This isn’t really news, because we all knew it was coming. However, Quality Road, and Blame are two of my favorite horses so I decided it was worth a mention. Both have been retired to stud duty. The duo will leave a gap as wide as the grand canyon in the older horse division.

Quality Road is headed to Lanes End Farm to begin his career as a stallion after a last place finish in the Breeders Cup Classic. Last place isn’t a word that is usually mentioned in the same sentence as this colt’s name.

Throughout his career he won races such as the Florida Derby, Fountain of Youth Stakes, Amsterdam Stakes, Woodward, Metropolitan Mile, and Donn Handicap. His reserves of speed were among the best I’ve ever seen.

 Quality Road also put in bang up efforts to be third in the Travers Stakes, and second in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.

 My greatest memory of Quality Road will be his triumph in the MET Mile. After watching several different horses try to run him into the crowd, I stared in awe as he crossed the wire first seemingly unscathed. I asked myself, could anyone beat Quality Road? I believe that there isn’t a horse who could touch him in a race going a mile. Anything futher though is where he began to falter. While he could win races routing based on his raw talent, it was clear he was best up to a mile. I suspect he will have a huge impact at stud.

I haven’t been following Blame’s career as long as ol’ Quality Road’s, but he is just as impressive. I knew he would be something else after watching him smash a strong field in the Clark Handicap near the end of his three-year-old campaign. At the age of four he galloped down the highly regarded Battle Plan in the Foster Handicap at Churchill Downs. He followed that win up by nailing Quality Road at the wire in the Whitney.

His most impressive triumph came when he played the Onion to Zenyatta’s Secretariat by holding her off in the Breeders Cup Classic.  The son of Arch will make an excellent addition to Claiborne Farm’s stallion list and should continue to add to their resurgence in the shed just as he did on the track.

What are your favorite memories of Blame and Quality Road? Leave a comment and be heard!

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?

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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!