Barbaro Updates: 999

Posted May 24, 2010

updates are now here.

Update 6041: Four ridden for Michael Pino this morning at Fair Hill. And another hot morning for training horses. All mine went nicely. The track was also nice and quiet, as is usual for a Sunday morning.

The Belmont was won yesterday by Drosselmeyer, with new jockey Mike Smith, for trainer Bill Mott and owner WinStar. Drosselmeyer was driven to the lead in mid stretch and held off a persistent Fly Down. It was a first Belmont win for both Mike Smith and Bill Mott. WinStar won this year's Derby with Super Saver: WinStar's Drosselmeyer wins Belmont.

Update 6040: Sue McMullen reports on today's thriling Epsom Derby:

It should have been a sign for us all that Workforce had to be something very special. With just two runs under his belt Sir Micheal Stoute nevertheless aimed his colt at the toughest challenge any colt will ever face and he's not a man who makes too many mistakes.

Not only did the rookie win but he did it in a style that left onlookers breathless. An emphatic victory in a race that was almost stolen by the 100-1 shot At First Glance, the Ballydoyle pacemaker ridden by 'super sub' Seamie Heffernan, so often handed the thankless task of piloting the big-race pacemakers.

A superstar in the making emerged from the Epsom Derby but it didn't quite follow the Ballydoyle script. Physically imposing, the perfect Thoroughbred racing machine at his prime, Jan Vermeer strode imperiously around the parade ring looking every inch the worthy hot favourite poised to make Epsom his own.

But as the race unfolded Ballydoyle's standard bearer didn't shine as expected finishing only fourth and their number one jockey, Johnny Murtagh, claiming he had not been happy with his mount at any stage during the race.

Aiden O'Brien subsequently reported that Jan Vermeer had lost both front shoes so he did well to finish in the frame but it was their pacemaker who shone as nobody told him he was there merely to do a job for his stable companions and on form, he was a rank outsider. Horses can't read form and as the colt, described by Heffernan as 'very genuine', set a blistering pace that would help Workforce break the race record, everybody watching waited for him to fold and get swallowed up by the chasing pack. But the brave colt just kept on galloping and on another day, would have provided Heffernan with the best birthday present and the biggest Derby upset.

But Workforce, ridden by champion jockey Ryan Moore who bagged the girls' classic yesterday aboard Snow Fairy, was about to change the script. Described by Sir Michael Stoute as 'straightforward and very laid back' the King's Best colt has not enjoyed the best preparation for the Derby and the worry for all trainers is that their charges must maintain balance and momentum down the famous hill and a tight left turn. Epsom's unique camber and undulations is the reason it is such a tough test for a young horse and to do it with just two previous runs is truly something special. Workforce lengthened his powerful stride and ate up the ground to catch At First Sight, setting a new race record in the process.

Ryan Moore is the quiet man of Flat racing, a man of very few words who lets the horses do the 'talking' and though he might not have the clowning antics and ebulliance of Frankie Dettori he is much respected in the sport. "Workforce travelled beautifully and did the job really well. I've had a great reception from so many people, not least my family and friends. It's a really special day and one I'll remember for a long time."

There was no fairytale ending for Frankie Dettori, who took 15 attempts to bag his first Derby before finally tasting victory aboard Authorised. Attempting to bag a second aboard the well-fancied Rewilding, the Godolphin colt showed his inexperience with Dettori reporting after the race that might head for Doncaster in September.

"It was a great run, he didn't have the gears to go with the winner but stayed on well and will be a lovely St Leger horse."

But Saed Bin Suroor had other ideas. "He will be a better horse later in the season. Frankie said his trip is a mile and a quarter, a mile and a half. I don't think he's a St Leger horse as he has a lot of speed."

Kieron Fallon was also denied a fairytale ending following his nightmare journey to Epsom. He had to show his own turn of foot to make it to the racecourse, leaving his family with the car in gridlocked traffic and jumping aboard a train arrived in the nick of time to pilot the Godolphin challenger Al Zir, regarded as another one who needs more time.

"He's still a big baby but he will be a very good horse."

In a year when we didn't dare hope that another star would emerge, Workforce today showed us something very special and we've got much to look forward to in the coming months. Fame and Glory's emphatic victory in yesterday's Coronation stakes earned him a 6-1 quote for the Arc and freed from the sight of Sea The Star's powerful backside, his nemsis last season, he is a force to be reckoned with this year. And don't forget the superb Jan Vermeer who will live to fight another day, with a new set of shoes.

Update 6039: Back to work at Fair Hill after a couple of days in Kansas City. And an easy morning's work with only four to ride. All went nicely for a straightforward start to the day.

The final leg of the Triple Crown is upon us today, and will be broadcast on ABC later this afternoon: Belmont Doings: 'It's a Tote Board Race'. Ice Box, First Dude and Make Music for Me are my picks, although I hve not been very successful picking horses for this year's Triple Crown races. The undercard at Belmont includes the Manhattan and the return to races for Gio Ponti. It should be a great race: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by KBC Horse Supplies.

Over in England we have the English Derby at Epsom: LIVE EPSOM DERBY DAY BLOG!
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Update 6038: Another day off, this time unscheduled as I got stuck in Kansas for an extra night. And here are some pictures from my Kansas trip.

The Rail posted our pre-Belmont ABR radio show: Talking Belmont With Alex Brown. As part of the 30 minute show Andy Durnin explained what type of preparations they are making for Make Music for Me, a horse he has been galloping through the Triple Crown trail. It was another fun show!

Update 6037: A day off for me today. I am actually in Kansas City preparing to give a presentation on Social Media.

We do have our 30 minute ABR radio show at 2pm: Alex Brown Racing on the radio. It will be our last chance to discuss the upcoming Belmont Stakes. We will also discuss the retirement of jockey Richard Migliore and Summer Bird, last year's Belmont winner.

Here is the draw for the upcoming Belmont: Ice Box Is 3-1 Favorite for the Belmont.

And please keep calling.

Update 6036: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update.

While things remain ludicrously busy in Superfectaland (a new job, Philly Beer Week and the World Cup are all converging), we don't want to neglect racing, especially during Met Mile/Belmont week.

First, of course, we must give props to Quality Road in the Met Mile for another fine performance. Sure, he had to work a bit to keep the very game Musket Man from catching him at the end, but he never seemed as though he was digging as deeply as he possibly had to - his 114 Beyer for the race is below his high point (although certainly impressive). He may appear next in the Suburban, with the Breeders' Cup Classic as his ultimate goal (although one still suspects that the mile is his ideal distance).

And so to the Belmont - we'll have more on the undercard (which is almost always one of the best race days of the year) and the race itself later in the week, but here are a few initial thoughts:

• Post positions were drawn today, but in this race, it really doesn't matter (matter matter matter matter).


• Ice Box still looks like the class of the field.


• Uptowncharlybrown will be the human/equine interest story on the broadcast - and I hope he does well.


• It's unlikely to be a race that joins this august list - but the unexpected can happen, and it's always worth watching to see if it does.

Beyond the Belmont, word is in this week that Rachel Alexandra is likely to make her next start on June 12th. While this is good to hear, it's also somewhat problematic for two reasons. First, there's no confirmation yet as to which race it will be - it could be the Obeah (at normally-easily-accessible Delaware Park), the Stephen Foster or Fleur de Lis at Churchill Downs or, perhaps, the Ogden Phipps Handicap at Belmont. Taken alone, each of these options has a variety of positives and negatives, but there is one overarching thumbs down for all of them - the US takes on England in the World Cup that day...

Update 6035: Six ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And we started 30 minutes earlier which was nice. It did not get too hot before we were finished. All my horses went nicely. We had a nice winner last night at Presque Isle, Hossanah's Song. Her third start and first win.

And please keep calling.

Update 6034: Another seven ridden for Michael Pino this morning at Fair Hill. A busy morning, and another warm morning. We did have a bit of a breeze so it was not quite as bad as yesterday, but hot enough. Tomorrow we are going to be starting 30 minutes earlier, hopefully this will help us get finished before it gets too warm. All mine went nicely, one breezed, and one broke sharply from the gate.

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group e-mail: First Dude, Ice Box, Interactif, Drosselmeyer, Ron Franklin, Spectacular Bid, Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta, Quality Road, Musket Man, Xavier Aizpuru, Adam Davison, Michael Dickinson, Mario Calderon, book cover, ABR Radio.

And please keep calling.

Update 6033: Seven ridden for Michael Pino this morning at Fair Hill. And it was a hot morning for riding horses! Fortunately all mine went nicely, so while it was a little too warm, it was a straightforward morning's work.

It is Memorial Day, so Happy Memorial day. To celebrate lets hope Quality Road continues to show us he a one of the top three horses in the nation right now: Quality Road resumes ambitious season Monday.

Update 6032: Five ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And it turned into a hot morning too for galloping horses. The track was nice and quiet though, so a pretty straightforward start to the day.

We had a fun afternoon at the Fair Hill races yesterday. The weather seemed to cooperate. Here are a few pictures:

Pink coats, in the paddock
Unsaddling after the third
Adam, one of the many guys there who gallops at Fair Hill
Michael Dickinson

Update 6031: Another seven ridden for Michael Pino at Fair Hill this morning. One breezed an easy half mile. All went nicely for a nice start to the day. We are now all getting ready to go over to the Fair Hill races, our annual jump racing hosted just over the road from the training center.

My latest addition to The Rail: Franklin and the Race He Lost.

Those elected to the Hall of Fame have now been announced: National Museum of Racing announces 2010 Hall of Fame class.

Update 6030: Seven ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. Quite a busy morning, and thankfully the weather has broken a little and it was not as humid as it has been. All mine went nicely, which included breezing a couple of sets of babies. A nice start to the day. I then did a phone interview with Dr. Corinne Sweeney, from the New Bolton Center, for my book.

Here is this week's ABR radio show.

And please keep calling.

Update 6029: Five ridden for Michael Pino this morning at Fair Hill. And it was a warm and muggy morning this morning! All mine went nicely, for a short and straightforward morning's work.

2pm today we have our ABR radio show. We will review the Preakness Stakes and look forward to the Belmont Stakes, a week on Saturday. We will also discuss Mine That Bird's return to the track and more. Hopefully another fun show with Bob from Louisville and Andy from Belmont Park.

And please keep calling.

Update 6028: Six ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And a warm morning here too, it's going to be a hot day! All six of mine went nicely for a very straightforward start to the day. The barn was also quieter this morning, we shipped a few horses out yesterday down to Colonial Downs for their upcoming meet.

Still doing plenty of interviews for my book. Yesterday it was Pat Forde who is a senior writer for ESPN.com I also had a long phone coversation about the book with Mrs. Jackson. We will try to meet in the next week or two.

Mine That Bird had his first workout at Churchill Downs this morning. 3/8ths in 35.2

And please keep calling.

Update 6027: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update - Euro Watch edition.

Last year, Goldikova finished seventh in the Prix d'Ispahan, her yearly debut; it seemed that the extra furlong and soft going were not to her taste. There were no such questions this year - the 5-year-old mare set a new stakes record in the same race, capturing her eighth G1 victory. It was a narrow margin, to be sure, over the up-and-coming Byword, but the rest of the field (including Stacelita, who may need to regain some conditioning) was some distance back. While a threepeat in the Breeders' Cup Mile is her goal this year, her next race could be nearly as starry - she is being pointed to the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, potentially taking on Paco Boy and Rip Van Winkle.

While the Breeders' Cup is a long way away at this point, other Europeans to keep an eye on were in action last weekend - 3-year-old Richard Hannon-trained Canford Cliffs was impressive in the Irish 2000 Guineas, while Ballydoyle has another strong group of colts, headed by Jan Vermeer (impressive winner of the Gallinule Stakes) and St Nicholas Abbey. The 3-year-old filly ranks look equally strong (or, perhaps, stronger - at least, in France) with the green-but-promising Sarafina just besting Deluxe in the Prix Saint-Alary. Both fillies may head to the Prix de Diane in June - and we may see one or both of them in the Breeders' Cup at some point.

Given the somewhat scattered picture our own 3-year-olds paint, perhaps more overseas horses will consider heading to Churchill Downs this year - why not take the opportunity to show it can be good breeding and a lack of medication that win big races, rather than an affinity for Santa Anita? I'm of the opinion that the track surface played a smaller role than widely assumed in the European domination of the last two Breeders' Cups, and would love to see that put to the test this fall. Of course, we have plenty of racing to look forward to before that point - but it's always worth watching what's going on abroad.

Here in the US, NYRA got a loan, which should keep things running for a while - and the Met Mile is on tap for the long weekend...in the meantime, why not celebrate Irish-bred Goldikova's continued magnificence by purchasing The Divine Comedy's new album, Bang Goes The Knighthood, out on the 31st?

Update 6026: Six ridden today for Michael Pino at Fair Hill, and the weather remains warm and muggy. All mine went nicely, which included taking two babies to the gate for a little schooling. We had a new rider start today, he has won the Kentucky Derby!

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group e-mail: Super Saver, Lookin at Lucky, Mine That Bird, Chip Woolley, D. Wayne Lukas, Summer Bird, Rachel Alexandra, Shaun Bridgmohan, Ernie Paragallo, Michael Blowen, Clever Allemont, Tour of the Cat, Cappuccino Kid, ABR radio, UK Pics!.

And please keep calling.

Update 6025: Five ridden this Monday morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. A nice easy morning to ease back into work after a fantastic four days off. All five of mine went nicely. The damp and dreary weather was a stark contrast to the weather we had in England the last few days!

And here are a few pictures from my trip:

I love my English beer!
Friends, at my mother's wedding reception
The Smithy, Beeston in Cheshire
Bath house, converted to a flat, Beeston, Cheshire
Nare Point, Cornwall, a favorite spot of mine
Cornish cliff path, love the blue!
Cornish cliff path, just love the cornish foliage
Coffee shop, Knutsford, Cheshire
Summer evening, Five Pilchards, Porthallow, Cornwall

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 3:00 PM | Comments (230)

Barbaro Updates: 998

Posted May 10, 2010

updates are now here.

Update 6024: I am off to England, scheduled to return on Sunday. During this time we will not be updating this site. For the latest racing news visit: Paulick Report.

Back on Monday!

Update 6023: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update.

Lookin At Lucky finally had his luck change, and another Preakness is in the books. While Lucky's win was not unexpected, First Dude and Jackson Bend's efforts to round out the trifecta were a little more surprising. First Dude showed he's more than just a colt saddled with an unfortunate name; he seems a likely Belmont threat. Lookin At Lucky will not be Belmont-bound, but he should come back to this coast for the Haskell. As he has yet to celebrate his actual third birthday, a bit of a breather seems a wise move. The television coverage was moderately better than the Derby (and a vast improvement over the Oaks fiasco), but still ended up in the 'could do better' category.

Meanwhile, Jackson Bend, who looked hopelessly out of gas in the Derby, proved he could stay beyond a mile and dug in to finish third. Caracortado played the part of Jackson Bend this time around - he simply could not stay the distance, but looked threatening near the top of the stretch. I'd love to see these two meet up again in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile - and, ideally, beyond that; a rivalry between the two could lead to an exciting Met Mile (if it happens next year, but more on that in a moment). Trainer Nick Zito is aiming to bring Jackson Bend back in the Haskell - perhaps the little horse has more depths than we realize at present.

Also worth a mention is Dublin, who seemed headed for the exits at the break, but came back to finish fifth; one wonders what he could be capable if he had some changes to his routine, as well as some better luck. And luck did not seem to be the issue for Derby winner Super Saver - the horse just looked tired, and his announced rest also seems like the obvious next move.

Attendance at the Preakness was up, after a big drop last year. The lure this year was unlimited beer for $20 in the infield. Granted, this was not good beer - for $20, I expect something at least half as good as this; perhaps a craft brewers' tent could be set up for the adults who would like to have some of the real thing while watching the races. Local brewers Flying Dog would be an ideal anchor brand (although I'd hate to see a group of college students after multiple, cheap Raging Bitches, much as I love the beer) - and Baltimore's Brewer's Art is well-placed to offer advice...but I digress.

Even without the Derby or Preakness winner, the Belmont should be a good race (albeit one that seems custom-designed for Ice Box). Other interesting possibilities include Drosselmeyer, Uptowncharlybrown and the Tim Ice-trained New Madrid; who doesn't like a horse named for a fault? If nothing else, the lines for the bathroom will be much more manageable.

While the question of who will go to the Belmont is an interesting one, the much larger issue hanging over NYRA is how - or if - they will remain in operation after Belmont weekend. Things are not looking good at this point. The situation is complicated in California as well; Ron Charles resigned as president of Santa Anita shortly after the news broke that the Oak Tree meet would no longer be welcome at the track (although what has been going on behind the scenes there is anyone's guess). Oak Tree could move to Del Mar, but the ouster from Santa Anita is an odd business; one wonders who is really making these decisions, and how many groups are involved. It makes picking the horses look easy.

Update 6022: A dreary morning this morning at Fair Hill. I had seven to ride for Michael Pino, and we stayed in the shedrow. All went nicely for a pretty straightforward start to the day.

Today is the day we will hear the sentencing for Ernie Paragallo: Paragallo to be Sentenced May 18.

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group e-mail: Preakness, David Rodman, Damon Lann, The Rail, Nicanor, NBC, Joe Clark, ABR Radio, Andy Durnin, Lisa Grimm, Scooter Roach, Skip Away.

And please keep calling.

Update 6021: Seven ridden Monday morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. A grey morning, but the rain held off until we were finished. All seven of mine went nicely for an uneventful (very good) start to the day.

Here is my assessment of Saturday's Preakness: Lookin at Lucky Proves a Worthy Winner.

Neither the Derby winner, Super Saver, or the Preakness winner, Lookin at Lucky, will point to the Belmont.

And please keep calling.

Update 6020: Four ridden this Sunday morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. All went nicely, which was good because the last few days have worn me out!

I had a couple of great days down at Pimlico. It was a great chance to catch up with, and meet for the first time, people I have interviewed for my book. This included race caller Dave Rodman, Ed Fountaine, Barbara Livingston, Jay Privman, Joe Drape, Dick Jerardi and many, many more. I also got to meet Stakes barn security guy: Damon Lann, The Rail's Melissa Hoppert and Jessie Holmes, American Turf Monthly and Preakness program cover photog.

And we now know that Super Saver was not able to win the Preakness to add to his Derby win, and Lookin at Lucky won under new jockey Martin Garcia: Lookin at Lucky Wins the 135th Preakness Stakes.

Update 6019: Busy at Fair Hill again this Saturday morning for Michael Pino. Eight ridden, four of which breezed and two went to the gate for a little schooling. Now rushing around to get ready to head to the Preakness, from where I will be tweeting. It's a glorious day too!

Update 6018: Another long morning's work at Fair Hill for Michael Pino. I had nine to ride. And thankfully today all mine went nicely for a very straightforward start to the day. Now to prepare for an interview for my book, and then I am going to head down to Pimlico for today's racing.

Here is yesterday's 30 minute ABR radio show: Alex Brown Racing on the radio. Another fun show, we took a close look at each of the Derby horses that are now running in the Preakness, and also analyzed the "new shooters." Bob and Lisa also offer their betting strategies!

Here is this week's contribution to Eclipse Magazine: Alex Brown - 14th May 2010.

And please keep calling.

Update 6017: Phew, a long morning's work for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. I had nine to ride, and then ponied one once I was done. And the day also included a spill. I came off my second horse and was pretty lucky not to get hurt. Six of the horses I rode were babies (2yos.) They all went very nicely and continue to progress and learn well. Yesterday I wrote this piece for The Rail that discusses the education of 2yos: The Education of 2-Year-Old Horses.

Here are the details of the Preakness draw: Super Saver Is Early Preakness Favorite.

Today at 2pm is the 30 minute ABR radio show, where it will be all Preakness discussion. Superfecta will help Andy, Bob and I analyze the field: Alex Brown Racing on the radio.

And please keep calling.

Update 6016: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update, Preakness edition.

The Preakness draw will take place this evening at 5 pm, but post position is much less of an issue at Pimlico - especially as the field size has been decreased with the absence of Hurricane Ike, who is out with a leg injury. A Little Warm was declared out earlier in the week, much to my chagrin, leaving Schoolyard Dreams and Caracortado as the most interesting new shooters.

With rather limited time this week, here are our thoughts on the Preakness field - with Kentucky Derby alumni first:

Super Saver
Derby winners like to win the Preakness - and even without rain, Super Saver should be well-placed to do so. Jockey Calvin Borel has experience winning the Preakness with Rachel Alexandra, but it's not always as easy for him to work his magic away from Churchill Downs.

Paddy O'Prado
Yes, he ran much better in the Derby than I expected - but I still think he's more interesting on turf.

Dublin
His seventh-place finish was respectable and his sire owned this race, but is he up to the challenge? D. Wayne Lukas has Northern Giant as well, if not.

Jackson Bend
Had a terrible trip in the Derby, and clearly wants a shorter distance; the question is whether he's ready for the quick turnaround, given his effort last time out.

Lookin At Lucky
Holds the dubious honor of having perhaps the second-worst trip in the Derby after the very game Ice Box; his slump has clearly been luck-related rather than talent-related - will the change in jockey help?

New Shooters

Aikenite
He'll probably need more speed to close on than he's likely to see on Saturday - with Hurricane Ike out, that's a less likely scenario.

Caracortado
I'm a fan of the California-based gelding; this distance should be perfect for him. He's had bad luck in his two non-winning races and should be ready to go.

Pleasant Prince
His sole victory came in a MSW last year. Granted, he hit the board in the Florida Derby and Derby Trial, so he seems to be improving, but I don't see this as his spot.

Yawanna Twist
He only began his career in December, and he's been close in G3 company; it's a step up, but he could finishi n the money here.

Schoolyard Dreams
He was a long way back in the Wood Memorial, but he should be coming into this race in a better position - a definite danger.

Northern Giant
While he has an interesting pedigree and a bit of seasoning, he might be better off in a softer spot.

First Dude
I'm really done with this joke, which isn't the horse's fault, but I don't see it happening for him.

Although the real world will continue to interfere with things racing-related here for a while, we'll still be checking in via Twitter - so look for the latest updates there. In the meantime, you have until Saturday to name Super Saver's half-brother - and tune in tomorrow to Alex Brown's show for more!

Official Superfecta Superfecta Prediction: Lookin At Lucky, Caracortado, Super Saver, Schoolyard Dreams

Update 6015: And another busy morning riding for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. It was a grey and damp morning which did not help much either! I had seven to ride, five of which were babies. So it was a morning that could have had all sorts of unpredictable occurances, but fortunately all went reasonably well. I finished up by ponying a horse (I ride the pony and jog a horse around without a rider) and that also went nicely. All in all a good but busy start to the day.

Here is my entry for The Rail yesterday: How a Horse Learns the Starting Gate.

Here is the Paulick Preakness Index for this week: PAULICK PREAKNESS INDEX brought to you by Vinery LTD: THROW OUT THE DERBY. The Preakness draw is today.

And please keep calling.

Update 6014: Phew, another busy morning this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. I had seven to ride, and one to pony. One of mine also breezed an easy half mile. All went nicely. Rosie Homeister was by our barn to breeze one of the horses I usually ride. All in all a busy morning, but a good start to the day. After I was done I went to Prizzios, as usual, for a quick break a read of the Racing Form and a coffee. I also interviewed Peter Rotondo who works for Breeders' Cup in New York. Peter was with Edgar Prado during Edgar's first visit to Barbaro at New Bolton Center. Another great interview for my book.

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group e-mail: Super Saver, Lookin at Lucky, Dublin, Paddy O' Prado, Caracortado, Schoolyard Dreams, Hurricane Ike, Eskendereya, Jacksons, anti-slaughter movement, Fair Hill, ABR radio.

And here is my latest entry for The Rail: A Day in the Life of a Groom.

Update 6013: Seven ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And it seemed like a very long morning's work. But it wasn't really. All my horses went nicely, and while it was chilly weather to begin the day we did have bright sunshine so it was not too bad.

In Preakness news Derby winner Super Saver did an easy 3/8ths work this morning at Churchill Downs. Just enough to stretch his legs. And Derby favorite Lookin at Lucky will now also head to the Preakness. Martin Garcia will replace Garrett Gomez after Lookin at Lucky experienced traffic trouble for his third start in a row in the Derby.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 4:56 PM | Comments (203)

Barbaro Updates: 997

Posted May 3, 2010

updates are now here.

Update 6012: Four ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill, and then I ponied one to finish off the morning. It felt like a chilly fall day this morning with high winds and mid 40 degree termperatures. When the sun was out it was OK, when the sun was not out it was cold! Thankfully all my horses went nicely for a straightforward start to Sunday.

Fly Down was the convincing winner of yesterday's Dwyer Stakes: Fly Down Soars to Convincing Dwyer Victory.

Update 6011: Much like yesterday I had seven horses to ride this morning, and then I had one to pony once I was finished. But today of the seven I rode, three also breezed. Three 2yos, all in company. And all breezed very nicely. Joe Rocco Jr, who rides races at Delaware Park, was also in our barn to breeze a couple of our horses. So all in all we had a pretty busy morning ahead of a lighter day tomorrow.

The big news yesterday was the retirement of early Derby favorite Eskendereka: Eskendereya Retired From Racing.

It's a light schedule this weekend for major races around the country. The highlight is the Dwyer Stakes from New York, which serves as a prep race for the Belmont Stakes: WEEKEND STAKES: WHERE TO WATCH brought to you by KBC Horse Supplies.

And here is my weekly contribution to Eclipse Magazine: Alex Brown - 8th May 2010.

Update 6010: I rode seven horses for Michael Pino at Fair Hill this morning. And then for my eighth set I rode the pony and ponied another horse out in the fields. It was a spectacular morning here this morning for training horses. The weather could not have been better. A long morning, but a great morning's work.

And here is our ABR radio show from yesterday. Another fun show, we covered the key action from last weekend while also looking forward, a little, to next weekend's Preakness: Alex Brown Racing on the radio.

And please keep calling.

Update 6009: Another seven ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And another gorgeous morning for riding horses. One of mine breezed 5/8ths on the Tapeta track. He went well, I got tired! All in all a tiring, but great start to the day.

2 pm today is our 30 minute ABR Radio Show. We will review the Derby, and discuss Preakness developments. We will also cover last week's Oaks and Rachel Alexandra's race. Hopefully another fun show: Alex Brown Racing on the Radio.

Here is my entry for The Rail yesterday, where I take exception with some of the anti-slaughter rhetoric: Reason Will Win the Horse Slaughter Debate.

And please keep calling.

Update 6008: Seven ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. A pretty straightforward morning and gorgeous weather for training.

We are starting to hear which horses are being pointed for the Preakness Stakes, which will be run a week on Saturday. Today will be the first day many of the Derby starters will have gone to the track to stretch their legs. Unfortunately Awesome Act came out of the Derby with an unspecified injury. Paulick Report now has a Preakness top ten: PAULICK PREAKNESS INDEX brought to you by Vinery LTD: GOOD TO BE A PIMLICO FAVORITE. I made my picks before I knew Tempted to Tapit would not be pointed to the Preakness.

And please keep calling.

Update 6007: Superfecta here, with your regular weekly update, Derby non-rant edition.

Another Kentucky Derby is in the books, and for the third time in four years, Calvin Borel's name appears in the record. Todd Pletcher finally got his long-elusive Derby win, as did WinStar Farms. Super Saver became the second son of Maria's Mon to win the race (after Monarchos, who still ranks as the kindest - and best-behaved - thoroughbred stallion I've ever had the good fortune to meet); it was especially notable for the WinStar team as his dam, Supercharger, is a full sister to the dam of Bluegrass Cat, one of their studs. (And for those interested, it is worth noting that Super Saver has a gelding full brother, Hedge Fund, who has earned more than $150,000 - while it took him more than fifty starts, that suggests there's some good stamina in there somewhere).

Without taking anything away from Super Saver's accomplishment, it is worth noting that while he was certainly lucky to have Churchill Downs resident rail savant on board, he was equally fortunate to avoid some of the trouble other contenders faced. Ice Box's performance was perhaps the most impressive of any horse in the field; while both he and Lookin At Lucky had terrible trips and acquitted themselves well, under the circumstances, getting up for second was very impressive. But while trainer Nick Zito would like to rest Ice Box with a view toward the Belmont (and later races), owner Robert LaPenta would like to see the colt try the Preakness first. Given the effort Ice Box had to put forth in the Derby, I would side with Zito and wait; the duo still have Jackson Bend, whose Derby effort (while disappointing) likely took a lot less out of him - and the shorter distance seems more of a natural fit for him, while Ice Box seems perfect for the Belmont. Decisions will be made in the coming days.

Lookin At Lucky is also uncertain for the Preakness; the hapless colt's recent spate of the wrong sort of luck continued to dog him, and his sixth-place finish is worthy of some acknowledgement after the trip he endured. Bob Baffert is not making anything official for Baltimore yet, although at least he kept his customary humor in edging out D. Wayne Lukas trainee Dublin:

As Baffert realized that Lucky had come in sixth, ahead of Lukas' horse, he yelled out, "I beat you. I feel so much better."

At least he took it well.

While Borel's announcement that Super Saver will win the Triple Crown seems somewhat premature (although I'll give it definite props for eliciting even more personality out of a finally-jubilant Pletcher), I believe he is allowed a little bit of slack, even if winning the Derby is becoming a habit for him. I think Borel took a bit of undeserved criticism for his ride on Mine That Bird in the Belmont - he seemed to have few choices, once the horse had decided to go - but the fact remains that Belmont is not Churchill Downs, and we've got another race to get through first.

So, who might he face in Baltimore?

Noble's Promise, who was originally being considered for a race at Royal Ascot, may go to the Preakness instead. While it seems clear that he may not want to go a classic distance (and the mile race in England would be a great, if tough spot), he could be well-suited to the Preakness. I'd certainly be intrigued to see him there.

Other Derby alumni plotting trips to Baltimore include: Dublin, Paddy O'Prado, Conveyance and Make Music For Me.

In the new shooter camp, Caracortado is one of the most interesting possibilities, although there are more than a few. Others under consideration include Northern Giant, Schoolyard Dreams, Hurricane Ike, Aikenite and Pleasant Prince. Two horses I quite like, A Little Warm and Bushwhacked, have both had minor temperatures that have interfered with their training - but they are still possible for the Preakness as well.

Of course, much can happen over the next ten days, but one thing seems certain: Team Super Saver will be praying for rain.

Update 6006: Eight ridden today for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. And a gorgeous morning for training horses too. We had three sets of "babies" go to the starting gate for some schooling and they are starting to progress very well. All in all a busy but straightforward morning's work.

Here is this week's ABR Facebook Group e-mail: Super Saver, Calvin Borel, Todd Pletcher, Ice Box, Paddy 'O Prado, Make Music for Me, Blind Luck, Rachel Alexandra, Unrivaled Belle, Brahma Fear, Verne's Baby, ABR radio, Bob Hatfield, Andy Durnin.

Update 6005: Six ridden this morning for Michael Pino at Fair Hill. While it was a warm morning (humid) we also had some rain so we stayed in the shedrow to train. All mine went nicely. Our two year olds who had their first little breeze also seemed in good order after that experience.

Today's entry for The Rail is my assessment of this year's Kentucky Derby: This Year's Derby: An Ugly Spectacle.

And please keep calling.

Posted by Alex at 4:35 PM | Comments (109)