Barbaro Updates: 998
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.
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asking Famblee TO CLICK AWAY..PLEASE
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Posted by: joan roya at May 10, 2010 5:17 PM