I suppose one longshot claim deserves another: One day after Trainer James Kasparoff purchased Crown Over out of a race at Golden Gate where Crown Over went to post at 32.2-1, Trainer Victor Trujillo plunks down four grand to scoop up City Chapel out of Race 5 at Golden Gate Sunday; a race in which City Chapel ran at Final Odds of 29.8-1.
Like Crown Over, City Chapel is a gelding; so this is not a claim that was made with future breeding prospects in mind. As regards City Chapel's career, he debuted as a two year old in the fourth race at Sacramento on July 16, 2011, finishing dead last at Final Odds of 36.2-1. That race would be the first of City Chapel's fifteen tries at the Maiden Claiming level. City Chapel finally found the winner's circle three months ago, in Race 6 at Golden Gate, paying $10.80. The August 26 contest was his second since that victory, thus giving City Chapel one career win in seventeen tries, with two seconds and two thirds. His career earnings to date are $15,861; an average of less than one thousand per race.
The one thing you can say about a longshot claim is that the new connections think they see something in their new horse that the betting public and the horse's previous connections do not. Only time can tell whether or not that something is real or imagined; but it's certainly worth keeping an eye on to find out. At least, in my humble opinion.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
8/25/12 GG Race 9 - Horse Watch
Crown Over, a four year old gelding by Suggest, began his career in March of 2011 at Golden Gate Fields, debuting in a six furlong Maiden Claimer ($32k-$30k). Crown Over, fourth at the top of the stretch, managed to finish a neck in front of the rest of the field that day at longshot odds, paying $36.40 to win.
Over his next thirteen races, Crown Over would compete without a price tag on his head; he would also fail to win again. But he was always competitive, despite the level. Crown Over took the Place in a first level allowance race; he took the Show in an overnight stakes; he finished in the money in half of the starter allowances in which he ran. In other words, this is a horse that can usually be counted on to run just well enough to lose.
This past Saturday, in the nightcap at Golden Gate, Crown Over, for the first time since his debut, was entered for a tag; and this time, he got picked up. Crown Over now belongs to the barn of James Kasparoff, the former trainer of (among others) Bob Black Jack and Made to Love Her.
Now, a horse getting claimed from a race in which he goes to post at odds of over thirty-to-one certainly gets my attention; especially when it's a gelding, because you know he wasn't bought to be sent to the breeding shed. Therefore, I'm going to keep an eye on Crown Over; at least for his next few starts; not because I expect Kasparoff to suddenly turn this perpetually loser into a winner (though I'm open to the possibility that could happen); but because I think Kasparoff can slot Crown Over back into allowance and overnight stakes company, where he can again hit the board at nice odds to fill out some well paying vertical wagers.
Or so I hope.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Over his next thirteen races, Crown Over would compete without a price tag on his head; he would also fail to win again. But he was always competitive, despite the level. Crown Over took the Place in a first level allowance race; he took the Show in an overnight stakes; he finished in the money in half of the starter allowances in which he ran. In other words, this is a horse that can usually be counted on to run just well enough to lose.
This past Saturday, in the nightcap at Golden Gate, Crown Over, for the first time since his debut, was entered for a tag; and this time, he got picked up. Crown Over now belongs to the barn of James Kasparoff, the former trainer of (among others) Bob Black Jack and Made to Love Her.
Now, a horse getting claimed from a race in which he goes to post at odds of over thirty-to-one certainly gets my attention; especially when it's a gelding, because you know he wasn't bought to be sent to the breeding shed. Therefore, I'm going to keep an eye on Crown Over; at least for his next few starts; not because I expect Kasparoff to suddenly turn this perpetually loser into a winner (though I'm open to the possibility that could happen); but because I think Kasparoff can slot Crown Over back into allowance and overnight stakes company, where he can again hit the board at nice odds to fill out some well paying vertical wagers.
Or so I hope.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Sunday, August 26, 2012
8/26/12 DMR - Race 9 - The Pacific Classic - Results
In my preview of this race (below), I wrote that I didn't think Game On Dude liked the surface of the Del Mar main track. Well, The Dude proved me wrong; very wrong, in fact, as he ran The Pacific Classic Stakes in record breaking time, covering the ten furlongs quicker than Acclamation had in setting the previous track record last year in this event. However, fortunately for me, Game On Dude does not now hold the track record at Del Mar for a mile and a quarter. That honor belongs to Dullahan, who reached the wire a half-length ahead of Game On Dude to win The Pacific Classic, paying $12.60 / $5.20 / $3.40.
So congratulations to Dullahan, who is now three-for-three on artificial surfaces; all three being Grade 1 victories. I would also like to publicly thank Dullahan and his connections for their help in fostering the belief that I do (at least occasionally) know what I'm talking about when it comes to thoroughbreds.
I hope you all had it with me.
Onto the next race!
For those interested, the Equibase chart of the race is available here, while the DRF version of events can be viewed here. DRF also has available online an article by Jay Privman recapping The Pacific Classic, which can be viewed here.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
So congratulations to Dullahan, who is now three-for-three on artificial surfaces; all three being Grade 1 victories. I would also like to publicly thank Dullahan and his connections for their help in fostering the belief that I do (at least occasionally) know what I'm talking about when it comes to thoroughbreds.
I hope you all had it with me.
Onto the next race!
For those interested, the Equibase chart of the race is available here, while the DRF version of events can be viewed here. DRF also has available online an article by Jay Privman recapping The Pacific Classic, which can be viewed here.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
8/26/12 DMR - Race 9 - The Pacific Classic - Preview
No time for lengthy analysis, so this will be brief: Richard's Kid (ML 7-2) and Game On Dude (ML 5-2) are the obvious top contenders, and with good reason; but I'm going to try to beat them. I don't think The Dude likes this surface (forget that workout on the 20th; this is a totally different track in the AM hours), and I think he's going to find the front end crowded with Riveting Reason (ML 30-1) and Rail Trip (ML 10-1). Meanwhile, The Kid just might find it difficult getting a clearing from which to close, especially if Jockey Rafael Bejarano forgets that he's a professional, and uses Trainer Bob Baffert's other horse, Jaycito, to get in The Kid's way. Suggestive Boy (Arg) is intriguing; the four year old colt has the Storm Cat genes, so he should take to the plastic; if Trainer Ron McAnally was having a better meet, I may have been tempted to go that route.
But the horse I landed on here is Dullahan (ML 6-1). The Dale Romans trained three year old is two-for-two on make believe dirt, with both victories coming in Grade 1 events. Real dirt is not Dullahan's surface, but he still came within two lengths of winning this year's Kentucky Derby. I'll be looking for him late, and hopefully he won't be too late.
Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
But the horse I landed on here is Dullahan (ML 6-1). The Dale Romans trained three year old is two-for-two on make believe dirt, with both victories coming in Grade 1 events. Real dirt is not Dullahan's surface, but he still came within two lengths of winning this year's Kentucky Derby. I'll be looking for him late, and hopefully he won't be too late.
Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Thursday, August 23, 2012
8/22 - 8/23/12 DMR - The Crowd Gets It Wrong
Race 1 at Del Mar on August 22 was a Starter Allowance (NW2L) for two year olds that drew what's known in California as a full field of four. Crossing the wire first was the 6-5 favorite Monument, paying $4.40 / $2.60 / $2.00 (sorry, there's no Show wagering in California when only one of the entrants will finish out of the money).
Race 5 at Del Mar on August 23 was a Claiming Race ($10k-$9K) for three year olds and upward run over six and a half furlongs on the it's not really dirt main track. The winner was the 9-5 favorite Celestic Night, paying $5.60 / $3.60 / $2.80.
Between those two events there were eleven races run at Del Mar. And what did they all have in common? Answer: None of them was won by the Post Time favorite. For eleven straight races the public was unable to pick the winner.
Now, if I was better at math, I would tell you the exact probability of the Post Time favorite going on a double digit losing streak. I mean, if you figure that the favorite, on average, wins approximately a third of the time, then it should win approximately three out of every ten races; so for the favorite to go eleven straight races without coming in first should happen only every, um, err....that is, it should occur with a frequency of once out of every, um......hmmm.....well, it just shouldn't happen all that often.
For the record, here are the Post Time favorites for each of the eleven races, and where they finished:
RACE............................FAVORITE..................FINAL ODDS..........FINISH
8/22/12 DMR 2.............Half Dome Dude..............2.4-1.....................Fourth
8/22/12 DMR 3.............Glee (GB).......................2.8-1.....................Seventh
8/22/12 DMR 4.............Bold Agressor.................1.8-1.....................Third
8/22/12 DMR 5.............Toruk Makto...................1.5-1......................Second
8/22/12 DMR 6.............Budidinha.......................3.5-1......................Fifth
8/22/12 DMR 7.............Maker Or Breaker............1.2-1......................Second
8/22/12 DMR 8.............Bila Shaka......................3.4-1......................Fourth
8/23/12 DMR 1.............Miss Reditore..................1.5-1......................Third
8/23/12 DMR 2.............God Of War (BRZ)...........1.1-1......................Fourth
8/23/12 DMR 3.............Rhodium.........................1.0-1......................Third
8/23/12 DMR 4.............Missdealornodeal.............2.9-1.....................Second
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Race 5 at Del Mar on August 23 was a Claiming Race ($10k-$9K) for three year olds and upward run over six and a half furlongs on the it's not really dirt main track. The winner was the 9-5 favorite Celestic Night, paying $5.60 / $3.60 / $2.80.
Between those two events there were eleven races run at Del Mar. And what did they all have in common? Answer: None of them was won by the Post Time favorite. For eleven straight races the public was unable to pick the winner.
Now, if I was better at math, I would tell you the exact probability of the Post Time favorite going on a double digit losing streak. I mean, if you figure that the favorite, on average, wins approximately a third of the time, then it should win approximately three out of every ten races; so for the favorite to go eleven straight races without coming in first should happen only every, um, err....that is, it should occur with a frequency of once out of every, um......hmmm.....well, it just shouldn't happen all that often.
For the record, here are the Post Time favorites for each of the eleven races, and where they finished:
RACE............................FAVORITE..................FINAL ODDS..........FINISH
8/22/12 DMR 2.............Half Dome Dude..............2.4-1.....................Fourth
8/22/12 DMR 3.............Glee (GB).......................2.8-1.....................Seventh
8/22/12 DMR 4.............Bold Agressor.................1.8-1.....................Third
8/22/12 DMR 5.............Toruk Makto...................1.5-1......................Second
8/22/12 DMR 6.............Budidinha.......................3.5-1......................Fifth
8/22/12 DMR 7.............Maker Or Breaker............1.2-1......................Second
8/22/12 DMR 8.............Bila Shaka......................3.4-1......................Fourth
8/23/12 DMR 1.............Miss Reditore..................1.5-1......................Third
8/23/12 DMR 2.............God Of War (BRZ)...........1.1-1......................Fourth
8/23/12 DMR 3.............Rhodium.........................1.0-1......................Third
8/23/12 DMR 4.............Missdealornodeal.............2.9-1.....................Second
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Sunday, August 19, 2012
8/19/12 DMR - Results
I wrote that I was playing against Winding Way in the Rancho Bernardo Handicap because "in order to win today, Winding Way is going to have to do something she hasn't yet done: pass another horse." Well, Winding Way didn't pass another horse today; she passed all the horses today. After completely blowing the start, Winding Way was dead last, eight lengths behind the leader at the half. Winding Way then proceeded to come five wide into the stretch, cut off my horse Rumor, and catch Sugarinthemorning near the wire to win by half a length, paying $4.80 / $3.40 / $2.60.
There was a stewards inquiry into the stretch run, but since this is Southern California, there was no change in the result. Which is just as well; because, while I can accept losing because I made a conscious decision to play against Winding Way, I would have been extremely upset at myself for not using a very logical contender in Sugarinthemorning.
Needless to say, after having lost the first leg of the Pick 3, the next two stanzas were victorious without a sweat; as I not only had the winner in each, but the Place horse as well, without any of those four horses being the Post Time favorite. For those who were smart enough to include Winding Way on their tickets, the Pick 3 of Winding Way / Truly Marie / Halo Dolly paid $39.60 for a buck.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Those interested can click the links for the Equibase charts of races six, seven, and eight; while those who prefer the DRF version of events can find those here, here, and here.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
There was a stewards inquiry into the stretch run, but since this is Southern California, there was no change in the result. Which is just as well; because, while I can accept losing because I made a conscious decision to play against Winding Way, I would have been extremely upset at myself for not using a very logical contender in Sugarinthemorning.
Needless to say, after having lost the first leg of the Pick 3, the next two stanzas were victorious without a sweat; as I not only had the winner in each, but the Place horse as well, without any of those four horses being the Post Time favorite. For those who were smart enough to include Winding Way on their tickets, the Pick 3 of Winding Way / Truly Marie / Halo Dolly paid $39.60 for a buck.
Oh well; onto the next race.
Those interested can click the links for the Equibase charts of races six, seven, and eight; while those who prefer the DRF version of events can find those here, here, and here.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
8/19/12 DMR - Preview
Sorry; I don't have any Pick 6 or Pick 4 selections to give you (to either play, or play against). I have looked at the second half of the Del Mar card for today, and I've decided that the races are contentious enough to avoid the big pots; so I'm going to try to make a profit in one of the smaller pools. With that philosophy in mind, I'm playing the following Pick 3 ticket:
DEL MAR RACE 6 - The Grade 3 Rancho Bernardo Handicap
I decided to play against the sure to be heavy favorite, # 2 Winding Way. In order to win today, Winding Way is going to have to do something she hasn't yet done: pass another horse. She's been dominant in her two victories; but neither race featured anything near the competition she'll be going up against in this field. # 5 Moonstruck Maya should be the speed of the speed, so I'll use her. I'm also going to use # 1 Rumor. I like the way she closed last time out; I like the her career stats on synthetics and at this track; and I like that she was worked seven furlongs nine days ago in preparation for a six and a half furlong race.
DEL MAR RACE 7 - MSW
I'm using the three experienced runners (# 1 Miss Derek; # 6 Truly Marie; and # 9 Secret Memo) as all were close to Beyer Par for this class in their respective lone starts. I'm also going to use # 3 Madame Cactus; her sire, Cactus Ridge, gets 15% winners from his first time starters; I like Trainer Peter Eurton's stats in the relevant categories; and Jockey Joe Talamo, who clicks at a 26% Win Percentage when teamed with Eurton, gets the mount.
DEL MAR RACE 8 - The Solana Beach Handicap
I'm a sucker for returning past winners of an event, so I'm using the winner of last year's running of this race, # 9 Halo Dolly. Since I expect a contentious pace, I'm also going to use # 3 Unusual Hottie, in the hopes that Jockey Garrett Gomez will have her running late.
So my Pick 3 tickets will look like this:
DMR 6: 1 / 5
DMR 7: 1 / 3 / 6 / 9
DMR 8: 3 / 9
and this:
DMR 6: 1
DMR 7: 9
DMR 8: 9
Play them for a buck, and your total cost is $17.
Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
DEL MAR RACE 6 - The Grade 3 Rancho Bernardo Handicap
I decided to play against the sure to be heavy favorite, # 2 Winding Way. In order to win today, Winding Way is going to have to do something she hasn't yet done: pass another horse. She's been dominant in her two victories; but neither race featured anything near the competition she'll be going up against in this field. # 5 Moonstruck Maya should be the speed of the speed, so I'll use her. I'm also going to use # 1 Rumor. I like the way she closed last time out; I like the her career stats on synthetics and at this track; and I like that she was worked seven furlongs nine days ago in preparation for a six and a half furlong race.
DEL MAR RACE 7 - MSW
I'm using the three experienced runners (# 1 Miss Derek; # 6 Truly Marie; and # 9 Secret Memo) as all were close to Beyer Par for this class in their respective lone starts. I'm also going to use # 3 Madame Cactus; her sire, Cactus Ridge, gets 15% winners from his first time starters; I like Trainer Peter Eurton's stats in the relevant categories; and Jockey Joe Talamo, who clicks at a 26% Win Percentage when teamed with Eurton, gets the mount.
DEL MAR RACE 8 - The Solana Beach Handicap
I'm a sucker for returning past winners of an event, so I'm using the winner of last year's running of this race, # 9 Halo Dolly. Since I expect a contentious pace, I'm also going to use # 3 Unusual Hottie, in the hopes that Jockey Garrett Gomez will have her running late.
So my Pick 3 tickets will look like this:
DMR 6: 1 / 5
DMR 7: 1 / 3 / 6 / 9
DMR 8: 3 / 9
and this:
DMR 6: 1
DMR 7: 9
DMR 8: 9
Play them for a buck, and your total cost is $17.
Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Saturday, August 18, 2012
8/17/12 DMR R1 - Horse Watch Follow-Up
Paralyzing Eyes, first mentioned on this blog back on June 29 after her debut, made her third career start in Friday's curtain jerker at Del Mar. The good news for fans of this three year old filly is that she finished ahead of the debuting Fabulous Fit, who had gone off at final odds of 3.1-1. The bad news for followers of Paralyzing Eyes is that Fabulous Fit was the only horse she beat to the wire, finishing as she did fifth, a comfortable thirteen and three quarter lengths behind the winner, Quizzical ($4.40 / $2.80 / $2.10). Since Paralyzing Eyes went to post at Final Odds of 56.7-1, I think it's fair to say that her finish towards the rear of the pack came as a surprise to virtually no one.
As I wrote in my July 20 entry (posted after Paralyzing Eyes' second career start) I'm not following this horse for investment purposes; so there were no funds wagered here (and, hopefully, none by you) on this filly. But I intend to continue to follow this young horse, because I'm curious to see how her connections (Trainer Bruce L. Jackson and Owner Marie Jackson) handle Paralyzing Eyes' future.
So far, all of Paralyzing Eyes' starts have been in MSWs for California bred or sired horses [note that while Paralyzing Eyes is an Oklahoma bred, she qualifies for these contests because her sire, Decarchy, stands at Magali Farms in California]. Will Paralyzing Eyes be kept at this level? And if so, for how long? Do they drop her in for a tag in order to get a win? Or would they rather not risk losing ownership, in order to keep her for breeding purposes? If their long-term goal is to maintain her for breeding, how many more starts do they give her? Do they further experiment with surfaces? Paralyzing Eyes' first two starts were on turf, while yesterday she competed on the synthetic; do they put her back on the grass? Or do they give her a shot on real dirt when Fairplex Park opens in September? Do they take her up north, or out of state? Perhaps I'm alone on this, but I find this kind of story quite compelling; and will therefore continue to follow it as best as I can.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
As I wrote in my July 20 entry (posted after Paralyzing Eyes' second career start) I'm not following this horse for investment purposes; so there were no funds wagered here (and, hopefully, none by you) on this filly. But I intend to continue to follow this young horse, because I'm curious to see how her connections (Trainer Bruce L. Jackson and Owner Marie Jackson) handle Paralyzing Eyes' future.
So far, all of Paralyzing Eyes' starts have been in MSWs for California bred or sired horses [note that while Paralyzing Eyes is an Oklahoma bred, she qualifies for these contests because her sire, Decarchy, stands at Magali Farms in California]. Will Paralyzing Eyes be kept at this level? And if so, for how long? Do they drop her in for a tag in order to get a win? Or would they rather not risk losing ownership, in order to keep her for breeding purposes? If their long-term goal is to maintain her for breeding, how many more starts do they give her? Do they further experiment with surfaces? Paralyzing Eyes' first two starts were on turf, while yesterday she competed on the synthetic; do they put her back on the grass? Or do they give her a shot on real dirt when Fairplex Park opens in September? Do they take her up north, or out of state? Perhaps I'm alone on this, but I find this kind of story quite compelling; and will therefore continue to follow it as best as I can.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
7/26/12 SR Race 6 - Key Race
Atticus' Ghost, a three year old filly out of a Stephen Got Even mare, won Race 8 Saturday at Santa Rosa as the lukewarm 5-2 favorite, after having finished dead last in her prior race, the sixth at Santa Rosa on July 26. The fourth place horse in that July 26 contest, Hill of Tara, was first under the wire in the last race at Santa Rosa on August 9; thus conferring key race status upon the July 26 affair.
Tribal Delight, the Show horse in the key race, and Hey Maria, the sixth place finisher on July 26, both competed against Hill of Tara in her August 9 victory, with Tribal Delight taking the Place, while Hey Maria again finished sixth. As near as I can determine, the remainder of the field has yet to come back; including the key race Exacta of Lady's Plan and Spiced Latte.
The other key race runners, in their respective order of finish on July 26, are: Sahha; Crantini; Beezaroo; and Que Classico.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Tribal Delight, the Show horse in the key race, and Hey Maria, the sixth place finisher on July 26, both competed against Hill of Tara in her August 9 victory, with Tribal Delight taking the Place, while Hey Maria again finished sixth. As near as I can determine, the remainder of the field has yet to come back; including the key race Exacta of Lady's Plan and Spiced Latte.
The other key race runners, in their respective order of finish on July 26, are: Sahha; Crantini; Beezaroo; and Que Classico.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Sunday, August 12, 2012
8/11/12 DMR Race 7 - Horse Watch
The seventh race at Del Mar Saturday was a first level AOC ($40k) for fillies and mares, three years old and up, run at a distance of six furlongs over the plastic main track. The winner of the race, to the surprise of virtually no one, was Smart and Single, crossing the wire five and a half lengths ahead of the field, paying $2.60 / $2.40 / $2.20. Sired by Smart Strike and trained by Bob Baffert, Smart and Single is now two-for-two for her career, having broken her maiden in her debut July 5, in Race 6 at Hollywood Park (FYI, the Place horse in that race, Princess Ash, also trained by Baffert, is entered in today's sixth race at Del Mar).
The reason I bring all this to your attention is because of the speed at which this race was run. Smart and Single's final time of 1:09.15 is impressive for this level, being as it is exactly half a second slower than Amazombie's final time in last month's Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at this track, and just slightly less than a second off the track record for the distance set by Euroears in last year's Bing Crosby. I don't know how it will rate as a Beyer, but the raw time is certainly eye-catching.
Perhaps equally impressive is the improvement Smart and Single's final time shows from her debut victory, when she covered six furlongs in 1:11.22. Granted, some of that improvement may be attributed to the change in venue; but I think the ability to chop more than two seconds off her six furlong time in just a little over a month demonstrates that this is a filly on the rise, and ready to take on stiffer competition. It will be interesting to see where Baffert slots this three year old as Summer turns to Autumn.
Also worth mentioning from Saturday's race is the fourth place finisher, Self Preservation. A three year old filly sired by Lion Heart and owned by Reddam Racing LLC, Self Preservation (Final Odds 9.5-1) was, according to the chart caller, "steadied between horses in the early stages". Self Preservation was last after the first quarter, eight and three-quarter lengths behind the leader. The remaining four furlongs were run in a time of 46.81 seconds, during which Self Preservation gained two and a quarter lengths on the lead (which, incidentally, made her the only horse in the field (besides the eventual winner) to gain on the lead from pace call to finish). Such an effort after a poor start means that Self Preservation is worthy of a good, long look her next time out. At least, in my humble opinion.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
The reason I bring all this to your attention is because of the speed at which this race was run. Smart and Single's final time of 1:09.15 is impressive for this level, being as it is exactly half a second slower than Amazombie's final time in last month's Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at this track, and just slightly less than a second off the track record for the distance set by Euroears in last year's Bing Crosby. I don't know how it will rate as a Beyer, but the raw time is certainly eye-catching.
Perhaps equally impressive is the improvement Smart and Single's final time shows from her debut victory, when she covered six furlongs in 1:11.22. Granted, some of that improvement may be attributed to the change in venue; but I think the ability to chop more than two seconds off her six furlong time in just a little over a month demonstrates that this is a filly on the rise, and ready to take on stiffer competition. It will be interesting to see where Baffert slots this three year old as Summer turns to Autumn.
Also worth mentioning from Saturday's race is the fourth place finisher, Self Preservation. A three year old filly sired by Lion Heart and owned by Reddam Racing LLC, Self Preservation (Final Odds 9.5-1) was, according to the chart caller, "steadied between horses in the early stages". Self Preservation was last after the first quarter, eight and three-quarter lengths behind the leader. The remaining four furlongs were run in a time of 46.81 seconds, during which Self Preservation gained two and a quarter lengths on the lead (which, incidentally, made her the only horse in the field (besides the eventual winner) to gain on the lead from pace call to finish). Such an effort after a poor start means that Self Preservation is worthy of a good, long look her next time out. At least, in my humble opinion.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Saturday, August 11, 2012
7/15/12 SAC Race 6 - Key Race
Race 6 at Sacramento on July 15 has gained key race status; as the Show horse, Lareynadelabahia, came back to win Race 7 at Santa Rosa on August 4; while fourth place finisher Mahalo Princess was first under the wire in the 5th race at Santa Rosa Friday.
Maggie's Gold and Regal Colony have already come back from the key race, finishing fourth and ninth, respectively, in their next outings. Sing a Tale, sixth in the key race, has yet to race again. More importantly, the Exacta in the key race, Alwaysincontention and Mazama Sunrise, have yet to come back; though Mazama Sunrise is entered in today's sixth race at Santa Rosa.
What makes this key race intriguing is that Alwaysincontention and Mazama Sunrise were both making their racing debut when they finished one-two on July 15. As the other two horses in the Superfecta have now come back to win, it seems fair to presume that the pair that made up the Quinella are above average for the class. It will be interesting to see if their future results bear that out.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Maggie's Gold and Regal Colony have already come back from the key race, finishing fourth and ninth, respectively, in their next outings. Sing a Tale, sixth in the key race, has yet to race again. More importantly, the Exacta in the key race, Alwaysincontention and Mazama Sunrise, have yet to come back; though Mazama Sunrise is entered in today's sixth race at Santa Rosa.
What makes this key race intriguing is that Alwaysincontention and Mazama Sunrise were both making their racing debut when they finished one-two on July 15. As the other two horses in the Superfecta have now come back to win, it seems fair to presume that the pair that made up the Quinella are above average for the class. It will be interesting to see if their future results bear that out.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Friday, August 10, 2012
7/1/12 PLN Race 4 - Key Race - Update
Key race 7/1/12 PLN Race 4, first noted here August 1, has now come back in full:
Gibson Home Run - 7th 8/5/12 DMR Race 1
Elusive Moment - WIN 7/21/12 SAC Race 5
A Pint for Mary - SHOW 7/21/12 SAC Race 5
Whatever Whenever - 8th 8/2/12 SR Race 6
Mind the Ladies - WIN 7/29/12 SR Race 3
Pride of Wilshire - 5th 7/15/12 SAC Race 9
Benjy's Pride - 6th 8/10/12 SR Race 3
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Gibson Home Run - 7th 8/5/12 DMR Race 1
Elusive Moment - WIN 7/21/12 SAC Race 5
A Pint for Mary - SHOW 7/21/12 SAC Race 5
Whatever Whenever - 8th 8/2/12 SR Race 6
Mind the Ladies - WIN 7/29/12 SR Race 3
Pride of Wilshire - 5th 7/15/12 SAC Race 9
Benjy's Pride - 6th 8/10/12 SR Race 3
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Thursday, August 9, 2012
7/13/12 BHP Race 2 - Key Race
In Wednesday's opening race at Del Mar, Hyena went from last to first, sticking her nose in front at the wire just in time to pick up her second career victory in as many tries. Since the Peter Miller trained Snackable won Del Mar's 3rd race three days earlier, Race 2 at Hollywood Park on July 13 has officially gained key race status.
Tangled Rock, who finished last July 13, is the only other key race entrant to have come back so far, having finished seventh in Snackable's victory on Sunday. The rest of the key race field, in their July 13 order of finish, are Glad's Gals; Pursuitofparadise; and Miss Luna.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Tangled Rock, who finished last July 13, is the only other key race entrant to have come back so far, having finished seventh in Snackable's victory on Sunday. The rest of the key race field, in their July 13 order of finish, are Glad's Gals; Pursuitofparadise; and Miss Luna.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
6/24/12 BHP Race 3 - Key Race - Update
Key race 6/24/12 BHP Race 3, first noted here July 21, has now come back in full:
Miss Oops - WIN 7/19/12 DMR Race 6
Kalk Bay - SHOW 7/28/12 DMR Race 2
Lil Miss Macky - 5th 8/2/12 DMR Race 5
Roman Charity - WIN 7/5/12 BHP Race 5
Searfavoritesecret - 6th 8/8/12 DMR Race 5
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Miss Oops - WIN 7/19/12 DMR Race 6
Kalk Bay - SHOW 7/28/12 DMR Race 2
Lil Miss Macky - 5th 8/2/12 DMR Race 5
Roman Charity - WIN 7/5/12 BHP Race 5
Searfavoritesecret - 6th 8/8/12 DMR Race 5
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Breeders' Cup confirms Santa Anita as 2013 host track
So it's official; from a trio of finalists, Santa Anita Park has been selected over Churchill Downs and Monmouth Park to host The Breeders' Cup Friday and Saturday, November 1-2, 2013. Updating the charts from my June 29 post:
Distribution of Breeders' Cup Host Tracks, 1984-2005:
Churchill Downs..,....5
Belmont Park..........4
Gulfstream Park......3
Hollywood Park.......3
Santa Anita.............3
Aqueduct................1
Arlington Park.........1
Lone Star................1
Woodbine...............1
As you can see, through 2005, Gulfstream Park and Hollywood Park had hosted The Breeders' Cup the same number of times as Santa Anita. Over its first twenty-two years, nine different racetracks were given the opportunity to host The Breeders' Cup.
In 2005, John R Gaines, founder of The Breeders' Cup, passed away at the age of 76.
Distribution of Breeders' Cup Host Tracks, 2006-2013:
Santa Anita..............4
Churchill Downs........3
Monmouth Park........1
It would appear that the idea that the event should be on a nationwide rotation died with its founder.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Distribution of Breeders' Cup Host Tracks, 1984-2005:
Churchill Downs..,....5
Belmont Park..........4
Gulfstream Park......3
Hollywood Park.......3
Santa Anita.............3
Aqueduct................1
Arlington Park.........1
Lone Star................1
Woodbine...............1
As you can see, through 2005, Gulfstream Park and Hollywood Park had hosted The Breeders' Cup the same number of times as Santa Anita. Over its first twenty-two years, nine different racetracks were given the opportunity to host The Breeders' Cup.
In 2005, John R Gaines, founder of The Breeders' Cup, passed away at the age of 76.
Distribution of Breeders' Cup Host Tracks, 2006-2013:
Santa Anita..............4
Churchill Downs........3
Monmouth Park........1
It would appear that the idea that the event should be on a nationwide rotation died with its founder.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Sunday, August 5, 2012
"William Tell Overture" - Spike Jones
Because it's vitally important in this game that you never lose your sense of humor.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Saturday, August 4, 2012
8/4/12 SAR - Race 10 - The Whitney Handicap - Results
# 9 Fort Larned (Final Odds 7.2-1) got his revenge for his last place finish in the Stephen Foster, going three wide around both turns to be ahead by four entering the stretch, and holding on under a hand ride to win by a length and a quarter. # 6 Ron the Greek (2.7-1), last at the half, and five and a half back entering the stretch, came seven wide out of the second turn to finish second, a head in front of the other Bill Mott entry, # 7 Flat Out (4-1).
Oh well; onto the next race.
The Equibase chart of the race is available here, while those wishing to view the DRF version may do so here.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
8/4/12 SAR - Race 10 - The Whitney Handicap - Preview
Race 10 at Saratoga Saturday is The Whitney Invitational Handicap, a Grade 1 contest for three year olds and upward, run at a distance of nine furlongs over God-made dirt. Today's race marks the 39th anniversary of one of horse racing's most dramatic upsets, as it was on this day in the 1973 running of The Whitney that Onion defeated Secretariat (see my post of July 7 for video of that race).
# 6 Ron the Greek (Morning Line 3-1) has one career race over the Saratoga track, a top level Optional Claimer back on July 29 of last year. That race was Ron the Greek's first for Trainer Bill Mott; it's no coincidence that race also marks the start of a successful run for this five year old horse, as he has yet to finish out of the Exacta in his seven races under Mott's care. That streak includes a pair of Grade 1 victories, as Ron the Greek got his picture taken after both The Santa Anita Handicap in March and The Stephen Foster Handicap in June. Ron the Greek will be the high weight in today's event, carrying 120 pounds (yeah, high weights just ain't what they used to be). Needless to say, this is the horse to beat.
# 9 Fort Larned (ML 7-2) has the highest last-time-out Beyer Speed Figure of today's field, with the 108 that he posted while winning the Grade 3 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap on June 30. Fort Larned has hit that 108 mark two other times this year, in the Grade 3 Skip Away and the Grade 2 Alysheba (where he took the Place behind Successful Dan; who, in turn, was second behind Fort Larned in The Cornhusker); but in his one career Grade 1 start, Fort Larned finished last in the Stephen Foster, a dozen lengths behind Ron the Greek.
# 8 Hymn Book (ML 4-1) won the Grade 1 Donn Handicap back in February, just getting his nose in front of Mission Impazible at the wire. John Velazquez, who was on board for that Donn HC victory, gets the ride today. Note that Hymn Book has yet to win on a fast dirt track, taking the Place three times in five attempts.
# 1 Rule (ML 5-1) and # 7 Flat Out (ML 4-1) finished one-two last month in the Grade 2 Monmouth Cup (interesting that the Saratoga odds maker expects today's bettors to prefer them in reverse of their order of finish). Rule is one of only three horses in today's field with a win over this Saratoga track, coming in first in the Birdstone Stakes exactly one year ago today. Meanwhile, Flat Out's last start was his first for Trainer Bill Mott; time will tell if Mott can coax the same level of improvement from Flat Out that he has for Ron the Greek.
# 5 Trickmeister (ML 15-1) has six victories in his eight career races; unfortunately, his two career losses have come the two times that he's tried Graded Stakes competition. Look for him early, between Rule and Fort Larned.
# 3 Caixa Eletronica (ML 15-1) is the only horse in the field with two wins at Saratoga. One of two entries trained by Todd Pletcher, Caixa Electronica has picked up a pair of Grade 2 victories this year, and is a perfect two-for-two at today's distance. Jockey Javier Castellano, who was on top for both of the Grade 2 wins this year, will be riding again today.
# 2 Hunters Bay (ML 20-1) has won his last four starts at Woodbine, including a couple against Grade 3 competition. Hunters Bay has two wins on real dirt; but both of those are back from when he was trained by Todd Pletcher. Jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson, who has ridden Hunters Bay in each of his last five starts, makes the trip from Toronto to be on board today.
# 4 Endorsement (ML 20-1) winner of the Grade 3 Texas Mile Stakes at Lone Star Park earlier this year, looked completely over-matched last month in the Grade 2 Suburban at Belmont. Endorsement did post a bullet workout July 23 over this track; so if he does return to form today, expect him to be a part of the early pace.
Playing against legitimate favorites is not a good strategy; and Ron the Greek seems as legitimate as they come. He's won at this level, and today's expected pace scenario seems perfectly suited to his talents. I would consider any price above even money to be generous. If I absolutely had to play for price, I would roll the dice with Caixa Eletronica.
Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
# 6 Ron the Greek (Morning Line 3-1) has one career race over the Saratoga track, a top level Optional Claimer back on July 29 of last year. That race was Ron the Greek's first for Trainer Bill Mott; it's no coincidence that race also marks the start of a successful run for this five year old horse, as he has yet to finish out of the Exacta in his seven races under Mott's care. That streak includes a pair of Grade 1 victories, as Ron the Greek got his picture taken after both The Santa Anita Handicap in March and The Stephen Foster Handicap in June. Ron the Greek will be the high weight in today's event, carrying 120 pounds (yeah, high weights just ain't what they used to be). Needless to say, this is the horse to beat.
# 9 Fort Larned (ML 7-2) has the highest last-time-out Beyer Speed Figure of today's field, with the 108 that he posted while winning the Grade 3 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap on June 30. Fort Larned has hit that 108 mark two other times this year, in the Grade 3 Skip Away and the Grade 2 Alysheba (where he took the Place behind Successful Dan; who, in turn, was second behind Fort Larned in The Cornhusker); but in his one career Grade 1 start, Fort Larned finished last in the Stephen Foster, a dozen lengths behind Ron the Greek.
# 8 Hymn Book (ML 4-1) won the Grade 1 Donn Handicap back in February, just getting his nose in front of Mission Impazible at the wire. John Velazquez, who was on board for that Donn HC victory, gets the ride today. Note that Hymn Book has yet to win on a fast dirt track, taking the Place three times in five attempts.
# 1 Rule (ML 5-1) and # 7 Flat Out (ML 4-1) finished one-two last month in the Grade 2 Monmouth Cup (interesting that the Saratoga odds maker expects today's bettors to prefer them in reverse of their order of finish). Rule is one of only three horses in today's field with a win over this Saratoga track, coming in first in the Birdstone Stakes exactly one year ago today. Meanwhile, Flat Out's last start was his first for Trainer Bill Mott; time will tell if Mott can coax the same level of improvement from Flat Out that he has for Ron the Greek.
# 5 Trickmeister (ML 15-1) has six victories in his eight career races; unfortunately, his two career losses have come the two times that he's tried Graded Stakes competition. Look for him early, between Rule and Fort Larned.
# 3 Caixa Eletronica (ML 15-1) is the only horse in the field with two wins at Saratoga. One of two entries trained by Todd Pletcher, Caixa Electronica has picked up a pair of Grade 2 victories this year, and is a perfect two-for-two at today's distance. Jockey Javier Castellano, who was on top for both of the Grade 2 wins this year, will be riding again today.
# 2 Hunters Bay (ML 20-1) has won his last four starts at Woodbine, including a couple against Grade 3 competition. Hunters Bay has two wins on real dirt; but both of those are back from when he was trained by Todd Pletcher. Jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson, who has ridden Hunters Bay in each of his last five starts, makes the trip from Toronto to be on board today.
# 4 Endorsement (ML 20-1) winner of the Grade 3 Texas Mile Stakes at Lone Star Park earlier this year, looked completely over-matched last month in the Grade 2 Suburban at Belmont. Endorsement did post a bullet workout July 23 over this track; so if he does return to form today, expect him to be a part of the early pace.
Playing against legitimate favorites is not a good strategy; and Ron the Greek seems as legitimate as they come. He's won at this level, and today's expected pace scenario seems perfectly suited to his talents. I would consider any price above even money to be generous. If I absolutely had to play for price, I would roll the dice with Caixa Eletronica.
Good luck to all.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Thursday, August 2, 2012
7/5/12 BHP Race 8 - Key Race
You're Joking, a four year old gelding trained by Carla Gaines, broke his maiden Wednesday in Race 4 at Del Mar as the 1-2 favorite. Since the Doug O'Neill trained Hammer the Bay had broken his maiden in Race 8 at Del Mar on July 20, the 8th race at Hollywood on the Fifth of July is now officially a key race.
As near as I can tell, those two winners are the only horses from the key race to have run again; which means that the entire Superfecta from July 5 has yet to come back.
The remaining key race field, in their respective order of finish on July 5, are: Rock Off; Symphonic Cat; Rintoo (who is entered in Race 2 at Del Mar Friday); St. Sincere; and In High Regards.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
As near as I can tell, those two winners are the only horses from the key race to have run again; which means that the entire Superfecta from July 5 has yet to come back.
The remaining key race field, in their respective order of finish on July 5, are: Rock Off; Symphonic Cat; Rintoo (who is entered in Race 2 at Del Mar Friday); St. Sincere; and In High Regards.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Winning Post Position Abnormalities - Update
Back on June 30, I wrote briefly about a seeming abnormality in the Winning Post Positions stats at Calder Race Course; specifically, the failure of the Number 2 Post Position to win its fair share in dirt sprints. Here's how those numbers looked back then:
Calder Race Course Standings - Through June 29, 2012
Sprint Races
PP......Starts......Wins......Win%
1.........277.........57.......... 20.6
2.........277.........24.............8.7
3.........277.........45...........16.2
4.........277.........35...........12.6
5.........277.........31...........11.2
6.........258.........32...........12.4
7.........207.........21...........10.1
8.........123.........19...........15.4
9..........59...........6............10.2
10.........29..........6............20.7
11..........7...........1............14.3
12..........4...........0..............0.0
Excluding the 12 spot (which was oh-for-four), the only Post Position with a Winning Percentage below ten percent was Post Position 2. This struck me as rather unusual, especially in light of the fact that the two Post Positions on either side of the 2 were doing quite well for themselves. I speculated that small sample size bias may be to blame, and wrote that I would re-examine the numbers later in the meet.
Courtesy of Equibase.com, here's how the numbers look approximately one month later:
Calder Race Course Standings - Through July 31, 2012
Sprint Races
PP......Starts......Wins......Win%
1.........392.........75.......... 19.1
2.........392.........35.............8.9
3.........392.........60...........15.3
4.........391.........48...........12.3
5.........389.........45...........11.6
6.........364.........48...........13.2
7.........294.........32...........10.9
8.........175.........33...........18.9
9..........83...........7.............8.4
10.........39..........8............20.5
11.........10..........1............10.0
12..........5...........0.............0.0
Let's see; since June 29, the 12 post picked up another start without a victory; the 11 spot was winless in three tries; the 10 post went two-for-ten, to remain slightly above the twenty percent mark; while the 9 hole could only mange one first place finish in twenty-four tries, dropping it's Win Percentage to 8.4%.
As for Post Position Number 2, you can see its Win Percentage has crept up ever so slightly, advancing from 8.7% to 8.9%. The 2 spot no longer has the worst Win Percentage on the chart for Post Positions with more than five races (that distinction now belonging to Post Position 9); but it is still clearly not winning its fair share of sprints.
I want to mention again that these numbers are just for dirt sprints; as the above Equibase.com link shows, through July 31, Post Position 2 has the best Win Percentage in route races (excluding the 11, which has only twelve tries). Post Position 2 also does quite well in the grass at Calder, crossing the finish line first a respectable 12.3% of the time on the turf course.
So I ask again: what's the cause? For the statisticians in the crowd: can the numbers be explained by random distribution? How about the quality of the horses to draw Post Position 2? As I mentioned previously, my schedule won't allow me the time to examine the charts for the Calder meet to see if Post Position 2 has been getting its fair share of favorites (does someone else want to tackle that project?). Maybe Post Position 2 has received more than its fair share of bad beats; something that, again, would be revealed by a thorough chart examination. Perhaps this is a historical problem; does anyone have the Post Position Win Percentages from prior Calder meets?
And what to do with such knowledge? To be honest, I don't know what advice to give for those playing the game at Calder. Do you downgrade horses in Post Position 2 in sprints, knowing how poorly they have done this meet? Do you upgrade those horses, on the presumption that the numbers should even out? Or do you just ignore Post Position as a handicapping factor altogether? I'm very interested in hearing what others have to say on this topic.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Calder Race Course Standings - Through June 29, 2012
Sprint Races
PP......Starts......Wins......Win%
1.........277.........57.......... 20.6
2.........277.........24.............8.7
3.........277.........45...........16.2
4.........277.........35...........12.6
5.........277.........31...........11.2
6.........258.........32...........12.4
7.........207.........21...........10.1
8.........123.........19...........15.4
9..........59...........6............10.2
10.........29..........6............20.7
11..........7...........1............14.3
12..........4...........0..............0.0
Excluding the 12 spot (which was oh-for-four), the only Post Position with a Winning Percentage below ten percent was Post Position 2. This struck me as rather unusual, especially in light of the fact that the two Post Positions on either side of the 2 were doing quite well for themselves. I speculated that small sample size bias may be to blame, and wrote that I would re-examine the numbers later in the meet.
Courtesy of Equibase.com, here's how the numbers look approximately one month later:
Calder Race Course Standings - Through July 31, 2012
Sprint Races
PP......Starts......Wins......Win%
1.........392.........75.......... 19.1
2.........392.........35.............8.9
3.........392.........60...........15.3
4.........391.........48...........12.3
5.........389.........45...........11.6
6.........364.........48...........13.2
7.........294.........32...........10.9
8.........175.........33...........18.9
9..........83...........7.............8.4
10.........39..........8............20.5
11.........10..........1............10.0
12..........5...........0.............0.0
Let's see; since June 29, the 12 post picked up another start without a victory; the 11 spot was winless in three tries; the 10 post went two-for-ten, to remain slightly above the twenty percent mark; while the 9 hole could only mange one first place finish in twenty-four tries, dropping it's Win Percentage to 8.4%.
As for Post Position Number 2, you can see its Win Percentage has crept up ever so slightly, advancing from 8.7% to 8.9%. The 2 spot no longer has the worst Win Percentage on the chart for Post Positions with more than five races (that distinction now belonging to Post Position 9); but it is still clearly not winning its fair share of sprints.
I want to mention again that these numbers are just for dirt sprints; as the above Equibase.com link shows, through July 31, Post Position 2 has the best Win Percentage in route races (excluding the 11, which has only twelve tries). Post Position 2 also does quite well in the grass at Calder, crossing the finish line first a respectable 12.3% of the time on the turf course.
So I ask again: what's the cause? For the statisticians in the crowd: can the numbers be explained by random distribution? How about the quality of the horses to draw Post Position 2? As I mentioned previously, my schedule won't allow me the time to examine the charts for the Calder meet to see if Post Position 2 has been getting its fair share of favorites (does someone else want to tackle that project?). Maybe Post Position 2 has received more than its fair share of bad beats; something that, again, would be revealed by a thorough chart examination. Perhaps this is a historical problem; does anyone have the Post Position Win Percentages from prior Calder meets?
And what to do with such knowledge? To be honest, I don't know what advice to give for those playing the game at Calder. Do you downgrade horses in Post Position 2 in sprints, knowing how poorly they have done this meet? Do you upgrade those horses, on the presumption that the numbers should even out? Or do you just ignore Post Position as a handicapping factor altogether? I'm very interested in hearing what others have to say on this topic.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
6/28/12 PLN Race 3 - Key Race
Gamblin Miss, a three year old filly by Purim, broke her maiden this past Sunday in her sixth career start, winning Race 5 at Santa Rosa by three lengths as part of a field of ten. Gamblin Miss' victory combines with the win by Good Mango in the 5th Race at Sacramento on July 14 to make Race 3 at Pleasanton on June 28 a key race.
Nearly all of the field of seven on June 28 have already come back, which made it tempting to skip reporting this one. However, one the horses yet to come back is the key race winner, Predictable, who is entered as the 2-1 Morning Line favorite in the second race at Santa Rosa today; so I thought I should let you all know.
The only other horse in the June 28 field to have not raced since is the fourth place finisher Jesi's Makin Magic, who has yet to break her maiden in a dozen tries.
In addition to the two winners mentioned above, the horses who have come back from the June 28 contest are: A Tony for Ambe, who took the Place at 43.4-1 in Race 7 at Sacramento on July 13; Sistermaryelephant and Miss Lake, who finished third and fifth, respectively, in Good Mango's win on July 14.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Nearly all of the field of seven on June 28 have already come back, which made it tempting to skip reporting this one. However, one the horses yet to come back is the key race winner, Predictable, who is entered as the 2-1 Morning Line favorite in the second race at Santa Rosa today; so I thought I should let you all know.
The only other horse in the June 28 field to have not raced since is the fourth place finisher Jesi's Makin Magic, who has yet to break her maiden in a dozen tries.
In addition to the two winners mentioned above, the horses who have come back from the June 28 contest are: A Tony for Ambe, who took the Place at 43.4-1 in Race 7 at Sacramento on July 13; Sistermaryelephant and Miss Lake, who finished third and fifth, respectively, in Good Mango's win on July 14.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
7/1/12 PLN Race 4 - Key Race
Mind the Ladies, a five year old gelding by Cause Ur Mine, won his sixth career race this past weekend, crossing the finish line four and a half lengths in front of the field in the third race at Santa Rosa on Sunday. The previous weekend, Elusive Moment, a five year old gelding by El Corredor, picked up his sixth career victory, besting a field of nine July 21 at Sacramento. With those two wins, Race 4 at Pleasanton on July 1 officially gains key race stature.
Two other horses in the key race field have come back: A Pint for Mary, who took the Show July 1 and again in Elusive Moment's victory; and Pride of Wilshire, who was the bottom horse in the Super High Five at Sacramento on July 15.
The three horses who have not raced since the July 1 contest are: key race Winner Gibson Home Run (who, incidentally, now has six career victories); Whatever Whenever (who is currently entered in Race 6 at Santa Rosa on Thursday); and Benjy's Pride, who has yet to defeat winners in twenty-nine career starts.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Two other horses in the key race field have come back: A Pint for Mary, who took the Show July 1 and again in Elusive Moment's victory; and Pride of Wilshire, who was the bottom horse in the Super High Five at Sacramento on July 15.
The three horses who have not raced since the July 1 contest are: key race Winner Gibson Home Run (who, incidentally, now has six career victories); Whatever Whenever (who is currently entered in Race 6 at Santa Rosa on Thursday); and Benjy's Pride, who has yet to defeat winners in twenty-nine career starts.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
7/1/12 BHP Race 6 - Key Race
Sunday's initial race at Del Mar was won by Papa G.T., a two year old Kentucky bred colt, making his first start for a tag after failing to win three times at the MSW level. Since Dry Summer, another Kentucky bred, had won Saturday's first race at Del Mar, the sixth race at Hollywood Park on July 1 is now officially a key race.
Three other horses in the key race's field of eleven have raced since July 1: Den's Legacy, who took the Place July 21 in race 6 at Del Mar; No Rachmones, who dropped into the Maiden Claiming ranks to take the Show in Race 2 at Del Mar on July 19; and Dirty Swagg, the only one of the group to not finish in the money, who came in last in the Grade 3 Hollywood Juvenile Championship on July 14.
The six entrants from the July 1 contest who have yet to come back include that race's top three finishers: Winner Heir of Storm; Place horse Dead Easy; and Show horse Moreno. Also yet to come back are Fury Kapcori; Perfect Set; and Cinco de Mario.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
Three other horses in the key race's field of eleven have raced since July 1: Den's Legacy, who took the Place July 21 in race 6 at Del Mar; No Rachmones, who dropped into the Maiden Claiming ranks to take the Show in Race 2 at Del Mar on July 19; and Dirty Swagg, the only one of the group to not finish in the money, who came in last in the Grade 3 Hollywood Juvenile Championship on July 14.
The six entrants from the July 1 contest who have yet to come back include that race's top three finishers: Winner Heir of Storm; Place horse Dead Easy; and Show horse Moreno. Also yet to come back are Fury Kapcori; Perfect Set; and Cinco de Mario.
Peace and Love,
Jimbo
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