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FormBlog | June 19, 2008
Go for Wand
Dan,
You havent posted a past champion article in a few weeks. Im sure you have been really busy. I was hoping you could write something about Go For Wand.
I was reading about her today and I didnt realize how good she really was. She is very underrated IMO. Had she not broken down she might have had a chance to be right there with Ruffian. If you could post anything on her I would really appreciate it. Thank You
scianc22
Let's go back to 1990, a year of triumph and tragedy.
The previous season, Go for Wand won three of four starts, and took home the Eclipse Award for Champion Juvenile Filly. She won her maiden by four lengths going six furlongs at Belmont on September 14, then took an entry-level allowance race by an eye-catching 18 1/4 lengths over a sloppy one-turn mile at Big Sandy. After being narrowly-beaten in the Grade 1 Frizette on October 14 by Stella Madrid, Go for Wand grabbed championship honors with her revenge score in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at 1 1/16 miles, her first time around two turns, at Gulfstream.
Here are video replays of the 1989 Frizette and Breeders' Cup Juvenile courtesy of youtube:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9phJBKRYQj0
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-hk7SmxpAgg&feature=related
Let's relive Go for Wand's 1990 season through the words of the legendary Joe Hirsch from his "1990 Racing in Review" column in the 1991 American Racing Manual:
"...Such was not the case with the leader and dominant equine personality in the 3-year-old filly division. Christiana Stable's Go for Wand was probably the best of her age and sex to race in America since Ruffian in 1975. Incredibly, both met tragic endings at Belmont Park, horrifying those who witnessed the accidents and affecting them for a lifetime.
Go for Wand was the 2-year-old filly champion of 1989 off a smashing victory in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, her third win from four starts in the familiar colors of her owner-breeder, Jane duPont Lunger of Wilmington, Del. By Deputy Minister, Go for Wand was out of Obeah, a two-time winner of the Delaware Handicap and a top racemare for the veteran Henry Clark. Obeah was by Mrs. Lunger's Futurity winner, Cyane.
Freshened for several months by trainer Bill Badgett, a former assistant to Woody Stephens, Go for Wand made her 3-year-old debut at Keeneland on April 10 and was slightly sensational on a muddy track, capturing the Beaumont Stakes a bit more than seven furlongs by more than eight lengths. Randy Romero was in the saddle as Go for Wand came from off the pace to beat Trumpets Blare, winner of the Arlington-Washington Lassie."
"That set the stage for Keeneland's Grade 1 Ashland Stakes over a mile and a sixteenth on April 21, also contested in mud. Charon, who won several stakes in Miami during the winter, loomed a formidable challenger but Go for Wand, leading all the way, won by five lengths."
Here is the video replay of the Ashland courtesy of youtube:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=I4aeKEW5784
"Go for Wand's only defeat of the season - a shocking upset at 3-10 - took place in the Kentucky Oaks on the day before the Kentucky Derby. Just as the Churchill Downs strip proved the undoing of Easy Goer in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and the Kentucky Derby, so did it contribute to the defeat of Go for Wand. She never fired and was second, beaten three lengths by Seaside Attraction, who was not one of the division leader's at season's end. The winner's time of 1:52 4/5 for the nine furlongs on a muddy strip tells a story of heavy, tiring conditions. Trainer Badgett also blamed himself for asking the filly to run three races in a span of slightly more than three weeks."
Here is the video replay of the Kentucky Oaks courtesy of youtube:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=d_qRaL9Vshg
"Returning to her home base in New York, Go for Wand sat out the Acorn mile and pointed for the nine-furlong Mother Goose on June 10, with Charon once again her principal competition. Charon's quality was well established and she appeared to be improving steadily for her veteran trainer, Gene Navarro. Another top filly in the Mother Goose was Stella Madrid, who had beaten Go for Wand in the Grade 1 Frizette the previous fall.
The Mother Goose wasn't a runaway, but Go for Wand was obviously best. After lurking off the early pace, she came on to score by a length and a quarter from Charon, with Stella Madrid third. Her nine furlongs of 1:48 4/5 was four full second - or 20 lengths - faster than the winning time in the Kentucky Oaks.'
Here's a partial replay of the Mother Goose courtesy of youtube:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=x0PCw1HqT-Q
"Shortly before the Mother Goose, Go for Wand began to cough. The cough may well have been incubating during the race for she wasn't as sharp as usual. In any event, she missed almost a week of training and her people decided to pass the Coaching Club American Oaks. That classic race, reduced to a mile and a quarter from the traditional distance of a mile and a half, was won impressively by Charon.
Go for Wand resumed competition at Saratoga in August and turned in perhaps her finest performances. She was scintillating in the seven-furlong Test Stakes on August 2, equalling the track record of 1:21 as she won off by two lengths from a lively bunch of fillies. Nine days later, in the historic Alabama Stakes, she equalled the track record for a mile and a quarter - 2:00 4/5 - and won by seven lengths in a manner befitting a 1-2 favorite. Charon, a romping winner of the CCA Oaks, was second. After the Alabama, owner Stanley Ersoff and trainer Navarro, in a nice gesture of sportsmanship, paid tribute to Go for Wand and her owner, Mrs. Lunger, as representing the best in American racing."
Here is the video replay of the Alabama courtesy of youtube:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=um7B1GZlS-E
"The Maskette mile on September 2 at Belmont drew a field of six. Favored at 3-10, Go for Wand made light work of it as she met older fillies and mares for the first time. Stepping the eight furlongs in 1:35 3/5, she won by two and a half lengths. Feel the Beat was second and Mistaurian was third."
Here is the video replay of the Maskette courtesy of youtube:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IRYRLaxOrhg
"Having by this time gained enormous respect and affection for her, New Yorkers bet Go for Wand down to 1-10 in the Beldame Stakes on October 7 and were rewarded with a typical tour de force. She raced nine furlongs in a track-record 1:45 4/5 to win by almost five lengths from some hard-hitting fillies and mares including Colonial Waters, the runnerup, winner of more than $1,000,000."
Here's the video replay of the Beldame courtesy of youtube:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RBdRyCEcnlo&feature=related
"The seventh Breeders' Cup at Belmont Park on October 27 was a remarkably attractive festival of top-class racing but no contest was more eagerly awaited than the $1,000,000 Breeders' Cup Distaff for fillies and mares at nine furlongs, matching Go for Wand and the 6-year-old Argentine import, Bayakoa, champion racemare and Breeders' Cup Distaff winner of 1989. The two had never met, and this was to be a shootout at the O. K. Corral."
"Go for Wand was the 7-10 favorite of the 51,236 at hand. Bayakoa, who was coming off a solid victory in Keeneland's Spinster Stakes, was the 11-10 second choice. Colonial Waters, the third choice, was 14-1.
Go for Wand and Bayakoa turned the Distaff into a match race. As the huge crowd screamed its enthusiasm, the two outstanding competitors went head-to-head, with Go for Wand just slightly in the lead through fractions of :23 2/5 for the quarter, :46 2/5 for the half-mile, 1:10 3/5 for the six furlongs. Go for Wand on the inside and Bayakoa lapped on her, they turned into the stretch together, and roars of approval washed down from the huge stands. Go for Wand was slightly ahead at the eighth pole after a mile in 1:35 4/5 but Bayakoa seemed to be coming on near the sixteenth pole and was abreast of the favorite who strained to maintain an edge when in a frightening instant Go for Wand's right ankle shattered and she fell, throwing jockey Romero.
Cries of grief came from the crowd, and as Bayakoa drew off to score by almost seven lengths, many on hand disregarded the outcome and focussed on the pitiful scene unfolding in front of their eyes. Horsemen and track employees standing at trackside leaped the inner rail and rushed to lend what comfort and assistance they could but it was obvious that Go for Wand's injury was mortal. The horse ambulance arrived promptly and a screen was set up around the stricken champion, who was humanely dispatched and carried off. Several hundred newsmen in the jammed press box sat stunned with the realization of the awful scene they were now obliged to report to the world.
Go for Wand, at the request of Mrs. Lunger, was buried at Saratoga. Quietly, out of respect, brief ceremonies were held at 8 p.m. Sunday near the infield flag pole and the great filly was lowered into the ground and covered with immortality."
Dan:
Also on the subject of horses that just don't want to win, could you post the lifetime PPs for Ad Bourbon, a horse that ran during the 1970s. He ran second so many times that we began to say that any hanger had "an Ad Bourbon complex." Thanks,
Tom Savonick
The system doesn't go back far enough for lifetime pp's for Ad Bourbon, but here's a partial list of his races:
***
congrats to johnnyz for his selection of Sabana Perdida at 4-1 Royal Ascot, to larryk for War Scandal ($20.20) at Hollywood as well as the exacta in the seventh race, and to Grey Tan or White for Mud Sweat 'n Tears at Hollywood.
***
I noticed Tale of Ekati and Georgie Boy on the disabled list? I thought I had read where Georgie Boy was out galloping again and can anyone let me know what is wrong with Tale of Ekati? Also, anyone know where Baffert's Sequoyah is and what happened? Thanks.
Lane
A horse is taken off our Disabled List after he makes his first start following the injury. That's why Georgie Boy is still there. Tale of Ekati, as it says on the spreadsheet, received a gash on his leg during the running of the Belmont Stakes. Sequoyah, an unraced 3-year-old son of A.P. Indy - Chilukki, hasn't worked since last November, and is probably injured.
***
Dan,
Can you print my some moniker's pp's as well as his record as a sire? I especially seem to notice his proficiency with broodmares. I was lucky enough to be there for his first two races and will always think of him as one of the most talented 2-y-olds I ever saw.
meadowlake59
Meadowlake won the Arlington-Washington Futurity at two:
As a sire, Meadowlake's record reads like this:
949 foals of racing age, 684 runners, 543 winning performers, 55 stakes winners, 11,545 starts, 1,796 wins, 1,580 seconds, 1,420 thirds, 16% win percentage.
Among his Grade 1 winners are Meadow Star, Greenwood Lake, Wildcat Bettie B., and Sutra.
***
Dan -
Was Eight Belles wearing toe grabs in front?
BitPlayer
From Matt Hegarty's article in Thursday's paper:
"...Larry Jones, the trainer of Eight Belles, said Tuesday that all of the horses he trains wear front horseshoes called "inner rims" that were originally developed for the turf. The shoes have a small grab at the front, Jones said, but they do not qualify as toe grabs.
"I don't like toe grabs, and I don't use them, and it's for the reasons you're talking about," Jones said..."
***
Back tomorrow.
Take care,
Dan
Posted by dan_illman on June 19, 2008 | Permalink
Comments
I saw another Medaglia d'Oro 2 year old won at Churchill Downs and it paid $20.40.
Posted by: Tony Kelso on June 19, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Cool Calvin,
I enjoyed it very much, thank you. It just looks so good in writing. It is even better when you hear a French person say Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe, but unfortunately, it doesn't sound so good when an American tries a hoidy toidy attempt at sounding French ( then it just sounds pretentious, you know the type.... I truly hope you are not the type, but if you are the type, forget what I just wrote ). You must speak French as your first language to say it with style, or if not, just say "ya know that Triumph race in France that Arc thing, " or just say it just like it is written in English.
Anyway, it is great to see your passion is equal to mine about the up coming journey. I really do hope we all can enjoy it and that Curlin gets all the breaks.
Posted by: MudhoundMojo on June 19, 2008 at 07:35 PM
I would love to hear Catherine Deneuve say Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe. You couldn't make it sound any better than that.
Posted by: MudhoundMojo on June 19, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Go For Wand is one of my all-time favorites. Two memories that stick out are her debut when I remember watching the post parade to check out the first with the interesting name (it took me awhile to piece the significance together) who was taking money. Man, she was beautiful chestnut and muscled like a three year old colt. The second is the Test when she pulled Romero to the lead along the inside through wicked fractions, and then just kept going. She was a great one.
Posted by: kyle on June 19, 2008 at 08:06 PM
2 questions about Colonial's 2 big races.
Anything good in Kentucky Bear's dam's pedigree? I noticed he ran a 22.3 for the 2nd qtr. in the Preakness. Does this mean he has the explosive turn of foot that often excels on the turf?
Why is Clement sending Ruthienne to a G3 when he could have kept her in California for the much more lucrative Cash Call?
Posted by: cannibal on June 19, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Two questions regarding English racing:
1. where can I find result charts similar to DRF's?
2. In the PP's (at least the ones available from TVG)why does it appear that no horse in the history of English racing ever changed position during the running of a race? Or does "C1, C2, C3, Fin" not constitute a running line in those pp's?
Posted by: partisan on June 19, 2008 at 10:14 PM
SR Vegas - it is Unusual Heat's who can run on anything, Decarchy's run well on Cushion and dirt, and okay on turf.
LarryK - uhmmm Chantal?
Greg - the reason I said they needed 10 races was to get these young horses some foundation. If Count Fleet can run 15 times as a two year old and 11 times as a 3 year old, so can these. I am tired of seeing horses with 3 or 4 starts running in the Derby. Look at the press that Curlin is generating. Imagine if the rest of the three year old crop was running as well. One of the things that could be done is to restrict the BC Classic to 4 year old and up. At some point everybody's ox is going to be gored. If someone isn't looking at the sport holistically, we will continue to decline piece by piece. The Jockey Club may not like it, but the fact is they are an impotent roadmarker of the past.
Posted by: Steve T on June 19, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Just signed onto yahoo.com to check my email and what a suprise, an article on horseracing.
In case you haven't seen it:
Phar Lap died of arsenic poisoning
Jun 19, 12:20 am EDT
Buzz Up PrintMELBOURNE, Australia (AP)—Forensic scientists say champion Australian gelding Phar Lap died of arsenic poisoning, solving a mystery that has intrigued the horse racing world for more than 75 years.
Phar Lap won 37 of his 51 starts before his death in mysterious circumstances at Menlo Park in California in April 1932. Days before his death, he won Mexico’s Agua Caliente Handicap, which was then the richest horse race in North America.
Arsenic poisoning has long been suspected as the cause of Phar Lap’s death, but confirmation had been lacking until Thursday when researchers Dr. Ivan Kempson of the University of South Australia and Dermot Henry, manager of Natural Science Collections at Museum Victoria, released the findings of their forensic investigation.
Kempson took six hairs from Phar Lap’s mane and analyzed them at the Advanced Photon Source Synchrotron in Chicago, finding that in the 40 hours before Phar Lap’s death the horse had ingested a massive dose of arsenic.
Phar Lap’s mounted hide is on display at the Melbourne Museum, while his heart is kept at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.
“We can’t speculate where the arsenic came from, but it was easily accessible at the time,” Henry said.
Notebooks kept by Phar Lap’s handler Tommy Woodcock, obtained by Museum Victoria, show the horse was administered tonics and ointments containing both arsenic and strychnine. An accidental overdose has long been considered the likely cause of death.
Posted by: Lawduck07 on June 19, 2008 at 10:49 PM
reagarding the racing at ascot---it is just awsome---thank goodness for dvr---watching yeats today was just like watching "poetry" in motion---just wandering if we can see the pp's for s true stayer of not oly grit, but beauty-
Posted by: matt smith on June 19, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Partisan,
don't know if this answers your question, but I place a premium on Form, Class, and track conditions in European racing. Also use Speed ratings far more than I do BSF in the US. Here are two links that I am using to handicap the races @ Royal Ascot this week:
http://www.equibase.com/newfan/readeuro.html
Hope this helps you. They didn't help me much today, as I did't have one winner! Oh well, will try again tomorrow.
Opps, I posted a wrong date on my earlier post. Cash Asmussen won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe aboard Suave Dancer in 1991, not 1999.
Like I said will try again @ Ascot. Tomorrow's card appears way tougher than todays, but anyway here is my picks.
Albany S. #7 Please Song, #12 Jet D'eau, #6 Aspen Darlin.
King Edward S. #6 Hebridean, #2 Bronze Cannon, #4 City Leader.
Coronation S, this a tough one! #2 Infallible, #8 Psalm, #6 Muthabara
Queen Vase, #10 Patkai, (like Brad Free and all the big boys this is my Best Bet, or the most likely winner IMO!) #3 Captain Webb, #5 Ebadiyn.
Heck while I'm at it I'll throw in the 2 hdcp races as well.
Wolferton Hdc, #5 Monte Alto, #2 Emirates Skyline, #8 Mutajarred.
Buckingham Palace Hdc, #14 Iguaz Falls, #21 Binanti, #26 Jedburgh. For those that like a full field, the Buckingham should excite you as there are 30 going to the gate!
Best of luck to all tomorrow!
Posted by: johnnyz on June 19, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Warning-repost
Hillbilly,
Commander Cody once sang, "My Pappy said,'Son, you're going to drive me to drinkin' if you don't stop driving that Hot Rod Lincoln.'" Which, if I may be so bold, is your Pappy the inconoclastic handicapper within counseling the social Hillbilly's need for racetrack affirmation. Which he is not alone in seeking. It's just that he needs to be reigned in if you want to be one of the last players standing.
As you mentioned, I don't usually factor jockeys too much into handicapping unless their "style" fits into a track bias for the first time. Kerwin John wins races when he is either conceded an overpowering frontrunning advantage (as in your original single) or the race falls apart in front of him (as it did on Sunday when he broke his year long 0-82 hayride.) But he is a professional rider who was piloting a horse for a trainer who is arguably the best horsemen on the SoCal backside, Jeff Mullins. Who is more important, jockey or trainer? Your instinct was correct. Stay with it as it will payoff, if not yesterday, but a time when you separate yourself from the crowd with an outsider single.
Speaking of jockeys, if Aaron Gryder landed Groovy in a two turn mile and drew the outside post against Choctaw Nation, Unbridled, Bates Motel, Gato Del Sol, Victory Gallop, Silky Sullivan, Cougar II, Vigors, and Festin he would wondering how he got pocketed as they straightened out for the backstretch so how much can you depend on jockeys anyway?
Posted by: Mathieu on June 19, 2008 at 11:44 PM
Uncle Steve and SR Vegas,
Decarchy babes will be great on turf - they're only 3yo and remember that Uncle Steve's "sire-star discovery" did not become a turf star until he was a 4yo. I would strongly recommend including his 3yos and also next year his 4yos when first out on turf - I'm salivating on the potential overlays...
Another MAIDEN AMERICA loss earlier today (at 20+/1 odds and leading into the stretch...) and I'm now down $11+ total. Tomorrow is an Anne Mitchell special in PRM4 -> although not a star pedigree, she did match a work with Forest Whispers.
Also, a LION HEART FTS ALERT this weekend at Churchill Downs...out of a Seattle Slew mare that has mostly produced EURO turf horses and jumpers! Pretty Prolific may be jumping into the Winners' Circle Sunday, but she'll first have to beat Sobhy and Justin's FTS Foxy Bailey (and that daughter of newbie sire Ocean Terrace is training great!!)
I love this time of year - I found over a half a dozen great maiden plays this weekend. Gotta make some money for my new condo - the closing is next Friday (and we still haven't sold my house!) Here's a view of the lake and shop/restaurant area from my deck (we had our run-through of the condo earlier today):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2593809869_993dc0f6be_b.jpg
Good luck tomorrow!!
Posted by: Alan on June 19, 2008 at 11:56 PM
Dan
Thank you for the stories and video links on
Go For Wand.
SR Vegas
...........................
Steve T
Thanks for the Unusual Heat/Decarchy note.
And your thoughts on steps to improve horse racing are interesting.Some could have immediate merit...drugs, fines, loss of license, etc.
Others may have to occur over time, age restrictions for Graded stakes.
But who/how to enforce and make them stick?
But as always, insightful.
SR Vegas
..............................
Larryk, Lawduck07
Thanks for the postings on Phar Lap.
I also saw it when signing into yahoo this evening.
Is this sport getting too much of the right or wrong press at the moment?
SR Vegas
Posted by: SR Vegas on June 20, 2008 at 12:26 AM
Watching the C-Span Racing Hearing today, and I thought it was damn good television. The ones I liked best were Van Berg and Jackson.
As far as Van Berg goes, I've always had an immense respect for the man. I looked up to him so much as a teenager, and watching him saddle Alysheba for so many wonderful races. As he sat there, looking so uncharacteristic in a suit and tie (I've never seen him in anything but jeans), he was as blunt and straight-forward as ever.
"Mr. Van Berg, just exactly how rampant is the drugging of horses?"
"I can tell it to you straight, or I can make it sound otherwise. But I'm gonna just lay it right out for ya. It's CHEMICAL WARFARE".
Way to go Jack! I'm so happy to hear someone of his stature get the chance to tell it exactly how it is, on such a large stage. They couldn't have chosen a better representative in all of racing.
Others echoed his comments. Such as Randy Moss, who restated the old formula of Hay, Oats, and Water. Jack even had the perfect system for testing samples, complete with a dual-locking system and cnisters sent to one of three regional centers. Jack did some homework for this assignment!
The whole thing got me dreamy-eyed as I thought about how things may really change, how a ruling body may come into existence that will oversee an honest game full of men of integrity. Then I woke up.
No but really! ... I'd like everyone to consider if starting tomorrow the game went back to hay, oats and water... What would it look like?
Imagine seeing certain familiar names suddenly dropping down in the standings. How odd it might seem to open a program at Del Mar next month and see the list of Leading Trainers... It would be like dejavu. Names like Cowboy Jack, Ron McAnally, Mel Stute, and Jerry Fanning appearing at or near the top. What a sight that would be! You know, there is a reason J. Van Berg is something like 42-1-3-3 at HOL, and it ISN'T because he's forgotten how to train a horse. It's like Bobby Knight used to say, "I've forgotten more about this f****** game than all you people combined are EVER gonna know."
Opening Day at DMR last year I wandered into the local watering hole after the last race. It's considered a classy steak house, and the crowd tends to be way to big of bigshots for their own good. As I sauntered around with a drink in my hand sharing stories, I noticed Cowboy Jack in blue jeans and a dirty old white golf shirt, untucked of course, leaning against a wall by himself waiting for a table.
I went and leaned back next to him, and humbly introduced myself as one of his biggest fans. We shared a couple stories about Alysheba, and I let him know he was a hero of mine as a kid. Then I asked him his opinion of trainers now-a-days, and about the medications that seem so rampant. He said, "I learned everything I know about horses from my Daddy, who trained horses all his life, just like his Dad. I see what all these trainers are about these days, and I always think of this saying he had. 'Ain't no drug in athe world that's as good as bein' a true horseman'".
That was all he said on the matter. He shrugged his shoulders, turned his head away, and I thanked him and left.
I hope Jack is still training when AND if these major changes come down the pike. He might get another training title yet. I wouldn't doubt him!
Posted by: CaliBob on June 20, 2008 at 02:14 AM
Mudhound,
Excellent post on the possibilities of Curlin and the ARC (Prix de L'Ark de Triomphe). I agree that it captures the imagination.
larry k,
Thank you for your kind words, sir. I do recall you stating something about the turn of foot issue as well. I do think Curlin's powerful stride does eat up alot of ground, however. If he can carry that form to turf- look out.
Steve T,
I am with you about imagining just how great it would be if the the other 2 of the "Big 3" had not retired, and the other grade 1 talents as well (Any Given Saturday, No Biz on turf). Just imagine right now if both Curlin and Hard Spun were pointing to the ARC, and if Street Sense was running in the Woodward. Or what if Hard Spun had run in the Met Mile? Divine Park is a very nice colt, but is there any doubt that it would have been Hard Spun mowing through Commentator and First Defence with 1 furlong to go? As good of a classic horse as Hard Spun developed into, his best distance on dirt was 8 panels (although he was never beaten under 6 furlongs).
Not only that but if Curlin had skipped the BC Classic due to synthetic surface fears, we could be looking forward to a Heatseeker-Hard Spun matchup this year (HS was undefeated on synthetic route surfaces). Or what about SS on turf? Or AGS? The possibilities are endless. One thing is for sure, Curlin would have had to be at 100 percent in each race if HS or SS were there (or they would nail Curlin like they have done in the past when Curlin was struggling).
As it is, Curlin is by far the best dirt handicap horse in this country and the world. There is not much to press him on dirt. Tiago might be interesting, but he is still pretty far behind the Big Guy.
The good news is that Curlin is getting alot of press, and his market value is soaring. Maybe that will induce the next owners of very good 3 year olds to leave the door open to what could have been.
Think about it. Curlin and Hard Spun were obviously the two best horses of any age in this country on dirt at 8 furlongs and up at the end of last year. They had progressed beyond Street Sense (although how much is not known because of the slop that comprimised SS's race in the Classic). There was Curlin, then Hard Spun a few lengths back at the wire after setting a fast pace, and then the rest of the field 8 lengths back.
We could be watching a major 3 year old rivalry blossom between 4 year olds. And HS was a May foal, so he was still developing. As it is now, HS will be remembered for what he did as a 3 year old, and the trio he was a part of (same for SS), while Curlin may become one of the best horses to have raced in some time. It comes down to legacy or money. Money wins too many times.
Alan,
You are correct. I stand corrected. However, I was merely stating the biological reality that they are biological half-brothers because they have the same father. I realize for breeding and geneology purposes, the dam is the lineage line.
Kind of like Judaism (which I believe you are Jewish anyhow-so forgive the scenario). Jewish lineage is tracked through the mother's family line. And Jewish law backs this up. However, U.S. law is only concerned with biological issues, so two Jewish boys who shared the same father but not mother would be considered half-brothers under U.S. family law. So, for the purposes of biology, I will note that Lamm and EGM have the same father. If you have the same biological father you are half-brothers.
So, whenever I blather on about something like that, understand I am speaking biologically, the niceties of equine lineage notwithstanding.
Lawduck07,
Nice post on Phar Lap. And Dan, I enjoyed the Go For Wand writeup you did. Good job.
Posted by: svhill on June 20, 2008 at 03:36 AM
Dan,
love the blog--great info greaat entertainment..
would love to see go for wand's lifetime PP's if possible...also there was a documentary of some kind maybe 3-5 years ago that was about jockeys making weight and the rest of the hurdles they overcome...it focused on randy romero shane sellers and one other jock from the cajun circuit..it featured several races by go for wand including the unfortunate day she broke down...ever heard of it??
thanks
forego
Posted by: forego on June 20, 2008 at 07:24 AM
Cannibal,
I would think that Rutherienne is stabled with Clement at Belmont Park. The Grade III at Colonial tomorrow is for $200 grand and its five weeks before the Diana Handicap (Grade I) at Saratoga. Looks like a smart move to me. A trainer I knew used to say, "when you look up on the board would you rather be the favorite or 30-1? Run 'em where they can win"
Posted by: Ray Manley on June 20, 2008 at 08:20 AM
Big day at Arlington tommorrow (somehow we've managed to stay out of the bickering with CDI that is hitting the other tracks-Col. Roy Arnold, who's the head guy at Arlington was actually in the paddock last week before Erdiston's race and came up and introduced himself-also in the Winner's Circle after the race, and was even at the last Breakfast at Arlington-looks like he's really trying hard to make himself accessible to the horsemen and that can be nothing but a good thing. With money coming in from the Il. Supreme Court ruling and, it looks very much like Curlin racing here twice, things are FINALLY looking up for Illinois racing!)
Finally got ahold of Joe K's polysire list (note that this is a poly list and not neccesarily for all artificial tracks-I was out of town when he originally published it but I did have last year's list and it was a big help.Based on my statistical analysis, here’s a list of the top Polytrack sires (alphabetically)
A. P. Indy
Archers Bay
Belong to Me
Bernstein
Boundary
Cactus Ridge
Cat’s Career
Catienus
Chester House
Composer
Concerto
Decarchy
Distant View
E Dubai
El Corredor
Event of the Year
Forestry
Friendly Lover
Game Plan
Giant’s Causeway
Gold Case
Greenwood Lake
Harlan’s Holiday
Hennessy
Indian Charlie
Joyeux Dancer
King Cugat
Lucky Lionel
Maria’s Mon
Montbrook
Mr. Greeley
Mud Route
Northern Afleet
Northern No Trump
Officer
Outflanker
Pembroke
Pikepass
Pleasant Tap
Point Given
Proudest Romeo
Pure Prize
Sir Cat
Skip Away
Slew City Slew
Smart Strike
Snow Ridge
Spinning World
Stormy Atlantic
Straight Man
Street Cry
Tactical Cat
Tale of the Cat
The Name’s Jimmy
Three Wonders
Tiznow
Tour d’Or
Trail City
Tribal Rule
Unbridled Jet
Vindication
War Chant
Western Fame
Wild Event
Yankee Gentleman
Sorry I couldn't figure out how to just send a link, but I know some of you play Arlington so I wanted you to have it (and it may be a big help at Keeneland this fall, not to mention Turfway if anyone plays those races)
Posted by: Stephen Taylor on June 20, 2008 at 08:31 AM
RE: Dutrow and Congressional testimony
Hmmm, is there anyone suprised that Dutrow came down with a timely "sickness" that prevented him from addressing questions under oath before a congressional committee????
Just imagine, they could have asked him anything... about steroids and appplication frequency, about human growth hormones, about EPO, about cone snail venom, about Austrailian pharmaceuticals, about his veterinarians, they could have even asked him about his good friend Bobby Frankel, and on and on.... AND HE WOULD HAVE BEEN UNDER OATH BEFORE CONGRESS...
I say, slap Dutrow and others with subpeonas and force the under oath testimony... That actually might scare some people...
Posted by: Blue Horseshoe on June 20, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Dan,
On the pp's you posted for Meadowlake he has earnings of $308,580. How can that be correct? Even if he earned 100% of the purse money for his three races he would be well short of that figure. Shouldn't his earnings be more like $112,000?
I'm done being anal for the day so anyway you could list the Beyer pars for the following races:
Colonial
R6 Old Nelson Handicap
R7 Buckland Stakes
R9 Colonial Turf Cup
Hollywood
R4 Starter Allowance
The Colonial Turf Cup was not in the 2007 American Racing Manual so I am guessing it wasn't graded at the time the book was published.
The race at Hollywood is the typical Starter Allowance for horses that have broken their maidens for $40k or less and have never won two races. This particular race is for fillies, can you also provide the par for colts? Any chance this level will be added to the Simulcast Daily Beyer Pars soon? It's a condition that appears almost every day in Southern California.
Thanks as always,
Lenny
Posted by: aparagon4u on June 20, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Calibob,
Excellent post (2:14 AM)!!!
Posted by: Blue Horseshoe on June 20, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Since I brought up the subject of "hangers," how perfect that tomorrow one runs who has burned me a time or two. Joppa Flat's runs in his 20th maiden without a victory. Eight seconds and 2 thirds from 19 lifetime starts. He finds ways to run second in sprints and in routes, on dirt and turf, often with Beyers in the high 80's or low 90's. He enters the 6th at Belmont, a turf route, tomorrow with lifetime earnings of almost 100k and the highest last race Beyer. Go Joppa!!!
Dan, can you look up the record career earnings for a horse who has never won a race.
Posted by: Jim Tully on June 20, 2008 at 08:53 AM
How the mighty have fallen! Big Brown going to the Haskell and not the Traverse is funny to me. Was not this the horse no post could beat? Was this horse a 10 furlong monster? What happened between 20 minutes before the Belmont to now? Have the Big Brown connections lost that swagger they displayed to many of our turning stomachs for 5 weeks? The Traverse is easily the most prestigious 3 year old race left outside the Triple Crown. For these guys to duck top company to go to the Monmouth is ridiculous. He will crush a small weak field in the Haskell and yes! what they've said about the race makes sense, but this was supposed to be a super horse a freak! Baffert, Stevens, etc. proclaiming him the best horse they've ever seen. So now lets take him to a less prestigious race to run at a shorter distance against a weeker field? My how the mighty have fallen!
Posted by: Hillbilly on June 20, 2008 at 09:02 AM
Dan,
I forgot to ask this earlier in the week but when I checked the Beyer for the Stephen Foster Monday morning it was 105. Now it is 110. Was the 105 a misprint or did it really change five points?
Lenny
Posted by: aparagon4u on June 20, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Sobhy Sonbol (or anyone else connected with the Zayat/Mott operations) -
Thank you for all the information you have been providing about your horses. It is appreciated.
At Arlington Park today (6/20), there is a Zayat/Mott runner that has caught my interest.
AP Race #5 (1 3/16 M Turf, MDN $28K) - #3 Royal One (Geroux/Mott)- Her sire is Tiznow and dam is Polished Image (which does not immediately scream for turf). However, the distance should fit her great. It also looks like there is a real attempt to try her on the turf.
What are you expecting from this race?
Mott has another horse in the race (#7 Sagacite - another who looks likes she might turn in an improved effort on grass) along with 2 Pletcher runners and one from E. Harty. I am thinking Royal One might be a live horse at a price.
Thank you again for all the information you are providing.
Ed
Posted by: Ed on June 20, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Stephen Taylor - Do you have any additional detail on the 'statistical analysis' that went into the list of Polytrack sires?
Posted by: Zoobird on June 20, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Hoping now that I have the DAK list that things will turn around (hasn't been a particularly successful year at the Arlington Windows so far!) so here are my picks for the Prarie State Card at Arlington tommorrow (in case any of you who play Arlington need a good laugh)
1st-7-MR BLACKSTONE is on "the list" and won last at Presque Isles-Tom Amoss does well second off the layoff and will get a sqare price
2nd-was all set to go with 7-JITTERBUG BLUES-was both computrak and prime power play and may be a fair price-then I went back to do the race for poly and discovered a first time starter by Boundary by the name of 4-PLEASE BOUNDARY-Boundary's off spring won 4 times last year as 1sters on the grass and 19% overall, and this horse is 20/1 ML (Broodmare sire has some poor numbers, but these are Il. Breds and if I missed this horse today and he happened to pop, I'd be kicking myself for days)
3rd-4-SECRET KIN-looks to be the best but this is a wide open race
4th-1-BIG LOU another Amoss horse, blinks off and prime/computrak top pick-doubt he'll be the favorite so I'm gonna try to beat Apple Martini who will be the chalk
5th-5-CLASSIC RJ has won 4 in a row and is cross-entered in the Springfield later on-he's gonna be my top pick in either race-If he chooses to scratch for the other spot, 6-LAST GRAN STANDING will be odds on but don't see anyone else beating him here
6th-9-LANZERA-also off the list and had 2 starts last year at CD. 2 of last 3 works were bulletts and will be a square price
7th-1A-LADY LIONEL-was running with better last year, had a nice prep, and the other half of the entry isn't bad.
8th-2-STONEHOUSE is my pick to upset Ft. Prado-was running against Grasshopper, etc. at the FG and since Ft Prado will take all the loot, this one could go wire to wire and return a nice chunck of change
9th-1-NOT SOUH-has already won twice-drifted all over at 2f, and closed after road trouble last-since there are a couple of firsters by high profile connections, again the price will be inviting (and a couple of firsters off the list, 2-Joy Street and 6-Naux Faux Pas could make for some really nice sized gimmix here should the 2/1 and 5/2 firsters not finish in the money.
10th-CLASSIC RJ (see 5th) If he doesn't go, 12-DYNAMIC WAYNE has been running against some good'uns and is turf to poly with a bullett.
This card seems to be a lot of fun, and none of the mayors have even asked for an extra 1% takeout unlike in New York!
Posted by: Stephen Taylor on June 20, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Zoobird-
Joe kind of explained it to me, and I can tell you that A LOT of research went into it. (Wished that I had listened better, but I will tell you that it was a BIG HELP last year, and he claims that since it's the 2nd year of the poly at Arlington, this year's list will be more accurate) Joe Kristufek, who compiled the list is the ML oddsmaker at Arlington, as well as the public handicapper for the Daily Herald. He's been the number 1 public handicapper in the Chicago Area for 6 of the last 7 years in money, and also writes for Horseplayer Pro. (In other words, he knows his stuff, and I can tell you he puts a lot of effort into anything he publishes-if you get a chance, look at how close to being accurate his morning line odds are compared to those at other tracks)
Posted by: Stephen Taylor on June 20, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Steve T.,
A little update from Canterbury I thought might make you smile this morning:
Deal the Heat, a 4-year old Unusual Heat trained by Keith Bennett, took down a 17,000n1x last night in the third at Canterbury Park. I think the word is out as she went off at 4 to 5. It was going 1 and 1/16 miles on turf course and she led gate to wire. Bennett claimed her off of Jerry Hollendorfer this past winter.
And in the 10th, Tiz Only Fair by Tiznow broke his maiden in a 10K claiming at 1 mile 70 yards on the dirt. He went off at 3 to 1. He's only a three-year old and as you've said many times, Tiznow's are like fine wines that get better with age.
A lot of Turf Paradise trainers have made the trip north to Canterbury this summer. In looking at the form, it looks like their better trainers aren't afraid to claim out of California and then ship up here. Switzerland was here a couple of weeks back too.
I've been following along on the blog, just haven't had much to post. Everybody's stuff regarding the Triple Crown was really top-shelf.
Congrats to those who cashed, those who advanced in various contests, and good luck to all this weekend.
Posted by: Danny B. on June 20, 2008 at 11:47 AM
CaliBob,
Excellent post on Jack Van Berg. He is an all-time favorite of mine as well. I would never count him out of another title if they got the drugs under control. He is a true horseman and if Congress wants the "real" story, then Jack is your man.
Posted by: MudhoundMojo on June 20, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Svhill,
Thank you. I have enjoyed your posts on the Arc as well.
Posted by: MudhoundMojo on June 20, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Nice work, Johnnyz, banging home two winners at Ascot.
Posted by: PGM on June 20, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Blue & Mudhound,
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.
Posted by: CaliBob on June 20, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Cannibal,
Regarding Kentucky Bear (Mr. Greeley - Tate (Alfeet) His dam, Tate made 21 starts: won 4 second in 5 and showed in 7 earning $199,788. Three of her 4 wins were restricted stakes, she placed in the G-2 Genuine Risk and 2 restricted stakes and was third in another. Tate is by Afleet, 1987 Canadian Horse Of The Year, who won the G-1 Jerome, was second in the G-1 Carter and third in the BC Sprint, but still managed a good 2nd in the Canadian Plate Trial Stakes at 1 1/8 on dirt.
Tate's full sister is Top Secret, winner of the G- 2 Astarita Stakes and Monmouth Breeders' Cup Oaks, G-3 Sixty Sails H. Gallant Bloom H., 2nd Three Chimneys Spinster S (gr. I); 3rd Gazelle H (gr. I).
Kentucky Bear is closely inbred to Mr. Prospector, who is his great-grandsire through his sire's tail line and great-grandsire through his dam's sire tail line. Thus, Mr. Prospector is in the same "mirror image" spot top and bottom in Kentucky Bear's pedigree.
His sire, Mr. Greeley, is a popular, versatile stallion, getting dirt sprinters to European turf stars and his offspring also do well at synthetic tracks. Kentucky Bear might do well on turf, as he has some turf influences on his dam's side.
Posted by: laura on June 20, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Wow, I'm gone for a day and there's tons of good stuff to catch up on.
Hi, Johnny Z
Thanks for the nice comments. I always enjoy reading your interesting and very informative posts.
SR Vegas
I think if a cantankerous female did happen to wander on to this blog, she wouldn't last long. LOL
Interesting that BB is going to run in the Haskell. But that 50K to owner and trainer for showing up is a pretty good incentive. I see Monmouth would give 25k to owner and trainer if Da'Tara would run. I hope he does, because BB will blow him away!
I bet he won't, and that's the reason.
Posted by: Annie on June 20, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Sohby,
Thanks again for giving all of us the chance to follow your babies right from the start. Pictures and everything, wow!
Posted by: Annie on June 20, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Alan,
Beautiful view from your new condo. Good luck on getting your house sold soon!
Posted by: Annie on June 20, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Stephen Taylor - Where could I find contact information for Joe or more information on the research? As someone starting a business doing statistical research for the thoroughbred industry, I'm not really comfortable taking statistical analysis at face value based on the credentials of the researcher or the amount of effort they put into the work. There's just so much incorrectly done research, that I'm only comfortable with it once I understand exactly how they went about it. That goes for pretty much all industries too...not just horse racing.
Posted by: Zoobird on June 20, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Saturday's Hollywood Park Pick Six:
You'll be considered a SQUARE GENIUS if you employ WINNING TACTICS and take an EDUCATED RISK to try to slam one out of CANDLESTICK PARK. But, to garner TOP CLASS honors, you must ADHERE to your plan.
Annie
Posted by: Annie on June 20, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Lenny,
As for Meadowlakes lifetime earnings, for many years the Arlington-Washington Futurity was the richest race in America (often worth over $500,000) because of the nominating fees that were added to the purse. The pps only list what Arlington put up but because hundreds if not thousands of hopeful owners paid the initial fee at the beginning of the year and several subsequent payments throughout the season, the total purse was often inflated to at 3 times the original money. Back in the day, the Arl-Wash Futurity was a Grade I and often considered as important as many of the East Coast 2-y-old races.
Posted by: meadowlake59 on June 20, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Alan
..thanks for the pic,
What a beautiful view you have...
Will you adopt me? Please?
SR Vegas
Posted by: SR Vegas on June 20, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Hillbilly,
See, that's what happened on Wednesday. You didn't adhere to your plan, so you didn't garner top class honors. lol
Annie
Posted by: Annie on June 20, 2008 at 02:05 PM
The simple guy is back from my dog track(playing simulcast horse racing).
Steve T I saw your commet on yesterdays blog and had to
reply to you.
I love playing the ponies and the home wagering is a great idea,but with certain tracks only being shown on certain web-sites,fees for this fees for that,play offshore another fee to get your money it is all just so crazy.
I have been a gambler for sometime now and the game of choice was always the horses,but now with so many other online options like poker,sportsbetting,etc so much easier than playing the ponies on-line and having to sign up with another web-site for the feed and on and on.
take betting baseball for example,sign up with mlb.com and i get all the games right there.No hassle,no one telling me to send it in with both fist.just the game and all the numbers i can dig up(which in a way with all the numbers and how you see them is like handicapping a horse race).
Horse racing
just so many dark clouds,poly-crap(soundness of the horse PLEASE most horses are lucky if they race 10 times so how sound are they to start with)
Drugs,Drugs,Drugs,etc
this horse is juiced,this trainer has got the "magic touch".The sport was on the verge of the triple crown yet most anyone connected to the horses could not stand the tought of big browns connections winning the triple crown.To me that says alot about the state of horse racing.
pick fours and sixes with all the differnt rules at all the tracks regarding scratches.differnt takeout rates(juice)I could go on and on,but add it all toghther and in todays age and time where the entertainment dollar is going to be hard to come by horse racing wonders why there is no(low) interst in the game.
Why is not uniform across the board?Why is there not a sole commissoner?Why not make it like a sports league with one voice and one set of rules?Why not a horse racing tv package where I pick the tracks I want to see?half the crap they show on tvg you cannot even bet in alabama.
To me there are a million things horse racing can do but wont. It is becomming more and more clear that it is all about how much money each track can rape the bettor out of.
Roc
Posted by: RocEnite on June 20, 2008 at 02:22 PM
An excerpt:
"..Desormeaux, a Racing Hall of Fame member, has been cited previously for not persevering with beaten horses who may have finished second, third, or fourth.
After Desormeaux received a five-day suspension for not riding a mount past the finish line at Hollywood Park in May 1993, Southern California steward Pete Pedersen questioned whether Desormeaux was aware of public perception.
“I think he thinks what’s he’s doing is right for the horse, but it doesn’t look that way to the public,”
Pedersen told Daily Racing Form at the time..."
Source:
Sorry, I know it has been beaten to death but still...
Posted by: Arazi on June 20, 2008 at 02:36 PM
In case anyone interested in Sixty Minute Pick Six which begins tomorrow:
Best,
Arazi.
Posted by: Arazi on June 20, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Annie and SR Vegas,
Thanks!! By next month at this time, I will likely be handicapping on my laptop right there (it will be hard to concentrate!) Of course, if I don't sell this house soon, I may just jump off that deck!!!
Is there really a Willy Wank Handicap at PID today????
As I am no longer the Official Formblog CEW ("chalk eating weasel") this weekend, I have an upset pick in the Colonial tomorrow:
CNL9 CnlTrfCp-G3 (9.5f T 3yo): #1 El Sulry Sun (ML:12/1) -> HB to Gr1 winners Sultry Song and Solar Splendor; last-out nose stretch-duel win over Prussian in the Lamplighter. Will use in exotics with #4 Sporting Art (ML:5/1) and #6 Nistle's Crunch (ML:8/1). I'm worried that 1st-turfer #2 Court Vision (ML:9/2) may take so well to turf that he'll beat me, but I'll wait a race before I play him. (WP#1; EXBX#1,4,6)
Then again maybe, maybe I will be the Official Formblog CEW this weekend:
CNL8 AlAlngBC-G3 (9f T 3upF&M): #9 Rutherienne (ML:5/2) -> not a lot of pace in the race, but then again no Precious Kitten either. (WP#9)
Nah...me no weasel:
Jun22WO9 QueensPlt1000K (10f 3yo): #4 Harvest Home (ML:30/1) -> unplaced maiden in 3 starts; by Smart Strike and tail female family includes Wilderness Song and Sarava so doubt distance limitations; blinkers on may keep him closer to the field. Include Stronach filly star #10 Ginger Brew (ML:4/1) and closer #15 Took The Time (ML:15/1) in your exotics. (WP#4; EXBX #4,10,15)
Speaking of chalk eating weasels, and way off topic, has anyone else ever had a cup or two of Kopi Luwak coffee??
Posted by: Alan on June 20, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Arazi,
I was interested in the 60 minute pick 6 because I had understood it was going to be a $1.00 base bet, but the rules say $2.00 minimum. That's no bargain with those tracks.
Posted by: Annie on June 20, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Zoobird-
Joe's email is joedakracing@aol.com As far as relying on the information, I'm not telling anyone to "rely on it". I just know it helped me last year, and thought I'd share it with any of my fellow bloggers who choose to use it. And of course, I would not recommend to anyone that they handicap races based solely on that list, it's just information that's there for anyone playing poly races to use or not use as they see fit.
Posted by: Stephen L. Taylor on June 20, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Zoobird,
The easiest way to contact Joe K. without giving private contact information on a public forum like this one would be to go to the Website for the Daily Hearld (www.dailyherald.com). Put his name into the search option in the upper right hand corner. Then click on one of his stories. There should be a contact writer link on all of the stories. You should be able to get in contact with him that way. I do not know him personally, be he is a top level handicapper and knows his stuff.
Ed
Posted by: Ed on June 20, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Arazi,
Thanks for the link to the 60 min Pick 6. I thought it was supposed to be a $1 minimum wager though from reading the site it appears to be $2. For 1 buck I probaly might have tried it. For 2 though am not so sure.
mpm101
Posted by: mpm101 on June 20, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Alternative Pick Six for Saturday at Hollywood Park:
Sara had a MATINEE with WILD McDREAMIE. After she exclaimed , YES YES OHYES, CLARENCE BEEKS was QUICK ENOUGH to allow them time for a shot of RUSSIAN LIQUOR before going back to work.
Sorry, I just couldn't resist.
Annie
Posted by: Annie on June 20, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Regarding the 60-min pick-6...I'm not a pick-6 player, so I wasn't going to play that anyway, but isn't a 100k guarantee a little ambitious? First off, the pool isn't going to be bigger than that at NYRA, so I dont know how many NYRA people would choose that one over the NYRA pick-6. Also, there isnt a pick-6 at those other tracks I don't think (I know they don't have one at Monmouth). The non-carryover pick-6 at Belmont often don't reach that amount either. And it's a $2 minimum. So they're counting on people playing that one instead of the bigger pool at NYRA, people playing a bet they dont ordinarily play or people playing tracks they don't ordinarily play, and at a $2 minimum the cost gets up there pretty quickly. Also, there has been some but certianly not a significant amount of marketing for this bet (there has been more for the NTRA national pick-4s, are these coming back?).
I like the idea, but I think they would have been better off with 40 minute pick-4 or something like that. That would have a better chance in my opinion, but of course I could be wrong, wouldn't be the first time, won't be the last time.
Posted by: Greg on June 20, 2008 at 04:57 PM
I heard they changed it to a two dollar bet because of the NYRA rules and also upped the takeout to 25% from what I thought was supposed to be around 15%. Sounds like somebody got greedy.
Posted by: Steveincleveland on June 20, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Greetings, all....
Getting up early tomorrow to work our local 20km road race, so I'm going to post my Colonial Turf Cup pick early:
Sporting Art to win, and Boss Lafitte will be part of the mix.
I predict (watch it, the racing gods are listening!) that it's gonna be a Clement pas de deux: Rutherienne and Art.
BTW, did anyone else notice Scrappy T (I won $ with him back in '05!) is running in the Old Nelson H. at Col. Downs tomorrow? Gotta throw some on the old warrior.
Good luck everyone....
Katieattherail
Posted by: Katieattherail on June 20, 2008 at 05:44 PM
PGM,
Thanks. While I like European racing as a whole, the Royal Ascot is really fun for me. Have just glanced at Saturdays card, pretty sure Astronomer Royal will be my A pick in the Golden Jubilee S. Hopefully will have time to hdcp.the whole card later tonight.
Posted by: Johnny Z on June 20, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Sorry again but this is relevent to my previous post(s) about K.D.
"Baltimore, MD:
Why does the wagering public continue to be treated with disdain by the people they are supporting? Kent D saying he stopped because he could not get 5th is again another slap in the face. If this had been the feature race on a Thursday and not a classic on the heels of Eight Belles, would not Kent have been reprimanded? There is much anger among the wagering public that needs to be addressed. It is outside wagering that supports this game and all those who make their living from it.
Haskin:
We don’t reprimand in this country. They reprimand in Europe. Desormeaux is a talented rider, but he's been easing horses before the wire for years when he sees he can’t win or get second or third. It drives the trainers batty, but he keeps doing it. British stewards would throw the book at him for that. He was warned by the Japanese stewards after misjudging the finish line in a Japan Cup undercard race not to do it in the Japan Cup aboard the favorite Kotashaan. Well, he did it again, standing up for seven strides well before the finish and getting beat a nose. I guess the trainers have learned to accept those things from him because he's such a talented rider, and he'll give you great ride more often than he screws up."
Source:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/talkinhorses/SH061208.asp
Posted by: Arazi on June 20, 2008 at 06:15 PM
RE:Big Brown To Haskell:
Iavarone said...
We're trying to avoid certain things that happened in the Belmont," he said. "We're trying to avoid the heat. It's a lot more hot and humid [at Saratoga], it's a lot cooler down by the Jersey Shore. More importantly is the surface. It's a lot tighter racetrack, more conducive to his style.
Trying to avoid heat and humidity at Saratoga?
Where exactly and under what conditions Big Brown caught your attention last year Mr. Iavarone?
Posted by: Arazi on June 20, 2008 at 06:34 PM
Hi Everyone,
I thought this was relevant enough to post. It is from a columnist(Richard Eng) in my local paper.
June 20, 2008
copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
RICHARD ENG: Industry should use U.N. blueprint
RICHARD ENG:
Excuse me if I don't get too excited about the horse race industry hearing Thursday on Capitol Hill before the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.
That's because Congress has subjected many sports to a public flogging on C-SPAN, but has little stomach for federal intervention. And why should it? Our government really doesn't want to meddle in the operation of bodies such as the NFL, MLB, NCAA, pro boxing and now horse racing. Congress has a lot more pressing issues to be concerned about.
The sports in question have been smart enough to take their medicine, then do the bare minimum to appease their harshest government critics. The big test for horse racing will be to meet that minimum standard so it then can be left alone.
I hope that's not asking for too much. Public opinion has forced horse racing to take a hard look at itself, and it's not a pretty sight.
Horse racing never will have a commissioner. It is not a league like the NFL or NBA. Horse racing consists of scores of fiefdoms fighting over turf as in medieval times.
Rather than a commissioner, what racing should use as a model is the United Nations. Give every group a seat at the table, and a vote. Recognize that the biggest shareholders deserve more influence, thus, they would form a Security Council. A secretary general would be elected to lead, such as Alex Waldrop of the NTRA or former head D.G. Van Clief.
The United Nations is not a perfect organization. But as a model for bringing horse racing chaos under some structure, the sport would be better off than the status quo.
• PETA PROTEST -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals found a legal way to voice its opinions at Thursday's Churchill Downs shareholders meeting. The organization bought 80 shares of CDI stock so it could attend.
Churchill President and CEO Robert Evans agreed to a meeting with PETA representatives and vowed to do "everything in our power" to improve racing safety.
............................
(He also mentioned Phar Lap, as we have all read,
and a NHC one day qualifier Saturday at the Red Rock Casino, 200$ entry ....But I wasn't sure you all would be interested)
SR Vegas
Posted by: SR Vegas on June 20, 2008 at 07:37 PM
New to Thoroughbred Ink:
An editorial on a recent "Inside Edition" story of "horse racing tragedy". No, not drugs.
Direct link: http://www.thoroughbredink.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=Pauls-Picks-Ponderings-Inside-Edition-.html&Itemid=36
Posted by: PGM on June 20, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Say NO to Rutherienne @ Colonial Downs:
On paper, this race looks to belong to (9)Rutherienne, but take a closer look at her last 8-9 weeks. She was based at Payson Park in South Florida through the winter. She traveled to Keeneland and won on 4/12/08. She then traveled back to Payson Park for a few weeks and 1 recorded work on 4/28/08. She was then shipped to New York where she worked at Belmont a few times before shipping to California to run on 5/26/08. She then shipped back to New York and worked at Belmont on 6/12/08 before shipping again to Colonial Downs (probably by van). Florida to Kentucky to Florida to New York to California to New York to Virginia. 12,000+ travel miles (the last hundred by van) all in a span of 8 to 9 weeks. I do not like her at the short odds. (8)Valbenny now becomes the obvious play. If (3)Incescribable had any published works I might be inclined to look at her, but she shows nothing since 5/26/08, so (8)Valbenny is my single in the all-stakes pick-3
Posted by: kchris on June 20, 2008 at 08:24 PM
I decided at the last minute to play Hollywood tonight, here are the first three races (I'll be back with the rest):
HOLLYWOOD PARK – Friday (06-20-2008)
Race 1
Exclusive Danielle
Bye Bye Ladies
Angeletta
Dr. Derango: Mark Set Go
Race 2
Our Storm
Spring Catch
Sidra Holland
Dr. Derango: Terra Bella
Race 3
Zilla
Lemon Kiss
Kalookan Dancer
Dr. Derango: Catherine’s Hope
Posted by: Steve T on June 20, 2008 at 09:46 PM
some picks for saturday
colonial--pick three
buckland--3
all along--all
cup--1,4,6,8,9,10 ($54 play before scratches)
new york--tejida
woodbine (sunday)
highlander--indian ashton
singspiel--marchfield
plate--took the time with brews 1 and 2, not bourbon and dylan's choice exata bth ways
Posted by: matt smith on June 20, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Here are the rest of the races:
Race 4
Hasty Court
Stag on the Run
Café Lindo
Dr. Derango: No Thinkin Allowed
Race 5
Applaud Dubai
Queen Holly
Dances with Tigers
Dr. Derango: Daisyfield
Race 6
Zetterburg
Ginobili
Elusive Pleasure
Dr. Derango: He’s My Dessert
Race 7
Drewthegentleman
Outlaw James
Mountain Route
Dr. Derango: Rasgado
Race 8
Alotta Wild
Lil Troublemaker
It’s Time to Shine
Dr. Derango: Shesalittlepistol
Posted by: Steve T on June 20, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Annie,
I like the cut of your gib. That's a compliment in my neck of the woods.
Posted by: MudhoundMojo on June 20, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Alan(CEW),
Nice job with Mitchell mdn at PRM.
I've played both there.
Thanks
Posted by: larryk on June 20, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Annie,
Liked your wit as well.
Thanks
Posted by: larryk on June 20, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Transit to Venus wins for fun tommorow in the 1st at Belmont..The amount of trouble she was in last time was unbelievable.
Posted by: JZ on June 20, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Alan,
Beautiful view from your condo. Thanks
Posted by: larryk on June 20, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Hllywood Thoughts Sat:6/21/08
Can you believe DMr is less than a mo away?
Use, delete or whatever..
1-1,2
2-3,5
3-LOVE TIZ WEST HERE SHADOW ROLL ADDED
4-4,8
5-9,6,7,5
6-Play the 3 and 4 vertical and horizontal. And add 10 in ur supers
7-love the 9 and 5 here.
Yes Clarence go long to candlestick park, because you have a cause for the pres.
8-The one had Throat Surg. Should be improved.
The 2 I LoVE IN HERE.
9-Like 4 n 11 in here. And if the 14 gets in Watch Out
Posted by: larryk on June 20, 2008 at 11:21 PM
I see that the connections of Big Brown have chickened-out of a rematch with Da' Tara in the Jim Dandy. Da' Tara murdalized him in the Belmont.
Posted by: Mike on June 21, 2008 at 01:45 AM
Dan,
Thanks so much for the visitation to one of my all time favorites, Go For Wand. I had the misfortune of being present for her final run, I left Belmont immediately with tears streaming down my face and quite heartbroken. I visit with her every time I return to Saratoga, although I have never completely understood why her grave is unmarked except for the flowers planted there.
I have never forgotten her. Godspeed, my friend, Godspeed. Will see you again in August...
Carolyn Beverly Kenney, ESMT
Posted by: Carolyn Kenney on June 21, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Dan, thanks for putting together the YouTube links of Go for Wand's races...she really was something special.
Posted by: Smash on June 22, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Hi Dan,
Any chance you could give me Erdiston's last Beyer from his win on June 12th (7th race) I talked to our trainer yesterday and he's between a 6fNW2 on July 4th and a Starter Allowance (mile on the grass) on July 5th. Erdiston is gonna run in the claiming crown and our trainer wants a win (for the horse's mind) in the last prep. (I'm trying to talk him into the sprint because it's what he's been doing, and because the purse is almost twice as much) I'll let all my fellow bloggers know which way we go (If it's the sprint he may be a bit of a price, and if it's the starter, the trainer says he'll win for fun-heard that before!)
Posted by: Stephen Taylor on June 23, 2008 at 09:38 AM
About
Dan Illman is DRF.com's Handicapping Editor and the author of Betting Maidens & Two-Year-Olds. Dan is a frequent radio and TV guest, has appeared on ESPN and TVG, and is also the host of the DRF Newsdesk. He has worked for Daily Racing Form since 1998, and was a handicapper in the daily paper from 2000-2005.
