Mucho Macho Man Blows Tire on Trail, "DERBY TOP 21" for 3.28.2011

Mucho Macho Man followed protocol for this year's Derby Trail by limping home in the Louisiana Derby on Saturday at Fair Grounds. Another example of the trend of horses backing up this year.

PREMIER PEGASUS remains the only bright spot in the preps so far, in terms of excitement. Very impressive in dusting the field in the San Felipe by 7+ lengths. He gets the second spot as the Derby Top 21 - #2, right behind UNCLE MO. Maybe we will see a second horse in a break out performance next Sunday in the Florida Derby... I'm not holding my breath.

Pants On Fire (pink cap) outlasts Mucho Macho Man (green cap). Photo: Alexander Barkoff 1/1000 @ f/8, iso 640, 400mm

MUCHO MACHO MAN threw a shoe early on in the Louisiana Derby, and perhaps remarkably was able to finish a competitive 3rd. Kathy Ritvo, the colts' trainer was given the shoe by the gate crew. "Apparently, he stepped on it right out of the gate and ran the whole race without that shoe. I’ll find out which one it was when I get back to the barn. It is an excuse, but Pants On Fire ran a great race," she said afterward.
I'm willing to draw a line through this one for Mucho Macho Man, and leave him in as Derby Top 21 - #5.

PANTS ON FIRE, under leading rider Rosie Napravnik, held off second place Nehro by a neck in the Louisiana Derby. It was another 1/2 back to Mucho Macho Man.
"Mucho Macho Man came up next to us and he just dug in and he really finished with all heart," Napravnik said of Pants On Fire.
Does he deserve a spot in the Top 21? Well, he has the earnings, so he will be in the gate come Derby Day. I'll drop Pants On Fire in as Derby Top 21 - #14.

NEHRO ran a game 2nd in the Louisiana Derby, and is on the earnings bubble. The Steve Asmussen trainee needs another start to secure a spot in the Derby. He's the Derby Top 21 - #19 for this week.

At Turfway Park it was ANIMAL KINGDOM prevailing in the Vinery Spiral Stakes (G3).

Animal Kingdom (red cap). Photo: Matt Wooley/EquiSport Photos 1/1600 @ f/4.5, iso 800, 200mm

Animal Kingdom. Photo: Matt Wooley/EquiSport Photos 1/1600 @ f/4, iso 1600

The Team Valor homebred son of Leroidesanimeaux now has the earnings for the Kentucky Derby, but has not yet made a start on dirt. The course for Animal Kingdom has yet to be decided. Trainer Graham Motion and Team Valor's Barry Irwin have options now, “We haven’t had him on the dirt but it’s something Barry and I will talk about. I don’t think distance is a problem," Motion said.

With everybody backing up, I'm putting Animal Kingdom in as Derby Top 21 - #9.

Astrology. Photo: Matt Wooley/EquiSport Photos 1/2000 @ f/5, iso 500

ASTROLOGY made his long awaited comeback in the Sunland Derby. Well, he tried to come back, but ran out of gas with a furlong to go, finishing second. Another case of a horse backing down the Derby Trail. I'll give the colt credit for a nice run after 5 months off that included recovering from illness. He's the Derby Top 21 - #13.


TWICE THE APPEAL, (Successful Appeal), is now on the Trail as Derby Top 21 - #15 by virtue of his win in the Sunland Derby. The Jeff Bonde trained colt survived fast early fractions, and overhauled a bouncing Astrology in the stretch.

Co-Owner Edward Brown said after the race, "He ran his eyeballs out today. I haven’t had any sleep in days. He has become a different horse since switching from synthetic to dirt. We are going to the Kentucky Derby.”
Perhaps following in the footsteps of the widely discounted Mine That Bird down the Trail?
Stay tuned.

MASTER OF HOUNDS (Kingmambo) is eligible on earnings after a nice 2nd place finish in the UAE Derby. Trainer Aidan O'Brien is keeping options open, “Master Of Hounds is in the English 2000 Guineas (Eng-I) and would have a Kentucky Derby option."
He comes in as Derby Top 21 - #16

THE WORD,  "DERBY TOP 21" for 3.28.2011
(Performance and Earnings Based..... and maybe a Dash of Pedigree)

Rank HORSE Sire

1 UNCLE MO Indian Charlie
2 PREMIER PEGASUS Fusaichi Pegasus
3 SOLDAT War Front
4 DIALED IN Mineshaft
5 MUCHO MACHO MAN Macho Uno
6 STAY THIRSTY Bernardini
7 THE FACTOR War Front
8 TO HONOR AND SERVE Bernardini
9 ANIMAL KINGDOM Leroidesanimeaux
10 JAYCITO Victory Gallop
11 SANTIVA Giant's Causeway
12 ANTHONY'S CROSS Indian Charlie
13 ASTROLOGY AP Indy
14 PANTS ON FIRE Jump Start
15 TWICE THE APPEAL Successful Appeal
16 MASTER OF HOUNDS Kingmambo
17 DECISIVE MOMENT With Distinction
18 WATCH ME GO West Acre
19 NEHRO Mineshaft
20 JP'S GUSTO Successful Appeal
21 FLASHPOINT Pomeroy

Rachel Alexandra, Glamour Session in Lightroom!

Stonestreet Farm trotted out Rachel Alexandra for Fan Appreciation Day Saturday.
She was poised and perfect. The weather was cold and crappy... and there was a crowd.
So. How can we make some good pictures?
Follow me...

Rachel Alexandra. Photo: Matt Wooley/EquiSport Photos 1/640 @ f/3.5, iso 800, -1 1/3 EV, 125mm, cloudy white balance.

Just so you have a point of reference, here is the scene.

First thing is to evaluate the scene with your eyes. It's dark, and there are lots of people. So I'm going to shoot tight, that will help lose the people.

Second thing, I'm going to shoot pretty wide open in Aperture Priority (f/3.5), to bring in light and control the depth of field. I raise the ISO to about 800.

Last thing, lower the Exposure Value. I want to keep it dark and moody. I don't want to blow out the highlights.
Remember, I am the "Protector of Highlights". We talked about EV in the last post.

 I have one lens with me, a 70-200 f/2.8, and I shot 305 images in about 35 minutes. I ended up with a dozen that worked, and 4 that I really like.
That's half the job. What's the next step? What do I need to do to get Rachel, in all of her glory, up on the website?

Let's run through a quick Lightroom demo. Lightroom Rocks!
Elements and Photoshop used to be the "go to" editing software for me, but I am now in Lightroom 90% of the time. Lightroom 3 to be specific.

Rachel Alexandra. Photo: Matt Wooley/EquiSport Photos 1/400 @ f/3.5, iso 800, -1/3 EV, 200mm, cloudy white balance.

 This is the finished image, a nice moody sepia toned tight shot. The "eye shot" is a little bit cliche, but she has a nice soft eye, and Rachel's blaze is something of a trademark. So I think this works.

Here's the Lightroom screen shot with the original image.

I have turned on the blown highlights, as shown in red. This it what you might see on your camera LCD with the "highlight alerts", or blinkies, turned on. As I said in the last post, I like to push the exposure, knowing that I can recover the highlights in Lightroom. With my in camera EV set at -1/3, I captured the detail in the shadow, without blowing out too much. So, -1/3 was actually "pushing the exposure".

I just start at the top of the Develop Panel on the right side of the screen.
Crop in a little tighter to lose the nose chain.
Raise the Color Temperature to add warmth, 7000 for this shot.
Move the Recovery slider to about 40 to recover the highlights.
Add some Blacks for contrast (to maybe 15), add Brightness (65 or so).

Next, I'm going to grab the adjustment brush, and add a little exposure and brightness to the face (+33 exp, +7 brightness on the brush). This is a "Selective" exposure change.
I actually made a correct exposure in the camera, so I don't need a "Global" modification with the Exposure slider.

Going right down the Develop Panel;
Add a little Sharpness (40), add some Noise Reduction (20) and Color Noise Reduction (40).
Finally, a nice dark Vignette (-20).

Here's the Before/After screen. I did not have to add any Clarity, Vibrance or Saturation to this image. By exposing properly in camera, I just needed to add some contrast, with the Blacks and Brightness sliders. Moving the Color Temperature to 7000 gave me all the color I needed.

This image could live right here just fine, a nice rich color picture. But I wanted to give it a classic look, so I added a Sepia Tone. First by clicking B&W in the HSL Panel, then adjusting the Split Toning. My recipe for this shot was, Highlights Hue and Saturation 40 & 30, Shadows Hue & Saturation 40 & 30.

 Okay, that's a quick run-through with Lightroom. The whole process took about a minute. I then export as a JPG and it's ready to send out. Did I mention that Lightroom Rocks!

The image on the left ran in the Thoroughbred Times Today for Saturday, March 25th. I sent 4 different images, and this is what the editors selected.
As you can see, from a photojournalism standpoint, it's good to include the entire scene to give context. But it's the artsy head shots that made it to my website.

The lesson here is figuring out how to make a nice picture given a difficult situation. Some of my favorite shots were taken in real pain in the ass conditions, like in the pouring rain during an important race. That's what connects with the viewer and gives the image it's mood.



A quick reminder..
We are looking for a few more Camera Happy Participants for our Spring Equine Photography Workshop, May 3-5, which includes working in Lightroom!


Space in the workshop is limited to 12 or so!
The cutoff date for our discounted room rate is April 2nd.
Check out the Capture The Light website for all of the topics and details. Or call me any time.. 859-338-4187

That's it for now... mw.

"The 'Mo Thing" Stays the Same.. Derby Top 21 for March 14th.

Not a stayer amongst the bunch!
While top ranked Derby horses were expected to solidify their credentials this weekend, this years' trend only continued, with the more highly touted 3 year-olds shying from the spotlight. We've been waiting for break-out performance all year.
Still waiting.
We certainly didn't see greatness from any of the favorites this weekend. Tune in later for the Florida Derby.

The highlight of the weekend turned out to be PREMIER PEGASUS, in the San Felipe STAKES (G2) at Santa Anita  By far the most visually impressive prep so far this season, the Fusaichi Pegasus colt coasted to an 8 length win over JAYCITO. I'm dropping him in at #3.

Premier Pegasus, (shown here in Hollywood Prevue). Photo: Alex Evers/EquiSport Photo 1/500 @ f/3.2, 200mm

Bred, trained and owned by Myung Kwon Cho, Premier Pegasus showed an amazing turn of foot in the turn, to overhaul the San Felipe also-rans. He now has sights on the Santa Anita Derby (G1), April 9th.

Premier Pegasus and Alonso Quinonez

In his first 2-turn race, Alonso Quinonez rated the colt nicely, in 5th place, off of a quick pace. Entering the far turn Premier Pegasus made a well timed move, and jumped to the front. "I was just hoping to make a move at the right time and he did," Quinonez said. "He waited for me until I asked him. At the three-eighths pole he switched leads and grabbed the bridle. I didn’t hold his intentions back, I just let him go. He knew it was time to go because he is a very special horse."

As disappointing as the favorites have been this year, Premier Pegasus has proven to be a bright spot. JAYCITO and BRETHREN both lost stock yesterday, while UNCLE MO really proved nothing. My recurring theme has been how the favorites seem to be backing up. I say "This 2 or 3 race training method of getting fresh horses to the Derby is NOT working for most."

Jaycito, who finished 7th in the BC Juvenile has given me no reason to be impressed. Brethren, who beat a lackluster field in the Sam Davis, couldn't keep pace with a (barely) better field Saturday.  


UNCLE MO easily handled a field of 4 rivals in a $100,000 workout disguised as a horse race. Aside from a bump at the start before moving to the front, the race was not noteworthy. Uncle Mo set pedestrian splits, (:25.53 and :49.58), before easily outdistancing the field with a final quarter in 22 4/5.

Uncle Mo wins Timely Writer. Photo: Joe Ganley/EquiSport Photos 1/1250 @ f/4, iso 500, 185mm

Trainer Todd Pletcher seems content with the colts' progress. “Except for the break when he and (Gallant Dreams) bumped, everything went the way I had hoped. It’s great to get over this hurdle. He got the last quarter in :22 4/5, which is always good in a dirt race, and he really galloped out strong," Pletcher said. "He was the Derby favorite going in and he’s the Derby favorite coming out. We’re on schedule with the Wood."

Well, okay, he's still the favorite. Everybody else is going in reverse.

WATCH ME GO, the surprise winner in the Tampa Bay Derby, now gets a spot in the Top 21 by virtue of earnings. Trainer Kathleen O'Connell seems to have a clear direction in mind. "I’ll have to talk to the owner, but I’m sure right now he’s thinking roses," she said.

Watch Me Go on trail. Photo: Amber Chalfin?EquiSport Photos 1/1600 @f/5.6, iso 400, 300mm

"THE WORD" DERBY TOP 21 for 3.14.2011
Rank Horse Sire
1 UNCLE MO (Indian Charlie)
2 SOLDAT (War Front)
3 PREMIER PEGASUS (Fusaichi Pegasus)
4 MUCHO MACHO MAN (Macho Uno)
5 STAY THIRSTY (Bernardini)
6 GOURMET DINNER (Trippi)
7 TO HONOR AND SERVE (Bernardini)
8 ASTROLOGY (AP Indy)
9 SANTIVA (Giant's Causeway)
10 JAYCITO (Victory Gallop)
11 SWAY AWAY (Afleet Alex)
12 ARCHARCHARCH (Arch)
13 ROGUE ROMANCE (Smarty Jones)
14 DIALED IN (Mineshaft)
15 BRETHREN (Distorted Humor)
16 ANTHONY'S CROSS (Indian Charlie)
17 WATCH ME GO (West Acre)
18 TOBY'S CORNER (Bellamy Road)
19 FLASHPOINT (Pomeroy)
20 SILVER MEDALLION (Badge of Silver)
21 SWEET DUCKY (Pulpit)

Wendy and I are keeping an eye out for participants for Capture the Light - Equine Photography Workshop, presented by EquiSport Photos, May 3-5, 2011.
This is a great destination workshop in Lexington, Kentucky for beginning and intermediate photographers. Some of the great learning topics are outlined in our blog.


That's it for now... mw

"A Derby Factor?" - Derby Top 25 for February 21st

The San Vicente raised more questions than it answered. The biggest.. can THE FACTOR go the distance? The War Front colt jumped out of the gate, set blazing fractions, and just outlasted a charging SWAY AWAY by a length.
Trainer Bob Baffert's 'go to' rider, Martin Garcia, said of The Factor after the race "I just let him break by himself. The more you fight, the more he’s going to take off. He doesn’t want to be behind horses, so I just let him be comfortable and he kept going. He is still learning."
The Factor, nearly collared by Sway Away at the wire, will have to rate off the pace if he's going to have enough gas to get the classic distance.

The Factor wins the San Vicente. Photo: Alex Evers/EquiSport Photos 1/1000 sec @ f/3.5, iso 1000, 400mm

Was SWAY AWAY, who moved from dead last to nearly catch the winner at the wire, perhaps the more impressive? Another sixteenth would have changed the outcome of this 7 furlong test.

Sway Away (outside) nearly runs down The Factor. Photo: Alex Evers/EquiSport Photos 1/500 @ f/3.5, iso 800, 300mm

Sway Away, trained by Jeff Bonde, seems to be one to watch. And the Afleet Alex colt should have no trouble with the classic distance.
“It’s heartbreaking to lose, but that’s the way the game goes. This horse is the best (Kentucky) Derby chance I’ve had in many years." said Bonde after the San Vicente.

Sway Away is certainly is going on my Top 25. A few spots in front of The Factor... for now.

MUCHO MACHO MAN finally prevailed, in his 4th stakes race, in the hard fought Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fairgrounds Saturday. After finishing 4th last time out in the Holy Bull, this well traveled son of Macho Again beat a quality field including second place SANTIVA, and third place ROGUE ROMANCE.

Mucho Macho Man. Photo: Joe Ganley/EquiSport Photos 1/1000 @ f/3.5, iso 800, 108mm.

Mucho Macho Man also finished second in both the Nashua S. and Remson S. as a two-year-old for trainer Kathy Ritvo. “He goes two miles like he’s out to jog. He’s just going to get better the further the distances get,” Ritvo said.

ARCHARCHARCH gritted out a tough win Monday in the Southwest Stakes, (G3) at Oaklawn Park, over a classy field. Highly respected JP'S GUSTO, the betting favorite, finished second in front of a fading ELITE ALEX.
Jon Court rode the winner for his father-in-law, William 'Jinks' Fires. Coming out of the turn into the short Oaklawn stretch, the Arch colt responded when asked, opening up a 2 1/2 length lead on the field.
JP's Gusto, ridden by Ramon Dominguez, got bottled up in the turn. “At the quarter pole, when I wanted to move, there were horses around me and I couldn't get out," Dominguez said.  


This Week's TOP 25 DERBY TRAIL

Rank Horse (Sire)
1 UNCLE MO (Indian Charlie)
2 TO HONOR AND SERVE (Bernardini)
3 DIALED IN (Mineshaft)
4 MUCHO MACHO MAN (Macho Uno)
5 BRETHREN (Distorted Humor)
6 STAY THIRSTY (Bernardini)
7 JAYCITO (Victory Gallop)
8 SANTIVA (Giant's Causeway)
9 SWAY AWAY (Afleet Alex)
10 ARCHARCHARCH (Arch)
11 WILKINSON (Lemon Drop Kid)
12 SOLDAT (War Front)
13 RIVETING REASON (Fusaichi Pegasus)
14 JP'S GUSTO (Successful Appeal)
15 THE FACTOR (War Front)
16 ROGUE ROMANCE (Smarty Jones)
17 ASTROLOGY (AP Indy)
18 TIZ BLESSED (Tiznow)
19 ELITE ALEX (Afleet Alex)
20 ANTHONY'S CROSS (Indian Charlie)
21 SHACKLEFORD (Forestry)
22 SILVER MEDALLION (Badge of Silver)
23 GOURMET DINNER (Trippi)
24 SWEET DUCKY (Pulpit)
25 TOBY'S CORNER (Bellamy Road)


That's it for now.. mw

Two Top Oaks Fillies

Jubilation. From Julien Leparoux. Wow!
The usually reserved jockey flashed a celebratory fist pump while coasting to an easy win in the Grade 2 Golden Rod aboard KATHMANBLU at Churchill Downs November 27th. One could not help but think that the filly had just stamped her ticket for the 2011 Oaks. And Julien knew it.

Kathmanblu (Bluegrass Cat) Julien Leparoux up, wins The Golden Rod Stakes at Churchill Downs 11.27.2010. Owner Five D Thoroughbreds and Wind River Stables, Trainer Kenny McPeek (1/2000 @ f/3.2, iso 1000, 300mm. Photo: Matt Wooley/EquiSport Photos)

  Said Leparoux after the race, "She broke good; she was very relaxed laying third. And when I asked her she finished very good." The daughter of Bluegrass Cat opened up a slight lead coming out of the turn after stalking the leaders down the back stretch, and cruised home by 8 lengths. Leparoux went on to say "I don’t know how good she can be. I think she is a very good filly on the turf. And she proved today she can run on the dirt, too. We’ve got options.”

Trainer Ken McPeek got in on the excitement about Kathmanblu as well, “She is now a big time Oaks prospect. She’s not a big filly; she is a little compact filly, and as the months go on she has gotten better and better. I’ll think she will keep going as a 3-year-old."
As for the filly's future, "We will probably put her on the shelf for a while" McPeek said. "At this point, we will take her to Gulfstream for the winter and take it one day at a time. She probably won’t run until late February or early March. I like to have two races in them before the Oaks.”

AWESOME FEATHER should be on everyone's list of top Oaks prospects after a nice win the the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies November 5th at Churchill Downs. The likely Eclipse Award winning daughter of Awesome of Course improved her record to 6 for 6.

Awesome Feather (Awesome of Course), Jeffrey Sanchez up, wins the Juvenile Fillies for Stanley Gold and owner Jacks or Better Farm at Churchill Downs 11.05.2010 (1/1000 @ f/4, iso 1000, 200mm. Photo: Matt Wooley/EquiSport Photos)

 Sold at Auction a few days after the Breeder's Cup for $2.7m, look for Awesome Feather to race in 2011 under the colors of Adena Springs. “I just hope she carries on,” said new owner Frank Stronach, who described Awesome Feather’s 2 1/4-length Breeders’ Cup victory as “pretty impressive.”

Originally campaigned by the breeder, Fred Brei, of Jacks Or Better Farm in Florida, Awesome Feather's selling price "was enough to make me smile. It wasn’t much over the reserve," Brei said. Explaining his reason to go ahead with the planned sale of the filly, Brei said, “We don’t race much out of Florida. And when it comes to going up North, where certainly she belongs in the grade Is that will be coming up when she’s a 3-year-old, it’s just best for the filly and best for us that she’s in somebody else’s hands."

Look for Awesome Feather to show up in late February at Gulfstream Park in the early Oaks preps.

More later.. mw.

"Up & Comers" on the Derby Trail

Happy Birthday to all of the Derby contenders! Everybody turned 3 on New Year's Day!
Okay, for that matter, all thoroughbreds had a birthday on January 1st.

The Kentucky Derby is still 4 months away, and now it's time to separate the pretenders from the contenders. Already, a few runners are assured a spot in the starting gate for this May's "Run For The Roses" based on current earnings, but a few are just now making their presence known.
One promising now 3 year old, in particular, is certain to be a factor.

The Factor, Rafael Bejarano up, breaks his maiden at Santa Anita Park 12.26.2010. Alex Evers/EquiSport Photos

 A Bob Baffert trainee, "The Factor", may have made the biggest slash coming into the New Year. Running under the colors of part owner George Bolton, The Factor broke maiden at Santa Anita the day after Christmas in track record setting fashion. The son of War Front posted an eye popping 102 Beyer figure. Baffert said of the colt after the race, "He didn't even take a deep breath". 
Baffert admitted the colt's name was inspired by Bill O'Reilly's Fox News program.
Look for The Factor to move right into Stakes company to get started on the Derby Trail.

Another Up & Comer, To Honor and Serve, proved much the best in winning the Remson Stakes, November 27 at Aqueduct.

To Honor and Serve, John Velazquez up, wins the Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct 11/27/10Jessie Holmes/EquiSport Photos

Trained by Bill Mott for Live Oak Plantation, the Bernardini colt came into this race off of a 4 length win in the Grade 2 Nashua Stakes November 6th. Said Mott after the Remson, "I thought in the Nashua it looked like he won a little easier, but this was another eighth of a mile. Being in a two-turn race might have been slightly confusing to him. As with any horse like him, we’ll nominate him for everything in case there’s a hiccup anywhere.”

One more 3 year old to make note of is Brethren. A half brother to last year's Derby winner Super Saver,  the colt won an Allowance at Churchill in convincing fashion November 27th.

Brethren, Garrett Gomez up, wins an allowance at Churchill Downs 11.27.2010 Wendy Wooley/EquiSport Photos.

A son of Distorted Humor, and owned by Winstar Farm, Brethren coasted to an easy win under Garrett Gomez for trainer Todd Pletcher. “He came out of (the race) in excellent shape. I thought that was a big effort from him from an outside post,” Pletcher said. “He veered out a little bit at the start but was able to put himself in a good position and kicked on turning for home. All in all, I though it was a pretty impressive race.”

Here is the rest of the "Derby Word" for the New Year. A lot will shuffle between now and the first Saturday in May as the Real Contenders make themselves known.

Rank Horse (Sire)
1 UNCLE MO (Indian Charlie)
2 COMMA TO THE TOP (Bwana Charlie)
3 TO HONOR AND SERVE (Bernardini)
4 BOYS AT TOSCANOVA (Officer)
5 SANTIVA (Giant's Causeway)
6 JB'S THUNDER (Thunder Gulch)
7 THE FACTOR (War Front)
8 ROGUE ROMANCE (Smarty Jones)
9 BRETHREN (Distorted Humor)
10 JP'S GUSTO (Successful Appeal)

And on the Distaff side, a look at the Oaks Fillies that have shown promise.

Rank Horse (Sire)
1 KATHMANBLU (Bluegrass Cat)
2 AWESOME FEATHER (Awesome of Course)
3 R HEAT LIGHTNING (Trippi)
4 MORE THAN REAL (More Than Ready)
5 TURBULENT DESCENT (Congrats)
6 WICKEDLY PERFECT (Congrats)
7 DELIGHTFUL MARY (Limehouse)
8 WINTER MEMORIES (El Prado)
9 A Z WARRIOR (Bernardini)
10 FASTATION (Valid Expectations)

More later... mw

The "Derby Trail"? Really?... um, it's snowing out!

Well what else are you going to do when it's 20 degrees and snowing. It's a great time to update the Derby and Oaks list! And keep the woodstove burning!
The 2 year-olds will soon be 3 year-olds, and a few have already stamped themselves as legitimate horses. It's WAY too early for preditions, but this is a good "Watch List".

Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie), John Velazquez up, wins the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) for trainer Todd Pletcher, and owner Repole Stables, at Churchill Downs 11.06.2010

Uncle Mo definitely stamped himself as one to watch in winning the Breeder's Cup Classic. We could only ask that his owner act as classy. One almost felt embarrassed for the normally stoic Todd Pletcher after the race as Mike Repole planted a handful of wet ones on Todd's cheek. Repole did rebound nicely by donating $30K to Thoroughbred Retirement organizations. If nothing else, the Vitamin Water gazillionaire is entertaining. Maybe Pletcher can at least temper Repole. Can you imagine if the New Yorker had hooked up with Rick Dutrow? Wow...me either!
Look for Uncle Mo to run back in The Tampa Bay Derby, on March 12, or less likely, the Gotham on March 5 at Aqueduct.

On the distaff side, I was most impressed with the way Kathmanblu dispatched the field in The Golden Rod Stakes at Churchill Downs November 27th.

Kathmanblu (Bluegrass Cat) Julien Leparoux up, wins The Golden Rod Stakes at Churchill Downs 11.27.2010

A Kenny McPeek trainee, Kathmanblu was never threatened, coasting across the line for an easy 8 1/2 length win. In a rare show of jubilation, Julien Leparoux knew he was Ky. Oaks bound with this talented filly. Look for her at Gulfstream in late February or early March.

Okay, those are my 2 favs to watch at this point.
In addition, I liked how "To Honor and Serve" won the Remson, and I like "Santiva", winner of the Ky. Jockey Club.
Of the other talented fillies, "Awesome Feather" beat a class field in the Breeder's Cup and the undefeated "Turbulent Descent" looked great yesterday in the Hollywood Starlet.

COLTS:
1 UNCLE MO
2 TO HONOR AND SERVE
3 BOYS AT TOSCANOVA
4 SANTIVA
5 ROGUE ROMANCE
6 BRETHREN
7 JB'S THUNDER
8 STAY THIRSTY
9 COMMA TO THE TOP
10 GOURMET DINNER
11 JP'S GUSTO

FILLIES:
1 KATHMANBLU
2 AWESOME FEATHER
3 R HEAT LIGHTNING
4 MORE THAN REAL
5 TURBULENT DESCENT
6 WICKEDLY PERFECT
7 DELIGHTFUL MARY
8 WINTER MEMORIES
9 A Z WARRIOR

More later.. mw

Noble's Promise takes Leap on Trail

Photo: Matt Wooley/EquiSport Photos


The Derby is not won in March, but the preps this month do help weed out the pretenders from the contenders.
NOBLE'S PROMISE added his name as a live horse with an impressive 2nd against winning Super Horse, LOOKIN' AT LUCKY, in the REBEL. The eventual winner overcame a near collision on the back-stretch, showed a lot of determination down the lane, and prevailed. Those two will doubtless meet again. DUBLIN held on for 3rd, to add to his dubious record of non-wins.
For you non-believers in ODYSSEUS, the TAMPA BAY DERBY was very enlightening. Even discounted by the track announcer ("Odysseus will have to wait for another day"), the winner regrouped more than once to beat SCHOOLYARD DREAMS by a head-bob. SUPER SAVER, who just needed to race, was a game 3rd. Less than a length separated the top 3.
INTERACTIF, finished 2nd in the SAN FELIPE, but showed more to me than the winner, looking like he wants more. SIDNEY'S CANDY, the wire to wire winner, remains something of a question mark for the Classic distance. 3rd place finisher CARACORTADO kept the Cinderella story alive, barely, for trainer Michael Machowsky.
ESKENDEREYA, who has had the most impressive showing of the year, in the Fountain of Youth, is back Saturday in the FLORIDA DERBY. Look for him to solidify his credentials.

Rank Horse Sire Trainer Jockey Owner
1 ESKENDEREYA Giant's Causeway Todd Pletcher John Velazquez Zayat
2/20 GP 1st in Fountain of Youth (G2), 10/4 BP 1st in Pilgrim S.
2 LOOKIN' AT LUCKY Smart Strike Bob Baffert Garrett Gomez Pegram, Watson, Weitman
3/13 OP 1st in the Rebel (G2), 12/19 HW 1st in Cash Call Futurity (G1), 11/7 SA 2nd in BC Juvenile (G1), 9/6 DM 1st in Del Mar Futurity (G1)
3 NOBLE'S PROMISE Cuvee Ken McPeek Robby Albarado Chasing Dreams Racing
3/13 OP 2nd in the Rebel (G2), 12/19 HW 2nd in Cash Call Futurity (G1), 10/10 KEE 1st in Breeder's Futurity (G1)
4 ODYSSEUS Malibu Moon Tom Albertrani Rajiv Maragh Padua Stables
3/13 TB 1st in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3), TB 2/17 1st in Allowance by 15 lengths
5 SUPER SAVER Maria's Mon Todd Pletcher Calvin Borel Winstar
3/13 TB 3rd in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3), 11/28 CD 1st in Ky. Jockey Club (G2).
6 INTERACTIF Broken Vow Todd Pletcher Kent Desormeaux Wertheimer & Frere
3/13 SA 2nd in the San Felipe (G2), 2/7 GP 2nd in Hallendale Beach, 11/7 SA 2nd in BC Juvenile Turf (G1)
7 AWESOME ACT Awesome Again Jeremy Noseda Julien Leparoux Susan Roy and Vinery Stables
3/6 AQ 1st in Gotham (G3)
8 RULE Roman Ruler Todd Pletcher John Velazquez Winstar
2/13 TB 1st in Sam F Davis (G3), 12/4 FG 1st in Delta Jackpot (G3)
9 DISCREETLY MINE Mineshaft Todd Pletcher Javier Castellano Paul Robsham Stables
2/20 FG 1st in Risen Star (G2)
10 DUBLIN Afleet Alex D. Wayne Lukas Cory Nakatani Robert Baker, William Mack
3/13 OP 3rd in the Rebel (G2), 2/20 OP 2nd in Southwest S. (G3), 11/1 CD 7th in Iroquois (G3), 10/1 BP 5th in Champaigne (G1), 9/1 SAR 1st in Hopeful (G1)
11 CONVEYANCE Indian Charlie Bob Baffert Martin Garcia Rashid bin Mohammed al Maktoum (Zabeel Racing)
2/20 OP 1st in Southwest S. (G3), 1/16 SA 1st in San Rafael (G3), 1/25 HW 1st in Allow.
12 SIDNEY'S CANDY Candy Ride John Sadler Joe Talamo Jenny Craig
3/13 SA 1st in the San Felipe (G2)
Rank Horse Sire Trainer Jockey Owner
13 DROSSELMEYER Distorted Humor Bill Mott Kent Desormeaux Winstar
2/20 FG 4th in Risen Star (G2), 1/31 GP 1st in Allowance
14 SCHOOLYARD DREAMS Stephen Got Even Derek Ryan Jeremy Rose Eric Fein and Anthony Mitola
3/13 TB 2nd in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3), 2/13 TB 2nd in Sam F Davis (G3),
15 CARACORTADO Cat Dreams Michael Machowsky Paul Atkinson Blahut & Lo Hi Racing
3/13 SA 3rd in the San Felipe (G2), 2/13 SA 1st in Robert Lewis (G3)
16 MENDIP Harlan's Holiday Saeed Bin Suroor Frankie Dettori Godolphin
3/6 MD 1st in Al Bastikiya
17 JACKSON BEND Hear No Evil Nick Zito Jeremy Rose Jacks or Better, Robert LaPenta
2/20 GP 2nd in Fountain of Youth (G2), 1/23 GP 2nd in Holy Bull (G3)
18 ALPHIE'S BET Tribal Rule Alexis Barba Alex Solis Terese McWilliams, Peter Johnson
3/6 SA 1st in the Sham S. (G3)
19 AMERICAN LION Tiznow Eoin Harty Julien Leparoux Winstar
3/13 SA 4th in the San Felipe (G2), 2/13 SA 3rd in Robert Lewis (G3), 11/21 HW 1st in Hollywood Prevue (G3)
20 CONNEMARA Giant's Causeway Todd Pletcher Russell Baze Tabor, Magnier, Smith
2/20 SA 1st in El Camino Real (G3), 1/16 GG 2nd in Cal Derby
21 D'FUNNYBONE D'Wildcat Rick Dutrow Edgar Prado Paul Pompa
2/20 GP 1st in Hutcheson (G2)
22 DAVE IN DIXIE Dixie Union John Sadler Joel Rosario Ike & Dawn Thrash
3/13 SA 6th in the San Felipe (G2), 2/13 SA 2nd in Robert Lewis (G3)
23 AIKENITE Yes It's True Todd Pletcher Alan Garcia Dogwood Stables
2/20 GP 3rd in Fountain of Youth (G2),
24 MAXIMUS RULER Roman Ruler Clark Hanna James Graham D. Benge, C. Hanna, M. Bell
1/23 FG 2nd in Lecomte (G3), CD Allow winner
25 RADIOHEAD Johannesburg Rick Dutrow Edgar Prado IEAH & Pegasus, Burrell & Harvey
2/27 GP 1st in Allow.

'Revenge' most impressive.

Photo: EquiSport Photos/M. Wooley

Okay, down to the wire!
Most impressive performances... I Want Revenge in the Wood, Friesan Fire in the Louisianna Derby, Quality Road in the Florida Derby. They are the TOP 3.
Best trade... Dunkirk in, Mafaaz out.
Best story... General Quarters, the one horse stable of Thomas McCarthy.
Biggest move... Papa Clem winning the Arkansas Derby over the ill fated Old Fashioned.
Could be for real... Musket Man wins the Illinois Derby on the heals of the Tampa Bay Derby.
Comeback trail... Square Eddie. We'll see Saturday in the Lexington.
Needed 4 horses to come up with 20... Charitable Man, Giant Oak, Jeranimo, Flying Private.


Horse Sire Trainer Owner Jockey
1 I WANT REVENGE Stephen Got Even Jeff Mullins IEAH, Lanzman Racing Joe Talamo
2 FRIESAN FIRE AP Indy Larry Jones Vinery & Fox Hill Gabriel Saez
3 QUALITY ROAD Elusive Quality James Jerkins Edward Evans John Velazquez
4 DUNKIRK Unbridled's Song Todd Pletcher Magnier, Tabor, Smith Garrett Gomez
5 DESERT PARTY Street Cry Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin Racing Frankie Dettori
6 PIONEEROF THE NILE Empire Maker Bob Baffert Zayat Stables Garrett Gomez
7 PAPA CLEM Smart Strike Bo Hirsh Gary Stute Rafael Bejarano
8 CHOCOLATE CANDY Candy Ride Jerry Hollendorfer Jenny Craig Mike Smith
9 GENERAL QUARTERS Sky Mesa Mark Miller Thomas McCarthy Julien Leparoux
10 HOLD ME BACK Giant's Causeway Bill Mott WinStar Farm Kent Desormeaux
11 MUSKET MAN Yonaguska Derek Ryan Eric Fein, Vic Carlson Daniel Centeno
12 WIN WILLY Monarchos McLean Robertson Jer-Mar Stable M.C. Berry
13 REGAL RANSOM Distorted Humor Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin Racing Alan Garcia
14 SQUARE EDDIE Smart Strike Doug O'Neill Paul Reddam Edgar Prado
15 MR HOT STUFF Tiznow Eoin Harty WinStar Farm Corey Nakatani
16 WEST SIDE BERNIE Bernstein Kelly Breen Lori & Goerge Hall Edgar Prado
17 CHARITABLE MAN Lemon Drop Kid Kiaran McLaughlin W. K. Warren Jr Undecided
18 GIANT OAK Giant's Causeway Chris Block Virginia Tarra Trust E. Razo
19 JERANIMO Congaree B.J. Wright M. Pender B. Blanc
20 FLYING PRIVATE Fusaichi Pegasus D. Wayne Lukas Grand Slam Farm Israel Ocampo

Friesan Fire lights the Trail!

Pioneerof the Nile training at Keeneland on Polytrack 9.30.2008 Photo: EquiSport Photos/Matt Wooley

Okay Kids, A little shake up on the Derby Trail this week.
Friesan Fire looked brilliant. Perhaps the best prep race if the year. And it was on dirt!
Old Fashioned faltered in the Rebel. Will rematch Win Willy in the Arkansas Derby.
Florida Derby coming up big this year, just as it did for Big Brown last year. Quality Road leads a strong field that includes mystery horse Dunkirk, Kenny McPeek's Theregoesjojo and Beethoven who needs to pick it up a notch.
This week's Lane's End Cup favors West Side Bernie, with Edgar Prado flying in for the mount, up against Bittel Road and Garrett Gomez.
Attached is my "Top 20 or so Derby Contenders and Connections". This list along with $2.00 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Small.
Next update, April Fools Day.
"The Word" - Derby 2009 Contenders March 16, 2009 www.equisportphotos.com
Horse Sire Trainer Owner Jockey Next
1 FRIESAN FIRE AP Indy Larry Jones Vinery & Fox Hill Gabriel Saez 4/11 Blgrass or 5/2 Ky. Derby
2 THE PAMPLEMOUSSE Kafwain Julio Canani Bienstock & Winner Stable, A. Solis II Alex Solis 4/4 SA Santa Anita Derby
3 I WANT REVENGE Stephen Got Even Jeff Mullins Lanzman Racing Joe Talamo 4/4 AQ Wood Memorial (G1)
4 QUALITY ROAD Elusive Quality James Jerkins Edward Evans John Velazquez 3/28 GP Florida Derby
5 OLD FASHIONED Unbridled's Song Larry Jones Rick Porter Ramon Dominguez 4/11 OP Arkansas Derby
6 IMPERIAL COUNCIL Empire Maker Shug McGaughey Sequoia Racing Rajiv Maragh 4/4 AQ Wood Memorial (G1)
7 PIONEEROF THE NILE Empire Maker Bob Baffert Zayat Stables Garrett Gomez 4/4 SA Santa Anita Derby
8 DUNKIRK Unbridled's Song Todd Pletcher Magnier, Tabor, Smith Garrett Gomez 3/28 GP Florida Derby
9 PAPA CLEM Smart Strike Bo Hirsh Gary Stute Rafael Bejarano 4/4 HAW Illinois Derby
10 WIN WILLY Monarchos McLean Robertson Jer-Mar Stable M. Berry 4/11 OP Arkansas Derby
11 THEREGOESJOJO Brahms Kenny McPeek Samotowka, Delfiner, Drall, Magdalena Kent Desormeaux 3/28 GP Florida Derby
12 CHOCOLATE CANDY Candy Ride Jerry Hollendorfer Jenny Craig Rafael Bejarano 4/4 SA Santa Anita Derby
13 MUSKET MAN Yonaguska Derek Ryan Eric Fein, Vic Carlson Daniel Centeno 4/4 Illinois Derby or Wood M.
14 WEST SIDE BERNIE Bernstein Kelly Breen Lori & Goerge Hall Edgar Prado 3/21 TP Lane's End
15 DESERT PARTY Street Cry Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin Racing Frankie Dettori 3/28 NAS UAE Derby
16 BEETHOVEN Sky Mesa John Ward John Oxley Calvin Borel 3/28 GP Florida Derby
17 TERRAIN Sky Mesa Albert Stall Jr Albert Stall Jamie Theriot 4/11 Bluegrass S. (G1) or Lex.
18 CAPT. CANDYMAN CAN Candy Ride Ian Wilkes Jos. Rauch, David Zell Julien Leparoux
19 GENERAL QUARTERS Sky Mesa Mark Miller Thomas McCarthy James Lopez 4/11 KEE Bluegrass S. (G1)
20 VINEYARD HAVEN Lido Palace Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin Racing Edgar Prado 3/28 NAS UAE Derby
21 BITTEL ROAD Stormy Atlantic Todd Pletcher Scatuorchio & Iracane Garrett Gomez 3/21 TP Lane's End

Next 3 Weeks...The Real Deals vs. The Also Rans

The next 3 weeks will sort out the Real Deals from the Also Rans.
This week my picks (in order); the Rebel (Old Fashioned), Louisiana Derby (Friesan Fire, Patena, Papa Clem, Flying Pegasus), Tampa Bay Derby (General Quarters, Hello Broadway) and San Felipe (Pioneerof the Nile, Chocolate Candy).
Next week my picks (in order); Lane's End Cup (West Side Bernie)
Two weeks my picks (in order); the Florida Derby (Quality Road, Dunkirk, Beethoven, Theregoesjojo), UAE Derby (Desert Party, Vineyard Haven)
No guarantees expressed or implied.

"The Word" - Derby 2009 Contenders March 10, 2009 www.equisportphotos.com
Horse Sire Trainer Owner Jockey Next
1 OLD FASHIONED Unbridled's Song Larry Jones Rick Porter Ramon Dominguez 3/14 OP Rebel S.
2 PIONEEROF THE NILE Empire Maker Bob Baffert Zayat Stables Garrett Gomez 3/14 SA San Felipe S. (G2)
3 QUALITY ROAD Elusive Quality James Jerkins Edward Evans John Velazquez 3/28 GP Florida Derby
4 I WANT REVENGE Stephen Got Even Jeff Mullins Lanzman Racing Joe Talamo 4/4 AQ Wood Memorial (G1)
5 FRIESAN FIRE AP Indy Larry Jones Vinery & Fox Hill Gabriel Saez 3/14 FG Louisiana Derby (G2)
6 THE PAMPLEMOUSSE Kafwain Julio Canani Bienstock & Winner Stable, A. Solis II Alex Solis 4/4 SA Santa Anita Derby
7 IMPERIAL COUNCIL Empire Maker Shug McGaughey Sequoia Racing Rajiv Maragh 4/4 AQ Wood Memorial (G1)
8 PATENA Seeking the Gold Rick Dutrow IEAH, Sikura Robby Albarado 3/14 FG Louisiana Derby (G2)
9 DUNKIRK Unbridled's Song Todd Pletcher Magnier, Tabor, Smith Garrett Gomez 3/28 GP Florida Derby
10 BEETHOVEN Sky Mesa John Ward John Oxley Calvin Borel 3/28 GP Florida Derby
11 GENERAL QUARTERS Sky Mesa Mark Miller Thomas McCarthy James Lopez 3/14 TB Tampa bay Derby
12 PAPA CLEM Smart Strike Bo Hirsh Gary Stute Rafael Bejarano 3/14 FG Louisiana Derby (G2)
13 THEREGOESJOJO Brahms Kenny McPeek Samotowka, Delfiner, Drall, Magdalena Kent Desormeaux 3/28 GP Florida Derby
14 FLYING PEGASUS Fusaichi Pegasus Ralph Nicks James Spence Cornelio Velasquez 3/14 FG Louisiana Derby (G2)
15 GIANT OAK Giant's Causeway Chris Block Virginia Tarra Trust E. Razo La. Derby or Rebel
16 CHOCOLATE CANDY Candy Ride Jerry Hollendorfer Jenny Craig Rafael Bejarano 3/14 SA San Felipe S. (G2)
17 HELLO BROADWAY Broken Vow Barclay Tagg Elizabeth Valando Edgar Prado 3/14 TB Tampa bay Derby
18 CAPT. CANDYMAN CAN Candy Ride Ian Wilkes Jos. Rauch, David Zell Julien Leparoux
19 DESERT PARTY Street Cry Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin Racing Frankie Dettori 3/28 NAS UAE Derby
20 VINEYARD HAVEN Lido Palace Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin Racing Edgar Prado 3/28 NAS UAE Derby
21 WEST SIDE BERNIE Bernstein Kelly Breen Lori & Goerge Hall Elvis Trujillo 3/21 Lne's End or 3/28 Fl Dby
22 SQUARE EDDIE Smart Strike Doug O'Neill Paul Reddam Rafael Bejarano injured

I Want Revenge moves along Derby Trail, wins dirt debut.

Photo: EquiSport Photos/Sue K.

I Want Revenge, very impressive in dirt debut.
Imperial Council, got the race Shug wanted.


"The Word" - Derby 2009 Contenders March 7, 2009 www.equisportphotos.com
Horse Sire Trainer Owner Jockey Next
1 OLD FASHIONED Unbridled's Song Larry Jones Rick Porter Ramon Dominguez 3/14 OP Rebel S.
2 PIONEEROF THE NILE Empire Maker Bob Baffert Zayat Stables Garrett Gomez 3/14 SA San Felipe S. (G2)
3 THE PAMPLEMOUSSE Kafwain Julio Canani Bienstock & Winner Stable, A. Solis II Alex Solis 4/4 SA Santa Anita Derby
4 QUALITY ROAD Elusive Quality James Jerkins Edward Evans John Velazquez 3/28 GP Florida Derby
5 FRIESAN FIRE AP Indy Larry Jones Vinery & Fox Hill Gabriel Saez 3/14 FG Louisiana Derby (G2)
6 STARDOM BOUND Tapit Rick Dutrow IEAH Mike Smith
7 I WANT REVENGE Stephen Got Even Jeff Mullins Lanzman Racing Joe Talamo
8 IMPERIAL COUNCIL Empire Maker Shug McGaughey Sequoia Racing Rajiv Maragh
9 PATENA Seeking the Gold Rick Dutrow IEAH, Sikura Robby Albarado 3/14 FG Louisiana Derby (G2)
10 DUNKIRK Unbridled's Song Todd Pletcher Magnier, Tabor, Smith Garrett Gomez 3/28 GP Florida Derby
11 BEETHOVEN Sky Mesa John Ward John Oxley Calvin Borel 3/28 GP Florida Derby
12 GENERAL QUARTERS Sky Mesa Mark Miller Thomas McCarthy James Lopez 3/14 TB Tampa bay Derby
13 PAPA CLEM Smart Strike Bo Hirsh Gary Stute Rafael Bejarano 3/14 FG Louisiana Derby (G2)
14 THEREGOESJOJO Brahms Kenny McPeek Samotowka, Delfiner, Drall, Magdalena Kent Desormeaux 3/28 GP Florida Derby
15 FLYING PEGASUS Fusaichi Pegasus Ralph Nicks James Spence Cornelio Velasquez 3/14 FG Louisiana Derby (G2)
16 GIANT OAK Giant's Causeway Chris Block Virginia Tarra Trust E. Razo La. Derby or Rebel
17 CHOCOLATE CANDY Candy Ride Jerry Hollendorfer Jenny Craig Rafael Bejarano 3/14 SA San Felipe S. (G2)
18 MR. FANTASY Kiaran McLaughlin Westpoint Thoroughbreds Alan Garcia
19 HELLO BROADWAY Broken Vow Barclay Tagg Elizabeth Valando Edgar Prado 3/14 TB Tampa bay Derby
20 CAPT. CANDYMAN CAN Candy Ride Ian Wilkes Jos. Rauch, David Zell Julien Leparoux
21 DESERT PARTY Street Cry Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin Racing Frankie Dettori 3/28 NAS UAE Derby
22 VINEYARD HAVEN Lido Palace Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin Racing Edgar Prado 3/28 NAS UAE Derby
23 WEST SIDE BERNIE Bernstein Kelly Breen Lori & Goerge Hall Elvis Trujillo 3/21 Lne's End or 3/28 Fl Dby
24 SQUARE EDDIE Smart Strike Doug O'Neill Paul Reddam Rafael Bejarano injured

There is a PAMPLEMOUSSE, and he's the REAL DEAL!

Quality Road (Elusive Quality), John Velazquez up, wins the Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park 2.28.2009 Photo: EquiSport Photos/Z.Laskowski

Quality Road impresses in the Fountain of Youth.
Anyone who saw the Sham Stakes this past weekend had to be impressed with the Pamplemousse. The big question, how will he handle dirt in his face?
Imperial Council, Haynesfield, I Want Revenge, and Mr. Fantasy top the Gotham entries at Aqueduct this week.
Stardom Bound, back Saturday in the Santa Anita Oaks.
Midshipman out!

1 OLD FASHIONED Unbridled's Song Larry Jones Rick Porter Ramon Dominguez 3/14 OP Rebel S.
2 PIONEEROF THE NILE Empire Maker Bob Baffert Zayat Stables Garrett Gomez 3/14 SA San Felipe S. (G2)
3 THE PAMPLEMOUSSE Kafwain Julio Canani Bienstock & Winner Stable, A. Solis II Alex Solis 4/4 SA Santa Anita Derby
4 QUALITY ROAD Elusive Quality James Jerkins Edward Evans John Velazquez 4/4 AQ Wood or 3/28 Fl Derby
5 FRIESAN FIRE AP Indy Larry Jones Vinery & Fox Hill Gabriel Saez 3/14 FG Louisiana Derby (G2)
6 STARDOM BOUND Tapit Rick Dutrow IEAH Mike Smith 3/7 SA Santa Anita Oaks
7 PATENA Seeking the Gold Rick Dutrow IEAH, Sikura Robby Albarado 3/14 FG Louisiana Derby (G2)
8 CAPT. CANDYMAN CAN Candy Ride Ian Wilkes Jos. Rauch, David Zell Julien Leparoux
9 THEREGOESJOJO Brahms Kenny McPeek Samotowka, Delfiner, Drall, Magdalena Kent Desormeaux
10 IMPERIAL COUNCIL Empire Maker Shug McGaughey Sequoia Racing Edgar Prado 3/7 AQ Gotham S. (G3)
11 BEETHOVEN Sky Mesa John Ward John Oxley Calvin Borel
12 GENERAL QUARTERS Sky Mesa Mark Miller Thomas McCarthy James Lopez 3/14 TB Tampa bay Derby
13 PAPA CLEM Smart Strike Bo Hirsh Gary Stute Rafael Bejarano 3/14 FG Louisiana Derby (G2)
14 FLYING PEGASUS Fusaichi Pegasus Ralph Nicks James Spence Cornelio Velasquez La. Derby or Rebel
15 GIANT OAK Giant's Causeway Chris Block Virginia Tarra Trust E. Razo La. Derby or Rebel
16 CHOCOLATE CANDY Candy Ride Jerry Hollendorfer Jenny Craig Rafael Bejarano 3/14 SA San Felipe S. (G2)
17 BIG DRAMA Montbrook David Fawkes Harold Queen Eibar Coa scr from Holy Bull
18 DUNKIRK Unbridled's Song Todd Pletcher Magnier, Tabor, Smith Garrett Gomez
19 HAYNESFIELD Speightstown Steve Asmussen Harvey Weinstein Ramon Dominguez 3/7 AQ Gotham S. (G3)
20 DESERT PARTY Street Cry Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin Racing Frankie Dettori 3/28 NAS UAE Derby
21 THIS ONE'S FOR PHIL Untuttable Rick Dutrow Paul Pompa Edgar Prado
22 HELLO BROADWAY Broken Vow Barclay Tagg Elizabeth Valando Edgar Prado 3/14 TB Tampa bay Derby
23 VINEYARD HAVEN Lido Palace Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin Racing Edgar Prado 3/28 NAS UAE Derby
24 WEST SIDE BERNIE Bernstein Kelly Breen Lori & Goerge Hall Elvis Trujillo 3/21 Lne's End or 3/28 Fl Dby
25 I WANT REVENGE Stephen Got Even Jeff Mullins Lanzman Racing Joe Talamo 3/7 AQ Gotham S. (G3)
26 MR. FANTASY Kiaran McLaughlin Westpoint Thoroughbreds 3/7 AQ Gotham S. (G3)
27 SQUARE EDDIE Smart Strike Doug O'Neill Paul Reddam Rafael Bejarano injured

RIP Stage Colony... 1987-2009

Photo: EquiSport Photos

EXCERPTED FROM OLD FRIENDS FACE BOOK - It is with a heavy heart that I post this update...for more time with Stage Colony was something that was not meant to be. According to Val's blog, he spent yesterday in the company of his Old Friends family, enjoying treats and being kind to even the smallest of visitors..When I spoke to Michael this evening after reading her post, he mentioned that later in the evening on Saturday, Kent felt he was not behaving just right and so the vet was called for. He was treated for colic and Michael stayed with him, making certain he was up and about, walking him personally. Stage then did all the postive biological things a horse is suppose to do after being treating and it looked like he was on the right road. At 4 AM, however, it was apparent that he was in grave condition and fading fast. The vet pronounced his survival on the ride to the clinic even doubtful and given the circumstances the sad decision was made.
STORY - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Georgetown-KY/Old-Friends/36049309669

Old Fashioned still tops list...Top 25 Derby Contenders & Connections!

Photo: EquiSport Photos/Dianne Boothe

Old Fashioned... is still up there until somebody knocks him off.
Pioneerof the Nile...did he prove anything in Robt. Lewis?
Friesan Fire...has he used up his best already?
Patena... lots of hype for a second place Lecomte finish!
Stardom Bound...won't go against Patena.
Capt. Candyman... is getting good dirt experience. May be an advantage.
West Side Bernie...too high on the list.
Square Eddie... too much to make up after recuperation.

Horse Sire Trainer Owner Jockey Next
1 OLD FASHIONED Unbridled's Song Larry Jones Rick Porter Ramon Dominguez 2/16 OP Southwest S.
2 PIONEEROF THE NILE Empire Maker Bob Baffert Zayat Stables Garrett Gomez 3/14 SA San Felipe S. (G2)
3 FRIESAN FIRE AP Indy Larry Jones Vinery & Fox Hill Gabriel Saez 3/14 FG Louisiana Derby (G2)
4 PATENA Seeking the Gold Rick Dutrow IEAH, Sikura Robby Albarado 3/14 FG Louisiana Derby (G2)
5 VINEYARD HAVEN Lido Palace Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin Racing Edgar Prado 2/12 UAE 2,000 Guineas
6 STARDOM BOUND Tapit Rick Dutrow IEAH Mike Smith
7 CAPT. CANDYMAN CAN Candy Ride Ian Wilkes Jos. Rauch, David Zell Julien Leparoux 2/28 GP Fountain of Youth
8 NOTONTHESAMEPAGE Catienus Wesley Ward Ken & Sarah Ramsey Elvis Trujillo 2/28 GP Fountain of Youth
9 THE PAMPLEMOUSSE Kafwain Julio Canani Bienstock & Winner Stable, A. Solis II Alex Solis 2/28 SA Sham S.
10 CHOCOLATE CANDY Candy Ride Jerry Hollendorfer Jenny Craig Rafael Bejarano 2/14 GG El Camino Real
11 HAYNESFIELD Speightstown Steve Asmussen Harvey Weinstein Ramon Dominguez 3/7 AQ Gotham S. (G3)
12 GIANT OAK Giant's Causeway Chris Block Virginia Tarra Trust E. Razo La. Derby or Rebel
13 FLYING PEGASUS Fusaichi Pegasus Ralph Nicks James Spence Cornelio Velasquez La. Derby or Rebel
14 WEST SIDE BERNIE Bernstein Kelly Breen Lori & Goerge Hall Elvis Trujillo
15 PAPA CLEM Smart Strike Bo Hirsh Gary Stute Rafael Bejarano 3/14 FG Louisiana Derby (G2)
16 BIG DRAMA Montbrook David Fawkes Harold Queen Eibar Coa scr from Holy Bull
17 MIDSHIPMAN Unbridled's Song Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin Racing Garrett Gomez in Dubai
18 DONATIVUM (GB) Cadeaux Genereux John Gosden Princess Haya of Jordan Frankie Dettori in England
19 I WANT REVENGE Stephen Got Even Jeff Mullins Lanzman Racing Joe Talamo
20 SQUARE EDDIE Smart Strike Doug O'Neill Paul Reddam Rafael Bejarano injured
21 HELLO BROADWAY Broken Vow Barclay Tagg Elizabeth Valando Edgar Prado 2/28 GP Fountain of Youth
22 BEETHOVEN Sky Mesa John Ward John Oxley Calvin Borel
23 THIS ONE'S FOR PHIL Untuttable Rick Dutrow Paul Pompa Edgar Prado 2/28 GP Fountain of Youth
24 POLTERGEIST Tapit Donnie Von Hamel Kindred Thoroughbreds Clifton Berry
25 IMPERIAL COUNCIL Empire Maker Shug McGaughey Sequoia Racing

Sinner...out til Summer!

Photo: EquiSport Photos/Z.Laskowski

SARATOGA SINNER SIDELINED
By Mike Welsch, Daily Racing Form
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - The thrill of victory turned into the agony of losing a Kentucky Derby candidate for trainer Eddie Kenneally after it was discovered that Saratoga Sinner, winner of Saturday's Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes, had suffered a chip in his left knee that will require surgery.
Full Story...http://www.drf.com/news/article/101462.html

A "Sinner" amongst us...Top 25 Derby Contenders & Connections!

Photo: EquiSport Photos/Z. Laskowski

Okay, it's a new month, and a new "Word".
Saratoga Sinner debuts at #10, and what is a "Pamplemouse" anyway?
Stardom Bound makes the list at #7, you can believe IEAH will run her.
Beethoven drops a bunch, after an atypical Calvin Bo-rail trip in the Holy Bull...He'll be back.
Shafted and Poltergeist make the list.

This list is meant for recreational purposes only..."Handicapping from "The Word" may be at your own peril"...

Cheers, MW

Horse Sire Trainer Owner Jockey Next
1 OLD FASHIONED Unbridled's Song Larry Jones Rick Porter Ramon Dominguez 2/16 OP Southwest S.
2 SQUARE EDDIE Smart Strike Doug O'Neill Paul Reddam Rafael Bejarano 2/16 OP Southwest S.
3 CAPT. CANDYMAN CAN Candy Ride Ian Wilkes Jos. Rauch, David Zell Julien Leparoux 2/28 GP Fountain of Youth
4 PATENA Seeking the Gold Rick Dutrow IEAH, Sikura Robby Albarado 2/28 GP Fountain of Youth
5 PIONEEROF THE NILE Empire Maker Bob Baffert Zayat Stables Garrett Gomez 2/7 SA Robt. Lewis
6 FRIESAN FIRE AP Indy Larry Jones Vinery & Fox Hill Gabriel Saez 2/7 FG Risen Star
7 STARDOM BOUND Tapit Rick Dutrow IEAH Mike Smith 2/7 SA in Las Virgenes
8 NOTONTHESAMEPAGE Catienus Wesley Ward Ken & Sarah Ramsey Elvis Trujillo 2/28 GP Fountain of Youth
9 HAYNESFIELD Speightstown Steve Asmussen Harvey Weinstein Ramon Dominguez 2/7 AQ Whirlaway
10 SARATOGA SINNER Harlen's Holiday Eddie Kenneally Lally Stable Julien Leparoux 3/28 GP Florida Derby
11 THE PAMPLEMOUSSE Kafwain Julio Canani Bienstock & Winner Stable, A. Solis II Alex Solis 2/28 SA Sham S.
12 GIANT OAK Giant's Causeway Chris Block Virginia Tarra Trust E. Razo 2/7 FG Risen Star
13 HELLO BROADWAY Broken Vow Barclay Tagg Elizabeth Valando Edgar Prado 2/28 GP Fountain of Youth
14 BIG DRAMA Montbrook David Fawkes Harold Queen Eibar Coa scr from Holy Bull
15 I WANT REVENGE Stephen Got Even Jeff Mullins Lanzman Racing Joe Talamo in Dubai
16 MIDSHIPMAN Unbridled's Song Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin Racing Garrett Gomez in Dubai
17 VINEYARD HAVEN Lido Palace Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin Racing Edgar Prado in Dubai
18 CHOCOLATE CANDY Candy Ride Jerry Hollendorfer Jenny Craig Rafael Bejarano 2/14 GG El Camino Real
19 DONATIVUM (GB) Cadeaux Genereux John Gosden Princess Haya of Jordan Frankie Dettori in England
20 BEAR'S ROCKET Lion Heart Reade Baker Bear Stables Kent Desormeaux 3/28 GP Florida Derby
21 WEST SIDE BERNIE Bernstein Kelly Breen Lori & Goerge Hall Elvis Trujillo
22 BEETHOVEN Sky Mesa John Ward John Oxley Calvin Borel
23 THEREGOESJOJO Brahms Kenny McPeek Samotowka, Delfiner, Drall, Magdalena Robby Albarado 2/7 FG Risen Star
24 SHAFTED Mineshaft Mark Casse Woodford Racing Patrick Husbands 2/7 SA Robt. Lewis
25 POLTERGEIST Tapit Donnie Von Hamel Kindred Thoroughbreds Clifton Berry

Capt. Candyman Can punches ticket!

Horse Racing Photos: EquiSport Photos/Z. Laskowski

From DRF & Equibase - "CAPT. CANDYMAN CAN showed speed, eased back off the leaders on the backstretch, angled four wide on the turn, rallied to gain the lead at the top of the stretch and was fully extended to prevail. HELLO BROADWAY away alertly, set the pace under pressure inside ROCKETING RETURNS, responded when headed by CAPT. CANDYMAN CAN at the top of the stretch but couldn't stay with that rival in the final eighth while clearly second best."
DRF story here... http://www.drf.com/news/article/101382.html

Looks like a legitimate contender to me. He moves up 12 positions on my list, to #5 (Which is probably worth a little less than a Steve Haskins accolade :) .
What happened to Kimmel's horse, 'Break Water Edison'?
MW

Benny the Bull...back on Track!

Benny The Bull, with Edgar Prado up, wins the Sunshine Million Sprint at Gulfstream Park. 1.26.2008 (Horse Racing Photos - EquiSport Photos/Matt Wooley)

Daily Racing Form - By Mike Welsch, MIAMI BEACH, Fla.
Michael Iavarone said Benny the Bull is on the farm in Ocala but will likely rejoin trainer Rick Dutrow Jr.'s stable in April with the hopes of returning to the races in July.
"We're targeting a late-summer campaign, with our main goals the Breeders' Cup Sprint and hopefully to get him back to Dubai again for the Golden Shaheen the following spring," said Iavarone.
Full story here... http://www.drf.com/news/article/101301.html

Square Eddie, Old Fashioned...Showdown in the Dirt!

Square Eddie, photo EquiSport Photos/JB Faulconer

Old Fashioned, photo EquiSport Photos/Dianne Boothe

From the Daily Racing Form - ARCADIA, Calif. - Square Eddie, second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile in October and the San Rafael Stakes at Santa Anita last Saturday, will make his first start on a conventional dirt track in the Grade 3, $250,000 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 16.
Full article here - http://www.drf.com/news/article/101190.html

Should be a great preview for the rest of the trail. Maybe the beginning of a long term rivalry between Square Eddie and Old Fashioned?
Cheers, MW