Barbaro Update 820

Posted March 31, 2009

Updates are now here

Update 4712: Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum will be returning to the Kentucky Derby after seven years away: Sheik Gets Back on the Kentucky Derby Trail

Excerpt: "Both horses ran super races and they are legitimate contenders for the Kentucky Derby," said Simon Crisford, the racing manager for the sheik's Godolphin stable. "They will ship to Churchill, and we will wait until closer to the Kentucky Derby to decide if both run, or we leave one for the Preakness, but we will cross that bridge when we get to it."

Update 4711: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update.

Well Armed may have had the most visually impressive victory on the Dubai World Cup card, but Timeform has ranked him the second-best horse in the world - with Dubai Duty Free winner Gladiatorus number one at a rating of 132 (in case you were wondering, the only other American-based horse apart from Well Armed to crack the top ten is Zenyatta). In retrospect, Gladiatorus deserved a lot more respect coming in - the KY-bred horse has only been out of the money once in his career. I'll have to do a belated Horses Americans Should Know feature on him in the near future; in the meantime, his next steps are rejoining the Godolphin A-team (he had been running for one of Sheikh Mohammed's sons, Sheikh Mansoor - but apparently dad wants him back now) and heading to Europe as a miler.

In case you are curious about Timeform's other ratings for the Dubai World Cup card, Regal Ransom's win in the UAE Derby was rated a 116 - it seems the only track he hasn't taken to is Santa Anita. Desert Party was given a 115 for his runner-up effort, although I found more to like in Regal Ransom (and I must confess I wasn't overawed by the rest of the field). Whether both colts will indeed be pointed to our own Kentucky Derby remains to be seen, but it looks as though both will ship to the States. British challenger Mafaaz is already scheduled to give the Blue Grass a shot, although his guaranteed Derby slot certainly leaves supporters of Dunkirk in hand-wringing mode.

I don't have a lot of sympathy for Dunkirk's predicament; yes, I thought he ran well in the Florida Derby, but he was no match for Quality Road who was thoroughly professional (even given the fact that he is also lightly-raced). Nevertheless, I did include him in my top ten for this week because he did show a lot of potential - but as I'm not a huge fan of the lightly-raced Derby trail trend, both Dunkirk and Imperial Council are keeping toward the bottom of my list. Should Imperial Council defeat I Want Revenge in the Wood, I'd certainly re-evaluate that position (and it sounds as though trainer Shug McGaughey is approaching that race in the same way). However, I see a lot of names on the graded earnings list that I would not expect to see in the starting gate come Derby day - we'll have to see how that plays out. Without further ado, here's this week's Superfecta Derby Top 10:

1) The Pamplemousse
2) Quality Road
3) Friesan Fire
4) I Want Revenge
5) Pioneerof the Nile
6) Regal Ransom
7) Old Fashioned
8) Dunkirk
9) Chocolate Candy
10) Imperial Council

You'll notice I added Chocolate Candy back to the list - while I'm keeping The Pamplemousse (who finally has a hat, as well as a side career as an artist) number one and his faceoff with Pioneerof the Nile is going to be the weekend's big event for me, I expect Chocolate Candy to come out from under the radar to some extent (if I were actually at the track, I'd likely bet The Pamplemousse/Chocolate Candy as an exacta). It's true he hasn't beaten much so far, but I like his pedigree. We'll see!

Check back later in the week for more on both the Santa Anita Derby and the Wood Memorial - we're almost in the home stretch (which means I should get around to figuring out my trip to Kentucky)...

Update 4710: Phew! A busy morning this morning for Steve at Woodbine. I had nine sets. Four before the break and five after the break. They all galloped nicely. I also got a chance to see a few more familiar faces from last year. Everyone seems upbeat and in good form after the winter break here. The track siren went off a couple of times. I did not see the loose horses, but I think all was well.

A fun morning's work!

I am now planning to go to OLEX.

Update 4709: E-mail 18 sent to the ABR Facebook Group: Journey, Fair Hill, Woodbine, Alysheba, Well Armed, Quality Road, Dunkirk, Nicanor, Bob Witham, Horse Slaughter.

And my weekly column for Eclipse Magazine (UK): Letter from North America.

Update 4708: IEAH completed their purchase of a 50% interest in I Want Revenge: IEAH Finally Gets Revenge

Here is an excerpt: "This horse is the real deal, "Iavarone said. "We're thrilled to have such an enormous talent join our stable. He appears to be improving at the right time and I'm looking forward to a great working relationship with the preexisting connections. We're all appreciative of the hard work Nick put into making this deal come together."

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 11:28 AM | Comments (69)

Barbaro Updates: 819

Posted March 27, 2009

Updates are now here

Update 4707: The winner and the second of the UAE Derby will be pointed for the Kentucky Derby: Regal Ransom, Desert Party are Kentucky Derby-bound.

Found on Paulick Report.

Update 4706: At the Jake Howard Center at Woodbine, checking my e-mail and so forth. Two other people here. One is watching YouTube videos of Barbaro. The other knows Peter Brette really well. Small world the racing world!

Update 4705: First morning of work here at Woodbine. We had ten horses ship in, I think from Kentucky, a couple of days ago. I galloped five this morning. Four before the break and one after the break. All went nicely. It was good to see a lot of familiar faces on the backside and on the racetrack. Lots of kind well wishers asking about my winter and so forth. I am actually pretty excited to be back here to reacquaint myself with friends I had met up here last year. One problem though, it remains COLD here. Very windy and just a little above freezing. But spring should be here soon.

Good to be back!

Update 4704: Seems that Well Armed is doing well and will be receiving a well deserved vacation after his fantastic win in Dubai. Smashing Winner Will Armed To Get Break Here's an excerpt:

"He had about 20 minutes of walking this morning and then about ten minutes of picking at grass and everything was good," said Oliver Costello, assistant to Eoin Harty, during a rainy follow-up March 29 in Dubai. He echoed the emotions of everyone connected with the 6-year-old gelding when he added, "It was just such an amazing night."

Ramon Dominguez had four winners yesterday at Aqueduct to lock up his record setting inner-dirt track title: Dominguez Wins 4 - Takes Aqueduct Stakes

Update 4703: I've arrived!

Update 4702: We now have our fourteenth entry into the ABR YouTube Contest re: Horse Slaughter

Just now crossing the Peace Bridge into Canada!

Update 4701: On the road again. Fair Hill to Woodbine.

Update 4700: A few links to reports from racing yesterday:

Dubai World Cup:
Well Armed romps in Dubai World Cup
Well Armed Steals Dubai World Cup

Florida Derby:
Quality Road Delivers in Florida Derby
Quality Road wins Florida Derby in record time

Update 4699: Quality Road will remain at the top of my list for PDI after a nice win today in the Florida Derby. I do think Dunkirk ran well, but Gomez moved too soon. Almost panicked perhaps.

Update 4698: More on Nicanor's race: Nicanor Half-Length Short in Maiden Try, excerpt:

"We had good position coming around the far turn, but he was just playing around looking at the other horses," Lezcano said. "Coming down the stretch he was a little green. I think he'll become a nice horse."

"He was looking at the winner in the stretch," Matz concurred. "The jock said he felt like he had a lot more horse. We just have to give him more experience. He's a good horse. It's just going to take some time. He goes north for his next start."

Update 4697: Nicanor ran second in his race this afternoon. He was the heavy favorite based off his last effort. While the betting public won't be thrilled with another second place finish, it was not a bad effort. He rated behind the winner early, looked like he was second best coming down the lane, but fought back a little. He was beaten half a length in the end, beating the third horse by six lengths. This race was a flat mile, perhaps a little further will help him. Here is the: chart.

Update 4696: Kentucky Derby winner Alysheba has been euthanized: 1987 Kentucky Derby Winner Alysheba Euthanized After Fall.

My visit to Fair Hill this morning included galloping a couple of horses for Tim! Fun to ride out there and catch up with a few people. And I think some were a little surprised to see me.

To keep up with all the racing action today: LIVE BLOGGING DUBAI AND FLORIDA DERBY.

Update 4695: Lots of great racing today, covered by Railbird. Not forgetting Nicanor is running in the fifth race at Gulfstream.

My plan. To go into Fair Hill and catch up with a few people. And then off to The Whip for a bit of lunch.

Yesterday I had a terrific time interviewing for a piece for Knowledge @ Wharton. After the interview we went for lunch and chatted further about how this site has evolved and so forth. Very cool. I also got to catch up with a few "x colleagues" who are still at Wharton.

And we now have our thirteenth entry for the ABR YouTube contest re: Horse Slaughter.

Update 4694: Railbird here, with your weekly update.

The Florida Derby is lightly-raced Dunkirk's one shot at securing a Kentucky Derby berth, and to help him out, trainer Todd Pletcher has entered stablemate Europe as a rabbit. His job, off one career start and a workout with The Roundhouse, is to keep Fountain of Youth winner Quality Road from enjoying a lone lead. "Wouldn't it be amusing if Europe took off and ran away with the whole thing?" Yes, it would be, but a more likely candidate for spoiler is Theregoesjojo, who's improved in both his starts as a 3-year-old and could easily move forward in this spot. Danger to Society, coming off a seventh-place finish as the favorite in the Holy Bull, makes his first start for trainer Richard Dutrow, known for his touch with recent transfers.

In Dubai, Desert Party tops the UAE Derby, his final foreign start before returning to the US in April to await the first Saturday in May. Now that Vineyard Haven is out of the picture, Desert Party is Godolphin's sole Derby prospect. Racing manager Simon Crisford isn't concerned: "He's had plenty of conditioning... And he's in the right frame of mind." Desert Party will face two horses he's beaten before, Regal Ransom and Redding Colliery, as well as the relative unknown Lelah Dorak, who has second-highest earnings of any Saudi Arabian horse this year and enters in "fresh form," reports Pat Cummings, in Dubai blogging the six-stakes World Cup card.

Unknown (to American fans) horses aren't the only complicating factor in the World Cup this year. A rough storm rolled through Dubai on Wednesday night, and even though the rain ended Thursday morning, an off track and softened turf remain possibilities as precipitation is forecast through Saturday.

I realize I should know more about the rest of the World Cup races, but this year's event has snuck up on me. Much talk has centered on Albertus Maximus as the likely favorite in the day's eponymous feature, but this is a race that really does look wide open, with cases to be made for Well Armed, Casino Drive, Happy Boy, or local favorite Asiatic Boy. In the Godolphin Mile, I'm looking to Gayego, winner of a G3 prep in the UAE and breaking from advantageous post 13. Indian Blessing isn't so lucky in the Golden Shaheen. Facing males for the first time, the filly starts from stall one, "the coffin box."

Update 4693: Larry Jones on Bloodhorse's Talkin' Horses: Larry Jones Podcast.

Update 4692: Some great racing this weekend includes the Florida Derby program (Derby, Swale Stakes and Nicanor's race) and the Dubai World Cup Program: Well Armed primed for Dubai World Cup success.

More coverage of these races later today and tomorrow.

We now have our 12th entry in the ABR YouTube contest about Horse Slaughter. Two weeks remain for entries to be submitted.

Today I am off to Wharton, where I used to work. Knowledge @ Wharton has agreed to interview me on the use of Social Media.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 11:52 AM | Comments (231)

Barbaro Updates: 818

Posted March 21, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4691: Thursday morning notes from the Dubai World Cup: DUBAI WORLD CUP, SPONSORED BY EMIRATES.

Phew. I have made it to my Maryland base, a day later than planned! My truck seems to have recovered.

Update 4690: Ray Paulick on Alex Waldrup and the NTRA: WALDROP AND THE NTRA: AN ARMY OF ONE?

Still in Hagerstown, MD, waiting for my truck!

Update 4689: My radio interview from last night: Howling Ridge Radio.

Custom for Carlos, who beat Nicanor when breaking his maiden, will reappear on Saturday in the Swale Stakes: Big Drama's Return Highlights Swale .

Here is the draw for the Dubai World Cup program: Post Draw Announced for World Cup Races.

Update 4688: Nicanor will be racing Saturday at Gulfstream Park in the fifth race as part of the Florida Derby undercard: Nicanor Entered At Gulfstream

Steve Haskin's has put out his weekly Derby Dozen where he still has I Want Revenge at the top: Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen

Update 4687: Another great entry in the ABR YouTube contest about horse slaughter. This entry would make for a great marketing campaign for OTTBs!

Update 4686: Here are my Derby picks this week for the Paulick Derby Index.

Perfect Drift now resides at the Kentucky Derby Museum: Perfect Drift To Reside At Derby Museum which will give a chance for everyone attending the Barbaro Memorial unveiling to see him.

I am now contributing weekly to Eclipse magazine, a racing magazine based in the UK. Here is my first entry: Alex Brown 24 March 2009

At 5pm today I will be interviewed on Howling Ridge Radio

I'm now waiting to see the outcome of my truck that had a bit of a hiccup yesterday.

Update 4685: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update.

I enjoyed Joe Drape's column in the Times regarding the ongoing medication and safety issues in American racing and would love to see some of these ideas taken much further. However, I do wonder about his suggestion that should British-based Mafaaz win the Derby on hay, oats and water we'd see a collective return to basics - it didn't happen after Raven's Pass won the Breeders' Cup Classic, but perhaps we're just slow over here and need repeated reminders. It's an interesting notion.

There will be plenty of drug-free horses running in Dubai this weekend; the World Cup is almost upon us. It's something of a quiet US contingent this year (at least compared to Curlin last year), with Albertus Maximus, Arson Squad and Well Armed heading the American charge in the big race (along with, somewhat oddly, Anak Nakal). Indian Blessing will be taking on the boys in the Golden Shaheen and Gayego appears in the Godolphin Mile. Post positions will be determined on Wednesday, and we'll have much more on each race later in the week.

There may also some American horses trying their luck in Britain later this spring - Kenny McPeek's Dream Empress and Striking Dancer will take aim at the Epsom Oaks (largely, it seems, because we have no equivalent mile-and-a-half turf race for them Stateside). It is possible Theregoesjojo will point to that Derby, rather than its Kentucky counterpart - it sounds almost as though he and Mafaaz may simply switch places.

Check back later this week for more on the Florida Derby and the Dubai World Cup...

Update 4684: Having a quick breakfast with Ray Paulick of the Paulick Report. Ray actually did an interview for me in 1997 regarding the Bloodhorse's decision to launch a web-site: Internet Conversation with Raymond Paulick, Editor in Chief, Bloodhorse.

Now off to Maryland!

Update 4683: Joe Drape assesses the state of horse racing in the US, within the context of a European horse challenging for the Kentucky Derby: Derby Nears, but Safety Rules Don't.

1992 Kentucky Derby winner Lil E. Tee was euthanized on March 18: Derby Winner Lil E. Tee Euthanized.

Aside from the Florida Derby this weekend, we also have the Dubai World Cup. The US runners are starting to get acclimatized to their new surroundings: World Cup Contenders on the Track.

And here is Tuesday's Facebook e-mail: Mafaaz, Rachel Alexandra, Old Friends, Clever Allemont, Easy Grades, Curlin, Lil E. Tee, Montana, YouTube, Barbaro pics.

Update 4682: A great way to cap a day in Kentucky, in the Spring. Visit Curlin at Lane's End. Curlin was turned out in his paddock. He looked very contented. I did not know him as a racehorse. The only time I was close to him was when I was working for Eddy Kenneally for a couple of weeks at Churchill Downs after Curlin had just won his Breeders' Cup. We nearly ran into him going to the track one morning. Anyway, what surprised me a little about Curlin is how thick he is around the neck. In a good way, but he looks a little different than I was anticipating. He looked happy and relaxed, and he appeared to enjoy a little bit of our attention. A good visit.

While at Old Friends, I heard the news that Lil E. Tee had passed away: Kentucky Derby winner Lil E. Tee dies at age of 20.

Update 4681: Currently hanging out at Old Friends (and using their wireless network). The highlight of my morning was visiting Clever Allemont. Just an incredibly kind horse. I had been looking forward to seeing him since he had arrived at Old Friends. And I was not disappointed. To think he won the Rebel Stakes, and was undefeated at the time, and more than 20 years later he was discovered in a Broker's lot in Kansas. And within two months of discovery he arrived at his retirement home here. And he is so kind and gentle. Very cool.

I also visited Easy Grades, who recently retired and is actually across the road at Summerwind Farm for the time being. Another very cool horse. And Summerwind Farm is a beautiful place too! All in all a very pleasant visit.

Prior to my visit I was at Keeneland. I hung out with Gerry Carwood, who is now a trainer here. Gerry was Eddie Kenneally's assistant when I started working for Eddy during the Keeneland Fall meet 2007. I also stopped by our barn and introduced myself to Scott Blasi. During my time working for Steve I have never worked with Scott. All in all a good way to start the day.

Update 4680: Excellent new entry in the Horse Slaughter Youtube contest regarding the status of the horse slaughter bill in Montana. Please view and forward.

Now off to Lexington to visit Clever Allemont at Old Friends.

Update 4679: Arrived in Louisville and just hanging out. Will be heading to Lexington first thing in the morning.

Nicanor had his first work since finishing second in the March 7th Maiden Special Weight at Gulfstream Park: Back To Work

Brendan the assistant to Eddie Kenneally told me the horse that won that race may be running in the Swale Stakes next weekend at Gulfstream Park.

Update 4678: The two likely favorites for the Florida Derby, and three of my current picks on the Paulick Derby Index, worked yesterday at Palm Meadows in Florida: Dunkirk, Quality Road Post Sharp Drills.

And now I am off to Louisville, Kentucky.

Update 4677: Phew, 422 miles later I am in Murfreesboro, TN!

The Bill Mott trained Hold Me Back captured the Lane's End today at Turfway Park: No Stopping Hold Me Back in Lane's End .

Update 4676: Starting my journey east and north. Tonight I hope to be in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Wendy will be helping me with updates on and off over the next few days.

Update 4675: Wow, last morning of work this morning at Oaklawn Park. While the meet continues for another couple of weeks, highlighted by the Arkansas Derby, I am taking a week off while making my way North back to Woodbine.

Six sets. Four before the break and two after the break. All went nicely. Which means I did not fall off the entire time I was here at Oaklawn! This is the first meet I can say that while working for Steve as I did come off once at Woodbine and once at Sam Houston. The highlight of my morning was spying Rachel Alexandra galloping by as I was coming off the track on my second set. She's simply a gorgeous looking filly. I really hope she continues to develop and do what she appears to do well, win races in style!

Update 4674: Old Fashioned is being pointed to the Arkansas Derby after his second place finish in the Rebel Stakes here at Oaklawn Park. Ramon Dominguez is being replaced by leading Oaklawn rider Terry Thompson, who rode Old Fashioned earlier in his career and rides all his work. So we have a jockey switch yet no blame was assigned to Ramon for his ride in the Rebel Stakes: Don't dismiss early Kentucky Derby favorite after Rebel loss.

And Alex Waldrup claims that ESPN's commitment to Thoroughbred racing is as strong, if not stronger, than ever.

And talking about ESPN coverage, ESPN2 (5 pm Eastern) will cover the Lanes End Stakes today along with the Rushaway. This is ESPNs first telecast of the year: Lane's End Stakes Analysis.

Posted by Alex at 11:31 AM | Comments (299)

Barbaro Updates: 817

Posted March 20, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4673: Railbird here, with your weekly update.

A quiet(er) racing weekend ahead, which is a bit of a relief after getting hit with 13 graded stakes last Saturday. Even Steven Crist had to make a chart to keep track of all that was happening coast-to-coast.

This Saturday, focus shifts to Turfway Park, the little northern Kentucky racecourse known as the first to install Polytrack. Since that surface change, the Lane's End has become an uncertain Derby prep. While Hard Spun emerged victorious from the race to finish second to Street Sense in the 2007 Kentucky Derby, Adriano followed a year later by finishing 19th at Churchill Downs. With a large enough purse to guarantee this year's winner a spot in the starting gate come the first Saturday in May, it's a certainty we'll be talking about one of the dozen entered as a Derby contender for the next six weeks. But which, and how seriously?

Likely favorite Bittel Road may be ready to move forward exiting a fourth-place finish to Pioneerof the Nile, Papa Clem, and I Want Revenge in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes last month, and I do like that Garrett Gomez is named to ride, but he seems a cut below recent company. His running lines suggest Bittel Road prefers to race mid-pack and lacks much speed early or late -- hardly signs of Derby dominance. An obvious alternative is West Side Bernie, winner of the Kentucky Cup Juvenile at Turfway last September and third in the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream in January. Jack Spratt, overmatched in the Fountain of Youth, starts for trainer Michael Maker, winning at a 41% clip, and is reunited with rider Julien Leparoux. He seems like more of a turf horse, as does Orthodox, a name you might recognize from "Jockeys," renewed for a second season, on which he appeared as rider Jon Court's Breeders' Cup hope. While the colt has done his best over grass, he did win his last and is making his second start off a layoff here. If you're interested in watching the race, note that ESPN2 will air the Rushaway and Lane's End Stakes starting at 5:00 p.m. EDT.

Two races earlier in the card, 3-year-old fillies prep for the Kentucky Oaks in the Bourbonette Stakes. This is a race with a standout in speedy Fitz Just Right, starting off a record-setting win in the OBS Championship Stakes for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. Also entered is Step Out Smarty, winner of the Gowell Stakes at Turfway last December, and the intriguing Instrumentalist, undefeated in two starts and stretching out to a mile for trainer Tom Drury. Gomez picks up the mount on the filly.

At Santa Anita, older horses line up for the San Luis Rey Handicap, a competitive turf marathon featuring Spring House, attempting to put together back-to-back stakes wins, and Artiste Royal, fifth in the Kilroe Mile after winning the San Marcos in January. The presence of Medici Code, winless since the 2007 Del Mar Derby, Midships, making his third North American start for trainer Bobby Frankel, and Bonjour, likely to be up front early, make this race especially interesting -- expect one of those close finishes in which a scrum of horses forms at the sixteenth pole with one edging away to win in the final yards.

Update 4672: A gorgeous morning this morning at Oaklawn Park. We had seven sets at Steve's. Five before the break and two after the break. All mine galloped nicely. A pleasure to be at work!

After work I called the Governor's office in the State of Montana, requesting the Governor veto HB 418. A simple, straightforward and pleasant phone call. I then called a couple of friends to do the same thing. (Phone: 406 444-3111). My understanding is the Governor may sign the Bill by lunchtime. We shall see.

On my way out of the track I stopped by to see Rachel Alexandra. She is very cute. I got to chatting with Brett, who works there. It does appear they are not planning to go to the Derby, so I will have to remove her from my PDI list. Oh well. An honor to see her though and made for a great end to a wonderful morning's work. That and the free coffee from the gas station on my way back to the flat.

Update 4671: Hollywood Park, which has long been threatened with closure, will run its fall/winter meet this year: Hollywood Park to Race Through 2009.

The Montana Senate voted 27 - 23 for horse slaughter. The Bill is now on its way to the Govenor.

Posted by Alex at 11:35 AM | Comments (94)

Barbaro Updates: 816

Posted March 19, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4670: The Kentucky Derby Museum is planning to open a tribute to Barbaro after the dedication of the Barbaro memorial sculpture: Barbaro Exhibit to Open at Derby Museum.

And many FOBs plan to attend the memorial on April 26 and plenty of activities are being planned: Barbaro Memorial.

Update 4669: A straightforward morning this morning for Steve at Oaklawn Park. We had six sets. Five before the break and one after the break. One of mine went to the gate for a little schooling. All mine galloped nicely.

Update 4668: Paulick Report explores how Oaklawn Park has remained relevant given additional competition and developments in technology: INSTANT RACING HELPS OAKLAWN STAY TRUE TO MISSION.

Please call Montana today: MT: URGENT - Vote is Thursday, 3/19!!!

Posted by Alex at 4:02 PM | Comments (56)

Barbaro Updates: 815

Posted March 18, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4667: Mafaaz, trained by John Gosden who used to train in the US, won the Kempton race that earns a guaranteed place in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby. If all goes to plan, he will be pointed for the Blue Grass at Keeneland on his way to Churchill Downs: MAFAAZ CLAIMS KENTUCKY HONOURS.

Update 4666: A gorgeous morning this morning at Oaklawn Park. A light mist was coming off the grassy infield as the sun came up. Very pretty. We had six sets at Steve's. Five before the break and one after the break. All of mine galloped nicely for a very straightforward and pleasant morning's work.

While Montana is pushin ahead with their horse slaughter legislation (has passed the House, and will likely be voted on in the Senate on Thursday) it's nice to read a Times editorial that makes note of the role of the horse in human history: Equine Alternative, excerpt:

How that would have retarded the spread and integration of language, culture, civilization is hard to calculate. It is safe to say that without domesticated horses, we could not have begun to be who we are today.

Update 4665: US runners for the Dubai World Cup, to be held March 28, flew out yesterday. The US will be represented by four runners in the big race, Albertus Maximus, Anak Nakal, Arson Squad and Well Armed: Four U.S. Horses Among 15 in World Cup.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 11:38 AM | Comments (94)

Barbaro Updates: 814

Posted March 17, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4664: New photos of Nicanor: A Casual Visit with Nicanor.

Paulick Derby Index is out for this week, which includes my Derby top ten: PDI by AmWest Entertainment: FASHIONED GOES UP IN FIRE.

And we now have our ninth entry in the ABR YouTube Contest about Horse Slaughter! Still two more weeks left to submit your entry. Join the fun and help the cause by spreading the word.

Update 4663: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update.

I've just returned from beautiful Seattle and have been getting up to speed on everything I missed, racing-wise (here's the short version: a lot). While I racked up a lot of Road to the Roses points, upon reflection I would probably have further shaken up my top ten - here's the current version:

1) Pioneerof the Nile
2) The Pamplemousse
3) Friesan Fire
4) I Want Revenge
5) Quality Road
6) Old Fashioned
7) Chocolate Candy
8) Stardom Bound
9) Desert Party
10) Papa Clem

The main thing I would change would be to transpose the top two horses; I have a feeling I left The Pamplemousse in second place as something of an over-correction for him becoming one of my sentimental favorites this season. While Pioneerof the Nile has done nothing specifically wrong, I didn't think much of his San Felipe win after finally watching it (and the Beyer was nothing to get excited about) - but in any case, finally seeing the two horses square off in the Santa Anita Derby may settle (for that moment) who is best in the West - things could be very different in Kentucky a month later.

The Tampa Bay Derby didn't seem to shed much light on the Derby picture (except insofar as suggesting that Hello Broadway likely will not be a part of it); Musket Man's victory was a nice return for his owners' $15,000 investment, but I don't see him moving forward to the big dance.

The real weekend drama, of course, was with Team Larry Jones - given last year's Derby events, Old Fashioned's effort in the Rebel cannot have been the most heartbreaking second-place finish they've ever gone through, but it certainly seemed to generate surprise in some corners. As mentioned last week, if I had to pick a favorite between his two trainees, that honor goes to Friesan Fire - but any horse can have an off day, and after chasing fast early fractions Old Fashioned clearly looked tired as Win Willy ran him down. Perhaps he just needs a strategy tune-up, but the effort, while remuneratively-rewarding, did not inspire confidence.

By contrast, Friesan Fire seems to be checking all the Derby horse boxes rather emphatically. Getting better as spring arrives? Check. Faster finishing quarters? Check. Good whatever the weather? Check. Blowing away the competition as it improves? Big check. You can certainly argue the wet conditions in the Louisiana Derby were a factor in Giant Oak and the hyped Patena not really showing up, but Friesan Fire's seven-plus length winning margin spoke of his total domination of the field. I like Papa Clem a lot (and have still included him in my top ten, despite the long distance back to his second-place finish), but he was no match for the winner. The other upside to Friesan Fire blossoming at the right time is that he gives his young jockey Gabriel Saez a chance to have a happier Derby day than he did last year - it wouldn't be a bad story at all (and it would make it seem that he was lucky to remain on the B-team).

There is a bit of mid-week Derby trail action tomorrow across the pond; the Kempton Challenge guarantees a Derby berth for the winner (if they choose to make the trip). Mafaaz, Close Alliance and Spring of Fame are the only horses in the full 14-horse field thus far nominated to the (American) Triple Crown, but you never know where Derby Fever may strike.

Finally, is Channing Hill relocating to California to appear on a second series of 'Jockeys?' I've always thought he was rather telegenic. We shall see...

Update 4662: A straightforward morning's work this morning for Steve at Oaklawn Park. And it was a foggy morning! We had six sets, five before the break and one after the break. Four of mine went to the gate for a little schooling. All schooled well and galloped nicely. One of the exercise riders who works for someone else asked me about Mr. Rowdy. She had received the facebook e-mail I had sent out this morning. Good to know someone is reading!

And we have our eighth entrant on the ABR YouTube contest about Horse Slaughter. A little abstract perhaps, but poignant, and like the others very good and very watchable: YouTube Horse Slaughter Contest.

Update 4661: Tomorrow we will have a Derby prep of a different kind. Kempton Park, in the UK, is hosting a race where the winner earns a guaranteed spot in the starting line-up and an incentive to participate: 14 Seek Derby Spot in Kempton Race.

Here is the 16th ABR Facebook e-mail: Friesan Fire, Rachel Alexandra, Fort Erie, Joe Drape, Brad Hennegan, Mikes Auction, Kauto Star, Chicken Jockey, La Ville Rouge, Horse Slaughter, Mr. Rowdy.

Today there are meetings in Arkansas, Montana and North Dakota, to discuss horse slaughter: State Horse Slaughter Actions.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 11:40 AM | Comments (56)

Barbaro Updates: 813

Posted March 16, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4660: Joe Drape on the Derby prospects: Seeing More Derby Pretenders Than Contenders.

Update 4659: Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen: Ky. Derby Trail: Louisville Shuffle.

Update 4658: Seven sets this morning at Steve's at Oaklawn. A warmish but cloudy morning. Quite straightforward, five sets before the break and two after the break. All mine galloped nicely. There were a few tired people in the barn this morning. It was someone's birthday party last night.

It appears the Fort Erie meet is a go for 2009. With all the uncertainty of whether it was on or off, now the challenge will be to get enough horsemen and horses to run a viable meet: FORT ERIE LIVES FOR ANOTHER YEAR.

My current plan is to leave Oaklawn Park on Sunday, and arrive in Canada the following Sunday.

Update 4657: The second Derby futures pool closed this weekend with "all others" the 9-2 favorite. Dunkirk, at 7-1 was the second choice: Future Bettors Favor 'All Others'.

A fun afternoon spent at the races yesterday at Oaklawn Park. The feature race, the Grade 3 Honeybee, was won by the Larry Jones trainee Just Jenda: Just Jenda Finds Right Spot in Honeybee.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 11:40 AM | Comments (47)

Barbaro Updates: 812

Posted March 14, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4656: Off back to the races at Oaklawn Park. We have three runners, including one in the feature: Bon Jovi Girl moves back to two turns.

Update 4655: An easy morning for us this morning at Steve's. I only had three to ride, and all went nicely. It was another damp morning, but a little warmer.

I saw Larry Jones and asked him how Old Fashioned was this morning: "The only thing hurt is his pride" was his quiet response. We then chatted about Friesan Fire and his terrific performance. I noted he should likely be at the head of many people's Derby lists at this point. Larry responded with concern about Pioneerof The Nile. Not a horse I am fond of however for his lack of dirt experience. Anyway, brief but fun conversation.

All good but I also learned today that Mr. Rowdy was euthanized after breaking down at Fair Grounds on Friday. This is a real blow for me. He has been my favorite Asmussen horse when he was up in Canada all last summer. Here is a picture of me on Mr. Rowdy at Woodbine. Mr. Rowdy had more character than any other horse I have ridden in a long time. And I wrote about his antics here on more than one occasion. Rearing up about 14 times one morning coming off the track. Chasing our assistant off the racetrack after he turned us loose coming on the track. Mr. Rowdy, you rocked!

Update 4654: Reports on each of the Derby preps that ran on Saturday:

The Rebel: Win Willy (56-1) Lights Up Rebel Stakes and Win Willy takes Rebel in upset
The Tampa Bay Derby: Musket Man's win highlights Tampa Bay Derby card and Musket Man Pulls Out Tampa Bay Derby Win
The San Felipe: 'Pioneer' On Course in San Felipe Win and Pioneerof the Nile wins San Felipe
The Louisana Derby: Friesan Fire scores dominant Louisiana Derby win and Friesan Fire Dominates Louisiana Derby
The Fair Groud Oaks: Off Track Doesn't Slow Rachel Alexandra and Rachel Alexandra takes
Fair Grounds Oaks

From my top ten list I am dropping Pioneerof The Nile, Patena and Hello Broadway. I think I will add Affirmatif, Theregoesjojo and Stardom Bound.

Update 4653: Paulick Report blogged today's Derby preps from Oaklawn Park: LIVE BLOG: PAULICK OFF TO THE RACES. And now I have to come up with 2 - 3 new horses for my Paulick Derby Index top ten!

Update 4652: Off to the races at Oaklawn Park to watch the Rebel Stakes: Old Fashioned Heads Rebel Cast, Boat and Truck Giveaway Also Scheduled on Saturday.

Update 4651: A pleasant morning's work this morning at Steve's, although the weather remains damp and chilly! I had six sets, five before the break and one after the break. All galloped nicely. We had a few workers this morning and one of my regular mounts was working in the last set (seventh) so I went up to watch him. He worked well. Brad Hennegan was up there filming Larry Jones. There was also a photographer there shooting Larry Jones. Along with Joe Drape's story on Larry yesterday, it seems media is taking a keen interest in Larry. Not sure if that is because he is quitting, or he has two of the current leading candidates for the Derby!

Update 4650: There are four Derby preps this afternoon and an Oaks with a potential Derby contender (Rachel Alexandra).

Here at Oaklawn Park we have The Rebel Stakes, which in recent years has produced Smarty Jones among others (All Eyes on Old Fashioned in Rebel). This year Old Fashioned will put his unbeaten record on the line, but it appears to be a rather weak race so if he wins I am not sure what it will proove unless he does so in emphatic fashion.

In California we have the San Felipe (Pioneerof the Nile class of San Felipe field). Pioneerof The Nile will be the prohibitive favorite and will likely win. But what will this proove ? That he is a good horse on synthetics who dodged the dirt when he was campaigned east as a 2yo! If he does not run on the dirt before the Kentucky Derby I think you have to be very be very concerned about whether he has any affinity for the surface.

In Florida we have the Tampa Bay Derby (General Quarters set for Tampa Bay Derby). I am picking Hello Broadway for no other reason than I used to work for Barclay Tagg a few years ago.

The prep with the most real interest appears to be the Louisiana Derby (Live Oak in Louisiana Derby). This race may have four or five decent Derby-type horses and if one pops up and wins convincingly, he could become a major contender. I just don't know which one.

And the best Derby prospect running today could be Rachel Alexandra, running in the Fair Grounds Oaks: Rachel Alexandra headlines Fair Grounds Oaks.

Posted by Alex at 11:34 AM | Comments (90)

Barbaro Updates: 811

Posted March 13, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4649: Joe Drape, who I have had the pleasure of hanging out with over the last couple of days, is here at Oaklawn Park in part to write about Larry Jones' decision to retire. Here is his piece: One Last Derby for Eight Belles's Trainer. It begins:

Larry Jones has a fist of Silent Reflection's mane in one hand and an electric razor in the other, coiffing as fussily as any hairdresser to make the pretty filly even prettier. In moments like these Jones believes he can train horses forever.

Update 4648: Railbird here, with a brief Friday update.

The racing calendar explodes with 16 graded stakes carded this weekend, four of those Kentucky Derby preps, which Superfecta expertly distills in her early weekend preview. Like her, I'm looking for Papa Clem, second to Pioneerof the Nile in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes and shipping west to try dirt for the first time, to run well in the Louisiana Derby.

Possible Kentucky Oaks contenders also prep on Saturday. Rachel Alexandra heads a field of six in the Fair Grounds Oaks, and if she runs well -- and especially if her final time is better than that posted for the Louisiana Derby -- trainer Hal Wiggins allows that the filly could be a late Triple Crown nominee. Her main competition looks like Four Gifts, second in the Silverbulletday after being caught late by an intimidating War Echo.

On the Tampa Bay Derby undercard, seven are entered in the Florida Oaks, which boasts no stand-outs, but does include Royal Ballade, making her first start since finishing a dismal 10th in the Frizette Stakes at Belmont last October. I mention the Elusive Quality filly trained by Tom Albertrani, though, because she's out of the stakes-winning mare Musical Chimes, a half-sister to Music Note, who scored two-thirds of the 2008 filly Triple Crown and finished a game third in the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic to Zenyatta and Cocoa Beach.

Update 4647: An excellent piece regarding our fascination with the horse: Cheltenham Festival: it's all about the horses.

Update 4646: And Kauto Star regained his Cheltenham crown by winning his second Cheltenham Gold Cup, beating Denman by 13 lengths: KAUTO THE GOLD STAR ONCE AGAIN.

Update 4645: No rain this morning at Oaklawn. A nice change from the last couple of days! I had six sets for Steve. Five before the break and one after the break. As I was galloping my first horse Old Fashioned came galloping by with his usual strong gallop. We shall see how he runs tomorrow. I am not convinced he is the horse for the Derby! All my horses went nicely. One rider got dumped right in front of me as I was jogging one of my horses. No harm done, the horse was soon caught.

All together a pretty straightforward morning's work.

Update 4644: A fun afternoon spent at the races at Oaklawn Park yesterday, although it was chilly and the track was a mess. Proud Spell got stuck in the mud and looked a little tired coming home second in her race: Champion Proud Spell Upset in Comeback. Lets hope Larry Jones has better luck at the weekend with his 3yo stars.

Kauto Star, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2007 and has won three King George's at Kempton, will attempt to regain the Gold Cup this afternoon in the most important jump race on the British Calendar. Denman, last year's winner will be one of the challengers, and both are trained by David Nicholls who saddled the first three home last year: NICHOLLS - KAUTO COULD NOT BE BETTER.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 11:38 AM | Comments (45)

Barbaro Updates: 810

Posted March 12, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4643: Off to the races at Oaklawn to watch 3yo champion filly Proud Spell make her 4yo debut!

Update 4642: Wet and cold and miserable. The weather this morning at Oaklawn Park. The track was a mess, and they decided to forgo the break as there really was not much they would be able to do to make it any better. We had six sets, and without the break it was a relatively quick morning's work. All mine galloped nicely. One went to the gate for some schooling. Old Fashioned galloped by me on another set.

Now showered and dried off.

It's day three of Cheltenham, so lots going on over there: DAVE'S DIARY - NOT SO JOLLY ROGER.

Update 4641: I had a wonderful dinner last night with Joe Drape, of the New York Times, who also headed up The Rail project last year. Joe is here for the Rebel Stakes this weekend. And as an added bonus he gets to see Proud Spell run today (Proud Spell itching to come back.)

Here is Steve Haskin's Derby 12 after last week's preps with I Want Revenge on top: Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen.

The vote to open a horse slaughtering facility in Montana is set for today: MT: URGENT - Vote is Thursday, 3/12!!!.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 11:26 AM | Comments (57)

Barbaro Updates: 809

Posted March 11, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4640: Mrs. Jackson just called, and just wanted to make sure we knew. She did realize that we would know of course! He is a slightly lighter bay than his brothers, and the only white marking he has is the mark on his forehead. All healthy and happy.

Update 4639: Wet wet wet. And a little chilly. It was nice to have the good weather while it lasted! On top of that I got a puncture on my left rear tire coming to work. Oh well, Jonas fixed it during breaktime. We had seven sets for Steve. Five before the break and two after the break. All mine galloped nicely despite the grotty conditions. The buzzer went off a couple of times. I saw the outrider chasing one loose horse, and I think the loose horse was winning! Oh well, we all survived. The weather is supposed to be worse tomorrow.

Update 4638: La Ville Rouge delivered a full brother to Barbaro: Tracking Barbaro's Brothers - It's a Boy!

Update 4637: Here is my radio interview from yesterday: Social Causes Through Social Media.

And today is the second day of Cheltenham. Yesterday's feature, the Champion Hurdle, was won by Punjabi: PUNJABI LANDS CHAMPION HURDLE. Today's racing includes The Queen Mother Champion Chase: MAGUIRE SET FOR BIG RUN IN RSA.

Rags to Riches now has her first foal, a Giant's Causeway filly: Champion Rags to Riches' First Foal.

And some photos from Nicanor's second race.

Please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 11:37 AM | Comments (44)

Barbaro Updates: 808

Posted March 10, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4636: An excellent piece from Dr. Hogan on the importance of public perceptions and how they have been mismanaged: Putting the Horse First? - by Dr. Patricia M. Hogan.

A must read with an opportunity to comment!

Update 4635: A pretty straighforward morning's work this morning at Oaklawn Park. I only had five sets, four of which went to the gate for some gate schooling. All went nicely. I think I spotted Old Fashioned back on the track this morning. It was first set, so I could not see too well! Either way, Larry Jones is back. I am guessing he went to Louisiana yesterday to supervise Friesan Fire's fast work.

This week's Paulick Derby Index is out, which includes my picks: PAULICK DERBY INDEX: SWEET REVENGE.

Later this afternoon (6 PM Eastern) I will be guesting on an internet radio show: Diva Marketing Talks About NonProfits and Social Media Marketing With Beth Kantor and Alex Brown.

Update 4634: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update.

I would encourage you to look at our Hymn to Einstein from yesterday;
his victory was by far my racing highlight of the year so far. Gio
Ponti and Ventura battling it out for the Kilroe Mile was quite exciting
as well - but today, our main focus will be on the 3-year-olds.

Like Dana, I wonder why so many media outlets (and, indeed, her owners)
were so down on Stardom Bound's win in the Santa Anita Oaks. The game
filly had to overcome an extremely wide trip, a slightly peculiar ride
by jockey Mike Smith and not insubstantial knocking around in the
stretch - and yet she still managed to pour it on at the end to win - it
was a stellar effort, in my opinion. If anything, that one race
probably gave her more of a test of character (and strength) than any of
her male counterparts have experienced so far this season - certainly
not a bad thing if a Derby run is being considered. It seems like it's
off the table now, though - she's being pointed to the Ashland next.
Nevertheless, I'm leaving her on my top ten list for the moment -
frankly, her 'barely there' victory impressed me a lot more than
anything Old Fashioned has done so far this season (but more of that
tomorrow).

'Impressive' is also an appropriate word for I Want Revenge; he
certainly proved that his second to Pioneerof the Nile was no fluke as
he demolished the field in the Gotham. While I am no fan of his
trainer, Jeff Mullins (I share neither his taste in milkshakes nor
bling), I Want Revenge marked himself as a legitimate Derby contender.
The producers of 'Jockeys' must have been thrilled - their young star,
Joe Talamo, has a live Derby mount - just as they are likely getting a
second season. I hope they had an HD camera on hand at Aqueduct.

Given those efforts, here's the Superfecta Derby Top Ten for this week:

1) Pioneerof the Nile
2) The Pamplemousse
3) Old Fashioned
4) Friesan Fire
5) I Want Revenge
6) Quality Road
7) Chocolate Candy
8) Stardom Bound
9) Patena
10) Hello Broadway

Check back tomorrow for more on this weekend's full plate of Derby preps
- The Louisiana Derby, the San Felipe, the Rebel and the Tampa Bay Derby
are all almost here.

Update 4633: Steve Haskin assesses I Want Revenge's Gotham win, some Euro contenders and some horses who may be breaking through: Ky. Derby Trail: The Total Package.

Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival begins today, the highlight of which is the Champion Hurdle: ALL SET FOR THE MOMENT OF TRUTH.

Here is a copy of this week's ABR Facebook Group e-mail: 1 million, Nicanor, Hooh Why, Stardom Bound, Old Fashioned, Haynesfield, I Want Revenge, Euclid Stockyards Horse Auction, Beans on Toast, Blue Exit, Sigh You, Military Major, Chicken Jockey, and My Little Bean.

Please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 11:49 AM | Comments (43)

Barbaro Updates: 807

Posted March 9, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4632: Tomorrow at 5 pm I will be participating in : Social Causes Through Social Media.

And it looks like Stardom Bound will be pointed to the Ashland Stakes rather than take on the boys in the Santa Anita Derby: Stardom Bound Headed to Ashland Stakes.

Update 4631: Joe Drape, with whom I worked last year on The Rail is now on Twitter, where you can follow his Triple Crown updates (example: Nearing Last Call for Some Derby Horses). And of course I am hoping The Rail will also be back!

Update 4630: Another warm morning this morning at Oaklawn Park. We had seven sets. Five before the break and two after the break. The first set, which goes out at 7 am, is in the dark! No worries. All mine galloped nicely for a very straightforward morning's work. And I did not hear the buzzer go off today, so I guess everyone had a "successful" morning!

Update 4629: We now have our seventh entry for the ABR YouTube contest about Horse Slaughter. And another excellent entry, exploring the horse's place in American history. And very watchable, as are all seven.

Please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 11:40 AM | Comments (33)

Barbaro Updates: 806

Posted March 7, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4628: A gorgeous afternoon at Oaklawn Park. Gorgeous! I went over to watch a race or two, then the stakes race. It turned into about four races. Oaklawn does not seem to be too bothered to stick to post times. No matter on a gorgeous day though! The Azeri, the stake, was won by Acoma, under Julien Leparoux. Not a bad weekend for the jock who just won the Santa Anita Handicap with Einstein! Found on Paulick Report.

Update 4627: Just spoke to Hooh Why's owner. He appreciated the text message I sent him yesterday after her race and called me back. She is gazing out at the San Gabriel mountain's from her stall at Santa Anita. She looks great after her strong effort against Stardom Bound. One thing about Hooh Why, she tries!

Update 4626: Old Fashioned worked as scheduled this morning, 5/8ths, after the break here at Oaklawn Park. His time was impressive, getting the distance in 59 seconds, galloping out in one minute and twelve. This is a pretty hard race track, and I think a Derby favorite should be able to work in that kind of time. He covers a lot of ground for sure. However, I remain unimpressed with the way he goes. Two other horsemen were with me when we watched him in the final eighth of the work. They concurred. And I could only observe the final eighth as I was aboard another horse about to start his gallop. I am assuming reports of the work will be positive, based on the time alone!

Overall I had five to ride this morning. Four before the break and the one I took after the break. All mine went nicely, but there was chaos on the track before the break. A loose horse from a pony galloped around the track twice the wrong way before he was caught. Another rider got hurt coming off his horse. Perhaps the lack of sleep (one less hour) contributed to the chaos. We had one rider missing, not sure if that can solely be blamed on a one hour time change though!

Update 4625: Einstein took the Santa Anita Handicap yesterday becoming the biggest win for trainer Helen Pitts, who was also the trainer of Curlin before he was turned over to Steve Asmussen: Big 'Cap Win a No-Brainer for Einstein.

And Paulick Report captured all the racing action: LIVE BLOG: FROM GOTHAM TO THE BIG 'CAP.

Update 4624: Wow. Some great horse racing today. Stardom Bound won her Oaks, but was "claws and daggers" to do so. And the culprit ? Hooh Why, the filly I galloped at Woodbine. Hooh Why ran yet another terrific race in defeat and was beaten two head bobs at the wire. All that being said, I think Stardom Bound will exit my top ten Derby list. Apparently it's not good for horses to me on my list at this point!

I spoke to Brendan, Eddie Kenneally's assistant, after their Custom for Carlos beat Nicanor. We joked a little about it, but one thing is for sure, they really like their horse. No shame to finish a close second to him. And Nicanor was many lengths in front of the third horse. I also spoke to Peter Brette. Very happy. Nicanor came out of the race well, scoped clean and so forth. He is hoping Nicanor learns to relax a little more early, but clearly thinks he will enjoy two turn races. And it does look that way. I also spoke briefly to Mrs. Jackson, who was similarly pleased with today's race. All very good!

Update 4623: Nicanor's second start this afternoon was very impressive. Obviously much more so than his first start. Nicanor, broke sharply and soon took the lead from the nine hole. He kept the lead until turning for home when he was headed by the short-priced favorite. Rather than fold, Nicanor ran on gamely and was closing in on the winner at the wire. Very impressive second start. Nicanor's second race on YouTube

After the Gotham I am throwing Haynesfield out of my top ten Derby list.

Update 4622: Quick updates for this afternoon's racing action. Colonel John is scratched from the Santa Anita Handicap: Colonel John Scratched From Big 'Cap.

Edgar Prado has taken off his mounts at Santa Anita. And Hooh Why, a filly I galloped up at Woodbine and a filly who nearly beat Patena in her last start at Woodbine, is taking on Stardom Bound this afternoon in the Oaks!

Update 4621: And this morning at Woodbine, a photo essay. (Still looks a little chilly to me!)

Update 4620: Lovely weather at Oaklawn Park this morning. We had seven sets at Steve's, five before the break and two after the break. I took three to the gate for a little schooling. All schooled well. All galloped well although my last one was a little tricky to get started! Old Fashioned's routine changed this morning. He did not come on the track first set after the break as he has the last couple of days. He may have been training the second set after the break but I was too preoccupied with my own horse to really see if it was him!

This afternoon will likely bring about some changes to my top ten Derby list. Haynesfield will have to win the Gotham to maintain his listing. Of course I will be rooting for him as he is one of Steve's. And Stardom Bound will need to be impressive winning the Oaks at Santa Anita to entertain ideas of moving up to the Derby trail. I think though that that is quite likely.

Two others on my current list, Old Fashioned (who I plan to drop next week anyway) and Rachel Alexandra, are scheduled to work here tomorrow at Oaklawn Park ahead of their respective engagements next weekend.

And the show Jockeys continues to entertain on a Friday evening. I am now wondering if Chantal Sutherland will be back at Woodbine ? And the show has been picked up for another series, taping begins today at Santa Anita!

Update 4619: Some interesting racing action today in New York (Gotham) and California (Big Cap Day) reviewed yesterday by Railbird. We also have Nicanor running in the eighth race at Gulfstream Park.

Good news here at Oaklawn Park, despite the poor economy, attendance and handle are up, so purses are now up slightly: Oaklawn Park increases purses.

Posted by Alex at 11:34 AM | Comments (117)

Barbaro Updates: 805

Posted March 6, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4618: Railbird here, with your weekly update.

Rich Eng writes that Magna filing for bankruptcy on Thursday distracts from Big Cap day, but I find it hard to believe that racing fans will be thinking much of the company's finances come Saturday. As dramatic as Magna's slide into insolvency, and despite the unsettling questions about what the future holds for Santa Anita and other MEC racetracks, Big Cap day offers what it does every year -- a deep card and full fields, like that of the Santa Anita Handicap, which drew 14, not including Tiago, reported to be off his feed. Einstein is the highweight, carrying 121 pounds, and Travers winner Colonel John is the 9-2 morning line favorite, a price that says a lot about the expected starters, 10 of which have won graded stakes. In any other year, you might expect a horse like Cowboy Cal to be favored, but the Strub Stakes and San Pasqual winner is second at 5-1. I think we can assume that's because 'Cal is hardly a flashy runner -- he took the Strub by 3/4 lengths, the San Pasqual by a nose, and in both, he looked like he was working hard to earn those margins. Court Vision, third over the turf at Gulfstream to Kip Deville and Just as Well in the Turf Handicap last month and making his first start since winning his maiden over a synthetic surface, strikes me as a maturing horse who may be overlooked in this spot. Regular rider Ramon Dominguez leaves Derby hope Haynesfield behind at Aqueduct to ride 'Vision.

The story in the Kilroe Mile is Ventura taking on males, but this another field overflowing with interesting starters such as Gio Ponti, Mast Track, and Artiste Royale. Ventura breaks from the rail and is granted no concession to her sex, being assigned the second-highest weight among the 12 entered. But jockey Garrett Gomez is confident about the 5-year-old mare's chances: "I have no worries," said Gomez. "She's really gotten stronger and more athletic, and she's got a great turn of foot" (Blood-Horse).

Earlier in the day, Stardom Bound faces nine -- only two of those even graded stakes-placed -- in the Santa Anita Oaks. A win, which would be her fifth straight G1 score, could send the filly to the Santa Anita Derby, where she would likely meet top-ranked Derby prospects Pioneerof the Nile and The Pamplemousse.

As mentioned above, Dominguez is riding in California this weekend, so Haynesfield has a new jockey in C.C. Lopez for the Gotham Stakes. Haynesfield has been beating up on local competition, easily taking the Whirlaway and the Count Fleet; on Saturday, he'll line up against I want Revenge, shipping in from SoCal to try dirt for the first time, and Imperial Council, a Gulfstream allowance winner trained by Shug McGaughey looking to step up in class. Masala, second to Take the Points at Gulfstream in January, and Mr. Fantasy -- the fastest horse in the Gotham, writes Steve Haskin -- are attempting the same. The E Dubai colt has a bit more to prove in his first start not against fellow NY-breds, but there's no denying Mr. Fantasy has earned some buzz with his speed and garish winning margins.

Coming up next week: Attention turns to the Fair Grounds, where the Louisiana Derby will feature trainer Larry Jones' other Derby prospect, Friesan Fire, and a short field of four or five is shaping up to challenge Rachel Alexandra in the Fair Grounds Oaks.

Update 4617: Six sets this morning for Steve at Oaklawn Park. Four galloped two miles, so a little tiring too. One was a little "reluctant" to get going. Once he did get going, he galloped fine. During the break I met Robert Yates, who wrote the article Saving horses a passion for Brown. Robert said there might be a follow up story. That would be very cool!

I had the set off the first set after the break. I took the opportunity to go up to the track and watch Old Fashioned gallop again. Again he was very unimpressive in his gallop. We shall see I guess!

Update 4616: Bloodhorse's That Handicapping Show looks at The Gotham (Derby Prep) and the Santa Anita Handicap (for older horses in a wide open division at this stage): THS: Gotham and Santa Anita Handicap

Please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 11:37 AM | Comments (54)

Barbaro Updates: 804

Posted March 5, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4615: 75 degrees. A beautiful afternoon, and I went over to Oaklawn Park to watch a couple of races. We had a second while I was there. But it was just a lovely afternoon to chill out at the races!

Update 4614: An easy morning this morning at Oaklawn Park with only five sets. And we were finished by the break time. All mine galloped nicely, although my first one was a little fractious before he got into his gallop. Then he galloped great.

After the break I went up to the track to watch a few horses gallop. Always fun to watch others doing the work! Old Fashioned was out there galloping for Larry Jones. I was not impressed. I am going to take him off my PDI top ten list for the Derby next week.

Update 4613: I saw Brad Hennegan (The First Saturday in May) a few times over the Southwest Weekend here at Oaklawn Park. And it looks like he will be returning for the Rebel Stakes next weekend as the Hennegan's film for a documentary about trainer Larry Jones: Filmmakers focus on Larry Jones.

Steve Haskin's top 12 for the Derby: Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen - 03/04.

Please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 11:36 AM | Comments (42)

Barbaro Updates: 803

Posted March 4, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4612: Nicanor is entered for Saturday at Gulfstream, 7/8ths on the dirt.

Update 4611: Still a little chilly hear at Oaklawn Park, but it is apparently now supposed to warm back up over the next few days! We had six sets, so a pretty straightforward morning. And all mine went nicely for the most part. One got a little "fractious" coming on to the track, but settled down once we got going forward. At one stage I was jogging back with someone I knew vaguely who had disappeared for a couple of weeks. It turns out she went to Iceland on vacation. Very cool, but it had to be cold! Anyway, all in all a pleasant morning's work for sure.

Update 4610: Urban Sea, winner of the 1993 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I), and the dam of multiple Group 1 winner Galileo, died of foaling complications and is survived by her foal: Arc Winning-filly Urban Sea Dies.

Last night the discussion board received it's1 millionth post!

Here is the first: Welcome to Tim Woolley Racing August 8, 2006, 7:07 PM

Here is the 1 millionth: Carpool/Hotel Sharing-Statue Unveiling March 3, 2009, 9:20 PM.

Please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 11:34 AM | Comments (53)

Barbaro Updates: 802

Posted March 3, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4609: Nicanor completed his third half mile work since his first start, this morning: Faster Four for Nicanor.

Update 4608: I am now participating in Paulick Report's Paulick Derby Index (PDI), so I will be updating a Derby top ten list each week: PAULICK DERBY INDEX: FROM WORST TO...FOURTH.

And we now have our sixth entry for the ABR YouTube Contest. Please watch, forward and consider creating your own entry. Still many weeks left to participate!

Update 4607: Another chilly morning this morning at Oaklawn Park. But it is certainly not as cold as Fair Hill or Woodbine for sure! We had seven sets, five before the break and two after the break. Three of mine went to the gate for a little schooling. They each schooled nicely. My first set after the break I jogged back with Old Fashioned. I think. I chatted away with his rider. He is scheduled to run in the Rebel Stakes here in about 10 or 11 days. He looks happy! All in all a decent morning's work.

Update 4606: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update:

Jimmy Jerkins may have forgotten to nominate Quality Road to the Triple Crown, but the horse gave him a little reminder in his Fountain of Youth victory. However, without taking anything away from Quality Road, I'm not as convinced as I might be about what this race really means; Theregoesjojo's second-place finish was a reverse of the January allowance race in which he beat Quality Road, and many of the other horses in the race looked like sprinters who ran out of gas (even though it was a one-turn mile).

I was a bit disappointed by both Beethoven and Capt. Candyman Can's performances, but I'm not giving up entirely on them; I'm not sure I'd say the same for Taqarub or Break Water Edison at this point, although any horse can have an off day (consider Afleet Alex's Rebel debacle when he had a lung infection). Further tests will be done on Break Water Edison to see if there's a hard-to-find injury, while it seems Notonthesamepage will stick to mile races (once they get his bleeding problem under control).

Injury knocked Midshipman off the Derby trail over the weekend; while he may be back later in the year, it seems the only Unbridled's Song offspring left in the game at this point will be Old Fashioned. Or Silver City. Or Affirmatif. Or Dunkirk. Or...well, you get the idea.

Of course, there are some grey horses not sired by Unbridled's Song in the mix, strange as that may seem - and my favorite of them all is The Pamplemousse. While Val makes the very valid point that his easy victory in the Sham is no more than we should have expected (and I completely agree with that), I think the fact that he delivered on that in great style (and with consummate ease) says a lot. Add in some great human interest ingredients (Alex Solis, who has won essentially everything except the Derby, riding a horse his twenty-something son partially owns, an eccentric trainer who should probably lay off the sauce, and, frankly, one gorgeous horse) and you have a potent mix - I look forward to further video updates on Mary Forney's blog.

Granted, I still have the 'he's only run on synthetics' concern I had for Colonel John last year - but so far, I have a good feeling about this. The fact that the Breeders' Cup will be back at The Pamplemousse's home track of Santa Anita also means that he should be a serious threat come the fall if he stays healthy. In the meantime, I do hope he faces off against the other non-Unbridled's Song grey I have an eye on - Stardom Bound - in the Santa Anita Derby.

Given the above, here are my votes for this week's Paulick Derby Index:

1) Pioneerof the Nile
2) The Pamplemousse
3) Old Fashioned
4) Friesan Fire
5) Stardom Bound
6) Chocolate candy
7) Patena
8) Quality Road
9) Hello Broadway
10) Capt. Candyman Can

Finally, a return to all things Santa Anita: next weekend is the Big Cap - check back later in the week for details on Einstein, Tiago, Colonel John, Champs Elysees, Zambezi Sun and more...

Update 4605: We now have our fifth entry in the ABR YouTube Horse Slaughter Contest. Please review, comment and forward to friends. All PG 13 and very good.

Here is the fourteenth e-mail sent out to the ABR Facebook Group: Magic Flute, Manila, Paulick Derby Index, Unbridled's Song, Churchill Downs, Nursemare Foals, Barbaro Memorial, YouTube.

Please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 11:43 AM | Comments (35)

Barbaro Updates: 801

Posted March 2, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 4604: Manila, elected to the Hall of Fame in 2008 and 1986 Champion Turf Horse, died of an aortic rupture in Turkey where he has been since 1996: Hall of Famer Manila Dead.

Here is the finish of Manila's Breeders' Cup Turf win.

Update 4603: Steve Haskin looks at last weekend's Derby preps and assesses the value of upcoming prep races: Ky. Derby Trail: Road to the Roses.

Update 4602: Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) has adopted a no slaughter policy for its racehorses among other safety and welfare policies: CDI Implements Safety/Welfare Policies.

The current list is now: Arlington Park**, Beulah Park, Calder**, Churchill Downs**, Fair Grounds**, Fairmount Park, Golden Gate Fields*, Gulfstream Park*, Hoosier Park, Laurel Park*, Lone Star Park*, Mountaineer Park, Penn National, Philadelphia Park, Pimlico*, Remington Park*, Santa Anita*, Suffolk Downs, and Thistledowns*. Tracks with a * are owned by Magna Entertainment and Magna has a universal policy for all its racetracks. Tracks with a ** are owned by Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) and CDI has a universal policy for all its racetracks.

Update 4601: The track at Oaklawn Park did not open until 8:30 AM this morning, so a bit of hanging around early this morning. When the track did open it was not long before the buzzer went off and there was a rider off. The ambulance appeared on the track. Not sure what happened. Things did settle down. I had seven sets, and all mine went nicely for a straightforward, if a little delayed, morning's work!

Update 4600: The unveiling of Barbaro's statue will be held on Sunday April 26 at Churchill Downs, before live racing that day. The meet will have opened the day before. Many FOBs are planning to attend and additional events are being planned: Barbaro Memorial.

Please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 11:35 AM | Comments (47)