Zarkava pulling away in the Arc - by Vanessa Ng www.horse-races.net
Photo by Vanessa Ng at www.horse-races.net
See all her photos along with the race write-up here: http://www.horse-races.net/library/arc08-results.htm
Well, if you’re like me, it’s always a good day whenever you see new Vanessa Ng series of photos for a major race, and that’s exactly what we’ve got here courtesy of Tex, Cindy, Vanessa and the folks over at horse-races.net And boy-oh-boy, does she ever deliver? You may remember Vanessa as having been the photographer responsible for the pictures over at Curlin’s Corner during the run-up to the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
Here we have Zarkava, the wonder-filly who scored in sensational fashion in the Arc on Saturday - captured by my favorite photographer. There’s simply nobody who captures ‘em (in my humble opinion) like these guys, and Vanessa happens to be my personal favorite (I’ve got nothing but love for Tex and Cindy as well). I’m admittedly still searching for that elusive Vanessa interview that god willing someday we’ll get - she’s got a passion for the ponies that is just asking to be shared and can only be deemed “inspirational” when encountered. Paging Vanessa Ng, telephone call - line 1. 
Actually I’m dying to ask her about Square Eddie, the 2-year-old winner of the G2 Lane’s End Breeders’ Futurity this past weekend that has picked up the nickname “baby Curlin.”
Square Eddie romps in the Lane’s End Breeders’ Futurity
Yup - that looks like somebody we know, doesn’t it? You’ll see Square Eddie move up to the outside after sitting in about 4th position through most of the race. He comes from a wide run to blow away the field in the stretch. Keep an eye on this guy, folks. I’m just sayin’.
In other news, I also wanted to ensure everyone was busy doing their Breeder’s Cup homework (said in my best school teacher’s voice). Things will change of course between then and now (such as whether we’ll see Curlin or not), but there’s no time like the present to at least begin doing some preliminary assessment. Thankfully, Mike Watchmaker is Johnny-on-the-spot with his current top-10 rankings for each of the Breeder’s Cup races on championship weekend. You can download his rankings as of 10/2/08 by clicking here (it’s a .pdf file).
The filly and mare races look a bit chalky to me if the anticipated favorites all run. All except for the Juvenile Fillies Turf, that is. I’ve seriously got almost no opinion in that one at the moment. The Filly and Mare Turf looks a bit wide open as well. At least I have half an opinion in that one though. The three runners I’m most anxious about at the moment are Mauralakana, Wait a While, and Dynaforce.
The male races look a bit more difficult to me. I think a lot depends on where foreign invaders Duke of Marmelade and Henrythenavigator enter. I’d consider each of those to be a potential force in the Classic, or perhaps in the Breeders Cup Turf or Mile.
So much to do, so little time. It may seem a ways off still, but we’re really just 16 days away from the best betting weekend of the year - not to mention the most exciting weekend of racing top notch racing action imaginable.
Curlin is scheduled to start a more vigorous schedule between races on Monday to see how he handles the track in the afternoon. Smart, smart move on Asmussen and Blasi’s part there. We all know the synthetic tracks out in California have a bit of a history playing differently between AM workouts and PM races. Let’s see how he likes the heated up track and then see if it’s still in the colt’s best interest to defend his Horse-of-the-Year honors over the foreign surface. Obviously the purely selfish side of me wants to see him, but in the end I just want what’s right for the horse. He’s my guy and always will be. You all know how it is. These horses are beyond just athletes to us. Their like a combination of favorite athlete and favorite pet - and I’m in awe whenever I’m their presence.
So…what’s everyone’s thoughts on the Breeder’s Cup races? Let’s get some preliminary opinions flowing here.
Great write-up as always! I finally got a chance to watch Square Eddie’s Futurity and boy was I impressed! What a kick that was, he instantly became my favorite two year old male, and it helps that he’s related to an “all time great” in Curlin!! (-:
I definetly like Indian Blessing for the Filly & Mare Sprint, with Indyanne and Dearest Trickski filling out the trifecta.
Zenyatta is unbelievable, but I believe Ginger Punch and Music Note have an equal shot at winning in the “Ladies” Classic.
Stardom Bound is the huge favorite in the fillies Juvenile, and I like Doremifasollatido and maybe Evita Argentina for the trifecta.
I have no idea about the Turf Sprint, Idiot Proof with California Flag maybe.
The Mile I’ll take Whatsthescript. (I have no clue in the Juv. Fillies Turf, or the Filly and Mare Turf, and Marathon.)
Duke of Marmalade, Grand Couturier and Soldier Of Fortune in the Turf.
Square Eddie, Charitable Man and Street Hero in the Juvenille.
I like Fabulous Strike, Street Boss and Midnight Lute trifecta for the Sprint.
And I’ll choose only the winner of the Classic, Curlin all the way!! I really hope he loves the Pro-Ride and turns it into a runaway! Scott Blasi said he was dancing on his toes like a ballerina during his workout, so that’s a good sign!!
Go Curlin!
Thanks Brian! I’m getting more and more giddy about this with each passing day. Looks like you’ve got some solid picks there. I’ll likely be standing on Curlin and Square Eddie now the more I think about it on Saturday.
On Friday, Indian Blessing, Zenyatta, and Stardom Bound are the must plays.
Get ‘em Curlin!
Bummer Zarkava was retired today. I really disagree that they need her as a young broodmare right now. What could a few more months or one more year hurt? Can they be betting that this one foal will be a world shaker?
Yup. I get a bit out of my element talking about breeding, but isn’t ther something to be said for a filly like her to require some solid time off from the races resting and strengthening up before enterring a breeding career? They should’ve sent her. That would’ve been amazing if she ran in the Classic.