Sunday, April 27, 2014

The Love of the Thoroughbred

Z Princess
Republished in loving memory of Z Princess, daughter of Zenyatta, who was with us from April 20, 2014 to October 28, 2014  - RIP little one.  
 
Weanling daughter of champion Zenyatta dies  Zenyatta: Champion Mother
BloodHorse Feature: Long Live the Queen

And:

Shared Belief
In Honor of Shared Belief whose life and career were shortened on December 3, 2015, when he succumbed to a sudden and deadly attack of colitis. His fans, his owners, his trainer and all of his connections have shared their feelings about the loss of this wonderful champion. Jim Rome, one of the owners, has publicly mourned his "horse of a lifetime" and what it means not only to have been privileged to own such a horse, but what the loss means to him personally: 

"Thoroughbred racing is a sport filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Some of the most thrilling and surreal moments of our entire lives have occurred in this sport. Unfortunately, today we have suffered our most devastating. We have lost Shared Belief."

"Immediate shock upon hearing the Champ had passed suddenly turned to extreme sadness. You never really get over something like this, you just hope to get past it. And in time, we will. And we will as a team. All of us together." 

"And truthfully, we have asked ourselves if it’s all worth it. If you truly love the animal and you’re in the game for the right reasons, how could you not ask yourself that question? In other words, as devastating as this loss is, given the chance, would we do it all over again? And the answer is yes."

Remembering Shared Belief - video      
Shared Belief Remembered through Photos
Jungle Racing Facebook page



Loving the Thoroughbred

Zenyatta and Z Princess
When I started seriously following Thoroughbred racing, one of my early realizations was the extremes of the highs and lows of the sport.  I questioned early on how trainers and owners, and others involved directly with the care and training of these magnificent creatures dealt with the emotional extremes, the emotional roller coaster.  If you are afraid of your emotions, if you think it's not manly to cry, then you are in the wrong game.  Some days you get your heart wrung out like a dishrag, and others the joy and thrill of that win that comes at the end of a long road of ups and downs, just sends you over the moon, only to come crashing down again because of a senseless accident or injury that ends a career before it has begun. 

Mucho Macho Man

Yet, no matter how tough the road, I think most would say being involved with the horses is worth the price, that it is addictive in a positive sense, that their lives are enriched by their involvement.  I don't even own a horse, and can't get to the track very often, yet I've had my heart stomped on only to come back for more.  I pulled so hard for Mucho Macho Man for 3 years, that he would one day get to win that big race -- for what reason did I feel so invested in one horse? 

Fort Larned breaks the hearts of Mucho Macho Man's fans in the 2012 Breeders Cup Classic in a thrilling battle to the finish.  Mucho came back and looked like he might get there.


In 2013, Mucho Macho Man gets his revenge in a blanket finish with last year's winner and an invader from overseas, Declaration of War - This win brought tears to my eyes for Moochie.


El Vino - Zenyatta's workmate
Less accomplished horses have touched my heart, as well.  For what reason did a low-level claimer get under my skin and cause me to want to help in re-homing him, or how sad I felt at the loss of El Vino.  I have to tell you, growing up I couldn't even watch a Lassie
Sarbonne - Also worked
with Zenyatta
movie because the sound of that music would cause my throat to constrict and tears would sting my eyes before the movie even began!  Yet, I constantly subject myself to the ups and downs of a sport that is guaranteed to break your heart and the next moment, take you to the highest mountain.  Why am I still here?  Even though my voice is small among so many, I somehow feel I make a difference in bearing witness for each and every Thoroughbred that crosses my path.  To leave the sport would be like abandoning all of them, to saying, they don't matter.  So, I'm hooked, I'm stuck, and gladly so.  In the words of Priscilla Clark in her tribute to Zenyatta:

"If you love Thoroughbred horses you go through life hoping that you can see just one more in whose presence the clouds fall away to reveal the mountaintop. It can take a generation or infinitely longer for such a horse to arrive, a horse that is capable of carrying the human heart. For the last one hundred years we know them all by name, but Zenyatta brought to us a beauty that was a tonic for the soul. She allowed us to believe in the impossible, and it was the light of her being as much as the thrill of her races that got us dancing. Zenyatta was transformative."

A story of redemption.  Recently, a program at Saratoga has garnered much praise in restoring bruised and battered men and women coming back from the ravages of war.  Called the "Saratoga Warhorse", the only way to explain the program and how it works is to watch it in action.  Saratoga Warhorse  A story of redemption and renewal, and hope. 

A trainer's journey to the mountaintop and the depths to which he can plunge.  Story of a Kentucky Derby that changed Bob Baffert's life.

Then, in 2015, Bob Baffert has been carried to the mountaintop one more time. This time he was rewarded -- no, privileged -- to sit atop that mountain and feel the glow of reaching for the stars and having the stars embrace him, and all the connections, of the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. In the culmination of taking home the prize no other Triple Crown winner has even had the opportunity to try, winning the Grand Slam of racing, the Breeders Cup Classic, Baffert has sometimes been at a loss for words to express his emotions. Often, he has referred to the "spiritual nature" of his journey, as here in the day following the Breeders Cup Classic, he reveals that he is at a loss for adequate words. 



There's no question in my mind that there is a spiritual connection between man and the horse that has existed for centuries.  As I stated in the beginning, my current situation does not afford me much personal contact with the horses.  I have a friend who does eventing and she has a couple of horses that when I feel the need to get up close and personal, I go out just to be around them, to smell that distinctive "horse smell" that to me is intoxicating.  To gaze into those soulful eyes, to rub that soft spot on their nose, to feed them carrots and treats, for me, brings me a sense of peace and order in my life.  There's just no way to explain it, but here's Richard Migliore trying to explain what he feels in the presence of a Zenyatta or a Seattle Slew. 



Yes, Zenyatta is special, otherworldly, even, but, to a certain extent, every horse has the spirit of Zenyatta, of a Seattle Slew.  All carry within them the ability to touch our hearts, to reach into our soul, and to engender a desire to help even in small ways to work towards a day when they all are appreciated and cared for.  They can't all be as accomplished as these two great horses, or of an American Pharoah, or a Shared Belief, but they all deserve to be treated as if they were!

If you want to help, even in a small way, there are many horse rescue and re-homing groups worthy of your support.  A list of organizations and their credentials are listed at Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.  You, too, can make a difference in a horse's life.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Derby 2014 - Workouts




WORKOUTS


HRTV has been generous in allowing sharing of a lot of their content, including in depth coverage of the lead up to the Kentucky Derby.  For more links to all things Kentucky Derby, visit Road to the Crown

ROAD TO THE DERBY IN TWO MINUTES

HASKIN DERBY REPORT: LET THE WORKS BEGIN

WORKOUTS

Kentucky Derby website - Workout grid links to video of workouts

HRTV's review and discussion of the Sunday workouts

KY Derby News update 4-27 - Works at CD

KENTUCKY DERBY & OAKS DAILY UPDATES

SUNDAY, APR 27 - WORKOUTS AT A GLANCE - BHORSE

CHURCHILL DOWNS WORKOUTS - Reports and videos

YouTube Workouts - KY Derby 2014 - NYRA

CALIFORNIA CHROME
JOHN HARRIS DISCUSSES CALIFORNIA CHROME - BREEDER

CANDY BOY
GARY STEVENS DISCUSSES CANDY BOY

COMMANDING CURVE

DANCE WITH FATE

HARRY'S HOLIDAY

HOPPERTUNITY

MEDAL COUNT

RIDE ON CURLIN

RING WEEKEND

SAMRAAT

UNCLE SIGH

WICKED STRONG

KENTUCKY OAKS WORKOUTS

BACKSIDE BUZZ WITH JILL BYRNE

KISS THE MOON

MISS SOPHIA

RIA ANTONIA

ROSALIND

UNTAPABLE









April 26-27



Note: This blog is non-commercial and was developed for my own personal use to organize my racing viewing activity.  Your comments as to its usefulness to you would be appreciated.  Thanks!
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Cirrus Des Aigles turns tables on mighty Treve in the Prix Ganay - Longchamp 4-27-14
 
 
KENTUCKY DERBY TRAIL
Guide to Kentucky Derby / Triple Crown   Links to sites with replays, handicapping tools, etc.
Jeremy Plonk's Countdown to the Crown - Click on April 25
DRF's complete list of all prep races with replay video
 
Featured races below include the Card which will take you to the BloodHorse Race Replay after the race is concluded.
 

FEATURED RACES
 
SATURDAY
4:47 ET  Whimsical S (Can-III)  WO   $150k g 4&up f/m  6f AW   R8   CARD
4:48 ET  Land of Lincoln S  Haw   $100k a 3yo S  6f   R3   CARD 
5:18 ET  Peach of It H  Haw   $100k a 3&up f/m S  8.5f     R6   CARD
5:30 ET  Fran's Valentine S  SA   $100k g 4&up f/m S  8f T   R4   CARD
6:00 ET  Tiznow S  SA   $125k g 4&up S  8f     R5   CARD
6:18 ET  Pretty Jenny S  Haw   $100k a 3yo f S  6f    R8   CARD
6:45 ET  San Francisco Mile (gr. III)  GG   $100k g 3&up  8f T  R7   CARD
6:48 ET  Milwaukee Avenue H  Haw   $100k a 3&up S  8.5f     R9   CARD
7:00 ET  Spring Fever S  SA   $125k g 4&up f/m S  6f    R7   CARD
8:00 ET  Melair S  SA   $250k g 3yo f S  8.5f     R9   CARD
8:30 ET  Snow Chief S  SA   $250k g 3yo S  9f T    R10   CARD
10:01 ET  Derby Trial S (gr. III)  CD   $150k a 3yo  8f  R8   CARD
10:51 ET  Texas Mile S (gr. III)  LS   $200k g 3&up  8f    R8   CARD
SUNDAY
3:45 ET  New York Stallion S (Park Avenue Div.)  Aqu   $100k g 3yo f R  6.5f   R6   CARD
5:12 ET  New York Stallion S (Times Square Div.)  Aqu   $100k g 3yo c/g R  6.5f    R9   CARD
7:30 ET  Wilshire S (gr. III)  SA   $100k g 3&up f/m  8f T   R8   CARD
 
UPCOMING MAJOR NORTH AMERICAN STAKES
Date Race Track

Apr. 26
GIII Derby Trial S. CD
GIII San Francisco Mile S. GG
GIII Texas Mile S. LS
GIII Whimsical S. WO

Apr. 27
GIII Wilshire S. SA

May 2
GI Kentucky Oaks CD
GI La Troienne S. CD
GII Alysheba S. CD
GIII Eight Belles S. CD
GIII Twin Spires T Sprint CD

May 3
GI Kentucky Derby CD
GI Humana Distaff CD
GI Woodford Reserve T Classic CD
GII Precisionist S. SA
GII American T S. CD
GII Churchill Distaff T Mile CD
GIII Beaugay S. BEL
GIII Fort Marcy S. BEL

May 4
GII Honeymoon S. SA

May 10
GII Peter Pan S. BEL
GIII Lazaro Barrera S. SA

May 11
GI Man O’War S. BEL
GII Ruffian H. BEL
GIII Westchester S. BEL
 

Friday, April 18, 2014

April 18-20



Note: This blog is non-commercial and was developed for my own personal use to organize my racing viewing activity.  Your comments as to its usefulness to you would be appreciated.  Thanks!
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IT'S A FILLY!


12:03 a.m., Sunday, April 20, 2014
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DAY TWO of Sydney, Australia's THE CHAMPIONSHIPS on SATURDAY will feature the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the richest of the new series with a $4 Million (Aus) purse, with stars IT'S A DUNDEEL, GREEN MOON, SILENT ACHIEVER (one of three fillies/mares), and CARLTON HOUSE (Street Cry) (HRH Queen Elizabeth's horse, a gift of Sheikh Mohammed as a yearling). Also BOBAN (Bernardini), ROYAL DESCENT (filly, winner of Australian Oaks 2013), and HAWKSPUR. Most are Group 1 winners, with t...he exception of the hapless Carlton House who barely missed in the G1 Ranvet on Mar. 22 when he was nipped at the wire by Silent Achiever. Carlton House will be ridden by 23 year old Tommy Berry, twin brother to Nathan Berry who tragically died Apr. 3. Read more about The Championships at http://www.thechampionships.com.au/  

Retirement or on to Royal Ascot for It's A Dundeel?
BloodHorse write up about the win


KENTUCKY DERBY TRAIL
Guide to Kentucky Derby / Triple Crown   Links to sites with replays, handicapping tools, etc.
Jeremy Plonk's Countydown to the Crown - Click on April 18
DRF's complete list of all prep races with replay video



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Featured races below include the Card which will take you to the BloodHorse Race Replay after the race is concluded.
 
 FEATURED RACES
 
 
FRIDAY
5:13 ET  Doubledogdare S G3, Kee, $100,000, 4&up, f&m, 1 1/16m  R9  CARD
 
More on today's races
 
 SATURDAY
International
12:30 a.m. ET  Queen of the Turf S-G1, A$1 Million (US$938,600), Rand 3yo/up, f/m, 1600mT
1:05 a.m. ET  Australian Oaks-G1, A$1 Million (US$938,600), 3yo, f, 2400mT
1:45 a.m. ET  Sydney Cup-G1, A$1 Million (US$938,600), 3yo/up, 3200mT
2:25 a.m. ET  Queen Elizabeth S.-G1, A$4,000,000 (US$3,754,400), 3yo/up, 2000mT

North America
3:02 ET  Stormy Blues S, Pim, $100,000, 3yo, f, 5fT  R5  CARD
4:00 ET  Miami Mile H G3, Calder, $100,000, 3&up, 1m R7  CARD
4:11 ET  Giant's Causeway S, Kee, $100,000, 4&up, f&m, 5 1/2fT R7  CARD
4:26 ET  Primonetta S, Pim, $100,000, 3&up, f&m, 6f  R8  CARD
4:37 ET  Star Shoot S, Woodbine, $125,000, 3yo, f, 6f  R8  CARD
4:57 ET  Distaff H G2, Aqu, $200,000, 3&up, f&m, 6f R8  CARD
4:42 ET  Ben Ali S G3, Kee, $150,000, 4&up, 1 1/8m R8  CARD
4:43 ET  Third Chance H (r), Haw, $100,000, 4&up, f&m, 6f  R5  CARD
4:55 ET  Henry S Clark S, Pim, $100,000, 3&up, 1mT  R9  CARD
5:10 ET  Sixty Sails H G3, Haw, $150,000, 3&up, f&m, 1 1/8m  R8  CARD
5:12 ET  Robert S Molaro H (r), Haw, $100,000, 4&up, 6f  R6  CARD
5:13 ET  Lexington S G3, Kee, $200,000, 3yo, 1 1/16m R9  CARD
5:34 ET  Federico Tesio S, Pim, $100,000, 3yo, 1 1/16m  R10  CARD
6:42 ET  Illinois Derby G3, Haw, $500,000, 3yo, 1 1/8m R9  CARD
9:15 ET  Robert Hilton Memorial, CT, $100,000, 3yo, 7f  R10  CARD
9:45 ET  Sugar Maple S, CT, $200,000, 4&up, f&m, 7f  R11  CARD
11:30 ET  Charles Town Classic G2, CT, $1,500,000, 4&up, 1 1/8m R12  CARD
SUNDAY
7:00 ET  Santa Lucia S (r), SA Park, $75,000, 4&up, f&m, 1 1/16m  R8  CARD

 


Saturday, April 12, 2014

April 11-13




Note: This blog is non-commercial and was developed for my own personal use to organize my racing viewing activity.  Your comments as to its usefulness to you would be appreciated. 
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RACING ON TV
Saturday, April 12 Blue Grass S. (G1)
4:30 - 6 p.m. EDT
FOX Sports 1

The Kentucky Derby prep races are winding down to the final three, with two this weekend worth 100-40-20-10 qualifying points, and a "last chance" race next weekend worth 10-4-2-1.  Six Grade 1 races including the two Derby preps, plus an Oaks prep, the G2 Beaumont on Sunday at Keeneland. 

The other Grade 1 races are the Maker's 46 Mile at Keeneland, which will feature reigning Horse of the Year Wise Dan in his seasonal debut; the Apple Blossom for fillies and mares at Oaklawn Park, both races on Friday. On Saturday at Keeneland, two Grade 1 races for fillies and mares: the Jenny Wiley and the Madison.  The Toyota Blue Grass at Keeneland and the Oaklawn Derby at Oaklawn Park wrap up the Grade 1 action and the two Derby preps.

Ed Da Rosa's blog for Saturday, April 12
Brisnet's James Scully's Derby Report 4-11
Brisnet's Dick Powell's Handicapping Insights 4-11


WISE DAN GETS NEW SEASON OFF TO WINNING START - VIDEO
Brisnet write-up of the race

CLOSE HATCHES TAKES APPLE BLOSSOM - VIDEO
Brisnet write-up for the Apple Blossom

Road to the Crown - Links to all things KY Derby

MORE FROM THE 'EXPERTS':
Jeremy Plonk's Countdown to the Crown - 4-11 edition
Road to the Kentucky Derby - DRF's Derby Trail races with race replays, charts
DRF's Derby Top 20
Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen Index
Video - Pursuit of the Crown - HRTV

Races listed below in time ordered format including a link to a printable file. After a race has completed, you can return here to the 'CARD' for a link to the replay of the race once it is posted at BloodHorse.

Featured Races

Ann Maree's Time Ordered Races - printable file

FRIDAY
5:13 ET  Maker's 46 Mile G1, KEE,$300,000g, 4&up, 8f  R9   CARD
6:37 ET  Bachelor S, OP, $100,000, 3yo, 6f  R9   CARD
7:12 ET  Apple Blossom H G1, OP, $600,000g, 4&up f/m, 8.5f  R10   CARD

SATURDAY
3:30 ET  Las Cienegas S G3, SA, $100,000, 4&up f/m, abt 6.5f  R5   CARD
3:40 ET  Commonwealth S G3, KEE, $175,000, 4&up, 7f  R7   CARD
4:11 ET  Shakertown S G3, KEE, $100,000, 4&up, 5.5f  R8   CARD
 4:42 ET  Madison S G1, KEE, $300,000, 4&up f/m, 7f  R9   CARD
5:13 ET  Jenny Wiley S G1, KEE, $300,000, 4&up f/m, 8.5f  R10   CARD
5:45 ET  Toyota Blue Grass S G1, KEE, $750,000, 3yo, 9f  R11   CARD *
5:49 ET  Instant Racing, OP, $100,000, 3yo f, 6f  R9   CARD
5:10 ET  Northern Spur, OP, $100,000, 3yo, 8f  R8   CARD
6:27 ET  Oaklawn H G2, OP, $600,000, 4&up, 9f  R10   CARD
7:00 ET  Potrero Grande S G2, SA, $200,000, 4&up, 6.5f  R8   CARD
7:07 ET  Arkansas Derby G1, OP, $1,000,000, 3yo, 9f  R11   CARD *

Blue Grass Stakes Handicapping review - DRF

SUNDAY
4:42 ET  Beaumont S G2, KEE, $200,000, 3yo f, abt 7f  R8   CARD #
5:00 ET  Santa Barbara H G3, SA, $150,000, 4&up f/m, 10f  R4   CARD
7:00 ET  San Simeon S G3, SA, $100,000, 4&up, abt 6.5f  R8   CARD

* Derby prep = 100-40-20-10
# Oaks prep = 10-4-2-1

International News
JAPAN: G1 Oko Sho (Japan 1000 Guineas) Sunday - Preview
Japan 1000 Guineas - Details

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Sunday, April 6, 2014

California Chrome - Updated

California Chrome - 1-19-15


CONGRATULATIONS TO
CALIFORNIA CHROME!

Eclipse Award for TOP THREE YEAR OLD MALE, HORSE OF THE YEAR, 2014 KY DERBY MOMENT OF THE YEAR, and SECRETARIAT VOX POPULI WINNER!

 


CELEBRATING
CALIFORNIA CHROME
 
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Editor Joe Clancy's 2014 Eclipse Award-winning coverage of the Preakness

California Chrome gallops May 27
May 24 - Chrome gallops at Belmont Park - video
May 25 - Chrome trains like a monster - video






ARRIVAL AT BELMONT 5-20-14 video
Jog at Belmont, May 21 - Video
GAME ON!!!  APPROVAL TO WEAR NASAL STRIP! - click here

AND THE PREAKNESS WINNER IS.............................





California Chrome: Debut to Derby champ - Links to all DRF articles including race replays

Google search - news items about California Chrome leading to Belmont Stakes

Steve Haskin: Chrome Sweet Chrome
Video - KY Derby: CA Chrome takes 76 year old to the Kentucky Derby Ep 3
Beyer: Espinoza masters Preakness chess game
Where did California Chrome come from
California Chrome tired but healthy after Preakness - Video
Carolyn Coburn helped develop her husband's interes in horse racing
Tim Layden SI: California Chrome one win away from history...just maybe
SI Tim Layden: California Chrome: Accidental favorite
California Chrome's groom, Raul Rodriguez (video)
HRTV video: Sherman: California Chrome rocks my world

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CHROMED!
Such a classy horse. The only knock anyone who is looking to put a negative spin on him is they will say his competition in the sophomore class is weak. At this point, though, that is an unfair accusation since it will take the rest of the season to see how this class comes out later in the year, and even into next. While it's true he doesn't have an Easy Goer or an Alydar or a Sham to flatter him, that really isn't his fault. He just goes out and professionally does his job. All good trips? Give him and Victor the credit they deserve, because they virtually made their own trips. He has come from near the rail to being on the outside, and it doesn't seem to matter....they run their race without having to rely on "racing luck". What makes CC so dangerous is he gives complete control to Victor and doesn't make his move until Victor says "go". That is so key in this type of pressure-filled environment with each race becoming more and more critical. Victor will work out the best way for CC to rate off the pace in the Belmont, saving the best for last. There will be challenges, one by one, but I'm predicting, they will be to no avail. This horse is going all the way and is carrying the hopes of the racing world with him. The naysayers will just have to wait in the background, because no one will want to listen to much they have to say. It's just too darn much fun being on the Chrome bandwagon....we have all been "Chromed"!!

*************
Art Sherman, his trainer, calls him his "rockstar", and he does cause heads to turn everywhere he shows up.   California Chrome convinces doubters that he is a special horse
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This is a happy horse! 


On to Maryland





 




HRTV Santa Anita Derby race replay - Video
HRTV Post Santa Anita Derby interview - Video







Steve Haskin profiles CC in his latest Derby Dozen - 4-7
"There is absolutely nothing more to say about this horse that I haven’t already said over the past two months. He is simply one of the most special young horses I’ve seen in years, and if the Triple Crown drought is ever to end, this is the kind of horse who will end it. Yes, I’m getting way ahead of myself, but I cannot remember the last time I’ve seen a horse as close to perfection as this guy. For a horse to keep piling up these freakish performances for so long is a rarity in racing today and he actually keeps getting better."

Mike Watchmaker, senior handicapper for the DRF, on CA Chrome
"We ask for clarity, so when it comes, we should acknowledge it. California Chrome is THE horse going into this Kentucky Derby. It’s as clear as day."

Watchmaker: Derby Day thoughts
"California Chrome was the best horse going into the Kentucky Derby, and he was the best horse coming out of it.  In a move that has become his signature, California Chrome put his field to sleep, and this Kentucky Derby to rest, with a turn of foot in upper stretch that carried him to an insurmountable lead. It’s the same kind of move California Chrome showed when he won the San Felipe and Santa Anita Derby. No one else in this Derby field has a move like that, particularly at that point in the race. And no one else in the field had the answer for it."



Kentucky Derby 140 Press Conference

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Post race commentary:
Haskin: A Horse to soothe the soul
Haskin: Chrome's journey on the Derby Dozen
Post race press conference - video
Watchmaker: California Chrome and his Derby Beyer
Marcus Hersh: Slow Derby time means little going forward
Steve Haskin:  Derby Recap - California Dreamin'
Steve Haskin: A Horse to Soothe the Soul
USA Today
Boston Herald: California Chrome could prove a long-running hit
Sports Illustrated
Google search in depth articles
Feel good horse, feel good story in Derby 140
Derby victory is therapy to jockey's brother
Watchmaker: Derby / Oaks day thoughts
For Espinoza, fear has turned to Kentucky Derby success
Brisnet: California Chrome dazzles in Kentucky Derby

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Equibase record
Pedigree
Mary Cage discusses career and pedigree of California Chrome - HRN

Pre-Derby articles
California Chrome boasts a strong foundation
Jay Hovdey: The Butterfly Effect on California Chrome
UPI Weekend racing roundup
Work report Mar 27, 2014 - Interview Art Sherman
Link to California Chrome horse videos
Growing Up California Chrome - Video
California Chrome - TVG Report Mar 17, 2014 - Video
Horse Racing Nation - Zipse Blog
HRTV Video - Team Chrome is Derby bound
SA Derby post race interview

California Chrome record/PPs:
Equibase record
Pedigree
BloodHorse record
HRN Profile, races including some race videos
After the Belmont - Steve Haskin
"But when I think back to this year’s Belmont Stakes, the one image that will last forever will be of an exhausted colt walking back through the tunnel with a bloodstained foot, his head down and breathing hard, and every vein protruding from his sweat-soaked body. He had given every ounce of himself, and with it all, still was beaten only 1 3/4 lengths."

Links to each race contain replay
Dlmr, 11/29/14, Race 8, Hollywood Derby G1 Turf, 1st, H'wood Derby   Chart   Write Up
SA, 11/1/14, Race 12, BC Classic G1, 3rd/neck BC Classic    Chart     Write Up
Parx, 9/20/2014, Pennsylvania Derby G2, Race 12, 6th,  PA Derby    Chart   Write Up
BEL, 6/7/2014 Belmont Stakes G1, Race 11, 4th, Belmont Stakes    Chart    Write Up  Haskin
Pim, 5/17/14, Race 12, Preakness S G1, 1st Preakness 2014   Chart  Brisnet write up of Preakness
CD, 5/3/14, Race 11, KY Derby G1, 1st Kentucky Derby 2014   Chart  Brisnet write up of KY Derby
SA, 4/5/14, Race 10, SA Derby G1, 1st, Santa Anita Derby  Chart  Brisnet write-up of Santa Anita Derby
SA, 3/8/14, Race 5, San Felipe Stakes G2, 1st  San Felipe Stakes  Chart
SA, 1/25/14, Race 10, Cal Cup Derby, 1st  Cal Cup Derby   Chart
HP, 12/22/13, Race 10, King Glorious Stakes, 1st  King Glorious  Chart
SA, 11/1/13, Race 3, Golden State Juv S. 6th  Golden State Juv S  Chart
Dlmr, 9/4/13, Race 8, Del Mar Futurity G1, 6th  Del Mar Futurity  Chart
Dlmr, 7/31/13, Race 7, Graduation Stakes, 1st  Graduation Stakes  Chart
HP, 6/15/13, Race 8, Willard Proctor S, 5th  Willard Proctor Mem'l S  Chart
HP, 5/17/13, Race 8, MSW, 1st  MSW  Chart
HP, 4/26/13, Race 2, MSW, 2nd   MSW  Chart

MORE CHROME NEWS
California Chrome ready to crunch Ky Derby
Loads of down-home charm in the story of California Chrome and his connections. Working class types, the owners aren't Kentucky blue bloods with deep roots to the sport. And first time out of the box, they breed a winner, who incidentally has two full blood siblings out of the same sire and mare! Then there's Art Sherman, who was the exercise rider for another California bred, Swaps, who at 77 could become the oldest trainer to win the Derby.
 

Triple Crown prospects for California Chrome - Art Sherman - Video
LA Times - Bill Dwyre - SA Derby
California Chrome dazzles in Santa Anita Derby
California Chrome shines again in SA Derby
California Chrome big draw at Los Alamitos track
SA Derby recap
California Chrome and KY Derby





In the winner's circle







MY TAKE:
Is California Chrome our Triple Crown horse?  On paper, at least, he's unbeatable. If he can do it as easily as he did in the KY Derby in a field of 19 horses, I don't see anything standing in his way at Pimlico or Belmont. What encourages my confidence in him is his apparent toughness and soundness. Most other attempts at a Triple Crown have been thwarted by injury or illness. As some long-time observers have been pointing out. this horse is apparently a throwback to horses of days past...he hasn't had a pimple, hasn't missed a meal, hasn't had any interruption in his training due to injury or illness. That is amazing considering that he has been in training since April of last year. What I think his detractors will try to point out is this year's crop of three-year-olds aren't that good. Every 3 yr old that was at the top of the Derby Trail list in December is no longer a factor, either from injury or illness. So, the detractors will try to poke holes In his competition. What else do they have?

As for selling the horse, I think these folks mean it when they say he's "family", and I don't think any amount of money would cause them to turn this horse over to someone else. They may sell an interest as long as it doesn't mean relinquishing control, and this would help fund their fledgling breeding program. These connections have signaled their desire to be in the business for the long haul, and they may take a page from Ken Ramsey and support this horse with some top mares and build his stud career that way. His light pedigree and the fact that he's being called a "freak" (a la Sunday Silence), his stud career could be stalled on the open market, but with support from his connections, he has a chance to remain in the U.S. and have an influence on the breed that way. He has overcome a couple of the "fragile" lines in his pedigree (a double of Mr. Prospector and of Northern Dancer) and seems to have inherited the durability from other sources to strengthen those lines rather than weakening them. It has been said of Princequillo that he had the unique ability to correct almost any leg or soundness problem in the mares he bred. Perhaps the "stew" that produced California Chrome has imbued him with some qualities that if he can pass them on would certainly be a welcome addition to the gene pool. This kind of legacy takes many, many years to build and will remain in question and be a huge topic of conversation for many, many years. I just hope we get to have the conversation!!! I hope he makes it all the way, and we can speculate to kingdom come what his legacy might be.


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Chrome's journey on the the Haskin Derby Dozen

Friday, April 4, 2014

April 4-6


Note: This blog is non-commercial and was developed for my own personal use to organize my racing viewing activity.  Your comments as to its usefulness to you would be appreciated. 
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ZENYATTA EXPECTED TO HAVE HER THIRD FOAL WITHIN THE NEXT FEW DAYS!!!
 

Zenyatta and Z13 celebrated their birthdays on April 1.  Zenyatta's 10th and Little Red's first!


Zenyatta expected to deliver her War Front foal
in the next several days!



'Little Red' (Z13 by Tapit) enjoying some birthday cake.



'Coz' (Bernardini) celebrated his 2nd birthday March 8.  He's in training at
Zenyatta's alma mater, the Mayberrys in Florida.  He's expected
to go to John Shirreffs sometime later this year to begin his formal training.
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The Derby Prep races are winding down to a few key races this weekend and next weekend.  The WOOD MEMORIAL at Aqueduct on Saturday will see two of the exciting New York breds, SAMRAAT and UNCLE SIGH, take on the upstart Pioneerof The Nile colt, SOCIAL INCLUSION, who last out beat Honor Code at Gulfstream Park in an allowance race by 10 lengths.  Is he the real deal? Out west, at the SANTA ANITA DERBY, it's the battle of the Cal-based CALIFORNIA CHROME, HOPPERTUNITY, and CANDY BOY who will be trying to decide who's the big gun out west.  Candy Boy needs to get some points if he expects to make the starting gate in the Derby, while Chrome and Hopper have collected enough points to ensure them a spot.  On Sunday, PRINCESS OF SYLMAR, the 2013 sensation, will make her seasonal debut in the CAT CAY STAKES at Aqueduct. 

DOWN UNDER, at Rosehill in Australia, the world's richest race for Juveniles, the $3.5 Million G1 GOLDEN SLIPPER, will see the favorite, EARTHQUAKE, a filly, battle it out with two other fillies, MOSSFUN and BRING ME THE MAID, for Slipper glory.  A win in the BMW G1 would drive FIORENTE's total earnings past the $7 Million mark.  Read more     RESULT:  Mossfun beats favorite, Earthquake in thrilling renewal of the Golden Slipper!  Video replay:

Golden Slipper write-up

Also in other action at Rosehill, MOSSFUN wins the BMW over FIORENTE, spoiling her attempt at making history, joining other Australian greats.

Write-up of the race

Other news from Down Under:
74th Stakes winner for Street Cry as GALLATIN takes the Tulloch Stakes Race was renamed in honor of Nathan Berry:  Touching tribute to fallen jockey, Nathan Berry  More on honoring Nathan Berry - video

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MORE FROM THE 'EXPERTS':
Byron King's Keeneland Handicapping notebook - April 5
James Scully (Brisnet) Ketucky Derby update
Jeremy Plonk's Countdown to the Crown - 4-4 edition
Road to the Crown - Links to all things KY Derby
Road to the Kentucky Derby - DRF's Derby Trail races with race replays, charts
DRF's Derby Top 20
Steve Haskin's Derby Dozen 3/31
Video - Pursuit of the Crown - HRTV

Races listed below in time ordered format including a link to a printable file. After a race has completed, you can return here to the 'CARD' for a link to the replay of the race once it is posted at BloodHorse.