GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
By Steve Andersen
ARCADIA, Calif. -- The $300,000 Santa Maria Handicap at Santa Anita on Saturday is an encore performance for Leah's Secret.
There were discussions last month about retiring the 6-year-old mare after she started in the $500,000 Sunshine Millions Distaff, the most lucrative race of her career. After she won that race, by 2 1/4 lengths, her retirement was postponed. At least until after Saturday's Santa Maria.
At stake for Leah's Secret on Saturday is yet another potential milestone, her first win in a Grade 1 race.
"She's in the best form of her life," said Michael McCarthy, trainer Todd Pletcher's assistant in California. "She's never looked better. She's definitely turned the corner."
Owned by WinStar Farms, Leah's Secret will attempt to win her fourth consecutive stakes in the Santa Maria, which is run at 1 1/16 miles. The streak began in the Grade 2 Chilukki Stakes at a mile at Churchill Downs on Nov. 2 and continued in the Grade 2 Top Flight Handicap at Aqueduct on Nov. 28.
In those races, and the Sunshine Millions Distaff, she stalked the pace before taking the lead in the final furlong.
"She's got just enough tactical speed that she can keep herself close to the first flight of horses," McCarthy said.
The only blemishes on Leah's Secret's record in the last six months are fourth-place finishes in Grade 1 stakes in New York in August and September, the Ballerina at Saratoga and the Beldame at Belmont Park.
The Santa Maria has drawn a field of 12, but may lose a few starters to the Grade 2 La Canada Stakes for 4-year-old fillies on Sunday.
The Santa Maria has a deep field. Of the 12 entrants, 11 have won stakes and eight are graded or group stakes winners.
Model, 5, has yet to win a graded stakes, though she ran second in three such races last year. She was second in the Grade 1 Spinster Stakes at Keeneland last October.
In her last start, Model was second as the favorite to Santa Maria entrant Briecat in the Grade 2 Bayakoa Handicap at Hollywood Park on Dec. 7. Briecat led throughout, outfinishing Model by 2 1/4 lengths.
"The track was somewhat biased at that time of the meeting," said Model's trainer, Neil Drysdale. "I'm looking forward to racing her. I expect her to run well."
Trainer Bobby Frankel has two entrants - the English Group 3 winner Visit and two-time Grade 1 winner Country Star.
Visit has raced exclusively on turf in her nine-race career, which includes two starts in the United States - a fourth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf here in October and a fast-closing third in the Grade 1 Matriarch Stakes at Hollywood Park in November.
The switch in surfaces does not concern Frankel, who sees similarities between Visit and Ventura, a mare he trains who won the BC Filly and Mare Sprint and Grade 1 Santa Monica Handicap in her last two starts in recent months.
"She's trained good on it," Frankel said of Visit. "She reminds me a little bit of Ventura, the way she travels. She's a small filly and that's why she gets over the track."
Country Star, 4, won the Alcibiades Stakes and Hollywood Starlet, both Grade 1 races, at 2, but did not duplicate that form last year, winning just an allowance race in three starts. In her only start this year, Country Star was second as the favorite to Life Is Sweet in the Gradeo2 El Encino Stakes here on Jan. 18.
"I think she'll run well," Frankel said. "She's only had one race in [five] months. She might have needed it."
Frankel said the conditions of the Santa Maria made the race more attractive than the La Canada for Country Star.
"It's a Grade 1 and a mile and a sixteenth," he said. "She's a double Grade 1 winner, so a Grade 2 won't help her. I like Grade 1's better than Grade 2's."
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
TOP HORSE"S(Money Earner's)
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
Name Starts 1st 2nd 3rd Earnings
It's a Bird 2 1 0 0 $552,000
Albertus Maximus 1 1 0 0 $300,000
Leah's Secret 1 1 0 0 $275,000
Soldier's Dancer 1 1 0 0 $275,000
Wild Promises 1 1 0 0 $275,000
Cowboy Cal 2 2 0 0 $240,000
Dry Martini 1 0 1 0 $200,000
Friesan Fire 2 2 0 0 $180,000
Delightful Kiss 2 1 0 1 $180,000
Kip Deville 1 1 0 0 $180,000
Updated through 2/11/2009
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
Name Starts 1st 2nd 3rd Earnings
It's a Bird 2 1 0 0 $552,000
Albertus Maximus 1 1 0 0 $300,000
Leah's Secret 1 1 0 0 $275,000
Soldier's Dancer 1 1 0 0 $275,000
Wild Promises 1 1 0 0 $275,000
Cowboy Cal 2 2 0 0 $240,000
Dry Martini 1 0 1 0 $200,000
Friesan Fire 2 2 0 0 $180,000
Delightful Kiss 2 1 0 1 $180,000
Kip Deville 1 1 0 0 $180,000
Updated through 2/11/2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Dozen to Fight it Out in Santa Maria
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
by Jack Shinar
A dozen older fillies and mares take a shot at grade I glory in a deeply contentious renewal of the $300,000 Santa Maria Handicap at Santa Anita Feb. 14.
The 1 1/16-mile Valentine's Day feature has eight graded or group winners in the field. Trainer Bobby Frankel, seeking his third consecutive Santa Maria victory, saddles a pair in Juddmonte Farms' British invader Visit, who switches from grass to Santa Anita's Pro-Ride main track, and two-time grade I winner Country Star, owned by Darley Stable.
The field also includes Leah's Secret, a multiple grade II winner who was a decisive victor of the Sunshine Millions Distaff Jan. 24; and Briecat and Tizfiz, who come into the Santa Maria off grade II victories in Southern California.
A 6-year-old Florida-bred daughter of Tiger Ridge, WinStar Farm’s Leah’s Secret was headed for the breeders’ shed, but her impressive 2 1/4-length Sunshine Millions victory at Santa Anita, which sent her earnings over the $1.1 million mark, has altered her immediate future. Leah's Secret won the Chilukki Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs and Aqueduct's Top Flight Handicap (gr. II), both on dirt, to close out her 2007 campaign.
“This mare has obviously gotten very good here the last few months,” said Mike “Whitey” McCarthy, assistant to trainer Todd Pletcher.
“The plan was for her to be bred, but I’m not sure,” McCarthy added. “I think they put their heads together and decided if she keeps doing as well as she’s been doing to keep her around for a little while longer.”
Eibar Coa, who has ridden Leah's Secret in her two most recent wins, will return to California to ride the 120-pound high weight in the Santa Maria. They will break from post 11. Leah’s Secret has a 9-4-2 record in 26 starts and her record over synthetics is 3-2-1 in seven starts.
Leah’s Secret will be backed by two stablemates from the Pletcher arsenal, Roshani and Bsharpsonata. Each has won seven of 14 career starts, and each was assigned 117 pounds.
Jayeff B Stables’ Roshani won the Las Palmas Handicap (gr. IIT) on grass last year at Santa Anita. The 6-year-old Fantastic Light mare was victorious in an allowance race at Keeneland in her only previous race over a synthetic surface. A multiple-graded stakes winner, Roshani has earned $481,300.
Bsharpsonata, a 4-year-old Pulpit filly owned by Clover Leaf Farms II, is coming off a solid third-place finish behind Indian Blessing and Ginger Pop in the La Brea Stakes (gr. I) at seven furlongs Dec. 27. Over synthetics, the bay has posted a 1-1-1 record in three starts, including a minor stakes win at Hollywood Park in the fall. She has earned $562,610.
Frankel, who won the last two editions of the Santa Maria with Sugar Shake and and Double Trouble, appears well positioned once more with a pair of sharp 4-year-olds.
The British-bred Visit was a fast-closing third in Hollywood Park’s Matriarch (gr. IT) in her last start. A two-time group III winner at home, the daughter of Oasis Dream ran a close fourth at Santa Anita in Oak Tree’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT) in her U.S. debut. After leading in the homestretch, she wound up 1 1/2 lengths behind the victorious Forever Together.
Garrett Gomez has the mount on Visit, who breaks from post 10 with 118 pounds. While racing in England she captured the Princess Margaret Stakes (Eng-III) at Ascot as a 2-year-old and the Oak Tree Stakes (Eng-III) at Goodwood as a 3-year-old. All nine of Visit's previous starts have come on grass.
Country Star is seeking her first stakes win since capturing both the Hollywood Starlet (gr. I) and the Alcibiades (gr. I) at Keeneland over synthetic surfaces in 2007. The daughter of Empire Maker was second most recently as the 6-5 favorite in Santa Anita’s El Encino Stakes (gr. II) Jan. 18. She lost to Life Is Sweet, who will run in the Feb. 15 La Canada Stakes (gr. II) for 4-year-old fillies instead of the Santa Maria.
Joel Rosario will be aboard Country Star, who tired in the El Encino, her first start in five months. Assigned 116 pounds, she will be making her eighth lifetime start Feb. 14 after having compiled a 3-2-0 record for earnings of $668,865.
The speedy Briecat, a 4-year-old Adcat filly trained by Vladimir Cerin for Holly and David Wilson, brings a three-race win streak into the race. She won the Bayakoa Handicap (gr. II) in her last start in gate-to-wire fashion by more than two lengths at odds of 13-1, bettering the 11-10 favorite Model, who also runs in the Santa Maria.
Tizfiz has back-to-back stakes wins for trainer Rafael DeLeon, including an upset victory by a nose over Santa Maria rival Marzelline in the San Gorgonio Handicap (gr. IIT) on Santa Anita's turf course Jan. 4.
Mistical Plan tuned up following a five-month layoff with a fourth-place finish in the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint at Gulfstream Park. Trained by Doug O'Neill for J. Paul Reddam, the 5-year-old Game Plan mare won the Princess Rooney Handicap (gr. I) at Calder last July, but has started just twice since then.
Santa Teresita and Island Hop complete the field.
Who do you think will win the Santa Maria?
Briecat
Tizfiz
Country Star
Mistical Plan
Marzelline
Roshani
Bsharpsonata
Santa Teresita
Island Hop
Visit
Leah's Secret
Model
View Results
Polldaddy.com$300,000 Santa Maria Handicap (gr. I, Race 9, 4:38 p.m.), Fillies & Mares 4 & Up, 1 1/16 Miles (All Weather)
PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Briecat (FL), 115, Jose Valdivia, Jr.
2. Tizfiz (KY), 117, Agapito Delgadillo
3. Country Star (KY), 116, Joel Rosario
4. Mistical Plan (CA), 116, Victor Espinoza
5. Marzelline (IRE), 115, Tyler Baze
6. Roshani (KY), 117, Patrick Husbands
7. Bsharpsonata (FL), 117, David R. Flores
8. Santa Teresita (KY), 114, Joseph Talamo
9. Island Hop (KY), 112, Chantal Sutherland
10. Visit (GB), 118, Garrett K. Gomez
11. Leah's Secret (FL), 120, Eibar Coa
12. Model (KY), 116, Rafael Bejarano
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
by Jack Shinar
A dozen older fillies and mares take a shot at grade I glory in a deeply contentious renewal of the $300,000 Santa Maria Handicap at Santa Anita Feb. 14.
The 1 1/16-mile Valentine's Day feature has eight graded or group winners in the field. Trainer Bobby Frankel, seeking his third consecutive Santa Maria victory, saddles a pair in Juddmonte Farms' British invader Visit, who switches from grass to Santa Anita's Pro-Ride main track, and two-time grade I winner Country Star, owned by Darley Stable.
The field also includes Leah's Secret, a multiple grade II winner who was a decisive victor of the Sunshine Millions Distaff Jan. 24; and Briecat and Tizfiz, who come into the Santa Maria off grade II victories in Southern California.
A 6-year-old Florida-bred daughter of Tiger Ridge, WinStar Farm’s Leah’s Secret was headed for the breeders’ shed, but her impressive 2 1/4-length Sunshine Millions victory at Santa Anita, which sent her earnings over the $1.1 million mark, has altered her immediate future. Leah's Secret won the Chilukki Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs and Aqueduct's Top Flight Handicap (gr. II), both on dirt, to close out her 2007 campaign.
“This mare has obviously gotten very good here the last few months,” said Mike “Whitey” McCarthy, assistant to trainer Todd Pletcher.
“The plan was for her to be bred, but I’m not sure,” McCarthy added. “I think they put their heads together and decided if she keeps doing as well as she’s been doing to keep her around for a little while longer.”
Eibar Coa, who has ridden Leah's Secret in her two most recent wins, will return to California to ride the 120-pound high weight in the Santa Maria. They will break from post 11. Leah’s Secret has a 9-4-2 record in 26 starts and her record over synthetics is 3-2-1 in seven starts.
Leah’s Secret will be backed by two stablemates from the Pletcher arsenal, Roshani and Bsharpsonata. Each has won seven of 14 career starts, and each was assigned 117 pounds.
Jayeff B Stables’ Roshani won the Las Palmas Handicap (gr. IIT) on grass last year at Santa Anita. The 6-year-old Fantastic Light mare was victorious in an allowance race at Keeneland in her only previous race over a synthetic surface. A multiple-graded stakes winner, Roshani has earned $481,300.
Bsharpsonata, a 4-year-old Pulpit filly owned by Clover Leaf Farms II, is coming off a solid third-place finish behind Indian Blessing and Ginger Pop in the La Brea Stakes (gr. I) at seven furlongs Dec. 27. Over synthetics, the bay has posted a 1-1-1 record in three starts, including a minor stakes win at Hollywood Park in the fall. She has earned $562,610.
Frankel, who won the last two editions of the Santa Maria with Sugar Shake and and Double Trouble, appears well positioned once more with a pair of sharp 4-year-olds.
The British-bred Visit was a fast-closing third in Hollywood Park’s Matriarch (gr. IT) in her last start. A two-time group III winner at home, the daughter of Oasis Dream ran a close fourth at Santa Anita in Oak Tree’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT) in her U.S. debut. After leading in the homestretch, she wound up 1 1/2 lengths behind the victorious Forever Together.
Garrett Gomez has the mount on Visit, who breaks from post 10 with 118 pounds. While racing in England she captured the Princess Margaret Stakes (Eng-III) at Ascot as a 2-year-old and the Oak Tree Stakes (Eng-III) at Goodwood as a 3-year-old. All nine of Visit's previous starts have come on grass.
Country Star is seeking her first stakes win since capturing both the Hollywood Starlet (gr. I) and the Alcibiades (gr. I) at Keeneland over synthetic surfaces in 2007. The daughter of Empire Maker was second most recently as the 6-5 favorite in Santa Anita’s El Encino Stakes (gr. II) Jan. 18. She lost to Life Is Sweet, who will run in the Feb. 15 La Canada Stakes (gr. II) for 4-year-old fillies instead of the Santa Maria.
Joel Rosario will be aboard Country Star, who tired in the El Encino, her first start in five months. Assigned 116 pounds, she will be making her eighth lifetime start Feb. 14 after having compiled a 3-2-0 record for earnings of $668,865.
The speedy Briecat, a 4-year-old Adcat filly trained by Vladimir Cerin for Holly and David Wilson, brings a three-race win streak into the race. She won the Bayakoa Handicap (gr. II) in her last start in gate-to-wire fashion by more than two lengths at odds of 13-1, bettering the 11-10 favorite Model, who also runs in the Santa Maria.
Tizfiz has back-to-back stakes wins for trainer Rafael DeLeon, including an upset victory by a nose over Santa Maria rival Marzelline in the San Gorgonio Handicap (gr. IIT) on Santa Anita's turf course Jan. 4.
Mistical Plan tuned up following a five-month layoff with a fourth-place finish in the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint at Gulfstream Park. Trained by Doug O'Neill for J. Paul Reddam, the 5-year-old Game Plan mare won the Princess Rooney Handicap (gr. I) at Calder last July, but has started just twice since then.
Santa Teresita and Island Hop complete the field.
Who do you think will win the Santa Maria?
Briecat
Tizfiz
Country Star
Mistical Plan
Marzelline
Roshani
Bsharpsonata
Santa Teresita
Island Hop
Visit
Leah's Secret
Model
View Results
Polldaddy.com$300,000 Santa Maria Handicap (gr. I, Race 9, 4:38 p.m.), Fillies & Mares 4 & Up, 1 1/16 Miles (All Weather)
PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Briecat (FL), 115, Jose Valdivia, Jr.
2. Tizfiz (KY), 117, Agapito Delgadillo
3. Country Star (KY), 116, Joel Rosario
4. Mistical Plan (CA), 116, Victor Espinoza
5. Marzelline (IRE), 115, Tyler Baze
6. Roshani (KY), 117, Patrick Husbands
7. Bsharpsonata (FL), 117, David R. Flores
8. Santa Teresita (KY), 114, Joseph Talamo
9. Island Hop (KY), 112, Chantal Sutherland
10. Visit (GB), 118, Garrett K. Gomez
11. Leah's Secret (FL), 120, Eibar Coa
12. Model (KY), 116, Rafael Bejarano
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
1 Old Fashioned Larry Jones Unbridled’s Song—Collect Call, by Meadowlake
Finally had his first work over the Oaklawn Park surface and everything appears to be on schedule for his debut in Southwest Stakes Feb. 16. Has to come back with a big effort if he's to maintain top spot in his own stable.
2 Pioneerof the Nile Bob Baffert Empire Maker—Star of Goshen, by Lord At War
If he didn't have the dirt question hanging over his head, he'd be a solid No. 1. He did everything right; fanned 7-wide, yet showed quickness and agility. Looked like a European the way he closed; long, gorgeous stride.
3 Patena Rick Dutrow, Jr. Seeking the Gold—Handpainted, by A.P. Indy
IEAH and Dutrow are over the moon about this colt, and feel they've struck another gold mine. Not crazy about the two-month gap between Lecomte and Louisiana Derby, but no one is better with a fresh horse than Dutrow.
4 Giant Oak Chris Block Giant's Causeway—Crafty Oak, by Crafty Prospector
Lost no stature in the Risen Star. Nightmare trip; made a big middle move into heavy traffic, got stopped and dropped back, then had to wander 10 off the rail looking for room. Finally got going, but way too late.
5 Hello Broadway Barclay Tagg Broken Vow—Nightstorm, by Storm Cat
Still waiting to hear plans. This colt needs a pair of two-turn races; one to make sure he can relax off the pace going a distance, and another to get him ready for the Derby. He has a world of talent, and it's time to show it.
6 Friesan Fire Larry Jones A.P. Indy—Bollinger, by Dehere
Certainly can't fault the way he's progressing, and he's obviously finding his niche. He did get a bit rank early when stuck between horses, and he does paddle his left foot quite noticeably. But he's now a major contender.
7 Capt. Candyman Can Ian Wilkes Candy Ride—Stormy Way, by Storm Creek
Right now, he's the most accomplished 3-year-old in Florida, but still has to show he can relax off the pace going two turns. Pedigree is OK, not great, so it would seem two turns would be more beneficial.
8 Flying Pegasus Ralph Nicks Fusaichi Pegasus—Lilly Capote, by Capote
Connections had to be thrilled with his Risen Star effort; first race in five months and breaking from post 12. He was hung five-wide on the first turn and continued to race wide. Kicked in turning for home and came up just a bit short.
9 Poltergeist Donnie Von Hemel Tapit—I’m Relaunchable, by Relaunch
Continues to work well for the Southwest, but he'll be in tough against some brilliant horses. His allowance score still is one of the most impressive performances we've seen so far, so basing his ranking mainly on that.
10 Stardom Bound Bobby Frankel Tapit—My White Corvette, by Tarr Road
Don't know if she’s ready to handle Pioneer and Co., but she looked good in her return and had to negotiate through traffic this time. She was striding out magnificently in the stretch and came home last two quarters in :24.
11 Vineyard Haven Bobby Frankel Lido Palace—Princess Aloha, by Aloha Prospector
Gets his chance in the UAE One Thousand Guineas this week. Don't know what he's up against yet, but if he can run big against some solid Southern Hemisphere horses, it would be a major step in the right direction, moving him up the list.
12 I Want Revenge Jeff Mullins Stephen Got Even—Meguial, by Roy
Don't know what to make of his performance in the Lewis. Wore blinkers for the first time, but was drifting on occasion. He ran well enough, but didn't seem to move forward from his previous races. Simply a case of being outrun.
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
1 Old Fashioned Larry Jones Unbridled’s Song—Collect Call, by Meadowlake
Finally had his first work over the Oaklawn Park surface and everything appears to be on schedule for his debut in Southwest Stakes Feb. 16. Has to come back with a big effort if he's to maintain top spot in his own stable.
2 Pioneerof the Nile Bob Baffert Empire Maker—Star of Goshen, by Lord At War
If he didn't have the dirt question hanging over his head, he'd be a solid No. 1. He did everything right; fanned 7-wide, yet showed quickness and agility. Looked like a European the way he closed; long, gorgeous stride.
3 Patena Rick Dutrow, Jr. Seeking the Gold—Handpainted, by A.P. Indy
IEAH and Dutrow are over the moon about this colt, and feel they've struck another gold mine. Not crazy about the two-month gap between Lecomte and Louisiana Derby, but no one is better with a fresh horse than Dutrow.
4 Giant Oak Chris Block Giant's Causeway—Crafty Oak, by Crafty Prospector
Lost no stature in the Risen Star. Nightmare trip; made a big middle move into heavy traffic, got stopped and dropped back, then had to wander 10 off the rail looking for room. Finally got going, but way too late.
5 Hello Broadway Barclay Tagg Broken Vow—Nightstorm, by Storm Cat
Still waiting to hear plans. This colt needs a pair of two-turn races; one to make sure he can relax off the pace going a distance, and another to get him ready for the Derby. He has a world of talent, and it's time to show it.
6 Friesan Fire Larry Jones A.P. Indy—Bollinger, by Dehere
Certainly can't fault the way he's progressing, and he's obviously finding his niche. He did get a bit rank early when stuck between horses, and he does paddle his left foot quite noticeably. But he's now a major contender.
7 Capt. Candyman Can Ian Wilkes Candy Ride—Stormy Way, by Storm Creek
Right now, he's the most accomplished 3-year-old in Florida, but still has to show he can relax off the pace going two turns. Pedigree is OK, not great, so it would seem two turns would be more beneficial.
8 Flying Pegasus Ralph Nicks Fusaichi Pegasus—Lilly Capote, by Capote
Connections had to be thrilled with his Risen Star effort; first race in five months and breaking from post 12. He was hung five-wide on the first turn and continued to race wide. Kicked in turning for home and came up just a bit short.
9 Poltergeist Donnie Von Hemel Tapit—I’m Relaunchable, by Relaunch
Continues to work well for the Southwest, but he'll be in tough against some brilliant horses. His allowance score still is one of the most impressive performances we've seen so far, so basing his ranking mainly on that.
10 Stardom Bound Bobby Frankel Tapit—My White Corvette, by Tarr Road
Don't know if she’s ready to handle Pioneer and Co., but she looked good in her return and had to negotiate through traffic this time. She was striding out magnificently in the stretch and came home last two quarters in :24.
11 Vineyard Haven Bobby Frankel Lido Palace—Princess Aloha, by Aloha Prospector
Gets his chance in the UAE One Thousand Guineas this week. Don't know what he's up against yet, but if he can run big against some solid Southern Hemisphere horses, it would be a major step in the right direction, moving him up the list.
12 I Want Revenge Jeff Mullins Stephen Got Even—Meguial, by Roy
Don't know what to make of his performance in the Lewis. Wore blinkers for the first time, but was drifting on occasion. He ran well enough, but didn't seem to move forward from his previous races. Simply a case of being outrun.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
$1M Big Cap looks packed for March 7
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
By Steve Andersen
ARCADIA, Calif. -- There will be no shortage of starters in the $1 million Santa Anita Handicap on March 7.
As of Sunday, 13 starters were probable for the richest race of the meeting, with the maximum field of 14 well within reach. Three preps at Santa Anita last weekend helped solidify a probable field led by the Strub Stakes winner, Cowboy Cal, and the San Antonio Handicap winner, Magnum.
Cowboy Cal won his third stakes since October in the Grade 2 Strub Stakes at 1 1/8 miles, and must be considered the top contender for the Big Cap. Trained by Todd Pletcher for Robert and Janice McNair, Cowboy Cal has won two stakes at this meeting, the first of which was the Grade 2 San Pasqual Handicap against older horses on Jan. 10.
In the Strub, Cowboy Cal stalked the pace before taking the lead in the final furlong, winning by three-quarters of a length over Blue Exit, another Big Cap hopeful.
"I think he settled pretty well," Pletcher said of Cowboy Cal. "It was a quality effort from a quality horse."
Blue Exit had a rough trip in the stretch. He was ninth at the eighth pole and closed well.
"He got a little unlucky in the lane or he might have won it," trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said.
There were seven horses within two lengths of Cowboy Cal at the finish. Victory Pete, third, beaten 1 1/4 lengths, and Dixie Chatter, who was a neck behind Victory Pete, are Big Cap candidates.
Richard Mandella trains Dixie Chatter and may have another Big Cap runner in Matto Mondo, the winner of Saturday's Thunder Road Handicap at a mile on the main track. Matto Mondo was timed in 1:34.61, the fastest of 34 one-mile main-track races at this meeting.
"I wouldn't have thought of [the Big Cap] until he ran like that," Mandella said.
The Grade 1 Frank Kilroe Mile on turf on March 7 is another possibility for Matto Mondo, Mandella said.
Monba, trained by Pletcher, finished third in the Thunder Road in his first start since a 20th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby last May. The Thunder Road was scheduled for turf, but switched to the main track because of rain.
"We were hoping the race would come off the turf," Pletcher said. "I thought his race was good."
At least two runners from the San Antonio are expected for the Big Cap - the winner, Magnum, and third-place finisher Tiago. Well Armed, who set the pace and was beaten a length, will be pointed for the $6 million Dubai World Cup on March 28, a race in which he finished third last year.
Other Big Cap hopefuls include the French turf stakes winner Zambezi Sun, now trained by Bobby Frankel; Colonel John, the winner of the 2008 Santa Anita Derby and Travers Stakes; Court Vision, the winner of the Hollywood Derby in November; the undefeated Rail Trip, who has yet to start in a stakes; and Dansant, an invader from England.
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
By Steve Andersen
ARCADIA, Calif. -- There will be no shortage of starters in the $1 million Santa Anita Handicap on March 7.
As of Sunday, 13 starters were probable for the richest race of the meeting, with the maximum field of 14 well within reach. Three preps at Santa Anita last weekend helped solidify a probable field led by the Strub Stakes winner, Cowboy Cal, and the San Antonio Handicap winner, Magnum.
Cowboy Cal won his third stakes since October in the Grade 2 Strub Stakes at 1 1/8 miles, and must be considered the top contender for the Big Cap. Trained by Todd Pletcher for Robert and Janice McNair, Cowboy Cal has won two stakes at this meeting, the first of which was the Grade 2 San Pasqual Handicap against older horses on Jan. 10.
In the Strub, Cowboy Cal stalked the pace before taking the lead in the final furlong, winning by three-quarters of a length over Blue Exit, another Big Cap hopeful.
"I think he settled pretty well," Pletcher said of Cowboy Cal. "It was a quality effort from a quality horse."
Blue Exit had a rough trip in the stretch. He was ninth at the eighth pole and closed well.
"He got a little unlucky in the lane or he might have won it," trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said.
There were seven horses within two lengths of Cowboy Cal at the finish. Victory Pete, third, beaten 1 1/4 lengths, and Dixie Chatter, who was a neck behind Victory Pete, are Big Cap candidates.
Richard Mandella trains Dixie Chatter and may have another Big Cap runner in Matto Mondo, the winner of Saturday's Thunder Road Handicap at a mile on the main track. Matto Mondo was timed in 1:34.61, the fastest of 34 one-mile main-track races at this meeting.
"I wouldn't have thought of [the Big Cap] until he ran like that," Mandella said.
The Grade 1 Frank Kilroe Mile on turf on March 7 is another possibility for Matto Mondo, Mandella said.
Monba, trained by Pletcher, finished third in the Thunder Road in his first start since a 20th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby last May. The Thunder Road was scheduled for turf, but switched to the main track because of rain.
"We were hoping the race would come off the turf," Pletcher said. "I thought his race was good."
At least two runners from the San Antonio are expected for the Big Cap - the winner, Magnum, and third-place finisher Tiago. Well Armed, who set the pace and was beaten a length, will be pointed for the $6 million Dubai World Cup on March 28, a race in which he finished third last year.
Other Big Cap hopefuls include the French turf stakes winner Zambezi Sun, now trained by Bobby Frankel; Colonel John, the winner of the 2008 Santa Anita Derby and Travers Stakes; Court Vision, the winner of the Hollywood Derby in November; the undefeated Rail Trip, who has yet to start in a stakes; and Dansant, an invader from England.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Stellar Comeback Win for Stardom Bound
GOOD LUCK!! and have A GREAT DAY!!!
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
by Jack Shinar
Stardom Bound, champion 2-year-old filly of 2008, could be headed for the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) after turning in a big effort in winning the $300,000 Las Virgenes Stakes (gr. I) (VIDEO) for new connections in her 2009 debut Feb. 7 at Santa Anita.
This was Stardom Bound's fourth consecutive grade I win and her first for IEAH Stables and partners, who paid $5.7 million for her at Fasig-Tipton in November. Bobby Frankel is the winning trainer.
Michael Iavarone, co-president of IEAH, told HRTV afterward that he hoped to see Stardom Bound take on males next in the April 4 Santa Anita Derby.
"That's what the racing fans want," he said. "I see no reason why she can't do it."
Making her first start since winning the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) convincingly over Santa Anita's Pro-Ride surface, Stardom Bound had to overcome a little anxiousness in the early portion of the race. But under Mike Smith, the gray/roan daughter of Tapit showed her customary strong kick. The 2-5 favorite angled off the pine to split horses at the top of the lane and ran down Saucey Evening and Nan in late stretch en route to a 1 1/4-length win. The final time for the one-mile test was 1:36.43.
Haka, who was moving with Stardom Bound coming off the final turn, rallied in deep stretch to nab second by a neck over Saucey Evening. Nan finished fourth.
“I was a little scared she was going to be a little too sharp, and she was sharp today," said Frankel, who did not train her excessively for the return. "She broke as well as she ever has today. She was fresh, and she was into the bridle all the way. I was a little concerned, because she didn’t drop back like she usually drops back. She’s a little sharper now. She’s a great filly.”
Asked about the Santa Anita Derby, the Hall of Fame trainer responsed, “Well, you’ve got to talk to the people that own her. I’ve got to think about it. I don’t want to stick my neck out right now.”
Haka, who was moving with Stardom Bound coming off the final turn, rallied in deep stretch to nab second by a neck over Saucey Evening.
Stardom Bound dropped out to last soon after the start and saved ground while moving up on the backstretch as Pinkarella, breaking from the far outside, sped to the early lead and then slowed things down. Held patiently by Smith, Stardom Bound waited while racing off heels around the final turn. She angled four wide when an opening appeared in upper stretch, splitting a retreating Century Park and Haka to loom into contention. Stardom Bound got the lead near the sixteenth pole and proved best in spite of drifting out slightly under steady handling.
“I was trying to slow her down going down the backside and get her to relax," Smith said. "She hadn’t run in six months, so she was wanting to go. I wasn’t concerned around the (far) turn when I was boxed in. I was actually glad to be bottled up really, because I didn’t want to ask her to run too early. I figured if I stayed stuck, something would probably open up by the eighth pole. She accelerates so good, it’s amazing. She’s a dream to ride.”
Early fractions were :23.02, :47.62, and 1:11.90.
Haka, who chased the pace while slightly off the rail under Rafael Bejarano, also closed on the outside to gain second willingly. Saucey Evening, who had edged ahead of Nan past mid-stretch, took third by three-quarters of a length.
Stardom Bound finished second in her first two starts and has not lost since, rattling off convincing late-running victories in the Del Mar Debutante (gr. I) and Oak Leaf Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita prior to the Breeders' Cup when she was trained by Christopher Paasch for Charles Cono. She is perfect in three tries on the Pro-Ride surface.
Carrying top weight of 122 pounds, Stardom Bound paid $2.80, $2.40, and $2.10. She earned $180,000 for her fourth win in six starts and pushed her career earnings to $1,600,600.
In addition to IEAH, Stardom Bound is also owned by Paul Pompa Jr., Michael Dubb, and Golden Goose Entertainment. Fletcher Gray, Caroline Gray, and John Youngblood bred her in Kentucky out of My White Corvette, by Tarr Road.
Claiborne Farm's Haka, second in the Santa Ysabel Stakes (gr. III) in her last start for trainer Christophe Clement, returned $5.80 and $3.20 while completing a $2 exacta worth $19. The California-bred Saucey Evening paid $2.40 to show.
Nan was followed by African Skies, Century Park, Toro Bonito, and Pinkarella.
Copyright © 2009 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
all-about-horse-racing.blogspot.com
by Jack Shinar
Stardom Bound, champion 2-year-old filly of 2008, could be headed for the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) after turning in a big effort in winning the $300,000 Las Virgenes Stakes (gr. I) (VIDEO) for new connections in her 2009 debut Feb. 7 at Santa Anita.
This was Stardom Bound's fourth consecutive grade I win and her first for IEAH Stables and partners, who paid $5.7 million for her at Fasig-Tipton in November. Bobby Frankel is the winning trainer.
Michael Iavarone, co-president of IEAH, told HRTV afterward that he hoped to see Stardom Bound take on males next in the April 4 Santa Anita Derby.
"That's what the racing fans want," he said. "I see no reason why she can't do it."
Making her first start since winning the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) convincingly over Santa Anita's Pro-Ride surface, Stardom Bound had to overcome a little anxiousness in the early portion of the race. But under Mike Smith, the gray/roan daughter of Tapit showed her customary strong kick. The 2-5 favorite angled off the pine to split horses at the top of the lane and ran down Saucey Evening and Nan in late stretch en route to a 1 1/4-length win. The final time for the one-mile test was 1:36.43.
Haka, who was moving with Stardom Bound coming off the final turn, rallied in deep stretch to nab second by a neck over Saucey Evening. Nan finished fourth.
“I was a little scared she was going to be a little too sharp, and she was sharp today," said Frankel, who did not train her excessively for the return. "She broke as well as she ever has today. She was fresh, and she was into the bridle all the way. I was a little concerned, because she didn’t drop back like she usually drops back. She’s a little sharper now. She’s a great filly.”
Asked about the Santa Anita Derby, the Hall of Fame trainer responsed, “Well, you’ve got to talk to the people that own her. I’ve got to think about it. I don’t want to stick my neck out right now.”
Haka, who was moving with Stardom Bound coming off the final turn, rallied in deep stretch to nab second by a neck over Saucey Evening.
Stardom Bound dropped out to last soon after the start and saved ground while moving up on the backstretch as Pinkarella, breaking from the far outside, sped to the early lead and then slowed things down. Held patiently by Smith, Stardom Bound waited while racing off heels around the final turn. She angled four wide when an opening appeared in upper stretch, splitting a retreating Century Park and Haka to loom into contention. Stardom Bound got the lead near the sixteenth pole and proved best in spite of drifting out slightly under steady handling.
“I was trying to slow her down going down the backside and get her to relax," Smith said. "She hadn’t run in six months, so she was wanting to go. I wasn’t concerned around the (far) turn when I was boxed in. I was actually glad to be bottled up really, because I didn’t want to ask her to run too early. I figured if I stayed stuck, something would probably open up by the eighth pole. She accelerates so good, it’s amazing. She’s a dream to ride.”
Early fractions were :23.02, :47.62, and 1:11.90.
Haka, who chased the pace while slightly off the rail under Rafael Bejarano, also closed on the outside to gain second willingly. Saucey Evening, who had edged ahead of Nan past mid-stretch, took third by three-quarters of a length.
Stardom Bound finished second in her first two starts and has not lost since, rattling off convincing late-running victories in the Del Mar Debutante (gr. I) and Oak Leaf Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita prior to the Breeders' Cup when she was trained by Christopher Paasch for Charles Cono. She is perfect in three tries on the Pro-Ride surface.
Carrying top weight of 122 pounds, Stardom Bound paid $2.80, $2.40, and $2.10. She earned $180,000 for her fourth win in six starts and pushed her career earnings to $1,600,600.
In addition to IEAH, Stardom Bound is also owned by Paul Pompa Jr., Michael Dubb, and Golden Goose Entertainment. Fletcher Gray, Caroline Gray, and John Youngblood bred her in Kentucky out of My White Corvette, by Tarr Road.
Claiborne Farm's Haka, second in the Santa Ysabel Stakes (gr. III) in her last start for trainer Christophe Clement, returned $5.80 and $3.20 while completing a $2 exacta worth $19. The California-bred Saucey Evening paid $2.40 to show.
Nan was followed by African Skies, Century Park, Toro Bonito, and Pinkarella.
Copyright © 2009 The Blood-Horse, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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