Weekend Recap
August 25, 2008 by Ryan · Leave a Comment
Eoin Harty trained Colonel John reigned victorious in the Travers.
Saturday witnessed the emergence of four Breeders Cup Classic contenders. Colonel John, and Mambo In Seattle proved they are the top three year old colts in the Travers, while Go Between and Well Armed showed us they are among the top older horses. I was especially impressed by the hard charging Mambo In Seattle.
Although I did give the colt his due, I didn’t expect him to run nearly as good as he did. Regally bred, he is from the sire Kingmambo and his broodmare is a full sister to AP Indy. Mambo In Seattle is getting good when it counts. Despite coming just short in the Travers, he has a proven ability to fight back after defeating You And I Forever in the Henry Walton Stakes after being passed in the stretch.
Trainer Neil Howard finished a close second in last years edition of the Travers with Grasshopper, and should have no problem furthering this colts career. Jockey Robby Albarado gave him an excellent ride and has plenty of Breeders Cup experience, winning the Breeders Cup Classic aboard Curlin last year. He should stay aboard Mambo In Seattle, as Curlin is not likely to race in the Breeders Cup Classic.
I think I did an above average job handicapping the races this weekend. I had the winner in the Personal Ensign and Ballston Spa Handicap, and although I didn’t get the winner in the Pacific Classic, I gave out winning exacta and trifecta plays. The exacta returned $68, while the trifecta was a quite a bit larger coming home at $328.
The Super Derby and Jockey Club Gold Cup have both been mentioned as the potential next race for Mambo In Seattle. Trainer Eoin Harty says Colonel John’s next start hasn’t been determined, but his ultimate goal is the Breeders Cup Classic. One thing is for sure- these three year olds are better than we thought.
