The Racing Recap

Breeders Cup - Could it be a Classic Classic?!

2009-08-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that its this time again in the great world that is Photo Finish and that can only mean all roads point to Churchill Downs. This year however we have arrived via the Brit Oval and the amazing game that decided the fate of the Ashes. OK so I promised myself I wouldn’t mention it but it was too tempting!

So back to the real reason we are here and that is the Breeders Cup. And this year in comparison to most other years the fields are already bulging and the possibility that there will be field cuts due to the number of horses entered and not just in the juvenile division.

I will focus solely this year on the Classic as this year more than most does it deserve that title. A quick run through the entries will show that there are the winners of this years Triple Crown races, Autharky representing the mighty Rainbow who won the Kentucky Derby and representing Bally Doyle, Reichenbach Falls who took the Belmont and Preakness as well as the Haskell Invitational. However both these horses are having their first runs back after picking up long term injuries – Autharky pulled up injured for 21 days after finishing 3rd in the Super Derby and this race will come almost exactly 14 days after the enforced rest period and Reichenbach Falls who was out for 19 days with injury after winning the Haskell but has had the benefit of a much longer rest period – nearly 2 months. It will be interesting to see which tactic pays off – short or long rest. Interesting Bally Doyle have double entered their colt for the Breeders Cup meeting, so hold your bets till the last minute just in case he goes for the Endurance.

And then there is Regal Son the winner of the Classic for the last 2 years and is trying to make it three times the charm and also try to cement his place in PF history and win the Horse of the Year Award after being narrowly beaten by Heatseeker last year. This 5yr old horse has been virtually unstoppable this season despite picking up niggly sore days but nothing bad enough to stop him from competing and has also taken the Handicap Triple Crown. The stable star from Snowbank Farm has nothing left to prove and after yours truly managed a few words with the stable owner Laurie Brown, we can report that stable confidence is high and that anything that beats Regal Son will have to be on top of their game and running in high octane spaz juice!

Big N’Tough represents Rivendell Stables and this game colt is coming off a last place finish in the KY Cup Classic but despite not winning this season has been on the board in three G1s and last season was 2nd in this race to Regal Son.

Next up are two entries from FDL Lodge the mighty Australian outfit. First is Camena’s Thunder, a son Thunder Arctic and All For Camena both legends in the game but this colt has been campaigned almost exclusively on turf – his only two starts on dirt being off the board finishes. Whilst not wishing to be too negative about any runner in the race this is one colt that we will be looking for at the rear of the field rather than the front!

More interestingly is Come Vampire who was purchased privately in a deal worth to be in excess of $5million from Establos Del Castillo following wins in The Queens Plate and Prince of Wales Stakes two legs of the Canadian Triple Crown. Since the purchase however this colt has only managed a 2nd in the Super Derby but never discount a runner from this stable.

The winner of the Super Derby was Dynamo and Firstholme Racing are more than happy to enter their colt in the Classic as he beat two other Classic entrants in that race. He also set a track record in the race to prove that the win was no fluke and that this was a horse on his way up. Although his earnings may not be high his form looks solid enough to warrant a post position in the race.

At 6 years old , Hold That Train is the oldest runner in the race but don’t let the age fool you. This is one serious racehorse whose race record of 56-16-11-12 with earnings of $9,403,750 makes this entrant one to be reckoned with despite mixing his racing this season between turf and dirt. His win in the KY Cup Classic was impressive with a PSR of 107 and Big N’Tough behind him finishing 5th. It definitely wouldn’t be a surprise to see this iron horse finishing in the top half or even top 4 of the field.

Another horse with a few miles on the clock is Point Taken representing Point Given Stables. His best form is generally to be found in the G2 ranks but he has winning form in G1s although including one on heavy at the start of this season. An interesting runner but as reliable as this tough guy is a top half field finish is the best that can be hoped for.

Chiknsmack Stables sends out one of their stable stalwarts, Priceless Revenge and this colt has shown scintillating form in the top ranks for the last two seasons including taking the Hollywood Gold Cup this year, with none other than Heatseeker back in 5th. He also took the Oaklawn Handicap with a track record and 115 PSR which more than entitles him to be up there in the firing line when the finishing line comes into view. The stable is not known for misplacing their horses and considering the caliber of other runners it is assumed that this colt is in the race to win and not make the numbers up. Double entered in the BC Mile.

Speedy hasn’t quite lived up to his moniker and whilst this good looking colt by Handsome Man (BC Sprint Winner) out of a good race mare in Xtra Heat, it would be fair to say that this race could be a few furlongs too far despite his winning form at Shenandoah Downs over 9f in a track record. It may be that after having a look at the field on Thursday evening, Zippy Chippy will decide to pull this colt from the race and keep him down at a lower level where he seems to be able to perform better. It could be asking too much also if he takes up his alternative entry in the Sprint.

And last but not least is Vindictive representing the amazing Italian stable of Olmo Dorato. This colt has really come into his own in the last 4 races winning both the Travers and Woodward Stakes and posting a PSR of 117 in the latter. This horse also shows that good horses don’t have to cost a fortune, having been picked up from Endless Vista for the tiny sum of $25,000 and now boasting earnings of over $1.5millon. Another horse with an entry in the Endurance like Reichenbach Falls.

So having gone through the field and digested the form book I bet you are all wondering on what our predication will be for the finishing order?! Well its definitely going to be a horse and its definitely going to be exciting but as for my top tips? Lets just say that it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Regal Son, Vindictive and Autharky up there with Reichenbach Falls and Come Vampire mixing it up at the business end of the race.

At the end of the day we are here for the racing and we have been blessed to see such a stellar field of runners entered so far – with the chance of a few late entrants just to throw the whole complexion of the race up in the air!

Anyway, one must be off to visit the other owners here – I am sure that was Jim Webber just landing his Sikorsky S76 which you cant miss as its painted in his stable colours of blue and yellow with the banner proclaiming it to be the home of the only TC winner in PF history – nothing like being modest in this game! I wonder who that was behind the tinted windows with the Dolce & Gabanna shades carrying the latest Louis Vitton overnighter……..

AMANDA PULLS OUT HER MAJOR TRUMP CARD FOR THE DERBY

2009-03-14T07:16:00.000-07:00

Reichenbach Falls and Sectum Sempra have been pencilled in as possible triple crown runners for master trainer Amanda O'Brien. When asked about how she thinks Reichenbach Falls will go in the Derby she responded "I think that Falls will be a strong contender for the TC given his pedigree being out of the top sire Troll Tower and a G1 winning World Record holding dam, so he has the potential on paper to be speedy enough for the 10f races whilst having the lungs to get the Belmont distances." Reichenbach Falls will have his lead up runs in the Florida and Santa Anita's Derbies. Sectum Sempra will race in all the same lead up races as Fallsy except for the Kentucky Derby, unless he improves his form over the shorter distances.

Reichenbach's main rivals seem to be Autharky and Believer, both top class colts who have dominated the 2yo dirt races. Beauty Queen is also one not to be ignored especially if she runs against the colts. When I asked what races she had in mind for Fallsy if he wins or races very well in the triple crown races she responded "the breeders cup classic will be his ultimate aim but we'll take it race by race and if he did manage to do well in the TC races he would earn a rest for a while before maybe going for a few races against the older horses". She has also mentioned the Breeders Cup Endurance as a possible goal for Sectum Sempra as he is a dyed in the wool stayer. But be warned punters, Amanda has said that if her horses don't perform in lead up races they won't race in the main event".

O'Brien will also have runners in the English classics, with the big Johar colt Moriaty and perhaps Sign Of Four lining up in the Derby and Perfecta in the Oaks. Moriaty was a promising second in the G3 Pilgrim Stakes over 1800m at Belmont as a 2yo and should handle the extra distance. Perfecta and Sign Of Four have both shown promise and will appreciate the extra ground.

Meanwhile, the Group 2 winning colt New Moon On Monday while resume in the G2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on week 5. He should be hard to beat while in this class.

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Honest stayer WinWinWin will start off his preparation for the Melbourne Cup this week with a run in a $30,000 Open Handicap over a mile at Victoria Park. Kayll said he was happy with his preparation say he had filled out nicely since his last run when he won the Group 3 WA St Leger in Perth. "He's coming along nicely and he well and truly gets the two miles so I'd like to give him a go at the Melbourne Cup" he said. "He'll go onto the G3 Kingston Town (2000m) on the 11th of Feb and then either the G1 Metropolitan Handicap (2600m) or the G2 Winning Edge Handicap (2400m) at Caulfield before the Melbourne Cup."

COULD SWAIN'S GOLD FINISH THE HEATS BUSINESS?

2009-03-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Swain's Gold has been among the 34 3rd acceptances overnight for the Kentucky Derby. The half brother to Heat Seeker is trained by newcomer Tia of Circle F Farms and she is quietly optimistic about her horses chances."I picked up Swain's Gold at the auction from Huttons. I thought $25,500 was a very good price and he has more than earnt that back, more than all of that in one go with his second in the G2 KY Jockey Club. He prefers turf but he is more then capable on dirt and he seems to like the Downs so we might be going to the Derby. We'll see. We will probably be starting him off in Japan in Feb." Swain's Gold is currently $51 for the Derby.

Another possible runner is Tia's original horse Copablanca. "His Dam of Sire is Winning Colors and his mother's no slouch either so I figured he'd be a decent runner. Being that Rev was "older" I needed someone younger to balance and being 2 he fit the bill perfectly. He's got a 2-3 peak and wants distance even though he can't quite hold it yet; his stamina IS improving, though, so there's hope. He pulled an 85 PSR back in November which knocked my socks off. Yeah, there's hope alright. His first start of 2012 will be in the Holy Bull at Gulfstream." Copablanca is currently $151 for the Derby.

Tia also has a very promising sprinter in Enigma, another purchase from Hutton's Horse Haven. "Enigma is our Super Sprinter. Another Hutton Hotty, he ran very nicely last season and it's hoped that he will continue that momentum. He'll be starting in a very low level at Shenandoah in late January - mostly as he finished his last start injured and I want to play it safe. Part of that "safe" includes avoiding Heat Seeker at all costs." Enigma was very good last season when third in the G2 Moir Stakes on Cox Plate day and his last run fourth in the Missle Stakes beating Handsome Bane and Duo Power was very awesome. He'll surely win races this season and possible Tia's first win.

She has made a few purchases at the end of the season, picking up Roll Of Thunder and Our Maiden. Roll Of Thunder was a very good horse for my mate Steve and that will win races. "Roll of Thunder was picked up at the late stable auctions for a song. With bloodlines and PSR's like his (Thunder Arctic and multiple TR's) I would have been a fool to walk away from such a low reserve. He'll be going in an ungraded stakes at Caulfield in late January and probably stay at the lower level, though I do hope he's still Graded-competitive", is Tia's opinion of Roll Of Thunder. This is her comment about Our Maiden, "Our Maiden was purchased from EV to replace Rev in the Filly/Mare runs. She's been cooling her heels for the last year-and-a-half and I only hope she still remembers what a track is for. Strangely enough her first start for us was also Rev's: the Truly Bound HDCP at Fair Grounds. She's another that's slated for the shed, though if she does well she may run again in '13." Our Maiden's name doesn't help out too much but she is a G3 winner who could surprise fresh in mares grade if she comes back as good.

She is very happy with her breeding and is seeing results in the paddock with Unforgiv'n beating Prince Stephen home. Perfect Goer has had 5 foals and Revotic is coming along good. Asking her about horses she's scared off this season are not surprisingly Heat Seeker and the big Otsego colt Shatterstar.

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Race 7483 - 1/9/12 - Grade 1 - Japan Cup - Tokyo Racecourse - 3YOs & up - 1 1/2mi T - $5,000,000 Odds------
Heat Seeker FDL Lodge $1.70f
High Heart Elite Thoroughbreds $17.00
Retribution Spartan Racing Stables $7.00
Sinking Fear Olmo Dorato $4.50
Trigun JD Kayll Race Club $8.00

Race 7484 - 1/9/12 - Grade 1 - Japan Cup Dirt - Tokyo Racecourse - 3YOs & up - 1 5/16mi - $2,300,000 Odds------
A View to a Kill Otsego Farms $6.50
Believer FDL Lodge $8.00
Blessed Rainbow $11.00
Freethinker FDL Lodge $61.00
Gold Skimmer Foxies Lodge $21.00
Missing Hour Watch This Space $9.00
Regal Son Snowbank Farm $1.80f
Sligeach Woodbury Stables $5.50
That's Bullcat Olmo Dorato $31.00

Head to Head

2008-11-24T11:25:00.000-08:00

A review of the most eagerly anticipated race this season!

Face to Face with Nancy Newmarket

2008-10-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

Hi guys and I hope you enjoy the first Face to Face review!

NEWMARKET HANDICAP

2008-10-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

7 Newmarket Handicap 3.30
1200m $500,000 2yo & up Group 1. Apprentices cannot claim.
TAB Sportsbet Fixed Odds

1 37111 RUN MISSY RUN, 10 Golden Acres S Wilman 59 4.00
2 25323 FUR WILL FLY, 4 South Beach Stables D Oliver 57 9.00
3 67122 FIREHEART, 2 Godolphin17 A Khan 56 10.00
4 12211 ATTACK AT DAWN, 1 Chiquita Lodge D Bujak 55.5 3.70f
5 11123 HEPATIC FLAP, 6 FDL Lodge F LaFleur 55.5 6.50
612115 FLAWLESS TOWER, 3 Olmo Dorato E Pozzoli 55 15.00
7 98374 KOSTYA, 7 Beaver Stables G Boss 54.5 13.00
8 s2210 HANDSOME BANE, 5 JD Kayll Race Club J Kayll 54 61.00
9 76668 MIRROR IMAGE, 8 Plugger Racing G Kayll 53 101.00
10 0s112 PERFECTION, 9 Hopeful Farm S Baster 52 5.50
Run Missy Run 1, Perfection 2, Attack At Dawn 3, Hepatic Flap 4

1 RUN MISSY RUN PF Rating 126 (10) 59
Golden Acres (Randwick) STEVEN WILMAN
Owner: Golden Acres Syndicate (Mgr: S Wilman)
4yo ch h Missy’s Bridle- Pharein (Phar Feather) TIMEFORM Race Rating 98
RED, PURPLE SASH, WHITE SLEEVES, PURPLE CAP
27 starts. 17-2-5 $5,607,250 Dist: 10-5:2:2 Track: 2-1:1:0
3-6 CAUL Sat 26Feb11 1400 VIC HEALTH-G1, Firm, S Wilman (3) 58, $2.20f:1-Bro’Town (NZ) 53:6L,1-20-59TR
7-13 NAD Sat 26Mar11 1200 SHAHEEN-G1, Fast, S Wilman (4) 57, $5.50ef: 1-Deux Francais 51: 4L, 1-07-54
1-7 NMKT Sat 15May11 1600 LOCKINGE-G1, Good, S Wilman (6) 57, $2.60f: 2-Princess Nina 55: 3.3L, 1-34-80
1-8 ASCT Sat 13Jun11 1600 QUEEN ANNE-G1, Good, S Wilman (6) 57, $2.20f: 2-Arctic Memories 57: 2.8L, 1-34-55
1-7 NMKT Sat 11July11 1200 JULY CUP-G1, Firm, S Wilman (6) 58.5, $2.50f: 2-Perfect Picture 57: 2.7L, 1-08-25TR
Champion sprinter who won the first two legs of the Silver Arrow Series last year before running second (behind Life Of Mars) in this race. Started off the season slowly before loving the European Climate with 3 straight wins over there. Beat Perfect Picture, Life On Mars and subsequent Australia Stakes winner Returnofthedancer last start. Should atone for last year’s defeat.

2 FUR WILL FLY PF Rating 114 (4) 57
South Beach Stables (Trinidad & Tobago) DAMIEN OLIVER
Owner: South Beach Syndicate (Mgr: C Ambrose)
4yo b h Aussie King Prawn- Feathers Flying (Royal Applause) TIMEFORM Race Rating 90
PINK, ROYAL BLUE SLEEVES
27 starts. 10-5-4 $2,131,500 Dist: 8-3:0:0 Track: 2-0:0:0
2-8 TKYO Sat 1Feb11 1400 NEGISHI-G3, Fast, Y Iwata (7) 57, $5.50: 1-Run Missy Run 57: 6L, 1-21-16TR
5-7 FLEM Sat 25Mar11 1200 SALINGER-G1, Firm, D Oliver (7) 55, $5.50: 1-Hepatic Flap 53.5: 7L, 1-07-63WR
3-6 LSP Sat 26Apr11 1600 TEXAS MILE-G3, Heavy, M Kinane (2) 57.5, $2.50: 1-Made You Look 57.5:6L,1-36-23TR
2-7 BELM Sat 28May11 1600 METRO HCP-G1, Fast, M Kinane (1) 57, $3.50f: 1-Octane 53.5: 0.8L, 1-33-75
3-8 HOLL Sat 19Jun11 1400 TRIPLEBC-G2, Fast, M Kinane (1) 56, $3.50: 1-Taco Bell 55.5: 1.5L, 1-20-78TR
Multiple Group 1 winner who ran in this last year for fifth (behind Life On Mars). Has been racing on the dirt lately with mixed results, and his last run on turf was 5th behind Hepatic Flap. I don’t think he particulary likes the Flemington straight and he isn’t in any better form than last year. Should still run a forward race.

3 FIREHEART PF Rating 110 (2) 56
Godolphin17 (Moonee Valley) AADIL KHAN
Owner: Godolphin Syndicate (Mgr: S Bin Suroor)
4yo b h Forest Dancer- Sparks Fly (Lite The Fuse) TIMEFORM Race Rating 95
BLACK, RED STARS, SLEEVES AND CAP
19 starts. 3-3-2 $498,500 Dist: 9-2:2:1 Track: 1-1:0:0
6-8 CAUL Sat 26Feb11 1800 UNDERWOOD-G1, Firm, B Cornish (2) 56, $7.00: 1-Camena’s Thunder 56: 11.6L, 1-47-85
7-8 CAUL Sat 4Mar11 1600 TOORAK-G1, Firm, B Cornish (4) 54, $4.50: 1-Ton Of Luck (USA) 56: 19.5L, 1-36-67
1-6 FLEM Sat 1Apr11 1200 AGE CLASSIC-G1, Firm, B Cornish (1) 58.5, $3.00: 2-Yeager 58.5: 2.9L, 1-08-54
2-13 DOOM Sat 6May11 1200 AWA STAKES-LR, Firm, B Cornish (8) 58.5, $3.20f: 1-Drunken Smart 54: 0.6L, 1-09-15
2-4 MV Sat 20Jun11 1200 AUST STAKES-G1, Good, B Cornish (1) 58.5, $2.50: 1-Returnofthedancer 58.5: 0.1L, 1-09-05Group 1 winner with a change of stables for $800,000 (formerly trained by Victorian Racing Stables). 3 starts back at this track and distance he won with relative ease from the highly rated Yeager. Next start he found the 5 kilo weight difference too much when beaten behind the Group 2 winner Drunken Smart in Queensland before a close second in the Australia Stakes. Was beaten by a Moonee Valley specialist then and is a Group 1 winner at the distance and goes well at the track. Hard to catch.

4 ATTACK AT DAWN PF Rating 123 (1) 55.5
Chiquita Lodge (Rosehill) DON BUJAK
Owner: Chiquita Lodge (Mgr: D Bujak)
6yo ch m Maythehorsebewithu- Dancethruthedawn (Mr ProspectorTIMEFORM Race Rating 94
WHITE AND PINK QUARTERS, SLEEVES AND CAP
55 starts. 31-12-4 $6,297,750 Dist: 23-12:4:1 Track: 7-4:1:0
1-10 RHIL Sat 29Jan11 1100 CONCORDE-G3, Firm, D Bujak (5) 55.5, $3.00ef: 2-Handsome Politics 51: 2.1L, 1-02-29
2-13 NAD Sat 26Mar11 1200 SHAHEEN-G1, Fast, D Bujak (1) 54, $6.00: 1-Deux Francais 51.5: 2.1L, 1-07-54
2-10 GCST Sat 3Jun11 1400 MM CUP, Firm, D Bujak (9) 54.5, $4.00: 2-Rocket 52: 0.1L, 1-21-80
1-11 FLEM Sat 1Jul11 1000 LIGHTNING-G1, Hard, D Bujak (8) 56, $3.50f: 2-Hepatic Flap 55.5: 0.4L, 55-94
1-9 CAUL Sat 14Jul11 1100 OAKLEIGH-G1, Firm, D Bujak (3) 56, $4.50: 2-Perfection 57.5: 0.1L, 1-02-19Champion sprinter who ran fourth in this (behind Handsome Problem) in 2009. Has won the Lightning Stakes and Oakleigh Plate in 2009 and 2011. Talk around the stables is that she doesn’t run a full 1200m out against this sort of class but she has beaten her main dangers well at her last 2 starts bar Run Missy Run should be hard to beat.

5 HEPATIC FLAP PF Rating 120 (6) 55.5
FDL Lodge (Randwick) FINLAY LEFLEUR
Owner: FDL Syndicate (Mgr: F DeFleur)
3yo ch c Thief Of Hearts- Isca (Rory’s Jester) TIMEFORM Race Rating 92
BLACK, RED AND WHITE HOOPED SLEEVES, QUARTERED CAP
16 starts. 8-3-3 $2,480,000 Dist: 3-2:0:0 Track: 3-2:1:0
1-7 FLEM Sat 3Mar11 1200 SALINGER-G1, Firm, F LeFleur (3) 53.5, $3.50: 2-Private Choice 52: 1.5L, 1-07-63WR
1-7 ASCT Sat 6May11 1600 RAILWAY-G1, Firm, F LeFleur (4) 53, $3.20: 2-Ton Of Luck 55.5: 1.1L, 1-34
1-9 JAPAN Sat 1Jun11 1600 YASUDA-G1, Firm, F LeFleur (2) 52, $6.00: 2-Color Of Fame 57: 2L. 1-32-77TR
2-11 FLEM Sat 1Jul11 1000 LIGHTNING-G1, Hard, F LeFleur (11) 55.5, $5.50: 1-Attack At Dawn 56: 0.4L, 55-94
3-9 CAUL Sat 14Jul11 1100 OAKLEIGH-G1, Firm, F LeFleur (5) 55.5 $5.50: 1-Attack At Dawn 56: 1.5L, 1-02-19 Star miler who has just failed in his two Silver Arrow runs behind Attack At Dawn. His last run at the track/distance was a very good win in the Salinger. Handles a mile and that is very handy for today as it is usually a big test. Should run well.

6 FLAWLESS TOWER PF Rating 118 (3) 55
Olmo Dorato (Cancanelle) ETTORE POZZOLI
Owner: Olmo Dorato Syndicate (Mgr: E Pozzoli)
4yo ch m Troll Tower- Flawlessly (Affirmed) TIMEFORM Race Rating 85
PINK, NAVY DIAGONAL STRIPES, WHITE SLEEVES AND CAP, PINK POM POM
35 starts. 21-3-0 $2,609,750 Dist: 21-13:2:0 Track: 6-3:0:0
1-5 SANTA Sat 9Apr11 1300 SIMEON-G3, Firm, E Pozzoli (5) 55.5, $1.60f: 2-Mystical Island 51.5: 2.3L, 1-14-45
2-8 CANN Sat 29Apr11 1200 CHIESA-G3, Good, E Pozzoli (3) 56, $1.80f: 1-Xanthomata 50.5: 1.5L, 1-09-71TR
1-6 FLEM Sat 26May11 1200 STANDISH-G3, Hard, E Pozzoli (3) 56, $1.80f: 2-Lord Kayman 50: 2.2L, 1-08-11
1-3 MORP Sat 24Jun11 1200 SANGSTER-G1, Firm, E Pozzoli (2) 56, $1.10f: 2-Vesuvius 56: 4.4L, 1-09-44
5-9 CAUL Sat 14Jul11 1100 OAKLEIGH-G1, Firm, E Pozzoli (4) 56, $4.00f: 1-Attack At Dawn 56: 10.1L, 1-02-19 Hong Kong Sprint winner of last year who ran seventh last year (behind Life Of Mars). Has been in top shape this campaign but has been disappointing when she’s stood up to the big league, especially last start when backed into favouritism from loyal punters. Just think the she doesn’t run out a fast 1200m pace in this sort of class but she’ll run her usual honest race.

7 KOSTYA PF Rating 108 (7) 54.5
Beaver Stables (Flemington) GLEN BOSS
Owner: Beaver Syndicate (Mgr: B Ruth)
3yo gr c Encosta De Lago- Bollinger (Dehere) TIMEFORM Race Rating 90
NAVY BLUE, GOLD LIGHTNING BOLT, GOLD AND WHITE ARMBANDS, GOLD CAP
15 starts. 7-2-1 $1,821,000 Dist: 8-3:2:1 Track: 3-1:0:0
9-13 NAD Sat 26Mar11 1200 SHAHEEN-G1, Fast, F Dettori (7) 52, $9.00: 1-Deux Francais 51: 5.6L, 1-07-54
8-10 GCST Sat 3Jun11 1400 MM CUP, Firm, G Colless (4) 51.5, $8.00: 1-Rocket 52: 10.5L, 1-21-80
3-9 ASCT Sat 17Jun11 1200 GOLD JUBILEE-G1, Good, J Murtagh (5) 54.5, $3.50f: 1-Perfect Picture 58.5: 3.5L, 1-09
7-11 FLEM Sat 1Jul11 1000 LIGHTNING-G1, Hard, G Boss (7) 55.5, $5.50: 1-Attack At Dawn 56: 5.9L, 55-94
4-9 CAUL Sat 14Jul11 1100 OAKLEIGH-G1, Firm, G Boss (1) 55.5, $5.50: 1-Attack At Dawn 56: 7.1L, 1-02-19 Blue Diamond winner of last season who has always been well fancied this year but has been disappointing. Good run in the Golden Jubilee before being close up in the Lightning and the Oakleigh. Backs up well and is very consistent. Will run another honest race and loves the straight track.

8 HANDSOME BANE PF Rating 103 (5) 54
JD Kayll Race Club (Moonee Valley) JOSH KAYLL
Owner: J D Kayll, S Polizzi, J Layley, A P Mayne & B Ung
5yo br h Handsome Man- Urbane (Citidancer) TIMEFORM Race Rating 77
BLACK, YELLOW MALTESE CROSS, YELLOW AND RED STRIPED SLEEVES, QUARTERED CAP
18 starts. 3-4-5 $302,250 Dist: 3-0:1:2 Track: 1-1:0:0
2-13 EFM Sat 5Dec10 1400 ASCOT-LR, Yielding, D Dunn (5) 53.5, $5.50: 1-Hepatic Flap 52: 5.8L, 1-22-93
2-9 SANH Sat 22Jan11 1400 LISTON-G2, Firm, D Dunn (7) 57.5, $10.00: 1-Bro’Town 55: 1.1L, 1-22-03
2-6 NEWM Sat 19May11 1800 PRIX D’ISHIPAN- G1, Yielding, J Kayll (4) 54, $5.00: 1-Arctic Memories 57: 5.9L, 1-48-73
1-7 MORP Sat 10Jun11 1100 IRWIN-G3, Hard, J Kayll (6) 58.5, $4.00ef: 2-Rain Man 58.5: 1.8L, 1-03-18
7-7 CAUL Sat 7Jul11 1400 C.F.ORR-G1, Good, J Kayll (7) 57, $7.00: 1-Camena’s Thunder 57: 11.5L, 1-21-98Well bred colt who really disappointed last start when well fancied in the Orr Stakes. Expected to run better this time and the blinkers are on to sharpen him up so he can contend with these. At best a good 3rd or 4th.

9 MIRROR IMAGE PF Rating 100.5 (8) 53
Plugger Racing (Moonee Valley) GRANT KAYLL
Owner: G J Kayll, I Spillard, D C Kayll, A E Kayll.
5yo bl h Sunday Silence- Riboletta (Roi Normand) TIMEFORM Race Rating 80
CERISE, ROYAL BLUE SASH AND STRIPED SLEEVES, WHITE CAP
35 starts. 2-2-5 $257,250 Dist: 6-0:0:1 Track: 3-0:0:1
7-8 CAUL Sat 11Mar11 1400 ELLIS STAKES-G3, Good, D Oliver (4) 50.5, $8.00: 1-Tsunami 53: 10.1L, 1-22-16
6-9 FLEM Sat 1Apr11 1100 HILTON-LR, Good, G Kayll (5) 56, $7.00: 1-Definite 56: 6.8L, 1-02-87
6-13 CDWNS Sat 29Apr11 1000 AEGON-LR, Firm, G Kayll (5) 42, $13.00: 1-Yeager 54: 6.6L, 56-43
6-13 CAUL Sat 3Jun11 1100 RUBITON-G3, Yielding, G Kayll (8) 58.5, $10.00: 1-Mr. Gwalia 54.5: 5L, 1-04-46
8-11 FLEM Sat 1Jul11 1000 LIGHTNING-G1, Hard, G Kayll (10) 58.5, $31.00: 1-Attack At Dawn 56: 11.8L, 55-94Consistent handicapper sprinter who ran a pretty decent race in the Lightning Stakes before Attack At Dawn. Ran well at WFA and Handicap class before that. Shouldn’t get much weight and gets a strong 1400m so will handle the pace. Roughy.

10 PERFECTION PF Rating 105 (9) 52
Hopeful Farms (Flemington) STEVEN BASTER
Owner: Handsome Man Stud Syndicate
4yo b h Handsome Man- Sister Act (Saint Ballado) TIMEFORM Race Rating 100
ROYAL BLUE, GREEN SLEEVES, LOGO, GOLD CUP AND POM POM
4 starts. 2-1-0 $255,000 Dist: no starts Track: no starts
9-9 RHIL Sat 8Aug10 1100 STAR KINGDOM-G3, Hard, D Nikolic (4) 54.5, $6.00: 1-Blast Of Storm 56: 9.8L, 1-02-71
1-7 EMLD Sat 26May11 1300 FSN HCP-LR, Fast, S Baster (7) 57, EVENS: 2-Mardi Gras 57: 7.5L, 1-14-53WR
1-5 CDWNS Sat 19Jun11 1600 FIRECRACKER-G3, Good, S Baster (4) 54.5, $2.80f: 2-Island Refugee 52: 3L, 1-34-01
2-9 CAUL Sat 14Jul11 1100 OAKLEIGH-G1, Firm, S Baster (7) 57.5, $10.00: 1-Attack At Dawn 56: 0.1L, 1-02-19Well bred colt who has really came around in leaps and bounds this campaign. Made the transition to Group 1 level last start with a magnificent 2nd to Attack At Dawn. Should go very close.

Tips:

Run Missy Run

Perfection

Attack At Dawn

Hepatic Flap

Josh Kayll

HE'S BACK

2008-09-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

He's back. The champion sprinter from Golden Acres has bounced back from a recent losing streak to win the Lockinge Stakes. Run Missy Run has been slightly disappointing of late, with a 6 length third in the G 1 Dubai Racing Club Cup over 1400 at Caulfield behind Bro'Town and Hepatic Flap, and a 7th in the Dubai Golden Shaheen last start behind Deux Francais. Now these runs would have been magnificent for a horse of just G1 quality, but Run Missy Run is the top shelf horse around.

Now he was entered in the Lockinge Stakes, one of Europe's top mile races, which has a rich quality over the years. The only Australian runners to run before Run Missy Run, were the half-brothers Elvstroem and Haradasun, who both went on to race with great distinction in England, especially Haradasun who won the Queen Anne Stakes.

Up against Run Missy Run was the Breeders Cup Mile winner Mr Purler, the evergreen sprinter All For Dansilver, the Group 1 winning mare Devil His Brew & the improvers Maximize, Island Refugee & Princess Nina.

Run Missy Run led the whole race and won running way by 3 lengths from Princess Nina, with Island Refugee and All For Dansilver filling the other places in the money.

Punters had kept him at a safe price for Lightning Stakes before that win at $21.00 but he has been backed in to a short price of $7.50 behind the FDL Lodge pair Life On Mars and Hepatic Flap. The challenge is on for Run Missy Run is to take on the champion 3yo filly Life On Mars, of whom he has a losing record against so far. The factors were against him on those two occasions, and I seriously think that Run Missy Run will make her sweat if he runs. Come on Steve, run him!

Anyway I am the trainer of All For Dansilver and I am happy with his run, and will push on in the mile Group 1 events before going for a record breaking third straight Goodwood Handicap.

Here is the pre-race odds for the Lightning Stakes in a month or two game time.

LIGHTNING STAKES (1000m)
$3.50 Life On Mars
$6.00 Hepatic Flap
$7.50 Run Missy Run
$10.00 Deux Francais, Attack At Dawn, Flawless Tower
$13.00 Arctic Silver, Returnofthedancer
$15.00 Bro'Town, Fireheart
$21.00 Rocket, Private Choice
$26.00 People's Champ, Kostya, Handsome Politics
$41.00 All For Dansilver, Maroon Lodge
$81.00 Bellfast Lad, Skasey, Drunken Smart

It should be a keenly contested race and is the start of the Silver Arrow Sprint Series. All us Aussies went to clean-sweep the series. Will Life On Mars join Fin's other mares in All For Camena and Blushing Allanna in winning the triple crown? Will Run Missy Run clean-sweep to atone for last year? Or will the tough mare Attack At Dawn or the stallion Returnofthedancer reclaim there crown of being the Silver Arrow Champ again? Its anybody's guess.

Josh Kayll

Aussies deny the British yet again

2008-09-16T06:26:00.000-07:00

Amanda O'Brien of Bally Doyle has been a magnificent sport of in all the years on PF but she must have been a tad annoyed that she just failed to win a Group 1 for the first time in a while, with Ordinary World in the Selene Stakes at Woodbine. Amanda, (who is well loved on the game) has commented that she is feeling what she must do to win a Group 1. My answer; Run away from the superstable in FDL Lodge and his gigantic colt Heat Seeker, and you have got a greater chance of winning a Group 1.

Now lets get back to the Selene Stakes. There was a small but select field of 3 fillies contesting the race. There was Oprah from FDL Lodge, Ballata Selvaggia from Penfold Stud and of course Ordinary World. Oprah was the $1.35 favourite on her great form in winning her last two starts, and her fourth in the (G 1) Caulfield Guineas behind Kazzcay and Gournay at Caulfield three starts back. Second elect was Ordinary World at $2.40, who had great form with a close G 1 placing behind Reward in the Santa Anita Oaks two starts back. The outsider of the field was Ballata Selvaggia, who had regal breeding, being by the Europe champ Montjeu and the Cox Plate winner Sunline. The positions during the race was the finishing positions, and it was Oprah that led, with Ordinary World 5 lengths behind her with Ballata Selvaggia last. In the last 200m Ordinary World started to take serious ground off the FDL Lodge trained filly but couldn't overwhelm her, creating a popular win with several headlines in Australia.

It is the first win in America by an Australia since Phar Lap all those years before, and the first runner since the David Hayes trained Anamato ran third in the American Oaks behind Panty Raid and Valpenny in 2007. Amanda remained philosophical after the race and was asked by an Australian reporter by the name of the Joshua Kayll how she felt losing to an Aussie yet again and will she ever beat them again. "I have won a Melbourne Cup with Dancing Delaware before you know" she quipped, and that left Kayll without a decent comeback. Her comment about Ordinary World's run was "whilst I was disappointed to lose by such a short margin it has proven that she can run at the level and will be back for more soon". All of us hope she does come back and wins a well-deserved Group 1 for the trainer. Just don't invite the Aussies!

Kentucky Derby Review

2008-09-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Churchill Downs, home of the Twin Spires and more specifically this week, the Kentucky Derbee. OK I will probably mispronounce the name dozens of times in this recap but I hope you will all forgive me!

In a break from the norm, this review will focus entirely on the Run for the Roses where we have a field of 16 horses lining up to take home a purse in excess of half a million dollars. And its not just the money that they will walk (well hopefully run!) away with – it’s the double whammy of the prestige of winning the first leg of the triple crown and, for the colts in the race, to be referred to as a derby winning sire. This year there is a filly running, and to be honest it isn’t much of a surprise to see her lining up – I of course refer to Godolphins champion filly, Road to Zion.

There was a large contingent from overseas, with Columbia represented by Rainbow’s pair of Tundra Sky and Blessed, several runners from Australia including two from Underworld Stables these being Thyroid Storm and Out of Time, whilst the G1 producing machine that is FDL Lodge entered his latest purchase, Cold Come Back. Europe was also in the mix with the English stable of Woodbury entering his lightly raced colt Sligeach and the Spanish runner Golfo Blanco being sent by Yeguada Lore Toki. Canada aren’t to be left out of the “overseas” runners with Dikto from the Canadian stables of Iron Racing and Eureka sending out Find A Way.

The American representatives were headed by Big N’Tough from Rivendell stables who was heads above the rest of the field in terms of form and G1 wins. State Tower was no forlorn hope from the Godforwand Stables and Silver Sword was running for Snowbank Farms.

The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle of the runners being lead out from the pre saddling enclosure down the home stretch to enter the saddling boxes. This test is part of a champion – how many of them would take the preambles calmly and in their strides and how many would boil over and run their races before hitting the track. One that really stood out was Golfo Blanco who looked stunning and stood out being the only white runner – his groom must have spent hours getting the shine on this colt and had even brushed the Spanish flag into the hindquarters. A lot of eyes strained to see how the filly was going to cope and she coped perfectly – behaving like the true champion she is. He owner was at her head reassuring her that everything was all right and yes everyone was there just to see her. On the other hand, Out of Time looked decidedly out of sorts, sweating badly and jig jogging around his handlers, causing several spectators to comment about the amount of sweat already forming between his hind legs, never a good sign. The rest of the field appeared to be taking the walk well with the odd flying kick just to let people know that they were ready to race. It had already been announced that Sligeach would not be ponied to the start, his trainer sticking with European tradition and letting the horse make his own way – a good idea as he had shown winning form last time out without being accompanied to the gate.

In the saddling enclosure the tension was palpable and as the countdown started to post time, the crowd around the parade ring was like the sea rippling with everyone trying to catch a glimpse of their pick before rushing back to place a bet. With a field of 16 it took a little longer than normal for the runners to be saddled up and jockeys jocked up. The silks glistened in the sun and provided a carnival feel to the parade with the national colours of Trinidad & Tobago carried by Road to Zion and the maple leaf of Canada in the white silks of Iron Racing on board Dikto. Not to be outdone, the Columbian flag was doubly on display with a distinguishing white sash allowing spectators to differentiate between Blessed and Tundra Sky, the former being considered the outsider of the pair so wearing the sash.

As one, the crowd stood and sang My Old Kentucky Home, with hats hastily snatched off their heads in due deference to the occasion. The parade past the stands without an incident and made their way down to the gate. Sligeach didn’t break out of post position despite his lack of a pony whilst Road to Zion was allowed to bring up the field last as the only female runner.

With the runners approaching the gate there was suddenly an announcement from the stewards – Out of Time was declared a non runner due to the ground. The jockey looked devastated as he was led off the track but the trainer had felt that the horse hadn’t been striding out comfortably on the way to the start and believed that it was in the horses best interest if he was withdrawn.

The starting bells rang and the horses sprang as one and down the stretch they came for the first time. Through the opening furlong it was State Tower out in front, followed by Key Largo, Red Dawn and Blessed. Big N’Tough was sitting handily just slightly up from mid field with Sligeach in his sights whilst Road to Zion had a handy position tracking the main contenders. The back marker at this stage was Cold Come Back.

As the field approached the first of the two turns of this amazing race State Tower was tackled by Big N’Tough was laying down his challenge early and it seemed that the jockey was saying come and get me if you can and was going to try to repel all comers. Behind the field was relatively unchanged in position and all seemed to be travelling within themselves. Coming around the bend and into the back straight Big N’ Tough was determined to be in the lead whilst State Tower was equally determined not to let him pass. Thyroid Storm had the 3^rd position hugging the rail with Red Dawn and Sligeach just behind him. Cold Come Back had improved several places and now sat mid field and another making an eye-catching move was Dikto. Road to Zion had slipped back and only had two behind her at this stage.

Halfway down the back it looked like the Rivendell horse was not having things his own way and was involved in a battle for the lead and people were starting to murmur if this early duel was going to leave anything in the tank for later. Sligeach was now breaking from the pack and moving to the outside in a closing third and Dikto was slipstreaming the Woodbury colt but still all horses looked to have a chance with just over half the race left.

With only half a mile to go Sligeach was now eye to eye with Big N Tough, State Tower started to drop back and still Dikto loomed ominously behind. The field was beginning to stretch out with 14 lengths covering the runners which was still completed by Road to Zion and Find A Way.

Coming out of the home turn Big N’Tough’s jockey started to get tough with the colt and was urging him to start picking up but right next to him Sligeach’s jockey was sitting quieter than a church mouse at Sunday service. From mid division Fireball was making strides and this colt was definitely looking a danger if he could manage to slingshot himself around the bend and the leaders.

Quarter of a mile left and suddenly Big N’ Tough cracked he just couldn’t sustain the pace he had set with State Tower nearly a mile previously and still Sligeach’s jockey didn’t move, except a sly glance under his arm to see where the danger was coming from and he could see Dikto being moved from three wide back down to the rail to try to get past a tiring Big N’Tough and Fireball was still making giant strides towards the leaders and then from the middle of the pack Thyroid Storm was getting into top gear and seemed to be a horse who would definitely be there at the finish – the crowd started to rise in order not to miss a moment of this thriller down the last furlong. Would the trophy stay at home or would it be shipped abroad?

200 yards left and amazingly Big N’ Tough was refusing to give in – the jockey was giving it his all to the horse and gamely oh so gamely the colt was responding – could he get back up and deny Europe a win, could Sligeach repel the gallant challenger, had Dikto and Fireballs jockeys time their challenges to perfection or would Thyroid Storm pass all of them and take the race on the line?

UNDER THE WIRE they passed – and yes Sligeach had won! He had held on and found the reserves that only champions have and took the Kentucky Derby by just over a length to the gallant Dikto with Big N’ Tough running the race of his life to keep on for 3^rd. Thyroid Storm took 4^th. All four horses were separated by less then 2 lengths at the line.

What an amazing race – a horse only having its third lifetime start winning the Kentucky Derby and taking the prize back to Old Blighty and the spiritual home of all Derbies. His owner Martin Pennington was the first down to the track to congratulate his homebred star and was heard to exclaim that “nothing could beat this feeling, not even Wigan winning the Premiership!”

The full finishing order was:

13 Sligeach 3yo Colt Woodbury Stables

5 Ditko 3yo Colt Iron Racing

14 Big N' Tough 3yo Colt Rivendell Stable

3 Thyroid Storm 3yo Colt Underworld Stables

9 Fireball 3yo Colt Royal Flush Farms

1 Blessed 3yo Colt Rainbow

4 Tundra Sky 3yo Colt Rainbow

8 Find A Way 3yo Colt Eureka Racing Stables

15 Silver Sword 3yo Colt Snowbank Farm

12 Road to Zion 3yo Filly Godolphin17

7 Key Largo 3yo Colt Alydar Stables

10 Golfo Blanco 3yo Colt Yeguada Lore Toki

6 Cold Come Back 3yo Colt FDL Lodge

2 State Tower 3yo Colt Goforwand Stables

11 Red Dawn 3yo Colt Alydar Stables

I hope you enjoyed this review as much as I did reviewing it! Speak to you all soon – when I recover from the after race party with Martin!

2011 PF Kentucky Derby Preview Special

2008-09-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

Reposted: By Willis

-----------------------
Welcome to the 2011 PF Kentucky Derby Preview Special, I’m your host, Willis and you can call me Willis (and if one person even so much as thinks of doing the “What you talking bout Willis” joke, I will go Tanya Harding on your horse). The first race in the coveted Triple Crown will come you live Sunday, September 7th from the historic Churchill Downs in Kentucky and for a short history lesson on the track, I recommend Google.

The 10th running (give or take depending on when the archives feel like working) of this race drew a 16 horse field. We got big names, small names, no names, and who dat? All lined up to enter the starting gate for a run at immortality. 4 of the top 10 3 year old money earners have entered, Find A Way, Tundra Sky, Big N’Tough and last but certainly not least, our very own Winning Colors, as Road to Zion will be the lone filly to take on the boys. Some notable absences include A View To A Kill, the Wood Memorial winner owned by Otsego farms and Heat Seeker, owned by FDL Lodge and winner of the Santa Anita Derby.

But, with that said, we still have a deep and talented field for which I will get you up to speed on very shortly, but first, we got to pay some bills and go to commercial. Someone has to sponsor this gibberish!

(INSERT Advertisement Using Horses Here. you know, some random company who wouldn’t know a starting gate from a farm tractor to sell their product during a race they think is taking place in Alabama. Whoohoo they like horse racing, so you should to. Now go buy that Viagra because it boosts horsepower…….get it…..horsepower)

Well that was umm, yeah, now the fun part, to see how many hurt feelings I can cause throughout this Preview. (The over/under is 10) And don’t ask me post position, trust me if I knew, you’d know.

Top Contenders

Big N' Tough - $1,428,000 - 9-6-0-0

Rivendell Stable - Big N' Rich x Sovereign Belle

This horse is certainly one of the favorites to capture the Run for the Roses, and why not. A winner of his last 6 races since maturing late as a 2 yr old, this winner of the 2010 BC Juvenile came into his 3yr old campaign with the hype train honking and didn’t fail to deliver. Impressive wins in the G3 Risen Star and G1 Florida Derby, there is a lot to like about this Smarty Jones size horse, but I question his ability to make the 10 furlong distance. His breeding makes him suspect, as both his parents were equally incapable beyond 9 furlongs. He has a win at the Derby distance of 10F, but that was as a 2yr old and on turf, and with a very close win in the Florida Derby at 9F, can he hold his track record setting speed for an additional furlong which can be an eternity.

Find A Way - $1,210,000 6-2-0-2

Eureka Racing Stables - Wheelaway x Awesome Find

This homebred colt may lack the impressive parental lineage as Big N’Tough, he certainly makes up for in talent. An immature 2yr old, he began his 3yr old campaign with a nice victory in the G2 San Rafael Stakes, and then he took on older horses for the prestigious G1 Dubai Wold Cup, where he finished a close 3rd at the 10F distance, proving he is quite capable of lasting down the front stretch for home. His last race saw him set the track record in the G1 Toyota Blue Grass. The lone question will be his endurance, after running what some would consider a tough campaign, coming off back to back races on 3 weeks rest and entering the Derby on another 3 week layoff after running a massive race in the Toyota Blue Grass, will he have any gas left in the tank, and at $4 a gallon, I wouldn’t blame him if he came up empty.

Road to Zion - F – $2,626,000 13-6-3-0

Godolphin17 - Big N' Rich x Giant's K D

The only filly entered in the and half sister to race favorite Big N’ Tough, is a winner of her last 4, and especially noticeable is her decent 2yr old runs over the Churchill Downs dirt, finishing 2nd in the G1 Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies & winning G3 Golden Rod Stakes, so she has experience on the surface, which could be a determining factor. Her 3yr old season started out on the turf, winning the G3 Queen Cup in Tokyo and G1 Epsom Handicap at Royal Randwick against the boys. Her final prep race was G2 United Arab Emirates Derby at 10F over the dirt where she fended off the boys again and punched her ticket to the Derby. The well traveled filly has conquered the boys on both surfaces, so she will not be intimidated, and unlike her half brother, she has the ability to make the distance and with a solid 5 week layoff, she should well rested, but, she will need a far better PSR than the 68 she posted in the Emirates Derby to fend off this field, otherwise, it’s a Rags to Riches story and a filly in the Derby.

State Tower - $270,000 10-3-0-0

Goforwand Stables - Troll Tower x Fashion Statement

Don’t be fooled by the low earnings or the unimpressive record, this horse has pedigree on his side. Son of Troll Tower who sired last years Derby winner New Tower, who was also owned by Goforwand, the most successful stable in Derby history with two winners, the other being the filly Pegasus Song, its hard to deny the connections, both the owner and the horse, have history on their side. The maturing 3yr old has one all of his 3 starts this season, the G3 Santa Catalina Stakes, G3 El Camino Real Derby & Tampa Bay Derby. Not as impressive as the other top contenders, he makes this section based on family ancestry, but the negatives are all to glaring, primarily when it concerns is mother. The unraced mare, has birthed three horses from Troll Tower, none of them being performing exceptionally well on the track. But, if his fathers blood runs deeper, he is certainly a dark horse contender worth throwing some money at.

Maybe Contenders

Blessed – $350,000 7-2-2-0

Rainbow – Songandaprayer x Affluent

Owned by the 2008 Derby winning stable who took the win that year with filly Perfect Bell returns with a decent challenger for this year’s edition. The son of the expensive dud Songandaprayer, who hit the scenes fast and faded faster, does not it would seem have pedigree on his side. I’d give stats for his mother, but Google doesn’t seem to recognize her. The easily likeable 2yr old campaign, he appears to be peaking with wins in the G2 Fountain Of Youth Stakes (like his pops) and G3 Flamingo Stakes. Though his showing in the G1 Florida Derby was a less than stellar showing, it wasn’t as bad as the 5th place finish would indicate either. He finished 9 lengths back of the winner Big N’Tough, but that could be chalked up to a quick turnaround from the Fountain Of Youth. Such questions of rest time will not be an excuse for this race however, only the massive weight of not flaming out like his sire.

Ditko – $671,250 10-2-5-2

Iron Racing - Clever Yank x Lan Kwai Fong

So, maybe he isn’t even a “Maybe” contender, but I like his consistency, finishing out of the money, nay, out of the top 3 in just one career start. He ended his 2yr old season with a win in the G1 Hollywood Futurity and has shown a propensity to hang around in his 3 starts this season. A 4 length loss to Big N’Tough in the Golden Gate Derby to finish 2nd, 3rd in the G1 Spring Champion Stakes over the turf that saw Heat Seeker crush the competition and a really close 3rd G1 Santa Anita Derby again losing to Heat Seeker. He has raced the top horses and refused to fold, so he has the heart and courage to make things interesting. If the top horses don’t have their best days, Ditko could pull off the mild upset and finally have his breakthrough win. Or he could just show that he will never be nothing more than a nice horse to throw into a trifecta.

Sligeach – $479,125 6-3-1-1

Woodbury Stables - Dawn Patrol x Fleet Renee

Sired by Dawn Patrol, who has produced 8 million dollar winning horses, most notably, Deux Francais, winner of the Dubai Golden Shaheen, but the classic distance pedigree comes from the pink side of the bracket in Fleet Renee, who from the stats I could find, won 2 G1 races, Mother Goose Stakes & Kentucky Oaks, so Sligeach (which I think is a city/town/place in Ireland) can go the distance. His most recent starts, the end of his 2yr old season, he won the G2 Norfolk Stakes and was a winner in his only start this season, the G3 Louisiana Derby, unfortunately, not one other Derby entrant was even in that race so it is hard to draw a comparison. My only concern is his stamina to go 10F, I must say, his pedigree, notably on his father’s side, suggests turf/sprinter and just one start as a 3yr old is always sketchy, he might’ve been a bit overprotected.

Tundra Sky - $978,000 6-3-2-0

Rainbow - Thunder Arctic x Skyfinder

The 2nd entrant from Rainbow stables, one of 3 stables to enter more than one horse, might actually be better than stable mate Blessed, and probably deserves to be higher, but it makes it more interesting for him down here. He could have the best sire in Thunder Arctic, 2X HOTY and 2X BC Classic winner and Derby/Belmont winner of any horse entered in the race. He has pedigree for days to discuss, a shaky 2yr old season, turned into an eye opening 3yr old season thus far. Winner of the G1 Donn Handicap, that saw him crush older horses and defeat horses like Regal Son, New Tower & Arctic Memories he followed that up with a very impressive 2nd in the G2 United Arab Emirates Derby, where he ran a below average race and still finished ahead of Big N’Tough and close to race winner Road to Zion. He is probably the best chance Rainbow stable has of recapturing the glory of the 2008 Derby.

Rocky Balboa Contenders

Fireball – $224,000 7-2-1-0

Flush Farms - Medaglia D'oro x Henry's Slew

Fireball is the epitome of the Rocky Balboa contenders, son of well respected sire Medaglia D’oro, who won graded stakes at 3, 4 and 5, and finished 2nd countless times in other big graded stakes races, Fireball has the pedigree to get the job done or to disappoint horrendously. Noting the abysmal record of fouls out of Henry’s Slew, who dampens the excitement produced from mentioning the history of his father, he has his own record to stand on. A non-factor as a 2yr old, he struggled in his first start this season, but came back to win the Dulcify Quality Handicap and G2 Aami Vase, both on turf. He made his dirt debut at 3 in the G2 Arkansas Derby, finishing a decent 2nd to fellow Balboa contender Thyroid Storm. With minimal dirt experience, a weak bloodline on his mother’s side, and a history of disappointment from his fathers, I look for him to be their early, but eventually fade into the final turn.

Silver Sword – $142,500 5-1-1-1

Snowbank Farm – Dansilver x Demoness

This horse by all measure has failed to live up to his pedigree thus far, son of Demoness, top 2yr old Filly of 2002 and Dansilver 2yr old TC winner and superstar sprinter, Silver Sword has been somewhat of a bust. A dismal single race as a 2yr old, he started this year with a win in a minor stakes race on the turf and then transitioned to dirt. Though he has placed, his failure to win a single prep race given his ancestry is startling and has me questioning whether he should even be in the race, or if he would be better suited to running sprints like his father. A 3rd in the G3 El Camino Real Derby, 2nd in the G3 Lafayette Stakes at the more appropriate 7F and finished a well back 4th in the G2 Wood Memorial. Snowbank is throwing haymakers in this race with this entrant, but eventually one of them might land and pull off a Sarava and then fade into obscurity.

Thyroid Storm - $362,500 6-1-2-0

Underworld Stables – Kendane x Missy's Mirage

The first of two entrants from newcomer Underworld Stables, is the highest earning racer for his sire to date, and though his pedigree would suggest a turf specialist, his debut on the turf was a disaster of a debacle. Moved to the dirt he has displayed tenacity and is always lurking. A 2nd in the G3 Santa Catalina Stakes that saw him lose a close race to State Tower and another 2nd in the G3 Gotham Stakes that saw him lose a photo to top filly Camera Shy shows he has some talent. Throw out a devastating 8th place finish in the G2 Fountain Of Youth Stakes where he just hated the track, he finally broke through in his most recent start winning the G2 Arkansas Derby. If one horse in this field benefits from the extra distance of 10F, it is this one. For a new stable to have a horse with a punchers chance has to be pretty special, as long as he doesn’t repeat his performance in the Fountain Of Youth. His owner says he is the Giacamo of the race, I’d say more like Funny Cide/Afleet Alex.

Longshots

Golfo Blanco – $410,650 11-2-1-2

Yeguada Lore Toki - Octagonal Waltz x Golden Rose

Golfo Blanco might have the least prestigious pedigree and has a lot of races, but with wildly mixed results. A 2yr old seasn midred by last place finishes, mid pack results overshadows the G1 victory near the end of last year. As a 3yr old, he has fared little better, with 4 races this year; it is a grab bag of results. A 7th in the G3 Holy Bull only managing to beat the lone filly ente3red in the race. A distant 4th in the G2 United Arab Emirates Derby and 3rd in the G2 Wood Memorial Stakes. His lone win came in a non-graded stakes, The Sam F. Davis Stakes where he defeated a bunch of also-rans who won’t be showing up this Sunday. And, lets not forget, being a white horse, I imagine he will be brown by the time the race is over, covered in the dirt of the dozen or so other horses in front of him. Even Budweiser wouldn’t take a shot on this one.

Cold Come Back - $278,800 5-1-1-0

FDL Lodge – Revenge x Lady Justice

So FDL keeps Heat Seeker away and sends Cold Come Back in his place. Talk about sending a 3rd stringer instead of the first team all-star. This son of the legendary Revenge who accolades are well known is not matching his father’s success and is unfortunately showing signs he is more like his mother, the dreadful Lady Justice who never sniffed the money and it seems to be rubbing off on this horse a bit. 3 of his 5 career races have come on turf, his lone win was an allowance sprint as a 2yr old. In two career starts at 3, he finished 6th in the G2 Peter Pan Stakes on turf and showed signs of brilliance in the G1 Santa Anita Derby finishing just ahead of Ditko and losing in a photo to stable mate Heat Seeker who was making his first start on the dirt. It was either the start of good things to come, or the flash in the pan effort I believe it was.

Red Dawn - $221,750 11-0-3-3

Alydar Stables - Dawn Patrol x Tora Tora Tora

The first of two entrants being sent to the race by Alydar Stables, it is the stables best chance for victory and it is a slim chance. He is also the 2nd horse in the race by sire Dawn Patrol, half brother to Sligeach. This winless horse in 11 career starts may have peaked as a mediocre 2 yr old. In four races at 3, he manages to finish in the money, but only makes a good trifecta pick. He ran a career best in the G2 Hutcheson Stakes at 7F, losing in a close 3rd. he was thoroughly throttled in the G2 Fountain Of Youth Stakes finishing a distant 6th, made a quick 3 week turnaround and ran in the G2 San Felipe Stakes to finish a well beaten 4th. His final prep race he showed surprising form to finish 3rd in the G1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, well behind race winner Find A Way. Red Dawn will need a miracle, but this isn’t 34th Street, its Kentucky, the Derby, the Run for the Roses for a horse that should be running for dandelions.

WTF?!?!? Hell has not Frozen over!

And now the what were they thinking portion. Someone slap these people upside the head and scream “what you thinking bout”.

Key Largo - $37,500 5-0-1-1

Alydar Stables - Balding Matters x Miss Music

The 2nd Alydar Stables entrant is probably the least accomplished runner in the race, the embodiment of long shot. I’m more apt to have a one night stand with my dream girl Paris Hilton before this horse ever wins the Kentucky Derby. If they ran this race 100 times, he would lose 100 times. Horrendous as a 2yr old, he showed signs of a spark at 3, a spark from a sparkler. 2nd in the Texas Heritage Stakes against claimers and 3rd in the G3 Flamingo Stakes in a career best effort behind race winner Blessed. Both parents have been relative busts in the breeding shed, outside of Iginla, son of Balding Matters, and none of that talent has seemed to rub off. But the saying goes you can’t win if you don’t run, but in this case, Key Largo wouldn’t win in a one horse field.

Out of Time - $56,250 4-0-2-0

Underworld Stables – Memcay x Xtra Special

The 2nd entrant from the new Underworld Stable (guess he picked better horses than I did) is a step above Key Largo and with the scratch condition it will be tough to harshly criticize. Unraced as 2 yr old, and son of the iconic Memcay, twice male turf horse of the year, which given Out of Times short career as a 3yr old, someone might be mishandling him. Bred for longer distances over the turf, he has run 4 times this year, nothing on turf and nothing over 8.5F. 2nd in his debut in the G3 Lecomte Stakes on the mud, which might explain the scratch condition, he followed up with a down right horrible 6th in the G3 Santa Catalina Stakes and then another awful showing in the G2 Fountain Of Youth Stakes where he finished 7th. Then he finished 2nd in a two horse field in the G3 Rebel Stakes and came out of that race injured. Questions abound whether the horse is healed enough to even enter the race if it was muddy, but given the long shot that is might be, this horse will be a solid bet. If not, he and Key Largo can battle it out for last.

Now, for my top 4 and the long shot.

1 - Road to Zion (F)

2 - Tundra Sky

3 - State Tower

4 - Big N' Tough

Long Shot - Thyroid Storm

Dead Last - Key Largo

That’s the preview. Hopefully you enjoyed it, if you didn’t like it, next time write the damn thing yourself then.

Have a nice day and good luck to all the entrants.

2011 KYD Preview

2008-09-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

2011 Kentucky Derby Preview
15 colts and 1 filly are scheduled to race in this year’s Kentucky Derby; however, one horse is a “mudder” and will only race on an off track.
Let’s get straight to it… A breakdown of this year’s entrants.

Big N’ Tough (Big N’ Rich x Sovereign Belle)
Owner: Rivendell Stables
Breeder: Jersey Shore Stables

With a record of 9:6-0-0 and nearly $1.5 million in earnings this colt is a frontrunner to win this year’s Derby. He won at 10 furlongs as a two year old with a good time of 2:00.99. We expect that he will post a much better time as a 3 year old.

His wins include the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile and Florida Derby. He has been carefully trained for this very race. He will be well-rested and ready to follow War Machine’s footsteps in becoming a BC Juvenile and Kentucky Derby winner.

Matt’s Prediction: Will be surprised if this colt does not place in Top 3.

Blessed (Songandaprayer x Affluent)
Owner: Rainbow
Breeder: Phoenix Hill Farm

This colt has a record of 7:2-2-0 and has won $350,000 in earnings. He is coming from a win in the G3 Flamingo Stakes, but when he faced Big N’ Tough in the Florida Derby he placed off the board – 5th. However, he had a rough trip and was not able to make up ground.

His problem in that race was that he prefers to drop back and make a late move and stunning run to the finish. However, he was not able to clear traffic in the relatively small field of 8. This field will be much larger and stronger than the Florida Derby; while he should be able to handle 10 furlongs – we wonder if he’ll be able to navigate past 15 other horses.

Matt’s Prediction: Will be running late. Could be an upset.

Cold Come Back (Revenge x Lady Justice)
Owner: FDL Lodge
Breeder: History’s Own Stable

This colt was purchased only a week ago by FDL Lodge with a big ticket price of $2 million dollars after he nearly beat another FDL colt Heat Seeker (who is running in the 2000 Guineas) in the Santa Anita Derby.

This colt posted an excellent time at 9F with 1:45.76 in the Santa Anita with a PSR of 114. He is coming into his own at precisely the right time. The question is whether or not FDL made the right choice in which colt to send to the Derby. But, it looks like the connections at FDL Lodge are looking to conquer both Triple Crowns with their 2 talented colts.

Matt’s Prediction: Should be there in the end. Looked strong in Santa Anita – should be able to go in the last furlong

Ditko (Clever Yank x Lan Kwai Fong)
Owner: Iron Racing
Breeder: Iron Racing

With a record of 10:2-5-2 and $671,250 this colt has earned a right to run for the Roses. He placed 3rd in the Santa Anita Derby with a time of 1:46.16. And last year placed 2nd in the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile.

He may have earned a ticket to Kentucky, but we’re not sure how this colt will fare in that last furlong. He ran a 2:01.68 earlier this year. I just don’t think that’ll be enough to cut it in this year’s Derby.

Matt’s Prediction: This colt isn’t a favorite to win and even though he’s shown some good signs this year – I just don’t think he’ll have enough stamina to go a full 10 furlongs.

Find a Way (Wheelaway x Awesome Find)
Owner: Eureka Racing Stables
Breeder: Eureka Racing Stables

This colt is coming off his win in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes and a 3rd place finish in the Dubai World Cup with a time of 2:00.56 on a slow track. He has a record of 6:2-0-2 with $1.21 million in earnings.

He did well in the Dubai World Cup on a slow track against older competition going up against last year’s Champion 3 Year old Colt (Regal Son) and the very talented Mystic River. However, racing in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes he’ll only have 18 days of rest.

Matt’s Prediction: He has just over 2 weeks of rest before the Derby, but I don’t see that as a factor. He’ll be one to watch in the finish; expect a good result.

Fireball (Medaglia D'oro x Henry’s Slew)
Owner: Royal Flush Farms
Breeder: Fender Stables

This colt has a record of 7:2-1-0 with $224,000 in earnings. However, after a lackluster 2 year old campaign he has a record of 4:2-1-0 for this season. He most recently placed 2nd in the Arkansas Derby to Thyroid Storm.

This colt will have to find another gear to run with the favorites of this race. He’s run at 10 furlongs twice (on turf) with both times 2:02.06 and 2:02.15.

Matt’s Prediction: Won’t be a factor in this race.

Golfo Blanco (Octagonal Waltz x Golden Rose)
Owner: Yeguada Lore Toki
Breeder: Yeguada Lore Toki

This colt has a record of 11:2-1-2 and $410,650 in lifetime earnings. He recently placed 4th in the UAE Derby and 3rd in the Wood Memorial Stakes. He was nearly 8 lengths behind both Road to Zion in the UAE Derby and A View to a Kill in the Wood Memorial.

This colt is another who is taking a step up in class here and will need some help to finish in the money. He ran a lackluster 2:02.20 in the UAE Derby earlier this year.

Matt’s Prediction: Won’t be a factor in this race.

Key Largo (Balding Matters x Miss Music)
Owner: Alydar Stables
Breeder: Alydar Stables

This colt is one of the most inexperienced horses starting in this year’s Derby with a record of 5:0-1-1 and a mere $37,500 in earnings. This colt recently placed 3rd in the Flamingo Stakes with a time of 1:48.14.

This colt will have to show some real speed and stamina he hasn’t shown as of yet to compete in this year’s Derby.

Matt’s Prediction: Another colt that won’t be a factor.

Out of Time (Memcay x Xtra Special)
Owner: Underworld Stables
Breeder: Fender Stables

This young and inexperienced colt will only compete if the track is “wet/muddy” according to the scratch instructions. With a record of 4:0-2-0 and $56,250 in earnings this colt is making his first G1 start.

He has not raced past 8.5 furlongs and doesn’t look like he has the stamina to run a full 10; nor the speed for this race.

Matt’s Prediction: Another non-factor colt.

Red Dawn (Dawn Patrol x Tora Tora Tora)
Owner: Alydar Stables
Breeder: Alydar Stables

This colt is Alydar Stables’ second entrant and looks like a more convincing entrant than stable partner. He boasts a record of 11:0-3-3 and $221,750 in earnings. Recently he placed 3rd in the G1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes.

This colt came some 10 lengths behind Find a Way in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes. While a better entrant than stable partner, doesn’t seem to be as talented as the favorites in this field.

Matt’s Prediction: Should place better than stable partner – but another horse that won’t place in the money.

Road to Zion (Big N’ Rich x Giant’s KD) - FILLY
Owner: Godolphin17
Breeder: Godolphin17

This filly is looking to do what Perfect Bell could not and become the first filly to win the Triple Crown and first 3 year old since War Machine. She has a record of 13:6-3-0 with $2,626,000 in lifetime earnings. She has won all three races that she has entered in this season.

In the UAE Derby she ran the perfect race; stalking for the major part of the race and smoothly taking control in the last few furlongs – coasting in to win easily. She posted a time of 2:00.91 – not extraordinary by PF-standards; but neither was this filly fully extended.

Matt’s Prediction: This filly is one of the favorites, if not the favorite to win.

Silver Sword (Dansilver x Demoness)
Owner: Snowbank Farms
Breeder: Snowbank Farms

This colt has a record of 5:1-1-1 with $142,500 in lifetime earnings. He has never raced at the G1 level, so he’s taking a major class jump this weekend. In his last start he placed 4th in the G2 Wood Memorial Stakes, some 9 lengths off A View to a Kill.

This colt doesn’t look like he can handle 10 furlongs or the speed and class of this Kentucky Derby field. For 9 furlongs he finished in 1:48.96 (in the Wood Memorial).

Matt’s Prediction: Won’t be a factor in this race.

Sligeach (Dawn Patrol x Fleet Renee)
Owner: Woodbury
Breeder: Woodbury

This colt is coming off a win at the G3 Louisiana Derby putting his record to 6:3-1-1 and $479,125 in lifetime earnings. He’s got 2 wins in his last two starts (G2 Norfolk Stakes), but hasn’t raced past 8.5 furlongs yet and is making his G1 debut in the Derby this weekend.

In his win in the Louisiana Derby he had a horrible trip, was explosive to capture the lead, then coasted in to win. His time of 1:42.08 isn’t anything to be excited about – but the way he did it was impressive. And he came back with a whopping ESN (if you take any clout in them) – 3485.427.

Matt’s Prediction: This horse could be an upset. He’s an unknown and showed impressive signs in his last outing. Wouldn’t be all that surprised by a Top 3 finish.

State Tower (Troll Tower x Fashion Statement)
Owner: Goforwand Stables
Breeder: Goforwand Stables

This colt has a record of 10:3-0-0 with $270,000 in earnings. His last 3 wins come from his last 3 starts – all at 8.5 furlongs and all on dirt. His best time comes in at 1:40.49 in the G3 Santa Catalina Stakes. This colt, also has not raced past 8.5 furlongs and is making his first G1 appearance.

He is ready for a bump up in class. He has the speed and in his last race coasted winning wire to wire in decisive fashion. This is another colt that is a question mark. He hasn’t faced tough competition and hasn’t raced at 9+ furlongs.

Matt’s Prediction: This colt could also be an upset. Another unknown with some impressive races under his belt; will do well at 8 – 9 furlongs – the question is can he go 10?

Thyroid Storm (Kendane x Missy’s Mirage)
Owner: Underworld Stables
Breeder: Parklands

This second Underworld colt has a bit more experience winning the G2 Arkansas Derby, putting his record to 6:1-2-0 with $362,500 in earnings. He hasn’t race in a G1 before, so this’ll be his first start at the G1 level.

In the Arkansas Derby he won with a time of 1:47.81 at 9 furlongs. I feel that 10 furlongs will be too far for this colt; and indeed the depth of this field as well.

Matt’s Prediction: Won’t be a factor in this race.

Tundra Sky (Thunder Arctic x Skyfinder)
Owner: Rainbow
Breeder: Rainbow

This colt boasts a record of 6:3-2-0 with $978,000 in earnings. In his last race he placed second to Road to Zion in the UAE Derby. His only other start as a 3 year old was in the 9 furlong Donn Handicap where he won with a time of 1:47.38 beating Regal Son.

This colt is a good and respectable colt, but he couldn’t beat Road to Zion in the UAE Derby, and he’ll have a hard time beating her in the Derby. He’ll be out early, but I don’t expect him to hold his speed over the full 10 furlongs.

Matt’s Prediction: This colt could make his bid here and has a chance to place in the money; but I see him fading in the last furlong.

CONCLUSIONS

Road to Zion – My favorite to win
Big N’ Tough – 2nd favorite – Top 3 finisher
Find a Way – Will be impressive; Top 3 finisher
Cold Come Back – Will be in the battle. Could be an upset.
Blessed – Watch for this colt. Will be running hard in the last few furlongs

Top Upset Factors:
Sligeach
State Tower

Kentucky Derby Preview

2008-09-05T18:11:00.000-07:00

Could the finish of the Kentucky Derby be like this picture above?

7- Kentucky Derby 3.30
2000m $1,000,000 and trophy. G1. 3yo. SW. No claims.
1 1s111 BIG N’ TOUGH, 1 Rivendell Stables 55.5 2.60f
2 7s151 BLESSED, 2 Rainbow 55.5 41.00
3 91s62 COLD COME BACK, 3 FDL Lodge 55.5 9.00
4 1s233 DITKO, 4 Iron Racing 55.5 11.00
5 3s131 FIND A WAY, 5 Eureka Racing Stables 55.5 4.50
6 s6112 FIREBALL, 6 Royal Flush Farms 55.5 31.00
7 s7143 GOLFO BLANCO, 7 Yeguarda Lore Toki 55.5 41.00
8 85s23 KEY LARGO, 8 Alydar Stables 55.5 71.00
9 2672 OUT OF TIME, 9 Underworld Stables 55.5 151.00
10 s3643 RED DAWN, 10 Alydar Stables 55.5 26.00
11 s1324 SILVER SWORD, 12 Snowbank Farms 55.5 61.00
12 431s1 SLIGEACH, 13 Woodbury Stables 55.5 7.00
13 6s111 STATE TOWER, 14 Goforwand Stables 55.5 11.00
14 02821 THYROID STORM, 15 Underworld Stables 55.5 21.00
15 20s12 TUNDRA SKY, 16 Rainbow 55.5 15.00
16 1s111 ROAD TO ZION, 11 Godolphin17 53 2.80
Big N’ Tough 1, Find A Way 2, Cold Come Back 3, Road to Zion 4

The betting odds in this form guide are an assessor’s estimate of the odds which will prevail on the date of the particular racing event and are not necessarily the odds that will be offered by a licensed bookmaker.

1 BIG N’ TOUGH 55.5 (Rivendell Stables) 9: 6-0-0 $1,428,000 Distance: 1: 1-0-0
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner of last season which is always a good guide to this race. Has been given plenty of time for this and the trainer has been building up his distances perfectly so far. Last start he beat a high class field in the last 100m, beating runner Blessed in the process. Looks primed to win this and a brilliant chance in the triple crown.

2 BLESSED 55.5 (Rainbow) 7: 2-2-0 $350,000 Distance: No starts
Very promising horse in the making here. Has been well favoured in his last few starts in top class fields. Two starts ago in the Florida Derby he ran $7.00 third favourite behind Big N’ Tough and Badge. He was unlucky on that occasion. Last start he rounded up a good field with ease and beat Kentucky Derby runner Key Largo by eight lengths. He’s the best roughie in my opinion.

3 COLD COME BACK 55.5 (FDL Lodge) 5: 1-1-0 $278,800 Distance: No starts
Recent buy by leading trainer FDL Lodge for $2,000,000 from Eureka Racing Stables. He’s had two runs on the dirt for for a $71 last (immature and probably too short a distance) and a magnificent run last start when he scared Heat Seeker and ran a close 2nd to him. No horse has done that so far so he’ll have plenty of admirers. No Heat Seeker here today but Big N’ Tough is the proven dirt champ for 3yos and he’ll will have to pull out a lot to beat him but I think it’s possible.

4 DITKO 55.5 (Iron Racing) 10: 2-5-2 $671,250 Distance: 1: 0-0-1
Perennial bridesmade who has ran very well this campaign. First up he bumped into Big N’ Tough, second up he bumped into Heat Seeker and again at his next start. He’s just not having much luck at the moment. First-up he ran very well but was beaten 4 lengths by Big N’ Tough. Second-up he ran well again over this distance on turf but lacked the sprint to run down Heat Seeker. At his last run he ran a very good race to be beaten only 2 lengths behind Heat Seeker, against Cold Come Back among his rivals today. Great chance for being in the money.

5 FIND A WAY 55.5 (Eureka Racing Stables) 6: 2-0-2 $1,210,000 Distance: 1: 0-0-1
This fella can’t be faulted. Since he’s been up to this distance range he has ran well everytime. Three starts back he won his first race in beating Remsen Stakes winner Antagonist. At his next start he was the only 3yo in the Dubai World Cup and he ran a great race, finishing 2 lengths behind the dirt champ Regal Lad. Last start he won his first Group 1 beating Red Dawn easily. He’s a tough nut and he’ll be in the proceedings at the finish.

6 FIREBALL 55.5 (Royal Flush Farms) 7: 2-1-0 $224,000 Distance: 3: 2-0-0
Improving horse with the best record at the distance in the whole field. Has been racing on turf mostly this campaign but he ran a nice race last start for second behind another runner in this Thyroid Storm. He will run out the distance out fine but I think he’ll be a better chance in the Belmont.

7 GOLFO BLANCO 55.5 (Yeguarda Lore Toki) 11: 2-1-2 $410,650 Distance: 1: 0-0-0
Group 1 winner who has been so-so this campaign. Ran a nice fourth in the U.A.E Derby before running a good third to A View To A Kill last week. Fought on well. Before that ran a very good race for fourth behind Road To Zion. Looks to be a horse at big odds that can run fourth or fifth but I can’t honestly see him winning.

8 KEY LARGO 55.5 (Alydar Stables) 5: 0-1-1 $37,500 Distance: No starts
A promising horse from Alydar who’s two runs this campaign have been good efforts. First up as favourite he wasn’t beaten far as 2.60f behind subsequent winner Definite. Last start he was well fancied again but got beaten 8 lengths by Blessed. I see him improving even more as the season wears on but I don’t think he’s up to Kentucky Derby standard.

9 OUT OF TIME 55.5 (Underworld Stables) 4:0-2-0 $56,250 Distance: no starts
Honest youngster who has been around the mark this campaign. Four starts back in his first start he ran a rip-snorter of a run for a close second to Kenny’s Charm at $13. Next start he ran sixth against several top 3yos like State Tower, Thyroid Storm, Antagonist, Warrior King and Inside Man. Next start he ran against a top class field in the Fountain of Youth Stakes and was by no means disgraced, and then last start he got well-beaten by a first starter, which we can’t a grip on. Don’t see him having the class to win but if it’s muddy he’ll run close up.

10 RED DAWN 55.5 (Alydar Stables) 11: 0-3-3 $221,750 Distance: no starts
Probably the best maiden on the game here. First up in the Hutcheson Stakes he ran a good race to only be beaten 1-1/4 len beating the Preakness bound Badge in the process. His next run was good behind some stars when well fancied. Punters were warming to him at his next start on form but he could only run fourth, but bounced back with an impressive run to beaten by 2 stars at Group 1 level last start. He has a heap of ability and will pay his way in later events but I don’t think he’ll break his maiden here.

11 SILVER SWORD 55.5 (Snowbank Farm) 5: 1-1-1 $142,500 Distance: no starts
Another promising horse trying to give Laurie her first Kentucky Derby win here. First up he astounded the Aussie trainers with a magnificent first up performance beating subsequent winners Eterno, Ride The Lightning, El Pais and Dancin In The Dark at $11.00. Next start he was back on his preferred surface and he ran third behind State Tower when one of the fancies. After that run he was back to 1400m and he ran an impressive second behind the sprint specialist Pharlane. After that he backed up 10 days later and had a brave performance for fourth behind A View To A Kill. Has showed he can win at big odds in the McEwen Trophy first up but I think he might be a tad outclassed in this.

12 SLIGEACH 55.5 (Woodbury Stables) 6:3-1-1 $479,125 Distance: no starts
Top performer here who has been very impressive in all his starts so far. His last run as a 2yo was very good winning quite easily beating Song Of The Sea. At his next start he dominated a handy field when winning by 3- ½ lengths over the promising Tahkodha Bay. Can’t fault him and his form has been impeccable. Never been out of the money. Gives the indication that he gets the distance. He’s a horse that I can see winning.

13 STATE TOWER 55.5 (Goforwand Stables) 10: 3-0-0 $270,000 Distance: 1: 0-0-0
Half-brother to last years winner New Tower from the same trainer Goforwand Stables. Three starts back he beat a top class field quite easily and then at his next start he won quite easily again. He won again last start at $1.50f. Can’t dismiss this fella, I’m not sure about how good he is but you would be crazy not to consider him a top 5 chance.

14 THYROID STORM 55.5 (Underworld Stables) 6:1-2-0 $362,500 Distance: no starts
Another promising horse who has been around the mark this campaign. In the Santa Catalina he probably found the winner a tad too good and at this next start he just failed to run down Camera Shy. Then last start he narrowly beat Fireball and Warrior King in a close finish. He has some class but it will be hard to see him beat the real good ones but I’d be surprised if he runs worse then midfield.

15 TUNDRA SKY 55.5 (Rainbow) 6:3-2-0 $978,000 Distance: 3: 2-1-0
A very good 3yo that has a great record this season. First-up he took on the older horses and at $15.00 beat the 3yo horse of the year Regal Son quite easily although the runner-ups jockey rode like he had ants in his pants. Then next start he made a sustained run but failed to run down Road To Zion. Has impeccable form and he runs the distance out strong. Great chance.

16 ROAD TO ZION 53 (Godolphin17) 13: 6-3-0 $2,626,000 Distance: 1: 1-0-0
Magnificent filly who has been brilliant this campaign. First up she beat the champion sprinter Life On Mars although LOM was unlucky, then went to Sydney and narrowly prevailed from Rocket, Arctic Slicker and Wanna Be A Fox. That form has been proven. Last start in Dubai he done a great job beating Tundra Sky in the U.A.E Derby. Can she be one of the first fillies to win the Kentucky Derby? Maybe she can.

Summary: It's impossible to pick a winner in this but I'm going for 1-BIG N' TOUGH as he's the class runner and he gets the distance. Other chances to 5-FIND A WAY who is in impeccable form, 3-COLD COME BACK who almost beat Heat Seeker last start and the champion filly 16-ROAD TO ZION. Other chances go to 2-BLESSED, 4-DITKO, 10-RED DAWN, 12-SLIGEACH, 13-STATE TOWER & 15-TUNDRA SKY. Roughies are 7-GOLFO BLANCO & 11-SILVER SWORD.

VRC DERBY FORM GUIDE

2008-08-16T01:45:00.000-07:00

6- VRC Derby 3.30
2500m $1,000,000 and trophy. 3yo. G1. No claims.
1 111 HEATSEEKER, 7 FDL Lodge 55.5 1.60f
2 2s211 DAREDEVIL, 3 Bonai Farms 55.5 4.00
3 15s42 GIRL CRAZY, 5 Rainbow 55.5 8.00
4 540s2 BOLD BARD, 1 Watch This Space 55.5 15.00
5 4s752 SINKING FEAR, 8 Olmo Dorato 55.5 15.00
6 5s471 BOMBTRACK, 2 Firstholme Racing 55.5 21.00
7 0s834 DIGGINFORVAMPIRES, 4 Olmo Dorato 55.5 26.00
8 020s UPWARDS, 9 Spartan Racing Stables 55.5 81.00
9 00s55 GRISU, 6 Yeguarda Lore Toki 55.5 41.00
Heatseeker 1, Daredevil 2, Sinking Fear 3, Girl Crazy 4

1 HEATSEEKER (FDL Lodge) 3c By Dubai Gold- Worldwide Elsie (3:3-0-0):
New superstar of the turf coming in unbeaten into this. Wasn’t ever going to be beaten despite determined run of runner-up when 4- ½ len 1st (122) Girl Crazy, Ditko, Di Vinci Code $1.50f 2000m Randwick Spring Champion Stakes (G 1) firm trk February 25. Trained by the current leading trainer Finlay from FDL Lodge. He looks like he will be the one to beat.

2 DAREDEVIL (Bonai Farms) 3c By Nightwing- Promised Land (9:3-3-1):
Showed his class last start with a magnificent win over the older horses when a 6- ¾ len 1st (107) Trigun, Nystoi, Cyberstar $2.80f 2000m Caulfield Yalumba Stakes (G 1) firm trk March 4. Couldn’t have been more impressive last start beating a few smart horses. Looks as if he’d run out the distance. The main danger to the favourite.

3 GIRL CRAZY (Rainbow) 3c By Princely Hall- Exoterra (6:1-2-0):
Very consistent youngster who has a great record around this distance. A typically dogged run with a 4- ½ len 2nd (122) Heatseeker, Ditko, Di Vinci Code $9.00 2000m Randwick Spring Champion Stakes (G 1) firm trk February 25. Last win: out-fought well placed outsider when a 1- ½ len 1st (115) Upwards, New Moon On Monday, Golfo Blanco $2.80f 2400m Shenandoah Downs Maiden firm trk April 9. Has ran as good as anyhorse versing Heatseeker so far, so he should run a good race again this time.

4 BOLD BARD (Watch This Space) 3c By Bold ‘N Free- Bardego (9:1-2-2):
Another consistent fellow who ran a very good race first up when a close second to the Caulfield Guineas placegetter in ¼ len 2nd (122) Gournay, Bullo Arrogante, Wild Dane $3.25 1600m Moonee Valley Bill Stutt Stakes (G 2) firm trk February 25. Last win: huge flogging when a 16- ¼ len 1st (122) Belvedere, High Heart, Imperial Champ $3.25f 1900m Shenandoah Downs Starter Allowance firm trk March 20. Looks like a horse that will keep on running on and has enough class to contend here.

5 SINKING FEAR (Olmo Dorato) 3c By Purple Passer- Classy Lassy (5:0-1-0):
Up-and-coming 3yo who ran a very nice race behind the retiring champion Jenny’s My Gal when a 6- ¾ len 2nd (89) Jenny’s My Gal, Seven Memory $6.00 2600m Randwick Metropolitan Stakes (G 1) firm trk February 25. Another horse that runs the distance right out and the second to Jenny’s My Gal is good form for this.

6 BOMBTRACK (Firstholme Racing) 3c By Encosta De Lago- Yanks Music (8:1-1-0):
Promising 3yo who broke through for his first win when a 6- ¾ len 1st (122) Grecian Rebel, Belltaw, Meigh Ho $2.50f 1800m Cheltenham Hill Smith Stakes firm trk March 11. Is a roughie at big odds but at his only previous run against Heat Seeker was a well beaten seventh at 60-1.

7 DIGGINFORVAMPIRES (Olmo Dorato) 3c By Mineshaft- Sunday Joy (4:0-0-1):
Another staying 3yo who has sound form against the older horses. Good run last start when a 9- ¼ len 4th (113) Tension, Wall Street, Confederation $21.00 2400m Caulfield Winning Edge Stakes (G 2) good trk March 4. He’ll run the distance out, but class is the only worry.

8 UPWARDS (Spartan Racing Stables) 3c By Collier Hill- Raised The Bar (3:0-1-0):
Recent auction buy from Plugger Racing for $91,000 before getting sold from him to Spartan Racing for $200,000 later on. Was beaten a far way behind a top class field when a 29 len 11th (115) Garson De Garcia, Big Risk, Di Vinci Code $34.00 1600m Hollywood Park Generous Stakes (G 3) firm trk November 20. Did run an excellent second over 2400m at $91.00 last year behind Girl Crazy and beating the top class New Moon On Monday. Could be a roughie that could run a half-decent race in this.

9 GRISU (Yeguarda Lore Toki) 3c By Octagonal Waltz- Mischief (5:0-0-0):
An under-rated horse who has improved rapidly as the distance has increased. Tried hard but wasn’t good enough in the end when a 12- ¼ len 5th (114) Fireball, Ultimate Hustler, Tahkodha Bay $8.00 2000m Royal Randwick Dulcify Quality Handicap hard trk Febraury 26.

Memsie Stakes Preview

2008-07-12T02:48:00.000-07:00

7- Memsie Stakes 4.00
1400m $150,000 and trophy. 3yo & up. G2. WFA. No claims.
1 8186s ETERNAMENTE, 3 Tree Top Farms 58 5.50
2 574s4 BELLFAST FOREVER, 1 JD Kayll Race Club 58 15.00
3 1129s DRUNKEN SMART, 2 Tree Top Farms 57.5 2.60f
4 5311s PROFESSOR’S DRAGON, 7 Godolphin17 57.5 8.00
5 460s0 GOING DOWNTOWN, 4 Olmo Dorato 57.5 26.00
6 017s2 SCREAM DAY, 8 Firstholme Racing 55 10.00
7 0533s HALF CUT, 5 Northern Lights 52 21.00
8 7s LORD OF THE DANCE, 6 Whisperwood 52 51.00
Drunken Smart 1, Professor’s Dragon 2, Eternamente 3, Bellfast Forever 4

1 ETERNAMENTE (Tree Top Farms) 5h By Prospect Bay- Mexican Hawk (34:5-4-9):
Group 1 winner three starts ago who had two honest runs after that triumph. Tried hard in large field when a 4 len 6th (130) Subliminal 1000m $8.00 Caulfield Sir John Monash Stakes good trk December 19. Last win: placed to perfection when 5- ½ len 1st (126) Flight Of Fancy, Thunderdome, King Chopin 1400m $2.80f Longchamp Prix De La Foret G1 yielding trk October 8. Is the class runner of the field and has ran well at this distance range. He’ll be hard to beat.

2 BELLFAST FOREVER (JD Kayll Race Club) 6h By Bellbuster- Forest Fae (44:3-8-6):
High-class sprinter second-up after a long break. First-up and a handy effort when 7- ½ len 4th (130) Beach Patrol, Bellfast Lad, Arod 1200m $3.50 Santa Rosa Park Sian’s Gold Sprint G2 firm trk January 1. Last win: easy as you like 2- ¾ len 1st (122) Wheel And Deal, Inspection, Absolut 1300m $1.80f Santa Anita Baldwin Stakes G3 hard trk February 2 (2008). Is very good when at his best and did run second at this distance and class behind Mirror Image in the Sandown Stakes. Can contend if he turns up on game day.

3 DRUNKEN SMART (Tree Top Farms) 4c By Smart Strike- Champagne (18:3-3-1):
One of the hot horses at the end of year auction with a bidding war won by Tree Top Farms. Tried hard but wasn’t up to those stars but a very good effort neverless when 7- ¾ len 9th (128) Flawless Tower 1000m $21.00 Sha Tin Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint G1 firm trk December 10. Last win: nice win running away by 3-¼ len 1st (120) Always Charming, Island Refugee, Beer Tap 1600m Churchill Downs Iroquois Stakes G3 fast trk October 30. His effort last start was very good and that would win this and I expect him to do that.

4 PROFESSOR’S DRAGON (Godolphin17) 4c By Mr. Professor- Quarter Moon (20:3-3-1):
Emerging racehorse who is in impeccable form. Won as he liked when an easy favourite with a 1 len 1st (122) Wild Wonder, Oprah, Under The Bridge 1300m $3.25f Rosehill Gardens Winter Stakes hard trk December 12. Is going great and another with great distance claims.

5 GOING DOWNTOWN (Olmo Dorato) 4c By Kingston Town- Lashed (14:1-0-0):
Despite having an average strike rate he is very capable. Was beaten by a long way when 25- ½ len 5th (129) Beach Patrol 1200m $5.50 Santa Rosa Park Sian’s Gold Sprint G2 firm trk January 1. Last win: big form turnaround half- head 1st (118) Wild Wonder, Sphynx, Pike’s Peak 1600m $6.00 Royal Randwick Carbine Club Stakes hard trk August 29. If you dismiss his first run he’d be one of the fancies.

6 SCREAM DAY (Firstholme Racing) 4f By Ensign Day- Screaming Eagle (21:3-7-3):
Very consistent racehorse who tried very hard last start when a 2- ¼ len 2nd (117) Miss Disguise, Charming Lil 1300m $3.50 Santa Anita Montovia Handicap G3 good trk January 1. Last win: determined win nose 1st (117) Cashew, Professor’s Dragon, Dallas Cowboys 1600m $7.00 Eagle Farm Queensland Guineas G2 good trk October 3. Is a very good racehorse. Will be hard to beat.

7 HALF CUT (Northern Lights) 3c By Mineshaft- Half bridled (7:0-0-2):
Emerging racehorse who has really improved of late. Was beaten far as favourite but by no means a bad run when 11 len 3rd (122) Bullo Arrogante, Glauco 1400m EVENS Royal Randwick Ted Ballieu Handicap firm trk September 5. On the way up and a forward run won’t surprise.

8 LORD OF THE DANCE (Whisperwood) 3c By Bold N’Free- Shadow dancer (1:0-0-0):
Unproven racehorse with nice breeding, being related to Bold N’ Honourable & Diascay’s Shadow. First start at huge odds at 22- ¾ len 7th (122) Kennys Charm 1600m $81.00 Fair Grounds Lecomte Stakes muddy trk January 12. May be better on turf and firmer ground.

CANADIAN TURF HCP PREVIEW

2008-07-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

6 Canadian Turf Handicap 4.00
1800m $100,000 and trophy. G3. 3yo & up. No claims.
1 0422s REWIND, 9 The Priory Stables 58.5 7.50
2 1165s BELLY BUSTER, 1 Sunshine Stables 57 15.00
3 5320s DALATOMBE, 2 Spartan Racing Stables 57 5.50
4 1283s KINGSTON DAWN, 4 Smokey’s Stable 57 3.60f
5 0620s WILL’S WIZARD, 10 Helloyankees 55 21.00
6 3436s MISTER FANTASTIC, 6 Otsego Farms 54 21.00
7 3124s NEW MOON ON MONDAY, 7 Bally Doyle 54 7.00
8 1035s LUNA NUEVA, 5 Establos Del Castillo 53.5 10.00
9 8460s NORTHERN ENCOUNTER, 8 Helloyankees 53 31.00
10 686s FIREBALL, 3 Royal Flush Farms 51 31.00
Kingston Dawn 1, New Moon On Monday 2, Dalatombe 3, Rewind 4

1 REWIND (The Priory Stables) 5c By Revenge- Triscay (34:6-8-4):
Group 1 winner and Group 2 winner last campaign over Dubai Juvenile winner Northern KD. Tried his heart out nose 2nd (124) Underdog, Raging Wells 1800m $4.50 Churchill Downs River City Handicap G3 firm trk November 14, last win: professional win ¾ len 1st (125) Northern KD, Diascay’s Shadow, At The Buzzer 1800m $3.20 Woodbine King Edward Breeders Cup Handicap G2 firm trk June 6. Should be the toppie. Was in very consistent form before the brake and this is probably his best distance these days. Can’t dismiss.

2 BELLY BUSTER (Sunshine Stables) 5c By Bellbuster- Banks Bill (31:7-2-3):
A very consistent racehorse who won 6 races last season. Beaten by a few good ones when 6- ½ len 5th (119) Sweet Angel 1700m $10.00 Hollywood Park Dahlia Handicap G2 firm trk December 11, last win: very easy in the end 3- ½ len 1st (124) Blue Guitar, Likable American, Zablime 1900m $2.20f Shenandoah Downs Allowance firm trk October 30. Reliable racehorse racing well before joining Sunshine Stables. Expect a forward showing for new stable.

3 DALATOMBE (Spartan Racing Stables) 4c By Dalakhani- Ipi Tombe (14:2-4-2):
Trained by master-trainer and has been racing against better opposition then this lately. Not up to the class in that stage of his career when a 14 len 10th (122) Mystic River 2000m $18.00 Sha Tin Hong Kong Cup G1 hard trk December 10, last win: never going to beaten, in a class of his own when 4- ½ len 1st (119) Poliedrico, Quick Step, Fulano 2000m $5.50 Royal Randwick Frank Packer Plate G3 hard trk September 5. Is on the way up and this looks a good first up task for this fellow. I wouldn’t be surprised if he blows them away.

4 KINGSTON DAWN (Smokey’s Stables) 4c By Dawn Patrol- Secret Grace (11:2-5-1):
Probably going to be the horse that’s going to dominate the staying events over more than 12 furlongs for the next few years on his runs including his close second to retired champion mare Domitila in the Adelaide Cup. Not far behind the Arc winner when a 3- ½ len 3rd (122) Malvern Hill, Point Taken 2400m $6.00 Hollywood Park Turf Cup G1 firm trk December 4, last win: graduated to a Group 1 winner when a 1- ¾ len 1st (120) Princess Royale, Erupt, Camena’s Thunder 2000m $6.00 Royal Randwick Queen Elizabeth Stakes G1 firm trk September 12. Should have too much class for this lot but Dalatombe and New Moon On Monday are his main dangers. I still think he will win.

5 WILL’S WIZARD (Helloyankees) 6h By Will’s Way- Mystic Lady (32:2-2-5):
Has good ability when right and is a half-brother to triple-crown winner War Machine. A bit outclassed when a 12- ¼ len 10th (111) Victory Verse 1600m $20.00 Aqueduct Cigar Mile G1 fast trk November 20, last win: 1- ½ len 1st (121) Swept Away, December Show, Musical Tunnel 1200m $3.00 Saratoga Amsterdam Stakes G3 fast trk August 1 (2008). Is a bit of an unknown on turf but he that was in the Silver Arrow Series. I think he can threaten at one point but he has to show his best.

6 MISTER FANTASTIC (Otsego Farms) 4c By Dayjur- Exotic Wood (6:0-0-2):
Emerging galloper who despite being a maiden, looks a nice chance in this. Didn’t get going when 15 len 6th (119) Cause Of Dana 1700m $10.00 Shenandoah Downs Starter Allowance yielding trk November 13. Trained by the only trainer to have won a PF Triple Crown with War Machine. Look for him late.

7 NEW MOON ON MONDAY (Bally Doyle) 4c By Lonhro- Moon Dragon (5: 1-1-1):
A nice preposition for top 3yo races here. Tried hard behind the best when 8- ¾ len 4th (122) Rocket, Life On Mars, Suspended Sentence 1600m $8.00 Eagle Farm TJ Smith Classic G1 good trk November 15, last win: determined win when neck 1st (115) Dynamite, Imperial Champ, High Heart 1800m $4.00 Shenandoah Downs Maiden hard trk October 2. Potential star who raced against the best of his 2yo year last start and showed a lot of class in finishing a close 4th behind the likes of Rocket and Life On Mars. LOM has recently franked that form. Should be on the mark

8 LUNA NUEVA (Establos Del Castillo) 4f By Navado- Half Glance (14:1-3-1):
A very consistent mare who despite not winning much has always been around the mark. Was close up when a 4- ¾ len 5th (118) Awesome Wand $8.00 Churchill Downs Mrs. Revere Stakes G3 good trk November 13, last win: too good when 1- ¼ len 1st (113) Star Chaser, By Surprise, Magic Waltz 2000m $3.50 Rosehill Gardens Stephenson’s Food Stakes firm trk August 22. Nice mare who is going well. Should be around the mark.

9 NORTHERN ENCOUNTER (Helloyankees) 5h By Proud Encounter- Northern Princess (24:0-0-4):

Grey stallion who doesn’t done much lately. Never likely when 17- ½ len 9th (104) Quarter view $10.00 Eagle Farm Lightning Handicap G3 firm trk November 15. Was behind some good horses last start but I prefer the stablemate.

10 FIREBALL (Royal Flush Farms) 3c By Medaglia D’oro- Henry’s Slew (3: 0-0-0):
3yo colt who is a brother to Wild Angel, Three Gold Pieces, Exotica, Friburgo & Crowley Magic. Quite a good performance when 18- ½ len 6th (115) Regal Lad $3.50 Shenandoah Downs Allowance fast trk October 2. Was in the market last start with the likes of Regal Lad last start and effort was good. Just a tad worried about taking on the older opposition though.

SUMMARY:
I think 4-KINGSTON DAWN will be too classy for this lot of horses. I also like 7-NEW MOON ON MONDAY but I think he will be better suited over a mile for the English 2000 Guineas, which I believe he is heading. 3-DALATOMBE is another classy horse in the field sure to be contesting more Group 1 races later on, but I think he’ll better over 10 furlongs. 1-REWIND will be around the mark, but I can’t see him beating the 4. 2-BELLY BUSTER is another horse who will be near the placegetters. 6-MISTER FANTASTIC will be a chance at odds and 5-WILL’S WIZARD can’t be dismissed but I would prefer WILL’S WIZARD on a dirt track over shorter. 8-LUNA NUEVA will run her usual consistent race. Don’t discount the bottom 2 as I don’t think they are fully matured yet.

CAN THE CLASSY 3yos ECLIPSE A PROVEN LINEUP?

2008-07-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

The first Group 1 of the season is at Moonee Valley this weekend with a top class field lining up for the Manikato Stakes. Manikato was an Australian Champ whom many regard as the best sprinter from our shores along with Vain, Schillaci & Takeover Target. He won the William Reid (now known as the Australia Stakes) five times at this track and distance and was the second horse in Australian history to pass the magical-million dollar mark after Kingston Town after Kingston Town remarkably won his third Cox Plate. Manikato even pushed the ill-fated Dulcify to 2 lengths in the Australian Cup over 2000m despite being a sprinter. He was a champion.

The Manikato field this year is as good as it gets. 8 horses are Group 1 winners from 10 runners. The flash 3yos take on the seasoned stars. Champion status can be up for grabs for any runner in this races if they win. Returnofthedancer returns on Saturday after a 5 month break. He has won this race the last 2 years and he is a Silver Arrow Series winner and it will be very interesting to see how he goes. All For Dansilver has been around the best for a long time and I have the privelige of training him for the first time. He has won the Goodwood Handicap two times and if he runs top 5 I'll be stoked. People's Champ is another up-and-comer with awesome Group 1 form. He has beaten the likes of Bro'Town & Fur Will Fly in recent starts. Fireheart, who is resuming from a long break smashed People's Champ as a two-year-old at Group 1 level but I think People's Champ may turn the tables this time. Bellfast Cat is another Group 1 winner who ran close up in this last year and is in winning form. Maroon Lodge is on-the-up and he looks capable of filling a place as he is so consistent.

The interesting runner in the race is Yeager. He ran many high rating races at the end of his last racing season and has now joined the Olmo Dorato yard. A positive is that Ettore has put him in the race instead of Mr Purler & Flawless Tower, who'd both be geniune winning chances. That says heaps for Yeagers chances. Rocket is a superstar and his only run against the older horses was a close defeat to Run Missy Run in the Lightning Stakes. He is an iron horse. Life On Mars is my tip. She has already beat champion Run Missy Run. She has already proven herself at this level. I am tipping an upset with her beating Rocket, Returnofthedancer & People's Champ. Chances at odds are Yeager, All For Dansilver and Bellfast Cat.

For the other races on the card at Moonee Valley there are two very good pointers for 3yo racing later in the spring.

6- William Crockett Stakes 3.20

1000m $50,000 and trophy. 3yof. No claims. SW

1 3703s BORGATA ROMANA, 1 Olmo Dorato 55 2.50f

2 2667s SPIDER NAEVI, 5 Starfish Stables 55 10.00

3 8255s CHARLOT VILLE, 2 Cavalier Stables 55 6.00

4 352s MS ORIGINAL, 4 Bally Doyle 55 8.00

5 0004s DESDEMONA, 3 Rivendell Stables 55 15.00

6 04s SPIRITOFSEYCHELLES, 6 Whisperwood 55 15.00

Borgata Romana 1, Ms Original 2, Spider Naevi 3, Charlot Ville 4

8- Mitchell McKenzie Stakes 4.40

1000m $50,000 and trophy. 3yo. No claims. SW

1 1511s HASHIMOTOS, 9 Touchdown Farms 55 2.40f

2 5370s ETERNO, 7 FDL Lodge 55 10.00

3 0929s GLAUCO, 8 Yeguarda Lore Toki 55 16.00

4 0937s BEACH JIVIN, 2 Watch This Space 55 7.00

5 54s DARE TO WIN, 6 Under The Weeping Moon 55 9.00

6 0004s BOLERO, 3 Olmo Dorato 55 21.00

7 90s AMAZING, 1 KRF Stables 55 31.00

8 0s CRITICAL BRIDLE, 5 Hoosier Daddy Farms 55 41.00

9 VICTORY REVOLUTION, 10 The Priory Stables 55 16.00

10 0s CHARMED, 4 Whisperwood 53 41.00

Eterno 1, Hashimatos 2, Glauco 3, Dare To Win 4

7- Cleanevent Manikato Stakes 4.00
1200m $200,000 and trophy. 3yo & up. G1. WFA. No claims.
1 53s2s RETURNOFTHEDANCER, 7 Oak Tree Stables 58 8.00
2 4102s ALL FOR DANSILVER, 1 JD Kayll Race Club 58 21.00
3 3115s PEOPLE’S CHAMP, 6 Pointgiven Stables 58 7.50
4 0351s BELLFAST CAT, 2 Victorian Racing Stables 58 26.00
5 1226s MAROON LODGE, 5 Under The Weeping Moon 58 15.00
6 9s52s FIREHEART, 3 Victorian Racing Stables 58 31.00
7 1621s YEAGER, 10 Olmo Dorato 58 15.00
8 1313s ROCKET, 8 Thunder Lodge 48 2.50f
9 66s STERLING, 9 Fleur de lis Stables 48 61.00
10 2123s LIFE ON MARS, 4 FDL Lodge 46 2.60
Life On Mars 1, Rocket 2, Returnofthedancer 3, People’s Champ 4

1 RETURNOFTHEDANCER (Oak Tree Stables) 6c By Forest Dancer- Honest Lady (33:6-15-5): G1: 20: 5-7-3 Distance: 16: 3-8-1
Silver Arrow Sprint Series winner who had an injury interrupted campaign last year and was transferred to Oak Tree Stables at the end of last year. Narrowly accounted for 1- ½ len 2nd (130) Fur Will Fly, Marino 1200m $3.50f Newmarket July Cup G1 yielding trk July 11, last win: never going to be denied ½ len 1st (130) Blazing Risk, Attack At Dawn, All For Dansilver 1200m $4.50 Moonee Valley Manikato Stakes G1 firm trk January 9 (2010). Has been out of the winners circle since winning this last year but is a champion who will be going for a three-peat here and it will be interesting to see if he’s still at his peak.

2 ALL FOR DANSILVER (JD Kayll Race Club) 5c By Dansilver- Camena (42:12-13-4):
G1: 16: 2-4-2 Distance: 17: 4-6-3
Iron horse who ran a close fourth here last year. Tried hard but was narrowly beaten by G1 winning horse nose 2nd (130) Fur Will Fly, Arma Letale 1100m $6.00 Rosehill Gardens Missile Stakes G3 firm trk December 26, last win: toughed it out beating the Elite Thoroughbreds trained Blast Of Storm ¼ len 1st (130) Blast Of Storm, Mighty Gaze, El Pais 1100m $4.00ef Royal Randwick June Stakes firm trk November 7. Transfer of trainers at the end of last campaign. Has tons of guts and determination and if there are chinks in Life On Mars’ armour he will be one of her dangers.

3 PEOPLE’S CHAMP (Pointgiven Stables) 4c By Champ- Camena (23:8-4-4):
G1: 4: 1-1-0 Distance: 9: 5-1-0
Stradbroke winner who has a very good record over the distance. Just a tad outclassed behind the best but was typically honest 3-¾ len 5th (128) Flawless Tower 1000m $7.00 Sha Tin Hong Kong Sprint G1 firm trk December 10, last win: great win 1- ¼ len 1st (119) Fur Will Fly, Eminem, Devil His Brew 1400m $5.50 Eagle Farm Stradbroke Handicap G1 hard trk November 7. Has beaten Fur Will Fly who has beaten All For Dansilver and Returnofthedancer in last few starts. Can’t dismiss him. Great chance.

4 BELLFAST CAT (Victorian Racing Stables) 5c By Bellbuster- Tabasco’s Angel (40: 5-5-12): G1: 10: 1-1-2 Distance: 18: 3-3-6
As honest as they come and won well last start for Victorian Racing. Finished campaign on a high with ¾ len 1st (130) King Of Dubai, Carson Forest, Rain Man 1200m $7.00 Belmont Newmarket firm trk December 26. Ran close up last year in fifth position. Can’t dismiss.

5 MAROON LODGE (Pointgiven Stables) 4c By Shogun Lodge- Nanny Maroon (13:1-4-2):
G1: 4: 1-2-0 Distance: 2: 0-0-2
C.F. Orr Stakes winner who stood up to the big league at the end of his last campaign. Was looking for a spell at the end of campaign but was honest 5- ½ len 6th (116) People’s Champ 1400m $12.00 Eagle Farm Stradbroke Handicap G1 hard trk November 7. Last win: broke maiden convincingly with 2- ¾ len 1st (117) Bold N’ Honorable, Dancin In The Dark, Dizzy Gillespie 1400m $5.50 Caulfield C.F.Orr Stakes G1 yielding trk June 8. Is an emerging star in my opinion. Is on the way up and he has brilliant form of late. Knockout chance.

6 FIREHEART (Victorian Racing Stables) 4c By Forest Dancer- Sparks Fly (13:2-1-2):
G1: 7: 1-1-0 Distance: 5: 1-0-1
Well performed 2yo who is racing after a long break. Beat subsequent Emirates Stakes winner under lights when ¾ len 2nd (122) Royal Kiwi, Castle Rock 1600m $4.00 Moonee Valley Bill Stutt Stakes G2 hard trk February 13. Last win: flogged a top class horse when 8 len 1st (117) People’s Champ, Brimstone, Dallas Cowboys 1600m $6.00 Newmarket Middle Park Plate G1 good trk September 29 (2009). Did flog People’s Champ and beat horses such as Arctic Slicker as a 2yo and that is a great pointer for many races. Whether he comes back as good as he was has to be seen. Place.

7 YEAGER (Olmo Dorato) 4c By Bellbuster- Sweet N’ Sassy (10:2-2-1):
G1: 3: 0-0-1 Distance: 4: 0-0-1
Showed tons of class last campaign and joins the Olmo Dorato yard. Toyed with a sub standard field when 5- ¼ len 1st (127) Linger On, Higher & Higher, Ronton Ripper 1400m $1.80f Ascot Asian Beau Stakes good trk April 30. A great sign from this entry is that Ettore has entered Yeager instead of Mr Purler or Flawless Tower. He has high hopes for this horse and that’s good enough for me. Great chance at odds.

8 ROCKET (Thunder Lodge) 3c By Mars- Sing A Song (18:10-3-5):
G1: 11: 6-1-4 Distance: 4: 2-0-2
Eclipse Award winner for 2yo colt who really handles the fast back-up well. Put a line through the run as it was on dirt which I think he doesn’t particularly like when a 1- ¼ len 3rd (122) Ditko, Badge, Wekiva Slew 1700m $3.50f Hollywood Park Futurity G2 fast trk December 11. Last win: remarkable performance off a quick back-up 2- ¼ len 1st (122) Life On Mars, Suspended Sentence, New Moon On Monday 1600m $2.20f Eagle Farm TJ Smith Classic G1 firm trk November 15. Is a star who gets a good rest before this race. Gets a substantial weight allowance here and that should help him run a great race.

9 STERLING (Fleur de lis Stables) 3c By Congenial- Golden Gourmet (2:0-0-0):
G1: 1: 0-0-0 Distance: no starts
Good potential 2yo who ran two good races last season without winning. Ran a bottler at odds when a 15- ¾ len 6th (111) Pharlane 1400m $26.00 Hollywood Park Preview Stakes G3 fast trk November 13. This is a tough ask first-up for a new trainer but I think this horse will win a decent race this season especially if he does something in this race.

10 LIFE ON MARS (FDL Lodge) 3f By Mars- Scandalous (14:6-5-3):
G1: 8: 4-2-2 Distance: 4: 2-0-2
Eclipse Award winner for 2yo fillies and its hard to argue as already is an open age Group 1 winner beating one of the best of all time in Run Missy Run. Tried hard but was found out by the first two when 11 len 3rd (119) Reward, No More Lies, Liquid Cocaine 1700m $4.50 Hollywood Park Starlet G1 fast trk December 12. Last win: came from the clouds for a super win when a 6- ½ len 1st (117) Daredevil, Ketonuria, Arab Chief 1400m $2.80f Eagle Farm Sires Produce Stakes G1 firm trk October 31. If Run Missy Run was ingaged in this race he’d win and Life On Mars beat him even though RMR was up against it that day. I think she is better over 1200m and gets it here. I think she will beat Rocket for the first time here today.

2010 MANIKATO STAKES RESULTS

1st $4.50 Returnofthedancer 130 (5h By Forest Dancer- Honest Lady (Seattle Slew) Signature Racing Stables

2nd $9.00 Blazing Risk 130 (5h By Blazing Sun- Educated Risk (Mr. Prospector) FDL Lodge 0.65L behind winner

3rd $4.00f Attack At Dawn 125 (5m By Maythehorsebewithu- Dancethruthedawn (Mr. Prospector) Parklands 1.3L behind winner

_____________________________________________________

4th $15.00 All For Dansilver 129 (4c By Dansilver- Camena (Snippets) FDL Lodge 4.6L behind winner

5th $16.00 Bellfast Cat 129 (4c By Bellbuster- Tabasco's Angel (Tabasco Cat) Hutton's Horse Haven 4.9L behind winner

6th $12.00 Scenic Sky 129 (4c By Hurricane Sky- Scenic Route (Scenic) Rainbow 7.4L behind winner

7th $12.00 Redskyatdawn 124 (4f By Dawn Patrol- Makybe Diva (Desert King) Smokey's Stables 9.75L behind winner

8th $5.50 Miss Bust 125 (5m By Bellbuster- Miss Bently (Euclase) Firstholme Racing 9.95L behind winner

9th $4.50 Patchers 130 (5h Affirmation- Innovation Girl (Rubiton) Pointgiven Stables 13L behind winner

1.08.66 TR 09/01/2010 firm track

How old are you when you are born?

2008-06-18T23:39:00.001-07:00

The current hot topic on PF at the moment is - do you want your babies born as foals, yearlings or ready to race?

As usual, this is providing great debate with personal insults being thrown about and a general slanging match between the players and for this purpose we have put up a poll for everyone to cast a vote on.

There is no right or wrong answer this poll is merely to find out simply what peoples preferences are (with a little added option!). You can leave extra comments here but we strongly suggest that you make your opinion and ideas felt on the Forum otherwise its pretty pointless.

The game is all about fantasy with a small touch of realism but its where to draw that line that offers the most interesting debate.

So please cast your vote NOW - if you dont vote you cant complain (well you can but who would care?!)

RUN MISSY RUN TO STAKE ANOTHER CLAIM FOR HORSE IN THE YEAR IN HONG KONG TODAY.

2008-04-30T19:45:00.000-07:00

Run Missy Run may be the best sprinter of all time in Photo Finish. Even Finlay from FDL Lodge, the owner of superstar Silver Arrow winners All For Camena and Blushing Allanna has commented that RMR is the best. I'd have to agree with him.

For starters, Run Missy Run is my favourite horse, having done the Silver Arrow Series website and having spoken with Steven the maestro behind Golden Acres, I admire this sprinting machine. Run Missy Run started off his Silver Arrow Series with a remarkable win over Rocket, the superstar 2yo. And by doing that, he recorded the highest Power Speed Rating this year, with a remarkable 127. He backed up and showed his immeasurable class again, by winning the Oakleigh Plate over classy rival bro'Town & Bellfast Lad. Backing up again for the third week in a row, Run Missy Run lead all the way down the straight but was just beaten by Life On Mars, ironically from FDL Lodge. Life On Mars was carrying an amazing 12 less kilos than Run Missy Run, yet she only prevailed by a neck. Life On Mars is the 2nd best performed 2yo in my opinion. That was the bravest performance I've seen on this game so far, and he injured him self for around 20 days after that run.

That run reminded me of my favourite horse Mummify's last run. He was attempting to win his 2nd Caulfield Cup and he led at a frantic pace and looked a sitting duck on the home turn. The Japanese raider Eye Popper ran straight past him, but Mummify fought back and was going to win at the 150m before he smashed his leg into the rail out of exhaustion. Despite fracturing his sesamoid bone in his near foreleg he finished 3rd, just getting run over the top of at the last 20m. Poor Mummify died after that run, and I was distraught.

Of course RMR's performance wasn't as great as Mummify's, but RMR was a brave frontrunner as well with unlimited speed, so I took a following in the speedy sprinter from Golden Acres. Run Missy Run came back in the Prix De L'Abbaye, beating Attack At Dawn (a past Silver Arrow Series winner), Poetic Justice, Rain Man & Bellfast Cat. He then went to the Breeders Cup Sprint and won again proving his class. This is a brilliant field, but I think RMR holds all the aces this year.

PAST RESULTS:

2004- Tribal Luck

2005- All For Camena

2006- All For Camena

2007- Victory Dance

2008- Moet

2009- Returnofthedancer

2010- ?????????????????

5- Hong Kong Sprint 2.40
1000m $1,025,000 and trophy. 3yo & up. G1. No claims.
1 17160 BLAZING RISK, 4 FDL Lodge 59 13.00
2 22141 ALL FOR DANSILVER, 1 FDL Lodge 59 9.00
3 13124 ATTACK AT DAWN, 2 Chiquita Lodge 56 4.50
4 11211 RUN MISSY RUN, 9 Golden Acres 56 2.40f
5 51311 PEOPLE’S CHAMP, 8 Pointgiven Stables 56 6.00
6 00112 DRUNKEN SMART, 6 Zippy Chippy Stables 56 21.00
7 36043 BELLFAST LAD, 3 Elite Thoroughbreds 56 26.00
8 21171 FLAWLESS TOWER, 7 Olmo Dorato 54 8.00
9 13400 CHARMING LIL, 5 Elite Thoroughbreds 54 51.00
Run Missy Run 1, Attack At Dawn 2, Flawless Tower 3, People’s Champ 4

It’s great to see the Silver Arrow Series form coming back for this magnificent race. 4-RUN MISSY RUN is going as well as ever and I can’t see him losing. 3-ATTACK AT DAWN would be a short favourite if RUN MISSY RUN wasn’t running. 8-FLAWLESS TOWER is as fast as they come and the straight track should suit. 5-PEOPLE’S CHAMP is in impeccable form. 1-BLAZING RISK should bounce back and he’s back to turf. It’s hard to believe 7-BELLFAST LAD is still a maiden. If he puts his best foot forward he’d be hard to beat. 2-ALL FOR DANSILVER is going along nicely. 6-DRUNKEN SMART is in good form but I don’t think he is up to this standard. 9-CHARMING LIL is a nicely-performed mare but I don’t think she is up to this.

IS THE HONG KONG CUP GOING TO A NOBLE NEWCOMER?

2008-04-30T19:24:00.000-07:00

Noble Farms has been an immediate success this year, with all his runners at least running a place. He has four horses. Arctic Memories, a Cox Plate winner who has won 2 from 3 for Noble so far. Quick Step, an up and coming horse who has had 3 starts for Noble Farms for a Gr.2 win, a nose second in the Cigar Mile and a Gr.3 placing. He also has Pulp Fiction, who has had a Gr 2 win and a Gr 3 fifth from two starts and Papillion who has had two starts from a second and a third. Now that is a brilliant start, and has got him well prepared for a long career as a trainer on this magnificent racing game.

But now lets get to the Hong Kong Cup. He has the top-weight Arctic Memories, who is primed for a top performance on the back of a great win over SCENIC SHEBA and TAJ MAHAL at his last start. I was fairly surprised but then I thought that Arctic Memories will be even better over 2000m. So Arctic Memories is the current favourite for the cup but it would be an intriguing prospect if Color Of Fame or Malvern Hill lines up today. Also flying the flag for the new comers is Eminem, who has raced with distinction for Royal Flush Farms.

Past winners:
2004- Thunder Arctic
2005- Alytrain
2006- Smart Money
2007- A Bus
2008- Broken Dream
2009- Jenny's My Gal
2010- ??????????????

7- Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup 4.00
2000m $2,300,000 and trophy. 3yo & up. G1. No claims.
1 33043 HOLD THAT TRAIN, 7 Pointgiven Stables 59 10.00
2 54311 ARCTIC MEMORIES, 1 Noble Farms 59 2.40f
3 21341 FALDO, 6 Olmo Dorato 56 6.00
4 43013 CAMENA’S THUNDER. 2 FDL Lodge 56 15.00
5 11121 TRIGUN, 9 Rivendell Stables 56 3.20
6 33240 ELEGENT TOWER, 4 Goforwand Stables 56 31.00
7 12333 EMINEM, 5 Royal Flush Farms 56 14.00
8 13532 DALATOMBE, 3 Spartan Racing Stables 56 16.00
9 61111 TRAIL FINDER, 8 Rainbow 56 21.00
Arctic Memories 1, Trigun 2, Eminem 3, Camena’s Thunder 4

2-ARCTIC MEMORIES is a Cox Plate winner who showed great class in beating SCENIC SHEBA and TAJ MAHAL last start. He is going along great and gets his ideal distance here. 5-TRIGUN beat a top class field last start in the Doomben Cup. Is lightly raced and is placed to perfection here. 7-EMINEM is on the way up and he looks ready to strike here. Very consistent. 4-CAMENA’S THUNDER is going as well as anything and has been close up behind the likes of Malvern Hill, Jenny’s My Gal and Color Of Fame lately. 3-FALDO beat the highly rated ARCTIC SLICKER four starts ago in the Group 1 Man O’ War Stakes. Should enjoy a nice pace here. 1-HOLD THAT TRAIN is a Breeders Cup Classic winner who will be over the odds today. Forgive 6-ELEGENT TOWER on his last run. 9-TRAIL FINDER is in great form. 8-DALATOMBE is a chance in what ever he runs in.

ANOTHER HONG KONG MILE WINNER FOR SCENIC SHEBA?

2008-04-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

This years Hong Kong Mile is a top-class race, with a typically open field. Favourite to win here is Scenic Sheba, winner of this race the last two years. But there are several challengers that could take Scenic Sheba's crown. The Breeders Cup Mile winner, Mr Purler slayed the likes of Perfect Picture and Bold N'Honorable to win it. Bold N' Honorable skipped this race in preference for the Tattersalls Mile, in which he's up against horses such as Tsunami and C.T.'s Pizza. I think FDL Lodge wanted to avoid racing against Mr Purler who is going brilliantly.

Another contender must be the retiring Taj Mahal. Who would surely want a win to further improve his stud prospects, and he is currently standing at Elite Thoroughbreds for $10,000. Castle Rock is an Emirates Stakes winner, and he should bounce back from his disappointing run last start in the Stradbroke. Wanna Be A Fox and Believe In Magic were good runs in the Breeders Cup Mile, and they must be considered. Devil His Brew and Thunderdome are honorable entries into this top class field.

PAST WINNERS:
2004- Dansilver
2005- Dubai Gold
2006- Palm Island
2007- Memorabilia
2008- Scenic Sheba
2009- Scenic Sheba
2010- ???????????

6- Hong Kong Mile 3.20
1600m $1,800,000 and trophy. 3yo & up. G1. No claims.
1 11131 MR PURLER, 4 Olmo Dorato 59 5.00
2 24263 TAJ MAHAL, 6 Elite Thoroughbreds 59 8.00
3 42423 THUNDERDOME, 7 Oak Tree Stable 59 26.00
4 11112 SCENIC SHEBA, 5 Foxies Lodge 56 2.60f
5 13219 CASTLE ROCK, 2 Olmo Dorato 56 10.00
6 24543 DEVIL HIS BREW, 3 FDL Lodge 56 14.00
7 66224 BELIEVE IN MAGIC, 1 Establos Del Castillo 56 16.00
8 14403 WANNA BE A FOX, 8 FDL Lodge 56 21.00
Scenic Sheba 1, Mr Purler 2, Wanna Be A Fox 3, Taj Mahal 4

It’s great to see 3-SCENIC SHEBA going for three-in-a-row here. She was beaten by a rejuvenated Arctic Memories but he’s going around in the Cup here and she will be hard to beat. 1-MR PURLER is going brilliantly and he should be breathing down SCENIC SHEBA’s back near the finish. 7-WANNA BE A FOX is primed for a great performance on the back of his Breeders Cup Mile run. 2-TAJ MAHAL is racing well but he’d have to race 110% to win this. 6-BELIEVE IN MAGIC was another great run from the BC Mile. 4-CASTLE ROCK was an Emirates Mile winner in the spring. 5-DEVIL HIS BREW is a good mare who won’t be out of place in this field. 3-THUNDERDOME is a nice each-way chance at odds.

HONG KONG VASE ACTION

2008-04-30T18:23:00.000-07:00

The Hong Kong Vase has been a great race in recent years with many champs running. This year is no exception. Jenny's My Gal has been brave and honest lately and I don't think he will get beaten again today. He should add the vase to his Cup win last year.

Here are some past winners and the results.

2004- In the inaugural Photo Finish Hong Kong Vase, Chatterbox won from a desperately unlucky Memcay. Blushing Approval wasn't far away in third. Among the beaten brigade was Nightwing, who was a star racehorse who is now standing at Otsego Farms. Chatterbox was impeccably bred, by Victory Speech and Sunline. Sunline herself won a Hong Kong Mile once. Chatterbox was the winner of $7,975,000 and she had 20 starts for 11 wins. Among her other wins was two Breeders Cup Turf's. One of Chatterbox's main rivals was Memcay, and in 6 starts Memcay beat Chatterbox home 5 times. Amazingly, this race was the only time that Chatterbox beat Memcay home in a race. Chatterbox has been owned by Rainbow and Stonewall Stables.

NOTE: Sunday Rose was scratched. She is the dam of my 2yo Crowley Magic, who is racing in the Dermody Stakes this week.

2005- Memcay made up for last years defeat with a great win in the Vase. At the short odds of 4/5, Memcay narrowly defeated the outsider Maxwell. Memcay was one of the first champions of the game, winning the Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup, Sydney Cup, Breeders Cup Endurance and the BMW Stakes among others. He won a magnificent $13,161,000 and he is also proving a sensation at stud, breeding the Arc winner Malvern Hill, the classy Confederation and Eminem and Yatterbox, by his racing companion Chatterbox.

2006- Star Studded showed great class by holding off the top performer Madam De Francais. Star Studded was a top class winner, having won in excess of $10 million dollars. He was consistent horse, racing to 5yo but having 52 starts. He later raced to 2nd and 9th in his other runs in the HK Vase. Star Studded's first foals go to the racetrack next year.

2007- The consistent Flow Diagram won the Hong Kong Vase, beating the unlucky Star Studded. Flow Diagram has been around for years, and has never disappointed her connections. She has won over $9 million, and at her last start she won the PJ O'shea Stakes, braking another track record in the process. Flow Diagram is currently owned by Eureka Racing Stables,

2008- Flow Diagram made it back-to-back wins in the Hong Kong Vase with a stunning performance to beat Braveheart by a head. A Bus finished fifth, proving the class of the race. Flow Diagram is still racing at the top level and whether she races at Hong Kong this year remains to be seen.

2009- Perfect Bell put an end to Flow Diagram's magnificent run with a 1- 1/4 len win. Perfect Bell is no slouch, having won over 10.5 million bucks. She had also won an Australian Derby and a Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe. Perfect Bell has had one foal so far, by Memcay. He is called Gradient. It will be interesting to see how that foal turns out!

8- Hong Kong Vase 4.40
2400m $1,800,000 and trophy. 3yo & up. G1. No claims.
1 11132 JENNY’S MY GAL, 2 Foxies Lodge 59 2.00f
2 31324 RETRIBUTION, 6 Spartan Racing Stables 59 7.00
3 65056 DOUBLE DOME, 1 FDL Lodge 59 21.00
4 23115 NARSIL, 5 Rivendell Stables 56 10.00
5 72815 TOWER COUP, 7 Goforwand Stables 56 15.00
6 53111 MELKOR, 3 Rivendell Stables 56 18.00
7 50241 MEMZERI, 4 Chiquita Lodge 54 26.00
Jenny’s My Gal 1, Retribution 2, Narsil 3, Double Dome 4

1-JENNY’S MY GAL is the champion here and he should bounce back with a flogging today. 2-RETRIBUTION is always around the mark and he should improve on his 3rd and 4th in past Vases here. 4-NARSIL is in great form, don’t dismiss him on his Breeders Cup Classic run. 3-DOUBLE DOME is a nice chance at odds. 6-MELKOR is another of Rivendell’s super horses. 5-TOWER COUP ran a great race in the Breeders Cup Classic. 7-MEMZERI is going great but I’m not sure if she’s up to this class but you’d love to own her.

DELIRIUM TREMENS AND C.T.'S PIZZA LOOK TO STORM ALL THE JOHN D LEE STAKES

2008-04-26T01:16:00.000-07:00

Why is there two John D Lee Stakes?

I think it comes down to a number of reasons. In 1998, the John D Lee Stakes was ran at it’s usual home, Cheltenham over 1800m. The next year for one reason or another it was transferred to Victoria Park over the same distance. So when Laurie looked at the stakes races in Australia for races to put on the game, she probably saw the same two races with the same name. It was perfectly logical to put them in.

Past winners of this race include Roman Arch (an Australian Cup winner) and Mr. Barts who won the race by 8 lengths. It is a good mid-season Adelaide race and it was actually ran today at a new distance. It was over 1400 metres and leading chances were Stillme, who had ran well in Melbourne at Group 1 level behind the likes of Niconero & Miss Finland and there was also the local Peacemaker who was in great form lately. Peacemaker won for Leon MacDonald and Clare Lindop. Stillme ran second.

As for the Photo Finish races I have got a runner in one of those races in C.T.’s Pizza. I think he will enjoy the drop in distance as I think 2400m stretches him. For the 1st Division I think Delirium Tremens will produce the goods.

(1) John D Lee Stakes 4.00
1800m $30000 and trophy. 3yo & up. Handicap.
1 50141 DELIRIUM TREMENS, 3 Starfish Stables 58 6.50
2 43312 DIASCAY’S SHADOW, 4 Caledonia Stables 56 4.00
3 53112 CASHEW, 1 Port Pirie Racing 55.5 2.60f
4 12540 DO THE MATH, 5 Northern Lights 55 10.00
5 03002 ONE LAST DANCE, 6 Olmo Dorato 52 9.00
6 06094 CRUEL INTENTIONS, 2 Thunder Lodge 52 16.00
Delirium Tremens 1, Cashew 2, Diascay’s Shadow 3, One Last Dance 4

I think 1- DELIRIUM TREMENS is going to win this well today. He has been rejuvenated since joining Starfish Stables and he could win again today. 3-CASHEW is also going great and deserves favouritism. 2-DIASCAY’S SHADOW is never far away. 5-ONE LAST DANCE should run well for Olmo Dorato. 4-DO THE MATH will bounce back from his last run and watch out for 6-CRUEL INTENTIONS who ran his best race last start.

(2) John D Lee Stakes 4.40
1800m $40000 and trophy. 3yo & up. Handicap.
1 30132 C.T.’S PIZZA, 1 JD Kayll Race Club 60 2.40f
2 03175 DANIO, 2 4th Alarm Racing Stable 58 5.00
3 0s071 MUJA MONARCH, 3 Firstholme Racing 56 4.00
4 72233 STORM BUSTER, 5 Olmo Dorato 52 8.50
5 06054 ZABLIME, 6 Hannah’s Stables 52 12.00
6 24302 PIKE’S PEAK, 4 Olmo Dorato 52 10.00
C.T.’s Pizza 1, Muja Monarch 2, Danio 3, Storm Buster 4

My bloke 1-C.T.’S PIZZA will enjoy the slight class drop and he is going to love the drop in distance. He hasn’t ran a bad race for me yet. 3-MUJA MONARCH won his first race at Group 3 level last start and should be hard to beat. 2-DANIO is has very good credentials for a race like this. The Olmo Dorato pair 4-STORM BUSTER and 6-PIKE’S PEAK look well placed as is 5-ZABLIME.

CAN DALAL WIN HIS SECOND BRISBANE CUP?

2008-04-24T20:21:00.001-07:00

7- Carlton Draught Brisbane Cup 4.30
3200m $400,000 and trophy. G1. 3yo & up. HCP. No claims.
1 51310 TAGO LAD, 10 Olmo Dorato 58 5.50
2 44014 UNION JACK, 11 Otsego Farms 58 3.00f
3 22452 DALAL, 2 Victorian Racing Stables 57 10.00
4 13436 COINS, 1 Firstholme Racing 56 4.20
5 73434 DONOSTI, 4 Spartan Racing Stables 56 13.00
6 33352 MAR DE HIELO, 7 Olmo Dorato 55 8.00
7 13354 RIDE THE SUN, 8 Godolphin17 55 8.00
8 59164 EREBUS, 5 Rainbow 52 11.00
9 04020 EXCELLENT SON, 6 FDL Lodge 52 51.00
10 22534 DANGEROUS EVIDENCE, 3 Caledonia Stakes 52 26.00
11 07000 STABLE’S HOPE, 9 Helloyankees 52 151.00
Dalal 1, Union Jack 2, Ride The Sun 3, Tago Lad 4

1 TAGO LAD (Olmo Dorato) 4c By Octagonal- Republic Lass (27:3-3-8): Group 1 winner who ran one of his best races when a 3-½ win (124) Roundabout, Donosti 3200m $4.00 Longchamp Prix Du Cadran firm trk October 3, disappointing 38 len tenth (124) Lovely To See You 3200m $10.00 Churchill Downs Breeders Cup Endurance fast trk November 6. Is a genuine two-miler who should back up from his last run. Go well.

2 UNION JACK (Otsego Farms) 5c By Portsmouth- Dragon Flyer (38:14-7-7): Grand old horse who absolutely smashed em’ in a great PSR of 124 when 10- ½ len win (125) Thunder Heart, Coins 2800m $1.60fav. Royal Randwick St. Leger Stakes firm trk September 12, then ran a great race against a much stronger field 9- ½ len fourth (123) Domitila, Kingston Dawn, Dulce Sunido 3200m $2.60 Morphettville Independent Cranes Adelaide Cup firm trk October 10. Is a genuine Group 1 performer and he’s fresher than most of his rivals. Should test this field.

3 DALAL (Victorian Racing Stables) 5c By Bellbuster- Regal Kiss (51: 9-12-4): Tough-as-nails stayer who won this two years ago (from Brave heart & Dulce Sunido). He ran a nice race when 14 len fifth (112) Domitila 3200m $21.00 Morphettville Independent Cranes Adelaide Cup firm trk October 10, then backed up quickly and showed his class off the minimum recommended back-up range 3- ½ len second (122) Estrecho, Coins 2400m $4.50 Santa Anita Carleton F. Burke Handicap firm trk October 24. Is going along great, gets some break and is a great two-miler. Should run well.

4 COINS (Firstholme Racing) 4c By Dansilver- Mrs Bently (29:4-4-9): Consistent stayer who ran a nice race 4 len third (125) Estrecho, Dalal 2400m $3.20fav. Santa Anita Carleton F. Burke Handicap firm trk October 24, then he ran another top-class race when 30 len sixth (124) Lovely To See You 3200m $26.00 Churchill Downs Breeders Cup Endurance fast trk November 6. Looks like he’s going to run a good race despite the quick back-up.

5 DONOSTI (Spartan Racing Stables) 5c By High Chaparral- Sailor’s Valentine (36:2-7-7): Good two-miler and note that he ran third behind Tago Lad and Dalal in the Andrew Ramsden (Duke Of Norfolk) four starts ago. Ran a good race in a close up finish 3- ¾ len third (124) Tago Lad, Roundabout 3200m $2.60 Longchamp Prix Du Cadran firm trk October 3, then a tad disappointing 15- ¼ len fourth (126) Flow Diagram, Tension, The Foggy One 2400m $8.00 Eagle Farm O’Shea Stakes hard trk October 31. Is going along well. Roughie.

6 MAR DE HIELO (Olmo Dorato) 3c By Ocean Tide- Fraulein (23:4-4-4): Top class three-year-old who ran an even race behind the Breeders Cup Endurance winner Lovely To See You when a 31 len fifth (122) Lovely To See You 2500m $6.00 Morphettville South Australian Derby firm trk September 27, then a better effort 4- ¾ len second (119) Wall Street, Unbridled Cat 2800m $2.20fav. Longchamp Prix Royal Oak yielding trk October 22. Is going along well and 3yo’s can get a weight advantage.

7 RIDE THE SUN (Godolphin17) 3f By Majestic Son- Victory Ride (17:3-1-2): Very good 3yo filly who wasn’t too bad when 9- ¾ len fifth (123) Fafabell 1800m $6.00 Keeneland Q.E. li Challenge Cup firm trk October 2, then a really good performance when 22- ½ len fourth (117) Lovely To See You, Islegetrevenge, Domitila 3200m $21.00 Churchill Downs Breeders Cup Endurance fast trk November 6. Provided she backs up she’ll be in the firing line at one point.

8 EREBUS (Rainbow) 3c By Thunder Arctic- Succubus (12:2-2-0): Capable galloper from Rainbow stables who tried hard when 33 len sixth (122) Lovely To See You 2500m $11.00 Morphettville South Australian Derby firm trk September 27, then 4- ¾ len fourth (123) Estrecho, Dalal, Coins 2400m $3.00 Santa Anita Carleton F. Burke Handicap firm trk October 24. Should run well.

9 EXCELLENT SON (FDL Lodge) 3c By Majestic Son- Excellent Meeting (15:2-1-0): Group 3 winner who done a good job when 1- ¼ len second (115) Bayonet, Blank Town 1800m $4.00 Remington Park Derby fast trk August 29, then was out-classed 14- ¾ len eleventh (122) Regal Son 2000m $41.00 Churchill Downs Breeders Cup Classic fast trk November 6. I would prefer him on dirt to be honest.

10 DANGEROUS EVIDENCE (Caledonia Stables) 4c By Dangerous- New Evidence (29:1-8-6): Ever-so-consistent stayer who ran well 8- ¾ len third (121) Erebus, Gorad Gomel 2200m $8.00Remington Park Debartolo Memorial Cup firm trk September 4, then he ran pretty good again 14 len fourth (117) Roll Of Thunder 2000m $6.00 Doomben Chairman’s Handicap firm trk October 10. He is not the worst with good results lately.

11 STABLE’S HOPE (Helloyankees) 4c By Memcay- In flury (18:0-1-1): A late-maturing horse who tried hard behind some top-liners when a 72-½ len last (119) Faldo 2200m $81.00 Belmont Park Man O’ War Stakes hard trk September 11, then horrible 20 len last (130) Rebel 1200m $15.00 Belmont Hungry Jacks Roma Cup good trk October 10. Can’t see him threatening.

This is a good field for the Brisbane Cup. I am tipping 3-DALAL. Won this two years ago and meets an easier field today. Has been rejuvenated since joining Victorian Racing Stables and he handles the two miles. 2-UNION JACK has been going along great and he beat 1-DALAL in the Adelaide Cup. 7-RIDE THE SUN ran a great race in the Breeders Cup Endurance. 1-TAGO LAD was disappointing in the Breeders Cup Endurance but he won a Group 1 on this surface/distance two starts ago. 6-MAR DE HIELO can’t be dismissed on his last run. 5-DONOSTI’s always on the mark. 4-COINS ran a great race in the Breeders Cup Endurance as well. 8-EREBUS, 9-EXCELLENT SON & 10-DANGEROUS EVIDENCE are genuine place hopes.

QTC Classic Action

2008-04-24T04:35:00.000-07:00

6- TJ Smith QTC Classic 3.50
1600m $400,000 and trophy. 2yo. G1. SW. No claims.
1 11113 ROCKET, 6 Thunder Lodge 56 2.20f
2 20223 KETONURIA, 3 Tree Top Farms 56 9.00
3 61561 SUSPENDED SETENCE, 7 Smokey’s Stable 56 7.50
4 76547 WHIPLASH, 8 Hutton’s Horse Haven 56 21.00
5 32054 BOLD BARD, 1 Watch This Space 56 31.00
6 0312 NEW MOON ON MONDAY, 5 Bally Doyle 56 12.00
7 63964 CROWLEY MAGIC, 2 JD Kayll Race Club 56 15.00
8 31121 LIFE ON MARS, 4 FDL Lodge 54 5.50
Rocket 1, Suspended Sentence 2, Life On Mars 3, New Moon On Monday 4

1 ROCKET (Thunder Lodge) 2c By Mars- Sing A Song (16:9-3-4): Superstar 2yo who showed immeasurable class and determination to win ½ len 1st (122) Life On Mars, Bonjansky 1400m $2.80fav. Newmarket Dewhurst Stakes firm trk October 14, again found dirt above him 3-¼ len 3rd (122) Big N’ Tough, Ditko 1700m $4.50 Churchill Downs Breeders Cup Juvenile fast trk November 6. Is a legend of the game, gets back to turf and should bounce back today.

2 KETONURIA (Tree Top Farms) 2c By The River Wild- Victory Vein (6:1-3-1): Top class 2yo just a tad behind the A-Graders, showed grit when a close 2- ¾ len 2nd (117) Suspended Sentence, Nite Patrol 1600m $3.00 Longchamp Grand Criterium firm trk October 4, found the top two too good 10- ¾ len 3rd (122) Life On Mars, Daredevil 1400m $8.00 Eagle Farm Sires Produce Stakes firm trk October 31. Provided he backs up he will be among the main hopes.

3 SUSPENDED SENTENCE (Smokey’s Stable) 2c By Dawn Patrol- Wandering Aimlessly (6:2-0-0): Consistent 2yo who ran a honest race when a 10- ½ len 6th (122) Rocket 1600m $26.00 Royal Randwick Champagne Stakes firm trk September 12, surprised some people 2- ¾ len 1st (117) Ketonuria, Nite Patrol 1600m $10.00 Longchamp Grand Criterium firm trk October 4. Is living up to his promise. Should go close.

4 WHIPLASH (Hutton’s Horse Haven) 2c By Park Lane- Lashed (12:1-0-1): Honest 2yo who wasn’t far away 7- ½ 4th (115) Rocket 1700m $6.00 Keeneland Breeders Futurity fast trk October 3, ran well at huge odds 20- ½ len 7th (122) Big N’ Tough 1700m $41.00 Churchill Downs Breeders Cup Juvenile fast trk November 6. Is racing well but he’d have to improve a fair bit to beat the likes of Rocket & Life On Mars but is promising.

5 BOLD BARD (Watch This Space) 2c By Bold N’ Free- Bardego (7:1-1-2): Staying type who tried hard 12-½ len 5th (117) Rocket 1700m $7.00 Keeneland Breeders Futurity fast trk October 3, beat most home in a mammoth field 6- ½ len 4th (117) Regal Lad, Grimau, Bando alle Chance 1900m $4.00 Shenandoah Downs Allowance fast trk November 13. I doubt seeing him back up to win a Group 1 two days after his last race.

6 NEW MOON ON MONDAY (Bally Doyle) 2c By Lonhro- Moon Dragon (4:1-1-1): Emerging 2yo who has breeding Australians would die for. Won his maiden head 1st (115) Dynamite, Imperial Champ 1800m $4.00fav. Shenandoah Downs Maiden hard trk October 2, then handled the step up to Group 1 level when a 3 len 2nd (117) Garson De Garcia, Brusco Risveglio 1600m $6.00 Epsom Racing Post Trophy firm trk October 21. Is racing very well. Good chance.

7 CROWLEY MAGIC (JD Kayll Race Club) 2c By Medaglia D’oro- Sunday Rose (5:0-0-1): Promising 2yo who looks a nice miler in the making. Disappointing but I think he didn’t handle the back up when a 36 len 6th (122) Big N’ Tough 1700m $18.00 Turfway Park KY Cup Juvenile fast trk September 25. Then ran a good race when 4- ¾ len 4th (115) Garson De Garcia, New Moon On Monday, Brusco Risveglio 1600m $6.00 Epsom Racing Post Trophy firm trk October 21. Looks like a nice roughie with many runners having quick back-ups. Knockout hope.

8 LIFE ON MARS (FDL Lodge) 2f By Mars- Scandalous (12:6-4-2): Newmarket Handicap winning superhorse who was only beaten by a champ when ½ len 2nd (119) Rocket, Bonjansky 1400m $3.00 Newmarket Dewhurst Stakes firm trk October 14, good win 6- ¼ len 1st (117) Daredevil, Ketonuria 1400m $2.80fav. Eagle Farm Sires Produce Stakes firm trk October 31. Is a good as horse. Should put her best hoof forward today.

This is a great race. I fancy 1-ROCKET because he is a champion and he should bounce back after his last run. 3- SUSPENDED SENTENCE is the fresh horse on the scene. 8-LIFE ON MARS is a geniune Group 1 performer, 6-NEW MOON ON MONDAY is stepping up to the plate every time he runs. 2-KETONURIA is consistent and is looking to add a Group 1 to his record here today. 7-CROWLEY MAGIC is very promising. 4-WHIPLASH will run his honest race. 5-BOLD BARD would have to be good if he backs up from a two day break.

Check out the Global Mail for Zoe's form and comments on this leg of the Global Classic Challenge.

Changing Of The Guard?

2008-04-05T19:58:00.001-07:00

There was a surprise in Photo Finish racing world this week in Jenny’s My Gal suffering her first defeat since her Kingston Town Stakes second behind American Man as a spring 3yo. It was an enthralling contest, and this is how the Prix De L’arc De Triomphe panned out. JMG led from the outset, setting a frantic pace for such a small field. Malvern Hill and Color Of Fame were second and third throughout the whole race, and Camena’s Thunder settled last.

In the straight, Malvern Hill and Color Of Fame were fighting JMG down the entire straight but JMG was fighting back like the likes of Mummify & Desert War and he fought back and just as it looked as if he’d win the race Malvern Hill and Color Of Fame put in the big bounds and vanquished the great champ at last.

Will this mark a new era in Photo Finish Racing? Yes and No I say, many things were against JMG that day. JMG set a hot pace and he had to run into the wind for the whole gruelling 2400m of the Prix De L’arc De Triomphe and the long straight but still he was only 1- ¼ lengths away. But Malvern Hill is a champion in the making and will make JMG work even more harder for his wins from now on. Color Of Fame was not disgraced either and he was my tip.

But, a few horses are retiring that have dominated the last few years. Scenic Sheba will be retiring, Foxies Lodge’s other champion and a lot of mile races will be up for grabs. Will it be Perfect Picture, who ran his worst race the other week? Or Maroon Lodge who is starting to reach his peak? Or may it be Mr Purler who has been ever so consistent this season? It is remain to be seen. But a horse from leftfield may be Rocket, which wouldn’t be surprising if he maintains his amazing form.

As for the Sprinters, we have a ready made horse to take Attack At Dawn’s crown. Run Missy Run or RMR has excelled at the sprint trips this season. He is still very young and he’s got heart, all you have to do is look at his second in the Newmarket Handicap behind Life On Mars. He tried his big heart out in that. Bro’Town is probably a better dirt sprinter and she will bounce back in the BC Sprint.

But for the middle-distance horses on turf, I still think JMG will dominate this and next year. Malvern Hill and Color Of Fame will be ready to take JMG’s crown once he retires, but a horse that I think will be the Cox Plate winner next season is Arctic Slicker. He’s showing signs of his ability and I think he will win his next start. Narsil is not bad either.

In the distance races Domitila will keep winning till she retires but Kingston Dawn showed signs of his maturity in running Domitila to 2 lengths in the Adelaide Cup. Dulce Sunido looks as if she will be around for another season as will Union Jack and Dalal. Tago Lad looks a top class stayer as well.

In conclusion though, I think JMG will bounce back to win the Breeders Cup Turf, and he space them!

Official PF Breeders Cup Website

2008-03-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

Click on the Title link to go to the Official Breeders Cup Website!

There's a great arcticle by Matt, the editor of Racing Recap!

He has all the times and information and a nice summary at the end to make your Breeders Cup tipping easier.

There is also two profiles by myself on Ab- Daledigaeth and Union Jack,

and a form focus.

Take a look,

Joshua D Kayll

Off The Beaten Track

2008-03-16T23:46:00.001-07:00

Racing in the country. Fresh air, good times to be shared and some exciting country cup to be watched. Today we trek out to Gosford Racecourse, for the $100,000, Group 3 Gosford Gold Cup. Some great racehorses have graced this racecourse. King Of The Sea won it last year. This year so far there are 4 entries. I have supplied two of them, as an alternate to the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Those horses are C.T.'s Pizza and Winds Of Change. Winds of Change has forgotten the fresh air and the freshly cut grass of a provincal race track. He walks out for trackwork and he thrives. He is remembering past racetrack wins, he is happier here then he is at the beach. My other entry is a new stable buy C.T.'s Pizza. He pricks his ears as he goes past the post. He is the youngest horse of the race, at 5 years of age. He chews some of the grass as the jockey jumps off. Secret Sky is another horse, a memory. He has not quite reached the heights of his three-year-old season, but he has ran well. The other entry is the big bloke, Dalal. He has been running well in the hustle and bustle at Group level. This is a perfect race for him. There are currnetly four entries, all speedy and raring to go. Who will win the Gold Cup of Gosford in 2010?

7 Gosford Gold Cup 3.50
2000m $100,000 and trophy. HCP. 3yo+. No claims.
1 46522 DALAL, 2 Victorian Racing Stables 60 2.60f
2 00545 SECRET SKY, 3 Goforwand Stables 57 5.50
3 20060 WINDS OF CHANGE, 4 JD Kayll Race Club 56.5 12.00
4 56630 C.T.’S PIZZA, 1 JD Kayll Race Club 56 6.00
Dalal 1, C.T.’s Pizza 2, Secret Sky 3, Winds Of Change 4

I think the 1-DALAL will be too nippy for this lot. Is regaining form and going well. 4-C.T.'S PIZZA will appreciate the class drop. 2-SECRET SKY hasn't been going bad. 3-WINDS OF CHANGE should enjoy the class drop.

Rocket storms past a field of stars, JMG runs into glory

2008-03-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

The Golden Slipper, 11 top class 2yo run for the money in the Golden Slipper. Kostya is the favourite haven beaten Rocket in the Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield. Rocket was second favourite on the strength of his Sires Produce win over Ketonuria. Life On Mars recently beat sprinting sensation Run Missy Run in the Newmarket. Arctic Silver and Da Vinci Code were also fancied on the basis of their amazing consistency.

Of the eleven runners, there were seven colts and four fillies. Every horse deserved their spot, even Parole Violation, who won the Breeders Stakes at Flemington after a slow start. They stepped in the gates, the 50,000 strong crowd buzzed with excitement, they had come to see Jenny’s My Gal but they were to see an awesome spurt of speed by Rocket. Racing, out they come. Rocket took a forward position with Badge, with Borgata Romana behind them from Olmo Dorato. Then followed Da Vinci Code with Kostya, Arctic Silver & Blue Hawaii. Life On Mars and Ketonuria were a mile back, they never saw the leader.

WHOOSH! Kostya went up to Rocket and headed him, but showing immeasurable courage, Rocket fought back. The crowd went crazy, all dignity forgotten. Rocket was fighting back! Stride for stride, hammer and tongs, Rocket started to edge ever so closer. Kostya wasn’t giving in. But finally the colt from Thunder Lodge, Rocket prevailed from Kostya by a length. The jockey celebrated wildly as they passed the winning post, a la Glen Boss after a Melbourne Cup win.

Life On Mars, ran on late as usual, followed by Magic Millions winner Blue Hawaii who had ran out of her skin at $14 on the tote. Behind her was Arctic Silver who had broken down in the home straight but kept on running for fifth. Da Vinci Code ran his consistent race, close behind her was Borgata Romana. Bonjansky followed with Badge, Ketonuria and Parole Violation rounding out a magnificent Golden Slipper field.

Rocket backed up a week later amazingly, and beat a weaker but still good AJC Sires Produce field. That lifted his earnings to $2,692,100 with six wins, three seconds and three thirds from 12 starts. He’s a champion 2yo.

The next race on the card was the BMW, otherwise known as the Mercedes Classic. Jenny’s My Gal, (also known as JMG) was a hot favourite at $1.50. Next fancied in the betting was Retribution at $4.50, Princess Royale at $5.00, Mystic River at $6.00 and Smarty Gone Wild at $26.00. The crowd had not yet quietened down after Rocket’s amazing win 40 minutes earlier.

RACING! The race caller screams. They went out in an even line but that didn’t last. Jenny’s My Gal sped to the lead and dictated terms, Retribution was behind her, and Mystic River, Princess Royale and Smarty Gone Wild were a fair way back. As they went to the turn, Mystic River went up to Jenny’s My Gal and the crowd anticipated another street-fight. But they were wrong. Showing huge amounts of speed and stamina, Jenny’s My Gal went away to street the field by 6 lengths. Princess Royale ran on late, Retribution ran his usual honest race and Mystic River and Smarty Gone Wild filled the last two spots.

The win lifted Jenny’s My Gal to fifth on the all-time prize money list, led by A Bus. Jenny’s My Gal had now won $13,901,500 and he looks like a certain Breeders Cup Classic winner. But Breeders Cup Classic is the race where legends are made and anything can happen. But Jenny’s My Gal should be too good for them.

In the other Group 1 on the card, the Ansett Australia Stakes, Policromia out fought Saline Solution to win by three quarters of a length. Queen Street was a tad disappointing in third and Tropical Flirt rounded out the race.

It was a great race-day, and people will be talking about it for years. Amazingly, Linköping beat Jenny’s My Gal two years ago in the AJC Sires Produce ran in the opening race, failing to run down Secret Shape. My hot tip, Dancin In The Dark for Victorian Racing Stables ran third in the second race, but was found to be sore behind Cashew.

Thanks for reading and happy racing!

----------------------------------

By: Josh Kayll

A Photo Finish at Kentucky Derby

2008-01-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

The first weekend in May. 10 furlongs. 3 year olds. The first jewel in the Triple Crown. A place in history. The Kentucky Derby is the arguably the most prestigious race of the year.

This year brought out 19 colts and a lone filly from 17 stables. Goforwand Stables, Snowbank Farm, and Zippy Chippy Stables sent two each.

These 20 horses were looking to join War Machine as PF second Triple Crown winner. War Machine won the American Triple Crown in 2005, winning the Derby with a time of 2:00.0; which was also the year that Madam De Francais of FDL Lodge won the American Fillies' Triple Crown (who placed 3rd in the Belmont after Star Studded - Bonai).

In 2003 Spanish Midnight from Bonai Farms became the first to win the Kentucky Derby with a time of 2:00.2. Revenge of KRF Stables would take the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, having sat out the Derby from an early spring injury. Spanish Midnight did not start in the Preakness coming back sore, but ran 2nd in the Belmont.

In 2004, Thunder Artic of Rainbow won the Kentucky Derby (1:59.1) and the Belmont Stakes. Dansilver trained by Kings Park took the Preakness by 2 lengths and placed 2nd in the Derby behind Thunder Artic; he did not start in the Belmont.

In 2006 the smallest field since 2003 started with Down the Drain trained by Old Brewery Stables won by 1/2 length over Sobriety of Snowbank Farms with at time of 2:00.0. He placed 3rd and last in the Preakness (Sobrety winning) and came back to win the Belmont.

Pegasus Song trained by Goforwand Stables became the first filly to claim the Derby in 2007 with a time of 1:58.4. She went on to placed 2nd in both the Preakness and Belmont to A Bus of Port Pirie and Braveheart trained by FDL Lodge, respectively.

In the following year in 2008, it was the year of the fillies. Perfect Bell won the Kentucky Derby with a time of 1:59.1. Finishing 2nd and 3rd were fillies Isca's Revenge and Case Closed from Smokey's Stable and Bally Doyle. In the Preakness Perfect Bell and Case Closed ran 1st and 2nd. Perfect Bell was looking to become the first filly to win the Triple Crown, but Led Astray of Hopeful Farm won the Belmont by 2 lengths. In the Belmont the top 5 finishers were fillies (Isca's Revenge, Perfect Bell, Penumbra Moon - Long Island Hayburners - and Notice Me - FDL Lodge). The top placed colt was Handsome Gesture of Snowbank Farm who finished some 12 lengths back.

Last year there was no fillies entered in the Derby, and Taco Bell of Pointgiven Stables (Perfect Bell's 1/2 brother by Bellbuster) won the Derby with a time of 2:00.2. Taco Bell was unplaced in the Preakness, the winner going to Venezia of Port Pirie Stables who is the son of Bold N' Free who placed in the Derby and Preakness. However, Venezia placed 2nd in the Belmont to Thunder Heart trained by Lakeside Acres. It was the first time in PF history that 3 different horses won each leg of the race.

*Note times were taken from past results which may vary from the PP

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This weekend brought out a full field of 20 horses. Priceless Revenge from Chiknsmack Stables went off at the 9:2 favorite. New Tower from Snowbank Farm was the 5:1 second choice by the bettors. And at 8:1 were New Tower from Gorforwand Stables and Quick Step of Moose Hollow Farm. Iginla who is trained at Iron Racing went off at 9:1. All others were priced from 10:1 to 77:1.

It was a clear May day in Kentucky as the 19 colts and filly made their way to the gate. The track was deemed fast and ready for the races. Earlier in the Kentucky Oaks, Laurie of Snowbank Farm had brought home the winner Resounding and Gorforwand Stables had 1/2 sister to New Tower, Tear Tower finished 3rd.

With a full field of nearly all rambunctious colts the starter had his hands full in this first start of the Triple Crown. However under his expert command they were all settled and ready in the gate.

Quick Step and Ladies Mon of Wolf Ridge Stables broke the fastest. Whereas Born to Run of Woodbury, Ride the Sun of Godolphin17, and Faldo of Olmor Dorato quickly settled back some 6 to 8 lengths back; although Born to Run quickly made up lost ground.

As the field entered the turn, New Tower in the 1st post position held a length lead over Ladies Mon. Priceless Revenge, Regal Son, Petenwell (Smokey's Stable), and Serendipity (Rainbow) followed in a short lead over the rest of the field. Serendipity began to move up stealing third from Regal Son and began moving up on Ladies Mon.

At the start of the backstretch New Tower was running well a length in front of Serendipity who took 2nd from Ladies Mon, and began inching up on the leader. Regal Son settled in comfortably 3 lengths back, heading off the field with Petenwell, Priceless Revenge, Quick Step, and The Big O (Under the Weeping Moon) ahead of the main pack.

At the end of the backstretch New Tower and Serendipity began to extend their lead over the field by 4 lengths. Ladies Mon couldn't keep up with the pace and began to fall back as Quick Step, Regal Son, Petenwell, Priceless Revenge, and The Big O began to make their move. Iginla also began moving up the field.

As they came out of the turn New Tower was still the leader with Serendipity on his heels. The trio led by Quick Step, Priceless Revenge, and Regal Son began moving up fast on the leaders. Also Petenwell and Iginla started to show some speed as they tried to make up lost ground.

In the homestretch, Serendipity could not keep up with New Tower and the onslaught on the upcoming field and started falling back. Priceless Revenge started in on the leader and fought to get his nose ahead of New Tower. Squeezing between the racing colts was Regal Son who had found racing room and was making his move in 3rd. Iginla on the outside was eating up ground trying to catch the leaders before he ran out of track. Petenwell was also moving well, sliding past Quick Step and Serendipity.

Priceless Revenge couldn't stay with New Tower and Regal Son as they flew to the finish nose to nose; while Iginla was gaining ground with each stride, but was quickly running out of race.

In the last few strides of the race, Iginla swept past Priceless Revenge to claim third as New Tower and Regal Son swept under the wire together - A Photo Finish! The time was an excellent 1:58.96. The photo showed that New Tower had beat the Snowbank Farm colt by less than a nose.

However, out of 20 racers only 7 walked away with a clean bill of health. New Tower came back with the worst injury who will be out of training for a minimum of 30 days which will put him out of Triple Crown contention. Regal Son came back sore and the vet recommended 2 days of rest before strenuous works.

The connections at Goforwand Stables said in a statement released soon after the results, "[It's] unfortunate that New Tower will be unable to compete for TC but can't tell you how happy I am for the KD win."

However, they were still looking on to the Preakness and claimed that they "have a alternate for [The Preakness]."

The late running Ignila will see The Preakness and owner as plans to send him to the Belmont. He said in a statment that, "We've been very patient with IGGY. So i think he's fresh and will compete in the next legs of the TC." He was hopeful in "Iggy's" preformance and said, "maybe we can pick up a win in Baltimore or New York."

Although we will have no American Triple Crown winner, perhaps Laurie will have Resounding become the 3rd filly to with the female's crown. And we will certainly be following this season's strong bunch of three year olds to the Preakness and Belmont.

The Order of Finish for the 2010 Kentucky Derby

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Matt's Notable Mention: Watch out for Ignila in the Belmont. He was going to catch the two front runners if given another 1/2 furlong or so. The 2 furlongs in the Belmont will aid this late running colt. Regal Son was also moving well at the end, and perhaps would've given Laurie a double win in another stride. However, perhaps New Tower's injury played in to it.

An excellent race with the photo finish and Iginla final drive. If you haven't watched it, one should even if you know the outcome of the race.

What If.......................................

2008-01-10T12:53:00.000-08:00

“What if” – now there’s a statement to make most people shudder when they hear it. What if the moon were made of cheese, what if Laurie didn’t have to work rather than rely on donations to run the game, what if wishes were horses, what if ARs were true……. The list is endless!

So lets take a fairly topical “What If” and say “What if horses had to prove their eligibility to run the Kentucky Derby”. OK – now you have got yourself back off the floor and recovered lets look at this rationally.

Every year the Derby field is oversubscribed and there is always the odd horse that quite honestly don’t deserve to be in the starting gate entered and some horses which have the credentials to run well are balloted out. Recently on the forum there has been a very well debated topic about possibly introducing eligibility criteria allowing those who have shown form, earned money and/or placing in select races. This idea seems to be gaining momentum and several long standing owners have expressed a wish to see such a system introduced sooner rather than later – even if they don’t have a horse that would meet this standard.

I believe a more radical approach is required and suggest that only horses who have finished in the top 3 of races deemed to be “Derby Trials” are allowed entry into the Kentucky Derby itself. The races, ranging from 8.5f – 10f on dirt would be:

Fountain of Youth

Revenge Stakes

Florida Derby

Louisiana Derby

UAE Derby

Flamingo Stakes

Santa Anita Derby

Arkansas Derby

Toyota Blue Grass

Wood Memorial

OK so now you have finished screaming at the screen and digested what is required, lets look at this years field and see who would make it. The pre-race card looks like this:

Horse Stable Age/Sex Scratch Instructions

Bayonet Snowbank Farm 3 Move to 5076 if removed from full field

Born to Run Woodbury Stables 3 Scratch if No/No!

Camena's Thunder FDL Lodge 3 None

Dallas Cowboys Zippy Chippy Stables 3 None

Faldo Olmo Dorato 3 None

Ghostseeker Spartan Racing Stables 3 None

Iginla Iron Racing 3 None

Islegetrevenge Spartan Racing Stables 3 If full Ghostseeker runs

Ladies Mon Wolf Ridge Stables 3 None

Lovely To See You Long Island Hayburners 3 None

New Tower Goforwand Stables 3 None

Petenwell Smokey's Stable 3 None

Priceless Revenge Chiknsmack Stables 3 Scratch if Mud/No-

Razer Boomslang Pointgiven Stables 3 None

Regal Son Snowbank Farm 3 None

Ride The Sun Godolphin17 3F Scratch if No-

Serendipity Rainbow 3 None

Smarty Gone Wild Zippy Chippy Stables 3 None

Tower Coup Goforwand Stables 3 None

If we apply the Derby Trial requirement to these runners we would be left with:

Horse

Bayonet

Born to Run

Faldo

Iginla

Ladies Mon

Lovely To See You

New Tower

Petenwell

Priceless Revenge

Razer Boomslang

Regal Son

Ride The Sun

Tower Coup

This means from the original 19 entered, we are left with a very select field of 13, but hold on – there are several other horses who would be eligible who haven’t been entered who won or were placed in the “Trials” and these are:

Cajun Flash

Big Slick

Queen Street

Nystoi

Revenue

The Big O

Blockbuster

Prodigal Sun

Made You Look

Party Shoes

Arctic Slicker

Sweet Tombi

So a further 12 COULD have been entered making a pre-card entry of 25 and as the field size is restricted to 20 that means that there would be 5 horses to be scratched, but if you look again at the original field 4 of these horses could be scratched depending on the track. However if none were due to be scratched and come post time The Steward was left with a field of 25, then the usual PF rule for full fields would come into play, which for those of you who can’t remember is “All entrants will be ordered by lifetime earnings. Any stables who enter more than one horse will have one horse removed beginning with the lowest earnings multiple horse starting from the lowest earning end of the list. If there are no multiple entries then the top 20 earnings horses will be taken, and all others dropped from the field.”

There must be several other ways of sorting out eligibility for the race –including nominations at different stages (ie birth, as a yearling, 2yr old and then as a 3yr old gradually increasing in cost), season earnings alone, PSR average etc – there is a long list!

I am sure that there are players who are totally against the introduction of such a rule and would see it as an infringement of their PF right to enter their horses how and when they like but on the other hand there are many players who would like to see some kind of “entry system” in place which would help bring the game onto the next level and also give the winner of the Kentucky Derby the proper respect that should be due to such a winner, rather than it become a point of ridicule by saying “OK he won the Kentucky Derby but what did he beat?”.

So however you approach your entries for the Kentucky Derby, be it because they have proven themselves over the distance, because they are bred to like it or simply because you want to have a runner in it – wouldn’t it be nice to have the winner and be able to say “He beat the best” rather than “He won but I wish X had been in it”.

If you don’t agree with the writer, then no hard feelings but speak out – don’t be the one to sit in a darkened room mumbling insanely to yourself saying “no one listens” – the forum is your chance to express your views so use it! You never know it could be your horse winning the Derby next season!

Why Run For the Roses?

2008-01-08T02:07:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of the season again, where reputations are made or lost. That’s right, we are talking Kentucky Derby or “Run for the Roses” held at Churchill Downs every year. What is it about this 10f dirt race that makes every players heart beat just that bit faster? Is it the track, the distance, the money or the fact that each horse only gets ONE chance to be the winner?

Most owners when questioned are unanimous about their reasons for trying to win this race – PRESTIGE. Its not about the money its about the chance to say “I own the winner of the Kentucky Derby”. None of them would turn down the chance to grab the prize money but I know that the more established stables prefer winning races that matter to them on a personal level than winning all the money (although that always helps!). That’s why so many of them keep coming back year after year to see if this is the year that it happens.

In all honesty, planning for this race usually starts 4 years in advance, at the start of the breeding season. The decisions to send X Mare to Y Stallion are taken very seriously and whilst some breeders will sit down and ponder pedigrees for hours, others will base the decision on track performance, ie if I send a 10f mare to a 12f stallion will that produce a horse who has the lungs for the gruelling last furlong, remember Barabaro’s demolition job, whilst keeping the speed necessary to fly past the field, a la Giacamo or will the foal end up being a failed miler or worse, a distance horse with no speed? Or vice versa. As soon as the foals are born and the ARs issued, all breeders scan them to see what attributes each foal has. Most will be disappointed, some pleased and very few overjoyed. Sometimes a horse with a pretty average pedigree and AR can come and win so it’s a real lottery.

Then comes the start of the acid tests – running these “future champs” as 2yr olds. Or do you? There is starting to come to my notice that some players would rather not risk their best 3yr olds either too early in their juvenile careers or even to over race them, limiting the horse to less than 5 runs. Others will stick to the old ways, run them hard and often and if they are good enough they will win, if not then at least they tried.

The first test for these 2yr olds is in the Dubai Juvenile over 6f and only two winners of this race have gone on to enter the Kentucky Derby, the most recent being Machete who was a debutant in the Dubai Juvenile but demolished the field but only finished 3rd in the next seasons Derby. The first ……. War Machine who, as we all know, is to date the only winner of the Photo Finish Colts Triple Crown as a 3yr old. Without sounding controversial, its interesting to see that as 4yr olds, both ended up contesting sprint or mile races. War Machine was a winning machine as a 3yr old with only the odd blip on his radar, whilst Machete turned out to be a 2yr old of superstar class, but didn’t perform to such standards as a 3yr old.

The second test for 2yr olds is at the end of the season at the Breeders Cup in the 8.5f Juvenile, also held at Churchill Downs. This is a much more reliable source as 5 winners have gone on to place or better in the Kentucky Derby. They are: 2002 winner Wekiva Bay - 3rd in the 03 Derby, 2004 winner Sobriety - 2nd in the Derby, 2005 winner War Machine not only won the 06 Derby but went on to win that years Triple Crown, 2006 winner A Bus was 4th in the 07 Derby, and 08 winner Machete was 3rd in the 09 Derby.

Most players are sensible and enter horses who have a realistic chance of being placed but there is always at least one horse in the field who people look at to say “why is this guy running?”. There are usually two reasons – 1) because the owner has the money to enter anything they like and 2) because some players just like to say that they have a runner. Neither are very good for the game and there is some call now for a “pre entry” system for these prestigious races to be introduced. (Article on that to follow soon!). So when looking at your horses for the race, have a second look and ask yourself – does he have a realistic chance of finishing in the top 4? Does his PSR average match that of the others? Has he shown form over that distance? Does he like the dirt? If the answer to more than one is NO then don’t enter!

Either way, this years Derby looks to be a full field with most horses being there on merit rather than hopes & dreams. This writer’s prediction for the Derby? Its too early to call as there are still several days left for entries to be made and she will leave it up to far more expert judges to call (although she already holds a large win ticket on Regal Son!).

Look Ahead: Dubai World Cup

2007-12-14T12:19:00.000-08:00

The Dubai World Cup 2010 will have the smallest field in its history with only 5 entrants, and this is the only year in which a 3 year old has not been entered. This field is also unique as it only has one male entrant against the four females.

The Dubai World Cup had its inaugural race in 2004, when Revenge was the winner. As I said earlier, at least 1 three year old has been entered, before this year; but only 1 three year old has managed to capture a win - the legendary War Machine who would later become the first Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year (2006).

A year later, in 2007, the first filly walked into the winner's circle Madam De Francais the 2006 Fillies Triple Crown Winner. Since then, fillies have dominated the World Cup. With Pegasus Song winning in 2008 and Broken Dream winning in 2009. Pegasus Song recorded the fastest time for the World Cup of 1:58.28 which is also the Track Record.

For 2010 we have 2 past winners of the Dubai World Cup - last year defender and Canadian Triple Crown Winner 5 Year Old Broken Dream (pictured right) trained by Long Island Hayburners and 2008 Winner, 3 time BC winner, 3 time Eclipse Champion 6 Year Old Pegasus Song for the Gorforwand Stables.

Also in the field is the 6 year old stallion Lazy Loper from the illustrious Bonai Farms who ran 2nd in the last two Dubai World Cups to Broken Dream and Pegasus Song. As a thre year old Lazy Loper won the United Arab Emirates Derby. Lazy Loper has had prolific career with a record of $12,732,500 43-22-11-5 placing him 9th for overall career earnings.

The youngest and most inexperienced in this race is DrivingMissDaisy a 4 year old filly from FDL Lodge who has trained past Dubai winner Madam De Francais. This filly has a career record of $810,100 28-4-6-3 and this season has a record of 3:0-1-0-2 bringing home $80,000.
Rounding out the field is the five year old filly Mystic River who is trained by Alydar Stables. She has a good career record of $3,487,500 32-13-6-5 with notable placings in the Hong Kong Mile last year (2nd) and as a 3 year old placed 2nd in the Breeder's Cup Distaff behind Pegasus Song.

For me the choice is clear on the winner - Pegasus Song. At 6 years old she is looking sharper than ever, and if she can keep it up for the year she will be well on her way for a Champion Older Female and perhaps Horse of the Year.

Earlier this year she won the Santa Anita Handicap with an amazing record time of 1:57.23 beating Lazy Loper by a length who came in with an impressive time of 1:57.40. These two six year olds are showing us what it really means to have a long peak and the skill of veteran racers.

Broken Dream has a record of 2:1-0-1 for the season, racing in two 9 furlong races with her best time clocked in at 1:46.47.

DrivingMissDaisy lost earlier this season to Mystic River in the 7 furlong Santa Monica Handicap. Mystic River found her 2nd win in as many starts in the 9 furlong Santa Margarita Handicap winning in a time of 1:46.03.

Matt's Prediction of Finish:

1st: Pegasus Song
2nd: Lazy Loper

3rd: Broken Dream
4th: Mystic River
5th: DrivingMissDaisy

This year will be a year of the veterans as 6 year olds Pegasus Song and Lazy Loper go 1-2 in the richest race of the year. Broken Dream will finish off the top 3, a game filly who perhaps is starting to lose her spark at 5.

December: What makes it so special?

2007-12-12T21:05:00.000-08:00

December; it is the time for de-stressing from the past year and looking to the new one with fresh hopes. It is a time spent with family and loved ones during the holidays. The snow is out blanketing the trees, egg nog by the fire, and many other grand and wonderful traditions around this time of year. By many it is considered one of the best times of the year. In fact, it has been proven that suicide rates actually go down during the holidays because of time spent with the family; however, it is also proven that because of that very reason it is why depression rates actually increase… however, this isn’t a Health or Psychology forum…

In horse racing December (and a few months before… namely November) brings about the decision of the champions for the year. Who is the best? But, on our PF calendar we are not in December. We are in the Spring, looking forward to Dubai, Santa Anita, and in a few weeks time the pinnacle of spring the Kentucky Derby!

So why am I still talking about December? This is why…

December for college students means the dreadful finals. A time when professors decide that for students sleep is a commodity that they just cannot afford. It is a time when tempers run high, stress is a norm, and coffee is like oxygen.

One just has to love the air of a college campus at December. Thus, this is where I am; stuck learning things that really have no point. Who really cares about derivatives and anti-derivates? Perhaps only our Statman… Or does anyone really learn anything in Organic Chemistry, except how not to sleep?

December. This is the only excuse that I offer to you. I have about 5 drafts that I started for you to read. A few recaps, a preview of Dubai, Kentucky, and a few other odds and ends. Instead, here I am at 12:20 AM procrastinating on studying yet again, by giving you a dull piece to read about why I’m not writing an article. I sense the irony… I also sense the overload of caffeine and the very sleep deprived self.

But, at the end of the final week(s); there is a bright spot. Winter Vacation, and the start of a new term. So until then, I bid you adieu. Until I recuperate from this study coma that I find myself in.

A Perfect Ending

2007-12-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

We decided to go to Australia this weekend to the Caulfield meeting for making our way back to the Stats for the inaugural G2 Revenge Stakes at Shenadoah Downs. There were two races at Caulfield that caught our attention from the Pre-Race Card – The Caulfield Guineas (G1) and the Caulfield Stakes (G1).

The first race on the card was The Guineas a test of 8 furlongs for 3 year olds with a purse of $500,000. There were 6 colts entered for the 8 furlong race, but for me there it was a 3 horse race between – World Record Holder and Eclipse Champion Run Missy Run (Missy’s Bridle x Pharien) from Golden Acres, the talented Quick Step (Troll Tower x Golden Ballet) trained at Moose Hollow Farm, and the lightly raced Perfect Picture (Handsome Man x Change of Scenery) owned by Hopeful Farm.

Also entered was Bellfast Lad (Bellbuster x Classy Lassy) from Elite Thoroughbreds, Just Cause (Giant’s Causeway x Ha Ha) from Spartan Racing Stables, and Light Granite (Kingston Town x Macedon Lady) trained by Port Pirie Racing Stables.

Run Missy Run never ran worse than 3rd in his last 11 races, including big wins at the Golden Slipper Stakes (2 years old) and his World Record performance earlier in the year. He is looking ever impressive and was the clear favorite to win the Guineas going off at 3/5. The bettors backed Troll Tower colt Quick Step and sent him off at 5/2. He managed to win a G1 last year and a strong 4th in the Magic Millions. In his last start Quick Step managed an impressive win in the slop at a mile. The bettors sent out the very lightly raced (only 2 previous lifetime starts) Perfect Picture at 5/1. He raced only one as a two year old where he won running away, and placed 2nd in a 6 furlong race earlier in the year.

At the start Bellfast Lad broke the fasted and began a duel for the lead with Light Granite early in the race. Perfect Picture broke badly and his jockey wasn’t rushing him and he fell back to 6th early on. Run Missy Run positioned himself perfectly in 3rd waiting, with Just Cause and Quick Step between him and Perfect Picture.

Light Granite won the early duel and was holding about a length lead over Bellfast Lad. However, both Run Missy Run and Perfect Picture were not to be left behind. Run Missy Run was splitting the leaders going in between, and Perfect Picture was going wide. Quick Step was behind Light Granite and Run Missy Run on the inside, content to wait to make his bid with Just Cause tailing him a few lengths behind.

As they entered the turn Perfect Picture had taken the lead from Light Granite with Run Missy Run on his heels. Quick Step had slid past Bellfast Lad on the inside, still stalking the leaders. Just Cause was 6th, but still within striking distance.

As they travled around the curve Perfect Picture held a 2 length lead as Run Missy Run inched into second. Quick Step had fallen directly behind Light Granite and had to be pulled up slightly then taken around. Bellfast Lad was getting a small breather for the homestretch, with Just Cause a length behind.

With just 2 furlongs to go Perfect Picture held a length over Run Missy Run and was running well within himself (pictured right). Quick Step went wide and was starting to make up ground having nearly caught Light Granite who was third. Bellfast Lad and Just Cause were trying hard, but with little to show for it 6 and 7 ½ lengths off of Perfect Picture.

In the final drive Perfect Picture and Run Missy Run hit another gear and started to pull away from Quick Step who had overtaken Light Granite in a few strides. Perfect Picture was slowly increasing the daylight between him and the Golden Acres colt.

With less than a furlong to go Light Granite had begun to fall back fast, while Quick Step had started to close the distance between him and Run Missy Run. However, Perfect Picture ran under the wire by himself 3 lengths ahead of Run Missy Run with a time of 1:34.33 which was a new Track Record.

Bellfast Lad came home 4th behind him was Just Cause, with Light Granite finishing a very fast fading 6th.

*Matt’s Notable Mention: Okay, so maybe I had to go to Australia to see Perfect Picture run because I was his breeder; but still an excellent 3rd run for this colt. I actually didn’t think that he was going to pull off the win – I had the finish of Run Missy Run and then Perfect Picture and Quick Step battling for 2nd. But the added furlongs seemed to do him some good – a 9 point PSR jump and his biggest purse to boot. Light Granite made a good run, until he hit a wall in the last few furlongs. I want to say that it was the injury that made the jock pull him up – he is slowly getting better with each start though. He should do better the next time out (and maybe a G2?).

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I was going to post this as one long recap of 3 races - with a nod towards a 4th - however, due to some computer problems I hope to post the others later this week.

Good Luck and Happy Racing!

Two Year Olds, Passports, and other Thoughts...

2007-11-15T08:57:00.000-08:00

Okay so this post was going to be titled "Two Year Olds Try to Navigate 16 Furlongs"; however, it has turned itself into an Editoral about many other things. Forgive the tangents that go off of this article, my mind is 100 places right now. I do hope that when reading this you will be able to find some sort of entertaining/thoughtful thread that will make it worth reading.

On February 2, 2010 (game time) 20 two year old colts and fillies will try to navigate two miles at Shenandoah Downs. They will race around the oval track not once but twice in February. They will be asked to go further than most horses ever will, and for some this will be their first starts.

There are only 17 races 1,142 that ask a horse to go 2 miles. 17 for the entire year. This Starter Allowance is the first of the year, and trainers are asking their young two year olds if they can go around the track twice. It is unthinkable. Most horses will not be able to do well at this distance when the are at their peaks. But in February, a two year old is not ready to handle 16 furlongs.

23 stables have entered their 2 year olds with 27 entrants. Not all will race this saturday, but all their owners thought that they should have a shot at trying to find their way through all 16 furlongs. It is a duanting task for any horse - let alone a young 2 year old.

People say that they want reality for Photo-Finish - what with the sending horses around the globe in less than 2 weeks. However, we must look at the realism of sending a 2 year old to the post for a race that is 16 furlongs. I do not claim to be an expert on real life horse racing, but I have to believe that in February most two year olds would not be ready to race - let alone trying for 16 furlongs.

I do know some trainers that have been hesitant to send their 3 year olds to the Kentucky Derby, because they believed that May was too early to send their 3 year olds at 10 furlongs (granted KYD would be run at the very highest levels).

If you want some real life examples - 2006 American Champion 2 Year old Street Sense. As most of you know, Street Sense won the BC Juvenile in 2006 and in 2007 went on to win the Kentucky Derby.

His first race came in July 9, 2006 in a madien at 6 furlongs where he came home second. His next race was at 6.5 furlongs and was also a madien which he won. I might also note that Street Sense raced only 5 times in as many months as a young juvenile - his lowest time between races was 22 days. So REST is something that these trainers also keep in mind.

However, there may be another reason why these trainer's are so keen on sending out their juvenile racers to this particular race. It is the first race in the Global Classic Challenge which is a contest for the top 2 year old classic racer. There are big prizes to be won from this challenge which could offset the cons for entering this race.

I do not wish to step on anyone's toes. But there have been some heated discussions on the forum talking about realism of travel time - to me this is the bigger problem. We do not have enough races on the card to make "Time/Region Zones" for some horses. Some horses can only compete at 5-6 furlongs on dirt. Which makes it very hard for some trainer's to find a full schedule for them. If "Racing Passports" were put into effect, I have to believe that this job will be that much harder.

It would also mean that G1 horses may trickle down the slopes in the G2/G3 races - just because it fits their schedule and trainer's not wanting to/can't send them to another contitent. Some people have argued that this is the problem - sending G1 horses around the globe to compete in every $1 million + race. Yes, it is a bit disheartening to see the same G1 horse compete in every big race; however, to a smaller stable who has a string of G2-G3 horses it would be devastating to see that same G1 caliber horse entered in the $150,000 G2 race.

Wouldn't it be better to have the top caliber horses racing against eachother? Until we have enough races to off-set this, then I do not see how Passports will be feasable for smaller stables.

Like I said above, I have gotten on a bit of tanget and I hope that you will excuse me.

Getting back to the two year olds, I for one will be watching their race to see how these youngsters fare. To see who has anything close to fast fractions in the last mile or so....

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Click on the Global Mail link to read an excellent article about the horses entered in this race.

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Matt's Notable Mention: I would love to hear feedback from trainer's about their thoughts on 2 year olds and 2 mile races - esp. those who have 2 year olds entered in this race.

Also, thoughts on Passports as well... seeing as how I did get on a bit of a tangent.

Also, here is my disclaimer. I do not mean to offend anyone by my posts. I am just telling one man's opinion. I apologize if I have offended someone, please do not take these comments personally. If anyone would like to contridict me on anything, I would love to hear it and you could write an article that will be published unedited.

Legendary Racer Honored at Shenadoah's First Graded Stakes

2007-11-14T13:53:00.001-08:00

On March 6, 2010 history will be made in Photo Finish. The greatest horse to ever set foot on the tracks will be honored in the first race named in his honor - G2 Revenge Stakes. In addition it is the first Graded Stakes race held at Shenandoah Downs - the lovely establishment in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.

The setting couldn't be better for this inaugural race, nor could the timing of such a race. It is G2 race restricted to 3 year olds at 10 furlons on dirt with a purse of $300,000. It is only 2 months from the Kentucky Derby and we expect that this race may become a popular test for our young three year olds. We are assuming that the racing stewards are hoping to attract some bigger name horses with the start of (possibly) more Graded Stakes Races.

Currently Shenandoah Downs has 121 races on the card with the largest purse - besides the Revenge Stakes - at $128,000. There has been a rumor as of late that the stewards are planning more graded stakes races for the following season - and that this race is a test of sorts.

However, it also calls to the attention of the namesake - Revenge. He was a brillant golden chestnut colt who appeared out of nowhere in his 3 year old season. To a handful of players who were around to see this colt race he quite literally broke the mold. He had an amazing record of $9,960,000 18-14-1-1 and to this day still holds 4 World Records from 9 furlongs to 12 furlongs.

However, I will let Joe the Trackman tell you about Revenge in an archived post from oure predecessor The Racing Rag (partly because he did such a good job and I hope that new readers will be inspired to read some archived articles... and because it is exam week and I don't have time, so I thought why waste such a good resource).

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Unraced as a 2YO, Revenge made his debut in the 1 1/16m mile Fountain Of Youth Stakes (Race 77) at Gulfstream Park (gr. 2). After leading most of the route, he fell behind another 3YO making his debut, a gray colt from Australia named Bold N Free. The Aussie, of course, went on to win an Eclipse Award and would earn a reputation for tenacity in the stretch, but in this race he could not rally against Revenge, who charged past in the final 100 yards for an impressive 1 ½-length win. The time of 1:41 established a track record.

Next up was the 8-furlong Gotham Stakes (Race 101) at Aqueduct (gr. 3). The colt hated the muddy track, but he had only one other horse to beat, and he came away with an easy second victory and looking very much like a Derby horse. The connections at KRF had him on the Derby train again 20 days later, again in a match race (they were too common in those days), this time in the 9-furlong Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (Race 121) at Keeneland (gr. 1). His time of 1:49.21 set a track record and gave him an easy six-length victory over a colt named Celtic Cat. The big news was that KRF owner Karie McBrian experienced every trainer’s nightmare when her super 3YO came back limping. He would need 10 days of rest and theraby before he could begin working again. He was back in training on April 23 at Keeneland, but the Kentucky Derby was then just 10 days away, and McBrian decided she could not have the colt fit enough for the big race. Instead, she set her sights on the Preakness.

Many observers believed Revenge would have defeated Spanish Midnight in the Derby. True, the KRF colt had run only three times that spring, and in only one of them had he faced even a modest test, but his performances in the Preakness and in the Belmont Stakes were so spectacular that even the most unbiased observer would have to concede that he in all likelihood would have taken the Derby, too, and thus been the first 3YO TC winner in Photo Finish history. This is not to disparage Spanish Midnight’s victory in the Derby, who was fast enough and tough enough to win despite sutaining a serious injury that would keep him recuperation for almost three weeks.

So what did Revenge do in the Preakness? He clocked a time of 1:51.58, good enough for a world record, and notched a Power Speed Rating (PSR) of 138! In the Belmont? He covered the 12 furlongs in an astonishing 2:21.80, setting another world record and duplicating his 138 PSR.

And he was not finished.

In the 10-furlong Hollywood Gold Cup (Race 206) his PSR was a whopping 146! On that fast Hollywood Park dirt he clocked a 1:55.66, another world record. In the 9-furlong Swaps Stakes (Race 233) his time of 1:45.57 meant that he had set four world record in as many starts!

But it couldn’t last. In the 9-furlong Haskell Invitational (Race 259) at Monmouth Park (gr. 1), he returned to earth, finishing third – his firsrt defeat -- behind Spanish Midnight and King Midas. Revenge was merely superb in his final starts that season, winning the Visa Travers Stakes (Race 284) and the Super Derby XX (Race 334). In the Breeders' Cup Classic (Race 382), Revenge again succumbed to Spanish Midnight, who won by a neck over his archrival (why is Spanish Midnight so ignored by breeders?).

Revenge's connections were very careful in selecting his races during his 4YO season. They gave him a long rest and did not send him out until the Dubai World Cup (Race 517) at Nad Al Sheba. This was arguably the strongest field in Photo Finish history. It certainly was, at the time, a meeting of giants. Despite being the high-weight at 126 lbs., Revenge went off as the 6:5 favorite (Spanish Midnight was second favorite at a distant 5:1). Giving six and eight pounds to his nearest competitors but running on the kind of dry, fast dirt track that he loved, Revenge proved his dominance on that long Dubai straightaway, by outrunning and outlasting the best horses in the world and earning his richest purse.

After his victory in the World Cup, Revenge continued his excellence. He won three of his final five starts, setting another world record and two track records. He showed poorly in the Breeders’ Cup Classic that year (Race 809) but finished up his career with a win in the Cigar Mile (Race 827). He had compiled a record of 18-14-1-1 $9,960,000, and the folks at KRF decided it was time to send Revenge to the breeding shed.

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I for one am thrilled that this idea has been taken up so well by everyone. I thought it would be an easy way to add races in areas that are laking, and it would be nice to honor some of the legendary horses of past.

With the first being the G2 Revenge Stakes I am anxious to find out just how many owners will send their Revenge babies to participate in this historical event.

But I am also looking for the G1 L. Brown Handicap...

The Song Still Rings Strong

2007-11-05T19:51:00.000-08:00

G1 Donn Handicap 9 Furlongs 3 Year Olds+

By Post Position:
1. Zephyrbab 3 Year Old Colt Owned: FDL Lodge
2. Pegasus Song 6 Year Old Mare Owned: Goforwand Stables
3. Beamington 5 Year Old Male Owned: Olmo Dorato
4. Isca’s Revenge 5 Year Old Mare Owned: Smokey’s Stable
5. Rolling Thunder 4 Year Old Male Fender Stable
6. Venezia 4 Year Old Mare Owned: Port Pirie Racing
7. Hold That Train 4 Year Old Mare Owned: Parklands

Over the weekend 7 horses walked to the post for this 9 furlong test. For some it was to prove that they are still champions, for others it is a test of things to come. In this field we have 6 horses that have earned over $1 million (the three year old is trying to prove himself).

This field was packed with some high class horses, but it was the 6 year old mare that ran across the wire first. After winning 4 Eclipse Awards, 5 Breeder’s Cup Races (Juvenile Fillies, Distaff – 2007, 2008, 2009), the Dubai World Cup, Kentucky Derby, and Santa Anita Handicap (twice), Pegasus Song is coming back for more and looks to be in top shape for her 2010 campaign.

The five year old winner of the Belmont, double BC Endurance winner, Beamington was a fast closing 2nd and looks like he is also in for another stellar year. Whereas Isca's Revenge looks like she has seen better days with her 5th place finish behind Venezia and Hold That Train.

All the horses broke well from the gate, and Pegasus Song was sent to the lead early her jock pushing her to get to the turn first. The black colt by Bold N' Free Venezia was not be left behind, and they soon began an early duel for the lead. With Isca's Revenge sitting just behind the leaders content to wait, and a few lenghts back Rolling Thunder, Hold that Train, and Beamington waiting to make their move. Zephyrbab was some 8 lengths back and falling further behind.

By the time they entered the backstretch Venezia was in the lead by over a length, with Pegasus Song holding on to third. Isca's Revenge, Rolling Thunder, and Beamington had started to move up on the leaders and Isca's Revenge had taken over 2nd from Pegasus Song with Hold that Train along side Pegasus Song and Beamington a length behind in perfect position.

As they traveled down the backstretch, both Venezia and Pegasus Song's jockeys were giving their mounts a short rest in preparation for the duel ahead. Hold that Train was starting to make his move on Isca's Revenge and they battled for 2nd on the heels of Venezia. Beamington and Pegasus Song were sitting about 3 lengths back waiting for the second turn to make their moves. Rolling Thunder and Zephyrbab were some 9 and 10 lengths back.

As they entered the final turn for home Pegasus Song got a touch from the whip and began making her move with about 3.5 furlongs to go with Beamington on her heels. In front of them was Venezia who held on to first, Hold that Train who held a short lead over Isca's Revenge.

Down on the inside Pegasus Song passed Isca's Revenge and made her move for the leaders. Beamington was forced to go outside of the leaders. With less than a furlong to the finish Pegasus Song caught Venezia and in the last few strides Beamington also caught her finishing the 9 furlong test strong.

Hold that Train beat the filly Isca's Revenge to the wire, and Zephybab moved passed Rolling Thunder who finished last.

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Matt's Notable Mention: Everyone talks about Smart Money being the all-time great for staying in the elite strings for the longest - but this mare just might take that crown from that legend - or at the very least she should be his Queen. This mare was your Champion 2 Year old (winning the BC Juvenile in Track Record time) and although she didn't win Champion Older Female last year she did win the Santa Anita Handicap with a time of 1:57.79 and has won the Breeder's Cup Distaff 3 times in a row (and holds the Track Record).

It will be interesting to see how sharp this mare stays at 6 years old. No one has defended their BC title for 4 years in a row. And maybe if she does still impress at 6 years old more owners will be less likely to pre-maturely retire their horses... but that is a topic for another article.

The $20 Question

2007-10-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

Yup thats right - $20 whole dollars, not a cent more or less. And the significance you ask 0f such an exact amount? Simple - thats what it would take from each player each month to turn Photo-Finish from a game that is fitted in around The Steward's real life (yup apparently she has one!) to a game that is run as a full time job and would enable her to dedicate more time and effort (if thats at all humanely possible!) to turn the game into what we all know it can be - simply put THE best racing simulation game on the web.

There is a basic equation - $20 per month x 90 players = $1800 pm or $21,600. The figures in black and white that would allow The Steward to dedicate herself to getting the game to a standard WAY beyond the current level. ie more automated and able to run quicker and faster with less down time.

It is appreciated and understood that for some of the players, $20 a month is a sum that is way beyond their reach and in discussions with other players, both contributors and non-contributors, the creation of a two tier system would be the fairest way forward. It would not be fair to expect people who DO contribute to fund the game for the benefit of those who do not pay up (for whatever reason). It would of course be discussed and put to votes and a majority decision and not simply based on one persons demands or the will of the few.

For others, $20 is a small amount that could be easily achieved by simply having one less latte, a pack of cigarettes or a couple of pints of beer! (Depending on your vice!)

Some players are already contributing this (and more) every month and therefore this wouldnt affect them at all. Others have a sudden urge to contribute a substantial sum at or around breeding time in order to get the right pairings but dont feel that its worth them contributing smaller sums on a regular basis to the same value, even though it can work out to be as much as 6months "contribution".

Others play the game because its free and thats the way its been always been run and thats the end of that. Thats entirely their decision and up to them.

What are the current benefits of contributing?

For each $25 (yes $5 more) you get either an extra stall or a guaranteed pairing of your choice come breeding time. It also enables stables to expand beyond Size 2 (ie 10 stalls). Thats pretty much it. I know of stables who havent expanded beyond Size 4 but who have over 60 stalls. This is simply their way of helping with the game whilst at the same time expanding to meet their expectations.

A regular donation of $20 a month would allow the contributing players to have the same benefits as above and perhaps more depending on their level of contribution. For those who felt that they couldnt contribute they would not be able to expand beyond Size 2 which is perceived to be a level that enables players to play the game well without over reaching their ability to manage the stable.

I am sure that this suggestion is not going to find favour with many players but take a minute to sit down and work out exactly what $20 can buy you at home or work?

It is frustrating for all players and especially The Steward not to be able to dedicate quality time and expertise to a game that is universally loved and respected, especially when there is such a long period of time between races (which is not the fault of anyone it just happens). I have heard that some players play the game simply because its free and that if they had to "pay to play" then they would leave - even though these same players are in a position to contribute. A case of having their cakes and eating them?

I am not saying that it will be mandatory for EVERY player to contribute but to enable the game to expand and progress in a way that we all want something has to happen and no one wants it more than The Steward.

So - next time you are out take a look at what is in your purse/wallet/bag and if by the end of the day you still have $20 - why not send it to The Steward?She would appreciate it more than Starbucks, Wal-Mart, the local pub or the sweet shop! You could do it as a "giving it up" exercise and who knows what you might save/lose?! For that $20 you could lose 10lbs by not having the extra portion of chocolate or that 3rd pint?!

I hope you appreciate the reasons for this report - its not to say that the game cannot go on the way it is but dont keep complaining that the game isnt being run the way YOU want it - all for the very small sum of $20.

(Just for clarification - thats $20 US dollars or £10 GB!)

Wanted: Writers of any kind

2007-09-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

The Racing Recap is looking for full-time, part-time, ANY-time writers. It doesn't matter what you write about... okay no love notes to Jim, Amanda, Bill, or Laurie - I don't care how much you love them (or want to steal their horses). But anything else PF related is a go.

If you want to submit the occasional article (FREE OF CHARGE) then drop me an e-mail at shahmat_amal@hotmail.com or to Nancy Newmarket via Amanda. And we will be happy to post it for you.

Don't worry about your article being too short or too fluffy or having too many mistakes. If you want an unprofessional-who-will-probably-miss-quite-a few-mistakes; then I'll be happy to look it over for you. But any article is better than no article at all.

Just write it in a word document, and attach it by e-mail and you'll see your name in print in a few days. It's that easy.

But, if you want to bypass that step, and want to become a member of the super-secret-super-exclusive-Recap-Staff then just apply by sending me an e-mail. The application process is pretty tough.... just send me an e-mail with your name and stable and e-mail address that you can be contacted at. And I will do the rest. Of course, you will have to go through a government-style screening... DJ and Amanda call tell you all about it. It was a tough process, but almost painless.

So just type of a few words. It's not too hard. If you want to remain anonymous that is fine too. Say what you really want to say without the threat of retribution.

So write. Review. Send.
You know you want to.

*I would like to extend a special invitation to the editors/writers of The Global Mail and The Undercard to become full-time staffers of The Recap.*

Good Luck. And Happy Racing.

Who is M. Schwartz?

2007-09-24T15:52:00.000-07:00

Okay. I have been gone a long time, and most people probably (a) don't remember me (b) have never heard of me.

So I thought it was time to do a little introduction before the start of the season.

My name is Matt Schwartz Jr. I go by either Matt or Junior - take your pick I'll respond to either one.

I am 19 years old and I am going to a local community college in the middle of nowhere in Indiana. Although, I am a full time student, I have recently taken over my family farm, and am the unofficial manager. But, I plan on transferring to the University of Michigan in the near future (with no idea as to what I am majoring in)

I used to own the stable (in PF) Farees Ameer Stables. Most have probably not heard of that either. I only played for about a year the first time, and came back for a few months the second time. Most notably I owned Sumalo’s Charm, Secret Saint, and Fly So High. When I quit the first time I was on my way to the big times with Fly So High… alas my stables closed before she made a big splash.

Writing is a passion of mine, even if I am not great at it. Horses are my other passion. Managing The Recap, after the amazing Joe left, lets me blend those passions – and I hope it’s a little entertaining for you as well.

I try not to be politically correct. And now that I don’t actually have horses invested in the game, I feel I can remain impartial and perhaps give a different perspective.

So there you have it. I wasn’t a great player, but I have watched the game on-and-off for about 5 seasons now and had a couple decent horses.

If you have any questions... post them and I'll answer (to a certain degree of course).

Take my word as pure truth… or take it with a grain of salt (or brandy if you prefer).

Good Luck. And Happy Racing.

M. Schwartz

Kentucky Derby Hopefuls

2007-09-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Who are the early favorites to win the 2010 Kentucky Derby? Here is a list of horses that had PSR's of 90+ for 9 furlongs and up.

New Player's Guide: Racing Season

2007-09-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

Racing. It is the heart of Photo-Finish (although some of our overzealous breeders may not think so). And with the new foals due within the next few hours or days, we are drawing ever nearer to it.

This is how most of the stables make the majority of their income. It is sets the tone for the Post-Season activities (auction, breeding season). A stable must succeed here and this is where many of the dreams of a stable come true: Winning a Triple Crown, Breaking Revenge’s World Record, earning Horse of the Year, a Year-long duel between two top horses, a juvenile bred and trained by you winning the Dubai Juvenile.

How do you succeed in the racing world when you only have 2 – 5 racers, and the big establishments are boasting well over 20 racers for this season? Some people may get lucky and get that multi-million dollar horse in their first set of racers. Most are not.

Here is how you succeed at racing.

First of all, you have in your line-up approximately 2 – 5 racers (unless you are a bigger stable… then round up to 20… the basics work for you too). If you followed my Auction tips you would have picked up maybe 1 or 2 proven G2/G3 older horses. If you did that then you are good to start building up that bank account. They may not win every time out, but 7 out of 10 times they’ll come home with a check.

First of all, don’t be tempted to race your horse just because you can. It is okay to go without a racer for a week or two. It may seem like some stables are racing a horse in nearly every race… truth be told they are. But they have 4 or 5 times as many racers as you, and even more money to spend.

Place your horses accordingly. Just because your colt or filly may be doing well at 9 furlongs on dirt in a $75,000 G2 race, doesn’t mean he or she will do as well in a $200,000 G2 race. Go where your horses’ strengths are. If you bought a solid money-maker try him or her at a few distances farther out of his or her comfort range, but if he or she is not doing well – GO BACK TO WHAT WAS WORKING.

Too many new players are hoping to get the next Secretariat. It’s not going to work.
Secondly, GIVE YOUR HORSE ENOUGH REST. I can’t stress this enough. These horses need their rest. Give them at least 14 days before his or her next race. They’ll thank you for it by giving more the next time out.

Most horses do best when they are rested between 14-21 days between races. And make sure that if your horse in injured or sore, that they get additional rest.
In addition, we’ve had a few weeks since the racing season. Our horses haven’t. Check the dates of their last race. Last year a few horses went to the post for the first time in the new season on only a couple of days of rest.

Thirdly, if your stable is getting threatening notes from your accountant that you are nearing the red, then maybe you should sell that foal or yearling that you are holding on to. Or perhaps that 2 year old that you are hoping will pan out at 4.

Sell them to a stable that has the time and money to manage them and wait for them to mature or become of racing age. All they are doing is eating up your finances and not bringing in any cash. IF you are getting low on funds, you will probably be able to find a sympathetic well-off stable.

For my final word of the day. Take a look at Amanda’s Past Performances. See how your horses are doing and have done. Check out those PSRs (hint: the higher the better). If you don’t have the game, those data sheets are your best friend.

Good Luck! And Happy Racing!

Blinkers, Rollers & Shadows

2007-09-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

No its not a list from the local hair salon, they are just some of the choices players as trainers can face when trying to focus their runners to the game in hand, ie running as fast as they can for as long as they can! Whilst the game currently doesn’t allow trainers to put equipment on a horse, many trainers use them as workout or training aids, and my inspiration for this article is based on seeing the methods used by Amanda O’Brien of Bally Doyle who is trying to focus one of her 2yr olds debuting this season on the matter in hand – rather than his current game of “how much flesh can I get in one bite”?! The colt (what else!) in question is her regally bred A View to A Kill (barn name Killer) who is trying desperately to live up to his name.

Lets start with the simple choices – your horse carries his head a little high or has a tendency to lose concentration if he spies something on the track below. This easiest solution to this is to fit a "shadow roll” (or as its known in Europe, a noseband). Both are the same, being a roll of sheepskin strapped across a horse's nose on the bridle’s noseband. Its cheap, quick and simple and some trainers swear by them and in some countries, you can recognise a particular trainers horse simply by looking at its racing equipment. An example of this is the UK trainer, Andrew Balding who runs all his horses in “nosebands”, a habit he picked up from his father Ian Balding. So if you see “SR” or “NB” in the racecard, this is the explanation.

OK, so that didn’t work. What else can you try? Next stage is usually a visor or blinkers, which is made up of a headpiece to which are attached eye cups that limit the horse's vision to prevent distractions. The difference between a visor and blinkers is that visors have a small cut in them to enable the horse to have a little more vision for what is coming from behind than the blinkers which restricts the horse to merely seeing what is in front. There is a school of thought that horses fitted with blinkers are “un-genuine” but that is not usually the case, it merely focuses their mind on the job in hand. For many years, horses running with blinkers in the US have had the headpiece (and cups) coloured to match the jockeys silks. One of the most famous horses to have this in recent memory is of course Secretariat. (see below). And I doubt you will find many people saying that this horse was un-genuine! The shorthand in the racecard is “V” or “B” depending.

Mmmm, so you are still having problems but now it seems that the horse is making “gurgling” noises when he runs or is putting his tongue over the bit stopping him from making full use of his lungs? That’s OK – we have a couple of cures for that too! Lets fit the horse with a Tongue Tie, which is simply a cloth or leather band used to tie down a horse's tongue to keep it from interfering with breathing. Although it has been known for trainers to utilise something a little less “technical” and many a horse in the UK has been seen with one leg of the trainer’s wifes’ tights (pantyhose) wrapped around instead! The reason is probably because the nylon is lighter and gives a bit more and can be easily cut off if necessary. Some trainers also add a “figure 8” which does what it says – it goes in a “figure 8” around the nose and over the lips and keeps the horses’ mouth closed to stop it from taking on too much air or being able to take a pull at the reins. Its commonly noted in the race card as “F8” under equipment used. It can also be referred to as a "flash" noseband.

WHAT – you are trying to tell me that none of this is working?! What kinda horse do you have?! Oh, right its getting a bit vicious on the track and you cant fit the F8 as it drives the horse insane and you get nothing done. Drastic times calls for drastic measures. The last bit of equipment that I can suggest is a mesh nosecover, which clips on the front and back of the bridle and covers the horses mouth whilst leaving it enough space to “mouth” the bit but stopping it from taking chunks out from his opponents. Its not intrusive to the horse in any way and some horses in time learn not to bite and this can then be removed. So far “Killer” is responding well to this treatment but Amanda has advised me that he will be lead down to the start with this on him and it will be removed prior to the start of the race. So you have all been warned!

Phew. I hope that helps a little if you have a horse that you know can run but is a little, how can I say, shy of fulfilling his full potential.

Of course, each of the above can be tweaked, for example many horses in Australia run with eye shields rather than blinkers and this involves replacing the cups with solid mesh over the whole eye, and has now been adopted in the UK following the exploits of Choisir the Australian sprinting star who came over and won at Royal Ascot.

Sheepskin nosebands have now progressed around the bridle too and are commonly used on National Hunt (ie jumping) horses who don’t need their line of sight reduced with the application of blinkers but by adding the sheepskins to the sides of the bridles, trainers have found that horses are more focused and happier. Not sure it will catch on elsewhere but so far its working!

Yup that’s pretty much it I think in the way of training aids and equipment – and if you truly believe that none of this is working, then its off to the vets for the big chop for the colts or pack the filly off to the breeding shed!

Auction Numbers And...

2007-09-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

Contains a bit of an editoral
-------------------------------

Not to step on the "stat man's" shoes.... but here are some early Auction Numbers from the first half.

125 - Racers sold
$156,510 - Average Price
$10,000 - Most Common Sale Price
$15,000 - Median (Middle) Price
55 - Racers sold for $10,000
60 - Racers sold for $10,000 or $11,000
104 - Racer Sold for $100,000 OR LESS
21 - Racers sold for MORE than $100,000
2 - Racers sold for $5,001,000
9 - Racers sold for more than $500,000

Okay... so those few high numbers are really pulling up the average. I took out the top four (2 @ $5.01 Million and $800K and $851K).

New Average: $65,378

But 104 out of 125 sold for $100,000 or less. That is 83.2%.

And I really wouldn't reccomond buying a horse for more than $70,000 if your a newbie... and 101 horses sold for $65,000 or less. (Although many older vets picked up some nice racers for pennies).

With too many horses being bred each year, with not enough stables or races for them, the world of Photo Finish is quickly becoming a buyer's market. The large breeding operations are simply breeding too many foals each year. And those who can not pay for the expansions at the end of each year they are forced to sell either their racers (which can be solid money makers, and those who have not hit their maturity yet) or their young prospects.

Simply put the demand for horses is not growing fast enough to keep up with the supply.

Here I was going to insert some data to back up my claim (and every good argument needs one); however, I don't have enough information to provide you with facts.

I can tell you that last year we bred 440 horses, which is down from the year before at 489. But the 2007 crop (year born) there are 422 horses. In 2006 there were only 273. And people wonder why this year (when 2007 was 2) the juvenile racers were so crowed.

In 2005 there was 251 horses born. 2004 boasted 175 foals. 2003 there was only 135 horses born. 2002 there was 109 foals. In 2001 a mere 103 horses born. And 2000 there was 100 even horses. Other than horses created only for breeding no other racers have been born.

But this brings us to problem number 2 with too many foals born. With more foals each year, that means more fillies and when they retire more broodmares. It is a circle that will continue to spiral until something stops it.

With that said, keep this in mind: Our stable numbers and races have increased. However, (though I do not have numbers... %racers/stable) they have not increased with the number of foals born each year.

So please keep that in mind as breeding season looms.

End of Season: New Player's Guide

2007-08-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

With the upcoming Auction and Breeding Season it may get a little hectic for new players who have never been through this process. So I'm here to shed a little light on this - sometimes confusing - process.

End of Season Report - 2009

This should have already been sent in to Laurie! It includes information such as: Horses being sent to Auction, Retiring Racers, Stallion Stud Fees, and if your stable will be expanding for the upcoming Racing Season.

If you haven't sent it in by now - Shame on You (not to be confused with Shame on Me the 2006 colt by Fool Me Twice or his half brother Shame on You)

End of Year Public Auction - 2009

The Auction - a place where the rich spend all their money and the poor look for a homely face so that they can become the rich.

Remember those End of Year Reports? Well those horses that you decided to send to the Auction... they end up here: In the Auction Ring. Except, in Photo-Finish it is a little different.

A list of every horse going to Auction will soon be made avaliable. It will have a link that will take you to the horses' page (pedigree and race record). There are NO Ability Reports - unless the owner posts them on the Forum or on their stable's website. Many stables will offer this report to prospective buyers.

To the new, young, and smaller stables you will see some horses at the Auction sell for prices in the millions. Every year this happens - the established and veteran stables (or those with money) will have bidding wars on just a few horses. My advice to you: don't get caught in a bidding war with a large conglomerate - they do have more money than you.

Every year there are many horses that will sell for around $10,000 - which is the average min. bid. Do your homework. Don't just look at the unraced yearlings, 2 year olds, or even 3 year olds. There will be that 4 or 5 year old G2/G3 racer that will only get a few bids by those who have taken their time to do research. Amanda's Past Preformances are a good place to start.

Another bit of Unsolicited Advice: Don't spend all your money on one horse. Being a new player (since this is the End of Season: New Player's Guide) you need to build a band of dependable racers - not just one or two with three babies waiting in the wings. All the babies do are eat, sleep, and cost maintenance fees. But before they can race, you must build your funds to make it past the year.

Okay, now you have done your homework. You have a list of 20 or so horses that you would like to see in your stable (even though you only have room for 2 or 3). Now what? You can't be at the end of each horse's bidding time. That's okay... Photo Finish has a proxy system. All you have to do is put your highest bid and it will do the bidding for you. It's like having your own representative for every horse. Note: Do not put a high bid on all twenty horses... remember you only have room for 2 or 3.

The Auction End Times are on three different days - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Look to the Forum for the offical days and end times (Tentative: August 31 - September 2).

Note: It is the past owner's responsibility to deliver ARs to the new owners.

Breeding Season - 2009/2010

The Breeding Season - it gets bigger and bigger each year (with more and more two year olds making their debuts in overcrowed races). With more stables owning their own broodmares, and stables expanding to well over 50 stalls and purchasing mare rights so that they can breed more than 15+ foals. It is a tempting part of the game for any new player to be apart of. However, I would advise caution to new players about breeding foals.

As stated above, although it is nice to have foal bred/owned by your stable. They won't do much for another two years. Before they earn a dime, they will cost you $12,000 alone in fees, not including the price to breed them. Although that may not seem like much, it can be when a good dependable money maker can make your stable ten times that in a single season. And once that foal becomes a yearling it will cost you more than money - it will cost you a stall.

But, I dare say that most people reading this will not listen to the above. So here goes:

After the Auction it is Breeding Season time. If you donated cash to Laurie then you get a free breeding and can pick from the list stallion and mares (or use a list mare and a PF Stallion).

If you haven't already, start lining up studs from player-owned stallions. Many of the top name stallions are booked months in advance and their avaliablity may be limited. HOWEVER, all is not lost. There are many baragin breeders that go used year by year... some are multi-million dollar winners, BC Winners, or even Eclipse Winners that go unused because of the popularity of a handful of stallions.

Once you have your mare, list or owned, and a stallion lined up you need to come up with a name for your baby-to-be. Make sure that the name hasn't been used, and decide on a colt and filly name (unless it is unisex).

Then Laurie will announce that she is calling for Breeding Reports. You will send your report that will include your stable name, the stallion (fees and owner) your mare (fees and owner if applicable) and the colt and filly names.

Once Laurie has recieved all the breeding pairs she will generate the foals using her program and send out their Ability Reports.

Note: Foals share a stall with their dams - regardless of list or player-owned mare (unless of course you do not own the mare)

And that will do it. After that you will have successfully navigated and survived your first End of Season Madness. And then it will be on to Racing Season... and the new champions will emerge.

Good Luck and Happy Racing!

STALLION SPOTLIGHT #6 - SUCCESS FOR ALL

2007-07-10T04:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to another instalment of my Stallion Spotlight series and after a wonderful flight back from Australia, (Business Class is the only way to fly!) I am now closer to home and visiting the recently established Pumpkin Pastures, which is on the boundary line between Worcestershire and Herefordshire at the foot of the Malvern Hills,

Here comes Luke Griffiths, the owner of this stud. Morning Luke and thanks for letting me visit. Good morning to you too Nancy, and thank you for coming.

Luke, can you tell me a little bit about the stud and what the grounds consist of? Of course, whilst we may not be up there with the likes of Whisperwood etc we like it! The farm consists of a mixture of open hills and woodland, and there is a section of the gallops runs alongside a well maintained pumpkin patch that regularly throws up award winning produce (not to mention the contents of a very fine pie).

Mmm I can agree with the pie statement! Lets get down to the serious business of my visit – Success For All, your foundation stallion. Can you tell us all a little bit about him? Well he is by Affirmed Success out of All Along by Targowice and his race record was $1,706,000 from 39 races, with 8 wins and 13 places. Not the greatest of records but a solid performer on his day and he was a fantastic all rounder. His AR claimed he could run on any type of surface at any distance between 5 and 12 furlongs and this was proven to be the case during his career. There hasn’t been much quicker out of the gates than him in the game and he was remarkably consistent in his efforts on the track. I’m glad to see that that consistency has passed over into his breeding career (he has produced some very attractive AR’s). I’m not sure how much of his achievements are down to his tendency to nibble on the pumpkins that grow alongside our stables gallops (hmm magic pumpkins?). He is a steady horse to breed with, no flashy histrionics in the shed and just a good guy generally (again the pumpkins probably help!).

I cant blame his obsession for pumpkins, having tasted your home grown stuff! What is his fee this year. Success is standing for a fairly reasonable $5000 until his foals hit the track and start cleaning up and then I will feel obliged to up the price (greed, it’s a terrible thing.

How many mares did he cover last season? Just 4, with two homebreds and one each for Sunset Ranch and Whisperwood. He also got 3 colts from that and we managed to get the only filly so hopefully the line will continue.

If you had to recommend a type of mare for your stallion, what would it be, considering he seemed to not have a preference in his racing days. Ah ha! Here lies his greatest strength. His AR states that he “prefers” all surfaces except mud which is “ok”. He proved this during his career with equally strong performances on dirt and turf. His AR also states that he can run anywhere between 5 and 12 furlongs and he was very successful between 5 and 9 furlongs. Unfortunately I never tried him over 9 furlongs as he was producing results below that and at the time I was a stable in its first year and was mostly interested in gaining some wealth, rather than seeing the extent of my best horse’s ability. Anyhow, I believe that this versatility makes him a great prospect for a large number of mares. So pretty much any type of mare for any surface or distance! He isnt fussy!

As he seems to be a very versatile type of stallion and mares of all types will be flocking to him, what kind of offspring do you think will be running? Again, I believe he will produce a wide variety of distances and surfaces and if you’re lucky an all rounder like their Dad. I expect that his foals will be able to compete at the highest level as did Success For All.

If you had to compare your stallion to a real life stallion, who would it be and why? Hmm, that’s tough! I think I’m going to pass on that question for now!

What do you see the future of your stallion to be – staying with you and establishing your stud as a good supplier of horses, or maybe just standing him for a few seasons to see what type he throws. He is very much my flagship and foundation stallion. He got the results when I first started playing and established me financially in the game. He was the very first horse I picked from Endless Vista Stables and therefore the first into my stable. He will never be sold and I intend to fill my stalls with his progeny, and anyone else’s that are interested.

What more can I say than its been a pleasure and an honour Luke, to be your guest and I hope that Success For All has plenty of “success” with his progeny. My pleasure Nancy, and please let everyone know that I have plenty of spots left for him this season.

Well that’s the end of another wonderful visit to a valued member of the game. Next up it’s a triple header with the renowned stable of Port Pirie! Catch you all later!

Stallion Spotlight #5 - MISSY'S BRIDLE

2007-07-02T06:06:00.000-07:00

G’day readers, can you guess where I am today?! Well for those of you who don’t like playing guessing games I can tell you I have crossed the international date line and am currently resident in the town of Sydney , in the wonderful country of Australia. My series takes me to Golden Acres, established about 5 years ago and now one of the leading breeding operations in the game. The stud farm is on the outskirts of town but also close to the beaches which we have heard is where Steve Wilman, the stud owner, brings a lot of the horses on the farm down to splash!

Here he is – Hi Steve! Nancy, g’day and welcome to the home of Missy’s Bridle. Let me just snap his shank lead on for a moment and put him out in his pasture. Right where shall we start?

No time to waste hey Steve, I like it! Lets start at the beginning. Can you tell me the pedigree of Missy’s Bridle? I sure can Nancy. He is sired by the fabulous stallion Unbridled and is out of the unbeaten Missy’s Mirage (14-14-0-0) and, as you can see is a stunning chestnut with the biggest white face on the farm! His white nostrils won a few races I can tell you *wink*

Wow you are right – much more white on him that I first saw, with his two socks and coronets on each leg he would fit the old saying “four white legs keep him to the end”! So true Nancy so true, he is my star and there isn’t enough money around to make him leave this place. He is a great horse to be around, he has his quirks like all the best and is never far from his stable companion, a goat called Finbar. Whilst I wouldn’t say he is a total gentlemen in his stall, I can forgive him the odd nip and kick here and there, but in the breeding shed he is all focus and his handler reckons “MB” has to be one of the most professional stallions he has ever been around.

I am sure you could forgive him anything! What is his current fee? $20,000 at the moment which we think is a bargain considering that he has sired one of the hottest 2yr old colts around at the moment in RunMissyRun, who also runs for our stable.

Sounds extremely reasonable Steve and a good price to get a quick return on. How many mares did he cover last season? 12 and he consistently has an almost full book in each of the 3 seasons he has stood. Most of the mares were from outside stables and I am pleased to say most return each year.

Steve, if you had to recommend a type of mare for your stallion, what would it be considering that he gets such a large book. I would say probably a mare who was effective at or about 8f up but as for track types there doesn’t seem to be any preference but I would hesitate to send a mare who had a preference for the very shortest of trips.

As he now has three crops on the ground and more importantly representative on the track, what are the results so far? He has had one crop race and they are still only 2yr olds so I can’t really tell but from his 2 winners to date, my own foal (RunMissyRun) has won over $1million but I will have a better idea when all the foals from his first crop have hit the track and probably know even more after they run as 3yr olds. I personally like to breed a horse that will mature after its 2yr old days, so anything they do as 2yr olds I consider a bonus and then focus on their “derby” year.

If you had to compare your stallion to a real life stallion, who would it be and why? Not sure physically who he reminds me off but as for his performance as a sire I would have to say REDOUTE’S CHOICE who also sired a Golden Slipper winner in his first crop. If MB can copy this great stallion then I will be a very happy Aussie!

Where do you see Missy’s Bridle in the future of Golden Acres? Moving on or being the start of the revolution? I will be keeping him for quite awhile Nancy. He has thrown me a lot of good looking foals and from his 1st crop has sired a few winners and placegetters that have so far earned just over $2,000,000 and without him there may well not have been a Golden Acres to come to talk to. We owe him a lot.

I can see that you love him to bits and no wonder. And on that note Steve I am going to have to leave you and find my next “victim” sorry, interviewee but I have to express my gratitude to you for taking the time out to talk to me and our readers and look forward with interest to the offspring of your horse.

Thanks Nancy for letting me share this with you and the Rag readers. If anyone wants to breed to MB this season tell them to drop me a line and I will book them a place, but if they are a new stable I am sure that something can be arranged if they are a little short on cash.

I hope you all enjoyed that visit to “Down Under” and my next article will be from the “home” country – and focusing on Success For All, who stands at Pumpkin Pastures.

Stallion Spotlight #4 - WHISPERWOOD

2007-06-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

For my fourth article, I have come to the Stud Farm of Whisperwood, located in the stunning bluegrass country known as Kentucky! I am in Lexington to be precise and this time, rather than focus on one stallion, I have persuaded Ronda to let me “interview” all 6 of her studs!!

Hi Ronda – thanks for the invite. Can you tell me a little bit more about this operation? Good morning yourself Nancy and welcome to my humble little farm (wink!). Here at Whisperwood we have over 1,000 acres of green grass of which around 800 acres are rolling hills and fenced pastures. There are 10 separate 10 acre stud paddocks with plenty of open space between the Paddocks that are located behind the Stud barn. The Stud Barn has space for 10 horses, although currently we are just holding 6. We also have a 20 Stall Racing String Barn All of the stalls have a run out back so they can stretch their legs a bit without having enough room to do any damage. We currently have 18 of the stalls occupied. We also have vet rooms, hot walkers and all the necessary requirements to ensure that all the horses here have access 24/7 to top of the range facilities without having to rely on outside help.

Wow, sounds impressive. Shall we get ourselves over to the studs now? MMM, Lets start Ronda if we may with SWALEAWAY. Good choice Nancy, and as you can see, he is our gentle giant, standing at 17.2hh! His is the first stall in the Stud Barn and his feelings get hurt VERY easily. He is by Swale (a son of the great Seattle Slew by a Danzig mare, Versailles Treaty). You can’t miss his white face (and yes he is a white stallion!) begging you for a carrot or a peppermint. He is the first to hang his head over his stall door and whicker “good day” to you EVERY time you step into the barn. At feeding time he is a total gentleman and waits patiently his twice daily feeds. And he is such a gent that when he is groomed and or handled (mainly by me) we don’t even use a stud chain on him. He even goes into the breeding shed without a chain. He is a charmer too being a favourite with the ladies, always taking time to romance them first, the old romantic! And when the grandkids come over he is our ”pony” ride for the little ones and both my daughter Meghan and I take turns riding him over the trails surrounding our farm, although its usually Meghan than myself.

Moving on readers we come to the polar opposite in colour from Swaleaway, a coal black stallion standing at 16.3hh is in the next stall and goes by the name of DISCAY. We haven’t seen much of him around Ronda, any reasons? Yes Nancy, he has spent the last 2 years in training as a Eventer after not getting any more takers as a breeding stallion. When our homebred colt (that we had sold) Diascay’s Shadow became a Graded MSW in his 2yr season (this season), we decided to repurchase him to expand the farm. We are eagerly awaiting the upcoming breeding season as we plan to breed a full sibling to Diascay’s Shadow. Whilst he has been training for Eventing, I have been riding him in local Events where he has been cleaning up! It’s been such a blast riding a jumper again that we’ve added a cross country course and a Indoor Riding Arena to the farm. Either myself or my Daughter have been riding him almost daily. He’s a bit more pushy in the barn when it comes to feeding time than Swaleaway and has been known to take a nip out of his handlers if he thinks they aren’t feeding fast enough! And the farrier lives in mortal fear of him! So careful with those fingers Nancy!

Talking of danger, whose the little toughie at the end of this row? Haha, that’s WINNING LAD Nancy. Even though he only stands 15.2hh Lad is the roughest of our studs to handle. He gets his temperament from his dam (Winning Colors) he has been a challenge to handle from the day he arrived, being bred by Snowbank Farm. He’d just as soon take a chuck from you as look at you. The grooms carry a crop whenever he’s turned out for the simple fact they value their hide. It’s a shame but that’s the way he has to be handled. He’s the only stallion to have a run off of his stall that leads to his paddock. After turnout, the grooms work in pairs to get him back in. The first groom goes and opens the back stall door (then hides behind it!), whilst the other rattles the feed bucket and dives out the stall (I should by shares in the best stall chain manufacturer!) because he comes charging in, then the guys work together to get the stall doors closed.

I think we should move swiftly on whilst we all have our fingers intact, whose the stunner at the top end of this barn? You mean SUNDAY DANCER Nancy? Well he is our other “giant” and like Swaleaway who you met earlier, is also very well mannered. Even though he is not quite as friendly as Swaleaway he comes close. A carbon image of his sire Sunday Silence (although Sunday Dancer is registered as a Dark Brown colt) and seems to be following in his shoes. I have a quick story for your readers too. A while back, Sunday Silence’s owners stopped by the farm and were so reminded of their own boy they gave Dancer his sire’s halter.I have to say a few tears welled up!

That’s a wonderful story Ronda – you must have been quite touched. Whats he like around the barn generally? At feeding time he quietly awaits his feed while his next door neighbour (Winning Lad) raises a ruckus. The grooms draw straws to see who gets first pick of the horses to exercise, all the studs are ridden daily, and Dancer is always their first pick.He wil do anything (literally!) for peppermints. They are his favourite treat. When my son is home on leave, Dancer is the horse he always chooses to ride being he’s so good under saddle, especially Western. Dancer is always hangs his head over the stall door when he hears Daniel entering the barn.

Sounds like you have a great mix of horses in the barn – everything so far from gentle giants to mini terrors! Whose next? I think we should have a look at one of the newer studs in the farm, Nancy, namely RAMPAGE. He is of average height, being 16h and a son of Alydar and only added to our stud barn last season. However his first yearlings are looking pretty good. I have to admit that “Ram” is the snob of the barn. He’s very aloof towards the other horses but generally behaves himself with the grooms, as long as they are firm with him. Under saddle he needs a rider that isn’t afraid of him and know how to ride. He pretty much stands off and waits for you to leave his feed in the same manner a King looks at his servants, but so far we are pleased with his progeny.

Ronda, last but by no means least, who is in stall 6? This handsome chappy Nancy – this is Spleunker. He stands 17.2 and thinks he owns the barn. He has a very regal attitude towards everything he does but he’s not snobby about it. And yes you guessed it, another one who absolutely LOVES peppermint and is so very gentle when he takes it off the palm of your hand. He’s a gentleman under saddle and will go along very nicely as long as you know how to ride. At feeding time he will nicker and paw when he sees you coming but as soon as you open his door he stands quietly until you leave. I wish there were more like him too.

How much are your stallions standing for, I would imagine there is one there for every budget! Yes, you are right Nancy. They stand for the following fees (all live foal) – Rampage $5,000, Spelunker $10,000, Sunday Dancer $10,000, Swaleaway $25,000 and Winning Lad at $25,000. As Discay has only just returned to us, we are still unsure as to what fee to charge but if any of your readers are interested in using him, just tell them to email me and we can discuss it.

I am sure that at those prices there will be a few takers. How many foals did they each sire last year? In total there were 15 foals sired by my stallions, and all but 2 by our own mares. Three were sired by Swaleaway, two by Winning Lad, Sunday Dancer sired three, the same number as sired by Rampage. Spelunker was the leading sire here in figures, getting 4 mares.

With such a mix and range of talent in the barn, are there any particular types of mares that you would recommend sending to each stallion, or are they good for all types? And also why type of foals do you expect them to sire. No Nancy, if I had the luxury of being particular with the mares I would probably recommend the following:

Swaleaway - the mare should be sound to start with and preferably milers. The horse himself was very good between 1m- 1m 1/16th. However he was plagued throughout his racing careerwith injuries and soreness and in more than one race he ran on heart alone. Well from his first crop of 2 he has a MSW winning G1 G2 and G3 levels. Whilst his other 3yr runner broke his maiden a couple weeks ago making him a SpW. His second crop of 4 he got a another MSW and 2 of his other 2 2yrs are placed if I remember right..…

Discay – he isn’t fussy! Disacay’s Shadow’s dam was a sprinter so it will be interesting to see how he stretches out, as the AR shows him as a distance horse so time will tell. So far his offspring has won at both G2 and G3 levels.

Winning Lad – so far when crossed with mares by Octagonal he’s produced a Graded MSW, a Graded MSW with a Mr Prospector mare, and a SW by a Risen Star mare. So variety is the spice of his life. He is matching Discay with his runners, having winners at both G2 and G3.

Sunday Dancer – as he was a sprinter we have crossed him on mares that like to go the distance and hope that they can get in excess of 1m. Time will tell what his runners will be like but we would be hopeful of at least a G2 if not G1.

Rampage - right now anything that can run! As last season was his first crop it will be a couple of years before were sure what to send him to but I wouldn’t discourage any particular type or distance. I suppose I am being greedy in again thinking that he will sire horses that can run at the highest levels but you have to dream in this game!

And finally Spelunker, there were 4 foals bred last year, and just one of them from outside sources. Pretty sure he can mix it with most mares but only time will tell again!

If you had to compare your stallions to real life stallions, who would it be and why? They can be living or dead. I am glad you asked that one Nancy, as having read your previous articles I am ready for you! I would say that Swaleaway is most like Seattle Slew, from all accounts he was another gentleman that was as kind as could be with a heart of gold. Discay is reminiscent of Seabiscuit, who was also ridden in retirement by his owner all over his ranch. I think its good for the mental well being of the horse to get out and about. And as for Winning Lad he is just like Hastings – a devil to train and breed and I think he reincarniated himself in Lad (just my luck!). No surprise that Sunday Dancer immediately makes one think of Sunday Silence, both looks and temperament and “Dancer” seems to have followed in Pop’s shoes. Rampage, mmm a bit trickier as he is a thinker but I would probably say Fair Play as he had two styles of running – when he wanted to he could but he didn’t always think you were worth his time or effort! I hate to compare any horse to Secretariat but that’s who Spelunker reminds me of. “Big Red” was very fast in his time and is well mannered at the farm but KNOWS how good he was and will remind you if you seem to forget, traits that Spelunker has in bucket loads!

And the future of Whisperwood Stud? Where you see the farm going in say 5 – 10 yrs? Hopefully to the top of the pile!!! No seriously, we have worked hard to get what we consider a good solid base of stallions covering all pockets, surfaces etc so I would be surprised if there were much selling or buying in of others. We also want to try to race the best stock but as the readers will know, working that out is worthy of a Masters Degree!

Ok well that pretty much finishes my visit and I have to say thanks to both you Ronda and your lovely children, especially Meghan for showing me around the farm. You certainly have your work cut out to keep 6 stallions busy and run a profitable racing stable!

Until next time folks – Thanks for reading!

Did you know? 10 furlongs

2007-06-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

1:55.66! For those that haven't been around as long, that's the World Record for 10 furlongs on dirt set by Revenge in the 2003 Hollywood Gold Cup.
Just to put that number in a little bit of perspective, Spanish Midnight finished second in that race. It was the 19th fastest time ever, 1:58.76, and he finished 19 lengths back! The second fastest time ever is Pegasus Song's 1:57.79, which is about 13 lengths slower. This year's winning time of the Kentucky Derby, 2:00.59, is about 30 lengths slower. It's just an amazing performance that will never be equaled...guaranteed.
Thunder Arctic holds the turf record of 1:57.93. Even though it isn't unreachable (there are 6 other times within a half second of it), it's still been on the books since 2004.
10 furlongs has been attempted 780 times on dirt and 1,018 on the turf.
It should come as no surprise to anyone (though with the number of entries these races always get, maybe I shouldn't assume) that the slowest times ever are from 2YO's. Except for VERY, VERY rare exceptions, they just aren't ready for these type of distances. On dirt, a 2YO colt by the name of Evidente, ran the slowest 10 furlongs of 2:12.32 in 2007. Another 2YO colt, Vivencial, holds the "record" with a 2:14.11 in 2008.
Some more fun with perspective. On dirt, Thunder Arctic ran 2:12.25...for 11 furlongs. Just think about that, Evidente could have started a furlong in front of Thunder Arctic...and lost! For turf though, it's a little more amazing. The top 60 times for 11 furlongs are all better than Vivencial's time!
To make the top-100 on dirt, you need to run 1:59.87 (Dansilver - 2005). On turf, 2:00.16 is the magic number (Blushing Approval - 2007 and Precious Elegance - 2008).
On dirt, there are 21 horses that appear in the top-100 multiple times. Eight of the multiple-timers have 2 top-100'2: Braveheart, Broken Dream, Dancing Delaware, Dansilver (not too shabby, when 10 furlongs really wasn't his thing), Enlightenment (8th and 11th!), Perfect Bell, She's A Prize (probably a surprising name to most), and Troll Tower. Two horses appear three times: Hideaway and War Machine. The four-timers is a nice looking group: Isca's Revenge, King Midas (not bad for a horse that only raced 13 times in his career!), Revenge, Spanish Midnight, and Take A Gander. Two horses appear five times: Congenial (done in three separate years) and Thunder Arctic (the only five times he tried 10 on the dirt to boot!). There's one horse each with 6 and 7 appearances: Precious Elegance and Madam De Francais respectively. Appearing an incredible 9 times is Lazy Loper. What's even more amazing though, is that's not the best! Pegasus Song makes the list 10 times!
25 horses make the top-100 multiple times on the turf. Ten horses make the list twice: Flow Diagram, Imogen White, Jenny's My Gal, Memcay, Scenic Sheba (the only two times she's tried it, you're welcome Foxie!) , Secret Talent, Sir Empire, Sobriety, Spiritual (one of her two was a race in which she finished LAST of 6, talk about a loaded field!), and Troll Tower. The three time horses: April Carrot (she's come a long way, actually has the slowest time ever for 8.5 on the turf!), Fine Memories, Pegasus Song, Pefect Bell, Precious Elegance, Princess Royale, Smart Money, and Thunder Arctic (I was actually surprised to see him with only three, then I went and checked...it's out of only four tries, and the other one sits at 103.) Three horses with 4 appearances: Alytrain, Broken Dream, and Lazy Loper. She's A Prize has 5 of the top-100, and only two of them are from wins! There's a three-way tie at the top with 7 appearances: A Bus (oh yeah, those are the only 7 times he tried it!), Missmelodramatic, and Tranquil Scene.
Thirteen horses appear on both lists. Lazy Loper (9 dirt and 4 turf) and Pegasus Song (10 dirt and 3 turf) lead the way with 13 each. Precious Elegance (6 dirt and 3 turf) is next with 9. A Bus (1 dirt and 7 turf) and Thunder Arctic (5 dirt and 3 turf) are tied with 8. She's A Prize (2 dirt and 5 turf) has 7. Broken Dream (2 dirt and 4 turf) has 6. Perfect Bell (2 dirt and 3 turf) has 5. Troll Tower (2 dirt and 2 turf) has 4. Three horses are tied with 3: Dancing Delaware (2 dirt and 1 turf), Memcay (1 dirt and 2 turf), and Sobriety (1 dirt and 2 turf). Hold That Train is the only one to do it just once on each surface.
The most likely track to see a top-100 time on the dirt has been Churchill Downs with 17. Following right behind are Hollywood Park and Nad Al Sheba with 16 each. On the turf, it's Hollywood Park with 25 and Arlington International with 23.
The most likely race to produce a top-100 time for dirt is the Hollywood Gold Cup with 16. On turf, it's the Arlington Million with 23.
The fastest times per surface rating obviously start with Revenge's WR of 1:55.66 on a "fast" track. The best on "good" is War Machine's 2:00.08 (116th best). The best on "heavy" is New Millenium's 2:01.93 (352nd best). The best on "muddy" is also New Millenium's 2:04.35 (619th best). The best on "sloppy" is False Demon's 2:02.84 (478th best). The best on "slow" is Thunder Arctic's 1:59.38 (59th best).
On the turf side of things, Thunder Arctic's WR of 1:57.93 was set on "firm". The best on "firm to good" is Perfect Bell's 1:58.62 (11th best). The best on "good" is A Bus at 2:00.01 (79th best). The best on "hard" is Alytrain's 1:58.00 (2nd best). The best on "soft" is Poker Run's 2:02.27 (439th best). The best for "yielding" is A Bus again with a 2:00.13 (98th best).
Three horses sit in the top-100 lists with times achieved when they were 6YO's: Blushing Approval, Congenial, and Sir Empire.
The horses that broke from the furthest outside post position and run a top-100 time both did it for the same stable. Case Closed broke from the 19 hole on dirt and ran the 74th best time. On turf, it was Dancing Delaware coming from post 15 to run the 44th best time.
Case Closed is also the only horse to make one of the lists in an ungraded race.
The breakdown per grade level on dirt is: G1 - 90, G2 - 8, G3 - 1, and ungraded - 1. On turf: G1 - 86, G2 - 13, and G3 - 2. I know that equals 101...there's a tie for the 100th spot.
The breakdown per year for dirt is: 2003 - 7, 2004 - 12, 2005 - 6, 2006 - 11, 2007 - 23, 2008 - 25, and 2009 - 16. On turf: 2004 - 5, 2005 - 9, 2006 - 13, 2007 - 24, 2008 - 28, and 2009 - 22.

Stallion Spotlight #3 - ENSIGN DAY

2007-06-12T03:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to the third installment of the Stallion Spotlight Series, and this week sees me cross the border from the good ol’ US of A to their neighbours, Canada and in particular the well respected farm of Eureka Racing Stables, run by Lise H.

As I drove up from Winnipeg International Airport, I could see why so many fine horses have been raised and nutured at this farm, which is predominately prairie land but surrounded by rich and fertile agricultural land stretching for as far as an eye can see (and here they can see a long long way!)

On arriving at the farm, I was met by Lise and she quickly showed me around the racing set up (very nice!) and then proceed to take me over to the stud farm operation. Here I was privileged to met her flagship stud, ENSIGN DAY.

Good morning Lise and thank you for inviting me over. Can you give me and our readers a few details as to the breeding of Ensign Day. Hi Nancy and welcome. Well you couldn’t really ask for a more stunning pedigree than this boys, his sire was the European Champion Daylami who also won a Breeders Cup Turf and his dam is the undefeated champion Personal Ensign, whose record of 13 from 13 including a Breeders Cup is pretty stunning. Whilst their son didn’t manage quite a stellar career, he did win 9 from 25 and nearly $2mill.

Wow that’s some impressive breeding! Does all that blue blood make him a bit of a superstar in the barn? You mean does he act like a diva, no far from it Nancy! Ensign Day is the consummate professional around the farm. Each morning he is taken out for a jog around the property. We tried turning him out to pasture, but he is much happier when he feels like he is in use. He shares his stall and pasture with a dwarf goat, Billy. They say the more intelligent the horse is the quicker they get bored, and he is definitely like that. Ensign Day may only be small in size, just managing to get over 15hh (at 15.1 hh!) and he is incredibly laid back. He loves to be taken out for visitors to the farm and you would think he is an old gelding the way he stands to be petted, and he does like to be spoilt with carrots, so watch your fingers!

I am sure I couldn’t mistake him for an old gelding! With his background, he must be commanding a sizeable stud fee? No not all. In fact this year we reducing his fee to get more outside mares and this year can be got for only $15,000, but as a special incentive to new players, as in those who started the game this season, he will be free.

That’s a very generous offer Lise, I am sure many new players will be ringing up to take advantage! Was this decision reached because of lack of outside support? Partly Nancy. In total since he retired to stud in 2005, he has sired 17 foals and all but 5 of them I have bred personally. So I thought it was time to spread his genes around a bit more.

Good thinking Lise and is there any particular type of mare you would recommend to be sent to Ensign Day? To be honest no. When he ran he was primarily a turf miler, but he has thrown distance foals out of sprinter mares.... and sprinter foals out of distance mares. So I'm not quite sure how reliable it is to choose even the most well suited mares. To go strictly by the books though I think breeding a turf distance mare or any surface miler would probably be best suited.

And what levels have his offspring managed to run to? I am very proud to say Nancy that Ensign Day has already sired G1 & G2 winners. Out of 11 racing age foals his progeny’s earnings are (if my calculations are correct!) just shy of $4million combined, with race records overall of 98-15-14-10, which works out roughly to them being in the money 40% of the time, although if his late maturing 2yr olds were a little faster that would be a lot higher! Whilst he hasn't sired a $10 million dollar superstar, his progeny are the type that are lesser known but still picking up paychecks, which is really all you can ask of any racehorse, just to be earning their keep.

Very true Lise very true. Now for a tricky question - if you had to compare your stallion to a real life stallion, who would it be and why? You sneak Nancy, I thought that you were going to be kind to me! MMMM, give me a moment. OK, I think I would compare him best to War Chant. Although War Chant didn't race in what could be called an extended career, he proved himself to be a competitor on the track when it counted and one of his best qualities is his fight down the stretch. Qualities which Ensign Day has and seems to have passed onto his offspring.

And finally, before I have to leave this wonderful place, what do you see the future of your stallion to be?. As one of the first horses to retire to stud in the game, he has a head start on some more lofty achievers but I plan to continue on the Ensign Day lines for as long as possible. He now has 5 crops “on the ground” (Ensign Day was one of my original horses in the game in 2002!) He won't be going to another farm anytime soon!

Lise, may I again say thank you for letting me come in and have a good nose around your set up, which is highly impressive! I hope that Ensign Day get a good if not full book this season and I look forward to watching his offspring on the track.

Until next time readers!

Stallion Spotlight #2 - CONFRONTATION

2007-06-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hello, and welcome back to our series on Player Owned Stallions. After a wonderful visit to the well established Spartan Racing Stables, we move on to one of the newer studs in the game, Sunset Ranch which was set up only last season.

Lets talk quickly to the Stud Owner, Jamie Calloway.
Thanks for letting me come here today Jamie and firstly can I say what a lovely place you have here, can you describe it at little to our readers? Sure, and hi to everyone! Sunset Ranch is based out of Panama City Florida, and I may be biased but I believe it has the world’s most beautiful beaches. I am very proud to say that this year we have expanded to a 10 stall ranch and now stand one stallion, along with our first broodmare, and also our first homebred colt who is thriving. The racing arm of the stables has four courageous racers hitting the tracks and showing some nice returns. We are a small ranch a total of 500 acres, we have two 100 acre pastures, 100 acres of undeveloped swamp land, another hundred acres for growing our own hay and 100 acres devoted to growing tobacco (anything to keep a healthy profit margin!). We are about 20 miles north of the gulf where the mixture of dark swamp land soil and sand are ideal for growing any crop and raising the next Eclipse winner (crosses fingers!). So come for a visit and reveal in God’s most beautiful pictures that are the Florida Sunsets.

Sounds very impressive Jamie, and the name of your stallion: Confrontation is a stunning 17hh bay stallion by Showdown x Sky Beauty (Blushing Groom) and one of the tallest horses I have ever seen!!

And in general what is he like, as a personality? Good question Nancy! “Confy” as he is known in the barn, still keeps to his racing routine by getting up early in the morning, most times before dawn and running about a mile everyday around his large pasture. He is the first to be fed, and pity the poor stable hand who forgets this, and has to eat before all the other horses start moving around, his feed consisting of a light grain mixture and a couple of licks on the salt rock. Most of the other horses on ranch the look up to Confy as a general. As the sun starts to go down you can always find Confy standing on a hill next to the house looking over the ranch, just like a field general would do watching out over his platoon and being 17hh tall, his silhouette as the sun sets just leaves me breathless some days. Despite last season being his first stud season, he was a total gentleman in the breeding shed too, eager without being forceful and I am sure he would love to see more mares this year!

How much is his fee for this year?: A very reasonable $2,000 which we feel is a fair price for an unproven stallion who earned just under the magical $1million dollars on the track and hopefully will appeal to the smaller stables.

How many mares did he cover last season? Sadly, Confy only covered one mare last season, she was a Sunset Ranch mare and we had our first homebred (The Don) and of course we are delighted with him!

Jamie, if you had to recommend a type of mare for your stallion, what would it be? Well Confrontation could run on turf or dirt, but his best form would be classed as "sprinter" so the broodmare would need to be the same, ie about 5F to 7F, and either turf or dirt but we wouldn’t expect him to sire many runners capable of getting further than a mile. Although we would love to be proven wrong!

Being realistic, considering the level of the horse on the track and the mares he is more likely to attract, what kind of foals do you think would be the result of sending the most suitable mare(s) to your stallion? We are still waiting to see how The Don but from the looks of his AR he also will be a good, fast sprinter. I think what you could look forward to would be a very good G2 sprinter, possibly a G1 win here or there, but almost definitely a steady and reliable runner to keep pay checks coming in to sustain your farm.

Again Jamie that’s a very realistic and honest assesement of the breeding game. For a bit of fun, if you had to compare your stallion to a real life stallion, who would it be and why? HAHA and there I was Nancy thinking this interview was easy! Well after much deliberation I like the look of “Lost in the Fog” who was once named the fastest horse in the world, I think Confy and Lost in the Fog had similar traits with racing and personality (they were both fighters).

Well, that pretty much concludes the interview but as a final question, what do you see the future of your stallion to be – staying with you and establishing your stud as a good supplier of horses, or maybe just standing him for a few seasons to see what type he throws. As this is only our second season at stud, we will definitely be keeping Confrontation in our stable whether he throws great foals or not, he has been a staple to our ranch and will either celebrate in our victories or go down in a blaze of glory with us. But hopefully he will be start of greater things to come and who knows, in a few years you may see a son or daughter of his winning the Breeders Cup Sprint!

There you have it folks - from the lofty heights in yesterdays article on a well established Stud to todays interview with a beginner, trying to establish himself and his horse in the ranks. As soon as the Visa stamp is dry, i will report to you again from my next (secret) location!

Stallion Spotlight No 1 - VAMPIRICAL

2007-06-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

As the breeding season is fast approaching, I have been visiting some of the stallions that stand in the game and this has taken me all over the world and I have seen some of the best horseflesh the game has to offer (not to say some of the owners arent worth a second glance too!).

To start this weekly article, I have chosen my visit to Spartan Racing Stables, owned by Ryan Okerstrom and home to Vampirical.

So Ryan, tell me about your farm and what made you build here - Well Nancy, SPR began with a dream, a plan and 100 acres of undeveloped land in 2004. Today it incorporates approximately 1,000 acres in six divisions, four of which are devoted to mares and foals, one to yearlings and one is home to the world class stallion, Vampirical. The Spartan Racing Stables Stallion division was built in 2006 and the first stallion to stand there is the subject stallion, Vampirical. Spartan Racing Stables has discussed acquiring the KRF Stallions: Revenge, Congenial and Supreme Court. This is still in the works for 2010.

Very interesting Ryan. Is there anything else that makes SPR stand out from the rest of the pack? Very definately yes, as from the beginning, we have taken the unusual approach of limiting the farm's stallion population and establishing a niche for the farm as a boutique, where "Quality is Never Second Guessed." Our philosophy for stallions is to provide a special place for a stallion -- a place that limits its equine population in order to ensure personal management and promotion of each stallion. For instance, every morning, our stallion enjoys exercise with a morning gallop. It takes more time and expense, but what it does for their health and happiness is invaluable.

Lets talk more about your stud, Vampirical. For example, his breeding and stud fee? In a nutshell Vampircal is by Dancing Phantom by Rejuvenate (Ils de Bourbon). He stands for $40,000 LFG

And the horse himself, can you describe him to our readers - does he have any quirks etc that we may not know about? Funny you should ask Nancy, yes! He is a dark brown or dark bay stallion that stands 17.0 HH. See picture at http://www.freewebs.com/spartanracingstables/stallions.htm . He has a bit of an attitude in the morning. He wants to be fed first, before any other horse on the farm. He has been known to remove his water buckets and toss them in his stall when he gets ignored. He has to have a jolly ball in his stall to play with because he gets very frustrated when people don't pay attention to him. He will pick up his jolly ball and squash it against his chest. I think he likes the sound it makes. He is a well mannered horse in the breeding shed. He always asks the mare before mounting and, although he has a tendency to grab the mare by the back of the neck and/or ears, he does so gently. When turned out, Vampirical always patrols the exterior of his pasture to ensure that no other horse has been inside. He's very particular about making sure his territory is in tact. He then will typically gallop across the middle of the pasture to stretch out before settling down and grazing for hours at a time.

Sounds like a bit of a character then! If you had to choose the type of mare that would suit Vampirical best. Obviously, any stallion owner's goal is to attract the highest quality mares available. I don't know that it makes a difference in PF as Retribution's dam never won a race and he's a 3 time TR holder and has earned over $2M already. Vampirical's first crop can be viewed at http://www.freewebs.com/spartanracingstables/stallions.htm. He covered 11 mares last season which isnt bad for a 1st season.

If you had to recommend a specific type of mare for him, what would it be? (ie dirt miler, turf distance etc).From the looks of the 11 foal ARs I don’t think this is going to matter much. He has thrown foals that favour sprints, miles, classics and distance races. Has thrown foals that prefer hard dirt, soft dirt, hard turf and/or soft turf. When you talk about versatility – you must talk about Vampirical. Vampirical's AR suggested that he could handle both surfaces and his past performances proved it (turf record is obvious, but he also was 5^th in the Belmont as a 3yo and set a TR at Santa Anita as a 3yo across the dirt). His range was 10F-16F with 12F as his best distance. His stamina was never in question so he can bring that facet to any mare owner looking to stretch out a foal.

Is there a horse that ran in the Real World (apparently there is life away from PF?!), who would you say he is most like? This is really a tough question. The 1st horse that comes to mind is High Chaparral (IRE) based on his ability to win at the 12F distance. I would also consider a horse like Sakhee who proved to be versatile on both surfaces with his 2nd in the BC Classic and his stamina from 10F-12F on turf.

And finally, where do you see your stud and farm's future? The original plan was to merge with KRF Stables and have one farm for stallions and mares and one farm for racing crop. I don’t think we are going to go that route right now, so Vampirical will be staying at Spartan Racing Stables. As for the rest of my team, I will most likely sell Stardom ($1,599,550 44-5-7-7) at the end of the season and the other older horses will all return to racing next season before I make a decision on their status. With that said, Vampirical will remain the lone stallion standing at Spartan Racing Stables for at least this season and next.

Thank you Ryan - your hospitality and kindness in showing me around this beautiful farm and allowing me to see Vampirical myself is most appreciated. I hope our readers enjoy reading this as much as I have enjoyed writing it!

Why some horses are like a fine wine

2007-05-24T06:05:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take a minute and give credit where credit is due.

When I first started playing in Photo Finish (not that long ago), I felt it necessary to purchase as many 3yo horses as I could in hopes as to catch them when they were maturing in ordered to win some races. Since then, my strategy has changed drastically. I have been keeping a close eye on one horse in particualr, Pleasant Galaxy, and he has inspired me to say the least. I have the utmost respect for Oak Tree Stables for keeping this horse on the track and in the stable.

I read a great article back in April by Ostego "Young vs. Old" and I couldn't agree more with his perspective. I personally purchased a great horse last auction (Naive) from Karie at KRF stables and he has already surpassed all my other younger horses in money earned. Here are some horses from the "06" season and there records taken from Amanda's PP's.

1. Waddlin Moon-- age 6yo, 12-0-4-7 $277,350
2. Thief of Hearts-- age 6yo, 14-2-2-3 $495,000
3. Sunday Rose-- age 6yo, 11-1-3-4 $306,250
4. Zoborra-- age 6yo, 17-7-4-2 $1,485,900
5. Pleasent Galaxy-- age 7yo, 9-1-1-1 $121,600
6. Palm Island-- age 6yo, 12-5-1-1 $1,583,500
7. Brave Trick-- age 6yo, 11-2-4-2 $900,000
8. Sister Glory-- age 6yo, 4-1-1-2 $300,000
9. Promised Land-- age 6yo, $1,401,500

Please don't think that these horses only ran against themselves, they ran against some of the best horses in the league at this time and averaged anywhere from a 3 horse field to a 19 horse field.

I would strongly suggest that new stables look into these hidden treasures

I know if I had to do it over again I would look at older proven horses rather than rolling the dice on 2 and 3 year olds.

Submitted by Jamie Calloway - Sunset Ranch (Posted by Nancy Newmarket)

How Much Is A Win Worth?

2007-05-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

Several responses this week to the results have prompted me to ask this question “How much is a win really worth”? Do you measure the win purely in monetary terms, or by the prestige, who your horse beat or just simply enjoy the feeling of winning?

Lets start off with a new player, Jamie Calloway of Sunset Ranch. He has been playing for a few months and has been a vibrant contributer to the forum but so far none of his horses have managed to find the winners circle, not through bad management just simply his horses were finding a few too good/fast. This week he entered his 4yr old colt, G Major in a 4 furlong (1/2mile) Starter Allowance on the dirt. G Major was sent off the 9/4 joint favourite and fully justified the bettor’s faith by winning by 2 lengths and earning $12,000 in the process. OK wasn’t a $million dollar purse, nor was it a G1 Triple Crown race but to Jamie it must have felt as good as and why shouldn’t it? The first win is always the hardest and the longest savoured. He was quoted on the Forum as saying “we finally got our very first WIN, our new purchase from HT Stables looked very good yesterday all be it a grade 4 sprint he came in first place paying off his purchase price, we are very excited with this colt and think he has a great future ahead, since he brought home our very first, first place trophy he will be a part of our stable for a very long time”. And no one can begrudge him this feeling.

OK – so we have had the debut winner, lets move on to a more experienced stable with a win that’s been a little harder to come by. I am talking about the highly successful FDL Lodge stables who have had several high profile winners over the years, including All For Camena, Madam De Francis and Braveheart to name but a few. This week he sent out one of their highest priced purchases, St Cay, who is a half brother to a Melbourne Cup winner (Bally Doyle’s Case Closed) both being out of the mare, Grinders Daughter. According to stable sources, St Cay has been a little frustrating since his purchase and been tried over a variety of trips and surfaces but not quite fulfilling the potential he shows in the mornings. He was entered for the G1 CF Orr Stakes, over 7f on the turf open to 2yr olds and up. He was sent off the 5/2 joint second favourite behind Godolphins Half Speed who was Evens. At the end of the race, St Cay was the winner by just under a length from Half Speed and his win meant a further $250,000 added to the account of FDL Lodge. How can we tell this meant so much to a stable who enjoys success at this level regularly? This is how - “the most satisfying of the trio of wins has to go to the $2 million purchase St Cay who eventually paid his dues with a fine win at the top level. This brought me a lot of joy.” – not the comments of a stable who expects wins every time out, just the elation of having picked a horse out based on its raw talents and nuturing him along to get the best out of him on the track.

Then there was the win from a horse who does nothing but win, but this time winning at a distance never tried before. The horse in question is Scenic Sheba from the stable of Foxies Lodge (like FDL before based in Australia). She has been doing most of her winning over 8f and has an impressive set of G1 victories to her name but her owners felt that that wasn’t the end of her talents and had been looking around for a suitable 10f turf race for her which would attract a good field for her to be tested to the maximum. So this game 4yr old mare was entered in the $200,000 purse G2 New York Handicap over 1 1/4miles (10f) on turf. Several quality mares opposed her including the 1000 Guineas winner from England, Unbridled Analysis and the two tough and consistent fillies of April Carrot (Parklands) and She’s A Prize (Bonai Farms). The outcome was never in doubt as Scenic Sheba routed the field, leading from start to finish and setting a new track record. (Oh and earning the small matter of $120,000). That wasn’t the cause for the joy in the winners enclosure, it was the fact that the mare had got a win over a distance many said was too far, against good opponents and several other reasons as to why she couldn’t win. Foxies Lodge was moved enough to post the following “Well what else can i say stepped up to 10F for the 1st time runs a 1:59:02 in TR time with some still left beating last years BC F/M Turf winner over 10f in She`s A Prize ... New record of $4,110,950 20-14-2-2 ... What cant she do?”

Another stable celebrating a win for different reasons was Bally Doyle from England who had the winner of a 2yr old Starter Allowance. Not that exciting you ask but when you look at the card you will see that it was a homebred colt called Knight of Ni who won at his 4^th attempt and over 7f on a dirt track against a full field of horses. He dropped out early but made startling progress late in the race to win in the last 16^th of a mile from two very well regarded horses in Play Nice (Port Pirie) and Faldo (FDL Lodge). He may have only won $21,000 and lowest grade race in the game but a stable representative was overheard in the winners enclosure as saying “nothing beats breeding your own stock, racing it and having it win” . So looks like some players take as much pleasure from breeding winners (even if they no longer own them) as to actually winning a race. (Also on the card Bally Doyle sent out another homebred Rain Man to win a G2 race).

Nothing can take away from the feeling of euphoria felt when you have that first win in Photo Finish, be it winning a Triple Crown race (or even the Triple Crown itself!), a triumph at the Breeders Cup or even a $5,000 Starter Allowance! Or perhaps they take the pleasure in breeding the winners of racers rather than racing them personally?

So does that help explain How Much A Win is Worth? No – well that’s the point! A win means many different things to many different players. Some players believe that a G1 win is the only win that counts, others that it’s the money value of a race that makes a good win great, some feel that its how the horse won that’s important and so on and so forth.

But its all agreed that once you have that winning feeling than it’s a feeling worth repeating again and again and.....

July Cup

2007-05-19T03:59:00.000-07:00

This week's featured race is the $400,000 G1 July Cup. It will be the 5th running of the Newmarket race for horses 3 and up. The previous winners of the race:

2005: Dansilver - 1:09.19 (111 PSR)
2006: Kendane - 1:09.66 (105)
2007: Levicorpus - 1:09.53 (106)
2008: Attack At Dawn - 1:08.89 (115)

A few more blurbs before we get to this year's race:

Kendane won this race as a 6YO.
The race has been run on "Firm" turf every year but 2006, when it was run on "Firm to Good".
All of the previous races have been pretty competitive with winning margins in lengths of 1.95 (Fine Memories), 1.75 (Court's Guru), 2.35 (With Imagine), and 3.85 (Miss Bust).
The field sizes for the previous runnings: 9, 6, 7, and 10.
The winning post positions: 9, 3, 5, and 4.
This race has produced two of the top-100 for the distance/surface. Attack At Dawn's winning time checks in as the 21st best. Dansilver's time was good for 58th.

Now, for this year's lineup...

Blazing Risk: 8 wins from 27 career starts. A 108 PSR average on the year, and you only have the 4th best average in the race! This race is loaded...at the top end at least. Two wins in eight starts for this one on the year. Coming off a very impressive performance last out in The Australia Stakes. He covered the 6 furlongs on a "Good" track in 1:08.87 (118 PSR), which was the 17th best all-time. He also has one other top-100 time, 70th in last year's Foster's Cup (1:09.28). His only other start at this distance/surface this year was in his season debut. He finished 5th in 1:10.03 (96 PSR). This will be his first start at the track. He should be right near the lead from the start, and has an excellent shot.
Miss Bust: It's only taken her 20 starts to get her 9 wins. Having an excellent year so far. Three wins in six tries. She also has 2 second place finishes where she had PSR's of 123 and 120! World Record holder at 5.5 (set in her season debut this yar) and 7 furlongs. Has only tried this distance once this year (her last race), winning the Gold Jubilee Stakes in 1:08.67 (119 PSR), the 7th best time ever. She's run four times in her career at this surface/distance garnering three wins (3rd, 7th, and 37th best times) and one second in last year's July Cup (109th best). This will be her third career start at the track. Besides last year's second in this race, she also had an 8th place finish in a mile race on a "Yielding" track. Her PSR average here is 91. Just going by her record at this distance/surface, she has to be the one to beat here.
Returnofthedancer: Just fast enough to lose? Only 3 wins from 23 starts in his career, but 11 seconds! This year it's more of the same...consistently fast, and only one win to show for it. Won his debut, going 6 turf furlongs in 1:08.90 (22nd best, 113 PSR). Then ran a 119 PSR over 7 furlongs (1:21.69, 16th best), and finished 3rd. Next out, he switched to 6 on the dirt for the Dubai Golden Shaheen. He ran 1:08.57 (48th best, 102 PSR) and finished 11th! That's just a crazy fast race. His last time out was back to 6 on the turf. He ran a career best time of 1:08.70 (8th best, 118 PSR), but had the misfortune of being in the same race as Miss Bust (and screwing around some in the stretch)...losing by a neck. This will be his debut on this track. Can he turn the tables on Miss Bust? Maybe. Depends on whether he can keep his mind on the task at hand.
Scenic Sky: Two career starts, both this year. Two times coming in dead last. Beaten by 24 and 28 lengths. Has never tried a sprint before. You'd have to believe there are better places for this one to be. Don't see any way that he doesn't get pummeled.
Silver Inside: 7YO has had a busy little (and decent) career...6 wins from 61 starts. Half his wins have come this year in 9 starts. This race is just well above his level though. The best he's ever run at this surface/distance is 1:09.94 (223rd best), and that came two years ago. His best this year is 1:10.39 (428th), and that's from four tries. He tried this race last year, and finished 9th of 10...18 lengths back. He ran 14 days ago at Shenandoah Downs, finishing 4th. Luckily, he will scratch as his connections were looking for a guaranteed check. This old warrior deserves better.
Unknown Direction: Unknown is a fitting name for this horse. He's had a decent career (4 for 28), and probably not too many people realize it. Two of his wins have come this year from 9 starts. That being said, I seriously doubt this is the place for him. First off, he ran 15 days ago...and lost to a 2YO. Secondly, his best ever time for this distance/surface came this year...1:09.65 (144th best, 101 PSR). He's run on this track once before, coming in third in last year's 2000 Guineas (91 PSR). I think this horse has some talent, but he'll need to run his eyeballs out to even get a small piece of this one.
Victory Dance: She just keeps going and going. 26 wins from 68 starts...just an amazing career. This year, she's only 1 for 5. But, she's still running fast times. She's run twice on dirt at this distance and posted the 2nd and 10th best times ever. She tried 7 furlongs on the turf (141st best) and on the dirt (21st best). Her last time out was at this distance/surface. She finished third (behind Miss Bust and Returnofthedancer) in 1:09.19 (57th best, 111 PSR). In her long and illustrious career, she's started three times previously on this track (2 of them coming as a 2YO), getting two wins (both at this distance) and a second. Her PSR average here is 99. While she might be nearing the tail end of her career, it's obvious that she still is fast enough to win this. I don't think she will win this one, but it would be a huge upset if she doesn't run well and grab a nice check.
This should be a really good one, and if the top-four are on their games (and the track cooperates), Alytrain's World Record (1:08.19) could be in play. Who to pick for the win though? Miss Bust or Returnofthedancer? Returnofthedancer or Miss Bust? Hmmmmmm. Let's go out on a limb and say the Returnofthedancer stays focused in the stretch this time, and edges out Miss Bust. Victory Dance and Blazing Risk for the next two spots, with Victory Dance just catching Blazing Risk before the wire.

Power Rankings

2007-05-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

It's been a little while since I posted one of these, and now you're going to get two! I started the article on Friday evening, added the top-25 spreadsheet, and never got around to finishing and posting it. Well, right after the results were posted on Saturday, I added all the new results into the Power Rankings sheet and came up with the revised numbers. So, now what do I do? Do I just go ahead and delete the article already started? And then the answer hit me...why not just post BOTH lists so we can see how the week's racing affected it?!

That's pretty tough when you win a race...and drop 13 points. Broken Dream's G2 win was only worth 3.15 points, so that put a big hurt on her average points score. Then the race strength only checked in at 3.46, causing a significant drop in her average race strength.
Isca's Revenge is creeping up on first...by sitting on the sidelines. Only three races so far this year. I know they already faced once (and Broken Dream won it fairly easily), but wouldn't it be nice to see them go again?
The first actual change in the order of the list comes from a horse that also won this week (and dropped a spot), Scenic Sheba. Same situation as Broken Dream. Her G2 win was only worth 1.8 points, and the race strength was only 1.37.
Next comes the big gainer on the week, Bold N' Honorable. A G1 win worth 9 points, and a short field that gave him his best race strength score of the year, 2.87, did the trick.
The big drop for the week goes to Victory Dance. Despite a race that kept her average race strength faily stable, scoring 0 points (4th place finish) caused a big enough drop in her average points to cause her to tumble 5 spots.
We had one horse dropping out of the top-25, Arctic Memories, and one horse joining, Confederation. Arctic Memories is actually in the 26th spot now at 4.91. It's a bit of tough luck for Arctic Memories, as he picked up 3.6 for his G2 win causing his average points to increase slightly. He ended up getting his lowest race strength of the year though, .95, causing a big enough overall loss to drop him out of the top-25. Confederation takes advantage by finishing second his last two starts in big point races to top-25 horses (Jenny's My Gal and Bold N' Honorable).

2009 average PSR's

2007-05-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

There will be a new Power Ranking list coming out this week. To give you something to peruse until I get to that though, I figured I'd post PSR average lists broken down by age and sex. If your horse has run this year, it will be listed. You just might have to do some scrolling to find it. Enjoy!