The Blood-Horse: 01/12/2008 issue

Photo: Blood-Horse

Curlin topped the List of Eclipse Awards Finalists and was back on track at the Fair Grounds on January 6.

Photo: Alexander Barkoff

2007 North American leading sire Smart Strike is king of all he surveys.

Photo: David Coyle

Leading First Crop Sire Posse shows off his speed in his paddock.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Louis E. Wolfson, best known as the breeder and owner of Triple Crown Winner Affirmed, also campaigned champions Roman Brother and Raise a Native. He died on December 30.

Photo: Inger Drysdale

Tammy Samuel-Balaz, who managed the Sam-Son Operation, died on January 5.

Photo: Michael Burns

Dearest Trickski was claimed for $32,000 in the summer of 2007 and ended the year as a grade I winner in the La Brea Stakes.

Photo: Benoit Photo

Daytona continued his winning ways with a victory in the San Gabriel Handicap (gr. IIT)

Photo: Benoit Photo

Let the 3-year old season begin. Cowboy Cal takes the Tropical Park Derby at Calder on New Year's Day.

Photo: Jim Lisa Photos

Smooth Air took control the Hutcheson on a sloppy track at Gulfstream.

Photo: Adam Coglianese

And Giant Moon continued to shine brightly in New York with a victory in the Count Fleet.

Photo: Brandon Benson

New Year's Day was a cause for celebration at Santa Anita. In Summation took the El Conejo Handicap.

Photo: Benoit Photo

And Alexandra Rose captured the Monrovia.

Photo: Benoit Photo

The weekend, however, brought the rains to Santa Anita. The Cushion Track didn't drain and racing was canceled Jan 5 - 7.

Photo: Benoit Photo

Trainer Barbara McBride completes her 1000th career win at Tampa Bay Downs. Ashley and I (pictured) was ridden to victory by jockey Joe Rocco, Jr.

Photo: Tom Cooley

Chatain took the Hal's Hope for the 2nd year in a row.

Photo: Adam Coglianese

Golden Velvet (outside) and Lady Marlboro couldn't be separated after 8 furlongs in the Sabin Handicap as they finished in a dead heat.

Photo: Adam Coglianese

The tractors were the only ones running at Santa Anita the weekend of January 5.

Photo: Benoit Photo