My sister and I went on our yearly pilgrimage to Colonial Downs yesterday and proceeded to receive entertainment for no cost-a good day at the track.
Weather was excellent. Under shade. Breezy. Low humidity. Nice.
Crowds were light. No big races other than "The DaHoss Stakes."
Highlights:
1. The Italian Sausage with grilled onions/peppers....divine.
2. Rosemary Homeister, Jr. : She's an amazing jockey. Yesterday, she won four races and placed a couple of other times. She now leads the Colonial meet in wins. Homeister places a Jr. after name since she's named after her mother and her mother is a trainer. So, frequently in her early career back in the 90's, she would ride her mother's horses. The Jr. identifies them on the program. In the featured race, her mount scratched prior to the race, so she (being the top jock of the meet) was able to pick up an 18/1 horse named Izzy Speaking. Izzy is a fine horse but was jumping in distance from 5f to a mile. Izzy was buried at the start. The field was strong with several graded stakes winners racing. Homeister kept him mid-pack going through the turn home, but he was sealed off. Then she kicked the gas and directed the horse through two sliver openings and blasted him to the front for a driving win. Gutsy ride. Risk/reward.
3. Drunk "Hoooooooooooo-Hooooooooooooooo!" guy: This guy, who had a few too many beers won a sum of money on a race or two. He celebrated by dancing around the facility"Hooooo-Hoooooing" (It was also Hooter's day...lots of girls in skin-tight orange panties who looked four years YOUNGER than my 18 year old daughter. :( ) Anyway, "Hooo-hooo-ing Guy screamed out that this stuff is so easy and he was "...just a rookie!" as he stepped all over the full beer cup he'd set down on the ground. Talk about beginner's luck. He'll never remember the fun he had.
4. Sunset over the Blue Ridge Mtns: From 8:30-9:00 last night, the sun put on a powerful color display as we turned away from it. I thought at the time that fireworks mimic the glorious colors of such sunsets.
5. Dime Supers: A great way to spend that loose change. I used Quick Pick (computer picks numbers). On one race, I had these numbers 8-3-1-2. The winning order was 8-5-1-2...just one odd number away from being set for life.
What a great day. We'll most likely return for the busy Virginia Derby day in middle July.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
13ARFTCHC - Belmont field
Greetings all,
It’s Belmont time again. There’s no Triple Crown possibility this year, but there is a chance for a Calvin Crown. Calvin Borel has a chance to become the first jockey to win all three Triple Crown races in one year riding more than one horse. Calvin has assured everyone who will listen that he’ll be on the winner this Saturday. Kent Desormeaux has called Calvin, “Naïve.” Yeah, Kent knows all about how extreme confidence in your chances can turn into easing your horse in the Belmont stretch – see Big Brown last year. Anyway, Derby winner Mine That Bird faces nine other horses Saturday, and we’ll see if Calvin’s confidence is misplaced.
As always remember the Belmont is 1 ½ miles long – a full ¼ mile (or about the length of the Churchill Downs homestretch) further than the Derby. Most of these horses will never run this far again, let alone around just two turns like they will at Belmont Park. This race has fooled more than one jockey into moving too soon only to realize with dismay he’s not even close to the finish. The horses are listed below along with the usual conglomeration of factoids, unsubstantiated rumors, snide observations, and half-baked statistics. Just for my amusement I’ve compiled a Belmont winner factor for each horse which is merely the number of times a Belmont winner shows up in the first five generations of the pedigree. It wasn’t particularly helpful for picking the winner last year, but I figure I’ll give it another shot.
It’s Belmont time again. There’s no Triple Crown possibility this year, but there is a chance for a Calvin Crown. Calvin Borel has a chance to become the first jockey to win all three Triple Crown races in one year riding more than one horse. Calvin has assured everyone who will listen that he’ll be on the winner this Saturday. Kent Desormeaux has called Calvin, “Naïve.” Yeah, Kent knows all about how extreme confidence in your chances can turn into easing your horse in the Belmont stretch – see Big Brown last year. Anyway, Derby winner Mine That Bird faces nine other horses Saturday, and we’ll see if Calvin’s confidence is misplaced.
As always remember the Belmont is 1 ½ miles long – a full ¼ mile (or about the length of the Churchill Downs homestretch) further than the Derby. Most of these horses will never run this far again, let alone around just two turns like they will at Belmont Park. This race has fooled more than one jockey into moving too soon only to realize with dismay he’s not even close to the finish. The horses are listed below along with the usual conglomeration of factoids, unsubstantiated rumors, snide observations, and half-baked statistics. Just for my amusement I’ve compiled a Belmont winner factor for each horse which is merely the number of times a Belmont winner shows up in the first five generations of the pedigree. It wasn’t particularly helpful for picking the winner last year, but I figure I’ll give it another shot.
Chocolate Candy – He’s been training at Belmont Park since his 5th place finish in the Derby. His workouts included a nice 7/8 mile work on May 25. He gets a new jockey in Garret Gomez who, despite being the top jockey in America the last two years, is still looking for his first win in a Triple Crown race. The pedigree looks pretty good for middle distance races, but there’s not a whole lot that says 1 ½ miles, and his Belmont winner factor is 2.
Dunkirk – He’s also been training steadily at Belmont Park since the Derby. He was 11th in that race after being bumped and steadied at various points. He still is a little light on race experience. The Belmont will be just his 5th lifetime start. He’s actually run the highest speed figure of any horse in the field. His pedigree has a lot of stamina a couple of generations back and his Belmont winner factor is 4. John Velazquez will be riding Dunkirk for the first time. He won the Belmont 2 years ago on Rags to Riches for trainer Todd Pletcher.
Mr. Hot Stuff – He ran 15th in the Derby after being bumped and squeezed at the start. He’s been stabled at Keeneland since then where he has two bullet works on the fake dirt. He gets a new jockey in 2-time Belmont winner, Edgar Prado. His pedigree has some stamina, and he has a Belmont winner factor of 4. His trainer, Eoin Harty, is the anti-Calvin Borel regarding his horse’s chances. He says, "I have no idea how he'll run. I'm going to throw him in there and see what happens."
Summer Bird – He closed from 16th to 6th place in the Derby. He’s been training at Belmont for the last couple of weeks including a nice 7/8 mile workout 2 weeks ago. He’s only run 4 races lifetime, with 1 win and a 3rd place finish. Kent Desormeaux will be riding him for the first time, and rookie trainer Tim Ice will be adding blinkers. There’s quite a lot of stamina in the pedigree, and he’s a son of Belmont winner, Birdstone, just like Mine That Bird. The total Belmont winner factor is 4.
Luv Gov – He ran 8th in the Preakness after going 8 wide into the stretch. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas (winner of 4 Belmonts) took him back to Churchill Downs after the race and he’s had one nice work since then. His speed figures have really improved in his last couple of races, but he still has only one lifetime win. He gets jockey Miguel Mena back who was aboard for that lone victory. The pedigree has a lot of stamina a couple of generations back and his sire, Ten Most Wanted, ran 2nd to Empire Maker in the 2003 Belmont Stakes. The Belmont winner factor is 2.
Charitable Man – He’s one of only two horses in the race that have raced at Belmont Park. He’s 2 for 2 at the track, including a win in the Peter Pan Stakes 4 weeks ago which is the traditional Belmont prep race. He was one of the leading 2 year olds last year until he was injured. He just made it back to the races in April, so he’s lightly-raced, but he seems to still be improving. He has a lot of stamina in the pedigree. He’s a son of 1999 Belmont winner, Lemon Drop Kid, and he has a total Belmont winner factor of 4. He’s one the few horses in the race with any early speed. Jockey Alan Garcia won the Belmont last year wire to wire on Da’Tara.
Mine That Bird – The Derby winner continues to impress observers with his fitness and no-nonsense demeanor during his workouts. He’s been training at Churchill Downs and won’t have any actual workouts at Belmont though. Calvin Borel is back aboard which makes trainer Chip Woolley happy, since he believes Calvin fits the horse well. Closers don’t always do as well as you might think in the Belmont because there’s usually a slower pace up front. Calvin will probably be closer to the front than usual, and might have some company when he starts his run since a good ¾’s of the field are closers too. Timing his run just right will be very important, and things could get mighty interesting on that far turn. Pedigree-wise there’s a lot of stamina (he’s a son of Belmont winner, Birdstone) and his total Belmont winner factor is 5. He’ll be getting a perfect attendance award for the Triple Crown.
Flying Private – He’s the only other horse to get a Triple Crown perfect attendance award this year. He rebounded from a last place finish in the Derby to finish 4th in the Preakness after a bit of a troubled trip. He’s had one maintenance work at Churchill Downs since then, but has no workouts at Belmont Park. He’s the most experienced horse in the field with 12 lifetime starts, but only one win. Jockey Alan Garcia chose to ride Charitable Man instead, so Julien Leparoux picks up the mount. There are some good stamina influences a few generations back in the pedigree and a Belmont winner factor of 5. He’s the only Polish horse in the field.
Miner’s Escape – It wouldn’t be a Belmont Stakes without a Shoeless Nick Zito dark horse. Except Shoeless Nick has been training this guy out in the open at Belmont Park, not up at Saratoga like he usually does with his Belmont contenders. I’m not sure what’s up with that, but I find it interesting. This horse seems to be an improving sort whose 2 lifetime wins have come in his last two starts. He seems to have some early speed, so he might try to set the pace. There is some stamina in the pedigree, and his Belmont winner factor is 5.
Brave Victory – Shoeless Nick Zito’s other dark horse in the race, who has also not been training at Shoeless Nick’s secret Saratoga hideaway. He’s one of only two horses in the race who’s run at Belmont Park before. He ran 3rd behind Charitable Man in the Peter Pan Stakes there in his last race. He was born on Jesse’s birthday. There’s not a lot of stamina in the pedigree and the Belmont winner factor is 2. Something to keep in mind though, Shoeless Nick Zito has started 20 horses in the Belmont and they’ve finished in the money 55% of the time.
So, that’s the field. Perhaps not the most scintillating bunch ever gathered, but I think there’s potential for this to be quite a race. The jockeys are going to be big factors. Will they let the few speed horses set a slow pace which may compromise the chances of the closers? Who’s going to bite the bullet and apply the pressure? Is somebody going to screw up and move too soon?
In the 13ARFTCHC we have a lead pack with $79.20 and a pack of stalkers with $64.40. We’re turning for home and it’s anybody’s race. It might take a long shot winner of Sarava-like proportions to decide this one. So pick your three ponies and send them to me by post time on Saturday which is 6:27 pm. The television coverage is being done by ABC this time. You might also want to tune into some of the great races on the undercard televised by ESPN starting at noon.
Dunkirk – He’s also been training steadily at Belmont Park since the Derby. He was 11th in that race after being bumped and steadied at various points. He still is a little light on race experience. The Belmont will be just his 5th lifetime start. He’s actually run the highest speed figure of any horse in the field. His pedigree has a lot of stamina a couple of generations back and his Belmont winner factor is 4. John Velazquez will be riding Dunkirk for the first time. He won the Belmont 2 years ago on Rags to Riches for trainer Todd Pletcher.
Mr. Hot Stuff – He ran 15th in the Derby after being bumped and squeezed at the start. He’s been stabled at Keeneland since then where he has two bullet works on the fake dirt. He gets a new jockey in 2-time Belmont winner, Edgar Prado. His pedigree has some stamina, and he has a Belmont winner factor of 4. His trainer, Eoin Harty, is the anti-Calvin Borel regarding his horse’s chances. He says, "I have no idea how he'll run. I'm going to throw him in there and see what happens."
Summer Bird – He closed from 16th to 6th place in the Derby. He’s been training at Belmont for the last couple of weeks including a nice 7/8 mile workout 2 weeks ago. He’s only run 4 races lifetime, with 1 win and a 3rd place finish. Kent Desormeaux will be riding him for the first time, and rookie trainer Tim Ice will be adding blinkers. There’s quite a lot of stamina in the pedigree, and he’s a son of Belmont winner, Birdstone, just like Mine That Bird. The total Belmont winner factor is 4.
Luv Gov – He ran 8th in the Preakness after going 8 wide into the stretch. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas (winner of 4 Belmonts) took him back to Churchill Downs after the race and he’s had one nice work since then. His speed figures have really improved in his last couple of races, but he still has only one lifetime win. He gets jockey Miguel Mena back who was aboard for that lone victory. The pedigree has a lot of stamina a couple of generations back and his sire, Ten Most Wanted, ran 2nd to Empire Maker in the 2003 Belmont Stakes. The Belmont winner factor is 2.
Charitable Man – He’s one of only two horses in the race that have raced at Belmont Park. He’s 2 for 2 at the track, including a win in the Peter Pan Stakes 4 weeks ago which is the traditional Belmont prep race. He was one of the leading 2 year olds last year until he was injured. He just made it back to the races in April, so he’s lightly-raced, but he seems to still be improving. He has a lot of stamina in the pedigree. He’s a son of 1999 Belmont winner, Lemon Drop Kid, and he has a total Belmont winner factor of 4. He’s one the few horses in the race with any early speed. Jockey Alan Garcia won the Belmont last year wire to wire on Da’Tara.
Mine That Bird – The Derby winner continues to impress observers with his fitness and no-nonsense demeanor during his workouts. He’s been training at Churchill Downs and won’t have any actual workouts at Belmont though. Calvin Borel is back aboard which makes trainer Chip Woolley happy, since he believes Calvin fits the horse well. Closers don’t always do as well as you might think in the Belmont because there’s usually a slower pace up front. Calvin will probably be closer to the front than usual, and might have some company when he starts his run since a good ¾’s of the field are closers too. Timing his run just right will be very important, and things could get mighty interesting on that far turn. Pedigree-wise there’s a lot of stamina (he’s a son of Belmont winner, Birdstone) and his total Belmont winner factor is 5. He’ll be getting a perfect attendance award for the Triple Crown.
Flying Private – He’s the only other horse to get a Triple Crown perfect attendance award this year. He rebounded from a last place finish in the Derby to finish 4th in the Preakness after a bit of a troubled trip. He’s had one maintenance work at Churchill Downs since then, but has no workouts at Belmont Park. He’s the most experienced horse in the field with 12 lifetime starts, but only one win. Jockey Alan Garcia chose to ride Charitable Man instead, so Julien Leparoux picks up the mount. There are some good stamina influences a few generations back in the pedigree and a Belmont winner factor of 5. He’s the only Polish horse in the field.
Miner’s Escape – It wouldn’t be a Belmont Stakes without a Shoeless Nick Zito dark horse. Except Shoeless Nick has been training this guy out in the open at Belmont Park, not up at Saratoga like he usually does with his Belmont contenders. I’m not sure what’s up with that, but I find it interesting. This horse seems to be an improving sort whose 2 lifetime wins have come in his last two starts. He seems to have some early speed, so he might try to set the pace. There is some stamina in the pedigree, and his Belmont winner factor is 5.
Brave Victory – Shoeless Nick Zito’s other dark horse in the race, who has also not been training at Shoeless Nick’s secret Saratoga hideaway. He’s one of only two horses in the race who’s run at Belmont Park before. He ran 3rd behind Charitable Man in the Peter Pan Stakes there in his last race. He was born on Jesse’s birthday. There’s not a lot of stamina in the pedigree and the Belmont winner factor is 2. Something to keep in mind though, Shoeless Nick Zito has started 20 horses in the Belmont and they’ve finished in the money 55% of the time.
So, that’s the field. Perhaps not the most scintillating bunch ever gathered, but I think there’s potential for this to be quite a race. The jockeys are going to be big factors. Will they let the few speed horses set a slow pace which may compromise the chances of the closers? Who’s going to bite the bullet and apply the pressure? Is somebody going to screw up and move too soon?
In the 13ARFTCHC we have a lead pack with $79.20 and a pack of stalkers with $64.40. We’re turning for home and it’s anybody’s race. It might take a long shot winner of Sarava-like proportions to decide this one. So pick your three ponies and send them to me by post time on Saturday which is 6:27 pm. The television coverage is being done by ABC this time. You might also want to tune into some of the great races on the undercard televised by ESPN starting at noon.
My picks will be:
Mine That Bird – I guess I ought to pick him at least once
Dunkirk – 10 weeks ago he was the super-est of horses
Charitable Man – I need some charity in this contest
As usual I reserve the right to be shallow and change any of these picks if I see a pretty pony in the post parade.
Safe trips to all horses and humans.
May the horse be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your bridle.
We lift them up to the jockey.
Let us shower tokens upon the jockey, our commander in the field.
It is right to give him thanks and white carnations.
~The Annoyed Handicapper
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Twas the Thursday Night Before the Belmont...
"All of them run a mile and a half. Some of them just take a little longer."
~D.Wayne Lukas
Sunday, May 31, 2009
"Runnin'Mother": A Preakness Review
“That is a runnin' mother.” Calvin Borel in the jockeys' room after the Preakness.
That pretty much sums up the Preakness. Rachel Alexandra outran the speed and held off the closers in an impressive performance. It was all the more impressive when Calvin Borel stated after the race that Rachel Alexandra had difficulty handling the track and we hadn't seen her best effort in the race. I thought the most interesting part of the race was watching Rachel Alexandra in the lead down the backstretch. If you can find a replay watch her ears. She's running with her ears pricked, but she has one ear swiveling around to track Big Drama to her inside while the other ear is tracking Friesan Fire to her outside. She knew exactly where her competition was and she wasn't about to let them go by. Too bad we won't get to see a repeat performance in the Belmont next week. Her connections announced Friday that she will skip that race in favor of some R & R. She's also taking advantage of the downtime to pose for a photo spread to run in the August issue of Vogue. I'm not sure what a Vogue photo shoot of a horse will entail – artfully draped saddle towels? Provocative poses involving leather bridles and hay bales? The mind boggles.
Meanwhile Preakness runner up Mine That Bird continues to prepare for the Belmont. Rachel's vacation did allow Calvin Borel the opportunity to get back on his Derby winner. Mike Smith already had a commitment to ride a horse in a California stakes race on Belmont day. He also rides the fabulous race mare, Zenyatta, for the same connections, so he's not about to screw up that arrangement even to ride a Derby winner in the Belmont. Now we have the unlikely prospect of a jockey going for a Triple Crown by riding two different horses. It's been that kind of year.
Some other familiar faces will return for the Belmont - Dunkirk, Summer Bird, Chocolate Candy, and Mr. Hot Stuff from the Derby, and maybe Flying Private as well. Meanwhile Nick Zito has a couple more under the radar horses stashed up at his training facility in Saratoga. So hang on folks we're not done with the drama yet.
In the 13ARFTCHC several people had the Preakness exacta and have overtaken Joey to form a lead pack. There's another pack bunched closely behind. You can find your results in the chart below.
I'll be back later this week with the entries and post positions for the Belmont Stakes. Until then May the horse be with you.
~The Annoyed Handicapper
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Douglas Injured in Tragic Spill
Rene Douglas is a name quite familiar to Virginia racing fans. He's appeared at Colonial Downs quite often over the years. My recollection is that after races as I'd play the role of that annoying geek standing along the rail looking for an autograph, he'd stop by and chat with me about the race.
I sure hope that he can recover from this accident that most likely has taken his career. I also hope that Jamie Theriot can overcome the anguish he must feel over his role in this unfortunate event.
Theriot was on the rail, and he nudged his horse, Sky Mom, out directly into the path of Born To Be. The video shows Born To Be's head jerk madly to the left as if part of his bridle had become entangled with Theriot or Sky Mom. Born To Be immediately tumbled head over heels and landed unconscious on top of Douglas. It's sad to note that in addition to Douglas' serious injury, Born To Be had to be euthanized after the race.
Such a thrilling and dangerous sport.
If you wish, you can view the Arlington Matron at Bloodhorse. Thankfully, they don't replay the accident, but one view is horrific enough.
I sure hope that he can recover from this accident that most likely has taken his career. I also hope that Jamie Theriot can overcome the anguish he must feel over his role in this unfortunate event.
Theriot was on the rail, and he nudged his horse, Sky Mom, out directly into the path of Born To Be. The video shows Born To Be's head jerk madly to the left as if part of his bridle had become entangled with Theriot or Sky Mom. Born To Be immediately tumbled head over heels and landed unconscious on top of Douglas. It's sad to note that in addition to Douglas' serious injury, Born To Be had to be euthanized after the race.
Such a thrilling and dangerous sport.
If you wish, you can view the Arlington Matron at Bloodhorse. Thankfully, they don't replay the accident, but one view is horrific enough.
From The Press Democrat
DOUGLAS MIGHT NOT WALK AGAIN:
According to the Chicago Tribune's Neil Milbert, Rene Douglas, one of most accomplished jockeys in Arlington Park history, underwent seven hours of spinal surgery early Sunday morning at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and, according to his agent Dennis Cooper, a member of the surgical team of specialists said "he might never walk again."
"It doesn't look good," Cooper said Monday. "They won't be a million percent sure until the swelling goes down and that isn't expected to be until about 10 to 14 days. His fifth and sixth vertebrae were compressed, his ribs were broken and there was damage to his neck, but the main damage is to the spinal cord.
"The doctor told me he had feeling and movement in his upper body but not in his legs. They're hoping that the contusions and swelling (affecting his spinal cord) is what is causing the paralysis, but they don't think so. We're hoping for a miracle."
The six-time Arlington jockey champion sustained the injuries at the track on Saturday riding Born to Be in the Grade III Arlington Matron Handicap. Born to Be had just emerged from the stretch turn, boxed in behind the leaders, when she was bumped by Sky Mom on her inside and clipped heels with front-running Boudoir.
Born to Be fell and was knocked unconscious and rolled over onto Douglas.
The 42-year-old rider lay motionless on the track for several minutes before he was taken by ambulance to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.
After doctors there examined him, he was placed in an induced coma, flown by helicopter to Chicago and admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Douglas' wife, Natalia, flew to Chicago from Ft. Lauderdale after learning he was seriously injured, and he was awakened from the coma so they could speak late Saturday.
Cooper said surgery began about 2:30 a.m. and continued until 9:30 a.m., with Douglas in critical condition.
Born to Be was euthanized, a track spokesman said Sunday.
Our prayers go out to Rene and his family.
Friday, May 15, 2009
The Annoyed One on The Preakness
"The Derby is a race of aristocratic sleekness, for horses of birth to prove their worth to run in the Preakness."
– Ogden Nash
– Ogden Nash
Yes, it’s time for our yearly snippet of Ogden Nash verse and our visit to “Old Hilltop”, Pimlico Racecourse. Enjoy it while you can, folks. Magna Entertainment, the owner of Pimlico and several other racetracks is in bankruptcy proceedings and there are rumors the tracks will be sold and the Preakness may have to move. If this is the end of an era we’re certainly going out with a bang. We have the 50-1 Derby winner returning to prove that race was no fluke, but he’s going to have to do it without his Derby rider who has ditched him for a filly. We have the aforementioned filly who was the star of Derby weekend after winning the Kentucky Oaks by over 20 lengths. We have six other Derby horses, including the well-beaten favorite, looking to avenge their loss. And we have the usual new faces looking to make an impression.
I've listed the entries and the usual factoids and unsubstantiated opinions about each of the horses below. Remember the race at Pimlico is 1 3/16 miles long – slightly shorter than the Derby. While Pimlico is often thought to favor early speed horses, closers often do well in the Preakness too. The weather forecast currently calls for a chance of an isolated thunderstorm with highs near 80° F.
Big Drama – He last raced 7 weeks ago when he won the Swale Stakes in a new track record, unfortunately he was DQ’d to 2nd for bumping in the stretch. He’s never raced further than 1 1/16 miles and his pedigree might be a bit light in stamina in the closest generations. He’s only raced once this year due to an injury he sustained back in January. He’ll be racing without blinkers for the first time. He should be one of the pacesetters in the race.
Mine That Bird – He appears to have come out of his Derby win in good shape. He had a very nice workout at Churchill Downs on Monday and then got another van ride to get to Pimlico. Observers say he’s been looking really fit this week. Trainer Chip Wooley thinks that they have now found Mine That Bird’s preferred running style as a come from behind horse. Of course Calvin Borel, the jockey who piloted that brilliant come from behind trip in the Derby has dumped his Derby winner for the filly. Now admittedly he’s really just honoring the commitment he made earlier in the year to ride Rachel Alexandra in all her races, but this Derby winner-jilting sure does make for some interesting headlines. Mike Smith picks up the mount.
Musket Man – He’s been training at Monmouth Park in New Jersey since his 3rd place finish in the Derby and he put in a bullet work there on Tuesday. He’ll be vanning to Pimlico on Saturday morning. Jockey Eibar Coa was also the regular rider for Big Drama, but decided to stick with Musket Man for the Preakness. Coa will probably try to repeat his Derby ride where he sat about midpack behind the leaders.
Luv Gov – He’s named after Eliott Spitzer, former governor of NY, who resigned after it was revealed that he was a customer of a prostitution ring. Luv Gov is trained by D. Wayne “I’ve won 5 Preaknesses and don’t you forget it” Lukas. The horse has raced 10 times, but just won for the first time in his last race. He’s never run in a stakes race and he’s never raced farther than 1 1/16 miles. His win did come on a sloppy track on the Derby Day undercard, so maybe D. Wayne is arranging for a convenient downpour as the horses come on the track Saturday. The pedigree does have plenty of stamina.
Friesan Fire – He finished 18th in the Derby as the favorite, but he had a pretty bumpy run, stepping on his own foot and sustaining several cuts on his legs. The cuts have healed though and he posted a very sharp workout at Pimlico on Tuesday. While his pedigree has quite a bit of stamina he’s never actually won at any distance longer than 1 1/16 miles. This will be his 2nd race back off a 7 week layoff which often means a good showing from a horse.
Terrain – Appropriately enough given his name, he’s a very well traveled horse. He’s run 8 times at 7 different tracks. He won 3 times last year, but has spent the last several months running 3rd or 4th to horses like General Quarters, Big Drama, Friesan Fire, and Papa Clem. Julien Leparoux rode him in his last 2 races but decided to stick with General Quarters for the Preakness. Jeremy Rose picks up the mount on Terrain. They should be closing from the back of the pack at the end of the race. The pedigree is not chock full o’ stamina, but he ought to be able to get 1 3/16 miles reasonably well.
Papa Clem – He’s been taking it easy after his 4th place finish in the Derby. He had a rather leisurely workout at Pimlico on Tuesday but he’ll have a 1/8 mile blowout on Friday to perk him up a bit. He should be stalking just off the pace just like he did in the Derby. Trainer Gary Stute’s father, Mel, won the Preakness in 1986 with Snow Chief. Gary would love to win the race with his father watching on Saturday.
General Quarters – He came out of the Derby in great shape so owner/trainer/groom Tom McCarthy decided to head for the Preakness. After a leisurely workout at Churchill Downs on Monday he was vanned to Pimlico. Thank goodness he did because we were running the risk of having no Polish horses in the race. His speed figures have been indicating he’s on a good race – not so good race pattern and he’s due for the good race this time. Jockey Julien Leparoux is sticking with him over Terrain. Look for them to try to stay fairly close to the leaders.
Pioneerof the Nile – He finished a gritty 2nd in the Derby after looking like he was home free at the top of the stretch. On Monday he had a very sharp workout at Churchill Downs then shipped into Pimlico. He still hasn’t raced on a dry dirt track. He’ll probably be stalking the leaders like he did in the Derby. His owner, Ahmed Zayat, along with the owner of Mine That Bird were the folks who floated the idea of entering extra horses in the race to fill out the field and exclude Rachel Alexandra. After receiving a great deal of criticism they both reconsidered.
Flying Private – Can he go from last place in the Derby to first place in the Preakness? Trainer D. Wayne “I’ve won 5 Preaknesses and don’t you forget it” Lukas seems to think it’s possible. Flying Private had a nice workout at Churchill Downs on Monday and then shipped to Pimlico. His best race was 3 back when he ran 2nd to Hold Me Back on fake dirt. He’s actually only won 1 race in his career. His pedigree might be a little light on stamina up close, but he is a Polish horse.
Take the Points – His last race was 6 weeks ago when he ran 4th in the Santa Anita Derby behind Pioneerof the Nile and Chocolate Candy. He’s been training well at Belmont Park for the last couple of weeks. Trainer Todd Pletcher thought about running in the Derby but decided to wait for this race instead. The pedigree has some stamina but it’s mostly 3 – 4 generations back. His dam’s name was Ginger Ginger. Former Maryland Riding God, Edgar Prado, has the mount. Look for them to be stalking the pace.
Tone It Down – There’s always a local horse. He ran 3rd in the Frederico Tesio Stakes at Pimlico 2 weeks ago in his first stakes race. Former Maryland Riding God, Kent Desormeaux picks up the mount after the connections dumped Current Maryland Riding Demi-God, Mario Pino. Kent will be going for back to back Preakness wins. He’ll probably try to be on or near the lead with Tone It Down, but they’ll have to break sharply and get it going quickly to keep ahead of Rachel Alexandra just to their outside. His pedigree indicates he should get the distance ok.
Rachel Alexandra – She was the runaway winner of the KY Oaks two weeks ago without being asked to run by Calvin Borel. Some people think she didn’t have much competition in the race, but she beat the ones that were there by over 20 lengths. Since the Oaks she has been sold to Jess Jackson (Kendall-Jackson winery, owner of Preakness winner, Curlin) for an undisclosed amount and been transferred to a new barn with a new trainer, new groom, etc. Now she’ll be running against the boys for the first time at a longer distance than she’s raced before. That’s a lot of new stuff to deal with, but she doesn’t seem to be a horse who rattles easily. In the crowded paddock at Churchill Downs she stood quietly on Oaks day while a little girl patted her on the nose. She’s a big filly with stamina in the pedigree and a great deal of tactical speed. It will be interesting to see if Calvin tries to get her a rail trip from the far outside post position.
There’s the field. It’s the usual assortment of short-priced horses and long shots. In the 13ARFTCHC Joey has broken alertly to take the lead with the rest of us tightly bunched behind him as we head into the Clubhouse turn. Who will make a move to catch him? Send me your three picks by post time on Saturday (approx. 6:14 pm), and we’ll see. We’ll also find out if we‘ll have a Triple Crown prospect to look forward to, or maybe find out the girl’s all that. Or just maybe we’ll get another 50-1 shot to come in. Hey, the new Star Trek movie is really good so it appears long shots are paying off all over the place this month!
My picks will be:
Pioneerof the Nile – I always dance with the one what brung me.
Friesan Fire – ditto
Rachel Alexandra – I love her for her mind.
May the horse be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your bridle.
We lift them up to the jockey.
Let us shower tokens upon the jockey, our commander in the field.
It is right to give him thanks and painted daisies.
~The Annoyed Handicapper
I remember the night I danced with Shamans.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Here We Go
Submitted for your approval...the field.
The field has been blown apart this week with Rachel Alexandra joining the men. For a while, the boys fought the movement to include the filly, but their misgivings gradually seeped away.
Saturday, Rachel Alexandra will be able to run freely- unencumbered, liberated, relieved.
Will she leave the boys in a heaping pile in the paddock stalls?
Seriously, I can't see any horse touching the filly. If she can bounce back after the Kentucky Oaks, she should dominate. Of the others, Pioneerof the Nile has shown true consistency. Musket Man is always in the mix as is Papa Clem. Friesan Fire had a perplexing trip in the Derby. I have to seriously question bringing him to this race considering how badly he was abused in his last.
Big Drama has always had potential, but little to show. General Quarters has been inconsistent. Terrain has shown promise.
The rest? Not so much.
Relax. Dump your work load.
Go for it. It's all good.
The field has been blown apart this week with Rachel Alexandra joining the men. For a while, the boys fought the movement to include the filly, but their misgivings gradually seeped away.
Saturday, Rachel Alexandra will be able to run freely- unencumbered, liberated, relieved.
Will she leave the boys in a heaping pile in the paddock stalls?
Seriously, I can't see any horse touching the filly. If she can bounce back after the Kentucky Oaks, she should dominate. Of the others, Pioneerof the Nile has shown true consistency. Musket Man is always in the mix as is Papa Clem. Friesan Fire had a perplexing trip in the Derby. I have to seriously question bringing him to this race considering how badly he was abused in his last.
Big Drama has always had potential, but little to show. General Quarters has been inconsistent. Terrain has shown promise.
The rest? Not so much.
Relax. Dump your work load.
Go for it. It's all good.
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