Friday, March 16, 2012

LET'S GO TO THE RACES - Mar 17-18

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.
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OAKLAWN PARK has the honors today with the major Derby Prep race in the Grade 2, $500,000 REBEL STAKES, a 1 1/16 mile test for 3 year olds. DRF: Preview of Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park - VIDEO

Some big names among the Sophomore class of 2012 include Secret Circle, Jake Mo, Reckless Jerry, Cyber Secret, Sabercat, and Adirondack King.  Jeremy Plonk's picks (see his full rundown in the Countdown to the Crown, below) for the Rebel are Secret Circle, Cyber Secret and Najjaar.  The Rebel is scheduled to go off at 5:48 CDT.  Earlier on the card is a feature for fillies and mares, 4 years old and up, the $150,000 AZERI STAKES.  While the field is short, it does have some class with D. Wayne Lukas' Absinthe Minded and Larry Jones' Joyful Victory.  Set to go off at 5:48 CDT.

Other action today includes the GRADE 1, $300,000 SANTA MARGARITA INVITATIONAL for fillies and mares 4 years old and up at Santa Anita.  The big favorite will be the 5 year old mare, ELLAFITZ, the Bob Baffert trainee who has been burning up the season with winning her last 3 races wire to wire, and she has won 4 out of her last 5.  This will be her try for her first Grade 1.  Also today, Horse of the Year, HAVRE DE GRACE makes her 4 year old debut at the Fairgrounds in New Orleans with the $150,000 NEW ORLEANS LADIES' STAKES. 

Take a look at the cards below, where stakes action will occur at Aqueduct, Gulfstream, Oaklawn Park, Santa Anita, and The Fairgrounds.

DON'T FORGET:  Even if you can't watch the 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, today!!

COUNTDOWN TO THE CROWN:  A "must-read" is Jeremy Plonk's weekly rundown on the Road to the Derby.  DRF: Week 11 - March 16, 2012  He covers the week that was as well as looking toward the weekend.  He also digs into some of the undercard action.  Includes videos of last weekend's races.

DRF Mike Watchmaker's Derby watch - VIDEO w/Jay Privman

Triple Crown Talk: 
DRF: Top 20 for Kentucky Derby
Steve Bailey, TTimes: On the road to the Triple Crown, trainers adjust
DRF Jay Privman: For 2012 Derby, BC Juvenile is looking to be key

World Cup - March 31 - Meydan, Dubai

Full cards are shown below, listed in time order, all adjusted to ET.
FEATURED RACES:
Note:  Times may fluctuate.  All times adjusted for EST


FREE Brisnett PPs

Don't forget to check back after a race has been run to watch the Replay by clicking on the CARD under each race listing.

1:22 ET  Broad Brush S | Aqueduct | $75,000 | 1 1/16 mi | 3 yo | Race 2
BHorse: CARD

4:52 ET  Excelsior S |G3| Aqueduct | $150,000g | 3&up | 9f
BHorse: CARD
Excelsior comes up small but competitive

5:03 ET  Irish O'Brien S | $100,000 | Santa Anita | 4 yo+ | 6.5 f | Race 4
BHorse: CARD

5:35 ET  Inside Information S |G2| Gulfstream | $150,000g | 4&up | f&m | 7f
BHorse: CARD
Musical Romance has another tough assignment

5:43 ET  Azeri S |G3| Oaklawn | $150,000g | 4&up | f&m | 8.5f | Race 8
BHorse: CARD
Absinthe Minded, Joyful Victory meet in Azeri

5:50 ET  New Orleans Ladies S | Fairgrounds | $150,000 | 4&up | f&m | 8.5f | Race 9
BHorse: CARD
Havre de Grace in New Orleans Ladies

                Derby Prep
6:48 ET  Rebel S |G2| Oaklawn | $500,000g | 3yo | 8.5f | Race 10
BHorse: CARD
DRF: Preview of Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park - VIDEO
Secret Circle, Sabercat lead full Rebel cast
TTimes: Secret Circle looks at further distancein Rebel
Baffert duo works in company for Rebel Stakes

7:07 ET  Santa Margarita Invit’l S |G1| Santa Anita | $300,000g | 4&up f/m | 9f  | Race 8
BHorse: CARD
DRF: Jay Privman, Brad Free discuss Santa Margarita - VIDEO
TTimes: Ellafitz, Santa Margarita Preview
Ellafitz seeks Grade 1 glory - Her last 3 races she went wire to wire, and in the Santa Maria she was challenged a couple times by good horses

Sunday, March 18
Free Brisnet PPs

5:35 ET  Honey Fox S |G2| Gulfstream | $150,000 | 4&up | f&m | 8fT | Race 10
BHorse: CARD
Honey Fox draws 11 - Up for grabs
Bay to Bay, Romacaca, Tapitsfly

6:36 ET  Santana Mile S | $70,000 Santa Anita |1 Mile | 4 yo+ | 1 Mi | Race 7 
BHorse: CARD
Tweebster, Gladding

RACE DELAYED A WEEK TO MARCH 25
San Luis Rey S |G2| Santa Anita | $150,000 | 4&up | 12fT | Race 10
San Luis Rey moves to March 25
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News/California:  ZENYATTA TO GET A STATUE AT SANTA ANITA.  Zenyatta to get a statue across from John Henry at Santa Anita.  The unveiling is scheduled to take place at the 2012 Breeders Cup, scheduled at Santa Anita in November.  DRF: Zenyatta gets John Henry treatment at Santa Anita
News/Tampa Bay:  Andy Beyer: Tampa Bay Downs decline as sudden as its ascension
News/Palm Meadows:  Winter Memories back on the turf  Pointed to the Jenny Wiley at Keeneland April 14.  Goal after that is June 9 is Just A Game stakes on Belmont Stakes Day.
News/Overseas:  Racing Post: USA Breeders Cup ready to woo Black Caviar

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Missed your favorite race?  BloodHorse has a searchable results page with Race Replay Videos by Date, Track, or Race Type.  BloodHorse Race Results page - Domestic & Internat'l
Thoroughbred Times Race Video Replays  Also, try:  Raceday 360 Videos
BHorse: Derby Preps Entries, Results & Replay VIDEOS 

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Links to past races for each horse entered
Graded Stakes Database - Powerful database / Race Videos
Thoroughbred Report - Companion to Graded Stakes Database

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UPCOMING RACES/CALENDARS:
 
Derby/Road to the Crown Prep Races
DateGradeRaceRacetrackDistancePurse
1/7/2012    3Sham StakesSanta Anita Park1 Mile$100,000
Count FleetAqueduct1 Mile 70 Yards$150,000
1/14/2012California DerbyGolden Gate1 1/16 Miles$100,000
1/16/2012Smarty JonesOaklawn Park1 Mile$100,000
1/21/2012    3LecomteFair Grounds1 Mile 70 Yards$175,000
1/29/2012    3Holy BullGulfstream Park1 Mile$400,000
2/4/2012    2Robert B. LewisSanta Anita Park1 1/16 Miles$200,000
    3WithersAqueduct1 1/16 Miles$200,000
    3Sam F. DavisTampa Bay1 1/16 Miles$200,000
2/11/2012    2HutchesonGulfstream Park7 Furlongs$150,000
2/18/2012    3El Camino Real DerbyGolden Gate1 1/8 Miles (S)$200,000
2/19/2012    2San VicenteSanta Anita Park7 Furlongs$150,000
2/20/2012    3Southwest (2 divs)Oaklawn Park1 Mile$250,000
2/25/2012Borderland DerbySunland Park1 1/16 mi$100,000
Turf Paradise DerbyTurf Paradise1 1/16 mi$100,000
    2Risen StarFair Grounds1 1/16 Miles$300,000
2/26/2012    2Fountain of YouthGulfstream Park1 1/16 Miles$400,000
3/3/2012    3GothamAqueduct1 1/16 Miles$400,000
John Battaglia Mem'lTurfway Park1 1/16 Miles (S)$100,000
3/10/2012    3Tampa Bay DerbyTampa Bay1 1/16 Miles$350,000
    2San FelipeSanta Anita Park1 1/16 Miles$300,000
    2SwaleGulfstream Park7 Furlongs$150,000
3/11/2012    3Palm BeachGulfstream Park1 1/8 Miles (Turf)$150,000
3/17/2012    2RebelOaklawn Park1 1/16 Miles$500,000
3/24/2012    3Vinery Racing SpiralTurfway Park1 1/8 Miles (S)$500,000
RushawayTurfway Park1 Mile$100,000
3/25/2012    3Sunland DerbySunland Park1 1/8 Miles$800,000
3/31/2012    1Florida DerbyGulfstream Park1 1/8 Miles$1,000,000
4/1/2012    2Louisiana DerbyFair Grounds1 1/8 Miles$1,000,000
4/6/2012    3TransylvaniaKeeneland1 1/16 Miles (Turf)$100,000
4/7/2012    3Bay ShoreAqueduct7 Furlongs F$250,000
    3Illinois DerbyHawthorne1 1/8 Miles$500,000
    1Santa Anita DerbySanta Anita Park1 1/8 Miles$1,000,000
    1Wood MemorialAqueduct1 1/8 Miles$1,000,000
4/14/2012    1Arkansas DerbyOaklawn Park1 1/8 Miles$1,000,000
    1Toyota Blue GrassKeeneland1 1/8 Miles (S)$750,000
4/21/2012    3Coolmore LexingtonKeeneland1 1/16 Miles (S)$200,000
    2JeromeAqueduct1 Mile$150,000
4/28/2012    3Derby TrialChurchill Downs1 Mile$200,000
5/5/2012    1Kentucky DerbyChurchill Downs1 1/4 Miles$2,000,000
5/19/2012    1PreaknessPimlico1 3/16 Miles$1,000,000
6/9/2012    1Belmont StakesBelmont1 1/2 Miles$1,000,000

These are not the only races a 3 year old might run in to get to the Kentucky Derby and the other Triple Crown races, but they are some of the most important. Among those horses that might qualify for the Derby, graded stakes earnings then become important in deciding who gets to the starting gate.  Kentucky Derby Contenders ranked by earnings

For more on current racing activity, browse through the stories, videos and options at:  Daily Racing Form, BloodHorse, Thoroughbred Times.   HRTV Racing Calendar
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Useful tools:


FUTURE - KENTUCKY DERBY / OAKS
El Padrino, winner of last Saturday's Risen Star, and runner-up, Mark Valeski, are expected to meet again in the G2 Louisiana Derby April 1.  DRF: At Fairgrounds Risen Star El Padrino outduels Mark Valeski
Florida Derby possible for Alpha
Florida Derby under consideration for El Padrino
Algorithms injured, off the Derby Trail
Out of Bounds likely headed to San Felipe
Calvin Carter's 2012 Kentucky Derby Outlook
Hello Race Fans: Gettin' lucky in the Kentucky Derby
Brisnet: Discreet Dancer waltzes at Aqueduct
Brisnet: Alpha seizes Count Fleet victory 1-7-12
Brisnet: A.P. Indy daughter Captivating Lass takes the Busanda, companion to Count Fleet
DRF: Countdown to the Crown - News about the runup to the TC
DRF's companion web site for Triple Crown racing info
Horse Racing Nation 2012 Kentucky Derby Trail - Best site
DRF: Discreet Dancer dazzles again in second career start
DRF: Captivating Lass perseveres in Sweet Seventeen 1-7-2012
DRF: Alpha looks like Kentucky Derby contender in Count Fleet win
DRF: Out of Bounds upsets in the Sham 

NEWS/Older Horses: 
Nehro dazzles in return to competition - Brisnet
Mucho Macho Man confirmed for Gulfstream Park H March 10
BHorse: Royal Delta, Consortium in South Florida drills
DRF: Kilroe Mile next for Mr. Commons Mar 3
Star Guitar keeps on strumming - 4th consecutive Champions Day Classic
Amazombie posts bullet move at Santa Anita
Rapid Redux to be honored at Laurel Park Feb 18
Alternation back at Oaklawn in Essex Handicap
DRF: Mucho Macho Man ready for more
DRF: Game On Dude set to go again
DRF: Animal Kingdom headed to Tampa Bay for his World Cup prep
BHorse: Boys At Toscanova takes Gulfstream allowance
DRF: Animal Kingdom gets serious Palm Meadows turf work
BHorse: A lot to look forward to in 2012
DRF: Zito not rushing Dialed In
BHorse: Royal Delta winner on and off the track
BHorse: Keeneland spring stakes schedule announced
TTimes: Uh Oh Bango wins San Pasqual Stakes under Mike Smith
Brisnet: Hansen, Shackleford on Gulfstream worktab
Keeping track of who's staying on the track for 2012
BHorse: Big things expected from Stay Thirsty in 2012 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS: 
TTimes: Black Caviar stretches win streak to 17 - VIDEO
TTimes: Black Cariar could start in Dubai
BHorse: Dubai - Mahbooba headlines Cape Verdi Stakes
Australia: Trainers and Jockeys name top mounts to look for in 2012
BHorse: $38 Million Dubai Carnival begins
The Telegraph UK 
International racing news roundup

Videos worth watching: 
Chewin' the Fat is a new international show based in Australia covering horse racing.
BH: Australian racing's Chewin' the Fat - Ep 10 VIDEO
BH: Australian racing's Chewin' the Fat Ep 11 - Season finale - VIDEO
BH: And They're Off Turkey day edition - Steve and Lenny  

Cloudy's Knight - Video 41 minutes
The Story of Cloudy's Knight 

The story of Charismatic - ESPN
I've given a page to this story. Charismatic - 5 videos of the ESPn broadcast

INDUSTRY NEWS
Training: Interval training
California horse racing board to debate exchange wagering
BHorse: Can Horse racing truly harness social media
BHorse: Racing industry told to innovate or suffer
TTimes: Casner weighs the consequences of salix

BREEDING NEWS
BHorse: Mahubah's Corner - Star Guitar
BHorse: Transcend typifies Wild Rush record in Japan
John Sparkman's blog
John Sparkman on raceday meds


COOL TIP:  Come back here after the races and click on the cards for the featured races below and see the RESULTS and Order of Finish, as well as VIDEO REPLAY of the race.  Also:  to get the results for all the races on a particular day, this is BloodHorse's results page:  Race Results  There will be a "short list" but scroll down and click on "View Full List".  Most will have videos of the races!! Easy way to get a roundup of a day's racing action quickly!!

New to the sport or just want a place to learn more?
Check the following sites:
Stakes Entries - Video Replays


COMING UP
Seventeen stakes races with purses of more than $3 million are scheduled for the 26-day season, which commences November 10 and continues through December 18.
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WATCH VIDEO REPLAYS OF ALL STAKES RACES
BloodHorse has a great video replay site to watch all the stakes action:
You can watch all stakes races for a particular DAY, or by TRACK, or a combination.  You can also watch INTERNATIONAL and DOMESTIC racing action!  Because these are links and not embedded videos, the site loads quickly.
 
RECAP OF WEEKEND RACING ACTION: 
DRF: Weekend stakes preview - videos

WATCH RACING ONLINE!
Note:  There are free sites to watch online: check out
http://www.ntra.com/ or NTRA Live Stream or http://www.tvgfree.net/ or sign up for a free trial account at http://www.twinspires.com/content/video  You can also catch the replays right after the big races at http://www.raceday360.com/   Calracing has live coverage of races - Will need to register

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A really good site for the new fan:
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NOTE: In order to enjoy and use the functionality of the various sites below, some sites may require you to register, however, there is no charge for most of what you will want access to.  If you want to go to the next level and actually place bets and learn more about handicapping, some of these types of services have a fee, but this is strictly your choice whether to use these services.

DRF Grid: Today's Action - Upcoming & Prior Race Days - Click on any track "day", and pull up that day's entries for each of the races
DRF - Starts with ACTIVE tracks - Click on the DAY next to the track name to see that day's full race card. 

Simple Alpha List of American Graded Stakes by Stakes Name, by Grade I, II, III

This includes a list of all American tracks



Useful web sites 
Twin Spires Race viewer - One of the best individual race video sites - You will need to register, free

Links to blogs and other sites I have found useful:

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