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  1. #341

    Weekend of 7/22-24/2022

    There are some interesting races this weekend, starting today. The big weekend race is the Haskell at Monmouth.

    On Friday:

    There's an interesting allowance race in Race 7:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Friday July 22, 2022, Saratoga - Race 7, PPs]
    Keepmeinmind makes his first appearance of the year for new trainer Todd Pletcher in this Turf race. When we last saw 'Keeper' he was earning checks in the Preakness, Ohio Derby, Jim Dandy, and Travers. If he's right, he should be competitive. Efficiency had a big 11 length win in his 2nd lifetime start for Chad Brown, and he has Prat.

    The Lake George Stakes is the 9th race:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Friday July 22, 2022, Saratoga - Race 9, PPs]
    Koala Princess looks to be the class in her first time out in 2022. Last seen she was closing fast in the BC Juvenile Turf Fillies at Del Mar.

    On Saturday:

    In the Coaching Club of America Oaks, we have what looks like a match race between Nest and Secret Oath:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Saturday July 23, 2022, Saratoga - Race 5, PPs]
    They last met in the Kentucky Oaks, with Secret Oath winning by 2.
    Since then they both took on the boys; Secret Oath in the Preakness and Nest in the Belmont.
    Neither filly won, but they both got checks.
    I think this is a bounce back win for Secret Oath. The exacta box is obvious.

    At Monmouth, there is a day of stakes races. Here is a couple of the more interesting:

    In the Molly Pitcher, Search Results, Army Wife, and Bonny South will butt heads:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Saturday July 23, 2022, Monmouth Park - Race 10, PPs]
    Search Results would seem to have the edge, but Prat is listed here and in Saratoga (replacing Irad); the shuttle isn't that good for him to do both.
    Beth's Dream may also have something to say here.

    The United Nations is a turf race and has several notable horses:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Saturday July 23, 2022, Monmouth Park - Race 11, PPs]
    Gufo has an outside post and should be charging at the end with Rosario aboard. Not sure which Tribhuvan we will get, but his best effort can win here.


    In the headliner for the weekend, the Haskell has a lot of storylines:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Saturday July 23, 2022, Monmouth Park - Race 12, PPs]
    Jack Christopher will be the post time favorite. Can this colt continue his impressive spring/summer? He hasn't been challenged, but has only been sprinting. Going to 1 1/8 miles is also big, but this colt was on the KYD trajectory when he got injured. His pedigree suggests this is the perfect distance for him.
    He will be challenged by several highly thought of horses. Cyberknife and Howling Time are in after their exciting head bobbing Matt Win Stakes contest. Howlilng Time has shown the most improvement of any of these horses and can surprise.
    White Abarrio finished 2nd to the improving Tawny Port in the Ohio Derby. Taiba flew in from the west coast, with new/old trainer Bob Baffert and super jockey Mike Smith. I'll predict Jack Christopher, Taiba, and Cyberknife as the triple finish. The temperature at Monmouth will be hot (predicting 90 deg), depending on the onshore breeze from the Ocean (about a mile away). Monmouth has been known to cancel if it gets too hot.

    Larry
    DevilHorse

  2. #342

    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/instant.cgi?date=2022-07-22&track=SAR&country=USA

    Quote Originally Posted by DevilHorse View Post
    There are some interesting races this weekend, starting today. The big weekend race is the Haskell at Monmouth.

    On Friday:

    There's an interesting allowance race in Race 7:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Friday July 22, 2022, Saratoga - Race 7, PPs]
    Keepmeinmind makes his first appearance of the year for new trainer Todd Pletcher in this Turf race. When we last saw 'Keeper' he was earning checks in the Preakness, Ohio Derby, Jim Dandy, and Travers. If he's right, he should be competitive. Efficiency had a big 11 length win in his 2nd lifetime start for Chad Brown, and he has Prat.

    The Lake George Stakes is the 9th race:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Friday July 22, 2022, Saratoga - Race 9, PPs]
    Koala Princess looks to be the class in her first time out in 2022. Last seen she was closing fast in the BC Juvenile Turf Fillies at Del Mar.



    Larry
    DevilHorse

    Keepmeinmind smoothly won his yearly debut:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on

    Dolce Zel won by small nose in the Lake George:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on

    It will be hot today at Monmouth for the Haskell, but the track is determined to get today's races in. They have had hot days before and the track seems to prepare to keep the horses cool, especially after the race.

    Larry

  3. #343
    Quote Originally Posted by DevilHorse View Post
    There are some interesting races this weekend, starting today. The big weekend race is the Haskell at Monmouth.



    On Saturday:

    In the Coaching Club of America Oaks, we have what looks like a match race between Nest and Secret Oath:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Saturday July 23, 2022, Saratoga - Race 5, PPs]
    They last met in the Kentucky Oaks, with Secret Oath winning by 2.
    Since then they both took on the boys; Secret Oath in the Preakness and Nest in the Belmont.
    Neither filly won, but they both got checks.
    I think this is a bounce back win for Secret Oath. The exacta box is obvious.

    At Monmouth, there is a day of stakes races. Here is a couple of the more interesting:

    In the Molly Pitcher, Search Results, Army Wife, and Bonny South will butt heads:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Saturday July 23, 2022, Monmouth Park - Race 10, PPs]
    Search Results would seem to have the edge, but Prat is listed here and in Saratoga (replacing Irad); the shuttle isn't that good for him to do both.
    Beth's Dream may also have something to say here.

    The United Nations is a turf race and has several notable horses:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Saturday July 23, 2022, Monmouth Park - Race 11, PPs]
    Gufo has an outside post and should be charging at the end with Rosario aboard. Not sure which Tribhuvan we will get, but his best effort can win here.


    In the headliner for the weekend, the Haskell has a lot of storylines:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Saturday July 23, 2022, Monmouth Park - Race 12, PPs]
    Jack Christopher will be the post time favorite. Can this colt continue his impressive spring/summer? He hasn't been challenged, but has only been sprinting. Going to 1 1/8 miles is also big, but this colt was on the KYD trajectory when he got injured. His pedigree suggests this is the perfect distance for him.
    He will be challenged by several highly thought of horses. Cyberknife and Howling Time are in after their exciting head bobbing Matt Win Stakes contest. Howlilng Time has shown the most improvement of any of these horses and can surprise.
    White Abarrio finished 2nd to the improving Tawny Port in the Ohio Derby. Taiba flew in from the west coast, with new/old trainer Bob Baffert and super jockey Mike Smith. I'll predict Jack Christopher, Taiba, and Cyberknife as the triple finish. The temperature at Monmouth will be hot (predicting 90 deg), depending on the onshore breeze from the Ocean (about a mile away). Monmouth has been known to cancel if it gets too hot.

    Larry
    DevilHorse
    Nest blew away Secret Oath, and the rest of the competition, in the CCAO:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1550924618671673345
    Nest was awarded a 104 Beyer for a great victory. Secret Oath did not look like herself.

    Search Results pulled the trigger and won the Molly Pitcher and was awarded a 97 Beyer:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1550945289909026816

    Adhamo won the United Nations for Flavian Prat and Chad Brown and was awarded a 104 Beyer:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1550954327589548032
    By now the crowd was catching on that Chad Brown and Flavian Prat were winning everything in sight. This was their 4th race in a row.

    Cyberknife won the Haskell by charging up the rail, and was awarded a 102 Beyer:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1550964071351980033
    Taiba finished a strong second. Both Cyberknife and Taiba are sons of Gun Runner.

    Larry
    DevilHorse

  4. #344
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Franklin TN
    Quote Originally Posted by DevilHorse View Post
    Nest blew away Secret Oath, and the rest of the competition, in the CCAO:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1550924618671673345
    Nest was awarded a 104 Beyer for a great victory. Secret Oath did not look like herself.

    Search Results pulled the trigger and won the Molly Pitcher and was awarded a 97 Beyer:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1550945289909026816

    Adhamo won the United Nations for Flavian Prat and Chad Brown and was awarded a 104 Beyer:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1550954327589548032
    By now the crowd was catching on that Chad Brown and Flavian Prat were winning everything in sight. This was their 4th race in a row.

    Cyberknife won the Haskell by charging up the rail, and was awarded a 102 Beyer:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1550964071351980033
    Taiba finished a strong second. Both Cyberknife and Taiba are sons of Gun Runner.

    Larry
    DevilHorse
    Couldn’t watch or bet as out of town, but thank goodness Baffert finished second. Evidently Baffert didn’t share the recipe for the secret sauce with the interim trainer of Taiba for the Ky Derby. I was surprised that Cyberknife went off at the odds he did. Probably no question now that Jack Christopher is a sprinter. Thanks for the twitter link with commentary.
    Last edited by TheDevilMadeMeDoIt; 07-24-2022 at 09:56 AM. Reason: Addition

  5. #345
    Quote Originally Posted by TheDevilMadeMeDoIt View Post
    Couldn’t watch or bet as out of town, but thank goodness Baffert finished second. Evidently Baffert didn’t share the recipe for the secret sauce with the interim trainer of Taiba for the Ky Derby. I was surprised that Cyberknife went off at the odds he did. Probably no question now that Jack Christopher is a sprinter. Thanks for the twitter link with commentary.
    Mike Smith felt that Taiba was still green and didn't like dirt in his face (not unlike Baffert ). Cyberknife is a peculiar horse; Trainer Brad Cox says that he waits on horses once he is on the lead, leaving him vulnerable. So getting up right at the end of the race is his perfect strategy. Being able to ride up the rail at the end didn't hurt either.

    It will be an interesting Travers.

    Larry
    DevilHorse

  6. #346

    Action for the last Weekend July 2022

    The strength and the strange for this weekend:

    I noticed that today (Thursday) a horse that I've tracked for a while named Roderick. He was good early in his career. He is in as a Main Track Only (MTO) entry in an optional claimer in the 9th at Saratoga:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...5/summary.html
    [URL above, Thursday July 28, 2022 - Saratoga - Race 9, PPs ]
    What's weird (or strange) is that to be off the turf you have to have a sloppy track; but the horse stinks in the slop. So what are these people doing?

    I noticed that a one time 'fastest filly in the world' is reappearing. Grace Adler, won the Del Mar Debutante by 11 lengths last year, then failed miserably in 2 starts. Then disappeared with Bob Baffert:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
    [URL above, Thursday July 28, 2022 - Del Mar - Race 5, PPs ]
    She reappears and her works look good. First time lasix, so maybe she bled. Hoping this one time $700k purchase does well.

    On Friday:

    The Curlin Stakes are at Saratoga:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [URL above, Friday July 29, 2022 - Saratoga - Race 7, PPs ]
    Creative Minister, Golden Glider, A.P.'s Secret, and Golden Age are KYD trail refugees. Creative Minister having the best credentials. With a decent effort, the winner of this race is likely to try the Travers field.

    On Saturday, we have some excellent races and horses:

    At Saratoga you have Jackie's Warrior against some decent horses in the Vanderbilt:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [URL above, Saturday July 30, 2022 - Saratoga - Race 8, PPs ]
    Willy Boi and Ny Traffic are likely trifecta participants, but Jackie's Warrior likes Saratoga and is a monster.

    Also at Saratoga, in the following race, is the Jim Dandy for 3YOs:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [URL above, Saturday July 30, 2022 - Saratoga - Race 9, PPs ]
    A small but select field including: Epicenter, Zandon, Early Voting, and Tawny Port.
    These 4 horses each have credentials. I might give Zandon the nod, but I'd probably bet the highest odds of the 4.

    At Del Mar there are some great races on the card:

    Start you off with a 2YO maiden race because there are some high priced firsters:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
    [URL above, Saturday July 30, 2022 - Del Mar - Race 6, PPs ]
    Newgate at $850k and with two bullet works is the Baffert offering.

    In the 8th is the Bing Crosby at 6f for the sprinters:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
    [URL above, Saturday July 30, 2022 - Del Mar - Race 8, PPs ]
    Drain The Clock invades from the east coast, hoping to revitalize his career. Shaaz is back with Baffert. American Theorem has been facing tougher. Bagboss looks sharp.

    In the 10th race is the San Diego Handicap:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
    [URL above, Saturday July 30, 2022 - Del Mar - Race 8, PPs ]
    Mandaloun, Country Grammar, Defunded, There Goes Harvard, and Senor Buscador all have something to say for themselves. Country Grammar has put $10M on the card this year, thanks to 2 big races in the middle east, but he hasn't started for a while and shows improvement after a start.
    Defunded and There Goes Harvard are in shape, but may not be in the class of the big two. We don't know what Senor Buscador is; he is still green and hopefully is healthy. The top horses in this race will be on the front or stalking, which will play into his come from way back style. Could be interesting now that he has a race under his belt. I'd expect his next race will be peak form. Mandaloun may have needed that last race (which really looked bad); I might take a shot with him because you'll get odds.

    In the standardbred world, the Adios will be raced at The Meadows (outside Pittsburgh) this Saturday. This will bring together the two top 3YOC pacers Pebble Beach and Beach Glass. These two SHOULD have raced in the Meadowlands Pace recently (won by Beach Glass), except Pebble Beach was not eligible because of something called the Gural Rule. Jeff Gural, who owns the Meadowlands, instituted a rule that says any colt (Trotter or Pacer) that retires as a 4YO to stud, but was not injured, will have their first crop ineligible to race in Meadowlands sponsored stakes races. The object here is to encourage the stars of the sport to stay in training as 4YOs and help promote the sport. In this first real repercussion of the Gural Rule, Pebble Beach's sire Downbytheseaside did retire after his 3YO year to stud in Ohio and happened to turn into a great sire. So Pebble Beach, who appears to be the top 3YO pacer, was no eligible to big money Meadowlands Stakes. What a pity. Pebble Beach did beat Beach Glass in the rich North American Cup 1 month ago. Not having Pebble Beach at the Meadowlands Pace would appear to have backfired on the original intent of the Gural Rule by taking the top 3YO colt out of that race and the fans are the poorer for it.

    Larry
    DevilHorse

  7. #347
    I'm probably going to Whitney Day at Saratoga in early August. I am a horse race newbie. Anything I should know/do? Thanks for any advice!

  8. #348
    Quote Originally Posted by Bluedog View Post
    I'm probably going to Whitney Day at Saratoga in early August. I am a horse race newbie. Anything I should know/do? Thanks for any advice!
    Go early to get parking; don't be afraid to park in someone's front yard (for a few bucks). Think strategically about getting out afterwards. (i.e., park on the side of the track toward your escape route).

    Walk around town a bit before going into the track. It's a nice little town. The track is right in the middle of this small town. The thoroughbred Hall of Fame is across the street. The town should be buzzing.
    If you don't have tickets to get in, and have to wait online, you might want to limit your walking around (or get there really early); check ahead for any giveaways with limited supply (T-shirts, bobbleheads).

    Check out the Big Red Spring inside the grounds at the track:
    https://www.koobit.com/whitney-day-e...ing-tent-30670
    Try some of the Saratoga Springs water there; it's free at the Big Red Spring (I understand it tastes brackish, but it is part of the experience). Saratoga 'Springs' is called 'the Spa' because of the ancient water springs, so check it out. Saratoga is the oldest Thoroughbred Track in the country (1864), and this harkens back to that time.

    If you get seats, don't feel chained to them. Watch the horses being saddled before a race behind the grandstand by the big trees. Very calming for horses and people alike.

    Accept the fact that not all viewing lines are optimal at the track. 1) There are 100 year old trees on the infield that will occlude back stretch views for a bit. Can't be helped. 2) The grandstand is at an angle to the stretch, and is close to it. You can't always tell who finished first unless you are right at the finish line, so hold your tickets till the result is official.

    I'm not sure what the betting (window) options are, but place your bets early so you don't get caught in line. You might be better off having an electronic account and avoiding the (busy windows) anyway. I'm sure there are unmanned betting kiosks that give vouchers too. It is unlikely that you can bet late (near post time) at a live (manned) window.

    The Whitney Day is an Event Day. As such the amenities will be taxed and there will be lines for things, so plan your food and restroom breaks accordingly.

    Have a ball and give us a report.

    Larry
    DevilHorse
    Last edited by DevilHorse; 07-28-2022 at 01:49 PM.

  9. #349
    Quote Originally Posted by DevilHorse View Post
    Go early to get parking; don't be afraid to park in someone's front yard (for a few bucks). Think strategically about getting out afterwards. (i.e., park on the side of the track toward your escape route).

    Walk around town a bit before going into the track. It's a nice little town. The track is right in the middle of this small town. The thoroughbred Hall of Fame is across the street. The town should be buzzing.
    If you don't have tickets to get in, and have to wait online, you might want to limit your walking around (or get there really early); check ahead for any giveaways with limited supply (T-shirts, bobbleheads).

    Check out the Big Red Spring inside the grounds at the track:
    https://www.koobit.com/whitney-day-e...ing-tent-30670
    Try some of the Saratoga Springs water there; it's free at the Big Red Spring (I understand it tastes brackish, but it is part of the experience). Saratoga 'Springs' is called 'the Spa' because of the ancient water springs, so check it out. Saratoga is the oldest Thoroughbred Track in the country (1864), and this harkens back to that time.

    If you get seats, don't feel chained to them. Watch the horses being saddled before a race behind the grandstand by the big trees. Very calming for horses and people alike.

    Accept the fact that not all viewing lines are optimal at the track. 1) There are 100 year old trees on the infield that will occlude back stretch views for a bit. Can't be helped. 2) The grandstand is at an angle to the stretch, and is close to it. You can't always tell who finished first unless you are right at the finish line, so hold your tickets till the result is official.

    I'm not sure what the betting (window) options are, but place your bets early so you don't get caught in line. You might be better off having an electronic account and avoiding the (busy windows) anyway. I'm sure there are unmanned betting kiosks that give vouchers too. It is unlikely that you can bet late (near post time) at a live (manned) window.

    The Whitney Day is an Event Day. As such the amenities will be taxed and there will be lines for things, so plan your food and restroom breaks accordingly.

    Have a ball and give us a report.

    Larry
    DevilHorse
    Thank you Larry! I am meeting up with some "locals" for breakfast at the track (which apparently is free to the public to attend, to watch the horses practice ahead of time a bit) and plan to leave prior to the races being complete (as I'm in town for a wedding that evening that I have to get to), so hopefully my early in/early out will help as it relates to avoiding traffic jams. Will keep in mind all the other tips and report back!

  10. #350
    Quote Originally Posted by Bluedog View Post
    Thank you Larry! I am meeting up with some "locals" for breakfast at the track (which apparently is free to the public to attend, to watch the horses practice ahead of time a bit) and plan to leave prior to the races being complete (as I'm in town for a wedding that evening that I have to get to), so hopefully my early in/early out will help as it relates to avoiding traffic jams. Will keep in mind all the other tips and report back!
    If having breakfast, you can look out for the clockers who are a pack of guys with stop watches who report the workouts we see on the past performances.

    Sometimes there is a knowledgeable track 'person' pointing out the horses working out so they are not anonymous. Sometimes they are hooked into the track broadcast system. Keep an ear out. You might not know the names, but you can look them up later.

    If 'in town' means Saratoga (not Albany), in the evening you can venture over to Saratoga harness; just a mile down the road on the west side of the track. It is a Racino now for casino games and simulcasting. Not to mention standardbred racing.

    Larry
    DevilHorse

  11. #351

    Sunday Racing 7/31/2022

    Wow, some interesting horses and races popped up for Sunday.

    For you filly fans (not the Philadelphia types) there is a nice little race of also rans who could be very good.
    At Monmouth is the Monmouth Oaks:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Sunday July 31, 2022, Monmouth Park - Race 5, PPs ]
    Juju's Map and Shahama, who both competed in the Mother Goose, are back. Juju's Map needed a tightener and finished 3rd behind second placed Shahama.
    There are also several representatives from other stakes races, like Runaway Wife and Silverleaf from the Indiana Oaks; and Shotgun Hottie from the Delaware Oaks.
    Juju's Map has the back class, but Shahama is first time lasix. Looks like a quinella to me.

    There are 2YO maiden races around the country with some nice youngsters:

    This one with some pricey 2YO fillies
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Sunday July 31, 2022, Monmouth Park - Race 6, PPs ]

    More fillies, this time at Del Mar:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
    [ URL above, Sunday July 31, 2022, Del Mar - Race 8, PPs ]

    And some pricey 2YO colts at Del Mar:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
    [ URL above, Sunday July 31, 2022, Del Mar - Race 1, PPs ]

    The Justify progeny are starting to show well. A few Mendelsson's have shown too (for future reference).

    The big race on Sunday is the Amsterdam at Saratoga:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Sunday July 31, 2022, Saratoga - Race 9, PPs ]
    A lot of good horses in this sprint. Pinehurst, who won the Saudi Derby (and disappeared 16th in the UAE Derby). Pappacap searching for a distance that suits him. Gunite, who won the Maxfield most recently, the Hopeful here at Saratoga last year (so he loves this track). My Prankster is also a very solid sprinter. And the surprise name, Corniche! Corniche when we last saw him was under the tutelage of Bob Baffert and is now under Todd Pletcher. Corniche was and is undefeated still but obviously had issues since this is his coming out party as a 3YO. But this horse did win the BC Juvenile at 1 1/16th and has by far the best Beyers in the field. The workouts have been uninspiring. This sprint is just a tune-up for.. Well, if he does well, maybe the Travers. He will need this race in either case. He has Luis Saez aboard instead of Mike Smith; it shouldn't hurt him. Could be the lone speed in the race, but 8 months could have altered his tactics.

    Larry
    DevilHorse

  12. #352
    Quote Originally Posted by DevilHorse View Post
    The strength and the strange for this weekend:

    I noticed that today (Thursday) a horse that I've tracked for a while named Roderick. He was good early in his career. He is in as a Main Track Only (MTO) entry in an optional claimer in the 9th at Saratoga:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...5/summary.html
    [URL above, Thursday July 28, 2022 - Saratoga - Race 9, PPs ]
    What's weird (or strange) is that to be off the turf you have to have a sloppy track; but the horse stinks in the slop. So what are these people doing?

    I noticed that a one time 'fastest filly in the world' is reappearing. Grace Adler, won the Del Mar Debutante by 11 lengths last year, then failed miserably in 2 starts. Then disappeared with Bob Baffert:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
    [URL above, Thursday July 28, 2022 - Del Mar - Race 5, PPs ]
    She reappears and her works look good. First time lasix, so maybe she bled. Hoping this one time $700k purchase does well.

    On Friday:

    The Curlin Stakes are at Saratoga:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [URL above, Friday July 29, 2022 - Saratoga - Race 7, PPs ]
    Creative Minister, Golden Glider, A.P.'s Secret, and Golden Age are KYD trail refugees. Creative Minister having the best credentials. With a decent effort, the winner of this race is likely to try the Travers field.


    Larry
    DevilHorse

    On Thursday, as suggested, the 9th at Saratoga was off the turf, Roderick was in it till the mile mark, then he was terrible.
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    I still don't get it.

    Grace Adler was clearly second best in her return:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    Perhaps she needed the start or her injuries were significant.

    On Friday, Artorius won the Curlin Stakes:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553114775722364928
    The lightly raced son of Arrogate has a future. Like his father, he could be a late developer and could have something to say about the 3YO picture. Artorius received a 95 Beyer (not bad).

    Larry
    DevilHorse

  13. #353
    Quote Originally Posted by Bluedog View Post
    I'm probably going to Whitney Day at Saratoga in early August. I am a horse race newbie. Anything I should know/do? Thanks for any advice!
    Today's crowd on Jim Dandy/Vanderbilt day. Expect bigger crowd on Whitney day assuming similar weather:
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553454926969307138

    Larry
    DevilHorse

  14. #354
    Quote Originally Posted by DevilHorse View Post
    The strength and the strange for this weekend:



    On Saturday, we have some excellent races and horses:

    At Saratoga you have Jackie's Warrior against some decent horses in the Vanderbilt:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [URL above, Saturday July 30, 2022 - Saratoga - Race 8, PPs ]
    Willy Boi and Ny Traffic are likely trifecta participants, but Jackie's Warrior likes Saratoga and is a monster.

    Also at Saratoga, in the following race, is the Jim Dandy for 3YOs:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [URL above, Saturday July 30, 2022 - Saratoga - Race 9, PPs ]
    A small but select field including: Epicenter, Zandon, Early Voting, and Tawny Port.
    These 4 horses each have credentials. I might give Zandon the nod, but I'd probably bet the highest odds of the 4.

    At Del Mar there are some great races on the card:

    Start you off with a 2YO maiden race because there are some high priced firsters:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
    [URL above, Saturday July 30, 2022 - Del Mar - Race 6, PPs ]
    Newgate at $850k and with two bullet works is the Baffert offering.

    In the 8th is the Bing Crosby at 6f for the sprinters:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
    [URL above, Saturday July 30, 2022 - Del Mar - Race 8, PPs ]
    Drain The Clock invades from the east coast, hoping to revitalize his career. Shaaz is back with Baffert. American Theorem has been facing tougher. Bagboss looks sharp.

    In the 10th race is the San Diego Handicap:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
    [URL above, Saturday July 30, 2022 - Del Mar - Race 8, PPs ]
    Mandaloun, Country Grammar, Defunded, There Goes Harvard, and Senor Buscador all have something to say for themselves. Country Grammar has put $10M on the card this year, thanks to 2 big races in the middle east, but he hasn't started for a while and shows improvement after a start.
    Defunded and There Goes Harvard are in shape, but may not be in the class of the big two. We don't know what Senor Buscador is; he is still green and hopefully is healthy. The top horses in this race will be on the front or stalking, which will play into his come from way back style. Could be interesting now that he has a race under his belt. I'd expect his next race will be peak form. Mandaloun may have needed that last race (which really looked bad); I might take a shot with him because you'll get odds.

    In the standardbred world, the Adios will be raced at The Meadows (outside Pittsburgh) this Saturday. This will bring together the two top 3YOC pacers Pebble Beach and Beach Glass. These two SHOULD have raced in the Meadowlands Pace recently (won by Beach Glass), except Pebble Beach was not eligible because of something called the Gural Rule. Jeff Gural, who owns the Meadowlands, instituted a rule that says any colt (Trotter or Pacer) that retires as a 4YO to stud, but was not injured, will have their first crop ineligible to race in Meadowlands sponsored stakes races. The object here is to encourage the stars of the sport to stay in training as 4YOs and help promote the sport. In this first real repercussion of the Gural Rule, Pebble Beach's sire Downbytheseaside did retire after his 3YO year to stud in Ohio and happened to turn into a great sire. So Pebble Beach, who appears to be the top 3YO pacer, was no eligible to big money Meadowlands Stakes. What a pity. Pebble Beach did beat Beach Glass in the rich North American Cup 1 month ago. Not having Pebble Beach at the Meadowlands Pace would appear to have backfired on the original intent of the Gural Rule by taking the top 3YO colt out of that race and the fans are the poorer for it.

    Larry
    DevilHorse
    Jackie's Warrior is just the best sprinter in the country right now and is destined to be enshrined someday across the street at Saratoga:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553486052853252098
    Rosario's hands didn't move in the stretch and he got a 105 Beyer. Impressive!!

    Epicenter beat Zandon in the 4 horse Jim Dandy:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553497802772254721
    Last to first in a sweeping move showed he was the best and he received a 102 Beyer. Travers next..
    Taking a horse very wide in the stretch, if you don't use extra ground to do it, is a great move. As pack animals, sometimes they are reluctant to pass; especially if the jockey on the other horse does a little (legal) race riding and veers into the path of a horse coming on (with enough lead time). Epicenter had no such problems.

    Newgate broke his maiden at first asking in impressive fashion:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553528601831542784
    Arrowthegreat also looks like he has a future (they were looking to just get a race into this one and look for a longer next race). Look for both of these colts to move forward.

    American Theorem was strong in winning the Bing Crosby:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553543802702376960
    First Grade I for the trainer and nice win for the son of American Pharoah (on dirt).

    Royal Ship won the San Diego Handicap:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553556969310498816
    This was an evenly matched race. Royal Ship's sire, Midshipman, shuttles to South America in the fall, which is where Royal Ship was conceived.
    Country Grammar and Mandaloun were among the beaten horses.

    A possible top colt made his debut yesterday at Saratoga. Capture The Flag won his debut for Shug McGaughey:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553429356814409729
    The horse looks to be turf bred, but nothing stops this colt from doing well on the dirt.

    Larry
    DevilHorse

  15. #355
    Quote Originally Posted by DevilHorse View Post
    Wow, some interesting horses and races popped up for Sunday.

    For you filly fans (not the Philadelphia types) there is a nice little race of also rans who could be very good.
    At Monmouth is the Monmouth Oaks:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Sunday July 31, 2022, Monmouth Park - Race 5, PPs ]
    Juju's Map and Shahama, who both competed in the Mother Goose, are back. Juju's Map needed a tightener and finished 3rd behind second placed Shahama.
    There are also several representatives from other stakes races, like Runaway Wife and Silverleaf from the Indiana Oaks; and Shotgun Hottie from the Delaware Oaks.
    Juju's Map has the back class, but Shahama is first time lasix. Looks like a quinella to me.

    There are 2YO maiden races around the country with some nice youngsters:

    This one with some pricey 2YO fillies
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Sunday July 31, 2022, Monmouth Park - Race 6, PPs ]

    More fillies, this time at Del Mar:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
    [ URL above, Sunday July 31, 2022, Del Mar - Race 8, PPs ]

    And some pricey 2YO colts at Del Mar:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...99/summary.htm
    [ URL above, Sunday July 31, 2022, Del Mar - Race 1, PPs ]

    The Justify progeny are starting to show well. A few Mendelsson's have shown too (for future reference).

    The big race on Sunday is the Amsterdam at Saratoga:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Sunday July 31, 2022, Saratoga - Race 9, PPs ]
    A lot of good horses in this sprint. Pinehurst, who won the Saudi Derby (and disappeared 16th in the UAE Derby). Pappacap searching for a distance that suits him. Gunite, who won the Maxfield most recently, the Hopeful here at Saratoga last year (so he loves this track). My Prankster is also a very solid sprinter. And the surprise name, Corniche! Corniche when we last saw him was under the tutelage of Bob Baffert and is now under Todd Pletcher. Corniche was and is undefeated still but obviously had issues since this is his coming out party as a 3YO. But this horse did win the BC Juvenile at 1 1/16th and has by far the best Beyers in the field. The workouts have been uninspiring. This sprint is just a tune-up for.. Well, if he does well, maybe the Travers. He will need this race in either case. He has Luis Saez aboard instead of Mike Smith; it shouldn't hurt him. Could be the lone speed in the race, but 8 months could have altered his tactics.

    Larry
    DevilHorse
    Shahama took the Monmouth Oaks:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553820763433615369
    Lost the quinella.

    I meant to point out the 6th at Saratoga and not at Monmouth for 2YO Fillies on Sunday:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Sunday July 31, 2022 - Saratoga - Race 6, PPs ]
    Prank was a monster winner
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553834824351096832
    Prank is a $500k daughter of Into Mischief and was wrapped up with 1 furlong to go! But she was not the only filly standout on the day..
    Prank is a half sister to some horse named Mo Donegal and is the 3rd foal from that dam.

    Justique (#7) is a $750k daughter of Justify; she broke last in this field. Her works were less than mediocre. Then she swept the field of expensive 2YOf's:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553904915533049856


    Both of these fillies are worth following.

    I mentioned on Sunday that the Justify's were starting to show; and how. Another freshman sire that has been producing winners is Sharp Azteca; he has had 2 winners this week. We'll try to keep an eye out.

    Jackstown won the 1st at Del Mar:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on

    In the featured Amsterdam on Sunday at the Spa, it was Gunite showing his love for the track:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553857475518029824
    Gunite survived a suicidal first half in 44 3/5 and lived to tell about it. Corniche and Pinehurst were not up to the task.

    Larry
    DevilHorse
    Last edited by DevilHorse; 08-01-2022 at 08:54 AM.

  16. #356
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Franklin TN
    Quote Originally Posted by DevilHorse View Post
    Shahama took the Monmouth Oaks:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553820763433615369
    Lost the quinella.

    I meant to point out the 6th at Saratoga and not at Monmouth for 2YO Fillies on Sunday:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...9/summary.html
    [ URL above, Sunday July 31, 2022 - Saratoga - Race 6, PPs ]
    Prank was a monster winner
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553834824351096832
    Prank is a $500k daughter of Into Mischief and was wrapped up with 1 furlong to go! But she was not the only filly standout on the day..
    Prank is a half sister to some horse named Mo Donegal and is the 3rd foal from that dam.

    Justique (#7) is a $750k daughter of Justify; she broke last in this field. Her works were less than mediocre. Then she swept the field of expensive 2YOf's:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553904915533049856


    Both of these fillies are worth following.

    I mentioned on Sunday that the Justify's were starting to show; and how. Another freshman sire that has been producing winners is Sharp Azteca; he has had 2 winners this week. We'll try to keep an eye out.

    Jackstown won the 1st at Del Mar:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on

    In the featured Amsterdam on Sunday at the Spa, it was Gunite showing his love for the track:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553857475518029824
    Gunite survived a suicidal first half in 44 3/5 and lived to tell about it. Corniche and Pinehurst were not up to the task.

    Larry
    DevilHorse
    As always, thanks for the twitter replays. You taught me that twitter does have some actual usefulness.

    Asmussen had a really good weekend at Saratoga. It always helps when a trainer has the best horse flesh.

    Then I watched Justique. She broke poorly. She was way back. She started her move really early. Typically when horses have to start moving that early they flatten out at the top of the stretch. She kept moving and passing horses. Toward the end the jockey look like a statue, hardly moving at all. She seemed to be doing it all on her own. That was one of the most impressive two year old maiden races I have watched. I look forward to her next race. But I won’t be betting her at 1/9.

  17. #357
    Quote Originally Posted by TheDevilMadeMeDoIt View Post
    As always, thanks for the twitter replays. You taught me that twitter does have some actual usefulness.

    Asmussen had a really good weekend at Saratoga. It always helps when a trainer has the best horse flesh.

    Then I watched Justique. She broke poorly. She was way back. She started her move really early. Typically when horses have to start moving that early they flatten out at the top of the stretch. She kept moving and passing horses. Toward the end the jockey look like a statue, hardly moving at all. She seemed to be doing it all on her own. That was one of the most impressive two year old maiden races I have watched. I look forward to her next race. But I won’t be betting her at 1/9.
    Prank was really a wow too. Justique had a 72 Beyer in her win, but it was how she did it (as you observed). Prank received a 91 Beyer!


    I'll give you a 3rd 2YO Filly, one for the turf. Be Your Best in the 2nd race at Saratoga on Sunday:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553802107043454976

    And a 2YO colt in the Tyro Stakes at Monmouth this weekend (on the turf):
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/insta...e=inc&print=on
    https://twitter.com/i/status/1553445793444425728
    Sharp Aza Tack (great name) is by Sharp Azteca and received an 85 Beyer. The surprise freshman sire Sharp Azteca has only a $5k stud fee. The Tyro used to be on the dirt.

    So far Justify ($100k stud fee) is averaging 40% 2YO winners from starters. Only Sharp Azteca, with 40.6%, is better.


    BTW, Corniche it seems had an excuse this week in his race. He 'shed a frog' on one of his hooves (probably during the race). The frog is a triangular shaped structure in the middle of the hoof that sheds a cuticle now and then; it is usually not covered by the horse shoe since it is smack dab in the middle of the hoof. It can be protected with a special shoe (bar shoe), but Corniche is no doubt feeling 'ouchy' right now.

    Rich Strike is working out at Churchill Downs and is pointing toward the Travers.

    The Bolt D'Oro's have gone quiet.. Not one maiden winner has won a second race.

    Larry
    DevilHorse
    Last edited by DevilHorse; 08-02-2022 at 07:29 PM.

  18. #358

    Art Collector on Thursday at the Spa

    One of the better horses on the KYD trail in 2020 was Art Collector. His last 2 races were not very good, but that might be because he was racing against the very best (in the world). He comes back to earth on Thursday in the Alydar at Saratoga:
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/brisw...5/summary.html
    [ URL above, August 4, 2022, Saratoga - Race 8, PPs ]
    AC won the Alydar last year (so he likes Saratoga), and has had the time to recover from Saudi Arabia (his last race 5 months ago). My only question would be the significant bullet work on Saturday that might have taken a bit out of him. Masqueparade is next best, but this Ohio Derby winner is no match for Art Collector if he's right.

    Larry
    DevilHorse

  19. #359
    Quote Originally Posted by Bluedog View Post
    I'm probably going to Whitney Day at Saratoga in early August. I am a horse race newbie. Anything I should know/do? Thanks for any advice!
    The Whitney:
    whitney22.jpg
    Life Is Good!

    Larry
    DevilHorse

  20. #360
    Quote Originally Posted by DevilHorse View Post
    The Whitney:
    whitney22.jpg
    Life Is Good!

    Larry
    DevilHorse
    Nice! Hoping for nice weather. Looks like some scattered storms...Although race day Saturday looks more promising than Friday.

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