Barbaro Updates: 703
updates are now here.
Update 4123: Two champions were euthanized today: Cozzene and Princess Rooney.
Big Brown worked 3/4s on the turf today at Aqueduct: Big Brown breezes at Aqueduct.
Update 4122: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update.
We are at that peculiar point a few weeks out from the Breeders' Cup where things get a bit odd, particularly with regard to the field for the Classic. Duke of Marmalade and Soldier of Fortune, both fresh from being crushed by Zarkava in the Arc, are still under consideration for the Ballydoyle folk, as is Henrythenavigator (also well beaten last time out), although the Mile is still possible as well for any/all of them.
Raven's Pass, who finally turned the tables on rival Henrythenavigator, is likely to go in the Mile - but like his fellow Europeans, the Classic is also on the table. And it's not just European turf horses lining up for the Classic; Bobby Frankel has indicated that Champs Elysees may also have a crack at it. Here's hoping this particular synthetic surface lives up to those heavy expectations.
Bill Christine suggests that Curlin's slow first work over said artificial surface at Santa Anita was something of theatrical first act, building momentum to a showdown with Big Brown (whose connections seem uncharacteristically quiet of late) and it seems a bit strange to think that the Classic could be Casino Drive's third lifetime start, but it's an unusual year. One this is for certain at this point -- the above-mentioned colts' connections are breathing a collective sigh of relief they don't have to face Zenyatta!
Update 4121: An update from Sue McMullen regarding the Arc and the tremendous performance of Zarakava, a 3yo filly who beat older horses in the best turf race in Europe:
The Arc was absolutely awesome, a vintage race on a card that showed us some exciting prospects for next year and drama in the Prix de l'Abbaye when one of the stalls didn't open so it had to be run again at the end of the card. A bit of a farce as half the field had gone a flat five furlongs before jockeys could pull them up so not all could reload later in the day. What can one say about the Arc? Although the French had backed Zarakava, the feeling on the course beforehand was that she was not the biggest filly and although hugely impressive against her own sex, how could she possibly take on the cream of the big, strapping colts some of them older than her? And it was a good Arc so she was facing some really classy colts. She even tried to duck right when she jumped out of the gate and again lost ground, just as she had in the Prix Vermeille when she inexplicably lingered in the gate and lost six or seven lengths. On that occasion she made up ground and cruised through the field, throwing down the gauntlet to the colts in the process. On Sunday Christophe Soumillion once again kept his head and with complete faith in the filly made up ground and and as she scythed through the field the cheering could have been heard in London. Soumillion is the French version of Frankie Dettori and with his usual ebullience, which has occasionally got him into trouble, he crossed the winning line and standing up in the saddle pointed down to the filly in a gesture of total admiration and respect. No three-year-old filly has won the Arc since 1982 and she is a true champion as it is a very tough race to win. You can't take anything away from her hugely impressive victory but it's possible the Arc was one race too many this year for Duke of Marmalade as he finished too far down the field to be a true showing for his level of talent.
Update 4120: Another chilly start to a simply gorgeous morning this morning at Woodbine. We had a light morning with only six sets, four before the break and two after the break. All mine went nicely, despite the construction work going on on the clubhouse turn! I then went to get on my horse for Anita (Terry Jordan) and he went nicely too. He can get quite strong, but after riding him for a little while I am starting to get to know his "quirks". All in all a terrific morning for riding horses.
Update 4119: Peppers Pride, who broke the modern day record for consecutive wins last weekend, came out of her race in good order and more races may be on her schedule: Peppers Pride targets two more stakes, excerpt:
Marr said Monday that Peppers Pride, a 5-year-old who is undefeated, emerged from her record-setting race in good order. He said next for her is the $170,000 New Mexico Cup Filly and Mare Championship on Nov. 9 at her Zia Park base in Hobbs, N.M. Following that race is the $125,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap at Sunland Park on Dec. 14. Both races are restricted to fillies and mares bred in New Mexico.
Marsh Side, who is based in California, may well return in the Breeders' Cup after his somewhat surprising win in the Canadian International: Marsh Side points to Breeders' Cup.
In memory of John Hettinger please keep calling and writing.
For Canadians: Canadian Horse Defense Coalition Call to Action.
Good morning all
Have you put your clocks back, or is Alex just getting up earlier?
Posted by: Liz (UK) at October 7, 2008 10:20 AM