Quality Road, winner of this year's Florida Derby (gr. I) and Fountain of Youth (gr. II), has been transferred from Jimmy Jerkens' barn to Todd Pletcher by owner and breeder Edward P. Evans, who also took five other horses away from Jerkens.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Dunkirk, a brave second to Summer Bird in the June 6 Belmont Gr. I), continues to recuperate nicely in his stall from surgery to insert a screw in a non-displaced condylar fracture in his left rear cannon bone.
Friday, June 12, 2009
All the obvious thoughts on this year's bizarre, but memorable Triple Crown have been discussed regarding the major players. But there were unsung heroes as well who did not wind up in the winner's circle, yet contributed to the memories.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Dunkirk, the front-running, second-place finisher in the June 6 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), will undergo surgery today for a condylar fracture of the left hind cannon bone.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Summer Bird obviously loves New York. He loves it so much that he could return this summer to run at Saratoga Race Course in the Aug. 1 Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II) and the Aug. 29 Shadwell Travers Stakes (gr. I).
Sunday, June 07, 2009
It was a bird that won the June 6 Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park, but it was not Mine That Bird but rather Summer Bird that won the final leg of the Triple Crown.
Saturday, June 06, 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
Warning: what you are about to read should be taken with extreme skepticism. Not to sound self deprecating, but yours truly is on one nasty losing streak in the Triple Crown, and the selection for the Belmont Stakes will be made as a means of self defense.
Friday, June 05, 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
A reoccurring theme in this year's Triple Crown has been the game of musical chairs among jockeys. It couldn't have worked out more beautifully for Calvin Borel.
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
"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
Charitable Man and Dunkirk, who could be the second and third choices behind Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird in the June 6 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), turned in their final works May 31 for the 1 1/2-mile race.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Continued wet weather in the New York metropolitan area has left the final serious works of several contenders for the June 6 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) up in the air.
Friday, May 29, 2009
It was a busy May 23 morning at Belmont Park for contenders of the $1 million Belmont Stakes (gr. I) with Charitable Man, Summer Bird, and Dunkirk all breezing on the main track.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Belmont Stakes contenders Summer Bird, sixth in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), and Charitable Man, winner of the Peter Pan Stakes (gr. II) earlier this month, are both scheduled to breeze May 23 on the main track at Belmont Park in preparation for the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) on June 6.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The big day is almost here. No, not the Derby; having to make selections, which will be in Friday's column. These selections are based primarily on observations over the past eight days, and it's going to be particularly difficult this year. In the meantime, he are a few late odds and ends.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
I Want Revenge, runaway winner of the Gotham Stakes (gr. I) and a determined victor in the April 4 Wood Memorial (gr. I), has been made the 3-1 morning line favorite for the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). The son of Stephen Got Even will break from post 13 in a full field of 20.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Desert Party and Dunkirk were sale ring superstars and now they've both got a shot May 2 at winning what many consider to be the world's most famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brands (gr. I).
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Trainer Todd Pletcher said the morning of April 28 that two of the horses in his care, Dunkirk and Join in the Dance, are definite for the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). Decisions have not been made on two others he trains, Advice and Take the Points.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Trainer Todd Pletcher reported he was pleased with the April 27 workouts by three of his possible starters in the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), and said a decision on which would actually start in the classic would be made April 28.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Michael Tabor, Susan Magnier, Derrick Smith's $3.7 million sale yearling Dunkirk drilled five furlongs in 1:01 the morning of April 25 at Palm Meadows training center. The son of Unbridled's Song will ship to Louisville, Ky., on April 28 for next Saturday's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Regal Ransom sneaks onto the list as Godolphin confirms he will run in the Derby.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
This final Derby Trail column before departing for Louisville is more of a potpourri of thoughts, scenarios, angles, trivia, and a touch of nonsense.
Monday, April 20, 2009
In a decision they agonized over for weeks, jockey Garrett Gomez and agent Ron Anderson finally have decided to stick with Pioneerof the Nile as their Kentucky Derby (gr. I) mount.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Dunkirk, runner-up in the Florida Derby (gr. I) at Gulfstream Park March 28, worked a solid five furlongs in :59.9 April 18 at Palm Meadows.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
This week's And They're Off is all about the Kentucky Derby, including the prospects of the California horses, the depth of the field, musical jockeys, graded earnings, and last but not least, the winners of the Kentucky Derby Contest.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
We're getting close to judgment day -- finding that single horse or betting angle or most attractive overlay possibilities. Until the horses can be observed in the flesh starting next week, here are some of the most memorable moments on this year's Derby trail in one person's opinion that will help in finding potential overlays.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Quality Road, who had been battling a quarter crack since his victory in the Florida Derby (gr. I), worked a half-mile in :48 3/5 on the Belmont training track Friday and showed no ill effects from his injury, said trainer Jimmy Jerkens.
Friday, April 10, 2009
I Want Revenge, who overcame a poor start and significant traffic concerns to win the Wood Memorial (gr. I) at Aqueduct April 4, emerged the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) as the third and final pool of Churchill Downs' Kentucky Derby Future Wager completed its four-day run.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Edward P. Evans' Quality Road, winner of the Florida Derby (gr. I) for his third victory in four career races, remained the favorite to win the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) on May 2 as the third and final pool of Churchill Downs' 2009 Kentucky Derby Future Wager reached its midway point on the evening of April 3.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Featuring previews of the Santa Anita Derby (including words from Bob Baffert and Julio Canani), Wood Memorial, and Illinois Derby, and recaps of the Florida Derby and the UAE Derby. Plus, updates on Charitable Man and Dunkirk.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Edward P. Evans' homebred Quality Road, winner of the Florida Derby (gr. I) and Fountain of Youth (gr. II), is the morning line favorite among 24 betting interests for the third and final pool of Churchill Downs' 2009 Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which opens four days of betting at racetracks and satellite wagering outlets April 2.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
There are three ways of looking at the Florida Derby (gr. I): the best horse won, the best horse finished second, and both horses ran sensational races and established themselves as major Kentucky Derby contenders. The consensus would have to be number three.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Quality Road turned back a bid from even-money favorite Dunkirk in upper stretch and drew away for a sensational 1 3/4-length victory in the $750,000 Florida Derby (gr. I) March 28 at Gulfstream Park. The son of Elusive Quality set a new 1 1/8-mile course record in 1:47.72.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Featuring previews of the Florida Derby (including an interview with Todd Pletcher, trainer of Dunkirk) and UAE Derby, a recap of the Lane's End, and works for Chocolate Candy and Pioneerof the Nile.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Jason, Tom, Evan, and the Wizard take on the Florida Derby (gr. I) at Gulfstream Park on March 28.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The fact that we may all look at the same information and come away with different impressions is honed to a fine point with the impending start of Dunkirk in the Grade I Florida Derby.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
On several occasions over the past few years, Todd Pletcher has reached into his hat to pull out a rabbit, and in most cases the trick didn't go quite as planned. Despite some bad hare days, Pletcher has decided to try his luck at prestidigitation once again in Saturday's Florida Derby (gr. I).
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
In this episode, Lenny and Steve discuss the Florida Derby, the results and implications of the Kentucky Derby Challenge, the Oaks move to Bravo, and checking in with the Derby Party Animal runner-up. Plus, win a Backside Tour Derby Week in the Derby Contest!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Two of the last three Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winners came out of the Florida Derby (gr. I), and based on the talent that will go to post in this year's edition of Gulfstream Park's signature event, it would not be surprising to see a third go on to wear the roses.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
As intriguing as the Florida Derby (gr.I) already looks to be, it became even more intriguing when Todd Pletcher, trainer of Dunkirk, said Tuesday he is "strongly considering" running the maiden Europe as a rabbit, in order to prevent Quality Road from getting loose on an easy lead.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Trainer Ken McPeek had scheduled a final major workout March 21 for Samotowka Stables and partners' 3-year-old Theregoesjojo for next Saturday's $750,000 Florida Derby (gr. I) at Gulfstream Park, but postponed it because of sloppy track conditions.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Dunkirk and Quality Road, the two likely favorites for the $750,000 Florida Derby (gr. I) on March 28 at Gulfstream Park, posted impressive workouts on a fast track on the morning of March 21 at Palm Meadows.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Undefeated Dunkirk, the 2-for-2 contender for the Coolmore partnership of Susan Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor, posted his latest workout March 14 at Palm Meadows Training Center as trainer Todd Pletcher prepares him for his first career stakes attempt in the $750,000 Florida Derby (gr. I) on March 28 at Gulfstream Park.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Racing fans continue to have a difficult time deciding who should be the favorite in Pool 2 of Churchill Downs' 2009 Kentucky Derby Future Wager as "all others" edged unbeaten and untested Dunkirk as the narrow choice among 23 betting interests as the pool reached the midpoint of four days of betting on Friday, March 13.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
A pair of unbeaten horses and the betting interest that represents "all others" drew the strongest fan support on the opening day of second of three pools in Churchill Downs' 2009 Kentucky Derby Future Wager.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Hosted by Lenny Shulman and Steve Haskin, "And They're Off" is a bi-monthly online video series sponsored by Darby Dan Farm. In this Mardi Gras edition, Lenny and Steve discuss Derby horses, including Dunkirk, Old Fashioned and Friesan Fire and older horses, including undefeated Rail Trip. Plus, the "And They're Off" Trivia contest announcement, and more.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen for the week of Feb. 24 is topped by Old Fashioned, who won his 2009 debut in the Southwest Stakes (gr. III) at Oaklawn Park.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Because of the lack of 3-year-old races this week, we're going into full detail on Dunkirk's race. Another reason we're giving it a good deal of space is the big buzz it created. The question is, was it warranted?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
HRTV's weekly series analyzing the pursuit of the Triple Crown. The debut episode includes a recap of last week's action, the Southwest, the San Vicente, the Sam F. Davis, and the UAE 2000 Guineas. Plus, Dunkirk's allowance win, Jeff Siegel's Top 10, and a look back at the 2008 Breeders' Cup Juvenile.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Dunkirk, who made headlines before he ever started as a $3.7 million Keeneland September yearling buy, figures to be making many more on the track following his impressive 4 3/4-length win in an important 3-year-old allowance race at Gulfstream Park Feb. 19.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
There have been many stakes this year that have been less competitive than Thursday's eighth race at Gulfstream, a first-level allowance test at a mile and an eighth.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Dunkirk, a $3.7 million yearling purchase owned by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, made that price look like a potential bargain when he overcame traffic problems and blew his opposition away in his career debut.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
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