Gulfstream Park will be the toast of the thoroughbred horse racing world this weekend when as Saturday card is highlighted by three consecutive graded stakes races for sophomore runners. Kicking off the fabulous three is the Davona Dale Stakes (gr.2) for three-year-old fillies where leading Kentucky Oaks contender Dancinginherdreams makes her second start of the year.
A field of nine is entered for the Davona Dale and four of the nine all made their last start in the Forward Gal Stakes (gr.2) at Gulfstream Park on January 30th. Pomeroy’s Pistol broke her maiden at first asking last year before finishing 5th in the Sorority Stakes and 3rd in an allowance race to finish out 2010. She began 2011 with a solid second place finish behind Final Mesa in the Old Hat Stakes (gr.3), finishing ahead of fellow Davona Dale Stakes entrant Roxy Gap. In the Forward Gal Stakes (gr.2) Pomeroy’s Pistol opened up a two length advantage at the top of the stretch after leading most of the way and held off a late charge by Dancingingherdreams to win by ¾ of a length. She has recorded only one work since the Forward Gal Stakes, going 3 furlongs in 36.50.
Dancinginherdreams will be making only the fourth start of her career in the Davona Dale. After winning the first two starts of her career by more than 10 combined lengths, including a 5 ¼ length romp in the Pocahontas Stakes (gr.2), Dancinginherdreams turned in one of the best sophomore losing efforts of the year in the Forward Gal Stakes. Racing towards the rear of the field in the Forward Gal, Dancinginherdreams raced into the stretch 7 wide and proceeded to gun for Pomeroy’s Pistol on the lead. She closed with incredible power and focus to make up almost 10 lengths on the winner, never feeling the whip to get that close. She enters the Davona Dale off a fabulous 4 furlong bullet work at Palm Meadows Training Center in 47.90, more than 3 seconds faster than her 4 furlong work on January 20th.
R Heat Lightning was a big disappointment in her 2011 debut, finishing a dull fourth in the Forward Gal Stakes after receiving a perfect stalking trip throughout. Last year R Heat Lightning won the Grade 1 Spinaway Stakes before finishing out the year with a second place finish behind Champion Two-Year-Old Filly Awesome Feather in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. Dancinginherdreams may have recorded thebullet work for 4 furlongs on February 21st but R Heat Lightning recorded the 2nd fastest 4 furlong work the next day, going the distance in 47.50, even faster than Dancinginherdreams.
Evil Queen finished third in the Forward Gal Stakes after winning two consecutive races to finish out her 2010 campaign. She finished ahead of R Heat Lightning in the Forward Gal and even though R Heat Lightning was obviously not performing at the same level she did in her last three starts of 2010 she is still a top class filly and a worthy competitor. Evil Queen proved she can run well in graded stakes company but unless she improves by leaps and bounds she will not be winning on Saturday.
Roxy Gap started the year in the Old Hat Stakes (gr.3) after going undefeated in three starts in 2010. After trailing the field in second to last position for most of the race in the Old Hat, Roxy Gap swung wide into the stretch and set her sights on Final Mesa and Pomeroy’s Pistol, closing well to finish about five lengths behind Pomeroy’s Pistol for third. Her three works since the Old Hat have been decent but far from excellent.
Bellaridge last finished 5th in the Sweetest Chant Stakes, far behind a victorious Kathmanblu after defeating Hailey d’Oro in an allowance race at Churchill Downs in late November. She turned in a nice 5 furlong work on February 18th at Gulfstream Park, finishing in 1:01.00.
Oh Carole is undefeated in two starts, the last coming in a 2 ½ length allowance victory at Gulfstream on January 30th. Her works have been very average and she takes a huge step up in class in the Davona Dale. She will have to move up significantly to make an impact in the top three spots Saturday.
Mending Hearts and Hot Summer complete the field. Mending Hearts has raced three times, never finishing worse than third but taking all three tries to finally break her maiden. Hot Summer has won two consecutive races coming into the Davona Dale, a maiden and an allowance race.
This year’s Kentucky Oaks comes down to just two fillies for me at the moment; Kathmanblu and Dancinginherdreams.
Dancinginherdreams should easily win the Davona Dale on Saturday. Her works have been superb, her trainer John T. Ward is brimming with confidence and she will only improve off her huge run in the Forward Gal Stakes. She looks like the complete package from where I am sitting, this filly has the potential to go all the way this year.
The two toughest competitors to Dancinginherdreams should come from a much improved R Heat Lightning and Pomeroy’s Pistol. As long shots go Roxy Gap stands out above the rest as well as Evil Queen, both fillies have proven their Stakes worthiness.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
WWRB: February 24
It’s been a very busy week for the racing industry, huge stories on the track and in the breeding shed.
[caption id="attachment_1168" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Curlin - Lee Thomas"]
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On Tuesday morning 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra and two-time Horse of the Year Curlin were bred at William S. Farish’s Lane’s End Farm. The superstar mating is the first high-profile mating of this caliber since Zarkava and Sea The Stars mating in early 2010. Just one day later 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta was bred to 2006 3-year-old Champion Male Bernardini at Lane’s End.
Here’s to hoping they both produce talented, healthy offspring that will possess a fraction of the brilliance their parents displayed on the track.
True to their word owner Mike Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher announced the 2011 debut start for the champion Uncle Mo well in advance. His highly anticipated return will take place in Gulfstream Park’s brand new 1 mile Timely Writer Stakes on March 12th. If the race fails to fill they will send him to the Tampa Bay Derby instead on the same day.
ESPN has opted not to renew their coverage for the Belmont Stakes in 2011. A few days after this announcement came word that NBC would cover all three Triple Crown races through 2015. Much of the coverage will be done on NBC’s sister station Versus.
On Monday at Oaklawn Park Archarcharch prevailed in a six-wide sweep at the head of the stretch to register a one length victory in the Southwest Stakes (gr.3) over favored J P’s Gusto. The winner entered off a fourth place finish in the Smarty Jones Stakes on January 17th where he ran a little rank. J P’s Gusto ran on well for second after receiving a rough trip on the inside, finishing 1 ¼ lengths ahead of Elite Alex. All three top finishers are pointing towards the Rebel Stakes (gr.2) at Oaklawn Park on March 19th.
Mucho Macho Man finally came out from under the bushel and shone his light on Saturday in the Risen Star Stakes
[caption id="attachment_1169" align="alignright" width="298" caption="Mucho Macho Man - Hodges Photography/Lou Hodges, Jr. "]
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(gr.2) defeating a solid field of three-year-olds by 1 ½ lengths. Santiva finished second with Rogue Romance third and Machen fourth. Mucho Macho Man finished fourth behind Dialed In in the Holy Bull Stakes before the Risen Star and last year finished second to To Honor and Serve in the Remsen Stakes.
Kathmanblu remains firmly atop the three-year-old filly standings in 2011 after her workmanlike victory in Fair Grounds Rachel Alexandra Stakes (gr.3) on Saturday to register her third consecutive stakes victory. The previously undefeated Inglorious, shipping in from Woodbine for the race, ran on very well in her third career start to take second while Gran Lioness hung one for third place after setting the pace.
Smiling Tiger dazzled in the San Carlos Stakes (gr. 2) on Saturday at Santa Anita, changing race tactics for the first time in his career. Charging from dead-last after hitting the gate at the break and dropping back early, Smiling Tiger rushed up to seize the lead in the 7 furlong race to fly home, winning by a head over Captain Cherokee.
The Factor showed that he might just be one of the fastest 3-year-old colts in the nation with an impressive performance in the San Vincente Stakes (gr.2) on Sunday, running almost gate-to-wire to win by ¾ of a length over a Sway Away in a blistering time of 1:20.34. Sway Away seems to be garnering just as much attention as the winner after flying home from far back down the grandstand side with an astounding ground-eating run.
It was all Cozi Rosie in the Beuna Vista Handicap on Monday after Evening Jewel was scratched due to her poor post draw. Making a wide bid around the far turn Cozie Rosie easily drew clear in the final strides to win by 1 ¼ lengths.
The action this weekend will be picking things up even more if that's possible with the highly anticipated return of To Honor and Serve in the Fountain of Youth Stakes as well as the return of Dancinginherdreams in the Davona Dale Stakes. Make sure to check back tomorrow for a review of the upcoming stakes action![polldaddy poll=4611389]
[caption id="attachment_1168" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Curlin - Lee Thomas"]
[/caption]On Tuesday morning 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra and two-time Horse of the Year Curlin were bred at William S. Farish’s Lane’s End Farm. The superstar mating is the first high-profile mating of this caliber since Zarkava and Sea The Stars mating in early 2010. Just one day later 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta was bred to 2006 3-year-old Champion Male Bernardini at Lane’s End.
Here’s to hoping they both produce talented, healthy offspring that will possess a fraction of the brilliance their parents displayed on the track.
True to their word owner Mike Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher announced the 2011 debut start for the champion Uncle Mo well in advance. His highly anticipated return will take place in Gulfstream Park’s brand new 1 mile Timely Writer Stakes on March 12th. If the race fails to fill they will send him to the Tampa Bay Derby instead on the same day.
ESPN has opted not to renew their coverage for the Belmont Stakes in 2011. A few days after this announcement came word that NBC would cover all three Triple Crown races through 2015. Much of the coverage will be done on NBC’s sister station Versus.
On Monday at Oaklawn Park Archarcharch prevailed in a six-wide sweep at the head of the stretch to register a one length victory in the Southwest Stakes (gr.3) over favored J P’s Gusto. The winner entered off a fourth place finish in the Smarty Jones Stakes on January 17th where he ran a little rank. J P’s Gusto ran on well for second after receiving a rough trip on the inside, finishing 1 ¼ lengths ahead of Elite Alex. All three top finishers are pointing towards the Rebel Stakes (gr.2) at Oaklawn Park on March 19th.
Mucho Macho Man finally came out from under the bushel and shone his light on Saturday in the Risen Star Stakes
[caption id="attachment_1169" align="alignright" width="298" caption="Mucho Macho Man - Hodges Photography/Lou Hodges, Jr. "]
[/caption](gr.2) defeating a solid field of three-year-olds by 1 ½ lengths. Santiva finished second with Rogue Romance third and Machen fourth. Mucho Macho Man finished fourth behind Dialed In in the Holy Bull Stakes before the Risen Star and last year finished second to To Honor and Serve in the Remsen Stakes.
Kathmanblu remains firmly atop the three-year-old filly standings in 2011 after her workmanlike victory in Fair Grounds Rachel Alexandra Stakes (gr.3) on Saturday to register her third consecutive stakes victory. The previously undefeated Inglorious, shipping in from Woodbine for the race, ran on very well in her third career start to take second while Gran Lioness hung one for third place after setting the pace.
Smiling Tiger dazzled in the San Carlos Stakes (gr. 2) on Saturday at Santa Anita, changing race tactics for the first time in his career. Charging from dead-last after hitting the gate at the break and dropping back early, Smiling Tiger rushed up to seize the lead in the 7 furlong race to fly home, winning by a head over Captain Cherokee.
The Factor showed that he might just be one of the fastest 3-year-old colts in the nation with an impressive performance in the San Vincente Stakes (gr.2) on Sunday, running almost gate-to-wire to win by ¾ of a length over a Sway Away in a blistering time of 1:20.34. Sway Away seems to be garnering just as much attention as the winner after flying home from far back down the grandstand side with an astounding ground-eating run.
It was all Cozi Rosie in the Beuna Vista Handicap on Monday after Evening Jewel was scratched due to her poor post draw. Making a wide bid around the far turn Cozie Rosie easily drew clear in the final strides to win by 1 ¼ lengths.
The action this weekend will be picking things up even more if that's possible with the highly anticipated return of To Honor and Serve in the Fountain of Youth Stakes as well as the return of Dancinginherdreams in the Davona Dale Stakes. Make sure to check back tomorrow for a review of the upcoming stakes action![polldaddy poll=4611389]
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Kathmanblu Remains Number One!
Kathmanblu has left no doubt as to whom America’s leading sophomore filly is in 2011, regardless of the surface. To start out the year she came from well off the pace to win the Sweetest Chant Stakes on the turf and on Saturday she took control of the Rachel Alexandra Stakes (gr.3) at the head of the Fair Grounds stretch and rolled to a 1 ¼ length victory over a talented field of fillies on the dirt.
The Rachel Alexandra Stakes was easily the deepest 3-year-old filly race of the year. Breaking from the gates Gran Lioness seized the lead as expected and posted an easy opening quarter mile of :24.83 with Bouquet Booth about 1 ½ lengths back and Kathmanblu another length behind. Undefeated Inglorious took up the rear of the 6 horse field in her first start on dirt.
Running the half mile in a slow :49.27 Gran Lioness continued to lead the field as they entered the far turn. From behind Inglorious had moved up just one spot to be second last as the field came into the stretch. Up front it was Gran Lioness, Bouquet Booth and Kathmanblu who entered the homestretch on even terms with Kathmanblu being floated four wide. Within a matter of strides Bouquet Booth was finished and faded to finish fourth while Kathmanblu battled a determined Gran Lioness down the stretch as Inglorious mustered a rally from far back. Halfway down the stretch Kathmanblu finally got the better of Gran Lioness and began to edge away, crossing the line 1 ¼ lengths the best , holding off a fast closing Inglorious. [Read the rest here on Horse Racing Nation]
The Rachel Alexandra Stakes was easily the deepest 3-year-old filly race of the year. Breaking from the gates Gran Lioness seized the lead as expected and posted an easy opening quarter mile of :24.83 with Bouquet Booth about 1 ½ lengths back and Kathmanblu another length behind. Undefeated Inglorious took up the rear of the 6 horse field in her first start on dirt.
Running the half mile in a slow :49.27 Gran Lioness continued to lead the field as they entered the far turn. From behind Inglorious had moved up just one spot to be second last as the field came into the stretch. Up front it was Gran Lioness, Bouquet Booth and Kathmanblu who entered the homestretch on even terms with Kathmanblu being floated four wide. Within a matter of strides Bouquet Booth was finished and faded to finish fourth while Kathmanblu battled a determined Gran Lioness down the stretch as Inglorious mustered a rally from far back. Halfway down the stretch Kathmanblu finally got the better of Gran Lioness and began to edge away, crossing the line 1 ¼ lengths the best , holding off a fast closing Inglorious. [Read the rest here on Horse Racing Nation]
Monday, February 21, 2011
Saturday and Sunday: Plenty of Action
Kathmanblu is off to a rip-roaring start in 2011 and her latest conquest came Saturday in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes (gr.3) at Fair Grounds. She had to work a litter harder than she did in her last two starts but got the job done but with grit and determination to spare as she held off a strong rally from Inglorious to register a 1 ¼ length victory.
Check out the newest post at the Kentucky Oaks Runner blog on Horse Racing Nation tomorrow morning for a full recap of the Rachel Alexandra Stakes as well as the La Habra Stakes at Santa Anita today where both A Z Warrior and Rigoletta will be making their 2011 debuts.
Smiling Tiger has been a well respected runner throughout his career, never finishing worse than third in 12 lifetime starts, but he took his game to a whole new level on Saturday in the San Carlos Stakes (gr.2).
As the gates sprung open in the San Carlos Smiling Tiger stumbled sharply to the left, slamming into the gate before regaining his footing and taking up the rear of the field. In all his previous starts the Hold That Tiger colt has gone either straight to the lead or sat just off the pacesetters. Around the far turn Smiling Tiger began to make his move, coming four wide into the homestretch with Captain Cherokee the one to catch up front. In a very game and impressive effort Smiling Tiger got up in the final few strides to nab the win by a head over Captain Cherokee.
Smiling Tiger showed a new dimension winning the San Carlos from dead last in a sparking time of 1:20.30 for the seven furlongs. His main goal is the Met Mile in May with one more start possible between now and then.
If Smiling Tiger was impressive in the San Carlos Champ Pegasus was absolutely brilliant in the San Luis Obispo Stakes (gr. 2). Breaking cleanly from the gate, Champ Pegasus took up a good position a couple of lengths behind Bourbon Bay while Unbridle’s Dream winged it out on the front end. Down the backstretch Champ Pegasus began moving up quickly on Bourbon Bay in second but had to check sharply as he came up on that one’s heels, falling back to fifth. Coming past the stands for the first time in the 12 furlong contest Unbridle’s Dream was clear by more than 8 lengths. Down the backstretch the field began to close ground on the front runner, diminishing his lead to three lengths midway around the far turn. Bourbon Bay led the charge into the homestretch with Champ Pegasus less than two lengths behind. Off the turn came the field and the two favorites proceeded to put on a rousing show as Champ Pegasus drew even with Bourbon Bay and those two sprinted clear of the field.
Under a vigorous hand-ride Champ Pegasus battled it out with Bourbon Bay to the wire, no more than a nose separating the two at the wire. It was a very determined and striking victory by Champ Pegasus who reversed the result of the San Marcos Stakes (gr. 2) in January when Bourbon Bay won over Champ Pegasus by 1 ¾ lengths.
[caption id="attachment_1159" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="The Factor - Benoit Photography "]
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The San Vincente Stakes (gr.2) was won by Bob Baffert’s incredibly fast 3-year-old trainee The Factor on Sunday. Running over a speed-biased track in the 7 furlong race The Factor surged from the gate and aggressively seized the lead from City Cool, zipping his first quarter mile in :22.20. Before the half mile that was run in :43.41 was over City Cool had had his fill, falling well off the suicidal pace being run by The Factor. Into the stretch The Factor with jockey Martin Garcia up kicked away to be two lengths clear of the field with the well-regarded Premier Pegasus running in second. Down the homestretch The Factor continued to pour in on as Sway Away launched a powerful rally from last off the turn to explode into the second spot, losing by just 2 ½ lengths to The Factor. Sway Away’s move from last was so instantaneous and powerful that I completely missed watching The Factor approaching the wire the first time I watched the race. My eye was completely drawn to Sway Away.
Mucho Macho Man finally had his day, and man did he ever make the most of it. In the $300,000 Risen Star Stakes (gr. 2) at Fair Ground Mucho Macho Man came from just off the pace set by Decisive Moment as the field entered the homestretch and surged to the lead. Charging hard for the wire the Macho Uno colt had enough left in the tank to hold off a serious challenge from Santiva late, winning by a comfortable 1 ½ lengths. Rogue Romance finished third as the favorite, 1 ¼ lengths behind Santiva with Machen just behind in fourth.
In his last race Mucho Macho Man finished fourth behind the undefeated Dialed In in the HolyBully Stakes. How good does this race make Dialed In look now?
Enjoy the great lineup of races today and prepare for another fantastic weekend of races coming up!
Check out the newest post at the Kentucky Oaks Runner blog on Horse Racing Nation tomorrow morning for a full recap of the Rachel Alexandra Stakes as well as the La Habra Stakes at Santa Anita today where both A Z Warrior and Rigoletta will be making their 2011 debuts.
Smiling Tiger has been a well respected runner throughout his career, never finishing worse than third in 12 lifetime starts, but he took his game to a whole new level on Saturday in the San Carlos Stakes (gr.2).
As the gates sprung open in the San Carlos Smiling Tiger stumbled sharply to the left, slamming into the gate before regaining his footing and taking up the rear of the field. In all his previous starts the Hold That Tiger colt has gone either straight to the lead or sat just off the pacesetters. Around the far turn Smiling Tiger began to make his move, coming four wide into the homestretch with Captain Cherokee the one to catch up front. In a very game and impressive effort Smiling Tiger got up in the final few strides to nab the win by a head over Captain Cherokee.
Smiling Tiger showed a new dimension winning the San Carlos from dead last in a sparking time of 1:20.30 for the seven furlongs. His main goal is the Met Mile in May with one more start possible between now and then.
If Smiling Tiger was impressive in the San Carlos Champ Pegasus was absolutely brilliant in the San Luis Obispo Stakes (gr. 2). Breaking cleanly from the gate, Champ Pegasus took up a good position a couple of lengths behind Bourbon Bay while Unbridle’s Dream winged it out on the front end. Down the backstretch Champ Pegasus began moving up quickly on Bourbon Bay in second but had to check sharply as he came up on that one’s heels, falling back to fifth. Coming past the stands for the first time in the 12 furlong contest Unbridle’s Dream was clear by more than 8 lengths. Down the backstretch the field began to close ground on the front runner, diminishing his lead to three lengths midway around the far turn. Bourbon Bay led the charge into the homestretch with Champ Pegasus less than two lengths behind. Off the turn came the field and the two favorites proceeded to put on a rousing show as Champ Pegasus drew even with Bourbon Bay and those two sprinted clear of the field.
Under a vigorous hand-ride Champ Pegasus battled it out with Bourbon Bay to the wire, no more than a nose separating the two at the wire. It was a very determined and striking victory by Champ Pegasus who reversed the result of the San Marcos Stakes (gr. 2) in January when Bourbon Bay won over Champ Pegasus by 1 ¾ lengths.
[caption id="attachment_1159" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="The Factor - Benoit Photography "]
[/caption]The San Vincente Stakes (gr.2) was won by Bob Baffert’s incredibly fast 3-year-old trainee The Factor on Sunday. Running over a speed-biased track in the 7 furlong race The Factor surged from the gate and aggressively seized the lead from City Cool, zipping his first quarter mile in :22.20. Before the half mile that was run in :43.41 was over City Cool had had his fill, falling well off the suicidal pace being run by The Factor. Into the stretch The Factor with jockey Martin Garcia up kicked away to be two lengths clear of the field with the well-regarded Premier Pegasus running in second. Down the homestretch The Factor continued to pour in on as Sway Away launched a powerful rally from last off the turn to explode into the second spot, losing by just 2 ½ lengths to The Factor. Sway Away’s move from last was so instantaneous and powerful that I completely missed watching The Factor approaching the wire the first time I watched the race. My eye was completely drawn to Sway Away.
Mucho Macho Man finally had his day, and man did he ever make the most of it. In the $300,000 Risen Star Stakes (gr. 2) at Fair Ground Mucho Macho Man came from just off the pace set by Decisive Moment as the field entered the homestretch and surged to the lead. Charging hard for the wire the Macho Uno colt had enough left in the tank to hold off a serious challenge from Santiva late, winning by a comfortable 1 ½ lengths. Rogue Romance finished third as the favorite, 1 ¼ lengths behind Santiva with Machen just behind in fourth.
In his last race Mucho Macho Man finished fourth behind the undefeated Dialed In in the HolyBully Stakes. How good does this race make Dialed In look now?
Enjoy the great lineup of races today and prepare for another fantastic weekend of races coming up!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Kathmanblu in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes
Head on over to Horse Racing Nation to check out my new post on the Rachel Alexandra Stakes here.
WRRB 2/17/11: Uncle Mo, Brethren and all the Rest
It’s time to once again review the week of racing starting with Splash Point. Last Thursday the 3-year-old Street Cry colt made headlines by capturing the UAE 2000 Guineas in Dubai by one length over Zanzamar. In their last meeting three weeks ago Splash Point and Zanzamar finished 1-2 with Zanzamar finishing first, winning the UAE Guineas Trial by one length over a fast closing Splash Point. In the 2000 Guineas Zanzamar did very well to capture second after having trouble finding racing room down the stretch and taking up sharply. I’d say he’ll have Splash Point’s number if they meet once again and get clean trips.
The biggest story of the week goes to a strapping young colt who romped to the easiest of victories in the Sam F. Davis Stakes. On Saturday Brethren made sure he would not follow the Derby trail in the shadow of Uncle Mo as he trashed the Sam F. Davis field with so little effort it had some people wondering if Todd Pletcher could perhaps have the top two 3-year-old colts in the nation under his tutelage.
Brethren rated comfortably off the pacesetter in the Sam F. Davis before gliding up on the outside to take the lead, opening up by more than a length as soon as he entered the stretch. The lead just grew from there as jockey Ramon Dominguez did his best statue impersonation, doing absolutely nothing as Brethren proved himself a true professional, breezing through the stretch five lengths clear of the field. The only time Dominguez ever moved was to ease up on his mount, gearing Brethren down to win by 4 ½ lengths under the line. The performance had many, including myself, wondering just how good Super Saver’s little half-brother could be.
Also of note is that Ramon Dominguez won all three of Tampa Bay’s stakes races on the Saturday card, winning the Florida Oaks with Dynamic Holiday, Sam F. Davis with Brethren and Endeavor Stakes with Silver Reunion.
Tackleberry proved his Sunshine Millions Classic victory just two weeks from Saturday was no fluke as he reeled back off two weeks rest to defeat the Gulfstream Park Sprint Championship (gr.2) field. He has now won six of his last seven starts and it seems he has a very legitimate shot at becoming the dominant older male performer on the east coast, no matter the distance.
He also showed a surprising ability to rate off the pace in the Sprint unlike his last five wins where the 4-year-old colt has gone gate-to-wire. The Sprint Championship marks Tackleberry’s fourth stakes win in the last three months. Finishing second in the Sprint Championship was Soaring Empire who handed Tackleberry his only defeat of the year in the Hal’s Hope (gr.3) on January 8th.
Anthony’s Cross played his best hand in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr.2) on Saturday and came through with a hard-fought win by a nose over Riveting Reason while heavy favorite Tapizar faded to finish fifth. Rob from Amateurcapper nailed this one right on the nose last week, correctly calling Anthony’s Cross as the winner as well as giving some frighteningly close insight into Tapizar’s performance ability.
Racing with blinkers in the Lewis Anthony’s Cross rated off a very rank Tapizar with Riveting Reason glued to his flank. Entering the far turn Anthony’s Cross and Riveting Reason quickly moved up and seized control of the lead heading into the stretch. From there it turned into a two horse race as Anthony’s Cross gamely fought off the stubborn of Riveting Reason to prevail by a nose.
Three days after the Lewis it was announced that Tapizar is off the Kentucky Derby trail with the discovery of a bone chip in his left knee. Hopefully we will see the talented colt back at the track later this year after he has had some time to recuperate from his planned surgery.
Unfortunately Tapizar was not the only high profile colt taken out of Kentucky Derby contention this past week when trainer Rick Dutrow made the decision to take Boys At Tosconova out of training. The announcement wasn’t totally unexpected after the colt’s anticipated debut in the January 30th Holy Bull Stakes was put on hold due to training poorly. Boys At Tosconova will back to run again another day.
While Tapizar had a perfectly good excuse for losing the Lewis Stakes on Saturday Comma to the Top is more of a shaky subject. Entering the El Camino Real Derby with five consecutive wins the colt folded like a house of cards behind a victorious Silver Medallion, failing to mount any kind of serious rally in the stretch. It could be that he just really needed to get in a race and the conditioning he received here will help him next out or he might just not like the 1 1/8 miles distance as well. In any case I’m placing him on the bottom of my Derby contenders list until he proves the El Camino was a fluke.
The Santa Maria Stakes (gr.2) on Saturday provided one of the most exciting finishes of the Santa Anita racing season. Breaking from the gate it was Vision in Gold straight to the lead with Zardana lapped to her side while St. Trinians took up the rear of the field in her first start since the June 13th Vanity Handicap (gr.1) last year. Down the backstretch an eager St. Trinians moved up along the inside to take third place, a couple of lengths behind the two front runners. Entering the turn the top three began running in earnest and by the time they entered the homestretch a single length could have covered them all. Down the stretch Vision in Gold continued to run the race of her life, staying a half length in front of Zardana while St. Trinians on the outside moved up to within a neck of Zardana. The three mares flashed under the line with Vision in Gold holding on by half a length over Zardana for the win. St Trinians seemed to tire just a little bit in her return, finishing another half lengths back in third.
Expect St. Trinians to vastly improve in her next start off the great effort she turned in here. With Zenyatta out of the picture this year it’s a mad scramble to gain the divisional lead, as it stands now Switch is in a very secure lead.
On Sunday Always A Princess became the first horse to finish ahead of Blind Luck more than once in the Champion’s career as she once again defeated the Eclipse Award winning Champion in the La Canada Stakes (gr.2) after defeating her last month in the El Encino Stakes.
Out of the gate Always a Princess seized the lead in the four horse field while Blind Luck surprisingly moved into second, a half length back. By the time they were halfway down the backstretch Blind Luck had relaxed into her customary position in last while Always a Princess ran easy fractions up front with Harmonious in second. Around the far turn Always a Princess began to accelerate with ease while Blind Luck mounted a challenge from the rear, moving up to third into the stretch. Straightening for home Always a Princess visibly changed leads and sprinted for home with a surge of energy as Blind Luck struggled to find her best gear. Under the line the winner finished 3 ¼ lengths clear of Blind Luck.
It was clear this time that Blind Luck was far from her usual explosive self, she still did well to finish more than two lengths clear of Harmonious but this was not the Blind Luck of old.
Earlier last week before the La Canada was run there was word that Blind Luck was having some issues with her feet. After the race trainer Jerry Hollendorfer offered no comments on Blind Luck’s performance. I hope he gives her a good long break after this if he knows she’s not 100%, it would be a shame to ruin such a fantastic athlete.
Trainer Rick Dutrow could was handed a 90 day suspension by New York stewards after Fastus Cactus tested positive for drugs after his win in November last year as well as the discovery of hypodermic needles in Dutrow’s barn. Dutrow is appealing the suspension.
[caption id="attachment_1147" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="Uncle Mo - Anne M. Eberhardt"]
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Even though he has only run three times in his career Uncle Mo has already become the poster boy for American thoroughbred horse racing this year. As soon as he started posting works it became ‘Mo this’ and ‘Mo that’ and for people like myself that’s just fine. The ‘Mo’ the better, I can never get enough.
Uncle Mo worked a half mile in :47.45 on Sunday for trainer Todd Pletcher, more than two seconds faster than his half mile work last week. Pletcher keeps saying how surprised he is at the fitness of the super-star colt off just three works this year and after this work I’d have to say I agree.
On Wednesday it was announced that Uncle Mo could make his 3-year-old debut in the brand new one mile $100,000 Timely Writer Stakes at Gulfstream Park on March 12th. His other option is the Tampa Bay Derby (gr.2) on the same day worth $350,000. Wherever he shows up I sincerely hope he wins big and takes us all on the Triple Crown ride of our lives.
Don’t forget to check in with my Kentucky Oaks Runner blog on Horse Racing Nation tomorrow morning for a rundown on some of the Kentucky Oaks action including a review of the Rachel Alexandra field where Kathmanblu is set to make her return to dirt racing.
The biggest story of the week goes to a strapping young colt who romped to the easiest of victories in the Sam F. Davis Stakes. On Saturday Brethren made sure he would not follow the Derby trail in the shadow of Uncle Mo as he trashed the Sam F. Davis field with so little effort it had some people wondering if Todd Pletcher could perhaps have the top two 3-year-old colts in the nation under his tutelage.
Brethren rated comfortably off the pacesetter in the Sam F. Davis before gliding up on the outside to take the lead, opening up by more than a length as soon as he entered the stretch. The lead just grew from there as jockey Ramon Dominguez did his best statue impersonation, doing absolutely nothing as Brethren proved himself a true professional, breezing through the stretch five lengths clear of the field. The only time Dominguez ever moved was to ease up on his mount, gearing Brethren down to win by 4 ½ lengths under the line. The performance had many, including myself, wondering just how good Super Saver’s little half-brother could be.
Also of note is that Ramon Dominguez won all three of Tampa Bay’s stakes races on the Saturday card, winning the Florida Oaks with Dynamic Holiday, Sam F. Davis with Brethren and Endeavor Stakes with Silver Reunion.
Tackleberry proved his Sunshine Millions Classic victory just two weeks from Saturday was no fluke as he reeled back off two weeks rest to defeat the Gulfstream Park Sprint Championship (gr.2) field. He has now won six of his last seven starts and it seems he has a very legitimate shot at becoming the dominant older male performer on the east coast, no matter the distance.
He also showed a surprising ability to rate off the pace in the Sprint unlike his last five wins where the 4-year-old colt has gone gate-to-wire. The Sprint Championship marks Tackleberry’s fourth stakes win in the last three months. Finishing second in the Sprint Championship was Soaring Empire who handed Tackleberry his only defeat of the year in the Hal’s Hope (gr.3) on January 8th.
Anthony’s Cross played his best hand in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr.2) on Saturday and came through with a hard-fought win by a nose over Riveting Reason while heavy favorite Tapizar faded to finish fifth. Rob from Amateurcapper nailed this one right on the nose last week, correctly calling Anthony’s Cross as the winner as well as giving some frighteningly close insight into Tapizar’s performance ability.
Racing with blinkers in the Lewis Anthony’s Cross rated off a very rank Tapizar with Riveting Reason glued to his flank. Entering the far turn Anthony’s Cross and Riveting Reason quickly moved up and seized control of the lead heading into the stretch. From there it turned into a two horse race as Anthony’s Cross gamely fought off the stubborn of Riveting Reason to prevail by a nose.
Three days after the Lewis it was announced that Tapizar is off the Kentucky Derby trail with the discovery of a bone chip in his left knee. Hopefully we will see the talented colt back at the track later this year after he has had some time to recuperate from his planned surgery.
Unfortunately Tapizar was not the only high profile colt taken out of Kentucky Derby contention this past week when trainer Rick Dutrow made the decision to take Boys At Tosconova out of training. The announcement wasn’t totally unexpected after the colt’s anticipated debut in the January 30th Holy Bull Stakes was put on hold due to training poorly. Boys At Tosconova will back to run again another day.
While Tapizar had a perfectly good excuse for losing the Lewis Stakes on Saturday Comma to the Top is more of a shaky subject. Entering the El Camino Real Derby with five consecutive wins the colt folded like a house of cards behind a victorious Silver Medallion, failing to mount any kind of serious rally in the stretch. It could be that he just really needed to get in a race and the conditioning he received here will help him next out or he might just not like the 1 1/8 miles distance as well. In any case I’m placing him on the bottom of my Derby contenders list until he proves the El Camino was a fluke.
The Santa Maria Stakes (gr.2) on Saturday provided one of the most exciting finishes of the Santa Anita racing season. Breaking from the gate it was Vision in Gold straight to the lead with Zardana lapped to her side while St. Trinians took up the rear of the field in her first start since the June 13th Vanity Handicap (gr.1) last year. Down the backstretch an eager St. Trinians moved up along the inside to take third place, a couple of lengths behind the two front runners. Entering the turn the top three began running in earnest and by the time they entered the homestretch a single length could have covered them all. Down the stretch Vision in Gold continued to run the race of her life, staying a half length in front of Zardana while St. Trinians on the outside moved up to within a neck of Zardana. The three mares flashed under the line with Vision in Gold holding on by half a length over Zardana for the win. St Trinians seemed to tire just a little bit in her return, finishing another half lengths back in third.
Expect St. Trinians to vastly improve in her next start off the great effort she turned in here. With Zenyatta out of the picture this year it’s a mad scramble to gain the divisional lead, as it stands now Switch is in a very secure lead.
On Sunday Always A Princess became the first horse to finish ahead of Blind Luck more than once in the Champion’s career as she once again defeated the Eclipse Award winning Champion in the La Canada Stakes (gr.2) after defeating her last month in the El Encino Stakes.
Out of the gate Always a Princess seized the lead in the four horse field while Blind Luck surprisingly moved into second, a half length back. By the time they were halfway down the backstretch Blind Luck had relaxed into her customary position in last while Always a Princess ran easy fractions up front with Harmonious in second. Around the far turn Always a Princess began to accelerate with ease while Blind Luck mounted a challenge from the rear, moving up to third into the stretch. Straightening for home Always a Princess visibly changed leads and sprinted for home with a surge of energy as Blind Luck struggled to find her best gear. Under the line the winner finished 3 ¼ lengths clear of Blind Luck.
It was clear this time that Blind Luck was far from her usual explosive self, she still did well to finish more than two lengths clear of Harmonious but this was not the Blind Luck of old.
Earlier last week before the La Canada was run there was word that Blind Luck was having some issues with her feet. After the race trainer Jerry Hollendorfer offered no comments on Blind Luck’s performance. I hope he gives her a good long break after this if he knows she’s not 100%, it would be a shame to ruin such a fantastic athlete.
Trainer Rick Dutrow could was handed a 90 day suspension by New York stewards after Fastus Cactus tested positive for drugs after his win in November last year as well as the discovery of hypodermic needles in Dutrow’s barn. Dutrow is appealing the suspension.
[caption id="attachment_1147" align="alignleft" width="298" caption="Uncle Mo - Anne M. Eberhardt"]
[/caption]Even though he has only run three times in his career Uncle Mo has already become the poster boy for American thoroughbred horse racing this year. As soon as he started posting works it became ‘Mo this’ and ‘Mo that’ and for people like myself that’s just fine. The ‘Mo’ the better, I can never get enough.
Uncle Mo worked a half mile in :47.45 on Sunday for trainer Todd Pletcher, more than two seconds faster than his half mile work last week. Pletcher keeps saying how surprised he is at the fitness of the super-star colt off just three works this year and after this work I’d have to say I agree.
On Wednesday it was announced that Uncle Mo could make his 3-year-old debut in the brand new one mile $100,000 Timely Writer Stakes at Gulfstream Park on March 12th. His other option is the Tampa Bay Derby (gr.2) on the same day worth $350,000. Wherever he shows up I sincerely hope he wins big and takes us all on the Triple Crown ride of our lives.
Don’t forget to check in with my Kentucky Oaks Runner blog on Horse Racing Nation tomorrow morning for a rundown on some of the Kentucky Oaks action including a review of the Rachel Alexandra field where Kathmanblu is set to make her return to dirt racing.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Kentucky Oaks: Tickled Pink!
The year 2009 will best be remembered as it pertains to the Kentucky Oaks by Rachel Alexandra’s jaw-dropping 20 ¼ length victory, but one other very significant ritual was inaugurated for the 135th running of the Kentucky Oaks. The Survivors Parade: a heartwarming march down the homestretch and past the stands filled with thousands of cheering supporters, this march consists of more than 100 pink-clad women all having one thing in common; they all have survived breast cancer.
Starting in 2009 the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Horses and Hope charity foundations have partnered with Churchill Downs every year on Kentucky Oaks day to raise money and awareness for millions of people around the world in order to prevent breast cancer. This year Churchill Downs has pledged to give $1 for every Oaks attendee to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation and $1 for every Oaks Lily Beverage sold to the Horses and Hope foundation. Last year a record attendance of more than 116,000 fans was numbered for the Kentucky Oaks, with $1 for every person in attendance going to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. Here’s to hoping an even bigger number of fans shows up for Kentucky Oaks 137.
[Read the rest here at Kentucky Oaks Runner on Horse Racing Nation]
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