kicked it into high gear and was zipping into the turn widest of all. Rocketing into the stretch, she easily disposed of Devil May Care and gunned for Havre de Grace, now loose on the lead and charging hard for the wire. Running for all she was worth Blind Luck proved easily the best down the stretch as she got up before the wire to seize the win by a thrilling neck. Although the official charts say she won by a mere neck, the final margin was much more like a half length.
Havre de Grace proved herself to be one of the best fillies in the country with yet another stylish performance in the Alabama after handing Blind Luck one of the toughest wins of her career in the Delaware Oaks (gr.2) in both fillies prior starts.
In the end the Alabama was almost an exact replay of the Delaware Oaks (gr.2) when Havre de Grace was defeated a nose at the wire by Blind Luck in a thrilling stretch drive that put on full display the heart and class of two exceptional fillies. Blind Luck is quickly gaining a reputation of brilliance and incredible consistency that puts her in a league all her own this year among three year old fillies. This filly stands a strong chance to steal the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic or even be a threat in the Classic if her connections were so inclined as to run here there. She is the kind of filly that looks like she can do it all, I haven't been this excited about a filly since Indian Blessing was running.
Across the country approximately three and a half hours after Blind Luck was finished thrashing her Alabama foes her greatest rival continued to ascend the ranks of the nation’s leading three year old fillies with a decisive win in the Del Mar Oaks (Gr.1). After heartbreaking defeats to Blind Luck in both the Las Virgenes Stakes (gr.1) and Kentucky Oaks (gr.1) Evening Jewel has since gone undefeated in three consecutive graded stakes races since switching to the turf.
Darting through a hole on the rail at the top of the stretch, Evening Jewel shot to the lead and had enough to hold off a fast charging Harmonious, winning by a half length. It must be noted that past the wire Harmonious galloped out past the winner looking very strong. If she had started her rally a little sooner she might have been able to catch Evening Jewel for the win but at the end of the of the day Evening Jewel was a deserving winner.
She is one of the most versatile fillies to grace our American tracks in years, running competitively on synthetic surfaces, turf and dirt as well as handling wet conditions with no problem. In my opinion this is the second best three-year-old filly in the country right now. I would love to see a Blind Luck, Evening Jewel match happen again later in the year.
Paddy O’Prado turned in yet another sensational win on Saturday as he took down the Secretariat Stakes (gr.1) at Arlington for the first grade one win of his stellar career. After gaining national prominence when finishing second in
the Kentucky Derby behind Super Saver and finishing sixth in the Preakness Stakes, Paddy O’Prado has since gone on to win the grade 2 Colonial Turf Cup and the Virginia Derby. He is beyond a doubt the leading three-year-old turf male, but after Gio Ponti’s upset in the Arlington Million (gr.1) I’m beginning to think he is the best turf male this year, regardless of age. On an ending note, I just have to say I think Cherokee Lord turned in a very good performance in the Secretariat. He kept fighting the whole way through the stretch after leading the field throughout. Even though he finished fourth it was only two lengths to Paddy O’Prado at the wire and he looked nice galloping out.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Kantharos and Sidney's Candy: Affirmation and Confirmation
Jess Jackson once again looks like he holds one of the most powerful hands in the racing game and this time it comes in form of a shiny chestnut juvenile colt that goes by the name of Kantharos. On July 3rd Kantharos entered the Churchill Downs Bashford Manor Stakes (gr.3) as the favorite off his impressive 11 ¾ length maiden win May 13th and exited as one of the most extraordinary winners of the prestigious race in history. After stumbling at the break, Kantharos quickly found his stride under jockey Robby Albarado and proceeded to draw off in the stretch , winning in a hand ride by 9 ½ lengths with chilling ease.
On Saturday Kantharos once again put on a show-stopper, winning Saratoga’s prestigious Saratoga Special (gr.2) to remain undefeated in three lifetime starts. Coming out of the gate Kantharos was the victim of an aggressive bumping incident but it had seemingly no affect on the professional 2-year-old colt. Settling nicely in third down the backside behind pace setting Blue Right By and Bail Out the Cat, Kantharos and jockey Garrett Gomez began to pick it up as they approached the turn, moving in tandem with Bail Out the Cat. Shooting past Blue Right By it looked like a stretch duel was about to ensue as the two young colts battled it out head and head, but it quickly turned from race to rout. With just a furlong remaining Kantharos burst past Bail Out the Cat with a stunning turn of foot and instantly exploded to a three length lead. From there he just kept rolling, eventually cantering under the line 7 ¼ lengths the best, eased up in yet another hand ride.
After seeing him win his maiden at Churchill Downs on May 13th I told my family that I had found my favorite for the 2011 Kentucky Derby. A ridiculous statement to make so early in the year when the colt hasn’t even gone beyond 6 ½ furlongs running distance, plus too many things can happen in 9 months time, but I just have a feeling about this colt. It’s the same exact feeling I had watching Curlin romp in his maiden win, though not quite as strong perhaps, but my gut tells me Kantharos is the real deal. We haven’t seen the best of this young runner yet, who knows what kind of performance he will turn in when he finally gets asked for his all.
Sidney’s Candy is back and making waves in the three year old division once again. On August 14th, Sidney’s Candy rocketed out from the starting gate in the $150,000 La Jolla Handicap (gr.2) and never looked back. Easily one of the
best looking colts of his generation, Sidney’s Candy dueled with Macias through sizzling fractions of :23.10, :45.81 and 1:08.91. By the time those two entered the far turn the field was more than a dozen lengths behind. Then the real running began as Sidney’s Candy fluidly strode clear by more than two lengths halfway into the turn. Entering the top of the stretch he had ballooned his lead to a stunning 10 lengths, and with powerful strides his mushroomed to 13 lengths in a matter of seconds. Sweeping past the wire in a hand ride, Sidney’s Candy romped home by 5 ½ lengths in course record time of 1:39.52 for the 1 1/16 mile distance over Del Mar’s turf course. It appears that for now at least that turf will be his primary running surface.
After finishing 17th in the Kentucky Derby as one of the favorites Sidney's Candy lost a good amount of prominence in the sophomore division. This win is just confirmation that he is indeed one of the best colts in training.
On Sunday the grand American and Europe champion mare Goldikova was denied the 11th group 1 win of her career when Makfi upset her at odds of 33-1 in the Jacques Le Marois (Fr-1). In a field that included multiple grade 1 winner Paco Boy, considered Goldikova’s biggest challenge after finishing second behind the mare last out in the Queen Anne Stakes (Eng-1) by a head, Goldikova lacked her usual explosive turn of foot in the final two furlongs over the very soft going and was passed after taking the lead two furlongs from the wire by both Makfi and Paco Boy. Makfi went on to win by 2 ½ lengths, relishing the soggy conditions while Goldikova and Paco Boy battled it out for second with Goldikova digging deep to overtake Paco Boy and attain second by a head.
Even though she was defeated one thing is for sure, Goldikova is more than a match for Paco Boy, proving in both of their meetings this year that she has the heart and talent to hold him off where it counts most. She is still on target for a shot at winning her third consecutive Breeders’ Cup Mile.
My final word on the Jacques Le Marois is this; Makfi may have been the better horse on the day, but the best horse did not win.
Other notable races over the weekend include Wasted Tears brilliant 7th consecutive victory when taking the John C. Mabee Stakes (gr.2) and Telling repeating in the Sword Dancer Invitational (gr.1), the only race he seems to be able to win apparently.
Reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra made sure her name remained prominent on Monday with one of her most powerful workouts of the year in preparation for a start in the August 29th Personal Ensign Stakes (gr.1) at Saratoga. The 4-year-old filly went 6 furlongs in a strapping 1:13 1/5, a move that suggests she is getting better as the year goes on. Expect her to turn in a very strong performance in the Personal Ensign.
On Saturday Kantharos once again put on a show-stopper, winning Saratoga’s prestigious Saratoga Special (gr.2) to remain undefeated in three lifetime starts. Coming out of the gate Kantharos was the victim of an aggressive bumping incident but it had seemingly no affect on the professional 2-year-old colt. Settling nicely in third down the backside behind pace setting Blue Right By and Bail Out the Cat, Kantharos and jockey Garrett Gomez began to pick it up as they approached the turn, moving in tandem with Bail Out the Cat. Shooting past Blue Right By it looked like a stretch duel was about to ensue as the two young colts battled it out head and head, but it quickly turned from race to rout. With just a furlong remaining Kantharos burst past Bail Out the Cat with a stunning turn of foot and instantly exploded to a three length lead. From there he just kept rolling, eventually cantering under the line 7 ¼ lengths the best, eased up in yet another hand ride.
After seeing him win his maiden at Churchill Downs on May 13th I told my family that I had found my favorite for the 2011 Kentucky Derby. A ridiculous statement to make so early in the year when the colt hasn’t even gone beyond 6 ½ furlongs running distance, plus too many things can happen in 9 months time, but I just have a feeling about this colt. It’s the same exact feeling I had watching Curlin romp in his maiden win, though not quite as strong perhaps, but my gut tells me Kantharos is the real deal. We haven’t seen the best of this young runner yet, who knows what kind of performance he will turn in when he finally gets asked for his all.
Sidney’s Candy is back and making waves in the three year old division once again. On August 14th, Sidney’s Candy rocketed out from the starting gate in the $150,000 La Jolla Handicap (gr.2) and never looked back. Easily one of the
best looking colts of his generation, Sidney’s Candy dueled with Macias through sizzling fractions of :23.10, :45.81 and 1:08.91. By the time those two entered the far turn the field was more than a dozen lengths behind. Then the real running began as Sidney’s Candy fluidly strode clear by more than two lengths halfway into the turn. Entering the top of the stretch he had ballooned his lead to a stunning 10 lengths, and with powerful strides his mushroomed to 13 lengths in a matter of seconds. Sweeping past the wire in a hand ride, Sidney’s Candy romped home by 5 ½ lengths in course record time of 1:39.52 for the 1 1/16 mile distance over Del Mar’s turf course. It appears that for now at least that turf will be his primary running surface.
After finishing 17th in the Kentucky Derby as one of the favorites Sidney's Candy lost a good amount of prominence in the sophomore division. This win is just confirmation that he is indeed one of the best colts in training.
On Sunday the grand American and Europe champion mare Goldikova was denied the 11th group 1 win of her career when Makfi upset her at odds of 33-1 in the Jacques Le Marois (Fr-1). In a field that included multiple grade 1 winner Paco Boy, considered Goldikova’s biggest challenge after finishing second behind the mare last out in the Queen Anne Stakes (Eng-1) by a head, Goldikova lacked her usual explosive turn of foot in the final two furlongs over the very soft going and was passed after taking the lead two furlongs from the wire by both Makfi and Paco Boy. Makfi went on to win by 2 ½ lengths, relishing the soggy conditions while Goldikova and Paco Boy battled it out for second with Goldikova digging deep to overtake Paco Boy and attain second by a head.
Even though she was defeated one thing is for sure, Goldikova is more than a match for Paco Boy, proving in both of their meetings this year that she has the heart and talent to hold him off where it counts most. She is still on target for a shot at winning her third consecutive Breeders’ Cup Mile.
My final word on the Jacques Le Marois is this; Makfi may have been the better horse on the day, but the best horse did not win.
Other notable races over the weekend include Wasted Tears brilliant 7th consecutive victory when taking the John C. Mabee Stakes (gr.2) and Telling repeating in the Sword Dancer Invitational (gr.1), the only race he seems to be able to win apparently.
Reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra made sure her name remained prominent on Monday with one of her most powerful workouts of the year in preparation for a start in the August 29th Personal Ensign Stakes (gr.1) at Saratoga. The 4-year-old filly went 6 furlongs in a strapping 1:13 1/5, a move that suggests she is getting better as the year goes on. Expect her to turn in a very strong performance in the Personal Ensign.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Sword Dancer Invitational: Up For Grabs
The August 14th Sword Dancer Invitational is being billed as one of the most wide open turf spectacles of the season. Even with 5 graded stakes winners in the field no one single candidate stands out above the others. The 7-year-old
veteran Grand Couturier won the Sword Dancer two consecutive years from 2007-2008 but has gone winless in 3 starts this year after turning in sub-par performances. His last win came in the Bowling Green Handicap (gr.2) at Belmont Park on September 13th when he defeated Winchester by two lengths. He may not be the most consistent runner in the field but when he gets his game right he can produce explosive results. I’ll be rooting for him to win.
Telling enters the Sword Dancer as the 2009 defending champ after taking last year’s edition at odds of 33-1. Much like Grand Couturier, Telling is winless in three 2010 starts, failing to hit the board in all three efforts. I don’t think he’s going to present much of a challenge in this spot Saturday, but being a Grade 1 winner always commands a certain amount of respect and attention.
Winless in three starts for the year seems to be a theme for runners in this year’s edition of the Sword Dancer as Grade 1 winner Marsh Side has also failed to win his three starts so far this year. His form however looks much better than most and in his last race he finished a close up 4th in the Arlington Handicap (gr.3). The 7-year-old athlete looks like the best choice in the field if he can move forward off his Arlington Handicap performance.
Marlang comes from the same training barn as Marsh Side and looks to be one of the pacesetters in the Sword Dancer. He enters off a front-running victory in the Sunset Handicap (gr. 3) in mid July. He was winless in 2009 but won two consecutive graded stakes in 2008, one of which included the Breeders’ Stakes, the third jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown series.
Expansion could be entering the Sword Dancer with the best form of all and certainly the most consistent form. He last finished third to Gio Ponti in the Man ‘O’ War Stakes (gr.1), beaten less than a length for the win. Before the Man ‘O’ War he came in third in the Manhattan Handicap (gr.1) 1 ½ lengths behind the winner. He could produce a mild upset here and finally get the kind of performance that would launch him into the spot light.
Interpatation will forever be known as the horse that cut Gio Ponti’s incredible streak of grade 1 races short at four with
a 43-1 upset victory in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational (gr.1). The Hirsch Turf Classic is his only win in his last 22 starts. He doesn’t win often but when he does he makes it count. His last win before the Hirsch came in the 2005 Palm Beach Stakes (gr.3). He isn’t overly consistent and his erratic performances make it hard to determine when he’s going to run well or toss in a clunker. I’m tossing him here, hopefully it doesn’t come back to bite me.
Al Khali, Romp, Grassy and Bearpath complete the field. Of those four, Grassy and Al Khali look to be closest to be the best long shots with any chance to hit the board.
In other news reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra turned in a spectacular workout on Monday over Saratoga’s Oklahoma training track surface in preparation for an expected start in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign on August 29th. It will be the 4-year-old filly’s first start at the distance of 1 ¼ miles.
veteran Grand Couturier won the Sword Dancer two consecutive years from 2007-2008 but has gone winless in 3 starts this year after turning in sub-par performances. His last win came in the Bowling Green Handicap (gr.2) at Belmont Park on September 13th when he defeated Winchester by two lengths. He may not be the most consistent runner in the field but when he gets his game right he can produce explosive results. I’ll be rooting for him to win.
Telling enters the Sword Dancer as the 2009 defending champ after taking last year’s edition at odds of 33-1. Much like Grand Couturier, Telling is winless in three 2010 starts, failing to hit the board in all three efforts. I don’t think he’s going to present much of a challenge in this spot Saturday, but being a Grade 1 winner always commands a certain amount of respect and attention.
Winless in three starts for the year seems to be a theme for runners in this year’s edition of the Sword Dancer as Grade 1 winner Marsh Side has also failed to win his three starts so far this year. His form however looks much better than most and in his last race he finished a close up 4th in the Arlington Handicap (gr.3). The 7-year-old athlete looks like the best choice in the field if he can move forward off his Arlington Handicap performance.
Marlang comes from the same training barn as Marsh Side and looks to be one of the pacesetters in the Sword Dancer. He enters off a front-running victory in the Sunset Handicap (gr. 3) in mid July. He was winless in 2009 but won two consecutive graded stakes in 2008, one of which included the Breeders’ Stakes, the third jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown series.
Expansion could be entering the Sword Dancer with the best form of all and certainly the most consistent form. He last finished third to Gio Ponti in the Man ‘O’ War Stakes (gr.1), beaten less than a length for the win. Before the Man ‘O’ War he came in third in the Manhattan Handicap (gr.1) 1 ½ lengths behind the winner. He could produce a mild upset here and finally get the kind of performance that would launch him into the spot light.
Interpatation will forever be known as the horse that cut Gio Ponti’s incredible streak of grade 1 races short at four with
a 43-1 upset victory in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational (gr.1). The Hirsch Turf Classic is his only win in his last 22 starts. He doesn’t win often but when he does he makes it count. His last win before the Hirsch came in the 2005 Palm Beach Stakes (gr.3). He isn’t overly consistent and his erratic performances make it hard to determine when he’s going to run well or toss in a clunker. I’m tossing him here, hopefully it doesn’t come back to bite me.
Al Khali, Romp, Grassy and Bearpath complete the field. Of those four, Grassy and Al Khali look to be closest to be the best long shots with any chance to hit the board.
In other news reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra turned in a spectacular workout on Monday over Saratoga’s Oklahoma training track surface in preparation for an expected start in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign on August 29th. It will be the 4-year-old filly’s first start at the distance of 1 ¼ miles.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Odysseus: Heart of a Champion
For American horse racing nothing gets the blood flowing like an exciting Triple Crown candidate emerging out of nowhere to stamp himself as a possible contender in the months before the Kentucky Derby. In February of this year a stunning chestnut colt romped to a 15 length victory over the Tampa Bay Downs racing surface to remain undefeated
in 2 starts for the year, the other being a maiden sprint. His performance earned immediate buzz as a possible Kentucky Derby candidate but it was his next start where colt showed just how good he really was. In just his fourth lifetime start Odysseus turned in the most determined Kentucky Derby prep of the year and stamped his name firmly across the hearts of thousands of fans across the country.
It was the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby and Odysseus was up against race favorite, and future Kentucky Derby winner, Super Saver as well as the very talented Schoolyard Dream. Super Saver led the field from the gate and down the backstretch while Odysseus sat just behind with Schoolyard Dreams taking up the rear. Coming off the turn Schoolyard Dreams sprung into action from far back, brushing past Odysseus and bursting to the lead, a nose ahead of Super Saver.
After receiving the perfect stalking trip all down the backstretch, Odysseus looked to be floundering helplessly entering the homestretch. The sudden move by Schoolyard Dreams seemed to have thrown the inexperienced colt for a loop. Up front Schoolyard Dreams and Super Saver were furiously battling it out, head and head while Odysseus lack of experience seemed to be getting the better of him. Swerving to the outside and finding himself blocked in by Gleam of Hope, Odysseus suddenly darted forward into an invisible hole along the inside of a dueling Super Saver and Schoolyard Dreams. In the blink of an eye he transformed the race into a rout, surging to the wire first by a lip.
Sadly for the racing community Odysseus was sidelined one month later after hyper extending his left knee in the Bluegrass Stakes (gr.1) after which a bone chip was discovered.
Now just four months later, in what has to be one of the most tragic weekends I have ever witnessed in thoroughbred horse racing, on the morning of August 9th Odysseus’ short but brilliant life was brought to a heartbreaking end as the colt lost a battle with laminitis. He was euthanized at Haygard Equine Medical Institute in Kentucky from complications due to laminitis after being treated for colitis. The news is especially saddening coming just two days after the sudden death of the 6 year old mare Tuscan Evening. I truly believe that Odysseus was one of the most naturally gifted young colts I have ever seen race. In his brief but shining career he achieved more things than some horses complete in several seasons of racing.
His talents may never have been fully realized yet he displayed the heart of a true champion through his courage, grit and determination.
in 2 starts for the year, the other being a maiden sprint. His performance earned immediate buzz as a possible Kentucky Derby candidate but it was his next start where colt showed just how good he really was. In just his fourth lifetime start Odysseus turned in the most determined Kentucky Derby prep of the year and stamped his name firmly across the hearts of thousands of fans across the country.
It was the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby and Odysseus was up against race favorite, and future Kentucky Derby winner, Super Saver as well as the very talented Schoolyard Dream. Super Saver led the field from the gate and down the backstretch while Odysseus sat just behind with Schoolyard Dreams taking up the rear. Coming off the turn Schoolyard Dreams sprung into action from far back, brushing past Odysseus and bursting to the lead, a nose ahead of Super Saver.
After receiving the perfect stalking trip all down the backstretch, Odysseus looked to be floundering helplessly entering the homestretch. The sudden move by Schoolyard Dreams seemed to have thrown the inexperienced colt for a loop. Up front Schoolyard Dreams and Super Saver were furiously battling it out, head and head while Odysseus lack of experience seemed to be getting the better of him. Swerving to the outside and finding himself blocked in by Gleam of Hope, Odysseus suddenly darted forward into an invisible hole along the inside of a dueling Super Saver and Schoolyard Dreams. In the blink of an eye he transformed the race into a rout, surging to the wire first by a lip.
Sadly for the racing community Odysseus was sidelined one month later after hyper extending his left knee in the Bluegrass Stakes (gr.1) after which a bone chip was discovered.
Now just four months later, in what has to be one of the most tragic weekends I have ever witnessed in thoroughbred horse racing, on the morning of August 9th Odysseus’ short but brilliant life was brought to a heartbreaking end as the colt lost a battle with laminitis. He was euthanized at Haygard Equine Medical Institute in Kentucky from complications due to laminitis after being treated for colitis. The news is especially saddening coming just two days after the sudden death of the 6 year old mare Tuscan Evening. I truly believe that Odysseus was one of the most naturally gifted young colts I have ever seen race. In his brief but shining career he achieved more things than some horses complete in several seasons of racing.
His talents may never have been fully realized yet he displayed the heart of a true champion through his courage, grit and determination.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Tuscan Evening, Blame, Concord Point, Majesticperfection and Zenyatta
This weekend began as one of the most exciting examples of the great sport of horse racing and sadly ends with soaring highs marred by a tragic low.
At Del Mar on Sunday one of the most spectacular stories of the year came to a devastating end when the nations overwhelming female turf division leader, Tuscan Evening, collapsed dead immediately after a six furlong work over the turf course. The apparent cause of death seemed to be a sudden heart attack but no official cause has yet been released.
The 6-year-old mare who was in the midst of a spectacular undefeated 6-for-6 2010 racing season was training in preparation for a start in the Beverly D. Lewis Stakes (gr.1) at Arlington Park on August 21st. Her presence in the female turf division will be sorely missed. This year alone Tuscan Evening won 6 consecutive graded stakes including the Monrovia (gr. IIIT), Buena Vista (gr. IIT), Santa Ana (gr. IIT), Santa Barbara (gr. IIT), Gamely and Modesty handicaps. All her 2010 starts came in races raging in distance from 6 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/4 miles, proving that she was one of the most versatile throwbacks in years to race across the American turf.
I will sorely miss the presence of this consistently tough and talented mare on the racetrack.
The Whitney Handicap (Gr.1) more than lived up to its billing as one of the most exciting races of the year on Saturday at glittering old Saratoga as the top two older males in the nation battled it out head and head down the stretch.
After setting slower fractions all down the backstretch Quality Road swept into the last turn in complete control and looking every bit a winner. Blame, tracking the leaders closer than usual due to the slower pace began to close with a late rush that could make even Zenyatta blush. Rocketing off the turn with a vengeance, the 4-year-old colt set his sights squarely on the leader as jockey Garrett Gomez urged him on frantically.
Pounding past the stands it was all Quality Road, leading a tough-as-nails Musket Man through the lane as Blame came charging hard on the outside. Waves of sound came crashing over the field as the crowd went wild, the longed for match-up coming to fruiting before their eyes. Stride upon stride Blame closed swiftly, slashing into the impressive lead Quality Road was now struggling to maintain. In a vigorous hand ride, Blame got up in the final few jumps to surge past a game Quality Road and stamp himself as the uncontested leader of the older male division. With his victory in the Whitney Blame has now extended his winning streak to five races and also earned a starting berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Bob Baffert could have two of the leading 3-year-olds by the end of the year if Concord Point’s impressive West Virginia Derby (gr. 2) win over the talented Exhi is any indication of how the colt will continue to perform. He already has divisional leader Lookin At Lucky under his care and now it appears he has another ace in his hand. Entering the Derby off a record setting win in the Iowa Derby (gr.3) Concord Point took control of the race at the break and never looked back in winning by one length over Exhi. Up next for the striking grey colt could be the Travers Stakes (gr.1) at Saratoga but no concrete decisions have been made yet.
In what turned out to be the most impressive sprinting victory of the year, Majesticperfection literally ran his talented,
grade 1 winning foes off their feet. Taking the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (gr.1) field gate-to-wire in the swift time of 1:08.63 Majesticperfection looked in complete control from start to finish. In the stretch graded stakes winners Big Drama, Bribon and Gayego could make up no ground on the winner as the 4 year old colt streaked under the wire with contemptuous ease.
Watching Majesticperfection in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt the thought immediately popped into my head that we could very well be looking at this year’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one thinking that.
Zenyatta did it again, the gargantuan 6-year-old mare is now undefeated in 18 lifetime starts after taking her third consecutive Clement L. Hirsch stakes (gr.1) against a very weak field. No gratifying measure of credit can possibly be
given to the great race mare and the incredible streak of accomplishments she continues to assemble but the fact remains that she is not facing the competition required of a Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, much less an undefeated Classic winner.
Her starting in the Hirsch would have been forgivable if it had not been for the comments dropped after the race by trainer John Shirreffs that Zenyatta will most likely not come to New York for the Beldame Stakes and will instead be considered for the Zenyatta Stakes, formerly known as the the Lady’s Secret Stakes, at Santa Anita Park in October. I guess when the Mosses brought Zenyatta out of retirement they didn’t really mean it when they said they wanted to travel with Zenyatta, and also the one about gender not being a factor. What a joke.
Failing to give any real reasons why Zenyatta will not face males or at least travel East, Shirreffs said that Zenyatta will have only one more start before the Breeders’ Cup Classic. That is pitiful; once again the great mare’s legacy is being completely flattened in favor of one single race. She is capable of so much more than 6 measly starts a year and I for one am tired of seeing trainers and owners treat horses with superior ability and charisma like fine china that can only be taken out in prime conditions for show only.
The bottom line is that there are no excuses for Zenyatta not to run in at least the Beldame but that she should in reality be showing up in the Jockey Club Gold Cup or Woodward Stakes. I wonder how the Mosses will feel if their star loses the Horse of the Year title once again to a rising star like Blame all because they once again failed to seek out the challenges their mare deserved until that one race in November?
At Del Mar on Sunday one of the most spectacular stories of the year came to a devastating end when the nations overwhelming female turf division leader, Tuscan Evening, collapsed dead immediately after a six furlong work over the turf course. The apparent cause of death seemed to be a sudden heart attack but no official cause has yet been released.
The 6-year-old mare who was in the midst of a spectacular undefeated 6-for-6 2010 racing season was training in preparation for a start in the Beverly D. Lewis Stakes (gr.1) at Arlington Park on August 21st. Her presence in the female turf division will be sorely missed. This year alone Tuscan Evening won 6 consecutive graded stakes including the Monrovia (gr. IIIT), Buena Vista (gr. IIT), Santa Ana (gr. IIT), Santa Barbara (gr. IIT), Gamely and Modesty handicaps. All her 2010 starts came in races raging in distance from 6 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/4 miles, proving that she was one of the most versatile throwbacks in years to race across the American turf.
I will sorely miss the presence of this consistently tough and talented mare on the racetrack.
The Whitney Handicap (Gr.1) more than lived up to its billing as one of the most exciting races of the year on Saturday at glittering old Saratoga as the top two older males in the nation battled it out head and head down the stretch.
After setting slower fractions all down the backstretch Quality Road swept into the last turn in complete control and looking every bit a winner. Blame, tracking the leaders closer than usual due to the slower pace began to close with a late rush that could make even Zenyatta blush. Rocketing off the turn with a vengeance, the 4-year-old colt set his sights squarely on the leader as jockey Garrett Gomez urged him on frantically.
Pounding past the stands it was all Quality Road, leading a tough-as-nails Musket Man through the lane as Blame came charging hard on the outside. Waves of sound came crashing over the field as the crowd went wild, the longed for match-up coming to fruiting before their eyes. Stride upon stride Blame closed swiftly, slashing into the impressive lead Quality Road was now struggling to maintain. In a vigorous hand ride, Blame got up in the final few jumps to surge past a game Quality Road and stamp himself as the uncontested leader of the older male division. With his victory in the Whitney Blame has now extended his winning streak to five races and also earned a starting berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Bob Baffert could have two of the leading 3-year-olds by the end of the year if Concord Point’s impressive West Virginia Derby (gr. 2) win over the talented Exhi is any indication of how the colt will continue to perform. He already has divisional leader Lookin At Lucky under his care and now it appears he has another ace in his hand. Entering the Derby off a record setting win in the Iowa Derby (gr.3) Concord Point took control of the race at the break and never looked back in winning by one length over Exhi. Up next for the striking grey colt could be the Travers Stakes (gr.1) at Saratoga but no concrete decisions have been made yet.
In what turned out to be the most impressive sprinting victory of the year, Majesticperfection literally ran his talented,
grade 1 winning foes off their feet. Taking the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (gr.1) field gate-to-wire in the swift time of 1:08.63 Majesticperfection looked in complete control from start to finish. In the stretch graded stakes winners Big Drama, Bribon and Gayego could make up no ground on the winner as the 4 year old colt streaked under the wire with contemptuous ease.
Watching Majesticperfection in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt the thought immediately popped into my head that we could very well be looking at this year’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner and I’m sure I wasn’t the only one thinking that.
Zenyatta did it again, the gargantuan 6-year-old mare is now undefeated in 18 lifetime starts after taking her third consecutive Clement L. Hirsch stakes (gr.1) against a very weak field. No gratifying measure of credit can possibly be
given to the great race mare and the incredible streak of accomplishments she continues to assemble but the fact remains that she is not facing the competition required of a Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, much less an undefeated Classic winner.
Her starting in the Hirsch would have been forgivable if it had not been for the comments dropped after the race by trainer John Shirreffs that Zenyatta will most likely not come to New York for the Beldame Stakes and will instead be considered for the Zenyatta Stakes, formerly known as the the Lady’s Secret Stakes, at Santa Anita Park in October. I guess when the Mosses brought Zenyatta out of retirement they didn’t really mean it when they said they wanted to travel with Zenyatta, and also the one about gender not being a factor. What a joke.
Failing to give any real reasons why Zenyatta will not face males or at least travel East, Shirreffs said that Zenyatta will have only one more start before the Breeders’ Cup Classic. That is pitiful; once again the great mare’s legacy is being completely flattened in favor of one single race. She is capable of so much more than 6 measly starts a year and I for one am tired of seeing trainers and owners treat horses with superior ability and charisma like fine china that can only be taken out in prime conditions for show only.
The bottom line is that there are no excuses for Zenyatta not to run in at least the Beldame but that she should in reality be showing up in the Jockey Club Gold Cup or Woodward Stakes. I wonder how the Mosses will feel if their star loses the Horse of the Year title once again to a rising star like Blame all because they once again failed to seek out the challenges their mare deserved until that one race in November?
Friday, August 6, 2010
Quality Across The Board
Saturday’s Whitney Invitational Handicap (gr.1) is poised to become one of the year’s biggest racing extravaganzas to date with a field stock full of quality horses that make it look more like a Breeders’ Cup championship race than a mid-summer headliner.
Quality Road sits atop the nation’s ranks as the leading older male horse after winning all three starts in 2010 in impressive fashion. He enters the Whitney off a sparkling Met Mile (gr.1) victory in May and looks to keep the streak alive while running as the favorite yet again. Trainer Todd Pletcher thinks his charge is better than ever and is set to turn in a monster effort. Quality Road already has one monster performance to his 2010 record after winning the Donn Handicap (gr.1) by more than 12 lengths on February 6th.
Clark Handicap (gr.2) and Stephen Foster (gr.1) victor Blame enters off a hard fought win last out in the Stephen Foster which was his fourth straight win and second of the year overall. He has the potential to steal the whole show in the Whitney as a win would vault him to an uncontested lead in the older male division.
Musket Man is the epitome of a consistent and tough runner but seems to come up short at the wire as often as he wins. He finished second in the Carter Handicap (gr.1) in early April and trainer Derek Ryan hopes the 4-year-old colt will be able to turn his luck around in the Whitney.
Haynesfield enters the Whitney off an impressive victory in the Suburban on July 3rd, a race that is the same distance as the Whitney’s 1 1/8 miles. His good tactical speed could have him placed right off the pace of Quality Road which might not be a good thing with Quality Road’s powerful cruising speed.
Mine that Bird finally gets to make his 2010 debut on his preferred surface after finishing a dull 8th on the turf in the Firecracker Stakes at Churchill Downs. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas is hopeful the colt can rediscover the form that won him the Kentucky Derby last year and run a good race.
Jardim rounds out the field as a seriously over-matched entrant. He sports the longest odds of any in the race by far a looks like a completely forgettable contestant but lighting has a funny way of striking in the strangest places when you least expect it. He could throw a serious wrench into the picture with a win, but I don’t think there’s much chance of his doing that.
Quality Road is the deserving favorite here and even with the depth of the field that he is facing he stands out like a diamond among rubies. I like Blame but his style seems to be more like a grinder and in this race I think quick turn of foot and speed will be playing a major role. If Mine that Bird and Musket Man can rediscover the late rallies that earned them so much respect last year they could easily round out the top three. Haynesfield is the only one I’m not sure what to think of in this race. He has very ratable speed but I don’t think he’ll be able to pass Quality Road if that one is on the lead down the backstretch.
Quality Road looks like the winner and I’ll take Mine that Bird for second. It would be nice to see the little gelding get back to form here and race well the remainder of the year.
The West Virginia Derby (gr.2) has morphed into a tremendous showdown between two very talented colts. Exhi enters the Derby riding a hot four race stakes win streak, all over synthetics. His latest win came in the form of an impressive victory in Woodbine’s Victoria Park Stakes in late June.
Concord Point enters off a record setting win in the 1 1/16 mile Iowa Derby (gr.3) that he won by open lengths. I
personally like Concord Point better than Exhi here but the field is very diverse and a win from Nacho Friend, Theskyhasnolimit or Skipshot would not be a shock. Concord Point looks like the real deal to me and the only question I have regarding Exhi is how well he will handle the synthetic to dirt surface switch.
The Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (gr. 1) at Saratoga on Sunday has set up as an exciting renewal of the nation’s premier summer sprint race. Entered in the field are high class grade one winners Gayego and Bribon along with graded stakes winners Big Drama and Mambo Meister. Gayego and Bribon may be the only two with grade 1 wins but I think Big Drama is much the best in this field.
Quality Road sits atop the nation’s ranks as the leading older male horse after winning all three starts in 2010 in impressive fashion. He enters the Whitney off a sparkling Met Mile (gr.1) victory in May and looks to keep the streak alive while running as the favorite yet again. Trainer Todd Pletcher thinks his charge is better than ever and is set to turn in a monster effort. Quality Road already has one monster performance to his 2010 record after winning the Donn Handicap (gr.1) by more than 12 lengths on February 6th.
Clark Handicap (gr.2) and Stephen Foster (gr.1) victor Blame enters off a hard fought win last out in the Stephen Foster which was his fourth straight win and second of the year overall. He has the potential to steal the whole show in the Whitney as a win would vault him to an uncontested lead in the older male division.
Musket Man is the epitome of a consistent and tough runner but seems to come up short at the wire as often as he wins. He finished second in the Carter Handicap (gr.1) in early April and trainer Derek Ryan hopes the 4-year-old colt will be able to turn his luck around in the Whitney.
Haynesfield enters the Whitney off an impressive victory in the Suburban on July 3rd, a race that is the same distance as the Whitney’s 1 1/8 miles. His good tactical speed could have him placed right off the pace of Quality Road which might not be a good thing with Quality Road’s powerful cruising speed.
Mine that Bird finally gets to make his 2010 debut on his preferred surface after finishing a dull 8th on the turf in the Firecracker Stakes at Churchill Downs. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas is hopeful the colt can rediscover the form that won him the Kentucky Derby last year and run a good race.
Jardim rounds out the field as a seriously over-matched entrant. He sports the longest odds of any in the race by far a looks like a completely forgettable contestant but lighting has a funny way of striking in the strangest places when you least expect it. He could throw a serious wrench into the picture with a win, but I don’t think there’s much chance of his doing that.
Quality Road is the deserving favorite here and even with the depth of the field that he is facing he stands out like a diamond among rubies. I like Blame but his style seems to be more like a grinder and in this race I think quick turn of foot and speed will be playing a major role. If Mine that Bird and Musket Man can rediscover the late rallies that earned them so much respect last year they could easily round out the top three. Haynesfield is the only one I’m not sure what to think of in this race. He has very ratable speed but I don’t think he’ll be able to pass Quality Road if that one is on the lead down the backstretch.
Quality Road looks like the winner and I’ll take Mine that Bird for second. It would be nice to see the little gelding get back to form here and race well the remainder of the year.
The West Virginia Derby (gr.2) has morphed into a tremendous showdown between two very talented colts. Exhi enters the Derby riding a hot four race stakes win streak, all over synthetics. His latest win came in the form of an impressive victory in Woodbine’s Victoria Park Stakes in late June.
Concord Point enters off a record setting win in the 1 1/16 mile Iowa Derby (gr.3) that he won by open lengths. I
personally like Concord Point better than Exhi here but the field is very diverse and a win from Nacho Friend, Theskyhasnolimit or Skipshot would not be a shock. Concord Point looks like the real deal to me and the only question I have regarding Exhi is how well he will handle the synthetic to dirt surface switch.
The Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (gr. 1) at Saratoga on Sunday has set up as an exciting renewal of the nation’s premier summer sprint race. Entered in the field are high class grade one winners Gayego and Bribon along with graded stakes winners Big Drama and Mambo Meister. Gayego and Bribon may be the only two with grade 1 wins but I think Big Drama is much the best in this field.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Haskell: Making His Own Luck
Monmouth Park’s Haskell Invitational Stakes (gr.1) on Sunday didn’t just provide one of the most impressive sophomore performances of the year, it more than likely became the crowning moment for Lookin At Lucky’s 3-year-old Male Championship run. The Smart Strike colt proved just how devastating he can be when given a clean trip, confident ride and clear sailing in the stretch.
Sent off as the favorite in the Haskell over Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver and the talented Trappe Shot, Lookin At Lucky stumbled slightly coming out of the one hole at the break but immediately righted himself as jockey Martin Garcia guided his charge away from the rail to get a clear position on the outside. Up front First Dude charged to the fore, taking the lead from Our Dark Knight, with that colt glued to his flank down the backstretch and Super Saver just behind. Down the Backstretch Lookin At Lucky was pulling hard while racing in the clear just behind the leaders. Derby runner-up Ice Box trailed the field all the way through the backstretch and into the turn where the real running began. Entering the final turn Marin Garcia let Lookin At Lucky go and in a visually impressive move the colt bounded up to the leaders while at the same time Super Saver surged forward to take the lead by a nose. Thundering into the homestretch to the roar of more than 40,000 screaming fans, Lookin At Lucky and Super Saver moved in tandem and it appeared the two classic winners would make a fight of it while First Dude shook free of Our Dark Knight and charged on gamely. Into the stretch the picture changed in the blink of eye as with one cross of the reins from Garcia, Lookin At Lucky stormed to the lead, powering clear of the field by more than two lengths. Continuing down the stretch with Trappe Shot closing well from behind to seize the second spot while Super Saver and First Dude battled it out over third, Lookin At Lucky strode past the wire a four length winner. Against what many industry leaders were calling the deepest field in Haskell history, Lookin At Lucky did it all in a mere hand ride, striding down the stretch with ears pricked, handing the nation’s best colts a thrashing no one is soon to forget.
Lookin At Lucky is no ordinary colt to say the least, his Haskell win was beyond easy and dominant, it was the ultimate display of talent and proves that he never relinquished his position as the leader of his division since last year.
Trappe Shot proved his mettle in the Haskell and will most likely be making some noise for the rest of the year. Ice Box was the biggest disappointment of the Haskell field just as he was in the Belmont, finishing well behind the top four in 6th after failing to produce the devastating late-kick that earned him a Grade one victory and runner-up honors in the Kentucky Derby earlier in the year. First Dude once again proved that he is one of the toughest and most consistent colts in the country. With the determination and heart this horse throws on the line in his races you have to believe that his day to shine will come soon but for now, Lookin At Lucky reigns supreme and uncontested.
The Haskell is the no-doubt-about-it top story of the weekend, but three other races deserve mention here. Goldikova, one of Europe’s all time greatest racehorses continued her march in greatness as she once again captured the Prix Rothschild (Fr-I) in France for the third straight year. The win was the 10th grade/group 1 win for the incredible mare and with her eyes set on a record third Breeders’ Cup Mile attempt this fall, more amazing things look to be in store. She won the Rothschild with supreme ease after jockey Olivier Peslier sent his mount confidently after the frontrunners two furlongs from the wire. With her blindingly quick turn-of-foot Goldikova attained the lead in a matter of seconds and in a few more was three lengths clear of the field.
The Diana Handicap (gr.1) will enter the history books as one of the most exciting renewals in history with a finish
resulting in five mares across the track. Proviso won by a head to earn her third consecutive grade 1 race while a wall of four talented mares surged across the line behind her. Shared Account took second by a nose over a furiously late-rallying Forever Together who finished a head in front of Dynaslew with Maram just behind. This race was the definition of a thrilling race between some very classy fillies. Sadly champion Forever Together once again came up just short at the wire as the defending Diana after stumbling at the start.
Who saw Winslow Homer winning the Curlin Stakes? In a romp by nine lengths, Winslow Homer made an emphatic statement that he could be back to his old self. Earlier in the year Winslow Homer was a leading Kentucky Derby candidate after winning the Holy Bull Stakes (gr.3) but was sidelined by a stress fracture. The Curlin Stakes was his second start off his layoff and his sights could now be set on the Travers Stakes (gr.1).
Sent off as the favorite in the Haskell over Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver and the talented Trappe Shot, Lookin At Lucky stumbled slightly coming out of the one hole at the break but immediately righted himself as jockey Martin Garcia guided his charge away from the rail to get a clear position on the outside. Up front First Dude charged to the fore, taking the lead from Our Dark Knight, with that colt glued to his flank down the backstretch and Super Saver just behind. Down the Backstretch Lookin At Lucky was pulling hard while racing in the clear just behind the leaders. Derby runner-up Ice Box trailed the field all the way through the backstretch and into the turn where the real running began. Entering the final turn Marin Garcia let Lookin At Lucky go and in a visually impressive move the colt bounded up to the leaders while at the same time Super Saver surged forward to take the lead by a nose. Thundering into the homestretch to the roar of more than 40,000 screaming fans, Lookin At Lucky and Super Saver moved in tandem and it appeared the two classic winners would make a fight of it while First Dude shook free of Our Dark Knight and charged on gamely. Into the stretch the picture changed in the blink of eye as with one cross of the reins from Garcia, Lookin At Lucky stormed to the lead, powering clear of the field by more than two lengths. Continuing down the stretch with Trappe Shot closing well from behind to seize the second spot while Super Saver and First Dude battled it out over third, Lookin At Lucky strode past the wire a four length winner. Against what many industry leaders were calling the deepest field in Haskell history, Lookin At Lucky did it all in a mere hand ride, striding down the stretch with ears pricked, handing the nation’s best colts a thrashing no one is soon to forget.
Lookin At Lucky is no ordinary colt to say the least, his Haskell win was beyond easy and dominant, it was the ultimate display of talent and proves that he never relinquished his position as the leader of his division since last year.
Trappe Shot proved his mettle in the Haskell and will most likely be making some noise for the rest of the year. Ice Box was the biggest disappointment of the Haskell field just as he was in the Belmont, finishing well behind the top four in 6th after failing to produce the devastating late-kick that earned him a Grade one victory and runner-up honors in the Kentucky Derby earlier in the year. First Dude once again proved that he is one of the toughest and most consistent colts in the country. With the determination and heart this horse throws on the line in his races you have to believe that his day to shine will come soon but for now, Lookin At Lucky reigns supreme and uncontested.
The Haskell is the no-doubt-about-it top story of the weekend, but three other races deserve mention here. Goldikova, one of Europe’s all time greatest racehorses continued her march in greatness as she once again captured the Prix Rothschild (Fr-I) in France for the third straight year. The win was the 10th grade/group 1 win for the incredible mare and with her eyes set on a record third Breeders’ Cup Mile attempt this fall, more amazing things look to be in store. She won the Rothschild with supreme ease after jockey Olivier Peslier sent his mount confidently after the frontrunners two furlongs from the wire. With her blindingly quick turn-of-foot Goldikova attained the lead in a matter of seconds and in a few more was three lengths clear of the field.
The Diana Handicap (gr.1) will enter the history books as one of the most exciting renewals in history with a finish
resulting in five mares across the track. Proviso won by a head to earn her third consecutive grade 1 race while a wall of four talented mares surged across the line behind her. Shared Account took second by a nose over a furiously late-rallying Forever Together who finished a head in front of Dynaslew with Maram just behind. This race was the definition of a thrilling race between some very classy fillies. Sadly champion Forever Together once again came up just short at the wire as the defending Diana after stumbling at the start.
Who saw Winslow Homer winning the Curlin Stakes? In a romp by nine lengths, Winslow Homer made an emphatic statement that he could be back to his old self. Earlier in the year Winslow Homer was a leading Kentucky Derby candidate after winning the Holy Bull Stakes (gr.3) but was sidelined by a stress fracture. The Curlin Stakes was his second start off his layoff and his sights could now be set on the Travers Stakes (gr.1).
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