Horse Racing 2022

[DevilHorse]

Yes the spring water is quite gross but hey, gotta do it once I guess.

Should have washed down the water with a hot dog.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Is it too early to talk about the Breeder's Cup?

Looks like they are taking wagers already.
https://edge.twinspires.com/racing/b...ite-in-pool-1/
Some of these horses are running this weekend (i.e., Life Is Good, Olympiad, Hot Rod Charlie, and Americanrevolution).

Here is a pointer to the pre-weekend PPs:
http://www.brisnet.com/wp-content/up...uturePool1.pdf

Larry
DevilHorse

Breeder's Cup Classic Futures Pool 1 is closed.

Here are the odds:
https://www.breederscup.com/news/202...s-3-1-favorite

Flightline 3-1
Life Is Good 7-2
Olympiad 9-2

BC at Keeneland this year.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

The NYRA announced plans to eventually close Aqueduct Racetrack for good. This will not happen right away.

To start the process, the (famous) Fall Belmont meet will take place at Aqueduct this year. The reason is so construction can take place at Belmont to install a tapeta (artificial dirt) surface track inside of Big Sandy (the main track). [Belmont has 2 turf courses now inside of the main track]. The idea is 2-fold: 1) Racing in the winter is a valuable revenue source for the NYRA, so if you're closing Aqueduct, you have to race somewhere. Most NY based horses are stabled at Belmont anyway. 2) You can't run all distance races (on the dirt) easily now at Belmont. To run the BC Classic (1 1/4 mile) on the main track, you'd have to start on the clubhouse turn. By building a smaller route, inside the main track, Belmont becomes a candidate to host the end of the year extravaganza.

Apparently they have plans to reduce the size of the Belmont Grandstand too (it is cavernous).

Aqueduct is right across the Belt Parkway from Howard Beach, NY. It is also the location of a relatively new (large) casino facility. Does the casino remain? Do they re-use the large and expensive land around the casino for housing or commercial purposes? Stay tuned.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

From time to time I've seen these studies on the genetics of horses. Most importantly it offers a measurement of genetic diversity with a breed, but you can also use these types of measurements and cross it with phenotypical data such as speed or winnings to try and find out what genetics is best to optimize winning/speed/$. Usually the (horse selling) market is a great guide.

The tools have gotten better, but the results have not told us how to build a better racehorse.

There are a number of different theories, some more phenomenological than others, on how to breed horses (I won't go into that in detail here); each boasts statistics supporting its' view.
But the old adage, "Breed the Best to the Best and hope for the best." Seems to hold true in most cases. You just have to own and start with the best.

The good news from this article suggests that the TBreds are genetically just as diverse as other horse breeds:
https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.co...versity-study/

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

We have a few races of interest coming up in the next couple of days. Although races not mentioned here may be competitive and challenging from a bettor standpoint. I highlight here only those races that point toward the Triple Crown (colts and fillies) [that's why you see mention of a lot of 2YOs and not 3YO maidens this time of year], the Breeder's Cup Championship, horses that have become familiar through the years from the TC and BC, and just interesting horses. If it isn't obvious, I tend to stay away from turf races; not that there's anything wrong with them (and why I have mostly turf races today). Turf races can have larger fields and can be very competitive. I just don't follow them quite as much. Any dirt horse can (is allowed to) run on the turf and any turf horse can run on the dirt, it just minimizes their potential earnings. The same thing for Standardbreds. There are trotters and pacers, and the sires and mares 99% of the time will have progeny that excel at the same gait as its parents. But now and then a horse is more proficient in the gait the horse is not bred for. I've jogged these animals and they naturally have both gaits (TBreds have trotting and pacing gaits naturally too, just not at high speeds). Interestingly, when a horse races at a different gait than its' genetics suggest, the breeding tends toward just getting lesser individuals. Horses that raced at 2 gaits never made a decent sire, but 70 years ago sires could produce both trotters and pacers; not unlike Thoroughbreds like American Pharoah who produces better turf horses than dirt, but can throw stakes caliber (not yet champion) dirt horses.

But I digress..

Today, I found one familiar name. At Saratoga, in Race 3 (the Morrissey) is NY Traffic:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, August 12, 2022, Saratoga - Race 3, PPs ]
NY Traffic, who raced against horses like Authentic in the Triple Crown, will try to make some money. At $894k, and still a horse, you think that the owners are trying to get this horse past the $1M mark before retiring him to a minor stud career. His breeding is modest, but you never know. Saint Selby will be his biggest challenger today.

Bulldog Hanover races again tonight at Hoosier Park in Indiana. He races in the Dan Patch Invitational. Bulldog Hanover set the all time record for a standardbred (1:45.4) in his last start and took a few weeks off. For those of you who don't know Dan Patch, read up on him. Before there was Babe Ruth, the top sports figure in the USA was Dan Patch. He used to give exhibition races as he barnstormed across the country in a private train car. He too was the fastest standardbred of all time (1:55 1/4). His original memorabilia still fetches a good price on ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...horse&_sacat=0
So the breed has improved in speed almost 10 seconds for a mile in 100 years! Wow.


On Saturday:

One of the big 2YO races at Saratoga, the Saratoga Special, will be Race 4:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...5/summary.html
[ URL above, August 13, 2022, Saratoga - Race 4, PPs ]
This is a small field, but it might be a match race of two of the more accomplished 2YOC's so far.
Gulfport will be taking on Damon's Mound. Both brilliant and undefeated. Gulfport has 2 races under his belt and was recently purchased for an undisclosed sum by Coolmore Stud (He'll stand at Ashford in KY, not in Ireland). Gulfport's breeding is definitely dirt and begs to go longer. Damon's Mound we don't quite know everything; he is by first year sire Girvin. Damon's Mound's first race was sensational (93 Beyer was the top first race beyer), but it was only one race. Girvin's pedigree also has significant turf influence. Nice early season throwdown. Super Chow looks to be your best triple option. But who knows with 2YOs.

For those missing Arlington Park, the Beverly D and Arlington Million will be run these 2 big turf races at Churchill Downs. But they cancelled the Secretariat Stakes; I thought Big Red deserved better than this grass race. An opportunity for a big 2YO or 3YO race at another track. Or, they didn't expect enough horses would enter (also crazy).

The Beverly D is Race 5 at Churchill Downs:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, August 13, 2022, Churchill Downs - Race 5, PPs ]
Roughir is a likely favorite. Foreign import Lily Pond might hit the board in this 5 horse turf race (what?).

The Arlington Million is Race 11 at Churchill Downs:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, August 13, 2022, Churchill Downs - Race 11, PPs ]
Smooth Like Strait looks to be in the pole position for the bettors.


Keeping with the turf motif, the Fourstardave will be run at Saratoga as Race 10:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, August 13, 2022, Saratoga - Race 10, PPs ]
The top filly Regal Glory will be taking on a bunch of good turfers. Mike Francesca's Casa Creed will try to avoid traffic problems and come from off the pace to challenge. Masen has been lights out too. Only 5 horses yet again, but competitive.


Del Mar will have a nice 2YO maiden race in Race 7:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
[ URL above, August 13, 2022, Del Mar - Race 7, PPs ]
Cave Rock looks like a $550k first starting monster with a tremendous workout line (no secrets here). Truehood is a $700k Baffert first who also looks to be tuned up for this. Ultimate Gamble has desceptively good works too.

The Sorrento at Del Mar is a 2YOF Stake:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, August 13, 2022, Del Mar - Race 9, PPs ]
Absolutely Zero looks to have the edge over Procrastination in this race for California's top 2YOF.


On Sunday, at Del Mar, is the Best Pal stakes for 2YOs:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, August 14, 2022, Del Mar - Race 9, PPs ]
Havnameltdown and Kangaroo Court could be the best, but they have outside posts, and they both like the lead. Lots of early speed here. I'll go out on a limb and pick Agency (the Bolt D'Oro colt); he has shown rating and come from behind capability. One odd thing about the race, it is a stakes race but there is a first time starter in it; we find out if the entry of Fleet Feet is justified for hot trainer George Papaprodromou (last time I try to spell that).

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

We have a few races of interest coming up in the next couple of days. Although races not mentioned here may be competitive and challenging from a bettor standpoint. I highlight here only those races that point toward the Triple Crown (colts and fillies) [that's why you see mention of a lot of 2YOs and not 3YO maidens this time of year], the Breeder's Cup Championship, horses that have become familiar through the years from the TC and BC, and just interesting horses. If it isn't obvious, I tend to stay away from turf races; not that there's anything wrong with them (and why I have mostly turf races today). Turf races can have larger fields and can be very competitive. I just don't follow them quite as much. Any dirt horse can (is allowed to) run on the turf and any turf horse can run on the dirt, it just minimizes their potential earnings. The same thing for Standardbreds. There are trotters and pacers, and the sires and mares 99% of the time will have progeny that excel at the same gait as its parents. But now and then a horse is more proficient in the gait the horse is not bred for. I've jogged these animals and they naturally have both gaits (TBreds have trotting and pacing gaits naturally too, just not at high speeds). Interestingly, when a horse races at a different gait than its' genetics suggest, the breeding tends toward just getting lesser individuals. Horses that raced at 2 gaits never made a decent sire, but 70 years ago sires could produce both trotters and pacers; not unlike Thoroughbreds like American Pharoah who produces better turf horses than dirt, but can throw stakes caliber (not yet champion) dirt horses.

But I digress..

Today, I found one familiar name. At Saratoga, in Race 3 (the Morrissey) is NY Traffic:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, August 12, 2022, Saratoga - Race 3, PPs ]
NY Traffic, who raced against horses like Authentic in the Triple Crown, will try to make some money. At $894k, and still a horse, you think that the owners are trying to get this horse past the $1M mark before retiring him to a minor stud career. His breeding is modest, but you never know. Saint Selby will be his biggest challenger today.

Bulldog Hanover races again tonight at Hoosier Park in Indiana. He races in the Dan Patch Invitational. Bulldog Hanover set the all time record for a standardbred (1:45.4) in his last start and took a few weeks off. For those of you who don't know Dan Patch, read up on him. Before there was Babe Ruth, the top sports figure in the USA was Dan Patch. He used to give exhibition races as he barnstormed across the country in a private train car. He too was the fastest standardbred of all time (1:55 1/4). His original memorabilia still fetches a good price on ebay.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...horse&_sacat=0
So the breed has improved in speed almost 10 seconds for a mile in 100 years! Wow.


On Saturday:

One of the big 2YO races at Saratoga, the Saratoga Special, will be Race 4:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...5/summary.html
[ URL above, August 13, 2022, Saratoga - Race 4, PPs ]
This is a small field, but it might be a match race of two of the more accomplished 2YOC's so far.
Gulfport will be taking on Damon's Mound. Both brilliant and undefeated. Gulfport has 2 races under his belt and was recently purchased for an undisclosed sum by Coolmore Stud (He'll stand at Ashford in KY, not in Ireland). Gulfport's breeding is definitely dirt and begs to go longer. Damon's Mound we don't quite know everything; he is by first year sire Girvin. Damon's Mound's first race was sensational (93 Beyer was the top first race beyer), but it was only one race. Girvin's pedigree also has significant turf influence. Nice early season throwdown. Super Chow looks to be your best triple option. But who knows with 2YOs.

For those missing Arlington Park, the Beverly D and Arlington Million will be run these 2 big turf races at Churchill Downs. But they cancelled the Secretariat Stakes; I thought Big Red deserved better than this grass race. An opportunity for a big 2YO or 3YO race at another track. Or, they didn't expect enough horses would enter (also crazy).

The Beverly D is Race 5 at Churchill Downs:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, August 13, 2022, Churchill Downs - Race 5, PPs ]
Roughir is a likely favorite. Foreign import Lily Pond might hit the board in this 5 horse turf race (what?).

The Arlington Million is Race 11 at Churchill Downs:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, August 13, 2022, Churchill Downs - Race 11, PPs ]
Smooth Like Strait looks to be in the pole position for the bettors.


Keeping with the turf motif, the Fourstardave will be run at Saratoga as Race 10:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, August 13, 2022, Saratoga - Race 10, PPs ]
The top filly Regal Glory will be taking on a bunch of good turfers. Mike Francesca's Casa Creed will try to avoid traffic problems and come from off the pace to challenge. Masen has been lights out too. Only 5 horses yet again, but competitive.


Del Mar will have a nice 2YO maiden race in Race 7:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
[ URL above, August 13, 2022, Del Mar - Race 7, PPs ]
Cave Rock looks like a $550k first starting monster with a tremendous workout line (no secrets here). Truehood is a $700k Baffert first who also looks to be tuned up for this. Ultimate Gamble has desceptively good works too.

The Sorrento at Del Mar is a 2YOF Stake:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, August 13, 2022, Del Mar - Race 9, PPs ]
Absolutely Zero looks to have the edge over Procrastination in this race for California's top 2YOF.


Larry
DevilHorse

On Friday, NY Traffic didn't have it:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on

Bulldog Hanover had an easy win over Rockyroad Hanover (the new Alydar); time was several seconds slower than his record, but he didn't need any more.

On Saturday:
In the Saratoga Special, the match race looked like it was developing, but the speed horse blocked Gulfport's progress and he had to check. In horse racing parlance, Gulfport was blindswitched. Damon's Mound won.
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
The incident occurs at the :33 mark of this video:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1558528011800027137
Damon's Mound was awarded an 86 Beyer. These horses will (hopefully) meet again.

Dalika, the longest shot on the board, won the Beverly D:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1558531151073001472
Dalika was headed in the stretch and fought back. Great effort and race.

Santin won the (displaced) Arlington Million, passing a tiring Smooth Like Strait:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1558582357237571590

The Fourstardave was won by come from behind horse Casa Creed:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1558584503110606849
This effort was awarded a 103 Beyer!

Cave Rock broke his maiden decisively at Del Mar:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1558609197532532737
Earning a tremendous 101 Beyer.

In a non-2YO maiden race, a 3YO firster named Expressman ran a tremendous number:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
Winning by over 7 lengths, Expressman was awarded a 107 Beyer.

In the Sorrento Stakes, Vegas Magic won:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1558623060936237056
This gives freshman sire Good Magic his first Stakes winner.


I'll end on an up note. Some of you may remember Robbie Davis (ex-Jockey, now a trainer, ...don't worry, he's fine); he won (a plain old allowance race) Race 5 at Saratoga yesterday with Vallelujah. It set off a raucus celebration in the winner's circle:
On top of that, the winning jockey was Jaqueline Davis, Robbie's daughter, who ignored her father's advice on how to ride the horse and took him up the supposedly dull rail. She's about as happy as a jockey can be.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1558536589483065345
https://twitter.com/i/status/1558543427897376774
If you ever wonder why people enjoy horse racing, one of them is for the chance to have moments like these.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Yes the spring water is quite gross but hey, gotta do it once I guess.

A youngster tries the water at the Big Red Spring at Saratoga:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1558939448066379776

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

On Sunday, at Del Mar, is the Best Pal stakes for 2YOs:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, August 14, 2022, Del Mar - Race 9, PPs ]
Havnameltdown and Kangaroo Court could be the best, but they have outside posts, and they both like the lead. Lots of early speed here. I'll go out on a limb and pick Agency (the Bolt D'Oro colt); he has shown rating and come from behind capability. One odd thing about the race, it is a stakes race but there is a first time starter in it; we find out if the entry of Fleet Feet is justified for hot trainer George Papaprodromou (last time I try to spell that).

Larry
DevilHorse

Havnameltdown was the strong winner of the Best Pal at Del Mar on Sunday:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1558987464672391168
Havnameltdown battled for the lead out of the gate, and drew away at the end. Worth watching this colt.

Larry
DevilHorse
Bolt D'Oro progeny finsihed 2nd, 4th, and 6th.

[DevilHorse]

Chad Brown, who is one of the 2 or 3 top trainers in Thoroughbred Racing, was arrested on Wednesday:

https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-rac...eathing-charge

The story is that the woman who claims to be attacked was Brown's 'on again off again significant other.' She had a key to his apartment. She came to the residence and went in to find Brown in bed with another woman. Words were exchanged. Brown then pushed her down some stairs, approached her again, and started to choke her. She fought and escaped.

Brown is out on $2.5k bail.

A black eye for Brown for sure.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Chad Brown, who is one of the 2 or 3 top trainers in Thoroughbred Racing, was arrested on Wednesday:

https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-rac...eathing-charge

The story is that the woman who claims to be attacked was Brown's 'on again off again significant other.' She had a key to his apartment. She came to the residence and went in to find Brown in bed with another woman. Words were exchanged. Brown then pushed her down some stairs, approached her again, and started to choke her. She fought and escaped.

Brown is out on $2.5k bail.

A black eye for Brown for sure.

Larry
DevilHorse

Owner Peter Brant on Chad Brown: "He’s not a person that would do something like that unless he was provoked. ... I think he’s a smart guy with a lot of sense. I was told he was woken up by this person and [she] started to hit him. He was obviously just protecting himself.”

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Today (Friday Aug 19) I could find one race with a bit of interest. If you are looking for a 2YO Turf horse, you might like the Skidmore.
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Friday August 19, 2022, Saratoga - Race 10, PPs ]
If you've been wondering where Skidmore College is, it is in Saratoga Springs.

On Saturday, the headline race is no doubt the Alabama for 3YO fillies:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Saturday August 20, 2022, Saratoga - Race 10, PPs ]
This is the 3rd meeting between Nest and Secret Oath; they've each taken one race. Nest appears to be poised to take this one based on Secret Oath's underwhelming performance in the Coaching Club American Oaks. Interesting that D. Wayne Lukas is having a great Saratoga meet, but his top horse isn't. Gerrymander looks like she will complete the Triple.

There's also an interesting 2YO maiden race at Saratoga:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Saturday August 20, 2022, Saratoga - Race 10, PPs ]
Good News Rocket is expensive and the works are good for Bill Mott, who's having a great meet. Expected Value has Pratt. There is a firster by Gun Runner in here, and that can't be discounted; Steve Asmussen trains this homebred; Echo Again's trainer has not overworked this colt.
I'll go with Echo Again, Good News Rocket, and Expected Value.

The Iselin is being run at Monmouth:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Saturday August 20, 2022, Monmouth - Race 9, PPs ]
Highly Motivated looks to be the best of these second tier 3YOC's.

At Del Mar, there are a couple of minor interests:

Rhetoric is back in an Optional Claimer in Race 1:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
[ URL above, Saturday August 20, 2022, Del Mar - Race 1, PPs ]
Rhetoric raced 7 days ago (perhaps a little quick); but if he isn't tired he should handle thees.

Race 5 is a group of nice 2YO maidens:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
[ URL above, Saturday August 20, 2022, Del Mar - Race 5, PPs ]
Only one horse has raced, Omnipresent. He should improve with the blinkers. Hejazi was bought for only $3.55M, and has been working above average for Baffert. Nullabor is another Baffert trainee that cost $500k; workouts are not stellar like you're used to seeing with BB. East Bound is by Good Magic; Shirreffs has pulled a few longshot surprises.

On Sunday, for you turfers, is the $1M Queens Plate at Woodbine:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...5/summary.html
[ URL above, Sunday August 21, 2022, Woodbine - Race 5, PPs ]
Moira looks to be the best in this race restricted to Canadian breds, except for the namesake.

Larry
DevilHorse

[TheDevilMadeMeDoIt]

Today (Friday Aug 19) I could find one race with a bit of interest. If you are looking for a 2YO Turf horse, you might like the Skidmore.
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Friday August 19, 2022, Saratoga - Race 10, PPs ]
If you've been wondering where Skidmore College is, it is in Saratoga Springs.

On Saturday, the headline race is no doubt the Alabama for 3YO fillies:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Saturday August 20, 2022, Saratoga - Race 10, PPs ]
This is the 3rd meeting between Nest and Secret Oath; they've each taken one race. Nest appears to be poised to take this one based on Secret Oath's underwhelming performance in the Coaching Club American Oaks. Interesting that D. Wayne Lukas is having a great Saratoga meet, but his top horse isn't. Gerrymander looks like she will complete the Triple.

There's also an interesting 2YO maiden race at Saratoga:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Saturday August 20, 2022, Saratoga - Race 10, PPs ]
Good News Rocket is expensive and the works are good for Bill Mott, who's having a great meet. Expected Value has Pratt. There is a firster by Gun Runner in here, and that can't be discounted; Steve Asmussen trains this homebred; Echo Again's trainer has not overworked this colt.
I'll go with Echo Again, Good News Rocket, and Expected Value.

The Iselin is being run at Monmouth:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Saturday August 20, 2022, Monmouth - Race 9, PPs ]
Highly Motivated looks to be the best of these second tier 3YOC's.

At Del Mar, there are a couple of minor interests:

Rhetoric is back in an Optional Claimer in Race 1:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
[ URL above, Saturday August 20, 2022, Del Mar - Race 1, PPs ]
Rhetoric raced 7 days ago (perhaps a little quick); but if he isn't tired he should handle thees.

Race 5 is a group of nice 2YO maidens:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
[ URL above, Saturday August 20, 2022, Del Mar - Race 5, PPs ]
Only one horse has raced, Omnipresent. He should improve with the blinkers. Hejazi was bought for only $3.55M, and has been working above average for Baffert. Nullabor is another Baffert trainee that cost $500k; workouts are not stellar like you're used to seeing with BB. East Bound is by Good Magic; Shirreffs has pulled a few longshot surprises.

On Sunday, for you turfers, is the $1M Queens Plate at Woodbine:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...5/summary.html
[ URL above, Sunday August 21, 2022, Woodbine - Race 5, PPs ]
Moira looks to be the best in this race restricted to Canadian breds, except for the namesake.

Larry
DevilHorse

Watched Baffert’s $3.5 mil colt run 2nd. He may work out okay, but at least he is eligible for the New York bred races. The only question is whether Baffert will be eligible to train him in New York. The owner is the same as Medina Spirit’s. Definitely will not be eligible to run in the Ky. Derby next year unless he switches trainers. Baffert’s second horse in that maiden race ran last. Is it hard to win when you have to run drug free?

[DevilHorse]

Today (Friday Aug 19) I could find one race with a bit of interest. If you are looking for a 2YO Turf horse, you might like the Skidmore.
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Friday August 19, 2022, Saratoga - Race 10, PPs ]
If you've been wondering where Skidmore College is, it is in Saratoga Springs.

On Saturday, the headline race is no doubt the Alabama for 3YO fillies:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Saturday August 20, 2022, Saratoga - Race 10, PPs ]
This is the 3rd meeting between Nest and Secret Oath; they've each taken one race. Nest appears to be poised to take this one based on Secret Oath's underwhelming performance in the Coaching Club American Oaks. Interesting that D. Wayne Lukas is having a great Saratoga meet, but his top horse isn't. Gerrymander looks like she will complete the Triple.

There's also an interesting 2YO maiden race at Saratoga:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Saturday August 20, 2022, Saratoga - Race 10, PPs ]
Good News Rocket is expensive and the works are good for Bill Mott, who's having a great meet. Expected Value has Pratt. There is a firster by Gun Runner in here, and that can't be discounted; Steve Asmussen trains this homebred; Echo Again's trainer has not overworked this colt.
I'll go with Echo Again, Good News Rocket, and Expected Value.

The Iselin is being run at Monmouth:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Saturday August 20, 2022, Monmouth - Race 9, PPs ]
Highly Motivated looks to be the best of these second tier 3YOC's.

At Del Mar, there are a couple of minor interests:

Rhetoric is back in an Optional Claimer in Race 1:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
[ URL above, Saturday August 20, 2022, Del Mar - Race 1, PPs ]
Rhetoric raced 7 days ago (perhaps a little quick); but if he isn't tired he should handle thees.

Race 5 is a group of nice 2YO maidens:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
[ URL above, Saturday August 20, 2022, Del Mar - Race 5, PPs ]
Only one horse has raced, Omnipresent. He should improve with the blinkers. Hejazi was bought for only $3.55M, and has been working above average for Baffert. Nullabor is another Baffert trainee that cost $500k; workouts are not stellar like you're used to seeing with BB. East Bound is by Good Magic; Shirreffs has pulled a few longshot surprises.

On Sunday, for you turfers, is the $1M Queens Plate at Woodbine:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...5/summary.html
[ URL above, Sunday August 21, 2022, Woodbine - Race 5, PPs ]
Moira looks to be the best in this race restricted to Canadian breds, except for the namesake.

Larry
DevilHorse

On Friday, as Chad Brown hits the skids, his horses don't. Oxymore wins the Skidmore:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on

On Saturday:
Nest shows she is queen of the 3YO fillies in the Alabama:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1561106027889803264
She was awarded a 99 Beyer. Secret Oath was clearly second best in the stretch.

Echo Again wins the big 2YO maiden by an expanding 6 lengths. Tough to stop Asmussen:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
The son of Gun Runner (who else) was awarded a 94 Beyer.


Informative takes the Iselin, edging out Highly Motivated:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1561083386793324544


At Delmar, Classical Cat took their 2YO maiden race of the day:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1561129768774275072
Although the race was fast, so was the track. Classical Cat was awarded ONLY a 71 Beyer. This does not suggest that Hejazi (Mr. Baffert $3.55M) will necessarily dominate in his next start.

I was surprised that Rhetoric took 3rd:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
He looked awful on the turn.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

On Sunday, for you turfers, is the $1M Queens Plate at Woodbine:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...5/summary.html
[ URL above, Sunday August 21, 2022, Woodbine - Race 5, PPs ]
Moira looks to be the best in this race restricted to Canadian breds, except for the namesake.

Larry
DevilHorse

Made a mistake thinking the Queen's Plate was a turf race (It isn't on dirt either; it is synethic Tapeta).
But Moira was fantastic winning the race with a quick turn of foot at the top of the stretch:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1561472434745794566
In winning by 7, Moira earned a 97 Beyer.
Why would they run a race named to honor the Queen (it was renamed for Elizabeth II in 1952 when she became Queen, and she did attend this race once) but not put it on turf? Queen Elizabeth only knows turf racing in the UK.

There was a notable 2YO filly winner in a maiden race at Del Mar. Home Cooking trounced a field of fillies in her 2nd lifetime start:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1561508725998829576
She raced greenly in the stretch and switch leads late, but showed tremendous improvement over her first start.
Imagine, a precocious daughter of Honor Code.

Travers week; Charge It is already out.

Larry
DevilHorse

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Parx Racing is having a big day of stakes today (Monday 8/22/2022). A few notable ones:

In Race 7, one of the more interesting sprinters, Chub Wagon races in the Garafolo:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Monday August 22, 2022, Parx Racing - Race 7, PPs ]

Race 10 is the Whistle Pig!
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Monday August 22, 2022, Parx Racing - Race 10, PPs ]
I love it when a race is named after a local horse that may not have been nationally great, but was locally great.
Yes, Whistlepig is the name of a Rye Whiskey, and a name for small type of groundhog.
But his name was put on a racehorse who won 17 of 62 races over 5 years in Pennsylvania (he hit the board 48 of those 62 times).
This was a horse like Fourstardave who was there year after year and had a following.

Race 12 is the Storm Cat:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Monday August 22, 2022, Parx Racing - Race 12, PPs ]
Really? For this top sire, who never raced in Pennsylvania in 8 starts, gets a $100k race. A horse of this stature should get a race of more significance.
But he was foaled in Pennsylvania, so I guess there is pride there.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Parx Racing is having a big day of stakes today (Monday 8/22/2022). A few notable ones:

In Race 7, one of the more interesting sprinters, Chub Wagon races in the Garafolo:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Monday August 22, 2022, Parx Racing - Race 7, PPs ]

Race 10 is the Whistle Pig!
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Monday August 22, 2022, Parx Racing - Race 10, PPs ]
I love it when a race is named after a local horse that may not have been nationally great, but was locally great.
Yes, Whistlepig is the name of a Rye Whiskey, and a name for small type of groundhog.
But his name was put on a racehorse who won 17 of 62 races over 5 years in Pennsylvania (he hit the board 48 of those 62 times).
This was a horse like Fourstardave who was there year after year and had a following.

Race 12 is the Storm Cat:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Monday August 22, 2022, Parx Racing - Race 12, PPs ]
Really? For this top sire, who never raced in Pennsylvania in 8 starts, gets a $100k race. A horse of this stature should get a race of more significance.
But he was foaled in Pennsylvania, so I guess there is pride there.

Larry
DevilHorse

In the 7th race, what do you do when Irad Ortiz drops in to ride a horse? You bet it:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
Remain Anonymous paid $9. To be fair, Chub Wagon had traffic problems and checked in the stretch.

Ninetyprcentmaddie was 100% the winner in the Whistle Pig:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on

Too Boss wins the Storm Cat:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on

Today, Tuesday August 23, 2022. There are a couple of decent races at Parx:

For 3YO Fillies, the Cathryn Sophia Stakes:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Tuesday August 23, 2022, Parx - Race 11, PPs ]
Interstatedaydream, the Black Eyed Susan winner, is here and is likely to be favored. Butterbean, the Iowa Oaks winner, will challenge. Green Up is a talented up and comer.

For 3YO Colts, a race named after the KYD winner who trained at Parx, the Smarty Jones Stakes:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Tuesday August 23, 2022, Parx - Race 12, PPs ]
This is not the same caliber as the Cathryn Sophia IMHO. Creative Minister is here. Pioneer of Medina makes his first start since a lackluster performance in the KYD.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Today, Tuesday August 23, 2022. There are a couple of decent races at Parx:

For 3YO Fillies, the Cathryn Sophia Stakes:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Tuesday August 23, 2022, Parx - Race 11, PPs ]
Interstatedaydream, the Black Eyed Susan winner, is here and is likely to be favored. Butterbean, the Iowa Oaks winner, will challenge. Green Up is a talented up and comer.

For 3YO Colts, a race named after the KYD winner who trained at Parx, the Smarty Jones Stakes:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Tuesday August 23, 2022, Parx - Race 12, PPs ]
This is not the same caliber as the Cathryn Sophia IMHO. Creative Minister is here. Pioneer of Medina makes his first start since a lackluster performance in the KYD.

Larry
DevilHorse

Green Up looked tremendous winning the Cathryn Sophia:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1562201658507100160

Best Actor won the Smarty Jones:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1562208450385674242
He stalked the pace setter and took over in the stretch.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Some interesting races on the day before Travers Day:

The first race at Saratoga on Friday is the Seeking The Ante Stakes for 2YO NY State Bred fillies:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 26, 2022, Saratoga - Race 1, PPs ]
Maple Leaf Mel, owned by Football Coaching great Bill Parcells, looks to be the favorite. Miracle has been working forwardly. You never know what will happen with a stakes race when the participants are mostly undefeated winners.

Familiar name Barese will be in Saratoga Race 3, the Albany Stakes, named after er.. Albany.
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 26, 2022, Saratoga - Race 3, PPs ]
Barese was on the Triple Crown Trail. Price Discipline looks like the hot horse here.


Saratoga Race 5 is the Fleet Indian:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 26, 2022, Saratoga - Race 5, PPs ]
Let Her Inspire You looks like the hot horse, but Venti Valentine was on the KY Oaks trail and did well.

Saratoga Race 7 is the Funny Cide for 2YOs:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 26, 2022, Saratoga - Race 7, PPs ]
Andiamo A Firenze (the 3/4 brother to Firenze Fire) is in and will be favored.

Saratoga Race 8 (the Yaddo) and Race 10 (the West Point) are a couple of turf races for those who are interested:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 26, 2022, Saratoga - Race 8 and 10, PPs ]

At Del Mar, Race 3 is a nice 2YO maiden race:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
[URL above, Friday August 26, 2022, Del Mar - Race 3, PPs ]
Carmel Road might be the favorite because of Baffert. Hard To Figure is a workout warrior and is lengthening the workouts. Secret Treasure, by Arrogate, is a firster who might surprise.

At Charles Town, the Charles Town Classic for $1M will be run:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 26, 2022, Charles Town - Race 12, PPs ]
Our old friend Art Collector is the class of that field.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Big day of races with some great racing on tap:

All of these are Saratoga races unless specified otherwise:

Start off with a race for maiden 2YOs:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 27, 2022, Saratoga - Race 1, PPs ]
Some big money firsters in here, including a Brad Cox $775k Justify colt named Verifying. Didinger is a $230k Bolt D'oro colt who just missed in his last time out and should improve. King's Glory is a $575k Steve Asmussen firster by Speightstown. Game Warden is a $400k colt by Tapit. King's Glory might have the best shot in a loaded field.

Race 4 is the Ballston Spa, named after a nearby town. It is a turf race:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 27, 2022, Saratoga - Race 4, PPs ]
Technical Analysis looks like the favorite over Fluffy Socks.

The Forego is Race 5:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 27, 2022, Saratoga - Race 5, PPs ]
Can anyone unseat Jackie's Warrior. Cody's Wish will try.

Race 8 is the H Allen Jerkins (the giant killer) for 3YOs:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 27, 2022, Saratoga - Race 8, PPs ]
Jack Christopher is back at a safe distance. Gunite, Actuator, and Conagher will challenge. And maybe we'll find out what Howling Time is about.

Race 9 is the Personal Ensign for older mares:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 27, 2022, Saratoga - Race 9, PPs ]
Clairiere has been the best in the division in the past 2 months. Letruska had one bad outing. Malathaat hasn't regained her 3YO dominance. Search Results is a tough competitor. I'm looking at Letruska over Clairiere in a close one.


Race 10 is another turf race, the Sword Dancer:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 27, 2022, Saratoga - Race 10, PPs ]
It's the usual suspects: Channel Maker, Gufo, Tribhuvan, and Adhamo.

Race 11 is the 4th Jewel in the Triple Crown (for those who are mathematically challenged), the Travers:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 27, 2022, Saratoga - Race 11, PPs ]
Epicenter, Early Voting, Zandon, Rich Strike, Cyberknife, and an interesting newcomer in Artorius. Epicenter continues to get better; he will be tough if he stays out of trouble. Zandon was not quite good enough. Rich Strike and Early Voting are good but enigmas; who will show up. Cyberknife has been sharp and tough, but is 1 1/4 mile too long for him. Artorius is very talented, out of a top mare, and this is the time and place where his daddy showed his stuff. They're predicting storms for Friday, but not for Saturday. No great advantage for anyone if the track is moist. I'll take Epicenter, Artorius, and then Zandon.

At Monmouth, the Sapling for 2YO colts:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 27, 2022, Monmouth Park - Race 9, PPs ]
Lost Ark looks good and is first time lasix. V Mart and Bourbon Spirit are contenders as well.

At Del Mar, the Pat O'Brien:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 27, 2022, Del Mar - Race 9, PPs ]
Speakers Corner reappears after a couple of disappointing finishes. American Theorem is sharp. The Chosen Vron and Laurel River have been beating up on lesser. Expect Speakers Corner and American Theorem as the top 2.

Larry
DevilHorse

[TheDevilMadeMeDoIt]

Some interesting races on the day before Travers Day:

The first race at Saratoga on Friday is the Seeking The Ante Stakes for 2YO NY State Bred fillies:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 26, 2022, Saratoga - Race 1, PPs ]
Maple Leaf Mel, owned by Football Coaching great Bill Parcells, looks to be the favorite. Miracle has been working forwardly. You never know what will happen with a stakes race when the participants are mostly undefeated winners.

Familiar name Barese will be in Saratoga Race 3, the Albany Stakes, named after er.. Albany.
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 26, 2022, Saratoga - Race 3, PPs ]
Barese was on the Triple Crown Trail. Price Discipline looks like the hot horse here.


Saratoga Race 5 is the Fleet Indian:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 26, 2022, Saratoga - Race 5, PPs ]
Let Her Inspire You looks like the hot horse, but Venti Valentine was on the KY Oaks trail and did well.

Saratoga Race 7 is the Funny Cide for 2YOs:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 26, 2022, Saratoga - Race 7, PPs ]
Andiamo A Firenze (the 3/4 brother to Firenze Fire) is in and will be favored.

Saratoga Race 8 (the Yaddo) and Race 10 (the West Point) are a couple of turf races for those who are interested:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 26, 2022, Saratoga - Race 8 and 10, PPs ]

At Del Mar, Race 3 is a nice 2YO maiden race:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
[URL above, Friday August 26, 2022, Del Mar - Race 3, PPs ]
Carmel Road might be the favorite because of Baffert. Hard To Figure is a workout warrior and is lengthening the workouts. Secret Treasure, by Arrogate, is a firster who might surprise.

At Charles Town, the Charles Town Classic for $1M will be run:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[URL above, Friday August 26, 2022, Charles Town - Race 12, PPs ]
Our old friend Art Collector is the class of that field.

Larry
DevilHorse

Who would have ever thought that Charles Town would have a Grade 2 million dollar race. I’m guessing that casino money is going to the race track to support the racing. That race has something truly unusual, a horse who is 10/10 lifetime who will probably be the longest shot on the board. Muad’dib is a West Va bred who typically runs in West Va restricted races, but has won two allowances against open company. His speed figures would indicate he won’t be competitive.

Art Collector can increase his winnings to over $2 million with a win. Mind Control can do the same. Last Samurai can go over a million if he just finishes in the money. While none of these are the top horses in the country, they are hard hitting, money making machines. And they are still racing when the best of their contemporaries are in the breeding shed. I always enjoyed these types of horses when I used to go to the track.

Another anomaly is I believe this is a three turn race due to the short distance around the track. Please correct me if I am wrong.