According to the bettors, Rachel Alexandra was a lock to dust older males in the Grade 1 Woodward. She was anything but and had to survive a pace battle and late run from Macho Again to prevail by a hard fought head.
There is no doubt she is a very talented lady, and kudos to her connections for their sporting nature, but comparing her to great horses (Ruffian, Secretariat, etc) when she has only been seriously tested once and mostly defeated mediocre company is a bit premature. If a quality late runner like Zenyatta ran in the Woodward, she would …read more

Saturday (3-14-09) Fair Grounds recap

Sloppy track and yielding turf. Talented 3yo miss Rachel Alexandra was the only wire job winner on the day.
Four bagger for Robby Albarado. Hat trick for trainer Steve Asmussen, and Shaun Bridgmohan rode two. Jamie Theriot booted home a pair.
Everyone is buzzing about Friesan Fire’s romping win in the Louisiana Derby (G2), but it should be noted that filly Rachel Alexandra ran just as fast in her FG Oaks (G2) wire job, and she earned stronger pace figs.
Other highlights included Proudinsky’s repeat win in the grassy Mervyn Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap (G2), …read more

Friday (12-19-08) Fair Grounds recap
Both surfaces seemed to play fair, with an edge to stalkers/closers.
Hat trick for leading rider Francisco Torres. Two more wins for Briggy/Asmussen…that makes five in the last two days.
Scalding Hot did everything but win the 6th. He set the pace and was challenged in the stretch, and he dug in along the inside only to be overtaken on the outside by Talon (Briggy/Asumssen).
Wise River (race 7) was the drifting winner of a salty turf optional claimer (stakes quality).
Monhocracy (Graham/Amoss) was a determined winner of the 8th…and the only wire job …read more

Louisiana Downs analysis – Saturday, September 20, 2008
by Jarrod Horak (Louisiana Downs Track Handicapper/TV Host)
I was interviewed by Portland Meadows race announcer Jason Beem for 95.5 The Game Sports Radio on Thursday. We talked about Louisiana racing and previewed today’s Grade 2 Super Derby. If you would like to listen to the Podcast, click here.
LAD 1 (MSW, LA-bred 3-4-5yo, 8.5f) #1 PETITIONER (5-2) disappointed as the fav 1st time out in a race dominated by experienced runners. He improved dramatically 2nd time out, and in that 7f race on Aug.10th, the early pace was demanding. He was the only …read more

The 29th running of the Grade 2 Super Derby from Harrah’s Louisiana Downs, to be run as race 11 on Saturday, September 20, 2008, has attracted a field of 10.
I was at the post position draw this morning, and owner Bill Boorhem was elated when Star Production landed post 7…just what the doctor ordered.
Here are some Super Derby facts that may come into play in 2008…
*** Halo is the dam sire of My Pal Charlie, and it should be noted that Halo sired two Super Derby winners in the past (Sunny’s Halo and Sunday Silence).
*** Pat Valenzuela …read more