 |
| American Pharoah puts in his final workout prior to the $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015. (Photo by BenoitPhoto.com) |
American Pharoah covered the four furlong workout in 48.80.
Friday, July 31, 2015
American Pharoah preps for Haskell
On Tuesday morning, July 28, 2015, Triple Crown winner American Pharoah put in his final workout at Del Mar Race Track prior to heading to Oceanport, N.J. for the $1 million William Hill Haskell Invitational (G1) at Monmouth Park on Sunday, Aug. 2.
On board for the workout was jockey Martin Garcia, while trainer Bob Baffert, and owners Ahmed and Joanne Zayat watched from the stands.
American Pharoah covered the four furlong workout in 48.80.
American Pharoah covered the four furlong workout in 48.80.
Horses run for fun at Airdrie Stud
On Monday, July 27, 2015, Woodford Sun reporter Bob Vlach participated in the 40th annual Woodford County Farm Tour.
His job was to cover the event and write about it in The Sun for the July 30, 2015 edition.
During the day, the tour stopped at former Kentucky Gov. Brereton Jones's Airdrie Stud in Midway, Ky., which is where Bob took this great photograph of some mares and foals running around their paddock and have a great time.
Check out the little guy at the back of the herd kicking up his heels as he runs to catch up to his mom.
 |
| A small herd of mares and foals run around their paddock at Airdrie Stud in Midway, Ky. (Photo by Bob Vlach/The Woodford Sun) |
During the day, the tour stopped at former Kentucky Gov. Brereton Jones's Airdrie Stud in Midway, Ky., which is where Bob took this great photograph of some mares and foals running around their paddock and have a great time.
Check out the little guy at the back of the herd kicking up his heels as he runs to catch up to his mom.
Monday, July 27, 2015
Curalina wins CCA Oaks by DQ; Wild Dude scores upset in Big Crosby
Two major stakes races, one at Saratoga and one at Del Mar, with each ending in a surprise, highlight racing on Sunday, July 26.
At Saratoga, it was Curalina, with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez riding, that got the win in the $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks after the winner, I’m a Chatterbox, ridden by Florent Geroux, was disqualified.
What made the DQ even more amazing was that I’m a Chatterbox led gate-to-wire and then held on for, what appeared to be, a nose win over Curalina, the race betting-favorite.
However, Curalina, who had a rough ride from the start, when she bumped with rivals, was bumped by I’m a Chatterbox in the upper stretch, but still charted hard and fast down the rest of the stretch, battled side-by-side as the finish line got close, got bumped again, then lost by just a nose.
After the race, Velazquez lodged an objection because of the bumping, and following the steward’s inquiry, was made the winner, and I’m a Chatterbox was placed second.
The winning time for the 1-1/8th-mile race was 1:49.74.
Finishing third in the seven-horse field of 3-year-old fillies was Include Betty, the winner of the Mother Goose Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park on June 27.
“Based on the comments Johnny (Velazquez) made, he felt very sure he was going by that filly until that happened, said winning trainer Todd Pletcher. “It’s hard to appreciate while you are watching it live. After seeing that she came back one jump after the wire and put her nose in front, I feel less apologetic about that one.
“Yesterday, we weren’t bothered. We were the beneficiary of someone else being bothered. In this particular case, our filly was knocked off stride in a critical point in the race and got beat a couple inches. In my eyes, it probably made the difference. I’m sure there are other people that feel differently, but based on what Johnny said, just watching it there, I would have to agree.”
I’m a Chatterbox’s trainer, Larry Jones seemed to be okay with the decision. “I thought she (I’m a Chatterbox) ran very well, coming off a long layoff like that. She took a little time off and was good to go. We set very legitimate fractions and (still) to hold on, I’m thrilled with the horse. The jock rode a great race; he didn’t do anything to cause it (the infraction). He stuck with the right hand the whole way. She kind of jumped the tracks where the gate comes across, but you need to get the horse back over somehow. That’s just the way it goes.”
I’m a Chatterbox was running in her first race after a three-month layoff following her third-place finish in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill on May 1.
Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Curalina, who is by Curlin-Whatdreamsrmadeof, by Graeme Hall, now has four wins, one second, and $666,800 in earnings in five career starts.
At Del Mar on Sunday in the $300,000 Bing Crosby Stakes (G1), 11-to-1 long shot Wild Dude, with jockey Flavien Prat riding, raced in fourth place in the five-horse field most of the way, then rallied furiously down the stretch, caught race-leader, and race-favorite, Masochistic, deep in the stretch and crossed the finish line a 1-1/4-length winner.
Finishing third was Kobe’s Back, followed by Caminetto and Distinctive Passion.
In winning his first Grade 1 stakes race, Wild Dude ran the six-furlong race on a dirt tracked rated fast in 1:09.51.
“The last time I rode him (Triple Bend Stakes (G1) on June 27; he finished third), I let him get a little too far back,” said Prat. “This time I was closer and the pace was a better one for us. They were going quickly. When I came around the turn, I knew I had horse, but I could see that other one (favorite Masochistic) out front, and I know how well he’s been running. I wasn’t sure if I could catch up to him. But, my horse leveled and he went right on by. He’s impressive.”
Owned by Jerry Hollendorfer, who also trains him, and Green Smith, Wild Dude, who is by Wildcat Heir-Courtly Choice, by Doneraile Court, now has six wins, three seconds, four thirds and $724,887 in earnings in 16 career starts.
In addition, with the win, Wild Dude earned a starting spot in the Breeders’ Cup Spring, as the Bing Crosby is a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” race. The Breeders’ Cup will be held at Keeneland Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31.
As for Masochistic, he’s actually been running very well. He’s won his last three races, including the Triple Bend Stakes (G1) on June 27, 2015 at Santa Anita. In all, he’s won six of eight of his career starts and is currently the No. 2-ranked sprinter in the United States.
(Information gathered from EquiBase.com, NTRA.com, DMTC.com, BloodHorse.com and Brisnet.com)
At Saratoga, it was Curalina, with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez riding, that got the win in the $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks after the winner, I’m a Chatterbox, ridden by Florent Geroux, was disqualified.
 |
| Curalina, left, with jockey John Velazquez riding, won the Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga on Sunday, June 26, 2015, after I’m a Chatterbox was DQd and placed second. (Photo by Coglianese Photos) |
However, Curalina, who had a rough ride from the start, when she bumped with rivals, was bumped by I’m a Chatterbox in the upper stretch, but still charted hard and fast down the rest of the stretch, battled side-by-side as the finish line got close, got bumped again, then lost by just a nose.
After the race, Velazquez lodged an objection because of the bumping, and following the steward’s inquiry, was made the winner, and I’m a Chatterbox was placed second.
The winning time for the 1-1/8th-mile race was 1:49.74.
Finishing third in the seven-horse field of 3-year-old fillies was Include Betty, the winner of the Mother Goose Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park on June 27.
“Based on the comments Johnny (Velazquez) made, he felt very sure he was going by that filly until that happened, said winning trainer Todd Pletcher. “It’s hard to appreciate while you are watching it live. After seeing that she came back one jump after the wire and put her nose in front, I feel less apologetic about that one.
“Yesterday, we weren’t bothered. We were the beneficiary of someone else being bothered. In this particular case, our filly was knocked off stride in a critical point in the race and got beat a couple inches. In my eyes, it probably made the difference. I’m sure there are other people that feel differently, but based on what Johnny said, just watching it there, I would have to agree.”
I’m a Chatterbox’s trainer, Larry Jones seemed to be okay with the decision. “I thought she (I’m a Chatterbox) ran very well, coming off a long layoff like that. She took a little time off and was good to go. We set very legitimate fractions and (still) to hold on, I’m thrilled with the horse. The jock rode a great race; he didn’t do anything to cause it (the infraction). He stuck with the right hand the whole way. She kind of jumped the tracks where the gate comes across, but you need to get the horse back over somehow. That’s just the way it goes.”
I’m a Chatterbox was running in her first race after a three-month layoff following her third-place finish in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill on May 1.
Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Curalina, who is by Curlin-Whatdreamsrmadeof, by Graeme Hall, now has four wins, one second, and $666,800 in earnings in five career starts.
At Del Mar on Sunday in the $300,000 Bing Crosby Stakes (G1), 11-to-1 long shot Wild Dude, with jockey Flavien Prat riding, raced in fourth place in the five-horse field most of the way, then rallied furiously down the stretch, caught race-leader, and race-favorite, Masochistic, deep in the stretch and crossed the finish line a 1-1/4-length winner.
 |
| Wild Dude, with jockey Flavien Prat pulled off the upset and won the Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar on Sunday, June 26. (Photo by BenoitPhoto.com) |
In winning his first Grade 1 stakes race, Wild Dude ran the six-furlong race on a dirt tracked rated fast in 1:09.51.
“The last time I rode him (Triple Bend Stakes (G1) on June 27; he finished third), I let him get a little too far back,” said Prat. “This time I was closer and the pace was a better one for us. They were going quickly. When I came around the turn, I knew I had horse, but I could see that other one (favorite Masochistic) out front, and I know how well he’s been running. I wasn’t sure if I could catch up to him. But, my horse leveled and he went right on by. He’s impressive.”
Owned by Jerry Hollendorfer, who also trains him, and Green Smith, Wild Dude, who is by Wildcat Heir-Courtly Choice, by Doneraile Court, now has six wins, three seconds, four thirds and $724,887 in earnings in 16 career starts.
In addition, with the win, Wild Dude earned a starting spot in the Breeders’ Cup Spring, as the Bing Crosby is a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” race. The Breeders’ Cup will be held at Keeneland Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31.
As for Masochistic, he’s actually been running very well. He’s won his last three races, including the Triple Bend Stakes (G1) on June 27, 2015 at Santa Anita. In all, he’s won six of eight of his career starts and is currently the No. 2-ranked sprinter in the United States.
(Information gathered from EquiBase.com, NTRA.com, DMTC.com, BloodHorse.com and Brisnet.com)
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Horse Racing turns to Saratoga and Del Mar
It's summer time and horse people and racing fans are flocking to New York and California for the 2016 race meets at Saratoga and Del Mar.
Yes, Saratoga, "The Spa," is open in New York, and Del Mar, where the "Turf meets the surf," is open in Southern California.
Here's a look at a few of the races.
Saratoga
On Saturday, July 25, 2015 – opening weekend at Saratoga, there were a few big stakes races that lived up to expectations
One of the most exciting was the $500,000 Diana Stakes (G1), a turf-race for fillies and mares, 2-years-old and up.
In the race, Hard Not to Like, with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez riding, rallied furiously down the stretch late trying to catch race leader Kitten's Queen and Tepin.
Soon the three were battling side-by-side with a furlong to go to the finish line, and at the wire, Hard Not to Like got her nose out front to get the win by a nose over Tepin, who outstretched Kitten's Queen for second-place by a neck.
In the process of getting the win, Hard Not to Like set a new course record of 1:45.22 on a turf-course rated firm in the seven-horse field.
"I'm delighted she was ridden by Johnny Velazquez," said winning trainer Christophe Clement. "He's a top jockey, and there's a reason why. He makes a difference. She got a superb ride and she's also a very good filly. (At the eighth pole, I thought) to get a place, pretty good; to win, slim. The last 50 yards suddenly I got a bit excited because I thought, 'She's going to get there!' Remarkable ride from Johnny Velazquez. Life is goo. He knew there was going to be a decent amount of pace. The ground is firm, and they never came back. They went fast all the way to the end."
Added Velazquez, "This horse is much better now and is only improving. As the distance of the race got longer, the better the horse became. The horse is a little small and doesn't have the speed to stay with the other horses in the first part of the race. The longer the race went on, the longer the horse's strides became."
Owned by Speedway Stable, Hard Not to Like, a 6-year-old by Hard Spun-Like a Gem, by Tactical Cat now has eight wins, three seconds, two thirds and $1,261,671 in earnings in 20 career starts.
In a controversial finish, Magna Light, ridden by Jose Ortiz, scored a 3/4-length win over Uncle Vinny, in the $150,000 Sanford Stakes (G3). Finishing third I the 10-horse field was Percolator.
Ultimately, Uncle Vinny, who was ridden by Velazquez, got the win after Magna Light was disqualified and placed third because of interference in the stretch. Percolator got second.
The objection came because when the field began to catch up to race leader Magna Light in the stretch, Ortiz hit his horse with a left-handed whip, which caused the horse to come out four to five paths left. Then, trying to correct, Ortiz hit Magna Light with the whip, this time with his right hand, which caused the horse to shy right and into the path of Percolator, who was ridden by Kendrick Carmouhe, who made the objection.
"He was running down the lane," said Velazquez of Uncle Vinny. "We were getting to the point where he was rolling from the eighth pole to the wire, and he inherited the win. Nothing I can say. He definitely was coming running. (Magna Light) ran a great race, too."
Owned by Starlight Racing, Uncle Vinny ran the six-furlong race for 2-year-olds in 1:10.92. He now has two wins in three starts and $141,500 in earnings.
In an amazing finish to the $200,000 Lake George Stakes (G2), Mrs McDougal, with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard, rallied down the stretch and scored a 1/2-length victory over Feathered, who had led the entire race.
Finishing third in the nine-horse field of 3-year-old fillies by just a nose was Cara Marie, while behind her Partisan Politics was fourth by a neck, All in Fun was fifth by a head, an Jellicle Ball (Ire) was sixth by a head.
Rounding out the nine-horse field of 3-year-old fillies was Mississippi Delta seventh, followed by Robillard and Sivoliere (Ire).
Mrs McDougal, who is by Medaglia d'Oro-Distorted Passion, by Distorted Humor, ran the 1-1/16th-mile race in 1:41.52.
Owned by Mr. and Mrs. William K. Warren, and trained by Chad Brown, Mrs McDougal now has three wins and $212,880 in five career starts.
In the $150,000 Schuylerville Stakes (G3), the featured stakes race on opening day at Saratoga, Friday, July 24, 2015, Off the Tracks, ridden by Luis Saez, took first place by 3-1/4-lengths over Benree.
Decked Out finished third in the eight-horse race for 2-year-old fillies.
Owned by J. Stables, and trained by Roderick Rodriguez, Decked Out, who is by Curlin-Harve de Grace, by Boston Harbor, ran the six-furlong dirt race on a track rate fast, in 1:11.27.
Decked Out, who is now undefeated in two career starts, has $111,600 in earnings.
Del Mar
The race meet at Del Mar started last week, but on this Saturday, there were a couple stakes races with some exiting finishes.
In the $200,500 San Diego Handicap (G2), Catch a Flight (Arg), who was piloted by Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens, stalked the race leaders, Appealing Tale and Bayern in third place along the outside, then rallied down the stretch to get the win by a head over Appealing Tale.
Finishing third in the seven-horse field of 3-year-olds and up was race-favorite Bayern, while second-betting favorite Hopportunity was fourth by a nose.
"He (Catch a Flight) won a lot of races in Brazil, not against the highest competition, but it gave him a good bit of experience," said winning trainer Richard Mandella. "He came here and he just keeps getting better and better. He was meant to sit back, but it looked like they were kin of getting away from him at the last turn and I was a little worried. But, I guess they used themselves enough that he caught them. The Pacific Classic is next."
Owned by Haras Santa Maria de Araras, Catch a Flight, who is by Giant's Causeway-Callaia (Arg), by Lode, ran the 1-1/16th-mile race in 1:43.08. He now has three wins, three thirds and $401,760 in earnings in six career starts.
Also on Saturday at Del Mar, Big Book with jockey Rafael Bejarano riding, won the $200,000 Fleet Treat Stakes by 2-1/4 lengths over Kiss At Midnight.
Finishing third in the six-horse field of 3-year-old California-breds, or California-bred fillies was Sheer Pleasure.
Owned by George Krikorian and trained by Tim Yakteen, Big Book ran the seven-furlong dirt race on a track rated fast in 1:24.77.
With the win, Big Book remains undefeated with two wins and $68,400 in two career starts.
(Information gathered from EquiBase.com, NYRA.com, DMTC.com BloodHorse.com, and Brisnet.com)
Yes, Saratoga, "The Spa," is open in New York, and Del Mar, where the "Turf meets the surf," is open in Southern California.
Here's a look at a few of the races.
Saratoga
On Saturday, July 25, 2015 – opening weekend at Saratoga, there were a few big stakes races that lived up to expectations
One of the most exciting was the $500,000 Diana Stakes (G1), a turf-race for fillies and mares, 2-years-old and up.
In the race, Hard Not to Like, with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez riding, rallied furiously down the stretch late trying to catch race leader Kitten's Queen and Tepin.
Soon the three were battling side-by-side with a furlong to go to the finish line, and at the wire, Hard Not to Like got her nose out front to get the win by a nose over Tepin, who outstretched Kitten's Queen for second-place by a neck.
In the process of getting the win, Hard Not to Like set a new course record of 1:45.22 on a turf-course rated firm in the seven-horse field.
 |
| Hard Not to Like, No. 4, rallied down the stretch to win the $500,000 Diana Stakes in an exciting three-horse finish. (Photo by Coglianese Photos) |
Added Velazquez, "This horse is much better now and is only improving. As the distance of the race got longer, the better the horse became. The horse is a little small and doesn't have the speed to stay with the other horses in the first part of the race. The longer the race went on, the longer the horse's strides became."
Owned by Speedway Stable, Hard Not to Like, a 6-year-old by Hard Spun-Like a Gem, by Tactical Cat now has eight wins, three seconds, two thirds and $1,261,671 in earnings in 20 career starts.
In a controversial finish, Magna Light, ridden by Jose Ortiz, scored a 3/4-length win over Uncle Vinny, in the $150,000 Sanford Stakes (G3). Finishing third I the 10-horse field was Percolator.
Ultimately, Uncle Vinny, who was ridden by Velazquez, got the win after Magna Light was disqualified and placed third because of interference in the stretch. Percolator got second.
The objection came because when the field began to catch up to race leader Magna Light in the stretch, Ortiz hit his horse with a left-handed whip, which caused the horse to come out four to five paths left. Then, trying to correct, Ortiz hit Magna Light with the whip, this time with his right hand, which caused the horse to shy right and into the path of Percolator, who was ridden by Kendrick Carmouhe, who made the objection.
"He was running down the lane," said Velazquez of Uncle Vinny. "We were getting to the point where he was rolling from the eighth pole to the wire, and he inherited the win. Nothing I can say. He definitely was coming running. (Magna Light) ran a great race, too."
Owned by Starlight Racing, Uncle Vinny ran the six-furlong race for 2-year-olds in 1:10.92. He now has two wins in three starts and $141,500 in earnings.
In an amazing finish to the $200,000 Lake George Stakes (G2), Mrs McDougal, with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard, rallied down the stretch and scored a 1/2-length victory over Feathered, who had led the entire race.
Finishing third in the nine-horse field of 3-year-old fillies by just a nose was Cara Marie, while behind her Partisan Politics was fourth by a neck, All in Fun was fifth by a head, an Jellicle Ball (Ire) was sixth by a head.
Rounding out the nine-horse field of 3-year-old fillies was Mississippi Delta seventh, followed by Robillard and Sivoliere (Ire).
Mrs McDougal, who is by Medaglia d'Oro-Distorted Passion, by Distorted Humor, ran the 1-1/16th-mile race in 1:41.52.
Owned by Mr. and Mrs. William K. Warren, and trained by Chad Brown, Mrs McDougal now has three wins and $212,880 in five career starts.
In the $150,000 Schuylerville Stakes (G3), the featured stakes race on opening day at Saratoga, Friday, July 24, 2015, Off the Tracks, ridden by Luis Saez, took first place by 3-1/4-lengths over Benree.
Decked Out finished third in the eight-horse race for 2-year-old fillies.
Owned by J. Stables, and trained by Roderick Rodriguez, Decked Out, who is by Curlin-Harve de Grace, by Boston Harbor, ran the six-furlong dirt race on a track rate fast, in 1:11.27.
Decked Out, who is now undefeated in two career starts, has $111,600 in earnings.
Del Mar
The race meet at Del Mar started last week, but on this Saturday, there were a couple stakes races with some exiting finishes.
In the $200,500 San Diego Handicap (G2), Catch a Flight (Arg), who was piloted by Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens, stalked the race leaders, Appealing Tale and Bayern in third place along the outside, then rallied down the stretch to get the win by a head over Appealing Tale.
 |
| Catch a Flight, left, was the big winner at Del Mar on Saturday, as he scored a win by a head in the $200,500 San Diego Handicap (G2). (Photo by BenoitPhoto.com) |
Finishing third in the seven-horse field of 3-year-olds and up was race-favorite Bayern, while second-betting favorite Hopportunity was fourth by a nose.
"He (Catch a Flight) won a lot of races in Brazil, not against the highest competition, but it gave him a good bit of experience," said winning trainer Richard Mandella. "He came here and he just keeps getting better and better. He was meant to sit back, but it looked like they were kin of getting away from him at the last turn and I was a little worried. But, I guess they used themselves enough that he caught them. The Pacific Classic is next."
Owned by Haras Santa Maria de Araras, Catch a Flight, who is by Giant's Causeway-Callaia (Arg), by Lode, ran the 1-1/16th-mile race in 1:43.08. He now has three wins, three thirds and $401,760 in earnings in six career starts.
Also on Saturday at Del Mar, Big Book with jockey Rafael Bejarano riding, won the $200,000 Fleet Treat Stakes by 2-1/4 lengths over Kiss At Midnight.
Finishing third in the six-horse field of 3-year-old California-breds, or California-bred fillies was Sheer Pleasure.
Owned by George Krikorian and trained by Tim Yakteen, Big Book ran the seven-furlong dirt race on a track rated fast in 1:24.77.
With the win, Big Book remains undefeated with two wins and $68,400 in two career starts.
(Information gathered from EquiBase.com, NYRA.com, DMTC.com BloodHorse.com, and Brisnet.com)
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
War Emblem is coming home
War Emblem, winner of the 2002 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1), who has been standing at stud in Japan, is coming home to the United States to enjoy his retirement at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement farm in Georgetown, Ky.
"It's just an embarrassment of riches," said Michael Blowen, Old Friends founder. "It has been mind-blowing to have one Kentucky Derby winner here (Silver Charm), and now we are just thrilled and honored to also be able to retire War Emblem. We can't thank the Yoshida family enough for entrusting us with their fabulous horse."
The news was broken by Michele MacDonald in a RacingPost.com article on July 21, 2015.
According to the Old Friends’ press release, “In the fall of 2002 War Emblem was sold to the Yoshida family of Japan for $17 million to stand at their renowned Shadai Stallion Station in Hokkaido, which also stood the great Sunday Silence. War Emblem proved a finicky but talented stallion, having sired less than 200 foals in his career but many of them talented runners, including Japan's champion 2-year-old filly and Group 1 winner Robe Tissage.
“War Emblem was retired from stud duty earlier this year and the Yoshida family generously agreed to donate the stallion to Old Friends. Negotiations have been coordinated by Narvick International's Emmanual de Seroux.”
Plans call for War Emblem to arrive at Old Friends in late September.
War Emblem is the second Kentucky Derby winner that will reside at Old Friends. Last November, Silver Charm also returned from Japan and came to Old Friends. He was visited by his former trainer, Bob Baffert, prior to this year’s Kentucky Derby.
In a couple twists of fate:
* Baffert also trained War Emblem to his wins in the Derby and Preakness.
* War Emblem eventually lost his chance at the Triple Crown that year in the Belmont Stakes (G1). He stumbled out of the gate and was never a factor. The eventual winner was long shot Sarava, who also calls Old Friends home.
So, the question now is – which paddock will War Emblem live – the one across from Silver Charm OR the one across from Sarava.
Time will tell.
Stay tuned for more updates on when War Emblem will arrive at Old Friends.
"It's just an embarrassment of riches," said Michael Blowen, Old Friends founder. "It has been mind-blowing to have one Kentucky Derby winner here (Silver Charm), and now we are just thrilled and honored to also be able to retire War Emblem. We can't thank the Yoshida family enough for entrusting us with their fabulous horse."
The news was broken by Michele MacDonald in a RacingPost.com article on July 21, 2015.
According to the Old Friends’ press release, “In the fall of 2002 War Emblem was sold to the Yoshida family of Japan for $17 million to stand at their renowned Shadai Stallion Station in Hokkaido, which also stood the great Sunday Silence. War Emblem proved a finicky but talented stallion, having sired less than 200 foals in his career but many of them talented runners, including Japan's champion 2-year-old filly and Group 1 winner Robe Tissage.
“War Emblem was retired from stud duty earlier this year and the Yoshida family generously agreed to donate the stallion to Old Friends. Negotiations have been coordinated by Narvick International's Emmanual de Seroux.”
Plans call for War Emblem to arrive at Old Friends in late September.
War Emblem is the second Kentucky Derby winner that will reside at Old Friends. Last November, Silver Charm also returned from Japan and came to Old Friends. He was visited by his former trainer, Bob Baffert, prior to this year’s Kentucky Derby.
In a couple twists of fate:
* Baffert also trained War Emblem to his wins in the Derby and Preakness.
* War Emblem eventually lost his chance at the Triple Crown that year in the Belmont Stakes (G1). He stumbled out of the gate and was never a factor. The eventual winner was long shot Sarava, who also calls Old Friends home.
So, the question now is – which paddock will War Emblem live – the one across from Silver Charm OR the one across from Sarava.
Time will tell.
Stay tuned for more updates on when War Emblem will arrive at Old Friends.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Gabriel Charles, Saratoga Snacks, Sheer Drama and Tiz Shea D score big wins
There were many good races across the United States this past Saturday, July 18, 2015. Here are just a few of them, each impressive in its own right.
At Del Mar Racetrack in the $400,500 Eddie Read Stakes (G1T), Gabriel Charles, with Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith riding, settled next to last in the seven-horse field for most of the race, came out of the final turn flying, barreled down the stretch to take the lead from Twentytwentyvision near the sixteenth pole, and then pulled away for a 3-3/4-length win.
Twentytwentyvision crossed the wire in second, 3-3/4-lengths ahead of third-place finisher, Finnegans Wake.
“I don’t think it rained on the turf course; only the main track. It was plenty fast,” said Smith. “My horse was so nice and comfortable; going along so easy. I was watching the competition up front, but I thought I could handle them. I was worried about that one in the back (Finnnegans Wake). I knew he was going to be coming and he’s run some big ones. On the turn, I gunned him (Gabriel Charles) to put a little distance between myself and the rest (of the horses). I guess I sure did. He was impressive.”
Rounding out the field of 3-year-olds and up was Power Red fourth, followed by Midnight Storm, Big Cazanova (Arg), who had the early lead around the track, and Maltes (Brz).
Owned by Sam Britt and Michael House, Gabriel Charles, who is by Street Hero-Star of Atticus, by Atticus, ran the 1-1/8th-mile turf race in 1:48.13 on a track rated good following some rain.
The 5-year-old Gabriel Charles had been out of racing between November 2013 and April 2015, recovering from a bowed tendon. He came into the Eddie Read off a third-place finish in the American Stakes (G3) on May 9 and a second in an allowance race on April 16. Both races were at Santa Anita.
“…He (Mike Smith) was perched up on him like they were going a two-minute mile and when he swung him into the clear I could see he had plenty of horse,” said winning trainer Jeff Mullins. “How many horse bow a tendon and come back and win a Group 1? We took our time with him and that was the key. We knew he had this caliber of talent, bit was a matter of keeping him healthy. We were worried about the turf course after the rain, but Mike said the course was great.”
Prior to his injury, Gabriel Charles had won the Del Mar Derby (G2) on Sept. 1, 2013, and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Preview Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita on Nov. 13, 2012.
It appears with his win in the Eddie Read, Gabriel Charles has returned to form. He now has four wins, four seconds and $584,400 in 10 career starts.
==========
Saratoga Snacks put on an impressive show at Belmont Park on Saturday.
With Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez riding, Saratoga Snacks broke from gate two, took the lead and went gate-to-wire to win the $100,000 Saginaw Stakes by three-quarters of a length over Empire Dreams.
Finishing third in the five-horse field of New York bred 4-year-olds and up was Gridley Here, followed by Notacatbutallama and Eye Luv Lulu.
Owned and trained by Gary Sciacca, 6-year-old Saratoga Snacks ran the 1-1/16th-mile dirt race in 1:43.98 on a track rated as good.
With the win, Saratoga Snacks, who is by Tale of the Cat-Near and Dear, by Red Ransom, now has nine wins, four seconds, four thirds, and $652,000 in earnings in 21 career starts.
==========
At Delaware Park on Saturday in the $750,250 Delaware Handicap (G1), Sheer Drama, who was ridden by jockey Joe Bravo, stalked race leader Frivolous for most of the race, then began to make his move going around the final turn, took the lead in the stretch and went on to a two-length victory.
Frivolous finished second by 3-3/4 lengths over America. Rounding out the seven-horse field of fillies and mares 3-years-old and up was Flashy American fourth, followed by Rosalind, Joint Return and Fortune Pearl.
Sheer Drama ran the 1-1/4-mile dirt race in 2:01.58 on a track rated fast.
Interestingly, in their last meeting on June 13 at Churchill Downs, Sheer Drama finished second to Frivolous in the 1-1/8th-mile Fleur de Lis Handicap (G2). This time around, the 5-year-old filly by Burning Roma-Riveting Drama, by Notebook, turned the tables and got the win.
“Winning a Grade 1 with her (Sheer Drama) is a big deal,” said winning trainer David Fawkes in a July 18 BloodHorse.com article. “This race played out just like the Fleur de Lis, but I knew the added distance would help us. I love when she was sitting second. It was picture-perfect.”
Owned by Harold L. Queen, Sheer Drama now has five wins, eight seconds, one third and $918,840 in earnings in 18 career starts.
As to her next race, Hawkes said in the BloodHorse.com article, “We’re not sure where she’ll go next and I’ll talk to Mr. Queen, but I would think we have to go to the Breeders’ Cup. It’s kind of like when her brother won a ‘Win and You’re in” race’ and we targeted the Breeders’ Cup. It was perfect.”
According to BloodHorse.com, her brother was Big Drama, winner of the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1). He was owned and bred by Queen, and trained by Hawkes.
==========
Tiz Shea D was a big winner at Indiana Grand Race Course on Saturday in the Indiana Derby (G2).
Ridden by jockey Jose Lezcano, the 3-year-old colt ran second behind Mr. Z for almost the entire race, then took the lead to an erratically-running Mr. Z down the stretch, and went on to a 1-1/4-length win.
Mr. Z held on to a head-length second-place finish over third-place finisher Divining Rod.
Rounding out the eight-horse field of 3-year-olds was Bold Conquest in fourth, followed by Island Town, Far Right, Alabaster and Deliverance Day.
Tiz Shea D, who is by Tiznow-Ender’s Sister, by A.P. Indy, ran the 1-1/16th-mile race on a dirt track rated sloppy (sealed) in 1:43.02.
Owned by Brous Stable, Gary Barber and Wachtel Stable, and trained by Bill Mott, Tiz Shea D now has two wins, two seconds and $460,056 in earnings in six career starts.
Also scoring a win at Indiana Grand Race Course on Saturday was High Dollar Woman.
Ridden by jockey Joe Rocco Jr., High Dollar Woman went gate-to-wire to win the Indiana Oaks (G2) by a length over Sweetgrass, while Oceanwave finished third in the nine-horse field for 3-year-old fillies.
High Dollar Woman, who is by Super Saver-Melissa Jo, by Fusaichi Pegauss, ran the 1-1/16th-mile dirt race in 1:43.49.
Owned by Alex and JoAnn Lieblong, and trained by Steve Hobby, High Dollar Woman has three wins, one second and $201,945 in earnings in seven career starts.
(Information gathered from EquiBase.com, BloodHorse.com, DMTC.com and PedigreeQuery.com.)
At Del Mar Racetrack in the $400,500 Eddie Read Stakes (G1T), Gabriel Charles, with Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith riding, settled next to last in the seven-horse field for most of the race, came out of the final turn flying, barreled down the stretch to take the lead from Twentytwentyvision near the sixteenth pole, and then pulled away for a 3-3/4-length win.
 |
| Gabriel Charles, with Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith riding, won the Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar Racetrack on Saturday, July 18, 2015. (Photo by BenoitPhoto.com) |
Twentytwentyvision crossed the wire in second, 3-3/4-lengths ahead of third-place finisher, Finnegans Wake.
“I don’t think it rained on the turf course; only the main track. It was plenty fast,” said Smith. “My horse was so nice and comfortable; going along so easy. I was watching the competition up front, but I thought I could handle them. I was worried about that one in the back (Finnnegans Wake). I knew he was going to be coming and he’s run some big ones. On the turn, I gunned him (Gabriel Charles) to put a little distance between myself and the rest (of the horses). I guess I sure did. He was impressive.”
Rounding out the field of 3-year-olds and up was Power Red fourth, followed by Midnight Storm, Big Cazanova (Arg), who had the early lead around the track, and Maltes (Brz).
Owned by Sam Britt and Michael House, Gabriel Charles, who is by Street Hero-Star of Atticus, by Atticus, ran the 1-1/8th-mile turf race in 1:48.13 on a track rated good following some rain.
The 5-year-old Gabriel Charles had been out of racing between November 2013 and April 2015, recovering from a bowed tendon. He came into the Eddie Read off a third-place finish in the American Stakes (G3) on May 9 and a second in an allowance race on April 16. Both races were at Santa Anita.
“…He (Mike Smith) was perched up on him like they were going a two-minute mile and when he swung him into the clear I could see he had plenty of horse,” said winning trainer Jeff Mullins. “How many horse bow a tendon and come back and win a Group 1? We took our time with him and that was the key. We knew he had this caliber of talent, bit was a matter of keeping him healthy. We were worried about the turf course after the rain, but Mike said the course was great.”
Prior to his injury, Gabriel Charles had won the Del Mar Derby (G2) on Sept. 1, 2013, and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Preview Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita on Nov. 13, 2012.
It appears with his win in the Eddie Read, Gabriel Charles has returned to form. He now has four wins, four seconds and $584,400 in 10 career starts.
==========
Saratoga Snacks put on an impressive show at Belmont Park on Saturday.
With Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez riding, Saratoga Snacks broke from gate two, took the lead and went gate-to-wire to win the $100,000 Saginaw Stakes by three-quarters of a length over Empire Dreams.
 |
| Saratoga Snacks, right, with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez aboard, went gate-to-wire to win the Saginaw Stakes at Belmont Park on Saturday, July 18, 2015. (Photo by Coglianese Photos) |
Finishing third in the five-horse field of New York bred 4-year-olds and up was Gridley Here, followed by Notacatbutallama and Eye Luv Lulu.
Owned and trained by Gary Sciacca, 6-year-old Saratoga Snacks ran the 1-1/16th-mile dirt race in 1:43.98 on a track rated as good.
With the win, Saratoga Snacks, who is by Tale of the Cat-Near and Dear, by Red Ransom, now has nine wins, four seconds, four thirds, and $652,000 in earnings in 21 career starts.
==========
At Delaware Park on Saturday in the $750,250 Delaware Handicap (G1), Sheer Drama, who was ridden by jockey Joe Bravo, stalked race leader Frivolous for most of the race, then began to make his move going around the final turn, took the lead in the stretch and went on to a two-length victory.
Frivolous finished second by 3-3/4 lengths over America. Rounding out the seven-horse field of fillies and mares 3-years-old and up was Flashy American fourth, followed by Rosalind, Joint Return and Fortune Pearl.
Sheer Drama ran the 1-1/4-mile dirt race in 2:01.58 on a track rated fast.
Interestingly, in their last meeting on June 13 at Churchill Downs, Sheer Drama finished second to Frivolous in the 1-1/8th-mile Fleur de Lis Handicap (G2). This time around, the 5-year-old filly by Burning Roma-Riveting Drama, by Notebook, turned the tables and got the win.
“Winning a Grade 1 with her (Sheer Drama) is a big deal,” said winning trainer David Fawkes in a July 18 BloodHorse.com article. “This race played out just like the Fleur de Lis, but I knew the added distance would help us. I love when she was sitting second. It was picture-perfect.”
Owned by Harold L. Queen, Sheer Drama now has five wins, eight seconds, one third and $918,840 in earnings in 18 career starts.
As to her next race, Hawkes said in the BloodHorse.com article, “We’re not sure where she’ll go next and I’ll talk to Mr. Queen, but I would think we have to go to the Breeders’ Cup. It’s kind of like when her brother won a ‘Win and You’re in” race’ and we targeted the Breeders’ Cup. It was perfect.”
According to BloodHorse.com, her brother was Big Drama, winner of the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1). He was owned and bred by Queen, and trained by Hawkes.
==========
Tiz Shea D was a big winner at Indiana Grand Race Course on Saturday in the Indiana Derby (G2).
Ridden by jockey Jose Lezcano, the 3-year-old colt ran second behind Mr. Z for almost the entire race, then took the lead to an erratically-running Mr. Z down the stretch, and went on to a 1-1/4-length win.
Mr. Z held on to a head-length second-place finish over third-place finisher Divining Rod.
Rounding out the eight-horse field of 3-year-olds was Bold Conquest in fourth, followed by Island Town, Far Right, Alabaster and Deliverance Day.
Tiz Shea D, who is by Tiznow-Ender’s Sister, by A.P. Indy, ran the 1-1/16th-mile race on a dirt track rated sloppy (sealed) in 1:43.02.
Owned by Brous Stable, Gary Barber and Wachtel Stable, and trained by Bill Mott, Tiz Shea D now has two wins, two seconds and $460,056 in earnings in six career starts.
Also scoring a win at Indiana Grand Race Course on Saturday was High Dollar Woman.
Ridden by jockey Joe Rocco Jr., High Dollar Woman went gate-to-wire to win the Indiana Oaks (G2) by a length over Sweetgrass, while Oceanwave finished third in the nine-horse field for 3-year-old fillies.
High Dollar Woman, who is by Super Saver-Melissa Jo, by Fusaichi Pegauss, ran the 1-1/16th-mile dirt race in 1:43.49.
Owned by Alex and JoAnn Lieblong, and trained by Steve Hobby, High Dollar Woman has three wins, one second and $201,945 in earnings in seven career starts.
(Information gathered from EquiBase.com, BloodHorse.com, DMTC.com and PedigreeQuery.com.)
Sunday, July 19, 2015
American Pharoah works out at Del Mar
In his first workout in preparation for the Haskell Invitational (G1) at
Monmouth Park on Aug. 2, 2015, Triple Crown winner American Pharoah ran
a six-furlong breeze at Del Mar on Satuday, July 18, 2015, in 1:11
2/5ths.
 |
|
American Pharoah, with jockey Martin Garcia riding, ran his
first workout at Del Mar Racetrack on Saturday, July 18, 2015, in preparation
for his next race. (Photo by BenoitPhoto.com)
|
On hand to
watch were trainer Bob Baffert, while jockey Martin Garcia was aboard
American Pharoah for the workout wearing a GoPro camera on his helmet.
The workout was the fastest of the dozen workouts at that distance on the day.
"He went good," said Baffert in a BloodHorse.com article. "It was a good work for him. He needed it."
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Wise Dan continues on his comeback trail
Two-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan continued to work his way back into shape now that he has been cleared to resume working out at Keeneland for trainer Charlie LoPresti.
The last time the racing world saw Wise Dan run in a race was at the Keeneland 2014 fall meet when he came back from last place following a slow start to win the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1), which was the first million dollar race in Keeneland's long history.
After that, an injury was discovered and he has been recuperating ever since. Bur, recently, he was cleared to resume his training, and he's been out and about on the Keeneland track walking and jogging and working himself back into shape.
On Friday, July 17, 2015, Wise Dan was out on the Keeneland track where photographer Steve Blake caught him jogging around.
The guess here is that the hope is to have him ready to run in the Breeders' Cup Mile on his home track at Keeneland in October 2015. Wise Dan won the race in 2012 and 2013, the same years he won the Eclipse Awards for Horse of the Year.
Updated: Sunday, July 19, 2015: According to BloodHorse.com, the photo above, which was taken by Steve Blake, was actually a timed breeze for Wise Dan on Friday, July 17, 2015. The 8-year-old gelding ran the four-furlongs in :48 1/5 while being ridden by exercise rider, Jenn Patterson.
The last time the racing world saw Wise Dan run in a race was at the Keeneland 2014 fall meet when he came back from last place following a slow start to win the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1), which was the first million dollar race in Keeneland's long history.
 |
| Wise Dan took a jog around the turf track at Keeneland on Friday morning, July 17, 2015. The two-time horse of the year continues working out in the hopes of getting back to racing, especially at this year's Breeders' Cup, which is at Keeneland – his home track. (Photo by Steve Blake/MultiExposures.com) |
On Friday, July 17, 2015, Wise Dan was out on the Keeneland track where photographer Steve Blake caught him jogging around.
The guess here is that the hope is to have him ready to run in the Breeders' Cup Mile on his home track at Keeneland in October 2015. Wise Dan won the race in 2012 and 2013, the same years he won the Eclipse Awards for Horse of the Year.
Updated: Sunday, July 19, 2015: According to BloodHorse.com, the photo above, which was taken by Steve Blake, was actually a timed breeze for Wise Dan on Friday, July 17, 2015. The 8-year-old gelding ran the four-furlongs in :48 1/5 while being ridden by exercise rider, Jenn Patterson.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Injuries sideline three Thoroughbred stars
You know the saying… When a celebrity passes away, your first thought is, “They always seem to come in threes.” And, almost always, sadly, within a few days, two more celebrity’s pass away.
Well, that seemed to be the case in Thoroughbred racing this week, as three star Thoroughbreds were sidelined due to injuries.
Things began on July 12, 2015, when it was announced that 2014 Horse of the Year and Three-Year Old Champion, California Chrome. was out for the year due to a cannon bone bruise.
The winner of the 2014 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1) had last competed in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-1) where he gave a valiant effort and finished in second place.
After that, he travelled to England where plans were to run him in the at Royal Ascot. However, just a few days before the race, he was scratched due to a foot bruise.
He then returned to the United States to Arlington for a run in the Arlington Million before the cannon bone bruise was discovered.
"He's probably out for the rest of the year," said California Chrome’s trainer Art Sherman in a BloodHorse.com article. "It's three months, but that's almost the rest of the year, and if you're going to race him again, you have to get him back into training. If they decide to run him next year, he'll be fine... (The owners) haven't made up their mind, but I'll know in the next couple days."
Considering his value as a stallion prospect, it is quite possible California Chrome’s career might be over. Time will tell.
Owned by Dumb Ass Partners Perry Martin and Steve Coburn, California Chrome, who is by Lucky Pulpit-Love the Chase, by Not for Love, currently has nine wins, three seconds, one third and $6,322,650 in earnings in 18 career starts.
The very next day, it was announced that Main Sequence had been retired due to a tendon tear that was discovered following his last race in the United Nations Stakes.
“Following Main Sequence's poor performance in the United Nations Stakes, a thorough veterinary examination was carried out last week, A tendon tear was discovered and the decision has been taken to retire him. The 2014 Eclipse champion turf male and Eclipse champion older male has given his owners great pleasure throughout his career,” said Alan Cooper in a BloodHorse.com article. Cooper is the racing manager for the horse’s owner, Flaxman Holdings.
Trained by Graham Motion, Main Sequence, who is by Aldebaran-Ikat (Ire), by Pivotal (GB), retires with nine wins, three seconds, three thirds and $3,428,591 in earnigns in 21 career starts. He ran races in the United States (mostly, but also England, France and the UAE.
Arguably, his biggest win came in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) at Santa Anita on Oct. 31, 2014.
Then, the following day, news spread that undefeated Lady Eli was battling laminitis after she had stepped on a nail following her win in the $1 million Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park on July 4.
"I feel badly for all her fans and for (her trainer) Chad (Brown), who is very close to this horse," said Jay Hanley, one of her co-owners. "Hopefully she can take her fighting spirit and put it into fighting this."
Owned by Sheep Pond Partners, Lady Eli currently has six wins and $1,449,800 in earnings in six career starts.
By Divine Park-Sacre Coeur, by Saint Ballado (Can), the beautiful, dark brown 3-year-old filly, who still has so much potential, is now battling for her life, as laminitis is a tough injury to cure. But, as she has done in all of her races, she is a fighter and, no doubt, will fight her best to conquer this injury.
(Information gathered from BloodHorse.com, HorseRacingNation.com and Brisnet.com)
Well, that seemed to be the case in Thoroughbred racing this week, as three star Thoroughbreds were sidelined due to injuries.
Things began on July 12, 2015, when it was announced that 2014 Horse of the Year and Three-Year Old Champion, California Chrome. was out for the year due to a cannon bone bruise.
The winner of the 2014 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1) had last competed in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-1) where he gave a valiant effort and finished in second place.
After that, he travelled to England where plans were to run him in the at Royal Ascot. However, just a few days before the race, he was scratched due to a foot bruise.
He then returned to the United States to Arlington for a run in the Arlington Million before the cannon bone bruise was discovered.
"He's probably out for the rest of the year," said California Chrome’s trainer Art Sherman in a BloodHorse.com article. "It's three months, but that's almost the rest of the year, and if you're going to race him again, you have to get him back into training. If they decide to run him next year, he'll be fine... (The owners) haven't made up their mind, but I'll know in the next couple days."
Considering his value as a stallion prospect, it is quite possible California Chrome’s career might be over. Time will tell.
Owned by Dumb Ass Partners Perry Martin and Steve Coburn, California Chrome, who is by Lucky Pulpit-Love the Chase, by Not for Love, currently has nine wins, three seconds, one third and $6,322,650 in earnings in 18 career starts.
The very next day, it was announced that Main Sequence had been retired due to a tendon tear that was discovered following his last race in the United Nations Stakes.
“Following Main Sequence's poor performance in the United Nations Stakes, a thorough veterinary examination was carried out last week, A tendon tear was discovered and the decision has been taken to retire him. The 2014 Eclipse champion turf male and Eclipse champion older male has given his owners great pleasure throughout his career,” said Alan Cooper in a BloodHorse.com article. Cooper is the racing manager for the horse’s owner, Flaxman Holdings.
Trained by Graham Motion, Main Sequence, who is by Aldebaran-Ikat (Ire), by Pivotal (GB), retires with nine wins, three seconds, three thirds and $3,428,591 in earnigns in 21 career starts. He ran races in the United States (mostly, but also England, France and the UAE.
Arguably, his biggest win came in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) at Santa Anita on Oct. 31, 2014.
Then, the following day, news spread that undefeated Lady Eli was battling laminitis after she had stepped on a nail following her win in the $1 million Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park on July 4.
 |
| Lady Eli, shown winning the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) at Santa Anita, has been sidelined due to laminitis after being injured after the Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park on July 4, when she stepped on a nail heading back to the barn. (Photo by Matt Wooley / EquiSportPhotos.com) |
Owned by Sheep Pond Partners, Lady Eli currently has six wins and $1,449,800 in earnings in six career starts.
By Divine Park-Sacre Coeur, by Saint Ballado (Can), the beautiful, dark brown 3-year-old filly, who still has so much potential, is now battling for her life, as laminitis is a tough injury to cure. But, as she has done in all of her races, she is a fighter and, no doubt, will fight her best to conquer this injury.
(Information gathered from BloodHorse.com, HorseRacingNation.com and Brisnet.com)
Monday, July 13, 2015
Lady Shipman romps in Klassy Briefcase Stakes
The Pizza Man repeats in Stars and Stripes; Calamity Kate pulls off upset in Delaware Oaks, as Lovely Maria finishes fifth.
In an impressive performance at Monmouth Park on Sunday, July 12, 2015, Lady Shipman, with jockey Eduardo Nunez riding, romped to a 6-1/4-length victory over Jewel of the Cat in the $60,000 Klassy Briefcase Stakes.
Finishing third in the eight-horse field for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up was Joya Real.
Lady Shipman, a 3-year-old by Midshipman-Sumthingtotalkabt, by Mutakddim, finished the 5-1/2-furlong race on a track rated firm in 1:01.59.
“She was really impressive today,” said Kathleen O’Connell, who trains Lady Shipman for Ranlo Investments. “I know she’s a real nice filly and taking on older horses for the first time today she really showed how good she is. The best thing with her is her mind. She doesn’t let anything bother her. She ships well and does everything perfectly.”
With the win, Lady Shipman now has six wins, 2 thirds and $200,000 in earnings in eight career starts.
The Klassy Briefcase Stakes is named after Klassy Briefcase, a record-setting filly.
Klassy Briefcase, who is by Medieval Man-Leather Gallery, by The Pruner, was foaled in New Jersey on April 15, 1985.
After winning her first race – a maiden special weight at Rockingham Park on July 31, 1987, she went on to win a number of stakes races during her career.
In 1988, she won the Primonetta Stakes at Monmouth, the Princess Rooney Stakes at Meadowlands, the Fair Haven Handicap at Monmouth and the Candy Éclair Stakes, also at Monmouth.
Then in 1999, she won the Seton Hall University Stakes at the Meadowlands and the Park Heights Handicap at Pimlico.
In her final year of racing in 1991, she won the Nauvoo Stakes and the West Long Branch Stakes, both at Monmouth.
In her final race on Aug. 22, 1991, she travelled over to England and finished ninth in the Weight for Ages Stakes in York.
In total, Klassy Briefcase finished her racing career with 18 wins, six seconds, one third and $362,959 in earnings in 42 career starts.
In addition, she set three records in her career. In 1990, she set a 5-furlong record at Pimlico of :56 3/5 in the Park Heights Handicap.
She also set a world record at Monmouth for 5-furlongs of :54 4/5, and another 5-furlong record on the turf “Red Course” at Monmouth of :56.
Following her retirement, she had a successful breeding career. In 2008, Klassy was retired, her owners, Dan Kelliher and Lara Levine, and donated to Old Friends.
“Klassy” enjoyed her time at Old Friends. During her time at the farm, she had two very close paddock pals. First was Windundermywings, who died on December 31, 2011, and then Dancin Renee.
Klassy passed away on Sept. 19, 2013, due to the infirmities of old age. She was 28.
According to the Old Friends website, “A New Jersey bred, Klassy Briefcase was campaigned by owners Dan Kelliher and Lara Levine and was long considered not only one of the fastest sprinters of the Mid-Atlantic circuit, but also one of the fastest mares of her generation.”
Upon her death, Michael Blowen, owner and founder of Old Friends said, “Klassy with a K was Classy with a C as well. Her intelligent demeanor and kind disposition made her one of Old Friend's most popular retirees. She will be missed.”
----------
On Saturday, July 11, at Arlington Park, The Pizza Man, who was ridden by jockey Florent Geroux, ran between two horses coming out of the final turn and then came flying down the stretch towards the finish line.
At the wire, The Pizza Man got his head in front of Roman Approval, who had led the entire race, at the wire to win the $100,000 Stars and Stripes (G3) stakes for the second year in a row.
Finishing third in the eight-horse field of 3-year-olds, was Calvados (Arg).
The Pizza Man, a 6-year-old by English Channel-I Can Fan Van, by Lear Fan, ran the 1-1/2-mile race on the turf rated good in 2:34.13.
“I think this horse is very good mentally,” said Geroux. “He’s a horse that can be anywhere during the race and he just knows where the wire is and that’s a big plus. I’m just trying to be a good passenger and stay out of his way and he does the rest.”
For The Pizza Man, Arlington his definitely a track that he likes. He’s now won nine times at the track in 12 races.
With the win in the Stars and Stripes, The Pizza Man now has 14 wins, one second, two thirds and $899,565 in earnings in 22 career starts.
----------
Also on Saturday, a big upset occurred at Delaware Park when 54-to-1 long shot Calamity Kate, who was ridden by jockey Edgar Prado, surprised the field and went gate-to-wire to win the Delaware Oaks (G3) over Peace and War.
“The horse has been training good and in her last start she got a bad break,” said winning trainer Kelly John Breen. “So the last race was probably a throw out and she has been training great for this race. We had a couple of horses nominated and I guess we picked the right one to come here with. I told Edgar (Prado) just to ride his race. That she is sharp. It was just a matter of being in right spot at that right time.”
Finishing third in the eight-horse field for 3-year-old fillies was Hip Hop N Jazz.
The biggest surprise was that race-favorite, Lovely Maria, winner of this year’s Kentucky Oaks (G1), finished fifth with regular jockey Kerwin Clark riding.
Lovely Maria, who is owned by Gov. Brereton Jones and trained by Larry Jones, who offered no excuses for his filly’s finish.
According to Jones, Lovely Maria’s next start could be the Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga in August.
(Information gathered from EquiBase.com, BloodHorse.com, DelawarePark.com, ArlingtonPark.com and OldFriendsEquine.com)
In an impressive performance at Monmouth Park on Sunday, July 12, 2015, Lady Shipman, with jockey Eduardo Nunez riding, romped to a 6-1/4-length victory over Jewel of the Cat in the $60,000 Klassy Briefcase Stakes.
Finishing third in the eight-horse field for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up was Joya Real.
Lady Shipman, a 3-year-old by Midshipman-Sumthingtotalkabt, by Mutakddim, finished the 5-1/2-furlong race on a track rated firm in 1:01.59.
“She was really impressive today,” said Kathleen O’Connell, who trains Lady Shipman for Ranlo Investments. “I know she’s a real nice filly and taking on older horses for the first time today she really showed how good she is. The best thing with her is her mind. She doesn’t let anything bother her. She ships well and does everything perfectly.”
With the win, Lady Shipman now has six wins, 2 thirds and $200,000 in earnings in eight career starts.
The Klassy Briefcase Stakes is named after Klassy Briefcase, a record-setting filly.
Klassy Briefcase, who is by Medieval Man-Leather Gallery, by The Pruner, was foaled in New Jersey on April 15, 1985.
After winning her first race – a maiden special weight at Rockingham Park on July 31, 1987, she went on to win a number of stakes races during her career.
In 1988, she won the Primonetta Stakes at Monmouth, the Princess Rooney Stakes at Meadowlands, the Fair Haven Handicap at Monmouth and the Candy Éclair Stakes, also at Monmouth.
Then in 1999, she won the Seton Hall University Stakes at the Meadowlands and the Park Heights Handicap at Pimlico.
In her final year of racing in 1991, she won the Nauvoo Stakes and the West Long Branch Stakes, both at Monmouth.
In her final race on Aug. 22, 1991, she travelled over to England and finished ninth in the Weight for Ages Stakes in York.
In total, Klassy Briefcase finished her racing career with 18 wins, six seconds, one third and $362,959 in earnings in 42 career starts.
In addition, she set three records in her career. In 1990, she set a 5-furlong record at Pimlico of :56 3/5 in the Park Heights Handicap.
She also set a world record at Monmouth for 5-furlongs of :54 4/5, and another 5-furlong record on the turf “Red Course” at Monmouth of :56.
Following her retirement, she had a successful breeding career. In 2008, Klassy was retired, her owners, Dan Kelliher and Lara Levine, and donated to Old Friends.
 |
|
Klassy Briefcase enjoyed her retirement at Old Friends, the
Thoroughbred retirement far in Georgetown, Ky., from 2008 until Sept. 19, 2013,
when she died due to the infirmities of old age. (Photo by Rick Capone)
|
Klassy passed away on Sept. 19, 2013, due to the infirmities of old age. She was 28.
According to the Old Friends website, “A New Jersey bred, Klassy Briefcase was campaigned by owners Dan Kelliher and Lara Levine and was long considered not only one of the fastest sprinters of the Mid-Atlantic circuit, but also one of the fastest mares of her generation.”
Upon her death, Michael Blowen, owner and founder of Old Friends said, “Klassy with a K was Classy with a C as well. Her intelligent demeanor and kind disposition made her one of Old Friend's most popular retirees. She will be missed.”
----------
On Saturday, July 11, at Arlington Park, The Pizza Man, who was ridden by jockey Florent Geroux, ran between two horses coming out of the final turn and then came flying down the stretch towards the finish line.
At the wire, The Pizza Man got his head in front of Roman Approval, who had led the entire race, at the wire to win the $100,000 Stars and Stripes (G3) stakes for the second year in a row.
Finishing third in the eight-horse field of 3-year-olds, was Calvados (Arg).
The Pizza Man, a 6-year-old by English Channel-I Can Fan Van, by Lear Fan, ran the 1-1/2-mile race on the turf rated good in 2:34.13.
“I think this horse is very good mentally,” said Geroux. “He’s a horse that can be anywhere during the race and he just knows where the wire is and that’s a big plus. I’m just trying to be a good passenger and stay out of his way and he does the rest.”
For The Pizza Man, Arlington his definitely a track that he likes. He’s now won nine times at the track in 12 races.
With the win in the Stars and Stripes, The Pizza Man now has 14 wins, one second, two thirds and $899,565 in earnings in 22 career starts.
----------
Also on Saturday, a big upset occurred at Delaware Park when 54-to-1 long shot Calamity Kate, who was ridden by jockey Edgar Prado, surprised the field and went gate-to-wire to win the Delaware Oaks (G3) over Peace and War.
“The horse has been training good and in her last start she got a bad break,” said winning trainer Kelly John Breen. “So the last race was probably a throw out and she has been training great for this race. We had a couple of horses nominated and I guess we picked the right one to come here with. I told Edgar (Prado) just to ride his race. That she is sharp. It was just a matter of being in right spot at that right time.”
Finishing third in the eight-horse field for 3-year-old fillies was Hip Hop N Jazz.
The biggest surprise was that race-favorite, Lovely Maria, winner of this year’s Kentucky Oaks (G1), finished fifth with regular jockey Kerwin Clark riding.
Lovely Maria, who is owned by Gov. Brereton Jones and trained by Larry Jones, who offered no excuses for his filly’s finish.
According to Jones, Lovely Maria’s next start could be the Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga in August.
(Information gathered from EquiBase.com, BloodHorse.com, DelawarePark.com, ArlingtonPark.com and OldFriendsEquine.com)
Monday, July 6, 2015
Merry Meadow scores win in the Princess Rooney
It was a merry, merry day on Sunday, July 5, 2015 at Gulfstream Park for Merry Meadow. With jockey Javier Castellano riding, 5-year-old Merry Meadow stalked race leader Flutterby for most of the race, before taking the lead in the stretch and crossing the finish a 1-3/4-length winner in the Princess Rooney Stakes (G2) at the Hallandale, Fla. track.
Flutterby held on for second, while Kiss to Remember finished third in the 10-horse field of fillies and mares, 3-years old and up.
“It was a perfect trip,” said Castellano. “She was sharp, fresh, and a front-running horse. She wanted to race, so I let her do what she wanted today. It feels excellent to win three straight wins, and I love Gulfstream Park. It’s very exciting.”
Castellano also won the Miesque’s Approval with Grand Tito and the Carry Back Stakes (G3) with Grand Bili prior to his win in the Princess Rooney with Merry Meadow.
Merry Meadow, who is by Henny Hughes-Merryland Monroe, by Allen’s Prospect, finished the six-furlong race eon the dirt rated fast in 1:09.29.
For Merry Meadow, Gulfstream Park is becoming his favorite place to race. Except for a sixth-place finish in the Inside Information Stakes (G2) on March 2, he won the Hurricane Bertie Stakes (G3) on Feb. 14, and the Sugar Swirl Stakes (G3) on Dec. 13, 2014.
With his win in the Princess Rooney, Merry Meadow now has nine wins, 10 seconds, five thirds and $842,800 in earnings in 28 career starts.
Merry Meadow is owned by William Parsons Jr. and David S. Howe, and trained by Mark Hennig.
(Information gathered from EquiBase.com, GulfstreamPark.com, and PedigreeQuery.com.)
 |
| Merry Meadow, with jockey Javier Castellano aboard, scored a 1-3/4-length win in the $250,000 Princess Rooney Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Sunday, July 5, 2015. (Photo by Coglianese Photos) |
“It was a perfect trip,” said Castellano. “She was sharp, fresh, and a front-running horse. She wanted to race, so I let her do what she wanted today. It feels excellent to win three straight wins, and I love Gulfstream Park. It’s very exciting.”
Castellano also won the Miesque’s Approval with Grand Tito and the Carry Back Stakes (G3) with Grand Bili prior to his win in the Princess Rooney with Merry Meadow.
Merry Meadow, who is by Henny Hughes-Merryland Monroe, by Allen’s Prospect, finished the six-furlong race eon the dirt rated fast in 1:09.29.
For Merry Meadow, Gulfstream Park is becoming his favorite place to race. Except for a sixth-place finish in the Inside Information Stakes (G2) on March 2, he won the Hurricane Bertie Stakes (G3) on Feb. 14, and the Sugar Swirl Stakes (G3) on Dec. 13, 2014.
With his win in the Princess Rooney, Merry Meadow now has nine wins, 10 seconds, five thirds and $842,800 in earnings in 28 career starts.
Merry Meadow is owned by William Parsons Jr. and David S. Howe, and trained by Mark Hennig.
(Information gathered from EquiBase.com, GulfstreamPark.com, and PedigreeQuery.com.)
Sunday, July 5, 2015
USA women's soccer wins 2015 World Cup
Former USA women's soccer star Michelle Akers loves her horses
On Sunday, July 5, 2015, the USA women's soccer team defeated Japan, 5-2, to win the World Cup in a sterling performance in Vancouver, Canada.
It was the first World Cup won by the USA women since 1999, and, no doubt, the entire country is proud that the team has finally brought the trophy home to the United States.
So, what does this have to do with horses and horse racing?
Well, from the "Did you know" file …
Michelle Akers, one of the stars of the 1999 USA women's team, and one of the greatest players in the history of sport, runs a horse rescue on her eight-acre farm in Powder Springs, Ga., near Atlanta.
Founded in 2007, Akers's horse rescue is a 501(c)3 charity.
She has a number of horses at the farm and, from the information provided on her website and facebook page, she truly loves doing what she can for the horses that she loves.
"I started my horse rescue in 2007 after I took in Zoe, a starved horse found in Sanford, Fla., and soon discovered there were a lot of horses in need just in my local community," says Akers on her website. "I was compelled to do what I could... and with one stall open in my barn, I decided to focus on saving one horse at a time and ask my neighbors and community to do the same.
"To that end, that's what I've continued to do and along the way, each one of the animals I take in, give me much more than I could ever give to them. I hope after hearing their stories and looking them in the eye, you might feel compelled like I did, to help in the way that you can with the resources you have. We all can do something and that is all that is asked."
Akers talks specifically about Zoe one her site, and how she got started with her horse rescue.
"She's (Zoe's) the horse I was asked to help and later inspired me to begin my horse rescue," she says. "She was starved and near death and I was hesitant to take her as I'd never cared for a near death animal before...but the moment she walked into my barn, I realized the only thing I had to (do was) try. And that was what I did.
"Doing horse rescue has turned out to be one of the greatest adventures and biggest challenges of my life. Every day is different. Every horse is unique. And with every animal takes their own place in my heart. Sometimes, I am heart broken and other times I am overflowing with joy. Either way, I am always blessed.
Akers is currently trying to raise money for a project to upgrade her barn, which is subject to flooding.
According to her website, "Due to many factors, the barn which houses the horses and animals for Michelle Akers Horse Rescue is vulnerable to flooding and needs funding to keep the horses and animals safe and healthy. This project will enable the barn to be rebuilt and relocated to higher to ground, as well as, making changes to the property, i.e. pastures, driveway, and surrounding barn areas, to ensure the best environment possible to maintain horses."
For more information on Akers horse rescue and ways that you can help her out by donating money to her rescue, check out the following links:
Michele Akers Horse Rescue website: www.michelleakers.org
(Note: This site talks about her horse rescue, and also talks about her fundraising and soccer clinics)
Michele Akers Horse Rescue facebook page: www.facebook.com/michelleakershorserescue
(Note: There are photos of some of her horses on her facebook page)
Lady Eli remains undefeated on big day at Belmont
Lady Eli celebrated Independence Day by keeping her undefeated streak alive with an impressive win in the $1 million Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes (G1T) at Belmont Park on July 4, 2015.
Coming out of the final turn four-wide under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., Lady Eli rallied from seventh place in the 14-horse field of 3-year-olds, took over the lead in the final furlongs of the race and crossed the finish a 2-3/4-length winner over Itsonlyactingdad, while Outstanding (Ire) finished third, three-quarters of a length behind the second-place finisher.
"I had a perfect trip," said Ortiz. "We expected to have the best horse in the race, so that's why we saved ground the first half of the race. But after that, I know nobody noticed us, so I just took her out and looked behind, and before the half mile, I knew I had a lot of horse. Nobody put pressure on me and she took off."
Lady Eli ran the 1-1/4-mile turf race on the inner turf track rated firm in 1:59.27.
In the race, Lady Eli broke from the second gate and took up a position mid-pack close to the inside, while up front Lady Zuzu held the lead and led the field, with Pine Needles following closely behind.
Going into the first turn, Oritz moved Lady Eli to the outside to get her into a better position in the field, which would benefit her as the race progressed.
The field held steady going down the back stretch and into the final turn with Lady Zuzu leading the field through fractions of 22.93, 47.23, and 1:11.71.
Coming out of the final turn and heading into the stretch, Ortiz Jr. angled Lady Eli four-wide, then moved her a little further out to begin her charge to the front.
Meanwhile, Pine Needles took up the lead in the turn, with Lady ZuZu following close behind with thoughts of trying to recapture the lead further along, but that would not happen.
Soon, Lady Eli began to show she was the class of the field as she slowly caught up to the race leaders, passed them, and continued to widen her lead until crossing the line 2-3/4 lengths ahead of Itsonlyactingdad, who came from 10th place in the field to get up for the second-place finish.
Finishing third was Outstanding, followed by Santiero Italia, Strict Compliance, Consumer Credit, Sharla Rae, Miss Chatelaine, Pine Needles, Spanish Queen, Olorda (Ger), Lady Zuzu, Daring Duchess and Gypsy Judy.
"I was feeling a lot better once we got off the first turn and I saw Irad got outside, which is what I wanted to do," said winning trainer Chad Brown. "I didn't know how he was going to do it with the two-post, but I figured if the pace was quick enough – which it was – there'd be some separation and he could do it. That was our game plan and that was what happened once she got outside… I knew it wouldn't be the trip that got her beat."
Owned by Sheep Pond Partners, Lady Eli, a 3-year-old by Divine Park-Sacre Coeur, by Saint Ballado, now has six wins in as many starts, and $,449,800 in career earnings.
With the win under her belt, Brown spoke proudly of his filly and what she has accomplished.
"As we stretch out our turf horses, you wonder if they're going to lose their turn of foot," said winning trainer Chad Brown. "The term 'breathes different air' gets thrown around a lot when someone has a very good horse, and I've been lucky to have some great turf fillies and mares, but this one 'breathes different air' for sure. She certainly has the most devastating turn of foot I've ever worked around."
As for the race run by second-place finisher, Itsonlyactingdad, trainer Todd Pletcher said, "I was really pleased. I thought our filly ran really well. She kind of got squeezed from both sides leaving the gate and it caused her to get shuffled back a bit. I thought she closed really well. We were second best."
Lady Eli came into the race off a win in the Appalachian Stakes (G3T) at Keeneland on April 12, 2015.
Since the Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes was a Breeders' Cup "Win & You're In" race, Lady Eli earned an automatic spot in the Breeders' Cup Filly &Mare Turf (G1T) on Oct. 31 at Keeneland. She was the winner of the 2014 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T) last year.
As to possible upcoming races prior to the Breeders' Cup, Brown said, "We'll have to take a look at (the schedule). We have the Lade Placid (G2) at Saratoga (Aug. 14) if we wanted to keep her against straight 3-year-olds fillies. We also have the Beverly D (G1) (at Arlington Park on Aug. 15) if we want to look at bigger goals and run her against older fillies and mares. We could also wait until the Breeders' Cup (to run her against older), because we have the Queen Elizabeth (G1) right at Keeneland (on Oct. 10), where the Breeders' Cup is being held. Her next major is the Queen Elizabeth. How we get there, we'll have to talk about it."
In other races at Belmont on a great day of stakes races…
* Speightster spoiled the return of Texas Red, who missed the Triple Crown season because of injury, in the $500,000 Dwyer Stakes (G3).
With jockey Jose Lezcano riding, Speightster stalked race leader Hollywood Angel early on before taking the lead near the quarter pole and going on to a 2-1/2 length win over Texas Red, who came from sixth to get up for second place.
Finishing third in the seven-horse field in a race for 3-year olds was Tommy Macho.
Speightster, who is by Speightstown-Dance Swiftly, by Danzig ran the one-mile dirt race on a track rated fast in 1:35.13.
Owned by WinStar Farm and trained by Bill Mott, Speightster remained undefeated with three wins in three starts and $368,800 in career earnings.
* Effinex, who was ridden by jockey Junior Alvarado, held on for a head victory over Tonalist in an exciting finish in the $500,000 Suburban Handicap (G2). Coach Inge finishing third, just behind the second-place finisher.
Effinex, a 4-year-old by Mineshaft-What a Pear, by E Dubai, ran the 1-1/4-mile race for 4-year-olds on the dirt in 2:01.55.
Owned by Tri-Bone Stables and trained by James Jerkens, Effinex now has six wins, one second, two thirds and $782,250 in earnings in 16 career starts.
* Force the Pass, who was ridden by jockey Joel Rosario, scored a 3-3/4-length win in the $125 million Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes (G1T) over Canndal (Fr), while Startup Nation finished third in the race for 3-year-olds.
Force the Pass, who is by Speightstown-Social Queen, by Dynaformer, ran the 1-1/4-mile turf race in 2:01.16.
Owned by Richard Santulli and trained by Alan Goldberg, Force the Pass now has four wins, two seconds and $1,030,084 in earnings in six career starts.
* Private Zone, who was ridden by Martin Pedroza, went gate-to-wire to win the $400,000 Belmont Sprint Championship Stakes (G3) by 3-1/4 lengths over Cleary Now.
Finishing third in the five-horse field for 3-year-olds and up was Stallwalkin' Dude, with Green Gratto fourth and C. Zee fifth.
Private Zone, who is by Macho Uno-Auburn Beauty, by Siphon (Brz), finished the seven-furlong dirt race in 1:22.57.
Owned by Good Friends Stable and trained by Jorge Navarro, 6-year-old Private Zone now has nine wins, eight seconds, three thirds and $2,233,120 in earnings in 29 career starts.
(Information provided by EquiBase.com, BloodHorse.com, NYRA.com, and PedigreeQuery.com.)
Coming out of the final turn four-wide under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., Lady Eli rallied from seventh place in the 14-horse field of 3-year-olds, took over the lead in the final furlongs of the race and crossed the finish a 2-3/4-length winner over Itsonlyactingdad, while Outstanding (Ire) finished third, three-quarters of a length behind the second-place finisher.
 |
| Lady Eli, with jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. riding, remained undefeated with an impressive win in the $1 million Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes at Belmont Park on July 4, 2015. (Photo by Coglianese Photos) |
Lady Eli ran the 1-1/4-mile turf race on the inner turf track rated firm in 1:59.27.
In the race, Lady Eli broke from the second gate and took up a position mid-pack close to the inside, while up front Lady Zuzu held the lead and led the field, with Pine Needles following closely behind.
Going into the first turn, Oritz moved Lady Eli to the outside to get her into a better position in the field, which would benefit her as the race progressed.
The field held steady going down the back stretch and into the final turn with Lady Zuzu leading the field through fractions of 22.93, 47.23, and 1:11.71.
Coming out of the final turn and heading into the stretch, Ortiz Jr. angled Lady Eli four-wide, then moved her a little further out to begin her charge to the front.
Meanwhile, Pine Needles took up the lead in the turn, with Lady ZuZu following close behind with thoughts of trying to recapture the lead further along, but that would not happen.
Soon, Lady Eli began to show she was the class of the field as she slowly caught up to the race leaders, passed them, and continued to widen her lead until crossing the line 2-3/4 lengths ahead of Itsonlyactingdad, who came from 10th place in the field to get up for the second-place finish.
Finishing third was Outstanding, followed by Santiero Italia, Strict Compliance, Consumer Credit, Sharla Rae, Miss Chatelaine, Pine Needles, Spanish Queen, Olorda (Ger), Lady Zuzu, Daring Duchess and Gypsy Judy.
"I was feeling a lot better once we got off the first turn and I saw Irad got outside, which is what I wanted to do," said winning trainer Chad Brown. "I didn't know how he was going to do it with the two-post, but I figured if the pace was quick enough – which it was – there'd be some separation and he could do it. That was our game plan and that was what happened once she got outside… I knew it wouldn't be the trip that got her beat."
Owned by Sheep Pond Partners, Lady Eli, a 3-year-old by Divine Park-Sacre Coeur, by Saint Ballado, now has six wins in as many starts, and $,449,800 in career earnings.
With the win under her belt, Brown spoke proudly of his filly and what she has accomplished.
"As we stretch out our turf horses, you wonder if they're going to lose their turn of foot," said winning trainer Chad Brown. "The term 'breathes different air' gets thrown around a lot when someone has a very good horse, and I've been lucky to have some great turf fillies and mares, but this one 'breathes different air' for sure. She certainly has the most devastating turn of foot I've ever worked around."
As for the race run by second-place finisher, Itsonlyactingdad, trainer Todd Pletcher said, "I was really pleased. I thought our filly ran really well. She kind of got squeezed from both sides leaving the gate and it caused her to get shuffled back a bit. I thought she closed really well. We were second best."
Lady Eli came into the race off a win in the Appalachian Stakes (G3T) at Keeneland on April 12, 2015.
Since the Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes was a Breeders' Cup "Win & You're In" race, Lady Eli earned an automatic spot in the Breeders' Cup Filly &Mare Turf (G1T) on Oct. 31 at Keeneland. She was the winner of the 2014 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T) last year.
As to possible upcoming races prior to the Breeders' Cup, Brown said, "We'll have to take a look at (the schedule). We have the Lade Placid (G2) at Saratoga (Aug. 14) if we wanted to keep her against straight 3-year-olds fillies. We also have the Beverly D (G1) (at Arlington Park on Aug. 15) if we want to look at bigger goals and run her against older fillies and mares. We could also wait until the Breeders' Cup (to run her against older), because we have the Queen Elizabeth (G1) right at Keeneland (on Oct. 10), where the Breeders' Cup is being held. Her next major is the Queen Elizabeth. How we get there, we'll have to talk about it."
In other races at Belmont on a great day of stakes races…
* Speightster spoiled the return of Texas Red, who missed the Triple Crown season because of injury, in the $500,000 Dwyer Stakes (G3).
With jockey Jose Lezcano riding, Speightster stalked race leader Hollywood Angel early on before taking the lead near the quarter pole and going on to a 2-1/2 length win over Texas Red, who came from sixth to get up for second place.
Finishing third in the seven-horse field in a race for 3-year olds was Tommy Macho.
Speightster, who is by Speightstown-Dance Swiftly, by Danzig ran the one-mile dirt race on a track rated fast in 1:35.13.
Owned by WinStar Farm and trained by Bill Mott, Speightster remained undefeated with three wins in three starts and $368,800 in career earnings.
* Effinex, who was ridden by jockey Junior Alvarado, held on for a head victory over Tonalist in an exciting finish in the $500,000 Suburban Handicap (G2). Coach Inge finishing third, just behind the second-place finisher.
Effinex, a 4-year-old by Mineshaft-What a Pear, by E Dubai, ran the 1-1/4-mile race for 4-year-olds on the dirt in 2:01.55.
Owned by Tri-Bone Stables and trained by James Jerkens, Effinex now has six wins, one second, two thirds and $782,250 in earnings in 16 career starts.
* Force the Pass, who was ridden by jockey Joel Rosario, scored a 3-3/4-length win in the $125 million Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes (G1T) over Canndal (Fr), while Startup Nation finished third in the race for 3-year-olds.
Force the Pass, who is by Speightstown-Social Queen, by Dynaformer, ran the 1-1/4-mile turf race in 2:01.16.
Owned by Richard Santulli and trained by Alan Goldberg, Force the Pass now has four wins, two seconds and $1,030,084 in earnings in six career starts.
* Private Zone, who was ridden by Martin Pedroza, went gate-to-wire to win the $400,000 Belmont Sprint Championship Stakes (G3) by 3-1/4 lengths over Cleary Now.
Finishing third in the five-horse field for 3-year-olds and up was Stallwalkin' Dude, with Green Gratto fourth and C. Zee fifth.
Private Zone, who is by Macho Uno-Auburn Beauty, by Siphon (Brz), finished the seven-furlong dirt race in 1:22.57.
Owned by Good Friends Stable and trained by Jorge Navarro, 6-year-old Private Zone now has nine wins, eight seconds, three thirds and $2,233,120 in earnings in 29 career starts.
(Information provided by EquiBase.com, BloodHorse.com, NYRA.com, and PedigreeQuery.com.)
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Hay bales and a Derby winner
It's July (2015), summer time in central Kentucky and the fields on
horse farms throughout the area are dotted with big, round hay bales as
far as the eyes can see.
I like to call them God's marbles because, from the big (God's) perspective from the sky, the hay bales probably look like colorful marbles dotting the fields, ready to be flicked around in a game for fun.
On a recent drive around the back roads Woodford County with a friend recently, we passed by Nuckols Farm in Midway, Ky., home of 2001 Kentucky Derby champions, Monarchos, and found the farm's fields filled with round hay bales.
It was a nice evening as the sun was beginning to set. Still, there was plenty of light left to take some photos – some of Monarchos, some of the hay bales. Here are just a few, which I hope you will enjoy.
 It's July, summer time, and the horse farms around central Kentucky are dotted with big, round hay bales, or God's marbles as I like to call them. The following three photos show hay bales at Nuckols Farm in Midway, home to 2001 Kentucky Derby winner, Monarchos (Photo by Rick Capone/KentuckyHorsePhotos.com) |
 |
 |
| No trip to Nuckols Farm would be complete without looking in on Monarchos, who calls the farm home. (Photo by Rick Capone/KentuckyHorsePhotos.com) |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)