Barbaro Updates: 909

Posted July 31, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5394: Rachel Alexandra won the Haskell today in a romp. After a decent early pace she started to edge clear around the turn. She then just drew away with ease and authority. She had already proven, in the Kentucky Oaks, that an off track would not be a problem for her. But today's performance was exhilerating to watch. She is for sure the best 3yo in the country at this point of the season. We now need to see how she performs against older horses, but I suspect she will have an engagement in the Travers Stakes first if she comes out of the race well.

The Breeders' Stakes here at Woodbine was won by Perfect Shower, who had recently won his maiden at a claiming price of $25,000. Nice win for trainer Roger Attfield and jockey Jono Jones.

Update 5393: From NYRA:

MINE THAT BIRD TO ARRIVE AT SARATOGA MONDAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird is scheduled to arrive at Saratoga Race Course late Monday morning to begin preparations for the Grade 1, $1 million Shadwell Travers on Saturday, August 29.

The 3-year-old Birdstone gelding ran third by 1-3/4 lengths as the second betting choice in yesterday's Grade 2, $750,000 West Virginia Derby contested over 1-1/8 miles at Mountaineer Racetrack.

"We're really excited about coming to Saratoga," said Chip Woolley, trainer of Mine That Bird. "We think the 1-1/4 mile distance of the Travers will suit him much more [than the West Virginia Derby distance], and he should also get a much better set-up with a larger field likely."

Owned by Dr. Leonard Bloch and Mark Allen, Mine That Bird pulled off a 50-1 shocker in the Kentucky Derby followed by a narrow second place finish in the Preakness to Rachel Alexandra and a third place finish in the Belmont Stakes.

Update 5392: Seven horses galloped this morning for Steve at Woodbine. And a bit of a muggy morning too. All mine galloped nicely. The barn was a little "tired" this morning after having six runners yesterday afternoon. But overall we ran well, so that helped! The track was closed for a little while right after the break this morning. I think one of the trainers came off his own horse and hurt his ankle. Hopefully not too much damage.

Fun racing this afternoon, so I will be returning, and tweeting.

Update 5391: Media reports from the big 3yo races yesterday:

ASMUSSEN NABS WEST VIRGINIA DERBY, JIM DANDY
Soul Warrior Splits 'Em in WV Derby Upset
Kensei Much the Best in Jim Dandy
Soul Warrior delivers West Virginia Derby stunner
Kensei continues ascent with Jim Dandy victory

And today we have Rachel Alexandra in the Haskell, Well Armed in the San Diego Handicap and the final leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, the Breeders' Stakes: MATCH UPS.

Update 5390: What a day at the races. Bummer that Mine That Bird did not win, but my pain was eased with Soul Warrior's win in the West Virginia Derby. I watched the race with Danny Williams, Jimmy McAleney's agent. Jimmy finished fourth on Awesome Rhythm. We also won the Jim Dandy with Kensei, so a great day for us for the big 3yo races. We also had a great day at Woodbine with a couple of wins, Dragooner and Femine Flair. Mommie Whiz ran a terrific third, beaten a length, in the stake. It was also nice to see Jimmy Simms win, although we no longer train him I am glad for the horse. Jimmy is cool! Great day all around for us!

Update 5389: Cool video of Rachel Alexandra paddock schooling at Monmouth. Scott Blasi is leading her around. Dominic Terry (exercise rider) has the saddle (and shades): Rachel Alexandra Schools in the Monmouth Park Paddock.

Update 5388: A gorgeous morning at Woodbine this morning. We had six sets. All mine galloped nicely for a straightforward morning's work. We have six runners here this afternoon, so we will be busy later. Lets hope for a little luck.

And in addition to the West Virginia Derby, the other major 3yo race today is the Jim Dandy at Saratoga: Charitable Man leads field in Jim Dandy.

Update 5387: The top three year olds return to the races this weekend. And it all starts with Mine That Bird in the West Virginia Derby this afternoon: West Virginia Derby Sets Up as 'Riders' Race'. Post time is 5:43 pm eastern, and the race will be on TVG and Fox Sports Net: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by KBC HORSE SUPPLIES.

Update 5386: Predicting the winners of the West Virginia Derby and the Haskell, add your thoughts: Haskell, WV Derby Predictions.

Update 5385: Just spoke to Peter Brette to confirm he will be our radio guest next week: Alex Brown Racing on the radio!

Update 5384: Eight galloped this morning for Steve at Woodbine. My first set my horse was being a little "awkward" and managed to bash me in the head during the gallop. A little nosebleed to start the day. But only superficial. For the second set a horse fell over right in front of me. It spooked my horse a little, and me. The horse then got up and both horse and rider appeared to be fine. And why did the horse fall over ? Because one of his front bandages had come loose and I am guessing he tripped up! I guess they do not use safety pins as well as the velcro on the bandage to make sure it is secure. Other than that the morning was relatively uneventful!

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Al Duffy, agent for Matt Moore. Al Duffy is agent for jockey Matt Moore and one of the more senior people here on the backside at Woodbine. I have gotten to know Al a little as he also took my computer class here at Woodbine, to help find his way around the internet a little. The trick will be whether he ever sees this picture!

And here is an update on Barbaro's family: Checking In: The Family is Doing Well.

Update 5383: This weekend we can look forward to some great racing action, including three key prep races for the Travers Stakes, the West Virginia Derby (Mine That Bird), The Haskell (Rachel Alexandra) and the Jim Dandy at Saratoga. We also have the return to the races of Well Armed at Del Mar, who won the Dubai World Cup: Well Armed Faces Eight in San Diego 'Cap.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 9:52 AM | Comments (150)

Barbaro Updates: 908

Posted July 30, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5382: Blue Horse Charities, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fasig-Tipton, is awarding $218,685 to 52 non-profit Thoroughbred adoption and retraining centers this year: F-T's Blue Horse Charities Awards $218,685, excerpt:

Said Liz Harris, the executive director of TCA: "For this year's round of grants, the top five most productive Thoroughbred retraining and adoption centers were New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program, MidAtlantic Horse Rescue, South Jersey Thoroughbred Rescue, and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, which together placed 317 of the 717 tattooed ex-racehorses funded."

Update 5381: Rachel Alexandra is the 4-5 morning line favorite for the Haskell, which is to be run at Monmouth Park on August 2: 'Rachel' Heads Field of Seven in Haskell.

Update 5380: Eight horses galloped for Steve this morning at Woodbine. And each galloped nicely. Three also went to the gate for a little schooling, and stood quietly. A very straightforward morning's work.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Matt Moore, jockey. Matt Moore is a jockey at Woodbine, and riding his first full year after losing his apprenticeship last year. That is probably the toughest transition a jockey has to make, from apprentice to journeyman jockey. Matt rides for a few clients including Sandy McPherson and Bob Tiller. His best day for the meet this year so far was when he rode a double for Sandy McPherson!

Caroline Duquet, new jockey. Caroline Duquet began her career as a jockey here at Woodbine last week with her first ride. As a new rider she will ride her first five races without a stick. Caroline has her second mount on Friday. She works horses in the mornings and works with Emma Wilson's agent Mike Luider.

Update 5379: A nice start at Saratoga for my boss with an impressive win in the Schuylerville: Hot Dixie Chick Romps in Schuylerville.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 9:52 AM

Barbaro Updates: 907

Posted July 29, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5378: Off to the races at Woodbine!

Update 5377: There are now more than 1800 members of our ABR Facebook Group. Thanks for supporting!

Update 5376: Saratoga preview on Paulick Report: SARATOGA, AS GOOD AS LOVE.

Update 5375: Here is today's 30 minute radio show: Alex Brown Racing on the radio! Our guest was to be Chantal Sutherland. Unfortunately technical issues prevented Chantal's participation. That gave me more time to ramble a little (about Paragallo, auction rescues, Lights on Broadway, Frazee's Folly, the upcoming Haskell and West Virginia Derby, Saratoga, and more ...) and Lynn from LOPE also called in. If Lynn had not called in I would have run out of things to say!

Update 5374: Eight sets today for Steve at Woodbine. And it started off muggy and then it turned wet! All mine galloped nicely and I am now drying out. Now to prepare for today's radio show!

Update 5373: Today is opening day for the Saratoga meet.

I will be hosting the ABR radio show on blogtalkradio at 11:30 AM today. Our guest will be Chantal Sutherland: Alex Brown Racing on the radio!

And here is my weekly contribution to Eclipse Magazine (UK): Alex Brown 28 July 2009.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 9:51 AM | Comments (38)

Barbaro Updates: 906

Posted July 24, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5372: Rachel Alexandra will not run in this year's Breeders' Cup, but the plan is for her to compete next year: Jackson Adamant: No Breeders' Cup for Rachel.

Update 5371: ABR Facebook Group weekly e-mail: Tweet this: OLEX, Radio, Michael Blowen, Chantal Sutherland, Del Mar, Mi Rey, Rafael Bejarano, Bayland, Salty, Tony Goswell, Mine That Bird, Lights on Broadway, Rene Douglas, Ramon Dominguez, Caroline Duquet, Ernie Paragallo, Georgian Bay, Rahy's Attorney, Rachel Alexandra, and Mine That Bird.

Update 5370: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update.

It's opening week at Saratoga and things get going with some celerity - the 2-year-olds step out in the Sanford on Thursday, and this Saturday the featured race is the Jim Dandy. But much of the focus at Saratoga so far this week has been on the workouts - Rachel Alexandra turned in her final work for the Haskell yesterday on Saratoga's Oklahoma training track. By all accounts, she loves Saratoga - so here's hoping for a win on Sunday in Jersey and a return to New York for the Travers.

Of course, she will have some competition in the Haskell - while Summer Bird may have the credential of a Triple Crown win, the shorter distance and the speed-favoring track at Monmouth Park will not do him any favors. The truth is we really don't know how talented he is yet - is he a one-hit wonder like so many recent Belmont winners, or is he the real deal, like his sire, Birdstone? Apparently there was plenty of interest in purchasing Summer Bird before his Belmont victory - even IEAH wanted a piece of the action before they got busier with their lawsuits.

There had been talk of Quality Road heading to the Haskell, but he is now aiming for the Amsterdam at Saratoga instead as his Travers prep. Perhaps the horse with the best chance of eyeballing Rachel Alexandra in the Haskell is Munnings - he's got the speed, but the distance is a real question for him. Atomic Rain and Papa Clem both need to earn their way back to the top tier of their division - but on paper, neither one has the class to beat the filly.

We'll have more on the Haskell later in the week, but let's not forget the other 'big' horse running at the weekend (even if, in fact, he's quite wee) - Mine That Bird will make history regardless of the outcome of his race as he's the first winner of a Triple Crown race to run in West Virginia. It's impossible not to see this as ducking Rachel Alexandra, but his connections had little to gain by taking her on in the Haskell - the track doesn't fit his running style to begin with, so he may as well collect a win (and a big check) somewhere else, with a view toward facing off against bigger fish later in the season.

And let's not overlook the 2-year-olds mentioned above - will Bulls and Bears join Afleet Alex, Affirmed and Secretariat as a Sanford winner? Or perhaps the oddly-named Nacho Friend? We will know later in the week. I highly recommend a perusal of Colin's Ghost today for some perspective on what opening day at Saratoga was like in 1919 - the year a 2-year-old named Man o' War finished second in the Sanford.

Check back later in the week - and I hope to see you at Monmouth Park on Sunday!

Update 5369: More about Rachel Alexandra's preparation for the Haskell: Asmussen Deems Rachel Alexandra ready for Haskell

And another story on Mine That Bird's work yesterday morning in preparation for the West Virginia Derby: Mine That Bird Breezes at Mountaineer

And please keep calling.

Update 5368: From the NYRA Press Office:
RACHEL ALEXANDRA BREEZES ON SARATOGA'S OKLAHOMA TRACK
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Rachel Alexandra put in her final workout Monday morning over the Oklahoma Training Track at Saratoga Race Course in preparation for her next start.

The three-year-old filly, owned by Jess Jackson and Harold McCormick, breezed four furlongs in 49.26 seconds with exercise rider Dominic Terry aboard. Trainer Steve Asmussen said she will remain at his Saratoga barn until Thursday night or Friday morning when she will be shipped to Monmouth Park for a start in Sunday’s Grade 1, $1.25 million Haskell Invitational.

"She seems to be doing extremely well," Asmussen said. "We want everything to go well, and we expect it to [go well]. We have a tall task for her this week. We want to show the respect that we think it deserves. We're excited about the opportunity."

The Haskell will be Rachel Alexandra's second effort against colts. In the Preakness Stakes, she held off Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, becoming the first filly to win the second jewel of the Triple Crown in 85 years. Rachel Alexandra is one of seven expected Haskell starters, with Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird and Woody Stephens winner Munnings among her competition.

"We want her to stay in a nice rhythm," Asmussen said. "We want her on her feet. We want her to be responsive to [Jockey Calvin Borel] and in his hands so he can do what he thinks is appropriate with her come race time."

Update 5367: Rachel Alexandra put in her final work today before the Haskell: Rachel Alexandra, Papa Clem in Haskell Works, and Mine that Bird put in his final work before the West Virginia Derby: Mine That Bird in West Virginia Derby Work

Update 5366: Local news station WFAA in Dallas/Fort Worth produced a story on the rescue of Lights On Broadway: Horse Racing's Dirty Little Secret

Update 5365: Alex just sent out a tweet of where he is staying. It's beautiful there!

Update 5364: Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird had his final breeze Sunday morning in preparation for The Haskell: Summer Bird breezes toward Haskell

And Alex has tweeted that he's vacationing near the beautiful Georgian Bay area of Pointe au Baril, Ontario which is in the area referred to as 30,000 Islands. It must be pretty darn nice because he's going to stay a wee bit longer than he originally planned and will be back sometime tomorrow.

Update 5363: Ramon Dominguez and Gary Contessa took the rider and training titles at Belmont's Spring/Summer meet. Ramon set a modern day record in the process: Contessa, Dominguez Capture Belmont Titles

And please keep calling

Update 5362: Alex has left Woodbine for a short vacation but that is no reason to stop keeping up with Woodbine happenings. Woodbine trainer, Ian Black, had a big win today in the Nijinsky Stakes with his horse Rahy's Attorney: Rahy's Attorney Prevails in Nijinsky Stakes

Update 5361: Off on a one-day vacation. Wendy will be providing updates until I return!

Update 5360: Is the Paragallo abuse continuing ? Official Says Neglect Continues at Farm.

I had eight to gallop at Woodbine this morning. And all galloped nicely. The barn was in good form this morning after our two wins yesterday. Here is Salty this morning after his win. We had a few workers so Luis was at the barn working horses. I went out with the final set of workers, on the pony. All seemed to work nicely.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Patrick Husbands, jockey. Patrick Husbands is currently leading the jockeys standings at Woodbine, and leading quite comfortably. Patrick rode a couple of races for us last year. Patrick's major client is leading trainer Mark Casse. But he also gets choice mounts for other leading trainers including Malcolm Pierce and Bob Tiller. Seems like a good guy too!

Update 5359: Two Grade 1 races were run yesterday. Longshot Global Hunter won the Eddie Read after Thorn Song bolted while on the lead and upsetting the running of the favorite Monterey Jazz: Global Hunter Hits Target in Eventful 'Read. Christophe Clement trained Funny Moon came from last to take the Coaching Club of America Oaks at Belmont Park: Funny Moon Picks 'em All Up in Coaching Club.

At Woodbine Tasty Temptation won the Wonder Where, the final leg of the Canadian Triple Tiara: Tasty Temptation Savors Wonder Where Win.

And in the UK, Sir Michael Stoute trained the first three home in the King George Stakes: Stoute Makes History with King George Sweep.

Update 5358: Phew! We were two for two at Woodbine today! And Salty Langfuhn won.

Update 5357: Off to the races at Woodbine. We have a couple of runners so hoping for a little luck.

Update 5356: A very light morning's work this morning at Woodbine. I only had four to gallop, and they all galloped before the break. And galloped nicely. A little humid this morning, we are expecting heavy showers this afternoon I think during the races.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Jimmy McAleney, jockey. Jimmy McAleney is one of the leading jockeys here at Woodbine. And last year he led the jockeys race right up until the final couple of weeks. Jimmy also rode many of our winners here last year. A cool guy, he and Danny Williams (his agent) are a great team. And they ride many of Terry Jordan's winners, while also riding for many of the other top trainers here. Jimmy is scheduled to ride in the West Virginia Derby against Mine That Bird!

Update 5355: The Grade 1 Eddie Read is the feature race of the day today, at Del Mar: Dollase duo leads Eddie Read field. This race will be televised on ESPN 2 at 8 pm Eastern.

A neat piece on some of the racing media who are tweeting: A Special Tweet For Racing Fans. This includes Randy Moss who has all the latest develops for the Eddie Read.

Update 5354: Congratulations to Ramon Dominguez, his first summer of riding at Belmont Park!

From NYRA:

DOMINGUEZ GETS 93RD BELMONT WINNER TO SET RECORD

ELMONT, N.Y. - Jockey Ramon Dominguez set a modern-day record for victories at Belmont Park's spring/summer meet when he guided Michael Dubb and Robert Joscelyn's I’ve Got Speed ($7.70) to win the fifth race Friday, notching his 93rd winner for the meet.

Hall of Famer Angel Cordero, Jr., held the mark for most victories since records were first kept, bringing home 92 winners during the 1982 Belmont Park spring/summer meet. Fellow Hall of Famers Jose Santos and Mike Smith each had 86 winners for the 1986 and 1991 spring/summer meets, respectively.

"It's very, very exciting," said Dominguez. "It didn't even cross my mind coming into the meet, and it's just a reflection of the type of opportunities that have been given to me. This is just a result of that support."

Dominguez had moved into a tie with Cordero on Thursday by winning the first race aboard Saul J. Kupferberg's Inter Galactic ($4.50) and then taking the fourth race with Zayat Stables' Mine Or Who's ($7), his 92nd winner.

Dominguez, who moved his tack to New York from the Mid-Atlantic circuit earlier this year, had 21 winners through the first 19 days of racing beginning April 29, then moved into the lead for good on May 25, when he had two winners to break out of a deadlock with Rajiv Maragh. For 32 of the next 33 days, he rode at least one winner, including four winners on July 11.

Included among his victories were the Grade 2 Shuvee Handicap and the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps aboard Seattle Smooth, the Grade 2 True North Handicap with Fabulous Strike, the Cupecoy's Joy division of the New York Stallion Series on Mother Russia, the Mike Lee with Legal Consent, the Grade 2 First Flight Handicap with Porte Bonheur, the Grade 1 Prioress with Cat Moves, and the Grade 1 Man o' War aboard Gio Ponti.

Dominguez, 32, is currently The New York Racing Association, Inc.'s leading rider, having won the inner track meet and the spring meet at Aqueduct Racetrack earlier this year as well. Dominguez has 233 winners from 848 mounts in New York, with more than $8 million in purses and a win percentage of 27.7%. Nationally, he ranks second in wins, behind Russell Baze.

A native of Venezuela, Dominguez came to the United States in 1995 and rode his first winner in March of 1996. Beginning in 2007, he divided his time between New York and Delaware Park, where he won five riding titles in 11 years, before moving to New York for good this spring with his wife, Sharon, and two children, Alexander and Matthew.

Update 5353: An outstanding piece on injured jockey Rene Douglas: Rene Douglas: Two months later.

Now off to the races at Woodbine.

Update 5352: Seven horses galloped this morning for Steve. Two of these also went to the gate for a little schooling. All galloped and schooled nicely. During the break time I went over to the track kitchen and ran into Tony Goswell. Tony is someone I have known for many years at Fair Hill. He also works for big Canadian owners and is here for a couple of days checking things out. After I was finished I ran into Chantal Sutherland, who had a couple of nice winners here yesterday. We talked about her upcoming appearance on our radio show for next week.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Gary Kemplen, agent for Patrick Husbands. Gary Kemplen is agent for the leading Woodbine jockey Patrick Husbands. Gary is busy during the mornings, much like the other agents, going from barn to barn talking with trainers and going to the track to watch horses work. And like most people here, Gary seems a very cool guy.

Update 5351: From John Asher at Churchill Downs:

MINE THAT BIRD LEAVES CHURCHILL DOWNS ON JOURNEY TO MOUNTAINEER, WEST VIRGINIA DERBY

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 24, 2009) - A trailer carrying Double Eagle Ranch and Buena Serte Equine's Mine That Bird, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I), has departed Churchill Downs on an approximately seven-hour journey to West Virginia's Mountaineer Racetrack Casino and Resort.

Mine That Bird is scheduled to return to competition for the first time since a third-place finish in the Belmont Stakes (GI), the final jewel of racing's Triple Crown, in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby on Aug. 1. Churchill Downs had been home to Mine That Bird and trainer Chip Woolley since the 3-year-old gelding's arrival a few days before his 50-1 upset in the Kentucky Derby, and Woolley was at the wheel of the pick-up truck that was connected to Mine That Bird's trailer when the team pulled away from Barn 42 just before 7:10 a.m. (EDT) on Friday.

"We're ready to go," said Woolley. "You get to looking forward to going to run again and it gets kind of drab after you've been a while not running. I'm kind of excited about going and being to a new place we haven't been. So I think it'll be a lot of fun. As much as I hate leaving Louisville and Churchill, it's going to be fund to move on down the road."

Mine That Bird had an active morning before he stepped onto Woolley's van. He spent about 20 minutes in a hydrotherapy treatment that has been part of his local routine over the past several weeks, then the Derby winner walked under the shedrow until just before it was time to leave. Several well-wishers dropped by bid farewell to Woolley and Mine That Bird, and a few offered a peppermint as a farewell gift to the Derby winner.

"Even from day one, before we won the Derby, the people here were great," Woolley said. "Everybody here has just treated us so well and made every door open to us. So leaving is kind of a hard thing. You like staying here - I'd like to stay here. But you've got to move to where the races are at. But we've really enjoyed it and it'll be an experience a man will never forget."

The run in the West Virginia Derby is the first step on a summer-fall campaign for Mine That Bird that is also expected to include a bid for the $1 million Shadwell Travers (GI) at Saratoga on Aug. 29 and the ultimate goal of a run in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic (GI) on Nov. 7 over the synthetic Pro-Ride surface at Oak Tree at Santa Anita.

Woolley liked what his saw from Mine That Bird on Friday as the son of Birdstone bucked and played as he walked under the shedrow minutes before his departure.

"He's doing great," Woolley said. "He's really climbing that peak that we're looking for and really doing good. So I'm glad I trained him here and the horse stayed healthy and sound over this racetrack, so we're ready to roll on, I guess."

Mine That Bird is scheduled to work on Monday at Mountaineer, a move that Woolley said would be a "soft half-mile or five-eighths."

The Kentucky Derby winner embarks on the second-half of his 2009 campaign with a record of 5-2-1 in 11 races and earnings of $2,121,581.

Update 5350: Jockey Rafael Bejarano underwent surgery after his terrible spill opening day at Del Mar: BEJARANO HAS SURGERY FOR FACIAL INJURIES.

And from John Asher at Churchill Downs:

KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER MINE THAT BIRD, WOOLLEY SCHEDULED TO DEPART CHURCHILL DOWNS ON FRIDAY

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 23, 2009) - Double Eagle Ranch and Buena Serte Equine's Mine That Bird, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I), is scheduled to leave Churchill Downs this morning, which will very likely mark the end of his time in 2009 at the home of the Kentucky Derby.

Trainer Chip Woolley said Mine That Bird is schedule to leave Churchill Downs on a journey to West Virginia's Mountaineer Racetrack Casino and Resort at approximately 7 a.m. (EDT).

The Kentucky Derby winner is scheduled to leave Churchill Downs in the manner in which he arrived a few days prior to his 50-1 upset victory in the 135th Kentucky Derby. Woolley's truck will pull a trailer that will carry the Derby winner to Mountaineer for the race on Saturday, Aug. 1.

Mine That Bird is scheduled to load onto the van at Barn 42, which has been the 3-year-old gelding's home since his arrival prior to the May 2 Kentucky Derby.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 9:52 AM | Comments (234)

Barbaro Updates: 905

Posted July 23, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5349: A fun afternoon at the races, and we got lucky when Bayland won a nice maiden race. Very cool since his owner, Maggi Moss, was instrumental in the recent retirement of Tour of the Cat!

Update 5348: Off to the races at Woodbine.

Update 5347: A wet morning at Woodbine. And as the morning went on it only got more wet! I had seven to gallop. All galloped nicely. Three of them also went to the gate for some schooling. A few tired people in the barn this morning. We had a runner last night, which makes for a late night for those involved. The morning always begins at the same time regardless of whether you run the night before. Unfortunately our horse did not win, but her groom Katelyn, did win groom of the day which was pretty cool!

Update 5346: It was opening day at Del Mar yesterday, and sadly the day was not without incident as jockey Bejarano is injured and his mount Mi Rey had to be euthanized: Bejarano Suffers Facial Fractures in Bad Fall. Afleet Eagle won the Oceanside, the feature race of the day: Afleet Eagle Breezes to Oceanside Triumph.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 9:45 AM | Comments (52)

Barbaro Updates: 904

Posted July 22, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5345: Thoroughbred Times on Tour of the Cat's retirement: Moss helps retire Tour of the Cat to Old Friends.

Update 5344: An archive of today's ABR Radio Show: Alex Brown Racing on the radio!

Update 5343: Confirmation of Nicanor's current condition: Nicanor Update: Taking it 'Day by Day', excerpt:

"He has some bruised fetlocks -- bone bruising -- and we are taking it day by day," the trainer said Wednesday morning.

Update 5342: A very pleasant and straightforward morning's work. I galloped eight horses. Three of those also did some gate schooling. All galloped nicely and gate schooled nicely. Decent weather too. Now to prepare for our 11:30 am radio show!

Update 5341: The two day Fasig Tipton July Sale showed reasonable numbers, within the context of the economy, and Medaglia d'Oro progeny helped: F-T July Drops, But 'Medaglia' Fillies Shine.

The ABR Radio Show, on blogtalkradio, is at 11:30 am today with guest Michael Blowen of Old Friends: Alex Brown Racing on the radio!

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 9:50 AM | Comments (47)

Barbaro Updates: 903

Posted July 21, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5340: Tomorrow's ABR Radio Show: BlogTalkRadio.

Update 5339: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update.

Perhaps the most interesting result from last weekend's racing is that the Grand Slam of Grass is still a possibility, thanks to Battle of Hasting's win in the Virginia Derby. As mentioned last week, the Grand Slam of Grass seems to be unfamiliar even in the racing world (indeed, it was news to the winning horse's connections prior to the race) - this week, Green but Game examines its previous history. There's little argument that an American 3-year-old is at a huge disadvantage against seasoned European professionals when it comes to the Breeders' Cup Turf, but it's still an interesting race series that could be better promoted.

Unbridled Belle was upset again at the Del Cap, but this time she had no legitimate excuses; she simply couldn't keep pace with Swift Temper and finished third in the race for the second year in a row. The Del Cap wasn't the only local Breeders' Cup Win and You're In race, however - Philadelphia Park also hosted the Greenwood Cup over the weekend. The ungraded 1 1/2 mile race is now a stepping stone to the Breeders' Cup Marathon - Brazilian-bred Alcomo took the race. Whether these geldings (well, OK, second-place finisher Alaazo is intact, as is Nite Light, but you get the general idea) want to run a bit further for the 1 3/4 mile Marathon remains to be seen - but I'm glad this category exists, even if it's a bit of a thin one at the moment.

Of course, most people seem to be skipping ahead to the first weekend in August, when Rachel Alexandra will take on Summer Bird and Munnings in the Haskell (and do check out Monmouth's Ultimate Rachel Alexandra Fan contest) - but let's not forget that the Coaching Club American Oaks is also coming up.

Check back later in the week for more - and if you're so inclined, feel free to drop by my latest creation for a virtual pint.

Update 5338: Off to OLEX.

Update 5337: A perfectly pleasant morning this morning at Woodbine. I only had four to gallop, and each galloped nicely. Luis was in to work a few of our horses, so I went up to the track after the break to watch the workers. They all looked good.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters Series:

Mike Keogh, trainer. Mike Keogh trains horses for Gus Schickedanz. Mike has conditioned many top horses including Wando and Langfuhr. Mike is originally from England and is a West Ham United fan.

Update 5336: Weekly ABR Facebook Group e-mail: Tweet this: OLEX, Rachel Alexandra, Boule d'Or, ABR Radio Show, Steve Asmussen, Tour of the Cat, Nicanor, Afternoon off, Mustang Act, Fatal Bullet, Mad for Plaids, Barbaro Stakes, Tour of the Cat, Rachel Alexandra, Mine That Bird, Woodbine Characters.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 9:50 AM | Comments (57)

Barbaro Updates: 902

Posted July 20, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5335: My weekly contribution to Eclipse Magazine (UK): Alex Brown 21 July 2009.

Update 5334: I was interviewed and quoted for this story: How jockeys get a leg up on victory.

Update 5333: From John Asher at Churchill Downs:

KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER MINE THAT BIRD SHARP IN FINAL WORK AT CHURCHILL DOWNS

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 20, 2009) - Double Eagle Ranch and Buena Serte Equine's Mine That Bird, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I), turned in a sharp four-furlong work on Monday in his final major training move at Churchill Downs prior to his scheduled run in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (GII) on Aug. 1 at Mountaineer.

Jockey Jamie Theriot was in the saddle as the Chip Woolley-trained Birdstone gelding covered the distance over a fast track in :48.20. Churchill Downs clockers caught Mine That Bird in fractional times of :12.20, :24.80 and :36.80 and he galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.20. Mine That Bird's work, which came just after the break for track maintenance, ranked as the fourth-fastest of 31 moves at the distance on the cool and sunny morning under the historic Twin Spires.

"He finished up well and he's going into the race very well," said Theriot. "You can't ask for any better. I told Chip that he's going into the race fantastic."

Woolley said he had originally planned a relatively easy half-mile for Mine That Bird, but decided Sunday night that the Kentucky Derby winner might need something a bit stronger as he approaches his first race since a third-place run behind Summer Bird in the Belmont Stakes (GI) on June 6. Mine That Bird will work one final time prior to the West Virginia Derby next Monday at Mountaineer.

"The horse is going to be eight weeks between races, and I got to studying last night and told Jamie that I wanted him to start galloping out strong from the five-eighths and I want him really working when he hits the half-mile pole," Woolley said. "I told Jamie if we're going to be dead fit, we're going to have to step it out and Jamie said he was just super-strong. So we ended up really getting almost a three-quarter mile work out of him. Now we can go to Mountaineer and no matter what the track's like we can go soft over there. Instead of having to let him work hard over there, we can get real soft one and stretch out over the ground and get a feel for it."

Woolley said shipping to Mountaineer and a different racing surface is a concern, but he's confident that Mine That Bird will be able to handle the challenge.

"That scares you anywhere you go," he said "That track (at Mountaineer) has a tendency to really be loose, but I do feel like if there's a horse in the world that's going to go over there and get over it easy and do it well, it's him. He's so light and gets over the ground so easy, it seems like he takes his racetrack with him anywhere he goes."

The usually low-keyed Woolley admitted to excited about the prospect of seeing Mine That Bird return to competition for the first time since he burst onto the scene with his remarkable Triple Crown run that opened with his 50-1 upset in the "Run for the Roses" and also included a runner-up finish to Kentucky Oaks (GI) winner Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness (GI).

"I'm ready to go back to running," said Woolley. "It was enjoyable to be here the first month after the Belmont to just kind of relax and rest. It had been a pretty long run and with my broken leg it takes twice as much out of you. It gave me a chance to rest my leg and do a little healing, but now though I'm ready. I'm definitely ready to be rolling again and get back to running."

With the final work at Churchill Downs now behind Mine That Bird, Woolley's plans call for Mine That Bird to travel by van to Mountaineer on Friday, July 24. Woolley plans to depart Churchill Downs around 7 a.m. (EDT).

Update 5332: From NYRA:

RACHEL ALEXANDRA 'ON TARGET' FOR HASKELL

Stonestreet Stables' and Harold McCormick's Preakness and multiple Grade 1 stakes winner Rachel Alexandra put in her third workout over the Oklahoma Training Track at Saratoga Race Course Monday morning since winning the Mother Goose more than three weeks ago.

With regular exercise rider Dominic Terry up at 6 a.m., Rachel Alexandra breezed six furlongs in 1:13.88, the best of six workouts at that distance for the morning.

Terry put the three-year-old daughter of Medaglia d'Oro through fractions of :13 1/5 (first eighth of a mile), :25 2/5 (first quarter), :37 2/5 (three furlongs) and :49 3/5 (four furlongs). She then galloped out seven furlongs in 1:27 2/5. The average workout time over the training track this morning was :38 2/5 for three furlongs and :50 for four furlongs.

"She looked like her usual self; she was impressive and got over the ground well," said Scott Blasi, assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen. "We wanted [to give her] a nice, smooth three quarters and a long gallop. Dominic did a great job with her."

Rachel Alexandra is being pointed to the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational for three-year-olds running 1 1/8 miles at Monmouth Park on Aug. 2. She is coming off a record-setting performance in the Grade 1, nine-furlong Mother Goose at Belmont Park on June 27, which she won by 191/4 lengths in a stakes-record time of 1:46 1/5.

"She does things so easily," Blasi added. "She's a special horse and it's obvious when you see her coming down the lane. She has settled in here perfectly. She has put on weight and she is a picture of [good] health. We're right on target for the Haskell."

Update 5331: Old Friends' latest resident is Tour of the Cat: TOUR OF THE CAT!

Update 5330: We suffer bad weather days for days like today. It could not be more pleasant outside, and especially for training racehorses. A little breezy, bright sunshine, low humidity. Gorgeous! I had six to gallop. All galloped nicely. Two also went to the gate for a little gate schooling. They schooled nicely too!

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Corey Fraser, jockey. Corey Fraser is an up and coming young jockey here at Woodbine. He recently won the Prince of Wales Stakes (Fort Erie), the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. That is Corey's biggest win to date. Corey won the last race yesterday on the card at Woodbine, stealing the race on the lead. Corey rides a lot for leading trainers like Mark Casse (second to Patrick Husbands) and Bob Tiller, and certainly his big win at Fort Erie will be good for his business.

Update 5329: The Grade 2, $1million Delaware Handicap, was won in an upset by Swift Temper: Swift Temper shows the way home in Del 'Cap. Found on Paulick Report.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 9:53 AM | Comments (33)

Barbaro Updates: 901

Posted July 17, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5328: A fun afternoon at the races this afternoon, where Fatal Bullet who was last year's Canadian Horse of the Year returned to the races with a victory: Fatal Bullet returns to racing with Bold Venture romp.

At Delaware Park Our Edge won the Barbaro Stakes: Our Edge Rules Over Barbaro Rivals.

Update 5327: I galloped seven this morning for Steve at Woodbine. All galloped nicely in gorgeous training weather. Not July weather!

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Brian Lynch, exercise rider for Brian Lynch. Brian Lynch does gallop for Brian Lynch at Woodbine. And they are two different people from two different parts of the world. Rider Brian is from Ireland, trainer Brian is from Australia. Both great guys, they train horses for Adena Springs and also a few for Juddmonte Farm.

And today is Delaware Park's biggest racing day for the year. This includes the Delaware Handicap (Pletcher eyes fourth Del Cap win) and the Barbaro Stakes (Denver steps up for Barbaro). And there will be many FOBs in attendance!

Update 5326: Battle of Hastings just got up to win the Virginia Derby: Battle of Hastings Double Tough in VA Derby. And Bob Baffert won his fourth Swaps Stakes with a horse he bred: Misremembered Posts Unforgettable Swaps Win.

Update 5325: Congratulations to Robert Landry for guiding Careless Jewel to victory in the Delaware Oaks: Careless Jewel Steals Delaware Oaks at 10-1.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Jennifer Morrison, oddsmaker. Jennifer Morrison is the odds maker at Woodbine. Jennifer also writes some of the Daily Racing Form comments for runners here and manages Jen's Thoroughblog. Jennifer's cool, sometimes we hang out.

Neil Julien, bar manager Champions Bar. Neil Julien runs Champions Bar at Woodbine, making sure his patrons are happy. A good guy, unflappable, Neil always makes sure things are running smoothly.

Update 5324: Nicanor is back at Fair Hill. It appears he has a bone bruise and just needs a little time to recover: NICANOR A SCRATCH.

Update 5323: Some mornings make you realize how lucky you are. I am not sure why, but this morning was one of those mornings, galloping eight horses for Steve. Great horses, great weather and perhaps taking yesterday afternoon off all helps! All mine galloped nicely for an easy going morning. We have three runners this afternoon, so lets hope for a little luck.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Charlie Browne, exercise rider for David Cotey. Charlie Browne, exercise rider for David Cotey, and Charlie galloped Mine That Bird for much of last year up at Woodbine. Charlie is in our barn galloping, so we met as soon as I arrived at Woodbine last year. Like all of David Cotey's team, a good guy.

Mike Luider, agent for Emma-Jayne Wilson. Mike Luider is Emma-Jayne Wilson's agent. A fun guy, I think he likes to play golf. I say that because while I don't play, I seem to over hear his golf conversations. Mike sometimes describes his job as needing to keep Emma busy!

Update 5322: Rachel Alexandra's presence in the Haskell at Monmouth has other horsemen reconsidering their plans for their horses: HORSE RACING COLUMN: Potential foes steering clear of filly. Found on Paulick Report.

Quality Road is on his way back and should be seen at the races early in the Saratoga meet: Quality Road Ready, Munnings to Haskell.

Update 5321: So today I took the afternoon off!

Update 5320: Nicanor is scratched from this weekend's Virginia Derby: Nicanor Out of Virginia Derby Due to Injury.

Update 5319: A busy morning this morning at Woodbine. I had ten to gallop. All galloped nicely. Two of those also did some gate schooling and relaxed nicely in the gate. There was one loose horse who came galloping off the main track and hurdled the rails (plastic) on to the turf course, and then off the turf course on the other side. I think he made it, but his jumping could improve!

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Steve Bahen, jockey. Steve Bahen is a veteran jockey at Woodbine. He rode his first winner here at Woodbine in 1986. Steve has won more than 900 races since that time. Steve is a very popular guy on the backside and a very hard working jockey.

Jocko Lauzon, jocks agent for David Garcia. Jocko Lauzon is a jocks agent at Woodbine, for jockey David Garcia. This is their second year together. Jocko used to be a leading jockey at Woodbine, and he also won the Avelino Gomez Award last year. A cool guy, Jocko works very hard each morning to promote his jockey to trainers on the backside.

Update 5318: A stay has been granted in the Asmussen case: ASMUSSEN SUSPENDED SIX MONTHS; GRANTED STAY.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 9:54 AM | Comments (155)

Barbaro Updates: 900

Posted July 16, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5317: Lone Star stewards suspend, fine Steve Asmussen; appeal filed. Found on Paulick Report.

Update 5316: Nicanor and Lentenor grazing at Fair Hill (video): Exclusive! Video of Nicanor and Lentenor at Fair Hill.

After yesterday's first ABR radio show, I have decided to host four more radio shows, each a half hour, using a similar format with a guest for each show. These shows will occur each Wednesday at 11:30 am. You can then of course listen to the archive of the show if you cannot listen to the show live. Once we have completed those four shows we will then determine the best way to move forward with radio! More details and an archive of yesterday's show.

Update 5315: A warm morning this morning at Woodbine. I had eight sets. All galloped nicely. Two also went to the gate for some schooling, and schooled nicely. As I was coming home on my last set I had a chat with Corey Fraser who had just won the biggest race of his career by winning the Prince of Wales at Fort Erie over the weekend. He was pretty happy about that of course. We chatted away about the prospects of his "business" picking up after such a good win and so forth. Good coversation.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Steve Koch, Vice President of Racing at Woodbine. Steve Koch is Vice President of Thoroughbred Racing here at Woodbine. Basically he's in charge of the thoroughbred racing product, I guess. And if you are going to run racing at any racetrack, there cannot be a better track to do it than at Woodbine I think. We have great purse money, lots of horses on the grounds, and horses wanting to be here. Obviously we benefit from slots, and seem to have a captive market around the Greater Toronto Area, but the facilities here are also world class and it's just a great place for horse racing. Steve Koch also has to endorse my pay cheques before I can cash them, so personally he is very important!

Update 5314: It is Delaware Park's biggest weekend of racing this weekend. The Barbaro Stakes is run on Sunday, as is the Grade 2 Delaware Handicap worth a million dollars: Unbridled Belle vs. Acoma in Del ;Cap.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 9:50 AM | Comments (58)

Barbaro Updates: 899

Posted July 15, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5313: A very cool perspective on how Nicanor is developing: Nicanor giving Barbaro fans a reason to shout.

Update 5312: Today we debuted ABR on Radio. Please listen if you can and provide any feedback.

Update 5311: A very cool story on the retirement of Boule d'Or: Boule d'Or - A New Beginning for an Old Friend.

Update 5310: A busy morning this morning at Woodbine, with nine to gallop. But a very pleasant morning for sure. All mine galloped nicely. Five of them also went to the gate for some gate schooling, and schooled very well. Keith (triple dead heat) was at the track taking some pictures by the starting gate, so hopefully we will get to see a few of those later.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Anthony Stephen, jockey. Anthony Stephen is a journeyman jockey here at Woodbine. Thus far at this meet he has ridden 8 winners from 60 mounts. Not a bad average. Anthony is one of the few jockeys here who does not use an agent. He is a good jockey and he also does well when he takes a trip down to Fort Erie to ride, as do a few other jockeys here that go down to the Fort on dark days at Woodbine.

Update 5309: Today, at noon east coast time, we will be debuting a 15 minute radio show on BlogTalkRadio. This will serve as a trial to see if it makes sense to add radio to our social networking efforts. If you can, tune in and then provide feedback: Alex Brown Racing on the radio!

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 9:49 AM | Comments (40)

Barbaro Updates: 898

Posted July 14, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5308: Rachel Alexandra's next start will be the Haskell at Monmouth on August 2nd, against the boys: RACHEL HEADED TO THE HASKELL.

Update 5307: My weekly contribution to Eclipse Magazine (UK): Alex Brown 14 July 2009.

Update 5306: Superfecta here, back from vacation, with your regular weekly update.

I missed a busy week while vacationing - Presious Passion tanked a course record in the UN, Gio Ponti kept his winning streak going in the Man o' War, Pure Clan looked charming in the Modesty and Rail Trip also broke a record in the Hollywood Gold Cup. Of course, there was less pleasant news as well - Lawyer Ron was euthanized, and Pioneerof the Nile and Monba each retired hurt to the breeding shed. The news about Lawyer Ron was especially sad as I've heard some very encouraging things indeed about his first crop and know of more than one person who had been looking to breed their mares to him based on those foals - hopefully they will do him proud on the track. The injury=retirement trend even extended overseas, to hard-knocking Aussie sprinting champ Takeover Target - he cracked a cannon bone in the July Cup at Newmarket (won by Fleeting Spirit), but word is he is recovering nicely from surgery.

However, it's not all bad news - there's a great weekend on tap. A nice bunch of 3-year-old turf horses (including Nicanor, who worked a bullet at Fair Hill yesterday) will contest the Virginia Derby on Saturday and there's the question of just who will line up for the Del Cap on Sunday. I can't decide whether it's a good omen or a bad sign that Delaware Park's website is up and down on the day they draw entries for the race, but as of yesterday Rachel Alexandra was still a theoretical participant. My gut feeling is that she'll wait for the Haskell, but given that it's much easier for me to get to Delaware Park, I hope she takes that option.

Check back later in the week for further developments (and the odd picture from Kentucky)...

Update 5305: Nicanor makes his stakes debut on Saturday in the Virginia Derby: Nicanor in Tough Saturday; Drew Post Position 4.

Off to OLEX.

Update 5304: A gorgeous morning this morning at Woodbine. I had five to gallop. It was six, but one walked instead. All mine galloped nicely for a nice and straightforward morning's work.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Emma-Jayne Wilson, jockey. Emma-Jayne Wilson is one of the leading jockeys here at Woodbine. Emma and Chantal Sutherland are arguably the top two female jockeys in North America. Emma is also the first female jockey to win the Queen's Plate, on Mike Fox. Emma was the first jockey I met here at Woodbine as she worked our first horse here when I shipped up last year. Emma also has her own web-site: Emma-Jayne Wilson.

Update 5303: This week's ABR Facebook Group e-mail: Tweet this: OLEX, kill buyer buyer behavior, Nicanor, Chantal Sutherland, Catherine O'Brien, Beth Wyard, Bobby Frankel, NY Horsemen, Sam Houston Race Park, Papi Chullo, Takeover Target, Luis's Especial, Lawyer Ron, Gio Ponti, Luis Contreras, RADIO, Gallant, Da' Tara, National Call in Day, Mine That Bird, and Rachel Alexandra.

And please keep calling and support today's Horses on the Hill event.

Posted by Alex at 9:43 AM | Comments (26)

Barbaro Updates: 897

Posted July 13, 2009

Updates are now here.

Update 5302: Teaching Internet for First Time Starters at Woodbine.

Update 5301: Thoroughblog on yesterday's Prince of Wales: BRAVE, excerpt:

It was not a sizzling fast renewal of the PRINCE OF WALES STAKES but it was a very exciting finish as the recent maiden winner GALLANT, at 15 to 1 ding donged to the wire with MILWAUKEE APPEAL, the no-give-up filly, and both held off the slow charging Eye of the Leopard, the Plate winner.

GALLANT won the photo after judges looked at it a while.

To most observers, MILWAUKEE APPEAL looked like the winner on the bob but the photo showed a teeny weeny loss for the CEC Farms filly.

And a photo essay from TripleDeadHeat: Photo Essay: Photo Finish Decides Thrilling Prince of Wales Stakes.

Update 5300: NYRA on Rachel Alexandra's work today:

"RACHEL" TURNS IN BULLET WORK AT SARATOGA RACE COURSE

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Preakness and multiple Grade 1 stakes winner Rachel Alexandra was back on the Oklahoma Training Track at Saratoga Race Course Monday morning for a more serious workout.

Trainer Steve Asmussen and assistant Scott Blasi watched as the three-year-old daughter of Medaglia d'Oro breezed five furlongs in 1:01.38, the fastest work of twelve at the distance. She took the first three fractions in :12 3/5, :25 and :37 1/5 before galloping out six furlongs in 1:14 4/5. This was the first time that Asmussen has been at his Saratoga stable since Rachel Alexandra arrived there on June 28.

"She's tremendous; she's a beautiful animal; she's doing great," Asmussen said. "She was unbelievably light on her feet today and she felt great about doing it. It was about as easy as she could do it. It was exactly what I was hoping to see."

Rachel Alexandra's next start remains a question mark, with several races being considered by her connections. One of those races is the Grade 2, $1 million Delaware Handicap for fillies and mares three-years-old and up going 11/4 miles at Delaware Park this Sunday, July 19.

"I think [a decision] to eliminate the Delaware Handicap will have to be made today or tomorrow from a timing standpoint," Asmussen said. "They are drawing the entries tomorrow [for the race]."

Along with the Delaware Handicap, owners Jess Jackson, principal of Stonestreet Stables, and Harold T. McCormick and trainer Asmussen may also be considering the Grade 1, $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks for three-year-old fillies running 11/4 miles on July 25 at Belmont Park and the Grade 1, $1 million, nine-furlong Haskell Invitational for three-year-olds on Aug. 2 at Monmouth Park.

"It's a timing thing more than anything," Asmussen said. "Her being a three-year-old filly that has success outside of her division just gives [us] that many more options. I think the only thing that we can state is the obvious - that's her and she looks good."

John Asher on Mine That Bird's work today:

KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER MINE THAT BIRD WORKS FIVE FURLONGS IN PREPARATION FOR WEST VIRGINIA DERBY

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 13, 2009) - Kentucky Derby (Grade I) winner Mine That Bird continued his preparation for a return to competition in the Aug. 1 West Virginia Derby (GII) with a strong five-furlong work on Monday at Churchill Downs.

Trainer Chip Woolley looked on from the grandstand as the gelded son of Birdstone finished strong while covering five furlongs over a "fast" track in 1:02. Jockey Jamie Theriot was in the saddle as Mine That Bird galloped out six furlongs in 1:15.

Fractional times for the work were not available, but observers timed Mine That Bird's final eighth of a mile in less than 12 seconds, which pleased Woolley.

"The horse is doing super - he really worked good this morning," Woolley said. "He started off real soft - I imagine that first eighth of a mile must have been in 13-and-change. But he really picked it up down the lane and was really firing off the ground down the lane. He's coming into it real good. We're really kind of excited and ready to pick up and head across there and run."

"He worked fantastic," said Theriot. "He was nice and easy leaving the pole and he wanted me to pick it up in the last eighth of a mile and he came home in 11, so it was exactly what we wanted from him."

Woolley said Mine That Bird would work again next Monday, July 20, at Churchill Downs, which is scheduled to be his final local work before the West Virginia Derby. The race will be his first since he finished third to Summer Bird in the Belmont Stakes (GI) on June 6 at Belmont Park. The schedule now calls for Mine That Bird to ship to Mountaineer Park on Friday, July 24.

"We'll breeze him one soft one over the racetrack over there (at Mountaineer) and run," Woolley said. "After that we'll head straight to Saratoga (for the Grade I Shadwell Travers on Aug. 29)."

The work by Mine That Bird ranked as 12th fastest out of 18 moves at the distance.

Update 5299: Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird both worked this morning. No decision has been announced yet for Rachel Alexandra's next start. Mine That Bird is scheduled to start in the August 1 West Virginia Derby.

There is no change in the ABR Top Five for this week, in alpha order: Einstein, Macho Again, Mine That Bird, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta.

Update 5298: More on yesterday's Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie: Gallant edges Milwaukee Appeal in Prince of Wales Stakes and Gallant grabs 15-1 upset in Prince of Wales.

And please keep calling and consider attending Horses on the Hill on July 14.

Posted by Alex at 11:31 AM | Comments (42)

Barbaro Updates: 896

Posted July 10, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5297: A fun day at the races today. We did not have a winner (we had a second and a third) but it was a gorgeous day. I did watch the Prince of Wales Stakes, from Fort Erie, and in a very tight finish Gallant just beat Milwaukee Appeal, despite being headed at the top of the stretch: Gallant Takes Valiant Step in Prince of Wales.

And I have a day off tomorrow!

Update 5296: Off to the races at Woodbine.

Update 5295: Jen's Thoroughblog previews today's Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie, the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown: WALING.

Update 5294: A gorgeous morning this morning at Woodbine. Perfect weather for being on horses. I had six to gallop. And all galloped nicely. Luis, fresh off his terrific win yesterday in the Dance Smartly, was in working horses for us. Seven in all I think. No rest for him! We have three runners this afternoon, so lets hope for a little luck.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Richard Dos Ramos, jockey. Richard Dos Ramos, one of the senior jockeys here at Woodbine, might also be one of the most popular people plying his trade here at Woodbine. Richard does not ride in every race on the card in the afternoons, but seems to ride for some of the more well known trainers and some of the top horses. Last year Richard won the Breeders' Stakes, the third leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, for trainer Debbie England on Marlang.

Demetris Topouzis, exercise rider for Terry Jordan. Demetris (Demi) Topouzis gallops horses for Terry Jordan. Demi therefore gallops a lot of horses that win races! This is Demi's first year here at Woodbine, he is from "out west".

Update 5293: A couple of very good older horse races yesterday. At Belmont Park it was the Man 'o War: Gio Ponti Scores Third Straight gr. I. Hollywood Park hosted the Hollywood Gold Cup: Rail Trip Powers Home in Hollywood Gold Cup.

And the feature race here was the Dance Smartly, Luis Contreras won it on one of Malcolm Pierce's horses: Points of Grace Wins Dance Smartly at 13-1.

Update 5292: Lawyer Ron was euthanized yesterday: Stallion Lawyer Ron Euthanized.

Update 5291: A muggy morning this morning at Woodbine. And now it looks like stormy weather is coming through. Thankfully we finished training before the storm. I had seven sets, none to the gate. All galloped nicely. A couple of nice remarks from people at Woodbine this morning regarding Mommie Whiz's win yesterday. She did run a fantastic race and it's always nice when other horsemen appreciate your horse's efforts.

No additions for the Woodbine Characters series today. Having trouble with twitpic!

Update 5290: From Paulick Report: GOOD NEWS FRIDAY, sponsored by Liberation Farm - KENTUCKY EQUINE HUMANE CENTER.

And here is the site for the Kentucky Equine Humane Center.

Update 5289: A gorgeous day for the races today at Woodbine. And a great day it was for us too as Mommie Whiz won the last race in good style. This was her second win for the meet, and she is the type of horse who always gives her best. Very cool and she has made it four wins for us this week which may make it our winningest week since we have been at Woodbine. I hung out at the races with Terry Jordan (who had another win to get back to 50% for the meet), Danny Williams and Stu Simon.

Update 5288: Off to the races at Woodbine!

Update 5287: Eight sets this morning for Steve at Woodbine. Two of mine also went to the gate for a little gate schooling. All galloped nicely. Someone fell off right in front of me at one point. Her stirrup came off the saddle. Thud. I think she was alright. The horse galloped home.

And to continue the Woodbine Characters series:

Steve Owens, trainer. Steve Owens trains about a dozen horses here at Woodbine. Steve was also our landlord here last year as we lived in his condo close to the racetrack. A fun guy.

David Cotey, trainer. David Cotey trains about 30 horses here at Woodbine. David is in the same barn as we are, Barn 30. David purchased and trained Mine That Bird last year for a sovereign award winning campaign. I interviewed David for The Rail: Mine That Bird's Canadian Connection.

Update 5286: Eye of the Leopard is the 8-5 morning line favorite for the Prince of Wales Stakes on Sunday at Woodbine, the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown: CAT FIGHT.

And please keep calling and consider attending Horses on the Hill on July 14.

Posted by Alex at 9:55 AM | Comments (90)

Barbaro Updates: 895

Posted July 9, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5285: Pioneerof the Nile, the best 3yo from California this year, is retired: Injury Ends career of Pioneerof the Nile.

A fun afternoon at the races today at Woodbine. We had four runners and all ran nicely. Bold Canadian and Merkel managed to win, which added to Rovina's win last night, makes this a terrific two days for us here.

Update 5284: From NYRA:

INDUSTRY GROUPS ANNOUNCE PLEDGES TO THOROUGHBRED RETIREMENT FOUNDATION

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) and many members of the Jockeys' Guild who ride at its three racetracks, along with the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) and The Jockey Club, have jointly pledged more than $100,000 in financial support in 2009 to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), which provides humane retirement options for Thoroughbreds at the end of their racing careers, it was announced today.

NYRA will contribute $50,000 while NYTHA and The Jockey Club will donate $25,000 each. All 29 of the regular NYRA-based riders have pledged to donate, through a voluntary checkoff program, $1 from each mount.

"This is an example of industry stakeholders working together to do the right thing for the welfare of racehorses when they can no longer race," said Diana Pikulski, executive director of the TRF. "We are very grateful to NYRA, NYTHA, The Jockey Club and the Jockeys' Guild and we would encourage organizations and individuals at other racing circuits around the country to follow their example."

"This is an interim step while the New York racing community works out a more comprehensive and detailed plan to deal with this issue," said Hal Handel, executive vice president and chief operating officer of NYRA. "We want to have something in place that we can all be proud of."

"We make our living because of these horses," said John Velazquez, four-time leading NYRA jockey. "Because of that, we love to be a big part of helping out with retired horses and enabling them to be better cared for."

"After the situation with the Paraneck horses, I felt strongly that we needed to do something to make sure these horses are well taken care of after their racing careers," said Richard Migliore, a fixture of the NYRA jockey colony. "They give us so much that it is really important we try and take care of them when they are done racing."

The NYRA jockeys' donations will be retroactive to June 27. The Kentucky Derby jockeys contributed $75,000 earned through their Derby sponsorships to the TRF earlier this year.
"Ensuring the proper care of Thoroughbreds after their racing careers are over is obviously a very serious issue and it's good to see it move from the back burner to the front burner," said Rick Violette, president of NYTHA. "NYTHA and its horsemen are proud to lend a hand in the effort."

In January, The Jockey Club instituted a voluntary retirement checkoff option for owners and breeders that benefits Thoroughbred Charities of America and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, with The Jockey Club matching the checkoff donations with up to $200,000 in 2009.

"Regardless of the amount raised through the checkoff, we will guarantee our $100,000 matching donation to each of those two charities," said Alan Marzelli, president of The Jockey Club. "In so doing, we will earmark $25,000 of the contribution to TRF for this New York-based effort."

The Jockeys' Guild is an organization that was formed and is governed by Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys who ride throughout the United States. The organization represents jockeys on a national and local basis to address issues concerning riders. The Jockeys' Guild also assists injured and disabled riders and their families. The Guild has served as an advocate for the jockeys since it was incorporated in 1940. Additional information is available at jockeysguild.com.

Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York's three major tracks through 2033, the New York Racing Association boasts a lineage that actually stretches back almost 150 years. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of the state's Thoroughbred business, which contributes more than $2 billion annually to New York State's urban, suburban and rural economy. In 2008, 1,735,715 people attended the live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races alone totals more than $9.7 million every race day. NYRA has a vast network of websites, including nyra.com, belmontstakes.com, and nyragroupsales.com.

For over half a century, NYTHA has represented the interests of horse owners and trainers at NYRA tracks. NYTHA's mission is composed of safeguarding horsemen's financial interests, providing benevolence to the backstretch community and supporting equine research. Additional information is available at nytha.com.

The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms, among others. Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.

Founded in 1983, the TRF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to retiring Thoroughbred racehorses after they are finished racing. TRF operates retraining and adoption facilities and satellite farms across the country as well as vocational training in equine care for inmates at nine correctional facilities nationwide. TRF currently maintains approximately 1,800 horses. Additional information is available at trfinc.org.

Update 5283: A gorgeous morning this morning at Woodbine. I had seven to gallop. And one to take to the gate for some gate schooling. All galloped nicely for a straightforward morning's work. There were a couple of loose horses running around the backside, not ours. But all in all a good start to the day.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Paul Caine, runs Pinevalley Training Centre. Paul Caine runs Pine Valley Training Centre, where Mine That Bird received his early education. Paul used to gallop horses at Woodbine. I interviewed Paul, along with Gemini, for an article for The Rail: Mine That Bird's Early Education.

Update 5282: A fun evening at the races at Woodbine. Chantal Sutherland won with her first ride of the evening, having just returned from California from a photoshoot for the second series of Jockeys. The stakes race, on the turf, was run in a course record time. A great race and win for Lady Attack. We won the fourth race with Rovina. Apprentice jockey Catherine O'Brien rode her first winner of the meet, coming off an injury from last year. And our jockey, Luis Contreras doubled up with a win in the last for trainer Michael Pino. By that point I had left.

And please keep calling and consider attending Horses on the Hill on July 14.

Posted by Alex at 9:47 AM | Comments (56)

Barbaro Updates: 894

Posted July 8, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5281: Off to the races at Woodbine. Night racing on Wednesdays: SMILE.

Update 5280: Tattoo lookup service expanded: Rescue Groups See Benefits in New TJC Policy, excerpt:

"Now that it is open to everyone and they (the Jockey Club) will also help ID horses with only partial tattoos, but also markings and descriptions, I see rescues across the country using this service," commented Beverly Strauss, executive director of the MidAtlantic Horse Rescue. "It is a great service and one that truly contributes to the safety and welfare of our Thoroughbreds."

And here is the service: Jockey Club Registry.

Update 5279: A busy morning this morning for Steve at Woodbine. I had ten to gallop, five of which went to the gate for some schooling. All galloped nicely and all schooled nicely. And the weather is gorgeous here today.

To continue the Woodbine Characters series, just one today, since I was busy:

Richie Callender, exercise rider for Danny Vella. Richie Callender gallops horses for trainer Danny Vella. Richie used to be a jockey back in Barbados. I met Richie last year, we used to hang out in the same bar, JJ Muggs, just across the street from Woodbine. A cool guy for sure.

Update 5278: The second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown is on Sunday, at Fort Erie. It is shaping up to be a six horse field, with the first three finishers of the Queen's Plate heading down for the Prince of Wales: PRINCELY.

And please keep calling and consider attending Horses on the Hill on July 14.

Posted by Alex at 9:49 AM | Comments (54)

Barbaro Updates: 893

Posted July 7, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5277: Nicanor was back on the work tab today as he prepares for the Virginia Derby: Nicanor Works; Backing Off on Lentenor.

Update 5276: I have just returned from OLEX. I wanted to illustrate kill buyer "buyer behavior" by highlighting two horses that were sold today at OLEX. This thoroughbred mare went for 31 cents / pound. She was in good weight and condition. She went to kill. Her price was bid up to 31 cents because there were underbidders who wanted the horse for something other than slaughter. Second example: an emaciated horse went for 15 cents / pound. Not for kill, purchased by a rescue. The kill buyer was much less interested and clearly opted out below 15 cents / pound.

To me this illustrates, very clearly, the type of horse preferred by kill buyers, at least here at OLEX. And so as not to demonize the kill buyer, he did point out to the auctioneer another bidder on the horse in the picture that he eventually bought.

Update 5275: Off to OLEX. Will tweet and twitpic.

Update 5274: From John Asher at Churchill Downs:

KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER MINE THAT BIRD SHARP IN CHURCHILL DOWNS WORK

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 7, 2009) - Double Eagle Ranch and Buena Serte Thoroughbreds' Mine That Bird, winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I), tuned up for a return to competition with a sharp four-furlong work on Tuesday at Churchill Downs.

Jockey Jamie Theriot was aboard the gelded son of Birdstone as he covered the half-mile over a "fast" track in :49.40.

Mine That Bird started slowly, but finished fast as he covered the distance in fractional times of :13.20, :25.60 and :38 and galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.80. The clocking reflects a final eight in 11:40 and he galloped out the extra furlong in :12.40.

"He did it very easy," said Theriot. "He came off the track bouncing."

"The horse looked perfect - he did just what I asked," said trainer Chip Woolley. "Jamie did a good job on him. He started off a little slow and picked it up all the way. It looked like he got the last eighth in :11-and-two and he was :12-and-two past the wire in another eighth, so he looked sharp. That was what we were looking for."

Mine That Bird is training toward a run in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (Grade II) at Mountaineer on Aug. 1. That race would be his first since a third-place run behind Summer Bird in the Belmont Stakes (GI) on June 6.

The Kentucky Derby winner is scheduled to work again on Monday, July 13 and could remain in his familiar surroundings at Churchill Downs until just before race day at the West Virginia track.

"I haven't decided for sure if I'll take him and work him one time at Mountaineer right before the race or just stay here and go into the race from here," Woolley said. "Either way, the horse is doing good and is ready to roll."

A Triple Crown run that included his win in the Kentucky Derby, a runner-up finish to Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness (GI) and his third-place run in the Belmont Stakes left Mine That Bird's record at 5-2-1 in 11 races with earnings of $2,121,581.

Update 5273: My weekly contribution for Eclipse Magazine (UK): Alex Brown 7 July 2009.

Update 5272: An easy morning this morning for Steve at Woodbine. I had six to gallop. It was five, and then one was added. All galloped nicely. The weather was remarkably chilly for this time of year. Almost fall-like.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series we have:

Tony Phillips, exercise rider and jockey. Tony Phillips gallops horses in the mornings at Woodbine, and is also a jockey. Most of his racing success these days is at Ajax, where he is currently the leading quarter horse jockey. Tony won the first Graded Stakes race for quarter horses in Ontario last fall. A cool guy, Tony is originally from England and is a Totenham Hotspurs fan.

Tom Patton, agent Jono Jones. Tom Patton is the agent for Jono Jones. He used to be agent for Patrick Husbands. He sits on the Chaplaincy Council and is currently helping organize a forthcoming golf tournament. Tom also helped organize a Texas hold'em Poker tournament to raise funds for Nikki Umiker, an injured exercise rider. All around a good and involved guy.

Update 5271: Here is the weekly ABR Facebook Group e-mail: Tweet this: Salon, OLEX, La Ville Rouge, Canada Day, Terry Jordan, Catherine O'Brien, Rob Landry, Mine That Bird, TCA, Chantal Sutherland, Rachel Alexandra, Beyond The Homestretch, LOPE, Sea The Stars, Warrior's Reward, Barbaro Memorial, Classless Gamblers, Salty Langfuhn, Chantal Sutherland, Jockeys, Rachel Alexandra, Mine That Bird.

And please keep calling and consider attending Horses on the Hill on July 14.

Posted by Alex at 9:48 AM | Comments (25)

Barbaro Updates: 892

Posted July 6, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5270: Getting ready to teach: Internet for First Time Starters at Woodbine.

Update 5269: NYRA Notes:

ELMONT, N.Y. - Rachel Alexandra put in her first workout this morning over the Oklahoma Training Track at Saratoga Race Course since winning the Grade 1 Mother Goose in a record-setting performance eight days ago.

Scott Blasi, assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen, and his lead pony Dakota guided Rachel Alexandra, with exercise rider Dominic Terry aboard, onto the training track at 5:50 a.m. The sensational three-year-old filly owned by Jess Jackson breezed four furlongs in 50.67 seconds over a track labeled as "fast." Rachel Alexandra took the first quarter in :25 and galloped out five furlongs in 1:05.

"She went in an easy half mile to get her accustomed to her surroundings and the track," Blasi said. "It was a maintenance breeze. We weren't out there to impress anyone today."

Jackson, Asmussen, and Blasi sent Rachel Alexandra to Saratoga last Sunday after winning the Mother Goose by a stakes-record margin of 191/4 lengths. The previous record for the Mother Goose (131/2 lengths) was set by Ruffian in 1975. The trio wanted to get her acclimated to training at Saratoga.

The daughter of Medaglia d'Oro also ran a stakes-record time of 1:46.33 for 1 1/8 miles, surpassing Lakeway's 1994 record of 1:46.58.

"That why we brought her up here after that race so she could have her full week galloping over it," Blasi said. "It's pretty normal for her. I get nervous every time she walks out of the barn. We want every thing to go right. We don't want loose horses around her. We want to take care of her."

A small, but anticipated, crowd waited for Rachel Alexandra to arrive on the track. Besides the usual horsemen like trainer Todd Pletcher and former trainer Elliott Walden, a father and his young daughter watched the workout along the outer rail.

"It's a blessing to have her; it's great for everybody," Blasi said. "Nothing surprises me with horses like her. It's the anticipation and excitement she brings. When you see a kid up at 5:30 in the morning to come out and watch Rachel breeze, that sums it up."

Blasi suggested that Rachel Alexandra will have another workout next Monday around the same time.

Edward P. Evans' Quality Road, winner of the Grade 1 Florida Derby, breezed Sunday for the first time since being transferred to the stable of trainer Todd Pletcher on June 15.

Belmont clockers caught the Elusive Quality colt covering four furlongs on the main track in 49.72 seconds.

"We thought it was good and it puts us in a position to start picking it up a little and see where we are,” Pletcher said. "I'd say it's going to be a tall order to make the Jim Dandy [1 1/8th miles, Grade 2, $500,000 at Saratoga Race Course Aug.1]. The most likely scenario, if he's going to run that weekend, would be in the Amsterdam [6½ furlongs Grade 2, $150,000 Aug. 3], but we'll just have to play it by ear. He's got three or four more breezes between now and then, so we'll see."

An early favorite for the May 2 Kentucky Derby while under the care of Jimmy Jerkens, Quality Road developed a quarter crack in his right front foot just before the race. He returned to the worktab on June 8, breezing three furlongs in 38.83, and was transferred from Jerkens to Pletcher the following week.

"His feet look great," Pletcher reported. "He was shod [on Friday] and, knock on wood, the quarter crack issues appear to be behind him."

All four of Pletcher's stakes starters from the weekend, including Sunday's Grade 2 Tom Fool winner Munnings, were said to be doing well on Monday morning.

Update 5268: The ABR Top Five remains unchanged and in alpha order it is: Einstein, Macho Again, Mine That Bird, Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta.

Rachel Alexandra worked an easy half mile this morning at Saratoga in 50 and change. Her next start has not yet been announced. Mine That Bird had his scheduled work this morning postponed due to track conditions at Churchill Downs. Jamie Theriot is scheduled to work Mine That Bird tomorrow, Mike Smith is scheduled to ride Mine That Bird in the West Virginia Derby on August 1.

Update 5267: A short morning this morning with only four to ride. I thought I had five but then one was marked down to walk instead of train. All galloped nicely for an easy morning's work under gorgeous weather.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Katerina Vassilieva, assistant trainer for Michael Pino. Katerina Vassilieva is assistant trainer for Michael Pino. This is her first job as an assistant trainer and seems to be handling the duties very well. Katerina was an exercise rider before being an assistant trainer. She worked for Reade Baker last year. Her facebook page reveals she also has a masters degree in Genetics/Developmental Biology.

Ric Ponyboy. Ric Ponyboy is a "pony boy" here at Woodbine and I am pretty sure that is not Ric's real last name! I am assuming Ric works for / with Albert. They are always busy ponying horses in the mornings and ponying for the races in the afternoons!

Update 5266: In Nicanor's second race he finished a very good second to Custom for Carlos. Custom for Carlos romped yesterday in the Grade 3 Jersey Shore: Custom for Carlos romps in Jersey Shore at Monmouth.

And please keep calling and consider attending Horses on the Hill on July 14.

Posted by Alex at 9:52 AM | Comments (43)

Barbaro Updates: 891

Posted July 4, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5265: A short afternoon at the races. We had two runners, and finished fourth and a close second. Salty Langfuhn ran a terrific race in defeat, and here he is cooling out after his race: Salty Langfuhn, cooling out after finishing second in the third @ Woodbine.

I did get a chance to add a few more to our Woodbine Characters series:

Larry Dagg, outrider. Larry Dagg is one of the outriders here at Woodbine. He works in the mornings on the main track, and works in the afternoons during racing. Morning work includes making sure everything goes smoothly on the track for training. Helping riders out when asked and catching loose horses if necessary. Larry seems to be a very nice guy. Always chatty and always there to help out when needed. On more than one occasion recently Larry has helped me coax Salty on to the track after he stops and stares for a while. One of his little quirks!

Jim Ahrens, buglar. Jim Ahrens is the buglar at Woodbine. Before each race, as the horses are coming out on to the track, Jim comes out and does his "thing". While I am no expert in this field, I have to say Jim seems to be a very good buglar. He always starts off with a different tune before rolling into the normal buglar call for the races. Always entertaining, and the crowd always applauds. A gem of Woodbine's program I think.

Melanie Minshull, Reade Baker groom. Melanie Minshull is a groom for trainer Reade Baker. She happens to groom Monty's Best, who narrowly beat Salty Langfuhn in the third race today. I have met Melanie a couple of times before. She seems very nice, and if someone is going to beat Salty, good it is someone who seems very cool!

Update 5264: Off back to Woodbine for another afternoon of races, some tweeting and twitpicing.

Update 5263: I galloped seven this morning for Steve at Woodbine. And it was a gorgeous morning too! Two of mine went to the gate for some gate schooling, and schooled nicely. Our jock, Luis, was in to work a bunch of horses. I think they went nicely too. All in all a decent way to start the day.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Luis Contreras, jockey. Luis Contreras is our jockey here at Woodbine. Luis rode for us in New Mexico before this meet. I think he usually rides in Northern California. A great guy and definitely a good jockey. Luis is very affable. Easy to get along with and I think he has been quite well received by the jockey colony here. He will ride a few for other trainers, but they have to be for US owners. He cannot ride for Canadians this year.

Stu Simon, trainer. Stu Simon is a new addition to the training ranks at Woodbine this year. He has been training successfully "out west" for many years. Stu had a nice winner the other day, I know that because we were the favorite in the race and we did not win! A very cool guy I have hung out with Stu at the races quite a few times.

Update 5262: Lots of good racing yesterday to celebrate the holiday. Races included the United Nations Handicap, won in front running style in a track record by Presious Passion (Better Talk Now was a scratch): Presious Passion Smashes Course Record in UN. The Dwyer, in New York, was won by our own Kensei. Warrior's Reward, who Calvin Borel has committed to over Mine That Bird, had trouble leaving the gate and finished third: Kensei in Dwyer Upset; Warrior's Reward 3rd.

Update 5261: HRTV-Inside Information on Barbaro Statue's unveiling and FOBs: Inside Information - Barbaro Statue.

Update 5260: Mike Smith is back on Mine That Bird with a two race commitment: Smith back on Mine That Bird for West Virginia Derby.

Update 5259: Sue McMullen on today's Eclipse Stakes and Sea The Stars:

Awesome, extraordinary, a horse of a lifetime - these are just some of the accolades heaped on Sea The Stars today after he cruised home in the Coral Eclipse at Sandown. Now a Group 1 champ over a mile, a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half, the son of Cape Cross had to dig a bit deeper today as he fought off a storming run from Rip Van Winkle flying the Ballydoyle flag. But it never looked as if this fascinating horse was really going to be in trouble. He has a fluidity of movement that makes everything he does seem effortless and watching him skim over the turf, changing his legs with the athletic grace and ease of a top dressage horse you get the scary feeling we have yet to see the best of him. Amazingly, before today there were still those who believed he had yet to prove himself a superstar, despite his facile victories in the Guineas and the Derby, but Sea The Stars has surely silenced any remaining detractors.

Thankfully for all of us, this hugely gifted, talented horse is in the hands of the right man, the 'quiet man' of racing, John Oxx who trains close to the Curragh. No stranger to fabulous horses as he trained the mighty Sinndar for the Aga Khan, John says the horse himself will 'tell' them where he goes next and the decision will be made when they see how he is over the next few days.

An interesting footnote to last week's Irish Derby, where Sea The Stars was a non-runner due to the ground, there was a somewhat heated exchange between a senior representative from one of the leading bookmakers and a leading member of the team from Ballydoyle. For obvious reasons, we won't identify them, but the Ballydoyle representative asserted, quite incredibly, that Sea The Stars was 'lucky' to win the Derby and was told in no uncertain terms by the Bookmakers' representative that he was talking rubbish. This ding dong between them was overheard by a number of people at the course and frankly, does little to enhance the reputation of Ballydoyle. Seemingly not content with a stellar cast of their own, it appeared necessary to crab the achievements of a horse that could be one of the best we've seen in many years, certainly jockey Mick Kinane says Sea The Stars is one of the best he's ever sat on and that is no mean compliment as he's sat on some of the best from the Ballydoyle armoury. In addition to his superb athleticism Sea The Stars has the temperament to match and appears unfazed by anything. Many of those present felt it was a shame that Ballydoyle couldn't simply have enjoyed the victory of their own horse in the Irish Derby without having to doubt the abililties of the absentee. Could it be that even they believed Sea The Stars would have won so they felt obliged to cast doubt on his talent?

John Oxx has too much dignity to have been drawn on this debate and with masterly understatement dismissed it as 'Ballydoyle spin'. That just about sums it up.

Update 5258: A glorious morning this morning at Woodbine. I had nine sets, so was busy too. No gate schoolers, but all galloped nicely in the good weather.

And to continue the Woodbine Characters series:

Chantal Sutherland, jockey. Chantal Sutherland (@jockeychantal) is currently second in the jockey standings at Woodbine. Chantal is also one of the most popular personalities in the sport of horse racing, if you use number of google searches as a proxy (approximately 6,600 per month). Chantal is a star in the Animal Planet's show Jockeys, and has been featured in several magazines. I have interviewed Chantal. You can also visit her web-site: Chantal Sutherland.

Doug Gibbons, agent for Rob Landry. Doug Gibbons is agent for jockey Robert Landry. And it has been a great week for this team as Rob rode his 2,000th winner. Doug is always on the backside during training hours, moving from barn to barn. Doug also works a few horses when time permits. Doug uses a pretty cool computer program to manage their business which illustrated to me how much time and effort is put forth by the agents of the riders here at Woodbine, and other tracks too I guess.

Update 5257: Happy July 4th! And with this American holiday there is always some good racing. This includes the United Nations Handicap at Monmouth Park: United Nations Loaded With Grade I Winners.

Posted by Alex at 9:50 AM | Comments (78)

Barbaro Updates: 890

Posted July 3, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5256: And we have two additions to the Woodbine Characters series:

Gail Cox, trainer. Gail Cox, a trainer at Woodbine, has a relatively small stable but from that small stable won a nice stakes race a couple of days ago. Chantal Sutherland rode the winner. Gail rides a lot of her own horses in the mornings.

Mike Novakovic, Champions Bar bartender. Champions Bar is on the third floor at Woodbine, and if you visit you will meet Mike Novakovic. He is the main bartender and seems to be there all the time. Champions Bar might as well be my local bar so I have gotten to know Mike quite well. Cool guy.

Update 5255: A fun afternoon at the races at Wooodbine, although we did not win a race from our two runners. Both were fourth. We did also paddock school in the second race (Paddock schooling second race at Woodbine). I then went up to the Champions Bar to watch some racing. Mike was bartending as usual (Mike Novakovic, Champions Bar bartender.) After the races I returned to our barn on the backside (Back at the barn at Woodbine.) Wayne Green, who had earlier won the third race with his new filly Victoria Charm, was finishing things up and putting on his fillies leg wraps (Wayne Green doing up his winning filly, Victoria Charm .)

Update 5254: Off to the races at Woodbine, from where I will be "tweeting" and "twitpicing".

Update 5253: A busy morning this morning for Steve at Woodbine. I had ten sets. No break. We just kept going. And a couple of my horses prooved trickier than usual so it was not such a straightforward morning. But I survived. That's not so for everyone as I saw Brian Lynch walking back to the gap, a loose horse had made that same journey ahead of Brian!

After I was done I headed over to the jocks room to catch up with Chantal Sutherland. I was helping her set up her iPhone so she can tweet more often. And this is Chantal's tweet as we tested things out.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Tyler Pizarro, jockey. Tyler Pizarro is one of Woodbine's younger members of the jockey colony. But Tyler has quickly established himself as a leading rider here at Woodbine. Tyler's services are in demand and he is well liked. A cool guy, Tyler rode a horse for us the other day (we had two in the same race and Luis could not ride both) and she ran a nice third in a stake.

Roger Broomes, David Cotey groom. Roger Broomes is another groom for David Cotey. And someone I have known since I first arrived at Woodbine last year since we share the same barn. All David Cotey's grooms are the same grooms as he had working for him last year. All good guys to help make the barn fun.

Update 5252: Rachel Alexandra, a horse helping humans: Rachel Alexandra Auction to Benefit Charity.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 9:48 AM | Comments (54)

Barbaro Updates: 889

Posted July 2, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5251: A fun afternoon at the races at Woodbine. I went over for the sixth race when we paddock schooled our two runners for tomorrow. This also gave me a chance to add to our Woodbine Characters series:

Gaye Lynch, horse identifier. Gaye Lynch, as the horse identifier, Gaye checks the lip tattoos of each of the horses that comes over to the paddock to race. She will check the numbers off with a list she has that also includes any identifying marks on the horses. Gaye is also around when we paddock school and she checks the first time starters and other horses that have yet to run at Woodbine.

Then Dragooner won the eighth race, our first winner here for a couple of weeks so that was very cool!

Update 5250: A straightforward morning this morning at Woodbine. We had seven sets. All galloped nicely, under very grey skies. Fortunately the weather remained relatively dry for the morning. One of mine went to the gate for a little gate schooling, and she schooled nicely.

And to continue our Woodbine Characters series:

Slade Callaghan, jockey. Slade Callaghan has been a jockey at Woodbine since 1994. Slade is originally from Barbados. Slade's recent successes have included Rahy's Attorney, who won the Woodbine Mile last year and recently won the King Edward VII Stakes here turning the tables on his rival Sterwins. Slade is a hard working jockey in the mornings, and always seems to be in good humor.

Elvis Kellman, exercise rider, David Cotey. Elvis Kellman is a freelance exercise rider who gallops almost exclusively for David Cotey. I have known "Billy", that is his nickname, since I arrived at Woodbine last year. Billy tried to explain to me how he acquired his nickname this morning, but it all went over his head. Billy has three kids, who I see sometimes with him at the races in the afternoons.

Update 5249: Mine That Bird's team is now seeking another jockey as Borel cannot commit to the long term: Borel No Longer Jockey for Mine That Bird.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 9:52 AM | Comments (51)

Barbaro Updates: 888

Posted July 1, 2009

updates are now here.

Update 5248: An addition to the Woodbine Characters series:

Robert Landry, jockey. Congratulations to jockey Robert Landry who rode his 2,000th winner this afternoon at Woodbine!

Update 5247: My weekly contribution to Eclipse Magazine: Alex Brown 1 July 2009.

Update 5246: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update.

Quite naturally, the highlight of the American racing scene last weekend was the Rachel Alexandra/Zenyatta show. But how did it play abroad? The Australian noted that:

Rachel Alexandra has grown a Secretariat-like profile in the past two months, galvanising the hardened racing public and reaching out to catch the attention of Mr Average Joe and Josie.

It just happened that on Saturday on the US west coast, the five-year-old Street Cry mare Zenyatta won her 11th consecutive race, the Group I Vanity Handicap, to stay unbeaten.

Yet Zenyatta's excellent feat was swallowed almost completely by the events on the east coast where Rachel Alexandra made a stunning debut at New York's Belmont Park.

And while I would quibble with the notion that Rachel Alexandra has gained a following like Secretariat yet (even if she wins like him when she feels like it), I would on the whole agree with their larger point - non-racing fans know who she is, while Zenyatta is still just the first half of a Police album as far as they are aware. (I base this on my extremely scientific survey of my work colleagues and family, many of whom have asked me 'what is Rachel doing next?' but who look on blankly if I reply I hope she will face Zenyatta at some point).

While we in the racing community debate whose win was 'better' (Rachel's time! Zenyatta's weight assignment!) the fact remains that unless the Zenyatta/Rachel Alexandra rivalry can happen in person (and, ideally, on 'Jockeys'), few in the general public will ever get to know Zenyatta - and that's the real shame.

Were you aware that Rachel Alexandra has her own official diary? Now you are. While in general I'm not a fan of the Horse Writing In The First Person genre, I did very much enjoy the behind-the-scenes video courtesy of Blayne Blasi, teenage son of assistant trainer Scott Blasi. I hope to see more video added along those lines. I would also like to see the videos Zenyatta's trainer, John Sheriffs, has been posting on YouTube gain a wider audience - an official Zenyatta website promoting them along with other content would be very welcome.

And while I recognize that seeing Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra share a starting gate is an unlikely dream (even with the suggestion that they could meet 'after the Breeders' Cup' - when? where?), I must continue to suggest the following: come on people - Del Cap!

Here at Superfecta HQ we are about to head to Kentucky for some downtime, so please excuse our absence and expect to see us back in action on July 13th. Should anything particularly exciting happen in the meantime, fear not - the revolution will be Twittered.

See you after the fourth!

Update 5245: It's July 1, which means today is Canada Day. Happy birthday Canada!

I had 8 sets for Steve this morning. Four before the break and four after the break which each went to the gate for a little schooling. All galloped nicely and schooled quietly. A fairly straightforward morning's work.

And continuing our Woodbine Characters series:

Constant Montpellier, jockey. Constant Montpellier is a jockey here at Woodbine. He rides for a number of trainers, including David Cotey. Constant was the first jockey to ride Mine That Bird in his races riding him in his first two starts. I wrote about Constant for The Rail: Mine That Bird's First Jockey Sings His Praises.

Robert Fierheller, gate crew. Robert Fierheller is on the gate crew here at Woodbine. While I don't know Robert well at all, the gate crew here seems to be very good, and patient. We school a lot of horses here in the mornings and they spend a lot of time handling our horses with care. As a member of the gate crew, Robert works in the mornings from 8 am to 10 am each day other than Tuesday when we have no gate schooling in the mornings. And then in the afternoons for each race day. Busy work.

Update 5244: There has been a lot of "chatter" in racing circles about the possible match up between Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. As things stand this remains somewhat unlikely, at least until the Breeders' Cup which itself is unlikely: Zenyatta, 'Rachel' Duel Unlikely Before BC.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 9:53 AM | Comments (41)