10 questions about the Kentucky Derby and Preakness to inspire thought.
You don't witness it very often, but one of those cheering the loudest for D. Wayne Lukas and Oxbow in the final quarter mile of the May 18 Preakness Stakes (gr. I) was one of his opponents in the race.
This year's Preakness is all about Orb. And then there are his eight opponents, most of whom are worthy adversaries, with a case to be made for any of them to step up and run a big race.
Steve Haskin reports the news of the day, including final gallops from the contenders and the weather.
Steve Haskin reports on the news of the day including Orb's gallop, the condition of the racetrack, the appearance of Goldencents, and more.
Steve Haskin reports on the big news of the day, the draw.
Steve shares photos from his first 2 days at Pimlico.
The name Preakness has been right at the top of the racing vernacular for years, as the second leg of the Triple Crown, yet many people have no idea what or who Preakness is.
Santa Anita Derby winner appears to have bounced out of the Kentucky Derby in great shape.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Steve Haskin and Lenny Shulman recap race impressions left by Orb and other Kentucky Derby contenders, races that have produced Derby winners, Hollywood Park, and of course Preakness picks!
Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Orb turned in a quick half-mile work in :47 1/5 at Belmont Park May 13 and was scheduled to ship to Pimlico Race Course later in the morning.
Monday, May 13, 2013
History, it is said, repeats itself, and it will do just that in the 138th Preakness Stakes.
Up until the five-sixteenths pole of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), Gary Stevens was envisioning a fairy tale victory aboard the D. Wayne Lukas-trained Oxbow.
Don't be surprised if two of the participants, who could go off as the two top choices, begin gaping at each other as two childhood playmates might do meeting years later.
D. Wayne Lukas has put together a formidable team of jockeys to ride his three starters in the Preakness Stakes, with Gary Stevens to remain aboard Oxbow, Mike Smith on Will Take Charge, and Julien Leparoux on Titletown Five.
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
The day finally had arrived. Everything had gone perfectly for Orb and trainer Shug McGaughey.
The time finally has come to make something resembling selections.
Now that the post positions have been drawn, Steve comments on the pace scenario. Plus Funny Cide and Mine That Bird.
Lenny and Steve at Churchill Downs discuss who is in the Derby, Todd Pletcher's five, talk to D. Wayne Lukas about Oxbow and Will Take Charge, and make their picks. Sponsored by Darby Dan Farm.
The four unknowingly helped inspire the name of Kentucky Derby contender Normandy Invasion, along with the other thousands of brave soldiers who participated in the historic events of June 6, 1944.
Each year, there is at least one horse you take an instant liking to.
The final Derby Dozen for 2013, are there any surprises?
If this year's Derby has you confused now, you'll really be tested if the projected forecast for rain on Saturday holds true.
Steve Haskin presents the news of the day, including works by Orb, Oxbow, and Will Take Charge, and a weather report.
It didn't take the eagle eye of Bob Baffert long to zero in on Orb, who has flourished since arriving at Churchill Downs.
Steve Haskin brings you the calm after the storm of workouts with works and new arrivals Goldencents and Itsmyluckyday on the track today. Steve also gives you the work tab for the rest of the week.
Steve Haskin talks about all of the works today. Times and brief analysis on Normandy Invasion, Mylute, Black Onyx, Palace Malice, Overanalyze, Revolutionary, Charming Kitten, Verrazano, and more!
A total of eight Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) horses had their final drills the morning of April 27, many of them moved back a day due to the impending rain expected later today and tomorrow.
What better way to kick off live Kentucky Derby coverage than with a photo gallery of some of the major players and some early observations.
Steve Haskin reshuffles his deck of 12 and reminds us how to handicap the old fashioned way this week on Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen.
In the case of Palace Malice, it was a simple, but fateful, decision by Burl McBride, the trainer of the colt's dam, Palace Rumor, that has led the son of Curlin to Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.
Kelly was recognized as one of the great trainers of his era. He was cherished as a friend and worshiped as a father and husband, but to everyone fortunate to have known him, he was one of the good guys.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Pick Six Racing's Vyjack, who has been recovering from a lung infection detected after a third-place finish in the Wood Memorial (gr. I), returned to the work tab April 19.
Friday, April 19, 2013Freeman began training in the 1950's and had many top horses such as Bukhar, Gala Performance, Hodges Bay, Cold Comfort, Show Off, and Understudy. But his best horse by far was Mrs. Whitney Stone's Hall of Fame filly Shuvee.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Mike Pegram's Govenor Charlie, record-breaking winner of the Sunland Derby (gr. III), is scheduled to be shipped to Churchill Downs April 18 after a brief visit to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Lenny Shulman and Steve Haskin review the importance of race times, discuss Java's War in the Blue Grass Stakes, review performances of Spicer Cub and Incognito, and present a top 5 list! Sponsored by Darby Dan Farm.
Hall of Fame rider Gary Stevens, who was aboard Oxbowin his fifth-place finish in the recent Arkansas Derby (gr. I), will ride him in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), trainer D. Wayne Lukas said.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Blue Grass Stakes and Arkansas Derby have made an impact on Steve Haskin's Kentucky Derby Dozen this week.
David Wilkenfeld's Vyjack, who came out of his first career defeat in the Wood Memorial (gr. I) with a lung infection, has been having regular treatments in a hyperbaric chamber at Fair Hill Equine Therapy Center.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
War Academy has been installed as the 2-1 favorite in a field of 10 3-year-olds entered for the 77th running of the Arkansas Derby (gr. I) April 13 at Oaklawn Park.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Just as a reminder to those who have now dismissed Verrazano as a potential Kentucky Derby winner, take note of past Derbys.
David Nunn and Formal Gold rekindle memories.
Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen is shuffled in a major way this week. There are new horses on it, and one is from 'left field'!
Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) runner-up has small chip in his right knee and will be sent to Rood and Riddle April 10 to have the chip removed, trainer Bob Baffert said April 7.
Sunday, April 07, 2013
Dirt, grass, Polytrack, Tapeta, it doesn't matter. He has excelled on all of them.
Tampa Bay Derby (gr. II) winner Verrazano was assigned post 8 as the 4-5 favorite on the morning line for the $1 million Wood Memorial Stakes (gr. I) to be run April 6 at Aqueduct Racetrack.
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
Animal Kingdom's Dubai World Cup, Orb, Revolutionary, Dreaming of Julia, and more. Sponsored by Darby Dan Farm.
Hear the Ghost could be the prey instead of the hunter after his San Felipe victory.
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
The Florida Derby and Louisiana Derby have led to big changes in Steve's Derby Dozen, plus Lines of Battle arrives!
While many of the leading 3-year-olds were competing in the warm, sunny climes of Florida and Louisiana, a silent assassin was laying low up in the chilly confines of Belmont Park.