Saturday, December 26, 2009

Dual Grade I's Featured on Opening Day at Santa Anita

Santa Anita Park

Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, CA follows it's tradition of opening it's Winter / Spring meet the day after Christmas today. A pair of nice looking Grade 1 races highlight the ten race card.

The $300,000 Grade 1 La Brea for three year old fillies at 7 furlongs on the Pro Ride is carded as the 8th race on the day with a field of 12 contesting the race.

Horses To Watch in the La Brea
Gabby's Golden Gal - Post 10 - M/L 4/1 - Smith / Baffert
Evita Argentina - Post 5 - M/L 9/2 - Rosario / Sadler
Kays And Jays - Post 1 - M/L 6/1 - Bejarano / Mitchell
Dani Reese - Post 3 - M/L 8/1 - Desormeaux / Hendricks

The $300,000 Malibu for three year olds at 7 furlongs on the Pro Ride is carded as the 9th race on the day with a field of 13 contesting the race.

Horses To Watch in the Malibu
Misremembered - Post 1 - M/L 4/1 - Espinoza / Baffert
M One Rifle - Post 13 - M/L 5/1 - Smith / Headley
Papa Clem - Post 7 - M/L 6/1 - T. Baze / G. Stute
Strong Bid - Post 11 - M/L 6/1 - Rose / Motion

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Zenyatta Tries To Make History in the Classic

Santa Anita Park

Day 2 of Breeders' Cup 2009 on Saturday fetures 8 outstanding races and the undefeated Zenyatta putting her 13-0 record on the line while trying to make history by becoming the first female horse to win the Classic.

Here are some Horses To Watch for Day 2 of Breeders' Cup 2009:

Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Turf (Grade 2) ~ Purse $1,000,000 ~ 1 Mile (Turf)
Interactif – Post 11 – Morning Line 4/1 Very impressive since moving to the turf for his last two starts winning on both firm and yielding turf. He is a closer in a race with considerable speed. The outside post may hurt but he seems to be a good American runner against a field of mediocre Europeans. Kent Desormeaux rides for Todd Pletcher.

Viscount Nelson – Post 2 – Morning Line 6/1
He ran second in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster earning a Racing Post rating of 112 for that effort. He is 2 for 2 at this distance while landing in the money in all four career starts. He has improved in each of his starts and could be sitting on a big race today. Johnny Murtagh rides for Aidan O’Brein.

Pounced – Post 4 – Morning Line 9/2
He ran second in the $500K Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagerdere on the Arc Day undercard at Longchamp in his last, a step up to Group 1 company from his Maiden win. Trainer Gosden won this race last year and the switch to top rider Dettori is a major plus. He will contend at a repeat of his last effort. Frankie Dettori rides for John Gosden.

Buzzword – Post 12 – Morning Line 6/1He has been in the money in 6 of 7 career starts earning five straight 100+ Racing Post ratings. His only out of the money start was his last in a Group 1 at Newmarket but while 5th he was only 2 lengths back. He finished third behind Pounced at Longchamp in his other Group 1 start. He looks to have the talent but we can’t dismiss the fact that this outfit’s go to rider, Dettori, is riding another in this race. A. Ajtebi rides for Saeed bin Suroor.

Breeder’s Cup Turf Sprint ~ Purse $1,000,000 ~ 6 1/2 Furlongs (Turf)
California Flag – Post 3 – Morning Line 7/2He ran up the track in this race last year after dueling in a first quarter of a deadly 20 seconds flat which doesn’t seem likely here. He has been very impressive in all three races of 2009 which he won beating most of the rivals in this race. It appears Canadian Ballet is the only other speed so if this guy gets out without a lot of pressure, it’s over. Joe Talamo rides for Brian Koriner

Diamondrella – Post 9 – Morning Line 4/1
She threw in a clunker two back over the Tapeta surface at Presque Isle but she has won 7 straight on grass. She beat Forever Together in the Just A Game at Belmont three back. This is her first try against males but this barn wins at a 44% clip in stakes races. Rajiv Maragh rides for Angel Penna.

Lord Shanakill – Post 4 – Morning Line 8/1
He has raced in five straight Group 1 races, winning the Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly two back and losing by a nose in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket before that. He has faced the likes of Sea The Stars and Rip Van Winkle (entered in the Classic) during that stretch. This is his first start for the barn of Richard Mandella who won 4 races on the day when the Breeders’ Cup was at this track a few years back. He gets first lasix today and his regular rider comes over to ride. He would be no surprise. J. Crowley rides for Richard Mandella.

Strike The Deal – Post 12 – Morning Line 15/1
This is a race where several others deserve mention but I have chosen to give you this horse in my top 4 today. He has two straight sprint wins in Europe winning a Group 3 at Newbury in his last. The horse he beat that day went on to win a Group 1 at Longchamp in his next start. Noseda always comes to this event with a surprise in store (can you say Wilco at 35-1 in 2004) and Fallon has been aboard for those last two wins in which he seems to have turned this horse around. Looks to be much more live today than his odds indicate and Timeform rates him at 134. Kieran Fallon rides for Jeremy Noseda.

Breeder’s Cup Sprint (Grade 1) ~ Purse $2,000,000 ~ 6 Furlongs
Zensational – Post 1 – Morning Line 7/5
He has won 4 of 5 in 2009 with the lone loss coming at a mile on this track. He seems to be the speed and if he can avoid trouble on the rail, the race should be his to win. He is trying for his 4th straight Grade 1 win today. He has run 4 straight 100+ Beyers and has turned in 4 straight bullet works. Victor Expinoza rides for Bob Baffert.

Fatal Bullet – Post 3 – Morning Line 5/2
He has won 9 of 11 on synthetics and ran 2nd in this race last year to Midnight Lute. He has turned in 6 straight 100+ Beyers on synthetics. He beat Capt. Candyman Can at Keeneland in his last and has been working very well for this since. E.R. Da Silva rides for Reade Baker.

Gayego – Post 5 – Morning Line 5/2
He has won both US starts since returning from Dubai this past summer and ran down the speed to win the Ancient Title over this track beating rival Crown of Thorns. In Dubai over the winter he ran 2nd in the Godolphin Mile on the World Cup undercard. He has been a different horse after turning to sprinting after the 2008 Triple Crown races and he is 4 for 4 at this distance. Garrett Gomez rides for Saeed bin Suroor.

Fleeting Spirit – Post 9 – Morning Line 8/1
She ran 4th in the Turf Sprint here last year but that was on the grass and this mare has never raced on synthetics. However she has a win and three seconds to show for sprinting in four straight Group 1’s in Europe in 2009. Rider switch to Dettori likely shows she is ready and if she doesn’t break slowly which she often does, she has a big chance in here. Frankie Dettori rides for Jeremy Noseda.

Breeder’s Cup Juvenile (Grade 1) ~ Purse $1,000,000 ~ 1 1/16 Miles
Lookin At Lucky – Post 13 – 8/5
Undefeated at 4 for 4 and winner of the Del Mar Futurity and the Norfolk, the latter over this track is an often indicator of the Juvenile winner. He has turned in two solid works going into this and his only problem, if there is one, is that post 12 & 13 are 0 for 28 at this distance the past two years. Garrett Gomez rides for Bob Baffert.

D’ Funnybone – Post 5 – Morning Line 5/2
He has looked awesome since moving to the Dutrow barn this summer and he won by open lengths in both the Saratoga Special and Belmont Futurity in his last two. He will take a lot of the betting behind the Baffert horse but an East Coast horse who has not tried two turns or synthetic surfaces may be a bit of an underlay at 5/2. Edgar Prado rides for Richard Dutrow.

Noble’s Promise – Post 4 – Morning Line 8/1
He has won 3 of 4 lifetime and will be trying for his 4th straight win today. He won the Breeders Futurity at Keeneland in his last over rival Aikenite and is 2 for 3 on synthetics. He tends to come from off the pace which may be a plus with some of the speed types in this race. Willie Martinez rides for Ken McPeek.

Aikenite – Post 9 – Morning Line 8/1
He ran 3rd in the Hopeful at Saratoga and 2nd in the Breeders Futurity at Keeneland to rival Noble Promise. He has yet to beat winners but he has improved in each start and turned in a bullet work last Saturday at Belmont. Allan Garcia Rides for Todd Pletcher.

Breeder’s Cup Mile (Grade 1) ~ Purse $2,000,000 ~ 1 Mile (Turf)
Goldikova – Post 11 – Morning Line 8/5
She won this race last year over Kip Deville and has three Group 1 wins in 2009. She is 9 for 14 on the turf and 9 for 11 at this distance and has won more than $3 Million in her career. She has the top Timeform rating in the race at 149 and is clearly the class of the field. The downside is the far outside post but without traffic trouble, she should win this. O. Peslier rides for Freddie Head.

Delegator – Post 4 – Morning Line 3/1He won the Celebration Mile at Goodwood over rival Zacinto before running 3rd behind that one to Rip Van Winkle in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot in his last. He has been facing the best in Europe all summer and holding his own and should be able to get a nice stalking trip in here today. It would be no surprise if he pulls the upset. Frankie Dettori rides for Saeed bin Suroor.

Zacinto – Post 8 – Morning Line 8/1
Good looking 3 YO has been first or second in all 5 career starts and comes in here after second place finishes in the Celebration Mile and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. He too should be able to stock the pace and trainer Stoute is 50% with horses making their first North American start. It also would be no surprise if he were to win. Ryan Moore rides for Sir Michael Stoute.

Cowboy Cal – Post 3 – Morning Line 6/1
He won the Oak Tree Mile at this track and at this distance in his last over three rivals from today’s race. He is 10 for 11 in the money on the turf and is 3 for 3 at this distance. He turned in a bullet work last Sunday and has been working well for this race. He doesn’t run a bad race and they will have to catch him today. Reunites with primary pilot Johnny Velasquez who rides for Todd Pletcher.

Breeder’s Cup Dirt Mile (Grade 1) ~ Purse $1,000,000 ~ 1 Mile
Mastercraftsman – Post 1 – Morning Line 6/5
He won a Group 3 over the Polytrack by 5 lengths in Ireland in his last and has 8 Group 1 turf races in his PP’s winning 4 of them. Only losses in 2009 came against Europe’s super horse Sea The Stars. He will likely have to win in a stalking trip today. His trainer, Aiden O’Brien is 0-11 in North America the last two years. He will be taking a lot of money and may well win but the value will be there if you try to beat him. Johnny Murtagh rides for Aiden O’Brien.

Bullsbay – Post 4 – Morning Line 3/1He won the Whitney at Saratoga two back before running into Rachel in the Woodward and he has been outstanding on dirt in 2009. He is 6 for 9 in the money on synthetics with 2 wins but his only recent synthetic race was a 10th place finish in the Hollywood Gold Cup this summer. He has run 100+ Beyers in his last two. Jeremy Rose rides for Graham Motion.

Midshipman – Post 4 – Morning Line 6/1He won the Juvenile here last year for Baffert but was purchased by Godolphin and taken to Dubai after that race. A soft tissue injury has left him with no races for 11 months and his only race since then is a more than 3 length win in an Optional Claimer at Belmont in September. He won $1.2 Million in 2 races over this track last year but whether he is good enough to win this after taking 11 months off with only one minor level prep is the question. Garrett Gomez rides for Saeed bin Suroor.

Neko Bay – Post 5 – Morning Line 20/1He is the 4th horse in here by default. Pyro is clearly a much better horse but he has terrible synthetic form. This one has run 1st or 2nd in 3 of 4 synthetic starts. He is 4 for 6 at Santa Anita and is 2 for 3 at the distance and he has posted five 100+ Beyers in his last 7 races. That’s the good news. However, he has run in only 2 graded races winning neither. He won a mid level allowance in his last with Smith aboard. How many times have we seen Mike Smith make that big closing run to win with a horse who doesn’t look like he belongs in the race. This one could be live. Mike Smith rides for John Shireffs.

Breeder’s Cup Turf (Grade 1) ~ Purse $3,000,000 ~ 1 ½ Miles (Turf)
Conduit – Post 2 – Morning Line 7/5Winner of this race last year is only 1 for 4 in 2009 but that win was in the King George VI Stakes at Ascot two back. He then finished 4th in the Arc but was very close to 2nd in Europe’s biggest race. His race in the Arc signals that he may be sitting on a big race today. Ryan Moore rides for Sir Michael Stoute.

Dar Re Mi – Post 5 – Morning Line 3/1She ran 5th in the Arc after staying with the leaders but fading in the final 150 yards. She won three straight Group 1’s before that. She gets first lasix today for a trainer who wins at 33% with horses making their first North American start. Attracts Dettori and the world’s best jockey is the best big money player there is on the grass. She stands a huge chance to score the upset. Frankie Dettori rides for John Gosden.

Spanish Moon – Post 7 – Morning Line 5/2He has four wins and two second by a nose races in his last 6 starts. He won the Group 1 Prix De Saint Cloud at Saint Cloud two races back beating Youmzain in the process. He lost the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic by a nose to Eastern Anthem at Nad Al Sheeba on World Cup day and he is 5 for 6 at this distance. He gets first lasix today and also seems to be a threat to score the upset. Before being off for 4 years, Fallon like Dettori was a major big race rider. Kieran Fallon rides for Sir Michael Stoute.

Presious Passion – Post 6 – Morning Line 4/1
He did not like the soft course when finishing 8th in the Arlington Million but in his other six starts of 2009 he was first 4 times and second twice. Two of those wins were in Grade 1’s winning the United Nations at Monmouth this summer and the Clement L Hirsch over this track last out. He is 3 for 5 at this distance and has been in the money in both turf races at Santa Anita. He has a chance but it would be a surprise against the top 3. Elvis Trujillo rides for Mary Hartman.

Breeder’s Cup Classic (Grade 1) ~ Purse $5,000,000 ~ 1 ¼ Miles
Quality Road – Post 12 – Morning Line 12/1
He has been running second to Summer Bird in his last two over sloppy tracks in New York after coming back from a quarter crack injury that kept him out of the Kentucky Derby. He fits much of the profile of recent Classic winners as 3 YO have won the last two years. He has the tactical speed to not let Post 12 be his undoing and while he has never raced on synthetics, other Gone West horses like the surface a lot. A lot to like but there are 11 Grade 1 winners in the field and most of them have a decent shot to win this. Johnny Velasquez rides for Todd Pletcher.

Rip Van Winkle – Post 10 – Morning Line 7/2Remember the Euros ran 1-2 in this race a year ago and in doing so beat a two time Horse of the Year who was on top of his game. He won the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot and the Group 1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood in his last two and his three 2009 losses came at the hands of Sea The Stars whom he almost beat in the Eclipse Stakes three back. O’Brien has been pointing him toward this race ever since Henrythenavigator took second here last year. Johnny Murtagh rides for Aiden O’Brien.

Einstein – Post 8 – Morning Line 12/1He is the horse who won the Santa Anita Handicap over this track at this distance last spring and who just got caught by Richard’s Kid and finished 2nd in the Pacific Classic. He doesn’t always win but he wins when you least expect it and he seems to like the synthetics in California. He is seven now and what a fitting way to close out his remarkable career if he were to win this in what will likely be his last race. You know he will be in there trying and he will get a good ride with Leparoux aboard. Julien Leparoux rides for Helen Pitts.

Zenyatta – Post 4 – Morning Line 5/2
It is hard to knock 13-0 and it is hard to knock putting that on the line to try to make history by being the first female to ever win the Classic. However, if she were my horse, she would have taken down number 14 in the Ladies Classic and went out with one more win than Personal Ensign who retired undefeated at 13-0 in 1988. She certainly likes the synthetics (12 for 12), she certainly likes racing in California (12 for 12) and she certainly likes Santa Anita (4 for 4). She has taken down the best mares around the past two years but has not looked all that impressive doing it in 2009. Jockey Mike Smith talks about it is hard to tell if we have reached her bottom or if she even has one. Hopefully she brings that reserve with her today as she will likely need this against this incredibly deep field of world class colts. Everyone wants to see her finish at 14-0 and everyone salutes them for trying her in the Classic. Can she win Classic, she seems to have proven that by the big races she has already won. You may notice that the horses who won the Kentucky Derby, Belmont, Travers, Jockey Club Gold Cup, Arlington Million, Belmont Turf Classic and Pacific Classic this year did not get a mention here nor did the horse who won the Travers and Santa Anita Derby in 2008. Those horses would be Mine That Bird, Summer Bird, Geo Ponti, Richard’s Kid and Colonel John and they are all in this race. Will she win the Classic? It won’t be easy. Mike Smith rides for John Shireffs.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Breeders' Cup Returns to Santa Anita

Santa Anita Park

A strong European contingent and most of the top horses in North America are gathered at Santa Anita as the 26th Breeders' Cup is set to take place this Friday at this track for the second straight year.

Horses to Watch on Friday's Ladies Day at the Breeders' Cup:

Breeder’s Cup Marathon ~ Purse $500,000 ~ 1 3/4 Miles
Mastery – Post 6 – Morning Line 9/5
He won the Group 1 St. Leger Stakes at Doncaster in September and took down the Group 2 Derby Italiano at Campanelle in May. He likes the distance but his lone start on a synthetic track was a 4th in the Kentucky Derby Challenge at Kempton in March and the winner of that event was grilled in the Blue Grass Stakes never to be seen again. He is much improved since that race and if his grass form in Europe = synthetic track form at SA, he will be in good shape. Frankie Dettori rides for Saeed bin Suroor.

Nite Lite – Post 3 – Morning Line 4/1He won the Fall Challenge at Turfway by more than 5 lengths in his only start on a synthetic surface. He was 2nd in the Brooklyn with today’s pilot and more recently was 2nd in the Hawthorne Gold Cup. He looks to like the lead but also looks to be bred to run all day. He seems to be a major contender. Johnny Velasquez rides for Todd Pletcher.

Man of Iron – Post 9 – Morning Line 8/1
He is 2 for 3 on synthetic tracks and ran 4th to last year’s winner of this race in his only synthetic loss. That horse, Mastercraftsman, missed by just a length to the undefeated European super horse Sea the Stars in August. His 3 for 8 record this year shows he likes to win but he has been running a little cheap compared to today’s rivals. Must respect world class connections. Johnny Murtagh rides for Aidan O’Brein.

Father Time – Post 5 – Morning Line 3/1
He ran 3rd to Mastery in the St. Leger Stakes in September and has a great distance pedigree. His Maiden win came over a synthetic track in the UK but he has only one win in a year since then, although he has been in or close to the money in all races. He is lightly raced and looks to be improving and he gets first lasix today so he could go either way here. E. Ahern rides for Henry Cecil.

Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf ~ Purse $1,000,000 ~ 1 Miles (Turf)
Lillie Langtry – Post 8 – Morning Line 3/1
She certainly looks to be the best horse on paper. She has been in the money 6 out of 6 in her career and has won 2 of her last 3 including the Group 2 Debutant Stakes at Leopardstown. She has been the odds on favorite in each of her last three races but this is her first attempt beyond 7 furlongs. DRF Formulator says trainer Aidan O’Brien is 0-23 with foreign shippers for the past three years. That includes the likes of Soldier of Fortune last year and Dylan Thomas in 2007. That aside, she is a contender. Johnny Murtagh rides for Aidan O’Brien.

Junia Tepzia – Post 11 – Morning Line 8/1
She has won both of her races to date with a Timeform rating of 123 coming into this. Having said that, she has not faced this level of competition in Italy. The fact that she attracts Fallon is a major plus and the guess is that this open lengths winner of both lifetime starts will improve again today. Kieran Fallon rides for Peter Schiergen.

House of Grace – Post 7 – Morning Line 4/1She has looked good winning both lifetime starts including the Jessamine stakes at Keeneland in her last over two of today’s rivals. The trainer is winning at a 32% clip going from synthetics to turf and she will actually be shortening up in distance today. Mike Luzzi rides for Ken McPeek.

Rose Catherine – Post 4 – Morning Line 8/1
She broke her maiden in her last start and fired a 91 Beyer to do it. She is another sired by Speightstown who has looked promising and then turned out to really like the turf. She has not faced the likes of these so far but the guess is that another step forward from her turf debut puts her in the mix here. Johnny Velasquez rides for Todd Pletcher.

Breeders’s Cup Juvenile Fillies (Grade 1) ~ Purse $2,000,000 ~ 1 1/8 Miles
Always A Princess – Post 11 – Morning Line 6/1
Won her Maiden race at Del Mar then ran 2nd to Blind Luck in the Oak Leaf on this track. Works since arriving at Santa Anita have been outstanding as she has posted two bullets, the latest of which was this past Monday. Others could win here but you can’t go wrong with Baffert in this race. Garrett Gomez rides for Bob Baffert.

Blind Luck – Post 3 – Morning Line 3/1
She is 2 for 3 on synthetics including her big win in the Oak Leaf which could send her off as the favorite. Hollendorfer will have her ready to go and she will be coming late with plenty of speed to run at in Connie & Michael and Always A Princess. Tyler Baze rides for Jerry Hollendorfer.

She Be Wild – Post 8 – Morning Line 8/1
She is 3 for 4 and ran 2nd to Negligee in the Alcibiades at Keeneland in her last. She is also 3 for 4 on synthetics and could improve in her second two turn start. She seems to be a leading contender for a barn who took this race with Dreaming of Anna three years back. Julian Leparoux rides for Wayne Catalano.

Negligee – Post 10 – Morning Line 6/1She is 2 for 3 and won the Alcibiades at Keeneland in her last. She also has looked sharp in the morning and is 2 for 3 on synthetics. Her new barn is a 43% winner on synthetics. She seems to be a major player. Rajiv Maragh rides for John Terranova.

Breeder’s Cup Filly & Mare Turf (Grade 1) ~ Purse $2,000,000 ~ 1 ¼ Miles (Turf)
Magical Fantasy – Post 4 – Morning Line 3/1
She tries for her 4th straight Grade 1 win and 5th straight win overall and she is 2 for 2 over this turf course. She hasn’t been flashy in these wins but she has shown up and gotten it done. She is a major player in this outstanding all-star field. Alex Solis rides for Patrick Gallagher.

Midday – Post 6 – Morning Line 4/1
She won the Group 1 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood two back before running 3rd in the Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp in her last. She has been in the money in all 4 of her Group 1 races this year and carries the top Timeform rating of 137 into this race. T.P. Queally rides for Henry Cecil.

Forever Together – Post 2 – Morning Line 5/2
She has been in the money in all eleven turf starts and has 5 Grade 1 wins to show for that effort. She took the Diana at Saratoga this summer and won this race last year on this track. She likes the harder turf better than soft which should set her up well for this. Consistent top notch Beyer numbers around 100 also don’t hurt. Another major contender. Julian Leparoux rides for Jonathan Sheppard.

Rutherienne – Post 3 – Morning Line 8/1In a race where it would be no surprise if 7 of the 8 horses in the race win, I’ll give you one of my favorite horses as my 4th horse to watch in this race. She is 21 for 22 in the money on the turf and is always in a position to win as they are heading down the stretch. Very consistent with her last nine Beyers between 96 and 99 with the last 4 being 98 or 99. The main knock against her is she has never won a Grade 1. Maybe this time. Alan Garcia rides for Christophe Clement.

Breeder’s Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (Grade 1) ~ Purse $1,000,000 ~ 7 Furlongs
Ventura – Post 9 – Morning Line 8/5
She is 4 for 6 on synthetics and has two wins and two 2nd place finishes in 2009 since winning this race last year. She won the Grade 1 Santa Monica Handicap on this track last winter and lost by a nose to rival Informed Decision at this distance at Keeneland in the spring. She won the Woodbine Mile in September her only race since April. Se has been working well for this. Garrett Gomez rides for Bobby Frankel.

Informed Decision – Post 7 – Morning Line 5/2She is 6 for 6 on synthetic surfaces and 5 for 6 at this distance. She beat Ventura at Keneland in the spring and has done nothing wrong in 2009. She posted a bullet work for this over the Poly at Keeneland on Monday and looks ready for this. Julian Leparoux rides for Jonathan Sheppard.

Sara Louise – Post 2 – Morning Line 9/2
She has a win and a second in two 2009 starts with the loss coming to champion sprint mare Indian Blessing in a great finish in her last. She has posted triple digit Beyers in both races this year. She has never raced on synthetics but has shown three solid works for this since arriving at Santa Anita. Must respect world class connections. Frankie Dettori rides for Saeed bin Suroor.

Seventh Street – Post 8 – Morning Line 4/1
She has been first or second in all nine starts over the past year but has been running longer distances lately. Has a second in her only graded race at the sprint distance but she is always competitive. Barn boasts a 50% win percentage in the route to sprint move but she has never raced on synthetics. Rajiv Maragh rides for Saeed bin Suroor.

Breeder’s Cup Ladies Classic (Grade 1) ~ Purse $2,000,000 ~ 1 1/8 Miles
Careless Jewel – Post 1 – Morning Line 2/1
She ran away to win the Alabama at Saratoga by eleven lengths and took a Grade 2 at Philadelphia Park in her last on her way to five straight wins. She is 2 for 3 on synthetics and they will have to catch her. However, she hasn’t faced the likes of these. RC Landry rides for Josie Carroll.

Music Note – Post 7 – Morning Line 9/5
She has a third place finish to show for her only synthetic race but has won 5 of her last 8, all Grade 1’s. She won the Balerina at Saratoga and the Beldame at Belmont in her last two with triple digit Beyers in both. She ran third to Zenyatta and Cocoa Beach in this race last year. Major player. Rajiv Maragh rides for Saeed bin Suroor.

Life Is Sweet – Post 2 – Morning Line 8/1She is 3 for 8 on synthetics and won the Grade 1 Santa Margarita Handicap at this track and this distance in March. She has not won in her last four starts but ran 3rd to the boys in the Hollywood Gold Cup and took on Zenyatta in the other three losses. That undefeated mare opted for the Classic against the boys this time. She is 2 for 2 at this distance and 3 for 4 at this track. Garrett Gomez rides for John Shirreffs.

Cocoa Beach – Post 6 – Morning Line 8/1She ran second to Zenyatta in this race last year but she has been far from the Cocoa Beach of old in 2009. Yes, she did win an overnight stake at Saratoga and has been in the mix in her other races but has not looked very good in those races. However, her third to Zenyatta in the Grade 1 Lady’s Secret over this track in her last along with two strong works over this surface may indicate that she is ready for a turnaround. Richard Migliori rides for Saeed bin Suroor.

Saturday's Horses To Watch will be posted Thursday evening.

Friday, October 16, 2009

With Major Preps Over Focus Turns To Breeders' Cup Day

Santa Anita Park

Last Saturday featured the most Grade I races on a single day for the entire year and the weekend featured a whopping 12 Grade 1's as prep time for the Breeders' Cup winds down with the big event just three weeks away. There are some cretainties and uncertainties as the Cup weekend draws near.

Their was major buzz around the cup that they could lure the winner of the Arc, Sea The Stars, to Santa Anita for the Classic. This week, trainer John Oxx said that Sea The Stars is being retired prior to the Cup. He has earned it with his perfect record for the year over the soft courses in Europe.

It has long been announced that likely Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra will not run in the Cup and her season ended with a win over older males in the Woodward on Saratoga's closing weekend. Owner Jess Jackson and trainer Steve Asmussen simply do not like to run on the synthetic tracks of Southern California.

There are some bright spots though. The sensational mare Zenyatta who last week ran her record to a perfect 13-0 is likely being pointed to the $5 Million Classic rather than the Ladies Classic. With wins on the synthetic tracks at Keeneland and Santa Anita by B list Europeans over the best America has to offer, Zenyatta may be the best hope America has for winning the Classic this year. There has been some talk that Gio Ponte, America's best turf horse, may also enter the Classic. Summer Bird winner of the Belmont, Travers and Jockey Club Gold Cup and Mine That Bird, the Kentucky Derby winner have both been confirmed for the Classic.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Keeneland Fall Meet Opens With Alcibiades

Keeneland Race Course

The Keeneland Fall meet opens today and with the Breeders' Cup again on the artifical surface at Santa Anita, the meet has taken on added importance as a prep for the big event.

The feature on the card today is the $500,000 Grade 1 Alcibiades for two year old fillies to be run at 1 1/16 miles over the Keeneland Polytrack. A field of twelve is expected to contest the race.

Horses To Watch for the Alcibiades

She Be Wild - Post 3 - M/L 3/1 - Gomez / Catalano
Beautician - Post 4 - M/L 5/2 - Desormeaux / McPeek
Amen Hallelujah - Post 9 - M/L 6/1 - Mena / R. Dutrow
Sassy Image - Post 12 - M/L 8/1 - Albarado / Romans
Kid Kate - Post 10 - M/L 8/1 - Leparoux / C. Brown

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Oak Leaf and Norfolk Are Co-Features at Oak Tree

Oak Tree at Santa Anita

A pair of Grade 1 races are the co-features today at Santa Anita as the Oak Tree meet winds up week 1. Both are primary prep races for the Breeders' Cup which will be held on November 5 & 6 at this track at the end of the Oak Tree meet.

The $300,000 Grade 1 Oak Leaf for two year old fillies to be run at 1 1/16 miles over the main track is a prep for the BC Juvenile Fillies. A field of 12 will contest the race.

Horses To Watch for the Oak Leaf

Always A Princess - Post 1 - M/L 5/2 - Gomez / Baffert
Blind Luck - Post 5 - M/L 6/1 - T. Baze / Hollendorfer
Softly Singing - Post 8 - M/L 7/2 - Rosario / Hollendorfer
Pure Class - Post 7 - M/L 5/2 - Smith / Sadler
Forbidden Paradise - Post 4 - M/L 8/1 - Bejarano / Hoffmans

The $300,000 Grade 1 Norfolk Stakes for two year olds to be run at 1 1/16 miles over the main track is a prep for the BC Juvenile and the winner of the Juvenile has come out of this race 5 of the past 10 years. A field of 12 will contest the race.

Horses To Watch for the Norfolk

Lookin At Lucky - Post 2 - M/L 8/5 - Gomez / Baffert
Dave in Dixie - Post 10 - M/L 9/2 - Rosario / Sadler
John Scott - Post 11 - M/L 6/1 - Espinoza / Gaines
Jung Man Scott - Post 9 - M/L 10/1 - Bejarano / R. Dutrow
Pulsion - Post 12 - M/L 10/1 - Smith / Biancone

Court Vision Returns In Kelso

Belmont Park

Court Vision returns from a short vacation and for a new barn in the $250,000 Grade 2 Kelso Handicap today at Belmont Park. The Kelso is carded at a mile over the Widener Turf Course for three year olds and upward. A field of five will contest the race.

Horses To Watch for the Kelso

Court Vision - Post 2 - M/L 4/5 - Dominguez / R. Dutrow
Ready's Echo - Post 4 - M/L 5/2 - Leparoux / Pletcher
Yorktown - Post 3 - M/L 6/1 - Rose / Motion

Sea The Stars Shines Brightly In Arc

Longchamp Racecourse

Sea The Stars was in traffic trouble for much of the mile and a half Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe before breaking loose to a four length win. Going into the race, Sea The Stars was being touted as Europe's next Super Horse having won seven straight and 5 consecutive Group 1 races. He proved himself today in the $5.8 Million Group 1 Arc which is widely known as one of the most prestigious races in the world. Sea The Stars was ridden by Mick Kinane.

Youmzain was able to get up for 2nd in a close photo. This was the third straight 2nd place for Youmzain who was ridden by Kieren Fallon who had recently returned to racing after a four year absence.

Cavalryman finished 3rd with Frankie Dettori up and the superfecta was filled out by Conduit, the 2008 Breeders' Cup Turf champion with Ryan Moore in the saddle.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

A Super Saturday at Belmont Park

Belmont Park

A card that features 5 Grade 1 prep races for the Breeders' Cup is on tap today for Super Saturday at Belmont Park.

The $600,000 Grade 1 Beldame for fillies and mares three year olds and upward at 1 1/8 miles over the main track leads off the Grade 1 races today. A field of only five horses will contest the Beldame.

Horses To Watch for the Beldame

Music Note - Post 2 - M/L 2/5 - Maragh / bin Suroor
Pletcher Entry - Captain's Lover - Post 1 - M/L 2/1 - Johnny V.
Pletcher Entry - Unbridled Belle - Post 1A - M/L 2/1 - Dominguez

The $400,000 Grade 1 Vosburgh for three year olds at 6 furlongs over the main track also has a small field of just 5 horses.

Horses To Watch for the Vosburgh

Fabulous Strike - Post 5 - M/L Even - Dominguez / Beattie
Go Go Shoot - Post 1 - M/L 6/1 - Maragh / Levine
Kodiak Cowboy - Post 4 - M/L 3/1 - Bridgmohan / Asmussen

The $600,000 Gradw 1 Flower Bowl Invitational for fillies & mares three years old and upward at 1 1/4 miles over the Inner Turf Course with a field of eight is next.

Horses To Watch for the Flower Bowl

Moneycantbuymelove - Post 7 - M/L 4/1 - Spencer / Bell
Carribean Sunset - Post 1 - M/L 5/2 - Dominguez / Clement
Dynaforce - Post 4 - M/L 7/2 - Desormeaux / Mott
Pure Clan - Post 3 - M/L 3/1 - Leparoux / Motion

The $600,000 Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic for three year olds and upward at 1 1/2 miles over the Widener Turf Course features a field of 9.

Gio Ponte - Post 1 - M/L 6/5 - Dominguez / Clement
Grand Couturier - Post 8 - M/L 5/2 - Garcia / Ribaudo
Presious Passion - Post 7 - M/L 6/1 - Trujillo / Hartman
Winchester - Post 1A - M/L 6/5 - Unknown / Clement

The $750,000 Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup for three year olds and upward at 1 1/4 miles over the main track is the Super Saturday feature. A field of seven will contest the race.

Horses To Watch for the Jockey Club Gold Cup

Quality Road - Post 7 - M/L 5/2 - Johnny V / Pletcher
Summer Bird - Post 3 - M/L 2/1 - Desormeaux / Ice
Macho Again - Post 2 - M/L 7/2 - Alberado / Stewart
Asiatic Boy - Post 5 - M/L 8/1 - Garcia / McLaughlin

Large Field to Contest Indiana Derby

Hoosier Park

A field of 12 is expected to go to the post today to contest the $500,000 Grade 2 Indiana Derby at Hoosier Park. The race is carded at 1 1/16 miles over the main track for three year olds.

Horses To Watch for the Indiana Derby

Despite The Odds - Post 4 - M/L 7/2 - Lezcano / Trombetta
Misremembered - Post 8 - M/L 9/2 - Espinoza / Baffert
Flat Bold - Post 7 - M/L 5/1 - Lanerie / Albertrani
Win Willy - Post 2 - M/L 6/1 - Bell / M. Robertson
Giant Oak - Post 1 - M/L 10/1 - Razo, Jr. / Block

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Gallant Bloom Highlights Saturday Card at Belmont

Belmont Park

A field of seven fillies and mares three years old and up will contest the $150,000 Grade 2 Gallant Bloom Handicap at Belmont Park today. The race will be run at 6 1/2 furlongs over the main track and is considered to be a prep race for the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.

Horses To Watch for the Gallant Bloom

Indian Blessing - Post 2 - M/L 8/5 - Johnny V / Baffert
Sara Louise - Post 3 - M/L 7/5 - Prado / bin Suroor
Thunders Dove - Post 6 - M/L 6/1 - Maragh / Zito

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Belmont Fall Championship Meet Opens

Belmont Park

A pair of Grade 1 races are featured on Saturday of the opening weekend of Belmont Park's Fall Championship Meet as racing returns to New York City after an outstanding meet at Saratoga. The Belmont Fall Championship Meet runs through October 25.

The $300,000 Grade 1 Ruffian Handicap for fillies and mares three years old and upward at 1 1/16 miles on the main track is the co-feature today. A field of 6 is set to contest the race.

Horses To Watch for the Ruffian

Seventh Street - Post 1 - M/L 1/1 - Maragh / bin Suroor
Swift Temper - Post 2 - M/L 2/1 - Garcia / Romans
Be Fair - Post 3 - M/L 8/1 - Dominguez / Lukas

The $300,000 Grade 1 Garden City Handicap for fillies three years old to be run at 1 1/8 miles over the inner turf is the second co-feature today. A field of 8 is set to contest the race over the soft turf.

Horses To Watch for the Garden City

Gozzip Girl - Post 1 - M/L 2/1 - Desormeaux / Albertrani
Shared Account - Post 6 - M/L 4/1 - Dominguez / Motion
Pull Dancer - Post 7 - M/L 6/1 - Garcia / McLaughlin

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Del Mar Closes With Palomar Handicap

Del Mar

Today marks the end of summer for racing fans. First, Saratoga closed on Labor Day. Today, the other summer racing place closes as the turf meets the surf for the final time in 2009 today at Del Mar. On Friday, racing in Southern California moves to the small meet that is the Los Angeles County Fair at Fairplex Park while racing in New York moves back to the city and the start of Belmont Park's Fall Championship meet. Before that, there is one more graded race of the summer season.

The $200,000 Grade 2 Palomar Handicap is the closing day feature today at Del Mar. The race is carded for fillies and mares three years old and upward and will be run at 1 1/16 miles over the Jimmy Durante turf course. A field of ten will contest the race.

Horses To Watch for the Palomar Handicap

Carribean Sunset - Post 10 - M/L 9/5 - Dominguez / Clement
Gotta Have Her - Post 6 - M/L 7/2 - T. Baze / Sahadi
Allicansayis Wow - Post 4 - M/L 6/1 - Gomez / Biancone
Lethal Heat - Post 2 - M/L 8/1 - Solis / Abrams

Monday, September 7, 2009

Curtain Closes on the Spa

Saratoga Race Course

An eleven race card will close a memorable 2009 meet at Saratoga. Among the highlights of 2009 at Saratoga were Rachel Alexandra winning the Woodward against older males, Hot Dixie Chick showing promise in the Schuylerville and showing she is for real in the Spinaway, the top 5 sprinters in America meeting up in the Vanderbilt, Summer Bird's victory in the Travers and the improbability of Linda Rice with her small stable leading Todd Pletcher for the training title on the last day of the meet.

The $300,000 Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes is the feature on closing day at the Spa. The race is carded at 7 furlongs for two year olds over the main track and a field of twelve is set to contest the race.

Horses To Watch for the Hopeful

Prince Rooney - Post 10 - M/L 9/2 - Bridgmohan / Asmussen
Backtalk - Post 13 - M/L 5/1 - Migliori / Amoss
Enumerate - Post 8 - M/L 6/1 - Prado / Asmussen
Dublin - Post 12 - M/L 8/1 - Theriot / Lukas

For anyone who is as big of fan of racing at Saratoga as I am, you will likely agree that we can't wait until July of 2010 for it to start all over again.

Futurity is Labor Day Feature at Del Mar

Del Mar

The $300,000 Grade I Del Mar Futurity is the highlight of the Labor Day card at Del Mar. The race is carded at 7 furlongs for two year olds and will be run over the main track. A field of nine are expected to contest the race.

Horses To Watch for the Del Mar Futurity

Lookin At Lucky - Post 1 - M/L 9/5 - Gomez / Baffert
Sterling Outlook - Post 7 - M/L 4/1 - Bejarano / Miller
Who's Up - Post 6 - M/L 20/1 - Espinoza / Walsh
Zip Quick - Post 2 - M/L 9/2 - Flores / Biancone

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Colonel John, Einstein Head Pacific Classic Field

Del Mar

A pair of Grade 1 races and a Grade 2 race highlight the Sunday card at Del Mar on Pacific Classic Day. The $300,000 Grade 1 Pat O'Brien Stakes for three years old and upward at 7 furlongs over the main track is the first Grade 1 on the Del Mar card today. A six horse field is set to contest the race.

Horses To Watch for the Pat O'Brien

Zensational - Post 1 - M/L 1/2 - Espinoza / Baffert
Noble Court - Post 4 - M/L 3/1 - Rosario / Sadler
Talkin To Mom Roo - Post 6 - M/L 5/1 - Gomez / West

The #350,000 Grade 2 Del Mar Derby is the feature for three year olds at this meet. The Del Mar Derby is carded at 1 1/8 miles on the turf and a field of 9 is set to contest the race.

Horses To Watch for the Del Mar Derby

Battle Of Hastings - Post 4 - M/L 5/2 - T. Baze / Mullins
Meteore - Post 3 - M/L 3/1 - Bejarano / R. Mandella
Afleet Eagle - Post 6 - M/L 7/2 - Nakatani / Cerin
Oil Man - Post 5 - M/L 8/1 - Leparoux / Sadler
Papa Clem - Post 8 - M/L 9/2 - Gomez / G. Stute

The $1 Million Grade 1 Pacific Classic is the highlight of the Del Mar meet and features a matchup of Colonel John and Einstein. The race is carded for three year olds and upward and will be run at 1 1/4 miles over the main track. A field of 11 is set to contest the race.

Horses To Watch for the Pacific Classic

Einstein - Post 10 - M/L 7/2 - Leparoux / Pitts
Colonel John - Post 6 - M/L 5/2 - Gomez / Harty
Rail Trip - Post 3 - M/L 4/1 - Valdivia / Ellis
Parading - Post 11 - M/L 10/1 - Bejarano / McGaughey

Hot Dixie Chick Heavy Favorite in Spinaway

Saratoga Race Course

The $300,000 Grade 1 Spinaway Stakes for two year old fillies to be run at 7 furlongs on the main track is the feature today at Saratoga. Hot Dixie Chick will take on eight rivals in the race.

Horses To Watch for the Spinaway

Hot Dixie Chick - Post 1 - M/L 4/5 - Albarado / Asmussen
Beautician - Post 6 - M/L 5/1 - Desormeaux / McPeek
Worstcasescenario - Post 7 - M/L 4/1 - Garcia / Violette
Magic Appeal - Post 8 - M/L 15/1 - C. Velasquez / Hough

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Rachel Alexandra Chases History In the Woodward

Saratoga Race Course

A pair of Grade 1 Co-Features marks the start of closing weekend at Saratoga today. In the $300,000 Grade 1 Forego, a field of 12 three year olds and upward will contest the race at 7 furlongs on the main track.

Horses To Watch for the Forego

Kodiak Kowboy - Post 3 - M/L 5/2 - Saez / Jones
Pyro - Post 1 - M/L 4/1 - Johnny V / bin Suroor
Riley Tucker - Post 5 - M/L 12/1 - Prado / Baffert
Driven By Success - Post 7 - M/L 10/1 - Dominguez / Levine

In the $750,000 Grade 1 Woodward to be run at 1 1/8 miles over the main track, a field of eight three year olds and upward is expected to contest the race. The story line of this race is that the sensational filly, Rachel Alexandra, is attempting to become the first female horse to ever win the Woodward.

Horses To Watch for the Woodward

Rachel Alexandra - Post 3 - M/L 1/2 - Borel / Asmussen
Macho Again - Post 4 - M/L 8/1 - Albarado / Stewart
Bullsbay - Post 2 - M/L 6/1 - Rose / Motion
Cool Coal Man - Post 1A - M/L 12/1 - Johnny V / Zito

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Personal Ensign On Tap Today at the Spa

Saratoga Race Course

Personal Ensign is one of my favorite horses of all time. She was retired in 1988 with a record of 13-0. She capped her undefeated career by winning what I believe to this day is the greatest race in the history of the Breeders' Cup when she rallied from far back on a sloppy track to catch Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors at the wire in the 1988 Breeders' Cup Distaff.

The $400,000 Grade I Personal Ensign Stakes for fillies and mares three years old and upward is named in her honor. The race is carded at 1 1/4 miles over the main track and a field of eight is expected to contest the race.

Horses To Watch for the Personal Ensign

Icon Project - Post 6 - M/L 7/2
She has raced only twice on dirt in ten starts but has a win and a place to show for that. Won the New York Handicap at Belmont over a muddy track by more than 13 lenghts and may have bounced slightly from that lifetime best Beyer to finish second in the Delaware Handicap over a dry track last out. Positive jockey change today should improve her chances. Julian Leparoux rides for Marty Wolfson.

Unbridled Belle - Post 2 - M/L 5/2
This is the 3rd straight year she has run in the Obeah, Delaware Handicap and then the Personal Ensign. She ran 2nd in this race two years ago after a bad break from the gate and 3rd last year to Ginger Punch. She is generally in the money and Todd Pletcher puts his main man Johnny V. aboard today.

Swift Temper - Post 7 - M/L 4/1
She is the best of the limited early speed in here and she should be winging it early. She won the Delaware Handicap in her last and lost twice at Churchill to Miss Isella before that. Her last two Beyers were 100+. Allan Garcia rides for Dale Romans.

Miss Isella - Post 4 - M/L 3/1
Of her 6 lifetime wins 5 have come at Churchill and none were in a Grade 1. She won the Fleur De Lis and Louisville Distaff at Churchill before running second in the Go For Wand after a poor break at this meet. She seems to have the talent to win here but also seems to be a Churchill lover. Calvin Borel takes back the mount for Ian Wilkes.

Del Mar Handicap the Sunday Feature

Del Mar

The $250,000 Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap for three year olds and upward to be run at 1 3/8 miles over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course is the Sunday feature at Del Mar. A full field of ten are expected to contest the race.

Horses To Watch for the Del Mar Handicap

Spring House - Post 8 - M/L 5/2 - Solis / Canani
Artiste Royal - Post 9 - M/L 3/1 - Gomez / Drysdale
Black Astor - Post 10 - M/L 4/1 - Talamo / Lewis
Obrigado - Post 7 - M/L 6/1 - Bejarano / Drysdale
Temple City - Post 2 - M/L 12/1 - M. Baze / Gaines

Summer Bird Wins Travers

Saratoga Race Course

Summer Bird raced close to a fast pace set by first Our Edge and then Kensei to about the quarter pole and then powered past on the sloppy track to win the 140th running of the Travers Stakes by 3 1/2 lengths over a late charging Hold Me Back. Quality Road also raced clost to the pace throughout and held on for third. Summer Bird became the 30th Belmont winner the last 59 years to win the Travers.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Travers Day Comes Up Sloppy

Saratoga Race Course

A sloppy track and soft turf course is what greets the 140th running of the $1 Million Grade I Travers Stakes for three year olds to be run over the main track at 1 1/4 miles today at Saratoga. A solid under card is featured on Travers Day including a $1 Million guranteed all graded stakes Pick 4. Lets see what we can do to help you cash in.

$200,000 Grade 2 Balston Spa Handicap - 1 1/16 miles Mellon Turf Course

Horses To Watch for the Balston Spa

Rutherienne - Post 1 - M/L 5/2 - Garcia / Clement
My Princess Jess - Post 2 - M/L 5/1 - C. Velasquez / Tagg
Closeout - Post 3 - M/L 8/1 - Albarado / Proctor
Cocoa Beach - Post 7 - M/L 2/1 - Dominguez / bin Suroor

$300,000 Grade 1 Ballerina - 7 Furlongs

Horses To Watch for the Ballerina

Indian Blessing - Post 4 - M/L 8/5 - Johnny V / Baffert
Informed Decision - Post 2 - M/L 2/1 - Leparoux / Sheppard
Music Note - Post 1 - M/L 5/2 - Maragh / bin Suroor

$300,000 Grade 1 Kings Bishop - 7 Furlongs

Horses To Watch for the King's Bishop

Munnings - Post 2 - M/L 2/1 - Johnny V / Pletcher
Big Drama - Post 8 - M/L 3/1 - Coe / Fawkes
Capt. Candyman Can - Post 3 - M/l - 4/1 - Castellano / Wilkes
Vineyard Haven - Post 1 - M/L 7/2 - Garcia / bin Suroor
Everyday Heroes - Post 1A - M/L 7/2 - Prado / McLaughlin

$1 Million Grade 1 140th Travers Stakes - 1 1/4 Miles

This race looked a week ago like a matchup between the winners of all three Triple Crown winners of 2009. Rachel Alexandra will instead go in the Woodward against older horses next week and Mine That Bird had to pass after having throat surgery just 9 days ago. Still, this race has come up with a solid field this year.

Horses To Watch for the Travers

Quality Road
He was the Kentucky Derby favorite prior to being sidelined by a quarter crack. He is 4 for 5 lifetime with four 100+ Beyers. Questions are he has never raced on an off track or around two turns but at his best he wins. Johnny V. rides for Todd Pletcher.

Kensei
Winner of the Jim Dandy here and the Dwyer at Belmont in his last two and Asmussen thinks enough of him to put the big horse (Rachel) on the sidelines today. He is 1 for 2 on wet tracks and 2 for 2 at the Spa. He has a big shot if Quality Road doesn't handle the distance or the off track. Edgar Prado rides for Steve Asmussen.

Summer Bird
He won the Belmont and ran second to Rachel in the Haskell on an off track. His sire Birdstone won this race in 2004. Kent Desormeaux rides for Tim Ice.

Warrior's Reward
He beat Munnings in an Allowance over an off track at Churchill Downs turning in a 113 Beyer. He ran second to Kensei in the Jim Dandy and third in the Dwyer in his last two but his chances should improve today with this track condition. Calvin Borel rides for Ian Wilkes.

Del Mar Mile is the Saturday Feature at Del Mar

Del Mar

The $300,000 Grade II Del Mar Mile is the Saturday feature at the seaside track. The race is carded for three year olds and upward and will be run at 1 mile over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course.

Horses To Watch for the Del Mar Mile

Monterey Jazz - Post 7 - M/L 7/5 - Flores / C. Dollase
Becrux - Post 4 - M/L 3/1 - Talamo / Sadler
Ferneley - Post 9 - M/L 5/1 - Rosario / Cecil
Allicansyis Wow - Post 3 - M/L 20/1 - Gomez / Biancone

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Bernard Baruch Highlight on Friday at Saratoga

Saratoga Race Course

The $200,000 Grade II Bernard Baruch Handicap for three year olds and upward to be run over the Inner Turf Course is the highlight of the Friday card at Saratoga. The race is shaping up as a rematch of the Fourstardave from earlier in the month.

Horses To Watch for the Bernard Baruch

Justenuffhumor - Post 1 - M/L 9/5 - Garcia / McLaughlin
Cowboy Cal - Post 5 - M/L 5/2 - Johnny V / Pletcher
Mambo Meister - Post 3 - M/L 8/1 - Lezcano / Gleaves
Colony - Post 1A - M/L 9/5 - Maragh / bin Suroor

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Rachel Alexandra To Run In Woodward

Saratoga Race Course

Trainer Steve Asmussen announced on Monday that his star filly Rachel Alexandra will run next in the Woodward Stakes against older horses at Saratoga on Saturday, September 5th. Rachel will try to become the first female horse to ever win the Woodward.

Asmussen said that his 3 year old colt Kensei, winner of the Jim Dandy Stakes will race in this Saturday's Travers. Both Rachel Alexandra and Kensei are owned by Jess Jackson.

Upon word of this decision, the New York Racing Association increased the purse for the Grade I Woodward to $750,000 in hopes of attracting a top field for the race.

In other Rachel news, two online betting services including TVG have agreed to contribute a total of $400,000 toward making the the October 3rd Beldame Stakes at Belmont Park a $1 Million purse should both Rachel Alexandra and the undefeated older mare Zenyatta run in this race. No word yet from the connections of either super star as to whether such a dream match-up will actually take place.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

State Bred Stakes On Tap Today at Beach & Spa

After a steady stream of graded races at Saratoga and Del Mar, a pair of state bred stakes top the cards at both summer racing venues today.

Del Mar
The $100,000 Solona Beach Handicap for California bred fillies and mares three years old and upward at 1 mile on the turf is today's feature to end the week at Del Mar.

Horses To Watch for the Solona Beach

Flashover - Post 8 - M/L 7/2 - Talamo / Abrams
Bootleg Annie - Post 4 - M/L 5/2 - Gomez / Walsh
Hot N' Dusty - Post 1 - M/L 2/1 - Solis / Abrams
You Lift Me Up - Post 6 - M/L 4/1 - Rosario / Hollendorfer

Saratoga
The $100,000 Yaddo Handicap for New York bred fillies and mares three years old and upward to be run at 1 1/8 miles on the Inner Turf course highlights the Sunday card at the Spa. There should be a huge crowd on hand today as it is also free long sleeve T-shirt day.

Horses To Watch for the Yaddo

Nehantic Kat - Post 7 - M/L 3/1 - Maragh / Tagg
Stormy Relations - Post 1 - M/L 8/1 - Prado / Donk
Chestoria - Post 5 - M/L 7/2 - Dominguez / Badgett
You Go West Girl - Post 6 - M/L 4/1 - Albarado / Proctor

If this race is taken off the turf -- (Entered For Main Track Only)
Weathered - Post 13 - M/L 2/1 - Luzzi / Grusmark

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Alabama Looks Like Anybody's Race

Saratoga Race Course

The $600,000 Grade 1 Alabama Stakes for 3 year old fillies highlights the Saturday card at Saratoga. The race is carded at 1 1/4 miles over the main track and a field of 8 will contest the Alabama.

Horses To Watch for the Alabama

Funny Moon
She won two straight including an optional claimer by more than 8 lengths and the Coaching Club American Oaks at Belmont in her last. Alan Garcia rides for Christophe Clement.

Careless Jewel
She has won three straight including crushing the competition in the Delaware Oaks in her last while posting a 104 Beyer. The second place horse in that race ran second in the Monmouth Oaks next out. RC Landry rides for Josie Carroll.

Wynning Ride
Winless since breaking her maiden at Santa Anita last fall but ran a close 3rd in the CCA Oaks in her last. Kent Desormeaux keeps the mount for Bob Baffert.

Don't Forget Gil
Ran second in the CCA Oaks in her last and won the Grade 3 Florida Oaks at Tampa this spring. She is always close but usually doesn't win but she has been working well for this. Rajiv Maragh rides for Mark Henning.

Iselin Attracts Quality Field

Monmouth Park

The Phillip H. Iselin Stakes may now be a Grade 3 race but it still offers a $300,000 purse and still attracts a quality field. The Iselin is carded for three year olds and upward and will be run at 1 1/8 miles over the main track. A field of 7 will contest the race.

Horses To Watch for the Iselin

Coal Play
He has won two straight including the Salvatore Mile on this track with a 110 Beyer. There is speed to his outside but he will likely be the best of the speed in this race. Joe Bravo rides for Nick Zito.

Solar Flare
He ran 3rd in the Salvatore Mile but has two 100+ Beyers so far at this meet. Trainer wins a high percentage of graded stakes and trainer/jockey combo wins at 34% in 2009. Gabriel Saez rides for Larry Jones.

Chirac
He won three in a row at this track before running 4th in an overnight stakes in his last. Trainer/jockey combo wins at 36% this year and he would have to improve but he has a chance to do that here. Elvis Trujillo rides for Jane Cibelli.

Well Monied, Strawberry Tart Highlight Del Mar Oaks Field

Del Mar

A field of ten three year old fillies will compete in Saturday's $350,000 Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks at the seaside track near San Diego. The race will be run at 1 1/8 miles over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course.

Horses To Watch for the Del Mar Oaks

Well Monied
She had won three straight including the Grade 2 Honeymoon Handicap before running into Gozip Girl in her last in the American Oaks at Hollywood. She will be running late. The red hot Joel Rosario rides for Howard Zucker.

Strawberry Tart
She lost by a nose in the Grade 2 San Clemente on this course but has shown early speed in the past and seems to be the lone speed in the race today. Very consistent Beyers in the 90's. Martin Garcia rides for Jeff Bonde.

Starlarks
She won the San Clemente at 11/1 after being 6 wide over two of today's rivals and seems to be improving. However, a lifetime best Beyer in her last could indicate a bounce candidate and the fact that Solis gets off are concerns. Brice Blanc rides for Patrick Gallagher.

Lexlenos
She has run 3rd in her last two but looks to be getting used to being in the US. Showed good form and two wins at Kempton before crossing the pond. This is her first race back from a minor freshening and Solis chose this one. Alex Solis rides for Patrick Gallagher.

Hermoine's Magic
She won her first US start over this course after looking sharp in England. She is lightly raced. Her winning Beyer was a little low but her trainer is putting up a high percentage (27%) of wins in graded stakes. Mike Smith stays aboard for Kathy Walch.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Lake Placid on Tap For Friday at Saratoga

Saratoga Race Course

The $150,000 Grade 2 Lake Placid Stakes for three year old fillies to be run at 1 1/8 miles over the Mellon Turf Course is the feature today at a very wet Saratoga. The turf course has recently been downgraded to soft and two other races later on the card have been taken off the turf.

Horses To Watch for the Lake Placid:

Miss Keller
She is trained by Roger Atfield and has only raced over soft turf. She is making her first US start today but has looked good in Ireland. Desormeaux has seen enough to take the mount.

Keertana
She goes for her 4th straight win today and won the Grade 3 Regret on a good course at Churchill. Jose Lezcano rides for Tom Proctor.

Consequence
She won the American 1,000 Guineas at Arlington in May before being well beaten in the Lake George which was taken off the turf here. She won on a good course here last year. Johnny V. rides for Shug McGaughey.

Shared Account
She missed by a head in the VA Oaks over a course rated soft. She has been in the money in both turf starts, both on wet courses but she is coming off a lifetime best Beyer in her last. Edgar Prado stays aboard for Graham Motion.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Saratoga Special Looks Wide Open

Saratoga Race Course

Today's featured $150,000 Grade II Saratoga Special for two year olds at 6 1/2 furlongs over the main track seems to be a fairly wide open affair. Nine two year olds are set to contest the Saratoga Special on what may be a wet track if the weather forecast holds for today and there is no shortage of first rate connections with entries in this race.

Horses To Watch for the Saratoga Special

Tiny Woods
He was impressive in maiden debut at Del Mar in July and has been working well since arriving at the Spa. Baffert doesn't bring them east unless they have a chance and Mike Smith comes along for the ride.

D'Funnybone
He broke his maiden by 7 1/4 lengths over a sloppy track at Calder and then ran second in an overnight stakes at that track in July after being caught at the wire. Prado stays aboard in first start for Rick Dutrow.

China
He broke his maiden at first asking by 6 3/4 lengths in 4 1/2 furlong sprint at at Keeneland in April. He stretches out to 6 1/2 furlongs today and tries dirt for the first time. Johnny V. rides for Todd Pletcher.

Theskyhasnolimit
He broke his maiden in second attempt by more than 7 lengths over a sloppy track at Churchill in July and has been favored in both lifetime starts to date. Solid dual 75 Beyers over off tracks in both outings to date. Shaun Bridgmohan rides for Steve Asmussen.

Flatter Than Me
He ran second to the winner in the Bashford Manor at Churchill who returned to win here on 7/30. 4th place finisher from that race also won here next out. Impressive works since arriving here at the Spa and could be ready fora big effort today. Robby Albarado stays aboard for Merrill Scherrer.

Zip Quick
He ran second in the Hollywood Juvenile in his last with an 81 Beyer and gets first lasix today. A negative is that he has no published works on dirt but a positive may be that he seems to like running from off the pace in a speed filled race. It is probably not a great sign that jockey Talamo remains at Del Mar today but Julien Leparoux aboard is a plus for Patrick Biancone.

Fearless Cowboy
He won the Colin Stakes at Woodbine in his last after a second in the Victoria Stakes two back. He has been able to sit off the pace in all starts so far and should like the added distance today. He comes to the US to make his first start for Kiaran McLaughlin who names first call rider Alan Garcia to ride.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

2nd Half of Spa Meet Starts Today With Adirondak

Saratoga Race Course

The final 18 days of the 2009 Saratoga meet begins today and on the card is the $150,000 Grade II Adirondak Stakes for two year old fillies to be run at 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track.

The Adirondak has attracted a strong field but more surprising is who is not in the field today. The Steve Asmussen trained Hot Dixie Chick who won the Schuylerville on opening day is not in the field today. Instead, Asmussen sends out Dashing Debbie who broke her maiden in her first attempt in a stakes race at Calder winning that race by more than 10 lengths.

Others of note in the Adirondak are the Ken McPeek trained Beautician who after a strong maiden win at Churchill Downs ran second in the Schuylerville; the D. Wayne Lukas trained Decelerator who was 2 for 2 at Churchill and won the Grade 3 Debutante before running 6th in the Schuylerville; and the Asmussen trained Camille's Appeal who is 2 for 2 after winning the Texas Stallion Stakes at Lone Star Park in her last; there are also three more horses in the field who broke their maiden first time out.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Plenty of Speed In John C. Mabee Stakes

Del Mar

There is an abundant amount of speed in the $350,000 Grade I John C. Mabee Stakes on Sunday at Del Mar. The Mabee is carded at a mile and an eighth for fillies and mares three years old upward to be run over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course.

Mr. Mabee for whom the race is named was an original board member of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and was the President of this organization for 25 years. He also was a founding member of Breeders' Cup, Ltd. Mr. Mabee and his famed Golden Eagle Farm won three Eclipse Awards for best breeder in the 90's and campaigned runners the likes of Best Pal.

Horses To Watch for the John C. Mabee

Magical Fantasy
She has won her last two after troubled trips in each and is 1 for 1 at Del Mar, winning the Del Mar Oaks in 2008. A drawback is this is her fourth time in a year to be coming off a layoff and her running lines show no first out wins while doing that. Her pace stalking style fits well here. Alex Solis rides for Patrick Gallagher.

Tuscan Evening
She looks to be the fastest of the speed in the race and is trying for her third straight win and sixth in her last seven starts. Showed she can rate while stalking the pace and winning by a nose in a Hollywood Park Grade 2 in her last. The red hot Joel Rosario rides for Jerry Hollendorfer.

Patricia's Gem
Another of the speed horses and she set the pace in that Hollywood Park Grade 2 before being run down by Tuscan Evening. She is trying for her fourth win in her last five starts. Victor Espinoza rides for Richard Mandella.

Visit
She ran 4th in the BC Filly & Mare Turf last fall and has been right there in all 2009 starts with no wins. Her closing style fits this race well and the added distance today may help. Brice Blanc rides for Bobby Frankel.

Gotta Have Her
She is another whose closing style fits the race well and looks like she could benefit from the added distance today. She had two wins over the winter at Santa Anita and is running her third race of the current form cycle and looks like she may be ready to run a big race today. Tyler Baze rides for Jenine Sahadi.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Grand Couterier Tries For 3rd Straight Sword Dancer Score

Saratoga Race Course

The $500,000 Grade I Sword Dancer Invitational is the feature today at the Spa. The race will be run at a mile and a half for three year olds and upward over the inner turf course and features an international field and some old rivals.

Horses To Watch For the Sword Dancer

Grand Couterier
He ran 5th to Gio Ponti in the Man O' War at Belmont in his last but is winless in two starts this year. However, he loves this course and has won this race each of the past two years plus the jockey/trainer combo is winning at 50% this year. Alan Garcia rides for Robert Ribaudo.

Americain
Moves to the US from France where he was trained by Andre Fabre. He won a Group II in his last in May at Longchamp and has been training well since coming to the US. He gets a 5 pound weight break off his last race plus first lasix today and this barn wins at a 15% rate with fist in US horses. Johnny V rides for Todd Pletcher.

Quijano
Ran 3rd to Gio Ponte in the Man O' War in his last and has 100+ Beyers in 2 of 3 North American starts. He won the Group I Premio di Milano in Italy each of the past two years and ran 6th to Eastern Anthem in the Dubai Sheema Classic this spring. World traveller has raced in 6 different countries over the last year and brings his jockey with him today. A. Starke rides for Peter Schiergen.

Musketier
Was caught in the lane by Gio ponte but held on for 2nd in the Man O' War and won a Grade 3 at Woodbine in June at this distance. Has been in top form in his last two and has been working well for this. J. Jones is in from Woodbine to ride for Roger Atfield.

Better Talk Now
He won this race in 2004 but has not won at all since 2007. He did rally from 6 wide to finish 2nd to Grand Couterier in this race last year and his 3rd place behind Gio ponte in the Manhattan in June may indicate he is turning things around. He is 10 years old now and has been on a 10 week vacation since the Manhattan but has two bullet works since then. Ramon Dominguez is back aboard today for Graham Motion.

Lauro
Closed from 20 lengths back to take second in the United Nations at Monmouth Park in his last with a 102 Beyer. He seems to perform better on firm turf which is expected today and that last race could indicate he is ready to run a big race but he would have to do that against a much deeper field today. Jorge Chavez rides for Andreas Wohler.

La Jolla Handicap Looks Wide Open

Del Mar

The featured $150,000 Grade II LaJolla Handicap at Del Mar looks to be a fairly wide open race with no graded stakes winners and several recent maiden winners in the field. The La Jolla is carded at a mile and a sixteenth for three year olds over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course.

Horses To Watch for the LaJolla

I'll Show Them
He is 2 for 2 and moves up to the stakes level after an impressive win on the grass at Hollywood Park in 80K Optional Claimer over rival Gretzky in his last. Martin Garcia rides for David Holmans.

Gretsky
He has a turf win over this course in his last and is 2 for 2 at this distance on the turf. Must respect his connections and he may well go off the favorite. Garrett Gomez rides for Neil Drysdale.

Rendezvous
He ran 3rd after traffic trouble in the Oceanside over this course and has hit the board in all three attempts on the lawn. Jockey/trainer combo clicking at a 24% win clip. Joel Rosario rides for Jerry Hollendorfer.

Meteore
He ran 5th as the favorite in the Oceanside here on opening day after going wide around both turns and weakening in the lane. He had won two in a row on the lawn before that and has hit the board in 4 of 6 turf starts. Alex Solis rides for Richard Mandella.

Herr Mozart
He has been the favorite in 3 of his last 6 races and has run 4th in his last two in the Oceanside here and the Grade III Cinema at Hollywood Park. Others look better in here but this trainer has a way of getting it done in big races. Victor Espinoza rides for new Hall of Fame inductee Bob Baffert.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Mott Plays Strong Hand In Hall of Fame Stakes

Saratoga Race Course

Trainer Bill Mott has not one but two horses who could win the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes today at Saratoga. The $150,000 Grade II event for three year olds will be run at a mile and an eighth over the Mellon Turf Course.

The Mott horses, Al Khali with Norberto Arroyo Jr. and Courageous Cat who who is going for his third straight win with Kent Desormeaux aboard will take a considerable amunt of the betting in this race. Straight Story who has run second in his last two at Colonial Downs with Johnny Velasquez aboard should also be one of the favorites in here.

Other horses worth watching in this race include No Inflation who just missed in the American Derby at Arlington looks good especially when you consider jockey Robby Albarado has won 42% of the time in 2009 with trainer Alan Goldberg. Sal The Barber with Ramon Dominguez up for Christophe Clemont won an over night stakes at Belmont in his last. El Crespo ran a close second in a Grade II at Churchill Downs two races back and a return to that form puts him in the mix here plus Julian Leparoux has won 41% of the time for this barn in 2009.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Baffert Enters Hall With Outstanding Credentials

Saratoga Springs, NY

It is a long way from the Quarter Horse circuit around Nogales, Arizona to the Hall of Fame but that has been the 30 year journey of Bob Baffert. The silver haired Southern California trainer who quite simply just wins will be inducted into the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame on Friday in Saratoga Springs.

Baffert's credentials include victories in eight Triple Crown races and earnings that rank him 6th on the all-time earnings list. He won the Kentucky Derby three times with Silver Charm, with Real Quiet who narrowly missed winning the Triple Crown, and with War Emblem.

Joining Bob Baffert in entering the Hall of Fame this year are Steeplechase trainer Janet Elliot, who is only the second woman and first woman trainer elected to the Hall, and jockey Eddie Maple who retired in 1998 with 4,398 victoies. The horses entering the Hall this year are Baffert's Eclipse Award Winning Mare Silverbulletday, two time Horse of the Year Tiznow, and Steeplechase legend Ben Nevis II.

We salute all of the 2009 Hall of Fame inductees.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Zenyatta Tries For # 12 in Clement Hirsch

Del Mar

Zenyatta, who is trained by John Shirreffs and ridden by Mike Smith, is undefeated in her 11 lifetime starts and tries for her 12th straight win in the Grade I Clement L. Hirsch Stakes today at Del Mar.

A field of ten is expected to contest the Hirsch at 1 1/16 miles over the Del Mar Polytrack. The primary competition for Zenyatta should come from her stable mate Life is Sweet who ran second to her in the Milady Stakes and then ran 3rd in the Hollywood Gold Cup against the boys in her last race. Another of note in this race is the Richard Mandella trained Patricia's Gem who is 3 for 4 in 2009 and is capable of carrying her speed wire to wire in here.

A win by Zenyatta today will put her one win shy of the 13-0 mark for a thoroughbred running a campaign on a major circuit which was accomplished in 1987 and 1988 by the great Personal Ensign.

The only problem with Zenyatta's one big run closing style is you have to wonder if she will get there in every race she runs. Will she get there today? We'll see.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Vanderbilt and Honorable Miss On Tap at the Spa

Saratoga Race Course

A pair of classy Grade II stakes headlines Sunday's 11 race card at Saratoga. First up is the $150,000 Grade II Honorable Miss at 6 Furlongs on the main track for fillies & mares three year olds and up and the $250,000 Grade II Alfred G. Vanderbilt at 6 furlongs for three year olds and up also on the main track.

In the Honorable Miss, Game Face was installed the even money favorite on the morning line after a dominating performance in a Calder Grade I in her last. Porte Bonheur won her last at Belmont and Dominguez is 3 for 4 riding her. She is 2 for 3 at Saratoga. Keep The Peace ran 2nd to Game Face at Calder and has a positive jockey change to Leparoux today.

The Alfred Vanderbilt features what should be a Grade I field with 2008 Sprint Champion Benny the Bull headlining the 6 horse field. "Benny" is going for his first win in 2009. Kodiak Kowboy won the Grade I Carter at the Big A and should figure in the outcome here. Fatal Bullet ran second in the BC Sprint last fall and won his only start of 2009. Fabulous Strike beat "Benny" on an off track at Belmont and lost to Kodiak Kowboy this year.

Einstein and Gio Ponti Headline Deep Field In Arlington Million

Arlington Park

A trio of Grade I races on the turf with the usual international participation along with several ungraded stakes are on tap for Arlington Million Day at Arlington Park in suburban Chicago on Saturday.

First up is the $400,000 Grade I Secretariat Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on the turf for 4 year olds.

Horses To Watch for the Secretariat

Reb
Going for fourth straight win after winning the American Derby over this course in his last. Posted a sharp work earlier this month at Keeneland and his pace stalking style fits well here. Julian Leparoux has been aboard for those three straight wins for Rusty Arnold.

Take The Points
He posted the top Beyer in this field (109) while finishing a close third in the VA Derby last out on a course rated good. Finished a close fourth in the Colonial Turf Cup prior to that. Has yet to win against graded stakes company but may be ready for a big race today. Kent Desormeaux rides for Todd Pletcher.

Black Bear Island
He has not handled Group I company in Europe but did win a Group 2 at York in May. All of his races have been on courses rated good to yielding which may be the case today. He is the lone entry on the day for top trainer Aidan O'Brien who has brought his first call rider Johnny Murtagh along to ride.

Giant Oak
He ran fifth to Reb in the American Derby but took down the Arlington Classic over this course in May. He held his own against the Triple Crown contenders in the spring prior to moving to the lawn and has been working well for this but his Beyers are a bit below the top contenders. Eusebio Razo Jr. rides for Chris Block.

Next up is the $750,000 Grade I Beverly D. at 1 3/16 miles on the turf for fillies and mares three years old and up.

Horses To Watch for the Beverly D.

Pure Clan
Has won or been close against Grade I company in Kentucky and California and won the Modesty over this course on Million Preview day. If the win in the Modesty indicates a return to 2008 form, she is a contender. Julian Leparoux rides for Robert Holthus.

Black Mamba
Won the Grade II Beverly Hills at Hollywood in her last and has a Grade I win to her credit in 2008. She is always close at the end. Garret Gomez rides for John Saddler.

Dynaforce
Won the Grade I Flower Bowl last fall and has been close against Grade III company in her only two 2009 starts. Has been working well for this and could be ready to run big today in third start of the year. Bill Mott has named his go to rider, Kent Desormeaux to ride.

Alnadana
Has not faced Group 1 company but has won or been close against Group 2 and 3 company in Europe. Seems to be the best of the Europeans in here and may be ready after winning the Group 3 Prix Messidor in France in her last. C. Soumillon rides for Alian Dupre.

Finally, we have the $1 Million Grade I Arlington Million at 1 1/4 miles over the turf for three year olds and up. This is the 28th renewal of the world's first million dollar race and who could ever forget the first Million won by the legendary John Henry in a head bob over The Bart in a race that no matter how many times we have seen this replay over the years still looks like a dead heat.

Horses To Watch for the Arlington Million

Einstein
Named by me in May as the top American horse in training after winning the Big Cap at Santa Anita and the Turf Classic by a hard fought head at Churchill Downs on Derby Day. Ran third in the Steven Foster after traffic trouble in his last and we will see today whether his will to win can overcome the likes of Gio Ponti. Julian Leparoux rides for Helen Pitts.

Gio Ponti
He is going for his fourth straight Grade I win after taking down the top two turf races at the Belmont spring meet. He seems to be the "now" horse and many out there are calling him the best turf horse in America right now. Ramon Dominguez rides for Christophe Clement and this combo has clicked at 27% in 2009.

Gloria De Campeao
Globe trotting runner won the Group 1 Singapore Airlines International in Singapore in his last and ran second to Well Armed in the Dubai World Cup prior to that. Has switched barns since and has been off for two months but has proven he fits well here. Tiago Pereira rides for P. Bary.

Mr. Sidney
He has three wins over yielding courses and his chances improve if the expected weather is a factor today. He won the Grade II Firecracker at Churchill Downs in his last and the Grade I Makers Mark Mile at Keeneland this spring. Posted a bullet work at Saratoga earlier this week and is 5 for 7 lifetime on the lawn. Kent Desormeaux rides for Bill Mott.

Presious Passion
Wired the field in the Grade I United Nations at Monmouth Park in his last and has posted 5 straight 100+ Beyers. Has handled wet and firm courses and will be flying early today. Elvis Trujillo rides for Mary Hartman.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Commentator Looks Toward History In Whitney

Saratoga Race Course

The $300,000 Grade I Test for three year old fillies at 7 furlongs and the $750,000 Grade I Whitney for 3 year olds and upward at a mile and an eighth highlight an 11 race card at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday.

Horses To Watch In the Test

Cat Moves
Undefeated and winner of the Grade I Prioress after breaking in the air in her last at Belmont. Johnny Velasquez rides for Anthony Dutrow.

Heart Ashley
She was trounced after setting the pace in the Prioress but is 3 for 4 in 2009. Edgar Prado rides for Steve Asmussen.

First Passage
Going for her fourth win in a row after taking the Grade III Azalea at Calder in her last. She will be running late. Alan Garcia rides for Marty Wolfson.

Flashing
Purchased by Godolphin after winning the Nassau County at Belmont for her third straight win but ran third and was no match for Rachel in the Mother Goose. This field may be more to her liking. Richard Migliore rides for Saeed bin Suroor.

Horses To Watch for the Whitney

Commentator
At age 8, he is possibly racing for the last time today as he tries to win the Whitney for the third time and put his name with the likes of the legendary Kelso to accomplish that feat. He did not seem to like racing at night in his first start this year at Charles Town and he overwhelmed an Allowance field at Belmont in his last. If he is himself, he wins. Johnny Velasquez rides for Nick Zito.

Smooth Air
He has posted 5 straight 100+ Beyers. He won the Gulfstream Park Handicap this spring and then ran a good second in the Met Mile and Salvatore Mile. Should be stalking a fast pace today. Jose Lezcano rides for Chad Brown.

Dry Martini
He won the Suburban and is going for his third straight win. He seems to be the closer in what looks like a hot pace today. Edgar Prado rides for Barclay Tagg.

Macho Again
He won the Grade I Stephen Foster over rival Asiatic Boy and the very tough Einstein in his last and looks to be in top form right now. Robby Albarado rides for Dallas Stuart.

Asiatic Boy
Finished a close second to rivals in this race in the Stephen Foster and Suburban in his only two races in this country. He is the winner of more than $3 Million although most of that has been in Dubai. Alan Garcia rides for Kiaran MxLaughlin.

Zensational Looks Good In Bing Crosby

Del Mar

Zayat Stables Zensational who is trained by Bob Baffert has been established as the 4/5 morning line favorite in the $300,000 Grade I Bing Crosby Habdicap on Saturday at Del Mar. Victor Espinoza has the mount.

Others of note in the 6 furkong Bing Crosby field are Talkin To Mama Roo who is taking a giant step up in class off a Hollywood Allowance race with Tyler Baze aboard, Delta Storm who ran 4th in the Ancient Title at the Oak Tree meet last fall with Joel Rosario aboard, and Global Hunter who won the Grade I Eddie Reed here last weekend but is returning to a sprint distance for the first time since his maiden race with Cory Nakatani aboard.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Quality Road Returns in the Amsterdam

Saratoga Race Course

You know you are at Saratoga when there is a Grade II race as the feature on Monday afternoon. The $150,000 Grade II Amsterdam for tree year olds at 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track highlights the end of week 1 of the 6 week Saratoga meet.

Horses to Watch in the Amsterdam

Quality Road
With a hard fought win over Dunkirk in the Florida Derby, Quality Road established himself as the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby but a quarter crack sidelined him throughout the Triple Crown series. In the meantime, he was moved from the barn of Jimmy Jerkins to the barn of Todd Pletcher. Recent works indicate that he is ready and the Beyers in the spring were sensational. Johnny Velasquez rides for Todd Pletcher.

Everyday Heroes
He was a sharp 2nd to Munnings in his last in the Woody Stevens at Belmont in June. Other than that, he has won all four of his other races and sprinting actually seems to be his game. He is making his first start for the Kiaran McLaughlin barn and Alan Garcia rides.

Capt. Candyman Can
Couldn't handle Quality Road in the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream but then won the Big A's Bayshore and an ungraded event at Churchill after that. He has been off since May but has been pointed to this race since then. Javier Castellano rides for Ian Wilkes.

Custom For Carlos
He won the Jersey Shore at Monmouth by 6 lengths in his last and ran 3rd in the Swale at Gulfstream in his only other stakes race. He seems to have plenty of talent and reunites with Julian Leparoux who rides for Eddy Kenneally.

Rachel Alexandra Dominates Haskell Field

Monmouth Park - Oceanport, NJ

Rachel Alexandra stayed just off the pace set by Munnings and surprisingly the Belmont winner Summer Bird until the head of the stretch. When it came time for those three horses to decide the race, all of a sudden Rachel was instantly 4 lengths ahead. Calvin Borel tapped her with the whip to keep her focused and she simply ran away to an easy 6 length win over Summer Bird with Munnings finishing third.

With the easy manner in which she won this race against the best 3 year old colts in training, Rachel etched in stone the notion that she is a filly for the ages. As such, her name belongs with those of Ruffian and Go For Wand when the conversation turns to the greatest fillies of all time.

Owner Jess Jackson will simply say she will tell us what's next when asked where Rachel will race next. That however, doesn't stop the speculation that she may well race in the Travers at Saratoga and generate a rematch between the winners of all three classic races for three year olds this year.

Another possibility posed by the racing media is that Rachel may be entered in the Woodward to take on older horses in that race. The connections of the 11 for 11 Zenyatta talk about these two super horses meeting this year. Racing Rachel in the Woodward could possibly be a way for that to happen if Zenyatta were to make only her second appearance outside California and come to Saratoga for the Woodward.

Rachel faces Summer Bird and Munnings in the Haskell

Monmouth Park

Rachel Alexandra has been installed the 4/5 favorite as she again takes on the colts in the $1.25 Million Grade I Haskell Invitational today at Monmouth Park. A series of Graded and Non graded stakes highlight a very strong undercard at Monmouth today where severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon.

Horses to Watch in the Haskell

Rachel Alexandra
Winner of seven straight including the Preakness and is the likely leading candidate for Horse of the Year. Will have to stay close enough to Munnings on the pace today but if she is ready, she wins. Calvin Borel rides for Steve Asmussen.

Summer Bird
Ran up the track in the Kentucky Derby but returned to win the Belmont in June. The speed on the front end sets up nicely for him in here but he may be ready for a bounce after a huge lifetime best Beyer in the Belmont. Kent Desormeaux rides for Tim Ice.

Munnings
Going for third win in a row and has posted three straight 108 Beyers. He is likely to press the pace today or have the lead but will have Rachel to contend with up there. Johnny Velasquez rides for Todd Pletcher.

Duke of Mischief
Is going for third straight win and won the Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows by five lengths in his last. Then again, this isn't the Iowa Derby. Eiabar Coa saw enough in that race to come from Saratoga today to ride for David Fawkes.

Fourstardave, Go For Wand On Tap at Saratoga

Saratoga Race Course

The rain is expected to return today to Saratoga Springs making handicapping a challenge on the already wet ground at the Spa. The $150,000 Grade II Fourstardave for three year olds and up over the Mellon turf course and the $300,000 Grade I Go For Wand for fillies and mares three years old and up over the main track are the co-features on today's ten race card.

Horses To Watch in the Fourstardave

Kip Deville
Won the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap in February before throwing in a clunker in the Dubai Duty Free. Faded to 4th in the Poker at Belmont in his first race back from Dubai in June. Should be sitting just behind the pace today and the guess is this champion will be ready to roll today. Cornelio Velasquez rides for Richard Dutrow.

Cowboy Cal
Won the Strub at Santa Anita in February before running into Einstein and Geo Ponti in last three. He gave Einstein all he could handle losing by a head in the Churchill Turf Classic two back on a course rated as good. Ramon Dominguez subs for Johnny V in the saddle for Todd Pletcher.

Justenuffhumor
Trying for his fifth win in a row but this is his stakes debut. He has been in top allowance company in his last three but hasn't seen the likes of the top two in this race. Alan Garcia aboard for Kiaran McLaughlin.

Cosmonaut
Won Belmont's Fort Marcy in May over a course rated as good and finished 5th after a bad break in the Manhattan in June. Ran third in the Arlington Handicap in last but returns to a more favorable distance for him today. The dangerous on turf Julien Leparoux takes the mount for Phil Serpe.

Horses to Watch in the Go For Wand

Godolphin Entry - Seventh Street and Cocoa Beach
Seventh Street has been sharp this year winning the Apple Blossom at Oaklawn in the spring and finishing second to Seattle Smooth in the Grade I Phipps at Belmont in June. Rajiv Maragh rides for Saeed bin Suroor.

Cocoa Beach is in only her second start of the year but beat Ginger Punch in the Beldame and gave Zenyatta all she could handle in the BC Ladies Classic last fall. Looks like she needed the race in a dull effort in Belmont's Floral Park this spring. Certainly the one to beat. Ramon Dominguez rides for Saeed bin Suroor.

Miss Isella
Going for her third win in a row after two straight 100+ Beyers in a pair of Churchill grade II's over off tracks. She is 2 for 3 at the distance but hasn't seen the likes of Cocoa Beach. Julien Leparoux subs for Calvin Borel in the saddle for Ian Wilkes.

Well Armed Returns in San Diego Handicap

Del Mar, CA

Well Armed, the winner of the $6 Million Dubai World Cup in March, will be making his first start since winning the world's richest race today in the $250,000 Grade II San Diego Handicap at Del Mar. A field of nine is expected to contest the San Diego over the Del Mar Polytrack.

Horses to Watch in the San Diego

Well Armed
Informed
Mast Track