Kentucky Derby 137 Wrap: Ruling the Kingdom

The 137^th Kentucky Derby was one for the record books and in more ways than one. In front of the largest Derby crowd in history, 164,858 fans to be exact, Animal Kingdom became the first horse in history to win the world’s greatest race having never run on dirt before.

When jockey John Velasquez replaced the injured Robby Albarado on Animal Kingdom in the Derby after his mount, 2010 Champion Two Year Old Male Uncle Mo, was scratched Friday morning, it was with far lower performances expectations in mind. None of that mattered after Velazquez guided Animal Kingdom to a flawless win in the $3 million dollar race for three year olds.

Trainer Graham Motion came roaring onto the Kentucky Derby scene on April 9^th when Toby’s Corner defeated Uncle Mo to win the Wood Memorial (gr.1) and stamp his ticket to the Derby. It appeared Motion was on his way to Louisville with a legitimate contender until a problem was detected in the colt’s left rear leg and he was withdrawn from race consideration. Motion was left with Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes (gr.3) Animal Kingdom as his final Derby possible but the colt had never started on dirt in his career. None of that mattered on Saturday when Animal Kingdom flew to a 2 ¾ length victory over 18 of the nation’s best colts to give Motion his first win in the Kentucky Derby.

As the field thundered from the gate to the roar from the massive Churchill Downs crowd, Animal Kingdom came out a step slow from post #17 but quickly got into stride and was guided towards the inside rail by Velazquez. Comma to the Top broke fastest of all from post six as Shackelford charged into the fore from post fourteen, quickly taking the lead by half a length passing by  the stands for the first time. Nehro surprisingly tossed his late running ways to the wind and broke sharply, placing himself just behind the leaders in sixth on the outside with Mucho Macho Man just behind and race favorite Dialed In dead last well out of it into the first turn. Animal Kingdom raced on the outside in the clear in thirteenth around the first turn and into the backstretch as Shackleford led the field through a first quarter in :23.74. Racing down the backside Shackleford continued to lead as the field’s positions remained relatively unchanged, Archarcharch ran in sixteenth after breaking awkwardly from post one as Dialed continued to trail.

As the field approached the far turn Shackleford led the field by a length and a half as Nehro moved up on the outside to take second with Pants on Fire and Comma to the Top started their rally’s, the four of them fanned out across the track. Through the turn they charged at the leaders, Pants on Fire dropping back as Animal Kingdom began to uncork his run from far back and Mucho Macho Man struggled through traffic mid pack. Into the stretch Shackleford continued to lead, running his heart out on the rail as Nehro showed a completely new dimension, coming strong from off the pace to inch his way past Shackleford. A second after Nehro took the lead Animal Kingdom literally exploded under Velasquez and came charging hard on the outside. Bursting past the leaders he flew down the stretch, Nehro struggling to keep up as Shackleford refused to give in and Mucho Macho Man finally broke through and found his best stride. Blazing under the line Animal Kingdom finished full of run with Nehro finishing second by a neck over a fast charging Mucho Macho Man with Shackleford hanging tough to finish just ¾ of a length back in fourth.

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Motion was shocked after the race stating that he never expected to win the Derby. “To win the Derby is not something I ever expected to do. I’m always going to be considered a Kentucky Derby winning trainer and that speaks volumes.” It was an all around feel good story that surrounded the Derby victory this year. Jockey John Velazquez has had his mounts scratched three years in-a-row now going back to 2009 when Quality Road was scratched with a quarter crack as the favorite. In 2010 Eskendereya was scratched as the probably favorite because of a leg injury. This year Uncle Mo was scratched as the second favorite and certainly the most talked about Derby contender.

Animal Kingdom was clearly the best horse in the race and has now registered three wins in five starts. His Derby move was almost identical to his Vinery Spiral win and the impressive victor has already been given the go ahead to point for the Preakness Stakes (Gr.1) on May 21^st. Dialed In who never seemed to launch a serious rally in the Derby will be pointed for the Preakness as will Mucho Macho Man who ran a strong third in the Derby. Nehro, Shackleford and Santiva are also possible to return for the Preakness but it looks like Nehro could skip in favor of the Belmont Stakes (gr.1).

Shackleford turned in a terrific effort in the Derby, setting all the fractions up front and losing by less than four lengths. Archarcharch was pulled up after the race and vanned off in an ambulance. Apparently the talented colt sustained a lateral condylar fracture that is not life threatening.

I had so much fun with the Derby this year, being so involved and up to date. When the horses were walking by in the post parade I tweeted my top three choices were Mucho Macho Man, Dialed In and Shackleford. Santiva and Nehro also looked really good warming up and then at one point I turned to my sister when Animal Kingdom jogged across the screen and said “He looks like he’s ready to run big but I’m not going to tweet him because I’ll look like an idiot when he loses.” She laughed along with me and then said “Now watch him go and win.” You have to love irony.

Final Kentucky Derby Thoughts

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With the sad, but not completely unexpected news, that Uncle Mo has been scratched from the Kentucky Derby I find myself scrambling to pick another favorite. It has pretty much come down to a very even and competitive field in this year’s Derby without standout like Premier Pegasus or a 100% fit Uncle Mo so I’m going to stick my neck out there and just make a choice based on nothing but my own instincts and love of the contenders.

1)      I think I’ve decided to go with Mucho Macho Man. Not only does he have a very heart-warming story to go along with consistency, he is also the youngest contender in the field, technically still a two-year-old. You can’t fault any of his Churchill works and he had a good excuse to lose the Louisiana Derby (gr.2) after losing a shoe in the beginning of the race.

2)      Dialed In is still one of my favorites and after seeing how well Churchill played on Friday with the Oaks card to closers on the dirt track you have to think he’ll get a favorable run on a dry track. Traffic issues are always going to be a huge question mark with a closer in a 19 horse field but that’s part of the risk. To me he gives the best physical impression of all the Derby contenders.

3)      The best series of works goes hands down to Archarcharch in my eyes. You would be hard pressed to find another contender in the field that has run as often and as consistent as the colt. The Arkansas Derby allowed him to showcase one of the best rallies of the year and I think he’s still improving.

4)      Pants On Fire has several things going for him; red-hot jockey Rosie Napravnik to guide him, some very impressive works at Churchill and also get favorable post position number seven.

5)      Soldat could turn out to be the dark horse in the Derby and not only if the track comes up wet. He’s run some very impressive speed figures earlier in the year and a return to any one of hi 100+ Beyer’s would probably be enough to take down this field. He will need to relax off the pace if he hopes to survive the 1 ¼ mile journey but I don’t see a problem there.

6)      Todd Pletcher and Mike Repole still have one hope to win the Derby and judging by the last two works Stay Thirsty has posted, he’s prepared to run a much bigger race than his awful Florida Derby placing. As a son of Bernardini there’s definitely something to be said for family stamina.

So there it is, my top six choices as it stands now. I almost always change my mind last minute when I see the horses warming up and I’ll most likely be tweeting something like; “Wow, Archarcharch and Soldat look amazing in the post parade” or “Stay Thirsty looks really good!”. It all comes down to a play of the moment for me I guess, and especially in a wide open derby like this. As a side note I do have to mention Midnight Interlude has also caught my eye as have Shackelford and Nehro.

Good luck to all and may the best horse win.

Pretty as Plum: Kentucky Oaks Card full of Thrills

Oaks day graded stakes racing got off to a rousing start this afternoon in the La Troienne Stakes (gr.2) as Champion Blind Luck engaged in a stretch battle for the ages with Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic winner Unrivaled Belle. After stumbling badly coming out of post number seven, Blind Luck was taken up sharply by jockey Garett Gomez to avoid getting pinched between fillies and fell well back of the field around the first turn. Down the backside Gomez edged Blind Luck closer to the field as Unrivaled Belle sat just behind the pace in a perfect stalking position.

Entering the far turn Blind Luck began to make her move, making her way around fillies to reach mid pack as the front runners spread out to cover the track four wide. Unrivaled Belle on the outside swung into the turn about five wide as Blind Luck charged under a full head of steam from behind, flying into the turn six paths wide. Down the stretch Unrivaled Belle quickly gained a slight advantage over the field before Blind Luck engaged to her outside, under a vigorous ride from Gomez. Stride by stride Blind Luck proved just how much of a champion she was, refusing to quit as Unrivaled Belle proved equally game on the inside. The pair flashed under the wire to the roar from thousands of ramped up fans, Blind Luck winning by a thrilling head over her game rival.

It was the champions first start at Churchill Downs since winning the 2010 Kentucky Oaks over Evening Jewel by a head after a similar sensational stretch run.

The Edgewood Stakes:

Diva Ash turned the Edgewood Stakes into an absolute runaway today over Churchill Downs turf course, taking the lead at the first jump and never looking back. Smart Sting and Niji’s Grand Girl broke ran just to her outside approaching the first turn but  into the backside Diva Ash opened up by a length and a half with ears pricked. Entering the far turn the field began to close on Diva Ash, closing the gap to half a length but with just a shake of the reins the talented filly drew off again and flew into the homestretch four wide, leading the field by a length. Down the stretch Diva Ash continued to pour it on with jockey Kent Desourmeux, inching away to win by 1 ½ lengths.

The Eight Belles Stakes (gr.3):

Kent Desormeaux captured his second consecutive graded stakes race on the Churchill Downs Kentucky Oaks undercard when he guided Victoria’s Wildcat to a skillful victory in the Grade 3 Eight Belles Stakes. Breaking out of the gate in the 7 furlong race Home Sweet Aspen was fastest into stride while holding a narrow advantage over Holiday Flare, Mysterious Chimes and Formal Plan all spread out across the track. The opening quarter went in a rapid :22.02 with Arienza in behind the leaders on the rail with Pomeroy’s Pistol racing just a length behind. Rounding the far turn Honey Chile moved into contention and raced head and head with Home Sweet Aspen as Pomeroy’s Pistol  began to move up from behind and Victoria’s Wildcat came under a full drive by Desormeaux, picking off fillies with tremendous momentum.

Off the turn Honey Chile was now under a full drive to overcome Sweet Home Aspen who was still running strong after running the half mile in :44.57. Along the rail Arienza was spent and continued to fade badly as Victoria’s Wildcat exploded from between horses and charged down the center of the track to win going away by more than two lengths. It looks like Churchill is playing kindly to closers today!

The Alysheba Stakes (gr.3):

If the La Troienne stretch run didn’t get your blood boiling, then the Alysheba certainly must have, as it came down to a photo finish that separated First Dude by a hair from Regal Ransom with a blanket of horses finishing in behind. Breaking fastest from the gate were Regal Ransom and Wise Dan from posts eleven and one who shot straight out to the lead with Wise Dan taking a slight edge going into the first turn. Onto the backstretch Mission Impazible ran in third with First Dude and Equstrio just behind. Behind those came Caracortado with Awesome Gem another 1 ½ lengths behind in seventh. Giant Oak and Demarcation took up the rear as the field began to spread out down the backside.

Approaching the far turn First Dude began to slowly move up outside of horses as Regal Ransom moved closer to the leader in second. Into the stretch Regal Ransom rushed up on the outside to seize the lead as First Dude swung seven wide and came flying at the leader. Caracortado shot to the inside behind leaders as Awesome Gem turned on a terrific late rally and switched to the outside. Down the stretch the field now fanned out across the track, Regal Ransom still held onto a narrow lead as First Dude continued to close relentlessly, inch by inch. Under the line it was impossible to separate First Dude and Regal Ransom by a head bob in a tight photo finish, with Equistrio finising half a neck back in third between those two while Awesome Gem and Caracortado turned in strong runs to finish less than a length behind the top three.

The American Turf Stakes (gr.2):

Banned turned in a brilliant stretch run to win the American Turf Stakes (gr.2) over a large field of sophomore runners on Churchill’s turf course. Sitting well behind the pace set by Great Mills, Banned rated about twelve lengths behind Great Mills under jockey Garett Gomez fourth from last. The opening quarter was run in a easy :23.53 while the half went in :47.56. As the field entered the turn Banned began to kick it into high gear while Great Mills slowly pulled away from the field, looking like a serious front-running threat. Down the stretch Banned moved so fast from far back that I missed his initial move until he was almost in the lead. Exploding down the center of the track Banned flashed under the line a winner by about five lengths while being eased in the final few strides.

Last year Banned finished fifth in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf as the favorite behind Pluck and Soldat and looks poised to return to the head of his division.

The 137th Kentucky Oaks (gr.1):

Staying true to form in the biggest race of the day the Kentucky Oaks stole the show with another thrilling close finish. As the field of thirteen talented fillies surged from the gate it was Summer Soiree who took the lead from the three hold as Plum Pretty came rocketing out of the twelve hold under Martin Garcia to run a close second. Into the first turn Summer Soiree opened up while Daisy Devine settled in behind the top two with Lilacs and Lace to her inside. Joyful Victory ran half a length behind with Kathmanblu directly behind her. Zazu raced third last as the field raced down the backstretch while Rosie Napravnik held St. John’s River dead last.

Entering the far turn Plum Pretty began to move up on Summer Soiree with Joyful Victory, Lilacs and Lace and Daisy Devine all in a close striking position. Into the stretch and Plum Pretty took the lead with Garcia still sitting chilly, behind her Joyful Victory got in the clear while Zazu came from far back to swing into the stretch eight wide. Napravnik had meanwhile guided St. John’s River around fillies in the turn before switching to the inside rail and setting her down for the drive. Halfway to the wire Plum Pretty began to really pour it on, now under a vigorous ride while St. John’s River shifted outside and drove with all her might to catch the leader. It appeared for just a moment that Plum Pretty might win by open lengths, but St. John’s River continued to close with a frenzy. Blazing past the finish Plum Pretty just managed to hold off St. John’s River by a neck as Zazu closed from well back to take third by a half length over Joyful Victory with Bouquet Booth another hose back in fifth.

This marks the second Oaks winner Medaglia d’Oro has sired in the last three years after Rachel Alexandra’s record setting romp in 2009. Trainer Bob Baffert was visibly very pleased with his fillies effort. Plum Pretth entered the Oaks off a 25 length romp in the Sunland Park Oaks and came into the race training very well at Churchill Downs. Second place finishing jockey Rosie Napravnik was very disappointed with the tough loss but was very proud of the run her filly made after her poor start when she veered sharply toward the outside rail.

The Oaks lived up to its billing as a wide open affair but the best filly of the day clearly won. Kathmanblu finished 6^th, Street Storm  7^th, Daisy Devine 8^th, Suave Voir Faire 9^th, Summer Soiree 10^th, Her Smile 11^th, Lilacs and Lace 12 and Holy Heavens 13^th.

Kentucky Oaks 137: A Day of Pink

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Racing’s day of pink has arrived. In just a few short hours Churchill Downs will slowly begin to fill with thousands of fans ready to witness an exciting day of racing and the stands will rapidly become a sea of pink. Pink has become the color of preference at the Kentucky Oaks since it began to partner with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 2009, a joined effort to bring a broader awareness to breast cancer. This year the Survivors Walk will be held for the third consecutive year; 137 survivors of breast cancer will parade past the stands down the track followed by the cheers and applause from the many thousands of supporters and well wishers. It is easily one of the most heartwarming and inspiring moments I have witness while at the track.

At approximately 5:45 P.M. Eastern time today, a field of thirteen fillies that comprise one of the most talented Oaks fields in history, will break from the gates at Churchill Downs, run around the dirt oval and lay their hearts out on the line in the final furlong, but only one will cross the finish wire first. When those thirteen fillies hit the head of the stretch in the Oaks all the best laid plans, analysis and theories will be forgotten as the rush of the moment takes over and all that matters is winning.

This year’s Oaks is an exceptionally tough race to handicap and I have been picking my brain trying to decide how the race will play out. To be completely honest I would only be surprised to see Suave Voir Faire, Her Smile, Bouquet Booth and Street Storm win. Of the remaining ten fillies each and every one has proven themselves to be a gifted athlete, worthy of exceptional racing ability.

As a fan I will be rooting for Joyful Victory to win. The more I see of this filly the more I like her. Not only has she proven herself to be one of the most brilliant performers of the year with two consecutive victories, she also has one of the most amiable trainers in the game in Larry Jones, a trainer I hold in very high regard. Jones won the Kentucky Oaks in 2008 with Proud Spell but has never had a filly quite this good leading up to the big dance. This week Joyful Victory has been training like a monster and appears ready for another huge performance.....[Read the complete post here on Horse Racing Nation]

Derby Posts Set: Mo on the Fence

The post positions have been set for the Kentucky Derby and the dreaded #1 hole has been given to Arkansas Derby (gr.1) winner, and Churchill Downs buzz horse Archarcharch this year. Last year race favorite Lookin At Lucky endured a nightmarish trip from post position number one but still managed to finish a respectable sixth after all hope of winning was swept away in the mad rush from the gate. Archarcharch will face the heat this time around with jockey Jon Court aboard but both trainer and jockey have remained very optimistic about their colts chances despite the bad post. After rattling off a series of impressive works at Churchill Downs Archarcharch has come more into the spotlight than ever following his Arkansas Derby win at long odds. He will have some tough traffic issues to overcome but he’s one of the most seasoned and definitely the best conditioned horse in the entire field so if any colt can overcome the odds it’s probably him.

Dialed In received a beautiful post, tucked in snugly between Pants On Fire to his inside and Derby Kitten to his outside, in post number eight with Julien Leparoux set to ride. He’s another one who has been making a good impression since his arrival at Churchill Downs. The first couple visits to the track looked a little stiff but his most recent gallop was full of energy and had him stretching out beautifully on Wednesday. I suspect he likes a dry track better than a wet one which is why he looked so much better in his recent gallop than he did when going over the sloppy surface.

Uncle Mo can’t get a break it seems. Between his loss of historic proportions in the Wood Memorial, a light training schedule brought on by his GI infection, slight loss of appetite in the weeks leading up to the Derby, constant media pressure and a rumor mill that runs 24/7, it seemed the Champion had a full plate. Not full enough it seems. On Wednesday the son of Indian Charlie was slapped with post position 18, just two from the far outside, a post that will make his job a lot harder. If he hopes to run close to the pace or just behind the leaders he’s going to have to find a way to work his way through traffic and secure a spot before the first turn so as not to get hung wide. As it stands now owner Mike Repole says his champion is 50/50 to run in the Derby. He will only run if they feel he is 100% percent. A final decision will be made on Thursday evening or Friday morning after the colt is examined by a team of three veterinarians as well as trainer Todd Pletcher and Repole. I hope he passes with flying colors and takes a shot, who knows if he can win right now but I'll still be rooting for him to wear the garland of roses.

Repole and Pletcher’s second runner, Gotham Stakes winner Stay Thirsty, was assigned post four which should offer the Bernardini colt a favorable run to settle into a comfortable position the first time past the wire. He has been trainer very well at Churchill and looks primed to turn in a much better effort than his dull Florida Derby run. Pletcher was especially pleased with the post as his first Derby winner, Super Saver, started from the four post.

Mucho Macho Man will break from post thirteen with Shackleford beside in post fourteen. The Bob Baffert trained Midnight Interlude will break from post fifteen while Soldat will break two down in post seventeen. Nehro breaks from post nineteen, but with his late running style he shouldn’t have any trouble with the post.

Dialed In was installed as race favorite at odds of 9-2 with Uncle Mo second choice at odds of 4-1. Nehro was set as the third choice at odds of 6-1 while the entire rest of the field sits at odd so 10-1 and higher. Talk about value to be played!

A Dozen Plus One in the Oaks: The Final Novel Nine

My latest Kentucky Oaks post is up on Horse Racing Nation. I started writing this morning at 9:30, had most of the article finished by about 10:30 and was just waiting on the post position draw to do some analysis. Between teaching until 3:30 I was able to finish all my analysis of the 13 fillies and proceeded to try and publish my post to my Horse Racing Nation blog. After five tries and five internet connection losses I was about fit to kill, and each time I lost my connection I kept losing all the data and links I had uploaded. Anyway, I finally got it published much later than planned after much blood, sweat and tears (sounds better than tantrums, shouting and general bad temperament!) and I hope you will enjoy it! :)

The Kentucky Derby has been littered with defections left and right during the past month it seems, this past week alone three colts were removed from consideration due to injury or physical issues of some kind.

Unlike the Derby the Kentucky Oaks has remained virtually unscathed, losing just a few fillies here and there but no major defections resulting from physical injury. Aside from the removal of Dancinginherdreams, who was really no surprise after two consecutive dull efforts, all has remained incredibly strong on the filly front.

Sadly things shifted just a tiny bit south on Monday when expected Oaks favorite, R Heat Lightning, was pulled from race consideration after a knee injury was discovered. According to trainer Todd Pletcher the Trippi filly will be sent to Rood and Riddle equine clinic later this week for an examination that should determine whether or not her injury is career-threatening. R Heat Lightning was training exceptionally well leading up to the Oaks after winning the Davona Dale (gr.2) and Gulfstream Oaks (gr.2) by a combined margin of 15 ½ lengths. Here’s to hoping she heals up with no additional problems and is able to resume her brilliant career on the track later in the year.

With R Heat Lightning out of the picture it appears the way has been cleared for Joyful Victory to run as a clear and decisive favorite. Most of the contenders have arrived at Churchill Downs now for the big race and the field has been set. Thirteen fillies will contest the 137^th running of the $1 million Kentucky Oaks on Friday May 6^th,  and breaking from post number one is my Oaks pick the Larry Jones trained Joyful Victory. So here it is, the last Novel Nine of the year. [Follow the link here to read the complete Novel Nine and share your thoughts on the Kentucky Oaks field]

Some 'Mo' Good Things: Derby Works

Ever since his smashing 16 length Saratoga debut, Uncle Mo has been the idol of the public and the darling of the media. After his shocking defeat in the Wood Memorial Stakes in early April Uncle Mo underwent treatment for a GI Infection and came back on April 26^th with an encouraging five furlong work he ran in 1:01.60 at Churchill Downs. On Sunday Uncle Mo had his final work before the derby in company with stablemate and fellow Kentucky Derby contender Stay Thirsty. Over a very sloppy Churchill Downs track Uncle Mo broke off about a length behind Stay Thirsty and finished on even terms with his partner after running head and head down the homestretch. His final time for the five furlongs was a solid 1:01.60 while Stay Thirsty finished up in 1:01.80. It was apparent watching the work that both colts were eager to do more and continued to gallop out around the far turn strongly, Uncle Mo getting six furlongs in 1:14.28 and seven furlongs in 1:28.01.

In a press conference held shortly after the work, owner Mike Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher expressed great pleasure at the progress especially Uncle Mo has made since the Wood.

Pants On Fire was also on the track Sunday morning for his final Derby move, getting four furlongs in a strong :47.80 to rank 7^th fastest of 37 horses to work the distance. Trainer Kelly Breen said after the race “For us, that was a very good work out.” Pants On Fire will have Rosie Napravnik in the irons for the Kentucky Derby run next Saturday and if they win it will be the first time in history that the prestigious race was won by a female jockey.

Wood Memorial hero Toby’s Corner breezed six furlongs in 1:15.00 flat for trainer Graham Motion Fair Hill Training Center’s synthetic surface. The son of Bellamy Road colt has won four of his six starts.

Comma to the Top turned in a excellent 1:00 2/5 five furlong breeze at Hollywood Park Sunday morning that had trainer Peter Miller and jockey Patrick Valenzuela extremely pleased as evidenced by an enthusiastic exchange of high-five’s.

Make sure to check out my latest post on Horse Racing Nation that discusses the most recent Kentucky Oaks contenders works. Joyful Victory just keeps looking better and better! See the post Here.