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
Saturday, March 26, 2011
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!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
A Potential Veteran Gelding
Would you like to watch a horse run tonight who may someday become a member of the Veterans of the Turf Club? If so, take a look at the Frank E. Kilroe Mile Handicap (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park!
The morning line favorite is Caracortado, a four year old gelding by Cat Dreams. He won his first five starts, including a brilliant victory in the 2010 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) on February 13th. However, a variety of problems and bad luck kept him from winning again until November 11th. Tried on turf for the first time that day in a six furlong allowance optional claiming race, he rallied from off the pace to win decisively in 1:07.79. He then ran a strong third in the grade I seven furlong Malibu Stakes on dirt, finishing a few lengths behind Twirling Candy, who broke the track record. It was indeed a very good performance.
However, Caracortado's best race came last time out, when he wore down grade I winner The Usual Q. T. to win the Sunshine Millions Turf, winning the race in 1:46.75. It is apparent that as good as he is on synthetics and dirt, he is even better on turf.
So be sure to watch the Frank E. Kilroe Mile tonight. Who knows? If Caracortado sticks around until 2013, he may end up becoming a member of our club!
-Keelerman
The morning line favorite is Caracortado, a four year old gelding by Cat Dreams. He won his first five starts, including a brilliant victory in the 2010 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) on February 13th. However, a variety of problems and bad luck kept him from winning again until November 11th. Tried on turf for the first time that day in a six furlong allowance optional claiming race, he rallied from off the pace to win decisively in 1:07.79. He then ran a strong third in the grade I seven furlong Malibu Stakes on dirt, finishing a few lengths behind Twirling Candy, who broke the track record. It was indeed a very good performance.
However, Caracortado's best race came last time out, when he wore down grade I winner The Usual Q. T. to win the Sunshine Millions Turf, winning the race in 1:46.75. It is apparent that as good as he is on synthetics and dirt, he is even better on turf.
So be sure to watch the Frank E. Kilroe Mile tonight. Who knows? If Caracortado sticks around until 2013, he may end up becoming a member of our club!
-Keelerman
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Welcome Garden Dancer!
The results of the third race at Beulah Park on March 1st are in! As I mentioned on my last post, the winner of the five furlong claiming race would receive membership in our Veterans of the Turf Club. The results of the race were very, very close, with only a head separating the top two finishers. But there was only one winner, and I’m proud to announce that the newest member of the Veterans of the Turf Club is none other than Garden Dancer!
Garden Dancer is a nine-year-old bay son of Sandpit, out of the Green Paradise mare Garden Paradise. He was bred by Mr. and Mrs. Joe P. Williamson and was born on May 24th, 2002 in Kentucky. Here is his racing record to date:
Starts Firsts Seconds Thirds Earnings
53 10 9 11 $44,314
You can watch the replay at Beulah Park’s web site. Here is the link:
Once you reach the Beulah Park home page, click on the “Live Racing” link on the far left. Then click on the “Race Replays” link. This will take you to a calendar, upon which you will click March 1st. This will bring up the list of races from that day. Click on race three and a replay of the video will pop up. Enjoy!
About Garden Dancer’s Career
Garden Dancer made his first start on May 13th, 2006 at River Downs. Four years old at the time, he finished last of twelve in a 5-1/2 furlong maiden claiming event. His next two starts weren’t much better, as he finished eighth both times in maiden claiming company. Then, without warning, he broke his maiden on August 29th, 2006 in a shocking upset, scoring by 1 ¾ lengths going 5-1/2 furlongs at 34.30-1.
Over the next four years, Garden Dancer competed in numerous claiming events at a half-dozen tracks, winning a total of seven races while finishing second eight times and third eleven times. A tough gelding, he started 19 times in 2009, racing every month of the year. However, his finest form has been shown in 2011.
On January 31st, 2011 Garden Dancer came out for a 5-1/2 furlong claiming event at Beulah Park. The narrow favorite at 2.10-1, he won by 1 ¾ lengths in a wire-to-wire performance. On February 18th he ran in a nearly identical event and finished second, beaten just a head after leading in the stretch. Finally, we come to the March 1st race, in which he was sent off as the second choice at 1.80-1.
In the field of seven, Garden Dancer broke next-to-last but quickly settled into fourth position. Favored Alter Offering bounded away to take the lead, with Manhasset Indian tracking him in second. He was followed by Rat Like Cunning in third, with My Money fifth and East On Stroop trailing the field.
The opening quarter mile was run in :22.78. Rat Like Cunning made an early move to grab second and loomed a serious threat as the field rounded the turn. Manhasset Indian was dropping back, while Garden Dancer still sat fourth, well off the lead.
Entering the homestretch it was still Alter Offering on the lead, but Rat Like Cunning was poised to take the lead. Garden Dancer was too far back to possibly get up in time.
But then he began to close in.
With ground devouring strides, he charged home relentlessly. Closer and closer he came toward Rat Like Cumming. It would only be a matter of time before he got to the lead!
But another threat loomed in the form of My Money, who at odds of 23.70-1 was coming home even quicker than Garden Dancer. An interesting situation was at hand. Rat Like Cumming was on the lead, but was soon to be passed by Garden Dancer. In turn, Garden Dancer would quickly be passed by My Money. The only possible way that Garden Dancer could win was if he could hit the wire right after passing Rat Like Cumming and before he himself was passed by My Money!
It looked impossible. Yet somehow Garden Dancer and his jockey, Rafael Hernandez, pulled it off. They took the lead from Rat Like Cumming in deep stretch and held off My Money to win the race by a thrilling head, stopping the clock in 1:00.17.
It was a remarkable performance indeed, one which brought Garden Dancer’s 2011 record to two wins and a second from three starts. He has earned $4,900 this year.
Therefore, I am proud to declare Garden Dancer the newest addition to the Veterans of the Turf Club. Please give a big round of applause (or perhaps just leave a comment!) celebrating this happy day!
Welcome aboard, Garden Dancer!
-Keelerman
Beulah Park: Veteran Geldings Galore!
Have you ever heard of Beulah Park?
If you are a fan of playing the pick six, chances are you probably have. Back in April 2010, they had several pick six carryovers in a row, and the final carryover ended up going over $400,000.
I like Beulah Park. It’s a unique little track situated in Grove City, Ohio. Although the majority of their races are low level claiming races, I’m very fond of this track and enjoy watching their races.
Why am I writing about Beulah Park? Because many, many geldings help fill the races there.
Take today’s card – 70 horses have entered. They consist of:
35 geldings.
25 mares.
6 fillies.
2 colts.
2 horses.
Half of the horses entered today at Beulah are geldings! But even more incredible is the age of the horses running this afternoon. Feast your eyes on these statistics:
There are 17 four-year-olds entered.
There are 17 five-year-olds entered.
There are 17 six-year-olds entered.
There are 11 seven-year-olds entered.
There are 2 eight-year-olds entered.
There are 4 nine-year-olds entered.
There is 1 ten-year-old entered.
Amazingly, there is not one three-year-old among the seventy horses entered. It’s not because they aren’t eligible – four of the nine races on the card are open to three-year-olds. It’s just that the Beulah entries are dominated by veterans of advanced age.
I’m writing this because there is one race on the card which simply must not be missed by any fan of geldings. That is the third race, a $2,500 claiming event at five furlongs. It is open to “Three Year Olds And Upward Which Have Not Won Two Races In 2010-2011.” The race has drawn seven entries, all of them geldings. They are:
Every last one of these runners are eligible for the Veterans of the Turf Club. Therefore, we shall award our own little prize to the winner of the race. The first gelding to cross the wire shall become the newest member of the Veterans of the Turf Club, joining the likes of Brass Hat, Presious Passion, and others. Tomorrow, I will write up an official post welcoming him into the club and briefly recap his racing career.
You can watch the race at Beulah Park's web site. Here is the link to the live video:
http://www.beulahpark.com/New07/video/streaming.php
Good luck, veterans! May you all run excellent races!
-Keelerman
If you are a fan of playing the pick six, chances are you probably have. Back in April 2010, they had several pick six carryovers in a row, and the final carryover ended up going over $400,000.
I like Beulah Park. It’s a unique little track situated in Grove City, Ohio. Although the majority of their races are low level claiming races, I’m very fond of this track and enjoy watching their races.
Why am I writing about Beulah Park? Because many, many geldings help fill the races there.
Take today’s card – 70 horses have entered. They consist of:
35 geldings.
25 mares.
6 fillies.
2 colts.
2 horses.
Half of the horses entered today at Beulah are geldings! But even more incredible is the age of the horses running this afternoon. Feast your eyes on these statistics:
There are 17 four-year-olds entered.
There are 17 five-year-olds entered.
There are 17 six-year-olds entered.
There are 11 seven-year-olds entered.
There are 2 eight-year-olds entered.
There are 4 nine-year-olds entered.
There is 1 ten-year-old entered.
Amazingly, there is not one three-year-old among the seventy horses entered. It’s not because they aren’t eligible – four of the nine races on the card are open to three-year-olds. It’s just that the Beulah entries are dominated by veterans of advanced age.
I’m writing this because there is one race on the card which simply must not be missed by any fan of geldings. That is the third race, a $2,500 claiming event at five furlongs. It is open to “Three Year Olds And Upward Which Have Not Won Two Races In 2010-2011.” The race has drawn seven entries, all of them geldings. They are:
| Post Position | Horse | Age | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | East On Stroop | 6 | 12-1 |
| 2 | K. O. Posh | 6 | 8-1 |
| 3 | Manhasset Indian | 7 | 5-1 |
| 4 | Garden Dancer | 9 | 8-5 |
| 5 | Rat Like Cunning | 10 | 8-1 |
| 6 | My Money | 6 | 10-1 |
| 7 | Alter Offering | 9 | 2-1 |
Every last one of these runners are eligible for the Veterans of the Turf Club. Therefore, we shall award our own little prize to the winner of the race. The first gelding to cross the wire shall become the newest member of the Veterans of the Turf Club, joining the likes of Brass Hat, Presious Passion, and others. Tomorrow, I will write up an official post welcoming him into the club and briefly recap his racing career.
You can watch the race at Beulah Park's web site. Here is the link to the live video:
http://www.beulahpark.com/New07/video/streaming.php
Good luck, veterans! May you all run excellent races!
-Keelerman
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)