Derby Blogs

Mike I can't say that I have listen. I will try to search this out.

Happy Thanksgiving .........Friday race 3 hollywood WINGFORWARD won Jim Romes horse hes a big talk show host in Barrys backyard CALI ......does anyone listen to him? GO BUCKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Barry, Sharon, Mike and gang,

Watch out for Jedi Code and Cool Coalman in the Churchill Downs closing day card this Saturday.

Have a Happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Hi Everyone
Ok, the Real Quiet Stakes.
Colonel John, a very nice performance...He's on my watch list for K Derby Horses.
I very nice pedigree that can stretch out. (ThanksCalvin)
I'm sure he caught the attention of others...comments?

S

Mike, I had to look at Pyro again.

He might mature into a major threat to War Pass. He is the only horse to run two 100 beyer races behind War Pass. Beyers is getting better.

They probably should ship west for the Hollywood Futurity and get a grade 1 victory under the belt. improve breeding rights and get a win.

He really look great on the replay as well.

Barry, I do agree but he wont be on my ticket in the KY DERBY if he makes it only because i have seen to many front runners quit.....The Derby is a stalker or a closers race. I thought War Pass has been lucky twice to catch 2 speed favoring tracks who knows maybe Pyro will turn the tables next time.:)

Hi Calvin and Mike. Color Fyling I stated several weeks ago. He will be privately held. I anticipated Shug M will be the trainer. He has trained both sire and mare in the past. THIS ONE COULD BE A MONSTER NEXT YEAR.

Mike. War Pass is the real deal. I know you have distance issues. But raw speed during the middle to 3/4 of the race is difficult to beat. Many horse have to change there running style to keep pace and finally will succumb to chasing the speed.

I like him alot and Nick is a good trainer for the triple crown races.

Mike,

I made a mistake. Colors Flying was born in 2006 instead of 2005 so he's probably not listed yet but he's a good one to keep looking for when he starts training.

Sorry.

Calvin...........i do have Powerhouse on my watch list but colors flying wont come up on drf it says hes not regestered ?......Any thoughts

Barry and gang,

Here’s a couple of 2yo’s I found out about today that I’ve added to my watch list – Powerhouse and Colors Flying. At the present, they are un-raced but if they live up to their breeding, they could do well on the Triple Crown trail and I’m looking forward to their debut.

Powerhouse, sired by A. P. Indy, is out of the Bold Ruler bloodline. His grandsires are Seattle Slew and Mr. Prospector. His grand dams are Weekend Surprise, Secretariat’s daughter, and Personal Ensign out of the Damascus bloodline – both are Reine de Course (Queens of The Turf) mares.

Personal Ensign, undefeated in 13 starts with $1,679,880 in career earnings, was the 1988 Eclipse Champion Older Female. She was elected to Hall of Fame in 1993 and she was the 1996 Broodmare of the Year.

Out of 15 mares in 4 generations, Powerhouse has 8 Reine de Course mares in his pedigree chart and he has a Dosage Profile of 36.

Colors Flying is also sired by A.P. Indy. His dam, Storm Flag Flying, was 7-3-3 in 14 starts with $1,951,828 in career earnings. Storm Flag Flying was the 2002 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner and at the age of 4 she won the Personal Ensign Handicap and was 2nd in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

Out of 15 mares in 4 generations, Colors Flying has 9 Reine de Course mares in his pedigree chart and he has a Dosage Profile of 22.

As we all know, pedigree is no guarantee of success and only time will tell if these young colts live up to their breeding.

But it is indeed, encouraging to finally see so many colts out of the Bold Ruler bloodline come on to the scene to challenge the Mr. Prospector colts that have dominated the Triple Crown Trail for the past decade.

Barry,

Here's an excellent article I recently discovered about sires and pedigrees. Although a bit dated (2001) it still contains some good information that is still pertinent today.

http://www.werkhorse.com/pdf/2001_teamwerk.pdf

Ill bet you WAR PASS wont even hit the ticket in the Derby at 1 1/4

Hi Sharon, the girls will probably beat each other next year. The Kentucky Oaks will be difficult for any front runners I've seen thus far. I don't believe we have seen the best 2 year old filly yet.

Now WAR PASS, reminds me of Seattle Slew, Bold Forbes, Holy Bull type of horse. Natural speed and continue at a high cruising speed around the turn. I don't believe distance will be an issue, unless nick starts to change his running style.

I don't believe their will be anything back east to run with him. Derby favorite for sure.

Hi Barry

Good points on the 2 yo fillys.
I really liked Cry and Catch Me (in BC Juv Filly), until she was scratched out..
...and forgot that Rated Fiesty is on the sidelines at the moment.
I have her on my horse watch.
You make a valid point that the "girls" may just as well beat up on each other this season....
It's should be interesting!

Sharon

Mike, the problem with Lava Man is they change the racing surfaces here in California from conventional dirt to synthetic and what else is being used.

Lava Man is looking for rest and to regroup. I expect him to resurface in the Midwest.

PREMIUM TAP http://racing.bloodhorse.com//viewstory.asp?id=41848

WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO RETIRE LAVA MAN............I CANT BELIEVE THEY DONT WANT TO GO OUT ON A GOOD NOTE

Welcome back Sharon, My thoughts on the 2 year old filly division,

I wonder who Baffert really thinks is the best filly in his barn

Cry and Catch Me or Indian Blessing.

Both have the same running style, but Cry and Catch Me showed so much courage in the Oak Leaf, I think head to head in the she might be the better horse.

Rated F is going to very tough going distance. So I think the filly have company enough, instead of facing the boy's and probaly are more competitive among themselves next year.

Hi Everyone

I loved The Breeder's Cup races, regardless of the weather.

I am looking forward to the up-comming 2 yo season...I'm making a list and checking it twice...

Would anyone like to wager that Indian Blessing will go up against the boys during the Derby Preps?...It's early, but I think she could be a live one. Any comments?

I love seeing that everyone is still here....onward to Kentucky Derby 134.

Regards,

Hi Chris, nice commentary. I still think we have not seen the best two year old hit the track yet. If you look at the crop for the last several years. The best to comes has not come.

Several monsters out there??? Both filly and colts.

The world championship for thoroughbreds came and left me wanting more. The Championship provided horse lovers with a view into next year, while some left us with lasting memories. I was blown away by the performance turned in by English Channel. I picked the horse going into the race, but what he gave us was totally unexpected. I don't even think Pletcher believed that was his best chance of winning a Breeders' Cup race. When they turned for home in the mile and half turf, English Channel spurted away from the field, and all the other challengers were left wondering what happened. Dylan Thomas didn't fire and I would have loved to see what he could have done if the turf was firm. I doubt the outcome would've been any different, maybe a little closer, but not different. I was also impressed with Midnight Lute. After getting over the frustration of Baffert replacing Bridgmohan with Gomez, I made him my top pick in the sprint. I loved the horse after his race at Saratoga, but when I saw his workout on TVG, I was totally impressed. He ran amazingly and the performance was off the charts. I am hoping he can stretch out and try the handicap division next year, because he looks spectacular, and his style indicates he could go much further.

English Channel and Midnight Lute was impressive, but War Pass is a freak. This race left me wanting next year to come rather quickly. The outcome of the Juvenile was a carbon copy of the Champagne ran a few weeks ago at Belmont. In the Champagne, War Pass led and barely hung on for the win, while Pyro was gaining. In the Juvenile, War Pass led throughout, and although there was talk of Globalization going with him, it never materialized. Trainer Nick Zito said on ESPN that if they decide to go with him they are going to melt. Globalization didn't even have the speed to stay with this freak. His Beyer speed figure was higher than what Street Sense received last year and we all know what he did as a three year old. Pyro, in defeat never gave up. He kept trying, and Bridgmohan was busy on him the entire way. Bridgmohan rode the length of the stretch with any goggles because he ran out turning for home. Pyro and war Pass left me wanting more and it will be interesting to see what War Pass, who is by Cherokee Run and Pyro by Pulpit do in the future. They are the two early favorites for the derby.
The Breeders' Cup was like a fine meal with the dessert even better than the main course. The dessert was Curlin's performance in the classic. I loved Curlin and street sense going into the race because I felt they were the two best horses in America. The start of the race was as expected with Hard Spun doing the dirty job for the showstopper. Hard Spun is a very nice horse who has surprised me more this year than anyone else. He didn't win any of the triple crown races, but his performance outside of the Preakness was outstanding in each. This horse is just a bulldozer whose heart is as big as body. Any other year and Hard Spun would have been horse of the year, it just so happened that he arrived on the scene along with Curlin and Street Sense. Street Sense gave me my money worth all year. Both he and Calvin Borel left me with tears, especially when Borel exclaimed after the race the impact of not having having him around anymore. The love between horse and man was evident and they were a pair made for other. Borel became a household because of Street Sense, but street Sense best was brought out by Borel. Curlin was incredible. Steve Asmussen knows race horses. He knew he didn't have Curlin cranked up for the Haskell because he wanted him to peak on the biggest stage. When Albarado asked to go and both him Street Sense took off, I literally had goose bumps because I knew something dramatic was about to happen. Street sense couldn't sustain his drive but Curlin looked like a freight train when they turned for home. He demolished a very good field and erased all doubts about who is horse of the year.
While Curlin has provided us with his showstopper performance, Ginger Punch showed the most heart. In my previous blogs I mentioned how I was not terribly disappointed when Ginger Punch lost in the Beldame to Unbridled Belle. This mare has shown how powerful she is all year and she proved once again on racing greatest stage. Ginger Punch and her fearless jockey, Rafael Bejarano fought along the rail and defeated Hystericalady ridden by Eddie Castro. Bejarano took Castro to school and taught him a lesson or two in the process. Eddie Castro did everything possible to defeat Ginger Punch and Bejarano, but the class jockey and horse prevailed. Ginger Punch will win the award for best older mare.
When Curlin received his award for horse of the year, his trainer, Steve Asmussen should also lineup for to get his award for trainer of the year. Asmussen out shined Carl Naftger, Larry Jones, and Todd Pletcher. Pletcher had multiple chances to win this award with Lawyer Ron and Any Given Saturday, but was unable to do so. Carl Naftger did an outstanding job with Street sense all year, and should be honourably mentioned, but Asmussen showed why he is considered among the elites with his training job on Curlin. The difference between Curlin from the derby and Curlin in the classic on Saturday was night and day, and all the credit should go to Asmussen and his handy assistants.
Disappointment
I was disappointed in the rain because I believed it robbed a few horses of their best chances. Dylan Thomas was not the same and on a firmer turf he would've shown his class. I was also disappointed with jockey Eibar Coa. Coa is known as a talent in New York City but his rides on Friday and Saturday were questionable. First his ride on Dream Rush was ridiculous. He never took a hold of the horse, especially when Lepereaux decided to sit off his blistering pace. He rode Dream rush the entire way without given the horse much of a breath, and she eventually succumbed to his neglect. Coa's rides on a few of his other horses was questionable. The jock, who is very talented caved in under the pressure of the two days.
Looking Forward
I am looking forward to next year and the three year-olds. War Pass and Pyro should resume where they left off with both horses improving for their three year old campaign. I hope we get to see Curlin again and what he will be able to as a older horse. If he stays around he could be a monster. Indian Blessing also looks very intriguing to me and when Rated Fiesty, the best two year old filly before she got hurt, gets back into action it will provide some drama. Look out for the young Gabriel Saez who is nineteen years old. He rode set Play to second place finish in the Juvenile fillies. Smoking Joe Talamo will also make a lot of noise and if he stays healthy will dominate horse racing. He is a terrific rider whose hands are amazing and can finish with the best around.
The year was great and even though there are still some unfinished business in Churchill and Santa Anita, this year in horse racing will go down as one of the most memorable ever. So let's drink one for Street Sense and Hard spun, may your little ones provide us with as much class as you both did.

summer season in NJ ends in September...not october.

Mike,

i totally agree. i live close to mp and once it started raining i knew it was doomed. i said this to a few people i know-the breeders cup needs to be in a warmer climate. forget the rain. it could rain anywhere but...it was downright nasty around here on friday. it subsided on saturday but the damage was done. When-When the BC comes back to GP i would head down there for a vacation and a day in the sun. Our summer season down the shore ends the last week in october.

Final Comment on the three year old divisional honors:

With Hard Spun second place yesterday, will he move pass Street Sense in the ballot.

I certainly believe so! Hard Spun has two vistories over Street Sense since the Preakness and finish ahead of Street Sense in the big dance.
My voting ballot

CURLIN
HARD SPUN
STREET SENSE
TIAGO
ANY GIVEN SATURDAY
SCAT DADDY

Even though i only had a few winners i still think it was one of the worst weather and Breeders Cup i have ever watched.......As far as 3yr olds Pyro ran the best race, and if you think War Front will ever get a 1 1/4 in the Derby you are smokin.....If it were a fast and dry track and he tried to get a 45 half LOL he would be lucky to run 9th.......Unfortunately that horse can not be throttled down...My pick for the Derby is still THE ROUND HOUSE

Barry my friend,

I can understand why you would want to go on vacation. But as a true horse racing fan, you've got to keep in touch.

You can reach me at mymower@aol.com and you can also catch up on my recent post (if I have any) at the drf.com FlormBlog hosted by Dan Illman.

Guess what - there were only about 4 of us part time bloggers that picked Curlin to win the Classic. All of the heavy hitter gamblers did not have Curlin in the their picks!

Keep in touch my friend,

Sincerely,
Calvin

Hi Calvin, this was a remarkable year for horse racing. If Nashobas's Key had won, she also would have been undeafeated in one year of racing.

My bet list finish with a flourish, Kip Deville, English Channel, and CURLIN.

Hey guys and girls, great job this year. Look forward to meeting everyone next year.

Take care and be well, I going on a vacation.

Barry,

I had a lot of close ones today and did not cash one ticket but the biggest joy I had was seeing my pick to win the Classic, Curlin, win in definitive style.

When Curlin and Rags to Riches hooked up in the Belmont I thought back then that we were watching a duel between two future Eclipse Champion horses that had a shot at Horse of the Year.

Congratulations to Curlin and his connections!

Kevin,

Nice out...i said this a month ago on drf board...curlin jogged in gold cup. i used him and awesome gem for the off track pedigree....

Horrible day; in the money 40% but playing tris and pick 3s. Down $250 with $30 box on S/S, AGS, Curlin

Got one, Kip Deville.

Top and bottom the exacta. WINNER! 8-1

Justin you are the man, Thus Far!

Great handicapping

I still in it,
Nick Zito should be loving the moment.

Commentator has never loss in the mud / slop call it what you want.
He is 3 for 3, Okay I can read Zito won two Breeders Cup Races.

That's my play away from Idiot Proof

and now its pouring again...what a day..

Lahudood-whatever the talking heads state...do the opposite.

All My Loving 19-1

Top and bottom exacta

1:30pm est not raining and it is desperately trying to clear but its still overcast. i cant even pick a horse in the money on this track. i liked the 1 in the first race and used him with the 6...closest to a win here.

I am going to switch the 2 year old filly choice

ZEE ZEE

only lost was to yestreday victor

NOWNOWNOW

So she ran against the boys and breeder cup winner in her second race.

Open 30-1 down to 21-1

both sprints come home in 13 seconds..this track is completely dead...cobalt blue comes from dead last..yeah its dead alright.

Barry,

I was not happy with some selections and reworked these races. If pedigree has an influence today, Bear Now at 15-1 in the Distaff could be one of the better plays of the day. Bear Now has been firing bullets and her sires mud stats is 22% and the dam's sire is 23%.

Other horses I like for potential long shot bets are Clearly Foxy 30-1 and Zee Zee in the Juvenile Fillies. Z Humor 12-1, Shore Do 30-1, Overextended 50-1, Globalization 20-1 in the Juvenile. Distance may be a question but Kokiak Kowboy could be a good mud horse. His sire, Posse, was 20% in the mud. Coronado's Quest was 21% in the mud.

Good Luck!

Race 6 – Filly and Mare Turf
5 – Wait A While 4/1
3 – Nashoba’s Key 3/1
1 – All My Loving 15/1
4 – Passage of Time 7/2
W/P: 1. Trifecta box: 1-3-5.

Race 7 – Sprint
1 – Smokey Stover 7/2
6 – Commentator 12/1
8 – Benny The Bull 6/1
W/P: 1-6-8. Trifecta box: 1-6-8.

Race 8 – Mile
14 – Remarkable News 12-1
13 – Excellent Art 3/1
7 – Cosmonaut 15/1
W/P: 7-14. Trifecta box: 7-13-14.

Race 9 - Distaff
12 – Hysterical Lady 6/1
6 – Bear Now 15/1
4 – Ginger Punch 4/1
11 – Unbridled Belle 9/2
W/P: 6-12. Tifecta box: 4-6-12.

anyone see mutton chops on tvg...dont bet dylan...dont bet dylan...meanwhile all of europe has already bet him-give me a break-english books just trying to get to either even money or 2-1..hes a single imo. i also like better talk and grand courtier in that race.

sat 8:34 am est.-its raining again. thought it was almost over. At least its not pouring. i thought we would get a break but.....

Race 6 : Lahudood
Race 7: Idiot Proof or Midnight Lute
Race 8: Nobiz or Excellent Art
Race 9: Hystericalady - $$$ money pick!!!
Race 10:Dylan Thomas
Race 11: Street Sense but Tiago might have something to say....

Good luck....

so shes not so much as a secret...i did come up with two other bombers to use though..in the 5th...use the dynaformer horse and in the filly and mare bc i like arravale. i bet her twice and after looking at the field, the turf condition and the distance she is right in this race. a mile doesnt look like her game but longer and off turf course appear to be to her liking.

Jim, I had smarty deb as a long shot for the day, but don't like it as much with the rain.

smarty deb-anyone see her fitting in to this race?

sat..7:14 am est... its early and not too bright but its not raining. its overcast but not raining.

Okay, I need a boat to stay a float!. The only good bet on friday for me was the switch to mayfield. I think I swallow a beer nut!. I finished plus 40.00 on the TVG wagering.

Trying to sell my house for "idiot "proof.

Good Luck everyone, we are going to need it, with the track conditions. Jim pull out the boat for driving across town to MP.

Rough day at the races. I was nowhere close; although Cannonball was in reach at nice odds. Dirt mile was a no brainer to box for the super, but never would have left Discreet Cat out of top 2. Guess he's not the same horse he once was.

For Saturday.
Juv Filly: Izarra
Juvy: No idea. Any of 5 horses can win.
F&M Turf: Argentina
SPrint: Gregs Gold
Mile: Excellent ARt
Distaff: Octave is a huge overlay. At those odds, a large show bet will be worth it.
Turf: Dylan THomas
Classic: Any Given Saturday

Two Pick 3s I feel good about:
Race 4: Izarra over All over Argentina
Race 9: All over Dylan Thomas over Any Given Saturday

Race-4 Clearly Foxy 30-1.........Race-5 Pyro 6-1.........Race-6 Passage Of Time 7-2 .........Race 7 Midnight Lute 2-1..............Race 8 Remarkable News 12-1 .....Race 9 Unbridled Belle 9-2........Race 10 Dylan Thomas ...Race 11 STREET SENSE