Horse Racing 2022

[TheDevilMadeMeDoIt]

Consider that he has been banished from racing by multiple entities in multiple jurisdictions. In Kentucky, he is banished for 2 years at Churchill Downs and for 90 days in Kentucky. Although that sounds redundant, that would allow him to race in 90 days at quite a few tracks/meets in Kentucky by summer if he would just accept the 90 day sentence already. He's already missed one KYD, and only has one more to be missed. Is he determined to make this as painful and noisy as possible? Apparently.

He will no doubt be active at the yearling sales and develop 2YOs for his longtime partners/owners. There are plenty of races in plenty of places that he can race.

Larry
DevilHorse

Just read in the Bloodhorse that the KY Court of Appeals denied Baffert’s motion so he is now suspended for 90 days. Santa Anita just upheld the suspension under reciprocity provisions as will NYRA and all other major tracks. In addition his horses didn’t win anything yesterday with their new trainers. In the meanwhile I’m in mourning over loss to the Holes!

[DevilHorse]

OK, the next 2 weekends will be the busiest and perhaps the most telling of the KYD setup races:

This weeks 3YO races of interest:

What looks to be the most competitive race of the week will be the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Saturday April 2, 2022, Gulfstream Park - Race 14, PPs ]
Top Contenders are Classic Causeway, White Abarrio, and Simplification; each of which have a valid argument to be the favorite. Making a play for single digit odds will be Pappacap, who has not yet returned to his 2YO form, and Charge It, who is the new shooter of this bunch.
White Abarrio spiked a fever recently, but flashed a sub 35 second 3f workout earlier this week to show he is ready to take the lead and challenge the field to 'come and get me!' (is he Seattle Slew or Bold Forbes?). Simplification is out to prove that traffic problems were his only problem to being beaten earlier. Classic Causeway has done nothing wrong, but has only done what has been needed (saving wear and tear). This will be a great race.
If White Abarrio goes back to his previous race, he wins. But Classic Causeway and Charge It both like the front. Simplification is the only top contender that comes from off the pace. If the top early speed beat each other up, then Simplification wins. It will be a wild race.

At Oaklawn Park will be another intriguing race, the Arkansas Derby:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Saturday April 2, 2022, Oaklawn Park - Race 12, PPs ]
This looks like a Him vs. Her battle. The filly Secret Oath vs. We The People. D Wayne Lukas thinks that this filly may be better than Winning Colors (and he trained Winning Colors, who was a moose!). But it will take a bit more to prove that statement. We The People has been visually impressive, but who has he beaten? He's had only 2 races (won both) and neither a stakes race. Perhaps more foreboding are Un Ojo (winner of the Rebel), Barber Road (fast closing 3rd in the Rebel), and the ex-Baffert trainee Doppelganger (2nd to Forbidden Kingdom in the San Felipe). Secret Oath sheds a few pounds and has the best speed rating; but these horses are young and continue to improve.

The least of the 3YO races is the Turfway Park Jeff Ruby Steaks (spelling correct):
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Saturday April 2, 2022, Turfway Park - Race 12, PPs ]
Some interesting horses here. Remember, this is an All-Weather surface that plays a bit more like turf.
The obvious name horses are Tiz The Bomb and Baffert refugee Backadder in the 12 post. Tiz The Bomb was life and death winning the Battaglia on this track over Stolen Base (who is also in this race). We also have Red Run and Dowagiac Chief who might take some money.

The top 3YO filly race on Saturday is the Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Saturday April 2, 2022, Oaklawn Park - Race 10, PPs ]
The very nice filly, Eda, is entered. But she is still trained by Bob Baffert, so I guess she is only there for purse money and not to qualify for the Kentucky Oaks.


Some backup activities happening: 7 horses had their connections pay $6k to supplement to the Triple Crown series at this late date. These are late developers who will try some of these KYD points races, or in one case the 2nd place horse from the UAE Derby this past Saturday. There are more than 300 horses still eligible to the Triple Crown, but they need KYD points to get in. 60 horses have KYD points. Here is the list:
https://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses/leaderboard
The top 20 have the right of first refusal to a starting spot.

Also, the KYD Futures Pool will be pushed off till next week. (for those of you who like to see those PPs with most of the good horses).
Expect to see Messier take a shot at getting some KYD points in the Santa Anita Derby next week; he has been logging workouts throughout the winter/early-spring so he is no doubt in shape, but is he in race shape?

In the Florida Derby, White Abarrio raced from off the pace and took charge in the lane to win and was awarded a 96 Beyer:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1510394810603085828
Simplification was much more forwardly placed than he usually was and could not hold the winner off. Classic Causeway led early and finished last; perhaps he was not fully prepped for this race. Lightly raced Charge It made a bold move to finish 2nd and will bear watching in the KYD.
It was mentioned on TVG that the participants (not necessarily the winners) in the Florida Derby have produced 27 KYD winners, more than any other prep race.

In the Arkansas Derby, Cyberknife stalked the pace and took over at the head of the stretch to win and was awarded a 92 Beyer:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1510406555644010496
Secret Oath was very far back, halfway through the race, made a big sweeping move on the turn, but didn't have enough to close the immense gap and finished 3rd. Barber Road took 2nd and looks KYD bound.

In the Jeff Ruby Steaks, Tiz The Bomb wins on his beloved track, and gets a 94 Beyer:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1510385446848802826
By winning by more than 2 lengths, his connections might be encouraged to try the KYD; they have the money. But does he like real dirt?

In the Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park, Yuugiri won:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1510384728926416898
Eda was scratched.

Kathleen O won the Gulfstream Parks Oaks with a 98 Beyer!!
https://twitter.com/i/status/1510371825896726530
If Secret Oath goes to the Kentucky Oaks, this will be a real horse race.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

In the Florida Derby, White Abarrio raced from off the pace and took charge in the lane to win and was awarded a 96 Beyer:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1510394810603085828
Simplification was much more forwardly placed than he usually was and could not hold the winner off. Classic Causeway led early and finished last; perhaps he was not fully prepped for this race. Lightly raced Charge It made a bold move to finish 2nd and will bear watching in the KYD.
It was mentioned on TVG that the participants (not necessarily the winners) in the Florida Derby have produced 27 KYD winners, more than any other prep race.

In the Arkansas Derby, Cyberknife stalked the pace and took over at the head of the stretch to win and was awarded a 92 Beyer:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1510406555644010496
Secret Oath was very far back, halfway through the race, made a big sweeping move on the turn, but didn't have enough to close the immense gap and finished 3rd. Barber Road took 2nd and looks KYD bound.

In the Jeff Ruby Steaks, Tiz The Bomb wins on his beloved track, and gets a 94 Beyer:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1510385446848802826
By winning by more than 2 lengths, his connections might be encouraged to try the KYD; they have the money. But does he like real dirt?

In the Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park, Yuugiri won:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1510384728926416898
Eda was scratched.

Kathleen O won the Gulfstream Parks Oaks with a 98 Beyer!!
https://twitter.com/i/status/1510371825896726530
If Secret Oath goes to the Kentucky Oaks, this will be a real horse race.

Larry
DevilHorse

Just noticed that 2 of the major actors in yesterday's 3YO races are by the young sire Race Day.
White Abarrio and Barber Road are from Race Day's 3rd crop. I would note that it was Secretariat's 3rd crop where he started to make his mark on the breed. Perhaps that is when the first foals have hit the ground and have made enough of an impression that breeders know what type of mare works/crosses with a stallion better than others. Not in time for the 2nd crop, but in time for the 3rd. Interesting. Mares are usually bred within a few weeks of giving birth, and their "mates" are planned before the foals are born. So changing a decision based on what you see is usually not done.

As far as buyers are concerned, if a sire (like Gun Runner) hasn't hit a major strike with great foals in their first crop, the price of yearlings drops precipitously by the 3rd crop and you can get real bargains. Race Day's stud fee was $8500 when he went to stud and is $7500 now. Not a bad deal apparently. White Abarrio was a $40k yearling. Barber Road was a $15k yearling. Eat your heart out Bob Baffert.

Larry
DevilHorse

[TheDevilMadeMeDoIt]

Just noticed that 2 of the major actors in yesterday's 3YO races are by the young sire Race Day.
White Abarrio and Barber Road are from Race Day's 3rd crop. I would note that it was Secretariat's 3rd crop where he started to make his mark on the breed. Perhaps that is when the first foals have hit the ground and have made enough of an impression that breeders know what type of mare works/crosses with a stallion better than others. Not in time for the 2nd crop, but in time for the 3rd. Interesting. Mares are usually bred within a few weeks of giving birth, and their "mates" are planned before the foals are born. So changing a decision based on what you see is usually not done.

As far as buyers are concerned, if a sire (like Gun Runner) hasn't hit a major strike with great foals in their first crop, the price of yearlings drops precipitously by the 3rd crop and you can get real bargains. Race Day's stud fee was $8500 when he went to stud and is $7500 now. Not a bad deal apparently. White Abarrio was a $40k yearling. Barber Road was a $15k yearling. Eat your heart out Bob Baffert.

Larry
DevilHorse

Just noticed that Race Day is a Tapit. In addition to being a great sire, Tapit has several sons who are successful sires. It will be interesting to watch Essential Quality and see how he does as a sire. Wasn’t EQ perhaps Tapit’s greatest offspring so far?

[DevilHorse]

Just noticed that Race Day is a Tapit. In addition to being a great sire, Tapit has several sons who are successful sires. It will be interesting to watch Essential Quality and see how he does as a sire. Wasn’t EQ perhaps Tapit’s greatest offspring so far?

Before answering your question, let me mention that Baffert is banned from (Stronach) California tracks for 90 days. That (obviously) includes Santa Anita, Los Alamitos, and Golden Gate. Del Mar is not mentioned, but they may not have a meet within the 90 days. This is a reaction to the Kentucky 90 day ban. Although stemming from the Medina Spirit incident, it is separate from the 2 year Churchill Downs ban and the New York State ban. No word on whether he can step into a McDonalds.

As for Tapit, EQ has earned the most money, and certainly he is the most recent of Tapit's kids, but I'd have to say that as far as I'd go is that no son of Tapit has exceeded EQ in accomplishments. Allow me to try and back that up. If Triple Crown racing is your yardstick, there have been no KYD or Preakness winners for Tapit, but there have been 3 other Belmont winners (Tonalist [sire of Dubai World Cup 2022 winner Country Grammar also finished 2nd in Saudi Cup],Tapwrit and Creator). On the filly side, Untapable was quite accomplished winning the Kentucky Oaks, Mother Goose, and a Breeder's Cup. EQ of course won Travers and BC Juvenile too, so he's VERY accomplished. Frosted won the Wood (monster race), the Metropolitan, and the Whitney. There are a few other notable one hit wonders (e.g., Constitution won the Florida Derby and is a tremendous sire (e.g., Tiz The Law)).

However, if I had to pick a son of Tapit that was the most fascinating prospect as a sire, that perhaps has health issues, that might be the fastest Tapit of them all, it is NOT EQ. It is Flightline. 3 starts 3 wins 3 BUZZ WORTHY PERFORMANCES!!! But if you can't breed a horse that is healthy, what are they worth. But they will try to breed for speed and not miss the soundness issues. EQ had both speed and soundness.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Before answering your question, let me mention that Baffert is banned from (Stronach) California tracks for 90 days. That (obviously) includes Santa Anita, Los Alamitos, and Golden Gate. Del Mar is not mentioned, but they may not have a meet within the 90 days. This is a reaction to the Kentucky 90 day ban. Although stemming from the Medina Spirit incident, it is separate from the 2 year Churchill Downs ban and the New York State ban. No word on whether he can step into a McDonalds.

As for Tapit, EQ has earned the most money, and certainly he is the most recent of Tapit's kids, but I'd have to say that as far as I'd go is that no son of Tapit has exceeded EQ in accomplishments. Allow me to try and back that up. If Triple Crown racing is your yardstick, there have been no KYD or Preakness winners for Tapit, but there have been 3 other Belmont winners (Tonalist [sire of Dubai World Cup 2022 winner Country Grammar also finished 2nd in Saudi Cup],Tapwrit and Creator). On the filly side, Untapable was quite accomplished winning the Kentucky Oaks, Mother Goose, and a Breeder's Cup. EQ of course won Travers and BC Juvenile too, so he's VERY accomplished. Frosted won the Wood (monster race), the Metropolitan, and the Whitney. There are a few other notable one hit wonders (e.g., Constitution won the Florida Derby and is a tremendous sire (e.g., Tiz The Law)).

However, if I had to pick a son of Tapit that was the most fascinating prospect as a sire, that perhaps has health issues, that might be the fastest Tapit of them all, it is NOT EQ. It is Flightline. 3 starts 3 wins 3 BUZZ WORTHY PERFORMANCES!!! But if you can't breed a horse that is healthy, what are they worth. But they will try to breed for speed and not miss the soundness issues. EQ had both speed and soundness.

Larry
DevilHorse

Speaking of Tapit, here is a treat. The 2004 Wood Memorial. See if you can pick out the winner. He has a familiar name and color:
https://youtu.be/pGNvNcIuAm4

Larry
DevilHorse

[duketaylor]

Brian Hurst, old golfing buddy back in the day who had a horse that won the Wood Memorial? Brian passed about 12 years ago (from cancer I believe).

There's another guy I met in the last 18 months who's a trainer and transporter of horses here in Central Va. I know he's in my phone; I'll try to recall his name, he's gotta be about 75 now.

[DevilHorse]

Brian Hurst, old golfing buddy back in the day who had a horse that won the Wood Memorial? Brian passed about 12 years ago (from cancer I believe).

There's another guy I met in the last 18 months who's a trainer and transporter of horses here in Central Va. I know he's in my phone; I'll try to recall his name, he's gotta be about 75 now.

DT - No, I did not know Brian (co-owner of Eternal Prince - winner of the 1985 Wood Memorial with some guy named George Steinbrenner, wow). [Some Bio on me] I know few TBred folks personally, although I've been following it closely for decades. I know a number of prominent standardbred folks, and have met quite a few others though. I'm a card carrying member of the United States Trotting Association and have been since I was a teenager (got a price break on magazines/books in the day ). I know little about quarter horses. Oddly, I'm aquainted with quite a few literary people in TBred and SBred worlds who have written books, and for daily, weekly, and monthly periodicals. I've written a few articles and have contributed to other's work through research.

To make your original question come full circle, would you believe I once jogged a standardbred pacing horse (I think his name was Fortune Seelster) owned by George Steinbrenner; he was small, but fast. George owned Standarbreds as well as Thoroughbreds (Kinsman stable still exists for his Thoroughbred horses). Bellamy Road was the biggest horse that I remember from that organization.

Larry
DevilHorse

[TheDevilMadeMeDoIt]

Before answering your question, let me mention that Baffert is banned from (Stronach) California tracks for 90 days. That (obviously) includes Santa Anita, Los Alamitos, and Golden Gate. Del Mar is not mentioned, but they may not have a meet within the 90 days. This is a reaction to the Kentucky 90 day ban. Although stemming from the Medina Spirit incident, it is separate from the 2 year Churchill Downs ban and the New York State ban. No word on whether he can step into a McDonalds.

As for Tapit, EQ has earned the most money, and certainly he is the most recent of Tapit's kids, but I'd have to say that as far as I'd go is that no son of Tapit has exceeded EQ in accomplishments. Allow me to try and back that up. If Triple Crown racing is your yardstick, there have been no KYD or Preakness winners for Tapit, but there have been 3 other Belmont winners (Tonalist [sire of Dubai World Cup 2022 winner Country Grammar also finished 2nd in Saudi Cup],Tapwrit and Creator). On the filly side, Untapable was quite accomplished winning the Kentucky Oaks, Mother Goose, and a Breeder's Cup. EQ of course won Travers and BC Juvenile too, so he's VERY accomplished. Frosted won the Wood (monster race), the Metropolitan, and the Whitney. There are a few other notable one hit wonders (e.g., Constitution won the Florida Derby and is a tremendous sire (e.g., Tiz The Law)).

However, if I had to pick a son of Tapit that was the most fascinating prospect as a sire, that perhaps has health issues, that might be the fastest Tapit of them all, it is NOT EQ. It is Flightline. 3 starts 3 wins 3 BUZZ WORTHY PERFORMANCES!!! But if you can't breed a horse that is healthy, what are they worth. But they will try to breed for speed and not miss the soundness issues. EQ had both speed and soundness.

Larry
DevilHorse

Thanks as usual for your encyclopedic knowledge of race horses. I think you posted last year about gray/roan colors. It seems a lot of Tapit’s offspring look a lot like their old man. I enjoy watching races where I have bet on the gray/roan horse as they are easy to see and pick out of the crowd. When I first started watching thoroughbreds in 1971, the program identified them as either gray or roan. I could never tell why one was called gray and another was called roan. Since that description changed I must not have been the only one.

After the Bluegrass I look forward to your thoughts on the most impressive 3 year olds for the Ky Derby.

[DevilHorse]

The last KYD Future Pool closes this weekend at 4:30.. rats. Just before the next 3 KYD trail prep races.
https://www.kentuckyderby.com/wager/...r/derby-pool-5
PPs and the latest odds can be found above.

Odds will shift of course, but the 'odd' or interesting thing about the odds is that finally the odds for "All Other 3-Year Olds" is no longer the favorite. In other words, it is likely we have a good idea as to which horses are the likely starters or who the pool of possible winners for the KYD are.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Divisional (Dirt) Rankings:
https://www.drf.com/daily-racing-for...sional-ratings

No Euros. No Down-Unders. Not updated pdfs.

You can find the Daily Racing Forms opinion on who the best 3YOs are.
I say who, but what or might be the correct pronoun, but you know what I mean.
But note they they still rank highly horses with very few starts (i.e., Messier).

I don't think they did a good job with this at all; very questionable work, but presented for your enjoyment.
I back up my view by saying they have horses that haven't started since November rated highly (i.e., Malathaat) and Echo Zulu, who was life and death to nose out a horse in her first start, over Secret Oath in the 3YOF division. Somebody check this guys work?!

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Posted this same thing in the Name, Image, Likeness thread.

Wasn't sure if I was going to post it here, in horse forum, or both, but caught this item today:

The syndicate that owns MGISW (Multiple Grade I Stakes Winner) War of Will (sire is War Front), who
stands at Claiborne Farm and whose first foals are arriving this
year, has entered into a partnership agreement with the
University of Kentucky (UK)'s starting quarterback Will Levis. The
agreement, which was announced by Sports Management
Company Athlete Advantage, is an N.I.L.

Will Levis loves racing,@ said Claiborne's Walker Hancock. AHe
came out to the farm two weeks ago and he met War of Will.
We filmed a commercial and that will be airing on FOX Sports
this weekend on America=s Day at the Races. He=s going to do
some social media posts and help promote the stallion.

From the The Thoroughbred Daily News.

War of Will won the Preakness stakes a couple of years ago, 5 of his 18 races and $1.8M. He was a good but not great horse of his generation.

Walker Hancock is the grandson of Bull Hancock who was involved in flipping the (famous) coin involved with getting Penney Chenery Secreteriat.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Saturday 4/9/2022 is probably the last big weekend before the KYD. It will be just 4 weeks before the first Saturday in May; just enough time to recover. The optimal time be in best shape for today's thoroughbreds.

Here is what is on tap for the glamour division:

In New Yawk, at Aqueduct, the Wood Memorial (sounds like an environmental disaster already occurred up there, eh?):
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Saturday April 9, 2022, Aqueduct - Race 8, PPs ]

Several undefeated horses will be vying for top honors. Morello has won 2 stakes at Aqueduct this winter and will probably be the post time favorite. Early Voting won the Withers in the mud, and it is likely that the track will have seen some significant moisture through post time. Barese is undefeated, and with good scores, but against lesser competition. Mo Donegal has been up and down the east coast looking for a group he could beat convincingly.

At Keeneland, it is the Blue Grass Stakes:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Saturday April 9, 2022, Keeneland - Race 9, PPs ]
The well thought of Smile Happy makes an appearance. He will be challenged by a handful of colts who are making their 2nd start of the year and should present themselves better than in their previous start. That includes Rattle N Roll, Zandon, and (maiden) Commandperformance. Ethereal Road finished in front of Un Ojo in the Rebel and has to be given a shot. Blackadder is a Baffert refugee who scratched out of a KYD prep last week to run here.

At Santa Anita is the Santa Anita Derby:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Saturday April 9, 2022, Santa Anita - Race 6, PPs ]
This is an interesting race. On the surface it is Baffert refugee Messier vs. Forbidden Kingdom. Both colts were lights out in their last efforts. Will they be Flightline or flatline?! But then, there is a lightly race Baffert refugee named Taiba who cost $1.7M, but has only won a maiden race; but it was really fast and by 7; so who knows what kind of horse he will be, but this is probably too much of a jump. Messier has the reputation, but what happened 2 races ago with Slow Down Andy? His only losses came at that track. This will be a wild one, and it will be run on the front. My guess is Forbidden Kingdom goes to the front and Messier tries to rate. We'll see if Messier can catch him. FK all the way.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Perhaps you know the reference and perhaps not, but the excitement is meant to convey that the first 2YO race of the year has appeared on the docket and has filled at Keeneland this Sunday in Race 1:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
[ URL above, Sunday April 10, 2022, Keeneland - Race 1, PPs]

Nothing unusual. An Australian sire I never heard of, but then, that horse is 1/2 year older than his race opponents (if bred down under) since the breeding season starts mid-year, so he has a bit of a head start (hmmm, betting angle?); very tricky. But it says that he was born in January, so bets are off; likely the UK. We always bet New Zealand trotters/pacers in the winter because the word was "they always thought it was summer" but then you only needed to stick your hoof out to tell what the temperature was, so no brains needed there. But I digress...

I noticed a couple of California Chrome progeny in the race. Better get your last looks at them as he was exported to Japan a year or so ago and we might not be seeing so much of the CCs anymore after this year. They really haven't performed like their dad.

I would also note that the big stables, with the better horses, don't bring them out till mid-summer, so I wouldn't be looking for that 2023 Derby horse in this race. But you never know. <back to the Master's coverage and tracking the next commitment to the Scheyer squad>.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Speaking of great things, here is the best:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1512174146175832064

Beholder and her newborn Curlin colt. I love the farm and watching any mare give birth is something you just have to witness in your life.

This foal has a wonderfully distinctive blaze that will make him recognizable in all the world, whether his talent will is another story. But no doubt he will have a chance at stud no matter what because his parents were both champions. Curlin you know. Beholder was a champion and also half sister to the amazing sire Into Mischief and daughter to the super fecund mare Leslie's Lady. Royalty indeed. Prince Harry should bow to him.
My only quibble, no inbreeding in the first 5 generations; that works sometimes.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Posted this same thing in the Name, Image, Likeness thread.

Wasn't sure if I was going to post it here, in horse forum, or both, but caught this item today:

The syndicate that owns MGISW (Multiple Grade I Stakes Winner) War of Will (sire is War Front), who
stands at Claiborne Farm and whose first foals are arriving this
year, has entered into a partnership agreement with the
University of Kentucky (UK)'s starting quarterback Will Levis. The
agreement, which was announced by Sports Management
Company Athlete Advantage, is an N.I.L.

Will Levis loves racing,@ said Claiborne's Walker Hancock. AHe
came out to the farm two weeks ago and he met War of Will.
We filmed a commercial and that will be airing on FOX Sports
this weekend on America=s Day at the Races. He=s going to do
some social media posts and help promote the stallion.

From the The Thoroughbred Daily News.

War of Will won the Preakness stakes a couple of years ago, 5 of his 18 races and $1.8M. He was a good but not great horse of his generation.

Walker Hancock is the grandson of Bull Hancock who was involved in flipping the (famous) coin involved with getting Penney Chenery Secreteriat.

Larry
DevilHorse

Just saw the commercial. War of Will... Winners need Will Power Will Levis I get it.
First foals about to "take the field". OK!! A 20 second commercial.. I didn't see any UK insignias, but he was dressed in UK blue football gear at one point.
The horse had better moves, and was faster; the QB needed a shave.

A horse owned by Bill Parcells (August Dawn Farm), named Once a Giant won the following race by a country mile!!! This is for real. Who set that up? A mile in 1:36.2 on a good track; nice effort.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

You may remember my reference to a 30 year old race won by Allemeuse at Saratoga, but the numbers posted were for another horse.

Well, something similar to that happened today at Keeneland in Race 5:
https://twitter.com/AHughesTVG/statu...455381/photo/1

This was NOT a photo finish. The results were easily recorded without having to take a photo to determine placement.

Here are the incorrect results:
https://twitter.com/Spt_Wagering_OH/...614987/photo/1


Although the winner was correct, place and show was switched on the tote board, and they started to pay off with incorrectly calculated results. This went on for 16 minutes until they realized the mistake and corrected it. They paid off for correct and incorrect sequenced tickets. However, I imagine many tickets got thrown out or mutilated that were winners and thought to be losers.

People (still) holding Allemeuse tickets have never received payment for the NYRA mistake.

I should cross-post in the Astronomy thread; could be a blue moon tonight.

Larry
DevilHorse

[DevilHorse]

Any interest out there for the Kentucky Oaks candidates?

Nest just destroyed a field of nice fillies in the Ashland yesterday:
http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
https://twitter.com/i/status/1512545858969120777
Got a 92 Beyer for her troubles.
Looks like the Kentucky Oaks will be a pip.

Adare Manor takes her first post Baffert start in the Santa Anita Oaks.

The Gazelle rounds out the 3YOF races at Aqueduct. Venti Valentine vs. Classy Edition.

With Echo Zulu, Kathleen O, and Secret Oath making strong bids, the above 3 races should make sure of a very high priced favorite for the KY Oaks.

This brings up a good general question. What would you rather have for the KYD..

a) A very strong superhorse favorite (even odds or less)? Or
b) a lot of possible contenders where the favorite might be 5-1 or so?

Each has its own type of suspense.

Larry
DevilHorse

[duketaylor]

plz keep posting!!

[DevilHorse]

Let me start today's review by digressing (immediately) with some remarks about the Grand National run at Aintree.

Like many Americans, my first exposure was watching National Velvet with Elizabeth Taylor and Mickey (let's put on a show) Rooney. The Grand National experience is quite romanticized and homogenized through the hollywood lens, but nonetheless appears quite accurate. Although I have access to a lot of European race information, it is just too much to keep up with on a day to day basis. But yesterday I happened to notice that it was being run, so I looked in on it, just because I had been a fan of the movie.

Wow, 40 horses going 4.5 miles. No starting gate. Huge obstacles having to jump over. It is grueling and dangerous for man/woman and beast. A grey named Cocoa Beach (spelled Koko actually) led most of the way; I was at Cocoa Beach as a youth to see a Gemini Space Launch. There was a horse named FiddlerOnTheRoof (I was hoping the name was the more clever Fiddler On The Hoof, but that's just my poor hearing). They mentioned "Beechers". Memories were being clicked. The race was won by #28 (how often do you hear that?) a 50-1 shot (does the horse's name really matter).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPRMxTVDOHo

Then this morning I read more about the true results of the race. The race was truly one of attrition. By my observation, at one point, I could see 6 horses without riders running along with the pack. Only 15 of the original 40 horses survived the gauntlet with their rider in this 8 and half minute race. 2 horses lost their lives. I don't know if this is the usual amount of loss in a Grand National, but in retrospect it was brutal. I get it, steeplechase is inherently more dangerous than just flat racing. My gut tells me if you don't have a 50% chance of your horse finishing the race (5% chance of dying, probably 20% chance of not racing again) you shouldn't start it. Not quite the romantic emotion I was expecting after the immediate race finish.


Larry
DevilHorse