ThoroughbredZone.Com

The end of thoroughbred racing at the Meadowlands has come—for the time being anyway.  The powers that be have decided that converting the Meadowlands harness track to a thoroughbred track is not worth the time, energy, and most importantly the money.

In recent years it has been no secret that the Meadowlands was in jeopardy of discontinuing the thoroughbred racing meet due to cost and other reasons.  It seemed every year there was a rumor in the air that this would be the last year of thoroughbred racing at the Meadowlands.

The bottom line is this—it just does not make sense to convert the track for thoroughbred racing from harness racing.  Instead New Jersey will have a shortened meet at Monmouth Park starting May 22, and will run through September 11, with $50 million in purse money spread over the 50-day meet.  The planned days of racing will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  I love Monmouth Park, and I think the potential of success is there for sure.  I have always considered Monmouth Park my other home track.

Does thoroughbred racing at the Meadowlands really have to come to a complete end?  I say the answer is no.  The Meadowlands still has a fine turf course that will go completely unused.

I propose the state of New Jersey run a shortened Meadowlands turf thoroughbred meet after the Monmouth Park meet ends.  Now this may not at all be possible this year, considering the  racing dates have already been decided, but down the road this could be a feasible idea.

There are more pros, than cons with a Meadowlands Turf meet.  By the time September comes around , the Monmouth Park turf course will have taken some good wear and tear.  The Meadowlands turf course will have been untouched for the entire year.  And aside from normal maintenance of the turf course, no conversion will be necessary, thus saving money.  It’s there and it’s ready to be used.

By having a Meadowlands turf meet they can also save some of the fall staple stakes races such as the Cliffhanger (GIII) and the Violet Stakes (GIII), which always draw large fields.  The tradition of the Grey Ghost handicap on or around Halloween can also live on.  Turf racing always draws large fields and shippers from the New York and the Mid-Atlantic States.  Full fields will almost be assured.

How long would a Meadowlands Turf meet last, and when would it start?  I think an ideal time for a Meadowlands turf meet would be Labor Day through the end of the month, or sometime in October.  These are questions that would have to be worked out, but I think it’s something that should at the very least be explored.  I for one love turf racing and everything about it.  Other possible issues would be rain—how to handle weather situations is something that would have to be looked into.

A short turf meet would be nice—running Friday and Saturday under the lights.  By having a turf meet they could also find a way to save the Meadowlands biggest races—the Meadowlands Cup and/or the Pegasus—however, they would now become turf events.

The entire concept is quality over quantity.  If  New Jersey takes a look at this they could very well find a new niche at the Meadowlands for thoroughbreds—a short, but high quality turf meet in the fall—or late summer that will attract many horsemen.  A smart marketing campaign to promote this shorter but higher quality turf meet would also have to be explored.

Hopefully the new Monmouth Park meet with boosted purses and fewer dates will be a big success and New Jersey will have a premiere racing venue in the summer—making Monmouth Park thee place to be this spring and summer.  I think it has every opportunity to become a success especially with the issues currently facing the NYRA.  The time is right.

I also think a short turf meet at the Meadowlands could be a success.  It would be a shame to waste a perfectly fine turf course.

No changes this week.  Awesome Act went on to win the Gotham (GII) at Aqueduct in a nice effort.  He was trying dirt for the first time.  Awesome Act overcame a long plane flight and a stay in the detention barn.  He arrived in New York on Wednesday.  Yawanna Twist swung wide turning for home and made a a good rally, but ran out of room.  Alphie’s Bet won the Sham (GIII) at Santa Anita.  Three Kentucky Derby Preps will  head this weekends action—The Rebel (GII) at Oaklawn Park.  The Tampa Bay Derby (GIII) at Tampa Bay and the San Felipe (GII) at Santa Anita.  Lookin at Lucky will get his dirt debut in the Rebel (GII) if all goes well.  Super Saver, Noble’s Promise, Caracortado, Dublin and American Lion will all see action this weekend—A big weekend for Derby hopefuls is on tap.

(1) Lookin at Lucky – Smart Strike – Private Feeling by Belong To Me (May) Purchase Price $475,000 – Lookin at Lucky will kick things off in the #1 spot on ThoroughbredZone’s 2010 Kentucky Derby 12.  The 2-year-old Champion has yet to make his first start as a 3-year-old—and that could possibly come in either the San Felipe (GII) or the Rebel (GII). Lookin at Lucky had a solid 2-year-old campaign.  He ran a very close 2nd to Vale of York in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI) after being wide most of the way.  He has a nice sit back and stalk type style of running.  He has a solid foundation under him and is still behind a lot of the others in the maturation department being a late May foal.  He is continuing to develop physically and mentally as a thoroughbred racehorse.  Bob Baffert will do everything he can to have him primed on Derby day—he knows how to do it. Lookin at Lucky has been drilling regularly—and for the dosage people—Lookin at Lucky is a dual-qualifier.  The biggest question with him is—will he move forward off his successful 2-year-old campaign, or digress? Lookin at Lucky has yet to run on dirt.  He will eventually face some of the other more highly regarded thoroughbreds this spring  | Next Dirt Debut-Rebel (GII) 3/13 **Depending on Weather**

(2) Eskendereya  – Giant’s Causeway – Aldebaran Light by Seattle Slew (Feb)  Purchase Price $250,000 – Eskendereya is coming off a visually impressive win in the Fountain of Youth (GII) where he earned a big speed figure.  He sat off a moderate pace and made his move—passing Jackson Bend turning for home and opened up on him to win by 8 1/2 lengths.  He completed the one-mile and one-eighth race in 1:48.87.  Todd Pletcher is confident in his talented horse and has indicated he will continue to improve.  He is also one of the best-bred horses in this group—as always—distance is always a concern—he is one that should not have an issue with a mile and a quarter.  He will face better next time out in the Florida Derby, and will probably see Rule | Next-Florida Derby (GI) 3/20

(3) Caracortado – Cat Dreams – Mons Venus by Marias Mon (May) Homebred – The California Bred gelding stalked a few lengths behind Tiz Chrome and American Lion through splits of 23.27, 47.11, 1:11.25  and went past the highly rated colts at the top of the stretch on his way to winning the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (GII) in a time of 1:41.75 for the mile and a sixteenth.  In winning Caracortado stayed perfect—improving his record to 5 wins from 5 starts.  He is a May foal that is still developing. Caracortado is Cat Dreams best runner so far that he has sired.  He could face Lookin at Lucky and Sidney’s Candy in the San Felipe (GII)—as well as Dave in Dixie again.  The San Felipe (GII) should give us a good idea of who is ready to make a stand as the top 3-year-old on the west coast | Next-San Felipe (GII) 3/13

(4) Dave In Dixie – Dixie Union – Risk by Wavering Monarch (Mar) Purchase $140,000  – Dave In Dixie ran out of ground in the Robert B. Lewis (GII) but was gaining on the winner—Caracortado.  This is a horse that should  do well as the races get longer.  He was able to rate well behind Tiz Chrome, American Lion and Caracortado—Dave in Dixie surged to the wire—striding nicely with a late rally, but ran out of room.  | Next-San Felipe (GII) 3/13

(5) Rule – Roman Ruler – Rockcide by Personal Flag (Jan) Homebred – The Winstar homebred and winner of the Delta Jackpot (GIII) and Sam Davis Stakes (GIII) at Tampa Bay has shown tenacity and determination in both of those wins.  He ran on the front end in both wins. Lookin at Lucky is the youngster of this group—Rule is one of the oldest 3-year-olds in this crop, being a January 13 foal—has an edge in the maturation department on others.  Also sports a win over an off track—in the Delta Jackpot (GIII), which was a heavy track that night.  He will face tougher as the spring goes on and will have to prove he can handle class tests as well as staying the longer distances.  He had something left in the tank in the final furlong of the Sam Davis (GIII), indicating he can keep it going a bit further.  He has shown the ability to dig down and fight on to the wire—always a good asset to have | Next-Florida Derby 3/20 or Wood Memorial (GI) 4/3

(6) Odysseus – Malibu Moon – Permission Hill by Conquistador Cialo (Apr) Purchase Price  $110,000 – Odysseus is light in the experience department—but he makes up for that in the talent department.  He was an impressive winner in an allowance race at Tampa Bay last month.  But still had to work a little in the race.  Nonetheless opened up to win easily in 1:44.37.  His final time was a tad slower then Rules (1:44.15)—however he was under wraps as he crossed the finish line.  As the spring rolls on Odysseus will face some more highly regarded horses—but not sure when that will be.  He should continue to mature and move forward off that big allowance win. | Next-Tampa Bay Derby (GII) 3/13

(7) Conveyance – Indian Charlie- Empty The Hill by Holy Bull (Feb) Purchase Price $240,000 – Another Baffert 3-year-old and son of Indian Charlie has done nothing but win.  He is a perfect 4 for 4.  His latest score was a gate to wire victory in the Southwest Stakes (GIII) Oaklawn Park.  He dictated a moderate pace throughout and had enough to stay on for the win, despite Dublin making a strong late rally. Conveyance set fractions of 22.78, 46.25, 1:10.67, and finished the mile in 1:36.94. Conveyance raced as a 2-year-old and continues to move forward.  The concern with him will be his ability to get a mile and a quarter—could very well be suited for distances less then a mile | Next-UAE Derby 3/27

(8) Dublin – Afleet Alex – Classy Mirage by Storm Bird (April) Purchase Price $525,000 – Dublin has come along nicely since coming back from a procedure to correct a breathing problem.  He ran on strongly in the Southwest Stakes (GIII) at Oaklawn—despite stumbling he surged to the wire and almost was able to get to Conveyance.  Trained by Kentucky Derby legend trainer D. Wayne Lukas—Dublin a son of dual classic winner Afleet Alex has now displayed the important ability to sit off the pace and make a sustained rall. Dublin is another that is a dual-qualifier.  D. Wayne Lukas has expressed confidence in his colt | Next-Rebel (GII) 3/13

(9) Discreetly Mine – Mineshaft – Pretty Discreet by Private Account Homebred (Mar) Discreetly Mine set the pace in the Risen Star (GII) and never looked back as he held off a stubborn Tempted to Tapit throughout the race. Discreetly Mine is another in this 3-year-old crop that likes to run on the lead. Discreetly Mine set moderate fractions in the Risen Star (GII) galloping along easily to moderate splits of 24.60, 48.75, 1:13.44 and finished in 1:44.85.   He will still have to prove how far he can go. Discreetly Mine is another who is a dual-qualifier | Next-Louisiana Derby (GII) 3/27

(10) Tempted To Tapit – Tapit – Tempting Note by Editors Note (Apr) Purchase Price $18,000 – Tempted to Tapit so far is this years bargain horse.  He was an $18,000 purchase.  He ran a solid race in the Risen Star (GII) to Discreetly Mine.  He Stalked throughout and he had enough in the tank to stay on until the end—holding second place. Tempted To Tapit displayed determination—not allowing any other horse to pass him.  He should be able to handle added distance.  Since being gelded—has run well | Next-Either Louisiana Derby (GII) or Sunland Derby (GIII)

(11) Sidney’s Candy – Candy Ride – Fair Exchange by Storm Cat (Jan) Homebred – The talented Sidney’s Candy was the impressive winner of the San Vicente Stakes (GIII) in February at Santa Anita.  He was able to snap off quick fractions and kept it going past the finish line, galloping out nicely.  No other horse in the race was able to make up any ground on him. Sidney’s Candy should be able to handle added distance—looked good after crossing the finish line. Sidney’s Candy has the potential to blossom as a legitimate Derby prospect—as he continues to develop as a 3-year-old.  Trainer John Sadler also has Dave In Dixie in his barn, which makes for a nice 1-2 Derby punch—whether they run in the same race next or stay separated remains to be seen | Next-San Felipe (GII) Possible 3/13

(12) D’Funnybone – D’wildcat – Elbow by Woodman (Jan) The Hutcheson (GII) winner rounds out the top 12. D’Funnybone stopped the clock in the Hutcheson (GII) in a snappy 1:22.14. D’Funnybone sat off fractions of 22.37, 45.10, 1:09.18 and held off the late charge of A Little Warm.  The speedy son of D’wildcat rated off the front runners and took command on his own turning for home.  He will need to show the ability to stretch that speed out further if he is going to be considered a legitimate Derby prospect.  For the dosage people, the good news is he is a dual qualifier—and has an experience edge being a January 14 foal.  Time will tell if he will be able to go long and if connections are willing to find out. Has a good 2-year-old foundation—for now he is on the list | Next Swale (GII) or Florida Derby (GI) 3/27

 Knocking On The Door

****

Awesome Act-Gotham (GII) winner, Yawanna Twist- 2nd in Gotham (GII), Nacho Friend- 3rd in Gotham (GII), Radiohead – Winner on dirt in first try—ran mile in 1:35.90, Miner’s Reserve – sharp maiden winner at Gulfstream—ran mile in 1:35.87, Tiz Chrome – Speedy colt 2nd in Robert B. Lewis (GII), American Lion – 3rd in Robert B. Lewis (GII), Bulldogger – Ran 3rd Santa Anita in allowance on 3/3, Tiz the One - Won 1st time out at Gulfstream nicely,  Super Saver - Rebel next (GII), Noble’s Promise – 3-year-old debut in Rebel (GII), Uptowncharlybrown – 3rd in Sam Davis (GIII) Tampa Bay Derby  next, Jackson Bend-Wood Memorial (GI) Next,  Eightyfiveinafifty- Speedy colt- Bolted in Whirlaway, Connemara – El Camino Real Derby (GIII) winner possible for Lane’s End (GII), Aikenite – Will have to show improvement-next Blue Grass (GI), Alphie’s Bet- Sham (GIII) winner, Buddy’s Saint - Bad trip in FOY will try to bounce back, Backtalk - Louisiana (GII) or Arkansas Derby (GI) Next, Super Saver – Working well for return in Rebel (GII), A Little Warm – 2nd to D’Funnybone in the Hutcheson (GII), Ron The Greek - 6th in Risen Star (GII), Drosselmeyer - 4th in Risen Star (GII)

No changes this week.  Awesome Act went on to win the Gotham (GII) at Aqueduct in a nice effort.  Yawanna Twist swung wide turning for home and made a a good rally, but ran out of room.  Alphie’s Bet wins the Sham (GIII) at Santa Anita.

(1) Lookin at Lucky – Smart Strike – Private Feeling by Belong To Me (May) Purchase Price $475,000 – Lookin at Lucky will kick things off in the #1 spot on ThoroughbredZone’s 2010 Kentucky Derby 12.  The 2-year-old Champion has yet to make his first start as a 3-year-old—and that could possibly come in either the San Felipe (GII) or the Rebel (GII). Lookin at Lucky had a solid 2-year-old campaign.  He ran a very close 2nd to Vale of York in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI) after being wide most of the way.  He has a nice sit back and stalk type style of running.  He has a solid foundation under him and is still behind a lot of the others in the maturation department being a late May foal.  He is continuing to develop physically and mentally as a thoroughbred racehorse.  Bob Baffert will do everything he can to have him primed on Derby day—he knows how to do it. Lookin at Lucky has been drilling regularly—and for the dosage people—Lookin at Lucky is a dual-qualifier.  The biggest question with him is—will he move forward off his successful 2-year-old campaign, or digress? Lookin at Lucky has yet to run on dirt.  He will eventually face some of the other more highly regarded thoroughbreds this spring  | Next-San Felipe (GII) or Rebel (GII)

(2) Eskendereya  – Giant’s Causeway – Aldebaran Light by Seattle Slew (Feb)  Purchase Price $250,000 – Eskendereya is coming off a visually impressive win in the Fountain of Youth (GII) where he earned a big speed figure.  He sat off a moderate pace and made his move—passing Jackson Bend turning for home and opened up on him to win by 8 1/2 lengths.  He completed the one-mile and one-eighth race in 1:48.87.  Todd Pletcher is confident in his talented horse and has indicated he will continue to improve.  He is also one of the best-bred horses in this group—as always—distance is always a concern—he is one that should not have an issue with a mile and a quarter.  He will face better next time out in the Florida Derby, and will probably see Rule | Next-Florida Derby (GI)

(3) Caracortado – Cat Dreams – Mons Venus by Marias Mon (May) Homebred – The California Bred gelding stalked a few lengths behind Tiz Chrome and American Lion through splits of 23.27, 47.11, 1:11.25  and went past the highly rated colts at the top of the stretch on his way to winning the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (GII) in a time of 1:41.75 for the mile and a sixteenth.  In winning Caracortado stayed perfect—improving his record to 5 wins from 5 starts.  He is a May foal that is still developing. Caracortado is Cat Dreams best runner so far that he has sired.  He could face Lookin at Lucky and Sidney’s Candy in the San Felipe (GII)—as well as Dave in Dixie again.  The San Felipe (GII) should give us a good idea of who is ready to make a stand as the top 3-year-old on the west coast | Next-San Felipe (GII)

(4) Dave In Dixie – Dixie Union – Risk by Wavering Monarch (Mar) Purchase $140,000  – Dave In Dixie ran out of ground in the Robert B. Lewis (GII) but was gaining on the winner—Caracortado.  This is a horse that should  do well as the races get longer.  He was able to rate well behind Tiz Chrome, American Lion and Caracortado—Dave in Dixie surged to the wire—striding nicely with a late rally, but ran out of room.  | Next-San Felipe (GII)

(5) Rule – Roman Ruler – Rockcide by Personal Flag (Jan) Homebred – The Winstar homebred and winner of the Delta Jackpot (GIII) and Sam Davis Stakes (GIII) at Tampa Bay has shown tenacity and determination in both of those wins.  He ran on the front end in both wins. Lookin at Lucky is the youngster of this group—Rule is one of the oldest 3-year-olds in this crop, being a January 13 foal—has an edge in the maturation department on others.  Also sports a win over an off track—in the Delta Jackpot (GIII), which was a heavy track that night.  He will face tougher as the spring goes on and will have to prove he can handle class tests as well as staying the longer distances.  He had something left in the tank in the final furlong of the Sam Davis (GIII), indicating he can keep it going a bit further.  He has shown the ability to dig down and fight on to the wire—always a good asset to have | Next-Florida Derby (GI)

(6) Odysseus – Malibu Moon – Permission Hill by Conquistador Cialo (Apr) Purchase Price  $110,000 – Odysseus is light in the experience department—but he makes up for that in the talent department.  He was an impressive winner in an allowance race at Tampa Bay last month.  But still had to work a little in the race.  Nonetheless opened up to win easily in 1:44.37.  His final time was a tad slower then Rules (1:44.15)—however he was under wraps as he crossed the finish line.  As the spring rolls on Odysseus will face some more highly regarded horses—but not sure when that will be.  He should continue to mature and move forward off that big allowance win. | Next-Tampa Bay Derby (GII)

(7) Conveyance – Indian Charlie- Empty The Hill by Holy Bull (Feb) Purchase Price $240,000 – Another Baffert 3-year-old and son of Indian Charlie has done nothing but win.  He is a perfect 4 for 4.  His latest score was a gate to wire victory in the Southwest Stakes (GIII) Oaklawn Park.  He dictated a moderate pace throughout and had enough to stay on for the win, despite Dublin making a strong late rally. Conveyance set fractions of 22.78, 46.25, 1:10.67, and finished the mile in 1:36.94. Conveyance raced as a 2-year-old and continues to move forward.  The concern with him will be his ability to get a mile and a quarter—could very well be suited for distances less then a mile | Next-Rebel-Wood or UAE Derby

(8) Dublin – Afleet Alex – Classy Mirage by Storm Bird (April) Purchase Price $525,000 – Dublin has come along nicely since coming back from a procedure to correct a breathing problem.  He ran on strongly in the Southwest Stakes (GIII) at Oaklawn—despite stumbling he surged to the wire and almost was able to get to Conveyance.  Trained by Kentucky Derby legend trainer D. Wayne Lukas—Dublin a son of dual classic winner Afleet Alex has now displayed the important ability to sit off the pace and make a sustained rall. Dublin is another that is a dual-qualifier.  D. Wayne Lukas has expressed confidence in his colt | Next-Rebel (GII)

(9) Discreetly Mine – Mineshaft – Pretty Discreet by Private Account Homebred (Mar) Discreetly Mine set the pace in the Risen Star (GII) and never looked back as he held off a stubborn Tempted to Tapit throughout the race. Discreetly Mine is another in this 3-year-old crop that likes to run on the lead. Discreetly Mine set moderate fractions in the Risen Star (GII) galloping along easily to moderate splits of 24.60, 48.75, 1:13.44 and finished in 1:44.85.   He will still have to prove how far he can go. Discreetly Mine is another who is a dual-qualifier | Next-Louisiana Derby Possible (GII)

(10) Tempted To Tapit – Tapit – Tempting Note by Editors Note (Apr) Purchase Price $18,000 – Tempted to Tapit so far is this years bargain horse.  He was an $18,000 purchase.  He ran a solid race in the Risen Star (GII) to Discreetly Mine.  He Stalked throughout and he had enough in the tank to stay on until the end—holding second place. Tempted To Tapit displayed determination—not allowing any other horse to pass him.  He should be able to handle added distance.  Since being gelded—has run well | Next-Either Louisiana Derby (GII) or Sunland Derby (GIII)

(11) Sidney’s Candy – Candy Ride – Fair Exchange by Storm Cat (Jan) Homebred – The talented Sidney’s Candy was the impressive winner of the San Vicente Stakes (GIII) in February at Santa Anita.  He was able to snap off quick fractions and kept it going past the finish line, galloping out nicely.  No other horse in the race was able to make up any ground on him. Sidney’s Candy should be able to handle added distance—looked good after crossing the finish line. Sidney’s Candy has the potential to blossom as a legitimate Derby prospect—as he continues to develop as a 3-year-old.  Trainer John Sadler also has Dave In Dixie in his barn, which makes for a nice 1-2 Derby punch—whether they run in the same race next or stay separated remains to be seen | Next-San Felipe (GII) Possible

(12) D’Funnybone – D’wildcat – Elbow by Woodman (Jan) The Hutcheson (GII) winner rounds out the top 12. D’Funnybone stopped the clock in the Hutcheson (GII) in a snappy 1:22.14. D’Funnybone sat off fractions of 22.37, 45.10, 1:09.18 and held off the late charge of A Little Warm.  The speedy son of D’wildcat rated off the front runners and took command on his own turning for home.  He will need to show the ability to stretch that speed out further if he is going to be considered a legitimate Derby prospect.  For the dosage people, the good news is he is a dual qualifier—and has an experience edge being a January 14 foal.  Time will tell if he will be able to go long and if connections are willing to find out. Has a good 2-year-old foundation—for now he is on the list | Next Swale (GII) or Florida Derby (GI)

Knocking On The Door

****

Radiohead – winner on dirt in first try—ran mile in 1:35.90, Miner’s Reserve – sharp maiden winner at Gulfstream—ran mile in 1:35.87, Tiz Chrome – Speedy colt 2nd in Robert B. Lewis (GII), American Lion – 3rd in Robert B. Lewis (GII), Bulldogger – Ran 3rd Santa Anita in allowance on 3/3, Tiz the One - Won 1st time out at Gulfstream nicely,  Super Saver - Waiting on 3-year-old debut, Noble’s Promise – 3-year-old debut in Rebel (GII), Uptowncharlybrown – 3rd in Sam Davis (GIII) Tampa Bay Derby next, Jackson Bend-Wood Memorial (GI) Next,  Connemara – El Camino Real Derby (GIII) winner possible for Lane’s End (GII),Aikenite – Will have to show improvement-next Blue Grass (GI), Alphie’s Bet- Sham (GIII) winner, Awesome Act-Gotham (GII) winner, Yawanna Twist- 2nd in Gotham (GII), Nacho Friend- 3rd in Gotham (GII), Buddy’s Saint - Bad trip in FOY will try to bounce back, Backtalk - Louisiana (GII) or Arkansas Derby (GI) Next, Super Saver – Working well for return in Rebel (GII), A Little Warm – 2nd to D’Funnybone in the Hutcheson (GII), Laus Deo – Count Fleet winner, Ron The Greek - 6th in Risen Star (GII), Drosselmeyer - 4th in Risen Star (GII)

The real Joey P. is back—wins race 3 at Aqueduct! Joey P. zipped right to the lead and held off the challenge of Mt Glittermore to record his first win since returning from emergency intestinal surgery last June. Joey P’s last two starts were both lack luster affairs, but today the the real Joey P. showed up with a sharp front-running win.  The 8-year-old gelding recorded his 17th career win in 38 career starts and his first ever in New York. The win also put the New Jersey bred over the $1 Million mark in career earnings.  The 8-year-old son of Close Up was ready to defend his title in the Charles Town Dash last June, but he had to undergo emergency intestinal surgery preventing him from doing so.   He was coming off an impressive win in the JJ Reilly a few weeks earlier and was primed to repeat.   Today he cruised through fractions of 22.38 and 46.14 and had plenty left in the stretch as he dug in and fended of the challenge of the 1/2 favorite Mt Glittermore. Joey P. completed the 6 furlongs in 1:11.28 over a sealed track that was rated muddy.  Joey P. was ridden by Chuck C. Lopez and is trained by Ben Perkins Jr. **Chart**

It was great to see the real Joey P. back in action.  He proved he’s still got it.

Joey P. In 2008 At Monmouth

Joey. Wins The J JReilly In 2009 At Monmouth

Joey P.Before The J JReilly Stakes

It’s the Olympics on NBC—or should I say it’s the taped Olympics on NBC?  It does not really matter anymore what live event is going on in prime time for NBC.  NBC is more concerned with what you will see on tape delay from earlier in the afternoon instead.  No biggie—this is NBC’s thing.  They tape it—we watch it.

NBC had a golden opportunity last night to give these games some more exposure as one of the biggest events of these games so far was actually being played—live in prime time.  Millions more would have been able to see the thrilling Team USA-Canada Hockey game if the powers that be had opted to show it on NBC.  Instead NBC chose to put this game on it’s sister station—MSNBC.

NBC stuck with the tape machine and showed different events—that had ended hours earlier during the afternoon over the live Team USA-Canada Hockey game.  Why would they do that?  If NBC is hell bent on showing these events on tape—they could have easily shown these events—that were taped to begin with at another time—it’s taped right?

NBC not only opted to show taped events from earlier in the day—but also totally neglected to inform viewers what was happening in what turned out to be a thrilling 5-3 win by Team USA over Canada.  NBC did not give one peep, mention or score during the game.  Instead we continued to watch other events—taped.

Don’t fret—go to the Internet.  NBCOlympics.com will show the whole game live on it’s website.  One huge catch—you had to have a cable provider—thus you can’t watch anything if you don’t.  So that plan was a total failure.

So I did not get to see one second of live action—nor did millions of other people.  I was still able to find out plenty as to what was happening in the game.  So I was fine with that, but why would NBC feel it was not important to have this marquee match up on the main NBC network—where millions of more viewers would have been able to tune in—die hard hockey fans, casual hockey fans or just people interested in watching Team USA during the Olympics.

NBC has long showed Olympic events that have been recorded earlier in the day to be shown in prime time so viewers can see the big events they missed during the day.  Well that excuse comes up empty considering the big event of the day was on live—in prime time.

Hockey is already a sport that struggles to extent as a major viewing sport on network television in the USA—add insult to injury NBC is the home of the NHL during the playoffs and Stanley Cup Finals—as well as the new and popular NHL Winter Classic on New Year’s Day.  You would think this was a game that not only would be shown live on NBC, but rammed down our throats.  Instead we got zip.

The Team USA-Canada Hockey game was not a medal game—but nonetheless there was great interest here.  Hopefully as the Olympics roll on—the United States Hockey team will continue to play well—and hopefully NBC will finally see fit to actually show a game live—on NBC.  Until then the tape will continue to roll on at NBC—while a lot of people miss out on great live events—unless they have cable—and maybe that’s what NBC wants.  Open up that wallet and pay for it.  Thanks but no thanks.  Everybody should have been able to see Team USA’s thrilling 5-3 win over Canada—Team USA’s first win over Canada in over 50 years in Olympic competition.

More On NBC Olympic Coverge:  Olympic Tape Delays Roil Fans, But It’s Good for NBC’s Business

****On A Side Note—Bob Raissman of the New York Daily News Reported The The Final Few Seconds Of The Team USA-Canada Hockey Game Was In Fact Aired On NBC—Well Thanks A Lot—So There Was A Droplet Of Coverage When The Game Was In Fact Already Decided****

***Unbridled Fury Wins–Gaucho, Farmer Smarty and Mad For Smarty Did Not Show All That Much In Their Debuts***

Will it be a Smarty Party?

Race 6 at Gulfstream Park is a Maiden Special Weight for 3-year-olds going 7 Furlongs.  There a few interesting first time starters in this race that I will be keeping an eye on.  Farmer Jones debuts today for trainer Kathy Mongeon.  Farmer Jones is a son of Smarty Jones who has had two fast works.  His dam is Lean Queen Cobra who has dropped 3 foals who all went on to be winners.  He was $170,000 at the Keeneland September 08 sale.  Julien Leparoux gets the call to ride.  Farmer Jones started on the work tab back in November–there was a break between November 28 through December 21.  He has worked regularly since.

The other Smarty Jones horse is Mad For Smarty.  Mad For Smarty is a homebred trained by Hall of Famer Allen H Jerkens. Mad For Smarty has had 4 straight sharp drills in the am. Mad for Smarty’s dam is Santaria–who dropped the fast multiple graded stakes winner Medallist and earner of $421,375.  Joe Bravo gets the mount.  I will keep my eye on both of these Smartys and see how they do.  Mad For Smarty shows a gap in works from October 30 through January 7.  Since the break he has worked well.

And the other first timer is Gaucho.  He is a son of the super talented Ghostzapper.  Gaucho was a $425,000 purchase at the Keeneland September 08 sale. This is the dams–Fashion Cat first foal to race.  Gaucho has had an uninterrupted work tab since last December 1.  He has drilled regularly since, and his last 6 drills were solid.  He looks to be ready to give it a good try in his debut.  He is trained by Thomas Albertrani and owned by Peachtree Stable.  John Velazquez will pilot. They all debut in race 6 today at Gulfstream Park.

Two horses that would have been among the favorites at post time–have both been scratched.  Miner’s Reserve.  Angel Penna has Cravin Caden who will make his 3rd career start. He finished 4th in the slop last time at Gulfstream Park as the favorite.  Unbridled Fury makes his second start for Chad Brown after finishing 3×6 last September at Belmont Park.

These three firtsers mentioned could have some ability in a field that lacks a dominant favorite.  This looks to be a wide open affair.  And all three of them have morning line odds of 8/1, 10,1 and 12/1. The board might offer some clues.

It looks like it will finally happen!  Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra are ready to square off in the Apple Blossom (GI) at Oaklawn Park for a blockbuster purse of $5 Million.  Mark April 9, 2010 off on those calendars.  The right race—one huge mistake—they will run it on a weekday—April 9,2010 is a Friday?  What is this all about?

It’s hard to believe they would schedule a race of this magnitude on a Friday.  What were they thinking?  Why would they do something like this?

Does the NFL schedule their games at 6PM on Friday’s?  Would a Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather showdown title fight be on Friday at 6PM?  How about Game 7 of the World Series?  Let’s start that at 6PM on a Friday.  And if there is a huge sporting event on a weekday—prime time is the time—not in the middle of rush hour on a Friday.  Would the World Cup Soccer final be on a Friday?  What about Game 7 of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals —Friday at 6PM?  So is Friday a good date for this mega race—an epic match between two legends?  Of course not—It makes no sense.

This is a race that deserves maximum exposure on all levels—and racing needs all the exposure it can get this day in age.  The Arkansas Derby is the next day—They should run it that day regardless.  Packed house, plenty people watching on television would make it a blockbuster day of racing that we won’t forget.

I commend Charles J. Cella for getting this thing to happen.  I give him two big thumbs up on this—but it’s on the wrong day.  It may be a good thing for Oaklawn Park and Charles J. Cella to have this on a Friday—other then that, it’s still not a good day to run this race.

Wake up people and move it to Saturday or figure something out.  I already know three casual racing fans that will probably not be able to this race.  And these are the people you would like to see become bigger fans.  And there will be many more who will miss this race do to the fact it’s on a Friday.  People work, they will be in transit, shopping, doing errands and so forth. 

Bottom line is simple—many more people see this race on a Saturday or weekend then would on a Friday.  This is a big screw up.

Still time to move it—And it should be—for the sake of the fans and the sport.  People want to see this race.

It’s Almost That Time of Year Again.  ThoroughbredZone Will Track The Kentucky Derby Hopefuls From The Big Prep Races All The Way To The Starting Gate That First Saturday May At Churchill Downs—Cap The Kentucky Derby And Tell You Who We Think Will Win The Roses.  Last Year ThoroughbredZone’s Top Pick To Win the Kentucky Derby Never Made It To The Starting Gate—Quality Road Missed The Race Due To Nagging Quarter Cracks.  (A Horse ThoroughbredZone Said To Mark Down & Has A Bright Future After His Blockbuster Maiden Win)— After That I Want Revenge Became The Top Pick—He Never Made It—Scratched The Morning Of The Derby.  After These Two Were Out No Selection In 2009 Was Made—This Year Will Hopefully Be Different.  And As Always We Will Keep A Close Eye On Those Youngsters Ready To Show Up On The Scene And Make Some Noise!   

ThoroughbredZone’s Kentucky Derby Picks Over The Years

2009 - I Want Revenge Scratched Morning Of Derby

2008 – Big Brown 1st

2007 – Hard Spun 2nd

2006 – Barbaro 1st

2005 – Afleet Alex 3rd

2004 – Smarty Jones 1st

2003 – Empire Maker 2nd

2002 – Buddha Scratched Morning Of Derby

2001 – Point Given 5th

2000 – Fusaichi Pegasus 1st

1999 – Cat Thief 3rd

1998 – Real Quiet 1^st

ThoroughbredZone’s Kentucky Derby 12 Debuts In February

****

Kind Regards And Arrr Pirates Booty Never In Solid Contention—Finish In 6th And 7th —Rule by Night Was An Impressive Winner And The Smarty Jones Kid, Lloydobler finished 2nd at 20/1

Mr. Grievance Dominates Again In Race 7 At Aqueduct–Follows Up 17 Length Maiden Breaker Win With Another Run-A-Way Win

First Time Starter Alert— 1/23/10 Race 4 At Aqueduct

This is a maiden special weight for 3-year-olds.  Homebred Kind Regards will be debuting for Darley Stable in the 4th race on Saturday.  Kind Regards has the look of a horse that is ready to fire first out.  Kind Regards sports some very sharp 4-furlong workouts.  He had a strong 4-furlong breeze 1/31—it was the fastest of 138 horses to work that morning at that distance, and was followed by a solid 4-furlong handily gate work.  Kind Regards is a son of Pulpit—who is a B 1st-time sire according to Brisnet.  Almost all of Kind Regards works in the morning have been fast.  His dam is Season’s Greetings, who has had two runners—both were winners.  Her sire is Ezzoud, who is a multiple Grade (I) champion on grass in Europe at age 3, 4 and 5.  Kind Regards does have a gap in his work pattern from the end of 9/27 to 11/30.  Has worked very well since that break.  Kiaran McLaughlin trains and has had some success with first-time starters.  Mike Luzzi gets the mount.  He looks fit and ready—breaks from post position 8.

There is also another interesting first-time starter in this race as well.  Arrr Pirates Booty debuts for Repole Stable.  He is a son of Indian Charlie, who is an A 1st-time Sire according to Brisnet.  Arrr Pirates Booty was a $200,000 purchase.  He is also working forwardly for his debut with a sharp 5-furlong gate breeze on 1/13.  Arrr Pirates Booty is part of an entry with Never Content, who was bet in his debut on 12/18 at Philadelphia Park.  He finished 6th by 16 lengths.  He is trained by Bruce Levine and The Mig will have the mount.  Interesting to see if both parts of the entry will run.

And my boy Smarty Jones has a firster in here—Lloydobler who has a few nice drills.

The morning line 8/5  favorite is a second-time starter, Rule By Night, who is trained by Steve Asmussen.  He was second by five lengths in his debut and breaks from the rail.  Others in the race are Ali’s Joy who makes his second career start after running 4th by 11 lengths in his debut after breaking slowly. Ken’s Cape is a first-time starter who is shipping in from Maryland for King T. Leatherbury whose works have been okay.  Known Gambler makes his 3rd career start after a two uninspiring efforts.  Ryan’s Gift rounds out this field and he will be making his second career start.  He ran 8th in a 9-horse field at Presque Isle Downs in September.  He had a snappy 5-furlong drill on 1/15.

Of the first-time starters Kind Regards is the one I like the most.  Strong works and a nice pedigree.  Arrr Pirates Booty also has the potential to run well in his debut.

*Weather forecast sunny low 40’s

Rachel Alexandra Wins The Eclipse Award For The 2009 Horse Of The Year

Guess The Name Of This Horse And Win A 2010 NYRA Calender

***First Person To Write Answer In Comments Wins*** (Hint 2006)

We Have A Winner–Edgar Castro Said It Was Henny Hughes And He Was Correct!

Support the Earthquake Recovery Efforts in Haiti

15 of the 17 catergories ThoroughbredZone tabbed as the best of 2009 won an Eclipse Award

ThoroughbredZone’s Best of 2009

2-Year-Old Colt – *  Lookin at Lucky is ThoroughbredZone’s top 2-year-old colt of 2009. Lookin at Lucky was a three time Grade I winner in 2009.  He  just missed winning The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI) at Santa Anita running second to Godolphin’s Vale of York in a very tight finish. Noble’s Promise had a fine year and was runner-up to Lookin at Lucky in The Cash Call Futurity (GI) at Hollywood Park and finished third behind Lookin at Lucky in The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI). Buddy’s Saint won all three of his career starts in 2009—including The Remsen (GII) at Aqueduct and The Nashua (GII) at Aqueduct.  D’ Funnybone won The Saratoga Special (GI) at Saratoga and The Futurity (GII) at Belmont Park.

2-Year-Old Filly – *  She Be Wild is ThoroughbredZone’s top 2-year-old filly of 2009. She Be Wild was a winner four times in her five career starts in 2009.  She was The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filly (GI)winner. Blind Luck was a two-time Grade I winner in 2009. Blind Luck captured The Oak Leaf (GI) at Santa Anita and The Hollywood Starlet (GI) at Hollywood Park. Hot Dixie Chick won The Schuylerville (GIII) at Saratoga and The Spinaway (GI) at Saratoga.

3-Year-Old Colt – *  Summer Bird is ThoroughbredZone’s top 3-year-old colt in 2009. Summer Bird had a solid 2009 campaign.  A year that included wins in The Belmont Stakes (GI) at Belmont Park, The Travers Stakes (GI) at Saratoga and  The Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI) at Belmont Park.  He ran second to Rachel Alexandra in The Haskell (GI) at Monmouth Park  and was a solid a fourth in The Breeder’s Cup Classic behind Zenyatta.  Speedy Quality Road was plagued by quarter crack issues in 2009 that forced him to miss The Kentucky Derby.  He came back to break two track records at Gulfstream Park in The Florida Derby (GI) and Saratoga in The Amsterdam (GII). Blame surged late in the season to win The Fayette Stakes (GII) at Keeneland  and The Clark  (GII) at Churchill Downs.  Pioneer of the Nile won Robert Lewis (GII), The San Felipe (GII) and The Santa Anita Derby (GI) all at Santa Anita Park.

Summer Bird

3-Year-Old Filly – *  Rachel Alexandra is ThoroughbredZone’s top 3-year-old filly in 2009.  She put together one of the most impressive campaigns of any 3-year-old filly in history.  She was a perfect 8 for 8 and defeated colts on three separate occasions in 2009—The Preakness Stakes (GI) at Pimlico, The Haskell (GI) at Monmouth Park and the Woodward (GI) at Saratoga. Careless Jewel was a winner five times in her seven races in 2009.  She won The Delaware Oaks (GII) at Delaware Park and The Alabama (GI) at Saratoga. Flashing was two-time Grade I winner in 2009—winning The Test (GI) at Saratoga and The Gazelle (GI) at Belmont Park.

Rachel Alexandra

Fillies And Mares 4 and Up – *  Zenyatta is ThoroughbredZone’s 2009 Top older female.  She capped her perfect career by  winning  The Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) at Santa Anita with a stunning last to first move—becoming the first mare in history to win the race.  She was five for five  in 2009, which  included four Grade I wins.  Zenyatta won The Vanity Handicap (GI) at Hollywood Park, The Clement L. Hirsch (GI) at Del Mar, The Ladies Secret (GI) at Hollywood Park.  She will retire with a perfect record of 14 wins in 14 races.  Simply put—she was super again in 2009. Life is Sweet was able to break through finally with the absence of Zenyatta by winning The Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic (GI) with a strong effort. Music Note was a two-time Grade I winner in 2009.  She won The Ballerina (GI) at Saratoga and The Beldame (GI) at Belmont Park.  Seattle Smooth was a perfect three for three in 2009.  She won The Bed O’ Roses (GII) at Aqueduct, The Shuvee (GII) at Belmont Park and The Ogden Phipps (GI) at Belmont Park.  All of her wins were early in the year.

Turf Male – *  Gio Ponti is ThoroughbredZone’s 2009 top male turf horse. Gio Ponti was a four time Grade I winner in 2009, and placed twice in two other Grade I races.  He won The Fred Kilroe (GI) at Santa Anita, The Manhattan (GI) at Belmont Park, The Man o’ War (GI) at Belmont Park and The Arlington Million (GI) at Arlington Park. Gio Ponti also ran a solid second in The Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) Zenyatta. Presious Passion had another busy 2009—running 9 times in total.  He was a repeat winner of The United Nations Handicap (GI) at Monmouth Park.  He was an impressive front running winner in The Clement Hirsch (GI) at Santa Anita in his final race before The Breeders’ Cup Turf (GI) where he ran a strong second to Conduit. Conduit repeated as the Breeders’ Cup Turf (GI) winner.  Midships was a winner of The San Luis Rey (GII) at Santa Anita, The San Juan Capistrano (GII) at Santa Anita and The Charles Wittingham Memorial (GI) at Hollywood Park.

Gio Ponti

Filly And Mare Turf – Ventura is ThoroughbredZone’s 2009 Top Filly and Mare Turf horse.  The fabulous mare finished her racing career with a win in The Matriarch (GI) at Santa Anita—a win Bobby Frankel would have been proud of.  She was a three time Grade I winner in 2009—winning The Santa Monica (GI) at Santa Anita and shipped north of the border to defeat colts in The Woodbine Mile (GI) at Woodbine with a powerful rally.  In her three losses of 2009 she was solid—finishing behind the top male turf horse in the country Gio Ponti in The Fred Kilroe (GI) at Santa Anita and was runner-up to the speedy top rated filly and mare sprinter in the country Informed Decision twice in The Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (GI) and The Madison (GI) at Keeneland. Magical Fantasy had a superb 2009 campaign winning three straight Grade I events in California—The Gamely (GI), The John Mabee (GI) and The Yellow Ribbon (GI). *  Goldikova was fabulous again as she went on to win The Breeders’ Cup Mile (GI) for the second consecutive year in a row with a powerful late rally.  She will try for three in a row in 2010. Diamondrella was a two time Grade I winner in 2009.  She won The Just A Game (GI) at Belmont Park and The First Lady (GI) at Keeneland.

Sprinter –  *  Kodiak Kowboy is ThoroughbredZone’s 2009 sprinter of the year. This was one of the tougher categories to choose a winner. Kodiak Kowboy had a strong year.  He was a three time Grade I winner in 2009. Kodiak Kowboy won The Carter (GI) at Aqueduct, The Vosburgh at Belmont Park (GI) and The Cigar Mile (GI) at Aqueduct. Zensational reeled of three straight Grade I wins in California—winning The Triple Bend Handicap (GI) at Hollywood Park, The Bing Crosby (GI) at Del Mar and The Pete O’Brien (GI) at Del Mar.  He was fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (GI) as the odds on favorite. Dancing In Silks was The Breeders’ Cup Sprint (GI) winner—making that his fourth straight win in 2009—the other three were California state bred races. Fabulous Strike won a pair of Grade II races—The True North (GII) at Belmont Park and The Vanderbilt (GII) at Saratoga.  He finished a close second twice to Kodiak Kowboy in The Carter (GI) at Aqueduct and The Vosburgh (GI) at Belmont Park.

Kodiak Kowboy Beat Fabulous Strike In Vosburgh

Filly And Mare Sprinter – *  Informed Decision is ThoroughbredZone’s 2009 top filly and mare sprinter.  She had a dominant year, winning three Grade I stakes at three different tracks.  She won The Madison (GI) at Keeneland, The Humana Distaff (GI) at Churchill Downs and capped the year with a strong win over a determined Ventura in The Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (GI). Informed Decision only lost once in 7 starts in 2009 over a sloppy track at Saratoga in The Ballerina (GI). Game Face had a solid 2009 campaign.   She was a winner of fours sprint stakes in 2009 that included The Princess Rooney (GI) at Calder and The Honorable Miss (GII) at Saratoga.

Horse Of The Year – *  Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta are both ThoroughbredZone’s 2009 Horse of the Year. These two very special horses dominated their competition in 2009 like no other filly and mare ever have. Rachel Alexandra was a perfect 8 for 8 in 2009. Rachel Alexandra was a winner of 8 races at 7 different tracks including five Grade I stakes races. Rachel Alexandra had the most dominant 3-year-old filly campaign in history.  She captured The Kentucky Oaks (GI) at Churchill Downs, The Preakness Stakes (GI), The Mother Goose (GI) at Belmont Park (GI), The Haskell (GI) at Monmouth Park and capped 2009 with a win against older males in The Woodward (GI) at Saratoga.  She became the first filly in 85 years to win The Preakness Stakes (GI) and the first filly ever to win the Woodward Stakes (GI) against older males.   No other 3-year-old filly has ever accomplished what Rachel Alexandra has in 2009. Zenyatta won five races in 2009, including four Grade I stakes races.  She won The Vanity Handicap (GI) at Hollywood Park, The Clement L. Hirsch (GI) at Del Mar, The Ladies Secret (GI) at Hollywood Park and capped her perfect career by winning America’s richest race The $5 Million Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) at Santa Anita with an unbelievable rally from last to first.  She finished her career with a perfect undefeated record—winning 14 races out of 14 starts.  To choose between either one of these two great champion thoroughbreds is nearly impossible.  Neither one of these great champions deserves to come in second—when they always come in first. They had a combined record in 2009 of a super 13-0! They both put together history making years that we might not ever see again in our lifetimes. Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta were simply the best of the best in 2009—

***The Great Zenyatta Will Run In 2010—Retirement On Hold***

Rachel Alexandra

Older Male – *  Gio Ponti is ThoroughbredZone’s Top male turf horse of 2009. Gio Ponti put together a super year that included four straight Grade I wins. Gio Ponti won The Fred Kilroe (GI) at Santa Anita, The Manhattan (GI) at Belmont Park, The Man o’ War (GI) and The Arlington Million (GI) at Arlington.  He also ran a game second to Zenyatta in The Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI), although that was not run on turf. Presious Passion had another busy and productive year in 2009.  He found his best form yet in 2009 by winning two Grade I stakes races.  He was a repeat winner in The United Nations (GI) at Monmouth Park and ran a super race in The Breeders’ Cup Turf (GI) finishing second to repeat winner Conduit. Presious Passion earned over 1.5 million on the sod in 2009. Conduit came back to do it again—win The Breeders’ Cup Turf (GI) at Santa Anita. Furthest Land won The Kentucky Cup Classic (GII) at Turfway Park and The Breeders’ Cup Dirt/Poly Mile.  Furthest Land won 6 races in 2009.

Steeplechase – *  Mixed Up is ThoroughbredZone’s top jumper in 2009.  He had a solid year winning four races out of eight starts in 2009 and led all jumpers with earnings of $184,495. Left Unsaid was a winner of three races from six starts and was third in earnings with $ 137,700.

Race Of The Year – There were several great races in 2009 in the world of Thoroughbred Horse Racing.  2009 was truly the year of the filly and mare.  A few  races stand out in particular in 2009. Rachel Alexandra became the first filly in 85 years to win the Preakness Stakes (GI) in a thrilling front running win at Pimlico holding off Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird.  She went to the lead with speedy Big Drama and put him away.  She ran through solid fractions all the way to the wire in a very impressive performance.  The Woodward (GI) was one of the most exciting races of the year, and one the most exciting races  in memory.  Saratoga erupted when she crossed the finish line first. Rachel Alexandra became the first filly to ever win The Woodward in an absolutely thrilling ding-dong battle over Macho Again.  She was on the lead most of the way as usual—ripping off snappy fractions.  It was a game win for the 3-year-old filly as she defeated older males.  The Breeder’s Cup Classic will go down as one of the most thrilling races in Breeders’ Cup history. Zenyatta, the home town hero was far behind in the early stages of the race and throughout and looked like she was seemingly out of it.  She then began to commence a stunning rally from last to first as she gobbled up ground with her huge stride. Zenyatta rallied down the middle of the track to the roar of the crowd at Santa Anita as she went on to win.  Her win in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) was her biggest, most impressive wins of her career.  Both the Woodward and Breeders’ Cup Classic are ThroughbredZone’s races of the year for 2009.

Top Trainer –  *  Steve Asmussen is ThoroughbredZone’s top trainer in 2009.  He led the nation in earnings with $21,821,225 and wins with 648.  The Asmussen train rolled on in 2009.  Todd Pletcher was second in the earnings department with $15,358,011.  Scott Lake was second to Steve Asmussen in the win department with 307.

Top Jockey – Ramon Dominguez and * Julien Leparoux are both ThoroughbredZone’s top jockeys in 2009. Julien Leparoux had a super year. He was second in the nation in earnings with $18,560,565. Ramon Dominguez was third in the nation in earnings with $18,256,045 and was second in the nation in wins to Russell Baze with 388. He dominated almost all year in New York. Garrett Gomez— last years ThoroughbredZone’s  jockey of the year led the nation in earnings again with $18,571,171.

Top Apprentice Jockey – Luis Paez is ThoroughbredZone’s 2009 Top Apprentice jockey in 2009.  He won 104 races out of 472 mounts and earned $1,715,887. Luis Paez won at an impressive rate of 22%.

 Breeder – *  Juddmonte Farms is ThoroughbredZone’s top breeder of 2009.  They had a stellar year that saw them win 6 GI stakes races in 2009 and amassing $4,413,243 in total purses.  Frank Stronach’s Adena Springs had another big year.  Adena Springs led all Breeders in starts, wins and earnings.  They had 3825 starters in 2009—with 550 winners and earnings of $12,721,458.

Top Owner – *  Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Godolphin Stable  is ThoroughbredZone’s top owner of 2009.  Godolphin captured 8 Grade I stakes in 2009 and amassed $3,768,896 in total purse money.  WinStar Farm had a big year.  They won 41 races out of 231 starters and led the nation in total purse money with 7,138,456.

Top Sire - Birdstone is ThoroughbredZone’s 2009 top sire.  He produced the Kentucky Derby (GI) winner Mine That Bird and The Belmont Stakes (GI), Travers Stakes (GI) and Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI) winner Summer Bird.  He became the first sire in history to accomplish this.

Best Moment in 2009 – 2009 simply put was the year of the filly.  Four special fillies and mares proved they were champions by etching their place in the history books in 2009. Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta, Ventura and Goldikova all defeated males in Grade I stakes competition in 2009.  In no other year in memory have we seen such dominating fillies and mares compete in the same year.  They were all sensational and accomplished things we may never see again on the track.  They all produced memorable moments in 2009 that will most certainly last a lifetime.  Each time one of these special ladies stepped onto the track, they gave us all something to remember in 2009. Mine That Bird pulled off one of the most improbable upset wins in Kentucky Derby history.  He rallied along the rail to win at odds of 50/1 to become the 2nd-biggest  longshot to ever win the roses.

Better Talk Now was retired in 2009 at the ripe old age of 10. He was a true warrior and a great champion. He won a total of 11 Grade I races in his career and was a Breeders’ Cup Turf Champion. He earned $4,356,664 on the track.

* Eclipse Award Winner

***Digger Wins The Gravesend By A Nose Over Pashito the Che—Joey P. Runs Better But Faltered Late Finishing Far Back***

Speedy Joey P. will try to bounce back in his second race back from emergency intestinal surgery last spring.  Joey P. ran a lack luster 6th in the Valley Forge at Philadelphia Park on December 9.  The 7-year-old faces five others–including an entry in the Gravesend.  A win would put him over the 1 million dollar mark in career earnings.  The field will include Scott Lake’s hot Pashito the Che who has won three straight and ripped a strong 5 furlong breeze in 58 seconds on December 16.  Gold Trippi will be making his first start since November 4.  He ran  against some tough company last summer and cuts back to 6 furlongs.  Laysh Laysh Laysh a winner of three straight — two straight since being claimed by Sydney Dutrow– is one of two horses in the race to run over the Big A inner–Joey P. the other.  Starforaday was an impressive winner two back in the slop on the Big A’s main track.  Repole Stables sends out the entry of Digger and The Roundhouse.  Digger makes first start since October 29 and sports sharp works for his return.  Has plenty of speed and will look to use it early. The Roundhouse makes his second start in a row at 6 furlongs.  He ran well in his return to sprinting last time and makes his third start off the layoff for the hot Todd Pletcher.  He will look to rally late.  This is  a nice little race.  3-year-old Pashito the Che will try to make it four straight wins against a few salty veterans in the Gravesend.  Rain is expected–however everyone should have no issue running over a wet track.   The Gravesend is Race 3 at Aqueduct on Saturday.

Joey P.

Special to ThoroughbredZone | By Mike Doherty 

Bob Baffert had a big day at Hollywood Park yesterday taking home the featured Grade 1  Cash Call Futurity, the ungraded Stuka Stakes and 2 maiden special weight races.  Bob Baffert sent out soon to be named juvenile champion Lookin at Lucky to win the Futurity in a quite impressive fashion for long time owners Pegram, Watson and Weitman.

Lookin at Lucky, at odds of 1-5 broke sharply, settled behind a contentious pace and stormed home to hold off Noble’s Promise’s late bid. Marcello edged out The Program for 3rd.   The trainer indicated that Lookin at Lucky would be given some time off and make two prep races for the Kentucky Derby on conventional dirt surfaces.

Baffert connected with Tiz Chrome in the Stuka (4th) and Quiet Invader (2nd) for the Lanni Family and connections, and most impressively with Kaleem Shah’s Clutch Player (7th).  Clutch Player broke his maiden at first asking stopping the teletimer in racehorse time of 1:08 4/5.  All three winners would potentially join Lookin at Lucky along the derby trail as 3-year-olds.

The great debate amongst racing pundits and fans alike this year has been who should win the Eclipse Award for the 2009 Horse of the Year? And believe me, everyone has an opinion.  ThoroughbredZone is asking another question.  Who deserves to not win the Eclipse Award for the 2009 Horse of The Year?  I have not heard too many give their opinion on that.  As clear-thinking objective race fans, let’s step away from any bias or dislike for either horse or their connections for what ever the reason may be.  There has been no doubt that the two thoroughbreds that have accomplished the most in the racing world in the United States this year have been Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta.  They put on a show in 2009 that nobody will forget. [Read more →]

Race 6 at Aqueduct today is a Maiden Special Weight for 3-year-old NY Breds going 6 furlongs on the inner.  I like to stick with 2-year-old maidens, but here is an exception.  The 1 horse Chicktowaga debuts and will break from the rail. The rail is not always the best place for a firster to break, but this one will get the benefit of the doubt.  Chicktowaga sports a very sharp 59 flat handily work from the gate on 12/5 and two nice breezes prior to that.  His sire is Candy Ride, and is out of a Langfuhr mare.  Candy Ride has been a successful first time sire.  He is a little late to the races, but today he makes his first start.  The two favorites in the race — Regal Coyote and Mr. Grievance will be making their first starts off layoffs of more then a year.  And the other ones who have ran, have not had much success.  Nearly There makes his second start after checking at the start in his debut.  Toss first race, eligible t o improve.

There are two other first time starters in the race – Fishing With Lance and Explosive Rocket.  Explosive Rocket had a nice gate work on 11/28.  Gold for Peace who has speed, looked to go to the lead, but has been scratched. Chicktowaga will try to break on top and take them all the way over a sloppy track.  He is also bread well for an off track.  This is not one of the strongest fields for a NY State bred maiden.  If he has some ability, he is a threat here.  He looks ready to go from the rail.  Morning line of 15/1 and Fragoso gets the mount.

****

***Chicktowaga Raced Uneasily Up Into Contention  Running Right Behind Mr. Gievence To The Half Way Point In 47.29 Who Eventually Drew Off To Win By 17  Lengths…Chicktowaga Who Never Settled Eventually Dropped Back To Finish 5th  After Breaking OK  But Off A Tad  Slow – All Things Considered He Ran Well In His First Start***

Two champions ended their superb racing careers with victories over the weekend.  Kodiak Kowboy capped his superb racing career with a win in the Cigar Mile (GI) at Aqueduct.  Kodiak Kowboy has been one of the most reliable and winning sprinters in the country over the past couple of years.  The fantastic Ventura ended her stellar career in winning one for the late,  great Bobby Frankel in taking the Matriarch (GI) at Hollywood Park on Saturday.  Both of these thoroughbreds were champions who displayed brilliance on the track.  I for one will miss both of them. Ventura was one of my favorites, with her late explosive kick.  She was always there.  She was all class.

[Read more →]

It’s the great debate.  Who should win the 2009 Horse of the Year? Zenyatta or Rachel Alexandra?  ThoroughbredZone will take a close look at this raging debate and give it’s opinion as to who should win the Eclipse for the top Thoroughbred of 2009.  However, the more important question might be, who deserves to lose?  Niether one…

***ThoroughbredZone’s Best of 2009 Coming in December…Last Year Curlin Repeated As ThoroughbredZone’s Horse of the Year For 2008 — Who Will Be The Best of 2009?***

Zenyatta’s Thrilling Classic Victory**Click**

Make it 14 for 14 for the Super Zenyatta.

She is simply spectacular, there is nothing more to say…

Perfection – entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings 

Breeders’ Cup Marathon

Last years BC Marathon winner is back, Muhannak will defend his title, but his form has been lacking this year. He recently ran 3rd in a GIII at Ascot right behind Red Rocks who will be in the BC Turf. Some old vets are in to, such as John Sheppard’s Cloudy’s Knight who will make a late rally. The top pick in the Marathon this year is Mastery. He is coming off an impressive win in the St. Leger Stakes (GI) at Doncaster, beating his more highly regarded stable mateKite Wood.  Man of Iron has raced in Europe this year in allowance races, and would need to really improve. Gangbuster will be a very big price on the board. He is coming in off a layoff, but has a big late kick and has won on the poly. He threw in the towel last race out against Nite Light at Turfway. Horses to use with Mastery are Father Time, Nite Light and Gangbuster at a big price (Ran 4th). Nite Lite is working very well for this spot and making his 3rd start off the bench.

Top Pick – Mastery

[Read more →]

Betting the Breeders’ Cup can be a challenging and an exciting task for veteran handicappers and newbie’s a like. Deciding on who you will bet is another issue—ThoroughbredZone will go over that in my (Breeders’ Cup Close Up and Preview) but how you bet is a very important factor. First, I would focus on the races you feel you have the best opinion on, and work around them. Decide in advance exactly how big your bankroll will be for the entire two days. How much money will you have to bet these races? And look at what races you feel the best about. This is a good starting point.

[Read more →]

It was a fun night at the Meadowlands on Saturday night, October 31, 2009. There was plenty of fun, food, laughs and even a couple of winners tossed in. These are some snap shots of the fun night. I gave Chuck Lopez a Nicaraguan cigar for all his front running scores.

Chuck C. Lopez!

Happy Meadowlands Halloween!

Howdy!

Handicapping Party!

***Breeders’ Cup Close up and Preview Coming***

First, while you’re at the Port Authority in New York after you get off the bus, you can pick up a cheap $5 umbrella from some guy named Pang Ming Lee.

After that go buy a cup of coffee and a NY Post, and/or a Racing Form (should have the form scoped out already) for your big trip in on the A Train. Just do not look at anyone once your on the A Train. You can either look tough or rock back-and-forth mumbling, “I love Elmo” with a blank stare on your face. No one will bother you.

Once you get to Aqueduct you can either take the walk from the subway, or squeeze on the shuttle bus that takes you there with the same people who have been trying to nail down the Mike Luzzi-Jean Luc Samyn early daily double for the past 15 years. There’s some powerful insight on those buses. You can just think of it as a poor man’s Siro’s Seminar. Take it all in and enjoy the ride. [Read more →]

It was a wet weekend at the Meadowlands. Lucky James won the Eillo Stakes on Friday night for Ed Broome and Tar Heel Mom won the Seton Hall Stakes for Stanley Hough on Saturday night. Below are some snap shots from the weekend of action at the Meadowlands. It was certainly a wet one.

Who's The Cowboy

Lucky James Win The Eillo

Tar Heel Mom Wins Seton Hall

Natalicat

Bold Union

Bold Union

6-year-old Kiss the Kid ended his racing career Friday night at the Meadowlands with a game effort in running second in the Grade II Meadowlands Cup to winner Etched. Kiss the Kid rallied on the far turn and made a long sustained drive on the outside of Etched. He came up a little short of going out a winner. He was getting there, but ran out of room. Once again he showed his affinity for a sloppy track with another strong run over it. Darley’s Etched won his third consecutive race and made it four wins out of five career starts. Etched ran the 1 1/8 miles in a near track record time over a sloppy track in a sharp 1:45.93. The track was playing to speed all night, and the times reflected that as well. Kiss the Kid finished his career with 8 career wins out of 34 starts, and earnings of over $700,000, earning over half of that on the turf. Kiss the Kid is expected to stand at Journeyman Stud in Ocala, Fla.

Kiss the Kid Before Monmouth Stakes [Read more →]

In a weekend that saw a who’s who of Thoroughbred stars run, from Keeneland to Santa Anita, it a was a $6,500 New Jersey state bred claimer that made my weekend. There were a few other good things that happened last night as well at my home track The Meadowlands, but no redboards here. We could review the Stakes races, but I am sure others go over go over those races. I’m certain every and any horse website will be filled with the usual banter leading up to The Breeders’ Cup. You won’t see this anywhere though… [Read more →]

It was a flat out lousy day at Belmont Park on Saturday. The racing was as good as it could be under the lousy weather conditions. The weather has not been kind on the big racing days this year. The Kentucky Derby, Haskell, Travers and Gold Cup day were all sloppy messes. A sparse crowd was on hand to see the 5 Grade I Races. I was unable to make any tweets. NYRA does not have Wi-Fi. Quality Road was a game second place finisher to Summer Bird in the Gold Cup.

Here are some of the snap shots from a wet Jockey Club Gold Cup Day [Read more →]

It’s fall again in New Jersey, and that can mean one thing. The Meadowlands Thoroughbred meet is back. Starting on Thursday, October 2, the Meadowlands will kick off its 2009 fall meet. As a native New Jerseyan I have always considered both Monmouth Park and The Meadowlands my home track, but considering I only live a few miles away from the Meadowlands, it is truly my home track. It is where I have honed my handicapping skills over the years, made life-long friends, and learned some of the intricacies of the game by people in the game, trainers, horsepeople and bettors. In this post I will give a quick glimpse of the meet, and something I have wanted to do for a while, list my top 10 Meadowlands moments. (Moments I have witnessed at the Meadowlands either live, or via simulcast) [Read more →]

ThoroughbedZone said get ready for this girl first out. She delivered winning easily in the Belmont Park slop. She paid $5.70 for the win…A Plus ran 3rd and Anchorage finished 7th

The 1A and what could be the stronger part of the entry is Female Drama who has been working lights out, including a blistering 59 handily gate work on 9/16/09. In addition, four sharp handilys before that and her last work was a snappy 1:00. She is by Indian Charlie, who according to Brisnet, is an A+ first time out sire. Her dam sire is Dixieland Band. She is a homebred who will have Rajiv Maragh aboard in her debut today. She looks ready to go today. The Track will be sloppy, and, as I write this, both parts of the entry are in. Tomlinson wet figure (390). This girl is the one I like the most in this race.

6 1/2 furlongs on the sloppy track (Maiden Special Weight)

I have not posted one of these in awhile. In Belmont’s fifth race Todd Pletcher offers up an entry of two first–time filly starters that that are working very well in preparation for their debuts today. The 1 is Anchorage, a $540,000 purchase for the Boys in blue and orange, as I like to call it “Team Tabor”. Her sire is Tapit. She had a strong gate work on the 9/14/09, which is always a good sign. Javier Castellano will have the mount. Tomlinson wet figure (375) [Read more →]

Rachel Alexandra For President!

Rachel Alexandra is officially a legend after putting in one of the most dramatic, epic, heart pounding and amazing performances ever today in winning the 56th running of the Woodward over a determined, driving Macho Again at Saratoga. [Read more →]

Quality Road was ranked as the number 1 horse on the Kentucky Derby list for much of the spring. He was on target for the Kentucky Derby as the horse to defeat; however nagging quarter crack issues prevented him from getting the chance. He missed the entire Triple Crown season recovering from his quarter cracks. On Saturday Quality Road will get his chance to win a derby, the Travers Stakes, also known as the Mid-Summer Derby. He will enter the gate as the much-deserved favorite.  [Read more →]

The Woodward for Rachel Alexandra is the right race for a few reasons. And they all make solid sense.

First, connections have Kensei who is in top form right now, and, of all the other horses in the Travers, stands a good chance in the very least to hit the board with a solid effort in the Travers. With a victory in the Travers he would certainly rocket up in value as a stallion. You have to admit, Jess Jackson has a pretty good hand right now. [Read more →]

Rachel Alexandra is ready for a race. How about the Travers Stakes? The mid-summer derby is less then two weeks away and it could easily become thee race of the year if her connections opt to enter her in this spot. The Haskell was a perfect spot, and that’s where she went to roll home an easy winner in the slop. [Read more →]

Rachel Alexandra stormed home over a sloppy track to win the Haskell Invitational in dominating style. Rachel Alexandra took over the lead as she turned for home and opened up to win by a resounding 6 lengths. Summer Bird ran second. ThoroughbredZone said she had a chance to threaten the mark for the fastest Haskell. She came close, stopping the clock in 1:47.21 for the one and one eighth miles. Bet Twice and Majestic Light both hold the record for running the fastest Haskell in 1:47.00. She was simply brilliant in winning again.

**There have been some more pictures added since yesterday…**

Updated Haskell 2009 Snap Shots

Rachel Alexandra

[Read more →]

Rachel Alexandra comes into the Haskell fit and ready. She looked super while schooling yesterday at Monmouth Park. She looks to have many things in her favor as well. The addition of Munnings in the race certainly makes it a more interesting race, especially on the front end. Munnings is coming off two super-charged efforts, and in the process earning big speed figures. Munnings should go to the lead, and try to go as far as his speed will carry him. If it were not for the daunting presence of Rachel Alexandra, Munnings would stand a great chance to win the Haskell, but Rachel is in and ready. [Read more →]

Haskell Field Set…Rachel Alexandra Draws The 6 Hole

Haskell Field In Post Position Order And Morning Line Odds

1 Duke Of Mischief 15/1
2 Summer Bird 7/2
3 Papa Clem 12/1
4 Munnings 3/1
5 Atomic Rain 10/1
6 Rachel Alexandra 4/5
7 Bunker Hill 30/1

A complete Haskell preview and close up of the big day on Saturday

ThoroughbredZone’s Haskell Selections Over The Past 10 Years

2008 Big Brown 1st
2007 Hard Spun 2nd
2006 Bluegrass Cat 1st
2005 Park Avenue Ball 3rd
2004 Lion Heart 1st
2003 Peace Rules 1st
2002 War Emblem 1st
2001 Point Given 1st
2000 Captain Steve 2nd
1999 Menifee 1st

Here Is A List Of All of The Haskell Winners Since 1968 **Haskell Winners**

The blockbuster Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park is almost here. The probable field continues to shape up. Just last week it was announced that the speedy Munnings would go in the Haskell and take on the super filly Rachel Alexandra. The addition of Munnings in the Haskell will in the very least make things interesting. Munnings is a very fast horse, who is solid form, and will make for a quick pace in the race. Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird is also on target for the one mile and one eighth race, who has been working at Monmouth Park in preparation for The Haskell. Atomic Rain, the sharp Long Branch winner is also a definite for the Haskell. Papa Clem has been an on again off again candidate for the race. A call will be made soon on where he will make his next start. Bunker Hill and Duke of Mischief are both under consideration for the Haskell.

Possible Haskell Field

Rachel Alexandra, Munnings, Summer Bird, Atomic Rain, Bunker Hill, Duke of Mischief and Papa Clem (Still Undecided)

ThoroughbredZone will keep a close eye on who is in, and who is out, as well as a complete preview of The Haskell and the undercard, which is packed with stakes races.

***Due To Some Computer Issues, Updates On Left Have Not Been Changed…Working On It**

Super Filly Rachel Alexandra Is Headed To The Haskell Invitation On Sunday August 2, 2009. ThoroughbredZone Gave A Few Reasons As To Why The GI Haskell Invitational Was The Best Option Of The Races They Could Have Chosen To Run Her. It Looks Like The Connections Were Thinking Along The Same Lines. It Is The GI Haskell Invitational At Monmouth Park.

Calvin Borel made a stop at Monmouth Park on Saturday. He was in town to ride Omniscient in the Long Branch Stakes, a prep race for the GI Haskell on August 2, 2009. The horse ran behind the sharp winner Atomic Rain. Coincidently Omniscient is owned by Jess Jackson’s Stonerstreet Stable and trained by Steve Asmussen. In case one does not know, these are the same connections who handle super filly Rachel Alexandra. [Read more →]

The NJ Bred 3-Year-Old Together Indy is back in today’s race 7 at Monmouth Park. Together Indy broke his maiden last out in his third career start at 6-Furlongs on May 23, 2009. He looked super in doing it. He rattled off fast fractions of 22 and 44 with no issue and opened up to win by 8 lengths under light urging. He ran the 6-Furlongs in 1:09. He looked like a champ. The win was one of the more impressive performances of the 2009 meet, so far at Monmouth Park. He showed plenty of ability in winning. [Read more →]

Presious Passion Wins The UN Again

[Read more →]

Rachel Alexandra Gliding Home With Ease [Read more →]

Does ThoroughbredZone agree with Jess Jackson’s call not to run Rachel Alexandra in this year’s Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita? Absolutely. ThoroughbredZone does agree with his call not to run her. There is absolutely nothing to gain by running her on it. Nothing. She is a monster on dirt, but that surface is a fake surface. Everyone is quick to rip Jess Jackson; maybe they should take a closer look at why the BC is being run back-to-back years over a synthetic surface. [Read more →]

Joey P was ready to defend his title in the Charles Town Dash tonight at Charles Town, but he will not be able to do it. He will miss tonight’s big race after undergoing emergency surgery Thursday night…Full DRF Article He was cranked and ready for a big try tonight. Really looked forward to his race. He should make a full recovery and start training with in 60-90 days. Getter better Joey P!

Presious Passion Wins The Monmouth Stakes

[Read more →]

Race 6 is a maiden special weight for 3-year-olds at Monmouth Park…And some look ready to go at first asking

Stronach Stable’s Devil’s Victory has been working strongly over the pas several months in preparation for his debut. His last work was a strong 1:00 flat handy gate work. He is by Devil His Due and trained by Joe Orseno, who is once again training horses for Frank Stronach. Devil’s Victory has 12 listed workouts dating back to 2/28/09. He has the most works of any 1st timer in the race. 3-year-old 1st time starter is a late to the track, are as the rest of this group, but looks good off the sharp works.  [Read more →]

Dunkirk

[Read more →]