Velazquez & Gomez Reach Milestones, Evening Attire Retires
September 29, 2008
This weekend saw milestones for two of the best jockeys in the game, and perhaps in the history of thoroughbred racing. Garrett Gomez recorded victory number 3,000 aboard Hyperbaric in the Oak Tree Mile, while John Velazquez reached 4,000 wins after winning the opener at Belmont on Sunday. Both of these jockeys have many years left to race and I fully expect both to win over 5,000 when all is said and done.
Gomez learned to ride from his father, Louie, who rode all over the country. Convinced he could compete, he dropped out of high school in 1988 to ride at Sante Fe Downs in Next Mexico. He would record 182 wins a year later as the second leading apprentice rider. His career really took off in the mid 1990’s when he won back to back runnings of the Arkansas Derby. Thus far in his career he has won races such as the Pacific Classic, Kentucky Oaks, along with several Breeders Cup races. In 2007 he broke Jerry Bailey’s earnings record, grabbing $22.8 million in purses.
Velazquez learned to ride in Puerto Rico under the tutelage of the legendary Angel Cordero, Jr. who became his agent once he came to ride in New York. Since coming to the U.S. in 1990 he has won races such as the Metropolitan Mile, Dubai World Cup, Travers Stakes, and the Bluegrass Stakes. He has won 6 Breeders Cup races. His first Triple Crown win came aboard Rags to Riches in the Belmont Stakes.
10 year old gelding Evening Attire has been retired due to a suspensory injury. This is especially unfortunate as he seemed to have regained some swagger when he won the Greenwood Cup by 8 ¼ lengths, earning him entry to the inaugural running of the Breeders Cup Marathon. Throughout his racing career Evening Attire won races such as the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup, and the Red Smith Handicap on his way to amassing $2,977,130 in earnings. I’ll always remember him for the way he came out of the gate. He literally walked out, which I found a bit humorous.
Weekend Notes
September 28, 2008
With the conclusion of an epic weekend of racing, we are one step closer to the 2008 running of the Breeders Cup at Santa Anita. I had a wonderful time watching the races in New York and California, along with the on track races at Turfway Park. The Kentucky Cup races were especially interesting, with Zanjero easily taking the Kentucky Cup Classic and Fatal Bullet breaking the track record in the Sprint.
The highlight of my weekend came prior to the Kentucky Cup Sprint, where I was invited to stand in the paddock with Nick Hines of TVG and Southern Equine as he saddled Salute The Sarge for the Grade 3 Kentucky Cup Sprint. I’ve known Nick for about a year through the internet, but this was my first chance to meet him in person. He was very friendly and an overall nice person. I look forward to our next meeting.
Reigning Horse of the Year, and Dubai World Cup winner Curlin broke Cigar’s all time earnings record and became the first thoroughbred to earn $10,000,000 after he captured his second consecutive Jockey Club Gold Cup. If he can defend his title in the Breeders Cup Classic, it may be decades before his record falls. Curlin has done so much for horse racing, and I was happy to see him win. I hope to see him continue onward to Santa Anita.
Ginger Punch entered the Beldame a daunting favorite, but in the end she yielded to Cocoa Beach. This was Cocoa Beach’s second start in the United States. She has only lost twice, with one of those defeats coming against the boys in the UAE Derby where she finished third. I hope she goes to the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic. It was already an ultra competitive race without her, and it could go down as the best Ladies Classic ever with her in the mix.
Wait A While also found the winners circle, notching her second victory in the Grade 1 Yellow Ribbon. A daughter of Maria’s Mon, she will be headed to the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf yet again. Vacare tried to make a race of it, but was no match for Wait A While, finishing second. Black Mamba rallied to pick up third.
Well Armed got the job done in the Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes, winning under a hand ride from jockey Aaron Gryder. He has been marvelous since returning from Dubai where he finished third in the World Cup. I expect his next start to be in the Breeders Cup Classic. Tiago finished second, edging out Albertus Maximus who came home third.
I’ve just started school at the University of Cincinnati, and I would like to write more, but I need to study! I’d like to wrap this post up by giving a thank you to TVG who has joined the Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance as a sponsor of the Sprint division. Click here to check the TBA out! Please check back later in the week for more updates, and thanks for reading!
Gradedstakes.com Handicapping Contest
September 9, 2008
Regular visitors of mine will know that I love to handicap. I love it so much so, that I’ve decided to host the inaugural Gradedstakes.com handicapping contest this weekend. The contest will revolve around the three graded stakes at Belmont this Saturday. These stakes include the Grade 1 Gazelle, the Grade 2 Matron, and the Grade 2 Futurity.
You will be required to choice the top two finishers in each race. For every horse that wins you will get three points, for every horse that finishes second you will get two points, and for third place finishers you will receive one point. If you come out on top, first prize will be a copy of Betting Maidens & 2-Year-Olds
by Dan Illman.
Don’t take this lightly, I expect to see many great handicappers. I will be participating as well, so your gonna have to beat me too. If your ready to throw down with the master, check back later this week for the official entry post. I plan on having it up on Thursday. Good luck, and I hope you enter!
Labor Day Review
September 1, 2008
Anak Nakal
Labor Day came and went like a flash, and it brought with it an excellent day of racing. Night Action, who I nearly dismissed, went on to win the Cradle Stakes in wire to wire fashion. I’m still scratching my head on that one, but congratulations to trainer Michael Maker and jockey Victor Lebron. Today was the final day of the River Downs meet, and the final day of my internship which began in May. I was able to meet some cool people, including Chris McCarron. I also made some new friends, and some new industry connections. I’m sad that it is over, but all good things must come to an end.
The Hopeful was very dramatic as could be expected. My top choice was Cribnote, who blew the turn and still charged home like a freight train to finish second. The winner was Vineyard Haven, who I had tabbed as my top choice in the Sanford Stakes. Unfortunately I hopped off the train at bit too soon. He ended up going off at 9-1.
Anak Nakal ran them all down in the Pennsylvania to notch his first win since he took the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club as a two-year-old. The Nick Zito trainee paid $34.60 to win. The colt looked like a has been, but apparently he isn’t finished running yet. Rick Dutrow’s Acai finished second as part of the mutual field which included three horses. Smooth Air would run third as the 4-1 favorite.
I’d also like to note that this is my one hundredth post since switching to Word Press in early 2008. Thanks for reading and supporting me along the way. I am going to continue to forge ahead and provide you with the same quality articles I always have. Thanks for visiting!
Weekend Recap
August 25, 2008
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.
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Pacific Classic Update
August 18, 2008
Mast Track took the fast track in the Hollywood Gold Cup.
Within the next week some of the most important key races for the Breeders Cup will take place. The Pacific Classic, Travers, Kings Bishops, Personal Ensign, and Ballerina are all Grade 1 events that will run over the weekend. I’m looking forward to the Pacific Classic the most. I believe the race will be key for the Breeders Cup Classic.
Mast Track, winner of the Hollywood Gold Cup is one of the leading contenders for the Pacific Classic. Under the care of Robert Frankel, with jockey Rafael Bejarano, Mast Track should be very contentious. On Monday morning he worked an easy 5 furlongs in :59.20 and galloped out 6 furlongs in 1:11.40, under the guidance of exercise rider Jose Dominguez. I would also like to note that Frankel not only trains Mast Track, he owns him.
Frankel also has turf star, Out Of Control, in the race. He is coming off of consecutive 2nd place finishes in Grade 1 turf events. In those races he lost to Dancing Forever, and Einstein, both who are top contenders for the Breeders Cup Turf. Edgar Prado will be in the irons. Frankel has an astonishing 6 victories in the Pacific Classic, more than any other trainer.
Leading trainer John Sadler will send out Zappa, who recently claimed victory in the Cougar II Handicap at 1 ½ miles. He toyed with the field, winning by 6 ¾ lengths, and dismissing Big Booster in the process. Others being considered for the race are Well Armed, Student Council, Go Between, Surf Cat, and Barcola.
**I have added a Beginners Guide to wagering, and I have updated the Rankings page. Both of these can be found on the red toolbar below the header. Thanks for reading!
Living Legends Race
August 16, 2008
Gary Stevens
I was very excited to learn that eight retired hall of fame riders will be taking part in a pari-mutual race at Santa Anita Park a week prior to the Breeders Cup. Dubbed the Living Legends Race, it will include some of the greatest jockeys in the history of the sport. The participants will include Jerry Bailey, Angel Cordero Jr, Gary Stevens, Chris McCarron, Julie Crone, Sandy Howley, Pat Day, and Jacinto Vasquez. The race will be an allowance sprint, and all mounts will be determined randomly, and the horses will carry 126 pounds.
Personally, my money will be on Gary Stevens. I had the pleasure of meeting him at last years Kentucky Cup, and he was nice enough to sign a hat for me. I have to admit I was a bit start struck, but that didn’t happen when I met Chris McCarron at River Downs. Chris was also very pleasant and surprisingly friendly. He said he would do an interview but I haven’t taken him up on that offer yet. This race will surely be one to remember.
I’ve been really busy lately and I haven’t had time to post. You can expect to see me back in full force starting next week. Maybe I’ll call McCarron and ask for that interview! Thanks for reading, and make sure to check back.
Handicapping Success & Race of the Week
July 30, 2008
Commentator is timeless.
My picks were right on the money last week. My “Play of the Day” on Saturday was Commentator. He got home for a return of $10.80 for a $2 win bet. I also keyed him first on a trifecta wager which returned $625 for a $2 bet. As if that weren’t enough I gave you the trifecta in the Bing Crosby COLD. While it was certainly no monster, paying $194, it was fairly easy to figure out. I also advertised a win bet on Street Boss in that race who returned a respectable $6.40. I also had the trifecta in the Vanderbilt, which paid a measly $135 or so. Alright, I’m done bragging now. Race of the Week is up, so check it out. This weeks race is the West Virginia Derby. You can find the Race of the Week on the red toolbar at the top of the page. Thanks for reading!
Heatseeker’s Time Comes Too Soon
June 30, 2008
Santa Anita Handicap winner Heatseeker has been retired due to injuring the medial branch of the suspensory ligament in his left foreleg. Heatseeker would require atleast 6 months off if they had decided to keep him in training. This saddening news comes just days after Heatseeker was unexpectedly scratched from the Hollywood Gold Cup. Heatseeker would’ve been one of the top choices in this years Breeders Cup Classic.
“We are extremely disappointed as we had our sights set on the $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I), where we figured to be one of the favorites based on Heatseeker’s dominance of his division this year,” said owner William de Burgh. “I am very grateful to Jerry and his stable team. We all had a lot of fun with Heatseeker, and I know it is a huge disappointment to them as well. Horses like him do not come around very often.” Courtesy of Blood-Horse.com
Heatseeker showed he was getting better every start by winning the Grade 2 Californian last time out. In a race that lacked pace, he voluntarily placed himself close to the pace, before drawing off in an emphatic victory. His retirement comes as a shock to everyone. In an older male division which already lacked depth, Heatseeker was one of the few bright spots. He was fun to watch, and I’m sure he will be remembered for his accomplishments on the track.
Dirty Deeds
June 28, 2008
Steve Asmussen, Rick Dutrow, and Jeremy Rose have really cast a shadow on horse racing this week. Asmussen, and Dutrow are both facing suspension because of illegal drugs that were present in their horses’ systems. In the defense of Dutrow his offense wasn’t nearly as severe as Asmussens. His filly, Timber Trick, had lidocaine present in her system. Lidocaine is a nerve blocker which prevented the filly from feeling pain. Dutrow’s horse had a legal medication which was applied too close to race day. This happened during “Big Brown Mania” so I believe it wasn’t intentional. Jockey Jeremy Rose has been suspended for 6 months for whipping a horse in the face. He is also required to take anger management classes.
All parties involved should really consider how much they care about horse racing. In a time where our sport is desperate for new fans and craving the attention it once had, incidents like these are turning people the other way. If they really believe that this behavior is acceptable then the game is better off without them. Their actions are acting as a catalyst for racings further decline.
I am also concerned with the spotty national media coverage which racing has received. I have seen several headlines on each of the people that I previously mentioned, along with stories on Big Brown’s quarter cracks and accusatory articles concerning Gabriel Saez’s role in the Eight Belles tragedy. What I have not seen is any coverage about Curlin winning the Foster Handicap, or Zenyetta’s rise to the top. Doing this, they are presenting the public with a deceiving image of what horse racing is all about. With the good comes the bad, and all sides of the story must be told.
I’d love to hear what everyone has to say about this.