(1)(1) Lookin at Lucky – Smart Strike – Private Feeling by Belong To Me (May) Purchase Price $475,000 – Lookin at Lucky stays on top this week.  Lookin at Lucky made his 3-year-old debut a winning one in the Rebel (GII).  In his first start of 2010 Lookin at Lucky put together a rock solid winning effort, despite having some traffic issues and clipping heals with Dublin to beat the game Noble’s Promise—in what is turning into a budding rivalry between the two.  Lookin at Lucky posted the fastest Rebel since Smarty Jones victory in 2004—super Smarty Jones did it 1:42.07.  Lookin at Lucky raced off fractions of 23.64, 47.20, 1:12.35, 1:36.91 and stopped the clock in a sharp 1:43.31.  The positives continue to mount for Bob Baffert’s colt.  Lookin at Lucky has a solid 2-year-old foundation and is coming along very nicely as he continues to mature.  Lookin at Lucky has a good running style—rates nicely behind other horses and launches his bid.  If all goes right, he will enter The Kentucky Derby (GI)  making his 3rd start off the layoff for Bob Baffert.  One thing we know—he can handle dirt—and can handle some adversity as well. | Next-Arkansas Derby (GI) or Wood Memorial (GI) <!–more–>

(2)(-) Noble’s Promise – Cuvee – The Devil’s Trick by Clever Trick (Apr) Purchase Price $10,000 – Noble’s Promise debuts in the #2  spot on ThoroughbredZone’s Kentucky Derby 12.  In hindsight he should have been on the first ThoroughbredZone  Kentucky Derby 12.  Noble’s Promise ran right with Lookin at Lucky on three separate occasions—The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI), The Cash Call Futurity (GI) just missing each time—his latest miss was in the Rebel (GII) where he was just nipped at the wire by the determined Lookin at Lucky.  ThoroughbredZone had mentioned that Tempted to Tapit was this year’s bargain, but this guy has turned out to be a huge bargain as well.  He was an original $10,000 purchase who has gone on to earn $793,500.  He has a solid 2-year-old foundation and passed the dirt test in his first race over the surface.  Noble’s Promise could very well be on his way to a long rivalry with Lookin at Lucky that could last all year. | Next –Arkansas Derby (GI)

(3)(11) Sidney’s Candy – Candy Ride – Fair Exchange by Storm Cat (Jan) Homebred – Moves up from #11 all the way to #3 this week.  Sidney’s Candy followed up his impressive San Vicente Stakes (GII) win by winning the San Felipe (GII) with a solid gate to wire performance.  Sidney’s Candy set moderate fractions of 24.39, 48.55, 1:13.53, 1:36.26 and stopped the clock in a sharp 1:42.30.  He was reserved early—going along nicely, and had plenty left to finish up strongly.  Sidney’s Candy was able to hold off the late charge of Interactif.  Sidney’s Candy was making his second start of 2010 and was stretching out for the first time—ThoroughbredZone indicated last time going further should not be an issue, after his strong gallop out, and still has room to continue to move forward off his San Felipe (GII) win.  And once again he galloped out strongly, and was never passed by Interactif after the race.  He has a  relaxed running style—showing he should be able rate.  He is a January foal, which gives him an edge in the maturation department.  He is an easy runner who has shown the ability to run fast early and keep it going late—talented colt.  He has yet to race on dirt. | Next- Santa Anita Derby (GI) 4/3

(4)(2) Eskendereya  – Giant’s Causeway – Aldebaran Light by Seattle Slew (Feb) Purchase Price $250,000 – Drops down to #4—No Changes.   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, but he is one that should not have an issue with a mile and a quarter | Next-Florida Derby (GI) 3/20 Wood Memorial (GI)

(5)(5) Rule – Roman Ruler – Rockcide by Personal Flag (Jan) Homebred – Stays put at #5—No Changes.  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) 3/20 or Louisiana Derby (GII) 3/27

(6)(6) Odysseus – Malibu Moon – Permission Hill by Conquistador Cialo (Apr) – Stays put at #6.  Odysseus put together a strong rally turning for home in the Tampa Bay Derby (GIII), and looked like he would be unable to sustain it—but he did.  Odysseus showed heart and determination in refusing to lose the (GIII) Tampa Bay Derby.  Super Saver set the pace, but was past by Schoolyard Dreams, who looked to hit the wire first, but Odysseus somehow was able to re-rally and get his nose down at the wire to the inside of Schoolyard Dreams in a gusty effort.  Fractions for the Tampa Bay Derby (GIII) were 23.52, 47.02, 1:11.74, 1:37.42 and the final time was 1:44.31.  Odysseus was making only his fourth lifetime start in the Tampa Bay Derby (GIII) after a run-a-way allowance win in his race prior.  He showed the important ability to fight on to the wire.  The question that will remain after this race is how much did the effort take out of him, and will he move forward off the effort?  He certainly had to work for the win.  He will also have to show he can run faster down the road. | Next-Wood Memorial (GI) Possible

(7)(-) Awesome Act – Awesome Again – Houdinis Money by Mr. Prospector (Apr) Homebred – Awesome Act debuts at #7 on ThoroughbredZone’s Kentucky Derby 12 after winning the Gotham Stakes (GIII) on March 6.  A long plane flight and a stay in New York’s detention barn was not enough to stop the son of Awesome Again from getting it done in his first race ever on dirt.   He showed a nice burst of energy in the lane as he kicked clear— was able to hold off the New York bred, Yawanna Twist—who ran a nice race in only his 3rd career start for Richard Dutrow.  Awesome Act should not have a problem going longer.  He will see a tougher field next out. Awesome Act is aiming for the Wood Memorial (GI) on 4/3

(8)(-) Interactif – Broken Vow – Broad Pennant by Broad Brush (Feb) Homebred – Interactif debuts at #8 on ThoroughbredZone’s Kentucky Derby 12.  He ran a good closing 2nd to Sydney’s Candy in the San Felipe (GII).  Interactif stalked Sydney’s Candy throughout moderate fractions of 24.39, 48.55, 1:13.53, 1:36.26 and came with a late bid, only to come up short.  He had every opportunity to dig into Sydney’s Candy, and did, but was unable to go by late—slowepace set by Sydney’s Candy did not help.  He looked good in the gallop, but never passed Sydney’s Candy.  All in all he ran a nice race.  It looks like he will get another chance next month. | Next – Santa Anita Derby (GI)

(9)(3) Caracortado – Cat Dreams – Mons Venus by Marias Mon (May) Homebred – Drops down to #9 this week.  Caracortado suffered his first loss of his short career in the San Felipe (GII) on 3/13.  He was faced with his first class test, and all things considered, did not run a bad race.  Stalking throughout the race, he made a 4 wide bid turning for home, but was unable to make up any ground on Sydney’s Candy.  He was running behind relatively moderate fractions throughout, and was unable to cut into Sydney’s Candy’s lead.  He should benefit from a faster pace up front in the future.  He will have to move forward in his next race. | Next – Santa Anita Derby (GI)

(10)(7) Conveyance – Indian Charlie- Empty The Hill by Holy Bull (Feb) Purchase Price $240,000 – Drops down to #10—No Changes.  Another Bob Baffert 3-year-old and son of Indian Charlie has done nothing but win.  He is a perfect 4 for 4—that makes him the only undefeated horse left on ThoroughbredZone’s Kentucky Derby 12.  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.   He could very well be suited best suited for distances less than a mile.  Bob Baffert is aiming for the Kentucky Derby with him. | Next-Sunland Derby (GIII) 3/28

(11)(9) Discreetly Mine – Mineshaft – Pretty Discreet by Private Account Homebred (Mar) Drops down to #11—No Changes.  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

(12)(10) Tempted to Tapit – Tapit – Tempting Note by Editors Note (Apr) Purchase Price $18,000 – Drops down to # 12—No Changes.  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-Sunland Derby (GIII) or Florida Derby (GI)

Off Kentucky Derby 12  – D’Funnybone – Swale (GII),  Dave In Dixie – 6th in San Felipe (GII),  Dublin – Next New York’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Knocking On Door

****

Schoolyard Dreams – Just missed winning Tampa Bay Derby (GIII), Yawanna Twist- 2nd in Gotham (GII), Nacho Friend- 3rd in Gotham (GII), Radiohead – Florida Derby (GI) Next, Miner’s Reserve – Next Florida Derby (GI), Tiz Chrome – Speedy colt 2nd in Robert B. Lewis (GII)—American Lion – 4th in San Felipe (GII), Bulldogger – Ran 3rd Santa Anita in allowance on 3/3, Tiz the One – Followed up 1st time win with allowance win 3/14, Uptowncharlybrown – 5th in Tampa Bay Derby (GIII) Jackson Bend-Wood Memorial (GI) Next, Connemara –  Lane’s End (GII), Aikenite – Blue Grass (GI), Alphie’s Bet- Santa Anita Derby (GI), Backtalk – Louisiana (GII), Illinois Derby (GII)  or Arkansas Derby (GI) Next, Super Saver – 3rd in Tampa Bay Derby (GIII)—Wood Memorial (GI) Next, A Little Warm – Louisiana Derby (GII) possible, Ron The Greek – Louisiana Derby (GII), Drosselmeyer - Next start undecided, Make Music For Me - Blue Grass Stakes (GI)

***The Cheltenham Gold Cup is Friday.  Don’t miss out on all the exciting Online Betting opportunities that await in this horse racing betting classic***

Kentucky Derby 12 Coming Soon

 
Massive Nor’easter KO’s Internet–Will Try To Get This Up Sometime Tonight Or Tomorrow*** There Will Be Some Changes In The New ThoroughbredZone Kentucky Derby 12***
No Apple Blossom For Rachel Alexandra

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

The list of feats each horse has achieved this year have been legendary.  They both put on displays of greatness that we have never seen before and there is a good chance we may never see again—in our lifetimes anyway.  Rachel Alexandra’s record of accomplishment this year has been one for the record books.  As a 3-year-old filly she went on to defeat colts on three separate occasions in 2009, including a thrilling victory over older handicap horses in the Woodward Stakes (GI) at Saratoga, simply put—it was a remarkable accomplishment for a 3-year-old filly.  Zenyatta went on to become the first mare in the history of the Breeders’ Cup to win the Classic with her breathtaking last to first move.  In winning, she also became the first horse ever to win two different Breeders’ Cup Races.

Both sides of this debate have stated and will continue to state their case as to why which one of these champion thoroughbreds should win the Eclipse Award for 2009 Horse of the Year.  Both sides of the debate have brought up some interesting points in the process.  One argument that has been levied against Rachel Alexandra is the fact her owner opted not to run her over the Pro-Ride surface in the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita.  A decision that should not be held against her or Jess Jackson—It’s apples and oranges.  Pro-Ride and dirt are two completely different surfaces, such as dirt and turf are two completely different surfaces.  Jess Jackson realized that Rachel Alexandra might not be as effective on the Pro-Ride surface as she has been on dirt, and Jess Jackson did not think that trying her over it would be the wisest thing to do. Rachel Alexandra’s absence in the Breeders’ Cup should not be held against her in the voting process for the 2009 Horse of the Year.  She was simply sensational in 2009.

The argument against Zenyatta is much the same as it has always been.  She has been defeating the same cast of horses for two years now, and a win in the Breeders’ Cup Classic is simply not enough to surpass what Rachel Alexandra has accomplished in 2009.  The argument of whom she defeated has always been weak one, and it usually is when any horse displays brilliance on the track. One of the things some people try to do is discredit greatness and point to the horses that he or she has defeated as being not that good.  This is pure and simple hogwash.  Great horses beat their competition—that’s what they do, and that’s why they are champions.  If you have a true eye for thoroughbreds, then you can see that Zenyatta is special.  Her majestic, long, powerful ground-gobbling stride makes her stand out like few others have.  Zenyatta is a large, graceful moving mare.  She is truly in a league all of her own.  She has proved her class over and over again with each powerful victory.  She proved she was all class when she won the Ladies Classic in 2008 over a solid field with her amazing long overpowering stride and when she beat champion Ginger Punch in the Apple Blossom (GI) in 2008 at Oaklawn Park in her only victory over a conventional dirt surface.  Zenyatta’s win in the 2009 Breeder’s Cup Classic was something no one will ever forget.  She defeated a solid Breeders’ Cup Classic field, that included several Grade I winners.

Ultimately the racing writers and those who are able to cast a vote will decide who will win the Eclipse Award for the 2009 Horse of the Year.  There will be no option that says they can choose both, so chances of both horses tying for top honors seems remote—at best.  With that being said, one of these fabulous thoroughbreds will not win the 2009 Horse of the Year.  If we simply take into account what each horse has done during the year on the track, and not what they did not do, Rachel Alexandra has the advantage based on her 2009 accomplishments.  There is not one reasonable, objective-racing fan that can diminish what she has accomplished this year.

But leave no doubt that Zenyatta’s accomplishments were no small feats. Zenyatta won the richest and biggest race of the year in North America, the Breeders’ Cup Classic.  Her victory in the Classic was one of thee most dramatic wins by any horse ever, not just the Breeders’ Cup.  She became the first mare ever, to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic. It’s a moment that will last a lifetime for those who were there, and for those who watched on television.  Ironically the Eclipse Award is named after another undefeated champion, the all-time great Eclipse.  Zenyatta will retire in the same way, never losing a single race.

ThoroughbredZone currently has a poll on the homepage, asking “Who Should Win Horse of the Year?”  One of the three choices you can vote on is both.  So far that choice has received several votes—in fact the vote between the three choices has almost been identical.  There certainly seems to a sentiment out there among racing fans that does believe they are both worthy of Horse of the Year.  It’s black and white for the voters however.  The choices will be Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra, and/or probably Summer Bird. One possible way to vote for both is to write them in on the ballot.  I have never heard of a write-in vote not being permitted.  If the write-in option is not permitted, then say so what?  Do it anyway.  I think it would be fair, and, in this case, warranted.  I firmly believe both of these special horses deserve to be crowned as the 2009 Horse of the Year.  Of course that’s up to the voters and whom they see as 2009’s best.  Some have a clear-cut opinion either way.  Some probably do feel they are both worthy. Some are facing a true enigma in deciding.  I say if they feel that way, write them both in for 2009 Horse of the Year.  One must ask an honest question to themselves, not whom they think deserves to be the 2009 Horse of the Year, but who deserves not to be 2009 Horse of the Year?  I think it would be difficult for a clear-thinking, objective-racing fan to think there should be a loser here.

I am obviously from the camp of wanting to see both horses win the award, because I think it would be an injustice if either horse loses, for they both made history on the track.  I know some will disagree, but that’s fine by me.  You always hear about the on going debate among fans on how to make horseracing more popular, how to get the general public to appreciate this great sport.  There are no real easy answers, but the one thing that makes this sport what it is, are the Thoroughbreds who go out there and run day in and day out around the world at different tracks.  They are what the sport is.  In this case two very special horses ran into the history books in 2009.  Both Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta won on racings biggest stage this year.  Rachel Alexandra won the Preakness Stakes (GI) and Zenyatta won the Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) both races were on national television.  They were both breathtaking, and history making wins.  The general public is at least somewhat familiar with both of these horses.  A vote for both is a vote for horse racing.  A write-in vote would honor and recognize the true greatness that both horses have achieved in 2009.

There is an old saying—“where there’s a will, there’s a way.”  Of course the will among enough voters to go this way has to be there, and the belief they are both worthy—they are.  Chances of this happening are slim.  Voters probably have already decided which one of these special horses should win Horse of the Year, but they should also realize, whoever does not win will be getting to an extent a raw deal.  Thoroughbred racing will also be getting a raw deal in the process. What else is new?

Would Co-Horses of the Year help the sport?  Well, how could it not?  It would be a move that should generate positive media attention, to a sport that has not gotten too much of that in the past few years.  Thanks to both Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta and their brilliance they have displayed on the track this year, they have given racing something it needs, even if it’s short term, it’s something the industry can build on.  A vote for both would also be seen as revolutionary, an action done outside the box in a sport that has done things inside the box for too long.  What a novel idea.  Horse racing, as we know, is a much different sport then any other, so why not do something different here?  If Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta did not have the spectacular year they have had, nobody would even be discussing this right now.  They have generated a buzz in the racing world.  A buzz that gets louder and louder as we close in on the New Year.  We can thank the brilliance of Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta for that.

The one thing I do know is that Co-Horses of the Year can’t hurt the sport.  They should just ask themselves that question again—who deserves not to win Horse of the Year?  That is the question we should all ask ourselves, in particular the ones who will cast their vote in a few weeks.  I say neither one of these great champions deserves to lose, but in all likelihood, one of these leading ladies will come up short for the Eclipse Award for the 2009 Horse of the Year.  Knowing there will be a loser, or runner up at the end of the day will leave a sour taste in the mouth of many, not just the connections.  There will be no winners if there is a loser.  Unfortunately racing will come up a loser as well.  The sad fact will be, long after the votes are in, and the winner is selected, we won’t be discussing who won the 2009 Horse of the Year, but we will be discussing the horse who lost and why they should have not for years to come.  And that will be the biggest shame of it all.  The voters have a chance to make history here, a positive, lasting recognition of two great champions that have wowed and thrilled the racing world in 2009.  With that being said, it’s a no-brainer to me.  Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra are both the 2009 Horse of the Year.

The perfect Zenyatta ran her last race in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.  Her victory was one of the most dramatic and thrilling wins in racing history.  She gave us chills and thrills on and off the track.  Zenyatta was honored this past Sunday at Hollywood Park.  She galloped on the track and was then brought into the winner’s circle, where Mike Smith jumped on her.  She might have thought it was go time again!  Zenyatta is one of the most graceful and majestic horses I have ever seen.  She has a presence about her that is overwhelming.  She is perfect.

We can only hope that their progeny will go on to continue their legacy of being champions.

***The 2009 ThoroughbredZone Tops will be coming at the end of December***

***The 2010 ThoroughbredZone Kentucky Derby 12  Will Get Kicked Off In February As We Track The Youngsters From Thier First Start To The Starting Gate At Churchill Downs The First Saturday in May***

***And As Always We Will Keep A Keen Eye On Those Flashy First Time Starters That Are Ready To Score In Their Debut***

Quality Road stays in the number 1 spot this week.  The much-anticipated Florida Derby Showdown is this Saturday, where (7) Dunkirk and (8) Theregoesjojo will also run.   The Florida Derby will be the most important prep to date and possibly overall this year.  A  preview of The Florida Derby and the likely winner later in the week.

Beethoven out of Florida Derby…

Wood Memorial Day is April 4th…Photos and a preview of that big day will be coming as well.

ThoroughbredZone will be making some changes as we go into the spring and summer.  Stick around!

The biggest changes for this week are as follows…I Want Revenge debut’s in the #6 spot after his big Gotham Stakes victory.  Imperial Council cracks the top 12 in the #11 spot.  Stardom Bound a winner of 5 straight GI’s will probably be taken out of Kentucky Derby consideration, but anything can happen at this point.  Ashland Stakes is her next target.  Haynesfield drops off after Gotham Stakes effort.  Click link above for complete list.

Aintree Grand National 2009 http://betting.betfair.com/...

Cheltenham Festival Kicks Off

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Joey P.

Old Fashioned Blows Away Remsen Field In A Hand Ride….Looked Superb

Springside Upsets Demoisel, Sky Diva Falters Late

Horse Alert….Son Of Elusive Quality, Quality Road Wins In Smashing Style In Debut Saturday At Aqueduct And Looked Great Doing It…More Good Things To Come From This One…Mark Him Down

ThoroughbredZone captured the moments of an exciting year in Thoroughbred Racing. Big Brown and Curlin did thier best to make 2008 a year to remember.  And the pictures from those exciting moments will be posted soon.

Curlin Breaks Cigars Earnings Record In The Belmont Slop

ThoroughbredZones 4 top Horses Out The 5 We Mentioned As Horses To Use In The Breeders’ Cup Classic All Hit The Board And Made For A $10,000 Superfecta Score

Raven’s Pass, Harrythenavigator, Tiago and Curlin Run 1,2,3,4

Duke Off The Board

All other American Horses Besides Tiago, Who we mentioned as a horse to use in all bets, were nowhere to be seen.