Showing all posts tagged "Races To Watch"
Note @ Las Vegas, Nevada
Since the Iroquois Stakes was moved from late October/early November to mid-September we have seen more Kentucky Derby hopefuls, than eventual starters. Although, a few select horses such as Tapiture, Ride on Curlin and Mr. Z did get their chance to run for the roses at Churchill Downs the following spring. Their bids would fall short, but their journey from the first points race all the way to the Kentucky Derby was very unique. Today the long road begins again when the scoring resumes in the 2016 Iroquois Stakes.
At 3-1, Recruiting Ready is the morning line favorite. The son of Algorithms--Need nearly scored his first graded stakes win in his debut race at Churchill Downs on July 2. He did it by attempting to wire the eight other juveniles in the field with swift fractions of 21.76, 45.07 and 56.97 on the front end. The strategy looked to be a winner until his bid to draw clear was outmatched by Classic Empire who reeled him in the final furlong to win the Bashford Manor – G3.
Next time out the Horacio DePaz trainee looked even closer to a graded stakes win in the Saratoga Special – G2 on August 14. However, what appeared to be an easy win quickly turned into another runner up finish when Gunnevera soared home to steal the race at the wire from the heavy post time favorite. And then things got even worse when Recruiting Ready was disqualified from second and placed fourth for making contact with Tip Tap Tapizar near the three-eighths pole and knocking him off his stride.
Today, Gary Stevens will be in the saddle for the first time. The assumption is that Recruiting Ready will be back in position to get things right this time out, but he will also be stretching to out to over 1 mile for the first time in his young racing career.
The second choice on the morning line isThirstforlife. At 7-2 the son of Stay Thirsty - Promenade Girl returns to the track where he broke his maiden in his second career start. In between that effort and today was a respectable third place finish in the Best Pal – G3 at Del Mar, his graded stakes debut. In that contest Thirstforlife was in the mix throughout but he failed to fire a serious bid.
Florent Geroux returns for his second mount aboard Thirstforlife and first since he was in the irons for the colt’s career debut, a third place finish in the Kentucky Juvenile Stakes at Churchill Downs on May 5. Trainer Mark Casse will be attempting to win his second career Iroquois Stakes after notching his first in 2012 with Uncaptured.
Not This Time enters the Iroquois Stakes coming off his very first win for trainer Dale Romans. The one mile maiden victory by 10 lengths on the dirt at Ellis Park last month was his second career start. The son of Giant's Causeway – Miss Macy Sue is the co-third choice on the morning line.
Accompanying Not This Time at 4-1 isBlame Will, the son of Blame – Be My Prospect, trained by D. Wayne Lukas. This will also be his debut stakes race after a maiden win. Blame Will’s first victory came in his third career start and second at Saratoga after beginning his racing career here at Churchill Downs in June.
Lookin At Lee enters the Iroquois Stakes after winning back to back races at Ellis Park this summer. His first was in a maiden special weight race and followed by a more impressive score in the Ellis Park Juvenile Stakes. Though the stakes race was not graded and only featured five starters, the Steve Asmussen trainee by Lookin At Lucky – Langara Lass should be considered a live option for a nice price if his odds remain near his morning line mark of 6-1.
Honor Thy Father for trainer Kenny McPeek follows Lookin At Lee to the Iroquois Stakes from the Ellis Park Juvenile Stakes where he finished third. Prior to that the son of To Honor and Serve – Hottie Dancer also broke his maiden at Ellis Park after striking out in his career debut at Churchill Downs last June. Coincidentally, Honor Thy Father finished behind Lookin At Lee in that race as well. Both horses missed the top three finishing fifth and sixth.
Just Move On moves into Churchill Downs for his first career start in the Bluegrass State after opening his career at Arlington Park earlier this summer. In two races from Chicago the Patrick Byrne trainee and son of Street Boss finished in the top three both times and won his last time out. Skinflint ships into Churchill Downs and the Kentucky racing circuit for the first time after breaking his maiden at Gulfstream Park last time out. The son of Super Saver, trained by Dane Kobiskie, was listed as the long shot on the morning line with odds of 20-1.
Posted on September 20th, 2016
Keenelandsales topper
Keeneland Sale
- HorseRacingNation.com
0 fans
0 favorites
Spirited bidding among domestic and foreign buyers, double-digit increases in results and the sale of a Pioneerof the Nile colt for $700,000 headlined Sunday’s sixth session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
Competition for quality yearlings spurred healthy results, with active participation continuing from major domestic as well as buyers from England, Ireland, Russia, Korea, Panama and Puerto Rico. Among the leading trainers still shopping on Sunday were Racing Hall of Famers Bob Baffert and Steve Asmussen, and Mark Casse, Dale Romans, Tom Amoss, Ralph Nicks and Al Stall Jr., among others.
On Sunday, which marked the first day of the Book 3 portion of the sale, Keeneland sold 269 yearlings for $23,243,000, up 18.5 percent from the same session in 2015 when 266 horses bought $19,618,000. The average increased 17.16 percent from $73,752 to $86,405. The median of $70,000 rose 27.27 percent from last year’s $55,000.
Through six sessions, 1,081 yearlings have been sold for $212,749,000, down 5.25 percent from the corresponding period last year when 1,234 horses sold for $224,536,000. The cumulative average of $196,808 increased 8.16 percent from $181,958 in 2015. The median of $130,000 remained unchanged from last year.
Tom Haughey’s PTK LLC bought the day’s top-priced yearling, who is a half-brother to stakes winner Softly Lit. He was consigned by Peter O’Callaghan’s Woods Edge Farm, agent.
“He was a spectacular-looking horse. I loved him,” Haughey said, adding that he had purchased two half-sisters to the colt, the aforementioned Softly Lit, by Latent Heat, and winner Flickering, by Twirling Candy, at previous Keeneland September Sales.
The second-highest price was the $410,000 spent by Martin Anthony for a Mineshaft filly out of the Empire Maker mare Scenic Drive. The filly’s second dam, Mon Belle, by Maria’s Mon, is a full sister to 2001 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Monarchos. She was consigned by Lane’s End, agent.
Baffert paid $400,000 for a colt from the first crop of Grade 1 winner Violence. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, the colt is out of the graded stakes-placed With Approval mare Bala, and is a half-brother to Grade 2 winner Bay to Bay.
Lane’s End Farm was the session’s leading consignor, selling 26 yearlings for $3,296,000.
The day’s leading buyer was Mike Ryan, agent, who spent $1,320,000 for six yearlings.
The September Sale continues through Sunday, Sept. 25, with all sessions beginning at 10 a.m. ET. The entire sale is streamed live at Keeneland.com.
Source: Keeneland Association
Posted on September 20th, 2016
American Cleopatra
American Cleopatra, Full Sis to American Pharoah, Wins Del Mar Debut
- HorseRacingNation.com
Summer is always an exciting time in horseracing with emerging two-year-olds, but one two-year-old filly in particular was in the spotlight yesterday. American Cleopatra, full sister to 2015 Triple Crown champion American Pharoah, made her debut in Del Mar’s third race yesterday. And what a debut it was.
With bettors knowing the talented genes of the best horses are not always passed on, American Cleopatra, by Pioneerof the Nile and out of Littleprincessemma, went off at 7-1, the co-third choice. War Factor got the jump out of the gate and led the field of eight fillies through a quarter mile in :21.87, while American Cleopatra sat just off her flank.
After the opening quarter, it was all over. American Cleopatra made her move and grabbed the lead, running a half-mile in :45.17. Jockey Stewart Elliott looked over his shoulder to check on the competition and saw the advantage they had over the field. Second choice Union Strike, 7-2, gave chase, but could only get within two lengths of the winner. American Cleopatra completed the five and one-half furlongs in 1:03.38.
“Those are good genes, there,” commented Bob Baffert. One thing American Cleopatra did that her older brother did not was win her debut at Del Mar. American Pharoah had finished fifth in his first race before winning the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity.
“She’s got a beautiful way of moving and she’s got a pretty good mind,” Baffert said of American Cleopatra. “She’s a sweetheart at the barn. She’s very sweet and he was sweet.”
Whether the Zayat’s homebred filly goes on to do anything like American Pharoah or not, American Cleopatra’s win certainly brought a lot of excitement to the racing world. It even brought a little glimmer of hope.
By Christine Oser
Posted on September 20th, 2016
Unbridled Courage
 |
 |
| Trainer Message | |
| Trainer name | Englehart Jeremiah C |
| Notes | |
| Horse name | Unbridled Courage |
| Activity type | Result |
| Activity date | 09-19-2016 |
| Track | Presque Isle Downs |
| Surface | All Weather Track |
| Distance | 6 1/2 Furlongs |
| Track condition | Fast |
| Race number | 5 |
| Purse | $400,000 |
| Race type | Stakes |
| Finish position | 9 |
| Jockey | Ortiz J L |
| Race chart | http://www.drf.com/drfNCWeeklyHorseDisplay.do?track=PID&country=USA&raceDate=20160919&raceNo=5 |
Posted on September 20th, 2016
PA Derby 2016 is Saturday, Sept. 24!
 | » PA Derby 2016 Contenders » PA Derby Winners » Get FREE Picks! » Get Trifecta/Superfecta Picks » $20K Contest This Saturday! » PLUS! Songbird vs Cathryn Sophia! |  |
The 2016 Pennsylvania Derby (G2) will be run for an enhanced total purse of $1,250,000. An extra quarter million dollars will be added if Nyquist, the Kentucky Derby winner, and the Preakness first place finisher,Exaggerator, both start in the race. An unexpected full field of twelve three-year-olds was drawn to contest the nine-furlong stake at Parx Racing.
The owner and trainer of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes, Haskell, and Travers winners are eligible for a $50,000 appearance bonus. Therefore, the connections of Nyquist receive a total of $100,000, while Exaggerator's connections receive $200,000 if they start.
With Nyquist and Exaggerator renewing their rivalry, the Pennsylvania Derby could have significant implications in this division’s year-end championship. Nyquist dominated the first five months when he continued his unbeaten career with a win in California, the Florida Derby, and then the biggest victory of all in the Kentucky Derby. Twice, in that time, he beat Exaggerator. However, Nyquist has not found the winner’s circle since then, while falling short in the Preakness and the Haskell. Exaggerator has been the division leader since then. In that time he defeated Nyquist two times in the Preakness and the Haskell. A win for either of them would give that horse a secure spot on top of the divisional race.
The field of twelve appears to have an interesting pace scenario with a number of horses that like to run on or close to the lead. One thing seems certain is that with the quality of this PA Derby field the race will finally achieve grade one status in 2017. Carded as race 11, the scheduled post time is 5:45pm ET.
Awesome Slew [ML 12-1, Paco Lopez] This Eddie Plesa trainee proved that Parx is a track to his liking when he crushed a field of a field of fourteen by seven lengths in the Smarty Jones (G3). He will no doubt be running on the lead early with his rail draw. Rider Paco Lopez is at his best with horses on the lead, but they will not be the only ones running fast early. Major Early Pace Factor
Exaggerator [ML 7-2, Kent Desormeaux] The early weather reports for Bensalem, PA, say that rain is unlikely and thus a FAST track should be expected at Parx. At this point, it is hard to deny that Exaggerator is at his best on a wet track and that you have to go all the way back to last year to find his first two career wins that happened on a dry track. The inside draw will make it easy for Desormeaux to save ground early in the race as he often wants to do. The expected hot early pace should set up for Exaggerator’s big closing move. Perfect Set-up Expected
Summer Revolution [ML 20-1, Mike Smith] This lightly raced son of Summer Bird gets Mike Smith in the saddle after Castellano opted to ride Connect. Expect this colt to be on or near the lead and help ensure a hot early pace. Distance limitations and a lack of experience have this one up against it. Early Speed
Connect [ML 12-1, Javier Castellano] In the Travers, Connect was a well-beaten sixth place finisher, but every horse was crushed when Arrogate blitzed that field. In the Curlin at Saratoga, Connect was impressive when he outdueled Gift Box. This is another that has done his best running close to the front, and with lots of speed inside of him, Castellano may be forced to work out a stalking or closing trip. Not Out of It
Cupid [ML 9-2, Rafael Bejarano] Of all the top contenders, Cupid is in top form right now. After a bad performance in the Easy Goer, trainer Bob Baffert got Cupid right and he recorded two big wins in mid-major Derbies in Indiana and West Virginia. Bejarano was the rider in both of those wins, when he had everything his way on the front end. He will have company on the lead, but may be a lot better than the other speed horses. I hope that Bejarano sits just behind the others and gets the jump on the rest of the field. Threat to Win
Wild About Deb [ML 30-1, Tiago Pereira] This one has been stabled at Parx since a recent trainer change to Ramon Preciado. He ran second to Awesome Slew in the Smarty Jones well ahead of the next runner. He has just a maiden victory on the west coast to his credit. Long Shot
Gun Runner [ML 6-1, Florent Geroux]Except for his poor performance on the sloppy track in the Haskell, Gun Runner has yet to run a bad race. His stalking style fits perfectly considering the anticipated hot pace. He ran well in the Travers behind the Baffert duo when the ten furlongs was clearly not his forte. I expect this Steve Asmussen runner to make his usual strong effort down the stretch. Top Three Finish Expected
My Man Sam [ML 20-1, Julien Leparoux] This Chad Brown runner was a surprise addition to the field. With only a maiden win, he has been a bit of a disappointment since his big closing move to get second in the Blue Grass. I don’t know if he has the quality to win a race like this, but he certainly will have the set-up to make a late run. Pass Some Tired Horses
Nyquist [ML 5-2, Mario Guitierrez]No doubt that Nyquist is the horse to beat, but there are lots of questions that the Two-year-old Champion has to answer. Trainer Doug O’Neill has changed things up since Nyquist lost in the Preakness and Haskell taking him to train off track. O’Neill says Nyquist has grown and he has been working him over long distances. The move off track raises red flags for me, but I may be wrong. With so much speed to his inside, jockey Mario Gutierrez may have no alterative but to come from off the pace with Nyquist. That could turn out to be a good thing if the rider can remain patient. The One to Beat
Sunny Ridge [ML 15-1, Joe Bravo]Sunny Ridge is a bit of a mystery horse. His racing schedule has been spotty and he has just one slow five-furlong work since the Haskell. He has never run a bad race including his third place finish in the Haskell. This is very tough spot with the seeming laid-back training methods of Jason Servis. Top Four Possible
Discreet Lover [ML 30-1, Jose Flores] Another Parx based runner, but this one seems to be out of his league here. Eleven of his career sixteen starts have come at Parx including his two wins. Don’t Expect Much
Hit It Once More [ML 20-1, Kendrick Carmouche] This New York-bred likes to run on the lead, so the far outside draw was the worst possible scenario. He has won two straight state restricted stakes for trainer Gary Sciacca, but this grade one is a very unlikely spot for success. Out ClassedPosted on September 20th, 2016
Betting 101
Types of Bets
Win-Place-Show Bets
Betting on horse racing can be fun and easy. There are several different wagers offered each race, but these are the three most basic:
- The first is a "win" wager. Betting a horse to win is just as fun as it sounds – the horse must win the race in order for you to win the wager.
- Next, is a "place" wager. This is betting on a horse to finish in the top 2. You win the wager if your horse finishes first or second.
- Betting a horse to "show" means selecting a horse who you think will finish in the top 3. You win the wager if your horse finishes first, second, or third.
Because of the difficulty of a win wager, it will yield the highest payoff of these three wagers. A show wager will yield the lowest payoff but offers the greatest chance of winning.
The minimum bet for a win, place or show wager is only $2.
Exacta Bets
If you've mastered the art of win, place and show wagers, try an exacta. An exacta is more difficult than win, place and show wagers, but yields a higher payout. You bet an exacta by selecting a minimum two horses to finish first and second. These horses must finish first and second, in that order, for you to win the wager.
If picking two horses in order sounds too difficult, you can "box" your wager. A boxed wager will win if your horses finish 1st and 2nd, in any order, making it more likely for you to win.
The minimum bet for an exacta or exacta box wager is only $2.
Trifecta Bets
If you've mastered the art of win, place and show wagers, try a trifecta. A trifecta is more difficult than win, place and show wagers, as well as exacta wagers, so it yields a higher payout than any of those bets.
You bet a trifecta be selecting a minimum three horses to finish first, second, and third. These horses must finish first, second, and third, in that exact order, for you to win the wager.
If picking three horses in order sounds too difficult you can "box" your wager. A boxed trifecta wager will win if your horses finish 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, in any order, making it more likely to win.
The minimum bet for a trifecta wager is only 50 cents and you can bet a trifecta box for as little as $3.
What to Say to the Mutuel Teller When You Bet
If you're a beginning bettor you probably want to place your bets at a mutuel window with a live mutuel teller before using self-service betting machines and mobile applications. Here’s what you should do when you get to the betting window:
- Have your money in hand, so that once you're at the counter, you're ready to make your bet
- State the track's name
- State the race number you are betting on
- State the amount of money you are betting
- Say the type of bet you are placing
- Finally, state the horse's program number
How to Pick a Winner
Read the Program
The daily racing program is packed with information that can help you choose your favorite horse and can help you to make smarter bets. For each race, the program outlines each horse contender, and provides very detailed information about that horse, including its odds of winning the race, its race history, its work-outs, its jockey and other connections and their statistical records, its saddle towel color, and even its birthdate. At first glance, the numbers and language can be intimidating, but with a little guidance and a little practice, you'll find your own rhythm for reading through the program and selecting a winner. Explore our "How to Read a Program" guide for detailed explanations of each program statistic. You can start at a beginner level, and move up to intermediate and advanced readings.
Listen to What the Experts are Saying
Watch the Horses
As with any athlete, physical appearances are an important factor in sizing up competition. Horse racing is no different, and what your eyes tell you about the horse can be a helpful tool in betting. Here's just a few tips on what to look for as the horses come into the Paddock, but remember that, like your mom always said, "Don't judge a book by its cover." It's difficult to make judgments based solely on appearance.
- Ears – If the horse's ears are pricked, meaning they are large and pointed up, and its head is high and confident, you can assume that the horse is alert, aware of their surroundings, and ready to race. You don't want to bet on a horse that’s ears are flattened back, or hanging its head low and inattentive.
- Hair – Like humans, a good hair day goes a long way! While the horses are in the Paddock, take a good look at their hair. A nice shiny coat is an indication that the horse is in good condition; it's a general sign of the horse’s health and well-being.
- Muscle Definition – Most super-star athlete have prominent muscles and horses are no different. Be sure to look for nice, toned muscles around the horse’s chest and rib cage area. You want to bet on a horse that has defined muscles near their rib cage, and isn’t overweight or carrying too much fat.
- Nerves – It's natural to have some nerves before competition, but over anxious horses aren't necessarily a good bet. Look at the horse's behavior in the paddock, and look closely at the sweat on his/her coat. If the horse is too fidgety or sweating too much, then the horse may be wasting too much energy before it has even hit the racetrack.
Have Fun
Posted on September 17th, 2016
Casse Bids For Sweep of Saturday's Road to Kentucky Derby, Oaks Openers, Breeders' Cup 'Win & You're In' Races
Casse Bids For Sweep of Saturday's Road to Kentucky Derby, Oaks Openers, Breeders' Cup 'Win & You're In' Races
The Mark Casse-trained Thirstforlife, shown in an easy victory in his second career start during the Spring Meet at Churchill Downs, bids for his first stakes triumph in Saturday's $150,000 Iroquois Presented by TwinSpires.com (GIII). (Coady Photography, Churchill Downs)
Trainer Mark Casse swept both 2-year-old stakes races on closing day of Churchill Downs’ Spring Meet with the John C. Oxley-owned pair of Classic Empire andPretty City Dancer in the Bashford Manor (GIII) and Debutante Stakes, respectively, and will attempt to mirror that accomplishment Saturday when he sends out Thirstforlife in the $150,000 Iroquois Presented by TwinSpires.com (GIII) andDream Dancing in the $200,000 Pocahontas Presented by TwinSpires.com (GII).
Both the Iroquois and Pocahontas serve as the first qualifying races on the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” and “Road to the Kentucky Oaks” and will award the Top 4 finishers points on a 10-4-2-1 scale. They are also a part of the Breeders’ Cup “Win & You’re In” program where the winners of each race will receive an automatic berth to the Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and 14 Hands Winery Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, both Grade I races that carry a purse of $2 million.
“Obviously it would be a great accomplishment,” said Casse’s assistant trainer David Carroll. “It would speak volumes of the horses under our care, the job Mark does and the team that he has put together and obviously the owners giving us horses of this caliber.”
Owned by Gary Barber and St. Elias Stable, Thirstforlife was a third beaten six lengths last time out behind Klimt in Del Mar’s Best Pal (GIII) who came back to win the Del Mar Futurity (GI). The son of Stay Thirstywill be trying two turns for the first time when he runs in the Iroquois.
“We’re looking forward to getting him around two turns,” Carroll said. “I don’t think we learned too much after his last race. He broke sharp, took back and they went a slow pace and ran one-two all the way around so we don’t really know where he fits but (Saturday) we should learn a lot about him. Obviously it’s a good field and a lot of horses on the up and up. I think (trainer) Dale (Romans)’s horse (Not This Time) looks like a promising colt also. We’ll learn a lot more after the race.”
While Thirstforlife is coming fresh out of a Grade III, his stable mate Dream Dancing will be taking things up a notch. Her last effort came when she broke her maiden on the second attempt going two turns on the turf at Saratoga. She will be trying dirt for the first time.
“Mark likes to use Saratoga for two turns,” Carroll said. “There are no two-turn dirt races, only turf races and often if they have a dirt pedigree, he’ll put them on the turf just for the experience and conditioning. She’s bred for dirt, her family says dirt and obviously she won on turf. She shipped down a few days ago, she’s in great shape and we’re looking forward to running her also.”
In her career debut on Aug. 7, the daughter of Tapit was second behind the Leah Gyarmati-trained Coastal who went on to win Saratoga’s P.G. Johnson Stakes. In the same race, Dream Dancing finished ahead of Joust who went on to break her maiden at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 11.
“They’ve done a great job with her at Saratoga,” Carroll said. “The form is good and we’re looking forward to leading her over there and hopefully run a big race. Mark will say that there are no two-turn dirt races and the turf is easier on them and also a lot of conditioning from them. Once you try that bottom, then you can try them on the dirt. It seems to work well.”
Casse will be in search of his first Pocahontas victory with Dream Dancing and has one Iroquois victory under his belt with Uncaptured in 2012. Jockey Florent Geroux has the mount aboard both Casse trainees.
PROMISING 2-YEAR-OLD NOT THIS TIME STEPS UP IN IROQUOIS – Albaugh Family Stable’s Not This Time is the “total package,” according to trainer Dale Romans, who hopes that this half-brother to dual Grade I winner Liam’s Map will deliver a victory for the Romans barn in Saturday’s $150,000 Iroquois Presented by TwinSpires.com (GIII) following an impressive 10-length maiden victory at Ellis Park on Aug. 12.
The homebred son of Giant’s Causeway’s Ellis Park romp was a big turnaround from his career debut at Churchill on June 28, where he was a well-beaten fifth beaten 10 lengths behind the Eddie Kenneally-trained Bitumen, the eventual winner of Saratoga’s Sanford (GII) on July 23.
“He’s pedigree, he’s intelligence, he’s looks, he’s talent … he’s got it all,” said Romans, who won the Iroquois with Cleburne in 2013. “This is a good field of horses, there are a lot of good horses in the race and it looks like there is a lot of speed. This will be a good test for him to see if he steps up where we think that he can. Endurance is no question, he’s a good horse.”
In recent years, Romans has left many of his quality 2-year-olds at Churchill, rather than taking them to Saratoga where he based during a good portion of the summer.
“When I started a long time ago I would take a lot of 2-year-olds to Saratoga,” Romans said. “I just saw a pattern of horses working way too hard too early to compete up there and it’s paid off for me to just leave them behind and run at Ellis and it’s really become some very high quality racing. It’s a good time of year to break a horse’s maiden and it’s a safe surface to run on. It’s worked well for me.
“Hopefully he just steadily improves. He doesn’t have to go too far right now. He’s a good horse but we would just like to see him keep getting better with every race.”
Robby Albarado, the pilot aboard Not This Time’s two career starts, returns to the saddle for the Iroquois.
GORDER TOUTS POCAHONTAS ENTRANT SULLY’S DREAM – Following an eye-popping 12-length maiden victory at Ellis Park on July 30, trainer Kellyn Gorder can’t help but speak blessings of his promising 2-year-old filly Sully’s Dream, who is taking a jump up in class in Saturday’s $200,000 Pocahontas Presented by TwinSpires.com (GII).
“Halfway through the summer I sent a text to the owner (Ralph Ebert) and said, ‘I think this could be the best filly I’ve had in my barn,’” said Gorder, who seeks his first graded stakes victory since the 2013 Jefferson Cup (GIII) with General Election. “I really don’t think we’ve got close to seeing what she’s capable of and I think highly of her. I’m not sure that she beat much in that race, but it really is hard to judge. She’s been working with older horses and physically she doesn’t look 2; she looks like a 3-year-old.”
The Pocahontas serves as a part of the Breeders’ Cup “Win & You’re In Juvenile Fillies Division,” whose winner will receive an automatic berth into the $2 million 14 Hands Winery Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI) at Santa Anita on Nov. 5. Should this daughter of Colonel John return to the winner’s circle, she will likely be California bound.
“If she punches the ticket here, that’s what we’ll do,” Gorder said. “I’m a little concerned with the outside post but it’s nothing I’d be too nervous about. The way she goes about her work is just so professional. She does everything so easily and I think that she’s pretty special.”
Sully’s Dream will receive the riding services of Robby Albarado, who was aboard for her astonishing maiden win.
LANERIE HOPES FOR MORE SUCCESS DURING SEPTEMBER MEET – Last year, jockey Corey Lanerie entered the Churchill Downs September Meet fresh off a frustrating 0-for-57 at Saratoga, but this year he stayed home to ride at Ellis Park, which resulted in a riding title at the Henderson, Ky. oval.
The Lafayette, La. native finished off the Ellis Park meet with 26 wins in 125 starts banking $557,782 when riding at the track.
“Last year I knew going into Saratoga that I’d be up against some tough competition,” Lanerie said. “Did I think that I would not win a race? No, but I knew how tough it would be and coming home I have my people that are loyal to me and I’m grateful for my good business here.”
Lanerie will be in search of his 12thChurchill title in the past 13 meets.
“I got to stay home and win some races and was fortunate enough to be leading rider at Ellis Park,” Lanerie said. “I’m very glad to get back to Churchill. I expect that we can hopefully kick off against winning a bunch of races and try my best to stay on top.”
SATURDAY’S FIRST RACE MOVED TO 2:30 P.M.; LOUISVILLE/FLORIDA STATE ATTENDEES TO RECEIVE FREE ADMISSION– With a nationally-televised ACC showdown between the 10th-rankedUniversity of Louisville football team and second-ranked Florida State at nearby Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on Saturday at noon, Central Avenue is certain to be bustling with activity this weekend.
Track officials proactively moved back Saturday’s post time from 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. so fans could enjoy the best of both worlds and to help ease area traffic.
Those who attend the big game are invited to visit Churchill Downs afterward free of charge on Saturday simply by showing their ticket stub. Eleven races, including four stakes events, are scheduled Saturday and the last race is scheduled for 7:29 p.m.
ESPN’s College GameDay will visit Louisville for the first time for Saturday’s game, and there will be some elements from Churchill Downs fused into the broadcast, including track bugler Steve Buttleman starting the show at 9 a.m. with the “Call to the Post.”
FAMILY ADVENTURE DAY IS SUNDAY – Presented by Kroger and in partnership with Kosair Children’s Hospital, Family Adventure Day at Churchill Downs will be held Sunday (Sept. 18) – first Sunday of the September Meet.
Families are encouraged to bring the kids to Churchill Downs for a day of racing and family activities including pony rides, inflatables, petting zoo, stick horse races in the Paddock, face painting and more. New activities for this event include Sportsdrome Speedway race cars and drivers; the Air 60 police helicopter and the Belle of Louisville float. Kosair Children’s Hospital activities will feature the Caring for Your Child’s Mind, Body and Spirit: Mighty Titans obstacle course; kids’ yoga; and a “just for kids” craft activity.
Posted on September 17th, 2016
Tepin Tough to Topple in Woodbine Mile
By Alan Carasso
Trainer Mark Casse has been leading trainer at Woodbine Racetrack no fewer than 11 times in a career that led to an induction into the Canadian Racing Hall of Fame earlier this season. But never has his name graced the trophy given out for the GI Ricoh Woodbine Mile, a wrong he will hope to right when he sends out reigning Eclipse Award-winning turf female Tepin (Bernstein) Saturday afternoon.
The Robert Masterson colorbearer would be in search of a 13th straight victory were it not for a pair of excruciating losses at Saratoga during the summer of 2015 and makes his sixth trip to the post this season in the Mile. No better than 2-5 in any of her first four starts this term, the bay was a comparitively generous 11-2 shot in the G1 Queen Anne S. at Royal Ascot June 14. She never really seemed at home over the very easy going, but came to win her race a furlong from home and lasted by a half-length. Connections report she has come back into her best form over the last several weeks and she’s strictly the one to beat at an unbettable quote.
Tepin will look to become just the second female to defeat the boys in the Woodbine Mile, joining Ventura (Chester House), who accomplished the feat in 2009 after finishing runner-up the year prior. Though he has never won the Mile, Casse sent out Kaigun (Northern Afleet) to a close second-place finish in this event in 2014.
Posted on September 17th, 2016
TEPIN ADDS SOME SPICE TO THE WOODBINE RICOH MILE
TEPIN ADDS SOME SPICE TO THE WOODBINE RICOH MILE!
There are not many peppers hotter than a TePin, and there aren’t many horses hotter than Tepin right now, either, as the reigning champion turf female and Royal Ascot heroine brings her international road show to Woodbine for the Ricoh Mile on Saturday, September 17. For FREE Brisnet PPs, CLICK HERE.The Woodbine Mile has not suffered for star power in recent years with Horse of the Year Wise Dan winning in 2013-2014 and future Arlington Million winner Mondialiste taking the race last year. Still, even with those big names shipping to Canada to take one of that country’s top prize, it’s impossible to deny that Tepin brings a little extra heat given that she is putting her 7-race winning streak on the line against males.
“She’s a superstar, and she embraces it,” said assistant trainer Norm Casse, whose dad trains the five-year-old Bernstein mare for Robert Masterson. “She soaks up the media attention and likes the fans to come and see her.
“She was anointed ‘Queen of the Turf’ by [Churchill Downs announcer] Travis Stone when she won on Kentucky Derby day.”
Annexing the Woodbine Mile would not only embellish her resume for another Eclipse Award—she’s won all five starts this year including two Grade 1s—but also provide a key victory for team Casse.
“I’m really excited about the possibility of winning the Woodbine Mile,” Casse said. “It’s a race that has eluded dad so far. When we brought her back this year, one of our main goals was to come back and win what I think is Woodbine’s marquee race.”
That the Woodbine Mile has eluded the Casses is saying something considering the team has won nine consecutive training titles as well as other major prizes here such as the Queen’s Plate, E.P. Taylor, and Woodbine Oaks.
Posted on September 17th, 2016
