It may not have the luster that it did at it’s zenith, but this weekend I’ll once again be venturing down to my familiar stomping grounds of Pimlico in Baltimore to welcome in the brief racing meet where it all began (for m at least). Actually that’s not entirely true, as my love of horse racing was first begun watching steeplechasers at the yearly Fair Hill races in my hometown of Elkton, MD. “Old Hilltop”, however, is definitely where my love of thoroughbred racing was first born.
The meet couldn’t possibly be opening under less auspicious conditions. The well documented bankruptcy filing of Magna Entertainment Corporation and the threat of Maryland exercising eminent domain over the rights to the Preakness leave much uncertainty in the air. Who knows? This may well be the final opening day at Pimlico I’ll have the chance to experience, so despite suffering through an exhausting bought of flu/cold symptoms this week, I’ve decided to soldier on through and show up in person to play along.
On the national scene, things have quieted down somewhat just before they begin to heat up again in the final push for the Kentucky Derby. There’s still a great deal of question about who will actually comprise the final field of 20 in the run for the roses. Square Eddie is tossing his hat back into the ring with an attempt in the Coolmore Lexington at Keeneland. Obviously I’d love to see the so called “baby Curlin” make a giant move forward, but I’m inclined to be more cautiously optimistic at this point. He’s been on the shelf for quite some time and it might be asking too much for him to show up in “Derby ready” form this late in the campaign. Considering my recent inability to pick a winner at Keeneland, the fact that I’m not going to predict a victory for him might be the best thing he has going for him. I’ll be watching, but I’ll probably pass on the race.
Speaking of the Derby, it seems that virtually everyone considers the top contenders to be some combination of Quality Road, I Want Revenge, Friesan Fire, Pioneer of the Nile, Dunkirk, and perhaps Papa Clem. “Papa” is really the cut-off point, as he’s seldom mentioned with the top 5, but can’t be that far behind. I’m getting a feeling that if you want to crack the Derby code and make a huge score come the first Saturday in May, your best bet might be in how you rank the next flight of contenders. Here were talking about some combination of Musket Man, General Quarters, Hold Me Back, the potential Dubai invaders (Desert Party and Regal Ransom), and the likes of Chocolate Candy. I haven’t settled definitively on how to rank these closely matched contenders, but if I had to bet today I’d probably pass for the moment on the invaders and take a hard look at how the General, Musket Man, and Hold Me Back look once they start churning out workouts at Churchill.
For now though, I”ll be feasting on a steady diet of $5000 conditional claimers, lightly raced maidens, and other lesser celebrated runners as I venture back to the hallowed halls of Pimlico. There’s this weird feeling I get whenever I’m there lately, like the echo of Curlin’s victory in the ’07 Preakness are still cascading off the walls and around the track. Hard to believe it’s already been years (plural) since that moment in time. Where does the time go?
So, with all this in mind, it’ll be a bit of a departure here at The Aspiring Horseplayer this weekend. No massive posts containing public picks. Maybe a whisper here or there about any Derby gossip popping up. It’s time to take account of the bankroll and freshen up on the handicapping as we get set for what has the makings of a very exciting Triple Crown season. You’ve got to love that there is no “sure thing” at this point like we had with Big Brown last year. This crop looks pretty evenly matched. Just a few more weeks and all our questions will be answered.
Watch the jockeys/agents make their ‘choices’ on who to ride for the K-DERBY. Not always the ‘best’ harbinger on the winner or ‘in-money’ finishers – but sometimes an indication of a horse’s ability/potential. ‘FIRST CALL’ sometimes denote allegiance to a large stable/trainer – not necessarily a better horse. THE BETTER JOCKS PREDICTABLY MAKE LESS MISTAKES – DO NOT GET HORSES ‘BEAT’.
Pioneer is going to work tomorrow unless weather is bad. He galloped today on the sloppy track and I read he handled it great. The question of weather he can handle the dirt will soon be gone. Empire Maker handled the mud and fast dirt track. He will be even better when he runs on dirt.
So glad Gomez decided to ride Pioneer in the Derby, they are a killer team!!
Yeah, Gomez is great. Also, since he has been on him all these times, he will know exactly where to place him in the Derby. They are a great team. The best is yet to come from Pioneer. He was born in May, he won’t even be 3 yrs old on Derby day. All his races we have seen are just as a 2 year old so far.
The game of ‘pinhead-jockeys’ picking mounts for the K-DERBY begins in earnest. MR. HARTY trainer of ‘MR. HOT STUFF’ is without a jock as COREY NAKATANI picked SQUARE EDDIE. SE finished third in the Coolmore Lexington Stakes on Saturday with EDGAR PRADO – PRADO on Sunday opted to ride DUNKIRK when GARRETT GOMEZ picked ‘PIONEER-of–the-NILE’ over PLETCHER’S DUNKIRK. WILL ANY OF THESE JOCKS HELP OR HINDER THEIR MOUNTS ON MAY 2ND??? YOUR MOVE NOW ON WHOM TO CHOOSE TO PLACE YOUR WAGER/SELECTION???!!!