The Fourstardave Handicap is on tap for Saturday at Saratoga. It is a Grade 2 for 3 year olds and up, over the inner turf course. The race has always been run at a mile and 1/16th, but the distance has been changed this year to a mile. The track record for the original distance is 1:38.91, from 1991, set by – you guessed it- Fourstardave.
Previously known as the Daryl’s Joy, (and while no horse deserves to have his name taken away from a prestigious stake – as racetracks frequently do) , it was renamed the Fourstardave after he won it twice. The NY bred won a race at the Spa, every year from 1987 to 1994. Remarkable indeed, and because Fourstardave “owned” the track for so many years and was such a fan favorite, he was given the nickname the “Sultan of Saratoga.”
NYRA take note: Don’t ever change the name of this race.
Fourstardave started 99 times, with 21 wins, 18 seconds and 16 thirds, with 15 of those wins on turf. He accumulated over a million and a half in earnings. At the age of 12 he participated in the High Hope Steeplechase, at the Kentucky Horse Park, and finished second, for charity. He even has a street named after him, next to Siro’s restaurant.
At the age of 17, he was preparing for New York Showcase Day, in which he was to make an appearance in the post parade. He suffered a heart attack, and the son of Compliance out of Broadway Joan was laid to rest at Clare Court. That in itself was an honor, as he is one of only three horses ever to be buried there.
This year’s renewal of the Fourstardave is contentious.
Let’s take a look from the rail out.
Data Link – Janney owned, Shug trained, this colt by War Front is a Grade 1 winner on turf. He has never run over the Spa turf however, but is coming off a win at Monmouth and has been freshened up for this. Nice maintenance works since then, with a bullet work last Sunday. He is sharp, but will need to get the trip and the pace should set up well for him. He is the high weight with 121 lbs, and goes back to former rider, Solis. More on this, later….
Wise Dan – This million dollar earner is a versatile sort, with Graded Stakes wins on dirt, turf and synthetic. He can just flat out run on anything. Another that has been freshened; he sports a bullet from July 30th of 58:2, best of 52 turf works that morning. He has tactical speed to sit right behind the pacemaker. He secures the services of Hall of Famer John Velazquez, who is a neck shy of 4 wins in a row on him.
Get Stormy - He is the class of the field, with money won and Grade 1 Stakes wins. He won this race back in 2010, and his connections would love to win it again. He loves to run and loves to go to the front. He has 4 wins and a second from 5 tries at the Spa. He is coming off a tough beat to Data Link at Monmouth but he is coming into this sharp and ready. Shortening back up, this horse is the speed of the speed and never easy to get by.
Guy’s Reward – This Dale Romans’ trainee has finally come into his own, with 3 wins in a row, against lesser. He is a tryer, and always has a nice kick in the end. Do not leave out of exotics.
Right One – He is a Clement trainee, and this distance seems to suit. Not sure if he’s the “right one”, but he will be a little price, and he gets in light. Never underestimate C.C. He and jock Julien Leparoux have been clicking at this meet.
Surfrider – Trained by Eddie Kenneally, his best efforts have been going shorter. He is lightly raced, and his last win was a conditioned allowance race, but another trainer that you can not underestimate. This colt was well thought of in France last year, and was 3rd to Goldikova‘s second, in the Prix de la Foret. He will be a price in here, gets in light and could light up the tote board.
Corporate Jungle – He is one-for-one over the Saratoga lawn. Trained by Chad Brown, he is a consistent sort. He did not disgrace when going to the West Coast for the Grade 1 Shoemaker mile. Might appreciate being back on home turf.
Upgrade – Colt by 2005 Horse of the Year, St. Liam, he has been brought along slowly by trainer Michelle Nihei. Draw a line through the Fort Marcy, when he encountered soft turf and he is a sleeper in here. Add to that, the addition of the hot riding Joel Rosario. Worth a look at a price.
Yield Bogie –Sturdy eight year old, winless in two years, but coming in with a bullet work. Could catch a piece with a well-timed ride, but this is a tough bunch.
Crossbow – MTO- nice Darley colt, will only start if race is taken off the turf.
That being said, the weather forecast is calling for some rain. Always check the turf condition, if the race stays on. And always take the MTO seriously, if the race comes off the turf and onto the dirt.
You have some proven class horses (Data Link, Get Stormy, Wise Dan) that on any given day could be 1-2-3 in here, in any order. Corporate Jungle is turning out to be a very nice horse, Upgrade has the potential to improve, Surfrider and Right One are the question marks. Guy’s Reward can pick up the pieces.
I may play this race looking for a little jockey “karma”. This weekend, John Velazquez will finally be inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame. He has ridden both Data Link and Upgrade to victories, but yet is aboard Wise Dan, once again. He has won SEVEN Fourstardaves’, and his father-in-law, Leo O’Brien, was the trainer of the “Sultan”. The weekend might just belong to Johnny V and I think he has a good chance to win this race for the eighth time aboard Wise Dan.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Spa Daze
Saratoga, one of the premier meets in the American TB flat racing year, is about to begin. Though always called “the August place to be” it’s actually turned into the July-August-through Labor Day only place to witness the best racing offered in the country, maybe the world. There is no other track quite like Saratoga, with its’ rich history, huge purses, and a constant parade of fashionably-bred two year old colts and fillies, starting out their promising careers.
The magic that is Saratoga fills the air and is the most intoxicating at trackside, in the early morning hours.Whether you are at the main track, or across the street at Oklahoma, the energy is invigorating. Horses go out in sets, often accompanied by trainers. There are workouts on the turf at Oklahoma, several days a week. Horses are excited to be there, as are most of the exercise riders. You can see it, you can hear it, and you can feel it. There’s happy chatter; horses are feeling healthy and strong and looking to do more. Spring water may have been what brought people here a hundred years ago, but there is something about the cool Adirondack air that just brings out the best in horses and in people. If workouts lasted all day long, I don’t think I would ever leave. To me, it’s the best part of the day. It’s electric and soothing at the same time, and it’s what makes the Saratoga experience so special.
My a.m. routine at Saratoga seldom varies. I usually leave the track around 9:30, but it’s never easy. If I stick to plan, I try to get in a quick walk through downtown, maybe - a stop into Impressions or Saratoga Saddlery for a look see, and most definitely a little shopping at Putnam Market for some goodies to bring to the track. Amazing how hunger grabs you right after the first race!
I like to get back to the track before noon, so I can position my chair in the back yard near the paddock, weather permitting. It’s the time for me to connect with friends, many that I haven’t seen in a year. It’s fun to people watch, as well as watching horses schooling in the paddock before the races begin. That hour or so before the first race is the best time to settle in, and reflect on how lucky I am that I made another year at the Spa.
Oh yes, there is the wagering, and it takes a sharp eye and a knowledge of pedigree to come out ahead at the Spa.…But with all the betting we do year round now, it truly takes a back seat to how it feels to be at Saratoga for a day of racing. Nothing beats live racing, especially here.
So cancel your NYT for the next 6 weeks, forget who was leading trainer for the Belmont spring meet (yes, there should be an * by his name) and let’s not hear the name “Cuomo” till after Labor Day. You are not allowed to utter the word “Lasix” unless it’s “FTL”.
Leave horseracing’s woes behind for the next 6 weeks and enjoy the magic that you can only find at the Spa.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Why Not Endorsement?
There’s a very good group of older horses signed on for today’s Grade 2 Suburban at 1&1/8 on Belmont’s Big Sandy and it could turn out be THE race of the weekend.
Could it be that we are just seeing the best of the 5 yr old Endorsement?
On the Derby trail two years ago, this colt was injured and given 21 months off by the ultra conservative Bill Casner, formerly co-owner of WinStar farm. Perhaps reminiscent of another star of his, Well Armed, Endorsement seems to have come back to the races in excellent order. He managed to withstand some trouble in his last two, which tells me that he still has the will to win. Although defeated in his last, it was a game effort, and it could be that they ran him back a bit too quick. The horse is one of very few graded stakes horses that runs without Lasix and I admire Mr. Casners’ conviction. He is fortunate that he has such a high quality horse that does not seem to need the diuretic. He has now been freshened over at Keeneland, working seriously, every 7 days. Martin Garcia took him for a test drive in the Pimlico Special, and his numbers are improving.
12 to 1- Really???
OK, so it’s a tough race. The Pletcher entry is formidable. Both multiple stakes winners, Stay Thirsty is all class, And Caixa Electronica, all heart.
Buffum- lots of people on his bandwagon.
Hymn Book – the Donn was spectacular, but somewhat of an “in-and-outer”
Trickmeister – as speedy as they come
Mucho Macho Man – very capable
To Honor and Serve- very, very tough and also 9/5
There could very well be a little more upside to Endorsement, but he will have to run his very best to win. Will his class show up in today's Suburban?
Could it be that we are just seeing the best of the 5 yr old Endorsement?
On the Derby trail two years ago, this colt was injured and given 21 months off by the ultra conservative Bill Casner, formerly co-owner of WinStar farm. Perhaps reminiscent of another star of his, Well Armed, Endorsement seems to have come back to the races in excellent order. He managed to withstand some trouble in his last two, which tells me that he still has the will to win. Although defeated in his last, it was a game effort, and it could be that they ran him back a bit too quick. The horse is one of very few graded stakes horses that runs without Lasix and I admire Mr. Casners’ conviction. He is fortunate that he has such a high quality horse that does not seem to need the diuretic. He has now been freshened over at Keeneland, working seriously, every 7 days. Martin Garcia took him for a test drive in the Pimlico Special, and his numbers are improving.
12 to 1- Really???
OK, so it’s a tough race. The Pletcher entry is formidable. Both multiple stakes winners, Stay Thirsty is all class, And Caixa Electronica, all heart.
Buffum- lots of people on his bandwagon.
Hymn Book – the Donn was spectacular, but somewhat of an “in-and-outer”
Trickmeister – as speedy as they come
Mucho Macho Man – very capable
To Honor and Serve- very, very tough and also 9/5
There could very well be a little more upside to Endorsement, but he will have to run his very best to win. Will his class show up in today's Suburban?
Thursday, July 5, 2012
It's A "Shore" Thing
In handicapping a horserace, there’s never a “sure” thing. Horseplayers are an optimistic group though, and each and every race is a puzzle we need to solve.
Monmouth Park, on the Jersey Shore, will host the Grade 1 United Nations Stakes this Saturday. This is one of two Grade 1’s at Monmouth, the other being the Haskell. The United Nations goes as the featured 11th race, at a mile and 3/8’s, on the turf. It is a “Win & You’re In” which means the winner gets an automatic berth into this year’s BC Turf.
Here’s my take at the short, but salty field for ThoroFan’s Handicapping Corner.
From inside out:
1. Turbo Compressor /Pletcher/Bravo, breaks from the inside, and one thing is “sure”, he is the speed of the race. The Florida-bred by Halo’s Image is 2 for 3 since trying turf. He has gotten better since the surface switch, and appears he will run all day. Has never been this far, but with Jersey Joe signed on, I see no other way for him to go , but to the front with his “come and catch me “ style.
2. Brilliant Speed, the Live Oak homebred is the class of this field. The son of Dynaformer and trained by Tom Albertrani, is a GR 1 winner on Keeneland’s polytrack, but has shown his ability to excel on the lawn. Though his speed isn’t “brilliant” he certainly has enough tactical speed to get a good position for his run down the lane. He has the newly West Coast-transplant Joel Rosario in the tack, and he has every chance to secure his first Grade 1 win on turf, with a win here.
3. Slim Shady, the West Coast invader has blossomed under the care of the young Simon Callaghan. He brings his rider, David Flores, in to ride. He will enjoy the distance, and has enough speed for his stalking style. But he did have to SHIP, and with the extremely hot weather, one wonders if he will bring his “A” game.
4. Al Khali is a horse I have followed since Norberto Arroyo rode him. ( And I think he’s been MIA for at least 3 years) He looked talented from the get go, and for the most part, always gives a decent account of himself. He has yet to win a “Big One”, but continues to pick up checks in those Grade1’s. His best efforts have been going a mile and a half. He definitely fits here to get a piece and maybe round out the exotics.
5. Freud’s Honor is a nice, consistent New Jersey bred, but looks seriously overmatched in here.
6. Eldaafer was the winner of the 2010 BC Marathon. We know the horse loves to run a distance of ground. He has run just 3 times this year, and did improve some in the Brooklyn last out finishing 2nd by 10 lengths to Redeemed, on dirt. His “glory days” may be behind him, however.
7. Air Support rounds out the field. Solis is aboard and it’s always hard to ignore a Shug McGaughey runner. He is coming off two troubled trips, including some crowding at the start in his last. He will appreciate the extra distance. Shug always spots them where they belong.
It will not be a surprise that the up-and-coming Turbo Compressor leads the field from “flag-fall” to “that’s all” like he did in the Colonial Cup. Should Slim Shady engage him early and try to put some pressure on him, the pace could get “hot”, and then they will both have to beware of Brilliant Speed, Air Supply and Al Khali, who will all be closing in the stretch.
Be conscious of any course changes if there’s any rain- there’s always a chance of a passing thunderstorm this time of year. Take note of paddock behavior – is anyone either “dull” or “washed-out?” Watch the warm-ups – do the horses look comfortable, are they striding out, do they look enthusiastic?
Never a sure thing, but handicapping is a great game. Good luck with all your wagers. Here’s hoping you have some fun, enjoy the races and cash some winning tickets!!!
For some interesting history on the United Nation Stakes, check out Historian Alan Carter's piece at ThoroFan.
Monmouth Park, on the Jersey Shore, will host the Grade 1 United Nations Stakes this Saturday. This is one of two Grade 1’s at Monmouth, the other being the Haskell. The United Nations goes as the featured 11th race, at a mile and 3/8’s, on the turf. It is a “Win & You’re In” which means the winner gets an automatic berth into this year’s BC Turf.
Here’s my take at the short, but salty field for ThoroFan’s Handicapping Corner.
From inside out:
1. Turbo Compressor /Pletcher/Bravo, breaks from the inside, and one thing is “sure”, he is the speed of the race. The Florida-bred by Halo’s Image is 2 for 3 since trying turf. He has gotten better since the surface switch, and appears he will run all day. Has never been this far, but with Jersey Joe signed on, I see no other way for him to go , but to the front with his “come and catch me “ style.
2. Brilliant Speed, the Live Oak homebred is the class of this field. The son of Dynaformer and trained by Tom Albertrani, is a GR 1 winner on Keeneland’s polytrack, but has shown his ability to excel on the lawn. Though his speed isn’t “brilliant” he certainly has enough tactical speed to get a good position for his run down the lane. He has the newly West Coast-transplant Joel Rosario in the tack, and he has every chance to secure his first Grade 1 win on turf, with a win here.
3. Slim Shady, the West Coast invader has blossomed under the care of the young Simon Callaghan. He brings his rider, David Flores, in to ride. He will enjoy the distance, and has enough speed for his stalking style. But he did have to SHIP, and with the extremely hot weather, one wonders if he will bring his “A” game.
4. Al Khali is a horse I have followed since Norberto Arroyo rode him. ( And I think he’s been MIA for at least 3 years) He looked talented from the get go, and for the most part, always gives a decent account of himself. He has yet to win a “Big One”, but continues to pick up checks in those Grade1’s. His best efforts have been going a mile and a half. He definitely fits here to get a piece and maybe round out the exotics.
5. Freud’s Honor is a nice, consistent New Jersey bred, but looks seriously overmatched in here.
6. Eldaafer was the winner of the 2010 BC Marathon. We know the horse loves to run a distance of ground. He has run just 3 times this year, and did improve some in the Brooklyn last out finishing 2nd by 10 lengths to Redeemed, on dirt. His “glory days” may be behind him, however.
7. Air Support rounds out the field. Solis is aboard and it’s always hard to ignore a Shug McGaughey runner. He is coming off two troubled trips, including some crowding at the start in his last. He will appreciate the extra distance. Shug always spots them where they belong.
It will not be a surprise that the up-and-coming Turbo Compressor leads the field from “flag-fall” to “that’s all” like he did in the Colonial Cup. Should Slim Shady engage him early and try to put some pressure on him, the pace could get “hot”, and then they will both have to beware of Brilliant Speed, Air Supply and Al Khali, who will all be closing in the stretch.
Be conscious of any course changes if there’s any rain- there’s always a chance of a passing thunderstorm this time of year. Take note of paddock behavior – is anyone either “dull” or “washed-out?” Watch the warm-ups – do the horses look comfortable, are they striding out, do they look enthusiastic?
Never a sure thing, but handicapping is a great game. Good luck with all your wagers. Here’s hoping you have some fun, enjoy the races and cash some winning tickets!!!
For some interesting history on the United Nation Stakes, check out Historian Alan Carter's piece at ThoroFan.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
From Royal Ascot to Frog Juice - The Good with the Bad
What a week for our sport! International racing took center stage at Royal Ascot and did not disappoint. THIS was the year to be there. Frankel decimated his opposition in the Queen Anne Stakes drawing off by 11, to prove that he may be, indeed, the best in the World. And the Queen of the Turf, Australia’s Black Caviar, came, saw and conquered in the Golden Jubilee, still undefeated with her 22-win record. While we really won’t know what her jock was thinking approaching the wire, she won, and that’s all there is to it. Rumors abound that she was not 100% herself going in, and what equine would be? with the travelling she had to endure to get there. But take nothing away from “Nelly”, she is a true champion.
And kudos to the Maryland Racing Commission as they have finally awarded Triple Crown winner Secretariat the Preakness Stakes record after 39 years. We all knew it was his, but it has finally become official. Better late-than never.
But as great a week that it was, racing's image did take a hit.
And how offenders will be handled is the next question. “Frog Juice”, or dermorphin, has reared its ugly head in Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and quite possibly, Texas. New York has been testing this for several months, and no positives have been found.Frog juice is an ILLEGAL, powerful opiate. It is 40 times more powerful than morphine. It is dangerous to horses, and jockeys, not to mention, unfair to the wagering public.
Whoever is using this-needs to be ruled off FOR LIFE, no questions, and no second chances. Stiff penalties will rid the game of cheats and low-life. If Racing Commissions have the ability to do this, it must be done.
This is an opportunity to set an example. Those that use a drug like this drug don’t deserve to be anywhere near the game of horseracing.
And kudos to the Maryland Racing Commission as they have finally awarded Triple Crown winner Secretariat the Preakness Stakes record after 39 years. We all knew it was his, but it has finally become official. Better late-than never.
But as great a week that it was, racing's image did take a hit.
And how offenders will be handled is the next question. “Frog Juice”, or dermorphin, has reared its ugly head in Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and quite possibly, Texas. New York has been testing this for several months, and no positives have been found.Frog juice is an ILLEGAL, powerful opiate. It is 40 times more powerful than morphine. It is dangerous to horses, and jockeys, not to mention, unfair to the wagering public.
Whoever is using this-needs to be ruled off FOR LIFE, no questions, and no second chances. Stiff penalties will rid the game of cheats and low-life. If Racing Commissions have the ability to do this, it must be done.
This is an opportunity to set an example. Those that use a drug like this drug don’t deserve to be anywhere near the game of horseracing.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Rag's Time
While this year’s Belmont was disappointing for some with the scratch of I’ll Have Another due to injury, it was thrilling for followers and fans of the Dixie Union colt, Union Rags. This blogger’s favorite since last year’s Champagne, he ran the gamest of races under a masterful ride by John Velazquez. Union Rags showed immense courage going inside the pace setter Paynter and was up in time, to win by a neck.
He joins a stellar group of Belmont winners that have won on June 9th, including the one and only Secretariat, and the filly Rags to Riches.
Fans of Union Rags knew his day would come. Even with the premature retirement of Derby –Preakness winner I’ll Have Another, there is still some exciting three year old racing ahead.
If you missed it...
He joins a stellar group of Belmont winners that have won on June 9th, including the one and only Secretariat, and the filly Rags to Riches.
Fans of Union Rags knew his day would come. Even with the premature retirement of Derby –Preakness winner I’ll Have Another, there is still some exciting three year old racing ahead.
If you missed it...
Thursday, June 7, 2012
The Racing Gods Will Decide
If you are a horse fan / handicapper, it’s safe to say that you believe in the Racing Gods.
How they do their job is a mystery.
But you can be sure they are working overtime this year.
With I’ll Have Another looking to become the 12th Triple Crown winner in history and the first since 1978, only Belmont’s mile and a half Big Sandy, stands in the way.
I’ll Have Another is a very good colt. He has tactical speed, the right racing style and a pedigree that says he can run all day. He has a famous stable pony, who has coached him, no doubt, and his young jockey is riding a huge wave of good fortune. His owner and trainer, though not without some controversy, have kept him seemingly healthy and happy.
The Belmont has always been known as the Test of Champions. And it is just that, in a year of a possible Triple Crown winner. It’s a grueling race. Most horses never want to go a mile and a half, but especially in the first half of their three year old year.
I’ll Have Another has never raced over the track. And, in what appears to be somewhat unconventional, has not had a work in three weeks. He has had 2 tough races, back to back, and the Belmont will be the most demanding. His jock has never ridden at Belmont, and although he will ride on Friday, will that be enough to get a feel for the mile and a half oval and those wide sweeping turns? Lastly, there are several talented opponents who are coming in fresh, could improve, and are legitimately good enough to upset.
Does any of that matter?
It will take an exceptional horse-an extraordinary horse-to get the job done,and win the Belmont.And if I’ll Have Another pulls it off, he will certainly deserve the Crown.
But it’s not up to us.
It’s all up to the Gods of Racing. And I wish I knew what they were thinking.
Enjoy the Belmont,the Test of Champions-and may the best horse win.
How they do their job is a mystery.
But you can be sure they are working overtime this year.
With I’ll Have Another looking to become the 12th Triple Crown winner in history and the first since 1978, only Belmont’s mile and a half Big Sandy, stands in the way.
I’ll Have Another is a very good colt. He has tactical speed, the right racing style and a pedigree that says he can run all day. He has a famous stable pony, who has coached him, no doubt, and his young jockey is riding a huge wave of good fortune. His owner and trainer, though not without some controversy, have kept him seemingly healthy and happy.
The Belmont has always been known as the Test of Champions. And it is just that, in a year of a possible Triple Crown winner. It’s a grueling race. Most horses never want to go a mile and a half, but especially in the first half of their three year old year.
I’ll Have Another has never raced over the track. And, in what appears to be somewhat unconventional, has not had a work in three weeks. He has had 2 tough races, back to back, and the Belmont will be the most demanding. His jock has never ridden at Belmont, and although he will ride on Friday, will that be enough to get a feel for the mile and a half oval and those wide sweeping turns? Lastly, there are several talented opponents who are coming in fresh, could improve, and are legitimately good enough to upset.
Does any of that matter?
It will take an exceptional horse-an extraordinary horse-to get the job done,and win the Belmont.And if I’ll Have Another pulls it off, he will certainly deserve the Crown.
But it’s not up to us.
It’s all up to the Gods of Racing. And I wish I knew what they were thinking.
Enjoy the Belmont,the Test of Champions-and may the best horse win.
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