This was predictable though I am amazed it took so long with the Kentucky Derby having raised their purse eight years ago...
http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/10205653/belmont-stakes-purse-boosted-15-million

Kentucky Derby ($1 million 1996 to 2005)
http://espn.go.com/horse/news/2005/0104/1958932.html

Preakness ($1 million since 1998)
http://www.preakness.com/news-center/latest-news/preakness-stakes-purse-increased-15-million-beginning-2014

Belmont ($1 million since 1998)
http://www.drf.com/news/belmont-stakes-purse-raised-15-million

Orfevre mentioning Eishin Flash on his Facebook page...
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Orfevre/676116079088422

Hope they will be friends.

Couldn't even make it until the end of the year without having to edit... SAD

Sorry to see you go NYD.

I guess that's what Honorable Mentions are for...

1. Cairo Prince (Pioneer of the Nile and Holy Bubbette by Holy Bull)

He carried six pounds more than the Honor Code and lost by a nose in the Remsen Stakes at 9 furlongs. I always give a lot of credit to horses that can win or compete at 9 furlongs as a two year old. His breeding is a shade below Honor Code being a grandson of Empire Maker and Holy Bull. I like this horse and hope he can carry is excellence into the three year old season. This could be Mr. McLaughlin's best shot at a Kentucky Derby win. Owned by

Next race: Jan. 25 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park. It would be nice to see a grandson enter and win it.

2. Honor Code (A.P. Indy and by Serena's Cat by Storm Cat)

It is hard to imagine a horse more regally bred than Honor Code. Who know - after the long wait - Mr. McGaughey may have lightning strike twice. He won the Remsen. He was second in the Champagne against Havana who many rank as the top two year old this year so he is certainly one to watch.

Next race: Feb. 22 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park.   

3. Shared Belief (Candy Ride and Common Hope by Storm Cat)

Shared Belief has done everything right in his three starts. He is the only G1 winning two year old with multiple graded stakes wins also having taken the G3 Hollywood Preview Stakes in addition to the Hollywood Futurity. His 106 BSF leads his generation - at least as far as graded stakes winners go. The big question mark is how he will fare on dirt, but Mr. Hollendorfer's barn has shown it knows how to get a horse ready for dirt and travel so he is one to watch. The Robert Lewis and the Santa Anita Derby as next on the card. 

Next race: Jan. 11 Sham Stakes at Santa Anita Park. 

4. Tamarando (Bertrando and Tamarack Bay by Dehere)

His stable mate has shown himself to be dynamic. He has two stakes wins including a G1 win in the Del Mar Futurity and has run well on dirt. The biggest question I see with him is whether or not he is moving forward or peaked with his win at Del Mar. If he moves forward, this son of Bertrando is the one to watch.

Next race: Jan. 25 California Cup Derby at Santa Anita Park.

5. Havana (Dunkirk and Missy Turtle by Kyle's Our Man)

His promising sire, a son of Unbridled Song, finished second in the 2009 Belmont Stakes and suffered a career ending injury so he should be able to get the distance. Havana has been impressive winning his debut at Saratoga and then the G1 Champagne Stakes over Honor Code and Strong Mandate. Then he finished a close second to New Year's Day having a miserable trip in the BC Juvenile.

Next race: Jan. 25 G3 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

6. New Year's Day (Street Cry and Justwhistledixie by Dixie Union)

This BC Juvenile winner beat a decent field of G1 winning horses in his first stakes effort. Well, the last horse to break the BC Juvenile jinx was a son of Street Cry, so who knows?

Next race: Feb. 8 Robert Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita Park.

6. Strong Mandate ( and Clear Mandate by Deputy Minister)

This G1 winning Hopeful Stakes winner who finished third in the BC Juvenile and 7th in the Champagne Stakes is a son of Tiznow. If all goes as planned this could be Mr. Lukas's next Triple Crown race winner.

Next race: Feb. 17 G3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park

7. Bond Holder (Mineshaft and Cielo Girl by Conquistador Cielo)

Next race: Feb. 8 Robert B. Lewis Stakes or Mar. 8 San Felipe Stakes.

Winner of the G1 Front Runner Stakes at Santa Anita he finished a disappointing 4th in the BC Juvenile and the Hollywood Futurity.

8. Lunarwarfare (War Pass and Lunar Star by Silver Ghost)

Next race: Unknown.

Third in the Hopeful Stakes he has been recovering from injury I believe. Hopefully he returns to form at 3.

9. Tap It Rich (Tapit and Gold Canyon by Mr. Prospector)

Next race: Unknown.

He's young. He has been asked to do a lot coming off of his maiden win. He finished 5th and 9th in his G1 starts in the BC Juvenile and the Hollywood Futurity. He would not be there if his trainer did not believe in his ability. He did break his maiden on dirt. It is just a question of weather his racing quality lives up to his breeding quality.

10. Tapiture (Tapit and Free Spin by Olympio)

Next race: Unknown.

This winner of the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club broke his maiden in a graded stakes over the Churchill Downs surface. The second of two Tapit son's on the list.

11. Corfu (Malibu Moon and Fashion Cat by Forest Wildcat)

Next race: Unknown.

I have always liked this winner of the G2 Saratoga Special. I hope he can find his bearings as a three year old.

12. Laddie Boy (War Pass and Lil's Lassie by Lil's Lad)

Next race: Unknown.

Another War Pass son. I happen to love this Cherokee Run grandsons. I would have thought by the names on the dam's side that Lil E. Tee was in the pedigree but instead its Preakness Stakes winner Pine Bluff on the bottom. His finish second place in the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club gets him here.

Honorable Mentions:

We Miss Artie (Artie Schiller and Athena's Gift by Fusaichi Pegasus)

Next race: Unknown.

This winner of the G1 Breeder's Futurity while possessing turf pedigree on top did finish second to Strong Mandate on the dirt at Belmont Park. On the bottom he certainly has the distance pedigree. While he was disappointing in the BC Juvenile finishing seventh hopefully he can move forward. If his form holds he could be another Dullahan who finished third in the Kentucky Derby.

Indianapolis (Medaglia d'Oro and Pretty Smart by Beau Genius)

Next race: Jan. 11 Sham Stakes Santa Anita Park.

A friend tells me that he looks spectacular in Mr. Baffert's barn. Looking forward to seeing him compete in his first stakes race.

PS - Other folks are welcome to post their picks as well.

He covered it all. I don't think anyone could have done a better job.

Well, we have been unable to lure Matt Converse here to offer his suggestions, so I'll steal his angle with MOT's Derby Dozen. I figure MOT's Derby Dozen is a lesser facsimile of Matt's Derby Dozen. (SMILE)

And you do not have to wait for the countdown.

1. Cairo Prince (Pioneer of the Nile and Holy Bubbette by Holy Bull)

He carried six pounds more than the Honor Code and lost by a nose in the Remsen Stakes at 9 furlongs. I always give a lot of credit to horses that can win or compete at 9 furlongs as a two year old. His breeding is a shade below Honor Code being a grandson of Empire Maker and Holy Bull. I like this horse and hope he can carry is excellence into the three year old season. This could be Mr. McLaughlin's best shot at a Kentucky Derby win. Owned by

Next race: Jan. 25 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park. It would be nice to see a grandson enter and win it.

2. Honor Code (A.P. Indy and by Serena's Cat by Storm Cat)

It is hard to imagine a horse more regally bred than Honor Code. Who know - after the long wait - Mr. McGaughey may have lightning strike twice. He won the Remsen. He was second in the Champagne against Havana who many rank as the top two year old this year so he is certainly one to watch.

Next race: Feb. 22 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park.   

3. Shared Belief (Candy Ride and Common Hope by Storm Cat)

Shared Belief has done everything right in his three starts. He is the only G1 winning two year old with multiple graded stakes wins also having taken the G3 Hollywood Preview Stakes in addition to the Hollywood Futurity. His 106 BSF leads his generation - at least as far as graded stakes winners go. The big question mark is how he will fare on dirt, but Mr. Hollendorfer's barn has shown it knows how to get a horse ready for dirt and travel so he is one to watch. The Robert Lewis and the Santa Anita Derby as next on the card. 

Next race: Feb. 8 Robert Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita Park.

4. Tamarando (Bertrando and Tamarack Bay by Dehere)

His stable mate has shown himself to be dynamic. He has two stakes wins including a G1 win in the Del Mar Futurity and has run well on dirt. The biggest question I see with him is whether or not he is moving forward or peaked with his win at Del Mar. If he moves forward, this son of Bertrando is the one to watch.

Next race: Jan. 25 California Cup Derby at Santa Anita Park.

5. Havana (Dunkirk and Missy Turtle by Kyle's Our Man)

His promising sire, a son of Unbridled Song, finished second in the 2009 Belmont Stakes and suffered a career ending injury so he should be able to get the distance. Havana has been impressive winning his debut at Saratoga and then the G1 Champagne Stakes over Honor Code and Strong Mandate. Then he finished a close second to New Year's Day having a miserable trip in the BC Juvenile.

Next race: Jan. 25 G3 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

6. New Year's Day (Street Cry and Justwhistledixie by Dixie Union)

This BC Juvenile winner beat a decent field of G1 winning horses in his first stakes effort. Well, the last horse to break the BC Juvenile jinx was a son of Street Cry, so who knows?

Next race: Feb. 8 Robert Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita Park.

7. Strong Mandate ( Tiznow and Clear Mandate by Deputy Minister)

This G1 winning Hopeful Stakes winner who finished third in the BC Juvenile and 7th in the Champagne Stakes is a son of Tiznow. If all goes as planned this could be Mr. Lukas's next Triple Crown race winner.

Next race: Feb. 17 G3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park

8. Bond Holder (Mineshaft and Cielo Girl by Conquistador Cielo)

Next race: San Felipe/Robert Lewis?

Winner of the G1 Front Runner Stakes at Santa Anita he finished a disappointing 4th in the BC Juvenile and the Hollywood Futurity.

Next race: Feb. 8 Robert B. Lewis Stakes or San Felipe

9. Lunarwarfare (War Pass and Lunar Star by Silver Ghost)

Next race: Unknown.

Third in the Hopeful Stakes he has been recovering from injury I believe. Hopefully he returns to form at 3.

10. Tap It Rich (Tapit and Gold Canyon by Mr. Prospector)

Next race: Unknown.

He's young. He has been asked to do a lot coming off of his maiden win. He finished 5th and 9th in his G1 starts in the BC Juvenile and the Hollywood Futurity. He would not be there if his trainer did not believe in his ability. He did break his maiden on dirt. It is just a question of weather his racing quality lives up to his breeding quality.

11. Tapiture (Tapit and Free Spin by Olympio)

Next race: Unknown.

This winner of the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club broke his maiden in a graded stakes over the Churchill Downs surface. The second of two Tapit son's on the list.

12. Corfu (Malibu Moon and Fashion Cat by Forest Wildcat)

Next race: Unknown.

I have always liked this winner of the G2 Saratoga Special. I hope he can find his bearings as a three year old.

Honorable Mentions:

We Miss Artie (Artie Schiller and Athena's Gift by Fusaichi Pegasus)

Next race: Unknown.

This winner of the G1 Breeder's Futurity while possessing turf pedigree on top did finish second to Strong Mandate on the dirt at Belmont Park. On the bottom he certainly has the distance pedigree. While he was disappointing in the BC Juvenile finishing seventh hopefully he can move forward. If his form holds he could be another Dullahan who finished third in the Kentucky Derby.

Laddie Boy (War Pass and Lil's Lassie by Lil's Lad)

Next race: Unknown.

Another War Pass son. I happen to love this Cherokee Run grandsons. I would have thought by the names on the dam's side that Lil E. Tee was in the pedigree but instead its Preakness Stakes winner Pine Bluff on the bottom. His finish second place in the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club gets him here.

Indianapolis (Medaglia d'Oro and Pretty Smart by Beau Genius)

Next race: Jan. 11 Sham Stakes Santa Anita Park.

A friend tells me that he looks spectacular in Mr. Baffert's barn. Looking forward to seeing him compete in his first stakes race.

This is very, very sad.

One hopes you get them off the track and they are able to then enjoy their salad days on a farm.

Prayers are with him and his connections.

:pray:

Perhaps the point is that one cannot decide by BSFs alone.

I think we all would agree that BSFs are one factor in evaluating a horse's past performance.

It would be also interesting to know if HP was playing particularly fast that day or not.

If Mucho Macho Man's connections wanted an Eclipse award for HOTY he should have run in and won the Clark Handicap.

Heck, I do not even think he deserves the champion older horse award. That should go to Game On Dude.

The fact remains he raced sporadically this year. It was because of his health. And his connections deserve all the credit in the world for getting him right for the last two races of the season.

BUT - he was healthy after the BC Classic - and they opted to skip the Clark Handicap. How does Mr. Beyer account for this?

Wise Dan, on the other hand, may have started a bit late in April, but he ran in 5 G1 races and two G2 races and he was 7-6-1-0 which is pretty darn good.

Mucho Macho Man on the other hand still ran in 5 races, 3 G1s and two ungraded stakes. He won two stakes at the end of the year. HOTY?

No. Not in my book. I like the horse a lot. He was one of my Derby horses when he was three. And I love that he is still racing. But either you do something spectacular with your wins or you race when you can. And he did not do either in my book.

Originally, I bought into New Years Day...but that was when I thought he would enter the Hollywood Futurity.

Havana was my number two.

Shared Belief is impressive as is Honor Code. Honor Code has the 9 furlong graded stakes win in his favor. He has won the top stakes race at the greatest distance for a two year old.

It is very tough.

Based upon the what have you done for me lately POV it should Shared Belief.

However, now I am leaning toward Havana. He won the Champagne. He finished a good second in the BC Juvenile against a strong field. 

But I do really like Shared Belief. I actually like all of these two year olds. I even like Tap It Rich.

And Cairo Prince. He just barely lost the Remsen carrying what 5-6 pounds more than the winner? Maybe he should win it with his G2 Nashua Stakes win.

And then there is Tamarando.

Is he the only multiple stakes winner in this field. Granted they are not graded stakes, but he did win the Del Mar Futurity and the Real Quiet Stakes.

This is a nice problem to have.

I think they are all deserving. We'll see what the voters decide.

If New Year's Day, Havana, or Shared Belief win it - I will not be disappointed.

An incredible race.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pvj1bB4ayT4

My wife (and the race caller - Murray Johnson I think) thought he moved too soon.

I kept saying over and over again - no he isn't - because the way he was moving in the final turn was reminiscent to me of Secretariat's performance in the Preakness Stakes where he went from last to first in several strides. The power that he was coming with - it would take an incredible effort for anyone to catch him.

For clarification purposes - I am not saying Orfevre is the second coming of Secretariat. Only that his sweeping move around the outside reminded me of it.

It was impressive and exactly the way the Japanese champion should go out - on top.

And then his retirement ceremony was amazing too - where 60,000 of the 124,000 fans stayed to see him paraded after racing that day.


Shadai Stallion Station has a real star coming to stay with them. If I am lucky I'll get to see him one day because that is where my favorite Eishin Flash is going - and I hope I can visit him one day.

Glad you all enjoyed.

It was a very special visit.

The people were so friendly everywhere. I will treasure the acquaintances.

The horses are among the best in the country.

And the facility despite its age was wonderful to witness.

I do wish we could have stayed longer or that we had made the trip sooner. 

I do not know if HRTV was doing anything on the track, but TVG had its 90 minute special narrated my Mr. Stauffer and then showed clips throughout the last weekend.

The horse racing community in the United States, nay even the world, will be less for its loss. 

I had a dream last night of all the still living connections from the recent past at HP that were waiting on the track at the finish line on either side of the path to the winner's circle to greet the horses returning after they passed the finish applauding. I know safety wise it would likely not been practical - but it was a special moment in my dream nonetheless.

Mr. Stauffer's call was as perfect as could be.

Yesterday was quite emotional.

It seemed like there were many more people there for the event than the final tally indicated.

Orfevre is entering his last race before heading off to stud.

What a horse he is.

I had a soft spot for him when he was sent to run in the Arc and came up just short.

His connections had the courage to try again, and he came up short once more to another filly.

It was a shame, but he certainly has not hurt his legacy as one of the best runners ever from Asia.

I hope he goes out well in this race.

ORFEVRE A HIT WITH FANS
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/superracing/extra-zero-set-to-join-millionaires-club-superstar-japanese-galloper-ready-to-bid-farewell-to-racing/story-fnibcaa0-1226787731185

Japan's superstar galloper Orfevre will farewell racing in their biggest race, the Arima Kinen tomorrow at Nakayama.

The Arima Kinen is a unique race where the field is put together by the votes of the Japanese racing fans and Orfevre's popularity was underlined by him being the top vote-getter.

Orfevre has won the race before 2011 and takes on last year's winner Gold Ship.

Orfevre was Japan's seventh Triple Crown winner and also finished second in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe the last two years.

Here are the entries:
http://www.horseracingnation.com/race/2013_Arima_Kinen

Danon Ballade
Verde Green
Curren Mirotic
Win Variation
Desperado
Orfevre
Tamamo Best Play
Lovely Day
Lelouch
Amire Rakti
Love Is Boo Shet
TM Inazuma
To The Glory
Gold Ship
Nakayama Knight
Tosen Jordan

I'll be rooting for Orfevre and Tosen Jordan though I wouldn't mind if Gold Ship did it.

And what a play on words with Love Is Boo Shet...

Well, I was looking forward to seeing Eishin Flash go out in his last race in the Arima Kinnen, but it seems he has been injured in training and retired.

Will have to see him next at stud.

I'll miss you on the track Eishin, but am so glad you are safe and sound and on your way to filling the world with baby Eishin's.

I had the pleasure to visit Betfair Hollywood Park last weekend. I was awed by the people, horses, structure and atmosphere.

I had a chance to go to the Breeders Cup championships at Santa Anita or Hollywood Park and it was not even close which option we would take. The history of the Track of Lakes and Flowers, which I had no idea was its nickname, is a beautiful example of one of the nation's most iconic horse racing venues.

Arriving at the track directly from the airport, we were greeted with the burnt yellow visage in the back which displayed renditions of the most famous silks to grace the track including a special showcase for recent Hollywood Gold Cup winners. There were Charles Howard's, Louis Shapiro's, etc.

Once through the gates, one feels like they are on a desert isle of sorts. Palms trees of all sizes are planted throughout the track's environs. The paddock was large and totally accessible to patrons being surrounded by a low white fence. The horses came out along a long path which wound from the far end to the track to the paddock so the general public had ample time to observe them as they made their way to the paddock stalls. Once saddled they moved into the Garden Paddock, so-called for its rich flora, which easily accommodated 15 horses or more. Often there were 8-10 horses schooling in the paddock in addition to those running in the particular race. My wife and I noted that we had never been to a track which seemed to promote paddock schooling as much as BHP does.

For a first time visitor, the signage was lacking and as a result we ended up venturing through the tunnel to the clubhouse box seats rather than taking the regular entrance up the ramp. The weekday policy allows visitors to occupy any unoccupied seats/boxes they wish during the week.  On the weekends, one can get a four seat box for eight dollars.

Our view, not far from the finish line and winner's circle, was perfect. Near us was the TVG crew and a display of past American Oaks winners. Immediately in front there were the 2012 winners on four statuettes with painted on jockey silks for the prominent races including The Vanity, the Charles Whittingham, and the Hollywood Gold Cup. It was sad to think that the 2013 winners would never be shown.

The dark cushion track makes an excellent contrast with the lush greenery surrounding the track even in December. The infield is where you really get the sense of why this is the Track of Lakes and Flowers. There are at least two lakes - one opposite the grandstand and one opposite the clubhouse.  Despite many of the resident flamingos being rounded up weeks before to go to their new home, two outliers managed to escape and decorated the clubhouse lake with their brilliant pink. And there is more than meets the eye in the infield. Landaluce and Great Communicator are buried there out near a patch of three tall palm trees and a short one. Unknown is the infield gravesite of the Mexican Man o' War, Gay Dalton. And, of course, Native Diver is buried as well in the Garden Paddock.

The fourth race on the card was our first to see. It was an emotional experience to imagine all the horses that had run at this track during its seventy-five year history.

While there, we sampled good cheeseburgers from The Paddock Grill, a hearty chef salad and generous portion of homemade macaroni and cheese from the first floor Food Court, and pastrami and Swiss cheese sandwiches and drinks from Whittingham's Pub  & Deli.

The next day we headed to the track kitchen to take advantage of Steve Haskin's suggestion to enjoy breakfast from the BHP kitchen terrace. Only then did we get a true appreciation for the scale of the BHP plant. Not only is there the track complex, but also a huge seating complex as a part of the adjoining casino.   

The food cannot be beat at this track kitchen. The breakfast sandwich is outstanding with ham, cheese, and egg on a thick toast. I had it with some of the best salsa I have ever had. Watch it, though. It has a kick. I also enjoyed the sausage, egg and cheese sandwich on an English muffin and I had to try the Zenyatta omelette with spinach. I had salsa on these, as well.

The backstretch seems particularly modern, at least when compared to older tracks like Saratoga and Churchill Downs. The barns are made of fire safe cinder blocks which provide housing above them for the workers. The passageways inside and out are wide. And there is even a smaller half mile exercise track in the far back.

Arriving at the Turf Club entrance on our second day of racing we seemingly took a step back in time to another era seeing the gold horse head doors bidding patrons to the most exclusive seating areas offered at the track. This entrance also boasted being adjacent to a shady stream and garden which offered a respite during the summer months and in the winter provided some eye candy. Nearby is the statue of Swaps with Willie Shoemaker up which stands in front of one of the main entrances on one side, and on the other includes all the past Hollywood Gold Cup winners.

I did happen to walk the various floors from grandstand to clubhouse, one end to the other. While some of the seating areas were closed, as chance would have it a gate was open and so I wandered in. There were old posters, vendor images of food, and a glimpse back at the bygone era when the entire track was still being utilized. It is an incredible structure.

One of the most memorable experiences we had was hearing the roar of the paltry crowd of seven thousand attendees during the Native Diver Stakes. And it was a roar. It seemed like many more were there than attendance indicated. And it made me reflect on just what the stands might sound like with 50,000 there again. Unfortunately, it seems like we will never know.

And then there was the main event - the Hollywood Futurity. Horse racing enthusiasts had dubbed this last field one of the strongest for this race. After observing the horses in the paddock, I ventured down to the top of the stretch to see the horses before they headed to the post. After getting pictures, I moved quickly to the starting gate a 1/16th mile in front of the finish line, and finally finished the race at the finish line. Shared Belief did not disappoint giving a quality performance as has been detailed in other threads.

My wife and I thought the track resembled Gulfstream Park a lot because of its tropical location. Having only visited Gulfstream for the first time recently after they built the new track plant, though, this was an opportunity to step back in time and experience one of the past's true racing cathedrals live and in-person.

I feel for those two flamingoes not wanting to leave Hollywood Park. We did not want to leave either. It seemed that we were just getting to know BHP's charm and majesty and it was time to go.

Farewell BHP and thanks for the memories.