Special Dubai Contest information - 2

http://blacktypebugler.com/default.asp?artid=11068

http://blacktypebugler.com/?artid=11078

Sand Castle Derby - It's DERBY LOCK time!:

http://blacktypebugler.com/?artid=11077

http://blacktypebugler.com/default.asp?artid=11114

http://blacktypebugler.com/?artid=11112

The BLUEGRASS DERBY WATCH 2012








HORSE DOSAGE TRUENICK STAKES FUTURE BEST
LAST RACE NEXT LIKELY RACE TROT'S COMMENTS
SIRE INDEX RATING POINTS ODDS SPEED OWNER RESULT, AND SPEED TRACK, AND DATE DR. DIPPER LIP
PROUST(KY)





G1 – Sand Castle Derby G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: looks to become the only horse to win the Sand Castle Lock Race and then win the Bluegrass Derby, winner of back to back G1's has never been better
ZENSATIONAL x GIANT'S CAUSEWAY (IRE) x FORTY NINER DI 2.27 CD .56 D LOCK 10-1 105 platero 1ST – 105 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: Platero brings his colt in well rested and ready to roll. Big chance for the son of Zensational. I would imagine platero will be having sleepless nights, much like the narator of À la recherche du temps perdu.
STREET ETIQUETTE(KY) (f)





G-1 All Saints Derby G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: sensational filly has won seven of eight starts and was up to task against the boys in the All Saints, however filly has never gone beyond 8.5 furlongs and every Derby winner but one has won a race at 9 furlongs or longer
STREET CRY (IRE) x GIANT'S CAUSEWAY (IRE) x A.P. INDY DI 2.25 CD .65 A LOCK 25-1 105 mtk/laz 1ST – 105 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: beautifully bred filly from mtkplaz(super light or super junior hehehehe) will have her hands full on the front end and expect her to struggle the final 3/16th's, but take nothing away from her, the Dr would love to have her in his barn.
WEEKLY EXPRESS(JPN)





G1 Florida Derby G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT:came out of nowhere to win the Florida Derby and get fast tracked to the Bluegrass, only three of the thirteen Derby winners were bred outside of Kentucky so I'm not sure I'm ready to move all in on this one
SPECIAL WEEK x AFLEET ALEX x UNBRIDLED'S SONG DI 2.10 CD .60 D LOCK 20-1 104 punter34 1ST – 104 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: Japanese bred colt had big race in Florida but lightly raced colt is going to be in pretty tough with some of these others.
TIME FOR BUDA(ENG)





G1 Arkansas Derby G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: got up in time in the Arkansas Derby to get locked into the Derby field, but connections report he did not come out of the race well and is likely to miss the Derby Nine of the last eleven Derby winners had at least four weeks rest entering the Derby
DANSILI (GB) x SADLER'S WELLS x SECRETARIAT DI 1.50 CD .40 A LOCK 75-1 103 topicount 1ST – 101 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: Laura's colt ran two consecutive big races but came out of the Arkansas much the worse for wear and is 99/1 to be ready on the first Saturday in May. Don't cry for her argentina, since she is a connection for 2 others in the field
SILVERTON(KY)





G1 – Wooden Indian G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: winner of five straight including back to back G1's you have to believe you are looking at your post time Derby favorite. Strictly the one to beat
SMART STRIKE x SILVER DEPUTY x DIXIELAND BAND DI 3.00 CD .74 A LOCK 3-1 104 lilbitfarms 1ST -104 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: we might as well go to the Silverton Casino in Vegas, make our bet on this one, send bentnose for the hookers, drugs & booze and get ready to party with all our winnings
LETMEGOCRAZYONU(KY)





G1 – California Derby G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: owns the fastest speed figure in the top twenty and was the easy winner in the California Derby. Will have no trouble with the extra furlong but will have to avoid the dreaded “bounce”
ESKENDEREYA x SEEKING THE GOLD x NIJINSKY II DI 1.40 CD .40 B+ LOCK 6-1 106 blankpoint 1ST - 106 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: is it a Prince song title or a screamingly fast thoroughbred? We'll find out in a couple of weeks.
GENGIS KHANI(IRE)





G1 Corkscrew G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: twisted his way right into the Derby field with his win in the Corkscrew in gate to wire fashion. Another that will have to recuperate quickly before battling on the front end of the Bluegrass
DALAKHANI (IRE) x HENNESSY x PRIVATE ACCOUNT DI 1.30 CD .20
LOCK 30-1 103 pisano 1ST – 103 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: nice colt but very lightly raced. He will probably be cooked on the front end and done before they go 8 panels
BOLTON VALLEY(KY)





G1 – California Derby G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: 2011 Juvenile Eclipse Award winner is still looking for his first win in 2012 and is still searching for his best stride. Ten of the last eleven Derby winner won their final prep
BELONG TO ME x MR. PROSPECTOR x WHAT LUCK DI 3.22 CD.87 D 462 12-1 102 dundey 4TH – 98 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: winless as a 3 year old, Eclipse jinx, I think I hear Kashmir playing in the background
CLINTON'S DITCH(KY)





G1 – Wooden Indian G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: was passing tired horses in the Wooden Indian and is also looking for his first win in 2012. Has the running style that will benefit from a fast early pace but would need a complete form reversal to be a factor
SMART STRIKE x DANZIG x HALO DI 2.85 CD .69 A 220 20-1 100 head2head 3RD – 100 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: winless in 6 months, taking up a gate space
TOO MANY QUESTIONS(KY)





G1 – Florida Derby G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: has not fared well when racing beyond 8.5 furlongs and is winless since October. Only one horse has won the Bluegrass with a Dosage of 4.00 and he's not showing any signs of being the exception
DISCREETLY MINE x CAPOTE x CARSON CITY DI 4.00 CD .95 D 209 75-1 99 flagdown 3RD – 99 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: another that would be better served sitting this one out, winless in six months, losing ground in the stretch in every race since the Breeders Bowl
RAS EL HANOUT(JPN)





G2 – Land's End G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: love this colts lead up to the Bluegrass winning three graded stakes in a row and should come into the Bluegrass fast and fit...Japan bred? Well this guy thinks he was bred in KY
TANINO GIMLET (JPN) x SADLER'S WELLS x FORTY NINER DI 1.00 CD .10 D 176 5-1 104 super 1ST – 104 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: the supers suck, but they are here every year and this one is following the same path as Virtuoso, and we all know how that turned out. Who sang that turning japanese song?
SKITZOID(KY)





G1 – Florida Derby G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: was a little late in the Florida Derby at 9f, but two previous at 9.5 are going to have everyone emptying their pockets figuring he's going to love 10 panels. Maybe he will but only 3 horses have won the derby coming from as far back as he gets
AWESOME AGAIN x A.P. INDY x STORM CAT DI 3.00 CD .77 A 160 6-1 101 tees 4TH – 99 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: true to his name, who will show up, the Florida horse or the Vermont horse? The last 1/4 makes or breaks him
IMMENSELY(KY)





G1 – California Derby G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: I would be hard pressed to back a Derby horse that hasn't won a graded stakes prior to the Derby, not that he hasn't put up some good efforts, but there are just so many better options...could be due, but still a risky proposition
GIANT'S CAUSEWAY (IRE) x DISTORTED HUMOR x A.P. INDY DI 1.57 CD .33 A 156 40-1 103 mtk 2ND – 103 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: will be immensely tested in the Derby, not much experience running against some of these seasoned graded runners
SARCASTIC GLANCE(NY)





G1 – Wooden Indian G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: NY bred is loaded with speed and hails from top connections but he backed up badly in NY LTO and is going to have things his own way in KY and just don't see that happening with these
JUSTENUFFHUMOR x STORM CAT x MR. PROSPECTOR DI 3.40 CD .86 B 124 75-1 101 dixiedotco 7TH – 92 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: if a Japanese sired horse wins, then this one will fill out the exacta. Lots of speed and that's about it.
DOCTOR SAX(KY)





G-1 All Saints Derby G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: rebounded some in the All saints last out but is struggling to regain his two year old form. Race in Vermont is going to scare away the bettors and I'm not sure he is up to this level right now
GIANT'S CAUSEWAY (IRE) x DYNAFORMER x UNBRIDLED'S SONG DI 1.34 CD .24 B+ 116 50-1 101 super 5TH – 101 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: out of a he-mare, On The Road, that was up the track in the Derby, but a superior miler. Oh yeah, the band that was turning japanese was the Vapors, exactly what this colt will be sucking from the 3/8's pole on.
CHIEF RAINMAKER(KY)





G1 – Sand Castle Derby G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: rode a four race win streak before stalling out in the Sand Castle LTO. Lots of questions about an Indian Charlie getting the distance and his 4.20 DI doesn't help, but he was making up ground in last and that will get him some Derby interest
INDIAN CHARLIE x STORM CAT x MR. PROSPECTOR DI 4.20 CD 1.00 D 116 50-1 102 dixiedotco 4TH – 102 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: solid horse that likes to close, too bad his closing kick probably ends with 3/16's still left to run. Have to belive dixie is taking a shot in the dark
APPEASING(KY)





K Wad Stakes (T) G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: looks to be way off form, so much so his connections are hoping to gimmick him to a good derby run with a turf start in his last race...not sure that will help
STREET SENSE x DANZIG x MR. PROSPECTOR DI 3.00 CD .81 A 113 100-1 103 mrenforcer 5TH – 85 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: five races already this year, out of form, probably won't want to leave the gate
EL GATO'S MARK(KY)





G1 – Florida Derby G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: hasn't recorded a triple digit speed, hasn't won a race this year, and looks like if he makes the field he will be the longest shot on the board. I'm going to get a lot of MB heat for entering him, but if he makes the field he's running, so flame away
BADGE OF SILVER x STORM CAT x NIJINSKY II DI 1.33 CD .36 B+ 108 100-1 98 trotter1 6TH – 98 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: has this trainer taken more drugs than the Doctor? Doubtful, but I would like some of whatever he's smoking if this colt goes in the gate and he thinks it has a chance he only wins if the owner hires the Tanya Harding Handicapping service to take out the rest of the field.
ZAYATS STAR(KY)





G2 – Swale Stakes G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: hasn't raced since the Swale so you have to wonder if he is fit. Bred to go long but he hasn't won around two turns, so talk about a Derby shocker
ESKENDEREYA x RED RANSOM x SEATTLE SLEW DI 1.40 CD .29 C+ 108 100-1 98 broohar 2ND – 98 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: hasn't raced in almost 3 months, has never won going 2 turns, in fact hasn't won past six furlongs. I wouldn't bet even with kingab's money.
LUCKY'S FRANKLIN(KY)





G-1 All Saints Derby G1 – Bluegrass Derby TROT: I'd sure like to see this one make the field, he's really finding his best stride and just might be sitting on a big race but there is still three weeks before the derby and a couple more can still sneak into the field
CURLIN x A.P. INDY x STORM CAT DI 3.00 CD .70 B 106 18-1 103 mrlucky 2ND – 103 5037 – KY DR. DIPPER LIP: very nice horse, has come alive going two turns, but no graded wins. Asking an awful lot here.

http://blacktypebugler.com/default.asp?artid=11145


Bluegrass Derby

The Chat Pack stars in Bluegrass Derby Roundtable - Pre-draw Preview
by btb on Wednesday, May 02, 2012 at 12:16:14 AM



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Spinround, Beisbol, and Jetman
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spinround: So we had an exciting first day of Bluegrass Derby entries with sixteen runnersnominated in the first 27 hours or so
The eager beaver who had the very first entry was Tazdevil with Lookin At Hotrod
Lookin At Hotrod is a son of Lookin at Lucky x Danehill Dancer x Stephen Got Even
He's got a 10-5-1-3 $457,690 record

jetman:Nice looking horse has been improving steadily ... two time graded winner at a mile and an eigth

spinround: And both races came this season, he has certainly matured nicely from his 2yo year
Those two victories were the Grade Three Risen Star and the Grade Two Heat Less Stakes
He earned a career best 101 sp in that last race

jetman: Nice closing style

db: he's currently ranked #13 in the Classic division, which means he is assured a spot in the starting gate

spinround: he beat 2yo Champion Bolton Valley in the Risen Star and has finished ahead of several other potential Derby starters
the question is can he step up and win a Grade One? that's the only thing missing from his resume

jetman: Great question ... but my guess is he can. Better question is can he do it at ten furlongs

db: On paper, he looks much better going a route than he was as a sprinter, with very good speed figures of 99-97-101 in the last 3

spinround: One thing I found interesting about Lookin At Hotrod is that he had an early 2yo debut. He ran his first race on February 26th of 2011. Only one other entrant (so far) had an earlier debut
That colt is Major Alex, owned by our own jetman:
Major Alex is a son of Daiwa Major x Awesome Again x Storm Cat colt

jetman: waves at his throng of fans!

spinround: He has a 9-5-2-0 $503,100 record
Major Alex debuted last February 19th

db: As a bettor, I would be a little concerned that he jumps from three consecutive 8.5 furlong races right up to 10 furlongs (an extra 300 meters for our metricfriends).

spinround: He won four straight races last summer/fall including three graded stakes
But he hasn't been as consistant this year
How are you feeling jet?

jetman: A little buzzed, but hoping this next beer pushes me over the top ...
Oh you meant my horse

spinround: Lol
I like the fact that he's coming in on his third race off a layoff. You can see some big improvements using that angle.

jetman: I love him ... I believe in him, and i still believe he can get the distance. Ido not like my chances for making the field however.

spinround: Will you target the Middle Jewel if he doesn't make the field?

jetman: Ranked 22nd ... with some hot filly action entered. Will be tough.

db: Major Alex is ranked #22 and would need at least 2 defections from the horses ahead of him
Oh yes, and that's not counting the fillies...

jetman: Yes ... but i had to take my shot. As for the Middle Jewel I will not rule outthat possibility.

db: who was it that voluntarily defected already?
I would think the odds are good that there will be at least one other horse who is physically incapable of making the race

jetman: I believe the winner of the Corkscrew maybe came up injured?

spinround: no it was Time For Buda, the Arkansas Juvenile winner
Major Alex is a half-brother to Champion Union Jack Flyer by A.P. Indy so chances are he will get better with age

jetman: *******Feel free to be honest on Major Alex ... ********

spinround: our first Derby Lock race entrant is Proust who also has some nice blood behind him
He is a son of Zensational x Giant's Causeway x Forty Niner
with a 10-5-0-0 $1,674,580 record, owned by Platero
Proust is a full-brother to Prenzlauerburg, a multiple Grade One winner last season

db: Major Alex has an excellent trainer

jetman: Connections for Proust have to be excited for their chances. Already a Group 1 winner at 9 1/2 furlongs.

spinround: He enters the Derby after winning two Grade One races this season

db: can I volunteer one more thing on earlybird Lookin At Hotrod?

spinround: absolutely!

db: the bottom of his pedigree DOES look conducive to at least getting the Derby distance, but he is out of a nice mare (Hot Rod Lincoln) who was a stakes-winning turf sprinter!

jetman: 8 time stakes winner at that db

db: my gut tells me that 9f or so will be his "best" distance but I would not be shocked to see him on or near the lead at the top of the stretch
excellent sleuthery, Dr. Jet

jetman: Thank you my dear d "watson" b

spinround: he is a member of his sire Lookin At Lucky's first crop so difficult to tell how much stamina he'll get from that end

jetman: ----->moving back to Proust <--------
Proust has an older graded winning sibling ... also from sire Zensational

spinround: I personally love the Papito clan (Proust's dam)
there is also a stakes-placed 2yo full sibling

jetman: and ... Grade one winner at ... you guessed it .. ten furlongs!

jetman: makes note on his betting sheet

db: Proust is #1 in the Rankings, and probably could have made the field without winning the Sand Castle Derby Lock in his last... talk about excess!

spinround: yup Prenzlauerburg won the Grade One Duct Tape Special
although interestingly he is all speed and Proust is a confirmed closer

db: be honest... would either of you have bet this horse with Frankster's money in the G1 Winter Is Coming race 2 back?

jetman: ahh brothers ... maybe someday we will have the priviledge of seeing the two in amatch race. Until then ... how do you feel about his derby chances?

spinround: with speeds of 102 and 105 in his last two starts he certainly looks like adeserving favorite

db: He was 16-1 coming off two horrible races

spinround: ah but it was his 2nd start off the layoff
certainly there was room for improvement although I agree the amount of improvement was impressive

jetman: Not a chance donny ... honestly the patience and willingness to keep plugging away needs to be commended.

db: this is true! Perhaps he just did not fire in the Breeder's Bowl Juvenile

spinround: The third entrant with a hot sibling is Gengis Khani
and this one has a Bluegrass connection
He's a son of Dalakhani x Hennessy x Private Account
he has a 6-3-0-2 $546,120 record and owned by Pisano

jetman: Just think .. this horse might just be better on turf someday. Frightening.

spinround: Gengis Khani is a half-brother to 2010 Bluegrass Oaks winner Taylor's Story, by Distorted Humor
very true jet

db: she'smade over $1 mil and is still active at 5

spinround: andwith only six starts to his credit the sky is the limit with this colt

jetman: Has solidified himself as a legit contender on Saturday .. my main question is what style do we see him take.
Will be try and wire the field as he did in the Corkscrew? Or will be rate as he seemed to do early in his career

db: Dalakahni projects as a horse whose offspring might go further than Distorted Humor's, so despite the Hennessey in the middle of the page, I am inclined to think that the 10 furlongs is no problem

spinround: he'll likely be getting a better jockey than he's used to having so I'm sure thatwill play into the strategy of where to place this colt

jetman: So would either of you send him to the front early?

spinround: I think I would wait to see the full field before committing

db: I would not... the horse chasing last out (Steelshanks) held for 3rd, soperhaps it was an anomaly of the track that day... or that particular group

jetman: I will say this ... after last year having a derby winner from California and a Middle Jewel winner from Canada. I think connections have to like not having a Kentucky bred locked into the field.

spinround: I would love to see Iant's reaction if a son of Dalakhani won the premier US Classic, that's for sure

db: YOSS tools reports that Gengis Khani had a start speed of 90 last race
I would postulate that he got an easy-ish lead... but then again he might be super fast at the distance.

spinround: Continuingour well-bred theme, let's take a look at Doctor Sax

jetman: Graded winning mother Carol of the Bells ... and Graded winning sibling Taylor's story seem to indicate this family has LOADS of class

spinround: Owned by Super, he's a son of Giant's Causeway x Dynaformer x Unbridled's Song

db: Doctor Sax part of an uncoupled entry with RAS EL HANOUT, if my sources are correct

spinround: he has a 10-3-4-0 $642,050 record
yes indeed db
Doctor Sax was based on multiple Grade One winning miler On The Road

HR-jetman: i have to stay with Gengis Khani .... his older sister won the Bluegrass Oaks
in 2010
Just felt that needed mentioning ... have to check mom

db: mom once ran a blistering 117 SP winning a G3 on the dirt... and it seems to have broken her... she never won again

jetman: okay sorry back to Doctor Sax lol

spinround: After impressively winning the Grade Two Eruption last December, Doctor Sax has not done as well in two starts this season

db: love the mare and the connections here on Doctor Sax, but I am leary of Unbridled's Song in the DDS spot

spinround: that race of course was at one mile, perhaps indicating that his preferred distance is not ten furlongs

jetman: I might add Doctor Sax cut off Major Alex in the Eruption, but race stewards took a payoff to stay quiet

db: this is one that might cause our esteemed pedigree guru in the UK to go bonkers if he were to show 10f of stamina... good thing he's by Giant's Causeway and not Awesome Again!

spinround: His last start saw him finish fifth in the All Saints Derby behind Street Etiquette

db: at the very least, he can run interference for the stronger part of the entry

jetman: I have to say i tend to think his effort in the Grade one Vermont Lovers at 9 1/2 furlongs looks to be more of a bounce race, than not being able to get the distance.
I think ten furlongs is attainable for him.

spinround: he was only beaten 3 1/2 lengths in that race but I'm not sold that he can improve here

db: perhaps (and I am not suggesting that Super is plotting this...) he will go to the lead and try to rabbit

spinround: I agree the Vermont race looks like a throw out jet
always dangerous to have uncoupled entries for sure

spinround: should we move on to the big filly in the race, Street Etiquette?

jetman: I think we should leave our lovely lady till last?

spinround: she's a daughter of Street Cry x Giant's Causeway x A.P. Indy

db: the 800 lb. female gorilla in the room?

spinround: with a record of 10-8-2-0 $2,073,300 owned by Mtk and Galloplaz

db: if that isn't a pedigree that screams "Derbyfever Superstar" then I don't know what does!

jetman: Her breeding is impeccable .... her racing career is impeccable .... her trainers have handled her beautifully every step of the way.

spinround: it is hard to find fault with this one, but if I had to nit-pick was the All Saints Derby really the strongest of prep races?

db: she looks Dayne-Ger-Us

jetman: She looks amazing ... and she has already stomped the boys.

db: perhaps not Spin, but she won that going away and the speed figure of 105 is pretty bad-ass

spinround: Besides Doctor Sax how many of the other starters are pointing to the big race on Saturday?

db: I do not fault horses when they draw off by daylight... it often means there is a LOT more in the tank

spinround: Oh I agree she is everything you want in a sim horse but this is the Bluegrass Derby. She's up against some *very* good colts
and of course no filly has ever won this race

db: let's not forget the cracking of the glass ceiling performed by Nextbonus's super filly YOU SEE LA(JPN)

jetman: I would have liked to see her try 9 furlongs before now, but again very hard to fault what she has done to date.

db: I believe she was 2nd or 3rd in the Derby and won the Middle Jewel

spinround: Indeed she did. Street Etiquette can certainly join that lauded company on Saturday

db: and I think Street Etiquette is better than You See LA at this point in her career
toss her at your peril!

spinround: okdb: I have been sufficiently chastised for questioning her greatness

jetman: Be very interesting .... she is another who has wired graded company, albeit back when she was terrorizing the fillies division still

db: our chat room pal CVBEAR knows a thing or two about looking her in the eye... were it not for Street Etiquette, we might have another female entrant named Tolleson
SE> MA

spinround: we have one more Derby Lock Prep winner entered tonight, Weekly Express

db: and if the Rangers win tonight, I think Frank owes us drinks

spinround: he's a son of Special Week x Afleet Alex x Unbridled's Song
owned by Phantom he's 8-5-1-0 $766,520
Weekly Express won the Florida Derby by two lengths in his last start, running a 104sp
He'd won his first stakes race in his previous start

jetman: Another who might be just coming into his own ... and that added furlong might be right in his wheel house

db: absolutely
I for one was happy to see him win last out, as my promising 3yo was left in his wake in the previous start (listed stake at 8.5 furlongs)

spinround: and he's another who would benefit from what looks to be a hot pace

jetman: Mother was a one time stakes winner, so some class bred in.

spinround: The Florida Derby was his first 100+ speed, do you worry that he might bounce off that effort?

db: Special Week offspring stradle the line between turf/dirt and sometimes sprint/route, but he does have a few outstanding SIM foals... such as.... YOU SEE LA

jetman: It was a pretty significant jump, but i do believe its the added distance, was his first run at nine furlongs.

db: I am going to pass on the bounce theory for this one; he's sufficiently rested and was not in a protracted duel or tough photo finish or any of those other gut-wrenching scenarios

jetman:wonders if db realizes he would make a fantastic campain manager

spinround: the last horse to beat Weekly Express was the other Super runner Ras El Hanout
Ras El Hanout is a son of Tanino Gimlet x Sadler's Wells x Forty Niner

jetman: Ras is one scary dude for sure.

spinround: he's 8-5-2-0 $559,420

db: the more I look at Weekly Express, the more I like his chances... let's leave it there for now

spinround: that was in the Giant Slayer Classic, where Weekly Express finished fourth
since then Ras added the Grade Two Land's End to his resume as well

db: could be a Japanese exacta box

spinround: he's undefeated 4-4 on the dirt
and last three speeds have all been over 100

db: Tanino Gimlet is emerging as a very handy sire on both surfaces

spinround: this horse comes from the c-l-o-u-d-s

jetman: Hard to poke holes in his chances .... since the switch to dirt he has been dominant

db: we just don't know how good he is yet!

spinround: and as db pointed out earlier, Doctor Sax could be entered as a rabbit for this colt who is certainly the better half of the entry at this point in their careers

db: he'd be even money if the race were at 9f, but the extra eighth of a mile often threatens to sap the late turn of foot on these kind of closers

spinround: finishing second to Ras in the Land's End was Stevieboy

db: Plus, it never hurts to have Dr. Dipperlip in your corner

spinround: Stevie is owned by Kingman and is a son of Stephen Got Even x Broad Brush x Robellino
he has a 10-3-4-0 $364,820 record
what are his chances of making the field?

jetman: I would like to add that Ras El Hanout has to be my early week favorite

spinround: Stevie finished 11th in his most recent start, the Corkscrew

jetman: I love Stevieboy, as i have followed his career as closely as my own Major Alex. In fact they both won their first graded races on the same day back in July.

db: I'd say Stevie's chances are slightly worse than Major Alex's

spinround: Stevie has never won at a route even though he's finished second several times

jetman: The Corkscrew looks like a bounce race to me ... as he steadily improved each race to that point.

db: would love to see a Kingman-trained entrant. He is one of the better SIM trainers who you don't hear about all the time.
besides donnybeisbol, of course!

spinround: ok let's move on to another horse with a strong 2yo foundation, Clinton's Ditch

jetman: He is definitely bred for the distance i would say, but will be on the bubble to make the race

spinround: he's a Smart Strike x Danzig x Halo colt with a 10-3-2-2 $644,620 record
owned by Head2head

db: this horse is super consistent, always right there

spinround: He was 3rd in the Breeders' Bowl Juvenile, but I don't believe any of the top three from that race have won this year

db: just seems like he is a notch below the big shooters

spinround: Clinton's Ditch did run his first 100 speed in his last start, the Wooden Indian where he was third

jetman: Definitely a fighter, and the type to pop a big number at any time to steal a win.

spinround: I have to confess a soft spot for this colt, owner Head2head is a great player also

spinround: Chief Rainmaker is our next runner

db: I like his chances for a check, but honestly would be surprised if he jumped up and won, simply because his greatest asset (steady, consistent) means that it is also a weakness (not as likely to run a 114 out of nowhere!)

spinround: he ran behind Clinton's Ditch in the Sparklin Wine last fall before going on a tear

jetman: I will defer to donny's experience

spinround: Chief Rainmaker is Indian Charlie x Storm Cat x Mr. Prospector and 9-6-0-1 $305,724 owned by Dixiedotco

jetman: Chief Rainmaker is a lock to make the field ranked #17 in the division at this time.

db: I've had a horrible experience, don't defer to that!!!

jetman: Also our first scratch bred entry

spinround: after the Sparkline Wine he won four straight stakes including the Grade Two Moises Alou

db: Storm Cat is one heckuva SIM DamSire

spinround: He was fourth behind Proust in the Sandcastle Derby last out

jetman: I will need to lean on two of you to correct me if i am wrong, but that pedigree is loaded with speed correct?

db: I am a little concerned that he only had 3 weeks between his last races, despite being well rested for this one
on the surface, that's a speedy pedigree for dirt, yes.
Indian Charlie is slowly emerging as a sire whose get can get a route

spinround: I agree, you don't often see Indian Charlies win at 10f or more

db: Uncle Mo, for instance

spinround: But not impossible

jetman: Very deep closing style

spinround: Lucky's Franklin is another who had a long winning streak

jetman: Another steady improver as the distance extends

spinround: he won five straight races over the winter
he's Curlin x A.P. Indy x Storm Cat
and 14-8-2-1 $333,287, owned by Mrlucky229
he's only run once in a graded stakes

jetman: Owner Mr. Lucky was taking no chances at making the field, running this fine colt in a listed stakes not two weeks before the big day.

spinround: he was second in the All Saints Derby
and he won that race easy-peasy jet by over 4 lengths

db: is this the first he-mare entrant?

spinround: no

jetman: no donny this is like the third we have discussed i think.

db: yes, that's what I said!
check the transcript...

spinround: he's obviously got talent but what does it tell you that he's only had the graded class test once?
is that a sign of insecurity on his trainer's part?

db:puts in an urgent call to Squirrel and her chat-eraser

jetman: Possibly spin, but this horse is interesting ... bred very well, has eight wins to his resume.
I agree you would like to see a graded win, but his 2nd in the All Saints shows he has the class needed.

spinround: he has more wins than some of our other horses have starts

jetman: His speed figure that day puts him right in the running with our top rated colts and our super filly.

spinround: all very true

db: some trainers (especially those from the classic era of the SIM) like to give a horse an easy race a week or two before the big dance... perhaps that is the strategy here
if someone told me the horse was Sharp! I would go to the windows and bet with both hands (Frank's money, of course)

spinround: let's move on to Immensely, who has run second in two Grade Ones in his last two starts
he's Giant's Causeway x Distorted Humor x A.P. Indy

db: bargain-bred

spinround: and he has only eight starts, with four wins and four seconds, earnings of $454,160 owned by Mtk76

db: yes looks super dangerous, despite the MTK connection
oh did I type that out loud?

spinround: seven of his starts were in routes, and last three races all came at 9f

jetman: you did donny ... and it caused some beer spitting to happen. Now i have a mess.
This horse is very dangerous, and should be included in the exotics for sure.

spinround: hard not to like a horse who has never been out of the exacta

jetman: Another steady improver, the ceiling is far reaching for this colt

spinround: agree with his running style and pedigree he's a danger for sure

spinround: I'm not so sure about our next entrant, Skitzoid
he's an Awesome Again x A.P. Indy x Storm Cat colt owned by Tees
Skitzoid is an all or nothing runner with a 9-4-0-0 $443,044 recor
This colt has that wild card factor that donny was talking about before
He could jump up and run a huge race or he could be up the track

jetman: donnystop pushing me
i was going to say something, but now i can't remember
hoot


spinround: lol

jetman: shoot
ohoh
Back to back seconds in Grade Ones .... is the third time the charm?

db: it's a good sign of class!

spinround: Skitzoids two stakes wins did come in his two 9.5f races, including the G-1 Vermont is 4 Lovers

db: Ilike horses who are G1 placed

jetman: okay. Skitzoid looks like he might have been unhappy at the drop in distance last out.

spinround: I think that is the key with this horse, he may be one crying out for more distance

jetman: Our second scratch bred entry, and Tees spared no expense.

spinround: But should we be looking at him as a New Yorker winner instead?

jetman: interesting observation there spin ... i think you might be right. I would expect a big race however, and i would be confident heading in as the trainer.
another deep deep closer

db: perhaps Skitzoid is split on which direction to take

spinround: Good one donny

db: thanks, I'll be here all week!

jetman: donnybaseball everyone ....
take a bow donny

spinround: We have two more entries, Avenged and Watts. Both are improving three year olds but neither looks likely to make the field

jetman: I agree spin, but we may see both in the Middle Jewel

spinround: Owners Gatetowire and Ddahl deserve props for taking a shot at the big race but these sons of Blame and Arch likely will not see the starting gate on Saturday
They both could be very dangerous there jet
Avenged has two graded wins on the season
and has run speeds of 105,105 and 100 in his last three starts

spinround: Watts has also hit triple digits in his last three starts

jetchamp: I think they both have outstanding futures ahead of them.

spinround: he won a grade two and was second by 1/2 length and 1/4 length in two gradeds in his last two starts
with a little luck he might have been one of our favorites

db: would love to see Arch get some SIM love

jetman: So let me ask you two ... will we see another filly entered before the entry cut off?

db: the same could be said of Given's GOSGOSSOS
or however you spell that

spinround: agree and it is interesting that these two late-developing colts are by father and son
no jet
both Final Exit and Giant Zen (the two other leading filly contenders) have entered the Oaks
Street Etiquette is the Queen


spinround: I'm sure we'll see some more runners ship in to the Kentucky track later this week
We'll be back tomorrow to talk about the new shooters

db: you mean i get to go home? i dont have to stay here?
That's not what Frank told me....hmmm.

spinround: shall we retire to the Galt House?

db: that sounds dangerous.
Sure!

spinround: Ok everybody tune in tomorrow!

http://blacktypebugler.com/default.asp?artid=11147


Bluegrass Derby - The Chat Pack's Final Preview
by spinround on Thursday, May 03, 2012 at 10:14:58 AM



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Hot Tips Right Here!
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HR-spinround Well it is finally here

HR-spinround We've got a Bluegrass Derby field

HR-spinround First congratulations must go out to jetman, who's Major Alex made the cut

HR-beisbol: woohoo!!!

HR-beisbol: lucky #14

HR-frankster: yep, congrats again mike!

HR-jetman: Very very excited

HR-spinround There were three late entries today, let's give them their due before going on to discuss the entire field.

HR-jetman: lol

HR-beisbol: lets

HR-spinround One of them was out before he was in, Main Runner was #23 when he entered and never really had a shot at making the field.

HR-frankster: moot point then

HR-spinround He would have had the highest last out speed (107) if he had made it, but really the entry was a pipe dream

HR-spinround That was not the case for Silverton

HR-beisbol: perhaps it was "just in case"

HR-spinround He's a Smart Strike x Silver Deputy x Dixieland Band colt

HR-spinround Owned by Lilbitfarm he's got a 9-7-1-0 $816,165 record

HR-jetman: He is simply on a tear

HR-jetman: Is there a hotter streak heading into this weekends race?

HR-spinround That might be an understatement

HR-spinround Five straight wins

HR-frankster: Silverton is a beast

HR-spinround Three stakes, two G-1s

HR-spinround The only race he was off-the-board in was his debut

HR-beisbol: hard to find a flaw with this one

HR-frankster: and he's presence is surely in the back of every other trainers mind in the derby

HR-beisbol: even the he-mare he sprouted from liked 9.5-10 furlongs

HR-spinround He's beaten three other starters in his last two starts, Immensely, Stevieboy and Clinton's Ditch

HR-frankster: and ironically has Dan in the Saddle :)

HR-jetman: Excellent training job, brought him along slowly and with a solid plan.

HR-beisbol: this horse is kinda redick, as in RIDICULOUS

HR-jetman: that is not Dan frank, but that is a mistake many have made.

HR-beisbol: it's like we expect him to win. scary stuff.

HR-beisbol: frankster don't make no mistakes, hush yo' mouth.

HR-spinround He is scary, he's just dominated his fields

HR-frankster: Silverton is 2nd choice in the morning line behind Mark's sick filly

HR-spinround He won the Wooden Indian last out by 3 lengths

HR-beisbol: I have nothing more to say except that if he wins, we should be thinking Triple Crown. He's THAT good.

HR-jetman: I was just going to say that donny ... are we looking at the second triple crown winner in sim history?

HR-frankster: it's hard to find something negative so say as even distance doesn't appear to be a question mark

HR-spinround Our final entry snuck in at #20 just before entries closed

HR-jetman: BEN GOWANS!

HR-spinround Owned by Gowans, Southern Migration is a son of Summer Bird x Tiznow x Kris S.

HR-spinround He's 7-2-2-1 $199,594

HR-jetman: As always i defer to my fellow round table mates on the breeding questions, but this one seems loaded with stamina?

HR-spinround This colt won the Grade Two Ransom last year over Stevieboy

HR-beisbol: yes I would put him on the list of New Yorker candidates for sure

HR-beisbol: his progression since that G2 win has been disappointing

HR-spinround I don't think pedigree will hold him back on Saturday. Speed is my question, he's never popped a 100+

HR-beisbol: true enough

HR-jetman: There is always a first time

HR-beisbol: maybe a return to the East Coast will do him right.

HR-beisbol: he does have my favorite jockey in the SIM, New Zealand's own GD Mate

HR-beisbol: who won the Breeders Bowl Marathon Dirt this year on GATO DEL LAGO

HR-beisbol: of course that has almost nothing to do with this race today...

HR-jetman: lol .. nice plug though donny

HR-beisbol: I do my best.

HR-frankster: southern migration is in over his head here but does have pedigree to get the distance with a HUGE step up

HR-beisbol: I agree with Frank... if he takes back and makes a late run, he might grab a share and put himself in contention for a win in the Third Jewel

HR-spinround I'm not as crazy about him as you guys, but I'd be fine being proven wrong

HR-frankster: he's hemare was sub par performer so too many questions

HR-jetman: Oddsmakers are with you two as Southern Migration is our longest draw in the field at 26/1

HR-spinround So let's take a broader view of the race

HR-beisbol: I'd use him in the "under" spot for the superfecta

HR-spinround Do you think post positions favor/hurt anyone in particular?

HR-beisbol opens his eyes really wide

HR-spinround Street Etiquette in the 2 post may find herself on the lead early

HR-beisbol: I wouldn't want to be 18-19-20... it just seems so far away

HR-frankster: LETMEGOCRAZYONU(KY) could be compromised by 18th post

HR-jetman: connections for Proust and Skitzoid can't be pleased at drawing the 20th & 19th gates

HR-spinround Proust does take back early, it may not hurt him as much as the other two

HR-beisbol: STEVIEBOY ran 2nd in the Lane's End when breaking from post 2, so the rail here should be considered a bonus.

HR-spinround Actually Skitzoid is a closer also

HR-jetman: Who do we expect to set the pace?

HR-beisbol: RAS EL HANOUT always seems to be on the outside, so I would imagine Super is ok with #15

HR-frankster: Immensely could get squeezed back coming out of the 3 hole

HR-beisbol: I can see STREET ETIQUETTE gunning it and playing Catch-me-if-you-can, boys.

HR-jetman: I will say i am not unhappy with the #14 post for Major Alex, as it seems he always was to the outside in his races

HR-spinround I actually see the filly going early here

HR-frankster: a familar tune donny!

HR-frankster: ;)

HR-spinround Gengis Khani may be forwardly placed if he breaks well, although I don't think he needs the lead

HR-jetman: and another plug, we are on a roll gang

HR-jetman: Bolton Valley has wired a graded field in the past

HR-beisbol: yes if I didn't know the trainer was in the room, I would say that the only chance for MAJOR ALEX is to be 1-2 the entire trip and hope to outlast the closers

HR-frankster: agree spin, should be part of the pace for sure

HR-frankster: GENGIS KHANI(IRE) that is

HR-jetman: I would prefer he refrained from setting the pace, i always liked when he was stalking.

HR-spinround This is a very strong field, but donny you mentioned earlier you thought Silverton could be a Triple Crown threat

HR-spinround Are there any others you think could go all the way?

HR-beisbol: but as many of us know (hello, cvbear) - Jockey Select is a dangerous thing. Some lovely rider may decide to go all Stewart Elliot on us and send that closer to the front.

HR-jetman: I would say Ras El Hanout has to be considered in the triple crown talk

HR-beisbol: Silverton would be my favorite in the Triple Crown pool, indeed. Maybe 50-1 ?

HR-beisbol: I agree... he's undefeated on dirt. But a Super-trained horse means they are probably doing everything right... how will the horse respond to racing on 2 weeks rest?

HR-spinround I think Gengis Khani might be the best of this group. With only six starts he could explode.

HR-frankster: If STREET ETIQUETTE(KY) has a cozy trip out front she will be tough to beat IMO

HR-beisbol: He may be at a disadvantage there.

HR-jetman: Letmegocrazyonu has been really good this year ... 1st or 2nd in three straight Grade Ones ...

HR-spinround Ok well let's not waste any more time. Give us your picks and why.

HR-jetman: Ladies first spin

HR-spinround Alright

HR-jetman takes out his pen & paper to take notes

HR-frankster: although i would fully expect SILVERTON(KY) to keep the filly clearly in his sights

HR-spinround I have to cheer for Major Alex. It is purely sentimental but I would go nuts for his owner if this colt crossed the wire first. One of the best guys in the sim.

HR-spinround Proust & Gengis Khani round out my trifecta

HR-beisbol: wow, that'd be some payout!

HR-beisbol: good luck to Chat Pack's very own Jetman and Major Alex

HR-jetman: wow spin ... I am speechless. I didn't realize your drinking was that bad

HR-beisbol: cough cough NOSHOT cough

HR-spinround lol jet

HR-jetman: But i thank you kindly

HR-beisbol has something in his throat

HR-spinround if you have read my BTB articles my sentimental choices actually have done pretty well ;)

HR-jetman: Its okay donny ... your up bud .. give us your selections

HR-beisbol: ok... maybe a shocker on top

HR-beisbol: I really like how WEEKLY EXPRESS(JPN) is coming along. He seems to be maturing with time, and relishing the distance. A real grinder... not going to make a flashy move, but will try to wear down the front runners and stave off the deep closers.

HR-beisbol: For second, I think SILVERTON cannot be discounted. There is no reason to think he isn't going to fire and fire a good one. My guess is he is one that gets close but can't go by.

HR-beisbol: Third, I have a dead heat between STREET ETIQUETTE and RAS EL HANOUT - for the same reasons, in fact. STREET ETIQUETTE may find herself on the lead too soon if the pace is soft, and I think she'll be valiant but the extra ground is something she may not like.

HR-frankster: sorry pc keeps freezing

HR-jetman: Just in time frank ... you are up sir .. give us your picks

HR-beisbol: RAS EL HANOUT looks like one who will be flying late, but maybe his kick is diluted by the longer race...

HR-beisbol: 7 over the 2, 13, 15

HR-frankster: Well I'll go with the super filly freak to have her way on the front end which would also make for a great story!

HR-beisbol: filly bias!

HR-frankster: lol

HR-jetman: you just doing a win bet frank .. or you going to give our readers some other betting choices?

HR-frankster: i'll go with Silverton running underneath the filly

HR-spinround Ok jet, let's hear it :)

HR-frankster: and also like Immensely to hit the board here so i'll throw him in a trifecta

HR-frankster: Hey, i'm not done! :))

HR-spinround lol sorry Frank!

HR-frankster: and the Japanese invader RAS EL HANOUT to roundout my superfecta

HR-frankster: in closing, perhaps this is the year of the FILLY ;)

HR-frankster: so recapping numbers.....2 - 13 - 3 - 15

HR-frankster: stage is yours mike, sorry :)

HR-jetman: Well let me begin by stating i will be throwing a few Benjamins on Major Alex to win. I just have to believe, and at 22/1 that would be one hell of a party!!!

HR-jetman: But our readers don't want to hear that .. so we will go with hot horse Silverton to win, Gengis Khani to place and Street Etiquette to round out my top three. I found nine horses i wanted to include in some fashion, but we gotta keep it real. Silverton is on fire, Gengis Khani seems primed to explode, and Street Etiguette just oozes class.

HR-jetman: Seriously though ... was a tough race to handicap

HR-spinround You heard it hear first. Lots of love for the filly, Silverton and Gengis Khani

HR-beisbol: I'm on an island with WEEKLY EXPRESS

HR-beisbol: but much respect to the big 2 and Ras El -- the big 3?

HR-jetman: donny i had Weekly Express in my list

HR-spinround That just means it will be all the sweeter if you are right donny

HR-beisbol: u did?

HR-beisbol: that's what I said, right?

HR-jetman: just didn't make my final three lol

HR-jetman: i said i had a list of nine i was working with. He was in THAT list

HR-jetman: You were the only person to select him in your wager

HR-spinround I think I can safely say that all of us in the Chat Pack offer big congratulations to everyone who has a runner in the Bluegrass Derby.

HR-spinround We'll be cheering for a cleanly run race and for every horse to come back safe.

HR-beisbol: absolutely. its a huge accomplishment to draw into the field

HR-jetman: Good luck everyone!

http://blacktypebugler.com/default.asp?artid=11151


Breeding For The Bluegrass
by spinround on Thursday, May 03, 2012 at 8:13:05 PM



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Examining The Pedigrees of the Derby and Oaks Runners
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The sun’s shining bright on my old Kentucky home this week as forty three year olds, twenty one fillies and nineteen colts, line up for classic glory in the Bluegrass Oaks and Bluegrass Derby. Seven of our entries are scratchbreds, eleven were based on hemares and twenty two were bred from mares. Thirty sires were used to produce the runners on Saturday. Curlin is the most represented sire in the two races with three horses running. His sire Smart Strike is one of eight sires to have two runners in the race, along with Awesome Again, Giant’s Causeway, Indian Charlie, Medaglia D’oro, Special Week, Summer Bird and Zensational. Five first crop sires are represented by six runners. They are Blame, Eskendereya, Discreetly Mine, Lookin At Lucky and Summer Bird (2). Storm Cat is the leading damsire with four runners, while A.P. Indy, Awesome Again, Giant’s Causeway and Seeking the Gold each have three runners. Storm Cat also leads as damsdamsire with five runners, while Mr. Prospector is represented by four. The median grade of mare/hemare used to produce this year’s runners is f. Of the twenty two mares used for breeding the runners, fourteen have produced at least one other stakes winning offspring (it should be noted that Oaks runner Rattle That Cage does not have a stakes win but her dam has already produced a graded winner). Also, a number of this year’s runners are the first foals for their dams. Following is a compete rundown of the pedigrees of this year’s sophomore class stars.

Bluegrass Derby

Stevieboy – is a son of Stephen Got Even out of the h-grade Broad Brush x Robellino mare Robe Bell. The Grade Three winner is her third foal. Her first foal was the e-grade stakes winner City Cat Again, by Storm Cat. City Cat Again won his only stakes going a mile and one eighth on the grass, although he did win an allowance at a mile and one quarter on the dirt. He produced millionaire and multiple Grade Two winning marathoner A.P. Assault, by Stephen Got Even. Robe Bell’s second foal was unsuccessful and her two year old by Daiwa Major has yet to start.

Street Etiquette – The only filly in the field is a daughter of Street Cry based on the f-grade Giant’s Causeway x A.P. Indy horse Echoes in Eternity. Although he only won three races in his career, Echoes in Eternity did manage to earn over $100,000 and was stakes placed. He was an early maturing type who’s best season came at age two. Street Etiquette is the first filly in four generations for this family and is easily the best runner.

Immensely – Twice Grade One placed in his last two starts, Immensely is by Giant’s Causeway based on the f-grade Distorted Humor x A.P. Indy horse Caligula Blushed. Caligular Blushed won six times in his career, most of them at one mile. He never raced further than a mile and one eighth. Immensely is the most accomplished current runner bred on the Giant’s Causeway x Distorted Humor cross.

Clinton’s Ditch – The Sparkling Wine winner is a son of Smart Strike out of the g-grade Danzig x Halo mare Danzig Daze. Danzig Daze has produced eight foals to race, including a two year old of 2012. She has produced one other stakes winner, Flowers On Tuesday by Flower Alley. She also has produced two stakes placed runners. None of her four retired daughters has produced a stakes winner.

Chief Rainmaker – The first scractchbred runner in the race, Chief Rainmaker is Indian Charlie x Storm Cat x Mr. Prospector. The Indian Charlie x Storm Cat cross is represented by four additional stakes winners currently racing. Two excel in dirt sprints and two are turf middle distance runners. That’s five stakes winners total from eleven horses currently racing.

Southern Migration – The Ransom winner is a son of first-year sire Summer Bird based on the g-grade Tiznow x Kris S. hemare Longitudinal. Longitudinal won only once in his career, going six furlongs on the dirt. Longitudinal was produced from the g-grade mare S. River. S. River produced four foals who won a total of five races. Longitudinal is the only one of her foals to produce a stakes horse.

Weekly Express - The Florida Derby winner, is by Special Week out of the e-grade Afleet Alex x Unbridled’s Song mare Storm Express. Storm Express won thirteen races in her career including one stakes race (from only four attempts). The vast majority of her victories came at a flat mile and she never tried to run this far at all. Weekly Express is her only foal.

Gogossos – Another scratchbred runner, this one is by Monsun x Sadler’s Wells x Sharpen Up. There are five other stakes winners bred on the Monsun x Sadler’s Wells cross (from twenty one current runners). All five won their stakes on the grass, with two winning in sprints and the other three at longer distances.

Too Many Questions – A scratchbred son of Discreetly Mine x Capote x Carson City, Too Many Questions is the best runner from his sire’s first crop. He is his sire’s only stakes winner at a route; he took the End of the Line Futurity last fall.

Lookin At Hotrod – Sired by first crop stallion Lookin At Lucky, Lookin At Hotrod was based on the c-grade Danehill Dancer x Stephen Got Even horse Hot Rod Lincoln. Hotrod Lincoln won eight stakes in turf sprints and earned almost a half a million dollars. Second dam Seeking Stephen was a Grade Three winning turf sprinter. She also produced Honor and Obey by Sadler’s Wells who won five stakes races on the grass between a mile and three sixteenths and a mile and five sixteenths.

Lucky’s Franklin – One of three Curlin’s running in the two Classics, Lucky’s Franklin was based on the f-grade A.P. Indy x Storm Cat horse Lucky’s Oh Hi Oh. Lucky’s Oh Hi Oh won all six of his starts sprinting on the dirt.

Gengis Khani is a son of Dalakhani out of the b-grade Hennessy x Private Account mare Carol of the Bells. Carol of the Bells won eight races including four graded stakes during her career. All of her victories came at a mile or a mile and one sixteenth. She was well-beaten in three attempts at running further. Her first foal is Bluegrass Oaks winner Taylor’s Storm by Distorted Humor, who has never attempted running further than a mile and one eighth. Second foal Belle’s Glory by Street Cry seems to be the black sheep of the family with only one win in seven starts. Gengis Khani is her third foal and he became a Grade One winner in the Corkscrew Stakes. Carol of the Bells’ two year old by More Than Ready just broke his maiden last week in his second start.

Silverton is a son of Smart Strike based on the c-grade Silver Deputy x Dixieland Band horse Band of Silver. Band of Silver won three stakes races; one at one mile and two at a mile and three sixteenths. He was second by a nose in another stakes at a mile and one quarter and had an additional stakes third at that distance. Silverton won the Wooden Indian in his last start.

Major Alex – A three time graded winner last season, Major Alex is a son of the hot young Japanese sire Daiwa Major out of the f-grade Awesome Again x Storm Cat mare Beatbenwithastick. Beatbenwithastick won five starts in her career, all dirt sprints. Her first foal is the magnificent Champion Union Jack Flyer (by A.P. Indy) who won last season’s Breeders’ Bowl Distaff. Second foal Union Jack Express, a full sister to Union Jack Flyer has not lived up to the family’s expectations so far although she is still competing and could prove better with age.

Ras El Hanout – Undefeated on the dirt, Ras El Hanout is a son of Tanino Gimlet based on the f-grade Sadlers Wells x Forty Niner horse Covent Garden. Covent Garden did his best running in dirt routes, including two allowance wins at a mile and one quarter. Covent Garden is the only foal for his dam, f-grade Lady Witch.

Bolton Valley is a son of Belong To Me out of the h-grade Mr. Prospector x What Luck mare Luck Sliding. Luck Sliding has produced ten foals. Her first was graded winning millionaire sprinter Ms. Waqwhat by Waquoit. She has a six year old stakes winning daughter by Limehouse, another sprinter, and a four year old stakes winning son of Brahms who does his best running around a mile. In addition three of her other foals were stakes placed in their careers. Of What Luck’s five retired foals, only Ms. Waqwhat has gone on to produce a stakes winner.

Doctor Sax – The Eruption winner is a son of Giant’s Causeway based on the b-grade Dynaformer x Unbridled’s Song horse On the Road. On the Road was a multiple graded winner at or around one mile. He was the only stakes winner from four foals for his dam Freedom of Speech, although she did produce a stakes placed runner.

Letmegocrazyonu is a son of Eskendereya out of the c-grade Seeking the Gold x Nijinsky II mare Sim Fanatic. Letmegocrazyonu won the California Derby in his most recent start. That was the first stakes win of his career. Sim Fanatic won two stakes races, including one Grade Three, both at a mile and three sixteenths. She scored five victories going a mile and one quarter during her career. This is her only foal.

Skitzoid – The Vermont is 4 Lovers winner is a scratchbred son of Awesome Again x A.P. Indy x Storm Cat.

Proust – The Sand Castle Derby winner is a son of Zensational out of the f-grade Giant’s Causeway x Forty Niner mare Papito. Papito’s first foal was a filly by Tapit who won twice in twenty two starts. Her second foal is the multiple Grade One winning four year old Prenzlauerberg, also by Zensational. Prenzlauerberg was not as forward as a two year old as Proust was but he matured rapidly mid-way through his three year old season. Papito’s current two year old is a daughter of Zensational and she is already stakes placed in two starts.



Bluegrass Oaks

Fleetwood Fleury is a daughter of Any Given Saturday out of the b-grade Strike the Gold x Seattle Slew mare Fleetwood Mia. Fleetwood Mia was a millionaire and Grade One winner in dirt sprints. Her first foal Fleetwood Myers (by Mr. Greeley) was stakes placed with the same propensity. Second foal Elite Saturday is a full brother to Fleetwood Fleury and has scored graded victories as far as a mile and one quarter on the dirt. They also have a two year old full brother who broke his maiden last week.

Ensalata is a daughter of Medaglia D’oro out of the f-grade Fusaichi Pegasus x Kingmambo mare Morse Code. Morse Code’s first foal is a stakes winner by Ghostzapper. Her third foal, Galaxy Alliance is a Grade Three winner at one mile. He is a son of Dehere as is the four year old model out of Morse Code, who was stakes placed but has already been retired. Morse Code’s two year old is unraced.

Estrada is a scratchbred daughter of Curlin x A.P. Indy x Storm Cat, the same cross as Bluegrass Derby runner Lucky’s Franklin.

Medulla Oblongata is the second Medaglia D’oro in the field. She is out of the e-grade Awesome Again x Unbridled’s Song mare Pentagram. Pentagram was a stakes winner at one mile on the dirt. Medulla Oblongata is her first stakes runner from four foals including a winning two year old of 2012. Pentagram was the only stakes winner from five foals for her dam Five Son.

Made Indy USA is a daughter of A.P. Indy based on the f-grade Storm Cat x Alydar horse Lightening Wave. Lightening Wave won six races, none of them further than one mile.

Doubt’s About is a daughter of Redoute’s Choice out of the g-grade Seeking the Gold x Dixieland Band mare Old The Fertile. The seventeen year old mare has nine foals to race, including a two year old of 2012. She produced one other graded winner, the Doneraile Court horse Court Case who was a dirt sprinter.

Wonderful Dream is a daughter of Curlin out of the e-grade Vindication x Silver Charm mare Install This. Install This won one stakes race at a mile and three sixteenths. Wonderful Dream is her first foal and her two year old is unraced. Install This was a half-sister to No Installation (by Mineshaft) who was a Grade Three winner, also at a mile and three sixteenths.

Incredible Show is a daughter of Awesome Again out of the c-grade Gone West x Summer Squall mare Incredible Rip. Incredible Rip won six stakes at marathon distances on the dirt. Her second foal was the stakes winning mare Incredible Ghost (by Ghostzapper) who produced Incredible Phenom, a three year old daughter of Fusaichi Pegasus who is also a stakes winner. Third foal Incredible Rippa is a graded winner by Ghostzapper and fourth foal Incredible Log (by Big Brown) is stakes placed.

Rattle That Cage is a daughter of Danehill Dancer out of the g-grade Giant’s Causeway x Forty Niner mare All I Want. All I Want’s first foal is the graded winner Covet by Dansili. Her two foals between Covet and Rattle That Cage have not been of the same caliber. Although Rattle That Cage has not won a stakes race yet her strong second in the Grade Two Las Vegas In Spain Special suggests that she will certainly get one soon.

Final Exit is a daughter of Dynaformer out of the b-grade Seeking the Gold x Northern Dancer mare Heaven’s Gate. Heaven’s Gate was a grade two winning sprinter. She has produced nine foals to race, including a winning two year old of 2012. She has produced two other graded winners, Panhandling (by A.P. Indy and Arbor Day (by Forestry). She also has produced two listed stakes winners, In Perfect Stride (by Pleasantly Perfect) and Cancello Del Cielo (by Bernardini). She is also the ancestress of two other stakes winners.

Giant Zen is a daughter of Zensational (who also sired Derby runner Proust) based on the g-grade Storm Cat x Mr. Prospector horse Giant Move. Giant Zen is bred similarly to Proust who’s out of a Giant’s Causeway (by Storm Cat) x Forty Niner (by Mr. Prospector) mare.

Box of Time is a daughter of Montjeu out of the g-grade Kingmambo x Pleasant Colony mare Box of Pain. Box of Time is a full sister to the millionaire Artemis and Apollo, a multiple grade one winner. Box of Pain’s four year old daughter of Dynaformer, Box of Gold, was recently claimed by the Super empire for the bargain price of $30,000. Her two year old is by Cape Cross and is winless in one start.

Its Your Fault is a daughter of Blame out of the d-grade Vindication x Mr. Prospector mare B.K. Lounge. B.K. Lounge was grade two placed at one mile on the dirt during her career. Its Your Fault is her second foal and first stakes runner. B.K. Lounge is a half-sister to graded winner Watch Your Son (by Callous Doughboy).

Elusive Maam is a scratchbred daughter of Elusive Quality x Mr. Prospector x Deputy Minister.

Storm Saga is a daughter of Tale of Ekati based on the f-grade More Than Ready x Gone West horse Storm Fly. Storm Fly won most of his races at short distances but as a three year old he did capture a mile and one half allowance race. Storm Fly is a half-brother to stakes winner Stormcreeper (by Unbridled’s Song).

Stolen Away is a daughter of Fusaichi Pegasus out of the d-grade Vindication x Lear Fan mare Leinart. Leinart won two stakes races in turf sprints. Her first foal Stausburg (by Dynaformer) is stakes placed on the grass at one mile and looks likely to become a stakes winner this year. Stolen Away is her only other foal.

Secret Shuffler is a scratchbred daughter of Speightstown x Awesome Again x Tiznow.

Fine Point is a daughter of Indian Charlie out of the d-grade Point Given x Storm Bird mare I See Your Point. I See Your Point did not win a stakes race but placed twice in grade two dirt sprints. Her other two foals have yet to reach the winner’s circle in thirteen tries.

Summer Luxury is a daughter of Summer Bird out of the g-grade Deep Impact x Storm Cat mare Luxury Tax. This is her only foal. She won five races in her career, between a mile and three sixteenths and a mile and one half on the dirt. Luxury Tax is a half-sister to grade two winner Rattleshirt (by More Than Ready) and three other stakes winners.



Newbie’s Luck is a daughter of Special Week out of the b-grade Storm Cat x Mr. Prospector mare Newbie’s Dream. Millionaire Newbie’s Dream won the Grade One California Oaks as a three year old before going on to finish fourth in this race in 2001. Her first foal was Grade One winner Danzig With Sal (by Danzig), a miler. Second foal Beginner’s Luck (by Carson City) was also a stakes winner. Her four foals between Beginner’s Luck and Newbie’s Luck were anything but lucky as they each earned either stakes or graded stakes placings, without winning.

http://blacktypebugler.com/default.asp?artid=11150

Bluegrass Derby: A Cool Look At The History
by emmyrhys1 on Thursday, May 03, 2012 at 10:19:51 PM



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Also, Some Never-Rans Who Helped Shape Derby History
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There were some very interesting stories on the main board forum about past Bluegrass Derby runners and winners.

And, more interesting, there were also some stories about horses who never ran in the big race at Kentucky Race Course, the mecca of three year old thoroughbred racing that hosts the most famous and prestigious of all American three-year old races--the Bluegrass Derby.

Some of the stories were about horses who never entered the big race, yet still managed to shape Bluegrass Derby history, when their non-entry paved the way for horses to make the field and go on to win the Bluegrass Derby.

Probably the most famous non-entry of all, according to Topicount, was a horse named Crafty Assault in 2003, the year I Seek U won not only the Bluegrass Derby but went on to be Derbyfever’s only Triple Crown winner.

“I Seek U wouldn’t have had the chance to be the first (and only) Triple Crown winner, if it wasn’t for (trainer) kbsweet and Crafty Assault,” said Topicount, who joined Derbyfever in 2001. “If I remember correctly, they were ahead of I Seek You in terms of points, but she held Crafty Assault out, and so I Seek U drew in, and history was made.”

There was another non-entry who paved the way for our only Triple Crown winner, I Seek U. Platero had an interesting story to share about his 2003 Bluegrass Derby non-entry, Atakachaw.

You see, Platero also helped shape Derby history, when he decided not to run sprint specialist Atakachaw in the big race that our only Triple Crown winner I Seek U won that year.

“My horse would have thrown I Seek U out of the field, too,” said Platero, who joined the game after hearing two friends debating their Derbyfever horses on a German real life racing forum. “I sat the whole Wednesday evening at my computer, contemplating whether I should take that chance to have a Derby entry or not. I refused to, because it was obvious that my horse would have no chance.”

Good karma would pay off for Platero the following year, when his horse Mount Ghostly was sitting on the bubble at number 21 on the list of Derby entrants. “The following year (2004), I went to sleep as the horse I shared with joe333, Mount Ghostly, was sitting at number 21. Imagine our surprise the next morning when we woke up to find we were in. One very nice and adorable guy scratched his horse, because he thought our horse would have a better chance in the race than his own. I think this guy is still around. His name is Rich, if I remember correctly, though I’m not sure whether it’s richgins or lilbitfarm. Ahh, those sleepless pre-Derby nights!”

Platero’s horse, Mount Ghostly, would finish seventh in that 2004 Bluegrass Derby, but his horse did get his chance to run, thanks to another gracious owner’s non-entry gesture, and sometimes that in itself is just a big thrill--the chance to know you do indeed have the chance to grab the brass ring on Bluegrass Derby day. Thanks, Platero, for sharing that story!

Another interesting non-entry who shaped Derby history was trainer mtk76’s Making Bank, who did not run in the 2010 Bluegrass Derby, the year Lucky Howie won the big race.

“I changed Derby history by not entering (Making Bank) in,” said mtk76. “I could have prevented that Derby winner in 2010. Making Bank had enough entry points off his two-year-old races two seconds in two grade 1’s, including a heartbreaking finish in the (2009) Breeders’ Bowl Juvenile. Then, in 2010, his two races, including the Indian Wood, were brutal, so I passed. I nearly ran him, and I should have, but I passed, allowing bubble horse Lucky Howie in.”

And again, Derby history was made by a trainer who decided to not run his horse, because Lucky Howie went on to become the longest shot to ever win the Bluegrass Derby at odds of 20.90 / 1. Thanks for sharing that, mtk! Very sporting gesture of you not to run your horse, and, in the process, you helped shaped Derby history by giving us our longest shot to ever win the big race.

Trainers cadet and atthewire had an interesting story to share. Two of the long-time players of the game, cadet and atthewire joined Derbyfever in late 1999. Both talked about the first Bluegrass Derby winner, Pharrun Prospect, who won the inaugural Bluegrass Derby in 1999.

Pharrun Prospect was listed as a CPU horse on his past performance charts for his first seven races, a curious designation for a Bluegrass Derby winner. Pharrun Prospect ended up in the barn of trainer mpm12, right after Pharrun Prospect won a grade 2 stakes--under the ownership of the CPU.

So how did he end up in the barn of mpm12? Trainers cadet and atthewire offered a little insight.

“Back then you could find monsters in claiming races for cheap,” said Cadet. “All horses were created by the computer, including the starting pool. I also think the computer had a lot of nice horses when converting from the private game Mike (the owner of Derbyfever) started out with to the public game he opened. I remember seeing some very good horses who had raced a few times in the old game.”

Atthewire said Cadet was right. “They were all CPU horses back then, and the horse pool was full of good stuff. For the first year or two, before breeding was implemented, we had a two-year-old draft. Anyway, Pharrun Prospect’s Derby run itself was a few months before I joined, but he was indeed the first winner of the Bluegrass Derby.”

So, apparently our inaugural Bluegrass Derby winner came from that draft of pool horses. Pretty interesting stuff there. Thanks, guys, for shedding the light on that interesting scenario of our first Bluegrass Derby winner!

If you’ve ever worried that your horse might not be up to par for a race, for instance, if he is only “ready to go,” think again. The runner up in that 1999 Bluegrass Derby, a horse called Gatling Prospect, ran at the training condition of “a little groggy” the week of the Bluegrass Derby, according to long-time veteran trainer roys.

Billg51 owned Gatling Prospect. “Billg was in the old white-out chat with several of us, Mike, too,” said roys. “And the condition was discussed endlessly--to run or not to run. Mike said, paraphrasing, the condition was only a guideline, that the horse might not give his best effort, or the horse might be a bit tired, or he might be fine.”

Apparently, billg listened to Mike, and he ran Gatling Prospect in that inaugural Bluegrass Derby, and he came up just a length shy of winning the whole ball of wax in 1999. Again, interesting stuff to know, Roys, and thanks!

Bill of Nextbonus had a pretty interesting story about the 2008 Bluegrass Derby, but it wasn’t exactly about a non-entry. It was more about a near miss of getting in the field in 2008.

“My ‘never ran’ story involves my horse Listening,” said Bill. “He was a true 10-furlong graded threat in his prime. He came up just shy of Lock City in the Florida Derby, so his Bluegrass Derby chances rested on points--124 if I remembered correctly. There were four horses with 124 points that year. After all was said and done, Kissin Street Cry (124.xy points) ended up being number 20. Kissin Street Cry came up 1-2-1 in the Triple Crown, just missing the sweep, and Listening became just another good story.”

“There are a million of them in the Naked City,” laughed Bill.

Bill had a very good year in 2010, though. You see, Bill also happens to own the only filly to have almost won the Bluegrass Derby, when his monster super filly, You See LA, finished second behind the longest shot to ever win the Derby, Lucky Howie. Thanks, Bill! Great story there!

Trainer davarto talked about another near-miss Triple Crown winner, a horse called Down The Jazz, who nearly became the first horse to sweep the Triple Crown in the year 2000. Down The Jazz won the first two legs of the Triple Crown, but he went down in flames when he finished fourth in the New Yorker, the third leg of the Triple Crown.

“I remember,” said Davarto, “there was that one guy that missed back in the early days, too. The owner of Down The Jazz. He was pretty shattered when it lost, if memory serves. I think he’s been drowning his sorrows in a bar the last 11 or 12 years, along with the owner of Saddle Delicate. Those were the days--happy, happy times.”

Thanks, davarto! Cool story!

Thanks, again, for everyone who contributed to this story! Great, great stuff, guys and gals! Very much appreciated, all your insight and terrific memories gave us all some great behind-the-scenes stories!



Here is a list of the winners of our Derbyfever Bluegrass Derby through the years. Horses with the designation (***) next to their post-time odds indicates they were the post-time betting favorites.

**********

1999 -- PHARRUN PROSPECT Post-time Odds: 7.70 / 1

(Breeding: Distinctive Pro x Lyphard x In Reality)

Time: 2:02 4/5 Margin of Victory: 1 Length

Runner Up: Gatling Prospect

**********

2000 -- DOWN THE JAZZ Post-time Odds: 9.70 / 1

(Breeding: Benny The Dip x Tom Rolfe x Sister’s Prince)

Time: 2:02 4/5 Margin Of Victory: 5 ¾ Lengths

Runner Up: Alykurtz Kat

**********

2001 -- BUDA WITH THE SLEW Post-time Odds: 8 / 1

(Breeding: Danzig x Seattle Slew x Night Invader)

Time: 2:02 2/5 Margin Of Victory: 3 ½ Lengths

Runner Up: Buckschott

***********

2002 -- TOWER STORM Post-Time Odds: 6.30 / 1 ***

(Breeding: Storm Cat x Forty Nightmare (Forty Niner x Tower Walk(GB)

Time: 2:01 Margin Of Victory: 3 ½ Lengths

Runner Up: Unbridled Fury

**********

2003 -- I SEEK U Post-time Odds: 11.70 /1

(Breeding: Gone West x Prospect Dealing (Unfuwain x Mr. Prospector))

Time: 2:01 1/5 Margin Of Victory: 4 ½ Lengths

Runner Up: Silverwore

**********

2004 -- GRANHEE Post-time Odds: 10 / 1

(Breeding: Sakhee x El Gran Senor x Dixieland Band)

Time: 2:01 Margin Of Victory: 1 Length

Runner Up: Tern Of The Wheel

**********

2005 -- ANTICOSTI Post-time Odds: 9.1 / 1 ***

(Breeding: Unbridled’s Song x Your Hill (Danehill x Fappiano))

Time: 2:01 1/5 Margin Of Victory: 2 Lengths

Runner Up: Dubai Prospector

**********

2006 -- VIRTUOSO Post-time Odds: 17.60 / 1

(Breeding: Cryptoclearance x Fight Earn (El Prado x Fit To Fight))

Time: 2:01 4/5 Margin Of Victory: ¼ Length

Runner Up: Ermington Pegasus

**********

2007 -- ATAUN Post-time Odds: 14.60 / 1

(Breeding: Gone West x Aguirre (Sadler’s Wells x Blushing Groom))

Time: 2:02 1/5 Winning Margin Of Victory: Head

Runner Up: Passing Stone

**********

2008 -- KISSIN STREET CRY Post-Time Odds: 13.50 / 1

(Breeding: Street Cry x Kissin Cousin II (Sadler’s Wells x Gone West))

Time: 2:01 2/5 Winning Margin Of Victory: 3 Lengths

Runner Up: Sunset Mesa

**********

2009 -- HOT AND SPICY Post-Time Odds: 14.90 / 1

(Breeding: Awesome Again x A.P. Superwoman (A.P. Indy x Kingmambo))

Time: 2:01 Winning Margin Of Victory: 1 Length

Runner Up: E Five

**********

2010 -- LUCKY’S HOWIE Post-Time Odds: 20.90 / 1

(Breeding: Gone West x Lucky’s Megan (Dynaformer x Nijinsky II)

Time: 2:01 3/5 Winning Margin Of Victory: 3 Lengths

Runner Up: You See LA

**********

2011 -- INDY STORM CAT Post-Time Odds: 17.70 / 1

(Breeding: Indy x Catsaway (Forty Niner x Storm Cat))

Time: 2:00 4/5 Winning Margin Of Victory: 2 ¾ Lengths

Runner Up: Eric’s Fast

**********

http://blacktypebugler.com/default.asp?artid=11196



The Chat Pack Presents The Middle Jewel
by spinround on Friday, May 18, 2012 at 11:28:44 AM



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Spin and Jet Analyze the Field
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HR-spinround Hi Jet and welcome to the 2012 Middle Jewel Chat Pack Edition

HR-jetman: Good morning Spin .. great to be here

HR-spinround We've got a full field of fourteen three year olds lined up

HR-spinround The Maryland course is fast

HR-spinround Why don't we get right down to the runners

#1 Time For Buda 12/1 Topicount Stables

Pedigree – by Dansili out of the c-grade mare Time Byrd by Sadler’s Wells x Secretariat. Half sister to one stakes winner.

Major Races – Win in the Arkansas Juvenile (G-1), Placed in Sand Castle Derby (G-1)

Highest Speed – 103

HR-spinround Time For Buda did not run in the Bluegrass Derby even though he won a Lock Prep race

HR-jetman: Fantastic pedigree that looks like he would be more at home on the grass, however has run extremely well on the dirt

HR-jetman: Deep closing style that we will see is a trend in this years race.

HR-spinround I agree although I think Dansili has done very well with dirt runners in the sim

HR-jetman: Will be interesting to see what the extended break does for him

HR-spinround That I think is the big question. He missed some training time after the Arkansas Juvenile which is why he missed the Derby. Is he fully recovered from whatever ailed him?

HR-jetman: That might be the question of the day .. sits at a nice price at 12/1

#2 Proust 11/1 Platero Stables

Pedigree – by Zensational out of the f-grade mare Papito by Giant’s Causeway x Forty Niner. Full brother to G-1 winner Prenzlauerberg.

Major Races – Wins in Sand Castle Derby (G-1), Winter is Coming (G-1), Charcoal Breeder’s Cup (G-3)

Highest Speed – 105

HR-jetman: He wins ... or he loses.

HR-spinround Lol

HR-spinround Proust was one of my Derby selections

HR-jetman: Was the ten furlongs just a tad out of his comfort zone? What it just a bad day?

HR-spinround I was disappointed by his race, he was closer to the pace than is typical for him and lacked his usual closing punch in the stretch

HR-jetman: I want to throw the derby run out, and look more at his two previous runs ... where he was outstanding

HR-spinround You know from a pedigree standpoint you wouldn't expect a Zensational to relish 10f but the older brother does well and Proust won convincingly at 9.5f

HR-jetman: Its possible his trainer was worried by the early speed in the derby race?

HR-jetman: He will not have to worry about that in the Middle Jewel ... that is basically devoid of early speed

HR-spinround The key will be getting him to relax early but not fall too far from the frontrunners

#3 Avenged 11/1 Gatetowire Stables

Pedigree – by Blame based on the c-grade horse Vengence by Vindication x Seeking the Gold.

Major Races – Wins in Scam (G-3), Gary Asher Memorial (G-3)

Highest Speed – 105

HR-spinround Avenged entered the Bluegrass Derby but just missed making the field

HR-jetman: Avenged might actually turn into one of the early speed horses in this race. He is normally a stalking type runner, but again in a race without a true pace setter, he could get thrust into the roll.

HR-spinround Instead of running in a different race that week owner gatetowire chose to retrain for this spot

HR-jetman: Seems a smart move Spin, only two weeks further, and comes in fresher than those that ran the derby

HR-spinround Yep I agree, why waste a big run on a second choice race

HR-spinround Vengence (the hemare Avenged was based on) did his best running at 8.5f

HR-jetman: Can he get 9.5?

HR-spinround Blame is a first year sire so it is unclear how that will help the pedigree but considering he himself was a winner at 10f you'd think Blame would be a help.

HR-spinround Avenged did win the Scam at 9f going away by over 2 lengths. He sure looked like a horse could go another sixteenth

HR-jetman: I agree, i would say he should be able to get the distance, the big hurdle possibly being running in his first Grade 1

#4 Lute’s Wish 17/1 Selurnivek Stables

Pedigree – by Midnight Lute out of the f-grade mare Satan’s Wish by E Dubai x Crimson Satan.

Major Races – Won the UFO Stakes (G-3), Show in the California Derby (G-1)

Highest Speed – 103

HR-jetman: One of the oddities in this years race ... Midnight Lute only throwing 27% routers in the sim to date.

HR-spinround One thing tha concerns me is that the California Derby runners did not do well at all in the Bluegrass.

HR-spinround What may have appeared to be a strong prep may not actually be one

HR-jetman: One thing that intrigues me is he has finished in the money in Grade 1 races on both surfaces

HR-spinround He actually may be better on the turf, where he's 2-1-0-1 and was only beaten 1/2 length in that G-1

HR-jetman: Coming off of plenty of rest as well

HR-spinround Ultimately I think the distance may just be too much for him. If you look at his CA Derby race he was 2 1/2 lengths behind at third call and basically hung there til the finish

HR-spinround He closed 4 lengths between call 2 and call 3 and then just couldn't kick home

HR-jetman: I agree ... pedigree says it might be to much, and while the sim can throw curveballs, he might be more of a true miler.

#5 Silverton 7/1 Lilbitfarm Stables

Pedigree – by Smart Strike based on the c-grade Band of Silver by Silver Deputy x Dixieland Band.

Major Races – Wins in Wooden Indian Derby (G-1) Immense Derby Challenge (G-1)

Highest Speed – 104

HR-jetman: I have to admit ... this is my pick to win this years Middle Jewel.

HR-jetman: Four straight races 100+, 2x Grand 1 winner

HR-jetman: While it looked like 10f was too much, 9.5 might be just right.

HR-spinround I think the Bluegrass Derby might just be a throwout race for him

HR-spinround He seemed to make a couple of moves before tiring at the end. In a 20 horse field sometimes you have to use a horse more than you want to to get and maintain position.

HR-jetman: I agree ... i think we might see a rebound here

HR-spinround He also came into the Derby off five blowout wins. The Derby might have been a gut check that he needs to move to the next level.

HR-jetman: I like that in a not so great run for him, he still posted a 102

HR-spinround Agree

#6 Chief Rainmaker 10/1 Dixiedotco Stables

Pedigree – scratchbred by Indian Charlie x Storm Cat x Mr. Prospector

Major Races – Win in the Moises Alou Cap (G-2)

Highest Speed – 102

HR-spinround This is the first of two runners for dixiedotco

HR-spinround This colt actually closed from 18th in the early stages of the Derby to finish 5th

HR-jetman: Here is yet another closer who was making moves in the derby, before fading

HR-jetman: I want to say he might be a miler, but hard to look past the move he made in the Derby. Will the reduced distance be enough to make him a factor?

HR-spinround I think there is an excuse called Ras El Hanout for the horses who faded late in the Derby. I don't think they stopped running so much as he kicked on the afterburners.

HR-jetman: Hah .. you have me there spin. Ras made everyone look ordinary on derby day

HR-spinround If I had to point to a weakness in Chief Rainmaker it would be his speeds are just slightly slower than the rest

HR-spinround His top is a 102 which is huge but against this field it is on the low end of the spectrum

HR-spinround I just don't know if he can make the jump necessary to pass all these runners down the stretch

HR-jetman: I agree, i think he will make a move again, but not have enough to get to the front.

HR-spinround Agree. At 10/1 he'll have to prove me wrong

#7 Dynakaze 14/1 Given Stables

Pedigree – by Dynaformer out of f-grade Kamikaze by Deputy Minister x Mr. Prospector. Half brother to one graded winner and two other stakes winners.

Major Races – Placed in Arkansas Juvenile (G-1)

Highest Speed – 101

HR-spinround Dynakaze, like Time For Buda is making his first start since the Arkansas Juvenile

HR-jetman: It will be very interesting to see what trainer given does with this horse. Will he run him to stalk, or rate him

HR-jetman: given the lack of speed in the race, i might opt to run him close to the lead

HR-jetman: Horse definitely has talent, and i think is a major wild card. Only one graded race to date isn't much to go on.

HR-spinround He's very lightly raced (only 5 starts)

HR-jetman: he was closing hard in the Arkansas Juve, so we know distance will not be an issue

HR-spinround He was a lot farther back in the Arkansas race than he had been in earlier starts so he could show more speed in here

HR-spinround Certainly not with that pedigree

HR-jetman: I expect him to be at the front, and he could prove difficult to run down if he can gain the lead in the stretch

HR-spinround And even though he is lightly raced his last three starts have all come at 9f so he's got some bottom to him

HR-jetman: a lot of ifs in there

#8 Ominous News 23/1 Bmr005 Stables

Pedigree – by Harbinger out of the d-grade mare Senorita Little by Seattle Slew x Little Current.

Major Races – Won the Chicago Derby (G-3)

Highest Speed - 104

HR-spinround This colt only has three starts on the year and has two wins and a second

HR-jetman: Another making his grade 1 debut. Has shown some talent, but i worry that he faced less than stellar compitition in the Chicago Derby

HR-spinround His last race saw a huge jump in speed (from a 93 to a 104) and I don't know if he can jump again here

HR-jetman: Will easily be the toughest field to date, I wonder if he can hang with the class in this field

HR-jetman: He does like the dirt though. And distance is there as he won easily at 9f

HR-spinround I think he may be good enough with a little more time and experience. But I think he'll need a race like this to test the waters before he shows his best

#9 Ras El Hanout 7/1 Super Stables

Pedigree – by Tanino Gimlet based on f-grade Covent Garden by Sadler’s Wells x Forty Niner.

Major Races – Wins in the Bluegrass Derby (G-1), Land’s End (G-2) Giant Slayer Classic (G-3) Club Stakes (G-2)

Highest Speed – 111

HR-jetman: Here is the one with the target on his back.

HR-jetman: If he gets a head of steam going will there be any way of holding him back

HR-spinround I don't know jet. He's undefeated on the dirt and nobody's touched him so far.

HR-spinround He did run an explosive race in the Bluegrass and whether he can come back in two weeks and do it again, I'm not so certain

HR-jetman: I have heard numerous trainers comment that his win in the derby was one of the most dominant in many years.

HR-spinround Exactly and I think if the other runners have any hope it is that he may have knocked himself out with that huge race.

HR-jetman: One thing for certain ... he is a true triple crown threat.

HR-spinround Absolutely

HR-spinround He made a very strong field look just ordinary

HR-jetman: I would worry as you do ... that 111 was a monster race, and i also worry about him regressing a tad.

HR-jetman: Just amazing career to date

HR-spinround If anyone can make a race of this it is our next entrant.

#10 Final Exit 6/1 Dixiedotco stables

Pedigree – by Dynaformer out of the b-grade mare Heaven’s Gate, by Seeking the Gold x Northern Dancer. Half sister to two graded winners and two other stakes winners.

Major Races – Wins in the Lool Oaks (G-1), Darley (G-1), Louisiana Oaks (G-2), Dubai 1000 Guineas (G-3), Placed in the Bluegrass Oaks (G-1)

Highest Speed 110

HR-spinround The filly is the favorite, which I think in itself is a huge upset.

HR-jetman: I am fairly certain this entry shocked the rest of the field. She ran a monster race in the Oaks, but still couldn't get the front

HR-jetman: I did hear a number of people comment that the Oaks field was tougher than the Derby field. Could that have played a part in the decision of dixiedotco to send his star filly?

HR-spinround She got shuffled much farther back than she's used to being early on in the Oaks but she came charging to miss by just 1/2 length

HR-spinround I certainly think it played a huge part.

HR-spinround Who would have thought before the races that both the Derby and Oaks would be won with a 110 speed? Usually the girls are a bit slower but not this year.

HR-spinround Sorry 111

HR-jetman: I think the extra half a furlong could actually play to her ... this could be a new top

HR-spinround And Final Exit's Oaks was better than 19 of the Derby colts' races

HR-jetman: Looks like i need to make more than one bet for this race, it gets more muddled the further we go

#11 Steelshanks 13/1 Checkmate Stables

Pedigree – by Forestry out of the e-grade mare Buckner’s Legacy by Seeking the Gold x Seattle Slew.

Major Races – Placed in Giant Slayer Classic (G-3), Shows in Land’s End (G-2) and Corkscrew Stakes (G-1).

Highest Speed - 100

HR-jetman: This is the early speed in the race.

HR-jetman: He should be the pace setter, and if i was his jockey i would be kicking with everything i had early to try and kick free

HR-spinround I agree but I don't see him lasting down the stretch

HR-spinround He'd be winning his first graded race of any kind

HR-jetman: I also don't think the distance is right for him.

HR-spinround And would have to run a significantly higher lifetime best speed to be a factor

HR-jetman: I think he will lead for the first 8.5 furlongs then fade hard as the closers come charging down the stretch

HR-spinround I agree

HR-spinround I think this is a very ambitious spot for him.

HR-jetman: Anything is possible though ... again .. go to the front and try to build as big a lead as you can!

#12 Skitzoid 8/1 Tees Stables

Pedigree – scratchbred by Awesome Again x A.P. Indy x Storm Cat

Major Races – Win in the Vermont is 4 Lovers (G-1), Place in the Bluegrass Derby (G-1)

Highest Speed – 108

HR-jetman: The early morning favorite to be dead last at the first call ... Skitzoid is the true definition of a "dead closer"

HR-spinround Absolutely. He was 20 of 20 at first call in the Derby, 14 of 14 in the Florida Derby and 13 of 13 in the Vermont is 4 Lovers

HR-jetman: Has won his last two races at 9.5 furlongs

HR-spinround And if you take out Ras, Skitzoid would have been a clear Derby winner

HR-jetman: You have to wonder if he can catch the lead if he drops back so far again

HR-spinround You can't beat the pedigree either

HR-jetman: Pedigree is beautifull

#13 Weekly Express 11/1 Phantom Stables

Pedigree – by Special Week out of e-grade mare Storm Express by Afleet Alex x Unbridled’s Song.

Major Races – Win in the Florida Derby (G-1)

Highest Speed – 104

HR-jetman: Fourth in the Bluegrass at 10 furlongs ..... first in the Florida Derby at 9f. What is in the cards for this runner at 9.5f?

HR-spinround I actually think he may be sitting on a big race.

HR-jetman: He has talent, but will need that big speed jump to compete for the win.

HR-spinround His Florida Derby was a new top for him and to see him run back to that race in the Bluegrass suggests that he might be able to run a big one here.

HR-spinround I think you might just see him moving forward

HR-spinround One runner left

HR-jetman: He actually ran a heck of a race in the derby, but there were just some monster runs put out.

#14 Lucky’s Franklin 8/1 Mr. Lucky’s Stables

Pedigree – by Curlin based on f-grade Lucky’s Oh Hi Oh by A.P. Indy x Storm Cat

Major Races - Places in the All Saints Derby (G-1) and Bluegrass Derby (G-1)

Highest Speed – 105

HR-spinround I'll be honest this colt surprised me in the Derby and if he runs in the money here it will be without my money again.

HR-jetman: Still seeking that first graded win, this horse has shown the talent to compete at this level.

HR-jetman: I admit that run in the derby shocked me as well. But that is not saying much as my handicapping skills are less than stellar

HR-jetman: I don't think you can totally discount what he has done to date however

HR-jetman: has finished in the money in both of his graded starts ... both of which were Grade 1 runs

HR-spinround This will also be his fourth race in eight weeks. That's a tough schedule for a young three year old.

HR-jetman: That is a fantastic point spin, and i admit i missed that.

HR-spinround Don't get me wrong I would love to have a horse like this. I just don't see him moving forward yet again to be a factor in this spot.

HR-jetman: I agree

HR-spinround So that's the field. What's the play jet?

HR-jetman: I have been thinking about this for a bit ... but i think i have to go with 5-9-12 ....

HR-jetman: Silvertin / Ras / Skitzoid

HR-jetman: Was very hard to discount Time For Buda & Proust .... and Dynazeke could make a play.

HR-jetman: But i like my bet

HR-spinround I'm going with Final Exit / Weekly Express / Proust

HR-jetman: I would box that bet .. as i am too chicken to bet against Ras to win

HR-spinround I think the filly will love the distance and may just be better than all the boys.

HR-jetman: Very interesting ... you are banking on the Florida Derby winner to really pop a big number

HR-spinround I know I throw Ras out at my peril but I think the Derby may just have gotten to the bottom of him.

HR-spinround I do think we'll see an improvement from Weekly Express in this spot and if Proust is not too close to the pace he could run back to his earlier form.

HR-jetman: I am a sap .. and the thought of another triple crown winner in the sim has me rooting for Ras.

HR-jetman: I do think Silverton is the one sitting on a big run however.

HR-spinround That's what makes the game fun jet!

HR-spinround Good luck to all the runners and we'll see you back here for the New Yorker

HR-jetman: I agree .. Luck to all the runners and may everyone come back Ready to Go!

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Spain -- Race 5114.5714
Midsoil Stakes

Taylor's Town Narrow Choice in Deep Juvy Sprint
by nextbonus on Friday, July 20, 2012 at 12:09:30 PM



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Top Female Trainers Eye Upset
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Midsoil Stakes
Grade II
Six furlongs
Fast Dirt
$100,000
All horses, 2 years old


PP Horse Owner Jockey Odds
1 COMMAND JACK(AUS) themole D Kosar 23/1
2 FAPPIANO'S TALE(KY) zenyatta C Puschel 5/1
3 FLEET COLONEL(KY) checkers P Coryatt 10/1
4 HYPNOTIC SPECTRE(KY) spinecho I Anderson 9/1
5 ROCK IT HARD(KY) aguadeep2 B Bolton 5/1
6 THUNACER(NY) wyndaway1 H McKellar 24/1
7 MO BANDY(KY) wess T Dent 22/1
8 BLANKCHECKERS(NY) lostkey10 G McNabb 12/1
9 SEEKERMILL(OH) wyndaway18 N Ashton 24/1
10 HOLIDAY BUDA(ENG) lacostra C West 5/1
11 TAYLOR'S TOWN(KY) brightvalr M Zeus 4/1
12 GRAVITE LANMOUR(KY) caracol G Carter 15/1
13 WALLY'S WARRIOR(FL) doa T Monk 9/1


Thirteen youngsters go postward Saturday in this grade II dirt sprint. Don't be fooled by the odds. Barcelona Race Course's tequila loving trackman, Miguel Battaglia, is infamous for his questionable morning lines. Let's look at the juvies in post position order.


Themole's Command Jack drew the fence with solid journeyman Doug Kosar in the irons. The big Commands colt is the first foal of a mare who broke her maiden in 2007 and hasn't won since. But her son has already doubled mom's lifetime wins in only four starts. His speed figs have improved each time and he arrives fresh off an impressive allowance score in Denmark when he tried dirt for the first time. Decent shot at big odds if he steps up again.


Fappiano's Tale is one of a trio tabbed by Miguel at 5-1 after another night of heavy drinking . Metallinut's flashy chestnut broke his maiden three back and has been stakes placed twice since. That 83 speed figure earned last time out when finishing second in South Dakota is just a point short of the biggest in the field. Very well bred (Tale of Ekati X Fappiano X Damacus) and lightning quick from the gate. May prove tough to catch.


Fleet Colonel is trained by Mr. New York tip sheet himself, Checkers. Right from the horses mouth I hear that Fleet Colonel is extremely well intended this week and will be getting a little extra "help" from Checkers' long time BFF, Rick Dutrow. Nothing illegal, mind you. Just a jug containing herbal enhancements and family remedies that have been passed down over the years. As if the Colonel John colt needed any help. He has burned up the track in both of his races and gone faster each time. Looking to go a perfect three for three. 10-1 may be the steal of the week.


The saga of nondescript broodmares continues with the dam of Spinecho's Hypnotic Spectre. Victoria Regina was haltered from a winning effort in a $20,000 maiden claimer in 2005. It would be her only career win (sound familiar?). She raced unsuccessfully for her new connections through 2006. She was retired, bred, and produced an awful colt who earned only $3000 in twenty one career starts. Then the Storm Cat mare was exported to Upper Volta as a potential broodmare prospect. Unfortunately, the only registered stallion in Upper Volta was horsenapped by rebel forces in early 2008. So Vicki became a riding horse for a local school teacher. As luck would have it, Spinecho was on safari when she spotted her long lost mare. A deal was struck and Vicki returned to the good old U. S. of A. Hypnotic Spectre is her second foal and what an improvement! The Fu Peg colt finished second in his debut. Next time out he went wire to wire with a big 80 speed number. Should be in the hunt from flag fall to finish.


In post five we find the first of a four ply Deep Rock Stable grouping, the speedy but lightly raced Rock It Hard. Second in his only try at BF Hollywood, the son of Corinthian and In Plain Sight (Seeking The Gold) has impressed line maker Miguel B to the point that he is co second choice at 5-1. And understandably so. The colt is flawlessly conformed, has been working like a demon in the morning and is a half to stakes winner No Surprise. Small step forward is all that's needed to find Deep Rock's familiar all black colors in the winners circle.


The second Deep Rock entry is Thunacer, a son of the freshman Tapit stallion, Make Reservations, and a broodmare who makes the previous two I profiled look like Ruffian. Startracer (Thunder Gulch) raced (if you want to call it that) eighteen times and hit the board once, a third place finish. Her fastest speed rating was 63 which she posted while finishing seventh in a $3500 maiden claimer. Her first foal never earned a dime. So the fact that Thunacer has actually won a race is pretty amazing. Not likely to get much other than hot and tired on Saturday, though.


Mo Bandy is by Uncle Mo from the solid Cat Thief race mare, Scaredicat. Trainer Wess is stepping him up off a maiden victory in Montana. Unlike many of his foes, Mo has been a deep closer in all three starts. Speed figures are a bit short of his rivals so far. But he is in good form and his numbers are getting bigger. If the race collapses, this one may pick up the pieces.


Blankcheckers (Dublin X Dream Well X Charismatic) is the third of four from Deep Rock Stables. His speed figures are very good. And his three non stakes races are excellent (3 2-1-0). But both stakes tries were middle of the road. That won't cut it in this field. Upper level allowance races may be his ceiling. Weak rider does not help matters.


Deep Rock's final starter is Seekermill. The rangy son of Mercer and Heatseeker Missile (Heatseeker) has caught off tracks in two of his three career assignments. Only start over dry going was a so so try at 40-1 (11th of 14) in graded company. Looks like Miguel got this one right at 24-1.


Bush League Stables switches to dirt with the impeccably bred Holiday Buda. The Pivotal colt from stakes winning Christmas Buda (Montjeu) has done nothing wrong on grass. But Laura generally likes to test her stock on both surfaces early. Holiday Buda won his debut on grass and followed that up with a very impressive third in stakes company. In both races he showed exceptional speed. I have a feeling this one may race from off the pace this week. Can be the one if he takes to dirt.


Gee, Dixiedotco has the favorite in a graded stake. What a surprise! Taylor's Town is by More Than Ready from the grade II winning Blue Panther (Unbridled's Song). He's a stakes winner and graded placed already in only three starts. Last time out Taylor's Town posted an 84 speed rating when he finished a very good second to the red hot Stay In Orbit in a Nevada grade II. World class reinsman Martin Zeus gets the assignment and has many options. Can probably be the speed of the speed if he chooses. Stalking tactics may be explored. THE one to beat either way.


Gravite Lanmour hails from the powerful Platero barn. The Street Boss colt from Gata Kamsky (Lewis Michael) broke his maiden impressively at first asking. He stalked a rapid pace, put away a pair of dueling leaders, and held a big closer, Ro Bono, safe. The 81 speed figure he received for that win stacks up nicely with the rest of the field. Breezed well Wednesday (half in :48.3). Locked, cocked and ready to rock.


Last but not least is Wally's Warrior (A. P. Warrior). This colt has a lot going for him. His trainer is the lovely and talented Ace. His mom won over $900,000 and a pair of graded stakes. The presence of top jock Thelonius Monk in the saddle can't hurt, either. And Warrior has been an absolute beast so far. Two starts two wins. Second one a listed stake. And most importantly, both wins were EFFORTLESS. This colt has a huge stride and is completely untested. No telling where his bottom is. Guessing we might find out this week. Big shot at a nice price.

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