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 10th 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]
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
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 3rd for her first meeting with males, Blind Luck’s trainer Jerry Hollendorfer ruled out possible runs in both the August 28th 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 1st. 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 16th. 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 29th that she followed up with a 1:00.40 five furlong work one week later on August 5th. Her two latest works are identical six furlong moves that she completed in 1:13.40, completing the last breeze on August 17th. She is scheduled to make put in her final work on August 24th.
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 5th 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 6th 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]
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 3rd for her first meeting with males, Blind Luck’s trainer Jerry Hollendorfer ruled out possible runs in both the August 28th 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 1st. 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 16th. 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 29th that she followed up with a 1:00.40 five furlong work one week later on August 5th. Her two latest works are identical six furlong moves that she completed in 1:13.40, completing the last breeze on August 17th. She is scheduled to make put in her final work on August 24th.
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 5th 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 6th 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]
Monday, August 22, 2011
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 5th 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.
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.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
High Stakes in the Alabama
The 131st 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 23rd 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 9th, 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 9th 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 24th 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?
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 23rd 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 9th, 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 9th 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 24th 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?
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Goldikova chases 15th Group 1 Win in Marois
[caption id="attachment_1746" align="alignleft" width="330" caption="Goldikova"]
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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 22nd. 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 5th in 2009 and 8th 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 4th 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 15th 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 11th Prix du Moulin (Fr-1) at Longchamp. If that happens a meeting with Frankel in the October 15th 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]
[/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 22nd. 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 5th in 2009 and 8th 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 4th 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 15th 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 11th Prix du Moulin (Fr-1) at Longchamp. If that happens a meeting with Frankel in the October 15th 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]
Monday, August 8, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, August 5, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Affirmed: The last Triple Crown Winner - Lou Sahadi Interview
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.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Goldikova: The Newest Wonder of the World
[caption id="attachment_1735" align="alignleft" width="360" caption="Goldikova"]
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After watching Goldikova capture her 4th consecutive Prix Rothschild, and 14th 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 4th 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 15th 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 100th 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.
[/caption]After watching Goldikova capture her 4th consecutive Prix Rothschild, and 14th 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 4th 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 15th 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 100th 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.
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