2011 Thoroughbred Racing Thread

[BluegrassCat]

It's about time to get this going. The 2011 Kentucky Derby is less than 5 months away! As for older horses, who will emerge as a contender for the Breeders Cup Classic?

However, before we move on, I want to give one last shoutout to Zenyatta and her retirement. She is the greatest racing mare of my life, and at the very worst is the 3rd best racehorse (including males and females, all surfaces, and distances, and all ages) of the last 30 years. You could argue and debate that maybe John Henry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Henry_(horse) and Cigar http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cigar_(horse) were better than Zenyatta, but I also think that you could easily present a counter argument that Zenyatta was just as good them.

In any case, Gulfstream Park (FL) and Oaklawn Park (AR) have the hottest, and youngest prospects right now planning their stakes schedule for a run at the Triple Crown. Santa Anita (CA) also has a great winter race card, and many horses will also shuttle to the Fairgrounds (LA), Keeneland (KY), etc. Gulfstream essentially kicked things off this past Saturday with the Hal's Hope Stakes. Oaklawn will be close behind with their series of stakes for 3 year old colts.

As the year progresses we will see whom among the older horses is going for a World Championship.

Looking forward to it and hopefully we can get some more participation in this thread this year!

An enthusiastic,
BluegrassCat

[OldMaestro]

Bluegrass,

It was great to just come across this thread. Thanks for starting it and I'm with you on Zenyatta. I have the 2010 Breeders Cup dvr'd and I may never delete it. I just rewatched it the other night and it's such a shame she did not win. Although she did not come in first, it was still a win. You have to give it to Blame though. He was a heck of a race horse and I wish he was coming back for one more year. I am going to miss that horse so much and I can only hope that we get to see another great like her come up in the future.

Gulfstream is looking real good. It will be interesting to see what comes out of the schedule changes that Calder made.

Who are some of the hot 3 year olds this year besides Uncle Mo? Hopefully Rogue Romance (our friend Smarty Jones) can put on a show and stay healthy enough to make it in to the Derby. I was a Bernardini fan so I will be following Stay Thirsty.

[BluegrassCat]

Now knowing that you liked Bernardini here are a few 3yo colts you may want to watch. All sired by Bernardini, of course. I had known about two of them, but Steve Haskin mentioned the other two in a recent column

Biondetti - he is owned by one of the many princes of dubai. He was fourth in the Breeders Cup juvenile and then won a group 1 race in France. There are no guarantees that he is returing to the US though.

Buffum - he was the favorite for the G2 Remsen at Aqueduct in Nov but had a horrible trip. Who knows?

Crossbow - owned by yet another prince of Dubai. Impressive maiden winner at Aueduct but could be shipped overseas.

To Honor and Serve - won both nashua and remsen at aqueduct. Bill Mott is the trainer.

You obviouslly know about Stay Thirsty arleady.

[OldMaestro]

I had read that Haskin article last night. I'm not sure how I missed it. It was a nice article. Thanks for the info.

[BluegrassCat]

California Derby at Golden Gate Fields and the Sham Stakes at Santa Anita are both this Saturday. Looking at the entries I happened to notice that Anthony's Cross, who is entered in the Sham Stakes, is a PA Bred, and the breeder was George Strawbridge Jr of Chester County. Strawbridge sold him for 300k at a yearling sale in Saratoga over the summer. Anthony's Cross' sire is Indian Charlie (70k stud fee). Tapizar is the favorite in the Sham, but was beaten by Anthony's Cross in a Maiden Special Weight at Churchill Downs back on Nov. 4, 2010. Not saying that I'd bet on Anthony's Cross in this particular race (though I may), but I do root for PA Breds and he has a bit of a connection to philadelphia, not to mention some nice breeding.

[BluegrassCat]

Looking for Zenyatta’s Mr. Right

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/14/sp...orse.html?_r=2

[OldMaestro]

Looks like a good weekend of racing. I'm interested in the El Encino. It will be interesting to see how/if Blind Luck and Champagne d'Oro bounce back. We also have the San Fernando Stakes (gr. II) where Sydney's Candy will be starting of his 4yo campaign.

I'll have to run out for 'milk' tomorrow. I still have a ten spot cash voucher left from the Breeders.

[OldMaestro]

Looking for Zenyatta’s Mr. Right

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/14/sp...orse.html?_r=2

It would be interesting to her with Curlin. Then we possibly could have a generational RA-Zenyatta rivalry.

Bias aside, who do you think should win HoY, Bluegrass? I would love to see Zenyatta get it but I think Blame deserves it. Sucks she got screwed in 2009.

[OldMaestro]

Whoa!

In the most anticipated decision of the 2011 breeding season, owners Jerry and Ann Moss announce they will send their Horse of the Year Zenyatta to young stallion Bernardini in 2011.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...-to-bernardini

[BluegrassCat]

Dude, Bernadini is your boy, you've gotta be pumped!

The Sunshine Millions is this Saturday. I think I am going to play 7 races between Gulfstream and Santa Anita. I took a look at the preliminary entries the other day, but haven't done any real handicapping yet. I did notice that First Dude was entered into one of the races though.

[OldMaestro]

Yeah man, it's awesome!

I haven't looked at anything for this weekend. Thanks for letting me know.

[BluegrassCat]

Looking at today's entries right now. A lot of big name horses running at Gulfstream and Santa Anita in assorted races. Amen Hallelujah & Wildcat Heiress (Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint), Dynaslew (Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf), First Dude (Sunshine Millions Classic), Cost of Freedom (Sunshine Millions Sprint), Jeranimo and Presious Passion (Sunshine Millions Turf), and Evening Jewel (Sunshine Millions Distaff). All the races are going to be run between 4:00 - 7:30pm EST.

Oh, also noticed that there is a horse named Dream Maestro in the classic at 15-1. You may need to box him with one of the favorites just because of his name.

[OldMaestro]

It really looks like it was a good racing weekend. I didn't have time to look at anything or even catch any of the races. How did you do? I did see that the Sunshine Millions Classic must have payed big money with the 27-1 winner and also MAESTRO coming in the money. Sounds like First Dude got caught in the back or didn't fire? Did you watch it? I was hoping for a good 4 yr old career out of him. I need to watch the replay of the Holy Bull too. I guess that will shake up the rankings on the Triple Crown trail.

[BluegrassCat]

Luckily, I ended up not playing any of the races. If I had, I would have got crushed. A lot of upsets. First Dude had a bad trip and got caught in a lot of traffic.

I haven't looked at the Holy Bull yet, but plan on taking a look at the news and this weekend's schedule later today.

[BluegrassCat]

Another good day for racing tomorrow, but I"ll be watching two races that could be considered a sideshow to Gulfstream's card. There are two 3yo fillies running tomorrow in stakes with strong connections to Philadelphia Park.

Check out the #5 below, Flash Mash, she is 2-0, bought for 140k at auction, and a daughter of Smarty Jones. She is the slight favorite in this ungraded stakes.

Fair Grounds - February 5, 2011
Race 7 - 3:42 PM Exacta / Trifecta $0.10 Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9)
STAKES

Tiffany Lass S.
Purse $60,000. For Fillies Three Years Old. No nomination fee. $300 to enter, $300 additional to start. Supplemental nominations of $1,500 will be accepted at time of entry which shall include all fees. $60,000 Guaranteed of which 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% to fifth and 1% to sixth through ninth. Weight ; 122Lbs. Non-winners of $26,000 twice since August 5th, allowed 2lbs, $15,000 twice since then, allowed 4lbs, $18,000 in 2010-2011, allowed 6Lbs. Starters to be named through the entry box by the usual time of closing. NOTE: This Stake will be limited to 12 starters. High weights on the scale will be preferred. Different owners have equal draw according to weights. failure to draw into the race will cancel all fees. THE OWNER OF THE WINNER TO RECEIVE A TROPHY. Closed Saturday, January 22, 2011, with 16 nominations. Six Furlongs.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Lost My Halo (KY) 3/F L M St. Julien 118 S Duke 5/1
2 2 Going to Kukaro (FL) 3/F L J Graham 116 T Q McCauley 8/1
3 3 Wicked Deed (KY) 3/F L A R Napravnik 120 S M Asmussen 2/1
4 4 Unbridled Praise (KY) 3/F L M Mena 118 W B Calhoun 4/1
5 5 Flash Mash (KY) 3/F L J Theriot 120 M Stidham 9/5
6 6 Miss Polly (LA) 3/F L C J Lanerie 118 E Hall 10/1
Owners: 1 - Majestic Farms, LLC (Brent Marti); 2 - Ron McCauley; 3 - Winchell Thoroughbreds, LLC (Joan & Ron Winchell); 4 - Richard L. Davis; 5 - Prime Equestrian S.A.R.L. (Didia Rier); 6 - Eldon R. Hall
Breeders: 1 - Majestic Farms LLC; 2 - Sienna Farms LLC & Winstar Farm; 3 - Sophian Stable; 4 - John Mulholland & Martha Jane Mulholland; 5 - Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC; 6 - Jim Montgomery & Natalie Montgomery
Equipment Changes: 4 - Unbridled Praise - Blinkers off


The other horse I'll be watching is May Day Rose, also a 3yo filly. She was sired by Rockport Harbor. Rocky (Rockport Harbor) won the first two starts of his career at Philadelphia Park with Stew Elliott in the irons, and Servis as trainer. Rocky was a great 2yo but fizzled later due to injuries. In any case, his filly, May Day Rose is entered and running in a G1 at Santa Anita tomorrow. Her workouts have been amazing, but her in her first race she was scratched at the gate. She has all of the physical tools, but needs to mature a bit mentally maybe. Currently, her odds are 9/2.

Santa Anita Park - February 5, 2011
Race 4 - 2:04 PM $1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $2 Rolling Double / $1 Pick Three (Races 4-5-6) $1 Superfecta (.10 Min.)
STAKES

Las Virgenes S. (Grade I)
Purse $250,000. For Fillies, Three Years Old. By subscription of $375 each to accompany the nomination. Closed January 27, 2011 with 12. $3,750 additional to start, with $250,000 guaranteed, of which $150,000 to first, $50,000 to second, $30,000 to third, $15,000 to fourth and $5,000 to fifth 122 Lbs. Non-winners of a Grade I race at One Mile of Over, allowed 3 lbs,: Non-winners of a Grade II OR Grade III race at One Mile or Over, 5 Lbs. This race is part of the "Black-Eyed Susan 2.2" A trophy will be presented to the owner of the winner. . One Mile.
P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Plum Pretty (PA) 3/F L* M Garcia 117 B Baffert 8/1
SCR Bluegrass Chatter (MD) -------------------------------------Scratched-------------------------------------
3 2 Tiz the Route (KY) 3/F L* B Blanc 117 J Herrick 20/1
4 3 California Nectar (CA) 3/F L* P A Valenzuela 117 D F O'Neill 4/1
5 4 May Day Rose (FL) 3/F L* R Bejarano 119 B Baffert 9/2
6 5 Turbulent Descent (FL) 3/F L* D R Flores 122 M Puype 4/5
7 6 Zazu (KY) 3/F L* J Rosario 117 J W Sadler 9/2
Owners: 1 - Peachtree Stable; 3 - Herrick Racing, LLC; 4 - Suarez Racing, Inc.; 5 - Kaleem Shah, Inc.; 6 - Blinkers On Racing Stable, , Butler, Strauss, Et Al; 7 - Mr. & Mrs. J. S. Moss
Breeders: 1 - Silent Indy Stables, LLC & DDS Stables; 3 - Herrick Racing LLC; 4 - Pablo Suarez & Michelle Suarez; 5 - Bridlewood Farm; 6 - Ocala Stud; 7 - Summerhill Equine LLC

[OldMaestro]

Check it out Bluegrass, let the games begin.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...paign=20110222

So is there anything hot going on right now on the TC trail? I haven't been following for more than 3 weeks....

[BluegrassCat]

Have you seen The Factor race yet? Talk about speed....

I wanted to catch the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn yesterday, but had to work.

I've been watching some of the stakes for older horses. Blind Luck got beat by 3 lengths in her 4yo debut last weekend.

[OldMaestro]

I just read about The Factor race this morning. I'm going to have to watch it.

I read about Blind Luck too. I don't think she has won the last 2 out since BC weekend.

[BluegrassCat]

Sounds like you saw The Factor's Rebel Stakes win, live this past weekend? I just watched the replay, lol. He has been impressive. I'd still make Uncle Mo the favorite at this point though.

The $10 million Dubai World Cup is this Saturday. TVG is airing the entire stakes portion of the card from 9am-12pm. Gio Ponti, Fly Down, Richard's Kid, and Twice Over are among the entries for the World Cup race. I am definitely going to try and watch saturday morning. There are always a lot european entries in all of the stakes races on world cup day so I also use it as an opportunity to do a little scouting. We will see a lot of these same European entries at the breeders cup later in the year.

[OldMaestro]

I seen the Rebel Stakes live and The Factor was very impressive. Especially the way he was able to put that distance between him at the end when I thought he may tire. This looks like it could be a special horse but I'm with you on Uncle Mo. It will be hard to bet against him and I'm not sure if he will face any real competition in his next race.

Sounds like I'll be missing a good weekend for racing. The Louisiana Derby is Saturday too. I think they may be racing Elite Alex there since he was scratched on Saturday.