Barbaro Updates: 267

Posted April 30, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1827: Xchanger, who many saw yesterday at Fair Hill is still being considered for the Derby: Maryland-Based Xchanger Likely for Derby. Jeannine Edwards and the ESPN crew are now at Churchill ESPN at Churchill Downs.

Update 1826: Mike Jensen attended our celebrations yesterday, this is what he wrote: Fans of Barbaro gather to celebrate his birthday.

The work tab this morning for the Derby included Steve Asmussen's pair: Curlin, Zanjero Work for Asmussen as Derby Week Kicks Off and Hard Spun: Hard Spun Blazes Five Furlongs in :57 3/5. Clearly Hard Spun's work was fast!

Update 1825: This is a real treat, Barbaro's baby brother, at 7 days old, narrated by Headley Bell: Video of Barbaro's new brother.

Update 1824: Additional media coverage from our celebrations yesterday: Wilmington News Journal Remembering Barbaro, Daily News Barbaro's spirit lives: At Delaware Park, fans join to honor fallen colt and WJZ Fans Gather To Honor Barbaro On His Birthday.

A quiet morning this morning at Fair Hill. I only had four to ride, which suited me after the weekend festivities! First was Quick Quest, he went to jog two miles on the dirt track, his first day out after a breeze on saturday. Tim jogged Who's Happy, she is running tomorrow at Philadelphia Park. My next horse was Tim's Whip Smart. She went out back and galloped across the fields. She was very relaxed and seemed to enjoy it. My final two included a half mile breezer on the dirt track. The filly breezed well and may be making her first start soon. Nice weather this morning to add to the pleasantness of having an easy morning.

Update 1823: Wendy's photographs from sunday afternoon's events at Delaware Park: my afternoon at Del Park photos (they showcase at least one surprise guest).

Update 1822: It will take a few days to fully process this weekend's celebrations, in the meantime here is some more coverage, this time the Thororoughbred Times: Barbaro's birthday celebrated at Delaware Park.

During the formal remarks, Jeannine Edwards read out a note from Edgar Prado, here it is:

BARBARO..... WHAT A BEAUTIFUL NAME TO PRONOUNCE. HE GAVE ME THE BIGGEST THRILL IN MY LIFE.... (SECOND ONLY TO MY KIDS BEING BORN.)

HE CHANGED THE LIVES OF SO MANY PEOPLE.... NOT ONLY BECAUSE HE WON THE DERBY, BUT BECAUSE OF THE HEART, COURAGE AND WILL TO LIVE HE SHOWED, EVEN AGAINST THE ODDS.

HE NEVER GAVE UP, HE FOUGHT SO HARD EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. HE TAUGHT US THAT TO GIVE UP IS NOT AN OPTION.

HE BEGAN THE FLAME OF HOPE THAT NEARLY ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.... BUT WE MUST PUT OUR HEARTS INTO IT, IT IS UP TO US NOW TO ENSURE THIS FLAME WILL NEVER BE EXTINGUISHED.

WE HAVE TO REMEMBER HIM AS A TRUE CHAMPION AND A FIGHTER. THOSE WHO SAW HIM SAW GREATNESS.... HE LEFT HIS MARK ON HORSE RACING.

TO ALL THE FANS..... THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT THROUGH THE ROUGH TIMES. YOUR CALLS, EMAILS, AND LETTERS REALLY HELPED ME STAY ON MY FEET.

BARBARO BROUGHT A LOT OF PEOPLE TOGETHER... PEOPLE THAT REALLY LOVE THE SPORT, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, REALLY CARE ABOUT THE ANIMALS. BARBARO STOLE THOSE HEARTS FOREVER.

THANK YOU FOR BEING LOVING, CARING PEOPLE. WE HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE STILL GREAT FANS ALL OVER THE WORLD. WE MUST CONTINUE TO RAISE OUR VOICES TOGETHER..... ESPECIALLY IN THE NAME OF A HORSE THAT WE LOVED SO MUCH AND WHO BROUGHT SUCH JOY INTO OUR LIVES.

BARBARO IS GONE, BUT STILL LIVES IN OUR HEARTS, AND WILL FOREVER. THANK YOU BARBARO FOR MAKING ME A BETTER PERSON. THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THE RIDE OF MY LIFE. THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY DREAM COME TRUE. THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME LOVE YOU.

I MISS YOU, MY FRIEND, AND ALWAYS WILL. HOPE TO SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD AND WE CAN BE REUNITED FOR ONE MORE RIDE.

EDGAR PRADO

The Derby work tab was very busy on sunday. Pletcher worked his five contenders, with Angel Cordero in the irons for those working at Keeneland: Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Pletcher Bids Farewell to Keeneland. Tiago , Stormello, Dominican, Tueflesburg and NoBiz were among others that worked: Nobiz Like Shobiz Zips Five Furlongs at Belmont Park.

Posted by Alex at 10:27 AM | Comments (192)

Saving Barbaro

Posted April 28, 2007

NOTE: Writer Roger Morris was assigned to write the article printed below by a magazine that decided not to publish it following Barbaro's death. He thought it might be of interest to readers at timwoolleyracing.com Morris writes for The Hunt magazine and has a weekly wine column in The NewsJournal as well as contributing to national publications such as Saveur, USAirways Magazine, Drinks, Wine Enthusiast, and The Robb Report.

Saving Barbaro
A year ago, Barbaro won the Derby, then broke down at the Preakness. For tens of thousands of people, one horse's survival suddenly mattered.

By Roger Morris

Alex Brown is an exercise rider at Fair Hill Training Center, a necessarily thin Englishman who also has a passion for the internet, going so far as to put up a website for Tim Woolley Racing, for whom he works thoroughbreds. Woolley's stables at Fair Hill -- a bucolic swatch of green pasturelands and woods in the rolling hills of Cecil County just west of Newark, DE -- are located next to those of Mike Matz, the trainer who burst onto the racing scene on May 6 last spring when his horse, Barbaro, handily won the Kentucky Derby.

Just two weeks after the Derby, many of the Fair Hill clan traveled the 45 miles to the Pimlico race track on the west side of Baltimore for the running of the Preakness with visions of the Triple Crown dancing in their heads. If Barbaro won in Baltimore, as he was heavily favored to do, their next jaunt would be up the New Jersey Turnpike to Long Island for the third leg of the Crown, the Belmont Stakes.

But Brown stayed behind to attend the Preakness party being held by Fair Hill vet Kathy Anderson inside Matz' stable, where her office is located. Brown had had a great time at Anderson's Kentucky Derby party, watching on TV as undefeated Barbaro, owned by Roy and Gretchen Jackson's Lael Stables in nearby West Grove, left Bluegrass Cat 6 ½ lengths behind at Churchill Downs.

"There were maybe 100 of us there watching the Preakness on the big screen," Brown says, "and when Barbaro broke out of the gate early, we were like, let's get him
back in there and get this thing started so we can party. We figured he was easily the best horse there."

A few miles east, Alie Bragg-Berstler, owner of Kennett Florist, was herself watching the Preakness with a crowd at a local restaurant, Giordano's, as the race finally got underway "Suddenly, the whole place went, 'Ah,'" she recalls.

Outside of Atlanta, first-grade teacher Carol Crawford, watching at home by herself, was concerned as Barbaro was being put back into the gate. Although she and her family have two quarter-horses -- a totally different world than thoroughbred racing -- she did not consider herself a racetrack person. "I would watch the Triple Crown on TV, if I could, and that was about it."

Jennifer Rench, who is on the public relations staff at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center in Unionville, considered the best large animal hospital in the country, was also at her home watching the Preakness.

None of them was prepared for what happened next.

Just after the gates flew open and the field of nine horses raced for the first turn, Barbaro pulled up after a few strides, and jockey Edgar Prado was immediately off his back. In a moment that was at once touching and bizarre, the small man tried to cradle and support the huge animal, who was holding up its right rear leg. The support might have for a time saved the horse's life.
It is a sad fact of modern-day racing that delicate-boned horses sometimes break down during a race, an occurrence that usually results in the horse being immediately destroyed or "put down." This happens because it is nearly impossible to put the bones back together again and to prevent infection and other illnesses for a large animal that must stand to survive.

Yet with survival lingers hope. The Jacksons immediately decided they would make an attempt to save their horse.

And just as suddenly, "Saving Barbaro" became a national obsession that would enmesh Brown, Bragg-Berstler, Crawford, and Rench and thousands of others.

"It was devastating," Rench said. "I knew immediately he would be coming to New Bolton, so I called and volunteered to work."

Brown recalls, "Before the Preakness, I said to Tim that I might put an update on Barbaro on his website. I see Mike [Matz] at the track practically every morning." But now there would be no party, no update. "That night I was thinking that I was done with the Barbaro project"

Bragg-Berstler knows many of the horse people whose stables spread along Route 926 that crosses southern Chester County. "We do an occasional delivery to the farms," she says, "and I figured there might be a few orders for roses and things like that for Barbaro."

"I was devastated," Crawford says. "That evening I kept searching the channels and CNN trying to find out how he was doing." But all she found were snippets of news as Saturday turned into Sunday. "I prayed and prayed for him."

By the time that Rench reached New Bolton, TV news vans with their satellite dishes were already there. Barbaro arrived around 9 in a high-tech Pimlico van "with a police escort and an NBC-10 helicopter." Well-wishers had gathered on overpasses of I-95 holding signs and shouting encouragement as the contingent had sped north.

The surgery, led by head surgeon Dean Richardson, began at 1 p.m. the next day -- Sunday, May 21. More than 100 members of the media were kept busy touring the facilities at New Bolton until shortly after 7 p.m., when the marathon operation ended.

In the first of many press conferences and briefings, Dr. Richardson told the reporters that, "Barbaro presented with a case that was about as difficult as such an operation could be," citing three different bone breaks and other complications that required insertions of metal pins. But, he continued, "We are optimistic." Local fans were already posting signs of support and love over the gates and fences of New Bolton.

When Bragg-Berstler arrived at her shop on Monday, orders for flowers to be sent to Barbaro were pouring in, a big under-evaluation on her part. And it wasn't just from locals, but from Barbaro fans all over the world.

"In the days and weeks afterward, we started getting calls for gifts and food for the staff, as well as flowers for Barbaro," she says. She found herself handling non-floral orders for pizzas, bagels, donuts, and snack baskets. As the recuperating stallion began to show more and more strength, carrot cakes and horse treats gained in popularity. Plus the singing balloons, gift certificates for staff to local restaurants and golf courses, and a sheet cake with Barbaro's picture on top.

"We've been contacted by around 600 different people," Bragg-Berstler says, many with repeat orders. And the florist shop, located on West Main in Kennett Square, became the unofficial Barbaro headquarters for fans who over the summer made pilgrimages to see where Barbaro lived, even if they couldn't see the celebrity himself.

Things changed for Alex Brown as well.

"I went to lunch on Sunday with friends," he says, "and everyone was asking what was happening at New Bolton." So when a vet acquaintance that evening told him Barbaro was out of surgery, Brown immediately posted the news to www.timwoolleyracing.com and took out an ad on Google to trumpet his scoop.

"We had 3,000 hits the first day, and the site crashed," Brown says sheepishly.

But he was soon back up, posting new information once or twice daily. Within days, the Woolley site, where fans could also post their own news and messages, and Kennett Florist became the information hubs for racing fans and ordinary people worldwide who wanted to Save Barbaro.

In Atlanta, Brown's website became required reading for Carol Crawford.

"By Tuesday, I had found the Tim Woolley website," she says, "and I was so relieved." And so she became one of the legions of people who sent gifts and checked the website, in her case "sometimes three times daily."

The site grew to receive as many as 7,000 hits daily, says Brown, who also teaches internet marketing at the University of Delaware. There was a new rush of concern in July when Barbaro's uninjured left rear hoof became infected with laminitis, and major portions of it had to be removed. Dr. Richardson, who performed that operation as well, said the prognosis for the beleaguered horse was "poor," yet Barbaro's recovery continued as summer turned to fall.
Gradually, the fans, who called themselves "Barbaromaniacs," began to tackle projects beyond Barbaro immediate health, such as highly-successful, fan-centered fundraising efforts for New Bolton, support for anti-horse slaughter legislation, and demands for safer race track surfaces that would lessen racing injuries such as Barbaro's.

Eventually, Crawford and Brown became internet friends, so on a chilly November weekend at Churchill Downs, where the Barbaro saga had started six months earlier, Crawford and her young daughter attended their first horse races -- the Breeders' Cup series -- with Brown there to explain to them what it was all about.

"It was wonderful to see all those marvelous horses that I had been reading about all summer long," Crawford said, now fully a racing fan. "But, of course, I had mixed emotions." That was because two horses suffered track injuries during the weekend of racing. The one to the filly Pine Island was so severe that she had to be put down.

"Barbaro has heightened the consciousness of racing," Brown says, "and racing needs to figure out how to minimize the risk of fatalities."

The Monday afterward, he was back in the saddle at Fair Hill, exercising the last of four mares in the brilliant morning light. Crawford was back in Georgia in front of her first graders with new experiences to share. Rench was in her office answering media calls. "I don't know if we'll get back to 'normal' here," she had said during the summer.

And Barbaro was quietly grazing, not too far away.

"Mrs. Jackson was once asked why there was so much interest," Rench recalls, "and she said something like, we are all looking for heroes, for someone to get behind."

But after months of appearing to be on the road to recovery, the great horse's health took a turn for the worse in the last days of January. After discussions among the New Bolton staff at the Jacksons, Barbaro was put down on January 29, 2007.

Posted by Alex at 11:14 AM

Barbaro Updates: 266

Posted April 28, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1821: Dan Gelston of the AP wrote this about our celebrations today at Delaware Park: Fans Come Far and Wide for Barbaro.

Update 1820: Wendy has posted some pictures from the fundraiser last night: How are things going in Delaware?

A nice article on NoBiz, his connections and interesting to see how much money they turned for him (I had heard the rumours): For Colt and His Owner, a Long Ride to the Derby.

Off to Fair Hill for event number two of our weekend of Barbaro celebrations!

Update 1819: The fundraiser tonight at Delaware Park was really cool. Great to meet so many people who had come together for this, about $14k was raised! More details tomorrow, but a great start to the celebrations for the weekend!

Update 1818: It seems a wise choice to bring Chelokee home, two more ahead of him in earnings have opted to start: Derby Fever Strikes: Bwana Bull, Teuflesberg Pointed To Classic. Todd Pletcher seems very satisfied with Cowtown Cat's fast work: Pletcher Pleased with Cowtown Cat Work.

Bidding for the auction items tonight has already been swift, and if this is any indication of tonight's activity we should be able to raise a lot of money for TCA and Laminitis Research at New Bolton. The item with the current highest bid is the signed Kentucky Derby win picture!

Update 1817: OK, I have completed the list of items that I will be listing for the fundraiser tonight (there are many more items that FOBs are bringing). If anyone who is not attending tonight's event would like to e-mail me their maximum bid for any of the items then I will take those bids up until about 3 pm (you will know if I got it in time as I will e-mail you back). After that time you can call me up until 6 pm (contact info). I am afraid I cannot be any more descriptive with respect to the items listed.

Update 1816: A lovely spring morning this morning at Fair Hill, lets hope the weather holds well for the weekend activities we have planned. I had six to ride this morning. Three were for Tim. My first was Nautical Agent, she went to the track with Quick Quest and Tim. Nautical Agent was to gallop an easy mile and a quarter, she is breezing tomorrow during the Fair Hill open house. She went nicely, Quick Quest breezed 5/8ths and it seemed he also went well. At least Tim and his owner Mike seemed happy with the work. Next for me was Grandma, she again is breezing tomorrow at the open house so she was to have an easy mile and a quarter gallop. She went well. My final one for Tim was Gator Nation. It was the first time he had trained since he last ran, and he galloped a mile on the dirt track. He went nicely and was relaxed. He will also be training tomorrow for all to see.

My final three were two gallopers on the Tapeta track, one of which, Precious Partner, is scheduled to work tomorrow. She went well. The other was Flash, he went to the gate to get his gate card. He relaxed well in the gate, then broke sharply and worked a half mile, it was a nice move and now he does have his gate card.

I saw Xchanger out this morning, a definitive decision on whether to run in the Derby will be made by the end of the day today. I also saw Better Talk Now coming to the track for his final work before his 2007 campaign gets underway next weekend at Churchill Downs. He worked 7/8ths on the Tapeta track, and while I was not able to witness the work I heard it was a good work.

I spoke to Peter Brette this morning and he was very pleased with Chelokee's work this morning. Michael is now on his way back to Fair Hill and will be joining us for our celebrations at Delaware Park tomorrow!

Update 1815: Doug O'Neill worked his three Derby contenders yesterday at Keeneland, their final works ahead of next saturday, Steve Haskin reports on the works: Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Trio's Works Ideal for O'Neill. We will continue to see the Derby contenders having their final work over the next three days. Chelokee is scheduled to work this morning but is not scheduled to run in the Derby, they will ship back to Fair Hill.

Jazil attempted the turf for the first time yesterday. Unfortunately the turf was not ideal and Jazil finished last: Ascertain Finds Answer in Closing Day Elkhorn Win, excerpt:

Jazil, last year's Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner, trying the turf for the first time in the Elkhorn, never threatened under jockey Fernando Jara and finished last in the 12-horse field.

"It's a shame that his first time on turf, the turf was yielding and since it was the last day of the meet it was pretty chewed up," said trainer Kiarin McLaughlin. "But he just didn't run well. This was an experiment. If he'd liked it, it would have given us more options. But we'll probably go back to the dirt."

Final preparations are being put together for this weekend's celebrations, keep an eye on the page as more details unfold.

Posted by Alex at 10:50 AM | Comments (372)

Barbaro Updates: 265

Posted April 27, 2007

Update 1814: Michael Matz has decided not to enter Chelokee in the Kentucky Derby: No Derby Repeat for Matz; Chelokee to Return to Maryland, excerpt:

"I think we've basically kind of giving up running in the Derby," said Matz. "As much as I'd like to go, I don't think he's going to be the way I came into the Derby [with Barbaro] last year."

Matz said he would feel more comfortable about Chelokee with a little more time, so he and Centennial Farm have decided to head home and look at a possible bid for the May 19 Preakness (gr. I), the second jewel of racing's Triple Crown.

"If it was two more weeks or three more weeks, I would say I could probably give it a shot," said Matz. "He went awfully good today and I think I have everything solved, but I think I'm just kind of like a week away. A lot of those horses -- Barclay's horse (Barclay Tagg's Nobiz Like Shobiz), Carl's horse (Carl Nafzger's Street Sense), and Curlin, they're just doing so well right now. That's the way you want to go into a race."

Update 1813: Here is the video of the Today Show this morning with Mr. Mrs. Jackson and Dr. Richardson. It starts with clips of NBCs documentary and then turns to the interview. Mr. Jackson mentions this site: LIVE FROM STUDIO 1A: BARBARO REMEMBERED

Update 1812: I believe a great article on Edgar Prado: THE ECSTACY AND AGONY OF EDGAR PRADO. To be honest this is the first time I have posted an article without reading it first, which is a sign of the frenetic pace I am operating at this point (teaching at 1:25 pm; HRTV live telephone interview at 1pm).

Update 1811: A rainy morning this morning at Fair Hill, some trainers still trained on the tracks but we sensibly stayed in the shedrow. I had five to ride, three of which were for Tim, Grandma, Nonpariel and Nautical Agent. All in all a nice and uneventful shedrowing morning. I spent some of it on the phone working on more details for this weekends events at Delaware Park and Fair Hill. I have a few things to pick up for the fundraiser tomorrow night, which I'll then be able to list this evening on the celebration page. Not to create "buzz", but pretty cool Barbaro stuff for sure! Michael Dickinson and Graham Motion are also contributing some gifts I have not yet seen (nor listed). I am hopeful the fundraiser will do what it should do, raise funds for great causes (TCA and Laminitis research).

Good luck to the Hennegan brothers today, their film The First Saturday in May premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival: TriBeCa Film Festival: Film Sheds Light On Horse Racing.

Update 1810: In leau of little Derby activity yesterday (many of the Derby contenders will have their final work over the next 4 days) Steve Haskin looks into the pedigrees of the leading contenders: Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Won't You Stay, Just a Little Bit Farther. The Derby will be the first time these horses have tried to compete in a race as long as a mile and a quarter.

A nice grade 3 winner for Graham Motion yesterday at Keeneland: Ex-Claimer Jade's Revenge Posts Ben Ali Upset. Keeneland is looking to set a new handle record for its meet (its good to see the switch to a synthetic track becoming a good business decision): Keeneland's Handle Reaches Record Level.

Don't forget the Jacksons and Dr. Richardson are on the Today show this morning (7:45 am). I am scheduled to do a phone interview for HRTV, I believe it is live and scheduled for 1 pm (just before the class I teach!)

Posted by Alex at 10:44 AM | Comments (212)

Barbaro Updates: 264

Posted April 26, 2007

updates are here.

Update 1809: The Jacksons and Dr. Richardson are appearing on NBCs Today Show tomorrow morning, about 7:45 am. I am assuming there will be a promotion of NBCs documentary: Barbaro A Nation's Horse.

I just visited Hawty Creek, who looks quite contented in her new digs, at her owner's farm. She looks happy, she will train from there for her next start. It was good to see her.

Update 1808: The AP (Dan Gelston) wrote a great story on our pending celebrations this weekend: Fans plan observances for Barbaro birthday. Dan is planning to attend the celebrations on Sunday at Delaware. I have made some updates to the schedule of events.

Update 1807: I just watched the NBC documentary: Barbaro A Nation's Horse. I can only say good things about it, as I wiped tears away on more than one occasion. It is done with taste and dignity, while you hear from many people we have come to know over the last several months on this site (including Rachel at Kennett Florists). Mrs. Jackson was very enthusiastic about the documentary, and I can see why. I will look forward to everyone's reaction to it on sunday. We will be showing it at Delaware Park as part of our day of celebrations. You can also purchase a copy of the DVD from the link above.

I spoke to Mrs. Jackson this morning. She had just visited Barbaro's new baby brother and really loved what she saw, including the similarities she could see with Barbaro (both looks and mannerisms). Mrs. Jackson thinks he may be the largest of the foals at Mill Ridge Farm this year. She also noted that Michael and Peter had both been to visit him. There will be video of him in the near future as many media have visited, ESPN has footage of him when he was only 2 (days old)!

Update 1806: A nice morning to be back riding at Fair Hill. My days are going to be a little different now its just back to riding, and not taking care of Hawty Creek, nonetheless a decent morning that finished nice and early.

I had five to ride. My first three were for Tim. Nautical Agent was first, and she went to the Tapeta track (as usual) and galloped a mile and a half. She went nicely and was very relaxed. Next set was Grandma and she also went to the Tapeta track, she was to only gallop a mile and a quarter. Both went on their own, and she also went nice and easily. Finally for Tim I had Nonpariel and she went in company with Tim on Quick Quest and we took them out back to gallop up the hills. The footing was nice and they both seemed to enjoy themselves. Tim and I discussed the open house at Fair Hill on sunday and how it was developing. I have now updated the celebration page with a more detailed schedule of the open house. All are welcome, we anticipate about 120 people to attend this part of the day.

My final two sets were for Lynda, one galloping on the Tapeta track and one going out back and just gently jogging around. All in all a nice, and somewhat short, morning.

Update 1805: Steve Haskin explains why it is too tough at this stage to pick the Derby winner: Steve Haskin's Derby Report: History Be Damned. Many horses will be working sometime this weekend, perhaps that will help clear up the picture. Steve also notes that many of the fancied horses would be bucking traditions long considered critical in order to win, this is further discussed by Jay Privman: A year later, long layoffs are common. It will be interesting to see if the traditionalists come through (NoBiz and Any Given Saturday) versus the "pioneers" (Curlin, Street Sense, Circular Quay). I leave Scat Daddy in the middle, he is coming into the Derby five weeks after his last start (Florida Derby) but was a well seasoned 2yo. Anyway you look at it, Michael Matz has definitely opened the door to some different thinking in terms of Derby preparation.

Terrific news yesterday on the horse anti-slaughter front.

Posted by Alex at 10:27 AM | Comments (256)

Barbaro Updates: 263

Posted April 20, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1804: I am now back from my travels. Thanks Superfecta for keeping things going. No doubt it will take me a couple of days to get up to speed with everything that has occured in racing. A couple of quick things; Hawty Creek is now back at her owner's farm, and will train from there going forward. This was planned as part of my pending retirement plans, I hear she is doing well after her last race. The open house at fair Hill on sunday, I have pushed the start time up to 8:45 am (up 15 minutes). It will begin by the racetrack next to the main entrance of Fair Hill (rte 213 entrance).

Update 1803: The Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders have announced that Barbaro is their 2006 Horse of the Year; Bernardini was awarded the top 3-year-old title, but I'm sure all here find this honor for Barbaro long overdue - congrats to all!

In the latest Derby news, Slew's Tizzy is now officially 'doubtful' but there's still a long nine days to go...

Anyway, that's Superfecta signing off for now in anticipation of Alex's return -- see you at Delaware Park!

Update 1802: A few quick notes - Alex gets back from Blighty tonight, and there is a bit more press coverage about the Barbaro documentary. There is a nice Q&A with Mr Jackson here. Also, there' a new update:

New Update! Equine Heaven.
www.equine-heaven.com.

Update 1801: There's some press coverage of the Barbaro Celebration in the Philly papers today; some of the recent improvements to Delaware Park that will be on display opening weekend are covered here. There are still no official dropouts from the Derby field so far and Chelokee's current chances of getting in are explained a bit more here. The only thing we know for certain about the Derby at this point is that the menu for the Queen has been drawn up, although I think they are making a mistake by leaving out Derby Pie. There are more details on her visit to Kentucky here - she will likely pay a visit to Lane's End Farm as she is good friends with owner Will Farish (who some of my friends met at a deli in Kentucky last week - they were impressed because he seemed to know everyone's name, from the regulars to the staff).

In other news, Belmont winner Jazil will be trying the turf at Keeneland in the Elkhorn - we'll see how he takes to the surface. For those who live locally, Dr. Dean Richardson is giving a talk on May 9th for the Hatboro-Horsham Educational Foundation - more details here.

Update 1800: Here's the Wednesday update (a little early) from Shelley and Debra - remember to keep your calls friendly and polite for maximum effect:

National Call in Day is behind us but our job is NOT over. The GOOD news is that they received a huge number of calls. The BAD news is that the calls were from both sides!!

The Senate Committee on Science, Commerce & Transportation has a planned "mark-up" session on Wednesday, April 25th at 2:30 for S.311, The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. This means the committee may debate, amend, or rewrite the proposed legislation, and they may also vote on whether or not to send the bill to the entire Senate for its consideration.

Pro slaughter is putting pressure on the Senate Committee on Commerce in their final attempt to derail the passage of the bill.

Here's what you need to do:

It is important that as many people as possible contact committee members asking them to vote for S311. This time around, we must also call/fax the cosponsors in this committee and ask them to speak out in support of S311 and urge their colleagues to join them in their support to pass S311 WITHOUT AMENDMENTS.

Please call EVERY member of the committee with a special emphasis on the following three senators:

1. Senator Bill Nelson, FL - (202)-224-5274 or Fax: (202)-228-2183

2. Senator Jim DeMint, SC - (202)-224-6121 or Fax: (202)-228-5143

3. Senator John Rockefeller, W. VA - (202)-224-6472 or Fax: (202)-224-7665

Please make your calls EARLY on Wednesday BEFORE it is debated in the committee!!

When S311 gets to the floor for a full vote, we will post new instructions. Today (Wednesday) we must put all of our efforts into the committee members to get it to the floor. Otherwise, there could be no tomorrow!!!!

We'll keep you updated as new developments arise.

Fingers crossed for a successful outcome..........

Shelley and Debra

Update 1799: Just a few quick reminders - the latest update is ready at Equine Heaven:

New update! Equine Heaven.
www.equine-heaven.com

And a gentle reminder from Friar Tuck below about calling your representitives -- keep up the good work:

This momentum is wonderful news! Remember: Keep it simple, direct (and polite!) when calling/faxing. We really need them to hear us, and you know the one about the spoonful of sugar helping the medicine go down...

Update 1798: While the graded earnings dance carries on this week, it's useful to remember that the 20 horses who usually fill the Derby starting gate are not always those who most deserve to be there -- recalling some of the gamesmanship that's kept worthy horses out of the field in the past (think Rock Hard Ten) can be a depressing exercise (which is why I called it gamesmanship rather than sportsmanship). In my perfect world, I've simplified everything and limited it to a (fairly opinionated) 15 horse field; while you can certainly make an argument for others and against some of these, I've always been of the opinion that 20 horses is too many and leads to traffic trouble that can keep the best horse from winning (think Afleet Alex). So, without further ado, The Superfecta Dream 15:

Any Given Saturday (always tries)
Chelokee (clearly talented)
Circular Quay (has earned it, layoff or no layoff)
Cowtown Cat (I'm not a believer, but he's showed he belongs)
Curlin (could be a freak, but hasn't proven it yet)
Great Hunter (a model of consistency in big races)
Hard Spun (numbers went up at the right time)
Liquidity (his workouts look a lot better than Cobalt Blue's do)
Nobiz Like Shobiz (blinkers on, please)
Scat Daddy (still not my pick, but I'd never overlook him)
Sedgefield (working on the 'toss the last race' principle)
Stormello (he's shown a lot of grit too)
Street Sense (impossible not to include)
Teuflesberg (not sure he wants the distance, but he's so hard-knocking)
Tiago (made the right move at the right time)

There, that wasn't so hard! Who needs 20? But seriously, it would be useful to shake up the selection process a bit. Graded earnings are a good start, but I like Steve Day's suggestion that the top 18 on graded earnings get an automatic berth, then there are two wildcard spots left up to a panel. That could overcome not only a lockout on earnings, but also prevent some of the more egregious maneuvering that sometimes goes on to keep specific horses out of the race.

But let's take a moment to focus on someone who's definitely in the race -- Hard Spun's jockey Mario Pino; it's amazing to think this is going to be his first Derby. He's a fantastic rider who has been well-known in Maryland and Delaware for years, it's great to see him get some national recognition at long last.

Update 1797: There will be a special winner's circle tribute to the Jacksons at this year's Kentucky Derby, between the 6th and 7th races. Barbaro's Derby victory will be replayed on the Churchill Downs screens and they will be presented with a check for the Barbaro Memorial Fund.

Update 1796: Here's the latest from Shelley & Debra:

This week could possibly be the "beginning of the end" for the slaughter of American horses. We need everyone's help for this huge push.....

The Senate Committee on Science, Commerce & Transportation has a planned "mark-up" session on Wednesday, April 25th at 2:30 for S.311, The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. This means the committee may debate, amend, or rewrite the proposed legislation, and they may also vote on whether or not to send the bill to the entire Senate for its consideration.

Here's what you should know:

It's been reported that pro slaughter is putting pressure on all legislators, with a big push on the Senate Committee on Commerce in their final attempt to derail the passage of the bill.

Here's what you should do:

1. It is important that as many people as possible, ESPECIALLY constituents, contact committee members asking them to vote for S311. This time around, we must also call/fax the cosponsors in this committee and ask them to speak out in support of S311 and urge their colleagues to join them in their support.

2. Inside scoop: There are 11 of 23 committee members who will vote "YES" for this Bill to be released for a vote on the Senate floor. That means we need one more vote.

THE FOLLOWING SENATORS ARE OUR BEST CHANCE TO GET THE VOTES WE NEED ON THIS COMMITTEE. PLEASE CALL AND ASK THEM TO SUPPORT BILL S.311 WITHOUT AMENDMENTS.

1. Senator Bill Nelson, FL - (202)-224-5274 or Fax: (202)-228-2183

2. Senator Jim DeMint, SC - (202)-224-6121 or Fax: (202)-228-5143

3. Senator John Rockefeller, W. VA - (202)-224-6472 or Fax: (202)-224-7665

When S311 gets to the floor for a full vote, it is imperative that every senator has heard from their constituents. Remember, even if one is not a co-sponsor, the important part is that they vote FOR the bill. PLEASE keep calling your OWN senators this week!

*************************************************************

*************************************************************

TUESDAY APRIL 24TH IS THE HUMANE SOCIETY'S NATIONAL CALL IN DAY. That is the day to get everyone you know involved in calling their representatives. Have them call their congress person for HR503 and their senators for S311. Remember to check the current list of co-sponsors so you do not call those that are already on board. We MUST make those phone lines light up!! This could be the final push to get this legislation passed. The momentum seems to be with us now......we can't lose it!!! click here

We'll keep you updated as new developments arise.

Shelley and Debra

Update 1795: Just a quick update for the moment (feel free to blame SEPTA for the brevity of this entry), with more to follow; as of now, things are where they were yesterday in terms of graded earnings - no official dropouts yet!

Update 1794: Mill Ridge added another photo of La Ville Rouge's colt to their website; he's a very alert-looking fellow!

Update 1793: Barbaro's legacy: A better life for horses is now online; it covers just about every angle of the Barbaro Effect, from efforts to end slaughter to funding for laminitis research and everything in between. FOBs and TWR are mentioned specifically thanks to Alex, so have a read and enjoy the spotlight!

Update 1792: Hard Spun had a good workout at Keeneland, and Equine Heaven has a new message:

New Update!
Equine Heaven
www.equine-heaven.com

Update 1791: Here's Teresa's report from Keeneland:

For several years, a horse racing friend of mine and I have been talking about going to Keeneland. He wrote his master's thesis on horse racing and is currently working on a book about the architecture of racetracks, and he is my most reliable track friend. Finally, this weekend, we made it happen. In what some may term an insane road trip, we left Brooklyn at dawn on Friday, drove to Lexington, spent Saturday there, and drove back to Brooklyn today. But it was worth every minute!

We began Saturday with the morning workouts. In addition to seeing the glory of Keeneland without all the crowds, and witnessing the majesty of thoroughbreds in the morning light, I had a quick groupie-type conversation with Nick Zito ("Hi, Mr. Zito, I'm from Brooklyn, too, and a big fan of yours") and watched a wonderful moment with Michael Matz. As I stood by the rail watching the horses, Mr. Matz rode up on his pony to a group of children standing there; he let them pet his pony, and then handed them peppermints so that they could feed them to the pony. "Just hold your hand out flat and he'll take it-that's what he's looking for," he said, as the pony nuzzled the children. Unfortunately, I think the children were all too skittish to give it a go. Nonetheless, it was wonderful to watch. If any of you watched the ESPN coverage of the race, the incident with Chelokee happened as Michael was talking to the children, and he took off on his pony. I looked around the track to see if I could figure out what had happened, fearful of the worst; I was relieved when I watched my TiVo'd coverage tonight to see that all is well.

We then dashed off for a quick visit to the Kentucky Horse Park. We sped through the museum, lingered in the gift shop, and wandered the grounds in perfect timing to "meet" Cigar and Da Hoss, the latter of whom particularly is a perfect model, posing for the cameras in several positions. Anyone who has read Glenye Cain's The Home Run Horse knows the inspirational story of Da Hoss. Since his retirement, he certainly seems to be eating well, as evidenced by a delightfully round equine belly.

The weather in Lexington was glorious, beautifully warm and sunny, which of course added to the experience. We felt so lucky, given that the week before, Keeneland was 40 degrees and raining. We got a spot on a bench on the apron just at the finish line, lucky for us, as I later learned that I chose to attend Keeneland on the very day that an attendance record was broken-33,000+, more than had ever attended Keeneland in its history! No wonder things felt a little crowded. We were fortunate to have sat ourselves next to a native Kentuckian and his wife, who is from the NYC area; while I hate to indulge in stereotypes, Southern hospitality was alive and well-I don't think my glass was empty the whole time we sat together!

The racing was spectacular-a bizarre mix of chalk (favorites) and amazing longshots. I'm not sure whether I can blame the Polytrack, but I found handicapping quite difficult; I hit several early races, and then gave back most of my winnings. For the Lexington, I keep looking and looking at Slew's Tizzy, and finally talked myself out of betting this longshot-ah, what a regret THAT is! I don't know if I've ever seen a feature race whose exacta paid $1,000-I'd love to know how many people had it. My one consolation in the race is that a former student of mine, Helen Pitts, who now trains in Kentucky, trained the horse who finished fourth, Trust Your Luck. It seemed clear that Belgravia had something physically wrong; he'd run well off his last layoff, and it was shocking that he faded so quickly. I read today that he'd bled, which would certainly explain the way he raced at the end.

Having grown up in Saratoga, there was something that felt familiar about Keeneland: the pride in and beauty of the architecture; the party/family atmosphere (so different from the hardcore gambling at Aqueduct!); the sense that there is a limited opportunity to enjoy this beautiful place, and that people should take advantage of it. That sense, along with the success of Del Mar (where I've never been) makes me think about how successful these "boutique" race meets are: short meets, quality horses, beautiful settings-is that the future of horse racing? Or does it lie in year-round or longer meets supplemented by other types of gambling? Jay Hovdey writes about this in Saturday's Daily Racing Form, and the decision by a community in northern California not to open a racetrack associated with slot machines.

Though I spent nearly 24 hours in the car this weekend, and about 36 in Lexington, it was entirely worth it. My day at Keeneland could not have been any more perfect (OK, maybe if I'd made a profit!), and if any of you ever has a chance to go...GO! You won't regret it.

Update 1790: In today's news, Dick Jerardi makes the case that none of the 'local' horses like Hard Spun are really local and also notes about Slew's Tizzy that 'philosophies have been known to change when owners get Derby Fever.' Indeed, it seems like that's becoming more of a possibility -- trainer Greg Fox most recently said:

"Our feeling right now is we really don't want to commit to anything, positive or negative," he said, referring to discussions with owner Joe LaCombe. "There's no decision absolutely yes or absolutely no. There's no reason we have to decide today. We don't have to make a decision till entry day, actually."

Xchanger (now up for sale) and Imawildandcrazyguy are both back in the Derby mix, which is bad news for Chelokee -- but things are very fluid right now, we'll have to wait and see how it all shakes out.

Update 1789: While Xchanger's victory in the Federico Tesio was a bit of a surprise, it was nothing compared to Slew's Tizzy huge upset in the Coolmore Lexington.

What that means in terms of graded earnings for the Derby is that Chelokee is stuck at number 22 on the list; however, Slew's Tizzy's trainer, Greg Fox (a former vet) said:

"Our philosophy is that we don't run horses back in two weeks," said Fox when asked if Slew's Tizzy will run in the Derby on May 5.

After a great performance it can be hard to keep owners from getting Derby fever; we'll see how it all turns out. Speaking of Chelokee, there's a good article on Chelokee and Michael Matz in the Inquirer today -- here's hoping he makes it into the field. In other local horse news, there's a story about Hard Spun's masseuse -- it takes a village!

Finally, while we are all looking forward to Barbaro's birthday celebration, it's nice to see there are some other fun benefits coming up -- Avalon in Louisville will be hosting a Secretariat-themed fundraiser May 1 . The official Secretariat.com site features a story on the rescue of Secretariat's half-brother from a Texas feedlot
and you can register for the benefit here.

And this is a bit late, but please enjoy the latest Equine Heaven update from Saturday at www.equine-heaven.com

Update 1788: Just a quick Alex update from the UK. Gorgeous weather here, off to Cornwall today. Hawty Creek ran well yesterday, but she was in a little trouble around the first turn and was last down the backside. No one was going to match the winner, and the jockey said he felt she would be better off sprinting than going long. Oh well, she ran hard again, she is certainly a game and consistent mare! OK, back offline for me and back to Superfecta for more updates.

Update 1787: Hawty Creek's race at Philadelphia Park today was held up slightly by the Michael Dickinson-trained Queen's Report fussing a bit before loading; Hawty Creek was a little wide around the first turn but no one was going to catch Seeking an Angel who pulled away to win by something like 15 lengths, but she did hang in for third!

Update 1786: The latest anti-slaughter update is now online.

Update 1785: Here's an update on Gator Nation's race yesterday: he ran in the 10th at Laurel and was impeded badly going into the first turn, but stuck in to finish fourth -- he was moved up to third, ahead of the horse who finished second as a result of the traffic trouble. Well done, Gator Nation!

Update 1784: Hello all --

Superfecta here, deputizing for Alex; naturally much of the news this morning is on Barbaro's newest full sibling, born yesterday morning at Mill Ridge Farm. There's a picture of the new colt here and some more detail about La Ville Rouge's other foals here. I'll add more links throughout the weekend as they appear.

In the 'litigation - it's not just for 3-year-olds' category we have an appearance by Lawyer Ron, whose owners are arguing over his racing career. As of now, he's being pointed toward the Metropolitan Mile, but his next move could well be decided by the courts. It's clearly a busy season in Kentucky legal circles.

Things are not so rosy for Godolphin either; Ashkal Way has a tendon injury and it sounds as though he might return to training in the future, but it's equally possible that he might head toward retirement. Discreet Cat is also delaying his return to the races (and to the US), but the indication (so far) is that he will re-appear later this year. His absence will no doubt make the Met Mile more attractive for Lawyer Ron...if he's allowed to race!

For today's Coolmore Lexington, we're told to 'look for quicker pace than Blue Grass' -- I'm awarding them my Understatement of the Month award in advance. I still like the Lasix-free Belgravia. More later!

Update 1783: I am about to catch my flight to england, and will be back late wednesday. In the meantime Superfecta will keep adding appropriate updates in my absense. Comments will be closed and the discussion board will be maintained by WendyMI. I look forward to returning.

For my final update here is a report from Jeannine Edwards with regard to the Lexington run tomorrow and broadcast on ESPN2 6 - 7 pm:

The sun is finally out! It's gorgeous here in Lexington, KY. Tomorrow is our last show before the Kentucky Derby week frenzy at Churchill begins. The Lexington Stakes is sort of a non-descript field of horses who are still sorting themselves out, but I think it's safe to say the winner will most likely reappear in two weeks in the Derby. For the most part, it's just too hard to resist the temptation.

We will cover the Lexington extensively because we have plenty of time in the show (6-7pm ET). Soaring By is a Todd Plecher trainee who is hoping to get back on track. Todd said they really liked the horse last year leading up and after his impressive debut in July at Belmont. But when he broke through the starting gate before the Louisiana Derby, he pretty much spent his race right there. Todd said now here we are, April 20, and 0 graded earnings. (Needed to get in the KY Derby field.) So tomorrow is Soaring By's last chance.

Patrick Biancone trains Belgravia, another colt looking to get back on track after a lengthy layoff over the winter. Belgravia developed a severe lung infection in mid February. He was in CA and they were pointing him to the Bob Lewis Stakes, which he never made. This is a colt who was purchased for $2 million as a yearling, and they've had high expectations for him ever since. Patrick told me "he's got it all.... he tries hard, he has natural speed and stamina, and tremendous acceleration, he can follow any pace." He said they are very anxious and happy to have him back in the races. If he runs impressively tomorrow, he will run back in the Preakness.

Forty Grams is another who needs to step it up a notch and prove he belongs. The Steve Asmussen-trained colt ran 3rd most recently in the WinStar Derby, a race Steve said "he should have won. He got himself beat that day." The colt was nervous after shipping in to NM, never relaxed, and was keyed up in the race. He raced very aggressively amidst a fast pace, and then never switched leads. Steve said they were very disappointed in him that day. They are hoping he'll relax early and then switch leads when the time comes tomorrow. He breaks from Post 1, so he very well could end up on the lead.

There are several other nice horses in the race, including Joe Got Even (3rd in the Lane's End behind Hard Spun) and Trust Your Luck (2nd in the Rushaway behind Dominican.) We're also televising the Federico Tesio from Pimlico. Usually we get a Preakness starter from the Tesio, and this year we could see Etude add his name to that list. He's a very talented, promising colt just now starting to figure things out, and tomorrow he takes another step in his career progression. Xchanger is also in the race, and his connections haven't completely ruled out a start in the KY Derby if all goes well tomorrow.

Part of our coverage tomorrow includes a look at the KY Derby field as it stands now, the latest graded earnings list, and I'll have an interview with Michael Matz, at his barn with Chelokee, as we discuss Chelokee's Derby status and how tomorrow's Lexington Stakes could impact Chelokee's Derby chances. (He's currently #21 on the list.... just outside of the Derby starting gate.) We'll also get updates from some trainers with horses in last week's big Derby prep races, we'll take a closer look at Polytrack and how it's affecting racing/training, and we'll have several reports and interviews with the participants in the Lexington.

It's our last stop on the Road To The Derby.... we're all very excited about the Derby field and how it's shaping up.

Posted by Alex at 8:56 PM | Comments (56)

Barbaro Updates: 262

Posted April 19, 2007

Update 1782: I just spoke to Mike Jensen, he was just leaving Mill Ridge Farm after seeing La Ville Rouge and her new son. He was excited to see them being turned out and seeing Barbaro's little brother outside!

Update 1781: A lovely morning this morning at Fair Hill, although a little foggy early. I had a nice easy morning with only five to ride. First out was Hawty Creek and I decided to take her across the fields. We just did a light jog and hack around. She was fine and reasonably quiet until she got close to home and saw one of Michael Matz's horses galloping around a paddock. A typically Hawty buck followed, but the neck strap kept me in place.

My next two were for Tim. Mediman galloped a mile and a quarter on the Tapeta track. She went well. Tim breezed Real Lace at that time, she went a half and Tim was happy with her. Next was Nonpariel, and she went out with Tim on Quick Quest ... we went across the fields to gallop up the hill twice. They went nicely, although it was a little crowded with a set of Steve Klesaris' out there too. My final two included a breezer. We open galloped a quarter and then breezed 3/8ths. All went well, to wrap up a nice easy morning. Tim has Gator Nation in the 10th race at Laurel, back on the turf, so he should run well.

Mrs. Jackson's voice-mail this morning also included her feedback on the NBC documentary that will air on April 29 at 5 pm (we will be able to show it on a few of the screens at Delaware Park). She was effusive in her praise for the job NBC had done putting this documentary together. She noted that many people were interviewed for the piece including Mike Jensen and Gary Stevens, and she was just very happy with how it all had turned out.

Update 1780: Mrs. Jackson left a message at 7:15 am this morning. She had just received a fax: Barbaro's baby brother was born at 2:08 am this morning weighing in at 148 pounds. All appears well at this early stage.

Update 1779: Steve Haskin provides his assessment of the Lexington Stakes, which is the last graded stakes for three year olds coming up to the Derby, but given its close proximity to the Derby is not considered a prep by many: Haskin's Lexington Preview: And Then There Was One. The Lexington will be broadcast on ESPN2 along with the Tesio Stakes from Pimlico.

The Illinois House passed a bill to permanently shut down horse slaughter within its state. The bill needs to go through its senate. The slaughter plant is currently not in operation as is the case with the two Texas plants: Illinois House Passes Anti-Slaughter Bill.

Finally, California is considering adding additional penalties for drug violations: Calif. Owners Could Face Fines When Horses Test Positive.

Update 1778: This is huge news: Santa Anita gets 2008 Breeders' Cup. The Breeders' Cup will be run on a synthetic track for the first time!

Update 1777: The Kentucky Equine Humane Center is now officially open: Kentucky Equine Humane Center Officially Opens, the following are excerpts:

"This is an opportunity for all of us to do the right thing and play a role in ensuring the welfare and humane treatment of horses here in Kentucky, the Horse Capital of the World," said the organization's president, Staci Hancock. "With Kentucky's signature event, the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), just around the corner, we believe it is an ideal time to open our doors and bring attention to the plight of horses that are at risk."

and

Derby winning trainer Nick Zito (Strike The Gold and Go For Gin), and his wife Kim, are on the KyEHC board of advisors. According to Nick Zito, "Regardless of pedigree or performance, all horses have to be treated the same. Consequently, we all have the same responsibilities to meet those needs, whether we are working with Kentucky Derby winners or horses that are just horses. Again, they have to be treated the same."

Here is their web-site: KENTUCKY EQUINE HUMANE CENTER.

Update 1776: Its slowly getting warmer, but slowly. Michael Matz's crew are starting to come back. They had a few horses go to the track today, but it will be a while before they are all returned. Looks like Gray (sp ?) is running the show for the time being.

I had seven to ride. At the beginning of the morning I thought it was only going to be five, and I was quite excited at the prospect of leaving early and taking a nap. Oh well. Hawty Creek was first to go, and second onto the Tapeta track. Again we jogged forward to about halfway down the backside and galloped a mile and 3/8ths, once around and back to the wire. She was in good spirits, and fired up on her way home. Lets hope that is a good sign, but it is not always the case. My two for Tim were Mediman, who jogged two miles on the dirt, and Grandma, who went across the fields with Tim on Quick Quest. We gave them a couple of gallops up a hill and they went nicely. Of the four remaining one was a breezer. He breezed 3/8ths on the Tapeta track and actually seemed to breeze very well. 3/8ths is the perfect distance to breeze any horse, any further and they might start getting tired, and you might have to start really riding them!

All in all a decent morning, that still required long johns!

Update 1775: Jockeys' agents are finalizing their plans for their jockeys for the Derby: Pletcher Settles on Derby Riders; Other Jockeys Finalize Plans. There do not appear to be any real suprises at this stage.

ESPN2 will be broadcasting the Lexington and Federico Tesio on saturday, the former being a last chance for someone to consider the Derby, the latter a race local to the Preakness: Lexington, Federico Tesio to Air on ESPN2 April 21. Fair Hill's Xchanger is scheduled to run in the Tesio. Jeannine Edwards will provide us an update on the coverage later in the week.

Finally I was at Delaware Park yesterday finalizing some of the plans developed by Sharon and her team for the events next weekend. We now have capacity for 550 to attend, so we have more room for late comers wishing to sign up. Other details will be added to the Barbaro Celebration page. For the fundraiser the night before about 180 people have noted they will attend, again, the more the merrier. I had a conversation with Thoroughbred Charities of America, all proceeds can go to them, and they will then forward half to the New Bolton for their Laminitis Fund. Everyone who buys something can then write a cheque to TCA and will get a receipt for tax purposes. Lots of details are now starting to fall into place.

Posted by Alex at 10:26 AM | Comments (373)

Barbaro Updates: 261

Posted April 18, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1774: NoBiz worked today, which is right on schedule for Barclay, working about 10 days after a race. The work was a little slow, but I imagine that is not of concern given the campaign NoBiz has had thus far: 'Shobiz' breezes effortlessly but slow. He has two more works before the Derby.

Update 1773: Horseracing is experiencing two innovations, race track surfaces and developments with respect to merging slot gambling with racetracks. For the former, things continue to move forward as Arlington is preparing to open for its meet: Arlington Polytrack nears completion. For the latter, it is not all roses as tracks continue to try to figure out how to exploit the additional monies going into the purses: Slots haven't solved all Gulf's troubles.

Update 1772: The tongue-wagging Premium Tap is not coming back to the US for a 2007 campaign: Premium Tap Will Not Return to U.S.

Update 1771: A better morning this morning weather-wise, although still not normal for spring. Today was a busy morning with seven to ride.

Hawty Creek again went to the Tapeta track and galloped about a mile and a half. While we were the only one on the track at the time, we cannot claim to be first on the track. I could see footprints of a couple of horses who must have been out early. Hawty went nicely. For Tim I rode Real Lace and Mediman. Real Lace galloped a mile and a half on the Tapeta track, Tim was right behind me galloping Quick Quest. Both went well. For Mediman, it was her first day back training after her race the end of last week. She jogged two miles on the dirt track and felt great after her race. Tim is giving Red Aspen another day off, she was in great spirits this morning, but was pretty tired after her strong effort on saturday. Of the remaining four I had to ride, Flash was the most interesting. He went to the gate to break for the first time, and then work a half mile. He did both, and did both well. He probably needs to break one more time and he will have his gate card. Each time he has been to the gate he has done very well.

Better Talk Now worked this morning under his exercise rider, Fen. I missed seeing the work, but Tim saw it. He said it looked good, going 7/8ths in company with another horse of Graham Motion's. Blackie drew away going down the lane. I think his first start of the year is planned for Derby day at Churchill Downs.

Update 1770: It is nice to see a new racetrack (a result of slot money) will begin with a synthetic surface: New Pennsylvania Track to Have Synthetic Surface. In California a proposed new racetrack project was turned down: Dixon Voters Turn Down Proposed Racetrack. This comes after the recent decision of Bay Meadows to close down in order to avoid a significant investment in its track surface.

The Fundraiser to be held at Delaware Park from 7 - 10 pm, which is being planned for the night before the April 29 celebration, will benefit the Laminitis Fund at New Bolton Center and Thoroughbred Charities of America. For anyone interested in attending or donating an item, please e-mail Jennifer Duffy (jenduffy@comcast.net).

Posted by Alex at 10:30 AM | Comments (217)

Barbaro Updates: 260

Posted April 17, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1769: Steve Haskin provides his assessment (and confusion) of last weekend's Derby preps: Kentucky Derby Trail: Bye, Bye Miss American Pie. While I understand the Blue Grass created more confusion than answered questions I do think racing is much more attractive run the way the Blue Grass was run. I for one do not enjoy watching races with wicked fast early fractions and tired horses finishing in 13 and change. The last three eighths of the Blue Grass was phenomenal to watch. I do agree that it was ridiculous an inquiry was not lodged on the interferance experienced by Great Hunter.

Hawty Creek is in on saturday.

Update 1768: This afternoon I went over to Freedom Hills to work with Mike Rea. It was cool, Mike was in good form, and he did a little jog ... when we did the jog I was the limiting factor, still pretty lame! Anyway, it was fun. I got home and met with an ESPN writer, Wright Thompson, who is doing a story on Barbaro. I thought our meeting would be 30 minutes or so ... it turned into 2+ hours, very cool. To be honest, talking about Barbaro and the Barbaro legacy is just a great way to spend the afternoon. Talking of ESPN, they are planning to come to our celebration at Delaware Park and do a piece for their Preakness telecast. I am psyched about that. Lots of things are happening, and all seems very positive!

Update 1767: So it was not raining this morning, that was the good news, it was cold and windy however. Someone said this is the last of the bad weather, I am wondering if that is simply wishful thinking!

I had six to ride today. I started off with Hawty Creek. We went to the Tapeta track at about 6:20, and we were the first on. In fact when I came off the track there still had not been another horse on the track. It was very peaceful, especially as you cannot hear your horse hitting the ground when galloping. Hawty went nicely, we galloped a mile and a quarter. This will be her training routine for the next few days I think. My next two were for Tim, Nautical Agent and Nonpariel, at this point probably my favourite two of Tim's to ride. Nautical Agent went with Grandma (Tim) and we galloped a mile and a quarter. We led Grandma by a couple of lengths, and they galloped great. Nonpariel also galloped a mile and a quarter, for this set Tim was on Who's Happy. We galloped separately as Happy can get a little strong. Nonpariel is a pleasure to gallop around.

My final three also went well. One more to the Tapeta track, and a couple to the dirt. Halfway through the morning I had to put on a jacket as the wind really picked up and it was just plain cold. The highlight of the morning ... Tim cracked a joke. He said to one of our fellow exercise riders ..."Carl, the weather this morning is just like you ..." Carl looked blankly at Tim, Tim then replied ... "Windy" ...

Update 1766: Jay Privman provides an assessment of last weekend's Derby preps and news going forward for the Derby: Curlin aims to defy 125-year-old Derby angle. He discusses Curlin's lack of seasoning, i.e. if he wins, he will be the first horse since Apollo in 1882 to win without a 2yo start. I am not sure why having a 2yo start makes a horse better for the First Saturday in May, lets hope this is another Derby no-no that is ended this year. Barbaro won after a five week gap between his last race and the Derby last year, then considered a no-no, and a plan that was heavily criticized. This year Circular Quay is coming into the Derby with an eight week gap. Jay Privman also notes some jockey commitments for the Derby, excerpt:

Zanjero and Teuflesberg both will need new riders for the Derby. Garrett Gomez rode Zanjero, but has committed to ride Any Given Saturday in the Derby for trainer Todd Pletcher. Teuflesberg was ridden by Edgar Prado, who will ride Scat Daddy in the Derby. Jamie Sanders, trainer of Teuflesberg, said Stewart Elliott would regain the mount.

Corey Nakatani will stick with Great Hunter for the Derby. Doug O'Neill, who has Great Hunter and Derby prospects Cobalt Blue and Liquidity, said Monday that Victor Espinoza would ride Cobalt Blue, and David Flores would be on Liquidity.

Posted by Alex at 10:46 AM | Comments (198)

Barbaro Updates: 259

Posted April 16, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1765: Tiago, a key contender for the Kentucky Derby after his suprising win in the Santa Anita Derby, has had his first work since that victory going 3/4s in 1:13.2: Shirreffs's confidence in Tiago grows, excerpt:

"This was just a work to get him back into the routine," Shirreffs said. "He came out of the race very well - surprisingly well considering the level of competition. He hasn't backed off his feed and he went back to the track with a little bounce in his step."

Tiago worked alone, and went the first furlongs in 13 seconds and change, Shirreffs said.

"He worked pretty steady from there," he said.

Update 1764: For those who are planning events on April 29 at locations other than Delaware Park, could you please e-mail me a paragraph about the event, current number of people planning to attend and contact information necessary for those wishing to attend. I will use this information to update our page on the April 29 events.

Update 1763: Water water everywhere, but not a drop to drink (for the horses) ... that's what it felt like this morning as we faced another morning of grim weather, this time without any power in the barn (a generator was acquired later so we could get some running water). There is simply nothing good to say about weather like today!

I shedrowed seven in total, starting with Hawty Creek. She was in good form. She will be entered tomorrow again for a race on saturday ... I am hoping she runs while I am away, and can then have a few easy days. My next two were for Tim, Grandma and Drop Kick Murphy. Both felt good after their works at the end of last week. My next four also went well making it an incident-free morning in our shedrow. Lets hope someone can fix the weather, its too much now!

Here are some nice Fair Hill photos from Wendy's saturday visit.

Update 1762: Curlin is the betting choice at the close of the final Derby pool at 7-2, Street Sense was next at 6-1, Circular Quay 9-1 and NoBiz 10-1: Curlin Favored at 7-2 in Final Derby Pool Each of the first five from the Bluegrass are planning to move forward to the Derby: First Five in Bluegrass Pointing to Derby, and finally in Derby news Circular Quay, who ducked the Wood Memorial to train up to the Derby, worked 3/4s on sunday: Circular Quay, Rags to Riches in 6-Furlong Drill.

Posted by Alex at 10:26 AM | Comments (235)

Barbaro Updates: 258

Posted April 14, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1761: Jason Shandler writes about Hard Spun and the persistance of the Philadelphia-area connections to the triple crown: Hard To Believe.

Update 1760: Some pictures of Nicanor and La Ville Rouge: Barbaro's Family.

Update 1759: Now to explain update 1758! I am leaving for england next friday and will be in england until the following wednesday evening. I am visiting for my grandmother's 90th birthday. In my absence Superfecta will blog an update, once a day, about what is going on in the racing world. Comments will be turned off. WendyMI will be monitoring the discussion boards to make sure things continue to run smoothly. This will be my first time without internet since the Derby last year, so I decided I needed to rely on Superfecta and Wendy, rather than close things up for a few days.

Update 1758: This is Superfecta, I'll be blogging in Alex's absence beginning next Saturday.

Update 1757: Sports Illustrated has a story on Michael Matz: Working through the grief: Ex-Barbaro trainer plots new course sans gifted horse, excerpt:

It has been exhausting, but Matz has the benefit of sincerity. He loved Barbaro and suffered with him. "There was something about him that will never be forgotten," says Matz. "His heart, his fight ... whatever it was. The fact that he never gave up. But people saw something in him."

Update 1756: A very wet morning this morning at Fair Hill, as had been predicted. I only had to go in to take care of Hawty Creek, and Tom (Jackson's farm manager) was there to help me. He walked Hawty while I mucked her stall and tidied things up. I did catch up with Tim and Red Aspen looks well after her terrific performance yesterday (third in the Dahlia). After Fair Hill Tom and I went out for breakfast to catch up. He and his wife plan to attend Barbaro's April 29 event. Lots of racing is canceled today, Philadelphia Park, Aqueduct and Laurel for sure.

Here are the media reports of the two key Derby preps yesterday:
Arkansas Derby:
Curlin wins Arkansas Derby by record margin
Curlin Clobbers Arkansas Derby Field
Curlin a leading Kentucky Derby contender after Arkansas romp

Blue Grass:
It's Dominican at the wire in Blue Grass
Dominican Noses Way Into Derby Picture
Dominican edges champion Street Sense to win Blue Grass Stakes.

Notional is out of the Kentucky Derby: Fracture Knocks Notional Out of Derby Picture.

Update 1755: Sue McMullen had this to say about the Grand National that was run yesterday:

With temperatures typical of Royal Ascot in June rather than Aintree in April, this year''s Grand National had a real festival atmosphere and, with the unveiling of two new stands, now looks somewhere suitable to host one of the world's most famous races. Previously a rather run down course, it now looks like a grade 1 track.

Sadly the start was, yet again, a total fiasco. Watched by an estimated audience of around 600 million, the starter took eight agonising minutes to let the field go, after numerous false starts. Everybody understands there must be an even start and the rules must be obeyed by jockeys. But the lunacy of requiring 40 fit equine athletes ready to run the race of their lives to line up and almost stand to attention like a bunch of soldiers on parade, is wholly ridiculous and it is time this is addressed once and for all. Frankly, it is testimony to the temperament of the Thoroughbred that these horses tolerate this nonsense without flipping. Inevitably, there is much debate here now about what can be done as this isn't the first time this race has descended into the realms of farce before it even starts. Allegedly the jockeys have little respect for this hapless starter, which begs the question of why he was chosen to do the job.

At the time of writing there appears only one serious equine casualty, Graphic Approach, who collapsed with what has been reported as heat exhaustion at the Chair and after extensive treatment on the course, resulting in the abandonment of the last race, is now at Liverpool's equine hospital. One source suggested he might have been concussed, but this hasn't been confirmed. Let's hope he makes a full recovery. In yesterday's heat it was inevitable that running four and a half miles on good to fast jumping ground, negotiating 30 big fences would take its toll and third placed Slim Pickens looked very wobbly in the winners' enclosure but recovered when doused with water. If global warming is going to result in balmy conditions for jumping's major contests, there will have to be a better system of 'aggressive cooling' after racing, which we are beginning to see in Flat racing during the summer months. To many observers yesterday, the system of getting water onto tired horses was very inefficient and haphazard.

Brave runner-up Mckelvy ran his heart out despite breaking down close to the line but somehow stayed on and though he has tendon injuries they are not life-threatening and he is likely to race again. Silver Birch, once written off and sent to the sales as a has-been, showed his true colours with jockey Robbie Power reporting all he had to do was steer. This brave horse pricked his ears heading toward the biggest fences and took everything in his stride. But the victory was marred somewhat with Power receiving a four-day ban for hitting Silver Birch with what stewards decreed was 'excessive force and in the wrong places'. Whip use is strictly governed in the UK.

While it continues to be a major spectacle for some racing enthusiasts, the National remains a bit of an oddity. With 40 runners luck plays a very big part as there is so much crowding at fences. Subject to a massive pre-race gamble Joe's Edge was jumping like a buck but finished lame having been kicked by another horse at Valentines. He's had two sessions in the spa and will be scanned by vets, but it's believed his injuries aren't serious, or career-threatening. The National attracts viewers not simply due to the large fences but to the spectacle of all those horses charging toward the first fence, then trying to see their stride heading towards massive fences, dodging fallers and refusers. But is this what we want to see? Many fans of the National would happily see the limit at 35, or even 30 in the belief it would still be an exciting race, but perhaps a bit fairer to the horses. Surely that's what we all want and the belief is it will happen in time.

My abiding memory of yesterday's race? Those who saw the race might have seen a loose grey, who fell at the 8th, the Canal Turn, but got up and kept going, threading his way through the field but not just following the 'herd' he then went to the front and for some time led the way, ears pricked looking for the next fence. With numerous opportunities to run out he kept jumping round, doubtless causing a few jangled nerves among jockeys behind him who had to pray he would jump and not run across them. But he did jump and kept going, flying over Becher's Brook on his own. Bless his beautiful heart, I point to horse's like this when people ask if it's cruel and assume all horse's hate jumping. I hope he was caught safely and is now relaxing at home. And who was this little hero - Kandjer D'allier, at one stage a 100-1 shot.

Sue also wrote this for the Sunday Herald: Two winners and a case of spot the difference. I will provide reviews of the Arkansas Derby and Blue Grass after Fair Hill.

Update 1754: Curlin destroyed the Arkansas Derby field. Truly impressive, he will be favourite for the KY Derby. I nearly wrote this update when they were at the 3/8ths pole from home, it was over. No idea the order of finish behind Curlin.

Update 1753: Blue Grass upset, caused by the very slow fractions. Dominican by a nose, Street Sense second. Great Hunter was stopped. Terrific finish.

Update 1752: I just spoke to Tim, as Red Aspen was cooling out. He was very happy with her first start back, and thinks she should be able to move forward from it. Victor Molina gave her a nice patient ride and she finished strongly. A great start to her 2007 campaign. Tim also noted Mediman cooled out well after her race this afternoon.

Update 1751: Red Aspen was third in her first start after her winter break, the $100,000 Dahlia at Laurel. Will update after I speak with Tim.

Update 1750: The most famous steepechase race in the world was run this afternoon at Aintree (Liverpool), the Grand National. It went to Silver Birch: SILVER GRABS NATIONAL GOLD .

Update 1749: A little chilly, but a beautiful morning this morning at Fair Hill. We are told that bad weather is coming so its likely not much training for the next couple of days.

I had six to ride. My first two were for Tim, Whip Smart and Farouche. Both were great, Whip Smart, who I had only ridden once before is a treasure to ride. Tim was busy breezing horses, Real Lace breezed I think, and perhaps also Drop Kick Murphy. He was also busy getting his runners ready to go to Laurel, Mediman and Red Aspen are both in today, so lets hope for a great day and for the bad weather to stay away for a little while longer.

Hawty Creek galloped a mile and a quarter on the Tapeta track. She went well. She also had plenty of grazing time afterwards as we had a visitor, Wendy, who I then recruited for grazing duty as I finished up her stall etc. My other three went nicely. One was a half mile breeze, in company with another horse. My horse went very easily. Anyway, all in all, a good morning's work at Fair Hill, lets hope now that Tim has a good afternoon at Laurel!

Update 1748: Jeannine Edwards sent this report from Keeneland last night:

Our ESPN crew has the pleasure of being at Keeneland this weekend for the Blue Grass Stakes, which is shaping up as a very telling Derby prep. We arrived on Thursday and did preliminary work. The weather was cool and overcast. Today (Friday) was cool, but sunny and overall very pleasant. We enjoyed it while we could, because tomorrow is going to be abominable..... cold, windy, and rainy all day long. Not exactly fun weather for working outside.

This morning Randy Moss and Rolly Hoyt (our researcher) and myself hit the barns. We made a point of seeing Michael Matz, who has 16 horses here. He's anxiously awaiting the fallout of the Blue Grass and Arkansas Derby tomorrow to see if Chelokee will make it into the KY Derby field based on graded earnings, which is limited to 20 horses, and right now he's #20. The prospect of other horses picking up earnings and leapfrogging him this weekend is very real. So Michael said he will train and prepare Chelokee as if he will be running in the Derby, and let the chips fall where they may. We talked about many things and he looked good.... although a bit harried as one of his exercise riders had gotten hurt yesterday, and he only had one rider for his 16 horses!

Street Sense is training at Churchill, so we did not see him, although we caught up with his trainer Carl Nafzger this afternoon. Carl said he wants a professional effort from Street Sense tomorrow, he wants the colt to "execute", i.e. relax, listen to the rider (Calvin Borel), respond to what the rider wants, and finish willingly. We get the feeling he's not necessarily looking to push Street Sense for everything he's got in order to win, rather, he wants a solid effort that will spring him forward for the prime test on May 5.

Great Hunter will probably be my pick in the race. He's training great and has been clicking along in his preparations all year, without missing a beat. His trainer Doug O'Neill told me Great Hunter's first race of '07 was extremely impressive because of the way the colt relaxed early, listened to the rider, kicked in when asked, and went about his business authoritatively. Doug said he was incredibly proud of the effort that day, as it was his first start since the Breeders' Cup in Nov. Doug also trains Notional, Liquidity, and Cobalt Blue (Merv Griffin's horse) for the KY Derby. Nice to be so loaded with talent!

Teuflesberg looks good.... he's such a lovable colt. Very personable and charismatic. And he tries his heart out every time. His trainer, Jaimie Sanders, is very confident. She told me he thrives on racing and she expects him to be near the lead because there is a lack of pace in the field. His jockey, Edgar Prado, told me the same thing. He hopes to control the race from the start and hold off the late challengers. One thing to watch for with Teuflesberg: he tends to get overanxious in the gate and he breaks so sharply, he often stumbles. Jaimie said she will remind Edgar of this, to be ready for it.

Dominican's trainer, Darrin Miller, is hoping his horse can at least run 3rd and pick up some graded earnings so they may contemplate the Derby. This is the little chestnut gelding we saw win the Rushaway Stakes at Turfway, on the same show that Dr. Richardson's interview aired on. Darrin said Dominican has the best attitude, is so easy to work with, and he knows he loves the Polytrack at Keeneland.

We'll also have live in the show the Commonwealth Stakes, a really competitive 7-furlong sprint for older horses, an interview with Great Hunter's owner, Paul Reddam (and we'll discuss the lien situation), reports on Teuflesberg and Dominican, a very nice feature on Street Sense which includes a look-back to Carl Nafzger's emotional Derby win in 1990 with Unbridled, for his octogenarian owner Francis Genter, an interview with Doug O'Neill, and of course all the lucky winners! Randy, Jerry, and Hank will offer their selections and perspective on the Derby field as it continues to take shape.

Oh, and we also saw the Jacksons today after Showing Up's race..... his effort was outstanding..... he broke sharply and was pressed near the lead the entire race, only giving way grudgingly right near the wire. It was an impressive performance off of a 5-month layoff. The Jacksons were proud of him. They had gone to see La Ville Rouge, Barbaro's mom, at Mill Ridge Farm.... they said she looks beautiful! And she's ready to pop! Any day now.... they were hoping it would be last night. :) Gretchen gave us a few comments on the "Brothers' Jackson" (Nicanor and the new foal due any minute) for a feature we are putting together for our KY Derby coverage. We will get footage of the new addition as soon as he enters the world! The Jacksons, Joan, one of producers, and I reminisced about how it was a year ago when we all congregated in that very same paddock, and I interviewed them for the first time, asking them about their promising 3-year-olds.... Barbaro and Showing Up. Showing Up won the Lexington Stakes that, and you know the rest of the story. Gretchen said "It's only been a year since we did that here?? It feels like a lifetime ago....." SO MUCH has happened in the last 12 months, it has been a life-altering experience for many. I knew what she meant..... she didn't need to say another word.

Posted by Alex at 10:24 AM | Comments (369)

Barbaro Updates: 257

Posted April 13, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1747: Showing Up was second on his return to the races in 2007: Kip Deville captures Maker's Mark, excerpt:

Barclay Tagg, the trainer of Showing Up, was proud of his colt's performance.

"He was two works short, but I had to get a race into him," Tagg said. "He's a tough little horse. It's sad he lost."

Update 1746: The Lexington Herald-Leader provides an accurate piece refuting the assertions in the recent AP story that said there were horses abandoned throughout Eastern Kentucky due to the recent closure of the three slaughter plants: What happens when no one wants them?, excerpt:

"This stuff about them being dumped here is not true," said Eugene Watkins, 71, of Quicksand. Nearly all the horses he has seen appear well-fed and healthy, Watkins said. "I've not seen any starved horses. People come up here and feed them in the winter."

The Humane Society of the United States -- the nation's largest animal-protection organization and a leading horse slaughterhouse opponent -- suspects political sabotage.

"We have no information to support this rampant and contrived speculation," said Wayne Pacelle, the group's president and chief executive officer.

Update 1745: More on Rosie's foaling yesterday from Wendy (comment timestamp: 12:24pm):

Rosie pool final update!! Rosie finally gave birth - official time 3:35pm PDT. ShannonZeena was our winner and her charity of choice is Miracle Horse Rescue. Congrats to Shannon and MHR!!

Rosie's little bay filly with socks on the back legs and a star on her forehead is the cutest thing and worth the wait. The pool raised a final amount of $1,650 and I sent out an email to everyone that made a pick.

Note: Rosie was one of the first horses rescued by Fans of Barbaro.

Update 1744: This morning was one of those mornings (for me) where the weather just bothers you! Its the middle of April and we are having early March weather that requires long johns!

I rode six today. My first two were for Tim. I took Who's Happy to the Tapeta track, and she galloped a mile and a quarter. She started off very relaxed, but the further we went, the stronger she became. Her last race, her maiden win, seems to have tuned her up a little! Next I took Gator Nation to the dirt track, he galloped a mile and a half. Just a pleasure to gallop. He takes a nice hold, but you can give him plenty of reign.

Next I rode Hawty Creek. I was wanting to take her out back, across the fields, but with all the rain we had yesterday I decided to just jog / hack her around the Tapeta track for two turns. That was easier said than done. She was pretty crazy the entire time, scooting from underneath me etc. Anyway, she went well, but not as relaxed as I would like.

For my final three I had one more to the Tapeta track, and then two to the dirt track. Each was nicely uneventful. Red Aspen is back in the entries tomorrow at Laurel. She had the winter off, but has been training forwardly and it will be interesting to see how she performs in her first start back. She has improved each year, lets hope that continues.

Update 1743: Steve Haskin evaluates the two Derby preps this weekend: Steve Haskin's Weekend Analysis: Looking for Street Signs. One thing seems pretty clear, we are close to the Derby, and unless a horse wins one of these races very impressively we will have a wide open Derby. Hindsight is 20:20, but 6-1 on Barbaro last year was just too much of an easy bet!

Xtra Heat was a local favourite, based in Maryland. Now her foal is displaying her raw speed: Xtra Heat's First Foal Breaks Maiden at Laurel Park. Lets see if he turns out as tough as his mother!

Posted by Alex at 10:49 AM | Comments (245)

Barbaro Updates: 256

Posted April 12, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1742: Rosie has had her baby: Rosie- Down to the Wire! More on this event will follow tomorrow.

This afternoon I was over at Freedom Hills helping out with Mike Rea. Mike is in great spirits, we went out for a trail ride and talked all about horse racing. After that I headed back to Fair Hill to give Hawty her papaya juice and then on to The Whip for dinner with the Jacksons. It was great to see them again, I had not seen them since January. We had plenty to discuss, mostly about plans for April 29!

Update 1741: I just got of the phone with John Hennegan (The First Saturday in May). We are planning to screen this movie at Delaware Park on April 29, tentatively at 6:00 pm on the "jumbotron", in the infield. It is premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival just prior to Delaware Park, and the tickets for Tribeca are sold out for each screening except Monday April 30 at 4:30 pm.

Update 1740: Hard Spun impressed this morning when working at Churchill Downs. His connections wanted to try the track before making a decision as to whether to run in the Derby, it seems they have now made that decision: Hard Spun Kentucky Derby Bound After Sharp Breeze at Churchill, excerpt:

"The work was as perfect as we could have hoped for," Jones said. "As of right now, we are Derby bound. He handled the track very well, and Larry (jockey Melancon) came back and said he didn't think he worked anywhere near as fast as he did, because he was doing everything so easily. In fact, he was a little concerned he had gone too slow. By not knowing the horse, and not knowing what kind of work horse he was, he said he never really picked the bit up a lot. But when he came back and saw how fast he had worked he was really impressed.

"The main thing is, he came back to the barn and recouped very fast. Within 10 minutes, his breathing was normal and he drank maybe a gallon of water at the most. It was a wonderful work and a wonderful way to come back from it."

Update 1739: A wet morning at Fair Hill, although the rain appears to have eased off a little now. Most of my morning was spent in the shedrow, although I did take one to the Tapeta Track.

My first to shedrow was Drop Kick Murphy, who I had not ridden for a while. His owners had been to see him yesterday, I could tell because there was some delicious crumb cake in the tack room! Drop Kick Murphy seemed in fine form. Hawty Creek was second to go, before jogging she was stomping her feet, somewhat impatient to get going. She certainly seems to have come out of her race in decent shape. Following Hawty was Nonpariel who jogged around the shedrow very nicely and quietly. It was at that point that I took one to the track, consequently it poured down with rain! My last two were back in the shedrow. Once done Ron, the blacksmith, came and reshod Hawty.

An article that mentions this site: Horse slaughter, part 2 - Response to the AP article.

Update 1738: The Keeneland Polytrack is prooving positive for leading horseman as they prepare their charges for the Derby: Blue Grass enters 21st century, excerpt:

"Horses can come back quicker," Biancone said. "That means more numbers in each race. The more numbers there are in each race, the more gambling there is. And the more gambling there is, the more money there is for purses. It's a no-brainer. The key to our job, the key to our business, is having horses last longer."

Trainer Darrin Miller, who has Dominican in the Blue Grass, said he likes Polytrack for "its consistency."

"You can draw up a schedule and keep to it," he said. "You're not affected by the weather. Horses who run hard on it can come back quicker. And any time a horse can train on a surface that's consistent, you have a happier horse."

Del Mar's Polytrack is nearing completion: Del Mar Polytrack nearly done. The article also notes Tiago went back to training yesterday after his win in the Santa Anita Derby, just in time!

Horsetalk writes a nice review of BARBARO: the horse who captured America's heart.

Keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 10:38 AM | Comments (338)

Barbaro Updates: 255

Posted April 11, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1737: Confirmation that Showing Up will make his 2007 debut this friday at Keeneland (assuming the race stays on the turf): Showing Up stars in Maker's Mark Mile.

Update 1736: The Blue Grass attracted seven entries for saturday, and a match up between Street Sense and Great Hunter: Blue Grass Draw: Four on the Floor for Street Sense. This will be covered live on ESPNs show from 5 - 6 pm. The other major Derby prep, the Arkansas Derby, has the Rebel winner Curlin as favourite, and also includes a first-time starter: Arkansas Derby draw offers lesson for Curlin.

Update 1735: Another chilly start to the day, although it is supposed to warm up nicely this afternoon (and then rain). I had six to ride today. Nautical Agent was first to go. She went to the Tapeta track and we galloped a mile and a half, Tim was behind us on Real Lace. Nautical Agent seems to be getting a little keener (stronger) after her couple of works, and she again high stepped it most of the way home. Second set I was on Nonpariel, Tim was on Grandma and we took them both to the gate. They galloped out nicely together and then galloped around nicely together. Both acted very well in the gate.

Then it was Hawty Creek, and I took her out back across the fields again. All was well and we jogged / hacked around. On my way home I nearly fell off! First she dropped her head so quick I nearly went over the top of it (she wanted to pick some grass) and then she got fired up and bucked so hard that without the neckstrap I would have been sent into orbit! Anyway, I managed to stay on and Hawty then settled down.

The final three were nice and uneventful. One galloped a mile and a half on the Tapeta track, one jogged a mile on the dirt, the other, Dash, jogged two miles and is starting to act more professionally.

Update 1734: Street Sense completed his final work on tuesday before the Blue Grass, to be run saturday and covered by ESPN. The work was a maintenance work, and while he completed the work in a "pedestrian" 1:04 he flew the last part of the work and the @
�<e eighth of a mile after the work): Nafzger's plan down to its last details excerpt:

In the stretch, Borel had a snug hold on Street Sense, but the colt began to display the finishing kick that carried him to victory here last fall in the Breeders' Cup. Street Sense flew through the final furlong of his drill, then went out another furlong with similar alacrity. Trainer Ian Wilkes, who has worked alongside Nafzger for nearly two decades, caught Street Sense's final quarter-mile in 23.60 seconds, and the gallop out in another 11.40. The final time of the work on the fast main track was a pedestrian 1:04, the 38th best of 39 at the distance on Tuesday. But the raw time hardly told the tale.

"He went beautiful. Nice and easy," Borel said. "He galloped out another eighth super. I squeezed on him about the eighth pole, and from there to an eighth past the wire he was begging for more."

For those who like a little ante-post wagering, here is the final future pool for the Derby: Street Sense, Nobiz Like Shobiz top final Kentucky Derby future wager pool . My picks are 5-1 (Street Sense), 6-1 (NoBiz) and 15-1 (Tiago) at this point.

Posted by Alex at 10:30 AM | Comments (249)

Barbaro Updates: 254

Posted April 10, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1733: Tim wrote (comments timestamp: 11:27 pm):

Penny and I just wanted to thank everyone who contributed to the Easter basket and for all of the interest and support people have shown towards our stable. Obviously Alex's diligent updates on life at Fairhill has made some of our horses celebrities in their own right . We feel honored that you have taken such enjoyment from their daily activities and would welcome you to visit the barn during the Barbaro weekend. Luke loves peppermints but Grandma is on a fat free diet!

Update 1732: Steve Haskin provides his assessment of the Derby preps last weekend and notes that most of the Derby contenders are bucking some kind of trend this year: Kentucky Derby Trail: Nobiz All Biz as Trail Heats Up.

I just got off the phone with Sharon Crumb, who is organizing the Delaware Park Barbaro celebrations for April 29. The more we go over the events that are being planned, the more impressed I am of the scale of scope of what Fans of Barbaro is becoming. At this point it looks like close to 400 people are signed up for the activities. If you plan to attend, and have not contacted Sharon yet, I think she would like to know by April 15.

Update 1731: Another chilly start to the day for this time of year, although it does feel like it may warm up a little bit this afternoon.

I had a nice quiet day this morning, with only four to ride. I started with two of Tim's, Grandma and Nonpariel. Grandma went to the Tapeta track along with Tim on Real Lace. We galloped a mile and a half. I set off a few lengths behind Tim, and then once we had gone about a half a mile I moved Grandma up to sit within a length and a half of Real Lace. She went very nicely. Next was Nonpariel, who galloped a mile and a half on the dirt, upsides Quick Quest. Nonpariel is just such a nice horse to gallop. She floats across the ground, bows her head nicely and does not take too much of a hold. She went well.

I then took Hawty Creek across the fields. Like after her last race, I only gave her two days off and jogging across the fields is a good way for me to assess how she is after her race. She seemed to enjoy it and is feeling pretty good. She got plenty of grazing time afterwards as well as a good currying. My final one was Dash (who unshipped me the other day). He jogged two miles on the dirt track, and we both survived. My leg is now starting to feel a little better, for a few days there it was not getting any better at all. Lots of "heat therapy" over the last couple of days has helped.

While grazing Hawty Creek I made a couple of phone calls. Barclay Tagg reported all was well with NoBiz after his Wood win. He will try Funny Cide one more time against New York breds at the end of the month to see if Funny Cide still wants to run. Showing Up is scheduled to run at Keenelan