Monday, August 24, 2009

"Rachel" to the Woodward

Woooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!! Yes Yes YES! Rachel is confirmed to be going to the Woodward Stakes on Sept. 5 to face older males. I knew they would pick this race but still I was nervous they wouldn't. No filly or mare has won this race ever. If she does boy...she is going to be more special if that's even possible. She's going to be facing males like Da'tara, Bullsbay, It's a bird, Cool Coal Man and Asiatic Boy.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/52259/rachel-alexandra-to-woodward
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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Something to get excited about

At first I thought this race wasn't as special as everyone else was making it out to be. But then I saw the replay. And wow...what a performance from an up and coming 2 year old colt called D'Funnybone. Could be a Derby contender next year. He's one to watch now.


I expected a Dashing Debby victory only to be surprised and see Worstcasescenario as the winner of the Adirondack Stakes Wednesday.
A very nice leggy filly but she has the most odd pedigree.
Her dam did nothing much as a racehorse and I've never heard of her sire. Hopefully she will fill out some more and continue on her winning ways.
Have a great evening!
Kirsten
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Sunday, August 16, 2009

Weekend stakes recap

What great racing we had this weekend. Here's a recap of the races.

Jacques le Marois in France
Goldikova, the winner of last year's Breeders' Cup Mile wins the Jacques le Marois in France.

Monmouth Oaks at Monmouth Park
Just Jenda makes it look easy in the Monmouth Oaks.

Sword Dancer Invitational at Saratoga
Telling shocks at 33-1 odds and the old iron horse Better Talk Now second.

John C. Mabee at Del mar
Magical Fantasy reels in Patricia's Gem and Gotta have her to win the John C. Mabee

Longarces Mile at Emerald Downs
Assessment puts in another shocker this weekend by winning the Longarces Mile over favored Awesome Gem. (Disappointed with Awesome Gem here.)

Lots of winning longshots this weekend huh? I'm really disappointed with Awesome Gem. Thought that race would have been easy for him. Magical Fantasy, Just Jenda and Goldikova did make up for that though with their wins. I'm absolutely tickled pink with Better Talk Now's performance. I've always been on his bandwagon and even though he didn't win second is pretty good for a guy his age.
Have a great evening!
Kirsten

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Friday, August 14, 2009

Recap of Zenyatta's race and more



Wow it's been awhile since I've posted here. Still haven't buckled down enough to post at least every week. LOL. Ah well.

AsI watched on Calracing the warmup before the Clement Hirsch there was one horse that stood out to me besides Zenyatta. It was an Irish bred five year old who had group placed in France beforehand by the name of Anaaba's Creation. She was looking good and I had a twinge of fear that if one horse was going to beat Zenyatta today it would be her. And I was almost right. An overconfident ride by Mike Smith along with the short stretch of Del mar was almost the undoing of Zenyatta's 12 race winning streak. It was a pulsating stretch drive. I doubt that she could have gotten beat by the way she still had her ears pricked in the photo. It was the way Mike Smith rode her that almost got her beat. Zenyatta, being the big muscled mare she is, takes awhile to get going and Mike didn't give her enough time to rev up. Hopefully he won't underestimate the competition next time out. Including the terrible ride he gave Mine that Bird and now Zenyatta? Three strikes and you're out.

Now this weekend's racing isn't as exciting but it does have some familiar faces.

Just Jenda looms large in Monmouth Oaks.

Sword dancer features some old favorites.

Awesome Gem favored in Longarces Mile.

John C. Mabee looks wide open.

Goldikova expected in Jacques le Marois in France.

Also Rachel puts in Rachelesque work and Summer Bird hates the grass.
Can't say I'm not surprised that Rachel's connections are considering the Woodward and going against older males. If she doesn't go to the Breeder's Cup then winning the Woodward would be a great place to go to lock in Horse of the year honors.

Charitable Man unsure on Travers.

Thorn Song out with foot abcesses.
Also check out Thorn Song's last race in the Eddie Read. It's a wild one on the first turn.
NTRA is a great place to watch videos on races your missed as well.

Whew! It's hard to catch up on all of the news when you've been gone. Now I'm going to start my picks and get back to you guys later! Have a great day!
Kirsten
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Sunday, August 2, 2009

Rachel destroys Haskell field




Another win under Rachel's belt. Now if only Zenyatta's owners would get them together in a race! Rachel is definitely the best horse in America right now. No doubts in my mind.
Go Rachel!
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Rachel to Haskell

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/51676/rachel-alexandra-headed-to-haskell

Woot Woot! Back against the boys now! Can't wait to see this race and the next matchup of Mine that Bird and Rachel.

Sorry about not posting as frequently but I have been very busy having fun in the warm weather up here. I'll try to buckle down and post more now.

Just thought I would post these websites for you guys to visit for racing news when I don't post.

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/

http://www.drf.com/

http://www.bloodhorse.com/

Have a nice evening!
Kirsten
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Sunday, June 28, 2009

Rachel and Zenyatta both winners

Results of Mother Goose Stakes
1.Rachel Alexandra
2.Malibu Prayer
3.Flashing

Holy cow...she hasn't lost any of her run has she? She is just not normal and like I said before the Oaks she is a FREAK! She won by 19 1/4 lengths after being eased.Words cannot describe this race so here's the replay.


Results of the Vanity Handicap

1.Zenyatta
2.Briecat
3.Dawn after Dawn
4.Hot n' Dusty
5.AllIcansayis Wow
6.Modification

Another win underneath Zenyatta's belt. I thought for a second she might get beat but then she kicked into gear and drew away with her ears pricked forward. God as much as I want to see her and Rachel meet half of me doesn't want them to. I don't want Zenyatta's streak to be broken and I don't want Rachel to get beaten. Well it might not happen so I have nothing to fret over now. Here's the replay for the Vanity.


Here is some other stakes results over the weekend.







In other news, sadly after the running of the Iowa Derby, Terrain who competed in this year's Triple Crown trail was humanely euthanized. Here's the story.

I feel so bad for his connections and I hope he rests in peace. I didn't want to end on a sour note so here's a story of Rachel settling into her Saratoga stall earlier today.

Have a great evening!
Kirsten
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Friday, June 26, 2009

Mother Goose and Vanity

*UPDATE- Don't Forget Gil and Hopeful Image scratched from Mother Goose. Rachel to face two now.*

I'm so pissed right now that they aren't showing either the Mother Goose or the Vanity on tv. And since I don't get HRTV or TVG I'll just have to settle for the computer replays. *Sigh* Oh well on to the picks.
The Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park
$300,000 G1
1 1/8 miles 121 .lbs all

1.Hopeful Image 30/1
2.Don't Forget Gil 15/1
3.Rachel Alexandra 1/5
4.Malibu Prayer 10/1
5.Flashing 4/1

Ha! Rachel has scared away most of her major competition here. Only four have come up to the plate. I'm guessing if she blows these guys outta the water no one is going to want to race against her soon in the filly division. Of course my pick is Rachel to win, Flashing to place and Don't Forget Gil to show.

Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park
$300,000 G1
1 1/8 miles
.lbs
1.Dawn after Dawn 116 12/1
2.You lift me up 114 20/1
3.Forest Melody 113 30/1
4.Hot n' Dusty 111 30/1
5.Modification 114 12/1
6.Briecat 114 15/1
7.AllIcansayis Wow 113 6/1
8.Zenyatta 129 1/5
Zenyatta to win, Dawn after Dawn to place and Hot n' Dusty to show.
I'll be back tomorrow to post the replays hopefully, and give my opinion.

Have a great evening!
Kirsten


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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Back with tons of racing news


Well it felt great to have a nice break. Now it's back to business. Here's some recent news headlines from the past weeks.

Rachel Alexandra passing on Breeders' Cup-






Sailor's Cap wins Poker against Kip Deville only to die in his stall a couple days later of Colitis X- http://www.drf.com/news/article/104854.html


Life is Sweet going against the boys-http://www.drf.com/news/article/104785.html

Whew...that's most of the major news stories for now. I'm already pumped for the Breeders' even though Rachel will not be there. I'm also excited for this year's Claiming Crown at Canterbury Park. I'm going again and it will be a blast. For those of you who don't know the Claiming Crown is like the blue collar version of the Breeders' Cup. It's for previous claimers to show their stuff. This weekend is going to be an awesome weekend for racing as well with Zenyatta and Rachel racing. Zenyatta is going into the Vanity Handicap and Rachel into the Mother Goose. They're both going to dominate. I'll be back to post my picks for this weekend's races and the lineups.

Have a great day!
Kirsten
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Tuesday, June 9, 2009

The "Other" Bird wins it. Summer Bird that is.

Link to the video here-http://www.ntra.com/video.aspx?id=39773



What a race! I thought Dunkirk had it untill I saw Summer Bird come up on the outside and go by him and Mine that Bird effortlessly. I wasn't surprised with this win as I had kept my eye on him but not so much as to pick him to win. I thought he would at least place fourth or fifth but not win. The other Bird won't be called the other Bird now I'm guessing.


It's too bad about Dunkirk though. Yesterday they found he had a non-displaced condylar fracture. Makes you think if maybe he hadn't hurt himself during the race maybe he could have fought Summer Bird off and won. Probably by the skin of his teeth though because Summer Bird was flying. Congrats to Tim Ice on his birthday Belmont win!
I also wasn't surprised Mine that Bird didn't do so well. It wasn't only Calvin Borel moving too early on him though. It was him being so wound up come race day. He was prancing and bucking and full of it coming to the paddock. Meanwhile at the Derby walkover he was as calm as a cucumber. I knew from that moment he wasn't going to turn in his best race.

Now that the Triple Crown has closed it's time to look ahead to the Breeders' Cup. I'll probably take a couple weeks off then start the Road to the Breeders' Cup blogginng! Have a great evening and start to a great summer!
Kirsten
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Saturday, June 6, 2009

Belmont Stakes and other stakes picks

*WARNING VERY LONG POST AHEAD* So since I have the time beforehand I thought I would post my picks for every single stakes race today at Belmont. The True North Handicap, Just a Game Stakes, Woody Stephens, Acorn Stakes, Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap and of course the Belmont Stakes. I'll start off with the True North.

The True North Handicap
G2 $250,000
Six furlongs on the dirt

1.Benny the Bull 123 .lbs 5/2
2.Silver Edition 114 .lbs 8/1
3.Two Step Salsa 119 .lbs 3/1
4.Sixthirteen 114 .lbs 12/1
5.Desert Key 115 .lbs 6/1
6.Fabulous Strike 122 .lbs 2/1

I like Benny the Bull here to win, Two Step Salsa to place, and Silver Edition to show.

Just a Game Stakes
G1 $400,000
One mile on the turf, 118 lbs. all except Forever Together 123 .lbs

1.Carribean Sunset 6/1
2.Raw Silk 10/1
3.Captain's Lover 8/1
4.I Lost My Choo 15/1
5.Forever Together 6/5
6.Modern Look 8/1
7.Diamondrella 8/1
8.My Princess Jess 5/1

I like Forever Together(of course) to win, Raw Silk to place and Diamondrella to show.

The Woody Stephens
G2 $250,000
Seven furlongs on the dirt

1.Regal Ransom 123 .lbs 2/1
2.Everyday Heroes 123 .lbs 2/1
3.This ones for phil 123 .lbs 7/2
4.Gone Astray 117 .lbs 15/1
5.Munnings 117 .lbs 4/1
6.Triumphant Flight 121 .lbs 15/1
7.Hello Broadway 117 .lbs 12/1
8.Kensei 117 .lbs 15/1
9.Hull 123 .lbs 3/1

I like Everyday Heroes to win, Regal Ransom to place and This ones for phil to show.

The Acorn Stakes
G1 $300,000
One mile on the dirt, all 121 .lbs

1.Casanova Move 6/1
2.Gabby's Golden Gal 15/1
3.Be Fair 12/1
4.Funny Moon 8/1
5.Doremifasollatido 6/1
6.Livin Lovin 15/1
7.Dream Play 6/1
8.Justwhistledixie 8/5
9.Four gifts 6/1

I like Four gifts to win, Justwhistledixie to place and Gabby's Golden Gal to show.

The Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap
G1 $400,000
One and one fourth miles on the turf

1.Court vision 120 .lbs 4/1
2.Optimer 110 .lbs 4/1
3.Champs Elysees 119 .lbs 12/1
4.Zambezi Sun 116 .lbs 12/1
5.Marsh Side 117 .lbs 20/1
6.Premium Gold 113 .lbs 20/1
7.Gio Ponti 120 .lbs 7/2
8.Wesley 116 .lbs 12/1
9.Senior 112 .lbs 50/1
10.Better Talk Now 117 .lbs 15/1
11.Cosmonaut 116 .lbs 6/1
12.Interpatation 114 .lbs 20/1
13.Lauro 117 .lbs 15/1
14.Cowboy Cal 120 .lbs 3/1

I'll pick Cosmonaut to win, Cowboy Cal to place and Court vision to show.

The Belmont Stakes
G1 $1,000,000
One and a half miles on the dirt, all 126 .lbs

1.Chocolate Candy 10/1
2.Dunkirk 4/1
3.Mr. Hot Stuff 15/1
4.Summer Bird 12/1
5.Luv Gov 20/1
6.Charitable Man 3/1
7.Mine that Bird 2/1
8.Flying Private 12/1
9.Miner's Escape 15/1
10.Brave Victory 15/1

This is a hard race to handicap but I have to go with Charitable Man to win, Dunkirk to place and Mine that Bird to show.

I'll have my post race analysis tomorrow. Have a great day of racing!
Kirsten
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Monday, June 1, 2009

Belmont and other updates



Rachel was confirmed that she will not competing in this Saturday's Belmont stakes. Jess Jackson said they want to give the filly a break and point toward the summer racing. I'm a little disappointed but they know their horse. I hope Rachel gets her rest and is pointed toward some more races against the boys!

Mine that Bird, Dunkirk and Charitable man have put in their last works before the Belmont. I have to say that I'm keeping my eye on Charitable Man. His sire Lemon Drop Kid won the Belmont and his Peter Pan win was nice. I think he's the one to beat at the moment with his running style suiting the pace scenario of this race. The only thing really going against Mine that Bird right now is the pace. With him being a late closer that isn't going to be as effective going a mile and a half. I'm not counting him out though. Dunkirk I'm a little iffy about. I'm not sure if he can get the mile and a half and he isn't carrying much flesh going into this race. He could surprise though. Some other horses to keep in mind are Flying Private, Summer Bird and the Zito horses, Miner's Escape and Brave victory. Zito has been lethal lately in the Belmont with Da' Tara last year and Birdstone, Mine that Bird's sire.

Also Rene Douglass is doing okay right now and his wife reports that "his mind is sharp." I hope for the best.

Friesan Fire was discovered last week to have a stress fracture in his left front leg and a secondary nondisplaced chip fracture in his right front fetlock and will now be out for a while. He had surgery on Friday. Hope he recovers well to come back to racing.

Have a great evening!
Kirsten
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Monday, May 25, 2009

Rachel and the Bird work

Rachel worked a half mile today in :50 1/5 over a sloppy Chuchill downs. Connections are saying that she is doing very well with Jackson stating "She acts like she can run through a brick wall." There is no decision yet on whether of not she will start in the Belmont. This work was supposed to cap their decision but they are still playing the we'll see how she is doing card. Jackson, her owner, has said that the decision could come later this week or as late as next Monday when her next work is slated. If Rachel skips the Belmont she would likely be pointed toward the Mother Goose stakes at Belmont on the June 27th. Jackson also declined to answer if he would run her in the Breeder's Cup at Santa Anita. He indicated that if she did run, it would be in the Classic and not the Ladies Classic.

Meanwhile Mine that Bird worked four furlongs in :51. Jockey Calvin Borel was aboard for the work and afterwards was questioned of his riding status in the Belmont. Him and his agent have not come to a decision on whether they will ride Mine that Bird, who is going to the Belmont, or Rachel Alexandra, who is questionable for it. After the work he and his trainer had this to say. “He went good, like his old self,” Borel said before Hissam added there would be no comment on the mount situation. "He worked super; he got over the ground good,” said trainer Bennie “Chip” Woolley Jr. “I am tickled with where we are right now. He’s been a little on the hook, so we’re just trying to get him to settle.” Mine that Bird is scheduled to work next Monday.

I had to mention Zenyatta's win in the Milady on Saturday.(See picture) She just keeps getting better and better. Mike Smith said he was numb when he got off of her from the victory. I can't wait to see this older mare go up against Rachel if they do. The young hotshot filly against the older mare.

Brass hat also had a nice race this weekend at Churchill with none other than Borel aboard. His trainer said he might now go back to the dirt.

Also check out Afleet Alex's 2 year olds racing. He has a filly called She's a Fleet racing today at Churchill against a half sister of his called Stormin' Maggy. Interesting to see this outcome.

I'd like to send my condolences to Rene Douglas and his family. I hope he is able to walk again after that terrible accident at Arlington.
Have a great evening!
Kirsten
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

RACHEL ALEXANDRA rocks Preakness




Well as you all pretty much know by now, Rachel absolutely showed her guts on Saturday. She is a freak as I told you. A FREAK. I'd like to see Asmussen and Jackson give her some time to rest then point her towards the Travers and Breeder's Cup. But if they decide to run her in the Belmont I'll have no qualms about it. They'll know her condition far better than any of us. So in short, RACHEL is a freak and has shown her old owner fillies don't always have to run with fillies.

Meanwhile Mine that Bird solified himself as the best three year old male by coming in second to Rachel in a last charge. His win the Derby was no fluke. I applaud this little gelding and his efforts. Can't wait to see him in the Belmont and stretch out to a 1 1/2 miles.

Here is the full order of finish for the Preakness.

1.Rachel Alexandra
2.Mine That Bird
3.Musket Man
4.Flying Private
5.Big Drama
6.Papa Clem
7.Terrain
8.Luv Gov
9.General Quarters
10.Friesan Fire
11.Pioneerofthenile
12.Tone it down
13.Take the Points

Okay let's start off with horses that surprised me with their finishes. Musket Man has been nearly perfect so far. Never out of the money. He'll dominate if he returns to his home track and runs there. Flying Private and Big Drama also surprised me with their finishes. Especially since Big Drama reared in the gate and lost Johnny Velasquez. Now on the other hand, Friesan Fire was very disappointing. I had at least suspected him in the money but I guess not. Man, that Fairgrounds form is just not holding up lately in the Triple Crown is it? Pioneerofthenile's finish was what I suspected. He just is so big he doesn't really have the turn of foot that other horses do such as Mine That Bird. He's just another glorified synthetic specialist to me.

Well I probably won't be posting lately because of other things happening in my life. I'll try to post at least three more times before the Belmont. I'm excited. The Belmont is my favorite Triple Crown race.
Have a great evening!
Kirsten
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Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Preakness posts and odds


Well the 13 horse field for the Preakness stakes were drawn today. Here is the lineup.

The Preakness Stakes presented by Blackberry at Pimlico
G1
$1,100,000 1 3/16 miles
126 lbs for colts and geldings, 121 for fillies

1.Big Drama 10/1
2.Mine That Bird 6/1
3.Musket Man 8/1
4.Luv Gov 50/1
5.Friesan Fire 6/1
6.Terrain 30/1
7.Papa Clem 12/1
8.General Quarters 20/1
9.Pioneerofthenile 5/1
10.Flying Private 50/1
11.Take the Points 30/1
12.Tone it Down 50/1
13. Rachel Alexandra 8/5

Would you look at that? Rachel is the favorite over Mine that Bird AND Pioneerofthenile. Wasn't expecting that but hey, her victory in the Oaks was very impressive. I'll make my picks now while I'm at it. I'll pick RACHEL ALEXANDRA to win in impressive fashion, Mine that Bird to place and Take the Points to show.

Meanwhile in other Preakness news, on Sunday Pioneerofthnile's owner and Mine That Bird's half owner dropped their plans to keep Rachel out. I'm glad that they didn't go through with it but still, just coming up with that is so slimy. Also Mine that Bird arrived yesterday at Pimlico and today he galloped 1 1/2 miles over the surface. No rest day for him. Calvin Borel will also be getting off Mine that Bird and onto Rachel instead. I can say I can't blame him. I would do the exact same thing. Did you see her win? Amazing.

Well I might have another post between now and the Preakness but, for now have a nice evening!
Kirsten
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Sunday, May 10, 2009

Owners plot to keep filly out of Preakness



See the article here. http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2009/May/10/Owners-plotting-to-keep-Rachel-Alexandra-out-of-Preakness.aspx





What a disgusting, low, dirty trick. I know that this does happen in racing but this is just BS. They are just scared of facing Rachel Alexandra because they know she is going to give them a run for their money. Oh, and Mine That Bird's owner wants Calvin back on their horse instead of on Rachel Alexandra. That choice that Calvin chose the Oaks winner over the Derby winner should tell you something. Calvin even has repeatedly said that she is the best three year old this year. I've lost all respect for Pioneerofthenile's connections and now lost respect for Mine that Bird's owner. I hope Rachel gets in but if she doesn't then I hope Jess Jackson(her new owner that just bought her. He used to own Curlin.) points her toward the Belmont instead. She deserves a chance to beat the boys.





Here is the contenders for the Preakness stakes so far.



Mine That Bird
Pioneerofthenile
Big Drama
Flying Private
General Quarters
Hull
Musket Man
Papa Clem
Take the Points
Terrain
Friesan Fire
Rachel Alexandra


Have a great day!

Kirsten

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Monday, May 4, 2009

Mine that Bird soars to victory

Wow....that was an amazing race on Saturday!(Go to kentuckyderby.com to see it.) I swear I thought Pioneerofthenile had it in the bag when Calvin "Borail" Borel came through a tiny hole to win it. Congrats Calvin! He is one of my favorite jockeys to watch win. Not only does he own the rail but he is a hoot to see him after a huge win like that. All smiles and he is always just as estatic as ever. Puts a smile on your face. Anyways back to the horse. Mine that Bird just absolutely blew the other horses out of the water. What an extreme turn of foot that little gelding has. He is certaintly like this sire and grandsire.

His connections aren't the typical Kentucky Derby winning connections you would expect. They were dressed in cowboy boots and hats with jeans. I liked them. It's nice to see the little guys come up to win the big race. His trainer though is something else. Yes he had been rude to NBC's reporters but hey, he has a broken leg and who knows what kind of pain killers he's on. Also he seems to care a lot about his horse and thats how it should be. Kind of reminds me of Ruffian's trainer. Not sitting around talking to reporters when his horse needs him. They also scored points when on Sunday they brought the rose blanket to the Barbaro memorial statue outside Churchill Downs and placed it upon the statue for bystanders to take pictures. Then they handed out the roses to fans. How nice is that?

So all in all, yes I was a bit disappointed about the outcome but it was a great race and the best horse won. Now I'm not going to hand the Triple Crown to him but, he does have a shot. If he wins the Preakness in a couple weeks then he is definitely going to have the best shot so far. His father Birdstone upset Smarty Jones to win the Belmont Stakes in 2004. So you know he can get the distance of a mile and half. Now the Preakness is what I'm worried about. Pimlico tends to be speed favoring and that isn't going to suit his style of running. Well we'll see how he does. Only 12 days then it's time to the second leg of the Triple Crown!
Now for the full order of finish.
1.Mine That Bird
2.Pioneerofthenile
3.Musket Man
4.Papa Clem
5.Chocolate Candy
6.Summer Bird
7.Join in the Dance
8.Regal Ransom
9.West Side Bernie
10.General Quarters
11.Dunkirk
12.Hold Me Back
13.Advice
14.Desert Party
15.Mr. Hot Stuff
16.Atomic Rain
17.Nowhere to Hide
18.Friesan Fire
19.Flying Private
Now I was really impressed with Musket Man, Papa Clem, Chocolate Candy and Summer Bird's performance. A lot better than I thought they would do. Regal Ransom, Desert Party, Dunkirk, and Friesan Fire though really were disappointing. I do think Dunkirk and Friesan Fire did have excuses. Dunkirk did some kind of a freaky no one was near him but he stumbled, sort of thing then Prado completely rushed him into contention. Friesan Fire tore half of his foot off grabbing a quarter and Gabriel Saez just let him gallop out the race and didn't push him. (Gabriel was the same jockey who rode Eight Belles last year.) So I hope to see Dunkirk and Friesan Fire come back to win some more races. Saturday though, just wasn't their days. Desert Party and Regal Ransom just don't have any excuses. They just weren't good enough.
See you later to start handicapping the Preakness!
Have a great evening!
Kirsten
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Saturday, May 2, 2009

Breaking News: I Want Revenge scratched

I Want Revenge was scratched from the Kentuckky Derby this morning when a filling was found in his ankle. They jogged him on the blacktop and he jogged okay but the vet said the inflammation was still there.

Well this is a surprising development. The favorite scratched the day of the race. This Derby is just the Derby of scratches and dropouts isn't it? Oh well, at least they are being cautious with him and not running him when he isn't 100% fit. Well now my picks are Friesan Fire and Dunkirk.
Kirsten
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Friday, May 1, 2009

RACHEL ALEXANDRA one of the best fillies EVER

I'm so speechless right now about RACHEL'S win.(go to ntra.com and click on videos to view.) Just.....wow. I have to say this is the best filly I have ever seen in my life. She is better than Zenyatta, Ruffian and any of the other fillies in history. She has never been asked to do her best yet but she won the Kentucky Oaks by a 20 1/4 lengths. Calvin sat chilly the entire time. Just WOW. When she came around that bend and I watched as the other filly's rider was really riding her and Calvin just sitting chilly as can be and when she pulled away....It reminded me of Secretariat in the Belmont. God I wish she would have been in the Derby. But hey, they may be considering the Belmont so maybe she can tromp the boys there. I have never been so impressed with a horse since like this since Afleet Alex. This filly is not just a freak, she is a champion. We are looking at the best horse running this year. Just give her Horse of the Year honors now. LOL.


Kinda short but my picks for the Derby are I Want Revenge, Dunkirk, and Friesan Fire. Now only less than one day left till the Run for the Roses!

Have a great evening!

Kirsten
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Thursday, April 30, 2009

Kentucky Oaks and Louisville Distaff preview

Well only one more day till the big dance of the Derby. But first tomorrow we have the Kentucky Oaks with Rachel Alexandra and Justwhistledixie along with undefeated Breeder's cup Distaff winner Zenyatta coming back to match up with One Caroline an undefeated 4 year old grey mare. Let's start it off with the Louisville.

Louisville Stakes at Churchill Downs
Grade 2
$350,000 1 1/16 miles

1.Swift Temper 15/1
2.Zenyatta 4/5
3.Miss Isella 15/1
4.One Caroline 3/1
5.Unforgotten 20/1
6.Modification 20/1
7.French Kiss 30/1
8.Unbridled Belle 3/1

I had a hard time picking a favorite here. I loved One Caroline's romp last time out at Gulfstream(see picture above) but Zenyatta is also undefeated and won the Distaff last year and Older female of year honors. Sorry Caroline but Zenyatta, on paper, is the better horse here. I pick Zenyatta to win, One Caroline to place and I'll throw French Kiss to show. Now onto the major race for tomorrow.

The Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs
Grade 1
$500,000 1 1/8 miles 121 lbs. all

1.Tweeter 30/1
2.Be Fair 15/1
3.Stone Legacy 30/1
4.Gabby's Golden Gal 10/1
5.Justwhistledixie 5/2
6.Rachel Alexandra 3/5
7.Nan 20/1
8.Flying Spur 8/1

Of course I'll be picking RACHEL ALEXANDRA to romp here. I'll take Gabby's Golden Gal to place and Nan to show. Go Rachel!

Tomorrow is lady's day at the Downs so grab your hat and purchase yourself an Oak's Lily and tune in to the Kentucky Oaks. I'll have a recap tomorrow along with a preview of the Derby. Have a great evening!
Kirsten
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