Archives > Races/Results

Tuesday Links: - Summer countdown: 35 days to Del Mar, 42 to Saratoga. - Curlin breezed an easy half mile in :49 flat at Churchill on Monday, in his final prep for the upcoming Stephen Foster. After grousing over the 128 impost and making vague threats about withdrawing the reigning Horse of the Year from the race, trainer Steve Asmussen confirmed yesterday afternoon that Curlin would start on Saturday: "Not running would be an injustice to him" (Courier-Journal). - So true: "No matter how dominating a horse may look in a key prep race, or in a previous Triple Crown race, the...; [Posted June 10, 2008 11:45 AM]; ---

Saturday Morning Notes: - In today at Gulfstream: Cool Coal Man, scratched from the Pasco Stakes at Tampa last week and from the Hutcheson before that, is entered in the sixth, an allowance race with a small but intriguing field that includes Wonder Mon (stirring the Derby dreams of owner-trainer Gary Capuano) and Ready Set, making his second start off a brief layoff for trainer Michael Matz. A couple of races later, Phantom Income makes her first start since a disastrous Breeders' Cup appearance in the Sunshine Million Oaks. The Montbrook filly, out of a dam that's half to Ghostzapper, reminds me of...; [Posted January 26, 2008 9:30 AM]; ---

Fast Times at Santa Anita: - How impressive was Indian Blessing winning the Santa Ynez? Pressured early and late, the likely champion juvenile filly ran the first quarter in a speedy :22.27 and the next in an even faster :21.49 before slowing to :23.38 in the third. Final time for the seven furlong race was a track record 1:19.89. Golden Doc A closed fast for second. - Indian Blessing wasn't the only horse posting freakish fractions at Santa Anita over the weekend. Post-deluge, the rocky-but-dry Cushion Track played absurdly fast: On Saturday, El Gato Malo took advantage of a pace duel that developed between Massive...; [Posted January 13, 2008 9:30 PM]; ---

Tagg Sweeps Stakes: - There were only two graded stakes across the country on Saturday, but trainer Barclay Tagg took both, winning the Red Smith Handicap at Aqueduct with Dave and the Mrs. Revere Stakes at Churchill with Bit of Whimsy. Dave, making his first graded stakes appearance in 34 starts, was an upset victor at 14-1. Bit of Whimsy, coming off a win at Keeneland last month, was the 8-5 favorite. "She's had a terrific year," said Tagg of 'Whimsy, in his usual understated way (ESPN). The 3-year-old filly is 4-for-7 since making her career debut on April 1. In the past...; [Posted November 11, 2007 11:30 AM]; ---

Weekend Notes: - Trainer Carla Gaines and jockey Joe Talamo had a very good afternoon at Del Mar, pairing up for three wins, including one in the feature. Boxed in on the rail by Victor Espinoza aboard Balance, unbeaten Nashoba's Key made up ground fast over the Polytrack stretch to win the Hirsch going away. "I was so confident," said Talamo after. "She has a kick that is out of this world" (Blood-Horse). Final time for the race, the first for Nashoba's Key over the surface, was 1:48.29. The four-year-old filly is now 6-for-6. - Any Given Saturday looked fantastic scoring his...; [Posted August 5, 2007 9:55 PM]; ---

Octave Wins CCAO: - At Belmont, Rags to Riches understudy Octave won an unexciting renewal of the Coaching Club American Oaks, tracking pacesetter Folk's ambling fractions of :23.91, :48, 1:12.25, and 1:36.47 before drawing away at the eighth pole to win by half a length over the late closing Lear's Princess, who may have earned a Saratoga start on the strength of her stretch run. "Our filly ran a great race," said trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. "Maybe we'll have to look at the Alabama now" (Blood-Horse). The CCAO was Octave's second Grade 1 win in a row; the Todd Pletcher-trained filly took the Mother...; [Posted July 21, 2007 10:30 PM]; ---

Weekend Notes: - Even-money favorite Tiago won the Swaps at Hollywood on Saturday by 2 1/2 lengths after jockey Mike Smith guided the half-brother to Giacomo through an opening on the rail to the inside of pacesetter Desert Code. This was a really nice move by horse and rider: Tiago, settled into fifth, four lengths off the lead, until the field turned into the stretch, could have as easily swung to the outside and taken the lead, but Smith and his willing colt charged through on the rail with confidence (video). "Normally, I would have chosen [to go wide], but a horse...; [Posted July 15, 2007 8:10 PM]; ---

Scipion Tries Turf: - Friday is a day of firsts for Scipion. Remember him, the A.P. Indy colt briefly on the Kentucky Derby trail after winning the 2005 Risen Star with a giant come from behind move at 10-1? He returns to the track as a five-year-old in Belmont's eighth, making his first start since October, his first start on turf, and his first start for trainer Christophe Clement. The race is an optional claiming/N2X, 1 1/8 mile on the inner, and while Scipion seems to fit with this bunch, he is a deep closer who hasn't finished better than second in 11...; [Posted July 12, 2007 9:00 PM]; ---

Saturday Results: - Saturday was a banner day for Steve Asmussen at Churchill. Not only did the trainer break the record for most wins in a meet at the track (Courier-Journal), he swept the day's juvenile stakes with Rated Fiesty in the Debutante and Kodiak Kowboy in the Bashford Manor. Rated Fiesty went wire-to-wire in 1:09.27, smashing the six furlong stakes record by approximately two seconds; Kodiak Kowboy went a smidge faster in the Bashford, finishing the six furlongs in 1:09.15. The Beyer for Rated Fiesty came back as an 85, for Kodiak Kowboy an 87. Asmussen has had a real breakthrough...; [Posted July 8, 2007 3:00 PM]; ---

The Pride of New York: - That would be Funny Cide, in the words of Finger Lakes announcer Ross Morton, winning the Wadsworth Memorial Handicap in leisurely style this afternoon. Breaking slowly from the gate, jockey Alan Garcia settled Funny Cide into fifth down the backstretch, well off the lead and to the outside, letting second favorite Johnie Bye Night set moderate fractions alone on the lead before turning even-money Funny Cide loose in the stretch to win by three lengths. A packed grandstand applauded as the gutsy gelding returned to the winner's circle, his first trip to one since last year's Dominion Day Stakes...; [Posted July 4, 2007 5:05 PM]; ---

Funny Cide Hits the Road: Funny Cide travels to Finger Lakes for the Wadsworth Memorial Handicap on Wednesday, and his upstate fans, even those who'll be running or riding horses against him in the race, are feeling pretty excited about the Derby winner's appearance: Of course, Davila is going to spend most of his time in the paddock before the race gawking at Funny Cide. "You see him race on TV and it's one thing but to see him in person, it's great," Davila said. "I feel so good that that horse is coming here to run. It's a thrill to ride in the same...; [Posted July 3, 2007 11:00 PM]; ---

Lava Man Three-Peats: The only knock on Lava Man is his 0-for-5 record when racing anywhere other than Southern California. "I hate traveling and apparently he does too," said co-owner Jason Wood after Lava Man won his third straight Hollywood Gold Cup (Blood-Horse), matching the record held by Native Diver, with a gutsy, tough performance in which he was challenged hard by A.P. Xcellent, to whom he conceded nine pounds (quite a bit these days). Final time for the 10-furlong race was 2:03.21, a Hollywood Cushion Track record. Given the current state of the older horse division post-Invasor's retirement (see: Belmont, Suburban...; [Posted July 1, 2007 8:45 PM]; ---

Weekend Notes: - Trainer Todd Pletcher swept Belmont's Sunday baby stakes with Glacken's Gal in the Astoria and Ready's Image in the Tremont (Blood-Horse). Glacken's Gal earned an 84 Beyer for her second start; Ready's Image an excellent 99 Beyer for his 7 3/4 length win. - In winning the Mother Goose on Saturday, Octave became the sixth filly to come out the Kentucky Oaks and win a stakes next start. The others include Rags to Riches (Belmont Stakes), Dreaming of Anna (Double Delta Stakes), and Cotton Blossom (Acorn Stakes). - There's a massive pick six carryover of $3.2 million at Hollywood...; [Posted July 1, 2007 8:30 PM]; ---

Intriguing Entry: The most intriguing horse running at Belmont on Saturday may well be Forest Jazzy in the seventh, a six furlong allowance N1X on the inner turf. The three-year-old filly galloped to a 24-length victory in her debut at River Downs six weeks ago, earning an 89 Beyer for the effort. (Check out the race on CalRacing and try not to feel sorry for the horse who ran second.) Starting for Bill Mott, the daughter of Forestry (sire of Discreet Cat and Diplomat Lady, the longest shot to ever win the G1 Hollywood Starlet) will try turf for the first time,...; [Posted June 29, 2007 12:00 AM]; ---

Corinthian Works for Suburban: Trainer Jimmy Jerkens sent the Met Mile winner out for a stamina building seven furlong work this morning, which he did in 1:25.74 over Belmont's main track, getting the last eighth in :11.74 (DRF). Corinthian is being prepped for the June 30 Suburban, where he and at least three others are expected to take on Invasor, reigning horse of the year and defending Suburban winner....; [Posted June 21, 2007 7:55 PM]; ---

Weekend Notes: Catching up after a few days on Cape Cod ... - Flashy Bull posted a mild upset in the Stephen Foster Handicap on Saturday, barely holding off Magna Graduate and giving West Point Thoroughbreds president Terry Finley a huge thrill. "Finley, in the company of other West Point members, was trembling moments after the tight finish. He said the win was easily the richest in the syndicate's history 'by about three times'" (DRF). - Kept in the saddling stall until it was time to head to the track, and then excused from the post parade, high-strung Take D' Tour...; [Posted June 17, 2007 6:00 PM]; ---

Distaff Division: A few good efforts worth pointing out from three-year-old fillies across the country on Saturday: - At Arlington, Dreaming of Anna finally returned to the winner's circle after three losses, her last a sixth-place finish in the Kentucky Oaks. While her performance in the Double Delta Stakes was hardly brilliant, it was solid, with Dreaming of Anna tracking the moderate pace set by Devil House and then drawing away on the final turn, finishing more than a length ahead of the closer Nice Inheritance. - The Sands Point at Belmont ended in a Bit of Whimsy-Rutherienne dead heat (DRF). Both...; [Posted June 3, 2007 9:45 AM]; ---

Corinthian vs. Invasor?: - Now, that's a matchup to look forward to this June. According to owner Don Little, Jr., the Suburban Handicap is an option for Corinthian following his game, determined win in the Met Mile. "I would say as of today our next race would be the Suburban," said Little. "It's probably a good opportunity to try to do something" (DRF). It was nice to see Corinthian get the win on Monday. A talented, but somewhat nutty three-year-old, Corinthian has really developed into a good handicap horse as a four-year-old. - "Just take a look at this horse move. No need...; [Posted May 29, 2007 9:00 AM]; ---

Friday Notes: - The Saratogian picks up on the Blood-Horse story from earlier this week about a wild plan being floated for New York racing that includes splitting the franchise, closing Aqueduct, and turning Belmont into a slots palace. All that could never happen, right? - Calvin Borel's first ride at Pimlico is a winning one: Unbridled Sidney romped on the turf in the Very One stakes this afternoon. - Nobiz Like Shobiz got back to work this morning, breezing four furlongs in :48.42 at Belmont. - As soon as the Preakness is over, speculation about which horses might be entered in...; [Posted May 18, 2007 4:20 PM]; ---

Fleetheart Rising: - Watch mail this week brought notice of an entry for the Southern California filly Fleetheart, who caught my attention in February after an impressive starter allowance win. "Second career start, first off layoff, up in class, tough, drew off to win with ease," say my notes on the race. She's making her third start in Hollywood's seventh on Wednesday. It's another class jump and off another layoff, but Fleetheart's been training great over the Hollywood Cushion Track, has the field's best Beyers, has shown a willingness to tussle for the lead, and her competition's a little weak. She's 5-2...; [Posted May 8, 2007 11:00 PM]; ---

Second Season: - With the Triple Crown season well past, racing's second season begins: For three-year-olds, that means prepping for the Travers Stakes; for all the divisions, the Breeders' Cup. - After four weeks off, Brother Derek returned to training at Santa Anita last Saturday. The colt is being pointed to the August 6 Haskell. "We're looking forward to running at Monmouth Park," said trainer Dan Hendricks. - The Boston Globe publishes yet another article about how gloomy things are at Suffolk Downs (although, in fairness, the mood around the struggling track hasn't been all that upbeat recently). At least a couple...; [Posted June 20, 2006 6:00 PM]; ---

Weekend News & Results: - Lost in the Fog is back. Last year's champion sprinter ably won the Aristides at Churchill on Saturday by 1 1/4 lengths over Kelly's Landing in a time of 1:08.52. "I'm relieved a little and very pleased because there were some people who had given up on him," said trainer Greg Gilchrist after. "You win 10 in a row and then get beat, and people say you're no good, but that's human nature." Skeptics probably won't become converts after this one race, but Lost in the Fog's performance on Saturday was reminiscent of his better races last year, and...; [Posted June 4, 2006 11:00 PM]; ---

Silver Train Wins Met Mile: - And trainer Richard Dutrow couldn't be more pleased. "We're very happy," Dutrow said. "How often do you see things work out like that? I'm talking about the Met Mile after the Breeders' Cup win and it happens." Silver Train is 4-for-6 at Belmont, 1-for-8 everywhere else. The Pedigree Guru is hinting that a stud deal will soon be announced for the sprinter: "He is going to be a happy boy just off Leestown Road." [Announced the very next day: "Silver Train going to Vinery for stud."] - Dutrow may be a very happy man right now, but trainer Nick...; [Posted May 30, 2006 9:45 PM]; ---

Weekend News & Results: - Steve Haskin recaps the Preakness, including the good (Bernardini) and the bad (Barbaro). TV ratings for the race increased 6%, and a record crowd turned out at Pimlico. - In his North American debut, Invasor rallied late in the stretch to win the Pimlico Special on Friday, while Better Talk Now split horses to win the Dixie on Saturday. Sunriver prepped for the Belmont with a win in the Peter Pan. "Sunriver kept coming and finished up big," said trainer Todd Pletcher. "It looked like he still had something left at the end." In the Shuvee at Belmont on...; [Posted May 23, 2006 9:00 PM]; ---

Noted: May 15: - Weekend results: "With no impetus other than his own desire, Wanna Runner took possession of Saturday's $300,000 Lone Star Derby." At Hollywood Park, Grey Swallow won the Jim Murray by five lengths, and Surf Cat made an amazing move from last to first to win the Mervyn LeRoy. "I saw a lightning flash," said trainer Bruce Headley. "That was some kind of move." Jockey Alex Solis had a big day at the track, sweeping all three graded stakes at Hollywood on Saturday. - Trainer Bob Baffert said neither Point Determined nor Bob and John would run in the Preakness....; [Posted May 15, 2006 6:00 AM]; ---

Weekend Results: - Lost in the Fog finished second to Carthage in the Golden Gate Fields Sprint. "You just have to tip your hat to [Carthage]," said Greg Gilchrist, who trains Lost in the Fog. "You have to give him a lot of credit because he ran a helluva race." The race was Lost in the Fog's first start since finishing seventh in the Breeders' Cup Sprint last October. "I wish we could have won it," said jockey Russell Baze, "but at least we got a race into him." - Magnolia Jackson recovered well from a bobbled start to win the Bed...; [Posted April 23, 2006 11:15 PM]; ---

Rematch in Works: A rematch is on the schedule for Round Pond and Happy Ticket, the one-two finishers in last weekend's very exciting Azeri Breeders' Cup at Oaklawn (worth watching in replay if you somehow missed it -- Round Pond set the pace, with Happy Ticket testing her every step and even catching her for a second as the pair neared the wire). Both came out of the Azeri in fine form and will make their next starts in the April 8 Apple Blossom Handicap....; [Posted March 15, 2006 10:00 PM]; ---

Weekend Results & News: - A big crowd of 49,000 turned out to watch former $50,000 claimer Lava Man win the $1 million Big 'Cap at Santa Anita on Saturday. "It really is a dream come true," said co-owner Steve Kenly after. "From a claimer to the Big 'Cap. It's amazing." Giacomo finished fifth, with no apparent explanation, other than that the race just didn't set up for a deep closer like last year's Kentucky Derby winner. - Harlington wins the Gulfstream Park Handicap in his stakes debut; Mister Fotis the Richter Scale; and a fresh Wend leads all the way in the Honey...; [Posted March 5, 2006 11:30 PM]; ---

Rousing Return for Round Pond: Trainer John Servis was right about not keeping Round Pond in the barn for another month: Unleashing a devastating turn of foot in midstretch, Round Pond launched her 4-year-old campaign with a 1 1/2-length victory over Miss Elsie in the $40,000 allowance feature for older fillies and mares Thursday afternoon at Oaklawn Park. Round Pond ran the fastest 6 furlongs of the meeting (1:09.93), yet was never asked for her best by regular rider Stewart Elliott. "You can't say anything after that," trainer John Servis said. "You know what I'll say? I'll say the same thing Stew said after the...; [Posted February 17, 2006 10:15 PM]; ---

Rockport's Back: And showed that he's ready to be a player in the handicap division, winning Saturday's Essex Handicap at Oaklawn by 2 1/4 lengths over Cougar Cat in his first start in nine months. Displaying the same toughness and heart he did as a two-year-old, Rockport Harbor took an early lead and fended off a challenge from the runner-up, who managed to get a nose in front briefly at the top of the stretch. "Turning for home, that horse came to him and I asked him to run and he gave me what he had," said jockey Stewart Elliott. "He was...; [Posted February 12, 2006 10:00 PM]; ---

On Saturday: - Rockport Harbor returns from a nine-month layoff in the Essex. "He's been training very well," said owner Rick Porter. "He's gained some weight, and we've seen a lot of positive things. All systems are go." - This could be the year for California fillies in the Kentucky Oaks, if the Las Virgenes field is anything to go by. Wild Fit, second to Folklore in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, will start, as will Dimplomat Lady, upset winner of the Starlet. - Count Fleet winner Achilles of Troy looks like a lock in the Whirlaway. A very confident owner Ernie...; [Posted February 10, 2006 11:30 PM]; ---

Quick Saturday Results: Barbaro remains undefeated. The Michael Matz-trained colt showed he could handle the switch from turf to dirt (or at least, from turf to slop) and deserved to be considered a legitimate Derby prospect, winning the Holy Bull Stakes by three quarters of a length over Nick Zito's Great Point, who trailed the field in twelfth through the first half and closed impressively in the final yards to finish second. Barbaro stalked Aventura winner Doctor Decherd to the top of the stretch and then pulled away to briefly open up a three-length lead. It was a nice race, with a final...; [Posted February 4, 2006 11:30 PM]; ---

Good Races Galore: I'm playing the Saturday races at Gulfstream and Santa Anita for the first time in several weeks and I'm doing it old school, marking up a paper copy of the Daily Racing Form. The Saturday edition of the Form came with an extra, a new glossy insert called "Gulfstream Scene" filled with aspirational ads padded by an ode to Frank Stronach ("The Stronach philosophy has always been to think big ... Gulfstream represents Stronach's greatest gamble, and possibly a model for the future of the sport"), an article in which really rich people express delight with their really nice homes,...; [Posted February 3, 2006 11:00 PM]; ---

Oaklawn Notes: Nearly 22,000 people turned out for Oaklawn's opening. "A packed apron watched as Swift Trieste edged Silly's Brother in a photo finish that took several minutes for officials to decipher. When the results were known, a roar rose up from the apron that few tracks hear during a weekday program." --- Taking advantage of a stretch duel between Catonight and Urban Guy, Celluloid Hero charged to the front along the rail to win Oaklawn's opening day feature, the Dixieland Stakes. "He’s a pretty nice horse," trainer Mac Robertson said. "It set up for him. They let him through on the...; [Posted January 21, 2006 9:25 PM]; ---

Dance Daily Stuns Lukas: Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, "who looked a little stunned," won Monday's Santa Ynez at Santa Anita, just not with the filly he thought he would. Likely 2005 Juvenile Fillies champion Folklore made her three-year-old debut in the race and, coupled with lightly regarded stablemate Dance Daily, went off as the 1-5 favorite. Taking the lead early, Folklore ran a "pedestrian half-mile," then weakened in the stretch and finished third, three-quarters of a length behind winner Dance Daily and runner-up Talullah Lula. Looking on the bright side, Lukas said, "We kept it in the family ... Folklore is already a Grade...; [Posted January 17, 2006 12:40 PM]; ---

Saturday's Results: Baghdaria refused to back down from a tough French Park in the Silverbulletday Stakes, winning by a nose over the previously undefeated odds-on race favorite. "I really thought we were beat at the furlong pole," said Baghdaria's jockey, Cliff Berry, "but she didn't think so." French Park was making her first start since the end of November. She may run next in the March 5 Miss Bonnie at Gulfstream. Elsewhere: Brother Derek wins the San Rafael, Lawyer Ron the Risen Star. Details in Derby Watch....; [Posted January 15, 2006 5:30 PM]; ---

Saturday Race Results: - From maiden winner to stakes winner and on the Derby Trail for sure: Doctor Decherd wins the Aventura by a nose. - A fresh High Limit is a winning High Limit: Coming off a three month layoff, the Bobby Frankel-trained four-year-old eked out a victory in the San Pasqual, his first since last year's Louisiana Derby. - High Limit's win was one of five for jockey Pat Valenzuela yesterday. Another was Itty Bitty Pretty's mild upset over Sabatini in the Santa Ysabel. - Funny Cide continues to confound: The six-year-old gelding raced near the back throughout the Mr. Prospector...; [Posted January 8, 2006 6:55 AM]; ---

Weekend Results: Barbaro, "the most interesting little-known horse in the country," won the Tropical Park Derby at Calder on Sunday by three and three-quarter lengths, bringing his record on the turf to 3-for-3. "He's obviously a very talented horse," said trainer Michael Matz, who's contemplating trying the three-year-old on the dirt next. Matz has been doing well at Calder recently -- Barbaro's win was the fourth for the trainer in as many starts. --- At Santa Anita, Badge of Silver took to the turf in his debut on that surface, winning the San Gabriel Handicap on Sunday. "The race went exactly the...; [Posted January 2, 2006 8:40 AM]; ---

Diplomat Lady Upsets: Trainer Christopher Paasch thought he had something special in Diplomat Lady after the two-year-old filly bounced back from two defeats at Del Mar to win a six-furlong allowance race in 1:09.4 at Hollywood Park last month, earning an 85 Beyer for the performance. On Sunday, he knew for sure that he did when longshot Diplomat Lady broke on top of a crowded Starlet field and won the race by a neck over favorite Balance. Diplomat Lady's win gave Paasch his first grade one victory. "I feel like jumping out of my skin," said a very happy Paasch after. The filly...; [Posted December 19, 2005 9:00 AM]; ---

Purge Upsets in Cigar: Trainer Todd Pletcher may have struck out in the Demoiselle Stakes at Aqueduct on Saturday despite having three of the five starters in the race (which was won by the Richard Dutrow-trained Wonder Lady Anne L), but the loss was more than made up for with wins in the day's two other stakes. Heavy favorite Bluegrass Cat easily won the Remsen going gate-to-wire. The two-year-old has now won three straight and is Pletcher's early Kentucky Derby hope. In the Cigar, longshot Purge scored an upset with an impressive come from behind rally in the stretch. It was the last race...; [Posted November 28, 2005 10:00 PM]; ---

Purge Upsets in Cigar: Trainer Todd Pletcher may have struck out in the Demoiselle Stakes at Aqueduct on Saturday despite having three of the five starters in the race (which was won by the Richard Dutrow-trained Wonder Lady Anne L), but the loss was more than made up for with wins in the day's two other stakes. Heavy favorite Bluegrass Cat easily won the Remsen going gate-to-wire. The two-year-old has now won three straight and is Pletcher's early Kentucky Derby hope. In the Cigar, longshot Purge scored an upset with an impressive come from behind rally in the stretch. It was the last race...; [Posted November 28, 2005 10:00 PM]; ---

Mud Frolic: When the rain poured down 90 minutes before post time turning Hawthorne's track into a muddy mess, trainer Vladimir Cerin worried that Super Frolic wouldn't like the going. He was wrong: Super Frolic dug into the slop and won Saturday's Hawthorne Gold Cup by a head over Lord of the Game (Los Angeles Times). "I thought this horse might run big," said jockey Victor Espinoza. "He ran huge against better horses in the Pacific Classic." Favorite Perfect Drift finished fourth....; [Posted September 25, 2005 5:55 PM]; ---

Weekend Racing Recap: "The king lives up to his name" (Globe and Mail). Bobby Frankel's Leroidesanimaux stretched his winning streak to eight when he won the Atto Mile at Woodbine on Sunday. Frankel was pleased with the way Leroi handled the soft turf and felt certain the colt was headed to the Breeders' Cup Mile despite not being nominated. "I'm sure the owner wants to supplement [to the Breeders' Cup] and if he's doing really well, we'll probably go. The only concern today, which will be in the Breeders' Cup, too, at Belmont, was the soft ground. At least that's one good thing...; [Posted September 19, 2005 2:30 PM]; ---

Weekend Results: Island Sand paid $13.20 to win in the Delaware Handicap, despite having Jerry Bailey aboard (Blood-Horse). I'm not usually an advocate of betting jockeys, but Bailey has been unquestionably hot in filly and mare stakes races this month. On Saturday, he won the Virginia Oaks with My Typhoon (Daily Press). A week ago, it was the Princess Rooney with Madcap Escapade. And before that, it was Splendid Blended in the Vanity Handicap, Wend in the New York Handicap, and Stellar Jayne in the (ungraded) Misty Galore Stakes. That's quite a record. The Delaware Handicap was Bailey's first ride on Island...; [Posted July 18, 2005 10:30 AM]; ---

Desert Boom Wins Jewel: Second choice Desert Boom won the Claiming Crown Jewel Stakes over favorite Lord of the Game (Daily Racing Form). "It was a great race," said trainer Art Sherman. "When our horse gets on the lead, he's double-tough ... That was a good horse that he outran" (San Francisco Chronicle). There's a rumor on at least one racing forum that the NTRA Claiming Crown Contest was hacked. One poster explains how he was able to change his picks post-race, another confirms. Hm ... nothing about this on the Claiming Crown Contest site, except for an odd message on the Leaderboard: "Currently,...; [Posted July 17, 2005 11:05 PM]; ---

Claiming Crown: I love the idea of the Claiming Crown. It's a fantastic event -- celebrating the claimers that make up the majority of races, treating cheap horses like stakes horses. Some of the starters are both, such as Lord of the Game, claimed for $10,000 last Janauary and now a grade 2 winner. Only five will start against the Cornhusker victor in the $150,000 Jewel Stakes, where Lord of the Game is easily the best. "When you look down at his record, the only horses who have beaten him were Pollard's Vision and Badge of Silver," said trainer Tom Tomillo said...; [Posted July 14, 2005 6:00 PM]; ---

Weekend Racing: It's a big weekend of racing coming up at Delaware Park, with six stakes races carded for Saturday and Sunday, including the $1 million Delaware Handicap, which has attracted six graded stakes winners (Daily Racing Form), and the Delaware Oaks, which will feature Sis City and Round Pond (Blood-Horse). The once hot High Limit will make his first start since the Kentucky Derby in the Leonard Richards Stakes. A bevy of familiar names from this spring's Triple Crown season -- Sun King, Sort It Out, and Scrappy T -- are set to start as well. An impressive win from any...; [Posted July 14, 2005 12:05 PM]; ---

Lost in the Fog, 8-for-8: The only real question about Sunday's Carry Back Stakes at Calder was by how much Lost in the Fog would win. I thought he'd see a little challenge from Hot Space, the colt making his second career start who scored a 96 Beyer winning a maiden special in mid-June. But no, Lost in the Fog loped along in the lead from the start with rider Russell Baze aboard making no moves until the stretch, when he drew away easily under mild urging to win by more than seven lengths. Lost in the Fog made it look so effortless, it's hard...; [Posted July 11, 2005 12:15 PM]; ---

Saturday Winners: Lava Man wins the Hollywood Gold Cup, Surf Cat wins the Swaps (LA Times). With his eight and three-quarters lengths win in the Gold Cup, Lava Man -- who was claimed by trainer Doug O'Neill for $50,000 less than a year ago -- set a record for winning margin in the race. Count O'Neill among those surprised by Lava Man's dominating performance: "When we claimed him ... I thought we were getting a horse that might run for $40,000 or $50,000 on grass. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we were getting a Grade I winner." Favorite Limehouse...; [Posted July 10, 2005 4:45 PM]; ---

Summit Postponed: Calder's Summit of Speed has been postponed to Sunday (Daily Racing Form). Heavy rain, high winds, and a power outage caused by Hurricane Dennis prompted the rescheduling. --- Speedy picks for the Summit of Speed: In the Carry Back Stakes, Lost in the Fog, followed by Hot Space. In the Princess Rooney, Sensibly Chic and Happy Ticket....; [Posted July 9, 2005 12:00 PM]; ---

Hollywood Gold Cup, Swaps: An eye injury will keep Perfect Drift out of Saturday's Hollywood Gold Cup (ESPN). "It's a little ulcer on his eye," said trainer Murray Johnson. "It has healed well, but I'm not sure that he would be 100 percent and did not want to put him under any stress. It's just that this race is on the other side of the country." That the race is on the other side of country isn't keeping the well-traveled Limehouse away. "Hollywood Park will be the 10th track at which he has raced, and he has already won races at five different tracks"...; [Posted July 7, 2005 2:20 PM]; ---

Summit of Speed: Saturday is the Summit of Speed at Calder and Lost in the Fog headlines the day. The undefeated colt is entered in the Carry Back Stakes, where he'll be reunited with regular jockey Russell Baze. The nation's leading rider in wins, Baze has been out with a broken collarbone for a month, and it was Edgar Prado that rode Lost in the Fog to his seventh straight win in the Riva Ridge Stakes on June 11. Baze returned to the track yesterday, winning on his first mount back (Daily Racing Form). Lost in the Fog isn't the only undefeated starter...; [Posted July 7, 2005 1:50 PM]; ---

Cesario Wins Oaks: Cesario became the first Japanese-bred horse to win an American grade 1 stakes race when she beat 11 other fillies from three continents decisively in the American Oaks at Hollywood Park on Sunday. The filly's four-length win had some members of her entourage in tears and her trainer Katsuhiko Sumii overjoyed: "I've had a dream about winning an American race, so this is the first step. I am very happy about this" (LA Times). Favorite Melhor Ainda finished second, with longshot Singhalese third....; [Posted July 4, 2005 12:30 PM]; ---

Sunday Racing: Here's my last minute pick in the Vanity Handicap at Hollywood this afternoon: Splendid Blended. She won the Hollywood Starlet last December over Sharp Lisa, who won her next start. Splendid Blended also did fairly well in the Acorn on June 4. That race was her first start in six months, and she finished fourth, about three lengths behind winner Round Pond and a couple back from runner-up Smuggler, winner of the Mother Goose Stakes last Saturday. Ten minutes before post time, Splendid Blended is 4-1. Favorite Andujar is 2-5. --- That was a nice way to start the afternoon,...; [Posted July 3, 2005 3:50 PM]; ---

Saturday Stakes: What's next for Funny Cide? That's the question after his disappointing performance in the Suburban at Belmont this afternoon. Late last week, assistant trainer Robin Smullen told the Daily Racing Form, "If he doesn't run well in this race we probably will not pursue Grade 1's unless they come up very, very easy." Trainer Barclay Tagg said in a pre-race interview that he was looking for Funny Cide to be close to the pace, but he never was, starting in fifth, falling back to seventh, and finishing an indifferent sixth. Funny Cide beat two horses -- the longshot Runaway Russy...; [Posted July 2, 2005 6:30 PM]; ---

Saturday Racing Recap: A rare double disqualification in the Kent Breeders' Cup Stakes made third place finisher Seeking Slew the winner of the race. Touched by Madness, who finished first, was knocked back to fourth; Spring House, who had been second, was made third. Both were disqualified for separate incidents in the stretch. Touched by Madness was one of six horses double-entered yesterday in the Kent and the Colonial Turf Cup. I didn't spend much time handicapping either because of that, although I did look at the past performances for the Colonial enough that I liked Touched by Madness to win there. With...; [Posted June 26, 2005 11:30 AM]; ---

Mother Goose Stakes: Only six are entered in Saturday's Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont. Trainer Steve Asmussen is expecting his filly, Kentucky Oaks winner Summerly, to turn in a strong performance, the kind that will make her a contender for an Eclipse award: "Summerly has every right to improve [in the coming months], even more than Ashado did last year," he said. Asmussen admits Summerly isn't quite where she was condition-wise before the Oaks because of missed training time due to the equine herpes quarantine at Churchill Downs, But she's very talented, and she's coming off the most demanding race of her career;...; [Posted June 24, 2005 12:45 PM]; ---

Saturday Recap: Big wins today for Ashado, Saint Liam, and Don't Get Mad. Ashado, the 2004 champion filly, took the Ogden Phipps at Belmont with a front-running performance, shaking off challengers with ease. Rival Society Selection made a late move and came in second, with Bending Strings running third. At Churchill Downs, the Stephen Foster Handicap was Saint Liam's from the start. The colt relaxed just off pacesetter Presidentialaffair until the top of the stretch, where he took off, winning by more than two lengths. In the Northern Dancer, Don't Get Mad looked once more like the horse that won the Derby...; [Posted June 18, 2005 8:00 PM]; ---

Weekend Racing: This Saturday is the NTRA National Pick 4, comprising the Stephen Foster Handicap and the Fleur de Lis at Churchill, the Ogden Phipps at Belmont, and the Californian at Hollywood. And there's more good racing to be had -- Hollywood Park also has the Affirmed on its card and Churchill the Northern Dancer. Here in Boston, Suffolk Downs treats local fans to two stakes races, the African Prince for state-breds and the Old Ironsides, one of the four reinstated open stakes races. Saint Liam is the morning line favorite in the Stephen Foster, but he'll get some competition from the...; [Posted June 17, 2005 4:15 PM]; ---

Summerly Wires the Oaks: "Summerly, who disappointed her connections in the Ashland Stakes ... more than made up for it with a wire-to-wire win in the $554,400 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs Friday. Heavily favored Sis City tried valiantly but never could get by Summerly and finished fourth in the seven-horse field." (Blood-Horse)...; [Posted May 7, 2005 9:25 AM]; ---

Watch Out, Boys: Sweet Catomine took the 1 1/16-mile Santa Anita Oaks this afternoon in 1:44.44, three lengths ahead of second place finisher Memorette. The highly regarded filly's win was no surprise to fans, who sent her off at 1-5, or her connections. "She was going so easy," said jockey Corey Nakatani. "She's definitely proven to me that she's the best filly I've ever ridden and I've ridden some good ones." Trainer Julio Canani was jubilant after the race, calling Sweet Catomine "the best filly who ever lived." Her performance in the Oaks means she'll go on to race the boys in the...; [Posted March 13, 2005 9:00 PM]; ---

He's Real: And he might be a freak: Making his first start since October, the Bobby Frankel-trained High Limit won the 1 1/16-mile Louisiana Derby yesterday by four lengths, going wire-to-wire in 1:42.72. (Daily Racing Form) More: I could comment, but why, when Left at the Gate has such fine things to say about High Limit, Uncle Denny, and the rest of Saturday's contests....; [Posted March 13, 2005 11:50 AM]; ---

Today's Results: The surprising: What happened to the Unbeatable Eastern Invader in the Santa Anita Handicap? Saint Liam hung back until the stretch turn and then did ... nothing. He certainly didn't run like the colt that nearly beat freakishly-fast Horse of the Year Ghostzapper in the Woodward. Rock Hard Ten, though, performed brilliantly yet again with Gary Stevens aboard, moving from the middle of the pack to cruise past the competition in the stretch. Is there a better match of rider and horse in the country right now? The expected: Longshots Papi Chullo and Defer both needed to win the Fountain...; [Posted March 5, 2005 9:25 PM]; ---

Today's Races: If you're visiting this page, chances are you already know today is the biggest day of racing since the Breeders' Cup, with Derby preps at Santa Anita and Gulfstream, as well at the Santa Anita Handicap, featuring Saint Liam and Rock Hard Ten. Afleet Alex's surprise appearance in the minor Mountain Valley Stakes at Oaklawn adds to the day's exciting bill. The line-up: Swale (Gulfstream, post time 4:43). Lost in the Fog is the big horse in this race and how he does here will determine if he runs in the Derby, says trainer Greg Gilchrist. Gulfstream Park Handicap (Gulfstream,...; [Posted March 5, 2005 11:25 AM]; ---

Go Away for a Day ...: And the Google Alerts really pile up. Most that landed in my inbox in the past 36 hours are about the Sunshine Millions, the eight races being run today at Santa Anita and Gulfstream Park. I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I haven't even looked at the past performances of any of the entrants in these races. It's been a bad week to get any handicapping time. Others, though, know what's going on: Bill Christine offers some good analysis (LA Times) and Eddie Mac some picks (ESPN). Also see: Ellis Starr's thorough look at the Classic (NTRA), and Left at...; [Posted January 29, 2005 12:05 PM]; ---

The Right Thing to Say: "When the Grade I $200,000 Hollywood Futurity is conducted Saturday (post time 6:05 p.m.), Hollywood Park will win the attention of the horse racing world because the word is out that the result will determine the winner of the Eclipse Award as champion 2-year-old colt. Here's the proper response to a statement like that: 'What a horrible thing to say about the Hollywood Futurity.'" (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)...; [Posted December 17, 2004 8:45 AM]; ---

Rockport Takes Remsen: "Rockport Harbor proved he has as much heart as he does talent. Galloping Grocer proved his talent won't limit him to success exclusively in New York-bred company. Rockport Harbor and Galloping Grocer -- a combined 6 for 6 entering Saturday -- staged a memorable battle in the Grade 2, $200,000 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct, with Rockport Harbor having just enough to hold off Galloping Grocer by a neck." (Daily Racing Form) More: "Rocky handled his first dose of adversity in admirable fashion ... Bounding out of the gate to snare an early lead in the field of six 2-year-olds, Rockport...; [Posted November 27, 2004 9:15 PM]; ---

In Today's Races: My Snookie's Boy, dropping in class, pops up in race 6 at Aqueduct, an optional claimer, with a jockey change to John Velazquez. Minister Eric returns to the track in race 6 at Hollywood Park, his first start since the 2004 Kentucky Derby....; [Posted November 17, 2004 7:00 AM]; ---

The Grape Fizz: At 1 1/16 miles and with just one turn, writes Gary West, "The Champagne just might be the most pointless major stakes race in America. It should be called the Pink Champagne, or the Sparkling Grape Juice." (Dallas Morning News)...; [Posted October 6, 2004 7:20 AM]; ---

And It's Funny Cide: "The gritty gelding Funny Cide, a loser of six straight grade I races since he won the 2003 Preakness, came back from what appeared to be certain defeat for a spine-tingling victory in the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup." (Blood-Horse)...; [Posted October 2, 2004 6:00 PM]; ---

Evening Attire Still a Factor: "It is a tribute to his fighting spirit that Evening Attire, at the relatively advanced age of 6, is still a serious factor in a $1 million race. He is a force to be reckoned with in tomorrow's Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park, an event he won in 2002, and he is going to keep racing as long as his big heart allows him to be competitive." (Boston Globe) Related: "Rematch set for Gold Cup" (Times Union)...; [Posted October 1, 2004 7:50 AM]; ---

Short Field Blues: Hawthorne officials are hustling for entries for this Saturday's Grade 2 $750,000 Gold Cup, which has so far drawn only three horses. (Daily Racing Form)...; [Posted September 29, 2004 1:32 PM]; ---

Funny Cide Places in Saratoga BC: "Dug in gamely" reads the chart note on this afternoon's race. Give Funny Cide this: he really tries. Related: "Evening Attire spoils Funny Cide homecoming" (ESPN) and "Funny Cide has earned respect" (Daily Racing Form)...; [Posted August 22, 2004 6:05 PM]; ---

Out of State Horses Out of Luck: Saratoga has a reputation as the graveyard of favorites, but Del Mar's Pacific Classic is a "sinkhole for shippers." (LA Times)...; [Posted August 22, 2004 5:50 PM]; ---

Familiar Company: Funny Cide is set to make his local debut this Sunday in the Saratoga Breeders' Cup and he'll be facing some familiar foes: Sarava, Evening Attire, and The Lady's Groom, all of whom ran with Funny Cide in this year's Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs, are also entered in the BC. (Daily Racing Form) Related: "The time has arrived" and "Funny Cide faces stiff competition" (Times Union)...; [Posted August 21, 2004 8:30 PM]; ---

My Snookie's Boy Heading to PA Derby: There'll be no rematch of budding rivals My Snookie's Boy and Lion Heart in the Travers: "The son of Crafty Friend will have to wait before facing [Lion Heart] again, however, as trainer Allen Iwinski said he would most likely not send My Snookie’s Boy to the $1-million Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course on August 28, opting instead for the $750,000 Pennsylvania Derby (G2) at Philadelphia Park on September 6." (Thoroughbred Times)...; [Posted August 15, 2004 12:10 PM]; ---

Something to Remember: About the Arlington Million: "Never write off the Germans." (The Guardian)...; [Posted August 9, 2004 5:30 PM]; ---

Buildup to Arlington Million Begins: "This is Arlington Park's week to shine. It's the International Festival of Racing -- the Midwest's only Grade I races -- and a week of activities that will culminate Saturday with the 22nd running of the Arlington Million." (Daily Herald) Related: The first European horse, Epalo, to arrive at Arlington Park for the weekend's races is settling in well: "'He likes the weather here much better than in Germany,' said Mrs. Schutz, wife of trainer Andreas Schutz, who will not arrive in Chicago until Monday evening. 'It has been raining at home. A little while ago Epalo was looking up...; [Posted August 8, 2004 8:30 PM]; ---

Without Smarty Around ...: The three-year-old division is getting interesting. A nine-horse field was drawn for this Sunday's Haskell at Monmouth Park, with Lion Heart and Rock Hard Ten the two big favorites. (ESPN) Related: "Smarty's absence opens a window (New York Times), "Lion Heart is smart pick" (Boston Globe), and "If Haskell pace is fast, beware Royal Assault" (Daily Racing Form)...; [Posted August 6, 2004 3:00 PM]; ---

Very Much Alive, Thank You: After all the tongue clucking about the mismangement of her career, it's nice to see Azeri come back with such a strong win. "Azeri, runaway winner of the Grade 1, $500,000 Go For Wand Handicap yesterday at Saratoga, is the Mark Twain of horseracing. Reports of her demise were greatly exaggerated." (New York Post) Related: "Azeri win thrills big Spa crowd" (Daily Racing Form) and "Wand win puts Azeri in league of her own" (Blood-Horse)...; [Posted August 2, 2004 8:25 AM]; ---

Azeri Wins Go For Wand: "Can a champ find her way home?," Jay Hovdey asks. Yes, she can....; [Posted August 1, 2004 6:30 PM]; ---

Rooting for the Home Team: Thursday, Belmont Race 2: Carlow (10-1) [Results: Scratched]...; [Posted July 21, 2004 5:30 PM]; ---

Must See: Wednesday, Suffolk Downs Race 8: Almost certainly this'll be one of the best races to watch this week. Gentleman Jerry (3-1) won his last race, a six-furlong affair on Saturday, wire-to-wire in a blazing 1:11+, Tejano Couture (2-1) is one of the classiest horses at the track, and these two aren't even the only standouts in the field. [Results: As expected, Gentleman Jerry took the early lead and Tejano Couture stalked. Then, the unexpected: 18-1 Boardroom Drama surged in the stretch to win as Gentleman Jerry hung on for second, while Tejano Couture faded to fifth and the longshot of...; [Posted July 20, 2004 5:30 PM]; ---

They Toll for Thee: Monday, Suffolk Downs Race 8: Whispering Bells (4-1) [Results: Final odds 2.40, ran 6/8]...; [Posted July 18, 2004 11:00 AM]; ---

A Sweet Longshot: Saturday, Suffolk Downs Race 8: Caramel's Express (10-1) [Results: Final odds 8.30, ran 4/7]...; [Posted July 16, 2004 2:20 PM]; ---

Claiming Crown Contest Opens: The NTRA's Claiming Crown contest opens tonight at 7:00 p.m. It's free, and the top three finishers will win spots in the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship in Las Vegas next January. Get: Claiming Crown entries, from Equibase; past performances, from the Daily Racing Form....; [Posted July 15, 2004 10:05 AM]; ---

Steppin' Up: Today, Belmont Race 5: Steppin Shoot (5-1) [Results: Final odds 8.50, paid $4.70 to show]...; [Posted July 15, 2004 8:20 AM]; ---

One for the Turf: Monday, Suffolk Downs Race 10: International City (3-1) [Results: Final odds 4.00, paid $3.40 to place]...; [Posted July 11, 2004 11:00 AM]; ---

Speedy Pick: Saturday, Calder Race 11, The Princess Rooney Handicap (G2): Lady Tak (2-1) [Results: Final odds 2.90, paid $2.10 to show. I did a bit better at Suffolk today, betting on Spectacular Deal in race four -- odds 3.20, paid $8.40 to win.]...; [Posted July 9, 2004 4:55 PM]; ---

Zoom!: The fifth Calder Summit of Speed this Saturday promises to be the best yet. With Caller One returning from a two year layoff in the two furlong $50,000 Rocket Man Stakes; Bear Fan and Lady Tak expected in the $500,000 Princess Rooney Handicap; and Valid Video and My Cousin Matt, the second and third place finishers in the James Moseley Handicap at Suffolk Downs June 19, appearing in the $500,000 Smile Sprint Handicap, the card is bursting with some of the nation's most exciting-to-watch speedsters (Daily Racing Form)....; [Posted July 6, 2004 8:00 PM]; ---

For You!: Today, Belmont Race 5: Hermione's Magic (3-1) [Results: Final odds 1.75, paid $5.50 to win] Monday, Suffolk Downs Race 9: Roshneti (5-2) [Results: Final odds 3.30, paid $2.20 to show]...; [Posted July 4, 2004 9:00 AM]; ---

Super Saturday: It's the NTRA's big Pick 4 this weekend, linking some of the most important stakes races happening in the country this Saturday. Free analysis can be had from NTRA. Those with online subscriptions to the Daily Racing Form can check out Mike Watchmaker and Jay Hovdey for a few picks and strategy. [Results: "NTRA Pick 4 pays $7,879" (Daily Racing Form)]...; [Posted July 2, 2004 1:32 PM]; ---

Late-Day Action: Saturday, Suffolk Downs Race 10: Dancing Colors (3-1) -- an Irish filly, shipped in by trainer Christophe Clement? Probably not coming up for the exercise. [Results: Scratched] Related: "New Yorkers make trip for Oaks" (Daily Racing Form)....; [Posted July 2, 2004 11:35 AM]; ---

$2 to Win: Today, Belmont Race 2: Ace's Cappella (4-1) [Results: Final odds 3.50, paid $9.00 to win]...; [Posted June 30, 2004 8:00 AM]; ---

My Own Private Favorite: Wednesday, Suffolk Downs Race 7: Ascot Doll (5-1) never looks like much on paper, which is good for the bettors who follow this 10-year-old gelding. His last two wins have been at great prices (18-1, 28-1). As he's dropping a smidge in class from his last two outs to almost the level of his last win, he's not likely to go to post at such high odds this time. Still, he might just warrant a bet here. [Results: Final odds 8.10, ran 6/9. And he looked marvelous doing it. What a horse!] --- 5/27/05 Addendum: Ascot Doll was retired this...; [Posted June 29, 2004 9:15 AM]; ---

He Could Be a Contender: Saturday, Suffolk Downs Race 5: Aleyeska (3-1) [Results: Final odds 1.80, ran 5/8]...; [Posted June 25, 2004 6:05 PM]; ---

An Intriguing Possibility: Today, Belmont Race 6: Crafty Player (4-1) [Results: Final odds 8.20, ran 4/8]...; [Posted June 24, 2004 9:10 AM]; ---

For Consideration: Today, Suffolk Downs Race 3: Come to Pass (8-1) is returning from a layoff -- not often a good sign -- but he's trained by Ronald Dandy, ridden by Josiah Hampshire, and it looks like the only real competition in this race is Tejano Couture. Certainly worth considering for exotics, if not a win. [Results: Final odds 5.80, ran 5/5. Oops -- Tejano Couture did well ($3.80 to win), but Come to Pass ran dead last. After a long layoff, that's not entirely unexpected, and I'd say he rates a second look in his next race, as he ran quite...; [Posted June 23, 2004 6:55 AM]; ---

Good Bets: Today, Suffolk Downs Race 6: Way West Dolly (6-1) [Results: Final odds 2.40, paid $6.80 to win] Wednesday, Belmont Race 5: Kitty Knight (3-1) [Scratched]...; [Posted June 22, 2004 9:07 AM]; ---

Offlee Wild Masscap Win: With a morning line value of 15-1, it was something of a surprise to see Offlee Wild's odds settle at 3-1 in yesterday's MassCap. "Somebody knew something" (Boston Globe). Somebody -- make that a lot of somebodies -- knew the horse was ready for a big win. Alas, I was wasn't one of them, having backed third-place finisher The Lady's Groom, but the exciting ">three-way duel at the end took the sting out of losing....; [Posted June 20, 2004 9:20 AM]; ---

More MassCap: Funny Cide at 8-5 is tomorrow's favorite, but my money will be on The Lady's Groom, at 8-1. He's sure to be the early speed, on a track that's been favoring just that lately. Elsewhere: "Funny Cide seeks boost in confidence" (Daily Racing Form) and Baffert seeks a check (Boston Globe)....; [Posted June 18, 2004 2:43 PM]; ---

MassCap!: Post positions for this Saturday's $500,000 Grade 2 Massachusetts Handicap at Suffolk Downs have been drawn. Bob Baffert expresses some surprise at the size of the field and Barclay Tagg grouses about Funny Cide's outside post in today's Daily Racing Form. It'll be almost as much fun to see these guys on Saturday as it will be to see their horses....; [Posted June 17, 2004 8:40 AM]; ---

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