2009 Kentucky Derby trail: Grade 3 Risen Star from Fair Grounds
February 7, 2009 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Kentucky Derby, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Trainers, Triple Crown
A field of 13 is set to tackle Saturday’s Grade 3 Risen Star at Fair Grounds, the final local prep for the Louisiana Derby (G2).
Indygo Mountain (A. P. Indy) rates a shot to rebound at a price. Bret Calhoun trainee was sensational in his Nov. ‘08 Churchill maiden breaker, then the wheels fell off the cart. Foot issues caused him to be scratched at the gate before a local allowance race in December, and he experienced a troubled beginning when resurfacing in the Lecomte. $600k Keeneland sales grad shows a strong 5f work for this and can right the …read more
2009 Kentucky Derby trail: Grade 3 Holy Bull from Gulfstream Park
January 30, 2009 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Breeding, Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Trainers, Triple Crown
Saturday’s nine furlong Holy Bull (G3) is the longest Kentucky Derby prep so far, and eleven sophomores have signed up for the challenge.
Danger To Society (Harlan’s Holiday) is 2-2 for Robby Albarado/Ken McPeek, and he exits a smart course/distance tally off a layoff. He owns fine positional speed and lands an advantageous inner post.
Idol Maker (Empire Maker) has been on my radar screen since his upset flat mile debut win at Belmont. He hooked the fleet Old Fashioned in the Remsen (G2) 2nd time out, and he probably needed his local allowance prep for this. Todd Pletcher’s $310k …read more
Hollywood Park news for December 14th: Grade 1 Starlet recap, On Trust Handicap
December 13, 2008 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under California Racing, Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers
Saturday (12-13-08) Hollywood Park recap
Early/pressing types dominated on both surfaces.
Hat trick for Joel Rosario.
Laragh grabbed the early lead as expected. She turned back a few backstretch challengers before gamely prevailing by a length in the Grade 1 Hollywood Starlet. Edgar Prado rode the turf/synthetic specialist for John Terranova II.
Sunday (12-14-08) Hollywood Park preview
Sunday’s 9-race card features the $75k On Trust Handicap, to be contested at the unusual distance of seven and one-half furlongs on Cushion Track. Likely favorite Dancing in Silks was last seen finishing 2nd behind Into Mischief in the Damascus at Oak Tree.
The …read more
Belmont Stakes Preview (May 28th): Big Brown gallops; Edgar Prado to pilot Casino Drive
May 28, 2008 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Horses, Jockeys, Triple Crown
Big Brown jogged in his return to the track on Tuesday, and he went for a gallop around Big Sandy on Wednesday. The Triple Crown hopeful is slowly on the mend as he continues to recover from a quarter crack in his left front foot. He has top notch foot specialist Ian McKinlay in his corner, and I have to think that the quarter crack will not slow him down. As long as he keep going to the track, burning off energy, and maintaining a routine, he should be ready to rumble on June 7th.
Japanese import Casino …read more
