Barbaro Updates: 984
updates are now here.
Update 5828: Seven galloped on a chilly Sunday morning here at Woodbine. All mine galloped nicely. The siren was kept busy this morning and I saw one rider walking back with his stirup in his hand! All in all a decent morning's work for this time of year. Rovina was a nice winner for us yesterday. She has now won four races here at Woodbine, which is the most by any of our horses. A few others are on 3 wins, we shall see if any of those will get lucky during the upcoming last week of racing!
Lentenor put in a good effort yesterday to finish second in his second start, and first start on the turf. He did not have the smoothest of trips, and appeared to break in the air a little, but all in all a decent effort. He does look to be a big horse! Stardom Bound was flat in her reappearance won in good style by Flashing Flashing Shows Her Heels in Sharp Gazelle Win. Kodiak Kowboy was impressive in winning the Cigar Mile. It's nice to see he can stretch out a little: Kodiak Kowboy KO's Hill 'n' Dale Cigar Mile. And Ventura kept up the good run of horses previously trained by Hall of Famer Bobby Frankel: Ventura Fulfills Frankel's Wish in Matriarch.
Over in Japan it was the Japan Cup. This race was won by another filly, Vodka. She just hung on in the closing stages: VODKA PREVAILS IN JAPAN CUP...BARELY. Summer Bird, who is also in Japan and was preparing for a start in the Japan Dirt next weekend, suffered a career threatening injury yesterday: SUMMER BIRD INJURED IN JAPAN.
Update 5827: Only five galloped this Saturday morning for Steve at Woodbine, as things continue to wind down towards the end of the meet. And a little chilly too, but not too bad for this time of year. We have not had any snow yet! All mine galloped well for a short and straightforward morning's work. We have five runners this afternoon, so lets hope for a little racing luck!
Of course much attention today will be focused on Aqueduct, as Barbaro's 2yo brother Lentenor makes his second lifetime start and first start on the turf. It is the third race: Lenny Definite for Aqueduct Race. There are also plenty of other good races on the card at Aqueduct today, including the Grade 1 Cigar Mile: Short But Strong Field to Contest Cigar Mile. And Stardom Bound, last seen in the Spring when she was beaten by Hooh Why in the Ashland, makes her return to the races this afternoon at Aqueduct in the Gazelle: Stardom Bound Returns in Gazelle.
Fluke won the Grade 1 Citation Handicap yesterday at Hollywood Park. It was an emotional win and first winner for longtime Frankel assistant Humberto Ascanio: Fluke delivers emotional Citation victory for connections. And 3yo Blame signaled that he will be a strong contender in the older horse division next year by beating some very useful older horses in the Clark Handicap: Blame Points the Way in Huge Clark Verdict.
Finally New York is looking to strengthen it's Equine abuse laws in light of Ernie Paragallo's abuse case. The Paragallo trial is expected to get underway in the Spring: N.Y. officials hope to strengthen abuse laws in light of Paragallo arrest.
Update 5826: Six galloped this morning for Steve at Woodbine. A nice and easy morning. For my first set I was on my favorite, Salty. As we were approaching the tunnel another rider fell off and his horse came towards us. Thankfully Salty did not take too much interest! All galloped nicely. A few horses are now starting to ship out as we close in towards the end of the meet. Storm Treasure was one of the ones who left this morning.
Woodbine was represented in Kentucky yesterday with a terrific win by Serenading in the Falls City Handicap. Congratulations to trainer Jose Carroll: Serenading Sings Winning Tune in Falls City. At Churchill Downs today we have the Clark Handicap, which looks to be a terrific race for older horses: Macho Again, Einstein to meet again in Clark.
Here is a survey of all the major races this weekend: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by KBC Horse Supplies.
We also learned yesterday that Lentenor is entered for a race at Aqueduct on Saturday. And it appears that is where he is scheduled to run: lentenor to race .
Update 5825: Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for you.
Seven horses galloped this morning at Woodbine. Three of these also went to the gate. All went nicely. It was a bit of a damp morning here, but unseasonably warm. Let's hope this weather holds out for another 10 days, as the meet is over after next weekend's racing!
The biggest news over the last 24 hours for us is Saturday's entry for Barbaro's 2yo brother, Lentenor: Surprise!, Lentenor to race at Churchill.
We also learned that Quality Road will not run this weekend in the Cigar: Quality Road out of Cigar Mile, excerpt:
"The bottom line is we felt maybe it was a little bit of a push for the horse given everything that transpired between Santa Anita and now," Baker said. "We're focusing now on what we hope to be a very productive 2010 campaign that puts him in position to be champion older horse and Horse of the Year. With that in mind we're giving him a little bit more time."
I do want to welcome Amy, who is now a new moderator of the ABR discussion board.
Finally, and a little off topic, a whitepaper I have been working on was published yesterday. It is follow on from a paper I published in 2006 regarding social media: Engagement Marketing Revisited: How to Embrace the New Social Media Tools.
Update 5824: I am back! Thanks Wendy for providing the updates in my absense. I had a wonderful 3 day trip to the UK, which included London and Cornwall.
And please keep calling.
Update 5823: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update (back on schedule).
Things are slowly getting back to normal here at Casa Superfecta, after a quick jaunt to the left coast for some soccer (but more on that later). The Breeders' Cup may be in the history books, but Thanksgiving weekend offers quite a variety of top-level racing.
On Thanksgiving Day at Churchill Downs, Unbridled Belle and Swift Temper are in action in the Falls City Handicap; it is likely the last start for both millionaire mares.
The following day, Einstein is aiming to return to winning form in the Clark Handicap; as Julien Leparoux will be in Japan, he'll have Rajiv Maragh aboard as well as some stiff competition from Macho Again and Bullsbay. But it seems that it may not be the final start for the stalwart son of Spend a Buck - he's been supplemented to the Hong Kong Cup in December - however, it would still be lovely to see him win.
Both coasts are in action over the weekend; in New York, the Cigar Mile is the headliner. Quality Road has been working hard on his gate schooling, and the distance makes the race seem like a good fit for him - if he wants to start. It's a great lineup in any case - Bribon, Kodiak Kowboy, Munnings, Vineyard Haven and Pyro are all possible starters. The 2-year-olds will also be on display in the Demoiselle and the Remsen.
In California, Ventura has a chance to give Bobby Frankel a final win in the Matriarch; while she will run in the name of his longtime assistant, Humberto Ascanio, Frankel was still directing her career, even at the end:
"Last Friday (Nov. 13), Bobby called me while I was at the barn and told me, 'I'm going home tomorrow. I'm not going to take any more transfusions. I just don't want to go on like this.' And he said, 'I'm scared.'"There was a silence, and then, Bobby said, 'Talk to Humberto and just tell him, two easy halfs for Ventura and she'll be fine for the Matriarch.'
Ventura's frequent rivals Rutherienne and Diamondrella (who is now trained by Gary Stevens, which was apparently something of a surprise to him) are also expected, but it would be nice to see Ventura end with a flourish. Also looking for a positive final race is Cowboy Cal in the Citation, but he will have competition in the form of El Gato Malo, Whatsthescript and another Frankel horse - Proudinsky.
And while she will not be running, Zenyatta will still be very much a presence in California over the weekend; she's expected to parade around Hollywood Park between races on Sunday. There will be posters, DVDs and other collectibles on offer - although hopefully these are not part of the package.
Overseas, Breeders' Cup Turf repeat champion Conduit will line against top Japanese mare Vodka in the Japan Cup - last year's winner, Screen Hero, will be on hand to defend his title. Conduit will be retiring to stud in Japan after the race, but he could take home a considerable bonus if he wins on Sunday. Interpatation, Marsh Side and Just As Well will be representing the US in the race.
And while neither news item relates specifically to this weekend, there is welcome word that Rachel Alexandra has begun to stretch her legs again, and that Goldikova will, as rumored, remain in training next year. Rachel Alexandra will head to the Fair Grounds for the winter after leaving Churchill Downs, while Goldikova's campaign to win a third Breeders' Cup Mile will begin again in France.
Check back later (likely after the holiday weekend) for some thoughts on what racing might learn from American soccer - and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Update 5822: It's great to see one of racing's stars planning on running next year and attempt a three-peat in the Breeder's Cup Mile: Goldikova Targets Mile Three Peat
The Paulick Report posted this story about several of Kiaran McLaughlin's horses having allegedly test positive for a banned substance: McLaughlin Horses Allegedly Test for Banned Substance in KY
The final numbers from the November Keeneland Breeding Stock sales have many within the industry showing some optimism: Optimism Persists as Keeneland November Ends
"The Thoroughbred market is best described as resilient," Russell said. "The strong clearance rate reflects the fact that horsemen are adjusting to the new reality. Consignors did a good job of appraising their horses. Throughout the industry, changes are taking place - a reduced number of mares bred, reduced stallion fees, and other measures that will insure a return to market profitability in the near future."
And please keep calling.
Update 5821: Some exciting races are coming up on the horizon which will be of interest to many racing fans.
This coming Friday will be the Clark Handicap which features a rematch of Macho Again and Einstein. This may be Einstein's last start as there was discussion of retiring him. Also in the field will be the Whitney Stakes winner, Bullsbay and three year old Blame who recently won the Fayette Stakes against older horses at Keeneland: Einstein, Macho Again Working Toward Clark Rematch
Coming up in December will be the Japan Cup Dirt. It was reported that Summer Bird is now settled in Japan to prepare for his start in that race. Summer Bird Arrives for Japan Cup Dirt
On the west coast, Joe Talamo enjoyed a 5-win afternoon (one shy of the track record) with one of the wins coming in the featured race, The Moccasin Stakes at Hollywood Park: Talamo highlights five-win day at Hollypark by taking Moccasin aboard Bickersons
Found on the Paulick Report
And please keep calling.
Update 5820: Wendy here bringing you today's update while Alex is away visiting the UK.
Yesterday brought us four Grade III stakes races across the country. The Kennedy Road, at Woodbine, found Smokey Fire winning his first stakes race: Smokey Fire stays Hot in Kennedy Road. In the New York racing scene, the Asmussen trained Haynesfield won the Discovery Handicap by an impressive 4 ½ lengths: Haynesfield Drives to Clear Victory in Discovery Handicap. In turf racing, Acoma won the Cardinal Handicap at Churchill Downs in a very close finish: Acoma takes Cardinal Handicap in a Dogfight and finally, in California, 2 year old American Lion won the Hollywood Prevue Stakes: American Lion Roars Home in Hollywood Prevue
Jay Privman reports from California that Lava Man turned in a bullet work for 6 furlongs at Hollywood Park yesterday:
He's getting closer. Lava Man, off for more than a year, turned in the fastest six-furlong drill of the morning at Hollywood Park on Saturday when he was timed in 1:12.20 for trainer Doug O'Neill.
In other news, Hal Wiggins, trainer for Rachel Alexandra when she won the Kentucky Oaks, has been named the Kentucky Horseman of the Year.
Update 5819: Seven galloped for Steve at Woodbine this Saturday morning. And all seven galloped nicely, although a couple were a little strong. A nice easy morning's work ahead of a long day. Tonight I will be traveling to the UK for a three day visit (London and Cornwall). In my absense Wendy will post an update here each day. I will be back late Tuesday night.
Paulick Report published an article on free adoption of Thoroughbreds yesterday: GOOD NEWS FRIDAY sponsored by Liberation Farm: FREE TO A GOOD HOME.
The feature race here at Woodbine today is the Kennedy Road. It may be one of the best races for the entire meet: Field Commission Battles 9 in Kennedy Road. And here is the list of where to watch the few key races throughout North America: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by KBC Horse Supplies.
Finally Zenyatta's team gets one of what might be a few end of year awards: Turf publicists name 'Team Zenyatta' as Big Sport of Turfdom.
Update 5818: Eight galloped this Friday morning for Steve at Woodbine. All galloped nicely. I took two to the gate for some schooling. Both schooled nicely, although one was a little "fractious" after schooling in the gate. In a good way! No rain this morning and still a little warm for this time of year, so good weather for training.
Jockey Julia Brimo, who won a Sovereign Award in Canada as an apprentice, is still recovering from her bad spill at Keeneland. Here is her "get well card." And jockeys in North America will donate proceeds from a mount on November 28 in support of the Julia Brimo Fund: Jockeys to contribute to Julia Brimo Fund.
Quality Road, who was scratched from the Breeders' Cup Classic after becoming fractious during the gate loading process, is back to school in New York: Quality Road Passes First Gate Test.
The last horse entered in the name of the late Bobby Frankel appropriately won: Frankel's Final Entrant at Hollywood Wins.
Update 5817: Seven galloped for Steve this morning at Woodbine. And a bit of a damp morning too! Three of mine also went to the gate for some schooling. All schooled nicely and galloped nicely.
Last night, while at the races, I met Mike Ziegler. Mike is here at Woodbine for the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance. It was fun chatting about all things racing, including the Breeders' Cup and Zenyatta and Quality Road.
This two-sided essay on the horse slaughter issue was published yesterday. I was interviewed for the essay. Kelsey, the author, is local to Woodbine. It's long and thorough: Horse Slaughter: Complications and Intricacies, it ends:
"The way I look at this is like the starfish parable: a guy walks up and down the beach all day, finds a starfish on the beach, chucks it back into the sea, sees another starfish on the beach, chucks it back into the sea. Someone comes up to him and says, 'Why are you spending all your time doing that? You're not going to stop starfish getting stranded on the beach and dying'. He's like, 'Yeah, but for that starfish I chucked back into the sea, it meant the world to him'. That's the way I justify it. And for that horse, those 3100, it's pretty cool."
In the fifth race at Churchill Downs yesterday a 12yo mare, who had had nine years off, was entered to run. She would have been the first starter for her trainer. Sense prevailed finally and she was a stewards scratch: Grand Forks to remain in training after scratch.
Old Friends has opened a division in New York. It's first resident, Moonshadow Gold, is scheduled to arrive later this week: Old Friends Satellite Opens in NY.
And please keep calling.
Update 5816: Ten galloped this morning for Steve at Woodbine. So a busy morning. Four of these also went to the gate for some schooling. All galloped nicely and schooled nicely. Once the sun came up it turned into a beautiful morning for training horses. It was a little chilly early.
As we were finishing up jockey Constant Montpellier swung by the barn. Constant is now a retired jockey! He had a gate accident a month or two ago, and had planned to retire at the end of this meet. He decided it was not worth coming back for the final part of the meet. Good luck to Constant Montpellier for the future!
I wrote a short essay, published on Paulick Report, about why it would be ill-advised for animal rights people to use the Quality Road gate incident to further their agenda: ALEX BROWN: DON'T MAKE QUALITY ROAD A POSTER CHILD.
If anything could have been predicted in racing ahead of time, it's that Sea The Stars would be voted Horse of the Year in Europe. And of course that happened yesterday: SEA STARS IN CARTIER AWARDS.
Trainer Bobby Frankel was laid to rest yesterday, one day after he died from lymphoma at the age of 68: Frankel remembered as 'one of greatest ever'.
And please keep calling.
Update 5815: Here is this week's Facebook Group e-mail: Tweet this: 18 cents / pound, ABR Radio Show, Thoroughbred Times, David Cotey, Zenyatta, Claremont Auction, Quebec Feedlot, Kip Deville, 1k Twitter followers, ABR changes, Our Boys, Bobby Frankel, skipping next week.
Following the death of Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel, there has been an outpouring of reflection of his terrific career. You can see many of those articles on Paulick Report.
I only had five to gallop for Steve this morning, so a nice and easy morning's work. It was chilly, with a layer of frost sitting on top of the track. But with plenty of layers on I managed to stay warm. All my horses galloped nicely.
Steve Haskin provides an excellent commentary on how difficult it will be this year to vote a horse of the year after the two terrific performances of Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra: Haskin on Horse of the Year: Stalemate.
And please keep calling.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Alex Brown
Posted by: Cheryl Jones, one of the Americans Against Horse Slaughter at November 17, 2009 4:53 PM