Paynter: Story behind Story

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY - PAYNTER AND THE  VOX POPULI AWARD

Today's presentation of the Secretariat Vox Populi award to a horse who only a few short months ago looked like he wouldn't even be alive seemed almost anti-climactic!

It has been one thing after another!

First, the owners of the horse had planned to be on hand to meet the plane bringing their horse back to his trainer, Bob Baffert, in California.  This would have been a huge celebration in and of itself, but also, the owners wanted to be on hand in person to receive the coveted Secretariat Vox Populi award.  At the last minute on Friday, Justin Zayat, the son and racing manager for Zayat Stables sent their regrets, that they would be unable to attend the ceremonies because his father had fallen and sprained his ankle.  He thanked all who voted for Paynter and all who had been instrumental in his even being on the ballot. 

Other plans were changed as well.  The Secretariat Vox Populi Award was presented by Penny Chenery's son today at Santa Anita, as she is under the weather. 

Somehow, these events and details seem mundane when presented next to what has happened to bring us to this point in the story of a brave horse by the name of Paynter!

Cinder(f)ella

CINDER(F)ELLA!

Updated 12-21-2012
Mucho Macho Man finished out 2012 with two of his best races although coming in second in both:  the G1 Woodward, where he lost by a neck to To Honor and Serve Woodward 2012 Video Replay, and the G1 Breeders Cup Classic, which he lost to Fort Larned by a 1/2 neck.  Breeders Cup Classic 2012 Video Replay  In most write-ups about the Classic, it was said that MMM ran a winning race, and it was probably his best effort.  Throughout 2012, he never ran out of the money, starting 6 times, winning 3, placing second twice, and a third.

Video replays:
Suburban Handicap - July 7, 2012
Gulfstream Park Handicap - March 10, 2012
Sunshine Millions Classic - January 28, 2012

It was announced today that Mucho Macho Man will launch his 2013 campaign as it began earlier this year, with the Sunshine Millions Classic.  In the 2012 renewal, MMM beat Ron the Greek in a 1 1/2 length triumph.  Read more...

Mucho Macho Man has notched career earnings of $2.3 Million, with  18 starts, finishing first in 6, second in 5, and third in 4, with an admirable 83% in-the-money percentage.  Because of his late foaling date, June 15, while he will technically turn 5 in January, his biological age is just under 4 1/2!

Updated August 29, 2012

High-fives from Dean Reeves, owner, and Mike Smith
on Suburban Handicap win, July 7, 2012
(from MMM's Facebook page)

June 15 was Mucho Macho Man's 4th birthday!  This 17.3 hands colt was not much more than a baby when he ran the entire 2011 Derby prep season and completed all three Triple Crown races!

Last year, the story about Mucho Macho Man was the feel-good story of the entire Derby prep season.  From when he was born on Father's Day, June 15, 2008, and they thought he was dead, to his trainer's miraculous brush with death and her heart transplant about the same time, to his breeder's sale of his dam and getting her back -- there are so many heroic aspects to the story of this horse, it's really hard not to root for him.

After a 2-month layoff following his Derby prep season and being only one of 3 horses to complete all three Triple Crown races (a respectable 3rd in the Derby), Mucho Macho Man took a well-deserved couple of months off.  The Village People's favorite horse started back in training in August of 2011.   While it likely didn't change the outcome, he was bumped pretty severely right after coming out of the gate in the Belmont, pushing him over into Animal Kingdom.  He had not raced since the Belmont until the Allowance race, #9 at Aqueduct on Wednesday, Nov. 9. 

A compilation of stories, videos and other race replays appears below.

Pleasantly Perfect

PLEASANTLY PERFECT, b. 1998, didn't do much at all until he was 4 years old. It took him 4 tries to break his maiden, as a four year old, also winning a Grade 2. Then, at 5, he won the Breeders Cup Classic and the Goodwood, with a third in the San Antonio. At 6, he won the Dubai World Cup, the Pacific Classic and the San Antonio, ran second in the San Diego H., and a third in the Breeders Cup Classic. His bankroll when it was all said and done was a tidy sum of $7.8 Million!

He is the daddy of Nonios, Cozi Rosie, My Adonis, Rapid Redux, Setsuko, and his most successful offspring in the U.S. is a daughter, Shared Account, who earned $1.6 Million over two seasons. Retired at the end of 2011, she was booked to Bernardini.

Tough, durable, he is the son of Pleasant Colony who in 1981 won the KY Derby, the Preakness, the Wood, and the Woodward, all Grade 1 races, losing horse of the year honors to John Henry! (Yours truly was on hand for the 1981 Kentucky Derby, as well as the 1980 Kentucky Derby when the filly, Genuine Risk won.  There is a slide show of my trip to see these two races and many of the photos on this blog header are from my trips.)

Who wouldn't want to have a foal from this family? His great grandaddy on his sire's side is the great Ribot; his dam's sire is none other than the last Triple Crown winner, Affirmed. He has no inbreeding through the fifth generation. And this lovely guy stands at Lane's End for a paltry $10,000!

I should have titled this piece, "I just don't get it," because I absolutely just do not get why any buyer would want a yearling or two year old with champagne glass legs, a career that might last 12 months, total, and bypass a chance at a horse that would bring you nothing but sheer fun and joy watching him grow and develop into a mature, race-winning machine!!! This just shows how short-sighted today's buyers are, looking only for the early-maturing, fragile, youngsters that might make it through one season, and then poof, off to the breeding shed to breed more of the same. If I win the lottery, the very first thing I want to do is try to buy one of PP's youngsters and send him/her to Mr. Patience, John Shirreffs! I think that would be nirvana for me!

2003 BREEDERS CUP CLASSIC
Watch as Pleasantly Perfect comes from mid-pack to mow down the leaders, Medaglia d'Oro and Congaree, and win by daylight!

DUBAI WORLD CUP - 2004
Pleasantly Perfect and Medaglia battle it out once again in the stretch for a near-photo finish!


2004 PACIFIC CLASSIC
Pleasantly Perfect once again kicks in with a late run to sail over the finish line in front by daylight!

LET'S GO TO THE RACES!
OCTOBER 5 THRU OCTOBER 8

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!) 

NOTE:   AFTER A RACE HAS BEEN RUN, you can return here, click on the CARD to view the Results and watch a REPLAY. 

www.FollowHorseRacing.com

www.helloracefans.com/

www.cleanhorseracing.com

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GOOD NEWS FOR PAYNTER! 
Received word last night that Paynter has come through beautifully the final "leg" of his journey, hopefully, to a return to full health!

Excerpt from report on Paynter: "Today (Thursday) Paynter is doing well. His appetite is great. He is constantly trying to get his veterinarians and nurses to give him more food! He is getting quite demanding and will only let us work on him if he has something to eat in front of him. We hope to have him back on full feed by tomorrow (Friday). His IV fluids have been discontinued and one of his IV catheters has been removed. While complications can still develop, we are very happy with his progress at this point."

Link to view full Press Release

Also, here is Steve Haskin's tribute to this amazing horse:  Profile in Courage

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HERE WE GO AGAIN!!! 

If you thought last weekend was hectic, with ten Grade 1 races in one day, you had better strap yourself in, because this weekend will feel like a roller coaster ride!

If you live in the U.S., you will have to get up early Sunday to catch the races at Longchamp in Paris!  In the U.S. the 7 Group 1 races start off at 6:55 a.m. EDT (12:55 p.m. Paris time) with the Prix de l'Abbaye.  The premier race, the PRIX de l'ARC de TRIOMPHE is slated to go off at 9:25 a.m. EDT.  Daily Racing Form is on board for a free live stream of the event for American viewers without premier services, like TVG, or TwinsSpires (online), or HRTV. 

You will definitely need a scorecard to keep up with all of the racing action taking place this weekend, starting on Friday, October 5, and winding up on Monday, October 8!  In the U.S., there are a total of  9 Grade 1 races and 10 Breeders Cup Challenge races.  This doesn't include the overseas action with 7 Group 1 races in Paris at Longchamp! For a complete rundown on all of the racing action, we have put the major races in a time-ordered list format for ease of tracking.  In addition, we have even put the entries in time ordered format as well.  You can print these out and use them to assist you in whatever way you wish. Here are the links:

Time ordered LIST of races - click here
Time ordered ENTRIES - click here

Also, if you do not have regular service, either through your TV or your computer, to watch the live action, here are links you may want to try:

FREE STREAMING SERVICES
DRF Live Streaming Saturday card Keeneland - click here
DRF Live Streaming Santa Anita Saturday Card - click here
DRF Live Streaming full Sunday card for Longchamp (Arc) - click here
Arc available on RUK Freeview - click here

Note: TwinSpires can take you around the world to watch races from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Great Britain/Ireland, Australia.  You do have to sign up and set up an account, however, you will never be pushed to wager.  Best free online viewing experience for horse racing:  https://www.twinspires.com/tv/

TCI Insider VIDEO - Jon and Joel talk about the races this weekend
Mike Watchmaker's Weekend Warrior
Breeders Cup - Contenders

DON'T FORGET:  Even if you can't watch the U.S. races live, you can come back here after the race has run, click on the CARD listed under the race, and watch a REPLAY!  Let's go to the races!

Races in time ordered format with cards below.

LET'S GO TO THE RACES!
September 28-30

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!) 

NOTE:   AFTER A RACE HAS BEEN RUN, you can return here, click on the CARD to view the Results and watch a REPLAY. 

www.FollowHorseRacing.com

www.helloracefans.com/

www.cleanhorseracing.com

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12 NOON PDT/3:00 EDT

www.Zenyatta.com will be live-streaming the festivities at Santa Anita Park, courtesy of HRTV.  According to the announcement at Zenyatta web site, the feed will be posted this evening, with the ceremony happening tomorrow at 12 pm PDT/3:00 EDT.  

Q&A with Sculptress Nina Kaiser on the Zenyatta statue

Simple LIST of races, time ordered format:  Click here
ENTRIES, time ordered format: Click here

FLASH:  SANTA ANITA SUPER SATURDAY - DRF LIVE STREAM - click here

TCI Insider - VIDEO - Jon and Joel, along with Ed DeRosa, handicap Saturday's big day
Mike Watchmaker's Weekend Warrior, handicaps Saturday big races

Here are the highlights that stand out for me.  To get more in-depth handicapping information, you will find many links here to see what the "experts" have to say.

SUPER SATURDAY:
The BELDAME at Belmont - Several of my favorites are ROYAL DELTA, IT'S TRICKY, and DISPOSABLEPLEASURE, all are talented and each can make the case they could win this Grade 1.  G2 KELSO:  Love several in this race, but the edge goes to SHACKLEFORD, then TO HONOR AND SERVE, and TRICKMEISTER.    G1 VOSBURGH at Belmont:  JUSTIN PHILLIP, FORT LOUDON, SEAN AVERY, THE LUMBER GUY, and the durable, hard-knocking 7 year old CAIXA ELETRONICA, my favorite, will be making his 56th start, after recently winning the Charles Town Classic and the True North Handicap. 

In the JOE HIRSCH TURF CLASSIC, at 1 1/2 mile - LITTLE MIKE gets the edge as he's been winning everything in site this year, including the Grade 1 Arlington Million, the Grade 1 Turf Classic, and the Sunshine Million.  POINT OF ENTRY has also been making his bid for an end of season Eclipse award, with two recent Grade 1s in the Man O' War and the Sword Dancer, and the Elkhorn.  All of these races have been at the 1 1/2 mile distance.  Aidan O'Brien's TREASURE BEACH has shipped in, with Jamie Spencer in the irons.   

Is there anything any bigger than the JOCKEY CLUB GOLD CUP?  Huge race with a 94 year old history behind it and the ghosts of Seattle Slew, Exceller, Affirmed all bringing a heightened excitement to this annual Fall classic.  The following all can make the case they can win:  RON THE GREEK, RULER ON ICE, STAY THIRSTY, FORT LARNED, ATIGUN, and FLAT OUT. 

In the ZENYATTA STAKES (formerly Oak Tree Lady's Secret), I will be pulling for SWITCH, who is the only horse in this race to have run against the race's namesale, Zenyatta.  Switch will be nearing the winding down of her career, and I would love for her to go out winning this big Grade 1.  Others to consider, with some of the connections to Zenyatta also making their bid, include STAR BILLING, who is trained by John Shirreffs; LOVE AND PRIDE, INCLUDE ME OUT, JOYFUL VICTORY, and the Chile sensation, AMANI, trained by Neil Drysdale. 

The G1 AWESOME AGAIN asks the question: Will GAME ON DUDE get back on his winning ways?  Also, RICHARD'S KID (he raced against Zenyatta, remember?) RAIL TRIP, NONIOS (love any of the Pleasantly Perfect progeny); SUGGESTIVE BOY (ARG) could have a say in the outcome.
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DON'T FORGET:  Even if you can't watch the U.S. races live, you can come back here after the race has run, click on the CARD listed under the race, and watch a REPLAY!  Let's go to the races!

Races in time ordered format with cards below.

Saturday, September 22

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!) 

NOTE:   AFTER A RACE HAS BEEN RUN, you can return here, click on the CARD to view the Results and watch a REPLAY. 

www.FollowHorseRacing.com

www.helloracefans.com/

www.cleanhorseracing.com

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HAPPY RETIREMENT, AWESOME GEM!!!

The old man going to green pastures, retiring at 9 after a very successful run. 

  2009 Hawthorne Gold Cup   2010 Hollywood Gold Cup    2011 Longacres Mile

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NOT A LOT OF ACTIVITY BUT some exciting matchups nevertheless on Saturday.

Light fare this weekend, but Parx Racing offers not one, but two $1 Million races Saturday in the Grade 1 COTILLION and Grade 2 PENNSYLVANIA DERBY, as well as a lucrative supporting feature in the $300,000 GALLANT BOB STAKES. There are also rich races Saturday at other tracks that don’t often grab the spotlight, namely the $400,000 Charles Town Oaks and the Grade 3, $200,000 KENT STAKES at Delaware Park. Meanwhile, at Belmont Park, the main event is a good renewal of the Grade 2, $200,000 GALLANT BLOOM HANDICAP.  Read more at source...

TCI - Jon and Joel talk about Saturday's races - VIDEO

Mike Watchmaker's video preview of today's races

DRF's video preview of PA Derby and Cotillion with Mike Beer and Dan Illman

ALPHA and GOLDEN TICKET, the two 3-year-olds colts who dead-heated in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes on Aug. 25 at Saratoga, were both entered on Monday in Saturday’s $1 Million PENNSYLVANIA DERBY at Parx Racing in Philadelphia, headlining a star-studded race card that also includes the first match-up of the 3-year-old fillies QUESTING and MY MISS AURELIA.  The Pennsylvania Derby is one of two million-dollar races on Saturday at Parx, along with the COTILLION, which drew QUESTING and MY MISS AURELIA, last year’s 2-year-old champion filly. While both races have the same purse, the Derby stands out as the better betting race, drawing eight 3-year-olds males, while the presence of Questing and My Miss Aurelia in the Cotillion scared off all but two other fillies.  Read more at source...

Just want a simple LIST of the races, time ordered?  Click here

How about a Time Ordered list with the ENTRIES?    Click here 

DON'T FORGET:  Even if you can't watch the U.S. races live, you can come back here after the race has run, click on the CARD listed under the race, and watch a REPLAY!  Let's go to the races!

Races in time ordered format with cards below.

SEPT. 15-16

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!) 

NOTE:   AFTER A RACE HAS BEEN RUN, you can return here, click on the CARD to view the Results and watch a REPLAY. 

www.FollowHorseRacing.com

www.helloracefans.com/

www.cleanhorseracing.com

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FLASH!  DRF LIVE-STREAMING CARD AT WOODBINE - Click here

                        Includes the Northern Dancer Turf Stakes and the Woodbine Mile with Wise Dan and Cityscape

 Brisnet Past Performances for Woodbine

FLASH!  DRF LIVE-STREAM OF CARD AT FAIRPLEX - Click here

                        Juveniles on display

Just want a simple LIST of the races, time ordered?  Click here

How about a Time Ordered list with the ENTRIES?    Click here 

TWO ST. LEGERS!
CAMELOT will attempt to live up to his heroic name this Saturday when he goes to post to try for something that hasn't been done in Great Britain in 42 years: take home a win in the final leg of the English Triple Crown, the 1 3/4 mile, the GRADE 1 ENGLISH ST. LEGER. Jay Hovdey sets the table for us and gives us a rundown on the rest of the field. Click here. Post time on Saturday will be 10:40 a.m. EDT/3:40 p.m. in GB.

There's another "St. Leger" race being run on Saturday. FAME AND GLORY will be aiming to give the Ballydoyle team a Classic double as he leads nine contenders for Saturday's Gain Horse Feeds IRISH ST. LEGER at the Curragh. Trainer Aidan O'Brien is planning to take a helicopter to the track after watching Triple Crown-seeking Camelot try to complete his hat-trick in the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster.

Not to be confused with the English St. Leger, the IRISH ST. LEGER is 1 3/4 miles and will be run at The Curragh in Ireland on SATURDAY. If you watched Royal Ascot this year in June, amid the din of all the flurry about Black Caviar and Frankel's historic successes, there was a remarkable feat by a little-known horse by the name of SIMENON. At Royal Ascot, Simenon won a marathon of 2 1/2 miles on June 19, and then 4 days later on June 23 won another marathon of 2 3/4 miles! He is "shortening up" (!) in the Irish St. Leger, which is a 1 3/4 mile race. And, he's not even the favorite!

Other notable home-trained contenders include the John Oxx-trained Hartani, who will be ridden by Christophe Lemaire, and Massiyn who represents Michael Halford. Johnny Murtagh had been in line to dash back from Doncaster, where he rides Ursa Major in the Leger, to partner stablemate Royal Diamond in the Irish equivalent but Niall McCullagh has now been booked to ride. Steps To Freedom and Shu Lewis complete the line-up.  Post time is 6:05 p.m. local time, or 1:05 p.m. EDT

OTHER ACTION includes the Grade 1 GARDEN CITY on Saturday at Belmont, and Sunday is WOODBINE MILE and NORTHERN DANCER TURF, both Grade 1 races at Woodbine.  A simple list of races as well as entries follows.   TCI Insider Video with Jon Cunningham and Joel Siegel  Jon & Joel discuss the Top 5 debutantes in the country leading up to what is an intriguing Breeders' Cup division in 2012 -- the Juvenile Fillies. The boys also recap leading female sprinter Groupie Doll's big comeback last weekend, and take a look at the potential impact this Sunday's Woodbine Mile will have on this year's Breeders' Cup Mile.

NOTE ABOUT PAYNTER:  He's still doing well, he's able to go outside and graze, his feet are comfortable, however, he's not totally out of the woods, yet, so thoughts and prayers are still needed.  He's been a brave boy, and Dr. Larry Bramlage offered some very good words of hope that Paynter may actually be able to return to racing if he continues to improve the way he has been doing. 

DON'T FORGET:  Even if you can't watch the U.S. races live, you can come back here after the race has run, click on the CARD listed under the race, and watch a REPLAY!  Let's go to the races!

TIP:  If you enjoy watching overseas racing action, registration is free at www.AtTheRaces.com and the site has the fastest replay results along with full race cards.  Give it a try.  European races, especially those in Great Britain and Ireland, provide a wider view of the sport.  In Great Britain and other European countries, there are more middle distance and longer races.  In the U.S. a race of 1 1/2 miles is considered a marathon, however, in Great Britain and elsewhere, that is a middle distance race length.  Fully 50% of the races run overseas are over 1 1/4 miles, some as long as nearly 3 miles. 

Races in time ordered format with cards below.

LET'S GO TO THE RACES, SEPT. 8-9

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!) 

NOTE:   AFTER A RACE HAS BEEN RUN, you can return here, click on the CARD to view the Results and watch a REPLAY. 

www.FollowHorseRacing.com

www.helloracefans.com/

www.cleanhorseracing.com

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Best wishes to Paynter for a full recovery.  News has been encouraging in the last couple of days and here's hoping the news continues to be excellent!







Flash!  Saturday:  DRF LIVE STREAMING Super Derby & all races La. Downs - click here
Flash!   Sunday: DRF LIVE STREAMING HASTINGS FULL CARD - Click Here
                                  Watch British Columbia Derby - Hastings Racecourse
                                   Mario Gutierrez will try to win BC Derby for mentor

LOUISIANA SUPER DERBY - Saturday, 6:10 p.m. EDT, and
PRESQUE ISLE MASTERS STAKES - Saturday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
No Grade 1s in the U.S., but some interesting racing fare, nonetheless, with the two major races being the Grade 2 $500,000 SUPER DERBY at Louisiana Downs, and the Grade 2 $400,000 MASTERS STAKES at Presque Isle Downs for fillies and mares, running at 6.5 furlong, all on Saturday. 

Mike Watchmaker with the DRF believes that Fly Lexis Fly is the horse to beat in the Super Derby, even though he's not the favorite.  He covers the other racing action over the weekend, as well.  Mike Watchmaker "Weekend Warrior"

IRISH CHAMPION STAKES - Saturday, 12:45 p.m. EDT
IT'S SNOW FAIRY IN A DUEL OVER NATHANIEL!!  Write-up and video replay - click here

Have to go overseas for some great Grade 1 action, one being the SPRINT CUP at Haygood in Great Britain, where William Buick will ride ORTENSIA, then catch a helicopter ride to Leopardstown in Ireland to ride NATHANIEL in the IRISH CHAMPION STAKES.  Confidence appears to be strong behind Nathaniel for victory in Saturday's mouthwatering clash with Snow Fairy and St Nicholas Abbey in the Group 1 Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes despite trainer John Gosden saying his runner will not be at his peak.  Snow Fairy's jockey Frankie Dettori said he was unsure about how seriously he was planning to take Gosden's comments and bookmakers have followed suit with Ladbrokes shortening the Coral-Eclipse winner to 11-10 favourite (from 5-4), William Hill going 11-10 (from 11-8) and bet365 cutting him to 5-4 (from 11-8) for the race.  Nathaniel, Snow Fairy and St Nicholas Abbey will be joined in the Irish Champion Stakes by Born To Sea, Light Heavy and Daddy Long Legs and Pat Keogh, Leopardstown's chief executive, believes it will be "a race to remember".  He said: "We're delighted with the standard of the field for the Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes this year as it features really exciting horses." 

BRITISH COLUMBIA DERBY - Sunday, 8:10 p.m. EDTThe Grade 3 BRITISH COLUMBIA DERBY at Hastings Race Course, will be live-streamed on DRF (click here) which will include the full card for the day.  This is the "home" course for Mario Gutierrez, who became an overnight star when he rode I'll Have Another to historic wins in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakenss this spring.  Mario will be riding for his mentor, Glen Todd, and hopes to bring home a win for his friend of a race that thus far has eluded him.  The horse, Taylor's Deal, clearly the horse to beat on Sunday, has won three of his four starts this year, including the British Columbia Cup Stellar’s Jay Aug. 6 by a commanding 5 1/4 lengths.  Good luck to Mario and Mr. Todd, along with the trainer, Troy Taylor!

TC Insider - Video  The TCI Boys go on location to Keeneland on the heels of next week's world-renowned September yearling sale. They discuss key races that are sure to have Breeders' Cup implications, and catch up with Taylor Made Sales' Mark Taylor to talk about the wide-ranging impact the upcoming sale has on the Thoroughbred horse racing industry.


Just want a simple LIST of the races, time ordered?  Click here

How about a Time Ordered list with the ENTRIES?    Click here 

DON'T FORGET:  Even if you can't watch the U.S. races live, you can come back here after the race has run, click on the CARD listed under the race, and watch a REPLAY!  Let's go to the races!

Races in time ordered format with cards below.

LET'S GO TO THE RACES AUG 31-SEP 3

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!) 

NOTE:   AFTER A RACE HAS BEEN RUN, you can return here, click on the CARD to view the Results and watch a REPLAY. 

www.FollowHorseRacing.com

www.helloracefans.com/

www.cleanhorseracing.com

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FIVE GRADE 1 RACES  ON TAP! 

Three Grade 1 races Saturday:
FOREGO STAKES

The Forego drew a field of eight that along with SHACKLEFORD includes defending champ JACKSON BEND, an easy 3 1/4-length winner of the race a year ago. But Jackson Bend was involved in a horrific training hours collision that took place on the Oklahoma track two weeks earlier that still leaves his starting status questionable for Saturday.  Read more at source...

WOODWARD  MUCHO MACHO MAN tries to retain his lofty status while STAY THIRSTY and TO HONOR AND SERVE try to regain theirs in the Grade 1, $750,000 Woodward as their connections determine what, if any, factor their horses will be in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, to be run in a mere nine weeks at Santa Anita. Bill Mott, the trainer of To Honor and Serve, believes he has seen a change in his colt since the weather broke. He also noted that To Honor and Serve was successful in the fall of both his 2- and 3-year-old seasons.  Stay Thirsty is 3 for 4 at Saratoga, and his owner, Mike Repole, and trainer Todd Pletcher, were hopeful of making both the Whitney and the Woodward this summer. But Stay Thirsty took some time to recover from the Suburban and thus skipped the Whitney. Pletcher believes the horse’s last two works have shown he is rounding back into form.  Read more at source...

DEL MAR DEBUTANTE, Grade 1 at 7 furlongs for two year old fillies: EXECUTIVEPRIVILEGE, winner of the Aug. 8 Sorrento Stakes (gr. III), will face her most formidable test yet in the seven-furlong Debutante, which includes fast-developing fillies BEHOLDER and MECHAYA, as well as a trio from the Peter Miller barn: HEIR KITTY, MISS EMPIRE, and SPEEDINTHRUCITY. The 62nd running of the Debutante goes as the ninth race on the Saturday card with a planned post time of 6:00 p.m. PDT. Read more at source...
　
On Sunday, the two year old fillies step up in the Grade 1 SPINAWAY: Stonestreet Stables' TEEN PAULINE had the crowd at Saratoga Race Course buzzing when she set a track record in her July 25 debut, running five furlongs in :56.53 seconds and earning a Beyer speed figure of 92. On Sept. 2, the Steve Asmussen-trained runner will contest the 121st running of the $300,000 Spinaway Stakes (gr. I) against six other juvenile fillies. The lineup includes a talented pair from the barn of Todd Pletcher along with Schuylerville Stakes (gr. III) winner SO MANY WAYS. Read more at source...

On Wednesday, Sept. 5, in the Grade 1 DEL MAR FUTURITY, the colts will help close out the meet at Del Mar with the 7 furlong test for 2 year olds. Expected to run are KNOW MORE and CAPO BASTONE. Know More came out of his debut-race victory in the Grade II $150,000 Best Pal Stakes in great shape, according to reports from the O’Neill barn.

Just want a simple list of the races, time ordered?  Click here
How about a Time Ordered list with the Entries?    Click here 

DON'T FORGET:  Even if you can't watch the U.S. races live, you can come back here after the race has run, click on the CARD listed under the race, and watch a REPLAY!  Let's go to the races!

LET'S GO TO THE RACES AUG 24-26

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!) 

NOTE:   AFTER A RACE HAS BEEN RUN, you can return here, click on the CARD to view the Results and watch a REPLAY. 

www.FollowHorseRacing.com

www.helloracefans.com/

www.cleanhorseracing.com

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SIX GRADE 1 RACES  Friday, Saturday and Sunday! 

BALLERINA STAKES (G1) - Saratoga, Friday: With It's Tricky's defection in favor of running in the Personal Ensign on Sunday, TURBULENT DESCENT assumes favorite status in the Grade 1 BALLERINA at Saratoga on Friday. The Ballerina is a Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In race, offering a fees-paid berth to the BC Filly and Mare Sprint and a $10,000 travel allowance.

KING’S BISHOP (G1)- Saratoga, Saturday: CURRENCY SWAP and TRINNIBERG split their first two meetings and will square off in the rubber match as part of a highly competitive field of 10 3-year-old sprinters set to go seven furlongs in Saturday’s $500,000 King’s Bishop at Saratoga.

THE TRAVERS (G1) - Saratoga, Saturday: If there has been one constant in the 3-year-old division this year – aside from injuries and premature retirement – it has been the success of the horses based in Southern California. ALPHA (5-2), NONIOS (4-1), STREET LIFE (5-1), LIAISON (8-1) all have a legitimate shot to bring home this time-honored race.

THE TEST (G1) - Saratoga, Saturday: CONTESTED, cutting back in distance, racing over what should be a fast track, and drawn toward the outside, would appear to have all factors in her favor when she heads a 10-horse field in Saturday’s Grade, 1 $500,000 Test Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Saratoga.

PERSONAL ENSIGN (G1) - Saratoga, Sunday: The Personal Ensign, a Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" race for the Ladies' Classic, could serve as the fourth meeting between ROYAL DELTA and IT’S TRICKY and the first match between the two in 2012. In 2011, Royal Delta was third to It's Tricky in the TVG Coaching Club American Oaks (gr. I). Royal Delta defeated It's Tricky in both the Alabama and the Ladies' Classic.

PACIFIC CLASSIC (G1) - Del Mar, Sunday: DULLAHAN was sent west last weekend by trainer Dale Romans, who’s having the best year of his career. Dullahan’s task will not be easy, because this Pacific Classic has a deep field of top-class older horses. In addition to GAME ON DUDE, who has won four of his last six starts, the race includes two-time Pacific Classic winner RICHARD’S KID, South American hotshot SUGGESTIVE BOY, hard-hitting veteran, RAIL TRIP, and Chilean invador, AMANI.

LAST HORSE STANDING!!

This year's Eclipse awards may come down to whichever horses are left standing, especially in the three-year-old division!  Don't mean this to sound flip, but, the recent rash of injuries and premature retirements are enough to make the average fan withdraw back to the periphery of the sport and the safety of his slots and other inanimate gambling opportunities.  Since I'm not the average fan, I'm not going anywhere, but it doesn't make losing to active racing some of the brightest stars in the racing sky:  Bodemeister, Hansen, Zo Impressive, Union Rags, and I'll Have Another, along with some sophomores and older horses, including Winter Memories, etc., etc., etc.

Just want a simple list of the races, time ordered?  Click here
How about a Time Ordered list with the Entries?    Click here 

DON'T FORGET:  Even if you can't watch the U.S. races live, you can come back here after the race has run, click on the CARD listed under the race, and watch a REPLAY!  Let's go to the races!

LET'S GO TO THE RACES - August 18-19

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!) 

NOTE:   AFTER A RACE HAS BEEN RUN, you can return here, click on the CARD to view the Results and watch a REPLAY. 

www.FollowHorseRacing.com

www.helloracefans.com/

www.cleanhorseracing.com

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HIGHLIGHTS:

SIX GRADE 1 RACES IN THE U.S. Three at Arlington Park, two at Saratoga and one at Del Mar.

THE ALABAMA:  
Since the powers of summertime racing decided to hold their marquee events for 3-year-old fillies on the same warm August afternoon, why not compare and contrast.

The Alabama Stakes at Saratoga is a mile and one-quarter test on the main track for a purse of $600,000, with $360,000 to the winner.

The Del Mar Oaks at Del Mar is a mile and one-eighth on the grass course for a purse of $300,000, with $180,000 going to the winner.

The Alabama was first run in 1872, at a time during which the real state of Alabama was in the throes of the turbulent Reconstruction Era following the failed rebellion by the South.

The Del Mar Oaks was not unveiled until 1957, better known as the dawn of the Space Age, when the U.S.S.R. launched its first unmanned Sputnik satellite.

The Alabama is named in honor of William Cottrell, a captain in the Confederacy and horse breeder from Mobile who stood the stallion Daniel Boone, a full brother to Kentucky, winner of the first Travers Stakes in 1864. When asked if the top filly race of the meet could carry his name, Capt. Cottrell supposedly demured in favor of his home state. William Travers, who was born in Maryland and owned Kentucky (the horse), was not quite so shy.

The Del Mar Oaks is named for a tree.  Read more at source...

AMERICAN ST. LEGER - NEW STAKES UNVEILED AT ARLINGTON PARK

With the dearth of true marathon distance events in North American racing, Arlington Park enhanced its International Festival of Racing program in 2012 by inaugurating the $400,000 American St. Leger at 1 11/16 miles on the turf Aug. 18.

Judging by the response at the entry box for Saturday’s event with 12 runners, the new race looks to be a hit.  Read more at source...

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Just want a simple list of the races, time ordered?  Click here
How about a Time Ordered list with the Entries?    Click here 

DON'T FORGET:  Even if you can't watch the U.S. races live, you can come back here after the race has run, click on the CARD listed under the race, and watch a REPLAY!  Let's go to the races!

LET'S GO TO THE RACES - August 3-5

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!) 

NOTE:   AFTER A RACE HAS BEEN RUN, you can return here, click on the CARD to view the Results and watch a REPLAY. 

www.FollowHorseRacing.com
www.helloracefans.com/
www.cleanhorseracing.com
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FLASH!   DRF LIVE STREAMING Saturday's card at Mountaineer - Click here

Also, check your local listings for FOX SPORTS, which will cover the West Virginia Derby between 5-6 pm EDT.

NYRA Mid-week report - Andy Serling, Richard Migliore recap last weekend's racing action.  Click here

HIGHLIGHTS:

FOUR GRADE 1 races highlight this weekend's racing activity:

SATURDAY: First, at Saratoga, the Grade 1 PRIORESS will feature most of the players from the Victory Ride Stakes at Belmont last month, including the surprise 39-1 winner, EMMA’S ENCORE. Along with this filly will be TU ENDIE WEI, who was third in their last meeting, and AGAVE KISS, who will be trying to overcome her shocking 5^th place finish in the Victory Ride, suffering her only loss in a 7-race career.

Next, also at Saratoga, the Grade 1 WHITNEY INVITATIONAL HANDICAP, featuring many recognizable names, including RON THE GREEK, who won the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap and the Grade 1 Stephen Foster is the morning line favorite; CAIXA ELETRONICA, who won the Charles Town Classic and the True North; FLAT OUT, HYMN BOOK, RULE, ENDORSEMENT, FORT LARNED, TRICKMEISTER, all are capable of turning in a winning effort.

The Grade 1 CLEMENT L. HIRSCH Stakes at Del Mar will see SWITCH (Quiet American) return to two-turns in the 1 1/16 mi Grade 1 race, after her impressive win in the A Gleam last month. STAR BILLING, the Dynaformer filly trained by John Shirreffs, is co-highweight with AMANI, the Chilean sensation, who won 10 of 11 starts in Chile, and will be making her U.S. debut in the Hirsch. Now trained by Neil Drysdale, Amani won stakes at distances ranging from six furlongs to 1 3/8 miles. INCLUDE ME OUT, who won the Santa Margarita Invitational S., the La Canada S., and the Marjorie L Everett H., with a second in the Vanity, all this year.

SUNDAY: The Grade 1 ALFRED G. VANDERBILT will see SHACKLEFORD try 6 furlongs for the first time, in a prep for the Forego Stakes. While Shackleford is clearly the horse to beat, others who could challenge himinclude JUSTIN PHILLIP (half-brother to Algorithms), and JERSEY TOWN.

Also on Saturday, MOUNTAINEER has an all-stakes card, including the Grade 2, WEST VIRGINIA DERBY, featuring the Juvenile Champion HANSEN, who will be ridden for the first time by Hall of Fame jockey, Mike Smith. Complete with his blue-tipped tail, Hansen will face some competition in HERO OF ORDER, LE BERNARDIN, MORGAN’S GUERILLA, Z CAMELOT, MACHO MACHO, BOURBAN COURAGE, and three others in what promises to be an exciting race. As the only Grade 1 winner in the race, Hansen is eligible for a $150,000 bonus with a win.

LET'S GO TO THE RACES - JULY 25 - 29

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!) 

NOTE:   AFTER A RACE HAS BEEN RUN, you can return here, click on the CARD to view the Results and watch a REPLAY. 

www.FollowHorseRacing.com
www.helloracefans.com/
www.cleanhorseracing.com
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FLASH!   DRF LIVE STREAMING Sunday's Saratoga Card - Click here

HIGHLIGHTS:

FRIDAY
COUGAR II:  RICHARD'S KID, the 7 year old who was considered one of the favorites in 2009 in the Breeders Cup Classic that Zenyatta won, yep he's still around and not doing too badly for himself. He has a bankroll of $1.9 Million, and he gets in the winner's circle or close to it quite often. Dynamic Host and Balladry have faced Richard's Kid before, most recently in the Prove It, where they came in second and third. They are part of a six-horse field in the Cougar II, but their trainers are not optimistic about their chances. Asked what it would take to beat Richard’s Kid, Eoin Harty, who trains Balladry, said, "An act of God." Maybe this is Richard's Kid's time to win this one. He will have to work for it though: he's giving up from 3 to 10 pounds to his rivals! The race goes off at 10:00 EDT/7:00 PDT at Del Mar.

Richard's Kid dominates rivals in Cougar II - REPLAY VIDEO

FLY LEXIS FLY (KY) is also entered in the COUGAR II! He will be making his eagerly anticipated U.S. debut for trainer Neil Drysdale. Fly Lexis Fly made a name for himself in Peru as a two year old when he won 2 legs of the Peruvian Triple Crown running against 3 yr olds.  The Cougar II is a 1 1/2 mile, Grade 3 event for 3 yr olds and up. Fly Lexis Fly has won at the 1 1/4 mi and 1 1/2 mile distances at two in Peru.

SATURDAY

The DIANA:  ZAGORA won the Diana Stakes (G1T) in 2011, but the 5-year-old mare faces a steep challenge this time around at Saratoga Race Course as TAPITSFLY, WINTER MEMORIES, HUNGRY ISLAND and two European invaders join the fray. Zagora in tough battle to defend Diana title   Ten Things to Know about the Diana Stakes

The JIM DANDY: Watch Claire Novak and Pete Denk handicap this great renewal. That Handicapping Show with Claire Novak and Pete Denk  Past Performances from Brisnet: Past Performances for Jim Dandy   ALPHA, LIAISON, MY ADONIS, TEETH OF THE DOG, PROSPECTIVE and NECK ‘N NECK. A deep, competitive field of eight will face off in the $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes (G 2 II) July 28 at Saratoga Race Course to determine who continues to the $1 million Travers Stakes (G I) Aug. 25. Read more at BloodHorse

Maybe we need to call the SAN DIEGO HANDICAP the "come back is possible " or the "hard luck horses" stakes! A couple have been away for more than 2 years, and others just haven’t had much luck getting to the winner’s circle!

TAKE CONTROL, the first foal out of 2002 Horse of the Year Azeri, will make his second start after a layoff of 2 1/2 years in the $200,000 San Diego Handicap (gr. II) July 28 at Del Mar.  Then, there’s JOHN SCOTT, who has looked good in three starts this year, winning his past two and defeating Rail Trip by a half-length last time. The 5-year-old son of Bertrando had been away since finishing fourth in the 2009 Norfolk Stakes (gr. I) as a 2-year-old.  Seven-year-old TRES BORRACHOS ended a 13-race losing streak when he made a late charge to win last year's San Diego by 1 1/4 lengths. But the Ecton Park gelding has lost eight in a row since!  Grade I winner RAIL TRIP was a strong second to San Diego foe John Scott in a 1 1/16-mile allowance at Hollywood June 28. The 7-year-old Jump Start gelding hasn’t been to the winner’s circle in eight starts since June of 2010.  PRAYER FOR RELIEF, KETTLE KORN, and MOBILIZED round out the field of seven horses for the San Diego, the eighth race on the Saturday Del Mar program with an approximate 5:30 p.m. PDT post time.  Read more at BloodHorse

SUNDAY

The HASKELL   Paynter heads $1 Million Haskell     Ten Things to know about The Haskell   Bob Baffert has won the race a record five times with horses such as Point Given, Lookin At Lucky, and Coil. This time out, it’s PAYNTER, an unlucky second in the Belmont, who will be the favorite and will start from post 3.  Team I’ll Have Another will be sending out the longshot, HANDSOME MIKE: "I don't know if anyone could replace the excitement of I'll Have Another," said trainer Doug O'Neill, who joins familiar forces with owner Paul Reddam and jockey Mario Gutierrez to send out maiden winner Handsome Mike for a longshot at the big-time. The son of Scat Daddy last raced fourth in the Vinery Spiral Stakes (gr. III) at Turfway Park March 24, but put in what O'Neill called "an unbelievable work" July 21 at Betfair Hollywood Park, going six furlongs handily in 1:11 3/5.

BING CROSBY

Sprint champion AMAZOMBIE and THE FACTOR will duke it out one more time in the $300,000 Bing Crosby Stakes (gr. I), the headline event at Del Mar July 29. Just five are entered in the six-furlong Polytrack race, which is the eighth on the Sunday program with a scheduled 5:30 p.m. PDT post. Another familiar face will be COMMA TO THE TOP who could keep The Factor company on the front end, will be gunning for his first stakes win since taking the CashCall Futurity (gr. ) in December 2010. Peter Miller has raced the Florida-bred 4-year-old Bwana Charlie gelding on turf in his last three races, including a third last time in the six-furlong Robert B. Kerlan Memorial Handicap July1 at Hollywood. Comma to the Top was scratched from an allowance race July 26 to run in the Crosby.  Read more at BloodHorse 

LET'S GO TO THE RACES - JULY 20-JULY 22

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!) 

NOTE:   AFTER A RACE HAS BEEN RUN, you can return here, click on the CARD to view the Results and watch a REPLAY. 

www.FollowHorseRacing.com

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DEL MAR and SARATOGA OPENED THIS WEEK!

TWO GRADE ONE RACES HEADLINE THIS WEEKEND'S ACTION: The COACHING CLUB AMERICAN OAKS at Saratoga, and the EDDIE READ at Del Mar, both on Saturday.  The CC American Oaks will see ZO IMPRESSIVE, YARA, DISPOSABLEPLEASURE, and IN LINGERIE try to add a Grade 1 to their resume.  In the EDDIE READ, it's the Eclipse champion, ACCLAMATION, coming to claim his second title in this event.  His only competition appears to be SLIM SHADEY.

In other action on Saturday, ROYAL DELTA and AWESOME MARIA will face off in the DELAWARE HANDICAP at Delaware Park.  A 1 1/4 mile Grade 2, last year's winner and runnerup, Blind Luck and Havre de Grace, provided a "one for the ages" kind of stretch duel that saw Blind Luck take away the win in a photo finish.

On the turf at Colonial Downs, SILVER MAX, the high-weight at 123 lbs, will take on LUCKY CHAPPY, SUMMER FRONT, and OPTIMIZER, in a field of 9, in the VIRGINIA DERBY, a 1 1/4 mile $600,000 Grade 2 event.

On Sunday, at Del Mar, EDEN'S MOON and KILLER GRACES meet up in the Grade 2 SAN CLEMENTE H, a 1 mile event for fillies on the turf.

Across the Pond: 
In an unbelievable display of star power, the venerable and prestigious KING GEORGE VI & QUEEN ELIZABETH $1,000,000 Grade 1 will feature an amazing array of world racing stars.  There will be more than just pride at stake on Saturday when ten rivals from across the globe fight it out in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.  Britain, Ireland, France, Germany and Japan are represented in the Betfair-backed Group 1 and last year's winner Nathaniel, who dug deep to land the Coral-Eclipse on his seasonal reapparance last time out, will bid to reign supreme against some talented rivals.

Nathaniel's opposition will include four-time Group 1 winner St Nicholas Abbey, Melbourne Cup hero Dunaden, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe darling Danedream, Ladbrokes St Leger scorer Masked Marvel as well as Japanese Derby winner Deep Brillante.

Sea Moon, who will bid to give trainer Sir Michael Stoute a record sixth success in the race, will join fellow Royal Ascot winner Brown Panther in the line-up for the £1 million contest and Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to Sea Moon's owner Khalid Abdullah, did not shy away from enormity of the task facing his team.   Read more at source...

Other action on Saturday: 
For in-depth analysys, check out the DRF site for race previews, handicapping insights, free PPs:  http://www.drf.com/  Scroll to the bottom of the main page for Video previews.

TCI Insider - VIDEO PREVIEW  - Jon and Joel add Ed DaRosa to their look at this weekend's action.

Under each race description below, in addition to the card, in most instances, there are links to read more about a particular race and the runners.

Full cards are shown below, listed in time order, all adjusted to ET.

Just want a simple list of the races, time ordered?  Click here
How about a Time Ordered list with the Entries?   Click here
DON'T FORGET:  Even if you can't watch the U.S. races live, you can come back here after the race has run, click on the CARD listed under the race, and watch a REPLAY!  Let's go to the races!

LET'S GO TO THE RACES - JULY 14-JULY 15

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!) 

NOTE:   AFTER A RACE HAS BEEN RUN, you can return here, click on the CARD to view the Results and watch a REPLAY. 

www.FollowHorseRacing.com

FLASH!   DRF will LIVE STREAM from DELAWARE PARK SATURDAY! Click here
FLASH!  DRF will LIVE STREAM from HOLLYWOOD PARK Saturday! Click here

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I'll Have Another fairwell at Hollywood Park

http://youtu.be/tG9ZgTTTwNE

TCI Insider - VIDEO PREVIEW
Delaware Oaks, A Gleam, Man O' War stakes

Across the Pond:  The JULY CUP at Newmarket and the GRAND PRIX de PARIS at Longchamp sponsored by Juddmonte are the two marquee races overseas.  SEPOY (Aus) is one of the favorites in the JULY CUP, and he's likely not to mind the expected soft ground.  Not so the case for two others in the race, BATED BREATH and STRONG SUIT, both of whom will not find the soft ground to their liking.

Other action on Saturday:  Horses running Saturday include overseas invader, TREASURE BEACH (Galileo) in the MAN O' WAR at Belmont;  GRACE HALL (Empire Maker), AMIE'S DINI, and AUBBY K (Street Sense) line up for the DELAWARE OAKS; LADY OF SHAMROCK (Scat Daddy) will try to avenge her loss last time out to MY GIGI in the AMERICAN OAKS at Hollywood Park; SWITCH will try to get back to her form of last year in the A GLEAM at Hollywood Park

For in-depth analysys, check out the DRF site for race previews, handicapping insights, free PPs:  http://www.drf.com/  Scroll to the bottom of the main page for Video previews

Under each race description below, in addition to the card, in most instances, there are links to read more about a particular race and the runners.

Full cards are shown below, listed in time order, all adjusted to ET.

Just want a simple list of the races, time ordered?  Click here
How about a Time Ordered list with the Entries?   Click here

DON'T FORGET:  Even if you can't watch the U.S. races live, you can come back here after the race has run, click on the CARD listed under the race, and watch a REPLAY!  Let's go to the races!

LET'S GO TO THE RACES - JULY 7-JULY 8

A quick reference tool meant to help the newer fan (like me!) 

NOTE:   AFTER A RACE HAS BEEN RUN, you can return here, click on the CARD to view the Results and watch a REPLAY. 

www.FollowHorseRacing.com

FLASH!  DRF TO LIVE STREAM from Hollywood Park for GOLD CUP - click here
FLASH!   DRF TO LIVE STREAM from Monmouth for UNITED NATIONS S - click here

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I'll Have Another will say Farewell to fans between races at Hollywood Park

Across the Pond:  SO  YOU THINK, recent winner of the Prince of Wales' Stakes at Royal Ascot, was all set to take final bow in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on Saturday before entering quarantine to make trip to Australia where he will stand stud at Coolmore.  He would have faced off with some stiff competition in Group 1 winners NATHANIEL, CITY SCAPE, TWICE OVER, DADDY LONG LEGS, CRACKERJACK KING, and Dubai World Cup winner, MONTEROSSO, in a field of 14.  Unfortunately, fate stepped in and So You Think was found to have minor injury and has been retired.

Other action on Saturday:  AGAVE KISS puts unbeaten record on line in the VICTORY RIDE at Belmont Park.  She faces 5 others including TU ENDIE WEI.  The SUBURBAN HANDICAP at Belmont  will see some graduates of last year's Triple Crown season, incuding MUCHO MACHO MAN, STAY THIRSTY, and TO HONOR AND SERVE, along with CAIXA ELETRONICA, HYMN BOOK, and TRICKMEISTER.  MUCHO MACHO MAN is considered the favorite.  FLAT OUT is finally back in the MONMOUTH CUP.  SLIP SHADEY, TURBO COMPRESSOR, and BRILLIANT SPEED face off in the UNITED NATIONS STAKES at Monmouth Park.

Finally, the big race of the day will be the HOLLYWOOD GOLD CUP where GAME ON DUDE will be rematched with KETTLE KORN, who will get 7 pounds from the Dude,  At 5-2, RICHARD'S KID may have a say in the outcome.

For in-depth analysys, check out the DRF site for race previews, handicapping insights, free PPs:  http://www.drf.com/  Scroll to the bottom of the main page for Video previews



Under each race description below, in addition to the card, in most instances, there are links to read more about a particular race and the runners.

Full cards are shown below, listed in time order, all adjusted to ET.

Just want a simple list of the races, time ordered?  Click here
How about a Time Ordered list with the Entries?   Click here

DON'T FORGET:  Even if you can't watch the U.S. races live, you can come back here after the race has run, click on the CARD listed under the race, and watch a REPLAY!  Let's go to the races!