Ah, the weekend is finally here! The lyrics from a certain 80’s anthem keep repeating over and over again in my head:
“Everybody’s working for the weekend!”
When we last checked in, I was feeling a bit down on the Preakness. It seemed that nobody wanted a piece of Big Brown and I was beginning to worry that we’d wind up with a very short field. Well, for lack of a better expression - hold on to your horses!
Harlem Rocker, a horse that I know many of you were hoping would draw into the field, is EDIT: still considering (thought he was a go, but see comments below - decision still pending). In addition, we can add Macho Again and Riley Tucker to the equation. Suddenly we’ve got a 12 horse field coming up next Saturday. Things are definitely starting to take shape!
Let’s take a look at Harlem Rocker really quick, in case anyone is unfamiliar with the Todd Pletcher trainee. In my mind, and evidently from quotes I’ve read Rick Dutrow tends to agree, Harlem Rocker is probably right up there with Recaputuretheglory in terms of top contenders that could be gunning for Big Brown in the Preakness. He’s unbeaten in three starts, including his only Stakes try against a small field in the Withers back on April 27. Eibar Coa rides the colt, who appears to be coming into form just in time for the big race. He’s a big white horse (which is strange for a horse with “Harlem” in his name), and has defeated horses such as J Be k and Face the Cat. He’s buy Macho Uno and out of Feedom Come.
Obviously he’ll have to step it up to move forward from the Withers to the Preakness, but for all you Beyer figure guys out there, note that Big Brown earned a 109 for the Derby, while Harlem Rocker earned a 106 for the Withers.
The other two entrants are Macho Again, who won the Derby Trial, and Riley Tucker, who was 3rd in the Lexington.
Getting back to my theme of using 80’s anthems to inspire my writing today, the following came to mind today as I began to write a blurb about Curlin:
“I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the morning light
He’s gotta be sure
And it’s gotta be soon
And he’s gotta be larger than life…”
Ah yes, the great Bonnie Tyler of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” fame. They just don’t make raspy voices like hers and Stevie Nicks’ these days, do they?
Back on topic - it does appear that Curlin will be running in the Stephen Foster on June 14. If anyone saw him as he hit the track for a brief moment on Derby Day, I think the only word that could describe his appearance was “WOW!” I’ve simply never seen a horse that makes such a strong visual impression.
Beyond that the future seems unclear. Rumors persist that Curlin may be headed overseas after that. Rather than risk a chance on the as-yet-to-be-determined Santa Anita surface that will be in place for the Breeder’s Cup Classic this fall, owner Jess Jackson is hinting that Curlin may be instead pointed towards the Arc de Triomphe (France) and/or the Japan Cup. I can already hear the Johnny-come-lately naysayers now, insisting that his connections are worried about a showdown with Big Brown. I wouldn’t buy into that for one second. For starters, are we even sure Big Brown will race again after the Belmont? My gut tells me he won’t, which makes it a moot point. The only others anywhere near his level at this moment in time would be Heatseeker and maybe Go Between. While I’d prefer to see Curlin run here in the States, I can’t knock the idea of touring around the world with the colt, as he is a once-in-a-lifetime type of animal.
I’ll be playing some Hollywood Park tonight, but it’s already going on 7 PM and I’ve been at work all day without a chance to even look at the card. I won’t get a chance to throw any picks up tonight, but good luck to all in your endeavors.
I should be back with another post tomorrow - although we do have a big day planned with our son at home. The Baltimore Zoo is an option if the rains aren’t too bad (we don’t mind an off-track), or perhaps some time at home with the grandparents. Some of you may have noticed in an earlier threads comments, but we are expecting our 2nd child now after Amy had a few positive home pregnancy tests.
As you can see, there’s much to be excited about as the weekend begins. 
Good update on the Preakness and Curlin’s future, but I could use some help on Hollywood Park’s Friday card, you slacker!
Keep up the good work.
Where’s the link that says Harlem Rocker is a definite, decision i thought is being made tomorrow after he works? i also would assume as partial (very partial) owner I’d have heard this as well, and I haven’t.
Could’ve sworn I heard he was a go. Now I get all those Harlem Rocker email references. Never realized before that you had a stake in him, Patrick.
Like I said in the post - had a long day at the office and didn’t really get a chance to catch up much on the news. Heard a couple of folks mention he was a go but I guess that was just rumor (for now).
I say send him, but what do I know?
Another baby? Ooooh, congratulations to both of you! Have a great weekend.
Lets hope BB gets past the Preakness!!!!!!!
If So,
Somebody with game will be waiting!!!!!