Update 1593: Oddly Tim and I were talking about Coolmoore's Green Monkey
this morning (in the wake of their decision to retire Holy Roman Emperor)
wondering if he will ever race, and here is an update from Bloodhorse: The Green
Monkey, Record-Priced Juvenile, Expected to Return to Training Soon.
I guess Todd Pletcher doesn't really need the $16million 3yo as he gears
up for the Kentucky Derby: Kentucky Derby
Trail: Torrid Todd Takes Two...Or Was it Three?, excerpt:
For one trainer to have saddled seven individual stakes winners and two
stakes-placed horses on the Derby trail by March 10 is nothing short of
astounding. Just count them -- Circular Quay (gr. II Louisiana Derby),
Scat Daddy (gr. II Fountain of Youth), King of the Roxy (gr. II Hutcheson
Stakes), Ravel (grade III Sham Stakes), Cowtown Cat (gr. III Gotham
Stakes), Twilight Meteor (gr. IIIT Hallandale Beach Handicap), Any Given
Saturday (Sam F. Davis Stakes), and Sam P. (second in the gr. II Robert B.
Lewis Stakes) and Grapelli (third in the gr. II San Rafael Stakes).
Pletcher is so overloaded he's already been forced to start knocking off
his own Derby hopefuls (Meritocracy, Soaring By, Out of Gwedda, and Air
Lord) and there will be more, as there are only so many Derby preps to go
around. Such is the price of gluttony. Even the ravenous Pletcher can only
ingest so much.
So how many Derby runners will Pletcher saddle, five, six ?
Update 1592: Another nice morning at Fair Hill. Not too chilly, but a
little overcast. There are also plenty of Canada Geese flying around
these days. As they go overhead I always wonder if these are geese that
are in transit to elsewhere, or are they the same geese who just take
flight in the morning for (whatever it is geese take flight for).
I rode seven this morning. Hawty Creek started it off, jogging around the
shedrow. She appears well. She is entered today for a race on saturday
at Philadelphia Park (who I believe are now letting in shippers, as is
Penn National), lets hope she gets in.
The two I rode for Tim were Nautical Agent and Grandma. Nautical Agent
went with Tim on Red Aspen. We did not actually gallop together. Tim was
reflecting on his Cheltenham Festival experiences. He actually led up a
winner, two years in a row, Political Pop. He did not ride at the
festival meeting but had a few rides at Cheltenham during other meets
(hurdle and bumper races). Grandma went with Tim on Nonpariel. They did
gallop together and went nicely. Later in the morning Tim reminded me of
another piece of Cheltenham trivia. Graham Motion was involved in a
Champion Hurdle at one point in time. Any idea which horse, where he
finished, and Graham's involvement ?
The four remaining horses I rode all went well, i.e. nothing untoward
happened. I finished up the morning grazing and currying Hawty Creek, her
coat i really shedding. I was then planning to watch the Champion Hurdle
on TVG, but apparently they don't get it, nor any other TV station over
here! I ended up listening to it and the Arkle Chase over my cell phone.
The crowd noise made it tough to follow, but cool to listen to
nonetheless.
Update 1591: Cheltenham's four
day meeting gets underway today and today's marquee event is the Champion
Hurdle: HARDY
TO RECLAIM CROWN.
This seems odd: Panelists: Don't
Blame Product for Racing's Woes, excerpt:
Christiansen said the product--horse racing--is fine; the problem is with
the business model and demand for the product. He said slots won't change
the business model because they are a different product from racing, and
he said questions are being raised in some states whether it's good public
policy to subsidize racing.
During a subsequent panel discussion, new Churchill Downs Inc. vice
president Tom Aronson, who helped launch TVG in the late 1990s, also said
he believes the product isn't the issue. He suggested it would be more
productive to develop new ways to present the product.
"I don't know of any other industries or companies that agonize as much as
we do about our product," Aronson said.
I guess I would be curious as to their definition of the product (and if
the demand for the product is the issue, then I would assume there is an
issue with the product). If the product is simply a platform for
gambling, I might understand. But this is the glorious sport of horse
racing and it is in significant decline in terms of public interest in the
US when you compare its interest in countries overseas (just look at the
press coverage of Cheltenham in Europe for a hint).
Keep
calling.
Update 1590: Dubai World Cup day (March 31) may have another star: Lava Man takes aim at turf
race in Dubai. This would be a bold move for a horse who has yet to
win outside of California.
Update 1589: A little more insight into the seemingly bizarre decision to
retire a perfectly healthy 3yo at this early time of year: Holy Roman Emperor retired
to stud as fill-in, excerpt:
The retirement of an apparently healthy horse as promising as Holy Roman
Emperor in March of his 3-year-old season is virtually unprecedented in
the history of racing and is emblematic of the emphasis Coolmore places on
breeding. That was evident at last year's Breeders' Cup, when Coolmore
decided to run George Washington on dirt for the first time in his career
in the Breeders' Cup Classic, even though, as Europe's best miler, he
would have started a prohibitive favorite in the Breeders' Cup Mile.
George Washington finished sixth in the Classic and was immediately
retired.
It is good to hear Smarty Jones is doing well this year at stud despite a
slow start: Six of First
Seven Mares in Foal to Smarty Jones.
Update 1588: A little chilly first thing this morning, but it warmed up
nicely once the sun got up. Moving to day light savings time three weeks
early is a little odd!
I only had five to ride today. Hawty Creek had the day off after her open
gallop yesterday. I took her out for a pick of grass and a good currying
after I was done riding. She enjoyed the sunshine, and her coat was
literally falling off.
First set was Nautical Agent, Tim was on Who's Happy. They both galloped
a mile and a quarter. Coming to the track we were talking a little about
the future pool for the Kentucky Derby. Tim has had a bet, 30 - 1 on
Adore The Gold (Field Narrowly
Favored as Derby Future Pool Closes). Not a bad bet I guess, we will
see. Second set I was on Grandma, Tim was on Quick Quest. We took them
both to the gate and just had them stand in the gate so they learn to
relax a little more. They seemed to be pretty relaxed about it. They
then galloped a mile (having galloped a little before going to the gate).
The other three I rode also all went nicely. One galloped out of the
gate, I picked up company with one of Jim McGreevey's. Coming to the
track on one of them I was chatting away with another exercise rider who
was lamenting the fact he would not be at Cheltenham this week, and
instead had to go to Penn National for a race! A stark contrasts of
events for sure. Quite a few riders at Fair Hill have connections to the
Cheltenham festival so they will try to watch it on some cable channel I
guess. Talking about jumping, it seems the first meet for the American
jump circuit was relatively incident free (a few fallers but no harm done
I think). Jody Petty won the stakes race so I guess that makes him
current leading rider. He has been galloping at Fair Hill a lot lately
and is originally from Elkton, just down the road.
Update 1587: Sue McMullen sent this e-mail that previews Cheltenham
(worldwide mecca of jump racing) and some additional insight into the
decision to retire Holy Roman Emperor:
It's the Sunday before the Cheltenham Festival, which means that Ireland
is slowly emptying. Last one to leave switch off the lights. Cheltenham
without the Irish would be like salad without a dressing, the ingredients
are there but there is something vitally important missing.
The hotels, guest houses, pubs or basically just about anybody with a
floor to sleep on within a 50 mile radius is now filling up and they come
in all shapes and sizes. Rich, poor, priest or bookmaker, all come
together for what is now four days' racing at jump racing's Headquarters,
scene of so many dramatic, emotional, heart-wrenching finishes. Trainers'
nerves are now frayed almost to breaking point, just another couple of
days before their precious cargo is unleashed around Cheltenham's
undulating track and unforgiving fences. Cheltenham Festival is to jump
racing what Royal Ascot is to the Flat. But where Ascot is glitz, glamour,
designer frocks and women wearing such big hats they 'lock horns' trying
to walk into the bathroom together, Cheltenham is thermal underwear,
tweeds, caps and iron-clad bladders as there aren't enough bathrooms for
the 50,000 visitors. Forget Mecca, Cheltenham is an annual pilgrimage for
jump racing's keenest fans who flock to pay homage to the finest of the
horses dubbed 'the winter kings'. Only the best get to run at Cheltenham
and it is the ambition of every trainer to have a runner here and as for
winning, it is the stuff of dreams. Rivalry between the Brits and the
Irish is friendly as everybody in this sport appreciates the nerve and
skill of the jockeys but most of all, the bravery, courage and heart of
the horses. These are the true superstars, much admired and sometimes even
adored and if we are very lucky, they stay with us season after season.
Around 230,000 people will attend over the four days, paying from 20 to 80
pounds for tickets and they will consume 20,000 bottles of champagne,
30,000 bottles of wine, 240,000 bottles of beer or lager and, naturally
enough, 225,000 pints of Guinness. Prize money for the 24 races stands at
3,185,000 pounds with the largest purse for Friday's Gold Cup (425,000
pounds), followed by the first big clash of the hurdling Titans, Tuesday's
Champion Hurdle (360,000 pounds) and on Wednesday the two mile
championship, the Queen Mother Champion Chase (310,000 pounds) and
finally, Thursday's Ladbroke World Hurdle (250,000 pounds). These are the
feature races on the four days but the supporting cast are all very high
profile races.
There is a unique atmosphere at Cheltenham racecourse, the drama played
out within its natural amphitheatre surrounded by hills that resound with
70,000 cheering, urging voices when the winner of each race emerges
victorious up the gruelling run-in. Many a horse has been going like the
proverbial train but when they face that climb, it sorts the men from the
boys, sapping the vestiges of energy from weary legs. Irish victories are
particularly enjoyed with the crowd giving wonderful, impromptu songs
around the winners' circle. Some very fine horses have been welcomed back
to that hallowed ground, like returning gladiators fresh from battle.
There is nowhere quite like it and the fervent, heart-felt wish for this
year is for all horses to return safely.
Gorgeous George
News that George Washington is having fertility problems and has been
replaced in the Coolmore stallion line-up by Holy Roman Emperor, who was
waiting to make his assault on the Classic season, has set tongues wagging
here. Aiden O'Brien was shell-shocked by the speed with which it happened.
In the morning, Holy Roman Emperor worked on the gallops, by lunchtime
he'd left the yard. It is at first glance unusual, but the cynics would
say that as Coolmore race to breed, not the other way around, it is
perhaps understandable. Holy Roman Emperor looked, to some, like the
finished article at two and we have no real idea how he might have emerged
for his Classic bid but we do know that he was beaten by another very good
two year-old in Teofilo who heads the betting for the first Classic of the
year, the 2,000 Guineas and as a two year-old looked like a horse who
might improve physically over the winter. Holy Roman Emperor is
undoubtedly a very fine individual, a Group One winner, well furnished,
bred in the purple and like George, a Danehill so he is sure to attract
mare owners, but whichever way you look at it, it is a highly unusual
decision and sadly typical of an operation for which commercial decisions
appear paramount. You have only to look at the way George was campaigned
by throwing him in the BC Classic and just hoping he wouldn't object to
getting dirt kicked in his face so could add this to his resume to see the
thinking behind the operation. Suggestions that George might return to the
track are mere conjecture at this time.
This is Cheltenham's web-site
and Sue McMullen writes about the favourite for the Gold Cup for the
Sunday Herald: The
star and gripes.
Keep
calling.
Update 1586: The retirement of Holy Roman Emperor just seems
unprecedented: George
Washington Taken Out of Stallion Duty. A 3yo, getting ready for the
spring classics, and clearly one of the favourites ... now retired because
he needs to replace another stallion! Retiring Bernardini appeared
premature...
It was not Round Pond's day today: Miss Shop Rings
Up Register in Rampart, excerpt:
"We had a little problem with her in mid-week," Matz said. "She tied up,
but seemed okay to go ahead. Still, we got a race into her and hopefully
can go on from here with the Apple Blossom next if she’s okay."
Smokey Stover had little competition for his win for the same connections
as Lost in the Fog: Smokey Stover
Stays Hot in Bay Meadows Sprint.
Update 1585: We are now busy planning Barbaro's birthday celebrations at
Delaware Park for April 29. The entire weekend looks like it will be
fantastic, thanks to FOB Sharon Crumb's dedication to putting all this
together. I have created a page, which is also linked to the navigation
bar on the left, to keep everyone updated as we get closer to the event:
Barbaro
Birthday Celebrations. Thus far we have more than 170 people signed
up, and plenty more room for others. Events in Florida, California and
Texas are also being organized locally.
Update 1584: A gorgeous morning this morning at Fair Hill. A bright sunny
day with appropriate temperatures. I just had Hawty Creek to ride and she
went well. She open galloped a mile, although I would have no clue how
fast we really went. Perhaps 14 seconds an eighth, or maybe sixteen
seconds an eighth. Either way she was very relaxed and had a decent blow
afterwards, which was the purpose of the move. A nice quiet morning on
the track. The barn was nice and quiet, I think Hawty Creek was the only
one trained in the barn. Tim came in a little later to supervise his
horses, who mostly walked and relaxed.
Update 1583: Its sunday morning, and after a little lie in, off to Fair
Hill to gallop Hawty Creek. The plan is to open gallop her about a mile
to set her up to hopefully run in a week or so. For a little fun, check
out Graham Motion's Sue's
News and scroll down to March 7. Film Maker and Ouija Board enjoying
their new career together.
Update 1582: Another banner day for Todd Pletcher with the winners of two
Derby preps: Circular Quay
Takes Orbit in Louisiana Derby and Pletcher Lassos
Gotham With Cowtown Cat. The latter was ridden by Ramon Dominguez.
Todd Pletcher did let someone else win the El Camino Real Derby, Bwana
Bull under Russell Baze, in a workmanlike performance.
Update 1581: Circular Quay won like a good horse today in the Louisiana
Derby. Last early he won by a couple of lengths in a hand ride. He would
have to be close to the top of anyone's Derby picks at this stage. More
reports and links later.
Update 1580: Here's some unexpected news, Gorgeous George may make a
comeback: Guineas
hero in fertility shock, excerpt:
He has been relieved of his stud obligations pending the veterinary
report, but it is feasible the horse could return to racing.
Update 1579: A busy morning this morning at Fair Hill, although I only had
six to ride. We also had a couple of FOBs visiting (Paul and Lyn) which
was cool!
The morning started with Hawty Creek (as usual) on the Tapeta track
shortly after it opened. We went three turns, galloping about a mile and
three quarters. She went well. On my way back from the track Paul (FOB)
called and I guided him to our barn. Next set was Tim's Farouche, who
galloped a mile and a quarter. Tim was on Red Aspen, and he was working
her a half (I hear all went well with the work, but missed watching it.)
Next I was to work one of Linda's (Fox) with Jesus Bracho on another. We
went a half and the filly I was on worked well. As we were warming up for
the work Chuck Lawrence had a set working (Carl, Emily and Beth) and I
think I might have gotten in the way a little (my horse ducked in a little
coming off the turn). Anyway, all was well. Next set was galloping Gator
Nation. He galloped a mile and a quarter, the first time I have galloped
him since he ran second. He galloped nicely and nice and relaxed. My
final two sets were for Bobby, one went to the gate, galloped out nicely
and then breezed a quarter. It was her second quarter and I managed to
get a lead off one of Steve Klesaris' which breezed passed me as I was
getting ready to breeze. That works well, especially since my horse is a
little green and the lead really helped her focus. Final set was a gallop
for a mile and three eighths. This time I managed to find company with
one of Bruce Jackson's. A good way to end the day galloping. While I was
on the track I did manage to see a few more of Tim's work. Quick Quest
looked nice breezing three eighths on his own. Tim also breezed Nonpariel
in company with Grandma (Robby Walsh in the irons). They looked to go
nice and evenly.
On other news we had another x-champion jump jockey at Fair Hill galloping
today. Apparently he only needs one day's practice galloping to get ready
for the opening jump meet tomorrow (in Florida). His uncle was a pretty
good flat jockey (think John Henry). Any guesses who he is ? We seem to
be the training center for jump jockeys, lets hope they all fair well this
weekend and are back next week galloping.
Update 1578: Kiaran McLaughlin breezed both Invasor and Jazil yesterday at
Palm Meadows: Invasor Drills
Sharp 5 Furlongs, to Ship March 20. Michael Matz's Round Pond is
running on sunday, her first start since winning the Breeders' Cup: Round Pond
Ready to Make Splash in Rampart Today we can enjoy the Louisana Derby
(The Downey
Profile: Circular Quay Pick to Loop Louisiana Derby Field) and the
Gotham (Summer
Doldrums Tries for Third Straight Score in Gotham), both early Derby
preps.
Update 1577: I just received a lovely looooooong voice mail from Mrs.
Jackson who has recently received copies of Shelley Mickle's book Barbaro:
America's Horse. While she had read the book before, three - four
times, she had not read the ending before. The following are few of the
sound bites from the voice-mail.
It is beautifully stated, beautifully written. The book is so exciting,
its so good ... because its all about Barbaro ... she (Shelley) had a gift
to capture what we all thought of him. Its just a great book. I wanted
to express my enthusiasm and love for the book, I am just so pleased with
the job she has done.
Update 1576: The temperatures were again very low this morning, but oddly
it felt warmer. Likely because there was no wind, bright sunshine and
instead of it being one degree it might have been about 20 degrees!
Anyway, let hope this is the last of the winter, galloping with ten layers
of clothes on is getting old.
Today I rode seven. Hawty was first, and first on the Tapeta track right
around 7 am. She galloped a mile and a half, picking it up a little the
last half a mile. She really needs to run! My next two were for Tim.
First was Farouche, Tim was on Quick Quest. As we were coming towards the
tunnel we met up with two of Chuck Lawrence's (with Carl and Emma riding)
and heard the tannoy shout "loose horse by the wire" ... "loose horse
galloping the wrong way" ... "loose horse ..." anyway, we were
speculating on who it was and whether the horse would come galloping down
the horsepath in our way. We guessed wrong (on who it was) and the horse
was safely caught and rider reunited. Farouche and Quick Quest went well.
My second for Tim was Grandma, Tim was on Nonpariel. Again, both went
well, I am guessing they will be working tomorrow. Of my final four
mounts, I nearly fell off two of them. One bucked so high I lost the neck
strap and was just thankful to land about where I started (a breezer on
the inside rail set her off). The other was a first day back at Fair Hill
from the farm. Getting to the track was a bit of a nightmare. Once there
all was fine. A somewhat eventful morning, but I'll take that if it
really is the last of the winter.
Update 1575: John Henry, the elder statesman of racing and two times horse
of the year, is 32 today: John Henry at 32:
'Mean and Nasty As Ever', here is an excerpt:
"John Henry is the American story," said Howard McClurkin of Weatherford,
Texas. "Nobody wanted him. He was an ugly little horse. He didn't come
from racing royalty. He didn't come from a heritage barn. The mention of
his name didn't open of opportunity for success and privilege, but he went
up to those doors and knocked them down."
The Gotham at Aqueduct is one of the few Derby preps on saturday
(Louisiana Derby and Circular Quay being another): Inner Track Tyro
Summer Doldrums Tops Gotham Line-Up. A good race in the Gotham would
set a horse up for the Wood Memorial, which looks like the next stop also
for NoBiz. Fair Hill has a runner, Graham Motion's Longley, who I saw
galloping on the Tapeta track under Fen yesterday.
Keep
calling!
Update 1574: If Street Sense wins the Kentucky Derby, he will be the first
Breeders' Cup winner to do so. He worked today and looks to make his
first start since the Breeders' Cup in the Tampa Bay Derby: Street
Sense zeroes in on Tampa Bay Derby.
Steve Haskin provides a concise summary of last weekend's Derby doings: Kentucky Derby
Trail: Get Your Future Derby Prep Results Right Here.
Update 1573: This is very cool: New York Trainers
"Pony- Up" to Help TRF. A couple of excerpts:
By agreeing to take part in the program, McLaughlin, Contessa, and Kimmel
have joined trainers Todd Pletcher, Graham Motion, William Entenmann,
Jimmy Jerkens, Michael Dickinson, Lisa Lewis, Chuck Simon and Ken McPeek
as participants. The amount of the donations is left up to each individual
trainer. The average donation per win is $50.
and
"I think you have to support retired horses," said McLaughlin. "They are
the loves of our lives and they are the backbone of the business we are
in. I think it is important to help out these horses when their careers
are over. I am pleased to be involved with this program."
Said Contessa: "I'm doing this because I think it is a great idea, a great
program and the right thing to do. I firmly believe the industry needs to
do everything it can to care for retired racehorses. I have several I care
for on my own farm in upstate New York. If you don't make sure they have a
proper retirement, they wind up in the wrong place."
And we know the wrong place ...
Update 1572: OK, so it was a pretty morning this morning at Fair Hill, but
you needed your tinted goggles to appreciate it. The Canada Geese looked
like they were literally stuck to the pond by the track. It was only
after a later set, and they were gone, was I assuerd this was not the
case. It was again brutally cold this morning!
I ended up only riding six, which was a good thing. I wanted to get Hawty
Creek to the track today, so there were no early shedrowers. We were
first on the track, having had to wait for the tractor to finish its
morning work (they were a little late!) She galloped nicely in company
with Dave Bentley (one of our many x champion jump jockeys). I rode two
for Tim, Farouche and Grandma, both went to the track and galloped nicely,
although Grandma is starting to take quite a strong hold. My final three
all went nicely, so it ended up being a nice event free morning, although
way too cold for this time of year. Lets hope it begins to warm up this
weekend!
Update 1571: Russell Baze won an award for the highest win percentage
(29.2%): Baze
Claims 11th Isaac Murphy Award while fellow California-based jockey
Aaron Gryder Hits 3,000 win
mark. Also at Santa Anita, Bobby Frankel equaled Charlie
Whittingham's record of 869 victories at Santa Anita: Frankel Equals
Whittingham's Santa Anita Win Total.
Keep
calling.
Update 1570: The Dubai World Cup program will be the first global race
meet of the year (March 31) and it looks like it is going to attract a
great cast of runners. We know Invasor and Discreet Cat are pointing for
the World Cup, it also appears that the program is attracting a strong
Todd Pletcher contigent: Pletcher
Sending Five-Horse Contingent to Dubai World Cup. ABC will be
covering this event, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm (including Jeannine Edwards).
Laurel canceled racing today: Snow Advisory
Cancels Laurel Card Wednesday.
Update 1569: Jeannine Edwards just sent this e-mail regarding her
interview with Dr. Richardson and ESPNs early racing schedule:
Just wanted to let you know that the Dr. Richardson/Barbaro feature will
be airing on Sat, March 24th during our Lane's End show from 5-6pm ET. We
have a preview clip of the feature scheduled to air during our first live
remote of the season, the San Felipe show, which kicks off the '07 Racing
To The Kentucky Derby series on ESPN/ABC. The San Felipe show is on from
7-8pm ET, Sat, March 17th. The Richardson preview is slated to run during
the last segment of this show. Time to get back in the swing and gear up
for another exciting season of horse racing on ESPN/ABC. Although,
nothing could come close to last year's drama and emotion covering the
Barbaro story. Just wish it had had a better ending.
Update 1568: NPR's Frank Deford provides the results of his fictitious
name game. He had to choose from among 2,000 entries: Listeners
Race to Name Barbaro's Brothers.
Update 1567: More bad weather, sometimes you simply think enough is enough
with the weather. Anyway, no one was in particularly good humour today
with this snow coming in. It was a morning to simply get through and be
done with without incident. Luckily for me that happened with the seven I
rode (two in the shedrow and five to the track). Not so lucky for at
least two others, one of whom took a nasty looking spill coming to the
track (he survived to ride more after) and another I saw getting run off
with around the turn. Just one of those days, lets hope the weather
breaks soon and spring returns (and we can run our horses).
Keep making your calls.
Update 1566: Hard Spun is now pointing to the Lane's End at Turfway Park
rather than the Rebel at Oaklawn where he has been stabled for the past
month or so: Hard Spun to
run in Lane's End, not Rebel. Larry Jones, Hard Spun's trainer, also
gallops Hard Spun, here is an excerpt:
"We're not saying he couldn't win the Rebel," Jones said. "He's a very
classy horse. He's a very talented horse. But he's telling me every day
when I gallop him... he's just not comfortable when he's traveling over
this surface. All the others he does effortlessly."
Very encouraging news concerning the two Texas slaughter houses: Federal
Court of Appeals Affirms Ruling Declaring Horse Slaughter Illegal in
Texas
Update 1565: The Louisiana Derby, run this weekend, is another prep for
the kentucky Derby with one of the leading contenders looking to get his
credentials reaffirmed. Circular Quay, who was very unlucky in his last
start (Risen Star) was considered a top 2yo last year by most. He will be
the likely favourite this weekend: Circular Quay
Leads Field for Louisiana Derby.
Update 1564: Fans of Barbaro continue to do amazing work: IOWA
AUCTION FUND - NEED $ ASAP
The Calder 2yo in training sale is now underway, attracting many of the
top operations around the world, including of course Coolmore and Darley:
Storm Cat
Colt Brings $2.5 Million as Fasig-Tipton Sale Opens. Lets see if
another Green Monkey appears!
Update 1563: Jason Shandler writes: Is
horse slaughter in the U.S. near an end? An excellent read all the
way through, and you can leave comments.
Update 1562: A brutally cold morning this morning. As I was arriving at
the barn first thing the radio informed me it was 1 degree with the wind
chill! Thankfully I ride for smart trainers and we shedrowed everything
this morning. I do know of others who went out there, and all I can say
it, glad it was not me :) (Apparently the Tapeta track was good though).
Hawty Creek was my first to shedrow, followed by two for Tim, Grandma and
Quick Quest. I then rode Bandit (for Lynda) and three for Bobby,
including Flash. The shedrow was quite calm and we managed to organize
our sets well so we could get a good jog in with each horse. Before my
last set Mrs. Jackson called for a quick catch up. We had not talked for
a while so it was fun to reconnect. Since shedrowing makes the morning a
little faster I had a little more time to curry Hawty Creek, and her coat
was literally falling off! I also managed to clean my tack, I need to try
to do that more than once a week. Anyway, all in all a decent morning
given the ridiculousness of this weather. Apparently it will be cold and
snowy tomorrow!
Update 1561: A little earlier I neglected to note the passing of Candy
Stripes, who was the sire of last year's horse of the year Invasor: Candy
Stripes dies of colic at age 25.
It appears there are troubles at the TRF: Questions Arise
at Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation as Board Members Leave.
Today it looks like another very cold morning, its likely training will be
in the shedrow for at least part of the morning.
Update 1560: A quick update on Kentucky Derby winner Real Quiet who is
currently at New Bolton Center: Real Quiet
Mending, excerpt:
"He's doing well, and looks good and bright-eyed," said syndicate manager
Mike Jester March 5. "Dr. (Dean) Richardson is treating his right hind
foot with antibiotics to guard against infection. He might be going home
soon."
Update 1559: Excellent article from Sandra McKee, Baltimore Sun: Surgeon
works on life after Barbaro, which includes the following excerpts:
"I wasn't going to go," said Deborah Cronin, an equine and small animal
vet from Califon, N.J. "There are a lot of feelings on my part about
Barbaro, and I wasn't sure I wanted to relive them. But my friends talked
me into it, and I'm glad they did. It was a very heartfelt and warm
speech. He spoke very well about the events leading up to the end. ... He
cleared up a lot concerning why the end came so fast."
and
"Things aren't pre-Barbaro normal," he said. "There still are follow-up
stories, and I've had at least 1,000 letters since he died. For a long
time, they were coming at a rate of about 100 a day, every day, and those
are the ones just addressed to me.
"If they're addressed to me, I read them. It's good. It's bad. Some are
straightforward, but some are so eloquent and heartfelt, they reopen
wounds."
Update 1558: The Barbaro Stakes, to be run at Delaware Park in July, will
be a grade 3 event on the dirt, not Turf as was noted ealier.
Update 1557: This morning it felt cold at Fair Hill. Temperatures
appeared around freezing, but the wind was pretty unpleasant all morning.
After a day off yesterday I rode seven today. Hawty Creek was first, and
I just jogged her around the shedrow for ten minutes. I did not want to
do too much with her as we are basically in a holding pattern waiting for
a race which won't happen for at least a couple of weeks. In my absense
yesterday her mane was pulled (shortened) and she certainly needed it. It
is quite short now though!
After Hawty I rode two for Tim. Lucky followed Tim on Nautical Agent, we
galloped a mile and a quarter on the Tapeta track. They both went nicely.
Lucky is doing all things well for a baby (2yo). I then rode Grandma, who
I had not ridden for a while. She also galloped a mile and a quarter,
leading Tim on Quick Quest. Both galloped nicely. The four more I rode
also all went to the track and all galloped about a mile and a quarter. A
nice uneventful morning aside from my last horse who put in a massive buck
near the beginning of the gallop just as someone was overtaking us along
the rail. Fortunately she managed to catch me too after sending me into
near orbit! I did observe a couple of riders this morning either getting
run away with or close to it. I would attribute that to a combination of
monday morning (horses are usually a little more energized after a day
off) and the wind.
Update 1556: Fans of Barbaro were busy this weekend with horse rescue and
were able to help save multiple horses (see NOW
HELP tropical blossom for example). In this spirit make sure to
continue to make your calls.
The Horse of the Delaware
Valley (you need to be a subscriber) includes a cover story: "The
Torch is Passed". Its cover includes a picture of Man in Havana (and
Emily).
Update 1555: I caught up briefly, by phone, with Peter Brette this
afternoon. They were very happy with Chelokee, given his troubled trip
and the fact the final time of the race was close to the Fountain of Youth
time. Lets hope he can continue to move forward off this, but he did
appear to come out of the race well. They also worked Round Pond this
morning, she worked a half, and she worked very well. They are pointing
for a race next weekend for Round Pond.
I picked up my dog (I was away for the weekend) from a friend who had an
old Cheltenham tape in the VCR. They were watching Rathgorman getting
well beaten by Badsworth Boy in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The year
previously he (Kevin Whyte, now the local hunt's whip) had won on
Rathgorman (not sure why we were not watching that tape). Anyway, it was
fun to watch, Cheltenham will
only be a couple of weeks away now.
I have neglected to mention an old time New York favourite won another
stake this weekend, at the grand old age of nine: Old Favorite
Evening Attire Posts Stymie Upset.
Update 1554: On the breeding front Borrego (and others) have their first
mares in foal: First Mares
in Foal to Artie Schiller, Bellamy Road, Borrego. I was a big fan of
Borrego having been present at two of his less successful races (Smarty's
Preakness and Saint Liam's Breeders' Cup Classic). Over the years I have
had the pleasure of "hanging out" with Beau Greely, his trainer. Also of
note: Bernardini
and Henny Hughes will be doing double duty here and in Australia.
Southern hemisphere breeding cycles are opposite to northern hemisphere
breeding cycles which creates this opportunity.
Jack Ireland writes about the new Barbaro Stake: Barbaro
Stakes a good fit for Delaware Park and notes it will be a turf stake.
Update 1553: Some great racing yesterday all around. Lava Man continued
his California dominance with a powerful win in the Santa Anita Handicap.
Great Hunter proved to be the best in the Robert Lewis Stakes, beating Sam
P who fought hard the entire race. I am not sure how tough this Derby
prep was, it included a maiden and a couple who had recently broke their
maiden. The big Derby prep in the east was won by Scat Daddy, who got up
impressively to beat Stormello and NoBiz. The three were within a half
length of each other at the wire with Adore the Gold a close fourth.
NoBiz ran erratically, and this is something that I assume needs to be
sorted out if he is to showcase his talent effectively. I still believe
he is the most talented 3yo we have seen thus far, but winning is the all
important thing to do.
Michael Matz's Chelokee was impressive in a troubled trip in the allowance
race at Gulfstream. Lets hope he can take a next step up after winning
this condition. Steve Klesaris' Diabolical ran well for third in the
Richter Scale (that was marred by the tragic breakdown of Bright One). He
looked like the winner at the quarter pole but Pletcher's horse, Half
Ours, produced more. Pletcher also won the Hutcheson (Edgar Prado aboard
King of Roxy) which helped make this his best day as a trainer.
Corinthian is looking like a good older handicap horse, he narrowly held
off Hesanoldsalt.
HBO is planning a Barbaro documentary: HBO Sports
Increases Its Reach, excerpt:
"We are going to try to explain why Barbaro became so significant and
important to the American public. The entire country rallied around this
horse," says HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg of the project, slated to
debut the first week of June.
Update 1552: Another great day for galloping horses this morning at Fair
Hill, and it was a busy morning with gate day and plenty of workers.
I ended up riding six this morning. The day started with Nautical Agent,
she galloped a mile nice and easily. Tim was out on Gator Nation that
set. I then rode Lucky, he also galloped an easy mile in behind Tim on
Who's Happy. Then it was Hawty Creek. She was to breeze a half in
company with Farouche (with Tim). She went very well, they ended up going
a half in 49 and change. It was the first serious work for Hawty Creek
for quite some time, but you would not have known it the way she went.
Its a shame she could not run this weekend (her race did not go and I
understand now Philadelphia Park still has us locked out for a few more
days). Anyway it was a good work. I then rode three for Bobby, all of
which did some kind of work. All went well. The first was working for
the first time, a little quarter mile work and was very cool. All in all
a great morning for exercise riding.
I caught up quickly with Mark Shuman who has Xchanger down at Oaklawn
waiting for the Rebel Stakes. He was not disappointed with the way he ran
in the Southwest, finishing fifth. He will open gallop tomorrow and work
next weekend in preparation for the Rebel. I did not realize Graham
Motion has two in the Battaglia this afternoon, with Rutledge Cat and
Legacy Reserve. Its worth keeping an eye on both of them.
A great day of racing today, enjoy!
Update 1551: As we have noted throughout the week, today's races will be
very interesting to observe. The two key cards are at Gulfstream and
Santa Anita, with another Derby prep at Turfway.
At Gulfstream
Park we have the Fountain of Youth headed by NoBiz Like ShoBiz, the
beast from the east ... who is meeting Stormello, who won graded stakes on
the west coast. Added to those two we have Scat Daddy, Adore the Gold and
Drums of Thunder. This must be the best pre-Derby prep to date. Post
time: 5:24 pm. On the undercard we have the Hutcheson, a slightly shorter
race (7 1/2 furlongs as opposed to a mile and an eighth) which can turn up
a Derby hopeful (post time: 3:54 pm) and a gangbuster allowance race (non
winners of a race other than) which includes Chelokee and Sightseeing
among others (post time: 2:56 pm). Other Stakes on the undercard include
a Sprint race and Fair Hill's Diabolical, returning to the races after his
close second to Thor's Echo last fall, and an older horse race which
includes Corinthian who was a monster in his first start of the year. I
am guessing this is the best card of racing this year thus far.
At Santa Anita
Park we have the Santa Anita Handicap, headed by California's
best, Lava Man and another Derby prep: the Robert B Lewis Stakes.
Great Hunter heads this, Sam P needs to prove his class against stakes
competition (he narrowly defeated Chelokee in an allowance at Churchill
last year) and Saint Paul needs to run like he is working (his last race
was much improved and he is a recent purchase of Baffert's team).
Finally, Turfway
Park includes the John Battaglia, another Derby prep, on a synthetic
surface. We will root for Rutledge Cat and Graham Motion!
There is racing elsewhere too, but these seem the marquee events / tracks.
Nice to see Dominguez quickly get back to winning ways: Contessa,
Dominguez Bag 4 Winners at Aqueduct
Update 1550: Steve Haskin analyzes the big three year old races this
weekend: Steve
Haskin's Weekend Analysis: It's Showtime and is clearly high on NoBiz,
excerpt:
Nobiz Like Shobiz was out for a half-mile breeze Thursday and looked
spectacular. From a physical standpoint, he is a man among boys. His
stride is enormous, as is his girth, and he made light work of his
half-mile breeze in :47 3/5 under Cornelio Velasquez.
Update 1549: Rachel, from Kennett Florist, left this comment (timestamp:
9pm):
Afternoon FOB Family!!
It's been a busy week here. Alie and I just got back from New Bolton.
We've been happy to be back up to NBC this week. A couple of baskets to
Libby and her donor animals (all 300 hundred of them!) and a basket to
Real Quiet... who apparently loved the carrots. We also had some people
treats - we had trays of cookies for the staff on Wednesday. Food always
is a big hit with the gang up there. We have had a lot of response about
the breakfast, so we're doing two. And we're going to be putting together
something for the night shift.
We had some delivereies today to the Jackson's. We wished Roy a Happy
Birthday from all the FOB's. We also delivered the cards that many of you
have sent to us to forward to them. Mrs Jackson is overwhelmed with the
outpouring of love that they have received from all of you. She hopes that
everyone is stil going strong with the anti-horse slaughter movement, and
we assured her we are.
WE BELIEVE!!
Update 1548: Just received from Breyer:
Breyer Animal Creations, maker of the world's finest model horses,
announced today that in response to overwhelming consumer demand, more
Barbaro portrait models will be produced to commemorate the late
racehorse.
"We have received so many calls, emails and letters from children
and adults alike asking us to create more Barbaro models. By honoring
those requests, we will also have the opportunity to donate $10 from the
sale of each model to the new Laminitis Fund at the University of
Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine, started by his owners Roy
and Gretchen Jackson. The fund will support research into this terrible
disease which has ended the lives of so many horses, including the valiant
Barbaro," said Anthony Fleischmann, President of Reeves International,
Inc., Breyer's parent company.
Barbaro, the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner, was euthanized on January
29 because of complications from laminitis which developed during his
convalescence from surgery. He had a career-ending breakdown in the 2006
Preakness Stakes. Although Barbaro was a model patient, handling his
recovery as bravely as he ran his races, he succumbed to laminitis despite
the best efforts of a superb team of veterinary professionals headed by
Dr. Dean Richardson, chief of surgery at the George D. Widener Hospital at
the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine's New
Bolton Center. During that time, the tremendous outpouring of worldwide
support and media attention made Barbaro's fight for his life as well as
the eight month struggle to save him, one of the most heartfelt media
stories of the year.
Breyer's Barbaro portrait model will be available for purchase
through 6:00 p.m. Eastern time on April 2, 2007 at Breyer's website at
www.breyerhorses.com or call 1-800-735-9205. The price is $45 plus $8
each shipping and handling, limit two (2) per household or address. The
model will begin shipping in July 2007 when Barbaro models will also be
available from retailers. Ten dollars from the sale of each model will be
donated to the Laminitis Fund at The University of Pennsylvania's School
of Veterinary Medicine. The Barbaro model will include a certificate of
authenticity signed by trainer Michael Matz, jockey Edgar Prado, surgeon
Dr. Dean Richardson and Anthony Fleischmann, President of Reeves
International, Inc. Each model will have Barbaro's name stamped on the
belly in gold ink. It will be packed in a customized, four-color Breyer
box featuring pictures and the story of his career.
Update 1547: Its bright sunshine outside and in the high 50s at least.
Shame training is now over! We had some decent amount of rain throughout
the morning, although there were times when it did ease off. When we got
to the barn this morning the shedrow was flooded! Tim was busily trying
to move dirt to the effected part to try to resolve the situation. Since
it was not raining too hard outside, I took Hawty Creek for a jog around
the lanes. For the next couple of sets I did get to shedrow, Tim's Lucky
and Quick Quest. It was the first time I had ridden Lucky and Lucky is my
first 2yo to ride this year. Not bad since it is March! The next three I
rode I did take out of the barn, the first around the lanes, the latter
two actually went to the track. Light drizzle at this stage mostly
although in the middle of galloping the second one it did start to
downpour, and at that point I pulled the horse up and went back to the
barn. Once all was done the sun came out smiling away!
Update 1546: As predicted it is raining cats
and dogs out there. I presume we will be training in the shedrow only
today. I hope the track is able to absorb the rain as it would under
normal conditions. The fear I think is if there is still ice in the base
of the track it may cause draining issues. We shall see as there are
planty of horses ready to work tomorrrow.
The Hard Spun camp is concerned about a potential track bias at Oaklawn
which could have contributed to Hard Spun's dull performance in the
Southwest: 'SPUN'
TRAINER RIPS OAKLAWN and Hard Spun to
enter Rebel, but has an escape route. Turfway Park (synthetic track)
may be their next stop if they get a bad draw in the Rebel. It is good to
have some flexibility when campaigning horses in this game for sure.
Update 1545: NoBiz worked today, a half in 47 and change. His final piece
of work in preparation for saturday's Fountain of Youth. Barclay is
pretty high on his horse: Tagg
touting Nobiz Like Shobiz entering Fountain of Youth, excerpt:
"Michael Matz had reason to be confident with Barbaro last year," Tagg
said. "He had one of the most fabulous horses anyone had seen in a long
time and he has him in great position for the Triple Crown. I think my
horse could be on that same level."
This is high praise from Barclay who is typically conservative. Barclay
was also one for high praise for Barbaro early in his career, after
watching him win the Laurel Futurity.
Update 1544: A tough day in Dubai for horses acquired from US interests.
Discreet Cat was scratched due to a slight fever this morning. Thor's Echo
was beaten more than four lengths in his first start since his DeFrancis
win (when he narrowly beat the Fair Hill trained Diabolical who is
scheduled to run on saturday at Gulfstream). Kentucky Derby hopeful Day
Pass could only manage fourth in his first start beyond a mile. Argentine
classic winner stars at Nad al Sheba, Discreet Cat scratched
Update 1543: Another great morning this morning to be riding horses at
Fair Hill. Given that there is plenty of rain forecast to arrive over the
next 24 hours all horses were to go out to the track today (no shedrowing
as that is what we will likely be left to do tomorrow) so we did not start
riding until just before 7 am. My first set was Hawty Creek to the track.
We were first on the track, and for a change I decided to jog her the
wrong way back to the five eighths pole, turn her around and gallop her.
She trained well. By the time we left the track the track was very busy
for sure. My next two sets were Tim's, Slew (with Tim on Nonpariel) and
Nautical Agent, who I had not yet ridden on the track. She went nicely,
jogging and hacking two turns. I then rode four more finishing up riding
only a little before 11 am. Ron, the blacksmith, then came to shoe Hawty
Creek. She had not been shod in about six weeks and was certainly ready
for new shoes. We also entered her for sunday. Philadelphia Park took
our entry, lets see if the race goes (it was an extra) and then lets see
if they let us ship into Philadelphia Park to run. I would assume they
would not have taken the entry if they were sure they were not letting any
horses in from Maryland. Anyway, all in all, a very busy and productive
morning. Now lets wait for the rain!
Update 1542: Delaware Park has named a stakes race for Barbaro: BARBARO MEMORIALIZED
WITH DELAWARE PARK STAKES RACE:
Delaware Park's Chief Operating Officer, Bill Fasy today announced that it
has officially changed the name of the Leonard Richards Stakes to the
Barbaro Stakes. Like the Leonard Richard Stakes, The Barbaro, will be a
Grade III race for three olds and will be run July 15th during Delaware
Park's Delaware Handicap weekend, July 14 and 15. This renamed stakes race
will continue to feature a guaranteed purse of $300,000.
"Our new Racing Secretary, Ismael "Izzy" Trejo, suggested the idea of The
Barbaro Stakes, and we all agreed this was a terrific way to memorialize
Barbaro's legacy and to honor the Jackson family and Dr. Dean Richardson
," said Bill Fasy. Added Trejo, "The deep admiration and love everyone
felt for Barbaro was truly overwhelming. To be able to honor such a
tenaciously spirited horse, whose remarkable career started here at
Delaware Park in 2005, with its own Stakes race, makes the racing family
here at Delaware Park extremely proud."
Great news from Delaware Park. This will of course not have any effect on
our planned April 29 visit to celebrate Barbaro.
Discreet Cat is no longer running today at Nad al Sheba after spiking a
slight temperature this morning: CAT
TO GO STRAIGHT FOR WORLD CUP. The plan now is to go straight to the
Dubai World Cup where he will meet Invasor and others. HRTV is showing
the races today from Nad al Sheba.
Update 1541: Additional coverage leading up to saturday's Fountain of
Youth Stakes, which looks like it is shaping up to be a key early Derby
prep: Relaxed
Tagg ready for potential spotlight and Adore the Gold just may
shine like his daddy.
Ramon Dominguez was back racing today (and was blanked): Dominguez back with eye on
title, excerpt:
Dominguez galloped horses last week at the Fair Hill training center and
was surprised at how well the knee responded.
"There were no problems whatsoever," Dominguez said. "I was expecting some
discomfort but I felt absolutely great."
He also demonstrated some great balance when his horse ducked away from
the gate right in front of me and Tim!
Update 1540: Some very interesting racing at Nad al Sheba (Dubai) tomorrow
that will feature Discreet Cat, Kentucky Derby hopeful Day Pass and
recently acquired sprinter Thor's Echo: Tough
challenge awaits Discreet Cat in Burj Nahaar and Discreet Cat in unusual
prep.
Update 1539: It felt like a lovely morning this morning to be riding
horses at Fair Hill. We had bright sunshine and temperatures above
freezing. The track opened at 7 am again this morning. I shedrowed Who's
Happy before the track opened. She seems to be well after her race last
week. Hawty Creek was my first to the track. She did three turns of the
track, galloping about a mile and three quarters. She went well. I then
decided to stand her in the gate. She stood perfectly. All appears well
except getting her into a race. There is a small chance Philadelphia Park
may let us back in, but I am not sure if and when that is decided. They
have written an "extra" (race) for her for sunday, so we shall see.
Of the remaining five I rode, four went to the gate. Chesapeake City Slew
went with Quick Quest and Tim. We galloped them out of the gate, and they
did it very well. I think Slew may have some speed (I am sure QQ does
too). Flash was another I galloped out of the gate later in the morning
and he flew out, much like Slew did. Anyway, with the better weather and
it being gate day there was plenty of action out on the track this
morning, and the weather just made it a pleasure.
Update 1538: Real Quiet seems to be making some progress at New Bolton: Champion
Real Quiet being treated at New Bolton, excerpt:
"The nuclear scan on Friday showed he was carrying heat on both of his
hind feet, but no one really had the reason," Jester said. "As of Monday,
he had good progress. They did get an abscess to pop out of his hind left
foot on Sunday, and he's more comfortable on that now. I'm hoping we get
the same thing out of his right foot and get him back 100% here."
Ray Paulick, editor-in-chief of the Bloodhorse writes: Won't Be
Fueled Again, which discusses cheating in horse racing and the need
for national oversight. The latter appears to be an overwhelming
sentiment from those without a direct interest in the current (lack of)
organization for horse racing in the US.
Update 1537: Three trainers with comments about their horses coming up to
this weekend's Derby preps: Tagg, Gorham,
O'Neill Discuss Upcoming Derby Preps. I like Doug O'Neill's
description of Barclay Tagg's NoBiz:
"He kicked our butts (in the grade I Champagne where Nobiz finished second
and Liquidity ran ninth)," he said. "I was standing right next to Barclay.
They were so proud of that horse and they should be--he's a beast when you
stand next to him. Not only does he have the look, but he has extremely
fast numbers. If you can avoid that horse before the big dance, it would
be good."
Real Quiet, sire of Tim's Real Lace (on winter break) is now at New
Bolton: Real Quiet
Sidelined from Stallion Duty.
Update 1536: This weekend things will get a bit more busy in terms of
Derby preps: Busy Week on the
'Road to the Kentucky Derby'. Note: Chelokee has already run in 2007,
who last I heard might run in an allowance race this weekend (but of
course that might have changed). Steve Haskin provides his assessment of
the state of affairs of the current Derby contenders: Kentucky Derby
Trail: Derby Dominators on the Move, and provides some potential
horses that may start to emerge.
Another article from Dr. Richardson's recent talk in Florida: Grief
still grips Barbaro's surgeon.
Update 1535: It felt quite warm this morning, I am guessing it was close
to 40 degrees by the time we were finished. The track was to open at 7
am, so I shedrowed one for Tim before it opened. It was Gator Nation, I
think the first time he has been ridden since his second at Laurel the
other day. He felt great. I then took Hawty Creek to the track to give
her a good mile and a half gallop. her next race in the book is not until
March 17, but now Philadelphia Park has shut us out due to the equine
herpes virus, lets hope this issue is resolved quickly. At this point
Laurel is the only place Fair Hill horses can run. Third set was
Chesapeake City Slew, he galloped well today, the first time since his
nice little breeze on sunday. I had three more to the track after that.
All went well, the track is now back in great shape, and is inevitably
busy. I saw one of Graham Motion's horses having to pull up from a decent
gallop to avoid a horse that had shied into the inside rail. Coming to
the track on another set I heard the PA system (Mike Goswell) . ... "Loose
horse galloping the wrong way" ... anyway, all was well.
Update 1534: Dr. Richardson recently spoke publicly for the first time
since the press conference on January 29 about Barbaro: Horse
surgeon recalls Barbaro. The article concludes:
"We were following the rules that we set out in the beginning, which was
we were not going to put him through undue pain and there was no realistic
chance of him making it," Richardson said.
Richardson said he felt "privileged" to have worked with Barbaro.
"He was a really great, I think potentially a super, horse," Richardson
said. "Beyond that, he was just a charming horse. Some horses just have a
whole lot more than others and he had a lot of personality. He was a tough
horse, a courageous horse and he tried his best. What else can you ask
for?"
Update 1533: Discreet Cat is in the entries in Dubai for thursday: Discreet
Cat to prep for World Cup in Burj Nahaar on Thursday. Lets hope he
can start to fulfill the potential many believe he has. Win thursday and
return to face Invasor in the Dubai World Cup!
Update 1532: Buffalo Man, who was emerging as a triple crown contender is
no longer: Injury Knocks
Buffalo Man Off the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
I feel empowered! Why ? I just called up The Week (which was my
favourite magazine) and cancelled my subscription. Why ? They chose to
run the T.J. Simers article from the LA Times. Poor judgment on their
part running an article that was factually incorrect (among other things).
I also just got off the phone with Sue McMullen. It is the first time we
have talked. She will begin weekly "global" updates in the near future, I
am psyched about that.
Update 1531: Another successful rescue effort from the Fans of Barbaro: URGENT:
Feedlot Rescue deadline 2/26/07
Update 1530: The ice storm we were supposed to get was rather tame. There
were plenty of people training on the Tapeta track, but we decided to stay
in the barn. The horse paths had not been cleared of snow / ice, and
while they were probably fine to walk through we decided not to.
I rode six, starting with Hawty Creek. I then shedrowed Nautical Agent
and Mediman. This was the first time Mediman has been ridden since her
first start last week. She was definitely full of herself. Thank
goodness for the neckstrap. After Mediman I had three more to shedrow,
and nice quiet straightforward morning.
Liz (UK) posted this article on the comments: Simon's
simple victory fuels National dream for Rimell. My first job in
racing was with Mercy Rimell many years ago!
Keep calling!
Update 1529: Dreaming of Anna, 2006 Eclipse Award winning 2yo filly and
Breeders' Cup champion is yet to win in 2007 and is now 0 for 2, this time
her loss is on turf: Champion
Dreaming of Anna defeated by audacious challenger in Gaily Gaily.
2yo in training sales are an opportunity to watch these horses work before
you bid. Forestry
Offspring Shine During Fasig-Tipton Calder Under Tack Show. Lets
hope these Forestry offspring can proove they can do something on the
racetrack. We are still waiting for Green Monkey to race after he sold
for $16 million and went to Todd Pletcher's barn.
Update 1528: The weather system has moved in, now to wait and see how much
snow / ice we get.
A nice survey of the state of implementations of synthetic racetracks in
the US: Synthetic
racetracks gaining converts, Golden Gate Fields set to make change to
safer surface. Golden Gate Fields will be the first US track to adopt
the Tapeta surface that we use at Fair Hill.
Brother Derek is going to have some time off: Brother Derek
Out of Big 'Cap With Ankle Chip.
Update 1527: The weather at Fair Hill seemed fine this morning, although
we are expecting an icestorm this afternoon through tomorrow. Given the
pending weather I decided to get on Hawty Creek today and give her a good
gallop, she galloped a mile and a half on the Tapeta track and went well.
The track seems in great shape, although I am sure it will take a beating
with this weather system coming in. I also rode Chesapeake City Slew for
Tim, Tim was on Quick Quest. They were to breeze a quarter. Both went
very well. Slew just picked his head up a little bit going into the work,
but once we got going he levelled out very well and really stretched out.
A nice work.
Laurel has already canceled racing today in anticipation of the bad
weather moving in: Laurel Cancels
Sunday's Live Card.
Update 1526: Aqueduct has now closed the doors on Fair Hill: NYRA bans some shippers to
prevent herpesvirus. That makes three tracks at this point I think
(Penn National and Charles Town). We had to deal with a quarantine last
year and it was a very tense time for everyone. Here is an excerpt:
The restrictions were adopted after a mare that had been treated at the
Marion duPont Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, Va., had to be put down
on a Virginia farm due to equine herpesvirus, said Dr. Anthony Verderosa,
NYRA's chief examining veterinarian.
"There's now a lot of potential exposures all over those four states,"
Verderosa said. "We're just doing this as a precaution to see if anything
becomes apparent in those four states in the next week or two, and if it
doesn't it'll just fizzle out."
If ever there was a horse race to get people on the edge of their seat it
was the Gulfstream Park Breeders' Cup Turf Stakes yesterday. A brilliant
race won in the end by Jambalaya, who nosed out Honey Ryder: Jambalaya
wins spicy Gulfstream Park Breeders' Cup Turf Stakes. Basically the
fractions for the race were not ridiculously fast so you had about six
horses all with a chance inside the sixteenth pole, all running strong.
Much more attractive than a field that is strung out at the end with
horses that are absolutely exhausted and under the whip.
Update 1525: Alie, from Kennett Florist, posted this comment (timestamp:
9:55pm):
Hi All
It is still verrrrrrrry cold in Kennet Square. We have another storm watch
for Sunday into Monday morning. I can't wait for it to warm up. We have
been busy catching up form Valentines Day. I am getting close to seeing my
desk again. Of course you know how to clean your desk is to put on someone
else's. Like Rachel's, it our little joke. We are very excited about April
29th. It will be so cool to meet so many of you in person. It will be a
busy weekend. We have kennett high's prom on Friday. Sat we are open as
normal. If all goes well the art fundraiser will still be held for
laminitis and I will be helping Marge & Shelia with that. Sunday we will
be with you all at DE Park. I am trying to get the word out to local FOB
who are not on the net and staff at NBC. I told the Jackson's about it.
Gretchen called me to catch up, on Thursday morning. They are still away
but will be back soon. It is funny how this week was so hard on me. It all
hit me: nothing will ever be the same again. My car even wants to turn
into NBC. I have been making that turn almost every day for 8 months. I
miss talking to Dr Sweeney & staff daily. I also miss seeing Gretchen
often. I talked to Dr Sweeney this week, even on her vacation; we needed
to be in touch. I think that last week none of us had really talked. So
this week we were missing the bonds that Barbaro had made in our lives.
Not just to FOB's but each other. This whole experience has changed us
all. I have never thought in my wildest dreams this could have happened. I
have no words to describe it all but wow. I want to thank you all for
being apart of this. We will away love and miss the boss horse. Good night
from Kennett Square & KF
Alie
This is interesting: From
Barbaro Fandom to Political Activism ...
and this is more interesting: Slaughterhouse
opponents told Cavel has 3 months to make fixes.
Update 1524: Just spoke to Peter Brette in warmer Florida. They worked
Aunt Henny, Chelokee and Round Pond today. Peter said they were very
happy with how each of them worked. Chelokee went 5/8ths really well.
Round Pond's work was very good, she sat in behind horses and switched to
the outside and was very strong. Both Aunt Henny and Chelokee are likely
to run next weekend.
Update 1523: Who's Happy was third this afternoon at Philadelphia Park.
It was another sprint race, and on a speed favoring track, the winner went
wire to wire. Happy ran well, but Tim now thinks it is time to stretch
her out. She is a big filly and looks like she will go long.
Fans of Barbaro are gathering at Delaware Park on April 29: Fans
of Barbaro plan DelPark celebration in April. While this event is
still in the planning stages, I am pretty psyched about it. Delaware Park
is a pretty race track. The grove, where the barbeque will be, is in a
perfect spot right by the paddock area.
Update 1522: A brutally cold morning again at Fair Hill this morning. The
wind drove the temperature to the single digits I assume. I ended up
riding seven this morning. I started off by shedrowing Hawty Creek (I am
now quite glad she did not get in for monday, we are in for some more bad
weather over the next couple of days I think), and then rode Naughtical
Agent around the horsepaths with Tim (on Lucky). I then went to the track
with Chesapeake City Slew, Tim was on Nonpariel. They both galloped
really well together, Slew was taking a very strong hold. For the next
set Tim and I took Grandma (me) and Quick Quest. Again they both galloped
well. I was in front on Grandma, and as we were galloping out of the turn
coming down the lane a horse in front of us spooked at the gate, ducking
in, the rider lost his irons and thankfully did not fall off in front of
us (as Grandma would have surely then propped). Anyway, all was well,
good to see a world class jockey (Ramon Dominguez) showing excellent
balance! The rest of my rides on the track were reasonably uneventful. A
few trainers (Motion and Lawrence for example) were breezing horses on the
Tapeta track this morning. The track seemed to ride well.
It seems Jose Santos' injuries are worse than they first appeared after a
spill at Aqueduct: More Bad News
for Injured Santos; Dominguez Returning. On Dominguez, the article
notes:
According to the jockey's agent, Steve Rushing, Dominguez suffered
bruising to the bone which has healed in the past three weeks. He will
begin exercising horses Saturday and is expected to be accepting mounts at
Aqueduct by Wednesday.
Well he was exercising horses at Fair Hill, and thankfully did not fall in
front of me which may not have helped in his recovery!
Tim's Who's Happy is in at Philadelphia Park
this afternoon, the sixth race.
Update 1521: The University of Pennsylvania's Barbaro message board has
now been closed, they have created this Barbaro page in its place: Remembering Barbaro. They
have graciously included a link to our discussion
forum from the page.
Smarty Jones had a small complication resolved quickly: Smarty Jones
Treated for Minor Reproductive Tract Blockage.
On the work tab yesterday, aside from NoBiz, we also had Lava Man in
California: Lava Man
whistles in Big Cap workout.
Fair Hill's Tapeta track is scheduled to open at 8 am this morning. Hawty
Creek did not get in for her race on monday at Philadelphia Park. They
did not use the race. Her next race might not be until the middle of
March at this point!
Update 1520: It appears Charles Town and Penn National will not allow
horses from Fair Hill to ship in and run: Charles Town,
Penn National Impose Restrictions Over EHV-1 Concerns
Update 1519: NoBiz worked today: Nobiz Like Shobiz
in Sharp Work for Fountain of Youth. He went six furlongs (three
quarters) in 1:11 and 1 ... that is smoking! Here is an excerpt:
"I told Cornelio (Velasquez) to go in :12s the whole way and he came
pretty close," trainer Barclay Tagg said. "I got him the first
three-eighths in :35 and change and caught him galloping out seven
furlongs in 1:24 and a tick, so everything worked out well."
Street Sense's first race of the year has not yet been determined, but the
Hutcheson is not on the cards: Hutcheson Ruled
out for Champion Street Sense.
Intercontinental had her first foal: Champion
Intercontinental Foals Filly. Intercontinental upset Ouija Board and
Film Maker a couple of years ago in the Breeders' Cup, both of whom are
now retired also. Chris Hinson, head lad for Ed Dunlop and almost daily
partner of Ouija Board, won the stable lad of the year award Chris wins
2007 Stable awards.
Update 1518: The Tapeta track was not to open until 9 am this morning. I
really needed to get a gallop into Hawty Creek (there may be a race for
her on monday) so she was not going to be my usual first set. I went in a
little later this morning, mucked her stall and then started shedrowing.
I had four to shedrow, two of Tim's (Slew and Nautical Agent). This was
the first time I rode Nautical Agent, she recently came into the barn.
Both were very good. I then rode Bandit and Flash. 9 am rolled around
and I took Hawty Creek to the track. I was not anticipating the track to
be very good, but I did want to get more than a slow gallop into Hawty
Creek. She was also going to be pretty fresh, going out at this unusual
time of the morning for her. She came on to the track bucking away. We
jogged off and the track actually felt pretty good. We started galloping
at the half mile pole on the backside and I figured that I would let her
two minute lick the last half a mile of the gallop (or perhaps a little
quicker, but enough to get her blowing a little). Anyway, I did this,
although coming down the lane the wind hit us so quickly I nearly fell
off! She went well. Michael Dickinson, Tapeta inventor, was at Fair Hill
to see the track and get feedback. Anyway, seems Hawty Creek trained well
and the track is now getting back to where it should be.
Update 1517: The Bloodhorse is planning to contribute to the NTRA
Charities Barbaro Memorial Fund as a result of sales from their Book (Barbaro:
The Horse Who Captured America's Heart
) and their special limited-edition magazine
also commemorating Barbaro: Blood-Horse
Charitable Foundation to Donate Funds to Barbaro Memorial Fund.
Shelley Mickle's Barbaro:
America's Horse, is now shipping.
Fleet Indian's owner, Paul Saylor, was a guest for Bloodhorse's Talkin
Horses, here
is the transcript. The following is an excerpt:
Saylor: You are absolutely correct --- the long time viability of the
horse racing industry depends on increasing attendance as well as
increasing interest by various segments of the population. The key
industry need is formation of an effective national organization and the
cessation of fragmentation of the industry by conflicting state
authorities and old guard determination to "stand pat." The Thoroughbred
horse racing industry needs to be run as if profitability to all
participants is the objective. An off the wall comment as to what is
needed to "turn things around" --- ban the use of the whip.
I would agree with the above for the most part, racing needs central
governance. As far as the whip goes, banning it might be a little
drastic. OK, so some people will not appreciate that, but a whip rule
needs to be in place as there is in Europe. I understand that Frankie
Dettori was criticized in Europe for his ride on Red Rocks, when he won
the Breeders' Cup Turf. His whip use was excessive in their eyes. In the
US you see jockeys hitting horses that are clearly beaten.
Update 1516: Back at the barn for feed time (and Hawty Creek's papaya
juice). Gatornation and Red Aspen were back from Laurel. All looks well
and Tim was pretty upbeat. Emily stopped by, she is a guest panelist on
equidaily.com's topic of the week: This
Week: Synthetic surfaces. The time is right, or are we moving too
fast? ... or perhaps not fast enough ?
New Horse Slaughter legislation has been introduced in Illinois
essentially looking to ban horse transportation into Illinois for the
purpose of slaughter: Horse Slaughter
Legislation Introduced in Illinois. Illinois is one of two states to
have horse slaughter plants, the other being Texas.
Update 1515: English Channel, who finished his 2006 campaign with a third
in the Breeders' Cup Turf, won his 2007 debut, an allowance at Gulfstream.
He won handily, in a ridiculously fast time. I guess his next race will
be in Dubai. Better Talk Now, second in the Breeders' Cup Turf is also in
training in Florida, and will have his first work shortly, perhaps this
weekend.