by Jeff Lowe
A $700,000 Speightstown colt was one of two horses snatched up by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum within about ten minutes on Monday morning in the opening session of the Keeneland September yearling sale.
Bloodstock agent John Ferguson bid alongside his client, Sheikh Mohammed, in their customary spot behind the sales ring.
The Speightstown colt was the top price through the first 50 hips. Consigned by Dromoland Farm, agent, the colt is a half brother to Grade 3 winner Elusive Diva, by Darley sire Elusive Quality.
After waiting for a few minutes while Tom Tate bought a Storm Cat half brother to Grade 1 winner Frost Giant for $300,000 and BBA Ireland signed for a Bernardini half brother to leading freshman sire Tapit, Ferguson jumped back in with the purchase of a Medaglia d’Oro half sister to Grade 1 winner Taste of Paradise for $300,000.
Darley bought a majority interest in Medaglia d’Oro this spring.
Ferguson , who declined an interview request when Sheikh Mohammed and his entourage left their bidding position, also bought a Storm Cat colt for $300,000 earlier in the morning.
Sheikh Mohammed’s trio boosted mixed results over the first two hours of the sale, which included fifteen horses from the first 41 horses in the catalog who were listed as reserve not attained.
Jeff Lowe is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer
Monday, September 14, 2009
Storm Cat colts among early leaders
by Jeff Lowe
Colts from the second to last crop of Storm Cat were among the most expensive purchases in the early stages Monday in the opening session of the Keeneland September yearling sale.
Jack Sims bought a full brother to Group 1 winner Sophisticat and Grade 2 winner and Central Kentucky sire Grand Reward for $450,000.
Consigned by Denali Stud, agent for the Robert and Beverly Lewis Trust, the colt is out of champion Serena’s Song, by Rahy, who also has produced Grade 2 winner Harlington, by Unbridled, and stakes winner Serena’s Tune, by Mr. Prospector.
Sophisticat sold for $3.4-million in the 2000 Keeneland July yearling sale, and Harlington was a $2.8-million purchase in the 2003 Keeneland September sale.
Sims said the Storm Cat colt was the most expensive horse he has purchased.
“I think it was a real bargain,” said Sims, who is from Evanston , Wyoming and involved in the construction business. “I figured he would have brought $1.5-million. I think now is the best time in my lifetime in the horse industry to buy horses. “
Sims said he has about 15 horses in training throughout the country and around nine broodmares.
“I hope he isn’t the most expensive horse I own; I’ve got one selling tomorrow that I hope bring more,” Sims said, referring to a Bernardini colt who is hip 410 in Tuesday’s second session.
A Storm Cat colt from Overbrook Farm’s dispersal sold for $325,000 to John Ferguson, chief bloodstock adviser to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum
The colt is out the Unbridled mare Referendum, a half sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Jersey Girl.
A bit later in the morning, Tom Tate bought a Storm Cat half brother to Grade 1 winner Frost Giant for $300,000 from the consignment of Lane’s End, agent.
Just after noon, Rick Porter went to $475,000 for a Storm Cat filly out of champion Wandesta (GB), by Nashwan.
Jeff Lowe is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer
Colts from the second to last crop of Storm Cat were among the most expensive purchases in the early stages Monday in the opening session of the Keeneland September yearling sale.
Jack Sims bought a full brother to Group 1 winner Sophisticat and Grade 2 winner and Central Kentucky sire Grand Reward for $450,000.
Consigned by Denali Stud, agent for the Robert and Beverly Lewis Trust, the colt is out of champion Serena’s Song, by Rahy, who also has produced Grade 2 winner Harlington, by Unbridled, and stakes winner Serena’s Tune, by Mr. Prospector.
Sophisticat sold for $3.4-million in the 2000 Keeneland July yearling sale, and Harlington was a $2.8-million purchase in the 2003 Keeneland September sale.
Sims said the Storm Cat colt was the most expensive horse he has purchased.
“I think it was a real bargain,” said Sims, who is from Evanston , Wyoming and involved in the construction business. “I figured he would have brought $1.5-million. I think now is the best time in my lifetime in the horse industry to buy horses. “
Sims said he has about 15 horses in training throughout the country and around nine broodmares.
“I hope he isn’t the most expensive horse I own; I’ve got one selling tomorrow that I hope bring more,” Sims said, referring to a Bernardini colt who is hip 410 in Tuesday’s second session.
A Storm Cat colt from Overbrook Farm’s dispersal sold for $325,000 to John Ferguson, chief bloodstock adviser to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum
The colt is out the Unbridled mare Referendum, a half sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Jersey Girl.
A bit later in the morning, Tom Tate bought a Storm Cat half brother to Grade 1 winner Frost Giant for $300,000 from the consignment of Lane’s End, agent.
Just after noon, Rick Porter went to $475,000 for a Storm Cat filly out of champion Wandesta (GB), by Nashwan.
Jeff Lowe is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Marathonical
Reporting from Saratoga Race Course, where I'm lucky to be today and tomorrow while passing time between the Fasig-Tipton select yearling sale and this weekend's New York-bred preferred sale.
I spent most of the last two nights shadowing Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum at the boutique sale, where he bought six yearlings for $6,350,000 and almost singelhandedly helped the sale defy sagging global economic trends. There's something surreal about standing next to a Middle Eastern monarch who is wearing blue jeans and a white long-sleeve shirt.
Sheikh Mohammed declined to talk to the media during the sale, but interracted with buyers, sellers, and even members of the public. I've never had a chance to interview him or get a sense of the type of person he is, but one of my companions at the sale offered this gem, "For an autocratic ruler, he seems like a pretty good guy."
Today it's good to get back to the track, a reminder of what those million-dollar yearlings and two-year-olds in training are supposed to be able to do.
I got here in time for the fourth race, a ridiculous non-winners of one optional claimer at two miles on the main track.
Nine horses were entered, but two scrached at the gate. Of the seven remaining runners, one bolted to the outside fence around the first of three turns and was eventually eased. Another horse was pulled up on the far turn.
Two others were distanced by about 30 lengths, barely making it to the wire while still galloping. Essentially, three horses finished the race.
I understand the desire to reward stamina in the breed, but very few American racetracks are properly configured for marathon races and even fewer of our horses can get the trip.
I spent most of the last two nights shadowing Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum at the boutique sale, where he bought six yearlings for $6,350,000 and almost singelhandedly helped the sale defy sagging global economic trends. There's something surreal about standing next to a Middle Eastern monarch who is wearing blue jeans and a white long-sleeve shirt.
Sheikh Mohammed declined to talk to the media during the sale, but interracted with buyers, sellers, and even members of the public. I've never had a chance to interview him or get a sense of the type of person he is, but one of my companions at the sale offered this gem, "For an autocratic ruler, he seems like a pretty good guy."
Today it's good to get back to the track, a reminder of what those million-dollar yearlings and two-year-olds in training are supposed to be able to do.
I got here in time for the fourth race, a ridiculous non-winners of one optional claimer at two miles on the main track.
Nine horses were entered, but two scrached at the gate. Of the seven remaining runners, one bolted to the outside fence around the first of three turns and was eventually eased. Another horse was pulled up on the far turn.
Two others were distanced by about 30 lengths, barely making it to the wire while still galloping. Essentially, three horses finished the race.
I understand the desire to reward stamina in the breed, but very few American racetracks are properly configured for marathon races and even fewer of our horses can get the trip.
Monday, July 13, 2009
McPeek targeting Saratoga for Striking Dancer
Before trainer Wesley Ward made his historic raid on the Royal Ascot meeting with Jealous Again and before Rachel Alexandra won the Kentucky Oaks (G1) by 20 ¼ lengths, another American-based filly was near the top of my horses to watch list for 2009.
Striking Dancer, a three-year-old Smart Strike filly out of the Danehill (Ire) mare Dancing Shoes, made her 2009 debut in a turf allowance at Gulfstream Park on February 25. Steadied on the turn and momentarily trapped behind a wall of horses, Striking Dancer and jockey Kent Desormeaux shot up the inside, steered outside and ran down the leader with a burst of late energy.
Trainer Ken McPeek briefly toyed with taking Striking Dancer to compete in a European classic, but an ankle injury sent her to the bench. Now three works into her comeback, McPeek is targeting Saratoga for Striking Dancer’s return.
I recently caught up with McPeek and asked him what he thought of the filly he ferreted out of the sixth day of the 2007 Keeneland September yearling sale for $110,000.
“She’s very good. We have to get her ready again, but she acts like she’s a graded stakes quality filly,” McPeek said. “We just have to get the time and get her ready. I think she will be competitive at a high level.”
Both of Striking Dancer's wins have come on grass, but McPeek thinks she has potential on dirt. He said he would have liked to run her in the Kentucky Oaks.
“I think she’d be fine on the dirt. We just haven’t had the opportunity to get her there,” McPeek said. “I think she might have given Rachel at least a test in the Oaks, but timing is everything and she just wasn’t ready.”
Striking Dancer was bred in Kentucky by Jess Jackson's Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings and was consigned by Warrendale Sales at the Keeneland September sale.
Striking Dancer (#4, green hat, blue polka dots)
Gulfstream, 2-25-09, Race 8
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
A light went on
The first two times I met Richard Duchossois, chairman of Arlington Park, I was not a racing journalist. I was an 18-year-old kid, running back and forth between the Arlington paddock and the rail, hoping to cash a $2 quinella.
Both times Duchossois asked me how my day was going and if the track was doing a good job.
As part of Arlington's sale to Churchill Downs Inc. in 2000, Duchossois became a major shareholder in CDI. Ever since, I've wondered if Duchossois' management style that has made Arlington one of the most customer and horsemen friendly tracks in the country would rub off on Churchill. (While hoping it wouldn't flow the other way)
So when Churchill's historic foray into night racing on June 19 suffered a near meltdown because of steamy temperatures and unbearably long lines due to inadequate staffing, I immediately thought of Duchossois wandering the Arlington apron and talking to fans.
I don't know where the Churchill brass were most of that night, but I surmised it involved air conditioning and a luxury suite. But just when I was ready to slam racing's corporate overlord, Churchill issued a press release apologizing to fans for the long lines. They admitted there was a problem, took full blame, and promised to increase staffing and lower prices for the next edition of night racing.
Both times Duchossois asked me how my day was going and if the track was doing a good job.
As part of Arlington's sale to Churchill Downs Inc. in 2000, Duchossois became a major shareholder in CDI. Ever since, I've wondered if Duchossois' management style that has made Arlington one of the most customer and horsemen friendly tracks in the country would rub off on Churchill. (While hoping it wouldn't flow the other way)
So when Churchill's historic foray into night racing on June 19 suffered a near meltdown because of steamy temperatures and unbearably long lines due to inadequate staffing, I immediately thought of Duchossois wandering the Arlington apron and talking to fans.
I don't know where the Churchill brass were most of that night, but I surmised it involved air conditioning and a luxury suite. But just when I was ready to slam racing's corporate overlord, Churchill issued a press release apologizing to fans for the long lines. They admitted there was a problem, took full blame, and promised to increase staffing and lower prices for the next edition of night racing.
Fans heard the message and they responded positively. Despite the loss of novelty, attendance barely dipped for night racing part two, from 28,011 on June 19 to 27,263 on June 26. And the Churchill brass was out in the crowd, sweating with them.
Chief operating officer Bill Carstanjen and General Manager Jim Gates each worked a three-hour shift in a beer trailer. CEO Robert Evans wandered the paddock area wearing a CEO helmet with beer cans attached to the side.
"It was fun and a great opportunity to interact with our customers," Gates said. "It was hot, very very hot, but it was good. We were serving while it was $1 beers and most people were thrilled with what a great deal it was and the shorter lines. There was not one complaint."
Churchill's adjustments from the first night saved one of the most exciting new ideas for racing in Kentucky.
The third and final edition of summer night racing 2009 is tonight. Being a Thursday and a holiday weekend, I assume attendance will go down, but there is no doubt that night racing at Churchill Downs is a winner.
"So far it’s been a huge success," Gates said. "We’ve got one more night, and we’ll see how successful that is. We’re gonna sit down after the meet is over. We’ll go back and look at the results and present something to our board of directors and they’ll make a decision whether they want to install pernmanent lights. So far the community has certainly embraced it."
Friday, June 26, 2009
Breeders’ Cup: Our event is still going to be great
Breeders’ Cup officials hope Jess Jackson will change his mind about holding Rachel Alexandra out of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
But even if Jackson sticks to his position that Rachel will never again race on a synthetic surface, the Breeders’ Cup, at least publicly, is not sweating the decision.
“Our event is still going to be a great event,” said Breeders’ Cup Chief Marketing Officer Peter Land. “We’ll still have 80,000 to 100,000 people come. It’s still going to be a great television show and a great simulcast product.”
Jackson disagrees with the Breeders’ Cup’s decision to hold the event at Santa Anita Park, which has a synthetic Pro-Ride surface, for a second consecutive year. Jackson does not think the results of synthetic races are legitimate, nor does he think synthetics are safer than a well-maintained dirt surface.
Land and the management at Breeders’ Cup hope Jackson will change his mind before November 6-7.
“First of all it’s early. It’s only June, so we would hope that over the course of the summer it would be a shame if Jess didn’t have a change of heart,” Land said. “We obviously respect Jess and everything he’s done for the sport. He’s certainly a great sportsman. But more than anything else, we were surprised he would make an announcement this far out.”
Thanks to the synthetic experiment, American horses currently are competing on three different surfaces – dirt, turf, and synthetic. But no racetrack offers all three, so no matter where the Breeders’ Cup is held, it risks losing stars from one of them.
Land said he does not think surface should be that big of a deal.
“Some years it’s going to favor different horses on different tracks. It’s not unlike the PGA championships, some years the course will favor long hitters and some years it will favor putters,” Land said. “I think many sports in general have this built in testing mechanism that says if you’re a great champion you can persevere under conditions that might not be ideal.”
It would be nice if Land’s comparison with golf worked, but the reality is that very few horses are the same when they switch surfaces. Some great dirt horses have struggled to compete on the synthetics or turf. Just as many great European turf stars are a shadow of themselves when they try dirt.
When Breeders’ Cup committed to Santa Anita for two years it was a controversial decision, not only because no track had ever hosted two consecutive Cups, but because of how new and untested the synthetics were. Until the current American experiment, nowhere in the world had Grade 1 races been contested and world champions crowned on a synthetic track. Even in Europe, where synthetics are preferred to dirt, all the Group 1 races are on turf, compared to just a handful of Group 3’s on the synth.
Last year Europeans Raven’s Pass and Henrythenavigator ran first and second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), the first time in the race’s 25-year history that Europeans swept the exacta. Jackson’s entrant in the race – Horse of the Year Curlin – finished a disappointing fourth. Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride surface, which anecdotally at least favors turf horses over dirt horses, was seen as playing a major role in that result.
As the move to synthetics has alienated the connections of some American horses, it has won favor with the Europeans and helped Breeders’ Cup in its ongoing quest to become a true world championship. Land said he believes the net result is positive.
“We’re gonna have 150 of the best horses in the world competing this year. Are we going to lose a few American horses? Probably. But on balance, we might end up with more than 30 horses from Europe this year, and we’re a global championship televised all over the world,” Land said. “To have more horses from outside the United States competing I think is a good thing for the Breeders’ Cup and for the sport.”
But even if Jackson sticks to his position that Rachel will never again race on a synthetic surface, the Breeders’ Cup, at least publicly, is not sweating the decision.
“Our event is still going to be a great event,” said Breeders’ Cup Chief Marketing Officer Peter Land. “We’ll still have 80,000 to 100,000 people come. It’s still going to be a great television show and a great simulcast product.”
Jackson disagrees with the Breeders’ Cup’s decision to hold the event at Santa Anita Park, which has a synthetic Pro-Ride surface, for a second consecutive year. Jackson does not think the results of synthetic races are legitimate, nor does he think synthetics are safer than a well-maintained dirt surface.
Land and the management at Breeders’ Cup hope Jackson will change his mind before November 6-7.
“First of all it’s early. It’s only June, so we would hope that over the course of the summer it would be a shame if Jess didn’t have a change of heart,” Land said. “We obviously respect Jess and everything he’s done for the sport. He’s certainly a great sportsman. But more than anything else, we were surprised he would make an announcement this far out.”
Thanks to the synthetic experiment, American horses currently are competing on three different surfaces – dirt, turf, and synthetic. But no racetrack offers all three, so no matter where the Breeders’ Cup is held, it risks losing stars from one of them.
Land said he does not think surface should be that big of a deal.
“Some years it’s going to favor different horses on different tracks. It’s not unlike the PGA championships, some years the course will favor long hitters and some years it will favor putters,” Land said. “I think many sports in general have this built in testing mechanism that says if you’re a great champion you can persevere under conditions that might not be ideal.”
It would be nice if Land’s comparison with golf worked, but the reality is that very few horses are the same when they switch surfaces. Some great dirt horses have struggled to compete on the synthetics or turf. Just as many great European turf stars are a shadow of themselves when they try dirt.
When Breeders’ Cup committed to Santa Anita for two years it was a controversial decision, not only because no track had ever hosted two consecutive Cups, but because of how new and untested the synthetics were. Until the current American experiment, nowhere in the world had Grade 1 races been contested and world champions crowned on a synthetic track. Even in Europe, where synthetics are preferred to dirt, all the Group 1 races are on turf, compared to just a handful of Group 3’s on the synth.
Last year Europeans Raven’s Pass and Henrythenavigator ran first and second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), the first time in the race’s 25-year history that Europeans swept the exacta. Jackson’s entrant in the race – Horse of the Year Curlin – finished a disappointing fourth. Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride surface, which anecdotally at least favors turf horses over dirt horses, was seen as playing a major role in that result.
As the move to synthetics has alienated the connections of some American horses, it has won favor with the Europeans and helped Breeders’ Cup in its ongoing quest to become a true world championship. Land said he believes the net result is positive.
“We’re gonna have 150 of the best horses in the world competing this year. Are we going to lose a few American horses? Probably. But on balance, we might end up with more than 30 horses from Europe this year, and we’re a global championship televised all over the world,” Land said. “To have more horses from outside the United States competing I think is a good thing for the Breeders’ Cup and for the sport.”
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Night racing report
I was one of the 28,011 who packed into Churchill Downs for Friday's historic night racing card.
A few comments:
-Snafus aside, the increased handle and attendance are proof that night racing can work. The night had an electric feel to it even without a stakes race or marquee horse on the card.
-Racing still matters in Kentucky. Night racing gave the fans a reason to come out, and a huge, demographically diverse crowd turned out for the party.
-Yet again, Churchill seemed unconcerned with the experience of the common fan, who paid $10 entry fee to experience sauna-like conditions and wait in unbearably long lines. The betting lines were long, but you could literally miss two races waiting for food or drink.
-I have never sweated so much at a racetrack in my life. My party was set up in a box underneath the grandstand overhang, where air circulation was less than ideal. Also, the volume and treble on the speakers in the grandstand were set way too high, doing no favors for track announcer Mark Johnson's between race chatter.
Night racing has a lot of potential, and the people supported it. But of those 28,000, how many will want to come back to experience those conditions anytime soon? Churchill must find a way to make the track a more enjoyable experience for everyday fans.
It was good to hear the announcement from Bill Carstanjen, Churchill's executive vice president and chief operating officer, about decreased prices and increased staffing for the June 26 and July 2 night cards.
“More than 28,000 turned out for the debut of night racing at Churchill Downs and the evening was a great success on most every level, but our track fell short in one important area of guest service, our fans have spoken to us about their disappointment and we have listened,” Carstanjen said. “Last Friday was a special and historic night at Churchill Downs and we hope that every fan that shared the evening with us will always carry wonderful memories of the evening. But many fans were clearly unhappy with the unacceptable level of service offered in beer lines throughout the track. We share their frustration, apologize for the experience and vow it will not happen again. We’re hoping all fans who were with us for the debut of night racing under the Twin Spires will be back with us again this Friday and on Thursday, July 2 and give us a chance to make racing under the lights at Churchill Downs truly special for everyone.”
A few comments:
-Snafus aside, the increased handle and attendance are proof that night racing can work. The night had an electric feel to it even without a stakes race or marquee horse on the card.
-Racing still matters in Kentucky. Night racing gave the fans a reason to come out, and a huge, demographically diverse crowd turned out for the party.
-Yet again, Churchill seemed unconcerned with the experience of the common fan, who paid $10 entry fee to experience sauna-like conditions and wait in unbearably long lines. The betting lines were long, but you could literally miss two races waiting for food or drink.
-I have never sweated so much at a racetrack in my life. My party was set up in a box underneath the grandstand overhang, where air circulation was less than ideal. Also, the volume and treble on the speakers in the grandstand were set way too high, doing no favors for track announcer Mark Johnson's between race chatter.
Night racing has a lot of potential, and the people supported it. But of those 28,000, how many will want to come back to experience those conditions anytime soon? Churchill must find a way to make the track a more enjoyable experience for everyday fans.
It was good to hear the announcement from Bill Carstanjen, Churchill's executive vice president and chief operating officer, about decreased prices and increased staffing for the June 26 and July 2 night cards.
“More than 28,000 turned out for the debut of night racing at Churchill Downs and the evening was a great success on most every level, but our track fell short in one important area of guest service, our fans have spoken to us about their disappointment and we have listened,” Carstanjen said. “Last Friday was a special and historic night at Churchill Downs and we hope that every fan that shared the evening with us will always carry wonderful memories of the evening. But many fans were clearly unhappy with the unacceptable level of service offered in beer lines throughout the track. We share their frustration, apologize for the experience and vow it will not happen again. We’re hoping all fans who were with us for the debut of night racing under the Twin Spires will be back with us again this Friday and on Thursday, July 2 and give us a chance to make racing under the lights at Churchill Downs truly special for everyone.”
Friday, June 19, 2009
Night racing!
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Despite temperatures in the 90s, a threat of storms, and a $10 admission fee, Churchill Downs is expecting a big crowd tonight for the debut of night racing.
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The 11-race card averages 8.7 horses per race and is a stakes race away from being what I would call a decent weekend card. There are six claiming races, two turf allowances, a two-year-old filly maiden race, a maiden special on the turf, and a NW2 at seven furlongs on the main track.
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The feature 10th race drew Triple Crown aspirant Flying Pegasus, who will try to use the seven-furlong allowance as a springboard for a second-half stakes campaign.
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Since this figures to be more of a social night, I did my handicapping in advance and came away with opinions in four of the races. I've always wanted to be a newspaper handicapper. Too bad that job is nearly extinct...
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Race 3, Mcl $30,000 (f&m), 1 1/16 miles
1 Metro Devil 5-2 Stalks from inside
6 Palin 20-1 Dropping speed, will refrain from political jokes
7 Queen Gracie 15-1 Ran ok on fast dirt
3 Saintly Shylock 12-1 Could improve
5 Terrell Cheney 2-1 Note barn change
4 Broadway Bertie 6-5 Will try to beat heavy chalk
2 Miss Siby 50-1 Cannot endorse
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Race 4, NW1 (f&m), 5f turf
6 Maxinkuckee Miss 4-1 Shoud be strong on turn back
5 Ocean Colors 3-1 Well-bred, speed of the speed
7 Ten Lil Indians 12-1 Out of Polish Navy mare, could like turf
1 Rinterval (Ire) 9-2 Second to Lush Lashes in '07!
9 Rock 'n' Roll Gal 5-1 Spanish Steps filly was 155k 2yo purchase
4 Sun Valley Storm 20-1 Well-bred for this, steps up
3 County Lass 5-1 Adds to pace
2 Nadadora 10-1 Must improve
8 Just Pick Me 15-1 Indiana shipper
1A Humor and Lights 9-2 Sleeper on AE list
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Race 5, MSW (2yo f), 4.5f
5 Rapport 7-2 475k Saratoga yearling, "Legends"
2 Ad Litem 5-1 Successful Appeal, good works
1 Miss Diane 4-1 Half of solid looking entry
1A Yes It's Valid 4-1 Half of solid looking entry
8 Sixtysix Margaux 3-1 Tote will tell if barn likes
9 Mesa Mirage 12-1 Sky Mesa, could surprise
6 Rita's Gold 12-1 Medallist could have a few fast ones
3 Mapatazzi 5-1 "Other" Asmussen
7 Imagine Now 15-1 Good juvenile sire, could need one
4 Bell's Shoes 12-1 Works look slow
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Race 6, MSW, 1 1/16 miles turf
6 Just Right (Fr) 3-1 The key, if speed is holding on turf
1 Rotterdam 10-1 Turns it around at a price
2 Schramsberg 8-1 Big pedigree firster; Pletcher-Borel!?
9 Tigresco 12-1 Another firster with good family
5 Home Field 6-1 Live claiming outfit, turf blood on dam side
8 Lamm 10-1 Needs a little more oomph
3 Dahlgonit 8-1 Could share
4 Buriedbeyondbelief 10-1 Some upside potential
10 Whirling Thunder 5-2 Cannot endorse this chalk for the win
7 Go Kenny Go 20-1 Even South Park fans should give him one
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Beyer tweaks his formula
Andrew Beyer, the creator of the popular Beyer Speed Figures that appear in Daily Racing Form, has announced a change in the way he will calculate his figures for synthetic tracks.
The change is based on an interesting finding. According to Beyer, the synthetic tracks are allowing slow horses to run a little faster while making fast horses run a little slower.
At tracks that installed synthetic surfaces, the average speed figure for bottom level maiden claimers increased by about three points. Meanwhile, the average winning figure for older male stakes horses decreased by about four points, Beyer says.
His findings support the lament that the synthetic tracks are preventing our fastest horses from performing to their ability, while aiding horses we previously judged to be inferior.
Here in Lexington, the seemingly unpredictable nature of synthetic racing has been demonstrated by the results of graded stakes races run at Keeneland Race Course since Polytrack was installed for the fall 2006 meeting.
No matter when or where the race, the wagering favorite typically wins around 30% of the time. It is one of the most powerful, consistent statistics in the sport.
But on Keeneland's Polytrack, the favorite has won just six of 53 times - an 11.3% success rate over the three-year period.
Paired with Beyer's finding that the synthetics help the slow and hurt the fast, it's one more reason to question whether we should be basing the future of the breed and running some of our most important races - such as the Breeders' Cup - on experimental synthetic tracks.
The change is based on an interesting finding. According to Beyer, the synthetic tracks are allowing slow horses to run a little faster while making fast horses run a little slower.
At tracks that installed synthetic surfaces, the average speed figure for bottom level maiden claimers increased by about three points. Meanwhile, the average winning figure for older male stakes horses decreased by about four points, Beyer says.
His findings support the lament that the synthetic tracks are preventing our fastest horses from performing to their ability, while aiding horses we previously judged to be inferior.
Here in Lexington, the seemingly unpredictable nature of synthetic racing has been demonstrated by the results of graded stakes races run at Keeneland Race Course since Polytrack was installed for the fall 2006 meeting.
No matter when or where the race, the wagering favorite typically wins around 30% of the time. It is one of the most powerful, consistent statistics in the sport.
But on Keeneland's Polytrack, the favorite has won just six of 53 times - an 11.3% success rate over the three-year period.
Paired with Beyer's finding that the synthetics help the slow and hurt the fast, it's one more reason to question whether we should be basing the future of the breed and running some of our most important races - such as the Breeders' Cup - on experimental synthetic tracks.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Arlington still in shock over Douglas injury
I called trainer Chris Block Monday afternoon to talk about Giant Oak’s impressive victory in the $150,000 Arlington Classic on Saturday, but that blog will have to wait.
The foremost thing on Block's and most people’s minds at Arlington Park is the tragic injury suffered by Rene Douglas in the Arlington Matron (G3).
The 42-year-old, six-time leading rider at Arlington faces a battle with paralysis after his mount Born to Be was bumped, clipped heels, and fell as the field turned for home.
“It’s affected the whole racetrack community a whole lot up here,” Block said. “Rene was a fan favorite and a horsemen’s favorite. We don’t have many great riders in Chicago right now, and we all looked forward to seeing him ride when he comes to town for the summer. We’re all holding out hope that things will get better and he might be able to walk.”
When I first started going to Arlington in the early and mid 1990s, the rider colony included jocks such as Pat Day, Shane Sellers, Jorge Velasquez, Mark Guidry, and Garrett Gomez. Looking back, I think the riders were better than the horses! I really didn’t know how good we had it.
Nationally the sport has suffered the retirement of a lot of great riders over the last ten years. The drop-off has hit the Chicago colony hard. When Douglas came to Arlington in 2001 he filled a void.
Already an accomplished veteran (he had been leading rider at Calder in '93 and won the ’96 Belmont Stakes on Editor’s Note), Douglas won 134 races his first season in Chicago, more than twice as many as any other rider. He quickly became the go-to jockey on the circuit, and as his mounts improved in quality, so did his confidence.
When Douglas was in the zone, he seemingly always had his mount in the right place at the right time. He particularly loved Arlington’s turf course, and he knew how to ride it as well as any jockey I’ve seen.
Watch how Douglas made it look easy in the 2007 Beverly D. Stakes (G1) on the #7 horse, 9-to-1 Royal Highness. It was the quintessential Douglas ride -- he saved ground, was tactically placed yet patient, and finished with a strong, well-timed move.
It's one of my lasting memories of Douglas, and one of many great wins he can look back on during his recovery.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Nicanor by 15!
Barbaro's full brother Nicanor won his turf debut by 15 lengths on Wednesday at Delaware Park, much to the delight of his legions of fans.
Has a maiden ever had a more loyal, rabid following?
Although the three-year-old Dynaformer colt ran well (and fairly fast) in his previous dirt races at Gulfstream Park, he clearly relished the move to turf and two turns in his fourth career start.
After pressing a first quarter in a reasonable :24.34 while three-wide, Nicanor and jockey Anna Napravnik took control of the race before the field hit the backstretch. Nicanor gradually pulled away in :49, 1:14.35, 1:39.86, and 1:46.31. (the course was rated firm, but it must have been a little on the deep side)
Neither the final time nor the final 5/16 in :31.96 seem particularly fast at face value, so the quality of the field he was facing probably played a big role in that margin of victory.
Still, it was a very nice effort, and Nicanor did everything that could have been expected and more. He is a stakes candidate now, and the rich summer turf races for three-year-olds are calling.
Trainer Michael Matz took a conservative stance immediately after the race, saying he would like to aim for a non-winners allowance race. see story
While there will be comparisons made between Barbaro's debut victory on the turf, which also came at Delaware, I wouldn't rate this performance on that level.
Barbaro pressed fairly quick fractions and flew home in :23.66, a fast final quarter for any turf horse, much less a front runner making his debut.
Of course, very few horses will ever live up to what Barbaro did in his seven-race career. But with the potential Nicanor showed today, and his dam La Ville Rouge spitting out good-looking full siblings to Barbaro each year, race fans can dream.
Nicanor's debut race replay
Barbaro's debut race replay
Has a maiden ever had a more loyal, rabid following?
Although the three-year-old Dynaformer colt ran well (and fairly fast) in his previous dirt races at Gulfstream Park, he clearly relished the move to turf and two turns in his fourth career start.
After pressing a first quarter in a reasonable :24.34 while three-wide, Nicanor and jockey Anna Napravnik took control of the race before the field hit the backstretch. Nicanor gradually pulled away in :49, 1:14.35, 1:39.86, and 1:46.31. (the course was rated firm, but it must have been a little on the deep side)
Neither the final time nor the final 5/16 in :31.96 seem particularly fast at face value, so the quality of the field he was facing probably played a big role in that margin of victory.
Still, it was a very nice effort, and Nicanor did everything that could have been expected and more. He is a stakes candidate now, and the rich summer turf races for three-year-olds are calling.
Trainer Michael Matz took a conservative stance immediately after the race, saying he would like to aim for a non-winners allowance race. see story
While there will be comparisons made between Barbaro's debut victory on the turf, which also came at Delaware, I wouldn't rate this performance on that level.
Barbaro pressed fairly quick fractions and flew home in :23.66, a fast final quarter for any turf horse, much less a front runner making his debut.
Of course, very few horses will ever live up to what Barbaro did in his seven-race career. But with the potential Nicanor showed today, and his dam La Ville Rouge spitting out good-looking full siblings to Barbaro each year, race fans can dream.
Nicanor's debut race replay
Barbaro's debut race replay
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Filly could elevate '09 Triple Crown
The Internet has been abuzz with mostly negative comments about Jess Jackson's purchase of Rachel Alexandra and the announcement that she is under consideration for the Preakness Stakes (G1).
Admittedly, it did not take a lot of imagination to buy the 20-length winner of the Kentucky Oaks (G1), after the race. It took a lot of money.
And no one liked to see trainer like Hal Wiggins lose the star filly he trained for the first ten races of her career. So the backlash was predictable, perhaps warranted on some level.
But Rachel Alexandra's sale could be very good for a sport struggling to regain its place in the national conscience.
Clashes between great competitors are celebrated in all sports. In racing they are too few and far between.
With the exception of the Triple Crown, the Breeders' Cup, and a handful of other races, many of our best horses spend the year avoiding each other while preserving their value upon retirement, which comes too soon for too many.
Rachel Alexandra's breeder and previous owner Dolphus Morrison was going to point her to the Acorn Stakes (G1), a one-turn mile for three-year-old fillies on the Belmont Stakes (G1) undercard. The Acorn is a nice race and a conservative, logical spot, but it likely would have featured no more drama than the marvelous filly's morning workouts. Rachel Alexandra would have been 1-to-9 to crush the handful of rivals who showed up.
Not only was Morrison avoiding a matchup with colts under the admittedly less-than-ideal conditions the Triple Crown presents, he said he was looking out for the breeding value of those future stallions he did not want to chance trouncing!
"The Triple Crown races are for future stallions," said Morrison, definitely not quoting the condition book.
Jackson took the best dirt horse in the world -- two-time Horse of the Year Curlin -- and ran him on the grass because he wanted to find out if Curlin could make a historic run at the world's best grass race the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1). Jackson also ran Curlin on Santa Anita's experimental, synthetic Pro-Ride surface in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) instead of keeping him on the dirt tracks he excelled on.
Jackson will not limit Rachel Alexandra's campaign based on a regard for his competitors' breeding values. Nor will he keep her in races restricted to females because "fillies should run against fillies," as Morrison suggested.
It was the filly Rags to Riches who upset Curlin in the 2007 Belmont in what is likely to go down as one of the best races of the era, perhaps ever.
The Triple Crown is racing's greatest stage. If this year's Preakness features a matchup between one of the fastest fillies of modern times, an improbable 50-1 longshot who made the cover of Sports Illustrated, and the three colts who finished behind him in a blanket finish in the Derby slop, sports fans and racing will be the winners.
Succeed or fail, that kind of competitive spirit should be saluted.
Admittedly, it did not take a lot of imagination to buy the 20-length winner of the Kentucky Oaks (G1), after the race. It took a lot of money.
And no one liked to see trainer like Hal Wiggins lose the star filly he trained for the first ten races of her career. So the backlash was predictable, perhaps warranted on some level.
But Rachel Alexandra's sale could be very good for a sport struggling to regain its place in the national conscience.
Clashes between great competitors are celebrated in all sports. In racing they are too few and far between.
With the exception of the Triple Crown, the Breeders' Cup, and a handful of other races, many of our best horses spend the year avoiding each other while preserving their value upon retirement, which comes too soon for too many.
Rachel Alexandra's breeder and previous owner Dolphus Morrison was going to point her to the Acorn Stakes (G1), a one-turn mile for three-year-old fillies on the Belmont Stakes (G1) undercard. The Acorn is a nice race and a conservative, logical spot, but it likely would have featured no more drama than the marvelous filly's morning workouts. Rachel Alexandra would have been 1-to-9 to crush the handful of rivals who showed up.
Not only was Morrison avoiding a matchup with colts under the admittedly less-than-ideal conditions the Triple Crown presents, he said he was looking out for the breeding value of those future stallions he did not want to chance trouncing!
"The Triple Crown races are for future stallions," said Morrison, definitely not quoting the condition book.
Jackson took the best dirt horse in the world -- two-time Horse of the Year Curlin -- and ran him on the grass because he wanted to find out if Curlin could make a historic run at the world's best grass race the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1). Jackson also ran Curlin on Santa Anita's experimental, synthetic Pro-Ride surface in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) instead of keeping him on the dirt tracks he excelled on.
Jackson will not limit Rachel Alexandra's campaign based on a regard for his competitors' breeding values. Nor will he keep her in races restricted to females because "fillies should run against fillies," as Morrison suggested.
It was the filly Rags to Riches who upset Curlin in the 2007 Belmont in what is likely to go down as one of the best races of the era, perhaps ever.
The Triple Crown is racing's greatest stage. If this year's Preakness features a matchup between one of the fastest fillies of modern times, an improbable 50-1 longshot who made the cover of Sports Illustrated, and the three colts who finished behind him in a blanket finish in the Derby slop, sports fans and racing will be the winners.
Succeed or fail, that kind of competitive spirit should be saluted.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Kicking in the afterburners
One day later I'm still trying to wrap my head around Mine That Bird's improbable Kentucky Derby (G1) victory.
For a little historical perspective, the Birdstone colt ran his final quarter mile in about :23.80 according to the official race chart. My research indicates that was tied for the fourth fastest final quarter in the Derby's 135-year history.
Secretariat owns the fastest final quarter, kicking home in :23.20 in the 1973 edition. Runner-up Sham came home in about :23.80.
Rumbo ran his final quarter in :23.40 in the 1980 derby, but still couldn't catch Genuine Risk. And 1964 Derby winner Northern Dancer scooted home in 24 flat, with runner-up Hill Rise gaining two lengths on the leader for an estimated final quarter in :23.60.
Secretariat, Sham, Hill Rise, and Rumbo all competed on dry, fast tracks, and Secretariat's time of 1:59.40 still stands as the record. Mine That Bird finished in 2:02.66, winning by 6 3/4 lengths in the slop.
One thing is for sure, Calvin Borel's fearless, rail-skimming ride on Mine That Bird was one for the ages.
For a little historical perspective, the Birdstone colt ran his final quarter mile in about :23.80 according to the official race chart. My research indicates that was tied for the fourth fastest final quarter in the Derby's 135-year history.
Secretariat owns the fastest final quarter, kicking home in :23.20 in the 1973 edition. Runner-up Sham came home in about :23.80.
Rumbo ran his final quarter in :23.40 in the 1980 derby, but still couldn't catch Genuine Risk. And 1964 Derby winner Northern Dancer scooted home in 24 flat, with runner-up Hill Rise gaining two lengths on the leader for an estimated final quarter in :23.60.
Secretariat, Sham, Hill Rise, and Rumbo all competed on dry, fast tracks, and Secretariat's time of 1:59.40 still stands as the record. Mine That Bird finished in 2:02.66, winning by 6 3/4 lengths in the slop.
One thing is for sure, Calvin Borel's fearless, rail-skimming ride on Mine That Bird was one for the ages.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Observations from the backstretch
After watching the workouts and gallops the last three days at Churchill Downs, two horses in particular have impressed me.
Friesan Fire’s five furlongs in :57.80 on Monday was not only the fastest of 49 works at the distance but seven lengths faster than the next closest time (which was turned in by Northern California-based closer Chocolate Candy, interestingly).
Back at the barn, Friesan Fire was the picture of a thriving horse. I envision him using his speed to gain good position from post position six and taking the lead turning for home. Trainer Larry Jones is very confident in the A.P. Indy colt’s chances.
The other horse that has impressed me is I Want Revenge. The way he settles into that long rhythmic stride tells me he will have no problem with 1 ¼ miles.
His incredible, troubled win in the Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) already proved he can handle traffic and adversity like a professional racehorse. After waiting patiently by the gap Tuesday morning with the Twin Spires in the distance, I Want Revenge looked like he was merely galloping in his bullet four-furlong work in :47.20.
Friesan Fire’s five furlongs in :57.80 on Monday was not only the fastest of 49 works at the distance but seven lengths faster than the next closest time (which was turned in by Northern California-based closer Chocolate Candy, interestingly).
Back at the barn, Friesan Fire was the picture of a thriving horse. I envision him using his speed to gain good position from post position six and taking the lead turning for home. Trainer Larry Jones is very confident in the A.P. Indy colt’s chances.
The other horse that has impressed me is I Want Revenge. The way he settles into that long rhythmic stride tells me he will have no problem with 1 ¼ miles.
His incredible, troubled win in the Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) already proved he can handle traffic and adversity like a professional racehorse. After waiting patiently by the gap Tuesday morning with the Twin Spires in the distance, I Want Revenge looked like he was merely galloping in his bullet four-furlong work in :47.20.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The toughest race in the world
They say the Kentucky Derby (G1) is the hardest race in the world to win.
It might also be the hardest races to pick the winner of, as my record of three wins in 16 years of handicapping the race attests (see list below).
Even when you identify the best horse in the race, it is far from a guarantee of victory. My list of losing Derby selections includes Holy Bull, Skip Away, Point Given, Empire Maker, and Curlin.
And if the Derby wasn't hard enough already, now we have to evaluate horses that have been racing on synthetic surfaces, with speed figures that may or may not reflect their true ability.
So what is the best way to pick a Derby winner? "The best horse for the race at the best price" sounds like a good recipe. Identifying that horse is another matter...
Who were some of your historical derby picks, and who do you like in 2009?
2008 Colonel John 4.70-1 6th
2007 Curlin 5-1 3rd
2006 Sweetnorthernsaint 5.50-1 7th
2005 Greeley's Galaxy 21-1 11th
2004 Smarty Jones 4.10-1 WON
2003 Empire Maker 2.50-1 2nd
2002 Perfect Drift 7.90-1 3rd
2001 Point Given 1.80-1 5th
2000 Fusaichi Pegasus 2.30-1 WON
1999 Stephen Got Even 5.10-1 14th
1998 Indian Charlie 2.70-1 3rd
1997 Silver Charm 4-1 WON
1996 Skip Away 7.70-1 12th
1995 Timber Country 3.40-1 3rd
1994 Holy Bull 2.20-1 12th
1993 Prairie Bayou 4.4-1 2nd
It might also be the hardest races to pick the winner of, as my record of three wins in 16 years of handicapping the race attests (see list below).
Even when you identify the best horse in the race, it is far from a guarantee of victory. My list of losing Derby selections includes Holy Bull, Skip Away, Point Given, Empire Maker, and Curlin.
And if the Derby wasn't hard enough already, now we have to evaluate horses that have been racing on synthetic surfaces, with speed figures that may or may not reflect their true ability.
So what is the best way to pick a Derby winner? "The best horse for the race at the best price" sounds like a good recipe. Identifying that horse is another matter...
Who were some of your historical derby picks, and who do you like in 2009?
2008 Colonel John 4.70-1 6th
2007 Curlin 5-1 3rd
2006 Sweetnorthernsaint 5.50-1 7th
2005 Greeley's Galaxy 21-1 11th
2004 Smarty Jones 4.10-1 WON
2003 Empire Maker 2.50-1 2nd
2002 Perfect Drift 7.90-1 3rd
2001 Point Given 1.80-1 5th
2000 Fusaichi Pegasus 2.30-1 WON
1999 Stephen Got Even 5.10-1 14th
1998 Indian Charlie 2.70-1 3rd
1997 Silver Charm 4-1 WON
1996 Skip Away 7.70-1 12th
1995 Timber Country 3.40-1 3rd
1994 Holy Bull 2.20-1 12th
1993 Prairie Bayou 4.4-1 2nd
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Racing must fix tote system
Amidst calls for technological upgrades to our antiquated tote system and better monitoring of wagering pools, the Association of Racing Commissioners International kicked off its annual meeting in Lexington on Tuesday.
Just 24 hours later we had another real life example of why the industry needs to take action on the issue. On Wednesday at New York City Off-Track Betting, $2 bets processed through AmTote were deposited into wagering pools as $200 bets.
The mistake affected pools at Aqueduct, Golden Gate Fields, Gulfstream Park, Indiana Downs, Keeneland Race Course, and Tampa Bay Downs. (story)
The horse racing industry made a lot of recommendations and promises to improve tote security in the aftermath of the Fix Six scandal at the Breeders' Cup in 2002, when an Autotote employee exploited non-existent security measures and delays in the bet processing system to alter losing tickets into winners.
What has really changed since then? Not nearly enough.
A few states have taken up the issue (story), but it's arguable whether any of the objectives in this memo from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association have been fully achieved.
I think the following quote from John Sabini, chairman of the New York State Racing & Wagering Board, may sum up a big part of the problem.
"They were going on and on about how no stone is left unturned to protect the tribes and protect the casinos, to make sure the casino companies don't lose a nickel, lock-down security," Sabini told Thoroughbred Times senior writer Frank Angst at a gaming conference last year.
"Then I come to horse racing, I'm new to this, and ... You hear a lot of, 'It can't really be done right.' And it dawned on me that the difference between the two is if you steal from a casino, you're stealing the casino's money. If you steal from a pari-mutuel pool, most of the time it's the bettors' money. So there's less of an urgency to it."
Just 24 hours later we had another real life example of why the industry needs to take action on the issue. On Wednesday at New York City Off-Track Betting, $2 bets processed through AmTote were deposited into wagering pools as $200 bets.
The mistake affected pools at Aqueduct, Golden Gate Fields, Gulfstream Park, Indiana Downs, Keeneland Race Course, and Tampa Bay Downs. (story)
The horse racing industry made a lot of recommendations and promises to improve tote security in the aftermath of the Fix Six scandal at the Breeders' Cup in 2002, when an Autotote employee exploited non-existent security measures and delays in the bet processing system to alter losing tickets into winners.
What has really changed since then? Not nearly enough.
A few states have taken up the issue (story), but it's arguable whether any of the objectives in this memo from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association have been fully achieved.
I think the following quote from John Sabini, chairman of the New York State Racing & Wagering Board, may sum up a big part of the problem.
"They were going on and on about how no stone is left unturned to protect the tribes and protect the casinos, to make sure the casino companies don't lose a nickel, lock-down security," Sabini told Thoroughbred Times senior writer Frank Angst at a gaming conference last year.
"Then I come to horse racing, I'm new to this, and ... You hear a lot of, 'It can't really be done right.' And it dawned on me that the difference between the two is if you steal from a casino, you're stealing the casino's money. If you steal from a pari-mutuel pool, most of the time it's the bettors' money. So there's less of an urgency to it."
Monday, April 20, 2009
Resisting Derby Fever (aka doing right by your horse)
Every year several horses are entered in the Kentucky Derby (G1) that have no business being in the field.
For some owners and trainers, the allure of America's greatest horse race is too much to turn down - even if their horse has proven (so far) to be too slow to match up with the best three-year-olds in the country and shown no indication they will improve at the Derby's 10-furlong distance.
Illinois Derby (G2) runner-up Giant Oak was not one of those horses, but his connections announced on Tuesday that the Giant's Causeway colt will bypass the first leg of the Triple Crown in favor of a summer turf campaign. (see story)
That announcement followed similar prudent decisions from the connections of Big Drama, Bittel Road, Charitable Man, Mafaaz, and Terrain.
Chicago-based trainer Chris Block, who conditions Giant Oak for husband and wife Rudy and Regina Tara, said it was not a difficult call.
"I’ve watched the Derby very closely over the last ten years and specifically watched some horses I felt didn’t have a chance in there. And I’ve seen how it absolutely compromised their careers," Block said. "So I always thought if I was ever in that position, I’d do what I thought was the right thing for the future of the horse."
Giant Oak stamped himself a Derby contender with a second-place finish in last year's Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs. (KY Jockey Club S. replay)
Still a gangly, green horse, Giant Oak had considerable room for improvement. But five months later, the same thing can still be said.
Sent to Louisiana for his Triple Crown preparations, everything went wrong. A traffic-filled, nightmarish trip led to a fifth-place finish in the Risen Star Stakes (G3). That was followed by a fourth in the Louisiana Derby (G2), a race contested on a sloppy, sealed track. Although beaten 9 1/4 lengths by winner Friesan Fire, Giant Oak finished just two lengths behind subsequent Arkansas Derby (G2) winner Papa Clem.
"The circumstances in Louisiana really didn’t allow him to grow mentally and give us an avenue to develop his style like we hoped," Block said.
That left the Illinois Derby (G2) on April 4 at Hawthorne Race Course as Giant Oak's final Derby audition. (Ill Derby replay)
Giant Oak showed improved early speed but was unable to run down Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner Musket Man, who got a slight jump on him turning for home. The second-place finish was a step in the right direction, but not enough for Block to want to take him to Louisville.
"Other than the winner, there wasn't a lot in there. And the way I see it, Musket Man beat us fair and square," Block said. "One of the reasons I decided not to go to the Derby was that if I was in the paddock before the race, I don't even know what instructions I would give the rider. This horse is still a work in progress."
Giant Oak is not a pretty mover on any surface, but his long stride seems more efficient on turf, and that is where Block believes his future may be. (race replay of his career debut on turf)
"A horse like Giant Oak is why we get in this business," said 42-year-old Block, who has been training since 1989. "You’re hoping for a horse like him to come along, but we see a lot more upside for the development of this horse in passing the Derby."
For some owners and trainers, the allure of America's greatest horse race is too much to turn down - even if their horse has proven (so far) to be too slow to match up with the best three-year-olds in the country and shown no indication they will improve at the Derby's 10-furlong distance.
Illinois Derby (G2) runner-up Giant Oak was not one of those horses, but his connections announced on Tuesday that the Giant's Causeway colt will bypass the first leg of the Triple Crown in favor of a summer turf campaign. (see story)
That announcement followed similar prudent decisions from the connections of Big Drama, Bittel Road, Charitable Man, Mafaaz, and Terrain.
Chicago-based trainer Chris Block, who conditions Giant Oak for husband and wife Rudy and Regina Tara, said it was not a difficult call.
"I’ve watched the Derby very closely over the last ten years and specifically watched some horses I felt didn’t have a chance in there. And I’ve seen how it absolutely compromised their careers," Block said. "So I always thought if I was ever in that position, I’d do what I thought was the right thing for the future of the horse."
Giant Oak stamped himself a Derby contender with a second-place finish in last year's Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs. (KY Jockey Club S. replay)
Still a gangly, green horse, Giant Oak had considerable room for improvement. But five months later, the same thing can still be said.
Sent to Louisiana for his Triple Crown preparations, everything went wrong. A traffic-filled, nightmarish trip led to a fifth-place finish in the Risen Star Stakes (G3). That was followed by a fourth in the Louisiana Derby (G2), a race contested on a sloppy, sealed track. Although beaten 9 1/4 lengths by winner Friesan Fire, Giant Oak finished just two lengths behind subsequent Arkansas Derby (G2) winner Papa Clem.
"The circumstances in Louisiana really didn’t allow him to grow mentally and give us an avenue to develop his style like we hoped," Block said.
That left the Illinois Derby (G2) on April 4 at Hawthorne Race Course as Giant Oak's final Derby audition. (Ill Derby replay)
Giant Oak showed improved early speed but was unable to run down Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner Musket Man, who got a slight jump on him turning for home. The second-place finish was a step in the right direction, but not enough for Block to want to take him to Louisville.
"Other than the winner, there wasn't a lot in there. And the way I see it, Musket Man beat us fair and square," Block said. "One of the reasons I decided not to go to the Derby was that if I was in the paddock before the race, I don't even know what instructions I would give the rider. This horse is still a work in progress."
Giant Oak is not a pretty mover on any surface, but his long stride seems more efficient on turf, and that is where Block believes his future may be. (race replay of his career debut on turf)
"A horse like Giant Oak is why we get in this business," said 42-year-old Block, who has been training since 1989. "You’re hoping for a horse like him to come along, but we see a lot more upside for the development of this horse in passing the Derby."
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sales to Racetrack: The tale of Don Gato
Don Gato, the $800,000 Storm Cat colt that topped the 2008 Keeneland April sale of selected two-year-olds in training, makes his career debut in race 7 at Keeneland today.
The race is a $50,000 maiden special weight for three-year-olds, at seven furlongs on the Polytrack. It drew a field of 11, and Don Gato has been tabbed at 6-to-1 on the morning line.
Don Gato is out of the stakes placed Mr. Prospector mare Here I Go. That makes him a half brother to 2005 Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Summerly (Summer Squall), who won four stakes, all at two turns.
Bred in Kentucky by Tom VanMeter, Michael Lowenbaum & Dr. Rand E. Dankner, Don Gato was slow to come around as a juvenile, hence his entry in the last select juvenile sale on the calendar. He was consigned by Hartley/De Renzo Thoroughbreds, as agent. Randy Hartley told me he only breezed Don Gato once before the sale and that the colt hadn't been pushed.
At the pre-sale under-tack show Don Gato worked one furlong in :10.20, and I had him galloping out in 24 flat. The track was lightning fast that day, as evidenced by the world record breeze of :9.60 by Cognito, a subsequent Saratoga maiden graduate who finished eighth in the Hopeful Stakes (G1).
You can watch Don Gato's workout from the sale here.
Although he was a bit immature, Don Gato went fast enough and had a good enough way of moving to capitalize on his primary attraction - his pedigree. Just a few days before he went through the ring, news of his sire Storm Cat's declining fertility broke. "They won't be making many more of these," said VanMeter.
Bloodstock agent Hanzly Albina signed the ticket for Don Gato on behalf of Azerbaijani businessman Mammad Huseynov. Huseynov later purchased Brookhill Farm in Lexington, see story.
Don Gato was turned out for 60 days after the sale at VanMeter's farm and then sent to trainer Ian Wilkes (both indications of a patient approach with the well-bred colt).
Don Gato spent the winter with Wilkes in Florida at Palm Meadows Training Center, where he worked regularly, although not terribly fast. He enters his career debut off three works at Churchill Downs.
I spoke to Wilkes this morning, and he reports Don Gato is a good looking colt who is just starting to come around.
"I’m pleased with the way he’s coming around. It's just taken him some time," Wilkes said. "He’s fit and ready to run, but mentally he’s still trying to catch on with what we're trying to do. The horses can't read what we paid for them."
When I asked Wilkes if he thought Don Gato had a chance to be a serious racehorse, he said, "Can you ask me that after the race?"
Race seven is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. EDT.
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Don Gato (#8) was 10th and last early but came flying late to finish second in his career debut. Here is the video replay courtesy of Keeneland. And here is the equibase chart.
The winner also was a big sale horse. Big Top, owned by My Meadowview Farm and trained by Nick Zito, is a Giant's Causeway colt out of Thorough Fair, by Quiet American. The half brother to Grade 2 winner Whywhywhy cost $1,050,000 at the 2006 Keeneland November breeding stock sale.
I hope to talk to trainer Ian Wilkes in the morning and get his thoughts on Don Gato's performance.
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Trainer Ian Wilkes reports Don Gato came out of the race, "a little tired, but fine."
Wilkes was happy with the way Don Gato finished the race, running his final three furlongs in a shade under 36 seconds.
"I was very pleased. You couldn’t ask for a better first start for him," Wilkes said Thursday morning. "He did a few things wrong in the race, but I think he’ll improve for the experience. He broke ok, but he’s never real fast out of the gate. He got a little spooky from those horses around him, but then he settled into stride. He’s just got to get a little more race savvy about him."
Wilkes said a maiden race at Churchill Downs will be Don Gato's next target.
"[Jockey Julien Leparoux] said he was a nice horse. He was very pleased with him," Wilkes said. "I think he’ll run long. He relaxes early. He’s got the looks and pedigree, so I don’t think there’s any distance limitations for him."
The race is a $50,000 maiden special weight for three-year-olds, at seven furlongs on the Polytrack. It drew a field of 11, and Don Gato has been tabbed at 6-to-1 on the morning line.
Don Gato is out of the stakes placed Mr. Prospector mare Here I Go. That makes him a half brother to 2005 Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Summerly (Summer Squall), who won four stakes, all at two turns.
Bred in Kentucky by Tom VanMeter, Michael Lowenbaum & Dr. Rand E. Dankner, Don Gato was slow to come around as a juvenile, hence his entry in the last select juvenile sale on the calendar. He was consigned by Hartley/De Renzo Thoroughbreds, as agent. Randy Hartley told me he only breezed Don Gato once before the sale and that the colt hadn't been pushed.
At the pre-sale under-tack show Don Gato worked one furlong in :10.20, and I had him galloping out in 24 flat. The track was lightning fast that day, as evidenced by the world record breeze of :9.60 by Cognito, a subsequent Saratoga maiden graduate who finished eighth in the Hopeful Stakes (G1).
You can watch Don Gato's workout from the sale here.
Although he was a bit immature, Don Gato went fast enough and had a good enough way of moving to capitalize on his primary attraction - his pedigree. Just a few days before he went through the ring, news of his sire Storm Cat's declining fertility broke. "They won't be making many more of these," said VanMeter.
Bloodstock agent Hanzly Albina signed the ticket for Don Gato on behalf of Azerbaijani businessman Mammad Huseynov. Huseynov later purchased Brookhill Farm in Lexington, see story.
Don Gato was turned out for 60 days after the sale at VanMeter's farm and then sent to trainer Ian Wilkes (both indications of a patient approach with the well-bred colt).
Don Gato spent the winter with Wilkes in Florida at Palm Meadows Training Center, where he worked regularly, although not terribly fast. He enters his career debut off three works at Churchill Downs.
I spoke to Wilkes this morning, and he reports Don Gato is a good looking colt who is just starting to come around.
"I’m pleased with the way he’s coming around. It's just taken him some time," Wilkes said. "He’s fit and ready to run, but mentally he’s still trying to catch on with what we're trying to do. The horses can't read what we paid for them."
When I asked Wilkes if he thought Don Gato had a chance to be a serious racehorse, he said, "Can you ask me that after the race?"
Race seven is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. EDT.
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Don Gato (#8) was 10th and last early but came flying late to finish second in his career debut. Here is the video replay courtesy of Keeneland. And here is the equibase chart.
The winner also was a big sale horse. Big Top, owned by My Meadowview Farm and trained by Nick Zito, is a Giant's Causeway colt out of Thorough Fair, by Quiet American. The half brother to Grade 2 winner Whywhywhy cost $1,050,000 at the 2006 Keeneland November breeding stock sale.
I hope to talk to trainer Ian Wilkes in the morning and get his thoughts on Don Gato's performance.
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Trainer Ian Wilkes reports Don Gato came out of the race, "a little tired, but fine."
Wilkes was happy with the way Don Gato finished the race, running his final three furlongs in a shade under 36 seconds.
"I was very pleased. You couldn’t ask for a better first start for him," Wilkes said Thursday morning. "He did a few things wrong in the race, but I think he’ll improve for the experience. He broke ok, but he’s never real fast out of the gate. He got a little spooky from those horses around him, but then he settled into stride. He’s just got to get a little more race savvy about him."
Wilkes said a maiden race at Churchill Downs will be Don Gato's next target.
"[Jockey Julien Leparoux] said he was a nice horse. He was very pleased with him," Wilkes said. "I think he’ll run long. He relaxes early. He’s got the looks and pedigree, so I don’t think there’s any distance limitations for him."
Monday, April 13, 2009
Derby field comes into focus
We're now less than three weeks from the Kentucky Derby (G1), and most people agree on who the top five candidates are (in various orders) -- I Want Revenge, Quality Road, Dunkirk, Pioneerof the Nile, and Friesan Fire.
At the next level, I've boosted Hold Me Back up to #6 on my poll based on his strong win in the Lane's End Stakes (G2) and a good rallying second in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1). I love how this son of Giant's Causeway has moved forward from age two to three. Despite the distant fifth behind Old Fashioned in his only dirt start, I think Hold Me Back could surprise some people in Louisville.
Santa Anita Derby (G1) runner-up Chocolate Candy is another horse getting a lot of consideration at that wide open #6 spot.
1) I Want Revenge: The likely favorite
2) Quality Road: Must overcome quarter crack
3) Dunkirk: Looks like he'll make the field after all
4) Pioneerof the Nile: Dirt is the big question
5) Friesan Fire: Great form in Louisiana
6) Hold Me Back: Like how he's developed at three
7) Chocolate Candy: Another who has never tried dirt
8) Papa Clem: Turning into a serious racehorse
9) General Quarters: Huge effort to win Blue Grass Stakes
10) Musket Man: Illinois Derby win was solid
11) Terrain: Hard trying horse not quite fast enough yet
12) Desert Party: With a crop this strong, I'm down on the Dubai route
13) Regal Ransom: Big improvement in UAE Derby
14) Win Willy: Flat 4th in Arkansas Derby, must bounce back
15) Mr. Hot Stuff: Still developing, never tried dirt
At the next level, I've boosted Hold Me Back up to #6 on my poll based on his strong win in the Lane's End Stakes (G2) and a good rallying second in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1). I love how this son of Giant's Causeway has moved forward from age two to three. Despite the distant fifth behind Old Fashioned in his only dirt start, I think Hold Me Back could surprise some people in Louisville.
Santa Anita Derby (G1) runner-up Chocolate Candy is another horse getting a lot of consideration at that wide open #6 spot.
1) I Want Revenge: The likely favorite
2) Quality Road: Must overcome quarter crack
3) Dunkirk: Looks like he'll make the field after all
4) Pioneerof the Nile: Dirt is the big question
5) Friesan Fire: Great form in Louisiana
6) Hold Me Back: Like how he's developed at three
7) Chocolate Candy: Another who has never tried dirt
8) Papa Clem: Turning into a serious racehorse
9) General Quarters: Huge effort to win Blue Grass Stakes
10) Musket Man: Illinois Derby win was solid
11) Terrain: Hard trying horse not quite fast enough yet
12) Desert Party: With a crop this strong, I'm down on the Dubai route
13) Regal Ransom: Big improvement in UAE Derby
14) Win Willy: Flat 4th in Arkansas Derby, must bounce back
15) Mr. Hot Stuff: Still developing, never tried dirt
Monday, March 30, 2009
Derby trail getting interesting
I am sticking with I Want Revenge on top of my Triple Crown rankings, but it is by the slimmest of margins over Quality Road, who looked every bit like a Kentucky Derby (G1) winner when he turned back Dunkirk in Saturday's Florida Derby (G1).
If you factor in ground loss, there was not much between Quality Road and Dunkirk, although I was so impressed by the way Quality Road responded when Dunkirk got along side of him.
In a heat-of-the-battle interview with ESPN right after the race, trainer Todd Pletcher blamed the fast track and alleged a speed bias as the reason for Dunkirk's defeat. No excuse was needed. Dunkirk ran huge and simply got beat by a better horse on the day.
Pletcher should save his outrage for Churchill's qualifying rules, because it will be a travesty if Churchill's attempt to market the race in Europe (by giving a minor Polytrack stakes winner a guaranteed spot in the Derby) ends up excluding one of the top members of a very promising crop. With $150,000 in graded earnings, Dunkirk is on the bubble to make the field in Louisville.
I'm not sure what to think of Regal Ransom's defeat of his more highly regarded stablemate Desert Party in the UAE Derby (UAE-G2). Speed was extremely good at Nad al Sheba on Saturday (more so than at Gulfstream, I thought), and Regal Ransom got an excellent ride from Alan Garcia. I think both the Dubai-based colts are nice horses, but they have a difficult task ahead of them.
Very few public handicappers seem to think Win Willy's upset victory in the Rebel Stakes (G2) was anything more than a fluke. I think he is underrated. I am also looking for Imperial Council to take another step forward in this Saturday's Wood Memorial (G1) at Aqueduct.
The showdown between Pioneerof the Nile and The Pamplemousse in Saturday's Santa Anita Derby (G1) promises to be an entertaining race, although I don't particularly like either of their chances to transfer their synthetic form to a dirt track. The betting public is likely to over-emphasize the result of this race as it pertains to the Kentucky Derby.
1) I Want Revenge: Set for second cross-country trip.
2) Quality Road: Could not be more impressed with his Florida Derby.
3) Dunkirk: Ran huge in defeat.
4) Friesan Fire: Still done nothing wrong.
5) Pioneerof the Nile: Very nice horse, but surface questions.
6) Old Fashioned: Must relax in Arkansas Derby.
7) Win Willy: My current longshot pick.
8) Desert Party: Puzzling loss in UAE Derby.
9) The Pamplemousse: Has "the look of eagles."
10) Imperial Council: Should be closer to pace in Wood Memorial.
11) Chocolate Candy: Live North Cal longshot.
12) Regal Ransom: Shocked his stablemate in UAE Derby.
13) Theregoesjojo: Bad ride in Fla Derby, but 10f may be too long anyway.
14) Musket Man: Developed nicely in Tampa.
15) Giant Oak: One more shot to join party.
If you factor in ground loss, there was not much between Quality Road and Dunkirk, although I was so impressed by the way Quality Road responded when Dunkirk got along side of him.
In a heat-of-the-battle interview with ESPN right after the race, trainer Todd Pletcher blamed the fast track and alleged a speed bias as the reason for Dunkirk's defeat. No excuse was needed. Dunkirk ran huge and simply got beat by a better horse on the day.
Pletcher should save his outrage for Churchill's qualifying rules, because it will be a travesty if Churchill's attempt to market the race in Europe (by giving a minor Polytrack stakes winner a guaranteed spot in the Derby) ends up excluding one of the top members of a very promising crop. With $150,000 in graded earnings, Dunkirk is on the bubble to make the field in Louisville.
I'm not sure what to think of Regal Ransom's defeat of his more highly regarded stablemate Desert Party in the UAE Derby (UAE-G2). Speed was extremely good at Nad al Sheba on Saturday (more so than at Gulfstream, I thought), and Regal Ransom got an excellent ride from Alan Garcia. I think both the Dubai-based colts are nice horses, but they have a difficult task ahead of them.
Very few public handicappers seem to think Win Willy's upset victory in the Rebel Stakes (G2) was anything more than a fluke. I think he is underrated. I am also looking for Imperial Council to take another step forward in this Saturday's Wood Memorial (G1) at Aqueduct.
The showdown between Pioneerof the Nile and The Pamplemousse in Saturday's Santa Anita Derby (G1) promises to be an entertaining race, although I don't particularly like either of their chances to transfer their synthetic form to a dirt track. The betting public is likely to over-emphasize the result of this race as it pertains to the Kentucky Derby.
1) I Want Revenge: Set for second cross-country trip.
2) Quality Road: Could not be more impressed with his Florida Derby.
3) Dunkirk: Ran huge in defeat.
4) Friesan Fire: Still done nothing wrong.
5) Pioneerof the Nile: Very nice horse, but surface questions.
6) Old Fashioned: Must relax in Arkansas Derby.
7) Win Willy: My current longshot pick.
8) Desert Party: Puzzling loss in UAE Derby.
9) The Pamplemousse: Has "the look of eagles."
10) Imperial Council: Should be closer to pace in Wood Memorial.
11) Chocolate Candy: Live North Cal longshot.
12) Regal Ransom: Shocked his stablemate in UAE Derby.
13) Theregoesjojo: Bad ride in Fla Derby, but 10f may be too long anyway.
14) Musket Man: Developed nicely in Tampa.
15) Giant Oak: One more shot to join party.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
An early Kentucky Derby pick: I Want Revenge
The big change in my Kentucky Derby rankings came at the top this week, where I have pretty much decided on I Want Revenge as my Kentucky Derby pick.
This won't change until at least March 28 when the Florida Derby (G1) is run! Dunkirk, Quality Road, and Theregoesjojo should be in that field, and all three have potential to make major moves in the rankings.
Back to I Want Revenge, I loved his impressive second in the CashCall Futurity (G1) and was puzzled by his dull third in the Robert B. Lewis (G2).
Sensing that it was Santa Anita's synthetic Pro-Ride surface that was holding him back, trainer Jeff Mullins shipped I Want Revenge east for the Gotham Stakes (G3) , and the colt's first try on a dirt track was an eye-opener.
Galloping along with pacesetter Mr. Fantasy, I Want Revenge ran his final 5/16 in just under 30 seconds, a very quick finish for a dirt race. His rating ability and stride suggest added ground should not be a problem, and his dam Meguial (Arg) finished second in the 10-furlong Argentine Oaks (Arg-G1).
This weekend's preps consist of three polytrack races at Turfway Park, and the $50,000 Private Terms at Laurel, so there shouldn't be any serious changes.
1. I Want Revenge : The pick!
2. Friesan Fire : Done nothing wrong this year
3. Pioneerof the Nile : Will he like dirt?
4. Old Fashioned : Must learn to conserve his considerable energy
5. Dunkirk : Fla Derby will tell if it was too much, too soon
6. Quality Road : Fla Derby will provide tests with added weight, two turns
7. Desert Party : Figures to dominate UAE Derby
8. The Pamplemousse : Awesome front runner on the synth
9. Win Willy : I think upset Rebel winner is for real
10. Theregoesjojo : Could take big step forward in Fla Derby
11. Imperial Council : Distant runner-up in Gotham still a contender
12. Chocolate Candy : First North Cal Derby horse I've liked in ages
13. Musket Man : Nice win at Tampa for steady developer
14. Patena : Hope sloppy, sealed track was excuse in Louisiana
15. Giant Oak : Look for him down the road on turf or synth
This won't change until at least March 28 when the Florida Derby (G1) is run! Dunkirk, Quality Road, and Theregoesjojo should be in that field, and all three have potential to make major moves in the rankings.
Back to I Want Revenge, I loved his impressive second in the CashCall Futurity (G1) and was puzzled by his dull third in the Robert B. Lewis (G2).
Sensing that it was Santa Anita's synthetic Pro-Ride surface that was holding him back, trainer Jeff Mullins shipped I Want Revenge east for the Gotham Stakes (G3) , and the colt's first try on a dirt track was an eye-opener.
Galloping along with pacesetter Mr. Fantasy, I Want Revenge ran his final 5/16 in just under 30 seconds, a very quick finish for a dirt race. His rating ability and stride suggest added ground should not be a problem, and his dam Meguial (Arg) finished second in the 10-furlong Argentine Oaks (Arg-G1).
This weekend's preps consist of three polytrack races at Turfway Park, and the $50,000 Private Terms at Laurel, so there shouldn't be any serious changes.
1. I Want Revenge : The pick!
2. Friesan Fire : Done nothing wrong this year
3. Pioneerof the Nile : Will he like dirt?
4. Old Fashioned : Must learn to conserve his considerable energy
5. Dunkirk : Fla Derby will tell if it was too much, too soon
6. Quality Road : Fla Derby will provide tests with added weight, two turns
7. Desert Party : Figures to dominate UAE Derby
8. The Pamplemousse : Awesome front runner on the synth
9. Win Willy : I think upset Rebel winner is for real
10. Theregoesjojo : Could take big step forward in Fla Derby
11. Imperial Council : Distant runner-up in Gotham still a contender
12. Chocolate Candy : First North Cal Derby horse I've liked in ages
13. Musket Man : Nice win at Tampa for steady developer
14. Patena : Hope sloppy, sealed track was excuse in Louisiana
15. Giant Oak : Look for him down the road on turf or synth
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Live blogging from Barretts March
The 20th edition of the Barretts March sale of selected two-year-olds in training is about to get underway.
Here are my top ten picks and a few comments from buyers and sellers, as they appeared in today's issue of the Thoroughbred Times TODAY.
The declines we have seen at the two-year-old auctions this year are expected to continue, and some feel the future of Barretts March is in danger. I am hoping for some pleasant surprises tonight, but honestly there is not a lot of optimism in the air.
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Not surprisingly, the sale is off to a slow start. The half brother to I Want Revenge (Hip 15, Thunder Gulch-Meguial (arg), by Roy) RNA'd for a mere $60,000. Consignor Dave Showalter of NexStar said the reserve was $199,000 (although I later learned the horse went through without a reserve)
Word is that the first big price should be Hip 28, a Tiznow filly out of Misty Lee, by Level Sands, consigned by Scanlon Training Center.
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Bob Irvin’s C-Punch Ranch purchased the Tiznow filly for $390,000, highest price of the day so far. The light gray filly is out of a half sister to champion three-year-old filly Xtra Heat – the Level Sands mare Misty Lee.
Scanlon Training Center purchased her for $100,000 at the 2008 Keeneland September yearling sale and consigned her at Barretts.
“She’s by a good sire, and she’s a filly with a lot of class,” said David Scanlon. “She came out here and showed herself very well. She moved real good in the video, and she’s a little lighter made filly. They’re saying those are the types of horses that are doing well out here on the synthetic tracks – lighter horses that get over the ground really easy.”
Scanlon got her as a bit of a steal at the September sale, considering how red hot Tiznow was at the time.
"Maybe because she didn’t look like the typical rugged Tiznow, maybe that put a few people off," Scanlon said. "She was a horse that kind of fell through the cracks as a yearling, but we got her in a good spot here. She more than lived up to our expectations."
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Hip 97, a Tapit filly out of Cross Your Heart, by Miswaki, just sold to bloodstock agent Demi O'Byrne for $540,000.
Todd Pletcher will train the filly for new owners Michael Tabor, John Magnier and Derrick Smith.
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Jess Jackson, who was underbidder on the Tapit filly, purchased the sale topper -- a Tiznow colt out of Hurricane Judy, by Storm Cat, for $650,000.
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Here are my top ten picks and a few comments from buyers and sellers, as they appeared in today's issue of the Thoroughbred Times TODAY.
The declines we have seen at the two-year-old auctions this year are expected to continue, and some feel the future of Barretts March is in danger. I am hoping for some pleasant surprises tonight, but honestly there is not a lot of optimism in the air.
---
Not surprisingly, the sale is off to a slow start. The half brother to I Want Revenge (Hip 15, Thunder Gulch-Meguial (arg), by Roy) RNA'd for a mere $60,000. Consignor Dave Showalter of NexStar said the reserve was $199,000 (although I later learned the horse went through without a reserve)
Word is that the first big price should be Hip 28, a Tiznow filly out of Misty Lee, by Level Sands, consigned by Scanlon Training Center.
---
Bob Irvin’s C-Punch Ranch purchased the Tiznow filly for $390,000, highest price of the day so far. The light gray filly is out of a half sister to champion three-year-old filly Xtra Heat – the Level Sands mare Misty Lee.
Scanlon Training Center purchased her for $100,000 at the 2008 Keeneland September yearling sale and consigned her at Barretts.
“She’s by a good sire, and she’s a filly with a lot of class,” said David Scanlon. “She came out here and showed herself very well. She moved real good in the video, and she’s a little lighter made filly. They’re saying those are the types of horses that are doing well out here on the synthetic tracks – lighter horses that get over the ground really easy.”
Scanlon got her as a bit of a steal at the September sale, considering how red hot Tiznow was at the time.
"Maybe because she didn’t look like the typical rugged Tiznow, maybe that put a few people off," Scanlon said. "She was a horse that kind of fell through the cracks as a yearling, but we got her in a good spot here. She more than lived up to our expectations."
---
Hip 97, a Tapit filly out of Cross Your Heart, by Miswaki, just sold to bloodstock agent Demi O'Byrne for $540,000.
Todd Pletcher will train the filly for new owners Michael Tabor, John Magnier and Derrick Smith.
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Jess Jackson, who was underbidder on the Tapit filly, purchased the sale topper -- a Tiznow colt out of Hurricane Judy, by Storm Cat, for $650,000.
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Sunday, March 8, 2009
"Jockeys" gets second season
Animal Planet has renewed its reality series Jockeys for a second season, and filming began Saturday at Santa Anita, according to track announcer Trevor Denman.
Spoiler alert: Joe Talamo's girlfriend Elizabeth Ellis watches on television as her 19-year-old beau wins the Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct on board I Want Revenge. Talamo has been a central character, and I Want Revenge could provide the series with a fresh plot line and timely link to the Derby.
I've only watched three or four episodes of Jockeys, but I've largely found it to be cookie-cutter reality television, complete with interviews and plot lines that come off as scripted, not to mention heavy editing that stretches the term reality.
The show's attempts to build up a rivalry between young Talamo and journeyman Aaron Gryder were laughible. Check out this great dialogue:
Gryder: "I hate losing, but I REALLY hate losing to Joe Talamo."
Talamo: "It would feel great to beat AARON GRYDER."
Random race fan: "My favorite rider today is Aaron Gryder. I can get about $200 if I win. [EDIT to new clip] He's a great rider."
As Gryder rides out through the tunnel, the fan yells, "It's that time of day. It's time for you to win and for me to grin."
If the intent was to show bettor indifference to jockeys, as long as they cash a ticket, the clip succeeded. If it was an attempt to portray that particular bettor as an Aaron Gryder fan, epic fail!
Other annoyances include Denman's overdubbed race calls, which repeat over and over the jockeys' names instead of the horses. Also, the cut-up race clips completely fail to demonstrate the story, drama, or rhythm of a horse race.
That being said, Jockeys is a show with considerable potential, as it gives viewers an educational glimpse into the not always glamorous life of its subjects. Many of the fans I talked to at Santa Anita on Saturday seemed to genuinely like the show.
Spoiler alert: Joe Talamo's girlfriend Elizabeth Ellis watches on television as her 19-year-old beau wins the Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct on board I Want Revenge. Talamo has been a central character, and I Want Revenge could provide the series with a fresh plot line and timely link to the Derby.
I've only watched three or four episodes of Jockeys, but I've largely found it to be cookie-cutter reality television, complete with interviews and plot lines that come off as scripted, not to mention heavy editing that stretches the term reality.
The show's attempts to build up a rivalry between young Talamo and journeyman Aaron Gryder were laughible. Check out this great dialogue:
Gryder: "I hate losing, but I REALLY hate losing to Joe Talamo."
Talamo: "It would feel great to beat AARON GRYDER."
Random race fan: "My favorite rider today is Aaron Gryder. I can get about $200 if I win. [EDIT to new clip] He's a great rider."
As Gryder rides out through the tunnel, the fan yells, "It's that time of day. It's time for you to win and for me to grin."
If the intent was to show bettor indifference to jockeys, as long as they cash a ticket, the clip succeeded. If it was an attempt to portray that particular bettor as an Aaron Gryder fan, epic fail!
Other annoyances include Denman's overdubbed race calls, which repeat over and over the jockeys' names instead of the horses. Also, the cut-up race clips completely fail to demonstrate the story, drama, or rhythm of a horse race.
That being said, Jockeys is a show with considerable potential, as it gives viewers an educational glimpse into the not always glamorous life of its subjects. Many of the fans I talked to at Santa Anita on Saturday seemed to genuinely like the show.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Pinhooker profits plummet at Calder
Traditionally, the Fasig-Tipton Calder sale of selected two-year-olds in training is a place for pinhookers to make their biggest financial scores of the year with their best-bred, fastest horses.
Thanks to the struggling economy and an increasingly selective market for racehorses, those big profits evaporated for all but a handful of horsemen in 2009. On paper, the pinhookers escaped Calder on Tuesday with an estimated profit of $594,000. That ended a six-year streak during which profits averaged $11.4-million, and it was the worst result for pinhookers at Calder since the crash of 2002 when they lost $636,500.
Here are the profit/loss estimates for the pinhooked horses sold at Fasig-Tipton Calder the last eight years:
2009 +$594,000
2008 +$6,858,000
2007 +$6,202,000
2006 +$24,083,360
2005 +$10,291,840
2004 +$15,849,000
2003 +$5,313,000
2002 -$636,500
Of course, there were some bright sides to this year’s sale, the first being that there is still a market for two-year-olds in training. Many sellers had to let their two-year-olds go at approximately the same price they paid for them as yearlings, while others will try another sale later this year or race them themselves.
But ask a car dealer if he would be happy to move units right now at the slightest profit (or even a loss). The answer would be an emphatic yes.
We’re now two sales into the 2009 juvenile season, and the downturns at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co.’s February sale of selected two-year-olds in training and the Calder sale looked fairly similar – about 30%.
Significant losses for the pinhookers could have serious ramifications on the sales and breeding industries. Still, it would be prudent to at least wait for the OBS March sale of selected two-year-olds in training before making any conclusions or predictions.
OBS has cataloged 523 horses for the two-day sale March 17-18, and if I had to pick one sale as the bellwether of the two-year-old market, OBS March is it because of its catalog size and ability to draw buyers at all levels.
Downward pressure on prices at the fall yearling sales already is a given, and there will be calls for stud fees to drop further. How big will the correction have to be? That picture will be clearer by the end of the month.
Thanks to the struggling economy and an increasingly selective market for racehorses, those big profits evaporated for all but a handful of horsemen in 2009. On paper, the pinhookers escaped Calder on Tuesday with an estimated profit of $594,000. That ended a six-year streak during which profits averaged $11.4-million, and it was the worst result for pinhookers at Calder since the crash of 2002 when they lost $636,500.
Here are the profit/loss estimates for the pinhooked horses sold at Fasig-Tipton Calder the last eight years:
2009 +$594,000
2008 +$6,858,000
2007 +$6,202,000
2006 +$24,083,360
2005 +$10,291,840
2004 +$15,849,000
2003 +$5,313,000
2002 -$636,500
Of course, there were some bright sides to this year’s sale, the first being that there is still a market for two-year-olds in training. Many sellers had to let their two-year-olds go at approximately the same price they paid for them as yearlings, while others will try another sale later this year or race them themselves.
But ask a car dealer if he would be happy to move units right now at the slightest profit (or even a loss). The answer would be an emphatic yes.
We’re now two sales into the 2009 juvenile season, and the downturns at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co.’s February sale of selected two-year-olds in training and the Calder sale looked fairly similar – about 30%.
Significant losses for the pinhookers could have serious ramifications on the sales and breeding industries. Still, it would be prudent to at least wait for the OBS March sale of selected two-year-olds in training before making any conclusions or predictions.
OBS has cataloged 523 horses for the two-day sale March 17-18, and if I had to pick one sale as the bellwether of the two-year-old market, OBS March is it because of its catalog size and ability to draw buyers at all levels.
Downward pressure on prices at the fall yearling sales already is a given, and there will be calls for stud fees to drop further. How big will the correction have to be? That picture will be clearer by the end of the month.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Kentucky Derby Poll (3-2-09)
A week after Dunkirk jumped all the way up to my #2 spot, I'm putting impressive Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) winner Quality Road #3 overall. While it may seem I'm overvaluing the flavor of the week here, both of these colts have the pedigree, speed figures, and physical type to compete in the Triple Crown. Quality Road replaces Midshipman, who fell into the Dubai black hole and is out of the TC.
The Pamplemousse climbs two spots from #11 to #9 for his front-running tour de force in the Sham Stakes (G3). I like this horse a lot, but given his high, looping running action and lack of dirt form, I can't move him any higher at this time.
1. Old Fashioned Consensus #1 but still has things to prove.
2. Dunkirk Tremendous upside off two lifetime starts.
3. Quality Road All signs indicate he's a serious TC candidate.
4. Desert Party Godolphin's best Derby hope yet.
5. Pioneer of the Nile Derby will be his first dirt race.
6. Stardom Bound Should win SA Oaks in hand.
7. Patena Anticipating the Dutrow bump.
8. Friesan Fire Good form, still improving.
9. The Pamplemousse Keeps earning more respect.
10. Mr. Fantasy Class test looms in Gotham for fast colt.
11. Imperial Council Little room for error as he stretches out.
12. Chocolate Candy Better than your typical North Cal contender.
13. Flying Pegasus Dangerous if he can move forward.
14. Silver City Connections must determine his best distance.
15. Giant Oak Plenty of potential, still learning to run.
The Pamplemousse climbs two spots from #11 to #9 for his front-running tour de force in the Sham Stakes (G3). I like this horse a lot, but given his high, looping running action and lack of dirt form, I can't move him any higher at this time.
1. Old Fashioned Consensus #1 but still has things to prove.
2. Dunkirk Tremendous upside off two lifetime starts.
3. Quality Road All signs indicate he's a serious TC candidate.
4. Desert Party Godolphin's best Derby hope yet.
5. Pioneer of the Nile Derby will be his first dirt race.
6. Stardom Bound Should win SA Oaks in hand.
7. Patena Anticipating the Dutrow bump.
8. Friesan Fire Good form, still improving.
9. The Pamplemousse Keeps earning more respect.
10. Mr. Fantasy Class test looms in Gotham for fast colt.
11. Imperial Council Little room for error as he stretches out.
12. Chocolate Candy Better than your typical North Cal contender.
13. Flying Pegasus Dangerous if he can move forward.
14. Silver City Connections must determine his best distance.
15. Giant Oak Plenty of potential, still learning to run.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Florida Pick 4 rule unfair to bettors
Last Thursday's pick four at Gulfstream Park was the latest injustice done to bettors, who continue to be a largely voiceless, under-represented group despite their contributons to the industry.
Race 6 was the first leg of the pick four, and when two horses were scratched out of the gate right before the race began, many bettors assumed they would receive refunds on the scratched horses since the scratches occurred prior to the first leg of the series and the horses were in the first leg.
Wrong! Gulfstream transferred all those bets to the 6-to-5 post-time favorite Alice's Halo. So if you were betting against Alice's Halo, now you were betting on him, in multiple combinations for some people.
I cannot think of any other business that would do this to its customers. Unable to provide the service you have purchased, they keep your money and spend it as they see fit.
As a side note, if a scratch occurs in the first leg of a pick three at Gulfstream, those wagers are appropriately refunded. Why should a pick four be different?
I called Gulfstream's Director of Mutuels Edward Mackie. He was familiar with the race in question.
"We got about a million calls on that one," Mackie said. "In the pick three you get a refund, but in the pick four and pick six, your money goes on the post-time favorite. It's a state law in Florida."
State law or not, it's a terrible rule.
To Florida and any other state that may revisit this rule in the future: if a horse scratches out of a multi-race bet before the series begins (particularly in the first leg), all wagers on that horse should be refunded.
You do not change my win bets for me when my horse scratches, or if a horse I wheel underneath in a trifecta scratches. So please do not change my selections in the pick four.
Race 6 was the first leg of the pick four, and when two horses were scratched out of the gate right before the race began, many bettors assumed they would receive refunds on the scratched horses since the scratches occurred prior to the first leg of the series and the horses were in the first leg.
Wrong! Gulfstream transferred all those bets to the 6-to-5 post-time favorite Alice's Halo. So if you were betting against Alice's Halo, now you were betting on him, in multiple combinations for some people.
I cannot think of any other business that would do this to its customers. Unable to provide the service you have purchased, they keep your money and spend it as they see fit.
As a side note, if a scratch occurs in the first leg of a pick three at Gulfstream, those wagers are appropriately refunded. Why should a pick four be different?
I called Gulfstream's Director of Mutuels Edward Mackie. He was familiar with the race in question.
"We got about a million calls on that one," Mackie said. "In the pick three you get a refund, but in the pick four and pick six, your money goes on the post-time favorite. It's a state law in Florida."
State law or not, it's a terrible rule.
To Florida and any other state that may revisit this rule in the future: if a horse scratches out of a multi-race bet before the series begins (particularly in the first leg), all wagers on that horse should be refunded.
You do not change my win bets for me when my horse scratches, or if a horse I wheel underneath in a trifecta scratches. So please do not change my selections in the pick four.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Race fans love 10-cent supers
Despite initial resistance from some of the major American racetrack operators, reduced minimum increment wagers such as 10-cent superfectas and 50-cent Pick 4s seem to be a big hit with the everyday racing fan.
(Click here to read Thoroughbred Times Senior Writer Frank Angst's story on the topic.)
I know I love them. I never played a superfecta until the 10-cent option was made available. The Pick 4 is one of my favorite bets, and my action has consistently steered toward tracks that offer a combination of good racing and a 50-cent pick 4, such as Gulfstream Park and Keeneland.
Even if the reduced minimums do not send handle sky-rocketing, allowing more fans to participate at an affordable unit wager is a good thing for racing.
The only bet that reduced minimums might not be a good thing for is the pick six. A $2 minimum makes it a very difficult bet for recreational players to cover, but the degree of difficulty in hitting a pick 6 is what makes all those monster carryovers possible.
(Click here to read Thoroughbred Times Senior Writer Frank Angst's story on the topic.)
I know I love them. I never played a superfecta until the 10-cent option was made available. The Pick 4 is one of my favorite bets, and my action has consistently steered toward tracks that offer a combination of good racing and a 50-cent pick 4, such as Gulfstream Park and Keeneland.
Even if the reduced minimums do not send handle sky-rocketing, allowing more fans to participate at an affordable unit wager is a good thing for racing.
The only bet that reduced minimums might not be a good thing for is the pick six. A $2 minimum makes it a very difficult bet for recreational players to cover, but the degree of difficulty in hitting a pick 6 is what makes all those monster carryovers possible.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Kentucky Derby Poll 2-23
Undefeated Dunkirk jumps all the way to #2 on my rankings this week based on his very impressive two-turn win at Gulfstream. If you factor in ground loss, it was one of the first Derby-worthy performances we've seen from this crop.
1. Old Fashioned: Tracked a very strong pace in the Southwest.
2. Dunkirk: Well-bred colt's allowance win 2-19 was gigantic.
3. Desert Party: Godolphin's best Derby hope yet.
4. Pioneer of the Nile: Looks great on the synthetic tracks.
5. Midshipman: Will he move forward as a three-year-old, in Dubai?
6. Stardom Bound: Santa Anita Derby a good place to try open company.
7. Patena: Well-bred for distance; anticipating the Dutrow bump.
8. Friesan Fire: Nothing wrong with his form.
9. Mr. Fantasy: We know he is fast. Class test looms in Gotham.
10. Imperial Council: A lot will have to break right for him to make Derby.
11. The Pamplemousse: Loved his San Rafael. Big work 2-18.
12. Chocolate Candy: North Cal sleeper has great pedigree.
13. Capt. Candyman Can: Hutcheson was a nice step forward.
14. Hello Broadway: Half to Nobiz still has upside.
15. Giant Oak: Plenty of potential but still learning to run.
1. Old Fashioned: Tracked a very strong pace in the Southwest.
2. Dunkirk: Well-bred colt's allowance win 2-19 was gigantic.
3. Desert Party: Godolphin's best Derby hope yet.
4. Pioneer of the Nile: Looks great on the synthetic tracks.
5. Midshipman: Will he move forward as a three-year-old, in Dubai?
6. Stardom Bound: Santa Anita Derby a good place to try open company.
7. Patena: Well-bred for distance; anticipating the Dutrow bump.
8. Friesan Fire: Nothing wrong with his form.
9. Mr. Fantasy: We know he is fast. Class test looms in Gotham.
10. Imperial Council: A lot will have to break right for him to make Derby.
11. The Pamplemousse: Loved his San Rafael. Big work 2-18.
12. Chocolate Candy: North Cal sleeper has great pedigree.
13. Capt. Candyman Can: Hutcheson was a nice step forward.
14. Hello Broadway: Half to Nobiz still has upside.
15. Giant Oak: Plenty of potential but still learning to run.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sale time!
The parking lot here at the OBS sales grounds is overflowing and the pavilion is as crowded as I've seen it. Maybe it's the promise of a new two-year-old crop. Or perhaps the anticipation of value has brought more buyers to Ocala. Then again, maybe it's just a bunch of Ocala-ites who turned out to watch a horse sale.
We'll know soon enough. The first horse should be in the ring any minute. Provided they vet ok, hips 1, 4, and 14 ought to hit six figures.
1 $300,000
4 $100,000
14 $127,000
Here is my Short List from the TODAY newsletter . This a deep group, so I had to make some tough choices.
For example, one of my favorite horses was actually Hip 197, a Concorde's Tune filly I left off my list on sire power. Her workout was awesome. Click on Hip 197 after you go here.
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As it turned out, quite a few people hung around to take a shot at the Concorde's Tune filly, who ultimately sold for $225,000 to bloodstock agent Demi O'Byrne. She'll be one to watch for at the track.
We'll know soon enough. The first horse should be in the ring any minute. Provided they vet ok, hips 1, 4, and 14 ought to hit six figures.
1 $300,000
4 $100,000
14 $127,000
Here is my Short List from the TODAY newsletter . This a deep group, so I had to make some tough choices.
For example, one of my favorite horses was actually Hip 197, a Concorde's Tune filly I left off my list on sire power. Her workout was awesome. Click on Hip 197 after you go here.
---
As it turned out, quite a few people hung around to take a shot at the Concorde's Tune filly, who ultimately sold for $225,000 to bloodstock agent Demi O'Byrne. She'll be one to watch for at the track.
Freshman sires at OBS Feb
It is only one breeze show, so it's far from the big picture, but I thought three freshman sires made strong showings at Friday's breeze show down here in Ocala.
Here is the hip-by-hip video link. And here are a few of the key works to check out from the freshman sires:
As a Grade 1 winning juvenile by Storm Cat, it should be no surprise if Consolidator's foals are quick and early, and that's exactly what hips 86 and 119 appear to be, with an emphasis on quick.
Roman Ruler (Fusaichi Pegasus) was well-represented by the freakishly fast colt hip 72.
Hips 95 and 38, fillies by Grade 1 winner Purge (sorry, no conformation picture in the stallion directory), turned in what I thought were two of the best breezes in the sale.
Here is the hip-by-hip video link. And here are a few of the key works to check out from the freshman sires:
As a Grade 1 winning juvenile by Storm Cat, it should be no surprise if Consolidator's foals are quick and early, and that's exactly what hips 86 and 119 appear to be, with an emphasis on quick.
Roman Ruler (Fusaichi Pegasus) was well-represented by the freakishly fast colt hip 72.
Hips 95 and 38, fillies by Grade 1 winner Purge (sorry, no conformation picture in the stallion directory), turned in what I thought were two of the best breezes in the sale.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Reporting from Ocala
I'm down in Ocala for the February two-year-old sale, which is Tuesday.
After watching videos and walking the barns today I've come away with a not-so-short list of 47! There are some nice horses in here this year. I have to get those 47 down to 10 for my short list that will run in the Thoroughbred Times TODAY newsletter on sale day.
The times were blazing on the OBS synthetic SafeTrack. Twenty-one horses worked one furlong in less than ten seconds! click here for the under-tack times and here for the videos
The synthetic tracks seem to make most horses look like good movers. And with this year's fast times (probably a click faster than last year) the gap between the fastest horse and the slowest horse has shortened.
This means less horses can be crossed off on the basis of the workout alone, so buyers are going to the barns to look at more horses than ever before. Bloodstock agent Mike Ryan told me he is essentially approaching it like a yearling sale.
After watching videos and walking the barns today I've come away with a not-so-short list of 47! There are some nice horses in here this year. I have to get those 47 down to 10 for my short list that will run in the Thoroughbred Times TODAY newsletter on sale day.
The times were blazing on the OBS synthetic SafeTrack. Twenty-one horses worked one furlong in less than ten seconds! click here for the under-tack times and here for the videos
The synthetic tracks seem to make most horses look like good movers. And with this year's fast times (probably a click faster than last year) the gap between the fastest horse and the slowest horse has shortened.
This means less horses can be crossed off on the basis of the workout alone, so buyers are going to the barns to look at more horses than ever before. Bloodstock agent Mike Ryan told me he is essentially approaching it like a yearling sale.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Desert Party II
The focus is back on Dubai today for the UAE 2000 Guineas (UAE-G3), which includes Desert Party, Vineyard Haven, and Regal Ransom.
Jockey assignments for the 1600-meter (about 1 mile) race on the dirt are quite interesting, as Godolphin's top rider Frankie Dettori is on Desert Party. Vineyard Haven should blast this field based on his two-year-old form, but either he isn't cranked for this race or Desert Party has surpassed him in the eyes of the Godolphin camp.
Post time is 1:05 p.m. Eastern, and the race will be shown on TVG and HRTV.
Coming up in 10 minutes, former American-based horses City Style and Jose Adan are in the GNB Plate, a 1300-meter (about 6 1/2 furlongs) turf race.
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City Style, who ran a good fourth behind Donativum in the BC Juvenile Turf, used a strong stretch rally to romp in the GNB Plate. The City Zip colt was part of Sheikh Mohammed's acquisition of Stonerside Stable.
Jose Adan was used tracking the pace and faded...
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The jockey assignments proved an accurate tell in the UAE Guineas, as Desert Party reeled in stablemate Regal Ransom and scored a 4 3/4-length victory. Vineyard Haven, the most accomplished American two-year-old on dirt in 2008, finished a dull fourth.
Desert Party, by Street Cry (Ire) out of Sage Cat, sold for $2.1-million at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Calder sale of selected two-year-olds in training. Consigned by Scanlon Training Center, he was the most expensive horse to sell at the training sales last year.
Hidden Brook, agent for Paul Pompa Jr. pinhooked him for $425,000 out of the 2007 Keeneland September yearling sale.
Here is the replay link (races 4 and 6) from Dubai.
Jockey assignments for the 1600-meter (about 1 mile) race on the dirt are quite interesting, as Godolphin's top rider Frankie Dettori is on Desert Party. Vineyard Haven should blast this field based on his two-year-old form, but either he isn't cranked for this race or Desert Party has surpassed him in the eyes of the Godolphin camp.
Post time is 1:05 p.m. Eastern, and the race will be shown on TVG and HRTV.
Coming up in 10 minutes, former American-based horses City Style and Jose Adan are in the GNB Plate, a 1300-meter (about 6 1/2 furlongs) turf race.
---
City Style, who ran a good fourth behind Donativum in the BC Juvenile Turf, used a strong stretch rally to romp in the GNB Plate. The City Zip colt was part of Sheikh Mohammed's acquisition of Stonerside Stable.
Jose Adan was used tracking the pace and faded...
---
The jockey assignments proved an accurate tell in the UAE Guineas, as Desert Party reeled in stablemate Regal Ransom and scored a 4 3/4-length victory. Vineyard Haven, the most accomplished American two-year-old on dirt in 2008, finished a dull fourth.
Desert Party, by Street Cry (Ire) out of Sage Cat, sold for $2.1-million at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Calder sale of selected two-year-olds in training. Consigned by Scanlon Training Center, he was the most expensive horse to sell at the training sales last year.
Hidden Brook, agent for Paul Pompa Jr. pinhooked him for $425,000 out of the 2007 Keeneland September yearling sale.
Here is the replay link (races 4 and 6) from Dubai.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Picking the freshman sires of 2009
One of my favorite issues of the year has arrived – the Thoroughbred Times freshman sire forum.
This year’s guest selectors were Sobhy Sonbol of Zayat Stables, Eric Guillot of Southern Equine Stables, Florida pinhooker Eddie Woods, and Utah-based pinhooker John Brocklebank.
Bloodstock Editor John P. Sparkman invited them to pick five freshman sires each. To see a pdf of the magazine story, including the complete list of freshman sires for 2009 so you can make your own picks, click here.
The two-year-old sales will tell us much more about the new studs, such as how their progeny move and what kind of speed they have, but here are the five sires I’m most excited about at this time:
1) Ghostzapper
2) Rock Hard Ten
3) Closing Argument
4) Afleet Alex
5) Roman Ruler
Horse of the Year Ghostzapper is the obvious standout from this crop based on his initial $200,000 stud fee. A nine-length winner of his debut as a two-year-old, Ghostzapper is one of the fastest horses of the modern speed figure era. The three things I noted in his babies were balance, bone, and (perceived) class.
Rock Hard Ten is not a horse that will be expected to peak as a juvenile sire, but I saw several yearlings I absolutely loved, led by a $700,000 colt out of Tapstress that the Thoroughbred Legends bought at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga. Word is Bob Baffert will train him. I would love to see this son of Kris. S turn out to be an important sire.
Closing Argument got called up to Kentucky on the strength of his first crop of weanlings, and it was obvious why. The son of Successful Appeal is producing well muscled, athletic foals that simply look fast.
They are not fancy looking horses, but by the end of last year Afleet Alex started to win me over. And when a skilled pinhooker like Eddie Woods says they all move well, I take note. I love the sire’s combination of speed and stamina and his ability to win at six furlongs to 1 ½ miles.
For the fifth spot on my list I figure I better take a stallion who is getting fast, precocious types, which I narrowed to Forest Danger and Roman Ruler. Donato Lanni of Hill ’n’ Dale Farms, where Roman Ruler stands, says I would be a fool to leave Roman Ruler off my list. Lanni won my freshman sire contest in 2008, and he has a sharp eye for talent, so his advice broke the tie.
Who do you like from the freshman sire class of 2009?
This year’s guest selectors were Sobhy Sonbol of Zayat Stables, Eric Guillot of Southern Equine Stables, Florida pinhooker Eddie Woods, and Utah-based pinhooker John Brocklebank.
Bloodstock Editor John P. Sparkman invited them to pick five freshman sires each. To see a pdf of the magazine story, including the complete list of freshman sires for 2009 so you can make your own picks, click here.
The two-year-old sales will tell us much more about the new studs, such as how their progeny move and what kind of speed they have, but here are the five sires I’m most excited about at this time:
1) Ghostzapper
2) Rock Hard Ten
3) Closing Argument
4) Afleet Alex
5) Roman Ruler
Horse of the Year Ghostzapper is the obvious standout from this crop based on his initial $200,000 stud fee. A nine-length winner of his debut as a two-year-old, Ghostzapper is one of the fastest horses of the modern speed figure era. The three things I noted in his babies were balance, bone, and (perceived) class.
Rock Hard Ten is not a horse that will be expected to peak as a juvenile sire, but I saw several yearlings I absolutely loved, led by a $700,000 colt out of Tapstress that the Thoroughbred Legends bought at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga. Word is Bob Baffert will train him. I would love to see this son of Kris. S turn out to be an important sire.
Closing Argument got called up to Kentucky on the strength of his first crop of weanlings, and it was obvious why. The son of Successful Appeal is producing well muscled, athletic foals that simply look fast.
They are not fancy looking horses, but by the end of last year Afleet Alex started to win me over. And when a skilled pinhooker like Eddie Woods says they all move well, I take note. I love the sire’s combination of speed and stamina and his ability to win at six furlongs to 1 ½ miles.
For the fifth spot on my list I figure I better take a stallion who is getting fast, precocious types, which I narrowed to Forest Danger and Roman Ruler. Donato Lanni of Hill ’n’ Dale Farms, where Roman Ruler stands, says I would be a fool to leave Roman Ruler off my list. Lanni won my freshman sire contest in 2008, and he has a sharp eye for talent, so his advice broke the tie.
Who do you like from the freshman sire class of 2009?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Is Betfair a good idea for America?
The biggest development related to Betfair’s purchase of Television Games Network is whether it will bring exchange wagering to America.
A fixture in Europe for almost a decade, Betfair offers players a chance to play bookmaker. It’s an exciting idea, provided integrity and handle issues can be worked out.
The handicapper/bettor in me loves the idea of a betting exchange. For one, it’s easier to pick a loser than a winner. And horse racing needs innovative ideas to combat declining handle.
Exchange wagering gives more people more reasons to bet on horse racing, whether by laying odds on horses they don’t like or by betting on a horse at a few points higher than will be offered through pari-mutuel pools.
But given the integrity problems the sport already faces, such as tote security and performance-enhancing drugs, is now the right time?
Betting exchanges amplify the power of insider trading. In the pari-mutuel system, even if someone thinks they know Horse A is going to run poorly, they still have to pick the winner in order to leverage that opinion. The ability to bet on a horse to perform badly provides direct incentive for a poor performance.
The other issue will be to ensure racetracks and horsemen get a fair share of handle from Betfair. An estimate of how much Betfair will cannibalize existing pari-mutuel handle will have to be worked into that formula.
Betfair already has made progress in winning over the horsemen’s organizations. Tracks, particularly Churchill Downs Inc., will be another matter entirely.
A fixture in Europe for almost a decade, Betfair offers players a chance to play bookmaker. It’s an exciting idea, provided integrity and handle issues can be worked out.
The handicapper/bettor in me loves the idea of a betting exchange. For one, it’s easier to pick a loser than a winner. And horse racing needs innovative ideas to combat declining handle.
Exchange wagering gives more people more reasons to bet on horse racing, whether by laying odds on horses they don’t like or by betting on a horse at a few points higher than will be offered through pari-mutuel pools.
But given the integrity problems the sport already faces, such as tote security and performance-enhancing drugs, is now the right time?
Betting exchanges amplify the power of insider trading. In the pari-mutuel system, even if someone thinks they know Horse A is going to run poorly, they still have to pick the winner in order to leverage that opinion. The ability to bet on a horse to perform badly provides direct incentive for a poor performance.
The other issue will be to ensure racetracks and horsemen get a fair share of handle from Betfair. An estimate of how much Betfair will cannibalize existing pari-mutuel handle will have to be worked into that formula.
Betfair already has made progress in winning over the horsemen’s organizations. Tracks, particularly Churchill Downs Inc., will be another matter entirely.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Benny's back
Other than the results of the votes, the big news coming out of last night's Eclipse Awards was the comeback of Champion Sprinter Benny the Bull.
The now six-year-old horse was retired in late August after developing ankle chips. But after stud plans failed to come together and an operation to remove the chips went smoothly, his owners began kicking around the idea of a return.
I recently spoke with trainer Richard Dutrow Jr., who really loves the enigmatic stretch runner and is ecstatic about the chance to train him again.
"I absolutely love the horse. He’s one of the funniest, coolest horses I’ve ever been around. By watching him train, you’d never think he’d be up for sprinter of the year. It took him forever to do anything. He did not want to work. When he would walk to the track, he wanted everybody in the world to feel so sorry for him because we were making him go out there and gallop. He'd have his head down."
"One day it was the funniest thing. I’m always standing on the rail at Aqueduct. Here comes Benny. It takes him like an hour and a half to walk a sixteenth of a mile, and he heard me open a mint wrapper. Naturally he was all over that. He came right to me, took the mint, and started marching right back home. It was the funniest thing I ever saw. I couldn’t stop laughing."
Dutrow said it was primarily IEAH Stables' Michael Iavaraone's idea to buy Benny privately, which IEAH did following the Lucky Lionel colt's win in the Iowa Sprint at Prairie Meadows on June 30, 2007.
Dutrow also credits exercise riders Michelle Nevin and Rudy Rodriguez for their work with Benny.
"They might be one of the reasons he turned out to be the sprinter he did. Those two people fit whatever is best for the horse they’re on. Maybe letting Benny be Benny, it turned him into the sprinter he is."
Dutrow said Benny is on a farm in Ocala right now, next to his old stablemate Diamond Stripes. The two horses traveled to Nad al Sheba together in March of 2008 when Diamond Stripes won the Godolphin Mile (UAE-G2) and Benny won the Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1).
The now six-year-old horse was retired in late August after developing ankle chips. But after stud plans failed to come together and an operation to remove the chips went smoothly, his owners began kicking around the idea of a return.
I recently spoke with trainer Richard Dutrow Jr., who really loves the enigmatic stretch runner and is ecstatic about the chance to train him again.
"I absolutely love the horse. He’s one of the funniest, coolest horses I’ve ever been around. By watching him train, you’d never think he’d be up for sprinter of the year. It took him forever to do anything. He did not want to work. When he would walk to the track, he wanted everybody in the world to feel so sorry for him because we were making him go out there and gallop. He'd have his head down."
"One day it was the funniest thing. I’m always standing on the rail at Aqueduct. Here comes Benny. It takes him like an hour and a half to walk a sixteenth of a mile, and he heard me open a mint wrapper. Naturally he was all over that. He came right to me, took the mint, and started marching right back home. It was the funniest thing I ever saw. I couldn’t stop laughing."
Dutrow said it was primarily IEAH Stables' Michael Iavaraone's idea to buy Benny privately, which IEAH did following the Lucky Lionel colt's win in the Iowa Sprint at Prairie Meadows on June 30, 2007.
Dutrow also credits exercise riders Michelle Nevin and Rudy Rodriguez for their work with Benny.
"They might be one of the reasons he turned out to be the sprinter he did. Those two people fit whatever is best for the horse they’re on. Maybe letting Benny be Benny, it turned him into the sprinter he is."
Dutrow said Benny is on a farm in Ocala right now, next to his old stablemate Diamond Stripes. The two horses traveled to Nad al Sheba together in March of 2008 when Diamond Stripes won the Godolphin Mile (UAE-G2) and Benny won the Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1).
Monday, January 26, 2009
"False Surface"
Since the synthetic tracks are a favorite subject, I have to revisit Jess Jackson's "false surface" comment from the Eclipse Awards.
Here's what Jackson said during his acceptance speech for Curlin's Champion Older Horse award:
"I congratulate the Europeans for coming over and running on a false surface. But I do believe that given another year of racing Curlin might have shown that he could adjust his pasterns to do that."
Eclipse voters apparently concurred to a degree. They went against the results of the first synthetic Breeders' Cup in a few categories, choosing Indian Blessing over Ventura, Benny the Bull over Midnight Lute, and Curlin over Zenyatta.
The horses I voted for went 10-for-10 in the horse categories, but I was just 2-for-5 in the human categories. No surprise that Steve Asmuseen won outstanding trainer, I just liked Richard Dutrow, Bob Baffert, and Bobby Frankel's work better.
I preferred IEAH Stables in the owner category and Stonerside for breeder, instead of Adena Springs.
Here's what Jackson said during his acceptance speech for Curlin's Champion Older Horse award:
"I congratulate the Europeans for coming over and running on a false surface. But I do believe that given another year of racing Curlin might have shown that he could adjust his pasterns to do that."
Eclipse voters apparently concurred to a degree. They went against the results of the first synthetic Breeders' Cup in a few categories, choosing Indian Blessing over Ventura, Benny the Bull over Midnight Lute, and Curlin over Zenyatta.
The horses I voted for went 10-for-10 in the horse categories, but I was just 2-for-5 in the human categories. No surprise that Steve Asmuseen won outstanding trainer, I just liked Richard Dutrow, Bob Baffert, and Bobby Frankel's work better.
I preferred IEAH Stables in the owner category and Stonerside for breeder, instead of Adena Springs.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Desert Party begins for Godolphin
In case you missed it, they ran a race of interest in Dubai Thursday morning.
The $50,000 Ford Flex Trophy (about 7 furlongs) featured the three-year-old debut of 2008 Sanford Stakes (G2) winner Desert Party and Saratoga maiden graduate Regal Ransom.
Desert Party stalked the pace and then switched to the inside during the long stretch run to score a half-length win over his stablemate. Both of the top finishers looked good in the field of 16, which included South Africa’s champion two-year-old Rocks Off (who is now a four-year-old).
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum purchased Desert Party and Regal Ransom at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Calder sale of selected two-year-olds in training.
Desert Party, by Street Cry (Ire) out of Sage Cat, by Tabasco Cat, was the $2.1-million sale topper and the most expensive two-year-old to sell at auction last year. Regal Ransom, a Distorted Humor colt out of Kelli’s Ransom, by Red Ransom, sold for $675,000.
With likely two-year-old champion Midshipman and Champagne Stakes (G1) winner Vineyard Haven based in Dubai, the racing carnival at Nad al Sheba will be of greater interest on the Triple Crown trail than ever before.
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While we’re on the subject, this Dubai Racing Club press release was making the rounds in our office Thursday morning. The theory being pushed by the writer is that, contrary to what many American horsemen believe, a trip to Dubai does not take much out of a horse.
The case study is 11-year-old Tour of the Cat, who finished eighth in the 2004 Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1) but has remained a productive racehorse, albeit after taking 14 months off at the end of 2004 and gradually sliding down the class scale.
Tour of the Cat’s January 18 win at Aqueduct prompted a press release from NYRA recognizing the old millionaire warrior.
The Dubai Racing Club latched onto the story but attached a different spin. Here’s the key sentence.
“The [January 18, 2009] victory is more evidence disproving a myth that has been circulated by some members of the American media that horses that travel to the Middle East to race often don’t perform much longer afterward.”
What the press release failed to disclose was that Tour of the Cat’s victory last Sunday came in a $7,500 claiming race!
The $50,000 Ford Flex Trophy (about 7 furlongs) featured the three-year-old debut of 2008 Sanford Stakes (G2) winner Desert Party and Saratoga maiden graduate Regal Ransom.
Desert Party stalked the pace and then switched to the inside during the long stretch run to score a half-length win over his stablemate. Both of the top finishers looked good in the field of 16, which included South Africa’s champion two-year-old Rocks Off (who is now a four-year-old).
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum purchased Desert Party and Regal Ransom at the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Calder sale of selected two-year-olds in training.
Desert Party, by Street Cry (Ire) out of Sage Cat, by Tabasco Cat, was the $2.1-million sale topper and the most expensive two-year-old to sell at auction last year. Regal Ransom, a Distorted Humor colt out of Kelli’s Ransom, by Red Ransom, sold for $675,000.
With likely two-year-old champion Midshipman and Champagne Stakes (G1) winner Vineyard Haven based in Dubai, the racing carnival at Nad al Sheba will be of greater interest on the Triple Crown trail than ever before.
---
While we’re on the subject, this Dubai Racing Club press release was making the rounds in our office Thursday morning. The theory being pushed by the writer is that, contrary to what many American horsemen believe, a trip to Dubai does not take much out of a horse.
The case study is 11-year-old Tour of the Cat, who finished eighth in the 2004 Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1) but has remained a productive racehorse, albeit after taking 14 months off at the end of 2004 and gradually sliding down the class scale.
Tour of the Cat’s January 18 win at Aqueduct prompted a press release from NYRA recognizing the old millionaire warrior.
The Dubai Racing Club latched onto the story but attached a different spin. Here’s the key sentence.
“The [January 18, 2009] victory is more evidence disproving a myth that has been circulated by some members of the American media that horses that travel to the Middle East to race often don’t perform much longer afterward.”
What the press release failed to disclose was that Tour of the Cat’s victory last Sunday came in a $7,500 claiming race!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Random thoughts on the Saturday cards
So far in 2009, Gulfstream Park gets my vote for best racing (for its day-to-day consistency).
But Santa Anita is the card to watch this Saturday with its graded stakes trio (Races 6-7-8) on the Pro-Ride surface.
The Santa Ynez (G2) is a seven-furlong race for three-year-old fillies. The top two choices in the field of nine should be Sorrento Stakes (G3) winner Evita Argentina and Alpha Kitten, who shortens up off a fourth-place finish in the 1 1/16-mile Hollywood Starlet (G1).
How big would a win by Spanish Ice be for the stallion career of second-crop sire Spanish Steps? Martin Stables owns Spanish Ice and stands her sire, an unraced full brother to Unbridled's Song. Eddie Martin has supported Spanish Steps strongly with his own mares and his efforts at auction.
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How good was the 2008 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), won by Midshipman? We'll get some indicator from the 1-mile San Rafael Stakes (G3), where Square Eddie makes his three-year-old debut.
Square Eddie appeared to run a good second in the Breeders' Cup. If the '08 Juvenile was a quality edition, he rolls in here. If he loses, it'll make me regret not voting for Vineyard Haven as champion two-year-old male.
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The San Fernando, at 1 1/16 miles, drew an eclectic group that includes New York-bred Grade 3 winner Wishful Tomcat, a recent private purchase for IEAH Stables.
Muny, Cherokee Artist, Booted, El Gato Malo, and Slew's Tiznow are the promising four-year-olds I'm watching for in here.
---
It was a pretty disappointing afternoon on the Pro-Ride.
Spanish Ice scratched, but Alpha Kitten looked good winning the Santa Ynez. As did runner-up Evita Argentina, whose sire Candy Ride (Arg) continues to look like a solid stud.
In the San Rafael, Breeders' Cup Juvenile runner-up Square Eddie finished an uninspiring second in a weak field of five at 3-to-5 odds. The winner, The Pamplemousse, set swift fractions and kicked for home. He was the only horse to do any serious running, and this definitely puts a question mark on the quality of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile.
In the San Fernando, Nownownow, back under the care of Patrick Biancone, resurfaced for his first victory since the 2007 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. Del Mar Derby (G2) winner Madeo was was pulled up and vanned off. (Trainer John Shireffs said on Sunday he believed Madeo would be fine.)
Later on at Golden Gate Fields, Candy Ride's stock kept rising as Chocolate Candy was a 1 3/4-length winner in the California Derby.
Gallant Son, who finished seventh but was beaten just 3 1/2 lengths in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, could do no better than fifth.
But Santa Anita is the card to watch this Saturday with its graded stakes trio (Races 6-7-8) on the Pro-Ride surface.
The Santa Ynez (G2) is a seven-furlong race for three-year-old fillies. The top two choices in the field of nine should be Sorrento Stakes (G3) winner Evita Argentina and Alpha Kitten, who shortens up off a fourth-place finish in the 1 1/16-mile Hollywood Starlet (G1).
How big would a win by Spanish Ice be for the stallion career of second-crop sire Spanish Steps? Martin Stables owns Spanish Ice and stands her sire, an unraced full brother to Unbridled's Song. Eddie Martin has supported Spanish Steps strongly with his own mares and his efforts at auction.
---
How good was the 2008 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), won by Midshipman? We'll get some indicator from the 1-mile San Rafael Stakes (G3), where Square Eddie makes his three-year-old debut.
Square Eddie appeared to run a good second in the Breeders' Cup. If the '08 Juvenile was a quality edition, he rolls in here. If he loses, it'll make me regret not voting for Vineyard Haven as champion two-year-old male.
---
The San Fernando, at 1 1/16 miles, drew an eclectic group that includes New York-bred Grade 3 winner Wishful Tomcat, a recent private purchase for IEAH Stables.
Muny, Cherokee Artist, Booted, El Gato Malo, and Slew's Tiznow are the promising four-year-olds I'm watching for in here.
---
It was a pretty disappointing afternoon on the Pro-Ride.
Spanish Ice scratched, but Alpha Kitten looked good winning the Santa Ynez. As did runner-up Evita Argentina, whose sire Candy Ride (Arg) continues to look like a solid stud.
In the San Rafael, Breeders' Cup Juvenile runner-up Square Eddie finished an uninspiring second in a weak field of five at 3-to-5 odds. The winner, The Pamplemousse, set swift fractions and kicked for home. He was the only horse to do any serious running, and this definitely puts a question mark on the quality of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile.
In the San Fernando, Nownownow, back under the care of Patrick Biancone, resurfaced for his first victory since the 2007 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. Del Mar Derby (G2) winner Madeo was was pulled up and vanned off. (Trainer John Shireffs said on Sunday he believed Madeo would be fine.)
Later on at Golden Gate Fields, Candy Ride's stock kept rising as Chocolate Candy was a 1 3/4-length winner in the California Derby.
Gallant Son, who finished seventh but was beaten just 3 1/2 lengths in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, could do no better than fifth.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Mares vs. yearlings
Day three of the Keeneland January horses of all ages sales got interesting when Florida pinhooker Jimmy Gladwell outlasted Bill and Brian Graves (among others) and paid $390,000 for a Maria's Mon colt out of La Cucina (Ire).
Gladwell and Graves are a couple of the best evaluators in the business, so this was a battle of the sharpies, and they pushed the colt's price close to the brink of pinhook profitability.
The price was an example of how the commercial market is still quite strong for attractive yearlings.
Another thing that jumped out to me was that La Cucina, in foal to $75,000 stud Empire Maker, sold for just $150,000 on Monday to Anthony Penfold, agent for Litex Stud of England.
La Cucina is 16, but that price already looks like a good deal.
La Cucina has delivered 12 consecutive foals, including Grade 2 winner and sire Sir Cherokee. And she has done some excellent recent work in terms of sales results and racetrack success.
Her foal of 2005, the Silver Charm filly Miss Isella, won the 2008 Falls City Handicap (G2) at Churchill Downs. Her Speightstown filly of 2007 was a $230,000 yearling.
---
Open mares are selling ridiculusly cheap.
Olin Gentry, as agent, just bought 16-year-old St. Helens Shadow for $19,000. She is the dam of Grade 1 winner and sire Officer.
As DRF's Frank Mitchell just said to me, "Open mares ... it's astonishing what they won't bring."
Gladwell and Graves are a couple of the best evaluators in the business, so this was a battle of the sharpies, and they pushed the colt's price close to the brink of pinhook profitability.
The price was an example of how the commercial market is still quite strong for attractive yearlings.
Another thing that jumped out to me was that La Cucina, in foal to $75,000 stud Empire Maker, sold for just $150,000 on Monday to Anthony Penfold, agent for Litex Stud of England.
La Cucina is 16, but that price already looks like a good deal.
La Cucina has delivered 12 consecutive foals, including Grade 2 winner and sire Sir Cherokee. And she has done some excellent recent work in terms of sales results and racetrack success.
Her foal of 2005, the Silver Charm filly Miss Isella, won the 2008 Falls City Handicap (G2) at Churchill Downs. Her Speightstown filly of 2007 was a $230,000 yearling.
---
Open mares are selling ridiculusly cheap.
Olin Gentry, as agent, just bought 16-year-old St. Helens Shadow for $19,000. She is the dam of Grade 1 winner and sire Officer.
As DRF's Frank Mitchell just said to me, "Open mares ... it's astonishing what they won't bring."
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Keeneland January: Day Two
The Azeri circus is over, and horse trading has resumed here in Lexington.
This sale feels a lot like the November sale, except the stock is weaker and decreased expectations have taken some of the sting out of the declines.
In most cases the sellers and consignors have done a good job adjusting their reserves, as evidenced by yesterday's buy-back rate of 26.5%, which was an improvement on opening day last year (33%).
There is widespread recognition that mares are available for a discount, but there just aren't that many operations in a position to capitalize.
I thought the buyers of Island Fashion (Katsumi Yoshida) and Almonsoon (Southern Equine Sables) picked up a couple great broodmare prospects. Reports are that Island Fashion's first foal, a Storm Cat filly that will sell this fall, is a nice one. And Almonsoon is just a beautiful mare in pedigree and physical. Both would have brought over $1-million had they sold during the last couple years.
The first mare on my short list for today (Hip 473, Lady Attack) just sold for $105,000 to Hill 'n' Dale Bloodstock. I'd classify that one as a potential steal.
---
Consignors are (rightfully) scratching a lot of the horses, but the sale seems to have settled into a rhythm.
I just asked Hidden Brook's Sergio de Sousa how things were going, and I think his reply sums up the day pretty well on the selling side.
"They’re selling cheap, but we’re moving them. It’s hard to be too brave with the reserves."
This sale feels a lot like the November sale, except the stock is weaker and decreased expectations have taken some of the sting out of the declines.
In most cases the sellers and consignors have done a good job adjusting their reserves, as evidenced by yesterday's buy-back rate of 26.5%, which was an improvement on opening day last year (33%).
There is widespread recognition that mares are available for a discount, but there just aren't that many operations in a position to capitalize.
I thought the buyers of Island Fashion (Katsumi Yoshida) and Almonsoon (Southern Equine Sables) picked up a couple great broodmare prospects. Reports are that Island Fashion's first foal, a Storm Cat filly that will sell this fall, is a nice one. And Almonsoon is just a beautiful mare in pedigree and physical. Both would have brought over $1-million had they sold during the last couple years.
The first mare on my short list for today (Hip 473, Lady Attack) just sold for $105,000 to Hill 'n' Dale Bloodstock. I'd classify that one as a potential steal.
---
Consignors are (rightfully) scratching a lot of the horses, but the sale seems to have settled into a rhythm.
I just asked Hidden Brook's Sergio de Sousa how things were going, and I think his reply sums up the day pretty well on the selling side.
"They’re selling cheap, but we’re moving them. It’s hard to be too brave with the reserves."
Monday, January 12, 2009
Live blogging from Keeneland January
Things will get underway at the Keeneland January horses of all ages sale in about 30 minutes.
It's only slightly more scientific than the groundhog's shadow, but one of the ways I predict how well a horse sale will do is by where I have to park when I arrive. (Plenty of good parking available today.)
The question most people are asking is how much will Azeri bring? My guess -- and it is purely a guess -- is between $5-million and $8-million.
It shouldn't take too long to get a handle on the top end of the market. Hip 9, multiple graded winner Elusive Diva (in foal to Giant's Causeway) is one of the jewels of this catalog.
---
Elusive Diva just sold to Claiborne Farm for $825,000. It seemed like the auctioneers were working it pretty hard, but consignor Craig Bandoroff of Denali Stud was happy enough with the price.
The last time she went through the ring, Elusive Diva sold for $1.6-million (in foal to Distorted Humor)at the 2006 Keeneland November breeding stock sale. Of course she was five years old then and as Bandoroff told me, "It's like a new car. When you drive it off the lot, it loses value."
---
Multiple Grade 1 winner Island Fashion is headed for Japan. Representatives of Katsumi Yoshida just bought her for $950,000, a bit of a bargain for the magnificent, multiple Grade 1 winner, in foal to Ghostzapper.
Island Fashion was bred and raised at Pope McLean's Crestwood Farm in Lexington for Jeff Nielsen's Everest Stables. Pope was definitely sad to see Island Fashion go. Crestwood has done a great job developing Everest's homebred stable.
---
The value on the buying end definitely seems to be with the mares. I might have to revise my estimate on Azeri, as I was off by about 20% on both Elusive Diva and Island Fashion.
---
It's official, Azeri has RNA'd for $4.4-million.
The back ring was packed with people trying to get a look at the Horse of the Year (and the potential bidding war that never developed).
It looked like few if any of the big outfits raised their hands. Neither Darley, Shadwell, nor Southern Equine appeared to enter the bidding. Coolmore put in a few bids but turned away at some point.
An amazing race mare with a correct, well-balanced frame, I can only imagine two things worked against Azeri: a somewhat obscure pedigree and the ridiculous reserve Michael Paulson placed on her first foal at the 2008 Keeneland September yearling sale ($7.7-million RNA, with no live money anywhere close).
It's only slightly more scientific than the groundhog's shadow, but one of the ways I predict how well a horse sale will do is by where I have to park when I arrive. (Plenty of good parking available today.)
The question most people are asking is how much will Azeri bring? My guess -- and it is purely a guess -- is between $5-million and $8-million.
It shouldn't take too long to get a handle on the top end of the market. Hip 9, multiple graded winner Elusive Diva (in foal to Giant's Causeway) is one of the jewels of this catalog.
---
Elusive Diva just sold to Claiborne Farm for $825,000. It seemed like the auctioneers were working it pretty hard, but consignor Craig Bandoroff of Denali Stud was happy enough with the price.
The last time she went through the ring, Elusive Diva sold for $1.6-million (in foal to Distorted Humor)at the 2006 Keeneland November breeding stock sale. Of course she was five years old then and as Bandoroff told me, "It's like a new car. When you drive it off the lot, it loses value."
---
Multiple Grade 1 winner Island Fashion is headed for Japan. Representatives of Katsumi Yoshida just bought her for $950,000, a bit of a bargain for the magnificent, multiple Grade 1 winner, in foal to Ghostzapper.
Island Fashion was bred and raised at Pope McLean's Crestwood Farm in Lexington for Jeff Nielsen's Everest Stables. Pope was definitely sad to see Island Fashion go. Crestwood has done a great job developing Everest's homebred stable.
---
The value on the buying end definitely seems to be with the mares. I might have to revise my estimate on Azeri, as I was off by about 20% on both Elusive Diva and Island Fashion.
---
It's official, Azeri has RNA'd for $4.4-million.
The back ring was packed with people trying to get a look at the Horse of the Year (and the potential bidding war that never developed).
It looked like few if any of the big outfits raised their hands. Neither Darley, Shadwell, nor Southern Equine appeared to enter the bidding. Coolmore put in a few bids but turned away at some point.
An amazing race mare with a correct, well-balanced frame, I can only imagine two things worked against Azeri: a somewhat obscure pedigree and the ridiculous reserve Michael Paulson placed on her first foal at the 2008 Keeneland September yearling sale ($7.7-million RNA, with no live money anywhere close).
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Jackson shut out in owner category
The finalists for the 2008 Eclipse Awards have been announced, and there were two surprises.
Jess Jackson’s Stonestreet Stable, majority owner of Horse of the Year candidate Curlin, was not even named a finalist for outstanding owner. The owner contest was perceived by many as a race between Stonestreet and IEAH Stables (owner of Big Brown and seven other Grade 1 winners in 2008).
I also thought Bob Baffert deserved consideration for the trainer award. He trained three Eclipse finalists in Midshipman, Indian Blessing, and Midnight Lute, but wasn’t a finalist in the trainer category.
The Eclipse Awards finalists (in alphabetical order):
Two-Year-Old Male: Midshipman, Old Fashioned, Vineyard Haven
Two-Year-Old Filly: Dream Empress, Maram, Stardom Bound
Three-Year-Old Male: Big Brown, Colonel John, Raven’s Pass
Three-Year-Old Filly: Eight Belles, Music Note, Proud Spell
Older Male: Commentator, Curlin, Einstein (BRZ)
Older Female: Cocoa Beach (CHI), Ginger Punch, Zenyatta
Male Sprinter: Benny the Bull, Midnight Lute, Street Boss
Female Sprinter: Indian Blessing, Intangaroo, Ventura
Male Turf Horse: Conduit (IRE), Einstein (BRZ), Grand Couturier (GB)
Female Turf Horse: Cocoa Beach (CHI), Forever Together, Goldikova (IRE)
Steeplechase Horse: Be Certain, Good Night Shirt, Sovereign Duty
Owner: Godolphin Racing, IEAH Stables, Stronach Stables
Breeder: Adena Springs, Stonerside Stable, WinStar Farm
Trainer: Steve Asmussen, Richard Dutrow, Jr., Bobby Frankel
Jockey: Robby Albarado, Rafael Bejarano, Garrett Gomez
Apprentice Jockey: Inez Karlsson, Pascacio Lopez, Abel Mariano
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