Before the weekend, I said that I would save my breath and tell all of you to bet Stardom Bound. Well, that worked, but not as easily as I would have expected. The filly had to circle the field in the stretch and just clipped the wire by a whisker.
Before this race, here connections had been talking about the Kentucky Derby, but I'm guessing now that the Kentucky Oaks is where we'll eventually see her. Also still in the air is whether she will run in the Santa Anita Derby as previously mentioned.
It's hard to get a good read on what happened here. She broke rather slowly, although that's commonplace for her. She stalked the field as usual, and had to go nine wide off the final turn to get the job done. That said, it wasn't her normal performance, and I heard Mike Smith say that she felt unfocused.
Personally, I'm still a big fan, and I still would love to see her run in the SA Derby. I've watched this race a couple of times now, and I think maybe her trip was tougher than it looks, so maybe more credit is due. I'm certainly interested to see the Beyer figures on it.
In case you missed it, here's the replay:
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
I Want Revenge for the Beating I Took at the Betting Windows!
First off, let me just say that I should have seen this coming. When Joe Talamo leaves Santa Anita on the day of the million dollar Big Cap to ride a three year old at Aqueduct, maybe he knows a little more about that horse's chances than I do.
I was certainly impressed with I Want Revenge's run, as he jumped out early and never looked back. Talamo rode a nice race, and had him positioned perfectly for the stretch drive, leaving Mr. Fantasy in the dust. Jeff Mullins had said before the race that he didn't think the colt was gripping the synthetic surfaces in California as well as he would dirt, and obviously, he was right.
Clearly, I Want Revenge has solidified his position on the Derby trail. All signs point to him running again in the Wood Memorial on April 4th.
As impressive as the victory was for him, I think the more interesting questions focus on the other runners in this race, and where they go from here.
Haynesfield, my pick in this one, finished a disastrous eighth, and looked as if he had no punch at all. Usually the speed, he broke late, ran sixth down the backstretch, and was finished by the turn for home. I would expect we'll still see one more try out of him before the Derby, and certainly he was due for a bounce, but that was ugly. I've watched this race three or four times now (gotta love Tivo), and I still can't find any legitimate excuses for him.
Also interesting here was Mr. Fantasy. He gave the winner a good run for a mile, and was separating himself from the rest of the pack before he tired late and got clipped at the wire by Imperial Council. I know there are a lot out there who think this horse is overrated, and he may well be, but I didn't think he ran all that poorly for his first try against this type of competition. In his first two races, he was never asked to dig in late and came home looking at the whip rather than feeling it. I suspect that after this, and some good duel schooling, he might just have a bit more kick in the stretch next time. I'll be interested to see how he plays out.
As usual, I leave the weekend with more questions than answers.
Here's the Gotham replay:
I was certainly impressed with I Want Revenge's run, as he jumped out early and never looked back. Talamo rode a nice race, and had him positioned perfectly for the stretch drive, leaving Mr. Fantasy in the dust. Jeff Mullins had said before the race that he didn't think the colt was gripping the synthetic surfaces in California as well as he would dirt, and obviously, he was right.
Clearly, I Want Revenge has solidified his position on the Derby trail. All signs point to him running again in the Wood Memorial on April 4th.
As impressive as the victory was for him, I think the more interesting questions focus on the other runners in this race, and where they go from here.
Haynesfield, my pick in this one, finished a disastrous eighth, and looked as if he had no punch at all. Usually the speed, he broke late, ran sixth down the backstretch, and was finished by the turn for home. I would expect we'll still see one more try out of him before the Derby, and certainly he was due for a bounce, but that was ugly. I've watched this race three or four times now (gotta love Tivo), and I still can't find any legitimate excuses for him.
Also interesting here was Mr. Fantasy. He gave the winner a good run for a mile, and was separating himself from the rest of the pack before he tired late and got clipped at the wire by Imperial Council. I know there are a lot out there who think this horse is overrated, and he may well be, but I didn't think he ran all that poorly for his first try against this type of competition. In his first two races, he was never asked to dig in late and came home looking at the whip rather than feeling it. I suspect that after this, and some good duel schooling, he might just have a bit more kick in the stretch next time. I'll be interested to see how he plays out.
As usual, I leave the weekend with more questions than answers.
Here's the Gotham replay:
Friday, March 6, 2009
The First Horse Races?
I know this isn't horse racing info per se, but I find this kind of stuff intriguing. The gist of the article is that scientists have found evidence of earlier horse domestication than previously believed. This was initially carried in Thursday's edition of the New York Times. Enjoy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/06/science/06horses.html?_r=1
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/06/science/06horses.html?_r=1
Stardom Bound Looking to Roll
Last year's Breeder's Cup Juvenile Filly champion Stardom Bound is entered in the Santa Anita Oaks for Saturday. I'm going to save my breath in handicapping this race, and just tell you to bet her.
This filly is a monster. She's won four consecutive graded stakes, and is in against a field that doesn't appear to have her class. IEAH Stables has said that if she runs well here, she could make her next start in the Santa Anita Derby against the boys. Personally, I don't think she'll have any trouble here, and I'm really excited to see her run against the fellas.
Obviously, a good run in the Santa Anita Derby would give her the envious task of choosing between the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks starts.
Either way, Stardom Bound, along with Evita Argentina, are two fillies that really have some promise. Look for them to make more noise as the spring progresses.
This filly is a monster. She's won four consecutive graded stakes, and is in against a field that doesn't appear to have her class. IEAH Stables has said that if she runs well here, she could make her next start in the Santa Anita Derby against the boys. Personally, I don't think she'll have any trouble here, and I'm really excited to see her run against the fellas.
Obviously, a good run in the Santa Anita Derby would give her the envious task of choosing between the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks starts.
Either way, Stardom Bound, along with Evita Argentina, are two fillies that really have some promise. Look for them to make more noise as the spring progresses.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Gotham Stakes Breakdown
The Gotham Stakes (G3) is running on Saturday at Aqueduct, and there are some intriguing runners in here. I think several of these horses have legitimate shots at stepping forward on the Derby trail, while several others seem in a bit over their heads. Here's how I see each horse, in their post-position order:
1. Naos: His most impressive win came in an allowance race at a mile and change, and that was against so-so competition. He ran a sprint against Derby hopeful Taqarub at Aqueduct and lost by more than twelve lengths in a 6f race. Not much hope here.
2. Russell Road: Winner of last six in a row (seven starts total), but all sprints. He'll certainly get some play, but the big question is whether he can stretch out here and make the mile and a sixteenth distance. I think he's got a shot, but I'll only use him if I can get a price on him. I think his chances are slim enough that a big bet here isn't worth it.
3. Masala: He ran a 96 Beyer last time out, finishing second to Take the Points, who last week finished second to three year old monster The Pamplemousse in the Sham Stakes. He intrigues me here, especially with the Todd Pletcher nameplate. Could be a surprise.
4. Axel Foley: First, let me just say that I love the name. Anybody who names a horse after Eddie Murphy's character in the Beverly Hills Cop series is cool in my book. That said, his name might be the only thing to get excited about. Ran okay at this distance at Golden Gate in the Cal Derby, but his only win was a 7f run on poly track in Great Britain. I don't think he's got a lot of chance in here.
5. Mr. Fantasy: This horse might be the most interesting in the field. Two starts, two wins. Hard to beat that. Plus, he's looked great doing it. He's run a 97 Beyer, where he won by ten and a half lengths, and a 93 Beyer, at this distance, where he won by eight and a half. Yes, he's stepping up in class, but man, this horse looks good.
6. Haynesfield: One word for this horse - SPEED. This winner of four in five starts will look to break quick, run to the front, and dare anyone to catch him. He won the Damon Runyan, the Count Fleet, and the Whirlaway, all on this track, and all by multiple lengths. They'll bet him to the floor, but if you're looking to cash a ticket, it'll be hard to discredit him. In my opinion, he's the one to beat. I expect him to run the others off their feet and still have something left in the tank.
7. Imperial Council: Comes back to New York after an allowance win at Gulfstream. The two wins in three starts is nice, but he's never gone more than 7f, and only one start this year. Not worth my money.
8. I Want Revenge: Ships in from California for this. His only start this year was in the Robert Lewis at Santa Anita, where he was beaten by Derby hopefuls Pioneer of the Nile and Papa Clem. He can certainly cover this distance, and should be plenty fit, but he'll have his hands full here. A nice horse, but I think there's a little more class in the Gotham. I'll use him lower on my ticket.
9. Giant Ryan: In every race, there's a horse or two that you can throw out right away, and this one is it. He's never gone more than 6f, only one win, highest Beyer is a 73. I can't find much to like about him. I think he's in way over his head.
So, here's my ticket:
I'm taking Haynesfield to win, Mr. Fantasy for second (although I might box my top two. I really like this horse), I Want Revenge in third, and Masala to round out the superfecta.
6-5-8-3
1. Naos: His most impressive win came in an allowance race at a mile and change, and that was against so-so competition. He ran a sprint against Derby hopeful Taqarub at Aqueduct and lost by more than twelve lengths in a 6f race. Not much hope here.
2. Russell Road: Winner of last six in a row (seven starts total), but all sprints. He'll certainly get some play, but the big question is whether he can stretch out here and make the mile and a sixteenth distance. I think he's got a shot, but I'll only use him if I can get a price on him. I think his chances are slim enough that a big bet here isn't worth it.
3. Masala: He ran a 96 Beyer last time out, finishing second to Take the Points, who last week finished second to three year old monster The Pamplemousse in the Sham Stakes. He intrigues me here, especially with the Todd Pletcher nameplate. Could be a surprise.
4. Axel Foley: First, let me just say that I love the name. Anybody who names a horse after Eddie Murphy's character in the Beverly Hills Cop series is cool in my book. That said, his name might be the only thing to get excited about. Ran okay at this distance at Golden Gate in the Cal Derby, but his only win was a 7f run on poly track in Great Britain. I don't think he's got a lot of chance in here.
5. Mr. Fantasy: This horse might be the most interesting in the field. Two starts, two wins. Hard to beat that. Plus, he's looked great doing it. He's run a 97 Beyer, where he won by ten and a half lengths, and a 93 Beyer, at this distance, where he won by eight and a half. Yes, he's stepping up in class, but man, this horse looks good.
6. Haynesfield: One word for this horse - SPEED. This winner of four in five starts will look to break quick, run to the front, and dare anyone to catch him. He won the Damon Runyan, the Count Fleet, and the Whirlaway, all on this track, and all by multiple lengths. They'll bet him to the floor, but if you're looking to cash a ticket, it'll be hard to discredit him. In my opinion, he's the one to beat. I expect him to run the others off their feet and still have something left in the tank.
7. Imperial Council: Comes back to New York after an allowance win at Gulfstream. The two wins in three starts is nice, but he's never gone more than 7f, and only one start this year. Not worth my money.
8. I Want Revenge: Ships in from California for this. His only start this year was in the Robert Lewis at Santa Anita, where he was beaten by Derby hopefuls Pioneer of the Nile and Papa Clem. He can certainly cover this distance, and should be plenty fit, but he'll have his hands full here. A nice horse, but I think there's a little more class in the Gotham. I'll use him lower on my ticket.
9. Giant Ryan: In every race, there's a horse or two that you can throw out right away, and this one is it. He's never gone more than 6f, only one win, highest Beyer is a 73. I can't find much to like about him. I think he's in way over his head.
So, here's my ticket:
I'm taking Haynesfield to win, Mr. Fantasy for second (although I might box my top two. I really like this horse), I Want Revenge in third, and Masala to round out the superfecta.
6-5-8-3
Preakness to Move Tracks?
Magna Entertainment, the biggest owner of thoroughbred horse tracks in the U.S. filed for bankruptcy today, and the first thing I thought of was what would happen to the Preakness Stakes, since Magna owns Pimlico Racecourse, the Preakness' home site.
From the articles I've read, it appears that the Preakness Stakes could be offered for bid to other tracks as part of the bankruptcy proceedings. I'm not totally sure if this means any other tracks, or just those in Maryland. Although I haven't had the pleasure of visiting the Maryland tracks, I can't believe that Laurel, or any of the others, would have the infrastructure to host such a big event.
Horse racing is built on tradition, and to me, it would be worrisome to see the Preakness at another track. Crab cakes and Black-Eyed Susans are as much a part of this day as the horses, and hosting it somewhere else just wouldn't be the same.
Stay tuned, and keep your fingers crossed that all works out.
From the articles I've read, it appears that the Preakness Stakes could be offered for bid to other tracks as part of the bankruptcy proceedings. I'm not totally sure if this means any other tracks, or just those in Maryland. Although I haven't had the pleasure of visiting the Maryland tracks, I can't believe that Laurel, or any of the others, would have the infrastructure to host such a big event.
Horse racing is built on tradition, and to me, it would be worrisome to see the Preakness at another track. Crab cakes and Black-Eyed Susans are as much a part of this day as the horses, and hosting it somewhere else just wouldn't be the same.
Stay tuned, and keep your fingers crossed that all works out.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Midshipman Out for Kentucky Derby
Midshipman, the Eclipse-award winning juvenile horse of the year and winner of the 2008 Breeder's Cup Juvenile, will miss the Kentucky Derby, as well as the other Triple Crown races this year, due to an injury sustained while exercising on Saturday.
According to the Godolphin website, Midshipman sustained a "minor soft-tissue injury to his left fore leg during routine exercise." The injury occurred at Godolphin's Al Quoz training center in Dubai, where Midshipman had been prepping for the United Arab Emirates Derby on March 28th.
According to the Thoroughbred Times website, Midshipman was acquired by Godolphin when Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum purchased Stonerside Stables via his Darley Farm breeding operation. Midshipman was one of the horses included in that purchase.
According to the Godolphin website, Midshipman sustained a "minor soft-tissue injury to his left fore leg during routine exercise." The injury occurred at Godolphin's Al Quoz training center in Dubai, where Midshipman had been prepping for the United Arab Emirates Derby on March 28th.
According to the Thoroughbred Times website, Midshipman was acquired by Godolphin when Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum purchased Stonerside Stables via his Darley Farm breeding operation. Midshipman was one of the horses included in that purchase.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)