Derby Trail Heats Up – Premier Pegasus and Uncle Mo Romp

13 03 2011

With less than two months until the 2011 Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May, the 3-year-old thoroughbred division is starting to take shape as we separate the legitimate contenders from the numerous pretenders.  On Saturday racing fans were treated to solid performances from two serious racehorses, as well as a disappointing performance from a horse thought by many to be among the elite.

Uncle Mo, last seen in November crushing the field of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile by 4 1/4 lengths, returned to action in what for all intents and purposes amounted to a public workout in the Timely Writer at Gulfstream Park.  The son of Indian Charlie was making his first start of the season for trainer Todd Pletcher, who opted for the softer 1-turn mile rather than bang heads with stablemate Brethren in the Tampa Bay Derby.

Despite being bumped at the start of the race, Uncle Mo wound up winning for fun in 1:36.56, drawing clear by 3 3/4 lengths.  While the champ still clearly has the goods, there may be room for some concern as he’ll have just one additional start (presumably the Grade 1 Wood Memorial on April 9) before the Derby with which to prepare for the longer distances (and added turn) of the Triple Crown season.

As the evening progressed, another of  Todd Pletcher’s purported contenders, Sam F. Davis winner Brethren, was sent to post assumed to be the class of the field in the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby.  Instead a pair of longshots in Watch Me Go (43/1) and Crimson Knight (86/1) handed the son of Distorted Humor his first lifetime defeat in what has to be considered a disappointing effort.

It wasn’t just that he got beat – he got beat after relatively pedestrian early fractions (:23.73 and :48.20) by horses whose class would not appear to stack up against the heavyweights of the division.  Brethren had soundly defeated Watch Me Go by 5 lengths in the Sam F. Davis stakes on February 12.  Like many, it looks like I may have wasted a spot in my Road to the Roses stable on Brethren.

Brethren - "I Am Disappoint"

As the saying goes, often we find that the best is saved for last – and that was certainly the case this weekend as attention shifted westward to Santa Anita for the Grade 2 San Felipe.  Premier Pegasus, the horse that my good friend Tencent has been heralding as his Derby selection since last Fall, was absolutely brilliant in cruising to a 7 length victory over what appeared on paper to be a very interesting group of horses.  In the process he likely stamped his ticket to the Kentucky Derby by virtue of picking up $150k in precious graded stakes earnings.

The son of 2000 Kentucky Derby champion Fusaichi Pegasus also served notice to Uncle Mo and the rest of the Derby contenders that there was a new face in town – and one that would appear to mean serious business.

The victory gives Korean-born trainer Myung Kwon Cho a chance to rise from the ranks of the relatively unknown to celebrity if he can continue to move forward and avoid any setbacks between now and May.  Premier Pegasus may have benefited from a hot pace in the San Felipe (opening splits were :21.75 and :44.58, respectively), but when a horse makes an explosive move like that in the turn and then opens up a veritable can of whoop-ass in the stretch, I think you’d be wise to take notice and give serious respect.

PrePeg, as his fans call him, was 7 3/4 lengths ahead of the late closing Jaycito at the wire, stopping the timer in the 1 1/16 mile San Felipe at 1:41.23.   He returned $16.43 for the win, as the betting public let him get away at odds of 7/1 at post time.

The PrePeg/Jaycito Exacta returned $24.30 and if you backed the good looking colt Bench Points on the bottom of the Trifecta you were rewarded with a payout of $201.60.  Pace factor Comma at the Top rounded out a Superfecta that returned $935.10.

Coming up next weekend is the $300k Grade 2 Rebel Derby at Oaklawn Park.  I may not have been posting as frequently this year for numerous reasons, but suffice to say the action this weekend has sparked the fire and I’ve done a bit of housecleaning this weekend as a result – including a new Derby Watch List page with rankings and race replays for the key Kentucky Derby prep races.  I’ve attached a screenshot of my latest rankings below (just click on the table below for an easier to read full sized image).


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Categories : Gulfstream Park, Kentucky Derby Trail, Premier Pegasus, Santa Anita, Tampa Bay Downs, Uncle Mo

Selections for Kentucky Derby Saturday

30 04 2010

After an amazing Friday that saw the valiant victory of Blind Luck catching Evening Jewel in the final stride at the wire in the Kentucky Oaks, attention now turns to the “greatest 2 minutes in sports” with the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.  Despite gorgeous weather on Friday storm clouds loom on the horizon for Saturday, prompting Churchill to already cancel morning workouts.

Obviously weather changes can cause havoc with handicapping selections posted a day in advance.  I make no apologies for the effects that  field decimating scratches may play with the picks that follow.

Before we begin though, let me just say this.  Typically I have fairly strong opinions going into the Derby.  This year, thanks to the injuries to horses like Odysseus, Endorsement, and of course Eskendereya – my opinions are nowhere near as strong as usual.  Complicating matters further was the odd post position draw that saw the top two contenders on the morning line – Lookin at Lucky and Sidney’s Candy – bookended on the extreme inside and outside, respectively.

Still, there’s only one Derby day each year, so without further adieu, let’s jump into the action. We’ll pick things up with the G3 Eight Belles (Race 6).

Race 6 – Grade 3 Eight Belles – 7 1/2 Furlongs

The opening stakes race of the day looks like a spot many will use as a single with Hot Dixie Chick.  There are a couple of horses capable of pulling the upset here, including the daughter of Indian Charlie breaking from the outside in the 7 hole, Visavis, and the horse drawn to her inside, Buckleupbuttercup.  Additionally, you’ve got the wily D. Wayne Lukas with Decelerator and the sneaky Rick Dutrow with Sister Resistor, who sports the kind of darkened form that should assure a good price on the board.  As much as I’d like a price to start off the day, I think this one turns out fairly obvious with Hot Dixie Chick getting the job done.

Selections:

  • #2 Hot Dixie Chick (1/1*)
  • #7 Visavis (4/1)
  • #1 Buckleupbuttercup (8/1)

Race 7: Grade 2 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile – 1 Mile (Turf)

A fairly contentious field awaits for the 7th.  If you follow along here, you know that I’m a guy who has never met a Tiznow he didn’t like, and that makes Tizaqueena attractive here despite the short 5/2 price.  Hot Cha Cha would be no surprise to see in the winner’s circle as she may be peaking at the right point in time for this.  Perhaps the most intriguing entry is Fantasia, who competed against the likes of Stacelita and Rainbow View in Europe last year.  Her tune up last out was quite impressive, and with Leparoux aboard I think she has to be respected.  I’ll give Diamondrella a small shot here as well – as she may be setup well if the race comes up on soft turf as expected.

Selections:

  • #5 Tizaqueena (5/2*)
  • #3 Fantasia (5/1)
  • #6 Hot Cha Cha (3/1)

Race 8: Grade 1 Humana Distaff – 7 Furlongs

Informed Decision will likely attract much of the attention in the Humana Distaff, but count me among those concerned by the seasonal debut in which she was defeated by Dr. Zic and Dubai Majesty.  She’s going to be a very short price, but I don’t think she’s anywhere near as bulletproof from an exotic betting standpoint as Hot Dixie Chick is in Race 6.  I’m going to be playing Warbling here as my top play, who comes off three consecutive fairly strong performances and picks up the services of Ramon Dominguez.  Warbling is listed at 8/1 compared to 2/1 on Informed Decision – so it’s a value play all the way.  I may have loved Informed Decision in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint last fall, but I’m not feeling as confident here.  You could honestly make a case for the entire field in the underneath positions of your exotics, even though I settled on likely pace player Dr. Zic,  so “…bet on who you will.”

Selections

  • #2 Warbling (8/1)
  • #3 Informed Decision (2/1*)
  • #1 Dr. Zic (9/2)

Race 9: Grade 2 Churchill Downs

Another interesting field awaits for the Churchill Downs Stakes. The theme for this race if your alive in the exotics is “Staying Alive.”  Several of last year’s top male sprinters have returned, including Munnings, Musket Man, and Kensei along with “now horses” like Wall Street Wonder, Warrior’s Reward, and Atta Boy Roy.  Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see any of these win, so this looks like a race you’ve got to spread a bit on in the Pick 4 and Pick 6 sequences for some coverage.  My gut tells me that Wall Street Wonder and Warrior’s Reward are in the best shape right now, but I wouldn’t advise leaving any of the previously mentioned contenders off your tickets. Accredit is another you have to keep an eye on – especially if the race comes up sloppy.  I’ll be covering 3, 7, 9, 12, and 13 in my Pick 4 wager, if that’s any indication.

Selections:

  • #7 Warrior’s Reward (4/1)
  • #3 Wall Street Wonder (12/1)
  • #11 Kensei (10/1)

Race 10: Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic – 1 1/16 Miles (Turf)

Another race with an opportunity to select a martial sounding horse.  I’ve already taken Warbling and Warrior’s Reward in the preceding races, so it’s probably no surprise that I’m on Battle of Hastings in the Woodford Reserve.  The son of Royal Applause hasn’t found the winner’s circle since last July, but he’s a fighter who is making the ever-intriguing 3rd start since his last layoff.  I’m also a Court Vision fan, so I’ve got to give him a chance as well.  Blues Street is another one I think you have to consider coming off 4 straight victories.  The x-factor of the race?  How about Loup Breton?  His form was darkened last out, but prior to that he seemed to be on his way to becoming fairly useful.  As for fan favorite General Quarters?  I’d use him underneath, but not on top.

Selections:

  • #5 Battle of Hastings (5/1)
  • #3 Court Vision (9/5*)
  • #7 Blues Street (6/1)

Race 11: Grade 1 Kentucky Derby  - 1 1/4 Miles

Well, here we are folks. If you’re a racing fan, you think about this moment 365 days a year – and now it’s here once again.  Twenty horses…$2 million on the line in purse earnings…a lifetime of fame, glory, and honor.  In just a few short hours, a 3-year-old will stamp themselves firmly atop the division by winning the marquee race of the year.  Who will it be?

Because of the anticipated forecast, I think you have to start with the horses in the lead.  Most likely that will include Line of David and Conveyance.  If these two hook up, they should cook each other – although in the slop speed horses seem to hang on just that little while longer to make them formidable.  Perhaps the horses with the best chances will be those coming from the next flight back?   There’s literally a half dozen horses you could anticipate being in such a position.

As for those with off-track pedigrees, many are focusing on Stately Victor, Awesome Act, and Mission Impazible.  I think all 3 of those horses make a lot of sense.  As long as Awesome Act can get the distance, he’d be my top play in the race.  That being said, there’s two pairs any contender must deal with to earn the honor of wearing the roses.

The first pair is the two morning line favorites; Lookin at Lucky breaking from the rail and Sidney’s Candy breaking from the extreme outside in the 20 hole.  I don’t think you can “toss” either of these safely, though many will do so in favor of a better price.  Trainer Bob Baffert summed up Lucky’s chances best when he said they were “screwed” if they didn’t break well.  I’m actually more concerned with Sidney’s post though, despite the fact that he should at least break cleanly without anyone to the outside.

The other pair are what I would term the x-factors; the filly Devil May Care and the horse who has seemingly stolen some of the Irish luck – Paddy O’ Prado.

We could go a million ways in this race.  At the end of the day I do think Awesome Act will be a force on the sloppy track, should that condition arise as expected.  Steve Haskin has noted the excellent off-track pedigree of Stately Victor, and by all accounts the colt has worked well enough to be considered in the mix.  Lastly, despite his seemingly turf/synthetic preference in his profile, I’m going to take a shot with Paddy O’Prado, who has worked well in preparation for the big show.

Like I said, ultimately I think Lucky and Sidney are the most talented – so play against them at your own risk - but from those post positions you won’t hear me argue with anyone who plays against them.  I’m leaving them out of my top selections below, but don’t think for a moment that I won’t have them in my picks somewhere.

Last but not least – you’ve got to to something with Super Saver, right? I mean, it is Calvin Bo-rail and from his post position draw he may well find himself in perfect position as the field begins the turn for home.

Drum roll, please…

Selections:

  • #16 Awesome Act (10/1)
  • #6 Stately Victor (30/1)
  • #11 Devil May Care (10/1)

Best of luck to everyone – and may all of your Derby wagers be signers!  :)


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Categories : Awesome Act, Churchill Downs, Handicapping Selections, horse racing, Horse Racing News, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Derby Trail, Lookin at Lucky, Mission Impazible, Triple Crown, Triple Crown Coverage

Selections for Kentucky Oaks Day

29 04 2010

Derby weekend is FINALLY here!  Before we get too caught up in the actual Derby madness – there’s a fantastic card of racing for Friday to take in first.  Not only do we get the Oaks, but also 5 other stakes races as well – including the return of the defending Horse of the Year in Rachel Alexandra in the Grade 2 La Troienne (and her new nemesis, Zardana).

The weather figures to be mild for Oaks Friday, although storm clouds are expected for the Derby on Saturday.  If you’re interested in putting your opinion on the line – take a few moments to fill out our Win-Place-Show pool for the TBA over on Google Docs.  It’s a standard mythical $2 across-the-board setup with one horse in each race.

Anyhow, let’s jump right into the thick of things, shall we?

Rachel Alexandra, the defending Horse of the Year, returns against newfound nemesis Zardana in the G2 La Troienne on Friday

Race 6: Grade 2 La Troienne (1:26 PM ET) – 1 1/16 Miles

A heavyweight bout of epic proportions: Zardana vs. Rachel – Round 2!  If team Rachel tries to gun for the front again, I think they are in trouble.  There’s “speed” on the inside (#1 Be Fair), and to her outside (#5 Unrivalled Belle and #6 Distinctive Dixie).  I’d much prefer a stalk and pounce trip the way she demonstrated in the Haskell and Mother Goose last year.  This one looks like a two-horse race between Zardana and Rachel – and it will likely take all the defending Horse of the Year has to make amends.  On the plus side, she’s supposedly training better - and it’s good she has a race under he belt, but Zardana will not be intimidated and must be reckoned with in the stretch.

Selections:

  • #4 Rachel Alexandra (3/5*)
  • #3 Zardana (3/1)
  • #5 Unrivaled Belle (5/1)

Race 7: Grade 3 Kentucky Juvenile Stakes (2:10 PM ET) – 5 Furlongs

Two-year-old Juvies.  Looks like a field that has some talented runners who ran well in their debuts.  What I see here is a wealth of speed, and while I know we’re only going 5 furlongs, the feeling is that it sets up well for Lou Brissie to come from just off the battle up front and pass them all in deep stretch.  I know Twelve Pack Shelly (beyond the cool name) has the outrageous speed figure for the debut, but that  was against Laurel Park maidens, so I’ll make her beat me if I can (lord knows with a name like that she could drink me under the table anyways).

Selections:

  • #2 Lou Brissie (5/1)
  • #9 Twelve Pack Shelly (3/1)
  • #4 Weekend Wildcat (12/1)

Race 8: Grade 3 Churchill Downs Turf Sprint (3:04 PM ET) – 5 Furlongs (Turf)

Chamberlain Bridge is lethal at this distance (10 wins in 19 starts), but was handled by Silver Timber last out.  Get the feeling this one comes down to these two as well.  Longer odds horses with a shot here include Starfish Bay, Formidable, Heavenly Chorus, and Mitigation (I seldom toss any horse Alan Garcia is aboard).  Oh, and do not the presence of Garrett Gomez on #8 Barge as well.  Feels like a race I’d like to take a chance on with a longer priced horse, but I still think it comes down to the obvious 2 when all is said and done, and I’ll give the edge to Chamberlain Bridge on the slight cutback in distance.

Selections:

  • #3 Chamberlain Bridge (5/2)
  • #6 Silver Timber (2/1*)
  • #9 Formidable (12/1)

Race 9: Grade 3 Alysheba Stakes (3:54 PM ET) – 1 1/16 Miles

Hard for me to be objective here.  On the one hand my 2009 Kentucky Derby pick Friesan Fire is here, as is my old pal Bullsbay for Graham Motion.  Obviously the bull needs some pace to run at, but there’s not a lot here.  Friesan Fire , Enriched,  and Cool Coal Man could all factor into the pace equation.  Bullsbay has been off since the Clark (G2) last November, but c’mon – I can’t pick against my boy here.  Like I said, hard to be objective for me.

Selections:

  • #6 Bullsbay (6/1)
  • #4 Cool Coal Man (4/1)
  • #2 Friesan Fire (7/2*)

Race 10: Grade 2 American Turf Stakes (4:47 PM ET) – 1 1/16 Miles (Turf)

The story behind the scenes for the American Turf is the entry of Setsuko, who would’ve been somewhat interesting in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday following his impressive 2nd place finish behind tepid Derby favorite Lookin at Lucky in the Santa Anita Derby.  Alas, while Make Music for Me  and Backtalk are in the Derby, Setsuko is here.  You may remember this guy from my initial KY Derby watch list in early February.  Two other horses I really like in this spot are Workin For Hops, who has won 3 of 4 lifetime and figures to get a decent trip if he isn’t hindered by the outside post in the 11 hole, and Doubles Partner, who could offer some value on the return to dirt with Garrett Gomez aboard.

Selections:

  • #11 Workin For Hops (12/1)
  • #6 Doubles Partner (10/1)
  • #1 Setsuko (4/1)

Race 11: Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks (5:45 PM ET) – 1 1/8 Miles

The feature race of the day may well be the best betting opportunity as well.  Most of the attention will rightly focus on Blind Luck, whom I think would make even more sense than Devil May Care in the Derby, but I digress.  That being said, there’s another horse in here I’m extremely fond of – It’s Tea Time.  I gave this horse out as my pick for the Ashland at the beginning of April during a chat on the Iron Maidens Thoroughbreds website (a great spot for horse racing fans, I might add).  I was mildly ridiculed at the time – but I suspect this daughter of Dynaformer earned some respect when she almost nailed Evening Jewel at the wire.  I know she can get the distance of the Oaks.  What I don’t know is how she’ll like the dirt?  This much is certain – she’s my favorite 3-year-old filly at the moment, so you know I’m backing her all the way.

Selections:

  • #1 It’s Tea Time (10/1)
  • #5 Blind Luck (6/5*)
  • #11 Evening Jewel (10/1)

That’ll do it for our Oaks picks – check back tomorrow afternoon/evening for our picks for each of the major races this Saturday – including the Kentucky Derby.   Best of luck to all.


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Categories : Churchill Downs, Handicapping Selections, horse racing, Horse Racing News, Kentucky Derby Trail, Rachel Alexandra

2010 KY Derby Madness Begins – The Bladensburg Races

26 04 2010

Surprise, surprise – another Derby week dawns and another round of shocking news and updates is not far behind.  The updates themselves are surprising – Eskendereya out of the Kentucky Derby – but the notion that such events will unfold this time of year should not be so.  Yet, we seem to do this with alarming regularity – running around in a collective Chinese fire drill as highly touted horses scratch from the list of Derby starters.

In 2009, this came in the form of scratches to favorites Quality Road and I Want Revenge (with the latter occurring on Derby morning and thus being excusable for having caused sudden onset fits of panic).  Now we’re back in familiar territory in 2010 with the announcement on Sunday that Eskendereya is out of the Derby.

Note: no worries – it doesn’t appear that Der Fuhrer has yet received word of Eskendereya’s injury.

The change makes the race more interesting – no doubt about that – but does it make the race any more “wide open” than it already was (or wasn’t, depending upon your perspective)?

It’s not like Eskendereya was going to wire the field, and that his scratch drastically alters the pace setup.  We know we’ve still got speed horses in this race ranging from Conveyance to Line of David to American Lion.  Even the highly regarded Sidney’s Candy has shown proficiency for being on the lead – even if the supposition is that he will attempt to stalk on Saturday.

The way I see things, all we’ve done is removed one layer of uncertainty from the tangled web of Derby week drama.  Regardless of the pace setup, you’re either going to accept one of the lower priced, impressive horses form the West Coast in Sidney’s Candy or Lookin at Lucky – or you aren’t.

There’s ample reason to go in either direction for each horse.  Lucky obviously could use a little luck.  He’s the 2-year-old champion and there’s no question he’s a talented horse, but he seems to get himself into trouble every-so-often, which may not be a good sign on the eve of a field the size of the Derby.

Sidney’s Candy has blown away fields in California running wire to wire over the Pro Ride and turning in impressive late fractions along the way.  How often do we hear that the Pro Ride is really turf by another name?  Doesn’t that make it more impressive that a horse like Sid could wire fields the way he does?  He’s also a fabulous looking colt (and to let the cat out of the bag, I’ll confide here that he’s my wife’s top betting interest for the Derby).  He will, however, also have to do something he’s never had to do at this level or against this caliber of competition – pass horses in the stretch.

Make no mistake about it though – I think Lucky and Sidney are the two horses you’re going to have to beat if you want a Derby payday to remember.  They could well be standouts from a talent perspective when all is said and done.  That doesn’t mean they should be considered “locks” to finish 1, 2 in the Derby, however.

Looking over the rest of the field, I find myself intrigued by Awesome Act.  I don’t think he belongs anywhere near 7/2, but I was already looking at him to have an improved trip when I thought the monster we casually refer to as Eskendereya was still going to be in this race.  If Awesome gets a better trip, AND if he gets more fashionable footwear (dude had all kinds of shoe problems in the Wood), this could be a good ole fashioned British invasion (though technically Awesome Act is an American by birth, having been born in Kentucky and then shipped to England for training).

As Americans, we do enjoy a good British invasion every few years, don’t we?  Most folks think the one and only British invasion involved the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, but this is simply not the case.  It’s a topic I know all too well having grown up in rural Cecil County, MD – a target of not one, but TWO British invasions in our first half-century of existence (the first American casualties to have ever fallen under the “stars and stripes” having happened at nearbye Cooch’s Bridge in Delaware during the Brandywine campaign of 1777 – another American defeat hardly anyone has ever heard of).

Robert Ross - his "Awesome Act" in routing the Americans at Bladensburg left Washington, D.C. open to occupation in August, 1814.

In late August, 1814,  British forces under Sir Robert Ross assaulted American positions on the outskirts of Washington, D.C. at the lopsided Battle of Bladensburg.  The Americans were so routed by the redcoats that the ensuing retreat became forever known as “the Bladensburg races.”

Many reading this have no doubt never heard of Bladensburg or the action fought there – quite simply, with the exception of Custer’s Last Stand, we aren’t a people who like to celebrate our lopsided defeats.  We’re a much more victory oriented society.  We remember Gettysburg, Normandy, and Midway because “we” prevailed in those places.  At Bladensburg, it was our asses that got a royal kicking (quite literally).

The British, flushed with their recent success, advanced into the capital unopposed and set it aflame – driving president James Madison (and his wife Dolly) into the countryside seeking safety.  With the paths to Washington and Baltimore wide open, defeat for the tiny American republic seemed a foregone conclusion, but it was not to be.

Just outside of Baltimore, Major Ross was felled by the bullet of a sniper at the onset of the Battle of North Point.  With his death, the English were thrown into confusion and eventually driven from the field.  During the accompanying naval bombardment of Ft. McHenry at the mouth of Baltimore’s harbor, a young lawyer named Francis Scott Key would observe the cannonade and famously note with pride that on the following morning “our flag was still there.”

If Awesome Act were to somehow stage the upset this weekend – in effect he’d scatter the American resistance and send them fleeing for the safety of Pimlico (Baltimore/Washington) and beyond – rather like the running of the “Bladensburg races” nearly 200 years earlier.  Obviously I’m just having some fun with the possibilities here - as technically the colt is no more “English” than anyone who has vacationed in London or had their picture taken with Big Ben in the background.  I must confess though, ever since that Gotham victory, there is something about Awesome Act that I’m extremely fond of.   I wonder what his accent is like if he neighs something about aluminum?

At the end of the day I’ve got the wife jumping on Sidney’s Candy and the rest of the world seems to be on Lookin’ at Lucky.  I’m zigging when they zag and taking Awesome Act, and of course my good friend and fellow blogger Tencentcielo has been firmly aboard the Endorsement bandwagon since, well, since Radio Flyer came out with an Endorsement themed version of their popular red wagon following the Sunland Derby.

The million dollar question is – who are you taking?  I know Post Positions aren’t assigned yet and there’s still ample time for a million things to go wrong – but at this point you have to have some notion of which direction you’re leaning, and we’d love to hear about it.


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Categories : Awesome Act, Churchill Downs, Eskendereya, Handicapping Selections, horse racing, Horse Racing News, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Derby Trail, Lookin at Lucky, Sidney's Candy

The Sixth Sense – Kentucky Derby Rankings: 4/3/2010

4 04 2010

With only 4 Saturdays remaining before the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, it’s time to once again wade into the murky, otherworldly ether of the 3-year-old division of thoroughbred horse racing and attempt to find reason.  That task has become easier thanks to the HD broadcasts of the Wood Memorial and Santa Anita Derby on NBC last Saturday and the jaw dropping 109 Beyer earning performance of Eskendereya in the Wood.

The victory solidified the colt with the Egyptian name as the top contender and most likely favorite for the first Saturday in May.  That doesn’t mean it’s a slam dunk that Eskendereya will win the Derby. Remember, just last year we were in virtually the same position after I Want Revenge wowed us with an impressive Wood victory only to wind up being a late scratch on Derby morning. For now though, it’s clear that Eskendereya deserves to be considered the top of the class.

Of course, Eskendereya wasn’t the only show in town.  American Lion wired the field to win the Grade 3 Illinois Derby, and across the nation in California Sidney’s Candy turned in another brilliant front running performance that featured an odd, nearly catastrophic ride for the favored Lookin at Lucky.  Evidently Garrett Gomez went after Victor Espinoza (who was aboard longshot Who’s Up) after the race.

The victories by American Lion, Eskendereya, and Sidney’s Candy bring up another question for the 2010 Derby:  pace.  So far it looks like any number of contenders on the graded earnings list will be on-or-near the lead.  At some point that has to factor into the equation when ranking these horses.

That being said, I’m not sure if it’s going to matter, and there’s simply no way to ignore the dominating nature of Eskendereya’s performance.  Without hesitation, I move the colt above my beloved Odysseus in this, our sixth installment of the Derby rankings.

  • #1 Eskendereya

Monster performances in the G2 Fountain of Youth and G1 Wood Memorial establish the Todd Pletcher trained son of Giant’s Causeway as THE horse to beat in the Kentucky Derby.  Worthy favorite.  If there is a weakness, perhaps he will be more vulnerable with a hotly contested pace?

  • #2 Odysseus

I may be dropping him from my top spot, and a sub-par performance this weekend could leave him on the outside of the top 20 on the graded earnings list headed to the Kentucky Derby, but I’m loyal to my favorites – and there’s been something about this chestnut beauty that has stirred my emotions since I first spotted him after the allowance score at Tampa Bay Downs.  I’d prefer the Arkansas Derby be his final prep, but it looks like he could face Interactif and Aikenite in the Toyota Blue Grass instead.  God go with you wherever your travels may take you, big red horse!

  • #3 Lookin at Lucky

Like many, there was a moment in the Santa Anita Derby where I feared for the sport that one of our bigger 3-year-old “stars” was injured.  Thankfully, it appears that the son of Smart Strike came out of the race okay, although his jockey was a bit fired up.  Bob Baffert didn’t get the trip he wanted in the Santa Anita Derby, but the gutsy way  he fought back for 3rd after being nearly stopped on the track showed what this horse is all about.  He may be a bit crazy in the head, but he’s the kind of guy you’re always going to respect in a fight.

  • #4 Sidney’s Candy

It feels almost sacrilegious to rank a “speed horse” 4th on this list.  I’m sure there will be numerous folks pointing out the folly for having done so, without even reading what follows.  The fact of the matter is that I’m not putting this horse here because I believe he has the 4th best shot to win the Derby.  I’m putting him here because I think he has earned the right to be ranked among the top 4 horses prepping for the Derby.  It looks to me like the son of Candy Ride can answer the distance question, but the way the Derby is shaping up the pace scenario will likely be an altogether different story.

  • #5  Ice Box

Given the potential pace setup for the Kentucky Derby, it seems as though a Grade 1 winning closer belongs in the top 5, even if he was dusted by Eskendereya in the G2 Fountain of Youth in February.  He was “off slow” that day, and may be in better form now.  His running style, his experience against the likely favorite, his G1 prestige, and the likely pace outlook for Kentucky Derby 136 all suggest he belongs in the discussion.

  • #6 Mission Impazible

Rousing victory for the son of Unbridled’s Song in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby gives Rajiv Maragh something to think about with respect to the Kentucky Derby and Odysseus.

  • #7 Endorsement

The more I see of this colt, the more I like him.  Won the Grade 3 Sunland Derby in record time of 1:48.46 over Conveyance and Tempted to Tapit.  The  son of Distorted Humor seems to be peaking at the right time and I love his fast improving form.  Some question whether he is headed for a bounce in the KY Derby, and have suggested he’s just an inflated G3 winner (like Odysseus), but my gut tells me this is a better race horse than many yet realize.

  • #8 Awesome Act

Had the second worst trip of the day last Saturday (with top honors going to Lookin at Lucky) after being under a stranglehold from jockey Julien Leparoux in the early goings of the G1 Wood Memorial.  My guess is they were trying to force him to relax some early on.  A gorgeous looking son of Awesome Again, on his best stuff I think he’s a much better horse than what we saw, despite the thrashing the entire field took.  Jackson Bend, Schoolyard Dreams, and Awesome Act were fighting it out for the minor awards, and sir Awesome was able to hang on for show.  Needs a better trip to be a player in the Derby.

  • #9 Noble’s Promise

Will likely continue to be the Rodney Dangerfield horse of this list that gets no respect from outsiders.  In fact, I think he and Jackson Bend are the most routinely disrespected horses  of the entire crop, which is a shame considering these two give it their all each time they touch the track.  Yes, smart guys, I know he’s a son of Cuvee, but evidently someone has forgotten to tell this horse he doesn’t belong.  Over $700k  in graded earnings and a shot in the G1 Arkansas Derby up next.

  • #10 Interactif

Stays on this list because we need another off-the-pace type and he probably has as good a shot as any to win the Blue Grass this weekend and further solidify his graded earnings qualifications. I toyed with adding Setsuko to the top 10, but it looks like that one is “on the bubble.”  This colt could make some noise on national television this weekend.

Honorable Mention:

  • Blind Luck – likely Oaks favorite would seem to make some sense if they gave her a shot – she could probably beat many of these colts.
  • Jackson Bend – colt just keeps on hitting exactas – despite all the haters.
  • Pleasant Prince – 2nd place finisher of the G1 Florida Derby
  • Super Saver – will look for an improved performance this weekend
  • Drosselmeyer – Had a nice effort in the G2 Louisiana Derby
  • Dean’s Kitten – Not sure he beat anyone in the Lane’s End, but that was a 9 furlong Grade 2 victory.
  • Dublin – reunites with jockey Terry Thompson for the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby on 4/10.
  • Conveyance - was no match in the stretch for Endorsement in the G3 Sunland Derby.
  • Setsuko – closed well in the Santa Anita Derby, but may miss the graded earnings cutoff.  Was on our initial top list of the year.
  • Devil May Care – Todd Pletcher says the Bonnie Miss winner deserves to be in the discussion.

Up next up are the Grade 1 Toyota Blue Grass at Keeneland and the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park.  We’ll have selections for each race available by Friday evening.  Last weekend 8 out of the 9 horses we gave out in our Derby Fever selections wound up hitting the board, with two top choice winners (Eskendereya and American Lion) along with a 2nd choice winner in Sidney’s Candy.


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Categories : Awesome Act, Endorsement, Eskendereya, horse racing, Horse Racing News, Ice Box, Interactif, Kentucky Derby Trail, Lookin at Lucky, Mission Impazible, Noble's Promise, Odysseus, Sidney's Candy

Derby Fever – Saturday Prep Race Selections

2 04 2010

"Derby Fever" - the Dutchland Blitz apparently have it, how about you?

A trifecta of prep races for the 2010 Kentucky Derby await horse racing fans this Saturday afternoon.  The Wood Memorial and the Santa Anita Derby will be broadcast LIVE on NBC this weekend beginning at 5 PM (ET), offering a rare opportunity for the public to catch a glimpse of some of the more highly heralded Kentucky Derby contenders.  In fact, nearly half of the horses from our 5th installment of the Kentucky Derby rankings will be on display in the form of Eskendereya (2nd), Lookin at Lucky (3rd), Awesome Act (4th), and Sidney’s Candy (8th).

Last weekend’s broadcast of the Lane’s End (G2), and Louisiana Derby (G2) reportedly drew only “modest ratings” for NBC/USA’s “Road to the Kentucky Derby” venture, but I’ll remind critics that those races, while interesting, did not have the “star power” of the Rachel/Zenyatta fest a few weeks earlier, and were in fact a “first step” that we must take in building a lasting interest in the sport.  In other words: Rome wasn’t built in a day – so let’s not act surprised that masses didn’t show up.

This is going to be a long, sometimes painful and most certainly humbling experience as we attempt to grow the sport.  Still, I’d encourage racing fans to do all they can this weekend to drum up interest in our game.  We MUST capitalize on opportunities to bask in the limelight.

Moving on to the races themselves, we’ll start with the Wood Memorial from Aqueduct.

Grade 1 Wood Memorial – Aqueduct – Race 9 (5:12 PM ET)

  • #1 Most Happy Fella (15/1)
  • #2 Awesome Act (9/2)
  • #3 Eskendereya (5/1)
  • #4 Schoolyard Dreams (5/1)
  • #5 Jackson Bend (4/1)
  • #6 Carnivore (20/1)

A small, but interesting field awaits bettors jumping into the Wood Memorial fray.  I’ll say this up front, this probably isn’t a good betting race, as ESKENDEREYA is sure to get absolutely hammered at the windows and is without question the horse to beat.  Everyone knows I’m in love with Odysseus, but one of the more subtle things I’ve been doing in our Derby rankings is placing ESKENDEREYA just ahead of Lookin at Lucky.  I do that because in my heart-of-hearts, I firmly believe this is the best 3-year-old in training at the moment (despite my affection for Odysseus).

I see this race as pretty simple.  ESKENDEREYA will sit just off of the early pace, which should come from MOST HAPPY FELLA, and will get first jump on that one as the field enters the turn, looking to pull away in the stretch.  My guess is that they won’t ask the horse for all he’s got in the stretch, even if pressed, as they’ll have their eyes firmly set on a stretch run a month from now at Churchill Downs as the primary target.

If you’re looking to beat the favorite, I thought one colt had a fairly good chance here.  AWESOME ACT is an absolutely beautiful son of Awesome Again that I at first publicly dismissed prior to the Grade 3 Gotham.  I’ll never make that mistake again, as I think this horse has an explosive turn-of-foot that should give him a chance in any race, provided he has some pace to run at.  MOST HAPPY FELLA and ESKENDEREYA should provide that setup today.  The question, of course, is whether AWESOME ACT can catch ESKENDEREYA in the stretch? I’m not sure he can, but if anyone in this field could pull it off, it would be him.

As for the rest of the field, it would obviously be good for an Odysseus fan like me if SCHOOLYARD DREAMS were to run big, but I view him as being a bit outclassed at the moment by the top two runners here.  I could see him hitting the board for a minor award, but I’d be shocked if he pulled off the upset.

JACKSON BEND is a bit interesting here as this horse has been getting the “Rodney Dangerfield treatment” all year.  Disrespected as “just a Calder horse” and one who “can’t get the distance”, all this guy does is find his way into the Exacta each time he races.  Calvin Borel will hop aboard the Nick Zito trainee, who could be somewhat forgotten on the tote board.

Selections for the G1 Wood Memorial:

  • #3 Eskendereya (4/5*)
  • #2 Awesome Act (9/2)
  • #5 Jackson Bend (4/1)

Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby – Santa Anita – Race 6 (5:36 PM ET)

We head out west to beautiful Santa Anita, home of the 2008 and 2009 Breeders’ Cup Championships, for the prestigious Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby.  The field sets up like this (note: odds were not available as of this writing).

  • #1 Posse Power
  • #2 Thomas Baines
  • #3 Who’s Up
  • #4 Sidney’s Candy
  • #5 Setsuko
  • #6 Caracortado
  • #7 Lookin at Lucky
  • #8 Cardiff Giant
  • #9 Skipshot
  • #10 Alphie’s Bet

LOOKIN AT LUCKY has returned to his familiar stomping grounds after a brief foray over the dirt at Oaklawn Park in the Grade 2 Rebel.  We know the son of Smart Strike is a gutsy competitor who will be in every fight, and without question he is trainer Bob Baffert’s top shooter for the Kentucky Derby.  He’s got some decent horses line up against him here, but one gets the feeling he’ll find a way to will himself to the wire on top somehow.  The big question for his fans will be whether or not it winds up being the type of effort he can move forward from headed into the Kentucky Derby?  Only time will tell.

In the Grade 2 San Felipe, SIDNEY’S CANDY got loose on the lead and was able to set some fairly easy early fractions, enabling a wire-to-wire victory over the likes of CARACORTADO and Interactif.  It looks to me like the same thing might happen here.  The only other horse I could see perhaps pressing that pace a bit might be WHO’S UP, while LOOKIN AT LUCKY sits just behind whatever is going on between them.  If so, SIDNEY”S CANDY would seem to be a lock to hit the board, and the stretch run between the son of Candy Ride and LOOKIN AT LUCKY could be a good one.

SETSUKO is a horse I’ve had in my Road to the Roses fantasy stable since day 1, but who failed as the tepid favorite against ALPHIE”S BET in the Grade 3 Sham.  Even so, there’s something about this horse that I like, and I keep anticipating improvement.  Another move forward and he’s right there with the contenders, so hopefully he’ll offer some value underneath in the exotics.

As for the rest of the field, at one point in time CARACORTADO was one of my “Cris Carter” types that “all they do is win horse races.”  Now I’m not so sure.  I’m a bit unclear as to how Scarface stacks up against the bigger named horses at Santa Anita, and while he’s got a great shot to hit the board, he won’t be one of my top selections. That doesn’t mean he won’t be on my tickets, just that he’s not in my top 3 mentioned below.

Two horses who could offer some additional value are ALPHIE’S BET, breaking from the extreme outside (which did not hinder him in the Sham), and WHO’S UP, who has been working well in preparation for this effort despite the long layoff.

Selections for the G1 Santa Anita Derby:

  • #7 Lookin at Lucky
  • #4 Sidney’s Candy
  • #5 Setsuko

Grade 3 Illinois Derby – Hawthorne – Race 7

The Illinois Derby will NOT be shown live on NBC along with the Wood and the Santa Anita Derby, but I thought it was worth adding to the coverage here nonetheless.  The field sets up like this:

  • #1 American Lion (7/2)
  • #2 Stephen’s Got Hope (8/1)
  • #3 Boulder Creek (10/1)
  • #4 Yawanna Twist (4/1)
  • #5 Turf Melody (6/1)
  • #6 Dave in Dixie (9/2)
  • #7 Backtalk (3/1)
  • #8 Game Ball (12/1)

I’ll keep things relatively simple here, as I thought AMERICAN LION stood a good chance to take this field wire-to-wire in an otherwise paceless race (on paper).  Hawthorne is historically a speed favoring track, so if the son of Tiznow gets loose, this one could be over before it begins.  Of course, it goes without saying that I’ve never met a Tiznow I didn’t like.

As for the rest of the field, I thought you could make a case for BACKTALK, YAWANNA TWIST, and perhaps TURF MELODY here.  Needless to say I’ll be rooting for TURF MELODY since he comes from my main man Graham Motion’s barn, but I wouldn’t be shocked if any of these hit the board.  DAVE IN DIXIE is another horse I like, but he appears to have some bad luck and may be up against it here from a pace setup.

Selections for the G3 Illinois Derby:

  • #1 American Lion (7/2)
  • #7 Backtalk (3/1*)
  • #5 Turf Melody (6/1)

Best of luck to all!


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Categories : Aqueduct, Awesome Act, Eskendereya, Handicapping Selections, horse racing, Kentucky Derby Trail, Lookin at Lucky, Santa Anita, Sidney's Candy

The Fifth Column – Updated Kentucky Derby Rankings

28 03 2010

It gives me great pleasure to unveil our fifth installment of the weekly Kentucky Derby rankings madness.  The weekend saw the defeats of Discreetly Mine and Conveyance from our previous Derby ranking list, and the emergence of a potential fifth column of new contenders looking to close the gap between themselves and the leading candidates.

In winning the Grade 3 Sunland Derby, Endorsement proved our good friend Tencentcielo prophetic in his prediction from a full week prior.  Additionally, our buddy Gary Quill called Dean’s Kitten in the Grade 2 Lane’s End Stakes.  Over on Twitter, Valerie from Foolish Pleasure gave out Mission Impazible as the other Pletcher in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby.  Congrats to all of you on your fine selections.  As for me, my picks were decidedly le stinky: Ron the Greek, Conveyance, and Northern Giant.

Obviously not my best stuff, and needless to say when I return from a business trip to Phoenix this week, I’ll be looking to make amends in the Wood Memorial, Santa Anita Derby, and Illinois Derby this Saturday.

  • #1 Odysseus

In all truth is probably best considered a notch below Eskendereya and Lookin at Lucky, but this has been my guy since mid-February, so I have to keep him here until he gives me reason to think otherwise.  Two portents of impending danger this week were the decision to point the son of Malibu Moon to the Toyota Blue Grass at Keeneland and the big ride jockey Rajiv Maragh had aboard Mission Impazible.  The latter sets up a potential decision for Maragh that impact Odysseus greatly.  One last omen is that he will run into an accomplished turf/synthetic horse with a good late kick in Interactif in the Toyota Blue Grass on 4/10.  My eyes, my heart, and my gut still tell me this is a real race horse.  If he’s the horse I think he is, he’ll catch the earnings he needs in the Blue Grass to secure a starting spot in the Derby.  He doesn’t need to win, but he’ll need a good trip to keep his sharp jockey on his back.

  • #2 Eskendereya

The son of Giant’s Causeway absolutely dominated competition in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes.  Two of the horses he thrashed; Ice Box and Pleasant Prince, came back to finish 1st and 2nd in the Grade 1 Florida Derby this past weekend.  The colt gives trainer Todd Pletcher arguably his best chance at a Kentucky Derby in years.  Will likely be the favorite in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 3.  The Wood might come up tough, so he may be tested this weekend.

  • #3 Lookin at Lucky

Might be the best 3-year-old in the nation at the moment. Overcame a trip from hell to win the Grade 2 Rebel at Oaklawn Park.  Oaklawn has been the launching point of numerous 3-year-olds in recent seasons, including Curlin in 2007 and Rachel Alexandra in 2008.  This colt seems to have all the tools to be a Derby winner and more. According to the most recent news from Bloodhorse, he’s 90% certain for the Santa Anita Derby on April 3.  Will the moves from synthetics to dirt and back again be an issue, or is this colt simply too talented to be bothered by the shipping?

  • #4 Awesome Act

Remains my 2nd favorite 3-year-old on this list behind Odysseus.  Good looking son of Awesome Again has a potential showdown brewing with fellow top contender Eskendereya in the Grade 1 Wood Memorial this weekend.  The Gotham winner trained overseas in England for much of his career and was publicly dismissed by yours truly prior to his North American debut victory.  Now I consider him my Hard Spun of this crop (given that Odysseus is my Curlin, I guess that makes Lucky this year’s Street Sense as defending 2-year-old champion).

  • #5 Ice Box

Proves that this time of year is all about the what have you done for me lately approach.  Win a Grade 1 prep race AND show that you can come off the pace doing so?  That’ll give you a spot in the top 5 for now.  It’s noteworthy that he was crushed by Eskendereya in the Fountain of Youth, but he never really got a chance to get uncorked in that race.  If the Derby winds up with anywhere near as much speed as it looks thus far, this guy would have to be considered a player on pace alone.

  • #6 Mission Impazible

Rousing victory for the son of Unbridled’s Song in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby makes him the fastest rising horse on the list.  Yet another contender for the ubiquitous Pletcher barn in their quest for a first Derby victory.  The Louisiana Derby was a strange race to me.  It looked fast early and a little ugly late, but Mission Impazible was running well through the wire.  Colt gives Rajiv Maragh something to think about with respect to the Kentucky Derby and Odysseus.

  • #7 Endorsement

I’ll probably take some flak for being so generous here, but let me make the case for this horse, as I think another contender just tossed their hat into the ring before our eyes.  He won the Grade 3 Sunland Derby in record time of 1:48.46.  In doing so, he defeated one of our “Cris Charter” (without the “h”) types in Conveyance, and the popular Tempted to Tapit.  He’s a son of Distorted Humor out of an A.P. Indy mare (Charmed Gift), so I don’t think distance will be a concern.  Seems to be peaking at the perfect time to potentially make some noise.

  • #8 Sidney’s Candy

Will evidently have to deal with Lookin at Lucky in the Santa Anita Derby next Saturday, which might be a tall order.  Many question whether this horse can get the longer distances – especially if seriously challenged – but at the end of the day the son of Candy Ride is the San Felipe winner and did defeat Caracortado and Interactif in that race (despite setting easy early fractions).  As I’ve said from the start, could still be any kind of horse.

  • #9 Interactif

To many observers, this was the most impressive horse of the San Felipe, despite being defeated by Sidney’s Candy.  So far he’s proven over turf and synthetics, and usually that bodes well for a horse’s prospects at also being versatile enough to run strongly on dirt, but I’d rather know definitively going into the first Saturday in May.  Will go into the Toyota Blue Grass this weekend with a great chance to pull a victory over Odysseus on the synthetic Keeneland surface.  Just remember that at one point in 2007, Dominican beat Street Sense in the same race.

  • #10 Noble’s Promise

Without a doubt, the standout Rodney Dangerfield of our list.  Depending on how you look at him, he’s either a step away from having defeated Lookin at Lucky, or he’s a son of Cuvee that either can’t find a way to win the close ones and/or won’t get the distance of the Derby.  He seems like an overachiever to me, and he’s always right there in the mix.  Maybe folks forgot to tell him he’s just a son of Cuvee? Will face off against Dublin, Pulsion, and others in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby.

Honorable Mention List (in no particular order):

  • Pleasant Prince - 2nd place finisher behind Ice Box in the Grade 1 Florida Derby.
  • Schoolyard Dreams – if Odysseus is my #1, this horse almost had him in a fittingly epic photo finish end to the G3 Tampa Bay Derby.
  • Drosselmeyer – Likely not Derby bound, but put in a good run in the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby and could be a player for the Preakness.
  • Caracortado – is the world still yours, Scarface?
  • Super Saver – needed a race going into the G3 Tampa Bay Derby.
  • Dublin – reunites with jockey Terry Thompson for the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby on 4/10.
  • Conveyance - was no match in the stretch for Endorsement in the G3 Sunland Derby.
  • D’Funnybone – accomplished 1-turn horse being whispered as a potential Preakness candidate.
  • Dean’s Kitten - Not sure he beat anyone in the Lane’s End, but that was a 9 furlong Grade 2 victory.
  • Jackson Bend – another Rodney Dangerfield type who gets no respect, but will get a crack at Esky and Awesome Act in the Wood this weekend.

Coming up this Saturday, April 3 is a pair of prestigious Grade 1 races in the Wood Memorial and the Santa Anita Derby.  Also on tap is the Grade 3 Illinois Derby.


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Categories : Awesome Act, Conveyance, Discreetly Mine, Endorsement, Eskendereya, Handicapping Selections, horse racing, Horse Racing News, Ice Box, Intearactif, Kentucky Derby Trail, Lookin at Lucky, Mission Impazible, Noble's Promise, Odysseus, Sidney's Candy

Of Horses, Heroes, and Opportunity

26 03 2010

Blessings have been bestowed upon us, racing fans.  Not only is the weekend finally here, and along with it a duo of prep races for the 2010 Kentucky Derby, but also another chance at capturing a sliver of relevance from amongst the general populace.  Take Back Saturday returns, at least in theory, thanks to NBC Sports’ “Road to the Kentucky Derby” broadcast, beginning at 5PM (ET) on the USA Network.  One of our most popular racing personalities, Jill Byrne, will be helping to host the activities, along with former jockey Gary Stevens, Mike Battaglia, and a host of other on-air talents.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of Jill’s, and consider her one of the most insightful analysts out there who is capable of bridging the gap between experienced horse racing fans and those who are only novice players (or even first time viewers).  In other words, EXACTLY the right person for the job.  She’s got the charm, the wit, and all the intangibles necessary for the kind of presentation we need.  If you’re out there Jill, here’s hoping you knock ‘em dead.

"I'd just like to say, we're all counting on you, good luck."

Several weeks ago, you may recall the unmitigated disaster that was the NTRA”s attempt to offer live video streaming of the 2010 debuts of the sports’ biggest stars; Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta.  But you know what?  Lost in the shuffle and all the boo-hooing bloggers like myself did in the immediate aftermath was the fact that the NTRA actually rose from the ashes of that disaster like a proverbial Phoenix and wound up delivering a presentation that, at least in my humble estimation, was a quality broadcast whilst covering the Grade 1 Florida Derby.

We need to build on this success, “and that right soon.”

This isn’t just about the NTRA, or NBC, or USA, or even TVG or HRTV.  It’s bigger than all of that.  All around the country, famous race tracks are closing up shop, horses with impeccable blood lines are winding up in “kill pens”, and countless hard working individuals who have tirelessly toiled, often for meager financial reward, just to put on the show so many of us love are losing their livelihoods.  In the midst of the “great recession”, we must find an opportunity, and then persevere through thick and thin to exploit that possibility to the fullest of advantages.

So here we stand, in a familiar place not unlike that which we found ourselves several weeks ago.  We stand upon the precipice.  Below us are the rocks upon which so many hopes, dreams, and good intents have been splattered to oblivion.  If, however, we can summon the courage to gaze our eyes into the glimmering spectacle of the day’s setting sun, we might see a valley that lies within reach filled with the fruits of our labors – one in which our children and grand children will be able to proudly participate in this game that has changed so many of our lives, and given us all enough memories to last a lifetime.

As such, I’m calling on racing fans the world over to step up to the plate this weekend and attempt to make a difference.  Sure, we can sit back and continue to attempt to rest on the laurels of our Andy Warhol-esque “2 minutes of fame” each Spring in the Kentucky Derby itself, but if we can give folks a reason to care even more, and ensure that when they do get that stirring inside of them, and that hunger for more marquee racing action, that we are available to them, then perhaps those famed 2 minutes on the first Saturday of each May can serve as a stepping stone towards a hint of national relevance, rather than a denouement.

Back in my brief collegiate days (like Jeffrey Lebowski, I seem to have spent my time “occupying various administrative buildings” rather than applying myself as I should have, such being the idiocy of youth), I spent some time as a “frat boy.” If any of you joined a Fraternity or a Sorority in college, you may remember the insane season known as “Rush” that happened each year.  Each “Greek” organization trying to scoop up as many fresh recruits as possible to help sustain the future of their clans.

My group had a little saying during those times: EMGAM – “Every Man Get a Man”,  no exceptions.   I’m counting on all of you to do something similar here.  Give it the old “college try” and take your best shot at sharing our little corner of the sports world with a new and prospective fan.

There’s power in numbers, and if each of us can bring one new person into the fold this weekend, we just might be able to convince the networks that regularly scheduled horse racing broadcasts are a viable niche market.

I’ve spent the better part of 2 years now railing on ad nauseum about “Take Back Saturday” - and now comes the point in time where I need you all.  Really it’s more than that.  It’s not just me who needs you all – we all need each other for this one.   You know the drill.  Together we stand, divided we fall.  It’s showtime, peeps.  Of course, I realize not everyone agrees this is such a good idea.

Now lets’ get on with the selections:

Grade 2 Louisiana Derby (Fair Grounds – Race 10) –  5:48 PM (ET)

I thought the Louisiana Derby came up a little quick on paper to anticipate DISCREETLY MINE being able to wire the field as easily as he did in the Grade 2 Risen Star.  Instead, I’m turning my attention to a trio of off-the-pace runners who could be moving well late, and each at a juicy price.

RON THE GREEK is a horse I’ve liked since the season began, although evidently I goofed and left him off the honorable mention list in last week’s Derby rankings.  That was a mistake, he belongs in the hunt, and a win this weekend would move him up closer to Ice Box as yet another closer capable of turning the tables on the speedy types that have thus far dominated the Derby trail.

Another interesting horse in this race is STAY PUT.  The son of Broken Vow could be forgotten a bit on the tote board, despite showing obvious signs of talent late last year and early this winter.  It’s ironic that he actually finished ahead of RON THE GREEK in the Risen Star, yet is listed at longer odds on the morning line.  I wouldn’t sell this guy short – he might wind up being a better horse than ‘Ron when all is said and done.  If nothing else, he’s got just a good a chance.

Lastly, I thought Nick Zito’s FLY DOWN might be a sneaky play here.  Apart from a bad start in his debut, this horse has done all he’s been asked to do, and he could get first jump at whatever pace RON THE GREEK and STAY PUT are closing into courtesy of DISCREETLY MINE.

Of course, if the front runner does get loose, the whole thing is academic.

Two other horses worth considering for the exotics would be DROSSELMEYER (who has to break from all the way out in the 13 hole), and A LITTLE WARM, who has some impressive speed figures but will be stretching out beyond a mile for the first time.

Selections:

  • #6 Ron the Greek (6/1)
  • #9 Stay Put (10/1)
  • #7 Discreetly Mine (7/2*)

Grade 2 Lane’s End (Turfway Park – Race 9) – 5:12 PM (ET)

The Grade 2 Lane’s End kicks things off for the day at Turfway Park and features a field of 10 runners travelling 9 furlongs over the main track, in search of much needed graded stakes earnings from the $500k purse that is up for grabs.  I thought this race looked a little too obvious on paper, with CONNEMARA coming up as the obvious selection.  Todd Pletcher has been having a sensational season with his bevy of 3-year-olds this year, and this appears to be a good spot for the son of Giant’s Causeway.  He’s the one to beat and should get a chance to renew his rivalry with the speedy RANGER HEARTLEY in the stretch.  These two have banged heads 3 times already, with CONNEMARA getting the best of RANGER HEARTLEY twice.

For those looking to catch a better price than CONNEMARA is sure to offer, consider using the other Giant’s Causeway colt in this race, NORTHERN GIANT.  The D.Wayne Lukas trainee was whipped by Discreetly Mine and others in the debut, but made up roughly 20 lengths against that rival last out in the Grade 2 Risen Star.  Yes, it took him six tries to break the maiden,  but he also ran into Stay Put along the way.  I thought his 3rd place finish in the Risen Star was a sign of talent, and this could be a guy improving at just the right time.

I must take a moment to pause and note that RANGER HEARTLEY is named in honor of a fallen hero, Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Hartley, who was killed in action when his vehicle encountered a roadside bomb in Khargulia, Iraq on 4/8/08 during Operation Iraqi Feedom.  I think it’s appropriate to share an image of the real Ranger Hartley, as I think the man should be remembered whenever the horse named in his honor is discussed.

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey L. Hartley - heroic namesake of the horse "Ranger Heartley"

Sue Dowling, credited with selecting the name, has done a great service to the memory of her nation’s fallen heroes.  I happen to concur with her assessment that names can be more than just trivial details.  If I hadn’t already told you this, Amy and I actually named our first born son after a fallen soldier as well for the same reasons –  to honor his memory, and in the hope that somehow our son might acquire some of those qualities that set his namesake apart as a man amongst men.

The hero we chose?  Delta Sgt. Randall Shughart, killed in action in Somalia in 1993.  What’s left of Randy Shughart, who along with Gary Gordon became the first posthumous Medal of Honor winners our nation had recognized since the Vietnam War, is buried not far from us in the cemetary at Carlisle, PA.  A picture of the gravesite that my parents took hangs on the wall in our house, as a reminder of the terrible price a chosen few are called to pay “that their nation might live.”

I’ve secretly held onto the notion for years that if I eve got a chance to name a thoroughbred, I’d likely name him “Shughart” in Randy’s honor.  Honestly, is it possible for those of us who have never had to shoulder a weapon or endure such horrors ever do enough to properly recognize those who have?  I think not – but I’m damn glad there men out there like Jeffrey Hartley and Randy Shughart who do so, and I’m damn proud to be able to call them countrymen.

For this reason, regardless of where my selections wind up – I’ll be rooting for RANGER HEARTLEY with everything I have.

“…Tho’ all the world betrays thee, one sword at least thy rights shall guard, one faithful harp shall praise thee.”

– The Minstrel Boy by Thomas Moore

Didn’t mean to dampen the mood – just thought that story had to be told.

Selections:

  • #1 Connemara (7/5*)
  • #7 Northern Giant (5/1)
  • #5 Ranger Heartley (6/1)

Best of luck to all of you.

If you get a chance, take a moment to stop over and say hello to our newest members of the TBA.

(and don’t forget – “EMGAM”, and say a little prayer for the family of the real Ranger Hartley and others who have suffered for us so that we can enjoy moments like the Triple Crown chase in relative peace and harmony)


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Categories : Handicapping Selections, horse racing, Horse Racing News, Kentucky Derby Trail

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