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.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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