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Hard Spun (PA)

5yo Bay Colt

Trainer: J. Larry Jones
Jockey: Mario G. Pino
Owner: Fox Hill Farms Inc.
Breeder: Michael Moran & Brushwood Stable
Hard Spun Danzig Northern Dancer
Pas de Nom
Turkish Tryst Turkoman
Darbyvail
View Five-Cross Pedigree

Auction History

Prices in parentheses indicate a horse did not sell because it did not meet its reserve price.

YearSalePrice
2005Keeneland 2005 September Yearling Sale($485,000)

Stallion Spotlight

HARD SPUN

Among the Best
in a Brilliant Class of 3YOs
Versatile and Consistent
By Sire of Sires DANZIG

Related Articles

Delaware Park to Honor Larry Jones

Delaware Park to Honor Larry Jones

Delaware Park will honor trainer J. Larry Jones for his accomplishments and dedication to racing with a special tribute at the Wilmington racetrack Saturday June 20. Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Friesan Fire Works at Keeneland

Friesan Fire Works at Keeneland

On April 19, as light rain fell, Friesan Fire posted his final work at Keeneland before he heads to Churchill Downs for the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). Sunday, April 19, 2009

Talkin' Horses Podcast with Larry Jones

Join Trainer Larry Jones as he answers questions like: Tell about how your two leading Kentucky Derby contenders Old Fashioned and Friesan Fire are doing and what the plans are for them between now and the first Saturday in May. Friday, March 27, 2009
Young Darley Stallions Have 1st Foals

Young Darley Stallions Have 1st Foals

The stallion barn at Darley America hosts a dazzling quartet of young stallions who have all celebrated the birth of their first offspring in recent weeks. Friday, January 23, 2009
2008 Commercial Sires: Big 'Cat' Rebound

2008 Commercial Sires: Big 'Cat' Rebound

Storm Cat has been a titan among North America's commercial sires, and he added to his considerable reputation in 2008, leading all stallions based on the average price of their yearlings sold at public auction for the sixth time in his breeding career. He returned to the top following a two-year break during which he fell to second behind Danzig in 2006 and ranked third behind A.P. Indy and Kingmambo in 2007. Monday, January 05, 2009
Street Cry's Fee Rises to $150,000

Street Cry's Fee Rises to $150,000

Darley America has announced the stud fees for its 16 stallions for the 2009 breeding season. All stallions, with the exception of Street Cry, Elusive Quality, and E Dubai, have had their fees reduced from their 2008 levels. Tuesday, October 28, 2008

'08 RMB Released; Mares Bred Down 7.7%

The Jockey Club released the Report of Mares Bred (RMB) statistics Oct. 16 for 2008 that show a continued decline in North American Thoroughbred breeding activity. Thursday, October 16, 2008
Porter Hires Barkley as Trainer

Porter Hires Barkley as Trainer

Rick Porter of Fox Hill Farms has hired Jeff Barkley as his private trainer, beginning a transition resulting from trainer Larry Jones' recent announcement that he will wind down his operation and retire. Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Trainer Jones to Retire by End of 2009

Trainer Jones to Retire by End of 2009

Trainer Larry Jones, who earlier this year saddled Proud Spell to win the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) and the following day had ill-fated Eight Belles finish second in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), said he plans to retire by the end of 2009. Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Darley Australia's 2008 Fees

Darley Australia's 2008 Fees

American combo of Bernardini, Elusive Quality, Hard Spun, Any Given Saturday, Consolidator, and Henny Hughes to shuttle to Darley Australia. Monday, June 02, 2008
Danzig Line Rebounding

Danzig Line Rebounding

PORTER ON PEDIGREES, by Alan Porter

Big Brown's victory in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and Hard Spun's second in the Derby last year are the latest indicators that the Danzig line is asserting some authority in America's premier dirt races. Want more proof? How about last year's older male champion Lawyer Ron (a son of Danzig's son Langfuhr)and the emerging sire Exchange Rate, who got two grade I winners in his first crop. Friday, May 16, 2008

Ringing in the Derby With Larry Jones

Ringing in the Derby With Larry Jones

Should Eight Belles run on Saturday, she will provide trainer Larry Jones with his second Kentucky Derby (gr. I) starter. Last year he conditioned Hard Spun, who ran a credible second behind Street Sense and was also owned by Rick Porter's Fox Hill Farms. Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Bernardini, Street Sense Shuttling

Bernardini, Street Sense Shuttling

Eclipse Award winners Bernardini and Street Sense will be headed to Sheikh Mohammed's Darley operation in Australia for the 2008 Southern Hemisphere breeding season once their duties are completed at Darley near Lexington. Friday, February 29, 2008
Pennsylvania Champions Named

Pennsylvania Champions Named

The Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association has named Hard Spun as its first-ever Horse of the Year. Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Stallion Video: Hard Spun

Hard Spun, by Alan Porter Friday, January 25, 2008
Pino Delivers 6,000th Win

Pino Delivers 6,000th Win

Mario Pino became the 15th jockey in North America to earn 6,000 wins Nov. 7 when he piloted Pass Play to victory in the seventh race at Laurel Park. Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Haskin's Classic Recap: Curl Jam

Haskin's Classic Recap: Curl Jam

Prior to this year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), Larry Jones, trainer of eventual runner-up Hard Spun, said of the meteoric rise of the then undefeated Curlin, "Six months from now, we could be looking at Curlin as a super horse." Well, it is now six months later, and Jones' words, unfortunately for him, have become prophetic. Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Street Sense to Stand for $75,000; Hard Spun for $50,000

Street Sense to Stand for $75,000; Hard Spun for $50,000

Street Sense, this year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner and the previous year's 2-year-old male champion, will enter stud for $75,000 at Sheikh Mohammed's Darley near Lexington. Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Eclipse Awards a No-Brainer This Year

Eclipse Awards a No-Brainer This Year

Start engraving the Eclipse Awards. This year's honors are all but a done deal. Despite the horrible conditions at Monmouth Park, the Breeders' Cup World Championships were surprisingly formful, with several favorites and leading contenders turning in dominating performances. Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Curlin Commanding Winner of Breeders' Cup Classic

Curlin Commanding Winner of Breeders' Cup Classic

Curlin swept past Hard Spun down the stretch to win the Breeders' Cup Classic - Powered by Dodge (gr. I) by 4 1/2 lengths. Saturday, October 27, 2007
BloodHorseNOW.com Free Preview:  Video Interview with Larry Jones

BloodHorseNOW.com Free Preview: Video Interview with Larry Jones

Steve Haskin interviews Larry Jones about the undefeated Juvenile Filly, Proud Spell and Hard Spun's post position for the Classic. Friday, October 26, 2007
Gomez, Velazquez Weigh In on Breeders' Cup Mounts

Gomez, Velazquez Weigh In on Breeders' Cup Mounts

Jockeys John Velazquez and Garrett Gomez offered opinions on their Breeders' Cup mounts in an Oct. 25 press conference held at Monmouth Park the day before the Oct. 26-27 event was to get under way. Thursday, October 25, 2007
Video:  Interview with Larry Jones

Video: Interview with Larry Jones

Steve Haskin interviews Larry Jones about the undefeated Juvenile Filly, Proud Spell and Hard Spun's post position for the Classic. Thursday, October 25, 2007
Pletcher Reviews Breeders' Cup Starters

Pletcher Reviews Breeders' Cup Starters

Two days before the Oct. 26-27 Breeders' Cup World Championships, trainer Todd Pletcher reviewed his 11 starters and shared his thoughts on the upcoming races, including possible scratches should the surfaces turn up wet or yielding due to weekend showers. Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Breeders' Cup Will Showcase Solid 3-year-old Crop

There are five top 3-year-olds in the Breeders' Cup Classic - Powered by Dodge (gr. I), but there are strong 3-year-old contenders in at least three other World Championship races. Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Front-end Tactics Loom Key to Breeders' Cup Classic

Front-end Tactics Loom Key to Breeders' Cup Classic

A field of nine was drawn Oct. 23 for one of the deepest and most contentious runnings of the Breeders' Cup Classic - Powered by Dodge (gr. I). The two horses who drew the most attention were Hard Spun and Lawyer Ron, who likely will dictate how the race will be run. Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Year of Firsts For Breeders' Cup

Year of Firsts For Breeders' Cup

The eyes of the horse racing world are squarely fixed on next week's Breeders' Cup, with a total of 160 pre-entries (141 individual horses, 19 cross-entered) for 11 races. It will be a year of many firsts for the World Championships. Wednesday, October 17, 2007
BC Focus: Kodiak Kowboy

BC Focus: Kodiak Kowboy

Ask Rick Porter and Vinery Farm manager Tom Ludt to comment on the sales histories of the 2-year-old Posse colt Kodiak Kowboy and his dam, Kokadrie, and the two men spin a circular tale. Saturday, October 06, 2007
Steve Haskin's BC Countdown: Questions and Answers; Winners and Losers

Steve Haskin's BC Countdown: Questions and Answers; Winners and Losers

Now, that was a super weekend of racing. Whether it was Turfway Park's Polytrack, Santa Anita's Cushion track, or the dirt track at Belmont, this was racing at its best. The races were thrilling, formful, and showcased a good number of the sport's top stars. Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Hard Spun Trumps Street Sense in Kentucky Cup Classic

Hard Spun Trumps Street Sense in Kentucky Cup Classic

There they were at the head of the stretch, and the Sept. 29 Kentucky Cup Classic (gr. II) had developed into the showdown everyone hoped it would be. On the lead, Hard Spun barreled toward the finish line. Just off his hip, Street Sense dug deep to reel him in. This time, unlike in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), Hard Spun would not be denied the victory. Saturday, September 29, 2007

Derby 'Rematch' Helps Boost Kentucky Cup Exposure

Having the top two finishers in this year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) entered in the Sept. 29 Kentucky Cup Classic (gr. II) has led to an increase in local and national coverage of the event. Friday, September 28, 2007

Cat Shaker May Surprise in Classic

Sitting in the stakes barn at Turfway Park two days before the Kentucky Cup Classic (gr. III), Craig Callis still has a hard time believing that a $2,300 yearling purchase actually brought him here. Thursday, September 27, 2007
Street Sense, Hard Spun Rivals in Kentucky Cup Classic

Street Sense, Hard Spun Rivals in Kentucky Cup Classic

Making final preparations for the Oct. 27 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) at Monmouth Park, Jim Tafel's Street Sense and Rick Porter's Hard Spun will have a much-anticipated rematch in the Sept. 29 Kentucky Cup Classic (gr. II) over Turfway Park's Polytrack. Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Nafzger: Kentucky Cup Classic Close, But Not Easy

Nafzger: Kentucky Cup Classic Close, But Not Easy

Carl Nafzger, trainer of Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Street Sense, discussed his reasoning for racing against grade I winner Hard Spun in the Sept. 29 Kentucky Cup Classic (gr. II) at Turfway Park during a National Thoroughbred Racing Association media teleconference Sept. 25. Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Street Sense Tunes Up for Kentucky Cup Classic

Street Sense Tunes Up for Kentucky Cup Classic

James Tafel's Street Sense, winner of this year's Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), tuned up for a run in the Sept. 29 Kentucky Cup Classic (gr. II) at Turfway Park with a five furlong work Sept. 25 at Churchill Downs. Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Street Sense, Hard Spun to Meet in Kentucky Cup Classic

Street Sense, Hard Spun to Meet in Kentucky Cup Classic

Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Street Sense and Derby runner-up Hard Spun will meet for the third time in next Saturday's $350,000 Kentucky Cup Classic (gr. II) at Turfway Park, it was announced Sept. 22. Saturday, September 22, 2007

Porter Starts New Partnership, Turf Club USA

Rick Porter, whose Hard Spun won the Aug. 25 King's Bishop Stakes (gr. I), is launching a new partnership venture named Turf Club USA. Porter, who races as Fox Hill Farm, has also campaigned grade I winners Jostle and Round Pond. Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Steve Haskin's BC Countdown: Classic Picture Looking Bright

Steve Haskin's BC Countdown: Classic Picture Looking Bright

A long-range look at how the Breeders' Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (gr. I) is shaping up, ranked in order, and with the latest odds in the Wynn Las Vegas Race Book. Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Commentary:  Running Start

Commentary: Running Start

By Dan Liebman - Thankfully, someone at the time did have an interest in standing Danzig, Storm Cat, and Mr. Prospector, respectively. And, our breed has been changed forever because of their decisions. Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Hard Spun Fights Back, Wins King's Bishop

Hard Spun Fights Back, Wins King's Bishop

Heavily favored Hard Spun, a colt who has made all the major dances for trainer Larry Jones this season, earned his elusive first grade I victory when he turned back a serious challenge from First Defence in the $250,000 King's Bishop (gr. I) for 3-year-olds at Saratoga Aug. 25. Sunday, August 26, 2007

A Day At The Spa: Aug. 23, And They Race Horses, Too

While slightly difficult, it is entirely possible to come to Saratoga without watching a horse race. You can come, for instance, to enter the hot dog eating contest â€" and if you are like Crazy Legs Conti from New York City and can consume 21.5 hot dogs as he did yesterday, you can also win. Thursday, August 23, 2007
Hard Spun Shortens Up For King's Bishop

Hard Spun Shortens Up For King's Bishop

Hard Spun likely has only three races left in his career. That was conformed when it was recently announced that the Danzig colt would stand for Darley after the Breeders' Cup. That means, Saturday's $250,000 King's Bishop Stakes (gr. I) may provide Hard Spun with his best chance to finally capture an elusive Grade I race, as he shortens up to seven furlongs in a test for 3-year-olds over Saratoga's main track. Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Hard Spun Works at Delaware Park

Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Haskell Invitational (gr. I) runner-up Hard Spun worked at Delaware Park Aug. 19 in preparation for the King's Bishop Stakes (gr.I) at Saratoga Aug. 25. Sunday, August 19, 2007
Brass Hat to Return to Spa for Woodward; Rags in Sharp Work

Brass Hat to Return to Spa for Woodward; Rags in Sharp Work

Despite his poor effort in the Whitney Handicap (gr. I), Brass Hat will make a return visit to Saratoga for the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) Sep. 1, trainer Buff Bradley said Sunday. Sunday, August 19, 2007
Steve Haskin's BC Countdown: A Road Less Traveled

Steve Haskin's BC Countdown: A Road Less Traveled

There was the rubber match between Street Sense and Curlin in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I). Didn't Happen. There was the showdown between the two in the Travers Stakes (gr. I). Not going to happen. There was Rags to Riches headlining Lady's Day at Belmont for the CCA Oaks (gr. I). Didn't Happen. There was Rags in the Saratoga limelight for the Alabama. Not going to happen. Thursday, August 16, 2007
Any Given Saturday Romps in Haskell

Any Given Saturday Romps in Haskell

Under a confident ride from Garrett Gomez, Any Given Saturday moved past pace-setting Cable Boy, then caught Hard Spun in mid-stretch and pulled away for a decisive 4 1/2-length victory in the Haskell Invitational (gr. I) at Monmouth Park. Sunday, August 05, 2007
Curlin the Star of Aug. 5 Haskell

Curlin the Star of Aug. 5 Haskell

During the post position draw for the Aug. 5 running of the $1-million Haskell Invitational (gr. 1), Steve Asmussen was asked if Curlin was the best horse he has ever trained. A master of understatement, Asmussen flatly replied: "I think that would be very reasonable." Thursday, August 02, 2007

Haskell Invitational from Monmouth Live on TVG

TVG will offer exclusive, live on-site coverage of the $1-million Haskell Invitational (gr. I) at Monmouth Park Aug. 5. Thursday, August 02, 2007
Seven Possible for $1-Million Haskell Invitational

Seven Possible for $1-Million Haskell Invitational

A field of seven is shaping up for the $1-million Haskell Invitational (gr. I) at Monmouth Park Aug. 5. The race, presented by Vonage, is for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles. Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Field for Haskell Taking Shape

The 2007 running of Monmouth Park's $1-million Haskell Invitational Presented by Vonage (gr. I) promises to be one of the best ever, with Preakness (gr. I) winner Curlin, Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) runner-up Hard Spun, and the undefeated Cable Boy heading the field. Friday, July 20, 2007
Curlin, Hard Spun Turn in Sharp Works for Haskell

Curlin, Hard Spun Turn in Sharp Works for Haskell

The second season for 3-year-olds began on July 4, with the emphatic victory by Any Given Saturday in the Dwyer Stakes (gr. II), and judging from the works turned in by Curlin and Hard Spun on Monday, as well as Street Sense's work on Sunday, the heavy hitters from the Triple Crown are all primed and ready for their respective returns. Monday, July 09, 2007

Rags to Riches, Foes OK After Grueling Belmont

Rags to Riches, who became the queen of racing after she outfought the imposing Curlin in Saturday's 139th Belmont Stakes (gr. I), came out of the race no worse for wear in spite of a bad stumble at the start. Sunday, June 10, 2007

Filly Power! Rags to Riches Makes Belmont History

Rags to Riches becomes the first filly to win the Belmont (gr. I) since 1905, beating Curlin in a thrilling stretch duel. Saturday, June 09, 2007

Belmont Card Begins; Crowd Arriving Under Cloudy Skies

First race goes off at Belmont Park; crowd begins counting down until the last leg of the Triple Crown. Saturday, June 09, 2007

Steve Haskin's Belmont Report: The End of the Road

It's been a wild and crazy Triple Crown (no tip intended) with lots of twist and curves, and it all comes to a rousing conclusion in Saturday's Belmont Stakes (gr. I). Will Curlin finally regress, and if so, how much? How special is Rags to Riches? Will Hard Spun be able to slow down the pace? Stay tuned for the answers to these and other questions. Saturday, June 09, 2007

Asmussen Confident with Curlin on Belmont Eve

Trainer Steve Asmussen is confident that his Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Curlin will show up and finish strong in the final leg of the Triple Crown, the June 9 Belmont Stakes (gr. I). Friday, June 08, 2007

Carver in Hog Heaven With Hard Spun

One of the first horses Bob Carver bought a small part of is Belmont (gr. I) hopeful Hard Spun. The auto dealer from Arkansas is enjoying the Triple Crown ride as much as he does his Razorback football. Friday, June 08, 2007

Steve Haskin's Belmont Report: Curlin vs. Rags Has Belmont Abuzz

When all is said and done, the 139th Belmont Stakes (gr. I) has turned out to be a heck of a good race after all, Street Sense or no Street Sense. We have seven legitimate horses, with none of the usual no-hopers that seem to pop out of the woodwork for the third leg of the Triple Crown, and a classic male vs. female showdown. Thursday, June 07, 2007

Thursday's Morning Line: Belmont, Sweet Belmont

The paddock opens at 11:30 for schooling. One of the first to arrive is Belmont (gr. I) entrant Tiago. Trainer John Shirreffs, his stepson David Ingordo, and Frankie Herrarte, a member of his crew, follows the Pleasant Tap colt, who is led by Frank Leal. Thursday, June 07, 2007

Hall of Famer Bailey Analyzes Belmont

Jerry Bailey, known as an astute handicapper when he was carving out his Hall of Fame riding career, gave his thoughts on Saturday's Belmont Stakes (gr. I) while standing on the track's apron Thursday morning. Thursday, June 07, 2007

Seven Entered for Saturday's Belmont

Slew's Tizzy and Hard Spun, who figure to be the pacesetters in the June 9 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), drew next to each other at the post position draw Wednesday morning at Belmont Park. Curlin, the classic-winning morning line favorite in the seven-horse field, drew post three. Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Street Sense, Hard Spun to Darley After Retirement

Breeding rights secured by Darley for one-two Kentucky Derby finishers. Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Steve Haskin's Belmont Report: Belmont Gets Richer With Addition of 'Rags'

The suspense was so thick, you could cut it with a...Well, maybe it wasn't quite that thick, but at least there was a some anticipation to see what Todd Pletcher was going to do regarding Rags to Riches' status in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I). After putting off his decision as long as possible, he finally made the announcement at 9:30 Tuesday morning. Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Rags to Riches Will Run in Belmont; Velazquez to Ride

Trainer Todd Pletcher announced Tuesday morning that the filly Rags to Riches will contest the June 9 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) and be ridden by John Velazquez. Also, trainer Greg Fox said Rafael Bejarano has been named to ride Slew's Tizzy. Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Belmont Notes: Digger Needs Jockey; Biancone Would Be 'Delighted' if Third

While Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Curlin put in his final preparations for Saturday's Belmont Stakes (gr. I), Monday was a quiet day for other contenders for the $1-million classic. Monday, June 04, 2007

Curlin Completes Final Belmont Stakes Preparations

Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Curlin completed his serious preparation for Saturday's Belmont Stakes (gr. I) with a four-furlong work at Churchill Downs on Monday, June 4. Monday, June 04, 2007

List of Belmont Contenders Continues to Grow

With the additions of Digger and Time Squared, there are seven probable starters in Saturday's Belmont Stakes (gr. I). Monday, June 04, 2007

Belmont Cast Members Put in Final Rehearsals

Belmont Stakes (gr. I) contenders Hard Spun, Imawildandcrazyguy, and Tiago, as well as Todd Pletcher-trained candidates Rags to Riches and Circular Quay, all hit the Belmont main track for work-outs Sunday morning. Sunday, June 03, 2007

Slew's Tizzy Breezes; 'He's Ready,' Says Fox

Slew's Tizzy had his final major pre-Belmont Stakes workout Saturday morning at The Thoroughbred Training Center in Lexington, Ky. The colt breezed a half mile over the facility's conventional dirt track for trainer Gregory Fox. Saturday, June 02, 2007

Curlin, Hard Spun Take Over Center Stage

With the racing world still rocking from the bombshell dropped by Carl Nafzger Thursday morning, all thoughts immediately turned to the two big horses who will remain on their Triple Crown journey and the two trainers who elected to see it through to its conclusion. Thursday, May 31, 2007

Trainers of Belmont Contenders Ship, Plan Final Works

With the June 9 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) fast approaching, trainers of the expected contenders were making plans for travel and pre-race works May 31. Thursday, May 31, 2007

Steve Haskin's Preakness Wrapup: Final Thoughts

Five days after the Preakness (gr. I) and people are still talking about the race, asking the same questions. How did Street Sense lose? How remarkable was Curlin's performance? Did Mario Pino make a blunder or did he make the right move that just didn't turn out right? Why was Calvin Borel looking behind him in deep stretch? Monday, May 28, 2007

Gomez Replaces Pino on Hard Spun for Belmont

Owner Rick Porter and trainer Larry Jones have named Garrett Gomez to ride Hard Spun in the June 9 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), replacing Mario Pino, who had ridden the colt in all eight of his previous starts. As of now, Hard Spun is considered 98% certain to run, according to Porter. Saturday, May 26, 2007

Steve Haskin's Preakness Recap: Crafty Curlin

Thoroughbred racing is a sport of contrasting emotions, ranging from euphoria to despair and laced with a heavy dose of what might have beens. It often takes a special horse to bring all those emotions to the surface, and after watching the 132nd Preakness Stakes (gr. I), there is no doubt that Curlin is that kind of horse. Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Curlin Derails Street Sense in Preakness

Curlin, who suffered his first defeat in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), kept gaining down the stretch and got past Street Sense in the final strides to win the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) Saturday at Pimlico. Saturday, May 19, 2007

Few Surprises in Early Preakness Wagering

There were few surprises in Friday's early wagering on Saturday's Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico Racecourse, with Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense the predictable favorite. Saturday, May 19, 2007

Steve Haskin's Preakness Report: Looking For a Hot Toddy

Unlike the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), the Preakness (gr. I) cannot be assessed through observations, as the horses shipped in to Pimlico just days before the race and have not been visible enough to be judged off works or even gallops. Friday, May 18, 2007

For Pino, It's All About Contentment, Confidence

Mario Pino, long based in Maryland and a regular in other Mid-Atlantic states, has a lot of people rooting for him and his mount, Hard Spun, in Saturday's Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico Race Course. Thursday, May 17, 2007

Thursday Morning Line at Pimlico

The autograph hounds were on the prowl Thursday morning at Pimlico, with Kentucky Derby winning trainer Carl Nafzger signing an oversized print of Street Sense to benefit a Pennsylvania charity. Thursday, May 17, 2007

Street Sense, Hard Spun Draw Outside Posts

Street Sense and Hard Spun, the one-two finishers in the May 5 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands, drew outside post positions for Saturday's Preakness Stakes (gr. I), which attracted a field of nine. Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Hard Spun Completes Preakness Preparations

Hard Spun completed his preparations for the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) with a quarter-mile blowout under jockey Mario Pino May 16 at Delaware Park. Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Charmin and Sheets

By Bill Nack - The Derby, unique and demanding, requires that a horse be absolutely dead fit to win it. Tuesday, May 15, 2007

CP West Works at Belmont, Hard Spun Gallops at Delaware

Trainer Nick Zito said it's "all systems go" for Saturday's Preakness Stakes (gr. I) after C P West worked a half-mile at Belmont Park May 14. Meanwhile, Hard Spun, King of the Roxy, Xchanger, and Mint Slewlep all prepped for their run at the second jewel of the Triple Crown. Monday, May 14, 2007

Hard Spun Trainer Gearing Up for Round Two

Larry Jones, who is still having visions of Street Sense getting shut off somewhere - anywhere - in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), is just about ready to drop what might have been and focus all his attention on what will be. Thursday, May 10, 2007

Steve Haskin's Derby Recap: No Nonsense

The 133rd Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) was about a king, a queen, and a bunch of country boys. It was about a near-record crowd that erupted in celebration for its transplanted hometown heroes -- Street Sense, Carl Nafzger, and Calvin Borel. And it was about the end of a 23-year-old jinx. But most importantly, it was about class. Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Relationships and Myths

By Dan Liebman - More than anything else, this year's Run for the Roses is about relationships...and myths. Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Preakness Update: Hard Spun's Connections Hope to Turn Tables

Larry Jones, in his familiar white cowboy hat, has become a recognizable figure during the build-up to the Triple Crown. The personable 50-year old conditioner might be switching to a black cowboy hat as he and his star Hard Spun hope to spoil the Triple Crown hopes of Street Sense and trainer Carl Nafzger in the $1 million Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico Race Course on May 19. Monday, May 07, 2007

Street Sense to Face New Challengers in Preakness

When Street Sense moves on to Pimlico Race Course for the May 19 Preakness Stakes (gr. I), the Carl Nafzger-trained colt is likely to face only a few of the 19 horses he defeated in Saturday's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). Sunday, May 06, 2007

It All Makes Sense in Kentucky Derby

The jinx has been broken. Calvin Borel and Street Sense won the $2.2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) Saturday, the first Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) winner to return at 3 and win the Derby. Saturday, May 05, 2007

Derby Day: Chance of Off Track; Pack the Poncho

With a 60% chance of rain in Louisville today, patrons going to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) would be well advised to pack a poncho. But leave the umbrella at home because that is one of the items banned from being brought into Churchill Downs. Saturday, May 05, 2007

Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Crunch Time

Arriving in Kentucky two weeks ago, the feeling here was that there were two horses in particular to concentrate on who looked to be coming into the Derby with enough angles to make them live at a decent price. After watching most of the Derby horses work and gallop at Keeneland and Churchill, things have changed a bit, as has track condition. Friday, May 04, 2007

Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Let the Mind Games Begin

The post position draw is history, and it is time for racing's greatest minds to start planning strategy. Will there be a fast pace or a slow pace? Do you send or take back and see what others do? Will the outside horses break sharply and try to get to the inside or take back and hope to get lucky to find the holes? The wheels are turning. Thursday, May 03, 2007

Derby Rubdown: Hard Spun Gets Ready With a Massage

Massage helps Hard Spun work out all the kinks before Saturday's Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brands (gr.I). Thursday, May 03, 2007

May Day! Storm in May to Pick First Post Position

The connections of Storm in May will have first choice when post positions are selected later this evening thanks to pulling the No. 1 pill during the pill pull at the racing office. In all 22 horses were entered. Reporting for Duty and Delightful Kiss did not draw into the body of the field due to lack of enough graded earnings. Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Post Trauma

It was 11:15, and the 11 a.m. post position selection draw at the racing office still had not begun, as owners and trainers of Kentucky Derby horses paced back and forth or just stood anxiously waiting to see if all their hard work was about to be nullified by some random, ominous-sounding number. Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Evan Hammonds' Kentucky Derby Starting Gate

Welcome to Derby Week, or week 11 of the "Starting Gate," one person's look at this year's Kentucky Derby lineup. As we approach Wednesday, entry day, this how we would handicap the top 20 contenders for the May 5 Run for the Roses. Actual entry into America's greatest race is reliant on graded stakes earnings -- this lineup is based on some speculation, past performances, and potential performance on Saturday. Monday, April 30, 2007

Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Spunrise at the Downs

It takes a lot to steal the spotlight from Curlin, but at approximately 8:35 Monday morning, Hard Spun made Curlin's half-mile work two hours earlier seem like a distant memory. That's when the Lane's End (gr. II) winner went out and worked five furlongs in :57 3/5, all but leaving sparks as his feet hit the ground. Monday, April 30, 2007

Hard Spun Blazes Five Furlongs in :57 3/5

Richard Porter's Hard Spun scorched the Churchill Downs main track Monday morning, blazing five furlongs in :57 3/5 under regular rider Mario Pino. Hard Spun worked in company, for a while at least, with graded stakes winner Wildcat Bettie B. Monday, April 30, 2007

What's in a Name? Tradition, Humor

To aid in unscientific handicapping (and for the entertainment of trivia aficionados), here are the stories behind the titles of this year's contenders for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). Friday, April 27, 2007

Steve Haskin's Derby Report: Won't You Stay, Just a Little Bit Farther

With speed the primary ingredient in the Thoroughbred, and true stamina being pushed deeper and deeper into a horse's pedigree, we have to try to find staying power wherever we can. Although old-fashioned stamina on the sire's side no longer is necessary to win the Derby, it still has been a main factor on the dam's side. Thursday, April 26, 2007
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