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FormBlog | January 01, 2009
Happy New Year
Happy New Year! Let's ring in 2009 with a little bit of nostalgia.
Seven three-year-olds are scheduled to line up for Saturday's Count Fleet Stakes at Aqueduct, the first Galapagos tortoise's step on the road to the Kentucky Derby. Count Fleet was bred and owned by Mrs. John D. Hertz of Hertz Rent-A-Car fame, and the brown son of Reigh Count - Quickly, by Haste made 15 starts as a two-year-old of 1942 en route to championship honors.
He finished second in his first two races before winning his maiden going 5 1/2 furlongs at Aqueduct on June 19. He then won a $2,000 allowance during the Empire City at Jamaica meet before finishing second in the East View Stakes. A week later, Count Fleet won the Wakefield Stakes by four lengths with "speed to spare." He shipped to Washington Park in August, and won an $1,800 allowance race at six furlongs. Four days later, he finished a tough-trip second in the Washington Park Futurity.
Count Fleet then returned to New York for a popular allowance triumph at Aqueduct on September 15. Nine days later, he won another allowance race, this time over Belmont's Widener Course at six furlongs. Nine days after that, Count Fleet finished third in the Futurity Stakes, five lengths behind the winner, Washington Park Futurity hero Occupation. Horses were apparently made of steel in those days as Count Fleet returned one week after his chalky Futurity defeat to win the Champagne "easily" by six lengths. His final time of 1:34 4/5 smashed the one mile main track record at Belmont, but Count Fleet wasn't done by a longshot. Ten days later, he won an allowance race "easily" at Jamaica, and eleven days after that facile score, he won the Pimlico Futurity by five lengths at a mile and a sixteenth, equaling Air Master's track record of 1:43 3/5. Occupation was among the vanquished at Old Hilltop. Count Fleet closed out his juvenile campaign with a 30 (not a typo) length romp in the Walden Stakes at Pimlico at 1-10 odds. With wins at distances between distances of 5 1/2 furlongs and 1 1/16 miles, Count Fleet's three-year-old season was greatly anticipated. He did not disappoint.
Thumbing through the hallowed pages of the 1944 American Racing Manual, one is taken by the advertisements placed at the beginning of the tome. In the "more things change, the more they stay the same" category is the stallion ad for GRAND SLAM, standing for $1,000 at Almahurst Farm. One phone call to the number 435, and you could not only book your mare to Grand Slam, but also to Ladysman, Easy Mon, Gallahadion, and Olympus.
The American Totalisator Company gets the next page, and they remind the public that the tote is "In Use on ALL Race Tracks Where the Satisfaction of the Public Is Considered."
On the opposite spot, the Bahr Starting Gate Corporation promised that their product had "automatic control - electric locks," as well as being "well padded for extra protection."
As a sign of the troubled times Americans faced in 1943, one of the final ads in the front portion of the Manual encourages readers "FOR VICTORY - Buy United States War Bonds and Stamps."
Near the end of the book, we see an ad proclaiming "Still in the Service Of Our Country! The Army is still in possession of Ak-Sar-Ben Field, therefore it is impossible to say at this time whether or not we will race in the spring of 1944. Our plant is being maintained so that in case of any cessation of army operations, we can be ready on a few days' notice. In the meantime, Ak-Sar-Ben continues to function, assisting the war effort in every conceivable way."
The final listing in the opention section takes the cake. It's for "Leo J. Wagner - Horsemen's Druggist For Twenty-Five Years - Mail Orders Filled Upon Receipt." I wonder how the NTRA would respond if DRF placed an ad like this in our "Classifieds" section.
Back to Count Fleet. In 1943, he won all six of his starts including the Triple Crown. Let's peek at both the "Best Race Horses of the Year," and "Summary of 1943 Turf Events" sections to get a first-hand account of Count Fleet's season:
"Count Fleet, Mrs. John Hertz' scintillating colt, was not only unanimously vote the Best Horse of the Year, but also ran off with top honors in the three-year-old division."
"JANUARY 29 - Count Fleet arrives at Oaklawn Park to be pointed for the Arkansas Derby."
"MARCH 8 - Total of 110 nominations announced for the sixth-ninth running of the Kentucky Derby. Count Fleet most prominent eligible to the $75,000 stake."
"MARCH 15 - File twenty-eight nominations for the Arkansas Derby. Count Fleet named, but not to start, as he would be at Belmont Park the day of the race, according to plans of the stable."
"MARCH 26 - Seventy-four nominations to Churchill Downs' Derby Trial released for publication. Prominent among the absentees is Count Fleet."
"APRIL 13 - At Jamaica Count Fleet returned to the turf in a prep for the Wood Memorial. He wins at a mile and seventy yards in 1:42 4/5 on a sloppy strip under top weight of 122 pounds. Belair Stud's Bossuet and M. Slifkin's Towser trail the Hertz flash to the wire, beaten by three and eight lengths. The Count shows his boxoffice appeal by drawing over 16,000 fans to the Jamaica course."
"APRIL 17 - Count Fleet smothers his opponents in the sixteenth running of the Wood Memorial at Jamaica, adding $20,150 to his earnings. In spite of a slight injury suffered at the start, the Hertz star covers the mile and a sixteenth in 1:43, clipping two seconds from Requested's stake record. The time is only two-fifths of a second short of equaling the track record established in 1925 by the four-year-old Sting, who carried 106 pounds. The flying Count packed 126 pounds. Allen T. Simmons' Blue Swords follows the Count for the pace share of the $25,000 Wood purse and W. E. Boeing's maiden Twoses outgames Pops Pick for third money."
"MAY 1 - Count Fleet is a handy three-length winner of the sixty-ninth running of the Kentucky Derby. Allen T. Simmons' Blue Swords best of the others. Slide Rule slips in third, six lengths ahead of Dixiana Farm's Amber Light. The Hertz colt covers the mile and a quarter in 2:04 and earns $60,725."
Here is a clip of Count Fleet's historic Derby run:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wlkh5oJyOAY
"MAY 8 - More than 30,000 racegoers applaud Count Fleet's victory in the fifty-third edition of Pimlico's historic Preakness. This classic of a mile and three-sixteenths proves just a breeze for the Hertz flash. He covers the distance under wraps in 1:57 2/5 on a track that had been drenched the night before. A. T. Simmons' Blue Swords is the runner-up and W. L. Brann's Vincentive finishes third. The Count adds $43,190 to his earnings."
"MAY 22 - Count Fleet wins as he pleases in the sixth-eighth running of the Withers mile at Belmont. Only other starters W. E. Boeing's Slide Rule and Belair Stud's Tip-Toe."
"JUNE 5 - Count Fleet, without opposition, captures the Diamond Jubilee running of the Belmont Stakes and becomes the sixth American thoroughbred to win the "Triple Crown." The son of Reigh Count gallops the mile and one-half in the record time of 2:28 1/5, sailing under the wire twenty-five lengths in front of Foxcatcher Farm's Fairy Manhurst and Deseronto, the only other starters...A Count Fleet minus pool of $15,912.02 came up in the Belmont Stakes."
"OCTOBER 12 - Trainer Don Cameron reports that Count Fleet will winter at the Hertz Stoner Creek Farm. The colt will be placed back in training some time in March at Keeneland, destined for a summer campaign as a four-year-old."
"DECEMBER 11 - In a poll of prominent turf writers and selectors affiliated with Triangle Publications, Inc., Count Fleet is the unanimous choice for "Horse of the Year."
Unfortunately, Count Fleet was injured during his Belmont Stakes romp, and never raced again. He retired with a record of 21 starts, 16 wins, 4 seconds, 1 third, with earnings of $250,300. He was elected into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1961. Here is his page from the Hall of Fame website:
http://www.racingmuseum.org/hall/horse.asp?ID=51
***
This just in, a press release from NYRA:
"Statement from New York Racing Association President and Chief Executive Officer Charles E. Hayward:
"We are disappointed to announce that NYRA has been unable to reach a simulcast agreement for 2009 with TVG at this time. Regrettably, we are unable to send our signal to TVG and their contracted parties TVG-Yonkers and TRNI beginning today. We will continue to work diligently to finalize an agreement and hope to do so in the very near future. We sincerely regret the inconvenience to TVG's account wagering customers."
No matter how you slice it, TVG is in trouble. They can't broadcast Gulfstream or the live races from Santa Anita, and now NYRA, their stalwart track for the winter months, is off the tube. No matter how much it hurts them, they may have to change their business model, and swim with the sharks.
***
Start the new year off right with a calendar that features not only major races from coast to coast, but photos of your favorite female bloggers wearing only their blue thongs.
And the cost for this amazing date minder? Free! Yes, you read it right, FREE! Although a donation (tax-deductible) to any of the excellent equine rescue organizations e.g.
Old Friends or Thoroughbred Charities of America would be much appreciated.
Dan Our Fearless Leader will shortly (or maybe on Jan. 1st) post the PDF file on the blog. You can print it at your convenience.
Katieattherail
Here it is, the Blue Thong Calendar for 2009. Thanks for all of your hard work.
Download BlueCal.pdf
Also, I just wanted to let you know that I gave myself the best holiday present this year. Although the blue feety pajamas (which might be the new blog picture of myself, by the way), and stylish socks were nice, I decided to sponsor four retired thoroughbreds. One is at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, and the other three are at Re-Run. Here are some websites if you wish to donate:
http://www.oldfriendsequine.org/
http://www.thoroughbredcharities.org/index.html
***
Dan,
Which races in the US are designated Classic races for fillies? For instance, we know for colts, the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes are considered Classics. I know the Coaching Club American Oaks is considered a Classic for the fillies, but are the Kentucky Oaks, Alabama,
Acorn, and the Black Eyed Susan regarded as Classic races too? Thanks!
Laura
Unfortunately, unlike the Triple Crown, the fillies really don't have "Classic" designations applied to their races. The filly counterparts to the Triple Crown are the Kentucky Oaks, the Black Eyed Susan, and the Acorn. The original Triple Tiara was the Acorn, the Mother Goose, and the Coaching Club American Oaks. In 2003, the series was reconfigured with the Mother Goose, Coaching Club, and Alabama Stakes forming the trio.
Currently, the most prestigious races for three-year-old fillies in North America are the Kentucky Oaks and the Alabama. Perhaps those should be considered "Classic" races in the eyes of racing fans.
***
Dan,
Is there any news on these three SoCal runners?
Cry and Catch Me - I saw she started working but they stopped on her in early November. That was a real nasty cold she caught before the 2007 (!) Breeders Cup...
Behindatthebar - no works.
Sierra Sunset - no works.
On a good note, Curiously Sweet had works on 12/11 and 12/18. She is a filly that is too fast for her own good, fragile as all get out. A fragile Mud Route,
who would have thought...
Steve T.
According to our Disabled List on the right hand side of the blog, Cry and Catch Me also suffered a shin injury following her illness. She raced at Del Mar on July 31 in a 'n2x' optional claimer, and finished fifth at 2-1 odds. Cry and Catch me last worked on November 2.
Sierra Sunset is listed on the Disabled List with a reported fractured left front ankle. He went back to the farm in Northern California, but hasn't worked out since the injury in the Rebel Stakes. He was reportedly beginning light training in October.
Behindatthebar suffered from foot and leg problems after winning the Lexington at Keeneland. His last published work was in July, but thankfully g or g is familiar with the horse, and gave us this information:
I can give you a small update on Behindatthebar. He's now tack walking at the training center in FL with eyes towards a Q2-Q3 campaign in SoCal with John Shirreffs. Cross your fingers for him, but so far so good. The bum hoof has been holding up thus far with the return to training.
***
Dan...I think I saw that you were updating the DL List yesterday. Nice use of your Xmas break. ;)
Two questions for you: If possible can you provide us an update on the Los Al jockey who was in the hospital with the neck injury? I'd like to know his condition and if he's improving (hopefully he is).
Also, do you know the status of Screen Your Friend? He looked like he broke down/was being eased at the end of the Sugar Bowl but I haven't heard anything in regards to his condition.
g or g
Sam Thompson, the Quarter Horse rider involved in a devastating spill in late December, passed away. From Steve Andersen's column posted on 12/26/08:
http://www.drf.com/drfNewsArticle.do?NID=100700&subs=0&arc=1
In more bad news, Screen Your Friend was euthanized after suffering a fractured knee. He'll be added to the Deceased List on the Disabled List spreadsheet.
***
To the California bloggers, Elysuim Fields had a 3 furlong workout at Hollywood Park today. He used to be trained by Mr. Happy Barclay Tagg. I was wondering if any of you have heard who may have taken over. This was Eibar Coas horse for the Kentcuky Derby this year. He made a strong move in the Fla. Derby but hit the far turn and packed it in. Mr. People Person said he
almost died from being overheated and also had a hind issue. This was his first workout since the Fla. Derby. Any info would be much appreciated! Merry Christmas everyone.
Tom D.
From Jay Privman's article posted on 12/5/08:
"Elysium Fields, who finished second in the Fountain of Youth Stakes earlier this year for trainer Barclay Tagg, has been sent west by owner Robert Evans and is now with trainer Neil Drysdale. Idle since the spring, Elysium Fields, 3, had been training most recently at the Fair Hill training center in Maryland with Bruce Jackson.
"He came in in good condition," Drysdale said. "He's almost ready to breeze. He's a very nice horse. We're excited to have him. He was sent west by Mr. Evans to take advantage of the synthetic tracks."
You can follow Elysium Fields' progress on the Disabled List. We list all workouts and upcoming entries for disabled horses.
***
Posted $100 win on Harmony Found on 12/15/08 at 12:26pm. Thought all the contenders were fairly even, and that the price would be much better on Harmony. Lucky guess, really . 1st time correct in the "Handi" exercise.
Blackstone
Just want to remind everyone that Blackstone gets to select our next HandiGambling race (January 7, 2009)
***
tencentcielo asked about the win prices of all the triple-digit juvenile debut winners listed in a previous blog entry. Here they are:
Hook and Ladder - $8.80
Chilukki - $4.20
Discreet Cat - $12.00
Forest Music - $3.80
Notional - $25.40
In High Gear - $9.10
Kelly Kip - $9.30
Plagiarist - $20.80
Elusive Heat - $3.80
In C C's Honor - $18.60
Lost in the Fog - $4.40
Rodeo - $4.10
Warners - $3.70
Frisco Star - $3.80
Lieutenant Ron - $6.80
Bro Lo - $8.40
In Excessive Bull - $3.60
Meetmeinthewoods - $11.00
Quality Road - $9.10
Rahy Dolly - $7.40
Secret Gypsy - $29.20
Star of Broadway - $4.40
***
Just want to send out a thanks to Annie for providing a thoughtful Kentucky Derby contest with excellent information.
Back tomorrow with more good stuff (I hope).
Dan
Posted by dan_illman on January 1, 2009 | Permalink
Keywords:
Comments
Add another to the triple digit debut club, Rail Trip received a 102 for his first run on 11-7 (nice date for a debut!) and paid $6.00. Oh and by the way, his 6F work before his debut? a 1:10/3.
Posted by: Steve T. on January 01, 2009 at 03:57 PM
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tencentcielo,
Where are you? Your horse, Discreet Street, is running on Sat.!
I would prefer that you thank me for letting you have the horse, "out of the box" BEFORE the race on Sat. Just in case you're not wanting to thank me after the race. I'm sure that won't be the case, but just to be on the safe side, before might be better.
Annie
Posted by: Annie on January 01, 2009 at 07:17 PM
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Dan,
Welcome back! Hope you had a nice vacation. We kept things humming for you. Lol
I enjoyed your annual New Year's Day column, and I appreciate your acknowledgment of my efforts.
I think it is awesome that you are showing your support for these fine organizations that have come to the aid of the retired warriors. I wish all of the horses could be so well taken care of at the end of their careers. I think progress has been made toward that end, but we all need to keep pushing to end the horrors that have occurred in the past and still continue to occur in various places around the country. They need the support of all of us!
Annie
Posted by: Annie on January 01, 2009 at 07:17 PM
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I think it's safe to say that Dearest Trickski and Black Seventeen do NOT like Pro-Ride. They both really struggled in their races today and yesterday.
And as for Pro-Ride it's starting to look like DMR Polytrack vintage 2007. Early speed is DEAD.
Posted by: cayman01 on January 01, 2009 at 07:17 PM
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BTW, the fact that the remaining 14 horses are still in the box is no reflection on their talent, since the draw was totally random.
THE DERBY WINNER COULD STILL BE IN THE BOX!
Annie
Posted by: Annie on January 01, 2009 at 07:17 PM
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It looks like we have a real nice test of our little Top Works experiment tomorrow. Here are the entries and their odds:
Race 4 #3 Midwesterner 12/1
Race 6 #1A In The Woods 8/1
Race 6 #2 Wine on the Porch 3/1
Race 6 #6 Fiery Trippi (15/1) (1:25 7F Work)
Race 7 #5 Chocolate Lava (8/1)
Race 8 #4 Goodlookindude (30/1)
Race 8 #14 All About Larry (AE) 6/1
So there are some tasty morsels in this soup. Fiery Trippi, Midwesterner and Chocolate Lava are my faves.
As always - this is an experiment, we have a sample base of 45 and you are all over 21, so use it as a "hey look at me" rather than betting the rent money.
Posted by: Steve T. on January 01, 2009 at 07:17 PM
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Teri,
Well, welcome to another Blue Thong! We need all we can get.
We are a little outnumbered on here, but as I'm sure you noticed, we hold our own just fine. Lol
Glad you are happy with your horse. This should be fun when the races really get going. Enjoy!
Annie
Posted by: Annie on January 01, 2009 at 07:17 PM
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John N,
That's the spirit! Every horse deserves a good home.
Your horse is OBLIGINGLY.
He is a bay colt by Officer out of Arctic Affair by Black Tie Affair. (Remember him?)
He was born on 2/9.
Your trainer is Todd Pletcher.
He is one of the few new three year olds that earned a triple digit Beyer in their two year old season. (100)
Here is what Steve Haskin had to say about him:
"Pletcher sent him to Calder to break his maiden by 11-1/2 lengths. It wasn't the margin as much as the ease in which he did it. He probably didn't beat much, and we don't know how far the Officers want to run, so he has to show what he can do against better horses. He does have a solid female family."
Broke his Md in his second start with a Beyer of 100.
Worked on 12/28 at PMM :49.40B
Good luck with your horse! Sounds like he will have a devoted "owner".
Annie
Posted by: Annie on January 01, 2009 at 07:17 PM
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Here is the latest on the Top Works experiment - we had two runners today, Victorian Prince (1st) and Foxy Sox (8th). Have a whole bunch tomorrow.
45 Runners
14 Wins (31.11%)
9 Places (66.67% ITM)
7 Shows
David W,
Sorry to hear the reason you have time to do this project. I have zoned on 6 and 7 furlong works - which are not that common outside of California, but 4 and 5 furlong works may work as well, so you doing another track would really be valuable.
What I did was to go back and enter all of the "01 of XX" and the next two fastest IF they were within 2 ticks of the top work - so if they ran 1:12 as the fastest, I will use up to 1:12.4.
I am going to add another spreadsheet tonight - I will track the running style of the winners, by day and by surface and distance, so we can see if there are trends we can use.
There is more than one lunatic in the Thoroughbred Ink asylum - Laura is going to keep the same spreadsheets for Gulfstream. Anybody want to do New York or Kentucky??
Posted by: Steve T. on January 01, 2009 at 11:41 PM
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Happy New Year to all Formbloggers!!!
Time to go back to horseplaying...and turn the ROI back to $0.00
Dan,
Did you forget my HOL Beyer question??
Uncle Steve,
Perhaps this may help get your research published and/or funded (for the NIH = National Institute of Horseplayers):
http://www.cs.uiowa.edu/~rlenth/Power/
BTW Uncle Steve,
You are hot and bothered over the wrong Gaines Derby prospect -> forget about Point Encounter and start drooling over Temple City. By Dynaformer out of an unraced Danzig mare and check out his tail female (start counting all the stakes winners.) Also, compare the two gallop outs from the SA maiden wins - which one wanted to keep running around the track a 2nd-time?
Annie,
Please pick me a Derby prospect - but if happen to have in your heart the ability to pick me Temple City...
Posted by: Alan on January 01, 2009 at 11:41 PM
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Cayman,
With all of the injuries and breakdowns they really turned the track surface over yesterday, so it is deep, loose and boggy.
My comment on Dearest Tricksi not liking ProRide was pretty accurate, and Black Seventeen needs to run on dirt and only dirt.
Posted by: Steve T. on January 01, 2009 at 11:41 PM
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Well, maybe this New Year stuff has some merit.
I have an interesting, fruitful tale to tell on the first day of 2009.
I almost posted a question earlier, but it was so esoteric that I decided against it. The problem I had involved a watch horse running today, a newly turned 3yo filly whom I was set to bet last time before she scratched.
Her trainer, Jeff Mullins, had a wicked 4 for 7 mark with 2yos adding blinkers in their 2nd career start, the situation as it existed then.
I added the horse to my watch after the scratch thinking they might show up right away. Well, they showed up today, but now this filly is technically, officially, three.
So, I was going to ask you all if you thought the stat would still be viable even though it is expired by a day.
But then, when I looked at the entries in the Youbet platform, I saw where they decided not to add the blinkers today.
WTH? Wierd. The whole thing.
Even at 20-1 morning line, I decided to key the horse, Jaylo's Mark, running in the last leg of the pick 4, to see if I could get there live for a minimum investment.
It helped that I really liked Booted in leg B for several sound reasons I won't bore you with here, so I played a $16 P4 whereby I used 2 horses in the first leg, the odds-on choice (who won) with another one in there I liked, the Lemon Drop Kid - 17% fts winners sprinting on grass, and in leg B I singled Booted, who wound up winning at
9-2.
I then used the all button in that truly International leg C (won by a 13-1 shot bred to Danehill in Ireland) and finally in leg D my......what?
My odd little 20-1 single.
After getting through the first 3 legs, I was hardly expecting to win, I'm not a virgin in this situation, but when I saw her open at 5-1 in a large field with a 20-1 morning line I felt encouraged. She slid to 11-1 by post, but that included a couple of downward spikes in the cycle (a good sign).
When she popped the gate like Bob Black Jack, I felt even better. When she pulled away from the field in mid-stretch I raised my arms in triumph ("VICTORY!").
Truth be told, she looked like a winner the whole way, and the Pick 4 paid a smidge over 6 grand for a $16 investment. The only downside is that the government stuck its greedy hand into it and now it's 20% lighter, money I will never see again, in all probability. It's the takeout nobody talks about. It's as bad (in spirit) as the death tax.
[That's the only negativity you are going to get - smile. I'm libertarian, so certain taxes irk me.]
That little heist aside, it feels good to dodge the landmines for a change (you know?) especially on the first day of a new year (Glory Be!).
Anyway, I've got to go watch all of my races for 3yo non-sellers, and while it is work, it doesn't feel like work at the moment.
Thanks for letting me vent (after all, it's not like you guys don't deserve a story with a happy ending from me for a change - right?).
Yeah, baby!
Posted by: slewofdamascus on January 01, 2009 at 11:41 PM
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Here is a new spreadsheet I just posted that breaks out wins and ITM stats for Santa Anita by post for main track sprint and route and turf sprint and route:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pIaalb5z28p8XR6VR0bFdLQ&hl=en
Posted by: Steve T. on January 01, 2009 at 11:41 PM
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Carol W.,
Welcome to a new Blue Thong! Glad you decided to make joining the Formblog family one of your New Year's Resolutions. If you've been reading for 6 mos. (what took so long?), you already know that this is a fun and interesting place to visit and talk about our common interests, horses and horseracing. Well, and then there's some horsin' around too. Lol
I'll start you out with your very own Derby prospect:
Your horse is ROYAL VINDICATION.
He is a dark bay or brown colt by Vindication out of Proper Form by Deputy Minister.
He was born on 5/19 and purchased at the Keeneland Sept. 2007 Yearling Sale for $190K.
Your trainer is Stanley M. Hough.
Royal Vindication was a 2-yr-old Stakes winner, having won the 6F Trapp Mountain S. at Belmont Park on 10/13.
8/6 3rd Md at 6F
8/25 3rd Md at 7F
9/13 Broke Md at 6-1/2F
10/13 Won Trapp Mountain S. at 6F
11/2 3rd GR3 Nashua S. at one mile (missed 2nd by a NK)
Not back to work yet.
Good luck with your horse!
Annie
Posted by: Annie on January 01, 2009 at 11:41 PM
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Okay Blue Boxers. Here is your Derby Update on my Stable Horse Big Drama. Today we will dig a little deeper into his pedigree and see what we find.
At first glance Big Drama may have a tough time wearing Roses in May. But as Steve T says 90% of the game is 50% mental!
Big Drama has what all these other horses want! Graded Earnings. So for my stable horse, let's take the path of least resistance. Lightly raced, 2 starts and try to fire fresh under the Twin Spires. Since we are looking at pedigree, we have to look at "Mama" first. The mare is by Notebook, who was a solid sprinter trained by Wayne Lukas, as a sire he has had a number of winners and useful allowance and stakes types. Most were sprinters as well. He has had some luck in Florida as a turf sire. The mare Riveting Drama was unraced herself and has produced 6 foals, with all 6 being winners. Her best foal raced in Japan earning over $500,000.
The sire Montbrook was a lightly raced horse himself with only 8 lifetime starts and 5 wins. He did not race at 2, with all 5 of his wins being in sprint races. Montrbook adds some durability in his peidgree being a son of Buckaroo who traces back to the stoudt hard knockin Buckpasser. Buckaroo as a Grand sire did produce Kentucky Derby winner Spend a Buck, but most of Buckaroo best progeny were milers.
Big Drama is a February 14th foal, and is based in Calder. With 4 stakes wins, including the Delta jackpot. He is one of the few horses with racing experience and has won three races around 2 turns. So while the pedigree may be a little light, he is in shape, has the earnings, and the last 3 Kentucky Derby winners have wintered in Florida.
Posted by: CraigJ on January 01, 2009 at 11:41 PM
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I'm a bit low after finally concluding that my local OTB won't be carrying Delta Downs this year. I had a very successful 1st quarter last year due my successes at that track. I followed the racing there through December, hoping that I would be able to bet it in person (I cancelled my on-line last spring), come January, but apparently it won't be available to me. It is a fascinating track, with many great opportunities. Oh well.
I am, however, enjoying Santa Anita this year, and am off to a very good start. I especially appreciate the thoughts of folks on this blog as it concerns this track. It helps.
Okay, now back to tomorrow's card.
Posted by: Van Savant on January 01, 2009 at 11:41 PM
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To all Formblog Derby prospect "owners":
The Derby Preps will be starting soon, so remember, they're all young and enthusiastic horses and they'll do the best they can for you because they love to run. Unlike some of the old claimers who have already figured out that all they have to do is run around the track and they'll get fed anyway.
So, even if they don't do as well as you would like, they're yours, so love them anyway.
However, you should probably start practicing your excuses.
You know the drill, you've heard it before.
"He didn't like the track."
"The jockey didn't ride him right."
"He flipped his palate."
"The sun was in his eyes."
Of course, Stephen Taylor has a built-in excuse:
"He has an attitude, you know."
Good luck all and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Annie
Posted by: Annie on January 01, 2009 at 11:41 PM
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Oh.
In my self-centered excitement I neglected to say:
Happy New Year, everyone!
Posted by: slewofdamascus on January 01, 2009 at 11:41 PM
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How is early speed dead at SA? Look at the charts. There are early speed winners @ every distance. Three today alone and alomost a fourth. Has anyone noticed how well horses that ran "close" to Star Nicholas have rounded out the exactas and trifectas lately in races 2 or 3 down the line? Sir Bell at 21/1 today in 2nd resulted in a $93 exacta.
Posted by: Lane on January 01, 2009 at 11:41 PM
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Dan,
Do you have the calendar with the alternative definition of Blue Thong? I think it will sell better than the Blue Flip Flop calendar... :)
Annie,
Thanks for asking, do you mind if I wait until after this weekend??
Posted by: Blue Horseshoe on January 01, 2009 at 11:42 PM
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Steve T., Annie;
The references to math and me are hilarious. Even my turf-horse, Mathemetician, is cracking-up.
I tried to explain this to my wives....errrr....wife (math error), but they....errrr....she didn't quite get it. I'm laughing though.
You guys are the best, and I promise to not let you down come next Wednesday. I will endeavor to erroneously tabulate the results from the HandiGambling excersize, and break my record of errors (snort!).
Happy New Year Folks!
Posted by: Van Savant on January 01, 2009 at 11:42 PM
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slewofdamascus -
Congrats on your very nice score on the first day of 2009! BTW your winning filly Jaylo's Mark cost me a winning day as I needed Ultra Cat (my top selection) in R10 for the late DD -- though my $163.80 payoff would have paled in comparison to your $6,039.00! So I suppose if I had to lose to anyone else I am glad it was you who nailed a six thousand dollar Pick-4!
- robertSD
Posted by: robertSD on January 02, 2009 at 12:32 AM
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Dan
Happy New Year! and Welcome back.
I really enjoyed the past Champions on Count Fleet.
I had no idea that he ran so often and for so many different distances during his career.
It's just one of the things I love about your site.
Those in the "Know" back then will remember, but some of us new to the sport & game do not.Thanks for the retrospective. I enjoy all of these that you have done before.
I wish you the Best for 2009!
By the way, (opps...BTW) Will you be comming to the NHC this year in LV....PLEASE say YES!!!! & that Steven will give you the opportunity to meet so many of your fans.
SR Vegas
Posted by: SR Vegas on January 02, 2009 at 12:32 AM
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Add another to the triple digit debut club, Rail Trip received a 102 for his first run on 11-7 (nice date for a debut!) and paid $6.00. Oh and by the way, his 6F work before his debut? a 1:10/3.
Posted by: Steve T. on January 01, 2009 at 03:56 PM
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Steve- Dan's triple digit Beyer list is just juvenile debuters, Rail Trip was 3 when he debuted 11/7/08. A freaky fast horse nonetheless.
Posted by: Phil on January 02, 2009 at 12:32 AM
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Dan,
Thanks for answering my question. I hope you had a great vacation (congrats btw on having the winners of the stakes races you profiled). Also, I enjoyed reading the retrospective on Count Fleet.
BTW All - Elusive Heat is entered in the G3 Old Hat Stakes at Gulfstredam on Sunday- no, not an Unusual Heat (Calm DOWN, Steve T!!).
She is by Elusive Quality out of Xtra Heat. She won at first asking and will be making her second start. I'll post an Iron Maidens analysis on the race tomorrow or Sat.
Happy New Year everyone!
Posted by: Laura on January 02, 2009 at 12:32 AM
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Alan,
Temple City? It figures, scores in his debut at what, 1/20?? What, did ya dangle a carrot in front of Chalky??? Temple City and Point Encounter, Let's Rock Levitt!
Posted by: Steve T. on January 02, 2009 at 01:32 AM
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Blue,
I tried to get the Blue Thongs to do a REAL Blue Thong calendar - I was told sure, as long as you, Dan, Alan and Cayman agree to also wear one for the calendar... As Rosanne Rosannadanna said - never mind. Oh my God, the mental image just hit me - now where the hell is the Industrial Strength Pepto?
Posted by: Steve T. on January 02, 2009 at 01:32 AM
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Oh Craig J...Big Drama
What a nice analysis of him...I have Well Positioned, and because of your own thoughts...I think I will put out my own in the next few days...
Ok, Ok disclaimer...I never put my thoughts or notes out there...so reader beware!
...................
Steve T
I Shoulda", Woulda" put these notes on your TI Horse watch list..
Ok,Ok so hindsite, is well....hindsite.
My notes..(Booted 07/20/2007 4 yo .2007 derby list.. .better as older horse? watch next start)
...he won at SA today, paying 11.60
The other is BackBackbackgone who won as the favorite at Golden gate today. paying 3.40.
Maybe I AM learning from you ' all!...and should put up my thoughts more often....win or lose.
SR Vegas
Posted by: SR Vegas on January 02, 2009 at 01:32 AM
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Happy New Year Everybody!
Rusty Arnold has a coupled entry for G. Watts Humphrey on Sunday, Jan. 4th, at in R6 at GP. MSW fillies going 1 mile. No real standout. The top figure horse is stuck wide in post 10 and might not be able to clear.
It looks like both Arnold fillies are "LIVE" but interestingly he named Javier Castellano on both horses. Not sure how to interpret that move but if both go I would be very optimistic.
Posted by: tony kelso on January 02, 2009 at 01:32 AM
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Yeah Baby!
Congrats Slew for a great story & and a fine payday!
SR Vegas
Posted by: SR Vegas on January 02, 2009 at 01:32 AM
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Slew,
WTG! Way to start out the New Year. Maybe it's an omen. Keep it up!
Annie
Posted by: Annie on January 02, 2009 at 08:26 AM
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Craig J,
Like Johnny Z, I have been high on Big Drama ever since he won the Delta Jackpot the way he did...in fact, I first posted about keeping an eye on him back in October of 08 when he swept the Triple Crown of the Florida Stallion Series. He also has run a triple digit Brisnet Speed Fig a couple of races back.
As far as his pedigree, you are correct when you state that Montbrook has sired mostly quality milers...however, Buckaroo (the son of Buckpasser)is the SIRE of both Montbrook AND Spend a Buck (Ky Derby winner). He is not SAB's Grandsire, Buckpasser is SAB's grandsire. We all know how Buckpasser was set for stamina...I am sure this was an oversight on your part and this should make you feel even better about BD (as classic blood is one generation closer).
Big Drama has already won twice at 8.5 furlongs, and has tactical speed, and the grit and stamina to dig in and draw away when challenged at the top of the stretch. That, to me, is every bit as valuable as a classic pedigree because sometimes classic pedigrees do not transfer to the track form that a horse show. BD has already run to his pedigree and will probably outrun it based on his current form.
Big Drama has already shown ideal form for factoring in a crowded race such as the Derby. The only real test will be can he get both 9 and 10 furlongs...and how much pace will play into that. We know he has the heart.
Notebook sired a pretty good router a 4-6 years back, who was all late speed. Anyone know who the horse was? Here's a hint: he hit the board in a couple of classic races. Also, Notebook sired 2002 Florida Horse of Year Booklet, who defeated Harlan's Holiday in the 2002 Gr 1 FOY Stakes, and the Gr. 3 Holy Bull, and was a Derby contender who finished 2nd to HH in the BGS while trying to rate. Ironically, the connections did not run Booklet in the Derby because it was "impossible" to win the Derby wire to wire (Booklet's only shot). Of course, the only other speed horse front-runner War Emblem, with no blazing speed of Booklet to worry about, won the Derby and Preakness wire-to-wire that same year! Impossible, not.
And, Notebook's damsire was Tom Rolfe and great grandsire was Ribot. That is a TON of stamina 2-3 back. Notebook had fertility issues and died way too young to even give us a sample pool of runners to draw any conclusions from. Having Ribot that close up makes it very possible that Notebook could sire a daughter that could produce a classic distance horse if mated with a sire with classic lines not too far back. So, while the pedigree may be "working class", Notebook had a 1.67 dosage, but we all know how flawed that has turned out to be.
The acid test many times for speed and stamina comes at 7 furlongs (intermediate sprint). Many horses, including Commentator, were harder pressed to hold their speed at 7 panels than at 1 mile and over (where the pace slows somewhat). As a 2 year old, Big Drama won the 7 furlong Affirmed Stakes at Calder running up on very strong fractions of:
21.4 , 44.2, 1:10.1 before drawing away powerfully from a good 2 year old (Three Part Harmony) to win by 3 plus lengths. That one made the mistake of eyeballing Big Drama in the stretch.
Could Big Drama be the next Big Brown without the foot issues? The 2 two year olds he beat in the Delta Jackpot (WS Bernie and Stimulas Plan)are nice colts we will hear more about in 2009. Like BB, BD critics will bemoan his pedigree and state he was not bred to run 10 furlongs (while overlooking the fact that none of Montbrook's prodigy have ever had the chance to run at 10 panels in the first place).
I am not saying he will or will not get 9 and 10 panels, but he has shown the heart to stretch that speed out if he can possibly do it. So, we shall see.
If more people could post a little more about their runners like Craig it would help us all out by making us research and learn about the Derby horses--as the Derby is one of the most lucrative races of the year IF you know the horses, history, and which forms carry best at that track and distance (with that crowded field).
In sum, there are a few very good prospects out there...and I think Johnny Z may be right about Big Drama. He may be a real value play...so, you are preaching to the choir about his talent with me! He has shown 2 of the 3 factors in his form that I consider critical in choosing a Derby horse that will hit the board: 1. Tactical speed (or tactical, push-button late speed); 2. Heart, the ability to win when challenged or pass other horses; and 3. Stamina-and/ or pedigree. Once BD runs at 9 panels, we should know more about number 3 (but so far so good). We will also know more about #3 when he faces other top line 3 year olds in 2009.
Annie,
Thanks for the Derby horse. He is a promising prospect, and not only was Elusive Quality the sire of Smarty Jones, he is also the sire of current BC Classic Champ Raven's Pass (RP and Henrythenavigator may have both been milers, but easily got 10 furlongs when it mattered).
Quality Road and Steve T's horse that he just introduced (Rail Trip) both ran triple digit BSFs their first time out. I wonder if Calvin Bo-Rail has heard of Rail Trip? If Rail Trip makes it through the Derby prep maze (if they point that one there), and they eventually put Borel on him for the Derby, is that an omen?
Steve T,
Point Encounter looks promising. After you first mentioned him, I looked his pedigree up. That is a nice pedigree. We all know about Point Given (damsire was Turkoman), but Danzig and Relaunch are both 2 to 3 back, and they both displayed blazing speed and an ability to throw classic distance runners. So, while the connections said they were shocked he showed that much speed, I am sure they are also being a bit coy. And, as you said, the connections are good horse people as well. And Smith has shown an ability at 9 and 10 furlongs on both speed and late runners (if he stays aboard).
Of course, you did not need me to tell you any of this, but feedback always helps at this game, especially feedback that affirms what you already thought yourself. BTW, while reseaching his pedigree, I ran into this racing blog post which calls PE the best Calif. Triple Crown prospect:
http://startelegramsports.typepad.com/west_points/2008/12/point-encounter-joins-the-club.html
We should hear from this one quite a bit before this May IMO.
Welcome back, Dan. Nice memory- lane entry first post out of 2009!
Posted by: vicstu on January 02, 2009 at 08:26 AM
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Blue,
Well, Katie's promo fooled you, didn't it? I know what you were thinking. Besides, I would have caught my death of a cold in my other blue thong.
Lol
I'm not quite sure if you want to wait to have a horse drawn for you, or if you're thinking this is about making your own selection.
I don't know if you read the original outline of the contest which was many, many posts ago. Thirty plus horses are already taken.
You can have one drawn for you anytime, as long as there are horses left. At the moment there are 13.
Annie
Posted by: Annie on January 02, 2009 at 08:26 AM
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Last Spreadsheet (yeah right), it is a daily log of the running styles of the days races at Santa Anita - frontrunner, stalker, closer.
Frontrunner defined as one who was either first or second at the 1/4 and went on to win.
Stalker defined as one who was either third or fourth at the 1/4 and went on to win.
Closer defined as one who was fifth or greater at the 1/4 and went on to win.
Lane is correct, their has been no reduction in frontrunning winners, they have stayed very consistent in the distribution - except for turf routes which have a pretty heavy bias to the front.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pIaalb5z28p8QxGDVJYbvAg&hl=en
Posted by: Steve T. on January 02, 2009 at 08:26 AM
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Alan,
You know that it would always be in my heart to give you what you want. But, for the purposes of this contest, it is not what is in my heart, but rather what is in the box. And, no, Temple City is NOT in the box. Therefore, it would not be depriving anyone else from drawing him as their horse.
On the other hand, I've got this horse that's supposed to run in a Stakes race on Sat. screaming bloody murder, "Its
not fair! Its not fair! Make him draw. Make him draw."
And, are you absolutely sure that you want to go with your own selection? How has that been working for you so far?
After much soul searching -
hey __________,could you keep it down please. And stop kicking the sides of the box -
after much soul searching, I have decided to let you have Temple City. Besides, I see you and Steve have already started the trash talking. But, you can do the write up on the horse so everyone else has the necessary data on your Derby? prospect.
Annie
Posted by: Annie on January 02, 2009 at 08:26 AM
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Point Encounter
:21/4 - :44/2 - 1:08/1 - 1:14/4
Temple City
:21/3 - :44/1 - 1:08/4 - 1:15/1
Indian Blessing
:22/2 - :45 - 1:08/2 - 1:20/4
Bob Black Jack
:22/2 - :44/4 - 1:08/1 - 1:20/1
I would say when you can run faster fractions than BBJ, lead gate to wire, AND be geared down the last 50 yards you get the kewpie doll. So keep that doorslammer Temple City the hell outta my horse's way - wait a second he can't break and he certainly can't catch Point Encounter so I guess I don't have much to worry about. Besides your Temple City looks like a carp on four legs, which is probably why his dam was unraced - PE's dam only ran 72 times, and won on dirt and turf, in sprints and routes - oh did I mention she already has a 2003 baby by Thunder Gulch? Her name is Private World (6-3-1-0 $166K) and she won the Anoakia and the Mocassin. How about yours? Oh wait Ababeel never made it to the track.. Well the world needs stable ponies too.
Annie - PUHLEASE give the good doctor Temple City.
יודע להפסיד בכבוד
Posted by: Steve T. on January 02, 2009 at 08:26 AM
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It's Official:
"Zayat Stables, LLC, won 116 races from 740 starts and earned $6,883,902 in North America during 2008 to lead all owners."
To make it even sweeter, who did they overtake in the stretch?? Stronach!
WAY TO GO TO AHMED, SOHBY, JUSTIN AND THE ZAYAT TEAM!!!
May you repeat in 2009. Well done gentlemen, well done!
Posted by: Steve T. on January 02, 2009 at 08:27 AM
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Annie,
I think my Derby crushes from this past year are doing quite well. Alaazo's injury unfortunately derailed his career/Derby hopes and disappointed the Zayats so much that they paid $900K for his HB (at the 08KEE yearling sale.) As for Mambo, he's having some - ahem - urologic issues that have hopefully been recently corrected.
BTW, I don't want to change your contest rules so pick away for me. Temple City will be my own secret pick.
Uncle Steve,
One of my New Year's resolutions is to ignore "fruitless" discussions/arguments. Good luck with Point Encountered!
Posted by: Alan on January 02, 2009 at 09:51 AM
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Slew:
Nice hit yesterday. Aboutt the only 'capping I did yesterday was on the late Pick 4. Nice use of the all button and great single. I can feel your emotion when seeing that 5-1 initial price pop up in the last leg.
Dan:
Congrats on the sponsorships. If there is one way for us all to give back to the game I think the retirement sponsorships are it. I couldn't resist when TRF put Shake You Down up for "adoption" this year and sponsorship is something I hope to do as long as I am able.
Posted by: alhattab on January 02, 2009 at 09:51 AM
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Happy new year everyone
Steve T doing a great job on your website
congrats to Zayat Stables
Annie:
I was going to wait for the last horse but it's taking too long. Pick one for me please.
DOM
Posted by: Dennis of Moline on January 02, 2009 at 09:51 AM
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The picture of the horse in cross-ties with the Flip Flops on is too much! Very funny ladies :) I laughed out loud when I saw that.
Happy New Year everyone!
Posted by: g or g on January 02, 2009 at 09:51 AM
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Vicstu,
Rail Trip was a late starter, he is officially 4 yesterday, so no Derby for him... Don't think a Carson City would stand much of a chance at 10 panels anyway. But boy is he fun to watch - two runs, two triple digits, and he's not exactly on his belly coming across the line.
Posted by: Steve T. on January 02, 2009 at 10:12 AM
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Hey Guys, thanks for the congrats.
RobertSD, great to hear from you, I hope you can post more often. Given how difficult it has been to go w2w at SA (I have taken some harsh seconds from speed that looked unbeatable at the top of the lane), I have to think Mullin's 3yo filly, Jaylo's Mark, has some quality. One of the other reasons I liked her is because she came back to the same level (as opposed to dropping), a factor I consider when the conditioner is a win-type who spots to win. Sometimes that can be the first clue that a non-favored entrant with a solid trainer has a chance to upset the field. So the question, why are they bringing her back to the same level after being well beaten? begins to have real merit. When a good trainer does this you have to ask why. The answer can go either way, but it's a worthwhile avenue to navigate when the signs point there.
Not that I'm telling you anything you don't already know, RobertSD, I have a lot of respect for your handicapping, but for the possible edification of the 'quiet majority' and all that...Smile.
***
Annie, I've had a lot of little signs the past nine months, omens and the like, that seem to push me deeper and deeper into this endeavor. I am going to follow it and see where it leads. Thanks.
***
SR Vegas, thanks, even though Vegas is beyond my grasp (because of my responsibilities), which is why I have not participated in the NHC trials for the most part (I couldn't go), I am nevertheless VERY jealous of your Zip Code. I could definitely see living in Vegas.
Like at The Palms.
[if it still exists]
Smile.
Which hotel are you living in, SR Vegas?
Smile.
***
SteveT, if I didn't mention how much I liked Point Encounter, let me just say, well, he's going places (and then some). He's the Tower of Pizza, in my eyes.
[whew]
***
Vic, thanks for the great story on the dream team, that was some collection of talent. McCoy sounds very familiar.
In Oakland, at the Coliseum, we used to have something called the TOC (Tournament of Champions) , which was where the best HS basketball teams in northern cal settled their annual, end-of-the-season differences. I got to see Bill Cartwright play as a senior for a little hick school out in the boonies (which he lifted on his back and raised to great heights). The bloody name escapes me, sadly. I used to recall it quite frequently, and now...nothing. Unrelated to that....Because I flunked the 9th grade (twice) and ultimately dropped out and had all sorts of problems as a teenager, my athletic career never got going in high school or any point thereafter (a true waste), but I can relate to your point of view to the degree that I was a very good athlete, who loved sports.
I always wonder what would have happened to my life if I had remained in Baltimore (I was born at Johns Hopkins, my parents had a home in a place called dickeyville, a little suburb of Baltimore I guess). My father decided to take a job in California (Berkeley) and both my parents transferred their federal careers from there to here in the few years after my birth. I still consider Baltimore a "hometown" and I have a special place in my heart for it. I will be back (to visit).
***
Onward and upward, baby, onward and upward.
Posted by: slewofdamascus on January 02, 2009 at 10:36 AM
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I've been a lurker here for quite awhile. First thanks for all the insight. I'm going to chime in on the workout experiment Steve T is doing as i've used workouts as part of my handicapping for years to point to 1st timers and horses coming back from layoffs. A general observation, the longer the workout the better indication it is to a positive effort. I personally like 5f or higher works, never use a 3f work and rarely use a 4f workout as part of my selection process. Also, some trainers work their horses fast all the time and these would give out "false positives" for horses. On my circuit, CD/FG/Kee I know who these are so i don't include them. One other note, something i've found highly profitable is finding a first time starter who worked the same day as a known quantity/stakes horse. If they work same time or if a firster works same time but from gate that stakes/known horse works non-gate, that is a powerful indicator of ability. I think Steve T. is on to something very powerful here so any other help I can be to hone it down to a workable system please let me know. Michael
Posted by: Michael B on January 02, 2009 at 11:32 AM
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Annie-
I LIKE horses with an attitude! We were in the paddock with Trippit and there was a new partner with him who asked "Do horses know when it's race day?" Just as Mike said yes, Trippit yawned! (And didn't run all that well either)
We've actually got horses running all 3 days this weekend. Cooler by the Lake runs in the 7th today at Hawthorne. Sound horse who just isn't very fast, but I'm kind of curious how he'll do at Oaklawn (The track at hawthorne is deeeeep!)
Tomorrow our "private purchase" That I Am runs in the first at Hawthorne. (We bought him from Duchosiois, and outside of the horse Maggie Moss flew in from New York who scares me quite a bit, he looks good in the race. Joel is riding Mike's other horse, Deputy Sreeva (for a different owner) since he's been riding him all along but we picked up a more than suitable replacement in Inez Karlson!
Sunday, Winchester Bay is the Morning Line favorite in the second at Hawthorne (but to be honest, he may want to go a little bit longer) Unfortunatly I can only "sneak out" for one day so it will be tomorrow to see That I Am, since he's got the best chance of the 3 to win imho, and between Hawthorne and the Twin Spires contest with 25 Vegas berths on the line, it should be a big day of trying to scope out winners!
Posted by: Stephen Taylor on January 02, 2009 at 11:32 AM
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Annie,
BTW...
Temple City is a now a 4yo (ME = STUPID), so unless I can borrow a flux capacitor or they change the rules for entry into the Triple Crown, I'll need a Derby crush!! How about Girolamo?? Is he taken yet??
Posted by: Alan on January 02, 2009 at 11:32 AM
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Dan,
Welcome back. I hope that you have a great 2009 and thanks for the past champion retrospective. I always enjoy reading them.
slewofdamascus,
Congratulations on the great start to the New Year. I hope we all have good fortune this year.
johnnyz,
Thanks for the look back at 2008. Eclipse Award turf writer Jennie Rees agrees with you about the Horse of The Year designation and she is picking Curlin for that honor.
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090102/COLUMNISTS03/901020533
Equidaily has links to several other turf writers who are picking Curlin for HOY. Jon White is picking Zenyatta.
I can hardly wait to see your updated list of the 2009 Kentucky Derby hopefuls.
vicstu,
Here’s Jon White’s top 10 Kentucky Derby prospects:
http://www.xpressbet.com/columns.aspx?view=1159&author=JonWhite
Annie,
Thanks for hosting the Kleenex Box Kentucky Derby hopefuls.
Alan,
Is the Count Fleet this Saturday one of the races on you list of contest races for the Kentucky Derby?
Posted by: Calvin Carter on January 02, 2009 at 01:17 PM
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and a special new year's thank you to the blue thongs from all the blue boxer foot fetishes out here... lol
happy new year to all, and congrats to Slew for the first big score of 09- hopefully the first of many for the boxerthongcrew!
pe
Posted by: p ensign on January 02, 2009 at 01:17 PM
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Al, thanks, man, yes I felt especially gratified when he opened at 5-1. Not to say that early money is always ggod or late money always bad, it's about context, obviously, and in this case, it doesn't take a high school diploma (ahem) to know that it was not a bad sign, anyway. Smile. Thanks, Al.
Posted by: slewofdamascus on January 02, 2009 at 01:17 PM
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Hey Guys
Do any of you have any information of Big Surf, the colt who was vanned off in the Kentucky Jockey Club?
Posted by: Sarah on January 02, 2009 at 02:21 PM
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I have a feeling that this little score will pale in comparison to all of the five-figure scores that Formbloggers will roll up this year. But this was the way to start us off.
Don't forget Alan, and hopefully others (like Stephen - good luck in the contest!), will be competuing in the DRF NHC, so Big Money is out there for us.
Let's get at it.
And thanks again, all, p ensign, and calvin, I appreciate the well wishes.
I've started the ball rolling (for Formbloggers, blue boxers and blue thongers everywhere)...............$$$$$$$$$
Yeah!
Posted by: slewofdamascus on January 02, 2009 at 02:21 PM
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Alan,
OK, I'm going to resolve this mess right now before you pick Secretariat. Besides, I believe I read that Girolamo was going to Dubai.
And since it is only fair to give ___________ another chance to be picked, I'm drawing a horse for you. And, I don't want to hear any whining.
Well,___________didn't get picked again, but at least he's quiet.
Your horse is MAJORMOTIONPICTURE.
Hmmmm, a California horse. So you and Steve can still have your rivalry.
He is a chestnut colt by Action This Day out of Boa by Rahy.
He was born on 4/17.
Your trainer is Mike Machowsky.
He was a debut winner on Aug. 24 at DelMar at 6F.
Here's what Steve Haskins had to say about him:
"He's the West Coast version of Imperial Council, as all eyes will be on him when he makes his next start. He was impressive winning his career debut last Aug. at Del Mar, showing a good deal of tenacity while racing down on the inside. By Action this Day, out of a Rahy mare, he is inbred close-up (3x3) to Roberto in his tail-male and tail-female family, so distance will be no problem."
His trainer recently said,
"He's so damn talented, I'm not worried about him going in a stakes race. I'm going to have to be pretty aggressive with him in the next few months..
The one thing he needs is experience. If he's good enough, it won't be an issue."
He's scheduled to make his next start in either the GR3 San Rafael on 1/17 or the San Pedro S. on 1/19.
Workouts:
11/28 SA 1:11.40
12/7 SA :47.60
12/14 SA 1:12.60B
12/28 SA :48.40
Good luck with your THREE year old!
Annie
Dennis of Moline - Yours will be up next.
Posted by: Annie on January 02, 2009 at 02:21 PM
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Alan
I read that Girolomo was training in Dubai.
"From a broader perspective, the most intense focus on the 3-year-old picture this winter surely will be on Dubai, where several of the top Derby candidates will be based with the Godolphin/Darley powerhouse, most notably Midshipman, the BC Juvenile winner, and Vineyard Haven, the Champagne Stakes winner purchased from Bobby Frankel. At least three other live candidates also will train there: Coronet of a Baron, Desert Party, and Girolamo."
Can't feed him peppermints unless you get on a plane!
The complete story:
http://www.drf.com/news/article/100822.html
SR Vegas
Posted by: SR Vegas on January 02, 2009 at 02:21 PM
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Santa Anita –1/2/09
Today’s selections for a fun and interesting card. I will play these in Exactas and Superfectas. Feel free to poach, cherry pick or toss:
Race #1 – Bold Cleo, Topper’s Gold, Red Neck Gal, Short Sentence
Race #2 – No Selections
Race #3 – Not So Plain Jane, Spoolish, Flag Waver, Holychoir
Race #4 – All Man, Absolute Glory, Searchforthetruth, Rathor (Ire)
Race #5 – Tough Apples, Gula Gold, Persian Express, Powerofvoodoo
Race #6 – Cat Brulay, Wine On the Porch, Kinsale King, Fiery Trippi
Race #7 – No Selections
Race #8 – Motorboat, Stray Cat, The Emerald King, Premier Issue, Bear Mountain
Have a great Friday out there, and please be safe.
Van Savant
Posted by: Van Savant on January 02, 2009 at 02:21 PM
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Dennis of Moline,
THANK GOODNESS! He finally got picked. I can get a little peace and quiet around here.
I'm warning you though, when you pick him up he's liable to jump right into your arms he's so excited.
Your horse is HAYNESFIELD.
He is a chestnut colt by Speightstown out of Nothing Special(CAN) by Tejabo(CAN) (a son of Deputy Minister(CAN).
He was born 5/12.
Your trainer is Steve Asmussen.
He earned a 101 Beyer in winning the Damon Runyon S. at Aqu. on 12/7.
Here's what Bill Finley had to say about him in his Top 10 early Derby prospects (#3):
"Funny Cide II? You're probably not expecting the Kentucky Derby winner to come out of a New York-bred stakes run in Dec. at Aqueduct. That means Haynesfield will likely sneak up on a lot of people. He's coming off a win in the Damon Runyon, where he earned a 101 Beyer figure. That's the best Beyer recorded by any 2-year-old last year in a route race. Well-bred and trained by Steve Asmussen, this is not your run-of-the-mill New York-bred."
Mike Veitch said about him in The Saratogian:
"This New York-bred was an impressive winner of the Damon Runyon.
Haynesfield is a son of Speightstown, winner of the Vanderbilt Stakes at Saratoga. His dam, Nothing Special, descends from an outstanding family of distance runners that includes Canadian Triple Crown winner With Approval and Belmont Stakes winner Touch Gold."
You get a chance to start out with a bang as Haynesfield is entered in the Count Fleet S. (is that an omen?) at Aqueduct tomorrow as the 8-5 favorite.
Read article on the front page of DRF site under Aqueduct.
Workouts:
12/16 Bel dirt Tr Trk :51.62B
12/29 Bel dirt Tr Trk 1:03.07B
Good luck tomorrow and for the rest of the Derby Trail!
And, thanks for taking him off my hands.
Annie
Posted by: Annie on January 02, 2009 at 03:33 PM
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Good evening, all...
Dan, welcome back and happy new year to you and your four new equine proteges. You are to be commended for that charitable action, and thanks for posting the organization links and the calendar.
I'm glad it's getting such a kind (?) reception, and please give Laura a big hand because she supplied all the racing dates info. I hope she can soon submit her photo for one of the missing months. I'll send a revised PDF for posting when she or any other wannabe Calendar Blue Thong sends along a suitable photo. Ask Dan to forward your message to me.
Hi Annie, thanks for my replacement horse, Sunday Blitz. I will keep an eye out for him, and run right up to the rail with fistfuls of peppermints and apples to encourage him next race out.
I wouldn't say I've been celebrating new year's for three days so much as trying to recover (the people who were still partying in the apt. above us at my sister's in Manhattan last night, my hostess on NYE who didn't go to bed until 6 am....and my less than stellar performance in a 5km race on Jan. 1st. But I got a pretty grey hoodie sweatshirt). Now I have to start concentrating on HG 2009. What race you givin' us, Blackstone?
Good luck all!
Katieattherail
Posted by: Katieattherail on January 02, 2009 at 09:18 PM
Dan Illman is DRF.com's Handicapping Editor. He recently released DRF’s newest DVD 