Gio Ponti, the leading candidate for champion turf male, will stay in training in 2010. Campaigned by Castleton Lyons, he is being pointed to the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) in early spring.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Ventura, a multiple grade I stakes winner who finished second in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (gr. I) at Santa Anita, is expected to return in Hollywood Park's $300,000 Matriarch (gr. IT) on Nov. 28.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Zenyatta reclaimed the top spot in the final National Thoroughbred Racing Association poll of 2009.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Zenyatta made it look all too easy, becoming the first female to win the $5-million Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I). Gio Ponti was second and Twice Over third.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Informed Decision, Augustin Stable's daughter of Monarchos, rolls in the Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (gr. I). The big gray filly is now seven for seven on synthetic surfaces and improved her record at seven furlongs to 7-6-0-1.
Friday, November 06, 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
On an otherwise routine morning, Lillie Langtry tosses rider and forces trainer to climb aboard.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Augustin Stable's Informed Decision faces a much-anticipated rematch with Ventura Nov. 6 in the $1-million Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at Santa Anita Park. When the two tangled back in April on Keeneland's Polytrack, Informed Decision defeated Ventura by a head in the Vinery Madison Stakes (gr. I).
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Ventura, who will be trying to win the $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint for the second consecutive year Nov. 6, was made the 8-5 morning line favorite in the Nov. 3 post position draw for the World Championships at Santa Anita Park. The Juddmonte Farms homebred, which likes to come from behind, is on the far outside in the field of nine and will be ridden by Garrett Gomez.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
In looking at the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), several thoughts and angles emerged that could have a bearing on the race. While they may turn out to be mere folly, they are at least worth mentioning just to make sure all bases are covered and there is less of a chance of Monday morning quarterbacking.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
There is no way of telling what might have been in any given race had circumstances been different. And it would be seem audacious to say that Rip Van Winkle was the best horse in the Coral Eclipse Stakes (Eng-I), won by Sea the Stars, but a close look at the race reveals several reasons why that statement might have validity.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Juddmonte Farms homebred Ventura will be defending her title in the Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint Nov. 6 at Santa Anita, and she's ready to roll, according Garrette O'Rourke, who manages Juddmonte's nursery near Lexington.
Monday, November 02, 2009
A hodgepodge of horses from all walks of life will converge on the Santa Anita Pro-Ride Nov. 7, most of whom would not be a surprise should they win.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Coming off a historic victory against the boys in the Sept. 20 Woodbine Mile (Can-IT), Ventura looks to be a powerful contender in the Nov. 5 Sentient Jet Filly & Mare Sprint (gr. I) as she attempts to defend her title at Santa Anita Park. But the Juddmonte Farms homebred will likely face some tough competition, as five other graded stakes-winning females were also pre-entered.
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
Versatile Cowboy Cal went gate to wire to win the $150,000 Oak Tree Mile Handicap (gr. IIT) on the Santa Anita turf course Oct. 10, and earned the right to advance to the $2 million TVG Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT) next month.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
After heavy rains at Belmont Park forced her to make Presious Passion a late scratch from the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational (gr. IT) Oct. 3 at Belmont Park, trainer Mary Hartmann knew exactly what she had to do. She shipped her multiple grade I-winning 6-year-old cross-country to California where she knew she would find the kind of firm footing her star appreciates for a different Hirsch at Santa Anita Park.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Cowboy Cal returns to Santa Anita for trainer Todd Pletcher, looking to get back on the winning track in the $150,000 Oak Tree Mile Stakes (gr. IIT) at Santa Anita Oct. 10.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
If Sea the Stars does not make the trip to California, which seems more likely than not, and joins Rachel Alexandra on the absentee list, it will create a void never before seen in the Breeders' Cup.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Several trainers from the Oct. 3 races at Belmont indicated which way they were leaning for next month's Breeders' Cup.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Elliot Mavorah's Interpatation pulled a shocker in the $600,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational (gr. IT) and did it in sensational fashion. The 7-year-old gelding was passed by Gio Ponti with a furlong remaining, then re-rallied on the heavy favorite to score a 43-1 upset Oct. 3 at Belmont Park.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Christophe Clement has had many talented stakes winners during his years as one of the nation's leading turf conditioners, but the French-born trainer now admits Gio Ponti may be at the top of that list. On Oct. 3, the 4-year-old son of Tale of the Cat seeks his fifth consecutive grade I grass victory when he lines up for the $600,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational at Belmont Park.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
A trio of contenders for the Oct. 3 $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) had their final tune-ups for the 1 1/4-mile race on a busy morning at Belmont Park Sept. 26.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
With Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta, and Ventura, familiar standbys like Forever Together and Music Note, and rapidly rising stars Icon Project, Careless Jewel, and Swift Temper, as well as Goldikova in Europe, this is truly a special year for fillies.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Ventura became the first female to win the Woodbine Mile (Can-IT) in 13 years when she swept past the field on the outside to post a one-length victory Sept. 20.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
In a brief ceremony Sept. 18, representatives of Castleton Lyons presented a check for $29,400 to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Jason, Evan, and James Scully of twinspires preview the Super Derby (gr. II) at Louisiana Downs. Plus picks for the Woodbine Mile.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Canadian turf champion Rahy's Attorney returns to defend his Woodbine Mile (Can-IT) crown against a strong group of turf specialists in the $1 million event Sept. 20, which includes the sharp mare Ventura and New York invader Bribon.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Juddmonte Farms' homebred Champs Elysees is back to defend his title in the $750,000 Northern Dancer Turf Presented by Vtech (Can-IT), but will have to take down a deep field of turf routers Sept. 20 at Woodbine, including Melynk Racing Stables' Marchfield, who defeated the 6-year-old horse last month over the same course.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Juddmonte Farms' stellar 5-year-old mare Ventura will take another crack at the boys on Sept. 20 when she does battle with a probable field of 11 in the $1-million Woodbine Mile (Can-IT).
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Colonel John and Einstein, who were expected to clash in the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) this past spring, should finally have their first meeting as the favorites in the $1 million Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar on Sept. 6.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Spring House earned a repeat victory in the $250,000 Del Mar Handicap (gr. IIT) when he came from far off the pace Aug. 30 to catch the outsider Sir Dave by an extremely short nose on the turf.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) winner Rail Trip, San Diego Handicap (gr. II) victor Informed, and Eddie Read (gr. IT) winner Global Hunter wrapped up their serious work for the $1-million Pacific Classic with drills on the morning of Aug. 30.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
After a couple of close tries earlier this year, trainer Ben Cecil warned that Ferneley would win a big race before all was said and done. That day came Aug. 29 when the Irish-bred 5-year-old swept past his tiring rivals to score a 1 1/2-length win in the $238,000 Del Mar Mile (gr. IIT).
Saturday, August 29, 2009
The top four finishers of Hollywood Park's July 19 Sunset Handicap (gr. IIT), including two-length winner Black Astor, return for the Aug. 30 Del Mar Handicap (gr. IIT) in Southern California.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Monterey Jazz gets back to his favorite distance and is reunited with former jockey David Flores for the $300,000 Del Mar Mile (gr. IIT) Aug. 29.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Trainer Sid Attard, tied for the top spot among trainers at the 2009 Woodbine meet, sends out a tough duo in the $200,000 Play the King Stakes (Can-IIT) for turf sprinters at Woodbine Aug. 29.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Trainer Christophe Clement said Aug. 26 that Gio Ponti, winner of four consecutive grade I turf races, will race next in either the $600,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational (gr. IT) Oct. 3 at Belmont or the $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship (gr. IT) Oct. 11 at Santa Anita in his final prep for the Breeders' Cup World Championships in November.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Lenny and Steve are back! Topics include night racing, breakdowns at Del Mar, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, Gio Ponti, and Bob Baffert's Hall of Fame induction.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Odds-on choice Zensational made it back-to-back grade I wins over older horses when he scored a front-running 2 1/2-length victory in the $300,000 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar Aug. 8.
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
Two of the most prestigious turf races on the North American racing calendar, the Arlington Million and Beverly D., will be aired live Sat., Aug. 8, on ESPN from 4:30-6:00 p.m. ET.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Recent grade I winner Zensational is the clear standout in the $300,000 Bing Crosby Stakes (gr. I) Aug. 8 at Del Mar in a field that was buoyed by the surprise addition of Eddie Read Handicap (gr. IT) victor Global Hunter.
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
Well Armed makes his first start since his record 14-length romp in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) when he takes on eight rivals in the $250,000 San Diego Handicap (gr. II) at Del Mar Aug. 2.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Little-known Argentina bred Global Hunter surged past even-money choice Monterey Jazz in upper stretch and held sway for jockey Corey Nakatani to register a 14-1 upset in an eventful $350,000 Eddie Read Stakes (gr. IT) at Del Mar July 25.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Jason and Les Instone from Brisnet preview the Eddie Read Handicap (gr. IT) at Del Mar on July 25. Plus, quick picks for the Coaching Club American Oaks (gr. I).
Thursday, July 23, 2009
A little more speed in the lineup and a turf course that's not quite so conducive to front-runners would help trainer John Sadler feel better about the chances of Whatsthescript in the $350,000 Eddie Read Stakes (gr. IT) at July 25, the highlight on the opening weekend of action at Del Mar.
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
Not to be a killjoy, but the fact is some of the best horses in the country will not be showing up at the Breeders' Cup this year.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
After coming up short in two previous prep races for the $700,000 TVG/Betfair Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), Rail Trip put it all together when he rolled to victory July 11 at the Inglewood track.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Castleton Lyons' Gio Ponti notched his third consecutive grade I win when he came from off the pace to take the $500,000 Man o' War Stakes at Belmont Park July 11. The 4-year-old son of Tale of the Cat won for the fourth time in five starts on Belmont's turf course.
Saturday, July 11, 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
Castleton Lyons' Gio Ponti, fresh off victories in the Frank Kilroe Mile (gr. IT) and Manhattan Handicap (gr. IT), will shoot for his third consecutive grade I score July 11 in the $500,000 Man o' War Stakes (gr. IT) at Belmont Park.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Monterey Jazz and jockey Tyler Baze played come and catch me in Hollywood Park's American Handicap (gr. II) July 4 on the grass. Guess what? No one did.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Fourteen sprinters get their shot at grade I glory in an unpredictable renewal of the $300,000 Triple Bend Handicap at Hollywood Park July 5.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Whatsthescript, a 29-1 upset winner a year ago, will carry high weight of 120 pounds as he defends his title in the $150,000 American Handicap (gr. IIT) on the Independence Day program at Hollywood Park.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
The steady veteran Jonesboro angled off the rail for the drive, wore down pacesetting Shadowbdancing in deep stretch to win the $300,000 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (gr. II) June 27 in Iowa.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Grade I winner Dixie Chatter has been retired from racing and will stand in 2010 at Martin and Pam Wygod's River Edge Farm near Buellton, Calif.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Winless in six starts since capturing last fall's Super Derby (gr. II), My Pal Charlie is the 120-pound high weight for the $300,000 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (gr. II) on June 27.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Ball Four, who proved too tough for the previously undefeated Rail Trip on the front end in the Mervyn LeRoy Handicap (gr. II) one month ago, is back as the 120-pound co-high weight for the $250,000 Californian (gr. II) at Hollywood Park June 13.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Favored Midships gained a clear advantage in the home stretch and held off the surprising Globetrotter by a half-length to score his first grade I victory in the $300,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap (gr. IT) at Hollywood Park June 6.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Belmont track announcer Tom Durkin made note of Gio Ponti being at the back of the pack as the field turned down the backside in the $400,000 Woodford Reserve Manhattan (gr. IT), but the colt came from last to first to win the race in dramatic fashion.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Midships had things his own way while registering back-to-back grade II victories on the front end at Santa Anita this spring. Chasing his first grade I win in the $300,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap June 6 on the Hollywood Park turf, the Juddmonte Farms homebred is undoubtedly a big threat to do it again.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Cowboy Cal and Champs Elysees, both narrowly beaten by tough-as-nails Einstein in separate grade I races this year, will see if his absence will be enough to get them over the top this time, as they headline a strong field of 14, including five grade I winners, for the $400,000 Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap (gr. IT) June 6 at Belmont Park.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Juddmonte Farms' outstanding mare Ventura, favored against males in the $250,000 Shoemaker Mile (gr. IT) at Hollywood Park May 25, was scratched by trainer Bobby Frankel on the morning of the race due to a "foot problem," according to the track's racing office.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Multiple graded stakes winner Monterey Jazz eclipsed a 15-year-old Hollywood Park turf mark when he clocked a mile in 1:32.59 while winning a $58,400 allowance race by 3 3/4 lengths May 24.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
When Rachel Alexandra faced the boys in the Preakness (gr. I), it had not only the racing world but the national media abuzz with excitement. For exceptional mare Ventura, taking on the opposite gender has become just another day at the park, and the daughter of Chester House will do it again on May 25 when she tackles seven males in the $250,000-added Shoemaker Mile (gr. IT) at Hollywood Park.
Friday, May 22, 2009
