Super Saver and Calvin Borel winning at Churchill in the Kentucky Jockey Club (ChurchillDowns)

There aren’t too many shots of 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver over at flickr at the moment (unless you count images of yarn)… I suppose that will all change soon enough!

It was another stellar ride by Borel, and yes, Super Saver was my pick!

Congrats to the connections, and see you in two weeks!

LOL at the guy who yells “briiiing it!!” right before the race starts. Could have been one of the owners of Homeboykris?

If you’re one of the many people scouring the internet for last minute ideas on Kentucky Derby wagering strategy or you’re looking for 2010 Kentucky Derby picks, or perhaps you’re looking to learn more about the 2010 Kentucky Derby Contenders or just learn about horse racing… this is not the post for you. Good thing there are plenty of other places for you to find for that sort of thing!

After yesterday’s bloodbath I’ve rebounded a little today picking Sheryl’s Melody. I also liked winner Zimmer but played him with the incorrectly named Win It. So far, with the exception of Zimmer (with Bo-rail aboard), winners have been a little wide on the track but when asked about no one is saying it’s because the rail is dead. Needless to say I’ll be keeping an eye on it. Also interesting is that it’s been all front runners and stalkers so far… closers haven’t been able to get there yet.

With no dime supers I feel a little bit like my super power (har har) has been stripped away. I was on a super streak at Gulfstream a few weeks that put me considerably up for the year. Not something I get to say often! If things keep heading in the same direction that won’t be the case by the end of the day… such is life!

And feast your eyes on the genius of Blind Luck and Evening Jewel… what a race:

Best of luck to everyone today, and let’s hope everyone stays safe. Don’t forget to check those Kentucky Derby Odds!

Will he be the one? (defekto)

In recent years I waxed tweentastic over the impending Derby hopefuls. This year, whether it’s due to a inevitable let down from the likes of Rachel Alexandra’s 3-year-old campaign or the fact that I’ve been the equivalent of an exchange student spending all my time on Hello Race Fans, I’m having a little trouble focusing on finding a date.

With the advent of the Derby Prep Alert where I covered Santa Anita, I’m leaning more towards the surfer dudes this year… let’s see if they can hang ten.

Um, no one?

Ok, if you totally twisted my arm I might, MIGHT say Caracortado. Cool name, right? And hey, who doesn’t like a cute a guy from the wrong side the tracks who can totally hang with in-crowd? And who cares if he lost the San Felipe, he went way wide and totally ran well. Likewise for the Santa Anita Derby, Lookin at Lucky isn’t the only one that stupid Skipshot messed with. I know, I know, he’s probably doesn’t have enough earnings to get in the gate, but if he did…

Super Saver:

The more I think about it, the more this guy could creep into my heart as my date for the big dance. He had dreamy 2-year-old form and already rocked at Churchill. If he trains well he might be my date. Did I mention that he’s reunited with one Mr. Calvin Borel, aka the king of Churchill Downs? While some think he hung in the Arkansas Derby (ok, he hung), it’s not Line of David is going to be the only speed horse this year… duh, someone’s gotta pick up the pieces!

Sidney’s Candy:

See, I’m totally all about the Cali boys this year… weird! Besides being named after candy, he can really turn it on and smoke ’em in the stretch. Does his totally rad running style hinder him what with all the other speedy types? Maybe.

Rule:

He was my pick for awhile, and don’t tell my friends, but he STILL might be my pick. I wish he could rate, but no one’s perfect, right? Fingers crossed that he just needed to get a clunker out of the way… he’s been doing so well! I’d rather see him bomb during practice than on game night (or afternoon in this case)

Lookin at Lucky:

At first I was like:

“Yeah, you’re kinda cool and weren’t you something last year? While everyone is busy telling you how great you look I’ll be home washing my hair, but thanks!”

But now I’m like:

“You know, now that you’ve messed up a little, learned a few things, I think you could turn out ok. You know what it’s like to think everything’s all “clear sailing” and then have something go wrong. I think that experience could serve you well… but don’t get too cocky dude, you might mess up again!

Setsuko:

You’ve got the right moves to show up in style and surprise everyone on the big day… everyone but me! Too bad you probably won’t make it in the gate, maybe I’ll see you in the Preakness?

Endorsement:

I know, you’re probably gonna be an underlay because you’re from the same hometown as last year’s winner but I still think you’re pretty interesting. And it would be totally rad if your trainer were the first woman trainer to win the Derby!

Hi, it’s me, Constance… and I’d like to take my girlfriend to the prom. And not some fake ass prom either! We all know Hollendorfer likes to win and I’ve heard that your connections are kind of conservative so you’re likely going to the Oaks (which is hot all by itself!), but damn you would be hot in the Derby! Damn!

Eskendereya:

See my original thought about Lookin at Lucky minus last year. And compared to everyone else he looks like he’s about 25, gross! Yeah, he’s won easy, but what’s he gonna do when he gets in traffic or has a challenge? Maybe he’ll win easily, but I’ll just have to wait and see.

Jackson Bend:

Sure, you’re cute, but so are a lot of other guys.

Ice Box:

Just because you show up once and do a good job doesn’t mean I want to go to the dance with you. Pffft.

Mission Impaziable:

I like your jock! Ew, gross… that wasn’t what I meant, duh! As I was saying, of all the guys milling around trying to look cool, I think you’ve got the most goin’ on. But being king of the dorks isn’t really all that great now is it?

Stately Victor:

Ok, “Stately Victory”, let’s you do that again.

Conveyance:

Pssst. Yeah, you. I actually think you’re kinda hot. But I think you like to dance to fast and will want to go home before it’s over. Too bad…

American Lion:

I totally used to make fun of you, but I think after all that brou-ha-ha about you being some big deal, you actually did step up to the plate and show us what you’re made of it. I think your running style might work out well but am not convinced about that bunch you beat. But way to go on finally coming into your own!

Dublin:

Blah, blah, blah, excuses. Blah, blah, excuses. Whatever. (Although your trainer is pretty sneaky… maybe I should keep my eye on you, hmmmm).

Discreetly Mine:

I’m sorry, have we met? Oh right, Louisiana. I’m sure I’ll see you over the summer or maybe in the fall in some spots where your running style can help me cash some tickets but until then best of luck!

Dean’s Kitten:

Meow! I could say your name all day… but is that enough?

Awesome Act:

Dude, your act was totally not awesome when that froggy jock strangled the bejesus out of you in Wood Memorial. If I were you I’d be pissed!

Homeboykris:

Didn’t you move or something? You’ve been around less than me… and I’ve been an exchange student!

I may also try to do my old standard, fun with Derby names too, but I think it might be a lot harder to come up with an *&^% &*& pick six this year! Until then, there’s always Kentucky Derby Betting (dollar, dollar bill y’all!) and don’t forget to check out the 2010 Kentucky Derby contenders on Horse Racing Nation!

Flanders crushing in the Frizette (Jason Moran)

Sad news today that at some point this month, 1994 Champion Juvenile Filly Flanders was euthanized due to complications from a paddock incident. Glad that Paulick brought us this news but why are we just finding out?

I don’t have enough time to do Flanders justice with a well researched post but I encountered her when I did my 1994 series. She easily made her way to the top of my “favorite horses I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing” (also including Landaluce, Cigar, and Pebbles to name a few).

Here are all of her replays from YouTube… enjoy her brief but brilliant career:

1994 Maiden Race:

1994 Spinaway:

1994 Matron:

1994 Frizette:

1994 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies:

Rest in peace, and here’s hoping we see that Bernadini colt.

(Sarah K. Andrew)

Let’s not kid ourselves, in some cases we prep as much as the Derby contenders do. Don’t believe me? Then feast your eyes on these two weeny-tastic derby spreadsheets:

Jessica’s “Prep and historical criteria applied to Kentucky Derby winners and the top three finishers 1998-2009“. If that’s not some serious prep work, I don’t know what is.

Kevin’s recent addition of top three finishers in each of the four major Derby preps since 1952. Done in accordance with his excellent Measuring the Kentucky Derby preps, 1952-2009, this is some fine, fine data compilation!

No doubt there are other examples out there as well, but these ought to get you started if you’re looking to do some prep work of your own.

(NYRA Photo)

If you’re somewhere that doesn’t resemble the inside of a snow globe, good for you…. everyone else stay warm and safe!

You could take this opportunity to read over the Oaks nominations or ruminate on the increasing percentage of winning favorites, yikes!

Caracortado, making them say hello to his little friend (creepy_coyote)

My apologies for the tumbleweeds around here, all my focus has been on producing the weekly Derby Prep Alert and working on the new Hello Race Fans site, set to launch mid-march. Both are going well! Make sure you join our Road to the Roses league… we’ll have prizes of some sort, to be announced later. (League Identifier: 2284973203 / Activation Code: 2579942896).

But in the meantime there are Derby contenders being searched, and traffic to be had… so here we go!

The only 3-year-old I have an official crush on so far is Tiffany Lass/Silverbulletday winner Jody Slew. Partially because I loved that the owners thought they had a turf horse and entered her in the Tiffany Lass just to keep her fit, only to have her surprise the hell out of them and win, but also because she shares a sire with one of my all time favorites, Lava Man. I’ve also got my fingers crossed that we’ll see her on synthetics at some point as there’s a good chance that she could become a graded stakes Omnisurface Star!

Look her in the Silverbulletday, all heart!

Whoops, sorry… on to the 2010 Kentucky Derby contenders!

I know everyone’s gone mad for Eskendereya, and I was impressed too, but given that there are plenty of front runners who have already proven that they can duel after setting decent fractions, I’ll take a wait and see approach to the flirty Alexandrian dance.

The wait and see approach has worked out well for me with Buddy’s Saint. You may remember that I wasn’t as jazzed as some about his Remsen and I stand my ground. Yes he had rough trip and shut down early, but I would preferred to see him show at least a little something. Again, waiting and seeing.

In the “jazzed about” column I have Rule, who has proven that not only he can duel in the lane, but he can do it while pressured on the front end for the entire race… twice! I know there are some who don’t think much of either Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes or the Sam F. Davis for that matter, but I like what I’ve seen so far… a lot. He’s the closest thing I have going to a crush for the Derby.

Maximus Ruler is another I like but I’m a bit concerned that he had to miss the Risen Star. If all goes well he’ll go back to work this week and target the Louisiana Derby. Fingers crossed for him that all will go well.

I have no opinion of Looking at Lucky yet, but of the Californians I do really like Caracortado, Conveyance and Sidney’s Candy. Of the three I like Scarface the best (Caracortado), he was visually impressive in the Robert B. Lewis, looking like an old pro stalking the pace and pouncing with authority.

Conveyance took to dirt rather nicely and looked a bit more mature than last out when he was gawking at the stands down the lane. Can he sustain that speed going longer, if Dublin (who I also like!) would have gotten to him could he have repelled his bid? All this and more I’m not sure of, but I like what I see!

With so many front-running contenders so far this year, it makes me wonder if Ron the Greek has more of a shot than his Risen Star sixth place finish indicates. Had he had a decent pace to run at could he have repeated his LeComte performance? I’m reserving judgment on him as well. I also count Tempted to Tapit as a horse of interest. I thought he was going to be able to catch Discreetly Mine (as did my losing wager on him), perhaps there will be some gate works in his future.

And last but not least, there’s Blind Luck… who I also have a crush on! (and didn’t remember until just now). My guess is that her performance in the Santa Anita Oaks will determine if she tries the Derby trail or not. Either way, I like!

I hope to be back with some regularity after the HRF launch in a few weeks…

After the year we had last year, with fillies and mares stepping up in open company, it’s no wonder I was contacted by a reader who wanted to share her account of a similar scenario she witnessed first-hand 51 years ago. It was the 1959 San Antonio Handicap at Santa Anita and the filly in question was Bug Brush.

Stablemate of the 1959 champion 3-year-old filly Silver Spoon, the only other filly besides Winning Colors (1988) and Ciencia (1939) to win the Santa Anita Derby, it seems that perhaps Bug Brush was to Silver Spoon as Life is Sweet is Zenyatta (with the exception that Bug Brush won in open company, twice!). There’s no shortage of information readily available about Hall of Famer Silver Spoon but digging up info on Bug Brush required the purchase of the 1960 American Racing Manual (not that I minded).

As a 3-year-old, Bug Brush won the 1958 Kentucky Oaks and placed in the Ashland. In addition to winning the San Antonio, the Robert L. Wheeler trainee additionally won the Inglewood Handicap (also in open company), Margarita Handicap, Las Flores Handicap, Santa Monica Handicap, Sequoia Handicap as a 4-year-old.

There’s not much mention of the San Antonio that I could track down and certainly no available replay. The authoress of the post contacted Santa Anita to see if an replay could made available but did not hear back. Star was 15 when she wrote this account! Getting more interested in dressage as she grew up, she now only keeps tab on the Triple Crown.

There aren’t any fillies or mares entered in this year’s San Antonio this Sunday at Santa Anita, but Star’s account is likely to make you feel like you just witnessed the 1959 rendition! Many thanks to Star for sharing this excellent eye-witness account of a great piece of racing history… I’ll follow this post up shortly with some more interesting tidbits about Bug Brush and her stellar 4-year-old campaign but until then, enjoy!

Victory and Defeat

By Star White

The following account describes the most exciting race I have ever seen, the 1959 San Antonio Handicap at Santa Anita. I watched it on TV when I was 15. I had to write it down that same day. I have been unable to find a film of it, so I want to publish this account of it.

The sun shone dimly on the twelve sleekly groomed Thoroughbreds standing in the paddock at Santa Anita Park. The fans were diligently studying the racing form and sizing up the various horses. Their favorite, the bay colt Hillsdale, was a long, muscular horse with an unusually calm, even disposition. The people were very fond of their local hero. He had never been defeated at Santa Anita and had won six races in succession. The San Antonio Handicap was his attempt at seven straight victories. Terrang, the classy brown stallion, was second choice. Seaneen, Bug Brush, Whodunit and Fleet Nasrullah also rated consideration. Bug Brush was the only filly in the field. She had easily won her last three starts running against fillies. She had never been up against colts before. Because of her recent victories, she was given second high weight, Hillsdale carrying two pounds more (considering the 5 lb. allowance given fillies). Few people thought she could give weight to her field and still go the distance of a mile and one-eighth. She was considered a sprinter. She attracted little notice from the crowd while she stood in her stall. In the shadows her bay coat did not shine and she appeared rather unattractive and sleepy.

The call “Riders up” sounded, and the jockeys mounted their charges. The horses were nervous, milling around and bumping into each other in their excited confusion. With all the fire locked inside of them they could not keep still. Fleet Nasrullah anxiously tossed his head and occasionally reared, nearly unseating his jockey. Hillsdale was the only one that remained calm.

The bugle blared out “Boots and Saddles”, inviting the twelve runners onto the track. It was then that the people noticed Bug Brush. Their first impression, that she was unattractive, was dispelled at once. When she moved, her muscles rippling gracefully under the bright shiny red of her coat, she radiated grace and femininity. She pranced down the track reminding one of a doe. “Poetry in motion” could well describe her rhythmic gait. Hillsdale, in contrast to her, was the picture of strength and masculinity. His muscular shoulders and hindquarters betrayed his power.

As the twelve neared the starting gate, their tension and excitement increased. Fleet Nasrullah was giving his jockey trouble – kicking and balking when urged forward. Terrang broke out in a sweat. Seaneen, the golden chestnut, started “walking on eggs”. Eventually they were all in the gate, their nerves now strung as tightly as possible. The gate flung open and instantly the nervousness transformed into speed and power as each horse tried to beat the others out of the gate. The high-strung Fleet Nasrullah led, with Bug Brush right behind him and Jewel’s Reward and Hillsdale following her.

As the pack swung around the clubhouse turn, Fleet Nasrullah went wide, forcing Bug Brush out with him. Hillsdale was a stayer, the type that runs off the pace and then charges to a driving finish at the end. Fleet Nasrullah and Bug Brush were sprinters. Sprinters lead at the start forcing the pace, then give way to the stretch runners if the distance is much over a mile. Hillsdale was saving ground on the rail as Fleet Nasrullah and Bug Brush broke the quarter together in a sizzling :22 2/5 seconds. Going into the back stretch it was still Fleet Nasrullah, Bug Brush and Hillsdale heads apart. They ran the half mile in :45 1/5 seconds.

The crowd thought certainly the two pace-setters would break under such a strain. To their surprise, Bug Brush increased her speed going into the far turn to challenge Fleet Nasrullah. She pulled up along side him and as she began to draw ahead, Fleet Nasrullah weakened and dropped back. Terrang, the other notable stretch runner in the field, now made his move to challenge the plucky filly and the still contending Hillsdale. They finished the three-quarters in the fantastic time of 1:09 3/5 minutes. Bug Brush was leading by a head over Hillsdale when the two decided to shake the menacing Terrang by piling on still more speed. Into the stretch the two ran as though glued together. The crowd was now intensely excited. They expected the filly to tire and fall back. She could not possibly keep up such a speed for the entire distance.

Hillsdale’s jockey was driving hard with the whip even though it was incredible to expect any more speed from him. But the game Hillsdale was not about to bow to a filly as he pushed himself to a greater speed. He gained on the filly, edging ahead of her. Now he was leading by a head, his bettors cheering him on with wild enthusiasm. But their cheers changed to a gasp as the filly, instead of folding, gathered herself up again and poured on more speed than any of the 49,000 fans had ever seen before. Again the filly took the lead. They were now half-way down the stretch, but Hillsdale would not quit. For all his power, the blistering speed was taking its toll on him. He was perspiring heavily as he forced himself to a speed he had never realized before. He inched his way up on the filly with forceful, heavy strides and heaving sides. Again he passed her by a nose. Again she responded to his challenge by lunging forward with the last burst of speed in her. She overtook him in the last sixteenth and dashed over the finish line three-quarters of a length in front of the exhausted Hillsdale. Terrang, running as fast as he could, was a good five lengths behind.

Although the crowd had lost money by the filly’s victory, they screamed their cheers with all the enthusiasm one gives a victorious general. She came to the winner’s circle hot and tired, but with her head held high, prancing in that same perky, rhythmic manner so characteristic of her. The cheering began to die down until the tote board flashed the time for the mile and an eighth: 1:46 2/5 minutes. A new world record! Again the 49,000 exploded into excited cheering and flung hats and programs into the air. The filly had not only conquered the great Hillsdale, but had outdone the immortal Swaps – former holder of the world record.

Indeed, Bug Brush was on every one’s lips that day and all eyes followed her as she was led back to the stables with the wreath of roses draped over her neck. Yet, a few did not forget the one-time people’s favorite, Hillsdale. His accomplishment was less evident. He did not have the physical ability to beat Bug Brush that day, but it took a heart like his to push the spunky filly to a world record breaking speed. He was walking back slowly, sweat stuck to his coat and froth coming from his mouth and nostrils, but he still had the proud “Look of the Eagles” in his eyes. For, “in great attempts, it is glorious even to fail.”

(Manitoba Museum of Finds Art)

Just a quick poll to let you all know I haven’t ended up a kill pen or shipped to Japan. Looking at recent headlines, I wonder which is more likely, Santa Anita going back to dirt or Rachel vs. Zenyatta?

Discuss…

Thanks for all who participated in the Most Fan Friendly Change of 2009 poll. BC saddle cloth went wire to wire but almost got nipped by Free Historical Charts while Track Signals in HD turned in a respectable performance. Let’s hope 2010 follows suite in the fan friendly changes dept!

(Jason Moran)

Perhaps you were my favorite racing year so far (2006 – 2009)…. on to 2010!