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 (255)

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 Keeneland on friday!

Update 1730: Jay Privman reviews last weekend's Derby preps in which the big guns (Pletcher and O'Neill) had mixed results at best, and Derby winning trainers (Tagg and Shirreffs) won major preps: Derby preps undergo shakeup, excerpts:

Tagg said he would like to see Nobiz Like Shobiz settle a little better in the Derby.

"It was his first time with blinkers on and he came away from there really, really sharp and got into a bit of a duel right off the bat," Tagg said of the Wood. "Hopefully, he'll learn from that and won't be that rank in the Derby. He came down the lane in [13.44 seconds], and that's not what you want to see in a champion-caliber horse. But yet, they need some of those dogfights if they're going to win the Derby too."

and

"I thought if he ran first or second, that would give us a chance to go to the Derby," said John Shirreffs, who trains Tiago. "For him to win like he did was such a huge leap forward. He wasn't pulling. He wasn't rank. He knows his job. He has the ability to accelerate when you pull him out."

There are now three graded stakes left before the Derby, two this weekend (Arkansas Derby and the Blue Grass) and one the following weekend, the Lexington, which given its proximity to the Derby (2 weeks) is rarely used by proven Derby contenders. Here are the current Graded Earnings Leaders.

Posted by Alex at 10:34 AM | Comments (260)

Anti Horse Slaughter Strategy

Posted April 9, 2007

Anti Horse Slaughter Updates are now here.

Posted by Alex at 10:05 PM

Barbaro Updates: 253

Posted April 9, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1729: It is refreshing to read about a breeder keeping an eye one of his horses: Breeders reclaim 8-year-old Debonair Joe.

Jason Shandler writes about his recent trip to the Florida Derby and the impact of Casino's on the racing product: The Future.

Update 1728: Round Pond has been retired: Round Pond retired with knee fracture, excerpt:

The fracture is non-displaced, said Porter.

Round Pond was flown from Oaklawn to Keeneland on Monday morning and remains in the care of trainer Michael Matz. Porter said X-rays of her knee are being forwarded to Dr. Larry Bramlage to determine whether Round Pond will need surgery.

"He's going to call me and tell me whether we need to put a screw in there, or whatever he might suggest," said Porter. "Whatever he says is what I'm going to do."

Hard Spun, also owned by Porter, is now definitely not running this weekend in the Blue Grass. A breeze at Churchill Downs later in the week will determine if Hard Spun goes straight for the Derby or goes for the Lexington Stakes and then on to the Preakness: Hard Spun ruled out of Blue Grass Stakes.

Update 1727: Mrs. Jackson just called to congratulate Hawty Creek. We had a nice long conversation about Hawty and how cool it was that despite being the oldest maiden in Pennsylvania, she is showing she can run! I also spoke to Peter Brette. Round Pond is being evaluated at Keeneland after her third place finish at the weekend. They identified an issue that they need to have thoroughly checked out before determining her future. Peter also noted that Chelokee was training very well. He is still in Florida but will likely ship up to Keeneland in the next week or so. They will train him as if they were going to run him in the Derby, and will see closer to the time if they can get to run.

Update 1726: Another cold morning at Fair Hill. More freezing temperatures last night!

My morning started with riding two for Tim. Grandma was first, and she went to the Tapeta track along with Tim on Real Lace. Grandma was on her toes a little this morning, it does not take much to spark her off! Anyway, she galloped a mile and a quarter, and galloped nicely. The second one I rode was Nonpariel, she went in company with Tim on Quick Quest. They went to the dirt track and jogged back to the 5/8ths pole and then galloped a mile together. Nonpariel is a pleasure to gallop! I then took care of Hawty Creek for an hour, mucking her stall, getting her out for a pick of grass while currying her. She seems in good order after her race. After Hawty Creek I had four more to ride, one went out back across the fields, two jogged around the dirt track two miles each, and one broke from the gate to get a gate card, and then work 3/8ths of a mile. The gate crew were in good form and congratulated Hawty Creek on her solid performance. I have to say I think in this last race, she broke the best she has broken from the gate!

All in all, a cold morning, but a decent morning nonetheless.

Keep calling.

Update 1725: Ray Paulick writes about the recent decision of Bay Meadows to not install a synthetic track which led to its inevitable end as a race track in Northern California: Putting Safety First. It will be interesting to see what happens to Hollywood Park in the next couple of years, even though they have committed to adding the Cushion Track.

Steve Haskin writes about a truly international race meet: Desert Spectacle, excerpt:

To demonstrate just how solid a tapestry the Maktoums have woven, on the seven-race card, the horses who finished first, second, or third were bred in the United States, Argentina, Japan, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, France, and Saudi Arabia. Also competing on the card were horses bred in Germany, Brazil, Chile, and India.

Posted by Alex at 10:34 AM | Comments (221)

Barbaro Updates: 252

Posted April 8, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1724: With local horses looking less likely to take their place in the Derby: Del.-based horses still have Derby chances, its time for me to make Derby predictions. My three picks at this point are NoBiz, who I have loved since his second place finish in the Champagne last year; Street Sense, who was impressive in his 2007 debut after easily winning the 2006 Breeders' Cup; and Tiago, who will be my longshot after winning the Santa Anita Derby.

Update 1723: Another cold morning again at Fair Hill. I went in to take care of Hawty Creek and to breeze a filly. The filly breezed a half a mile on the Tapeta track and all went well. Hawty seems in good form after her race yesterday. I took her out for a pick of grass and a currying while a friend mucked her stall. I will plan to do what we did with her after her last race over the next week ... a couple of days off, then go outback across the fields. If she feels in good order then hopefully we will get her back to the races in a couple of weeks going a mile. She should appreciate the extra distance. Lets hope she does not remain the oldest maiden in Pennsylvania for too much longer!

Update 1722: Here is Teresa from Brooklyn's Aqueduct report:

Despite the cold weather, Aqueduct was abuzz today; today is the biggest day of the meet, and people turned out--not in usual Grade I numbers (attendance was nearly 8,000), but more than would usually show up on a cold April day the day before Easter.

While some impressive longshots won (for none of which did I have a winning ticket, alas), chalk held for many of the races. That does not mean, though, that the races themselves weren't compelling. Unusually, a race at a mile and three-quarters was carded for today (races are rarely run at that distance these days), and while the field was short and, also unusually, stayed in form nearly start to finish, a three-minute horse race is a fairly nail-biting affair; the horses loped along, and I kept wondering when one would make a move. Nothing dramatic happened--the three horses that competed for the lead through the race finished 1-2-3--but it was nonetheless satisfying to see the horses circle the track.

Though the Wood Memorial was won by the favorite, NoBiz Like ShoBiz, who was close to the lead throughout, he did have competition and coming down the stretch Any Given Saturday or Sightseeing might have overtaken him. NoBiz certainly raced like a more grown-up horse this time, but the three top finishers nearly staggered across the finish line--they were all leg-weary and none finished impressively. NoBiz took a step forward today, but having watched Scat Daddy last week, he would get my betting money at this point. Sightseeing also took an impressive step forward, and I'll look forward to seeing him race this summer.

The two best races of the day followed the Wood. The Carter, a Grade I sprint, was a six-horse field with five horses whom one could reasonably expect to win. Making betting choices was NOT easy! The terrific five-year-old grey Silver Wagon prevailed, coming from way off the pace in an exciting stretch run, decisively putting away the field.

The Grade III Excelsior Breeders' Cup Handicap was marred when the prohibitive favorite, Corinthian, reared up at the start, effectively ending his chances (though he was, thankfully, not injured). He made a gallant run to make up ground and challenged a bit at the top of the stretch, but tired. The wonderful nine-year-old Evening Attire finished well (he always comes from far off the pace) but couldn't do better than fourth, and longshot Naughty New Yorker (a local favorite for obvious reasons--he runs well here) was second at 22-1 to Magna Graduate. This race, too, was full of horses with compelling reasons to bet them, making handicapping a delightfully intellectual affair!

Update 1721: Here are the racing media reports of some of the major races from yesterday:
Wood Memorial
Nobiz Like Shobiz regains stature
Nobiz Like Shobiz Delivers Wood Blockbuster
Focused Nobiz Like Shobiz all business in Wood Memorial victory

Santa Anita Derby
Tiago takes his cue from brother Giacomo
Team Giacomo Back on Derby Trail With Tiago
Tiago, half brother to Giacomo, wins Santa Anita Derby

Illinois Derby
Easy score for Cowtown Cat
Cowtown Cat Milks Pace for Smart Illinois Derby Win
Cowtown Cat affirms his classic credentials in Illinois Derby

Apple Blossom
Ermine finally gets Grade 1 victory
Ermine Shines in Apple Blossom Triumph
Ermine rallies past Take D' Tour to win Apple Blossom Handicap

Posted by Alex at 12:08 PM | Comments (173)

Barbaro Updates: 251

Posted April 7, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1720: Wow, a half brother to Giacomo won the Santa Anita Derby ...Tiago. Steve Willard, who galloped Giacomo last year and provided us updates going into the Breeders' Cup, mentioned this guy to me late in the year and I had forgotten about him! I just called Steve to congratulate him. He had been galloping Tiago up until a couple of weeks ago, he was then to take a couple of weeks off for some medical stuff. Anyway, Steve is fine, and is psyched about Tiago's performance. He noted he ran just like Giacomo did in the the KY Derby, laid off the pace, got good position and then ran them down. I will catch up with Steve in a few days to see how plans are progressing re: the KY Derby.

Update 1719: Just returned from Philadelphia Park. Hawty Creek ran an awesome race, it took the Invasor connections (McLaughlin and Shadwell) to beat her, and the trainer of the third horse has won a Derby...so not too shabby. She was closing very well and I am guessing if the race was a furlong longer she may have won. Her jock, Pennington, rode a great race. She broke on top, laid off the early pace, and then from the three eighths to the wire Frankie just rode her strongly to make up the ground. Here is the chart of the race. She cooled out well, and shipped home with no problem. I gave her a pick of grass and now she is back in her stall ... tired, but a great performance. I need to catch up on the other races, but am glad NoBiz won, but I have heard it was despite the ride he got.

Update 1718: Rode my three this morning, now getting ready to head out to Philadelphia Park. I rode two for Tim, Gator Nation and Whip Smart. Gator galloped a mile and a half on the dirt track. He was first on the track as soon as the tractors had finished their work to get the track ready. He galloped nicely off a long reign. Whip Smart I had not ridden before. She went to the Tapeta track and galloped a mile and a quarter. She also galloped nicely, and seems to be a filly with a nice disposition. Finally I took one to the gate, it was Flash. I thought I was breaking one from the gate, but Flash was to gallop out strongly. That he did, and did well. He then breezed 3/8ths which also went well. I did see Ricky, who is one of Steve Klesaris' exercise riders. He has been galloping Diabolical lately and says he is in great form, he worked him on tuesday and he went well. Lets hope he gets the grade 1 win in the Carter this afternoon. I also saw Kendrick Carmouche, who was on one of Graham Motion's coming to the Tapeta track when I saw him. He is riding against Hawty Creek this afternoon, on a horse he rode to finish in front of Hawty in their last start together. Lets hope he gets a good look of Hawty flying by this time!

Update 1717: Here are some pictures of a recent Fair Hill visit, the pictures include Hawty Creek, Mediman, Gator Nation, Red Aspen and Dash: Fair Hill Visit.

A great article on Edgar Prado in Sports Illustrated: The Little Giant: Edgar Prado, who rode the legendary colt Barbaro, is the best rider in the Americas, excerpt:

Horse and rider will be forever linked in racing history, like Secretariat and Ron Turcotte or Seabiscuit and Red Pollard. Yet Prado also embraced the deeper implications of the story. "I was not just a Barbaro lover, I am a horse lover," says Prado. "The best thing that came out of Barbaro's death is that people learned that there are good people in horse racing -- like the Jacksons [Roy and Gretchen, Barbaro's owners] -- who really love horses. They gave Barbaro an opportunity to live, and he showed that he was a champion not only on the track but also off the track."

Great racing today, which includes three Derby preps; Wood Memorial (ESPN to broadcast), Santa Anita Derby and Illinois Derby; and a couple of great races from Oaklawn (Lawyer Ron and Round Pond).

Here is a preview of today's races from Aqueduct from FOB Teresa from Brooklyn:

Having grown up in Saratoga, I have a fairly rarefied idea of what a racetrack should be, and alas, Aqueduct is not it. It's the winter track of the New York Racing Association, and races are run from October to April. Not particularly picturesque, the place is enormous, though right now, much of it is closed, awaiting the long-delayed (by state bureaucracy) installation of the video lottery terminals that are expected to bring NYRA out of its financial woes. The clubhouse is multi-tiered, and there's plenty of seating out on the apron, including tables near the top of the stretch. As with the other NYRA tracks (Belmont and Saratoga), patrons are welcome to bring their own food and drink, including non-glass beverages. (When I first met Alex, at the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont last fall, our cans of Heineken induced him from the clubhouse to the grandstand!) Unfortunately, Saturday's weather will be too grim for a picnic.

A plus for us city-dwellers is that the subway stops right at Aqueduct on race days, so from anywhere in the city, a round-trip ticket on the A train is $4.00. From where I live in Brooklyn, it's a forty minute ride--plenty of time to handicap on the way out, and no traffic hassles.

This is the 83rd running of the Wood, and it's been won by many a storied horse, including Triple Crown winners Gallant Fox (1930), Assault (1946), and Seattle Slew (1977). The last horse to win the Wood and go on to win the Derby was Fusaichi Pegasus in 2000. Other notable winners have been Empire Maker, Unbridled's Song, and Easy Goer.

Saturday's undercard is impressive; despite the financial difficulties of NYRA, NY purses remain what some would call irresponsibly high, and there are five stakes races on Saturday. In addition to the Wood, the Carter is a Grade I, and those venturing to the track will see such familiar faces as Diabolical, Keyed Entry, and Corinthian in that and other races. One of my favorites, the nine-year-old gallant grey gelding Evening Attire, is in one of the later races; following a disappointing 2006 (Evening Attire had developed a problematic habit of, ahem, failing to leave the gate when it opened--as his trainer Pat Kelly said, "At his age, you don't try to tell him what to do"), Evening Attire took the winter off and won impressively in an allowance last month. He's in much more competitive company this time, but I'll be cheering for him.

And a report from FOB Dava from the opening day at Keeneland that was yesterday:

It was a cold, blustery day unlike any I remember on the first day of the spring meet. Tuesday we had 80 degree weather. Today it may have reached 40 degrees. I did not see all the races. I arrived just in time to see the post parade for the fifth race. Shortly after, the snow began. It continued throughout the rest of the afternoon stopping from time to time for a short burst of sunshine. Michael Matz's horse Diamond Fever came in second in the fifth race. Congratulations to Michael. Edgar won the seventh race. He was wonderful, making his move at just the right time. (I did win a little money on Edgar's race. I plan to send it to the Laminitis Fund in honor of Edgar.) His horse was named Mostbeautifulstorm-very appropriate since the snow was pouring at the time of the post parade . The eighth race was highlighted by Funnycide. He got lots of attention even though the wind was bitter and the snow was pouring. Cameras were snapping in the paddock area and fans followed him until he stepped on the track for the post parade. I believe he really enjoys stardom. However his race didn't go very well. He never seemed to get into the track. Maybe it was the wind or the snow or maybe even the surface. He started in the middle of the pack, making a little move, then falling towards the back. It just wasn't his day. He is a special horse. I hope things go better for him. The temperature was falling and the weather was getting worse so I left after Funnycide's race. I did hear that Edgar won the tenth race.

Finally, off to Fair Hill, I have three to ride, two for Tim, and then one other to break from the gate to (try to) get a gate card. Once that is done, we are loading up the van and off to Philadelphia Park with Hawty Creek!

Posted by Alex at 10:38 AM | Comments (308)

Barbaro Updates: 250

Posted April 6, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1716: NBC (the network) is putting out a documentary on Barbaro: Barbaro: A Nation's Horse. It will air on NBC at 5 pm April 29. Of course I will try to see if we can get TVs at Delaware Park to cover the documentary. You can see the trailer at NBC Sports: click Top Videos: Exclusive Trailer. The trailer is very good. You can see the picture of the fox hounds that was the inspiration for the name of Barbaro (and now his full brother Nicanor), clips of interviews with Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, Dr. Richardson, Peter Brette and Michael Matz, who gets very emotional. You can also buy the DVD: Barbaro: A Nation's Horse (with a portion of the proceeds to the Barbaro Fund).

Update 1715: Jeannine Edwards provides this preview for the ESPN coverage tomorrow from Aqueduct:

Quite a rude awakening coming from Dubai.... warm, sunny and electric.... to Aqueduct.... cold, windy and with the doldrums of winter racing. (No offense to the Big A!) But we do have great Derby prep Sat with the Wood Memorial. Unfortunately, my favorite 3-year-old, Circular Quay, was pulled out by Todd Pletcher, but he has a more than capable replacement in Any Given Saturday.

Keiran McLaughlin has a horse in the Bay Shore, which is our first live race on the telecast (4 5pm ET). I saw Keiran this morning and he's in fine spirits after his win in the World Cup with Invasor. He said the horse came out of the race great, and will get a little rest, then prepare for a summer/fall campaign, beginning with the Suburban at Belmont, which he won last year. Invasor returned home from Dubai on Wed, and is now back in Keiran's Belmont Park barn. We'll have an interview with Keiran and a little update on Invasor in tomorrow's show, with footage of him back in his stall at Belmont. (No stall shots with me though, as he tends to like chomping on my arms!)

Barclay Tagg told us this morning he's looking for a more professional effort from Nobiz tomorrow. Barclay said he was shocked and disappointed by Nobiz's antics in the Fountain of Youth last month. He said it shook his confidence in the colt a bit. He's hoping being on the inside rail will help keep Nobiz on the straight and narrow.

Rick Violette expects a much-improved performance from Summer Doldrums. He said not only was he wide on both turns in the Gotham (finishing 3rd) but he came out of the race with a slight lung infection. The infection has since cleared up, Rick has "leaned on him a little more in his training", and he said his horse runs best on the lead, so the others can "go with us at their own peril." Hmmmm.... sounds like he's throwing down the gauntlet to me....

Any Given Saturday will pose a big threat to Nobiz, although he is coming off a taxing effort vs. Street Sense in the Tampa Bay Derby, just 3 weeks ago. Pletcher seems to think the horse is tough and thrives on work, so we'll see. He may get the perfect trip behind Flashstorm, Summer Doldrums, and Nobiz though, so this will definitely be a good race.

We have a lovely feature on Nobiz' owner, Elizabeth Valando, in the show. Elizabeth's late husband, Tom, was a Broadway producer who was responsible for the music behind such megahits as Cabaret, Chicago, Fiddler On The Roof, etc. What a great name she gave this talented up and comer.... and she alludes to that in the feature.

So it's not Dubai, and we'll be bundled up with overcoats and gloves, but this is one Derby prep that will be very competitive, and revealing.

Update 1714: ESPN is broadcasting the Wood Memorial tomorrow from Aqueduct. Jeannine Edwards is in New York and sent these pictures of NoBiz and Any Given Saturday, the key contenders: Wood Memorial contender pics.

Showing Up worked on the turf at Keeneland between races this afternoon, he worked six furlongs in 1:14 and 1. He is getting close to making his 2007 debut, scheduled to be the Maker's Mark Mile (G2) on April 13.

Update 1713: Another cold morning at Fair Hill with freezing temperatures to start the day. It was an easy day for me this morning, with only five to ride. That was a good thing. My leg is still not fully recovered and does not seemed to have improved at all in the last couple of days, perhaps a bit more of a rest this weekend will do it some good.

I started with Hawty Creek. She went to the Tapeta track and was first on the track this morning. As we were galloping around the tractors were still on the outer dirt track getting it ready for training. I was surprised I was first on and off the track, the mornings are getting a little lighter. Hawty Creek went well and appears ready for tomorrow's race. It will be a tough spot but she deserves one more shot in that spot before we stretch her out and perhaps run her a little cheaper. She does face a Kiaran McLaughlin / Shadwell Stables mare coming down from New York as well as the two who finished in front of her in her last start. She should be about fourth choice of eight.

The two I rode for Tim were Real Lace and Nautical Agent. They both went well, although Nautical Agent pulled very hard going down the lane when one of Graham Motion's came up her inside ... and Real Lace ducked away from the inside rail when galloping down the backside, she was shieing away from some construction.

I then had two more, and both went to the dirt.

Kennett Florist have been busy with easter deliveries: Easter brings new stable of gifts in remembrance of Barbaro, excerpt:

"All those gifts are from Barbaro fans," said Jackson, who owned Barbaro with her husband, Roy. "The florist wanted me to come over, but I just can't. There is too much to do here. But it's amazing. The love of Barbaro's fans just continues on."

Kennett Florist also did a delivery to Fair Hill for Tim and I, we are very grateful!

Update 1712: Hard Spun cannot be entirely counted out for the Blue Grass at Keeneland. The decision to run (or not) will likely be made after he works next tuesday: Hard Spun gallops at Keeneland, Blue Grass still possibility, excerpt:

"We really won't know until after [his work on] Tuesday," Jones said. "It looks like he wants to get back to the races pretty quick. I don't know whether the cool air is doing it or being here at Keeneland and able to train on a surface that's a little kinder to him.

"He's really getting into the bit right now and I don't know if we can set on him for a long, long time without having to do something real serious with him.

"The horse is doing very well so it's making the Blue Grass look more like a possibility than it was at one time. Not that he wasn't doing well. Believe me, we're a long ways from ruling the Blue Grass out. We'll know more after Tuesday."

While our main focus this weekend will be the three Derby preps (Wood Memorial, Santa Anita Derby and the Illinois Derby) there are a couple of intriguing races for older horses at Oaklawn Park. First Saturday in May star Lawyer Ron returns to Oaklawn Park this weekend where he prepared for the Derby last year with multiple wins: Homecoming for Lawyer Ron in Oaklawn Handicap.

Round Pond will also be at Oaklawn to get her season on track: Round Pond looks to get back on track in Apple Blossom Handicap.

Posted by Alex at 8:35 AM | Comments (334)

Barbaro Updates: 249

Posted April 5, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1711: Tim's Farouche was third tonight in her second start, a maiden special weight at Penn National. She was only beaten about a length and a half for second spot. Jesus Bracho gave her a nice ride and she looks good after the race, she was cooling out when Tim called. A nice second race for Farouche.

Update 1710: The latest quiz, sponsored by FOB Gloria (IL), was won by Glenye Cain (again). The answer, Funny Cide was not a colt when he was a three year old, so really could not be considered champion 3yo colt for 2003 as noted in the Keeneland press release.

Glenye again designated Old Friends as the recipient of her win (Gloria will send $100), Glenye is again matching this win by sending $100 to the newly conceived Kentucky Equine Humane Center.

If you or your organization would like to sponsor a quiz question, please e-mail me.

On a related note, The Kielbasa Queen has a new home. Her owner was able to find her a nice home in Chesapeake City where she will become a riding horse. She was too young to retire and should provide years of fun for her new owner. Congratulations to Queenie and Michael Golden for finding her a new career.

Update 1709: From Keeneland's press notes, thanks Glenye Cain:

Funny Cide to Make 2007 Racing Debut on Friday

Sackatoga Stable's Funny Cide, winner of the 2003 Kentucky Derby (G1), will make his seasonal debut in Friday's eighth race at Keeneland.

"Jack (Knowlton, managing partner of Sackatoga Stable) and (trainer) Barclay (Tagg) wanted to try him on the Poly(track), to see if he liked the Poly, because there are other options if he does," said Robin Smullen, assistant to Tagg. "If he doesn't, we'll go up to New York and run in the New York (bred) races up there. If he likes the Poly, there's some pretty good options, different places throughout the country."

Smullen galloped Funny Cide on the training track April 3, and over the main track since.

"He seemed to like it; you never know until they run but he sure seemed to like it," she said. "I like to take him out in the daylight because I need the outriders to help me pull him up."

Smullen reported that Funny Cide, now a seven-year-old gelding, trained this past winter at Gulfstream Park, and was turned out for two months at a farm in Florida. "He had a couple of months off, freshening him up. He's never had any time off so to speak.

"We just decided to bring him back and run him on the Poly(track) and see if he wants to run this year. He's not ready for retirement. He loves his job, he loves what he's doing, so we'll just see how he turns out this year."

Champion three-year-old colt in 2003, Funny Cide has recorded 10 wins in 34 career starts, for earnings of $3,455,603. He finished fourth in his last start, the Empire Classic at Belmont on October 21.

Go For Gin was the last Kentucky Derby winner to race at Keeneland following his classic victory. Go For Gin won the 1994 Derby, and returned to Keeneland the following year, finishing second in an allowance race on April 7, 1995.

Showing Up to Work After First Race Friday

Race fans at Keeneland will get a chance to see Funny Cide's stablemate, Showing Up, work over the turf course following tomorrow's first race.

Owned by Lael Stable and trained by Barclay Tagg, the four-year-old colt won last spring's Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G2) at Keeneland. He's being pointed toward the Maker's Mark Mile (G2) on April 13

"We'll make that decision once we see how the race looks," said Robin Smullen, Tagg's assistant. "He's training very well."

OK, time for a quiz question. Spot the error in the above report. This quiz is worth $100 to the horse welfare charity of choice of the winner. This quiz question is sponsored by FOB Gloria (IL).

Update 1708: It was snowing this morning on my way in to Fair Hill! It did not last long but this is ridiculous for April! I had six to ride again, which is an ideal number for me.

Hawty Creek was first and I took her to the Tapeta track for a decent swinging gallop. She went nicely. It was her first visit it the track since her last race and she felt good. My two for Tim were Nautical Agent and Nonpariel. It had been a few days since I had ridden Nautical Agent so I was happy to be reunited. She is a very sweet filly. She galloped nicely on the Tapeta track for a mile and a quarter. Tim was on Real Lace for that set, who looked good. Nonpariel went out with Grandma (Robby) and Luke (Tim). Tim was schooling both of them a little to get them used to the pony. They both also galloped a mile and a quarter together.

For my final three I had one more to the Tapeta track and two jogging two miles on the dirt. All went well, although I did see a couple of people take spills. The colder weather this morning certainly made for trickier tricks from some of the horses. I also saw Graham Motion who appears to be back in town from his winter quarters in Florida. He let me know that the best distance turf horse in America is now also back at Fair Hill!

Update 1707: The major west coast Derby prep, the Santa Anita Derby is also being run this saturday (one of three preps including the Wood Memorial and Illinois Derby): Liquidity Heads Fluid Group in Santa Anita Derby. Ramon Dominguez is making a rare trip to California to pilot Sam P. who defeated Chelokee in an allowance race in the fall of last year at Churchill Downs. This race does not include the leading west coast contender for the Derby, Great Hunter, who will take on Street Sense in the Blue Grass at Keeneland. Street Sense worked at Churchill Downs in a sizzling 58: 2 for 5/8ths yesterday: Street Sense Sizzles in Churchill Downs Work.

Posted by Alex at 10:29 AM | Comments (290)

Barbaro Updates: 248

Posted April 4, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1706: Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide is back in the entries, on opening day at Keeneland this friday: Keeneland 8th race. The finale, the Transylvania Stakes, includes English Channel's full brother, Sedgefield: Sedgefield to use Transylvania as untraditional prep.

Update 1705: For Chelokee and Hard Spun, two horses with Delaware Park connections, plans are currently up in the air with respect to the Derby. Chelokee, because he may not get into the race, and for Hard Spun because they might decide to skip the Derby for an attempt at the Preakness. It seems almost certain now that Hard Spun is not going into the Blue Grass, perhaps Street Sense is scaring them all off (Any Given Saturday is switching to the Wood Memorial from the Blue Grass).

Lava Man is on his way home to California after his lacklustre performance in the desert. He may never leave the pacific coast again: Lava Man to Return Home, Probably to Stay.

Update 1704: Jay Privman confirms that Circular Quay is to skip the Wood Memorial and train up to the Derby. Any Given Saturday is now pointing for the Wood rather than the Blue Grass Stakes (Street Sense's probable next start): Circular Quay going straight to Derby, excerpt:

Pletcher said his "gut reaction" since the Louisiana Derby was that Circular Quay "needed a little more time." By missing the Wood, though, Circular Quay will come into the Derby off an eight-week layoff. Barbaro won the Derby last year off a five-week layoff.

"I know I'm going against what's stated that you can and can't do," Pletcher said, "but giving horses more time generally has worked best for my horses. Watching him train, I thought it would be best to train him up to the Derby, rather than train him up to a big race like the Wood and come back another four weeks later for the Derby."

There are ten late nominations for the Derby: Catman Running, Etude among ten late Triple Crown nominees.

Update 1703: A miserably wet morning this morning at Fair Hill. Training was limited to the shedrow, and I shedrowed six. First was Hawty Creek. As we were walking before we started to jog Who's Happy was being led round the shedrow (this is typical after a race, for about thirty minutes). She looks fine after her win yesterday and ate up well last night (another positive sign). For Tim I rode Grandma and Mediman. This is the first time I have ridden Mediman since her last (disappointing) race, and she feels fine. Grandma also felt fine jogging around the shedrow. I then had three others to shedrow and basically then get done nice and early. Hawty Creek did get in for saturday, the 6th race at Philadelphia Park, an eight horse field.

Update 1702: It looks like Circular Quay is skipping the Wod Memorial this weekend and heading straight to the Derby: Circular Quay: A homebred home run, excerpt:

Tabor and trainer Todd Pletcher were going to send Circular Quay against Nobiz Like Shobiz in Saturday's Grade 1 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, but on Tuesday night Pletcher said they had decided to skip the Wood and go straight to the Derby.

This is a curious decision, and certainly bucks the trend of needing to run a race within close proximity to the Derby. Much criticism was leveled at Michael Matz last year for having a five week break between Barbaro's final prep and the Derby.

The Illinois Derby serves as another Derby prep this weekend: Derby draws some unusual suspects.

We are now getting closer to Barbaro Celebration at Delaware Park April 29. Thanks AOL for the PR.

Posted by Alex at 10:27 AM | Comments (297)

Barbaro Updates: 247

Posted April 3, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1701: Steve Haskin provides his assessment of the Florida Derby: Kentucky Derby Trail: Make Room For Daddy, it can be summarized in this paragraph:

Now come the questions: would Chelokee have won with a clean trip? How strong was this race in general? The feeling here is that Chelokee very well could have gotten second, but Scat Daddy just looked too strong and is too classy a horse. As for the strength of the race, it is unwise to judge the quality of a grade I field immediately after the race. Just ask all those who tossed out every horse coming out of the 2005 Santa Anita Derby. What you can do is look at the fifth-place finish by Boogie Boggs, who was coming off only three career starts, all sprints and no stakes, yet was beaten only 4 1/4 lengths. Boogie Boggs has shown potential and could be a good horse in the making, so you'll have to judge for yourself whether his performance here was any reflection of the quality of the field.

Update 1700: Tim's Who's Happy broke her maiden this afternoon, the sixth race at Philadelphia Park. Tim was convinced she would run well when he stretched her out, and he was right. Victor Molina gave her a tremendous ride. She sat back off the early pace, which was inevitably fast. He made a run at the half mile pole and kept at her throughout to just get herself in front where it counted. A great win, congratulations to Fiasco Farm. Tim was washing her off when I called him.

Update 1699: Hard Spun's next race is not yet decided: Hard Spun's schedule still a work in progress, excerpt:

"I'm a little concerned with the Oaklawn deal," Jones said. "I feel like it could be an issue.. What I've seen of my horse, I think he's going to like Pimlico and Belmont Park" - home of the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, the second and third legs of the Triple Crown - "but Churchill, they have so much clay in it and it gets a little cuppy. After [next] Tuesday, we'll have a lot better idea. You can read into that what you want."

Read it this way: Jones, who is based at Delaware Park, is certainly covering his bases. If he decides Hard Spun isn't taking to Churchill, he'll be talking to owner Rick Porter of Wilmington, who confirmed that they've been discussing all their options and want to give their horse the best chance to win a Triple Crown race.

Update 1698: A little foggy this morning but decent weather nonetheless at Fair Hill. I had six to ride, very much the same morning as yesterday morning. Hawty Creek went out first, and we went across the fields out back. I could not see as well (fog) but we found our way around. I cantered her up a hill a couple of times, she felt great. We also entered her for a race on saturday at Philadelphia Park, so I hope they use the race (we will know later this afternoon).

The two I rode for Tim were Nonpariel and Gator Nation. Nonpariel galloped a mile and a half on the dirt track in company with Tim on Quick Quest. I was about a length in front most of the way and they both went well. Gator Nation jogged two miles again, typical training after a race. I then had one more to go out back, and then two more to the track, which both jogged a couple of miles. One of those is the one who dumped me the other day, he seems to be settling in much better now ... I am hopeful of not getting dumped again. My leg continues to improve.

Another successful rescue by Fans of Barbaro, this time in Europe: XXURGENT!! 2 Friesans +3 others dieTUE!. Fans of Barbaro also supported the successful repatriation of Wallenda: WALLENDA IS ALMOST HOME!, along with Dogwood Stable and many others.

Update 1697: NoBiz is coming up to the Wood Memorial with a more serious work regiment and will have blinkers added, the hope is this will increase his focus. He faces a very tough challenger in Circular Quay. Many people think Circular Quay is Todd Pletcher's best chance at a Derby win. This should be another very good Derby prep: Nobiz Like Shobiz a work in progress

The Keeneland meet opens friday, and many Derby contenders are planning to use Keeneland for their final preparations (update 1696 for example). Stall applications appear to be up, much of the increased interest in Keeneland is being attributed to the Polytrack: Keeneland unveils new website, gears up for spring meet.

Posted by Alex at 10:22 AM | Comments (292)

Barbaro Updates: 246

Posted April 2, 2007

updates are now here.

Update 1696: Keeneland will be the next stop for the first three in the Florida Derby as they prepare for their assault on the Kentucky Derby, although of course Chelokee needs to wait to see if he gets in: Chelokee's Derby hopes in jeopardy. Lawrence the Roman, who had triple crown aspirations going into the Whirlaway Stakes, is now retired: Stakes Winner Lawrence the Roman Retired.

Update 1695: Jeannine Edwards has just returned from Dubai and had this to report from her trip: ABC crew in Dubai for World Cup.

I also spoke to Ramon Dominguez this morning about his ride on Chelokee in the Florida Derby. He was certainly disappointed with the outcome as he felt he was on the best horse. The decisions jockeys have to make in split seconds are tough, and Ramon knows this only too well. He is excited about Chelokee and was happy to be reunited with him (he rode him in his maiden win). Lets hope for great things for both. Ramon also just missed out on the Aqueduct riding title for this winter. He will remain in New York until the Delaware Park meet opens. An outstanding jockey and person.

Update 1694: A lovely morning this morning at Fair Hill, and my leg is feeling a little better! Hawty Creek was first to go out, and she again went out back across the fields. She is doing well, I hope an "extra" race comes up soon so she can run back before I need to breeze her. Second set was Gator Nation, who jogged a couple of miles around the dirt track. It was his first day of training since his race last week. He felt fine. As I was coming onto the dirt track, there was a horse rearing up on the Tapeta track. It went up twice and I can honestly say I have no clue how his rider stayed on. Anyway, once it was done the horse flicked its left ear and the rider fell off! On this set Tim took Who's Happy to the gate to stand her. She is entered to run tomorrow. Third set I was on Nonpariel and galloped a mile together with Tim on Quick Quest. They went nicely together. As we were galloping around we were discussing the Derby picture as it is unfolding. Tim was partial to Adore the Gold, but not after his Florida Derby performance. He has not yet decided who he now prefers. He's not a fan of NoBiz, unlike me, so this weekend should be interesting!

My final three, I had one who breezed a quarter mile down the lane, he is running in a couple of days and the trainer just wanted to sharpen him up a little. He went well. My final two were two mile joggers ... and I survived.

Update 1693: Invasor was well on sunday morning after his excellent win in the Dubai World Cup: INVASOR TEAM TARGET BREEDERS', excerpt:

"He looks fine this morning and we will ship back and look towards the Breeders' Cup again, hopefully."

Invasor notched his 11th win from 12 starts in the 10-furlong Nad Al Sheba feature, eventually seeing off fellow American raider Premium Tap after an exciting battle up the straight.

McLaughlin was keen to share the credit for the success of the Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned horse.

He added: "It has been a real team effort. It was a shame my brother Neal was not here to see it but he had to stay at home to supervise things there.

When you see the documentary, First Saturday in May, I think you will get a good insight into the personality of Kiaran McLaughlin.

Some racing press coverage of the ruling last week to close the Illinois Horse Slaughter Plant: Ruling may shut down Illinois horse slaughter plant.

Keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 10:37 AM | Comments (223)