Haskell Questions

Which way to go in the Haskell? This is the type of situation where you wish you could camp out for a few days at the track to actually see how these horses look and act, coming up to what looks like a very important race with implications towards the  Breeder’s Cup and year end honors. How does the Derby winner look? Todd says he’s bigger and stronger. How did the Preakness winner ship? They say he shipped well and he handled his first gallop over the track with ease. How is the Dude doing? As good as he was doing before the Belmont, says his trainer. And Trappe Shot. Is Kiaran still brimming with confidence since his eye-catching win over the track last month, despite a clumsy start? Did Lezcano have his choice of Ice Box over Our Dark Knight? Is the latter, simply a rabbit? Could home track advantage make the difference with Afleet Express? Will angels carry Charlie over the Holy Ground where his trainer sleeps? A lot of questions, but, you still have to take a stand. So with that in mind, and at the time of this posting, I’m going to narrow it down to my final four : First Dude ( His performances are strong, even when he loses, and he should enjoy the turnback, he’s game no matter what), Trappe Shot ( we really don’t know just how good this colt is) Looking at Lucky ( whatever happens, he will run his race) and well, I can’t leave out a stronger, more focused, Super Saver, the Derby winner, can I ?
We can look in our crystal balls, we can handicap till we can’t see straight , we can study numbers, sheets, and replays, but till the Haskell is run and it’s in the books, we really don’t know which of these colts will take a step forward , lay it down, and come up a winner.
Good luck and a safe trip to all! It’s a hard race to handicap but it’s going to be a great race to watch.

Always a "play"... You Go West Girl...

We all have them. Horses we back, no matter what. Maybe we saw them break their maidens, early on, saw something that caught the eye. Not a “buzz” horse, not an expensive yearling, not an ultra special pedigree, but just something that made us say …hmmm… gotta follow this one. Well I’ve had many of those horses over the years, ones that I will almost always play, no matter what. I’m loyal that way, sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s not. There have been several high profile horses for me lately, Zenyatta for one, mainly because I look at anything out of a Kris S mare. Yes I watched that first race focused only on her, (It was easy, she was so far back) And couldn’t stop talking about her after that. Then there was Kelly’s Landing. I watched his maiden breaker, and got right on the bandwagon, and then there’s You Go West Girl. I was at Keeneland the day she broke her maiden, noticed she was a NY bred, running wide open, and that was it. I think that was 3 years ago, or was it 4? Anyway, she is back in the first race at Saratoga on Saturday, a stakes on the turf , and at age 6, with 24 starts,18 of those starts in the money, she has earnings of over a cool half million.

The William B. Fasig Stakes is small but contentious field. Chestoria appears to be the ML favorite, though You Go West Girl has beaten her before. They are very similar horses, really, career wise and they both have similar running styles. You Go West Girl has had a little freshening after her uninspiring try in the Mt. Vernon, but her nice turf work last Saturday, signals that she could be ready to run a big one. The other one in here that I like is Akilina. Just a four year old, she is another very consistent filly and perhaps will sit a little closer to the pace, and could upset the top two. But I will be rooting for You Go West Girl. Can’t stop now.

Horse For Course, QUICK CALL

 Then and Now


Thursday’s feature at Saratoga is the Quick Call Stakes, a mile on the inner turf for 3 year olds. In the late 80’s, if you were at Saratoga, and Quick Call was in the entries, well, betting on him was as close to a sure thing as you could get. Between 1986 and 1992 Quick Call won 16 out of 86 starts. Eight of those wins and two seconds came at Saratoga. The most prestigious of his wins was The Forego Handicap, which he won in ’88 and ’89 and nearly won in 1990, getting beat a nose.


Quick Call is living the good life at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Walkill Correctional Facility in upstate New York. If you are at the track on Thursday, the TRF will be there with information about what they do. For more info on the TRF, click here.


Now 26 years old, Quick Call is one of the lucky ones. Though awareness for the health and welfare of retired Thoroughbreds has grown tremendously over the years, it is an ongoing concern. So many horses slip through the cracks. Owners and breeders have a responsibility to be aware and pro-active concerning just where their horses end up after their racing careers are over. As an owner and a breeder, believe me,I know firsthand this is not always an easy task. But there is no excuse for doing anything less than the right thing by the horse, whatever it takes.


"Horses for Courses" are always special. They find a track they love and they “move up” when they run there. Quick Call was special on the track, and in his retirement, he represents all the other retired racehorses that could use our help. There are many equine charities out there. Find one that means something to you, and when you win a little, maybe that’s a good time to give a little.

Saturday's Re-Cap With Breeder's Cup Goals?

I saw three eye-catching performances Saturday. The first one I caught by accident. It was the King George IV Queen Elizabeth Stakes, at Ascot. Harbinger absolutely ran away and hid from the small but high class field, including Workforce, winner of the English Derby and Cape Blanco, winner of the Irish Derby. Harbinger  romped, by 11, and ran the mile and 1/2 in 2.26 +. He demolished the course record by better than 3+ seconds over a course labeled "good" His next start will likely be the Arc in October. No mention of whether there is a consideration for Breeder's Cup in November, however he is trained by Sir Michael Stoute, who brought us Conduit, ( who won the King George last year.) Enuf said.
Devil May Care did exactly what I thought she would do in winning the CCA Oaks at Saratoga. She is a professional race horse now, her greeness is gone, though there was a moment in the paddock when she got a little anxious. But she looks like a very level headed filly, who has learned a lot and knows what she has to do. She put away a good group of fillies in the Oaks pretty easily. Big and strong and still improving, we haven't seen the best of her yet. 
And in the G1 Eddie Read at Del Mar, the favorite, The Usual Q.T, did not disappoint. As a matter of fact, his race was brilliant. Beating a strong field in this $300,000 turf event, he relaxed early under Victor Espinoza and when he kicked on for home, it was as spectacular, as it was easy. And the Unusual Heats just keep on winning on the turf.
All three of these winners could figure prominently come the first weekend in November.

Zenyatta’s Bandwagon / The Queen's Workout on 7.22 and a Great Website

Zenyatta’s Bandwagon

I know, I know it's Rachel's weekend. And she's finally looking like her old self. Different day, different distance, a whole lot more money and it looks like an easy spot. And her last workout looked sharp. As the connections said, "loose and happy". Loose being the operative word here I think, because there have been times when she's looked "tight and cranky". But Rachel looms large this Saturday and I hope to see a "Rachelesque" performance.
Meanwhile, the Queen worked this morning on the West Coast. Just recently found this website, http://www.focusedfilly.com/, and if you haven't checked it out, it's a must see. Watch the workout from this morning and be sure to click on Zenyatta's gallop from yesterday, July 22,  entitled "California Gurl" and make sure your speakers are ON.

It's Summertime Racing... So Let's Make Some New Fans

I‘ve always loved opening day. And everybody has their own favorite tracks that they look forward to. Whether Del Mar today, or Saratoga on Friday, Opening Day is like a holiday that only racing fans celebrate! I can’t be at Saratoga opening day this year, but, don’t worry, I will still be an active participant! Good horses and more importantly, future stars will be on display. Even for the most serious handicapper, summer time race meets have a vacation feel to them and are very family-friendly. What better way to get the younger crowd interested? My family took a vacation every year to the Spa, and I couldn’t wait for that weekend in August that would be filled with all the sights and smells and sounds of horses. We always went up during Sales week, so we got the full experience day and night. As the years have gone by, I have introduced so many of my friends to racing. This is one of the most important ways for us to increase the fan base. It is also the best way to get people interested in race horse ownership. Every race fan needs to do their part. Invite someone to the track this summer, someone who's never been before. Sure, they’ll ask a lot of questions, and you might be thinking … I need some peace and quiet to read my form…. but I guarantee you, just one day at the track they will be begging to come back. And maybe they will bring a friend, and that’s how we can help our industry to grow. Yes, lots of things need fixing, but while there are a lot of things wrong with racing, a day at Del Mar or Saratoga shows what is right with racing. The spotlight is on, and let’s all do what we can to promote the greatest game on earth.

A Glowing Tribute

Maybe it’s not the first thing you see when you enter the “backyard” at Saratoga, but when your eyes find the paddock, it’s powerful. The beautiful bronze of the 1993 Kentucky Derby/Travers winner, Sea Hero, is a majestic tribute to the horse and his owner/breeder Paul Mellon. Or maybe “glowing tribute”, would be a better description.



Bred in Virginia, by his owner’s Rokeby Stable, Sea Hero was by Polish Navy ( by Danzig) out of Glowing Tribute, (by Graustark). With Sea Hero, winning the Kentucky Derby, Paul Mellon became the only owner to ever win the 3 Classics, the Kentucky Derby, The Epsom Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triumph.


Sea Hero’s dam, Glowing Tribute was a multiple stakes winner on grass ( including The Diana at Saratoga) and the 1993 Kentucky Broodmare of the Year. In addition to Sea Hero, Glowing Tribute had 6 additional stakes winners, including Hero’s Honor, Glowing Honor, ( who won the Diana TWICE) Mackie and Coronation Cup.


Another “tribute” to Mr. Mellon at Saratoga, is the Mellon Turf Course. One of three separate courses at the oval, the “Mellon” is the OUTER turf course and is one mile and 98 feet.


When I see Sea Hero in the paddock this year, I will be reminded of the incredible tribute that this is, and how significant Paul Mellon and his racing dynasty was to our sport. In addition, as important as Mr. Mellon was to horse racing, I think horse racing was very important to Paul Mellon. Click here, to read the entire original poem entitled "Thoroughbreds", by Paul Mellon.


In his own words:

"Though some may think and I'll agree


That only God can make a tree,


Before God thought of trees, it's said,


His mind was on the Thoroughbred."

Saratoga... 40 Days of Racing and So Much More !

Opening Day is closing in fast. In addition to the best racing on the planet, check out these 10 things to see and do in Saratoga.


1. Visit the track for early morning training hours. You can have a formal breakfast on the track apron, or grab a coffee and a muffin and find a seat in the deserted box seats. Sit back, unplug and enjoy the morning ritual. Training hours end at 10 am.


2. The Oklahoma Training Track is not to be missed. It is across the street from the Sales Pavilion. Park near the clocker’s stand and watch the workouts. Check out the turf training track there as well, there’s training there 2 days a week, conditions permitting.


3. Visit the National Museum of Racing just across the street and about a furlong down from the track’s main entrance. Lots of history, lots of info, and a nice gift shop.


4. Spend the racing day at a picnic bench, under the trees, by the paddock. It‘s a great way to enjoy what is so special about Saratoga.


5. If you are there during the week of the Sales, walk through the sales barns and take a look at some of racing‘s future stars. The Humphrey S. Finney Sales Pavilion is open to the public, and the excitement of the Sales is something you will never forget.


6. Visit The Bread Basket for fresh baked breads, English muffins and other goodies. Visit  the Putnam Market for extraordinary gourmet gifts, specialty wines and THE BEST gourmet take-out foods. Check out great restaurants from up-scale to down –home and everything in between.


7. Take a short ride north down Broadway towards Skidmore College and take in the beautiful homes and stunning architecture. You can identify who lives where, by looking at the silks on the jockey statues out on the lawns. Be sure to walk through town in the evening, there is always something going on in the streets, lots of good energy and all the stores stay open late.


8. Great shopping for the horse enthusiast can be found at Impressions of Saratoga, Saratoga Saddlery, and other fine stores up and down Broadway. 


9. For something a little different, there’s Saratoga Polo that runs through Labor Day, and musical entertainment at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center almost every evening.


10. And for those of you who just can’t get enough racing, and want to go for the double header, try Saratoga Gaming and Raceway with live harness racing and slots.

The Virginia Derby and the Power of Krypton

Can Krypton do it?


If you love turf racing, then this is your weekend. Graded grass races everywhere you look, so let’s hope the weather stays dry and we all have some winners.


While Paddy O Prado looks like the horse to beat in the Virginia Derby, I’m going to take a long look at Krypton. I have liked him from the start, being and looking like his daddy, Rock Hard Ten. But I especially like his last race, the Hill Prince. I like the fact that he has tactical speed if he needs it. I like the way he seems to relax, without resenting a good hold, early on in a race. I think he can sit right behind the speed in this race and not have to work out a trip from the back of the pack. I like the fact that he and Rajiv Maragh seem to get along so well. I like the fact that Rajiv never went to the whip in the Hill Prince. Now granted, that may have been because he was laying in a bit on Nordic Truce, as that horse was laying in a bit on him coming down the lane, and his jock may not have wanted to make that situation any worse. Good thinking Rajiv! Or maybe he was in so close that he had no room to switch to his left hand. Could very well be! But Maragh just stayed quiet, worked on keeping him straight and hand rode him to the wire. Krypton showed talent and gameness, and to me, it looked as though he had something left. A nice easy work on the turf, followed by a sharp minute and change bullet at the Saratoga training track on July 11th, tells me he is ready to take another step forward with a big effort. Will he like the added distance? Well the weight break he will get from the morning line favorite won’t hurt either, so,….I’m going to take a chance that Krypton can do it.


If you have read this far, then keep on reading. Another race I am going to look at on the undercard is the Kitten’s Joy, on the turf at a mile and 1/16. I have a very live 30-to-1 LONGSHOT that I think is worth considering in the exotics. Hawser is a horse bred by the late, great Bobby Frankel and I have watched most of his races. He always puts in a good late run. Karamanos has gotten to know him, he has had trouble in his last two, and I just think he still has some upside potential. Yes, he is in a tough spot, and that’s why he will be double digit odds. But I like him, and while he may not be able to win, I think he can catch a piece of it.

R.I.P. Mr. Steinbrenner

Thoroughbred Horse Racing, lost a great fan today in the passing of George Steinbrenner. Owner of the New York Yankees and Kinsman Stud, in Ocala, Florida “the Boss” was a huge presence in both worlds. Successful with the Yankees in winning 7 World Series and a successful owner/ breeder of numerous stakes winners including the very fast Bellamy Road and the great filly Dream Supreme, Mr. Steinbrenner will be remembered as a true sportsman and a man who loved to win.

A Saturday Afternoon of Odds-on Favorites and True Quality Performances

I’m getting really fond of the little, gritty, Oaks filly Blind Luck. Taking all the mud in her face, trailing the field, as is her custom, and just powering by the rest of the field… wasn’t sure she had enough racetrack, and boy, it was close! I didn’t think she won, till I saw the replay and then I knew. It was a heart pounding finish, by a truly good filly.


Reigning turf champion Gio Ponti came back to his winning ways by winning the Gr 1 Man O War for the second time, despite having to close into a very slow pace. A tense moment around the 8th pole, but when he had racing room, it was all over.


And Trappe Shot. Another visually impressive race, in tight down the backside, squeezing up the rail, and winning really quite easily in his first attempt around two turns. This is an exciting 3 year old. Kiaran McLaughlin calls him a special colt.


Not a day to make money, but a day to enjoy some true quality performances

Weather or Not ?

If you live on the East Coast and you are looking at the weather forecast today, it is probably saying "chance of showers/thunderstorms" throughout the day.  You hear this pretty much, every day through the summer months. So now you may be thinking hmm...Is the weather ( or change in track condition) going to affect my wagering today? Well, first let me say,your best bet is to stay tuned into whatever format you will be wagering from ( if you are NOT on track) to get an accurate read on current weather and track conditions. Things can change fast , from one race to another, even from post parade to starting gate. And though you never want  to get shut out, and like to wager early, sometimes if the weather looks "iffy" you may want to wait. Right now it's raining in Delaware, Monmouth is cloudy with chance of heavy thunderstorms, and Belmont has an 80% chance of heavy rain.
My best bet today is Trappe Shot in the Long Branch at Monmouth. I have been so looking forward to this, since his eye-catching performance on the Belmont undercard. And if the track is wet, all the better. Anything out of a Private Account mare should have no problem, no let me change that, should "move up" on an off track.The "two-turns" is the question he will have to answer today.
Two other horses that I will be rooting for today, should not have any trouble should the track be anything but fast or firm. Though Blind Luck has never run on a wet track, according to the Racing Form, she is by Pollard's Vision, who is by Carson City. Another wet track sire. And if my memory serves me well, I think Pollard's Vision won in the mud, ( Don't quote me on that one)
I doubt that whatever kind of weather shows up in Elmont ,New York will have much effect on the turf course there. I'm thinking that it is rock hard from all the heat we have had here in the East, and it could use some rain. I am looking for Gio Ponti to get a good trip to win the Man O War. He was steadied sharply in the Manhatten , and  being down on the inside I don't think he ever saw Winchester coming. 
So the weather ( or not) will not alter my wagering plans today. Good luck and safe trips to all.

Pick Six and Me

Notice I didn’t say “the" Pick Six and me because this is not a post about the elusive wager that I have never hit and seldom play. No this is about Pick Six, the horse. “Wally” is his nickname, and I’ve been following him since the first time he ever ran. The big, handsome bay colt, by Dynaformer, out of Oh What a Windfall , could there be a more perfect name ?, won me over the first time we met, when he nickered to me. Now I know he talked to everybody like the greeter at Wal-Mart, hence the name, but you don’t see that very often at the track unless it’s feeding time. “Wally” liked to greet everybody that walked into the barn. Maybe he was always “hoping” it was feeding time, I don’t know, but he has lots of personality. And so, I would visit him every chance I could, but since he has changed barns this year, I haven’t seen him. Mr. Oare, if you catch wind of this, let me know when the big boy has had enough. Anyway, he has done a lot of travelling this year, been in some big races and most often gives a good account of himself. He is running in the Sussex Stakes on Saturday at Delaware, and it could be his day.

The blinkers have come off for his last two starts.  He has had five graded stakes races in a row,out of his last 6 starts, but his last effort at Colonial was a very good try against softer. I think he will appreciate the drop in class and  though he has never won going a mile and 1/16 , he has been second 5 times.  He worked 5/8ths, just 13 days after his last effort, then came back with a ½ mile over the turf at Delaware on Monday. At age six,  despite all the travelling,  and a race every month, it would appear that that he is staying in good shape. Not crazy about the one hole, ever, but I look for him to settle just behind what little speed there is in the race, which looks like it could be Nicanor. The two Dynaformer boys, might be my exacta. Not sure what Bullsbay will be doing, will he like the lawn? I hope the weather breaks a little in the Delaware Valley, this heat can be tough on man and beast. Good luck and a safe trip to my buddy, Pick Six.

10 Things I Love about PEOPLE who love Horseracing

They always have great stories to tell

They never care about the weather, only the the track condition (Are we ON the turf, or OFF the turf?)

They can show their emotions every 20 minutes or so ( maybe more at a simulcast outlet)


They are eternal optimists (I WILL cash a ticket today)


They can take the good with the bad (Well she only got beat a neck for third)


They respect and appreciate how amazing horses are ( Yes, Zenyatta and Rachel are both extraordinary)


They are intelligent and analytical ( well maybe some are)


They are crazy and take shots (who cares where the smart money is, I’M still playing him)


They are passionate and loyal ( I’ve been playing this horse since he broke his maiden, can’t stop now)


And they don’t mind paying their dues to be a member of the Sport of Kings

All American Cowboy

Horse owner and breeder, and Country Music Superstar, Toby Keith, rocked out with the Boston Pops last night in a spectacular birthday salute to America. Keith sang several of his hit songs including American Soldier with a backdrop of brilliant fireworks. Fancy vs. down home; tuxedos vs. cowboy hat, but patriotism has no boundaries.TK is very active in his support of the USO and the troops, and he has done 160 plus concerts for the military.
Dream Walkin' Farms is a 260 acre breeding farm and training center near Paul's Valley, Oklahoma  where Keith keeps upwards of 60 broodmares. He has several trainers across the country and also frequents the sales. He was also spotted at Saratoga two summers ago, trying to have lunch in the clubhouse. Yes, Toby that was me taking your picture as you were trying to eat your sandwich. Sorry, but I had to do it. His best known runner was Cactus Ridge,  undefeated at two, who was injured just before the 2003 Breeder's Cup. He stands in Kentucky at Walmac.  He has been quoted many times about his love for the game and says he's "in it for the long haul."
Celebrities have always been good for racing. Let's hope Toby hangs around for the long haul.

Fit for a Queen

The oldest race run in North America, will be run today. The 151st running of the Queen's Plate , a race for 3 year olds bred in Canada, will be run at the distance of a mile and a quarter on polytrack with Queen Elizabeth II in attendance.The million dollar race is the first race in Canada's Triple Crown. There are 11 colts or geldings and 2 fillies in this year's edition.  Sam-Son Farm has three in the Plate, including Dark Cloud Dancer, a colt by Storm Cat out of Dancethruthedawn, she herself a Queen's Plate winner in 2001.The second dam was the brilliant Dance Smartly, an undefeated Canadian Triple Crown winner,  the first Canadian bred to win a Breeder's Cup race and a Hall of Famer. She also had a second Plate winner in Scatter The Gold.
Roger Attfield will be trying for an  amazing 9th win in this race. He trains Mobilizer, who may well be the favorite. Mobilizer is owned by the Stronach Stable, and is by the English sire Motivator, who stands at the Queen's  breeding farm. The Queen has always been very verbal about her love for racing. And the British have always embraced her involvement in the sport. Would our elected officials be accepted like this if they had a passion for the Sport of Kings?

Flags, Families and the Fourth

Flags will be flying this weekend, in all their splendid glory.I am reminded of our great country and all our freedoms, and I am grateful for the people who fought for our liberties and continue to protect us.

On another level, I'm reminiscing about the name of of a very special mare. I remember looking up the word "ensign" and finding out that it also meant "flag". And once again, the Phipps family had nailed a perfect name for their daughter of Private Account out of Grecian Banner.

Without a doubt,Personal Ensign will always be honored as one of the greatest racemares of all time. She was great in her accomplishments on the track AND in the breeding shed. To anyone who witnessed that cold, dark night at Churchill, and the amount of courage and guts it took to wear down the Derby winner in the slop....well that's a memory that will live forever. All that, with a back leg held together with screws. An undefeated career, culminating in a dramatic win in the Distaff...THAT is HEART in a racehorse.

But so many times, great racemares come up empty in the breeding shed. Not so,with Personal Ensign. Among her many Grade I winners, was her best filly, My Flag. A flashy chestnut, not the color we are used to seeing under the Phipps shedrow, but a reflection of her sire Easy Goer, My Flag followed in her mother's footsteps, winning her divisional race, the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies.

The third generation of this extraordinary family produced Storm Flag Flying, and on that raw day at Arlington, she did something that had never been done before. A mother , daughter and granddaughter, all Phipps flag bearers, carrying the family genes, the talent, the courage and the will to win Breeder's Cup races. I was privileged to witness all three. This was quite possibly a feat that will never be equalled again.

Great breeding always shows up. Good families are the heartbeat of the breeding industry. To produce a Saturday afternoon horse is what all breeders aspire to.

We have always had flags flying at our house, especially around the fourth. I am by a sire and out of a dam that both served their country, and we are patriotic, even today. Like all good racing families, Independence Day was always a good day to go to the races. You can still have a cookout later in the day, or "picnic" at the track. It's a good day to celebrate families, flags and the Fourth.

Jockeys / Sad, Bad and Just Plain Silly

I was very saddened to read of the passing of Hall of Famer John Sellers. My earliest recollection as a little girl was watching Carry Back ( by Saggy out of Joppy) win the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness on TV with John as his pilot. I remember my dad thinking that we might see a Triple Crown winner that year. But it was not to be. John also won the Belmont Stakes on Hail to All in 1965. He was awarded the George Wolfe Award in 1969, and elected into the Hall of Fame in 2007. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

The second story of the day involves jockey Noberto Arroyo. According to the Blood Horse, he will serve 2 1/2 years in a NY State Prison for possession of cocaine. This is not the first time that Arroyo has been in trouble, and it is a sad situation to see such a talent go to waste. He galloped horses for a trainer of mine the fall before he started riding in New York. Early 90's I think. Seemed like a courteous, hard working kid and he certainly could ride. Such a shame to see this happen. I hope somehow he comes through this and can turn his life around.

The third story is about another Hall of Famer, Kent Desormeaux. This is NOT what we want to read about you, Kent! Seems he didn't pass a breathalyzer test up at Woodbine and was given a one day suspension and a fine. This prevented him from riding in the stakes that day, which his mount won. Riding is a tough and serious job. Jocks need every bit of skill and good sense to stay safe. Come on Kent, we want to read about you winning races, not stupid stuff like this.