Quality Road

Saratoga and Del Mar are BACK!

July 20, 2010 By Ryan 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.

I’m already counting down the minutes for these two great meets. Del Mar will begin on Wednesday. Saratoga starts on Friday. I’m going to be watching every race to get a feel for how the track is playing. Be sure to join me on this handicapping adventure! For just $10 per card or $69 for the entire meet (each) you can have all my picks for Saratoga and Del Mar. I thrive on this type of racing and I expect to cash some very nice exotic and win tickets. Don’t miss the action!

Filed Under: Horse Racing News Tagged With: blame, Bob Baffert, del mar, horse racing picks, Lookin at Lucky, quality road, rachel alexandra, saratoga, Zenyatta

Zenyatta early favorite to repeat in Breeders Cup Classic

June 17, 2010 By Ryan 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!

Filed Under: Breeders Cup, Horse Racing Information Tagged With: blame, breeders cup classic, ice box, Lookin at Lucky, quality road, rail trip, Zenyatta

The Curious Case of Quality Road

May 29, 2010 By Ryan 5 Comments

The curious case of Quality Road continues Monday at Belmont Park in the Grade 1 Metropolitan Mile. This race won’t be nearly as easy for him as the Donn Handicap. Grade 1 winner Warrior’s Reward promises to bring PLENTY of competition as does Illinois Derby winner Musket Man. If all three run their best race then Quality Road will blow them off the track, but will that happen? There is no telling.

There isn’t a horse in training who possesses the wealth of talent that Quality Road has. He is brilliant going 6.5 furlongs or 9 furlongs. He has his quirks though. This was displayed in his well known gate incident prior to the start of the Breeders Cup Classic. As you may recall, he was spooked by the crowd and did not want to load into the gate. He was subsequently scratched from the race.

The MET Mile is a valuable gem of a win for a prospective sire and I have to think that is why the connections are targeting the race. They have Quality Road fresh and ready to fire his best shot. His work of :59 and change means that he is fit and ready to go. Quality Road would be an extremely attractive stallion prospect (even more so than he already is) with wins in the Florida Derby, Donn Handicap, and MET Mile.

After giving the Metropolitan Mile a spin, Quality Road could target a number of races. Those that come to mind are the Suburban, Whitney, Woodward, Jockey Club Gold Cup, and ultimately a second attempt at starting in the Breeders Cup Classic.

Quality Road is without doubt the best older male in what appears to be a rejuvenated division. His best competition at the top of the pile is Summer Bird who bested him twice last year, and the phenomenal west coaster Rail Trip.

Win or lose it will be fun to watch Quality Road race on Memorial Day. I’ve followed his career extensively and although I will be betting against him I will still enjoy watching such a talented runner.

Filed Under: Horse Racing Information Tagged With: metropolitan mile, quality road

Horse Racing Picks topped by $17.40 winner in the Whirlaway

February 8, 2010 By Ryan Leave a Comment

I wasn’t too happy when I awoke Saturday morning to learn that Santa Anita had cancelled racing. 3 of the 6 races on my tip sheet were on the card and I felt very good about my chances in the Robert B Lewis. The remaining three races were solid. I had $17.40 winner Peppi Knows in the Whirlaway who was my de facto top selection after the defection of Turf Melody. That race was marred when jockey Jorge Chavez fell off the heavily favored Eightyfiveinafifty who jumped the rail. I have read reports that Chavez is OK, and the horse sustained only a minor injury. I am thankful for that. I love to win, but the well being of the horses and jockeys comes first!

The remaining two races I had given picks for were the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap and the Donn Handicap. My top pick in the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap was Yate’s Black Cat, who was a victim of a poor ride by Kent Desormeaux, although he probably wasn’t good enough regardless. Kent tried to go through what I call a “phantom hole”. There was no place for him to move, and his horse clipped heels with Take The Points who was DQed from the win. Court Vision benefited from the decision and was placed first at odds of 4-5.

I strongly disagree with the decision to remove Take The Points from first, and I read that Todd Pletcher may appeal the decision. My comments for the race noted that Yate’s Black Cat was my top choice narrowly over Take The Points, and I used both on top in my exotic bets. Take The Points DQ cost me a trifecta. Although it wasn’t going to pay a ton for a buck, it was a cheap ticket and I had a $5 wager.

I had Quality Road winning the Donn Handicap, along with everyone else on the planet. He returned $2.80 for the win. Dry Martini rallied for second and Delightful Kiss was third. I was able to come up with the exacta that paid $17.20 for $2 on a ticket that cost $6. My trifecta ticket cost $16 to bet and returned $93. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to break the bank with these races, but I am glad I hit them regardless of how much they paid. Like they old saying goes; you can pick the winner but you can’t pick the price.

This weekends lineup includes horse racing picks for Saturday and Presidents Day.

Sam Davis Stakes
Gulfstream Park Sprint Championship
Las Virgenes Stakes
Robert B Lewis Stakes
Strub Stakes
Hurricane Bertie Stakes
General George Breeders Cup Handicap
Southwest Stakes
San Vicente Stakes

Click here for information on how to get my picks and plays. You will be glad you did.

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: donn handicap, handicapping recap, horse racing picks, Peppi Knows, quality road, take the points, Whirlaway, yates black cat

Quality Road looks poised to capture his second Grade 1 victory in the Donn Handicap

February 4, 2010 By Ryan Leave a Comment

I love Quality Road. I’ve followed this colt very closely since he won the Fountain of Youth last year. He was my Kentucky Derby pick until he was hurt, and I also picked him to win the Breeders Cup Classic. Unfortunately, he didn’t get to race in the Classic and was scratched at the gate. Since that little hiccup in his career he has won the Hal’s Hope Handicap and looks poised to annex the Donn Handicap this weekend. If he continues at this rate he will certainly have a chance to avenge his scratch in the Breeders Cup with another try this year. Let’s take a look at some of his competition this Saturday at Gulfstream Park.

Past The Point has seen a resurgance in form lately and looks to be the best opponent for Quality Road. The son of Indian Charlie has nice early speed. He nearly slayed the giant we know as Curlin in the 2008 Woodward. His last race was a second place finish behind top sprinter Custom For Carlos in the Grade 3 Mr Prospector. Edgar Prado will have the mount for the third time in a row, and after perusing through the PPs it seems that this horse responds best to Prado. It will take a monumental effort to bring Quality Road to his knees, but Past The Point is the most likely candidate.

Duke of Mischief will also give it a shot. The David Fawkes trainee ran a huge figure last out when he took the closed into very slow fractions to take the Grade 3 Fort Lauterdale. He ran strongly last year when he took the Iowa Derby, but ran into the buzzsaw known as Rachel Alexandra in the Haskell Stakes where he was defeated by 18 lengths. His form has improved this year, but it will take a career effort to win this race.

Other entries include Kiss The Kid, Dry Martini, You And I Forever, Helsinki, and Mambo Meister. Who do you like in the Donn Handicap? Check out the Buy Picks page on the red toolbar if you are interested in my picks and plays for this race along with several others for this weekend!

Filed Under: Horse Handicapping Tagged With: donn handicap, duke of mischief, past the point, quality road

My 2009 Eclipse Award Ballot; Rachel Alexandra HOY

January 7, 2010 By Ryan 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!

Filed Under: Horse Racing News Tagged With: blind lucky, Bob Baffert, christian santiago-reyes, eclipse awards, gio ponti, goldikova, hot dixie chick, informed decision, kodiak kowboy, Lookin at Lucky, midday, mine that bird, mr. and mrs. jerome s. moss, Noble's Promise, quality road, rachel alexandra, ramon dominguez, She Be Wild, summer bird, vale of york, ventura, Zenyatta

Tuscan Evening makes it look easy in the Monrovia Handicap; Gulfstream Park opens

January 4, 2010 By Ryan Leave a Comment

I felt like Tuscan Evening had a chance in the Monrovia Handicap, but I went to another horse for better value. I guess I shoud’ve remembered the age old saying; take what you can get. This mare was an easy winner under jockey Rafeale Bejarano for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. She is using this race as a springboard for the Grade 1 Santa Monica Handicap on January 31. If she runs like she did in the Monrovia then she will have a huge shot. Evita Argentina is also aiming for the race after winning the Grade 1 La Brea last out. I’d have a hard time betting against Evita Argentina going 7 furlongs.

Sunday saw the opening of Gulfstream Park and the debut of a Kentucky Derby contender. Tahitian Warrior went wire to wire under jockey E T Baird. He finished the six furlongs in 1:09.96 while finishing the last furlong in under 12 seconds. Tahitian Warrior was clear by 4 3/4 lengths at the wire. He didn’t look like he was trying very hard. He beat a strong field that included 2 horses purchased for $500k or more. I’d definitely add this horse to my list of early contenders for the First Saturday in May.

That wasn’t the only news out of Gulfstream Park. Florida Derby winner Quality Road returned to the scene of the crime for the Hal’s Hope Handicap. He couldn’t have won any easier than he did. I’m going to go out on a limb and say he is the best older horse in training. The only horse I can see giving him trouble is Rail Trip, and we have no idea how he would handle a dirt surface. Quality Road had no trouble at the gate this time and will be pointing towards the Donn Handicap. If he is successful there I envision him heading to Dubai for the Dubai World Cup. I love this horse and I hope he gets it done every time out this year.

Any thoughts on this weekends racing? Anything on your mind in general? Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Filed Under: Horse Racing News Tagged With: donn handicap, gulfstream park, hals hope handicap, monrovia handicap, quality road, santa monica handicap, tahitian warrior, tuscan evening

Miscellaneous Horse Racing News

November 21, 2009 By Ryan 1 Comment

qr3

All things went swimmingly for Quality Road as he has undergone some gate schooling at Aqueduct this Saturday afternoon. The Florida Derby winner refused to load and was subsequently scratched from the Breeders Cup Classic two weeks ago. Trainer Todd Pletcher is considering racing the colt in the Grade 1 Cigar Mile. I think the mile distance would suit Quality Road perfectly. Quality Road is one of my favorite horses and I can’t wait to watch him race again! We have yet to see his best race. Pletcher is also considering Tom Fool Handicap winner Munnings for the race.

In other news, Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies winner She Be Wild is under consideration for the $500,000 Delta Princess Stakes at Delta Downs. The filly ran a great race under jockey Julien Leparoux to win the Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita. Leparoux masterfully guided the compact filly up the rail and she ran on strong to reign victorious. I think running in the Princess Stakes would be a good move. Trainer Wayne Catalano says she is training well.

More often then not horses that are superb at two aren’t as good when they get older. Some examples that I can think of off the top of my head are Dreaming of Anna and Stardom Bound. Both were extremely dominant at two, but were largely surpassed by their competition at the age of three. On the other hand, Indian Blessing was dominant at two, three, and four. She Be Wild’s connections might a well go for the big cash while they can.

Zenyatta’s connections have received the “Big Sport of Turfdom” award from the Turf Publicists of America. The criteria for the award is :”to a person or group of people who enhances coverage of Thoroughbred racing through cooperation with the media and Thoroughbred racing publicists”. Trainer John Sheriffs and his wife Dottie will recieve the award along with owners Jerry and Ann Moss and jockey Mike Smith. The mare has completed her career with a perfect 14 for 14 record. She still has one race left, and it will be the toughest of her career; the race for Horse of the Year.

Any thoughts on current racing news? Leave a comment and be heard!

Filed Under: Horse Racing News Tagged With: quality road, She Be Wild, Zenyatta

Jockey Club Gold Cup, Vosburgh, and Beldame just a few of the great races this weekend!

October 1, 2009 By Ryan Leave a Comment

summerbird

It doesn’t get much better than this weekend when it comes to Breeders Cup preps. The Classic Division has the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Hawthorne Gold Cup, Ohio Derby, and Indiana Derby. The Sprint Division will see some of its best bang heads in the Vosburgh, and the Beldame will boast some of the best females in the country. The Flower Bowl and Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational will also take place on the grass. Wagering or not, you will want to keep tabs on the winners of these races. I also advise watching and analyzing the videos when they are uploaded to the internet.

The Jockey Club Gold Cup has a very deep field that includes Belmont and Travers Stakes winner Summer Bird. He has been working up a storm leading to this race. Older horse and Stephen Foster Handicap winner Macho Again will also be competing after finishing second to Rachel Alexandra last out in the Woodward. I’ll be wagering on Florida Derby winner Quality Road. While hindsight is always 20/20 he wasn’t the best bet last time. This time he will be making his third start since the lay off, and has experience at the distance. For a closer look at the Jockey Club Gold Cup check out my Breeders Cup Blog for the NTRA by clicking here.

Fabulous Strike will favored to win the Vosburgh Stakes for the third time in three years. He finished second last year after complications with a shoe. He has brutal speed, and can go fast while still hanging on late in the race. Trainer Todd Beattie is open to running in the Breeders Cup again, but he obviously wants to see how the gelding does here first. His biggest challenge will come in the form of Tom Fool Handicap winner Munnings. The three-year-old is highly regarded but is probably more optimal at seven furlongs. Go Go Shoot, Kodiak Kowboy and Peace Chant will also seek to take the cake in this race.

I loved her chances last out, and Careless Jewel was a dominating victor of the Alabama Stakes. She is going to be favored to take the Cotillion Stakes at Philadelphia Park this weekend. The gray filly has excellent early zip and will have a hell of a chance to win. There are many capable fillies in the race, but I like Cat Moves for a price. Already a Grade 1 winner early in her career, she has never raced this far. If she can translate her sprint form then she will be very tough in this one. Betting her is contingent with getting at least her 8/1 morning line price. I wouldn’t take less than that.

I’ve always thought that Music Note was an absolute monster, and last race was no exception. She won at a nice price in her first try sprinting, taking down Indian Blessing and Informed Decision. She will only have to beat four other fillies in the Bel Dame, but that doesn’t guarantee victory. Unbridled Belle has been hit and miss lately, but has enough talent to win this one on her best day. I’ll be rooting for Music Note, and I look forward to seeing her in this years Breeders Cup.

The Flower Bowl looks like a nice race. Pure Clan is the 3-1 ML second choice, and I expect a big run from her. A Grade 1 winner at three, Pure Clan has yet to show her true form this year. She finished third last out in the Beverley D last out, and will have to down the winner of that race (Dynaforce) to be successful here. Dynaforce has always looks like a nice mare, but had tailed off in form until last out. Kent Desormeaux worked his magic and won the Bev D at a nice price. It seems like everything he rides on the turf wins.

Gio Ponti would have to run a very bad race to lose the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational. He is easily the best turf horse in the country, and Christophe Clemente says he is the best horse he has ever trained. Perhaps a horse that has a shot at pulling the upset is Grand Couturier. He had been tailing off in form lately until winning a stakes race in New York last out. It would take a big effort from him or any other horse for that matter to take down Gio Ponti. I don’t’ see it happening.

Win Willy shocked the racing world earlier this year when he won the Rebel Stakes at a big price. He will try to win his second graded stakes race this weekend in the Indiana Derby. He has raced just once since the Kentucky Derby, but has looked sharp in the morning. Misremembered, winner of the Swaps Stakes, is the likely favorite. Gone Astray will be favored in the Ohio Derby after romping in the Pennsylvania Derby. That race also includes Join In The Dance, runner up in the Pennsylvania Derby. Gone Astray probably could have won the Indiana Derby which has a much larger purse and I find myself wondering why he wasn’t entered there.

I’m a bit disappointed with the quality of the Hawthorne Gold Cup, but excited at the same time because Awesome Gem might be able to get a marquee win. The old gelding has been running strong lately, particular when switching to the dirt at Emerald Downs two races back. His best competition will come in the form of Turfway Park Fall Championship winner Nite Light. I hope that Night Lite sets a blistering pace and Awesome Gem is able to run him down in the late stages of the race.

This is one weekend of racing that you don’t want to miss. I had no problem at all writing over 1,000 words for this because there is SO MUCH happening this weekend. I probably didn’t say enough, but I digress. I’m looking forward to the Jockey Club Gold Cup the most. I hope Quality Road runs a great race like he is capable of doing. Who do you like in this weekends big races? Leave a comment and let me know what your thinking!

Filed Under: Breeders Cup, Horse Handicapping, Horse Racing News Tagged With: bel dame, Breeders Cup, careless jewel, cotillion stakes, dynaforce, fabulous strike, flower bowl, gio ponti, gone astray, hawthorne gold cup, indiana derby, jockey club gold cup, ohio derby, quality road, summer bird, vosburgh stakes

Summer Bird wins the Grade 1 Travers Stakes

August 29, 2009 By Ryan Leave a Comment

Travers Stakes Horse Racing

I love the line by David Grening at the Daily Racing Form. He said “He is no longer the other Bird”, referring to Belmont and Travers Stakes winner Summer Bird. That is certainly true. The son of Birdstone sat somewhat close to the pace in this race and was an easy winner over Hold Me Back. Kent Desormaux said after the race that he was only galloping for most of the race and he could’ve gone past the leaders much sooner if he had wanted. This colt is for real.

I feared that the stretch in distance would be too much for Quality Road and unfortunately it was. The Florida Derby winner had too much ground to make up after not racing for so long. He stalked close to the pace and flattened while ending up third. The off track didn’t help his chances either.

I expect to see him come back in the Jockey Club Gold Cup where he will be a decent price and come with a peak effort. I’ve always been a huge fan of the son of Elusive Quality, but just couldn’t take him with all the question marks here. However, I can already tell you I will have a bundle on him regardless of where he ends up next.

My top pick was Kensei. He stalked close to the leader but came up empty when jockey Edgar Prado asked him the question. I’m thinking he didn’t like the track. It will be interesting to see how he does in his next race. I wonder where he will show up. Perhaps in the Jockey Club Gold Cup?

I learn something new everyday. Summer Bird is the 30th horse to win the Travers and also win the Belmont Stakes. I must admit that I was ignorant to this trend, but I will definitely be keeping it mind next year. I was very satisfied with this years race, and I am already looking forward to watching Rachel Alexandra next week.

What are your thoughts? Send me a tweet via Twitter @gradedstakes, or leave a comment below!

Filed Under: Horse Racing News Tagged With: quality road, summer bird, travers

Horse Betting|Saratoga Picks|Del Mar Picks