The defection of both Quality Road and Munnings has left the $300,000 Hill 'n' Dale Cigar Mile (gr. I) with a field of just six -- and only five betting interests -- but the Nov. 28 race at Aqueduct still packs plenty of star power.
Yesterday
Jason, Tom, and James Scully of twinspires preview the Clark Handicap (gr. II) at Churchill Downs on November 27.
2 days ago
The Clark Handicap (gr. II) is always a solid race and a good way to put an exclamation point on not only the Churchill Downs fall meet, but the older handicap division.
2 days ago
PORTER ON PEDIGREES, by Alan Porter
Most discussion of Tiznow as a sire of stakes winners focuses on how well his foals do when they've had some time to mature. When crossed with Storm Cat's precocious line, though, his juveniles are unbeatable.
3 days ago
There was plenty of interest at the entry box when it closed for the $400,000 Clark Handicap (gr. II), the premier post-Breeders' Cup handicap event around two turns on dirt in the United States. In all, 14 horses were entered for the Nov. 27 Clark, which is run at 1 1/8 miles at Churchill Downs.
3 days ago
Mr. Sidney, a 2009 grade I winner, will enter stud in 2010 at Alec Head's Haras de Quesnay near Deauville, France.
5 days ago
Stronach Stables' Einstein, unplaced in the Nov. 7 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), was assigned top weight of 123 pounds for the Nov. 27 Clark Handicap (gr. II) at Churchill Downs.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Ken Ramsey is well known for having tremendous success with claiming horses, but the longtime owner pulled off his best claim with Furthest Land, who won the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (gr. I) Nov. 7 at Santa Anita one year after being plucked for $35,000.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Mastercraftsman, last year's Cartier Award-winning juvenile male and a classic winner in 2009, will join his sire Danehill Dancer at John Magnier and partners' Coolmore Stud in Ireland.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
PORTER ON PEDIGREES, by Alan Porter
Alan Porter recaps the 2009 Breeders' Cup with pedigree observations about the sire lines, dominant female families, and inbreeding of the 14 winners. Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Relive the 2009 Breeders' Cup with our collection of photo galleries.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Another favorite falls in the Breeders' Cup, as Furthest Land took the Dirt Mile (gr. I) at 21-1. Ready's Echo is second and Midshipman is third. Heavy favorite Mastercraftsman ran out of steam at the rail in the stretch.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
If there is one thing you can always count on in the Breeders' Cup it's that it will have it's share of longshot winners and mid-price overlays who get lost in the handicapping frenzy that is so much a part of the event.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Europe's Mastercraftsman is a strong favorite at 6-5 in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
With most of the major training over for the Nov. 6-7 Breeders' Cup World Championships completed, the work tab at Santa Anita Nov. 3 was pretty light.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
The sun was barely visible over the mountains shortly after 5 a.m. (Pacific Time) Nov. 1 when Regal Ransom went to the track at Santa Anita for final preparations for the Breeders' Cup World Championships.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
The presence of classy Europeans Mastercraftsman and Sweet Hearth to the pre-entry field for the $1-million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (gr. I) on Nov. 7 gives the runners from the powerful Godolphin stable the prospect of some tough competition.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
A total of 166 horses were pre-entered Oct. 26 for the 2009 Breeders' Cup World Championships to be run Nov. 6 and 7 at Santa Anita.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The Breeders' Cup World Championships success last year of five European-trained horses at Santa Anita Park really made everybody sit up and take notice. There were a record 31 European-trained raiders in 2008 and the number is set to be matched or even surpassed this year.
Monday, October 26, 2009
On April 17, 2008, American racing fans were immersed in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), and no one was even giving the Breeders' Cup a second thought. But across the Atlantic, there was a scene being played out that would have a far greater effect on the Breeders' Cup than anyone could have imagined.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Jacks or Better Farm's homebred 2-year-old colt Jackson Bend overcame a poor start and a late challenge from a contender to win the $400,000 In Reality Division of the Florida Stallion Stakes at Calder Race Course's Festival of the Sun on Oct. 17. The victory made him the seventh horse in history to complete a sweep of the open division of the Florida Stallion Stakes.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Marty Wolfson, who saddled Edmund Gann's It's a Bird in last year's Spend a Buck Handicap (gr. III), appears to have the solid favorite in the 2009 renewal with Gann's 4-year-old Motovato, a winner of three of four starts at the Calder Race Course meet.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Battling with pacesetter Karelian through the stretch, Court Vision poked his nose in front just before the wire to win a thriller in the $600,000 Shadwell Turf Mile (gr. IT) Oct. 10 at Keeneland. It was the first win in six tries this season for the 4-year-old son of Gulch, who will now go on to the Breeders' Cup.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Mine That Bird, stunning winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) this spring, has hooked a highly contentious field for his first try against older horses in Oak Tree's $350,000 Goodwood Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita Oct. 10.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Court Vision, scratched from the Oct. 3 Kelso Handicap (gr. III) after it was taken off turf, reappears at Keeneland for the $600,000 Shadwell Turf Mile (gr. IT) Oct. 10. The 4-year-old colt will look to use the race as a springboard for next month's Breeders' Cup.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
It looks as if Mastercraftsman will be joining stablemate Rip Van Winkle in the starting gate for the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) after the colt's easy victory in the 1 1/8-mile Diamond Stakes on the all-weather track at Dundalk.
Friday, October 02, 2009
The chances of Sea The Stars being withdrawn from Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) due to soft ground appear slim to none, as the weather forecast calls for little or no rain through next Tuesday.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Ken and Sarah Ramsey's Furthest Land, claimed for $35,000 less than a year ago, paid big dividends for his connections Sept. 26 as he ran down Dubious Miss in the final strides to win the $200,000 Kentucky Cup Classic (gr. II) by a neck at Turfway Park.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Jason, Tom, and Les Instone from twinspires preview the Kentucky Cup Classic (gr. II), September 26 at Turfway Park.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
WinStar Farm's homebred Hold Me Back, who scored his biggest victory in the Lane's End Stakes (gr. II) earlier this year at Turfway Park, returns to the Florence, Ky., racetrack as the one to beat in the $200,000 Kentucky Cup Classic (gr. II) Sept. 26.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Godolphin's Midshipman, last year's champion 2-year-old colt who hasn't run since his victory in the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I), returned in top form Sept. 18, winning a competitive allowance/optional claimer at Belmont Park by 3 1/2 lengths.
Friday, September 18, 2009
The eagerly anticipated 3-year-old debut of 2008 champion juvenile male Midshipman will occur Friday, Sept. 18, in the third race at Belmont Park, a 6 1/2-furlong conditioned allowance that represents his first start over a conventional dirt track.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Godolphin Stables' Midshipman, unraced since taking the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) last fall en route to the Eclipse Award as champion 2-year-old male, is close to making a return to the races, said assistant trainer Rick Mettee.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Rachel Alexandra provided one of the great moments in the history of Saratoga when she scored a courageous head victory over older male rivals in the $750,000 Woodward Stakes Sept. 5.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Rachel Alexandra cemented herself as one of the best fillies of all-time in a race for the ages, as she set a suicidal pace and then was all out under Calvin Borel to hold off a bold charge from Macho Again to win the $750,000 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) by a head in electrifying fashion Sept. 5 at Saratoga.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Pyro, one of the favorites in last year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), captured his first stakes in more than a year when he came from off the pace and out-finished Kodiak Kowboy in the $300,000 Forego (gr. I) Sept. 5 at Saratoga.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Sea The Stars confirmed his class by turning in a dominating performance in the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes (Ire-I) at Leopardstown Sept. 5.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Jason, Tom, and Rich Nilsen of twinspires.com preview the Woodward Stakes (gr. I). Plus picks for the Forego (gr. I).
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Please note the following analysis was written by someone with a glass-is-half-empty mentality and is not meant to frighten, upset, or antagonize Rachel Alexandra fans and zealots. So, read at your own risk.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Rachel Alexandra's attempt against older males has given the Woodward (gr. I) all the headlines, but Saratoga's other grade I race on Sept. 5--the $300,000 Forego Stakes--is no slouch. The seven-furlong sprint drew a solid field of a 12, including the morning-line favorite, Kodiak Kowboy.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
On Sept. 5 at Saratoga, Rachel Alexandra will seek history when trying to become the first female to win the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) -- a feat that would almost certainly lock up Horse of the Year honors and stamp the 3-year-old as one of the best fillies of all time.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
As soon as trainer Kiaran McLaughlin found out Rachel Alexandra would be running in the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) Sept. 5 he quickly contacted the owner of his Woodward hopeful Asiatic Boy, about the possibility of heading to California.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Sea The Stars once again showed why he is rated the best horse in the world by wearing down Mastercraftsman in the final furlong to win the Juddmonte International (Eng-I) by a length at York Aug. 18.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Sierra Sunset seems to be on the verge of returning to his old form, and will take another step in proving that on Aug. 15 when he takes on nine in the $300,000 Longacres Mile (gr. III) at Emerald Downs.
Friday, August 14, 2009
MAHUBAH'S CORNER, by Avalyn Hunter
Stamina influence Tiznow again matches with a speed-oriented Turkoman-line mare. Whitney Handicap (gr. I) winner Bullsbay joins Colonel John as elite runners bred on the cross. Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The longest shot in a field of six, 18-1 Bullsbay pulled a shocking upset in the $750,000 Whitney Handicap (gr. I) Aug. 8 at Saratoga, splitting horses on the turn and pulling away for a 1 1/2-length score under Jeremy Rose.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Castleton Lyons' Gio Ponti notched his fourth consecutive grade I victory Aug. 8 at Arlington Park, as he rolled to a 1 1/4-length win in the Arlington Million (gr. IT) under Ramon Dominguez.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
The ageless Commentator will try to stand alongside the great Kelso as the oldest horse ever to win the prestigious Whitney Handicap (gr. I), a race he will also attempt to capture for a record-tying third time.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Often times, European horses are the focus of attention in the internationally prestigious Arlington Million (gr. IT). And while the 2009 edition of the race does include three capable foreigners, it is a trio of terrific American horses that are the ones to beat this time around.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Einstein, who stumbled at the start and finished fifth in last year's Arlington Million (gr. IT), drew the inside post for this season's prestigious turf race at Arlington Park, which will be held Aug. 8.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Informed nosed pacesetter Mast Track to win the $250,000 San Diego Handicap (gr. II) Aug. 2 when 3-5 favorite Well Armed failed to fire in his first start since capturing the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) in March.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Jockey Alan Garcia guided Justenuffhumor through heavy traffic in the stretch to win the $158,750 Fourstardave Handicap (gr. IIT) in the 4-year-old colt's stakes debut Aug. 2 at rainy Saratoga.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Antrim County captured his second consecutive Claiming Crown event, this time turning in a gritty performance to win the $150,000 Claiming Crown Jewel by a neck July 25 at Canterbury Park.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Trainer Bret Calhoun will be on hand July 25 when Antrim County receives the 2008 National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association "Claimer of the Year" award. A couple of hours later, he'll saddle the 6-year-old gelding for the $150,000 Claiming Crown Jewel at Canterbury Park in suburban Minneapolis.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Einstein and Gio Ponti are just two of several talented turf horses considering the Aug. 8 race.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Mr. Sidney, winner of the grade I Maker's Mark Mile at Keeneland and grade II Firecracker Stakes at Churchill Downs, will make his next start in the Aug. 8 Arlington Million (gr. IT), owner Lee Einsidler said July 13.
Monday, July 13, 2009
A walk down the Godolphin shedrow at Belmont Park reveals a "Who's Who" of major stakes horses, many of whom are just coming back off layoffs and getting ready for the Saratoga meet.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Trainer Doug O'Neill, perfect in four previous tries in the TVG/Betfair Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), shoots for his fifth win since 2002 when he saddles Informed for the $700,000 Cushion Track event July 11.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Circle E Racing's Mr. Sidney pulled away from Inca King in the final sixteenth of a mile to win the $167,700 Firecracker Handicap (gr. II) by 1 1/2 lengths on the July 4 card at Churchill Downs.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Zayat Stables' Thorn Song will attempt to become the first repeat winner of the Firecracker Handicap (gr. IIT) when he takes on seven rivals July 4 at Churchill Downs.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Mastercraftsman repulsed a strong bid from Delegator to post a gritty neck victory in the St. James's Palace Stakes (Eng-I) at Royal Ascot June 16.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
West Point Thoroughbreds' Macho Again found room off the turn and pulled away from a wall of horses to win the $660,000 Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) June 13 at Churchill Downs. Einstein, seeking his third consecutive grade I score, finished third after a troubled trip.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Jason, Tom, and the Wizard analyze the Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I), June 13 at Churchill Downs.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Einstein, a leading candidate for 2009 Horse of the Year midway through the season, will try to make history by becoming the first horse to win grade I events on dirt, turf and synthetics in the same year in the $600,000 Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) June 13 at Churchill Downs.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr.I) winner Mine That Bird is the big even-money favorite in early wagering for the Belmont Stakes (gr. I), with Charitable Man and Chocolate Candy both at 5-1.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Jason, Tom, and the Wizard preview the Belmont Stakes (gr. I).
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Ok, I am officially smitten with Mine That Bird. I admit to being one of those misguided souls who paid no attention to him before the Kentucky Derby other than to comment what a beautiful mover he was. After the Preakness and seeing him on the Belmont track Thursday morning, I have to say in simplest of terms this is one cool horse.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Jerry Hollendorfer has 135 horses in training at Golden Gate Fields in Northern California, but he has been making regular trips east the past month to keep tabs on the "big" horse in the stable, Chocolate Candy.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Insight into the pedigrees of this year's Belmont contenders is only a click away. This easy-to-read report includes pedigree analyses from Alan Porter and Avalyn Hunter. Order your copy today and separate the contenders from the pretenders.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
The two key figures in the pace scenario for Saturday's Belmont Stakes are Miner's Escape and Charitable Man. The former will be a longshot in the field of 10, while Charitable Man was made the 3-1 second choice behind Mine That Bird. So, let's see how this may play out.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Mine That Bird will face nine rivals in the June 6 Belmont Stakes (gr. I). Jockey Calvin Borel will look to become the first jockey to win all three Triple Crown races on two different horses.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird was among 10 3-year-olds entered for the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) on June 6.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
If you happen to be walking the sidewalks of New York in the days leading up to the June 6 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), you just might run into diet guru Jenny Craig, who will be in town for the race.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
"Between :49 and :50." That has become your standard instructions by a trainer to his rider prior to a horse's final work for the Belmont Stakes. Gone are the days when trainers would work their horse at least seven furlongs, more likely a mile or even a mile and an eighth for the grueling "Test of the Champion."
Monday, June 01, 2009
Chocolate Candy put the finishing touches on his preparations for the June 6 running of the $1 million Belmont Stakes (gr. I), with a final breeze at Belmont Park June 1.
Monday, June 01, 2009
