Of Horses, Heroes, and Opportunity

26 03 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now lets’ get on with the selections:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Selections:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– The Minstrel Boy by Thomas Moore

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

Selections:

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

Best of luck to all of you.

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

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


Comments : 19 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Handicapping Selections, horse racing, Horse Racing News, Kentucky Derby Trail

Gabby’s Golden Gal’s victory in the Acorn increases the luster of Medaglia d’Oro

7 06 2009

One of the more compelling stories from Belmont weekend that is perhaps lost to a degree amidst the discussion surrounding the upset victory of  the infamous “Other Bird” in Belmont 141 is the continued dominance of 3-year-old daughters of Medaglia d’Oro.  A $5,754,720 lifetime earner and 10-year-old son of El Prado, Medaglia d’Oro was  recently sold by Stonewall Farm Stallions to Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley operation, and is considered one of the hottest sires on the planet.

Consider that in the just the past month we’ve had Payton d’Oro win the Black Eyed Susan (G2), Rachel Alexandra become the first filly champion of the Preakness since Nellie Morse in 1924, and now Gabby’s Golden Gal prevails in the Grade 1 Acorn over Justwhistledixie.  Ironically, ‘Dixie had entered the race thought by many (including me) to be the only semblance of “competition” to Rachel Alexandra in the entire division.  That might still be true at longer distances, but on a track that seemed to be favoring speed throughout the day (with the exception of Summer Bird’s victory in the Belmont), and at the condensed one mile distance, Gabby’s Golden Gal looked much the best.

 

 

And all this from just his first crop of 3-year-old fillies!  Are you kidding me?  This is starting to border on ridiculousness. Toss in C.S. Silk,  Renda, and She’s our Annie, and the feathers in the hat just keep accumulating as these runners keep matriculatin’ down the track.  One thing is for certain, if you haven’t already done so, make sure you are taking note of any Medaglia d’Oro fillies that show up in 3-year-old races.  There must be extra fluoride or something in the water over there at Stonewall Farms as these offspring have been turning up strong! 

Ah yes…fluoridization, just like in Dr. Strangelove, one of my favorite films of all time.  That must be the reason!  I knew the commies had tapped into our water supply, but I had no idea they had plans of affecting our race horses!  We can no longer sit back and allow this impurification of precious bodily fluids to continue!  :-)

“Mandrake, do you know when it was that I first became aware of fluoridization in the precious bodily fluids of Medaglia D’Oro offspring??? “

 

 

On a personal note this only increases my already eager anticipation for the eventual pairing of Curlin and Rachel Alexandra.  It’s like all the stars in the world are aligning for them. 

Speaking of Curlin, I’m headed down to Lane’s End at the end of July to check in on him. Lane’s End actually just released an updated video of the big fella set to some…well…I’ll be honest, it’s quite possibly the cheesiest musak I’ve ever heard in my entire life. You might want to turn the volume down and just take him in visually. Trust me on this. You’ll be glad you did so. 

 

 

Looks like our boy is doing well.  He looks absolutely gigantic in those shots, so they must be feeding him well. 

By the way, I believe that’s John Tesh on keyboard in case anyone is curious, which only further cements the “aligning stars” angle for both Curlin and Rachel.  :-)


Comments : 13 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , ,
Categories : Belmont Park, horse racing, Horse Racing News, Rachel Alexandra

Turfway’s double feature in the spotlight

20 03 2009

If you’re like me, you’re champing at the bit to see more of the improving 3-year-old crop we’ve been treated to so far this year.  One gets the sense that next “big moments” in the sport are just a few weeks away.  All around us the signs point to the time of year we dream of in our slumber.  Spring is finally breaking through to the Mid Atlantic, and will soon envelop the East Coast in full.  Attention turns as the first Saturday in May approaches in an unstoppable procession. 

So, what have we this week?  One might say “not much” on the surface, but I tend to think we’ll wind up with a fairly competitive couple of stakes down at Turfway.   The Rushaway will lead things off in an increasingly rare national  broadcast on ESPN, while the feature race of the day, the Grade 2 Lane’s End, is scheduled to go off at 5:43 PM (ET)

Now, I’m all in favor of national broadcasts, especially in light of the Take Back Saturday idea I keep droning on about.  That being said, wouldn’t it have made more sense to feature some of the races we’ve seen over the last few weekends instead?   Don’t get me wrong…we’ve got some fine colts to watch in the Lane’s End, but wouldn’t showcasing Friesan Fire or Pioneer of the Nile have been more beneficial?   What about The Pamplemousse, Old Fashioned, or I Want Revenge?  While we’re at it, let’s not forget the fillies Stardom Bound and Rachel Alexandra.   Fine equine ambassadors all.  Tell a continuous story….give it context and relevance… well, you’ve heard it all before  so I’ll spare you the sermon.

We’ll start by taking a look at the Rushaway.

TP Race 9 – $100,000 Rushaway (1 1/16 Miles)

  1. Ninth Client (I. Ocampo/D. Wayne Lukas) 10/1
  2. Ziegfeld (G. Gomez/D. Romans) 3/1
  3. Fitzaslew (K. Desormeaux/K. McPeek) 5/2*
  4. Cliffy’s Future (J. Castanon/D. Miller) 9/2
  5. No Inflation (C. Velasquez/T. Proctor) 3/1
  6. Summer’s Empire (E. Prado/A. Mitchell) 6/1
  7. Sunday’s Baby Grand (E. Zuniga/J. Christenson) 30/1
  8. Toccet Rocket (T. Pompell/B. La Mew) 20/1

Past performances available here

I could make a case for 5 of the 8 horses running here, including Fitzaslew, Ziegfeld, Summer’s Empire, No Inflation, and Cliffy’s Future.  With the reduced field size of 8 runners, the risk to reward ratio figures to be flattened on most, if not all of those runners.

Obviously Fitzaslew (Seattle Fitz) looks plenty dangerous and is a decent  favorite on the morning line.  That being said, there are some glaring questions that in my mind surpass the respectable speed figures.  Firstly, he’s making the dreaded dirt to synthetic switch.   This is another topic I harp on quite frequently.  Suffice to say I’m much more comfortable with synthetics to dirt than the other way around.  Add to the equation that we can’t be certain Fitzaslew really wants to go long, and there’s reason to look a bit deeper for your win wagers.  Get off the chalk in this one.  Make him beat you if he can.

Two horses that look very interesting as alternatives are Summer’s Empire and No Inflation.  With Summer’s Empire this might seem  a bit hypocritical from my thoughts on dirt to synthetics, but I’m going to guess that this Empire Maker colt will run well tomorrow.  I suspect handicappers may be inclined to shy away from him due to three seemingly sub-par performances over the synthetics to start his career.  I’m willing to forgive those efforts. I chalk them up to being a rookie, running deceptively competitive in his second start, and then having all kinds of trouble (off slowly, bleeding) in his third start.  I’m also willing to forgive his dismal 12th place (beaten 26 lengths) effort last out in the Risen Star.  He was hung wide that day and simply outrun by a very strong field (Friesan Fire, Flying Pegasus, Uno Mas, etc.).  He makes a lot of sense at decent odds. 

No Inflation might get overlooked here as well. The son of Repriced has won on both synthetics and turf, which makes him a very dangerous commodity in this race.  All one has to do is forgive his lone dirt effort and this horse’s running lines suddenly look very strong against this field.  He’s also training well and has shown he can handle going a route distance.   All this guy has to do is make a solid post parade impression and he might well be the play.

Ziegfeld looks like an intriguing runner here as well.  He’s not going to face the likes of Dunkirk (or at least who we think Dunkirk is at this point in time) in this field.   Even looking at that race it appears he was in contention before encountering some trouble.  He’s yet another to keep an eye on in the post parade.  The jockey switch to Garrett Gomez will undoubtedly attract many bettors.  Also note that last bullet workout on 3/14.   The son of Elusive Quality has every right to move forward this weekend. Then again, there’s that nagging dirt to synthetics question to deal with.

Then there’s Cliffy’s Future.   He certainly looks like he could be difficult in this field.  He might only have one win, but he’s been in the thick of things on several occasions and should be again this weekend. 

It’ll come down to the post parade for final selections, but I’m leaning towards Summer’s Empire  or No Inflation here for the win.   I’d add in the other win candidates for the bottoms of the exacta and trifecta. 

TP R10 – The Grade 2 Lane’s End (1 1/8 Miles)

  1.  Hold Me Back (K. Desormeaux/W. Mott) 6/1
  2. Bittel Road (G. Gomez/ T. Pletcher) 5/2*
  3. A. P. Cardinal (C. Velasquez/ K. McLaughlin) 10/1
  4. West Side Bernie (E. Prado/ K. Breen) 3/1
  5. Jack Spratt (J. Leparoux/M. Maker) 8/1
  6. Parade Clown (E. Coa/K. Ball) 10/1
  7. Bruce N Autumn (V. Lebron/ D. Romans) 20/1
  8. Orthodox (J. Castanon/ J. Glenney) 10/1
  9. Loch Dubh (C. Borel/ J. Talley) 20/1
  10.  Flying Private (I. Ocampo/ D. W. Lukas) 12/1
  11.  Dynamite Bob (M. Guzman/ J. Lopez) 30/1
  12.  Proceed Bee (R. Prescott/T. Gestes) 12/1

Past performances available here

Right away I’m a bit surprised.  I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that the public will make West Side Bernie the post time favorite.  The son of Bernstein has yet to run a bad race, and is seemingly on the improve.  I actually based my initial handicapping on the assumption that he’d be a strong favorite here.   A win on Saturday and he’s tossed his name into the Derby contender ring.  True, he’s going from the dirt back to synthetics, but with West Side Bernie you can be comforted  in knowing that he’s triumphed on the artificial footing here at Turfway before.  There is one other thing I’ve got to say though.  I’m not a fan of the Delta Jackpot.  In fact,  I consider it to be the most overrated race in all of thoroughbred racing, with a purse that far exceeds the true quality of the race.  I suspect the lure of big bucks will eventually change that and turn the race into a key one, but for now I subconsciously downgrade even those runners who win that race, and ‘Bernie was a clear second (beaten 1 length).

The horse I was hoping (and still hope) to catch at decent odds?  Bittel Road.  I had thought that his recent running lines, including a pair of 4th place finishes, a place, and a dismal 8th in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Turf last October would have downgraded his odds, but evidently the power of a proven turf/synthetic runner is too hard to ignore.  He’ll be facing much less than the trio of Pioneer of the Nile, I Want Revenge, and Papa Clem that he ran into last out in the Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita.  Garrett Gomez has travelled to ride him, and one gets the feeling that Todd Pletcher cannot be ignored with a chance to bring a runner like this along just in time for the Triple Crown.   Is he that quality of horse?  I sincerely doubt it, but he’s good enough to defeat this field.

Parade Clown is another runner with proven form over the synthetics. His last four races stack up very nicely with some of the other contendors in here.  His “hit or miss” recent style would seem to suggest he’s due for a solid outing.  Of the longer shots in the field he’s probably got the best chance. 

I’ll probably play the odds with West Side Bernie and Bittel Road.  Whoever offers the most value will likely be the play as I could see either horse winning.   For now I’ll go with Bittle Road, with West Side Bernie, Parade Clown, and A. P. Cardinal in place.  On the bottom of the trifecta I’ll add in Hold Me Back and Proceed Bee.

2/3,4,6/1,3,4,6,12

Best of luck to all! 

I’ll be off to a birthday party for our eldest son earlier in the day, and must hope I’m home in time to see the post parade.  Next weekend things really heat up with the Florida Derby(G1), the Swale (G2), and the UAE Derby (G2), so be wise and pace yourself.  Remember: it’s a route not a sprint!  Yeah…or something like that.


Comments : 8 Comments »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Handicapping Selections, horse racing, Kentucky Derby Trail, Turfway Park


Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.