In the constant shuffle of the Kentucky Derby starting field, we've got a new twist. Win Willy will not run on Saturday due to a leg injury. Nick Zito has entered Nowhere to Hide in his place.
The Derby field draw is today at noon, and I'll have a full update later this afternoon.
Friday, April 24, 2009
These Four Round Out the Field.....
On Friday, I posted eighteen likely starters, along with their qualifications for getting in. You can still see that list below. However, there have been a few changes to that list, including the scratches of Quality Road (quarter crack) and Square Eddie (shin). So, drop those two from the list and add these four:
Atomic Rain: 4th in the Wood Memorial
Advice: Winner of the Lexington, 5th at the Sunland Derby
Join In the Dance: 2nd in the Tampa Bay Derby, 5th in the Blue Grass
Summer Bird: 3rd in the Arkansas Derby
Atomic Rain: 4th in the Wood Memorial
Advice: Winner of the Lexington, 5th at the Sunland Derby
Join In the Dance: 2nd in the Tampa Bay Derby, 5th in the Blue Grass
Summer Bird: 3rd in the Arkansas Derby
Quality Road and Square Eddie Out
We've had two Derby contenders drop out in as many days.
Quality Road trainer Jimmy Jerkins said yesterday that his colt will not run in the Derby on Saturday due to complications with the quarter crack he sustained late last week. He does, however, expect Quality Road to return, and is likely aiming at either the Preakness or the Belmont. Either way, a horse of that caliber, with several weeks off, might be bad news for anyone looking to find his way on the Triple Crown trail.
Also, I saw on ESPN News this morning that Square Eddie will not run on Saturday due to a "recurring shin injury." Certainly a tough break for him.
Quality Road trainer Jimmy Jerkins said yesterday that his colt will not run in the Derby on Saturday due to complications with the quarter crack he sustained late last week. He does, however, expect Quality Road to return, and is likely aiming at either the Preakness or the Belmont. Either way, a horse of that caliber, with several weeks off, might be bad news for anyone looking to find his way on the Triple Crown trail.
Also, I saw on ESPN News this morning that Square Eddie will not run on Saturday due to a "recurring shin injury." Certainly a tough break for him.
Joe Talamo, Philanthropist?
Joe Talamo said this week that if I Want Revenge, his mount in the Kentucky Derby, should get the victory in the big race, he will donate 25% of his earnings to the Children's Hospital in New Orleans.
Talamo, himself a native of the Crescent City, said "since Hurricane Katrina, the health care system in New Orleans has struggled to rebound, and I wanted to do something to help my hometown get back on its feet. Children’s Hospital is a wonderful institution that we can all be proud of. Several of my friends have been treated there, and I’m thankful they’re here, caring for all the children of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.”
Talamo, himself a native of the Crescent City, said "since Hurricane Katrina, the health care system in New Orleans has struggled to rebound, and I wanted to do something to help my hometown get back on its feet. Children’s Hospital is a wonderful institution that we can all be proud of. Several of my friends have been treated there, and I’m thankful they’re here, caring for all the children of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.”
Off the Derby Trail
As the Derby preps have progressed, we've seen a lot of horses flash potential, and most have fallen by the wayside as we move closer and closer to the big day. I thought now would be a good time to recap some of the horses who showed their brilliance early, but for various reasons, are no longer contenders. They are:
Stardom Bound: Despite early rumors of a run against the boys in the Derby, it now appears that her third place finish in the Ashland has scared her IEAH owners enough that they will run her in the Kentucky Oaks instead. Don't think for a second, though, that we have seen the end of this breathtaking champion filly. She's the real deal, and will likely prove it on the first Friday in May.
Midshipman: the 2008 Eclipse award winning juvenile suffered a soft-tissue injury to his left front leg while training in Dubai in March. He will not compete in any of the triple crown races.
The Pamplemousse: Has been off the trail since scratching the morning of the Santa Anita Derby due to tendon issues, which co-owner Alex Solis II described as "a small lesion." Expect to see him back later this summer.
Mafaaz (GB): This colt was the first winner of the "win and you're in" format for the Derby, qualifying via his victory in the Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes at Kempton Park in Great Britain. However, after shipping to the U.S. and running a disappointing eight (to likely Kentucky Derby starter General Quarters) in the Toyota Blue Grass at Keeneland, his owners decided to change trainers, handing him over to the always capable Kiaran McLaughlin, who immediately ruled him out of the Kentucky Derby.
Old Fashioned: This early Derby favorite was retired after finding a slab fracture in his right knee following his 2nd place finish in the Grade II Arkansas Derby. He will now stand at stud, although to my knowledge, where he will stand is still being determined.
Vineyard Haven: After a disappointing fourth in the U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas, Godolphin decided to pull this colt from Derby consideration. Don't feel too bad for them though, as they still own likely starters Desert Party and Regal Ransom.
Beethoven: This colt missed his start in the Florida Derby after trainer John Ward found heat in a tendon on his left front leg several days prior. At that point, Ward said he doubted the colt would be back in time to make a Derby start, and it still appears that way.
Stardom Bound: Despite early rumors of a run against the boys in the Derby, it now appears that her third place finish in the Ashland has scared her IEAH owners enough that they will run her in the Kentucky Oaks instead. Don't think for a second, though, that we have seen the end of this breathtaking champion filly. She's the real deal, and will likely prove it on the first Friday in May.
Midshipman: the 2008 Eclipse award winning juvenile suffered a soft-tissue injury to his left front leg while training in Dubai in March. He will not compete in any of the triple crown races.
The Pamplemousse: Has been off the trail since scratching the morning of the Santa Anita Derby due to tendon issues, which co-owner Alex Solis II described as "a small lesion." Expect to see him back later this summer.
Mafaaz (GB): This colt was the first winner of the "win and you're in" format for the Derby, qualifying via his victory in the Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes at Kempton Park in Great Britain. However, after shipping to the U.S. and running a disappointing eight (to likely Kentucky Derby starter General Quarters) in the Toyota Blue Grass at Keeneland, his owners decided to change trainers, handing him over to the always capable Kiaran McLaughlin, who immediately ruled him out of the Kentucky Derby.
Old Fashioned: This early Derby favorite was retired after finding a slab fracture in his right knee following his 2nd place finish in the Grade II Arkansas Derby. He will now stand at stud, although to my knowledge, where he will stand is still being determined.
Vineyard Haven: After a disappointing fourth in the U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas, Godolphin decided to pull this colt from Derby consideration. Don't feel too bad for them though, as they still own likely starters Desert Party and Regal Ransom.
Beethoven: This colt missed his start in the Florida Derby after trainer John Ward found heat in a tendon on his left front leg several days prior. At that point, Ward said he doubted the colt would be back in time to make a Derby start, and it still appears that way.
Field Almost Set
With only eight days until the Kentucky Derby, it appears there are only two starting spots remaining. So far, the eighteen who appear to be in are (in no particular order):
Dunkirk - Florida Derby runner up
Musket Man - Winner of the Illinois and Tampa Derbies
West Side Bernie - Wood Memorial runner up
Chocolate Candy - Winner of California and El Camino Derbies, runner up in Santa Anita Derby
General Quarters - Winner of the Blue Grass Stakes
Square Eddie - 3rd in the Lexington at Keeneland
Papa Clem - Arkansas Derby winner, second in the Louisiana Derby
Pioneerof the Nile - Santa Anita Derby winner
Mine That Bird - Second in the Borderland Derby
Friesan Fire - Winner of the Lecomte, Risen Star, and Louisiana Derby
Flying Private - Second in the Lane's End, fifth in the Arkansas Derby
Desert Party - Winner of the UAE Two Thousand Guineas, second in the UAE Derby
Mr. Hot Stuff - 3rd in the Santa Anita Derby
Quality Road - Winner of the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby
I Want Revenge - Winner of the Gotham and Wood Memorial
Win Willy - Rebel Winner, fourth in the Arkansas Derby
Regal Ransom - UAE Derby winner, second in UAE Two Thousand Guineas
Hold Me Back - Lane's End winner, second in the Blue Grass
For the record, I still like I Want Revenge to win it, with Quality Road and Pioneerof the Nile rounding out the top three. For a long shot, I'll take Dunkirk (I've got ticket for him at 9-1 from future wager pool two).
Dunkirk - Florida Derby runner up
Musket Man - Winner of the Illinois and Tampa Derbies
West Side Bernie - Wood Memorial runner up
Chocolate Candy - Winner of California and El Camino Derbies, runner up in Santa Anita Derby
General Quarters - Winner of the Blue Grass Stakes
Square Eddie - 3rd in the Lexington at Keeneland
Papa Clem - Arkansas Derby winner, second in the Louisiana Derby
Pioneerof the Nile - Santa Anita Derby winner
Mine That Bird - Second in the Borderland Derby
Friesan Fire - Winner of the Lecomte, Risen Star, and Louisiana Derby
Flying Private - Second in the Lane's End, fifth in the Arkansas Derby
Desert Party - Winner of the UAE Two Thousand Guineas, second in the UAE Derby
Mr. Hot Stuff - 3rd in the Santa Anita Derby
Quality Road - Winner of the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby
I Want Revenge - Winner of the Gotham and Wood Memorial
Win Willy - Rebel Winner, fourth in the Arkansas Derby
Regal Ransom - UAE Derby winner, second in UAE Two Thousand Guineas
Hold Me Back - Lane's End winner, second in the Blue Grass
For the record, I still like I Want Revenge to win it, with Quality Road and Pioneerof the Nile rounding out the top three. For a long shot, I'll take Dunkirk (I've got ticket for him at 9-1 from future wager pool two).
Quality Road's Got a Hoof Crack
In what can only be considered as more bad luck from the racing Gods, Quality Road has developed a crack in his right hind hoof. By all accounts, it appears that the crack was caught before any infection set in, and a patch should have him up and breezing again within days.
Unfortunately, this is the second crack the Florida Derby winning colt has developed this year. Trainer Jimmy Jerkins has said that the colt does not appear to show any soreness from the injury, but nonetheless, it leaves little time for recovery.
Let's hope that this potential superstar will still be healthy and able to make the start at the Kentucky Derby. He has certainly earned his position, and the race would be worse off without him in the field.
Unfortunately, this is the second crack the Florida Derby winning colt has developed this year. Trainer Jimmy Jerkins has said that the colt does not appear to show any soreness from the injury, but nonetheless, it leaves little time for recovery.
Let's hope that this potential superstar will still be healthy and able to make the start at the Kentucky Derby. He has certainly earned his position, and the race would be worse off without him in the field.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Old Fashioned to Retire
In some sad news, ESPN is reporting that Old Fashioned, runner up in the Arkansas Derby, will have to be retired after X-rays show that he has a knee fracture on his right front leg.
This is a tough turn for trainer Larry Jones, who dealt with the difficulties of filly Eight Belles death last year. However, Jones still has likely Derby starter Friesan Fire.
This is a tough turn for trainer Larry Jones, who dealt with the difficulties of filly Eight Belles death last year. However, Jones still has likely Derby starter Friesan Fire.
Monday, April 13, 2009
East v. West
Don't you love rivalries? Ali vs. Frazier, Magic vs. Bird, Michigan vs. Ohio State, Affirmed vs. Alydar. We have another potential classic brewing for the Kentucky Derby.
Representing the West: Pioneerof The Nile
His argument:
After winning the Santa Anita Derby, and boasting a perfect three-for-three record this year, Pioneerof The Nile is clearly the class of the west coast racing circuit. His wins have come against substantial competition, and all three were significant races; the Santa Anita Derby (G1), Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G2), San Felipe Stakes (G3). Couple that with his CashCall Futurity (G1) win and third place run in the Lane's End Breeder's Futurity (G1) from five starts as a two year old, and it's easy to see that the horse has talent. As of April 13th, he is second in graded stakes earnings, with $1,193, 250.
Potential pitfall:
As a west coast horse, Pioneerof The Nile has been racing on synthetics. In his only trip east, as a two year old, he ran on Keeneland's synthetic track, where he finished third. Unfortunately for him, the Derby is still run on dirt, and that's a big step. Trainer Bob Baffert has famously said "if he likes the dirt, he'll like the dirt. I can't force him to like the dirt." While that's true, it also leaves a big question mark. Can he make the jump?
Representing the East: I Want Revenge
His argument:
Originally a west coast horse, he made the jump east to try dirt, and has been devouring opponents ever since. He romped in the Grade III Gotham, beating a tough field filled with Derby hopefuls, then followed it up with a grinding performance in the Grade I Wood Memorial, where he found himself well behind after breaking horribly from the gate, then got bumped and jostled throughout. Somehow, he managed to split horses in the stretch, making his own racing room and drawing off to win. It is exactly that kind of courage, and the ability to take contact and difficult situations and still not lose heart, that prevails in the slugfest that is so often the Kentucky Derby. Plus, he has the added advantage of knowing he likes the dirt.
One other thing, and don't count this out. I Want Revenge has Joe Talamo on board. Love him or hate him, with the traffic on Derby day, the winner quite often has to take chances, exploit holes that disappear in a heartbeat, and make his own racing luck. Joe Talamo does all of those things on a daily basis. Does it always work? Not even close, but it might on Derby Day.
I Want Revenge is currently ranked 4th in graded stakes earnings, with $774,000.
Potential pitfall:
In three starts this year, I Want Revenge has won two. His only loss was on synthetic, where he ran third, losing to.... wait for it.... Pioneerof The Nile. And guess what? As a two year old, he ran second in the Grade I CashCall Stakes to, you guessed it, Pioneerof The Nile. In the head to head battle, Pioneerof The Nile has the edge, but both were on synthetics, a surface that Pioneer likes and I Want Revenge does not. I Want Revenge's name seems more apt now, doesn't it?
The plot thickens.
Representing the West: Pioneerof The Nile
His argument:
After winning the Santa Anita Derby, and boasting a perfect three-for-three record this year, Pioneerof The Nile is clearly the class of the west coast racing circuit. His wins have come against substantial competition, and all three were significant races; the Santa Anita Derby (G1), Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G2), San Felipe Stakes (G3). Couple that with his CashCall Futurity (G1) win and third place run in the Lane's End Breeder's Futurity (G1) from five starts as a two year old, and it's easy to see that the horse has talent. As of April 13th, he is second in graded stakes earnings, with $1,193, 250.
Potential pitfall:
As a west coast horse, Pioneerof The Nile has been racing on synthetics. In his only trip east, as a two year old, he ran on Keeneland's synthetic track, where he finished third. Unfortunately for him, the Derby is still run on dirt, and that's a big step. Trainer Bob Baffert has famously said "if he likes the dirt, he'll like the dirt. I can't force him to like the dirt." While that's true, it also leaves a big question mark. Can he make the jump?
Representing the East: I Want Revenge
His argument:
Originally a west coast horse, he made the jump east to try dirt, and has been devouring opponents ever since. He romped in the Grade III Gotham, beating a tough field filled with Derby hopefuls, then followed it up with a grinding performance in the Grade I Wood Memorial, where he found himself well behind after breaking horribly from the gate, then got bumped and jostled throughout. Somehow, he managed to split horses in the stretch, making his own racing room and drawing off to win. It is exactly that kind of courage, and the ability to take contact and difficult situations and still not lose heart, that prevails in the slugfest that is so often the Kentucky Derby. Plus, he has the added advantage of knowing he likes the dirt.
One other thing, and don't count this out. I Want Revenge has Joe Talamo on board. Love him or hate him, with the traffic on Derby day, the winner quite often has to take chances, exploit holes that disappear in a heartbeat, and make his own racing luck. Joe Talamo does all of those things on a daily basis. Does it always work? Not even close, but it might on Derby Day.
I Want Revenge is currently ranked 4th in graded stakes earnings, with $774,000.
Potential pitfall:
In three starts this year, I Want Revenge has won two. His only loss was on synthetic, where he ran third, losing to.... wait for it.... Pioneerof The Nile. And guess what? As a two year old, he ran second in the Grade I CashCall Stakes to, you guessed it, Pioneerof The Nile. In the head to head battle, Pioneerof The Nile has the edge, but both were on synthetics, a surface that Pioneer likes and I Want Revenge does not. I Want Revenge's name seems more apt now, doesn't it?
The plot thickens.
Wood Memorial, Illinois Derby, Santa Anita Derby
Wood Memorial
What can I say about I Want Revenge? This horse is the real deal. He was impressive in the Gotham back at the beginning of March. Now he strikes again with a late flourish, running between horses, making his own luck, and drawing away to win this one. If you watch this one closely, he gets a terrible trip, and that makes this effort even more impressive. Not only that, but he beat some very talented horses to do it. In my book, he's the one to beat right now.
West Side Bernie ran well in the Wood as well, finishing second. His performance likely earned him a spot for the Derby, as he is now in 13th place in earnings.
Illinois Derby
Since we know how this one ends, I'll be brief and just say that Musket Man ran well. After winning the Tampa Bay Derby, and following it up with this, he's certainly taking an unconventional route to the big show, but with him sitting solidly in the graded stakes earnings as of April 12th, you have to admire it. Also of note, Giant Oak ran second here, and is now in 18th place in earnings.
Santa Anita Derby
Pioneerof the Nile won a strange race in the Santa Anita Derby, trying to run off with jockey Garrett Gomez down the backstretch before being collected, then having to stretch out again while coming for home to nip Chocolate Candy for the win.
I was not particularly impressed with this race. Pioneer's erratic run may have worked in a relatively small field, but against the log-jam that is the Kentucky Derby, that sort of behavior will have you in deep trouble. Add to that the fact that all three starts this year are on synthetics, and you have a difficult guess as to how he'll perform on Derby day.
In a bit of disappointing news, The Pamplemousse, who looked to be the strongest contender for Pioneer in this race, was scratched because of a soft tissue injury. It has since been determined that the scratch will keep the Sham Stakes winner out of the Kentucky Derby.
Here are replays of all three races, for your viewing pleasure. Make sure to check out the trip I Want Revenge gets in the Wood.
What can I say about I Want Revenge? This horse is the real deal. He was impressive in the Gotham back at the beginning of March. Now he strikes again with a late flourish, running between horses, making his own luck, and drawing away to win this one. If you watch this one closely, he gets a terrible trip, and that makes this effort even more impressive. Not only that, but he beat some very talented horses to do it. In my book, he's the one to beat right now.
West Side Bernie ran well in the Wood as well, finishing second. His performance likely earned him a spot for the Derby, as he is now in 13th place in earnings.
Illinois Derby
Since we know how this one ends, I'll be brief and just say that Musket Man ran well. After winning the Tampa Bay Derby, and following it up with this, he's certainly taking an unconventional route to the big show, but with him sitting solidly in the graded stakes earnings as of April 12th, you have to admire it. Also of note, Giant Oak ran second here, and is now in 18th place in earnings.
Santa Anita Derby
Pioneerof the Nile won a strange race in the Santa Anita Derby, trying to run off with jockey Garrett Gomez down the backstretch before being collected, then having to stretch out again while coming for home to nip Chocolate Candy for the win.
I was not particularly impressed with this race. Pioneer's erratic run may have worked in a relatively small field, but against the log-jam that is the Kentucky Derby, that sort of behavior will have you in deep trouble. Add to that the fact that all three starts this year are on synthetics, and you have a difficult guess as to how he'll perform on Derby day.
In a bit of disappointing news, The Pamplemousse, who looked to be the strongest contender for Pioneer in this race, was scratched because of a soft tissue injury. It has since been determined that the scratch will keep the Sham Stakes winner out of the Kentucky Derby.
Here are replays of all three races, for your viewing pleasure. Make sure to check out the trip I Want Revenge gets in the Wood.
UAE Derby
Godolphin Stables are going to win a Kentucky Derby one year, and this might just be the year, and after their horses ran away with the field in the UAE Derby, held at world famous Nad al Sheba racecourse in Dubai, they may be thinking this is their year. Regal Ransom and Desert Party ran 1-2 respectively, in such a dominating fashion that no other horses were even in the wide shot during the stretch run.
When I see a race like this, it makes me question exactly what's happening. First, it always seems a bit unfair that Godolphin has so much money that they can essentially afford to host their own Derby prep, and then dominate it so distinctly, which is clearly what happened here. That said, it's not as if Godolphin doesn't put up some incentive to attract other top contenders (Regal Ransom made $1.25 million for winning this one), but for whatever reason, the top American contenders, with only a few exceptions, don't show up.
Unfortunately, what the fans are left with, at least from a Triple Crown perspective, is a lot of confusion in deciphering exactly what they're looking at. Was this a good field that took an amazing effort to beat, or was this a mediocre field that the Godolphin horses tromped on, making themselves look good in the process.
My guess is that it's somewhere in between. Regal Ransom and Desert Party both looked very good here relatively speaking, and surprisingly, Regal Ransom was only the bettor's third choice, paying $28.20 to win.
Barring any unfortunate accidents, both horses will be starting in the Derby (Regal Ransom is first on the graded stakes earning lists, Desert Party is sixth). What remains to be seen, however, is whether Godolphin can break the string of disappointing finishes put up by Dubai horses in the Derby. I think either of these has a shot. We'll know soon enough.
When I see a race like this, it makes me question exactly what's happening. First, it always seems a bit unfair that Godolphin has so much money that they can essentially afford to host their own Derby prep, and then dominate it so distinctly, which is clearly what happened here. That said, it's not as if Godolphin doesn't put up some incentive to attract other top contenders (Regal Ransom made $1.25 million for winning this one), but for whatever reason, the top American contenders, with only a few exceptions, don't show up.
Unfortunately, what the fans are left with, at least from a Triple Crown perspective, is a lot of confusion in deciphering exactly what they're looking at. Was this a good field that took an amazing effort to beat, or was this a mediocre field that the Godolphin horses tromped on, making themselves look good in the process.
My guess is that it's somewhere in between. Regal Ransom and Desert Party both looked very good here relatively speaking, and surprisingly, Regal Ransom was only the bettor's third choice, paying $28.20 to win.
Barring any unfortunate accidents, both horses will be starting in the Derby (Regal Ransom is first on the graded stakes earning lists, Desert Party is sixth). What remains to be seen, however, is whether Godolphin can break the string of disappointing finishes put up by Dubai horses in the Derby. I think either of these has a shot. We'll know soon enough.
Swale Stakes
The Swale Stakes, an under card race on Florida Derby day at Gulfstream, saw intense racing as This Ones For Phil and Big Drama went head to head down the stretch, and Big Drama finished just ahead while setting a track record. Unfortunately for Big Drama and jockey Eibar Coa, they set that track record while trying to run over This Ones For Phil, and were subsequently disqualified.
In the long run, it appears that this race will not have much impact on the Triple Crown, as placed winner This Ones For Phil is still in 24th place in graded stakes as of April 12th, meaning there would have to be some movement from someone above him in the list to earn him a starting spot.
Unfortunately for Big Drama, the lost snapped a five race win streak, although this was the first race for him as a three year old, and it was unlikely that he would have qualified for the Derby anyway.
In the long run, it appears that this race will not have much impact on the Triple Crown, as placed winner This Ones For Phil is still in 24th place in graded stakes as of April 12th, meaning there would have to be some movement from someone above him in the list to earn him a starting spot.
Unfortunately for Big Drama, the lost snapped a five race win streak, although this was the first race for him as a three year old, and it was unlikely that he would have qualified for the Derby anyway.
Florida Derby
The Florida Derby was a terrific race, although I must admit, I had runner-up Dunkirk pegged to win it.
On a day in which speed reigned king at Gulfstream, Quality Road ran the race of his life and set a track record at a mile and an eight, finishing in 1:47.72, almost two lengths in front of Dunkirk.
That said, I didn't think Dunkirk ran that terribly. He did spot the field quite a bit down the backstretch, and at one point was called as being seven lengths off the lead. He rounded the final turn with enthusiasm, and did draw off from the rest of a stout field. Unfortunately for him, when he locked eyes with Quality Road, he didn't have the reserve to match him, and Quality Road drew off.
I was a bit surprised by the comments of Todd Pletcher, trainer of Dunkirk, about the track conditions after the race, saying "it's frustrating that the track conditions have been so good, fair, the whole meet, and then they want to change it."
Obviously, part of the frustration comes from the failure of his "win one and qualify" strategy. Since the Kentucky Derby accepts entries based on graded stakes winnings (if the number of horses exceeds the twenty starting positions), a horse has to make sure he has enough to qualify. This being Dunkirk's first start of the year, his only qualifying money comes from his second place in this race, and it is unclear if these earnings will be enough to earn his spot in the Derby (author's note - as of 4/12, Dunkirk is listed as 18th in earnings, and it appears he will start in the Derby).
Quality Road, on the other hand, is now sitting pretty after what can only be called a dominating win. His purse money here, coupled with his stakes earnings from his win at the Fountain of Youth on February 28th, clearly have him locked in. And on the heels of such an outstanding performance, I would have trouble picking against him. He ran a terrific race, stalking the lead the entire stretch before pouring it on when turning for home. Even more impressive to me was his ability to recognize and withstand the challenge from Dunkirk. This horse simply looked him in the eye and said "not today". Awesome.
On a day in which speed reigned king at Gulfstream, Quality Road ran the race of his life and set a track record at a mile and an eight, finishing in 1:47.72, almost two lengths in front of Dunkirk.
That said, I didn't think Dunkirk ran that terribly. He did spot the field quite a bit down the backstretch, and at one point was called as being seven lengths off the lead. He rounded the final turn with enthusiasm, and did draw off from the rest of a stout field. Unfortunately for him, when he locked eyes with Quality Road, he didn't have the reserve to match him, and Quality Road drew off.
I was a bit surprised by the comments of Todd Pletcher, trainer of Dunkirk, about the track conditions after the race, saying "it's frustrating that the track conditions have been so good, fair, the whole meet, and then they want to change it."
Obviously, part of the frustration comes from the failure of his "win one and qualify" strategy. Since the Kentucky Derby accepts entries based on graded stakes winnings (if the number of horses exceeds the twenty starting positions), a horse has to make sure he has enough to qualify. This being Dunkirk's first start of the year, his only qualifying money comes from his second place in this race, and it is unclear if these earnings will be enough to earn his spot in the Derby (author's note - as of 4/12, Dunkirk is listed as 18th in earnings, and it appears he will start in the Derby).
Quality Road, on the other hand, is now sitting pretty after what can only be called a dominating win. His purse money here, coupled with his stakes earnings from his win at the Fountain of Youth on February 28th, clearly have him locked in. And on the heels of such an outstanding performance, I would have trouble picking against him. He ran a terrific race, stalking the lead the entire stretch before pouring it on when turning for home. Even more impressive to me was his ability to recognize and withstand the challenge from Dunkirk. This horse simply looked him in the eye and said "not today". Awesome.
Back Again
After an unintended hiatus, the Paddock Lounge is back and ready for the Triple Crown trail.
Over the last several weeks, I've experienced some difficulties in keeping the site up to date with the latest news from the racing world. Fortunately, we are back on track and ready to go.
Many of the following posts were actually written during this time period, but for a number of reasons (some my fault, some not) they were not actually posted to the site in a timely manner. In an effort to remedy that, I'm posting them now, realizing that they are a bit late, but wanting to share my thoughts on some of the important races that took place during this time period anyway.
We're right down to the final weeks. Stay tuned.
Over the last several weeks, I've experienced some difficulties in keeping the site up to date with the latest news from the racing world. Fortunately, we are back on track and ready to go.
Many of the following posts were actually written during this time period, but for a number of reasons (some my fault, some not) they were not actually posted to the site in a timely manner. In an effort to remedy that, I'm posting them now, realizing that they are a bit late, but wanting to share my thoughts on some of the important races that took place during this time period anyway.
We're right down to the final weeks. Stay tuned.
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