First off, allow me to express my apologies for the lack of posts during the last several months. It's been a very busy summer and fall! But I feel ready to give this blog another shot and see how it goes.
One of the reasons I am posting this is because of some fabulous news from Gulfstream Park. Presious Passion, one of our oldest veterans of the turf at age eight, and certainly one of my favorites, is expected to breeze this week in preperation for a possible return to the races. A three-time grade I winner, he turned in one of the most remarkable performances I have ever seen when finishing second to Conduit in the 2009 Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. I). Although he has not raced since January and will turn nine next year, Presious Passion is gearing up for another season and, hopefully, he will still have some of that old spark left that has carried him through so many races over so many years.
Here's an article about his return from DRF.com:
http://www.drf.com/news/gulfstream-presious-passion-back-track
In addition, let me quickly update the status of all our Veterans of the Turf members:
Awesome Gem: Ran second to Game On Dude in the Goodwood Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita before a hind end problem ended his season. He is expected to return as a nine-year-old sometime next year.
California Flag: Got back on track with a victory in the Morvich Stakes (gr. III) before running twelfth in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (gr. II), a race that he won in 2009. He has breezed three times since then and will probably return sometime during the Santa Anita meet.
Chamberlain Bridge: Finished eighth while attempting to defend his title in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (gr. II), then ran a deceptively good fourth in an allowance optional claiming race. It appears as though he may be rounding back into form.
Cost of Freedom: Unfortunately, he appears to be approaching the end of his long, successful career, and his last three starts have come for a claiming price. Sadder yet, he has not won a race all year. But he still tries hard every time and will hopefully end his career on a high note.
Dubious Miss: He has not won a race since the April 2010 Ben Ali Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland, but he has turned in some good efforts since then and has most recently been competing in allowance optional claiming company.
Garden Dancer: Won a claiming race on the final day of July, but hasn't raced since September. But considering he has made fifteen starts this year, it's not surprising that he is being given a break. I expect him to be back next year as a ten-year-old.
Interpatation: Like Cost of Freedom, he appears to be nearing the end of his career as well. Winless since taking the 2009 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational (gr. I), he has been available for claiming in his last seven starts, and has not cracked the exacta in any of them. But at least he is still sound and still keeps on trying!
Quick Enough: Won his last race, a $20,000 claiming event, by a length in sharp fashion. Seven years of age, he was actually second to eventual Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) winner Amazombie in the Tizway Stakes earlier this year, so I think he still has the talent to be a force in lower-level sprint stakes events.
Silver Timber: Following three disappointing losses in stakes races, he has turned to allowance optional claiming races with some success, most recently finishing a strong third while racing for a $50,000 tag. He actually breezed a half-mile in :48.29 at Palm Meadows Training Center just this morning.
Brass Hat, Fabulous Strike, and Rahy's Attorney have all been retired, the latter after suffering a fairly minor leg injury while running second in the grade I Sword Dancer Invitational Handicap.
-Keelerman
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Of Interpatation and Rapid Redux
Nine-year-old gelding Interpatation is entered to race this afternoon in the third race at Hollywood Park.
A son of Langfuhr, the veteran of 65 races since 2004 secured his biggest victory in the 2009 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes (gr. I), when he defeated three-time Eclipse champion Gio Ponti over a bog-like turf course. However, he has not won since then and hasn't been in great form as of late. In five starts this year, his best finish has been a runner-up performance in a ten furlong allowance optional claiming race. Last time out, he finished sixth in a $32,000 claiming race.
It will take a much improved effort to score in today's race, but maybe he'll return to form this afternoon.
Here are the entries:
His main competition will most like come from the two favorites, Power Series and Red Alert Day. The former has spent most of his career racing in Europe, and has only made two starts in the United States. In the first, a nine furlong allowance optional claiming race, he led passing the eighth pole before being out kicked to finish a close-up fifth. He was on the lead again passing the eighth pole in his most recent start, the San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap (gr. II), but was out kicked yet again en route to a sixth-place finish, beaten just 2 1/4 lengths.
Red Alert Day also began his career in Europe, but has been in the United States since early 2009. Earlier this year, he had been competing in claiming races -- defeating Interpatation in one -- but after a strong victory in a $32,000 claiming event, he stepped up to compete in the Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap (gr. I). While he may have seemed completely outclassed on the surface, he actually ran fairly well in the race to finish fourth, beaten just 2 1/4 lengths for second.
Whoever wins, it should be a good race!
* * * * *
On a side note, there was an interesting article about Rapid Redux on DRF.com today. Here's a link to the piece:
http://www.drf.com/news/thirteen-row-good-any-level
-Keelerman
A son of Langfuhr, the veteran of 65 races since 2004 secured his biggest victory in the 2009 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes (gr. I), when he defeated three-time Eclipse champion Gio Ponti over a bog-like turf course. However, he has not won since then and hasn't been in great form as of late. In five starts this year, his best finish has been a runner-up performance in a ten furlong allowance optional claiming race. Last time out, he finished sixth in a $32,000 claiming race.
It will take a much improved effort to score in today's race, but maybe he'll return to form this afternoon.
Here are the entries:
| Post Position | Horse | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Interpatation | 8-1 |
| 2 | Kingsville | Scratched |
| 3 | Power Series | 8-5 |
| 4 | Tippity Tap Tap | 4-1 |
| 5 | Volcanic Ice | 30-1 |
| 6 | They Call Him El | 6-1 |
| 7 | Red Alert Day | 2-1 |
His main competition will most like come from the two favorites, Power Series and Red Alert Day. The former has spent most of his career racing in Europe, and has only made two starts in the United States. In the first, a nine furlong allowance optional claiming race, he led passing the eighth pole before being out kicked to finish a close-up fifth. He was on the lead again passing the eighth pole in his most recent start, the San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap (gr. II), but was out kicked yet again en route to a sixth-place finish, beaten just 2 1/4 lengths.
Red Alert Day also began his career in Europe, but has been in the United States since early 2009. Earlier this year, he had been competing in claiming races -- defeating Interpatation in one -- but after a strong victory in a $32,000 claiming event, he stepped up to compete in the Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap (gr. I). While he may have seemed completely outclassed on the surface, he actually ran fairly well in the race to finish fourth, beaten just 2 1/4 lengths for second.
Whoever wins, it should be a good race!
* * * * *
On a side note, there was an interesting article about Rapid Redux on DRF.com today. Here's a link to the piece:
http://www.drf.com/news/thirteen-row-good-any-level
-Keelerman
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Rapid Redux goes for #13!
Tonight, in the seventh race at Penn National, the five-year-old gelding Rapid Redux will attempt to extend his amazing winning streak to thirteen consecutive victories.
10-for-10 this year alone, Rapid Redux has been dominating his opponents liks few horses can. He has won his last four races by an average of nearly 7 1/2 lengths. The comments on the Equibase results charts for those same four races have read "won geared down,easily", "sharp pace,much best", "rail, ridden out", and "pace 2path, handily".
Tonight's race is a one-mile and seventy yards starter allowance race. Eight horses, including Rapid Redux, where entered, but three scratches have left the field with only five runners. Here are the entries:
Rapid Redux is not facing much. Rascal Cat and No Brakes ran eighth and ninth, respectively, in their last races. Grinnell is entering off of a win, but it was in a $10,000 claiming race at six furlongs. Miles Heir probably has the best chance at upsetting Rapid Redux, seeing that he won a mile and a sixteenth starter allowance race last time out, but I don't think that he is good enough to defeat Rapid Redux.
Should Rapid Redux win tonight, it will move him one victory closer to breaking the modern-day record for consecutive victories in North America, held by the mares Zenyatta and Pepper's Pride, each of whom won nineteen straight races. As long as Rapid Redux stays in form, I believe that he is capable of doing it.
Go Rapid Redux!
-Keelerman
10-for-10 this year alone, Rapid Redux has been dominating his opponents liks few horses can. He has won his last four races by an average of nearly 7 1/2 lengths. The comments on the Equibase results charts for those same four races have read "won geared down,easily", "sharp pace,much best", "rail, ridden out", and "pace 2path, handily".
Tonight's race is a one-mile and seventy yards starter allowance race. Eight horses, including Rapid Redux, where entered, but three scratches have left the field with only five runners. Here are the entries:
| Post Position | Horse | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Darrell Van Horne | Scratched |
| 2 | Rascal Cat | 20-1 |
| 3 | No Brakes | 6-1 |
| 4 | Jake's Mission | Scratched |
| 5 | Grinnell | 8-1 |
| 6 | Rapid Redux | 4-5 |
| 7 | Gotta Believe Me | Scratched |
| 8 | Miles Heir | 6-1 |
Rapid Redux is not facing much. Rascal Cat and No Brakes ran eighth and ninth, respectively, in their last races. Grinnell is entering off of a win, but it was in a $10,000 claiming race at six furlongs. Miles Heir probably has the best chance at upsetting Rapid Redux, seeing that he won a mile and a sixteenth starter allowance race last time out, but I don't think that he is good enough to defeat Rapid Redux.
Should Rapid Redux win tonight, it will move him one victory closer to breaking the modern-day record for consecutive victories in North America, held by the mares Zenyatta and Pepper's Pride, each of whom won nineteen straight races. As long as Rapid Redux stays in form, I believe that he is capable of doing it.
Go Rapid Redux!
-Keelerman
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Garden Dancer entered to race! (Again!)
Garden Dancer was entered to race last week in the 8th race at River Downs. But after running the first seven races, the weather got so bad the track canceled the final race. Thus, Garden Dancer did not get to compete.
However, he has been re-entered against many of the same horses today at River Downs. In the fourth race on the card, Garden Dancer will head to post against five others going 5-1/2 furlongs on dirt in a $4,000 claiming race.
Here are the entries:
Post Position/Horse/Morning Line Odds
1 Quick American 9-2
2 Gold Album 2-1
3 Housebuilder 7-2
4 Cucina Nick (Scratched)
5 Garden Dancer 3-1
6 Kate's Trooper 20-1
7 Voodoo Gold 12-1
All of the seven horses entered are geldings, and all six years of age or older. Amazingly, Quick American is still a competive claimer, even at the advanced age of 11!
-Keelerman
However, he has been re-entered against many of the same horses today at River Downs. In the fourth race on the card, Garden Dancer will head to post against five others going 5-1/2 furlongs on dirt in a $4,000 claiming race.
Here are the entries:
Post Position/Horse/Morning Line Odds
1 Quick American 9-2
2 Gold Album 2-1
3 Housebuilder 7-2
4 Cucina Nick (Scratched)
5 Garden Dancer 3-1
6 Kate's Trooper 20-1
7 Voodoo Gold 12-1
All of the seven horses entered are geldings, and all six years of age or older. Amazingly, Quick American is still a competive claimer, even at the advanced age of 11!
-Keelerman
Friday, June 10, 2011
Garden Dancer entered to race!
Garden Dancer, the tough-as-nails nine-year-old gelding who can still compete successfully in claiming races, is entered to race later this afternoon in the 8th race at River Downs.
The event is a 5-1/2 furlong $4,000 claiming race. Here are the entries:
As you can see, Garden Dancer is among the favorites. He has been very busy this year, having already raced nine times with three victories to his credit. He is most effective coming from off the pace, so quick fractions up front would greatly increase his chances of victory.
Quick American, the 5-2 morning line favorite, is definitely the horse to beat. He has been very consistent as of late, never turning in a poor performance and always finishing right in the mix of things. Interestingly, he has confronted Garden Dancer on four occasions this year -- and finished ahead of 'Dancer in all of them.
Also interesting is the fact that four of the seven horses in this field are emerging from the same race, the 2nd at River Downs on May 26th, a 5-1/2 furlong $4,000 claiming event just like today's race. The results were:
Finishing Position/Horse/Margin over next horse
1 Del Mar Storm (2 lengths)
2 Gold Album (nose)
3 Quick American (2 1/4 lengths)
4 Garden Dancer (8 3/4 lengths)
5 Cucina Nick (3 1/4 lengths)
6 Rhode to Silence
So basically, Garden Dancer is going to have to improve 2 1/4 lengths -- or Gold Album and Quick American regress 2 1/4 lengths -- in order for Garden Dancer to win. Can he do it? I'll be cheering him on!
-Keelerman
The event is a 5-1/2 furlong $4,000 claiming race. Here are the entries:
| Post Position | Horse | A/S | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Cucina Nick | 8/G | 8-1 |
| 2 | Dynomightrunaway | 7/G | 15-1 |
| 3 | Kate's Trooper | 6/G | 10-1 |
| 4 | Garden Dancer | 9/G | 4-1 |
| 5 | Quick American | 11/G | 5-2 |
| 6 | Gold Album | 7/G | 2-1 |
| 7 | Iain'tmadatcha | 6/G | 6-1 |
As you can see, Garden Dancer is among the favorites. He has been very busy this year, having already raced nine times with three victories to his credit. He is most effective coming from off the pace, so quick fractions up front would greatly increase his chances of victory.
Quick American, the 5-2 morning line favorite, is definitely the horse to beat. He has been very consistent as of late, never turning in a poor performance and always finishing right in the mix of things. Interestingly, he has confronted Garden Dancer on four occasions this year -- and finished ahead of 'Dancer in all of them.
Also interesting is the fact that four of the seven horses in this field are emerging from the same race, the 2nd at River Downs on May 26th, a 5-1/2 furlong $4,000 claiming event just like today's race. The results were:
Finishing Position/Horse/Margin over next horse
1 Del Mar Storm (2 lengths)
2 Gold Album (nose)
3 Quick American (2 1/4 lengths)
4 Garden Dancer (8 3/4 lengths)
5 Cucina Nick (3 1/4 lengths)
6 Rhode to Silence
So basically, Garden Dancer is going to have to improve 2 1/4 lengths -- or Gold Album and Quick American regress 2 1/4 lengths -- in order for Garden Dancer to win. Can he do it? I'll be cheering him on!
-Keelerman
Monday, May 30, 2011
A Victory for Awesome Gem!
Eight-year-old veteran gelding Awesome Gem added yet another prize to his already illustrious resume when he rallied strongly in the three-path to defeat a quality field in the $300,000 Lone Star Park Handicap (gr. III) at Lone Star Park.
Ridden by Robby Albrado, Awesome Gem settled into third early on as Lydia's Last Step and heavily favored Game On Dude set a moderate pace of :24 2/5 and :47 2/5. Awesome Gem circled up on the outside on the far turn to challenge for the lead and took over entering the homestretch. He then opened up a sizeable advantage in deep stretch, coming home strongly to win by a length over a fast-closing Flat Out.
Game On Dude flattened out to finish third, while Lydia's Last Step finished fourth. Thiskyhasnolimit trailed the field in a disappointing performance as the second choice.
Congratulations to owner West Point Thoroughbreds, jockey Robby Albarado, trainer Craig Dollase, and the remarkable Awesome Gem!
-Keelerman
Ridden by Robby Albrado, Awesome Gem settled into third early on as Lydia's Last Step and heavily favored Game On Dude set a moderate pace of :24 2/5 and :47 2/5. Awesome Gem circled up on the outside on the far turn to challenge for the lead and took over entering the homestretch. He then opened up a sizeable advantage in deep stretch, coming home strongly to win by a length over a fast-closing Flat Out.
Game On Dude flattened out to finish third, while Lydia's Last Step finished fourth. Thiskyhasnolimit trailed the field in a disappointing performance as the second choice.
Congratulations to owner West Point Thoroughbreds, jockey Robby Albarado, trainer Craig Dollase, and the remarkable Awesome Gem!
-Keelerman
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Of Awesome Gem, Rapid Redux, and a horse named Helicopter
Memorial Day weekend is undoubtedly one of the best weekends of the year for horse racing, with a spectacular card on Monday at Lone Star Park and the Met Mile at Belmont Park. Numerous geldings are entered to race across the country, some of them members of our Veterans of the Turf Club, some of them not -- but those that aren't really should be.
But before we look at the upcoming racing action, let's take a look back at what some of our VOTTC members have done over the last few days:
Rapid Redux wins number 12!
Rapid Redux -- who is not yet a member of our VOTTC, but will be inducted as soon as he turns six -- brought his amazing winning streak to twelve consecutive victories on May 23rd, when he easily defeated a field of three others in a one-mile starter allowance race at Mountaineer.
Sent off as the 1-10 favorite, the five-year-old gelded son of Pleasantly Perfect broke well and went straight to the lead while running the opening quarter mile in a very slow :25.15. But he quickened up after that, running his second quarter in a blazing :23.42. This quarter mile put away Kaufman and Mandu Genius, who had been tracking him in second and third. Mr. Keeper then made a bold run at Rapid Redux, but the overwhelming favorite easily put him away and drew off entering the homestretch. He led by seven lengths passing the eighth pole, and ended up crossing the wire 4 1/4 lengths clear of Mr. Keeper while being eased at the finish. The final time was a 1:39.17.
The win was not only Rapid Redux's twelfth straight win, but his tenth of the year and eighteenth overall. The gelding has turned into a truly amazing horse. The longest modern-day American winning streak is 19 straight, held by Pepper's Pride and Zenyatta. If Rapid Redux stays in good form, I would not be surprised at all if he were to break it!
A good try from Garden Dancer
As mentioned in my last post, the eight-year-old gelding Garden Dancer was entered to race on May 26th at River Downs in a $4,000 claiming race. In the 5-1/2 furlong event, he was sent off as the 2.20-1 favorite in a field of six. Last early on behind a slow pace of :24.06 and :47.49, he made a run at the leaders while entering the homestretch, but failed to maintain it, tiring a bit to finish fourth behind Del Mar Storm. But it was not a bad performance by any means. He was trying to close into a slow pace, and the horses that ran 1-2 early on finished 1-2. It just didn't set up for Garden Dancer. He needs a bit more pace to run at, which he will hopefully get in his next start.
The eleven-year-old horse Quick American -- who I also mentioned on my last post -- finished third after a bit of a rough trip.
Mixed Results from Fabulous Strike
Fabulous Strike, a grade I winner and a member of our VOTTC, ran last night in the Changing Times Stakes at Penn National. He was sent off as the 1-2 favorite against seven opponents and figured to win easily.
Unfortunately, the front-running gelding broke poorly -- and ended up trying to close from off the pace. He actually ran admirably well, racing wide to get into contention before tiring late to finish fifth. The winner was Peppi Knows, who stopped the clock in the decent time of 1:10.10. Interestingly, Peppi Knows was decisively beaten by Fabulous Strike last month.
I believe that Fabulous Strike will rebound sharply off of this race, and I hope to see him at Saratoga later this summer. If all goes well, he might just try to win the Vosburgh Stakes, a race which he won in 2007 and finished second in 2008 and 2009.
Now for the entries. . .
As you might have guessed by the title of this post, Awesome Gem is entered to race this weekend -- on Monday, in the Lone Star Park Handicap to be precise. Although he will be facing just four rivals, they are good rivals, and Awesome Gem will have to be at his best in order to win.
Here are the entries for the grade III, mile and a sixteenth event:
One of the reasons why Awesome Gem will have to be at his best is because Game On Dude is in the race. One of the leading older males in the country, the four-year-old colt won the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) back in March and finished a strong second in the Charles Town Classic (gr. I). Game On Dude is also proven over the track, having won the Lone Star Derby here last year.
Thiskyhasnolimit is another one of the top contenders, based off of his fine victory in the grade III Texas Mile Stakes here last month. He was a fine colt at two and three, and may be prepared for his best year ever.
Flat Out's career has been plagued by long layoffs. After winning the Smarty Jones Stakes in 2009, he finished out of the top three in the Southwest Stakes and Arkansas Derby. He then didn't race again until December 2010, when he won an allowance optional claiming race at Fair Grounds. This will be his first start since then.
Lydia's Last Step is a Texas-bred trying to win one of Texas' biggest races, but the gelding has lost a pair of restricted stakes races this year and I doubt that he can win at this level of competition.
As for Awesome Gem, he didn't show too much in his first two starts of 2011 -- finishing third in an allowance race and off the board in the Charles Town Classic -- but he ran huge to finish fourth in the Alysheba Stakes last time out, being beaten only a half-length after a very traffic-filled trip. In that race, he finished ahead of Giant Oak, Caracortado, Mission Impazible, Wise Dan, and Demarcation. This performance signals that he may be ready to run a winning race on Monday.
A horse named Helicopter
I would like to tell you about a horse named Helicopter.
A five-year-old gelding, he won't be eligible to become a member of our VOTTC until next year. But because he is one of my favorite horses, I think that I should mention him here anyway.
During his long, 45-start career, Helicopter has been known to put together some good winning streaks. Five wins straight, three wins straight -- his victories typically come in groups. All together, he has visited the winners circle on seventeen occasions. He has risen from the claiming ranks to become a solid, stakes-placed allowance runner. Last time out, making his 2011 debut, he won a starter allowance race going nine furlongs at Arlington Park. Today, he is entered in the seventh race at Arlington Park.
The event is a nine furlong turf allowance optional claiming race, in which -- after scratches -- Helicopter is the co-favorite at 3-1. Eight rivals are scheduled to face him, but I believe that Helicopter can beat them all. He should be even sharper today than he was last time out, and with anything even resembling a fast pace, he should come flying in the final furlongs. Interestingly though, he has been entered for a tag and can be claimed for $40,000, should anyone choose to do so.
That's it for the moment! Enjoy the races everyone!
-Keelerman
But before we look at the upcoming racing action, let's take a look back at what some of our VOTTC members have done over the last few days:
Rapid Redux wins number 12!
Rapid Redux -- who is not yet a member of our VOTTC, but will be inducted as soon as he turns six -- brought his amazing winning streak to twelve consecutive victories on May 23rd, when he easily defeated a field of three others in a one-mile starter allowance race at Mountaineer.
Sent off as the 1-10 favorite, the five-year-old gelded son of Pleasantly Perfect broke well and went straight to the lead while running the opening quarter mile in a very slow :25.15. But he quickened up after that, running his second quarter in a blazing :23.42. This quarter mile put away Kaufman and Mandu Genius, who had been tracking him in second and third. Mr. Keeper then made a bold run at Rapid Redux, but the overwhelming favorite easily put him away and drew off entering the homestretch. He led by seven lengths passing the eighth pole, and ended up crossing the wire 4 1/4 lengths clear of Mr. Keeper while being eased at the finish. The final time was a 1:39.17.
The win was not only Rapid Redux's twelfth straight win, but his tenth of the year and eighteenth overall. The gelding has turned into a truly amazing horse. The longest modern-day American winning streak is 19 straight, held by Pepper's Pride and Zenyatta. If Rapid Redux stays in good form, I would not be surprised at all if he were to break it!
A good try from Garden Dancer
As mentioned in my last post, the eight-year-old gelding Garden Dancer was entered to race on May 26th at River Downs in a $4,000 claiming race. In the 5-1/2 furlong event, he was sent off as the 2.20-1 favorite in a field of six. Last early on behind a slow pace of :24.06 and :47.49, he made a run at the leaders while entering the homestretch, but failed to maintain it, tiring a bit to finish fourth behind Del Mar Storm. But it was not a bad performance by any means. He was trying to close into a slow pace, and the horses that ran 1-2 early on finished 1-2. It just didn't set up for Garden Dancer. He needs a bit more pace to run at, which he will hopefully get in his next start.
The eleven-year-old horse Quick American -- who I also mentioned on my last post -- finished third after a bit of a rough trip.
Mixed Results from Fabulous Strike
Fabulous Strike, a grade I winner and a member of our VOTTC, ran last night in the Changing Times Stakes at Penn National. He was sent off as the 1-2 favorite against seven opponents and figured to win easily.
Unfortunately, the front-running gelding broke poorly -- and ended up trying to close from off the pace. He actually ran admirably well, racing wide to get into contention before tiring late to finish fifth. The winner was Peppi Knows, who stopped the clock in the decent time of 1:10.10. Interestingly, Peppi Knows was decisively beaten by Fabulous Strike last month.
I believe that Fabulous Strike will rebound sharply off of this race, and I hope to see him at Saratoga later this summer. If all goes well, he might just try to win the Vosburgh Stakes, a race which he won in 2007 and finished second in 2008 and 2009.
Now for the entries. . .
As you might have guessed by the title of this post, Awesome Gem is entered to race this weekend -- on Monday, in the Lone Star Park Handicap to be precise. Although he will be facing just four rivals, they are good rivals, and Awesome Gem will have to be at his best in order to win.
Here are the entries for the grade III, mile and a sixteenth event:
| Post Position | Horse | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Flat Out | 15-1 |
| 2 | Thiskyhasnolimit | 2-1 |
| 3 | Awesome Gem | 5-2 |
| 4 | Game On Dude | 6-5 |
| 5 | Lydia's Last Step | 20-1 |
One of the reasons why Awesome Gem will have to be at his best is because Game On Dude is in the race. One of the leading older males in the country, the four-year-old colt won the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) back in March and finished a strong second in the Charles Town Classic (gr. I). Game On Dude is also proven over the track, having won the Lone Star Derby here last year.
Thiskyhasnolimit is another one of the top contenders, based off of his fine victory in the grade III Texas Mile Stakes here last month. He was a fine colt at two and three, and may be prepared for his best year ever.
Flat Out's career has been plagued by long layoffs. After winning the Smarty Jones Stakes in 2009, he finished out of the top three in the Southwest Stakes and Arkansas Derby. He then didn't race again until December 2010, when he won an allowance optional claiming race at Fair Grounds. This will be his first start since then.
Lydia's Last Step is a Texas-bred trying to win one of Texas' biggest races, but the gelding has lost a pair of restricted stakes races this year and I doubt that he can win at this level of competition.
As for Awesome Gem, he didn't show too much in his first two starts of 2011 -- finishing third in an allowance race and off the board in the Charles Town Classic -- but he ran huge to finish fourth in the Alysheba Stakes last time out, being beaten only a half-length after a very traffic-filled trip. In that race, he finished ahead of Giant Oak, Caracortado, Mission Impazible, Wise Dan, and Demarcation. This performance signals that he may be ready to run a winning race on Monday.
A horse named Helicopter
I would like to tell you about a horse named Helicopter.
A five-year-old gelding, he won't be eligible to become a member of our VOTTC until next year. But because he is one of my favorite horses, I think that I should mention him here anyway.
During his long, 45-start career, Helicopter has been known to put together some good winning streaks. Five wins straight, three wins straight -- his victories typically come in groups. All together, he has visited the winners circle on seventeen occasions. He has risen from the claiming ranks to become a solid, stakes-placed allowance runner. Last time out, making his 2011 debut, he won a starter allowance race going nine furlongs at Arlington Park. Today, he is entered in the seventh race at Arlington Park.
The event is a nine furlong turf allowance optional claiming race, in which -- after scratches -- Helicopter is the co-favorite at 3-1. Eight rivals are scheduled to face him, but I believe that Helicopter can beat them all. He should be even sharper today than he was last time out, and with anything even resembling a fast pace, he should come flying in the final furlongs. Interestingly though, he has been entered for a tag and can be claimed for $40,000, should anyone choose to do so.
That's it for the moment! Enjoy the races everyone!
-Keelerman
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Of Rapid Redux, Garden Dancer, & a Workout
Before I begin, please forgive my lack of posting here in recent weeks. I have been busy keeping up with the Triple Crown news on my other blog, and simply haven’t dedicated enough time to this one. So here’s a post
Rapid Redux is entered to race!
Rapid Redux, the remarkable five-year-old gelding who has won eleven straight races, goes for win number twelve tonight at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort!
The race – which is the ninth on the card -- is a one-mile starter allowance race, and Rapid Redux is the 2-5 morning line favorite. Here are the entries:
The only horse considered to have even a mild chance at upsetting Rapid Redux is Senor Rutledge, a four-year-old gelding who has won four of his six starts this year. But last time out, he could only manage a fourth-place finish in a claiming race. And two starts back, he was beaten seven lengths by Rapid Redux.
Garden Dancer is entered too!
Also entered to race this week is Garden Dancer, a nine-year-old gelding who has had a successful year thus far. A veteran of 58 starts, he has made eight alone this year, winning three and finishing second once. On May 26th, he is scheduled to head to post as the 7-2 third choice in a field of six claimers racing 5-1/2 furlongs at River Downs.
Here are the entries:
The morning line favorite is Quick American, an eleven-year-old gelding who has made an incredible 101 starts. This year, he has made seven starts, winning one and placing in two others. Truly remarkable.
And finally, a notable workout!
Presious Passion, the amazing front-running turf marathoner who ran one of the gamest races in Breeders’ Cup history when second in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf, recently returned to the work tab after a lengthy hiatus. He had not breezed since finishing fifth in the Sunshine Millions Turf Stakes on January 29th, and I was beginning to wonder if anything was seriously wrong with him. But happily, he breezed five furlongs in 1:03 2/5 at Monmouth Park on May 14th and one-mile in 1:48 flat on May 22nd. One has to wonder if he is perhaps gearing up for another run at the United Nations Handicap in July, a race he has won twice before.
-Keelerman
Rapid Redux is entered to race!
Rapid Redux, the remarkable five-year-old gelding who has won eleven straight races, goes for win number twelve tonight at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort!
The race – which is the ninth on the card -- is a one-mile starter allowance race, and Rapid Redux is the 2-5 morning line favorite. Here are the entries:
| Post Position | Horse | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Gift of Valor | 30-1 |
| 2 | Senor Rutledge | 3-1 |
| 3 | Kaufman | 20-1 |
| 4 | Rapid Redux | 2-5 |
| 5 | Access to the City | 30-1 |
| 6 | Mr. Keeper | 12-1 |
| 7 | Mandu Genius | 10-1 |
The only horse considered to have even a mild chance at upsetting Rapid Redux is Senor Rutledge, a four-year-old gelding who has won four of his six starts this year. But last time out, he could only manage a fourth-place finish in a claiming race. And two starts back, he was beaten seven lengths by Rapid Redux.
Garden Dancer is entered too!
Also entered to race this week is Garden Dancer, a nine-year-old gelding who has had a successful year thus far. A veteran of 58 starts, he has made eight alone this year, winning three and finishing second once. On May 26th, he is scheduled to head to post as the 7-2 third choice in a field of six claimers racing 5-1/2 furlongs at River Downs.
Here are the entries:
| Post Position | Horse | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Cucina Nick | 5-2 |
| 2 | Garden Dancer | 7-2 |
| 3 | Quick American | 2-1 |
| 4 | Gold Album | 5-1 |
| 5 | Rhode to Silence | 20-1 |
| 6 | Del Mar Storm | 9-2 |
The morning line favorite is Quick American, an eleven-year-old gelding who has made an incredible 101 starts. This year, he has made seven starts, winning one and placing in two others. Truly remarkable.
And finally, a notable workout!
Presious Passion, the amazing front-running turf marathoner who ran one of the gamest races in Breeders’ Cup history when second in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf, recently returned to the work tab after a lengthy hiatus. He had not breezed since finishing fifth in the Sunshine Millions Turf Stakes on January 29th, and I was beginning to wonder if anything was seriously wrong with him. But happily, he breezed five furlongs in 1:03 2/5 at Monmouth Park on May 14th and one-mile in 1:48 flat on May 22nd. One has to wonder if he is perhaps gearing up for another run at the United Nations Handicap in July, a race he has won twice before.
-Keelerman
Friday, May 6, 2011
A Magnificent Two Days of Racing!
A magnificent two days of racing are scheduled for this Friday and Saturday. The two big races that everyone will be paying attention to are, obviously, the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, but several of our veteran geldings are scheduled to race over the next two days as well. They are:
Cost of Freedom – The eight-year-old gelding will be making his first start since finishing third in the Sunshine Millions Sprint Stakes in Saturday’s Cool Frenchy Stakes at Hollywood Park. He is the 4-5 morning line favorite in a field of six. Up against him will be 2009 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Dancing in Silks and 2009 Malibu Stakes winner M One Rifle. You can watch the race at www.calracing.com!
Garden Dancer – Even at nine years of age, Garden Dancer is still capable of winning claiming races at Beulah Park. On Saturday, he will compete in a $2,500 starter allowance race at Beulah. He, along with his stable mate, The Right Face, are the coupled morning line favorites at 5-2. Made the Steal, a winner of three of his six starts this year, could prove to be Garden Dancer’s stiffest competition.
Chamberlain Bridge – Winner of the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (gr. II) at Churchill Downs last year, Chamberlain Bridge returns to the site of that victory in Saturday’s Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes (gr. III). He is in pretty good form this year, having won the Rail Splitter Stakes at Sam Houston in February and finishing fourth in the Shakertown (gr. III) at Keeneland despite racing on the lead – something this deep closer doesn’t usually attempt. Bridgetown, winner of the Turf Dash Stakes and a stakes-caliber allowance race so far this year, will be tough to beat – but Chamberlain Bridge should be up to the challenge.
Awesome Gem – He may be old, but Awesome Gem just keeps on running. Winner of the 2010 Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) and third in the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I), the eight-year-old gelding is entered in the Alysheba Stakes this afternoon at Churchill Downs. His performances this year have been less than stellar, but don’t count him out. After running third in his 2011 debut – an allowance race at Golden Gate Fields – and sixth in the Charles Town Classic (gr. III), he could be sharp enough to hit the board this afternoon. Go Awesome Gem!
And finally, Rapid Redux is entered to race in a starter allowance race at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort. The even-money favorite on the morning line, he is riding a ten-race winning streak and fully intends to extend that streak to eleven later tonight. Seven other horses are lined up to face him, but I believe that Rapid Redux will win the one-mile event with ease.
Enjoy the races everyone!
-Keelerman
Monday, April 25, 2011
Rapid Redux entered to race tonight!
As mentioned on a previous post, the five-year-old gelding Rapid Redux -- who is currently riding a nine-race winning streak -- is entered to race tonight in the third race at Penn National Race Course.
As I write this, it is four minutes until post time. Rapid Redux is currently the 1-9 favorite, with no other horse at less than 10-1. He will be facing only five rivals, led by Critical Acclaim, who finished just a nose behind Rapid Redux in March.
Here are the entries:
1 Critical Acclaim
2 Sir Dynamite (Scratched)
3 Unique Afleet
4 Calm and Collected
5 Billysbenormal
6 Ask Ommadon
7 Rapid Redux
-Keelerman
As I write this, it is four minutes until post time. Rapid Redux is currently the 1-9 favorite, with no other horse at less than 10-1. He will be facing only five rivals, led by Critical Acclaim, who finished just a nose behind Rapid Redux in March.
Here are the entries:
1 Critical Acclaim
3 Unique Afleet
4 Calm and Collected
5 Billysbenormal
6 Ask Ommadon
7 Rapid Redux
-Keelerman
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The Results are in!
The results of the voting on our first Veterans of the Season awards are in! I'm sure you are all anxiously awaiting the results (unless you read the comments on my previous post -- then you know who the winners are!) so let's get right to them!
Drumroll please. . .
VETERAN OF THE SEASON
1st - RAHY'S ATTORNEY (2 votes)
2nd - Chamberlain Bridge (1 vote)
The King of Woodbine has been around for what seems like forever. Rahy's Attorney, a seven-year-old bay gelding by Crown Attorney, made his debut at the Canadian track in November 2006. He broke his maiden there in early 2007. He won the Woodbine Mile (gr. I) in 2008. Twenty-eight of his thirty-seven races have come at Woodbine, including his first seventeen.
Rahy's Attorney has always been a miler -- that is, until this year. Just when it appeared as though the old guy might be losing a step or two, he suddenly turned in to a turf marathoner. On February 19th, in the grade II Mac Diarmida Stakes (gr. II), he finished a very strong second to grade I winner Prince Will I Am. He then turned the tables in the grade III Pan American Stakes at a mile and a half, courageously holding off Musketier and Prince Will I Am to win the race by three-quarters of a length while stopping the clock in 2:25.85.
It appears as though Rahy's Attorney has more stamina than anyone thought. Perhaps he isn't quite as quick as he used to be; no longer able to succeed in top class races at a mile. But it's beginning to look like he may be a better marathoner than he ever was as a miler.
These two performances earned him the honors as Veteran of the Season, an award which he fully deserves. Congratulations to Rahy's Attorney, winner of the inaugural Veteran of the Season award!
You can relive his Pan American Stakes victory by watching the replay at Bloodhorse.com. Here's the link:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/GP/2011/3/26/10/pan-american-s-gr-3
Champion Sprinter
1st - CHAMBERLAIN BRIDGE (2 votes)
2nd - Garden Dancer (1 vote)
Congratulations to CHAMBERLAIN BRIDGE, a seven-year-old gelding whose thrilling victory in the Rail Splitter Stakes in February earned him the Champion Sprinter award over the remarkable Garden Dancer.
Here's a link to the replay of the Rail Splitter Stakes:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/HOU/2011/2/12/9/rail-splitter-s
Champion Miler
1st - Dubious Miss (3 votes, unanimous choice)
Dubious Miss easily took home honors as Champion Miler, receiving all three votes to win the award unanimously. Although he has yet to win a race this year, his strong second to Gran Estreno in the Colonel E. R. Bradley Handicap (gr. III) was enough to secure him the award.
Here's the replay of the Colonel Bradley:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/FG/2011/1/22/9/colonel-e-r-bradley-h-gr-3
Champion Marathoner
1st - Rahy's Attorney (3 votes, unanimous choice)
The Veteran of the Season award was not the only honor bestowed upon Rahy's Attorney by the Veterans of the Season voters. He was also elected Champion Marathoner over Dubious Miss, Interpatation, and Presious Passion in a unanimous vote.
Most Courageous Performance
1st - Cost of Freedom (1 vote)
1st - Rahy's Attorney (1 vote)
1st - Chamberlain Bridge (1 vote)
The Most Courageous Performance catagory yielded a three-way tie between Cost of Freedom, Rahy's Attorney, and Chamberlain Bridge -- all of whom received one vote.
Cost of Freedom was nominated for his game third, beaten a head, in the Sunshine Millions Sprint Stakes -- in which he ran the opening half mile in :42 3/5 and still held on well to the finish. Rahy's Attorney earned his vote by merit of his courageous victory over Musketier and Prince Will I Am in the Pan American, while Chamberlain Bridge's Rail Splitter victory impressed another voter. Therefore, they all receive the award.
Relive Cost of Freedom's performance in the Sunshine Millions by watching the replay. Here's the link:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/GP/2011/3/26/10/pan-american-s-gr-3
In conclusion, congratulations to Rahy's Attorney, Chamberlain Bridge, Cost of Freedom, and Dubious Miss! Hopefully, they will successfully defend their titles in July when we vote on the Veterans of the Season awards once again!
-Keelerman
Drumroll please. . .
VETERAN OF THE SEASON
1st - RAHY'S ATTORNEY (2 votes)
2nd - Chamberlain Bridge (1 vote)
The King of Woodbine has been around for what seems like forever. Rahy's Attorney, a seven-year-old bay gelding by Crown Attorney, made his debut at the Canadian track in November 2006. He broke his maiden there in early 2007. He won the Woodbine Mile (gr. I) in 2008. Twenty-eight of his thirty-seven races have come at Woodbine, including his first seventeen.
Rahy's Attorney has always been a miler -- that is, until this year. Just when it appeared as though the old guy might be losing a step or two, he suddenly turned in to a turf marathoner. On February 19th, in the grade II Mac Diarmida Stakes (gr. II), he finished a very strong second to grade I winner Prince Will I Am. He then turned the tables in the grade III Pan American Stakes at a mile and a half, courageously holding off Musketier and Prince Will I Am to win the race by three-quarters of a length while stopping the clock in 2:25.85.
It appears as though Rahy's Attorney has more stamina than anyone thought. Perhaps he isn't quite as quick as he used to be; no longer able to succeed in top class races at a mile. But it's beginning to look like he may be a better marathoner than he ever was as a miler.
These two performances earned him the honors as Veteran of the Season, an award which he fully deserves. Congratulations to Rahy's Attorney, winner of the inaugural Veteran of the Season award!
You can relive his Pan American Stakes victory by watching the replay at Bloodhorse.com. Here's the link:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/GP/2011/3/26/10/pan-american-s-gr-3
Champion Sprinter
1st - CHAMBERLAIN BRIDGE (2 votes)
2nd - Garden Dancer (1 vote)
Congratulations to CHAMBERLAIN BRIDGE, a seven-year-old gelding whose thrilling victory in the Rail Splitter Stakes in February earned him the Champion Sprinter award over the remarkable Garden Dancer.
Here's a link to the replay of the Rail Splitter Stakes:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/HOU/2011/2/12/9/rail-splitter-s
Champion Miler
1st - Dubious Miss (3 votes, unanimous choice)
Dubious Miss easily took home honors as Champion Miler, receiving all three votes to win the award unanimously. Although he has yet to win a race this year, his strong second to Gran Estreno in the Colonel E. R. Bradley Handicap (gr. III) was enough to secure him the award.
Here's the replay of the Colonel Bradley:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/FG/2011/1/22/9/colonel-e-r-bradley-h-gr-3
Champion Marathoner
1st - Rahy's Attorney (3 votes, unanimous choice)
The Veteran of the Season award was not the only honor bestowed upon Rahy's Attorney by the Veterans of the Season voters. He was also elected Champion Marathoner over Dubious Miss, Interpatation, and Presious Passion in a unanimous vote.
Most Courageous Performance
1st - Cost of Freedom (1 vote)
1st - Rahy's Attorney (1 vote)
1st - Chamberlain Bridge (1 vote)
The Most Courageous Performance catagory yielded a three-way tie between Cost of Freedom, Rahy's Attorney, and Chamberlain Bridge -- all of whom received one vote.
Cost of Freedom was nominated for his game third, beaten a head, in the Sunshine Millions Sprint Stakes -- in which he ran the opening half mile in :42 3/5 and still held on well to the finish. Rahy's Attorney earned his vote by merit of his courageous victory over Musketier and Prince Will I Am in the Pan American, while Chamberlain Bridge's Rail Splitter victory impressed another voter. Therefore, they all receive the award.
Relive Cost of Freedom's performance in the Sunshine Millions by watching the replay. Here's the link:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/GP/2011/3/26/10/pan-american-s-gr-3
In conclusion, congratulations to Rahy's Attorney, Chamberlain Bridge, Cost of Freedom, and Dubious Miss! Hopefully, they will successfully defend their titles in July when we vote on the Veterans of the Season awards once again!
-Keelerman
Friday, April 22, 2011
The Exciting Potential Saga of Rapid Redux
Have you ever heard of Rapid Redux?
If you have a really good memory, you might have. The five-year-old gelded son of Pleasantly Perfect competed in the 2009 Longbranch Stakes, finishing last behind stablemate Atomic Rain. As of late, he has been competing in claiming and starter allowance races.
Why am I discussing him here on this blog? Well, next year, he will be eligible to become a member of our Veterans of the Turf Club. And if he’s still racing then, he most certainly will become one. But I am discussing him here because of the impressive winning streak that he has been silently compiling without anyone really noticing.
If you have a really good memory, you might have. The five-year-old gelded son of Pleasantly Perfect competed in the 2009 Longbranch Stakes, finishing last behind stablemate Atomic Rain. As of late, he has been competing in claiming and starter allowance races.
Why am I discussing him here on this blog? Well, next year, he will be eligible to become a member of our Veterans of the Turf Club. And if he’s still racing then, he most certainly will become one. But I am discussing him here because of the impressive winning streak that he has been silently compiling without anyone really noticing.
This year, Rapid Redux has made seven starts.
He has won all seven.
Add his two victories in December 2010, and one realizes that Rapid Redux has won nine straight races.
Yes, nine.
His winning margins have ranged from a desperate nose to 8 ½ lengths. His average winning margin is nearly four lengths.
On April 25th, Rapid Redux is entered to race in a nine-furlong starter allowance race at Penn National. He has drawn the far outside in a field of seven and is the morning line favorite at even-money. He is expected to win with ease.
Perhaps this is thinking a bit far into the future . . . but then again, maybe not. Suppose that Rapid Redux wins the race. That would bring the chestnut gelding’s winning streak to ten. Then suppose that he keeps winning – and winning, and winning, and winning. He has been so dominant recently that it’s certainly possible.
Suppose that he wins sixteen, seventeen, or even eighteen races in a row. All of a sudden, he would be on the verge of equaling the modern-day winning streak of nineteen consecutive victories set by Pepper’s Pride in 2008 and equaled by the immortal Zenyatta in October 2010. And suppose for a moment that Rapid Redux wins his nineteenth straight race, and then his twentieth. Then he would stand alone in modern American racing history; his name at the top of the “Longest Winning Streak” column in the history books.
Perhaps it’s just a dream . . . but he’s already nine races there. One more is expected to come his way on Monday. That would put him halfway there . . . and that’s a whole lot farther than most horses ever get.
So let us follow the career of Rapid Redux with interest over the next year or so as he attempts to extend his winning streak to historic length. Even though he is ineligible to become a member of the VOTTC at this time, we shall follow his career on this blog anyway; although he won’t be eligible for receiving our Veterans of the Season awards. Hopefully, we will follow him into the history books.
-Keelerman
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Veterans of the Season Awards; Part I
If you will recall, in my very first post on this blog I stated that every three months we would hold an official vote to determine the winners of the "Veterans of the Season" awards. For those of you who do not remember the details, please refer to the bottom section of my original post. Here is the link:
http://veteransoftheturf.blogspot.com/p/veteran-geldings-fan-club.html
A few notes on the categories -- the sprinters' divisions include any races at seven furlongs or less, the miler division any race at 7.5 - 8.5 furlongs, and the marathoner divisions any race nine furlongs or longer.
To be eligible for an award, the gelding in question must be a member of our Veterans of the Turf Club and have raced between January 1st, 2011 and March 31st, 2011.
Now, due to the fact that the number of members in our VOTTC is still rather small, and that they haven't competed too many times this year, we will be combining some of the categories together for our inaugural awards.
So the list of awards which we shall vote on are thus:
Champion Sprinter
Champion Miler
Champion Marathoner
Veteran of the Season
Most Courageous Performance
Now for the moment you've all been waiting for -- the voting procedure. The eligible geldings in each category are:
Champion Sprinter
Champion Miler
Champion Marathoner
(Note that the number of starts, wins, earnings, etc. reflect only their performances during the months on January through March. Also note that the other two categories -- "Veteran of the Season" and "Most Courageous Performance" -- are open to any member of our Veterans of the Turf club.)
Here's a quick rundown of what they've accomplished this year:
SPRINTERS
Chamberlain Bridge - won the Rail Splitter Stakes at Sam Houston with a quick late run.
Cost of Freedom - Finished third, beaten a head, in the Sunshine Millions Sprint Stakes after setting an unbelievably fast pace.
Garden Dancer - Won two $2,500 claiming races at Beulah Park, along with a second and two off-the-board finishes.
Quick Enough - Won the Spectacular Star Handicap, finished second in the Daytona Stakes, sixth in the Sunshine Millions Sprint Stakes, and eighth in the Al Quoz Sprint (UAE-II).
Silver Timber - Finished a close fourth in the Turf Dash Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.
MILERS
Dubious Miss - Finished second in the Colonel E. R. Bradley Handicap (gr. III) and fifth in an allowance optional claiming race.
Furthest Land - Won an allowance optional claiming race and was third in another allowance race.
MARATHONERS
Dubious Miss - Finished third, beaten a head, in the Fair Grounds Handicap (gr. III).
Interpatation - Finished second in an allowance optional claiming race and off-the-board in two similar events and the grade II San Luis Obispo Stakes (gr. II).
Presious Passion - Finished fifth in the Sunshine Millions Turf Stakes.
Rahy's Attorney - Won the Pan American Stakes (gr. III) and finished second in the Mac Diarmida Stakes (gr. II).
Who you vote for depends on what you value most. Do you prefer to vote for horses that have won races, or horses that performed admirable in stakes races? That is what will make these awards so interesting.
So without further ado, here are my votes for each category:
Champion Sprinter - Garden Dancer
Champion Miler - Dubious Miss
Champion Marathoner - Rahy's Attorney
Veteran of the Season - Rahy's Attorney
Most Courageous Performance - Cost of Freedom
I feel that Garden Dancer's two victories and a second, even though they were in cheap claiming races, top the performances of Cost of Freedom and Chamberlain Bridge, my other two selections.
On the other hand, I feel that Dubious Miss' second in the Colonel E. R. Bradley Handicap was more impressive than Furthest Land's two allowance races, and shall therefore vote for him.
In the Marathoner category, Rahy's Attorney was the obvious selection, as not only was he the only eligible gelding to have won a race, it was a grade III stakes and he was also second in a grade II. These two strong performances also earned him my vote as the Veteran of the Season.
Finally, Most Courageous Performance goes to Cost of Freedom, who ran an unbelievable race in the Sunshine Millions Sprint to finish third, beaten a head. I mean, he ran a :42.72 half-mile! And he tried so hard to hang on in the stretch, leading with just a few yards left to run before missing in a three-way photo finish. He earned the award, in my opinion.
But your votes are just as important as my votes. To cast your selections, please leave a comment stating your picks below. The polls close at 12:00 AM EST on April 23rd. I shall announce the results on the 24th.
-Keelerman
http://veteransoftheturf.blogspot.com/p/veteran-geldings-fan-club.html
A few notes on the categories -- the sprinters' divisions include any races at seven furlongs or less, the miler division any race at 7.5 - 8.5 furlongs, and the marathoner divisions any race nine furlongs or longer.
To be eligible for an award, the gelding in question must be a member of our Veterans of the Turf Club and have raced between January 1st, 2011 and March 31st, 2011.
Now, due to the fact that the number of members in our VOTTC is still rather small, and that they haven't competed too many times this year, we will be combining some of the categories together for our inaugural awards.
So the list of awards which we shall vote on are thus:
Champion Sprinter
Champion Miler
Champion Marathoner
Veteran of the Season
Most Courageous Performance
Now for the moment you've all been waiting for -- the voting procedure. The eligible geldings in each category are:
Champion Sprinter
| Horse | Starts | First | Second | Third | Earnings |
| Chamberlain Bridge | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | $45,000 |
| Cost of Freedom | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | $22,000 |
| Garden Dancer | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | $5,110 |
| Quick Enough | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | $82,000 |
| Silver Timber | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | $3,750 |
Champion Miler
| Horse | Starts | First | Second | Third | Earnings |
| Dubious Miss | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | $33,910 |
| Furthest Land | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | $53,840 |
Champion Marathoner
| Horse | Starts | First | Second | Third | Earnings |
| Dubious Miss | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | $33,910 |
| Interpatation | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | $15,860 |
| Presious Passion | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | $12,000 |
| Rahy's Attorney | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | $120,000 |
(Note that the number of starts, wins, earnings, etc. reflect only their performances during the months on January through March. Also note that the other two categories -- "Veteran of the Season" and "Most Courageous Performance" -- are open to any member of our Veterans of the Turf club.)
Here's a quick rundown of what they've accomplished this year:
SPRINTERS
Chamberlain Bridge - won the Rail Splitter Stakes at Sam Houston with a quick late run.
Cost of Freedom - Finished third, beaten a head, in the Sunshine Millions Sprint Stakes after setting an unbelievably fast pace.
Garden Dancer - Won two $2,500 claiming races at Beulah Park, along with a second and two off-the-board finishes.
Quick Enough - Won the Spectacular Star Handicap, finished second in the Daytona Stakes, sixth in the Sunshine Millions Sprint Stakes, and eighth in the Al Quoz Sprint (UAE-II).
Silver Timber - Finished a close fourth in the Turf Dash Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.
MILERS
Dubious Miss - Finished second in the Colonel E. R. Bradley Handicap (gr. III) and fifth in an allowance optional claiming race.
Furthest Land - Won an allowance optional claiming race and was third in another allowance race.
MARATHONERS
Dubious Miss - Finished third, beaten a head, in the Fair Grounds Handicap (gr. III).
Interpatation - Finished second in an allowance optional claiming race and off-the-board in two similar events and the grade II San Luis Obispo Stakes (gr. II).
Presious Passion - Finished fifth in the Sunshine Millions Turf Stakes.
Rahy's Attorney - Won the Pan American Stakes (gr. III) and finished second in the Mac Diarmida Stakes (gr. II).
Who you vote for depends on what you value most. Do you prefer to vote for horses that have won races, or horses that performed admirable in stakes races? That is what will make these awards so interesting.
So without further ado, here are my votes for each category:
Champion Sprinter - Garden Dancer
Champion Miler - Dubious Miss
Champion Marathoner - Rahy's Attorney
Veteran of the Season - Rahy's Attorney
Most Courageous Performance - Cost of Freedom
I feel that Garden Dancer's two victories and a second, even though they were in cheap claiming races, top the performances of Cost of Freedom and Chamberlain Bridge, my other two selections.
On the other hand, I feel that Dubious Miss' second in the Colonel E. R. Bradley Handicap was more impressive than Furthest Land's two allowance races, and shall therefore vote for him.
In the Marathoner category, Rahy's Attorney was the obvious selection, as not only was he the only eligible gelding to have won a race, it was a grade III stakes and he was also second in a grade II. These two strong performances also earned him my vote as the Veteran of the Season.
Finally, Most Courageous Performance goes to Cost of Freedom, who ran an unbelievable race in the Sunshine Millions Sprint to finish third, beaten a head. I mean, he ran a :42.72 half-mile! And he tried so hard to hang on in the stretch, leading with just a few yards left to run before missing in a three-way photo finish. He earned the award, in my opinion.
But your votes are just as important as my votes. To cast your selections, please leave a comment stating your picks below. The polls close at 12:00 AM EST on April 23rd. I shall announce the results on the 24th.
-Keelerman
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Of Entries at Keeneland and Charles Town
This weekend is the biggest weekend so far for our Veterans of the Turf Club members! Four of them -- Awesome Gem, Silver Timber, Chamberlain Bridge, and Dubious Miss -- are entered to race over the next two days!
At Keeneland this afternoon, there is the Shakertown Stakes (gr. III). A 5-1/2 furlong turf sprint event, two of our VOTTC members are entered! They are also the two morning line favorites.
Here are the entries:
Chamberlain Bridge, winner of last year's Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, will likely be sent off as the favorite. He won the Rail Splitter Stakes at Sam Houston impressively back in February, and should be running hard at the finish. Silver Timber, fifth as the favorite in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, ran fourth in Turf Dash Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in February.
I believe that either gelding is capable of winning this race. Both of them competed in this race last spring, with Silver Timber defeating Grand Adventure by a neck while Chamberlain Bridge ran a close fourth. They both have the regular riders aboard -- Julien Leparoux on Silver Timber, Jamie Theriot on Chamberlain Bridge. It's even possible that they could run 1-2!
Good luck to Silver Timber and Chamberlain Bridge!
Also at Keeneland. . .
On Sunday at Keeneland, another one of our Veteran Geldings is entered to run. The race is a mile and a sixteenth allowance race, and the gelding in question is Dubious Miss!
Here are the entries:
Dubious Miss, winner of the 2010 Ben Ali Stakes (gr. III), has had a productive year so far. He ran second in the Colonel E. Bradley Handicap (gr. III) and third, beaten a head and a nose, in the Fair Grounds Handicap (gr. III). Although he finished fifth in his last race, a stakes-quality allowance optional claiming race, I'm confident that he will run his best race tomorrow. Good luck, Dubious Miss!
And finally, at Charles Town. . .
Late tonight, at Charles Town race track, the $1,000,000 Charles Town Classic Stakes (gr. III) is scheduled to be run. A field of ten has turned out for the prestigous nine furlong event, including eight-year-old Veteran of the Turf Awesome Gem!
Here are the entries:
Awesome Gem is facing a difficult task. For one thing, he has to beat Game On Dude, winner of the Santa Anita Handica (gr. I) last month. For another thing, he has hit the board only once -- that being a third place finish in an allowance race -- since last July. But on the other hand, he ran second in this race last year, so he's proven that he can handle the five furlong track.
Good luck, Awesome Gem!
-Keelerman
At Keeneland this afternoon, there is the Shakertown Stakes (gr. III). A 5-1/2 furlong turf sprint event, two of our VOTTC members are entered! They are also the two morning line favorites.
Here are the entries:
| Post Position | Horse | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Goldzar | 15-1 |
| 2 | Grand Adventure | 6-1 |
| 3 | Kennessey | 20-1 |
| 4 | Silver Timber | 5-2 |
| 5 | Strike Impact | 15-1 |
| 6 | Great Attack | 5-1 |
| 7 | Stratford Hill | 6-1 |
| 8 | Southern Region | Scratched |
| 9 | Chamberlain Bridge | 2-1 |
Chamberlain Bridge, winner of last year's Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, will likely be sent off as the favorite. He won the Rail Splitter Stakes at Sam Houston impressively back in February, and should be running hard at the finish. Silver Timber, fifth as the favorite in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, ran fourth in Turf Dash Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in February.
I believe that either gelding is capable of winning this race. Both of them competed in this race last spring, with Silver Timber defeating Grand Adventure by a neck while Chamberlain Bridge ran a close fourth. They both have the regular riders aboard -- Julien Leparoux on Silver Timber, Jamie Theriot on Chamberlain Bridge. It's even possible that they could run 1-2!
Good luck to Silver Timber and Chamberlain Bridge!
Also at Keeneland. . .
On Sunday at Keeneland, another one of our Veteran Geldings is entered to run. The race is a mile and a sixteenth allowance race, and the gelding in question is Dubious Miss!
Here are the entries:
| Post Position | Horse | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Silver Mountain | 12-1 |
| 2 | Golden Yank | 12-1 |
| 3 | Veiled Prophet | 8-1 |
| 4 | Don Cavallo | 5-1 |
| 5 | Dubious Miss | 3-1 |
| 6 | Gleam of Hope | 4-1 |
| 7 | Hollinger | 5-2 |
| 8 | Baryshnikov | 10-1 |
Dubious Miss, winner of the 2010 Ben Ali Stakes (gr. III), has had a productive year so far. He ran second in the Colonel E. Bradley Handicap (gr. III) and third, beaten a head and a nose, in the Fair Grounds Handicap (gr. III). Although he finished fifth in his last race, a stakes-quality allowance optional claiming race, I'm confident that he will run his best race tomorrow. Good luck, Dubious Miss!
And finally, at Charles Town. . .
Late tonight, at Charles Town race track, the $1,000,000 Charles Town Classic Stakes (gr. III) is scheduled to be run. A field of ten has turned out for the prestigous nine furlong event, including eight-year-old Veteran of the Turf Awesome Gem!
Here are the entries:
| Post Position | Horse | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | No Advantage | 12-1 |
| 2 | Tackleberry | 4-1 |
| 3 | Tizway | 6-1 |
| 4 | Acclamation | 10-1 |
| 5 | Rule | 5-1 |
| 6 | Inherit the Gold | 8-1 |
| 7 | Gone Astray | 10-1 |
| 8 | Duke of Mischief | 8-1 |
| 9 | Awesome Gem | 10-1 |
| 10 | Game On Dude | 7-2 |
Awesome Gem is facing a difficult task. For one thing, he has to beat Game On Dude, winner of the Santa Anita Handica (gr. I) last month. For another thing, he has hit the board only once -- that being a third place finish in an allowance race -- since last July. But on the other hand, he ran second in this race last year, so he's proven that he can handle the five furlong track.
Good luck, Awesome Gem!
-Keelerman
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Of Results and Various Birthdays
Good news! Our newest member of the Veterans of the Turf club, the eight-year-old grade I winner Fabulous Strike, succeeded in winning his comeback race last night at Penn National race course!
The race was a six furlong allowance race on the main track. Fabulous Strike was the odds-on favorite at 0.80-1. It was his first start since finishing second in the 2009 Vosburgh Stakes (gr. I).
Under Dana Whitney, Fabulous Strike broke well and had the lead after an opening quarter mile in :22.08. Second choice Peppi Knows was sitting in second, while longshot Drake Passage was racing along in third.
The pace continued to stay hot through a half-mile in :44.58, after which Fabulous Strike began to pull away. He hit the wire victorious; two lengths clear of Peppi Knows. The final time over a sloppy track was 1:09.53.
Congratulations, Fabulous Strike! To read a more detailed recap of the race, please refer to the link below:
On April 2nd at Golden Gate Fields, another VOTTC member, Awesome Gem, made his first start since finishing seventh in the Breeders’ Cup Marathon last year at Churchill Downs. The race was a one-mile turf allowance race, in which Awesome Gem was the third choice at 5.40-1.
The gelding sat last in the early going, behind a moderate early pace set by second choice Hudson Landing. He showed no speed for much of the race, but began to rally on the far turn. However, there was no catching Hudson Landing, who kicked away in the stretch to win by a length. Awesome Gem closed well, but was forced to settle for third, beaten 2 ½ lengths. Still, he closed his final eighth in about twelve seconds and it was a good performance for his first start of the year.
However, the race was marred by the death of favored Meteore, who broke down on the first turn and was euthanized. He was a courageous horse, who always gave his best. He will be missed.
Various Birthdays
I would like to take a moment to wish a happy birthday to a quartet of our VOTTC members, all of whom celebrated birthdays over the last week.
· Happy birthday to Dubious Miss, who turned seven years old on April 3rd! A graded stakes winner, he won the 2010 Ben Ali Stakes (gr. III) and has placed in a variety of other stakes events.
· Happy birthday to our newest member Fabulous Strike, who turned eight years old on April 4th! Apparently, he decided to celebrate this memorable occasion by returning to the races. . . :)
· Furthest Land had a birthday recently too! The late-running gelding, who turned six on April 9th, won the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (gr. I) in a shocking upset. Happy birthday, Furthest Land! Relive his remarkable victory by watching the replay! Here’s the link: http://www.breederscup.com/greatestmoments.aspx?year=2009&divisionname=dirtmile
· Last but not least, happy birthday to Silver Timber! The marvelous turf sprinter, who has twice won the grade III Woodford Stakes, turned eight years old on April 9th. Thus, he shares a birthday with Furthest Land. The Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (gr. II) later this year may be in this guy’s future!
-Keelerman
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Welcome Fabulous Strike!
The results are in! According to our official voting poll which closed earlier this afternoon, Fabulous Strike is now the newest member of our Veterans of the Turf Club!
The eight-year-old gelded son of Smart Strike has not raced since finishing second in the grade I Vosburgh Stakes at Saratoga in September 2009. However, he has finally recovered from his various injuries and is scheduled to race tonight at Penn National in the eighth race, a six furlong allowance race.
Here is Fabulous Strike's record to date:
Fabulous Strike's biggest win thus far came in the 2007 Vosburgh Stakes (gr. I), which he won by 5 3/4 lengths. He also ran second in the 2008 Vosburgh.
Although he is probably the best horse in tonight's race, he is facing some stiff competition tonight, and will likely have to work for victory. Peppi Knows, winner of a six furlong allowance optional claiming race last time out, has shown early speed and may be able to go with Fabulous Strike early. It should be an exciting race!
Here are the complete entries:
Good luck, Fabulous Strike!
-Keelerman
The eight-year-old gelded son of Smart Strike has not raced since finishing second in the grade I Vosburgh Stakes at Saratoga in September 2009. However, he has finally recovered from his various injuries and is scheduled to race tonight at Penn National in the eighth race, a six furlong allowance race.
Here is Fabulous Strike's record to date:
| Starts | Wins | Seconds | Thirds | Earnings |
| 24 | 14 | 5 | 0 | $1,409,412 |
Fabulous Strike's biggest win thus far came in the 2007 Vosburgh Stakes (gr. I), which he won by 5 3/4 lengths. He also ran second in the 2008 Vosburgh.
Although he is probably the best horse in tonight's race, he is facing some stiff competition tonight, and will likely have to work for victory. Peppi Knows, winner of a six furlong allowance optional claiming race last time out, has shown early speed and may be able to go with Fabulous Strike early. It should be an exciting race!
Here are the complete entries:
| Post Position | Horse | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Peppi Knows | 7-2 |
| 2 | Peter's Creek | 5-1 |
| 3 | Fabulous Strike | 6-5 |
| 4 | Sure Start | 12-1 |
| 5 | Drake Passage | 8-1 |
| 6 | Wink At the Girls | 9-2 |
Good luck, Fabulous Strike!
-Keelerman
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Return of Fabulous Strike!
Good news! Fabulous Strike, an eight-year-old, grade I-winning gelding, will be returning to the races for the first time since October 2009 on April 9th!
Here's an article about his return:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/62303/fabulous-strike-set-for-return
I feel that Fabulous Strike should become a member of our Veterans of the Turf club. What do you think? For a little added fun, we shall officially vote on the prospect! I shall post a poll on the far right side of my blog, just below the header. If you think that Fabulous Strike should become a member of the VOTTC, then vote "yes"!
Good luck to Fabulous Strike!
-Keelerman
Here's an article about his return:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/62303/fabulous-strike-set-for-return
I feel that Fabulous Strike should become a member of our Veterans of the Turf club. What do you think? For a little added fun, we shall officially vote on the prospect! I shall post a poll on the far right side of my blog, just below the header. If you think that Fabulous Strike should become a member of the VOTTC, then vote "yes"!
Good luck to Fabulous Strike!
-Keelerman
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Of Dubai, Results, New Members, an Entry, and Workouts
There’s a great deal to write about this weekend! The results of three races including the Al Quoz Sprint, the inauguration of three new members, an entry, and some very notable workouts!
Results in Dubai
The Al Quoz Sprint race had special meaning to the followers of this blog. Three American-based geldings who qualify for our Veterans of the Turf Club were in the race, and as you’ll recall, the horse that performed best would become a member of the VOTTC. The three horses were Quick Enough, Stradivinsky, and Mr. Gruff. Unfortunately, none of them performed very well, with Stradivinsky and Mr. Gruff coming home next-to-last and last. However, seven-year-old Quick Enough ran respectably to finish eighth, and shall therefore become the newest addition to our club!
Here is his career record to date:
You can watch a replay of the Al Quoz Sprint at Bloodhorse.com. Here’s the link:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/62123/j-j-the-jet-plane-flies-to-victory-in-al-quoz
New Members
Quick Enough isn’t the only horse that we are adding to our club. I have also decided to add Rahy’s Attorney and Chamberlain Bridge. Rahy’s Attorney, a seven-year-old bay gelding won the 2008 Woodbine Mile (gr. I) over the fabulous mare Ventura. Last time out, he pulled off a mild upset in the Pan American Stakes (gr. III) at Gulfstream Park over Musketier, Prince Will I Am, and Eldaafer. He definitely deserves to be a member of the VOTTC, and I am glad to welcome him into the club!
Here is his career record to date:
You can watch his Pan American victory at Bloodhorse.com. Here’s the link:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/GP/2011/3/26/10/pan-american-s-gr-3
Chamberlain Bridge, also seven-years-old, was going to be one of the inaugural members of the VOTTC. However, I forgot to include him . . . oops!
But it’s better late than never, so I shall now add him to our members list. As I’m sure many of you know, he is a magnificent turf sprinter. Last year, he won several stakes races, including the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (gr. II). This year, he won the Rail Splitter Stakes in mid-February and should make his next start within a month or so.
Here is his career record to date:
Here’s a link to the replay of his Breeders’ Cup victory:
http://www.breederscup.com/greatestmoments.aspx?year=2010&divisionname=turfsprint
An Entry
Awesome Gem, winner of the 2010 Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), makes his 2011 debut on April 2nd at Golden Gate Fields! In a one-mile turf allowance race, the eighth on the card, he has drawn gate six and will be ridden by top Northern California rider Russell Baze.
Here are the entries:
Awesome Gem is an eight-year-old gelding by Awesome Again out of Piano, by Pentelicus. He has not raced since finishing a distant seventh in the Breeders’ Cup Marathon.
Although his biggest success came at a mile and a quarter on a synthetic track, Awesome Gem has proven perfectly capable of competing in turf mile races. He ran second in the 2008 Wickerr Stakes, a one-mile turf event, and was also second in the 2009 Eddie Read Stakes (gr. I) at nine furlongs on turf.
His main competition will likely come from morning line favorite Meteore, who has proven to be a fine lower-level turf stakes competitor. Although he has not won since his victory in the 2009 La Jolla Handicap (gr. II), he’s been close on numerous occasions since then.
You can watch the race at www.calracing.com. Under “Racing Information” at the top of the screen, click “Live Video”. You will have to sign up, but it doesn’t take long, and it’s worth it!
Good luck, Awesome Gem!
Notable Workouts
Cost of Freedom returned to the worktab for the first time since running third in the Sunshine Millions Sprint Stakes, working three furlongs in :35 1/5 at Hollywood Park on March 28th. He's obviously several weeks away from his next race, but it's nice to see him breezing again!
Silver Timber breezed a half-mile in :49.30 this morning at Palm Meadows Training Center. It was his fifth breeze since running a close fourth in the Turf Dash Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in February. The Shakertown Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland on April 16th could potentially be his next start.
And finally, some results
The final section of this post regards Interpatation’s quest to win a $32,000-$28,000 claiming event yesterday at Santa Anita Park. He was 9.20-1 in a nine horse field going nine furlongs on turf. Unfortunately, he failed to win. His didn’t get the best of trips, being caught wide throughout, and tired in the stretch to finish sixth. On the other hand, he was only beaten 6 ¼ lengths and did close his final eighth in less than twelve seconds, even though he was losing ground at the finish. He was not claimed, and earned $400 for his efforts. I remain confident that the will find the winner’s circle again someday!
You can watch the replay of his race at www.calracing.com. Under “Racing Information” at the top of the screen, click “Race Replays”. As with the live racing, you will have to sign up.
Another veteran gelding that race recently was Garden Dancer. Unfortunately, with all of the exciting races ib Dubai going on, I forgot to mention that he was running on March 28th. The race was the seventh at Beulah Park, a 5-1/2 furlong $2,500 claiming event. Although he finished fourth, he actually ran fairly well. Close to the pace in the early going, he ran evenly throughout to be beaten only four lengths.
Now go enjoy a fabulous weekend of racing, everyone!
-Keelerman
Results in Dubai
The Al Quoz Sprint race had special meaning to the followers of this blog. Three American-based geldings who qualify for our Veterans of the Turf Club were in the race, and as you’ll recall, the horse that performed best would become a member of the VOTTC. The three horses were Quick Enough, Stradivinsky, and Mr. Gruff. Unfortunately, none of them performed very well, with Stradivinsky and Mr. Gruff coming home next-to-last and last. However, seven-year-old Quick Enough ran respectably to finish eighth, and shall therefore become the newest addition to our club!
Here is his career record to date:
| Starts | Firsts | Seconds | Thirds | Earnings |
| 20 | 8 | 5 | 3 | $375,360 |
You can watch a replay of the Al Quoz Sprint at Bloodhorse.com. Here’s the link:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/62123/j-j-the-jet-plane-flies-to-victory-in-al-quoz
New Members
Quick Enough isn’t the only horse that we are adding to our club. I have also decided to add Rahy’s Attorney and Chamberlain Bridge. Rahy’s Attorney, a seven-year-old bay gelding won the 2008 Woodbine Mile (gr. I) over the fabulous mare Ventura. Last time out, he pulled off a mild upset in the Pan American Stakes (gr. III) at Gulfstream Park over Musketier, Prince Will I Am, and Eldaafer. He definitely deserves to be a member of the VOTTC, and I am glad to welcome him into the club!
Here is his career record to date:
| Starts | Firsts | Seconds | Thirds | Earnings |
| 37 | 13 | 9 | 4 | $2,059,992 |
You can watch his Pan American victory at Bloodhorse.com. Here’s the link:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/GP/2011/3/26/10/pan-american-s-gr-3
Chamberlain Bridge, also seven-years-old, was going to be one of the inaugural members of the VOTTC. However, I forgot to include him . . . oops!
But it’s better late than never, so I shall now add him to our members list. As I’m sure many of you know, he is a magnificent turf sprinter. Last year, he won several stakes races, including the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (gr. II). This year, he won the Rail Splitter Stakes in mid-February and should make his next start within a month or so.
Here is his career record to date:
| Starts | Firsts | Seconds | Thirds | Earnings | |
| 32 | 17 | 4 | 6 | $1,630,459 |
Here’s a link to the replay of his Breeders’ Cup victory:
http://www.breederscup.com/greatestmoments.aspx?year=2010&divisionname=turfsprint
An Entry
Awesome Gem, winner of the 2010 Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), makes his 2011 debut on April 2nd at Golden Gate Fields! In a one-mile turf allowance race, the eighth on the card, he has drawn gate six and will be ridden by top Northern California rider Russell Baze.
Here are the entries:
| Post Position | Horse | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Sir Al | 12-1 |
| 2 | Hudson Landing | 3-1 |
| 3 | Meteore | 9-5 |
| 4 | Rendezvous | 6-1 |
| 5 | Cayembe | 8-1 |
| 6 | Awesome Gem | 7-2 |
| 7 | Posse Power | 20-1 |
| 8 | Dream Nettie | 15-1 |
Awesome Gem is an eight-year-old gelding by Awesome Again out of Piano, by Pentelicus. He has not raced since finishing a distant seventh in the Breeders’ Cup Marathon.
Although his biggest success came at a mile and a quarter on a synthetic track, Awesome Gem has proven perfectly capable of competing in turf mile races. He ran second in the 2008 Wickerr Stakes, a one-mile turf event, and was also second in the 2009 Eddie Read Stakes (gr. I) at nine furlongs on turf.
His main competition will likely come from morning line favorite Meteore, who has proven to be a fine lower-level turf stakes competitor. Although he has not won since his victory in the 2009 La Jolla Handicap (gr. II), he’s been close on numerous occasions since then.
You can watch the race at www.calracing.com. Under “Racing Information” at the top of the screen, click “Live Video”. You will have to sign up, but it doesn’t take long, and it’s worth it!
Good luck, Awesome Gem!
Notable Workouts
Cost of Freedom returned to the worktab for the first time since running third in the Sunshine Millions Sprint Stakes, working three furlongs in :35 1/5 at Hollywood Park on March 28th. He's obviously several weeks away from his next race, but it's nice to see him breezing again!
Silver Timber breezed a half-mile in :49.30 this morning at Palm Meadows Training Center. It was his fifth breeze since running a close fourth in the Turf Dash Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in February. The Shakertown Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland on April 16th could potentially be his next start.
And finally, some results
The final section of this post regards Interpatation’s quest to win a $32,000-$28,000 claiming event yesterday at Santa Anita Park. He was 9.20-1 in a nine horse field going nine furlongs on turf. Unfortunately, he failed to win. His didn’t get the best of trips, being caught wide throughout, and tired in the stretch to finish sixth. On the other hand, he was only beaten 6 ¼ lengths and did close his final eighth in less than twelve seconds, even though he was losing ground at the finish. He was not claimed, and earned $400 for his efforts. I remain confident that the will find the winner’s circle again someday!
You can watch the replay of his race at www.calracing.com. Under “Racing Information” at the top of the screen, click “Race Replays”. As with the live racing, you will have to sign up.
Another veteran gelding that race recently was Garden Dancer. Unfortunately, with all of the exciting races ib Dubai going on, I forgot to mention that he was running on March 28th. The race was the seventh at Beulah Park, a 5-1/2 furlong $2,500 claiming event. Although he finished fourth, he actually ran fairly well. Close to the pace in the early going, he ran evenly throughout to be beaten only four lengths.
Now go enjoy a fabulous weekend of racing, everyone!
-Keelerman
Friday, April 1, 2011
Interpatation entered to race today!
Interpatation, winner of the 2009 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes (gr. I) and a member of our Veterans of the Turf club, is entered to race today at Santa Anita Park in the 3rd race.
The race is a $32,000-$28,000 claiming race at a mile and an eighth on the turf. It’s sad to see him competing in a claiming race, but perhaps it will enable him to find the winner’s circle.
He has drawn gate four and will be facing eight rivals. Here are the entries:
It’s hard to say whether Interpatation will contend for the win here or not. He has not been running all that well lately, but he has only run in a claiming race once in his entire 64-start career; that being his second start, when he competed in a $75,000 maiden claiming event.
12-1 seems a bit high for a grade I winner in a claiming race, even if that victory came in 2009. To be perfectly honest, I think that Interpatation is worthy of being the favorite and can win this race.
This afternoon, he will be ridden by Alonso Quinonez.
Good luck, Interpatation!
-Keelerman
The race is a $32,000-$28,000 claiming race at a mile and an eighth on the turf. It’s sad to see him competing in a claiming race, but perhaps it will enable him to find the winner’s circle.
He has drawn gate four and will be facing eight rivals. Here are the entries:
| Post Position | Horse | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Victorian Prince | 20-1 |
| 2 | Red Alert Day | 7-2 |
| 3 | Ridge Dance | 9-2 |
| 4 | Interpatation | 12-1 |
| 5 | Booyah | 12-1 |
| 6 | Hughsey | 8-1 |
| 7 | Control Seeker | 4-1 |
| 8 | Lease of Life | Scratched |
| 9 | No Stadium | 6-1 |
| 10 | Sir Dave | 12-1 |
It’s hard to say whether Interpatation will contend for the win here or not. He has not been running all that well lately, but he has only run in a claiming race once in his entire 64-start career; that being his second start, when he competed in a $75,000 maiden claiming event.
12-1 seems a bit high for a grade I winner in a claiming race, even if that victory came in 2009. To be perfectly honest, I think that Interpatation is worthy of being the favorite and can win this race.
This afternoon, he will be ridden by Alonso Quinonez.
Good luck, Interpatation!
-Keelerman
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Of Geldings in Dubai
As just about every horse racing fan knows, today is the day of the Dubai World Cup. As I am typing this, it is currently twenty-one minutes to post time for the first of the World Cup races, the Al Quoz Sprint (Group II). I am quite impressed by the number of geldings that are entered in the seven races! Here is a list of all the geldings that are entered today, sorted by race. (American-based runners are in bold text)
AL QUOZ SPRINT (Group II)
Better Be The One
Prohibit
Monsieur Joe
Mar Adentro
War Artist
Quick Enough
J J The Jet Plane
Sole Power
Inxile
Stradivinsky
Mr Gruff
GODOLPHIN MILE (Group II)
Mufarrh
Premio Loco
Imbongi
Zafeen Speed
Rileyskeepingfaith
UAE DERBY (Group II)
No Geldings Entered
DUBAI GOLDEN SHAHEEN (Group I)
Dim Sum
Charlie’s Moment (Owned by Godolphin, but most of his races have come in the United States)
Force Freeze
Dynamic Holiday
Sunny King
Escape Route
Rocket Man
Green Birdie
DUBAI DUTY FREE (Group I)
Beauty Flash
River Jetez
Wigmore Hall
Presvis
Better Than Ever
Tazeez
DUBAI SHEEMA CLASSIC (Group I)
Laaheb
Bourbon Bay
DUBAI WORLD CUP (Group I)
No Geldings Entered
I will be keeping track of the performances turned in by all of the American-based geldings. Of the five, three of them are eligible to become members of our Veterans of the Turf Club. They are Quick Enough, Stradivinsky, and Mr. Gruff.
Here’s what we’re going to do: Whichever of the three geldings perform the best in the race shall become a new member of the Veterans of the Turf Club. For example, if Quick Enough finishes fourth, Stradivinky seventh, and Mr. Gruff tenth, than Quick Enough would join member list.
However, in the event that two or more horses run well enough to finish in the top three, than they shall both become members of our club. So get ready to enjoy some great racing action from Dubai!
Here’s a link to where you can watch the races:
http://www.drf.com/news/dubai-world-cup-day-meydan
-Keelerman
AL QUOZ SPRINT (Group II)
Better Be The One
Prohibit
Monsieur Joe
Mar Adentro
War Artist
Quick Enough
J J The Jet Plane
Sole Power
Inxile
Stradivinsky
Mr Gruff
GODOLPHIN MILE (Group II)
Mufarrh
Premio Loco
Imbongi
Zafeen Speed
Rileyskeepingfaith
UAE DERBY (Group II)
No Geldings Entered
DUBAI GOLDEN SHAHEEN (Group I)
Dim Sum
Charlie’s Moment (Owned by Godolphin, but most of his races have come in the United States)
Force Freeze
Dynamic Holiday
Sunny King
Escape Route
Rocket Man
Green Birdie
DUBAI DUTY FREE (Group I)
Beauty Flash
River Jetez
Wigmore Hall
Presvis
Better Than Ever
Tazeez
DUBAI SHEEMA CLASSIC (Group I)
Laaheb
Bourbon Bay
DUBAI WORLD CUP (Group I)
No Geldings Entered
I will be keeping track of the performances turned in by all of the American-based geldings. Of the five, three of them are eligible to become members of our Veterans of the Turf Club. They are Quick Enough, Stradivinsky, and Mr. Gruff.
Here’s what we’re going to do: Whichever of the three geldings perform the best in the race shall become a new member of the Veterans of the Turf Club. For example, if Quick Enough finishes fourth, Stradivinky seventh, and Mr. Gruff tenth, than Quick Enough would join member list.
However, in the event that two or more horses run well enough to finish in the top three, than they shall both become members of our club. So get ready to enjoy some great racing action from Dubai!
Here’s a link to where you can watch the races:
http://www.drf.com/news/dubai-world-cup-day-meydan
-Keelerman
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
California Flag Resumes Galloping!
Exciting news! California Flag, winner of the 2009 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint and a member of our Veterans of the Turf Club, has resumed galloping after a bit of a break. You can read the full details here:
http://www.drf.com/news/always-princess-continues-recover-after-surgery
The piece on California Flag is at the bottom of the article.
-Keelerman
http://www.drf.com/news/always-princess-continues-recover-after-surgery
The piece on California Flag is at the bottom of the article.
-Keelerman
A Trio of Results
(Sorry that it took so long to post this – I’ve been very busy this week and it slipped my mind!)
**********
Last weekend was a very big weekend for a trio of our Veteran Geldings, namely Dubious Miss, Furthest Land, and Garden Dancer. They were entered in a trio of fascinating races in Louisiana, Florida, and Ohio. All were coming off of excellent performances, and I couldn’t wait to see how they did.
Unfortunately, none of them won. As a matter of fact, two of them failed to finish in the top four. But nevertheless, they turned in exciting performances and gave their fans some excitement.
The first of the three geldings to race was Dubious Miss, who was entered in a one-mile and seventy yards allowance optional claiming race at Fair Grounds which drew a stakes-caliber field. Sent off as the third choice, he sat fourth in the early going while Smarten Destiny and Friesan Fire opened up a tremendous lead on the field. They rattled off quick fractions of :23.76 and :46.95, ten lengths ahead of everyone else after a half-mile. They maintained this decisive advantage until the quarter pole, when it rapidly began to dwindle. Dubious Miss, under Corey Lanerie, closed in gamely but was out-kicked by Glenwood Canyon, Fast Alex, and Stay Put. He ended up finishing fifth, beaten only 4 ½ lengths. One must give credit to Friesan Fire, who held on for third despite the fast fractions he ran.
Although the results were somewhat disappointing, I feel that it was really a good effort for Dubious Miss and that he will perform better next time out.
The second gelding to race was Furthest Land. He was the second choice in a one-mile turf allowance race at Gulfstream Park. The task he faced was nearly impossible. He was bumped at the start, and was fourteen lengths off the pace with only a half-mile left to run. He was not much closer passing the quarter pole, still ten lengths off of the lead. And when winner Successful Mission closed his final quarter mile in :24 1/5, there was no way that Furthest Land could possibly get up. Yet he turned in a final quarter mile of about :23 flat and closed strongly to finish just 4 ¼ lengths behind the winner in third. True, it was not a victory, but it does prove that the six-year-old gelding has a tremendous turn of foot. I’m confident that some stakes victories are on the horizon for him.
Finally, there was Garden Dancer, who was running in a six furlong $2,500 claiming race at Beulah Park. He was the favorite, along with his stablemate The Right Face, and had yet to finish worse than second in his three 2011 starts.
But for whatever the reason, he failed to fire. The late-running nine year old rated several lengths off of the early pace, bid for the lead in the homestretch, and tired late to finish sixth. It was an unsatisfactory ending to the trio of races, for I would have liked to see at least one (preferably all!) of the geldings win, but it doesn’t really matter. Win, lose, or draw, they provided some great excitement for fans such as myself. What more can you ask for?
-Keelerman
**********
Last weekend was a very big weekend for a trio of our Veteran Geldings, namely Dubious Miss, Furthest Land, and Garden Dancer. They were entered in a trio of fascinating races in Louisiana, Florida, and Ohio. All were coming off of excellent performances, and I couldn’t wait to see how they did.
Unfortunately, none of them won. As a matter of fact, two of them failed to finish in the top four. But nevertheless, they turned in exciting performances and gave their fans some excitement.
The first of the three geldings to race was Dubious Miss, who was entered in a one-mile and seventy yards allowance optional claiming race at Fair Grounds which drew a stakes-caliber field. Sent off as the third choice, he sat fourth in the early going while Smarten Destiny and Friesan Fire opened up a tremendous lead on the field. They rattled off quick fractions of :23.76 and :46.95, ten lengths ahead of everyone else after a half-mile. They maintained this decisive advantage until the quarter pole, when it rapidly began to dwindle. Dubious Miss, under Corey Lanerie, closed in gamely but was out-kicked by Glenwood Canyon, Fast Alex, and Stay Put. He ended up finishing fifth, beaten only 4 ½ lengths. One must give credit to Friesan Fire, who held on for third despite the fast fractions he ran.
Although the results were somewhat disappointing, I feel that it was really a good effort for Dubious Miss and that he will perform better next time out.
The second gelding to race was Furthest Land. He was the second choice in a one-mile turf allowance race at Gulfstream Park. The task he faced was nearly impossible. He was bumped at the start, and was fourteen lengths off the pace with only a half-mile left to run. He was not much closer passing the quarter pole, still ten lengths off of the lead. And when winner Successful Mission closed his final quarter mile in :24 1/5, there was no way that Furthest Land could possibly get up. Yet he turned in a final quarter mile of about :23 flat and closed strongly to finish just 4 ¼ lengths behind the winner in third. True, it was not a victory, but it does prove that the six-year-old gelding has a tremendous turn of foot. I’m confident that some stakes victories are on the horizon for him.
Finally, there was Garden Dancer, who was running in a six furlong $2,500 claiming race at Beulah Park. He was the favorite, along with his stablemate The Right Face, and had yet to finish worse than second in his three 2011 starts.
But for whatever the reason, he failed to fire. The late-running nine year old rated several lengths off of the early pace, bid for the lead in the homestretch, and tired late to finish sixth. It was an unsatisfactory ending to the trio of races, for I would have liked to see at least one (preferably all!) of the geldings win, but it doesn’t really matter. Win, lose, or draw, they provided some great excitement for fans such as myself. What more can you ask for?
-Keelerman
Monday, March 14, 2011
Garden Dancer to race today!
Get ready for some excitement! Garden Dancer, a nine-year-old gelding who has been quite successful in claiming races at Beulah Park this year, is entered to run in the ninth race at that track this afternoon. The event is a 5-1/2 furlong $2,500 claiming race, and he has drawn gate three in an eleven horse field.
If you will, please refer to my previous post entitled “Welcome Garden Dancer!” to read a brief recap of Garden Dancer’s career and last start. The link is below:
http://veteransoftheturf.blogspot.com/2011/03/welcome-garden-dancer.html
Garden Dancer’s stablemate, the five-year-old gelding The Right Face, will run as an entry with him. Rafael Hernandez has been named to ride both of them, so I assume that a different jockey will be named to ride one of them.
Here are the complete entries for the race:
You can watch the race via Beulah Park’s live video stream on their web site! First, click on the link below:
http://www.beulahpark.com/
Once you’re there, click on the “Live Racing” link on the far left. Then click on the “Live Video” link. You’re all set! Enjoy!
-Keelerman
If you will, please refer to my previous post entitled “Welcome Garden Dancer!” to read a brief recap of Garden Dancer’s career and last start. The link is below:
http://veteransoftheturf.blogspot.com/2011/03/welcome-garden-dancer.html
Garden Dancer’s stablemate, the five-year-old gelding The Right Face, will run as an entry with him. Rafael Hernandez has been named to ride both of them, so I assume that a different jockey will be named to ride one of them.
Here are the complete entries for the race:
| Post Position | Horse | Age/Sex | Weight Assignment | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | Southern Pacific | 4/g | 120 | 10-1 |
| 2 | Seaview | 7/g | 120 | 6-1 |
| 3 | Garden Dancer | 9/g | 124 | 4-1 |
| 4 | Hoffrogge | Scratched | ||
| 5 | Redemption Day | 4/g | 122 | 8-1 |
| 6 | The Right Face | 5/g | 124 | 4-1 |
| 7 | Blackfoot Trail | 7/g | 120 | 8-1 |
| 8 | Alley Anthem | 6/g | 120 | 10-1 |
| 9 | Judge Fudge | 6/g | 120 | 5-1 |
| 10 | Arrestedbymistake | 5/g | 122 | 9-2 |
| 11 | All For Love | 10/g | 124 | 8-1 |
You can watch the race via Beulah Park’s live video stream on their web site! First, click on the link below:
http://www.beulahpark.com/
Once you’re there, click on the “Live Racing” link on the far left. Then click on the “Live Video” link. You’re all set! Enjoy!
-Keelerman
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Furthest Land to race today!
Furthest Land, winner of the 2009 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (gr. I), is entered to race today in the fifth race at Gulfstream Park. The race is a one-mile turf allowance race.
The six-year-old gelding has not raced much since his Breeders' Cup victory. He made four starts in 2010, failing to win any of them. He was then given a lengthy break, returning to the races for the first time in months on February 12th, 2011. In a one-mile allowance optional claiming race, he closed from nearly five lengths back at the eighth pole to win the race by a desperate neck.
It was a successful return to the races. Today, he will attempt to take a step toward returning to the Breeders' Cup.
A very good field has lined up to face him. National Kid is the morning line favorite. He has not raced since August of last year, when he ran second in the grade II Bernard Baruch Handicap at Saratoga.
It won't be easy for Furthest Land to defeat this field, but I'll be cheering for him!
-Keelerman
The six-year-old gelding has not raced much since his Breeders' Cup victory. He made four starts in 2010, failing to win any of them. He was then given a lengthy break, returning to the races for the first time in months on February 12th, 2011. In a one-mile allowance optional claiming race, he closed from nearly five lengths back at the eighth pole to win the race by a desperate neck.
It was a successful return to the races. Today, he will attempt to take a step toward returning to the Breeders' Cup.
A very good field has lined up to face him. National Kid is the morning line favorite. He has not raced since August of last year, when he ran second in the grade II Bernard Baruch Handicap at Saratoga.
It won't be easy for Furthest Land to defeat this field, but I'll be cheering for him!
-Keelerman
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Of Dubious Miss & Workouts
Dubious Miss, one of the members of our Veterans of the Turf Club, is entered to run on Saturday in the 9th race at Fair Grounds. The race is an allowance optional claiming race at one mile and seventy yards in distance.
At seven years old, Dubious Miss is among the younger members of our association. He has been in fine form as of late, placing in three consecutive stakes races, including two grade III races. He will likely be among the favorites for Saturday’s race.
Interestingly, he has not worked out since running a close third in the Fair Grounds Handicap (gr. III) about a month ago. I don’t quite understand why, but then ago he has only recorded a total of three workouts during the last two months, so it’s probably nothing.
A fine field of runners has turned out to face Dubious Miss. To begin, there is Friesan Fire, unraced since running last in the James Marvin Stakes in July 2010. He was sent off as the favorite in the 2009 Kentucky Derby off of brilliant victories in the LeComte (gr. III), Risen Star (gr. II), and Louisiana Derby (gr. II) over this Fair Grounds oval, but ran eighteenth and hasn’t returned to form since.
Another interesting competitor is Stay Put, who has never won a stakes race but has shown a potent late kick at times. A quick pace on Saturday could make him a tough colt to beat.
Fast Alex could end up going off as one of the favorites. The four-year-old colt has three wins and two thirds from five starts over the Fair Grounds main track, and his affinity for the course may enable him to pull off a mild upset.
Here are the complete entries:
Fair Grounds 9th Race, March 12th, 2011
Allowance Optional Claiming Race
One Mile and Seventy Yards
For Four Year Olds and Upward
Notable Workouts
• Furthest Land breezed a half-mile this morning in :47 4/5 at Gulfstream Park. I believe that he may be ready to race within the next couple of weeks.
• Silver Timber breezed a half-mile On March 6th in :50 flat at Palm Meadows Training Center.
• Awesome Gem is up to a half-mile now in his workouts, as he went that distance in :47 3/5 on March 5th at Santa Anita. I expect to see him back to the races in April, perhaps.
-Keelerman
At seven years old, Dubious Miss is among the younger members of our association. He has been in fine form as of late, placing in three consecutive stakes races, including two grade III races. He will likely be among the favorites for Saturday’s race.
Interestingly, he has not worked out since running a close third in the Fair Grounds Handicap (gr. III) about a month ago. I don’t quite understand why, but then ago he has only recorded a total of three workouts during the last two months, so it’s probably nothing.
A fine field of runners has turned out to face Dubious Miss. To begin, there is Friesan Fire, unraced since running last in the James Marvin Stakes in July 2010. He was sent off as the favorite in the 2009 Kentucky Derby off of brilliant victories in the LeComte (gr. III), Risen Star (gr. II), and Louisiana Derby (gr. II) over this Fair Grounds oval, but ran eighteenth and hasn’t returned to form since.
Another interesting competitor is Stay Put, who has never won a stakes race but has shown a potent late kick at times. A quick pace on Saturday could make him a tough colt to beat.
Fast Alex could end up going off as one of the favorites. The four-year-old colt has three wins and two thirds from five starts over the Fair Grounds main track, and his affinity for the course may enable him to pull off a mild upset.
Here are the complete entries:
Fair Grounds 9th Race, March 12th, 2011
Allowance Optional Claiming Race
One Mile and Seventy Yards
For Four Year Olds and Upward
| Post Position | Horse | Age/Sex | Weight Assignment |
| 1 | Glenwood Canyon | 6g | 123 |
| 2 | Smarten Destiny | 5g | 123 |
| 3 | Dubious Miss | 7g | 123 |
| 4 | Glamour Guy | 7h | 123 |
| 5 | Fast Alex | 4c | 123 |
| 6 | Skip a Smile | 4g | 123 |
| 7 | Friesan Fire | 5r | 123 |
| 8 | Stay Put | 4c | 123 |
Notable Workouts
• Furthest Land breezed a half-mile this morning in :47 4/5 at Gulfstream Park. I believe that he may be ready to race within the next couple of weeks.
• Silver Timber breezed a half-mile On March 6th in :50 flat at Palm Meadows Training Center.
• Awesome Gem is up to a half-mile now in his workouts, as he went that distance in :47 3/5 on March 5th at Santa Anita. I expect to see him back to the races in April, perhaps.
-Keelerman
Monday, March 7, 2011
Happy Belated Birthday to Presious Passion!
Two days ago, Presious Passion turned eight years old. My, how time flies. It seems like just yesterday that Presious Passion—who can always be recognized as the races by his conspicuous white hood—was six years old and in the process of completing his greatest year of racing.
Presious Passion has had a very lengthy career, one which has spanned fifty starts and fourteen victories. He has finished second seven times and third twice for a total of 23 top-three finishes. He has earned over $2.6 million dollars. These are the statistics of a nice, solid grade I winner who has had success over the years, but could never really be considered a truly great runner.
But on the contrary – Presious Passion is indeed truly great.
Greatness can be defined in many ways. Many people measure a horse’s greatness by what they accomplished on the track. How many world records did they break? How many grade I races did they win? Were they undefeated? Did they win the Triple Crown?
Presious Passion couldn’t be called great in any of these categories. He has won only three grade I races to date, never set a world record, came nowhere near being undefeated, and didn’t even compete in a Triple Crown race.
But Presious Passion qualifies as a truly great horse in another category. He has the heart and determination of a true champion.
I remember the first time that I really noticed Presious Passion. That was when he held off Strike a Deal to win the 2008 United Nations Handicap by a neck. It was his best performance ever at that time, but little did I realize that he was nowhere near his prime.
Over time, Presious Passion has developed a truly unique style of running. His greatest success has come in turf races from ten to twelve furlongs. In races like these, the early pace is often very slow, with all of the horses sprinting home quickly.
But this style of racing did not suit Presious Passion. Rather than try to slow the pace down to conserve his stamina, the front-running gelding is known for opening up very – and I mean very -- long leads in lengthy races and having enough left at the finish to win. This rarely seen proficiency was never demonstrated better than in the 2009 United Nations Handicap, where he opened up a lead that grew to as many as twenty lengths early on.
Usually, when a horse attempts such a bizarre feat, he tires very badly and finishes last. However, Presious Passion kept on running and hit the wire two lengths in front. Behind him that day were a fine field which included Brass Hat, Court Vision, Strike a Deal, Spice Route, and others.
Oh yeah, and he did this while breaking the track record and setting fractions of :22 1/5, :45 1/5, and 1:09 4/5.
But his most remarkable performance ever; the one that stands out in my mind most, was a race that he lost. In the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf, he was up against an incredible field of Europeans which included 2008 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Conduit, the marvelous filly Dar Re Mi, 2006 Breeders’ Cup Turf Winner Red Rocks, and grade/group I winners Telling, Monzante, and Spanish Moon.
It didn’t make sense that Presious Passion could beat them with his suicidal running style. And to be perfectly honest, he was unable to do so. He was beaten that day. But in attempting to accomplish this monumental feat, he turned in what I believe is one of the most incredible losing efforts in the history of horse racing.
When the gates opened, he broke just a step slowly, but raced away to a huge early lead. Eight lengths in front, ten lengths in front – he wouldn’t be changing his running style against this group. He would attempt to do what he was best at – running his rivals off their feet.
The fractions he ran were, quite simply, undeniably unbelievable. He ran his opening quarter mile in :23.08. He ran a half-mile in :45.14. He ran three-quarters of a mile in 1:09.24. One mile? 1:34.58. At this point, he held an eight length lead. But there was no way that he could possibly hang on after going so fast. Not with such an incredible field biding their time behind him.
It appeared as though Presious Passion was beginning to tire, for the field began to catch him on the far turn. Length by length they wore down his lead. Presious Passion passed the quarter pole in 1:59.72, two lengths in front of Conduit and the rest of the pack. Considering that it took him :25.14 seconds to run his fifth quarter of a mile, it was apparent that catching him would be a simple task. There is simply no way that a horse can blaze through such impossible early fractions and still hold off some of the best turf horses in the world.
As I watched him enter the final quarter of a mile on November 7th, 2009, I believed that he would fall apart in the stretch. I believed that he would end up last.
But Presious Passion showed his heart that day. With the Santa Anita finish line beckoning him in the distance, he found something extra; that something extra that only storybook horses are supposed to have. With his rider Elvis Trujillo urging him on, and Conduit breathing down his neck, Presious Passion summoned from deep within him some additional stamina. Or perhaps it wasn’t stamina. Perhaps he was running on heart alone.
But whatever it was, it enabled Presious Passion to keep going. One stride after another, his legs never faltering, he set his sights on the finish line.
But Conduit was closing in on the outside, and gradually drew even with the gutsy gelding on his inside. Presious Passion strained to hold him off, but reluctantly allowed him to pass. Conduit hit the finish line first, and thus entered the history books as the winner of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf.
But it was Presious Passion who entered my heart. Although beaten, he in no way embarrassed himself. He finished only a half-length behind Conduit, and ran his final quarter of a mile in just over :24 seconds. He completed the race in about 2:23 4/5 second. And you know what? Only Conduit has ever run the Breeders’ Cup Turf in a faster time.
Unfortunately, Presious Passion hasn’t been in very good form as of late. He has not won a race since early 2010, and is probably past his prime. But past his prime or not, the white-hooded wonder has achieved victory in another way; in a way which is harder to accomplish than by winning races. He has provided many wonderful memories for his numerous fans, and thrilled many a race-goer with his spectacular running style. You can’t ask for more than that.
So let us take a moment to celebrate the birthday of one of the finest geldings ever to have graced the American turf. Happy Birthday Presious Passion – may you celebrate many more.
-Keelerman
P.S. You can relive the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf by watching the replay at breederscup.com. Here is the link to the replay:
http://www.breederscup.com/greatestmoments.aspx?year=2009&divisionname=turf
Presious Passion has had a very lengthy career, one which has spanned fifty starts and fourteen victories. He has finished second seven times and third twice for a total of 23 top-three finishes. He has earned over $2.6 million dollars. These are the statistics of a nice, solid grade I winner who has had success over the years, but could never really be considered a truly great runner.
But on the contrary – Presious Passion is indeed truly great.
Greatness can be defined in many ways. Many people measure a horse’s greatness by what they accomplished on the track. How many world records did they break? How many grade I races did they win? Were they undefeated? Did they win the Triple Crown?
Presious Passion couldn’t be called great in any of these categories. He has won only three grade I races to date, never set a world record, came nowhere near being undefeated, and didn’t even compete in a Triple Crown race.
But Presious Passion qualifies as a truly great horse in another category. He has the heart and determination of a true champion.
I remember the first time that I really noticed Presious Passion. That was when he held off Strike a Deal to win the 2008 United Nations Handicap by a neck. It was his best performance ever at that time, but little did I realize that he was nowhere near his prime.
Over time, Presious Passion has developed a truly unique style of running. His greatest success has come in turf races from ten to twelve furlongs. In races like these, the early pace is often very slow, with all of the horses sprinting home quickly.
But this style of racing did not suit Presious Passion. Rather than try to slow the pace down to conserve his stamina, the front-running gelding is known for opening up very – and I mean very -- long leads in lengthy races and having enough left at the finish to win. This rarely seen proficiency was never demonstrated better than in the 2009 United Nations Handicap, where he opened up a lead that grew to as many as twenty lengths early on.
Usually, when a horse attempts such a bizarre feat, he tires very badly and finishes last. However, Presious Passion kept on running and hit the wire two lengths in front. Behind him that day were a fine field which included Brass Hat, Court Vision, Strike a Deal, Spice Route, and others.
Oh yeah, and he did this while breaking the track record and setting fractions of :22 1/5, :45 1/5, and 1:09 4/5.
But his most remarkable performance ever; the one that stands out in my mind most, was a race that he lost. In the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf, he was up against an incredible field of Europeans which included 2008 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Conduit, the marvelous filly Dar Re Mi, 2006 Breeders’ Cup Turf Winner Red Rocks, and grade/group I winners Telling, Monzante, and Spanish Moon.
It didn’t make sense that Presious Passion could beat them with his suicidal running style. And to be perfectly honest, he was unable to do so. He was beaten that day. But in attempting to accomplish this monumental feat, he turned in what I believe is one of the most incredible losing efforts in the history of horse racing.
When the gates opened, he broke just a step slowly, but raced away to a huge early lead. Eight lengths in front, ten lengths in front – he wouldn’t be changing his running style against this group. He would attempt to do what he was best at – running his rivals off their feet.
The fractions he ran were, quite simply, undeniably unbelievable. He ran his opening quarter mile in :23.08. He ran a half-mile in :45.14. He ran three-quarters of a mile in 1:09.24. One mile? 1:34.58. At this point, he held an eight length lead. But there was no way that he could possibly hang on after going so fast. Not with such an incredible field biding their time behind him.
It appeared as though Presious Passion was beginning to tire, for the field began to catch him on the far turn. Length by length they wore down his lead. Presious Passion passed the quarter pole in 1:59.72, two lengths in front of Conduit and the rest of the pack. Considering that it took him :25.14 seconds to run his fifth quarter of a mile, it was apparent that catching him would be a simple task. There is simply no way that a horse can blaze through such impossible early fractions and still hold off some of the best turf horses in the world.
As I watched him enter the final quarter of a mile on November 7th, 2009, I believed that he would fall apart in the stretch. I believed that he would end up last.
But Presious Passion showed his heart that day. With the Santa Anita finish line beckoning him in the distance, he found something extra; that something extra that only storybook horses are supposed to have. With his rider Elvis Trujillo urging him on, and Conduit breathing down his neck, Presious Passion summoned from deep within him some additional stamina. Or perhaps it wasn’t stamina. Perhaps he was running on heart alone.
But whatever it was, it enabled Presious Passion to keep going. One stride after another, his legs never faltering, he set his sights on the finish line.
But Conduit was closing in on the outside, and gradually drew even with the gutsy gelding on his inside. Presious Passion strained to hold him off, but reluctantly allowed him to pass. Conduit hit the finish line first, and thus entered the history books as the winner of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf.
But it was Presious Passion who entered my heart. Although beaten, he in no way embarrassed himself. He finished only a half-length behind Conduit, and ran his final quarter of a mile in just over :24 seconds. He completed the race in about 2:23 4/5 second. And you know what? Only Conduit has ever run the Breeders’ Cup Turf in a faster time.
Unfortunately, Presious Passion hasn’t been in very good form as of late. He has not won a race since early 2010, and is probably past his prime. But past his prime or not, the white-hooded wonder has achieved victory in another way; in a way which is harder to accomplish than by winning races. He has provided many wonderful memories for his numerous fans, and thrilled many a race-goer with his spectacular running style. You can’t ask for more than that.
So let us take a moment to celebrate the birthday of one of the finest geldings ever to have graced the American turf. Happy Birthday Presious Passion – may you celebrate many more.
-Keelerman
P.S. You can relive the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf by watching the replay at breederscup.com. Here is the link to the replay:
http://www.breederscup.com/greatestmoments.aspx?year=2009&divisionname=turf
Sunday, March 6, 2011
A Magnificent Eleven-Year-Old - Gold Sneaker
I watched a magnificent race yesterday at Beulah Park.
As I mentioned on a previous post, I am a huge fan of Beulah Park and greatly enjoy watching their races. Part of the reason that I like the track so much is that they run numerous low-level claiming races which often attract very old geldings.
The particular race that I am about to discuss was not won by a gelding, and therefore the winner cannot become a member of our Veterans of the Turf Club. But I feel I simply must mention his performance here anyway, for he is indeed one of racing’s veteran racehorses.
In the sixth race yesterday, Gold Sneaker won the $2,500 claiming race by 5 ¼ lengths.
He is eleven years old.
I find this simply min- boggling. Gold Sneaker has gone to the post an incredible 118 times, winning 25 of them. He has finished second 12 times and third 11 times. He has earned $124,425. He has raced every year since 2002. Not counting his five starts from this year, he has averaged 12.55 starts per season. He made his first start before Funny Cide did. He broke his maiden before Barbaro and Bernardini were born!
His effort yesterday was hugely impressive. He broke quickly and was sent straight to the lead. He dueled with another horse through fractions of :24.09 and :47.36. It would have been perfectly understandable if he had given way after setting such a quick pace.
However, he did not give way. Instead, he opened up a tremendous lead, passing the quarter pole seven lengths in front of the remainder of the field.
It would have been perfectly understandable if he had given way at this point. He had run three-quarters of a mile in 1:12.91, and it was obvious that he could not hold on to such a lead. Some closer would rally from far off the pace to win the race as Gold Sneaker tired to finish off the board.
But amazingly enough, he did not give way at all. He stayed on all the way to the finish, hitting the wire 5 ¼ lengths in front. Now, how many eleven-year-olds do you know who can turn in such a remarkable performance?
Almost more remarkable than the fact that Gold Sneaker can win at eleven-years-old is the fact that he is not a gelding. Perhaps someday, when he is retired, he will become a stallion somewhere. But the way he’s running, that may not be for a few years yet!
-Keelerman
P.S. You can watch a replay of the race here:
Upon reaching the home page, click on the “Live Racing” link on the far left. The click on the “Race Replays” link. This will take you to a calendar, upon which you will click the date of March 5th. A list of that day’s races will pop up, and you will select the sixth race. Enjoy the replay!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)