Goldikova Back in the Prix Rothschild

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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!

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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

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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]

 

Awesome Dude!

The Hollywood Gold Cup (gr.1) stole the spotlight Saturday, putting the final touch on a strong, stimulating weekend of racing. In what will surely go down as one of the most thrilling Hollywood Gold Cup runs of the decade, First Dude proved his status as the nation’s leading Older Male horse with a perfectly timed closing rush to steal the victory by a nose of Game On Dude with Twirling Candy just a neck back in third.

Santa Anita Handicap (gr.1) winner Game On Dude jumped to the early lead with Chantal Sutherland with Twirling Candy hot on his heels at the rail with Miss Match between. Setsuko was close behind in fourth as they rounded the first turn while First Dude and Martin Garcia sat in behind the top four. It was a gap of three lengths back to defending Hollywood Gold Cup winner Awesome Gem and Dark Cove with Soul Candy trailing the field. The opening quarter was run in :23.42 over the Cushion Track as Game On Dude continued to show the way, Twirling Candy stalking a close second. Down the backstretch Setsuko moved to within two lengths of the lead, edging Miss Match for the third running spot with First Dude cruising back in fifth, six lengths off the lead. After the half in :47.75 Miss Match began to slowly fade as Twirling Candy and Setsuko gradually closed the gap on Game On Dude. First Dude began to rank things up as the final turn approached, gunning for the leaders and moving into fourth position. Coming off the turn nothing separated Game On Dude and Twirling Candy. Setsuko fell back as First Dude came five wide off the turn with Martin Garcia riding him for all his worth. Twirling Candy and Game On Dude exchanged blow for blow down the stretch, neither one willing to give an inch. First Dude appeared too late to make an impact but continued to close the gap, extending his lead even more as Game On Dude thrust a neck in front of Twirling Candy. With the wire only seconds away First Dude surged forward to the frantic cheers of the crowd, overtaking the courageous frontrunners to post a thrilling victory by a nose over Game On Dude, making for a powerful 1-2 punch for trainer Bob Baffert.

The final time of the 1 ¼ mile Gold Cup was an excellent time of 2:01.57, less than a second off the track record of 2:00.75 set by Rail Trip in 2009. Setsuko finished fourth, 2 ¼ lengths ahead of defending Gold Cup champion Awesome Gem in fifth. Twirling Candy failed once again as the favorite to get the 1 ¼ miles, but still proved himself a worthy candidate of the distance. It’s clear he is better at shorter distances where his speed doesn’t have to be stretched out and rationed. Game On Dude showed exceptional courage staying on the front end for so long and denying Twirling Candy the lead throughout before getting nabbed in the final jump by First Dude. Chantal Sutherland was the first female jockey in history to have a mount in the Hollywood Gold Cup and ran a stellar race with Game On Dude, coming oh so close to becoming the first woman to win the Gold Cup. First Dude has now won three straight races this year, starting with an allowance win at Santa Anita in early April, then capturing the Alysheba Stakes (gr.3) by a nose over a strong field for the first graded stakes win of his career. With his win in the Hollywood Gold Cup the Stephen Got Even colt captured the first Grade 1 win of his career and is now the front runner for the Older Male championship. The Hollywood Gold Cup win also means First Dude earned an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr.1) at Churchill Downs on November 5^th.

It seems like First Dude has finally been able to put it all together this year after his very competitive but frustrating season in 2010 where he finished second three times, third four times and won once in a maiden race. During his run he competed in six consecutive Grade 1’s. After running on or close to the lead last year, First Dude and trainer Bob Baffert have discovered great success with his newfound closing running style.

The Return of St. John's River

The 137^th running of the Kentucky Oaks was considered a very strong and competitive field of fillies before the running, now two months after the historic running form has held up extremely well. Kentucky Oaks third place finisher Zazu returned to defeat Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty in a thrilling rendition of the Hollywood Oaks. Kentucky Oaks fourth place finisher Joyful Victory came back to finish second in the Mother Goose Stakes behind an overpowering victory by Buster’s Ready. Kentucky Oaks tenth place finisher Summer Soiree turned in a dazzling performance when capturing the Boiling Springs Stakes by 8 ½ lengths on turf. Her Smile finished eleventh in the Kentucky Oaks, a distance third in the Acorn Stakes and then uncorked a stunning last-to-first move to win the Grade 1 Prioress Stakes in her first try sprinting. There have been just as many failed returns as successful ones like Daisy Devine’s fifth place finish in the Iowa Oaks, Kathmanblu and Bouquet Booth’s fourth and third place finishes in the Regret Stakes and Street Storm’s runner up effort in a Churchill Downs Optional Allowance Claiming race, but overall the quality of the Kentucky Oaks field has held up well to its earlier reputation.

St. John’s River is the latest filly from the powerful Kentucky Oaks arsenal set to fire off this weekend in the Delaware Oaks (gr.2), and if past performance is any indication the best might have been saved for last. Two necks and a half length, that’s how close St. John’s River is away from four consecutive victories.[Read the complete post here and see how the field stacks up in the Delaware Oaks on Distaff Runner at Horse Racing Nation]

4th Of July Weekend Racing: Top Five

[caption id="attachment_1693" align="alignleft" width="460" caption="So You Think (right) defeats Workforce in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes - Bill Selwyn"][/caption]

The Fourth of July weekend punctuated a powerful, elongated weekend of spectacular that spanned the United States and Europe as well. There were more than 20 graded stakes races contested across the nation from Saturday through Monday and many more overseas, making for a highly competitive and entertaining holiday weekend. With so many high profile races run over the last three days it took a little time for me to catch up on all the news and watch all the replays after work and family picnics. After I was able to review the results I came away with some decisive conclusions; 1) every weekend should feel like fourth of July weekend in racing, 2) it was great to see the Matron and Futurity back at Belmont, and 3) there were five performances that really stood out to me. So here, in ascending order, are my top five:

5) Wise Dan winning the Firecracker Handicap (Gr.2) – In his very first try on turf, Wise Dan left a very favorable impression when capturing the Fircracker Handicap on Monday at Churchill Downs. Breaking very wide in the Firecracker Handicap before angling to the inside, the Wiseman’s Ferry gelding secured third place into the first turn, just in behind Plutonium and Strike Impact. The top three remained the same through unhurried fractions of :23.89 for the opening quarter, :47.19 for the half and 1:11.12 for the three quarters. Coming around the far turn Wise Dan accelerated with eye catching ease, taking over the lead and drawing off to an impressive 2 ¾ length win. The four year old gelding has now won five of ten starts and it appears his best efforts could lie ahead on the turf.

4) Smiling Tiger wins the Triple Bend Handicap (Gr.1) – Smiling Tiger won his third graded stakes of the year, third Grad 1 of his career and missed the track record by less than a second in the Triple Bend Handicap (gr.1) and won by more than three lengths. M One Rifle was fastest out of the gate in the Triple Bend but it was Smiling Tiger who pounced to the lead in a few jumps and stayed there the entire trip. Coming off the turn Smiling Tiger extended his one length advantage with ease, opening up by two lengths in the blink of an eye and looking full of run. Jockey Joel Rosario gave two quick taps of the whip halfway down the stretch to keep his mount focused and then hand rode his charge to the wire, a winner by 3 ¼ lengths. In five tries this year, all graded stakes sprints, the 4-year-old Hold that Tiger colt has won three races, all graded stakes. I’d say he’s got a leg up on Big Drama in the Sprint Division right now and at the very least is one of the leading sprinters in the country.

3) Her Smile wins the Prioress Stakes (Gr.1) – Her Smile made celebrity chef owner Bobby Flay a very happy man on Monday when she delivered the first Grade 1 triumph of her career and Flay’s first Grade 1 win as an owner. After finishing 11^th in the Kentucky Oaks and a distance third in the Acorn Stakes, both Grade 1’s Her Smile went off as the fifth favorite in the Prioress and absolutely dominated with a stunning last-to-first move. Breaking slowly, the daughter of Include dropped well off the back of the field, a good four lengths behind Pomeroy’s Pistol in fifth, as Roman Treasure and Quantum Miss blazed through a first quarter in :21.78. Halfway around the far turn Her Smile and Pomeroy’s Pistol both began their runs, quickly disposing of Our Year while Alienation moved up to third, making a three horse wall with Roman Treasure and Quantum Miss as the field charged into the homestretch. Pomeroy’s Pistol went five wide off the turn while Javier Castellano  guided Her Smile to the inside where a small gap had opened up on the rail. The game filly darted eagerly into the hole and burst through to the lead, just holding off an equally game Pomeroy’s Pistol by half a length for the win.

2) Courageous Cat Defeats Caracortado in the Shoemaker Mile (Gr.1) – The Shoemaker Mile (gr.1) was run as a “Win and You’re In” race, offering the winner a free berth in the Breeder’s Cup Mile (gr.1) at Churchill Downs on November 5^th. After watching the 2011 renewal there was little doubt in my mind that the best horse won hands down by a slim margin over the second best horse. Courageous Cat ran his guts out for the very first Grade 1 win of his career, long overdue if you ask me. Back in 2009 Courageous Cat ran one of the best races of his career to finish second to the great Goldikova by half a length in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr.1) and now it appears he could be headed to Churchill Downs for another try. In the Shoemaker Mile Courageous Cat rated comfortably in second, just behind pacesetting Liberian Freighter, with Caracortado a length behind in third. As they entered the far turn Courageous Cat got the jump on Caracortado, moving up to take the lead entering the stretch as his younger opponent rolled up to take second on his outside. Those two slugged it out like true champions down the wire, never separated by more than half a length. Caracortado ran a great race but it was clear Courageous Cat had more to offer at each point in the race. He ran a fantastic final time of 1:33.19, just a shade off from the course record of 1:32.59 set by Montery Jazz in 2009. I think the United States is well positioned to give the Europeans a run for their money in the Mile if Courageous Cat and Caracortado continue towards that goal.

1) So You Think wins the Coral-Eclipse Stakes (Eng-1) – So You Think and 2010 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-1) winner Workforce, put on one of the most exhilarating stretch duels I have witnessed in European racing this year. In a short field of just five runners that also included the English and Irish Oaks winning filly Snow Fairy, Confront took the lead in the early stages of the race, setting a solid pace for stablemate Workforce.  So You Think sat just behind the front two with Snow Fairy and Sri Putra brining up the rear. The field positions remained relatively unchanged through the first six furlongs as Workforce and jockey Ryan Moore gradually began to inch forward. As the field began to round the far turn Workforce moved up along the rail and seized the lead with three furlongs to go. Leading the way into the long homestretch Workforce was under no pressure from Moore as So You Think and jockey Seamie Heffernan appeared pinned down on the inside of Confront. A third of the way down the stretch Ryan Moore suddenly came alive on Workforce, rousing his mount to produce his best effort. Suddenly two lengths behind the flashy move by Workforce, So You Think was finally given some breathing room as Confront fell back and bore out. Heffernan instantly steered his mount into the clear and rode for all he was worth. For a moment it appeared So You Think was about to be handed a solid beating from Workforce as the Australian champion failed to close the gap. With four right handed smacks Heffernan finally got the response he was waiting for. So You Think thrust his head forward, lowered his neck and burst forward like he had just re-broken from the gates. In ten giant strides he overtook Workforce and won by half a length. Workforce was exceptionally game in defeat, leading the field for almost the entire final half mile of the race.

Aside from the top five I mentioned there were several other excellent races that I liked. It was great seeing Kensei hold off Soaring Empire to win the Salvator Mile (gr.3) and Dominus take the Dwyer (gr.2) and it was really nice to see Flashpoint run away with the Jersey Shore Stakes (gr.3) at Monmouth Park. Also I am very excited to hear Uncle Mo is going back to training with Todd Pletcher next Monday.

Older Female Division A Three Horse Race, Or Not?

[caption id="attachment_1686" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="Blind Luck Winning the Vanity Handicap - Benoitphoto.com"][/caption]

It seems to be an almost unanimous vote that Havre de Grace is the leading Horse of the Year candidate thus far in 2011, especially after easily defeating her toughest rival, Blind Luck, by more than three lengths in the Azeri Stakes (gr.3). The Azeri was the first start of the year for the Larry Jones trained filly and was followed up by dominant wins in the Apple Blossom Handicap (gr.1) and Obeah Stakes (gr.3) that featured a weak field. She will return to the scene of her first iconic meeting with Blind Luck in last year’s Delaware Oaks (gr.2) when she ships in for the July 16^th Delaware Handicap (gr.2) where she could once again face her racetrack nemesis.

While Havre de Grace was going undefeated in three starts this year, Blind Luck had already run twice before facing her rival in the Azeri, both times running second and looking nothing like the Blind Luck of 2010. After the Azeri trainer Jerry Hollendorfer opted to give his star filly more time between races and skip the Apple Blossom Handicap in favor of the La Troienne Stakes (gr.2) and a short rest. It worked wonders and the Champion regained her winning form with a spectacular stretch running rally from last. After a bad stumble at the break she nailed 2010 Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic victor Unrivalled Belle by a half length at the wire. Just over one month later Blind Luck returned for another last-to-first win, this time in the Vanity Handicap (gr.1) at Hollywood Park on Hollendorfer’s birthday no less, finishing 1 ½ lengths ahead of Switch. Hollendorfer mentioned the Delaware Handicap on July 16^th as the next possible start for his charge, where she would once again face Havre de Grace, but he also mentioned the Clement L Hirsch (gr.1) and Personal Ensign (gr.1) Stakes at Del Mar and Saratoga respectively. That was after the Vanity Handicap, now, less than three weeks later, Hollendorfer has given racing fans even more to think about. After Blind Luck worked five furlongs in 1:01 on Thursday Hollendorfer announced he was nominating the Pollard’s Vision filly to the $500,000 Hollywood Gold Cup (gr.1) on July 9^th. If she was to run in the 1 ¼ mile event she could face a very deep field of older males that includes First Dude, Twirling Candy, Game On Dude and 2010 winner Awesome Gem. A win over the males in the Gold Cup would go a long way towards winning her the divisional championship for Blind Luck again, which I’m sure Hollendorfer has in his mind. [Read the complete story here on Distaff Runner]