Downhill Turf Course at Santa Anita (Charles Pravata)

There’s a whole helluva lot of racing this weekend! It’s somewhat head spinning. In addition to Derby and Oaks preps (really interested to see Country Star vs. Proud Spell in the Ashland) there’s a ton of action at all levels. So much so that I’m going to try to get a start on some handicapping tonight.

Until then, I just wanted to point that I’ve seen Thor’s Echo on the work tab a couple of times!

Here’s what I’ve been able to dig up at NTRA (while admittedly not digging too hard for lack of time):

2006 Eclipse Award winner for Outstanding Sprinter. Purchased privately by the Maktoum family for an undisclosed price at the beginning of the year. After two losing efforts in Dubai, he returned to Doug O’Neill’s Hollywood Park barn in May. Following surgery in August to remove a bone chip in a hind ankle, will be given time off and will point toward an ’08 campaign.

He’s a total sentimental favorite of mine as I had him to win in the 2006 Breeders’ Cup. This was not only my first Breeders’ Cup but it was the height of my “oh my god, I love horse racing and all I want to do is handicap” fever. Not like it’s gone away, it’s just more under control (I think).