10 Questions with Ron Correll

3 06 2008

I’ve got a special post for you guys tonight, and one that brings me a great deal of joy to share.  As many of you know, if there’s one guy out there who has inspired me the most through his passion for the sport of thoroughbred horse racing- it’s Ron Correll.  Indeed, one might reasonably state that without Ron Correll’s influence, this blog would likely have never been created.

Ron has followed the sport for 50 years.  His articles appeared regularly for years in the State Journal-Register, and he has been interviewed on TVG by Rich Perloff on several occasions.  In fact, it was just such an interview that first made me take notice of him.  And once I did, the rest, as they say, was history.

We fans will tell you that Ron is famous for picking Giacomo in the 2005 Kentucky Derby at odds of 50-1, but such a reference does little justice to the man’s entire body of work.  For years he has provided stellar coverage and expert analysis of all things thoroughbred racing related.  Now he’s got his own website up and running, and I strongly encourage anyone reading this blog to head over, subscribe, and listen to the information he has to share.  You can check out all the latest updates from Ron by visiting:

http://tracksideview.com

One of my dreams when I first started this blog was that I’d one day get to interview Ron and help introduce him to folks who may not have had the pleasure of reading his regular columns.  I consider him an absolute treasure to the entire sport, considering the depth of his experience and his zest for sharing his love of the sport with other fans.  The guy’s done so much in helping me refine my appreciation for the game, that the least I could do is give him a featured interview trumpeting the creation of his new site. 

With that in mind, it gives me great pleasure to officially be able to share with you a 10 item Q+A session we recently exchanged via email.  This is the first interview of this sort I’ve done, and I tried to steer the questioning to help give a broad perspective on Ron’s passion, as well as some classic Ron banter on current hot-button issues.  Never one to disappoint, Ron graciously responded with the following (drum roll, please!):

1. When did you first fall in love with horse racing?  Was there a particular moment when you knew this was your favorite sport?

A: I was around horses from as young as I can remember. I grew up on a farm. I saw my first Kentucky Derby in 1953. Dark Star beat Native Dancer by a nose.

Dark Star beats Native Dancer at the wire in the ’53 Derby – Ron’s first

 

2. Is there any particular track you feel a special connection with?

A: I love Santa Anita, Saratoga and Churchill Downs. There is so much history there.

3. You’ve covered horse racing for 50 years. In your opinion, who are the greatest horses you’ve had the pleasure of seeing?

A: Bold Ruler, Kelso, Damascus, Dr. Fager Ta Wee, Ruffian, Go For Wand, Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Alydar, Spectacular Bid, Personal Ensign, Point Given, Lemon Drop Kid and of course, Curlin. I could add another 50 and still leave out someone I really liked.

4. Of all the great moments in horse racing you’ve seen over the years, does any one moment stand out as your favorite memory?

A: Of course Secretariat winning the Belmont by 31 lengths was an awesome display and tops the list, but Personal Ensign running down Winning Colors and refusing to lose in the Breeders Cup Distaff at Churchill Downs is right there. That allowed Personal Ensign to retire unbeaten. Any race that I watched Ruffian in was very special to me.

Personal Ensign guns down Winning Colors at the wire in the ’88 BC Distaff

5. The horse racing gods have given you the chance of a lifetime – allowing you to pick 10 horses from the all-time greats to enter into the biggest race ever run.  Who would you like to see in that field?

A: Man o War, Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Alydar, Spectacular Bid, Ruffian, Kelso, John Henry, Dr. Fager and No. 11 would be Citation.

6. Who do you think would win?

A: Secretariat

Secretariat’s amazing victory in the ’73 Belmont – the stuff of legends

7.  Million dollar question – if Big Brown does prevail in the Triple Crown on Saturday, where do you think he ranks among the other Triple Crown winners?

A: Of the other Triple Crown winners, I would rank him only above Sir Barton. I don’t think he can carry the bridle for half the other winners.

8. What are your thoughts on a potential Big Brown vs. Curlin matchup? Is this something you’d like to see?

A: I would like to see it and contrary to what Richard Dutrow says, It would be good for Curlin.

9. As an experienced handicapper, do you have any advice for people who are first starting out or are interested in learning more about horse racing?

A: Find someone who has been doing it for a long time (successfully) and listen. Watching a lot of races and reading pps. Spend a lot of time handicapping without betting and get to know horseflesh.

10. In a perfect world, is there anything about the sport that you’d like to see
changed in the near future? 

A: I would like to see them ban all race “medication” except for lasix. I also would like to see the breeders start building stamina lines again. The great majority of horses today are fragile as glass.

So there you have it, folks.  The one, the only – Mr. Ron Correll.  Be sure to check him out at the link above the interview.  You’ll probably run into me on the comments sections of his posts.  Of course, you may also run into Ron in the comments here.  Now you guys know a bit more about the man that inspired this entire blogging adventure.  I hope you all enjoyed the interview.  With any luck this won’t be the last interview I’m able to share with you guys, but it’s certainly special for me that the first is Ron. 


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Categories : Big Brown, Curlin, Handicapping Selections, Horse Racing News, Triple Crown Coverage

Big Brown is back to business

27 05 2008

Apparently we can all breathe a deep sigh of relief – at least for the moment.  After the disturbing news broke this weekend that Triple Crown hopeful Big Brown had a quarter crack in his left-front hoof, nearly everyone following the sport was thinking, if not saying “here we go again!”

It is with great pleasure than that we learn of Big Brown’s return to the track this morning under the eye of trainer Richard Dutrow. 

Source: http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=news&id=32727

Apparently his shoes have been fit so as to reduce the pressure on the quarter crack, and the colt has been anxious to get back out on the track.

Hopefully his march towards unification of the Triple Crown will continue without further drama.  I can’t say this wasn’t anticipated, as the colt has had foot problems his entire career, but getting the bad news over the weekend with the Belmont just a couple of weeks away felt too painfully close for something to go wrong now.  We’ve been down this road too many times before and come oh so close.  It’s time to knock the Triple Crown right out of the park. 

Perk up there, big feller, for but once in a lifetime does so much hope and expectation travel on the brittle hooves of an animal like you. 


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Categories : Big Brown, Triple Crown Coverage

The ghosts of Belmonts past

22 05 2008

My good friend George sent me an email today that started the old hamster wheels churning in my cobweb filled brain.  Not sure if anyone saw this or not, but Rick Dutrow is apparently a bit upset with Edgar Prado, who rode longshot Riley Tucker in the Preakness, for what he feels was an attempt to box his colt in during the 2nd leg of the Triple Crown.

Source:http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown08/news/story?id=3406888

The story gets a bit dramatic when you consider that Prado is Dutrow’s regular go-to guy for his best mounts.  In fact, Prado was supposed to be Big Brown’s jockey, but due to an injury appears to have missed his date with destiny aboard the super-colt. 

All this got me thinking.  We’ve got the Belmont coming up.  Big Brown’s biggest challenger is likely going to be the lightly raced Casino Drive.  Casino Drive needs a jockey.  Could it be? Nah, you don’t think…could Edgar wind up on him?  We’ll have to wait and see, I guess. In the meantime…

Flashback for a moment to our last bid for a Triple Crown with Smarty Jones in 2004.  Many racing fans still feel that Alex Solis and Jerry Bailey aboard Rock Hard Ten and Eddington ran the race in a fashion that sought to ensure that Smarty Jones would be defeated.  In their defense, these guys aren’t paid to simply let Smarty roll on to history.  Sometimes I think folks forget that rather conveniently.  Regardless, Smarty was never able to settle, and in the end was caught by the longshot Birdstone in the final 100 yards. 

Birdstone was of course ridden by none other than Edgar Prado!  Can you see where this is going? 

How ironic would it be if Prado were able to play the roll of spoiler in yet another Triple Crown quest – a quest he was seemingly destined at one point to be on himself?

Need more irony? Don’t forget that it was Kent Desormeaux who rode Real Quiet in 1998. Real Quiet had of course won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, the second year in a row that trainer Bob Baffert had placed himself in striking distance of a Triple Crown.  Real Quiet was sent by Desormeaux perhaps a bit too early, and was in front by as many as 7 lengths before Victory Gallop started swallowing up ground behind him.  At the wire, Desormeaux’s Real Quiet had been bested by a nose.

That’s the kind of defeat that you just know has to haunt a guy. Will Kent Desormeaux overcome the ghosts of 1998 and unify the Triple Crown for the first time in 30 years?  Or will Edgar Prado get a shot to play spoiler again as he did in 2004?  One thing’s certain, things could get a bit more interesting here as Belmont week approaches. 

I’ve no idea if Prado has a good shot or not to get the call on Casino Drive. I suppose he’s just as likely as anyone else. 

For all the Casino Drive fans out there, don’t forget that Birdstone entered the 2004 Preakness as the “horse for the course” angle, having won the Champagne Stakes as a 2 year old.  History would seem to be on the side of Casino Drive following his run in the Peter Pan Stakes and considering his bloodlines (being a half to Jazil and Rags to Riches – Belmont winners both).


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Categories : Belmont Park, Belmont Stakes, Big Brown, Big Truck, Horse Racing News

Why I’m backing Big Brown

20 05 2008

Now that it’s official and Big Brown has a tremendous chance to enter the history books as the first Triple Crown winner in 30 years (since Affirmed in 1978), the controversy has reached fever pitch amongst horse racing’s faithful.  On one side stand the folks who desperately wish to see him prevail - like a great boxer unifying the heavyweight belts.  On the other side stand the folks who desperately want to see someone, anyone, defeat the colt and upset his bid for the title.

Admittedly, I’ve been back and forth between both camps as the year has progressed.  I ranked him as the #1 colt on the Derby trail immediately following his win in the Florida Derby back in March, and left him there all the way through to Derby week.  Then, for some reason I’ll never quite fully fathom – likely a bad case of “I know – let’s play beat the favorite!” – I decided to officially pick against him in the Derby even though I knew he was the best horse of the field.  Big mistake.  I knew he was the only shot we had for a Triple Crown winner in the field, but figured I’d take one stand against him and see how he responded to the challenge of being drawn 20 wide.  We all know what happened next.  I’ve commented a few times (quietly, since I don’t wish to rile people up, and comments like this always seem to) that he looked a lot like Barbaro to me in that Derby.

Heading into Preakness week, I had decided I was back on the colt’s bandwagon.  I wanted to be a part of history and to come see a colt challenge for a Triple Crown.  What I saw left my jaw firmly dropped to the floor.  I want to be clear about this before I go any further – my support of Big Brown does not reach the insanity levels of some.  I think he’s a fantastic colt, and it’s clear now that he’s head and shoulders above the rest of the crop he’s faced.  We threw the 12 hole at him in the Florida Derby and it couldn’t phase him.  We saw him face the 20 hole in the Derby and he ran ‘em off the track.  We saw him travel to Pimlico on 2 weeks rest and he looked like he could’ve won by 10 lengths if he wanted to. 

What I think we have to be cognisant of when talking about Big Brown, is that while he’s run into what appears to be a very weak overall field of 3-year-olds, and it doesn’t look like we’ll get to see anyone look him in the eye and make him “earn it” in the stretch, the colt has overcome every obstacle he’s faced in brilliant fashion.  WIth this in mind, I’ve decided that I”m not going to knock the colt for what he can’t control.  I’m not going to diminish his greatness by clamoring on about what he hasn’t faced.  It would be easy to do so.  After all, the folks who question the competition he’s faced are right. Instead, I’m just going to give him credit for that which he has accomplished – which come three Saturdays from now could be the first occurrence of a Triple Crown winner since the first month of my existence. 

This doesn’t mean to suggest that I don’t want to see a great race.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  I’d be tickled pink (wait…did I really just say that? tickled pink???) to see Casino Drive turn in a thrilling stretch run, or to see one of the other colts step up and make a name for himself.  Even so, I’d be all the more happy to see Big Brown do what he always does – win the race. 

Perhaps there’s a part of me that thinks our sport desperately needs the excitement of a Triple Crown. Overall interest in the sport is at an all-time low.  Great tracks around the country are closing or are threatening to cease operation wherever you look.  Even my beloved Pimlico has a real shot of someday soon losing the Preakness.  Such an outcome is painful for me to even consider.  I simply can’t imagine a May in Maryland without a Preakness. Add to this the black-eye  the sport took publicly with the tragic death of Eight Belles in the Derby, and we had reached something well beyond critical mass. 

Even at the Preakness on Saturday, you could feel that everyone was still suffering from something like a punch in the stomach.  The cheering was a bit reserved.  The betting lines not quite as long.  The euphoria of years past severely blunted by recent events. The rains on Black Eyed Susan day seemed like some sort of manifestation of the outlook of racing fans around the nation.  Everything seemed doom and gloom.

But then something changed.  Saturday dawned and the sun radiated high in the Baltimore sky.  When the moment for the big race came, you could feel the excitement in the air.  The magic was back.  The minute Big Brown made his move and it was clear that Gayego was beginning to back out of the race, an energy swept the crowd and quickly filled the void that so desperately needed filling.  Suddenly people remembered what the game was all about.  They remembered just what it was they had come hoping to see.  They were within sight of greatness. 

How often can we really say that in our lives?  How often are we truly blessed by being able to observe such greatness?  Sure, he’s no Secretariat or Cigar – heck, he’s probably not even close to Curlin, but we were seeing a performance by an athlete that looked so transfixingly powerful, so magnificent, and so glorious in his strides that you couldn’t possibly turn away.

In the moments immediately following the race, folks in the crowd started turning to one another. Stranger to stranger.  Horse racing fan to horse racing fan.  A certain child like giddiness filled their voices.  “Did we just see a Triple Crown winner?” The question passed from mouth to mouth among those tightly huddled together.  People knew they had just witnessed something special – and that years from now (especially if droughts like the past 30 years repeat themselves) they would be able to tell folks they saw a Triple Crown winner in one of his finest moments. 

Of course, anything can happen a few weeks from now at Belmont.  The distance will once again be a concern, going a full mile and 1/2, including a stretch that has seen a laundry list of magnificent horses go down to defeat.  Real Quiet losing by a nose in 1998.  Charismatic breaking his leg with a furlong to go in 1999.  War Emblem, Funny Cide, and Smarty Jones all coming within inches between 2002 and 2004.   Even my beloved Curlin knew defeat last year in the stretch to the filly Rags to Riches.  It’s a daunting stretch that has seen countless dreams disappear like so much smoke.  

There’s certainly no guarantee that this year will be any different, but for what it’s worth I”ll be throwing my voice out in support of Big Brown as the field turns for home.  I’m sick of the drought.  I’m tired of the insignificance the sport has garnered in recent years.  I’m not saying a Triple Crown win by BIg Brown will be  a cure-all for the sport (in fact, beyond a temporary TV ratings boost if the media hype is successful, it probably won’t fix anything at all), but at least for a moment the entire world will be watching. If all goes to plan a lightly raced colt named BIg Brown will deliver thoroughbred racing to the promised land where it once thrived, showing all where greatness truly lives.  It’s right here in the heart of every racing fan.  It’s in the majestic horses themselves, and it’s in the eyes of those who stand in awe when they recognize that greatness in front of them.  That’s what this game’s all about to me.  And that’s why I’ll be cheering Big Brown home three weeks from now in the Belmont.  

Who’s with 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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Categories : Horse Racing News, Pimlico, Preakness, Triple Crown, Triple Crown Coverage

Preakness field starts to take shape

7 05 2008

It’s been a wild week since the Derby as the game continues to take a look at itself in the mirror and come to grips with some of the concerns of the general public.  Quietly in the background, the forward procession of the Triple Crown continues to march on. 

Up next is the Preakness – my favorite day of the year.  I admit I’m biased since I basically came of age as a horse racing fan watching the Preakness at Old Hilltop.  Living and working near the Baltimore area it has always been special to see the amount of attention that the sport gets as we head into Preakness week.  As the years have gone bye and the crowds have dwindled throughout the meets, there’s always been  something majestic about seeing the historic track where many of the game’s legends have etched their names in the history book decked out in all it’s glory.  

Over the years we’ve had some legendary battles that have helped shaped the legacy of the “run for the Black Eyed Susans.”  Who can forget Affirmed and Alydar in 1978 -one of the greatest rivalries in the history of the sport?  Or Sunday Silence and Easy Goer in 1989.   Of course, last year’s running of the Preakness is the one most firmly entrenched in my heart, as I got to watch the colt that I had fallen in love with, Curlin, come of age in the stretch against Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense in a photo finish that ranks as the most singularly exciting moment in all of my sports fandom. 

This year we’re getting a bit of a depleted field.  After Big Brown’s romp in the Kentucky Derby, none of his challengers appear to be returning.  Instead, a fresh crop of competitors are headed to Pimlico to take on the champ and try to upset his bid at the 2nd leg of the Triple Crown.

As of right now, NTRA.com is reporting that Behindatthebar, Kentucky Bear, Giant Moon, Stevil, Yankee Bravo, and Tres Borrachos have answered the call to face off against Big Brown.  At one point it looked like El Gato Malo may join them, but that no longer appears to be the case. 

It’s way to soon to make any official predictions, but it goes without saying that the 6 challengers are going to be up against it.  Kentucky Bear is probably the one I’m most anxious to see as he ran a pretty good race chasing Monba in the Blue Grass Stakes on April 12.  My gut tells me he’s the best bet for an upset at this point in time.

Behindatthebar is one of Todd Pletcher’s runners that had qualified for the Derby but chose to pass and instead point for the Preakness.  Judging from the way things turned out last Saturday (which has to have been one of the worst overall Derby days in the history of the sport – no offense to Big Brown), his connections seem to have made the right call.  I”m still not sure what kind of colt this is.  He didn’t fire on the dirt in the El Camino Real Derby at Bay Meadows on March 8, but did come back to prevail in the Coolmore Lexington at Keeneland on 4/19.  My initial thought is that he may be more of a synthetic runner, in which case Big Brown will make short work of him.  He’s out of Forest Wildcat and was original a member of Craig Dollase’s barn before being transferred to Todd Pletcher.

Giant Moon started his career as one of the shining stars of the NY racing circuit.   He rattled off 4 consecutive wins (including 3 Stakes wins) before soundly beaten in the slop during the Gotham Stakes.  He came back to finish 4th in the Wood Memorial won by Tale of Ekati.  It’s worth noting that Tale of Ekati came back to finish 4th in the Kentucky Derby – well ahead of other colts that were thought to be better. Keep that in mind before you totally write off Giant Moon.  Another interesting tidbit is that Ramon Dominguez is scheduled to ride Giant Moon.  Dominguez was aboard him for the first 4 wins of his career.  The Gotham effort looks like one you can toss from consideration, and the combination of Tale of Ekati’s flattering in the Derby finish and the return to Dominguez could be just what the doctor ordered to make this colt a bit more attractive to bettors.

Yankee Bravo is a son of Storm Cat that brings a late running style to the Preakness.  He won the California Derby at Golden Gate on January 21 and then came back to finish 3rd in the Louisiana Derby and 4th in the Santa Anita Derby.  He looks like a guy that could be useful underneath in the exotics.  I liked him a bit in the Santa Anita Derby and was expecting a better run.   His connections skipped the Derby for a number of reasons, perhaps most notably since Storm Cat’s offspring have never won one before.

Stevil is a Robert LaPenta colt that was last seen finishing 4th in the Blue Grass.  Prior to that he was 5th in the Louisiana Derby.  I’m not seeing a whole lot to be excited about yet on this one. He closed late in the Blue Grass to get into the superfecta.  He has only one win lifetime – his maiden breaker – but he’s been in the money or close in virtually every start.  He could be a horse to use underneath in the exotics as well.

Tres Borrachos could be a bit of a surprise horse to some.  He ran third behind Gayego and Z Fortune in the Arkansas Derby.  He’s been working pretty well (5 furlongs in :59.60 on 5/7/08 at Churchill) and is trained by Beau Greely.  Tyler Baze looks like he’ll keep the mount for the Preakness.

At the end of the day I’ll most likely wish I had back the 20 minutes or so it took me to type the information about the competitors.  It’s clearly Big Brown’s race to lose, and with Kent Desormeaux returning to Pimlico, it would take a miracle to beat him. 

I’m convinced that Big Brown is actually getting the easiest road to a Triple Crown I’ve ever seen.  If only my beloved Curlin had been born a year later, with no Street Sense, Hard Spun, or Rags to Riches to face.  Unless someone is able to rise up from the ranks – he should be set to romp his way towards the first Triple Crown in 30 years. Of course, the Belmont still awaits -a race where favorites have gone down to defeat in rapid succession in recent years. 

I’m just hoping we get a good, clean race. Last year the  Preakness was the turning point of the year for me as a fan and horseplayer.  I’m not expecting any miracles this year, but will settle for a good, clean race where all the horses return home safely. 


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

Big Brown Wins Kentucky Derby; Eight Belles Euthanized

3 05 2008

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  The famous line from Dickens could not ring any truer for the post race atmosphere at Churchill Downs following the 134th Kentucky Derby.  The overwhelming favorite, Big Brown, turned in a jaw-dropping performance en route to a crushing victory – prompting immediate visions of a potential Triple Crown run this season.  On the other side of the spectrum, trainer Larry Jones was unavailable for comment following the news that his prized filly, Eight Belles, who had fought on valiantly for 2nd place, had to be euthanized on the track after suffering compound fractures to both front ankles. 

The race itself was a sight to behold.  Big Brown made it look easy as he stalked the field heading into the far turn.  When asked for his run, it took him a few strides to get fully into gear, but once he found that gear it was clear that no one else on the track was in the same league.  In just his 4th career start, the impressive Rick Dutrow trainee has defeated all of his rivals by a combined 34 lengths.  Talk about impressive.  All the talk about his feet, about the outside post position, and about a potential pace duel – none of it mattered as he proved to the world he is a force to be reckoned with.  The colt hit the wire in a final time of 2:01.82, winning by 4 3/4 lengths.  Big Brown returned $6.80 for the win.

Just 24 hours earlier trainer Larry Jones had experienced a glimpse of the Derby glory he was seeking with Eight Belles.  His other prized filly, Proud Spell, had run away with the Kentucky Oaks.  I can’t even imagine what went through his mind after watching Eight Belles fight on for second place while Big Brown exploded to the wire.   About 100 yards or so past the finish line she collapsed, tossing jockey Gabriel Saez to the dirt.  Once down she did not get up.  Minutes seemed like ages as we waited for word from the track veterinarians, who eventually confirmed that the amazing filly had been euthanized on the track.  

“There was no possible way to save her,” on-call veterinarian Dr. Larry Bramlage said. “She broke both front ankles. That’s a bad injury.” (source: the Associated Press: Filly Eight Belles breaks down after 2nd -place Derby finish).

Big Brown became the first colt since Clyde Van Dusen in 1929 to break from the 20th post position and prevail.  Additionally, he became the first Derby winner since the filly Regret in 1915 to win the Derby after running in only 3 previous races lifetime.   Like you’ll hear all the time, folks: The game is changing. 

Denis of Cork finished 3rd with winning jockey of the 2007 Kentucky Derby, Calvin Borel. 

The undefeated Big Brown will be headed to Pimlico next to compete in the Preakness Stakes on May 17.  Congratulations to Big Brown and his connections.  My heart goes out for Eight Belles and her people.  She fought on valiantly and showed the spirit of a warrior.  She shall be missed greatly. 


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