Orange You Glad You Stayed Up?

Tweet The Space Station was locked and loaded last night for the big UConn-Syracuse game. Little did we know that the Space Kid and I were destined for a six OT thriller in the Garden. I know this isn't horse racing related, but it's one of my three passions (the Orangemen, the Bills and racing) and it was center stage last night. My three passions have had quite the week, with the TO signing last weekend (screw the Onion - hat tip to Colin's Ghost), the Cuse staying alive in the Big East (can they do it again with G-Mac in the house?) and a huge Derby prep weekend lined up. They say things happen in threes (let's count Fort Erie's good news as the third?). For the record, I do not have triskaidekaphobia, and last night's victory actually occurred today (1:30am or so), so begat any of you Mountaineer fans who may be throwing some voodoo my way! Things are actually setting up nicely with West Virginia knocking off Pitt, but the team (who went only 7 deep through 5 overtimes) will be exhausted and the minutes may start taking its toll. Now, mind you, I grew up in Central New York and attended the triple OT Big East finale in 1981 as a pimply-faced teenager, where Leo Rautins (Andy's father) tipped in the winner with 0:03 on the clock at the Dome. My whole family still resides there and are all season ticket-holding crazies and my father still makes the annual trek to Manhattan to enjoy the tournament (with occassional detours to AC, of course). Anyways, I'm a tad sleep deprived this morning and giddy over the big win. Two more to go. Another 9 o'clocker tonight.

I was all set to blog on the Derby preps last night, but the game just overthrew that notion. I did sneak a peak at the four main prep BRIS PP's (after negotiating through the trainer sites at the TBA homepage - bottom right hand corner). It is a huge weekend for the EquiSpace R2R stable with four horses live (Old Fashioned, Patena, Pioneerof the Nile and Friesen Fire) for me. I think the most intriguing races are the Louisiana Derby and the Tampa Bay Derby. I'm thinking Old Fashioned and PoTN will run off with their respective races, but the other two look much more interesting from a betting perspective. Three horses that have my attention in the La Derby are Patena, Papa Clem and Terrain (who emerges after a disappointing fifth in the Delta Jackpot). Raf Bejarano selected Papa Clem over New Bay (picks up Talamo) who will be running at his home track in the San Felipe for Richard Mandella and owner B. Wayne Hughes, always a telling angle. Late Saturday afternoon will be a fun time this weekend. More on the TB Derby tomorrow.

The second Derby futures pool is open until Sunday night, on that note I'm disappointed Big Drama is off the trail, I hope to see him down the line at the Spa this summer. Speaking of the Derby, it looks like they will be adding another race to both the Oaks and Derby cards, which makes for a rather long day. It's nice that the Oaks has partnered with the Cure, a rather positive development and positive news for our sport and a great cause.

I didn't get to watch the allowance race at Oaklawn yesterday afternoon featuring last year's 3yo Eclipse champion Proud Spell (see firewall post), but was obtain updates through my fellow twitterers while watching the Live Odds at the DRF. Whenever a big favorite is running (especially after a layoff like Proud Spell) I look for the negative show pool, which occurred as she took $118K of the $127K show pool. Hoping maybe she'd run out of the money I sprinkled a few bucks on the second through fourth choices, only to break even. Will keep trying, Old Fashioned will probably attract the bridgejumpers again this weekend, but not sure he will fall off the board in this one.

Make sure you pick up your race cards for this weekends preps at DRF, using the special TBA code (found in the middle of the homepage - see Formulator ad above the 3yo filly division standings) where you can grab 10 cards for the low, low, low (dare I say rollback?) price of $10. I'll be trying Formulator this weekend for the first time and am looking forward to it.

Pass the Stuffing...

Tweet As I head to the ‘Cuse tomorrow afternoon for a huge family reunion and the big Virginia game on Friday night, I thought I’d reflect on some things I’m thankful for over the past year:

- I’m thankful for the Space Gal, first and foremost, as she puts up with my crazed obsession and passion for this awesome sport.

- I’m thankful to the Saratoga Resident who always has me in the best seat in the house and in the paddock for the big race. Thanks, my man! (However, you’re going down in our Top Chef Capping Challenge)

- I’m thankful to the Puma for his monthly tips and his always passing by good racing information when he sees it and for his data/news on NY-breds.

- I’m thankful I had the opportunity to see Commentator set the track record at Gulfstream in January.

- I’m thankful for being accepted into the Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance and for the many friends and contacts I have made there. I’m glad I took a chance at starting this hobby (it’s a lot more work than I ever thought it would be) and I’m humbled to be a part of it all.

- I'm thankful for Old Friends and the great work they are doing for retired racehorses and proud that the members of the TBA sponsor this great endeavor.

- I’m thankful that I got to attend the Belmont Stakes to see a potential Triple Crown race, even if it didn’t happen and that I was able to share the weekend with great people like the Toga Rez (his hip hop name), the Puma and handicapper extraordinaire JB.

- I’m thankful I was able to experience Fort Erie Race Track before its potential closing, especially getting to see Harlem Rocker win the Prince of Wales and spending my birthday in the Terrace.

- I’m thankful for the safe trips to Saratoga, while trying for a 3:59.

- I’m thankful for Opening Day at the Spa, despite the deluge this year.

- I’m thankful I had the opportunity to enjoy a Sunday morning workout at the Oklahoma training track, coolest thing ever, the day after the thrilling stretch duel between Proud Spell and Music Note (maybe the best race of the year).

- I’m thankful to DRF Press for continually putting out great books for me to delve into.

- I’m thankful that Mr. Jackson ran Curlin for his 4yo campaign and for giving it a try in the Classic.

- I’m thankful that I was able to compete in a NHC handicapping contest qualifier in Vegas and spend four days in the sports book at the Mirage during my September trip, both experiences were tremendous.

- I’m thankful they all came home safe on Breeders Cup weekend.

- Lastly, I’m thankful for everyone who reads this blog, hopefully it conjures up a smile or belly laugh every once in a while.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.

Monday Afternoon Quarterback

Tweet When I saw Commentator set the track record at Gulfstream Park last January in an allowance race, destroying the field by double digit (14!) lengths, I turned to the Space Gal and said, "wow, look out for him in 2008." That day he broke the track record and had a monstrous 119 beyer, a number that still stands as the highest beyer of the year for up to a mile (as listed in the DRF inside cover page). Who knew we would be seeing such an outstanding performance on a weekday afternoon at GP? He racked up another 14 length win on Saturday to take the G2 Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs on Saturday. Now that he has qualified for the Classic, will he partake? Zito has been very outspoken regarding the synthetic surfaces and may take a pass. If he does, look for an appearance in the Cigar Mile on Thanksgiving weekend (one of my favorite races) at Belmont.

And it looks like Proud Spell is done for the year, so we won't be seeing a rematch against Music Note in the Ladies' Classic on 24Oct at Oak Tree. She was raced quite often this calendar year and it showed on Saturday where she lost the Cotillion Stakes at Philly Park to Seattle Smooth. Still no word on whether she will be retired from racing. She ran every month from February to September, so she is probably one tired filly at this point. I'll never forget that stretch duel in the Alabama where she dug in to hang on against her main rival.

I wonder if Curlin will attract a crowd this weekend in the Big Apple for the Jockey Gold Cup on Saturday? I'm going to guess maybe 10,000 show up this weekend to see the best horse in the world? You know with all the posters they put up to attract a big crowd and all.

I let out a big cheer yesterday at the joint formerly known as Rich Stadium while me and 71,235 others were watching the FIRST PLACE Bills come from behind to shock the Raiders with 17 4th quarter points (i knew we were in trouble with the whole pirate holiday weekend thing). It happened during a break in the action (during the comeback) and I had the whole section staring at me wondering what in the world I was celebrating. Well, my seat was positioned perfectly to look into the HSBC box, which had the Ryder Cup on NBC, when Hunter Mahan hit that 60 footer on No. 17 at Valhalla, and since I am a proud American, what else could I do but celebrate? Good laughs...who knew I could multi-task during a sporting event? By the way, did I mention that the Bills are in FIRST PLACE?

I really enjoyed playing Fairplex and following some of the jockeys/trainers/horses, especially when I was in Vegas two weeks ago. They have some tight turns and it was interesting watching most of the jockeys handle them with ease, but some of the younger horses definitely missed a turn or two while I was watching. That would be one meet I'd like to attend one of these days. It's definitely on the list.

Photo courtesy: Associated Press

Proud Moment

Tweet Champion filly Proud Spell pictured left after winning the 128th running of the Alabama Stakes (G1) on Saturday. The much maligned 20 year old Gabe Saez held off a gallant charge by the Sheikh's very talented Music Note in the battle of the meet so far. The five horse race was instantly became a classic as the duel for supremacy in the 3yo filly division may have been decided. Will we see the rematch at Santa Anita on Breeders Cup Friday? Doubtful, but let's hope so.

We brought some tremendous summer weather east with us from Buffalo and had another nice day on the Porch yesterday for some excellent racing at the Spa. My handicapping lull rebounded hitting back to back trifectas in the 3rd and 4th races on Sunday. The place is just magical and it was definitely buzzing with a large crowd on another giveaway day. The Space Gal secured our long sleeve tees later in the day, avoiding the spinners, after the 6th race, nice work!

Here are some of the photos from the weekend:

A pumped up Gabe Saez after winning the Alabama!

Trainer Larry Jones leading the winner-to-be in the paddock.

One of the artists emerged from the Yaddo ended up next to Sea Hero in the paddock for some painting duty. He really shouldn't be making fun of those people in front of him...

Eddie Maple made an appearance at JB's bachelor party at the Top of the Stretch.

The Maven sporting his favorite tee, while his better half Casey tries hitting her third Pick-Six of the year.

Music Note being handled in the paddock prior to the big race.

Some old fashioned gate schooling at the Oklahoma Training Track on Sunday morning.

Nick Zito-trainee and Haskell runner-up Coal Play who took it to Big Brown, with NPZ himself in the background.


Cooling down after a workout.

Godolphin's Numaany (#1, JJ up) and Tizbig (#3) both stumble out of the gate, and rebound to complete the exacta (1/3) in the 3rd!

Persistently ($9.90) broke her maiden in the 2nd, a 2yo filly race, with Alan Garcia in the irons (he won the first two races of the day).

We left after the eighth, picking up our traditional pie from D'Andreas for the long ride home....back in a week for another big day Saturday......

Monday Morning Armchairing

Tweet After spending a nice day away from handicapping in the Finger Lakes (who knew there is such a thing as a Garlic Festival) celebrating my anniversary with the Space Gal, lots of goings on over the first weekend in August:

- With Week 2 of Saratoga coming to a close today, Johnny V leads the jockey colony with 16 wins and earnings in excess of $1.4M. Shockingly (not really) his main trainer Todd Pletcher leads the trainers with wins at 6, with Contessa, Dutrow and Asmussen one behind.

- Big Brown should run in the Mass Cap on September 20th at Suffolk Downs. It would be a great thing for a second tier track and would generate a ton of interest in a huge market such as Boston to our sport. As much as it will pain me to not see him again (first time was the Belmont), it would be best for the sport and the horse not to run him back in three weeks. My opinion.

- Solution to when you get aggravated with the TVG hosts: 1) mute button, 2) twinspires.com live video.

- Kudos to bloggers Teresa of Brooklyn Backstretch and Jessica of Railbird for their appearance on Capital OTB's Call to the Post this morning, hosted by Equidaily's Seth Merrow. They answered a myriad of questions on the internet, blogging and its impact on generating interest in the sport. Nice work.

- Now that I've discovered the Capital OTB channel's streaming site, I'm a happy guy. Ah, the internet, never ceases to amaze me. P.S. Dale Romans' young son, Jake, filling in on the Siro's handicapping show had the crowd roaring today picking his father's horse Precious Beans in the fifth with the quip "Hey, I had a tip on him."

- Wish I could be a fly on the wall in the Packers locker room today for when Aaron Rodgers says "hey" to Brett Favre. "So, how's your summer been?"

- Music Note to the Travers? I vote no. The Alabama will be by far the best race of the meet and will rocket either her or Proud Spell to the front of the class for 3yo filly of the year honors. Hope they stay the course.

- Third leg of the Canadian Triple Crown yesterday at Woodbine won by Marlang (one of only two graded turf winners in the race) wherein James Bond's Solitaire, a maiden, was the post time favorite. Has to be a first that a maiden was the favorite in that race. Ouch.

- Hit the Grand Slam on Friday ($38.20) and Saturday ($20.50) at the Spa after my post last week. It's a bet I forgot all about on opening day, but have taken a liking to.

- Channing Hill had a great ride on Stalingrad in the Fourstardave yesterday, I'm starting to like this 20 year old more and more each day and am starting to keep a closer eye on his mounts.

- (Update) Marylou Whitney Stables keeps 'em right on coming. Following up on the Luv Gov who ran Saturday, today's fifth features Ninth Client. You go girl. (Update 2: Won in a dead heat at around 9-1!)

Just Horsing Around

Tweet With the opening day pilgrimmage to nirvana (toga) just a couple days away, it's amazing that summer is starting to come into full swing and that Bills training camp starts Friday in Rochester. E'gads it's football season already? I thought I would list some wishes and thoughts that have been awash in the far reaches of my cerebrum. Today we'll let the lobster loose...here goes:

- I'm really excited about the Toga opening day card drawn by NYRA yesterday, consisting of five turf and five dirt races including two stakes and there will be a Spooky Mulder sighting in Race 10. One is a non-graded state-bred turf sprint for 3yos and upward and the feature is the Schuylerville (G3) for juvenile (2yo) fillies. Ashado won this race in 2003.

- If you haven't made your progostications for my little Toga contest go here. NYRA listed probables for this weekend's Whitney and Jim Dandy here as well as for Saratoga's other opening week stakes races.

- It's unfortunate that GoGo Garrett Gomez decided to stay out west for the Del Mar meet after having an excellent go (no pun intended) at it the last two summers in Toga. He's one of my favorite jocks and will be missed during the meet. Not that he won't be busy shipping around the country on weekends to ride some top mounts and you're sure to catch a glimpse of him at the Spa.

- The Alabama is looking to shape up as a rematch between Mother Goose and CCA American Oaks champ Music Note and Kentucky Oaks winner Proud Spell. Here's hoping EquiSpace favorites Sweet Vendetta and Bsharpsonata join the fray what should be a nice preview of who will be the main challenger to Zenyatta and Hystericalady in the BC Ladies' Classic.

- I've been pretty quiet on the Curlin front. I voted for him to continue the Turf campaign in the various polls you can find out there nowadays. He is currently stabled and training at Saratoga and it sure would be nice to see him in the Sword Dancer on Alabama Day from a completely selfish standpoint. I just don't think it will happen. His trainer has said in the past that they call it "the graveyard of champions" for a reason and there's more money to be made elsewhere. I don't see them shipping to France for a prep and then having to make the walk of shame if he doesn't deliver and thus bypasses the Arc.

- I've heard so much about Hialeah Park in Miami, which has been dark since 2001. Reports by the Palm Beach Post say that CNet founder Halsey Minor is interested in buying the racetrack from the former owner who shut it down seven years ago. Minor also sold GrandCentral to Google last year (translation: the dude is loaded). If they could structure a meet before Gulfstream's winter meet (hurricanes withstanding) with some slight overlap so they could regenerate the Flamingo Stakes, long a Derby prep, ending in February it might just work.

From the old guy front......

- I'm starting the Brett Favre to Buffalo Campaign. Out of the 25 Hall of Fame quarterbacks only my boyhood idol Johnny U played past age 40. Favre turns 39 in October. Let's take a look at some common sense stuff that only makes it a natural for him to join our beloved Bills: It's cold in Buffalo (check). We have frozen tundra (check). We need a veteran quarterback (check). This town would adore him. (check). We are well under the cap (check). Nice cheese factory less than an hour away (check). Roswell Park, one of nation's largest cancer centers located here, could use a celebrity booster who supports breast cancer research (check). Team is on the rise (check). Brett Favre, come on down to the City of Good Neighbors!

- I followed Greg Norman last month at the Senior PGA (with his new bride Chrissy Evert within spittin distance) and I thought his game looked very sharp. The Shark is battling right now to stay atop the leaderboard at Royal Birkdale and become the oldest winner of a major at the spry age of 53. Hell, I'm rooting for him. He'd also become the first man to win the same major in three different decades. What do ya know....

- The venerable Lava Man takes to the turf today at Del Mar in the Eddie Read Handicap. Hope this former champ has some gas left in the tank. The Norman/Lava Man double sure would make today one of those days for the old guys. Maybe he can take a cue from 10 (!) year old Evening Attire winner of the Greenwood Cup at PHA yesterday setting a track record nonetheless in his eight length win!

Mid Year Bests and Worsts

Tweet Happy Canada Day for all our Canadian friends to the north!

Two weeks to Del Mar and three weeks to Toga and summer racing. Now that we've reached the midpoint of the 2008 racing year I've listed MY five best and worst moments in horse racing for the first half of 2008.


Best Moments in Racing - YTD 2008

1 – Big Brown Wins Kentucky Derby from Post #20
A ton of doubt existed if he could do it from the far post, and when trainer Dutrow grabbed it with glee at the Post Position Draw on 4th Street in Louisville, it was exactly where he wanted to be. A stunning performance by the big fellah was easily the best moment for me so far this year.

2 – Curlin Wins Dubai World Cup in Romp
The world champion lived up to expectations in overpowering an international field of horses in the world's richest race ($6M). His record setting 7 3/4 length victory at the Nad was not only after a five month layoff since his BC Classic win at Monmouth, but was drug-free to boot.

3 – Tiago Outduels Heatseeker at wire in Oaklawn Handicap
In maybe the year's best race between two terrific rivals, Tiago nipped Heatseeker by a head in the Oaklawn Handicap. They would duel again later in early June with Heatseeker avenging the loss. Unfortunately, Heatseeker has suffered a career ending injury and will be retired.

4 – Pyro’s visually stunning victory in the Louisiana Derby
At the time, one of the leading Derby contenders, Pyro, made a visually impressive move late to win the La Derby at the Fair Grounds by three lengths. In all kinds of traffic, Pyro, ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan, navigated the victory to put him over the $1M mark in career earnings. He recently won the Northern Dancer (G2) on Stephen Foster Day at Churchill. Unfortunately he disappointed his fans on Derby Day, but his performance on that day in early March, makes my top five.

5 – Proud Spell Upsets Indian Blessing in Louisiana Oaks
On the same day as Pyro's La Derby win, Proud Spell shocked BC Juvenile Filly champ Indian Blessing in the La Oaks (G2), with a time that was actually better than Pyro's in the La Derby. It was the second loss for Indian Blessing to Proud Spell, and a rematch in the Kentucky Oaks loomed. Unfortanately, Blessing was rested until Belmont Day and the rematch has still not occurred. Proud Spell went on to win the Ky Oaks, after flirting with entry in the Derby.

Honorable Mention: Big Brown's Florida Derby win from post 12, Student Council's Pimlico Special win in the slop, Sweet Vendetta's win in the Black-Eyed Susan for breeder David Cassidy.

Five Worst Moments in Horse Racing - 2008 YTD

1 – Eight Belles breaks down in gallop out after placing in Derby
Not much more needs to be said here.

2 – Congressional Hearings on June 19, 2008
The sport takes its shots on Capitol Hill with threats of governmental intervention if issues such as steroids/drug use, breakdowns, excessive whip use and centralization are not addressed. Worst moment #1 above, a big driver of the feds getting involved.

3 – Big Brown falters in Triple Crown bid
Whether it was the heat, the loose shoe, the bad ride, the faulty bathroom facilities, the starter or the quarter crack, the Triple Crown has still not been won in 30 years. While it drove up interest in the sport for a few weeks, it also showed the world the ugliness of the connections and the difficulty of the Test of the Champion in front of a huge NY crowd.

4 – Santa Anita track problems due to excessive SoCal rains early in year.
The $11M Cushion Track installed at Santa Anita last summer suffered major drainage problems in January and February, wherein 11 racing days and numerous revenues were lost. Just last week the track announced another overhaul of the surface to start this month with the Australian-based Pro-Ride surface replacing the current surface. With the Breeders' Cup scheduled for October, the installation schedule is very tight and they could be pushing the envelope with the timing.

5 – Jeremy Rose suspended for six month for abusive whip use at Delaware Park
With PETA already on the doorstep after the death of Eight Belles, comes an unfortunate incident wherein Rose struck his mount in the eye. Delaware Park officials immediately suspended Rose for six months. Another black eye.

Honorable Mention: Breeders' Cup moves all five ladies events to Friday and renames the Distaff, Einstein's owners fail to obtain NY license for Manhattan on Belmont Day, Preakness field weakest in years, Mother Goose gains only four runners, Pletcher finishes last in Derby for third straight year, Buffalo CPA starts racing blog :)

I'm sure I missed something feel free to chime in!

Derby Day

Tweet The day we have all been waiting for is here. The First Saturday in May has arrived and a sloppy and yielding Oaks Day had lots of excitement to it. The Space Gal (my lovely wife) hit the tri in the Oaks and was strutting around all evening in her handicapping glory. My Oaks/Derby Double is alive with Proud Spell ($8.80) taking the first leg. My second legs with will pays as shown at the Crist Blog site are: Big Brown ($37.80), Colonel John ($54.80), Pyro ($55.80), Z Fortune (my Derby pick at $143.60), and Bob Black Jack ( $514.80). Let’s just say I wouldn’t be all that disappointed if BBJ wired it and one of the other four came in second (yes, I have that saver exacta ticket). In the early pools it looks like a lot of early money is going on Court Vision and Eight Belles as their early pool lines have dropped significantly, with CV actually being the 4th choice in the double....hmmm. Lots of folks must be projecting the race to fall apart based on all of the outside speed duels that have the potential of burning horses out one by one. It should be interesting and instead of re-capping everything, I had also made some off-track plays (with Visionaire and Adriano on top of some exactas). I learned on the sloppy BC Day to go with your gut and instincts.

Last night’s dream: Big Brown going to the front from the 20 hole, tiring in the stretch and being overtaken by the 8 at the wire, Visionaire….

Space Gal's Picks (face it she's on fire): $1 Exacta: Pyro, Cowboy Cal w/ Pyro, Cowboy Cal, Eight Belles, Cool Coal Man. Finally as no female can resist, $4 to win on Eight Belles. She mentioned something about an Uncle Cal.....Good luck!

It should be interesting. Have a great day and enjoy the big race.

Picture: Courtesy, DRF

Derby Memories

Tweet This week brings back some fine memories from my first live Derby experience in 2006, shared with four 43YO (like the horse reference) friends. I went equipped with a notebook to try and chronicle most of the memories and jot down quotes here and there during our three day weekend retreat. Some memories to cherish starting on Thursday night Oaks-eve:

- Running into the Juice at the Red Star Tavern with his horsemen friend Chris Hill, while enjoying some nice New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
- Enjoying a cigar with the boys in the Maker's Mark Tavern, home of the famous bourbon.
- Taking in the sights at Sully's Bar and the elevated dancing that was taking place.
- Getting the first of many "where are you #1" text messages.

On to Churchill Downs and Oaks Day and enjoying the following:

- Seeing the Twin Spires for the first time.
- Sipping on that first mint-julep, mmm.
- Wandering the Downs soaking up the tradition and the old-time feel to the clubhouse.
- The amazing amount of headgear being sported by various ladies added to the traditional décor of the day.
- Hitting a trifecta and exacta in back to back races.
- Celebrity sightings: Peyton, Eli and Archie Manning, Coach Mike Jarvis, and CuJo (how did our boy ever recognize him without the goalie mask?)
- Nios in the High Lands for cocktails.

Derby day memories included the following:

- Breakfast with the Form.
- Lunch in private VIP area with loaded buffet and cocktails
- Taking pictures from our box seats at the eighth pole
- U of L band playing "My Old Kentucky Home" (not a dry eye in the joint)
- Cigars and Juleps at post time
- Barbaro's spectacular stretch run and Prado capturing his first Derby
- Cashing one show ticket on Steppenwolfer then rebounding in the 11th and 12th races on Gomez horses

Some favorite quotes from the weekend:

"Son, if you're here, you're a winner" from the cashier after my Oaks/Derby double ticket blew up thanks to 47-1 shot Lemons Forever!
"You're not broke and you got your shirt!" after another losing enterprise.
"You're dead for a long time"
"You have two neurons left and they are both connectred by spirochetes" Huh?
"Go big or go home"

"You, my friend, are a train wreck"
"If you can't get it done today, you can't get it done"
"A good lawyer knows when to shut up" (still waiting)
"Patrick, is that your jacket on the ground? The one you are supposed to wear in a wedding in three months?"

The weekend came to an end, friendships were forged forever and my first Run for the Roses will always be a special part of the memories one holds.

Oaks plays
10 - Bsharpsonata
8 - Proud Spell
11 - Pure Clan
3 - Awesome Chic



Oaks/Derby Double
3,8,10,11 w/ Z Fortune, Pyro, Colonel, BBJ and Big Brown

Good luck!

The BCS is Smiling Today

Tweet Bella Cavello Stables (BCS) is on fire! On Atlantic City Race Course’s second day of its two week meet, the Stable’s M.E.’s Smile won a $32K allowance turf race at a mile paying $8.60 to win with Jonathan Joyce up. M.E.’s Smile who led from the start, relinquished the lead in the upper stretch and rallied to overtake Platinum Lace at the wire in 1:38.42. Post-time favorite Salle de Bain took third a length out. Unfortunately no one (other than those at the track) were able to see it as their will be no simulcast signal from AC as reported in the Thoroughbred Times. This victory follows La Chica Rica’s victory on Saturday for back to back victories. Nice work boys.

In Derby news, the New York Post reports that the filly Eight Belles’ “primary goal is the Derby” and also entered filly Proud Spell, but “whose main goal…is the Oaks.” Trainer Larry Jones (Hard Spun’s trainer) said the determining factor will be Proud Spell’s post position draw in the Oaks Tuesday, and Belles’ draw in the Derby on Wednesday, will decide both of the fillies’ fates. Three fillies have won the Kentucky Derby, the last being twenty years ago in 1988. Unfortunately for some owners, since also eligibles (AE’s) are not allowed, could have some colts on the outside looking in if either of the cross-entered horses scratches due a potential bad post position. A highly discussed topic on most horse racing blogs, trainer Larry Jones is just “playing by Churchill’s rules.” From a bettor’s perspective, it could be two less horses to worry about at post time. I hope one or both fillies run just to add some additional drama, last seen at last year’s Belmont.

Here is Eight Belles' victory at the wire in the 2008 Fantasy Stakes in April at Oaklawn

Action-Packed Saturday

Tweet Well it's been 21 years since I've been to the Final Four, when I watched in horror as my beloved Orangemen were squashed by "The Shot" by Indiana's Keith Smart over Howard Triche (who I battled against in the sectionals in high school in Central New York) to propel Bob Knight's Hoosiers to the national championship. I remember turning to my father with 27 seconds left sitting in the 16th row behind the SU bench where I eternally jinxed them (well, until 2003) with the token "I think they are going to win this thing!" comment, when Derrick Coleman clanged his free throw. Well we all know what happened next….and while walking out of the Superdome in New Orleans, I remember lamenting how hard it is to get this far, and then to come up short. On to 2008, it should be a terrific Final Four with four tops seeds advancing, which lines up a terrific TV day with the preps to follow.

Predictions: Memphis over UCLA, UNC over Kansas

Keeneland Opening Day

I kept one eye on TVG all day yesterday (where I went 0 for 4 in the Keeneland contest – king of office pool losers) for Keeneland’s opener. Lot of nice priced horses came home and there were two DQ’s (take notice NY), as the Lexington stewards appeared to make the right call in both cases. Today’s card features the Ashland Stakes (G1) (TVG, 5:15) pitting PROUD SPELL against COUNTRY STAR. Proud Spell is coming off her most impressive win, on LA Derby Day at the Fair Grounds, beating juvenile filly champ Indian Blessing. Bobby Frankel trained Country Star comes off two grade one wins, but is unraced since December. It should be a great matchup…stay tuned. Waiting until Sunday morning to analyze futures pool #3 as some horses may not have the graded stakes earnings necessary to even qualify for 03MAY CD.