2009 Kentucky Derby trail news and notes (March 2nd)
March 2, 2009 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under California Racing, Horses, Jockeys, Kentucky Derby, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers, Triple Crown
Fountain of Youth
Early/pressing type Quality Road (Elusive Quality) was easily best over clear runner-up Theregoesjojo (Brahms) in the one-turn mile (113 BSF). The aforementioned duo are expected to go next in the Florida Derby, which will be their initial foray around two turns. Without route foundation, they could be in deep water on the 1st Saturday in May, but they are serious players over the Gulfstream speedway, especially the winner. Don’t be shocked in either or both ship out of town (Wood Memorial?) for the next engagements.
Graded route hero Beethoven (Sky Mesa) ran on well to land the …read more
Horse racing news and notes (1-28-09): Curlin once again Horse of Year
January 28, 2009 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Breeding, California Racing, Horse Racing History, Horses, International Racing, Jockeys, Kentucky Derby, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers, Triple Crown
Eclipse Awards
Curlin repeated as Horse of the Year at the Eclipse Award ceremonies. The recently retired all-time North American money earner stands at Lane’s End Farm with a $75k stud fee. Undefeated miss Zenyatta took home Older Female honors.
Big Brown was unanimously voted 3yo Champion, and Proud Spell took down 3yo filly honors over her late stablemate Eight Belles.
As expected, Midshipman is the Juvenile Champ, and Stardom Bound nabbed Juvenile Filly honors.
The other equine Eclipse Awards went to Conduit (Turf Male), Forever Together (Turf Female), Benny the Bull (Male Sprinter), Indian Blessing (Female Sprinter), and Good Night …read more
2009 Kentucky Derby trail: Grade 3 San Rafael from Santa Anita Park
January 16, 2009 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Breeding, California Racing, Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Kentucky Derby, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers, Triple Crown
A field of eight is set to contest the flat mile Grade 3 San Rafael (race 7) at Santa Anita on Saturday, and Square Eddie is the one to topple.
Square Eddie made an immediate impact when sent to the US in the fall of 2008, as he rolled to a sharp win over Keeneland’s Polytrack in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity.
The Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile was next on his dance card, and he ran a big race to land the place behind likely 2yo champ Midshipman.
The son of Smart Strike ran six times last year, so he …read more
Breeders’ Cup review (October 25th): Raven’s Pass surprises Curlin
October 25, 2008 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Breeders' Cup, California Racing, Horses, International Racing, Jockeys, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers
It was a fun and exciting two days of racing, and I had success selling my full card Breeders’ Cup analysis. I got a pair of best bets home (Ventura, Albertus Maximus), and I also tabbed the Ladies’ Classic exacta, the Mile trifecta/superfecta, and Donativum ($13.60) in the BC Juvenile Turf.
Breeders’ Cup recap: Saturday, October 25, 2008
BC Marathon
The day started out well for the Euros as overseas synthetic specialist Muhannak ($26.80) kicked it up a few notches to upset the Mike Mitchell duo of Church Service and Big Booster.
BC Turf Sprint
Desert Code ($75.00) returned to previous sharp downhill …read more
