Kentucky Derby 136
By Mike Porcaro
Louisville, KY, May 1
Super Saver is Super !
Borel makes history before a crowd of more than 155,900
to win 136th Kentucky Derby
Super Saver won the 136th Kentucky Derby, and wouldn’t ya’ know it, jockey Calvin Borel had a lot to do with it.
Nearly duplicating the trip he took last year to win on Mine That Bird, Borel headed for the rail shortly after breaking from the gate out of post 4, and maneuvered Super Saver to the lead near the mile pole to win by 2-1/2 lengths. Just as sweet for the connections was the first victory for trainer Todd Pletcher, who was 0-24 coming into this year’s race.
Borel became the first jockey in the history of the Kentucky Derby to win 3 races in 4 years, an incredible feat with odds much greater than the 8-1 the crowd placed on Super Saver. Of the winning horse, Borel said “I had him where I wanted. I got him off the pace and he relaxed good. I learned a lot the last time I rode him.”
Sired by Maria’s Mon and dam, Supercharger, an A.P. Indy daughter, Super Saver, accustomed to winning on the lead, assumed a stalking pace this time. “The first time I rode him I won on the lead,” Borel said, “but in the last race, I took him back and learned a lot about him.”
About his first Derby win, Pletcher said that it took “a lot of hard work.” “It’s a joy. People said we had one written with our name on it. I didn’t take anything for granted. It feels awfully good.”
Hard charging Ice Box, who had a difficult trip, was flying at the wire to pass Paddy O’ Prado to finish second. Paddy O’ Prado was third with Make Music for Me fourth and Noble’s Promise fifth. Perhaps the worst racing luck occurred for Lookin’ At Lucky, the 6-1 race time favorite. After breaking well from post #1, Lucky got pinballed at the rail, and stalled. Later, he was checked by rider Garrett Gomez, but despite the problems, finished sixth 7-1/2 back.
Sydney’s Candy, who finished 17th, broke from the 20 post and vied for the lead with Conveyance around the ¾ pole before giving way. The lone filly entrant, Devil May Care, was 10th.
A crowd of 155,900, the 6th largest in history, was thrilled to see the sun return to the area shortly before the race began after a day of heavy showers. The crowd on Friday for Oaks day was over 116,000 making it one of the largest Kentucky Oaks-Derby weekends of all time.
And even if it would have continued to rain, at least for today, the sun would have shined on Super Saver, Calvin Borel and Todd Pletcher.
Louisville, KY, May 1
Buckleupbuttercup upsets in the Eight Belles
The outside route continues to be the road to take through the first 6 races today at Churchill Downs, as Buckleupbuttercup masterfully ridden by Julien Leparoux, came off the pace to run down 3-5 favorite, Hot Dixie Chick and Visavis to win the Eight Belles.
Out of the one post, Leparoux guided the Najran filly outside the fray as Hot Dixie Chick got hung on a quagmire at the rail, which is not the place to be today. Hot Dixie Chick finished third with Visavis grabbing the second spot.
Louisville, KY, May 1
Awesome Act is Mike’s Pick in Kentucky Derby 136
I must admit that I have suffered from “second-itis” the last 7 years in this race. My pick for the Derby has come in second 7 times in a row.
But to quote Bullwinkle Moose, “This time for sure!”
A few minutes ago, here in the press box, I listened to a prominent national racing writer say in a radio interview, “You can’t handicap this race. It’s a crap shoot”. He just might be right. With the bad weather conditions and sloppy track, and possible improving weather coming in near race time, which would make, perhaps, for a drying and gooey track, there are even more balloons in the air.
This is a race that, if you can afford it, instead of hitting the panic button, you should press the “ALL” button in part of your wheels. But, wisdom prevails, and I choose to take the course of “logic”, living by the old adage “Eeenie, meanie mynee, moe”.
So
here goes:
Awesome Act to win.
One of the thrills of my racing life came in 1998 when I was on hand at Churchill Downs to watch Awesome Again win the 1998 Breeders Cup Classic. He made a move in a hard drive the final furlong under Pat Day to catch former Derby winner Silver Charm, trained by Bob Baffert, for the win.
Could it be another déjà vu’ moment in this one where Awesome Act catches another Baffert charge, Lookin’ At Lucky, near the end?
Note to self: They have come off the pace in the first five races so far today with the last three from the 11 post!
I have always been a believer at looking at horses who are improving and those horses who have yet “to run their race”. This guy fills that bill, and his jockey, Julien Leparoux, is one of the best at rating a horse off the pace. Euro trainer Jeremy Noseda has pointed him fairly toward this race, and their style of racing is geared toward full fields and from coming off the pace.
And then there is the “X” factor. Two races back, off a layoff, “Act’s” Gotham win was nearly flawless with hardly a whimper from the jockey and his stick. Then, in the Wood Memorial, he ran into Eskendereya, arguably the best 3-year old in the country. A funny thing happened on his way to a third place finish, as, first, he stumbled out of the gate. When he hit the top of the stretch, “Act” appeared to flatten out.
Back in the barn it was discovered that he lost a shoe early, not much different than flipping your Nike during a jog in Lincoln Park. It’s uncomfortable, uneven and it hurts. So I will choose to throw out the “flattened out” story and say that he would have finished better with 4 hooves on the ground. I also like the added distance.
So I will play Awesome Act to win.
I like American Lion, Ice Box and Lookin’ At Lucky as possible second place finishers.
I also like these to contend for third place: #10 Paddy O’ Prado, #13 Jackson Bend, #14 Mission Impazable and #17 Dublin.
$20 exacta key….#16 Awesome Again over #1 Lookin’ At Lucky, #2 Ice Box and #7 American Lion
$ 10 exacta box: 1,2,7,16
$4 exacta wheel: 1,2,7,16/10,13,14,17
$3 tri wheel: 16/1,2,7/1,2,7,10,13,14,17
$1 tri wheel: 1,2,7,16/1,2,7,16/1,2,7,10,13,14,17
GOOD LUCK TO ALL!
Louisville, KY, May 1
Rachel Alexandra majority owner Jess Jackson talks about her performance in the La Troienne
For many, 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra’s losing two races in a row, including Friday’s La Troienne, was one of the biggest surprises in years. Perhaps, no one was more surprised that Jess Jackson, the majority owner of Rachel Alexandra.
When asked if he was surprised after her second place finish in the race, Jackson told reporters at an impromptu press conference, “A little bit. There’s always somebody pointing for her and some of those horses obviously were in better condition.”
Jackson said that the connections were confident going into the race, “but I’m never confident in any race that we’re going to win if you mean certain. There’s no ‘certain’ in this sport”.
Asked if he was satisfied with the ride of jockey Calvin Borel, Jackson said “I don’t want to get into controversy”. Jackson said that he didn’t speak with Borel after the race, and that he, personally, “gave him (Borel) no direction” prior to race time. Asked if Borel would retain the mount, Jackson said “that’s not decided. Steve (trainer Asmussen) and I have to talk about it”.
Asked if the connections have targeted Rachel Alexandra’s next race, Jackson said “not yet. We’ve got to talk and see how the horse comes back”, although there are some who believe she might go up against the boys in the Stephen Foster. Jackson said entering Rachel in the Foster has yet to be determined.
Regarding the possibility of a race in the future against Zenyatta, Jackson said “Of course, but she’s (Rachel) not ready. Zenyatta might be ready, I don’t know, but after a six-month layoff you don’t ask a horse to come back.”
Louisville, KY, May 1
Churchill Downs Distaff Turf Mile
A yielding turf course will play to some of the better grass fillies and mares in the G-III Churchill Downs Distaff Turf Mile for a purse of $200,000.
Handicapper Mike Battaglia has made Tizaqueena, an exciting 5-year old mare, the 5-2 favorite, quite a square price for this talented daughter of Tiznow. Garrett Gomez gets the mount for trainer Mike Stidham. Tizaqueena has won two in a row coming in.
Among the talent in this race is Hot Cha Cha ridden by James Graham, who has become a turf master in his own right. Hot Cha Cha is 3-1 and should be right there with a hard charge at the end. Julien Leparoux, arguably the best turf rider in the country right now, has a great chance on Fantasia (GB) who probably needed her race, which was her first in the U.S. She finished fourth in an allowance race at Keeneland.
Talented Diamondrella (GB) comes in at 8-1 and a lifetime turf record of 16/8-2-2. A sleeper here could be Cure for Sale (Arg) who placed second in her first two races, both Grade-III events. Junior Alvarado, 2009 riding champ at Arlington Park, rides for Raja Malek, who is 23% in wins this year.
Another one to watch is Phola for Todd Pletcher at 7-2 with Ramon Dominguez up. Phola was the winner of the G-III Hillsborough at Tampa last out, besting second place finisher Cure for Sale. Hooh Why is scratched out of the race.
Mike Plays:
#5 Tizaqueena to win and place; $10 exacta key ….#5 Tizaqueena over #2 Phola and #3 Fantasia and #6 Hot Cha Cha; $4 exacta wheel….2,3,6/5; $3 tri wheel…..5/2,3,6/2,3,4,6,8; $1 tri wheel….2,3,6/5/2,3,4,6,8
Louisville, KY, May 1
Hot Dixie Chick leads the field in the Eight Belles
The Grade III Eight Belles for three-year old fillies at 7-1.2 furlongs, with a purse of $100,000 on the dirt, features “one hot chick”, that is the morning line favorite at even money, Hot Dixie Chick. The Dixie Union filly for trainer Steve Asmussen has reeled off four straight wins after debuting with a second place finish a year ago at Churchill Downs.
Winner of the $60,000 Prima Donna last out, she won the G-I Spinaway and the G-III Schuylerville when she earned a Beyer speed figure of 103. She broke her maiden in her second race with a speed figure of 100.
With a wet track today, Hot Dixie Chick has raced in the slop three times winning two with a second.
One that could challenge “Chick” is Lukas-trained Decelerator, 7-2 on the morning line. My guess is that jockey Terry Thompson takes her out for the lead and tries to steal this one on the front end. She is 4/2-2-0 at Churchill Downs, so Decelerator is the horse for the course.
Others in the race include Visavis at 4-1, Jinx Fires’ Bell’s Shoes ridden by Borel, Buckleupbuttercup, Kantstodancin and Sister Resistor.
Mike Plays:
#2 Hot Dixie Chick to win; $20 exacta straight….#2 Hot Dixie Chick over #4 Decelerator; $6 exacta straight…#4 Decelerator over #2 Hot Dixie Chick; $5 exacta key…#2 Hot Dixie Chick over #1 Buckleupbuttercup, #3 Bell’s Shoes and #7 Visavis.
Louisville, KY, May 1
Weather, track conditions will figure in the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby
At the moment (9:30 AM EST), I am overlooking the beautiful grounds of Churchill Downs…. and staring right at a race track surface that looks like it might be fun to play in if you’re a duck.
It’s sloppy after an overnight rain with heavier showers expected to come later this morning. As much as an inch or more expected making the surface just as wet it is right now. However, the grounds crew at Churchill Downs is perhaps the finest of any in the world.
If past history is an indicator of the crew’s expertise, sloppy or not, the track will be safe and playable at 6:28 PM (EST), race time, as it was in 2004 when the grandstand area was flooded with several inches of rain prior to the Derby start. The grounds crew made the track work that day, and Smarty Jones slopped his way into racing mortality.
After Friday’s card, the track was harrowed and sealed, and while there are a number of scratches in several races, there are no horses scratched in today’s Kentucky Derby. Two turf races, numbers 3 and 5, are off the turf.
While few horses entered into the Kentucky Derby have raced on a wet track, pedigree must be noted for those who haven’t. While playing winners who paid boxcar figures in some recent Derby’s could have easily been done by picking horses out of a hat, today’s conditions will test the serious handicapper.
Louisville, KY, April 30
BREAKING NEWS
Weather Report from Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 1
Churchill Downs officials held a press conference on Friday afternoon to discuss potential severe weather for Saturday during the Kentucky Derby day.
As much as 5 inches of rain is predicted by some weather forecasting sources.
Precautions will be taken to secure the infield area and access tunnels so that people would be able to leave in an orderly fashion if such a weather event would occur.
The forecast as of 3 PM EST today says that rain will begin around 10 AM Saturday for about 4 hours with an inch of rain likely. It is expected to stop for a few hours in early afternoon prior to race time. Rain is expected during the race with severe weather possible on Saturday night.
Louisville, KY, April 30
BREAKING NEWS
Unrivaled Belle Upsets Rachel Alexandra in the La Troein
In a stunning upset in the Grade II La Troien, Unrivaled Belle at 9-1, shocked the crowd of more than 100,000 at Churchill Downs by beating Rachel Alexandra in a photo finish.
The Unbridled’s Song mare fought head to head with the 2009 Horse of the Year getting up by less than a head paying $20.80 to win.
The jockey was Kent Desormeaux for trainer Bill Mott.
Quotes from the cast of the Unrivaled Belle upset of Rachel Alexandra
Winning jockey Kent Desormeuax
“Oh, man, my mare was breathing fire today…..I feel like the mouse that stole the cheese. I was hoping for the lead here today, but that spot was already taken. So I stayed where I was and waited. I made the lead and Rachel Alexandra passed me at the head of the lane. But my filly came again. Then Rachel passed me again at the eighth pole. But my filly fought back. What a race for her! She was special today.”
Winning trainer Bill Mott
“I had confidence in my filly today; I thought she’s run very well. But, I wasn’t confident we’d beat Rachel Alexandra. …My filly ran huge….She ran great through the lane—all heart!”
Rachel Alexandra’s trainer, Steve Asmussen
“She’s just not as fast as last summer. She ran a good race, but not a great race. ….Calvin (jockey Borel) did nothing wrong today. ….You don’t run a horse expecting to get beat, especially Rachel.”
Rachel Alexandra jockey Calvin Borel
This from Borel’s agent, Jerry Hissam….”He’s not going to make a statement. She ran a big race and just got beat. That’s horse racing.”
Louisville, KY, April 30
NBC presents coverage of the 136th Running of the Kentucky Derby
NBC Sports broadcasts exclusive coverage of the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 1, at 4 p.m. Eastern time, 3 p.m. Central. Co-hosted by Bob Costas and Bob Hammond alongside three-time Derby winner, Gary Stevens, NBC is primed to broadcast what many consider to be a wide-open race.
Making things even more interesting for the race, and challenging for the NBC crew, is the weather, which is expected to be dicey with several inches of rain forecast. The track is likely to be extremely sloppy. Director David Michaels says “It’ll be unique if the lightning comes and it kind of harkens back to what happened in 2004”, referring one of the rainiest days in recent Derby day memory. “We have all kinds of contingency plans and of the interesting things was the fact that now that they have lights here at Churchill Downs they could run the race at any time, so the track assures that the Kentucky Derby will be run on Saturday”.
The NBC broadcast team includes analyst/handicappers Mike Battaglia and Bob Neumeier with Kenny Rice providing reports and Donna Brothers doing on-track reports via horseback. All-time great race caller, Tom Durkin, a native of Wisconsin and the Chicagoland areas, will call the race.
Louisville, KY, April 30
Former Derby Contenders Square off in the Alysheba
Chocolate Candy, Friesen Fire, and Flying Private, from the Kentucky Derby trail, Class of 2009, and 2008 contenders, Cool Coal Man and Macho Again, are part of a contentious field of nine horses in the running of the Grade III Alysheba today at Churchill Downs. The 1-1/16 distance carries a purse of $150,000.
Former Derby hopefuls’ aside, Arson Squad, who came out of the 3-year old Class of 2005, has been designated as the 3-1 favorite for the race. The 7-year old gelding, trained by Rick Dutrow, became racing newest millionaire after winning the Skip Away (G-III) at Gulfstream Park on April 10. He posted a mighty 104 Beyer speed figure in the race under Pablo Lopez, who rides today.
While Arson Squad should figure, there could be a bit of a distance issue for him. He has second and third place finishes at 1-1/16 in 5 races, but Friesen Fire (3 wins in 4 tries at the distance), Cool Coal Man (6/4-1-1) and Prom Shoes , a specialist at 1-1/16 (16/3-3-2) will vie. However, it’s Bullsbay for Graham Motion who is undefeated at the distance going a perfect 4 for 4 along with a Churchill Downs record of 5/3-0-0.
Where does Chocolate Candy, last year’s 5th place Kentucky Derby finisher figure here? Well, he likes the distance as well with a record of 2 wins and a third in 3 tries. He’s been on a layoff since November, and has never finished in the money in his two dirt races. Friesen Fire is off a layoff as well, but could work his way to the Winner’s Circle under Shaun Bridgemohan. He’s worked steady since taking time off in February, and should be fit.
The best value play for me is Bullsbay, the 6-year old Tiznow horse, who has been off since November. That said, he’s training well and likes the Churchill Downs surface. The one for me here is Cool Coal Man, who is partial to the distance and the course. Zito always fits well on Oaks day, and this would be a nice win for him.
While there could be some surprises here, one thing is sure is that those who enjoy watching a darned good horse race will like this one.
Mike Plays:
#4 COOL COAL MAN TO WIN; $10 Exacta Wheel…. #4 COOL COAL MAN OVER #3 MACHO AGAIN, #6 BULLSBAY, #7 ARSON SQUAD.
Louisville, KY, April 30
Grade III Churchill Downs Turf Sprint has burners extraordinaire!
Silver Timber, a 7-year old gelding at 2-1 on Mike Battaglia’s morning line, leads the field of speedball horses today in the $100,000 Grade III Churchill Downs Turf Sprint, a 5 furlong event for three-year olds and upward. The Chad Brown charge appears ready for run coming off a gutty performance in the G-III Shakertown at Keeneland on April 10, and strong work coming into this. Juilen Leparoux rides.
Chicago trainer Tammy Domenosky brings Brandon Meier in to ride Moralist, who, despite finishing third in the Shakertown, is listed at 15-1. Meier, a rising star on the Midwest jockey roster, was one of the featured players in the television program “Jockeys”, which aired in 2009.
A filly for Todd Pletcher, Starfish Bay, who wired the field with a Beyer of 104 last out in the Lady’s Turf Sprint at Gulfstream, can fly early. She will be under John Velazquez at 7-2. Another interesting horse is Chamberlain Bridge, who finished fourth in the Shakertown, losing by just 1-1/4 after being bumped at the start. He’s likely to stay off the pace a bit, but has excellent closing speed. He’s 5-2.
Another one to give a close look-see is Perfect Officer. While he appears to be a notch below some of these, his lifetime record at the distance is 7/3-1-1. He will need a brisk pace to win it, and with a ton of upfront speed, he just might get his wish. Kent Desormeaux rides for trainer George Werner.
Bottom line here is that for the Shakertown horses, the cutback to 5 furlongs will make a difference for a few of them.
Mike Plays
#3 CHAMBERLAIN BRIDGE TO WIN AND PLACE; $10 exacta box…#3 CHAMBERLAIN BRIDGE AND #6 SILVER TIMBER; $5 exacta wheel….#3 CHAMBERLAIN BRIDGE AND #6 SILVER TIMBER OVER #1 MORALIST AND # 7 STARFISH BAY AND #2 PERFECT OFFICER.
Atlanta, GA
April 29
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Written by Carl Danbury |
If it weren't for Blind Luck, I'd have no luck at all!
I have always enjoyed Oaks day, actually a lot more than the Kentucky Derby, because betting lines are shorter and more avid horseplayers are in the crowd and at the windows helping to quicken the pace. I witnessed Bird Town's upset of Santa Caterina in 2003, Ashado's stirring performance in 2004 and Summerly's defeat of favorite Sis City in 2005. Not to be outdone, I was on hand to see Lemons Forever grab $96.20 for a $2 win ticket in 2006 and Proud Spell win for Larry Jones in 2008. While favorites have won three of the past seven Oaks, with Rachel Alexandra picking up the shortest price last year of $2.60, 14 starters guarantees some excellent value if No. 5 Blind Luck has none over the 1 1/8 miles at Churchill Downs. Blind Luck has had a marvelous nine-month start to her career with six wins, a second an two third-place finishes in nine starts. She has finished behind just two horses in the Oaks field, No. 6 Beautician and No. 7 Crisp, and has beaten No. 8 Tidal Pool and No. 11 Evening Jewel and Crisp to name a few. Where Blind Luck could have some difficulty is facing this depth of field for the first time since she faced 11 others in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita. Of course, there are few others in the field that have faced full fields, but traffic could be a problem for her at Churchill Downs. Blind Luck also had a big jump in speed figures in her Fantasy score at Oaklawn Park April 2 and a regression is likely, particularly if she lays to close to what promises to be a fast pace. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see one of the front runners try to steal the race on the front end. My top choice to win the Oaks is No. 13 Amen Hallelujah with Julien Leparoux in the irons. Trained by Dick Dutrow, the Florida-bred filly has proven she can win in front-running style (unlikely with the 13th post) or laying just off the pace (likely near Crisp). On the sidelines since March 20 after finishing second to Derby entrant Devil May Care in the Bonnie Miss at Gulfstream Park, Amen Hallelujah (ML: 8-1) has enjoyed two strong efforts on dirt and seems to be primed for a big effort. My second choice is No. 7 Crisp, a steady sort who has a nice pattern of works since her last score in the Santa Anita Oaks on March 6 when she beat Blind Luck. Given time off after five races in five months by trainer John Sadler, she seems poised for a big effort tomorrow. My longshot choice is No. 2 Jody Slew, who has the same running style as Blind Luck. The difference is that the Bret Calhoun charge may have more left in the tank if the up-front pace falls completely apart as she should be further back and should get an unfettered trip from the inside post. However, to win, Jody Slew must unleash a furious kick in the lane. Also looking for a nice performance by No. 14 Joanie's Catch who could get a share.
Wagers
$10 Oaks-Derby Double: 2-7-13 with 2 (Ice Box), 13
(Jackson Bend), 14 (Mission Impazible), 16 (Awesome Act)
Carl Danbury is Chief Editor of Sports Unlimited magazine, a leading sports publication serving the Southeast, and editor of the website www.sportsoutheast.com. Danburt is a contributor and advisor to Midwest Thoroughbred magazine, and considered by many to be an established and reliable handicapper.
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Last Updated on Thursday, 29 April 2010 18:23 |
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Louisville, KY, April 30
Mike’s Picks for the Kentucky Oaks and La Troiene at Churchill Downs
Kentucky Oaks
Chalk has played heavily in this race off and on during the years, and last year was no exception.
Rachel Alexandra won that one by a whopping 20-1/4 lengths, and paid a paltry $2.60 to win. The great filly Rags to Riches paid a yawning $5.00 in 2007, which made Proud Spell’s $8.80 mutuel in 2008 look rich.
To all this chalk, I say LEMONS FOREVER. In 2006, the daughter of Lemon Drop Kid, ridden by a great former Midwest jock, Mark Guidry, shocked the throng at 40-1, paying a more than beefy $96.20.
There’s a chance of another favorite winning this year, and that’s Blind Luck, the Jerry Hollendorfer filly who has been lights out with 6 wins, a place and show in 9 starts. She can do it on dirt or synthetic surfaces, and if her win in the Fantasy last out is any indication, we could see more of the same Friday.
However, I’m going to look for a little “blind luck” of my own, and play against the 6-5 morning line favorite. And to that I say, Amen Hallelujah!
Amen Halellujah, the #13 filly, is my pick to upset. And wouldn’t it be even more luck for this Montbrook gal to win out of the “lucky” 13 post? She has proven to be a good one on synthetics, but she’s just as good on the dirt, reeling off Beyers of 95 and 100 in her last two at Gulfstream Park, coming into this finishing second last time, and first two back. That second place finish was to Derby entrant Devil May Care.
Sure, I’m concerned about the post, and about the well-placed Blind Luck, but there is enough upfront speed in here to help my cause, and the Flyin’ Frenchman, jockey Leparoux, is capable of tucking her in early, staying close to the leaders, then come roaring at the wire for the win.
Mike Plays:
#13 AMEN HALLELUJAH to win; $20 exacta straight #13 AMEN HALLELUJAH over #5 BLIND LUCK; $10 exacta wheel… #13 AMEN HALLELUJAH over #1 IT’S TEA TIME, #8 TITAL POOL, #11 EVENING JEWEL.
Looking for an Oaks-Derby Double bet?
Here is mine……
$20 play: #5 BLIND LUCK and #13 AMEN HALLELUJAH with #2 ICE BOX and #16 AWESOME AGAIN.
LaTroiene
This is Rachel Alexandra’s race to lose. I guess if she isn’t going to go up against the boys, this Grade II event is just as good of a place to get her “right” after losing in New Orleans to Zardana.
While Zardana won the first one against Rachel, she is 8-1 against the 2009 Horse of the Year with Rachel at 3-5, and rightfully so. Owner Jess Jackson says Rachel loves Churchill, and with 6 races here she’s racked up 3 wins and 2 second place finishes. I guess he’s correct.
So who can beat Rachel Alexandra? I don’t think any of these can beat her, especially since Be Fair, Zardana, Unrivaled Belle and Distinctive Dixie all might go out to try to get the lead, and then fall apart. We could see fractions’ hovering around .21 and .44 before Calvin decides to launch the rocket that is Rachel Alexandra.
Last year Rachel Alexandra won the Kentucky Oaks by 20-1/4. Don’t be surprised to see the length of victory in this one come close to that margin.
Mike Plays:
#4 RACHEL ALEXANDRA TO WIN; $20 exacta… RACHEL ALEXANDRA OVER #5 UNRIVALED BELLE AND #6 DISTINCTIVE DIXIE.
Louisville, KY, April 29
What’s the Kentucky Derby worth to the local economy? Here’s my two-cents
Those of us who come from places outside the Blue Grass state each year to attend the Kentucky Derby probably don’t realize how much our presence means to the economy of the region.
I was stunned to realize that just the total handle alone for the race is probably equal to the Gross National Products of several third world countries! In the past 5 years alone, the combined on-track and simulcast off-track handle is a mind-boggling $559,851,000!
Even in 2008 and 2009 during the worst economic period in this country since the 1930’s, total handle reached $114,557,000 and $104, 563,000 respectively. Reduced numbers from highs of more than $118,000,000 in 2006 and 2007, but rubbing elbows with numbers put up by many large corporations for sure.
One study that I found says that the economic impact on hotels, restaurants, shops and services totals more than $220 million for the region, not to mention the good-will created for the area and potential for positive economic spin-offs.
So the next time you contact your local politicians to try to sway them toward legislation to assist in funding the horse racing industry, maybe you can quote a few of these figures.
Having been to the Kentucky Derby and Breeders Cup events here at least 25 times or more over the years, I know what I have personally spent on hotels, food, gas and….beer, and while it ain’t always an inexpensive proposition, it’s worth every penny to me.
Louisville, KY, April 29
Rachel Alexandra, the “Queen” of Racing is no Diva. Leads La Troienne field
She might be the reigning Horse of the Year, and, with all due respect to Zenyatta, at least the 2009 “Queen” of racing, but don’t call Rachel Alexandra a “Diva”.
That’s because the great 4-year old goes about her business on the track like the true professional she has come to be known, working surely since her second place finish in the New Orleans Lady in March. Rachel returns as a heavy favorite in the La Troienne at Churchill Downs on Friday.
She’s done some of her best work on the day before the Kentucky Derby lest we forget her incredible 20-1/4 length win in the 2009 Kentucky Oaks. Owner Jess Jackson says “She’s happy at Churchill”. While she stables in Lexington, Jackson says “Churchill is her favorite track and she’s surely giving us every sign of being ready to run”.
Trainer Steve Asmussen told the Daily Racing Form that he thinks the daughter of Medaglia d’Oro is rounding into form. “I’m anxious for Friday (the day of the race). I think that’s the measure of where we are”.
Running out of post position 4 and guided by her regular rider, Calvin Borel, Rachel Alexandra has been made the 3-5 favorite by track handicapper Mike Battaglia. She’ll be up against Zardana (3-1on the ML), who beat her in New Orleans. Unrivaled Belle, winner of the Deputy Minister at Gulfstream Park, is 4-1. Be Fair, Morena, and Distinctive Dixie round out the six horse field.
After winning 11 races with 3 second place finishes in 15 career races and with earnings of nearly $3 million, perhaps “Queen” Rachel Alexandra has earned Diva status.
Louisville, KY, April 29
Kentucky Oaks winner just might need blind luck!
If filly Blind Luck wins the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, it won’t be because of “blind luck”. Coming off a 2-1/2 length win in the G-III Fantasy, the classy daughter of Pollard’s Vision is the 6-5 morning line favorite for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. Rafael Bejarano rides.
Coming out of post 5, Blind Luck also won the Las Virgenes (G-I) at Santa Anita, and the Hollywood Starlet (G-I) at Hollywood Park. While her best work has been done on synthetic surfaces, Hollendorfer is no stranger to the Winner’s Circle for this race, as he has won it twice, in 1991 with Lite Light, and in 1996 with Pike Place Dancer.
One that could give Blind Luck a run is Crisp, winner of the G-I Santa Anita Oaks. She beat Blind Luck in that race. Owned by Michael Talla, trained by John Sadler and ridden by Joel Rosario, Crisp is 8-1 on the morning line.
Todd Pletcher looks for his third win in the Oaks as a trainer with Ailalea with John Velazquez aboard the 15-1 morning line shot. She will break from post position 12. Pletcher won this race with Rags to Riches in 2007 and with Ashado in 2004.
Others in the race include Rick Dutrow’s Amen Hallelujah, who won two Grade II races this winter, the San Ynez, on synthetic at Santa Anita, and the Davona Dale on the dirt of Gulfstream. Breaking out the 13 post and ridden by Julien Leparoux, Amen Hallelujah is 8-1 on the ML.
Others in the race include Tidal Pool (Borel) for D. Wayne Lukas, who seeks his record-tying fifth Oaks win, Evening Jewel (Desormeaux), Champagne d’Oro (Martin Garcia), Joanie’s Catch (Pablo Lopez), Quiet Temper, (Robbie Albarado), Bella Diamante (Mike Smith), Jody Slew (Mena), It’s Tea Time (Alan Garcia), and Beautician (Solis).
Louisville, KY, April 27
D. Wayne Lukas…the Midwest’s own grabs for one more shot at Derby glory
One of the most memorable days of my life happened in the late 1990’s when I had the great honor of meeting Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas.
I was lucky enough to be invited to a Super Bowl party at the Las Vegas Hilton, which was well-stocked with noted sports celebrities. Hosted by TV sportscaster Dick Enberg, my business partner, Jim Moriarty and I were fortunate to meet former, NFL, NBA and MLB stars. There sitting way down at the end of the dais all by his lonesome was a distinguished looking gray-haired gentleman. That’s when Jim blurted out….it’s D. Wayne Lukas!
This was shortly after his amazing Triple Crown run of the 90’s, so you can just imagine the excitement that two forty-something’s acting like 8-year olds could muster over one of their heroes. So we walked over to Mr. Lukas, introduced ourselves, and got the chance of a lifetime to talk horses with one of the truly greats! The man seemed to be as excited to talk with us about his passion as we were to talk with him!
Now you might ask, how does a guy from Antigo, WI, Wayne’s hometown, end up with 4 wins in the Kentucky Derby, 13 Triple Crown race wins overall, 18 Breeders Cup victories, 4 Outstanding Trainer Eclipse Awards, and much, much more.
Not that there is anything unusual about Antigo, WI, but, with no horse racing in the Dairyland state, one might wonder how someone from there, and training race horses, could have so much success. What’s even more surprising is that “Coach” D. Wayne Lukas’ job after college was that of high school teacher (he has a Master’s Degree in Education from UW-Madison) and basketball coach.
Growing up on a farm, Lukas was familiar with horses, and began training Quarter Horses in California in the late 1960’s. After finding great success with the breed for more than 10 years, Lukas moved to Thoroughbreds building his incredible resume that includes more than $100 million in purse money.
Once quoted as saying “I never dreamed I would be here after I got into coaching. I didn't do very good at that”, Lukas has achieved just about everything a trainer can achieve. Is there more to come?
On May 1, D. Wayne Lukas has another shot at the glory with Dublin in the 136th Kentucky Derby. Lukas said this week that he has hopes for horse. With competitive fires burning, Lukas told Thoroughbred Times “We’re after this one”.
It’s a long way from the basketball court to the racetrack, and from Antigo, WI to the Winner’s Circle at Churchill Downs, but there’s no doubt that D. Wayne Lukas has a lot of his Midwestern brethren hoping he’s handed a blanket of roses on Saturday.
Louisville, KY, April 27
“Icon” trainers bring contenders to Louisville
In the past 10 years, The Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands, has seen its share of trainers, who, until after winning the race, hadn’t shared much of the spotlight with trainers of national note.
This includes 2009 winner, maverick Chip Woolley, who's Mine That Bird won in a stunning upset at 50-1. Others, not exactly household names when they won, include Barclay Tagg with Funnycide in 2003, John Servis with Smarty Jones in 2004, John Shirreffs, whose Giacomo turned the field on its ear in 2005, and even Rick Dutrow, most known in eastern circles, with Big Brown in 2008. And who can ever forget the emotion of trainer Mike Matz with his Barbaro in 2007 in the weeks after his Derby victory.
So where have racing’s icons been the last 10 years, trainers like Todd Pletcher (not for lack of trying….he’s 0-24 in the race) Lukas, Zito and Baffert, who won in 2002, and was the last of the “better-known’s” to win it? D.Wayne, Bob and Nick have combined for 9 Derby wins, and, for nearly 10 years, they’ve been there year after year, just not in the Winner’s Circle.
All that can change this year.
Bob Baffert has Lookin’ At Lucky, who appeared to be all the best this winter until taking the trip from Hades in the Santa Anita Derby. Lucky is the likely race time favorite. Baffert also enters Conveyance, a speed-burner, who, if he wires the field, will conjure up memories of the California trainer’s last Derby winner, War Emblem.
Zito will run Ice Box, who might be the best closer of the bunch, and if this race sets up for early speed, you could see the Florida Derby winner ripping up the track at the end for the win. In addition, Jackson Bend, another Zito horse, is a bit of an “X’ factor having finished second twice to Eskenderia, who would have been the fave had he been entered. Jackson Bend, in 9 lifetime races, has 5 wins and 4 second place finishes.
Todd Pletcher is likely to have 6 or 7 horses in the field, but didn’t enter his two best, Eskenderia and Rule. While sheer volume of horses alone might give a Pletcher an edge, logic rarely prevails in picking Derby winners.
So where does this put Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas? Wouldn’t it be something to see the 74-year old trainer, winner of 13 Triple Crown races, win with his charge, Dublin? While Dublin has run into all kinds of racing trouble in some of his preps, he is hard-charging and can be part of the fray near the end, so he shouldn’t be dismissed.
Among those who this year fit the pattern of the “lesser known’s” are Jeremy Noseda, who trains Awesome Act, who, along with Ice Box, maybe the best from coming from the deep end. Michael Maker brings in the improving Stately Victor winner of the Blue Grass Stakes, and Dean’s Kitten, who won the Lane’s End.
Then there is Dale Romans, an icon himself at Kentucky tracks, and a favorite of better bettors when he enters. Romans’ Paddy O’Prado, as the name suggests, is turf all the way being out of the great grass sire, El Prado. While his 2-year old debut race was a 7th place finish in the mud, Paddy’s workout on April 23 was a near-blowout at .58.2 in the slop. Mud or not, this is one to watch.
Trainer Eoin Hardy always has them ready, and that is sure to be the case on Saturday with American Lion. While the horse spent his first five career races on the synthetics, he showed his mettle on the dirt by winning the Illinois Derby in a wire. He can rate when asked.
Number 136 looks to be very contentious, and some would say wide open, which gives the icons, as well as the trainers with little Derby experience, a fair chance of collecting the roses on May 1.