2011 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies: Best long-shots and Favorites

Juvenile races have always been the toughest ones for me to handicap. The Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr.1) has produced a full field of 14 promising fillies this year, sorting out the good from the bad is perhaps not as challenging as it appears when looking at the entries. I believe there are five fillies with a good chance to win, and three with a good chance to hit the board. I hate to say it, but I think this one is all about the favorites for the win. There has been a lot of consistency among the top five contestants this year, hence the reason for three undefeated, Grade 1 winners entered in the field.

My Miss Aurelia is the deserving morning line favorite for the race off the strength of her 5 ½ length romp over Stopshoppingmaria in the Grade 1 Frizette Stakes early last month at Belmont Park, but it’s an undefeated daughter of Empire Maker that I like the most right now. Grace Hall won her debut at Delaware Park by three lengths in late July before winning the Grade 1 Spinaway Stakes over the gifted Judy the Beauty. She followed that win up with a easy three length score in the Blue Hen Stakes at Delaware Park on October 1^st, winning in a hand ride after contesting the lead. So far all three wins by Grace Hall have been accomplished with just a hand ride, implying there is much more to this filly than we have seen so far.

My Miss Aurelia ran a huge race in the Frizette, capturing the race in front-running fashion by more than five lengths, and defeating Stopshoppingmaria handily for the second time in her three race career. She also defeated third place finisher Miss Netta in the Frizette, a filly I think has a lot of potential to movfe forward in the Juvenile Fillies today. My Miss Aurelia is a daughter of Smart Strike and is owned by Barbara Banke, wife to the late Jess Jackson of Curlin and Rachel Alexandra fame. I think the greatest weakness for this filly could be her front-running tactics, even though juvenile fillies have fared very well in recent years running on the front end, I think there are some very classy fillies behind her this time that will not let her run away in the stretch.

Weemissfrankie is the undisputed leader of West Coast juvenile fillies after back-to-back Grade 1 wins in the Del Mar Debutante Stakes and most recently in the Oak Leaf Stakes where she ran down the very talented Candrea, who is also slated to take part in the Breeders’ Cup. She could not have been more impressive in her Oak Leaf score where she ran down Candrea just before the wire, closing from fifth place and coming into the stretch four wide, while still catching the leader and winning by half a length under a vigorous hand ride. She ran a fantastic :59.20 five furlong work one week ago at Santa Anita to signal how fit and ready she is to run.

Miss Netta has raced just two times in her short career so far, but has shown incredible potential. She broke her maiden at first asking, taking a six furlong at Saratoga in late August but almost three lengths, running on the lead from gate, to wire. Her next start came in the Frizette Stakes (gr.1) at Belmont Park where she just happened to run into the monster we know as My Miss Aurelia, finishing a distant, but decisive third. On paper her performance looks back, but it was actually very good. She broke awkwardly, immediately dropping four lengths off the field and running very greenly for jockey Rajiv Maragh. By the time My Miss Aurelia was approaching the far turn, Miss Netta was far more than twelve lengths off the back of the pack, but began to eat up the ground and settle for Rajiv Maragh as they entered the far turn. Coming into the stretch My Miss Aurelia was pulling well clear of Stopshoppingmaria up front, but Miss Netta was flying home fastest of all, running an incredible race to get up for third, finishing almost three lengths ahead of Holiday Soiree in fourth. She could be sitting on a huge race at Churchill Downs today and her :46.87 bullet work at Belmont last weekend proves she is coming into this race very sharp.

Candrea ran a big race in the Oak Leaf Stakes (gr.1), a race that in most cases would have been a winning race if not for Weemissfrankie. She pressed the pace in second, took over from the pacesetter coming into the stretch and began to draw off and accelerate approaching the wire. Unfortunately for her, Weemissfrankie was just too good and flew by her on the outside late to snag the win by half a length. This Bob Baffert trained filly won the first two starts of her career by a combined 7 ½ lengths. She likes to sit close to the pace and launch her bid off the turn, tactics that will keep her close to the front-running My Miss Aurelia in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies if she has the speed. She had a good :48.80 half mile breeze at Churchill Downs recently and is another that looks like a candidate to run a good race.

Since I don’t have time to handicap the entire field, I tried to choose three long-shot fillies that I think have the best shots at hitting the board for a price. My first is two-time stakes winner, Say a Novena. This filly has won three of her six career starts so far and most recently captured the Brandywine Stakes at Parx Racing after missing by one length in the Sorority Stakes at Monmouth Park in early September. Her biggest problem is that she has never run past seven furlongs yet, but in all of her stakes tries, which make up her last four consecutive starts, she has finished running well and never tired late. She could be a nice value if she runs well today with morning line odds of 30-1.

Awesome Belle has taken the same course to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies that 2010 Juvenile winner Awesome Feather took, and they just happen to both be daughters of Awesome of Course. Awesome Belle enters the Juvenile off a 7 ½ length romp in the 1 1/16 mile My Dear Girl Stakes at Calder Race Course. The My Dear Girl Stakes is the final race in the Florida Stallion Series which Awesome Feather won last year. This year Awesome Belle didn’t fare as well, finishing fifth in the Desert Vixen Stakes after a bad trip in the stretch, and finished third in the Susan’s Girl Stakes after finding herself in tight quarters and unable to catch the top two. I think she’s beginning to improve and really good shot to hit the board. Her morning line odds are 20-1 and her most recent work was a :48.20 half mile move at Calder.

Rocket Twentyone is undefeated in two starts, but most recently captured the Arlington-Washington Lassie Stakes (gr.2) at Arlington Park on September 10^th. The one thing she will seriously need to improve on is her speed is she hopes to finish in the top half of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies field. She ran the one mile Arlington-Washing Lassie in a slow time of 1:39.13, and has been working up to the race equally as slow. As a daughter of Indian Charlie you know she has a chance to improve, but it’s highly doubtful she can win. Maybe hit the board, and with odds of 20-1 it might be worth a shot.

So there are my three long-shot choices, of the three I like Awesome Belle much the best. Of the top five fillies in the field I like Grace Hall, Miss Netta, Weemissfrankie, and My Miss Aurelia in that order. Good luck to all and enjoy the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Friday card.

Breeders' Cup Top 10 - The Distaff/Ladies Classic

It's been awhile since I posted, but this week I will definitely be posting on a few of the Breeders Cup races. To start things out this Breeders' Cup week, head on over to Horse Racing Nation and check out the new Top 10 Breeders' Cup Distaff/Ladies Classic list I've compiled on the Distaff Runner blog, complete with video replays.  There's sure to be one of your favorites amongst the list!

Click Here to check out the Top Ten list.

Winter Memories Chasing 2nd Grade 1

The Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes (gr.1) is setting up as a terrific clash of the nation’s overwhelmingly best sophomore turf fillies. Of the eight 3-year-old entrants set to contest the 1 1/8 mile contest, six of them are graded stakes winners and three are grade 1 winners. The two fillies that have no graded stakes win to their records enter the Queen Elizabeth off runner up efforts in Grade 1 stakes races. Leading this impressive cast of fillies are Grade 1 winners are Winter Memories and Summer Soiree. If ever there was a more powerful sophomore filly duo facing off on the turf in recent memory, I can’t think of one.

Winter Memories will undoubtedly be bet down as the heavy favorite by post time, but Summer Soiree will be a very strong second choice. Both fillies have racked up four wins in five start this year, both won the first Grade 1 of their career in their most recent starts. The similarities stop there. Winter Memories possesses perhaps the most deadly turn of foot seen in the United States since Goldikova dismantled her third-consecutive Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr.1) last fall. She usually drops to the rear of the field, bides her time until finding a clear path in the stretch, and then unleashes an unearthly rally that propels her to the lead within a matter of moments. In her last start Winter Memories created a stunning moment of brilliance when she won the Garden City Stakes (gr.1). After entering the stretch dead last, with nowhere to go behind a wall of horses, jockey Javier Castellano moved the El Prado filly into the clear just a few strides before the finish and the talented filly responded with an explosion that thrust her neck ahead at the wire. She will enter the Queen Elizabeth off just two works, but fitness will not be an issue.

Summer Soiree’s forte is speed, she wants the lead from the moment the gates spring open. This daughter of War Front started her year with a 9 ¾ length romp at Oaklawn Park in a 1 1/16 mile allowance race on the dirt, then followed that up with a powerful 10 ¾ length win in the 1 mile Grade 3 Bourbonette Oaks over Turfway Park’s synthetic surface. Less than two months later, Summer Soiree finished 10^th in the Kentucky Oaks (gr.1) after setting the pace and fading in the stretch. Brought back in the 1 1/16 mile Boiling Springs Stakes (gr.3) on the Monmouth Park turf course, the Graham Motion trained filly again romped by 8 ½ lengths. Brought back two months later, Summer Soiree again set the pace in the 1 1/8 mile Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks, and just lasted for the win by a half length over fellow Queen Elizabeth entrants Star Billing, and Nereid. She enters off three works, and in typical War Front-offspring fashion, they are speedy, solid works that will have this filly ready to once again run strong on the front end. She’ll be facing the toughest closer of her career in Winter Memories, which means she’ll have to run the race of a lifetime to win. The distance is 1 1/8 miles once again, so she will have to run better than she did in the Del Mar Oaks if she wants to hold on for the win this time.

When you look past the top two in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes one several names pop out from entry list; 2010Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (gr.1) winner More Than Real, Pucker Up Stakes winner Marketing Mix, Del Mar Oaks runner-up Star Billing as well as Del Mar Oaks third place finisher Nereid, and Together, runner-up in the First Lady Stakes (gr.1) last weekend at Keeneland. [Read the complete post here on Distaff Runner at Horse Racing Nation]

[polldaddy poll=5583757]

 

Winter Memories Chases 2nd Grade 1

The Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes (gr.1) is setting up as a terrific clash of the nation’s overwhelmingly best sophomore turf fillies. Of the eight 3-year-old entrants set to contest the 1 1/8 mile contest, six of them are graded stakes winners and three are grade 1 winners. The two fillies that have no graded stakes win to their records enter the Queen Elizabeth off runner up efforts in Grade 1 stakes races. Leading this impressive cast of fillies are Grade 1 winners are Winter Memories and Summer Soiree. If ever there was a more powerful sophomore filly duo facing off on the turf in recent memory, I can’t think of one.

Winter Memories will undoubtedly be bet down as the heavy favorite by post time, but Summer Soiree will be a very strong second choice. Both fillies have racked up four wins in five start this year, both won the first Grade 1 of their career in their most recent starts. The similarities stop there. Winter Memories possesses perhaps the most deadly turn of foot seen in the United States since Goldikova dismantled her third-consecutive Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr.1) last fall. She usually drops to the rear of the field, bides her time until finding a clear path in the stretch, and then unleashes an unearthly rally that propels her to the lead within a matter of moments. In her last start Winter Memories created a stunning moment of brilliance when she won the Garden City Stakes (gr.1). After entering the stretch dead last, with nowhere to go behind a wall of horses, jockey Javier Castellano moved the El Prado filly into the clear just a few strides before the finish and the talented filly responded with an explosion that thrust her neck ahead at the wire. She will enter the Queen Elizabeth off just two works, but fitness will not be an issue.

Summer Soiree’s forte is speed, she wants the lead from the moment the gates spring open. This daughter of War Front started her year with a 9 ¾ length romp at Oaklawn Park in a 1 1/16 mile allowance race on the dirt, then followed that up with a powerful 10 ¾ length win in the 1 mile Grade 3 Bourbonette Oaks over Turfway Park’s synthetic surface. Less than two months later, Summer Soiree finished 10^th in the Kentucky Oaks (gr.1) after setting the pace and fading in the stretch. Brought back in the 1 1/16 mile Boiling Springs Stakes (gr.3) on the Monmouth Park turf course, the Graham Motion trained filly again romped by 8 ½ lengths. Brought back two months later, Summer Soiree again set the pace in the 1 1/8 mile Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks, and just lasted for the win by a half length over fellow Queen Elizabeth entrants Star Billing, and Nereid. She enters off three works, and in typical War Front-offspring fashion, they are speedy, solid works that will have this filly ready to once again run strong on the front end. She’ll be facing the toughest closer of her career in Winter Memories, which means she’ll have to run the race of a lifetime to win. The distance is 1 1/8 miles once again, so she will have to run better than she did in the Del Mar Oaks if she wants to hold on for the win this time.

When you look past the top two in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes one several names pop out from entry list; 2010Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (gr.1) winner More Than Real, Pucker Up Stakes winner Marketing Mix, Del Mar Oaks runner-up Star Billing as well as Del Mar Oaks third place finisher Nereid, and Together, runner-up in the First Lady Stakes (gr.1) last weekend at Keeneland. [Read the complete post here on Distaff Runner at Horse Racing Nation]

Royal Delta Takes on Havre de Grace

Havre de Grace is one very special filly. For years the status quo was challenged by only the greedy, the foolish or the very gifted. Fillies rarely contested the nation’s toughest and most prestigious open company races against males, unless the male contingent came up very weak, or the filly was something exceptional. Havre de Grace proved to be the exception in her last start when she easily dominated a field of seven males to win the Woodward Stakes (gr.1) by 1 ¼ lengths, placing herself squarely in the discussion for Horse of the Year. In five starts this year Havre de Grace has won four starts in decisive fashion while losing just once by a nose. There’s been just one horse that’s had the measure of Havre de Grace from day one, and that’s Blind Luck. It takes a great horse to beat a great horse.

On Saturday, Havre de Grace will go for her third Grade 1 win of the year, when she comes to Belmont Park for the first time in her career, to contest the 72^nd Beldame Stakes (gr.1). A short field of five fillies has been entered in the Beldame, including brilliant 3-year-old filly Royal Delta, dual Grade 1 winner Life at Ten and graded stakes winner Satans Quick Chick. The Larry Jones trained Havre de Grace has turned in just two works since her exciting romp against the boys on September 3rd, most recently turning in an easy 1:02.20 five furlong breeze at Delaware Park Monday. Fitness will not be an issue for the 4-year-old Saint Liam filly. She’s conquered everyone except Blind Luck this year, so if she’s feeling as good as she’s been feeling since March, there might be no stopping her in the Beldame. [To read the complete post and see Royal Delta's chances of winning, click here to visit HRN Distaff Runner blog]

Best of Three Continents?

Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana probably didn’t have horse racing in mind when she sang the words, “Best of both worlds”, but that line could easily be applied to turf super-stars, Winter Memories, Black Caviar and Goldikova. Though in this case, it’s the best of all three “worlds”.

You know something special has taken place in the racing world when three days after an event, the web is still abuzz with news and online forums are lit-up with excited back and forth debates and chatter. That is exactly what Winter Memories scintillating performance in the Garden City Stakes has evoked since her dazzling turn of foot at Belmont Park Saturday. I won’t linger over the details of Winter Memories bad trip again, as that has been exhaustively covered in the last three days, but there are interesting things worth noting about her win.

When Winter Memories wins, she does it with little or no help from the jockey. Some will disagree with me on this, but the rider switch to Javier Castellano, who I think is a terrific rider, did absolutely nothing to help Winter Memories pick up her first Grade 1 win. Castellano gave her a terrible ride, forcing her lose position after breaking well and running comfortably in behind the pacesetters approaching the first turn, then keeping her under a strangle hold and allowing horses to block her path to the outside as the field navigated the turn. Entering the stretch it was clear to everyone that Castellano had Winter Memories in what appeared to be an impossible position and still he did nothing, waiting instead until the final furlong when Hungry Island moved up on the outside to swing Winter Memories into the clear. Please don’t misunderstand the point I am trying to make here, which is not to bash Javier Castellano, but to praise the ability of Winter Memories to rouse herself to such a super-horse effort and win. Despite not being allowed to run her race until the final furlong of the stretch, the El Prado filly traveled her final 1/8 of a mile in an astounding 10.6. That is unheard of in racing. Even a sub-11 final 1/8 is unheard of, and the fact that she did it in a hand ride and was eased just before hitting the wire makes it all the more astonishing.

She received a 93 Beyer in the Garden City Stakes which at first glance may seem low, but keep in mind she wasn’t able to utilize the length of the stretch this time like she was in the Lake George Stakes where she received a career best 95 Beyer. Imagine what she might have been assigned if allowed clear running room.

It appears the final start of 2011 for the Jimmy Toner trained filly will be in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (gr.1) at Keeneland on October 15th. Winter Memories would almost surely meet Grade 1 winner Summer Soiree in the Queen Elizabeth II, which would set up for one of most exciting turf filly matchups of the year. Summer Soiree has lost just once this year, much like Winter Memories, though she finished far up the track in 10th while contesting the Kentucky Oaks. Since then the War Front filly has done no wrong, winning the Grade 3 Boiling Springs Stakes by more than eight lengths, and capturing the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks by half a length in her most recent start. Summer Soiree started the year with two runaway wins before finishing out of the money in the Kentucky Oaks; First a 9 ¾ length allowance romp which she followed up with a 10 ¾ length rout in the Grade 3 Bourbonette Oaks in late March. The Queen Elizabeth II should be an excellent match up, and with Hungry Island and possibly Pucker Up (gr.3) winner, Marketing Mix, also heading to the Queen Elizabeth, this field is beginning to look Breeders’ Cup worthy. [Read the complete post about Winter Memories, Goldikova and Black Caviar at HRN on Distaff Runner]

Winter Memories Vs. the Field

[Originally posted on Horse Racing Nation]

Winter Memories turned in the worst effort of her brilliant career last month when she finished fourth in the Woodford Reserve Lake Placid Stakes (gr.2) after enduring a horrible trip boxed in on the rails. Now, the four-time graded stakes winner returns Saturday to defend her reputation against a strong field of eight sophomore fillies on Belmont Park’s inner turf course.

Despite finishing out of the money in the Lake Placid, Winter Memories will still go off a solid favorite in the Garden City Stakes (gr.1) off the strength of her three consecutive graded stakes scores earlier this year. Starting in mid-May the striking gray filly won the Grade 3 Appalachian Stakes, Grade 2 Sands Points Stakes and the Grade 2 Lake George Stakes, all in dominant fashion. After breaking from post five in a field of seven in the Woodford Reserve Lake Placid, Winter Memories got pinned down on the rail as the field navigated the far turn and struggled to find a gap to run through as the field entered the homestretch. She finally managed to work her way through an opening on the inside and find clear running room, but by that time it was too late, and Hungry Island was well on her way to winning. In seven lifetime starts the El Prado filly has crossed the line ahead of the pack five times and finished second once. Her only unplaced effort came in the Lake Placid. She enters the Garden City Stakes off two five furlongs works. Her last move was a fairly slow 1:03.48 move over Belmont’s Inner Turf course, but still ranked as the fastest of three moves at the distance. There is little doubt she is the class of this field, and that’s saying a lot when you consider there are three other graded stakes winners running, not to mention two black-type stakes winners. She’s the type of filly that makes you think she’s a once in a lifetime kind of talent. [Read the complete story here on Distaff Runner at Horse Racing Nation]

Beauty and the Angel: The Spinaway

 Originally Post On Distaff Runner - Horse Racing Nation:


A solid field of nine juvenile fillies has been entered in the 120^th running of the Spinaway Stakes (Gr.1) set to be run this Sunday. The Spinaway is one of the most prestigious, and coveted stakes races in the nation for juvenile fillies, and has proven to be the launching pad for many a championship season. Back in 1904 Tanya captured the prized event before making history by winning the Belmont Stakes the next year. During the course of the next century, hallowed names like Top Flight, Cicada, Affectionately and Ruffian joined the roster of winners, further enhancing the validation of the Spinaway as a championship defining race. More recently R Heat Lightning took home the top spot in 2010, before launching a stunning early season campaign in 2011 that saw her win the Davona Dale and Gulfstream Oaks by more than 15 combined lengths. Case in point; The Spinaway is an extremely valuable commodity.

This year it appears to be a showdown between Judy the Beauty, and Georgie’s Angel. Georgie’s Angel hails from the barn of red-hot trainer Todd Pletcher, and is the only graded stakes winner in the field, and thus the favorite. She began her career on July fourth at Churchill Downs, defeating nine other fillies by more than six lengths, while posting a winning time of :51.23, just over a second off the track record for the 4 ½ furlongs. Brought back just 18 days later in Saratoga’s Grade 3 Schuylerville Stakes, the Bellamy Road filly broke fastest of all but was quickly taken in hand by jockey John Velazquez and dropped back to rate mid-pack on the inside. Coming off the turn Georgie’s Angel drove four wide and swept to the lead, easily holding off a late closing True Feelings by a comfortable 1 ½ lengths. [Read the complete post here on Distaff Runner at Horse Racing Nation]

The Measure of Grace

Originally posted on Horse Racing Nation:

What is the measure of a man? For as long as pen and parchment have existed, and man first discovered the power and influence of words, there has been a desire to record, and question, the accomplishments of others. From Julius Caesar, to Leonardo da Vinci, Queen Victoria, and Martin Luther King, great figureheads in history have been put through countless tests to measure their worth in a million different areas of proficiency. Perhaps the question we need to be asking coming into Saturday’s Woodward Stakes is this: What is the measure of a filly?

Havre de Grace has been under constant and ever-increasing scrutiny, since she gave Champion Blind Luck one of the most testing races of her career in the Delaware Oaks (gr.2) on July 10^th last year. The two fillies have since established one of the greatest rivalries thoroughbred horse racing have ever seen. Five times Havre de Grace and Blind Luck have faced each other since last July, and never has another horse finished between them. Havre de Grace began the year with an impressive score by more than three lengths over her nemesis in the Azeri Stakes (gr.3). She humbled the Apple Blossom Handicap (gr.1) field, minus Blind Luck, in her next start before capturing the Obeah Stakes (gr.3) with breathtaking ease. She locked in mortal combat the entire length of the Delaware Park stretch in her next start, proving tough-as-nails once again while finishing second to Blind Luck, defeated by a nose for the win in the Delaware Handicap (gr.2). [Read the complete post on Distaff Runner at Horse Racing Nation]

The Measure of Grace

Luck in the Pacific Classic, or not?

2011 has had its fair share of groundbreaking events and electrifying races, but this weekend has the potential to top the charts. Not only will racing fans finally get to see Uncle Mo return to action in the Kings Bishop Stakes on a star-studded Saratoga Saturday card, but the nation’s current leading older mare and Horse of the Year candidate, Blind Luck, could be taking on males for the first time in her storied career at Del Mar on Sunday.

The Pacific Classic (Gr.1) attracted 18 nominations with a field of twelve or more possible to run in the $1 million event. With main divisional rival Havre de Grace heading to the Woodward Stakes (Gr.1) at Saratoga on September 3^rd for her first meeting with males, Blind Luck’s trainer Jerry Hollendorfer ruled out possible runs in both the August 28^th Personal Ensign and Woodward Stakes, stating the champion filly would stay home for her next race. There are two options on the table for Blind Luck, The Pacific Classic this weekend, and the Lady’s Secret Stakes (Gr.1) on October 1^st. The logical choice is the Pacific Classic as Havre de Grace will be heading for a prestigious showdown with the males in early September and could gain a lead in the race for the Horse of the Year with a win. If Hollendorfer really wants to give Blind Luck her best shot at winning another championship this year, he’ll send her against the males.

The Pollard’s Vision filly is currently undefeated in two starts at the 1 ¼ mile distance of the Pacific Classic, winning the Alabama Stakes at Saratoga last year, and most recently capturing a thrilling rendition of the Delaware Handicap (gr.2) on July 16^th. Both races were won by a neck and a nose over Havre de Grace.

Blind Luck has been training exceptionally well over Del Mar’s all weather track in preparation for her  next start, starting with a strong 1:00.00 flat five furlong breeze on July 29^th that she followed up with a 1:00.40 five furlong work one week later on August 5^th. Her two latest works are identical six furlong moves that she completed in 1:13.40, completing the last breeze on August 17^th. She is scheduled to make put in her final work on August 24^th.

The Pacific Classic has a strong prospective field lining up to face the female champion if she runs, including two Grade 1 winners, and three multiple graded stakes winners. Leading the cast of older male stars are Grade 1 winners Game On Dude and Twirling Candy, most recently seen finishing second and third respectively in the Hollywood Gold Cup (Gr.1) behind now retired First Dude.

Game One Dude turned in a :59.20 five furlong bullet in preparation for the Pacific Classic on Tuesday and will enter the race off six straight works, all very strong.

Twirling Candy has proven to be somewhat of a disappointment this yea. Sfter capturing the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes in late December and taking the Strub Stakes (gr.2) in early February with ease, many expected the Candy Ride colt to seize control of the Older Male division. After 5^th place finishes in the Santa Anita Handicap (gr.1) and a third place finish in the Hollywood Gold Cup, his status is very shaky. He enters off three straight bullet works and appears ready to run the best 1 ¼ mile race of his life.

Other possible starters include multiple graded stakes winners Bourbon Bay and Jeranimo as well as Tres Borrachos, Caracortado and Seksuko.

The big question is this -- Can Blind Luck continue to be as devastating against the males as she has proven to be against the filly and mare division for the last two years? With chances that a large field could be entered looking good, I’d say Blind Luck has an excellent shot at winning the Pacific Classic, earning her 6^th Grade 1 win and fourth consecutive graded stakes victory. Over the years she has shown how immensely talented she is closing into slow fractions from far back in the pack and running down loose-on-the-lead type frontrunners. She will most likely get a strong pace to close into in the Classic and will have a perfectly tailored 1 ¼ mile journey. If she does enter the Pacific Classic and wins she makes a very strong case for Horse of the Year honors and should be a shoe in for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. If on the other hand she loses all eyes will turn to Havre de Grace in the Woodward. I say may the best horse win in the Pacific Classic and the race for Horse of the Year. And I think that horse is Blind Luck. [Originally posted on Horse Racing Nation: Distaff Runner]

Age Before Beauty: Awesome Gem, Royal Delta and Summer Soiree

Awesome Gem is proving a very rare commodity in thoroughbred horse racing, showing that great things are worth waiting for. In Sunday’s Longacres Mile Handicap (gr.3) at Emerald Downs, Awesome Gem notched his second Grade 3 victory of the year when he ran down the undefeated Noosa Beach for an handy 1 ½ length victory. The 8-year-old gelding was entering off a disappointing 5^th place finish in the Grade 1 Hollywood Gold Cup Handicap but turned things around in a big way with his easy victory. With 45 career starts on his resume, and two wins in his last four starts, Awesome Gem is the model of consistency, durability and class in the modern thoroughbred, and is proving that a competitive career can span more than just two racing seasons.

Already having competed in four Breeders’ Cups, beginning in 2007, Awesome Gem could be headed for a fifth attempt this year. Virtually all options are open to the extremely versatile son of Awesome Again as he has competed in two Breeders’ Cup Classics, the Breeders’ Cup Mile, and the Breeders’ Cup Marathon last year. I count myself as a big fan of Awesome Gem and will be rooting for him to continue making it big the remainder of his memorable career.

 

Royal Delta faced a very strong field in the Alabama Stakes on Saturday, and absolutely throttled her competition with remarkable ease. Breaking from post position number one, Royal Delta got off to a perfect start, out-breaking Plum Pretty, but eased up a bit by jockey Jose Lezcano to rate just behind that one. Sitting in third for most of the race behind the Kentucky Oaks winner, and dual Grade 1 winner It’s Tricky, Royal Delta rated patiently for Lezcano down the backstretch as longshot Pinch Pie ran half a length clear of St. John’s River with Inglorious a length behind in last. Entering the far turn It’s Tricky began to ramp up the pressure, ranging up on the outside of Plum Pretty entering the stretch as Royal Delta began her move. Into the turn it looked like a replay of the Coaching Club American Oaks was about to get under way with Plum Pretty and It’s Tricky battling it out on the front end, just noses apart. Royal Delta came driving off the turn, two lengths behind the top pair and swung into the clear by Lezcano. Far back Inglorious had dropped more than ten lengths behind.

Midway down the stretch Royal Delta inched up to It’s Tricky, brushing lightly with her opponent and then exploded to the lead, opening up by more than 5 lengths as she flashed under the line. It’s Tricky got up for second, 1 length ahead of Pinch Pie with Plum Pretty another 3 lengths back in fourth. St. John’s River never showed her late running drive and finished 5 lengths behind Plum Pretty. Inglorious never threatened, finished last, more than 20 lengths in back of St. John’s River.

In my Alabama post last weekend I noted that Royal Delta always seems to run big in her second race off a break and she certainly did. It makes you wonder what would have happened in the Mother Goose if she hadn’t missed the race with a foot bruise. She looks much the best right now and has certainly thrown her shoe in the ring for divisional honors. All she needs is a few more big wins in graded stakes and she’s in. It always sounds easy, but if this filly competes the rest of the year with no adverse effects of injuries I think it’s very possible.

 

Summer Soiree turned in a huge performance on the Del Mar turf Saturday, going almost gate-to-wire in the Del Mar Oaks, for her second consecutive graded stakes win, and third of the year overall. Bolting from post position three like a filly possessed, Summer Soiree took command of the field moving into the first turn and was quickly joined on the outside by Nereid and Dynamo. Going past the stands for the first time Dynamo took the lead from Summer Soiree, going through an opening quarter in :23.14 and taken a hold of by jockey Joel Rosario. Entering the backstretch Summer Soiree switched to the outside, just three parts of a length behind in second. With the final turn still to come, Summer Soiree suddenly pulled to the lead, under a strangled hold from Gabriel Saez. Nereid sat more than four lengths back in third as Cambina  raced far back, second last. Entering the far turn Summer Soiree continued to blaze the way and quickly opened up by ten lengths. Blazing off the turn the War Front filly poured it on for all she was worth, Star Billing and Nereid both storming closer with every stride. From the back of the pack Cambina exploded with a spectacular closing rally, closing in on the leaders with quick, determined strides. Approaching the wire Summer Soiree’s lead began to diminish, from four lengths down to two. With a final desperate effort, Summer Soiree managed to hold off the charging cavalry for a thrilling half length win over Star Billing. Nereid finished a nose back in second with Cambina coming up 2 lengths short in her rally.

The 1 1/8 mile Del Mar Oaks was Summer Soiree’s first Grade 1 win and fourth win in five starts this year. Where she goes next is undecided but she has proven an extremely brilliant runner with dominant victories on dirt, synthetic and now turf. She appears best suited to races no longer than 1 1/16 miles where he incredible turn of foot propels her to huge margins of victory and could be a strong contender for either the Filly and Mare Sprint or Turf Sprint at the Breeders’ Cup this fall.

High Stakes in the Alabama

The 131^st Alabama Stakes showcases a field of sophomore fillies that rivals the best in the nation when it comes to depth of talent. Six sophomore fillies will line up in the gate at Saratoga on Saturday to contest the prestigious Grade 1 event. Of the five fillies entered all six are stakes winner, five are graded stakes winners, three are Grade 1 winners and three are dual graded stakes winners. In short this small field stacks up to a whole lot of talent.

It’s Tricky took the Coaching Club American Oaks by storm in her last start, defeating Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty in a terrific stretch-long duel that shook old Saratoga to it’s very core. The Kiaran McLaughlin trainee is in line to win her third consecutive Grade 1 race if she is up to the task in the Alabama. Two starts back she handily defeated Turbulent Descent in the Acorn Stakes (gr.1) before capturing the 1 1/8 mile July 23^rd Coaching Club American Oaks over Plum Pretty. Looking at the Mineshaft filly’s finish in the Coaching Club American Oaks where she was extending her lead over Plum Pretty at the wire, it’s not hard to imagine her loving the extra 1/8 of a mile in the 1 ¼ mile Alabama. With just two four furlong works since the Oaks she might be a little short, but the Oaks stretch run was a definite conditioner.

 

Plum Pretty has steadily been building a reputation as one of the gamest fillies in the land. As the winner of the Kentucky Oaks she demands immediate respect and has never run a poor race in her entire career. Trainer Bob Baffert was unsure of entering his charge in the Alabama after her hard-fought Coaching Club American Oaks run, but changed his mind when he saw how well the Medaglia d’Oro filly bounced out of the race in her next work. She blazed a :48.05 half mile to rank as the second fastest of  31 horses working the distance at Saratoga. She followed that up with an excellent 1:11.87 six furlong breeze before tuning up with a final easy five furlong move in 1:03.12. Jockey Martin Garcia was on board for her latest move and stated that he felt she was, “better than before”. There is very little speed in the Alabama so she could once again wind up on the lead, the only question is whether or not she can last on the front end for an extra 1/8 of a mile. She looks ready to run big and would vault to the front of this division with a win.

 

St. John’s River was finally able to break her streak of three consecutive second place finishes on July 9^th, when she captured the Delaware Oaks (gr.2). Coming from dead last in the Oaks, the Include filly came flying extremely late to just nip front-runner, Strike the Moon, by a head at the wire. It was so close in the fact, that I watched the race as I was preparing to leave for work, observed what I thought was her losing, and went out the door to start my shift. It wasn’t until later that night when I got home that I discovered she had actually won. St. John’s River finished second by less than 1 length combined in both the Fair Grounds Oaks and Kentucky Oaks earlier in the year, all while coming from far back and kicking for home late. She didn’t appear to unleash as devastating a kick in the Delaware Oaks, but was running for the first time in two months and had slower fractions to close into. With that race under her belt and three breezes to boot, the Andrew Leggio Jr. trainee should be prepared to run a much better race than her winning performance in the Delaware Oaks.

 

Inglorious enters the Alabama Stakes riding the hottest win streak of all the contenders with three consecutive wins. Included in that win-streak is a victory in Canada’s very prestigious Queen’s Plate Stakes over 16 male rivals by an easy 2 ½ lengths. Before the Queen’s Plate, Inglorious captured the La Lorgnette Stakes and Woodbine Oaks against fillies. Earlier in the year trainer Josie Carroll sent the daughter of Hennessey to Fair Grounds for a possible run at the Kentucky Oaks, resulting in a second place finish in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes (gr.3) and a fourth place finish in the Fair Grounds Oaks. She is undefeated on Woobine’s All Weather synthetic track but has yet to win on the dirt. Her Rachel Alexandra effort was very promising, and should indicate she is a major force to be reckoned with. Her preparation for the Alabama has been nothing short of spectacular as she has produced three exceptional recent works beginning with a .59:20 five furlong breeze followed by a 1:13.20 six furlong breeze and most recently a fantastic :47.40 four furlong bullet. Fitness is not an issue, the only issue is whether or not she can translate her amazing Woodbine form to Saratoga’s dirt surface.

 

Royal Delta has a lifetime record of three wins, a third and a ninth place finish in just five starts. The imposing daughter of Empire Maker disappointed in her first start of the year when she finished a dismal 9^th behind Wyomia in the Suncoast Stakes but bounced right back in the third start of her career to win an allowance impressively at Keeneland one month later. She showed up one month after that to demolish the Black-Eyed Susan field and became a Grade 2 winner in just her fourth lifetime start. Given two months between races, trainer Bill Mott brought Royal Delta back in the Coaching Club American Oaks where she finished more than six lengths behind It’s Tricky and Plum Pretty with absolutely no excuses. If there is any patter to find in her brief career thus far, it is that she runs poorly off a break, but brings a big performance to the table in her second race back. She may still be a step behind the top four, but with two very strong five furlong works at Saratoga and plenty of room to still improve, Royal Delta should not be dismissed.

 

Pinch Pie is a three-year-old Victory Gallop filly trained by Tony Dutrow who will be taking a huge leap up in class when she faces the Alabama Stakes field on Saturday. Her forte so far has been turf racing where she has won two straight races, including her most recent triumph in the Desert Vixen Stakes on July 24^th at Monmouth Park. Winless in three starts on the dirt, Pinch Pie enters off two four furlong works. I my humble opinion she will be lucky to hit the top three.

 

It’s hard to say who the filly is to beat in this year’s Alabama Stakes as five of the six winners are so capable and talented. Wins by almost any filly in the field would give them a strong case for Champion three-year-old filly. It’s Tricky appears to be the logical choice off her two Grade 1 wins but Plum Pretty and St. John’s River also present very promising prospects. Inglorious would be the favorite any other day if it wasn’t for the fact that all of her wins have come on synthetic, but she is in the best form of her career. NBC will be telecasting the Alabama Stakes from 5-6 p.m. as a continuation of the Summer at Saratoga coverage, and this is one race you will not want to miss. Can Canada’s darling keep the string alive with her fourth consecutive win, or will one of the fillies from the powerful American contingent take the top prize?

Goldikova chases 15th Group 1 Win in Marois

[caption id="attachment_1746" align="alignleft" width="330" caption="Goldikova"][/caption]

She may have hid in the shadow of the great Zarkava during most of 2008, but from the moment she exploded from behind a wall of horses to dismantle the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Mile field, it became clear that Goldikova was destined to become a star in her own right. Now, three years later Goldikova has cemented herself as one of the greatest female racehorses in history, and quite possibly, the greatest female miler of all time. Goldikova has raked in one of the highest Group 1 tally’s in history with a fantastic total of fourteen Group/Grade 1 wins on her resume.

 

After her effortless conquest of the Prix Rothschild two weeks ago at Deauville, her fourth consecutive win in the Group 1 event, Goldikova is aiming to score her second victory in the Prix du Haras de Fresnay-Le-Buffard-Jacques Le Marois (Fr-1) on Monday. After capturing the 2009 renewal of the Marois and finishing second in 2010, the Freddie Head trained super-star is back to reclaim her title. Winning the Marois will be no easy task as a strong field of 16 other runners has been entered in the Group 1 event. Freddie Head has three entries, aside from Goldikova, including her pacesetting stable mate, Flash Dance. Also running for Head is Rajsaman, who finished out of the money in the Sussex Stakes, and Polemique.  Rajsaman is a dual Group 3 winner and became a Group 2 winner three starts back.

 

Dick Turpin enters the Marois off a victory in the Summer Mile Stakes, after finishing a well beaten ninth in the Prix d’Ispahan behind Goldikova on May 22^nd. Trainer Richard Hannon stated that Dick Turpin turned in an excellent work on Tuesday in preparation for the Marois and could, “Ruffle Goldikova’s feathers” If he gets his [soft] ground. The four year old colt is also entered at Newberry for Saturday but is more likely to run in France as there is a greater chance of precipitation. Hannon has also entered Dubawi Gold in the Jacques le Marois but will most likely race only Dick Turpin.

 

Goldolphin has three runners set to face Goldikova on Monday, led by Duke of York winner, Delegator. Delegator has contested two Breeders’ Cup Mile’s, finishing 5^th in 2009 and 8^th in 2010, well behind Goldikova. He has shown flashes of talent and the ability to compete against the very best, but has failed to achieve a win in any of Europe’s Group races against classy competition.

Emerald Commander is also entered for Goldophin and has won 5 of 13 lifetime starts. Rio de la Plata is the third Goldolphin entry. Four starts back he became a Group 1 winner, but has since finished no better than third.

 

Dual Group 2 winner and Group 1 winner, Planteur, is the sole entrant for trainer Elie Lellouche and enters off a disappointing 4^th place finish in the Group 1 Prince of Wales Stakes. He will be cutting back to the 1 mile distance for the first time since his juvenile season in 2009. Before the Prince of Wales, Planteur won two straight races including the Group 1 Prix Ganay.

 

While it’s a well experienced field Goldikova faces, it’s nothing she shouldn’t be able to handle with ease. In fact, she has defeated a great deal of this competition before so this should be a fairly simple task. The champion looks well situated to win the 15^th Group 1 victory of her incredible career.

After Goldikova triumphed in the Prix Rothschild at the end of July, trainer Freddie Head stated his trainee would run two weeks later in the Jacques le Marois unless the ground came up soft. If the Marois comes up soft Head said his star would most likely prepare for the September 11^th Prix du Moulin (Fr-1) at Longchamp. If that happens a meeting with Frankel in the October 15^th Queen Elizabeth II is much more likely to happen, but still doubtful, as it will be run less than a month away from the Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr.1) on November 5th. [Originally posted on Horse Racing Nation: Distaff Runner]

A Win and a Loss, Neither a Toss

[Originally posted on Horse Racing Nation: Distaff Runner]

All year long we’ve been talking about how impressively the female divisions have been performing this year, and how many fillies have held up consistent, stellar form. off the top of my head I can think of nine sophomore fillies that have become multiple graded stakes winners this year. If you throw in fillies like St. John’s River and Plum Pretty who are incredibly consistent, but not quite there, and Queen’s Plate and Woodbine Oaks winner Inglorious, you’ve got one very deep, and consistent pool of talent. Taking a look at the 3-year-old male runners this year I can think of just four multiple graded stakes winners still running; Banned, Pant’s On Fire, Coil and Stay Thirsty. If not for a wave of injuries that took out the vast majority of the nation’s best sophomore colts, we could have included Animal Kingdom, Dialed In, Premier Pegasus, Archarcharch and Tapizar to the list of multiple graded stakes winners. The Factor is working his way back to the races after sustaining an injury earlier in the year, and colts like Shackleford, Dominus and Mucho Macho Man have proven consistent but still haven’t won that elusive second graded stakes race. While Uncle Mo is making his return to the races later this month and is already a multiple graded stakes winner, he has yet to win a graded stakes this year. The fact is that the fillies are proving superior in almost every way to the males so far this year.

 

Consistency continued to blaze the way on Saturday when two of the nation’s leading sophomore fillies once again turned in outstanding efforts in Grade 1 races on the East and West Coast. “We’re going to try to win the Eclipse with her this year, you don’t have to go a mile and an eighth to get the Eclipse.” Trainer Mike Puype spoke those words after watching Turbulent Descent romp to victory in the Grade 2 Beaumont Stakes. Two months later that plane seemed to be in jeopardy when his star filly finished a well beaten second in the Acorn Stakes (gr.1), more than three lengths behind It’s Tricky. Offering no excuses for Turbulent Descent, Puype continued to forge ahead with the plans he had laid out for the daughter of Congrats, targeting the Test Stakes (gr.1) at Saratoga and ramping up her training schedule in anticipation of a deeper track and talented field.

On Saturday, Turbulent Descent toyed with her seven rivals in the Test Stakes, turning the stretch run into an exhibition of pure class. After breaking cleanly from the gate for jockey David Flores, Turbulent Descent rated in fourth behind the three frontrunners as Roman Treasure led the field through an opening quarter in :23.02. As the field entered the far turn Turbulent Descent began to pick up the tempo on the outside, overtaking Pomeroy’s Pistol in second and quickly closing the two length lead Roman Treasure had opened up. As the fillies flew off the turn Turbulent Descent seized the lead and rolled through the stretch, zipping under the wire a winner by 3 ¾ lengths in a hand ride. Pomeroy’s Pistol got up for second in a game effort but proved no match for the winner.

Turbulent Descent is now back in line to win an Eclipse if she can keep the momentum going and according to Mike Puype, the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint in three months could be her next start. If that truly is the case he can probably kiss that Eclipse goodbye. It’s Tricky is the only filly to have won back-to-back Grade 1’s and easily defeated Turbulent Descent in the Acorn. If she wins the Alabama (gr.1) in her next start the Eclipse goes to It’s Tricky hands down, unless Puype rethinks his strategy and sends Turbulent Descent out for some extra preps.

 

Whild Turbulent Descent was across the country in New York, proving her mettle at Saratoga, her greatest rival was taking care of things at home in California. Zazu ran a huge race at Del Mar on Saturday when she took on four older females for the first time and came depressingly close to victory. In her fourth Grade 1 race of the year, Zazu and Jockey Garrett Gomez broke from post two and took up third position behind Freedom Star and Switch as the field entered the first turn in the 1 1/16 mile race. The opening quarter went in an easy :24.36 as Freedom Star led Switch by just over a length, Zazu just a neck behind with St. Trinians two lengths back in fourth. After a half mile in :48.40 Switch moved up to pressure Freedom Star for the lead with Zazu in third on the rail, St. Trinians just to her outside. Ultra Blend took up the rear of the field, no more than four lengths behind and running smoothly. The positions remained unchanged as the field entered the far turn and tempo began to visibly pick up. Switch made the first move, sweeping up to Freedom Star and taking the lead as Ultra Blend surged from behind, over taking St. Trinians on the outside. Zazu was raring to go under Garrett Gomez but could find no room to maneuver her way out from the rail. As the field swung into the homestretch Switch held a narrow lead over Freedom Star but Ultra Blend continued to close with a terrific rush on the far outside. Freedom Star moved off the rail coming into the turn and Gomez darted through with Zazu. Finally free to run the Tapit filly let it rip, flying up on the inside to come on even terms with Ultra Blend, both fillies digging deep to hold off the other’s rally. In the final strides Ultra Blend thrust her neck in front of her game younger rival, while Switch finished in the money for the fourth consecutive time in a Grade 1.

Zazu ran a terrific race in defeat and came within a neck of giving the Mosses their fourth consecutive win in the Hirsch. After the race Garrett Gomez voiced his regret that Zazu was trapped on the inside for so long, stating, “ I had to wait with her. If I’d have gotten out sooner I’m going to win. Too bad.” While she did lose the race, I think Zazu actually gained more respect than she lost. She put up a phenomenal fight against some of the best older fillies in the nation and lost by just a neck. Earlier in the year she defeated Turbulent Descent and Plum Pretty, so you have to think she has the potential to win the Eclipse this year as well.

The Next Test

Go For Wand, Lady’s Secret, Hot N Nasty, Ta Wee, Gamely, Vagrancy and Indian Blessing. Those are just a few of the lofty names that grace the illustrious 95 years roster of Test Stakes winners. Nine fillies will contest 86th running of the Test Stakes (gr.1) at Saratoga on Saturday and attempt to stake their claim as best one-turn 3-year-old filly in the land. While the Test was first run in 1922 at a distance of 1 ¼ miles it was changed to its current seven furlong distance in 1926 after a three year absence. Interestingly eight of the nine fillies set to contest the 2011 Test Stakes enter off stakes races at Belmont Park with just American Lady entering off an allowance score at Hollywood Park.

The big name in the Test is dual Grade 1 winner Turbulent Descent who had a serious wrench thrown into her targeted championship-winning campaign when given a thorough thrashing by It’s Tricky in the Acorn Stakes (Gr.1) last out. After nixing a possible run in the Kentucky Oaks earlier this year, trainer Mike Puype announced his intention to win the three-year-old filly championship with Turbulent Descent while racing in the best one-turn races for fillies in the nation. After she won the Beaumont Stakes (gr.2) at Keeneland by five lengths Turbulent Descent appeared poised to run away with the sophomore sprint division in the Acorn Stakes (gr.1). That all changed when she finished almost four lengths behind It’s Tricky. While it was her first time over a sloppy track, she did finish a full ten lengths ahead of Her Smile in third, who came back to win the Grade 1 Prioress Stakes with a thrilling turn of foot. She seems to be coming into the Test in splendid form after her surprising defeat, having turned in two very impressive five furlong works in mid July as well as a 1:12.80 six furlong and a :48.20 work at Del Mar in her two most recent moves. Expect her to come out swinging with her best shot, which will be more than enough to put her in the winner’s circle.

Her Smile has had a rocky 2011 to put it mildly, finishing 4th and 3rd in stakes to begin her year, before finishing a good second in the Comely Stakes (Gr.2), a horrible 11th in the Kentucky Oaks and then a very distant third in the Acorn Stakes on June 11th. She put all that behind her when she came from dead-last in a field of six fillies to capture the Prioress Stakes in a sparkling time of 1:09.44 for the six furlongs. The Include filly came flying up around the far turn under a hand ride by Javier Castellano, went two wide into the turn before finding a three horse barricade directly in her path. Darting to the inside she spurted through a hole on the rail and held off a strong charge from Pomeroy’s Pistol to register a half length victory. She enters the Test off an excellent :46.97 four furlong breeze at Saratago, and will be looking to give owner and celebrity chef Bobby Flay, his second Grade 1 win since purchasing the filly and transferring her to trainer Todd Pletcher’s barn in late April. If her Prioress form holds up and she relishes the extra furlong she will be a strong force to reckon with.

Pomeroy’s Pistol made headlines by winning the Forward Gal Stakes (gr.2) earlier this year, but failed to produce efforts nearly as good in her next two starts, finishing third in the Davona Dale Stakes (gr.2) and sixth in the Eight Belle Stakes (gr.3). She returned with an easy 4 ½ length win in the Just Smashing Stakes at Monmouth Park before running a terrific race to finish second in the Prioress Stakes (gr.1) behind Her Smile. She ran a three furlong :35.00 bullet work on July 31, her only work since the July 4th Prioress. According to trainer/owner Amy Tarrant the daughter of Pomeroy needs very little work between races to stay fit. She moved wide all the way around the far turn and down the stretch in the Prioress and missed the win by just half a length. I think she’s poised to run another good race.

Ava K. enters off two straight stakes wins at Belmont Park. This will be her second graded stakes attempt after finishing third in the Comely Stakes (Gr.3), two lengths behind Her Smile in second. She’s consistent, but hasn’t stepped up to face fillies of this caliber since the Comely, except this field is much tougher. The rest of the field consists of Salty Strike, last seen finishing 4th in the Mother Goose Stakes, Savvy Supreme, Coax Liberty who enters off a two length victory over Savvy Supreme in the Sometime Thing Stakes, Roman Treasure and American Lady.

It’s a solid field entered for the Test Stakes and should present the contenders with a strong challenge. If Turbulent Descent gets back to her best form she’s got the race in the bag, but Her Smile and Pomeroy’s Pistol could be right there to pick up the pieces if she falters.

Affirmed: The last Triple Crown Winner - Lou Sahadi Interview

Successful author Lou Sahadi has penned more than twenty sports related titles, including Johnny Unitas: America’s Quarterback and One Sunday in December. While most of his works are related to baseball and football and he knew virtually nothing about thoroughbred horse racing, he was intrigued when the idea was proposed to write a biography on 1978 Triple Crown winner Affirmed. It took him just two days to decide he would tackle the project.

 

Mr. Sahadi brings the unique perspective of a sportsman and not just a horseman to his interpretation of the Affirmed story. He presents it in an easy to understand format that racing and non-racing fans will enjoy. Sahadi has a gift for engaging his readers with the story’s supporting characters, in particular readers will be drawn to the incredible story of young Steve Cauthen.

 

I read Affirmed: The Last Triple Crown Winner and found it well-written and very engaging. Many racing biographies tend to get bogged down in boring human relations or too many facts while missing the mark on the equine action. Sahadi succeeds in keeping Affirmed and Alydar the main focus of his story without getting lost in boring side stories.

 

I recently was able to interview Mr. Sahadi about his book:

 

Me:  What inspired you to write about Affirmed?

LS: The biggest thing was that it was a challenge.  I had written 24 books, all in the baseball and football genre, when my literary agent presented me with the project about Affirmed. I was honest in telling her that I don't know anything about horses.  I slept on it and two days later decided it was a challenge. That I would do it.

 

Me: What was your favorite part of the book to write?

LS: 0ne of my favorite moments was meeting the jockey, Steve Cauthen, in Lexington, KY.  He was the only one alive from that magical 1978 year.  Affirmed's owner was dead and so was the trainer and Steve helped immensely in filling a void.

 

Me: Who is your favorite character involved in the Affirmed Story?

LS: Steve of course.  What he had done in winning the Triple Crown is unprecedented in racing history.  He won the Kentucky Derby just five days after he turned 18 years old.  In racing circles Steve was only a baby who calmly won the three biggest races in the sport.

 

Me: How long did it take to compile the historical facts and write a rough draft?

LS: It took about a year.  But I had good resources for my material which made it easier, along with wonderful cooperation from the horseracing industry.

 

Me: What was the most interesting part of the Affirmed/Alydar story to research?

LS: I think the Belmont.  Cauthen, with Affirmed, had won the first two jewels of the Triple Crown, but the most challenging bauble was the Belmont, a 1 1/2 mile endurance race. The home stretch of the Belmont has been a graveyard for thoroughbreds. Could Cauthen hold on and rate Affirmed for that final stretch, and withstand a challenge from Alydar?

 

Me: Which parts of the book were the most difficult/easy to write.

LS: The most difficult part was Affirmed's early years as a yearling.  There was no one around who could provide any details.  The Triple Crown races were well chronicled and the information readily accessible.

 

Me: Did you get to personally meet with any of the people connected with the Affirmed story while researching for the book?

LS: Just Steve Cauthen

 

Me: What are some of the methods you employ to keep the main story line moving while profiling some of the supporting characters that enter during the course of the book?

LS: What I had to do was develop continuity with all the principals involved, and I feel I did just that.  I refrained from being too technical which is boredom, and just let my material flow naturally.  I have to say, "Affirmed...The Last Triple Crown", is an easy read and one doesn't have to know anything about racing to enjoy it.

 

Me: What books and writers have had the biggest impact on the way you write?

LS: In the sports arena I have to give a nod to Dabe Anderson of the New York Times, Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated and Mark Kriegel of Fox Sports.  In the literary field I recoginize John Grisham.

 

Me: How did you decide on the title?

LS: The editor at St. Martins Press accounted for it.

 

Me: Who do you feel is the greatest Triple Crown winner in history?

LS: Affirmed without question.  What makes him so, was that he had a pressurized challenge in all the races from Alydar and his veteran jockey Jorge Velasquez.  The combined total victory margin for the three races was something like a length and a quarter, miniscule.  It doesn't get any closer that that

 

Me: How does the rivalry of Affirmed and Alydar stack up to the other great rivalries in horse racing in your opinion?

LS: I haven't been around racing that much, but again let me emphasize, how can  any other rivalry equate that of Affirmed and Alydar?

 

Me: Will you be working on any other books that deal with thoroughbred horse racing in the future?

LS: Not at the present.  But I would like to do another in racing now that I got my ears wet.

 

Me: Do you have any projects you are currently working on?

LS: Nothing definitive.  I have some ideas but it's too early to relate.  Need to do more research.

 

Me: What else do you want your readers to know about the book?

LS: That it was truly a labor of love.  I wish I had been around in l978 and absorbed the excitement that Affirmed and Alydar created.  But I think I managed to capture it through my writing and I did receive good reviews for it.

Goldikova: The Newest Wonder of the World

[caption id="attachment_1735" align="alignleft" width="360" caption="Goldikova"][/caption]

After watching Goldikova capture her 4^th consecutive Prix Rothschild, and 14^th Group/Grade 1 win of her career in Sunday’s Prix Rothschild at Deauville, can there now be any doubt that the 6-year-old champion is the greatest female miler of all time? Of course there can be, but it would take one mighty powerful argument to rule Goldikova out of the top two at least.

 

Making her third start of the year and fourth successive appearance in the Prix Rothschild against her own sex, Goldikova was sent off an overwhelming 2-5 favorite against her seven rivals. With stable mate Flash Dance breaking well and gunning for the lead, Goldikova broke second best and took up position about two lengths behind her fellow Freddy Head trainee. Falmouth Stakes (Eng-1) winner Timepiece sat half a length off Goldikova in third as the field made their way down the middle of the Deuville course. Positions remained relatively unchanged through the first three quarters of the race before jockey Olivier Peslier decided to move on Goldikova. The response was instantaneous and explosive as the wonder mare burst to the lead with a dazzling turn of foot, easily over taking Flash Dance and opening up a two length lead with just a shake of the reins. From the back of the field Sahpresa mounted a strong run, passing Timepiece and setting her sights on Goldikova. Racing through the final furlong Goldikova continued to lead, Peslier riding his mount with just mild urging as Sahpresa continued to close ground.

Down to the final sixteenth Peslier eased up on his super-star mount as the pair waltzed past the wire, easily besting Sahpresa by a neck in virtually effortless victory. Timepiece finished another two lengths behind in third.

 

In winning her 4^th consecutive Prix Rothschild (Fr-1) Goldikova became the first horse to win four consecutive Group 1’s in France since the European Pattern System was first implemented in 1971. Not only that but she has won now won an amazing 14 Group or Grade 1 races in her stellar career and could be back as soon as August 15^th to take on the males in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville. She won the Prix Jacques le Marois in 2009 but finished second Makfi in the 2010 renewal when the turf conditions came up soft. Trainer Freddy Head indicated he would not run his star in the Prix Jacques le Marois if it comes up as less than firm turf again, but would instead point Goldikova towards Ascot where she could possibly cross paths with the brilliant, undefeated super-star Frankel in the Quipco Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in October.

 

While Goldikova continued to enhance her legendary status in the Rothschild, jockey Olivier Peslier also reached a milestone in his career, capturing his 100^th Group 1 victory. If all goes as planned this year Goldikova will return to American once again to defend her Breeders’ Cup Mile title for a fourth consecutive year. With the incredibly large global fan base the mare has built up over the years, she could have two continents backing her when she travels to Churchill Downs in November, and it’s probably safe to say a majority of those in attendance will be there to see the celebrated mare.

Goldikova Back in the Prix Rothschild

[caption id="attachment_1729" align="alignleft" width="330" caption="Goldikova"][/caption]

Six time champion, and 2010 European Cartier Horse of the Year, Goldikova, will attempt to rebound from a second place effort in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes behind Canford Cliffs when she takes on seven other fillies and mares in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville in France. Countless times the great race mare has shown incredible courage and determination while capturing an incredible 13 Group/Grade 1 races during her stellar international career. On Sunday she will face females for the first time since capturing last year’s Prix Rothschild while chasing the 14th Group 1 win of her career.

 

Goldikova began her year with a repeat win in the Group 1 Prix d’Ispahan before finishing second to Canford Cliffs in a very controversial running of the Queen Anne Stakes. Jockey Olivier Peslier posted two pounds of overweight in the race and seemed to send Goldikova to the lead much earlier than usual in the race, eliminating her usually brilliant turn of foot. She will be heavily favored to win her fourth consecutive Prix Rothschild. Trainer Freddy Head has also entered Flash Dance to ensure a solid pace for Goldikova. Expect to see the great champion back to her best form in the Rothschild, she hasn’t lost two consecutive races since early 2008 and it doesn’t appear she’s about to break that streak now.

 

Of the seven fillies and mares facing the three-time Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr.1) winner, only four seem mildly able to threaten on paper. The top three finishers in the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes, Timepiece, Sahpresa and First City. Also entered is Coronation Stakes runner up, Nova Hawk, the only 3-year-old in the field.

 

The long-term target for Goldikova will be a return in the Breeders’ Cup Mile this fall at Churchill Downs where she will try to win the prestigious event for an unprecedented fourth consecutive time. The Prix Rothschild should go down as little more than another footnote in the great mare's tale, another notch in her belt. [Originally posted on Horse Racing Nation]

Frankel the Freak!

[caption id="attachment_1724" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Frankel - www.guardian.co.uk"][/caption]

He might have been viewed as an over-ratted colt by some in the recent past, and given little chance to defeat one of the best older milers in Europe, but when it counted the most, Frankel did all his talking on the track. The Canford Cliffs and Frankel showdown is in the books and the results are nothing less than spectacular. In what will surely go down as one of the finest Sussex Stakes performances of all time, 3-year-old undefeated phenomenon Frankel took his esteemed older rival to task, winning in a hand ride for jockey Tom Queally, and proving once and for all that he is indeed the real deal, and one of the most talented runner's in history.

In a short field of just four, all eyes were trained on Frankel and Canford Cliffs who broke on top in the Sussex, with Frankel leading the way at old Goodwood. Canford Cliffs settled in just behind his rival as the field began their 7 furlong journey with Rajsaman and Rio de la Plata taking up the rear. Frankel led through easy opening fractions, under a tight hold while still opening up by more than two lengths. Canford Cliffs accelerated slightly to lead the last two by two lengths as the gargantuan strides of Frankel continued to show the way.

Swinging into the turn the positions remained relatively unchanged, Richard Hughes on Canford Cliffs kept his mount within striking distance of his younger rival, just 1 ½ lengths off the lead. Into the home straight the field charged, Frankel still holding a comfortable lead just two furlongs from home with Canford Cliffs still tracking closely in second. With a sudden move of his hands Tom Queally and Frankel surged ahead and the stands erupted with the roars from the crowd. Bursting three lengths clear in the blink of an eye, Frankel continued to pour it on as the field behind floundered for second money. With just a tap of the whip Queally and Frankel flew home, five lengths ahead of Canford Cliffs who had drifted to the far side of the track.

It was touted as the toughest test of Frankel’s young career and turned into one of his easiest and most decisive victories. Named after the late great American trainer Bobby Frankel for Juddmonte Farms, Frankel is now undefeated in eight starts and well on his way to establishing himself as one of the greatest miler’s Europe has ever seen. It seems there is more than enough substance to go around where Frankel is concerned. Next up could be the Juddmonte International for the undefeated super-star, where he could try 1 ¼ miles for the first time. After today’s performance I have no doubt he will be up to the task. While it’s unclear Juddmonte will send their incredible athlete to the Breeders’ Cup Mile in America where he would face three time Mile winner, and greatest female miler of all time, Goldikova, it does seem clear Frankel the horse could be destined for an even greater career than Frankel the man.

Tricked Again!

2011 is once again turning into the “year of the filly”. While the older filly and mare division appears jam-packed with talent, and houses perhaps the two best horses in the nation in Blind Luck and Havre de Grace, the 3-year-old filly division continues to impress as the season progresses, producing truly stellar efforts that showcase a rare depth of talent.

 

In Saturday’s Coaching Club American Oaks five fillies lined up in the Saratoga starting gate to contest leadership of the division. Plum Pretty went off the post time favorite off her Kentucky Oaks (gr.1) victory and second place finish in the Hollywood Oaks, while Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (gr.2) heroine, Royal Delta, was sent off the second choice. It’s Tricky, fresh off her huge upset win in the Acorn Stakes (gr.1) over Turbulent Descent, was made the third choice over Mother Goose (gr.1) winner Buster’s Ready and Kentucky Oaks favorite Joyful Victory. It’s Tricky entered the race a winner of four of five lifetime starts, her only blemish a dull fourth place finish in the Gulfstream Oaks (gr.2) where she finished more than 20 lengths behind R Heat Lighting.

 

As the gates flew open to the ring of the bell Plum Pretty bolted to the lead like a shot, breaking a full ¾ lengths ahead of the field and angling towards the rail as It’s Tricky came from the far outside to race in second as the field approached the first turn. Buster’s ready and John Velazquez slipped through on the rail as Plum Pretty navigated the first turn, moving into a close second position with It’s Tricky on the outside in third. It was just one length back to Joyful Victory and Royal Delta as Plum Pretty led the way into the backstretch. After the opening quarter in :23.88 It’s Tricky moved up slightly to take the advantage from Buster’s Ready, less than a length behind Martin Garcia and Plum Pretty. Royal Delta fell two lengths off the pack as Buster’s Ready continued to vie with It’s Tricky for the second position.

Plum Pretty continued to lead the way after running the half in :47.55, It’s Tricky just one length off the lead while Joyful Victory and jockey Ramon Dominguez took over a close third. Royal Delta began to move forward as the field entered the far turn but on the front end It’s Tricky and Plum Pretty suddenly spurted away from the field, opening up two lengths on Joyful Victory and separated by just a neck.

Flying off the turn It’s Tricky came to even terms with Plum Pretty and those two turned it into a two horse runaway, now more than four lengths ahead of the field as they angled for the wire. Martin Garcia’s hands scrubbed frantically across his filly’s neck, urging her to maintain her slim advantage as Eddie Castro and It’s Tricky refused to yield an inch. Royal Delta was a distant third, six lengths behind the dashing duo. With homestretch running out It’s Tricky dug a little deeper, gaining inch by inch on her gallant opponent, both fillies desperately holding on to their positions. With a final surge It’s Tricky eased past Plum Pretty and dashed under the line, three parts of the length the best. It was more than six lengths back to a well beaten Royal Delta in third and another 3 ¾ lengths back to Buster’s Ready in fourth, with Joyful Victory finishing seven lengths farther back in last.

 

With the win It’s Tricky becomes the first sophomore filly of the year to string together consecutive Grade 1 wins and takes command of her division. She easily took down the best one-turn filly in the nation when defeating Turbulent Descent in the Acorn Stakes, and has now defeated a group of some of the strongest middle distance fillies in the nation. With the exception of Grade 1 winner Zazu, It’s Tricky has defeated almost all the best fillies in her division. The next goal for the Mineshaft filly is the Alabama Stakes (gr.1) at Saratoga on August 20^th where she could meet St. John’s River as well as Inglorious. [Originally posted on Distaff Runner at Horse Racing Nation]

'Fueling' the 'Embur's' in the Ontario Matron

The Coaching Club American Oaks (gr.1) will easily trump all other filly and mare races over the course of the weekend with its deep and compact field of sophomore fillies, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t action happening elsewhere on the continent that isn’t worthy of notice. The $150,000 Ontario Matron Stakes (gr.3) at Woodbine on Sunday features an interesting and competitive field of seven older fillies and mares led by three time stakes winner Embur’s Song. Of the seven fillies entered in the Matron, six have tallied up wins in stakes and three are graded stakes winners.

 

Breaking from post position number one is Grade 1 winner Hooh Why. She may have a Grade 1 on her resume but you have to go all the way back to early April of 2009 when she captured the Ashland Stakes to find it. Since completing her semi-successful 2009 campaign she has performed erratically, winning just four of nineteen starts since the Ashland. With four starts already this year, three in graded stakes races, the five year old mare has won an Allowance Optional Claiming race and finished 5^th twice in Grade 3 stakes. She last finished 6^th in the Chicago Handicap at Arlington Park. She hasn’t posted any works since finishing out of the money in the Chicago Handicap so unless she’s sitting on top of an unusually big race, I’d say she’s a toss. Never a safe thing to say about a Grade 1 winner.

 

Indian Apple Is breaks from post two, and at odds of 15-1 she is the second longest shot on the board. The five year old Indian Charlie filly has raced exclusively at Woodbine with mild success, garnering seven wins in nineteen starts. She began the year finishing third in the Whimsical Stakes (gr.3) and followed that up with a fourth place finish in the Hendrie Stakes (gr.3). Her last effort was a sixth place effort in the Sweet Briar Too Stakes, missing fifth by a nose to Ariana D. The 1 1/16 miles of the Ontario Matron doesn’t seem to be her best distance as her winning performances have mostly come in the seven and six furlong range.

In post three is five time stakes winner and dual graded stakes winner Biofuel. Last year Biofuel won four of her six starts, including the Grade 3 Selene Stakes, and finished second and third in the Coaching Club American Oaks and Mother Goose Stakes respectively, both Grade 1’s. Making her first start of 2011 in the Sweet Briar Too Stakes on July 1^st she finished fourth as the high weight, beaten less than a length to the wire after navigating the final turn seven wide. She’s got a lot of upside and with all the time she had off between 2010 and 2011 she’s had an abundance of time for growth and improvement. She’s won at the distance over the same strip and enters off a solid 1:00.60 five furlong work. This filly has a very good chance to bounce back and steal the show. [Read the complete post here on Distaff Runner at Horse Racing Nation]

Coaching Club American Oaks: Undeniable Relevance

[caption id="attachment_1714" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Ruffian"][/caption]

The Triple Crown is one of the most adored and celebrated series in horse racing history. It commands immediate and lasting respect for its winners and contestants, and has a direct impact on championships, breeding, and overall value. Because of the success of the heavily male dominated Triple Crown, an American Triple Tiara series was created as a female counterpart, in the hopes of creating a competitive and prestigious series for the breed’s fairer sex. While the Triple Tiara has succeeded in gaining its contestants great prestige, counting only eight winners in history, it is also very inconsistent. From 1957-2002 the series consisted of the Acorn Stakes, Mother Goose Stakes and Coaching Club American Oaks before dropping the Acorn from 2003-2006 and adding the Alabama Stakes. Reverted back to the original three from 2007-2009 it once again changed for the 2010 running, consisting of the Acorn, Coaching Club American Oaks and Alabama Stakes. This year the series started with the 1 mile Acorn Stakes, continued in the Mother Goose Stakes at 1 1/16 miles and will conclude this weekend with the 1 1/8 mile Coaching Club American Oaks.

 

The Coaching Club American Oaks (gr.1) has been changed just as much as the Triple Tiara itself it seems, being run at four different distances from 9 to 12 furlongs. The very first running in 1917 was contested at 1 1/8 miles but from 1919 to 1941, and again from 1944 to 1958 it was run at 1 3/8 miles. In 1942-1943 as well as 1971-1989 and 1998-2003 the race was a 1 ½ mile test of stamina. From 1990-1997 and 2003-2009 the Coaching Club American Oaks was contested at 1 ¼ miles before reverting to its current 1 1/8 mile distance in 2010.

While the race has seen inconsistencies in its running distance there has never been any doubt as to the quality of fields and fillies that have dominated its historic footnotes. Listed among its glittering alumni are such greats as Top Flight, Black Helen, Vagrancy, Twilight Tear, Shuvee, Ruffian, Davona Dale and Mom’s Command along with so many others. Dark Mirage and Shuvee became the first back-to-back winners of the Triple Tiara in 1968-69 and just five short years later Chirs Evert and Ruffian followed suit. [Read the complete post and discover the prospective field for the 2011 CCAO here on Distaff Runner]

Blind Luck and Havre de Grace: Inseparable to the End!

It was billed as one of the most anticipated races of the year and the sixth installment of an incredible rivalry. Not only did the Delaware Handicap live up to its billing, it far exceeded it, taking racing fans to that rare and special level of exceptional wonder where only the greatest icons of the sport can lift its followers. Blind Luck and Havre de Grace brought down the house Saturday at Delaware Park and in millions of homes across the nation with their stunning display of courage, determination and talent.

 

In a field of five older fillies and mares including defending 2010 Delaware Handicap winner Life At Ten, Havre de Grace was sent off as the favorite with Blind Luck a close second. Havre de Grace broke swiftly from the gate, two pounds the high weight over Blind Luck, but swerved slightly to the inside before settling nicely in third behind Life At Ten and  Thundering Emilia. Blind Luck game out of the gate well and quickly secured her normal spot in the rear of the field, just behind Love’s Blush. After the opening quarter in :23.3 Garret Gomez had wisely eased Blind Luck a head in front of Love’s Blush, taking over fourth, keeping Havre de Grace in his sights. Going into the first turn Ramon Dominguez took a very eager Havre de Grace into the outside path, running in the clear just two lengths behind Life At Ten. More than five lengths back in fourth Blind Luck was traveling well for Gomez, now just over a length in front of Love’s Blush and traveling comfortably.

 

After the half in :47.4 Havre de Grace sat less than two lengths off the lead while Blind Luck moved even farther up, playing cat and mouse with her arch adversary, matching move for move. After three quarters of a mile in 1:12.2 the field began to round the far turn and the scene quickly changed. Havre de Grace came swooping up on the outside and seized the lead turning for home as Blind Luck initiated   her deadly closing run, over taking Thundering Emilia and Life At Ten with ease and driving for Havre de Grace. The two fillies came thundering into the stretch to the roars from the crowd, now shrieking with excitement at the prospect of witnessing the epic stretch duel they had dreamed would ensue.

Down the stretch the two titans charged, Blind Luck closing to within a nose of her rival, but unable to pass it seemed. The whip came out on Havre de Grace as Garret Gomez began to desperately urge Blind Luck forward, his hands flashing across her neck in an attempt to rouse her best effort. Blind Luck responded with another slight surge, taking the lead by a nose over Havre de Grace with the wire just a few strides away. The pair of fillies flashed under the line, inseparable to the end, just as they will be remembered in history.

 

Their rivalry has now reached epic proportions, worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as Affirmed and Alydar, Sunday Silence and Easy Goer and so many others. The final time for the Delaware Handicap (gr.2) was an excellent 2:01.28, faster than the 2:01.57 First Dude ran in his Hollywood Gold Cup win last weekend and a full second faster than the 2:02.28 it took Blame to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic last Fall, and Blind Luck never even felt the whip. I think it’s safe to say Blind Luck and Havre de Grace are the two best horses in the nation. They finished an incredible 18 ½ lengths ahead of Life At Ten in third. What Blind Luck and Havre de Grace did Saturday was more than just put on a show, or display raw, impressive talent, they showcased the heart of thoroughbred horse racing. When you really get right down to it it’s the great rivalries and hard core opponents that truly make a horse great, and Havre de Grace and Blind Luck are certainly proving themselves great at their own expense. When and where these two amazing athletes will meet again is anybody’s guess, but I hope we get to see them slug it out at least once more before the Breeders’ Cup in November.

Dynamic Holiday Tries for Five-in-a-Row

When last we saw Dynamic Holiday she was easily capturing the Herecomesthebride Stakes (gr.3) at Gulfstream Park for her fourth consecutive victory and third consecutive stakes win overall. That was March 13^th, now, four months later, she makes her long awaited return for trainer Graham Motion in the Grade 3, $150,000 Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs.

Earlier in the year the Harlan’s Holiday filly won three straight stakes races on the turf, including the Florida Oaks and Tropical Park Oaks. Dynamic Holiday defeated future Grade 1 winner Her Smile in the Florida Oaks as well as Niji’s Grand Girl before her two length victory in the Herecomesthebride Stakes. She will be traveling 1 1/8 miles for the first time in the Virginia Oaks and will be looking to prove she is one of the best turf sophomore fillies in the nation.

Wyomia is an intriguing entry here as the vast majority of her running has been done on traditional dirt and synthetics, thought she did finish sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (gr.1) last year. The Vindication filly was a Kentucky Oaks candidate after winning the Suncoast Stakes, where she easily defeated future Black-Eyed Susan Stakes winner Royal Delta, and finishing a close second in the Ashland Stakes (gr.1). She skipped the Oaks in favor of training up to the Black-Eyed Susan and subsequently received a thorough thrashing from Royal Delta, finishing fifth. Now she gets a surface switch and enters of a bullet four furlong work, albeit a still somewhat slow move in :49.80. It would be nice to see her bounce back with a good effort but I’m not sure how much she likes the turf. [Read the complete post here on Distaff Runner at Horse Racing Nation]

Banned Leads the Virginia Derby Cast

Everyone loves a horse that can ignite his burners at the top of the stretch and burst away from the field with a turn of foot second to none, leaving his rivals reeling in his wake. Banned did just that in the American Turf Stakes on May 6^th, rating well of the pace in ninth position before swinging to the outside in the home stretch, revving up for a few strides and then bounding past the field to romp under the line by 4 ½ lengths. Six weeks later he showed how versatile he could be when racing against a short field of just three opponents in the Jefferson Cup, rating no more than a length of Reboard on the front end. Taking over after a slow half in :49.31, Banned led the field into the homestretch and with a vigorous hand ride just a wave of the whip by jockey Jose Lezcano, Banned flew under the line two lengths in front.

 

Banned returns to action this Saturday in the Virginia Derby (gr.2) at Colonial Downs, and despite the strong field, he will go off as the comfortable favorite. The 1 ¼ mile race will be the first time Banned has run beyond 1 1/16 miles but with the skill he has demonstrated so far the distance doesn’t appear to be a big issue. Also, as a son of Kitten’s Joy who won the 2004 Virginia Derby, Banned has some pedigree to fall back on.

 

Street Game looks to be the biggest threat to Banned winning his third consecutive graded stakes. The 3-year-old son of Street Cry is on a three race win streak that started back on May 7^th in a Belmont Park maiden race, and most recently concluded with a 7 ¼ length romp in the Hill Prince Stakes (gr.3). He has won his three races by a combined 20 lengths. It looks like he’s just started to hit his best stride, there’s a ton of potential with this colt.

 

Air Support was last seen finishing second to Street Game in the Hill Prince Stakes and before that third to Banned in the American Turf Stakes. In the American Turf Stakes he was only beaten a head for second and finished more than two lengths ahead of the fourth place horse. Needless to say he has run into monster efforts in his last two races and seems to be running behind the top two in terms of maturity and raw talent. On Sunday he turned in an excellent work on the inner turf course at Belmont, going five furlongs in 1:00.48. He is a two-time Grade 3 stakes winner on the turf and won the Transylvania Stakes (gr.3) at Keeneland before finishing third in the American Turf Stakes. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him move forward with a much better effort on Saturday.

 

Benergy won a maiden race by a nose on May 13^th at Churchill Downs before finishing second to Banned in the Jefferson Cup Stakes in his last start.

 

Thirtyfirststreet enters off a neck victory in the Lone Star Derby after missing by less than a length in the Snow Chief Stakes at Hollywood Park.

 

Crimson China won the Lamplighter Stakes in his last start, defeating his four rivals at Monmount Park by one length.

 

King Congie won the 1 1/8 mile Tropical Park Derby in early January before finishing third in both the Hallandale Beach and Toyota Blue Grass Stakes. Most recently he finished 7^th in the Preakness Stakes. He’s had a good amount of experience running against classy fields so you can’t count him out and he appears to like the turf better than dirt. One thing I’m not crazy about is that he’s been trained on the dirt for this turf race.

 

Casino Host was last seen finishing 5^th in the Hill Prince Stakes behind Street Game. This will be his 6^th lifetime start and 5^th this year and with only a maiden victory to his credit it appears he could be in a little over his head. His worst finish so far was the Hill Prince Stakes 5^th place finish, before that he finished no worse than second, so he is consistent.

 

Waco Kid enters off a narrow allowance score at Calder and only broke his maiden three races back. It will take a giant leap for him to hit the board.

 

Newsdad has lost four straight races and his only victory is a maiden score at Gulfstream Park in lat January. He finished third in the Victoria Park Stakes during his most recent run.

 

Watch Me Go hasn’t run since a horrible 18^th place finish in the Kentucky Derby on May 7^th. He won the Tampa Bay Derby in true upset style in early March but both subsequent starts have resulted in off the board finishes. His latest work, though on dirt, was an impressive five furlong move he completed in :59.60.

 

It looks like Banned, Street Game and Air Support are a ways ahead of most of this field right now. Banned is easily the best horse going in and I think will emerge the same, but you never can tell.

Delaware Handicap to Ladies Classic

The Delaware Handicap was first run in 1937 and went for six straight years until 1943 when the race was not run. Since then it has been contested every year since 1944 making 2011 the 67th consecutive running and 73^rd overall. That’s a lot of history and tradition to stack up to, and with great names like Miss Grillo, Busanda and Susan’s Girl listed among the winners, it’s a Grade 2 race that commands great respect and carries a lot of weight on a filly’s resume.

This Saturday Champion Blind Luck and Havre de Grace will square off against each other in the Delaware Handicap for the sixth time, continuing what has become one of the most exciting and competitive rivalries in recent history. Ultimately both fillies are chasing after the division championship and perhaps even Horse of the Year. To attain that goal they will most likely have to show up at the Breeders’ Cup in the fall at Churchill Downs and prove their worth yet again.

Since its inception in 1984, the Breeders’ Cup has instantly become one of the greatest sports spectacles in the world of thoroughbred horse racing, and especially American racing. The Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic, the premier event for fillies and mares at the Breeders’ Cup, was formerly known as the Breeders’ Cup Distaff from 1984-2007. In 26 running’s of the Ladies Classic/Distaff only nine winners of the Delaware Handicap have stepped into the starting gate to contest the Breeders’ Cup.

In 1984 Adored put together a 13 race campaign that started in early January and lasted until early November. She won four consecutive starts including the Grade 1 Santa Margarita Invitational to begin her year, and then seventh in the Apple Blossom Handicap (gr.1) before winning two more consecutive Grade 2’s. After finishing second in her next three consecutive starts, one grade 1 and two grade 2’s, she captured the Delaware Handicap. Adored next finished third in the Ruffian Handicap as her final prep before the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. She ultimately finished third behind a powerhouse effort by Princess Rooney.

Nastique won the 1988 and 1989 Delaware Handicap but didn’t contest the Breeders’ Cup in 1988. During her twelve race, 1989 campaign, the Naskra mare captured just one start; the Delaware Handicap, and finished on the board just three times. She finished a dull 7^th in the 1989 Distaff behind super-mare Bayakoa. [Read the complete post here on Distaff Runner at Horse Racing Nation]