Happy New Year to all. I'm glad the holidays are over because it only means we are now on the slow road to the Triple Crown.
The coming months will see action at Gulfstream Park in Florida, Santa Anita in California, Aqueduct in New York, Turfway Park in Kentucky and the list goes on and on.
The first major stakes of the season took place yesterday at Aqueduct Race Track in New York. The Count Fleet Stakes, run at a mile and 70 yards on the Aqueduct all-weather inner track, saw Giant Moon, ridden by Ramon Dominguez at 5/2, prevail by a hard fought neck over 4-1 shot, Spanky Fishbein. Favorite Roman Emperor, Jeremy Rose, up raced mid-pack and looked dull in his first effort of the year.
Now, this wasn't a stellar field; still, Giant Moon, had won 3 in a row in New York Bred races--much as Funny Cide had done a few years ago. So, for Giant Moon to win in open ranks was a nice notch in his quest to make the starting gate the first Saturday in May. Giant Moon is trained by Richie Schosberg for whom it would be nice to have a Derby winner. Second choice in the wagering was Barrier Reef, ridden by Alan Garcia. Sent off at 5/2, he ran evenly to be a very non-threatening 4th.
That's all for now. I'm hoping to post a little more frequently this season.
May the horse be with you!
Racetrack Lenny
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Sunday, June 10, 2007
What A Race!!!!!!!
History was made yesterday when Rags To Riches became the first filly since 1905--yes, 102 years ago, to win the Belmont Stakes in thrilling fashion to get up by a nose at the wire. The stretch duel was right out of 1978 "Affirmed/Alydar". Sent off as the 4-1 second choice in the wagering (in a short field of 7), Rags To Riches was the sentimental favorite as demonstrated by the standing ovation she received as she came past us in the Post Parade.
In the 1-1/2 mile "Test of Champions", you knew the key would be stamina, pace and pure dumb luck. In the stamina category, we knew Rags To Riches could get the distance having Secretariat and A.P. Indy in her bloodlines and being a half-sister to last year's Belmont winner, Jazil. However, it is an incredibly tough proposition for a filly to take on the best boys around and win. Rags To Riches victory was impressive in that she was the first filly to win at the Belmont distance of 1-1/2 miles. The first Belmont in 1867 was won by a filly, Ruthless, when the race was contested at 1-5/8 miles--just a tad longer than the current Belmont distance. Tanya in 1905 won the Belmont when it was run at a 1-1/4 miles-- a quarter mile shorter than today's classic distance.
When the gates opened, I thought Rags To Riches had lost all chance when she stumbled badly and nearly went down to her knees. However, jockey John Velasquez kept his cool, knew it was a long race and gathered her together to reach mid-pack. It also helped considerably that the pace was lethargic. C.P. West and Slew's Tizzy alternated on the lead through an opening 1/4 in 24-3/5ths and a half in 50 seconds flat. At the 3/4 mile marker, C.P. West and Slew's Tizzy were still there in 1:15-2/5ths--a pedestrian pace. Hard Spun, who I thought would be the pace setter, was being hard held in 3rd by Garrett Gomez. Curlin was racing on the rail and looked like he might get boxed in since the front 2 had yet to start backing up and the pace was slow. Tiago was making his move and Rags To Riches was in the clear on the outside just 4 lengths off the lead.
Approaching the stretch, Curlin found room at the rail to get by and begin his bid. Rags To Riches swung 4 wide to circle the field and get right alongside Curlin and the battle was on. Those two just ding-donged through the stretch with Curlin having the lead one second and then Rags To Riches would have the lead when her head came down. At the wire, it was Rags To Riches head coming down just as Curlin's head was coming up and the filly wins by a nose. What a roar from the crowd of only 46,976.
Jockey John Velasquez showed his class when he brought Rags To Riches past the stands for her fans to cheer her on. In my 37 years of attending the Belmont, the last time I saw a horse get such an ovation was Secretariat and Affirmed. It was a very popular victory. It was good for the sport.
I also have to sing the praises of track announcer Tom Durkin. His call of that race will go down as one of the best calls of any race, anywhere. He is the best in the business.
It will be an interesting summer to see how Monmouth and Saratoga now battle to get Rags To Riches t0 keep racing against the boys in their signature events--the Haskell and the Travers. I'm hoping owner Michael Tabor and trainer Todd Pletcher go ahead and have her run again against the boys.
In a short field, there wasn't a lot of money to be made; but, the race was rich just by itself.
May the horse be with you,
Racetrack Lenny
In the 1-1/2 mile "Test of Champions", you knew the key would be stamina, pace and pure dumb luck. In the stamina category, we knew Rags To Riches could get the distance having Secretariat and A.P. Indy in her bloodlines and being a half-sister to last year's Belmont winner, Jazil. However, it is an incredibly tough proposition for a filly to take on the best boys around and win. Rags To Riches victory was impressive in that she was the first filly to win at the Belmont distance of 1-1/2 miles. The first Belmont in 1867 was won by a filly, Ruthless, when the race was contested at 1-5/8 miles--just a tad longer than the current Belmont distance. Tanya in 1905 won the Belmont when it was run at a 1-1/4 miles-- a quarter mile shorter than today's classic distance.
When the gates opened, I thought Rags To Riches had lost all chance when she stumbled badly and nearly went down to her knees. However, jockey John Velasquez kept his cool, knew it was a long race and gathered her together to reach mid-pack. It also helped considerably that the pace was lethargic. C.P. West and Slew's Tizzy alternated on the lead through an opening 1/4 in 24-3/5ths and a half in 50 seconds flat. At the 3/4 mile marker, C.P. West and Slew's Tizzy were still there in 1:15-2/5ths--a pedestrian pace. Hard Spun, who I thought would be the pace setter, was being hard held in 3rd by Garrett Gomez. Curlin was racing on the rail and looked like he might get boxed in since the front 2 had yet to start backing up and the pace was slow. Tiago was making his move and Rags To Riches was in the clear on the outside just 4 lengths off the lead.
Approaching the stretch, Curlin found room at the rail to get by and begin his bid. Rags To Riches swung 4 wide to circle the field and get right alongside Curlin and the battle was on. Those two just ding-donged through the stretch with Curlin having the lead one second and then Rags To Riches would have the lead when her head came down. At the wire, it was Rags To Riches head coming down just as Curlin's head was coming up and the filly wins by a nose. What a roar from the crowd of only 46,976.
Jockey John Velasquez showed his class when he brought Rags To Riches past the stands for her fans to cheer her on. In my 37 years of attending the Belmont, the last time I saw a horse get such an ovation was Secretariat and Affirmed. It was a very popular victory. It was good for the sport.
I also have to sing the praises of track announcer Tom Durkin. His call of that race will go down as one of the best calls of any race, anywhere. He is the best in the business.
It will be an interesting summer to see how Monmouth and Saratoga now battle to get Rags To Riches t0 keep racing against the boys in their signature events--the Haskell and the Travers. I'm hoping owner Michael Tabor and trainer Todd Pletcher go ahead and have her run again against the boys.
In a short field, there wasn't a lot of money to be made; but, the race was rich just by itself.
May the horse be with you,
Racetrack Lenny
Friday, June 8, 2007
The Belmont
I'll be out to Belmont Park for the 37th consecutive year at the Belmont Stakes. I wish the race was a good betting race; but, it certainly should be an interesting race, especially with the presence of the brilliant filly Rags To Riches.
I was a bit surprised when the track's odds-maker made Rags To Riches the 3rd choice at 3/1. Maybe the odds maker took into account the "filly versus the males" angle which will attract money to Rags. Also, a catchy name that sums up what everyone wants to happen to them--go from Rags to Riches!
Here's my thoughts on the field:
1. I'm A Wild & Crazy Guy: A one-run closer who needs a fast pace to close into. That scenario generally doesn't develop too often in the Belmont. Jazil won from last to first last year; but, the opening fractions were very fast. More often than not, tactical speed wins the race. This horse may be flying at the end; but, best to use him at the bottom of your trifecta bets.
2. Tiago: Another one-run closer who needs a strong pace. He is related to Giacomo; however, remember that Giacomo finished a non-threatening 4th in his Belmont. This west coast based horse may find the Belmont surfact a little too deep for his liking.
3. Curlin: A deserving favorite who will likely go off at even money or less. For that return, I am looking to beat him. Yes, he put in a huge run in the Preakness equaling Secretariat's record for that distance. However, is he capable of another such effort? I am betting he isn't.
4. C.P. West: Trainer Nick Zito beat Smarty Jones with Birdstone--and C.P. West has followed Birdstone's training regimen and race tab. So, a win by C.P. West, while not likely, is not totally out of the question.
5. Slew's Tizzy: Is very much overmatched here; but, he will be a pace factor. He can't get the distance. The question is will he sucker Hard Spun and Rags To Riches into matching strides early. I hope not.
6. Hard Spun: Brilliant effort in the Derby, setting a strong pace and getting beat by a brilliant Street Sense. A very nice effort in the Preakness despite Mario Pino moving much too soon on him. It cost Pino the mount as Garrett Gomez replaces him for tomorrow's race. I think he can set a sensible pace and last to the end.
7. Rags To Riches: Certainly adds an "angle" to the race. Can a filly beat the boys? Sure--if the right pace scenario sets up. She will carry 5 lbs. less than the boys which is a plus. If she can rate off the expected pacesetter- Slew's Tizzy, and get the jump on Hard Spun, she can be around at the finish line.
Bets:
$2 Exacta: 6,7 over ALL.
$1 Trifecta: 6/7 with 6/7 with 1,2,3,4,5
$1 Trifecta 6/7 with 1,2,3,4,5 with 6/7
May the horse be with you,
Racetrack Lenny
I was a bit surprised when the track's odds-maker made Rags To Riches the 3rd choice at 3/1. Maybe the odds maker took into account the "filly versus the males" angle which will attract money to Rags. Also, a catchy name that sums up what everyone wants to happen to them--go from Rags to Riches!
Here's my thoughts on the field:
1. I'm A Wild & Crazy Guy: A one-run closer who needs a fast pace to close into. That scenario generally doesn't develop too often in the Belmont. Jazil won from last to first last year; but, the opening fractions were very fast. More often than not, tactical speed wins the race. This horse may be flying at the end; but, best to use him at the bottom of your trifecta bets.
2. Tiago: Another one-run closer who needs a strong pace. He is related to Giacomo; however, remember that Giacomo finished a non-threatening 4th in his Belmont. This west coast based horse may find the Belmont surfact a little too deep for his liking.
3. Curlin: A deserving favorite who will likely go off at even money or less. For that return, I am looking to beat him. Yes, he put in a huge run in the Preakness equaling Secretariat's record for that distance. However, is he capable of another such effort? I am betting he isn't.
4. C.P. West: Trainer Nick Zito beat Smarty Jones with Birdstone--and C.P. West has followed Birdstone's training regimen and race tab. So, a win by C.P. West, while not likely, is not totally out of the question.
5. Slew's Tizzy: Is very much overmatched here; but, he will be a pace factor. He can't get the distance. The question is will he sucker Hard Spun and Rags To Riches into matching strides early. I hope not.
6. Hard Spun: Brilliant effort in the Derby, setting a strong pace and getting beat by a brilliant Street Sense. A very nice effort in the Preakness despite Mario Pino moving much too soon on him. It cost Pino the mount as Garrett Gomez replaces him for tomorrow's race. I think he can set a sensible pace and last to the end.
7. Rags To Riches: Certainly adds an "angle" to the race. Can a filly beat the boys? Sure--if the right pace scenario sets up. She will carry 5 lbs. less than the boys which is a plus. If she can rate off the expected pacesetter- Slew's Tizzy, and get the jump on Hard Spun, she can be around at the finish line.
Bets:
$2 Exacta: 6,7 over ALL.
$1 Trifecta: 6/7 with 6/7 with 1,2,3,4,5
$1 Trifecta 6/7 with 1,2,3,4,5 with 6/7
May the horse be with you,
Racetrack Lenny
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Same Old, Same Old
The hope of a large field in the Belmont is starting to look today like a small field--maybe as few as 6. One defection is Great Hunter, finishing near the back of the pack in the Derby, who was injured in a workout and will miss the Belmont. He will be pointed towards a campaign in the Fall. Another defection is Chelokee. Trainer Michael Matz (he of Barbaro fame) announced that it was "too much, too soon" to expose Chelokee to a mile and a half race after a big win in the Barbaro Stakes on Preakness Day.
One positive development is the replacement of Hard Spun jockey Mario Pino by Garrett Gomez. I like Mario Pino. He's a good rider with a lot of talent. But, just about everyone believes he gunned Hard Spun way too soon in the Preakness and his connections believe it cost him the race. Garrett Gomez is hot right now and he is one of the best riders for horses that need to be "on or close" to the lead. I still think Hard Spun is going to make believers of a lot of fans when he wires the Belmont. We'll see.
Curlin has come out of the Preakness is good shape and he's been galloping over a mile- a very good sign. Street Sense's connections will make a decision (they say) by Wednesday whether they will go in the Belmont. Street Sense galloped the Belmont distance and came out of it in good order. It would be nice to see a "rubber match" in the Belmont.
Other "confirmed" starters include I'mawildandcrazyguy, Slew's Tizzy and Tiago. The super filly, Rags To Riches, is now on the fence. I don't know what's prompted the sudden "we don't know". Shug McGaughey looked like he would run Sightseeing; but, they're now not sure. Shug may be thinking turf for his trainee. Nobiz Like Shobiz has gone from "yes" to "maybe" to "no"--typical of Barclay Tagg--don't be surprised if Nobiz shows up in the entry box on June 6th.
French invader, Cristobal, now seems unlikely to make the trans-Atlantic trip. He's run one race, which he won. The Belmont is asking an awful lot real soon. His connections are having some second thoughts---and well they should!
Before signing off, please keep Belmont jockey, Andrew Lakeman, in your thoughts and prayers. Lakeman was severely injured this past Friday at Belmont Park when his mount broke down. He is in Long Island's North Shore Medical Center in the intensive care unit with severe internal and spinal injuries. He is in a coma and on a ventilator. Our good wishes are with him.
May the horse be with you,
Racetrack Lenny
One positive development is the replacement of Hard Spun jockey Mario Pino by Garrett Gomez. I like Mario Pino. He's a good rider with a lot of talent. But, just about everyone believes he gunned Hard Spun way too soon in the Preakness and his connections believe it cost him the race. Garrett Gomez is hot right now and he is one of the best riders for horses that need to be "on or close" to the lead. I still think Hard Spun is going to make believers of a lot of fans when he wires the Belmont. We'll see.
Curlin has come out of the Preakness is good shape and he's been galloping over a mile- a very good sign. Street Sense's connections will make a decision (they say) by Wednesday whether they will go in the Belmont. Street Sense galloped the Belmont distance and came out of it in good order. It would be nice to see a "rubber match" in the Belmont.
Other "confirmed" starters include I'mawildandcrazyguy, Slew's Tizzy and Tiago. The super filly, Rags To Riches, is now on the fence. I don't know what's prompted the sudden "we don't know". Shug McGaughey looked like he would run Sightseeing; but, they're now not sure. Shug may be thinking turf for his trainee. Nobiz Like Shobiz has gone from "yes" to "maybe" to "no"--typical of Barclay Tagg--don't be surprised if Nobiz shows up in the entry box on June 6th.
French invader, Cristobal, now seems unlikely to make the trans-Atlantic trip. He's run one race, which he won. The Belmont is asking an awful lot real soon. His connections are having some second thoughts---and well they should!
Before signing off, please keep Belmont jockey, Andrew Lakeman, in your thoughts and prayers. Lakeman was severely injured this past Friday at Belmont Park when his mount broke down. He is in Long Island's North Shore Medical Center in the intensive care unit with severe internal and spinal injuries. He is in a coma and on a ventilator. Our good wishes are with him.
May the horse be with you,
Racetrack Lenny
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Now To The 9th At Belmont--The Belmont Stakes
The saddest people in the world over the outcome of the Preakness was the New York Racing Association. The lack of a triple crown draw will cost them 1/2 their crowd. If some of the top horses decide to skip the Belmont, look for less than 50,000 to show up.
Trainer Larry Jones has pretty much confirmed that Hard Spun will run in the Belmont. Don't let the Preakness fool you. Hard Spun can get the distance--he just needs to be rated and get a patient ride. I'm sensing a Bet Twice type of victory. Street Sense's connections are up in the air about the Belmont, which would be a shame. It would be great for racing for a "rubber match". I'm hoping they'll run. Curlin seems likely to go in the Belmont. Kentucky Oaks winner, Rags to Riches, seems pointed to the Belmont. She would be the first filly in a long time to try the boys in the mile and half marathon.
Other possibilities include: I'mawildandcrazyguy--who closed for 4th in the Derby. Tiago who finished 7th in the Derby; Chelokee, who won the inaugural running of the Barbaro Stakes on the Preakness undercard. Barclay Tagg seems inclined to run No Biz Like Shobiz. No Biz's Derby performance was inexplicably dreadful; anything would be an improvement. Strong closer, Sightseeing, winner of the Peter Pan seems possible. And, what would a Belmont be without a foreign horse shipping in from Europe? This year, it looks like we'll have a French shipper in Cristobal who won his lone start, something called the Prix De Ferrieres.
Stay tuned for updates.
Racetrack Lenny
Trainer Larry Jones has pretty much confirmed that Hard Spun will run in the Belmont. Don't let the Preakness fool you. Hard Spun can get the distance--he just needs to be rated and get a patient ride. I'm sensing a Bet Twice type of victory. Street Sense's connections are up in the air about the Belmont, which would be a shame. It would be great for racing for a "rubber match". I'm hoping they'll run. Curlin seems likely to go in the Belmont. Kentucky Oaks winner, Rags to Riches, seems pointed to the Belmont. She would be the first filly in a long time to try the boys in the mile and half marathon.
Other possibilities include: I'mawildandcrazyguy--who closed for 4th in the Derby. Tiago who finished 7th in the Derby; Chelokee, who won the inaugural running of the Barbaro Stakes on the Preakness undercard. Barclay Tagg seems inclined to run No Biz Like Shobiz. No Biz's Derby performance was inexplicably dreadful; anything would be an improvement. Strong closer, Sightseeing, winner of the Peter Pan seems possible. And, what would a Belmont be without a foreign horse shipping in from Europe? This year, it looks like we'll have a French shipper in Cristobal who won his lone start, something called the Prix De Ferrieres.
Stay tuned for updates.
Racetrack Lenny
You Don't Know How Lucky You Are!
Under the "Twilight Zone" moment, I could have sworn I put up my Preakness analysis on the Blog. I was away for the weekend and was going to sit down to do my Preakness postmortem, when I noticed my Preakness prognostication was missing. I searched for drafts, under my old blog, under my bed--all to no avail. I have no idea what happened. However, my mystery was your enormous gain since my order of finish was Hard Spun, Street Sense, Circular Quay. You would have bet $75 and come back with a pitiful $3 show price on Hard Spun. Turn the page.
Too bad for Street Sense. He had the race won; but, Street Sense got to the lead and decided to gawk at the crowd and lost the race on a "head-bob" to Curlin. It's time for trainer Carl Nafgzer to invest in a good set of blinkers for Street Sense. I thought Curlin had the "fear of God" put into him in the Derby and he would regress. Wrong! He came through with a breathtaking performance that equaled the track record now shared by Secretariat, Tank's Prospect and Louis Quatorze. Not bad company, huh?
With a suicidal pace being set by Xchanger and Flying First Class, Mario Pino moved Hard Spun to the lead way too early and was sucking wind in mid-stretch. This was a race meant for closers; so, it was a big disappointment when Circular Quay showed nothing. Something is not quite right with this horse. Time for a rest.
Congratulations to the connections of Curlin. I must also say that Calvin Borel on Street Sense showed a TON of class in defeat. While upset he didn't win, he was thrilled for his fellow Louisiana buddy Robby Albarado. God will always reward that type of sportsmanship. Calvin-- YOU were the winner that day!
Racetrack Lenny
Too bad for Street Sense. He had the race won; but, Street Sense got to the lead and decided to gawk at the crowd and lost the race on a "head-bob" to Curlin. It's time for trainer Carl Nafgzer to invest in a good set of blinkers for Street Sense. I thought Curlin had the "fear of God" put into him in the Derby and he would regress. Wrong! He came through with a breathtaking performance that equaled the track record now shared by Secretariat, Tank's Prospect and Louis Quatorze. Not bad company, huh?
With a suicidal pace being set by Xchanger and Flying First Class, Mario Pino moved Hard Spun to the lead way too early and was sucking wind in mid-stretch. This was a race meant for closers; so, it was a big disappointment when Circular Quay showed nothing. Something is not quite right with this horse. Time for a rest.
Congratulations to the connections of Curlin. I must also say that Calvin Borel on Street Sense showed a TON of class in defeat. While upset he didn't win, he was thrilled for his fellow Louisiana buddy Robby Albarado. God will always reward that type of sportsmanship. Calvin-- YOU were the winner that day!
Racetrack Lenny
Monday, May 14, 2007
Puny Preakness Coming Up
I guess Street Sense scared everyone away. This Saturday's Preakness is shaping up to be a ho-hum affair. The 1-2-3 finishers in the Derby will go in the Preakness. Street Sense will probably go off as the favorite--figure even money or so. Hard Spun may go as the 2nd choice and Curlin will be right behind those two. Of the three, Curlin may be the better value and may turn out to be as good as his first 3 races indicated.
The rest of the expected field just seems outclassed. King of the Roxy, 2nd in the slow Santa Anita Derby, was distance-challenged at a mile and an eigth when overtaken by longshot Tiago. Now, the King will go a bit farther. Unless there is a pedestrian pace, which seems highly unlikely, I can't see it. Ditto for Flying First Class. Yes, Flying First Class won the Derby Trial; but, it was a very weak field. Flying First Class is the perfect miler--so, distance is a question here as well.
C.P. West, a Nick Zito trainee, is shipping in after having run 2nd in the Withers Stakes at Aqueduct earlier this year. Finishing 2nd while drifting out badly is a sign of a tiring horse--and that was at a shorter distance than the Preakness. Another distance-challenged horse.
Mint Slewlep had a horrible trip in the Withers and managed to finish 4th in the Withers; however, had he won the Withers, it would have been a surprise.
If you're looking at the "horse for the course" angle, then you will like Xchanger. Xchanger won the Federico Tesio at Pimlico earlier this year. That field looked more like an optional/claiming race than it did a stakes race. In any event, Xchanger has been over the track, seemed to have liked it and showed some staying power. He is stepping way up in class; but, not a total throwout--especially in trifectas and superfectas.
The field should be announced by Thursday; so, stay tuned.
Over & out,
Racetrack Lenny
The rest of the expected field just seems outclassed. King of the Roxy, 2nd in the slow Santa Anita Derby, was distance-challenged at a mile and an eigth when overtaken by longshot Tiago. Now, the King will go a bit farther. Unless there is a pedestrian pace, which seems highly unlikely, I can't see it. Ditto for Flying First Class. Yes, Flying First Class won the Derby Trial; but, it was a very weak field. Flying First Class is the perfect miler--so, distance is a question here as well.
C.P. West, a Nick Zito trainee, is shipping in after having run 2nd in the Withers Stakes at Aqueduct earlier this year. Finishing 2nd while drifting out badly is a sign of a tiring horse--and that was at a shorter distance than the Preakness. Another distance-challenged horse.
Mint Slewlep had a horrible trip in the Withers and managed to finish 4th in the Withers; however, had he won the Withers, it would have been a surprise.
If you're looking at the "horse for the course" angle, then you will like Xchanger. Xchanger won the Federico Tesio at Pimlico earlier this year. That field looked more like an optional/claiming race than it did a stakes race. In any event, Xchanger has been over the track, seemed to have liked it and showed some staying power. He is stepping way up in class; but, not a total throwout--especially in trifectas and superfectas.
The field should be announced by Thursday; so, stay tuned.
Over & out,
Racetrack Lenny
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