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Gradedstakes.com Eclipse Awards Ballot

December 28, 2010 By 6 Comments

The above photo is of 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra. This years Eclipse Awards are every bit as exciting as last year when she took the top spot. I didn’t get a vote, but if I did here are the horses I would’ve selected. Let’s take a look!

Two-Year-Old Male: Uncle Mo wins this in an open and shut case. The son of Indian Charlie only raced three times, but won emphatically in each start. His Breeders Cup Juvenile victory is one of the most incredible I’ve ever seen. It will be exciting to see how he fares in 2011.

Two-Year-Old Female: Awesome Feather did everything asked of her in 6 starts this year. She capped it with a Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies win. Other interesting horses include Position Limit and Turbulent Descent. All three will be strong contenders in 2011, but the Breeders Cup winner gets the nod for the Eclipse Award.

Three-Year-Old Male: Lookin At Lucky has to take this on virtue of his wins in the Preakness Stakes and Haskell Invitational. The son of Smart Strike has one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever seen. The other horse here is Eskendereya. He only raced 3 times before retiring due to injury, but his win in the Wood Memorial was one of the most impressive performances I’ve ever seen by a sophomore runner.

Three-Year-Old Female: Blind Luck seems to know where the wire is. She won three races by a nose and another by a neck this year. Her best wins came in the Las Virgenes, Kentucky Oaks and Alabama Stakes. She was purchased for a measly $11k in 2008. Her rival, Havre de Grace, gets an honorable mention.

Older Horse: This division is another open and shut case in favor of Blame. He is the only horse to ever beat the legendary Zenyatta and he did so in the Breeders Cup Classic. I love his style of galloping horses down. He is a truly a throwback.

Older Female: Zenyatta gets this one for the third consecutive year. Relax ladies, she won’t be around to win it next year. You will get your chance.

Male Sprinter: This division is the first one with some room for debate. Even though I picked Breeders Cup Sprint winner Big Drama to win that race, I do think others deserve consideration. My selection for this award is Majesticperfection. He won the head to head matchup with Big Drama and won twice as many races in total. He is one of the best sprinters I’ve seen in many years and its a damn shame he was injured and forced to retire. Smiling Tiger had a great year winning two Grade 1 races and missing a third by a nose.

Female Sprinter: This was a tough pick, but I went with Dubai Majesty over Franny Freud. The latter had her season ended by an injury after taking the Prioress. Dubai Majesty finished her year with a win in the Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. That put her over the top.

Male Turf Horse: It was a pretty sorry year for this division. I’ll give the nod to Champ Pegasus on virtue of his runner up performance in the Breeders Cup Turf. Rosario was bold to put him on the lead as this horse closed from 19 back to win a race earlier this year. His best win came in the Clement L. Hirsch. Most will probably go with Gio Ponti here and he deserves a look after running behind Goldikova in the Breeders Cup Mile.

Female Turf Horse: This is an easy pick. Although Goldikova only raced once in North America she deserves the award. The filly looked like she had a rocket in her rear end as she vaulted past them all in the Breeders Cup Mile. It was one of the best efforts all year and by FAR the best from this division. The ill fated Tuscan Evening gets an honorable mention for going a perfect 6 for 6.

Horse of the Year: Please refer to this post.

Trainer: Todd Pletcher wins this one in a rout. He took the Kentucky Derby and won much more money than any other trainer. He also took more Grade 1 races and more graded races overall. Bob Baffert, John Sadler, John Sheriffs and Steve Asmussen deserve mentions. Among the lower tier trainers Jamie Ness and Joe Woodard both had great years. Pletcher is the reigning king though.

Jockey: Although he didn’t win as many graded races as some, Ramon Dominguez is very deserving of this award. He rides circles around most of the New York colony and won more money than any other jockey this year. Dominguez is a great tactician and extremely underrated.

Apprentice: I don’t have a very strong opinion here, but I’ll go with top money earner and wins leader Omar Moreno. The young rider’s life is finally looking up after living through a civil war as a child. Click here to read more.

Owner: Jerry and Ann Moss deserve this one for keeping Zenyatta around. They did what was good for the game and we owe them a debt that can never be repaid. This award would be a good start though.

Stallion: I don’t have an opinion in this category, but Malibu Moon and Distorted Humor were 1-2 in wins earnings.

So there you have it, my picks for the 2010 Eclipse Awards. Official results will be released on January 17, 2011. Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts. I’d love to discuss the topic  and hear what you think!

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2010 Breeders Cup Classic Preview

October 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Some call it the biggest race in the world, or perhaps the most important. The winner is more often than not named Horse of the Year. The race is the Breeders Cup Classic, and the stakes are clearly high. I covered the race extensively for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association last year. My top pick, Quality Road, was scratched at the gate. It feels like just yesterday this race ran, but much has happened since then. Let’s examine the race!

The $5,000,000 event returns to Churchill Downs and natural dirt this year. Defending champion Zenyatta will be a definitive favorite. The undefeated mare is 19 for 19 on her career with wins in the Santa Margarita, Apple Blossom, Vanity, Clement L. Hirsch, and Lady’s Secret this year. It’s clear that she hasn’t defeated much outside of the mare St.

Trinians this year, but the same could have been said in 2009. Trainer John Sheriffs says she is as good or  better now than when she won in 2009. Jockey Mike Smith feels the same way.

Zenyatta’s closing kick is among the best in the history of thoroughbred racing, and you can bank on her mowing horses down in the stretch. She isn’t a lock though. This will be the best field she has ever faced by far. This will also be her first time running over the track. Weather can always be a factor too. Zenyatta has never competed on a wet track.

In my eyes, she will have to out kick Preakness winner Lookin At Lucky, and Foster Handicap winner  Blame. That won’t be done easily. Obviously, her chances are big, but just like in 2009, I’m not willing to concede this thing to her. That doesn’t mean I’m foolish enough to leave her off my tickets though! I’ve always been a bit of a doubter about Zenyatta, but if she can win this race I’ll finally agree that she is one of the best to ever step on the track.

The second choice in this race will be Al Stall and Claiborne Farm’s Blame. The son of Arch is a wonderful animal. I remember having dinner after  a day at Keeneland earlier this year where I chatted with his exercise rider. He said he would be Horse of the Year before Blame had even ran a race. If he is able to win this race then the exercise rider will be right.

Blame is ridden by Garrett Gomez. The journeyman jockey has ice in his veins and will make sure this guy gets an excellent ride. Blame’s closing style should do him well here. He has proved in the past he can make up ground if the pace is slow. That shouldn’t be the case here.  He’s a bit of a grinder. It looked as if he was dead in the water late in the Whitney against Quality Road, but he was able to dig deep and get past him.

Despite all the great things he has done this year, Blame lost his last race in the Jockey Club Gold Cup when Haynesfield wired the field. That doesn’t bother me at all. I don’t want my horse peaking in his prep race. I believe Blame is ready to run the race of his life at Churchill Downs on November 6. That doesn’t mean he will be my top pick though. I’m going to wait for the PPs and watch the news closely before I make that  decision. However, he is definitely on the short list!

The third choice in the Breeders Cup Classic betting will be Preakness Stakes, and Haskell Invitational winner Lookin At Lucky. The three-year-old is one of the most tenacious animals alive. He just keeps on coming no matter what the circumstances are. He may not win, but Lucky is going to run his heart out trying. You can bank on that. The Martin Garcia piloted son of Smart Strike has one thing going for him that no one else does. That is Bob Baffert.

The silver haired Hall of Fame member is the best trainer in the world. To you that may be an opinion, but to me it is a fact. I’ll take Bob Baffert with a talented colt over just about anyone else in most cases. His charge can get the distance and he loves the surface. He’s also quick enough to get to the leaders before Zenyatta or Blame. If he strikes the lead, will be passed?  To the best of my knowledge, Lookin At Lucky has never been passed after  he has struck the lead. That may not matter, because many things that have never happened before happen all the time. Especially in the Breeders Cup!

My top pick from 2009, Quality Road, never got to strut his stuff as he was scratched at the gate. I probably won’t go with him again this year. I just don’t believe the son of Elusive Quality can go the 10 furlongs distance.  He is extremely classy, and if this race were a little shorter he would be very, very, tough. Who can forget his win in the Metropolitan Mile this year? It’s not out of the question for him to get a piece, but to me he likely isn’t a win candidate this time around.

Other candidates for the Breeders Cup Classic are First Dude, Fly Down, Espoir City, Haynesfield, Paddy O’ Prado, Musket Man, Crown of Thorns, Gitano Hernando, and Morning Line. The chances of a horse other than Zenyatta, Blame, Lookin at Lucky, or Quality Road winning the Classic are minute, but anything can happen as Wild Again proved in the first running of the race at huge odds.

Who do you like in the Breeders Cup Classic?

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Lookin At Lucky in Indiana Derby heads big weekend at Hoosier Park

September 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Preakness winner Lookin At Lucky is far and away the best to have ever stepped on the track at Hoosier Park. His presence in the Indiana Derby is an excellent reward for a track that has done good things for racing recently. However, I digress.

Lookin At Lucky is clearly the best three-year-old in training. He crushed his foes by 4 lengths last out in the Haskell Invitational. Since that race he has missed a bit of training, but you can expect him to be as good as ever. Bob Baffert probably sees this race as a way to get him an easy win before the Breeders Cup Classic and pick up the winners check in a $500k race. He should be 1/5 here and for good reason.

The horse that leaps off the page when I look at the Indiana Derby is Uareoutlaw. He is a Brazilian bred and raced son of the Wild Again stallion Christine’s Outlaw. It’s not so much his form that impresses, but the fact that he is in the barn of Mike Maker and owned by Thomas Conway. You may recall that they hooked up at huge odds to win the Bluegrass Stakes earlier this year with Stately Victor. Maker has been known to pull big upsets, and this horse is working bullets. He could be any kind, but running past the Preakness winner is a huge task.

This race has the perfect setup for Steve Asmussen’s Thiskyhasnolimit. He ran very well  to win the $300k Smarty Jones when turning back in distance last out. Look for jockey Jamie Theriot to take back and make a big run late in the race. He is the only horse with even a marginal chance of beating Lucky.

The late running Seeking The Title looks like a contender in the Indiana Oaks, which is the race preceding the Indiana Derby. After just a quick glance at the PPs I think Ash Zee, and Always a Princess will hook up on the front end. This sets it up for Seeking The Title.

If you’re within driving distance I highly encourage making the trip to Hoosier Park. It’s worth it alone just to see Lookin At Lucky.

Who are your picks for these races?

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Saratoga and Del Mar are BACK!

July 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment


The two greatest things about summer for racing fans are the meets at Del Mar and Saratoga. Combined with Keeneland, these three boutique meets are arguably the best in thoroughbred racing. The horses are of the highest quality, the crowds are great, and the betting pays dividends when you’re right.

I would probably visit Del Mar over Saratoga if given the choice. The track sits right on the Pacific Ocean and the beach is stunningly beautiful. There are few things in the world that I like more than horse racing and beaches. Saratoga is no slouch though. The track has tons of historical value as it has been around since 1863.

Some of the races we can look forward to at Saratoga are the Whitney Handicap, Jim Dandy Stakes, Traver Stakes, Woodward Stakes, and Alabama Stakes among many more.

All of those races were very memorable in 2009. The Travers saw Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird romp over Quality Road. We got to see Careless Jewel destroy her foes in the Alabama. Who can forget Rachel Alexandra digging in and holding on to beat older males in the Woodward? That performance will be hard for any horse to top this year.

We can expect to see Rachel Alexandra, Blame, and Quality Road race at the Saratoga meet this year. Rachel Alexandra will race Saturday at Monmouth Park in the Lady’s Secret, but her next start is likely to be in the Personal Ensign at Saratoga. Blame and Quality Road will meet in the Whitney Handicap next weekend. The victor of that matchup will be solidified as the top older male in the country.

Del Mar will feature the San Diego Handicap, Pacific Classic, Del Mar Futurity, Del Mar Oaks, and Eddie Read Stakes. Last year we got to see Richard’s Kid take the Pacific Classic at a big price for trainer Bob Baffert. The master trainer also took the Del Mar Futurity with future Preakness Stakes winner Lookin At Lucky. The biggest attraction for this meet will be the undefeated mare Zenyatta who is likely to compete in the Clement Hirsch Handicap.

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Zenyatta early favorite to repeat in Breeders Cup Classic

June 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment


Zenyatta is favored to repeat in the Breeders Cup Classic according to an unscientific poll conducted by Gradedstakes.com. The daughter of Street Cry received 35% of the 140 votes. She recently improved her record to 17 wins from 17 starts while recording a narrow victory that may have been easier than it looked over the British mare St Trinians in the Vanity Handicap. She is being tentatively pointed to the Clement Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar for her next start.

Checking in second with 23.57% of the vote is Nick Zito’s Kentucky Derby runner up Ice Box. He was last seen finishing ninth in the Belmont Stakes. Zito said that the hot weather may have caused the son of Pulpit to perform poorly. The deep closer needs a fast pace to chase and if they burn it up in the Breeders Cup Classic he would be a serious threat. His next start hasn’t been determined.

Quality Road recorded the third highest amount of votes with 17.85% of all ballots. The son of Elusive Quality out of a Strawberry Road mare set brutal fractions and held on to win the Metropolitan Mile in a time of 1:33.11 seconds during his last race. Trainer Todd Pletcher likes to race him fresh and will wait for August 7 and the Whitney Handicap for his next start. I’d like to see him race more. His time in the Met Mile may have been even faster if he wasn’t running off the shelf. Despite that, its very hard to complain about a Grade 1 win under any circumstances. I just think Quality Road is immensely talented and capable of even more. The 10 furlongs distance of the Breeders Cup Classic will be the biggest question for him in November.

The fourth place finisher in the poll was Preakness Stakes winner Lookin At Lucky who garnered 10.7% of all votes. Bob Baffert is currently pointing him towards a start in the Haskell Invitational and then the Travers Stakes. ‘Lucky has a strong group of older horses to compete with this year, but he always bring his “A” game. The son of Smart Strike could be in the mix for the Breeders Cup Classic.

The fifth place finisher was the choice “Other” with 5.71%. This could include horses like Rachel Alexandra who recently got back on track with a powerful 10+ length win in the Fleur de Lis at Churchill Downs. Another horse not listed that could have an impact in the Breeders Cup Classic is Belmont Stakes runner up Fly Down. It looks like he is only now finding his best run. Another possibility is Musket Man although I think he is much more likely to compete in the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile.

Little to no confidence is being placed in Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver who got just 2.8% of all votes. I think he deserves more consideration. You have to remember that the Breeders Cup Classic will be contested at Churchill Downs. Super Saver loves the track. He also has the benefit of Calvin Borel aka the King of Churchill Downs. Don’t count Super Saver out based solely on his poor Preakness performance.

Checking in tied for 7th are Rail Trip and Blame. Both are very tough older horses. Blame was most recently seen easily taking the Stephen Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs. He loves the track and that will play to his benefit in November. Trainer Albert Stall has always been high on the horse. I think if he continues to improve he will be the one to beat in the Breeders Cup Classic. If I had to take one horse today to win the ‘Classic it would be Blame.

Rail Trip is also a nice runner. He took the Hollywood Gold Cup last year and is trying to repeat this year. He scored an easy win in the Californian last out with new rider Rafael Bejarano. Will he handle the dirt? That is his biggest obstacle. He missed last years Breeders Cup Classic due to injury.

Who is your early pick in Breeders Cup Classic later this year? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

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Gradedstakes.com gets Preakness right with Lookin At Lucky!

May 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

I’d like to congratulate those who played along with me in the Preakness Stakes. Lookin At Lucky was our top pick to win the race and deemed a strong play. He got a perfect trip from jockey Martin Garcia and won by 3/4 lengths over First Dude. Below is our wagering summary for the race and our thoughts on ‘Lucky.

If you missed out this time I highly encourage you to play along with us for the Belmont Stakes in just under three weeks. Some of the early prospects for that race include Ice Box, Stay Put, Fly Down, and Drosselmeyer. We hope and expect to have the winner correctly selected. Check back to Gradedstakes.com for the best horse racing picks in graded stakes races.

Preakness Stakes

Lookin At Lucky (3-1) Perhaps the seven hole will be a lucky charm for this son of Smart Strike. If not for bad luck he would have no luck at all of late. That will all change in the Preakness. He will get a great trip under new jockey Martin Garcia. The young jockey is one of the best in the business. He does an excellent job adapting to the circumstances of any given race and he will navigate ‘Lucky with much prowess. This colt will run through a brick wall trying to win. He proved that when he won the Rebel Stakes after clipping heels. He tries hard every time and things will go his way in the Preakness. He is a strong play at a fair price.

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Lookin At Lucky victorious in Preakness Stakes

May 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment


Lookin At Lucky lived up to his name for the first time in a long time when he took the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes by 3/4 lengths under steady right hand urging from new jockey Martin Garcia. He dueled for a short while with long shot First Dude before kicking clear. First Dude held second place from a hard charging Jackson Bend. ‘Lucky gave trainer Bob Baffert his fifth Preakness winner. His others were Real Quiet, Silver Charm, Point Given, and War Emblem.

While ‘Lucky was able to redeem himself with a win, things didn’t go so well for Calvin Borel and the Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver. “My horse broke sharp, right where I wanted,” said Borel.  “I let the other horse go, and I was right behind him. We went 23-and-change and 46-and-change. He just wasn’t able to get there today. I will win a lot of other races with this horse. He’s a good one.”

Todd Pletcher made it clear that his colt would not go to Belmont to try the third leg of the Triple Crown. He also noted that the connections got the race they wanted; the Derby. ““I thought as well as First Dude hung in there that we were in a good spot.” said Pletcher. ” He was able to move himself right outside of (First Dude). It looked like the colt was relaxed. He was traveling well down the backside and you could tell that when he went to the far turn, he came up empty.”

As can be expected, Bob Baffert was extremely enthused over the win. Martin Garcia seemed thankful and happy, but he might not understand the magnitude of the win just yet. Garcia was a line cook just 5 years ago and knew nothing of horse racing until he started riding professionally in 2005.  If he hasn’t hit him yet, it will very soon!

“It’s just as exciting.  I know it’s been a few years.  I mean, this was a different kind of win,” said Baffert. ” This was more of a redemption win.  This horse is such a warrior.  He wants to win.  He tries so hard.  So I wanted to win it for the horse, you know, ’cause he tries so hard every time.  I mean, the Derby, he had that rough trip.  Santa Anita Derby, rough trip.  I didn’t want him to get hit.  But, you know, every time he had those rough trips, he came back.  He’s got a great mind.  He’s a cool horse.  He’s just a really great athlete.  I mean, he’s one of the best horses I’ve ever had.  It’s amazing.  He’s still a baby.  He’s so immature.  He’s not even three years old yet.  His birthday is May 27th.”

It’s unfortunate, but neither the Kentucky Derby winner, Super Saver, or the Preakness winner, Lookin At Lucky, will forge ahead to the Belmont Stakes. That race is likely to be headlined by Kentucky Derby second place finisher Ice Box and fellow Nick Zito trainee and Dwyer winner Fly Down.

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Challengers lining up to face Pletcher and Borel’s Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver

May 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment


For the third time in four years Calvin Borel rocketed his mount to the front of the pack in the Kentucky Derby. In 2007 it was aboard juvenile champion Street Sense. He did it on super long shot Mine That Bird in 2009. This time it was on Super Saver. The Cajun jockey held three fingers to the sky after the race to signify these three horses.

Soon after he boldly stated that the son of Maria’s Mon would win the Triple Crown. Trainer Todd Pletcher said that Super Saver’s next race would come in the Preakness (shocking, right?). Calvin may believe he has the 12th Triple Crown winner of all time, but several challengers will line up to oppose him.

The first one that leaps out to me is Grade 2 Louisiana Derby runner up A Little Warm. He was very impressive stretching out in distance for the first time in that race. He appeared to be a sprinter, but he proved his doubters wrong by digging in and holding on for second after he came under attack early in the stretch run. If he can improve on that effort he would be dangerous in the Preakness. If Bob Baffert doesn’t send Conveyance his chances will be increased. Conveyance would likely burn him to a crisp on the lead.

I also like Grade 2 Robert B. Lewis winner Caracortado. The gelded son of Cat Dreams has had excuses in his last to races. In the Grade 2 San Felipe he had no fractions to chase and Sidney’s Candy easily pulled the wire job. In the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby he had to check sharply after the Gomez-Espinoza incident where Lookin at Lucky was slammed into the rail. If he goes to the Preakness and the fractions are sharp you can bet your ass he will come flying late. The only thing working against him is that Pimlico Racecourse favors speed.

The Kentucky Derby favorite, Lookin at Lucky, would have a heck of a chance if Bob Baffert decides to send him. He has encountered plenty of trouble in his three-year-old campaign, but has handled it well. He rallied to win the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes after clipping heels. In the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby he was unable to overcome being slammed into the rail, but still finished third. He put in a nice rally in the Derby but couldn’t overcome his rail post position. If Garrett Gomez can navigate a clean trip he will be loaded for bear turning for home and could mow them all down.

Others considering the race are Kentucky Derby third place finisher Paddy O’Prado. He is the definition of the “now” horse. He continues to improve with every start. Nick Zito and Bob LaPenta are toying with idea of starting Kentucky Derby runner up Ice Box in the Preakness, but will probably save him for the Belmont Stakes. Ice Box was easily the best colt in the Derby, but didn’t win because of an awful trip. Their other horse, Jackson Bend, is likely to go.

Other Kentucky Derby also rans’ considering the Preakness are Dublin, Make Music For Me, and Conveyance. New shooters include the Grade 3 Derby Trial first three finishers Hurricane Ike, Aikenite, and Pleasant Prince. Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby runner up Schoolyard Dreams and Grade 3 Illinois Derby fourth place finisher Turf Melody wrap up the list of potential challengers. Super Saver will undoubtedly be in with a huge shot, but these horses won’t make it easy on him.

Who is your early pick for the Preakness? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

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Kentucky Derby Top 10

April 11, 2010 By 11 Comments

 

Are you counting down the days yet? I know I am. There are 20 days until the Kentucky Derby. All of the major preps except for the Lexington Stakes have been conducted. Some horses will get injured and kept out of the starting gate on the First Saturday in May, but we pretty much know who is who at this point in time. Let’s take a look at my top contenders.

#1 Eskendereya- If this colt were a character from a movie he would be Clubber Lang from Rocky III. He reminds me of this quote from Mickey in that movie: “No, he ain’t just another fighter! This guy is a wrecking machine! And he’s hungry!”. My prediction for the Kentucky Derby? …..Pain! This son of Giant’s Causeway has a gun in a knife fight.

#2 Sidney’s Candy- I’ve said for a while that we don’t know how good this colt really is. Even after winning the Santa Anita Derby I STILL don’t think we have seen the bottom of him. I doubt he is as good as my #1 selection and his running style may compromise his chances. Can Talamo get him to rate? It might not matter if he is “just that good”.

#3 Lookin at Lucky- This colt’s name is quite an oxymoron. He has won 6 of 8 races, and if not for two horrible trips he might be undefeated. I love the way he still rallied to finish third in the Santa Anita Derby despite being pushed into the rail early in the race. He has the pedigree to go 10 furlongs. He is in great hands with Bob Baffert and big money rider Garrett Gomez.

#4 Paddy O’ Prado- I thought he was gone in the stretch of the Bluegrass Stakes until Stately Victor totally freaked and won the race. He is steadily improving and I just have a funny feeling that this colt is for real. Jockey Kent Desormeaux has a great record in the Kentucky Derby.

#5 Rule- The setup of the Florida Derby worked against him. I was nearly 100% sure a closer wouldn’t win that race. I loved his 2010 debut win when he took the Sam Davis Stakes. I’m not sure he is a candidate for top honors, but I can see him running a big race.

#6 Dublin- If he wasn’t in D Wayne Lukas’s barn I probably wouldn’t give him a shot. He had a perfect chance to win Arkansas Derby, but failed to go for the jugular late in the race. Monitor his training in the days leading up to the race.

#7 Awesome Act- He looked poised for a big run in the Wood Memorial turning for home, but when Leparoux unleashed him there wasn’t much there. However, I believe he lost a shoe at the start of the race. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him give a good impression of himself on Kentucky Derby day.

#8 Noble’s Promise- His fifth place finish in the Arkansas Derby sure didn’t help his chances. Ken McPeek is still on the fence in terms of deciding to race him in the Run for the Roses.

#9 Super Saver- Winner of the Grade 2 Jockey Club Stakes at two, this colt always give a good account of himself. His running style will probably hurt his chances on the First Saturday in May.

#10 Ice Box- I’m wary of this colt because he won the Florida Derby closing into a tough pace. How will he do when the track doesn’t play in his favor?

So there you have it, my top ten contenders for the Kentucky Derby. This list is almost  certain to change between now and May 1. Kentucky Derby betting will be very interesting, exciting, and fun this year. Who do you like? Leave a comment and join the conversation!

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Sidney’s Candy ($9.60) waltzes way to Santa Anita Derby win; Eskendereya dominates Wood Memorial

April 4, 2010 By 2 Comments


Just one year after losing I Want Revenge on the morning of the Kentucky Derby, jockey Joe Talamo finds himself on another impressive contender; Sidney’s Candy. The son of Candy Ride registered an impressive front running victory in the Santa Anita Derby and essentially “won for fun”. It was his third win in a row and easily the most impressive. We here at Gradedstakes.com had Sidney’s Candy as our top pick in the race. He returned $9.60 to win. We also hit the exacta and trifecta which paid $99.80 and $256.20 respectively.

The favored Lookin at Lucky had a troubled trip and checked sharply after bumping into the rail. He was able to mount a belated rally to finish third. Trainer Bob Baffert was very upset with jockey Garrett Gomez after the race and mockingly suggested that he watch Jerry Bailey’s DVD about riding races. The two have since patched things up. Gomez attempted to fight jockey Victor Espinoza whom he blamed for the incident after the race.

Gomez claims that Espinoza was seeking some sort of revenge, and Baffert seems to believe the same. It appears Espinoza may be upset that he lost the mount on Misremembered who won the Santa Anita Handicap after Victor was replaced. Personally, I have to blame Gomez for this whole mess. If your horse is as good as you think he is then you should’ve been on the outside avoiding trouble. Bob Baffert believes the same. Luckily, Lucky has the earnings to make the Kentucky Derby. This will be a minor set back. The bigger problem may be the strapping colt Eskendereya who won the Wood Memorial with even greater ease than Sidney’s Candy won the Santa Anita Derby.

Eskendereya won the Wood Memorial in hand underneath jockey John Velazquez. He dispatched a quality field that included Gotham Stakes winner Awesome Act, Tampa Bay Derby runner up Schoolyard Dreams, and Jackson Bend. The son of Giant’s Causeway  reminds me a lot of Big Brown, except that I think he could be better when its all said and done. Both toyed with their competition. Big Brown had a gun in a knife fight when he won the Kentucky Derby and it appears the same could hold  true for Eskendereya. If he runs like he did in the Wood Memorial on the First Saturday in May nobody will get near him.

As a handicapper I’ll most likely try to play against him. The Kentucky Derby is without a doubt the hardest race in the world to win. While I believe Eskendereya has similar qualities as Big Brown, he may also end up like Bellamy Road who won the Wood even more impressively than Eskendereya did before finishing fifth in the Kentucky Derby.

What are your thoughts on this weekends races? Who do you like for the Kentucky Derby? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

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