by Jeff Lowe
A $700,000 Speightstown colt was one of two horses snatched up by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum within about ten minutes on Monday morning in the opening session of the Keeneland September yearling sale.
Bloodstock agent John Ferguson bid alongside his client, Sheikh Mohammed, in their customary spot behind the sales ring.
The Speightstown colt was the top price through the first 50 hips. Consigned by Dromoland Farm, agent, the colt is a half brother to Grade 3 winner Elusive Diva, by Darley sire Elusive Quality.
After waiting for a few minutes while Tom Tate bought a Storm Cat half brother to Grade 1 winner Frost Giant for $300,000 and BBA Ireland signed for a Bernardini half brother to leading freshman sire Tapit, Ferguson jumped back in with the purchase of a Medaglia d’Oro half sister to Grade 1 winner Taste of Paradise for $300,000.
Darley bought a majority interest in Medaglia d’Oro this spring.
Ferguson , who declined an interview request when Sheikh Mohammed and his entourage left their bidding position, also bought a Storm Cat colt for $300,000 earlier in the morning.
Sheikh Mohammed’s trio boosted mixed results over the first two hours of the sale, which included fifteen horses from the first 41 horses in the catalog who were listed as reserve not attained.
Jeff Lowe is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer
Monday, September 14, 2009
Storm Cat colts among early leaders
by Jeff Lowe
Colts from the second to last crop of Storm Cat were among the most expensive purchases in the early stages Monday in the opening session of the Keeneland September yearling sale.
Jack Sims bought a full brother to Group 1 winner Sophisticat and Grade 2 winner and Central Kentucky sire Grand Reward for $450,000.
Consigned by Denali Stud, agent for the Robert and Beverly Lewis Trust, the colt is out of champion Serena’s Song, by Rahy, who also has produced Grade 2 winner Harlington, by Unbridled, and stakes winner Serena’s Tune, by Mr. Prospector.
Sophisticat sold for $3.4-million in the 2000 Keeneland July yearling sale, and Harlington was a $2.8-million purchase in the 2003 Keeneland September sale.
Sims said the Storm Cat colt was the most expensive horse he has purchased.
“I think it was a real bargain,” said Sims, who is from Evanston , Wyoming and involved in the construction business. “I figured he would have brought $1.5-million. I think now is the best time in my lifetime in the horse industry to buy horses. “
Sims said he has about 15 horses in training throughout the country and around nine broodmares.
“I hope he isn’t the most expensive horse I own; I’ve got one selling tomorrow that I hope bring more,” Sims said, referring to a Bernardini colt who is hip 410 in Tuesday’s second session.
A Storm Cat colt from Overbrook Farm’s dispersal sold for $325,000 to John Ferguson, chief bloodstock adviser to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum
The colt is out the Unbridled mare Referendum, a half sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Jersey Girl.
A bit later in the morning, Tom Tate bought a Storm Cat half brother to Grade 1 winner Frost Giant for $300,000 from the consignment of Lane’s End, agent.
Just after noon, Rick Porter went to $475,000 for a Storm Cat filly out of champion Wandesta (GB), by Nashwan.
Jeff Lowe is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer
Colts from the second to last crop of Storm Cat were among the most expensive purchases in the early stages Monday in the opening session of the Keeneland September yearling sale.
Jack Sims bought a full brother to Group 1 winner Sophisticat and Grade 2 winner and Central Kentucky sire Grand Reward for $450,000.
Consigned by Denali Stud, agent for the Robert and Beverly Lewis Trust, the colt is out of champion Serena’s Song, by Rahy, who also has produced Grade 2 winner Harlington, by Unbridled, and stakes winner Serena’s Tune, by Mr. Prospector.
Sophisticat sold for $3.4-million in the 2000 Keeneland July yearling sale, and Harlington was a $2.8-million purchase in the 2003 Keeneland September sale.
Sims said the Storm Cat colt was the most expensive horse he has purchased.
“I think it was a real bargain,” said Sims, who is from Evanston , Wyoming and involved in the construction business. “I figured he would have brought $1.5-million. I think now is the best time in my lifetime in the horse industry to buy horses. “
Sims said he has about 15 horses in training throughout the country and around nine broodmares.
“I hope he isn’t the most expensive horse I own; I’ve got one selling tomorrow that I hope bring more,” Sims said, referring to a Bernardini colt who is hip 410 in Tuesday’s second session.
A Storm Cat colt from Overbrook Farm’s dispersal sold for $325,000 to John Ferguson, chief bloodstock adviser to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum
The colt is out the Unbridled mare Referendum, a half sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Jersey Girl.
A bit later in the morning, Tom Tate bought a Storm Cat half brother to Grade 1 winner Frost Giant for $300,000 from the consignment of Lane’s End, agent.
Just after noon, Rick Porter went to $475,000 for a Storm Cat filly out of champion Wandesta (GB), by Nashwan.
Jeff Lowe is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Marathonical
Reporting from Saratoga Race Course, where I'm lucky to be today and tomorrow while passing time between the Fasig-Tipton select yearling sale and this weekend's New York-bred preferred sale.
I spent most of the last two nights shadowing Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum at the boutique sale, where he bought six yearlings for $6,350,000 and almost singelhandedly helped the sale defy sagging global economic trends. There's something surreal about standing next to a Middle Eastern monarch who is wearing blue jeans and a white long-sleeve shirt.
Sheikh Mohammed declined to talk to the media during the sale, but interracted with buyers, sellers, and even members of the public. I've never had a chance to interview him or get a sense of the type of person he is, but one of my companions at the sale offered this gem, "For an autocratic ruler, he seems like a pretty good guy."
Today it's good to get back to the track, a reminder of what those million-dollar yearlings and two-year-olds in training are supposed to be able to do.
I got here in time for the fourth race, a ridiculous non-winners of one optional claimer at two miles on the main track.
Nine horses were entered, but two scrached at the gate. Of the seven remaining runners, one bolted to the outside fence around the first of three turns and was eventually eased. Another horse was pulled up on the far turn.
Two others were distanced by about 30 lengths, barely making it to the wire while still galloping. Essentially, three horses finished the race.
I understand the desire to reward stamina in the breed, but very few American racetracks are properly configured for marathon races and even fewer of our horses can get the trip.
I spent most of the last two nights shadowing Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum at the boutique sale, where he bought six yearlings for $6,350,000 and almost singelhandedly helped the sale defy sagging global economic trends. There's something surreal about standing next to a Middle Eastern monarch who is wearing blue jeans and a white long-sleeve shirt.
Sheikh Mohammed declined to talk to the media during the sale, but interracted with buyers, sellers, and even members of the public. I've never had a chance to interview him or get a sense of the type of person he is, but one of my companions at the sale offered this gem, "For an autocratic ruler, he seems like a pretty good guy."
Today it's good to get back to the track, a reminder of what those million-dollar yearlings and two-year-olds in training are supposed to be able to do.
I got here in time for the fourth race, a ridiculous non-winners of one optional claimer at two miles on the main track.
Nine horses were entered, but two scrached at the gate. Of the seven remaining runners, one bolted to the outside fence around the first of three turns and was eventually eased. Another horse was pulled up on the far turn.
Two others were distanced by about 30 lengths, barely making it to the wire while still galloping. Essentially, three horses finished the race.
I understand the desire to reward stamina in the breed, but very few American racetracks are properly configured for marathon races and even fewer of our horses can get the trip.
Monday, July 13, 2009
McPeek targeting Saratoga for Striking Dancer
Before trainer Wesley Ward made his historic raid on the Royal Ascot meeting with Jealous Again and before Rachel Alexandra won the Kentucky Oaks (G1) by 20 ¼ lengths, another American-based filly was near the top of my horses to watch list for 2009.
Striking Dancer, a three-year-old Smart Strike filly out of the Danehill (Ire) mare Dancing Shoes, made her 2009 debut in a turf allowance at Gulfstream Park on February 25. Steadied on the turn and momentarily trapped behind a wall of horses, Striking Dancer and jockey Kent Desormeaux shot up the inside, steered outside and ran down the leader with a burst of late energy.
Trainer Ken McPeek briefly toyed with taking Striking Dancer to compete in a European classic, but an ankle injury sent her to the bench. Now three works into her comeback, McPeek is targeting Saratoga for Striking Dancer’s return.
I recently caught up with McPeek and asked him what he thought of the filly he ferreted out of the sixth day of the 2007 Keeneland September yearling sale for $110,000.
“She’s very good. We have to get her ready again, but she acts like she’s a graded stakes quality filly,” McPeek said. “We just have to get the time and get her ready. I think she will be competitive at a high level.”
Both of Striking Dancer's wins have come on grass, but McPeek thinks she has potential on dirt. He said he would have liked to run her in the Kentucky Oaks.
“I think she’d be fine on the dirt. We just haven’t had the opportunity to get her there,” McPeek said. “I think she might have given Rachel at least a test in the Oaks, but timing is everything and she just wasn’t ready.”
Striking Dancer was bred in Kentucky by Jess Jackson's Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings and was consigned by Warrendale Sales at the Keeneland September sale.
Striking Dancer (#4, green hat, blue polka dots)
Gulfstream, 2-25-09, Race 8
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
A light went on
The first two times I met Richard Duchossois, chairman of Arlington Park, I was not a racing journalist. I was an 18-year-old kid, running back and forth between the Arlington paddock and the rail, hoping to cash a $2 quinella.
Both times Duchossois asked me how my day was going and if the track was doing a good job.
As part of Arlington's sale to Churchill Downs Inc. in 2000, Duchossois became a major shareholder in CDI. Ever since, I've wondered if Duchossois' management style that has made Arlington one of the most customer and horsemen friendly tracks in the country would rub off on Churchill. (While hoping it wouldn't flow the other way)
So when Churchill's historic foray into night racing on June 19 suffered a near meltdown because of steamy temperatures and unbearably long lines due to inadequate staffing, I immediately thought of Duchossois wandering the Arlington apron and talking to fans.
I don't know where the Churchill brass were most of that night, but I surmised it involved air conditioning and a luxury suite. But just when I was ready to slam racing's corporate overlord, Churchill issued a press release apologizing to fans for the long lines. They admitted there was a problem, took full blame, and promised to increase staffing and lower prices for the next edition of night racing.
Both times Duchossois asked me how my day was going and if the track was doing a good job.
As part of Arlington's sale to Churchill Downs Inc. in 2000, Duchossois became a major shareholder in CDI. Ever since, I've wondered if Duchossois' management style that has made Arlington one of the most customer and horsemen friendly tracks in the country would rub off on Churchill. (While hoping it wouldn't flow the other way)
So when Churchill's historic foray into night racing on June 19 suffered a near meltdown because of steamy temperatures and unbearably long lines due to inadequate staffing, I immediately thought of Duchossois wandering the Arlington apron and talking to fans.
I don't know where the Churchill brass were most of that night, but I surmised it involved air conditioning and a luxury suite. But just when I was ready to slam racing's corporate overlord, Churchill issued a press release apologizing to fans for the long lines. They admitted there was a problem, took full blame, and promised to increase staffing and lower prices for the next edition of night racing.
Fans heard the message and they responded positively. Despite the loss of novelty, attendance barely dipped for night racing part two, from 28,011 on June 19 to 27,263 on June 26. And the Churchill brass was out in the crowd, sweating with them.
Chief operating officer Bill Carstanjen and General Manager Jim Gates each worked a three-hour shift in a beer trailer. CEO Robert Evans wandered the paddock area wearing a CEO helmet with beer cans attached to the side.
"It was fun and a great opportunity to interact with our customers," Gates said. "It was hot, very very hot, but it was good. We were serving while it was $1 beers and most people were thrilled with what a great deal it was and the shorter lines. There was not one complaint."
Churchill's adjustments from the first night saved one of the most exciting new ideas for racing in Kentucky.
The third and final edition of summer night racing 2009 is tonight. Being a Thursday and a holiday weekend, I assume attendance will go down, but there is no doubt that night racing at Churchill Downs is a winner.
"So far it’s been a huge success," Gates said. "We’ve got one more night, and we’ll see how successful that is. We’re gonna sit down after the meet is over. We’ll go back and look at the results and present something to our board of directors and they’ll make a decision whether they want to install pernmanent lights. So far the community has certainly embraced it."
Friday, June 26, 2009
Breeders’ Cup: Our event is still going to be great
Breeders’ Cup officials hope Jess Jackson will change his mind about holding Rachel Alexandra out of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
But even if Jackson sticks to his position that Rachel will never again race on a synthetic surface, the Breeders’ Cup, at least publicly, is not sweating the decision.
“Our event is still going to be a great event,” said Breeders’ Cup Chief Marketing Officer Peter Land. “We’ll still have 80,000 to 100,000 people come. It’s still going to be a great television show and a great simulcast product.”
Jackson disagrees with the Breeders’ Cup’s decision to hold the event at Santa Anita Park, which has a synthetic Pro-Ride surface, for a second consecutive year. Jackson does not think the results of synthetic races are legitimate, nor does he think synthetics are safer than a well-maintained dirt surface.
Land and the management at Breeders’ Cup hope Jackson will change his mind before November 6-7.
“First of all it’s early. It’s only June, so we would hope that over the course of the summer it would be a shame if Jess didn’t have a change of heart,” Land said. “We obviously respect Jess and everything he’s done for the sport. He’s certainly a great sportsman. But more than anything else, we were surprised he would make an announcement this far out.”
Thanks to the synthetic experiment, American horses currently are competing on three different surfaces – dirt, turf, and synthetic. But no racetrack offers all three, so no matter where the Breeders’ Cup is held, it risks losing stars from one of them.
Land said he does not think surface should be that big of a deal.
“Some years it’s going to favor different horses on different tracks. It’s not unlike the PGA championships, some years the course will favor long hitters and some years it will favor putters,” Land said. “I think many sports in general have this built in testing mechanism that says if you’re a great champion you can persevere under conditions that might not be ideal.”
It would be nice if Land’s comparison with golf worked, but the reality is that very few horses are the same when they switch surfaces. Some great dirt horses have struggled to compete on the synthetics or turf. Just as many great European turf stars are a shadow of themselves when they try dirt.
When Breeders’ Cup committed to Santa Anita for two years it was a controversial decision, not only because no track had ever hosted two consecutive Cups, but because of how new and untested the synthetics were. Until the current American experiment, nowhere in the world had Grade 1 races been contested and world champions crowned on a synthetic track. Even in Europe, where synthetics are preferred to dirt, all the Group 1 races are on turf, compared to just a handful of Group 3’s on the synth.
Last year Europeans Raven’s Pass and Henrythenavigator ran first and second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), the first time in the race’s 25-year history that Europeans swept the exacta. Jackson’s entrant in the race – Horse of the Year Curlin – finished a disappointing fourth. Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride surface, which anecdotally at least favors turf horses over dirt horses, was seen as playing a major role in that result.
As the move to synthetics has alienated the connections of some American horses, it has won favor with the Europeans and helped Breeders’ Cup in its ongoing quest to become a true world championship. Land said he believes the net result is positive.
“We’re gonna have 150 of the best horses in the world competing this year. Are we going to lose a few American horses? Probably. But on balance, we might end up with more than 30 horses from Europe this year, and we’re a global championship televised all over the world,” Land said. “To have more horses from outside the United States competing I think is a good thing for the Breeders’ Cup and for the sport.”
But even if Jackson sticks to his position that Rachel will never again race on a synthetic surface, the Breeders’ Cup, at least publicly, is not sweating the decision.
“Our event is still going to be a great event,” said Breeders’ Cup Chief Marketing Officer Peter Land. “We’ll still have 80,000 to 100,000 people come. It’s still going to be a great television show and a great simulcast product.”
Jackson disagrees with the Breeders’ Cup’s decision to hold the event at Santa Anita Park, which has a synthetic Pro-Ride surface, for a second consecutive year. Jackson does not think the results of synthetic races are legitimate, nor does he think synthetics are safer than a well-maintained dirt surface.
Land and the management at Breeders’ Cup hope Jackson will change his mind before November 6-7.
“First of all it’s early. It’s only June, so we would hope that over the course of the summer it would be a shame if Jess didn’t have a change of heart,” Land said. “We obviously respect Jess and everything he’s done for the sport. He’s certainly a great sportsman. But more than anything else, we were surprised he would make an announcement this far out.”
Thanks to the synthetic experiment, American horses currently are competing on three different surfaces – dirt, turf, and synthetic. But no racetrack offers all three, so no matter where the Breeders’ Cup is held, it risks losing stars from one of them.
Land said he does not think surface should be that big of a deal.
“Some years it’s going to favor different horses on different tracks. It’s not unlike the PGA championships, some years the course will favor long hitters and some years it will favor putters,” Land said. “I think many sports in general have this built in testing mechanism that says if you’re a great champion you can persevere under conditions that might not be ideal.”
It would be nice if Land’s comparison with golf worked, but the reality is that very few horses are the same when they switch surfaces. Some great dirt horses have struggled to compete on the synthetics or turf. Just as many great European turf stars are a shadow of themselves when they try dirt.
When Breeders’ Cup committed to Santa Anita for two years it was a controversial decision, not only because no track had ever hosted two consecutive Cups, but because of how new and untested the synthetics were. Until the current American experiment, nowhere in the world had Grade 1 races been contested and world champions crowned on a synthetic track. Even in Europe, where synthetics are preferred to dirt, all the Group 1 races are on turf, compared to just a handful of Group 3’s on the synth.
Last year Europeans Raven’s Pass and Henrythenavigator ran first and second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), the first time in the race’s 25-year history that Europeans swept the exacta. Jackson’s entrant in the race – Horse of the Year Curlin – finished a disappointing fourth. Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride surface, which anecdotally at least favors turf horses over dirt horses, was seen as playing a major role in that result.
As the move to synthetics has alienated the connections of some American horses, it has won favor with the Europeans and helped Breeders’ Cup in its ongoing quest to become a true world championship. Land said he believes the net result is positive.
“We’re gonna have 150 of the best horses in the world competing this year. Are we going to lose a few American horses? Probably. But on balance, we might end up with more than 30 horses from Europe this year, and we’re a global championship televised all over the world,” Land said. “To have more horses from outside the United States competing I think is a good thing for the Breeders’ Cup and for the sport.”
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Night racing report
I was one of the 28,011 who packed into Churchill Downs for Friday's historic night racing card.
A few comments:
-Snafus aside, the increased handle and attendance are proof that night racing can work. The night had an electric feel to it even without a stakes race or marquee horse on the card.
-Racing still matters in Kentucky. Night racing gave the fans a reason to come out, and a huge, demographically diverse crowd turned out for the party.
-Yet again, Churchill seemed unconcerned with the experience of the common fan, who paid $10 entry fee to experience sauna-like conditions and wait in unbearably long lines. The betting lines were long, but you could literally miss two races waiting for food or drink.
-I have never sweated so much at a racetrack in my life. My party was set up in a box underneath the grandstand overhang, where air circulation was less than ideal. Also, the volume and treble on the speakers in the grandstand were set way too high, doing no favors for track announcer Mark Johnson's between race chatter.
Night racing has a lot of potential, and the people supported it. But of those 28,000, how many will want to come back to experience those conditions anytime soon? Churchill must find a way to make the track a more enjoyable experience for everyday fans.
It was good to hear the announcement from Bill Carstanjen, Churchill's executive vice president and chief operating officer, about decreased prices and increased staffing for the June 26 and July 2 night cards.
“More than 28,000 turned out for the debut of night racing at Churchill Downs and the evening was a great success on most every level, but our track fell short in one important area of guest service, our fans have spoken to us about their disappointment and we have listened,” Carstanjen said. “Last Friday was a special and historic night at Churchill Downs and we hope that every fan that shared the evening with us will always carry wonderful memories of the evening. But many fans were clearly unhappy with the unacceptable level of service offered in beer lines throughout the track. We share their frustration, apologize for the experience and vow it will not happen again. We’re hoping all fans who were with us for the debut of night racing under the Twin Spires will be back with us again this Friday and on Thursday, July 2 and give us a chance to make racing under the lights at Churchill Downs truly special for everyone.”
A few comments:
-Snafus aside, the increased handle and attendance are proof that night racing can work. The night had an electric feel to it even without a stakes race or marquee horse on the card.
-Racing still matters in Kentucky. Night racing gave the fans a reason to come out, and a huge, demographically diverse crowd turned out for the party.
-Yet again, Churchill seemed unconcerned with the experience of the common fan, who paid $10 entry fee to experience sauna-like conditions and wait in unbearably long lines. The betting lines were long, but you could literally miss two races waiting for food or drink.
-I have never sweated so much at a racetrack in my life. My party was set up in a box underneath the grandstand overhang, where air circulation was less than ideal. Also, the volume and treble on the speakers in the grandstand were set way too high, doing no favors for track announcer Mark Johnson's between race chatter.
Night racing has a lot of potential, and the people supported it. But of those 28,000, how many will want to come back to experience those conditions anytime soon? Churchill must find a way to make the track a more enjoyable experience for everyday fans.
It was good to hear the announcement from Bill Carstanjen, Churchill's executive vice president and chief operating officer, about decreased prices and increased staffing for the June 26 and July 2 night cards.
“More than 28,000 turned out for the debut of night racing at Churchill Downs and the evening was a great success on most every level, but our track fell short in one important area of guest service, our fans have spoken to us about their disappointment and we have listened,” Carstanjen said. “Last Friday was a special and historic night at Churchill Downs and we hope that every fan that shared the evening with us will always carry wonderful memories of the evening. But many fans were clearly unhappy with the unacceptable level of service offered in beer lines throughout the track. We share their frustration, apologize for the experience and vow it will not happen again. We’re hoping all fans who were with us for the debut of night racing under the Twin Spires will be back with us again this Friday and on Thursday, July 2 and give us a chance to make racing under the lights at Churchill Downs truly special for everyone.”
Friday, June 19, 2009
Night racing!
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Despite temperatures in the 90s, a threat of storms, and a $10 admission fee, Churchill Downs is expecting a big crowd tonight for the debut of night racing.
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The 11-race card averages 8.7 horses per race and is a stakes race away from being what I would call a decent weekend card. There are six claiming races, two turf allowances, a two-year-old filly maiden race, a maiden special on the turf, and a NW2 at seven furlongs on the main track.
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The feature 10th race drew Triple Crown aspirant Flying Pegasus, who will try to use the seven-furlong allowance as a springboard for a second-half stakes campaign.
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Since this figures to be more of a social night, I did my handicapping in advance and came away with opinions in four of the races. I've always wanted to be a newspaper handicapper. Too bad that job is nearly extinct...
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Race 3, Mcl $30,000 (f&m), 1 1/16 miles
1 Metro Devil 5-2 Stalks from inside
6 Palin 20-1 Dropping speed, will refrain from political jokes
7 Queen Gracie 15-1 Ran ok on fast dirt
3 Saintly Shylock 12-1 Could improve
5 Terrell Cheney 2-1 Note barn change
4 Broadway Bertie 6-5 Will try to beat heavy chalk
2 Miss Siby 50-1 Cannot endorse
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Race 4, NW1 (f&m), 5f turf
6 Maxinkuckee Miss 4-1 Shoud be strong on turn back
5 Ocean Colors 3-1 Well-bred, speed of the speed
7 Ten Lil Indians 12-1 Out of Polish Navy mare, could like turf
1 Rinterval (Ire) 9-2 Second to Lush Lashes in '07!
9 Rock 'n' Roll Gal 5-1 Spanish Steps filly was 155k 2yo purchase
4 Sun Valley Storm 20-1 Well-bred for this, steps up
3 County Lass 5-1 Adds to pace
2 Nadadora 10-1 Must improve
8 Just Pick Me 15-1 Indiana shipper
1A Humor and Lights 9-2 Sleeper on AE list
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Race 5, MSW (2yo f), 4.5f
5 Rapport 7-2 475k Saratoga yearling, "Legends"
2 Ad Litem 5-1 Successful Appeal, good works
1 Miss Diane 4-1 Half of solid looking entry
1A Yes It's Valid 4-1 Half of solid looking entry
8 Sixtysix Margaux 3-1 Tote will tell if barn likes
9 Mesa Mirage 12-1 Sky Mesa, could surprise
6 Rita's Gold 12-1 Medallist could have a few fast ones
3 Mapatazzi 5-1 "Other" Asmussen
7 Imagine Now 15-1 Good juvenile sire, could need one
4 Bell's Shoes 12-1 Works look slow
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Race 6, MSW, 1 1/16 miles turf
6 Just Right (Fr) 3-1 The key, if speed is holding on turf
1 Rotterdam 10-1 Turns it around at a price
2 Schramsberg 8-1 Big pedigree firster; Pletcher-Borel!?
9 Tigresco 12-1 Another firster with good family
5 Home Field 6-1 Live claiming outfit, turf blood on dam side
8 Lamm 10-1 Needs a little more oomph
3 Dahlgonit 8-1 Could share
4 Buriedbeyondbelief 10-1 Some upside potential
10 Whirling Thunder 5-2 Cannot endorse this chalk for the win
7 Go Kenny Go 20-1 Even South Park fans should give him one
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Beyer tweaks his formula
Andrew Beyer, the creator of the popular Beyer Speed Figures that appear in Daily Racing Form, has announced a change in the way he will calculate his figures for synthetic tracks.
The change is based on an interesting finding. According to Beyer, the synthetic tracks are allowing slow horses to run a little faster while making fast horses run a little slower.
At tracks that installed synthetic surfaces, the average speed figure for bottom level maiden claimers increased by about three points. Meanwhile, the average winning figure for older male stakes horses decreased by about four points, Beyer says.
His findings support the lament that the synthetic tracks are preventing our fastest horses from performing to their ability, while aiding horses we previously judged to be inferior.
Here in Lexington, the seemingly unpredictable nature of synthetic racing has been demonstrated by the results of graded stakes races run at Keeneland Race Course since Polytrack was installed for the fall 2006 meeting.
No matter when or where the race, the wagering favorite typically wins around 30% of the time. It is one of the most powerful, consistent statistics in the sport.
But on Keeneland's Polytrack, the favorite has won just six of 53 times - an 11.3% success rate over the three-year period.
Paired with Beyer's finding that the synthetics help the slow and hurt the fast, it's one more reason to question whether we should be basing the future of the breed and running some of our most important races - such as the Breeders' Cup - on experimental synthetic tracks.
The change is based on an interesting finding. According to Beyer, the synthetic tracks are allowing slow horses to run a little faster while making fast horses run a little slower.
At tracks that installed synthetic surfaces, the average speed figure for bottom level maiden claimers increased by about three points. Meanwhile, the average winning figure for older male stakes horses decreased by about four points, Beyer says.
His findings support the lament that the synthetic tracks are preventing our fastest horses from performing to their ability, while aiding horses we previously judged to be inferior.
Here in Lexington, the seemingly unpredictable nature of synthetic racing has been demonstrated by the results of graded stakes races run at Keeneland Race Course since Polytrack was installed for the fall 2006 meeting.
No matter when or where the race, the wagering favorite typically wins around 30% of the time. It is one of the most powerful, consistent statistics in the sport.
But on Keeneland's Polytrack, the favorite has won just six of 53 times - an 11.3% success rate over the three-year period.
Paired with Beyer's finding that the synthetics help the slow and hurt the fast, it's one more reason to question whether we should be basing the future of the breed and running some of our most important races - such as the Breeders' Cup - on experimental synthetic tracks.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Arlington still in shock over Douglas injury
I called trainer Chris Block Monday afternoon to talk about Giant Oak’s impressive victory in the $150,000 Arlington Classic on Saturday, but that blog will have to wait.
The foremost thing on Block's and most people’s minds at Arlington Park is the tragic injury suffered by Rene Douglas in the Arlington Matron (G3).
The 42-year-old, six-time leading rider at Arlington faces a battle with paralysis after his mount Born to Be was bumped, clipped heels, and fell as the field turned for home.
“It’s affected the whole racetrack community a whole lot up here,” Block said. “Rene was a fan favorite and a horsemen’s favorite. We don’t have many great riders in Chicago right now, and we all looked forward to seeing him ride when he comes to town for the summer. We’re all holding out hope that things will get better and he might be able to walk.”
When I first started going to Arlington in the early and mid 1990s, the rider colony included jocks such as Pat Day, Shane Sellers, Jorge Velasquez, Mark Guidry, and Garrett Gomez. Looking back, I think the riders were better than the horses! I really didn’t know how good we had it.
Nationally the sport has suffered the retirement of a lot of great riders over the last ten years. The drop-off has hit the Chicago colony hard. When Douglas came to Arlington in 2001 he filled a void.
Already an accomplished veteran (he had been leading rider at Calder in '93 and won the ’96 Belmont Stakes on Editor’s Note), Douglas won 134 races his first season in Chicago, more than twice as many as any other rider. He quickly became the go-to jockey on the circuit, and as his mounts improved in quality, so did his confidence.
When Douglas was in the zone, he seemingly always had his mount in the right place at the right time. He particularly loved Arlington’s turf course, and he knew how to ride it as well as any jockey I’ve seen.
Watch how Douglas made it look easy in the 2007 Beverly D. Stakes (G1) on the #7 horse, 9-to-1 Royal Highness. It was the quintessential Douglas ride -- he saved ground, was tactically placed yet patient, and finished with a strong, well-timed move.
It's one of my lasting memories of Douglas, and one of many great wins he can look back on during his recovery.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Nicanor by 15!
Barbaro's full brother Nicanor won his turf debut by 15 lengths on Wednesday at Delaware Park, much to the delight of his legions of fans.
Has a maiden ever had a more loyal, rabid following?
Although the three-year-old Dynaformer colt ran well (and fairly fast) in his previous dirt races at Gulfstream Park, he clearly relished the move to turf and two turns in his fourth career start.
After pressing a first quarter in a reasonable :24.34 while three-wide, Nicanor and jockey Anna Napravnik took control of the race before the field hit the backstretch. Nicanor gradually pulled away in :49, 1:14.35, 1:39.86, and 1:46.31. (the course was rated firm, but it must have been a little on the deep side)
Neither the final time nor the final 5/16 in :31.96 seem particularly fast at face value, so the quality of the field he was facing probably played a big role in that margin of victory.
Still, it was a very nice effort, and Nicanor did everything that could have been expected and more. He is a stakes candidate now, and the rich summer turf races for three-year-olds are calling.
Trainer Michael Matz took a conservative stance immediately after the race, saying he would like to aim for a non-winners allowance race. see story
While there will be comparisons made between Barbaro's debut victory on the turf, which also came at Delaware, I wouldn't rate this performance on that level.
Barbaro pressed fairly quick fractions and flew home in :23.66, a fast final quarter for any turf horse, much less a front runner making his debut.
Of course, very few horses will ever live up to what Barbaro did in his seven-race career. But with the potential Nicanor showed today, and his dam La Ville Rouge spitting out good-looking full siblings to Barbaro each year, race fans can dream.
Nicanor's debut race replay
Barbaro's debut race replay
Has a maiden ever had a more loyal, rabid following?
Although the three-year-old Dynaformer colt ran well (and fairly fast) in his previous dirt races at Gulfstream Park, he clearly relished the move to turf and two turns in his fourth career start.
After pressing a first quarter in a reasonable :24.34 while three-wide, Nicanor and jockey Anna Napravnik took control of the race before the field hit the backstretch. Nicanor gradually pulled away in :49, 1:14.35, 1:39.86, and 1:46.31. (the course was rated firm, but it must have been a little on the deep side)
Neither the final time nor the final 5/16 in :31.96 seem particularly fast at face value, so the quality of the field he was facing probably played a big role in that margin of victory.
Still, it was a very nice effort, and Nicanor did everything that could have been expected and more. He is a stakes candidate now, and the rich summer turf races for three-year-olds are calling.
Trainer Michael Matz took a conservative stance immediately after the race, saying he would like to aim for a non-winners allowance race. see story
While there will be comparisons made between Barbaro's debut victory on the turf, which also came at Delaware, I wouldn't rate this performance on that level.
Barbaro pressed fairly quick fractions and flew home in :23.66, a fast final quarter for any turf horse, much less a front runner making his debut.
Of course, very few horses will ever live up to what Barbaro did in his seven-race career. But with the potential Nicanor showed today, and his dam La Ville Rouge spitting out good-looking full siblings to Barbaro each year, race fans can dream.
Nicanor's debut race replay
Barbaro's debut race replay
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Filly could elevate '09 Triple Crown
The Internet has been abuzz with mostly negative comments about Jess Jackson's purchase of Rachel Alexandra and the announcement that she is under consideration for the Preakness Stakes (G1).
Admittedly, it did not take a lot of imagination to buy the 20-length winner of the Kentucky Oaks (G1), after the race. It took a lot of money.
And no one liked to see trainer like Hal Wiggins lose the star filly he trained for the first ten races of her career. So the backlash was predictable, perhaps warranted on some level.
But Rachel Alexandra's sale could be very good for a sport struggling to regain its place in the national conscience.
Clashes between great competitors are celebrated in all sports. In racing they are too few and far between.
With the exception of the Triple Crown, the Breeders' Cup, and a handful of other races, many of our best horses spend the year avoiding each other while preserving their value upon retirement, which comes too soon for too many.
Rachel Alexandra's breeder and previous owner Dolphus Morrison was going to point her to the Acorn Stakes (G1), a one-turn mile for three-year-old fillies on the Belmont Stakes (G1) undercard. The Acorn is a nice race and a conservative, logical spot, but it likely would have featured no more drama than the marvelous filly's morning workouts. Rachel Alexandra would have been 1-to-9 to crush the handful of rivals who showed up.
Not only was Morrison avoiding a matchup with colts under the admittedly less-than-ideal conditions the Triple Crown presents, he said he was looking out for the breeding value of those future stallions he did not want to chance trouncing!
"The Triple Crown races are for future stallions," said Morrison, definitely not quoting the condition book.
Jackson took the best dirt horse in the world -- two-time Horse of the Year Curlin -- and ran him on the grass because he wanted to find out if Curlin could make a historic run at the world's best grass race the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1). Jackson also ran Curlin on Santa Anita's experimental, synthetic Pro-Ride surface in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) instead of keeping him on the dirt tracks he excelled on.
Jackson will not limit Rachel Alexandra's campaign based on a regard for his competitors' breeding values. Nor will he keep her in races restricted to females because "fillies should run against fillies," as Morrison suggested.
It was the filly Rags to Riches who upset Curlin in the 2007 Belmont in what is likely to go down as one of the best races of the era, perhaps ever.
The Triple Crown is racing's greatest stage. If this year's Preakness features a matchup between one of the fastest fillies of modern times, an improbable 50-1 longshot who made the cover of Sports Illustrated, and the three colts who finished behind him in a blanket finish in the Derby slop, sports fans and racing will be the winners.
Succeed or fail, that kind of competitive spirit should be saluted.
Admittedly, it did not take a lot of imagination to buy the 20-length winner of the Kentucky Oaks (G1), after the race. It took a lot of money.
And no one liked to see trainer like Hal Wiggins lose the star filly he trained for the first ten races of her career. So the backlash was predictable, perhaps warranted on some level.
But Rachel Alexandra's sale could be very good for a sport struggling to regain its place in the national conscience.
Clashes between great competitors are celebrated in all sports. In racing they are too few and far between.
With the exception of the Triple Crown, the Breeders' Cup, and a handful of other races, many of our best horses spend the year avoiding each other while preserving their value upon retirement, which comes too soon for too many.
Rachel Alexandra's breeder and previous owner Dolphus Morrison was going to point her to the Acorn Stakes (G1), a one-turn mile for three-year-old fillies on the Belmont Stakes (G1) undercard. The Acorn is a nice race and a conservative, logical spot, but it likely would have featured no more drama than the marvelous filly's morning workouts. Rachel Alexandra would have been 1-to-9 to crush the handful of rivals who showed up.
Not only was Morrison avoiding a matchup with colts under the admittedly less-than-ideal conditions the Triple Crown presents, he said he was looking out for the breeding value of those future stallions he did not want to chance trouncing!
"The Triple Crown races are for future stallions," said Morrison, definitely not quoting the condition book.
Jackson took the best dirt horse in the world -- two-time Horse of the Year Curlin -- and ran him on the grass because he wanted to find out if Curlin could make a historic run at the world's best grass race the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1). Jackson also ran Curlin on Santa Anita's experimental, synthetic Pro-Ride surface in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) instead of keeping him on the dirt tracks he excelled on.
Jackson will not limit Rachel Alexandra's campaign based on a regard for his competitors' breeding values. Nor will he keep her in races restricted to females because "fillies should run against fillies," as Morrison suggested.
It was the filly Rags to Riches who upset Curlin in the 2007 Belmont in what is likely to go down as one of the best races of the era, perhaps ever.
The Triple Crown is racing's greatest stage. If this year's Preakness features a matchup between one of the fastest fillies of modern times, an improbable 50-1 longshot who made the cover of Sports Illustrated, and the three colts who finished behind him in a blanket finish in the Derby slop, sports fans and racing will be the winners.
Succeed or fail, that kind of competitive spirit should be saluted.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Kicking in the afterburners
One day later I'm still trying to wrap my head around Mine That Bird's improbable Kentucky Derby (G1) victory.
For a little historical perspective, the Birdstone colt ran his final quarter mile in about :23.80 according to the official race chart. My research indicates that was tied for the fourth fastest final quarter in the Derby's 135-year history.
Secretariat owns the fastest final quarter, kicking home in :23.20 in the 1973 edition. Runner-up Sham came home in about :23.80.
Rumbo ran his final quarter in :23.40 in the 1980 derby, but still couldn't catch Genuine Risk. And 1964 Derby winner Northern Dancer scooted home in 24 flat, with runner-up Hill Rise gaining two lengths on the leader for an estimated final quarter in :23.60.
Secretariat, Sham, Hill Rise, and Rumbo all competed on dry, fast tracks, and Secretariat's time of 1:59.40 still stands as the record. Mine That Bird finished in 2:02.66, winning by 6 3/4 lengths in the slop.
One thing is for sure, Calvin Borel's fearless, rail-skimming ride on Mine That Bird was one for the ages.
For a little historical perspective, the Birdstone colt ran his final quarter mile in about :23.80 according to the official race chart. My research indicates that was tied for the fourth fastest final quarter in the Derby's 135-year history.
Secretariat owns the fastest final quarter, kicking home in :23.20 in the 1973 edition. Runner-up Sham came home in about :23.80.
Rumbo ran his final quarter in :23.40 in the 1980 derby, but still couldn't catch Genuine Risk. And 1964 Derby winner Northern Dancer scooted home in 24 flat, with runner-up Hill Rise gaining two lengths on the leader for an estimated final quarter in :23.60.
Secretariat, Sham, Hill Rise, and Rumbo all competed on dry, fast tracks, and Secretariat's time of 1:59.40 still stands as the record. Mine That Bird finished in 2:02.66, winning by 6 3/4 lengths in the slop.
One thing is for sure, Calvin Borel's fearless, rail-skimming ride on Mine That Bird was one for the ages.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Observations from the backstretch
After watching the workouts and gallops the last three days at Churchill Downs, two horses in particular have impressed me.
Friesan Fire’s five furlongs in :57.80 on Monday was not only the fastest of 49 works at the distance but seven lengths faster than the next closest time (which was turned in by Northern California-based closer Chocolate Candy, interestingly).
Back at the barn, Friesan Fire was the picture of a thriving horse. I envision him using his speed to gain good position from post position six and taking the lead turning for home. Trainer Larry Jones is very confident in the A.P. Indy colt’s chances.
The other horse that has impressed me is I Want Revenge. The way he settles into that long rhythmic stride tells me he will have no problem with 1 ¼ miles.
His incredible, troubled win in the Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) already proved he can handle traffic and adversity like a professional racehorse. After waiting patiently by the gap Tuesday morning with the Twin Spires in the distance, I Want Revenge looked like he was merely galloping in his bullet four-furlong work in :47.20.
Friesan Fire’s five furlongs in :57.80 on Monday was not only the fastest of 49 works at the distance but seven lengths faster than the next closest time (which was turned in by Northern California-based closer Chocolate Candy, interestingly).
Back at the barn, Friesan Fire was the picture of a thriving horse. I envision him using his speed to gain good position from post position six and taking the lead turning for home. Trainer Larry Jones is very confident in the A.P. Indy colt’s chances.
The other horse that has impressed me is I Want Revenge. The way he settles into that long rhythmic stride tells me he will have no problem with 1 ¼ miles.
His incredible, troubled win in the Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) already proved he can handle traffic and adversity like a professional racehorse. After waiting patiently by the gap Tuesday morning with the Twin Spires in the distance, I Want Revenge looked like he was merely galloping in his bullet four-furlong work in :47.20.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The toughest race in the world
They say the Kentucky Derby (G1) is the hardest race in the world to win.
It might also be the hardest races to pick the winner of, as my record of three wins in 16 years of handicapping the race attests (see list below).
Even when you identify the best horse in the race, it is far from a guarantee of victory. My list of losing Derby selections includes Holy Bull, Skip Away, Point Given, Empire Maker, and Curlin.
And if the Derby wasn't hard enough already, now we have to evaluate horses that have been racing on synthetic surfaces, with speed figures that may or may not reflect their true ability.
So what is the best way to pick a Derby winner? "The best horse for the race at the best price" sounds like a good recipe. Identifying that horse is another matter...
Who were some of your historical derby picks, and who do you like in 2009?
2008 Colonel John 4.70-1 6th
2007 Curlin 5-1 3rd
2006 Sweetnorthernsaint 5.50-1 7th
2005 Greeley's Galaxy 21-1 11th
2004 Smarty Jones 4.10-1 WON
2003 Empire Maker 2.50-1 2nd
2002 Perfect Drift 7.90-1 3rd
2001 Point Given 1.80-1 5th
2000 Fusaichi Pegasus 2.30-1 WON
1999 Stephen Got Even 5.10-1 14th
1998 Indian Charlie 2.70-1 3rd
1997 Silver Charm 4-1 WON
1996 Skip Away 7.70-1 12th
1995 Timber Country 3.40-1 3rd
1994 Holy Bull 2.20-1 12th
1993 Prairie Bayou 4.4-1 2nd
It might also be the hardest races to pick the winner of, as my record of three wins in 16 years of handicapping the race attests (see list below).
Even when you identify the best horse in the race, it is far from a guarantee of victory. My list of losing Derby selections includes Holy Bull, Skip Away, Point Given, Empire Maker, and Curlin.
And if the Derby wasn't hard enough already, now we have to evaluate horses that have been racing on synthetic surfaces, with speed figures that may or may not reflect their true ability.
So what is the best way to pick a Derby winner? "The best horse for the race at the best price" sounds like a good recipe. Identifying that horse is another matter...
Who were some of your historical derby picks, and who do you like in 2009?
2008 Colonel John 4.70-1 6th
2007 Curlin 5-1 3rd
2006 Sweetnorthernsaint 5.50-1 7th
2005 Greeley's Galaxy 21-1 11th
2004 Smarty Jones 4.10-1 WON
2003 Empire Maker 2.50-1 2nd
2002 Perfect Drift 7.90-1 3rd
2001 Point Given 1.80-1 5th
2000 Fusaichi Pegasus 2.30-1 WON
1999 Stephen Got Even 5.10-1 14th
1998 Indian Charlie 2.70-1 3rd
1997 Silver Charm 4-1 WON
1996 Skip Away 7.70-1 12th
1995 Timber Country 3.40-1 3rd
1994 Holy Bull 2.20-1 12th
1993 Prairie Bayou 4.4-1 2nd
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