GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
By Mike Welsch
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. -- The decision to shorten Sunday's Grade 1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap from 1 3/8 miles to 1 1/8 miles this winter returned quick dividends, with 11 entering the race, including Breeders' Cup winners Kip Deville and Red Rocks. The field is one of the strongest in recent memory.
The Gulfstream Park Turf has been a fixture here since 1986.
Kip Deville, winner of the 2007 Breeders' Cup Mile, will carry high weight of 124 pounds while looking to rebound from his ninth-place finish in the Hong Kong Mile.
Red Rocks, hero of the 2006 Breeders' Cup Turf, won the Grade 1 Man o' War last summer at Belmont Park. He will tote 122 pounds on Sunday.
Court Vision, who closed out his 3-year-old campaign last year with a last-to-first victory in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby, will also carry 121 pounds.
Completing the field are Kiss the Kid, upset winner of the Fort Lauderdale here three weeks ago; South American Group 1 winner Uigur; as well as Just as Well, Pick Six, Nergal, Sligovitz, and Summer Patriot. Phil the Power was entered for main track only.
The Gulfstream Park Turf is one of two turf stakes here Sunday, along with the Grade 3, $125,000 Suwannee River. Topping the field of fillies and mares are Callwood Dancer, who was runner-up behind Wild Promises in Calder's Grade 3 My Charmer Handicap, The Niagara Queen, and Waquoit's Love.
Well Positioned starting his year
Well Positioned will make his much-anticipated 3-year-old debut in Saturday's opening race, a one-mile first-level allowance. Well Positioned, a son of Awesome Again, served notice he could be a player on this year's Kentucky Derby trail with a 14-length maiden victory going a mile in his 2-year-old finale at Aqueduct on Nov. 22.
Well Positioned finished sixth in his debut, which surprised Pat Reynolds, who trains the colt for Paul Pompa Jr.
"His big win the second time was no fluke, and now it's time to get him going again," Reynolds said. "Obviously if he runs well on Saturday our main objective will be the Florida Derby."
Reynolds will also send out another of his highly regarded 3-year-olds, Dubinsky, in Saturday's eighth race in a field that includes the debuting Nicanor, Barbaro's well-publicized full brother. Dubinsky comes into the one-mile maiden race off a second-place finish behind Alma d'Oro under similar conditions on Jan. 15.
"Dubinsky and Well Positioned were workmates, and I've always been very high on him, too," said Reynolds who is still winless at the meet. "I've got four horses in Saturday and hopefully we'll have a big day and turn things around."
Nicanor, trained by Michael Matz, will break from post 4 and be ridden by Edgar Prado.
By Mike Welsch
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Barbaro's little brother is ready to run
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
By Claire Novak
Special to ESPN.com
This Saturday at approximately 4:33 p.m. ET, Michael Matz will go through the motions he has performed countless times as the trainer of countless racehorses. He will secure a small leather saddle, check the straps on a glossy bridle, and direct the groom to walk his starter around the paddock at Gulfstream Park. He will tell himself, as he has been saying all along, that this is just another starter, just another race.
He won't be fooling anyone.
On Jan. 31, Matz sends Roy and Gretchen Jackson's Nicanor -- the full brother to 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro -- to the starting gate at Gulfstream Park. It will be the most highly-anticipated debut of an unraced Thoroughbred in recent times, an emotional affair coming just four days after the 2-year anniversary of Barbaro's death. And although hundreds of racehorses will load into dozens of starting stalls across the country that day, for a few moments the eyes of the industry will turn southward toward the young bay colt who carries the hopes and dreams of thousands upon his back.
Barbaro's little brother is ready to run.
It was Jan. 27, 2007, when Roy and Gretchen Jackson made the decision to euthanize Barbaro, the best racehorse they ever owned. The Derby winner lost his battle with debilitating laminitis, the equine disease in which a horse's hoof wall separates from the inner foot, after tragically breaking his left hind leg at the beginning of the Preakness Stakes. Dreams of Triple Crown glory shattered along with that leg. Instead of going on to race again, the fleet-footed runner was eventually laid to rest at Churchill Downs, site of his greatest victory.
The Jacksons mourned his passing, and a world of fans mourned with them. The memories of Barbaro soaring to the Derby finish line, not a single hoof touching the ground, would linger on with fans. He ran with the power and grace of a champion, reminding them of why they held the Sport of Kings close to their hearts. And in the months that followed Barbaro's passing, they knew another like him would never likely appear.
Then came Nicanor. Only a year old when Barbaro's life ended, he quickly became the center of attention, a young prospect upon whom Barbaro's fans could base their affection. In the months that followed, as he grew and traveled to Florida to begin training, as he completed the initial breaking process and moved east to the barn of trainer Michael Matz at Fair Hill in Maryland and began daily forays to the track under the capable supervision of assistant Peter Brette, the racing world watched and waited.
It is difficult enough to bring a Thoroughbred through the rigors of training, let alone make it to the starting gate for a racing debut. Often, in the rush to put miles under a runner's girth, caution is thrown to the wind and horses are pushed to mature beyond their comfort levels. Not so with Nicanor. When the colt progressed slowly in his training, needed extra time to develop, his connections put racing on hold until his 3-year-old season.
"To say that he took a little while is an understatement; he seemed to take forever," said Brette. "But we always wanted him to tell us when he was ready to train and go that step further, and he's at a stage now where he just needs to run and he'll figure things out that way."
Edgar Prado, the Hall of Fame jockey who rode Barbaro to victory in the Kentucky Derby and in his ill-fated Preakness attempt, said he asked for the opportunity to guide Nicanor in his debut. The colt has been doing everything right in the mornings. Now it's time to see if that talent transfers over to the afternoons.
"There's definitely a lot of hope in every first time starter," Prado said. "That's what you're looking for, the horse that runs good and is able to handle the pressure of competition and move forward."
But Nicanor is more than just another new racehorse. He represents a fresh start, the chance for Barbaro's fans to come full-circle and enjoy a racing campaign with a happy ending. That's what his connections are hoping for as well.
"He needs to come out of this race a little more mature than he goes into it," said Brette. "Physically he's done tremendously well but mentally he's sort of like a teenager at the moment. He's gone from thinking everybody loves him and this is a great game to something a little more serious, but he still has that baby side. This race will do wonders for him; after he comes out of it people are going to see a different horse, I'm sure of that."
In the weeks leading up to his debut, Nicanor has been putting it all together. And while Brette is quick to stress that he doesn't compare to Barbaro, there are family characteristics the two brothers definitely share.
"Barbaro always used to have a sort of jig-jog when he finished galloping and was coming back to the barn," he said. "In the past three weeks, this horse has started to do the same thing. He's waking up, figuring things out, he's a little more alive. He sees things more than he used to and he's a bit stronger than he was. He's definitely ready to run."
For those who believe in fate, there are almost ironic coincidences surrounding Nicanor's first start. The race is number eight; Barbaro broke from the eighth stall en route to a Kentucky Derby win. It is part of the undercard for Gulfstream's Donn Handicap; Barbaro won the Holy Bull Stakes on the very same card in 2006. And, of course, Prado will be in the irons for whatever lies ahead. Like all of the young colt's fans, he holds high hopes for Nicanor.
"I think everyone hopes he'll be able to finish what Barbaro started," he said.
Nicanor's Debut: The Field
Gulfstream Park - January 31st, 2009 - Race 8, 4:43 PM
Race Type: $40,000 Maiden Special Weight for 3-year-olds
Distance: One Mile on the dirt
Weight: All runners carry 122 pounds
Post, Horse, Jockey
1 - Unbridled Cardinal, Julien R. Leparoux
2 - Big Flirt, Pascacio Lopez
3 - Andiron, Eibar Coa
4 - Nicanor, Edgar S. Prado
5 - Warrior's Reward, Calvin H. Borel
6 - Allrightsreserved, John R. Velazquez
7 - Boyhood Dream, E.T. Baird
8 - Il Postino, Cornelio H. Velasquez
9 - Trust the Deputy, Alan Garcia
10 - Dubinsky, Javier Castellano
11 - Single Malt, Rene R. Douglas
12 - Audeamus, Elvis Trujillo
Also Eligible - Stayonit, Eibar Coa
Claire Novak has contributed to the Associated Press and The Blood-Horse Magazine, amoung numerous other publications. She currently maintains a blog on the Sport of Kings at NTRA.com.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
By Claire Novak
Special to ESPN.com
This Saturday at approximately 4:33 p.m. ET, Michael Matz will go through the motions he has performed countless times as the trainer of countless racehorses. He will secure a small leather saddle, check the straps on a glossy bridle, and direct the groom to walk his starter around the paddock at Gulfstream Park. He will tell himself, as he has been saying all along, that this is just another starter, just another race.
He won't be fooling anyone.
On Jan. 31, Matz sends Roy and Gretchen Jackson's Nicanor -- the full brother to 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro -- to the starting gate at Gulfstream Park. It will be the most highly-anticipated debut of an unraced Thoroughbred in recent times, an emotional affair coming just four days after the 2-year anniversary of Barbaro's death. And although hundreds of racehorses will load into dozens of starting stalls across the country that day, for a few moments the eyes of the industry will turn southward toward the young bay colt who carries the hopes and dreams of thousands upon his back.
Barbaro's little brother is ready to run.
It was Jan. 27, 2007, when Roy and Gretchen Jackson made the decision to euthanize Barbaro, the best racehorse they ever owned. The Derby winner lost his battle with debilitating laminitis, the equine disease in which a horse's hoof wall separates from the inner foot, after tragically breaking his left hind leg at the beginning of the Preakness Stakes. Dreams of Triple Crown glory shattered along with that leg. Instead of going on to race again, the fleet-footed runner was eventually laid to rest at Churchill Downs, site of his greatest victory.
The Jacksons mourned his passing, and a world of fans mourned with them. The memories of Barbaro soaring to the Derby finish line, not a single hoof touching the ground, would linger on with fans. He ran with the power and grace of a champion, reminding them of why they held the Sport of Kings close to their hearts. And in the months that followed Barbaro's passing, they knew another like him would never likely appear.
Then came Nicanor. Only a year old when Barbaro's life ended, he quickly became the center of attention, a young prospect upon whom Barbaro's fans could base their affection. In the months that followed, as he grew and traveled to Florida to begin training, as he completed the initial breaking process and moved east to the barn of trainer Michael Matz at Fair Hill in Maryland and began daily forays to the track under the capable supervision of assistant Peter Brette, the racing world watched and waited.
It is difficult enough to bring a Thoroughbred through the rigors of training, let alone make it to the starting gate for a racing debut. Often, in the rush to put miles under a runner's girth, caution is thrown to the wind and horses are pushed to mature beyond their comfort levels. Not so with Nicanor. When the colt progressed slowly in his training, needed extra time to develop, his connections put racing on hold until his 3-year-old season.
"To say that he took a little while is an understatement; he seemed to take forever," said Brette. "But we always wanted him to tell us when he was ready to train and go that step further, and he's at a stage now where he just needs to run and he'll figure things out that way."
Edgar Prado, the Hall of Fame jockey who rode Barbaro to victory in the Kentucky Derby and in his ill-fated Preakness attempt, said he asked for the opportunity to guide Nicanor in his debut. The colt has been doing everything right in the mornings. Now it's time to see if that talent transfers over to the afternoons.
"There's definitely a lot of hope in every first time starter," Prado said. "That's what you're looking for, the horse that runs good and is able to handle the pressure of competition and move forward."
But Nicanor is more than just another new racehorse. He represents a fresh start, the chance for Barbaro's fans to come full-circle and enjoy a racing campaign with a happy ending. That's what his connections are hoping for as well.
"He needs to come out of this race a little more mature than he goes into it," said Brette. "Physically he's done tremendously well but mentally he's sort of like a teenager at the moment. He's gone from thinking everybody loves him and this is a great game to something a little more serious, but he still has that baby side. This race will do wonders for him; after he comes out of it people are going to see a different horse, I'm sure of that."
In the weeks leading up to his debut, Nicanor has been putting it all together. And while Brette is quick to stress that he doesn't compare to Barbaro, there are family characteristics the two brothers definitely share.
"Barbaro always used to have a sort of jig-jog when he finished galloping and was coming back to the barn," he said. "In the past three weeks, this horse has started to do the same thing. He's waking up, figuring things out, he's a little more alive. He sees things more than he used to and he's a bit stronger than he was. He's definitely ready to run."
For those who believe in fate, there are almost ironic coincidences surrounding Nicanor's first start. The race is number eight; Barbaro broke from the eighth stall en route to a Kentucky Derby win. It is part of the undercard for Gulfstream's Donn Handicap; Barbaro won the Holy Bull Stakes on the very same card in 2006. And, of course, Prado will be in the irons for whatever lies ahead. Like all of the young colt's fans, he holds high hopes for Nicanor.
"I think everyone hopes he'll be able to finish what Barbaro started," he said.
Nicanor's Debut: The Field
Gulfstream Park - January 31st, 2009 - Race 8, 4:43 PM
Race Type: $40,000 Maiden Special Weight for 3-year-olds
Distance: One Mile on the dirt
Weight: All runners carry 122 pounds
Post, Horse, Jockey
1 - Unbridled Cardinal, Julien R. Leparoux
2 - Big Flirt, Pascacio Lopez
3 - Andiron, Eibar Coa
4 - Nicanor, Edgar S. Prado
5 - Warrior's Reward, Calvin H. Borel
6 - Allrightsreserved, John R. Velazquez
7 - Boyhood Dream, E.T. Baird
8 - Il Postino, Cornelio H. Velasquez
9 - Trust the Deputy, Alan Garcia
10 - Dubinsky, Javier Castellano
11 - Single Malt, Rene R. Douglas
12 - Audeamus, Elvis Trujillo
Also Eligible - Stayonit, Eibar Coa
Claire Novak has contributed to the Associated Press and The Blood-Horse Magazine, amoung numerous other publications. She currently maintains a blog on the Sport of Kings at NTRA.com.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Einstein Set for Season Debut in Donn
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
by Jack Shinar
Three-time grade I winner Einstein drew the outside post for his 2009 debut in the $500,000 Donn Handicap (gr. I), when he attempts to add a grade I victory on dirt to his impressive record Jan. 31 at Gulfstream Park.
A finalist in Eclipse balloting in the older male and turf male divisions last year, the Brazilian-bred 7-year-old is coming off a victory in the Clark Handicap (gr. II) at Churchill Downs Nov. 28.
Owned by Midnight Cry Stable and trained by Helen Pitts, Einstein will break from post 10 as the 122-pound high weight with Julien Leparoux aboard.
Einstein’s imposing resume includes winning the Gulfstream Turf (gr. IT) twice, in 2006 & 2008, and the Turf Classic (gr. IT) last May at Churchill, but his connections hope that a grade I victory on the main track in the nine-furlong Donn will enhance his potential value at stud. Einstein has nine wins in 22 lifetime starts and earnings of $1,634,020. The son of Spend a Buck faded to sixth in last year's Donn.
He faces a formidable field that includes recent Breeders' Cup Dirt hero Albertus Maximus and graded stakes winners Arson Squad, A.P. Arrow, Sir Whimsey, Anak Nakal, Finallymadeit and Great Hunter.
Jockey Alan Garcia gets the call on the 5-year-old Albertus Maximus, making his first start for Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum’s Shadwell Stable and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin after being purchased privately following his victory in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita on Oct. 25.
McLaughlin is hopeful the son of Albert the Great will show enough in the Donn to go on to the $6 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) in late March. McLaughlin sent out Shadwell’s 2006 Horse of the Year Invasor to capture the 2007 renewal of the Donn en route to a World Cup victory.
Albertus Maximus is yet to win a graded stakes race.
That is not the case with Arson Squad, a multiple grade II winner for Jay Em Ess Stable who notched a 2 1/2-length triumph in the Meadowlands Cup Handicap (gr. II) in October, soon after being transferred to the East Coast barn of Rick Dutrow Jr. The 6-year-old son of Brahms came from far back to narrowly miss by a length in Aqueduct's Cigar Mile (gr. IT) Nov. 29, finishing fourth.
Sir Whimsey, trained by 2008 Eclipse Award winner Steve Asmussen for Turtle Bird Stable, has dropped four in a row since capturing last spring's Gulfstream Park Handicap (gr. II). The Virginia-bred 5-year-old son of Jump Start has won both of his starts at Gulfstream.
Four Roses Thoroughbreds' Anak Nakal salvaged a tough 3-year-old campaign against the finest in the country when he won the rich Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) for trainer Nick Zito. The Victory Gallop colt returned to run second to Arson Squad in New Jersey.
J. Paul Reddam’s 5-year-old Great Hunter ships in from California for the Donn with jockey Javier Castellano picking up the mount for trainer Doug O’Neill. Reddam and WinStar Farm’s Spring At Last won the Donn last year for O’Neill.
A Pennsylvania-bred son of Aptitude, Great Hunter was on the Triple Crown trail in 2007, winning the Robert Lewis Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita before finishing 13th in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) behind Street Sense. Great Hunter finished third last out in a Hollywood Park allowance on Dec. 22. That was his first start since finishing fifth behind Curlin in the Dubai World Cup in March.
Following his win in the 2007 Clark, A.P. Arrow went without a victory in six tries last year, his best effort a second to Spring At Last in the Donn. Kent Desormeaux rides the 7-year-old A.P. Indy horse for A.E. Paulson Living Trust. This is A.P. Arrow's first try with new trainer Ken McPeek.
Completing the field for the Donn are Rolbea Thoroughbreds’ Finallymadeit, Eduardo Nunez; Mitchell Ranch’s Bullsbay, John R. Velazquez; and Stronach Stable’s On Board Again, Eibar Coa.
Thank you for voting!
Finallymadeit 1% (2 votes)Albertus Maximus 17% (31 votes)Anak Nakal 7% (13 votes)Bullsbay 3% (6 votes)A. P. Arrow 6% (11 votes)On Board Again 3% (5 votes)Arson Squad 17% (30 votes)Sir Whimsey 2% (4 votes)Great Hunter 7% (13 votes)Einstein 36% (64 votes)
Total Votes: 179
Return To Poll
PollDaddy.com
$500,000 Donn Handicap (gr. I, Race 9, 5:14 p.m.), 4 & Up, 1 1/8 Miles
PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Finallymadeit (FL), 117, Eduardo O. Nunez
2. Albertus Maximus (KY), 120, Alan Garcia
3. Anak Nakal (KY), 117, Joe Bravo
4. Bullsbay (KY), 114, John R. Velazquez
5. A. P. Arrow (KY), 115, Kent J. Desormeaux
6. On Board Again (FL), 112, Eibar Coa
7. Arson Squad (PA), 119, Edgar S. Prado
8. Sir Whimsey (VA), 116, Robby Albarado
9. Great Hunter (PA), 116, Javier Castellano
10. Einstein (BRZ), 122, Julien R. Leparoux
Copyright © 2009 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
by Jack Shinar
Three-time grade I winner Einstein drew the outside post for his 2009 debut in the $500,000 Donn Handicap (gr. I), when he attempts to add a grade I victory on dirt to his impressive record Jan. 31 at Gulfstream Park.
A finalist in Eclipse balloting in the older male and turf male divisions last year, the Brazilian-bred 7-year-old is coming off a victory in the Clark Handicap (gr. II) at Churchill Downs Nov. 28.
Owned by Midnight Cry Stable and trained by Helen Pitts, Einstein will break from post 10 as the 122-pound high weight with Julien Leparoux aboard.
Einstein’s imposing resume includes winning the Gulfstream Turf (gr. IT) twice, in 2006 & 2008, and the Turf Classic (gr. IT) last May at Churchill, but his connections hope that a grade I victory on the main track in the nine-furlong Donn will enhance his potential value at stud. Einstein has nine wins in 22 lifetime starts and earnings of $1,634,020. The son of Spend a Buck faded to sixth in last year's Donn.
He faces a formidable field that includes recent Breeders' Cup Dirt hero Albertus Maximus and graded stakes winners Arson Squad, A.P. Arrow, Sir Whimsey, Anak Nakal, Finallymadeit and Great Hunter.
Jockey Alan Garcia gets the call on the 5-year-old Albertus Maximus, making his first start for Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum’s Shadwell Stable and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin after being purchased privately following his victory in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita on Oct. 25.
McLaughlin is hopeful the son of Albert the Great will show enough in the Donn to go on to the $6 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) in late March. McLaughlin sent out Shadwell’s 2006 Horse of the Year Invasor to capture the 2007 renewal of the Donn en route to a World Cup victory.
Albertus Maximus is yet to win a graded stakes race.
That is not the case with Arson Squad, a multiple grade II winner for Jay Em Ess Stable who notched a 2 1/2-length triumph in the Meadowlands Cup Handicap (gr. II) in October, soon after being transferred to the East Coast barn of Rick Dutrow Jr. The 6-year-old son of Brahms came from far back to narrowly miss by a length in Aqueduct's Cigar Mile (gr. IT) Nov. 29, finishing fourth.
Sir Whimsey, trained by 2008 Eclipse Award winner Steve Asmussen for Turtle Bird Stable, has dropped four in a row since capturing last spring's Gulfstream Park Handicap (gr. II). The Virginia-bred 5-year-old son of Jump Start has won both of his starts at Gulfstream.
Four Roses Thoroughbreds' Anak Nakal salvaged a tough 3-year-old campaign against the finest in the country when he won the rich Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) for trainer Nick Zito. The Victory Gallop colt returned to run second to Arson Squad in New Jersey.
J. Paul Reddam’s 5-year-old Great Hunter ships in from California for the Donn with jockey Javier Castellano picking up the mount for trainer Doug O’Neill. Reddam and WinStar Farm’s Spring At Last won the Donn last year for O’Neill.
A Pennsylvania-bred son of Aptitude, Great Hunter was on the Triple Crown trail in 2007, winning the Robert Lewis Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita before finishing 13th in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) behind Street Sense. Great Hunter finished third last out in a Hollywood Park allowance on Dec. 22. That was his first start since finishing fifth behind Curlin in the Dubai World Cup in March.
Following his win in the 2007 Clark, A.P. Arrow went without a victory in six tries last year, his best effort a second to Spring At Last in the Donn. Kent Desormeaux rides the 7-year-old A.P. Indy horse for A.E. Paulson Living Trust. This is A.P. Arrow's first try with new trainer Ken McPeek.
Completing the field for the Donn are Rolbea Thoroughbreds’ Finallymadeit, Eduardo Nunez; Mitchell Ranch’s Bullsbay, John R. Velazquez; and Stronach Stable’s On Board Again, Eibar Coa.
Thank you for voting!
Finallymadeit 1% (2 votes)Albertus Maximus 17% (31 votes)Anak Nakal 7% (13 votes)Bullsbay 3% (6 votes)A. P. Arrow 6% (11 votes)On Board Again 3% (5 votes)Arson Squad 17% (30 votes)Sir Whimsey 2% (4 votes)Great Hunter 7% (13 votes)Einstein 36% (64 votes)
Total Votes: 179
Return To Poll
PollDaddy.com
$500,000 Donn Handicap (gr. I, Race 9, 5:14 p.m.), 4 & Up, 1 1/8 Miles
PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Finallymadeit (FL), 117, Eduardo O. Nunez
2. Albertus Maximus (KY), 120, Alan Garcia
3. Anak Nakal (KY), 117, Joe Bravo
4. Bullsbay (KY), 114, John R. Velazquez
5. A. P. Arrow (KY), 115, Kent J. Desormeaux
6. On Board Again (FL), 112, Eibar Coa
7. Arson Squad (PA), 119, Edgar S. Prado
8. Sir Whimsey (VA), 116, Robby Albarado
9. Great Hunter (PA), 116, Javier Castellano
10. Einstein (BRZ), 122, Julien R. Leparoux
Copyright © 2009 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Curlin, Big Brown the best in a long time.
Dubai World Cup winner Curlin and Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Big Brown are among the Eclipse Award winners announced Monday, January 26.
Curlin was chosen as Horse of the Year for the second consecutive time as well as top Older Male race horse. Big Brown was the top 3-year-old Male race horse.
Before being retired at age 4, Curlin set a North American record with career earnings of $10.5 million. Curlin’s 2008 victories include: the Stephen Foster Handicap, the Woodward Stakes and the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
“I’ve always believed he’s a true champion,” said Curlin’s co-owner, Jess Jackson. “He’s now one of the greats of the industry.”
Curlin concluded the year with a fourth place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic in Santa Anita’s synthetic surface.
Undefeated Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic winner Zenyatta was selected as top Older Female race horse. Zenyatta was also a runner-up for the Horse of the Year honors.
2008 was a big year for Big Brown. He was the first race horse to win the Kentucky Derby from post position 20 and the fourth undefeated horse in horse racing history to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. However, Big Brown’s bid for the Triple Crown ended at Belmont Park with a last place finish in the Belmont Stakes.
“Unfortunately, many will remember Big Brown for the only race he didn’t win,” said Michael Iavarone of IEAH Stables, co-owners of Big Brown. “But he was a pleasure to be around, and he was the biggest dream any owner could ever have.”
Kentucky Oaks winner Proud Spell was chosen as the top 3-year-old Filly over Kentucky Derby runner-up filly Eight Belles.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Midshipman, like 19 other of his predecessors in the 25-year history of the Breeders’ Cup, was chosen as the top 2-year-old Male race horse. Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Stardom Bound was the top 2-year-old Filly.
Undefeated in 4 starts in 2008, Benny the Bull won the Eclipse Award for top Male Sprinter over Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Midnight Lute. Champion 2-year-old filly in 2007 Indian Blessing was named top Female Sprinter in the Eclipse Awards 2008.
Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Conduit is the champion Male Turf race horse. After switching from dirt to turf and ending 2008 with 3 grade-I victories, Forever Together is crowned the top Female Turf race horse.
Good Night Shirt is the champion Steeplechase Horse, his second consecutive Eclipse Award taking it in the same runaway fashion he used to win 5 grade I stakes during his 2008 horse racing season.
For the second time in his career, Frank Stronach earned an Eclipse Award as both outstanding breeder and top owner in the same year. In 2008, his Adena Springs was named best breeder, and his Stronach Stables was chosen top owner.
Curlin’s trainer Steve Asmussen, who has a single-season record of 622 victories, is the 2008 Eclipse Award winner for leading trainer.
Jockey Garrett Gomez is the top jockey for the second consecutive year while jockey Pascacio Lopez won the apprentice jockey honors.
The Eclipse Award winners were voted on by NTRA/Equibase, Daily Racing Form and National Turf Writers Association.
Curlin was chosen as Horse of the Year for the second consecutive time as well as top Older Male race horse. Big Brown was the top 3-year-old Male race horse.
Before being retired at age 4, Curlin set a North American record with career earnings of $10.5 million. Curlin’s 2008 victories include: the Stephen Foster Handicap, the Woodward Stakes and the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
“I’ve always believed he’s a true champion,” said Curlin’s co-owner, Jess Jackson. “He’s now one of the greats of the industry.”
Curlin concluded the year with a fourth place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic in Santa Anita’s synthetic surface.
Undefeated Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic winner Zenyatta was selected as top Older Female race horse. Zenyatta was also a runner-up for the Horse of the Year honors.
2008 was a big year for Big Brown. He was the first race horse to win the Kentucky Derby from post position 20 and the fourth undefeated horse in horse racing history to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. However, Big Brown’s bid for the Triple Crown ended at Belmont Park with a last place finish in the Belmont Stakes.
“Unfortunately, many will remember Big Brown for the only race he didn’t win,” said Michael Iavarone of IEAH Stables, co-owners of Big Brown. “But he was a pleasure to be around, and he was the biggest dream any owner could ever have.”
Kentucky Oaks winner Proud Spell was chosen as the top 3-year-old Filly over Kentucky Derby runner-up filly Eight Belles.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Midshipman, like 19 other of his predecessors in the 25-year history of the Breeders’ Cup, was chosen as the top 2-year-old Male race horse. Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Stardom Bound was the top 2-year-old Filly.
Undefeated in 4 starts in 2008, Benny the Bull won the Eclipse Award for top Male Sprinter over Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Midnight Lute. Champion 2-year-old filly in 2007 Indian Blessing was named top Female Sprinter in the Eclipse Awards 2008.
Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Conduit is the champion Male Turf race horse. After switching from dirt to turf and ending 2008 with 3 grade-I victories, Forever Together is crowned the top Female Turf race horse.
Good Night Shirt is the champion Steeplechase Horse, his second consecutive Eclipse Award taking it in the same runaway fashion he used to win 5 grade I stakes during his 2008 horse racing season.
For the second time in his career, Frank Stronach earned an Eclipse Award as both outstanding breeder and top owner in the same year. In 2008, his Adena Springs was named best breeder, and his Stronach Stables was chosen top owner.
Curlin’s trainer Steve Asmussen, who has a single-season record of 622 victories, is the 2008 Eclipse Award winner for leading trainer.
Jockey Garrett Gomez is the top jockey for the second consecutive year while jockey Pascacio Lopez won the apprentice jockey honors.
The Eclipse Award winners were voted on by NTRA/Equibase, Daily Racing Form and National Turf Writers Association.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Eclipse Award Winners and Vote Totals 2008!!!!!
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
By Blood-Horse Staff
Email Print RSS ShareThisListed below is a complete list of the winner of Eclipse Awards and the vote toals in each category. The tallies below represent only first-place votes from members of the consolidated voting entities -- NTRA/Equibase, Daily Racing Form and National Turf Writers Association. Voter participation rate: 242/282 = 86%
Horse of the Year (Name, First-Place Votes)
Curlin, 153; Zenyatta, 69; Big Brown, 13; Raven’s Pass, 2; Einstein, 1; Goldikova (IRE), 1; Peppers Pride, 1; Voter Abstentions, 2.
Older Male
Curlin, 239; Albertus Maximus, 1; Commentator, 1; Go Between, 1
Two-Year-Old Male
Midshipman, 195; Vineyard Haven, 32; Old Fashioned, 7; Donativum (GB), 5; Desert Party, 1; Run Away and Hide, 1; Street Hero, 1.
Two-Year-Old Filly
Stardom Bound, 236; Maram, 2; Springside, 2; Rachel Alexandra 1, Sky Diva, 1.
Three-Year-Old Male
Big Brown, 219; Raven’s Pass, 21; Conduit (IRE) 1; Tale of Ekati, 1.
Three-Year-Old Filly
Proud Spell, 90; Eight Belles, 71; Goldikova (IRE), 41; Indian Blessing, 20; Music Note, 20.
Older Female
Zenyatta, 240; Ginger Punch, 2;
Female Sprinter
Indian Blessing, 138; Ventura, 88; Intangaroo, 13; Indyanne, 1; Voter Abstentions, 2.
Male Sprinter
Benny the Bull, 107; Midnight Lute, 86; Street Boss, 40; Bustin Stones, 3; Fatal Bullet, 3; Visionaire, 1; Commentator, 1; Voter Abstentions1 .
Male Turf Horse
Conduit (IRE), 175; Einstein (BRZ), 31; Grand Couturier (GB), 11; Hyperbaric, 5; Kip Deville, 5; Red Giant 4; Court Vision, 2; Henrythenavigator, 1; Champs Elysees (GB), 1; Spirit One (FR), 1. Voter Abstentions, 6.
Female Turf Horse
Forever Together, 137; Goldikova, 94; Cocoa Beach (CHI), 6; Ventura, 3; Mauralakana (FR), 2.
Steeplechase Horse
Good Night Shirt, 217; Be Certain, 1; High Action, 1; Voter Abstentions, 23.
Outstanding Owner
Stronach Stables, 47; IEAH Stables, 46; Stonestreet Stables LLC and Midnight Cry Stables, 29; Mr. and Mrs. Jerome S. Moss, 27; Godolphin Racing, 24; Zayat Stables 16; Augustin Stable, 13; Maggi Moss, 11; Robert Cole, Jr., 10; Darley Stable, 4; Heiligbrodt Racing Stable, 2; H. Joe Allen, 1; J. Paul Reddam, 1; Juddmonte Farms, 1; Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum, 1; WinStar Farm, 1. Voter Abstentions, 8.
Outstanding Breeder
Adena Springs, 139; Stonerside Stable, 60; WinStar Farm, 13; Juddmonte Farms, 9; Brereton C. Jones, 4; Eugene Melnyk, 1; Edward P. Evans, 1; Fares Farm, Inc., 1; George Strawbridge, Jr., 1; Hal and Patti Earnhardt, 1; Maverick Production, 1; Monticule, 1. Voter Abstentions, 10.
Outstanding Trainer
Steve Asmussen, 187; Robert Frankel, 15; Larry Jones, 9; Bob Baffert,7; Rick Dutrow, 5; Jerry Hollendorfer, 4; Bill Mott, 3; John Shirreffs, 2; Mike de Kock, 1; Anthony Dutrow, 1; Scott Lake, 1; Mike Maker, 1; Kiaran McLaughlin, 1; Todd Pletcher, 1; Howard Wolfendale, 1. Voter Abstentions, 3.
Outstanding Jockey
Garrett Gomez, 210; Rafael Bejarano, 11; Robby Albarado, 9; Russell Baze, 3; Kent Desormeaux, 3; Ramon Dominguez, 1; Alan Garcia, 1; Julien Leparoux, 1; Joe Rocco, 1; Mike Smith, 1; Voter Abstentions, 1.
Apprentice Jockey
Pascacio Lopez, 150; Inez Karlsson, 34; Abel Mariano, 18; Sebastian Morales, 3; Sheldon Russell, 3; Lyndie Wade, 2; Chamisa Goodwin, 1; Xavier Perez, 1; Grant Whitacre 1. Voter Abstentions, 29.
Copyright © 2009 Blood-Horse Publications. All rights reserved internationally.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
By Blood-Horse Staff
Email Print RSS ShareThisListed below is a complete list of the winner of Eclipse Awards and the vote toals in each category. The tallies below represent only first-place votes from members of the consolidated voting entities -- NTRA/Equibase, Daily Racing Form and National Turf Writers Association. Voter participation rate: 242/282 = 86%
Horse of the Year (Name, First-Place Votes)
Curlin, 153; Zenyatta, 69; Big Brown, 13; Raven’s Pass, 2; Einstein, 1; Goldikova (IRE), 1; Peppers Pride, 1; Voter Abstentions, 2.
Older Male
Curlin, 239; Albertus Maximus, 1; Commentator, 1; Go Between, 1
Two-Year-Old Male
Midshipman, 195; Vineyard Haven, 32; Old Fashioned, 7; Donativum (GB), 5; Desert Party, 1; Run Away and Hide, 1; Street Hero, 1.
Two-Year-Old Filly
Stardom Bound, 236; Maram, 2; Springside, 2; Rachel Alexandra 1, Sky Diva, 1.
Three-Year-Old Male
Big Brown, 219; Raven’s Pass, 21; Conduit (IRE) 1; Tale of Ekati, 1.
Three-Year-Old Filly
Proud Spell, 90; Eight Belles, 71; Goldikova (IRE), 41; Indian Blessing, 20; Music Note, 20.
Older Female
Zenyatta, 240; Ginger Punch, 2;
Female Sprinter
Indian Blessing, 138; Ventura, 88; Intangaroo, 13; Indyanne, 1; Voter Abstentions, 2.
Male Sprinter
Benny the Bull, 107; Midnight Lute, 86; Street Boss, 40; Bustin Stones, 3; Fatal Bullet, 3; Visionaire, 1; Commentator, 1; Voter Abstentions1 .
Male Turf Horse
Conduit (IRE), 175; Einstein (BRZ), 31; Grand Couturier (GB), 11; Hyperbaric, 5; Kip Deville, 5; Red Giant 4; Court Vision, 2; Henrythenavigator, 1; Champs Elysees (GB), 1; Spirit One (FR), 1. Voter Abstentions, 6.
Female Turf Horse
Forever Together, 137; Goldikova, 94; Cocoa Beach (CHI), 6; Ventura, 3; Mauralakana (FR), 2.
Steeplechase Horse
Good Night Shirt, 217; Be Certain, 1; High Action, 1; Voter Abstentions, 23.
Outstanding Owner
Stronach Stables, 47; IEAH Stables, 46; Stonestreet Stables LLC and Midnight Cry Stables, 29; Mr. and Mrs. Jerome S. Moss, 27; Godolphin Racing, 24; Zayat Stables 16; Augustin Stable, 13; Maggi Moss, 11; Robert Cole, Jr., 10; Darley Stable, 4; Heiligbrodt Racing Stable, 2; H. Joe Allen, 1; J. Paul Reddam, 1; Juddmonte Farms, 1; Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum, 1; WinStar Farm, 1. Voter Abstentions, 8.
Outstanding Breeder
Adena Springs, 139; Stonerside Stable, 60; WinStar Farm, 13; Juddmonte Farms, 9; Brereton C. Jones, 4; Eugene Melnyk, 1; Edward P. Evans, 1; Fares Farm, Inc., 1; George Strawbridge, Jr., 1; Hal and Patti Earnhardt, 1; Maverick Production, 1; Monticule, 1. Voter Abstentions, 10.
Outstanding Trainer
Steve Asmussen, 187; Robert Frankel, 15; Larry Jones, 9; Bob Baffert,7; Rick Dutrow, 5; Jerry Hollendorfer, 4; Bill Mott, 3; John Shirreffs, 2; Mike de Kock, 1; Anthony Dutrow, 1; Scott Lake, 1; Mike Maker, 1; Kiaran McLaughlin, 1; Todd Pletcher, 1; Howard Wolfendale, 1. Voter Abstentions, 3.
Outstanding Jockey
Garrett Gomez, 210; Rafael Bejarano, 11; Robby Albarado, 9; Russell Baze, 3; Kent Desormeaux, 3; Ramon Dominguez, 1; Alan Garcia, 1; Julien Leparoux, 1; Joe Rocco, 1; Mike Smith, 1; Voter Abstentions, 1.
Apprentice Jockey
Pascacio Lopez, 150; Inez Karlsson, 34; Abel Mariano, 18; Sebastian Morales, 3; Sheldon Russell, 3; Lyndie Wade, 2; Chamisa Goodwin, 1; Xavier Perez, 1; Grant Whitacre 1. Voter Abstentions, 29.
Copyright © 2009 Blood-Horse Publications. All rights reserved internationally.
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
Monday, January 26, 2009
It's a Bird romps in Sunshine Millions Classic
By Mike Welsch
Daily Racing Form
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. -- It's a Bird completed a sweep of the four Sunshine Million races at Gulfstream Park by Florida-breds on Saturday with a surprisingly easy victory over Dry Martini and 2-1 favorite Delightful Kiss in the $1 million Classic.
Four other Sunshine Million stakes were run at Santa Anita on Saturday, and overall Florida-breds won six of the eight races.
Trainer Greg Gilchrist was the big winner on the day in the stakes at Gulfstream, capturing the Filly and Mare Turf with Wild Promises and the Filly and Mare Sprint with High Resolve.
A 6-year-old son of Birdonthewire, It's a Bird ($24) won the Grade 3 Spend a Buck Handicap at Calder from off the pace in November and finished sixth following a slow start in his 2009 debut three weeks ago in the Grade 3 Hal's Hope.
It's a Bird showed surprising early speed from the outset of the 1 1/8-mile Classic, forcing the pace of Finallymadeit, who cut out fractions of 23.78 seconds, 48.08, and 1:12.56 for the opening six furlongs. It's a Bird forged to a short advantage while still well in hand entering the stretch, surged to a four-length lead once roused by Julien Leparoux with about a furlong remaining, and was not seriously threatened thereafter.
The Florida-bred Dry Martini rallied between horses to finish second, 5 1/4 lengths behind the winner and a nose in front of Delightful Kiss, also a Florida-bred. Delightful Kiss broke last and dropped more than a dozen lengths off the early leaders, was fanned extremely wide while rallying into the stretch, and was left with just too much to do.
It's a Bird is trained by Marty Wolfson for owner Edmund Gann. The same duo combined one week earlier to win the Grade 3 Mr. Prospector with Ikigai. The $600,000 first prize swelled It's a Bird's earnings to $867,000.
It's a Bird covered the distance in 1:49.35 over a fast track.
"I wanted to be close to the pace right from the start," said Wolfson, who took over It's a Bird's training early last summer. "Finallymadeit was the one I was afraid of, but I knew once my horse got by him I knew he'd get stronger and stronger. His race in the Hal's Hope was deceiving because he broke slow then closed ground late, but he can run all day, which is a little hard to explain because he's by Birdonthewire."
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. -- It's a Bird completed a sweep of the four Sunshine Million races at Gulfstream Park by Florida-breds on Saturday with a surprisingly easy victory over Dry Martini and 2-1 favorite Delightful Kiss in the $1 million Classic.
Four other Sunshine Million stakes were run at Santa Anita on Saturday, and overall Florida-breds won six of the eight races.
Trainer Greg Gilchrist was the big winner on the day in the stakes at Gulfstream, capturing the Filly and Mare Turf with Wild Promises and the Filly and Mare Sprint with High Resolve.
A 6-year-old son of Birdonthewire, It's a Bird ($24) won the Grade 3 Spend a Buck Handicap at Calder from off the pace in November and finished sixth following a slow start in his 2009 debut three weeks ago in the Grade 3 Hal's Hope.
It's a Bird showed surprising early speed from the outset of the 1 1/8-mile Classic, forcing the pace of Finallymadeit, who cut out fractions of 23.78 seconds, 48.08, and 1:12.56 for the opening six furlongs. It's a Bird forged to a short advantage while still well in hand entering the stretch, surged to a four-length lead once roused by Julien Leparoux with about a furlong remaining, and was not seriously threatened thereafter.
The Florida-bred Dry Martini rallied between horses to finish second, 5 1/4 lengths behind the winner and a nose in front of Delightful Kiss, also a Florida-bred. Delightful Kiss broke last and dropped more than a dozen lengths off the early leaders, was fanned extremely wide while rallying into the stretch, and was left with just too much to do.
It's a Bird is trained by Marty Wolfson for owner Edmund Gann. The same duo combined one week earlier to win the Grade 3 Mr. Prospector with Ikigai. The $600,000 first prize swelled It's a Bird's earnings to $867,000.
It's a Bird covered the distance in 1:49.35 over a fast track.
"I wanted to be close to the pace right from the start," said Wolfson, who took over It's a Bird's training early last summer. "Finallymadeit was the one I was afraid of, but I knew once my horse got by him I knew he'd get stronger and stronger. His race in the Hal's Hope was deceiving because he broke slow then closed ground late, but he can run all day, which is a little hard to explain because he's by Birdonthewire."
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. -- It's a Bird completed a sweep of the four Sunshine Million races at Gulfstream Park by Florida-breds on Saturday with a surprisingly easy victory over Dry Martini and 2-1 favorite Delightful Kiss in the $1 million Classic.
Four other Sunshine Million stakes were run at Santa Anita on Saturday, and overall Florida-breds won six of the eight races.
Trainer Greg Gilchrist was the big winner on the day in the stakes at Gulfstream, capturing the Filly and Mare Turf with Wild Promises and the Filly and Mare Sprint with High Resolve.
A 6-year-old son of Birdonthewire, It's a Bird ($24) won the Grade 3 Spend a Buck Handicap at Calder from off the pace in November and finished sixth following a slow start in his 2009 debut three weeks ago in the Grade 3 Hal's Hope.
It's a Bird showed surprising early speed from the outset of the 1 1/8-mile Classic, forcing the pace of Finallymadeit, who cut out fractions of 23.78 seconds, 48.08, and 1:12.56 for the opening six furlongs. It's a Bird forged to a short advantage while still well in hand entering the stretch, surged to a four-length lead once roused by Julien Leparoux with about a furlong remaining, and was not seriously threatened thereafter.
The Florida-bred Dry Martini rallied between horses to finish second, 5 1/4 lengths behind the winner and a nose in front of Delightful Kiss, also a Florida-bred. Delightful Kiss broke last and dropped more than a dozen lengths off the early leaders, was fanned extremely wide while rallying into the stretch, and was left with just too much to do.
It's a Bird is trained by Marty Wolfson for owner Edmund Gann. The same duo combined one week earlier to win the Grade 3 Mr. Prospector with Ikigai. The $600,000 first prize swelled It's a Bird's earnings to $867,000.
It's a Bird covered the distance in 1:49.35 over a fast track.
"I wanted to be close to the pace right from the start," said Wolfson, who took over It's a Bird's training early last summer. "Finallymadeit was the one I was afraid of, but I knew once my horse got by him I knew he'd get stronger and stronger. His race in the Hal's Hope was deceiving because he broke slow then closed ground late, but he can run all day, which is a little hard to explain because he's by Birdonthewire."
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
Daily Racing Form
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. -- It's a Bird completed a sweep of the four Sunshine Million races at Gulfstream Park by Florida-breds on Saturday with a surprisingly easy victory over Dry Martini and 2-1 favorite Delightful Kiss in the $1 million Classic.
Four other Sunshine Million stakes were run at Santa Anita on Saturday, and overall Florida-breds won six of the eight races.
Trainer Greg Gilchrist was the big winner on the day in the stakes at Gulfstream, capturing the Filly and Mare Turf with Wild Promises and the Filly and Mare Sprint with High Resolve.
A 6-year-old son of Birdonthewire, It's a Bird ($24) won the Grade 3 Spend a Buck Handicap at Calder from off the pace in November and finished sixth following a slow start in his 2009 debut three weeks ago in the Grade 3 Hal's Hope.
It's a Bird showed surprising early speed from the outset of the 1 1/8-mile Classic, forcing the pace of Finallymadeit, who cut out fractions of 23.78 seconds, 48.08, and 1:12.56 for the opening six furlongs. It's a Bird forged to a short advantage while still well in hand entering the stretch, surged to a four-length lead once roused by Julien Leparoux with about a furlong remaining, and was not seriously threatened thereafter.
The Florida-bred Dry Martini rallied between horses to finish second, 5 1/4 lengths behind the winner and a nose in front of Delightful Kiss, also a Florida-bred. Delightful Kiss broke last and dropped more than a dozen lengths off the early leaders, was fanned extremely wide while rallying into the stretch, and was left with just too much to do.
It's a Bird is trained by Marty Wolfson for owner Edmund Gann. The same duo combined one week earlier to win the Grade 3 Mr. Prospector with Ikigai. The $600,000 first prize swelled It's a Bird's earnings to $867,000.
It's a Bird covered the distance in 1:49.35 over a fast track.
"I wanted to be close to the pace right from the start," said Wolfson, who took over It's a Bird's training early last summer. "Finallymadeit was the one I was afraid of, but I knew once my horse got by him I knew he'd get stronger and stronger. His race in the Hal's Hope was deceiving because he broke slow then closed ground late, but he can run all day, which is a little hard to explain because he's by Birdonthewire."
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. -- It's a Bird completed a sweep of the four Sunshine Million races at Gulfstream Park by Florida-breds on Saturday with a surprisingly easy victory over Dry Martini and 2-1 favorite Delightful Kiss in the $1 million Classic.
Four other Sunshine Million stakes were run at Santa Anita on Saturday, and overall Florida-breds won six of the eight races.
Trainer Greg Gilchrist was the big winner on the day in the stakes at Gulfstream, capturing the Filly and Mare Turf with Wild Promises and the Filly and Mare Sprint with High Resolve.
A 6-year-old son of Birdonthewire, It's a Bird ($24) won the Grade 3 Spend a Buck Handicap at Calder from off the pace in November and finished sixth following a slow start in his 2009 debut three weeks ago in the Grade 3 Hal's Hope.
It's a Bird showed surprising early speed from the outset of the 1 1/8-mile Classic, forcing the pace of Finallymadeit, who cut out fractions of 23.78 seconds, 48.08, and 1:12.56 for the opening six furlongs. It's a Bird forged to a short advantage while still well in hand entering the stretch, surged to a four-length lead once roused by Julien Leparoux with about a furlong remaining, and was not seriously threatened thereafter.
The Florida-bred Dry Martini rallied between horses to finish second, 5 1/4 lengths behind the winner and a nose in front of Delightful Kiss, also a Florida-bred. Delightful Kiss broke last and dropped more than a dozen lengths off the early leaders, was fanned extremely wide while rallying into the stretch, and was left with just too much to do.
It's a Bird is trained by Marty Wolfson for owner Edmund Gann. The same duo combined one week earlier to win the Grade 3 Mr. Prospector with Ikigai. The $600,000 first prize swelled It's a Bird's earnings to $867,000.
It's a Bird covered the distance in 1:49.35 over a fast track.
"I wanted to be close to the pace right from the start," said Wolfson, who took over It's a Bird's training early last summer. "Finallymadeit was the one I was afraid of, but I knew once my horse got by him I knew he'd get stronger and stronger. His race in the Hal's Hope was deceiving because he broke slow then closed ground late, but he can run all day, which is a little hard to explain because he's by Birdonthewire."
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. -- It's a Bird completed a sweep of the four Sunshine Million races at Gulfstream Park by Florida-breds on Saturday with a surprisingly easy victory over Dry Martini and 2-1 favorite Delightful Kiss in the $1 million Classic.
Four other Sunshine Million stakes were run at Santa Anita on Saturday, and overall Florida-breds won six of the eight races.
Trainer Greg Gilchrist was the big winner on the day in the stakes at Gulfstream, capturing the Filly and Mare Turf with Wild Promises and the Filly and Mare Sprint with High Resolve.
A 6-year-old son of Birdonthewire, It's a Bird ($24) won the Grade 3 Spend a Buck Handicap at Calder from off the pace in November and finished sixth following a slow start in his 2009 debut three weeks ago in the Grade 3 Hal's Hope.
It's a Bird showed surprising early speed from the outset of the 1 1/8-mile Classic, forcing the pace of Finallymadeit, who cut out fractions of 23.78 seconds, 48.08, and 1:12.56 for the opening six furlongs. It's a Bird forged to a short advantage while still well in hand entering the stretch, surged to a four-length lead once roused by Julien Leparoux with about a furlong remaining, and was not seriously threatened thereafter.
The Florida-bred Dry Martini rallied between horses to finish second, 5 1/4 lengths behind the winner and a nose in front of Delightful Kiss, also a Florida-bred. Delightful Kiss broke last and dropped more than a dozen lengths off the early leaders, was fanned extremely wide while rallying into the stretch, and was left with just too much to do.
It's a Bird is trained by Marty Wolfson for owner Edmund Gann. The same duo combined one week earlier to win the Grade 3 Mr. Prospector with Ikigai. The $600,000 first prize swelled It's a Bird's earnings to $867,000.
It's a Bird covered the distance in 1:49.35 over a fast track.
"I wanted to be close to the pace right from the start," said Wolfson, who took over It's a Bird's training early last summer. "Finallymadeit was the one I was afraid of, but I knew once my horse got by him I knew he'd get stronger and stronger. His race in the Hal's Hope was deceiving because he broke slow then closed ground late, but he can run all day, which is a little hard to explain because he's by Birdonthewire."
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
Sunday, January 25, 2009
It's a Bird Romps in Millions Classic
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
By Jason Shandler
Edmund Gann’s It’s a Bird stalked the pace under Julien Leparoux, took over rounding the final turn and drew clear for a resounding, 5 1/4-length victory in the $1-million OBS Sunshine Millions Classic Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park.
A 6-year-old Florida-bred son of Birdonthewire, It’s a Bird won the 1 1/8-mile main track event in a final time of 1:49.35 and gave Florida a clean sweep over California in the four Sunshine Millions races run at Gulfstream. The dark bay horse earned $600,000 for the victory, which was his fourth in seven tries since Marty Wolfson took over training duties from Todd Pletcher last summer.
Carol Nyren’s Dry Martini fought between horses under Edgar Prado to get up for second, finishing just ahead of 2-1 favorite Delightful Kiss, who rallied from last to get show money.
Leparoux allowed It’s a Bird to settle nicely in second through the early stages of the Classic, pressing pacesetter Finallymadeit through reasonable splits of :23.78, :48.08 and 1:12.56. Macho Again, Medzendeekron and Hey Byrn were also up close in a tightly-bunched field.
As they hit the turn, It’s a Bird inched closer to Finallymadeit and once they straightened away he easily took over. It’s a Bird led by four lengths approaching the eighth-pole and was never challenged in the final furlong.
"We got the perfect race," Leparoux said. "There was almost no traffic, so he followed the plan pretty good. He broke good. He gave extra at the quarter pole. All I did was try not to lose the No. 1 horse (Finallymadeit), because he got off good. We kept it nice for him and he did the rest. He got stronger as the race went on. I took a look to make sure I was clear, but I knew we were in good shape."
It’s a Bird, who was bred by White Cross Farm and is out of the Hooched mare Faithful City, entered the Classic off a sixth-place finish in his 2009 debut - the Jan. 3 Hal’s Hope (gr. III). He won three times in 11 starts during 2008, including the grade III Spend a Buck Handicap at Calder Race Course in October. In 27 lifetime starts, It’s a Bird has produced a 9-4-1 record. He has now earned $867,885.
"I wanted Julien on the lead or close to it," Wolfson said. "My horse has done that before and that’s his best race. He doesn’t like dirt in his face. When he opens up three or four lengths, he gets stronger. I’ve only had him six months and he’s been wonderful for me. I don’t have any immediate plans for him."
The winner paid $24, $9.60 and $5. The exacta (5-7) returned $131, while the $1 trifecta (5-7-12) was worth $183.70.
Delightful Kiss, a winner of three graded stakes since September, ran a solid race despite breaking a step slowly from unenviable post 12. He was more than 13 lengths back in last at one point down the backstretch before making a big run from the middle of the racetrack.
"He ran a great race from the 12-hole," jockey Calvin Borel said."He broke out a little bit at the start and was way wide on the (final) turn, which just gave him too much to do. He still just got beat for second."
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
By Jason Shandler
Edmund Gann’s It’s a Bird stalked the pace under Julien Leparoux, took over rounding the final turn and drew clear for a resounding, 5 1/4-length victory in the $1-million OBS Sunshine Millions Classic Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park.
A 6-year-old Florida-bred son of Birdonthewire, It’s a Bird won the 1 1/8-mile main track event in a final time of 1:49.35 and gave Florida a clean sweep over California in the four Sunshine Millions races run at Gulfstream. The dark bay horse earned $600,000 for the victory, which was his fourth in seven tries since Marty Wolfson took over training duties from Todd Pletcher last summer.
Carol Nyren’s Dry Martini fought between horses under Edgar Prado to get up for second, finishing just ahead of 2-1 favorite Delightful Kiss, who rallied from last to get show money.
Leparoux allowed It’s a Bird to settle nicely in second through the early stages of the Classic, pressing pacesetter Finallymadeit through reasonable splits of :23.78, :48.08 and 1:12.56. Macho Again, Medzendeekron and Hey Byrn were also up close in a tightly-bunched field.
As they hit the turn, It’s a Bird inched closer to Finallymadeit and once they straightened away he easily took over. It’s a Bird led by four lengths approaching the eighth-pole and was never challenged in the final furlong.
"We got the perfect race," Leparoux said. "There was almost no traffic, so he followed the plan pretty good. He broke good. He gave extra at the quarter pole. All I did was try not to lose the No. 1 horse (Finallymadeit), because he got off good. We kept it nice for him and he did the rest. He got stronger as the race went on. I took a look to make sure I was clear, but I knew we were in good shape."
It’s a Bird, who was bred by White Cross Farm and is out of the Hooched mare Faithful City, entered the Classic off a sixth-place finish in his 2009 debut - the Jan. 3 Hal’s Hope (gr. III). He won three times in 11 starts during 2008, including the grade III Spend a Buck Handicap at Calder Race Course in October. In 27 lifetime starts, It’s a Bird has produced a 9-4-1 record. He has now earned $867,885.
"I wanted Julien on the lead or close to it," Wolfson said. "My horse has done that before and that’s his best race. He doesn’t like dirt in his face. When he opens up three or four lengths, he gets stronger. I’ve only had him six months and he’s been wonderful for me. I don’t have any immediate plans for him."
The winner paid $24, $9.60 and $5. The exacta (5-7) returned $131, while the $1 trifecta (5-7-12) was worth $183.70.
Delightful Kiss, a winner of three graded stakes since September, ran a solid race despite breaking a step slowly from unenviable post 12. He was more than 13 lengths back in last at one point down the backstretch before making a big run from the middle of the racetrack.
"He ran a great race from the 12-hole," jockey Calvin Borel said."He broke out a little bit at the start and was way wide on the (final) turn, which just gave him too much to do. He still just got beat for second."
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