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.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
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.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
The Second Jewel
It’s the Third Saturday in May and that can only mean one thing. It’s Preakness Day and time to get your Preak-on!
Whatever that means.
You have a number of public handicappers saying it’s a two horse race. The Derby winner – I’ll Have Another – vs. the runner-up Bodemeister. Everyone else is running for third money.
Then you have the other half of the touts saying both horses have every right to bounce off their Derby efforts and it’s a good time to look for a new shooter who is moving in the right direction.
I think there’s another way to go. And his name is Creative Cause.
Consistent as they come, his 5th place finish in the Derby was still a good effort, despite some traffic problems and being 8 wide at the quarter pole. Yes he has been accumulating frequent flyer miles, but if he was not a good shipper, I doubt they would have put him through that. He was beaten a nasty nose by I’ll Have Another in the Santa Anita Derby and beat Bodemeister in the San Felipe, so he certainly fits with the “top two”. There should be plenty of pace for him to stalk and pounce.
The second jewel could be his today.
Across the pond, in moments, will be the 2012 debut of the “best horse in the world”. That would be Frankel. In the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury, we may see him stalk the speed of his half brother, Bullet Train, who it is said, will be used as a rabbit. A year older and stronger, Frankel’s race should be exciting to watch.
Frankel could indeed be today's Saturday Afternoon Horse.
Whatever that means.
You have a number of public handicappers saying it’s a two horse race. The Derby winner – I’ll Have Another – vs. the runner-up Bodemeister. Everyone else is running for third money.
Then you have the other half of the touts saying both horses have every right to bounce off their Derby efforts and it’s a good time to look for a new shooter who is moving in the right direction.
I think there’s another way to go. And his name is Creative Cause.
Consistent as they come, his 5th place finish in the Derby was still a good effort, despite some traffic problems and being 8 wide at the quarter pole. Yes he has been accumulating frequent flyer miles, but if he was not a good shipper, I doubt they would have put him through that. He was beaten a nasty nose by I’ll Have Another in the Santa Anita Derby and beat Bodemeister in the San Felipe, so he certainly fits with the “top two”. There should be plenty of pace for him to stalk and pounce.
The second jewel could be his today.
Across the pond, in moments, will be the 2012 debut of the “best horse in the world”. That would be Frankel. In the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury, we may see him stalk the speed of his half brother, Bullet Train, who it is said, will be used as a rabbit. A year older and stronger, Frankel’s race should be exciting to watch.
Frankel could indeed be today's Saturday Afternoon Horse.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Derby Day
I love the Kentucky Derby for all of its elegant traditions, historic importance, and unbridled excitement. I also love it for the wagering opportunities. 
The best horse does not always win the Derby. But in the end, the roses go the best horse, on the day. So sometimes you have to use a little more imagination when wagering.
With a 20 horse field, all kinds of things can happen.
It’s a tough race to win, and a horse and rider need a tremendous amount of racing luck.
This is one of the most formidable fields in quite some time. You can study pedigree, analyze workouts and gallop outs, way of going ,confirmation, mental attitude and have all the inside info from the backside, but with three year olds in the spring that have never run the classic distance…well, no one knows what any of them will do when faced with that last extra furlong.
Still have more studying to do. But I will tell you who I am alive to in the Oaks -Derby Doubles wager.
Union Rags – loved him since last year. Not sure if daddy Dixie Union will get him there, but he has the class, the mind and the willingness to get the job done. Has been educated in previous starts, and for a big colt, he is pretty handy. Has tactical speed to stay within range. Had the best work of Derby week and is sitting on “ready”. Has the right connections, and J Lep will make no mistakes.
Dullahan - Respect Dale Romans. Talented colt can run on anything. Will need to work out a trip from off the pace. And that’s never easy to do.
Daddy Nose Best – Longshot play. May be a much better horse on dirt, has shown gameness. He likes to fight.
Alpha – this horse has always impressed me and I don’t think we’ve seen his best. Has had a small setback, and I hope his gate behavior has improved. But he has the class and I think he will get overlooked.
Gemologist – Undefeated, son of the great Tiznow, out of a Mr. Prospector mare. Stamina over speed. A lot to like. Connections will have him primed to do his best.
Creative Cause – Played my ticket early, before all the “buzz.” If he’s 100%, he will run his race. Never off the board, he’s a good feeling horse who loves his job.
Other pre-Derby races not to be missed:
Race 4- Souper Spectacular, Zenyatta’s baby brother
Race 7- Shackleford going 7 furlongs in the Grade 2 Churchill Downs
Race 9- Sassy Image going for back-to back wins in the Grade 1 Humana distaff
Race 10- Get Stormy going for back-to-back wins in the Grade 1 Turf Classic
Enjoy Derby Day, good luck if you are wagering, and safe trips to all our equine friends.
The best horse does not always win the Derby. But in the end, the roses go the best horse, on the day. So sometimes you have to use a little more imagination when wagering.
With a 20 horse field, all kinds of things can happen.
It’s a tough race to win, and a horse and rider need a tremendous amount of racing luck.
This is one of the most formidable fields in quite some time. You can study pedigree, analyze workouts and gallop outs, way of going ,confirmation, mental attitude and have all the inside info from the backside, but with three year olds in the spring that have never run the classic distance…well, no one knows what any of them will do when faced with that last extra furlong.
Still have more studying to do. But I will tell you who I am alive to in the Oaks -Derby Doubles wager.
Union Rags – loved him since last year. Not sure if daddy Dixie Union will get him there, but he has the class, the mind and the willingness to get the job done. Has been educated in previous starts, and for a big colt, he is pretty handy. Has tactical speed to stay within range. Had the best work of Derby week and is sitting on “ready”. Has the right connections, and J Lep will make no mistakes.
Dullahan - Respect Dale Romans. Talented colt can run on anything. Will need to work out a trip from off the pace. And that’s never easy to do.
Daddy Nose Best – Longshot play. May be a much better horse on dirt, has shown gameness. He likes to fight.
Alpha – this horse has always impressed me and I don’t think we’ve seen his best. Has had a small setback, and I hope his gate behavior has improved. But he has the class and I think he will get overlooked.
Gemologist – Undefeated, son of the great Tiznow, out of a Mr. Prospector mare. Stamina over speed. A lot to like. Connections will have him primed to do his best.
Creative Cause – Played my ticket early, before all the “buzz.” If he’s 100%, he will run his race. Never off the board, he’s a good feeling horse who loves his job.
Other pre-Derby races not to be missed:
Race 4- Souper Spectacular, Zenyatta’s baby brother
Race 7- Shackleford going 7 furlongs in the Grade 2 Churchill Downs
Race 9- Sassy Image going for back-to back wins in the Grade 1 Humana distaff
Race 10- Get Stormy going for back-to-back wins in the Grade 1 Turf Classic
Enjoy Derby Day, good luck if you are wagering, and safe trips to all our equine friends.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Fillies First
Oaks Day is here, and it’s lilies for the fillies.
Here’s my quick look at the $1,000,000 Kentucky Oaks.
It’s a full field and wide open.
On Fire Baby – 2 for 2 at Churchill, 2nd time Lasix, but does she want the extra distance?
Grace Hall – Already an Oaks winner at the distance and has a Grade 1 at Saratoga to boot. Was 2nd at Churchill last year. The deserving morning line fave.
Summer Applause - Harlan’s Holiday filly, coming in with a bullet and will love the added distance. (Is she really 15 to 1?)
Eden’s Moon – Baffert speedball from the West Coast.
Hard Not to Like – first time dirt
Broadway’s Alibi – A length from being undefeated in 5 starts. She is the speed of the speed and would love it wet.
Sacristy – One for one at Churchill, but will she stretch out?
Jemima’s Pearl – Has been Bodemeister’s workmate while at Churchill.
Believe You Can – Larry knows his fillies and has the Rosie factor.
And Why Not – yes, and why not? Talented filly put a line through last.
Karlory Vale – may have turned the corner, but is dirt her game?
Colonial Empress – great pedigree, but form shows nothing.
Amie’s Dini – a win over the track, very consistent, has some class
Yara – beat the chalk, but distance may be a problem
Summer Applause could be the one that benefits from the speed dual up front. Lots of speed in here which could set the race up for a filly who can relax and wait.
Broadway’s Alibi is legit speed and could take them all the way.
And Why Not may have grown into herself this year, and if she puts it all together could be a big threat.
Have a great Oaks Day!
Here’s my quick look at the $1,000,000 Kentucky Oaks.
It’s a full field and wide open.
On Fire Baby – 2 for 2 at Churchill, 2nd time Lasix, but does she want the extra distance?
Grace Hall – Already an Oaks winner at the distance and has a Grade 1 at Saratoga to boot. Was 2nd at Churchill last year. The deserving morning line fave.
Summer Applause - Harlan’s Holiday filly, coming in with a bullet and will love the added distance. (Is she really 15 to 1?)
Eden’s Moon – Baffert speedball from the West Coast.
Hard Not to Like – first time dirt
Broadway’s Alibi – A length from being undefeated in 5 starts. She is the speed of the speed and would love it wet.
Sacristy – One for one at Churchill, but will she stretch out?
Jemima’s Pearl – Has been Bodemeister’s workmate while at Churchill.
Believe You Can – Larry knows his fillies and has the Rosie factor.
And Why Not – yes, and why not? Talented filly put a line through last.
Karlory Vale – may have turned the corner, but is dirt her game?
Colonial Empress – great pedigree, but form shows nothing.
Amie’s Dini – a win over the track, very consistent, has some class
Yara – beat the chalk, but distance may be a problem
Summer Applause could be the one that benefits from the speed dual up front. Lots of speed in here which could set the race up for a filly who can relax and wait.
Broadway’s Alibi is legit speed and could take them all the way.
And Why Not may have grown into herself this year, and if she puts it all together could be a big threat.
Have a great Oaks Day!
Friday, April 27, 2012
The Derby Tree
One of my earliest Derby memories as a child was my Dad telling me the story about the Derby Tree. In 1961, he played Decidedly in the Winter Book for the following years’ Derby. (So I guess the Future Wager has been around for a long time.) Not sure how it was done back then, but I know my Dad didn’t jump on a plane and go to Vegas.
My best guess is-it involved a bookie.
The reason why he played the grey colt by the Derby winning sire, Determine, was supposedly something he heard, when having breakfast next to trainer Horatio Luro, the summer before on the Saratoga apron. What he heard and whether Mr. Luro was touting his two year olds, is anybody’s guess.
My father did like to tell a track story or two.
But whatever he heard, it prompted him to place a good wager on the colt.
He won a bundle on that Derby 50 years ago. One of the things he did with his winnings was to buy and plant a flowering tree that would be in bloom on Derby Day. It’s the first tree that bloomed in his yard each and every year, even before the Dogwoods. It has withstood a lot, and has seen better days, but it still blooms 10 days out, and heralds the coming of the most exciting two minutes in sports.
You can read about Decidedly’s record breaking Derby and also about how his jock picked up the mount, at the Kentucky Virtual Library. Partnered with Keeneland and the DRF, there are 3000 volumes of the Daily Racing Forms archived there.
My best guess is-it involved a bookie.
The reason why he played the grey colt by the Derby winning sire, Determine, was supposedly something he heard, when having breakfast next to trainer Horatio Luro, the summer before on the Saratoga apron. What he heard and whether Mr. Luro was touting his two year olds, is anybody’s guess.
My father did like to tell a track story or two.
But whatever he heard, it prompted him to place a good wager on the colt.
He won a bundle on that Derby 50 years ago. One of the things he did with his winnings was to buy and plant a flowering tree that would be in bloom on Derby Day. It’s the first tree that bloomed in his yard each and every year, even before the Dogwoods. It has withstood a lot, and has seen better days, but it still blooms 10 days out, and heralds the coming of the most exciting two minutes in sports.
You can read about Decidedly’s record breaking Derby and also about how his jock picked up the mount, at the Kentucky Virtual Library. Partnered with Keeneland and the DRF, there are 3000 volumes of the Daily Racing Forms archived there.
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