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SouthCoast Bloodstock launches new website

November 11, 2011 By 1 Comment

SouthCoast Bloodstock

Lexington, KY based SouthCoast Bloodstock has been making waves in the racing industry over the past couple of years. They now have a new online home located at http://www.southcoastbloodstock.com/.

SouthCoast Bloodstock is owned by bloodstock agent Rory Callis. He is noted for purchasing Grade 1 millionaire Noble’s Promise and assisting in the selection of top horses like Dream Empress, Connie and Michael, Midnight Cry and Striking Dancer. All of those except for Connie and Michael are graded stakes winners. Connie and Michael was placed in the Grade 1 Mother Goose Stakes.

SouthCoast Bloodstock works closely with trainer and noted bloodstock expert Ken McPeek who led the trainer standings at Keeneland’s 2011 Fall Meet.

I’ve been seeking a path in the racing industry from the time this site was created nearly 5 years ago and I have accepted a position with SouthCoast Bloodstock. I would like to personally invite you to visit the new website and I look forward to answering any questions you may have regarding horse insurance, breeding, auctions, or anything else.

Contrary to popular believe, it doesn’t take a six figure budget to succeed in horse racing. Noble’s Promise, while the exception and not the rule, was purchased for only $10k. A two-year-old we purchased that recently raced in maiden special weight company at Churchill Downs was grabbed for $1,800. We fielded a $55k offer for him just six months after his purchase. Big budget or small budget, SouthCoast Bloodstock can help you win races.

See you in the winner’s circle.

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2011 Smile Sprint Handicap betting preview

July 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Smile Sprint Handicap is one of the best sprint races so far this year and includes several horses that will be seeking to compete in the Breeders Cup Sprint later this year. The six furlong dirt race is for a $300,000 purse at Calder Racecourse.  Horse betting for this race and several others at Calder this weekend will be fast and furious. Let’s look at the field of seven and locate the winner.

Giant Ryan (Freud x Kheyrah by Dayjur) I remember betting this horse back 2009 when he won at Aqueduct. That race was a NY bred allowance, but he is an entirely different animal now. Trained by Bisnath Parboo he has won four in a row and all in impressive fashion. The best win of those four came last out in a minor stakes race in which he bobbled the start but still won ridden out by 4 and 3/4 lengths. He is an intriguing runner that should sit just off the pace. He hasn’t faced horses this good and for that reason I can’t like him at 3-1.

Irrefutable (Unbridled’s Song x Honestly Darling by Kingmambo) Speedster figures to make the front for trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Mike Smith. His last out allowance win was super impressive as it came over two top notch horses in China and Safe Trip. If he is able to keep from going sub :45 for the half he very well might draw off. Can’t knock him and at 4-1 he’s got a big shot.

Apriority (Grand Slam x Midway Squall by Storm Bird) Just missed last out in the Churchill Downs Stakes where Aikenite beat him by a nose. That was a very deep and contentious field and his performance verified that he is as good as I always thought he was. He should be flying from off the pace at 3-1. Luis Saez rides for trainer David Fawkes who won this race last year with eventual Breeders Cup Sprint winner Big Drama.

TwinSpires.com

Noble’s Promise (Cuvee x The Devil’s Trick by Clever Trick) Took the Aristides last out over Atta Boy Roy and is a perfect two for two at the distance. It appears he has found his calling in the sprint division. He will be moving well late from off the pace, but at 5-2 I’m going to pass. I’ve got a feeling he will be over bet. Manny Cruz picks up the mount for Ken McPeek.

Royal Tricon (Trippi x Luricon by Lure) Trainer Joseph Calascibetta is winning races at a 26% clip, but he will need something big to happen for this gelding to find the winners circle. He was third behind Giant Ryan last out and just doesn’t appear good enough to beat this group at 15-1.

How’s Your Halo (Halo’s Image x Say How You Feel by Little Current) I won’t say he doesn’t have a shot because he got third here at 75-1 last year, but I would be really surprised if he even beat two horses. Brian Prichard trains and Juan Leyva rides at 20-1.

This Ones For Phil (Untuttable x Heaven’s Gate by Septieme Ciel) This gelding ran huge off the shelf to take the Decathalon at Monmouth over Wildcat Brief. After that he was left in the wake of Trappe Shot 8 lengths back in second place. Trappe Shot is arguably the best sprinter in the nation. Dutrow’s gelding will be making his third start off the shelf and on his best day he is more than capable of running this field down. Have to like him at 5-1 with JJ Castellano up.

I’m going to make This Ones For Phil my top pick to win the Smile Sprint Handicap. This wasn’t any easy choice and he narrowly beat Irrefutable for my nod. I would use both on exotic tickets.  Both TVG and Twin Spires are good places to bet the Smile Sprint. Either one offers a great wagering bonus for new accounts. Check them out!

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Noble’s Promise guns down Attaboyroy in Grade 3 Aristides Stakes

June 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Our top selection in the Aristides Stakes from Churchill Downs, Noble’s Promise, gunned down Attaboyroy in the stretch to become a millionaire on Saturday. He returned $5.20 for a $2 win bet while improving his record at six furlongs to 2 for 2. Trainer Ken McPeek won the preceding Dogwood Stakes with Salty Strike.

The sprinter is likely to target the Vanderbilt and Forego later this year before returning to race under the twin spires in the Breeders Cup Sprint. It certainly seems like he has found his calling going short. It’s never smart to mess with what works, but I think the colt would excel going one mile. Given the fact that Big Drama towers over the entire division, Noble’s Promise might find easier targets in mile races.

Saturday didn’t see much racing action worth talking about. The only bet I placed was a $100 win wager on Noble’s Promise. I’m trying to save my ammo for the upcoming Belmont Stakes where Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom will try to defeat Preakness Stakes winner Shackleford. Let’s not forget Nehro will be there too. To get our picks for that race click the “Buy Now” button the side of this page.

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2010 Malibu Stakes Preview

December 23, 2010 By 3 Comments

We have hit the Malibu Stakes two consecutive years (Bob Black Jack, M One Rifle). This year, which is perhaps the toughest field yet, we will seek to keep the streak alive. We ended up on Thiskyhasnolimit with big shots to Smiling Tiger and Don Tito. Our top pick should be around 12-1. Watch the video to find out more!

Merry Christmas!

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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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Kentucky Derby Top 10 List

March 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Kentucky Derby is rapidly approaching. Several of the top prep races have already been contested and several of the horses that will be in that gate on the First Saturday in May have already had their final preparatory race. Plenty of others have not so there is still much to be decided. Let’s take a look at some of the top contenders.

#1 Lookin at Lucky- The defending juvenile champion has done very little wrong in his career. If not for a poor trip in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile he would be undefeated. He is a son of Smart Strike so his pedigree is top notch. Trainer Bob Baffert has taken the roses three times (Real Quiet, Silver Charm, War Emblem), which means this colt couldn’t be in better hands. I love the fact that his highest Beyer Speed Figure was recorded on dirt when he won the Rebel Stakes after a trip from hell. Look for a huge effort in the Santa Anita Derby if that is his next race.

#2 Odysseus- Have you seen this son of Malibu Moon’s last two races? If not then I suggest you head over to YouTube and check him out. He crushed an allowance field by 15 lengths two back at Tampa Bay Downs. After that win he returned in the Tampa Bay Derby. He appeared finished at the top of the stretch, but came on again to register a narrow victory. He is visually impressive and “looks the part” so to speak. He is expected to race in the Bluegrass Stakes. Be on the watch for him.

#3 Sidney’s Candy- I love the way this horse won easily in his last two races. He took the San Vicente easily. He returned for another easy score in the San Felipe. The latter was his first try around two turns. Some question his ability to stay, but I don’t think he will have a problem being a son of Candy Ride. It’s hard to say how good he is at this point, but he will get the acid test next out in the Santa Anita Derby.

#4 Awesome Act- I love the way he skipped over the track in his Gotham win. That was his first race of the year. The son of Awesome Again seems to be getting good at the right time for his European connections. He ended his two-year-old campaign with a fourth place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. Look for him in the Wood Memorial.

#5 Eskendereya- This colt is atop many Kentucky Derby lists, but I have to see him reproduce his Fountain of Youth effort before I get on board. I view him as a Bellamy Road type of colt in the sense that while Bellamy Road was an incredible runner, he didn’t show up on Kentucky Derby day. I can see that happening with this one. If he impresses in the Wood Memorial I’ll hop on the bandwagon, but until then I prefer the top 4 over him.

#6 Interactif- He is a stakes winner on the turf for trainer Todd Pletcher. His first start over the synthetic resulted in a second place finish behind Sidney’s Candy in the San Felipe. He was moving well late despite the fact that he had no fractions to chase. He will return in the Bluegrass Stakes.

#7 Schoolyard Dreams- I loved his big move in the Tampa Bay Derby. He was narrowly defeated by Odysseus in that race. He is handled by Derek Ryan who trained 2009 Illinois Derby winner Musket Man. His next start will come in the Wood Memorial.

#8 Jackson Bend- He is in perfect hands with Nick Zito. He ran into a horse that wasn’t going to lose last out when he was second to Eskendereya in the Fountain of Youth. It will be interesting to see how Calvin Borel handles him in the Wood.

#9 Caracortado- How can you knock a gelding that has lost just once? Throw in the fact that he lost due to a slow pace and he looks even better. I love the way he rolled up on the pacesetters in his Robert B. Lewis win. He will need a strong performance in the Santa Anita Derby to stay on track for the First Saturday in May.

#10 Noble’s Promise- The son of Cuvee was last seen finishing a close second to Lookin at Lucky in the Rebel Stakes. He could make some noise in his next start which in all likelihood will be the first time he hasn’t competed against “Lucky” since his triumph in the Futurity at Keeneland.

Follow the 2010 Kentucky Derby contenders and the upcoming prep races next week on Stakes Tracker on Horse Racing Nation:
  • 2010 Santa Anita Derby
  • 2010 Wood Memorial
  • 2010 Illinois Derby

This list will change drastically after the Wood Memorial, Bluegrass Stakes, and Illinois Derby are conducted this weekend. I firmly believe that the winner of the Kentucky Derby will come from one of those two races, or the Santa Anita Derby. I’m putting very little stock in the Lanes End, Florida Derby, Sunland Derby, and Louisiana Derby. I believe the winners of those races are a cut below those on this list. The most important question still remains; who do YOU like?!

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My 2009 Eclipse Award Ballot; Rachel Alexandra HOY

January 7, 2010 By 6 Comments

The Eclipse Award nominees are finally out. The Eclipse Awards are the highest honor in thoroughbred racing. Winners are voted on by the people at the NTRA (National Thoroughbred Racing Assocation), Daily Racing Form, and National Turf Writers Assocation. I wish that I could have a say, but that is not meant to be this year. Perhaps in the future I will get a chance. Here’s a look at who I would pick in each category. Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts!

Horse of the Year: Rachel Alexandra- This one is a no brainer for me. The three-year-old filly won 8 races and 5 Grade 1 events this year. She beats the boys 3 times, including in the Preakness where she became the first horse to ever win from the 13 post position. She left Summer Bird in her wake when she took the Haskell Invitational. The two times that she faced her gender in Grade 1 events this year she won by a combined 39 1/2 lengths. The daughter of Medaglia d’Oro even beat older males when she took down the Woodward Stakes. Her campaign this year not only makes her Horse of the Year, but the greatest three-year-old filly in the history of the sport.

Two-Year-Old Male: Lookin’ At Lucky- This is an easy choice. “Lucky” is one of the early favorites for the Kentucky Derby and rightfully so. He couldn’t have won any easier last out in the CashCall Futurity where he beat fellow nominee Noble’s Promise. Vale of York can’t get my nod because I don’t believe in giving an Eclipse Award on the basis of a single race.

Two-Year-Old Female: She Be Wild- The Wayne Catalano filly got a perfect ride to slip up the rail and win the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies. She also ran a strong race to finish second in the Alcaibidies this year. Blind Luck and Hot Dixie are also nominated. I could easily envision both of those fillies being better when its all said and done, but at this point in time it has to go to She Be Wild. I feel like Hot Dixie Chick is the one to watch out of these three. I look forward to watching all of these fillies leading up to next years Kentucky Oaks.

Three-Year-Old Male: Summer Bird- This is an easy pick. The son of Birdstone took the Belmont Stakes, Travers, and Jockey Club Gold Cup this year. He also bested Mine That Bird and Quality Road in head to head matchups. I feel like at this point in time Quality Road has surpassed him, but based on their 2009 resumes Summer Bird was clearly the better horse.

Three-Year-Old Filly: Rachel Alexandra- Do I really need to say more? Check out the Horse of the Year section above for more information on this filly.

Older Male: Gio Ponti- This is a highly competitive division although 2009 was a down year for the older horses. I’ll go with Gio Ponti on the virtue of 4 Grade 1 victories and a runner up performance when switching surfaces in the Breeders Cup Classic. Einstein put together a good year, but lost twice to Gio Ponti. I feel like if Einstein had won the Donn and Clark he could’ve got my vote. I’m excited to watch Gio Ponti compete in 2010.

Older Female: Zenyatta- Anyone who doesn’t vote for Zenyatta to be Champion Older Female deserves to have their voting priveleges revoked. While she was lightly raced and beat soft fields most of the year, she answered the bell in the Breeders Cup Classic. The five-year-old mare would be a serious threat for Horse of the Year in my mind if she had taken on tougher competition other than in the Classic and won outside of California.

Male Sprinter: Kodiak Kowboy- If you had asked me earlier in the year, I would’ve said Zensational was a shoo-in. However, he couldn’t get the job done in the Breeders Cup Sprint. Kodiak Kowboy skipped the race, but had wins in the Carter, Vosburgh, and Cigar Mile in 2009. He only finished off the board once in 2009. Retired now at the age of 5, this horse was extremely consistent throughout his career. It’s rare that you find a horse that can win at the top level at 2, 3, and 4.

Female Sprinter: Informed Decision- She had her doubters in the Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, but she dismissed Ventura en route to an impressive win. In my eyes, that race sealed the title for her. She won 6 of 7 races in 2009, including 3 Grade 1 races. She is a polytrack specialist, and I would never bet against her on that surface. Informed Decision was also tough on “real” dirt where she won the Humana Distaff, but her only loss came on the surface in the Ballerina Stakes. Her 2009 campaign will be hard to equal in 2010.

Male Turf Horse: Gio Ponti- I’d like to give the nod to Presious Passion, but Gio Ponti had the better year. He has nearly unbeatable on the grass this year.

Female Turf Horse: Ventura- While she couldn’t get it done on Breeders Cup day, this mare was very consistent in 2009. She won two Grade 1 races on the turf this year. Her best performance came in the Woodbine Mile. I’d love to give the nod to Goldikova or Midday, but one race doesn’t make a year.

Owner: Mr. and Mrs. Jerome S. Moss- You have to give this couple the award after they stepped up to the plate and entered Zenyatta in the Breeders Cup Classic. Regardless of whether or not Zenyatta wins Horse of the Year, this took guts. I salute them for stepping up and helping the sport.

Breeder: I’m fairly ignorant to this category so I will refrain from commenting.

Trainer:  Bob Baffert- There is something to be said for a guy that finishes 3rd in earning behind a guy who has nearly 6 times as many starts as he does. Bob Baffert is the most prolific trainer in thoroughbred racing right now. Anything he touches turns to gold. He had a great 2009 thanks to Indian Blessing, Lookin at Lucky, Gabby’s Golden Goose, Pioneerof The Nile, and many more. I predict 2010 will be even better.

Jockey: Ramon Dominguez- This was one of the toughest picks I had to make. Ramon Dominguez, Garrett Gomez, and Julien Leparoux all had wonderful years. I had to go with Ramon Dominguez. He dominated with a massive 23.6% winning percentage and he finished in the money 56% of the time. He amassed earnings of 18,348,422 for 2009. He won the Spring/Fall riding title at Belmont Park, and also took the title at Saratoga. I congratulate him in an excellent 2009 campaign.

Apprentice Jockey: Christian Santiago-Reyes- I’m a big follower of California racing, and I love betting this guy. He has broke into the big time fast and he is here to stay. He is fearless in the irons and I expect to see him winning big time races very soon.

Who do you like to win an Eclipse Award? Leave a comment and lets discuss!

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Lookin At Lucky tops field of 8 for CashCall Futurity

December 17, 2009 By 2 Comments

 

Breeders Cup Juvenile runner up Lookin At Lucky is the most notable of eight entries for the CashCall Futurity this weekend at Hollywood Park. Lookin At Lucky is trained by Bob Baffert who has won the race several times including last year with Pioneerof The Nile. The race is for open for two-year-olds and is raced at the distance of 8.5 furlongs. The purse is a whopping $750,000 and the winner will have more than enough earnings to start in next years Kentucky Derby.

Formerly known as the Hollywood Futurity, the race has produced six Kentucky Derby winners since it began in 1981. These winners are Gato Del Sol, Ferdinand, Alysheba, Thunder Gulch, Real Quiet, and Giacomo. Other notable winners include Snow Chief, AP Indy, Best Pal, and Point Given. 1994 winner Afternoon Deelites holds the stakes record with a time of 1:40.74. Alex Solis and Laffit Pincay, Jr. share the record for most wins by a jockey at a 4. Bob Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas are tied for most wins by a trainer at 4, and a win this year would give Baffert sole possession of this title.

Lookin At Lucky was a perfect four for four with wins in the Norfolk Stakes and Del Mar Futurity before just missing longshot winner Vale of York in the Breeders Cup Juvenile. Bob Baffert says that the son of Smart Strike is the best two-year-old he has trained in the last five years. His pedigree is very solid and he has showed tons of ability. If he is able to continue progressing at the rate he has then he will be a force not only in this race, but on the First Saturday in May. He has done little wrong thus far in his short career, and I expect him to take care of business in this one.

His best competition will likely come in the form of Dixiana Breeders Futurity winner Noble’s Promise who finished third in the Breeders Cup Juvenile last out.  Noble’s Promise is a son of Saratoga Special winner Cuvee. He has a nice stalking style and I expect him to move forward in this spot. He looked very good striking the lead in the stretch drive of the Breeders Cup Juvenile, but was unable to hold off Vale of York and Lookin At Lucky while losing by about three quarters of a length. Robby Albarado will replace Willie Martinez in the irons. I must critizicize this move, because Martinez has done very well with the colt. He could give the colt a ride that is as good or better than Albarado will. Look for him to run a big race.

I was very surprised when Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity runner up Make Music For Me finished sixth in a maiden special weight last out. The colt is tremedously talented, but his closing style was rendered useless after a dawdling pace was set. He will need a fast pace to run well here and winning is going to be a lot to ask. I think it would be more useful to get a win under his belt in a lesser race before trying the big boys again. However, make no mistake about it; this colt will be a stakes winner before its all said and done. Mike Smith will ride, and he does well with this style of runner.

Bob Baffert will also send out The Program and Marcello. Both appear to be a notch below the top two contenders, but there is no telling when a horse is going to “wake up” when they are this young. Marcello was second in the Grade 3 Generous Stakes over the turf course last out. He has won twice over synthetic surfaces, but will need to move forward to make an impact here. Jose Valdivia will ride. The Program was most recently second in an allowance after breaking his maiden. Victor Espinoza will replace Martin Garcia in the irons.

Seattle Ruler, Brady Blue Eyes, and Wildlee Special round out the field. I’ll go with Lookin at Lucky as my top pick. I think he is just too good for this field. Who do you like?!

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