Lost in the crush of the Breeders’ Cup frenzy was my final notes on the Louisiana Downs meet, which concluded on Oct 4th. Below is a belated wrap of the LAD season in words and pictures. Click on the name of each horse to view stakes replays.
Here are the horses that I voted for in the LAD meet champion categories…
Two Year Old: William’s Kitten – On the Super Derby undercard, the Michael Maker runner competed in the off the turf Sunday Silence Stakes. He was sitting at the back of the pack and unleashed an eye catching …read more

Part two of my Breeders’ Cup Classic blog, and below is a look at the next four pre-entrants.
Regal Ransom started his career in the US, and he was sent to Dubai for the winter following a disappointing effort in the ‘08 Norfolk at Santa Anita. He has been part of the exacta in 4 of 5 starts since, with his only below par effort a speed/fade trip in the Ky Derby. He returned from a 4+ month layoff to easily wire the Super Derby, and he continues to work well. Biggest questions are his …read more

An enthusiastic crowd and a fine 13-race card made for an exciting Super Derby day this year. Below is a recap of the day in words and pictures…enjoy!
With an early post time of 12pm, my daily handicapping seminar was moved up an hour. I was joined by Louisiana Downs track announcer Travis Stone and special guests Nick Tammaro and Pat Cummings. The seminar was very informative, and the latter duo chipped in with interviews throughout the day…great job guys!
On the analysis front, I got four tops home, and my analyzed contenders were firing all …read more

Regal Ransom lived up to his top billing with an easy wire job tally in the 30th running of the Grade 2 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs on September 19th.
Under a heady ride by Richard Migliore, the Godolphin runner strolled through fractions of :24.05, :49.03, and 1:13.11. He got a mile in 1:36.95 and had plenty left in reserve to hold off the hard charging Blame in 1:49.63. The race was won between the quarter and the half when he was able to get away with two hidden furlongs in almost 25 seconds. Good horses …read more

A field of seven has been drawn for the 30th running of the $750k Grade 2 Super Derby, to be run at Louisiana Downs on Saturday, September 19th.
Soul Warrior, who scratched out of the Pennsylvania Derby on Labor Day because of a temperature, has been installed as the 2-1 morning line favorite. The Steve Asmussen trainee has been part of the exacta in three straight and defeated Ky Derby winner Mine That Bird in the West Virginia Derby last time.
UAE Derby winner Regal Ransom is probably the one to catch. Godolphin trainee is working well for his …read more

A field of seven or eight looks probable for the $750k Grade 2 Super Derby, to be run at Louisiana Downs on Saturday, September 19th. The post positions will be drawn tomorrow at the Super Derby press conference, and I will be on hand for the festivities.
Soul Warrior, who scratched out of the Penn Derby on Labor Day because of a temperature, has recovered and is the likely Super Derby favorite. The Steve Asmussen trainee was last seen downing Ky Derby winner Mine That Bird in the West Virginia Derby. John Velazquez has the …read more

A busy Saturday morning at Churchill Downs as the Derby players go through their final moves in advance of the first Saturday in May. Things to look for in Derby works are physical appearance, energy, and the ability to finish strongly. All of the connections will say they are happy, but pay attention to clockers for the real scoop. DRF’s Mike Welsch is on top of things at Churchill, and his daily reports can be found on the Daily Racing Form site.
If you are looking for Derby contender reports, news, and early odds, check out Horse Racing …read more