This may be earlier than I have ever done this...
1. Classic Empire (Pioneer of the Nile by Empire Marker and Sambuca Classic by Cat Thief by Storm Cat) 30
Next Race:
G3 Bashford Manor, 6 furlongs
G1 Breeders Futurity, 8.5 furlongs 10
BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 20
2. Not This Time (Giant's Causeway by Storm Cat and Miss Macy by Trippi by End Sweep by Forty Niner) 18
Next Race:
G3 Iroquois, 8.5 furlongs 10
2nd G1 BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 8
3. Gormley (Malibu Moon by A.P. Indy and Race To Urca by Bernstein by Storm Cat) 10
Next Race:
G1 Frontrunner Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
4. Practical Joke (Into Mischief by Harlan's Holiday and by Halo Humor by Distorted Humor) 14
Next Race:
G1 Hopeful, 7 furlongs
G1 Champagne, 8 furlongs 10
3rd BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 4
5. Mastery (Candy Ride by Ride The Rails by Cryptoclearance by Fappiano and Steady Course by Old Trieste by A.P, Indy)
Entered G3 Bob Hope Stakes, 7 furlongs
6. McCracken (Ghostzapper by Awesome Again by Deputy Minister and Ivory Empress by Seeking the Gold by Mr. Prospector)
Next Race: Kentucky Jockey Club
Street Sense, 8 furlongs
Whoa. Just woke up to find out that Churchill Downs has eliminated points for the Hopeful and Del Mar Futurity?
Quote from: Man o Taz on November 17, 2016, 11:27:19 AM
Whoa. Just woke up to find out that Churchill Downs has eliminated points for the Hopeful and Del Mar Futurity?
They also raised tickets prices again for the Derby and Oaks, pretty much ensuring that I never see either of them live at CD in my lifetime
DEL MAR, Calif. – There's no hiding trainer Bob Baffert's enthusiasm when it comes to Mastery, who is one of his most-promising 2-year-olds. Mastery won first time out at Santa Anita, and his main goal before year's end is the Grade 1 CashCall Futurity next month at Los Alamitos.
Jock switch from Bejarano to BigMoneyMikeSmith.
I didn't realize the other Baffert Beach Bum is a half to Cat's Claw. That's enough for me from a fan stance. :thumbsup:
Oddly enough, Baffert also trained a 1997 version of Beach Bum, a Dixieland Heat colt who won 3 of 4 and showed some talent before disappearing. (He did apparently sire four foals, so he didn't disappear as in "dead.")
Mastery runs Saturday in the Bob Hope at Del Mar.
And he wins nicely pretty much wrapped up. Nice colt.
Well, too bad about Not This Time...
1. Classic Empire (Pioneer of the Nile by Empire Marker and Sambuca Classic by Cat Thief by Storm Cat) 30
Next Race:
G3 Bashford Manor, 6 furlongs
G1 Breeders Futurity, 8.5 furlongs 10
BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 20
2. Not This Time (Giant's Causeway by Storm Cat and Miss Macy by Trippi by End Sweep by Forty Niner) 18
Next Race:
G3 Iroquois, 8.5 furlongs 10
2nd G1 BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 8
2. Gormley (Malibu Moon by A.P. Indy and Race To Urca by Bernstein by Storm Cat) 10
Next Race:
G1 Frontrunner Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
3. Practical Joke (Into Mischief by Harlan's Holiday and by Halo Humor by Distorted Humor) 14
Next Race:
G1 Hopeful, 7 furlongs
G1 Champagne, 8 furlongs 10
3rd BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 4
4. Mastery (Candy Ride by Ride The Rails by Cryptoclearance by Fappiano and Steady Course by Old Trieste by A.P, Indy)
Next Race: G1 Cash Call Futurity, 8.5 furlongs
G3 Bob Hope Stakes, 7 furlongs
5. McCraken (Ghostzapper by Awesome Again by Deputy Minister and Ivory Empress by Seeking the Gold by Mr. Prospector) 10
Kentucky Jockey Club, 8.5 furlongs
Street Sense, 8 furlongs
6. Lancaster Bomber (War Front by Danzig and Sun Shower by Indian Ridge)
Next Race:
2nd G1 Juvenile Turf, 8 furlongs
3rd G1 Dewhurst Stakes, 7 furlongs
I know he's a turf horse...but I really liked Air Force Blue for the Derby last year. Maybe he can be the Master of Hounds of 2017.
RUNNING MATE?
Opened up at 50-1 in the future book, currently about 35-1, two romps so far lacking in competition for Larry Jones.
Some NY Saturday recap, incl. preliminary plans for potential Derby horses:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/218006/connect-in-good-order-off-cigar-mile-win (http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/218006/connect-in-good-order-off-cigar-mile-win)
This may be earlier than I have ever done this...
1. Classic Empire (Pioneer of the Nile by Empire Maker and Sambuca Classic by Cat Thief by Storm Cat) 30
Next Race: Holy Bull Stake, 8.5 furlongss/Fountain of Youth Stakes 8.5 furlongs ?
Trainer: Mark Casse
G3 Bashford Manor, 6 furlongs
G1 Breeders Futurity, 8.5 furlongs 10
BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 20
Can Classic Empire make it 3 great grandsons of Storm Cat t have won the Kentucky Derby in a row?
2. Mo Town ( Uncle Mo by Indian Charlie by In Excess and Grazi Mille by Bernardini by A.P. Indy) 10
Next Race: Fountain of Youth Stakes, 8.5 furlongs?
Trainer: Anthony Dutrow
G2 Remsen Stakes , 9 furlongs
Can the Remsen return as a major force in the Kentucky Derby?
The last horse to place in the race was Bluegrass Cat who finished 2nd in Derby and Belmont Stakes in 2005.
The last horse to win the Derby who won the Remsen Stakes was more than 10 years earlier in Thunder Gulch in 1994. Ironically, he won not only the Kentucky Derby, but the Belmont Stakes.
The year before, 1993, Go For Gin had won the race on the way to winning the Kentucky Derby.
In 1991, Piune Bluff won the race and won the 1992 Preakness Stakes.
The horse before that to win the Derby was in 1980 when Pleasant Colony crossed the wire first, and then the following year took the Derby and Preakness.
Before that it was 1966 when Damascus would win the race en route to a Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, Travers Stakes triple the next year.
3 years before that, Northern Dancer had won the race on the way to his Derby/Preakness double.
And the first Derby winner to taste victory in the race was eventual Derby/Preakness winner Carry Back.
The first horse to win the race, Victoria Park, also won the Preakness Stakes.
3. McCraken (Ghostzapper by Awesome Again by Deputy Minister by Vice Regent by Northern Dancer and Ivory Empress by Seeking the Gold by Mr. Prospector) 10
Next Race: Tampa Bay Derby, 8.5 furlongs
Trainer: Iam Wilkes
Kentucky Jockey Club, 8.5 furlongs 10
Street Sense, 8 furlongs
I rank many sons of Ghostzapper high. I think this horse has great breeding top and bottom and seems to have a ton of talent.
4. Mastery (Candy Ride by Ride The Rails by Cryptoclearance by Fappiano and Steady Course by Old Trieste by A.P, Indy) 10
Next Race: Robert Lewis, 8.5 furlongs/Rebel Stakes, 8.5 furlongs
Trainer: Bob Baffert
G3 Bob Hope Stakes, 7 furlongs
G1 Cash Call Futurity, 8.5 furlongs 10
Another of my favofite sires. It will be interesting to see if he heads out to Oaklawn for the Rebel, or stays at home for the San Felipe. I do not think he goes in the Robert Lewis and the San Felipe like Dortmund did. Or maybe Beach Bum ships for the Rebel. I would think it would be Mastery since he has more experience and it seems like Baffert sends his top horses East.
5. Gormley (Malibu Moon by A.P. Indy and Race To Urca by Bernstein by Storm Cat) 20
Next Race: San Felipe Stakes, 8.5 furlongs
Trainer: John Shirreffs
G1 Frontrunner Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
G3 Sham Stakes, 8 furlongs 10
Hope he can return to his Frontrunner form. I would think that he is a candidate for the Sham Stakes.
6. Practical Joke (Into Mischief by Harlan's Holiday and by Halo Humor by Distorted Humor) 14
Next Race: Holy Bull , 8.5 furlongs or Risen Star, 8.5 furlongs?
Trainer: Chad Brown
G1 Hopeful, 7 furlongs
G1 Champagne, 8 furlongs 10
3rd BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 4
Hope he can return to his Champagne form. I wonder if they try him in the Holy Bull or wait for the Fountain of Youth. Or send him to Aqueduct for a race.
7. Profiteer (War Front by Danzig by Northern Dancer and Hit It Rich by Smart Strike by Mr. Prospector)
Next race: Allowance or Jerome?
Trainer: Claude McGaughey
One of the closest pedigrees to Northern Dancer on top and Mr. Prospector on the bottom. Wow.
8. Good Samaritan (Harlan's Holliday by Harlan by Storm Cat and Pull Dancer by Pulpit)
Next race:
Trainer: William Mott
3rd BC Juvenile Turf, 8 furlongs
Summer Stakes, 8 furlongs
Supposed to try dirt. Question is where. Probably Florida.
9. Irish War Cry (Curlin by Smart Strike and Irish Sovereign by Polish Numbers by Danzig)
Next Race: Sam F. Davis?
Trainer: H. Graham Motion
Marylander Stakes, 7 furlongs
10. Gunnevera (Dialed In by Mineshaft by A.P. Indy and Unbirdled Rage by Unbridled) 10
Next Race: Risen Star?
Trainer: Anthony Sano
G3 Delta Jackpot Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
11. Cool Arrow (Into Mischief by Harlan's Holiday and Phoenicia by Mr. Purpple by Deputy Minister)
Next Race: Lecomte?
Trainer: Joe Sharp
Springboard Mile, 8 furlongs
12. Lookin At Lee (Lookin At Lucky by Smart Strike and Langara Lass by Langfuhr by War Front) 10
Next Race: Lecomte, 8 furlongs/Risen Star, 8.5 furlongs?
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Ellis Park Juvenile, 7 furlongs
2nd Iroquois Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 4
2nd Breeders Futurity, 8.5 furlongs 4
4th BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 2
On The Edge
No Dozing (Union Rags by Dixie Union by Dixieland Band by Northern Dancer and Stay Awake by Pulpit by A.P. Indy)
Next Race:
Trainer: Arnaud Delacour
Snap Decision (Hard Spun by Danzig and Salute by Unbridled)
Next Race:
Trainer: Claude McGaughey
Half brother of Mr. Speaker. Have to instantly like.
WOW - early is right - and you included Lookin at Lee - me like!
Well, the major two year old races are done and this is how it looks to me.
Lookin At Lee's sire is a favorite of mine so I had to go with him. I also like his trainer. He has been coming closer and has not won in his 3 efforts at 4 furlongs with his last effort against his toughest competition providing his worst finish at 8.5 furlongs, but I am hoping some time off and a growth spurt will help him to be able to contend better.
Well, last year's first list was so-so (I placed what I thought was their best performance(s) after...
1. Greenpointcrusader - 2nd in the Holy Bull
2. Mohaymen - 4th place in the G1 Florida Derby
3.Sunny Ridge - 3rd place in the G1 Haskell Stakes
4. Exaggerator - G1 Preakness Stakes and 2nd in G1 Kentucky Derby
5. Brody's Cause - G1 Bluegrass Stakes
6. Nyquist - G1 Kentucky Derby, G2 Florida Derby
7. Swipe
8. Annual Report
9. Airoforce 2nd in the Penn Mile to Catch A Glimpse
10. Sail Ahoy
11. Air Force Blue
12. Arabian Leopard
So we shall see if I can improve on it... :D
Glad to see Irsih War Cry win the Marylander and Gormley rebound in the Sham.
Looking forward to an updated list!
1. Classic Empire (Pioneer of the Nile by Empire Maker and Sambuca Classic by Cat Thief by Storm Cat) 30
Next Race: Bluegrass Stakes/San Felipe?
Trainer: Mark Casse
G3 Bashford Manor, 6 furlongs
G1 Breeders Futurity, 8.5 furlongs 10
BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 20
3rd G2 Holy Bull, 8.5 furlongs2
I cannot fault the horse learning he had an abscess. Those who know me know I have a hard time taking a horse down after a less than stellar performance. I think the Bluegrass Stakes would be the best place for him. He loves the track. He would be near Churchill Downs. And he already has 2 G1 wins so missing the G1 Florida Derby would not be much of an issue. You want to place him in the best position to win and that race would do it. Racing at Gulfstream Park does not do that. With all the rain out West, I do not think it makes sense to ship him there just to ship back for the Derby. If he misses again in the Bluegrass finishing 4th or worse by the same margin, then he can simply be vanned to Ashford and retired, but I expect a big performance there that will put him at the top of the pack. To me, he is still the best 3 year old in training. But he cannot afford another misstep. If the abscess does not heal well, then they may as well
2. Irish War Cry (Curlin by Smart Strike and Irish Sovereign by Polish Numbers by Danzig)
Next Race: Sam F. Davis?
Trainer: H. Graham Motion
Marylander Stakes, 7 furlongs
3. McCraken (Ghostzapper by Awesome Again by Deputy Minister by Vice Regent by Northern Dancer and Ivory Empress by Seeking the Gold by Mr. Prospector) 10
Next Race: Tampa Bay Derby, 9 furlongs
Trainer: Ian Wilkes
Sam F. Davis, 8 furlongs
Kentucky Jockey Club, 8.5 furlongs 10
Street Sense, 8 furlongs
Haskin has him top ranked. A case can certainly be made for that. I need to see him win at more than a mile at 3. I think he will relish the distance, but until he does it against increasingly better competition I cannot list him first. I do really like his trainer, though. And believe he is a top class horse.
4. Mastery (Candy Ride by Ride The Rails by Cryptoclearance by Fappiano and Steady Course by Old Trieste by A.P, Indy) 10
Next Race: San Felipe/Rebel Stakes, 8.5 furlongs
Trainer: Bob Baffert
G3 Bob Hope Stakes, 7 furlongs
G1 Cash Call Futurity, 8.5 furlongs 10
I really like him. Winning at 8.5 furlongs at 2 is a big thing for me. This is why he stays and Practical Joke moves down. I thought he beat a nice horse in the Cash Call.
5. Gormley (Malibu Moon by A.P. Indy and Race To Urca by Bernstein by Storm Cat) 20
Next Race: San Felipe Stakes/Rebel Stakes, 8.5 furlongs
Trainer: John Shirreffs
G1 Frontrunner Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
G3 Sham Stakes, 8 furlongs 10
Who stays in SoCal? Seems like a classy horse. Overcame poor performance in BC Juvenile. Seems like Shirreff's number one, but who knows.
6. Mo Town ( Uncle Mo by Indian Charlie by In Excess and Grazi Mille by Bernardini by A.P. Indy) 10
Next Race: Risen Star Stakes, 8.5 furlongs
Trainer: Anthony Dutrow
G2 Remsen Stakes , 9 furlongs
He is training well and cannot be held back any further. This is a nice field. I hope he does well. He is the only horse with a 9 furlong win of this crop of three year olds so I see him as the class of the field in the Risen Star.
7. El Areeb (Exchange Rate by Danzig and Feathered by A.P. Indy) 20
Next Race: Gotham Stakes, 8.5 furlongs
Trainer: Cathal Lynch
James F. Lewis Stakes, 7 furlongs
Jerome Handicap, 8 furlongs 10
Withers Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
Some question his competition which is fair. But he has beaten all comers by open lengths. His breeding cannot be faulted at all.
8. Gunnevera (Dialed In by Mineshaft by A.P. Indy and Unbirdled Rage by Unbridled) 10
Next Race: Fountain of Youth
Trainer: Anthony Sano
G3 Delta Jackpot Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
2nd G2 Holy Bull, 8.5 furlongs
I have to move him up. He is just a nice horse. Perhaps not as classy as his competition, but still a nice blue collar horse who always tries.
9. Royal Mo (Uncle Mo and Royal Irish Lass by Saint Ballado by by Halo by Hail To Reason) 10
Next race: Rebel Stakes/Santa Anita Derby?
Robert B. Lewis Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
Where does he go next? I wonder if he may point to the Sunland Derby with his Robert Lewis win. It worked for Firing Line to get him to the Derby.
10. One Liner (Into Mischief by Harlan's Holiday and Cayala by Cherokee Run by Runaway Groom by Blushing Groom back eventually to Nasrullah) 10
Next Race: G2 Rebel Stakes, 8.5 furlongs/G1 Florida Derby, 9 furlongs?
Southwest Stakes, 8.5 furlongs
I have no Pletcher horses so I had to add one. I also like the breeding on the bottom. Cherokee Run usually breeds for sprint speed, but did come in second in the Preakness Stakes. He did win at Gulfstream Park so that may be a possibility. Or he could point to the Wood Memorial.
11. American Anthem (Bodemeister by Empire Maker and Indy's Windy by A.P. Indy)4
Next Race: Rebel Stakes, 8.5 furlongs
2nd Sham Stakes
Tie 12.
Practical Joke (Into Mischief by Harlan's Holiday and by Halo Humor by Distorted Humor) 14
Next Race: Holy Bull , 8.5 furlongs or Risen Star, 8.5 furlongs?
Trainer: Chad Brown
G1 Hopeful, 7 furlongs
G1 Champagne, 8 furlongs 10
3rd BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 4
Lookin At Lee (Lookin At Lucky by Smart Strike and Langara Lass by Langfuhr by War Front) 12
Next Race: Rebel Stakes, 8.5 furlongs?
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Ellis Park Juvenile, 7 furlongs
2nd Iroquois Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 4
2nd Breeders Futurity, 8.5 furlongs 4
4th BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 2
3rd Southwest Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 2
He was taken out by Uncontested early so he deserves to stay. Next out he will have to show up. He could just be one of those unlucky horses, but we shall see.
On The Edge
No Dozing (Union Rags by Dixie Union by Dixieland Band by Northern Dancer and Stay Awake by Pulpit by A.P. Indy)
Next Race:
Trainer: Arnaud Delacour
Snap Decision (Hard Spun by Danzig and Salute by Unbridled)
Next Race:
Trainer: Claude McGaughey
Half brother of Mr. Speaker. Have to instantly like.
Good Samaritan (Harlan's Holliday by Harlan by Storm Cat and Pull Dancer by Pulpit)
Next race:
Trainer: William Mott
3rd BC Juvenile Turf, 8 furlongs
Summer Stakes, 8 furlongs
If he tries dirt, and wins he will join the list. But he does not even seem to be in training so that may be a long shot at this point.
Cool Arrow (Into Mischief by Harlan's Holiday and Phoenicia by Mr. Purpple by Deputy Minister)
Next Race: Risen Star, 8.5 furlongs
Trainer: Joe Sharp
Springboard Mile, 8 furlongs
Hate to take him down before he has raced at 3, but too many other good performances to ignore.
It just may be the year to throw a filly into the mix, and UNIQUE BELLA could be just the one, keep an eye on the Santa Isabel next Saturday at SantaAnita.
Not only do I think she'd be Derby trifecta material, but I think this could be an "owner angle play" to get her into the starting gate.
The Don Alberto Racing stable has thrown a $mall fortune into American racing in the past few years and their dream is to win the Derby!
Didn't Jerry Hollendorfer indicate that there were absolutely no plans to run her against the boys this year already?
I thought I had read a quote from him somewhere.
At least last year he seemed to leave the possibility open, but the notion that he has been clear on the proposition, and he is not only going to reverse himself, but also enter her in a Derby prep which he did not even do with the more tested Songbird, to me is a bit over the top, but we shall see.
Quote from: Man o Taz on February 26, 2017, 11:07:46 AM
Didn't Jerry Hollendorfer indicate that there were absolutely no plans to run her against the boys this year already?
I thought I had read a quote from him somewhere.
At least last year he seemed to leave the possibility open, but the notion that he has been clear on the proposition, and he is not only going to reverse himself, but also enter her in a Derby prep which he did not even do with the more tested Songbird, to me is a bit over the top, but we shall see.
Pretty sure that in both cases it's the owners decision that really counts, it just so happens that JH agreed with the decision to keep Songbird in her element, but UB has been nominated to the triple crown so they've at least opened the door a crack.
Quote from: stark on February 26, 2017, 05:31:25 PM
Pretty sure that in both cases it's the owners decision that really counts, it just so happens that JH agreed with the decision to keep Songbird in her element, but UB has been nominated to the triple crown so they've at least opened the door a crack.
Let's take a look at the owners of Unique Bella to bolster my case for inclusion in anybody's top ten list in February.
First off, they spent $400,000 for her at the Keeneland September sale, maybe not a lot for a Tapit but plenty enough for anybody to spend.
Next, let's take a look at the American history of this stable dating back four years that makes that expenditure look even bigger.
2017 9 3 0 1 $283,006 View
2016 56 9 5 8 $622,828 View
2015 15 1 2 1 $141,560 View
2014 1 0 0 0 $60,000 View
Next, a couple of articles following up Don Alberto's purchase of the Kentucky Vinery farm and spending millions at auctions.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/117407/don-alberto-adding-horses-for-new-ky-farm
http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/don-alberto-farm-one-year-later-shared-archive/
In summary, it's my job to read between the lines and I see an outfit that's hungry for success pointing for America's biggest races. If not with Unique Bella, they're going to do it with one of their other purchases, that much I'm confident in. As for press coverage.....it appears that they require an interpreter so the coverage/exposure may be very limited at this time.
If anybody knows anything more/different about them, please share before I take the rubber band off again, thanks.
I would refer you to the following:
http://www.paulickreport.com/news/triple-crown/early-say-whether-unique-bella-will-contest-kentucky-derby/
Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, in a similar position last year with the then-undefeated Songbird, made a show of declining any interest in running Unique Bella against males.
Another factor which may increase Hollendorfer's reticence to start Unique Bella against males is that Songbird was far more experienced in early February of her sophomore year than is Unique Bella. Songbird had raced four times as a juvenile before debuting the next year with a win in the Las Virgenes; Unique Bella made only two starts as a 2-year-old, and her two graded stakes wins have come in the first two months of 2017.
"I'd like to keep (Unique Bella) in California, just like I did with Songbird last year," said Hollendorfer after Unique Bella's win. "There's enough money to run out here and run against the girls, not the boys. I think we'll try and run here and if we'd be fortunate enough, we'd point to the (Kentucky) Oaks.
"I really like to concentrate on the filly races. If an opportunity came to do something else we'd probably have to consider that, but I'd like to keep her against the fillies if I can."
I know Don Alberto has raced his horses against the males in Chile, but you do not get Jerry Hollendorfer as your trainer unless you are willing to listen to his recommendations.
I doubt if Fernando Diaz-Valdes and Don Alberto go against Hollendorfer's recommendation.
I think what will cement it is the next round of races by the three year old males.
Once Mastery, American Anthem, Irish War Cry, Classic Enpire, El Areeb and McCraken make their next start's I think any chance of Unique Bella facing the boys in the Kentucky Derby will have evaporated.
That said, nothing stops you from posting your Derby top 10 or 12... :)
Quote from: Man o Taz on February 28, 2017, 11:14:58 AM
That said, nothing stops you from posting your Derby top 10 or 12... :)
I don't have enough money to bet 10 or 12 horses and I'm strictly into it for the reason of placing a wager.
While I recognize the 8/5 being offered on Unique Bella to win the Oaks is beyond ridiculous, there may be some attractive prices out there for the Derby worth looking into.
Even in placing a wager, I am certain you divide the field into top Derby prospects to win...and provide some underlays for the super...considering 8-10 horses...but only betting on 6-7? No?
You have to have at least 8-10 horses you are watching.
No? LOL
Funny thing is, I usually go for peculiar Derby entries like females and foreign entries, except if they are trained by Jerry Hollendorfer because he is not a fan at all about entering them against the boys.
Now, if Unique Bella delivered a Rachel Alexandra type performance against the fillies in the Kentucky Oaks, I could definitely see the possibility of her entering the Preakness Stakes or Belmont Stakes, but the Derby I think is a no go.
I just hope, unlike Songbird last year, UB remains healthy to enter the Oaks.
And if she stays healthy she could really have a special season perhaps taking on the boys in the Haskell as was talked about for Songbird possibly before her scratch in the Oaks.
Well, this is a weird year. Horses very inconsistent except for Gunnevera who I just do not see as the quality as some of the others.
1. Irish War Cry (Curlin by Smart Strike and Irish Sovereign by Polish Numbers by Danzig) 10
Next Race: Sam F. Davis?
Trainer: H. Graham Motion
Marylander Stakes, 7 furlongs
I toss out the FOY. He bounced off the big performance in the Holy Bull. I expect him to rebound with a big performance next out.
2. McCraken (Ghostzapper by Awesome Again by Deputy Minister by Vice Regent by Northern Dancer and Ivory Empress by Seeking the Gold by Mr. Prospector) 10
Next Race: Blue Grass Stakes, 9 furlongs
Trainer: Ian Wilkes
Sam F. Davis, 8 furlongs
Kentucky Jockey Club, 8.5 furlongs 10
Street Sense, 8 furlongs
I think he is still a top Derby horse. Right now, a notch above Classic Empire, but they are very close.
3. Classic Empire (Pioneer of the Nile by Empire Maker and Sambuca Classic by Cat Thief by Storm Cat) 32
Next Race: Blue Grass Stakes, 9 furlongs
Trainer: Mark Casse
G3 Bashford Manor, 6 furlongs
G1 Breeders Futurity, 8.5 furlongs 10
BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 20
3rd G2 Holy Bull, 8.5 furlongs2
4. Gunnevera (Dialed In by Mineshaft by A.P. Indy and Unbirdled Rage by Unbridled) 64
Next Race: Fountain of Youth
Trainer: Anthony Sano
G3 Delta Jackpot Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
2nd G2 Holy Bull, 8.5 furlongs 4
G2 Fountain of Youth, 8.5 furlongs 50
Fountain of Youth win was impressive, but I just do not see him in the same league as other top horses.
5. One Liner (Into Mischief by Harlan's Holiday and Cayala by Cherokee Run by Runaway Groom by Blushing Groom back eventually to Nasrullah) 10
Next Race: G1 Florida Derby, 9 furlongs
Southwest Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
I am liking this horse more and more.
6. Malagacy (Shackleford by Forestry by Strom Cat and Classiest Gem by Dehere by Deputy Minister) 50
Next race: Arkansas Derby?, 9 furlongs
Rebel Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 50
This horse is really interesting. A nice win against a quality field. Pletcher with his third Derby prospect. Picking them up late.
7. Practical Joke (Into Mischief by Harlan's Holiday and by Halo Humor by Distorted Humor) 34
Next Race: Holy Bull , 8.5 furlongs or Risen Star, 8.5 furlongs?
Trainer: Chad Brown
G1 Hopeful, 7 furlongs
G1 Champagne, 8 furlongs 10
3rd BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 4
2nd Fountain of Youth, 20
7. J. Boys Echo (Mineshaft by A.P. Indy and Letgomyecho by Menifee by Harlan by Storm Cat) 53
Next Race: Bluegrass Stakes, 9 furlongs
Trainer: Dale Romans
4th Delta Downs Jackpot, 8.5 furlongs 1
3rd G3 Withers Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 2
Gotham Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 50
8. Mo Town ( Uncle Mo by Indian Charlie by In Excess and Grazi Mille by Bernardini by A.P. Indy) 10
Next Race: Florida Derby, 9 furlongs
Trainer: Anthony Dutrow
8th G2 Risen Star Stakes, 8.5 furlongs
G2 Remsen Stakes , 9 furlongs
Wood probably a better place for him, but it looks like they are pointing to the Florida Derby and the G1 lure.
9. El Areeb (Exchange Rate by Danzig and Feathered by A.P. Indy) 30
Next Race: Wood Memorial, 9 furlongs.
Trainer: Cathal Lynch
James F. Lewis Stakes, 7 furlongs
Jerome Handicap, 8 furlongs 10
Withers Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
3rd Gotham Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
Can he rebound?
10. Gormley (Malibu Moon by A.P. Indy and Race To Urca by Bernstein by Storm Cat) 28
Next Race:
Trainer: John Shirreffs
G1 Frontrunner Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
G3 Sham Stakes, 8 furlongs 10
4th G2 San Felipe, 8.5 furlongs 4
11. Royal Mo (Uncle Mo and Royal Irish Lass by Saint Ballado by by Halo by Hail To Reason) 10
Next race: Sunland Derby?
Robert B. Lewis Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
8th Rebel Stakes, 8.5 furlongs
I really like this horse a lot, and wonder what happened. Cal shippers usually do better.
12. American Anthem (Bodemeister by Empire Maker and Indy's Windy by A.P. Indy)4
Next Race: Santa Anita Derby, 9 furlongs
2nd Sham Stakes
10th Rebel Stakes, 8.5 furlongs.
Quote from: Man o Taz on March 18, 2017, 05:07:01 PM
I really like this horse a lot, and wonder what happened. Cal shippers usually do better.
12. American Anthem (Bodemeister by Empire Maker and Indy's Windy by A.P. Indy)4
Next Race: Rebel Stakes, 8.5 furlongs
2nd Sham Stakes
10th Rebel Stakes, 8.5 furlongs.
I liked him too and tend to agree. This year seems the most wide open since maybe 2011 though. I'm willing to take a wait and see approach with several horses, but the Rebel looked weak to me. Not sure the Derby winner was in that field. We'll see.
I'm still waiting on Cloud Computing and I actually like the Japanese horse a bit.
I do wonder what they do with Royal Mo and Gormley.
Gormley I could see being pointed to the Santa Anita Derby, but I cannot see them both going in there.
Quote from: Man o Taz on March 19, 2017, 10:09:17 AM
I do wonder what they do with Royal Mo and Gormley.
Gormley I could see being pointed to the Santa Anita Derby, but I cannot see them both going in there.
Sometimes you have to handicap the trainer more than the horse and I can see Sherriff saying "let's back off and regroup for later in the year"
Excellent point.
Well, El Areeb managed to get a knee chip, so he's out of the picture now.
1. McCraken (Ghostzapper by Awesome Again by Deputy Minister by Vice Regent by Northern Dancer and Ivory Empress by Seeking the Gold by Mr. Prospector) 30
Trainer: Ian Wilkes
3rd Blue Grass Stakes, 9 furlongs
Sam F. Davis, 8 furlongs
Kentucky Jockey Club, 8.5 furlongs 10
Street Sense, 8 furlongs
I know he finished 3rd, but he needed the race. I think unless Classic Empire wins the Arkansas Derby very impressively, he is my top Derby horse.
2. Irish War Cry (Curlin by Smart Strike and Irish Sovereign by Polish Numbers by Danzig) 110
Trainer: H. Graham Motion
Marylander Stakes, 7 furlongs
Holy Bull, 8.5 furlongs
8th Fountain of Youth, 8.5 furlongs
Wood Memorial, 9 furlongs
I toss out the FOY. He bounced off the big performance in the Holy Bull. I expected a big performance next out and I got it.
3. Classic Empire (Pioneer of the Nile by Empire Maker and Sambuca Classic by Cat Thief by Storm Cat) 32
Next Race: Arkansas Derby, 9 furlongs
Trainer: Mark Casse
G3 Bashford Manor, 6 furlongs
G1 Breeders Futurity, 8.5 furlongs 10
BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 20
3rd G2 Holy Bull, 8.5 furlongs2
We shall see how much he has recovered temperament, etc. If he finishes a close 2nd he stays here.
4. Gormley (Malibu Moon by A.P. Indy and Race To Urca by Bernstein by Storm Cat) 128
Next Race:
Trainer: John Shirreffs
G1 Frontrunner Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
G3 Sham Stakes, 8 furlongs 10
4th G2 San Felipe, 8.5 furlongs 4
5. Always Dreaming (Bodemeister by Empire Maker and In Excess by Siberian Express) 100
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Florida Derby, 9 furlongs
6. Gunnevera (Dialed In by Mineshaft by A.P. Indy and Unbirdled Rage by Unbridled) 84
Next Race: Fountain of Youth
Trainer: Anthony Sano
G3 Delta Jackpot Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
2nd G2 Holy Bull, 8.5 furlongs 4
G2 Fountain of Youth, 8.5 furlongs 50
3rd Florida Derby, 9 furlongs
He bounced.
6. Malagacy (Shackleford by Forestry by Strom Cat and Classiest Gem by Dehere by Deputy Minister) 50
Next race: Arkansas Derby?, 9 furlongs
Rebel Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 50
Not as good as Always Dreaming, but still a gamer/
7. Practical Joke (Into Mischief by Harlan's Holiday and by Halo Humor by Distorted Humor) 74
Trainer: Chad Brown
G1 Hopeful, 7 furlongs
G1 Champagne, 8 furlongs 10
3rd BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 4
2nd Fountain of Youth, 20
2nd Blue Grass Stakes, 9 furlongs 40
8. J. Boys Echo (Mineshaft by A.P. Indy and Letgomyecho by Menifee by Harlan by Storm Cat) 53
Next Race: 4th Bluegrass Stakes, 9 furlongs
Trainer: Dale Romans
4th Delta Downs Jackpot, 8.5 furlongs 1
3rd G3 Withers Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 2
Gotham Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 50
9. Royal Mo (Uncle Mo and Royal Irish Lass by Saint Ballado by by Halo by Hail To Reason) 10
Next race: Sunland Derby?
Robert B. Lewis Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
8th Rebel Stakes, 8.5 furlongs
3rd Santa Anita Derby, 9 furlongs
I don't think Royal Mo will make the field unless he runs in the Lexington next week. He's already short on points per the likely cutoff.
That said, he prob ran a better race than Gormley finishing 3rd in the SA Derby. He was wide, contested hot pace and the jock lost the whip in the stretch. Same could be said about Battle of Midway, who also might get bumped from the field unless he runs back this weekend or next, except that he didn't have to go wide like Mo did.
Quote from: Man o Taz on April 12, 2017, 09:34:40 AM
1. McCraken (Ghostzapper by Awesome Again by Deputy Minister by Vice Regent by Northern Dancer and Ivory Empress by Seeking the Gold by Mr. Prospector) 30
Trainer: Ian Wilkes
3rd Blue Grass Stakes, 9 furlongs
Sam F. Davis, 8 furlongs
Kentucky Jockey Club, 8.5 furlongs 10
Street Sense, 8 furlongs
I know he finished 3rd, but he needed the race. I think unless Classic Empire wins the Arkansas Derby very impressively, he is my top Derby horse.
2. Irish War Cry (Curlin by Smart Strike and Irish Sovereign by Polish Numbers by Danzig) 110
Trainer: H. Graham Motion
Marylander Stakes, 7 furlongs
Holy Bull, 8.5 furlongs
8th Fountain of Youth, 8.5 furlongs
Wood Memorial, 9 furlongs
I toss out the FOY. He bounced off the big performance in the Holy Bull. I expected a big performance next out and I got it.
3. Classic Empire (Pioneer of the Nile by Empire Maker and Sambuca Classic by Cat Thief by Storm Cat) 32
Next Race: Arkansas Derby, 9 furlongs
Trainer: Mark Casse
G3 Bashford Manor, 6 furlongs
G1 Breeders Futurity, 8.5 furlongs 10
BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 20
3rd G2 Holy Bull, 8.5 furlongs2
We shall see how much he has recovered temperament, etc. If he finishes a close 2nd he stays here.
4. Gormley (Malibu Moon by A.P. Indy and Race To Urca by Bernstein by Storm Cat) 128
Next Race:
Trainer: John Shirreffs
G1 Frontrunner Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
G3 Sham Stakes, 8 furlongs 10
4th G2 San Felipe, 8.5 furlongs 4
5. Always Dreaming (Bodemeister by Empire Maker and In Excess by Siberian Express) 100
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Florida Derby, 9 furlongs
6. Gunnevera (Dialed In by Mineshaft by A.P. Indy and Unbirdled Rage by Unbridled) 84
Next Race: Fountain of Youth
Trainer: Anthony Sano
G3 Delta Jackpot Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
2nd G2 Holy Bull, 8.5 furlongs 4
G2 Fountain of Youth, 8.5 furlongs 50
3rd Florida Derby, 9 furlongs
He bounced.
6. Malagacy (Shackleford by Forestry by Strom Cat and Classiest Gem by Dehere by Deputy Minister) 50
Next race: Arkansas Derby?, 9 furlongs
Rebel Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 50
Not as good as Always Dreaming, but still a gamer/
7. Practical Joke (Into Mischief by Harlan's Holiday and by Halo Humor by Distorted Humor) 74
Trainer: Chad Brown
G1 Hopeful, 7 furlongs
G1 Champagne, 8 furlongs 10
3rd BC Juvenile, 8.5 furlongs 4
2nd Fountain of Youth, 20
2nd Blue Grass Stakes, 9 furlongs 40
8. J. Boys Echo (Mineshaft by A.P. Indy and Letgomyecho by Menifee by Harlan by Storm Cat) 53
Next Race: 4th Bluegrass Stakes, 9 furlongs
Trainer: Dale Romans
4th Delta Downs Jackpot, 8.5 furlongs 1
3rd G3 Withers Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 2
Gotham Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 50
9. Royal Mo (Uncle Mo and Royal Irish Lass by Saint Ballado by by Halo by Hail To Reason) 10
Next race: Sunland Derby?
Robert B. Lewis Stakes, 8.5 furlongs 10
8th Rebel Stakes, 8.5 furlongs
3rd Santa Anita Derby, 9 furlongs
So I know a Baker's Dozen is 13. Is a Derby Dozen 10 with two 6's? ;)
My top three
Practical Joke
Irish War Cry
Classic Empire
Quote from: Raven on April 12, 2017, 05:02:04 PM
My top three
Practical Joke
Irish War Cry
Classic Empire
I think your top pick is a great hunch bet based on the quality, thus far exhibited, of this crop.
My Derby 3 ....
Many horses running are not very seasoned, and I didn't care for McCraken's comeback race. Classic Empire's comeback was fabulous, so he makes the top 3:
Classic Empire
Irap
Gormley
I'm very much on the fence with Classic Empire. His goofy behavior may be troublesome in a huge crowd. Irap's lead change problems appear to be solved, and Gormley has learned to relax.
Well, we see how that went for my list.
With all the defections I ended with just 9. :-)
1. McCraken (Ghostzapper by Awesome Again by Deputy Minister by Vice Regent by Northern Dancer and Ivory Empress by Seeking the Gold by Mr. Prospector) 30
8th
2. Irish War Cry (Curlin by Smart Strike and Irish Sovereign by Polish Numbers by Danzig) 110
10th
3. Classic Empire (Pioneer of the Nile by Empire Maker and Sambuca Classic by Cat Thief by Storm Cat) 32
4th place finish.
4. Gormley (Malibu Moon by A.P. Indy and Race To Urca by Bernstein by Storm Cat) 128
9th
5. Always Dreaming (Bodemeister by Empire Maker and In Excess by Siberian Express) 100
The winner
6. Gunnevera (Dialed In by Mineshaft by A.P. Indy and Unbirdled Rage by Unbridled) 84
7th
7. Malagacy (Shackleford by Forestry by Strom Cat and Classiest Gem by Dehere by Deputy Minister) 50
Skipped the race
8. Practical Joke (Into Mischief by Harlan's Holiday and by Halo Humor by Distorted Humor) 74
5th place finish
9. J. Boys Echo (Mineshaft by A.P. Indy and Letgomyecho by Menifee by Harlan by Storm Cat) 53
13th
10. Royal Mo (Uncle Mo and Royal Irish Lass by Saint Ballado by by Halo by Hail To Reason) 10
Skipped the race
Quote from: Dusty on December 12, 2016, 06:27:13 PM
WOW - early is right - and you included Lookin at Lee - me like!
You should have kept him in!