Preakness Day Selections

15 05 2009

It’s hard to believe that the second jewel of the Triple Crown is already upon us.  From a week that began with the Alibi Breakfast festivities, we’re now through the Black Eyed Susan, and all attention turns to the Preakness. After bringing home two chalk heavy Pick 4 plays at Pimlico Race Course on Friday, I’m jumping right back into the fray with an exhaustive look at the major races that comprise the Preakness Day card on Saturday.   A marathon of 13 races presents itself, culminating in the 134th running of the Preakness Stakes.  It’s a day that could be filled with history, as Rachel Alexandra looks to defy the odds and become the first filly to win the Preakness since Nellie Morse way back in 1924. 

Two years ago in 2007, my life changed when I watched a brilliant colt named Curlin take center stage and announce to the world that a new star was born.  Might a similarly life changing event be waiting for us just hours away?  Only time will tell.

Much like the Black Eyed Susan picks, I’ll skip the opening races on the day and instead focus on the two Pick 4 sequences.  This is in the interest of time since it’s already 9 PM here in Pennsylvania as I begin writing this.  With any luck we’ll do as good as we did Friday on Black Eyed Susan Day, only hopefully this time we’ll catch some better prices along the way. :)

Race 5:  Alw 26000 N1X (12:26 ET)

  • #2 Schleprock (4/1)
  • #7 Habitual (5/2*)
  • #11 Chancellery (9/2)

We kick things off in the early Pick 4 with a full field of 12 runners routing 1 1/16 miles over the Pimlico turf.   There’s not a lot of speed in this race, but turf races tend to come down to “cavalry charges” at the end, where the horse picking ‘em up and putting ‘em down the best in the final few jumps finds it’s way to the winner’s circle.  For that reason, I went with #2 Schleprock as the top choice.  He’s got 2 recent victories routing over the grass and is technically dropping slightly in class going from the $37k  N1X ranks down to the $26k N1X level.   With Edgar Prado in the saddle for trainer Michael Pino, this guy looks the one to beat.  #7 Habitual is actually listed at lower odds (5/2) on the morning line than Schleprock.  You have to look back a couple of races to see why, but this son of former Kentucky Derby champion Monarchos has proven to be a capable turf runner.  On his best stuff he can certainly get the job done.  #11 Chancellery will have to get things done from the outside, but he’s been improving and has run a couple of decent races in his career over the Pimlico lawn.   Another horse that warrants some attention in here is #4 Been Awhile, who took 7 chances to break his maiden, but then promptly defeated N2L claimers at first asking.  Perhaps the light bulb has switched on?

$1 Early Pick 4: 

2,7,11/ 3,9,10,11/ 8/ 3,6,7  = $36

 

Race 6: The Deputed Testamony (1:07 ET)

  • #11 Sumacha’hot (2/1)
  • #9 Belle’s Broker (6/1)
  • #3 Norjac (5/2)

Things get a bit deeper when we wade into Stakes territory with the 2nd running of The Deputed Testamony (which for some reason I always want to type as “the Disputed Testimony“), a 1 1/16 mile race over the Pimlico main track.  #11 Sumacha’hot would be a much stronger play if he hadn’t drawn such an outside post position.  As such, and despite his very usable dirt form in recent history, you’ve got to include other runners on the Pick 4 ticket here.  #9 Belle’s Broker has the look of a horse who may get overlooked on the tote board.  He definitely knows how to find the winner’s circle, and he’s run pretty well at both this distance and on the local track.  He was favored last out before being checked, which may have cost him the race.  A bounce back effort puts him right in contention today.  #3 Norjac must answer questions regarding his ability to stretch out and get the distance of the Deputed Testamony, but if is able to handle the chore, than he’s clearly a player as well.  Two other horses I think warrant consideration in here are #10 Furrariat, who might be ready for a breakout performance, and the speedy inside runner, #1  Out to Please.  Ultimately I didn’t think the inside speed runner “classed up” on paper enough to include in the Pick 4, but I wouldn’t count him out of the single race exotics.  Of course, I could also make a bit of a case for #3 Take Down Two getting Garrett Gomez in the saddle, so this might be a good race to spread fairly deep.  #7 Court Bland will be charging late, and has a decent chance to hit the bottom of the Trifecta and Superfecta.

 

Race 7:  The Grade 3 Gallorette (1:55 ET)

  • #8 Dynaforce (4/5*)
  • #2 All Is Vanity (9/2)
  • #3 Shytoe Lafeet (10/1)

We move into graded stakes territory with the 58th running of the Grade 3 Gallorette, going 1 1/16 miles over the turf.  #8 Dynaforce is the main attraction of this event, coming off a disappointing 8th (though only beaten by 4 lengths) in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf last October at Santa Anita to the super talented Forever Together.  This looks like a good spot for her to make his 2009 debut, as she’s the only runner of the field that can boast at having cracked the 100 Beyer Speed Figure threshold.  That being said, she’ll still need to bring his top stuff to prevail.  As a previous Grade 1 winner, she’s clearly the class of the field.  What handicappers must determine is if they are willing to trust that class off the long layoff and bravely single, or if they think a couple of other runners might have a chance to pull off the upset.  Obviously, based on my Pick 4 play a few races above, I’m going to be brave and trust that class edge, but you won’t hear me argue with those who feel otherwise….and their just might be some juicy value to be had for those who do attempt to beat the chalk.  #2 All is Vanity looks like the filly with the best chance to “class up” against Dynaforce in here.  She used a wide post position to put in a game run against Raw Silk in the South Beach back in April, and could move forward off that effort.  #3 Shytoe Lafeet is my longshot bomb chance for this race.  For one thing, I’m always fond of the Larry Jones/Gabriel Saez combo, especially with fillies and mares.  What’s more, this is a runner who has had excuses in each of the past two races.  I’m guessing that with a name like Shytoe Lafeet, all of the foot fetish folks out there in the world will be all over this runner.  If you toss those efforts, she’s got a little something under the hood and looks like a player in here to me.  Another horse I’d strongly consider using in the single race exotics is #5 Quiet Meadow.

 

Race 8:  The Grade 3 Hirsch Jacobs (2:35 ET)

  • #6 Despite the Odds (9/2)
  • #3 Not for Silver (8/1)
  • #7 Nuclear Wayne (4/1)

I actually had a chance to cover the 34th running of The Hirsch Jacobs over at Case The Race earlier this weekend.  I’m still sticking with my picks there.  I think this race has all kinds of speed, and the two horses that leap off the page to me are those from the white hot Michael Trombetta barn.  #6 Despite the Odds looks to be the better of the two, and is an improving son of champion sprinter Speightstown.  #3 Not for Silver is no slouch himself, and really I could see either of these guys passing the pace setters in the lane to score.  Another runner who could offer some value, despite being  only 4/1 on the morning line is #7 Nuclear Wayne, a fast improving son of Mineshaft.  Of the speed types, #1 Taqarub makes the most sense to me, but like I said, I’ll be playing against the speed here.

 

Race 9: The Woodlawn (3:44 ET)

  • #8 Affirmatif (3/5*)
  • #4 Beacon Hill Road (6/1)
  • #5 Colonel Rutledge (10/1)

The Late Pick 4 sequence begins with the 44th running of The Woodlawn.  We’ve got a field of ten three-year-olds going 1 mile over the turf .  #8 Affirmatif is the most intriguing of the field, despite this being only his 3rd career start.  The son of Unbridled’s Song is listed at extremely low odds of 3/5 on the morning line, but appears a worthy favorite on paper.  He’ll likely press the pace early on and then make his move before the field enters the final turn.  If he’s as good as he looks on paper, the race could be over right there.  #4 Beacon Hill Road was a mediocre looking runner until switched to the Jason Servis barn, where he’s promptly run his best career efforts in back to back stakes races.  A similar effort could put him right where he needs to be should Affirmatif fail to fire.  My longshot pick for the race is #5 Colonel Rutledge.  Not only do I love a good martial sounding name in a colt, but this one goes out for one of my favorite trainers, Graham Motion.  It’s hard to figure out based on his limited past performance profile if he’s a better dirt runner or turf runner.  He owns a win over the grass, but his better speed figures have been over the dirt.  I’m guessing that he’s an improved horse since that first turf effort.  That should show up on Saturday.  Another horse you’ve got to consider using is #1 Heros Image, who might be force to go quickly early on by virtue of breaking from the rail. 

$1 Late Pick 4: 

4,8/ 5,7,8/ 1,3,4/ 7,9,13 = $54

 

Race 10:  The Grade 3 Maryland Sprint Handicap (4:30 ET)

  • #8 Ravalo (3/1)
  • #5 Ah Day (5/2*)
  • #7 Celtic Innis (10/1)

Speed is the name of the game in the 23rd running of the Grade 3 Maryland Sprint Handicap, and #8 Ravalo has it.  True, his last two efforts at Aqueduct and Keeneland have left quite a bit to be desired, but this gelding has won an impressive 8 of 16 races at today’s 6 furlong distance.  I don’t think that can be ignored.  He’s breaking from the outside ,but should be able to get the lead and then shift over to save ground.  Speed tends to hold quite well at Pimlico, so he should be a force if he does indeed get loose up front.  #5 Ah Day shocked me by being 5/2 on the morning line.  I would have thought his recent darkened form trying to stretch out further might have increased his value.  Now we’ll be at the mercy of horseplayers to determine what price he actually goes to post as.  He should relish the distance change, and with Garrett Gomez in the saddle, this son of Malibu Moon could be quite a force for trainer King Leatherbury.  #7 Celtic Innis is another runner who seems to thrive at the 6 furlong idstance, and has done especially well at Pimlico over his career.  He’s been on the shelf since January, but at 7-years-old  it could be that he just needed to get his legs back underneath him.   Another runner that did not make my final selections that gives me some pause is #5 Torpedo Run, who exits 3 consecutive victories.  He’ll probably be the guy I’m sweating out the most if I do indeed leave him off the late Pick 4.

 

Race 11: The Grade 2 Dixie (5:13 PM)

  • #4 Kiss the Kid (5/1)
  • #1 Proudinsky (5/2*)
  • #3 Parading (9/2)

Ah, the Dixie…such memories.  It was in this race last year that my Pick 6 dreams came to a crashing halt when longshot Pays to Dream upset the late Shakis and others, and my despair was forever captured on film (that’s me in the yellow hat in that picture right next to the finish line).  Time for some redemption, and what do you know, the gods of horse racing have seen fit to provide me with a Lemon Drop to get the job done!  You know I love me some Lemon Drops!  #4 Kiss the Kid exits two strong Beyer performances, in cluding a win in the Grade 3 Appleton in March.  The victory was his third in 4 starts, having only been defeated by Kip Deville in that sequence.  Kip Deville is one of the finest turf runners in North America, and while this field is deep, it doesn’t have any true monsters like him.  #1 Proudinksy is a guy I never leave ff my tickets.  He ran on Derby day against Einstein, Cowboy Cal, and Court Vision in the Grade 1 Turf Classic, and comes right back two weeks later for trainer Bobby Frankel.  He’s always a threat on his top stuff, and the 1 1/8 mile distance of the Dixie seems to be his strong suit.  #3 Parading is likely the pace setter of the race, and could be handful if he’s allowed to gets too easy a lead.  There are others in here with designs on pressing that pace a bit, but his newfound early speed style should suit him very well.  #2 Monba and #8 Strike a Deal are also runners worth considering here.   Hopefully I won’t make it two years in a row being knocked out in the Dixie. 

 

Race 12: The Grade 1 Preakness (6:15 ET)

  • #13 Rachel Alexandra (8/5*)
  • #9 Pioneer of the Nile (5/1)
  • #7 Papa Clem(12/1)

So it all comes down to this.  The 134th running of  The Preakness.  Over 80 years of history are on the line!  Can Rachel Alexandra repeat the brilliance she demonstrated in the Kentucky Oaks two weeks ago?  Clearly the stakes have risen, and she finds herself in the deepest field she’s yet seen.  She’s drawn the outside, and will likely have to gun it from the start in order to save ground going into the first turn.  #1 Big Drama to the extreme inside also figures to be on the gas early on, creating a situation that might be ripe for the next flight of colts coming home.  That should include the group that finished 2, 3, 4 in the Kentucky Derby;  #9 Pioneer of the Nile, #7 Papa Clem, and #3 Musket Man.   Much has been made of Pioneer of the Nile either being of questionable quality or potentially “sitting on a big one.”  I tend to believe the latter of the two.  If not for that brilliant move by Calvin Borel to find the rail with Mine That Bird, Pioneer might have been Derby champion.  He should get a firmer surface to run over, and he looms the biggest threat to Queen Rachel’s attempt to achieve eternal glory.  The horse that I think is being most overlooked here is #7 Papa Clem.  What exactly did this guy do to deserve being ranked so low at 12/1?  Was he not less than a length behind Pioneer of the Nile?  He’ll be my longshot play, for sure.  I’m not really sure what to make of #5 Friesan Fire.   I probably gave him the “kiss of death” by making him my last minute Kentucky Derby selection just hours before the run for the roses (after the late scratch of I Want Revenge), and having met Larry Jones at the Alibi Breakfast, I can’t stomach being responsible for another miserable performance, so he shall be the official “horse I shall not speak of” for this race.   Truth be told, I think he’s a sneaky threat if he has indeed healed….I’m just not going to name him in my picks.  #3 Musket Man is a horse that has really earned my respect over the Triple Crown campaign, and I could see him getting back up into the money again on Saturday.   As for the longer shots on the board, call me crazy but Take the Points at 30/1 looks very intriguing.   What to make of Kentucky Derby champion Mine That Bird?  Well, you’ll never hear me disrsepect that horse again.  I’ve learned my lesson.  It’s just that without jockey Calvin Borel, and without the cool, damp climate that he seemed to thrive in so perfectly two weeks ago, I’m going to play againts him.  Besides,  all of that glorious value that made him famous in the Derby will now be gone thanks to being a household name.   I’ll be there to cheer for Rachel Alexandra, but I think she might be up against it, which is why I’m ultimately going to cover Pioneer and Papa Clem as well on the Pick 4.  

Preakness Selections:

  • $20 Win #7 Papa Clem
  • $1 Trifecta:  13/5,7,9/1,2,3,5,7,9,11 = $18

 

Best of luck to everyone.  I’ll likely be “tweeting” along with the action from the Turfside Terrace.  If you caught the action today on Black Eyed Susan Day, I was giving out paddock picks and other useful tips.  Needless to say my access to the paddock is non existant when I’m across the track in the Turfside Terrace, but I’ll be in prime position to watch the Preakness runners saddle.   You can follow along if you like from the link below:

http://twitter.com/kdawg68

Riders up!  :)


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Categories : Horse Racing News, Handicapping Selections, Triple Crown Coverage, Pimlico, Preakness, Triple Crown, Pioneer of the Nile, Friesan Fire, horse racing, Papa Clem, Rachel Alexandra

Alibi Breakfast recap

14 05 2009

“Preakness Thursday” can mean only one thing if you’re in the Baltimore area, and that’s the annual Alibi breakfast at Pimlico Race Course.  A tradition going back to the 1930′s, the Alibi breakfast is one of the best kept secrets of thoroughbred racing’s 2nd leg of the Triple Crown.  Owners, trainers, dignitaries, and fans gather to honor those who have made contributions to the racing industry, as well as to stir things up with some juicy talk about the upcoming Preakness.  For yours truly, it’s the one opportunity of the year to rub elbows with some of the bigger names in the sport, and attempt to learn inside information about the race that is the focal point of my entire year.

A poster showcasing the 2009 Preakness contenders from the Alibi Breakfast at Pimlico.

A poster showcasing the 2009 Preakness contenders from the Alibi Breakfast at Pimlico.

First things first, I was not able to fulfill priority #1, which was to meet “Team Rachel.”  Jess Jackson did not appear to be in attendance, nor was trainer Steve Asmussen.  Instead, assistant trainer Scott Blasi stood in for them.  While he may not be as well known from a household name perspective, he was the unsung hero behind the success of Curlin in ’07 and ’08.  He mentioned that the filly has looked amazing since he’d been with her and that they can’t wait to run her.  In a light hearted moment (the Alibi breakfast being filled with such moments), he answered a question concerning her outside post position in the 13 hole by saying “I just hope Calvin doesn’t forget where he is on the track and try to skim the outside rail.” 

One related piece of information that fans of Curlin will enjoy hearing is that yes, Pancho, the horse that travelled the globe with the 2007/2008 Horse of the Year has made the journey to Baltimore to be with Rachel Alexandra.  That can only be interpreted as a positive sign, as Pancho is highly regarded for having a calming effect on horses under his watch.  To many, Pancho is just as beloved as Curlin, which is really saying something for a horse that has gone almost completely unnoticed to the general public.   He’s a silent hero type.  Blasi mentioned during his speech that the connections of Rachel Alexandra do worry a bit about what might spook her or cause her to stress a bit.  With Pancho by her side, those fears have to be greatly reduced.  He’s a special horse in his own right, and his presence with Rachel makes me feel extremely good about her chances of running big on this, her biggest stage.

The table setting for the filly Rachel Alexandra at the 2009 Alibi Breakfast

The table setting for the filly Rachel Alexandra at the 2009 Alibi Breakfast

 

Assitant Trainer of Rachel Alexandra, Scott Blasi takes in the Alibi Breakfast in this rather unflattering photo.

Assitant Trainer of Rachel Alexandra, Scott Blasi takes in the Alibi Breakfast in this rather unflattering photo.

As for the big names in attendance, there were plenty.  Larry Jones was there to represent his colt Friesan Fire, who he said had many wounds from the Derby (his exact words were that some were inflicted by other horses while others were self inflicted).  He joked that he never expected the colt to run the worst race of his career on the big stage that is the Kentucky Derby (Friesan Fire finished next to last, beaten by over 40 lengths), but he appears healed up and ready to go.   Immediately after the ceremony, he was kind enough to give an autograph to my wife, which only enhances my high opinion of the man.  It’ll be a tremendous loss for the sport when he retires after this year.   As for the chances of facing the super filly, he mentioned that he had a filly who finished 19 lengths behind Rachel Alexandra earlier in the year, and that after the Oaks he thought to himself that 19 lengths really wasn’t so bad when up against Rachel.  For the record, I didn’t have the stomach to confess to Mr. Jones that it was my fault that Friesan Fire had run so terribly in the Derby, having anointed him as my pick  after learning of the scratch of I Want Revenge.

Perhaps the most amazing moment of the day for us was that we stood in the breakfast buffet line with the connections of Kentucky Derby shocker Mine That Bird, including trainer Chip Woolley Jr.   In fact, at one point Amy even tapped him on the shoulder and warned him that it looked like his wallet was about to fall out of his back pocket.  I’ve got to say, Mine That Bird’s connections cast quite the appearance, with their tall Texan cowboy hats, and they were consummate gentlemen.  During the ceremony, Woolley joked that he was unaccustomed to police escorts upon arriving to town, and mentioned that “the last time the cops were behind me, I went to jail.”  He also expanded upon his comments after the Derby indicating that he felt strongly that Mine That Bird’s victory was a “win for the little guys” around the world, and that while they were sad to lose jockey Calvin Borel to Rachel Alexandra, they were quite pleased to pick up the services of Hall of Famer Michael Smith.  

I must confess here that while I was not a very big Mine That Bird fan going into the Preakness, it would be something else to see these guys win.  They were arguably the most down to earth and easily approachable of those connected to the Preakness runners.  You can tell they are still beaming with pride, as Woolley signed our program with a big “KD 135″ under his name.  Yes indeed, Derby 135 shall always be theirs to savor.

Bennie "Chip" Woolley Jr., trainer of 2009 Kentucky Derby champion Mine That Bird

Bennie "Chip" Woolley Jr., trainer of 2009 Kentucky Derby champion Mine That Bird

Moving on, Gary Stute gave a heartfelt speech about how he had invited his father to see Papa Clem in the Preakness, as he worried this might be his last chance to do so.  Papa Clem is named after racing legend Clement Hirsch. Stute’s father is apparently not in the greatest of health.  He joked that he “insisted” his family come to see Papa Clem run in the Preakness, but that he had done so before he knew they were up against the filly.  On a side note, when first driving past the backside of Pimlico on our way in this morning, I saw Papa Clem galloping about (from the window of our moving car, mind you), and I thought he looked fantastic.   Personally, I think Papa Clem is being totally disrespected on the morning line at 12/1 (let me condition that by saying that yes, I understand that’s not the odds maker’s actual opinion and that it’s really just his prediction of how the betting public will wind up).  If the public does send this horse out at 12/1,  I think it’s a huge mistake.  Although it’s one I’ll try to capitalize on at the betting windows.

The moment that will probably stick out the most to those in attendance were the interviews with trainers Bob Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas.   Baffert indicated that he thought Pioneer of the Nile would get a good trip stalking behind the early pacesetters (assuming Big Drama goes from the 1 hole and that Rachel goes as well from the outside).   He also mentioned that he tried to purchase Rachel Alexandra at one point but that he was “too cheap” and couldn’t afford the hefty price tag.   He said that as a fan he was blown away by her performance in the Oaks.  Garrett Gomez will be aboard Pioneer of the Nile, and he looks to be one that could be sitting on a big performance.   I mentioned this on Facebook last evening, but there can’t be any doubt that he’ll be a part of the finish.  At 5/1 he’ll probably be the second choice when they go to post.  Baffert also mentioned that he went into the post draw hoping for the 9, 10, or 11 hole, and being as that they got the  9 hole with speed on both sides, he thought they were in good spot.

Lukas was the absolute highlight of the morning.  He started by discussing his two 50-1 longshots, Luv Gov and Flying Private.  He asked Woolley and the Mine That Bird connections for some advice on how to get things done at 50/1.  Then he offered that Luv Gov was named for former Governor Elliot Spitzer of New York, and joked that he had another filly named 9th Client.  In the end he said that he didn’t have any delusions of upsetting this field with a 50/1 longshot, but that he’s been in racing long enough to know that if you have horses that you think belong in the race, you might as well run them.  

An interesting tidbit for folks who are fond of Musket Man, for owners Eric Fein & Vic Carlson.  Mr. Carlson mentioned that while he likes his horses chances, he’d “probably be betting on him to show” against this field.  He also mentioned that his girlfriend (as a side note, Mr. Carlson and I seem to have a similar taste in women…just sayin’) advised that her lucky number was 3, so they feel good about the post position.  Personally I like this horse quite a bit.  It’s kind of hard to separate him, Pioneer of the Nile, and Papa Clem because they finished so close in the Derby.   He seems like a fighter though.  Plus, I love hearing his trainer, Derek Ryan, talk prior to races.  Sadly, I did not see him in attendance as I was hoping to get to meet him as well.

As for the rest of the field, the consensus seemed to be that Big Drama would be forced to go quickly from the inside post position.  A little birdie happened to mention to me that Big Drama has looked very impressive in their opinion while working out at Pimlico.  I know, I know, he wasn’t one of the horses I was going to play either, but just remember that last year the juicy piece of information I received from the Alibi breakfast was that Macho Again looked much better in training than his odds suggested.  I’m just throwing that out there (note, that juicy tidbit about Macho Agian is in the comments section of the post I’ve hyperlinked to from last year).

It also remains impossible to root against a horse like General Quarters and his trainer Thomas McCarthy.  By the way, in an interesting fact I had not heard before, it was revealed that McCarthy actually taught former NBA great Wes Unseld in High School back in Kentucky.  Unseld of course has deep Baltimore connections having coached the Washington Wizards (technically then known as the Washington Bullets) for years.

Lastly, if you’re looking to play a local angle, than consider that M&D Stables, who are sending out longshot Tone it Down (3rd in the Federico Tesio on May 2), are a Maryland operation through and through….right down to their silks, which are fashioned in the spirit of the Maryland flag.   Kent Desormeaux will be aboard Tone it Down, the same man who rode Big Brown to victory so brilliantly last year in the Preakness.

Overall, we wound up meeting, talking to, and getting autographs from ”Chip” Woolley Jr., D. Wayne Lukas, Larry Jones, Vic Carlson, and the connections to Tone it Down.  We also ran into some of the NTRA staff that I was privileged enough to meet last fall at the NTRA marketing summit in Las Vegas (and to my surprise, they remembered who I was – even remembered my name!).  Along the way we also managed to consume several Black Eyed Susans, making us the proud owners of 4 of the prized collector’s item Preakness glasses.  We would’ve made out with more, but that was all we could carry.

 

Autographs from trainer "Chip" Woolley (Mine That Bird), Larry Jones (Friesan Fire), D. Wayne Lukas (Flying Private and Luv Gov), owner Vic Carlson (Musket Man), and one of the connections to local entry Tone it Down

Autographs from trainer "Chip" Woolley (Mine That Bird), Larry Jones (Friesan Fire), D. Wayne Lukas (Flying Private and Luv Gov), owner Vic Carlson (Musket Man), and one of the connections to local entry Tone it Down

Prized collector's items - the official 2009 Preakness glasses.

Prized collector's items - the official 2009 Preakness glasses.

I also want to give a HUGE shout out to our friends Tex and Cindy from over at horseracing.about.com.   Without them, Amy and I would likely have never even attempted to take in an Alibi breakfast, and what an experience we’d have missed.   One final parting shout out here to Carrie Everly, the VP of Marketing for the Maryland Jockey Club.  I don’t know that I’ve ever met a host who makes us feel more welcomed anywhere in the world.  She goes out of her way to make us feel like we belong.  Carrie, if you’re reading this, please know how much we appreciate you.  The MJC is lucky to have a person like you in their employ. 

Alright….now I just need to rest off those Black Eyed Susans and get to handicapping.  I’ll be back later tonight with a full lineup of picks for tomorrow’s races on, what else, Black Eyed Susan day!  :)


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Categories : Horse Racing News, Triple Crown Coverage, Pimlico, Preakness, Pioneer of the Nile, Friesan Fire, horse racing, I Want Revenge, Papa Clem, Rachel Alexandra, Mine That Bird

Big Brown Rolls in the Preakness!

17 05 2008

Big Brown, the undefeated son of Boundary, rolled to a scintillating 5 1/4 length victory in Saturday’s 133rd Preakness Stakes to take home the second jewel of the prestigiousTriple Crown of thoroughbred horse racing.  All that stands in his way from a date with destiny (one that has been 30 years in the making for horse racing fans) is the Belmont Stakes 3 weeks from now.   I know where I’ll be – and if you want to be a part of history you’ll be there as well. 

I haven’t even watched the replay below yet.  Let me just say that from where I was watching, I didn’t even see jockey Kent Desormeaux use the whip.  I think he may have tapped him a couple of times at the top of the stretch very lightly, but that’s it.  The bulk of the stretch run was a coasting handride. 

Desormeaux had a tight hold of Big Brown early in the race as he chased Gayego along the backstretch.  When asked for his run, all it took was a few tugs on the reins and he left the rest of the field in his wake.  Folks, this horse could’ve won by a dozen lengths if he wanted to.  It was that impressive.  

The final time for the Preakness was 1:54.80, which is about 1.4 seconds off the track record.  I think this colt could’ve threatened that track record if they had wanted to.  The fact that Kent Desormeaux barely had to ask him for anything can only have saved some horse for the Belmont.  

The only hurdle  left would appear to be Casino Drive and a daunting stretch in the 1 1/2 mile Belmont, a stretch where we’ve seen other impressive colts like Smarty Jones and Curlin go down to close defeats.  I know that the next round of doubts about Big Brown will likely be regarding the distance of the Belmont.  Can he get 1 1/2 miles?  I think jockey Alex Solis said it best when he stated “He already has!” followed by a reference to Big Brown coming from the 20 hole in the Derby.  Well said, Alex.  I have a tough time envisioning any hurdle this colt can’t overcome.  It would indeed appear we have ourselves a tremendous shot at a Triple Crown winner this year.

As for the rest of the day, the wife and I were tremendously pleased.  We were hitting trifectas left and right.  We started off with a tough loss in the 1st race, which after the shellacking I took yesterday almost destroyed my confidence, but luckily we were able to take home the early Pick 4 (thanks to a saver by Amy in race 4 that I begrudgingly included in our ticket).  I got to cash my first Preakness Pick 6 ticket!  It was a meager $19 (consolation for having 5 of 6 correct), but I was still pleased considring it was only a $12 ticket to begin with.  The same 19-1 longshot that knocked us out of the late pick 4 also burned our hopes in the pick 6.  Oh well…I didn’t see that guy coming from a mile away. 

We had a fantastic view of the horses as they saddled for the Preakness.  I’m not sure what the hold up was but the other runners were on the track for a good 10 minutes before Gayego and Riley Tucker came out to be saddled.  I’ve heard that Gayego can be a handful, although I”m not sure if that had anything to do with it.

Kentucky Bear looked very impressive to me in the post parade, but unfortunately didn’t quite show up as expected during the race.  I think he’s still got room to improve though being so lightly raced.  Icabad Crane proved he was the “horse for the course” by rallying from 12th in the early going to get up for 3rd at the wire. 

Beyond that, I got to have some drinks with a part owner of Big Brown, and got to shake Kent Desormeaux’s hand after the race.  He actually walked right up to where I was standing as he was exiting the winner’s circle.  Pretty cool, huh?  Also got to meet a number of fascinating fans.  I’m telling you, the Turfside Terrace is one of the coolest places I’ve ever been.  The grandstand was posh and a good experience last year, but in my opinion the TT (Turfside Terrace) is where it’s at. 

Here’s some photos we took of the big day.  It was next to impossible to photograph the Preakness post parade from where we were due to the wall of people in front of us on the track.  In looking at these, I think we’d be disgracing the art of photography if we even called these “amateur-ish”, but nonetheless, here are a few of the sights we were able to save for posterity (click on the thumbnails to view full-size images): Read the rest of this entry »


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Categories : Big Brown, Horse Racing News, Pimlico, Preakness, Triple Crown, Triple Crown Coverage

Preakness Day Picks

16 05 2008

Pimlico muc on Black Eyed Susan Day

I snapped the picture above today at Pimlico while taking in the racing action on Black Eyed Susan Day.  The track started off absolutely saturated, and only progressed marginally to “muddy” conditions.  When I left at the end of the day (a gruelling 13 races later), the track looked relatively similar.  It’s going to take some serious sun to dry that surface up.  Thankfully the forecasters are predicting upper 60′s to lower 70′s with wind, sun, and clouds.  I have enough of the wet stuff for one day (and so has my lawn, for that matter!).

I’m probably the worst off-track handicapper in the world – especially when they move turf races to the dirt and half the field scratches.  You’d think that would make my life a bit easier, but it seldom works out that way.  Today was no different.  I think I had 4 winning plays the entire day, and ended up down a whopping $200.  Ouch! 

You know that can only mean one thing – time to take some hair off the dog that bit ya!

You’ll forgive me if I don’t give in depth analysis here.  It’s been a marathon handicapping the last two day’s cards and it’s already rapidly approaching midnight here on the East Coast.  I’ll Just jump right out and say that my Preakness prediction in 1-2-3 order will be:  Big Brown, over Kentucky Bear, over Hey Byrn.   I’m going to use Gayego and Macho Again for sure, and am still kicking around Ichabad Crane.   It’s going to depend on where I stand wallet wise.  Nah, who am I kidding – it’s going to depend on how many $6 cans of beer (yes, you read that right, it’s not a misprint) I consume.   The more inebriated, the more risky I tend to become. 

I’ll run down the rest of the card and give my top 3  picks here as well.  The late pick 4 looks especially formidable, even with the logical single on Big Brown.  The early Pick 4 didn’t seem quite as bad.   The tentative tickets I’m considering using are:

  • Early PIck4 (races 4 through 7): 1,6,7,8 with6,7 with1,2,3 with 1 ($24)
  • Late Pick 4 (races 9 through 12): 3, 8, 9  with 4, 6, 8 with 1, 3, 4, 7, 9 with 7 ($45)

Here’s my top 3 picks for each of the under card races:

Race 1:

  • #1 Road Show (3/1)
  • #7 Brush on By (9/2)
  • #3 Poppy’s Punkin (10/1)

Race 2:

  • #2 Media Play (6/1)
  • #11 Virginia Minstrel (4/1)
  • #3 Cryptogram (12/1)

Race 3:

  • #3 Suave Jazz (9/5*)
  • #7 Cognac Kisses (5/2)
  • #4 Starforaday (4/1)

Race 4:

  • #7 Red Gulch (9/2)
  • #8 Off The Glass (3/1)
  • #6 Wooded (10/1)

Race 5 – The Skipat Stakes

  • #6 Akronism (8/5)
  • #7 Drama Lady (3/1)
  • #1A Hold That Prospect (4/1)

Race 6 -The Gallorette Handicap:

  • #3 Roshani (2/1)
  • #1 Valbenny (3/2)
  • #2 Stormy West (3/1)

Race 7- The Barbaro Stakes:

  • #1 Roman Emperor (8/5)
  • #5 Da Tara (6/1)
  • #3 Spurrier (5/2)

Race 9 -The Hirsch Jacobs (G3):

  • #8 Force Freeze (2/1)
  • #3 Lantana Mob (8/5)
  • #9 Silver Edition (5/1)

Race 10 – The Dixie (G2):

  • #6 Stay Close (5/1)
  • #4 Shakis (5/2)
  • #8 Salinja (6/1)

Race 11 – The Dupont Distaff Stakes (G2):

  • #7 Buy the Barrell (6/1)
  • #3 Peach Flambe (7/2)
  • #4 Bear Now (5/1)   (Note: Don’t sleep on #6 Lexi Star at 15/1 either – she’d be my 4th choice)

Race 12 – The Preakness Stakes (G1):

  • #7 Big Brown (1/2)
  • #8 Kentucky Bear (15/1)
  • #13 Hey Byrn (20/1)

Best of luck to everyone.  Here’s hoping we get a Preakness for the ages and that all the horses and riders return safely. 


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Categories : Big Brown, Gayego, Handicapping Selections, Hey Byrn, Horse Racing News, Pimlico, Preakness, Triple Crown, Triple Crown Coverage

Thursday at Pimlico

15 05 2008

Had a rather exciting Thursday morning today at Pimlico.  I got to meet Tex Dulay and Cindy Pierson Dulay from horse-races.net.  Great folks – they made me feel right at home even though I was totally overwhelmed at the spectacle before my eyes.  It’s not often as a common horse racing fan that you get to sit in a room with so many distinguished names in the sport.  I probably looked like a deer in headlights.  Thankfully Tex was kind enough to make sure I knew who was who and what was going on.  That guy’s a bundle of energy – I can see why they are great photographers.  If I spot them on Friday and Saturday I’ll be something of a cheering section for them while they ply their magic.

I also got to meet Amanda from turfangels, who was wonderful to talk horses with. I’m ashamed to admit that I don’t recall having checked out her blog before, but now that I have I’m very impressed.  Let’s just say it’s an instant blogroll addition.  I’m especially fond of the mission statement:  “…dedicated to furthering the education of young racing fans. “ 

That statement got me thinking for a moment.  That really is what I started blogging for as well.  Just trying to reach as many folks as possible and share the love of the game.  I’ve got some more ideas on this now, having been inspired a bit by Amanda’s blog.  My friends at the Thoroughbred Blogger’s Alliance who have seen my latest email will know at least one of my half-crazed ideas for nurturing more fans of our sport.  I’ll have more on that in post sometime later.

So what were the highlights of the morning?  Well, I drank several free Black Eyed Susan’s – which means I also now possess a pair of the famed Preakness glasses the drinks come in.  It’s so awesome to see Curlin listed amongst the winners.   Ah, the memories!!! Last year’s Preakness…my god.  Oh to live life at it’s fullest and feel that rush once more!

The program for the breakfast featured a very passionate article about the “Street Fight in the Preakness” between Curlin and Street Sense last year.  Obviously I’ll treasure that forever. 

Chris Lincoln hosted the Alibi breakfast, which is a tradition dating back to the 40′s at Pimlico, and was very entertaining.  I’m told that’s usually the case.  He gives out a rather funny “rat bastard” award to trainers who aren’t there to give a rundown on their horse’s chances.  All of this in front of an Archbishop and the Little Sisters of the Poor, no less.  It’s all in good sport and very tastefully done. 

I really didn’t get a chance to snap any photos of note.  Don’t worry though – with Tex and Cindy on the scene, there are workout photos-a-plenty on their site:

http://www.horse-races.net/library/preak08-thursday.htm

I don’t know about you guys, but two horses stick out to me in those pics.  Big Brown obviously looks the part.  He looked that way going to post in Churchill and doesn’t appear to be any worse for the wear.  The other that really sticks out to me is Kentucky Bear.  Hey Byrn, Macho Again, and Gayego also look pretty good to me. 


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Let’s Meet the Preakness Contenders

14 05 2008

A field of 13 runners will compete on Saturday in the 133rd Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course.  The field is headlined by the Kentucky Derby winner and 3-year-old phenom Big Brown.  Only one of his competitors in the Kentucky Derby, Gayego, has returned to face him, and that colt will be breaking from the outside.  11 other contenders have drawn in and are set to give battle to the colt many think may walk away with a Triple Crown.  

Post time is 6:15 PM on Saturday, with national coverage available on NBC.  The second jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes) is a 1 3/16 mile race over the main dirt track at Pimlico.  $1 million in total purse money is up for grabs.  The track record for the Preakness is 1:53.40, set by Tank’s Prospect in 1985 and then matched by Louis Quatorze in 1996 and Curlin in 2007.  Many will also tell you that the great Secretariat either matched or broke that record, and controversy around the official time of Secretariat’s trip abounds even to this day.  The largest victory margin in the Preakness was an amazing 11 1/2 lengths by Smarty Jones.

The Field:

 #1 Macho Again

  • Odds: 20-1
  • Owner: Westpoint Thoroughbreds
  • Trainer: Dallas Stewart
  • Jockey: Julien Leparaux
  • Sire: Macho Uno (Holy Bull)
  • Dam: Go Donna Go (Wild Again)
  • Notes:  Winner of the Derby Trial Stakes on 4/26/08 at Churchill Downs.  Also boasts an impressive Allowance level win from earlier in February. Has never faced the likes of Big Brown and will need to bring his best on Saturday to factor into the money.  Macho Again was originally pointing towards the Ohio Derby until a recent decision was made to instead run in the Preakness.  The colt worked 4 furlongs in 50.80 on 5/10/08 at Churchill.
    • Macho Again breezes at Churchill on 5/10/08

 

 #2 Tres Borrachos

  • Odds: 30-1
  • Owner: Beau Greely, John Greely IV, Phil Houchens
  • Trainer: Beau Greely
  • Jockey: Tyler Baze
  • Sire: Ecton Park (Forty Niner)
  • Dam: Pete’s Fancy (Peteski)
  • Notes: Ran 3rd to Gayego and Z Fortune in the Grade 2 Arkansas Derby.  Has some speed and could be a part of the Preakness pace. Led the way for a while in the Arkansas Derby before finally fading to Gayego and Z Fortune, but held on for show honors.

 

 #3 Icabad Crane

  • Odds:30-1
  • Owner: Earle Mack
  • Trainer: Graham Motion
  • Jockey: Jeremy Rose
  • Sire: Jump Start (A.P. Indy)
  • Dam:Adorahy (Rahy)
  • Notes: Winner of the Federico Tesio Stakes at Pimlico, which makes him the “horse for the course” out of the field.  He stalked pace setter Mint Lane that day to triumph.  I got to see him live that day and he looked pretty impressive to me.  Of course, like many in this field, he’ll find the competition a bit steeper with the presence of Big Brown.  Also has a 3rd place finish in the Rushaway Stakes.  The colt worked 5 furlongs in 1:09.60 at Fair Hill on 5/9/08
    • Icabad Crane blows past Mint Lane to win the Federico Tesio Stakes

 

  #4 Yankee Bravo

  • Odds: 15-1
  • Owner: Richard Duggan, Bienstock and Winner Stables, and Harlequin Ranches
  • Trainer: Patrick Gallagher
  • Jockey: Alex Solis
  • Sire: Yankee Gentleman (Storm Cat)
  • Dam:Vickey Jane  (Royal Academy)
  • Notes: Has a win in the California Derby on his resume, as well as a third place finish in the Louisiana Derby behind Pyro.  Ran a disappointing 4th in the Santa Anita Derby most recently.  Colt worked 7 furlongs in 1:24.20 at Hollywood Park on 5/8/08.
    • Yankee Bravo finishes 3rd behind Pyro and My Pal Charlie in the Louisiana Derby 3/8/08.

 

 #5 Behindatthebar

  • Odds: 10-1
  • Owner: Padua Stable, Michael Shustek, and W. Don Stanley
  • Trainer: Todd Pletcher
  • Jockey: David Flores
  • Sire: Forest Wildcat (Storm Cat)
  • Dam: Rhiana (Runaway Groom)
  • Notes:  Winner of the Grade 2 Coolmore Lexington Stakes.  The colt breezed 5 furlongs in 1:00.13 on 5/11/08 at Belmont Park.  Behindatthebar is Todd Pletcher’s only Preakness runner for 2008.
    • Behindatthebar runs away with the Coolmore Lexington Stakes

 

#6 Racecar Rhapsody

  • Odds: 30-1
  • Owner: Jerry Carroll, Stan Kaplan, Ronald Plattner, and Mark Guilfoyle
  • Trainer: Ken McPeek
  • Jockey: Robby Albarado
  • Sire: Tale of the Cat
  • Dam: Reflect the Music (A.P. Indy)
  • Notes: Longshot closer is piloted by last year’s Preakness winner in Albarado.  His name suggests he’s faster than he has appeared thus far in 6 lifetime starts. Still, apart from Big Brown, he seems to belong with the rest of the field.  The colt worked 5 furlongs in 1:01.00 at Churchill on 5/8/08.

 

 

 #7 Big Brown

  • Odds: 1/2*
  • Owner: IEAH Stables and Paul Pompa Jr.
  • Trainer:Rick Dutrow
  • Jockey: Kent Desormeaux
  • Sire:Boundary (Danzig)
  • Dam: Mien (Nureyev)
  • Notes:  3-year-old phenom and winner of the 2008 Kentucky Derby is sure to go to post as the overwhelming favorite.  He’s a perfect 4 for 4 lifetime and will have the legendary Triple Crown of horse racing within his sights if he can run to expectations in the Preakness.  Blew away a field of 20 to win the Derby in stunning fashion.  Does not appear to have an equal in his division at the moment.
    • Big Brown’s dominating performance in the 2008 Kentucky Derby

 

 #8 Kentucky Bear

  • Odds: 15-1
  • Owner: Bear Stables
  • Trainer: Reade Baker
  • Jockey:Jamie Theriot
  • Sire: Mr. Greeley (Gone West)
  • Dam:Tate (Afleet)
  • Notes: Has had Pimlico all to himself in recent days, being the first contender to arrive on the scene.  The third place finisher in the Toyota Bluegrass has flashed some potential in his 3 lifetime starts and has much room for improvement.  Will he be a part of the pace or will he stalk the leaders into the stretch?  It seems impossible to tell right now.  Has the looks of one of the better longshots in the field and could be a surprise in the exotics.
    • Kentucky Bear finishes 3rd behind Monba in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland

 #9 Stevil

  • Odds: 30-1
  • Owner: Robert LaPenta
  • Trainer:Nick Zito
  • Jockey: John Velazquez
  • Sire: Maria’s Mon (Wavering Monarch)
  • Dam: Company Storm (Storm Creek)
  • Notes: Sire was a 2 year old champion that had to be put down on the track following an injury. Colt is a half to Wait a While and Monarchos.  The Zito/Lapenta connection originally desired to have War Pass in this position, but that colt’s injuries have made Stevil their best shot for the Preakness.  Looms as a longshot that will have to bring his best race to factor into the final.

 

 #10 Riley Tucker

  • Odds: 30-1
  • Owner:Zayat Stables
  • Trainer: Bill Mott
  • Jockey: Edgar Prado
  • Sire: Harlan’s Holiday (Harlan)
  • Dam: My Sweet Country (Bold Ruckus)
  • Notes: Another of the longshots in the field who has finished in the money in a couple of tries as a 3 -year-old, including the Arlington Washington Futurity and the Saratoga Special.  Was a surprise late entry to the field after it was decided El Gato Malo would not enter the Preakness.  Worked 5 furlongs in 1:06.09 on 5/12/08 at Belmont Park.

 

 #11 Giant Moon

  • Odds: 30-1
  • Owner: Albert Fried Jr.
  • Trainer: Richard Schosberg
  • Jockey: Ramon Dominguez
  • Sire: Giant’s Causeway (Storm Cat)
  • Dam: Moonlightandbeauty (Capote)
  • Notes:Colt began his campaign impressively in NY by winning his first 4 starts.  Since then he has slipped a bit with a disappointing finish in the Gotham Stakes and a 4th place finish in the Wood Memorial. He worked 4 furlongs in :47.77 at Belmont Park on 5/13/08 - good enough to qualify as a bullet.
    • Giant Moon wins the 2008 Count Fleet Stakes-his last of 4 consecutive victories to begin his career

 

 #12 Gayego

  • Odds: 8-1
  • Owner: Cubanacan Stables
  • Trainer: Paulo Lobo
  • Jockey:Mike Smith
  • Sire: Gilded Time (Timeless Moment)
  • Dam: Devil’s Lake (Lost Code)
  • Notes:Colt that I’ve had a bit of a fascination with throughout the year. He won the San Pedro Stakes at Santa Anita on 1/20/08. Proved he could handle the dirt with his victory in the Arkansas Derby.  I liked him heading into the Derby, where he had a god-awful trip.  If the horse I thought he was in the Derby shows up on Preakness Day, he should be the most logical challenger for Big Brown.  Of course, he’s got the outside post position to contend with as well, which may be a hindrance as it was in the Derby.
    • Gayego takes the Arkansas Derby over Z Fortune at Oaklawn Park on 4/12/08

 

 

 #13 Hey Byrn

  • Odds: 20-1
  • Owner: Beatrice Oxenberg
  • Trainer: Edward Plesa Jr.
  • Jockey: Charles Lopez
  • Sire: Put it Back (Honour and Glory)
  • Dam: Restraining Order (Miss Shoplifter)
  • Notes:An impressive allowance winner at Calder earlier in his career, where he defeated horses such as Alaazo, he faced off against Big Brown in the Florida Derby and didn’t appear to be a match for the super-colt.  Hey Byrn returned to win the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park on 4/12/08.  Has the makings of a frisky competitor if he can run his best race on Saturday.  Ever since Ron Correll first talked about this colt, I’ve felt that he was underrated.  We’ll see if he belongs with the upper crust of the 3-year-old division on Saturday.
    • Hey Byrn wins the Holy Bull after stalking Famous Patriot through modest fractions

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Categories : Big Brown, Gayego, Giant Moon, Hey Byrn, Horse Racing News, Pimlico, Preakness, Triple Crown, Triple Crown Coverage

Harlem Rocker out; Gayego in (maybe)

12 05 2008

Just a quick update for today.  The bulk of my Preakness posts will be coming later in the week as I attempt to attend the Alibi breakfast at Pimlico on Thursday, and then take in both the Black Eyed Susan and Preakness cards on Friday and Saturday.  Once the post positions have been established on Wednesday night I’ll have a “meet the Preakness runners” post similar to the numerous Derby updates we had earlier in the year (pics, videos, bios, etc.)

Source: http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=32431

Word is out that Harlem Rocker is not going to enter the Preakness.  Harlem Rocker was thought to be one of the main contenders (assuming anyone can contend with Big Brown) had he drawn in, but the connections have decided to pass.  I can’t say I blame them, no matter how badly I wanted him to run.  Harlem Rocker will likely point to the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine later in June. 

While the news of Harlem Rocker not entering the Preakness put a bit of a damper on the day, we also got word that Gayego may be coming after all.   Many of you will remember my less-than-clairvoyant dream of Gayego winning the Kentucky Derby.  Well, get ready, because now I can tease myself with the idea that perhaps I was mistaken about which race I dreamt of.  It’s a long-shot, but I’ve got to be honest and say that I still am interested in Gayego and have got a bit of a soft spot for him in my heart.

It will take improvement, it goes without saying, for a horse that finished 17th in the Derby to turn the tables on Big Brown.  I’m reminded of the daunting task Curlin had last year in the Preakness to make up a fraction of the ground that Gayego would have to close in order to prevail.  Gayego certainly isn’t Curlin, but he does have a Graded Stakes win over the dirt in the Arkansas Derby.   As much of a long-shot as it may be, it certainly isn’t impossible.  I won’t call it “likely” by any stretch of the imagination, but this is horse racing and stranger things have happened.

I would have thought that Gayego may have pointed to the Belmont instead, in an effort to give the colt some needed rest.  Steve Asmussen was on record as being a tad concerned about how much the Arkansas Derby took out of 2nd place finisher Z Fortune heading into the Derby, and certainly the trip that Gayego encountered two Saturday’s ago didn’t leave many with the idea that a trip to Baltimore was in order.

Still, can’t argue with the prospects of a practically full Preakness field – especially since just a week ago it seemed as if Big Brown had scared everyone off.  If nothing else, a full field will ensure there’s some money on the other horses, which could boost the Pick 4 and Pick 6 tickets that are likely to be singled on Big Brown in the feature race.  That’s going to be my hope, at least.   Hopefully we can catch some value in the previous races and look to what appears to be a “sure thing” lock to help keep the overall ticket cost down.  Not only that, but consider that the more horses who enter, the better the potential exacta/trifecta payouts can be if you can find the right horses underneath.


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Casino Drive has arrived

11 05 2008

Big Brown may have defeated the group we thought were the best 3 year-olds in the country at the 2008 Kentucky Derby, but Saturday at Belmont Park a colt named Casino Drive proved there may still be hurdles left to climb with a resounding 5 3/4 length victory in the Grade 2 Peter Pan Stakes.  The Peter Pan serves as a spring board for Belmont hopefuls in the third leg of the Triple Crown.

The son of Mineshaft also boasts an impressive 11 3/4 length victory in Japan.  The competition he bested in the Peter Pan included Mint Lane, Golden Spikes, and Tomcito, among others. The final time for the Peter Pan was 1:47.87. 

Did we just see a superstar in the making? He looks like he’ll be tough in the Belmont to me.  Note that he’s a half to Jazil and Rags to Riches – so we’ve got some Belmont goodness in those genes.  Casino Drive is trained by Kazua Fujisawa, who is trying to become the first Japanese trainer to win a Triple Crown race in the U.S.

We’ll have to see who might pick up the mount in the Belmont though, as doubtless Kent Desormeaux (who rides both Big Brown and Casino Drive) will stick with Big Brown.  It’s just a shame we didn’t find out about this guy in time for the Preakness. 


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Categories : Belmont Park, Casino Drive, Horse Racing News, Preakness, Triple Crown, Triple Crown Coverage

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