Well, I nailed one, was oh-so-close on one, and totally blew another. Pretty typical.
Looking back over my Sunday selections, I nailed Cocoa Beach for a decent score, although I now wish we could’ve had the 3/1 from the morning line. I didn’t think everyone else was going to be all over her with Precious Kitten and Visit in the Matriarch, but then again the SoCal horseplayers are some of the best.
Cocoa Beach defeats Precious Kitten in the 27th running of the Matriarch Stakes at Hollywood Park 11/30/08
Just missed on what would’ve been a sweet 6/1 shot on Cowboy Cal in the Hollywood Derby. Court Vision exploded to nail him late. Almost….would have been nice to hit one with ‘Cal. He still ran a big one. Not sure where Albhari was as he didn’t look comfortable at all. Big one for IEAH and Bill Mott. Hats off to Court Vision. I should mention that at one point around this time last year Court Vision was my 2nd choice (behind Majestic Warrior) in terms of future Derby contenders.
Speaking of which…Gayego. I’m sure some of you remember that at one point I actually dreamt he would win the Kentucky Derby. Obviously that didn’t pan out, and today Gayego served me revenge (a dish best served cold) for my betrayal in selecting El Gato Malo over him. Clearly “the Bad Cat” was compromised by the shortened distance, and Gayego was able to thrive over the cutback to prove victorious. It’s good to see both of them back on the track.
Of course the biggest star of the day had to be Zenyatta. It was her day. Hopefully I can get my hands on a Zenyatta poster from the day.
Well, it’s just about time to turn in and get back into work week mode. I’m sure I’ll be burning with something to say come Wednesday or so. My beloved Alabama Crimson Tide are of course bound for the SEC Championship Game against a high powered Florida team sure to be the toughest challenge we’ve confronted all season. I’m already on pins and needles.
In the world of horse racing we’re starting to get ready for the road to the roses. You can feel it in the air. It’s just around the corner. Think of it like this; If there’s another Curlin or Big Brown out there, chances are we either haven’t even seen him or perhaps didn’t realize what were seeing when we saw him. Here’s making my early holiday wish that we get one for the ages this year. One of those horses like Curlin or Big Brown that you just KNOW when you see them. You never forget where you were or what you were doing when you saw them. A moment frozen in equine space-time. Sheer bliss.
A guy can wish can’t he? 
Hey Kevin, I got one of those frozen moments in equine space-time. Old Fashioned winning the Remsen, did you see that?!?! He was so impressive, and I think it’s great that Larry Jones is the trainer. I would love to see Larry Jones win the Derby next year, especially after Eight Belles, and he’s come in second two years in a row now.
Also, I can’t leave without throwing in some good old Curlin mania!! (-: I was tickled pink when Einstien upset Commentator and won the Clark! Being Curlin’s #1 fan, I immediatly thought: This is great, Curlin beat Einstien in the Stephen Foster, and now Einstien beats Commentator in the Clark, which just makes Curlin look all the better to me!! (-:
Hope you had a great holiday!!
Old Fashioned looked great and one more ran at the Big A yesterday-Quality Road-he blew away the field in the 4th race yesterday. Watch these 2 horses.
Old Fashioned = instant add to the horse watch list. I had him nailed in my Saturday picks and was more than impressed with his performance…the jockey looking back at the turn to see how much of a lead he had, then pulling away in the stretch. Very impressive win.
Right now the 3-year-olds for next year that I’m tracking are:
-Square Eddie
-Midshipman
-Stardom Bound (f)
-Munnings
-Vineyard Haven
-Old Fashioned
There are a few others I like, but those seem to be the cream of the crop thus far. Just looking back though, at this time last year I liked Majestic Warrior, Court Vision, War Pass, and Pyro.
Striking Dancer and Well Positioned are two other 2YOs who you might want to put into your Watch list. Striking Dancer especially was magnificent last time out.
Who do you like in HOL6 on Saturday (G3 Native Dancer)? I think 3 is the closer, but 4’s speed and 6’s history scare me. I’m thinking about 3,6/3,6/4,7,8, hoping that 4 gets run down in the stretch.
Native Diver - I like Spring House and Galantas a lot in there as well. Just posted my picks. Past the Point could run well, but there’s ample speed to compromise that trip.